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.