Back 2 School: Breakfast Ideas

Let's face it - no one likes getting up early in the morning to prepare breakfast. But personally, I feel dangerously famished upon waking up, I could eat a scabby donkey between six bread vans. Also, breakfast is one of the most important meals, as it affects your performance throughout the rest of the day.

Everything aside, these are some quick, easy breakfast ideas you could make yourself before school or work.

Porridge

The traditional breakfast, if I could say so myself. I remember my dad telling me how they used to have porridge everyday for breakfast back in Swindon. Only he didn't make any effort to not make it sound like vomit. Instead of leaving mine plain Jane,  I spice it up a bit. You'll need:

3 tablespoons oat bran
Water
Cinnamon
Milk (I use almond)
Grapes (or any other fruit)
Holland & Barret Breakfast Sprinkle (mix of dried fruit and seeds) [It's not in the picture due to the unsightly state of the packaging... the result of me hurrying to have breakfast]

What I do is add the oats to a pan, along with water and cinnamon. I didn't include any exact measurements to these because I just calculate how much water to add (enough for the oats to not dry up), and with cinnamon... well I go a bit overboard. I just love the taste of cinnamon in everything, and it's good for your metabolism anyway.

While it's cooking, I remove the seeds from the grapes. Then after about 3 minutes, I pour the cooked porridge onto the grapes. If like me, you're always in a hurry, add some milk so it cools a bit. Then I sprinkle some breakfast sprinkle on top, and you're good to go! Or eat.

Banana Panckaes

For the pancakes:
1 banana
2 eggs

That's all yes. I found this recipe from Blogilates. I usually add cinnamon to mine for that extra bit of flavour.

For the topping:
Fruit (here I sliced a pear)
Holland & Barret Breakfast Sprinkle

Extras:
Peanut butter
Honey
Other fruit

Have a look at my other, more exciting appetizing pancakes here.

Overnight Oats

The crack of dawn breakfast. Perfect if you have a lecture at 8am and you need to run out of your house at 6.30am to avoid all the traffic and park your car in a decent parking space. This is what most university students here do. With a portable breakfast like this, you can never go wrong. All you need to do is prepare it the night before, and leave it in the fridge until the next morning.

3 tablespoons oat bran
200ml milk (I use almond)
3 tablespoons low fat yogurt 
Fruit of your choice (I chopped peach)
Cinnamon (optional)

Mix everything in a shake container and refrigerate. Pick it up the next morning and rush out of the house. Simple.

Breakfast sorted. Never again are you going to leave the house on an empty stomach. Unless you are exceptionally sluggish that is.

What's your favourite breakfast? Do you have any other quick and effortless ideas?

Back 2 School: Essentials

Today was the first day for those going to primary and secondary school. Those who will be starting college or university still have another week in waiting. While some may be dreading next Monday, others may be looking forward to it *raises hand*.

Around two weeks ago I did a Back 2 School Wish List and you guys seemed to enjoy reading it, so for this week I'll be extending the Back 2 School series.

How many times have you searched for something in your bag and couldn't find it? We've all been there. To avoid this, I have compiled a list of the essentials which should find themselves in your bag. 

Accessorize Postcard makeup bag*

I got this makeup bag last year during the Accessorize sale. I actually wanted the laptop case in this print, however they sold out before I could get my hands on one. Although it's quite big, it fits my stuff perfectly;-

Boux Avenue Pink Taffeta hand cream 

I got this as a gift when I spent €50 at the Boux Avenue shop in Sliema. Since last winter, I've never been found without a hand cream in my bag. With amber, peony and rose, this hand cream has a strong floral smell to it, while helping to keep my paws soft.

Macadamia Nourishing Leave-In cream

I bought this leave-in conditioner in a travel size on purpose. With this everywhere with me, you're hardly to see me with dry hair any time soon. 

SBR (Skin Barrier Repair) cream

This cream is targeted at very dry areas. Around a year ago I purchased it to treat my dry hands, thinking I had those of a gardener. Obviously it wasn't working because my hands weren't that dry, but I found it to work perfectly on my elbows. 

Hair grips, hair ties & GHD mirror

... for obvious reasons. Just keep the ties and grips away from the person that always asks for them. There is always someone.

Classic Carmex Nourishing Lip Balm

"IT SOOTHES. IT RELIEVES. IT MOISTURIZES." It does exactly what it says.

Moving out of my makeup bag...

AquaSan Hand Sanitiser

This anti-bacterial alcohol gel is a must-have. After getting off the bus, after sitting for an hour or so in the lecture theatre... don't even think of touching your face, or your food, before slapping this on your paws. 

Compact Wet Wipes

With their peachy scent, these wipes are sure to get rid of the smell of food from your hands. No one needs to know you had tuna for lunch.

Tissues

You still find those people who ask others for this stuff. Come on!

Nivea 48h Invisible Anti-Persperant Deodorant Spray

Not the most practical size, but they do smaller versions of these. And 48 hours of lasting power? I've never encountered any sort of product that lasted that long, but it does its job for the day.

Wrigley's Orbit White Chewing Gums

I've got mine in the 'fruity' flavour. Pop one of these after lunch, or whenever you feel your breath's not at its freshest.

All Bran Chocolate Bar

I always like to keep a snack at hand. You never know when you feel like nibbling something, and you might be unable to slip in to the canteen. While the flavour range of these bars is limited, you can substitute with nuts, or anything of your choice.

Accessorize London Notebook*

It's the first time I'll be keeping a personal notebook at hand this year at university. I've been doing it lately, and found that it's best for jotting down random ideas that come to mind. I'll be having a separate notebook to write down any homework or assignments, which I will be collecting from the KSU stand next week during Fresher's.

Laptop

It's very unlikely that I attend lectures without my Macbook Pro. I use it to take down my lecture notes, as it's quicker to keep up with lecturers. Also, it comes in handy to kill time during your frees. 

Pencil Case

This is not in the picture as I still need to buy it. I will be looking for a long, slim one that's easy to fit in most bags, rather than the bulky one I carried around last year.

Do you have any other essentials you would add to the list? Let me know!

Happy shopping! :)

* These haven't been restocked and I couldn't find any links.

The Autumn/Fall Tag

Autumn leaves - Image from Google

 

 While going through my usual routine of reading new blogs during breakfast, I came across this tag post. It seemed appropriate to do a post about autumn, and it's one of my favourite seasons along with winter.

Favourite thing about Autumn?

The changes it brings with it - weather, clothes... eveything!

Favourite drink?

Warm almond/coconut milk with honey.

Favourite scent/candle?

Cinnamon & Citrus scents.

Best lipstick?

Rimmel London Kate Moss in shade 107.

Go-to moisturiser?

Face: I prefer to use a serum in the evening, and the one I'm using at the moment is Michael Todd Hydration Boost serum. In the morning I'm using the Pai Geranium and Thistle moisturizer.

Go-to colour for the eyes?

Brown smokey eye.

Favourite music to listen to?

At the moment; Of monsters and men.

Favourite outfit to wear?

Oversized jumper, skinny dark jeans, long boots, chunky scarf and satchel.

Autumn treat?

Muffins! I'm gonna try and get into baking more this season.

Favourite place to be?

Under my blanket watching episodes on a rainy day, with a cup of tea/warm milk :)

I tag:

Charlene: http://acosmeticaffair.blogspot.com/

Claire: http://tat-claire.blogspot.com/

Josie: http://www.fashionmumblr.com/

:)

Facial Skincare Wish List for A/W

Just as the weather starts to change, so does our skin. The sweaty, moist surface starts to parch up, becoming more tight and dehydrated.

Since I started getting more into skincare, I decided how vital it is to change products according to your skin's needs. So here's my wish list for the coming seasons.

Morning

1. Elemis Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash - €11.72

I want to get into using a different cleanser for morning and evening, and after searching through cleansers online, I found this Elemis Peachy Perfect one. I know the name should not draw me to a product, but it did. The fact that it says "peachy" made me believe this would be perfect for day time. Who doesn't want dandy skin just after rolling out of bed? According to the product description, the cleanser contains lemon which awakens your skin, along with other ingredients that hydrate and condition your complexion.

2. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - £23.00

Those of us who are blessed with dark under-eye circles *raises hand* need some sort of targeted morning eye cream. Dark circles are at their worst upon waking up, especially after a fidgety night. So instead of putting coffee in our bodies, why not put it under our eyes? Yup, this Origins eye cream contains caffeine as one of its main ingredients. To add, ginseng is known for its brightening properties. De-puffed, awakened glowing under-eyes? Yes, please.

3. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer - £23.00

Containing the same ingredients as the one above, this moisturizer promises a glowing overall complexion. With a lightweight, oil-free formula, this moisturizer is supposed to convert dull skin into a vibrant, lustrous glow.

Evening

4. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleaner - £13.25

One of the cheapest cleansers I could find that seems to get the job done. After a day wearing makeup, I prefer to give my skin a deep cleanse. This oil free cleanser comes with a muslin cloth, which is used to polish your skin while removing the cleanser. The muslin cloth further helps to deep cleanse your skin, as the steam from the hot muslin cloth helps to open up those pores.

5. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil - €25.00

A facial oil may sound scary, especially for those with sensitive/oily/combination skin. However, this oil is suitable for all skin types. I've come across this product on various blogs, and most of them said the same thing - how this product is not that oily. As in, it sort of dries up, and sinks into the skin upon application. Rosehip is known to be advantageous to the skin by improving fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin its natural glow. It also balances oily/combination skin, while acting as a moisturizer for dry skin. To add, it's known for balancing out skin tone, while reducing blemishes and scars. This oil seems to have it all.

6. Pai Echium Anti-Aging Eye Cream - €34.00

If I had to have different eye creams for morning and evening, I would prefer something a bit more hydrating for night time. This eye cream is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which calm and soften the delicate area of the eye.

Evening Extras

7. Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream - €19.77

Recently I stopped using a facial scrub, but I must admit that my skin has missed that exfoliating feeling. My skin used to feel so fresh and free from impurities. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to opt for a gentle scrub, with very fine and soft grains in order to prevent skin irritation. Rinse away the scrub with warm water instead of cold; it further helps to clean those pores.

8. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - £25.00

There has been a lot of hype about this product amongst bloggers, and I can't wait to try it out. Since the skin gets more dehydrated in winter, I prefer to add a hydrating mask to my routine. This Origins Overnight mask replaces your usual evening moisturizer, and you apply it around 30 minutes before going to bed, and as the name suggests, you leave it overnight. Your skin will drink it up, and in the morning you're supposed to wake up with vibrant, hydrated skin. The avocado and apricot kernel oil help in injecting that moisture back in your skin.

As stated, this is a wish list, therefore the above are not personal reviews of the products. However, I have discreetly researched them online and compared them to other products. Hence why they ended up in my wish list.

Superfoods for Radiant Skin

Ever wondered what the saying "You are what you eat" means? The skin is our body's largest organ, and everything we ingest in our body is reflected through our skin. Simple as that. Most often, just because the face is free of blemishes, people assume that they are on the right track towards healthy skin. Radiant skin does not only mean zit-free, but it also refers to

• plumpness
• firm and even skin tone
• unclogged pores

and much, much more! Whilst these can be achieved through the right use of products, it does not hurt to assist the process through the correct food choice.

Almonds

So first I have to point out that I was gobsmacked when I found out that almonds are not nuts - they are seeds! True, look it up. Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, which is the ultimate sun blocker. We all have been, and continue to be, bored to death hearing about the benefits of SPFs, so I won't even go there. But apparently, the right amount of Vitamin E in almonds helps against sunburn, therefore avoiding pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and mostly importantly, skin cancer.

Almonds can be snacked on on their own, or added to yogurts, cereals or meals. A good all-rounder is almond milk, which is solely made out of almonds and water. I could never go back to cow milk after trying this.

Almond, berry & strawberry yogurt smoothie; Roasted almonds with rosemary; Almond chicken

Pumpkin Seeds

Minerals are often left in the dark, while vitamins get all the attention. Zinc is one of those minerals acting as a 24/7 skin supplier, and pumpkin seeds are jam-packed with it. It helps in maintaining the skin's elasticity through protecting cell membranes, managing collagen, and skin renewal through ridding of dead skin cells.

Pumpkin seeds

Flax seeds & Salmon

I put these under the same category for the sole reason of being loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These essential fats protect the cell membrane, which is the cell's barrier controlling what passes through. It also aids in keeping in water. Those two litres you are supposed to be drinking daily? Yup, it's captured inside cell membranes, in turn rewarding us with plump, moist soft skin, whilst keeping wrinkles at bay.

Since flax seeds may be challenging to include in your diet, I found taking capsules* to be a satisfying alternative. Or you could buy actual flax seeds, and find ways to incorporate them in your meals!

Cooked salmon; Flax seeds; Apples with peanut butter and toasted flax seeds

Tomatoes & Watermelon

Ever had any tomatoes you were about to throw away, and made your own pasta sauce with them instead? The lycopene (which is what makes the tomatoes red) that leaks out of cooked tomatoes may just be the fix against anti-aging from UV rays - it gets rid of accumulating free radicals. Not used to cooking your own pasta sauce? You can substitute it with watermelon instead. Although I think you may be slightly screwed in winter.

Fresh watermelon; Tomato sauce; Pasta with fresh tomato sauce

 Canned Tuna

Good news to those who enjoy having their lunch consisting of tuna, or those who devour tuna straight out of the can. It is a rich source of selenium, which retains elastin; a protein known for the tightness and smoothness of the skin. However, you may want to consider keeping your distance from others after consumption, or replace with brazil nuts, turkey ham or whole-wheat bread. A little more breath refreshing. 

Canned tuna; Whole-wheat bread; Brazil nuts

Carrots

Apparently,  carrots are not only beneficial for eagle eyes. The beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is transformed into Vitamin A, helps in clearing out breakouts through unclogging pores.
Stressful times? No worries, pass over those carrot sticks and dip. Homemade, of course.

Fresh carrots; Carrot sticks with dip; Carrot juice

Dark Chocolate

A good excuse to snack on chocolate? We're all ears. Cocoa, one of the main ingredients of dark chocolate, is imbued with flavonoids. Flavonoids reduce skin roughness, while preventing UV damage. I've heard people saying that chocolate breaks them out multiple times. This all falls on what type of chocolate are they reaching for. Not even every dark chocolate bar contains the right amount of flavonoids, as sometimes they are extracted due to their bitter taste. The solution is to seek organic dark chocolate*, which contains up to 70%, or more, cocoa.

Dark chocolate; Cocoa beans; Cocoa hot chocolate

Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), Kiwi, Pineapple

Along with other tropical fruit, these babies are stocked up with Vitamin C. A mighty antioxidant, Vitamin C battles against free radicals, while producing collagen.

Berry smoothie; Mixed berries; Berry smoothie pie

Water

Being one of those guilty individuals that do not always drink up to two litres of water daily, I sometimes notice that my skin is dehydrated (despite being a combination) and lackluster. Not only does water ambush toxins out of the body, or delivers nutrients to every cell, but it also penetrates cell membranes, keeping them stout. As a result, the skin appears more plump and hydrated, emitting that extra glow.

Cannot stand the taste, or rather lack, of water? Add slices of lime, lemon or oranges to spice things up. No excuses.

Water with lemon slices; Glass of water; Water with orange slices

 

* Sold in Holland & Barrett local stores

A/W Trends: Women

So I've been doing my usual surf on online shopping sites, and I've come across repeatedly occurring trends for the coming autumn and winter.

Monochrome

Black Panelled Fast Unfastened Blazer - €60.00
Monochrome Mini Dress - €58.56
Swing Dress in Monochrome Flower Print - €36.44

Car Coat in Monochrome Zig Zag Print - €84.58
Shift dress in Block Monochrome Print - €36.44
Cropped Trouser in Monochrome Print - €13.66

Prints

Shirt in Abstract Animal Print - €46.85
Pink Floral Shirt - €40.00
Shirt in Oriental Garden Print -  46.85

Black Floral Print Longline Blazer - €65.00
Beige Tribal Print Duster Coat - €65.00
Floral Print Sweatshirt - €25.00

Camo

Shirt in Camo Print with Contrast Collar - €41.64
Green Camo Print Hooded Poncho - €6.00
Long Sleeve Tee with Camo Print - €76.78
Denim Shorts in Camo Print - € 24.07

Tartan

Trousers in Tartan Check - €52.05
Tartan Check Crew Neck Jumper - €58.56
Straight Leg Trousers in Tartan Check - €45.55

Pointed Heels - €32.53
FoldFald Studded Tartan Backpack - €52.05
Tartan Check Platforms - €58.56

Satchels

Satchel Bag with Scallop Bar Detail in Burgundy - €39.04
Mini Satchel Bag with Metal Buckles in Orange - €23.42
Mini Satchel Bag with Metal Buckles in Green - €23.42
Brown Leopard Print Pony Skin Leather Satchel - €87.00
Pink Snake Trim Mini Satchel - €25.00

The Cambridge Satchel Company went fully on board with the Tartan trend.

14" Designer Tartan Leather Satchel in Yellow - €169.17

15" Designer Tartan Leather Satchel in Brown - €182.18

Leather

Leather Look Dress - €71.57

Sweat Dress with Faux Leather - €109.31

Mini Dress in Faux Leather - €41.64

Black High Shine Leather Look Trousers - €45.00

Black Perforated Leather Look Trousers - €40.00

Corynn Mid Rise Coated Leather Look Skinny Jeans - €104.10

Beige Over Dye Leather Look Biker Gilet - € 75.00
Brown Leather Biker Jacket - €161.00

Velvet

Pink Floral Velvet Skater Skirt - €26.00
Atzek Print Velvet Skater Skirt - €26.00

Blue Chelsea Girl Ombre Velvet Dress - €40.00
Velvet Quilted Lock Across Body Bag - €26.03
Pencil Skirt in Velvet Floral Print - €41.64

Skinny Jeans in Velvet - €123.62
Velvet Trousers - €36.44

How I Wash my Clip-In Hair Extensions

Back in August 2012 I trimmed my hair into an almost pixie style, as it was already short back then. The following day I decided I wanted to let it grow. How this crossed my mind, I do not know. 

Then in March this year I purchased my clip-in extensions from HeadKandy, based on my hairdresser's recommendation. I had my hair dyed brown, along with half of the extensions. And I say 'half' because I wanted ombre' hair. 

Yesterday, I went through the processes of washing them. With clip-ins you are supposed to wait six weeks between every wash, otherwise you'll have hairs coming out of the wefts, after which they'll be ruined.

Redken Full Body Shampoo, Davines NouNou Conditioner, Kerastase Soleil Mask, Davines Sun Oil, Michel Mercier Brush

Before I put them under any running water, I brush each weft with my Michel Mercier brush. This brush is one of my holy grails - it makes my tangle teezer look crummy. I bought the blue one, because blue is my favourite colour specifically for thick hair. Michel Mercier brushes are colour-coded; blue for thick hair, green for normal hair and pink for fine hair. It has 428 bristles of differing heights and widths, which have no chance of bending. Unlike my tangle teezer, whose bristles started bending after brushing through my extensions, making me suspect it's designed for fine hair.

Then I shampooed each and every weft with my Redken Body Full shampoo. I initially bought this for my fine hair to prevent it from becoming flat. I find it works well with my extensions, giving them that bit of an 'oomph'. The only problem I have with this shampoo is that it contains SLS, but I still need to do proper research regarding sulfates in haircare.

This was followed by conditioner. I use Davines NouNou Conditioner* with tomato extract, specifically for colour-treated hair. It prevents hair from looking lackluster, while giving it that soft feel to it. On the tin it says to leave the product for 5-10 minutes before rinsing, however I rinse the extensions immediately as I follow with a mask.

As a mask I use the Kerastase Soleil Masque UV Defense Active*. I found this especially good throughout summer, due to being targeted at sun-exposed hair, as well coloured and damaged hair. I prefer using something rich for my extensions, as they do have a tendency to get dry. Since it is a rinse-off treatment, I need something to last around for approximately six weeks.  I do leave this on for 10 minutes before rinsing, and I also spray the wefts with a bit of Davines Protective Moisturizing Sun Oil*. I do not like using this on my actual hair as I find it leaves it quite greasy, however I find that it works well with my extensions. It is infused with argan oil, therefore it is an adequate rinse-off treatment. 

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, Lee Stafford Poker Straight Serum, Biosilk Silk Therapy Treatment

After around 10 minutes, I rinse all the wefts properly, making sure not to leave any traces of products. Placing them on a towel to dry, I apply a bit of Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment. This is a leave-in type of treatment formulated for distressed hair, while offering heat protection and safeguarding against split ends and breakage. It is interlocked with protein and ceramide, 2 components required for healthy-looking hair. Smell-wise, I find it almost smells a bit almond-y. Very pleasant. 

At the ends, I also apply a bit of Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shine Serum to lock in some moisture. The only hitch in this product is the smell. I find that Lee Stafford products all have a weird smell, which is quite difficult to describe. It is something I wouldn't repurchase once I'm through with it.

Then I leave them to dry overnight. I try to avoid exposing them to heat as much as possible to prevent any breakage. In the morning I only have to 'blow-dry' them from a distance (without using any brushes), only to get rid of that dampness. Then I use my GHD Limited Edition hair straighteners. (I could not find the link to these specific ones anywhere, but I purchased them around two years ago from Asos - picture below). I am aware that applying direct heat to the extensions is destructive, but I only do so after washing. 

Pink Limited Edtion GHDs, for Breast Cancer Awareness

To finish off, I apply a bit more of the Redken Anti-Snap Treatment, followed by the BioSilk Silk Therapy Treatment. You only need the tiniest amount of this product and it works wonders, leaving you with savory-smelling hair.

The finishing result

* Purchased from the lovely Joe Briffa, at Hairoscope