Delicious Black Bean Soup With Poached Eggs !

Happy Monday !

I am enjoying this series of Big Brother immensely it's fun , interesting and I like Lewis alot . He's intense thinks alot and definitely generous and kind . I would love him to win the show . I reckon the housemates feel threatened by him hence the nominations every week . Brooke has proved to be a snake she bitches about Lewis, nominates him then cosies up to him in bed , but that's one way of shooting yourself in the foot . Viewers will see her for the bitch she is ! Izzy should have gone in ahead of Sian who has absolutely brought us nothing , besides smoking like a chimney & we know everyone wants us to quit . She is dull but I have this intense gut feeling she is going to win the show ! Put a bet on it guys , could pay out something nice .  Lewis , Zoe or Akeem more worthy winners than her any day :)

Today I am going to share a recipe which I absolutely love , learnt it from a friend . It's delicious and healthy and you know how healthy is getting more and more important as I have kids and want the very best for them .  This amazing Black bean soup with poached eggs is easy and quick to make . Enjoy .

In a pan put 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil . Chop up a handful of celery , 3 pods of garlic  , 2 small onions a little bit of thyme and 2 bay leaves , 1 chilli chopped up add it all to the pan and saute  for a few minutes . Then chop up 2 bell peppers one red and one green into small pieces , throw in and continue to saute add your seasonings salt and pepper to taste. Get some coriander a small bunch break it in half the bottom half chop up and add to the pan . The top half will be used in a salsa to add over the soup as it's served up in the bowls .
To make the salsa chop up the coriander a small chilli and squeeze half a lemon on it and mix together with a couple of small cherry tomatoes chopped up .
Go back to your pan now add 2 cans of black beans and 500 ml of water to the pan and stir . Gently let it simmer for eight to ten minutes then get your hand blender and blend it up . When you have blended it , set it back on the hob and crack 3 eggs in and let it set for a couple of minutes . Remove from the heat and you are ready to serve . Top it with the salsa and enjoy . It's nutritious and seriously delicious . Enjoy it and get healthy. You could dunk some rice in it or have it with a tortilla so good !!!


Excitedly waiting for Friday the 12th ... it's Princess Eugenie's wedding will be watching it on telly . Heard the Duchess of Cornwall won't be attending ( that's Prince Charles's second wife :(  ) She has a prior engagement well I don't think she's going to be missed !!! Seeing as Fergie and Princess Diana were good friends , I don't think Fergie would like to see Camilla at her daughters wedding . Camilla is not actually popular although they keep forcing her on us . Absolutely not a fan . I wish Charles and Diana kept close like Fergie and Andrew . They are a smashing couple . Charles threw Diana out to the wolves long before their marriage ended sadly . Eugenie and Jack good luck for a long and happy marriage .

Have an awesome week and keep smiling !

Love & Peace
 

October Fashion Staples !

Happy October !

Happy Wednesday ! Today the Duchess of Sussex Meghan along with Hubby Prince Harry visited Sussex for the first time, but did she have to wear all black again ? I'm pretty bored by her choice of choosing black all the time . The outfit cost a grand total of four thousand pounds but looked scruffy with a crumpled black ordinary shirt . The black leather skirt was nice but leather for a day time visit with school kids on the walkabout ??? I'm not sold on it . Added to the fact none of the labels celebrated a British designer was a snub to the country adopting her . Word of advice Meghan don't ignore home grown talent and don't ignore your Dad leaves you looking BAD !

Today my blog is about wardrobe staples for Autumn which will give you everyday pleasure of looking well turned out . Buy your local brands like Primark , Topshop , H&M's and actually look better than Meghan for far less dosh !

The first item a must have is a Camel Coloured Coat . This is a classic item and goes with a whole range of outfits . Makes the outfit look smart and can be worn daytime and night .
 
The second would be a leather jacket . This is timeless and can be used for a good number of years . I have mine running on four years and I get so much wear out of it .
The third staple is a white shirt . This can be worn year round and I get so much wear out of mine in summer it can be worn with with shorts in fall under blazers , coats jackets . I bought mine from Primark , it cost just eight pounds and I have never got more wear out of an eight pound item than my white shirt . Definitely worth investing in .
The fourth is a pair of black boots . Invest in a sturdy pair with a small heel so you could wear it out walking all over . Get one that's simple with a small detail so you can keep it classic and make yourself look expensive . Black boots can be styled with so many outfits it can be worn with a dress and a leather jacket . It can also be worn with jeans and leggings . My absolute favourite and every two years I get myself a nice one as it can be used through autumn , winter and the colder days of spring .
Fifth is a good knit jumper in one of the favourite colours of autumn a nice burnt orange , mustard or a burgundy. You could get alot of wear out of it running around in autumn and winter . Keeping warm is so important .
Sixth is an A-line skirt  . Primark has alot of gorgeous ones this October . Paired with a nice knit jumper you are set for autumn . The shape is really flattering and it's soft and very comfortable to wear .
Seven is a black cami top . This is so classic and every woman needs to have one in her wardrobe . It goes beautifully with a pair of high waisted jeans . You could get alot of wear out of it . Throw a jacket over , maybe under a jumper it's worth investing in . It's available in most online stores . It is not something you would think of buying but you would get so much wear out of it , and it could be worn with almost anything .

At number eight is a pair of high waisted jeans . These are so popular right now and I find them very comfortable to wear instead of normal jeans which just hurt my belly button after an hour or two .
Number nine is autumn's best buy a check coat mid length and super stylish just invested in a beauty yesterday and I am thrilled with it .
Last on the list at number ten is this autumn's staple a pair of paper bag trousers . I absolutely love them and have invested in three pairs which I love ,already getting maximum use out of them .

Hope you enjoyed reading and finding out about the ten autumn staples every girl needs in her wardrobe !

Have an awesome day and keep smiling :)

Love & Peace

September Favourites ... Six Amazing Beauty Buys !

Happy Sunday !

September comes to an end and tomorrow is the first of October , how soon is this year slipping away from us . The festival season will be on us shortly with Halloween and then Thanksgiving and December brings the best of all Christmas and New Year . I love October going forward .
Listed below are my favourite September 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 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!

At number six I love the Maybelline eyebrow tattoo pen . It has a high concentrated dye formula which creates a tattoo effect and lasts 24 hours . The comb tip brings hair like strokes which mimics your natural brow line . An absolute bargain and under 7 pounds . 
 

Hope you love all these products and choose something to buy for yourself or maybe you can afford all six ! Have a wonderful day and keep smiling!

Love & Peace!

Autumn Hairstyles .. Keep It Interesting !

Happy Thursday !

Autumn Hairstyles 
1. Soft Spring Waves
Split your hair into two sections and tie them into high ponytails on each side of your head.
Get out your curling wand and curl each ponytail.
After cooling, take your ponytails out and you will be left with beautiful, soft waves.


2. Low messy ponytail with braid
On one day old hair,  spray your entire hair with texturizing sea salt spray. Work it into your roots to get that messy texture.
Take a section of the side of your face and braid it. Secure it with a transparent hair tie.
Take another hair tie and gather all of your hair together with the braid included. Secure it in a low sitting ponytail.
Take a teaser comb and lightly backcomb the ponytail to give it a messy look.


3. Milkmaid Braids
Do a normal French braid, but gather everything towards the front hairline and secure with a transparent hair tie. Repeat on the opposite side.

Loosen the hair tie slightly so you can pull the braid slowly apart. Making your braid appear thicker.
When you're done with both braids, cross one braid across your head and tuck the end of the braid under to hide the band and pin.
Cross the other braid directly behind the other one. Tuck the end under, pin and secure



4. Florals for Autumn 
This season flowers in your hair is going to be really trendy . It doesn't mean you need to add a whole bouquet to your hair but by threading a few rosebuds through your braid or pinning a medium size flower to the side of a bun is going to add a little style to a simple hairstyle .


5. Face Framing Layers 
It was very 90's but the look is back . To achieve this style at home separate your shortest layers of hair before creating a ponytail or a bun. Wrap each side around a curling iron for a few seconds to create a curl or a soft wave then tuck it behind your ear for a few minutes to give it a soft bend while it cools .


Hope you enjoy these hairstyles and give it a go this autumn . Have an awesome day and keep smiling :)

Love & Peace

Outfit Inspiration ...September Fashion !

Happy Saturday !

Autumn weather means it's getting cold but not exactly so cold you need to fish out your thermals and go for the layered look . This fashionable outfit covers you up and still makes a statement . Pair this outfit with a gorgeous blazer or lightweight coat and you are ready to party .
Being fashionable also means being able to wear a comfortable pair of jeans and make it look sophisticated. Pair it with a nice lace blouse or a similar one to the one I have chosen for this look. High heels with jeans immediately screams ''I am ready to go to a fancy place!'' Drinks in a nice wine bar, lunch with your girlfriends, or a movie date! If it's daytime and it's sunny, the hat is a perfect shade driving your car. Low sun on the horizon is a hazard driving. Keep your hat on, to shade your eyes.

Hope you love this outfit as much as I do. A nice pair of jeans is the best thing you can invest your money in. It's lasts years and will never go out of fashion.

1. skinny jeans torn / 48 AUD / Yoins.com
2. Chiffon Blouse / 25 pounds / Mango.com
3. Solid color Stillo Heel / 37 dollars / Zaful.com
4. backpack / 25 dollars / Hm.com
5. Fedora hat black / 28 pounds / coggles.com


This River Island Check Faux Fur Collar Coat  is perfect to pair with the outfit above . This coat is comfortable and classic. The Checks and the longer line detail is bang on trend and it 's on discount at ASOS from 75 pounds to 45 pounds , worth investing . I love it .



Have an awesome weekend and keep smiling :)

Love & Peace

September Favourite ... Garlic Soup !

Happy Tuesday !

With autumn in the air , and some fresh chilly weather what better way to stay one step ahead of colds, flus and viruses , then have some trusty old garlic soup .With the amazing properties of garlic we could stop this before it even happens. Garlic has gained its reputation as a virus buster thanks to one of its chemical constitutes ''allicin''. When garlic is crushed, allicin becomes allicin and research shows allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also prevents blood cloths. Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause ear aches, flu, and colds. Garlic has lots of properties to help boost the immune system, effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. So nothing better than including garlic in your diet every day like I do!

Here is a recipe, (a favorite of mine), garlic soup, to kick start the healthy you! Enjoy and don't worry about bad breath, that is why mints were invented and mouth wash!

Garlic Soup

Ingredients:
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
8 ounces Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus for serving
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle garlic heads with oil. Wrap tightly in foil and roast until tender, about 40 minutes. Let cool, then squeeze garlic from papery skin and set aside.
2. Bring stock, potatoes, and roasted garlic to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
3. Let cool slightly, then puree in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with rustic bread.

Have an awesome day and keep smiling . Before I end here's a beautiful love quote which I want to share with you all ... If you have neither , remember never stop looking there is somebody out there for each of us :)



Love & Peace

Delicious Marinated Chicken On A Bed of Veg With A Green Dressing !

Happy Wednesday !

Fall is in the air and the wind , rain and clouds always makes me hungry and I like nothing more than hurrying home to cook a nice supper for the kids and myself .
Today I made tasty marinated chicken breasts with green veggies and a delicious sauce .

Let me share my recipe with you so you can whip up this easy chicken dish for your loved ones .
Ingredients
3 Chicken breasts
Olive Oil
Chilli flakes ( as much or as little as you want )
Red wine Vinegar
Bunch of Coriander leaves
Broccoli
Frozen green broad beans
Salt
Pepper
2 garlic cloves

Get a bowl and pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil in , now throw in some chilli flakes a little red wine vinegar salt and pepper and mix it up . Now score you chicken breasts across the top and batter it out a bit . Put them in the marinade and allow it to soak up the flavour for about 40 mins . While it is marinating , cut your broccoli into small florets put that in boiling water with your green broad beans  add some salt and cover . Now get your bunch of coriander put it in a blender with chilli flakes a slug of olive oil , your 2 garlic cloves and a little red wine vinegar . Get a a big spoonful of veg from the boiling pan with some water and blend it all together . Your veg should be ready does not take longer than 6 to 7 mins . The Chicken breasts should be fried in a non stick pan about 12 mins depending how thin they have been flattened .
When the chicken is ready slice it up . Put some veg on a plate add the sliced chicken over and add some of your blended dressing over the chicken . It is so delicious . Enjoy ! We ate it up so soon I forgot to take out photos :) Next time !



Have an awesome day and keep smiling :)

Love & Peace