A storms a-brewing outside and I’m snug as a bug in the bungalow, sipping on freshly made smoothie.
I’m not hungover, despite seeing the bezzie last night and working our way through a considerable amount of cider. Opps.
There is no work tomorrow. Or the day after that. Thank the lord for good ol’ bank holidays.
(I wrote this Saturday morning, just in case you’re tryna do the math)
The most obvious thing that has been giving me all the smiles this week is all the freakin’ time off, but hey, here’s some other gems that have made me happy as pie:
MIDHURST SPA BREAK
Nothing is more refreshing than speeding your way into the countryside to a teeny tiny, pretty village, to be greeted by a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. It’s what we all dream about on a Wednesday afternoon in a stuffy office.
Well this Wednesday afternoon Maxwell & I made this day dream a reality. We visited a sweet little village called Midhurst in West Sussex, where we stayed at the The Spread Eagle. It’s one of the oldest coaching inns still in existence in the UK.
It was beautifully old and quaint and the staff looked after us impeccably.
I spent three whole hours swimming, using the sauna and reading. I sat by an open fire drinking cool wine and I had some time to clear my mind. Can I go back now please?
You can read my other post this week about escaping for a spa retreat here.
COASTAL BITE (Southend-on-Sea)
Maybe I’ve mentioned my favourite eatery along Southend Seafront before? Or maybe not? Anywho, it deserves a wee special mention that’s for sure.
If you’re not from around Southend, then the place I’m talking about sits in a row of cafes along the seafront called The Arches. They all serve breakfast, coffee, fish and chips. You get my drift yeah? Standard seafront stuff.
But Coastal Bite does something wonderful. Coastal Bite serves fresh, fresh breakfast. It gives two fingers to the greasy hash brown, and instead replaces it with a delicious scoop of bubble & squeak. It doesn’t smell like a greasy spoon cafe, it smells of home cooked food. It serves enormous seafood platters and fresh bowls of mussels.
And it’s cheap. £5 for a fry up that tastes top class. Like the best value for money in Southend.
Big statement, eh.
If you’re local of visiting the area, I give this place 5 stars. Give it a visit. It’s the cute turquoise one in the middle. You can’t miss it. Tell them Jade sent you.
TOPSHOP FEDORA
TOPSHOP SALE ALERT. This fedora hat cost me £10 this week. It was the perfect accompaniment to a weekend away. A waiter commented on how ‘posh’ it looked. Mega lols. Little did he know.
If you were late to the party in purchasing one like me, then it’s still in the sale here (only in pale pink).
Nab yourself one before it goes.
MASTERCHEF SERIES 12
My favourite TV series is back this week and it’s got me all excited and riled up in the kitchen.
It’s probably gonna make me put on a stone too ’cause the show makes me insanely hungry.
It’s the type of programme where I won’t watch it all week to save up all the episodes, and then watch them back to back on a severe hangover Sunday morning. I’ll then attempt to make something overly complicated in the kitchen.
Call me Lorraine Pascal.
But on a serious note, I have this theory that if we just taught young people about ingredients and how to cook, then we could reduce obesity in this country by a staggering amount. Who’s with me?
If you’re feeling inspired by Masterchef Series 12, then how about checking out the post below with some of my fave healthy eating recipes:
6 HEALTHY DINNER IDEAS TO MAKE YOU FEEL ACE
In the words of Masterchef; lets cook.
HELLO SUN + ROSSI ICE CREAM
On Friday, the sun shone in true English fashion. Just enough for me to take my scarf off, before putting it back on again, and taking it off again.
It was lush. If you found the right sun trap spot, you could potentially sit in a tee comfortably. That cray cray.
Now I did see a group of youngsters in mini shorts and teeny t-shirts and crop tops which did upset me slightly and put a dampner on the day. HECK it’s not that warm, put your flesh away kids.
But yeah, it was so very nice to feel the rays on my face and it was the perfect excuse to purchase some of my favourite Rossi Ice Cream. In mint choc chip, obvs.
Eating this on a warm Summer’s day is in my top 5 ways to relax along Southend seafront. It’s ace.
Appaz this brand is pretty exclusive to the South. If you’re up North, you’re missing out.
There were kids playing on the beach, dogs all over the shop and not a cloud in the sky.
I’m praying for more weather like that. Besides, I need an excuse to wear my new H&M Bare Shoulders Cami.
Hands up, who else wants Summer to hurry the flip up?
I hope you guys are in a serious chocolate egg coma by the time you read this. Remember, there are only a few times a year where it’s perfectly acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast.
Easter, Christmas, birthdays, periods. You get the gist.
So please enjoy this moment.
Happy Easter folks.
To keep up to date with my ramblings, follow me on Bloglovin’, instagram or twitter. And to receive blog updates, subscribe to my blog by entering your email on the right hand side here. You know you wanna.