We're always pleased to meet lovely people who are excited about Leicestershire as we are! So this week we are delighted to welcome Kaya from Muddy Stilettos, the urban guide to the Countryside, to talk all things weekending in Leicestershire....
What do you do for work?
I run my own glossy, lifestyle blog called Muddy Stilettos. It's all about the fun, cool, quirky things to see, do, explore and shop in and around Leicestershire and supports local businesses.
What's your proudest career moment so far?
I guess running my own successful blog and being able to pull off the first ever Muddy Stiletto Awards single handedly! #femaleboss! When someone says "Ohh i've heard about that blog" it's really reassuring and I start to think the risk of leaving London/having a baby/leaving a f/t editor job may have been worth it!
Image by Matt Glover Photography
What's your favourite way to relax and unwind after a busy day?
Unfortunately I don't get a lot of time to unwind because I have a toddler. I also work very late into the night on the blog. I desperately need a pedicure so right now, that is how I'd like to relax - with a long foot soak, foot massage and pedicure a lovely strong back massage would be a bonus!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I have always wanted to be a journalist and have worked on some of the biggest mags out there including Drapers, Eve, Food & Travel and ACHICA Living.
What are your favourite pastimes outside of work?
I love shopping, sad I know - but i'm quite fussy and the high street doesn't cut it so am always on the hunt for cool fashion brands. I also love yoga, reading, theatre and travelling.
Just like us, you're passionate about the city of Leicester, how do sell our fine city to those who've never visited?
I live 10 minutes away from the city but also very near Bradgate Park and Woodhouse Eaves which is absolutely stunning - so peaceful and picturesque so I have the best of both parts of the city/county.
Leicester is a creative hub of talent, through working on the blog, I've met so many interesting and passionate people and so supportive too. I still miss London (a lot) but am settling in very nicely now.
Do you ever miss Living in London?
YES - i miss the art, culture and theatre, the after work socialising, the restaurants but not the tube esp in summer!
I'm too busy to miss it too much which is a good thing though.
When is your weekend?
Sat-Sun. I still work at the weekend - writing/attending events etc: but I work around my family as they are the priority during the weekend.
What's a typical weekend look like for you?
We revolve everything around my toddler as we want to get him out exploring the world as much as poss. We go to the park Abbey/Bradgate or have brunch/lunch at a local pub. And then I spend the afternoon cooking or writing!
Your ideal weekend break...
I don't mind where I go as long as it's warm and sunny, It could be a weekend in Bath or Oxford - mooching around exploring the city or shopping in Bicester. Eating at a delicious cafe for lunch and an amazing pub or Thai restaurant for dinner! If i could go abroad I'd love to check out Seville and see the history and architecture. It's been on our must-visit list for years now!
Your ideal Sunday menu...
Breakfast: The Ivy, London with my sister
Lunch: Somewhere in Toronto, Canada (this is home and where I'm from) and I'd want to be with all my friends who live there.
Dinner: Thai food in Bangkok with my husband!!
Do you have a signature dish you like to cook?
Not necessarily a dish but I make amazing sun dried tomato and feta falafels, savoury scones with olives.
I do make a delicious mushroom risotto!
What's in your fridge?
Salad, salad and more salad, eggs, Petit Filous yoghurt, chestnut mushrooms, grapes, nectarines, cucumber and some homemade Indian food.
QUICK FIRE - without too much thought, name your absolute favourite...
Book: The Great Gatsby / Game of Thrones (yes read them all and wayyyy before everyone jumped on the GOT bandwagon)
Film: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - old school Sarah Jessica P (if you don't know, you better get to know)
TV Series: GOT / The Durrells / SUITS / POWER / Orange Is The New Black...I could go on!
Holiday destination: Anywhere in Italy.
Museum: Natural History Musuem, London. It ALWAYS reminds me of the classic Disney movie 'One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing' LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Word: Effervescent
What is your guilty pleasure?
Choc and nut (Lidl's 59p one)
Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream!
Digestive biscuits with tea at 10pm much to my husbands horror!
How can people follow what you do and get in contact?
@muddyleics on Instagram
@muddyleics on Twitter
@muddyleics on Facebook
Also.... My Website is www.leicsmuddystilettos.co.uk and it's a good idea to subscribe to the blog to get all the best things to see/do in Leicestershire sent directly to your inbox!
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