Radio GA GA

Being a vegetarian can often prove difficult when you live in a small town like I do. I will often find myself reluctant to eat out as most of the options are samey and unimaginative; processed meatless sausages or cheese pizzas and unlike most vegetarians the reason I don't eat meat is simple, I just don't like the taste or texture. Of course I am conscience about what I eat and would always buy 'happy' meat previously, but would often just cook meatless dishes.

Radio is a small family run cafe in the local town of Oswestry, with homemade treats and tasty tapas. The quirky interior and friendly staff give it a warm and welcoming atmosphere, so after a few too many glasses of wine the previous night we ventured out for a well earned Saturday brunch. It was market day, the sun was shining and the streets were lined with delicate cake stalls and haberdashery. The relaxed atmosphere was inviting and the quality selection of meals on the menu meant we were spoilt for choice. The vegetarian options were varied and there were lots to choose from, instead of having to order the only suitable thing on the menu. 

Gem and I ordered a pot of Earl Grey while we decided what to have. I finally decided on the homemade vegetable burger with sautéed, halved new potatoes and onion salad and Gem chose the vegetarian breakfast which may I add didn't have a meat substitute sausage in sight.

I munched every last morsel and didn't regret one mouthful. 

The homemade burger was made up of beans and vegetables and was packed with flavour, the sautéed new potatoes were delicious; all that was accompanied by a mouth watering tomato and onion salad with a balsamic dressing.

The young friendly staff were helpful and relaxed and the mix of customers gave it a unity. From small children to dogs, giving this small place a great quality of community, with our bellies full and a few extra pennies saved we worked off those carbs with a healthy dose of thrifting, I can't wait to venture out one evening to try their tapas.

10/10

Open on Friday & Saturday evenings for tapas so if you're in the local area it is a must and you can even take your own bottle of wine.

Laurie Rose 

Evolve

If you don't already know I have dry/ sensitive skin that can be flaky and itchy although it has improved since coming off my medication but I still suffer from time to time and it's a pain, I can hardly apply fake tan or gradual tanners as it clogs and looks awful. I have a few go to moisturisers and prescribed emollients but I am always on the look out for something different.  

Evolve embody everything you would expect from an organic natural beauty range, cruelty free, recycled materials and a passion to create products that really work. I stumbled across their website while researching natural beauty and just had to give it a go. I usually always start with a moisturiser when trying out a new range and this product didn't let me down. Firstly it smells amazing, there is only one thing that comes to mind when I apply this, and somehow I am taken back to a childhood birthday party. It smells like icing, not a scent you would usually want smothered all over your body but it's wonderful and fresh and in no way sickly. 

Skin Cocoon Body Cream : £14.99 for 200ml

I have been using this product for a good few months now and I love it, it melts perfectly into the skin and its not too thick. I often find products designed for dry/ sensitive skin are heavy and a pain to apply but it glides beautifully over your skin and a little goes a long way. I am excited about this brand and would love to try some more of what evolve have to offer, I'm nearing the end of my shampoo and conditioner, will definitely be stocking up on more evolve products come pay day.

Laurie Rose xo

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Eat your Greens.

Eat your greens.

A story of becoming a vegetarian.

As a self conscience teenager I explored all avenues of weight loss and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I was adamant that I would aspire to have the figure of Kelly Brook. In reality I was NOT going to achieve that EVER! Then like every other teenager in the world, we discover alcohol. Those dreams were soon a haze as I chowed down on a late night binge of pizza and chips. For years I had issues with my weight and my appearance in general and after attending professional dance school I realised not matter how hard I tried I am just not built to be a size six. So after years of abusing alcohol and food (and needless to say my poor body) I have come to the conclusion the only way to somehow sustain a healthy lifestyle is to eliminate certain foods from my diet. 

I started back in December when I slowly began to wean myself off alcohol, something I had never genuinely enjoyed, I had been doing so well and then at the weekend I had a few too many a realised I would never expose my body like that again. I felt rotten for days and then it hit me, I am going to do it, I'm going to become a vegetarian. I have always been a meat eater and I had always said that I could never give up my Saturday morning bacon sandwich or my Roast Chicken on a Sunday but I am at a place in my life now that I am strong enough to resist. 

I want to become aware of the foods I am putting into my body and I found this to be the perfect way to explore the affects meat and other foods have on our bodies.

After spending the night in an all vegan household Henry felt I had been slightly brainwashed, but the truth of the matter is most Vegetarians or Vegans will not force their views onto anyone and are happy for others to eat meat in their presence. There is a total misconception that you become a preacher, I have never been one to follow a trend or to feel pressured into doing anything. 

I am on day three and I feel so healthy & full of energy. I would love to keep you folks up to date on my progress, and share great recipes, if you are a vegetarian or a vegan and you have any advice please do get in touch I would love some support.

Laurie Rose xx