Monday, 24 March 2014

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pasta ♡

Today I thought I would share a recipe with you. This is not my own recipe but I found it about a year ago and have been loving it ever since. This is quite a filling dinner and serves up to four people. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do! This recipe takes about 20 minutes and is low fat.

Recipe (serves four)
You will need:

  • 350g Pasta (Farfalle is recommended)
  • 200g tub of light, soft cheese (I use philadelphia)
  • A squeeze of lemon juice
  • 145g pack of smoked salmon
  • Chives or spring onions
Per serving: 436 kcalories, protein 28g, carbohydrate 66g, fat 7g, saturated fat 3g, fibre 2g, sugar 4g and salt 2.3g

Method (step by step)

1) Gather all of your ingredients together so that they are easy to get hold of whilst cooking.

2) Start boiling your pasta in quite a large pan. Cook it to your preferred texture. I did mine slightly al dente. You can add salt and oil into the pan with the pasta if you'd like.

 
3) Whilst the pasta is boiling, start preparing your toppings. Cut the chives or spring onions into small pieces. I'd recommend a whole chive/spring onion for this. 



Cut the smoked salmon into pieces as well. I used one and a half packs. Remember that the salmon shrinks when cooked, so don't be too shy with the amount of salmon you have. 

4) Turn off the hob when your pasta is ready. You can check the texture by having a taste. Then, grab a colander and pour left over boiling water from the kettle to get rid of any excess starch and keep the pasta hot. 


5) Put the pasta back into the pan and add the cream cheese. Be quite generous with this, if you want a richer, creamier sauce.


6) Add the salmon and the spring onions/chives. Also, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the pasta. Mix it all together. 




7) Grab your plates and serve it out. Don't wait too long to eat it, the cheese will make the pasta cool more quickly. Enjoy!



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Sunday, 16 March 2014

February Favourites ♡

I know that this is a little late but these are my February favourites! I can tell this is going to be a long post so enough rambling, let's begin.

Beauty



 
Earlier in February I picked up the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, after hearing many youtubers rave on about it. This is by far the best concealer I have ever used. It covers up my dark under eye circles amazingly and does not crease or become cakey. Also, the doe foot applicator makes it very easy to apply. I got the shade 'Cool Medium'. Next are the Tanya Burr Lipglosses. These were brought out at the very end of January. The first shade is 'Vampire Kiss' which is a very dark, vampy red... perfect for the evenings. The other shade is 'Let's Travel The World' which is a more orange toned colour.  This is much more wearable in the day. The quality of these is very good and they are highly pigmented. Also, they smell amazing! Lastly, the Revlon Lip Butter in 'Juicy Papaya'. This is a great creamy, light shade... very subtle and light for Spring.

This was shown in my 2013 Favourites but I've been wearing the Body Shop Pink Grapefruit body mist every day in February. I can't get enough of the scent and it is so light and perfect for Spring.

Fashion

I am in love with this jumper! It says 'Ain't Laurent Without Yves', which is a play on the brand 'Yves Saint Laurent'. It is oversized and has fleecy lining, making it the perfect slouchy jumper. I got it on eBay for £16. Maybe it is too warm for Spring but I couldn't resist!

These have been my recent jewellery must-haves. I got my rose gold boyfriend watch from asos, however I think it is sold out now. I have had this watch since christmas and it has barely left my wrist. The orange and yellow braided bracelet was a gift from my trip to Madrid earlier in the month- a kind man selling them on the streets was kind enough to give this to me free as a present. The red bracelet in the back is also from Madrid, it has a beautiful engraved pattern on it. I love stacking braided thin bracelets in the warmer weather. The bow bracelet is from Brandy Melville. It is a simple gold, thin ring which I bought last Summer. It goes with most outfits and being gold, it matches my watch perfectly. The six silver rings came as a pack and are from H&M. They are all different sizes, some are normal rings and some are midi rings, which is a new trend for 2014. 

These shoes are from New Look and were around £14. These have been my most worn shoes since Summer. They are so comfortable, are very sturdy and being black and white, they go with pretty much everything. 

I recently bought these sunglasses from eBay for £2.99... what a bargain! These are knock off RayBan Clubmasters. These are the black ones with gold rims. When buying these, I thought that the lenses were black but once I tried them on, I noticed they had a slight purple tinge to them. This made me love them a lot more. Excuse my face in the second picture haha!

Electronic

Towards the end of February, I discovered 'Boyce Avenue' on Youtube. If you love acoustic, meaningful covers of well-known songs, check them out, they are amazing! Being a sucker for acoustic covers, I was immediately drawn in. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
If you know Hannah Hart, Grace Helbig or Mamrie Hart, you would have been aware of the release of Camp Takota. This is a film about a woman (whose work life and love life have gone to pieces) who is summoned back to her childhood camp to become the counsellor. She is reunited with her two old friends who have pretty much never left the camp. When the camp is put in jeopardy, they must work together to save it. It is a great film with lots of laughs along the way. You can buy it on iTunes for £7.99 which is a great price for such a good film.

I know that I'm late on this bandwagon but I have finally watched Despicable Me for the first time. Wow, what a film! I was always unsure about it but it was on tv recently so I thought I'd see what all the hype was about. I can see why it is such a popular film, it is heart warming and hilarious! I think I'm going to have to watch the second one soon. 

In February My Mad Fat Diary returned to UK screens. I watched this series last year and absolutely loved it. The context is so real. I knew that Nico Mirallegro (Finn) was in it and I've been a fan of him ever since he played Newt in Hollyoaks. You will fall in love with him, he is so perfect! Season 2 came out and I have loved every single episode of it.


In terms of music, I have been listening to a lot of Maroon 5. My favourite songs from the Songs About Jane album are 'This Love' and 'Sweetest Goodbye'. The songs are so upbeat and the tunes are very catchy! Also, I've been addicted to Eminem songs recently, especially this past month on the plane and coach to Madrid. My favourite songs from his old albums are 'Without Me', 'The Real Slim Shady', 'When I'm Gone', 'My Name Is' and 'Lose Yourself'. Although I've too been loving 'The Monster' as a more recent song. I can proudly confess that I know all the words to Slim Shady and can rap along to the song without losing my breath haha! 



You may think that this is just a small red cube but it is so much more! This is a Juice Cube. It is an on-the-go charger for your phone. You charge it at home and then it is ready to charge your phone when you're out and about without any plug sockets. It comes with eight compatible adaptors: Apple, Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony Ericsson and PSP, Nintendo DS. This is also a USB charger, a mini USB charger and a micro SD charger. This has been so useful and I especially used it in Madrid. It is very small and compact, perfect for putting in your bag. It comes in six colours. I bought mine from Currys for £24.99, which I think is definitely worth it.

In terms of apps, I found one called 'QuizUp' for free on the app store. This was recommended by beautycrush on youtube. It is a quiz game, where you can go against other players playing different categories. It is very addictive and a great game to play and relax with. 

Miscellaneous 

At the start of the month, I bought this desk. It is the 'White Micke Desk' from Ikea. It cost £60. I have never bought anything from Ikea so this was very exciting for me! It has a large drawer, a smaller drawer and a side door with optional shelves. You can choose whether to have the side drawer and door on the right or left side of the desk. This is a very durable desk with plenty of space on top. I decided I needed a desk this year for revising and homework and it has also become my makeup station. I have fallen in love with this desk! I highly recommend it. 


After hearing great things about it and seeing as the film is coming out soon, I thought it would be good timing to read 'The Fault In Our Stars' by John Green. This is a well known book and is very popular. I have wanted to read it for a long time and only just discovered that my sister had the book. I'm only half way but it is already my favourite book. It is so well written and is just an amazing read. I bet my friend £1 that I wouldn't cry.. let's see how that goes! I really recommend this book if you haven't read it already. 

I am usually lacking on the exercise part of my life but I've decided to try and become healthier and get into better shape, not that I wasn't happy with my body before but it could have improvements. I decided to try the 30 day shred after hearing many good things about it. I started watching it on youtube however only level one is on there so I picked up the DVD from Boots for only £4.99. I am only just starting out but I have already noticed a difference in my stamina and endurance. I can't wait to see visual results.. I might write a blog post review on it once I have finished it. My black sports bra with pink detail is from H&M. They do great sports bras with breathable material, the quality is great. There is a whole range of colours and I definitely need to go back and get more. The red dumbbells are from TK Maxx, and I found them for £5.99. They aren't very heavy but I don't think I could manage much bigger ones. 

Going hand-in-hand with the exercise, I have decided to eat a lot healthier. It makes me feel better and also will help me lose weight. I have been enjoying greek yoghurt with berries and honey for breakfast or as a snack. It is delicious and is still great for my sweet tooth. I have given up coke and other fizzy drinks for lent and have been enjoying eating more fruits and vegetables. 

On the other hand, these have been my treat from all the healthy eating. I found these chocolate covered oreos in Madrid, and was recommended them by my friend Sharee. These are amazing! They are so much better than regular oreos. Unfortunately, you can't get them back in England but I found that melting chocolate and dipping oreos in them works just as well. 

Being a very organised person, I like writing to-do lists in notebooks instead of reminders on my phone. Ticking off boxes is the most satisfying thing ever! I have been using these two notebooks for writing down my thoughts and lists. The black faux leather one on the left is from WHSmith and the turquoise, black and white chevron notebook is from Wilkinson. 

Thanks for reading- Jennie xo
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Sunday, 9 March 2014

My Top 30 Youtubers ♡

     As you may be aware, I am completely addicted to Youtube! I spend all day everyday watching it! I think it is great as it has such a variety of videos and I have gained a lot of role models from watching it, who have inspired me! It can take quite a long time to accumulate a good selection of people to subscribe to, so I hope this helps you find new people to watch. I know that 30 seems like quite a lot but I'm subscribed to 251 Youtube channels so this was quite a hard job narrowing them down to 30! Some have extra links but I know I'm cheating so don't tell me off but the ones in bold are the actual favourites! Haha. Without further ado, here are my top 30 youtube channels (in no particular order):

1) beautycrush (Sammi)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/beautycrush
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSammiMariaShow

2) Bethany Mota 
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Macbarbie07
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BethanysLife

3) BeyondBeautyStar (Claudia)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeyondBeautyStar
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeyondBeautyStarTV

4) boyceavenue
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/boyceavenue

5) Cimorelli
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cimorellitheband
Vevo Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cimorelliVEVO

6) DailyMix
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DailyMixTV

7) Emma Blackery
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/emmablackery
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/blackerytv
Beauty Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/lazylittleme

8) FleurdeForce (Fleur)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FleurDeForce
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxgqm7W2kJ--jb3cB0CT8Q
Bride Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BrideDeForce

9) HelloKaty (Katy)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/HelloKatyxo
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/k8vlogs

10) itsgrace (Grace)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIiBf-JbtCazHSFqXV4JgoA
Old Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/dailygrace

11) ItsWayPastMyBedTime (Carrie)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ItsWayPastMyBedTime
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TwentyThirtyTwo

12) JacksGap (Jack and Finn)
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JacksGap

13) Jim Chapman
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/j1mmyb0bba
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogswithjim

14) JoeyGraceffa
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JoeyGraceffa
Gaming Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/JoeyGraceffaGames

15) Marcus Butler
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcusButlerTV
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MoreMarcus

16) missglamorazzi (Ingrid)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/missglamorazzi
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGridMonster

17) MyHarto (Hannah)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MyHarto
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/yourharto

18) our2ndlife
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/our2ndlife
Connor: https://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFranta
Ricky: https://www.youtube.com/user/PICKLEandBANANA
Jc: https://www.youtube.com/user/lifewithJc
Trevor: https://www.youtube.com/user/iTr3vor
Kian: https://www.youtube.com/user/superkian13

19) Sam
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OFFICIALsampepper
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/16bitsam

20) SHAYTARDS (Shay and Family)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SHAYTARDS
Shay's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/shaycarl
Colette's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/katilette
Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShayLoss
Other Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WhenTheKidsGoToSleep

21) SORTED Food
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sortedfood
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqf_rFCGLODeUcw3p_Abr-A

22) TantrumJas (Jasmine)
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TantrumJas

23) Tanya Burr
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrIIH7yHQugaUuoTZDoEUuQ
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tanyasvlogsandhauls

24) ThatcherJoe (Joe)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ThatcherJoe
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ThatcherJoeVlogs

25) The Vamps
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thevampsofficial
Vevo Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvclA06ZUVv54J-1ZeJ54Aw

26) TheFineBros
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFineBros

27) Tyler Oakley 
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tyleroakley

28) ViviannaDoesMakeup (Vivianna)
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ViviannaDoesMakeup

29) Zeldaxlove64 (Christina)
Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/zeldaxlove64

30) Zoella (Zoe)
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MoreZoella


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My Youtube Channel ♡

     Earlier this year, I was contemplating starting a youtube channel for fashion, beauty and to generally just talk on camera. However, I thought I would wait a while and start up a blog instead to gain confidence before entering the world that we call 'Youtube'. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to start up a singing channel as I enjoy singing and I actually got inspiration from a duo act busking in Canterbury. They were roughly my age, and as I was watching I started thinking why not? What is stopping me from doing it? I've always thought about doing it ever since I was introduced to Youtube and my sister encouraged me to do it. (We were both sitting down watching the buskers, while eating hot dogs).
     I decided to sing 'Mad World' as it had been stuck in my head for a while. I was quite nervous about filming it but after a couple of outtakes and help from my dad, I uploaded my video. Initially, I wasn't going to post it on Facebook because I was nervous about the response from everyone I know at school. I have been very lucky and supported, having lots of compliments and no negative feedback, which I am very grateful for. Since then, I have uploaded 'Let Her Go'. Both videos have gone smoothly and I am amazed at the amount of views in such little time. Also, it has helped boost my confidence a lot!
    Enough rambling, here is the link to my channel and the videos that I have done so far.

Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKB_c2s77xcOU5LB9nIixlg
Mad World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7re_sbI5z0
Let Her Go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N8xJmvPzaU

I'd really appreciate it if you checked out my channel and left feedback. Feel free to like, favourite and subscribe.

Thanks :)

PS- If you've been thinking about starting a Youtube channel, I hope this has inspired you. Go for it! I promise it's not as scary as you'd think!
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