Biona Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, £13.17 (pack of 3) & Meridian Almond Butter Whole Nut Spread, £12 (pack of 3).

Cold pressed coconut oil and almond butter spread are one of those things that’s been on my shopping list for ages, I’ve just never got around buying it until now. And boy, it’s yummy!

With coconut oil, it’s a much lighter and healthier alternative to butter and olive oil. The main health benefits include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, high blood pressure and bone strength. So, an amazing alternative – and if you like the taste of coconut (only a subtle flavour), it’s a no brainer!

Almond butter is again, a much healthier alternative to regular butter, and peanut butter (if you use this for protein). Firstly, it’s good for the heart as its rich in monounsaturated fats (basically, good fat), which are the type of fats that reduce levels of cholesterol and therefore lowers your blood pressure. It also controls your blood sugar as it’s sweet (and so yummy), its rich in antioxidants and helps with your weight control; being so high in protein, fibre and monounsaturated fats.

There are several ways you can enjoy both – I for one now cook all my veg, fish and eggs with coconut oil, and it tastes scrumptious (especially with white fish). With the almond butter, my favourite alternative is using it as a spread on rye toast, either to enjoy on its own or with egg, cottage cheese or some sliced banana – the perfect breakfast alternative to start the day with.

Here are some of my current favourite recipes..

Spicy Zucchini with Smoked Salmon

You’ll need:

Zucchini

Coconut Oil

Lemon

Tabasco

Cracked Pepper

Slize the zucchini and slowly cook with coconut oil and lemon. Dish up with some tabasco, pepper and some more lemon, and add some smoked salmon for your protein! Delicious and takes minutes.

High Energy Protein Breakfast

You’ll need:

Eggs

Dark rye bread

Almond butter

Cucumber

Bon Appétit!

Anneli

Jeans: Noisy may (£50)/ Jumper: Vero Moda (sample style – similar here) / Jacket: Selected Femme / Bag: Mulberry (similar here) / Flats: Repetto (similar here) / Sunglasses: D&G

Ok, I shouldn’t really admit this, but these jeans from Noisy may haven’t left my sight since last weekend. They are the PERFECT boyfriend jeans. Great fit, length, shape (higher waist, which I love), comfy (not too thick – or thin denim), just – well, perfect. I have been trying to ignore all this talk about the skinny jeans being ‘out’ and the boyfriend jeans being ‘in’ (not that I ever tend to follow trend directions anyways, they are far too annoying) – as you know, I love my skinnes, as they work really well for my shape – however, I think I’m now converted! I have worn these casual over the weekend (as seen here), to work meetings in heels, combined with leather and jewels, with sandals and a silk shirt – yes, just about everything.

The only mistake I did was to buy them one size up (as I wanted them loose), as by the 5^th day (yes, quite bad) – they were falling off me. As seen here, the fit is perfect. Might need to get another pair!

Anneli

Anneli

In the weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited for a cut, colour and treatment at the Sassoon Salon South Molton Street.

For you guys who have have been following me for a while, know that every time I go to the hairdressers (notably here and here) – I have the constant dilemma of either going back to my natural colour (dark brown), or go even lighter. Each time I chicken out, keeping it quite similar (caramel tones), with just subtle enhancements and length. This time however – I wanted a bit more of a radical change – or rather, my hair needed a big chop (sadly – but much necessary).

Firstly, let me tell you how fabulous this salon is. Located on one of my favourite streets in London, South Molton Street, just off Bond Street – this unassuming salon is a bustling two-storey haven. Granted, I chose an appointment at possibly their busiest time of the week – midday on Saturday – I was met with a big smile, with friendly, professional and relaxed staff. I was fortunate enough to have my colour with the lovely Neville (a Sassoon employee for over 10 years!) – who after meeting with me for a skin test prior to the appointment, had already decided for an ‘Allesandra Ambrosio’ colour on me (if only).

The gorgeous Laura was cutting my hair, and after consulting with both of them about the cut – we all agreed that my hair was in really bad condition, and needed quite a lot chopped off. I breathed in… and agreed. They were never pushy – just explaining the benefits of a thorough hair cut (rather than the regular trims that I normally get – which they surprisingly said were pretty much pointless; good to know!). I liked their honesty, and felt completely in safe hands and in ease throughout the whole process – which is very important at any salon (no rushed or forced decisions).

Let the treatment begin!

Before…

Lifeless with broken ends.

In progress…

In the chair with Neville working his magic (god – I look like a scarecrow here). He lightened the whole hair and roots (no bleach) – adding one colour all over, called ‘biscuit’, then he put on a toner, to take away the orange/red tones.

The cut…

After the colour, it was Laura’s turn to work her magic on me. The first thing she asked me to do was to stand up – while doing the initial shaping. One word: precision. This girl didn’t miss a single hair, and was precise to a point. Granted, it was short –  a lot shorter than I would have liked it – but my hair feels a-mazing and super healthy. And – it’s already grown a bit since Saturday!

Result…

Lighter, shorter and thicker! Love it.

The colour in this picture doesn’t really show how light it actually is (especially on the top), so I snapped some more pictures the days after, as seen below.

Hope you like it!

Picture below taken from my Instagram @anneliwillis

As an extra treat – they supplied me with the below products by Sassoon – which they used on my hair during the treatment. Shampoo, conditioner, treatment (this stuff is sooo good), a leave-in-conditioner, and a very useful travel set.

In other words, the perfect Saturday…

Thank you to team Sassoon Salon South Molton Street!

Anneli

Jacket: Vintage / T-shirt: Gap / Shorts: Vintage (similar here) / Bikini: ASOS / Sunglasses: D&G / Sandals: Accessorize (similar here) / Necklaces: Bijoux by Desi F / Bracelets: Tiffany’s / Earrings: Etsy

Last outfit from my holiday wardrobe marathon! Hope you’ve enjoyed it it… Now, all I want to do is turn back time, and be in that heat again! The weather in London is miserable and cold, and my tan is fading by the minute…

I really want to jump into this particular outfit, so simple! Denim shorts, a white t-shirt and a lightweight cotton jacket. You just can’t go wrong! Ah…if only.

Which outfit was your favourite? 

Tomorrow, I will show you my new hair after my trip to Vidal Sassoon over the weekend! 

Anneli

Jacket: Zara (£39.99) / Top: Cos / Jeans: Vila / Clutch: Selected Femme / Shoes: Zara / Earrings: Bijoux by Desi F

Ok – I hope you’re not too fed up with my endless Zara purchases yet!? I literally went in just before my holiday, and just picked up so many fab pieces which I adore. One of my favourites is this super cute quilted floral bomber from the TRF department. I love a bomber, and this version looks super lux (and far more expensive than it’s price tag).

The print is fab and a real statement piece. I wore it on our last night out with some black skinny jeans and heels – but I can’t wait to wear it with my denim shorts and some sandals when London gets a bit warmer (which is hopefully very soon!)

Anneli

Shirt: H&M (similar here) / Short: Vintage (similar here) / Bag: Balenciaga / Sandals: Accessorize (similar here) / Sunglasses: D&G / Necklaces: Bijoux by Desi F

I am dreaming back to my holiday last weekend (and a wardrobe consisting mainly of skirts/shorts and dresses). My holiday wardrobe diary is coming to an end very soon (only a couple more outfits to go after this) – hope you’ve enjoyed the week-long blog special!

This was one of my more casual looks from the holiday, for strolling around the city. These shorts are one of my favourites – quite high waisted and loose (and not too short), teamed with a casual plaid shirt (a classic and fail-safe combo).

Anneli

Skirt: Zara (£39.99) / Shirt: H&M / Sandals: Accessorize (similar here) / Sunglasses: Jimmy Choo 

I’m obsessed with this skirt from Zara. Neon, woven and assymetrical. Perfection! I love the colours and shape – it works great for both the office, or a night out. Being one of the only grey and rainy day’s we had in Croatia (it was still warm) – I wore the skirt with a simple cotton shirt and some sandals. For night time, I would add some black, with a silk tank, blazer and stilettos.

Zara, you’ve done it again!

Anneli

Blazer: Vero Moda Very (£98) / Top: Cos / Shorts: Gap (similar here) / Shoes: Zara / iPad case (used a clutch): Selected Femme / Sunglasses: D&G / Necklaces: Bijoux by Desi F

Ok, I seriously wish I could rewind back time to this time last week, when I was wearing this exact outfit in the amazing Mediterranean heat (the summer’s disappeared from London again – no shock there). I think this was my favourite outfit from my holiday; I love a good blazer, and I adore the digital and summery print on this one – it’s the perfect statement piece to add to an otherwise neutral look (you all know I love a good statement piece).

Add some heels and a fun clutch (loved mixing this snakeskin clutch together with the colourful printed blazer) – and you’re good to go! Well, in that kind of heat at least – oh, how I wish I lived in a warm country again.

Anneli