For the last 3 months or so, excluding my time in America, I've been having this smoothie for breakfast instead of cereal or toast and I'm still not bored of it.

Not only does it leave me fuller for longer, but it's also much more nutritional and generally enjoyable to have, and is so simple to make.

I'd usually add a scoop of unflavoured protein powder to this smoothie so I've included that in the recipe, but at the moment I've ran out of the one I was using and so I'm making it without, but it's just as delicious and satisfying.

Also, I use a regular blender but you can use whatever type blender you like or have to hand.

To make one serving you'll need:

- 1 spoonful of peanut butter (I use crunchy but whichever you prefer)
- 1 banana
- A handful of strawberries (I usually use around 6)
- Ice cubes (Again, I tend to use 6)
- Water (I always do around the same amount as shown in the image below - I have no idea how much this actually measures to but just do it by eye depending on how runny you want it to be)
- Optional - 1 scoop of unflavoured protein powder 

To make 2 servings, simply double the ingredients, and so on for more. 





I always add the water to the blender first, followed by the ice cubes. 

I then pull the stems off the top of strawberries and throw them in whole.

I peel the banana and break it in to pieces using my hands and toss that in, along with a generous spoonful of crunchy peanut butter. I actually use Tesco value crunchy peanut butter and I find it delicious! 

Then of course, I lick the spoon clean.

I then pop the lid on the blender and blitz on full blast for about 10 seconds. I then tend to turn the blender down to a lower speed for another 10 seconds or so.

You're left with a perfectly blended, rosy red, delicious looking smoothie for one.

I always use this cup that I bought from Primark just because it is the perfect size for this serving of smoothie, but you can just use any large, tall glass.

Pop in a straw, or two, and enjoy!



(Leather look trousers - New Look) (Lace-up top - Miss Selfridge) (Maxi nutrition bar, Touch of Silver shampoo, Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes conditioner, Advance White extreme whitening toothpaste, Tea tree & witch hazel exfoliating face scrub - Boots).
I have recently returned from a truly incredible once-in-a-lifetime holiday and thought I would share some snapshots of it with you.

On the 29th June I departed Manchester airport headed for the United States, Newark to be precise. Here I was to set off on my 3 week adventure with Trek America, travelling across the States from Newark all the way to Los Angeles on the Southern Sun tour with a truly brilliant bunch of people, camping and driving all the way.

Below is the map which shows all of the places we explored on our trip.


Here a few snapshots of my personal highlights of the holiday, starting with the soft sunset over Washington DC.


In Gatlinburg, Tennesse, we sampled rather too much moonshine and had a very merry time...



We explored the country offerings of Nashville.


I gained a lot more understanding and respect of Elvis during my time in Graceland.


We got up close and personal with some magnificent alligators during a swamp tour in Honey Island.



Did some legal graffiti at Cadillac Ranch.


Got horny in Texas (pun definitely intended).


Took a breath-taking 4x4 jeep tour of Monument Valley guided by the Navajos.



Slept under the stars and awoke to watch the sunrise.


My personal highlight of the entire trip - a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon complete with the Jurassic Park soundtrack playing. You have no idea how happy that made me *Jurassic Park geek over here*


Hiked up and down the Grand Canyon in the prime heat of the day, which was physically the single most difficult thing I've ever done in my life!


Gazed over the horseshoe at Lake Powell.


Hiked and climbed up Angel's Landing at Zion National Park, which was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life and I'm extremely proud of myself. The sense of achievement when not only making it to the top but also making it back down is an incredible feeling.


Chilled out, or should I say burned out, in Vegas.


And fell in love with an advertisement featuring Gisele. Is she not simply goddess-like? And the shoes...the shoes...


As you can see, I had a wonderful adventure, jam-packed with activities, sights and memories that I will never forget. I did things that I never imagined I would or could ever do, and for that I am grateful to not only Trek America for providing such brilliant trips, but especially to our Trek leader, Clayton, and the brilliant bunch of people I had the honour of sharing such an experience with.

If you want to find out more about Trek America and the numerous different trips they offer, visit their website by clicking here.






It's been a couple of days since I returned from my Trek America trip (more on that in another post), on which I found out that I'd managed to achieve a First Class degree in Sociology! Super happy. 

Anyway, I hadn't really had the opportunity to celebrate really, and still haven't properly, but I thought it would be nice to go to one of my favourite restaurants in Chester and have a delicious meal as a mini celebration. 

Piccolino is an Italian chain restaurant, one of twenty-one across the U.K., but you'd never think so. In my opinion it's the best Italian in the city and serves what I'd say is the best pizza I've ever eaten (and I've been to Italy!). 

We sat down are were greeted with freshly baked bread.



Which I took no time to dunk into the richest balsamic I've ever tasted, mixed with delicious olive oil. I always say you know you're at a good Italian when they greet you with bread.

We then delved into the menus and took no time at all to settle on pizza - they are the best we've ever tasted after all!



To drink, a glass of Coke for L and some fresh orange juice for myself. 

Before long, the pizzas arrived and looked just as beautiful as we'd remembered them

For L, the 'Pollo Parmigiana' - chicken, tomato, mozzarella, basil & Parmesan. 

I went for a classic Margherita, which I don't think I need to explain to you. 

Both simple but incredible. Crispy at the crust and sloppy in the centre.


Satisfied but still naughtily yearning for more, we were easily won over by the dessert menus.

C'mon, who can resist some gelati?

L is a sucker for white chocolate so naturally opted for that, and I'm always sold on chocolate but wanted to also dabble in the caramel, so asked for 2 scoops of cioccolato and 1 scoop of caramello. 

All the ice creams come in 3 scoops, I'm not just being greedy, honest!

He was too greedy to wait until I took a picture and delved in. 

I'm not much of a fan of biscotti so offered it up, much to L's joy. 

Both of our ice creams were, of course, exceptional. It seems Piccolino can do no wrong thus far. 

Meraviglioso!

If you're as much of a fan of Italian food as me, and ever get the chance to visit a Piccolino restaurant, don't pass it up! I promise you won't regret it. 

For a list of U.K. locations, click here.  


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