Carrot Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

09.52 in 2, 8, and, carrot, id, lentil, like, Paid, part, places, potato, soup, sweet, to, visit

Soup. Its simple, comforting and perfect for all year round. My go to soup is this delicious carrot, sweet potato and lentil soup. The bit of cumin gives it a warming flavour and the lentils are a good source of protein to help keep you fuller for longer. It contains ingredients that, will more often than not, already be in your kitchen - its such a lovely little soup to quickly whip up when needed. 

Over the past 2 weeks, I have consumed quite a lot of it, due to the fact I got braces. As anyone who has ever had braces knows, which is surprisingly quite a lot of people, that they can be a pain (literally) to eat with for the first week or 2 - and Ive heard its worse when you get them tightened. Oh the joys! 

Im also pretty busy with college work as this week is mock exam week. Although I dont have exam, exam, exam, I only realised a few weeks ago how much I need to know. Also, me being me, forgot about a whole heap of homework I had to do during the holidays - woop fun times. So this soup has come in handy. Having a few servings worth in the fridge ready to heat up whenever I dont have time to prepare something else.

Of course sweet potato is making an appearance again, who doesnt love them? No seriously, is there anyone who doesnt actually like them? If there is, what, why and how?

Anyway onto the recipe...

Ingredients:

• 3 Large carrots 
• 1 Large sweet potato
• 1 Onion
• 2/3 cup Red split lentils
• 2 Garlic cloves
• Boiled water
• 1/2 tsp Mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Paprika 
• Salt and pepper 
• 1 tbsp oil 

Directions:

Serves 4/5

1. Firstly, peel the sweet potato and carrots and then dice them. Rinse the lentils under some water.

2. Add the oil of choice to a large pan on a medium heat. Chop the onion and crush the garlic, then add them to the pan. 

3. Once the onion has softened, add in the diced carrot, potato and then the rinsed lentils. Pour over some boiling water (enough to cover the ingredients).

4. Turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Add in the herbs, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Then cover with a lid.

5. Stirring occasionally, leave to boil for 20 minutes. If needed, add in extra water to make sure it doesnt all soak up.

6. After 20 minutes, check to see if the everything has soften, if so remove from heat and leave to stand for a few minutes. Then blend the soup.

7. If needed, return to the heat briefly and then serve.

Printable Recipe Card

It goes perfectly alongside a piece of crusty bread or, my brothers preference, a small bowl of chunky chips. 

You can store any leftovers in sealed tupperware in the fridge, Id say for no more than 4 days, and have it to hand throughout the week. Or you could freeze it, allow it to completely cool and then pour it into a zip top freezer bag, release any excess air and then place in the freezer. It can last up to around 2/3 months.

Read more

8 Places Id Like To Visit Part 1

01.51 in 1, 3, 8, â£5, course, for, id, like, meal, Paid, part, places, to, under, visit

Travelling, oh what a perfect life that would be, if I could simply travel here, there and everywhere whenever.

Over the past few months, more than ever, Ive just wanted to get in a car or on a train or plane and just go somewhere. I think its because I havent been on a holiday in a while. But in the past our family holidays have mainly all been around the UK, and the only place Ive been aboard is France. Dont get me wrong, Ive loved each and every holiday Ive been on, but I want to see new places, experience new cultures and scenery.

So I thought Id make a list of places Id like to visit in the future. It would be absolutely fantastic to take a year out and just travel, but lets face it, that would be way to expensive for me. But, hopefully, Ill be able to visit each place at least once at some part of my life.

Im going to split this post into 2 parts, otherwise it would be way too long - it was so hard to narrow it down to a few places.

Image

Image

Image

Santorini 

Id often hear of friends going on holiday to Greece and if Im honest, I was never really taken with the idea of visiting Greece one day. I know! Whats wrong with me. But A few months ago I saw the pictures Zoella, Tanya Burr and Niomi Smart shared on their blogs from their trip together to Santorini and from then onwards Ive wanted to visit. It looks such a beautiful place! The glorious weather, amazing sea and the stunning views. We cant forget about how beautiful all the buildings are! It looks like such a lovely place to explore whether it be taking a boat ride out to sea, walking down the alleys or going on a hike.

Image

Image

Image

California

It would be amazing to visit a few places within California, its such an amazing place. Obviously, LA is one of the main places on the list - it has its amazing beaches, Universal Studios and Disneyland (who doesnt want to visit Disneyland?). I would also love to visit some of the national parks, especially Yosemite, how beautiful does it look!

Image

Image

Image

New York

Whilst talking about America I, like many others, would love to someday be able to walk the streets of New York. I would be great for a nice short break away, as I dont think I could spend too much time in all the hustle and bustle. But Id like to have a nice walk around Central Park, see Times Square at night, pay respect at the 9/11 memorial and watch a show on Broadway. Oh and we cant forget to take in the beautiful skyline view from the observation deck at Rockfeller Centre.

Image

Image

Image

Venice

It just looks stunning! Its a city full of beautiful architecture, canals that weave in an out of everywhere and labyrinths of alleys. Ive also read that they have some amazing cuisine as they always have a fresh slip of seafood and a marvellous array of fruits and vegetables. Apart from probably eating at every given opportunity, Id love to explore the city both by boat and foot, walk through St. Mark’s Place and visit the colourful island of Burano.

Have any of you ever been to any of these places? 

(Part 2)

Read more

8 Places Id Like To Visit Part 2

04.01 in 2, 2015, 8, day, for, id, like, Paid, part, places, recipes, romantic, to, valentines, visit

So heres the second half of the list (part 1). Writing these posts and looking at all the wonderful photos, whilst glancing out my window to a view of the back of houses and rainy weather, has made me really want to just head to one of the places now. But seeing as that isnt possible, Ill just have to take in what I have and look forward to hopefully visiting these amazing places.

Image

Image

Image

Switzerland

My dad did a bit of travelling with a group of friends when he was in his 20s and they travelled across to Switzerland, from France, and visited a few different places. They went down the backpacking route and instead of staying in hotels, opted to camp. He always shares great stories with me, one being that because of their accent and dialect, another group didnt think they where English and instead started running off countries (luckily I dont sound like that...well hopefully). I love looking at the pictures he took and would love to some day visit the places he did - Zermatt, Visp, Basel, Geneva and Interlaken. As well as the beautiful Swiss national park.

Image

Image

Image

New Zealand & Fji

Okay so technically, this makes it 9 places rather than 8, but Id love to go from one to the other. I only recently have been made interested in visiting here, whilst watching the lovely Carly Rowenas travel vlog from when she visited. Thats my type of holiday - full of adventure! Although I dont really mind the odd beach day, I would much rather be in the sea doing a water activity. Both places look glorious and I would love to do a bunch of the activities Carly did, they all look so fun; however Id probably get a little tense at the underwater cave swimming.

Image

Image

Image

Iceland

Until I was about 12/13 I dont really think Id heard much about the country (is that bad?) However, I somehow befriended some from Iceland - we lost touch after about a year. But, country looks to hold some beautiful scenes. Some of the things Id like to do are: visit the Skaftafell Ice Cave, relax in the hot springs at Blue Lagoon, witness the magic of the Northern Lights and trek in Landmannalaugar.

Image

Image

Image

South Africa

I remember watching a show on CBBC that was like a reality show for kids, which was based in South Africa called Safari 8 and it made me really interested in visiting. Literally, every show I watched like it - like Outback 8 and all the Serious shows - I wanted to go on. Fun fact: I actually applied to go on Escape to Scorpian Island in 2008/9. Anyway, went a little off topic there. South Africa is home to some beautiful animals and itd be amazing to go on a safari trip and view them in their natural habitat rather than in enclosures and zoos. Although I think Id be pretty scared, itd be great to go on an adventurous canopy tour. Also, to spend some time in Cape town.

Read more

Twinings Fruit Selection Pack Review

18.38 in 1, 8, fruit, id, like, pack, Paid, part, places, review, selection, to, twinings, visit

Tea, tea, tea, such a wonderful thing! 

As I mentioned in my 8 tips for drinking more water post, teas are a great way to increase your water intake and many come along with health benefits too. But if you are like me and have tried fruit and/or herbal teas in the past and not got along with them too well, it can be hard to find ones you like. There are literally so many options lining the supermarket isles. It can feel quite over whelming trying to pick up your next option to try. Which brand? Fruit or herbal? Which flavour?

The other week whilst in Tesco I walked down the tea isle and spotted this Twinings Fruit Selection Pack for only £1.50 (please note that the prices do sometimes change). There are a few reasons I picked it up:

•  A selection pack! Such a great idea being able to try a few different flavours without buying full boxes. 
• Inexpensive. Only £1.50 for a pack of 25 tea bags.
• Flavours sounded delicious and not to over powering.

When I got home I popped the kettle on and, instead of reaching for my beloved PG tips, brewed a cup of fruit tea - letting the tea bag sit for around 3 minutes and then stirred in some stevia to sweeten it. After the first sip I was sold! It was lovely and fruity, it didnt make me feel queasy (which I have found with some in the past) and the little bit of stevia really helped with adding a hint of sweetness.

Within the selection pack you get:

• Strawberry & Raspberry - A deliciously tart and tangy celebration of berries
• Cranberry & Blood Orange - Liven up any day with sharp orange and tangy cranberries
• Blackcurrant & Vanilla - Enjoy the sweet tangy taste of blackcurrants and aromatic vanilla
• Mango & Strawberry - Intensely fruity, tangy-sweet and lusciously rich...
• Cranberry & Raspberry - Experience sharp, sweet cranberry and tangy, soft raspberry

In terms of ranking them in preferences, I have found it quite hard. There has been quite a bit of thought around it, but Id personally say - Cranberry & Raspberry, Strawberry & Raspberry, Cranberry & Blood Orange, Mango & Strawberry and lastly Blackcurrant & Vanilla. 

You can purchase each tea separately for around £1.50, at Tescos, for 20 teabags (please note that the prices do sometimes change). However I find that a little unfair as for the selection pack you get 5 extra for the same price and because I did really enjoy them, Ill most likely just repurchase the selection pack. Having said that, the Blackcurrant & Vanilla is the only one I wouldnt buy again - but luckily my mum enjoys that one. 

It just shows its personal preference, but I highly recommend picking up this selection pack if youre wanting to drink more tea or broaden out from the classic cup of tea. Theres also the option of Twinings Speciality Tea Selection and the Twinings Green Tea Selection.

TIP  

If youd like to get the benefits from green tea but cant stomach it (like me) then brew up a cup of fruit tea but only fill just over half way with hot water, then top it up with cold water. Then add in a green tea bag and let it steep - dont pour the hot water over it as it will make it taste bitter. Now go a head, remove the tea bags, sweeten if preferred and enjoy. 

Read more