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Recently posted

Shinrin-Yoku The Art and Science of Forest-Bathing by Dr Qing Li | BOOK REVIEW

Shinrin-Yoku The Art and Science of Forest-Bathing by Dr Qing Li | BOOK REVIEW

A book that gripped me from the offset. Who knew that learning about trees and their health benefits could be so interesting yet also calming? Dr Qing Li is fascinating; I urge you all to read.  First thoughts Forest-bathing. Sounds like a something a hippy […]

April 24, 2018
How to best enjoy your garden with these amazing Tesco offers!

How to best enjoy your garden with these amazing Tesco offers!

It’s been so sunny these past two days and I don’t know about you but as soon as the sun pops out, I can’t not spend time in the garden! It’s like I feel bad if I stay inside! I just have to make the […]

April 20, 2018
What is sustainable fishing and what can I do about it?

What is sustainable fishing and what can I do about it?

Credit: Hans splinter @Flickr. Sustainable fishing – what does it truly mean? If you’re like me, then you’ve been there. You’ve wondered what am I really looking for when it comes to searching for sustainable fish? Where do I start? I’ve been that person staring […]

April 17, 2018
How To Be An Ethical Consumer for £55.74 | 5 Day Meal Plan for Two

How To Be An Ethical Consumer for £55.74 | 5 Day Meal Plan for Two

You may or may not have already noticed from my new (second) instagram account: JessEatsEthically, that I’ve made a bit of a lifestyle change recently. I’ve decided that I really want to try and eat products from ethical sources, as well as organic products. I […]

April 13, 2018
A chat with Esther Wyse + Her Top Instagram Tips

A chat with Esther Wyse + Her Top Instagram Tips

Esther blogging the best way: in your pyjamas! Credit: Esther Wyse I’m finally getting back into the blogging spirit after a weeks holiday, and what nicer way to do this with an interview with my lovely blogger friend, Esther Wyse from estherwyseblog.wordpress.com Esther posts always […]

April 7, 2018
Self-care at your fingertips

Self-care at your fingertips

Hey guys, so something a bit different for you today, and it’s my first post since the re-brand and move over to WordPress! I’ll go more into it in a separate post! So, I was contacted by a lovely PR asking if I could talk […]

March 28, 2018
Weekly Meal Plan | Italy + The Middle East

Weekly Meal Plan | Italy + The Middle East

Good morning and welcome to Monday! I don’t usually write this on a Monday as I would usually pre-write it on Sunday evening, however yesterday I was so tired and had loads of other things to do, so this could wait. So last week’s meals were all a […]

March 12, 2018
Let’s have a chat…Kirsten Jones

Let’s have a chat…Kirsten Jones

I can’t believe it’s Sunday again! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend so far. I spent yesterday in Cardiff with Fabio and my parents to celebrate Mother’s day, which was so nice to just chill for once. Feeling a bit tired today as I […]

March 11, 2018
Weekly Meal Plan | Healthier than normal

Weekly Meal Plan | Healthier than normal

Happy Monday guys! Welcome to my weekly meal plan! How was your weekend? I can’t believe how quick the last one went (I think I always say that though!) In terms of blogging, it has been pretty productive. I actually stepped out of the house twice (one for a […]

March 5, 2018
Let’s have a chat… Christina Marie (A.K.A Navigation to Happiness)

Let’s have a chat… Christina Marie (A.K.A Navigation to Happiness)

It’s Sundaaaay; it’s blogger interview time! I urge you to: 1. Go find your comfiest, softest blanket. 2. Go make a cup of something hot (hot choc, herbal tea – you know the drill!) 3. Get your bum on a comfy chair or sofa. 4. Brace yourself for […]

March 4, 2018
Hey, I'm Jess. Thanks so much for visiting my cosy space! I hope you find what you're looking for, whether that's the latest book reviews; fashion and homeware inspiration or features on topics important to me, such as sustainability and mental health. I like to chat, so leave a friendly comment and share the love.

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Weekly Meal Plan | Healthier than normal

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  • TRUFFLES | There are plenty of reasons why you should visit @gloucesterservices if not for these amazing chocolate truffles!! I mean, where else can you pick up chocolates for your journey like this? You won’t see anything more than a kit kat and a packet of quavers at Michaelwoods! Out of these lot, I’d say sea salt would be by fave but you can’t beat the classic choc truffle filled with ganache. Truffles are super easy to make too. There’s often this misconception that they’re difficult but honestly, they’re the easier chocolate to make. @bakinggymnast and I would know (especially Lucy.. having worked for one of the lords of choc himself, @paul_a_young 🙌🏼) All you need is some good quality choc, double cream and cocoa powder for a simple truffle. What’s your fave? Or are we all over chocolate now Christmas has been and gone? 😂
  • BELARUS | I’m back to focusing on my world cooking a-z challenge this year but with a slight change- one country a month as apposed to one a week! With my food blog becoming more of a hobby (I’ll see where it takes me but for now that’s what it is) that’s what will work for me for now (especially with baby coming). Anywho, let’s talk about these delicious potato pancakes! They remind me of hash browns and would make a yummy alternative to the English fry-up! They’re traditionally served with sour cream which I would highly recommend - it sorta off-loads the heaviness of the potato (that’s not to say that potato isn’t delicious in its own right!) Why not check out my post (link in bio) and give these a go? Super quick and easy to make too! Great for using up those leftover potatoes hiding in the back of your cupboard, and that pot of double cream you opened but don’t know what to do with (this was me 🙋‍♀️). #thriftyfoodchallenge #belarus
  • ECO SHOP | One of my goals this years is to be more eco-friendly; buy less but better quality and just generally be thriftier! I was very happy on the weekend when I happened upon the Eco Shop in Stroud! Tucked away down a side street, it’s a hidden gem! I’ll pop do an Eco highlight on my profile later with the stories I took from inside the shop in case you’re interested. ☺️ They stock everything from bamboo toothbrushes to @turtle.bags (string bags for your veggies), as well local homemade bits & bobs (calendars, cards etc). Worth a look in if you’re ever in Stroud! #stroud #ecoshop #stroudvalleysproject
  • 35 WEEKS | I thought I’d do a little pregnancy update on here as things have started to ‘get real’ this weekend. Saturday night, baby was moving A LOT and it was painful, to the point that I thought it might be labour. It wasn’t. Although yesterday was similar: strong movements, lightening crotch (still find that funny 😂) and tightenings. This kicked me into gear and sorta frightened me into packing my hospital bag (which I should do around now anyways!) The bags are mid-packed, just need to wash and dry the baby’s outfits & get mine sorted! The thing with hospital bags is that all the advice you hear is conflicting. Don’t get my wrong, thank you to all of you who have messaged, helping me with what to pack etc, but sometimes I feel like taking everything plus the kitchen sink 😂 and others I feel like becoming a minimalist! I think I’ll let instinct play its part and just take what I think I’ll use, as everyone is different. I’m very excited to meet this little boy though and sorta want time to speed up a little! P.S here’s me on the weekend at @woodruffsorganiccafe fake-sipping my chai latte as it was too hot 😂 #35weekspregnant
  • FARMER’S MARKETS | Lately I’m really enjoying browsing farmer’s/greengrocers etc. I like the unpredictability of them. If you plan to do your ‘weekly’ shop there like me, you become limited, which I find a a good thing rather than anything negative! The seasonability of the fruit & veg and the locality of the produce all come into play and I love it. So far for my #thriftyfoodchallenge this weekend I’ve only spent £24 on my shopping, which includes this super strong ‘extra tasty’ cheddar cheese from Batch Farm Cheesemakers. Of course we did the taste test and bought a wedge - who can refuse when it’s so nice? Also I find cheese to be a fridge staple as it can knock up so many meals (mac n cheese, cheese on toast, omelettes) and add a little something extra to those that need it! I’m enjoying quality over quantity too. That’s my fave part of this challenge. I may be being thrifty but I’m not comprising on taste - AND I’m still spending less. Have you visited Stroud Farmers market before? Which is your fave stall? Mine is the raclette stall but it wasn’t there yesterday! 😭 #stroudfarmersmarket
  • THE SWALLOW BAKERY | Yay to Friday (finally!!) What a treat these spinach & feta rolls from @theswallowbakery would be, all tucked away in your lunch box. I had one yesterday when a friend travelled to mine from Northampton to drop off lots of baby clothes her 14/15 (I lose track!) week old baby doesn’t fit into anymore! We popped into the bakery after walking her very active German Shepherd puppy in Montepellier gardens (the baby was most well behaved - slept the whole time!) A quick lunch was called for and so I ordered a mint hot choc (divine), one of these rolls (hit the spot - brought back memories of Corfu!) & a raisin and oat cookie (chewy, buttery perfection). We then took off to Minchinhampton common for another walk! Honestly, I got all the exercise yesterday! I just love it up there though. If I didn’t live in Cheltenham, I’d live around there somewhere - so pretty. Anyways, hope you all have a lovely Friday - mine to-list is moderate today, so let’s see how I do! P.S #thriftyfoodchallenge card to complete will be on my stories later today ☺️ #Cheltenham
  • VINNIE’S | Happy Thursday! ⭐️ Hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently sat at home, sipping my cafe latte.. did you know that it’s the only coffee I have in the day now? I’ve decided to cut down on my caffeine, not because of health reasons or anything - I LOVE coffee!! It’s more due to the affects I noticed it would have one me. It certainly heightened any anxiety I may have been feeling; I’ve noticed so much of a difference in how calm and content I am now that I’ve reduced it to one cup a day. So cut a long story short (I always ramble don’t I!) - I love that my GP is situated in the beautiful Royal Crescent in Cheltenham - it’s such a lovely place to walk, but also because it’s surrounded by wonderful places to grab a drink; @vinnieseatery being one of them! So I popped in yesterday after my midwife appointment - thankfully I was able to go in as @pershorepatty were doing some filming there! I snook in and one of the guys kindly stopped what he was doing and served me this delicious chai latte. I was expecting the usual option of “do I want cows milk, oat.. soy?” (Being a veggie/vegan place, I knew there’d by those)... but no... he also added “we’ve got sesame or walnut.” I wasn’t sure if he meant the milk, or...? He did. Any they make it themselves there. Nothing is brought in at Vinnie’s, only the cows milk of course. So my coffee was made with a squirt of date syrup for sweetness, a homemade chai mix and I went for the sesame milk. And now I think I’m hooked. Of course I took it away in my @stojoco 🌱 Have you tried any unusual milks before? #cheltenham #vinnieseatery
  • THRIFTY DINNERS & LARDER ESSENTIALS | As promised, my post full of 20 thrifty dinner ideas is now live ☺️ I’ve also included a list of larder essentials to help you a long with your thrifty journey. Link is in the bio! I appreciate any support & always reciprocate 💖 Other than that, I’ve got my 34 week midwife appointment this afternoon which I’m looking forward to. Last night wasn’t too good though - woke up with a stomach ache & baby was moving A LOT. I ended up coming on here for a bit at 2am-ish as I just couldn’t sleep! Fingers crossed tonight will be better. 🤞🏼 #thriftyfoodchallenge #cupboardessentials #foodblogger
  • LEFTOVER YOGHURT | It’s back to normal in the Cantoni household this morning. Fabio has gone back to work and so it’s just me and the cat at present (shrimpy, just wait a week - I don’t mind if you arrive anytime after then!) Slowly counting down the weeks until baby’s arrival but for now I’m focusing on serious nesting & of course, being thrifty with food. I always have a second breakfast after my morning coffee with Fabio at about 7am, and today I remembered we had some leftover natural yoghurt. I used to love banana smoothies and so it seemed only right to make one as we have a bunch of bananas in the fruit bowl! I simply blended up one banana, 1/4 large tub of @yeovalley natural Greek style yoghurt & I like to add a tsp of honey for some sweetness, and of course it’s natural health benefits. A super simple brekkie to give me a healthy start to the morning! Although it probably won’t keep me full for long 😂 Why not join in with my #thriftyfoodchallenge and share what you’re having for breakfast! I’ll re-share any I’m tagged in ☺️ #bananasmoothie
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