Mmm Saag Aloo February 28, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Foodiness.add a comment
For dinner tonight I wanted something healthy. In particular I fancied a delicious Saag Aloo, but I wanted a bit more substance. A quick nip to the shops stocked me up on my ingredients, and I whipped up a meal that was absolutely delicious. It looks great too, although due to the fact that I pretty much inhaled it off the plate, you are going to have to believe me on that one!
[Image borrowed from here]
Ingredients:
Medium onion, diced
3 tbsp lentils (already cooked)
4 quartered new potatoes
Spinach
Garlic, chopped
Tomato puree
Curry powder
Ground ginger
Boil the potatoes until soft in water with a tbsp of curry powder. About 3 minutes from being cooked, add the spinach.
In a pan, fry the onion and garlic in butter. When soft add a tbsp of tomato purée, a tbsp of curry power, and a teaspoon of ginger. Stir through. Add the drained spinach and potatoes, toss and stir through to incorporate all the flavours. Season to taste, and serve! Delicious!
Food Porn February 21, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Foodiness, Giveaways/Offers.Tags: Food, food porn, giveaway, kitchenaid
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The image does the talking. Ree Drummond, author of Pioneer Woman, is giving away complete and utter kitchen implement porn. Me wanty.
Yum!
The thoughts that occupy us February 20, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Life, Chatter & Politics.2 comments
In my life I have been in love once. You know, true, head over heels, swooning and butterflies kind of love. The sort of love where you can see the object of your affection across a crowded room, and forget that there is anyone else there. Love accompanied by pure, unadulterated lust. Racing hearts, sweat beading on your skin, a weakness in the knees from a mere sternly directed glance. Passion, sex, love, all balled together.
The past few months I have been dating. Dating of the online variety, where you meet someone, exchange witty cynicisms, meet in a pub and chat about your lives. It has been incredibly good fun, discovering a side of myself that likes curling up with strangers and a glass of wine, nattering and flirting and teasing. For the first time in my life I have been embracing my ability to have fun without a relationship, to experience and enjoy promiscuity, to have experiences that I’ve never had before.
However, dating has made me realise something. That that real stomach turning chemistry, is pretty rare. And that having fun is one thing, but experiencing that pure desire is something that I may need to wait for. That will come along again, but which isn’t an inevitability. It isn’t something you get with all people you fancy, which is in itself is a lesson. I never realised, you see, how uncommon swooning and breathlessness actually is.
I hope I find it soon. I think it would be nice.
Some more shoes up for sale! February 20, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Fashion.add a comment
More shoes up for sale!
Irregular Choice Heels, Great Condition, UK7/EU40
Kurt Geiger Dolly Heels, Perfect Condition, Size 7
Ribbit Ribbit February 18, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Photos.Tags: london zoo, nature photography, Photos, wildlife photography, zoo
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OK, so I sense this may be the only London Zoo post I get around to writing…
Poison Dart Frog
Ooh, what are you inking next? February 10, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Inspiration.Tags: art, tattoo ideas, tattoos
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I at some point want to write a post updating you on my weekend in London. My mum and I did all sorts of exciting things, and at some point I will get around to filling y’all in.
For now, however, I shall stick with something a little less demanding. Such as, tattoos.
It is true what they say about tattoos, they really are addictive. Even as you are attempting to deny the pain as a needle pushes ink deep into your skin, you are planning what you want to get next. For me this isn’t because my skin is a canvas. I am terrified about having something etched so indelibly on me, I am afraid of growth and change and making mistakes. However, there seems to me no better way to celebrate something important to me than by placing it on my body – and the highly personal nature of this means that I have a tattoo for myself and myself alone. This is why most tattoos will be located on part sof my flesh that are concealed, hidden from public view. I can reveal them if I so choose, but otherwise they are private.
So, with all of the things tumbling around in my brain, what are the types of things that I am considering inking onto my body?
*Please don’t take the following as gospel. They are just ideas and inspiration, them being on the list doesn’t mean that I am about to emblazon them on my forehead or coat my body in their image!
1. The Lorax
I know this will seem silly to many, but The Lorax was, and still is, one of the most important influences in my life. The story taught me about caring for the world around me, seeing the consequences of your actions, and always having hope. For a kids book, this is pretty damn impressive! I think the tattoo would just be a ickle little thing, maybe on the inside of my ankle or wrist.
2. Lyrics
I know that lyrics are often thought of as a bad tattoo idea, but the particular words I have in mind are the most important words I have ever heard. They are part of the long that I accredit with keeping my head above water on the darkest of days, and there is nothing more important. They are from Bell X1, “The grass is always greener where it rains”. The only question is, how would I put this on my body in a tasteful way? Along my ribs? With an image, or just text?
3. Velociraptor claw
OK so this is the geekiest option, but I actually really like the idea. Just a teeny tiny solid black raptor claw, reminding me not only of my inner geek, but of childhood and imagination. Much of my youth was spent imagining dinosaur stories and excavating fake dino skeletons in the playground. The shape would be like the claw below:
Rest In Peace Nadia February 9, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Life, Chatter & Politics.1 comment so far
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Anonymous
We are all thinking of you Nadia, thank you for being so beautiful and friendly, such a beaming friend, and such a wonderful addition to Sew Make Believe. You will be sorely missed.
Tattooified! February 5, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Graphic Design, Makeup/Cosmetics, What I Wore.Tags: art, body art, ink, new tattoo, Tattoo, what it feels like to have a tattoo
8 comments
- Looksee!
Sorry about the over-show of thigh guys, but I had to share my new tattoo with you! Isn’t it perty?! It doesn’t even hurt, and although it is apparently like to sting when washed it hasn’t so far – maybe my Wolverine-like powers of healing are proving themselves useful yet again!
As for what it felt like to get a tattoo, well I used a numbing cream and so didn’t even vaguely feel the outline. Once that had worn off and the feeling was coning back, during the filling in section, it did begin to hurt. The feeling it most was like, to draw a comparison, was the feeling of using an epilator, not nice but not really nasty either. Some bits did hurt a lot, but in general it was easily managed. I wouldn’t be that scared of having one again, although I definitely think a numbing cream is worth using as it makes such a difference! Also, when the pain does come it appears slowly, giving your body a chance ot get used to it!
Who was she? February 4, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Inspiration, Life, Chatter & Politics.Tags: Changing, Growing Up, Life, personal development, personality
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In the past few months I have been reconnecting with a few people from what, in many ways, I think of as my old life. Friends from sixth form, from school, and even from my very first primary school. Some I knew well, others not so, but the one thing that they have in common is the fact that they don’t actually know me.
You see, back then I was a completely different person to the one I am now. Looking back I barely recognise the person I once was, as life has seen me grow above and beyond that most distant of starting points, the girl I was once is a mere shadow, a vague impression of the Lauren that I would grow to be.
So, if I were to tell these old friend and acquaintances what exactly has changed, what would I say? How would I define this new me in a way that showed how far from the old I have come?
Well first, there is my confidence. I was a little shy, seen as a little odd. I never quite fitted in with anyone other than my immediate friendship group, and everyone at school seemed so far away. Now I have a strong sense of self-belief. I am chatty, and funny, and not afraid to poke fun at people. I spontaneously start conversation, even with people I barely know, and I consider myself social and nice.
I fit in with the world much better now, even though I am still completely bonkers.
Then there is the fact that I have grown-up. I understand politics, I can debate and argue. I work every day in a job that I like, and the effect this sort of life change can have is impossible to over-emphasise. I am a different person, I live my life a different way, all the responsibilities and things that come with being an adult have taken hold in the most positive of ways.
Then there is the bravery. I am about the set off around the world, alone, something I would never have done years ago. I would tell these people about the courage I have gained in setting off into the world, in building my own life, in leaving my home town and being forced to make it on my own. There is no stuttering or stumbling any more, just leaping into the future.
The girl you once knew? She is gone. Well, maybe she hasn’t disappeared completely, but she is certainly new and improved with so much more to offer.
What would you say to people who knew you years ago?
Everything’ll Be Alright February 4, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Music.Tags: lullaby, Music, songs
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This song made me happy today. It made me sit, and think, and listen. Everything’ll Be Alright (Will’s Lullaby) by Joshua Radin
Way down in New York town
Thinking about the way she loved me
There’s a hole in my pocket that’s about her size
But I think everything is gonna be alright
Yes
I hope everything is gonna be alright
A smiling face is trading the gifts I found at the bar
Well I wish my car could drive to her tonight
Then I’d know everything is gonna be alright
Yes
Then I’d know it’ll be alright
The rain in New Orleans forgot to end but the mouths of the people are dry
Then we watch and wait and do nothing but sigh
And hope everything is gonna turn out right
But I don’t know if it’ll be alright
But I look at you
Warm in your dream while your mobile dances above
And I think to myself it’s a beautiful night
And I know everything is gonna be alright
Yes
Now I know it’ll be alright
