Cath Kidston S/S '16 preview

Spring/Summer in December? What a rebel I am! A good few weeks ago now I popped along to the Cath Kidston press preview. Boy are we in for a treat when it hits the stores next year! As always the new collection was full of stunning florals, pretty homeware, gorgeous pastels and quirky crockery. I didn't expect anything less.

Apart from wanting to get my hands on every single baking related product - I've been warned to take control of my addiction by the boyfriend - what really stood out for me were the things against the norm. Cath Kinston is, of course, famous for it's florals, none more so than on it's handbags. I personally prefer a block colour in a bag to help keep it neutral. So I was very happy to see the plain cross body bags on display above. I may have to treat myself to one. Just one.

Are you a fan of Cath Kidston? Anything in particular you want to snap up?

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Review: Le Bun at The Zetter Hotel, Clerkenwell, London

Founded by bright sparks Andy Taylor and Tim Talbolt, Le Bun is a fusion of French and American food. They're usually based in a food truck but until 20th December they have a residence at The Zetter hotel, Clerkenwell.

The burger queen Hannah of course knew all about the pop up so when I suggested a lunch date, this was her first suggestion. We also talked Lily into popping along too - not that anyone needs much persuasion to go out for a lovely lunch!

After much deliberation Hannah and I decided to opt for the Le Truffle Cheeseburger. Rich aged beef brisket and chuck patty was smothered in a layer of American cheese and truffle mayo before being topped with crunchy lettuce leaves in a toasted brioche bun. It was simple yet effective. Sometimes you really don't need to make a burger all singing and all dancing. The bun held the juices together perfectly and the lettuce gave it a satisfying crunch. My one gripe was it wasn't really served medium rare and would have been better a bit pinker in the middle.

Lily went for the Le Cherve vegetarian option. A giant slab of blowtorched goats cheese was placed on top of tangy pickles and juicy confit tomatoes. Good enough to turn this loyal meat eater green with envy!

The fries were nothing to write home about. They went down a treat but didn't stand out. A tad anaemic looking but the truffle mayo was their saving grace. I could have scoffed pots and pots of that stuff!

The Zetter hotel as a venue was very cool - admittedly this is the first time it's ever came on my radar. It felt very retro and I loved the interiors. I've heard that they have a cracking bar with some lethal cocktails so I'll probably be back to sample those!

Have you sampled Le Bun yet?

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3 simple ways to eat your morning porridge

Now that the days are cold and dark, a bowl of cereal in the morning just isn't going to cut it. I personally need something a bit more substantial and warm to heat up my chilly bones. Enter the humble porridge. Alpro got in touch and sent me over a little care package* including their oat original drink. Rich in fibre and low in fat, the milk substitute has no added sugar and is naturally lactose free. With this healthy alternative, here are three simple toppings that help to jazz up my porridge in the morning.

1. Blackcurrant jam and juicy blackberries

Nothing quite like a big dollop of jam in the middle of your porridge to sweeten it up. That sweet tooth still needs to be fed at breakfast! I'm loving blackcurrant jam for a change. It doesn't taste as sugary as strawberry or raspberry. Pop in some fresh fruit help you get one of your five a day.

2. Apple and cinnamon

This combination just screams the festive season to me. I'm a cinnamon monster this year and put it on everything. Apples and cinnamon are one pairing that just get each other. They go fantastic together.

3. Chopped nuts and bananas

This may be my favourite one of the bunch. The chopped nuts add great texture with the stodgy oats. Bananas? Maybe the best breakfast fruit out there right. I could eat a good couple of bowls of this before work if I had time. And a big enough stomach.

What is your favourite porridge topping?

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