True colours

In the last few weeks a large part of the blogging world has been completely preoccupied with the pastel craze. At some point even I couldn't help but bow down to the temporary reign of sweet sorbet hues. However, if you take a closer look at all the things surrounding me lately, it becomes evident that for the moment my life is being ruled over by two primary colours: green and yellow! 

My mom's DIY Easter project. If you're not familiar with the quilling technique, check out this site to find out more about it.  Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

First blossoms of our old Forsythia always mark the actual beginning of spring for me.

I had to give up on emerald green pants in order to avoid the slightly embarassing grasshopper look, but then found this cute skirt to be a perfect alternative. (Thanks to my dad for shooting this picture!)

Egg & Spring Onions Spread. One of the easiest and yummiest recipes I've ever known!  

Egg & Spring Onions Spread: 

5 eggs, hard boiled and cooled
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
a small bunch of spring onions, chopped
salt and pepper

Shell eggs and mash them in a bowl. Add rest of the ingredients, season with salt and pepper and stir everything to combine. Serve on a thick slice of your favourite bread!

Great expectations

The very first time I baked a batch of Lemon Bars my whole family was hugely disappointed with the end result. My mom swore to have them envisioned as something light and spongy, whereas the desert I came up with was dense and settled on a crispy, pre-baked crust. Good, but still quite far from everyone's expectations! It wasn't until this past week when at last I managed to find a recipe which has successfully covered for the previous misunderstanding. Commonly known as a Bird's Milk, it's just the kind of treat you should expect from such an ethereal name... And yes, it pretty much keeps up with the pastel trend as well!

Lemon Bird's Milk:

For the sponge cake base:

4 large eggs (whites and yolks seperately)

4 tablespoons flour, sifted with 1/2 tespoon baking powder

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

a small pinch of salt

Line bottom of a 24cm springform pan with a parchment paper.Beat the egg whites with salt and sugar until stiff, then add the egg yolks and mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold the sifted flour into the egg mixture. Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C, until lightly golden. Leave to cool.

For the filling:

1 can unsweetened condensed milk

2 packets lemon flavored gelatin

2 cups of water

Dissolve the flavored gelatin in two cups of boiling water. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer into a large mixing bowl along with the condensed milk, and beat until slightly thickened and frothy. Immediately pour it onto the prepared sponge cake base and smooth the top as evenly as possible. Pop into the firdge for at least an hour, so that it can set completely.

Tip#1 You can decorate it with just about anything that suits your mood, although I'd sincerely recommend something spring-forward!

Tip#2 Bird's Milk can easily be prepared with other gelatin flavours. I already have a strawberry version on my mind, with some fresh fruits arranged on top!

Sharing is caring

It's not really often that I'm given a chance to use this blog for anything else than my self-indulgence, so having received a mail from 31Bits I got instantly sold to the bighearted concept of their organization. Based in Southern California, 31Bits works with wonderful Ugandan women who create jewelry out of recycled paper and some other local materials. By selling these handcrafted products to the international market, 31Bits team is able to provide the artisans with a regular and sustainable income, as well as mutliple educational and development programs that encourage them to rise above poverty. To make things even better, they've recently launched a new Spring Collection, called Chasing Daylight. You can now shop for it with a special 20% discount they're offering to all of my readers throughout the week of this special post. In case my entire ramblings still haven't got you convinced, just check out their latest catalogue available on this site. Let me assure you that it only takes seconds to fall in love with each and every beautiful bead showcased over there!

P.S. To get your 20% discount, simply enter PURSUIT20 at the checkout!The discount code will be valid until Friday, March 30.

Watson Braid Bracelet - Thanks to 31Bits/ Top & Jeans - Zara/ Trench - H&M/ Nail Polish - 500 Peppermint by Rimmel

The voice of temptation

To bare or not to bare: that is the question! The outside temperatures might still be screaming: are you out of your mind?! But the sweetest voice from the bottom of my springtime wardrobe keeps whispering softly: just go for it...

Waxed Effect Trousers & Animal Print Satchel - Zara/ Striped Sweater - F&F/ Nail Polish - 330 Red Obsession by Rimmel

One for the office

Last couple of mornings felt so dreary that I could barely get myself through the usual set of my early riser routines. Just about every breakfast choice seemed bland in flavour, whereas the usual workout would leave me anything but invigorated... If everything goes according to plan, the much-anticipated change of my rather boring schedule will come along with the internship which I've recently been signed up for. After a year spent almost entirely on an extensive job-hunt, nowadays I just can't wait to jump on the bandwagon of hardworking people. Not to mention that I'm really digging the office look... don't you think?

Blazer - Principles/ Top - F&F/ Pants - Mango/ Shoes - Topshop/ Peter-Pan Collar - Dorothy Perkins/ Bag - Zara