This blog is a lifestyle diary, blending the author's passions for food, fashion, and fitness. A full-time journalist in her 30s, living in Hampshire with her husband and a cat (though secretly a dog person), she shares her experiences and discoveries in these intertwined areas. You can also find her on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Pinterest and Polyvore.
Life Updates and Home Projects
After a hiatus, the blogger recently resurfaced to share updates, including a home improvement project: new living room windows. The installation, spearheaded by her husband and cousin, involved cutting through the side of the house-a nerve-wracking experience! The new windows brought in more light and a lighter wall color. The search for the right curtains involved some trial and error, eventually settling on Crossweave Dove Grey curtains from At Home store, paired with bronze curtain rods. The blogger is thrilled with the result, which allows them to watch their children playing outside.
A recent family picture from an apple-picking outing was also shared, along with a message expressing how much she misses connecting with her readers.
Navigating Wheat-Free and Gluten-Free Living
Discovering a wheat intolerance led the blogger to explore the world of gluten-free products. She emphasizes that this isn't about celiac disease or a gluten allergy but a personal need to avoid wheat. Her focus is on finding readily available, palatable wheat-free and gluten-free options, perfect for those who want easy-to-make meals or for entertaining guests with dietary restrictions.
Pasta
After disappointing experiences with other brands, Le Veneziane pasta, made from corn, emerged as a winner. Its neutral taste and non-gluey texture make it suitable for robust tomato or mushroom sauces.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Bread
Schar breads, mostly European-made and shelf-stable, proved to be a pleasant surprise after grim experiences with other gluten-free breads, even at a high-end Manhattan restaurant. When toasted, Schar breads are good substitutes for wheat bread. The bagels are tasty, and the white bread works for sandwiches. However, they don't absorb liquids well, making French toast a challenge.
Baking Mixes
King Arthur mixes (cornbread and muffin) bake well, although they tend to be heavy, sticky, and sweet. The cornbread resembles a New England-style corn muffin. Red Mill cornbread, in contrast, is less sweet and a bit dry, like a Southern-style cornbread. Schar's chocolate muffins are a delightful treat that can be frosted like cupcakes.
Tortillas
Among various gluten-free tortillas, the Ole tortilla made from chickpea flour stands out. It's thin, light, and neutral in taste.
Pie Crust
A gluten-free pie crust recipe calls for pressing sandy crumbs into the pie plate, similar to a graham cracker crust. The top crust can be made by rolling out the dough, using a cookie cutter, and carefully transferring the pieces. The resulting crust is similar to a traditional wheat crust, though slightly gritty. It can be handled extensively and even frozen.
Grits
A quest for authentic grits led the blogger to McEwen & Sons in Alabama, known for stone-grinding organic corn. Their grits offer a delightful, rough texture and genuine corn flavor. Anson Mills in South Carolina, known for preserving Carolina Gold rice, also offers a range of corn products.
Read also: Satisfy Your Cravings with Whole Foods
Fashion Choices and a Streamlined Wardrobe
The blogger favors black clothing for its time-saving convenience. A predominantly black-and-denim wardrobe simplifies outfit selection, packing, and eliminates questions about appearing unwell when wearing colors. Black clothing pairs well with both expensive jewelry and casual denim.
Fitness Adventures: Zumba and Beyond
Zumba is a key part of the blogger's fitness routine. She enjoys classes taught by Casta Melendez in Naples, Florida, and Daniel Nery Dos Santos Filho in Seattle. Daniel's classes are athletic, incorporating Afro-pop and Latin beats. For at-home workouts, she uses YouTube videos by Cesar Molina, who teaches in Chile. She also discovered Chinese Wand Exercise, a stretching and strength routine, while visiting her mother.
The Quest for Comfortable Bras
After finding Wacoal's 85185 Bodysuede Underwire to be a comfortable and flattering bra, the blogger explored alternatives but ultimately returned to her favorite. Bali's Lilyette bras now also provide a good fit in larger cup sizes.
Reflections on Fashion, Food, and Sustainability
The blogger reflects on the fast-paced nature of modern life and its impact on fashion and food. The rise of fast-food and fast-fashion has led to overconsumption and environmental concerns. However, there's a growing movement towards sustainability, with designers exploring innovative approaches like using food waste in clothing.
One example is a t-shirt made partly from spoiled milk protein. Another is Mimi Prober's collection dyed with avocado and pomegranate, replacing toxic textile dyes. Technology's role in mass production is also examined, alongside the potential for sustainable alternatives.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Local Explorations: Weston Shore
A visit to Weston Shore revealed scenic views, salty sea air, and historical elements. The England Coast Path sign marks the start of the walk, and mysterious stone ruins add intrigue to the landscape.
Beyond the Everyday: Whisky, Halloween, and Garden Delights
The blogger also shares thoughts on various topics, from whisky appreciation to Halloween makeup tips. She also enjoys cooking outdoors, especially with a tripod grill, and growing her own flowers in the garden.
Exploring Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is a favorite, offering a variety of flavors and dishes. The blogger highlights several popular choices, including:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: Crispy chicken in a tangy sauce with pineapple and bell peppers.
- Peking Duck: Duck served with Chinese pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
- Salt and Pepper Chips: Chips with a spicy kick, seasoned with salt, pepper, onions, and chili.
- Chow Mein: Noodles with meat, vegetables, and savory sauce.
- Spring Rolls: Filled with chicken, vegetables, and various sauces, then deep-fried.
Wine Appreciation
The blogger acknowledges the vast knowledge required to be a wine enthusiast but encourages exploration and enjoyment.
A Culinary Memory: Tarte Flambee (Flammkuchen)
She cherishes memories of tarte flambee, a crisp flatbread topped with fromage blanc or crème fraiche, onions, and bacon, from her husband's time in Strasbourg.
Food and Fashion Exhibition
The blogger mentions an exhibition exploring the relationship between food and fashion, highlighting how food motifs have influenced fashion design. The exhibition features designers like Chanel, Moschino, and Stella McCartney.