Review | Impress Nails in Curtain Call

 Press & Go Manicure in Curtain Call (short length)

Hi lovelies! Now I must confess I have always been a nail biter. Unfortunately it's a habit that I have never managed to grow out of. Whilst every now and then I resolve to let my nails grow out, they never seem to last long. Clearly the years of biting have taken their toll on the strength of my nails. 

Recipe | Capsicum Nachos

After a recent nachos gorge session I figured there must be a more healthy way to enjoy the Mexican cuisine classic. I've seen recipes around the internet using mini capsicums in a similar way but none using my favourite ingredients and truly utilising the capsicum as a corn chip replacement. I know that Jess' favourite food is capsicum so when she came over for a chilled out girls night I knew it was the time to try this recipe (she's also very handy in the kitchen). 

Serves 4 - 5

Ingredients

2 packets of miniature capsicums, halved and deseeded

3 tomatoes, diced

cucumber, diced

small red onion, diced

400g tin corn kernels 

1 green capsicum, diced

1 lemon, juiced

1 lime, juiced

400g tin Old El Paso Mexe-Beans

bottle of Old El Paso Think n Chunky Medium Salsa

sour cream

guacamole (1 ripe avocado, 1tbsp sour cream, salt and pepper smashed together)

2 cups tasty cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 200°C. 

On a baking tray lined with wax proof paper arrange the capsicum halves so that they're quite bunched together with the open side facing upwards. Place in oven for 10 minutes then remove. 

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mix red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green capsicum, lemon and lime juice. 

Spoon Mexe-Beans and the Medium Salsa evenly on top of the partially cooked capsicums. Next, sprinkle over a thin later of cheese. Spoon the diced vegetable salsa on top. You may end up with excess salsa; this can be stored in the fridge for use at a later date. Cover your nachos with the remaining cheese and place in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to become golden.

Once cooked, serve with sour cream and guacamole.  

Enjoy your healthier nachos!
Erin xx

Shopping | Dragonberry Pop Up Shop

Hi lovelies! Last Friday and Saturday Dragonberry, a popular Brisbane boutique, had a pop up store in the Valley. The store boasted of discounted stock with nothing being more than $10. Of course my interest was peaked and I toddled off cash in hand. 

Nails | A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins by Clinique

In a recent restock of my much loved foundation, Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions, I was once again enticed by the "spend $60 to receive our free gift" shenanigan. It is always a great gift so I picked the A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins in Red Red Red to push me over the mark. 

Recipe | Carrot and Turmeric Soup

Hi lovelies! I am in love with soup at the moment and have been loving experimenting in the kitchen. This recipe is courtesy of the lovely Madeleine Shaw and it's made for a delicious lunch the past couple of weeks. You can find the original recipe here.

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. 

Monthly Round-Up | February

Eat and Drink
Timber Cabin and Coffee House, Stones Corner

Nestled away in the blossoming Stones Corner, previously known as Green Door Cafe, Timber Cabin and Coffee House has recently had a makeover appropriate for its extension into the bar scene. Opening in the evenings Thursday through Sunday, Timber is a cool place to chill out and soak up some cabin vibes with tasty bites to eat and delicious beverages. If you're a fan of Mojitos they have a great two-for-one deal on Thursday evenings but if not they do a whole range of fancy cocktails and stock beers by my favourite Burleigh Brewing Company.

If you're looking for a new place to frequent and are Brisbane south side bound, look no further than Timber. 

Read
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

In a similar fashion to my favourite books last month, I have again become enamoured with the story of an inspirational woman. I Am Malala is the autobiography, aided by internationally celebrated foreign correspondent Christina Lamb, of campaigner for education, Malala Yousafzai. 

This is a simple yet elegant retelling of a short but inspired and determined life, Malala is but 16 years of age. Shot by the Taliban after many years of standing up for the education that herself and her peers in Pakistan deserved, Malala was the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in history. 

Malala retells her memories of the Taliban's beginnings and the ramifications of the state and global response to the situation. The beautiful part of her story is the mature, rational perspective she has for someone so young. Her dedication to education for all whilst being persecuted by the Taliban is inspirational. 

This book brings a refreshing perspective into a segment of modern society so heavily covered by the media. Highly recommend this gripping autobiography. 

Listen

London Grammar 

Continually late to the music game in the last year or so, I have only recently discovered London Grammar. In a muddled way they are makers of smooth, soulful trip-hop that can't decide if its awake or asleep. With vocals reminiscent of Florence Welch I was hooked from the beginning of their debut If You Wait. The first track, Hey Now, is heartbreakingly simple and is a super stripped back emotional anthem. Put on some quality headphones and spin some London Grammar.

Beauty

Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant by Rexona Women

I feel weird including a deodorant in my favourites but this is definitely a discovery for me this month. I've been on a hunt for an unscented but long lasting and effective antiperspirant and this Clinical Protection by Rexona Women does just that. However, as much as I enjoy this product it is quite pricey at $11 for a product that is nearly empty after a month of use. I will probably buy this product again but still keep my eyes out for cheaper and equally as effective alternatives. 

Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat by Sally Hansen

This product is not new to me in February but its frequent use is. I went through a long phase of not painting my nails because they are quite flaky and chip so easily. So, after purchasing this it did not get a huge amount of use and the ability to prove itself. I won't say that it is chip proof (nothing on my nails is) but I will say it is very fast drying and even protects your nails from creases that fresh paint gets whilst sleeping. Having been recently more inspired to paint my nails more often this product has had a chance to shine. 

If you're looking for a fast drying and fairly strong top coat then I definitely recommend this which is fairly affordable in Priceline; definitely not over priced.

And thats a wrap on my monthly round-up for February. If you've enjoyed any of these or have recommendations for me, tell me in the comments. 

Erin xx