Sky Garden, London

29 April 2015

Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next
I'm having a little bit of a love affair with London at the moment.

After my last London post going down so well with my lovely readers, I thought I'd make it a regular occurrence. I spend a lot of time in the city visiting family and friends, going to meetings and events and doing the odd bit of shopping now and then.

I love to hear about the latest happenings in London so, when I heard about the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, I booked straight away.

The Sky Garden is located in the new Walkie Talkie building near Monument tube station. Over three floors, you have uninterrupted views of London. It is also home to the highest garden in Central London (and so it should be, 35 floors up!).
Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next
The views are spectacular, and surprising bearing in mind that when you're approaching the building you are surrounded by so many tall buildings. However, when you get up to the 35th floor all the other buildings seem to shrink, with The Sky Garden becoming the tallest building in the neighbourhood. 
Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next
Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next
London from up high always makes me feel magical. Everything looks so small and model-like. 

After a bit of playing 'If you could live in any London building, what one would you choose' (Buckingham Palace, obvs) and eyeing up the food in the Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill, we headed to the Sky Pod Bar for a little refreshment.

How could we not have a drink whilst admiring the view?
Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next
Especially when the drink I ordered came with candyfloss!

(I may have got a little excited about this)

The Sky Garden is a perfect little treat for anyone. Whether you're looking to impress on a first date, or you're entertaining some out-of-towner's it's a great place to visit. 

Tickets are free and, you will need to book ahead (here).

Yes, you did hear me right....tickets are free!

I'll drink to that...
Sky Garden London by What Laura did Next

Cheers!

Cooking with Lea & Perrins: Spaghetti Bolognese

21 April 2015

I love a good bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese. For me, it's one of my favourite things to make when I need a bit of comfort food. 

Everyone has their own way of doing it. I like it full of flavour so, when Lea & Perrins got in touch with me to see if I would like to take part in their latest project, I decided to give it a go.

You will need:
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
5 Chestnut mushrooms
1 Pepper
Handful of Pancetta cubes
Beef mince (500g)
1 tbsp of tomato puree
Chopped tomatoes (I used two tins but, it depends how tomatoey you like it!)
Beef stock (200ml)
1 glass of red wine
4 tbsp of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
1 Bay Leaf
S&P
Spaghetti
Parmesan
Fresh Basil

Start by heating a large pan with a splash of oil. Get in hot and then add your pancetta cubes. Cook until crispy and brown, then add the mince and brown.
Spaghetti Bolognese by What Laura did Next
Spaghetti Bolognese by What Laura did Next
Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, sliced mushrooms, bay leaf and pepper. Stir well.

Add your tomato puree and mix in well. Cook for a few more minutes, and then add the glass of wine (ensuring you have some left over for yourself to drink!), beef stock, and let it bubble away until it's reduced by half.
Spaghetti Bolognese by What Laura did Next
Spaghetti Bolognese by What Laura did Next
Bung in your chopped tomatoes, along with the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for a good 40 minutes. 

Cook your Spaghetti, then dish it all up, adding some chopped basil and parmesan.
Spaghetti Bolognese by What Laura did Next
It's seriously tasty (if I do say so myself) and if there's leftovers, it's perfect for lunch or dinner the next day. 

Enjoy!

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

20 April 2015

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Card by What Laura did Next
No, not you silly!

I thought I'd share how I asked the special ladies in my life to be my bridesmaids.

I wanted to keep it personal and ask them in a different way, so I set about figuring out how to do it without going too overboard!

I decided I wanted to ask them by writing them a little note. Now, I'm not the most artistic person so I did a little research on the good old internet (seriously, what would we do without it!) to find them all a card.

It didn't take me long. Turns out that 'proposing' to your bridesmaid is quite popular nowadays!
I purchased mine off Notonthehighstreet. (Seriously that website has everything) I was so happy with mine and, it's safe to say, all my girls said yes!

Here is the the one I purchased. Emma's designs are gorgeous - she doesn't just do Wedding related stationary so, check her out if you need a cute card for a loved one too.

Drugstore Beauty Haul

18 April 2015

We've all done it...gone in to Boots for one simple thing and come out 25 minutes later, hands covered in swatches carrying a heavy bag that was only meant to have one item in it.

I had one of those 'moments' a couple of weeks ago.

When Boots have one of their 3 for 2 promotions on beauty, it takes a hell of a lot of willpower for me to resist. I didn't go too crazy but, seeing as I only went in for cotton wool pads, and came out £35 lighter, I think we can safely say that I went a little wild.
Shades (left to right): Lovie Dovie, Splash of Grenadine and Peach Daiquiri

Essie Nail Polishes
I'm becoming a bit of a nail polish fiend. Especially when it comes to Essie. They were included in the 3 for 2 promotion so, it would've been rude not to have purchased some new shades for Spring...right?
Venus Snap Razor
How cute is this?! I had to buy it, mainly because I LOVE mini products but also because it is perfect for when I'm working away from home. It comes in a little pouch so it's great for chucking in your wash bag or, even your gym bag. 

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Now, I'm always going to be loyal to my Bioderma Crealine H2O but, I was recommended this the other week by a friend and so I thought I would try it out. I'm sure I'll be reviewing this over the next few weeks on here so stay tuned.

Have you gone a little cray in the aisles of your local drugstore recently? 

Giveaway: Foodies Festival

13 April 2015

This year, the Foodies Festival celebrates their 10th Birthday, and will be kicking off the celebrations on Hove lawns along Brighton’s lovely seafront over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

With celebrity chefs, new tasting theatres and more street food than you can shake a freshly made Mojito at - there's something for everyone. You really don't need to be a food geek to visit. There's a great selection of food, restaurants, local and artisan produce, and live food shows - including, beer tasting cocktail masterclasses and talks on various different wines from some people who really know their stuff.

I'll be heading to the one in Brighton at the beginning of May - if you see me, say hi! 

For more information, click here and, to book tickets here.

The team behind the Foodies Festival have very kindly provided me with three pairs of day tickets for one of their festivals. The winners can choose a location of their choice - from Birmingham to Brighton, to Edinburgh to Harrogate - there's several going on across the UK over the Summer months. They can be used on one of the three days and will admit you and one other for the day to explore, eat and drink until you're about to pop.

Enter below - all you need to do is visit their Facebook page

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New shoes, Nars Sheer Glow and Bounce Energy Balls

1 April 2015

KURT GEIGER LONDON ISABELLA SANDALS
A couple of weeks ago one of my favourite websites, Shoeaholics had one of their crazy-ass sales. EVERYTHING was £39! I'd like to say, it came at the right moment as I needed a little retail therapy but, I may have a gone a little shoe and boot crazy. These Isabella sandals were top of the list and, such a bargain. 

BOOK: THE MINIATURIST
I cracked this month, and purchased a Kindle! I LOVE books but sometimes they can be a little too bulky and heavy to carry around. The first book I purchased on it was The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it.

SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION, NARS
After going to around EIGHT different stores and placing myself on a wait list at my local Space NK, the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc finally became mine and, it was worth the wait. 

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE
I stumbled across this mini bottle of joy when I was having a little room clear out. It came with one of the My Little Boxes (not sure for the life of me which one!) and, I'm afraid to say it got chucked in to my beauty box and forgotten about until a couple of weeks back. This product is magic - perfect for the body, face and hair and, will leave skin feeling smooth and hydrated and hair with softness and shine. It can even be added to your bath for a truly indulgent bathing experience. Over here, it's stocked in Space NK.

BOUNCE ENERGY BALLS - March was a busy month for me, with work being very busy! I try to eat as healthy as I can when I'm away with work, and these Bounce Energy balls came in very handy when I was tempted by the naughty snacks in the office! They're a tasty way to nourish your body, satisfy your hunger and sustain your energy.