What I Wore: A Tent

Hi there!!How's your week been? I have had ANOTHER cold this week and so have been taking it easy.

Here's an outfit I wore a week or two ago. The bf and I had been back from the UK for three days and to further fend off jetlag (we didn't get it - YAY!) we went for a drive and an impromptu bite to eat at a 'fancy' Mexican restaurant after work.

My tent: at least I haven't hidden in black huh!?
Tunic (tent) Vero Moda; leggings, Primark; Shoes; New Look.

This jacket looked a lot nicer in the mirror :)
Jacket, Matalan

Showing you a peek of my new bright lippy!
Necklaces: Shortest (orange and pink beads) given to my mum from my nan, and given to me from my mum!
White necklace, DIYed by moi; Long necklace, Diva.

Bling: Orange ring, Shh By Sadie; Gold ring, found in my old bedroom at home;
Watch, Michael Kors; Beaded bracelet, Shh By Sadie; Gold bangle, Hay Luv.
Chipped nails, model's own ;p

 

My neck attire. I rattled when I walked. This happens a lot.

La eateria :)

I had to take this necklace off. My neck ACHED after wearing so much bling all day!!
Do you ever have that problem!?

 

After three months of wining and dining, I am rather happy wearing tents at the moment, and aim to emerge from my clothing-cocoons in a month or two, looking a little more svelte!!

NOTE: Obviously, Mexican restaurants DO NOT help me with this plan, hahaha :)

Do you ever need to cut down on the calories? What are your best tips? :)

Simple & Healthy Recipe: beetroot and feta quinoa

Hey all, as you know, I'm currently in Paris. However I have been super organised (if this indeed works) and set up my first (low-fat, vegetarian) recipe post EVER to publish whilst I'm away!

After so many holidays lately I've been making a conscious effort to watch what I eat...I have a fair few pounds to shed unfortunately! Being vegetarian I am also always keen to try new foods that provide vitamins and minerals that can be difficult to consume for us leaf-eaters. 

Quinoa is often called a 'supergrain' and is like a cross between brown rice and couscous texture-wise. For those of you who would like to know more about the benefits of quinoa, take a look here.

So here's the recipe - I made it up myself based on quinoa I have bought from a delicatessen in New Zealand.  

It's super quick and easy, and sounds fancy enought to impress your friends!

Ingredients:

Dried quinoa
Stock cube (I used vegetable Oxo)

Feta cheese (I used low fat)
Beetroot
Peppers
Cucumber
Tomato

Olive Oil
Cracked black pepper
Balsamic vinegar to serve (optional)

1. Using the portion guide on the packet of quinoa, add the desired amound into a saucepan (I just guess usually!)

Cover with water, crumble in a stock cube and bring to the boil.

I bought this quinoa from Asda

 

2. Whilst the quinoa is boiling, chop up the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and beetroot. Quantitiy-wise, use whichever you prefer. I like a chunky salad so use approx half a red pepper, half a yellow pepper, one large tomato and one beetroot.

Let's have a wee peek at my new pink Kuhn Rikon chopping knife! I had it for Christmas from the bf and it is so sharp and wonderously choppy! ;)

3. When the germ is separated from the grain, as seen in the first pic, the quinoa is cooked.
Drain the quinoa, tip into a large mixing bowl and add a splash of olive oil.

4. Stir in the salad vegetables and crumble in a portion of feta. Season with cracked black pepper.

5. Once everything is mixed together, serve in a dish, or pack in a container for a healthy lunch. I like a splash of balsamic vinegar with mine, but that's just because I am slightly obsessed with balsamic vinegar ;)

Enjoy!

Have you ever tried quinoa before?