Minestrone Soup

I super LOVE minestrone soup - the proper stuff, mama's true Italian.

Its definitely something I would choose to have if it was on a menu. The flavour, the goodness, you can't really beat it for a soup.

I have created my own recipe 3/4 times now and thought I would share it. I use my slow cooker to do this but it can easily be done without, I just prefer the slow cooker way of cooking if its possible.

The ingredients as always can be varied but the more variety the better.

Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Carrot (diced)
Celery (diced)
Courgette (diced)
Green beans (chopped)
Leeks (chopped)
Potatoes (diced)
Dried oregano, basil
Chicken/Vegetable Stock
Chopped Tomatoes/Tomato Passata
Tomato Puree
Salt, pepper
Cayenne Pepper


Start with the olive oil, onion garlic (butter).

Chop all the vegetables and add it all in.

Add the herbs, salt and pepper (and any other seasoning you may wish)

Pour in the stock and chopped tomatoes/passata. Add the tomato puree and just a little bit of cayenne pepper (depending on the spice level but I like to give it just a little kick, not too overpowering).

I tend to use tomato passata rather than chopped tomatoes just because its thinner and I like my minestrone soup thin. This is why I tend not to add flour to my minestrone recipe but if you prefer it thick, flour is best used.

If cooking with a slow cooker, leave to cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

I top it off with parmesan to finish in true Italian style (sometimes I also add some tortilla strips with the parmesan just because I like it on some soups).

Optional additional ingredients:

Small knob of butter (just to give it some more flavour)

Flour (thickening agent)
Small cup of water (to water it down, if the flavour is a bit intense)

Striped lettuce leaves

Peas

Chorizo

Pasta (add 10 minutes prior to serving)

In terms of quantities of ingredients, I tend to use as much as I like for the vegetables but making it suitable for 2 people. I add quarter of an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper (approx. a teaspoon). 1 can or pack of tomato and 1 big sachet of stock (500ml). Chicken stock I find does give it fuller flavour so thats my preference.

Happy cooking :)

Christmas: Connecticut and Fort Myers

Naples, Fl

Christmas seemed to come and go fast but then it always does, time flies when having fun.

It got off to a bad start... Heathrow (as usual) was a pain in the ar*e. I was put in a check-in line that wasn't moving and consisted of about 80+ people when I had already checked in! When I complained I was in the wrong line 'surely I should be in bag-drop' a woman shuffled me out and put me in a line of 4!  HUGE difference (and a time-saver, I was already a little late).

Checked-in, ran to security, only to face more problems. The main issue seemed to be my iPad and it wasted literally 10 minutes I didn't have for some lady to look at it who seemed to have all the time in the world...

Ran to the boarding gate, grabbed coffee and snack to go (I don't bond well with aeroplane food) and then boarded the flight all in slight panic as I was definitely one of those last few on - but thankfully not holding up the flight.

I breezed through the cabin looking at my seat number on my ticket as I passed (usually would have checked by now but was in such a rush) only to realise I had gone too far

Seat 6C?
Hold up.
I'm at 13F, I need to turn back
but back is business?
(walks back)
Flight attendant: 'Ma'am, are you ok?' (as I look all flustered)

I thought I would save embarrassment of asking if I was in the correct seat (when its clearly labelled and a part of me was thinking just sit down) don't make a scene or ask questions, they might have made a mistake take it while you can!
So I sat down in business with quite a big smile on my face as she handed me a glass of bubbles :)

...off to a bad good start

inflight menu

wine and dessert :)

I landed in JFK on Xmas eve, my sister picked me up who lives in CT which was nice as I haven't been before so made it easy.

When we got to CT I was amazed at how pretty it is. Better than expected. A really pretty quaint town
(Obviously, wintery feel of snow and Christmas lights etc always helps) - and it definitely was freezing.

After CT we flew down to Fort Myers to some warmer weather, lots of sunshine :)

Fort Myers and Naples are perfect for good weather in Dec/Jan, so I love visiting there and the great shopping is a bonus. Also visited Cape Coral for the first time but didn't enjoy it as much. It's quite basic, with not much of a store or restaurant around, extremely residential so not ideal for visiting. The Westin Marina where we stayed though was really nice and I actually miss the condo there it was so nicely done, I felt right at home! and has some amazing views. The other downside was that it was on the bay so there was a mass of mosquitoes, and they were MASSIVE. Quite literally (with boots on!).

Westin Marina (condo), Cape Coral

The more and more I'm lucky enough to get away to places with good sunshine I find it hard to come back to the UK. It's so cold and grey - at the moment its snowing which is better than the rain but I prefer the sun anyday...

Westin Marina Bay view

Sienna X gradual tan

I am no fan of fake tan, the mess, the risk, its a bit much.

Gradual tans however, pre-mixed with moisturiser, are a nice and hassle-free way to get that hint of colour.

I particularly have been loving 'Sienna X' for all its good giving qualities.

Pros -

Reasonably priced

No stickiness

No nasty fake tan smell

No risk of streaks/patchiness 

No orangeness 

Dries within 5 minutes

Pump action bottle

Not tested on animals

Paraben free

Cons -

The tan doesn't last as long as I would like but then I haven't found any that do!

This also has a good list of ingredients including -
Aloe vera, sweet almond oil and cocoa butter

How I apply -

Before bed (just preference). Exfoliate. Moisturise. Apply with hands. Wash hands. Apply tiny amount onto hands - massage - use a wet wipe on inner palms. Go to bed. Wake up golden brown and happy. 

(Really I could have been on the beach for the past 8 hours, wishful thinking in my head, but actual feeling by the look of my skin).

One application does the job. Leaves skin smooth and faintly smelling rather like coconuts. 

This also contains some form of anti-cellulite formulation with the aid of lemon peel oil and butcher's broom, though I can't really confess to the powers of that (not because I don't have cellulite, lord knows most of us do and how astonishingly difficult it is to get rid of).

If you do like the other types of tan, Sienna X do have a range online, including an instant bronzing gel, selection of body products and some cosmetics.

All in all a good brand to know and love. 

For that hint of colour all year round Sienna X is your good friend. :)

Skindinavia Setting Spray

The award winning Skindinavia makeup finishing spray. MAGIC in a bottle.

Pros -

Extremely fine spray/mist

Dries within 15 seconds

Does give makeup long lasting power (up to 16 hour wear)

Cons -

Hard to find (at least in the UK)

Contains alcohol (not great for skin)

Spray after makeup application. 15 seconds later...BAM. Perfect looking finish.

If anything I notice the days I don't use it.

Skindinavia have five different setting sprays (Original, no more shine, moisture lock, 10 years younger and bridal).

I use moisture lock because I tend to have dry skin.

Bottles come in 2 different sizes (4oz, 8oz) including a travel size spray (2oz), ideal for holidays.
Approx. indication if used daily; 2oz - 6 weeks, 4oz - 12 weeks, 8oz - 24 weeks

At the moment if ordering from their website you get a free travel size spray and 60 day money back guarantee.

Go find your magic in a bottle.

Skindinavia Makeup Setting Sprays, Skindinavia.com. Also available at love-makeup.co.uk

Hydraluron Moisture Booster

  

Winter? Dry? Dehydrated Skin? HELLO HYDRALURON.

Continuing with my winter skin care guide (see previous posts) I have to talk about the fab Hydraluron.

Reaction day one: HOLY SCHMOLY. My skin feels AS SOFT AS A BABY'S BUM.

I have been using this for a few months and can't go a day without because the effect is awesome.

Formulated with Hyaluronic acid, able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, results in super increased hydration for your skin right from the get go.

Use pre-moisturiser. Don't use in place of moisturiser - its supposed to 'super-charge' your moisturiser (not replace it). Not much needed, little goes a long way.

Easily absorbs. Skin baby soft. Other products will work better. Make up will look better.

I came across this review which perfectly sums up how great this product is. I asked the reviewer and she kindly let me mention it;

'I will come clean to you, I don't use Hydraluron 2x per day. But it speaks to its efficacy that I can use it 1x per day under a moisturizing SPF and still see results. You allow me to continue to use my retinol products during that time of the year where flakes & spots would otherwise be plentiful. You're not a miracle worker, but you don't claim to be - I appreciate your honesty. Because its the smoother more hydrated skin that I'm after, not a lot of mumbo jumbo'.

Couldn't agree more.

The good: Suitable for all skin types. Does what it says. Skin is NOURISHED, HYDRATED, THANKFUL.

The bad: Nothing.  Some may say the price but for what you get (pretty darn good skin) you can't complain.

No ugly.

Just go buy it.

Your skin will THANK YOU for it.

Indeed Labs. INDEED.

Hydraluron, Boots. (tester in boots available). For more info see their website indeedlabs.com

How I use: I use this before my usual seabuckthorn facial oil, together they just make your skin feel extremely soft

Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum

100% of ingredients from natural origin
74% of ingredients from organic cultivation

This is a nice alternative for sensitive skin. 

It has many different ingredients to benefit the skin, so I will break it down; 

- Scientifically tested Antioxidant-rich Vinanza Performance Plus - redness, melanin production 
- Superfruit kiwi enzyme and soothing Oxifend from red grapes - subtle exfoliation 
- Mamuka black fern and Reishi mushroom - cell renewal 
- Waiwera mineral water (world's best water) - restores moisture

So quite a catch, especially for congested skin. 

So much so it was awarded the Pure Beauty Awards 2012. 

I have been using this serum for approx 2/3 months and it definitely helps even out the skin, less redness and a noticeable mild brightening within 15 seconds. Perfect for the cold winter. 

This stuff sinks in pretty quick. The skin soaks it up and is left feeling surprisingly soft. 

I have used many serums, even those more well known, and this is THE ONLY one where I have seen a noticeable difference and within a few days. LOVE.

Antipodes Apostle corrective serum, available at FeelUnique and lovelula.

Sibu Beauty Organic Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

This is an amazing oil I only came across recently on my new found path of facial oils.

Oils are great for particularly dry skin, especially in the winter months.

I notably LOVE this oil as it sinks in surprisingly quick (30-60 seconds) and results in baby soft skin.

The amazing sea buckthorn berry thrives in harsh conditions and high altitude of the himalayas by fortifying itself with protective nutrients including omegas 3, 6, 7 AND 9. 

So, IMAGINE what it could do for your skin. 

It has long been used for skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, burns and also aids in skin regeneration so good for acne and ageing skin.

Only 2-3 drops are needed for the entire face (can be used on other areas). I think as with most oils best application is to press/massage onto the entire face or specific area.

The quick absorption of this dry oil allows makeup to be applied immediately after (if desired). No issues with makeup sliding off but if you have oily skin I would be cautious with any oil.  Oils are known to really help balance out oily/combination skin so its worth looking into.

Use of product: approx six weeks, half way through the bottle but its on the small side (10ml) so it has lasted longer than I thought.

Without doubt worth the try for dry skin and the cold winter months - and I don't have eczema or rosacea but it does wonders, apparently. 

I do have a bit of redness and it has helped tremendously and my skin has been super soft everyday -  I wouldn't be without it. 

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn oil is available for $15.95 from Sibu Beauty's website (US and Canada) - However they don't deliver to the UK (or at least when I purchased) so I bought mine off eBay from a REPUTABLE seller for £13.90 including P+P. (Also available on Amazon).