What Does 200 Calories Look Like?

So for all of you who are still going with your new years resolutions? ;) Anyone? No? well this is just to illustrate that 200 calories of one food is not the same as 200g.  

Cereal

Celery

Fresh Pasta

A Letter From God To Man

I tweeted this video a few months ago and just recently came across it again. Scroobius Pip is just such a genius with words, he is so clever in clearly putting his points across. But he's not offensive with it. I love his spoken word, they way he tells them and how they're written. Here's my favourite:

If you liked this, you should definitely check out Magicians assistant by him too.

Until Next Time xo

Ale & Cider Festival, Martins Jerked Meat!

So, the plan was just a casual drink until we realised that the Ale & Cider society had a festival going on in the students union. Obviously how could we turn it down? For £10 at the entrance you get your entry, a free pint glass and 5 tickets for drinks of your choice. Which was amazing because they had everything! Mead, Wine, Ale, Cider and luckily for me an Ale that was more like a larger, I need the fizz. It was such a good experience, a huge change from the usual drinking scene with glammed up girls and scouting boys. It was just a very chilled out atmosphere, with a folk band on stage and everyone just having a good time, drinking and laughing. Amazing way to spend a Thursday night. 

Maison Blanc

Every time I walk past this shop window I fall in love. Little macaroons (which everyone keeps raving about), very delicate pastries and gorgeous looking cakes. The price is pretty up there and after a few days of indulging in the Cake Boss TV series, I really really wanted me some delicious bakes. But I was disappointed. When I get an impulse I'm sure my friends and family could tell you that theres no stopping me, even money is no boundary. I just go a bit crazy. And so I did. I spent £22 on these desserts, which with my student budget is probably why I was so disappointed. More to the point, I got there 1 minute before they closed and luckily they let me in, so I didn't really have many options to choose from at 6pm on a Friday night. But hey, I was there and had some major cravings. So I picked the prettiest looking and of course the infamous macaroons. (I did try to bake these before as so many bloggers have) Let me tell you. They may look great in pictures, but the truth is in the bite. They need to be crunchy on the outside and a viccy sponge texture in the middle. These were as such, but wow was it an almond overload. Very bitter and I didn't realise these were stuffed with some strange fillings. To say the least I don't like macaroons. As cute as you are little fellas, I wont be ordering any more. Although I must say they are beautifully packaged.

Top 5 bad beauty habits - Reapplying Make-up #3

How many of you do this? Personally, I never have. Unless I'm having a massive and important day I probably never will. I only carry around an eyebrow pencil in my bag, just incase some rubs off and I'm left with half an eyebrow. I don't like reapplying simply because I put so much time into layering my make-up in the morning that just adding more on top would completely counteract all my work. But the science of it is simply just rubbing in the germs and grim from the day into your skin even more. Not only this but again with your brushes it just adds to the bacteria festering in them!

The effects? Reapplying will block your pores and can leave you with pimples and acne. So if your trying to hard to hide them, just be sensible and help yourself out. If you really need to reapply, bring make-up wipes in your bag and give yourself a quick wipe over first. 

Until Next Time xo

Top 5 bad beauty habits - Over exfoliation #2

We all know using a sea sponge and a bit of rock salt to remove dead skin leaves you with an amazing glow. But think about what your actually doing, pulling away skin from your face. If you do this too often your not only irritating and damaging the fresh new cells. But your also leaving your skin more vulnerable to the sun and whatever make-up products your using. 

In the winter you should be keeping it to a max of once a week. The summer twice, maybe up to three times. Whats your favourite way of exfoliating? Personally I love the smell and feeling from the natural sea sponge pads.

Until Next Time xo

Claires False Nails Review

I got these when I was just looking around up in Birmingham. I've been hearing a lot about these pre-glued nails, so all you have to do is just find the right size nail and press onto yours. It took me about what 2 minutes! Very quick. But I normally take an hour to get used to fake nails and normally it's a french manicure. I wore these for about 8 hours before I was dying to pull them off. Because they weren't using nail glue it felt like my actual finger nail was being pulled off every time I touched something! I couldn't pick up my phone. I couldn't scratch my nose properly. After about 4 hours they started to fall off anyway. The colour is amazing though, I love neon yellow! But I think I'd look like less of a transexual if I painted the colour onto my natural nails. I'll be sticking to simple falsies from now on. 

I need to find this colour in a polish! For some reason the pictures aren't showing the colour properly. If you can imagine like neon, yellow glow sticks?! You've got it. Yeah, in your face yellow. Luckily I only got these on sale for £3 so I guess no harm done.

Also if you haven't already entered my giveaway click here to have a go!

Until Next Time xo

Birmingham Bloggers Meet Up!

A few months back I was invited to meet up with a few beauty bloggers and some from other niches. I didn't know what to expect! I'd never been before, but from this alone I will never turn down another meet up. It's great to speak to other bloggers, especially since a lot of them were still in or leaving uni and around my age! I was very nervous initially, but as soon as I was on the train it all went away and I was just left with pure excitement. 

Gemma from button's blog put on the most incredible day, from shopping to free cocktails to a gorgeous meal. She was so stressed and worried we wouldn't make it from all the snow, but there was no way I was going to miss a free cocktail. I mean, come on! I love cocktails! 2 hours later, I arrived at New Street, grabbed a hot choc and we all got chatting. With the help of Clare from a teenie bit of this and that  and Sara from Pretty In Pink I think it was a great success!

After our coco, since it was freezing and I had to ignore fashion for once and stick some wellingtons on, we headed out shopping around the Pallasades and the Bullring. Unfortunately I have nothing to show you as I didn't buy anything! But I got convinced to put another hole in my person, I've wanted my tragus pierced for ages, now it's done and I love my new baby! From this to the free cocktails I mentioned ;) Wow. They were strong, I had two and I was nearly off my chair. But nevertheless they were delicious and refreshing, perfect afternoon tipple from Rodizio Rico. 

Click to enlarge.

Top 5 Bad Beauty Habits - The Dirty Secret Behind Your Brushes #1

Who knew the cause of most zit break outs (after puberty of course) could be your make-up brushes? When you buy your brushes your told to clean them but who ever does? Cleaning your brushes not only removes bacteria, but improves the finish of your make-up. It's how the companies intended them to be, fluffy, soft and light. Giving a glowing, air brushed finish.

Your make-up brushes collect cosmetic particles and dead skin cells. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, that are transferred from your face or air born. For those of you with acne, washing your make-up brushes will help a lot. Ideally you should be wearing as little foundation as possible, but if this is your confidence blanket, make sure your washing them every single night!

If you don't suffer from acne, you still should be washing them nightly. Obviously this can become tedious, but when your doing your facial skin routine just add this on as an extra and soon you won't even notice it.

I normally use the shampoo I'm currently using on my hair or more often Johnson's baby shampoo. It's gentle enough to protect the hairs, but strong enough to get out the dirt. Please keep in mind my foundation is very dark and that isn't just muck! Click if you'd like to read a tutorial with my red double headed Smashbox brush. If you'd like to know anything about my brushes just leave a comment.

Until Next Time xo

Quick and Delicious

After having one of those days where your just so busy you forget to eat or mainly just don't have the time? We got home and realised how hungry we were and couldn't wait for a take away or to even cook a big meal. So instead here is another fast recipe meal!

For the starter:

Using some ready made fish goujons (cheating I know!) put in the oven on 200 degrees for 15 mins.

Simply wash off some lettuce and stack roughly on a small plate. 

Chop some avocado, red pepper and dress with olive oil, salt, pepper and a wedge of lemon. To add a bit more flavour I sprinkled some oregano too, but its still delicious without.

Main:

Even more simply, fry the steaks in olive oil with a slight seasoning of salt and pepper with some garlic in a shallow pan.

Slice tomatoes in half and fry lightly with bacon. Grill chips in the oven alongside the goujons.

Garnish and serve. 

A very basic recipe, I think when your rushing you should have some quick and easy things in mind and in the freezer to avoid the fast food. I've fallen into that trap many times before! What do you think? Something you would try, I personally think it looks like a lot more effort than is actually needed. Which is also great.

Heres a great tip for testing your steak. Touch the tip of your thumb to the finger which stands for the wellness of your steak. Then touch your steak (remember its hot) and compare.
Until Next Time xo

All Greek To Me

So a quick pop into Cardiff town centre and a short wonder around the arcades.. I come across this little gem! Loving all things Greek how could I just walk past? No way. Stepping inside I felt like I was in Greece, the decor is so simple but so effective. The cobbled style floor just like paved stones and blue touches immediately reminded me of photos from Santorini. The smell of Greek olives in the air and friendly chit chat. I know this is a place my boyfriend would love and can't wait to take him! 

I couldn't quite get the shop keeps names with all the food chat but they are such lovely women. Immediately showing her Greek custom she offered me some food to try, which I could not turn down. Completely 100% fat free choco bites. They're made with olive oil instead of butter which tastes amazing (not at all savoury as I initially thought) selling at 5 for £1, bargain on the go snack.

Fat-free chocolate bites

Everything is made by the owners from scratch and you can taste it in the quality of the food.  The cheese pie was amazing too. Although All Greek To Me just opened yesterday I know they'll be around for a while, if your in Cardiff definitely pop in and say hi. They're very friendly and the food will speak for itself.

Delicious Greek pie

Situated in the classic Cardiff arcades, nearest the castle ( I really can't remember the arcade name! If you know where I'm talking about please comment and correct me haha)   'High Street Arcade'

What do you think, gorgeous and quaint or what?!

Until Next time xo

*Update - this lovely lady is called Leda. I still love this shop and pop by every week. 

Student Lock In

Every year St. Davids 2 shopping centre holds a student lock in. Its supposed to be a chance for new students to get some cheap autumn wear, discounted food and free drinks where all stores had 20% off.  We saw through the plan, the students just got their loans and the shops wanted them to spend, spend and spend. Very well planned. The queue to get in was around 15 minutes and inside the noise from so many different dj's was unreal. The whole centre was jam packed, I couldn't even walk around H&M. The queue for the checkouts in nearly every store was about an hour long. Krispy Kreme were even offering 24 d'nuts for £10! So all in all, it was a nice evening out but definitely not a quality shopping trip. Disappointing as I had so much on the list, but I soon realised most stores had a 20% student discount anyway! 

H&M 

Love this grey colour, next beauty buy!
Emily modelling the new London range.

... We ditched shopping after finding out Nails inc. only had discounts on treatments and went for some cocktails instead! Peppermint have 2-4-1 on the most amazing cocktails ever. I tried a Thai Whisper and it was amazing. Lychee, coconut milk, vodka and I can't remember what else, but it was lovely! It was a fun girly night out, but not a shopping trip for sure! Have you been to any shopping events lately?

MyriadVintage Giveaway

I have found a gorgeous Vintage boutique on Etsy. MyriadVintage. Very understated and very vintage!  I got in touch with the owner and to say thank you to my readers heres a give away! Ashley was kind enough to give to one of you luckies a gorgeous colour block maxi skirt. I might even try to enter myself, hahaha. I managed to grab a few extra minutes with Ashley for a short interview, heres what I found out!

Me: How did you get into Vintage fashion?
Ashley: Growing up my mom always took me along on her thrifting trips. I would pick items to wear and would tweak the ones I didn't like by light sewing. Over the years I have found some cool pieces and decided to make a business of it. In my city, vintage wear is nearly equal to normal retail.

Me: I love changing things to my personal taste! Where do you find inspiration for your items?
Ashley: Honestly, I use my personal taste for guidance. I look for pops of color, bold prints and texture. Anything that stands out on the rack at a quick glance. If I have to dig too hard, it is not for me! Most of my items are 1980s - early 90's.

Me: Such an iconic era. Are there any fashion icons you follow for ideas?
Ashley: There are many greats of the era, with unique and bold style but, I try to make sure I don't put myself in a box. For example Madonna's edgy and sometimes quirky style, love it!! But my pieces may or may not reflect this.

Me: Madonna is definitely a walking fashion statement! What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Ashley: A quality article of clothing should not be damaged, stained, or worn beyond reasonable wear with consideration to the year. Essentially items should look as good as they did, when they were first made. Not all items are perfect, and for this reason I make not of imperfections on my listings. Not every customer is a perfectionist but, honesty and respect go a long way!!

Me: They do say honesty is always the best policy. What garments can we expect for A/W from MyriadVintage?
Ashley: I always go in search of certain categories of items, but tend to list as I find. I am looking to add more sequinned and beaded items, sweaters and blazers. Over the weekend some updates were made :)

Me: Can't wait to see you gems you'll find! How would you sum up MyriadVintage as a brand?
Ashley: All inclusive women's vintage clothing and accessories. One of a kind finds, that foster creativity and uniqueness. All things vintage!

If you can't wait for the end of the competition you can buy an item now, here. Don't forget they're all vintage - here today, gone tomorrow! *Update - use code MVINTAGE for 10% off*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Simple Salmon

Really quick easy dinner. 

You'll need some veg, salmon and stuffing mix.

Boil any harder veg like potatoes and carrots until slightly soft. While doing this slightly stir-fry any veg, add hot water to a small amount of stuffing mix. Then put them all onto a baking tray and under the grill, with a sprinkle of chicken stock cube. While the veg and stuffing are browning add the salmon into a hot, oiled pan. Season with a little salt and pepper.

What do you think? Takes 15 minutes, it's simple, healthy and delicious.

First Time Lips

Since I discovered mum's beauty box, I've always been slapping on some lip and doing something weird with the rest of the stuff I didn't know how to use. I always looked so weird but put her heels on with my tiny feet and walk around like a princess! Hahaha. Not sure why I've never had the confidence to wear any lip stick, but since I'm seeing it everywhere and with so many colours. It looks so bold but not garish. I decided to try one more time and see if I felt confident enough to leave the house. 

I love it! I watched a few youtubers give some tips and here's what I picked up.

I used Smashbox products for this look. The lipstick is Raspberry Kreme, applied all over. Then using an under eye brightener, highlighted the borders of my lips with the thin brush. A light layer of lip gloss 'fame' on top. Then  Gold Gossamer face and body powder on the peaks of my lower lip, this makes them more plump. Finally a dark eye shadow just under the pocket of my lip, again this makes your lips look bigger and fuller.

I think I've finally found a colour that suits me! What do you think? I might even go for red next!

Travellers Chant

My outfit for the day, travelling. I hate being uncomfortable when travelling, especially since the journey was 3 hours long. I just wore some loose fitting denim, an over sized wool tunic, which is really soft and snuggly. A blazer so I don't look too slouchy, then added some colour with the gold choker, scarf and nails.

Choker - gift/ Boots - gift

Jeans - River Island/ Scarf - Peacocks/ Tunic - USC/ Blazer  - River Island

Nails - Hot looks shimmy shake

I look so scared in those photos, haha! What do you think of this outfit? I love this nail polish, it needs a couple coats to get a really bold look but its so glittery and dries relatively quickly which is awesome when your in a rush. Until next time xo

Motel Rocks

Hello! I know how much everyone loves originality and gorgeous designs. Especially since the weather has taken a turn for the worst this week, we all need some well deserved cheering up. So I've teamed up with Motel to bring you the latest offers. If you use my blog name 'sushiturtlesandlife' at the checkout you will receive 20%!! That's amazing isn't it? Here are my top picks just to give you all a taste before you head over to do some retail therapy. 

Deborah long sleeve off the shoulder - £32  £25.60

Tess sheer shirt with cross beads - £38  £30.40

Donella skinny in red - £48  £38.40

Rock N' Rose Aurelia stone cuff - £14  £11.20

kadie circle skirt in cross and beads $40  £32

 Really hope you enjoy this one and get some really nice new items for the new season. Motel also gets new products in very frequently so I'll keep you up to date with any thing that needs to be blogged. Which will probably be alot haha! P.s This ones for my international readers too.

Until next time xo

Hobos, deliciously different

First day back at uni and the longest day ever, 9-6! Plus all the commuting, so much effort! To brighten up the day we took a lunch break into Cardiff town centre, in search of some original vintage. Oh yes.

I've walked past Hobos, so many times and never thought to go in. Until today. My god have I been missing out! It's amazing, there are so many knit jumpers with so many different designs it crazy! It was like winter heaven! I wanted to come back and get it, but the owner told me they're all one of a kind! Even better, no awkward we're wearing the same thing. 

I really hope my favourite is still there when I go back! .....Oh and one more thing I was expecting was a horrific price tag because of the gorgeous quality, somewhere in the region of £70-£80. Considering it was very soft, an original and simply so vintage. They were Granny's jumpers gone right. Me and my friend couldn't believe the price £18! Absolute bargain.

The owner was lovely and let me take some snaps.

The pictures unfortunately do not do the clothes justice. I'll be back to buy my winter warmer and I'll update some better pictures! Hobos goes live, you will soon be able to shop online: www.hobosvintageclothing.co.uk 

What do you think of my vintage find? Erica xo