Shrimp Biryani, anyone?

At the moment, it is exactly 20:00 pm - and for dinner I've decided to make Shrimp Biryani.  There's nothing better but to have an eccentric meal throughout the streets of Paris.  Actually, I'm just messing with you - if I could, I'd be dining out at a Pizzeria, but sadly I'm not.  However!  This doesn't mean that my dinner was at all bad, infact it was quite good.  A bit spicy, but good.  I've always been a fan of Indian Cuisine and anything spicy (however, there are a few things I cannot handle).  Anyways, have a look at the final product (again, was taken from my Blackberry):

Normally, you would have rice however I don't like rice.  Anyways, I did however try to find a similar recipe HERE.

Spoil myself silly.

I am insanely happy.  Captivated by words, intoxicated by the scenery.  Un tarte de saison à Pomme de Pain for lunch, denim oversized blouse/dress paired off with Chloé's Darla leather tote, doodling recipes, and maybe just maybe... spoil myself with pure delights.

Summer Requirements:

Lolita.  Cupcake à la rose et coeur à la fraise.  Toycamera analogcolor.

Recent Purchases!

So, I've been skipping quite a few "30 days" posts, but that's only because I've been a little too busy.  I've decided that I will continue it however, it won't be day-to-day posts.

Anyways, aside from that!  I've been doing quite a bit of shopping the past few days, and have formed quite a relationship with Zara lately.  Anyways, unfortunately I won't be posting everything that I've purchased, however I ended up doing some shopping today as well (bare in mind that the quality of the pix are not as good as I was using my Blackberry):

Got these babies from Zara!  I promise you that the leather is actually black, and not blue!  I was so happy when I found them for half price, and luckily the last two pairs came in my size!

Mac 188 brush, SO'BiO étic exfoliating facial mask in Organic pink quava, L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum.

Haven't tried any one of them yet - but will be reviewing them asap!  However, I read good reviews on the boosting serum and the 188 brush.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Lockdown in Dramarama, Mac Blushcreme in LadyBlush.

So far, I've tried the eyeshadow and the blush.  The eyeshadow's lovely.  It was also on sale at Sephora and I was pretty happy to find that the shade was just exactly what I was looking for.  You see, I've been trying to search for the perfect eyeshadow that's creme-formulated and the only ones I could find at a reasonable price was Bourjois however even I thought their products were a bit over-priced and their colours weren't exactly my cuppa tea.  As soon as I found out about Too Faced's Lockdown - I was amazed to see that the price was actually cheaper than Bourjois's and the colour range wasn't as bad either.

As for the blush: Ah-may-zing!  I purchased the 188 brush so I could blend it in better as it was a hassle to use my fingers.  It brightens up my complexion (keep in mind that I have olive undertones) and gives the perfect glow.  I was looking for a creme blush anyway because I was hoping for a dewy look, also I prefer to go out with an "au naturel" look as it's summer.

Day Fifteen - SKIPPED.

Hello my lovelies!

Now, the reason why I've decided to skip this day's post is because I don't know a fanfic.  Don't follow any, either.  SO!  This will become one of my many random posts instead.  Enjoy :)

My summer so far has been filled with simplicity - or at least, I'd like to think so.  I've taken in small moments and have turned them into precious memories.  My day so far has been spoiled by the rain, however I'm not going to complain.  There's something so comforting about it.  It's the perfect excuse to go for a walk, or just cuddle in with a nice cup of tea.  Except this time, I didn't have tea.  No, this time I've found another comfort drink.  Strawberry Milk - homemade.

The recipe that I found was simple, and the results were delish:

1-2 cups of (I prefer skimmed) milk

A handful of strawberries.

1-3 tbsp of honey.

"Put milk, strawberries, and 1 Tbsp of honey into a blender. Blend until thoroughly smooth. Taste and add more honey if you wish your strawberry milk to be a little sweeter."

Enjoy!

Day Fourteen.

A non-fictional book:

I've borrowed it from my mom however I haven't got to reading it yet - will consider it in mid-Sept since I'm on vaca' until then! :)

Day Thirteen:

A fictional book:

Le petit prince.

Day Twelve.

Whatever tickles your fancy:

I'm not sure on what to post, so don't be surprised if this turns out random. 

Now, seeing how it's summer - the idea of piling up my face with makeup is just unattractive.  Which is why I've only ever stuck to such few products which means that I haven't purchased much as well, sigh.  The only main products I do find myself using are:

• 
  
  concealer
• 
  
  creme-based blush
• 
  
  eyeliner
• 
  
  mascara

That would pretty much be it.  Usually, I'd say bronzer however ever since I got my MAC creme blush in LadyBlush - there was just no desire for it anymore.  I do, of course use it from time-to-time just not as much as before. 

I have also taken up on a hobby: baking.  Now, if you know me personally already, you will know that I love to bake, however I haven't had the time to exactly cook anything this summer.  But I've been too tempted to make many fruit pies!  'Tis the season for them, you know.  

Day Eleven.

A photo of you taken recently:

This is my absolute most recent one.  Quality isn't that good but what else do you expect to get out of a webcam? 

Day Ten.

A photo of you taken over 10 years ago:

This was taken on my 1st Birthday (party) with my mother except I had to crop her out because I'm not sure if she would like her picture to be displayed over the interwebz. 

Anyways, I always smile whenever I look at this picture!  And by judging the other puictures taken on that day, it seemed like my mother had planned an amazing party.  We had a puppetry show, party sparklers everywhere, and fountain cakes, etc.  There's even a picture of me trying to pull away the puppet off it's puppetry stage, haha!

What was your first Birthday Party like?  Comment away! x

Day Nine.

A photo that you took:

I took this sometime during December/January.  I was at the beach house, and it was about 4-5 am.  I love sunrises, don't you?  Also, the quality my not be so good but considering how I took it via BB I guess that will just have to do.

Day Eight.

A photo that makes you angry/sad:

This may be a bit hard to explain.  It may not look like a depressing photo, as a matter of fact to you it may just be blobs of colours dispersed everywhere.  This picture doesn't make me angry, just upset at times as it represents the ideal lifestyle I'd want to have.  I'm pretty sure you see these lights/colours during christmas perhaps?  Or at a club?  Maybe even inside a music store?  Or it could remind you of a certain person?  A guess in a way this picture may also motivate me.

Day Seven.

A photo that makes you happy:

Everything about this makes me happy.  The colours, the fact that it's taken at the beach, how it's completely isolated.  I'm just in love. 

Day Six.

Whatever tickles your fancy:

Will continue this later.

Day Five.

Your favourite quote:

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

- Marilyn Monroe

Yes, it's quite well-known.  As a matter of fact, I think I've chosen one that's become slightly unoriginal now, but whatever - to each their own, yeah?

Day Four.

Your favourite book:

One of the most saddest stories I've ever read, however it was probably the best as well.  So intense, and raw.  I'm usually always the one for taboos, and this would be it.

Day Three.

Your favourite TV programme:

This was hard to choose, as I honestly can't stick to one!  However, I will say that at this moment it is GLEE - I've aready watched all of Gossip Girl, Weeds, Private Practice etc. and only one one episode left of GLEE.  Quite depressing, isn't it?

Day Two.

Your favourite movie:

Gone With The Wind.  I think I've watched this movie at least a dozen times.  May be 4 hours long, but definately worth the watch.

Day One.

Your favourite song:

Wolf like me - TV On The Radio.

Honestly, I've been in love with this song for ages.  One of the very few that I haven't yet been sick of, and to be honest I think I've fallen in love with the video as well.

30 Days.

So, lately I've been stalking other people's blogs and have recently found this challege.  Not really much of a challenge however it will keep my blog occupied, and something for me to do!  Now I'm all up for answering surveys however I don't think I'm going to be in the mood to do one only based on make-up, as I'm not excatly an experienced guru.  If anyone wants to join in, go right ahead!  I would like it if you commented your blog below as I'm pretty sure I'd love to check your 30 days posts as well :).

Day 01 - Your favourite song

Day 02 - Your favourite movie

Day 03 - Your favourite TV programme

Day 04 - Your favourite book

Day 05 - Your favourite quote

Day 06 - Whatever tickles your fancy

Day 07 - A photo that makes you happy

Day 08 - A photo that makes you angry/sad

Day 09 - A photo that you took

Day 10 - A photo of you taken over 10 years ago

Day 11 - A photo of you taken recently

Day 12 - Whatever tickles your fancy

Day 13 - A fictional book

Day 14 - A non-fictional book

Day 15 - A fanfic

Day 16 - A song that makes you cry (or nearly)

Day 17 - An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture etc.)

Day 18 - Whatever tickles your fancy

Day 19 - A talent of yours

Day 20 - A hobby of yours

Day 21 - A recipe

Day 22 - A website

Day 23 - A YouTube video

Day 24 - Whatever tickles your fancy

Day 25 - Your day, in great detail

Day 26 - Your week, in great detail

Day 27 - This month, in great detail

Day 28 - This year, in great detail

Day 29 - Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Day 30 - Whatever tickles your fancy.

Pleasurable Delights.

My new profound love:

French Fancies.  So good, nomnomnom.

Mon petit bateau

• leopard print.
• ocean.
• cinéma au clair de lune.

^^ This defines my summer.  Endless nights spent on the beach, waves empowering the ocean, and a nice coal box displayed right on top of the white sand, a time to let loose.  Leopard prints, red lips, and kinks all over; my retail therapy session for the summer.  As for the open air cinema; summer is usually the season for it all.  A time for festivals, lounges and parties.

Oh if only I was able to spend it all in Italia.  A wonderful road trip exploring all of Italy.  Don't get me wrong, my love for Paris is never-ending however I feel as though I need to do something different.  Something that will bookmark the season forever in my heart - to always look back to. 

I've been inspired and moved by  Peter Fischli and David Weiss's work of art, however my heart will always remain with the works and wonders of Mark Ryden.

The song that sings my summer:  The night is still young - Sandra feat. Thomas Anders.

One commented saying her voice was "crystal clear" and his was "real velvet".   The perfect description.

Haul and review!

It's a shame that the weathers sad and gloomy; I had my whole day planned but unfortunately, summer rain had to spoil it all.  So, I decided to cheer myself up and purchased some make-up!  Now, I've been lusting over many products at Sephora, however this girl is saving up her mula for a new phone (yes, a new phone - sigh).  So I decided to go to Monoprix; which I'm guessing is the french-version of Target, Walmart, etc.

Now, lately I have quite an obsession with lipsticks and I told myself that I would stop but oh no!  That was complete BS.  I have however stopped purchasing eyeshadows (I have no desire on purchasing any crazy colours; just ones I use on a daily basis) and as for blushes, there's only one that I use and love (MAC Desert Rose) however I'm debating on whether or not I should get Benefits SugarBomb (I'm a sucker for their packaging and colours!).

But in the meantime!  Lets review some of my recent purchases! :)

Revlon Matte Lipstick in 002 Pink Pout:

I absolutely love this!  I have no idea why I purchased something nude-pink because I can't ever pull that look off!  Ever!  However, the colour was just too pretty, haha.  So, I decided to give it a shot.  Anyways, I love this!  I think the shade is perfect for my skin tone but of course with the right eye make-up as well.  I don't think I'll be considering anymore light pink shades though, but this is a keeper!

Bourjois Sweet Kiss in 43 Rose Pomponne

I normally don't like Bourjois products - their blushes make me break out and their foundation cakes up my face.  However, I do like their lipsticks (and liquid eyeshadows!).  The texture is so smooth and light and the shade is just beautiful.  A nice mauve pink - perfect for an everyday look!  I'm currently using Twig by Mac but I have a feeling I'll be switching it up with this!  Not a fan of the packaging thought but oh well.

I also ended up buying nail polish - I'm not able to find the right shade over the net however the brand is Debby and their nail polishes are amazing!  I love their quality and the consistency is amazing!  I might even consider ditching OPI's and going for this brand instead, mostly because when it comes to OPI nail polishes, the consistency is thick and I also have to have about 5 coats to get an even colour - I have no patience for that.  I might consider looking into their make-up range, but the prices are affordable however not much variety when it comes to their nail polish collection.  Sigh.

Lush!

Of all the years, summers and winters spent here in Paris - never once did I know that there was a Lush store nearby!  Well, not exactly nearby - about an hour away but still!  Anyways, I've decided to list just a few of my all-time favourite goodies.. sigh.  I'm thinking on heading back for some more.

• A Ring of Roses:

I absolutely love this!  My skin is super duper dry (I've always had a bad habit on not moisturizing when I was younger) but this indeed keeps my skin nice and soft.  I'm also a sucker for anything floral, and I love anything rose-scented.  Sure it may not lather as much as many other soaps but bare in mind that this is Buttercream and not Buttersoap!

• 
  
  Honey, I washed the kids:

This scent is heavenly and I only wish the scent would linger on my skin all day long.  Now, I don't usually like any cake-smelling scents but this is an exception.  The scent is warm with hints of caramel some may find it sickening but I love it!  My one complaint is that it dries my skin.

• 
  
  Rock Star:

I love this with a passion!  Maybe even my most favourite out of the three soaps!  I can't describe this scent, most people say it's candy-like and I can kind of smell that but usually anything too sweet-smelling gets me feeling nauseous.  But yes, this just smells so so good.  If only there was a body spray; the scent doesn't stay on for too long!

Anyways, this is it for now!  More to come soon.

JustsomethingIwrote:

He looks into the hole -circling, round and round. Everlasting trail forms, plunges many desires of what goes on in his mind. Fresh, brewed café noir tugs his instincts into sense as the rich aroma seduces his smelling structure. Waking his apperceptions, realizing that his duration has not yet come to an end and his era has not yet differed. He encircles around the surroundings, appreciating the illustrations drawn by the great artist. After all it was an authentic hand made china tea cup of which the Turkish coffee has been poured into -a cup design that was inspired by one of Qiu Ying’s paintings.

But then she comes along.

She twirls. Kinky curls prancing and hands dangling-alluring to what he has seen. And she looks at him. She stares at the artless soul who was ever so born with a naïve mind, nevertheless creative but with stubbornness that cannot be worn out. Her respect for him was strong-willed, stabled and reinforced.

He was the joker, and she was his muse.

Like two hearts colliding and wrapped in twine –never having the strength to let go. The warmth between them was the reason why there was incompleteness to their absence.
And her silhouette shone with beauty and vogue. Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

Enduring passion is disposed away, rapidly thrown delicately. Engaged in entirety they both have as it embraces their souls and youth. Electricity then secures as they both inhale their breaths. Realizing that clarity and the grandeur never lasts and what they both have felt was simply hypnotizing the human mind as they both age.
Splashing emotions have been poured down as it winds their minds into confession. They were so young, stubborn and rebellious but the words weren’t able to be exposed.
But there were consequences with every expedient. Originality will soon be taken away by every cliché that will have been said. And as the light slowly gets blown away, the two hearts will soon collapse. Nudity will be shown without any affection. Heartbreaking news will be said and before their minds and souls get into their own senses –it’s over.
He held her, as she saw his infatuation was bare for her. Thrill was the perfect word to describe it. No, scratch that –there was no word that was able to describe it. Surely it was thrilling but craving was included and so was comfort.

He looked into her eyes, but never seeking that natural color. But no matter how hard he looked, violet was the only color he received. Amazed that she was in no doubt a work of art filled with much management that will satisfy him.
 
He felt her breathing against his skin. Heat. She slowly tilted her head to his. Abruptly breathing, faster and harder as her body was slowly shaking she tightened her arms around his upper body, pulling in the sense of closure.
 
Firm yet sultry. Clinching to what’s between them. Carved in the core of their hearts. Adorn.
 

Basboussa

Spending the last few weeks have been fun, here in Paris however I've been missing my little companion; Basboussa. 

Who is Basboussa?  My ginger haired kitten (she'll be 2 in August, not much of a kitten but she'll always be one to me).

She's also not your typical cat - stubborn little thing, always acting tough.  She'll eat just about everything too, however she also is lactose intolerant which is a bummer as she loves milk.  She also likes to sit up, imitating human beings or lie flat on her back.  She means just about the world to me although we spoil her a bit too much.  We buy her way too many toys, but she'll always neglect them - she prefers to play with used tissues.  She likes to sleep right on top of the fridge, or shelf cupboards and is also very sensitive to fragrance; she usually squints her eyes and runs away whenever I spray myself with whatever.

We named her after an Arabic Dessert; A semolina cake soaked in syrup - usually lemon or orange flavoured.  She usually follows by the names of Basboussa or BousBous.   (Recipe can be found HERE; and no I am not Egyptian)

Will be posting some pictures very soon!

Also, I found a cute Melinda Josie print which I think suits this post perfectly.

Summer rain; you can never predict them.

Currently raining here, and I'm loving every bit of it!  The combination of sultry weather along with hail (yes, it was also hailing) was a sedate sensation.  The only thing needed to top it all off would be sweet delights, preferably anything rose flavoured - I'm thinking of Le Saint Honoré Rose-Framboise along with a nice cup of chai, something spicy for afternoon tea. 

Speaking of tea, I came across a beautiful tea set (not really a set - just the cup along with it's saucer) but nonetheless beautiful.  Very delicate. 

For those interested, it can be found at Zara Home.

Les rêves sont les pierres angulaires de notre caractère

I'm currently living in the beautiful city of lights.  A city that's enriched with sophistication, charm and cultivation.  All I have left to do here is sip my big cup of sunshine, sit back and relax. 

I am going to try to make this week a time for taking pleasure in the simplest things.  A time to recollect myself and forget about what has happened.  Bury my face into a big paper bag of blood-red berries.   Walk around barefoot.  Pull an all nighter.  Enjoy my pain au chocolate being dipped into café breva.  A time to maybe even put on my thinking cap and use some of my artistic skills - I'm thinking of involving myself into a craft's challenge.  Here is to those who might be interested. 

An event actuating with enduring emotions have kept me thinking.. but then again, I don't have time for anyone's emotions.  I don't have time to listen to pointless rants - as I am trying to manage on my own.

So, what can mend a puzzled soul?  I'm thinking homemade vanilla bean pudding topped with raspberries.  Any thoughts?



Photo credit goes to SodaMay