I'm back!

It does feel good to be back. After a week sleeping on relatives' mattresses and beds I have to confess that I've missed my foam mattress and pillows (sorry, Alice)!


I wish I could have stayed home longer. France is such a beautiful country and I love it in spring/summer time. 
The Natural Hair trend is in full bloom in Paris and I wish I had more time in my hands to discover the salons, hair care brands and fashion tendance celebrating it. 
It wasn't easy as I went there to spend time with my mum and my sister's 10-days-old-new-baby-boy! I still managed to fit a day at Disneyland, playground dates, a great girls' night out, shopping (of course) and a few product trials (that is if we can count downing a third of a fruity white wine bottle as research material)!


Anyway, when I got back yesterday evening I found this little present in my letter box!

Will certainly try it during the Diamond Jubilee bank holiday.



Hum, in the meantime I am already daydreaming about my next break. I can't believe I'm back to work tomorrow!


Vanessa
XOXO




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Just a few more days to go!

Hi lovely readers,

I will be back in about a week's time with more reviews and fashion tips!

I am currently enjoying the Parisian sun with an average of 26°C!

Home sweet home!

Vanessa

XOXO Follow @Etanihearts

Etani ♥: Colourful Courts

Finally, a little sunshine!

I don't know about you but I have been wishing for the sun to show its face for months now!

Spring 2012 has so far been pretty chaotic (i.e. April was the wettest in over a century here in the UK)!

I wish I could say that by now I have mastered my rain look and can rock any outfit regardless of the weather but I can't: this would be a pretty big lie. When comes the rain, I become (almost) powerless.

However, if I have learned one trick it is the power of a colourful pair of courts. These babies will brighten up any look and will enlightened your mood; guaranteed!

Hopefully, this sudden but very much desired warm spell will last long enough for us to take our summer dress and thongs out, but you might still want to think about which pair will go best with your favourite skinny jeans!

Here is a small selection of my favourite high-street founds:

Vanessa

XOXO

Shop

1. Head over Heels Blue Plain Pointed Court Shoes - £45.00

2. Miss Selfridge Sassy Coral Court Shoes - £42.00

3. Miss Selfridge Sassy Green Court Shoes - £42.00

4. Miss Selfridge Clementine Court Shoes - £52.00

5. Asos Paris point court shoes - £22.00

6. Ravel Orange Tribal Pointed Court Shoes - £60.00

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Vanessa's Yummy Banana Cake Recipe

Well, this is a lifestyle blog so I thought I may write about lifestyle choices such as healthy eating habits, exercises, travels, etc. 
I shall start very soon, however this evening, I want to talk about cakes! 


I love cakes and pastries and try to bake a recipe every other Sunday. I thought I share with you the recipe for my daughter's favourite: Banana Cake.
Warning: if you are on some kind of diet, stay away!


Ingredients:


- 4 overripe bananas
- 200g of soften butter
- 100g of demerara sugar (white sugar will do too)
- 150g of flour
- 50g of cornflour
- 10g of baking powder
- 1 zest of lime
- 1 zest of lemon
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon of rhum
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 3 eggs


Preparation:


1. Preheat your oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas mark. 4
2. If you haven't yet switch to silicone bakeware, grease and line the base and sides of your steel loaf tin; 
3. Mix the flour, the cornflour and the baking powder together with a spoon;
4. Add all the ingredients together as well as the flour mix in a large bowl;
5. Mix them well all together with a mixer;
6. Pour the mix into the loaf tin;
7. Bake for 35 minutes until cooked through (tips: if you notice that your cake is cooked on top but not inside, simply cover the tin with foil and turn down the oven a little bit);
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes;
9. Serve in slices 

Et voilà! A quick and easy recipe that everybody will love!


Vanessa
XOXO

Tips: This cake goes very well with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream! 









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This week's shopping list: Results

OK, if you remember I went down to Westfield Straford City yesterday afternoon with a challenge. I had to stay within budget by getting the four beauty supplies written down on my shopping list and nothing else. So, how did I do?


Well, I failed. Miserably. I went over my budget by £21.80.


Instead of getting the orangy-pink M.A.C lipstick at £13.50 I ended up getting five KIKO ones in various shades from pink to orange for a total of £21.30 as well as two more nail polishes! I also let the sales assistant at M.A.C talked me into getting the 'Skin Refined Zone Treatment Soin' for my oily T-Zone.

I feel quite embarrassed with myself to be honest.


I do have a combination skin with a pretty oily T-Zone. I have been using the Bobbi Brown moisturizers for the last 3 years but this is my first time buying the Oil Control Lotion. All the other ones were still too rich for my skin. So, when the M.A.C make-up artist tried the Treatment Soin on my overtly-shiny forehead and it achieved a matt result I was sold! 


However, surely I could have given the Bobbi Brown lotion a try and wait another month to get the M.A.C Treatment Soin? I've come to the same conclusion for the lipsticks. Looking back, five seems a little bit excessive, don't you think?


Vanessa
XOXO








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This week's shopping list

I am terrible at managing money; here I've said it!
It's a wonder I work in accounts when I can't even keep track of my own expenses and stay within budget.


In order to remedy to this problem which is seriously affecting my bank account balance I have decided to start writing up lists: shopping lists to be exact.
I never write any; not even grocery ones. As a result I obviously tend to buy things I don't need, realize my mistake once I am faced with an empty fridge and cupboards and then have to spend more money to get the things I was supposed to have gotten in the first place! 
I do exactly the same thing with clothes and shoes. I barely own two tops worthy to wear with this crappy weather, but seem to have gathered quite a large amount of heels I can barely walk in and are definitely not appropriate attire for work as my production office is literally based on a construction site  the moment! Aarrgghh!


It is time for a change; hence why I've decided to start writing up lists.
I've ran out of my beauty essentials and need a new lipstick so I've written up a list of what I need:

1. Bobbi Brown SPF15 Oil Control Lotion - £32.00
2. Mac SPF 15 Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - £19.50
3. Mac Lipstick in Lady Danger - £13.50
4. Kiko 3-in-1 Shine Fortifying Nail Care - £4.90
Total: £69.90


I'm off to Westfield Stratford this afternoon so let's see if I can stick to my list and not go over budget!


Vanessa
XOXO Follow @Etanihearts

Shea Butter and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Deep Conditioner Recipe

Deep Conditioning my hair before every shampoo has always been a must for me and that even before I chose to wear my hair in a natural style. Pre-shampoo treatment has always nourished, moisturized and soften my tresses as well as my daughter's. I cannot recommend its benefits enough, regardless of your hair texture.

When my hair was chemically-straightened I used to use a pre-shampoo conditioner made with Shea Butter from Activilong, a French product line for Afro-Caribbean hair.

Now, I do my own Shea Butter mix that I apply on wet hair, cover with a plastic cap and let set for a couple of hours minimum. It works very well both on my Type 4c hair and my daughter's Type 4a/4b's as it makes detangling an easier job and really conditions our tresses.

Ingredients:

- Raw Shea Butter

- Raw Cocoa Butter

- EVOO or Olive Butter

- Argan Oil

- Castor Oil

- Avocado Oil or Avocado Butter

- Essential Oil (not necessary)

Please note that I do not indicate quantities as I believe it is down to the individual. Some rather put a lot of EVOO and others prefer adding a greater quantity of Shea Butter. However, I only use a small amount of Raw Cocoa Butter as I am not very keen of its strong smell.

Preparation:

- I add the Shea and Cocoa Butters in a big bowl and let them melt in a bain-marie (simply put the bowl in a big cooking pot filled with water on low heat on your stove. This is a great way to melt ingredients gently);

 

i

- Once the Butters have melted, I add all the remaining ingredients and gently stir the mix with a wooden spoon (please make sure not to boil the mix as you do not want to one; damage and break down the oils and two; severely burn your scalp or hair with them);

 - I pour the mix into a container and let it cool by my window seal as I prefer to use the conditioner as a butter rather than as an oil (for those of you who prefer oils to butters, simply re-heat the mix before applying it to your hair)

Try this recipe and let me know what you think!


Moisture is the key,
Vanessa
XOXO


SHOP


Shea Butter + Avocado and Olive Butter - www.akomaskincare.co.uk
Cocoa Butter + Castor and Argan Oil - www.gtbnatural.co.uk
Avocado Oil - www.enaissance.co.uk
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Available nationwide





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Helena Bonham-Carter@the Dark Shadows London Premiere

I have the biggest crush ever on Helena Bonham-Carter. Yes, you've heard me right: Helena Bonham-Carter.

What is there not to love about the woman? She may not be rocking a Type 4 Afro, but she is a true unique and natural beauty.

The Queen of Quirk doesn't follow trends. She dresses according to her moods and hers only. She knows what fits her body best (i.e. Vivienne Westwood dresses) and doesn't comply to the mainstream stereotype of beauty.

Does this make her less successful? Less in demand? Less attractive? Nope; not for a second.

HBC is a very talented actress with a wide range. She grew up in front of the British public's eye in the Merchant-Ivory period movies and is now half of the formidable duo she forms with her partner: the great Tim Burton.

I only have one word for this woman's look: GORGEOUS!

Vanessa

XOXO

P.S. None of the pictures used on this blog belong to us unless specified otherwise

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Product review: Argan Oil

Are you familiar with Argan Oil? 


Argan Oil originates from Southern Morocco and is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree. The liquid gold, as it commonly referred as, has many wonderful medicinal, nutritive and cosmetic properties.
It is known for moisturizing dry skin, hair, nails and cuticles. Packed with anti-oxidants and rich with essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, this carrier oil can also be taken internally as it helps balancing an healthy digestive system and lowers cholesterol levels.


I have been using this oil since September 2011 (before doing my BC) on my skin and hair as well as my daughter's. It definitely leaves a softer and more supple skin, and shinier and silkier hair.


Due to the small and specific areas where the Argan trees grow, Argan oil is one of the rarest and therefore, priciest carrier oils.


I get mine from gtbnatural.co.uk as they sell a 100% pure Argan oil (you don't want to get one that is not fully authentic as you will not experience the full the benefits of this wonderful oil).

The 50 ml bottle cost £4.99 and last me about 2 months.


Vanessa
XOXO

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Fashion Crush: Solange Knowles

The singer/actress turned DJ/Model/Fashionista doesn't need introducing.
Since doing the BC in 2009 and going Natural, Solange has been a constant fixture on the Fashion scene wearing everything that everybody else wants to wear! I am a fan!

Vanessa
XOXO


P.S. None of the pictures used on this blog belong to us unless specified otherwise Follow @Etanihearts

Products Review: Keracare Natural Textures

I've always been a fan of the Keracare and Organic Roots products and had been using them religiously during my relaxing years.
When I decided to chop my hair off I was truly relieved to see that Keracare had developed a range for natural hair available in the UK. I got hold of the entire range called "Natural Textures" for £38 online at http://www.francescogroup.co.uk/shop/index.php

As you can see on the picture above; the range offers:


* A Cleansing Cream
* A Leave-In Conditioner
* A Hair Milk
* A Butter Cream
* A Defining Custard
* A Twist & Define Cream


I have now been using the range for over three months, and in overall I am quite pleased with it. I have to say that I had my reservations after the first couple of uses because of the  moisture retainers and styling products: they were simply not moisturizing enough for my very dry Type 4c hair!

I've found that before applying any of the four products pictured above I MUST add about half a teaspoon size of carrier oil! Since each product already contains Argan oil - my favourite - I tend to use this one; I am also a big fan of Castor and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
This would be the only downside of the products. I'm glad that by just adding a carrier oil I can remedy to the problem!


The stylist products really help enhancing my curls and twists. I tend to use the Twist & Define Cream on the weekend after deep conditioning my hair and washing it with a shampoo. As I have more time, I can do some great 2-strand-twist cornrows I leave on overnight and un-do the next day.


When I am in a little bit more of a hurry, usually during the week, I follow my 5-step Guide on How to keep your tresses moisturized for the Newly-Naturalista:


*I co-wash my hair with Mizani True Textures Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash (a great product I will tell you about soon);
*use the Keracare True Textures Leave-In Conditioner;
*seal moisture with one of my carrier oils;
*moisturize with either the hair milk or butter cream without forgetting to add more carrier oil;
*apply the Defining Custard also mixed with a carrier oils. 


Since my hair is still in the Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA) stage I can create perfectly defined coils with the help of a soft brush in just 5 mins! I use the brush in circular movement all around my head - I make sure that the hair is still wet by spraying more water mixed with EVOO - to form the coils. I let everything dry while I d0 my make-up, get dressed, and get my daughter ready. I allow 10 mins before leaving the house to separate the coils et voilà!

In overall, I am quite satisfied with the "Keracare Natural Textures" products . They smell great, contain Argan Oil (stay tune for a post on the benefits of this magic oil from Morocco) and do what they say on the tin (as long as you are happy to give them a little a hand)!


Hope this helps!


Vanessa
XOXO

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5-step Guide on How to keep your tresses moisturized for the Newly-Naturalista

Right after making the decision to go Natural, you will need to have a massive clear-out and rid your shelf of most of your old hair products as probably the majority (or totality) of them catered only for the relaxed and chemically-treated hair strand.

Your job will now be to replace your beloved brands with ones specifically designed for your new hair texture.

Regardless of which product range you will decide to go for; the recipe for gorgeous, shiny and healthy-looking tresses will be the same:

Step 1:
- Gently wash or co-wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo (or conditioner); Repeat Step 1 if necessary; 
Step 2:
- Depending of your hair's need for moisture you may choose a rinse-out or a leave-in 
sulfate-free conditioner;
Step 3:
- After gently drying out your hair with a towel or a t-shirt, seal moisture into your wet strands by applying a carrier oil. You may spray water into your hair if it is drying out to quickly;
Step 4:
- Add your chosen moisturizing cream or lotion;
Step 5:
- Style as desired

Et voilà! Well-moisturized curls in five easy steps!


Vanessa
XOXO

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The perfect outfit for a special night out this coming bank holiday

Determined to master GIMP 2.6 before going to bed tonight; I've put together my ideal outfit for an evening out with a special someone this bank holiday.


For the records, I have nothing planned. Well, that's not entirely true. My friend Ebony is celebrating her 30th birthday on Saturday evening and we are going to the Marco Pierre White Steak & Alehouse in East London.
I will of course write all about it on Sunday and finally put a picture on myself on the blog; there was no way I would have done it before taking care of my bushy and messy eyebrows! 


Anyhow, apart for the birthday dinner, I am condemned to spend my long weekend watching rewinds of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Dora the Explorer on TV with my daughter while eating Magnum White ice-cream (I am not a big fan of ice-cream, but don't seem to have problem gulping two Magnums in 5 mins)!


Anyway, please take a look at my selection below and let me know what you think!

*Jacket - River Island £35.00
*Gold leather envelope clutch bag - Asos £40.00 (reduced from £50.00)
*Rose Pink Metal Bar envelope clutch bag - Asos £18.00
* Earrings - Topshop £8.50
* Necklace - Asos £18.00
* Leather sandals - Asos £60.00 (reduced from £75.00)
* Yellow clutch bag - Boohoo £15.00
* Skirt - Zara £29.99
* Top - River Island £22.00




Pick a bag and don't forget to add some bangles to complete the look!


Vanessa
XOXO Follow @Etanihearts

Etani ♥

ALDO Stremlow Wedges
£70.00 Follow @Etanihearts