Slim Tip: Why Break The Fast?

We’ve heard it a million times over: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how many of you actually believe this old adage? Well bloggers, it’s time to embrace this saying because it might just be the key to overcoming your diet woes.


Breakfast literally means, “breaking the fast” since it’s the first meal you eat after sleeping, and therefore fasting (unless you sleep walk and eat… which sounds scary) all night. After this “fast,” we need to nourish our hungry brain and body with nutrients (a.k.a. breakfast).


According to various articles I have read, breakfast has many health benefits. Based on the Mayo Clinic’s article, Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home, those who eat breakfast are more likely to consume more vitamins and minerals. Breakfast eaters also experience “better concentration and productivity throughout the morning” along with a more positive mood. But most importantly, those who eat breakfast typically eat less fat throughout the day. Starting out your day with breakfast will stabilize hunger and cravings later in the day. Eating breakfast helps prevent binging, eating too many sweets and making unhealthy diet choices because your body is stabilized with the appropriate fuel.


So what does this all mean for your waistline? In a nutshell, eating breakfast will control your appetite while also revving up your metabolism, which will help burn more calories throughout the day.


I usually have an egg white veggie omelet for breakfast. If you would like, I’ll do a post with the recipe!

In the meantime, what do you usually have for breakfast? 

(8 exams down, 6 to go!) Saskia XO

Mismatched eyes: OUI ou NON?

From afar it looks like a fun use of Spring colour! Look a bit longer and you’ll notice she’s wearing two different colours on her eyelids. And somehow she pulls it off! Very interesting… I'm sort of on the fence about this daring look. If you keep it in the same family, like a teal and an aquamarine, it’s doable, but what’s the message? That you love breaking the rules and march to the beat of your own drum? I can respect and admire that. Anything is better than vanilla or cookie cutter I guess… but would people think that we have lost our minds if we were to  suggest it for the red carpet?! Most of them! What do you all think?

Will you dare this mismatched-eye look?

I've been waiting for this my whole life!I appreciate the creativity, but it's not for me...Never in my worst nightmare.

Vote

Instant Hair Bowe

There aren’t enough bows in this world if you ask me and thanks to these little gems being a girly-girl just got a whole lot easier! 
Remember the top photo from when Lauren Conrad wore her hair in a bow on Jimmy Kimmel? It looked like such a  fun hair style to create, but it actually takes a long time to get the hair formed into a perfect bow shape, especially if you have thick hair. Many of you asked if there was a quick AND easy way to get the look. Well, wish granted! These bows were made to clip right in. You can put your hair half up, in a ponytail or in a bun and finalise the look with a hair bow in your colour. I think these are pretty amazing… and may or may not have just ordered one of each colour for my kit?! Moreover, they look realistic, charming and elegant and really help to embrace the dainty, girly girl trend of this S/S '12!
They'll be selling like hot cakes soon!!!


Will you purchase a clip in bow?





(7 exams down, 7 to go!) Saskia XO

S/S Chic Trends: Prim and Proper

To mark the beginning of this amazing weather (24degrees!), I've pulled some super cute outfit ideas to help reinforce what trends are hot this current S/S'12. 

• I j’adore this “Prim + Proper” trend in particular. It’s perfectly tailored, accessorised and thought about; I love pairing two hues of blue, a bow belt and a pop of yellow nail polish....leaving the outfit oozing with feness and summer romance.
• Pastels are also a brilliant stamp by keeping them cool with pairing black tights with floral shorts and a comfy knit sweater. Whether you’re going to grandma’s or hanging with friends, there’s sweetness to this style.
• For anyone celebrating or with plans this weekend in cooler temps, take note with particular attention to super cute floral pants (and lavender blouses with pink blazers). Black flats tie in perfectly with the pant, the buttery yellow bag is lovely and the matte red lip adds enough spice and sensuality to complete the look.
• Anyone can wear this trend, with pastels, nude tones or even a pop pallet; it's versatile and affordable!

Are you a fan of the trend?


(4 exam down, 9 to go!) Saskia XO

Fragrance 411: The Spring Scent

They don’t say April showers bring May flowers for nothing… Spring is in full bloom, which means it’s time to change up your perfume regiment by going seasonal.


Like clothes and accessories, perfume should be seasonally relevant as well. So lighten up and opt for a scent that’s sweet or floral for a fresh springtime finish.


My favourite fragrance for this time of year is Marc Jacobs Woman. It smells like gardenia, which I love. The floral blend is lighter than the perfumes I tend to wear during the autumn and winter. I think it’s nice to lighten things up when the weather warms, don’t you?


A few other great perfume options for spring include Prada Iris, ChanelChance, and Kai Eau de Parfum.


What’s your favourite spring scent?




Saskia XO

Mani Monday!

I have found yet another use for those lovely DIY nail stickers. Here’s how I created a plaid party:

1. Paint your tape with 3 or 4 different colours. Cut into strips. Do a couple different widths.
2. Paint your base coat. We used an off white vanilla colour.
3. You’ll want to start building from the inside corner and move outward. Over lap one vertical and one horizontal strip.
4. Now do another set of stickers out from that set.
5. Keep going until you get to the opposite corner.
6. Use cuticle nippers to trim the excess sticker.

Always apply a top coat over tape stickers to avoid to peeling!

Happy working!

(Three exams down, 10 to go!) Saskia XO

Slim Suggestion: H2 Ohh!

We all know that we’re supposed to drink lots of water everyday. Drinking 8-12 glasses of agua daily has countless health benefits. Also, your appearance benefits from drinking enough water each day. Water hydrates your skin making you look younger and it assists in weight loss. So why don’t we drink more? Because next to delicious lattes and flavored fizzy drinks water falls flat. It’s, dare we say, a little boring. So here are a few ways to jazz up your H2O…

• Fruit – Slice it up and toss it in. Try different fruits or even different combinations of fruit. Some popular ones are cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, raspberries… and the list goes on.
• Mint – Try adding a few mint leaves to your water. It will give it a refreshing twist.
• Ice – Fill an ice tray with your favourite all natural fruit juice and put it in the freezer. When the cubes have frozen try adding a couple to your water for a hint of flavour.

Saskia XO

Getting Pretty: This Little Piggy...

Warmer days are approaching and that means that after a long winter of hibernating, your toes will be making an appearance once again. So it’s time to get your feet open-toed footwear ready. Here are some tips on getting your tootsies in tip-top shape…

1. Buff – First you will need a pumice stone. A pumice stone is hardened lava used to buff away dry skin from your feet. When you are purchasing a stone be sure that you are buying a smooth one (Some are too rough and cause more harm than good). It works best if you have just taken a shower or if you have soaked your feet in warm water for a few minutes first. Using the stone, buff the rough skin on the bottom of your feet (usually the heal and ball of the foot) in a circular motion.  Note: Don’t try and do it all at once. You can damage the skin or even get an infection. Just give your feet a quick buff once a week till they are smooth as a baby’s bum.
2. Scrub – When you are in the shower try using a scrub on the top and bottom of your feet. It’s a gentle way to wash away dead skin. 
3. Moisturise – Before going to sleep cover your feet in a thick layer of healing ointment (Vaseline, Aquaphor, Bag Balm…). Then put on a pair of cotton socks. When you wake your feet will feel much softer.

Then your toes will all look like little piggies :)

Saskia XO

Friday Favourites!

Well it's here for yet another week....the day we all rejoice for the lie ins ahead! TGIF! Enjoy my inspiration for the past week. I chose soft pastel colours exhuding with fresh and spring connotations to help me distress after doing exams! (3 subjects done, 5 to go!)

       

Have an amazing weekend!

Saskia XO

Edible Obsessions: Saviour Sushi

I love sushi. It’s as simple as that. But only recently did I actually discover this. 


Unfortionately for me, where I live, there are not so many Sushi parlours :( 


However, I have heard that one of the best places that possesses amazing sushi, is in LA! Katsuya and Bui Sushi are among some of the phenominal places! At Katsuya, the hottest thing to order is the apparently the baked crab hand roll in soy paper along with their watermelon mojito (sounds mouthwatering already!)

Sushi is the ideal meal to grab with a date or a couple friends since you can order a few rolls to share between your party. That way, you can sample all the different combinations and enjoy some variety!
I like to buy crab or tuna rolls wrapped in soy paper and I also love sashimi. 

And who doesn’t like a great drink to top off a good meal? Most of my girly cousins are vodka girls, so they usually stick with the specialty vodka drinks for dinner occasions. Otherwise, I’ll go with my standard vodka soda or water depending on how I’m feeling and the time of day…  







Moreover, sushi leaves you feeling both plentiful but refreshed. It is healthy and is the perfect food for a summer romance!



What’s your favourite local fare? Any recommendations? I’d love to hear your restaurant (especially sushi) suggestions for my travels… 




Saskia XO

Beauty Notes: Hello Sunshine!

Dark spots, premature aging, and wrinkles- oh my!! Summer is quickly approaching which means long days spent in the sunshine. Today we all shudder at our mother’s stories of applying baby oil to their skin before tanning. Today we are all much more aware of the drastic side effects of too many hours in the sun. But is it possible that we have become too cautious about that shining sphere in the sky? So I ask, how much sun is too much sun? Well listen up ladies because here’s the scoop…

The good stuff:

One of the biggest benefits of sunshine is that it provides your body with Vitamin D. This helps your body protect itself against internal cancers, as well as various neurological, cardiovascular, immune and bone diseases, osteoporosis, depression, breast cancer, an even affects diabetes and obesity (just to name a few). What’s that you say? Sunshine can help prevent cancer? That’s right bloggers!

The not so good stuff:

It’s a well known fact the too much sun exposure can cause skin damage such as benign tumours, wrinkles, freckles and skin discoloration. But a scarier threat is the big C. UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer today. Also caused by over exposure to the sun are Pre-cancerous skin lesions which are less threatening, but must be surgically removed by a doctor. I am speaking from experience as my mum has two scars on her back and only has her failure to properly apply sunscreen to blame.

But what does this all mean??

The sun both causes cancer and prevents it?? Then what do I do? I think the lesson to take away here is that the sun is a wonderful thing. It’s beneficial to our health and if enjoyed responsibly it's nothing to be afraid of. So here are a few tips…

• Hats and sunglasses aren’t just accessories. They can provide protection to both your face and eyes. So bring them along on your adventures in the sun.
• SPF 30 is most recommended. Try a spray-on brand. They only take a moment to apply.
• If possible avoid direct sunlight between the hours of noon and 3pm because this is when the sun is at its strongest.

Will you abide by these easy sunshine- friendly rules?

Saskia XO

Pinterest!

I would love you to follow me on Pinterest: saskiamusacchio



http://pinterest.com/saskiamusacchio/





Will you become part of the craze?


Saskia XO

Friday Favourites!

TGIF! Can you believe that Friday is here again!!??

As I officially finished high school on wednesday and am now on study leave for all those exams, it doesn't seem as big of a relief that Friday is here, but nevertheless......friday favourites continues!!







Favourite Hair Craze:

Favourite Pretty Girl Shoes:

Favourite Quote:

Favourite Braid:

Favourite Snack:

Favourite Smile:




Happy Friday!

Saskia XO

Back to Basics

Today’s video was created for those of you who haven’t mastered the good ol’ french braid yet. It’s a tricky little thing. Hopefully this visual will help you understand it better.Honestly– the regular french braid is hard to learn so don’t get frustrated. It can take a long time to get it, but once you do you’ll be able to use it in so many ways! Double braids, The Milkmaid Braid, and even around the hairline. You’ll just need a brush, your fingers, a ponytail holder and some patience.

TOOLS:

• a flat brush or regular brush to detangle
• clear elastic ponytail holder
• scissors (be careful when cutting out the top elastic. best to have someone else do it for you)

STEPS:

• Start with all of your hair down.
• Brush through any tangles.
• Gather the top center section.
• Tie it with a clear elastic. This makes starting the braid MUCH easier.
• Take one section from each side and cross them over the center section.
• Add a new piece of hair to each section as you go.
• Continue all the way down to the neckline.
• Pull the remaining hair around your shoulders and finish with a regular braid.
• As for the top elastic– you can either tuck it down into the braid, or carefully cut it out.

Will you be checking out this hair style?

Saskia XO

Blueberry Buttery Boy Bait!

Rejoice bloggers! I have found a recipe that is both yummy and nutritious.....feast your eyes on Blueberry Buttery Boy Bait!

Serves 10

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more, softened, for skillet and serving
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup blueberries, plus more for garnish
• Pure maple syrup, for serving

Directions

1. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, 1 tablespoon butter, and 2 tablespoons oil; whisk into flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Set batter aside.
2. Heat 1/2 teaspoon butter and remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in 1/3 cup batter. Cook until small bubbles form, about 3 minutes. Flip; cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter as needed. Serve with butter and syrup; garnish with berries.

Are you going to give this recipe a try? Also, what's your favourite topping for pancakes?

Saskia XO

Clear-ify Your Space in Time for Summer!

Some things come naturally to certain people: baking, drawing, decorating a room… For the rest of us, it takes an education. When my mum decorated her first apartment,  she informed me that she knew what she wanted but had trouble bringing that vision to life. I guess you could say she was overwhelmed. The daunting task of pulling together a space that wasn’t just a bedroom in a fully furnished house, must have seemed like an impossible chore. As with all things, it would take practice, a few moves, and some divine (design) inspiration to finally feel comfortable decorating my home. Whether your space is simply a room or an entire house, there are a few things that I consider a MUST about interior design to help you conquer your design demons, especially since we are rapidly approaching summer!

 #1: Personalise your space. Your home (or room) should reflect who you are. If someone was to walk into your home, they should know that it’s yours. The best way to achieve this is by including accessories that reveal both your hobbies and interests. What’s important is that you distance yourself from what the stores are telling you to buy. Often, at times we are drawn to ideas that are trendy or pre-done: “Of course this white lacquered elephant statue would look great in my bedroom!” But is that really you? Maybe not. Instead, aim for pieces that compliment your personal clothing style. You may be surprised to discover that styling an outfit isn’t too different from decorating a room. So take a look in your closet. What colours are you drawn to? Do you prefer mod or modern? Clean cuts or lacy ruffles? Use your taste in clothing as a style guide for your home—it’s an easy way to ensure your space is 100% you.

 #2: Work with your surroundings. It’s important to understand your design limitations. Be familiar with the size and scale of the room. Also, consider your environment and respond to it. Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, it helps to take a cue from your surroundings. In turn, you can narrow down your choices based on the context of your space.

 #3: Keep comfort in mind. Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture simply because it was pretty, only to discover that it’s painfully uncomfortable (or useless)? I don’t know about you, but I am definitely guilty of this offense. Nevertheless, the silver lining of this mistake is that I learned an important lesson: comfort is key. When I think of “home sweet home,” the first word that comes to mind is cozy. Making your home comfy and cozy is a must. Nothing is worse than going to a friend’s house and awkwardly balancing on their post-modern chair. Your space should be inviting and comfortable.

 #4: Stick with the classics. There’s a reason classic is, well, classic. Incorporating pieces that have withstood the test of time gives you the freedom to translate them as your design style evolves. Using classic furniture, prints, and fabrics provides you with a basic foundation to build on with trendy or personalised accessories and finishes. Let’s say you find a gorgeous antique credenza or a traditional armchair. You love the shape and feel of the piece, but the finish or fabric is all wrong. In this situation, I say: invest! There are plenty of ways to transform an older, classic shaped piece of furniture. If it’s a sofa: reupholster, add throw pillows… An aged dresser: paint it! The possibilities are endless when it comes to updating a timeless piece.

 #5 Less is more. Keep it simple. You don’t want to overcrowd your space. If you edit the items in each room, the area will appear to be cleaner and even bigger. Just remember, you can always add more as Chanel said and I think I am wise to trust her ;)

I hope you find my tips helpful the next time you find yourself face-to-face with an interior design project.

What space of yours could you re-vamp this S/S?   

Saskia XO

Your Personal Guide to The Predicted Girly Girl Pastel Phenomenon...

With the unpredictable weather becoming really sunny again, memories of holidays spent running around in the sun, eating ice cream and cotton candy, come to my mind. Spring also brings with it love, romance and a lot of pleasantness. Such memories, sifted together with a simplicity that’s often overlooked is a great fashion inspiration.
Stylish, yet soothing, calm yet definitive, one of the biggest trends for spring 2012 is pastel colours. Usually pastels are associated with being girly and sissy. But after seeing the lush fabrics and definitive cuts in pastel colours this season, I have changed my mind. Whether you are a tomboy or a girly-girl, pastels are hot and delightful to wear this season.


Apparel – There are a few pastel shaded garments that you absolutely cannot ignore this summer- a pair of shorts, a nice plain dress and definitely some shirts and chiffon pastel sarees to name a few. A lace dress or top in a pastel colour is another must have. Combine them with neutral colour accessories like pearls, clear stone or shoes- bags in nude or skin colour to bring in an element of softness. Add in a matt sequin or two for the evening look.


Colour block - Remember that trend of putting together blocks of color in one ensemble? Looks like its here again and is about to stay for a while. If you do decide to colour block your pastels – be careful and limit yourself to only two shades (plus a neutral like white) or you may end up looking like a preppy Easter egg. If you want to wear something more feminine like a skirt and a top, then you could go in with a combination like a coral pink with a cream that can be teamed up with bright coloured pumps. In sarees colour block with the saree and the blouse being in different pastel with neutral or metallic silver accents.
This season is about plain pastels, so stripes or prints might not work out for western clothes. But if you really want to go for prints then a plain pastel saree with a geometric border will look great.


Accessories: If pastels just aren’t the right shade for your skin or hair tones, try smaller doses of it in accessories & Jewelry. A powdery pastel ballerina or belt can make your ensemble sweet and charming. Opaque pastel cabochons in jewellery (rings, pendants and earrings) are another great aspect of this trend.


Makeup - For Spring/Summer the fresh face look introduced in the fall is in. The warmer season brings luminous faces with just a hint of colour. Both soft eyes with sheer pastel colours and well-defined brows and lips in soft pink and peach will work well. Eyes can be lined with pastel shades of green, lavender, silver and soft baby blues even for everyday wear. Pastel colour nail polish has been in trend from last season, with nudes and light peaches coming into the forefront now. Use these colours on your finger nails to make them look longer.
When it comes to pastels, there are a lot of combinations that you can try, but do not overdo it! Keep it simple and play it cool.


How will you incorporate this trend into your S/S 12 style?




Saskia XO

Mani Monday!

Sometimes you’ve gotta get a little country! Nothing screams sweet southern style more than gingham, so let’s make that into a mani, shall we?!

1. Start by painting the nails white.
2. Using the DIY sticker method I showed you a couple weeks ago, paint blue, pink, green or whatever colour you desire on a piece of tape. Wait for it to dry and cut it into thin strips. You’ll need 6-10 strips per finger.
3. Lay 3-5 strips horizontally on the nail.
4. Then lay the other 3-5 strips vertically.
5. Trim the excess with cuticle nippers. (I decided to add one more blue strip at the tip of the nail at this point because I thought it looked better with blue at the top!)
6. Apply a quick drying top coat to seal your gingham pattern.

You can do all your nails or just one. I didn’t want an overwhelming sense of this pretty little pattern, so I just stuck to one.

Happy Bank Holiday Monday!

Saskia XO