Lunch was leftovers from the day before, when I cooked salmon with asparagus; I have to admit having it cold the next day was equally as good - this was a light refreshing take on a salad - lunch was sorted and with the breakfast in the morning i felt complete, carbs where not necessary. 

SNACK:

I only get a 20 minute break and i usually prioritise this to coffee, I know I'm crazy because I sometimes stay 10 minutes waiting in the queue, which leaves me 10 minutes then to sit down and relax, but this really helps me get on with my day. I usually get a regular soya cappucino however, there are times more often than not where I try to spice things up by getting either a caramel or vanilla latte. YUM

I left the best for last, if you had to ask me what one of my favourite dinners is, or what is the best thing about coming home - it's this dish of love my prawn pesto pasta! triple P's is what got me going through my day I couldn't wait to come home and tuck into this bowl of love. I added some fresh cherry tomatoes to the dish and it was golden, I usually eat this whilst watching a film and it can be the highlight of my whole entire day. I have this meal like once a week sometimes not even kidding, these jumbo prawns make my weekly shopping list!

As we are approaching the warmer months, I've been craving some refreshing salads. This feta lemon and quinoa salad seems perfect to enjoy outside whilst the sun is shining. There is just something super refreshing between feta, lemon juice that just adds so much flavour to this dish. This is the perfect midweek meal and carries well in a container to take to work for lunch and to provide you with the right energy yet still watching the waistline.  This can also work as the perfect side dish if it's to bring to a BBQ or just grilling up some normal chicken on the side but in all honesty meat isn't even needed to accompany this dish, you won't feel something missing. Lentils make up for a great meat alternative but you don't just have to be vegetarian to reap of their benefits. You know me  and my cooking standards lately - are very effortless. Lentils are so fast to prepare, are actually quite tasty and have so many beneficial health factors to them, for starters they are low in calories and have a high nutritional value filled with protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins, they are known to lower cholesterol, to be great for promoting heart health and are also considered a great food for weight loss.  I highly recommend switching a meat dish with a lentil substitute at least once a week and you'll notice the difference but surely not in the taste!

I just love adding lentils to my salads, stir fries and most recently with my quinoa - i just feel like they compliment each other quite nicely and it helps keep you fuller longer. Eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean  cutting out on good, tasty food - I hope you enjoy this small quinoa salad below and let me know how you like to incorporate your lentils into your diet!

HOW TO:

Add some music, make yourself a refreshing beverage and enjoy this outside on a bench in the garden like I did. This was a heavenly feeling. It's impressive how the sun can boost your moral in an instant, eating revitalising food such as this quinoa bowl is just an added bonus. If like me most days, you have to eat lunch on the go at work, just try eat this in some fresh air if possible and notice how it will give you an energy boost for the rest of your day either way: BON APPETIT. 

5) Your true friends aren't necessarily the ones you've known the longest. 
Since living away from home, I have come to meet lots of different people, from various nationalities which has broadened my horizon and helped me to gain an understanding that real friendship doesn't necessarily have to be with the ones you've known for years to build that proper bond, or have to see them everyday for that matter - it's how open you feel towards them to let them in and to feel like despite the distance between you, it feels like no time went by at all.

6) Call your family to give news

It takes living miles away from home to realise how important family is. Noticing how fast time goes by is one of the scariest things for me. Call up your parents, grandparents, brother or even your cousin and just tune in from time to time to reciprocate some news! Life gets so manic sometimes, ( worst I feel, when living abroad) and your only means of contact is through telephone - it's important to build different form of memories possible. Pick up the phone!

7) Never give up your dream for anyone
Alternating our dreams for someone, unfortunately, we never know in which way our life is designed and is very likely something we might come to regret later on in life -  put yourself your goals first  like that you can guarantee that you will never regret it.

8) Don't change who you are for someone else, ever

Who will want to be part of your life will make an effort to be in it - unconditionally. 

9) Everything happens for a reason 

Ye, ye super cliche. and this one perhaps is slightly personal but there are quite a number of activities in which you realise has worked out a certain way to allow something else to fall into place.

10) Stress less 

I am the queen of stress and anxiety, I am learning to live in the moment and to let go of the past and not over think of the future. There is no point in stressing on a certain situation, because in reality, it doesn't change a damn thing, just the way you end up handling things. 

11) Starting over is more exciting than you think

Sure its daunting and scary, but a lot of people nowadays don't take the plunge because they get comfortable and stay in situations out of habit -  you will fall flat on your face at first i have no doubt but getting back up and starting afresh; is challenging but opens a new chapter with new possibilities of the unknown. 

12) How to love 

13) Have a voice

Speak up ; you  have something to say? is something bothering you - not up for it? say NO - speak what's on your mind, and be honest, never leave things unsaid.

14) If you want something - go get it yourself. 

It's very rare to find people who want to cater to your own success, you have to fight and reach out for it yourself. If you want it, don't hesitate to ask and to push - in the end, you have more to gain than to lose. 

15) You can't please everyone
Not everyone will agree with what you do or choose - the one thing you can do is focus on pleasing yourself, that's what really counts in the end.

16) Look up from your phone 
We are so technology centred nowadays, we forget to take in our surroundings. We are way to busy trying to capture the moment through our phone lens without truly taking it in mentally - put that phone down, sure it might look good on Instagram but enjoy it for yourself rather than for your followers first.

17) Dream Big
This is the age, where we shape and create our life. Our decisions at this point is what shapes our future and our money income. Don't hesitate to set yourself a few achievements with yourself , career, or with family and friends.

18) Put yourself first
It's not selfish to put yourself and your well being above everyone else. It's all part of self respect which is another on the list - take time, to love yourself because it's only by loving yourself, are you truly opening yourself to be loved and to love in return.

19) Cut out negativity in your life
Unfortunately, this could be linked with a bad habit or with a person if not several, it might not be the easiest of choices, but surrounding yourself with positive people and those who lift you up and inspire you in different ways, can affect your actions, thoughts and life immensely. Don't tolerate being dragged by the wrong crowd. Learn  how to know what is good for your individual self.

20) Be in the moment. 
It's hard to erase memories, and to not think of the past, it's also hard for me to not complain about something possibly NOT even happening that day - sometimes I'll be out and about thinking of the past or future without allowing myself to enjoy the present moment. Something I've been taking in is just focusing on the present moment and this has already been a bonus point in my life.

21) Meditation is key 
I always thought that this was linked with religion and the thought never appealed to me. Now that I have incorporated yoga into my daily routine, and realising that they go hand in hand, I've come to know the power of meditation. Have you taken a deep breathe in today? Do it right now, whilst closing your eyes - trust me.

22) Being alone is OK

Most of us are so scared of being alone that we always want to find and be with someone, or be out with friends but taking time to be with yourself is the best respect you can give to get to know and love yourself better. I can assure you it is far from being lonely - Netflix and pampering session for one? Sure thing!

23) Everything in moderation
We're always being told what is bad for you, what causes illnesses and what not to do which leaves you with a restricted list of things that are 'acceptable' towards our health and not enjoyable for the most part. A little bit of every thing in my opinion is good in this world, if you want that doughnut - go for it. That cigarette to accompany your glass of wine? why not. It's better to allow and enjoy than to restrict and in turn to over do. I believe we should take a little bit of everything in order to  toughen and build our immune system - it all goes down to highlighting and centring on the word: moderation.

24) To live without risk is to risk not living

Most people nowadays, will stick to what is safe, to what is comfortable - but sometimes having life too much under control stops you from living - it's good to do things out of the norm, spontaneously, to take the risk and do things you've never done before; sometimes it's what will allow you to encounter more and open opportunities. In the corrupt world we live in, we could be gone tomorrow so don't hold back - do ; go for it, before it's too late.