TASTY TUESDAYS // SPINACH DIP IN COBB LOAF

Ta-daaaa! The finished product

I'm not very consistent with these, my apologies! I'm just not much of a foodie. But I'm making an effort. I made this cobb loaf dip as a 'welcome home from work' treat for Mother (spoilt much?). It's relatively simple to make, but took me a lot longer than expected (at least it worked out in the end!) Mine was based on two recipes, here and here. I mainly followed the first recipe, though they are very similar, only differing in regards to proportions.

What I used:

• 1 large cobb loaf, unsliced (I actually bought a cottage loaf, but apparently they're the same)
• 250g Frozen chopped spinach
• 1 small white onion, diced finely
• 250g tub of sour cream
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 30g packet of Continental Spring Vegetable Soup Mix

What I did:

1. Thaw spinach and squeeze out excess water. (This took the longest for me - I ended up putting in the microwave on 'defrost').
2. Combine onion, spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise and soup mix in a large bowl. Refrigerate (for 4 hours or overnight, according to the recipes above, though I only put it in for about half an hour, if that).
3. Cut a 'lid' off the cobb loaf and scoop out bread. I cut the bread into 2cmx2cm cube pieces.
4. I then put those bread pieces into a mini oven for 5mins until warmed and slightly crisp. (I think the recipe also recommended putting the whole hollowed loaf into the oven as well, though I found it unnecessary, as it was still fresh.)
5. Fill the loaf with spinach mixture and serve with bread.

Step 3

Step 3 Part II...

Step 4

What I'd do differently next time:
- Either double the spinach or halve the soup mix, as it was quite salty.
- Buy an extra baguette to go with the dip.
- Not forget to buy the soup mix and have to make another trip (noob! -.-")
Edit: And I'd actually let it sit and refrigerate for the time required, as it combines the flavours and makes the soup mix less salty.

Are you a foodie (or a wanna-be-foodie like me)?
Have you tried making cobb loaf dip?
Which recipe should I try next?

WEEK IN REVIEW // 9

A week of slow recovery, new loves and little treats.

L-R:
Whittaker's Peanut Butter Chocolate Block - Did someone say Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?! Courtesy of sleepandwater - recommendation seen on her instagram here. (Dayumm gurl, you'll be the death of me!) So after seeing that, of course I dashed into Aldi. And it did not disappoint. While I prefer the saltier, nuttier taste of Reese's, this really is the next best thing! What are you waiting for? Run, don't walk!

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes - Wow. That's all I have to say - these are good! So effective, and ridiculously soft - unlike some other brands I've tried (Simple and Garnier, anyone?) I did buy these for Mother when they were on sale at Priceline, but couldn't resist trying them myself. These definitely own every other brand I've tried to far.

Chi Chi Baked Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You - I finally tested it out (here). My first impressions were as follows: Not as intensely pigmented as I'd first thought - or as first swatched - but easy to blend, with no fall out. Lasted a good 6 hours or so.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm - This is probably the first 'week in review' where you haven't seen my resident lip balm fave Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream! These past few days Nivea just hasn't been making the cut. Perhaps it's because we're now officially in Winter and my wind-chapped, cracked lips need something a little more, well, 'nourishing', but at any rate, I've finally drawn out Nuxe from hibernation. First impressions? It's waxier than I'd anticipated and smells faintly of lemon curd! Lasting power is also pretty good, and has so far managed to keep my lips looking and feeling better.

Swisspers Cleansing Eye Make-Up Remover Pads - These are also great. While it seems superfluous to have these as well as the wipes, I can say that they remove mascara with ease, and are so saturated with remover that I could take off the rest of my makeup with the remainder. Win!

QV Cream - Claims to "replenish dry skin" - and indeed it does! You may remember that I've been sick recently, and have experienced all the joys of illness, such as a sore throat and runny-and-raw nose. I've been using this to combat my gross, sore and peeling skin, and found it to work wonders, though it did sting a little at first. It's quite emollient, but sinks in quickly - plus, it's of a rather handy size. 

Cedel Blow Dry Faster Heat Protector - As the nights get colder, this has once again become my bestie, as it allows me to dry my hair quicker, and makes it wonderfully straight, too - and all without the assistance of a brush or comb - you can check out my full review here.

Forever New Taliah Clutch - My sale find! I popped in to Forever New this week, on a whim, and walked out with this beauty. I'm looking forward to taking it out on formal occasions. These 'end of season'/mid year sales have been so good - but result in so much debit card damage!

What has been the highlight of your week?
Do you have a weakness for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups like me?

#FOTD 4 //

A low-key work look for those 'minimal effort' kind of days.

The breakdown:
FACE:
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3 
Nivea Daily Veil Sunscreen SPF 30 applied under foundation
Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach (Applied with Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush)

EYES:
Chi Chi Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You (Applied as eyeliner, with Ecotools Petite Shader Brush)
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black (Smudged into lash line with Ecotools Smudger Brush)
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler

LIPS:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream (to prep lips)
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine (patted on to lips with finger)

What are your makeup solutions for lazy days? :)

FACE FAVES // MECCA COSMETICA IN A GOOD LIGHT

I thought I'd do a little review on a product I've been using for quite some time now (almost eight months!), Mecca Cosmetica's tinted sunscreen, In a Good Light SPF 30+ (the old version). I first mentioned it some time ago (waaaay back in the beginning), though - believe or not - I've been intending to do a post on this since late 2013, before I even made this blog! (That's why I look a little different in these photos. A bit chubbier.)

It's basically an illuminating SPF, that provides barely any coverage and is quite moisturising. The link above will take you to the 'back story' of why I ended up purchasing this instead of Keihl's BB Cream, along with a brief overview. Simply put, I was after a product that would hydrate and even out my skin, and have SPF. Below are the more "comprehensive" notes.

Pump dispenser

Application and Finish:
It's housed in sturdy plastic packaging, which features a pump dispenser (that can be unscrewed). I find that half a pump is sufficient to cover my whole face, one whole pump is enough to cover face and neck. I usually squirt half a pump on to the back of my hand and apply it to my face with fingers, working in sections. It's of a light, almost-whipped consistency that rubs in easily. I say 'rubs in' rather than 'absorbs', because it remains on the skin, rather than sinking in and disappearing - which, I suppose, is not unusual for a sunscreen. I find it to be very hydrating - not greasy, but perhaps a little 'wet' at first. Even when it has 'dried', it still has a bit of a tacky feel, like moisturiser when it has just sunk in. I'd recommend this for dry-skinned gals, as normal-to-oily skinned chickas may find it too heavy or emollient. Despite its claims to a "matte finish", on the contrary I find it provides a glowy, illuminating finish - which negates the need for a highlighter or illuminator. And it is this illuminating property that makes it sit on top of skin, rather than sinking in, which makes it prone to transferring (most often on to my phone), which is my biggest pet hate! It also has a slight scent which doesn't bother me.

L-R: Before application / After application

Coverage and lasting power:
As you can see from the pictures above, In a Good Light provides barely-there coverage and a whole lotta sheen. Lasting power is around 4-5hours; significantly shorter than a foundation - say, for example, MAC's Face and Body, which lasts a good 9+ hours on me. When I wore In a Good Light to work I found that it practically disappeared about halfway through my shift!

Size and shade range:
It comes in one size - 120g for $50, which is not unreasonable. The new version comes in three shades - Fair, Medium and Dark - but this old version came in only one shade - a neutral fair-to-medium colour with a slightly pink undertone. At first I thought it would be too light, but I found that it adapted to my skintone, and was sheer enough that it was not obvious.

You can see it in action in my most recent FOTD.

Overall I think it's a good pick for weekends and as an everyday kind of product - the SPF was the real clincher for me - though not one that I'd wear to work, unless mixed in with a matte foundation. It's also a great option for Winter, to lift dull, dry skin, though some - particularly oily-skinned gals - may find it too hydrating. Lately I've been considering a tinted moisturiser or BB cream with heavier coverage - perhaps something like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser...

Have you tried Mecca Cosmetica's range of products?
Do you have any tinted-moisturiser-with-SPF recommendations for me?
If so, I'd be more than happy to hear 'em! (:

CANDLE CURATING, TEA TASTING, FRESH BLOOMS & GOOD READS //

Welcome to the nicest smelling corner of my room...

Sometimes it's easy to overlook the joys of a fragrant room, a comfy armchair, a cup of tea, a good book, and flowers fresh from the garden - especially when other shiny objects seem to call my name. I've been reminded not to dismiss these little luxuries in favour of buying another lipstick or pair of shoes. They are - for the most part - far more affordable to begin with, and the perfect way to relax after a long, stressful day. Strapping on a pair of heels or swiping on a bright lippie just doesn't compare (not in this instance, anyway)!

Candles

I like leaving the lids off my candles (see first pic) to create a subtly-fragrant atmosphere that requires no supervision - and I often find that the candles smell better when not burning. For me, being greeted with sweet scents when I walk through the door is an instant mood-lifter.

L-R:
Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Maddison Jar Candle
Glasshouse Cuba Candle
Mango and White Tea Soy Candle
Ecoya Sweet Pea and Jasmine Mini Metro Jar Candle
Marseille Soy Candle in vintage teacup

Tea + Teacups

There's nothing better than a cup of tea on a cold day. Especially when it's presented in a pretty little tea cup. Sometimes they're a great incentive for me to wake up early, a lovely post-dinner treat, or something to unwind with before bed.

T2 Choc Chip Chai, Creme Brûlée and Strawberries and Cream (glass jar) Teas
Floral Tea Cup and Saucer
Milk + Sugar Expresso Tea Cup and Saucer (from Sussans)

Books, blooms + pretty things

Revlon nail polish in 270 Cherries in the Snow
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine 
Ralph Lauren RALPH Mini EDT
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Mini EDT
Amazing Face by Zoë Foster
Love Your Hair by Richard Kavanagh
Style by Lauren Conrad
Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown


Have I inspired you to sit in front of the fireplace with a good book and cup of tea?
What are your little luxuries? (:

WEEK IN REVIEW // 8 (AKA 'SICKY-SICK')

A week of sickness (not again!) and blocked nasal passages...yay.
Firstly, I ought to apologise that it's been a bit quiet on ze blog this week. I worked twice as much as usual, and got sick half way through the week. Thankfully there was only one day of overlap - where I both was sick and had to work.

The breakdown (clockwise from top left):
Wuthering Heights and Textbook Romance Pink Penguin Classics - I spotted these at my local Dymocks while browsing aimlessly - what can I say, I am instantly drawn to anything pink! Seeing Textbook Romance made me take a closer look, as it was published 'too recently' - I thought - to be considered a 'classic'. I'll be perfectly honest, my decision to purchase it was partially influenced by the fact that it's written by Zoë Foster. I haven't read it yet, but if it's as good as her beauty articles, then I expect I'll be in for a treat...

Britney Spears Fantasy Perfume - I've had this perfume for ages, and only just started using it again. It was my favourite eons ago, and I don't know why, but I've been using it nonstop lately. #oldfave.

Butter-Menthols - You know how I feel about these. Placebo effect potentially, but whatevs. If they're able to stop me from having a huge coughing fit in the middle of work, then so be it.

Vicks VapoNaturals - Ditto.

Kleenex Aloe Vera tissues - My nose was in a disgustingly raw state previously, but is now feeling better thanks to these! Some much-needed TLC for my poor shnoz.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - If you haven't guessed by now, this has been my go-to lip balm (unfortunately not the Zoë Foster variety) of late. It has been failing me this week, however, as my sore, chapped lips are in dire need of something more nourishing. I toyed with the idea of pulling out the much-hyped-about Nuxe Rêve de Miel from my drawer, but decided it against it, as my lips were hanging in there okay before. We'll see how this goes...

Elms + King Lexington bag - After realising that I had so much crap in my handbag that I couldn't find the exact item I was looking for - and after coming across a seriously random article - I decided to do a handbag clean-out. Thankfully things are looking a little tidier now, though I'm willing to bet that it's not going to stay that way!


Yup, I had a 'sick' week, alright!

What was the highlight of your week? Hope you're in better health than me!

FACE FAVES // CULT PRODUCT - MAC FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION

MAC Face and Body Foundation 120ml

Feels like water, looks like skin.

I've been meaning to write a proper review on MAC's Face and Body Foundation for a while now, though it's taken some time to give it the attention it deserves. It's one of those products that I wasn't to sure how to approach at first. I'd read that it was a very watery formula, was waterproof when 'set', gave a skin-like finish, and was a favourite amongst makeup artists, especially for studio shoots, as coverage could be built up in layers without feeling heavy or cakey. You could say I was intrigued. When I headed to my local MAC counter to test it out, the MUA squirted some onto a metal dish before applying it on to my face with a stippling brush. Now that I've used for a few months (I first mentioned it here), I think I'm well positioned to deliver my comprehensive two-cents.

Ingredients listing

Nozzle dispenser

Scent and application:
It has a slight, barely-detectable scent that I don't find unpleasant, and takes a while to actually set. It comes out watery and immediately starts to thicken as it comes into contact with the air. My usual practice is to squirt some on the back of my hand (about the size of my pinkie nail - see below), give it a moment to thicken and then transfer to my face, working in sections - beginning with my cheeks, then nose and chin, and then forehead. The more you rub/massage/work it into skin, the faster it sets. I find it safer to squeeze out less than I think I'll need, because it is far easier to get more out than it is to try and push excess back through the tiny nozzle... I've found that fingers work best for application - if I have time then I'll use fingers to massage it into my skin, before going back in with a brush (either the Real Techniques Buffing Brush or Expert Face Brush) and blending, to ensure that there are no harsh lines or edges. If I'm in a rush I prefer to slap it on and then buff it in, rather than take the time to work it into my skin with fingers, though the warmth from my hands helps the foundation to melt in and set quicker. One of my pet peeves with foundations is when the base sits on top of the skin rather than melting in, making it easy to transfer on to other things (such as my phone...gross). Thankfully the F&B isn't too bad a culprit, though sometimes I forget that it does take a bit of time to set, and end up getting it on the collar of my white work shirt - real classy...

A little goes a long way...

L-R: Before application / After application (cool lighting) / After application (warm lighting)

Coverage and lasting power:
It provides light to medium coverage. I find that one layer offers a fairly light coverage - sufficient to tone down redness (see photo above), but not mask it completely. It can be built up for a fuller coverage, and the best part is that it does so without feeling heavy or cakey - and doesn't crease, either. It has a luminous, dewy finish - not sparkly or glittery in the slightest - that is probably better suited to those with normal to dry skin. I find that it doesn't cling to dry patches, but they do become more pronounced as the day wears on (probably exacerbated by my air-conditioned work environment). Personally, I get the best finish if I apply it shortly after applying moisturiser or day cream, when it has just absorbed and my face is still a little moist. In warmer weather I'll also powder my T-zone, which tends to become oilier as the day transpires. Generally, lasting power is excellent once set - for me, it lasts well throughout a work day (9+ hours), without flaking or budging.

Size and shade-range:
It comes in two sizes: 50ml (mainly for regular usage), and 120ml professional size. Here, the 50ml retails for $49, while the 120ml retails for $60. I read that it has a tendency to separate over time, but I thought I'd take a chance on the larger size anyway, as it was better value for money.  Call me a typical Asian, but it was a a real no-brainer! (Mine was actually $35USD, brought back from the US for me by a dear friend).
In terms of colour range, I love that MAC has such a large range to choose from. I wear the shade C3 (roughly equivalent to NC30), which has strong yellow undertones and is perfect for me in Summer, though a tad dark for me now that we're heading in to Winter. Thankfully it's sheer enough that it's not too obvious. For all you alabaster beauties, they also have the shade White (available only in the professional 120ml size), which is meant for mixing with the other shades, but perfect for those who find C1 or N1 too dark.

Face and Body buddies:
For everyday wear, I like layering it over Nivea's Daily Face Veil, and powdering with Rimmel's Stay Matte Translucent Pressed Powder (not pictured).

L-R: Nivea sunscreen, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Buffing Brush

You can see it in action here, and here.

Overall, I find the F&B a great everyday foundation, as it provides a nice finish and sufficient coverage for me; it's housed in sturdy no-nonsense packaging, is buildable, and photographs really well due to no SPF. No doubt a top pick for brides!


Have you tried MAC's Face and Body Foundation?
If so, did you find it difficult to work with?