tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21243144409739998652024-03-14T14:48:25.726+01:00Miel CaféGiadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-37809768674364206832014-05-22T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-22T11:08:49.572+02:00Rivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVxLoV1Y6GEmNkipc6gmQFex4_0Rk6AKndQ-Xg1qY93_wx1ponlj8CCJs_097UB1-vCgPrK4ZWubgx_Sar5WKnGyaJvB6bBHWfLDOASP0pAGnydiiRB5YDVFKDEjicKFTHoQ7QwzMOAU/s1600/adda6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVxLoV1Y6GEmNkipc6gmQFex4_0Rk6AKndQ-Xg1qY93_wx1ponlj8CCJs_097UB1-vCgPrK4ZWubgx_Sar5WKnGyaJvB6bBHWfLDOASP0pAGnydiiRB5YDVFKDEjicKFTHoQ7QwzMOAU/s1600/adda6.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHZmLS2R5UWRjAK1q1b8VklVe_4TdYMjY7zXFpBWixAP-yUu40CFB6fQx8VsCD7rhBeHi_lxOgC_8o4ZNJl6m3GjpSfC7i-t2deK5np2x60KdzpcM0DYHyG24bdJtmlqBYL5DR2jPdB0/s1600/adda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHZmLS2R5UWRjAK1q1b8VklVe_4TdYMjY7zXFpBWixAP-yUu40CFB6fQx8VsCD7rhBeHi_lxOgC_8o4ZNJl6m3GjpSfC7i-t2deK5np2x60KdzpcM0DYHyG24bdJtmlqBYL5DR2jPdB0/s1600/adda1.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs_dALnZ5P80Ph3n3rDHzc2cOpyChh1uDgYhTn97f2c_TZ_rPejlPQAZje59CxlEtuURbMaCdZJXjL-JvwaX27ssm-IaviW3X7TXLnoO_4XqYQsXix5fSJtZZtfwFlxoVsUR3KuLFsiY/s1600/adda2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs_dALnZ5P80Ph3n3rDHzc2cOpyChh1uDgYhTn97f2c_TZ_rPejlPQAZje59CxlEtuURbMaCdZJXjL-JvwaX27ssm-IaviW3X7TXLnoO_4XqYQsXix5fSJtZZtfwFlxoVsUR3KuLFsiY/s1600/adda2.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoKILj37csZUDckAzpzhzhKUVMZ9opRnkoNbF8mPNxMwjemptTL1DSTVAouD-TzrQt1SaeF-Wj6xjWybBe7oXrZDdb9HMlPfsA5FMFLy-O5J8cSWs8_5iYfwQfbgXoK2Cuj-dcFM6W1g/s1600/adda3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoKILj37csZUDckAzpzhzhKUVMZ9opRnkoNbF8mPNxMwjemptTL1DSTVAouD-TzrQt1SaeF-Wj6xjWybBe7oXrZDdb9HMlPfsA5FMFLy-O5J8cSWs8_5iYfwQfbgXoK2Cuj-dcFM6W1g/s1600/adda3.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvxGbNtIeeTO8HbO1-uo-Nv7L7xzXkKMqYPArXyqKne1ErauOt4LNvIbk5U5HkPXkCqadryIi-hpogbSF0mG8ZRWGu-ESn-IBfA8n66zLuTkPNAVVIxKHZwA-MihidAISXcHjestDDKo/s1600/adda4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvxGbNtIeeTO8HbO1-uo-Nv7L7xzXkKMqYPArXyqKne1ErauOt4LNvIbk5U5HkPXkCqadryIi-hpogbSF0mG8ZRWGu-ESn-IBfA8n66zLuTkPNAVVIxKHZwA-MihidAISXcHjestDDKo/s1600/adda4.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1kzS0gsdD9dKJ0VFrw_QaXybCX3ugIosPZUEkf4mjiPNZdhra6SRSQcIH6cQnA6xk4A5lewEaKqD6hct5y0kyyBE-wzffEaftfy48b-EAHLxfcNPP0DJpr-1itVepMqm7DJn8VHJDyM/s1600/adda5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1kzS0gsdD9dKJ0VFrw_QaXybCX3ugIosPZUEkf4mjiPNZdhra6SRSQcIH6cQnA6xk4A5lewEaKqD6hct5y0kyyBE-wzffEaftfy48b-EAHLxfcNPP0DJpr-1itVepMqm7DJn8VHJDyM/s1600/adda5.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y4WT-uAm-x_7HN1PVEqx146nvOA6kFEiG3AMvEfrZYGU2Yjzj_hRlrZ2Lwg3VE1br2BbCqSCcZzNR6AIghEu-H8_U80kYm25XxzSoGa7HJNdhxJcUOfwJcYjN_wjet6R9dLxx-2T0Gw/s1600/adda7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y4WT-uAm-x_7HN1PVEqx146nvOA6kFEiG3AMvEfrZYGU2Yjzj_hRlrZ2Lwg3VE1br2BbCqSCcZzNR6AIghEu-H8_U80kYm25XxzSoGa7HJNdhxJcUOfwJcYjN_wjet6R9dLxx-2T0Gw/s1600/adda7.png" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOAwf7ngkNbTe_HsXeQt8YhIKjMHEiGxIDo5CFS06eIMUctMuZywp2V-jp5NHN2O6D8eN7m6pqBWS1oZ_pjAlI7Pkk3LQRZ0M3_6Y2sKQOTtHDoF0w-SFZt11A-_kOWJByFempk6seCQ/s1600/adda8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOAwf7ngkNbTe_HsXeQt8YhIKjMHEiGxIDo5CFS06eIMUctMuZywp2V-jp5NHN2O6D8eN7m6pqBWS1oZ_pjAlI7Pkk3LQRZ0M3_6Y2sKQOTtHDoF0w-SFZt11A-_kOWJByFempk6seCQ/s1600/adda8.png" height="448" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk0qb3tzmROcA_WMzpkocJgRU7U6KCWGRK86vG1ahsxiTeXMwaSJsnC5UvwQ-wPDdneszRF4I42FOnog6vOOPN-NcIbe9kjUXr0lGQ895I84cmRr6-YcTPLug5DoIJNCStooFDXhByww/s1600/adda9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk0qb3tzmROcA_WMzpkocJgRU7U6KCWGRK86vG1ahsxiTeXMwaSJsnC5UvwQ-wPDdneszRF4I42FOnog6vOOPN-NcIbe9kjUXr0lGQ895I84cmRr6-YcTPLug5DoIJNCStooFDXhByww/s1600/adda9.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgP4-A8BL5Ir2kMBHbpajCp23Hz9P8GovWuXz1rhigI7ShblswILGrogRQFP2HrgM_KuYGYm-0C1NqgzbWidcJMYcaS0Uyjp-LCZtSf7SiRhTVTunK0SWqQ70-HhwkuJMU7x4TW-3M9w/s1600/adda10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgP4-A8BL5Ir2kMBHbpajCp23Hz9P8GovWuXz1rhigI7ShblswILGrogRQFP2HrgM_KuYGYm-0C1NqgzbWidcJMYcaS0Uyjp-LCZtSf7SiRhTVTunK0SWqQ70-HhwkuJMU7x4TW-3M9w/s1600/adda10.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1XGXM5zgFr_ixqxcWguQ2BO-8kjQdUi6mtLwRobo4xVJbVvadPqzgQw_ykn-BAyBUtvnDN6j5CJOMyUltzCwfYmH8aeLyOGjGF6oXOVIK4baiGsbmx-_LREZzyTVPpy98CXDTZn4hac/s1600/adda11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1XGXM5zgFr_ixqxcWguQ2BO-8kjQdUi6mtLwRobo4xVJbVvadPqzgQw_ykn-BAyBUtvnDN6j5CJOMyUltzCwfYmH8aeLyOGjGF6oXOVIK4baiGsbmx-_LREZzyTVPpy98CXDTZn4hac/s1600/adda11.png" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You may remember my <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/05/mini-goals-may.html" target="_blank">May's Mini Goals</a>: I'm super proud to say I'm keeping faith to all my promises: as you may see I went back to watercolor painting and I'm really enjoying it, I also started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.it/Game-Thrones-George-R-Martin/dp/0553573403" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a>, I'm sticking to my routine about everyday, and I also had the opportunity to visit new places. A only trip into nature wasn't what I was thinking, but I unfortunately have to shift my plans to next month. Last week though, when I still was able to walk properly and wasn't bounded to bed with a bandaged foot, me and my boyfriend had a lovely day exploring a new natural place we both found super lovely.<br />
<br />
We passed the afternoon in this cute place where three rivers meet, walking down little tree-lined paths surrounded by nature, flowers, water's and little animals sounds and we even found a little place where to start our project of creating our own <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/05/relationship-memories-album.html" target="_blank">Relationship Photo Album</a>. It was so refreshing eating some delicious and all natural <a href="http://www.yu-rules.co.uk/just-fruit-strawberry.php#.U3yvMZrGiv4" target="_blank">Yu! Just Fruit Chews in Strawberry</a>* while immersed in the nature and during such a warm sunny spring day. We walked on a super tight shaky footbridge over the biggest river - which was a bit scary but the view was beautiful, and I found a new little friend over my shoulder: a cute ladybug. When it was time for icecream we simply went for it as the weather was warm enough and we were pretty hungry: chocolate and sour black cherries is always been my favorite flavor (<a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/04/black-cherry-chocolate-bens-cookies.html" target="_blank">do you remember?</a>).<br />
<br />
I'm so happy and enthusiast about this wonderful place that I really want to come back in the upcoming future, but I have a lot of other plans for next month! But this is the proof you don't have to go far to find a breathtaking natural place where to spend a healthy afternoon, and I promise I won't forget about this place when we won't know where to pass our afternoons in summertime.<br />
<br />
<i>Did you visit any natural places around you recently?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-22997370595662887072014-05-21T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-21T10:30:02.374+02:00Relationship memories album<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxKvfBsCkPm4xGnSAWCT7t5RjuAh33Y5CLpvs67RlZRVW-hr-V6_t9Dze-Gtq2WGSJASMrm56u6bgAqeqR7qSxDeajXD1t48tACXJbLjpv2n3UtNIS6SG5xZL5MoDn8UytpS2oNRvN4I/s1600/photoalbum4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxKvfBsCkPm4xGnSAWCT7t5RjuAh33Y5CLpvs67RlZRVW-hr-V6_t9Dze-Gtq2WGSJASMrm56u6bgAqeqR7qSxDeajXD1t48tACXJbLjpv2n3UtNIS6SG5xZL5MoDn8UytpS2oNRvN4I/s1600/photoalbum4.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIz7s_MNU1FYJpTrSDnyYHLImxtch7aKO_OxXhihekPaDXy6YxISzjWePYBaUgF7FSvO7_1f5EPIcbAXHNLYhyqpRa7syguYxX28LyZoNYGCEHjchPb64WtQZcefWzSweszSzS1XDsNM/s1600/photoalbum1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIz7s_MNU1FYJpTrSDnyYHLImxtch7aKO_OxXhihekPaDXy6YxISzjWePYBaUgF7FSvO7_1f5EPIcbAXHNLYhyqpRa7syguYxX28LyZoNYGCEHjchPb64WtQZcefWzSweszSzS1XDsNM/s1600/photoalbum1.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs32Wp6_MCwrPFt9WZXRC5sblI9plVP62Q2boUFY9gofe-Z97z0YXDQ7bBNXk3q-kSFG6_FAsFnJdqvG0H2zbMt5-swTLJNcE2nwPUBPC-duYhp36NNiiYvQBcpcfjn77jDPGroSRQafY/s1600/photoalbum2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs32Wp6_MCwrPFt9WZXRC5sblI9plVP62Q2boUFY9gofe-Z97z0YXDQ7bBNXk3q-kSFG6_FAsFnJdqvG0H2zbMt5-swTLJNcE2nwPUBPC-duYhp36NNiiYvQBcpcfjn77jDPGroSRQafY/s1600/photoalbum2.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD9ryO1qdHkb6C3QU93qhzz0dki_g5MfQZim4JP32k55SlJla1evVZXJEG8v7_VbPup77KKiXsUhvXNoKoKjYoRVSZmnwqLzzU5g1ADPCENo9n70lBqj1DJHbz_tmGBMEuST4DWNbqk/s1600/photoalbum3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeD9ryO1qdHkb6C3QU93qhzz0dki_g5MfQZim4JP32k55SlJla1evVZXJEG8v7_VbPup77KKiXsUhvXNoKoKjYoRVSZmnwqLzzU5g1ADPCENo9n70lBqj1DJHbz_tmGBMEuST4DWNbqk/s1600/photoalbum3.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It all started with me gitfing some polaroid instagram pictures to my boyfriend for his birthday and then again for Christmas last year, and since then I was thinking of creating a sort of photo diary of our relationship. I know nowadays you can pay someone to print your photo diary for you, but we thought to do it the old classic way and print our pictures, buy a cute photo album, and together stick all our pictures we made together in a cronological order to always have some illustrated memories at our fingertips.<br />
<br />
We hadn't a lot of actual big good quality pictures together but we saved some on our phones and I decided to print them in a cute polaroid shape last year, and for this purpose <a href="http://www.polagr.am/en/" target="_blank">Polagram</a> came so useful. It's a super handy iPhone app (also available on Android) that make you choose between your phone's pictures and actually print them for only a few pounds. They send them to your home within only a few days in a super cute pink envelope which is adorable, however there's also <a href="http://www.printicapp.com/" target="_blank">Printic</a> which is a very similar app with slightly different prices. They both allow you to choose between different sizes and styles and always have super convenient discounts if you're subscribed to their newsletters.<br />
<br />
Back in March though, we went for a trip to London, our first trip together on our very own, and brought a proper camera with us and took a lot of good quality pictures. We recently decided to print them together with our pictures we started taking with a proper camera since then, and we chose a bigger format for our good quality pictures. <a href="http://www.photobox.co.uk/" target="_blank">Photobox</a> came in our help when it was all about printing up to 80 pictures all together for a reasonable price, and I'm so happy with all of them! They are big and look beautiful and fit perfectly with the style we decided to go for our photo album.<br />
<br />
Talking about photo albums, I just fell in love with the <a href="http://www.asos.com/Paperchase/Paperchase-Kraft-Scrap-Book-With-Ribbon/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3998757&SearchQuery=paperchase&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Multi" target="_blank">Paperchase Kraft Scrap Book With Ribbon</a> (£8.50) as soon as I saw it on ASOS and simply had to get it so I did. It such a good quality album and even if it's not an actual photo album, it's perfect for this purpose and we managed to make it look super simple and elegant on the inside as it is on the outside. I love the black ribbon and the rusty feeling it has, such a simple and neutral style with just a little feminine touch which is perfect for our little project.<br />
<br />
Creating something together is super nice and fun, we had a really good time choosing our pictures, looking and laughing at them, finding a little cute natural place where to start sticking them to our album and doing the actual hard work was really nice and relaxing as everything else when made with your better half on your side. We decided together to go for some <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paperchase-500-transparent-photo-corners/dp/B002GO2SQC" target="_blank">Transparent Photo Corners</a> instead of tape to make it look more put together and avoid to stick anything on our pictures. They are a bit of a pain when it comes to apply them to your photos, but the final result is beautiful and the best part of it is that we can move our pictures where we want anytime. We aren't even halfway through the 100 pages of our album and we can't wait for having other pictures to be printed in the upcoming future! I can't suggest a nicer craft project to do with your better half - and let me tell you, even boys can actually enjoy something like this as it's the best way to go back through all your memories together and re-live them all, storing them in a safe, cute and forever yours little place.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you like the idea of a relationship memories album?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-7418343025887875692014-05-19T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-19T11:39:26.444+02:00Non-Dairy Tofu No-Meat Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttlXcH0H6kYbsu0qOZaBsZOyRqoF5vAYAXy3bNfd8x_G5YRnyX15w1tATeh-YA-z6iy8VL6onLM3Mzsq8lxItmLGAYJpsXWY2ZfOK3773M7Cu8YWvqFGRNS2GPSEgijzUMvHRsDWlg_A/s1600/tofuballs1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttlXcH0H6kYbsu0qOZaBsZOyRqoF5vAYAXy3bNfd8x_G5YRnyX15w1tATeh-YA-z6iy8VL6onLM3Mzsq8lxItmLGAYJpsXWY2ZfOK3773M7Cu8YWvqFGRNS2GPSEgijzUMvHRsDWlg_A/s1600/tofuballs1.png" height="448" width="640"></a><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B_UPujhamEQJ_-1T4xPmEwbjIjr11sSSIpn1C726jZWUUY5uDp8NJiubc7ycEiS7g30BGbKY_sY_pKa2M99It2EPBt9M4Eo4WBWMlCvXnTc0qjnGlUT_AhjBwEU-wMrLVKcKU3gZL3M/s1600/tofuballs2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B_UPujhamEQJ_-1T4xPmEwbjIjr11sSSIpn1C726jZWUUY5uDp8NJiubc7ycEiS7g30BGbKY_sY_pKa2M99It2EPBt9M4Eo4WBWMlCvXnTc0qjnGlUT_AhjBwEU-wMrLVKcKU3gZL3M/s1600/tofuballs2.png" height="640" width="580"></a></div>
<br>
I'm having a really tough time recently trying so hard to avoid dairy food as I'm almost sure cheese is not well accepted by my own body. I never drink cow milk since a year or so and this was a big step, but cheese is my little weakness and removing it completely from my diet is too hard. I'm trying to eat it the least I can though, and one big step I've made is to stop including it in all the recipes I try even if they don't really need its presence. On the other hand I love tofu and I've always eaten tofu vegetarian meatballs with a lot of parmesan cheese included in the mixture, but recently I adapted my original recipe to my temporary non-dairy diet and they come out pretty good, so I wanted to share them with you...<br>
<br>
For 5 tofu balls you'll need:<br>
<div>
<ul>
<li>180g Tofu</li>
<li>1 medium egg</li>
<li>4 tablespoons chopped zucchini</li>
<li>2 + 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon + a pinch of salt</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
First thing I always do is chopping the tofu into little squares and throwing it into the mixer until it's all super finely chopped. I then move it into a big bowl and add an egg to the mixture, this will make it more sticky and it will be easier to build together our tofu balls in the end. I then added 4 tablespoons of chopped zucchini to enrich the taste, but here you can add whatever vegetable you'd like, I sometimes go for some lightly stir-fried leek or onion, but I also love them with some chopped eggplant, tomatoes or peppers. I then added two tablespoons of bread crumbs to make my mixture a bit thicker and lastly 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I mixed all together and then started shaping five medium balls out of it, rolled them in two (or so) tablespoons of bread crumbs and then fried them in a pan on both sides until they were golden brown. Lastly I dusted a pinch of salt on top.</div>
</div>
<br>
If you don't like how tofu taste but want to add it to your diet for any kind of reason, this is the perfect recipe for you - it's so good and tasty, and you can spice it up as you desire to make it better to your own taste. These are so delicious, completely vegetarian, not too heavy but a complete meal and can be pared with a good old rich salad or just eaten on their own, they can also be stored and eaten a few hours later, maybe at work, just lightly reheated in a microwave. This little, super quick and easy recipe is now a staple of my vegetarian diet and I couldn't live without my super yummy tofu balls, so hopefully you can enjoy them as well!<br>
<br>
<i>Will you try this recipe?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-51313386585646977192014-05-16T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-16T10:49:27.297+02:00Opening a new window | A Note<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd6O9ZGHIfA3DTPQDOtG8ntcWdMLXhU9iGEr7L3p-rfT6T4rM_sOx1d8KMB48gpp0OXFlj3p77z6543bcX7ii5lYovjNXBv4VH_1bLuSm4fnu1HUcqlLntinbS_0KzX-rWsVmgacSc8c/s1600/openingthewindow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd6O9ZGHIfA3DTPQDOtG8ntcWdMLXhU9iGEr7L3p-rfT6T4rM_sOx1d8KMB48gpp0OXFlj3p77z6543bcX7ii5lYovjNXBv4VH_1bLuSm4fnu1HUcqlLntinbS_0KzX-rWsVmgacSc8c/s1600/openingthewindow.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For many years of my life I lived passively and never really came across something I was very passionate about and that catched my attention and made me enjoy what I was doing. Recently though, as every spring or even more this year, I'm opening my windows and letting some fresh air to come in my life and as a result of this, even though I haven't even started catching up with my biggest dreams and plans, I and my soul definitely feel a lot better and I can definitely see how embracing life and what it has to bring without regrets and not being trapped in a commitment I don't like is changing my general mood and my own way to approach a lot of different situations. You know that feeling of a breath of fresh air when spring comes and you just feel like winter is over and it's time to be productive and creative - this is exactly how I'm feeling right now that my life is changing so fast but in a super sweet kind of way. I feel productive and creative, I always have a lot of new ideas and projects in mind and I simply love that feeling when, like opening a window after a long winter, you have to think that it's all changing towards a better direction. Having goals in life is the best way to live, having big and little goals to follow is what makes you go on strongly and helps you grow, so I finally came up with this new big goal of stopping myself of not having big goals and dreams in life anymore.Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-50687581549682324382014-05-15T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-15T10:30:01.623+02:00Mint & Tulips To Do List | A freebie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmCfGCi3vu3A8n6Frb5bT-TyooxFtl68vpHEHRVFrgxLh0_m1jLVhuYYLuRAOZpRX-uwF0FX9HpjcGUZzv5O41t3IV7M2dAHBaS3Ci0cS5ebz5snqq5zK8ZlJVsdernjCHWE4FOjJ57o/s1600/todo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmCfGCi3vu3A8n6Frb5bT-TyooxFtl68vpHEHRVFrgxLh0_m1jLVhuYYLuRAOZpRX-uwF0FX9HpjcGUZzv5O41t3IV7M2dAHBaS3Ci0cS5ebz5snqq5zK8ZlJVsdernjCHWE4FOjJ57o/s1600/todo1.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm having a super fun time with watercolor painting recently, and when creating this Mint & Tulips little illustration (which I was planning to use for a few projects) I immediately thought it would look amazing on top of a to-do list and after a little Photoshop session this is what came out. This looks super cute on my desk and it's perfect for me as I love creating lists and tick off those boxes as this helps a lot in staying organized. So whether you have a blog and need to create little list for your future features or you just want to write down any of your plans or shopping lists, this little printable freebie could may come useful at some point! Hope you enjoy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Download</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ti4kg2s9ulsw9y1/Tulips_To_Do_List_Pandabops_Design_Small.pdf" target="_blank">A4 Double</a> | <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/tcpt6k18eqjljk8/Tulips_To_Do_List_Pandabops_Design.pdf" target="_blank">A4 Single</a></div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-2291827334142459392014-05-14T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-14T10:30:01.236+02:00Combination Skin Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_oWtzW-8OQ0MtGdu4jXEEQL3UbrPGa40xjnG1yclTvjPT06WdKF0edcKk632s1V-qOIdomh3ZixTIdSu7wKQZgCCWKlMFIK3jeSmQI0IaZGLU_a2YWLBXSx-b5yN4W2vJJee28LzRcw/s1600/combinationskinheroes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_oWtzW-8OQ0MtGdu4jXEEQL3UbrPGa40xjnG1yclTvjPT06WdKF0edcKk632s1V-qOIdomh3ZixTIdSu7wKQZgCCWKlMFIK3jeSmQI0IaZGLU_a2YWLBXSx-b5yN4W2vJJee28LzRcw/s1600/combinationskinheroes.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You may already know I'm a combination skin girl and having combination skin isn't as easy as it sounds when it comes to pick up some skincare products as depending on your own skin you may need some hydrating products as well as a few spot treatments. I have a little selection of products that work wonders on me and I wanted to share them, but even though I call them "combination skin heroes" please always remember your skin is surely different from mine and some of them may don't work for you as they do on me.<br />
<br />
Although when I remove my makeup I often go for something on the oily side (oily products are the best in removing waterproof makeup), there's nothing better than the feeling of a bit of <a href="http://www.escentual.com/bioderma/bioderma018/" target="_blank">Bioderma Sebium H2O</a> (£9.99) which is very similar to the original Bioderma micellar water but for oily or combination skins. This isn't as good in removing my eye makeup as the original Bioderma and it's slightly fragranced, but is very soothing and leave my skin always feeling cleaner but not dehydrated. It's thought to help in getting rid of impurities and in giving a smooth skin's texture. Something to use on a daily basis is the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Aveeno-Cream-with-Natural-Colloidal-Oatmeal-100ml_1039288/" target="_blank">Aveeno Cream</a> (£6.99) which is for me the perfect day face moisturizer: containing oatmeal it aims to hydrate dry and sensitive skin, but I think this is great for combination skin as well as it sinks in super easly, hydrates but not too much and is very light on the skin so that it can be applied under your makeup as well.<br />
<br />
I have acne prone skin and I always want to keep cystic acne and spot at bay, and my most loyal ally against breakouts are BHAs which make the world of good for my skin and really works in avoiding spots and keeping my acne at bay. I love the Effaclar range from La Roche-Posay and my skin can't be more thankful to both the <a href="http://www.escentual.com/larocheposay029/" target="_blank">Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion</a> (£10.20) and the <a href="http://www.escentual.com/larocheposay066/" target="_blank">La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo</a> (£13.15). Both contains BHAs to help gently exfoliate over clogged pores, control shine and avoid the appearance of blemishes, but the former comes in a toner shape which I use after cleansing my skin, and the latter is a lovely and light serum to be applied before your usual moisturizer which truely makes wonders in keeping acne at bay. Another amazing product for acne prone skins is the <a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/decleor-prolagene-lift-lift-and-brighten-peeling-gel-45ml/10842357.html?locover=true&switchcurrency=GBP" target="_blank">Decleor Prolagene Lift Peeling Gel</a>* (£46.50) which contains AHAs instead and is a chemical exfoliator to be used once or twice a week when you feel your skin need a detoxifying treatment. This acts in only 5 minutes and it's super easy to use and rinse off, but it really works wonders in exfoliating your skin and leaving a smoother complexion.<br />
<br />
For dull skin days or a weekend treat I love having a face mask session and the best in suiting my skin are the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/antipodes-aura-manuka-honey-mask-75ml?curr=GBP" target="_blank">Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask</a> (£21.50) and the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory%C2%99-No-Clogs-Allowed%C2%99-Super-Self-Heating-Deep-Pore-Detox-Mask_1364146/" target="_blank">Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Detox Mask</a> (£11.50). The former is super nice for combination skin as it brings the right amount of hydration while having also antibacterical properties and for that reason is also perfect for avoiding blemishes to appear. I also use this as overnight treatment on any blemish or spot I want to get rid of, and when comes the morning I always see a huge improvement. The latter is perfect for who has a combination to oily skin and need a little detox treatment now and again as this blue mask really helps to purify pores and avoiding shine.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have any combination skin hero?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-50404505937652845862014-05-13T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-13T10:30:00.723+02:00Reading Material | 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6uazLREJbXr2BzF2I58Ly9BEDVNaKmhLjLDAp_oKZN4JD8gPJqBDg9Lp9KjqjSvI5mJ1EFQtVS94tJ5B3hyphenhyphenFcRmMhg-WukR-XvjjCdQ5dStUU9EYX6aJhGcMtKdnLBo5KL0fdArlUU0/s1600/readingmaterial1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6uazLREJbXr2BzF2I58Ly9BEDVNaKmhLjLDAp_oKZN4JD8gPJqBDg9Lp9KjqjSvI5mJ1EFQtVS94tJ5B3hyphenhyphenFcRmMhg-WukR-XvjjCdQ5dStUU9EYX6aJhGcMtKdnLBo5KL0fdArlUU0/s1600/readingmaterial1.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have those periods when I love and find time to have a good reading session and those when I really can't catch up with all my favorite blogs contents. Luckly I'm in a very creative and active period right now and I love scrolling through my Bloglovin's feed and discover plenty of good reading material. I thought I could share some love to my favorite blogs and share with you some handpicked contents from them that I really loved reading recently, and this can hopefully became a periodic thing to do here on this blog.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.thefirstmess.com/2014/05/08/mango-salad-with-rhubarb-ginger-dressing-chili-almonds-recipe/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheFirstMess+%28The+First+Mess%29" target="_blank">Mango Salad With Rhubarb Ginger Dressing + Chili Almonds</a> | this really made me crave some mango and make me realize I can actually eat it in a lot of different ways from what I'm used to, but in general it was a really pleasant read.<br />
- <a href="http://www.littlewinter.net/2014/05/the-little-things.html" target="_blank">The Little Things</a> | I always love this kind of posts and seeing what makes people happy on their daily basis, not even mentioning that <a href="http://www.littlewinter.net/" target="_blank">Little Winter</a> is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite blogs to read.<br />
- <a href="http://wishwishwish.net/2014/05/londons-hidden-gems/" target="_blank">London's Hidden Gems</a> | I wish this post was written a few months ago so that I could had took advantage of those recommendations during my trip to London two months ago, but this will come useful for sure sooner or later when me and my boyfriend will keep faith to our promise to visit London again (and again).<br />
- <a href="http://www.thunderl0ve.co.uk/2014/05/reasons-to-meditate.html" target="_blank">Reasons To Meditate</a> | this was such a relaxing post that really made me want to take some time for myself a little more ofen and try to meditate as well. Being that stressed person I am, this can't make nothing than a lot of good to me.<br />
- <a href="http://www.jennypurr.co.uk/home/2014/5/9/falling-back-in-love-with-blogging" target="_blank">Falling Back In Love With Blogging</a> | Jen's blog has always been one of my favorite and on my daily to-read list, and this post of hers really reflects what I went through with my blog only a month ago and made me remember how monotonous and boring I felt my blog was becoming, and made me realize once more that a little change torwards a more personal front can make you fall back in love with your little online space.<br />
- <a href="http://www.alittleopulent.com/art-design/2014/5/8/magazines-we-should-add-be-reading" target="_blank">Magazines We Should All Be Reading</a> | I'm generally not a huge magazine fan but as I said I'm everyday more into finding new reading material and this post made me discover some new magazine with fascinating concepts which I should really give a read sometimes soon.<br />
- <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/04/non-dairy-chocolate-pudding.html" target="_blank">Non-Dairy Chocolate Pudding</a> | what can I say? I'm a huge guacamole fan and I couldn't think of a different way to use avocado when I'm cooking, but this lovely recipe really opened my mind and now that I just bought an avocado I do know what I'm going to do with it.<br />
<br />
<i>What are you enjoy reading recently?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-53781843334883916202014-05-12T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-12T10:30:02.646+02:00My favorite food apps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIWpGQRqiX0EIU6V-tidLO48WQ4cM4vfbMVYA9q4PJGzh_zwXIDlRFCFqJXepf8TRPQeANd9RIqCEEHBxE3B7JoDMMe7ErDUYSOV_K9j8JIwJeXaYmxil_UDjXfXXltjEP1gloY3cz4U/s1600/favoritefoodapps2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIWpGQRqiX0EIU6V-tidLO48WQ4cM4vfbMVYA9q4PJGzh_zwXIDlRFCFqJXepf8TRPQeANd9RIqCEEHBxE3B7JoDMMe7ErDUYSOV_K9j8JIwJeXaYmxil_UDjXfXXltjEP1gloY3cz4U/s1600/favoritefoodapps2.png" height="546" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Food is my weakness and one of the thing I love most doing in life is cooking and baking, so of course I have some food apps to check on my iPhone's screen. They come super handy when you don't know what to cook for lunch and what to serve for something different, or when you simply want to discover new recipes. There are lots of good food apps out there, but these four are my all time favorites and I thought I could share them with you today.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primrose-bakery-cupcake-cake/id465322708?mt=8" target="_blank">Primerose Bakery</a> (£2,49) - founded by the owners of a London's phisical cupcake shop, this is a collection of the most delicious and beautiful dessert recipes out there. This is one of the first apps I ever downloaded and bought years ago, and they only recently added a few more recipes and gave it a little makeover and now it has the prettiest inferface and it's super easy to navigate through and find your favorite recipes. I'm so picky with non-free apps but I can't deny I didn't hesitate a single minute before buying this and I can't recommend it enough. My favorite recipes are their classic chocolate brownies (which are the best!) and their afghan biscuits which are such a breakfast staple of mine.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/yummly-recipes-grocery-shopping/id589625334?mt=8" target="_blank">Yummly</a> (free) - this is a super smart app that allows you to browse through some of the best recipes on the internet which you can save and "yum" in one of their category to have them all very organized and sorted through breakfast, dinner, appetizer, dessert... It also features a very clever shopping list which I never use, but which could actually come pretty handy, but the thing I love the most is how easy it is to find something interesting within the recipes recommended to you according to your previous "yums".<br />
<br />
3. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gojee-food-drink-recipe-app/id675249105?mt=8" target="_blank">Gojee</a> (free) - it's a beautiful collection of handpicked recipes with beautiful photos which make you crave food so badly everytime. This is very similar to Yummly with their engine which selects the recipes you could love for you, but here you can like your favorites but above all browse through their lovely named categories and some of my favorites are <i>Tofu For You</i>, with a tun of yummy tofu recipes, <i>Nutell-icious!</i>, because I love Nutella, <i>Blondies & Brownies</i>, featuring very innovative and creative blondies and brownies recipes, and <i>Sweet Sunday!</i>, with some super delicious weekend dessert recipes.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/filibaba-smoothies-healthy/id602293560?mt=8" target="_blank">Filibaba Smoothies</a> (free) - with its motto "pick, blend, drink" this app was thought and created by a group of Swedish lovely people to share their passion for smoothies and vegetarian and vegan food. I love the vast selection of flavors and ideas and this is such an inspiring and well done app to have on your phone if you love fruit and smoothies. I love that you can select the metric and how every recipe has its own description and reason to be there. They're all very easy and quick recipes but they all looks so good and I can't wait to try them all. This app inspired my beloved <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/04/healthy-antiox-smoothie.html" target="_blank">Healthy antiox smoothie</a> which is absolutely delicious and one of my favorite things at the moment.<br />
<br />
<i>Which are your favorite food apps?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-19442661599543513852014-05-10T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-10T10:30:00.127+02:00Gardening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hiJUM2BECwhJ-Sa_rMQ7z2t0azeUuJoHtcOXEJDovjiM_nmW2hQxF-JCUKSmU_jXYC34OiEFlKXHfBC8EQYuJg8wKx_gDwogoUdYAv21_h9rXp-ibyeY6Pp22CizpHJOSoX5t85D9ls/s1600/gardening6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hiJUM2BECwhJ-Sa_rMQ7z2t0azeUuJoHtcOXEJDovjiM_nmW2hQxF-JCUKSmU_jXYC34OiEFlKXHfBC8EQYuJg8wKx_gDwogoUdYAv21_h9rXp-ibyeY6Pp22CizpHJOSoX5t85D9ls/s1600/gardening6.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ePWitHiX3NjL5maHrxwL4wAey_JiU_Dy6EFQxjnwWiMOHXxuLWZTC9lNTm2SRyJXBV6-9ADQuEuVUuwa7QFIPKvfn6KX4vtzxu4D5dCWRDDEwZ16vqxAbn6GsEOy9iPfs-mKNqyqjiU/s1600/gardening4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ePWitHiX3NjL5maHrxwL4wAey_JiU_Dy6EFQxjnwWiMOHXxuLWZTC9lNTm2SRyJXBV6-9ADQuEuVUuwa7QFIPKvfn6KX4vtzxu4D5dCWRDDEwZ16vqxAbn6GsEOy9iPfs-mKNqyqjiU/s1600/gardening4.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb5S2Ufk4PIn3rG2mSm6SnpGTzX0ilbqz2Ba-KwWroSbp0FqoVStN2f_gnaNGcompyDx8clF_Xq5h3S0T4wKE0NfFncWAQ9Qy9C27Bk1amjP3KjmCQLqo03Akbn_YFMS7s-IM3J3vD88/s1600/gardening2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb5S2Ufk4PIn3rG2mSm6SnpGTzX0ilbqz2Ba-KwWroSbp0FqoVStN2f_gnaNGcompyDx8clF_Xq5h3S0T4wKE0NfFncWAQ9Qy9C27Bk1amjP3KjmCQLqo03Akbn_YFMS7s-IM3J3vD88/s1600/gardening2.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Springtime makes me think of nature, my own garden filled of flowering trees and seeds and potting soil and vases and gardening. If you were planning to have your little herb garden, whether in a vase or in the ground, spring is definitely the best time to start and even though I'm no expert at all here are a few tricks and tips I've learned...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMHuIFIWs0c4lCcu6w5VwcOt21YIyMUe9NkpaM6fgmpPoxXNFgTzC8f979wa1McmwCMhvAin6739WlcAHMQ_wPkSFWpN3IxpRJP4O5xkn9dqGwDf1FKy5lv3RZd5Bv1-jZwhEP8t5kwk/s1600/gardening7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMHuIFIWs0c4lCcu6w5VwcOt21YIyMUe9NkpaM6fgmpPoxXNFgTzC8f979wa1McmwCMhvAin6739WlcAHMQ_wPkSFWpN3IxpRJP4O5xkn9dqGwDf1FKy5lv3RZd5Bv1-jZwhEP8t5kwk/s1600/gardening7.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Depending on what kind of little garden you want to build, you can buy seeds from your local grocery store or your most loved florist and if you plan to make it in a big vase, remember you need some potting soil too. Although you definitely can keep the seeds from the fruit you actually eat and leave them dry and dehydrate in the sun, you can only plant them the next year. Some great example are tomatoes, melons, eggplants and zucchini. For making things easier you can buy and transplant some little buds which is what my mum does with tomatoes and peppers. You'll need to really take care of them and watering them very often.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAb_s9J_msyKqL5tJB4pRc-_5_fEmnSVyHoiQWyhlJ97u1F7q936-YezYoUQZxLCmG2zKEk-70eI3G0K6dv0ARdrwmkUJgsiCHNYcwYAyCiipRlka54sOzelHVr4xALfPMKeA1Nxb1zA/s1600/gardening10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAb_s9J_msyKqL5tJB4pRc-_5_fEmnSVyHoiQWyhlJ97u1F7q936-YezYoUQZxLCmG2zKEk-70eI3G0K6dv0ARdrwmkUJgsiCHNYcwYAyCiipRlka54sOzelHVr4xALfPMKeA1Nxb1zA/s1600/gardening10.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Whether you're planting a bud or some seeds, to remember what will grow in that particular spot of ground, try using some wooden sticks and writing with a permanent marker the name of your vegetables so that you can always know where will grow what and the caption will never go away even if watering your plants very often.<br />
<br />
Also even though spring is definitely the best time to start your little garden, you should always keep in mind all the seeds have to be planted in particular and different times of the year and they will take different timings to go bigger depending on their features: leek, zucchini, celery, tomatoes, salad need to be planted during spring and the majority of them will grow fast within a few months, but strawberries, grape, melons all have different timing for being planted and growing and the better way to know all these informations is always directly ask to your florist or read the seeds packaging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNJ7TWtZRD_0QvCdvTjoxKRzbZ19nL51s2PjWlhQVybtCupHfSm54trrpEtengV7-yQs0oTU3L-ZJoRZ-fwP3gWRRmMcqgZPOnjmI-o_1ReUUgJwxURJWksLqV2cnCihcjj0nphb-vQI/s1600/gardening9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNJ7TWtZRD_0QvCdvTjoxKRzbZ19nL51s2PjWlhQVybtCupHfSm54trrpEtengV7-yQs0oTU3L-ZJoRZ-fwP3gWRRmMcqgZPOnjmI-o_1ReUUgJwxURJWksLqV2cnCihcjj0nphb-vQI/s1600/gardening9.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwAZEsuJOFDUiHYcy9tPlROCPRgn3wcyeYe51E8EZxpKUtxsWu_s1u6HKdDOmvJDvVPoG3IFO9tlCgzY_N91SEscRd1Pd4T9mvnmdbD-3_O4d-4FeJCcoNBJV26zJFWdUHZJg1BXmYOs/s1600/gardening5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwAZEsuJOFDUiHYcy9tPlROCPRgn3wcyeYe51E8EZxpKUtxsWu_s1u6HKdDOmvJDvVPoG3IFO9tlCgzY_N91SEscRd1Pd4T9mvnmdbD-3_O4d-4FeJCcoNBJV26zJFWdUHZJg1BXmYOs/s1600/gardening5.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGHC8ptMK6ZiYDNtrJtF1c8v95cT_a0ubZcBQ373cZBO7n-bg6pUbPr1cWe2MZ0t0Cgx-gNbxijuh6oMlnuZ0ya3XpxEakVusLiXV5eaTs8WyRkoik3f4nTU6yDpQ6cZNeZQMp-pKWF4/s1600/gardening8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGHC8ptMK6ZiYDNtrJtF1c8v95cT_a0ubZcBQ373cZBO7n-bg6pUbPr1cWe2MZ0t0Cgx-gNbxijuh6oMlnuZ0ya3XpxEakVusLiXV5eaTs8WyRkoik3f4nTU6yDpQ6cZNeZQMp-pKWF4/s1600/gardening8.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Having a little herb garden is something that can come pretty handy as you won't need to buy any herb anymore for you cooking and you can use what grows in your little kitchen garden. Something on a longer term prospective is planting a little fruit tree, which could be an issue if you don't have a garden, but I love seeing them flowering during springtime and eating some freshly harvested fruits is one of the most satisfactory and healthier feelings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrMo8tcaKJ2wQPo76oziICDhmxkGJWZWOFTUaKgJ-goDATRh0o48J29OWp9wUoEEjOD6FtrxuhqC0fgnABH-3hqGqpcC3EKctJ-59faigVxBNRQ62LXduL7_SAzSY9sOFtZjqKqWmVLU/s1600/gardening3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrMo8tcaKJ2wQPo76oziICDhmxkGJWZWOFTUaKgJ-goDATRh0o48J29OWp9wUoEEjOD6FtrxuhqC0fgnABH-3hqGqpcC3EKctJ-59faigVxBNRQ62LXduL7_SAzSY9sOFtZjqKqWmVLU/s1600/gardening3.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Having my little own garden is pretty satisfactory as a hobby and pretty healthy as well as you know exactly what you're eating and it really is a good feeling going out in your garden to harvest some of your own vegetables instead of going out and buying them already done from the grocery store. Also you'll notice your vegetables and herbs will all have a different flavor and if you love cooking like I do, having your own rosemary, basil or sage can really make the difference in your dishes.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have your own kitchen garden? Any tips?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-28466078639006846622014-05-08T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-08T10:30:03.366+02:00Not impressed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0gD43LFp78QDnDxiM6abupAd5kjsnvt_GV3ktWaCKCFQfnQxN0akM15mE5sp_Afpf5mF00lhTtO_ypGvFkWt2OtlbquSzGRNl-L3R3tEivJPXr1S89_BOu06oi2NnkyJg4n0a6QY4rg/s1600/notthatimpressed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0gD43LFp78QDnDxiM6abupAd5kjsnvt_GV3ktWaCKCFQfnQxN0akM15mE5sp_Afpf5mF00lhTtO_ypGvFkWt2OtlbquSzGRNl-L3R3tEivJPXr1S89_BOu06oi2NnkyJg4n0a6QY4rg/s1600/notthatimpressed.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You may already know I had considered the purchase of a Tangle Teezer for a really long time and I finally went for it as soon as I saw it live for the first time ever a few months ago. My doubts were lots as I didn't really know if I'll ever need something like a good detangling brush as my hair isn't difficult or too painful to comb. I was pretty intrigued though by the reviews online and I have to admit I was pretty incouraged by the loss of too many locks of mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/brands/tangle-teezer/" target="_blank">Tangle Teezer</a> should be a pretty innovative hair brush to help you detangle your hair painless and easier. It aims to be more gentle than every other hair brush and perfect for every hair type, suitable even for vulnerable and color treated hair. What really pushed me to buy it was that being thought to suit every hair needs as well as to be super gentle, I thought it could really make the difference in avoiding my hair loss.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, is it worth? I don't think so. This is a very expensive hair brush in my opinion, and that's an amount of money I wasn't sure about spending on a brush, but being that everyone describes it as a phenomenal tool, I thought it could really be worth. I have really thick, oily and straight hair and rarely I have problems with tangles, and if you have a similar hair type to mine and are considering buying a Tangle Teezer yourself, I would say save your money for something better and keep using your usual hair brush (or buy a cheaper one) because on me the results are pretty much the same. Yes, you have a little cute tool to expose in your bathroom and it sometimes can avoid some painful processes (but for me it happens really rarely) - but nothing more than that really. I can't understand the hype and I wish I never changed my mind about avoiding this purchase. I can see this can be the magic answer to some hair types issue especially who has hair prone to tangle easly, but I'm really not that impressed at all. As regards the hair loss I found a good green shampoo helps a lot and gives the best results even if not paired with a similar tool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Any other who doesn't love the Tangle Teezer out there?</i></div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-1507461222635042652014-05-06T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-08T17:18:33.377+02:00Lava cakes for two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hDkVWvEjecTaTYHzLADTeoA6NhqUbpfHsjhWxNOCtVEjR0XuwhH66rFCDh65PCtQi7lx0fBGvFgr0104MYB5isBzauR6GFKKuKX9Sm8A8NUNMZ9T_JjFugzyQASQbeRkJAIpJFVOWQg/s1600/lavacakefortwo4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hDkVWvEjecTaTYHzLADTeoA6NhqUbpfHsjhWxNOCtVEjR0XuwhH66rFCDh65PCtQi7lx0fBGvFgr0104MYB5isBzauR6GFKKuKX9Sm8A8NUNMZ9T_JjFugzyQASQbeRkJAIpJFVOWQg/s1600/lavacakefortwo4.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6T9BowrENGnD5pYrPvvXpbYkoQVImneC5ZPmTdiQnCz50YlecQm_G8blY7xemu2MmZS5_Pysth4yP7kFaDa3pnWyE7n0Rqx097TJdHIxA_G5N7E0R3IeZRaBxhtaFVEY8VXjeSjS3Lk/s1600/lavacakefortwo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6T9BowrENGnD5pYrPvvXpbYkoQVImneC5ZPmTdiQnCz50YlecQm_G8blY7xemu2MmZS5_Pysth4yP7kFaDa3pnWyE7n0Rqx097TJdHIxA_G5N7E0R3IeZRaBxhtaFVEY8VXjeSjS3Lk/s1600/lavacakefortwo2.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMtUpabp-1ZEA38SbbMAFVnoxt-Zgn0urRocj4NrOSrgyUDFckUfZ6I88HtTDGlwcvyAiWjlBhhnOXVh_Cb9zcqQ9eaZlLSk5NMAJg-RpJNMfyDnN8PuzWCDC-GIT6lZ1zVwkp6juZ3k/s1600/lavacakefortwo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMtUpabp-1ZEA38SbbMAFVnoxt-Zgn0urRocj4NrOSrgyUDFckUfZ6I88HtTDGlwcvyAiWjlBhhnOXVh_Cb9zcqQ9eaZlLSk5NMAJg-RpJNMfyDnN8PuzWCDC-GIT6lZ1zVwkp6juZ3k/s1600/lavacakefortwo1.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3rzXmakWQ3vgEtFJfUTVBdNryb6bkyEQKyEa1Id6haRRdVm8PMq9B1qHOqymT5xlf8IeONKOShfngfAlWwcHCHvottIG_KSv6UpjkgvHCmiO-cZWkFhWKlPfyM0T5j1uvojUvGSMNlY/s1600/lavacakefortwo3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3rzXmakWQ3vgEtFJfUTVBdNryb6bkyEQKyEa1Id6haRRdVm8PMq9B1qHOqymT5xlf8IeONKOShfngfAlWwcHCHvottIG_KSv6UpjkgvHCmiO-cZWkFhWKlPfyM0T5j1uvojUvGSMNlY/s1600/lavacakefortwo3.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Weekends are baking time for me and this time I decided to experiment with a new recipe for some delicious chocolate lava cakes and served it for breakfast - everyone was so enthusiast and being that this could actually be one of my favorite desserts to bake (& eat of course) I thought I could share my recipe with you. This can be a lovely dessert idea to serve to your better half after a special meal or for a romantic breakfast in bed and it's not a case this recipe makes the perfect amount of mixture to serve two super yummy chocolate lava cakes...<br />
<br />
For two chocolate lava cakes you'll need:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>125g dark chocolate</li>
<li>30g unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 egg and 1 egg yolk</li>
<li>15g white flour</li>
<li>1 tablespoon of white sugar</li>
<li>a pinch of salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of coffee powder</li>
<li>icing sugar & strawberries for serving</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Once preheated the oven to 220°C I melted the chocolate and the butter using a bain marie as it's my favorite way to do it but you can definitely go for microwaves if you prefer, but always remember to whisk often both cases. I then added the egg and egg yolk, mixed, added flour, white sugar, salt and coffee and mixed well again and again until I had a very smooth mixture. I then buttered two of my super cute (and cheap) <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emile-Henry-Natural-Ceramic-Ramekin/dp/B001BX6FWM/ref=sr_1_11?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1399195310&sr=1-11&keywords=Emile+Henry" target="_blank">Emile Henry Ceramic Ramekins</a> and threw in my chocolate mixture in equal parts. Placed them on a baking sheet, they were ready to be baked in the oven for around 10/12 minutes (and not more). It's important to not overcook them as our lava cakes are meant to have a soft and liquid-y heart.<br />
<br />
Once baked you can remove them from the oven and leave them cool for a few minutes or until the ramekins can be handled and then reverse it on a cute little plate. Using the icing sugar and the strawberries try to embellish your dessert - I cut a strawberry in half and placed it around my little lava cake and sprinkled a bit of icing sugar on top. When you'll cut it with a spoon, it will reveal a soft and delicious chocolate heart which will supply the perfect amount of sweetness in your weekend. This dessert is super delicious and can be served in special occasions to friends, family or lover to leave them all super impressed even if it's just the easiest and quickest dessert to prepare and bake!<br />
<br />
<i>Will you try my lava cake's recipe?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-51162052497546096182014-05-05T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-05T10:30:04.383+02:00Mini Goals | May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYgsNdIAQj2N8QvHcTkX7Ry9SO4w2AxAunrJroC5ouIJCa47bC5GU5F8K67TmTxnZj1Ut0WeUrgaokAos0QWwyJsOZ1sdZnxGgvdFkY-Eg429GUpfRm-W-SMOJPtglrBboXCqCRXcEcg/s1600/minigoals_may14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYgsNdIAQj2N8QvHcTkX7Ry9SO4w2AxAunrJroC5ouIJCa47bC5GU5F8K67TmTxnZj1Ut0WeUrgaokAos0QWwyJsOZ1sdZnxGgvdFkY-Eg429GUpfRm-W-SMOJPtglrBboXCqCRXcEcg/s1600/minigoals_may14.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm one of those persons who really needs to have some goals in life to actually feel like I'm getting something done, and this rule applies to big things as well as to little daily or monthly plans, so I thought I could start sharing some mini goals I'm trying to set myself every month or so - maybe just because it will feel so good ticking them all off at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
<b>Watercolor painting - </b>In April I started my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandabopsDesign" target="_blank">little business</a> and refreshed my blog as well, and as any fresh new start or new thing to come, they brought to me a breath of fresh air and are really keeping my creativity alive, so that I'm everyday more into playing around with Photoshop and tech stuffs, but I'm actually planning to go back to watercolor painting and trying making something beautiful by hands and brushes.<br />
<br />
<b>Visiting new places -</b> Everytime I visit new places I always keep wondering why I do it so rarely, and I'm planning to spend a lot more time visiting beautiful natural spots we are surrounded by. Also visiting new places is always so inspiring, brings back memories and feels so nice and refreshing. I should definitely do it a lot more often.<br />
<br />
<b>Sticking to my routine</b> - Working from home is something lovely but sometimes can be so stressful especially if you tend to overdo and don't stick to a routine or to your own pre-estabilished working hours. And I always do that. I need to remember a lot more I have a life too and I can do something different but always creative even away from my computer, but mainly to stick to my working hours and don't continue working even late in the evening as this really makes my mood worst.<br />
<br />
<b>Reading -</b> back in the days I loved reading and being captured by a book completely was one of my favourite things as it really brought me in other worlds and stimulated my fantasy, but nowadays is very rare I find time to read a book, or better, when I have free time I always prefer doing something different. I miss reading though, and I think this is the time I should come back to books and have some good reading sessions during the week. First on my to read list is <a href="http://www.amazon.it/Game-Thrones-George-R-Martin/dp/0553573403" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a>.<br />
<br />
I thought to keep these mini goals pretty easy and not go too deep, as I know the little things can make my days better as well and I don't want to dream too big. So hopefully I'll be able to stick to them and make my month of May a little bit better and more creative.<br />
<br />
<i>What about your May's mini goals?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-5593740276358840932014-05-04T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-08T17:13:49.406+02:00Life Snippets | 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFILCMQA4tKzKd8GkvhYuUfUdAcQm11oCm00_sam1svhKr1qhFuHIJfyImrq96NXkzd9ESSeOhhUu8kqV3soWOQI9sMIsJSbZ-rcsh4HgCBLME0mjuKYlVyUkTV0zJdcxXdowGRxZ4aI/s1600/lifesnippets1_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFILCMQA4tKzKd8GkvhYuUfUdAcQm11oCm00_sam1svhKr1qhFuHIJfyImrq96NXkzd9ESSeOhhUu8kqV3soWOQI9sMIsJSbZ-rcsh4HgCBLME0mjuKYlVyUkTV0zJdcxXdowGRxZ4aI/s1600/lifesnippets1_5.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Being that I'm trying to make this blog more personal and have a really fresh contents that shows my personality a lot more, I thought I should embrace lifestyle posts a lot more and what better way to keep you updated than a weekly (or so) 'Life Snippets' kind of posts where I can show you I was up to that past week?<br />
<br />
Spring is finally here but we are having a strange weather at the moment here in Italy and the sun comes out only occasionally, but I love when it shines in the sky and so do my cats who are always super happy to run in my garden or have a nap outside when the weather is good. There's nothing cuter than seeing how a bit of sunshine can change their mood!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICS7nxMeMswclMUYHVQUK3NRggpCZh8flTdiB_9WuFrgTHoAcI5fXB1RYLC9xMmplMjMoD2XTRVx7PXxgZk4GIVt-9c0xVD2O_swTayujeEiNdcMGCUJFleETEdxV-BQ5Cc7MXwUcoNg/s1600/lifesnippets1_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICS7nxMeMswclMUYHVQUK3NRggpCZh8flTdiB_9WuFrgTHoAcI5fXB1RYLC9xMmplMjMoD2XTRVx7PXxgZk4GIVt-9c0xVD2O_swTayujeEiNdcMGCUJFleETEdxV-BQ5Cc7MXwUcoNg/s1600/lifesnippets1_3.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On Tuesday I headed to Milan as I had to bring some uni books back and I took advantage of the free time and the warm weather to wander around and do some deserved shopping. It's passed a long time since the last time I had a little moment on my own in Milan and I love discovering new places where to shop or eat, so after a little Sephora treat, I walked to <a href="http://shop.eataly.it/" target="_blank">Eataly</a> to get some <a href="http://www.clipper-teas.com/" target="_blank">Clipper Tea</a> - which I never tried - and a little present for Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNfRIziiLJ9qlTzKNfJ8gsSyLo0sah9wVzDsL3CuJwAD9aS1jNXoqs2Vg9y03MDBpKNkX7WrCG9Ux8uG0A-6IDEpTJaElTyp5Uui2QrpTmuqtNsmHOxQnYfbfLQ6zINMabPPMUAR9sRg/s1600/lifesnippets1_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNfRIziiLJ9qlTzKNfJ8gsSyLo0sah9wVzDsL3CuJwAD9aS1jNXoqs2Vg9y03MDBpKNkX7WrCG9Ux8uG0A-6IDEpTJaElTyp5Uui2QrpTmuqtNsmHOxQnYfbfLQ6zINMabPPMUAR9sRg/s1600/lifesnippets1_4.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been a while since I decided I had to visit <a href="http://www.californiabakery.it/" target="_blank">California Bakery</a> and passing by it and their beautiful brownies wasn't helpful, so now I have to force my boyfriend to come there with me when we have a nice afternoon in Milan. Also I love walking down the streets alone and passing by a multitude of flower shops - it always makes me in a better mood!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8xhJRejUDErZ0B7d5L0I6JBu7IJYxR4_RkmCIKSatFFA85mO5PLcXeJO9qT2LNvYi0wrln3sH9PTBsDn7vy2YRuqEPBS7rMrofaj4P05ddW6xKkMTLU2Hr1eK-vOUQKwTNJo9cGMVss/s1600/lifesnippets1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8xhJRejUDErZ0B7d5L0I6JBu7IJYxR4_RkmCIKSatFFA85mO5PLcXeJO9qT2LNvYi0wrln3sH9PTBsDn7vy2YRuqEPBS7rMrofaj4P05ddW6xKkMTLU2Hr1eK-vOUQKwTNJo9cGMVss/s1600/lifesnippets1_1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On Thursday my boyfriend and I had some lovely gnocchi au gratin for lunch which were absolutely delicious, and an even better chocolate salami for dessert which brought me back some childhood memories of me and my mum putting together this super yummy dessert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx-mtDfYHYn2P0o_ium9UAmM9w_rHIYJoQCczsQpxyJalIO3KcRRodmVbP4w39h_dG2uGLSWNgwUwZh2RPUokXPTZii6SgoQ_q4VqlH8cNqUO7a2-v3Qfc-nxAcSVMZi9MKg6iQWiNxQ/s1600/lifesnippets1_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx-mtDfYHYn2P0o_ium9UAmM9w_rHIYJoQCczsQpxyJalIO3KcRRodmVbP4w39h_dG2uGLSWNgwUwZh2RPUokXPTZii6SgoQ_q4VqlH8cNqUO7a2-v3Qfc-nxAcSVMZi9MKg6iQWiNxQ/s1600/lifesnippets1_2.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You know those days when you start craving some chocolate so badly? This was my Friday this week and so I went for a super sweet butter croissant which I filled with plenty of Nutella spoons and a super cute little Kinder egg which my boyfriend gave me and which was adorable!Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-29864207377777415222014-05-02T10:30:00.000+02:002014-05-02T10:30:09.923+02:00Asking for beauty samples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxmLeN_YqNiUbZ16-pOu3ybFn7Aem8LDkt9Ztg0h6OqpiM9P8cS4q_Yn9uRwOHsyu-1iekYu_i-EvA_OdUufv5iITPKYNqpd8z2iqMP2BTrG9DlB9-R6JUP5LyEljtr43EiGCtfLsq24/s1600/askingforbeautysamples.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxmLeN_YqNiUbZ16-pOu3ybFn7Aem8LDkt9Ztg0h6OqpiM9P8cS4q_Yn9uRwOHsyu-1iekYu_i-EvA_OdUufv5iITPKYNqpd8z2iqMP2BTrG9DlB9-R6JUP5LyEljtr43EiGCtfLsq24/s1600/askingforbeautysamples.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I feel like I had more wrong foundation or concealer shades than the actual right match for my skin, and there's nothing more annoying than buying a super expensive foundation and getting the wrong shade. I know in USA you can bring your beauty products back to the shop if they don't work for you, but here we are not allowed to do that and once you try a product you have to keep it. Only recently I finally realize asking for beauty sample is my right as customer, as being that I can only try it in the shop and not testing it on my own in different occasions and under different lights, it's becoming so easy getting the wrong shade.<br />
<br />
I'm not only talking about foundations and concealers, I think it's a customer's right asking for any beauty sample, as also skincare is pretty subjective and you really need to try a product at least for a few days to see if your skin is going to react badly to it or if it actually could love it. It's our right until we actually go beyond the bounds of decency, and of course asking for beauty sample is ok if you really need to try a product and doesn't mean you can go back and ask multiple samples of the same product until you actually get a full size. I also know it's difficult to get samples of drugstore products and that sometimes the shop assistants aren't too keen in helping you and giving a sample, but I wrote down a little list of suggestions and tips to use to ask and obtain a foundation, concealer (or beauty in general) sample to test at home by your own and with your own light.<br />
<br />
- Always <b>keep a little empty pot or jar in your handbag </b>when you go out of beauty shopping, so that you can use it if the shop assistant say they don't have sample pots<br />
- <b>Ask politely to try the product in the shop</b>, on your hands or face, to see the color or the consistency and talk about what you think (this can be super useful because the shop assistant could actually help you understand if this is the product for you without even trying it)<br />
- Try to always look like <b>you actually want to buy the product</b> and you're very interested in it (which should come natural as you are meant to be interested if you're asking for a sample)<br />
- <b>Ask politely if it's possible to have a little sample</b> of the product to try at home - usually they will agree, but if they don't, try asking if you can only have one pump from the tester in your little jar<br />
- Always remember to<b> don't be rude in the slightest</b> because the shop assistant could have had a bad day and be rude with you as well (this happened to me so many times)<br />
- <b>Explain why you want to try the product at home</b> (for me for example I've just asked for a Chanel foundation sample, and besides the color issue, I wanted to try it a few times before buying a full size since I read it's pretty highly fragranced and having sensitive skin this could be a problem)<br />
- <b>Always say thanks</b> before going once obtained the sample - I know it was your right to ask, but a lot of shop assistants could actually have said no, so be thankful<br />
- <b>Don't ever be afraid to ask</b> - sometimes shop assistants will come in your help spontaneously, but if not, don't be afraid, it's your own right to ask and its their work to answer every of your questions.<br />
<br />
I know that to understand a product and figure out if it works for you and your skin more than a few applications are required, but having a little sample is always worth as you can actually really test it a few days and have it in your home, test the lasting power, the shade, the consistency, how your skin reacts, and consider if it's really worth buying a full size. So this were the tips I've learned recently and hopefully these could come helpful to someone of you who may needs a sample and don't know how to ask, or who always gets the wrong shade.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have any tip for asking beauty samples?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-44629721421294496722014-04-30T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-30T10:30:01.393+02:00Lightweight Bases Galore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUiBwsoYA1G93d9EpyAbtgcohuOFPoZvagbxypf6wozrE2LDeOZlHzIFEtEX_aCdGofMhdcjkHev_brx4BrVK7PUFfRqceY3YrsG00QkwxkdLev6OlbQT7sTMpjMXcg8k_rfFELYmxOs/s1600/lightweightbasesgalore.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUiBwsoYA1G93d9EpyAbtgcohuOFPoZvagbxypf6wozrE2LDeOZlHzIFEtEX_aCdGofMhdcjkHev_brx4BrVK7PUFfRqceY3YrsG00QkwxkdLev6OlbQT7sTMpjMXcg8k_rfFELYmxOs/s1600/lightweightbasesgalore.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently I'm all about lightweight foundations and bases as when it comes to makeup I don't really like anything too heavy going on there, and I have to admit lightweight bases are always been my first choose - I seriously can't remember an single time I decided to went for a full coverage foundation in my entire life. I went through a lot of tubes actually, but today I want to show you the ones that still have a firm role in my makeup life...<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I'm super sick of the whole BB cream kind of thing and I tend to steer away from every new BB or CC cream release, but I still have some noteworthed in my little "lightweight" drawer. The <a href="http://www.gosh.ie/shop-face/shop-face-bb-creams?product_id=67" target="_blank">Gosh BB Cream</a>* (€13,99) is been in there for a while now, but this is the base I go with in summertime usually as I have a slightly too dark shade for my pale winter skin which pairs amazingly with the light tan I get in summertime instead. This super light and impalpable base aims to be a foundation, primer and moisturizer all in one but I actually am really impressed of how easly it sinks into the skin (pretty reasonable as it's water based) and how comfortable it is to wear even in the warmer months. The <a href="http://asos.com/Bourjois/Bourjois-123-Perfect-Cc-Cream/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3867432&SearchQuery=bourjois&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Rosebeige" target="_blank">Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream</a> (£6,50) is the most recent entry in my foundation stash, and I'm super impressed with this at the moment: it contains apricot pigments to conceal fatique signs, green pigments to contrast rednesses and white pigments to cover dark spots - this really has a very nice covering power but still being pretty natural and light on the skin and leaving a luminous complexion. This is my first choice on days when my skin looks a bit dull and I need to uniforme it and create a smooth texture.<br />
<br />
Another water based foundation I really like right now is the <a href="http://www.stories.com/Beauty/Make-up/Base/Triple_Moist_Foundation/590641-547157.1" target="_blank">& Other Stories Triple Moist Foundation</a> (£15) which aims to have a super hydrating formula and leaving a very natural finish. I don't know about the hydration - I'm not a dry skin girl so I rarely notice if a base product tend to keep my skin hydrated, but this for sure doesn't make my skin oilier - but is really nice in keeping things pretty natural and light. It is slightly fragranced though, and if your skin is very sensitive like mine, you should consider wearing a primer underneath (not my favorite thing). It's still very creamy but blend and absorb super easly.<br />
<br />
My "top of the class" lightweight bases are two though, the <a href="http://en.rougebunnyrouge.com/make-up/complexion/foundations/tinted-moisturiser.html" target="_blank">Rouge Bunny Rouge Sketches on Water Tinted Moisturiser</a>* (£34,58) and the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Nude-Magique-Eau-de-Teint-Foundation-SPF-18-20ml" target="_blank">L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint</a> (£9,99), both water based foundations but with opposite finishes. The former is one my skin didn't love at first as it caused a terrible breakout as soon as I tried it, but which is now super well loved as it leaves the most beautiful wet finish and smooth texture to the skin. This seems super thick when you apply it but it actually sinks into the skin pretty soon and gives a beautifully radiant complexion. It never looks cakey or feel sticky and it looks amazing in photos as well. The latter has been my go to winter foundation, which I actually still use if I'm looking for a super matte finish; it has the messiest packaging ever but a super nice and unique formula. It's very lightweight and never feels too heavy on the skin, and once blended it leave a silky and matte finish I really love. This combination and oily skin friendly foundation applies better with the fingers, helps in uniforming the complexion, is truely buildable and goes on super easly as well. You can read a full review on <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/01/review-loreal-nude-magique-eau-de-teint.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
One thing is for sure: I can't go wrong with water based bases and I have a good stock now, but they still are my first choise when I have to buy new foundations. However these were my favorite lightweight base finds so far.<br />
<br />
<i>Which is your favorite lightweight base?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-31015316805860659332014-04-28T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-28T10:30:02.472+02:00Healthy antiox smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_lYjXhxus6Eem2TR63BHLxAk94Qs2P7nyzajAr2evUPCdrlAIYS2XgE_pHQcczpecJWjuKJT6ZiKpO3D4KhzAP99p3Ua09QF-mQCbKx9wr6WMEGTszJvFdmC-qYX_1ep8vKHKNujUk/s1600/antioxsmoothie3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_lYjXhxus6Eem2TR63BHLxAk94Qs2P7nyzajAr2evUPCdrlAIYS2XgE_pHQcczpecJWjuKJT6ZiKpO3D4KhzAP99p3Ua09QF-mQCbKx9wr6WMEGTszJvFdmC-qYX_1ep8vKHKNujUk/s1600/antioxsmoothie3.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LgFfwpAdyBawPHm_XZDcMp6ZP5GvkVIjdHzaawYSX5-rW_Un6YZiKLyH7jvUIV4nghFornIob8JGOh1ZVvyTJbDTdXAf8qcVttGRgzGvD3thyphenhyphenusvzY-Qm_nwOl0s3_H3iajVBcxyexc/s1600/antioxsmoothie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LgFfwpAdyBawPHm_XZDcMp6ZP5GvkVIjdHzaawYSX5-rW_Un6YZiKLyH7jvUIV4nghFornIob8JGOh1ZVvyTJbDTdXAf8qcVttGRgzGvD3thyphenhyphenusvzY-Qm_nwOl0s3_H3iajVBcxyexc/s1600/antioxsmoothie1.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdy_TUC4MydR1D4fKNPKnHLRS92I3hUHraXmq3XacCy60UzDfce2ZWL5U0ZFnsKl9w11GgLME_PD_lTUH2IzPjEhTDmWKs8sWRdduQTVIXnTU31-vmQcHuMZYEKV_5F5kdMumqlJzUdM/s1600/antioxsmoothie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdy_TUC4MydR1D4fKNPKnHLRS92I3hUHraXmq3XacCy60UzDfce2ZWL5U0ZFnsKl9w11GgLME_PD_lTUH2IzPjEhTDmWKs8sWRdduQTVIXnTU31-vmQcHuMZYEKV_5F5kdMumqlJzUdM/s1600/antioxsmoothie2.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know about you, but for me as soon as it comes spring I'm all about good juicy smoothies in the morning and afternoon as they are delicious and fresh but also pretty healthy. Also I've actually never been a big green tea fan, but I know it is the biggest source of anti oxidants out there - just a quick one: a cup of green tea seems to contain the same amount of anti oxidants as seven glasses of orange juice - and they always suggest to drink more than a cup a day. But really, I think green tea's taste isn't for everyone, but I just recently found out that for me the solution is mixing it with a good fruit smoothie...<br />
<br />
This super quick and easy recipe was inspired by one of my favorite food app, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filibaba-smoothies-healthy/id602293560?mt=8" target="_blank">Filibaba Smoothies</a>, which proposes a very similar way to incorporate green tea in your diet, and I found it so clever that being that I always keep some green tea at home, I immediately decided to try to customize it and make something I would really enjoy. And to stay on track with the all antiox theme, I threw in a good mix of ingredients which all have antiox proprerties.<br />
<br />
For a cup of smoothie you will need:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>A frozen banana</li>
<li>An apple</li>
<li>The juice of one lemon</li>
<li>1/2 cup of green tea</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First things first, I sliced the banana into pieces and put it in the freezer for one or two hours before starting preparing my smoothie so that the banana will be cold and almost frozen and will make your smoothie super resfreshing. Then I prepared 1/2 cup of green tea and let it cool for half an hour to avoid my smoothie to come out too warm, and finally I peeled my apple and cutted into pieces. Now it's time to start blending and mixing and using a blender I firstly blended together the banana and lemon juice, then added the apple and lastly the green tea. I blended it very well for a few minutes as I didn't want any big fruit pieces going on in there and then served it into a cute jam jar with two colored straws.</div>
</div>
<br />
I'm not even a big fan of banana smoothies usually but this is seriously delicious, creamy, refreshing and amazing and I keep drinking and preparing it everyday since when I discovered it. This doesn't taste like green tea at all, and if you have a big blender I would suggest to prepare a good dose of it and serve it for breakfast to your family or store in the fridge and drink it within one or two days whenever you desire. You can also add a bit of sugar to your taste if you want, but I generally go without it as there's still the sweetness of an entire apple in there. Hopefully you will enjoy this delicious but healthy smoothie too!<br />
<br />
<i>Will you try this recipe? Which is your favorite smoothie flavor?</i>Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-46083205775097439012014-04-27T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-27T10:30:02.277+02:00Wallpaper | Flower and Honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx89GyE4yzdI_1zbR8jqraOROG5d_Vvx4M2VtsbIL16_mKuKhbBagy1cg8x6_q7fQ3AM0fdEHQOyYeqflq2l1upnvvKfY0w3Jp_C54RzQkDN2lLUauTMaEY9OxcHpJ1vivogWCg9aMpE/s1600/wallpaperspring.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx89GyE4yzdI_1zbR8jqraOROG5d_Vvx4M2VtsbIL16_mKuKhbBagy1cg8x6_q7fQ3AM0fdEHQOyYeqflq2l1upnvvKfY0w3Jp_C54RzQkDN2lLUauTMaEY9OxcHpJ1vivogWCg9aMpE/s1600/wallpaperspring.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
Three long years have passed from when I used to use Photoshop on a daily basis and during these past years I just opened it to edit my blog pictures, resize and brighten them a bit, but nothing very creative was going on in there. Recently though, I launched my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandabopsDesign" target="_blank">little design shop</a> and even though Photoshop isn't always a necessity, I'm definitely everyday more into it and have restarted playing with a few fonts and pattern. I actually took a few pictures and blended them together, added some filters and a quote and used this as my desktop wallpaper. I liked it a lot and created a paired iPhone wallpaper and so I thought I could share it with you!<br />
<br />
I don't know about you but I love freebies even if they're tech stuff as desktop wallpapers or to-do lists to be printed (next on my list actually), so I thought I could share some of my wallpapers more often and make it a seasonal or monthly thing, we'll see. My Photoshop skills are not so good as they used to be and I'm a bit rusty, but I really enjoy my Photoshop sessions now and again as there's always so much to learn and it's one of my favorite ways to be creative - so hopefully this sharing thing will help me going back on track and remember all the Photoshop function I used to know.<br />
<br />
This time this wallpaper is very spring-inspired and the actual background pictures were taken in my backyard as I have this little paradise out there with plenty of flowering trees right now - and I get so excited and go ahead and take pictures of everything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUpO2EceRz87eDuWa0D6Uv8JMPXdkGFe2THcBYwl_mlZaOgHgXCET1Sy2-kLBI8SDFOsnLZum40n1sF6cqrURzotFNiiBonyybynopD4Mc1OqkvDCiJEs5BGJ0hkrumKy7Ar2dIQmbh8/s1600/wallpaperspring2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUpO2EceRz87eDuWa0D6Uv8JMPXdkGFe2THcBYwl_mlZaOgHgXCET1Sy2-kLBI8SDFOsnLZum40n1sF6cqrURzotFNiiBonyybynopD4Mc1OqkvDCiJEs5BGJ0hkrumKy7Ar2dIQmbh8/s1600/wallpaperspring2.png" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whatismyscreenresolution.com/" target="_blank">WHAT'S YOUR SCREEN RESOLUTION</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i7.minus.com/ibkWY2mAOzHzCC.png" target="_blank">1440x900</a> | <a href="http://i.minus.com/iGCqssBrE2nMf.png" target="_blank">1366x768</a> | <a href="http://i.minus.com/ihbYl4y2PI3Va.png" target="_blank">1280x800</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.minus.com/iT3W9JO9nGprB.png" target="_blank">iPad</a> | <a href="http://i.minus.com/ixFAsUH9nRv9Y.png" target="_blank">iPhone</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Hope you enjoy it and have a good Sunday!</i></div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-9704214348630146992014-04-25T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-25T10:30:03.547+02:00Handbag essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLU-UMekaNMiyEYnxpZgVM2PWwttGZKtefIt0K0EJfk4kd3RFISPXfShVuyrgJz4Po23Ff-l5TgyV1QjJGc95WmhQKCmvT-5DTqhqaQyOhq7Ae0lYTQIKMbyzxxrNXQ8Rvui5-2iNYoE/s1600/bag5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLU-UMekaNMiyEYnxpZgVM2PWwttGZKtefIt0K0EJfk4kd3RFISPXfShVuyrgJz4Po23Ff-l5TgyV1QjJGc95WmhQKCmvT-5DTqhqaQyOhq7Ae0lYTQIKMbyzxxrNXQ8Rvui5-2iNYoE/s1600/bag5.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv5jAbH2gbnZLy7641hkib37rHUM4ARUXoxlrKCsn-ZRZCDd0gz1lMk3g6pWGvKMZ8iwFlctXjyb8b07fsctWVo6_mjMSCd5hZorI3oqYbD2b-2sNbhRG5KlIaANkRSfewjcG19TQ-OY/s1600/bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv5jAbH2gbnZLy7641hkib37rHUM4ARUXoxlrKCsn-ZRZCDd0gz1lMk3g6pWGvKMZ8iwFlctXjyb8b07fsctWVo6_mjMSCd5hZorI3oqYbD2b-2sNbhRG5KlIaANkRSfewjcG19TQ-OY/s1600/bag1.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrs311Sa_A4-QvXOPYSDVF1aZKaDHUgX9m0JMGjn0TgX78_hg2q4Axo43z31Ianu5bogymU6slxjIBzKc227uG0pmFudD2xqAkQjQiOE3TCxQDfum2Nx7eY9G1rucARiiUbRB8DcuvxQ/s1600/bag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrs311Sa_A4-QvXOPYSDVF1aZKaDHUgX9m0JMGjn0TgX78_hg2q4Axo43z31Ianu5bogymU6slxjIBzKc227uG0pmFudD2xqAkQjQiOE3TCxQDfum2Nx7eY9G1rucARiiUbRB8DcuvxQ/s1600/bag4.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a time when I used to bring with me only big, wide, ginormous handbags, but that time is definitely gone as now I only carry little bags which look a lot cuter in my opinion but are also pretty comfortable and not too bulky as a big bag. I recently got an even smaller bag and I had to halve my bag contents and completely minimize it, so I thought I could share my handbag essentials today...<br />
<br />
First of all my new navy blue tote bag is the <a href="http://www.sammydress.com/product608018.html" target="_blank">Vintage and Casual Tote Bag</a>* (£11.88) from <a href="http://www.sammydress.com/" target="_blank">Sammydress</a> which is such a cute and good quality little bag with the prettiest vintage brown details and a lot of wide pockets in the inside to keep everything very organized which I definitely love. This is the perfect size for my necessities as I can store all the things I need to carry with me when I go out and even more and it's actually not too big nor too small. I love the brown details and that this pairs amazingly with the majority of my wardrobe, and even though I wasn't too sure about getting it in blue, it turned out being a good choise as this is a bit of a change instead of my usual brown or black bags I use to go with in wintertime.<br />
<br />
In the biggest compartment I always carry my Topshop wallet which my boyfriend bought me when we was in London and which I'm totally in love with. This is such a big wallet for a little bag, I know, but one thing with me is every wallet is always too little for my taste and for what I need to carry, so I need to go for a big one and make sure it fits it all. Also I always have in there a good old hand sanitizer as I'm a hygienic freak, a few little Ikea wooden pencils I got after a few Ikea trips, my <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1874" target="_blank">Firmoo Brown Round Sunglasses</a>* (£28.98) and my on-the-go camera which I recently decided to bring always with me to capture every little moment I want to remeber and maybe post on here too. Essentials to me are also my little <a href="http://www.harrods.com/product/folk-floral-pocket-shopper-bag/harrods/000000000002929216?cat1=new-gifts&cat2=new-gifts-shoppers&cat3=new-gifts-shoppers-packable" target="_blank">Harrods Folk Floral Pocket Shopper Bag</a> (£4,95) which comes very useful if I'm out and I need another cute bag to carry anything else I could have bought, and my little <a href="http://uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_5,acc_2.12/5862340300" target="_blank">Accessorize Heart Mirror</a> (£7), because, you know, a girl needs her mirror everywhere.<br />
<br />
In the inside little pocket I always carry a handful of <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/13068?article=13068-A" target="_blank">H&M Black Hair Elastics</a> (£1.50) which are my all time favorite because they lasts forever and come pretty useful if you have long hair, but also a little old hair clip probably from Accessorize and my old Apple earphones, whilst in the bigger front pocket I always keep handy things I want to easly find like my super handy H&M Hand Wipes and <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Halo-Moist-Toilet-Tissue-wipes-10s_1250781/" target="_blank">Halo Moist Toilet Tissue Wipes</a> (£1.09), but also a little jar I keep in there for when I'm out for some beauty shopping and need to ask a sample. This is such a staple in my handbag as I always hate when I get the wrong foundation or concealer shade, and the best way to avoid that is testing the product out before buying it maybe under a different light from the one in the shop, and maybe at home on my own. Little pots like this are super handy but also very affordable - you can find some <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Cosmetic-Make-Up-Glitter-Storage/dp/B00FL4WZKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398353224&sr=8-1&keywords=jar+makeup" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
As for makeup I always carry around a few products to touch up any smudginess during the day, and for this purpose the <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/radiant-creamy-concealer/MUS300023892.html?dwvar_MUS300023892_color=US300023892&start=1&q=nars%20radiant" target="_blank">NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer</a> (£22) is always my best bet as it is super high coverage but lightweight and looks always natural, plus it's super easy to blend out with your fingers which is a must when it comes to on-the-go makeup. Also I keep in there the lip product I applied that day before going out, and at the moment I have two, the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Urban-Decay-Revolution-Lipstick-2-8g" target="_blank">Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in <i>Lovelight</i></a> (£15) and the <a href="http://www.maria-galland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Maria Galland Color Pencil in <i>200 Pamplemousse Rosé</i></a>* which are both two pink and shimmery lip shades I'm loving wearing at the moment.<br />
<br />
Something I need to get in the upcoming future is a cute and little notepad to be kept in my bag for any on-the-go idea to be written down, and a little makeup bag maybe where to put the makeup I carry with me and avoid it get lost in there.<br />
<br />
<i>What about your handbag essentials?</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-40895547732353242182014-04-24T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:30:01.762+02:00Embracing spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxuhDmL11YTXlKoNyCmkfF4HpCZ2NHU3GKG3SzGw5lAih1RG7yrrxubvjt148y-u6SFA23ZKF7RkRaQ7ZLOZZMK4jvCRuFrcmol68hNXK_kqhGLZAVvdATi5TF3P1zug7p-hiZIvkifw/s1600/vigevano5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxuhDmL11YTXlKoNyCmkfF4HpCZ2NHU3GKG3SzGw5lAih1RG7yrrxubvjt148y-u6SFA23ZKF7RkRaQ7ZLOZZMK4jvCRuFrcmol68hNXK_kqhGLZAVvdATi5TF3P1zug7p-hiZIvkifw/s1600/vigevano5.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DF35GFLIJTLvKv22i9oqaN6AQ0RuxO3pVCIJwLZsF5MGzob9YDzO2Fm5CvOY-YLnkdg0FJKuF5z2VMqBxQnZioeUN-8NWKKc5J541CZnf61ofFz8jC0UHoEMWaR14rWQ-uqVHHZEKCU/s1600/vigevano2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DF35GFLIJTLvKv22i9oqaN6AQ0RuxO3pVCIJwLZsF5MGzob9YDzO2Fm5CvOY-YLnkdg0FJKuF5z2VMqBxQnZioeUN-8NWKKc5J541CZnf61ofFz8jC0UHoEMWaR14rWQ-uqVHHZEKCU/s1600/vigevano2.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKoO0FL37tI6rA3Jx_QxQGqznY0_Lu7eGT2ujMgPJ4dKfen2hT1UpVLSPUfnpy3SYnUEP9Sgv0vv8liaiNlUETo0pBfbjwVm_YTg9hMZHOh4stVrBgMygtmPebYTDWrjQibLhb9tSULI/s1600/vigevano1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKoO0FL37tI6rA3Jx_QxQGqznY0_Lu7eGT2ujMgPJ4dKfen2hT1UpVLSPUfnpy3SYnUEP9Sgv0vv8liaiNlUETo0pBfbjwVm_YTg9hMZHOh4stVrBgMygtmPebYTDWrjQibLhb9tSULI/s1600/vigevano1.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So spring has always been my favourite time of the year and I was really looking for a lovely day to be spent outside without a coat on and that time has finally come when I can put on a cute spring dress and let it show completely and not only through my jacket. This was exciting, and something I love even more about spring are flowers, lovely walks in parks and cute roads and a good old on-the-go lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This week my boyfriend and I had a lovely day in Vigevano, a city near Milan I used to visit a lot during my childhood, which is the cutest place to visit when spring comes around. It has cute little streets to walk down, a pair of cozy gardens and I expecially love the old square which according to my boyfriend totally looks like you are on a set of The Borgias. We had a good old flat bread from <i>La Piadineria</i> (our favorite place) and picked up our usual zucchini, mozzarella and tomatoes vegetarian piadina, which was delicious as always, but it tasted even better eaten outside under the sunshine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We also had a pair of stops in the green areas of the city, in the Sforza Castle garden and the little park with a cute lake filled of swan, fishes and turtles that have always been there since I can remember. It was just a super lovely day and this kind of trips far away from the crowd, the shops and crowded malls, always makes me think nowadays we tend to forget we can have a lovely time even far away from a big city like Milan, from the shops and the caotic metropolis. This made me remember my childhood, and I know there's nothing more bittersweet than that, but it also made me think there couldn't be a best way to embrace and welcome spring this year. We definitely need to plan more trips like this and have a lovely time exploring cute places this year, as we never tend to do that.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5xkIu2rN__QkPyv3hhqQQ2yS1E3I39CwWiJJ72Zqo1WbQI0B5poa5IVP6dLVNeReJmyRGer_BBqv34Ii3ChvJgi2WJJ7MzdvBfQk8BAZMc-y97wCQvi-zRmJ6NmGQnA65_sk-djstY8/s1600/vigevano3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5xkIu2rN__QkPyv3hhqQQ2yS1E3I39CwWiJJ72Zqo1WbQI0B5poa5IVP6dLVNeReJmyRGer_BBqv34Ii3ChvJgi2WJJ7MzdvBfQk8BAZMc-y97wCQvi-zRmJ6NmGQnA65_sk-djstY8/s1600/vigevano3.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnzIjZW92q_7iFjc7B56CjVSwRj5_8yhNrK4y191kMnGSPwA1DQ876iiAx7KLlrA60A1JIqxFh16MCYICdblrYc0eEPynmIXoZ5hs4KlD-OugeGENqfUUOGXnJdKpWawt2Dik-GeFjcw/s1600/vigevano4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnzIjZW92q_7iFjc7B56CjVSwRj5_8yhNrK4y191kMnGSPwA1DQ876iiAx7KLlrA60A1JIqxFh16MCYICdblrYc0eEPynmIXoZ5hs4KlD-OugeGENqfUUOGXnJdKpWawt2Dik-GeFjcw/s1600/vigevano4.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Which is your favorite open-air place to visit when spring comes around?</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-68563257202496137322014-04-22T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-22T19:34:44.642+02:00DIY Coffee and Coconut Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLomdhfuVvDLxhiSBshPnSgW_WaYYFmBJvnVDBqupPyaoID4maHGf0DW7VpqdVrfzGjeXr6Vwrz-_EnZ3zDnxXJx6l0uyism02t0gQd0eoP3NMdHqcsvdF9wMx8d73DvvSarjN6Z5VqY0/s1600/coffeescrub2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLomdhfuVvDLxhiSBshPnSgW_WaYYFmBJvnVDBqupPyaoID4maHGf0DW7VpqdVrfzGjeXr6Vwrz-_EnZ3zDnxXJx6l0uyism02t0gQd0eoP3NMdHqcsvdF9wMx8d73DvvSarjN6Z5VqY0/s1600/coffeescrub2.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQyz58Cx7ntdW6vytLgNMFo3yrPVb53-7B9koO-ZZxUy4dFqQsTUzYllIGPGiw1WThe6PJQmxXWr-ETmCndA26SbS14J7Tpvi1OxxTu4eKpyBNIhMj4YagusBaik-Ox6atBgn4TdeOtk/s1600/coffeescrub3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQyz58Cx7ntdW6vytLgNMFo3yrPVb53-7B9koO-ZZxUy4dFqQsTUzYllIGPGiw1WThe6PJQmxXWr-ETmCndA26SbS14J7Tpvi1OxxTu4eKpyBNIhMj4YagusBaik-Ox6atBgn4TdeOtk/s1600/coffeescrub3.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've always loved the scent of coffee and can't deny I was pretty tempted for a while to try making myself a DIY coffee based beauty product, but I had way too many body scrubs and lotions to be finished and never really found myself putting together a few ingredients to create something. But a few weeks ago I came up with the idea of a coffee body scrub and as soon as I finished my beloved <a href="http://www.stories.com/Beauty/Bath_body/Body_wash_scrubs/Sugar_Crush_Body_Scrub/590729-1164085.1" target="_blank">& Other Stories Sugar Crush Body Scrub</a> (and my heart is still weeping for seeing this one going - may need to repurchase it soon), I washed the little jar it came in and decided to try an impromptu body scrub recipe.<br />
<br />
This is what I used:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup coffee (powder and beans)</li>
<li>1/4 cup white sugar</li>
<li>3 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>4 tablespoons coconut oil</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used both coffee powder and coffee beans as I wanted to give my scrub a bit of texture and I needed for it to be very harsh on the skin as this is how I love my body scrubs to be. I of course chopped the coffee beans very finely before adding them to the mixture. If you don't love super harsh body scrubs, go for only coffee powder or just a little bit of beans but not half of it, if you are like me instead and love a bit of good exfoliating action on those limbs of yours, then use half chopped beans and half powder and your scrub will have a beautiful texture! I also added a bit of white sugar to add more texture, but you can go for brown sugar as well if you want it to be more abrasive. Once mixed together all the dry ingredients I added the oils, the olive oil first and mixed and the coconut oil immediately after. I used the coconut oil when still solid and melted it down with my hands a bit before mixing it with the other ingredients always using my hands as things can be a bit tricky with a spoon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know this is a mess, but once finished you just need to decant it into a big jar and wash your hands (which will be already automatically scrubbed at this time). This scrub smells absolutely amazing and if you love coffee I'm sure you'll love this too, but if you don't the scent could be a bit overwhelming for you, just warning. Also if you use too much coffee beans this can be a bit messy in the shower and leave you something to clean on the floor, but to me this is not too annoying as I love the scent and how good this is in exfoliating my skin, plus thanks to the olive and coconut oils it also leaves your skin pretty hydrated and soft. The coffee scent actually stays on you for a few good hours even after rinsing it out which I love, and someone says coffee helps in mantaining the skin young and elastic, so...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Will you try this recipe?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-8997662429246177392014-04-20T17:08:00.000+02:002014-04-20T17:08:09.046+02:00Easter Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SNaPSpcSbHZvMAQTHJcv2QutUEDUab0WjLp6HgY7dUtfexjt04SI3cSIf3BreN093RIT2sYc9QZDGitEitsFTpdgpMHtIQh5I_wpoUpIwfKh56kfFmpgmrSJUO5XBRcvP23l8Ch9iXA/s1600/eastertreats3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SNaPSpcSbHZvMAQTHJcv2QutUEDUab0WjLp6HgY7dUtfexjt04SI3cSIf3BreN093RIT2sYc9QZDGitEitsFTpdgpMHtIQh5I_wpoUpIwfKh56kfFmpgmrSJUO5XBRcvP23l8Ch9iXA/s1600/eastertreats3.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cJhyhGAknDu6oDuo9QOuHVAYvOj8B_HbK_FTA_LMWtvqdm-futgCuBEdgSEoOrxX4Ud-jpDXJrhS4VOkwr3-PSSeDE9Gh_BI5P7bNhFMJ_zmcI6Y6bF79IyJhiOz0N9g9uwDfk3T62I/s1600/eastertreats1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cJhyhGAknDu6oDuo9QOuHVAYvOj8B_HbK_FTA_LMWtvqdm-futgCuBEdgSEoOrxX4Ud-jpDXJrhS4VOkwr3-PSSeDE9Gh_BI5P7bNhFMJ_zmcI6Y6bF79IyJhiOz0N9g9uwDfk3T62I/s1600/eastertreats1.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMzqyIGIvFHUFiy33UulOlqFJeIDbQ7ln2JjynZ-ell6BCONnntHuVCHlfhkeXGOGnaG3Y4hMRlCG6Bb_t_GOVhR7nTPyugtLG3ZC2dKT0CYflaEP-qnwYH34gbg4UxIyIlchXOGMjDg/s1600/eastertreats2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMzqyIGIvFHUFiy33UulOlqFJeIDbQ7ln2JjynZ-ell6BCONnntHuVCHlfhkeXGOGnaG3Y4hMRlCG6Bb_t_GOVhR7nTPyugtLG3ZC2dKT0CYflaEP-qnwYH34gbg4UxIyIlchXOGMjDg/s1600/eastertreats2.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wether you are pretty orthodox or atheist, Easter is always the perfect time to spend a beautiful day with your closest people, eating way too much chocolate, and treating yourself a bit more. And so it was my Easter Sunday this year, with a lovely sun in the sky, my family visiting our place and bringing chocolate to celebrate. And after filling up that belly of mine, I actually treated myself to some beauty stuff, because, well, you know me...<br />
<br />
Holiday to me is pampering time, so I had a lovely and relaxing shower with a good old homemade coffee scrub (sharing this later next week) and a face mask time immediately after. I went for two of my most loved face masks, the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Antipodes-Aura-Manuka-Honey-Mask-75ml" target="_blank">Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask</a> (£21,50) on the dry areas of my face, and the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory%C2%99-No-Cloggs-Allowed%C2%99-Super-Self-Heating-Deep-Pore-Detox-Mask_1364146/" target="_blank">Soap and Glory No Cloggs Allowed Mask</a> (£11,50) all over my chin, forehead and nose where I'm getting very spotty recently. Those two make the world of good for my skin and I always feel regenerated right after, with a fresh new skin replacing my usual dull one. And of course I went for the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Ever-Riche-Absolute-Oil-Precieux-150ml" target="_blank">L'Oreal EverRiche Absolute Oil Precieux</a> (£7,99) all over my hair, as this lovely product not only is amazing in giving a subtle shine and making your hair so soft, but it also smells heavenly with that jasmine aroma.<br />
<br />
Throw on my favorite lace blouse, an oldie but a goodie which actually looks pretty similar to <a href="http://www.asos.com/Oasis/Oasis-Lace-Trim-Shell-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3635332&SearchQuery=lace&Rf900=1557,1604&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Natural" target="_blank">this Oasis top</a>, and went for my minimal makeup routine for lazy days including only foundation, concealer (and I'm so happy I can now wear the <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/radiant-creamy-concealer/MUS300023892.html?dwvar_MUS300023892_color=US300023892&start=1&q=nars%20radiant" target="_blank">NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer</a> again as my skin is a bit less pale) and eyeliner, I decided to go for my new favorite shimmery pink lip shade, the <a href="http://www.maria-galland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Maria Galland Color Pencil in <i>200 Pamplemousse Rosé</i></a>*, which not only has the cutest name, but is also lovely as an everyday basic since it's the most flattering color on me with a tun of gorgeous golden shimmers in it, and you know how I feel about shimmers recently.<br />
<br />
I actually decided to treat myself to some <a href="http://cultbeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cult Beauty</a> products and placed a little order there as they are having one of their free worldwide shipping on every order until Tuesday. I'm not revealing what I purchased yet but I've just written a <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/04/a-cult-beauty-mini-wishlist.html" target="_blank">Mini Cult Beauty Wishlist</a>, so you can definitely guess, and if not, I'm sure I'm going to talk about them super soon. But for the rest I just had a good time with my family and ate my chocolate eggs, and now I'm super excited for tonight's episode of Game of Thrones, my new addiction!<br />
<br />
<i>What about your Easter Sunday?</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-4497640230228573332014-04-18T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-18T10:30:01.316+02:00A Cult Beauty Mini Wishlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc6MtHrTmcDG0gx-kNXhbFUfd-2XoTuemF3j-KnjmHu5fbryrsomU-C06L7tk8-5jMC6M3kZMECJ-15w_hJCwQsR4Lnr2Fc9YEKUqWyahjbMbQRqRX8SmSUg1WXH6YehSvsC9KjzYCyo/s1600/cultbeautywishlist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc6MtHrTmcDG0gx-kNXhbFUfd-2XoTuemF3j-KnjmHu5fbryrsomU-C06L7tk8-5jMC6M3kZMECJ-15w_hJCwQsR4Lnr2Fc9YEKUqWyahjbMbQRqRX8SmSUg1WXH6YehSvsC9KjzYCyo/s1600/cultbeautywishlist.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was on a very restrictive shopping ban - beauty version these past weeks, and now after a month and a half I'm craving some new beauty products so badly and have actually decided to treat myself to something new very soon. <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cult Beauty</a> is having a free worldwide shipping promo right now until April 22th with the code <i>FREESHIP1</i> on every order, and since I've always wanted to buy something from there, I think this could really be the right time. Also this is maybe the shortest wishlist I've ever write on here, but is very realistic and these are product I've eyed up since a long time.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/peter-thomas-roth-max-complexion-correction-pads.html" target="_blank">Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads</a> (£24,95) are actually the main reason I want to make a Cult Beauty order. This would be a very <a href="http://jennypurr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jennypurr</a> inspired purchase since, as soon as I read her review of the gentle version of these, I knew I had to buy these sometimes in the upcoming future, as she always is great in reccomending beauty products for acne prone skins. These are anti-acne and anti-aging pads containing BHAs in order to exfoliate over clogged pore and achieve a clearer skin appearance. These sound exactly like what I'm looking for right now, as if you read my <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/04/back-to-minimal.html" target="_blank">Back to minimal</a> feature you would know I'm recently fighting with a bad acne reaction to some skincare products. I'm sure these would do the world of good to my skin as BHAs are always well appreciated on my acne scars.<br />
<br />
An item that has been in my wishlist since forever is the <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sachajuan-ocean-mist.html" target="_blank">Sachajuan Ocean Mist</a> (£18); if you know me and my hair issues, I'm sure you'd be already tired of listening to me saying my hair is so plain and flat and I want volume and texture, but this is how things go and I've always wanted to try this or the Bumble and Bumble version of this spray, but both are pretty expensive and I don't really know if they could ever work on my boring and wilful hair that doesn't ever hold anything really. This should be an hybrid of a hair spray and a salt mist, so it should give hold and volume while adding some texture. If any flat hair girl has tried it, please tell me if it really works, I would love to know!<br />
<br />
Multi-purpose products always sound good to me and the <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/moa-the-green-balm.html" target="_blank">Moa The Green Balm</a> (£9,99) isn't an exception: it's a balm made out of green ingredients only such as coconut oil, sweet almonds oil, beeswax and tea tree oil, thought to sooth any kind of skin issue like eczema, dry patches, bites or even to be used after getting a tattoo or a piercing. It can also be used as a makeup remover or a cleansing balm, and it's perfect for sensitive skins too, so it really sounds as a wonder balm in a little pot!<br />
<br />
Lastly the <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/omorovicza-glam-glow.html" target="_blank">Omorovicza Glam Glow</a> (£35) is a product that went in my wishlist only recently actually as when the temperature goes up I'm all about gradual tanners. I've tried a few last year and I wasn't truely impressed with any of them, but I read some amazing review about this Omorovicza offering that aims to very gradually build a nice and natural color on the skin, avoiding unflattering tide marks and being very easy to apply.<br />
<br />
Also Cult Beauty is having its <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sale.html" target="_blank">mid-season sale</a> right now and I can't deny the <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sale/institut-esthederm-bronze-repair-body-lotion-normal-sun.html" target="_blank">Institut Esthederm Bronze Repair Body Lotion</a> and the <a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sale/stila-cosmetics-pertect-and-correct-foundation.html" target="_blank">Stila Cosmetics Pertect and Correct Foundation</a> are both very tempting too!<br />
<br />
<i>Let me know if you tried some of these products and what you think about them!</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-73495358909745600632014-04-16T10:30:00.000+02:002014-04-16T10:30:00.814+02:00A pinch of pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56re6mSMUypqZJhQKDgl55Mt4b85hXZNpgjmxoWpdZWcp12vD6EuT5oBW43-GqrKu8u3GJ9UohbOgMsrF6QFt2VEgWxECmnMqjBuU5D7koeYfGu0Z3TV9MqsDeeXEQwTQMu27jI9X-Sw/s1600/springinpink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56re6mSMUypqZJhQKDgl55Mt4b85hXZNpgjmxoWpdZWcp12vD6EuT5oBW43-GqrKu8u3GJ9UohbOgMsrF6QFt2VEgWxECmnMqjBuU5D7koeYfGu0Z3TV9MqsDeeXEQwTQMu27jI9X-Sw/s1600/springinpink.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm always super excited about spring, my favorite time of the year, and when it comes to makeup I always love to go back in my drawers and pick up some products I've almost forgot during the winter in order to prefer some deeper colors, but spring and summer are all about bright shades, and pink has always been my favorite.<br />
<br />
I definitely need to find a pink based but reasonably neutral cream eyeshadow, but for now the pink products I'm loving this spring are mainly lipsticks and blushers. I've always been very faithful to the <a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/bourjois-lrp-blush-creme-healthy-glow-t02/10796209.html" target="_blank">Bourjois Cream Blush in <i>02 Healthy Glow</i></a> (£7,99) as this immediately became my all time favorite blush as soon as I bought it a few months ago. This is a beautiful peachy pink which looks gorgeous on the cheek and gives the prettiest touch of color. I love the texture as well, as it is one of those cream-to-powder blushers which goes on very silky on the skin and looks always flattering. Another old favorite of mine is the <a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk/face/blusher?product_id=140" target="_blank">NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic</a>* (£5,50), a very inexpensive product but a lovely barbie pink shade on the cheeks. It has a nice wet finish when blended and even though it could feel a bit sticky sometimes, I really like it for a soft touch of color. Lastly on the blushers front I have to mention another cream blush, the <b>Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Score</i> which unfortunately is everyday more difficult to find, but these blushers really have the best formula as they are not too creamy but a sort of tint and are pretty sheer but buildable so that you can build up the color as you like. <i>Score</i> is a beautiful peachy pink with a tun of golden shimmers in it that brings a beautiful light and color to your face.<br />
<br />
As for lipsticks, a pink shade I felt in love with <a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2013/04/review-nyx-lip-smacking-fun-colors-in.html" target="_blank"><i>last year</i></a> is the <a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk/lips/lipstick?product_id=266" target="_blank">NYX Round Lipstick in <i>Paris</i></a>* (£4), a lovely drugstore find in a shade I don't usually go for, but this very bright matte barbie pink really suits my skintone and create a lovely contrast against my dark hair, so it's the shade I usually go for when I feel a bit braver and want a bright touch of color on my lips. Two new lovely pink finds are the <a href="http://www.beautybay.com/cosmetics/pauljoe/g/lipstickrefillnatural/" target="_blank">Paul & Joe Natural Lipstick in <i>Pret-a-Porter</i></a> (£13,27) and the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Urban-Decay-Revolution-Lipstick-2-8g" target="_blank">Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in <i>Lovelight</i></a> (£15), two super nice shades and formulas. The former I reviewed <i><a href="http://www.miel-cafe.com/2014/03/review-paul-joe-pre-porter-lipstick.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i>and it's the lipstick I'm going for non-stop since I got it two months ago now, a beautiful sheer pure pink which goes on very creamy and super comfortable and brings a cute but elegant touch of color to my usually plain makeup. The latter is a more recent discovery, one of the UD Revolution Lipsticks everyone talks about, which has the best sheer formula that last a very long time once on the lips, and comes in a pretty peachy pink shade with a tun of golden shimmers in there. I think of it as a more shimmery lipstick version of the UD blush I mentioned above as they both have the same color and are sheer and beautiful. I must admit I sometimes apply this lipstick on my cheeks as well! Lastly the <a href="http://www.hqhair.com/korres-lip-butter-pomegranate/10359484.html" target="_blank">Korres Lip Butter in <i>Pomegranate</i></a> (£8) is a product I purchased last year and I felt in love with last summer, but this still is a firm favorite of mine as I always love super comfortable and creamy lip products, and this ticks all the boxes with that lovely coraly pink shade that goes on very sheer and the hydrating properties my chapped lips always crave.<br />
<br />
So this are the products I'm going to use non-stop this spring, but I'm probably going to buy more and more pink blushers and lipsticks before summer is over, so you can definitely expect an update sometimes soon, but for now this are going to fill the pink hole in my current makeup routine.<br />
<br />
<i>Which are your favorite pink products?</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-48540585233460149332014-04-14T11:00:00.000+02:002014-05-08T17:18:58.444+02:00Black Cherry & Chocolate (Ben's) Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WBL_sEel1aI6vDqffF4ejo6zsYqM33pc43ZBNwADgTSTj-Bftghk8_83ZZR8DrMU-yP3WU4QH7NdiEVoWP-Smmz1r5Y-Gv_wqmrltwk4SXjFs_dJMb4cqfAaNhZAdzwNs1979LqZ4OA/s1600/backcherryandchocolatecookies2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WBL_sEel1aI6vDqffF4ejo6zsYqM33pc43ZBNwADgTSTj-Bftghk8_83ZZR8DrMU-yP3WU4QH7NdiEVoWP-Smmz1r5Y-Gv_wqmrltwk4SXjFs_dJMb4cqfAaNhZAdzwNs1979LqZ4OA/s1600/backcherryandchocolatecookies2.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9SbaqDi9BH7gvlTDFU7FaQbaaIJIYiO3KTOSUh77jJoorsqcv6wCfiGpPShw9N73AVNDwNPSgBVcy1t8TMp_MfeDItaXG-aNb4VVcC-Wpe80Hg-2DcSf5wPg5REdgCTJH0c2dxJ1IPQ/s1600/backcherryandchocolatecookies1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9SbaqDi9BH7gvlTDFU7FaQbaaIJIYiO3KTOSUh77jJoorsqcv6wCfiGpPShw9N73AVNDwNPSgBVcy1t8TMp_MfeDItaXG-aNb4VVcC-Wpe80Hg-2DcSf5wPg5REdgCTJH0c2dxJ1IPQ/s1600/backcherryandchocolatecookies1.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last month I was in London and of course I needed to give some <a href="http://www.benscookies.com/" target="_blank">Ben's Cookies</a> a whirl for the first time. Fair enough I felt in love with them, and once I came home I knew I had to try baking them myself. A month later I came up with a pretty custom recipe very Ben's Cookies inspired and totally <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAV3ik_14kE" target="_blank">Luke Evans</a> based (oh dear, check his channel out because he makes the most beautiful videos) and thought I could share it with you as I'm pretty satisfied with the result. I assure you, these cookies are delicious, my entire family loves them, and if you're looking for something easy to make but very impressive to offer to your family or guests, you should give them a whirl!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For 9 big cookies you're going to need:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li>300g brown sugar</li>
<li>200g unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 medium egg</li>
<li>325g plain flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>A lot of dark chocolate and some sour black cherries</li>
</ul>
<div>
As you can see the ingredients are pretty basic and the majority of them I'm sure you all already have in your fridge, the only thing you may need to buy are black cherries, but these cookies are very customizable and you can add whatever you want and make them as you prefer like nuts, almonds, white chocolate, everything really! They're also pretty easy to prepare, you just need to remember to preheat the oven at 220°C and having your butter at room temperature before proceding.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I simply beated all the ingredients together with a whisk as it's the easiest way: starting from butter and sugar, I wanted it to be very soft and fluffly so I beated those two ingredient together for a few minutes, then I added the egg and beated again. Once mixed flour and baking powder together, I added them to the butter, sugar and egg mixture little by little until the dough was formed and it was quite solid and firm and not too sticky. If you feel your doug is too sticky add a bit of flour and beat again. Then I chopped the chocolate and added it to the mixture with some black cherry as well and blended all very evenly so that all the cookies had the right amount of chocolate and cherry once formed. I created nine big balls with my dough, arranged them on a baking tin lined with parchment paper and flattened them a tiny bit with my hands. Keeping in mind these cookies will spread out, I placed them reasonably apart from each others. Then I baked them for 12/13 minutes in the oven at 220°C, and they came out very chewy and gooey, but you can definitely let them bake a few minutes more if you desire. Consider your cookies will continue cooking on the hot baking tin when you pull them out of the oven, so don't overcook. I left them rest and cool for 20/30 minutes before trying them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think the dark chocolate really compliments and balances the sweetness of the sour black cherries, but I can't lie, they are very sweet, and if you don't love super sweet things you may have to consider using a lot less cherries than I did. But these to me were perfection, and I'm really satisfied on how they came out, so I hope you can enjoy this recipe too and try them in the upcoming future! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>What is your favorite cookies flavor?</i></div>
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124314440973999865.post-16379868464775810662014-04-11T15:00:00.000+02:002014-04-11T23:06:47.837+02:00A fresh new start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0QgXLUa87Wv8WfJvWu9OghTs_3Ki6AGE1HJDL2y6AJvRkFQadNxC-P_Ut9Wh4BmPYGydhji19jDuVx5Hey7cTym8g7XzJqtzG3Odew6f_jLLM7PZLFKypSVgpt6yM0uOaYnQ9KiyNJU/s1600/DSC_1599.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0QgXLUa87Wv8WfJvWu9OghTs_3Ki6AGE1HJDL2y6AJvRkFQadNxC-P_Ut9Wh4BmPYGydhji19jDuVx5Hey7cTym8g7XzJqtzG3Odew6f_jLLM7PZLFKypSVgpt6yM0uOaYnQ9KiyNJU/s1600/DSC_1599.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You may have noticed I've stopped blogging regulary this last week, it was because I had plans for this blog of mine to change a little bit and have a new fresh interface, but things has changed a lot more than only that. It was a while I couldn't feel my blog like somewhere to truely and completely express myself, but this is exactly what blogs are meant to be, places where you can share things you love and enjoy doing it. I started worrying a bit too much about stats, I was a bit bored with my only beauty related content, and these and some other reasons brought me to the decision to refresh it completely and start blogging in a different way.<br />
<br />
I was very inspired by some recent posts on other blogs and decided to stop worrying about stats and things, but only appreciate what I have, a place where I can completely express myself, and so I decided I'm going to widen my contents and start blogging about other things I love instead of only beauty, such as food, deisgn, home decor, and also to include some lifestyle posts more often, which are definitely my favorites to read. Of course my main passion is beauty so I'll continue blogging about that, but I'm going to try not treat it as my main and only topic on here and spice things up a bit more often.<br />
<br />
You may have noticed my blog has a new name, which I definitely like a lot more. Also changing my blog name can be a bit a tricky decision, but really makes things easier when it comes to make a big change in the content. My old blog's name was too beauty related and didn't go well with my new purposes, this new one instead is definitely a lot more appropriate. The word <i>Café</i> always makes me think of a cozy place where to spend a beautiful afternoon, and <i>Miel,</i> well, you know I'm obsessed by honey!<br />
<br />
I also decided to stop writing in italian, and this was probably my biggest decision and doubt as I know a lot of my readers read me in italian, but writing in two different languages takes a lot of time and is way too demanding, plus I always hated that moment when I had to translate all my post from english to italian, it was very boring as you can imagine. It really took all my inspiration and creativity away, whereas writing in one language only is definitely more quick so I can post more often and is never boring. Also I recently started hating the italian blogging reality for way too many reasons, it really made blogging something I wanted to stay away from, and this wasn't right, so I decided to finally escape from that reality.<br />
<br />
Of course I changed my blog template, and this is nothing more than my favorite between my premade blogger templates, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/it/listing/184277916/lilac-tulips-premade-minimal-blogger?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Lilac Tulips</a>, edited just a bit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm really excited to see my new content go live super soon on here since as soon as I decided to make this big change I came up with some beautiful ideas for the upcoming posts. Hopefully this way will keep my creativity always alive when it comes to my blog since I love blogging more than everything else! Hope you can appreciate this fresh new start and understand my reasons. </div>
</div>
Giadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517260496274795672noreply@blogger.com0