Recipe: Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

I made a half batch of this salad on Monday, and it's lasting me through this particular cold, dreary week. Recipe originally from Cookie and Kate. I learnt that 'pomegranate seeds' are actually called 'arils'. And one step further, I learnt how to remove said 'arils' from the pomegranate using the water method. Big week for me! Ingredients 1 cup black or red quinoa, rinsed well in a mesh colander 6...

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& other stories Haul

 When I was in Copenhagen recently, I couldn't resist going to H&M's latest retail venture & other stories. Upon entering the store, the immaculate and perfectly merchandised layout made every single item look appealing. The store had first caught my eye after seeing some pictures of their gorgeous packaging on Pinterest, like the nude lipstick shown above. As I made my way...

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Sorry xoxo

Just a quick note from Dubai airport to apologise for my absence. I've spent the past few weeks completing exams then travelling with my family throughout Denmark, Sweden, Italy and the UK, so it's been all systems GO for a little while. Once I'm back and settled on my home turf I have a stockpile of blog entries to add (hauls, DIYS and Would You Rather's all ready to go!) Hope you're all keeping...

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Would You Rather: Acoustic Versions

These two emotionally soaring songs are just what my Friday night packing mode called for. Hey Rosetta's "There's An Arc" has long been a favourite of mine, and my friend introduced me to Bastille's "Pompeii" earlier in the week. Warning: you may find yourself getting unexpectedly emotional. ...

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Do It Yourself: Wrapping

  Below you can see my favourite wrapping I did for Christmas last year, heavily inspired by the Fete magazine image at the top. Anything that has elements of fabric and ribbons, brown paper and spots, stripes and florals has me won over.  Having a stock pile of brown kraft paper, ribbon, striped fabric and washi tape will ensure that any gift you give will make a statement.   Images:...

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Recipe: Watermelon, Feta and Balsamic Salad

How amazing does this salad on Sweetsonian look? Summer in the northern hemisphere makes this salad perfectly appropriate. A few simple ingredients, fresh produce and stunning presentation, that's my favourite type of food. Simply slice the watermelon into cubes (or for a fun alternative, you could use shaped cutters). Place rocket (arugula) on the plate and scatter the watermelon on top. Crumble...

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Do It Yourself: Candles

Studying is not an ideal way to spend my weekends, I would much prefer to be making beautiful things inspired by these posts from Creature Comforts and A Pair and a Spare. Love my Tubereuse Diptyque candle my parents "gave me" for my birthday (bought in Paris with birthday money!) but the price tag isn't very student friendly. These two projects are glamorous and affordable and would be fantastic...

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The Printed Dress

It takes something pretty spectacular to detract me from my usual uniform of black and white. Exhibit A: Mary Katrantzou inspired prints. The pastel colours depicting retro interiors and the modern take on the extended split shift dress flatters the female form in new and exciting ways. Forever New's gorgeous "Alizia Mirror Print Dress" is a stunning example of the printed shift dress. Trans-seasonal...

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Would You Rather: Nude Lipsticks

I purchased this Nars lipstick in 'Crusing' more than a year ago and adore it for day to day wear. The formulation is relatively moisturising and just enough colour to provide definition to your lips when you're going for the minimal make-up look. The MAC lipstick in Hue is more pink, but when applied thinly under gloss, it loses its "bubblegum-ness" that I don't particularly like. What's your...

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The Power of the Skort

So here's something I never thought I'd find myself typing: I willingly bought a skort. Combining the functionality of shorts with the femininity of a skirt, they're practical and sweet at the same time. After seeing several of my favourite bloggers favouring the Zara asymmetrical skort, I dove in and bought it yesterday. While a bit hesitant on wearing white on my lower half (I am a gigantic grub,...

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Would You Rather: Edible Flower Recipes

Some other edible flower recipes to accompany your floral ice cubes. Tea sandwiches which are just far too sweet and a green salad adorned with flowers for a pop of colour. I don't think I could ever be game enough to present these in front of male guests, definitely something a girly event would appreciat...

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Classics: Nude Heels

Nothing is as universally flattering and simply glamorous like nude patent heels. The Pink Peonies shows how easy it is to pair with classics in your existing wardrobe like white button ups and trench coats. Images: one, two, three, fo...

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Would You Rather: Pink Kitchen Products

The amount of time I spend thinking about my dream kitchen is extremely disproportionate to the amount of discipline and fiscal responsbility I have. I dream of a world where I have enough disposable income to afford either of the covetable Le Cresuset or KitchenAid Mixer. Pale pink is perfection in the kitchen....

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Products I Love: Hunters

When I moved to England, the only product I knew I absolutely could not step back on a plane without was a pair of Hunters. Evoking childhood memories and the ability to trot through puddles with ease, Hunters are the grown up way to get around . The standard black is my favourite, but the classic olive green or a bright version can really bring an outfit together. Images: one and...

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Recipe: Flower Ice Cubes

 What a sweet idea to liven up drinks! Freezing small edible flowers in an ice cube tray is so easy and effectively stunning. Either fill an ice bucket laden with flower ice cubes or place the cubes inside a clear glass tumbler and wait for your guests to gush over just how adorable you are.   Images: one, two, th...

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Topshop Haul

It's like Topshop's designers go "How much money can we extract out of Cassie by creating articles of clothing that she can rationalise as being necessities?"  Firstly, the snuggest jumper I own. Hugs the body tight across the top with the high-front-low-back that makes it perfect for hiding your toosh away when paired with leggings. Incredibly soft as well.  Secondly,...

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Would You Rather: Magazine Covers

Two of my favourite actresses shot in similar black-and-white-with-a-splash-of-pale-pink-and-floral-motifs style. Carey Mulligan being adorable on this months Bazaar in anticipation for Great Gatsby's release and Kirsten Dunst in September of last year on the cover of Elle. Great covers showcasing great beauty....

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Recipe: No-Fuss Fruit Tart

One of my Sunday procrasti-(pseudo)baking sessions. A classic fruit tart that is so deceptively  impressive. My girl Nigella aka THE Goddess introduced me to this no-cooking required beauty and it has quickly made it to my arsenal of fail safe recipes. Ingredients: 375 g digestive biscuits 75g softened unsalted butter 400g cream cheese, at room temperature 240g ready-made lemon curd, at room...

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Would You Rather: Isabel Marant Shoes

A year ago, I could not get Isabel Marant's Dicker boots out of my head. That lovely soft taupey-mushroom colour works so well with jeans and a tee winter, and socks and a floral dress in the summer. Fast forward to now, and the wedge sneaker is eclipsing most street style blogs. If I were to invest in this style, I think the lighter beige makes a good training wheel pair. I'm rather tall, but done...

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Braids

Lisa Mitchell and Erin Fetherston looking adorable with the crown braid,while the model shows how to make the look work sans a fringe. I think I'll try this tutorial over the weekend. Be sure to let you know how I go. Update: My attempt, feeling inspired by Lover the Label Listening to: Lisa Mitchell - Romeo & Jul...

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Waxing Lyrical on the Vintage Band Tee

The ubiquitous vintage band tee raises some issues with integrity. I have some conflicting feelings about faux-vintage, but with its proliferation on the high street, it's almost inescapable. I think the general rules to follow are: 1) Does the design match your usual aesthetic? 2) Is it EVERYWHERE? Ramones tees circa mid-2000s, I'm looking at you... 3) Can you name at least some of their discography? I...

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Would You Rather: Art-Deco Rings

Some things I'm doing to mentally prepare for The Great Gatsby premiere: Listening to the soundtrack on repeat Lusting after every sequined, scalloped, velvet and fringed item of clothing I've seen Picking out which Art Deco ring I wish were mine. Which of these two appeals to you more? Oxidised Platinum + White Gold + Circular Diamonds = Be Still My Beating Heart. Images: one and ...

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Ladurée Macarons

For my birthday this year, a few friends and I made a weekend trip to Paris - as you do when studying in Europe. A must-see/taste was definitely a trip to Ladurée. The famous macaron store is as much a visual feast as it does quell your appetite for something sweet. The array of flavours and colours and the perfect packaging makes it the perfect little luxury. I enjoyed it so much that...

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I Do Like My Spots

 Images: one, two, three, four, five, six ...

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Kiera Knightely Gets Married in Chanel

Oh, to be married in Chanel with flowers in my hair and ballet flats on my feet in the south of France. Kiera Knightley shows us how to nail the intimate wedding....

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Blooms

The Great Debate: Peony v Hydrangea Fresh flowers are the most beautiful little luxury you can buy yourself. Whether it's the full bulbous blooms of peonies, or the voluminous pastel colourings of hydrangeas, flowers are my favourite little treat to buy when having a blue day or feeling like the world is an ugly place. The shot below was taken on an early Saturday morning when...

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