The Uni Food Shop- Advice

I've now been at university for 8 weeks and can happily admit that I have spent a majority of my time meal planning. I've also witnessed so many friends and flatmates not being as smart with their food due to lack of preparation/advice, or pure laziness. With that in mind I thought I would start this series off with some shopping advice, before we get onto the good stuff- recipes!

Little and often- Fruit and veg can go off pretty quickly if there's only one person eating them so I suggest buying these on an individual basis rather than buying lots once a week. I also love using frozen bits as you don't really need to worry about it going off for a few months rather than days.

Stock up in bulk- Certain bits are good to keep stocked up, for example chopped tomatoes for pasta sauce, rice, pasta and other canned items. This way, there are always staples to form a meal from.

Snack drawer- I really recommend having snacks to hand so that when you get a craving, you won't impulsively buy the entire chocolate supply in your local co-op. I find that by having hot chocolate and crisps in the flat I am more likely to not panic buy and can beat those hormonal feels.

Meal plan- This has to be one of the most important things in my schedule as otherwise I'd simply survive on convenience food and not use leftovers. I write out my meals on a Sunday so that I know what to buy each Monday and can rest easy on days when I don't finish lectures until 6pm... yawn!

Don't shop until you scoff- This one's pretty self explanatory, if you want to save your pennies then eat before doing your food shop! Believe me the difference in mind set will be incredible, and you can always pick up some treats (Tiramisu I'm looking at you).

Reduced sections are your best friend- Now this is a tough one because you don't want to end up buying things which won't be eaten so try and steer towards things which can be incorporated into your current meal plan or frozen. I've got about six steak pies for 25p in my freezer for emergencies!

I hope you found these tips useful and will be back with some recipes soon.

Student Series

Hello you lovely lot, apologies for the lack of posting but I've been at uni for a month now and am adjusting to a new workload and life really! I am determined to start some form of food-based series..recipes, tips, meal planning advice etc. This post is basically an update and something to ensure that I actually stick to this plan. 

Just to say that I have been aiming to stick to a budget of £40-£50 a week but have been spending a mere £25! Including all the snacks that keep me sane- thus, I must be doing something right.

I hope you are all well and I'm really looking forward to starting this project!

Love, Mia. 

July Empties

This year is flying by and I can't quite conceive that both Christmas and my exams are a thing of the past! Since each month slips through my fingers, I find that by doing 'empties' posts each month I am able to remember products easier rather than doing them in bulk and struggling to provide genuine reviews. So here we go, this has been July.

I've split this box up into 'budget' and 'high end' just to make things easier and first up for budget products is a pot of pre-soaked toner pads by Clearasil. These make exfoliating easy, without any of the gritty residue which tends to occur when using physical scrubs (along with skin damage). I found these lasted ages and the salicylic acid helped to smooth out any of the hormonal bumps I got on my chin, and for £4, I can't complain. 

Next up is a miniature pot of The Body Shop's body butter in shea scent which I received in a gift box. This is definitely a thick moisturiser and so is more suited to the winter months but this stuff truly is lovely, filled with cocoa butter, beeswax and other skin loving ingredients- this is a go-to 'all over' moisturiser which can be picked up for under a tenner!

The final drugstore product is a dry shampoo from Pantene which I got through quickly as my hair is so thick. Now this smells fresh and clean but it didn't really do the job in terms of removing oil and adding texture, instead it acted almost as a hair perfume alone. I think I'll stick to Batiste as it gives my hair the volume and texture I want from a dry shampoo. 

Onto the pricier products, the first being the cheap but hard to find Nectar of Nature deodorant in 'Vanilla softness'. This product comes from a French brand which is why I usually stock up when abroad but I believe it may be available online somewhere. This is the creamiest deodorant I have ever used and it smells delicious, a really fresh vanilla scent as opposed to an artificial fragrance. It's not one for workouts or really hot days but when the weather is cooler, this does the job perfectly well. I currently have about 6 bottles as backup which I think speaks for itself!

The next empty product is a tin of incense cones from Haekels in Margate, which I bought for Harry's Christmas gift. The shop is filled with products which contain locally sourced products, namely the seaweed used in their skincare, haircare and 'seaweed salads' which I can't wait to try. This particular tin of incense lasted a long time, with each cone lasting around 3 hours and leaving a scent lingering in the room. Now this was very pricey but it can be justified if you consider how pure the ingredients they use are. I also think they make lovely presents, especially as the packaging is so nice, I was sure to pick up some of the exfoliating soap bar for my brother too. 

Last up is hands down my ultimate favourite moisturiser, the Mandarin facial hydrating cream by Aesop. Filled with lemon and tangerine rinds and sesame oil, this manages to feel light and fresh while still being rich and nourishing for the skin. I love the citrus scent and will definitely be repurchasing this moisturiser along with other Aesop products as they help balance out the oils in my skin. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and I can now finally throw out some packaging and start filling the box again! Let me know if you'd be interested in any other product reviews and I'll be sure to do so. 

Lost and Found

I am aware that I haven't been very active on here recently due to exams but since I am now free, I'll be updating regularly! If you want to find me anywhere else, you can find me on the following websites:

1) Twitter (Miarrrrrr) and Instagram (Miaisaloser) for general ramblings and photos.

2) I am on Wantfeed! An app which allows you to scroll through and repost 'wants' including art, clothes and general products along with uploading your own. This way all the things you want are stored in a blog format which can be really helpful for present buying. My username is Mia_Rodriguez , feel free to explore all the beautiful things I love. 

3) The online magazine 'Imogimoon' launched today (http://imogimoon.com) and I am so thrilled to be a contributor alongside so many brilliant writers whom I share many interests. I will be uploading an article once weekly so be sure to have a look and let me know what you think or what you'd like to read! 

A Trip To Marrakech

I recently went on a birthday adventure with my mum to Marrakech and it was incredible!

We flew from Gatwick on a flight which must have only had around 15 passengers so it was lovely having empty space around us to pop our feet up. 

Our hotel was hidden away down an alleyway which didn't look promising but honestly it was such a gorgeous building behind closed doors. We arrived to freshly poured traditional mint tea at around 10pm which sent us straight to sleep.

Our first day in Marrakesh was spent having a cooking session after a breakfast of fresh juice, pancakes and a variety of jams. We made a delicious beef tajine with salads and Moroccan bread which we then ate with various other people on the course- I loved it. We spent the afternoon reading our books on our terrace with white wine and olives which was really relaxing (except for the two mosquito bites I received!)

On day 2, we ventured out through the markets to explore the traditional gardens, purchase some spices and other bits from indoor markets. Since the heat became a bit unbearable we ended up reading under the sun for most of the afternoon before heading back to the main square for drinks as the street food stalls set up. Surprisingly our dinner ended up being fish and chips- typical british! But this was like no other, mixed fish with aubergine, chips, roasted peppers and minced fresh tomato- all for roughly £4 each. My mum managed to get Netflix working so we decided to rewatch our favourite series Friends from the beginning! 

On our third day, we went on a trip into the mountains and had chicken with figs next to the waterfalls which as you can imagine was a nice change from hobnobs in the sixth form common room...

On our final day we took a trip to Carrefour to pick up some bits which you can't get where we live- bee pollen, beauty brands etc. I caught up on some last minute sunbathing before snoozing. Overall the place was a gorgeous escape from normal life, I would recommend going in a large group or with men as it can be quite intimidating avoiding leery men and people constantly trying to sell you things. 

Foolproof Pasta Sauce

If you ever fancy a lighter pasta dish for a summers lunch, this is a delicious and easy option. The following recipe is tweaked but originates from Jamie Oliver and has a Trapani style sauce- I love it!

You will need: 

500g penne (or roughly enough for 2-3 people)

2 cloves of peeled garlic

1-2 fresh red chillies

40g Parmesan cheese

100g almonds or ground almonds

4 anchovy fillets in oil

2 large handfuls of fresh basil

450g cherry tomatoes

Salt/pepper

The process is simple- just pop the almonds, garlic, parmesan and chilli in the food processor to break down before adding the tomatoes, anchovies and basil to form the paste (takes around 2 minutes in total). 

Cook your pasta according to the packet instructions- usually 10 minutes is perfect- before draining and tossing in the sauce. That's it! The almonds add a nice texture and the fresh cherry tomatoes add a sweetness which is super morish.

I hope to share more recipes on this blog so stay tuned ♥

Tiny Thoughts

I feel that something must be wrong if someone can't sleep contently unless they have crammed as much work into their day as physically possible. 

To light a candle, wafts of coconut and sweet vanilla. To be burrowed under the warmth of a duvet, safe. And yet, to feel worthless, no matter how many kind words are uttered into your ear by a loved one.

The only way to feel satisfied is to collapse, intoxicated upon the sheets, distracted from reality. Or to spend the day restlessly reorganising your mind so that you will feel as though you have succeeeded.

Define productivity. Do you invisage earning money, finishing that piece of work off? Or do you picture cherishing the time you have on Earth? I really wish that for all of you, it is the latter.

This post is not saying that I don't desire to work hard, nor is it suggesting that one should not strive to do well in life. I just find it really sad to be unable to remove the element of guilt from my night time routine.

St Tropez, The Budget Alternative

When it comes to self-tanning, I tend to want to match my legs (which have been hidden throughout the winter months), to my arms- which are naturally an olive tone. 

For February through to May I like to have a subtle tan for when our beach walks make me want to wear shorts and run around. When the months continue to grow warmer and holidays approach, I choose a darker formula.

I used to be a huge advocate for the St Tropez build-up lotion which is a whopping £26, but now that I am officially a student I have been seeking cheaper alternatives.

I was recommended the St Moritz range by several friends and although tempted to fall back into my usual lotion routine, I opted for the foam (shade-medium). Which I have found to apply much easier and not need as much blending- for a mere £5! 

I exfoliate my entire body in the shower on a Friday, apply moisturiser and the product using a velvet mitt and it will last to full intensity until the following Friday. It obviously has more of a natural glow if I moisturise daily as it locks in the colour and I'm sure that if you apply the foam more often it could be built to a much darker shade. 

Picture 1) Post shower flushed leg

Picture 2) Four hours post application

As you can see, the result is a golden tan which I find not too be too streaky, shimmery or orange. Big love for this drugstore find :)

Time Of The Month Essentials

I thought I would share a few tips and suggestions to making that time of the month less exhausting *groans*

FOOD IS FUEL
I think it is really important to keep structure during this stressful time, that means having proper meals which give us enough energy to get through the day. This doesn't mean you can't indulge in chocolate- just ensure that you aren't replacing your meals with sugar.

Although, that being said, I'd still encourage you to:

TREAT YOURSELF
It's hard enough dealing with everyday stress, all of which seems magnified during this period (pardon the pun) so it makes sense to chill out and gain a cleaner mindset towards tasks. For the ultimate pamper, I like to have a bath filled with goodies from Lush, along with a hair and face mask. Have a cuppa, read a book, watch YouTube videos or whatever helps you escape reality for a while.

(My current haircare faves)

SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS

Alone time is important but if you feel a little unmotivated during these days, it can be comforting to be surrounded by friends to cheer you up. Just washing your hair and getting out of the house for some fresh air will really aid in lifting your spirits. If you, like many of us, can't handle company during this time in fear of becoming a mega bitch- dog walks are a good alternative.

EXTRA TIPS
I would suggest being extra organised during this time (always!) to reduce stress, be it through creating to-do lists or setting out clothes the night before school- believe me it'll help minimise the amount of crying over silly things we've forgotten to do.

I know that those women who run during their period make us want to punch something but light stretching or cardio can actually release endorphins which in turn, make us happier. If you are lazy like me then how about try some yoga moves which you don't even need to leave your bed to do! A few are mentioned here: Cramp-Relieving Yoga.

Nothing pleases me more than making a zen atmosphere, deep times I know. light some scented candles or incense and simply reflect on the day so that those essays don't seem so daunting.

♥

March Empties

I've collected a bunch of products I've used up and thought I'd write a review for each item once the box was full- so here goes, my first empties post.

           

First up is something which came in a Lush gift box and so it isn't what usually catches my eye in store...

It's Lush's 'Fun' in Blue, a playdoh-like bar filled with chamomile and lavender oil to use as a body wash, hair wash or for bubble baths. The scent is fresh, sweet and floral but not super feminine. It is pretty fun (excuse the pun) to be able to mould little shapes out of this 'soap' and I'm sure would be a hit with little ones! In terms of price, I'm pretty sure these are under £5 and last for ages.

Next up, two samples from Aesop, the purifying facial exfoliant paste and the 'fabulous' face oil. 

The scrub contained fine quartz, rosemary leaf and lactic acid which was fairly powdery rather than scratchy. Despite the overwhelming herbal smell which was quite medicinal it did a good job of smoothing out all bumps and reduce redness. The abrasive texture meant that I would only use it on the chin area- definitely not on the eye area and was too harsh for everyday use.

The oil was a concoction of juniper berry, ylang ylnag and jasmine, which as you can imagine was quite intense fragrance wise. The scent was spa like but I didn't want to smother my face with it. The residue remained on skin in a strange way as if it wasnt absorbing despite being on for an entire sunday. My dry patches in between eyes remained so not much hydration happening- major letdown.

I am a huge fan of the Twinings green tea and peppermint range but the Salted Caramel was not to my liking. The smell was insanely good, like danish pastries and honey. The taste however was weak and bland with a hint of butter which was frankly, rancid. 

A bit of positivity with this one finally! My ultimate bedtime beverage, a sweet peppermint and chamomile tea from Celestial. If you see this anywhere just give it a sniff- beyond delicious and although it's probably the warm drink sending me off, I find that this really helps me drift off.

Two candles which have burnt beyond reuse, both very subtle. The Gardenia one is more floral and creamy whereas the Muji one is citrusy and sweet. I would recommend both for affordability and lasting power.

Last but by no means least is my go-to cream cleanser by Botanics. Marshmallow and sweet almond oil leave my face nourished and clean without feeling stripped. It is also very soothing on sensitive skin so would definitely reccomend for unruly teenage skin or for those looking for a budget cleanser - this bottle is around £8 and lasts for ages.

Favourite Meals & Snacks

It is a lovely thing to see loved ones enjoy a meal which you have worked had producing, it is also as pleasing when you appreciate something you have made lovingly for yourself. This post includes my current favourite things to eat/drink, hopefully the recipes will be easy to follow- enjoy!

First up is Jamie Oliver's trapani-style pasta:  

This is a 20 minute wonder which is really light and delicious, due to the addition of fresh tomatoes, chillies and basil. Even those who struggle with cooking will ace this dish- go for it! The process is simply to make a paste/sauce to go with some pasta, super simple and mega tasty.

Looks like a winner to me!

My current breakfast option is a homemade juice or some healthy pancakes to kickstart the day with a energy boost. 

Mia's Wake Up Juice: 

Simply juice one chopped apple with three large carrots, a thumb sized piece of ginger and a hunk of celery and you're done! You can also pre chop your ingredients the night before and pop in a sandwich bag to help your lazy morning self.

Lighter Pancakes: 

These are quick to make but slightly stressful to cook as the mixture is a funny consistency. You want to mash up one banana with two eggs before adding extras (blueberries, chia seeds, vanilla etc). Fry for three minutes each side in some coconut oil or butter before serving with some honey or agave nectar.

One Ingredient Icecream!

This is so simple and guiltfree, you'll be able to munch through bowl after bowl without feeling sluggish. All you need to do is chop up roughly three bananas per person and place slices in a sandwich bag and freeze for around 5 hours or overnight. The next bit is simple, chuck em in a food processor and blitz- it will take a few minutes for the grainy mixture to become smooth and you will need to scrape the edges with a spatula a couple of times. In the photo above I added some frozen fruit and the resemblance to your standard tub of icecream is uncanny!

Hummus Alternative- Butterbean Dip

This is a go-to snack for those working at home days as you can simply whip up a bowl and dip some pitta strips in (or veg..if you prefer). 

Pop a drained can of butterbeans into a food processor along with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, two garlic cloves and olive oil before whizzing until smooth.

Sorry for the lack of picture- this stuff goes quickly in our house!

I really hope you found this interesting, what are your go-to things to rustle up?

♥

Happy Changes

We are nearly into the third month of 2015 and I have made some really happy changes so far. One which I wanted to talk about in this post is my venture into the world of Yoga.

Now I am not very flexible, nor have I ever committed to daily stretching - until now. I am currently attempting Yoga with Adrienne's 30 day yoga challenge and am loving the experience! During the past month I have taken around three days off the challenge purely because I didn't want to force myself into it.

Adrienne's youtube channel is filled with a variety of yoga sessions- ranging from headache fixing yoga to period pain relieving yoga- perfect for both advanced yogi's and beginners like me. Her videos in the 30 days challenge section vary in length from 15 to 30 minutes but the time flies by. Occasionally I will do multiple sessions in a row if I feel like certain areas need more work.

The video's are chatty and uplifting, but peaceful at the same time. She has a knack for allowing you to take the time to find what feels good, to push yourself to the right level and enjoy the time you are spending with your body. I have played around with yoga at different times during the day and all have different benefits. In the morning, I am left feeling more positive about the day to come, having rid my mind of the negative sludge which follows my waking moments. In the evening yoga offers an opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day thus far.

If you have ever felt like incorporating a little downtime (or sometimes up time if it's an especially intense session) - I could not recommend starting your yoga experience with Adrienne enough!

Time Flies, But You Are The Pilot.

Only recently has the meaning of 'time flies' really become apparent in my life, my father may still kiss me on the forehead as if I were a little girl but the reality is that this year is going to be a huge jump on the path to adulthood. Moments flitter past me as if they were tiny flecks of dust in the rays of sunlight swimming lazily, through a windowpane. It isn't long until I will venture out into this world so I will definitely begin making a scrapbook this year to look back on, for now- I would like to share some of my favourite memories from 2014 with you.

 Alice & Marla: These two little cherubs are my twin cousins and they not only returned from their birthplace of Australia at the start of this year, but also 'celebrated' their very first birthday. I have watched them grow from fuzzy, milky little creatures into true characters and that makes me both incredibly happy and incredibly sad. The idea of them growing up and exploring this wonderful, yet dangerous world of ours is daunting but I can't wait to have real conversations with my favourite ladies.

 An unexpected adventure: This summer I arranged to go on the summer programme NCS, which meant travelling away from home and spending three weeks with total strangers whilst challenging ourselves on hikes and organising a social action project. I never went to scouts or did anything action-related, at least not without my family, whilst growing up, so the entire experience was totally surreal to me. Anxiety and frustration aside, it was one of the best things I have ever done. The three weeks left me feeling confident in myself, proud of my team and grateful for meeting some wonderful people. Cheesey moment.

Grateful: I did not spend nearly as much time as I would have liked with my friends this year, they make me extremely happy and the events which did occur- will remain with me forever. This photo was taken of us all on a spontaneous trip to Sandwich, where we trekked through land marshes and golf courses trying to find the beach, which upon arrival was freezing cold! We shared homemade goodies and other picnic food, skimmed stones, huddled from the wind in a tiny tent and felt totally disconnected from reality- a beautiful day spent with beautiful people.

Home: My brother returned from his year away in Australia early in 2014 and if there had to be a single person who I had to choose to spend my last ever day on Earth with, this is your guy. He is the voice which encourages me to speak the truth, my own personal Christopher robin, a best friend, a father figure and so much more. I know I will have many adventures and journeys this year and no doubt he will be right by my side. 

Realisation: This planet offers endless explorations, potential photographs, words and love to be found. I travelled to Spain with my family and best friend at around Easter time and although riddled with tonsillitis in the searing heat, the trip opened my eyes to the possibilities we face during our short stay on Earth. There are so many powerful scenes to be captured and things to experience, it is overwhelming but so inspiring to feel both utterly insignificant and yet in control of something so powerful as your own destiny. I can't wait to see where this world will take me next. 

First times: My other half and I endured our first full-on festival this summer, in Reading. It was stressful, muddy and the intense atmosphere fuelled many an argument, and yet it made us grow as individuals in such a short space of time. We adapted our sleeping schedules, endured the dirt and grime and made the most of the experience. We travelled home soaking wet, exhausted and sniffling but happy knowing that we had seen some of our favourite bands perform. Each and every day I learn more about the person I call mine and I adore celebrating these cherished moments we have spent together. More cheese, not sorry. 

Quiet Reflection

One of my new year 'resolutions' (I prefer to call them commitments) is to be more patient, to listen more, to stop interrupting and have a little faith that the earth will continue spinning for long enough for me to get my voice heard. This is something which I find bothersome in others and therefore tend to want to avoid doing myself at all costs.

It is difficult, to be filled to the brim with ideas and thoughts which although prove themselves useful, often burst out as unfiltered nonsense or phrased in such a way that it is interpreted as pompous or belittling- both of which are most definitely not what I intend for my words to come across as. 

'Be the flower that gives its fragrance to even the hand that crushes it.'- Imam Ali

The quote you will see above is one which I try to keep with me at all times. It reminds me that not everyone has had the advantages I have, or experienced events which although may not be the happiest of memories, they do have a large impact on the way I approach life each morning. It is for this reason that upon discussing the act of speech, it is worth mentioning the importance of how we react to the response we are given.

Being mocked for both my achievements and my flaws is something which fuels me to teach, motivate and bring a little more positivity into lives. Lives which may have lacked such guidance, to the point of which they believe it is appropriate to put others down to make themselves feel a little stronger. Such people deserve just as much love as the rest of us, so I am eager to continue sharing my thoughts and advice in 2015- I just need a little guidance in terms of how to go about doing so without rushing out of nervousness or speaking at the wrong moments. 

I apologise for sounding so alike Nick Carraway in this little soliloquy, but I hope that this will reach at least one person, and give them a different perspective or, at best, something to read on the way to work. 

Do let me know if you have any views on these types of posts, or even what your little commitments are for the upcoming year.

 ♥