Sunday, December 1, 2013

#stylepost - A Dose of Emma Leth

Emma Leth
Model + blogger + DJ + actress = lethal combination



Co-writer of Semi Femi and Zara model, Emma Leth doesn't half know how to multi-task.
 Repping a flawless style and squinting eyes that would make any woman want to bin their mascara almost instantly.

Queen of bare eyes, bronzed cheeks and untamed hair... what's not to like?


Saturday, November 30, 2013

#interiorpost - Pattern Makes Perfect

As a 20-something year old living abroad, the prospect of owning my own house isn't something that will be cropping up on my agenda any time soon. Not that I wouldn't want it to happen but right now, for me, renting a place within a stones throw from most places in the city centre and being able to nip out for that Mexican I've been craving all week is too good to throw away just yet.

That doesn't mean however, that I cannot dream and Brooklyn-based design company Flat Vernacular has been helping me do this.

My usual swoon comes in the shape of loft conversions and town houses which usually involve a lot of simple lines, hardwood and A-frame windows and all is well with sticking to the minimalist trend in your home but nothing beats a pop of colour... and this is where Flat Vernacular comes in. They've created contemporary, hand drawn and hand printed wallpapers with a mission to 'blur the line between art and design'.


Flat Vernacular Sticker Wallpaper

Peacock & CMY Chaos wallpaper

Dandelion Creatures - Out of the Jungle
Folded Beach Towel
Fruit Doves
Nimbo Noctilucant

All information regarding Flat Vernacular and other styles and products can be found on their site

Sunday, November 24, 2013

#beautypost - Eat your greens

As Winter settles in and the glitz and glam of Christmas is on the horizon, there's always an odd few weeks in-between. Not quite Autumn, with the excitement of Halloween and Bonfire night, and a good few weeks until we can even consider getting into the Christmas spirit, these subdued November nights (weekday or not) are left feeling a little empty.

Sitting in front of the TV (surprise, surprise) on a Friday night, I realised that these few weeks shouldn't be wished away. In 3 weeks time, women all over (I being one of them) will be stressing over their NYE dress dilemma, spending a fortune on make up to cover up their tired, Winter skin and swearing they should never of had that last pack of mince pies.

So why don't we use these few weeks to prepare for the party season? Within the month we could brighten dull skin, give our hair a lift and bring back our natural youth. It doesn't matter how beautiful that Maje dress is... if you're bloated from Christmas choc and your skins lost it's glow then it'll never be worth the hard earned pennies (or time contemplating) that you spent on it. So grab your purse, get to the supermarket and buy the fruit and veg your body deserves before you're let loose on the shortbreads, chocolates and mince pies.



The list of health benefits from fruit and veg is endless. Each one has greater benefits than the last... so I've chosen 3 fruit and vegetables to try this week whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My mission... to choose 3 new ingredients each week until Christmas. That way, my conscious will be clear when the biscuit tins are opened and wine bottles popped.

Pomegranates. Not only do they prevent breast cancer cells from growing, promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation, pomegranates are filled with antioxidants (even more than the sometimes not so tasty Green Tea.). Because of this, they slow down the ageing process of our skin, in turn, helping with our dry, Winter skin and producing a healthy glow. Not forgetting their natural properties that give extra energy for those dark mornings and cleanse your body, which can help with weight loss. So next time you're about to grab for those honey roasted nuts, cut open a pomegranate and munch on that instead.


Carrots. Get beautiful skin on the inside and out. The vitamin A and antioxidants found in carrots not only protect your skin from sun damage but they also protect your hair, skin and nails from drying, blemishes, acne and wrinkling. They cleanse your body of toxins, clean your teeth and gums (they really do) and if that's not enough...  they prevent heart disease, breast cancer and anti-ageing.

If you want faster results for a quick fix, try using carrots and honey as a face mask.
Mix carrots - antiseptic and regeneration of skin cells
honey - antiseptic and reduces swelling
olive oil - nourishes and cleans the skin
lemon juice (optional) - keeps in moisture, keeps out germs
Leave for 5 minutes and jump in the shower



Avocados. Great with a salad as an easy meal or fresh guacamole; avocados are bursting with Omega-9 fats which help reduce redness and skin irritation... a problem prone to the Winter months. They're also ridiculously high in vitamin E & C, helping us with wrinkles and creating collagen to help with our skin's firmness and elasticity. It should be noted that avocados are high in fat and calories so should be eaten within reason but despite this... the mono saturated fatty acids within avocados are more likely to be used as slow burning energy rather than body fat. This energy keeps your body happier, for longer throughout the day without feeling the need to snack on high sugar, fatty snacks and reducing your hunger and appetite. So.... one good meal with an avocado might hold the same calories as other meals but your body will be energised for much longer, therefore cutting down on other snacks during your day.


Friday, November 22, 2013

#musicpost - Bob Dylan 'Like a Rolling Stone' Interactive Video

Almost 50 years after the song was originally recorded, Bob Dylan has decided to target the interactive generation with his first official video for 'Like a Rolling Stone'.

It's been claimed a strange, somewhat odd, attempt at trying to get the digital age on board with music that reaches back half a century but in my eyes it's a bit of fun for a cracking song. Have a toggle between the 16 channels, sit back and enjoy.

Long live Dylan.

Watch the full video at


Bob Dylan 'Like a Rolling Stone' Manchester Free Trade Hall 1966

Thursday, November 21, 2013

#stylepost - Winter simple

Don't get me wrong... I like my fair share of statement jewellery; from Zara's jewelled necklace collections to YSL's iconic Arty rings and the rise of Michael Kors and his wrist watches. So far this year it's been all about the bling.

However, as the trees start to shed their leaves and the frosty mornings start to creep up I can't help but want (need) to dress with more simplicity. The chilly mornings mean I no longer spring from my bed and I definitely don't have all the time in the world to choose my outfit, set my hair and slap on some make up. So with my chunky jumper, messy hair and bare-face I just don't think it's that easy to pull off a bold necklace or eye catching set of rings with my minimal (lazy) look. Instead, I've started to keep it simple... stacking slim, band rings, a pendant necklace and nude nails. I have also never been more grateful for the low pony look that seems to be catching on since Summer has disappeared... it's just asking for us to have that extra 10 minutes in bed.

Turn your half-asleep, dishevelled look into a 'I'm meant to look like this' and throw on a soft knit jumper, chunky scarf and a thick leather.

Note of caution: It might soften the sleepy look but, sadly, will not help with those under eye shadows.

H&M Mixed Set of Band Rings  (£3.99)
Available in silver & gold

Monica Vinader Hammered Ring 18ct Gold Plated (£50)
Monica Vinader Siren Wide Band Ring in Lapiz 18ct Gold Plated (£140)

&OtherStories Brass Ring Set (£12.99)
  
Michael Kors Tortoise-Inset Ring (£46) Neiman Marcus

Liu Wen sporting a low pony @ CFDA


Pulled-apart ponytail Calvin Klein

Sunday, November 17, 2013

#stylepost - Long Live the Bomber

Come Winter, I can never be more excited to throw on a chunky coat, a thick knit jumper and drown myself in an oversized scarf.
Although, I do admit that Cordoba is getting colder and colder, day by day, it's still nothing compared to the Manchester temperatures that I'm used to. A leather jacket is perfect for the sunny days but when night-time falls my teeth begin chattering. That said, it's impossible to get by with my favourite thick knit, navy coat, especially on my daily cycles to work.
This is why the return of the bomber jacket has been my lifeline so far this Winter. Light and stylish enough for the days and padded enough to throw on after a few vinos down at our local bar.

The best thing is, you can bag yourself a bomber no matter what your budget... from Zara's TRF collection to Mango, H&M to Emma Cook... they're all at it.

              

Mango Metallic Jacquard Bomber Jacket (£59.99)

Jacket: Mango
T-Shirt: H&M
Jeans: Topshop
Boots: Carvela

Mango
Floral bomber (£59.00)
Sequin bomber (£69.99)
Paisley bomber (£39.00)




Zara
Embroidered bomber (£69.99)
Checked bomber (£29.99)

Emma Cook Printed Bomber (£400)

Isabel Marant pour H&M Reversible Bomber Jacket (£79.99) Sold out

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

#beautypost - Bee-eautiful Winter Lips


Anyone will know that a spoonful of honey (or in my case 2 or 3) over your morning muesli, your brunch-time teacake, a side full of fried aubergines at dinner or a late night Greek yoghurt makes for a perfect eat.
I found this out during my student years when I realised pouring honey over my yoghurt made for a much cheaper treat than my old friend Haagen Dazs and it didn't hate my hips and thighs so much either.

However, this week I've found a completely new reason as to why honey is my savour thanks to the Winter weather that's slowly creeping in Cordoba's direction.
Now that November is here, with the breezy 20 degree days come the brisk bike rides home every night and I really don't think this change in temperature is doing my skin or lips any good. My skin's holding up for now but my lips have taken the brunt of it having become dry and cracked within a matter of days. After having tried multiple lip balms, I'd almost given up and told myself once February comes they'll be back to their normal selves once again... until I remembered my old friend honey!

So.. I did a bit of research and it's true. The antibacterial and antiseptic qualities prevent infection, rejuvenate skin and  prevent discolouration, giving your lips a natural, rosy tint.
All you need to do is apply a drop of honey to your bottom lip, smack and spread it around like you would with regular lip balm and then the trickiest part... wait patiently (that means no licking) until the honey has dried, creating a moisture barrier around your lips and there you go! Try it 2 or 3 times a day for a day or so and your lips will be soft and plump like never before.

Now that I've realised just how good honey is for your lips Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (£3.69) has never looked so good!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

#foodpost - Courgette fritters

When the clock strikes midday on a lazy Sunday afternoon my eyes have a bad habit of going straight to the kitchen cupboards. If it's not to feast on the delights inside, then it's to whip up something of my own.

Sadly, I don't have the nifty fingers and patience to make an oh so pretty cake so I tend to go for the savoury options in which I can overuse the word 'rustic'... tasty but not so easy on the eyes.

So here you have it... my 'rustic' courgette fritters teamed with a rocket salad, cherry tomatoes and fresh boquerones (anchovies in vinegar). The recipe (below) is simple and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish..



Ingredients
50ml plain flour
2 eggs
50ml milk
1 courgette
1/4 white onion 
1 tbsp oil to cook

To start on your fritters grab a mixing bowl and add your flour. Once in, make a small well in the centre for your eggs.
Add the eggs and mix together well.
Then, add the milk and salt and pepper for seasoning.
Once, everything's mixed together add your vegetables. I used courgette and onions but adding sweetcorn, peppers or spinach would be good too.

When your mixture's ready heat the oil in the pan and add spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan for 3 minutes on each side. When your fritters are golden... voila!

This recipe makes about 10 fritters so feel free to half the measurements.

Eat with a salad at lunch or with some crusty bread for supper.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

#foodpost - give Gyozas a go!

I've been trying to figure out an easy gyoza recipe for quite a while now as living in Spain has a major downfall for me... There are few (if any) decent Japanese restaurants. You can get an okay sushi place every now and then if you're prepared to pay over the odds and travel to the outskirts of town but having a beautiful, city centre flat comes at a price... all directions leading out of the centre are uphill which doesn't bode well when I'm hungry. So.. I'd come to conclusion that if I'm craving these lovely dumplings so much then maybe I should learn how to make them.



Yuzu Manchester LUNCH MENU Gyoza served with Japanese rice, Miso soup and Garnish (£7.95)

After finding a long lost business card from my favourite Japanese place in Manchester, Yuzu, I've decided to type up the recipe that I recently used to make gyoza dumplings.

It's much easier to use dumpling wrappers bought from your local Asian supermarket but over here they're impossible to find so I've added the recipe to make them yourselves. They're not as difficult to make as you'd think... It's simple, easy and fairly quick where dumplings are concerned so here it goes.

Ingredients

Filling
380g ground pork, approx.
2-3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
1 tbsp spring onion, chopped
1 tsp oil
1 tsp crushed chilli
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp ginger, grated or minced
(optional) 2 tsp miso paste, red/dark

Dumpling wrappers
2 cups plain flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup of boiling water

Ok, let's go...

First, if necessary, you need to make your gyoza wrappers...
Sift your flour into a large bowl and add the salt. 
Add the boiling water, slowly, using a chopstick or spoon to stir until the mixture forms a dough ball. You might need to add a little bit more water depending so keep an eye on it's consistency.
For 1 hour, leave the dough sitting in a bowl covered with a damp cloth.
Once the hour's up, knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (approx. 5 mins) then shape into a log. Try to make your log as cylindrical as possible, it helps create better circles when rolling out. Once rolled, cut the log into 40 slices.
Sprinkled extra dust on the slices to make sure they don't stick and you can start rolling.
Roll each piece into the size of a 3-inch circle. If possible, you can use a biscuit cutter to do this but if you don't have one, like me, then just roll a rough circle.

And that's your wrappers done. Stack them up and put them to one side whilst you prep your filling.
Add the pork, ginger, garlic, onion, oil, chilli and sugar into a large mixing bowl and mix with your hands.
Scoop the mixture into a ball, lift and throw back into the bowl. This sounds a little strange but repeating this several times tenderises the meat and gives it a softer texture.
Before you start to make your gyozas, have a small bowl of cold water ready in order to stick them shut and you can start making.
Lay a wrapper down and place a teaspoon of the mixture in the center.
Moisten fingertip and trace a line along half of the edge.
Fold the wrapper and pinch around the edge creating a pleat. You should have a pleat along the top and a flat bottomed side for frying.

Continue to place, fold and pleat until you've done all 40 ( a hard task I know) and you can start cooking.
Place the amount of gyozas you'd like into a hot frying pan with a tablespoon of oil and let them fry until the bottoms are brown.
Once browned, add a a cup of boiling water into the base of the pan and cover for about 6-8 minutes allowing the gyozas to steam. 
When all of the water has evaporated then you're ready to plate them up. Serve with rice, veg and a soy, vinegar and chilli dip.

I promise you... I'm an impatient cook and I could do this so I'm sure you can! It really doesn't take as long as you'd think...


If you are out and about in Manchester and haven't been to Yuzu then you should give it a go. The lunch menu is cheap and cheerful and the food is unreal. Although, I think I should pre-warn you... it's not the biggest of places so sometimes it's worth booking.
100% worth it!

Monday, October 14, 2013

#stylepost - Skater slip-ons

I love my ankle boots with a heel as much as the next person but when it comes to living in a town where the streets are cobbled and the best bars are down tiny little lanes, signposted by a few wonky steps and a dusty path, then sadly my feet and calves don't agree half as much.

I've always been a fan of Converse on girls but with the recent come back it all feels a little... same-y. Now that the recent fashion weeks have settled down, plus a pinch of back-to-work blues, I seem to be browsing the internet more than ever... shopping online, scouring blogs and topping up my addiction for style.com. And so I've ditched my Converse and found a new love for the Slip-On. A little different from the classic sneaker.. a handful of animal print, some with tassels and others venture down the metallic road; they all spruce up those black skinnies and bomber jackets we're all so into.

CĂ©line, Givenchy, Tory Burch..

They're all doing it,
they're all beautiful,
they're all out of my pre-Christmas price range.

I have found one exception though and it comes in the form of the Zara Bamba Hair Tassel Sneaker; adored by fashion bloggers of the minute, including Danielle Berstein AKA WEWOREWHAT.COM, and they cost £69.99 (€59.95).

Zara Bamba Sneakers
                Givenchy Paisley Slip-Ons (£370)                               Michael Kors Metallic Slip Ons (£80)

All Studio Nicholson's SS13 campaign styled with Celine slip-ons.