Monday, February 29, 2016

Super Healthy One Pot Chicken Meal!

Happy Monday!

Hope your weekend is great and you managed to do all the little jobs that were laying for ages and had to be done. I had a very relaxing weekend, and even though the cold weather doesn't let up, two jumpers and a nice warm kasmir shawl (bought in India, ten years ago keeps me cosy!)

Today I thought I'd share with a nice chicken one pot recipe, which is super healthy and really easy to put together. Don't underestimate a one pot recipe, it can be very delicious, too. Have it with rice, if you can't live without it or combine it with any of your favourite side dishes. A rice, leafy green salad, or another favourite of mine, some pico de gallo. That's a Mexican word for a tomato salsa ''thing'' which I love.

The Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 Vidalia onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
1 red pepper (sliced in thin strips)
1 cup mushrooms (chopped)
1 medium tomato (chopped)
½ cup brown rice (uncooked, not instant or quick cooking)
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups vegetable stock or broth (unsalted or low sodium)
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup frozen green beans

Directions:

  1. In a stock pot with a tight fitting lid, place all the ingredients except the frozen green beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook about 35 minutes.
  2. Stir in green beans, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes longer. If needed, add ¼ to ½ cup more stock or water if no moisture left in bottom of pot. Ready to eat as soon as green beans are cooked.

Hope you managed to take in the Oscars, as well. Chris Rock was a super host and had me laughing. If you have not watched his opening, don't be left behind. Catch up on it!

At last Leonardo won an Oscar and all the internet was overflowing with love. I knew he'd do it. Even if it's twenty years since he started acting. My theme line to this this blog is ''Never give up.'' If you keep at it, one day you will get recognition.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love and Peace!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Drop Foundations.. 4 Of The Best!

Happy Thursday!

I love perfect looking skin and these new foundations are ultra skin perfectors with the promise of an air-brushed flush.

Ever used eye-drops? Well these new foundations are packaged with an eye-drop sort of squeezy tube to press out drops which you can blend into your skin. Always use a foundation brush which gives you a perfect smooth look.

The cheapest one at 12.99 is from GOSH ''Foundation Drops.'' This has the same blendability and satin finish as all of its pricier competitors and is super good value for money and I would recommend that you buy this. There are only five shades available in this super quality foundation.

The second one from No 7 ''Airbrush Away'' Foundation is 16.50. This is another one which has an addictive velvety finish, only it doesn't have any SPF protection, and it contains alcohol.

The third one is from Smashbox and it costs 29 pounds is called ''Camera Ready BB Water SPF 30.'' It strikes a perfect balance between matt & moisturising. This oil free foundation has a silky finish and a very impressive SPF 30 protection too.

The fourth from MAC, ''Waterweight SPF 30'' foundation and costs 25.50. This has a very similar formula to the Smashbox one but this definitely gets the vote because it's cheaper and comes in fifteen extra shades.

With Easter coming up, soon save your money and get yourself one of these great foundations or better still hint to your loved one what you would like to spoil yourself with!

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace !

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Rich Tomato Soup With Vegetables And Smoked Sausage!

Happy Tuesday!

A hearty rich tomato soup is my all time favourite to fill me up in this cold winter month! It's not just a tomato soup but with veg and a delicious smoked sausage. It's ideal to serve with toasted bread and have for your dinner!

Ingredients
3 spoons of sunflower oil
2 potatoes diced, small
1 courgette, sliced
2 carrots, sliced, small
Half a cup of peas
half an aubergine, sliced, small
A smoked sausage
2 cans of chopped tomatoes
A bunch of basil
Salt and pepper

Heat your oil up in a large soup pan. Fry your veg and potatoes in the oil for about 5 minutes. Cut your smoked sausage, and add it to the pan of veg. Now add the 2 cans of chopped tomatoes and 2 cans of water to the pan. Allow it to come to a boil then let it simmer for 15 min. Stirring it all the time. Add salt and pepper to taste half way through and a nice handful of chopped basil.

Now your soup is ready to serve!



Optional you could add a clove of chopped garlic with your veg in the pan. If you just love it in your diet. A very good and healthy choice.

Enjoy the soup, have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love and Peace !

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Jeweled Fashion Brights!

Happy Sunday!

The weather in February is exactly like the mood all around. We can't wait for Spring daffodils, tulips, and all the beautiful colours! Today's fashion inspiration is jewel bright. Layer your clothes with vibrant colours to combat all the grey clouds, fog and never ending rain!

In other news, the split of Professor Green and Millie McIntosh announced today was sad. I thought they made a wonderful couple but maybe people give up too easily and couples don't want to make things last. Maybe Professor Green had too many issues that Millie couldn't handle! Depression, dealing with his father's suicide are not easy burdens to carry or for somebody else to understand. Talk about anything connected to suicide and people will shy away or think you are about to commit suicide. It's good to talk about feelings, it brings the good connection between two people into perspective.

This Sunday is not only about bright colours, but bright colours in somebody's life. Be there for them and always find the time to talk.

All items available online in the list below.

 
 
Left:
Sleeveless bodycon dress / 22 pounds / pilotuk.com
loose woolen pink coat / 38 dollars / romwe.com
Marina Galanti Handbag / 18 pounds / Yoox.com
Platform Pumps / 21 dollars / charlotterusse.com
Right:
Check Coat / 70 AUD / Yoins.com
Neon Wedge / 13 dollars / Wholesalefashionshoes.com
Molly Leggings / price unknown / Riverisland.se
Long sleeve Yellow Sweater / 48 AUD / Withchic.com
 
Have an awesome day and keep smiling!
 
Love & Peace !

Friday, February 19, 2016

Underwear Style

Happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend.

Fashion and style should not stop once you start getting undressed. Bras and panties make a statement. We generally keep our bright colours for when we feel sexy, daring, and adventurous.

The styles these days vary. It's very acceptable to wear high waisted briefs and tiny low slung ones are perfectly hip as well. When you buy underwear get something that suits your body shape and something that makes you feel comfortable.

A little tip when washing underwear: hook your bra up to prevent snagging and put them in a pillow case. It prevents the bra from losing its shape and stays wearable much longer!

My favourite underwear color, red! Hope you like my selection to inspire you and all the online shops are listed below.

 
 

1. Stella McCartney Breast Cancer Awareness Plunge Bra / 33 pounds / houseoffraser.co.uk
2. Lace Triangle Bar / 28 dollars / poshgirl.us
3. V Strap Front Bra / 13 pounds / Nelly.com
4. Heidi Klum Lace Bra / 20 pounds / Theoutnet.com
5. Red lace / 20 dollars / journelle.com
6. Amour Brazillian Brief / 35 dollars / journelle.com

Have an awesome weekend and if you're a fan of the Lion King 2, I have to smile each time I hear the song ''In Upendi'', makes me think it sounds like ''In your panty.'' Where the passion fruit grows. And that's more of the song! Keep smiling.

Love & Peace!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Outfit Choice For A Music Festival!

Happy Wednesday!

With all the award seasons in full glory, and stars strutting all their glorious outfit choices, though not their own - borrowed off designers.. lol. It would never be my choice to wear borrowed clothes, especially if I had their bucks!

Maybe the celebrities need to buy their own clothes so they will be off-loading their wealth and feeling humble :) But pigs might fly..

But it got me feeling and thinking about all the great music festivals that are not so way off. Two great choices of what I would wear. Hope you like them as much as I do!

 
 
Prices:
Outfit left:
Tan playsuit / 25 pounds / newlook.com
Tan chunky heel fringe / 30 dollars / trafficshoe.com
Floral crown headband / 34 pounds / rocknrose.co.uk
Aztec bag / 20 pounds / newlook.com
 
Outfit right:
Grey Acid Wash Denim Shorts / 30 pounds / glamorous.com
White cami / 6 pounds / Topshop.com
Yellow floral fringed kimono / 32 dollars / genuine-people.com
Charming white socks / 6.99 dollars / Pinkqueen.com
Chuck Taylor Cherry Converse / 50 dollars / converse.com


Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace !

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

5 of the best 2 in 1 Shampoos!

Happy Tuesday!

The best 2-1 shampoos on the market, my personal recommendation.

Since these 2-1 shampoos hit the drugstore shelves it's been life changing. When you've slept late and you only have 20 min to shower and dress - what you need is a 2-1 shampoo to get your hair looking glossy and sleek!

2-1 shampoos need to be used on hair that's not too oily or too dry and at best should be used only a couple times a week. It's always best not to wash your hair everyday. It strips away all the natural oils and the ability of the hair to replenish itself.

My five best buys are:

5. L'Oreal Elive Triple Resist 2-1 for 2.49 pounds.

4. Pantene Classic Clean 2-1 from Asda for 3.00 pounds.

3. Aussie 2-1 Shampoo & Conditioner Awesome Volume 300ml for 3.99 pounds.

2. Head & Shoulders  Smooth & Silky 2-1 for 4.95 pounds from Asda.com

1. The number one buy I recommend is The Garnier ''Loving Blends'' 2-1 shampoo / Vanilla & Papaya. for 4.95 pounds at all drugstores.

 
 
Get great hair and save time using 2-1 shampoos. Awesome when travelling and there is no space for shampoos + conditioners.
 
Have an awesome day and keep on smiling.
 
Love & Peace!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Valentine's Day.. Looking for Mr. Right??

It's Valentine's day! Is it a day I love?. No!

Why do we have this one dreadful day where everyone is loved up... Actually, not everyone is loved up, people in relationships hit stalemate a lot of the times and go along with staying together and playing happy because it's safe.

Valentine's Day is different because we suddenly become more aware of how alone we are in this world.

This Valentine's Day I realised I am close to becoming a year older and being a single parent to my children is not what I want. So how different is it to find a date? VERY!

Does Valentine's Day become an issue when it means all I'm thinking about is finding Mr Right.

Valentine's day is a reminder that people we care about care about us in return. So I wished everyone of my friends a happy Valentine's Day. Because without friends, the world would be a sad and lonely place. Friends of the good old days of yester-year. Friends now mean little more than a social network group to give you likes, to give comments on posts. But beggars can't be choosers and even if the network of friends is small - it's better than none!

As I get even more busy trying to find this Mr Right to have a life together and share the good times with and talk over tough times and have a companion to love, to take walks together, go to the movies with, maybe a concert. To cook up a great meal for somebody who will appreciate all the care and attention. But what are the right answers when you have to fill up these forms on dating websites. Do you get completely honest or do you gloss over everything? I happen to be a very honest person and a question was put to me, ''What would be a deal breaker in a relationship?'' For me, honestly, it would be a person with pets. No, I don't want to be in a house shared with cats or dogs. One cat might be okay, but no it's not for me. A question like: ''Name three things you are thankful for?'' and it threw me for six. Because other than having my three children in my life, not another thing comes to mind that I am thankful for. I wish I could say that I have my Mum around but I am deeply sad she is not here. My Dad is but he never cared or showed any interest in me or my children so if he's still here or not I don't care, actually. There is nothing in my life other than my children can I say that I am thankful for. I don't have anyone who cares about me, I am not in a place I want to be or thought I would be in at this point of my life. It's all a big disappointment but I can only hope that things change and the outlook gets better as I age!

Being attractive is not a ''golden'' ticket to finding a mate. People often assume you already have someone - I don't!

So anyone who is interested in finding a serious soul mate in a beautiful woman who knows her mind and speaks only the truth. Is intensely loyal, compassionate, and 100% awesome, Get in touch with me. Leave a comment, message me - anything. You must be from the UK - Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland. Not trekking anywhere else - sorry! I am too old for that. Must be minimum 40, I am not interested in someone ''too young, looking for fun.''

Enjoy your Valentine's day and keep smiling, life always gets harder 'till the day before you're dead! haha.

Keep the faith!

Love & Peace!

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Oufit Inspiration Day 5: Friday

Happy Friday!

Get casual this weekend and get inspired by my outfit choice!
Yet again jeans. This time, ripped.

All items are available at the stores listed below:

 
Prices:
1. Crop jumper / 18 euros / boohoo.com
2. ripped denim blue jeans / 18 dollars / Romwe.com
3. black flat canvas shoes / 40 dollars / Lucluc.com
4. fashion padded jacket / 33 dollars / Chicnova.com
5. Apricot Embellished bag / 26 dollars / Shein.com
 
Words of inspiration comes today from Paulo Coelho, the alchemist: ''When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. Everything around us becomes better too!''
 
Have a fantastic weekend and I hope you liked my clothes inspiration for this week!
 
Keep smiling,
 
Love & Peace !
 


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Outfit Inspiration Day 4: Wednesday!

Mid-week and the days are flying by. Today's style is 70s inspired 'flannel' trousers with a printed blouse and a floppy hat. It's understated without letting you fade into the background.

This style suits girls of all heights. Short girls can pair this with platforms and appear tall. The ladies blessed with long pins can wear this with flats and look chic.

All items are listed below, where they can be bought online:


Prices
1. Blush Heart Bow Blouse / 20 euro / dorothyperkins.com
2. Flare Trousers / 15 pounds / Riverisland.com
3. Block heel Ankle Boots / 48 dollars / silkfred.com
4. Floppy hat / 25 dollars / Accessorize.com

Today's words of wisdom which are actually so true and I just had to share it with everybody, ''When you return to your old hometown, you find it wasn't the town you missed - but your childhood.'' -- Earl Wilson.

For me, it was my Mum and all the memories I have growing up! So a special thought for all our loved ones today living or dead.

Enjoy your day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace !

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Outfit Inspiration Day 3: Tuesday!

Happy Pancake Day!

Jeans are the most comfortable item of clothing and yet teamed up with a night top, shoes, bag, and accessories - you could look like you are dressed for a party!

Today's choice of outfit is probably one I would choose all the time. Jeans keep my legs warm and allows me freedom to it comfortably feet up if I need to. Travel is easier in jeans more rough and ready. Pair your jeans with a sexy top like I've chosen or choose a nice, silky shirt to complete the look.

All the items are available online, listed below:

 
1. Neckline Top / 9.95 pounds / Nelly.com
2. Brown Faux Leather Jacket / 44 dollars / Missselfridge.com
3. Black Ripped Jeans / 32 dollars / Choies.com
4. Ankle Boots / 36 euros / Shopakira.com
5. Bright Red Shoulder Bag / 26 Dollars / Shein.com
 
Enjoy your day and keep smiling!

I want to add a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, which I think is a reminder to everyone that we can be confident. The quote is, ''No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.''
 
I love this quote and I do walk and do everything with confidence in my life.
 
#stayblessed
 
Love & Peace !
 

 



Monday, February 8, 2016

Outfit Inspiration Day 2: Monday!

Happy Monday,

the weather was windy, cold and it rained and rained. I was out walking to get groceries and it looked like I took a shower in my clothes. I was soaked, but since I layered up with no less than five tops, two stockings and a pair of jeans - I wasn't cold!

Today my outfit selection is exactly what I pulled on first, a sexy crop top, thick tights, wish I could have chosen this beautiful plaid skirt but the weather being so bad I went for jeans. Hope the weather is good where you are, so my trendy little outfit gets you turning heads.

The wind is still blowing outside and the rain continues to pour. I just remembered today is Chinese New Year. Maybe I should have chosen a red outfit but I forgot myself to wear red today, as I was hoping to do just that. I could definitely do with some good luck in my life. My new year resolution (even though I'm not Chinese) is to make sure I get into a relationship with a great guy (I'm not going to be choosy anymore!) He doesn't need to have a great body, average looking is fine with me and he has to be at least 45 to 55 - not younger! So I've put myself on Match.com and fingers crossed I could find someone serious before the year ends. I could be living with them :) Yes God, let my wish this Chinese New Year come true!

Yes, I love blogging and telling you all a little bit about me. Hope your day was great. Keep smiling and HAPPY NEW YEAR.. MAY THE MONKEY BRING YOU MUCH LUCK! :)

The outfit:


Outfit prices:
1. Pocket Button A-Line Skirt / 13 dollars / Romwe.com
2. Off-Shoulder Crop Top / 8.45 pounds / Universal-textiles.com
3. Noir Women's Round Toe Platform / 32 dollars / overstock.com
4. Tights / 18 euros / Zappos.com
5. Eyelash crossbody chain bag / 26 AUD / Withchic.com

Love & Peace !

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Outfit Inspiration Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

This Sunday is probably a very busy or super relaxed day for all my friends/followers and readers in the USA because it's Superbowl Sunday. I know it's family time, lots of family popcorn and delicious stuff to tuck into. Enjoy the day and may the best team, whoever you're rooting for :)

This time I guess I'm not staying up to watch because there is no telly where I am right now :(

This week I intend to give an outfit inspiration everyday on my blog. Today I choose a beautiful white dress with a super fluffy coat to get the sophisticated look. Flat pink ballerinas, some pink lippy and go for the dark eye make up to complete this look. You could wear this outfit to church or jut out with the mates for a drink.

All the items are available in the online stores listed below

 
 
Outfit prices:
1. Sleeveless skater dress / 34 AUD / Withchic.com
2. Ombre faux fur coat / 30 dollars / Zaful.com
3. Ballerina Shoes / 13 euros / Very.co.uk
4. Heart Tights / Pinterest.com
5. Mac Pink Plaid Matte Lipstick / 17 dollars / Belk.com
6. Strap Crossbody bag / 16 dollars / Charlotterusse.com
 
Have a wonderful day. Keep smiling and stay blessed.
 
Love & Peace!


Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Healthy Dinner? Steak With a Mustard Anchovy Dressing!

Busy day and you need protein to fuel your body and keep you healthy and fit? Meat is necessary and your steak does not have to be bleeding all over your plate. Get a thin piece and cook it 2/3 minutes in each side should be good. The secret lies in letting the meat rest for a bit!

Marinate your steaks with 2 chopped garlic cloves, a teaspoon of salt, crushed chili flakes or ground pepper according to your taste and one teaspoon of freshly chopped parsley. This is for 3 to 4 pieces of steak. Don't forget 3 to 4 pieces of olive oil to let it all set together well. Allow this to marinate for at least an hour, three hours will give you better flavour!

To make the dressing for your salad you need: three tablespoons of red wine vinegar, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, three anchovy fillets, one clove of garlic, freshly ground pepper to taste and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. A shop bought packet of your favourite salad.

Layer your steak on your salad and your have a delicious dinner.

Add your croutons for extra crunch or to keep it healthy add pinenut seeds or sunflower seeds. Have this with a nice glass of white wine. I recommend California Zinfandel!

Cheers, have an awesome day and keep smiling.

Love & Peace!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Five of The Best Beauty Buys!

Top of the list is Revlon's Photo Ready Eye Art. They are priced at 10 dollars each and available from ultra.com.
Just layer on these duo shadow sticks on the top of your eyelids or use it for a super flick across your lash line. They come in a wide range of colours and last a good number of hours for a perfect EYE DAY!

For an amazingly long 'youthful' look without going under the surgeon's knife, The Foundation of Youth is what every woman over 45 needs! You would need to save up your money for it but it is under 100 dollars so it won't break your bank balance! Dr. Brandt Needles No More, is just 89 dollars available from Sephora.com.
It gives a temporary tightening effect. This cream makes fine lines instantly less noticeable, while it works behind the scenes towards a more permanent smoothing.

My third choice would be a Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream from Bareminerals.com. It is available from February and costs 29 dollars. It has a perfect blend of a BB and a CC cream all in a jar of a perfect lightweight foundation with an SPF 30 combined!

Fourth is a dark-spot corrector. It's available from Amazon.com for 15 dollars and called Aveens Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector.
It contains brightening soy and Vitamin A which speeds up cell turn over, starts to fade stubborn spots within a few weeks of consistent use!

Fifth is the best shampoo & conditioner for colour treated hair. From Hollywood hair guru, Oribe, it preserves high maintenance hues. Its edelweiss extracts offers a fade-proofing, while the watermelon extract battles oxidation, The packaging is so pretty and elegant. It's the best thing your showers will see and you will be the envy of anyone entering your bathroom! Priced at 39 dollars and 42 dollars. They are not cheap, but used once a week they can last a good couple of weeks!

Enjoy these products which ever one you choose to buy for yourself or maybe you can afford all five! Have a wonderful day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace!