So, I guess I am kind of back from a blogging sabbatical... It has been a busy year for me, I've just completed my masters and I have been working a lot to try and make ends meet. It is hard to find the energy sometimes to maintain a blog on top of everything else. However, I have missed it and I hope you will welcome me back!

Fashionably FIT Survey

When Sophie at SportsShoes offered a pair of trainers for me to try out as part of  the 'Fashionably FIT' survey, I jumped at the chance. I was in an accident over the summer where I badly broke my leg, so it came at a time where I was learning to walk again and now where I am learning to run. 

Now, all this came about because Jan Moir (of Daily Mail fame) wrote an article slagging Katherine Jenkins for wearing make up during the London Marathon. Katherine Jenkins responded to this saying that she wasn't wearing make up, but for me this is not the point. What right does Jan Moir have to put her down if she was? This should be a personal choice and we should not be judged on this. 

Make up and fashion within sport is no bad thing; it can be used as a form of expression as with the Swedish athletes: Emma Green Tregaro and Mao Hjelmer who wore rainbow nail polish in protest of Russia's laws banning "gay propaganda".

 On to the shoes... they sent me a lovely pair of New Balance WR10V2 running shoes, which are probably the most beautiful pair of trainers I have ever seen. I don't know much about shoe science but these are barefoot/minimalist running shoes, they are ridiculously comfortable and really helped me to correct my walking. They are also, of course, non-leather and animal-free. The first few days I did not want to take them off and they have become a fixture, not just for sport but for everyday wear. 

Yu! Healthy Snacks

As some of you who follow me may know, I went back to university very recently to do a masters degree and I have been a very busy lady- it's been quite a big step up from undergraduate level!

 

When the kind people at Yu! offered me some samples of their healthy fruit snack range to try, I was always on the go. These could not have arrived at a better time!

 

Running from one class to another, as well as trying to fit in as much library time as possible to crack on with my heavy workload- my Yu! snacks were always easy to throw into my bag and so I could enjoy a healthy energy boost when I needed one.

 

Yu! Healthy Snacks are made from real fruit and are Vegetarian Society approved. They have four different products in their range: Granola, Fruit Chews, Fruit Bars and Fruit in a Yoghurt Coating. All of which are delicious but my favourites were the fruit pieces in yoghurt as they really felt like a treat and helped satisfy the mid-afternoon sugar craving.

Top new kid at university tip! Carrying snacks with me all the time seemed to be conducive with making friends over the first week, who also really enjoyed them.



The Cake Hole, Derby

A friend of mine gave me the heads up on Facebook that a new vegan cafe had opened in  Derby. So as I am home in Derby for the summer, I thought I should go to try it out.

So after one of my weekly swimming sessions with my sister, we decided we'd pay a visit to The Cake Hole which is based on the balcony level of The Market Hall in Derby.

As we entered The Cake Hole we were welcomed by a friendly face and browsed the menu. My sister was a bit cautious, not being vegan and favouring ham sandwiches for her lunch, opted for a brownie. She let me try a bit; it was gooey and satisfying.

We shared a pot of tea off the extensive tea menu, deciding to go for the a regular breakfast tea, which came with an option of soy or rice milk. We both loved the way it was presented, I would take a chintzy tea service any day over a matchy modern characterless one.

I was feeling peckish. There was a falafel wrap on offer and a 'make your own meze platter'. I opted for the latter and chose olives, falafel, tortilla and vegan ham. It worked together very well. The falafel were full of flavour and the olives were so juicy and fresh.

I really liked the decor of The Cake Hole, it has a unique and warm charm to it. There are also books dotted around and I enjoyed looking through the Post Secrets one. Not only is the food good and the atmosphere pleasant, but it is also very reasonable priced. I will definitely be visiting again before the end of the summer and whenever I return to see my family.

The only thing that is disappointing; and this is not to do with The Cake Hole, is The Market Hall. I wish more people would open shops and cafes here as it could be so amazing! It is a very beautiful Victorian Market Hall which could be a real gem of Derby.



Re-HASH-ions #1

I would really love to think that I was able to Refashion things, but my creative skills and my aptitude with the sewing machine are just not up to scratch for that. Instead I have been working on a number of 'Re-hash-ions'- like a Refashion, but more poorly put together.

I have had a lot of time on my hands since I have been back in the UK (a broken leg does that for you!) so I have been working on a number of little projects when I have been bored. One of these projects has been to create more wearable day-time tops, which I do not have many of. However, I do have a large number of T-shirts with slogans and logos that I have inherited, but they are either an unflattering shape or men's which are too big for me so they end up becoming bed-time T-shirts.

My first go at this was to turn a extra large men's Dallas Mavericks T-shirt in to a more feminine and flattering top.

Now a bit of an oversight on my part... no before picture. However, I think we can all imagine what a men's extra large standard T-shirt looks like, right?

What I did...

First I started off by cutting a new neckline and sewing a dodgy new hem.

I then turned the T-shirt inside out, taking it in on both sides to make a closer fit shape, although I didn't want it too fitted. Luckily bad sewing did not matter at this point!

I finished it off my cutting down the original sleeves and turning them up to create a rolled sleeved look, securing it under the armpit where it can't be seen.



"It's all about hydration" - Bargain Cruelty Free Moisturisers!

I poke at my skin in the mirror, complaining that I have too many blackheads and that I may be getting lines across my forehead. "Zoe, it's all about hydration," my sister tells me after I ask her advice on skin care; her skin is looking exceptional right now. "Jo's grandma used Nivea creme everyday and she didn't get wrinkles til she was in her 70's!"

I have previously written about my skincare routine, which went completely out of the window when I went backpacking. I still really love the Burt Bee's scrub and Liz Earle cleanser, but they're a bit out of my poor person price range now that my lifestyle is more focused on saving for travel and wanting to go back to university to do my Masters degree.

My sister tells me that Jo, who also has beautiful skin, just uses regular soap to wash her face but makes sure she applies moisturiser twice a day. Of course, drinking plenty of water is essential too, which she assures me cures everything including, but not limited to: headaches, spotty skin and period pain.

Her stand on buying expensive cosmetics? "They all do the same thing. These fancy products have not been proved to make you look younger at all." Well, she has good skin and I'm fed up of paying expensive prices when maybe I only need what she uses: a cheaper scrub, cleansing wash and a twice daily slathering of budget moisturiser (and that means less than £5 for 100ml).

Marks & Spencer's Formula Light Moisturiser

At £4 for 100ml this bargain moisturiser contains chamomile extract. It is fragrance free and hypoallergenic, great for those with sensitive skin.

Superdrug Vitamin E SPF15 Moisturising Day Cream

Superdrug have some great reasonably priced facial moisturisers, however this is their cheapest at only £2.99 for 100ml. On the website it has many positive reviews from satisfied customers, proving cheaper products can be the better products. I think this is the moisturiser I will be going for as I am fond of protecting my skin from the sun and Vitamin E is also meant to be good for scarring.

Honesty Geranium & Ylang Ylang Moisturising Lotion

Honesty, based in my home county of Derbyshire, have produced a huge range of animal friendly cosmetics for many years. At £6.15 for 200ml. This lotion is suitable for facial and body use. It also comes in a larger size for more frequent use.

All moisturisers are from companies approved on the Go Cruelty Free website.

Couchsurfing

I got my Couchsurfing verification postcard today and it made me think- I must do a post about Couchsurfing as it is one of the best things I have gotten in to, despite my initial fear, and has lead to me meeting some great people as well as enhancing my travel experience.

My first taste of Couchsurfing was through a friend who was hosting a few people and I went to an outdoor film festival with them. We got to know each other, swapped travel stories and I spoke to them about my future travel plans. My favourite part of the experience was meeting people who were enthused about travel as I was. I think it's experiences like these which inspire you to pursue your interest in travel and with you ultimately catching the travel bug, which then stays with you forever.

I already had a profile but had not really used it before. So I started to build it up, filling in all the sections, putting up a few photos and asking my friends to write references for me to, show I am a trustworthy sort of person. These steps came in handy when I would then go on to couchsurf myself during my time in the US.

I have to say I was nervous about going to stay with strangers at first but from their profiles they had a lot of positive references and seemed to have host many people before. I took the added procaution of telling my sister the address I'd be staying at and set off, vegan cookies in hand, for my first night of Couchsurfing.

 I stayed in a very lovely shared house, sort of like a housing co-operative really, near Cambridge in Boston. They were very hospitable, chatting to me in the evening, offering suggestions of places to go the next day and even letting me share a meal with them. My next experience of Couchsurfing in Philadelphia was equally as good. My host invited me out for her birthday dinner and took me for a beautiful walk to the art gallery.

Couchsurfing has not only been great for the actual surfing bits, but also for meet ups. I went to a couple of Couchsurfing meetings at the pub during my time living in Melbourne. They were great chilled out evenings, where everyone was friendly and wherever you sat down you became part of a conversation. It something I will use again in the future, as I'll be moving to a new city in September and it is fantastic way to meet like minded people.



Lentil As Anything, Melbourne

Lentil As Anything was very easily my favourite place to eat when I lived in Melbourne. It delivers delicious vegetarian and vegan meals 3 times a day; 7 days per week on a 'pay as you feel' basis.

The first time I visited this place I was overwhelmed. I had read briefly about it in my guide book but my friend insisted we must go when he found out I was vegetarian. We went for dinner on a balmy Saturday evening, which became my first of numerous visits. I was like a kid in a candy store- I could eat everything on the menu and help myself to as much as I wanted. The food was impeccable; so flavoursome; leading me to over indulge and go for seconds. It was also clearly labelled- great for one of our dining partners with food allergies. I left a big donation, feeling very satisfied.

Lentil As Anything would then go on to be my saviour when I hit hard time after deciding to stay in Melbourne. Struggling to find work, I was doing various casual jobs to cover my hostel rent and I was absolutely broke. They helped with low cost meals which sustained me until I eventually found a full-time job.

When I got my job and going to Lentil's at all times of the day became a thing of the past. It then became the favourite Sunday breakfast spot for my friends and I. Delivering coffee that could rival some of Melbourne's best and a menu of reliable favourites, made it the perfect place to spend the whole morning (particularly as there are usually interesting things going on at Abbottsford Convent at that time too).

Lentil As Anything will be one of the things I will miss most about not living in Melbourne. Its not just the great food but the philosophy; pleasant atmosphere that the volunteers create and the variety of people dining there.



OM Vegetarian Restaurant, Melbourne

Melbourne really has a lot to offer for vegetarian's and there  are a ton of solely vegetarian places to eat and most places being vegetarian friendly in some way. (Three 'vegetarians' in one sentence- that's how vegetarian Melbourne is!) Not only this, there are so many fantastic cheap eats. Great for backpackers like myself who are either broke or trying to save as much money as possible for their next move.

OM is a fantastic example of good cheap wholesome vegetarian food. They have two locations in Melbourne CBD. I happened to be walking past one day and seeing the sign, noting the words 'VEGETARIAN' and '$6.50 ALL YOU CAN EAT', I knew that this would be a place that I would want to be visiting. I went to following weekend armed with two none vegetarian friends who love a cheap feed.

For your $6.50 you get a vegetarian curry, a daal, rice, chapati and some chutney. It was deliciously satisfying, especially washed done with a glass of $2 mango lassi.

The portion was just the right size but being greedy and wanting to take advantage of the all you can eat aspect we of course had seconds.

This would be a great place to visit when your passing through Melbourne low on cash, eating as much as you can to keep you going for as long as possible. I know, because I have been in the position here when you're so low on cash that food stops being a necessity and becomes a luxury. You're getting up really early for your hostel breakfast, stealing extra bread for lunch and looking on the free shelf for any food you can find. I look back on these pleasantly though- definitely fun, thrifty and character building. It's amazing quite how little you can live off.

Anyway, side thought over, back to OM. The food was simple but really tasty. I loved it so much as Indian food doesn't seem to be as big here as it is in the UK and I have really missed it. Daal is one of my most favourite things to eat as well so the fact I could have as much as I wanted was really heaven!

Even the non-veggies loved it, which was a relief to me, as I did not once here: 'its good but it's just missing something'. They left full and happy saying it was definitely somewhere they would go again for a great cheap lunch.

Melbourne

So... The plan was to travel around Australia, starting with Melbourne and blog on all the places that I visited. I arrived in Melbourne five months ago now and apart from a couple of day trips in Victoria; a weekend road trip to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians; plus Christmas/New Years in Sydney, I have rarely left Melbourne.

I have no regrets though, I came to Melbourne and fell in love with the place. I've met amazing people, managed to score an awesome job and generally I've just had a really good time, which is hopefully going to carry on for a few months more before I leave to actually travel in Australia.

Melbourne at Night by Andy Walker

I wanted to post about some of my favourite things about this city that I love so much and for this to kick off some Melbourne related posts- travel stuff and quite a lot of vegetarian food stuff (I have been experiencing the cheap veggie eats all over the city). I have not been taking many photo's, I did not bring my good camera fearing breaking it (rookie error- you need to use your things without fear and taking photo's is something I have really missed doing here). So the photography in this post is a group effort from all the great people I have met in Melbourne, which is mainly from living at The Nunnery for 2 months and meeting a ton of people who passed through there- some who are lasting friends and who I'm sure I will cross paths with in the future.

Jake Mann

Graffiti Art:
As you're casually walking around Melbourne, you will come across a quite a variety of graffiti art adorning the walls of buildings, particularly in little lane ways, like Hosier Lane, where not an inch of wall is exposed. It is really so beautiful and reflection of what a cool arty city that Melbourne is.

Freddy Fuller

Jake Mann

Lane ways & Cafe Culture:
I must have put on about half a stone since being in Melbourne and this is credited to the fantastic food here, especially the amount of great coffee and cake. I love the little interesting lane ways which are full of little cafes and restaurants, they're so interesting and intimate.

Centre Place by J.J.Lum

Federation Square & Flinders Station:
Not everybody agrees that Federation Square is architecturally beautiful, but I disagree, I really like to contrast of it next the older buildings around it like Flinders Station. Federation Square is a brilliant meeting space, day or night it is filled with people. It also hosts a ton of free events, from festivals; to meditation and yoga classes; as well as free film screenings. I have had any happy times here and love on a sunny day just to sit in one of the deck chair, reading a book, watching the world go by.


St Kilda Beach:
Maybe not the most beautiful beach in Australia, but it's good enough for me! I love that in addition to having a brilliant city, that St Kilda beach is only a 20-30 minute tram ride away from the city centre and it also has a cool bar scene. Another little special thing about St Kilda- at dusk at the end of the pier you can so see cute little penguins coming home from a days fishing (and also a few water rats if that takes your fancy!)

  
A big thank you to everyone who helped me out with photos!!

Nuffnang Blogger Meet Up- Melbourne

Last weekend I got invited to the Nuffnang Op-Shopping Blogger Meet Up!

The thing I am most proud of is my find of the day. This Vivienne Westwood cardigan for only $14- I could not believe it when I set my eyes on it and I have been bragging to everyone since. It's so bright and beautiful, as well as being perfect for the chillier weather which is now approaching Melbourne.

However, now on to the actual day!

We hunted through various op-shops in the Windsor area of Melbourne. I hadn't spent much time in this area before as I live more in the North but there were so many amazing shops and there's a great feel to the area.

I thought this desk was particularly beautiful- but large furniture purchases are out of the question right now. If it can't fit in my backpack- I can't have it.

I was also intrigued by the books in the shop, especially the one titled "$200,000 per year while vacationing in Europe" - How the other half live, eh? That's certainly not my reality as a poor backpacker eating ramen noodles!

My favourite op-shop by far was the Salvo's! It was so beautiful- set out more like a beautiful quirky shop than other op-shops I've been to before. This is where I made my purchases.

The days hunting was followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch at the Tyranny of Distance.

We started off with some really delicious flat bread with hoummus, red pepper dip and baba ganoush.

We the went on to really delicious stuffed mushrooms, saganaki and roast potatoes with a delicious paprika mayo, washed down with fruity mocktails.

Everyone who took part in the meet up!

	Leeyong  Style Wilderness Laura  A Little Boutique Near Home Marianne  Esme and The Laneway Cecylia  Cecylia.com Cintia  My Poppet Vicki  Knocked up and Abroad Sharon 365 Reasons not to die with a full craft cupboard Mary (Mezzy) Recycled Repurposed Renewed Erica Recycled Fashion Vicky I Love To Op Shop Zoe Life of a Vegetarian Girl Kate Vanity Project by Kate Iselin Valissa Nuffnang Berlin Nuffnang Trish  Trish Hunter Finds Maria  Sleekitone
	Check them out and their fantastic blogs!
	It was so much fun getting to go to a new part of Melbourne which I had not explored before and to meet great new people.
	Thanks guys for a truly lovely day!

BUAV: The End of Animal Tested Cosmetics in Europe!

11th March 2013- a date which is a huge turning point in the abolition of animal testing on cosmetic products. Thanks to BUAV  after 40 years of campaigning they have now put an end to the testing of cosmetic products on animals in Europe.

What does this mean?
No new animals experiments for cosmetics can be conducted for products which are going to sold within the EU. However, companies who have previously test the ingredients of their products on animals will still be able to sell these in the EU- so its always best to look out for the leaping bunny logo for company's who embrace being cruelty free.

BUAV are now turning their attention globally for other governments globally to end animal testing on cosmetics in their country too.

Read more here!

Slow Fashion Revolution

I'm probably being a bit 'slow' on the up-take, but being in Australia and trying your best to avoid technology does that to a girl, but it seems like there is a slow fashion revolution in out midst.

First hearing of it on one of my favourite online magazines, Ms Wanda's that Vivienne Westwood had declared that we should all: "Buy less, choose well, make it last". I support her and I urge that you should too!

This quote is to the core of my beliefs when it comes to all possessions, but particularly when it comes to fashion! I am a huge lover and believer of the Capsule Wardrobe, despite the fact that my plans have been put on holt due to travelling, and this definitely follows this ethos of having less, of better quality.

Will you pledge to the Slow Fashion Revolution?

Favourite Veggie Places: San Francisco

I have had so much fun travelling. I have now been in Australia for two and a half months after spending a month in the US! I am finally getting around to doing some posts... FINALLY!! So despite this being a long time a go I am now posting about San Francisco where I had some fab veggie food experiences. Sorry about the photos again, got to invest in a better travel camera!

Taqueria Cancun

Located in San Francisco's colourful Mission district Taqueria Cancun, is not a vegetarian restaurant, but they do an amazing Vegetarian Burrito! Not only is it delicious, but the portions are huge and this little lot below cost less than $10 (USD). Yes! $10 for a burrito, nachos with salsa & guacamole and a coke. I felt so stuffed after, I recommend cutting the burrito in half and saving some for later. Not only a thumbs up for the food but also fantastic for backpackers on a budget!

Loving Hut

Featuring 3 restaurants in San Francisco alone- Loving Hut is a real favourite to vego's around the world. This was my first try though and I really loved it. I went for a lunch offer where I got two dishes, a fantastic mushroom dish which I couldn't resist with mushrooms being my fave food and a delicious spicy green bean and soy meat dish, served with yummy veggie rice! I really enjoyed this and there will be another visit when I come across Loving Hut again.

Favourite Veggie Places on the East Coast (USA)

I have finally got around to blogging- yay! This has been a culmination of problems, including that I tried to post earlier but the hostel's computer wouldn't help me get my photos off my camera to post. Now I am officially in San Francisco, so I'd thought I'd do some reflective posts on my time on the East Coast starting with my favourite veggie restaurants that I visited. (Apologies in advanced for the photography- I don't have my good camera with me!)


Vegetarian Dim Sum House, New York
on 24 Pell Street in China Town

I visited the Vegetarian Dim Sum House last year and I was so impressed that I thought it deserved another visited! It is really good value and this little lot below, which was more than enough for one, came to less than $10 and included free green tea. All the food was absolutely delicious! I tried the fried mushroom dumplings in chili sauce (far left) for the first time and they were amazing! They do more than just Dim Sum though, with a whole menu of great veggie Chinese food!

Clover, Cambridge

at Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA

This was a recommendation from a person I was staying with off CouchSurfing (more about how brilliant that organisation is later). It has a simple menu with different sandwiches- I opted for the Falafel Sandwich and Rosemary Fries. It was really fresh and so so tasty! The rosemary really added the fries and I loved all the funky different salads on the sandwich too. The place also had such character with a communal table and having your name shouted every time something was freshly made for you.

HipCityVeg, Philadelphia
by Rittenhouse Square (127 S.18th Street)

I discovered HipCityVeg by accident, as during my time in Philadelphia I fell in love with Rittenhouse Square and wanted to sit and eat my lunch there. I went in to ask about vegetarian options and it turned out all the food is 100% Vegan. As I was in Philly, the home of the infamous Philly Cheese Steak, I thought I'd opt for the Philly "Steak" Sandwich. They also did Sweet Potato Fries, which looked great but the sandwich was so big it was more than enough on its own! It was such a delicious sandwich, packed with flavours from the mushrooms, onions and fresh tomato ketchup. The inside is small, but go eat on Rittenhouse Square, it's really beautiful and interesting!

Afterwards, go get some Yogorino, the tastiest frozen yoghurt I have ever tried with delicious toppings!

Toscanini's, Cambridge
889 Main Street, Cambridge, MA

So this is an ice cream place, I don't think they do vegan options, but they do they best homemade ice cream and apparently very good espresso. Toscanini's was another recommendation from the CouchSurfing Host I was staying with. The ice cream is made right there and they have some really interesting flavours. I opted for a Sundae with Mocha ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge sauce and nuts- it was really indulgent and delicious.

Guest Post: Polly @ Polly Frances Elizabeth

How To Have a Spectacular Staycation

Everyone loves holidays. They give us time to relax, explore, try something new, and get away from the stresses of daily life. But sadly, we can't all afford to get away. However, it is possible to get that holiday feeling, without even leaving your hometown! Here's how:

Go to a completely new place.  

When we travel abroad, or even to a different city, everything is new and fresh. That's part of the appeal. However long you have lived in your area, there will always be somewhere you haven't been yet. So seek out a new place, even if it's just a cafe you haven't tried yet, a park you've never walked through, or a road you've never been down.Visit your local museums and art galleries. Soaking up the culture is a big part of travelling, and many people like to visit museums and art galleries while on holiday. But it can be easy to overlook how much culture is on our doorstep when we're at home! A lot of cities offer free entry to museums for local residents, so go take a look-you could discover something fascinating.

Spend time with nature. 

Connecting with nature is a great way of recharging and relaxing, and it's something most people indulge in while on holiday. A walk through beautiful countryside, or even some time in the garden, can have the same effect. Take time to appreciate natural beauty such as wild flowers or butterflies. You will feel much more positive!

Eat out. 

Part of the relief you feel being on holiday is from not having to worry about cooking. Even eating out for one night will take the pressure off and make it easier to relax for a few hours, while also providing a bit of variety.

Wear your favourite clothes, or something you wouldn't normally wear. 

Often we save our favourite clothes for holidays, some people even buy a completely new wardrobe to take on holiday! We also tend to feel more confident while on holiday and so wear things which we wouldn't dare to at home. Throw caution to the wind and wear what you want to! Ban yourself from wearing your normal day to day clothes for a week, and only wear things which make you feel special and happy. 

Read. 

For many people, a holiday is the only time they feel they can really indulge in reading. Take time out to read whatever you want, whether it's something trashy which you'd be ashamed to read normally, something you've always wanted to read but haven't got round to, or a stack of fashion magazines.

Go "nice" shopping. 

One of the joys of being on holiday is shopping for purely frivolous items, without having to worry about the weekly shop. It's also a time when you visit unusual shops which are unique to your location, and get quirky things which then bring back memories of your trip. So go "nice" shopping-avoid the normal high street shops, go to independent and unusual boutiques, and only buy things which you would consider a treat. I'm not suggesting you go crazy and bankrupt yourself, but a leisurely day of window shopping and buying a few choice items can work wonders.

Eat new foods. 

Holidays are a good time to try new types of food, by sampling the local cuisine. So re-create this at home by trying new food. Maybe you've never tried Thai, or Mexican, maybe there is a specific dish you've always wondered about but never plucked up the courage to eat. Give it a go!

Allow yourself treat foods. 

A holiday isn't a holiday without ice cream, and most people eat more "treat" foods while on holiday. So indulge in a delicious ice cream, a couple of cupcakes, a milkshake or a soda float.

Stop worrying. 

For one week, force yourself to stop worrying about bills, what other people think, the future.... Live your life as you would if none of these things were an issue. You'll be amazed at the difference, and it may even help you to make some permanent changes.

Above all, have fun!

Polly