Valentines Peppermint Creams

 

I vividly remember the taste of peppermint creams as a child. Super sharp mint with the soft, sweet icing sugar. I've been craving them for a while but couldn't get my hands on a vegan version.

Valentine's day seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a little experiment and I've managed to make the cutest marble effect peppermint hearts. I'm super happy with these and they were so easy! I don't own a weighing scale so all my measurements are in cups or spoons. There's plenty of conversion websites online if you're a grams kinda person.

I'm not going to pretend the marble effect was for anything other than looking cool on instagram but I think it gives my favourite 90's treat a cool 2018 vibe. 

Recipe:

1 cup of icing sugar sieved

1 and a half tablespoons of dairy free butter (I used flora)

Half a teaspoon of American peppermint extract 

2 drops of vegan friendly pink food colouring

• Melt the butter and mix in a bowl with the icing sugar and peppermint extract until it starts to come together to form a dough
• Add a tiny drop of food colouring and continue to mix in a figure of 8 motion
• Add the rest of the food colouring when required
• The trick to getting the marble effect is to add the food colouring sparingly and stop mixing before the entire mixture turns pink
• Once happy you're happy with your pattern, use a rolling pin to roll the mixture until it's about 1cm thick and cut with your cutest heart cookie cutters

Leave in an air tight container to set overnight or eat the right away if you just can't wait. 

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Lucy xo

New York City on a Budget

The Big Apple is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities to visit but you don't have to spend money on everything. There are plenty of unique things to see and do that won't cost a penny (or should I say a cent). So, if you're doing New York on a budget read on:

9/11 Museum & Memorial

I wouldn't recommend visiting New York without experiencing the 9/11 Museum. It was one of the most emotional places I've been to and I'd definitely go again on my next visit. Although there's usually an admission fee, if you go after 17.00 on a Tuesday it's absolutely free! I'd recommend arriving early though - such a popular attraction is bound to attract the crowds. If you're not able to make the free entry slot or are short on time then visiting the Twin Towers memorial garden is free of charge.

Watch a TV show recording.

If you fancy something a little different, you can bag yourself a ticket to watch a TV show being recorded at ABC studios. I did this on my visit to NY and there's a few tips I'd definitely recommend. No less than a month before you travel, keep an eye on available show tickets on 1iota. Once you've selected the ones you want make sure to read the FAQs. I went to watch a recording of The View and they specifically asked for audience members to be dressed in bright colours and to take a form of ID. The ticket states an arrival time around 2 hours before the recording starts but once you're inside the holding area there's a Starbucks you can grab a drink and some food at. You do have to pay though so be sure to pack your own snack if you'd rather. Overall it was a great experience, I couldn't recommend this enough and I'll do it again next time I visit.

Walk the High Line

The High Line is a 2.3km long disused train line elevated above the streets of New York. It spans across the West side from the Meatpacking district through Chelsea. On one side you'll see gorgeous views of  the Hudson River and on the City on the other (be sure to look out for the Empire State Building). Chelsea Market is an ideal stop off point to grab a bite to eat along the way but there's plenty of chairs and benches to relax on if you'd rather pack a picnic to eat whilst enjoying the views.

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Another attraction offering free admission on a Tuesday and a great one for people who love exploring nature. The different gardens offer plenty of variety and you'll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Sightseeing.

Although the subway is relatively cheap, pack a sturdy pair of walking shoes, open up Google maps and navigate your way around the city. You don't need to take a cab as many landmarks are situated fairly close. If you're travelling with children, why not buy a scratch off map to document each attraction they've seen or check out Pinterest for free printable maps of the city or bingo games. Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge are my two favourites.

ox Lucy

30 before 30: the Bucket List Update

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Two weeks ago I turned 26 and I’m clinging on to my mid-twenties with all my mite. Last year I posted a bucket list of goals to complete before I turn 30 so I thought now would be the perfect time to update my bucket list and check my progress.

If you haven't read my original post you can view the full list here. 

1. See a West End show

Okay so I haven’t quite completed this one yet but I saw Chicago on Broadway last month which was definitely another dream of mine. It’s made me more determined to see a West End show, there’s just too much to choose from.

8. Run a race for charity 

I ran the 5k Race for Life last July and raised over £300 for Cancer Research. This charity is so close to my heart and seeing so many women affected by cancer first hand was inspiring. I finished the race was a personal achievement I feel so proud of but next time I’d like to run 10k and then bring on the half marathon.. maybe.

New York Photo Diary

 It's been over two weeks since I returned from a long awaited trip to New York and I'm still feeling the post-holiday blues. I can't believe I have actually been to the Big Apple and was lucky enough to experience all seasons. I took way over 1000 photos of the trip but I've compiled some of my favourites into this post just for you.. you lucky things.

The weather during our first few days was exactly how you'd imagine a New York winter. Bitterly cold yet sunny and we were lucky enough to have one very snowy Friday. We took a stroll through Central Park to experience it covered in white and couldn't help but be in awe of the winter wonderland that had appeared overnight. TV recordings are the perfect free activity on a cold day and we scored tickets to see The View. I was pretty stoked to see That's So Raven herself on the panel. The 90's kid inside me was uber happy. Throw in a John Stamos interview and surprise Naughty By Nature performance and our Friday morning was made!