Super Duper Porridge

Recipe Below!

When it comes to breakfast, my appreciation for porridge has reached epic levels. Winter mornings are hell, and when I awake, I'm looking for something hearty, substantial and downright nourishing. Porridge is the one thing I know I can rely on during the colder months.

There are many ways to create porridge and I say create, because there is a definite art in producing a decent bowl. Of course, there are many ways of making what is essentially just oats and liquid, but here are a few of my own pointers (gained after many, many years of experimentation). 

• Choose Jumbo Oats. (And preferably organic) I find these work best as they have been least tampered with. Plus they create a lovely nutty texture.

• Use Milk. Always. I cook porridge with skimmed milk, but friends often say to me they make theirs with water to 'save calories.' I think this is a mistake and a false economy. The protein in the milk helps give you a well-rounded breakfast and keeps you fuller for longer. Plus, you're getting calcium to strengthen your bones. If you can't tolerate/don't like cow's milk, choose an alternative like soya or rice. 

• Cook it in a Saucepan. Step away from the microwave. Porridge made on the stove top is far superior in taste and only takes 5-10 minutes. 

I have decided to share my very special porridge recipe. It's one of my favourites.

Cinnamon and Raisin Porridge with Toasted Almonds

You will need:

• Organic Jumbo Porridge Oats (Approx 40g for 1)

• Skimmed Milk (180mls for 1)

• Raisins

• Cinnamon

• Flaked Almonds

• Whole Almonds

• Agave Nectar/Maple Syrup to serve.

1. Turn hob onto a medium heat setting.

2. In a saucepan place the oats and pour in the milk.

3. Sprinkle in some raisins. (However many you think you want!)

4. Add in a few of whole almonds. (Optional)

5. Spoon in some Cinnamon. (As much or as little as you like)

6. Allow to come to the boil and then simmer. Stir frequently.

7. As the porridge thickens, take a small non-stick frying pan and tip in the flaked almonds.

8. Heat & watch carefully as they will burn easily!

9. When the flaked almonds are nicely browned  - set to one side.

10. Tip the porridge into a bowl, drizzle with syrup and top with almonds.

11. Serve with a nice cuppa peppermint tea!

Cinnamon & Raisin Porridge with Toasted Almonds. Nom Nom!

That's all for today folks. I hope you liked this post - feel free to comment below and do tell me, are you a porridge lover? Or do you still think it is inedible grey sludge?

Ciao for now x

And the Winner is...

The time has finally come to announce the winner of my UBER MEGA GIVEAWAY!

I can't tell you how surprised and happy I am that I've received so many responses and messages from you all. It was incredible, and I really do hope that you stick around to enjoy reading more of my upcoming posts.

I, of course, have listened to everything that you say you like and noted down things that you want to see more of. These include:

• More Hauls
• Makeup Tutorials
• Tags
• NOTD's
• OFTD's
• Product Reviews (including organic & vegan options)
• Swatches & Dupes
 

Okay, so without further delay - the winner is:

** Clairehuskie **

And the runner up prize goes to:

** Rosiehannahh **

Massive Congratulations from Emmiesdarlings! Your names were picked out by Random.org.

Sorry if you haven't won this time around. I assure you that there will be more giveaways soon (I'm already planning the next one!) and remember that there are loads of other things to be happy about today, other than winning these prizes. (Maybe looking at this picture?!)

So that is it for today, but I did just want to say a HUGE welcome to all my new followers and a special 'bless you' to all my long standing ones.

Ciao for now x 

Outfit of a Wedding Guest

A couple of weekends ago, I attended a family wedding and had an absolutely super time. The couple looked amazing and a splendid day was had by all. I thought I'd do a very quick post to share with you what I wore.

Dress: French Connection

Shoes: Office - (dug out from the back of my wardrobe) Heel = insanely high, nevertheless I did a heck of a lot of dancing in them...

Jewellery: Not wanting to take away from the detailing of the dress, I chose not to wear a necklace or any bracelets. I did however, stick with my silver rings (I feel naked without them!)

Nail Varnish: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Pedal to the Metal £6.99

Make-up: 

• Primer: MAC Prep & Prime £18.00
• Foundation: NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Deauville £29.50
• Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion £14.50
• Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium (18.50)
• Blush: MAC Sakura Mineralize Blush (from the Quite Cute Collection) £19.00
• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50
• Eye brow pencil: MAC Pencil (Stud) £11.50 
• Eyebrow set: MAC £11.50
• Eyeshadows: MAC Crystal, Digit, Scene & Knight Divine £11.50 
• Eyeliner:  Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - Collection 2000 £2.99
• Eye Pencil: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye pencil £13.00
• Mascara: Benefit They're Real £18.50
• Lipstick: MAC Playtime (from the Quite Cute Collection) £13.50 

That's it for today folks - told you it was going to be quick! Hope you liked it though, perhaps leave me a little comment? 

 

Ciao for now x

PS. I will be announcing the winner of my Uber Mega Giveaway very shortly - sorry for the hold up!

NOTD - Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel (646)

Inglot_O2M_Breathable_Nail_Enamel_646

As Autumn has most definitely arrived, I've put my candy colours aside for the moment and gone for this most beautiful dark blue from Inglot.

It comes from their O2M range, which is nail polish based on the polymer that was originally developed for breathable contact lenses.  

They say that the use of new polymer, 

• - significantly increases the oxygen permeability of the varnish films (until 54 cm3/sec). 
• - improves the permeability to water vapour
• - facilitates the varnish spreading 
• - reduces the film tightness

No.646

This nail polish goes on like a dream. Two coats create a completely opaque nail with no streaking in sight. I put it down to the high-tech formulation, which also helped my DIY manicure last for ages. In fact, I had no chipping for five days. Impressive.  

The range contains NONE of the following;

• toluene
• formaldehyde
• dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• camphor

Which is obviously another huge bonus for this range.

Inglot_ O2M _Breathable_ Nail _Polish

The O2M bottles are slightly smaller than the original Inglot polishes and a tiny bit more expensive, but I would definitely say that they are worth it. Better nail health, longer lasting manicure = an overall good buy. 

Click HERE for more information and to find out where your nearest store is.

So, that's it for today folks. What do you think? Have you tried any of these special 'breathable' polishes? Let me know in the comments below - I do read every single one!

Ciao for now x

Outfit of the Other Day (Vintage)

Making the most the last summer wild flowers of the year...

Today, I've done a quick post to show you this very sweet vintage dress. Ordinarily I don't go near yellow. It is, in fact, a colour I actively avoid. However, when I saw this, I knew it had to be mine. Please do excuse the occasional crease - I haven't had chance to tend to it properly yet - I wanted to show you all first!

The back is totally adorable with frilly edging. The print is floral and is very obviously from the seventies!
 

I've teamed it with some gold hoop earrings that I picked up from Gray's Antiques just off Bond St in London. 

My gold hoop earrings that need a good clean!

Can you Spot Sprout? Always trying to get in on the action!

Make up wise nothing that exotic! I have used some of my staple products for a very easy to create look. 

• Primer: Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer £12.99
• Foundation: NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Deauville £29.50
• Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion £14.50
• Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium (18.50)
  
• Bronzer: Nars Laguna (24.50)
• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50
• Eye brow pencil: MAC Pencil (Stud) £11.50 
• Eyebrow set: MAC £11.50
• Eyeshadows: Urban Decay Naked Palette £35.00
• Eyeliner:  Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - Collection 2000 £2.99
• Mascara: MAC False Lashes £17.50
• Lipstick: No7 Poppy King (Allure) £12.00

If you'd actually like me to do a tutorial on this look or any of the looks I create, do let me know in the comments below. 

So that's it for today folks, I hope you've enjoyed having a sneaky peek at this funny old dress...If you have, you might like to do one of the following:

• Comment below -Comments make me happy.

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE - Quick though, you haven't got long left!

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

Thanks & Ciao for now x

August Favourites

Summer has ended. Noooo! I refuse to believe it. On the other hand, the A/W ranges in the shops are looking all the more tempting now, and I feel a few naughty spending splurges coming on...

Anyhow, swiftly moving onto the matter at hand. The old monthly favourites post. It feels like I haven't done one of these for yonks and it has been nice to sit back and have a good look at the things I have been enjoying the past four weeks. 

Rouge Prodige Lipstick (Red)

August has been a funny old month for me, I'm definitely going through some sort of transitional period in my life. I'm coming to realise that if things aren't going to plan - rip that plan up and make a new one.

This lipstick is perhaps the item that has most indicated the change in the air for me. You see, I don't really do red. At least, I didn't. But then I met Clarin's Rouge Prodige Lipstick and I've been seduced. This is one hot colour.

Clarins_Rouge_Prodige_Swatch

My 'intense' pose!

This intense colour certainly matches up to my intense pose - it's incredible. I've taken to red like a duck to water. Perhaps it is the fact that the Clarins Rouge Prodige is so easy to wear - long lasting, doesn't dry my lips out and weirdly makes me feel like a 'proper' grown up! 

You can buy this beauty for £17 at counters nationwide - alternatively, click the link above and buy from Feel Unique for £15.30 (inc. delivery!)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat

I think that this is one of the best, yet one of the most over-looked topcoats on the market. I, myself have walked past it on occasions thinking that there must be some other ultimate/superior polish around. That sounds incredibly snobbish, but I suppose we've been brought up in a culture where more expensive = better. But no, this just isn't necessarily the case. I have tried top coats that have been double, even triple the cost of this one, yet something always lures me back to the little red bottle.

So here's the deal, you apply one coat of this polish a couple of minutes after you finish painting your nails. They'll be dry "to the touch" within 30 seconds. That is a gentle touch mind you - I did a couple of tests! After those 30 seconds, you can, for example, use your mobile. After a further two or so minutes, you can visit the ladies and undo zips etc without fear of smudging. Fifteen minutes and you'll be routing round your handbag for your keys, occasionally catching glimpses your high gloss super shiny nails. All good for a pretty reasonable £6.

Purple Maxi Skirt - Dorothy Perkins (Now £15!)

This maxi skirt has been a total staple in my wardrobe this month. In my all time favourite purple, when teamed up with a black body (Primark do an awesome one for about £6) you have a colour blocking sensation! Okay, that might be taking it a little too far, but it has been an easy 'go to' outfit and I'm sure it will continue to be so going into September.

Laura Geller Vanishing Act Duo Concealer

Laura_Geller_Vanishing_Act_Duo_Concealer

Now, I don't really get excited about concealers. It's not the kind of product I tend to think of when writing favourites either. However, here we have Laura Geller's Vanishing Act Duo and by goodness is it worth a mention. They say,

"Perfect for disguising dark circles and skin imperfections, Vanishing Act is a non-drying, crease-proof concealer duo that you can custom blend to match your skin tone. Use the applicator brush included to help blend the colours for a professional finish and to achieve the desired coverage."

The creamy consistency of this handbag sized duo helps it stand out from all the other concealers by quite a long way. I love that you can 'custom blend' to your own skin tone. I love that it doesn't dry out my skin. I also love the fact that, when applied underneath my eyes, there are no creases. The little brush is remarkably good too given that most that come with products tend to be a bit dodgy. Downside? Price perhaps. It is expensive at £14.75. Having said that, higher end concealers do tend to be around the same price mark - Benefit's Bo-ing is £16.50 and MAC's Studio Sculpt is slightly less at £13.50. I certainly believe you're getting more for you're money with Laura Geller. What do you think?

Melvita Rosehip Seed Oil

Miracle Oil! Melvita's _Rosehip_Seed _Oil

So, if you are a regular reader of this 'ere blog, you'll know that a couple of months ago, I had an operation. Soon as I was able, I got myself down to the lovelies in Melvita to guide me in my quest for a scar reducing oil. And were they helpful? Woah! Of course they were. I love Melvita and will be devoting a post entirely to them in the coming weeks. But back to the Rosehip Seed Oil. This was the first thing recommended to me when I rolled in there (still practically wearing the hospital nightie) and I bought it straight away.

And I'm so glad I did. I can't tell you what a difference it has made to my four scars in the 6 weeks I've been using it. Melvita's oil is an Eco Certified and Organic product and is from the first cold press of the seeds (this is when they are most potent).

Rosehip Seed Oil is considered a 'dry' oil, which basically means that it sinks into the skin easily with no greasy residue. Scientific research has shown it works wonders on the following:

• Stretch marks
• UV damage from overexposure to the sun
• Scars from surgery, burns, and acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Wrinkles and premature skin aging
  
• Brittle nails
• Dry and damaged hair  

What makes this wonder oil so fabulous?

It is jam packed with Vitamins A, E and Essential Fatty Acids - all the things you need to help with the above conditions. The vitamin A in particular helps with cell rejuvenation and it also promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase. Over all healthier skin is revealed!

£18 from Melvita (and worth every penny)  

So that's it for my August favourites. I do hope you've found something that takes your fancy. Do leave me a comment and let me know if you've tried any of the products!  

• Don't forget to enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.  Not long to go now!

• If you'd be so kind, please nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

Thanks and Ciao for now x

Ten Things That Rock My World.

As yesterday was a bank holiday here in the UK, I decided to spend my day doing rather a different and slightly light-hearted post. Apologies for it not going up on the day itself but unfortunately I've been struck down by some evil cold bug and I didn't quite have the umph to get it published. 

In essence, having a three day weekend gave me time to stop, which I rarely do, and ponder the things, besides beauty & makeup, which give me a little flutter in my stomach or a little grin on my face. 

1. Dancing Insanely

I do like to break out a few moves every once in a while. Really just go a bit crazy and let my body 'go with the flow.' I may well put a video up at some point, if you're lucky ;)

"You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart."

2. Creativity

 Two of my paintings.

Two pieces of my homemade jewellery

For me, being creative isn't necessarily about painting or making jewellery it's about taking risks, growing, experimenting and having fun.

"Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been." ~ Adla.


3.  My Dog Sprout

This new mix will sound proper bangin' through my new woofers!

Sprout and I come as a package. Wherever I go, he goes pretty much - we are inseparable. His ears smell like popcorn, his nickname is Toad and well, he won't get up in the morning. See below.

 
"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell" Emily Dickinson

4. Silver Jewellery

A selection of the places my silver radar has searched out!

I'm like a magpie when it comes to silver jewellery, especially earrings and silver bangles. Anything unusual looking - good quality and items I can imagine passing down to any future children I may have. I will be doing a 'I love silver jewellery' post in the not too distant future so I won't reveal that much now, but if you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I like vintage pieces, particularly marcasite. 

5. Romance/Love

I am a true romantic at heart and I love to be loved/be in love.

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." ~ Aristotle 

6. Music (In it's many forms)

Bass time

The Ravonettes

Music plays a massive part in my life, whether it be learning to play my bass, going to gigs, writing songs or listening to my ipod. It helps me think, express emotion and sometimes, be transported somewhere else. 

"Music is what feelings sound like"

7. Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt 

A small selection of recent eats...

The cold stuff. I just love it. Has to be either vanilla or pistachio. Added fruit and/or nuts a bonus. I am particular though - no chocolate or strawberry allowed. (Unless it is SNOG's Chocolate fro yo then it's allowed...)
Remember Tutti Frutti? Do they still make that flavour? Oh that was awesome...

8. Inner Peace & Spirituality

My Buddha Head

Reflecting by the Sea.

I am always striving to find balance and contentment in my life. Spirituality helps me.

"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." ~ Gandhi

9. Keeping Fit & Healthy 

Jumping on a trampoline, dancing, yoga, running, Taekwondo or just walking Sprout - being active is super important to me. At various times in my life I've been so physically unwell and so exhausted that I haven't been able to move around at all. Now, I really don't take for granted the fact I can do as I please (although a tad slower than everyone else!)

10. Markets

What goodies can I spy?!

I ADORE a good rummage round a market. From aromatic spices to vintage clothes to complete tat - I'm there. Firstly, there's the excitement of finding something you like and then you've got the whole process of bartering the price. Always start off with half of what they want and work from there, and remember to be polite & friendly. 

And you obviously can't miss...?

11. Breakfast!

Bit of fruit, muesli & yogurt - energy for the day.

There are just so many awesome foods to eat at breakfast. Porridge, pancakes, yogurts, muesli's, eggs Benedict, muffins...Nom nom nom!!!!

So that's it folks, I really hope you've enjoyed this post. Why not do it yourself on your own blog? I'd love to see ten things that rock your world...(link me in by leaving your address in the comments box below...) 

To get the ball rolling on this one, I'm going to tag a few fellow bloggers to have a go, but in essence, I tag everyone. 

Right:

Julie from Memybest&I

Natalie from pixielashes

Bettina from BeautySwot 

Vivianna from Vivannadoesmakeup

Bex from Bex-4-ever

Natalie from Flaneur in the City

Sinead from Dainty DollyMix

Hannah from Which way to Wonderland? 

MSodapop from MSodapop 

Clare from Bigbeautyblog
Zo from the london lipgloss 

I shall await eagerly! 

Also, there is still time to enter my MEGA UBER giveaway - all you have to do is click HERE.

Ciao for now x

Outfit of the Other Day - Farmer's Daughter

With summer coming to an end, I have been spending as much time outside as I possibly can. Whenever I go and stay with the family up north, I really enjoy letting the fresh air get right into my lungs. It makes a refreshing change from London life, the hustle and bustle - the to-ing and fro-ing. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't live anywhere else, but it is nice to escape sometimes - see the farm, get a bit muddy and go on long walks with Sprout the dog.

 

Sprout had a complete funny five minutes round the field during this shot hence the giggle!

Clothes

• Crochet Vest: Kindly made by my most adorable Gran all the way down in Devon.

• Vintage Skirt: Green suede from the 1960's - stolen from my Mother's wardrobe.

• Wellies: Traditional Hunter (Yup still my Dad's!)

Jewellery

• Necklace: A mixture of beads and stones - given as a gift so I'm not sure how much or where from...

• Earrings:  Found in my bottom drawer back at my parents place. Treasures - you never know where they may crop up! 

Make-up

Nothing too fancy with the make-up, or the hair for that matter. In fact, I don't think it's even been brushed, just put one side up with a bobby pin. Products used:

• Primer: Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer £12.99

• Tinted Moisturiser:Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser spf 20 £33.00

• Bronzer: The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Gel £11

• Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (Medium) £18.50

• Highlighter: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen £24.50

• Concealer: MAC Prolongwear £13.50

• Eye brow pencil: MAC Pencil (Stud) £11.50 

• Eyebrow set: MAC £11.50

• Eye Shadow: Benefit's Creasless Cream in Skinny Jeans £14.00

• Eyeliner: Rimmel Flash Eyeliner £4.79

• Mascara: MAC False Lashes £17.50

• Lipstick: Clarin's Rouge Prodige £17.00     

I love my dog!

As you can see, in terms of the outfit, it cost me nothing. Well, next to nothing (I did buy my own underwear!) It goes to show that a rummage round here and there, you can have yourself, well, dressed at the very least!  

So that my darlings, is all for today. I really hope you've liked some of what you've seen. If you have, perhaps think about doing one of the following...

• Comment below -Comments make me happy.

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

Thanks & Ciao for now x

OMG! It's Not Purple...

No purple NOTD! Check me out...bought these little beauties form Orly. 

From left to right:

• Tiara
• It's Up To Blue
• Etolie
• Blue Belle 

Orly's Blue Belle

Orly's It's Up to Blue

Orly polishes have a bit of a cult following. Personally, I don't own many so was interested to pick up four of the miniatures in a local independent pharmacy (£3.99 each). The display of these babies is adorable and I defy anyone who has any interest in nail colour to walk past them. I would say it is near on impossible.

Oh yes please!!!

As you know, I very rarely move away from my staple range of purple shades, however with these 5.4ml bottles it seemed the perfect time for me to broaden my horizons so to speak.

Orly is a higher end polish but with this size you get to pay a small amount for a good quality product (& you get to finish the bottle before it goes all gloopy!). Each shade is free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene (harmful toxins) - so a real bonus in my book.

In terms of application, Orly's famous 'gripper cap' makes things a whole lot easier. Rubber with grooves there is no chance of any hand slippage. The brush is fairly thin - I'd prefer it to be wider as with some of the polishes streaking became an issue. 

I needed two/three coats of each of these colours as they were quite thin. A base & top coat is also a necessity to stop chipping. Whilst these are not my favourite polishes, I would buy them again. I think the formulations vary from shade to shade so I may well have to buy a few more in order to do some further 'scientific' research! ;)

You can buy these little miniatures online and in some larger Boots stores at the rather overpriced £5. I guess it is going to be pot luck if you can find them cheaper like I did - perhaps leave a comment below if you've struck gold! 

Did you like this post? Yes? Then perhaps think about doing one of the following...

 

• Comment below - I LOVE comments...

• Enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.

• Nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

 

Thanks & Ciao for now x