How to make gnocchi- tutorial on making pasta

Hey guys!

As you all know I'm obsessed with Italy and Italian food.  I think it is the healthiest cuisine and the most tasty.... in fact, I don't think I could ever get tired of Italian food!  Everyone knows about pasta, but I think hand-made gnocchi is an undiscovered gem and one of the tastiest foods around.

 Today I made my all time favourite dish - gnocchi with prawns and zucchini.  I think real gnocchi is the only option - it is nothing like the pre-made gnocchi you find at the shops, so made it myself.

Here's the video I used and think it is perfect for an authentic, luxurious pasta gnocchi dish - why don't you try! I was inspired to make this myself as it was shared by this chefs amazing luxury recipes who I follow on twitter xx

Artdeco Arctic Beauty Blush

Hello!

I have a gorgeous wintery beauty find for you all - 

It's a snowflake packaged blush by Artdeco called Arctic Beauty Blush in the shade 'ice garden'.  I have been wearing it all this week and have really enjoyed its three different dusky pink hues.

In the below pictures I have a little on my cheeks but have also used it as an all over powder.  The shade as I mentioned, is a dusky pink and blends beautifully in to give a natural blush to the skin.  I love the roseyness of this shade as it looks like you have a glow to the cheeks like when it's called outside - making its name Arctic blush even more perfect! 

I have also used the lightest colour  also my nose as an illuminator - perfect for not having to carry around too many different makeup items at once.  I love how this blush is perfect for highlighting the cheeks with blush and also for an all over glow.  The shimmer is also very light so you don't have to worry about big glittery particles which is the case with some other blushes!

The packaging makes it absolutely ideal for winter and I love having it in my purse for this time of year.  That being said, it is probably only going to be appropriate during the winter season so you better snap this up quick - and even more so because it is limited edition!

The blush also contains vitimins C and E, making it good for your skin by nourishing it.  I love knowing that when I'm wearing good quality makeup that it's these little things that keep your skin healthy and smooth.  I have also been experimenting with some other goodies from Artdeco so make sure to stay tuned to see what they are :)

Artdeco Arctic Beauty Blush in Ice Garden has a RRP of £22.30 and is limited edition - available form selected beauty salons and spas nationwide from the end of October



Fiocco xxx

*product sent for consideration and review

Emma Hardie & Crabtree & Evelyn review

Hello again!

Here's a little review of Emma Hardie's Amazing face Protect and Prime SPF 30 and Crabtree & Evelyn ultra mosturising hand therapy.

These two gems are both new discoveries for me so I'm super excited to give a review of them.  I've put them together because they are both stunning luxury products that have lovely scents, packaging and will make for lovely Christmas presents for a special lady.  What stands out about both of these products for me is the quality of the product, as they really do both provide amazing benefits.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Protect and Prime 30
RRP £45 from Space NK and Feel Unique 

This product has three benefits in one bottle - acting as a moisturiser, sun protection and also as a primer.  This is my first primer which has other functions and I think it is a brilliant idea as I often forget primer and then immediately regret it once my makeup is on.

I love how this product does it all - it makes preparing so much easier with just one product.  Acting as a moisturiser and primer I'm then ready for the foundation and it provides a great base to start working with.   This product contains Mongongo oil, oat extract and Vitamin E - all of which helb to protect the skin and help against the signs of ageing.

The scent of Emma Hardie's product really is what made me happy with this product - I finally wanted to feel pampered with a delicious and expensive smelling product.  It's like something straight from a spa!  I don't usually bother with sun protection wither so it's nice to know that that is added in too which will help protect against ageing.

 Next up is Crab Tree and Evelyn La Source ultra moisturising hand therapy
RRP £15.00

Again, I was drawn to this product for its delicious scent.  Crabtree and Evelyn have a number of scents within their La Source range but this one was really irresistible.

For me, a hand moisturizer isn't just something that serves out of necessity, but it also an indulgence that should leave your hands smelling delicious as well as moisturised.

Containing shea butter, this lovely hand cream protects hands against the elements, and its gorgeous packing in a polylaminate tube looks great in the handbag too.

Next time I'm really tempted to try their Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage collection.

The Pure Beauty Awards with Smooth hair & award winning Label M rejuvinating oil mist

Hey lovely ladies,

I had a formal event at the Savoy for the Pure Beauty Awards last Thursday and spent ages deliberating what to wear and what to do with my hair.  The pure beauty awards looks at the newest products on the beauty world and are voted on by the public.


For the outfit - I decided on a really simple black dress with a neck feature by Moschino.  Again, this was bought in Italy so can't find a link for its purchase in the UK - but this dress pretty similar in its fit and I love the golden neck detail.

For the hair - I decided to go for long sleek hair, and it was Label M's rejuvinating oil mist which really got rid of the frizz.  I love how it gives such a glossy look and it is becoming such a staple of mine when I decide to wear my hair out and long.

The best thing is, that whilst at the PURE beauty awards, my gorgeous spray which I thought was an undiscovered gem is not actually all that undiscovered.  So much so that whilst I was enjoying the evening this particular hair Oil came up an won silver for Best New Hair Care Product.

This company couldn't have deserved it enough, their products always deliver what they say, and leave hair feeling nourished and looking great!

Well done Label M - you really deserved your PURE beauty award !!

Beach life and time to relax

 I think it is so important to make time to relax.

Life can get so busy, not just work, but with play also....and so for me it is so important to take a minute to just breathe.  It can get easy to get swept away with the business of life, things to do, people to see that sometime you forget about spending time just enjoying the moment sand the scenery around you.

I don't think anywhere let's you relax better than at the beach. Apart from gentle swimming in the sea, on lying done and catching some sun (wearing SPF of course) - you really don't have to do anything at all except have some 'me' time.

It doesn't mean going somewhere exotic, but if there is a lovely weekend, why not go to the local beach or lake - if you can go somewhere exotic all the better!!  Enjoy lots of water there, and of course cold fresh fruit and enjoy the stillness and nature of the surroundings around you.

Below are a couple of snaps from my favourite place to relax in the world - Gabicce Mare in Italy where I used to live.

Where is your relaxing hideout?

Fiocco xxx

(Gotta put a call out for my favourite Moschino polka dot bikini ever!)

The Pure Beauty Awards at the Savoy

Hello there dolls

Last night was really special as I was a guest at the Pure Beauty Awards held not just anywhere - but at the Savoy Hotel in London.  This river-side hotel in Charrings Cross is perhaps the most gorgeous hotel I have ever been to and was the perfect location for the awards.

The evening announced the winners for various beauty awards categories and a delicious three course dinner during the announcing.  A special guest on stage was Lucy Mecklenburgh which made the evening a little more exciting as I am a huge fan!

It was great being invited to such a prestigious evening in the beauty world and also learning about the new exciting products, especially those that have won the awards as they are voted for by consumers themselves.  There are so many new brands that I am now excited to try after discovering them at yesterdays awards!

Here are some pictures from the event - the quality is a bit low as they are just from my phone.....but love the ifrst one of Lucy Meck!

 Here I am looking like an absolute goon !! haha!

Luxury Travel Destination - Monte Carlo featuring Primark Bikini

The most exclusive location I travelled to this year was Monte Carlo.

It really was like something out of a James Bond move.. not quite Spectre but literally Casino Royale was filmed at the illustrious Monte Carlo Grand Casino.  I'm not going to go into too much detail about that as there are winners and losers at casinos, and I unfortunately fell into the second category!

The views of Monte Carlo are exquisite from above - thousands of super yachts litter the horizon and you can only dream of the luxurious lives they lead.  Either way I was quite happy kicking back on the beach admiring the view and the impressive architecture, palms and enjoying the laid back way of life.

This was definitely a holiday for relaxing, after a very busy year, we somehow managed to fit a week away in in the middle of July.  A lovely time of year to go. The picture below looks a bit hazy, but it was actually crisp blue days every day with a very hot sun...I think I just stopped in the only 5 minutes when it was looking a bit cloudy! Or perhaps that's what it always looks like form high up in the hills.

Here I am at our local beach - I normally have a penchant for Moschino bikinis but being away for a week I needed a another one which wasn't in bandeau style and just before I left I picked up this gorgeous blue and white bikini from Primark for about £3! It won't last for long but I can't argue with its gorgeous colours and perfect design :)

I would definteeeelly recommend a holiday in Monte Carlow if you get the chance - it is just a stones throw from Nice  and is it's very own country!!!

Fiocco Bianco
xxxxxx

Alberta Ferretti Evening Gown in Monte Carlo

 Hey lovely ladies

This is a really late post!  But it is of a gorgeous evening gown in a sumptuous melon colour that I wore in Monte Carlo for a red carpet event.

It's not every day that you get invited to a party in Monte Carlo, let alone a red carpet launch, so I had to make sure that my dress was extra special! I chose a silk floor length grecian style Alberta Feretti dress SS15.  I'm not going to say how much it cost as it makes me feel way to guilty - but sometimes in life a girls got to feel really special!

I bought this dress in Italy and I can't find the exact link to it online - I quite like that though as it feels even more exclusive!

When choosing the dress I was between this one an another long dress which was black with black lace.  The other one was stunning too, and probably more practical as you can wear it to more occasions, but seeing as this event was in the summer, by the sea and in the illustrious Monte Carlo I decided to go with the far more summery cantoulope melon shade!

I love the twisted straps and the low v front neck to this dress. It really is super special and one that I will always remember fondly even if I don't wear it again!  It has a really heavy floor length skirt that looks stunning when you twist or turn.

For this look I decided to keep the makeup simple - making the most of my natural tan and decided to wear fake eyelashes.  My hair was up in a twisted up do and didn't look too bad considing I managed it by myself!

I hope you like it!!!

Lots of Love - Fiocco

Louboutin lusting!

Shoe post!

My friend over at ModestGlamAmor bought this gorgeous pair of Louboutin black sandals a while back.  I've not really stopped thinking of them and even have a picture of them on my laptop! I think every girl deserves a pair of 'wow' designer shoes...and as of yet I can't believe I haven't treated myself!

  I love how she went for an unusual and striking pair of shoes rather than the classic black or nude heels.  They are a complete fashion statement and immediately make an outfit 'pop' with the wow factor.

I don't think these specific ones are available... and I wouldn't copy with exactly the same pair any way...but there are a few others in a similar style which have caught my eye.

A more practical pair for winter is Lououtin's Louronda cross strap half bootie.  The shiny calf leather is polished to a smooth effect and the design itself is very practical.

I can see these Louranda booties going  with skinny jeans or a dress and I think would actually be a sensible purchase. (You can see me trying to justify £675 for a pair of boots!!) Imagine the OOTDs which could be created!?

Aren't they just to die for?? There's something really special about them and definitely would be perfect for the Christmas season.... I guess we'll wait and see!

Have you got a pair of Louboutin's....what type did you choose??

I've lost my Dower & Hall Nomad Bracelet :(

 Today is a very sad day -

I've lost my favourite bracelet - a sterling silver nugget Nomad bracelet by British jewelery designer Dower and Hall. I think I may just cry!

I have been travelling a lot and recently had to remove all my jewelry passing security - and I am pretty sure that after removing this gorgeous bracelet it got left in the plastic box where you put your coat - keys - laptop etc.  I always travel with so many things that I am sure this gorgeous little piece of jewelry must have got left in the corner. It was made up of real little silver nuggets and with a heart shape clasp.

What makes it so much worse is that it was a Birthday present from the other half to mark our first year together.

So - in ode to the most gorgeous piece of jewelry a girl can have - I decided to dedicate a post to it as you won't be seeing it again. It served me well as not just a reminder of love (the little heart on the clasp really was so adorable) but also was a beautiful fashion piece.

 Here is the last time I was pictured in it - attending a gala in London.

Make sure you check out Dower & Hall if you haven't - they are perfect for Christmas gifts.

If you're interested in purchasing my beloved bracelet - it is available here :(

Aspinal of London leather travel wallet in midnight blue lizard and cream suede.

Hello my dears!

As you know from previous posts, I travel a lot!  From the company I work for being based in Denmark, to having family in Italy and a love for holidays anyway, the passport is always out and about!

I don't just travel a lot, I also misplace my passport a lot. .... or boarding passes / care hire information / hotel bookings.  So I thought why not make my life a whole lot easier with something gorgeous and practical - so voila!  I present to you this stunning Aspinal of London  leather travel wallet in midnight blue lizard and cream suede.

Aspinal of London  leather travel wallet in midnight blue lizard and cream suede.

This travel wallet as a RRP of £125 and is an extremely luxurious  item that will make travelling so much simpler and so smart.  Agonisingly, there are many gorgeous shades to choose from, close second for me was burgundy saffiano & navy suede.  

As I've been linking to their webpage, I couldn't help browsing and I've also just realised that they do the whole travel set, and if I had known I would probably have gone for it! Oops!  How cute is the pink lizard?  This set has a RRP of £165.00 and I think is absolutely fabulous, and of course totally English!

So, all in all I am absolutely in love with my new passport holder...now all I need is some tickets to put in it!

Fiocco 

xxxxxx

Best October Products

I have a whole tonne of October favourites that I have to share with you.

They are all new products that are new to me, so hopefully they are new to you too! There's nothing quite like finding and falling in love with new products so these 6 items have made the cut and are in my Best Beauty Finds!

Drum roll please.....!

First up is my Favourite of favourites: Label M Therapy Rejuvenating Oil Mist RRP £24.99

This product is an absolute show stopper and an absolute gem.  Yes it is a little pricey, but it is definitely worth investing in a hair oil which really helps rejuvinate dry hair.  It is by Label M, who over the last month have impressed me so much with their range of nourishing hair products.

I particularly have very dry hair so really appreciate such a nourishing oil.  Label M's Therapy Rejuvenating Oil Mist comes out as a light mist which I spray on to freshly washed dry hair.  After running my fingers through it I can immediately feel a difference, so much softer and it keeps it nourished for a couple of days.  I now will not wash my hair without putting this on after - it is a beauty MUST HAVE

THE BEST HAIR OIL IN THE WORLD BY LABEL M

Next up is DKNY BE DELICIOUS Fresh blossom

This has a RRP of £37.00 and is available from Boots, Debenhams etc.

An absolutely stunning fruity perfume that I have only just discovered.  When it comes to perfumes, I only wear, fruity, floral and feminine fragrances - nothing dusky/woody/spicy.

This cute little pink and chrome apple is physically very cute,  but I am absolutely in love with its scent - please go and try a spritz.  It is just like roses - a fabulous gift for a girly girl.

 Next is Nair's Argan Oil Bikini and Underarm Glide on RRP £4.32 from Boots

This is a fabulous little find.  Yes, we have all used Nair before, but this is so handy in the way it is packaged.  You take the lid off and roll the little dial at the bottom and the Nair hair removal cream pops out the top and glides straight on.

It eliminates all the messyness, it is very handy and small and the best part is you can keep re-using it time after time.  Additionally, due to its sturdy package, you are not left with an unsightly half used product but it remains looking the same.

In 5-10 minutes all unwanted hair is gone and lasts far longer than shaving.  A lovely gem amongst my October Best Beauty Finds.

Next is a splurge of a product - Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Candeur 89 available in Debenhams for £24.00

So this is an absolutely gorgeous lipstick / lipgloss.  It is between the too really, it is super glossy so gives a shine finish, without having the stickyness of a lipgloss.  It reminds me of a more expensive version of Kiko's Kiss Balm (which I also love.)  Unlike Kiko, Chanel's Rouge Coco Shines are without perfume and have a more silky finish to them when applied.

The colour is a very light peach with a hint of glitter and perfect if you, like me, adore the nude lip style which is very understated.  So yes, it's a bit of a splurge, but who doesn't love pulling out a Chanel lipstick from their makeup bag!?

Lite + Cycle Bergamot candle $48.00
Quickly - not a makeup find but beautiful for in the house is this Lite + Cycle Bergamot candle.  These candles used refined essential oils and are one of the purest scented candles around.   I think sometimes other brands are too over scented with artificial fragrances so it is really refreshing to find such a pure brand.  The bergamot in the above candle is cold pressed from fruit that is grown in Italy without pesticides.

This gorgeous candle is plain white upon opening and the mini candle on the top can be burnt by itself or left on top.  Though I believe it is just there to give you a scent of it before you buy. There are numerous fragrances available including lavender, sage and Urban Forest definitely has me curious!

So, this gorgeous candle by Lite + Cycle has definitely made it into my Best Finds due to its exclusivity, gorgeous fragrance and ethics.

Lastly is YSL Teint Parfait RRP £50 from Debenhams

Loooooove this foundation.  I only use YSL foundations normally, so was excited to try this different one which is described as more of a highlighter / illuminator.

 This is a super light foundation - more like a tinted moisturiser but with an absolute perfect colour and finish and doesn't give a silver finish like other highlighters do but remains the perfect shade.

 Sometimes tinted moisturises just make you look oily, but this oil-free makeup is just like a light foundation and gives the skin a perfect glow and lovely golden finish.  It is a sheer highlighter which gives a glow to the skin and I think it is perfect for natural or going out days as the finish is absolutely flawless.  There's nothing worse than being caked with makeup, and YSL Teint Parfait completely prevents that from happening!  An incredible beauty find which I am going to keep buying.

Wow, so it turns out I have had a lot of beauty finds which I had to share with you! I hope you enjoy and let me know if you have tried any of them!

Fiocco xxxxx

Nouveau lashes extravaganza

Hello Sweeties,

I thought I'd do a review on some fabulous products by a brand called nouveau lashes which I discovered last year.  Last year I had tried a range of their lashes and their ultrabond strip, and was super impressed.

When it comes to fake lashes, I am definitely fussy.  I personally like a very natural fake eyelashes in order to pass it off as my own.  Nouveau lashes have an incredible range and I found several pairs which were great for me.  Secondly, their Ultra Bond Strip is essentially a large tube of lash glue.  The pros of this glue and huge for me - 1 it actually keeps the lash attached and in place all day, and 2 it is reusable without drying out.

Below is my review of some of the others gems in their range -

The whole selection of Nouveau Lashes goodies

So first up is Nouveau Lashes Eye Make-up Remover:

A great discovery - this product does what it says and removes makeup easily and without any oiliness.  Mascara especially comes off a dream and can also be used to prep eyes before adding false lashes.  I haven't yet tried it with waterproof mascara but I guess that is going to be the real test.

 Aesthetically, I love the container in its large chrome bottle - it looks great on my bathroom shelf and looks the real deal.  It also, of course, removes eyelash glue.

RRP £14.99

Nouveau Lashes Conditioning Serum

As a lash freak, I was super excited to try this out.  This product is designed to condition your own natural lashes to help them be fully, longer and more healthy.  It can be worn by itself or under mascara.

I've been using it a few days.  So far I would say that it has a great consistency and doesn't feel tacky at all on the lashes; this mean mascara goes on perfectly after.  Immediately after putting it on, lashes to feel more nourished which I love.  Long term results I haven't been able to see as I'v only been using it for a few days, but I am super excited to continue using it to see what the results are.  I'm hoping healthier lashes equals more numerous and longer lashes!

This product has an RRP of £18.99

Extreme Nouveau Lashes

Nouveau Lashes Glamour - Style 4

I've got to be honest with you - as I said above I only use natural lashes and these are far too over the top for me and I wouldn't wear them.  Nouveau lashes categorises their lashes into Natural, Volume and Glamour - with glamour being the most heavy, dark and long, and natural being the...well lightest!

I am a huge lover of their other styles as they are the perfect length and feel comfortable on the eyes and I have worn them A LOT in the past.  I would personally go for Natural or Volume Style 1 which is more subtle and would enhance natural lashes.  The ones in the picture would be fun for a night out, but probably not best for every day!  These are RRP £6.99

Nouveau Lashes Ultra Bond Strip Eyelash Adhesive 

Halleluja -  a fabulous product which I would encourage any fake lash wearing girl to buy.  As I mentioned above I have used this a lot in the past. There are numerous great points so I think I'll give a quick list summary:

•  It has the perfect consistency and goes onto the lashes wells. 
•  It attaches lashes in place without making a mess.
• Lashes last hours without coming off in the corners
• there is zero irritation
• the glue doesn't dry out after numerous applications but stays fresh.  
• Great for on the go for touchups or keeping in your bathroom when re-using lashes
• Allows you to re-use lashes!!

It has an RRP of £12.99 and is well worth splurging on!

Nouveau Lashes Tweezers

*Careful of these little things as they are super sharp*

These are fab for applying lashes with precision without getting glue all over your fingers.  They really make the whole lash applying situation feel very professional when doing it by yourself!  A cheeky extra, but between the Ultra Bond Strip and the tweezers, I would personally
 invest in the Ultra Bond Strip


So there you have it!! Hope you enjoyed my review! I'm super excited that I was lucky to explore so much of the nouveau lashes range!

All products are available from https://nouveaulashes.com/shop/

*Products sent for review and consideration

Wine coloured OOTD for Autumn

Hello Sweeties, 

Erghhh, it's September already.  I feel like Summer flashed by and we didn't really even get a real glimpse of it.

But, one of the things I love about Autumn, is it's colour palette.  I think it suits my skin tone much more than Summers pastels, I like dark, deep colours which reflect Autumn.

At the moment I've been going crazy for wine / mulberry / burgundy tones.  An absolute bargain is this elastic cotton dress from ASOS.  It is only £10 which makes it a superb every day buy.  I love how it is figure hugging but still down to the knees and with sleeves.

A perfect sophisticated yet stylish dress for work or play.

What are your favourite Autumn colours?

Black Lace Dress OOTD

OOTD - 

Here is my OOTD - even though it is more an outfit of the evening!  It is a very form fitting dress which I love, just one thing to be careful with is putting your arms through the sleeves as they are so delicate and can snag or rip easily.  It is a simple but great outfit for dressing up.

Black lace dress from H&M with matching smokey eyes.  I always think smokey eyes goes well with evening outfits as it is just a bit too heavy for the day.

I used Clarin's smokey eye pallet which has a smattering of gold in the black powder.  I am also wearing Essie's Violet nail varnish to try and stay away from looking too gothic!

This dress was an absolute bargain at £15.00 and is great for a restaurant or club with its lace sleeves it can pass for both.