As we wave goodbye to January check out the top 3 things that helped us survive the cold, grey weather and miserable tube strikes…
Brunch: Counter Vauxhall Arches
Finding this breakfast gem hidden under Vauxhall arches on a rainy Sunday morning, during the first week of January, is definitely something to shout about. From tartiflette to pancake stacks accompanied with endless flutes of prosecco (for Vanessa), this bottomless brunch spot definitely washed away our January blues. Make sure you check out our review and book in now before the secret gets out.
Grind: Frame Lift
I think getting back to Frame Victoria is also worthy of a high five for our January round-up! Being a member I get to try all the cool classes on their timetable and I was jumping for joy when I found out the studio was introducing Lift (a barbell class to tone, strengthen and kick every muscle possible into action) to their fitness schedule. I’ve always been a fan of weight-based training, so to discover Frame was introducing this class to their lunchtime slots was perfect. With a banging soundtrack and super-motivated instructor, I’ve been getting totes sweaty and perfecting my squat game all month long.
For anyone that lives or works near a Frame studio be sure to check them out. With classes ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour you’ll find fitting in a workout whether it’s before, during or after work much more achievable.
Blog post on Lift coming soon but in the meantime, check out Frame’s timetable and give one of their classes a go. They also run some really great workshops at the weekend, there’s everything from mastering yoga inversions to Madonna dance workshops. This Saturday 4 February 2017 sees hypnotherapist Chloe Brotheridge lead a 2-hour workshop on beating anxiety.
Wellbeing: 1 Giant Mind app and Dry January
Giving up alcohol for January was something I never thought I’d see myself doing. I was always one of those people who frowned upon anyone giving up a Friday night cocktail or a glass of wine with a Sunday roast during the most depressing month of the year. However, I decided after a very indulgent December, it was time to go cold turkey, hit the juices and re-balance for the year ahead.
With the alcohol ban in place, the next part of my detox plan was to put some serious effort into giving my brain a much-needed workout. I’ve practiced mindfulness a lot over the last year so decided it was time to mix things up and go a bit deeper. To bring some calmness back to my hectic London life I downloaded the 1 Giant Mind app and embarked on a 30 day meditation challenge. This is a free app dedicated to teaching you the basics of Vedic meditation in 12 easy steps whilst instilling daily practice.
Committing to at least 15 minutes of meditation every morning for the last 30 days has been so rewarding. I’m feeling energised, creative and my mind is more focussed on what I’m doing here and now, in the present. This type of meditation has put a lid on my daydreaming and forever wandering mind, I would urge anyone to download this app and give it a go!
Watch this space for more blog posts on meditation, it’s something that really interests me.
Stay tuned
Keep a close eye on the blog because February is looking jam-packed. We’ll be reporting on the trendiest yoga brunch pop-up in town, Vanessa’s marathon training, Will Williams meditation classes and of course lots more brunch spots and cool fitness classes across the capital!
Kat x