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We all know how cold and grey winter can be, so why not bring the warm flavours of the Mediterranean into your home. Usually a fried cheese dish here is a much more healthier way to cook it, using the Akis Petretzikis recipe and making some adjustments i’m sure that you will enjoy this dish and so will everyone else too

Prep Time: 15mins Cook Time: 30mins Resting/Cooling Time: Eat while it’s hot!! Serves: 2 or 1 very hungry person

Ingredients

400g-500g King Prawns, deveined (preferable with head and tails intact) 1 Large Onion White or Red, diced (whichever is available) 1 Green Pepper 3 Garlic cloves, finely sliced 2-3 Good sized tomatoes 1 Tsp Sugar  1.5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil (maybe a bit more if you feel you need) 20ml Grape Juice (Infused with 1/2 a Star Anise) or Ouzo if available 2 Star Anise Clove 1 Tbsp Tomato Puree  2 Pinches Chilli flakes (this is to your taste and optional) 200g Greek Feta Cheese (avoid greek style people) A handful of Thyme (optional) A handful Basil  (sliced finely or chopped) A handful Oregano  (sliced finely or use the dry one) Salt and Pepper for Seasoning

Method

1. To get started lets pre-heat our oven to 200*C (390*F) Fan, and defreeze the prawns if needed in warm water. Once the oven is on we can crack on with prepping the vegetables, so start by chopping the Pepper (no white part or seeds), Onion and garlic, put these aside for later use.

2.   The next step is to grate the tomatoes using the large plate (big holed side) on a grater into a bowl, we do not want the skin so you can discard this, we only want the flesh of the tomato. After being grated stir in a teaspoon of sugar to the tomatoes and leave to rest.

3. Last stage in prepping is to the de-shell and de-vein the King Prawns (shrimp) leaving the heat and tail intact. Once prepped be sure to use a kitchen towel/paper to absorb the excess moisture from the prawns.  Once you have gotten rid of some of the water transfer to a bowl and marinate using the olive oil, thyme and season well.

4. Heat a pan with olive oil and cook the shrimps for a 1 minute, 30 secs each side and then transfer to a kitchen cloth to rest, do not overcook the prawns as we will baking them very soon. Once the prawns are transferred to a plate we can start on the other ingredients. 

5. Using the same pan add a bit more olive oil and add the garlic, onion and peppers in you will leave to soften and brown a bit then add in the tomato paste, star anise, chilli flakes and grape juice mix/ouzo. Mix all the ingredients well and add in the tomatoes, once everything starts to boil you can turn off the heat and start putting the sauce into the bottom of your oven proof dish. 

6. When assembling the ingredients for the oven we start with the tomato and pepper sauce on the bottom and mix in basil, oregano and half of the feta cheese crumbled in, then place the prawns on top and add basil, oregano and the rest of the feta cheese, sprinkle with a bit of olive oil and put it into the oven for about 20 minutes or when the feta starts to brown and go golden. 

7. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal!!! 

*You can use spray olive oil if you are on a diet.

*Star Anise is what makes a Saganaki and you will get a great aniseed flavour using the fresh spices, however if you are not a fan of star anise you can half the amount you use or not use it all. 

*Ouzo is the traditional alcoholic spirit used in greek cooking, should you be unable to find this you can use pernod or sambuca as alternatives, as i don’t drink alcohol i used grape juice infused with star anise to achieve a non alcoholic substitute.

King Prawn Saganaki…σαγανάκι We all know how cold and grey winter can be, so why not bring the warm flavours of the Mediterranean into your home.

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So you have had a long day and you can’t be bothered to cook anything that takes too long in the kitchen or you just need a great side at your dinner party, fear not as this dish is the one! Easy to cook, full of flavour and plenty of eggy goodness you can’t go wrong with this.

Prep Time: 5mins Cook Time: 10mins Resting/Cooling Time: Eat while it’s hot!! Serves: 2 or 1 very hungry person

Ingredients

3 Free range eggs or similar 2 Tbsp Sparkling water 2 Garlic cloves, finely sliced 2-3 Good sized tomatoes (roughly chopped) 1.5 Tbsp Olive oil 1.5 Tsp Salt (or to taste) 1 Tsp Sugar (or to taste) 2 Tsp Chilli flakes (this is to your taste and optional) 2 Spring onion for garnish (sliced finely/This is known also known as Scallion)

Method

1. So lets start by turning on the heat and warming up the oil to the pan so that it is ready for the eggs.  As the pan is heating up begin cracking and whisking your eggs, once whisked add the sparkling water to the mix and whisk that in too, remember the more you whisk the fluffier your eggs will be when you cook them. If you struggle to multi-task you can heat the oil after your eggs are fully whisked.

2.   Add the eggs to the pan and fold like if you were making scrambled eggs, low heat will work best for you here and once all the eggs have been broken up the eggs and keep them very tender, transfer from the pans once the eggs have become firm and have set in place, and get ready to start the tomato part of the dish.

2. If there is enough oil add the garlic and the bottom half of the spring onion to the pan and cook until it is has softened, once softened add your chopped tomatoes and let this cook for at least one minute or until soft, add a tablespoon of tap water here, be careful to not let it get to soft otherwise the texture we are looking for wont be there. Once this is tender add the eggs back in and season with salt, sugar and chilli flakes, cook for another 30 seconds and then finish off by garnishing with the spring onion.

4. Serve with rice or noodles and enjoy.

*You can use spray olive oil if you are on a diet.

*This recipe will work with any seafood or meat just cook stir fry this and remove from pan before you start eggs, if you are thinking to use meat do not use the same oil for the eggs, also clean the pans. You can add the meat back to dish just before you start seasoning your dish.

Egg and Tomatoes Stir-fry…西红柿炒鸡蛋 So you have had a long day and you can't be bothered to cook anything that takes too long in the kitchen or you just need a great side at your dinner party, fear not as this dish is the one!

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So Latvia Riga is where your finger landed on the map and what luck you have. Riga is a beautiful city full of amazing food and lavish architecture. Although this is a 48 hour guide I can’t recommend you enough about how you should extend your stay for longer if you can, for those who can’t here is our highlights of the 48 Hour Adventure we had.

How do we get to the City? Getting back and forth to Riga and the airport is dead easy,  you can either hail a taxi or ride the bus. If you are looking to get a taxi, make sure to go for the green Baltic Taxis and if you are getting the bus you will need to ride the 22 or 336 to Autoosta (good stop for old town) or Lidosta Riga (Airport) if you are going back to the airport.

Now that we know how to get to city and back home let’s start our adventure!

Explore Riga’s historic Old Town Located in the heart of Riga, the old town is something to enjoy during your 48 hours stay in Riga, simply because there are so may unique and quirky things to see and do. Architecture here is beautiful and the city really shows a journey in how architecture has changed over the years within Riga. If Architecture is not your thing you will find yourself enjoying the weird but wonderful cafes and restaurants.

I would definitely recommend taking the early morning free walking tour which begins its journey by the yellow suitcase at St. Peters Church daily at around 10:00am. The tour will give you a great depth of understanding about the history and culture of this great country and the city of Riga, also taking a tour will give you great bearings of the old town so you shouldn’t get too easily lost when exploring. Should you not want to do the tour you can do your own walking tour, a great place to start exploring the city is at the The House of Blackheads.

Check out Jurmala With miles of soft sandy white beaches, chilling Baltic breezes and fresh air, Jurmala is a great away to escape the city for a few hours. Located a short train ride away to the north of the city Jurmala  is a place where you will find yourself in a different part of the country which is very different from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great way to enjoy the nature that Latvia has to offer.

Also if you have the time and budget why not splurge on getting a cheeky massage at one of the many spa resorts in Jurmala, if you didn’t already Latvia is well known for its unique spa rituals like the world famous amber massage. I definitely recommend this if you can spare the time, besides the awesome massages you could go for long walks at any of the nearby nature reserves.

Go back in time for dinner! So back to Riga’s Old Town, hungry and tired from the great long walks in Jurmala, we needed to find somewhere to eat and that we did, as we found ourselves at one of the coolest restaurants in Riga, and that was Rozengrals.

Rozengrals is a medieval themed restaurant which takes you back in time, I don’t want to say too much about the restaurant because it will spoil the experience, but this is just one of those things you need check out whilst in Riga. I would definitely recommend booking online, and when you check about the reviews remember no one enjoys the same things as each other and negative comments (not many of these) shouldn’t put you off from dining in.

To go hard or go home? That is the question! So after being out all day you may be drained and tired so maybe grab a good night sleep, OR! You could stay out and go for drink or two at one of Riga’s Bar.

The Skyline Bar is a spot I can recommend as it gives great panoramic views of the city at night and they do some great cocktails and the usual soft drinks, however should Bars not be your scene there are plenty local pubs  you can unwind at.

For my drinking friends amongst us do try the Black Balsam drink and let that warm you up, we will pick the guide back up in the morning.

—The Final 24 Hours—

Start your day with caffeine… You will need the caffeine to wake you up for today’s adventure so get out and check out one of Riga’s amazing cafes. There are so many cool and cosy cafes to choose from and they all have different things to offer be it the decadent cakes of BakeBerry or the magical chocolate and environment of The Black Magic Café , the culture here is strong in Riga, and I can’t recommend enough for you to forget any diets at the door whilst you are on holiday!

Shopping Time So once you got some caffeine and sugar in your system let’s check out some of the  local artisan stores at Riga’s Central Market.

Located a few hundred meters from the old town, here you will really get to sample the daily life of the locals and get a chance to buy and try some local produce and souvenirs; also this is a great place to buy fresh organic ingredients should you want to cook whilst staying in Riga.

  Go architecture spotting Wonder the streets of Riga and find some of the world best architectural wonders. Art Nouveau is in abundance in this city and with each building being lavishly decorated and having its own individual story,  there are so many places where you will find yourself in awe.

A good route from the market would be to walk towards Alberta iela via Elizabetes iela and Antonijas iela, this route will take allow you to see some of the greatest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, Architecture is what gave this city is UNESCO Status.  (don’t forget to bring a camera or a sketchbook!).

Take a stroll in one of the many Parks Time to head back to the centre, so let’s walk back to the old town via the calm peaceful parks of Riga, and remember to take your time whilst doing this, as the parks are some of the most calming spots in Riga, a great way to really relax.

As you are walking back take some time to take in the Freedom Monument of Riga and appreciate unity and love that this country has for freedom.

LIDO!!! The last stop on journey is to fill your belly at a traditional Latvian restaurant called Lido, no visit to Latvia or Riga is really validated if you haven’t been to a Lido Restaurant. The food here is delicious and very affordable, however the best thing about the Lido restaurants was the love and care gone into making no-nonsense authentic Latvian food. Think of this as being a Cultural experience as it so much more than just a restaurant.

If you have any more time… So that should be enough for about two days, but should you still have the energy and time why not check out the KGB museum or climb the tower of St. Peters Church.

Follow our guide at the start of the post on how to get back to the Riga Airport.

We hope you have had an amazing time, or will have!

Also a special thanks to my friends who gave us some great tips and advice during our stay in Riga

48 Hours in Riga So Latvia Riga is where your finger landed on the map and what luck you have. Riga is a beautiful city full of amazing food and lavish architecture.

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Top Anime to watch this Summer

Finally an update and I made it in time before we hit Autumn, for this post I thought it is important to watch a few episodes before I can come with a new list for this season, although we are nearly done with the summer  here is a list to keep you busy inside are my Top 5 Shows to be watching.

Even though I am late with this post, I was really thinking of you guys because I know how much you like to binge watch, haha!

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

With each post, I try to  give you an understanding of what the anime through a basic synopsis, and then followed by a  brief review of what I think of the show so far.

I appreciate any recommendations in the comments, and I will try to watch these as well!

5. Banana Fish

Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir  “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the devil who raised him, however the hideous secret that drove Ash’s older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa’s hands.

A well thought out plot, with contrasting leading characters and fitting artwork this anime hits all of the right spots in my opinion, also for those of us who are amazed in magic, and enjoy a great thrill now and then Banana fish will definitely be one of your most favourite anime’s of the season.

For fans of: Bungou Stray Dogs, Hakuouki Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Shoujo You can watch it at: Banana Fish

4. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze

English: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind

Naples, 2001. Giorno Giovanna is a small-time crook with one big dream—to become a “Gang-Star.” No ordinary thief, Giorno has a connection to the remarkable Joestar bloodline, and possesses a Stand named Gold Experience. His dream starts to become reality when he meets Bruno Buccellati, a mobster from the gang Passione and a fellow Stand user himself.

As Giorno becomes a member of Passione, and is inducted into Bruno’s squad, he discovers that it is no simple gang…

Another weird and entertaining adventure from Jojo is something that is sure to keep you busy this summer. The series exists to surprise you on every episode with its unique styling and eccentric art style and plot. Each character is very individual and does not share any similarities to that of the main character who although has noble intentions has no qualms getting his hands dirty.

*This review is based on the festival premiere and manga.

For fans of: One Piece, Naruto Genre: Action, Shounen, Adventure You can watch it at: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze

3. Hataraku Saibo

English: Cells at Work

This is a story about you. A tale about the inside of your body… According to a new study, the human body consists of approximately 37 trillion cells. These cells are hard at work every day within a world that is your body. From the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to the bacteria-fighting white blood cells, get to know the unsung heroes and the drama that unfolds inside of you! It’s the oddly relatable and interesting story that is the life of cells!

This anime has a great structure and story line which makes it very exciting and pleasing to watch, with all of this being said it is scary how much you might actually learn about your body from an anime show.

Oddly enough the show reminded me of one of my many childhood shows “Ozzy and Drix”, although the concept of being inside the body is similar I can definitely say this is much more intense and engaging to watch.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone this summer because it is not your everyday anime.

For fans of: Black Clover, Ozzy & Drix, Hajimete no Gai Genre: Comedy, Shounen You can watch it at: Hataraku Saibo

2. Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger

The series takes place in the Imperial Capital of 1930. A group of people known as “Jaegers” landed on Tokyo Station. They carry musical instrument cases and came to hunt vampires. A man named Yuliy stood among them with a striking serenity and unusual aura. Known as a werewolf who had his home village destroyed by vampires, he and the Jaegers engage in battle against the mysterious holy arc known as the “The Arc of Sirius.” What truth awaits them?

Finding a good Vampire based anime are a dime in a dozen, however is one that keep you glued to the screen. Packed with action and full of excitement this is one to be watching this season. Another great reason to watch the show is for its eye-catching visuals and intense battle scenes with fluid character movements. This is something you should definitely give a go!

For fans of: Castlevania, Bloodivores, Servamp Genre: Vampire, Horror, Action, Supernatural You can watch it at: Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger

1. Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3

English: Attack on Titan Season 3

So this is the third season of the Attack on Titan, which you should already know or heard about already. If you haven’t all I can say is watch all of the seasons before starting this one, because you are going to be in for a ride.

Season 3 follows up on the previous season, the story progresses with new twists and surprises. The problem this time has become very different. In the fact each character has to deal with a change in their emotions. This season I have felt has connected with me the most as all of the characters have been developed to become something new.

This season is packed with excitement, passionate voice acting and beautiful visuals, also did i mention that is super easy to watch, due to being a modern day masterpiece.

This is one of those great series which I feel is not rushed in delivering new seasons as the team behind the anime really work hard on producing something that will keep you looking forward to the next season.

For fans of: Shingeki no Kyojin!!! Genre:  Drama, Military, Shounen, Super Power, Thriller You can watch it at: Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3

So that’s the end of list, if you have recommendations please put in the comments!! ありがとう

Top 5 Anime…Summer 2018 Top Anime to watch this Summer Finally an update and I made it in time before we hit Autumn, for this post I thought it is important to watch a few episodes before I can come with a new list for this season, although we are nearly done with the summer  here is a list to keep you busy inside are my Top 5 Shows to be watching.

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Top Anime to watch this Spring

Super late with this post but here are this season’s top five anime shows as chosen by me, that I think you should already be watching or looking to start soon. As with my all my top 5 choices these are series that I am currently watching.

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

As with all my anime posts, I try to  give you an understanding of what the anime through a basic synopsis, and then followed by a  brief review of what I think of the show so far.

I appreciate any recommendations in the comments, and maybe some recommendations.

5. Hoozuki no Reitetsu

English: Hozuki’s Coolheadedness Chinese: 鬼灯的冷彻第2季之二-连载

Hell is a bureaucracy, and business is running smoother than ever thanks to the demonic efficiency of Hoozuki, chief deputy to Lord Enma, the King of Hell. Whether offering counsel to the Momotarou of Japanese folklore or receiving diplomatic missions from the Judeo-Christian Hell, the demon who runs the show from behind the king’s imposing shadow is ready to beat down any challenges coming his way into a bloody pulp. Metaphorically, of course…

The poster boy for micromanagement and armed with negotiation skills worthy of Wall Street, Hoozuki no Reitetsu follows the sadistic and level-headed Hoozuki as he spends his days troubleshooting hell. With an abundance of familiar faces from popular Japanese legends and East Asian mythology working middle management positions, this referential and anachronistic dark comedy brings new meaning to the phrase “employer liability.” Just how hard could it be to manage employees from hell, anyway?

Amazing  artwork and short stories, you will find that the anime is very well done and super funny, as well as all of this the cast is very likeable and easy to watch.

In conclusion this anime is an episodic show, which draws many similarities to the original Gintama series and perfect for those short journeys whilst commuting. Already in the 2nd season so still very easy to catch up, be sure to keep an eye out for this one.

  For fans of: Gintama, Inuyasha, Black Butler Genre: Comedy, Seinen, Fantasy, Demons, Supernatural You can watch it at: Hoozuki no Reitetsu

4. Hinamatsuri

English: Hina Festival Chinese: 超能力女儿-连载

One night, a strange object falls on the head of Nitta, a member of the yakuza. Inside the box is a strange young girl named Hina. She has tremendous supernatural powers, and Nitta finds himself reluctantly taking her in. Her powers can come in handy for his yakuza business, but he also runs the risk of her using them on him! Not to mention, if she doesn’t use her powers, she will eventually go berserk and destroy everything around her. Nitta and Hina’s strange life together is just beginning…

  Tired of the normal supernatural, slice of life shows that are just have been rinsed and repeated over and over again, this anime will give something different in where slapstick comedy and slice of life meet, this is a super funny anime show, definitely a easy watch.

For fans of: Acchi Kochi, One Punch Man, Centaur no Nayami Genre: Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural, Seinen You can watch it at: Hinamatsuri

3. Megalo Box

Chinese: Megalo Box-连载

“To be quiet and do as you’re told, that’s the cowardly choice.” These are the words of Junk Dog, an underground fighter of Megalo Box, an evolution of boxing that utilizes mechanical limbs known as Gear to enhance the speed and power of its users. Despite the young man’s brimming potential as a boxer, the illegal nature of his participation forces him to make a living off of throwing matches as dictated by his boss Gansaku Nanbu. However, this all changes when the Megalo Box champion Yuuri enters his shabby ring under the guise of just another challenger. Taken out in a single round, Junk Dog is left with a challenge: “If you’re serious about fighting me again, then fight your way up to me and my ring.”

Filled with overwhelming excitement and backed by the criminal syndicate responsible for his thrown matches, Junk Dog enters Megalonia: a world-spanning tournament that will decide the strongest Megalo Boxer of them all. Having no name of his own, he takes on the moniker of “Joe” as he begins his climb from the very bottom of the ranked list of fighters. With only three months left to qualify, Joe must face off against opponents the likes of which he has never fought in order to meet the challenge of his rival.

  I would consider this a must watch for any sports anime fan, the sheer level of quality it has and it’s art style will just amaze you. This is one of the anime’s where you let finish airing and watch it all in the space of a weekend, super binge-watchable!

For fans of: Hajime no Ippo, Slam Dunk Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Shounen, Slice of Life, Sports You can watch it at: Megalo Box

2. Boku no Hero Academia-3rd Season

English: My Hero Acdemia-3rd Season Chinese: 我的英雄学院第3季-连载

    Covered in my previous anime posts this is the third season of the Boku No Hero anime show. For those of you that are new to the series below is a brief introduction to the show.

What’s a hero? For Izuku Midoriya, the answer to that question has always been simple: “Everything I want to be!” And who is the ultimate hero? Well, the legendary All Might, of course. All Might is the number one ranked hero and also the “Symbol of Peace” in the world. Not in his wildest dreams could Izuku have imagined that he would soon cross paths with his childhood hero…

In Boku no Hero Academia, status is governed by “Quirks”—unique superpowers which develop in childhood. But, unfortunately, hero otaku Midoriya “Deku” Izuku never had a Quirk. That is, until he met All Might, the greatest hero of all time.

Izuku’s transformation from dreamer to superhero begins at Yuuei Academy, the top-ranked hero-training high school in Japan. Izuku is on cloud nine when he’s accepted to this prestigious academy, especially when he finds out that All Might is one of the teachers.

This anime is getting more and more similar to Naruto’s early stages, reminiscent of that great show, I found myself constantly glued to the screen and craving to watch the next episode. If you are late and you haven’t started the series for whatever reason, there’s no time better than now. This is a must see anime that has a great cast and strong storyline, those are just a few of the reasons why I recommend you watch this show.

For fans of: One Piece, Beelzebub, Naruto Genre: Action, Comedy, School, Shounen, Super Power You can watch it at: Boku no Hero Academia

1. Steins Gate 0

Chinese: 命运石之门第2季-连载

The dark untold story of Steins;Gate that leads with the eccentric mad scientist Okabe, struggling to recover from a failed attempt at rescuing Kurisu. He decides to give up and abandons his lively scientist alter ego, in pursuit to forget the past. When all seems to be normal, he is seemingly pulled back into the past by meeting an acquaintance of Kurisu, who tells him that they have begun testing a device that stores the memory of a human and creates a simulation of them with their characteristics and personalities. Okabe begins testing and finds out that the simulation of Kurisu has brought back anguish and some new unexpected tragedies.

Zero explores events from the Beta Attractor Field’s future that contribute in making the end of the original story possible.

If you have ever watched the original Steins Gate Zero this will be quite a familiar show for you and for those of you that haven’t i’ll explain the main reason to why this is on the list is thank to the storyline is being a beast and has so many twists and turns it will keep constantly thinking what happens next, you need to watch this one.

For fans of: Orange, Steins Gate Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller You can watch it at: Steins Gate 0

So that’s the end of list, if you have recommendations please put in the comments!! ありがとう

Top 5 Anime…Spring 2018 Top Anime to watch this Spring Super late with this post but here are this season's top five anime shows as chosen by me, that I think you should already be watching or looking to start soon.

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Hi Guys first blog post in god knows how long, so i’m trying to get back into it with this post!!!

So you are in Stockholm and need some inspirations on what to do, here’s a guide to some of the coolest cafes, architecture and other generally cool things that you can do in the space of a 48 Hours or a Weekend…

Take in a great Sunrise Both of these can be done from the cities Town Hall, the views here are super instragrammable, panoramic and calming. If you are an early bird definitely recommend an early morning here as the best view comes from the Eastern corner (best view sunrise). We ended up at this spot closer to the sunset and the sights were still amazing.

Try the local produce the Swedish Way Visit one of the many markets to try some of the local produce in Stockholm, this is by far the best way to try local and home-grown specialities. Whilst in the market be sure to try the Salmon and Dill and fresh seafood in Kajsas Fisk, this is in the lower ground floor/basement of the Hötorgshallen Market.

There are few other markets in Stockholm like Östermalm Saluhall which I would definitely recommend only if you have time, both markets do have similar food so choose whats most convenient for you.

Markets are usually always shut on Sunday’s but you can find lots of flea markets around instead.

Take a free tour around Stockholm Like all free tours they are 100% free (do tip if you think it was worth it) and filled with great information on the city. During the you will get to know Stockholm much more better and understand a bit of the history and how the city came to life, during the tour you will get some great photo opportunities as well.

We did the Gamla Stan tour which started at 1pm just outside the Gamla Stan (Old Town) Metro station, should you want click the link to free walking tours

Wander the Old Town Once your brief tour,  if you do this is complete why not take a look around Gamla Stan in more detail, here you will find great architecture, colourful buildings and so many stores to delve into. With there being so many local artisan shops do take your time to take a look at their work, and maybe buy something if you liked what you see.

Visit the Nobel Prize Museum I thought this was  a great museum and full of lots of information on the history and culture of the Nobel Prize as well as its history and creation, they have free tours in English and if you are interested in this subject give it a go, i’m sure you will have a great time and come out feeling inspired.

Grab a Coffee and Chill…  Swedes are one of the highest coffee drinking nations in the world, from what i remember i think that they are currently second behind the Finnish. There’s so many delicious to why this is.

Cafes in the city are very cool, and serve amazing cups, you can pair your coffee with a cinnamon bun. Prices will vary from different neighbourhoods, for example cafes in Gamla Stan are going to be more pricier than anywhere else in the city.

Whilst we were here we tried the following places,

Chokladkoppen Stortorget 18, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

Cafe Schweizer Västerlånggatan 9, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

Fabrique Drottninggatan 102, 111 60 Stockholm, Sweden

Sail around the Islands A cruise of the central parts of the city is great way to see the cities 14 islands, however there are so many ways to this you can get the hop on hop off tour boat, or get a boat tour from Klara Mälarstrand (Near city hall), the tours are usually around 200SEK per person, if you are short on cash you can get a passenger ferry to get around.

The Vasa Museum The Vasa is the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world and a unique art treasure. Around 95 percent of the ship is still original. The ship is heavily decorated in rich carvings and sculptures.

The 69 meter-long warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in the middle of Stockholm in 1628 and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961. Today the Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia, with over one million visitors a year, so if that isn’t a great reason then i’m not sure what else is.

Dinner in Stockholm Stockholm is amazing for food and the quality and freshness from the ingredients are worth the high prices, but that’s my own opinion. There are so many places to try out and so many different great cuisines available, so you won’t find yourself going hungry here.

On our stay we tried local Japanese and Thai restaurants, as we had quite a traditional Swedish breakfast, we avoided having something similar in the evening. I would definitely recommend trying Swedish meatballs if you get a chance to do so. A great street for decent restaurants has to be Drottninggatan so many cool restaurants can be found here so check it out!

Party in a Open Air Club So if you are in Stockholm in the summer you will no doubt want to do something in long evenings, so why not go and check out the mother of outdoor party spaces. Resting beneath a giant concrete bridge lies a behemoth open air club. The space itself is full of lots of cool things to do like a huge dance floor, burger shacks, table tennis and small bars, this is spot you probably wouldn’t want to miss.

Usually entry before 8:00pm is free but check out the social media page for Trädgården for more up-to date info on what’s happening and future events.

I’ll let you google the photos for this one!

I hope you enjoyed the post, and if there some other cool things you want to recommend please leave a message in the comments!

48 Hours in Stockholm Hi Guys first blog post in god knows how long, so i'm trying to get back into it with this post!!!

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Welcome to Langkawi!

Home to stunning beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and irresistible food, this island has so much to offer. Although being far less developed when compared to some of the neighbouring islands, this gives Langkawi the chance for the wildlife and jungles on the island to flourish. You can ask others who have visited the island and let them tell you their stories, I am sure you will find yourself making this island is a must do if you are travelling to South-east Asia.

Officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. You will find yourself making this island is a must do if you are coming to South-east Asia.

The island is completely duty-free so alcohol and tobacco is super cheap when compare to mainland Malaysia. So if that’s your thing this is the best spot in Malaysia to let loose in moderation of course.

The island itself experiences great weather all year round and is never to cold however, it does tend pour with rain during the tropical monsoon season. Most showers happen in short powerful bursts, with the warm tropical climate it’s easy too see why the island is abundant in wildlife, waterfalls and outlandish rock formations. The islands dry season is during the winter usually so anytime between December to March is great, end of summer and autumn tend to be the most wet seasons, so remember to pack a light raincoat if you come during that time.

Check in time….

So where to stay in Langkawi, is one of the most important things to consider before you start your holiday. This guide should help simplify each area on the main island so that you can make a choice of where to book your accomodation.

Pantai Cenang-Most popular area, great beach, plenty of restaurants and shops. Pantai Tengah-Beautiful beach area, not crowded, nice restaurants, not too many shops. Pantai Kok- Best beach on the island (most are private), cable car and waterfall are close. Kuah Town- Biggest city on the island, duty-free, most ferry and jetties leave from here Padang Matsirat- Near to airport and tombs, batik art village, snake sanctuary. Datai Area- Luxury resorts, private beaches, close to crocodile farm and waterfalls. Air Hangat & Kilim- Close to Air Hangat Village which has natural hot springs, boat tours for Kilim Geopark, museums, waterfalls are all close as well however not too many restaurants.

So to help with some super basic Malay… Pantai=Beach Air=Water Padang=Field Pulau=Island

Any of these locations are great so before you book a hotel or AirBnB be sure to check out the reviews of the accommodation. Some spots are great and quite rural, (great for nature lovers) so i’m sure you will find somewhere you like on the island, whether you want to be in the jungle on the beach, there is plenty of great accommodation on this welcoming island.

*The hotel in the picture below is of The Andaman Hotel, in Langkawi

Exploring the island…

To get around in Langkawi you will lots of options, you can get a taxi, scooter, or even hire your own car, depends on your preference. The taxi ranks usually have a fixed price before you get in so remember to settle a fee with the driver before you get in to one.

Mopeds/scooter shops are all over the island you can rent a bike from anywhere really, most places have similar prices so don’t bother shopping around too much and wasting holiday time, Pantai Cenang has plenty shops that you can rent from.

In my opinion in Malaysia you should be using Uber, it is much cheaper than getting a taxi and the drivers are mostly friendly and can tell you a lot about the islands hidden gems. Uber works on Langkawi without any problem.

! IN MALAYSIA THEY DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD !

So all the boring stuff is done let’s talk about some of the great things to do whilst on the island.

01|Langkawi SkyCab and Bridge

Panorama Langkawi is located on the southwest coast of Langkawi island. The cable car ride will bring you all the way up to about 708 meters above sea level. This journey covers a total distance of 2.2 km linking the Base Station at the foothill of Machinchang mountain to Top Station at the mountain summit & to the SkyBridge.

The views for from the bridge are breathtaking and are definitely best during the evening where you can see the sunset and intense colours in the sky.

Prices will constantly change so here a link to the official website that sell the sky bridge tickets, so that you can arrange your budget.

02|Indulge in the Night Market

Langkawi’s street markets are also popular for sampling various types of freshly prepared Malay food such as pisang goreng (fried bananas), keropok lekor (fish crackers), nasi lemak, fried noodles and nasi ayam (chicken rice). There also a lot shopping that can be done at the market so keep your eye-out for local produce and handicrafts.

The market is not always in the same location, you can think of it as a travelling market, below is a timetable I made to help you out:

Monday- Ulu Melaka Market, 17:30-22:00 @Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama, Ulu Melaka Tuesday- Kedawang Market, 17:30-22:00 @Kedawang (near Pantai Cenang) Wednesday & Saturday- Kuah Night Market, 17:30-22:00 @Kuah Town Thursday- Temoyong, 17:30-22:00 @Kampung Temoyong, Mukim Kedawang Friday- Air Hangat, 17:30-22:00 @Padang Lalang, Air Hangat, Langkawi Sunday-Padang Matsirat Market, 17:30 – 22:00 @Kampung Raja, Mukim Padang Matsirat

*Please ask the hotel or locals just in case this list has changed.

03|Go Island Hopping

The island has so many different tours to choose from daily and are relatively very cheap to do. Most tours will take different routes and along the way you will see some of the islands wildlife and natural beauty.

You can do island hopping via a small group or by renting Jetskis both are great, I would recommend jetskis if you aren’t worried about your budget and you are confident in you swimming abilities.

Island hopping in a group will normally cost around 40RM (about £8/$11) that will take you to Dayang Bunting and the Eagle feeding area. Jetski will much more expensive expect around 700RM-950RM (about £130/$170) the later being with a passenger as-well.

04|Dayang Bunting

The island, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuah town, is modestly populated on one side and virtually uninhabited on the other where the lake is situated, this island is usually apart of the island hopping tour so be sure not to miss it.

The island has its own legend and it goes something like this: The favourite bathing pool of a celestial princess named Mambang Sari was said to be Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). A prince, Mat Teja, fell madly in love with her and tricked her into marrying him.

Sadly, their child died from a mysterious illness at the age of seven days. Distraught, the grieving Mambang Sari left the child’s body in the lake and returned to her heavenly abode. Today, some believe that barren women who bathe in this lake will be endowed with a child.

Be sure to jump in to the cool refreshing lake after trekking through the jungle, to get into the lake area you will need to pay a small fee.

05|Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

This is an Ecologically diverse National Park which hosts rivers squeezed between deep limestone cliffs, and biologically rich mangrove swamps, you can’t miss this if you truly a lover of nature, Also it is very close to Tanjung Rhu beach, so you can go to the beach to relax after.

There’s a good variety of wildlife found in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park Langkawi, ranging from otters and monitor lizards to macaques and tree crabs hiding amongst the thick mangroves. During the migratory seasons (September to March), you can spot birdlife of varying species, including kingfishers, white-bellied fish eagles and kite eagles

RM200 – RM500 (about £38/$50) for a boat and tour of the park.

06|Tanjung Rhu Beach

Located just beyond Pantai Pasir Hitam, Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi’s best shorelines. The waters are as clear as crystal, the sand is powder-fine and driving towards this beach you’ll have to pass a dense corridor of jungle. The area is absolutely secluded and the atmosphere is silent and peaceful.

There are a few roadside stalls selling Langkawi’s local favourite – mee gulung – but other than that the area is quiet.

07|Conquer the Island at Gunung Raya

Known as the highest mountain in Langkawi, Gunung Raya peaks at 881 metres in height and its dense forest  houses a variet of different wildlife such as leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, mountain hawk eagles, white bellied sea eagles, and even great hornbills.

According to local beliefs, the mountain is the cursed form of a giant called Mat Raya, who had once lived on the island. It is a 30 minute-long scenic drive to the top of Gunung Raya, with several lookout points along the way, or you could hike up to the mountain use a guide if you aren’t experienced in hiking.

08|Enjoy some me time at a Spa

Travelling and doing fun things daily will definitely take it out of you so without a doubt I would recommend getting a massage. Most places on the island are really good and most packages are relatively quite cheap.

When we were in Langkawi we went to the Alun Alun Spa on Pantai Cenang, I have only good things to say about the experience. This Spa in particular is quite secluded and private considering it being in a busy area of the island.

09|Fruit farms

I have never seen so much fruit in my life with a range of different exotic fruits this is a great thing to do with the family, or if you really like fruit like us.

10|Seafood all day every day!

Being on an island seafood and coconuts are a necessity, and without a doubt we took advantage of that. Fresh shellfish and Grouper Fish to be served to you is an experience you need to try when you are in Langkawi. There are so many restaurants to choose from, be careful and as the food is done by the weight of seafood you choose, try not to eat with your eyes, i made this mistake and was too greedy.

There are so many more things to do on this beautiful island but I only have space for 10, any recommendations please leave a message. Also if you have any questions I am more than happy to help.

    First post of 2018...Time to start the adventures!!! Welcome to Langkawi! Home to stunning beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and irresistible food, this island has so much to offer.

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Top Anime to watch in Summer 2017

First time blogging after a couple of weeks off, no need to worry i’m back with a new seasonal list to satisfy your anime cravings. A top five list of some of the hottest new anime shows to watch during the Summer. You must watch number one if you are to choose any of the shows in this list!!!

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

To give you an understanding of what the anime is about a synopsis is provided for each show, and a brief review of what I think of the show so far.

I appreciate any recommendations in the comments.

5. Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e Eng: Classroom of the Elite

Koudo Ikusei Senior High School is a leading prestigious school with state-of-the-art facilities where nearly 100% of students go on to university or find employment. The students there have the freedom to wear any hairstyle and bring any personal effects they desire. Koudo Ikusei is a paradise-like school, but the truth is that only the most superior of students receive favourable treatment.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is a student of D-class, which is where the school dumps its “inferior” students in order to ridicule them. For a certain reason, Kiyotaka was careless on his entrance examination, and was put in D-class. After meeting Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyou, two other students in his class, Kiyotaka’s situation begins to change.

This anime is a must for anyone who is in interested in school-type comedy romances. The animation and characters are quite interesting, however the only downfall I predict in this anime is that may not have the most original story, but nonetheless a good watch in the summer.

For fans of: Code Geass, Angel Beats Genre: School, Comedy, School, Romance You can watch it at: Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e

4. Fate/Apocrypha

The setting is a parallel world to Fate/stay night where the Greater Grail mysteriously disappeared from Fuyuki after the Third Holy Grail War. After many years of silence, around the same time as the Fifth Holy Grail War would have happened, the Yggdmillennia, a family of magi, openly declares their secession from the Mage’s Association, and that they are in possession of the Grail. The Association dispatches fifty magi to retrieve it, and all but one are instantly slaughtered by a mysterious Servant. The one remaining manages to activate the reserve system of the Greater Grail, allowing for the summoning of fourteen Servants in total.

In the city of Trifas, two factions will fight for the control of the sacred relic, each of them possessing their own team of seven Servants: the Black Faction whose members are part of Yggdmillennia, protecting the Grail, and the Red Faction whose members were sent by the Mage’s Association, trying to take the Grail back. For an event of this scale, the Grail itself summons its own Servant, the holy Ruler, to oversee the conflict.

Full of action and stylish storytelling, judging from the first couple of episodes, this is anime which i’m sure to watch till then end.

For fans of: Full Metal Alchemist, Shingeki no Kyojin Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Action You can watch it at: Fate/Apocrypha

3. Ballroom e Youkoso Eng: Welcome to the Ballroom

A professional dancer named Sengoku rescues Tatara, an introverted third-year middle school student who is being harassed by delinquents. Tatara ends up at Sengoku’s dance studio where he meets Shizuku Hanaoka, a schoolmate he comes to secretly idolize. From this defining moment when Tatara enters the world of dance. Sengoku is a free-spirited, dynamic international dancer who recognizes Tatara’s potential and begins to coach him. Through dance, Tatara meets another schoolmate, a dance prodigy named Kiyoharu. Through these new friendships, Tatara develops a passionate desire to improve as a dancer and be accepted by his peers and rivals, which nurtures his own native talent. And through interaction with Tatara, other dance members are encouraged to take steps to overcome their own challenges and issues.

After watching the first few episodes I feel that this is a series that is likely to have many more seasons after it, with an original story that focuses on the world of competitive dance. We are left excited for next episode to see how the main character develops into the best.

For fans of: Boku no Hero Academia, Kuroko no Basket Genre: Fantasy: School, Comedy, Shounen, Sports, Romance You can watch it at: Ballroom e Youkoso

2. Mahoutsukai no Yome Eng: The Ancient Magus’ Bride

Hatori Chise is only 16, but she has lost far more than most. With neither family nor hope, it seems all doors are closed to her. But, a chance encounter began to turn the rusted wheels of fate. In her darkest hour, a mysterious magus appears before Chise, offering a chance she couldn’t turn down. This magus who seems closer to demon than human, will he bring her the light she desperately seeks, or drown her in ever deeper shadows?

The artwork in this one is probably enough for me to carry on watching this anime, the story is a bit of a slow starter but judging from the Manga and OVAs I look forward to seeing how this anime develops.

For fans of: Ajin, Magi Genre: Fantasy, Magic You can watch it at: Mahoutsukai no Yome

1.  Made in Abyss

The enormous cave system known as The Abyss is the only unexplored place in the world. No one knows how deep down this titanic pit goes, inhabited by strange and wondrous creatures and full of mysterious ancient relics whose purpose are unknown to modern man. Generations of bold adventurers have been drawn to the cryptic depths of the Abyss. In course of time those bold enough to explore the dangerous pit came to be known as “Cave Raiders.”

In Oosu, the town at the edge of the Abyss, there lives a little orphan named Rico, who dreams of becoming as great a cave raider as her mother was and solving the great mystery of the pit. One day when exploring the murky depths she stumbles upon a little boy, who turns out to be a robot…

To start with, don’t ever judge a book by its cover, this anime grips you in on the first episode and will keep you curious about the adventure we are to expect. Interesting characters and story this anime looks as it is going to be one of the best of the year. Definitely recommended watching this one!!!

For fans of: Hunter X Hunter Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Comedy You can watch it at: Made in Abyss

Top 5 Anime…Summer 2017 Top Anime to watch in Summer 2017 First time blogging after a couple of weeks off, no need to worry i'm back with a new seasonal list to satisfy your anime cravings.

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Spinach and Prawn Linguine

Spinach and Prawn Linguine

Amazingly simple and easy to make and change to fit the simple ingredients you can find in any kitchen cupboard. The recipe is light and refreshing, perfect for those long summer evenings.

I recommend this recipe if you are a member of slimming world as you can alter it slightly to add up to 0 Syns (if you know, you know!).

Prep Time: 5mins Cook Time: 20mins Resting/Cooling Time: Eat while it’s…

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A popular cheese and egg pie this is definitely the Bulgarian alternative to the quiche we are so familiar with. Full of flavour and great for sharing this dish is perfect for any meal of the day.

Quick and easy to make there is no mystery to why this dish is a favourite in Bulgaria. The Banitsa is one of the most adaptable recipes I know and can be adopted for many different tastes, so give it a go and you’ll see how incredibly simple this recipe is.

Prep Time: 20mins Cook Time: 40mins Resting/Cooling Time: 15mins Serves: 10 to 12 People

Ingredients

250g Filo Pastry sheets (shop bought is fine 1 pack) 5 Eggs 300g Feta Cheese (Bulgarian Sirene if you can find) 200g Natural Yogurt, allow some for serving as well optional 100ml Sunflower oil, allow some for greasing as well 40ml Soda water (tap water is fine) 150g Spinach (optional) 3 Tbsp Butter (for cooking filling and drizzling)

Method

  1. Start by Preheating your oven to 200 C/ 180 C fan. Lightly grease a 10 inch flan tin or use a frying pan suitable for the oven, grease with oil or butter your choosing. Butter will make the Banitsa very rich in flavour but will have great base.

2. Crack all your eggs into a good sized sized bowl and beat them lightly, then begin Crumbling the cheese into onto the top of the mix, also add the yogurt, oil and water and combine well.

3. Cook your chosen filling in a frying pan with a nob of butter, I used spinach and that took about 5 minutes or so. You can use any filling here just cook it so its not raw. After cooking your filling chop roughly and add to the egg cheese mix. Add seasoning as well and mix here.

4. Unroll your Filo pastry, and working with one sheet at a time drizzle three or four table spoons of the egg/cheese mixture over the top. You can choose lightly drizzle or be a little more generous, i personally prefer to be generous, however if you want to be more crispy drizzle lightly.

5. Loosely roll the sheet of filo pastry up like a log and place into your prepared baking tin in a spiral shape. Do this until tin or saucepan is filled.

6. If there is any mixture left, drizzle it over the top of the rolls of filo, do not over fill the tin/saucepan otherwise you pastry wont become crispy. Drizzle with a knob of butter and bake for 40 minutes or until golden.

7. Leave to cool and then eat with a dollop of natural yogurt.

I would recommend leaving remainders in an airtight container and avoid using the fridge as it will make the Banitsa soggy.

Banitsa…баница A popular cheese and egg pie this is definitely the Bulgarian alternative to the quiche we are so familiar with.

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Top Anime to watch in Spring 2017

It’s nearly April, so it that time of year where we get fresh anime to watch, so start finishing off all of the previous ones because this list is sure to get you pumped for whats to be aired this Spring season.

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

I appreciate any recommendations in the comments.

5.  Boku no Hero Academia Season 2

So to start of the list we are gonna have to go with a couple long awaited sequels, first being Boku no Hero Academia’s Season 2. An anime for all ages, this is one show of which you want the good guys to win no matter what. I never thought I would cheer at the screen when the characters fought each other, but unashamedly I did.

The story for Boku no Hero Academia season 2 will continue in the world governed by “Quirks”—unique superpowers which develop in childhood. With the hero otaku Midoriya “Deku” Izuku never having a Quirk before until he met All Might, you will continue his story in becoming the greatest superhero in the world.

The second season is sure to keep us surprised with us enjoying new rivalries and plot twists.

For fans of: Prince of Tennis, Dragon Drive, Code:Breaker Genre: School, Comedy, Action, Shounen, Super Power You can watch it at: Boku no Hero Academia (LINK TBC)

4.  Re:Creators

One to not miss out on this spring has to be Re:Creators, this anime I am recommending is simply due to interesting plot and originality. I have included a brief intro into the anime below..

Humans have created many stories. Joy, sadness, anger, deep emotion. Stories shake our emotions, and fascinate us. However, these are only the thoughts of bystanders. But what if the characters in the story have “intentions”? To them, are we god-like existences for bringing their story into the world? Our world is changed. Mete out punishment upon the realm of the gods. In Re:CREATORS, everyone becomes a Creator.

For fans of: One Punch Man, Death Parade Genre: Fantasy, Action, Shounen, Super Power You can watch it at: Re:Creators (LINK TBC)

3.  Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho

This is anime that from judging from trailers i’m drawn in to watch, below is a brief intro to the story…

Year 526 of the Liturgical Calendar. The world knew that witches existed, and that they practised the notorious art of sorcery. Nevertheless, the world did not know anything about the study of magic.

Our story follows a half-man, half-beast mercenary; humans mockingly call his kind the “fallen beasts.” He always dreamt of becoming a human, but one day, he met a witch who would change his life forever.

The witch introduced herself as “Zero,” and explained that she was searching for a one-of-a-kind magical tome that bandits had stolen from her lair. Thus, in order to realize his dream of becoming a human, the mercenary must accompany Zero on her journey—despite her being one of the witches he so loathed.

For fans of: Ajin, Boku no Hero Academia, Magi Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Super Power You can watch it at: Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho (LINK TBC)

2.  Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

So we’ve known this one has been coming for ages now and it is being aired this spring, let’s just hope it can do justice to the original series. I have included a brief introduction to the story below…

Naruto was a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He achieved his dream to become the greatest ninja in the village and his face sits atop the Hokage monument. But this is not his story… A new generation of ninja are ready to take the stage, led by Naruto’s own son, Boruto!

For fans of: Naruto, One Piece, Bleach Genre: Ninja, Comedy, Action, Drama You can watch it at: Boruto (LINK TBC)

1.  Shingeki no Kyojin Season 2 (Attack on Titan)

The other sequel in this list is Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan). This is the second season of the intense anime that we were gifted with in 2013.

The first series grabs attention and forces you to immerse yourself in the universe of the titans. The anime displays action, drama and true brutality of human nature. If this anime is anything like the original first season we have a lot to look forward to.

For those of you who have not watched the first season, stop everything your doing and binge watch until the late hours.

For fans of: Full Metal Alchemist, Beserk Genre: Action, Drama, Shounen, Fantasy You can watch it at: Shingeki no Kyojin 2 (LINK TBC)

Top 5 Anime…Spring 2017 Top Anime to watch in Spring 2017 It's nearly April, so it that time of year where we get fresh anime to watch, so start finishing off all of the previous ones because this list is sure to get you pumped for whats to be aired this Spring season.

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A perfect cake for any picnic or tea, this raspberry and coconut cake is a treat for all, 100% Vegan Friendly

  Serves: Around 10 (chubby finger slices) Time: Around 3 hours, including cooking time!

Ingredients

175g desiccated coconut (not sweetened shredded coconut) 330ml full fat coconut milk (Canned is ok) 175g desiccated coconut (shredded coconut, unsweetened) 200g caster sugar 1.5 eggs, beaten 230g self raising flour 130g whole frozen raspberries (or your favourite berry) 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp coconut oil (for greasing, spray is ok) 3 tbsp seedless raspberry jam (or your favourite jam) 1 tbsp water a small handful desiccated coconut for decoration A handful of fresh raspberries for decoration Icing sugar for dusting (optional, it will make it nice)

Method

1. So the first step you need to do is to get a mixing bowl and combine the desiccated coconut with coconut milk, then leave for  45-60mins covered, the longer usually better it allows for the flavours to infuse with each other.

2. Start preheating your oven to temperature of 175°C (fan oven).

3. Now we need to line our loaf tin using the baking/parchment paper. I personally used a tin 10 x 20cm, to keep it nice and vegan remember to grease with coconut oil, once the tin is lined, after lining I would recommend having two 2″ strips  of baking paper in a cross, it will make it so much easier when you want to remove the cake from the tin once it is baked.

4. Back to the coconut mixture, resume by adding sugar, egg and vanilla and stir in with a metal spoon (wooden will get to stuck with the mix). Then sift over the flour and stir in, and finally fold in the frozen raspberries, your cake mix will resemble a thick porridge like consistency once combined.

5. Spoon the mixture to your cake loaf tin, then place it into the centre of the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes, before you take it out of the even stick in a knife and see it comes out clean. Let the cake cool down in the tin for for around 5 minutes, then using butter knife and go around the edge of the to loosen it slightly, then you can start carefully lifting it out of the tin, before you can start decorating let it cool down on a wire rack.

6. Once your cake has completely cooled down, start heating  your jam and water in a small pan and cook for around 5 minutes, then brush the jam on your cake and scatter the desiccated coconut over. Apply some more of the hot jam glaze and top the cake with fresh raspberries. Dust the raspberries with a little icing sugar and serve.

  Raspberry and Coconut Loaf A perfect cake for any picnic or tea, this raspberry and coconut cake is a treat for all,

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Let’s go to Glasgow

A vibrant hub full of must do and free to visit attractions, there is no question to why Glasgow is a must visit city if you find yourself in Scotland.

You will find yourself Spoiled for choice in Glasgow with its Art Nouveau architecture, museums and galleries, Glasgow is a haven for lovers of the arts. If art isn’t the thing for you shopping, food and great parks which will keep you busy during the day.

This guide is perfect for when find yourself in Glasgow for a day and are looking for some cool things to do enjoy the time and discover the city.

Things to do and see…

Architecture and Mackintosh

When you think of famous architects and the impact they have on urban design within any major city, you may think of Barcelona having Gaudí and Chicago having Frank Lloyd Wright, you may think who else?  One not to be missed of that list has to be Glasgow’s own Charles Rennie Mackintosh of whom is more than just any ordinary architect, you could say that he was an artist with a passion in pioneering the Art Nouveau movement.

He spent the majority of his life living in the city of Glasgow, or you could say the city grew with him living there. The impact of his design and style have given Glasgow a unique personality. His work is sure to catch your eye even if you didn’t not know he was the designer behind architecture. It was closed on my visit but I have been there before, please check if it is opened before visiting.

Famous works include Glasgow’s School of Art, Queen’s Cross Church and Willow Tearooms. I would recommend the Tearooms if you truly want to understand how his input on design has influenced our lives and other famous designers.

Below is a list of some great works of architecture to help you out!

Willow Tearooms-97 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3HF

Glasgow’s School of Art-167 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6RQ

Queen’s Cross Church– 870 Garscube Rd, Glasgow G20 7EL

Museums and galleries

Glasgow is packed-full of art, and you will surely find yourself wondering around in one its free to visit venues. With plenty to do and see in each museum you won’t find yourself bored. I visited Kelvingrove Museum as it was close to the University and the park. The Kelvingrove museum is full of great Scottish art and history, it’s also family friendly, if you like to sketch this also got some great life size stuffed animals which are quite enjoyable to sketch.

Another free-to-visit venue that is very close is the Hunterian Museum, so try and check that out if you want to see some more on natural history. This is located on the University Grounds, which is beautifully located on a hill which overlooks the city.

Kelvingrove Art Galery and Museum-Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG

Hunterian Museum– University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Take a stroll in the park or the cemetry…

If you visited the Kelvingrove’s Museum the park is a great place to take a stroll through, the park allows you to connect with nature and is known to look differently in every season. With plenty of benches and open spaces this park is great for picnics, walking the dog and just reading a book.

If parks weren’t your thing go to the cemetry, spooky right! Glasgow’s Necropolis is probably one of the most photogenic cemetries that I have ever been too, full of extravagant tombs and breathtaking views of the city, I recommend checking it out if you feel you have enough time. I would recommend sunrise or sunsets if you want to really enjoy the view.

Kelvingrove Park– Glasgow G3 6BY

The Necropolis– Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ

Eat, shop and eat some more-

Glasgow is one of the most voted locations to shop in the UK for a reason, Buchanan Street is the city’s heart for shopping, this street is has full of great malls, popular brand names and speciality shopping. If major brands aren’t your thing and you want something a little more exclusive check out the mews lanes and arcades in the West End for cool vintage, second-hand and independent boutiques. Every weekend you’ll find some cool markets in the west end full of interesting crafts which deserve to be looked at. (this is only if you have time in my opinion)

West End was probably where I spent most of the day with so many cool cafes and restaurants there are plenty to check out. Byres Road is the place to go if you are hungry, otherwise if you are not in the area have the city centre as well.

A couple of cool cafe’s and restaurants to check out if you have time.

Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery– 652 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8UF, Scotland

Singl-end Cafe and Bakehouse– 265 Renfrew Street | Garnethill, Glasgow G3 6TT

Obsession of India– 25 High Street, Glasgow G1 1LX

Bar Soba– 116-122 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8TB

Watch a movie at the theatre

Finish off your night by watching a movie at one of the best cinema the UK has on offer, The Glasgow Film Theatre is great and allows you truly connect with film in a way which is rare in the chaotic world we live in. This cinema is in my opinion the probably one of the highlights of my trip to Glasgow so don’t hesitate in visiting and book in advance, i’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

The venue started as single screen cinema over 40 years ago has become Scotland’s most diverse and best publicly attended independent cinema in Scotland, with Glasgow Film Festival one of the top three film festivals in the UK. We just made it so make sure you book your tickets for the next one!

Glasgow Film Theatre–  12 Rose St, Glasgow G3 6RB

  A day in Glasgow Let's go to Glasgow A vibrant hub full of must do and free to visit attractions, there is no question to why Glasgow is a must visit city if you find yourself in Scotland.

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Happy Chinese New Year!!!

A simple to make, crowd pleasing cheesecake that I made for the new year. A cake which never fails to disappoint. Filled with fresh berries and tangy lemon juices brings out a much needed tartness in a heavenly cheesecake.

***CAUTION THIS IS A DIET BREAKER***

This recipe has a Chinese translation below-食谱有一个中文翻译是

Serves: Around 10 Time: Around 1hr 45mins, plus overnight chilling

Ingredients

200g Digestive Biscuits 90g Unsalted Butter (melted) 3 Eggs 600g Full-Fat Soft Cheese 150g Natural Yogurt 65g Plain Flour 230g Caster Sugar (Golden if available) 2 Lemon Zest (whole lemon) 1 Juice of Lemon 200g Blueberries, (Raspberry, Blackberry can be used instead) Icing Sugar, to Decorate

Method

1. Heat oven to 120C/100C fan/gas and line the base of a 20cm round springform tin with greaseproof paper.

2. Next step is give the biscuits a good crush in a food processor or in a food bag using a rolling pin. Tip into a bowl with the melted butter and mix well. Push the biscuits into an even layer into the base of the cake tin and chill until needed.

3. In a separate bowl use an electric whisk to beat the soft cheese with the sugar. Next beat in the yoghurt then the eggs one at a time. Finally beat in the lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Fold through two thirds of the chosen berries crushing them very slightly so they start to bleed into the mix then tip the mix on top of the biscuit base and smooth over the top.

4. Bake for 45 mins to an hour, then turn off the oven, leave the cake inside for another hour then cool at room temperature.

5. Chill overnight. To serve, remove from tin, scatter with remaining raspberries and with icing sugar as you like

*You can decide on the right berry for your self, typically raspberries work the best and then blueberries as they tend to be quite tart

CHINESE VERSION-中文

服务：约10人 时间：约1小时45分钟，加冷夜

配料

200g消化饼干 90g黄油（熔化） 3个鸡蛋 600g软奶酪 150g天然酸奶 65g面粉 230克糖 2柠檬皮擦片 1柠檬汁 200g蓝莓，（覆盆子，黑莓可以更换） 糖粉，装饰

食谱

1.将烤箱加热至120°C (风扇烤箱）/ 100°C （煤气烤箱），并使用20厘米弹簧扣圆形蛋糕模，铺上防油纸。

2.下一步是粉碎饼干。然后用一个碗融化黄油，和饼干混匀，然后将饼干碎放到蛋糕模型里，平铺一层，放置冷却到需要时。

3. 用电动搅拌器在另一个单独的碗里打碎软奶酪和糖，然后加入酸奶打匀，然后按顺序加入三个鸡蛋，每次一个，分别搅拌均匀。

4. 加柠檬皮和柠檬汁，面粉，混匀，然后添加三分之二的蓝莓或其它浆果层，接着把以上所有混合物放到冷却的饼干层上。

5.烘烤45分钟至1小时，然后关闭烤箱，将蛋糕在烤箱内再放置1小时，然后在室温下冷却。

6.冷却过夜。享用时除掉锡纸，用剩下的覆盆子点缀在蛋糕上，也可以根据个人喜好添加糖粉。

*你可以选择自己喜欢的浆果，通常覆盆子是最好的，或者蓝莓，因为它们带有偏酸的口感。

  Baked Berry Cheesecake Happy Chinese New Year!!! A simple to make, crowd pleasing cheesecake that I made for the new year.

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Soft, moist and fluffy are the best words to describe this cake, the strong Matcha not only gives the cake a unique flavour, it also gives you vivid green colour as well.

Serves: Around 8 Time: Around 60 mins

Ingredients

60ml Vegetable Oil 150ml Whole Milk 5 Eggs yolks (fresher the better) 6 Egg Whites 100g Sugar (I used caster) 190g Cake flour (Plain flour) 1 Teaspoons Baking powder 2 Tablespoon Matcha Powder (Green tea powder)

Method

1. Start by Pre-heating your oven to a temperature of 170C/fan 160C/gas 4, then we can get started on making the cake.

2. First step is to sieve your flour, baking powder and Matcha powder in good sized mixing bowl, once you have sieved it into the bowl add the sugar, create a small well in the middle of the dry ingredients. If you are not sure what a well looks like the mix should look like a volcano.

3. In the middle of the dry mix add the egg yolks, oil and milk, and mix lightly with a hand whisk, mix until well combined, then put this aside for now.

4. Using an electric whisk start on the egg whites and when you see the egg whites slightly froffy add the remaining sugar and continue whisking until you reach soft peaks.

5. Add one third of the egg whites to green matcha mix and mix gently, once combined to the mix add the remaining of the egg whites one third at a time.

6. Add you chiffon cake mix to the cake tin, drop the tin once or twice before putting it into the oven and bake for around 40-45 mins.

7. Take the cake out of the oven , it may look a bit browned every where, you will need to cut the sides off, tops and bottom off then you can see you lovely green sponge.

MatMacha Chiffon Cake Soft, moist and fluffy are the best words to describe this cake, the strong Matcha not only gives the cake a unique flavour, it also gives you vivid green colour as well.

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(via Top 5 Anime...Winter 16/17)

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Top Anime to watch in Winter 16/17

  2017 is finally here and back to blogging, after a long holiday of blogging here is a much needed update for the most freshest Anime to get hooked on.

These anime’s have only just been released or will be very soon, so i’m judging them from what I have seen on the trailers and have chosen the ones that appeal to me.

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

I appreciate any recommendations in the comments.

5. Little Witch Academia

The story revolves around Akko, who as a child watched the witch Shiny Chariot perform a show, and from then on dreamed of becoming a witch. She enters the Luna Nova Academy, a school for witches that Shiny Chariot attended. In this new town she meets new friends and starts a new school life. At the school she has lessons on riding brooms and the wonder of magic, but Akko and her friends Lotte and Sucy keep getting wrapped up in tumultuous events.

For fans of: Boku no Hero Academia and Cardcaptor Sakura Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Magic You can watch it at: Little Witch Academia

4. Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen

Assiah, the realm of humans, and Gehenna, the realm of demons. Normally, these two dimensions would never intersect, but having possessed all material substances, the demons are now intruding on the material world. But among the human race, there are those who can exorcise such demons—the exorcists.

Rin Okumura kept the fact that he was Satan’s offspring a secret from everyone and decided to become an exorcist. He began his training at True Cross Academy but following the incidents involving Amaimon’s raid, his lineage became apparent. Fearing his true nature and the blue flames marking his connection to Gehenna, Rin’s classmates all distanced themselves from him. Meanwhile, the academy was on high alert when they realized that the “Left Eye of the Impure King” had been stolen! What lies ahead for Rin and his classmates?

  For fans of: Soul Eater, Black Butler and D.Gray Man Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Demons You can watch it at: Ao No Exorcist

3. Youjo Senki

On the front lines of the war, there is a little girl. Blond hair, blue eyes, and porcelain white skin, she commands her squad with lisping voice. Her name is Tanya Degurechaff. But in reality, she is one of Japan’s most elite salarymen, reborn as a little girl after angering a mysterious being who calls himself God. This little girl, who prioritizes efficiency and her own career over anything else, will become the most dangerous being amongst the sorcerers of the imperial army.

For fans of: Fullmetal Alchemist and Tenkai Knights Genre: Military, Action, Magic You can watch it at: Youjo Senki

2. ACCA 13-ku Kansatsu-ka

The kingdom of Dowa, which is subdivided into 13 states, is celebrating its monarch’s 99th birthday. These thirteen states have many agencies that are controlled by the giant organization known as ACCA. Within ACCA, Jean Otis is the second-in-command of the inspection agency. His agency has 10 people placed in each of the 13 states, with a central office in the capital city. They keep track of all the activities of ACCA across the kingdom, and keep data on each state’s ACCA office flowing towards the central office. Jin also often has business trips from the capital to the other districts, to check on the situation and personnel there.

For fans of: Durarara Genre: Police, Drama You can watch it at: ACCA

1. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2

After a traffic accident, Kazuma Sato’s disappointingly brief life was supposed to be over, but he wakes up to see a beautiful girl before him. She claims to be a goddess, Aqua, and asks if he would like to go to another world and bring only one thing with him. Kazuma decides to bring the goddess herself, and they are transported to a fantasy world filled with adventure, ruled by a demon king. Now Kazuma only wants to live in peace, but Aqua wants to solve many of this world’s problems, and the demon king will only turn a blind eye for so long…

For fans of: Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail and Hunter X Hunter Genre: Adventure, Magic, Comedy, Supernatural You can watch it at: TO BE UPDATED WHEN ITS AIRED…JAN 12TH

Top 5 Anime…Winter 16/17 Top Anime to watch in Winter 16/17 2017 is finally here and back to blogging, after a long holiday of blogging here is a much needed update for the most freshest Anime to get hooked on.