Yemista {recipe} Greek Style Stuffed Capsicums

This is a simple Greek dish (that I have fiddled with to suit what I had in the fridge). Probably the great thing about this dish is that you can change the ingredients here and there and it usually turns out pretty well. 

As you may have read in (this post), I like to make my own mince...that really makes a difference in this dish, so give it a try if you can. I like to make this in the slow cooker, especially in summer so I don't have a hot oven heating up the house all day.

Sorry, I don't have a "finished dish" picture.... I was too hungry and forgot to take it!

and there were no leftovers..........

I'll take on next time I make it and add it here later.

To create:

Wash some red capsicums (you can use any colour you like but the red are the sweetest) I have also stuffed potatoes (scoop out the middle), tomatoes and eggplant. After all, the translation of Yemista is "stuffed vegetables".

Using a sharp knife, cut the "lids" off the capsicum and trim away the seeds and bitter white bits on the insides. Set aside to make your filling.

For the filling (the one I did today):

Mix together in  bowl-

Mince..I used beef

4 thinly sliced mushrooms

1 finely diced brown onion

4 cloves of garlic

3 heaped tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup cooked aborio rice

1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano

salt & pepper 

small chunks of fetta cheese

1/2 teaspoon crushed chilli

next : stuff em to the top and sit in your slow cooker

pour some water into the base of the slow cooker so it comes up the sides about 2cm (top stop the Yemista from drying out)

pop the "lids" back on

cook on low for about six hours 

just check them after 4hrs to see how they're doing.

This batch had a lot of water in the bottom of the pan near the end of cook, so I just poured it off about 1/2 hour before they were ready.

About 15 minutes before you're ready to take them out...add some grated cheese..I used tasty cheese. Take off the lids and sprinkle with the cheese, put lids back on and cook a little longer.

Serve.

Yum.

I love my slow cooker.

The Foundation Wardrobe

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while. Today, while I was cleaning the shelves in the bathroom  (geesh they get untidy so fast), I counted 13 (lucky for some) foundations!! So, instead of just wiping them down and putting them back, I put them in a line up and started snapping. BTW, I purchased all of these foundations.

I wear ALL of these foundations on a regular basis and just like your clothing wardrobe, they serve different purposes (for me). You don't wear the same clothes everyday, so why should your make-up be any different?

So, here is my (current) foundation wardrobe..................

This collection may seem extreme to some and wimpy to others...especially to some of the beauty bloggers I know (you know who you are). But, in my defence, I am a make-up artist and I never use products in my kit without "road testing" them first.

Lets talk make-up.....shall we?

1. Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect

My shade: 3N-BP

Foundation type: Liquid (great pump dispenser)

When I use it:  A great everyday foundation if applied sheerly and for evening I'll layer it where I want a bit more coverage. I find it needs a light dusting of powder to give best staying results. It photographs beautifully and smells lovely. I also use this for bridal and photographic work.

Buy this foundation if: You know your going to be photographed and want to look like your skin is smooth and even.

Best application method for me: Foundation brush.

2. L'Oreal Lumi Magique

My shade: C4 Rose Beige

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: I've only had this foundation for a couple of weeks and it's a winner in my book! I've be wearing this a lot and find it's great for everyday wear and evening wear. I recently used it on a photo shoot and was extremely pleased with the results. Gives your skin a healthy glow and covers remarkably well. Feels posh...lol I haven't tested it out for bridal use, so I'll get back to you on that.

Buy this foundation if: You're after a quality foundation at a great price point. Not sure how it will go on very oily skin (I consider my skin type "normal" and occasionally a  little dehydrated)

Best application method for me: Fingertips and then buffed in a little with a foundation brush.

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid

My shade: NW20

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: Evening and occasionally for bridal use.

Buy this foundation if: You like the brand and want a foundation with a medium coverage (you can build this foundation up, but I wouldn't go too heavy or I find it will go cakey) I am a little on the fence with this one...some days I love it & other days I think "meh".

Best application method for me: Foundation brush of good make-up sponge (I like the beauty blender)

4. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector

My shade: Medium

Foundation type: OK, so it's not "technically" a foundation, but a BB cream, but if you look at the photo you'll see that I really like it A LOT!!  This is my 3rd tube.

When I use it: Often...for a even skin tone during the day. I like to apply this all over and then apply a foundation with more coverage to the areas that need it (sadly these days, those areas are spreading...lol)

Buy this foundation if: You want an all rounder and a sheer finish/coverage

Best application method for me: Fingers. (be careful to blend really well along the jawline)

5. Graftobian Glamour Creme

My shade: Temptress

Foundation type: Creme

When I use it: My HG foundation for bridal, photographic and everyday use. Can double as a concealer. It goes on like a dream and stays put...photographs amazingly well. What else can I say...GET IT!!!! (in Australia you can get it here & tell Rach & the ladies at Make-Up & Glow I said Hi...tehe)

Buy this foundation if: You want to try a "real" professional foundation that is adaptable to every situation you could imagine. (comes in an airbrush formula too...but that's another post for another day)

Best application method for me: Foundation brush and/or beauty blender sponge

6. Dior Hydra Action - Deep Hydration Skin Tint

My shade: 2

Foundation type: Again, not technically a foundation but a tint (close enough)

When I use it: Similar use to the Garnier BB cream. A bit thicker in consistency, just evens out my skin tone without looking heavy. can get a bit shiny so I buff in a little powder (or try a mineral foundation)...just wait till it "sets" or you'll get a patchy mess.

Buy this foundation if: You're after a light coverage with sun protection and you must have a "luxury" brand.

Best application method for me: Fingertips.....don't forget to blend.

7. Face of Australia - Lasting Looks Natural Foundation SPF15

My shade: Natural Honey

Foundation type: Creamy Liquid

When I use it: Daytime, especially if I want my foundation to last with minimal touch ups. I still like to dust some loose powder in my T-Zone to keep shine down. Best when used with the Face of Australia primer.

Buy this foundation if: You need it to last!! Champagne taste on a beer budget. Love it.

Best application method for me: Fingertips and then sometimes blended off with a foundation brush.

8. Nutrimetics Cover Rich Moisturising Foundation

My shade: Praline

Foundation type: Creamy Liquid 

When I use it: Day or evening....in fact I wore it today....put it on early...got rained on...did some painting...did the usual Mum stuff and it's now 8pm and it's still fairly well intact! I always powder this with the Nutrimetics mineral powder. (my bottle is nearly empty and I will get more)

Buy this foundation if: You want a great coverage and long lasting results. 

Best application method for me: Foundation brush

9. MAC Face and Body Foundation

My shade: N2

Foundation type: Liquid 

When I use it: This has to be a staple for nearly every make-up artist I know. Too sheer for me to wear as a foundation on it's own, so I add concealer or a heavier foundation where I need it. I suppose that's how I use it for clients too. Great for the body too and photographs perfectly. I like to powder this with a light, loose powder. I've never had it transfer to clothes...so that's good.

Buy this foundation if: You are a make-up artist or want body makeup for a special event.

Best application method for me: Brush for the face....hands for the body.

10. Maybelline Super Stay Make-Up

My shade: Natural Beige

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: I prefer this for evening and when I want a long lasting foundation. I don't find I need to powder this. Go lightly near any lines as it could cake. Overall, a great full coverage foundation that stays put.

Buy this foundation if: You want a long lasting foundation with adaptable coverage.

Best application method for me: Foundation brush or fingertips work well.

11. Dior Airflash Spray Foundation

My shade: 202

Foundation type: Airbrush foundation in an aerosol can. (doesn't sound posh when I put it that way does it?? lol)

When I use it: When I want a perfectly smooth finish for a special occasion (shouldn't that be everyday??) Not as long lasting as some of the other foundations in my wardrobe, but it works well on top of a medium coverage as a "top coat") Great for the decolletage. I use this for bridal or photography when I don't want to get out my airbrush for a small area.

Buy this foundation if: You want to try out airbrush style make-up. Go to the Dior counter (or Napoleon's Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation) and try it out.

Best application method for me: Spray from the can. Test on a tissue so you don't get splatters and don't close you eyes tightly or you'll get wrinkle lines. Puffing out your cheeks can work well too.

12. Face of Australia Anti Aging Stick Foundation

My shade: Honey

Foundation type: Creme stick.

When I use it: As a concealer or medium to full coverage foundation, mainly for evening. Great to throw in your bag for easy touch ups. The folks at FOA really know their shiz. A must buy for your collection. Rivals the "pro" brands.

Buy this foundation if: You want great quality without spending a fortune. Iconic Aussie brand that I've been a fan of for a long time.

Best application method for me: Straight from the stick (for personal use) and blender with a sponge. On the go...just use your fingertips.

13. Nutrimetics Sheer Tint Make-Up

My shade: Meduim

Foundation type: Sheer tint, liquid

When I use it: When I'm in a real hurry and just need some sun protection with a tiny bit of coverage (it doesn't give a lot) I can blend this with my eyes closed. 

Buy this foundation if: You need minimal coverage with sun protection.

Best application method for me: Fingertips.

So that's it....for now. This collection changes often....I'll let you know if I find a new gem.

Do you have a foundation wardrobe?  I'd love to know what you have in yours.

Ways to make the most of your tax return this year

A guest post by Aliyah Lee.

Tax return time is upon us, and whether you’re a ‘get-it-done-early’ kinda person, or part of the ‘rushing-around- last-minute’ crowd (we all know who we are!) there are a number of ways to make it an easier process.

From deciding whether to do your own tax or leave it to an expert, to choosing what to do with your return (the fun part), we’ve put together some handy hints on making the most of your tax return this time of the year.

source

•Create an emergency stash.  I know, I know – where’s the fun in that? But just drop those Manolo Blahniks for a moment and hear me out. With extra cash at your disposal, now is the best time to start squirreling away your money and create an emergency fund (if you haven’t already done so). Putting money aside doesn’t just make good financial sense, it can also save your sanity in the future.  After all, should a (non-shoe-related) disaster strike in the future (say, you lose your job,  get divorced or fall  sick), you can  at least rest assured that your emergency fund will buy you a bit of time until you get back on your feet. Of course, a sustainable emergency fund means you need will need to continually contribute to the fund long after establishing it. But, hey, everyone’s got to start somewhere!

•Get rid of your debts - Pay off pesky credit card debts, bills and get on top of mortgage repayments. Instead of purchasing more goods, focus on getting a clean bill of health on your finances. This means paying off credit cards and any other outstanding bills. Why not also consider paying extra payments on top of your regular mortgage payments? Although it may seem like small dents, making additional payments can add up in the long run!

Pay it forward - Look beyond yourself and gain some perspective. Be grateful that you live in a country where you have the opportunity to work, to get paid and yes, even pay your taxes. Donate some (or all) of your tax return to a cause where your small donation could literally could mean the difference between life and death of a child.  Can you think of a more worthwhile cause to spend your tax return on? 

About the author:

Aliyah Lee is a stay-at-home mum and was a financial advisor in her previous life. She now loves finding creative ways of giving back to the community and chooses to donate her time and money to a range of worthwhile causes around the world.

I received no compensation for this post.

What I've been up to lately in the make-up & photo department.

I've been doing a lot of make-up and photo shoots lately and thought I'd share some of the results with you. It's been a busy few weeks, so this post will be picture heavy. I'll post some "how to's" of some of these looks shortly, for those that are interested. Maybe a giveaway soon too!

Alison. I was hoping she would go into labour at the shoot. Then I would have made her name her child after me....boy or girl...I wouldn't have cared. This was such a fun shoot. Best wishes Alison, hoping to have a cuddle with your new bubs very soon!!

These photos were for Hair Meleo in Ringwood North. Mel & Sav are simply 2 of the best stylists I have ever worked with! We have done a lot of weddings together and their work is always stunning.
If your in Melbourne and getting married (or just looking for a great stylist for whatever reason), check them out...you won't be dissapointed. Maybe I'll see you there?
Here's the link to their website.

I'm loving these shoots...they're so much fun. I couldn't wait to get home and edit the pics.

This 1940's style was screaming out for some vintage effects.

How divine is the dress?

So, that's that from me. Stay tuned for some make-up and hair breakdowns.