September Favourite... Face Mask For Ageing Skin !

Happy Tuesday !

As we get older , we need more reasons to look after our skin , since the world expects everyone to keep working well into our 60's ! Who would want to go in looking haggard , both in the face and the body which feels worn out and tired in your 50's . If the retirement age had to be put up it should have only hit the generation of the 90's , that was the turning point for alot of things . People thought about banning smoking inside . A healthy eating habit began to appear and people thought about exercise and fitness. Before all that, people born earlier have had a bad start and will age and feel effects of old age far earlier . I remember the first time I flew in an aeroplane in the 90's even though I didn't smoke , the person I was flying with smoked and we sat in the smoking area which was suffocating and horrible for me, all of those 10 hours . People also drank more and lived a fast life before the 90's . There were into having alot more sexual partners and relationships . After the 90ś people thought about reaming a virgin and saving themselves for marriage . Alot of things around us changed so late retirement should affect the generation that will probably benefit most from the good changes . The rest of us will die while not being able to live longer than the average life span of 76- 82. Tragic !
Okay so while we can't change alot of things in the world we can try to look after our skin , here is a
Papaya, honey, and lemon juice face mask which is an anti-oxidant face mask to help with ageing skin.
Remember to do a patch test before applying a mask to your face.

Ingredients:
1. 1/4 ripe papaya
2. 1 tablespoon honey
3. 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Blend or mash up the soft ripe papaya into a lump-free puree.
2. Add the honey and lemon juice and mix well.
3. Apply the face mask onto your clean face and let it dry for 15 minutes.
4. When the time is up, gently use warm water to loosen the face mask.
5. A final rinse off with cold water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace 

September Advice & Drinks For A Flat Tummy !

Happy Tuesday !

It has been an amazing day and I am feeling happy. A lot of people find different reasons to smile and be happy. Many people find it within themselves when they accomplish goals set on a list. Many times it's their children who make people smile and be happy. I am feeling happy because I'm feeling blessed , No not because I have two lovers  j/k or that one caught me with the other and still decided he loved me .. No not that but because today is #NationalSucidePreventionDay and even though life can be tough and rough today I woke up feeling like things will be okay and if we give out positive vibes and be a good listening ear we can help anyone feeling depressed and anxious . Did you do a good kind deed to help someone feel good ? Try it, doesn't cost much but gives the giver and the receiver a great feeling . Compliments are an awesome way to start , try saying how much you like somebody's outfit or that their sneakers are cool or even how you think someone is so good looking ! Depression is real and being kind can really turn a person's day around .

Feeling good about yourself can help fight negative feelings and depression  what better way than trying to get fit and getting a great tummy . I just yesterday saw a you tube video about a girl with tattoo regret . She always felt she had a horrible fat flabby tummy so at just 21 she got a whole tummy tattoo which would disguise the area and help her feel better .. it worked but now at 27 she has turned her life around got fit and worked hard on her tum and has built up abs but sadly it can't be seen and appreciated because of this huge piece covering up the area . A real bit of advice never rush into anything think it through and then some bit before you rush into anything .
Here I have a great way to work on that belly by just drinking something ... Give it a go !
So today's blog is about 4 drinks which can help to flatten your belly. I know I'm slim and fit but once you give birth you are always on a mission to make sure you have a flatter, more toned tummy. Here are four drinks you could have which would help you achieve your goal.

1. Green Tea
It's loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. It includes fat loss and it even improves brain function. It can even lower risks of cancers. Kendall Jenner loves her green tea which also curbs her appetite being a model.

2. Watermelon Smoothie
As well as helping with weight loss and flattening your tummy, the citrulline in the fruit helps with better blood flow. It gives you plenty of vitamins and minerals and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It works miracles for better kidney health.

3. Flavored Water
As well as getting your needed daily allowance of fruit, it helps in weight loss. It curbs your appetite and is delicious to drinks. It has no added sugar and will boost your immune system.

4. Pineapple Smoothie
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It's also a very good source of copper and vitamin B1 & B6. Pineapple helps with digestion and helps with strengthening your core and making your belly flatter.

Enjoy having these drinks during the week. Cut out all fizzy drinks and you will definitely see an improvement in your health and you will soon be on the road to a flatter belly!

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling :)

Love & Peace

Happy September .. Thoughts & Importance Of Oil !

Happy Tuesday & Happy September !

The summer feels like it's over and the days are definitely cooler ,the temperature has dropped but autumnal weather is still better than winter . Prince Harry today in Amsterdam was making a real fool of himself giving a speech about doing more for climate change while he boldly takes private jets with his wife and son creating more carbon footprints . Meanwhile Meghan is busy hiring a celebrity PR firm to boost her dwindling fame .. such a kick in the teeth to the Royal family's own PR . Does Meghan want to be a celebrity or a Royal ? What is actually happening to the Royal Family , they seem to be losing the plot completely . Prince Andrew and his scandal , Prince Harry and Meghan being very shady hiding the baby being two-faced  wanting privacy but posting on social media . The Queen giving permission for Boris Johnson to suspend Parliament !!! I don't think at 90 + she should be making any such decision . I have seriously gone off the Royals . Thank God for William & Kate !! But in this day and age do we really need people with so much privilege when there are people who are living far below the poverty line and in desperate need .But on to other things , like how you should be taking care of yourself and why OIL is perfect for you .
Oil is perfect for your hair, skin and nails. Here's why it's so perfect for you.

Skin: We have always been told to keep oil away from oily skin and breakouts. Skin's natural oil is sticky and attracts dirt. Cleansing oils, ironically loosens the stickiness, so make up and debris slide off more thoroughly. The result ? A cleaner skin surface. For dry skin: it doubles as a moisturizer, leaving skin super plumped and radiant.

Hair: Oil is proven to protect hair, but it can also leave it limp and greasy. Lightweight hair oils hydrate fine hair without weighing it down. "Moroccan Oil" is a super example, leaving your hair super shiny and hydrated .

Nails: Cuticles can feel dry and hard. The best remedy.. you guessed it-- oil! Hand creams hydrate the surface, but oil penetrates deeper and helps to soften and moisturize the whole area around the nail.

Body: Body oils are the perfect cure for dry, dull skin. Use oil to lock in moisture and illuminate skin. Use Garnier's Ultimate Beauty Oil. It's the perfect thing to soften your skin. The blend of argan, macadamia, almond, and rose oil leaves your body satiny soft.

Hope you enjoyed reading these simple tips to keep your skin looking good. A simple Baby oil used everyday also does wonders for the skin, in case you want to keep on a budget!

Here's a beautiful quote by Nelson Mandela that Harry & Meghan posted on Instagram on Monday evening "It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build "  I love that quote but it was really ironic for them to post it seeing as Meghan 's father is begging to meet Harry and his grandson but they are ignoring him and pretending he doesn't exist . Family is always an important part of one's heritage and cutting out the source of your very existence is cold and mean blooded . She would not be here if not for having a Father a DAD !
Please in your everyday be a better person , love and cherish your close family . Be kind your Mother and Father will always love you more than any other person on earth .


Have a great day and keep smiling  :)

Love & Peace

August Favourite .. Essentials For A Journey !

Happy Saturday !

It's Saturday and I hope everybody slept in , I didn't wake up till after mid -day ,lol precisely 1.30 pm . It was a nice long relaxing sleep . A good night's rest is key in keeping a youthful appearance and a good disposition, that and plenty of water Today's blog is going to feature the key essentials you need when you are packing for a journey. Being prepared and planning ahead of your journey makes the trip worry free. The key is to keep things simple and compact. Especially the essentials. These are a few things I don't leave my home without!

1. A good flight bag with your beauty essentials in travel sized products. A sleep mask, vitamin C,  earphones and hand cream.

2. A good zipped backpack for all your personal products. Conveniently sized to keep under your seat with lots of pockets to keep you organized.

3. A nice, soft neck pillow to make the journey easy.

4. A beautiful eye-catching watch so you don't need to take a lot of other jewelry.

5. A global compact universal  all-in-one travel power adapter for where ever your journey takes you.

6. A nice big travel wrap (thick) which can be used as a scarf or a blanket in one. Primark stocks some beautiful ones.

7. A good pair of earphones.

8. A memo holder / wallet to keep tickets, passport, cards, receipts in check along with a notebook and pen for jolting down stuff on the go!

9. Nice fluffy, cozy socks or slippers to keep you warm.

10. Travel smart toiletry bottle set, to fill with all your favorites from your medicine cabinet. Especially useful for your skin care routine.

11. Don't forget a currency app which should be downloaded on your phone to keep you in the know, really helpful when shopping abroad.

12. Last of all, a battery charger so you never run out when you are on the go!

Hope this is helpful for the journey and keeps you organized.

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling :)

Love & Peace

August Favourite.. Swimsuits !

Happy Sunday !

With the bank holiday here, and the weather proving to be amazing "an Indian summer " what better way to spend it than down at the beach or by your local pool (a tropical swimming paradise). If you are looking for a particular style I have picked out some designs to suit all kinds of body shapes! We should love the figure we have and dress to suit our particular shape. One piece bathing suits are fantastic for the larger lady or if you are self-conscious about large boobs or tummy. If you are slim but still have a little Mum belly with some wobbly bits a high waisted brief is ideal. Showing off your back with a one piece can be sexy. Dark colours can be slimming and disguise a little extra weight. Light colours look awesome if you have a tan. If you are very pale skinned, go for rich colours like turquoise, blues, oranges. Skip the black which can make you look washed out. Whatever you choose, always wear it with confidence , because somebody who walks with confidence always looks good no matter what they have on!

1. Black halter neck side tie crochet swimsuit / 26 dollars / Choies.com
2.Plus black Swimsuit / 35 pounds / riverisland.com
3. Red solid halter stripe monokini / 22 dollars / maykool.com
4. Dark purple fringe bikini / 16 dollars / Oasap.com
5. Halter neck high waisted swimsuit / 24 dollars / roswe.com

Have an awesome day and keep smiling! Oh yes , everything and everyone has a price , ofcourse naturally so must Greenland . If you don't try you will not succeed . Trump is a genius man .

A quote which always makes me smile is from Albert Einstein, ''Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.'' I love it!

Love & Peace

Summer Favourite ... Delicious Spare Ribs !

Happy Monday !

Today I am going to share with you a recipe; a favourite of mine. Barbecue sticky ribs! With summer here, and the weather going to be decidedly better this week, I'm sure all you people would love a barbecue with friends. This delicious and easy recipe will have you licking your fingers. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 racks baby back pork ribs
2 cans cola
2 tsp toasted sesame seed (optional)

For the sauce:
8 tbsp tomato ketchup
8 tbsp soft brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tsp paprika

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and snugly fit the ribs into a roasting tin. Pour over the cola and enough water to cover the ribs, then cover the tin tightly with foil. Roast for 2-3 hrs, turning halfway through, until the ribs are really tender but not falling apart.
2. Meanwhile, put all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Gently heat, then bubble for about 2 mins, stirring.
3. When the ribs are done, carefully lift each out of the tin and sit on kitchen paper to dry. Tip away the liquid and wipe out the tin. Put the dry ribs back in the tin and coat all over with the sticky sauce. Cover and chill for at least 1 hr to marinate, but better still up to 24 hrs. Can be frozen at this stage.
4. Heat the barbecue and wait for the flames to die down, or heat oven to 220C/200C/gas 7. Add the ribs (in a roasting tin, if using the oven) and cook for 20 mins, turning occasionally, and basting often with remaining sauce. When ribs are sticky, hot through and crisping on the outside, slice to serve. Scatter with sesame seeds, if you like, and plate up with any remaining sticky sauce, warmed.

An inspirational quote I love "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending".

Have an awesome day and keep smiling .

Love & Peace.

August Favourite... Coconut Oil !

Happy Friday !

The cold months are quickly creeping in upon us and the weather here resembles fall and we need to keep up with taking care of our skin.
Coconut oil may be a solution to everyone , and save you money in the long term. The beauty benefits of coconut oil have been known for ages and used especially in Asia for donkey´s of years. I remember using coconut oil on my body not too long ago , gets you a nice tan in the summer . Nowadays I have a nice body lotion made from coconut oil to keep my body smooth and soft. Coconut oil has a lot of beauty benefits. I have recently noticed alot of supermarkets stocking coconut oil on their shelves for cooking . It is a very healthy substitute in place of frying butter . Rich and flavourful . But here are the beauty benefits of using coconut oil .

As a body moisturizer
A recent animal study found that when applied topically, virgin organic coconut oil for skin can speed up wound healing, and a human study found it to be effective in increasing hydration and reducing water loss in seriously dry skin. Sounds like a recipe for a really good lotion to us! It's a health-expert favorite, too. : "It smells delicious, is very affordable, and leaves skin feeling nourished and smooth."

To clean your face

Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing and, according to research, great for atopic dermatitis, many women swear by its use as a nighttime moisturizer for their face, too. Try the double-cleansing method: Simply rub the oil in circular motions all over your face and neck, giving yourself a gentle massage as you go. When you're done, wash off the residue with your favorite cleanser. (If you're adult-acne prone, avoid this technique unless you know your skin tolerates coconut oil.)

To add shine
Smooth a tiny amount of organic coconut oil onto your ends of your hair to add a little shine, or on flyaways if you have dark hair. Remember that a dab will do you: Any more and your hair might appear greasy.

In a luscious body scrub
Here's a little DIY beauty secret: That store-bought body scrub you save for special occasions? It's a waste of money. That's because you can make one yourself with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. . "I love to do this. It's wonderfully moisturizing, great for the skin, inexpensive, and blissfully absent of chemicals you can't pronounce!" To make your own, I suggest melting ½ c of coconut oil at very low heat. Pour it over 1 c of brown sugar or salt and stir well. If you have some on hand, add in five drops of your favorite essential oil or some pure vanilla extract for a scrub so fragrant you'll want to eat it.

For a little rubdown
Many store-bought massage oils have either coconut or jojoba oil as their base. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the bottle. It's slippery, skin-friendly, and coconut oil for skin moisturizes, too.

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling .

Love & Peace

Be Smart #MondayAdvice & Some Healthy Living !

Happy Monday !

The weekend was interesting , we all love our friends and would happily give them moral support whenever but this weekend I saw a guy who came with a woman friend to a bar she just ditched him whenever she wanted to talk to other men and then towards the end she just kept making out with one random guy and her friend just stood by and waited and waited while she kissed and kissed this other man . It was quite a sight while it was a free x-rated performance , I don't think any friend needs to stand and watch and wait till the woman is ready ! My advice is if you can't get your friend to have some common sense and stop being a slut , get out of there because it just makes you look like a pimp ! Make something of your life and if you choose to be slutty , well it's just better done discreetly #Mondayadvice

Now with the weekend behind us and some fresh crispy days forecast with lots of rain ,its time to focus on being smart, with healthy eating and living .
We all have hopes to accomplish our personal goals and make a start to eating healthy and smart instead of the focus being on losing weight! When you have positive goals, and choose foods high in nutrition you will feel energized, clean and lean!

1. Stay hydrated with water
Squeeze lemon or lime into your water which promotes alkalinity and wards off diseases. It promotes bright eyes and skin and offers a dose of Vitamin C.

2. Add protein to your morning meal
To stay fuller longer and feel stronger through to lunchtime, egg whites, linseed bread, smoked salmon and cottage cheese pancakes, and oatmeal porridge are all great alternatives to jam & toast, sweetened yogurts and cereals .

3. Eat a portion of leafy green vegetables every day
Eg. spinach, kale, and watercress. This gets your digestion back on track and restores vital vitamins and minerals which you might have lost with a hectic week.

4. Soup
If you have partied too hard, get back on track with vegetables based soups that contain no dairy. This will re hydrate you and restore electrolytes that can be lost after consuming  alcohol. It also fills you up and you are less likely to snack on a packet of chips.

I hope this short blog helps you to eat healthy. Have a great day and keep on smiling.

Love & Peace

Five Perfect Perfume's For August !

Happy Tuesday !

August is a beautiful month , we are in the midst of summer and enjoying the holidays . On these hot summer days we all appreciate beautiful smells and with these floral , fruity aromas we are sure to make ourselves more desirable .  Five of my favourite perfumes !
No.1 is Givenchy: Live Irresistible Eau De Parfum Spray
It costs 70 dollars and available from Dillards.com It's every bit of sugar and spice and all things nice. With a blend of pineapple, spiced berries, and rose petals encased in a transparent glass bottle decorated  with shimmering pink studs.

2. Dior: Miss Dior Silky Body Mist
52 Dollars from Dior.com. This airy fragrance inspired by the designers floral preference. Smells of peony and mandarin. Absorbs quickly into your skin for a soft touch.

3. Marc Jacobs: Daisy Eau So Fresh Blush
92 Dollars from Sephora.com. This is a limited edition perfume from Jacob's signature collection. Daisy's delicious mist features freesia, rose, and a note of pink grapefruit for a fruity floral scent every day appropriate.

4. Kate Spade: Live Colorfully Eau De Parfum
75 Dollars and available from Katespade.com. This sweet citrusy perfume, ultra sweet scent livens the skin and the gardenia enhanced aroma awakens the senses. Very sweet packaging.

5. Dolce & Gabbana: Dolce Floral Drops
103 Dollars from Sephora.com. This comes in a stunning bottle and pays homage to the designer's signature scent with a lighter twist. This has a fragrance of South African white amaryllis with a blend of exotic florals. Excellent for a dinner date!

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!



Love & Peace

July Favourite ... Tanning Lotions !

Happy Monday !

We have had some incredibly hot days behind us and I hope you didn't try to get your tan on by baking in it :) 
Today I want to do this blog about the best tanning products available. With summer already on our doorstep and everyone knows going out in the sun trying to get a tan is not good for your skin. It's ageing. It causes sun spots and can give you skin cancer in the long run.

At No. 1 is the St. TropezGradual Tan In Shower.
it costs 14 pounds fifty pence available online at sttropeztan.co.uk
This product is so easy to use it's an absolute winner for me and my favorite. Just take your shower as usual, step out of the water and apply your tan. Allow it about three minutes to do its thing and then rinse off. Absolute genius!

No.2 L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Elixir
This costs 15 pounds 99 pence and available at Boots
This silky lotion makes your limbs feel super smooth. A light swipe of the product over your skin gives you an instant healthy glow that would make you feel radiant. It dries quickly with no streaking and fades evenly. You couldn't want for anything more!

No.3 Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning
Costs 20 pounds and available at John Lewis
This tanning mousse is a must have for an on the go beauty who has a busy lifestyle. Just smooth on the mousse unto your face for an instant glow, while the clever tanner develops into a gorgeous long lasting tan.

No. 4 He-Shi Express Liquid Tan
Costs 21 pounds from fabled.com
It's light liquid formula makes it easy to blend into the skin. You should apply it with a mitt so it won't run over your hands.

No. 5 Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived
Costs only 7 pounds 79 pence.
This is the easiest and most fun to use. There are plenty of people running scared of a tan in case they start resembling an orange. This is a daily body lotion which not only conditions moisturizes and re-hydrates your skin. It leaves a subtle healthy glow. Use it daily to build up a healthy glow and after that every other day to maintain the shade of color you desire . It is a must have for people on a budget as well. Must say I have used this a lot.

Hope you loved my five favorite tanners and you head out to try the one you think would suit you! Have an awesome day and keep smiling.

Love & Peace

July Advice .. Forgiveness !

Happy Thursday !

Today I came upon an interesting post on Facebook .. It said "Stop holding on to people who don't care about you . It's okay to be alone until God sends you the right people ..Amen " As a Catholic I absolutely don't agree with that post .  In the first place we must wonder why God has put these people in our life ?  There is a reason ! There is always a reason ! And we must accept them in our life . If they don't care about us , we must show them we care about them . No matter how many times they hurt us and our feelings , we are ready to forgive . We need to be the bigger person . We don't need to quit , we don't need to be alone .. Loneliness is the biggest killer . We are social people and need to be together , love each other be friendly .. That means no smiling with your eyes at other women  but a cool  hallo should surface . 

The right people almost never appear until you have shown how much forgiveness you have to give . That is why the saying "In time things will happen " If we work through our rough patches and peoples bad attitudes towards us ,we will get rewarded . If not in this life but in the next .  Ever wondered why there are such fortunate people in this world ?They have worked hard at forgiveness and have come back 10.000 times more blessed .  I am always and everyday working at forgiveness . I wanted to go out and get myself something today, I was getting a ride in a car but my eldest daughter wanted to go as well , I didn't want to go with her .. I said You go in the car and I will stay home . I heard a lot of verbal abuse because the person did not want to take her alone only with me . In the end I didn't go and she didn't go waste of the car being at home . She made things difficult , I found no reason her wanting to go at all , since she always makes a big fuss saying the smaller ones can't be left alone they are 12 and 13 . I was not leaving them alone today in this extreme heat  . So I was willing to stay with them . I find my eldest daughter is here on this planet to make my life difficult , but I don't bother I still love her with all my heart and cook her her favourite food . Would not let anyone say anything bad about her and I'm her number one champion . She's 23 and I let her be who she is , sheś still at home has never cooked food for us and I find her a pain but I suffer in silence , I can not and am not allowed to say anything .., I am a prisoner and I was married by her age .. But some things we need to bear with a smile .. The right moment will come and I will be free , maybe when my time is up on this earth , I shall be rewarded in the next with a better life , a good husband and a better eldest child . If it's not to be and I still have to pay I shall always try to be the best person I can be , this life or the next .. I have promised God !

Forgiveness towards others is very important . We cannot hang on to hate , it kills us slowly . Forgive everyday and don't be alone , God won't send you the right people until you can live with those who have been given to you .

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling .

Love & Peace

Love & Peace !

The Heat Can Go To Your Head ... Eat Some Ice-Cream !

Happy Wednesday !

This heatwave is real and we are roasting ,nothing can cool you down better than a delicious ice cream . Does the heat make people do strange things ? Having a day out with a loved one and nothing says it better than he's just not into you as when you are sat on the bus off on a day trip to a beautiful city , which you waited months to do , and this dude is all eyes as this young girl not more than 18 boards the bus and he knows her and smiles from ear to ear says Hi to her ,and you know what annoyed me the most it's the smile that lights up the eyes that bothered me . Starting a day out with someone you apparently want to see , should make you ignore every other female and have eyes only for the one you have chosen. Since I didn't know her and if he ignored her there would never have been an issue . The only thing I should be saying is NEXT ..and go find someone new !!! My feelings get hurt a lot .. it's one way to know for sure he's not into you !!  Girls don't be a fool and let some guy ruin your happiness , and make you feel not good enough . You are worth your weight in gold ,go out and prove it , find somebody who will give you all his time and attention when you are in each other's company .

On another note, the beautiful sunshine was glorious. So a truly healthy ice-cream is what I thought all you would enjoy! Green tea has loads of uses and health benefits which I shall feature in an upcoming blog. But today, a very healthy green tea coconut ice-cream is deliciously mouthwatering and very healthy. If you are not allergic to nuts, feel free to add a handful of nuts over the top for garnish. I love it. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 13 1/2 ounce can of coconut milk
2 Eggs
4-8 tablespoons of coconut sugar crystals
1 tablespoon of green tea powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, place coconut milk, eggs, sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract and blend well. Transfer the liquid to a sauce pan and heat under medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the liquid thickens. When the liquid is cooled, chill it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Transfer to the container of an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions to make ice cream.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace

Get Healthy .. Eat Vegan !

Happy Monday !

Do you constantly want to keep healthy and feed your children good nutritious food ? Well cutting out meat altogether is hard but if you eat veggies and be be vegan a few days in the month , it all helps towards getting healthy .
Today I want to share a favourite recipe of mine, a vegan chilli. Although I am not a vegan, but some days it's meat free in our house and a vegan chilli is delicious. You can eat it with rice or mash and I promise the meat will not be missed! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
175g/6oz green lentils
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
1-2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 red and 1 green pepper, stalk and seeds removed, and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 x 400g/14oz cans chopped tomatoes
1 heaped tbsp tomato purée
300ml/½ pint vegetable stock
100g/4oz frozen peas
175g/6oz mushrooms, wiped and quartered
1 courgette, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 can kidney beans, drained

Instructions:
1. Place the green lentils in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them. Leave to soak for 30 minutes. Then drain.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion and garlic together with the chilli and cumin, about ten minutes or until the onions are soft.
3. Add the peppers, carrots and drained green lentils and cook for five minutes, stirring all the time. Add the tomatoes, purée, stock and peas, bring to the boil and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 30 minutes). Add the mushrooms and courgettes and simmer for five minutes more. Season to taste.
4. Add the cooked kidney beans and simmer for five more minutes.
5. Serve with cooked rice.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace

Get The Perfect Brows This July !

Happy Tuesday !

Hollywood elite have the perfect brows. The arches. Think Penelope Cruz, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Kim Kardashian. But who do you think gets the most requested brows at salons? It's definitely the Kardashian brows. Girls are always trying to achieve the look. It's not pencil thin of the 60's but more fuller brows to frame and dark enough to make your face pop! But her look does not flatter everyone. To bring harmony to flatter your unique bone structure choosing the right width shape and color is key. Below are some tips.

Through Thick and Thin
If you have a tiny face with delicate features thick eyebrows can be overwhelming. People with a low brow bone should also avoid going to full. You want to open your eyes - if the space between the brows and the upper lashes is small, make the eyebrow a bit thinner and more arched. On the other hand if you have a higher set brow bone, thick eyebrows are the more flattering option.
If you divide the face into thirds, the spaces between the hairline and the brows, brows and nose base, and nose base to the chin should be equal in length. Wider arches are good for fuller faces whose expansiveness can be magnified by thin brows.
If your face shape requires thicker brows, over tweezing has left your upper lids nearly barren, encourage hair growth with an over the counter conditioner like a brow enhancing serum. A very important tip when tweezing is, never tweeze above the brow, always below to maintain a good shape.

Filling In The Blanks
With the help of a pencil or dark powder (brown eyeshadow), you can fill in spaces and create the appearance of lusher brows. To finish a clear brow gel can be used to keep pencil and hair colors in place.

Color Theory for  the brows 
The arches are best when they are one or two shades darker then the color of your hair. Rather than permanently dyeing your eyebrows, use a tinted brow gel to lighten and darken accordingly.
I have got some great natural looking eyebrows, which I just keep in shape with gentle tweezing. I have never plucked them thin , which suits my fuller face.

Have an amazing day and never stop smiling :)

Love & Peace 

Shades Of Blue .. Depression Is Nasty !!

Happy Friday !

I am so used to beginning with that line , I just couldn't stop myself, mine was anything but .. though I'm sure for a lot of you that was exactly what it was  , a happy Friday :)

The last couple of days I feel hopeless , lost , disillusioned , unloved and very , very alone ! I remember a quote by Robin Williams well not the exact quote , but something along the lines of this .. it's not the fact of being alone that's sad but when you are in a room with people and they make you feel alone is what is crushing ! The very last thing on earth I imagined was the fact making me unhappy would be my own children . As a young child growing up I always wanted children , with such pride and joy I had each one of them and loved them as only a mother can . The cruel world we live in ..because  if you dare to say something and nothing directed at them,  just at their father , you end up feeling alone , unloved unwanted.. I was disturbed at the theatre by a bunch of very loud Dutch people sitting behind me .. In the theatre where you are supposed to be quiet to concentrate on the musical going on . So getting annoyed later after the show , at the bus stop I told their Dad you call me loud and correct me all the time you see me, when I'm just at home in my own space talking and look at your own kind of people who talk so loudly , shouldn't you stand up and have told them something ?? My eldest daughter took offence started having words with me and marched off , the two younger ones followed her like lap dogs with no sense of loyalty or support for their MUM , their father never told them anything to remain with me or not to interfere because it concerned him and me , not them , but walked away from me as well leaving me alone  ... I remember my MUM meant the world to us and I would stand by her side no matter what  !! Children of today ?? The world could do without this heartless generation  . I am very sad because a few days even before this incident I was planning a couple of  days in Dublin but all 3 children refused to come ,not interested at all ! They hate to be photographed as well ,as a result I almost have no pictures of them in the last two or three years ,not even wanting photos with me .

Yes my life my life is made up of being alone , no point having kids if they make you feel alone all the time ! I've never felt more suicidal than I have felt in these last couple of months . I am struggling with wanting to die and knowing I should not ! We are meant to live our lives no matter how difficult because I sincerely believe  Suicide is not the answer . if we think that's an escape it's not .. because we just get re- born with all are same issues , problems and insecurities but this time under more difficult circumstances . Reincarnation does exist we are souls that continue on our journey . Our body dies but we the soul & spirit live on to continue growth , for peace and goodness to spread . We are learning all the time .

Depression  is a major mental problem and feeling unloved makes the situation worse . The best we can do is be supportive , loving and caring , it does not cost a single penny but could brighten up someone's day ! At least there on the horizon I know I have a crush who does find me attractive and does like me a little bit .. got to seek him out soon , desperately need to be held in his arms x Nobody else loves me and nobody ever has !!

If your life is just too hard , look for something that makes you happy and focus on it . We have to make ourselves happy nobody will do that for you .. ONLY a MUM but unfortunately my mum is no more and I miss her terribly at these moments of my life . I'm looking forward to Sunday the World Cup Cricket finals just can't wait so excited about that , amongst my deep depression COME ON ENGLAND !!!!!

Before I end , a virtual hug to everyone struggling with depression , loneliness , any kind of issue I'm saying a special prayer for strength to overcome this hurdle . Dying is just too easy , living is hard but the ultimate reward when we return in our next life we shall be blessed with far less problems . My goal , be kind but mostly be kind to yourself you need it , nobody is going to rushing over to bother about you .  Drink that Irish coffee , wink at some cute bloke and continue talking loudly at home , just don't be an arsehole and disturb a theatre performance .

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling :)

Love & Peace   

July Inspiration ..A Little Poem & Some Advice !

Happy Wednesday & Happy July !

Tomorrow is the 4th that means it's Independence day in the USA , well it's strange for anyone in the UK to celebrate it , since it marks the end of the war that the Brits lost ..but new beginnings are important steps to creating a better future . It's always amazing to know that countries once at war can still live peacefully and in harmony with each other . Despite all life's challenges , reconciliation is always possible and that makes us all hopeful . In relationships, difficulties hold potential as well for healing given half the chance .
People and coins have something in common both have two sides .. the pros and the cons . But when you focus on one side it's very difficult to see the other . When a person focuses on someone's difficult side they forget the person also has a generous , loving , caring heart  and when a situation becomes difficult they just feel like they are always challenging and a problem and forget about the other side ! We need to work harder at our relationships and don't forget to mention each time, you care and that the other person is needed, loved and wanted !

Thought I'd just pen a little poem about Me & My Bed !

I slip my body between the sheets ..
The cold crisp covers on my warm legs , my body shivers
Not welcoming, not welcoming
I lie alone yet again
year after year I toss , I turn but not a soul to heavenly embrace
The cold bed and me entangled and embraced confined in a single space .
My soul cries out you're not alone but my earthly status begs to differ
Yet again in bed I lay , just me and the ghost of what I yearn
Is this my punishment , Is this my fate ?
Yet again alone I embrace my soft toys , and a ghostly space ..
Take me to a terrace make that a bed, lie me under the stars
stay there with me , strip me naked , caress my every curve
Steal my heart , show me what I mean , take me on a date and feed my inner being !
I lie alone , I lie alone Lonely and cold
In a single bed with nobody to hold
I hate this fate , I hate this fate
Somebody love me and take me in your embrace !
Warm and welcoming I shall snuggle and you will keep me safe
Wrap your arms , entwine your legs feel each curve and every dip
Softly hold my rounded hips
Let your hand roam and find the moist 
Welcoming and soft the warmth , the warmth
A dream , just a dream
Alone in bed no one to feel
I hate this predicament but I cannot find someone to embrace
A friend , a lover a man to love and keep me warm and fill that space !
My lonely bed me only me  & only me !
Yet again the wind howls
You are alone , you wicked cow embrace your fate !
I toss and turn it's just a dream .. but I'm still alone
that dreaded bed and ME !

Well hope you enjoyed reading that .. Me & my bed .. story of my life :)

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling xx

Love & Peace

June Spotlight ... Skin Repair !

Happy Sunday !

Could not get enough of Glastonbury all weekend , just wish I was actually there but had to make do with watching it on telly ! Everyday was fun and Kylie today was brilliant ,as was Janet Jackson , Miley Cyrus and I wish I could just list all but the list is very long ! The weather was perfect .
We all love the sun , and given a choice we would like sunny weather all year , and that is why California , Florida places in Asia are such popular holiday destinations ! Year Round Sun !
Although , with the sun , comes the risk of long term Skin Damage ! The main types of skin damage is fine lines and wrinkles . Over time the sun's UV rays damages fibres in the skin called elastin . The fibres break down , and the skin begins to sag , stretch and loses it's ability to ping back into shape .

Discolouration of the skin . This manifests itself as brown freckles and patches of darker permanent pigmentation on the skin .
Broken blood vessels , prolonged exposure to the sun causes this , mainly it appears on the face , especially on the nose . It is harmless but it's ageing . Your skin will try to heal its self by increasing the blood supply to the sun damaged area , resulting in a proliferation of broken blood vessels !

Ways to repair this sun damage to your skin would begin with" Drinking " loads of water .It won't get rid of the wrinkles , but keeping your skin hydrated will improve the appearance of your skin .
Improve pigmentation : there are plenty of over the counter products that will improve your pigmentation and bleach brown spots . They are not often as strong as those supplied by a dermatologist but the results are still good .
Retinol , this cream can produce new collagen , but they cannot repair the elastin fibres .
Exfoliation , is a good way to remove dead skin build-up . A smoother surface will give a nice reflection of light , making skin look even and you can appear younger !
Eating foods high in Antioxidants . Cherries , walnuts and asparagus are all good sources of antioxidant melatonin , which protects the skin against UV radiation and stimulates new cell growth !

Have an awesome day and don't stop smiling :) Here's a quote I love , had to share :)




Love & Peace

Lionesses Supreme .. But Men Still Superior ??

Happy Thursday !

Had an awesome day , even if today I decided my dinner date and I should be really cheap and eat at a fast food place . The burgers were good and so were the fries but I did leave more than half on my plate .. fast food is never going to be my thing ! Did have to rush home to see the Lionesses take on Norway ! What a surperb match enjoyed every minute . Well done England :) 3-0 is a fantastic result . World Cup Champions I'm predicting !

But this morning I read an interesting funny post and thought I'd share it . Although women want to be equal or more superior to men , I believe they are still failing at it .. Men are always going to ride the roost .. Well read on and enjoy !

A woman went out for shopping. At the cash counter, she opened her purse to pay.

The cashier noticed a TV remote in her purse.

He could not control his curiosity and asked,
"Do you always carry your TV remote with you?"

She replied " No. Not always, but my husband refused to accompany me to shopping today, as he has a football match to watch on the TV. So, I brought the TV remote."

*Moral: *Accompany and support your wife, in your own interests.*

*The story continues, please.*

The cashier laughed, but then withheld all the items the lady had purchased.
Shocked at this, she asked what he was doing.

He said, "Madam, your husband has blocked your card."

*MORAL: Always learn to respect your husband, please.*

*Story doesn't stop*.

Wife now took out her husband's credit card from her purse and swiped it. Unfortunately, he forgot to block his own card.

*Moral: Don't underestimate the wisdom of your WIFE.*

*Story doesn't end*.

After swiping, the machine indicated, 'ENTER THE PIN SENT TO YOUR MOBILE PHONE'.

*Moral: When a man tends to lose, the machine is smart enough to save him!*

*Story goes on.*

She smiled to herself and reached out for her husband's mobile she brought along with the TV remote so that he doesn't disturb her while she shopped. She has the PIN now. She bought what she wanted and returned home happily.

*Moral: Don't underestimate a desperate woman!*

*Read on further, please.*

On getting home, she found his car was not to be seen.

A note was pasted by him on the door, "Couldn't find the TV remote. Hence going out with the boys to watch the match. Will be home late. Call me on my phone (?) if you need something".

Damn. He took the house keys with him too!

*Moral*: *Never ever try to control your husband. You will be the loser, for sure and always *

That was funny .. Have an awesome day and keep smiling !

Love & Peace 

June Favourite .. Delicious Chicken & Avocado Wrap !

Happy Tuesday !

As everyone celebrates this heatwave engulfing Europe , it makes us aware that climate change is a serious and real issue . I salute climate change protesters and the dedication they have . I am seriously wanting to do some protesting and push the issue of looking after this beautiful earth we call home . I have been waiting to hear more news about that disgraceful MP Mark Field who physically manhandled the female climate change protester who happened to be  at their lavish dinner party. She was dressed beautifully in a red party dress and to have him claim he didn't know if she was going to pose a threat is absurd . I'm glad it was reported the next day on the national news . I still feel a suspension is not good enough. He needs to be removed from his job as an MP. No matter what , I believe a man should never raise his hands on a woman . Nor should he ever be verbally abusive . Mark Field needs to go on an aggression therapy course . Although I believe those courses do not help , the person becomes generally more aggressive and resents having been called out . I do think public shaming is the best .. It could teach them in future to be better behaved . Greenpeace needs to get some burly men activists as well , I wonder if Mark Field would have readily pushed him up against the pillar grabbed him by the neck and dragged him anywhere !

Boris Johnson down to the final 2 candidates for Prime Minister , why am I not surprised ?? He should not even be considered as he's not in a stable relationship . He's dumped his wife of 25 years for some woman who he 's just had a huge bust up with in their house in the night when the police had to be called , just a few days ago. Yet he won't speak about the incident . In America a President is not considered if he's not in a proper marriage , and has scandal following him . Why would we even trust him ?

But for now as the weather is so boiling hot , we need to have some delicious quick and easy stuff to eat.
Here is a scrumptious recipe for a spicy chicken & avocado wraps!

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast (approx 180g), thinly sliced at an angle
generous squeeze juice ½ lime
½ tsp mild chilli powder
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
2 seeded wraps
1 avocado, halved and stoned
1 roasted red pepper from a jar, sliced
a few sprigs coriander, chopped

Instructions:
1. Mix the chicken with the lime juice, chilli powder and garlic.
2. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan then fry the chicken for a couple of mins – it will cook very quickly so keep an eye on it. Meanwhile, warm the wraps following the pack instructions or, if you have a gas hob, heat them over the flame to slightly char them. Do not let them dry out or they are difficult to roll.
3. Squash half an avocado onto each wrap, add the peppers to the pan to warm them through then pile onto the wraps with the chicken, and sprinkle over the coriander. Roll up, cut in half and eat with your fingers.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace

Cheap Places To Visit For A Summer Break !

Happy Tuesday !

Tuesday being market day and nothing makes me happier , then going down to the local farmer's market and buying all the fruit and veg available, chillies , avocados , limes , bananas etc etc and being able to snap up some delicious fish as well .
Couldn't wait for the evening and the debate on the #BBCOurNextPM between the candidates . I'm surprised BoJo even turned up after backing out of the last two ! Someone asked me So who's your favourite ? Oh definitely the craggy faced joker looking dude he's the best out of a complete losing bunch . The person asked what about the egg face Oh God never ..I wonder even if he would have been considered if he didn't have the accent he had , lol .. Well besides that Sharon's eyes betrayed her words, as she told Keanu The baby is not yours ! I can't wait for Christmas this is going to be so exciting :) Come On Eastenders !!!
 
I look forward to tomorrow for a day of rest and relaxation but with summer now eventually here it's so hot and I don't feel rested or relaxed. The nights are warm and if you leave the window open, it's an open invitation for the mosquitoes, flies and all the creepy crawlies to make their way in, so it's all night smacking the mosquitoes and having very little sleep, lol. Now a lot of you must be busy planning a little break for the family. Most people's summer goal is to get away. From June to September it's most often peak season so a lot of destinations cost top dollar. Now all of you would be wondering where you could get good value for your dollar. The best places are generally based on a little break for a family of three to four. Which is standard families nowadays. Nobody could actually afford more than one child before you are bankrupt and literally homeless!

The cheapest places in the US is generally in the Southern States and the winner came out as New Orleans! Who doesn't love that place? I love it. the atmosphere, people, food, weather, and the night life above all else! The Big Easy boasted very affordable lunch prices of $31 a day. In contrast, the most expensive place was Orlando an average total trip would cost about $2,200 - double of what you would need in New Orleans!
Beautiful Atlanta came into the top ten cheapest cities at number 4. Making the list of cheap getaway cities at number 2 is Houston, Texas, also Dallas another affordable city made the grade at No. 5. Las Vegas was number 3, one of my favorite places too after San Diego. Where in my dreams I could live forever on the beach. The laid back people and the gorgeous weather & food. I love that place!

No. 6, Miami. No.7, Washington D.C. No. 8, Philadelphia. No. 9, San Diego. And at No. 10, Minneapolis.

So if you need a short break, go to the most affordable listed here and you wouldn't be making a mistake!

A quote I absolutely love and want to share with you guys

Have an awesome day and never stop smiling !

Love & Peace