HAT, SKIRT & JACKET - ASOS // TOP - RIVER ISLAND // TRAINERS - NEXT I finally found a hat to fit my pea-shaped head!! Thank you Asos. Too bad it's approaching winter and I'll barely get any wear out of it now until next summer. This is the only outfit I managed to photograph while in NY which is really bad of me, but it is in the best location ever.. in front of the whole of the city! 

RECIPE: AMERICAN PANCAKES

A few weeks ago before my trip to NYC I decided to get into the American mood and make myself some american pancakes. I'd never tried eating nor making them and I'm pretty chuffed with how they turned out! If you want to give it a go like me, I've written up a lovely little recipe for you to follow. It's super simple!

Ingredients:

100g plain flower

1tsp baking soda

1 egg

100ml milk

1tsp brown sugar

a pinch of salt

The first step is to seive both the baking soda and flour into a bowl, seiving will help it catch air to make your pancakes super fluffy! After this, add the milk, sugar and salt, as well as the yolk of the egg - keep the egg white in a seperate bowl. Mix the mixture until it forms a batter consitency.

Next you want to whisk the egg white. I decided to use this cute little whisk, although, if like me you lack in arm strength and stamina, use an electric whisk! Once it is stiff and forms peaks, begin to gently fold it into the batter.

Heat up your pan, if it's not non-stick chuck on a bit of butter first. Scoop the batter into the pan, making the pancakes as big or small as you like! I managed to make 4 smaller sized ones. They don't take long to cook at all so make sure you keep an eye on them.

When they're all done, stack them up and enjoy them with whatever toppings you choose!

Finding motivation to work out

Shoes* - Sports Shoes // Bra/Crop Vest* - New Look // Top - Sweat Shop // Bottle - Sainburys

Buy some new gear.. if you're really serious.

If you're really serious about getting into shape, you wont mind parting with some money. Of course this isn't necessary if you've already got plenty of gym wear from all those other occasions you decided to get fit, but it definitely helps. Let's be serious, who doesn't love buying clothes?!

Make a workout routine

By knowing exactly what you're going to do when you get to the gym makes it a whole lot easier. Decide how long you'll run for, how many sets and how many reps and you'll save yourself a lot of pondering.

Make goals

Seeing progress is what makes going to the gym so worthwhile, so make some goals! Whether that be losing a certain number of pounds, lifting a certain weight or running a certain distant in a certain time frame.

Plan a timetable

For me, this is one of the most important things to do to stay motivated. At the end of every week go and plan your week ahead, fitting in those gym trips. This way you leave time and know exactly when you're going. If you miss out session you'd planned the guilt is almost unbearable!

Reward yourself

Hard work get's rewards. Go eat some damn chocolate.

NYC HAUL

Naked Palette - Sephora // Jumper - H&M // Trainers - Footlocker // NYPD Tee - NYC GIFTS // Pooh - Disney // Underwear - Victoria's Secret

You can't go to New York City without making any purchases can you? Although the majority of our time was spent doing touristy things, we did manage to squeeze in a little time to spend some dollar. Of course, I had to buy some new trainers with the price being a lot less across the pond! I've been after some casual ones for Uni for a while and the Nike Theas are perfect. I also (finally!) bought the naked palette. I'm super happy with the naked 3 palette I already have but have been dying to get my hands on the original for years. Sephora was a beautiful shop. Next I got a cute blue jumper from H&M. I love the lace detailing. From VS I got a beautiful khaki set, the bra is racer back with a lovely lace back. My mum found this cute little pooh bear in the Disney Store which is the perfect size for when I go away on holidays! Finally, I had to get a NYPD tee to remember the trip didn't I?!

P.S On Sunday I move to my new home at University. I'm so scared but excited to start a new adventure. I have a few posts scheduled but bear with me if I'm a bit vacant for a while, I'll be back to normal asap x

NEW YORK DAY FOUR

Day four was techically our last day as we travelled back late evening of day five. I woke up very ill this day but made a speedy recovery and we finished our travels with a trip to the iconic Central Park. We got a horse and carriage ride around which was pretty awesome, it was like in the movies!! After a day of more shopping and wandering we finished with what was the best meal of our time there - West Side Steak House. We all had the most delicious steaks leaving our bellies very happy. We popped back to Times Square to take some final photos, where I also took an awesome time-lapse video which you can see on my instagram!

New York really has been a once in a lifetime trip and I am so grateful to have been able to go. Hopefully I'll be able to visit again soon!