5 of my favourite cities I've visited

I'd pick a city break over a beach holiday any day. I love emerging myself into the hustle and bustle and seeking out the spots the locals rave about. I've been lucky enough to visit some absolutely fantastic cities over the years but these are the five that have got me wanting more and I've vowed to return one day.

1. Berlin
As a complete history geek, Berlin was a city I just knew I'd love. And I did. So much that I've even go as far to say it's my favourite place I've ever been. It feels cool, intense and new. Full of building sites, you can see that it's a city that's keen on reinventing itself. The Berlin Wall was mind-blowing. It's hard to imagine that this city was divided as recent as 1989 - the year I was born. Its history is seeped in every pore and they're not afraid to show off their past. We never got to experience the nightlife and didn't really do adequate enough research on the restaurants so due a visit back very soon!

2. Chicago
This city grabbed my heart the second I stepped out of hotel at 6am with jet leg on my first day. It was unassuming, friendly and welcoming. It's such an easy city to navigate and the people really can't do enough for you. The stunning skyline had me hook, line and sinker and the boat ride across Lake Michigan was one of my favourite evenings. A real pinch me moment. America is a country that I just adore. It's so similar yet worlds apart. No city in the country is the same.

3. Barcelona
This rebellious city is beautiful and unapologetic. The winding streets of Barrio Gotic, the gorgeous views from the top of Montjuic and the breath-taking Gaudi architecture all made this city feel so alive. It was buzzing every second of the day with people spilling out onto the street from various bars, restaurants and clubs. A week was the perfect amount of time to spend in the Catalan city. Thanks to a beach, it doesn't have to be a hectic time away. I hadn't felt so relaxed in a city before!

4. New York
The Big Apple was a city that I'd dreamed of visiting since I was about ten years old. A city that frequently graces the silver screen so when I arrived I felt like I already knew it's nooks and crannies. But after a few days I realised just how much there was to see. I only just scratched the surface and soaked up the tourist sights so I'd love to go back and really get to know it. It was everything I imagined it would be and more. The Top of The Rock blew me away and the High Line was by far my favourite stroll in the city. I took a wheezy bike ride around Central Park and finally made it to the top of the Empire State Building. The week went by in a blink of an eye.

5. Bruges
I'd been dying to see the Christmas markets in Europe and decided on Bruges. Whilst the markets were a little pants, the city itself was adorable. It's the perfect place for a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Most of the main sights can be done in a day so you have the rest of the time to wander around at your leisure. The chocolate box houses, picturesque windmills and quirky pubs all make for a wonderful lazy afternoon.

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OOTD: Winter florals midi dress

Outfit:
Winter floral midi dress: F&F (similar)
Burgundy leather ankle boots: Next (similar)
Grey ombre coat: ASOS (similar)
Poppy red medium Lily: Mulberry (similar)

An afternoon out at The Goring called for a new dress so naturally I had to oblige. This floral number was found at F&F for a mere £25. I loved the slightly 70s feel and and the long sleeves. I just need to dig out my burgundy fedora to complete the look. I say it time and time again but Tesco really is my favourite supermarket for clothes. They always bring out such gems season after season at reasonable prices and good quality.

Well we've well and truly been hit with that cold snap eh? So much for that mild winter that had us all complaining. What I'd do for that now! This weekend I'll be celebrating nine years with my boyfriend and scratching my head at how it's been so long. We've got a hotel booked in East London for Saturday night, cocktails and a Hozier gig in South London before a late brunch at Duck and Waffle on the Sunday. Something I'm so excited for. I've been dying to get a table booked there for months. Those views from the Heron Tower *insert heart eyed emoji|*.

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4 little changes you can make in 2016 for a new you

So 2016 eh? Those pesky new years resolutions should be in full swing now.

With every new year we all strive to make changes. Be it our career, our weight or simply doing something out of our comfort zone. But all so often we let things slip. Then we drop into old habits. Quite often because we set the bar high with unrealistic outcomes. It gets overwhelming and then all of a sudden the goal seems unattainable. The trick is to set yourself little goals so you feel a sense of achievement more often. I find this often spurs me on and keep me in check.

1. Move more
Now I'm never going to be a gym bunny. There's always some burger to be eaten rather than slogging my guts out on the treadmill. Whatever. But I love walking. I can walk for hours especially when there's beautiful scenery to gawp at. Instead of slouching at your desk eating your lunch, pop out for a brisk 30 minute walk. Take in the surroundings, discover new nooks and crannies and rest your eyes from the screen. If you don't have time, go for a wander after work. It can be a great time to catch up with your nearest and dearest too. You don't even feel like you're exercising!

2. Change you eating habits slowly
Life is far too exciting to be eating lettuce leaves and tomatoes all bloody day. So instead make a few healthier choices and you won't even feel like you're being good because it's so damn delicious. Swap rice, pasta and noodles for wholemeal versions. I find they offer more of a nutty taste and add a lot more to meals. Cut out meat and opt for fish or veggie options during the week. With the abundance of food blogs available, you're not going to be missing out. Make yourself up a fruit salad for the evening instead of opening those packets of sweets. And eat lots of avocado. Because every needs that in their life.

3. Slendertone.
I was kindly given one of these to road test. The electronic ab specialists have bought out a new version of their famous toning belt and it even connects to a snazzy app on your phones called Connect Abs. Designed to sit under your clothes with everyone being none the wiser and flattening your stomach in 4-6 weeks, it's easy to dismiss it as another expensive weight-loss gimmick. But it actually does what it says on the tin! I used it in the run up for Christmas and noticed a difference in my stomach. It's a very odd sensation and kinda tickles your stomach but after a few days you barely even notice that it's doing its business. It's obviously not going to work miracles and you'll still have to keep an eye on your healthy eating habits and keep fit. But combined with these two things, the belt does what it says on the tin. Now I haven't gotten rock hard abs yet but I am noticing the difference because lets face it I'm not ready to give up those burgers just yet. But I have no doubt that with some hard work on my part and some hard work on Slendertone's part, that dreaded pouch will soon be left behind.

The brand has actually just released a new workout, BBT: Body, Boost and Tone which is designed to  revitalise the body and work alongside Connect Abs. No excuses now!

4.  Make leftovers
It's not rocket science to know that food made from scratch is a lot healthier than convenience food. So on a Sunday cook in bulk and freeze. That way when you get home late from work, you simply have to pop to the freezer for a nice home cooked meal and won't be tempted by Dominos. Chili is a fantastic option. Have it on a jacket potato, over rice or over potato wedges. Simples.

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