Time to pretend

I'm back! In the near year that has elapsed since I last posted, I have found what I'm pretty sure is my favourite chai in Canberra, have moved off campus into an apartment that is slowly being decorated, still slipping in French words when they're not called for, on the hunt for my dream job and trying to wedge in the unachievable balance between study and socialising. 

What spurned on this sudden desire to start reposting? Last night I received a very exciting email stating that I have been selected to be one of the 101 Local Humans as part of a Canberra's 2014 Human Brochure initiative. I will be posting updates on my Twitter and instagram as I go along, but hopefully this can serve as another platform for more detailed updates of my adventures. All my gratuitous shots of the meals my friends patiently wait for me to take photos of before tucking in immediately felt vindicated.

Some goodies I'm lusting after to reward myself:

Nars Lip Pencil in Sex Machine. Always on the hunt for a new pinky nude.

Orchids. After the Maticevski show, I have become enraptured with the idea of having an orchid in the kitchen. 

 

Byredo perfume. Cult status achieved.

Birkenstocks. Probably worthy of a whole post as they are really divide people, but I am obsessed. Even if we are coming into winter, I have my eyes firmly focused on a pair of black Arizonas. 

Images: one, two, three, four

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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 stalks of leafy organic celery, leaves picked and reserved, cut into a small dice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• salt and pepper, to taste
• loose 1/2 cup curly parsley, chopped
• 2 pomegranates, arils carefully removed

Instructions

1. Pour the rinsed quinoa into a medium sized pot on the stove. Add two cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Cover and simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes, until the water is absorbed. In the meantime, chop your celery and parsley. Once it’s done, remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
3. Drain the quinoa and transfer to a mixing bowl. While it is still hot, mix in the celery, olive oil, vinegar, allspice and salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and leave it to cool completely, or close to it.
4. Once cool, add the parsley, celery leaves and pomegranate arils. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary (more vinegar or salt and pepper), then serve.

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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 down to the cosmetics section (I arrived only half an hour before closing time, so I had to prioritise), this pale pink wallet caught my eye. I've been looking for something to replace my leopard seed coin purse that I had been using while travelling, and while the colour may not be durable (time will tell), it was too pretty to pass up. As I by-passed the delicate and simple jewellery, the chic footwear and crisp lines of clothes, I came across the cosmetic section. I wish I could've bought it all. I think I picked up the lip balm in "Dungaree Rose" because of its similarity to this By Terry 'Rose Balm' (featured in many of this is glamorous's outfit posts). It was near impossible to walk past the powder and blush (in Applebloom Pink) inscribed with a quotation from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet':

"Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days"

As Australia readies itself for the launch of H&M  - sadly not in time for the Isabel Marant collaboration - I can only hope that this may spurn on the likelihood of making shipping available to Australia from & other stories.

Images: one, two, three, four

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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 well and smiley and look forward to more posts in the coming days!

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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: one, two, three, four

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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 the feta over the arrangement and season with salt and pepper. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic and perfecto! Can't wait to try this as a post-exam treat.

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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 presents to make for your friends.

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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 and perfect for wearing to any semi-formal event (like Serena did for Blair's wedding shower), match it with pearls and metallic heels to give a serious edge to a girly look.

Images: one, two, three, four

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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 favourite nude coloured lipstick? I'm very keen to try the Tom Ford range - according to this article on nude lips "Spanish Pink" is the colour to try, but "Nude Vanille" looks absolutely gorgeous.

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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, and it would take one yum cha date to end up splattered and stained), I think if I reserve it for specific occasions, I could get overlapping summer wears out of it. 

The outfit formula seems to be a neutral coloured (white, black, grey, chambray or nude) top paired with a black satchel (Celine, yes please!) - very easily integrated into my current wardrobe.

Images: one, two, three, four

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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 appreciate.

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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, four

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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 two

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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, three

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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, a long sleeve sheer blouse. Super versatile, wore this out for drinks and dancing with friends. Pretty underwear is a must - play it subtle with a beige/pink, or minx-y with black Elle Macpherson Intimates.

 Finally, a chiffon pale pink 3/4 length dress. I was feeling unsure about this dress when I first spotted it in store (the colour caught my eye pretty much instantaneously), but after seeing a girl in the local Sainsbury's pairing it with a denim jacket and brown ankle boots, I fell in love with this look. Can't wait to wear this around London this weekend.

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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 temperature.
Around 300 g of mixed berries. I used raspberries, blackberries, strawberries (halved) and blueberries, but redcurrants and pomegranate seeds could be beautiful additions.

Method:

1. "Process the biscuits and the butter to a sandy rubble in a food processor, then press the mixture into the sides and bottom of the tart tin. Place in the freezer (or fridge if that is not possible) for about 10–15 minutes." - I don't readily have access to a food processor, so getting messy with my hands is equally as effective.

2. Mix the cream cheese and lemon curd and spread it into the bottom of the chilled tart tin, covering the base of the tart evenly.

3. Arrange all of the fruit gently (so that it doesn’t sink into the filling too much) on top of the lemony cream cheese in a decorative manner.

4. Place the tart in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the fridge. It does need to get properly cold in order to set enough for the tart to be unsprung and sliced easily.

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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 right, I don't really have qualms with wearing a heel during the day. Which would make a better investment? Or do you see this as a passing fad and are better off sticking with high street versions?


Images: one and two

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