Easy Curry Omelette Recipe for Students

Image from: http://oscarslunch.blogspot.co.uk

Serves: 1

Cooking level: Easy

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Energy: Around 300 calories

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

2 eggs

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic

1/2 red pepper, finely chopped

1/3 large bag of spinach

Method:

1) Finely chop the onion and red pepper, crush the clove of garlic and tear the spinach leaves

2) Cook the onion, red pepper and garlic lightly in a pan

3) Add the spinach and cook until it has reduced in size

4) Add the eggs and chilli powder, season with salt and pepper to taste

5) Leave to cook for a couple of minutes

Carpe Diem xx

Makeup Monday: Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser review

Hello there! Today is a Makeup Monday and as the weather is turning I thought it would be appropriate to review the moisturiser that I've been testing for a week. As August/September brings changeable hot/cold days, the temperature change can take a toll on our skin so it's vitally important to keep it nourished for autumn. I bought this Simple moisturiser as I needed one for when I wanted a lighter formula moisturiser for the morning. So far the effects, like the Simple face wash above, which I have reviewed previously, seem very good. My skin looks visibly better and I like the zinc and chamomile ingredients. I do however have dry skin and I'm still not sure that it's entirely right for me. Although there are times when even I need a light moisturiser, I think this might be too light. What do you think? The jury's still out for me.

Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser can be found in Boots for £4.99 (or less during promotions)

Carpe Diem xx

Makeup Monday: Nivea and Simple Skincare Haul

Hello there on a wet Monday morning (the kind where you want to hide under your duvet)! Some of you might be thinking that I've been slacking on my posts and the truth is that I just haven't bought much recently. I try to blog 2-3 times a week when I really feel strongly about a subject or product and want to produce high quality, informative and entertaining content for you, so keep your eyes peeled because I'm not going anywhere!

Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream (50ml) Dry and Sensitive Skin - I use this on hot and sunny days because its SPF 25 protects against sun damage and ageing, even the hidden kind. Great for sensitive skin, although I find it on the oily side.

Nivea Pure and Natural Regenerating Night Cream for All Skin Types - Perfect for all skin types. A rich texture that 'turns over' your skin at night.

Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash - A really great face wash, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, but definitively for all skin types.

Why not check out my previous blog post review:

http://cupcakesandcosmeticsbyclare.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/how-to-clear-hormonal-dry-skin-simple.html

Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser - Use on days when you need a lighter formula moisturiser! I still need to test this one out more but may blog about it soon.

Carpe Diem xx

How To Clear Hormonal Dry Skin: Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash Review

Most people with oily skin, breakouts or acne say that they would kill for dry skin as it's generally accepted that it's easier to manage. However, as I found out recently dry skin really does need treating and managing as much as oily skin. I have dry skin and as much as it is usually pretty spotless, come that time of the month the inevitable happens and my skin is a mess.

This gets even worse with stress, so last week I started testing Simple's Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash at night. In three days my skin was almost clear! I'm not sure I can claim a miracle, but alongside drinking more water, a face cloth and eating cleaner this face wash is a must have high street beauty find.

A translucent, white formula that foams when used with water creates a satisfying face wash and really clears breakouts. I personally love Simple's natural and basic ingredients as well as their philosophy. I would definately recommend anyone try this and even agree with the statement 'results from Day 1'!

Carpe Diem xx

Foodie Friday: Summer Ham Hock and Mushroom Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

75-100g pasta per person/portion

Ham hock pieces

Handful of cumin seeds

Cheddar cheese

Pine nuts

Bread crumbs
Flour
Milk
Broccoli

Method:

1) Put water onto boil and put your choice of pasta into cook when boiling

2) Make Bechamel/cheese sauce

3) Fry mushrooms separately in a saucepan and boil the broccoli (or other veg if you wish)

4) Mix the sauce into the pasta and place in an ovenproof dish

5) Mix in the mushrooms and ham hock

6) Top with breadcrumbs, cumin seeds, pine nuts and grated cheddar

7) Brown in the oven for 10-15 minutes

Carpe Diem xx

Simple Living Inspiration: Lawrence of Arabia, Clouds Hill and Sleeping in a Hammock

Tucked away in a wood in Bovington, Dorset is the former home of T.E. Lawrence (1888-1935), aka Lawrence of Arabia, Clouds Hill. Incorporating revolutionary eco design such as recycled bathroom insulation, and simple reused materials, Clouds Hill is an inspiration for a simple lifestyle and adventurous living! Definately worth seeing and soaking up the atmosphere.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill/

Read about the benefits of sleeping in a hammock (yes, literally, at night and everything!):

http://almostbohemian.com/hammock/

Carpe Diem xx

Simple Living: My 5 Point Manifesto for Life

This is my simple living manifesto to increase happiness and lifelong health; I hope to incorporate all of these points into my lifestyle and use it for the rest of my life:

Live Frugally: Reduce commodity consumption (buy fewer things, use fewer cosmetics products)

Eat Healthily: Reduce consumption of processed foods (fast food, biscuits, sweets, meat), eat slowly and savour taste

Declutter don't Hoard: Remove any extraneous hoarded things from bedroom/house (donate to charity shops, give to friends or family, regift)

Reevaluate Time: Focus on important tasks and don't check the clock constantly if you don't need to

Build Relationships: Focus on loved ones, family and friends and spending time with them 

I have studied Buddhism and other related religious philosophies and have always admired simple living such as the Amish, but now I have to think about what living simply for the rest of my life might mean.

http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/

Carpe Diem xx

Foodie Friday: Easy Essential Pitta Pizza Recipe in 20 minutes or less

For the first time in a couple of weeks I have to apologise for the lack of blogging for the whole of yesterday, but today I'm going to give you two posts to make up for it :). 

Ingredients:

2 wholemeal pitta breads

4 tsps sun-dried tomato puree paste

2 large ripe tomatoes

Few basil leaves

100g mozzarella

(Quantities are flexible depending on your personal taste)

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Method:

1) Head oven to 200C/180C/Gas Mark 6

2) Spread each pitta with 2 teaspoons of tomato puree paste

3) Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced mozzrella and basil leaves if wanted

4) Bake on a baking sheet on the top shelf of the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/518639/pitta-pizzas

Carpe Diem xx

(Re)Organisation Series: My Walking Stationary Pouch

Yet more credit must go to Miss Organizedlikejen for the inspiration here. I bought a day-to-a-page 2013-2014 organiser and A3 clear popper wallet from WH Smith and hey presto! I have all my stationary needs in one place to grab on the go!

Here's what you'll need for a walking stationary pouch:

A3 Popper Wallet WH Smith

Organiser/diary/journal

Clear plastic case with assorted stickers/labels

Clear plastic case with pens, Post-It notes, ruler

3-sided ruler

See you soon for more of 'the organisation project that turned into a thousand'!

Carpe Diem xx

Simple Organisation Solutions for Offices and Home

Compartmentalizing things you might not use often into clear plastic box (e.g. Tupperware, Lock'n'Lock) can be a great space saving solution to storage. Not only practical but also makes finding things quicker as you can immediately see the contents of each box.

Keep a folder of stickers and labels for labelling storage containers and boxes or creating a 'reward system' sticker chart for daily chores or activities. It works for children, so why not use it to motivate you to stay organised and keep you on track?

Keep a labelled folder containing all you important documents (driving licence, passport, birth certificate, etc.) so that you always have it at hand and know exactly where they are when you need them. I use my favourite butterfly folder from John Lewis. Never miss a holiday, deadline or bill due to disorganisation again!

Carpe Diem xx

August Empties: Beauty Products I've Used Up

Dove Summer Glow: I love this gradual self-tanner but stupidly bought the one for normal to dark skin  when I should have got light to normal! Definately won't repurchase that one.

Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash: A nice oil balancing exfoliator and face wash with witch hazel. However, I'm trying out other one's and won't repurchase soon.

Aussie Limited Edition Take The Heat Leave-In Spray: Great spray and works well, like the other Aussie products I've tried. However, also trying other brands such as John Frieda.

Olay Essentials Complete Care Plus Light Moisturising Cream: I've loved this tinted moisturiser for ages but recently felt that it's starting to give me spots. I have sensitive skin and think there must be an ingredient in this that is irritating it. Not for sensitive skin!

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara: Love this mascara, which really does give the effect of false lashes; perfect for someone like me who doesn't like the hassle of putting them on! Repurchasing in waterproof :)

Vaseline Rose and Almond Oil Lip Therapy: Loved Vaseline as an essential forever, but I do think they gradually dry your lips out so I'm weening myself off it!

Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes: Great for sensitive skin and good makeup removers.

Carpe diem xx

CURRENT Dry/Sensitive Skin Morning/Night Skincare Routine

Skincare routine (morning):

Wash face with water - Microfibre facial cloth (perfect soft facial cloth for preventing clogs and blemishes!)

Exfoliate (2 times a week) - Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash with Witch Hazel

Moisturise - Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream SPF 15 (best formula for sensitive skin)

Lip balm - Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm

Skincare routine (night):

Remove makeup - Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes Dry & Sensitive skin (great at working to remove makeup traces and cleansing the skin simultaneously)

Wash face with water - Microfibre facial cloth

Moisturise - Simple Hydrating Moisturising Cream (light moisturizer for lighter coverage)

Lip balm - Vaseline Rose and Almond Oil 'Rosy Lips' (protective petroleum barrier and rose scent)

Hand cream - Soap and Glory Hand Food (really soft and smells amazing, WARNING contains marshmallow!)

Having dry and sensitive skin I find it as essential to follow a good daily skincare regime. Whilst you might be not acne or blemish prone, and generally never have oily skin, it is essential to protect your skin from sun damage, durt buildup and dryness. This is especially important if you are in an air conditioned environment, such as an airplane, for more than a couple of hours. 

What is your essential skincare routine?

Carpe diem xx