Cheese, Please

I cannot figure out what makes cheese so magical, but somehow it has the ability to elevate every dish that it is paired with.

It is wonderfully versatile and can be used for sweets, savoury, baked, fried, or enjoyed on its own. The only thing better than cheese is learning how to make your own.

I recently decided to try my hand at making Ricotta Cheese. It was so creamy and delicious, not to mention ridiculously easy, that I could not believe I had put it off for so long. Try this simple recipe and enjoy having Fresh Ricotta Cheese everyday.

You’re Welcome.

The Ultimate Greek Dinner

I love gyros but I refuse to eat them anywhere other than Greece. I created this recipe to satisfy my craving and for a healthy spin on the traditional street food. Do not forget to check out my recipe for Fresh and Easy Tzatziki (below)! Perfect on the gyros, as a dip, or as a snack.

Happy cooking!

Mouth-watering inspiration from the popular spot, Obelisk in Fira, Santorini.

Mouth-watering inspiration from the popular spot, Obelisk in Fira, Santorini.

Join Me on YouTube

After years of wanting to start a YouTube channel, I finally found the confidence to do so.

The channel will showcase everything to make your days a little more glamorous. Look forward to product reviews, tips and tricks, and expert makeup applications.

Is there a look that you want to learn or a product that you would like to see on the channel?

My New Favourite Beauty Mecca

When travelling outside of North America, I rarely purchase beauty products. It seems like every thing from Cover Girl mascara to MAC lipstick costs at least twice as much as back home. Fortunately, I discovered the Australian beauty chain, Mecca, in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall.

The store has a great selection of trusted cosmetics, skincare, and hair care brands like Bobbi Brown, GlamGlow, and Bumble and Bumble, as well as Australian brands. I was especially excited to see a wide assortment of Korres products – one of my favourite beauty brands from Greece.

The best part about Mecca: they have converted US pricing on their exclusive lines, into $AUD. That means brands like Josie Maran, NARS, Mario Badescu, and Korres are as close to US pricing as possible (only you are paying $AUD instead of $USD)

I had a great time shopping in Maxima Wintergarden thanks to the helpful staff, beautiful store, extensive selection. and my new Korres Water Lily body butter.

If you find yourself in Australia, I highly recommend checking it out.  http://mecca.com.au

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca Maxima.

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca.

The Best Travel Accessory: My Clarisonic

The stress of travelling always takes a toll on my skin. Between all the sunscreen, sweat, and environmental pollution, even if I feel completely relaxed, my skin would look tired and rough. I have been using the Clarisonic Aria for more than one year, and my skin has showed  huge improvements as a result (especially when travelling!) Since using the device, moisturizer and sunscreen glides on with ease, and foundation application is especially smooth. The Clarisonic is definitely an investment, but it has improved my skins’ texture and help minimize noticeable breakouts.

What is a Clarisonic?

The Clarisonic device will give you the most effective and gentle one minute face wash. It combines sonic pulses with unique brush heads to cleanse pores and remove impurities without damaging your skin. Their standard brushes are designed for all types of skin including delicate, sensitive, normal, deep pore, acne prone, and radiance. The company also makes specialty brushes for the face, body, and feet. Play around with the brushes and device speeds to find the perfect combination for your skin.

How I use it:

All Clarisonic models feature a one minute timer with three mini beeps to help time cleaning your face. It is important not to use your Clarisonic more than one time per day so you do not strip the natural oils from your skin. I use mine every evening to remove makeup build up, but use it less often if your skin is too sensitive.

I start by washing off any eye make up since you should not use the Clarisonic too close to your eye area. Try using an Aveeno moisturizing bar – it is gentle and removes all traces of eye makeup.

Dampen your face and the brush head with warm water, and then spread a quarter-sized amount of cleanser on your face. Find a cleanser that works for your skin, and that the texture works with your device. I use Murad Acne Cleanser with 1.5% salicylic acid and the deep pore brush head.

With a thin layer of cleanser on your face, start the Clarisonic and make small, slow circles on the different segments of your face. I divide my face up into 4 different segments to work on between beeps: left cheek, right cheek, nose and chin, and forehead.

When your minute timer is finished, you Clarisonic will automatically shut off. Rinse it well and store standing up to allow the brush to completely dry. The device is completely waterproof and can be fully submerged in water, so you can even use it in the shower.

Once your skin is fresh and clean, it is time to apply your moisturizer. Since you removed most of the impurities from your skin, it will absorb your products better and give you a fresh, youthful glow. Try using Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil – it will leave your skin feeling like silk.

Brush Care:

Like your toothbrush, your Clarisonic brush will eventually wear down and start to gather bacteria. The company recommends changing them every three months, but I have found, with good care, brush life can be extended to about four months. After that, the bristles lose their tension and there is too much bacteria gathering.

Happy Long Weekend!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, or a Happy Spring Long Weekend!

Take a moment to relax, reflect, and take a stroll outside… Just remember to bring your Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment.

Enjoy!

Take a moment to relax with some jasmine tea and Fresh Sugar Rose lip treatment.

Take a moment to relax with some jasmine tea and Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment.

Essential SPFs

It is easy to forget about your SPF routine in the winter darkness. Now that the sun has decided to emerge, it is a good time to replenish your SPF supply and throw out any expired products.

Always remember to apply sunscreen after you wash your face and before your moisturizer and make up. Products with chemical sunscreen ingredients (like oxycinnamate) may be inhibited by some lotions and will not spread evenly on the skin. To be sure your SPF is being absorbed, apply sunscreen, wait for a few minutes, and then continue with your moisturizer and beauty routine. Finally, remember to re-apply throughout the day, especially when sweating.

I make sure to use a minimum SPF 30 so it performs properly with a thinner layer. The risk with SPF 15 is that it will not protect as well if you do not apply a thick enough layer. Here are my favourite SPF’s that have proven themselves swimming in the Mediterranean, exploring Australia, and everywhere in between.

Drug Store Deals

Coppertone Face SPF 30 (oil free) has been a staple in my cosmetics bag for years. It feels light and has great staying power.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 (oil free) is a recent discovery and a great addition to my sunscreen repertoire. The product is fast absorbing and you cannot feel it once it dries. Because it is oil free, you can use it on your body and face without worrying about break outs.

Ombrelle SPF 60 (oil free) is a little heavier than Coppertone Face, in my opinion, but excellent if you have dry skin. This product is great for sensitive skin and applies easily.

Banana Boat Sport Spray (SPF 30) is always with me for pool days. The nozzle has a wide radius so you can reapply by yourself. This used to be my favourite body sunscreen because of its light feeling…until I tried Hawaiian Tropic.

Sephora Splurge

Unlike most SPF/moisturizer combos, Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Moisturizer (SPF 47) leaves skin fully moisturized. While it feels heavy at first, it absorbs quickly. I have not tried it yet in the summer sun, but it provided great moisture throughout winter.

My SPF staples from Left to Right: Coppertone Oil Free, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch, Ombrelle, Banana Boat Sport Spray, Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizer SPF.

My SPF staples from Left to Right: Coppertone Oil Free, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch, Ombrelle, Banana Boat Sport Spray, Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizer SPF.

Blog

I am always on the lookout for new beauty trends, products, and even natural cosmetic alternatives. Beauty, however, starts on the inside, and what you put into your body is just as important as what you use on the outside.

Here is a collection of some of my favourite products, tips, and tricks to looking and feeling your best!