What I've read on the web this week #2

1. Man Repeller never gets old

2. I loved reading this surprisingly quaint and familiar insight into how the leader of the free world works, including the now famous 7 almonds which get him through late nights at the White House. 

3. Yes, I read an in- depth post-colonial critique of Harry Potter in my spare time, just in case you weren't sure how niche my interests were.

4. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Zizek Manoeuvre. This really made me chuckle. Watch your backs, political nerds of Manchester 

5. This situation in LA, reported by the Washington Post, shows how easy it is for inequalities to be reinforced by lazy, ill thought- through, or out of date legislation. Yet, in this case the journalist seems to end up concluding the state is favouring teacher job security over the quality of teaching purposefully. 

6. Here’s some solid career and life advice from Caroline, who also confirms once and for all that it’s not socially acceptable to eat donuts before 11am 

What has tickled your fancy online lately?

Image courtesy of The Pool 

My So- called Superfoods

I am a believer in many things but I am not a believer in superfoods, and many medical professionals and nutritionists are coming out and debunking the myth of the superfood. These are foods which wellness bloggers tell us come from exotic lands far away, are unbelievably rich in nutrients, and are said to have miracle healing/weight loss/skin clearing powers. You’ll have heard by now that superfoods include kale, papaya, quinoa, chia seeds, tahini, goji berries, acai etc. And while I love these healthy foods, I don’t believe for one second they will turn you into a vision of pure health.

Now there are obviously certain nutrients which we need, and others which will make a big difference to our wellbeing, and particular foods which are especially dense in these nutrients. Just like the humble sweet potato, which contains 400% of your daily Vitamin A needs, along with Vitamin C and more, and happens to grow easily in hot climates; hence why certain programs in sub- Saharan Africa are introducing super orange (and super vitamin rich) sweet potatoes to help solve child malnutrition. Now, I would say this is a bit of a miracle. But calling kale a superfood in the hope your middle class self will be ‘super healthy’ or ‘super human’ is deluded and full of all kinds of unchecked privilege. 

So in defiance of wellness gurus' use of the term ‘superfood’ and in a bid to reclaim its meaning, I give you my very own superfoods.

Clipper’s snore and peace Tea…this beverage gets it’s ‘super’ status from its amazing ability to have you nodding off in a jiffy, even on the most restless, agitated nights. Don’t drink and drive, kids.

Cashew Nuts…picture this: you’ve just got home from work and you know dinner won’t be ready for at least half an hour, but you’re majorly hangry. Meet your super cool new best friends. A handful of nuts will have you feeling yourself again in no time. Almonds are just as super as they have the President’s seal of approval.

Dried Mango…if you’re always on the verge of giving in to offers of snickers left right and centre, look no further. Dried mango has the power to satisfy your sugar cravings, with its super natural sugars. It is the perfect snack for long journeys, and will make you feel superior to everyone else.

Dark chocolate…this super delicious treat makes you feel like a goddess of luxury and even more amazingly is dairy free, vitamin rich and good for concentration.

Canned coconut Milk…this hidden gem’s super power is the ability to make any old soup exciting; if it’s looking lacklustre, coconut milk will thicken it up, if you’ve gone overboard on the spice front, coconut milk will cool it down and refresh your poor senses.

Frozen berries…what is more super than the killer combo of cheap, healthy, and convenient? Frozen berries are perfect to add to a summer lemonade in place of ice cubes, mixed into your morning porridge, or cooked in a homemade crumble. 

Which foods are super to you?

10 Loves #8

1.    Obama’s photographer has captured his most heart-warming and historic moments of his 8 years in office

2.    My talented and hard- working friend produced Shout! The Mod Musical to rave reviews

3.    Margot Price, because it turns out I love country music

4.    The Girl on the Train had me on tenterhooks as I devoured it over 4 days (which is fast for me!)

5.    Fearne Cotton’s Cook Happy Cook Healthy is my food bible for the time being

6.    My fish shaped ice from Ikea have been giving me life

7.    The Tate Modern has opened a brand new extension and I can’t wait to visit and take it all in

8.    I’ve been starting my mornings right with this iced coffee recipe which I talked about here. It was great for the 5 days of summer we enjoyed

9.    This Guardian article summarised my frustrations about British Politics and was featured in this post, while Gordon Brown wrote a great op-ed in the New York Times about why the world needs a Britain influencing and cooperating in Europe.

10. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous new collection by Doen.

Workwear Wishin'

I’m starting a new job in the next couple of weeks (hooray!) and the office dress code is the most relaxed vibe yet. It’s office wear- which covers all manner of sins- whereas my previous jobs have either had a uniform or a strict business code.

I’m afraid I can’t afford to be let loose in Zara but I have been let loose on Pinterest and the internet in general. So here is a mixture of workwear inspiration and some good ol’ online window shopping. New work, new wardrobe please?

To Tan, or Not To Tan

I’m a pale gal and I have a problem. I’m not sure whether I should embrace my natural albeit ghostly skin for good, or keep getting my trusty fake tan fix; you could say I have commitment issues.

I’ve only been experimenting with tanning for four or five years, so I’m no die hard fan, and I would never dream of going near anything other than ‘light’. But honestly, when Spring time rolls around and summer approaches, something in the back of my head tells me I don’t look right. Pale skin and summer clothes just don’t feel right without some sort of glow.

My first problem is I don’t tan naturally. Between May and September I’m lucky if I gain a few freckles. In Australia I burnt and it eventually turned into a famer’s tan. Score!

I just want to take a second to check my privilege. I’m lucky to get to worry about what shade of white I am.

So in the absence of a natural tan, I have to spend money on it, and let me tell you, trying to find a natural- looking, non- orange fake tan ain’t cheap. My current tan of choice is the St Tropez Express Tan, and although it’s the perfect olive shade, it’s also a whopping £11.

There comes a time in a girl’s life when she has to either embrace the glow for life or choose permanently pale, and the time for me is now. I so want to rock the pale English rose look but it’s a bit of a leap of faith.

What do you think?

Please share your tanning struggles with me!

What I've read on the web this week

1.    This succinct article in The Guardian perfectly sums up my feelings about the current state of British political culture- albeit much more eloquently than me. It makes me wonder which point I will look back on as the point at which I decided to leave England.

2.    “You won’t hear about this in the mainstream media” tackles the barrage of attacks faced by journalists, particularly the uniquely personal and sexual attacks faced by female journalists. It points out the genuine threat this poses to democracy. You truly won’t hear about this in the MSM.

3.    I loved this piece by Lin Manuel Miranda about making theatre more affordable so it reaches those who would benefit from it most

4.    I have so much love for this HelloGiggles think piece from Rachel Charlene on bodies, race, class, tribalism, and fat phobia at Universities.

5.    Yes, this one may be in the Sociological Review, but give it a chance! Another one about British political culture and the EU referendum. #PostcolonialMelancholy

6.    This Elle article about the important distinction between failing and being a failure is just lovely.

Iced Coffee Recipe

I’ve only been a coffee lover for the last 6 months. I’m 22.

When I realised the errors of my ways I was genuinely saddened that I’d missed out on 21 and a half years of morning goodness. That being said, I tend to limit myself to one dose of caffeine a day in a bid to keep anxiety at bay.

Now just because it’s summer and I don’t fancy a hot bevvy in 25 degree heat, why should I deny myself my coffee rights? The good news is this recipe for iced coffee is outrageously simple, costs nothing if you already have coffee grounds, and perfect for a coffee on the go. Can be enjoyed come rain or shine (but best enjoyed on a warm, sunny day because I’m just happier then anyway). Once you have this recipe in your life, you’ll have no excuse to spend all of your pennies on Starbucks…

All you need is:

·         Coffee grounds

·         A sieve or coffee filter paper

·         Ice

1.    Firstly, place your usual amount of coffee into a mason jar (or, if you’re making a batch, double, triple etc as needed) and fill the mason jar about 2/3 full with cold water

2.    Place a lid on and leave for at least 12 hours (though overnight is best) in the fridge

3.    Once it’s out of the fridge you’ll want to give it a stir

4.    To remove any grit that might be undissolved, simply pour the mixture through either coffee filter paper if you’re feeling fancy or a fine sieve- I use a sieve and it works just fine

5.    Then throw in plenty of ice and add the milk of your choice- or go hard-core and enjoy it black.

Soon you’ll be laughing in Starbuck’s faces!

(This ace recipe is courtesy of the New York Times)

Let's Get Real: TV

Gone are the days when TV was all about escaping your boring life and living out your dreams through SJP on Sex in the City, and pretending to be a spoilt rich kid on The O.C. Don’t get me wrong, I love diving back into those box sets once in a while, but mostly I’m all about the here and now; I want to RELATE, people. I don’t love reality TV (unless I’m nursing a hangover and the Kardashians are on, of course) but give me a storyline a tad close to the bone and you’ve got me hooked. Here are some of my down-to-earth TV favourites that will have you shouting, “I hear ya!”.

WARNING: Don’t watch any of these with your parents

Broad City

This show began its life as a web series, so it’s safe to say it had humble beginnings. It follows Abby and Ilana, who are two twenty-something year olds trying to figure their lives out in New York City, but find themselves not getting very far. Definitely watch this if you’re feeling low about your achievements, it will have you whispering YAS KWEEN, in no time. And how can you resist a Hillary Clinton cameo?

Girls

If you haven’t watched Girls yet, you’ve either been living under a rock for 5 years or you’re moving in the wrong circles. Created by the goddess that is Lena Dunham, the show has broken boundaries and brought us stories that are sometimes crazy, but often universal. I have cried, laughed, been repulsed and amazed by Girls, and I would recommend it to any woman or man. Expect plenty of self-realisation storylines and lots of lessons learnt. The most accurate portrayal of what it’s like to be a young woman in my books. The writing is never lazy or predictable. The most recent season left me with shivers after every episode.

Inside Amy Schumer

This is another show which has seemingly insane storylines but actually reveals universal truths that every woman will be able to relate to. Amy Schumer plays a version of herself, in many strange scenarios and with a boat load of cameos .I am in awe of how honest Amy Schumer is, and she never fails to make me howl with laughter. Just trust me and watch it, okay?

Master of None

I didn’t really know what to expect when I added to this to my Netflix list; all I knew was that it starred and was written by Aziz Ansari, so it was bound to be good. Turns out I wasn’t prepared for quite how complex and multi-faceted it would be, not to mention how freakin stylish. It’s safe to say it’s right up my street. You can definitely enjoy this if you just want a laugh, but also if you want to learn something and have a think. One episode focuses on what it’s like to be a second generation ethnic immigrant compared with what their parents went through, and another explores the absurdity of racial stereotyping in Hollywood. It’s safe to say all bases are covered.

Happy Weekend!

Weekend Treat

Banana bread is my favourite sweet treat to bake because I can convince myself it’s healthy. This one has 3 bananas in and no refined sugars, so it’s about as healthy as a cake is going to get. I use Jamie Oliver’s recipe because it’s the simplest I’ve come across; I could probably make it with my eyes closed at this point. If you want a little more indulgence I highly recommend smothering a slice with peanut butter or Nutella and thank me later…

All you need to make this light treat is

·         3 overripe bananas

·         2 tbspn apple juice

·         125g unsalted butter

·         2 large eggs

·         ½ tspn ground cinnamon

·         2 tbspn runny honey

1.    First you’ll need to preheat your oven to 180C and grease a loaf tin using either olive oil or butter, then lightly dust with flour.

2.    Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork in a mixing bowl until they’re an unsightly mix of smooth and lumpy. Then add apple juice and stir.

3.    In a separate bowl, cream the butter. (This is the trick bit which I think counts as a workout). The crack in and beat the eggs one at a time.

4.    Fold in the rest of the ingredients, being careful not to over mix

5.    Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and cook for around 40 minutes. Lick the bowl and spoon.

6.    Leave it to cool for 10 minutes then dive in!

Remember not to feel guilty after eating this weekend treat; each slice (probably) contains one of your five a day. For best results, enjoy with a cup of tea. 

Pinterest Interiors Dreamin'

One of my favourite unlikely pass times has become scrolling through pinterest’s vaults of inspiration, with the hope of discovering my true glam life. While most people probably use it for style inspiration/pretending they’re Kendall Jenner, I, on the other hand, like to imagine the home of my dreams. I’m not going to lie- I like to think of myself as an undiscovered interior design talent.

I’ve collated some of my favourites from my interiors board, ‘A Humble Abode’ for your viewing pleasure. Definitely follow me on pinterest for more white walls, dark wood floors and cute kitchens- whether you’re actually creating the home of your dreams or like me, you fancy yourself as a bit of a protégé. 

Have a happy weekend staring at your phone screen!

10 Loves #7

1.    It’s been a bit of a month for music hasn’t it? Honourable mentions include the indisputable work of art that is Beyoncé’s LEMONADE, and Chance the Rapper’s amazing new album. I can’t wait to find the time to give James Blake’s latest masterpiece a listen too.

2.    My pin collection…Be jealous. 

 

3.    Obama’s final White House Correspondents’ Dinner speech. Did I mention I’m gonna miss this guy? You can watch him slay here. #NerdProm

4.    Journaling…There’s something about keeping a journal I find so romantic, yet I have never been able to keep one going for a substantial amount of time. Having recently gone through some of my Grandma’s diary, which she’s written in every single day since she was about 7 she reckons, I’ve been inspired to give it another go. 

5.    Shakespeare…this month saw me watch King Lear at the Royal Exchange on the 400^th anniversary of this dude’s death as well as book tickets to see Macbeth at the Globe in July. I’ve been very lucky to have seen loads of different Shakespeare productions, including Hamlet twice, and haven’t seen a bad one yet. You really can’t beat the Bard.

6.    Movies I watched this month included Midnight Special which I highly recommend (I have weird crush on Michael Shannon now) and Lost In Translation for the faffilionth time. 

7.    Ruby Tandoh’s article (which I mentioned in my last post) about what lies beneath the ‘Wellness’ industry.

8.    Donald Trump pretended to be his own publicist and you can listen to it here.

9.    Rudy’s Pizza…I treated myself to some Neapolitan Pizza and loved every second. Me and my friend got a margarita each and shared a garlic bread. It induced some MAJOR flashbacks to the time me and my sister went on a day trip to Naples just to eat at the ‘world’s greatest’ pizza place. No regrets. 

10. Hamilton is coming to London next year and me and my friend didn’t freak out on twitter at all.