My Go To At Home Workouts

A couple of months ago, in an attempt to save some money I decided to cancel my gym membership and instead try out some at home workouts and finally get some use out of the exercise bike which had previously served only as a clothes horse in the corner of our living room. 

It's taken a while to find a routine that works for me and I can assure it's still far from perfect but I've found a select few workouts that seem to work for me and I genuinely enjoy - I never thought I'd see the day. 

The Simple At Home Workout

This is a quick and easy work out so it perfect for fitting into your busy day. It works pretty much every muscle group in your body and gets your heart rate going too! It also needs no equipment other than a chair which means there really are no excuses! I have Anna Saccone Joly to thank for introducing me to Lucy's YouTube channel! 

The Squat Challenge

Although this isn't technically a 'challenge' in the more typical sense in that it is laid out in a way that you increase the number of reps you do each day, it is super easy to adapt it to make it more like this. Having said that, I've just been doing the full 100 reps every 2 days, with the above workout on the in between days. If, however, you wanted to do the squats everyday it might work well to do it every day and increase your number of reps each day. 

Yoga With Adriene

Now, yoga is one of those things I've always really wanted to enjoy and be good at - it just looks so graceful - and so when I discovered Adriene's YouTube channel (through Vivianna Does Makeup) I just had to give it a go. I'm still pretty limited in my yoga skills and flexibility but I've taken to doing 30-60 minutes of yoga on days when I just can't face a more 'energetic' workout. 

Last but not least I also try and go on the exercise bike 2/3 times a week as a more traditional form of cardio. Usually I do 15km in around 25 minutes, so not super quick but quick enough to get my heart rate up and a good sweat going! 

Don't get me wrong I know this isn't exactly the most hardcore workout routine and I could definitely up my game but I've only really been getting into the groove with it in the last month and as it stands this is working for me. 

What are your favourite workouts to do at home? 

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Top 5 Documentaries on Netflix

If you didn't know this already, Netflix is an unhealthy obsession of mine, there's nothing I love more than curling up on the sofa and relaxing with my latest Netflix addiction! As much as I love to get lost in a good TV series my true love lies in the documentary section and Netflix really does have an amazing selection which I'm slowly working my way through. 

Here are some of my favourites: 

• Ivory Tower
  This gives a really interesting and unique insight into the American collegiate system and reveals a lot of elements that you wouldn't usually hear about.
• Chef's Table If you love food as much as me this is a must watch - a look behind the scenes of some of the best restaurants in the world and how they started and developed.
• Life
  Let's be honest you really can't go wrong with a bit of David Attenborough. I'm pretty sure I've watch everything he's ever done and it's always my go to when I'm not sure what to watch. It never gets boring (plus he has the most soothing voice!).
• Blackfish
  As a child I always dreamt of going to Seaworld and seeing the orca perform but having watched this (three times!) I can safely say that I would never go there now. A shocking look behind the scenes of this world famous attraction.
• Fed UpA fascinating documentary about the amount of sugar in processed foods and the extensive damage it is causing to our health. I warn you though, by the end of it you'll be going through your cupboards checking ingredients and throwing anything unhealthy away! 

This is just a little snapshot of some of my favourite documentaries on Netflix so if you want to hear about some more that I've enjoyed let me know in the comments section!

Do you enjoy documentaries as much as me? What are some of your favourites?

If you haven't already then head over here to check out the TV shows I've been binge watching. 

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Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup

No matter what the time of year, soup is always my favourite lunch option. There are endless variations, in the winter its warming and comforting and in the summer it's such a  great light option. Without a shadow of a doubt this Deliciously Ella recipe is my ultimate favourite and barely a month goes by where I don't whip up a batch (or two) of this! 

I know there are lots of options for fresh soups in the supermarkets nowadays but with how quick and simple this is to throw together there really is no excuse. Plus by making it yourself you know that all that's in it are beautiful, healthy ingredients! 

Ingredients

• 8 tomatoes
• 3 red peppers
• handful fresh basil leaves
• handful fresh rosemary
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius.
2. Roughly chop the peppers and tomatoes into large chunks.
3. Coat the bottom of a roasting pan in oil and place the peppers and tomatoes in the pan along with the basil, rosemary, bay leaves and thyme, another drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper.
4. Give it all a quick mix around and then pop into the oven for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes place the roasted vegetables and any juices into a blender but make sure to remove the bay leaves and any rosemary stalks.
6. Add the lime juice, tomato puree and worcestershire sauce to the blender and blitz up until you get your desired consistency - feel free to add a little water if necessary.
7. All that's left now is to tuck in and enjoy!! 

You can keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 4/5 days so this makes the perfect lunch option for the week! 

I can't get enough of this soup at the moment so I hope you enjoy it as much as me! 

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H&M Home Wish List

I think it's clear by this point that I really can't resist the opportunity to do a little virtual window shopping, especially for homeware bits and pieces. Lately I've been using the excuse of moving house in the not too distant future as an excuse and I'm loving putting together mood boards for each room! 

I didn't really have too much of a plan in mind when I clicked onto the homeware section of the H&M site but in no time at all I'd filled my online basket and when I looked at it, it pretty much summed up how I want my living room! I'm planning on it being fairly neutral with a charcoal sofa and then pops of colour from soft furnishings etc. There are also going to be quite a lot of shelves either side of the chimney breast so there are quite a few bits which I think would look great up there! 

Mirror, £14.99

In my opinion no room is complete without a mirror or two as it adds so much light  and can make the space seem much bigger which is crucial in a cosy London flat! 

3-Pack Candles, £4.99

My candle obsession is well and truly out of control. I already have a cupboard full of ones I'm 'saving' for the move (crazy I know) but I can't resist. I love love love the grey and white geometric patterns on these ones! 

Small Porcelain Bowl, £4.99 

We're desperately in need of some new crockery when we move and I can't get away from the idea of having mix matched bowls! The contrast between the teal (one of my favourite colours) and the pop of metallic around the rim is so beautiful. 

Ceramic Plate, £6.99 

Every blogger on the planet seems to own something from the marble collection at H&M but with good reason! Marble is so simple, understated and chic and I for one cannot wait to incorporate some into our new place. The real question is what would I actually use this for...? 

3-Pack Plant Pots On A Tray, £14.99

Cacti appear pretty much everywhere throughout my flat, as does copper so why not combine the two!?

Scented Candle, £9.99

Candles and metallic combined, need I say more? 

Cotton Cushion Cover, £3.99

To add a pop of colour to our charcoal sofa we're going to have lots of brightly coloured cushions which we can switch around throughout the year and this mustard yellow one will be perfect! 

Where's your favourite place to shop for affordable homewares? 

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