I remember watching a lot of old movies when I was younger, and imagined myself being the lead character, living a glam life, living the dream. Later in life, these characters influenced a lot of my thinking about lifestyle and how I wanted to create memories but also influence people around me. My career as a content creator didn’t come over night. I had to work really hard for more than 10 years to achieve the level I am at right now. When people ask me what my advice is for anyone who wants to start a blog, I tell them to do it with a passion for something, not to be driven by a business mind. Yes, you do need the latter, because as in any business you have to rely on a good organisation of resources, but through it all, live the passion. Be positive, spontaneous, and feel free to enjoy your life and everything in it. Have your own voice and show people a different perspective throughout your life. As long as you touch lives positively, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
One other way to achieve a mature lifestyle is to change your mind set, and take time for yourself. Feel free to enjoy life and express your unique identity and interests through a lifestyle worth inspiring others.
If I had to define my lifestyle motto it would be to “make a statement everywhere you go”. Leave your own print in a world of concrete, and never underestimate the power of a nice smile, a red lipstick and a golden heart. I’ve always been characterised as that girl that can cook in a pretty dress. Most of you know I started my blog more than a decade ago in the kitchen, trying different recipes, but also sharing photos of my daily outfits. As the years went by, my lifestyle matured, but I still had a soft spot for beautiful gowns. So whether it was grocery shopping, having breakfast or attending a wedding, I always had to dress the part, because it made me feel feminine, and more me. Discover that special trait that defines you and master it.
Talking about breakfast, I have decided to take it seriously and start making it one of the most important times of the day. Most of the time I have my photoshoots in the morning, as I get more natural light. Being busy with makeup, finding the right outfit, studying the brief properly takes a lot of time, and sometimes I eat the wrong snacks.
One of my New Years resolutions was to live life better and add lighter options in terms of sugar and fat. One of my favourite sweet treats is the Light* & Free Yogurt that has 0% added sugar** and 0% fat free; it is a delicious thick creamy-tasting Greek style yogurt packed with fruit pieces. A perfect option up for grabs when I’m a having a break during my photoshoot, or when I’m in a rush to take my daughter to nursery.
I am really concerned about the levels of added sugar in food and drink products lately so having Light* & Free as a part of my busy lifestyle means I’m not compromising the great taste or the right balance of “double-zero”.
I love mixing my yogurt with blueberries and raw carrot or apple and cinnamon muesli for the complete breakfast experience. Despite Light* & Free being free of fat and added sugar**, the first spoon I had was honestly divine and I couldn’t believe this yogurt was under 60 calories. I could have this yogurt treat every day now, helping me keep my resolutions for a better life. Adulthood, take that!
On another note, you can enjoy my favourite loaf recipe where I’ve added raspberry and Light & Free lemon yogurt. It is so delicious, light and easy to make. As a tip, you might want to double the ingredients because the entire family will ask for seconds!
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees. Grease a medium sized loaf pan. Grease and flour the pan.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Add slowly the raspberry in the mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the centre of the loaf comes out clean.
Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.
When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool.
For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cake.
How do you live your life to the fullest? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
*Over 30% fewer calories than most full fat fruit yogurts ** Contains naturally occurring sugars
Post sponsored by Light & Free. All opinions are my own.
