1 day left until Christmas Day :)
Very excited!
Friday 23 December 2011
Thursday 15 December 2011
Why I love Farmers' Markets
- The variety is huge! (It is the only place I can get my favourite yellow plum tomatoes)
- They are sourced locally, thus the chances of them being fresh are much higher. Plus, I don't think they bother putting the tomatoes in the fridge and then taking them out to sell them.
- I support the local farmers rather than national supermarket chains - I don't think I have to elaborate on that one do I?
- You can pick your own fruit and vegetables since most of the time they are sold loose. Yes, you can do that at some supermarkets as well, but I prefer the farmers' market!
- They are cheaper than the supermarket (last week I bought a bunch of fresh organic spinach to use in my spinach canelloni. It was 50p. And I also got a punnet of blueberries for 80p. And a 400g packet of cranberries for a pound. Take that Sainsbury's).
- The difference in taste is ENORMOUS- particularly if you are eating them raw, e.g. in a salad.
- The guys behind the bench always smile - and I inevitably smile back! :)
The only downside up until now is that the vegetables usually need a very good washing before eating raw or cooking them. But really, is there any competition?
This post could save your cluttered wardrobe.
If your wardrobe is filled with clothes, shoes and accessories you never wear (and probably never will), worry not, bigwardrobe is here to offer you a new wardrobe without having to spend a fortune!The idea is to swap your clothes with other members', getting rid of anything which is too good to throw away, and getting new items with minimum cost and fuss. Upgrade to a pro account (for £1.50 per month), and you can sell them for money as well! The range is quite big, with everything from vintage designer items, to perfume and cosmetics (there's even a 'wedding' section!), you'll certainly find a replacement for that old top you've never worn, or that bag that never seems to suit any of your outfits.
I personally just listed one item (a top I bought but have never worn) up to now, and I already got an offer, but I'm still at the early stages of getting to know the procedures. But I can't wait for my wardrobe to have a makeover! Some things to keep in mind: you can connect your account to PayPal (like on Ebay), for easy and safe transactions, choose whether you want to offer UK only or worldwide delivery (yes, it is open for customers overseas as well!) and pick a guide price for each of the items you list. It is actually easier than I thought!
Happy browsing ladies and swap away!
Have you used bigwardrobe.com before or any similar websites? What do you think? :)
I personally just listed one item (a top I bought but have never worn) up to now, and I already got an offer, but I'm still at the early stages of getting to know the procedures. But I can't wait for my wardrobe to have a makeover! Some things to keep in mind: you can connect your account to PayPal (like on Ebay), for easy and safe transactions, choose whether you want to offer UK only or worldwide delivery (yes, it is open for customers overseas as well!) and pick a guide price for each of the items you list. It is actually easier than I thought!
Happy browsing ladies and swap away!
Have you used bigwardrobe.com before or any similar websites? What do you think? :)
Wednesday 14 December 2011
The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Set in Jackson, a small town in Mississippi of the 1960s, the story follows Skeeter, a young girl who just came back from college determined to become an author. However, as soon as she comes back she slowly realises the racism against the coloured domestic help and comes up with an idea: to write a book which is a collection of the experiences of several coloured maids.
Of course, this was easier said than done. She had to confront her supposed best friend, Holly, who is basically the female version of the Devil, her boyfriend who cannot understand why she would take such a risk and thus leaves her, her conservative mother who is dismissive of her aspirations to write, but most importantly she had to confront isolation and disappointment as she was abandoned by the people closer to her.
Written with sensitivity, honesty and humour, Stockett captures the essence of human relationships and their complications, as well as the contemporary racial prejudices - and pushes for them to change. The book is written from three perspectives, Skeeter's, Aibeleen's, the first maid who decides to write her story for Skeeter, and sassy Minny, another maid who also one of Hilly's sworn enemies after the Terrible Awful Thing she had done to her.
It is not like any other book I read before, yet I would easily give it a 10/10. You might need some time adjusting to the slang, but when you do, you won't be able to put it down, I promise!
PS: It has recently been made into a film, but I always recommend to read the book first and then watch the movie, because when I do it the other way round it always ends up in disappointment!
Of course, this was easier said than done. She had to confront her supposed best friend, Holly, who is basically the female version of the Devil, her boyfriend who cannot understand why she would take such a risk and thus leaves her, her conservative mother who is dismissive of her aspirations to write, but most importantly she had to confront isolation and disappointment as she was abandoned by the people closer to her.
Written with sensitivity, honesty and humour, Stockett captures the essence of human relationships and their complications, as well as the contemporary racial prejudices - and pushes for them to change. The book is written from three perspectives, Skeeter's, Aibeleen's, the first maid who decides to write her story for Skeeter, and sassy Minny, another maid who also one of Hilly's sworn enemies after the Terrible Awful Thing she had done to her.
It is not like any other book I read before, yet I would easily give it a 10/10. You might need some time adjusting to the slang, but when you do, you won't be able to put it down, I promise!
PS: It has recently been made into a film, but I always recommend to read the book first and then watch the movie, because when I do it the other way round it always ends up in disappointment!
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Asian Tuna with Soy Sauce and Honey
This is the way I had my tuna steaks (because they are so much healthier than the tinned tuna), using a few (asian) basic ingredients I had at home. It is very easy since most of the work is done beforehand, and the tuna just takes minutes to grill, but I'd point out that this recipe is not recommended for anyone on a low-sodium diet.
Ingredients: (Serves 1)
-1 tuna steak (or two smaller ones)
-50ml of soy sauce
-1 tsp honey
-1/2 tsp ground ginger
-1 clove of garlic, minced
-1/2 tsp sesame oil (regular sunflower oil will do if you don't have sesame oil)
-1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes, or finely chopped fresh chillies (optional)
1. Put the soy sauce and the honey in a pan over medium heat and stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, sesame oil and chilli flakes if using. Give it a final stir and remove from heat. Let it cool.
3. In a bowl (or freezer bag if you want to be practical), put the tuna steak and the marinade and leave to marinade overnight (ideally) or for an hour minimum.
4. In a medium grill, grill the tuna steak for about five minutes per side or until lightly charred, basting with the sauce every now and then.
5. Serve with rice or asian salad.
Ingredients: (Serves 1)
-1 tuna steak (or two smaller ones)
-50ml of soy sauce
-1 tsp honey
-1/2 tsp ground ginger
-1 clove of garlic, minced
-1/2 tsp sesame oil (regular sunflower oil will do if you don't have sesame oil)
-1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes, or finely chopped fresh chillies (optional)
1. Put the soy sauce and the honey in a pan over medium heat and stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, sesame oil and chilli flakes if using. Give it a final stir and remove from heat. Let it cool.
3. In a bowl (or freezer bag if you want to be practical), put the tuna steak and the marinade and leave to marinade overnight (ideally) or for an hour minimum.
4. In a medium grill, grill the tuna steak for about five minutes per side or until lightly charred, basting with the sauce every now and then.
5. Serve with rice or asian salad.
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| via www.blue-kitchen.com |
Saturday 10 December 2011
A Lipstick Truly Infallible
Before you read further, I have to point out the following: this is not a proper beauty product review, I haven't bought it and I haven't tried it on my lips. Also I'm not being paid to say this, but I simply HAD to share it with you!
Due to Christmas (and Christmas parties) approaching, I was in a search for a new lipstick. Naturally, I went down to Boots and tried several lipsticks on my wrist (I never try them on my lips for hygiene reasons). I carefully examined the shades and thought that maybe I could extend my search to other stores as well (eg my favourite Body Shop). And then (here comes the important part!!) I take out a tissue from my bag to wipe the lipsticks off my wrist. I wiped off all of them apart from two. They wouldn't come off. Not even after two days. Even my Simple make up remover who has never disappointed me in the past, failed to remove them. By now you'd be curious to know what kind of amazing, heaven-sent lipsticks these were which stayed put despite my repeated efforts to defeat them.
They were L'Oreal's Infallible, and yes you can write this down.
Unfortunately I didn't buy any of them because a lot of shades were shimmery, and I'm not a real fan of shimmer on lips, and those who were matte, were shades that I already had from previous purchases, or shades which I didn't already own but didn't suit my complexion or style anyway *sad face*. BUT as you can understand by now, I highly recommend them! They come in twos (one is the coloured lipstick - the one I tried - and the other one is a kind of lipbalm to keep your lips hydrated) in a pretty case in a variety of colours ranging from browinsh-gold, to raspberry and true red.
Yes, I understand that at £11.29, the price is a bit steep for a high-street brand (considering that MAC's lipsticks are priced at £13.50), but if you know which shade you want you can easily get it online for a fraction of the price.
Let me know what you think! :)
Due to Christmas (and Christmas parties) approaching, I was in a search for a new lipstick. Naturally, I went down to Boots and tried several lipsticks on my wrist (I never try them on my lips for hygiene reasons). I carefully examined the shades and thought that maybe I could extend my search to other stores as well (eg my favourite Body Shop). And then (here comes the important part!!) I take out a tissue from my bag to wipe the lipsticks off my wrist. I wiped off all of them apart from two. They wouldn't come off. Not even after two days. Even my Simple make up remover who has never disappointed me in the past, failed to remove them. By now you'd be curious to know what kind of amazing, heaven-sent lipsticks these were which stayed put despite my repeated efforts to defeat them.
They were L'Oreal's Infallible, and yes you can write this down.
Unfortunately I didn't buy any of them because a lot of shades were shimmery, and I'm not a real fan of shimmer on lips, and those who were matte, were shades that I already had from previous purchases, or shades which I didn't already own but didn't suit my complexion or style anyway *sad face*. BUT as you can understand by now, I highly recommend them! They come in twos (one is the coloured lipstick - the one I tried - and the other one is a kind of lipbalm to keep your lips hydrated) in a pretty case in a variety of colours ranging from browinsh-gold, to raspberry and true red.Yes, I understand that at £11.29, the price is a bit steep for a high-street brand (considering that MAC's lipsticks are priced at £13.50), but if you know which shade you want you can easily get it online for a fraction of the price.
Let me know what you think! :)
Thursday 8 December 2011
The art of having a Tiger Mother
This is about an article I read today in the Times, and which really made me think that mothers everywhere are not so different after all. It considered the Chinese way of raising children, based on the concept of a Tiger Mum and a Wolf Dad, who tend to punish their children for achievements which are anything less than perfect; the article cites the example of Amy Chua (who published a book on the matter by the way), whose daughter got an A-minus in maths, she won second prize in a regional history competition and she passed her piano exam with distinction. Ms Chua, being the Tiger Mother, demanded to know why she didn’t get an A in maths, berated her for disgracing the family by not coming top in the history contest and threatened to burn her toys if she doesn’t do two hours of piano practice, adding that there will be no sleepover with her friends today, or indeed ever.But of course, little did the Chinese mothers know, since recently, a couple of young schoolgirls published a book of advice and tips on how to deal with a tyrannical mother. The Complete Book of Combat With Mum, includes tricks ranging from crying and burying your head in your mother's chest, to threatening to leave home, or for the less dramatic but more courageous, start singing in the middle of a punishment. As expected, the book became an immediate hit, being forwarded tens of thousands of times in the Chinese equivalent of Twitter (at this point I should point out that it was initially uploaded by the girls' father who evidently took a more humorous approach to the matter).
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| Amy Chua with her daughters Louisa and Sophia |
However, given that there are Western mothers dangerously resembling the Chinese Tiger Mother, is it really a matter of culture and government propaganda? Or are the children virtually reduced to tools for personal glory?
Monday 5 December 2011
Stuffed Peppers with Feta Cheese
I was a bit homesick last week, so I decided to make something greek-inspired in the kitchen. Stuffed peppers are considered quite a delicacy back home (we all get very excited when my grandmother makes them - and she also makes stuffed vine leaves and onions), although they are traditionally made with minced meat, rice and spices. However, I didn't have any minced meat at home, so I stuffed them with a mixture based on feta cheese - which is more of a Greek way to do rather than Cypriot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did if you try it at home. :)
Ingredients: (serves 1)
-100g feta cheese
-2 large peppers (preferably red, orange or yellow because they are sweeter than the green ones)
-1 tsp finely chopped pepper
-2 rashers of smoked bacon or pancetta, excess fat removed and chopped
-1 teaspoon thyme
-1 teaspoon dried mint
-1 small tomato deseeded (you don't want the filling getting too liquidy) and finely chopped
-2 spring onions, finely chopped
-1 tbsp of olive oil plus more for brushing the peppers
-Black pepper
1. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees.
2. Cut off the top of the peppers and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, crumble the feta, add the chopped pepper, bacon/pancetta, the herbs, the tomato, spring onions, 1 tbsp of olive oil and crack a bit of black pepper. Blend well.
4. Carefully scoop the filling into the peppers.Cover them with their tops and brush with a bit of olive oil.
5. Put them in the oven for about half an hour or until the peppers soften and the cheese melts.
6. Serve warm, ideally with a dollop of greek yoghurt.
Ingredients: (serves 1)
-100g feta cheese
-2 large peppers (preferably red, orange or yellow because they are sweeter than the green ones)
-1 tsp finely chopped pepper
-2 rashers of smoked bacon or pancetta, excess fat removed and chopped
-1 teaspoon thyme
-1 teaspoon dried mint
-1 small tomato deseeded (you don't want the filling getting too liquidy) and finely chopped
-2 spring onions, finely chopped
-1 tbsp of olive oil plus more for brushing the peppers
-Black pepper
1. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees.
2. Cut off the top of the peppers and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, crumble the feta, add the chopped pepper, bacon/pancetta, the herbs, the tomato, spring onions, 1 tbsp of olive oil and crack a bit of black pepper. Blend well.
4. Carefully scoop the filling into the peppers.Cover them with their tops and brush with a bit of olive oil.
5. Put them in the oven for about half an hour or until the peppers soften and the cheese melts.
6. Serve warm, ideally with a dollop of greek yoghurt.
Thursday 1 December 2011
Witty jumpers!
Yes, we are officially in December, and the last month of 2011! This post is about the jumpers that seem to become a trend, the ones with animals, fruit or whatever other witty thing on them - which apart from being soooo cute, they are also so full of character. Needless to say, they are a definite must on my Christmas list! I give you my top picks:
The one with the lips:
The one with the birds:
The one with the leopard print:
The one with the lipsticked kisses:
The one with the snowman:
The one with the strawberry (my personal favourite!)
And I've saved the best for last, the one with the REINDEER (that's Christmas on a jumper):
Any thoughts? :)
The one with the lips:
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| Markus Lupfer |
The one with the birds:
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| Joules |
The one with the leopard print:
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| H! by Henry Holland |
The one with the lipsticked kisses:
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| DKNY |
The one with the snowman:
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| Topshop |
The one with the strawberry (my personal favourite!)
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| Mulberry |
And I've saved the best for last, the one with the REINDEER (that's Christmas on a jumper):
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| Topshop |
Any thoughts? :)
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Marni for H&M (very, very, very excited!!!)
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| Consuela Castiglioni with H&M's Margareta van den Bosch via Vogue.co.uk |
It is expected that Marni's signature pattern - polka dots - will be a huge hit (OBVIOUSLY!). Moreover, the collection will include both a women's and men's lines as well as accessories (think big, bold and chunky). Inside information reveals that the women's line will include (among others) full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knits, using fabrics ranging from silk to cotton.
Just to get you a bit excited as well:
Are you fans of Marni as well? What do you think? :)
Sunday 27 November 2011
Christmas is coming to a department store near you!
One of the best things when doing my Christmas shopping is the Christmas windows of the shops - the VERY extravagant windows that is, which never fail to lift my spirits and make me feel all Christmassy. I was in London a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed by the stunning windows of the larger department stores which of course have impressive Christmas decorations every year, but this time they blew my mind. Unfortunately I haven't managed to take proper photographs due to the large number of people passing by and not letting me take a proper photograph! Yet, I was glad to find them online. Enjoy the eye candy :)
Harvey Nichols' frosty winter wonderland:
Harrods who joined forces with Swarovski for a concept resembling The Chronicles of Narnia:
Selfridges' windows which are based on a Christmas Carols concept and actually play music (!):
all images were taken via marieclaire.co.uk
Feeling Christmassy already? :)
Harvey Nichols' frosty winter wonderland:
Harrods who joined forces with Swarovski for a concept resembling The Chronicles of Narnia:
Selfridges' windows which are based on a Christmas Carols concept and actually play music (!):
all images were taken via marieclaire.co.uk
Feeling Christmassy already? :)
Saturday 26 November 2011
Healthy Carrot and Coriander Soup
This nutritious recipe is ideal for those cold, rainy nights when you want something easy and simple, with few basic ingredients, so you can curl up with a good book without having to worry about dinner. My version serves one for a main course but you can obviously adapt it to serve more. Enjoy :)
Ingredients:
-1 tsp of olive oil
-2 large carrots, roughly chopped
-a small bunch of coriander,
-a small onion, roughly chopped
-a stalk of celery, roughly chopped (optional)
-salt, pepper
-cream/yoghurt/blue cheese to serve (optional)
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan with a lid and throw in the carrots and the onion. Stir until onions are transclucent and carrots are somewhat softened. Add the celery if you are using.
2. Chop the coriander stalks (keeping the leaves) and throw them in the pan with the carrots and the onions. Season well.
3. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a slow simmer. Cover with the lid and let simmer until carrots are fairly soft.
4. With a hand blender - if you don't have one just use a food processor - blend the soup as smooth or as chunky as you like.
5. Chop the coriander leaves and stir them in the soup.
6. Serve with a dollop of cream to make it more creamy, with yoghurt for a nice contrast between the warm soup and the cold yoghurt, or with some crumbled blue cheese for an extra kick.
I served mine with a bit of crumbled Stilton:
If you try this at home, do let me know how it turns out :)
Ingredients:
-1 tsp of olive oil
-2 large carrots, roughly chopped
-a small bunch of coriander,
-a small onion, roughly chopped
-a stalk of celery, roughly chopped (optional)
-salt, pepper
-cream/yoghurt/blue cheese to serve (optional)
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan with a lid and throw in the carrots and the onion. Stir until onions are transclucent and carrots are somewhat softened. Add the celery if you are using.
2. Chop the coriander stalks (keeping the leaves) and throw them in the pan with the carrots and the onions. Season well.
3. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a slow simmer. Cover with the lid and let simmer until carrots are fairly soft.
4. With a hand blender - if you don't have one just use a food processor - blend the soup as smooth or as chunky as you like.
5. Chop the coriander leaves and stir them in the soup.
6. Serve with a dollop of cream to make it more creamy, with yoghurt for a nice contrast between the warm soup and the cold yoghurt, or with some crumbled blue cheese for an extra kick.
I served mine with a bit of crumbled Stilton:
If you try this at home, do let me know how it turns out :)
Friday 25 November 2011
Fur me up!
Winter is fast approaching (so is Christmas hooray!), and I simply had to do a post on my favourite fur coats out there! Feel free to add any of your own :)
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| Karl Donoghue |
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| asos.com |
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| Primark |
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| Michael Kors |
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| River Island |
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| Miss Sixty |
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| Romwe |
Black Friday - yes! it's here!
The UK has borrowed from the US all kinds of traditions throughout history (see Halloween), and this time, it has given us one more reason to love the US - Black Friday (no nothing scary about it - apart from the crowds involved) hits the UK!
To any readers not familiar with the concept of the Black Friday, it is the day after Thanksgiving, when shops have HUGE discounts to kick-start Christmas shopping - I don't think I need to expand on the length of the queues outside...
Nevertheless, many retailers will be have discounts, with electronics giants Amazon, Dell and Apple (I know a particular reader will be happy to read this) among them. Widely loved Selfridges will offer a 20% discount with discount vouchers in-store until Sunday, while online retailers such as River Island will be offering free delivery throughout the weekend.
Happy Christmas shopping ladies :)
To any readers not familiar with the concept of the Black Friday, it is the day after Thanksgiving, when shops have HUGE discounts to kick-start Christmas shopping - I don't think I need to expand on the length of the queues outside...
Nevertheless, many retailers will be have discounts, with electronics giants Amazon, Dell and Apple (I know a particular reader will be happy to read this) among them. Widely loved Selfridges will offer a 20% discount with discount vouchers in-store until Sunday, while online retailers such as River Island will be offering free delivery throughout the weekend.
Happy Christmas shopping ladies :)
Monday 21 November 2011
BLT reinvented - by M
After a week away in London, I make my come back with my own version of BLT sandwich. I know people don't usually consider sandwiches to be real food, but I disagree; they are an art in their own right (of course I don't mean those disgusting things people serve at times with month-old baps and tasteless cheese). BLT is one of my favourites, and after quite a bit of experimenting, I give you the fruits of my labour:
M's ultimate BLT:
Ingredients:
-2 slices of bread or 1 baguette/panini
-1 teaspoon of mayonnaise (home-made is always better, but store-bought will do as well)
-1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (I use without grains, but feel free to use whichever you like)
-1 clove of garlic, minced or grated (crushing or grating garlic tends to give more flavour than just chopping it)
-2 rashers of bacon or pancetta
-a bit of iceberg lettuce (I prefer iceberg for the crunch, but really you can use any lettuce you like)
-1 small tomato, sliced
-1 few slices of pickled jalapenos (optional)
1. Get a pan on the stove and leave for about a minute to get hot (no oil, no butter, no anything in)
2. Warm up your grill and put the bread in to toast for a few minutes.
3. Trim a bit of the fat from the bacon or the pancetta if there's too much, but do leave a bit so you can fry it afterwards in its own fat.
3. When the pan is hot, dry fry the bacon/pancetta. If you are not using a baguette or a panini you may want to cut the rashers in half first so they don't stick out when you assemble the sandwich at the end.
4. Keep frying the bacon/pancetta until it reaches the desired level of crispiness, and leave to drain on kitchen paper.
5. Without throwing away the bacon fat in the pan, fry the garlic without burning it (it will take just a few seconds). As soon as it gives off its aroma, get the garlic out of the pan because it will keep frying even if the pan is off the stove.
6. Mix the mustard with the mayonnaise and spread across the bread. Sprinkle with the garlic (it won't have such a strong taste since it's fried), top with the bacon/pancetta, then the lettuce and then the tomato slices. If you're using, top with a few jalapenos as well.
7. Serve as soon as possible. Bon appetit!
Unfortunately I didn't manage to photograph it, but do let me know of your thoughts if you try it at home. :)
M's ultimate BLT:
Ingredients:
-2 slices of bread or 1 baguette/panini
-1 teaspoon of mayonnaise (home-made is always better, but store-bought will do as well)
-1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (I use without grains, but feel free to use whichever you like)
-1 clove of garlic, minced or grated (crushing or grating garlic tends to give more flavour than just chopping it)
-2 rashers of bacon or pancetta
-a bit of iceberg lettuce (I prefer iceberg for the crunch, but really you can use any lettuce you like)
-1 small tomato, sliced
-1 few slices of pickled jalapenos (optional)
1. Get a pan on the stove and leave for about a minute to get hot (no oil, no butter, no anything in)
2. Warm up your grill and put the bread in to toast for a few minutes.
3. Trim a bit of the fat from the bacon or the pancetta if there's too much, but do leave a bit so you can fry it afterwards in its own fat.
3. When the pan is hot, dry fry the bacon/pancetta. If you are not using a baguette or a panini you may want to cut the rashers in half first so they don't stick out when you assemble the sandwich at the end.
4. Keep frying the bacon/pancetta until it reaches the desired level of crispiness, and leave to drain on kitchen paper.
5. Without throwing away the bacon fat in the pan, fry the garlic without burning it (it will take just a few seconds). As soon as it gives off its aroma, get the garlic out of the pan because it will keep frying even if the pan is off the stove.
6. Mix the mustard with the mayonnaise and spread across the bread. Sprinkle with the garlic (it won't have such a strong taste since it's fried), top with the bacon/pancetta, then the lettuce and then the tomato slices. If you're using, top with a few jalapenos as well.
7. Serve as soon as possible. Bon appetit!
Unfortunately I didn't manage to photograph it, but do let me know of your thoughts if you try it at home. :)
Sunday 20 November 2011
Adele - Someone like you
A video I found of Adele (one of my favourite artists at the moment) performing 'Someone Like You' in her home, and talking about how she felt when she wrote it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (I have been listening to it just for the last two hours)! :)
Sunday 6 November 2011
Why be happy when you could be normal? - Jeannette Winterson
This is not a review for the book, as I haven't read it yet, but I simply HAD to share, because I'm so excited! I was intrigued by Winterson's Powerbook, and her last book seems even more promising. The Times published a review last week (it goes without saying it was a glowing one!), and the Sunday Times have posted a short video of Ms Winterson talking about the book and her life (the book is more or less her memoirs), which unfortunately cannot post here since it is members-only, and I can't find it on Youtube.
Rich in autobiographical details, the book is about Winterson, being young and feeling unloved, living with her very conservative, violent, and depressed mother (in the video she describes how she expected to be murdered by her mother who kept a revolver and bullets in her dust drawer) who prayed to God to let her (adopted) daughter die and locked her out of the house for the night. Of course, you will not be surprised to know that she also threw her out of the house when, at 16, Winterson fell in love with another girl.
With brave and honest descriptions of her difficult upbringing, particularly concerning her sexuality, Winterson still manages to keep a humorous tone, making it a must-read tragic-comic tale.
I. CAN'T. WAIT.
Christian Louboutin - 20 Ans
Christian Louboutin needs no introduction: a designer extraordinaire, worshiped by millions of women around the globe, just over a week after his widely-quoted argument that his shoes can make their female wearer climax, publishes his first book: artistic, intricate, unique. Just like his designs. The famous red-soled stars of the book (including the fruits of his collaboration with David Lynch - simply put 'fetishism on feet') are photographed by Philippe Garcia and film-maker David Lynch with the contributions of Diane Von Furstenberg and Dita Von Teese among others, which unquestionably bring out the shoes' most stylish, sexy, and glamorous side. The book is in six chapters. The first chapter is dedicated to Louboutin's life and his rise to today's icon: his first steps as a designer for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent to the opening of his very first boutique in 1992, also revealing unseen-before photographs from his personal archives.
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| 'Fetish' by Louboutin and Lynch - picture taken from glamour.com |
Chapter four allows the reader a sneak-peak into Louboutin's private homes in Paris, and Luxor in Egypt as well as his workshops and studios. Moreover, chapter five is dedicated to his collaboration with David Lynch; a limited-edition line of jaw-dropping shoes, accompanied with limited-edition photographs by Lynch, named -no surprises here- 'Fetish'. Last but not least, the book concludes with a bang, as chapter six is a 'catalogue raisonne' of Louboutin's 120 shoe designs.
Written by Christian Louboutin, foreword by John Malkovich, contribution by Eric Reinhardt and photographed by Philippe Garcia and David Lynch, this is a guaranteed success.
A behind-the-scenes video when making the extraordinary photography used in the book:
Wednesday 2 November 2011
The Foundation Post
One of the most fundamental make up tools, foundation is the base of your make up, the canvas to your masterpiece if you will. Through the years I've tried on different foundations both liquid and powder ones. Liquid blends better and gives a more natural result (particularly if you blend it with your fingers rather than a brush or a sponge), while powder ones are perfect for those with oily skin and/or acne, as it is more matte (particularly if you get the matte version obviously) and allows the skin to breathe (which evidently translates to fewer new pimples).
First one up is MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation which you can get for £19.50 from MAC.
Pros: It blends well, I liked the fact that it is both face powder and foundation so I don't have to load up my face with tons of unnecessary products and it comes with its own powder puff and compact mirror. Given that it contains Silica and talc, it manages to give a matte finish, and my skin wouldn't start to shine unnaturally after a while.
Cons: At times I found that I looked a bit too powdery -almost cakey- and I would only recommend it for medium coverage given that you use consealer as well.
Overall, not bad but a bit of a let down concerning the quality of other MAC products. 7/10
Next, is the foundation I got from Mastic Spa. Mastic Spa is a range of natural cosmetics which have as their basic ingredient the elixir of Mastic, found only in the southern region of the Greek island of Chios. I think I got it for something like 20-25 Euros but they often had sales on anyway. Unfortunately I have no idea where you can get them these days: I haven't seen them at all in the UK, and in Nicosia their only shop closed down last year. Nevertheless, their foundation was probably one of the best I've used.
Pros: Blends very well, gives a natural glow to the skin and is relatively lightweight for a liquid foundation. Out of the three, it gives the most natural finish. Moreover, it is more budget-friendly than the others, and having natural ingredients is always a plus. I think I must have bought it three times; until the shop closed down.
Cons: As with most liquid foundations, it is not recommended for oily skins. However, for those with acne, this foundation is one of the most skin-friendly and won't irritate the skin due to its natural ingredients. Nevertheless, as I've already mentioned, they are nowhere to be found in the market.
Overall, 9/10 because I've never used a foundation with such a good finish (natural but still glowing).
Last but not least, my current foundation: bareMinerals SPF15 Matte Foundation, which you can get for £25 from Selfridges or House of Fraser or online of course (although I would recommend that you go to the store and try it on first before buying).
Pros: Like the MAC one, it is in a powder form which is ideal for those of us who don't want to use too many products, since I don't need to use another face powder over it.What is more, if I have a pimple which is not too obvious, instead of using consealer, I just get a flat foundation brush and press slightly over the pimple, making the powder work as a consealer as well - so one less product used on your skin! Moreover, it gives a natural finish and doesn't block your pores. Plus, it has an SPF which makes it great for day use as well.
Cons: It is a loose powder rather than compact one like MAC's, so if you're not careful it can get quite messy. Moreover, to apply it you'll need a kabuki brush (also sold by bareMinerals, but I got mine from MAC), because sponges obviously don't work with powder foundations and a powder puff just won't do with a loose powder such as this one.
Overall, a reliable foundation, ideal for those with sensitive skin or those who don't like the feeling of heavy make up. 8/10
First one up is MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation which you can get for £19.50 from MAC.
Pros: It blends well, I liked the fact that it is both face powder and foundation so I don't have to load up my face with tons of unnecessary products and it comes with its own powder puff and compact mirror. Given that it contains Silica and talc, it manages to give a matte finish, and my skin wouldn't start to shine unnaturally after a while.
Cons: At times I found that I looked a bit too powdery -almost cakey- and I would only recommend it for medium coverage given that you use consealer as well.
Overall, not bad but a bit of a let down concerning the quality of other MAC products. 7/10
Next, is the foundation I got from Mastic Spa. Mastic Spa is a range of natural cosmetics which have as their basic ingredient the elixir of Mastic, found only in the southern region of the Greek island of Chios. I think I got it for something like 20-25 Euros but they often had sales on anyway. Unfortunately I have no idea where you can get them these days: I haven't seen them at all in the UK, and in Nicosia their only shop closed down last year. Nevertheless, their foundation was probably one of the best I've used.
Pros: Blends very well, gives a natural glow to the skin and is relatively lightweight for a liquid foundation. Out of the three, it gives the most natural finish. Moreover, it is more budget-friendly than the others, and having natural ingredients is always a plus. I think I must have bought it three times; until the shop closed down.
Cons: As with most liquid foundations, it is not recommended for oily skins. However, for those with acne, this foundation is one of the most skin-friendly and won't irritate the skin due to its natural ingredients. Nevertheless, as I've already mentioned, they are nowhere to be found in the market.
Overall, 9/10 because I've never used a foundation with such a good finish (natural but still glowing).
Last but not least, my current foundation: bareMinerals SPF15 Matte Foundation, which you can get for £25 from Selfridges or House of Fraser or online of course (although I would recommend that you go to the store and try it on first before buying).
Pros: Like the MAC one, it is in a powder form which is ideal for those of us who don't want to use too many products, since I don't need to use another face powder over it.What is more, if I have a pimple which is not too obvious, instead of using consealer, I just get a flat foundation brush and press slightly over the pimple, making the powder work as a consealer as well - so one less product used on your skin! Moreover, it gives a natural finish and doesn't block your pores. Plus, it has an SPF which makes it great for day use as well.
Cons: It is a loose powder rather than compact one like MAC's, so if you're not careful it can get quite messy. Moreover, to apply it you'll need a kabuki brush (also sold by bareMinerals, but I got mine from MAC), because sponges obviously don't work with powder foundations and a powder puff just won't do with a loose powder such as this one.
Overall, a reliable foundation, ideal for those with sensitive skin or those who don't like the feeling of heavy make up. 8/10
Saturday 22 October 2011
The Crimson Petal and the White
This is one of the most extraordinary books I've ever read. Shocking and crude, it brutally reveals the ugly (even grotesque) living conditions of the less fortunate (particularly the poor and the prostitutes - being a poor prostitute seemed to be the worst combination possible), and the sharp divide between the social classes in Victorian England.
It follows Sugar, an extremely intelligent and ambitious prostitute who manages to seduce and manipulate a rich but failing businessman, William Rackham. She manages to leave the horrible brothel she's been working at, Mrs Castaway's (which was ran by her own mother by the way) and becomes Rackham's private mistress. Sugar of course thinks of Rackham as merely a tool, a path if you will, for her own welfare and possibly salvation. Needless to say, William, a classic arrogant know-it-all, is naive enough to think he's in for a treat and that Sugar's intentions are genuine (like the majority of men, I'm sorry to say). For him, Sugar is evidently an escape from his financial problems and mentally imbalanced wife (who feels terrorized by her monthly bleeding). Nevertheless, unfortunately for the two protagonists, things do not turn out as planned: William gets more than he's bargained for and Sugar has to deal with her profound sensitivity and emotionality.
Like Joanne Harris in a previous post, Faber allows each character to have its own unique voice and communicate his/her thoughts directly to the reader, making the story even more interesting and intriguing. The characters are also what literary critics would call 'round': although they are nothing more than dramatic constructs, they are far from perfect or even worse, 'flat' (something I'm not going to expand on, so I won't spoil it for you!).
Overall, a real page-turner for all of its 800+ pages, but make no mistake, this is not for the faint-hearted!
PS: I think it was also made into a TV series by the BBC, but unfortunately I haven't had the chance to watch it yet. But when I do, you can expect a review post!
Like Joanne Harris in a previous post, Faber allows each character to have its own unique voice and communicate his/her thoughts directly to the reader, making the story even more interesting and intriguing. The characters are also what literary critics would call 'round': although they are nothing more than dramatic constructs, they are far from perfect or even worse, 'flat' (something I'm not going to expand on, so I won't spoil it for you!).
Overall, a real page-turner for all of its 800+ pages, but make no mistake, this is not for the faint-hearted!
PS: I think it was also made into a TV series by the BBC, but unfortunately I haven't had the chance to watch it yet. But when I do, you can expect a review post!
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Hearting Court Shoes
Another post of my all things favourite: court shoes. They have this je-ne-sais-quoi which consequently give you (or me in this case!) this je-ne-sais-quoi attitude. After quite some time browsing shopping sites I give you my top 3 court shoes buys (which are also on my Christmas list if anyone is interested!):
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| Christian Louboutins 695GBP |
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| Kurt Geiger 180GBP |
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| Topshop 46GBP |
The Wellies debate
I've never liked Wellington boots. I thought they were far from being even remotely elegant or gracious or tasteful.
Then I moved to the UK. Northern UK to be more precise, with all the nice (or not) things this entails: rain, puddles everywhere, rain, lots of mud, rain. Two years of refusing to wear wellies and several damaged shoes later, I decided I had to be practical. Luckily for me, at the time I decided to go on with Mission Wellingtons, wellies had been in the fashion scene for some time, and apparently they also came out in modern and stylish designs. I bought mine last week. They are bright, they are modern, and they can be cleaned unbelievably easily!
Oh the joy of not ruining my Uggs!
Then I moved to the UK. Northern UK to be more precise, with all the nice (or not) things this entails: rain, puddles everywhere, rain, lots of mud, rain. Two years of refusing to wear wellies and several damaged shoes later, I decided I had to be practical. Luckily for me, at the time I decided to go on with Mission Wellingtons, wellies had been in the fashion scene for some time, and apparently they also came out in modern and stylish designs. I bought mine last week. They are bright, they are modern, and they can be cleaned unbelievably easily!
Oh the joy of not ruining my Uggs!
Monday 17 October 2011
Hearting Whittard of Chelsea
This is one of those posts for my all things favourite: Whittard products. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of coffee (causes cellulite), but I love, LOVE their hot chocolate and tea.
Some time ago the mother and the sister came to visit me and knowing my deep love for everything Whittard, they brought me a collection of hot chocolates (seven to be precise), each named after a deadly sin. I have mint chocolate for Lust, caramel chocolate for Greed, luxury chocolate for Pride, white chocolate for Gluttony, Aztec Chilli chocolate for Anger, 70% dark chocolate for Envy and ginger chocolate for Sloth. And don't get me started on the sprinkles!
Sadly, I can't open it. It's too pretty. Too perfect to be opened. I'll let you know in a later post if I manage to put my feelings aside and rip the box open (oh yes, they are in a box, all seven of them with the sprinkles, like in a shop window!!).
Being a student, I'm on a budget so I tend not to splurge on many things, but my tea is one of them (yes, you've guessed correctly, it's Whittard). Although now that I come to think of it, they are not that expensive anyway! I have the Cinnamon and Orange Rooibos (for detox), but my most recent purchase is the Green Tea with Lemon. Refreshing and invigorating, it reminds me to Keep Calm and Brew Up.
PS: Their vintage tea caddies are always a plus!
Some time ago the mother and the sister came to visit me and knowing my deep love for everything Whittard, they brought me a collection of hot chocolates (seven to be precise), each named after a deadly sin. I have mint chocolate for Lust, caramel chocolate for Greed, luxury chocolate for Pride, white chocolate for Gluttony, Aztec Chilli chocolate for Anger, 70% dark chocolate for Envy and ginger chocolate for Sloth. And don't get me started on the sprinkles!
Sadly, I can't open it. It's too pretty. Too perfect to be opened. I'll let you know in a later post if I manage to put my feelings aside and rip the box open (oh yes, they are in a box, all seven of them with the sprinkles, like in a shop window!!).
Being a student, I'm on a budget so I tend not to splurge on many things, but my tea is one of them (yes, you've guessed correctly, it's Whittard). Although now that I come to think of it, they are not that expensive anyway! I have the Cinnamon and Orange Rooibos (for detox), but my most recent purchase is the Green Tea with Lemon. Refreshing and invigorating, it reminds me to Keep Calm and Brew Up.
PS: Their vintage tea caddies are always a plus!
Thursday 11 August 2011
The Lip Balm Post
Due to some medication I'm taking for my skin problems, I have continuously chapped and dry lips. Inevitably, I became an expert in lip balms, and here's my report to you:
Stick de Levres by Uriage:
Bought it from my local pharmacy, this lip balm is colorless (ideal for everyday wear and wearing under lipsticks) and odorless. It's rich and slides easily on my lips, yet I have to reapply after an hour or so.
Body Shop's Cocoa Butter Lipcare Stick
My absolute favourite. Smells and tastes (!) delicious. It keeps my lips hydrated the longest and is creamier than the Uriage one. Also, it is very convenient that it is a stick. Although I love Body Shop's Born Lippy range, I hate getting lip balm on my fingers!
Korres' Guava Lip Butter
Although I love almost all Korres Products, this lip balm is my least favourite. It's thinner, it's in a pot and I don't think it moisturizes or conditions my lips particularly well. I also have it in Pomegranate which is tinted and it's much worse since my lips are chapped and the colour peels off! Nevertheless, thumbs up for the great flavours.
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