Latest Posts

& Other Stories Just Slayed Summer Dressing

Published by Sheree Milli

My all-time favourite high street store & Other Stories just killed everything. They win. I went into their Regent Street store the other day and was blown away by their spring/summer collections, they have the prefect pretty dresses for all your BBQ, wedding and festival needs and some seriously ‘fashwan’ accessories.

I had (I mean literally had) to buy their sequinned floral dress, it’s the best dress I’ve ever seen in my life. It does come up incredibly small (I hope) and I had to go up by two sizes, either that or I’m in major denial about my physique. Regardless of their slim Scandi sizing, I just adore this shop, the clothing is always great quality and on point – not too trendy, but never dull – and their beauty range is awesome too, but that’s another story for another day.

Here’s a tip, buy online and save 10% with the code FRIENDS.

MY TOP STORIES PICKS

Pink shoes £79 SHOP

Sequinned Dress £165 SHOP

Bag £65 SHOP

Maxi Dress £79 SHOP

In Defence of ‘Wellness’ and Healthy Eating

Published by Sheree Milli

There is a recent VICE article doing the rounds The Unhealthy Truth Behind ‘Wellness’ and ‘Clean Eating’ by ex Bake Off star Ruby Tandoh that caught my attention. In the article which is definitely worth a read, Tandoh questions whether this new obession with juicing, eating gluten-free and detoxing is really healthy at all. In fact she shares a little about her own eating disorder (she suffered from anorexia) and how advocates of clean eating such as Ella Woodward of Deliciously Ella and the Hemsley sisters gave her an excuse to restrict her eating and cut out certain food groups.

While a part of me agrees with her, it is only a small part, and while I also know that orthorexia (an eating disorder centered around a fixation on healthy or clean foods) is very real and I feel terrible for the people who suffer with that or any other eating disorder, when it comes to some pretty girls flogging healthy cookbooks and posting chia seeds on Instagram, I can’t help but think ‘what’s the big deal?’.

Food trends come and go and people dip in and out of them, in recent years we’ve had competitive eating a la Man vs. Food, the cronut, freak shakes, a whole influx of American fast food and, yes, quinoa. I know which fads are more fun, but I also know that chugging a 7000 calorie milkshake is way more harmful than trying a green juice.

The majority of people will never take the healthy eating thing to extremes because although they’re on the up, eating disorders are still rare. If you’re going to get one, you’re going to get one, regardless of the triggers or what you are eating. So I truly think that introducing new foods, recipes and ways of preparing healthy food to the public is a good thing.

The Hemsley sisters LIVING for their courgetti CREDIT: hemsleyhemsley.com

I’m very lucky, I come from a family that cooks, both grandmothers are incredible cooks who regularly cook meals for tens of people from scratch. My mum has always prepared healthy foods at home, as a child I was fortunate enough to be introduced to new foods constantly. I literally went to school with a girl who had never tried a red grape, she didn’t believe they existed, the same girl had also never tried rice (but that’s a different story). I have friends in their twenties who can’t roast a chicken, let alone make a basic, nutritious meal.

So the fact that Madeleine Shaw, Ellie Pear and Amelia Freer are not only here but bang on trend is a very good thing, it’s forcing people to look at their diet and think ‘yeah, maybe I can’t live on frozen pizzas and Pret for life’. I honestly feel like my life changed when I bought a Nutribullet, I do not see what can be unhealthy about me drinking a crazy amount of green vegetables every morning rather than a bowl of cornflakes.

As for going overboard, I’m not stupid, and I’m definitely not rich, I know that most people, myself included, just cannot afford to eat the way these ‘gurus’ want us to 24/7. It is incredibly expensive. Ella Woodward is heir to the Sainsburys’ fortune so she’s good for organic almond milk and cashew butter, but for everyone else, we just can’t afford it. Try making a full Hemsley Hemsley recipe without leaving anything out and you’re looking at around £25 for a batch of black bean brownies.

But… it is no bad thing to broaden people’s horizons when it comes to food. And a large proportion of Brits do eat disgustingly; it’s been ten years since the government’s big ‘Eat Your 5 a Day’ drive and how many people do eat their 5 a day? Well 64% of adults don’t and, even worse, only 21% of 16-24 year olds achieve the 5-a-day target.

You are what you eat, you really, really are. Ever since I was sucked in to the cult of wellness I feel really great, amazing even. Equally, when I go on a wine bender and only eat fried chicken for a full week (it’s been known to happen) I feel sluggish, tired, spotty and generally yuk.

There is little to no food education in the UK, when I was a school we learnt how to make Toad in The Hole (that nutritious blend of processed meat and flour) and also how to make a sandwich. If it weren’t for my mum who wanted to train as a dietician, and a big love for Jamie Oliver’s crusade telly, I wouldn’t have clue about the foods my body needs to function. Even highly eductated people can be utterly clueless about eating well, because as a country, until now, we haven’t valued teaching the population about eating well.

It’s so important, there are soooo many studies that prove eating a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, fish and fruits can stave of disease, make you look younger, improve libido, cure cancer! We should be celebrating the Amelia Freers and Natatsha Coretts of this world. One point Tandoh does make that bears repeating is that these people have little to no training or authority, they’re self-styles gurus, they aren’t actually qualified to be experts of nutrition. And yes, some of them can be a little preachy, some of them can encourage cutting out entirely innocuous food groups LIKE HELLO WE CAN ALL EAT GLUTEN, IT’S FINE. But it’s not like they’re quacks saying they can fix a broken leg with an avocado or offering to cure your angina – suggesting we all eat a bit more kale and drink more coconut water is harmless.

In fact trying out that cashew milk or agave syrup is probably, nay definitely, good for you. Especially if it stops you reaching for a Cadbury’s Flake.

I applaud the clean eating movement for getting people excited about, actually pretty fucking boring food. Let’s be real, when was the last time anyone got into a tiz over a courgette? It’s a now status symbol to walk out of Boom Cycle with your green juice now. Which I think we can all agree is much better than aping the Olsen twins and walking round with a gallon of caffeinated sugar milk from Starbucks. So lets just all chill on this; try a spiralizer, it’ll be fun – and no one’s gonna judge you if you still have a Patisserie Valerie once a week.

Read the VICE article that inspired this post HERE

India: The Best & The Worst

Published by Sheree Milli

It seems ages ago since I went to India, needless to say I loved it and I will be back. You have my word. So to refresh my memory and to also give you guys some travel tips here is the best (and worst) India has to offer.

The Best Bits

The Best Food

Definitely momos which are kind of steamed filled dumplings and apparently tibetan, but wherever they’re from they are good. They cost roughly 30-40IR (30-40p) from street vendors. Or there is a fast food chain version called Wow Momo which does every kind of momo known to man – chocolate, tandoori style, momo burger, fried, steamed, you name it and they do it.

Wow Momo, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi

The Best Vibezzz

Varanasi at sunrise was an unforgettable experience. Being in the holiest place in India and therefore the world (FU Vatican City) was pretty spesh, the river Ganga is where Hindus and some other religions burn their dead to send them off to the spirit world all pure. I also got the best souvenir on the river from a man in a boat – a Ganesh Russian Doll (haggled down from 600IR to 200IR).

Being on the river Ganga at sunrise is an experience I’ll never forget.

The Best Bar

The Social in Hauz Khas of course. See also: Abode, The Vault (both in the village)

The Best Experience

It’s a toss up between Pushkar, the art class I did in Udaipur which cost just £4 and was such a fun experience I never thought I’d be having and Varanasi. It’s a crazy place. I also really, really like Delhi – it’s a really cool city with a bad rep. I had so much fun there, the clubs are great, the transport is slicker than even London and the people are so friendly.

The ghats at Varanasi

The Best Discovery

This hotel! Take me back now

Of course it wasn’t all good, but don’t let these little gripes put you off going.

The Worst Bits

Litter

I’m sorry but no matter how I try I just can’t get down with this, like fucking get some bins! It’s just mad coming from the west where dropping a crisp packet will see you relived of £80 instantly in the form of a fine, to India where every street is a rubbish dump. Even in rural areas that are really beautiful, there’s litter everywhere. There are some exceptions – the posher parts of Delhi, Udaipur and Pushkar.

The Caste System

It still exists WTF? There is a caste called the untouchable caste and people literally will not touch them – I witnessed this between a hotel manager and a cleaner, the manager wanted some keys from the cleaner and he had to place them on a table rather than pass them directly to the manager. It just really upset me, like join the 21st century India.

Begging

The begging is next level in India, not necessarily in terms of numbers but just in the methods. It’s always the cutest, most beautiful little children you’ve ever seen (who are clearly picked for this reason) and they will throw themselves at your feet, cry and grab at you. It’s overwhelming. But you must not give money to them, it will go straight into the hands of their kidnappers.

Lack of Women

In some places it’s rare to see a woman on the street, they’re all indoors. I know India has a terrible reputation for it’s treatment of women, but i have to say I felt very safe, respected and welcomed everywhere I went. However I was surprised just how little interaction I had with females in the month I was there – it’s definitely a man’s world.

In Agra I visited Sheroes Hangout; a cafe run by survivors of acid attacks. It was a humbling experience and showed me the dark side of how India’s women are treated. Acid attacks and honour killings are still common practice in rural areas which is terrible.

Read about Sheroes HERE

What a place! ❤

Sheree’s Super Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Published by Sheree Milli

Since my trip to Bali where I tried my first smoothie bowl at this awesome cafe (Alchemy, check out the review here) I have been craving smoothie bowls like there’s no tomorrow. Which makes a change from craving Toffee Crisps, and is much, much healthier. So I thought I’d have a crack at making my own since they are incredibly expensive to buy here in the UK. So here is my recipe, oh and it was DELICIOUS!!!!

3 Steps To Breakfast Heaven

STEP ONE: The Smoothie Base

This is important because it’s the main component of your bowl, your smoothie needs to be thick, a lot thicker than a usual smoothie. So I use bananas because they thicken anything up and they’re cheap, but you can also try avocados, yoghurt (or a dairy free alternative if you’re lactose intolerant like me. Blend everything together in a Nutribullet or blender.

1 Banana
Handful Frozen summer fruits
Almond milk
Manuka Honey

STEP 2: The Fruit

You can use anything here to be honest, just chop up some of your favourite fruit. A good rule of thumb is to try and get a few colours in there because eating the rainbow is,like, sooo good for you. I will suggest melon, it’s so refreshing and a melon will keep for ages in the fridge and make many, many smoothie bowls. Try blueberries, avocado, dragon fruit, peach… anything goes.

Melon
Strawberries
Banana

STEP 3: The Toppings

This is the fun bit and where you can really pack in those nutrients, there are hundreds of things you can sprinkle on top: flaked coconut, bee pollen, cinnamon, almonds, pumpkin seeds, mint, raisins, pecans… so much. The only thing you need is granola because it adds some much needed crunch.

Toasted Almond Flakes
Mixed Seeds
Granola

And there you have it, a nutritious, colourful and tasty smoothie bowl. Obviously go to town on the presentation so you can instagram it with pride.

My Beauty Routine

Published by Sheree Milli

I would say I’m pretty low-maintenance, although I love to experiment with new lotions and potions. During the day I don’t wear much makeup at all (except for filling in my brows with Rimmel Brow Pencil in Brown/Black) so it’s important my skin looks clear. If I eat badly I break out so I try and drink gallons of water and lots of green veg and eggs, I do have a sweet tooth but I think as long as the good outweighs the bad it’s cool. I drink the Hemsley + Hemsley green juice a few times a week which gives you an inner glow.

My skin is quite sensitive so I’m drawn to unfragranced products and love French pharmacy brands like La Roche Posay which you can get easily in the UK now. Their Effaclair face wash is amazing, I buy the biggest bottle they do, it makes your face feel super-clean but doesn’t strip it of all its oils. I have shiny skin so I don’t moisturise in the morning unless it’s deep winter when you need that bit of moisture. Every night before I go to sleep I slather on a thick layer of coconut oil (I get mine from the Indian supermarket where it’s cheap) and when I wake up my skin is gorgeous and plump. Although it’s oily it’s great for spots – I think it’s antibacterial.

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If I do moisturise in the day I love to use Hylamide products which are so light and make a visible difference to your skin. I have the brightness booster and it gives your skin a kind of instant glow, I don’t know how, but it’s great if you don’t wear makeup.

I’m obsessed with lipbalms because my lips are huge and they get really dry – especially in winter – it’s so unattractive. I use Glossier Balm Dotcom which is like an uber Vaseline and stays put for hours, Cherry Chapstick is amazing, I love the smell and the pink sheen it gives your lips. When I go out I wear a red lip, probably Mac Ruby Woo which is the best red ever. It does dry out your lips because it’s so matte, so I then use 8 Hour Cream as a treatment after I’ve removed it.

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Makeup-wise I stick to MAC and Illamasqua, the products are so highly pigmented that you don’t need to slather them on. Less is more is my mantra; I hate it when I can feel makeup on my skin, so I almost never wear foundation, and if I do I just cover and blemishes and put a little under my eyes and around the red bit on my nostrils. Blusher makes you look more alive, just don’t go too dark.

My favourite fragrance is Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens, it’s my signature scent – I’ve never met anyone else who wears it. It’s a deep, spicy amber and it’s really sexy. I also use a Chanel Coco Mademoiselle body oil because it lasts all day. The Bodyshop do the best body moisturisers in big pots, I like the coco butter one because it smells like heaven but they also do a mango scent and one with shimmer in it, I pick them up whenever I pass a Bodyshop because I my skin is thirsty all the time!

Five Minute Guacamole Recipe

Published by Sheree Milli

This is a variation of the delicious guac my old housemate Amy used to make for me (under duress), now, I don’t have her patience for carefully crafting amazing dips, I just want to eat. So I figured out how to make my own guacamole in a matter of minutes. Hers will always be best… but this is a pretty good recipe too.

INGREDIENTS
Large Ripe Avocado
Small Red Onion (Diced)
Tomato (Diced)
1/2 Tsp Chilli Powder
Handful of Fresh Chopped Coriander
Juice of 1 Small Lime
Salt & Pepper to Season

Once you’ve diced what you need to dice, peel the avocado – is that to obvious? Anyway, do peel and de-stone it. Telling if an avocado is ripe is pretty difficult, I say, if it’s soft to touch, use it, anther way to tell is to remove the brown stem at the top and if it comes away easily and is green underneath the fruit is ripe. If not and it’s brown underneath, it’s unripe… other than that you’re on your own.
Anyway, the method. Just mash it all together with a fork. Taste, maybe add ore lime or seasoning depending on your taste, then eat with toasted pitta or nachos.
You could add garlic to this recipe, fresh chilli (I use powdered because it provides a more even heat and I always have it in) or peppers. Considering the ridiculously easy method, it’s sooooooo tasty. It’s my new favourite afternoon snack.

The Palomar, Soho

Published by Sheree Milli

After months of trying to get a booking for this unassuming Soho eatery I finally managed to get in for an early evening supper and I’m already planning my next visit. The Palomar is sister to the uber cool Machneyuda restaurant in Jerusalem. Like Machneyuda, The Palomar’s delectable menu features dishes from Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant – but with a twist. As usual I took my trusty iPhone along to document my meal…

What to do, eat and see in Ubud

Published by Sheree Milli

I never planned to go to Ubud because it looks very inland on the map and I was on such a beach vibe but at the suggestions of friends (THANK YOU) I visited this jungle paradise and I am going to live here one day, I swear. I love Ubud so much; the food, the people, the scenery. It’s a must see. I spent a week there and it was nowhere near long enough.

Anyhoo, enough of me kissing Ubud’s butt, read on for my tips on how to make the most of your trip there.

Where to stay…

Balibuu hostel was where we stayed for 6 days and it was… interesting. The hostel has a great outside common area with a pool, lots of tables and two baby bunny rabbits (both of whom tragically died during or stay there, but I’m sure they replace them?) and the rooms are nice.

However I stayed on the top bunk and almost died from discomfort, like I’d wake up in the middle of the night just thinking ‘ow, ow, ow, ow’ and I’m not a diva, in fact it’s one of my most valued skills that I’m able to sleep literally anywhere… on the floor, standing up, you name it. So yeah the beds are the most uncomfortable I’ve ever slept in. My pals seemed okay on the bottom bunks though.

After two nights of zero sleep I moved into the weird honeycomb structures in the lobby, like bamboo tubes with blankets, these had no mattresses but were still more comfortable than the bunkbed. Sadly sleep was to evade me in the noisy lobby, due to the BIRDS THAT LIVE IN THE ROOF. I really liked this hostel and the social aspect of it but I think the lack of sleep made me a bit ill, so I’d advise staying a night or two then moving onto somewhere more comfy.

Where to eat…

Alchemy, a vegan cafe, which I’ve reviewed here, the street food here is outstanding – it’s so cheap as well.

Masakan Padang which I thought was the name of a restaurant but which I’ve since seen in several other places so I think it’s a type of food… like a buffet. There is one near Balibuu hostel (turn left, first place on your right over the bridge) where I went twice daily; spicy chicken, succulent veggies and the tastiest chilli sauce in the world.com all for 17,000 Rupiah (or less than £1). This food was outrageously good. It reminded me of my mum’s Jamaican chicken, which is the highest complement.

Where to drink…

Jungle Fish which I have devoted a whole post to here because IT IS AMAAAAAZZZZZING!

Where to party…

CP Lounge is one of the few bars in Ubud that stays open really late and has a party vibe. While Ubud is just not about dat life (you’ll be doing so much wholesome daytime stuff that come the evening you’ll be knackered and watching Broad City with a takeaway pizza) you do sometimes need a dance so here’s good for that. You’ll also see everyone here since it’s the only option. The music is okay though and the drinks are reasonable (just skip table service to save cash).

What to do…

Ubud Market is great and I bought, wait for it; three dresses, one t-shirt, one bag, twoooooo silver ringsssss. LOL, the dresses here are beautiful and the perfect thing to wear in hot weather, I kinda wish I’d bought more. Please HAGGLE LIKE A BEAST though as they will try and extort any tourist stupid enough. One dress I was quoted 380,000 Rupiah for and I got it for 100,000 Rupiah. You can usually get at least 50% knocked off. I got the prettiest red dress for just £2.50 and I’ve already worn it 5 times. Cost per wear on fleek!

There’s a stunning waterfall which costs just 10,000 Rupiah entrance and is an epic adventure to get to. We enlisted the help of a gang of local youths, I think they thought we were going to die… but yeah we accidentally went to the non-tourist top of the waterfall instead of the bottom where you can swim first, but what a view. Afterwards we made it into the pool and it was INVIGORATING!

There’s also a monkey forest (sounds like what it is), lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants, a big vegan scene. Yoga classes, animal shelters, rice fields… and Ubud is so very, very pretty.

Tips and tricks…

Get a scooter as I fail to see how you would get around otherwise, they cost about 40,000 Rupiah per day to rent and I only spent £3 on petrol n a whole week, oh and download Maps.me for maps that don’t require wifi! Lifesaver.

There are a lot of ex-pats here so it’s worthwhile chatting to them for insider tips.

Verdict…

I LOVE UBUD, I might move there

5/5

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM FOR YOUR DAILY DOSE OF TRAVEL!

Making Friends While Travelling

Published by Sheree Milli

Travelling alone is always a little scary (see my post about the nightmare I had in Cambodia) but for the most part you’re never actually alone. Despite being surrounded by lots of other travellers and backpackers you can sometimes still feel a little isolated, especially if you don’t click with anyone. Here’s a rundown of how I made friends and had the best times while backpacking.

INVITE A FRIEND FROM HOME!

When I announced I was going travelling my old housemate Sinead decided to use her holiday time to join me for three weeks in Thailand. It was so nice to see a familiar face and it was so easy travelling with her since we’d lived together for over two years, I don’t think I could’ve spent 24 hours a day with many people for that stretch of time. We gave each other space when we needed it but also had some absolute screams!

Another good friend Lucy was also travelling at the same time so we met up in Pai, Koh Phangan and Bali – we didn’t travel together the whole time as we both wanted the solo experience but it was so fun to get together at various points.

Candace and me hamming it up!

BE PICKY

There’s nothing worse than hanging around with people you have nothing in common with, I saw a lot of travellers latch on to literally anyone just for the sake of not being alone. I’d rather be alone forever than be with people I’m just not that into, and I truly believe that a lot of people travel to make themselves more interesting because they have literally no personality. Visiting Thailand is not a substitute for being dryer than a Jacob’s Cream Cracker.

So when you do meet people you click with – get clingy! I met two girls in Kuta, Bali who instantly liked (Candace and Amanda) and we ended up travelling together for over two weeks. I felt like I’d known them for years and my Spotify playlist is forever improved. I have such good memories with these amazing girls.

New friends in Kuta

BRIDGE THE GENERATION GAP

It’s kinda a secret but I’m actually 278 yeas old, or 28, but yeah a little older than your average backpacker. But some of the coolest people I’ve met on my travels have been 18 or 19 – at home I would never hang out with someone so much younger than myself but kids these days are so cool. Be open to chilling with the youths, it’ll knock years off you.

Me and Lucy in Bali

GET TO KNOW THE LOCALS

My time travelling would not be the same without the kindness of the local people (not you Cambodia). I’ve experienced so much more of countries due to locals showing me an insiders view. In India I was blown away time and time again by the generosity of its people and made so many friends there. In Thailand meeting a group of, I think, Thai mafia proved to be a fun and unforgettable night and on the island of Gili T. I have so many brothers and happy, happy memories due to them taking me under their wing.

Girls day out at Jungle Fish with Candace, Amanda and Lucy

USE TINDER TO MEET PEOPLE

I’ve been on several Tinder dates while travelling and it has honestly saved my sanity at times. I’ve sometimes been in hostels where either I’m one of the few guests or I just don’t like anyone there. A Tinder date gets you out, you meet someone new, and probably see a side of place you wouldn’t ordinarily – especially if your date is a local. And if you find romance then that’s a bonus.

Sinead and me at a waterfall in Chiang Mai

KNOW WHEN IT’S BEST TO MAKE FRIENDS

When travelling there are times when you’re… how do I put this eloquently? On your arse. Illness, extreme fatigue, travel rage – all real. At times like these it’s best to just have a nap or go for a walk rather than attempting to make friends. I’ve tried to pal up with people when I’ve been in the worst mood and you just end up turning them off you because you end up acting like a negative Nancy. Wit until you’re of sound mind, then apologise and say you were knackered and commence friend-making.

Alberto who I met in India – so much fun!

So there are my tips and experiences of making friends while travelling, what are yours?

My Travel Style

Published by Sheree Milli

When I first started planning my trip around the world (hopefully) and began researching like mad into how to prepare, plan and most importantly pack, I came across loads of packing lists with practical advice on what clothes to take. Sadly all these list were boring as f*ck.

I like to dress in a way that reflects my personality ESPECIALLY ON VAYCAY. It’s meant to be fun and cargo pants and khaki vests just aren’t going to cut it. While I wholeheartedly agree you should take certain items and pack clever, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for fun. So here are my tips on how to spice up your travel style…

Check out my packing guides…

DRESS COLOURFULLY

You know in London in winter when you’re on the tube wearing a non-black jacket and you look around you and realise you stick out like a sore thumb and then feel totally conspicuous? That’s the worst. But the sun is made for bold yellow, deep red and sky blue. Wearing black also makes your photos look so boring!

Matching slides… cool (lol)

Big sunnies will hide a multitude of sins

SHOW SOME SKIN

You’re on a tropical island, embrace it, because you sure as hell can’t walk around in a bikini at home. If you’re a bit body conscious then get a cheap and cheerful sarong and work that – I wore mine as a scarf (it wasn’t an entirely successful style statement).

scarf in the sea? YAS. I’m so cooool…

my 4/20 outfit!

THE JOKES ON YOU

I’ve worn a few comedy outfits on my trip – just becuase I have a lot of spare time and no office to go to so I can do what I like. Just like a festival. My favourite one so far was my red,gold and green 4/20 weed-inspired outfit – and homage to my Jamaican roots.

Love a good hat

BUY LOCAL

Leave some room in your suitcase for buying clothes in whatever new county you’re in. It’ll be cheaper than your local Topshop and a nice keepsake too. I bought gorgeous scarves and totes in India for a pittance. Traveller trousers in Thailand and some amazing dresses for £2-4 in Bali, my favourite red one was just £2.60 and I wear it all the time.

Dress: £3

COMEDY SUNNIES ARE ESSENTIAL

I own not one pair of ,normal’ sunnies, they’re all either glittery, neon or oversized because they make me so happy, and the bigger they are, the more of your tired backpacking face they’ll hide. Plus they make people smile (well, laugh).