NEW YORK: DAY 4

I feel like day 4 was an absolute marathon, as we tried to cram so many sights and so much walking into one day!

10am was our slot for the Statue Of Liberty boat trip, and as it departs from the very bottom of Manhattan, the subway was essential... but lets not talk too much about that. The boat trip in itself offered such incredible views of the City, and the Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island, is also blessed with insane views, and as our ticket permitted access into Lady Liberty we were able to see so much more! Although our ticket permitted us into the immigration museum, this wasn't for me, so we headed straight back to the City.

Any visit to New York should include a visit to the 9/11 memorial, I expected there to be a very morbid feel to the place, but it was surprisingly tranquil. You have probably seen pictures of the huge memorial fountains, but I had no idea there were two of them (although really that makes sense) and in reality they are unbelievably big. 

We then headed back up to Macy's and Bryant Park Christmas market, where we had discovered a hut selling 'chimneys', its basically a cinnamon tube made with pretzel, and filled with Nutella, caramel or jam, so delicious.

The best part of my day had to be dinner, we booked a table at Carmines, a family Italian restaurant in Times Square. Which is voted one of the best restaurants to visit whilst in NYC, they pride themselves on Italian dishes to serve 3/4 people, so we ordered a giant plate of meatballs, we got so much we had to take the rest to go. Literally the most delicious food ever, and it actually worked out cheaper than some other chain restaurants we had been too early in the week. Definitely one to visit... 

BILLS

SEASONAL ALLOTMENT SALAD, £9.95, BILLS So last Friday I had a lovely visit from one of my best friends, who came to Leeds for the day for one of our "mate dates". We hadn't seen each other for 2 months which was just crazy, so you can imagine how much catching up we had to do. We went shopping, although we didn't actually buy anything as we were too busy talking, and also have zero pennies since going back to university. We finished the day by going for a late lunch at Bill's, which is one of my all time favourite restaurants. They specialise in contemporary European food, and have separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus. As my friend is dairy intollerant it is also so handy as a lot of the food is gluten and dairy free, or vegetarian. We opted for the allotment salad and their delicious pink lemonade which made a perfect light late lunch. I also ate at Bill's with my boyfriend at the weekend- I had the "Bill's classic fish finger sandwich"- £9.50, I promise this is not your average fish finger sandwich... made with proper pieces of battered fish, tartare sauce, rocket salad and toasted farmhouse bread with skin on fries. Delicious.

BLOGMAS #20- RAMSIDE HALL

 

Ramside Hall is Durham's highest rated 4 star hotel, situated in extensive gardens, it is home to a championship golf course, state of the art spa facilities and award an winning restaurant.

 

Yesterday, my family and I paid the hotel a visit for their Pemberton's carvery, which is a Ramside tradition. Served 7.30 am till 9.30 pm you can take advantage of a traditional Sunday roast, seasonal vegetables and homemade desserts. I am usually a bit precarious when it comes to carvery's as I find that they can be very hit and miss, however I was very impressed with what Ramside had to offer.

 

Located in The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill, the meal was accompanied by a piano player and a beautiful ambience, I would definitely recommend you pay them a visit if you live locally!

 

The highlight of my visit was the massive Christmas tree located in the foyer of the hotel... it is literally the height of the ceiling.

 

What did you all get up too at the weekend?

 

BLOGMAS #9- BROADWAY MARKET

Ok, so this week Monday to Thursday I have been away with work in London for our AW16 launch events, hence the lack of blogging. However, I thought I would share a series of posts with you about what me and my friend got up to in London in our free time in between dressing models, putting outfits together and managing the showroom.   To start with, we visited Broadway market, a shopping street located in the centre of Hackney, east London; home to shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, if you're looking for a unique cultural experience, I suggest you visit!   We ate at The Dove Freehouse and Kitchen, a quirky London pub which prides itself on being home to over 100 Belgian beers, and although I stuck to wine, I must say the food was amazing! I managed to lay my hands on a pint of sweet potato fries... yep, served in an actual pint glass, and a traditional mac and cheese.   Although we visited on the evening for dinner, I would love to see the market in daytime and visit some of the restaurants, shops and cafes.   Have you ever been? Leave me a comment below!    

BLOGMAS #3- LEEDS CHRISTKINDELMARKT 2015

 

I recently visited the Christkindelmarkt in Leeds, as I do every year with family, it's one of my favourite paces to visit! As I am on placement at home this year it means I cant visit everyday like I could when I was at university in Leeds.... I really did go everyday...

 

The food is amazing there, not to mention there wide array of stalls and chalets filled with Christmas gifts. Although its not the biggest Christmas market around, it is still fab. We visited their "Alp Chalet", an authentic Bavarian eatery located at the centre of the market, and the food was sooooo good. I had their juicy crackling roast pork with beer sauce, red cabbage and potato dumplings- a firm favourite... I will definitely be back again before Christmas!

 

With a authentic German food, live music and a cosy atmosphere you cannot go wrong, it is also very affordable!

 

Of course while I Leeds I also went Christmas shopping- although I still haven't bought gifts for people yet!!

  Which Christmas markets do you recommend this year? Leave me a comment below!  
   

SUMMER HEALTH KICK

For months on end our heads are bombarded with messages from the media about how we should eat more healthily, try the newest fad diet and become 'beach body ready'- this usually starts just after Christmas, however shouldn't we be thinking more long term? Rather than starving yourself for months and stuffing yourself with dull salads on the weeks leading up to your summer holiday (I believe it is more a form of punishment) why not change your diet and the way you feel about food in the long term?

 

So I had my summer holiday back in May- I did no preparation for it whatsoever- however I was blessed with a bug the weekend before so I ended up shedding 8lbs... in no way am I saying this is a good idea! What I'm trying to say is why bother? It's now the end of August and I bet you're wondering why I'm suddenly doing a health kick post- the reason is that I am planning a slower change in what I eat, and I most certainly wont be cutting sweets, chocolate and takeaways out of my diet!

 

Here are some ideas of how you can make tiny changes to your meals that will lower the calorie count, increase the vitamins and minerals you intake, give you more energy, and lead to a healthier lifestyle. You will notice I have included eating out in this post- I tend to find it so hard to keep on your diet if you're eating out but it doesn't have to be!

  Chickpea, spinach and tomato curry with halloumi cheese

Why not replace meat in your curry with chick pea's- it may sound gross (my boyfriend thinks so) but these will also be filling and are a healthier alternative. Similarly spinach isn't just good for your muscles... ;) it is crammed full of vitamins, similarly the halloumi cheese adds a little extra to the curry. Team this with Boiled wholegrain rice and add some spices.

  BILL'S- Crunchy kale leaf salad

Am I the only one who finds it hard to eat healthy when I am out for a meal....? too much temptation! I will admit, I was sceptical when I chose a kale salad... salads are always so dull and boring! However the flavours in this one are amazing- Kale is very popular at the moment for being good for dieting and for jam packing your meal with extra goodness. The salad also contains avocado, almond nuts, vinaigrette dressing, onions, pepper and roasted aubergine and courgette.

 

Vegetable cous cous, Roasted vegetable and mushroom

I have been off cous cous for a very long time- like since I was 7 ever since I was ill after eating cous cous one time. However now I have discovered a variety of flavours, I used vegetable, teamed with roasted courgette, carrots, onions,  big mushrooms and fennel.

  Definitely give something like this a try- even if it means just swapping one meal a week. Diets aren't all fast days, no carbs and no treats!   Any food recommendations? Let me know! :)