Better Late Than Never!

Im probably the worst blogger ever by now, but I have a reason! Ive taken a mini-mester course and been cramming for the exams like mad. Early mornings, late nights, bet you know the drill. Buuut, I will have plenty of new posts to come by next week. Wanna know why? The big move is here! And I'm super excited yet super upset that my stomachs been doing somersaults all week and I have no idea whether to smile or cry. But change is always good. It helps with self-discovery I guess. I learn something new about myself in every new country. More about that later. New outfit posts next week! Get ready! Oh and wish me luck! Im aiming high for this course.
Xoxo!
Wallet: Versace
Shoes + Jeans: Zara
Nails: Dali

Stuck in a Dull Daze

As a rookie blogger, I probably shouldn't waste time and skip posting, but I've been lazing it out at home, no outings, no gatherings, no events, and no exciting new dishes to tickle your tastes buds. Sorry! Forgive me, if I'm stuck on one social app, I tend to forget to check on the others. In this case, this week, its Instagram, and to help me with my few gloomy weeks before the Big Move (haven't told you about that yet!) I've been scrolling through blogger feeds and e-card pics which have got me literally L O L-ing. And some were quite touching, inspirational, and sweet enough to put a smile on my face to get me through the day. But I cant be too selfish, so I decided to share them with you!

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

A little tad bit late on this one, but the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M collection has hit stores in Kuwait! and I haven't seen the collection yet up-close ( haven't had the chance to drop by a mall) but I must say, I cannot help but swoon over this eccentric collection. From the see-through heels to the long puffy monteaux and that candy wrapper clutch is a must-have on my list! Though the clothing didn't really catch my eye, it was the shoes, except for those sequined pants, those were probably my fave out've the collection. And those black booties, my oh my, will I be jumping on those the minute I see them.

Take a look:

Isn't this jacket divine?!

These awkwardly shaped flats have a built-in heel, how convenient for us girls on the run!

Upside down bags? Kinda reminds of you of those Marc Jacobs sideways heels, no?

I think this is my fave bag outve all of them, the gloves just make it so, .... different!

And last but not least, the sold out candy wrapper clutch, such a beaut.

I didn't show all the pieces of the collection, these are just the ones that caught my eye, what do you think? Will you be snatching any of these items of the shelves any time soon?

Dare to Dream

So, this is a late post. I will be completely honest about being a lazy and slow blogger. But I know great things take time and patience, which is why I still have hope that this blog will take me somewhere someday, and will hopefully have a worldwide audience as I first hoped it would. Instead of telling you where I was in the pictures, I just want to say that, whoever out there is blogging, writing articles about absolutely anything and everything, please, dont give up. I dont get as much comments as I hope for nor do I have alot of followers, but in a short amount of time, my posts were viewed by the hundreds. And it makes me ecstatic that THAT many people could be interested! I once read an advice column about blogs and their owners that 'You dont get to be Cupcakes and Cashmere overnight' , though I absolutely love this blog's recipes and decor ideas. You just have to keep in mind that its not about the money, nor about the fame, or the hype that you get , or the freebies or the jobs that come along the way from making a succesful blog, but its about speech, the freedom of it, and the privilege of being allowed to express how you feel and and show people how you see the world in your own sense. I am privileged to be sharing my thoughts and dreams ( dont forget closet and kitchen!) with you. So whoever has read, reading, or will read this post , the past posts, and the many more to come, I personally thank you for your time. Your comments and suggestion are always appreciated, xo.

Platinum by Dorothy Schoelen vintage blazer, Pieces singlet, Zara jeans, Zara oxfords, Juicy Couture charm bracelet, Aldo earrings, Danella vintage barrel purse

Sorry about the poor quality of the photos, I had to use someone else's camera.

And on a final note, with all thats been happening in the world, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Lebanon, Syria, and my dear and beloved home, Palestine, and all victims of Hurricane Sandy. Children and women of any nationality or religion, Palestine or Israel, should not be exposed to such violence, period. And hopefully a ceasefire will be enforced soon.That is my opinion on the matter. 

Gone Bananas!

Me and my mother recently went on another baking spree, this time, everything with bananas!

She bought two big batches of bananas from the market and we had no idea what to do with all of it! So we got to our cooking books and did what we do best, bake! (And my , oh my, do we look good doing it!) All three recipes were successful and sweet to the tooth, and enough to share with both family and friends. 

Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cakes via The Prepared Pantry (slightly modified)

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about three large)

2/3 cup buttermilk

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

bananas for slicing

How to make it:

Prepare some baking molds by greasing well and flouring the bottoms or by lining with parchment paper. Large muffin tins work well. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and continue beating. Add the bananas, vanilla, and buttermilk.

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon together.

Add the flour mixture to the butter-banana mixture and fold in.

Spoon the batter into the prepared molds.

Slice the bananas and arrange them on top of the dough. I used three slices, but you put as much as you like since the dough will expand.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes depending on the size of the baking molds. A toothpick inserted in the center of the cake should come out clean. Cool on wire racks.

My mistakes: I dont recommend putting cinnamon or vanilla sugar on top of the dough because it makes the cinnamon go spicy, black, and bitter. So stick to just bananas. You can also brush some melted butter on the top, to give it that golden finish, but mine turned out just fine without it.

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup miniature chocolate chips

How to make it:

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients first.

In a small bowl, combine bananas, oil and egg.

Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fold in chocolate chips and crushed walnuts (if desired) (I think walnuts go great with everything).

Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups three fourths full ( basically just right before the rim of the cup) .

Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done ( muffin test: poke the muffins with a baking stick and if the stick comes out clean, the muffins are done.)

And this would probably be my favorite of all three, I'd eat anything with a layer of frosting on top. And thank god for fast metabolism and my love of exercising.

Humming Bird Cake

 How to make it:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2  teaspoons vanilla extract

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained, ( mine came out more soggy than moist when I used the whole can, so drain just half the can and use the rest)

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
 ( I used walnuts, though I love me some pecans. Pecan pie, anyone? )

1 3/4 cups mashed bananas

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup of butter or margarine (softened)

2 packages of cream cheese (softened)

8 ounces of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract


How to make the cake:

Preheat oven at 350 F

Combine first 5 ingredients

Add eggs and oil to the same bowl and stir until ingredients are moist ( Do Not Beat!) , watch out for dry bubbles!

Stir in vanilla, pineapple, pecans, and bananas.

Pour batter into 2 or 3 greased and floured  9-inch round cake pans.

Bake for 23-28 minutes or until wooden stick is inserted in center and comes out clean.

Cool pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack.


How to make frosting:

Cream butter and cheese together.

Gradually add sugar and beat until mixture is light fluffy. If not fluffy enough, add more cream cheese.

Add vanilla.

Let cool in the fridge before using.

Spread between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Alternative: Roast some pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them on top of  frosting.



And there you have it. Three amazing delicious recipes that will entertain any brunch or gathering. Got any better banana-licious recipes? Leave your suggestions!
xo

Blue Jean Baby, L.A Lady

So despite having a very uneventful month, it was nice to finally spend some time with the family on our Eid holiday. First night was a dinner and a movie, though the whole movie plan was a total flop since we didnt pre-order tickets. BUT, I did get to finally watch TED! I know, Im late, but hey, atleast I did it THIS year. 

Well, here is what I wore

Un Deux Trois jacket, Zara jeans, Massimo Dutti heels, DKNY clutch, Anne Klein watch, and sterling silver cuff and studs.

Did I mention I finally went paintballing for the first time this weekend?! Let me tell you, its worth all the bruises! Its like the perfect workout + a live COD game molded into one. Ok, COD is alot more complicated than that I guess, but its still as fun! Yes, I play video games, I have a little brother, so its hard not to. Hope you guys had a great weekend and a joyous and blessed Eid holiday, xo!