Showing posts with label oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oil. Show all posts

Friday, 21 July 2017

LUXURIOUSLY HANDMADE PRODUCTS



Sweet coated and mass produced products prevail everywhere. You can find them by searching on the web at your fingertips or by smelling upfront in most retail stores. Am I extensively correct? 

These products which have been launched into the consumer's market were efficiently mixed and moulded by machines using the accuracy of computers. Besides, it is (still) of course supervised by adroit manpower for a period of time until the machines can guarantee to generate and function solely. What a crackerjack symbiosis for corporate heads which will result in more money to be saved and a large sum of profit to be pocketed. Don't be surprised when, in the near future, some of your friends are on their company's redundancy payee list. 

Technically speaking, the state of the art computer era will generate fast-paced productions and when this happens, it will gradually replace manual labour. This is the distressing truth, while the corporates in their ivory tower will not even give a single damn about you. Why would they when all they see are rising numbers and the bull market figure? This worrying situation has been happening already as customers are fleeced by the substandard quality of some of the products. If you ordered and received an item which is half of the quality you are expecting, you should return it right away and demand a free return label. It is your right after all and don't be intimidated by the minute terms & conditions. 

So much of that ineffable satisfaction as it's making me frown more (LOL!)... 

I have been receiving sample products from different retailing companies. For what purpose? I have to try each one of them and after that, I will compose and send to the respective people a written discourse. A constructive statement in which negative and positive criticisms are elaborately explained. If you would like me to try your product(s) in exchange for a blow-by-blow written assessment which is not less than 300 words, just send me a message! 

A year ago, a friend of ours told us about his new passion during his leisure time which has now becomes his love affair for handcrafted items. I can still vividly remember how delighted and mesmerised I was every time I received home-made occasion cards from him. Its because the cards were delicately designed and exquisitely decorated with cut-out images from recycled cards. According to our friend, the duration making of each card depends on what type of occasion but it usually takes a few days before it will be perfectly finish with an envelope. 

Three months back, our dearest and generous friend launched exclusively in front of us his luxuriously handmade products. Such as the soaps which were neatly wrapped in greaseproof wax papers and then, placed in cardboard boxes and some, in mini tin storage boxes. More than that, we were also presented with shower gels in congealed and diluted solutions in the shades of canary and transparent yellow. Both contents were in leak proof square plastic bottles with gold disc pump tops and detachable locks. Our friend wasn't just launching whim products as he even thought of our Motherly Nature, too. His modest concept of the soap boxes and shower gel containers are both recyclable and reusable!

On a split-second, I thought they were all from a skin care product store because of the classically sleek image presented to us. On the contrary, he made them from his humble abode by combining the desired ingredients, adding the pleasant fragrance oil, gently stirring and then conceptualising the finished goods using the boxes and plastic bottle containers. That was the dead ringer appearance of his handcrafted bathing products. But what about the essential quality? 

We were politely asked to closed our eyes and then, had a smell of different bar of soaps. The subtle scent of lavender oil and tea tree oil in his home-made soaps exuded right after opening each effortlessly. My palms were imbued with soothing aroma upon touching only the well-wrapped wax paper. My sense for redolence was much aroused when the soaps were uncovered and laid on my hands. I couldn't get out of my nostrils the calming lavender and the relieving tea tree fragrances. If they were edible, they would have landed in my mouth after my nose!


Enough of the pocket-sized soaps as there were shower gels, too... 

I twisted the pump top to open and the lemony scent reached directly into my nose. It was like smelling the newly cooked lemon drops or freshly squeezed lemon juice. My mouth was watering as the distinctive sour citric acid dominated; I nearly salivated... hahahaha! The viscid consistency meant I had to shake it very well before use. Also, the rich organic elements made it only ideal as a face & body wash. That's because, when I tried using it as a shampoo my hair strands formed into small, tight curls. What a frizzy and grrrr experimental moment for my silky straight locks! 


Contrastingly, the thinned version of a combined lemon oil and geranium oil had a surprising sweet orangy flavour. It was already tea time when the olfactory nerve presentation was soon to finish. That is why, my thoughts of a super moist and fluffy cake with orange glaze forked over. Apart from craving, I was also gasping for a cup of tea.

On a more serious note, the diluted version was the right and perfect alternative shampoo for my sensitive hair. Actually, I provisionally first used it when we were in Corfu, Greece and it left my hair silky soft with a fructose scent. Personally speaking, the shampoo experiment proved that it was not just for my delicate chocolate brown skin!

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

APERÇU: AGIOS GEORGIOS ON THE SOUTH OF CORFU, GREECE

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(The Elongated Ionian Sea)

It was getting dimmer when we touched down at Corfu International Airport at Kerkyra. Despite the close of day arrival, the retrieving of our checked-in luggages on a moderately rotating carousel was very fast and hassle free. If it were a beauty pageant, they (suitcases) were included in the top three (LOL!). 

(The Hassle Free Carousel)

Outside the airport, a complimentary coach was waiting but wait a minute, where is the driver? I stepped inside the coach which was quite dark and mildly sweltering. I couldn't find a single soul or even the shadow of the driver. There he was outside with the rest of the motorists who were enjoying and finishing the puff of their vices. Here came the driver who checked our names & destination and more importantly, helped us with our chocked-full suitcases placed on the roomy baggage locker of the coach. 

The coach's engine started as well as the air conditioning unit which removed the oppressive heat and gradually cooling the interior air. We fastened our seat belts and then, welcomed ourselves for arriving safely and on time in Corfu, Greece! 

We were smoothly moving on our way to Agios Georgios on the South...

From the coach's tinted window, I saw on the verges of the main road some infrastructures and buildings similar to my beloved Republic of the Philippines. However, the distinctiveness of their window and door shutters created each facade a more homely feeling; attractive appeal in one's eyes and were exquisitely unique. In my humble opinion! 

Alas, we arrived at our destination after almost an hour on the labyrinth road. I have to admit that our driver was first-rate in manoeuvring the steering wheel as well as bypassing big vehicles with no scratch. My heart was pounding and at every turned we traverse warily reminded me of famous James Bond films. I was a bit petrified which kept me alert & awake and besides, we arrived in one piece. Actually, I enjoyed the watchful experience as it gave me so much of a thrill! 

My energy level depleted and my efficiency abated...

I was exhausted and hungry for food. Which is why when I was presented with unexpected circumstances, I wasn't able to hold my composure. My fastidiousness and perfection to detail almost ruined the first  night entirely in the South of Agios Georgios. I consumed my frustrations by unpacking my suitcase which emitted a reflective light feeling. My state of exasperation petered-out and my attention to practical interior decorations altered the clinical arrangements as well as assuaged the stifling ambience. 

We filled our greedy stomachs; freshened-up our weary bodies and a few minutes later, we were slumbering until we finally reached our dreamlands. In other words, the overall exhausting journey equated to an immersed sleep with episodes of dreams. The next morning, I woke-up with the rays of the sun infiltrating the gaps of the room's shutter doors with the therapeutic tête-a- tête sounds of birds. I stood-up and opened gently the glazed sliding glass door before I was able to unlatch the shutter doors connecting into our balcony. Thereupon, the glorious warmth of the sun radiated in the hotel's especially rendered garden. The process of disengaging and opening the shutter doors reminded me of the famous British comedy-drama series based on Gerald Durrell's three autobiographical books entitled, The Durrells. Have you watched an episode or been watching still? 


From our balcony, I diverted my attention to the adjacent swimming pool; it was already occupied by people. Inquisitively, I stepped-out of our room to find out more about the established customers. They were sitting and laying on the hotel sun loungers as well as savouring the heraldic light from the sun, either with their reading materials or early cold drinks. I wasn't just keen to scrutinise their faces and to see how big the pool was (and to dip-in later) as I was more inclined to see the rocky shoreline. It was a few steps away from the pool and my eyes perceived the turquoise mirror image of Ionian Sea with genteel waves; all-encompassing landscape and the spellbinding skies. I fell in love with the shapely handsome and pleasing beauty! 




I went back into our room and we scooped down a continental breakfast. This was more than enough to renewing our energy levels without looking like a frog in my swimwear! Honestly, I just didn't desire a bigger meal as I didn't like the thought of having a bloated tummy while sunbathing around the pool. After all, it was my first day on this Green Island in Ionian Sea and to capture flourishingly tickle pink selfies was a sine qua non. We call it V-A-N-I-T-Y especially when you haven't been eating sumptuously yet!
 
 

We lavished ourselves with sun tan lotion and rubbed every inch of our body before using the sun loungers. It was a great feeling under the mild strength of the sun which turned my acquired fair skin complexion into my original vibrant dark brown colour. After hours of relishing the delight of sunshine, we headed back into our room and immersed ourselves (alternately) in the hot/cold tub. While waiting for my turn, I thought of the restaurant's menu and specifically what to order!

The hot/cold water revitalised our weary bodies... my silky long locks were naturally dried and we were both dressed-up and ready to explore the hotel's dining place. Literally speaking, to taste what's on their menu! 

That time of the day I wasn't finicky as all I would like to eat was English Breakfast with a hot, milkier & foamy coffee latte. Sadly, they adhered to the definition of the meal which was only served until 12 noon, everyday. That is why, I asked for an Italian pasta dish called Carbonara as my second choice which I didn't regret. It was an appetising made-to-order food delivered on a plate with oozing flavours of its creamy sauce together with slices of bacon & mushrooms; rich grated cheese and seasoned with black pepper granules. Moreover, the gushing amount of olive oil with its smooth consistency gave it an extra brimming aroma and taste. I have to admit that I kept dazzling my Carbonara with Olive oil and I just couldn't stop. It was lusciously flavoursome! 

After devouring what was on our plates, we started our local excursion in which we were able to track down the steep passageway to the Beach. It was about 10 minutes away by foot from our hotel and just in front of this family restaurant which was very noticeable because of the entrenched magnificent flowers. You will be greeted by a marquee of healthy roses and once inside, the inflorescence of flowers were ubiquitous. The ornamental blossoming surrounding this family restaurant truly enticed my eyes and more so, when I tasted one of their menu items. The prices were reasonable for the scrumptious cuisine with a loving owner who gave us complimentary sorbets! 


























We kept walking and found a supermarket which sells local souvenirs; household good and food ingredients. Yes, we bought a few things including a good sized can of Olive oil which we dearly used for the rest of the week. In particular, every time we had slices of ciabatta rolls and hot drinks on our balcony which has a flourishing front garden.

The sun was soon to set when we headed back to our hotel. We unloaded our groceries and then, went by the swimming pool. That was when the overpowering descent beauty of the sun induced me to capture a few pictures as well as taken panoramic images of the elongated shoreline.

You may also like this,

Monday, 15 February 2016

QUEEN VICTORIA'S COOKED BROWN RICE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD
 

Asian's staple food that cannot be replaced in their daily lives is rice. A cereal grain from a monocot plant, Oryza sativa. The seeds of the rice are first milled using a rice huller to remove the chaff (the outer husks of the grain) and then the bran (hard outer layer of grain).

Are you one of these Asians whose daily meal is always complemented with cups of cooked rice or just having it on your table occasionally?

If you like this staple food of us, why not add more flavour into it when cooking. I am sure it will give an interesting sensation in your mouth.

This was just my experiment but the taste of the rice turned very appetising on my taste buds. Here are my ingredients before turning-on the rice cooker.

You will need 2 stalks of spring onions and cut according to your preference. Then, add the sliced spring onions into the rice with the additional ingredients, 2 tbsps. of olive oil, 1 tsp. of mixed herbs and spinach (frozen/fresh). On the other hand, to give it a spicy strength just sprinkle ground pepper/cayenne peper before mixing all ingredients. Cook and don't forget to stir before serving.

You will appreciate not just the aromatic smell but more importantly, the herbal flavour. I highly recommend the use of brown rice for weight conscious people or to those creating/adhering a strict diet regime!

Saturday, 6 February 2016

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BAKED/GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 
I like eating flavoured meat!

Cooking food at home is my magic wand. This is one of the reasons why I don't buy processed food or indulge myself to instant products when shopping. However, it doesn't mean I dislike them!

I have eaten grilled chicken breasts that was bought and made in the supermarket, in particular, garlic grilled chicken breasts. The taste was really scrumptious!

I bought a bag of frozen chicken breasts last time and challenged myself to cook my own baked/grilled garlic chicken breasts recipe.

Ingredients:
  • 2 pcs. of chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crashed/sliced
  • crashed ginger (optional) 
  • 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin oil 
  • 1 tbsp. of sunflower oil
  • 2 tsps. of honey
  • a pinch of mixed herbs
  • a pinch of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
  • 2 strands of spring onion, angled slices
  • 4 cherry tomatoes, slice into 2
Sauce Preparation:
  1. Mix the extra virgin oil, sunflower oil and honey in a bowl. Stir well.
  2. Add the crashed ginger. Stir well again.
  3. Once all mixed, just set it aside.
 
  (Baked Chicken Breasts and Grilled Chicken Breasts) 

Cooking Procedure:
  1. Wash and rinse the chicken breasts (Thaw, if needed).
  2. Prepare the chopping board and place the breasts on it. Use a sharp knife to scar on top and turn-over to do the same. Just set it aside.
  3. Prepare your crashed/sliced garlic, then insert most of the slices in the created scars of the meat. Dont throw away the excess garlic just scatter and arrange evenly in the bottom of the pyrex glass covered with foil.
  4. Rub the breasts with mixed herbs, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules for additional flavours.
  5. Prepare your cooking dish (Pyrex-glass cooking dish is good) and lay the prepared breasts in the centre to create a well balanced art. Just set it aside.
  6. Gradually, pour the sauce mixture you made (Sauce preparation) and make sure it is distributed evenly over the breasts.
  7. Design it with angled slices of spring onions and slices of cherry tomatoes on top (Be Imaginative!). Then, cover the pyrex either with its excess foil or its lid.
  8. Place it in a safe area and marinate it for 1 hour before placing it in the oven.
  9. Preheat the oven to 150ºC under bake mode (electric). 
  10. Place the cooking dish (with the marinated breasts) in the preheated oven, then bake it for 30 minutes. In 15 minutes time, glaze the breasts with its own sauce and be careful not to burn yourself.
  11. After that, unfold the foil or removed the lid and then, change the Bake to Grill as well as adjust the temperature down to 120ºC. 
  12. Place and grill it for 30 minutes. Check it every 10 minutes and glaze the breasts using its own sauce.
This is the perfect garlic chicken breasts to be served and eaten on the table with your loving family.

Thursday, 14 January 2016

BAKED/GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 (Before and After)

I usually deep-fry chicken wings but last night, it was entirely different. I was very indecisive to experiment as dinner is not same as baking a cake that is replaceable, if worse comes to worst! At the end, I gave it a try and was very pleased with the outcome and the taste, too. Succulent, delicious and very colourful (very exemplary)!

Main Ingredients:
  • 6 medium-sized chicken wings
Sauce Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp. of Sunflower Oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic; crashed
  • crashed ginger; finely chopped
  • 1 medium sized red tomato; slice into 8
  • 1 medium cooking onion; slice into 4 and separate each layer
  • a quarter of yellow bell pepper; cut into chunks
  • a quarter of red bell pepper; cut into chunks
  • ½ tsp. of mixed herbs
  • salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
Pre-cooking procedure for the chicken wings:
  1. Add boiling water in a pot and dip in the chicken wings.
  2. Cover and boil if for 3 minutes on a high flame.

    (After 20 minutes of Baking and After 30 minutes of Grilling) 
 Cooking procedure:
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 150ºC (electric). Arrange the crashed garlic in the bottom of the pyrex glass and then, place over the pre-cooked chicken wings.
  2. Scatter and arrange evenly the prepared ginger, tomato, onion, bell pepper, mixed herbs and the condiments over the chicken wings.
  3. Smoothly pour the 2 types of oils over the prepared chicken wings. Then, cover the pyrex with foil or its lid.
  4. Place it inside the pre-heated oven and bake it for 20 minutes.
  5. After that, remove the foil or lid and change the Bake to Grill as well as adjust the temperature down to 120ºC. 
  6. Place and grill it for 30 minutes. Check it every 10 minutes and glaze everything using its own infused oil.
Better call the people you love in life and let them judge your own way of cooking chicken wings. Don't forget to cook cups of rice grains my dear Filipinos!
Powered By Blogger