The Sunday Review 0.06

Another Sunday means another Sunday review.This week has been pretty slow on the blog because we've been so busy. It's insane how quickly time seems to get away from you, especially when you have so much to do. Anyway back to what actually did happen on the blog this week. 

The Second part of my favourite bloggers/you-tubers went up, you can see that here. I really enjoyed compiling this list and it gave me a chance to discover some new bloggers too. I mentioned in the first part of the series here, that I had sixteen categories in which I organised the blogs I follow on bloglovin. Maybe in the future I could post a few blogs from each category. I hope you found some inspiration or new blogs to follow thanks to my posts.

The second thing that happened this week but not necessarily on the blog was a redo of a recipe. I made that Salted Caramel Torte back in June and it was kind of a success, a success in that if you like dark chocolate you would love it, not so much for non dark chocolate fans like myself and R. I wanted to redo this recipe using smaller individual tart tins and with milk chocolate. This week I finally got around to it and it was a huge success. I used less of everything which meant it wasn't as rich as the first big torte, it was delicious and just the right portion size for a dessert for one person. You can see a closer look of them here.

Another thing we've been doing this week is obsessively pinning dream holiday destinations over on our Pintrest. how amazing do some of these locations look. We're definitely dusting off the piggy banks and adding any loose change we can so that we can turn those dreams into reality.

Lastly this week Julys Birchbox actually came through my letterbox as surprise, there was no box. Birchbox sent my five samples in a cute waterproof pouch perfect for poolside or at the beach. You can read my first impressions of the samples I was sent here.

So that's it for this week. I'm looking forward to the start of another wee. I cant believe we're already most of the way through July! Where has the time gone? I hope you all have a great week and thank you for the support, kind comments and likes over on Instagram. See you all next week.

S&R

Blogs I'm Lovin Part 2

Last week I gave you the first part of my top 16 bloggers and youtubers that I love and follow on bloglovin. Today I'm completing the list.

Gala - Amlul
Spanish native and London dweller Gala has been documenting her life, fashion and travel on Amlul.com for 8+ years. Her blog is one of my go to's for Fashion inspiration and major life envy. My favourite thing about bloggers I've been following since the beginning of their blogs is seeing their growth both personally and professionally. Her latest collaboration with the brand Superga is such a huge accomplishment for her. She is one of the bloggers I really root for and can't wait to see what else she achieves in the future.

(image via Amlul)

Lisa - Lisa Olsson
I couldn't do a top blogger round up without mentioning at least one Swedish blogger. My first foray into bloggers started with Swedish bloggers, namely My Blomquist then Victoria Törnegren way back when I was in school. My style has since evolved and although I still follow quite a few Swedish bloggers, including the two mentioned above, Lisa's style is one I identify with most. She has that clean Scandinavian minimalist thing down to a tee, which I cant help but love.

(image via Lisa Olsson)

Silvia - Bartabac
I initially came across Silvia via her Instagram. Her FWIS, OOTDS, flat lays, travel shots really caught my eye and when I found out she had a blog, I started following Bartabac instantly. Silvia has great style and her outfits serve as endless inspiration.

(image via Bartabac)

Vydia - The VR Verdict
Another Australian who blogs all things fashion, beauty and interiors. The VR Verdict is my go to for pretty much everything I need to plan for my future life in the land down under. I bookmark the restaurant and cafe reviews, take note of the Australian designers and pin all the interiors to my dream home board. Along with the myriad of other reasons why I love Vydia and her blog, the fact thats she loves rocking a pair of trainers and shades of black white and grey in her outfits, sings to my monochrome heart.

(image via The VR Verdict)

Shini - Park & Cube
If you're looking for cool editorials, food, fun trips and fashion, look no further than Park & Cube. Shini has such an eye for all things style related, she juggles being a digital consultant, graphic designer and photographer as well as running her blog. I love not only the photography on her blog but the cool concepts and editorials she comes up with as well as her rambly posts, with her inner thoughts that calls to my secret inner weirdo.

(image via Park & Cube)

Rachel - Thats Chic
I remember following Rachel way back but never really being that enamoured with her. It was back when my feed was clogged with typical LA bloggers doing the same thing, drinking the same Starbucks and going to the same events every night. It's not until last year when Rachel started her Youtube account that I totally fell in love. She has a way of capturing the little moments of her life that she shares with us in a way that no other youtuber does. Her vlogs are one of my favourites and her attention to detail and editing is amazing. She has started being a little more active on her blog as well which is always a bonus as she takes beautiful pictures.

(image via Thats Chic)

Frédérique - I Go By Frankie
As much as I love following bloggers whose style I identify with, its the bloggers whose style is so completely different to mine that I tend to really enjoy.  Frankie is all about colour, print and texture. I love her quirkiness and that she is always unashamedly herself. I tend to shy away from bold patterns and prints as I feel it really not me, but Frankie's looks really make me want to try. Plus I get total fro envy whenever I look at her! I want hair like that.

(image via I Go By Frankie)

Julie - Sincerely Jules
Sincerely Jules is another one of those blogs I feel like I've been following for years, her style is so Californian and I think thats what I love about it. It is s different than anything I could get away with here in London on a daily basis. Although I love her style I also love her Travel Posts, most notably Mexico. She always seems to visit the most beautiful places and I find myself scrolling through her blog looking like the heart eyed emoji.

(image via Sincerely Jules)

So thats it my top 16 bloggers to follow right now. To be perfectly honest this list is ever changing as I am constantly discovering new blogs and youtube channels to follow. I will probably do updates of bloggers/blog posts I love each week.
Let me know in the comments if you know of any blogs/youtubes I should follow.
S.x

July BirchBox

Its hard to believe we're already almost mid way through July, when it feels like June just ended. New months always feel a little bittersweet for me, exciting because I love fresh starts and new beginnings but I also find myself a little bit panicky at how fast the year seems to be passing us by. In no time it'll be December and then a whole new year.

This months Birchbox was a surprise as it wasn't actually a box. In keeping with the summery feel of this month, Birchbox did something completely different and served up this months products in a cute brightly coloured pouch thats just begging to be taken on a sunshiny summer holiday.
I love multi purpose items and this little waterproof pouch can be used as a make up bag, a pouch for your mini holiday toiletries, something to keep your valuables dry whilst at the pool or beach or even as a pop of colour to your outfit as a clutch bag.
And now let's talk about the products.

The first product is a skin serum from the brand Balance Me. This skin serum is for all skin types and contains aloe vera, lavender and chamomile. As you can imagine this is super moisturising and calming on the skin. I've only used it twice but I do really like it. I would imagine this would be the perfect thing to take with you on holiday.

The second product is another aloe vera based product. An all over body gel by the brand Unani. I've never heard of the brand before but I'm not sure how you could really go wrong with an aloe vera gel. It does what it says on the tin and would obviously be perfect to slap on after a day out in the sun.

I love Soigné nail lacquers. I got a mani a while ago and the nail tech used a Soigné lacquer in the colour Ube. It was honestly the longest lasting manicure I'd ever had. It could have just been because I had a really good nail tech, I however like to believe it was all to do with the Soigné lacquer I chose. As you can imagine I was so excited to see a full size lacquer amongst this months products. Its a Birchbox exclusive that comes in six colours. I received the colour Lavendae and considering it seems to be a lighter more muted version of Ube, I couldn't be any happier. It applies like a dream and with a good top and base coat has so far gone four days with minimal chipping.

Benefit is a brand that I'm yet to try anything from, except of course their mascara and eyeliners. I'm not sure why but I think the glowing reviews have me a little worried. Can every product from this brand really be as good as everyone says? Well after trying this sample version of their Dream Screen SPF, I'm inclined to believe that all the rave reviews may actually be true. I usually buy face products that already contain SPF, mainly because it's a time saver and also because I hate sunscreen. The smell, the thickness, the white cast it leaves on your face. No not for me, however the Benefit Dream Screen is actually very good. It absorbs quickly so no need to rub vigorously, It's matte so no added shine and it has little to no fragrance. Score! I love this stuff and it has inspired me to take a closer look at some of their other skin care products. Side note, am I the only one who gets excited by cute little sample packaging? Minis make me happy.

I love eyeshadows I have too many but adding one more to the party is always welcomed. I received a sample of the Pop Beauty Bright Up Your Life palette in Peach Parfait. This trio contains a bright pearlised cream colour perfect for a hi-light, a peach colour perfect for the lid and a bronzy brown colour for the crease. All of the colours have a subtle shimmer and are super pigmented and creamy. I hate a chalky eyeshadow! I personally don't have oily lids and my eye makeup tends to last most of the day without a primer or touching up. Even though they are creamy the longevity of these shadows is really good and I have been eyeing up the full size palette. (I really do not need another nude eyeshadow palette!)

I love a good bonus or added extra and this month the bonus product was a nail file from Spa To You. Theres not really much to say about this, its a nil file, its got a pretty design and it gets the job done.

This months Birchbox is the perfect box for summer, its filled with great products to take away with you on your summer hols. I'm unfortunately not heading off to a beautiful sunny destination this summer but these products will work just as well for this British non summer, and general everyday use.
I  hope you enjoyed this months look at my Birchbox and I'll be back next month with August's pick of beauty sample.
S.x

The Sunday Review 0.05

Happy Sunday everyone I hope you are all well. This week we've had a pretty productive blog week getting our goal of four blog posts up. A recipe for a summer time dinner/lunch Quiche Lorraine. And a part recipe part review for Macarons. In yesterdays post there was the first part of my top 16 bloggers and youtubers to follow, and of course the Sunday Review.
Next week we have the second part of my top 16 bloggers and youtubers.
July's Birchbox, that isn't actually in a box, and a review of those products.
Two new recipes and a recipe redo.
Thank you again for all the support, likes and comments here on the blog and on social media. We hope you have a great rest of the weekend and we'll see you next week.
S&R

Blogs I'm Lovin Part1

Happy Saturday everyone. The sun is shining where I am in London today and I'm wearing shorts with bare legs! This is the type of heat Londoners can actually bare, unlike the heatwave of last week that left me ill, sweaty and completly drained.
Today Im talking bloggers and youtubers, bloglovin is definitely my choice for keeping up with all the blogs I follow. My follow count is currently at 357 and counting. Today I thought I'd post some of the bloggers and youtubers whose feeds keep me coming back for more.
My bloglovin is sorted into various categories, 16 to be precise. I'm going to narrow it down to one blogger from each category, so here are my first 8 of my top 16 bloggers you should take a look at today.

Arielle - Something Navy

I came across Arielle and her blog about four years ago. I was really into Juicy Coture at one stage and they had this video on their youtube page. Arielle seemed really cool, her style was impeccable and she of course had a blog. I followed her immediately and not only fell in love with her shoe wall/closet but her personal style and personality.

(image via Something Navy)

Karla - Karla's Closet
Karla is another blogger I've been following for years. I started following her way back when she used to wear vintage prom dresses to the groccery store! (so fab) Her style now is more minimal, sophosticated and grown up but she still finds the best vintage pieces and makes them her own.

(image via Karla's Closet)

Sam - Sam Is Home
If I could sum up this blog in two words; it would be beautiful photography. I love that this blog covers fashion, lifestyle, food, travel and everything inbetween. I always love the reviews of all the cafe and resturants she goes to in Hong Kong. Make sure to follow her on Instagram for more of her beautiful photography in realtime.

(image via Sam Is Home)

Connie - K Is For Kani
Another Blog with amazing photography. Connie has such a bright sunny dispostion that totally matches her quirky style. She juggles blogging, studying for a law degree and her online store where she sells cute floral head pieces. Her Instagram depicts a life full of colour and it helps that shes an aussie (Im kind of obsessed with Australia).

(image via K Is For Kani)

Remi - Hands Of Style
Remi's style is so on point and calls to the minimalist inside. Her style is so effortless but she always looks so put together. The fact that shes a London girl like myself means her outfits really translate well for inspiration. I love knowing I dont have to wait until its warmer to try out an inspired look of hers. Sidenote her wishlists are a purse killer. I've found myself splurging on at least one item from her wishlists!

(image via Hands Of Style)

Sonya - Class Is Internal

Sonya is a Canadian/Russian model, blogger, columnist and all round it girl of the interwebs. She has the most amazing adventures and oppurtunities and her style is super cool. The thing I like the most about Sonya is how mature she is for her young age. Her posts are more than just about the latest designer shes wearing or the exotic locations she gets to travel to. They have substance, real meaning and heart.

(image via Class Is Internal)

Eleonora - Jou Jou Villeroy

Eleonora is one of those girls that you wish to be as cool as. Her style is ecclectic and she totally kills whatever she is wearing. I always look forward to Fashion Week because I know I'm going to get so many street style pictures of her outside the shows.

(image via Jou Jou Villeroy)

Kristabel - I Want You To Know

Kristabel is such a ray of sunshine in Londons usually dreary days. Her style is so different from mine but there is something about her dedication to print and bright colours that has me feigning to experiment. I also love her day in the life of a blogger videos on her youtube. Her recent vlog also had me craving a holiday and missing my Grandmas house in Jamaica.

(all images via I Want You To Know)

So thats the first part of this blogger roundup. Stay tuned for the second part next week.

S.x

Homemade Macarons

This post is a little different to one of our usual recipe posts as its part recipe, part review.
Macarons are a delicious sweet treat, that we and may other people can't get enough of. I decided to try my hand at some homemade macarons as I had come across many recipes online that promised an easy method with exceptional results. In preparation for this recipe I decided to buy a Macaron making kit from Amazon.

Continue reading to see how it went.

You will need:
1 Cup of Ground Almonds/Almond Flour
2 Cups of Icing Sugar
1/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar
3 Egg Whites (room temperature)
Nutella (or filling of your choice)
Gel Food colouring (of your choice.)

Method:

Separate the egg whites from the yolk, making sure to not get any bits of shell or yolk in the whites.

Measure out the sugar, and pour into a stand mixer with the egg whites, whisk for 10 minutes. You can also use a handheld mixer.

Whilst the egg whites and sugar are being whisked add in the food colouring of your choice. Make sure to add more colour than you think you need as the colour fades during baking. You should take this time to sift the Almond flour and Icing sugar in a separate bowl. Make sure the Almonds and Icing sugar are sifted well to avoid a lumpy mixture.
After 10 minutes the whites should start to hold their shape and begin to rise. I honestly think I may have over whisked my eggs but my mixture seemed to turn out ok.
Once the egg whites are done. Sift the Icing Sugar and Almond flour again into the mixture.

Once sifted fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites. At first the mixture looks as though it won't come together but after a while you will get a smooth batter. You need to make sure not to over mix, I folded the mixture around 50 times and this seemed to be enough to incorporate all the ingredients.

At this point you would pour your mixture into a piping bag. This is where the Macaroon kit came in.  You're given a squeezy bowl with a nozzle with different attachments which is supposed to make the piping of the macaron easier. In my opinion it doesn't. You have to squeeze so hard just to get the mixture out that my hands were aching, not to mention the mess! the lid really isn't that secure and I found the macaron mixture started seeping out. It was messy and annoying.

Once you've piped your macarons give the tray a good hard tap on the counter three times to get rid of any air bubbles. leave to set a little at room temperature for twenty minutes. The macarons will set a little and develop a skin on top of them.
The silicone mat is supposed to give you a guide so that you get macarons which are all the same size and shape. The mat, I'm a little unsure of. My macarons did turn out roughly the same shape but I didn't get why it has a smaller circle within the circle, and I think having more space between each macaroon would make the process easier.

Here is where things get a little iffy. The recipe I followed said to cook the macarons for 13-20 minutes at 125C in a fan oven. I did this and this is what happened!

Clearly overcooked. I'm not sure if my oven is super hot or what exactly happened but my macarons were seriously overcooked after only 13 minutes. Total fail.

After that disaster I decided to try again as I had some mixture that would not fit in the squeezy tube. This time I used a piping bag and tried to get them equal by eye.
I also just placed them on a sheet of baking paper, let my oven cool down while letting the macarons rest for 20 minutes. I put them in the oven for 5-8 minutes at 110C and this is what I got.

Not perfect, but better. As you can see they're  a little uneven in size and started to brown a little but such a huge improvement from the first batch. I only managed to get 6 but they tasted delicious. I filled them with a little Nutella and enjoyed.

Things I'll do next time:
Use my own piping bag, that thing was so messy and I had so much more control with a regular piping bag.
Use a regular tray and baking paper. The Silicone mat was whatever. If i really wanted precise discs drawing them onto baking paper would be just as effective or even better.
Try to work out the timings/temperature for cooking. I baked the second batch for just over 5 minutes but they still started to catch, maybe reducing the temperature next time will be better.

All in all the second batch of macarons tasted yummy, even though they weren't as pretty as I hoped. This was a semi success and I will definitely be trying again, hopefully with better results. As for the Macaroon kit don't waste your money, a regular piping bag and baking paper will be just fine.
S.x

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a summer time staple in our house. I'm not sure why but it always reminds me of light summer lunches/dinners with salad or as cold finger food at barbecues. This quiche recipe is one that I make so much that the measurements are a little sketchy, as I just tend to eyeball everything. For the purpose of this bog post I'm going to try and be a little more precise with the ingredients.

You will need:

For the shortcrust pastry: 

200g Plain Flour 

110g Cubed Butter 

A Pinch Of Salt 

2-3 Tbsp Of Very Cold Water 

For The Filling:

6-8 Eggs (Depending on the size of your eggs,or how eggy you like your quiche)

200g Smoked Lardons

2 Large Leeks

250g Mature Cheddar Cheese (Or whichever cheese you prefer.)

100ml Milk

Salt (to taste)

Black Pepper (to taste)

Herbs Of Your Choosing 

Method:

To make the pastry place the flour, butter and salt in a food processor. Using the pulse setting, pulse the mixture until you get a breadcrumb like consistency.

Slowly add the water a little at a time until the mixture comes together in a bowl.

Once you get your ball, your dough is complete. Wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge to chill for around 30 minutes.

If you don't have a food processor, this easy to follow method should help, just adjust the measurements accordingly.

Whilst your pastry is chilling, fry the lardons. When the lardons are cooked add the chopped leeks and sauté just to get them coated in the lardon juices. Drain off on a piece of kitchen roll and leave to cool.

Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface. Grease your tin with a little butter and line your tin with the pastry. I adjust the measurements for my pastry, these measurements yield about 300g of pastry which I find is enough to fit my 25cm tin.

Don't cut the excess pastry off just yet. Place the pastry and tin into the fridge and chill for a further 10 minutes.

At this point you need to preheat your oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.

Line the pastry case with baking parchment and fill with baking beads. Place on a tray and blind bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes remove the baking beads and parchment paper. 

Crack an egg and whisk before giving the pastry an egg wash. Return to the oven for a further 5 minutes to finish cooking the base.

Remove your pastry and reduce the temperature of the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3

You can add whatever you like to the filling of your Quiche, a traditional Quiche Lorraine contains smoked lardons and is named after the Lorraine region in France. Not after the Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly which I assumed as a child! 

Most recipes have the addition of double cream as well as milk in their fillings, I don't. 

I honestly don't feel like the quiche tastes any less delicious without the added cream. Also as a family we tend to like our quiche less creamy and more eggy. If that doesn't convince you to leave out the cream, cutting it out makes the end result a little less guilty.

Add the leek and lardon mixture (or filling of your choice) to the bottom of the pastry case.

In a suitably sized jug whisk the eggs milk and half of the cheese. 

Season with salt, pepper and whatever herbs you'd like. I use a mix of Italian herbs, which is obviously not from the same region as a Quiche Lorraine but I like the taste.

Trim the edges of the quiche down and place on the open oven shelf, I find pouring the mixture whilst in the oven allows me to fill the pastry case right up and avoids me having to carry the full pastry case to the oven and spilling the filling.

Then sprinkle on the remainder of the cheese and bake in the the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the mixture has set.

Allow to cool for a few minutes and enjoy your delicious quiche with a side salad for a delicious summer lunch or dinner.

What do you think of this Quiche recipe. although it takes a little while to come together the results are so delicious I hardly care.
S.x