OOTD | Weekday Wandering

 T-Shirt Keya / Skirt Nasty Gal / Choker eBay / Back Pack UNIF / Shoes T.U.K.

Hi lovelies! So I just the tastiest of breakfasts this morning with Erin. We went to Shouk Cafe in Paddington, where we feasted on a delicious Persian influenced breakfast. I just wanted to wear something comfy and simple for a wander through Paddington. 

OOTD | Sayonara To The Weekend

Kimono - gift / black slip dress - Target / Dr Martens - vintage/retro via Paddington Antique Centre / backpack - Pineland Leather via gift / sunglasses - Sportsgirl

Apart from with second-hand clothes my favourite way to dress is simply. I recently purchased this slip to go underneath a garment I found whilst thrifting and I think I have grown to like this than the dress itself. This black slip, that I picked up pretty cheaply at Target, is so ridiculously comfortable that its hard to want to put anything on top. I'm thinking this, and potentially similar items, are going to become staples for me this summer. 

Hair | Straightening with the InStyler

Hi lovelies! So my hair has changed quite a bit over the course of this blog. From very short, to blue, to pink, I am a floozy when it comes to styles. Now that my hair's a little longer I've really been enjoying wearing it straight. What I've been using for this is an InStyler. 

Hair | Crown Braid

Hello lovelies! So after having short hair for quite some time I have really been enjoying being able to play around with plaited hairstyles. I learnt to braid by playing hair dresser to my younger sister. I've been loving this hairstyle to keep my hair out of my face during long uni days. And you don't have to worry about any tension headaches. 

Recipe | Sweet Potato Fries

Hi lovelies! So just because I don't think I've mentioned it enough in recent posts I am currently in the midst of university exams. As a result everything I've been cooking has been really quick and simple. These chunky sweet potato fries make a great side dish, or just to share with friends. 

OOTD | Ripped at the Knees

 Crop Top NastyGal / Necklaces eBay / Jeans Urban Outfitters / Shoes Nike Air Propels

Hi lovelies! I've been loving dressing comfortably of late. The weather still isn't particularly cold during the day, so velvet has been doing a nice job of keeping me warm but not too warm. This crop top has a matching midi pencil skirt, and whilst I love a matching two piece, it felt a bit much for a casual afternoon. I'm looking forward to wearing the pair together on a night out glammed up with some heels. 

Recipe | Bacon, Leek & Feta Frittata

Hi lovelies! I have been all about quick and easy meals of late. I had some eggs that needed using up and so I knocked up a quick frittata which has been making for a super quick lunch or breakfast. 

DIY | Coffee Scrub

Hi lovelies! Amongst my friends it is no secret that I am a coffee snob. I am also a bit of an addict and I don't seem to function quite right without that first morning cup of coffee ...or two. Caffeine has many benefits to skin, and I have been looking into ways to repurpose my coffee grinds. 

Recipe | Warm Chicken Pesto Salad

Hi lovelies! Sorry it's been awhile in between posts. I've been moving house and have been internetless. I made this salad for dinner a couple of nights back and it was a really tasty, fresh and satisfying feed. Thought I'd post it up because I tend to prefer salads in the warmer weather. 

Recipe | Kale Chips

Hi lovelies! Continuing on from Erin's previous post on how to cook edamame, I thought I'd show you my experiments with kale chips. Initially these were a bit of an experiment as I wasn't sure I would enjoy these chips that much. However several empty bowls later I can confirm that these are just as addictive as everyone says they are.

Recipe | Chicken Meatballs

I'm not sure if either Erin or I have mentioned it but we are off to the Woodford Folk Festival next week and we are more than a little excited. This recipe is somewhat of a clearing out of my fridge in preparation for my week away. If you decide to make this meal yourself feel free to substitute any of the vegetables or meat with whatever you have to hand. 

Recipe | Mac and Cheese Dreams

Like I said in my last recipe, I've been in a cheesy world the last week or two. I threw a classic macaroni and cheese recipe together which turned out pretty well and thought I'd hone it down a little more before I presented it to you. This is my second attempt at the classic dish and I'm pretty impressed with myself. I've had a look at other simple recipes online and this seems fairly on par with them too. You'll notice a little greenery mixed in as well which is my attempt to make this semi-nutritious. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

350g small elbow pasta/macaroni/liscio piccolo, uncooked

1/3 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup plain flour

450ml milk

1 egg, whisked

1 1/4 cup strong vintage cheddar, grated

1 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated 

1/2 zucchini, grated

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place a large pot of water onto boil with a pinch of salt. Once boiling add pasta and cook until when tested, is slightly too chewy to serve. Drain and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil (if you like) and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a smaller pot melt butter over a low heat. While continually stirring, slowly add flour. A gooey paste should form. In a similar method to the flour, slowly pour in milk and stir until it starts to thicken. The gooey paste formed by the flour and butter should be dissolving into the milk and a beautiful white sauce should be appearing. Momentarily remove pan from the heat and slowly add the whisked egg. Once thickened, add 1 cup of grated strong vintage cheddar and 1 cup of parmesan. Continue to stir until it almost becomes too thick to stir and quickly remove from the heat. 

This next step is entirely up to you in the way in which you do it but this is my method. Slowly, adding a large spoonful at a time, add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until it is all combined. If the sauce looks to be running a bit low, you've added enough pasta and the rest can be used for another dish. I find this quantity of pasta to work fine though. 

Add in the zucchini and combine. Decant into a baking dish and cover with the remaining cheese for a beautiful crispy finish. Place in the preheated oven for 15-20minutes or until golden brown on top.

Serve up and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Happy Holidays! 

Erin xx

About Face | The 5 Product Face

Hi lovelies! I am a big lover of music festivals. Recently this has been my go-to face to last through the long and sweaty days. Personally I can't think of much worse than sitting in a camping chair trying to apply my usual routine with a tiny compact mirror. For festival days (and nights) I opt for a five product face that only uses one brush.