A dish to take you back to Menorca: Tumbet

Villa Plus are celebrating the launch of their new 'Local Food' guides and Time2Gossip was tasked to recreate a traditional dish from Menorca. I immediatley thought of Tumbet, a traditional vegtable dish that nearly every restaurant in Menorca serves, combining layers of sliced potatoes, aubergines and peppers. This dish can be served as a main or alongside a lovely bit of fish or meat.

I would like to point out that I have never made this dish before but thought I would take on the challenge, especially as the ingredients are in season.

So we headed off to the local market in Twickenham 'Cousins' in search for our ingrediants for a meal for four.

Ingrediants:

• 400g Potatoes
• 400g Aubergines
• 500g Tomatoes
• 2 Garlic Gloves
• 200g Manchego Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to season

The Price: £5.30, £1.32 per person - An absolute bargain, I need to remember to shop at the local market more often for amazing prices.

Method:

Prep time: up to 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes 
Preheat oven: 180c/250f/Gas 4

1. Peel and chop the tomatoes and garlic and fry with a little oil in a frying pan and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste - Keep an eye out over the 30 minutes and stir.
2. While the sauce is doing its magic, heat some olive oil in another frying pan and thinly slice the potatoes and fry for 4-5 minutes (they should be golden brown). Use kitchen paper to get rid of excess oil.
3. Then de-seed the peppers and quarter. Fry for 10 minutes or until softened. Again, blot with kitchen paper.
4. Slice the aubergine lengthways into thick slices. Then fry in batches for 5 minutes. Once again, blot with kitchen paper.
5. Now it should of been about 30 minutes from when you started the sauce so its time to layer up. You can do this is a big casserole dish or if you want it to be a little fancy for the adults layer up on one plate which is over proof which we have done. Layer aubergines, potatoes, peppers then spoon over the tomato sauce and sprinkle over grated cheese.
6. Bake for 15 minutes and your dish should be bubbling and golden-brown.
   
   

View Full Post

Fashion Highlight: Jelly Bag

The Price: £10
Where2Buy: www.sunjellies.com
The Gossip: SunJellies is the original jelly shoes shop since 1946 and now plays host to the original jelly bag! 

Instead of the typical jelly product being a show why not purchase a jelly bag instead from SunJellies Originals. 

The bag in the photos is the Alice jelly bag taking Time2Gossip back to the 80s, the bag is perfect for our upcoming holiday to Ibiza and as and added bonus it can be flat packed for the simple storage!

View Full Post

It's All About Alice...at Whittard

Where2Buy: Whittard 

The Gossip: Step into the dreamworld of Alice and have a Mad Hatters Tea Party with this nostalgic collection from Whittard. 

We are brought into the wonderful wonderland of Alice with Whittard's latest collection. With cute Mugs, themed teas and coffees and indulgent biscuits this new collection makes the perfect mad hatters tea party. 

Key products from the collection:

The mini collection of Drink Me Tea's looks chic on display and is perfect to infuse any tea with Earl Grey, English Breakfast or Afternoon tea leaves to choose from.

                                        Alice in Wonderland Drink Me Tea Selection £10

We love the Mad Hatter and he can make an appearance with this Mug.

                                                         

 Alice in Wonderland Mug, £10. Strawberry and Clotted Cream Biscuits, £4. Camomile & Honey Tag and Envelope Teabags, £3.95

The luxurious looking white and pink box contains yummy, Strawberry and Clotted Cream Biscuits. These indugent biscuits are the perfect addition to any afternoon tea, combining the sweet taste of strawberries with the richness of clotted cream.

To finish off the tea party a calming, relaxing tea is needed with the:Camomile & Honey Tag & Envelope Teabags.

Origin: Blended

Leaf type: Herbal

Taste: Comfortingly floral with a hint of honey

Drink: Without milk

Brew: 3-5 minutes according to taste

When to drink: At a tea party

And last but not least our favourite quote from Alice in Wonderland: 

"I'm late, I'm late, For a very important date.  No time to say "Hello, Goodbye". I'm late, I'm late, I'm late." - White Rabbit

View Full Post

Mani Monday - ImPRESS

The Price: £5.99

Where2Buy: Superdrug

The Gossip: Sticking on is more cost effective than a mani and looks fab! 

I have used imPRESS before and they looked lush so when I got the opportunity to review the new collection I jumped at the chance.

The newbies have a new coat of ultra gel shine and last up to a week and unlike fake nails they don't ruin your nails with nasty glue and are simple to remove. Each pack contains 24 nails with a range of different sizes to choose from. 

ImPRESS also have a bit of celeb loving from the likes of Lydia Bright and Nicole Scherzinger.

How to use: 

1. Line up all the sizes, then match the different sizes to each finger. 

2. Then line up the tab side with your cuticle

3. Peel off the backing 

4. Press firmly & smooth 

5. Show off and imPRESS

View Full Post

New faves: Eylure Lashes

The Price: Start from £4.95

Where2Buy: www.eylure.com

We all have our favourite lashes, mine were Cheryl Coles from the original Girls Aloud collection then I moved on to Eylures individual lashes but I think I have found a new fave from the new collection - N0 101 Volume.

These 'Volume' full, shorter length lashes, really open up the eye and perfect for a more natural look but still keeping it glam! 

I think the secret is keeping the length at the sides short with no odd flicks at the side making the lashes look even more fake! They are also a lot easier to put on the eye.

I can safely say that these are the first lashes I have kept for the next occasion usually I don't care and they get placed in  the bin half way through the night or at home but these are my new favorites! 

The rest of the collection are great to for adding more texture or a little bit more drama to your outfit. 

Volume pumps up the lashes, giving depth to fill out the lash line, supporting your own lashes to create natural, voluminous lashes 

Texture lashes not only offer volume but a ‘roughed up’ ‘messed up’ look, supplying layers of textured depth – perfect for day or night, or both

Dramatic lashes are the longest, fullest, lashes available and are the last resort for when you simply can’t help but make a statement. 

View Full Post

Top 4 Summer Drinks

1. Cidre Raspberry, Stella Artois

The Price: £2.19

Where2Buy: Nationwide, in most places that sell alcohol.

Stella Artois is still using there unique Belgium recipe, but this time made with crushed raspberries - perfect to indulge in this summer. 

2. Heartsease Farm sparkling drinks collection

Where2Buy: Ocado, WHS

These all natural sparkling drinks are made from ingredients sourced around the countryside, with five delightful flavours, you are spoilt with choice!

• Elderflower Pressé
• Raspberry Lemonade
• British Blackcurrant Crush
• St. Clements’ Pressé 
• Last but not least the award winning Traditional Lemonade

                                          

3. Prosecco Supeiore

The Price: £9.95

Where2Buy: HERE 

Who doesn't love some bubbles and a sunny evening?! Prosecco Supeiore is the perfect tipple, with beautiful fruity notes hinting at apples and peaches, this is perfect relaxing drink.

The prosecco is produced by Rivani and comes from the Veneti region in Italy - how fancy! 

                                       

4. POM Wonderful - Pomegranate & Cloudy Apple Juice

The Price: £3.56, 710ml

Where2Buy: Tesco

POM Wonderful launches Pomegranate & Cloudy Apple Juice and a heavenly addition to the POM family.  

The ingredients consist of 4 pomegranates and at least two cloudy apples. There is no added sugar, flavours or colours - so it not only tastes great but its filled with natural goodness too.

View Full Post

Mani Monday - Polish for Tans, Models Own

The Gossip: brand new collection from Models Own, perfect for a night out in Ibiza, enhancing a light tan

The Price: £5 each

Where2Buy: www.modelsownit.com

The Polish for Tans collection is by the fabulous brand Models Own's and is the first collection designed to enhance and compliment a natural tan. 

With five summer shades with tan-enhancing neon-pastel shades are perfect to take you from beach babe to party chic!

The colours are easy to put on and last for around a week if you take good care! 

My personal favourite is Beach bag which has a peachy glow.
 

Colours:

• Beach Bag 
• Shades
• Flip Flop
• Bikini
• Sun Hat

View Full Post

Ghd - one-off ultimate hair day!

ghd are offering YOU the chance to be one of the first to experience ghd aura by holding a one-off ultimate hair day at their studio on Dean Street on Wednesday 16^th July from 12-8pm. 

The ghd aura is set to revolutionise the way we dry our hair to style with easy as it dries the hair - we will have a full review in the coming weeks. 

At the one-off ultimate hair day guests will be among the first to experience the new must-have hair tool for themselves as part of a bespoke blow-dry appointment with one of the ghd creative team, who can usually be found styling the hair of catwalk models backstage at London Fashion Week. 

So what are you waiting for? book in for an appointment, all readers need to do is email j.helks@ghdhair.com.

  

Please note that the appointments work on a first come first come bases.

When you receive your confirmation print it out and bring it along with you at the allocated time. 

View Full Post

Cocktail Hour

The Price: Midori ranges from £11 to £16.99

Where2Buy: Midori is available to buy from a wide range of retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrison’s and the drinkshop.co.uk.

The Gossip: Forget the Pimms while watching the tennis and liven up your drink with these two tipples:

How to make: Midori's Smashing Melons

Using: Midori, Melon Liqueur

Ingredients: 

• 50ml MidorI
• 20ml lemon juice
• 8 - 12 mint leaves
• 30ml apple juice

This refreshing creation combines the fruity melon flavour of Midori, with crisp apple juice, zesty lemon and fresh mint leaves.  It’s easy to make, served in a simple tumbler (although I went for an old school martini glass) and garnished with a crunchy slice of apple. 

Method:

Shake Midori, apple juice, lemon juice and mint in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice, garnish with an apple slice and enjoy!

Next on the list is the SOUR SCOTSMAN

The Price: £36.99

Where2Buy: Whiskey specialists 

Ingredients:

• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 ½ teaspoons sugar 
• 2 measures Auchentoshan 12 Year Old 
• Soda water to top up

Additional:

• 12.5ml of egg white

This is a modern twist to the traditional whiskey sour, using Auchentoshan 12 Years Old Whiskey, making the iteration lighter and slightly sweeter.

The Sour Scotsman can be adapted to a Boston Sour with the addition of egg whites - giving the cocktail a frothy head and smoother finish.

This can be served in a small tumbler.

Method:

Step 1: Shake the ingredients with ice, and strain

Step 2: Add a good dash of soda water

Step 3: Decorate with a slice of orange

                

View Full Post

Keep your hair in check with Bed Head

Urban anti + dotes

Where2Buy: www.bedhead.com/en-gb

The Price: from £11.50

The Gossip: Check your hair into rehab with new Urban Antidotes range

Bed Head’s new TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Scalp Shampoo and Intense Repair Treatment Mask is perfect for scalps in need of a reset to start afresh.  

The new collection has been developed by the TIGI International Creative Team for hairdressers and their clients. The clientele was styling junkies and serial hair abusers – to create a product that would give the hair a well deserved rest.  

Products reviewed: 

Treatment mask Re-Energize 

The Price: £14.95

The treatment mask instantly gives hair a drench of hydration, waking up the hair from the root. Giving new life to tired or dull looking hair. 

How 2 Use: Use once a week for an added boost. Spread between hands and apply from mid lengths to ends. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse.  

Reboot Scalp Shampoo

The Price: £11.50

The secret ingredient to this shampoo is 'Zinc Pyrithione' cleaning the scalp to destroy product build up, re-balancing the scalps moisture levels - leaving the scalp calm and in control. 

How 2 Use: Like any other shampoo!

View Full Post

Dove's new range + Top Tips for great looking skin

Dove has launched the Indulgent new scent of ‘Pistachio and Magnolia’ to their Purely Pampering range with a luxurious body lotion and body wash.

The new scent treats your senses to a yummy mix of pistachio and magnolia which lingers for hours. So use this collection to relax and nourish the skin to feel silky smooth and also make you smell pretty darn good!

We also tried the Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body lotion and body wash which was a more tranquil scent and still feeling very luxurious on the skin – perfect for straight after a shower.  

The Dove Purely Pampering Range featured is:

• NEW Dove Purely Pampering Pistachio Cream with Magnolia nourishing lotion £3.99
• NEW Dove Purely Pampering Pistachio Cream with Magnolia body wash £2.29
• Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla nourishing lotion £3.99
• Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body wash £2.29

Here is some top tips from independent dermatologist, Dr Shefali’s for great looking skin all year round:

 1. Start your day with a mild cleanser for your body. Choose products that not only gently clean your skin but ones that moisturise too. Dove body washes are ideal as they have ¼ moisturising cream and ingredients that replace the lost ingredients in your skin.

2. Keep the temperature down. Hot water can dry your skin and washes away the natural moisturising layer that helps to keep your skin hydrated. Taking a few degrees off the shower will help your skin hold on to some of its moisture.

3. Make it quick, the longer you spend under the shower the more of your skin’s natural barrier is washed away.

4. Exfoliate regularly but gently. Exfoliating helps your skin remove the older dry skin cells making way for fresh new cells. It also helps your skin improve its natural regeneration.

5. Moisturise straight after the shower. Even if it’s a light moisturiser, look for ingredients like glycerine that will lock onto the moisture from your shower before it evaporates and keep your skin much more hydrated.

6. Keep your central heating low. Central heating and air conditioning play havoc on environmental moisture levels and cause more water to evaporate from your skin.You can try to counteract the dryness by placing a bowl of water near heaters or use a humidifier.

7. Don’t forget your elbows, knees and feet. They need a little more care as they are often subject to more friction.

8. Moisturise at night, choosing rich and creamy lotions that boost your skin’s moisture levels. We know that at night your skin gets more attention from the body and that’s when it begins its repair process. Using a moisturiser at night works with your skin’s natural 24 hour rhythm and provides it with the conditions it needs to rebuild and repair itself.

9. Make a habit of pampering. We all have busy stressful lives and taking a bit of time to relax is really important for your general well being. Indulge in an evening pampering session. Just 10 minutes will help you feel calmer and more relaxed and set you up for a great night’s sleep.

10.  Love the products you use. There are countless products on the market but if you don’t enjoy using them your regime will suffer. Pick products that smell nice, feel nice and work well so that caring for your skin is a pleasure rather than a chore!

View Full Post

Time Bomb Summer Essentials

Where2Buy: www.timebombco.com

The Gossip: Summer must haves from TimeBomb! 

HOLIDAY IN A BOTTLE - Complexion Boost

The Price: £28 

Just a note that this is not a foundation or a self tanner the liquid has micro-pigments that burst on contact giving you a healthy dose of sunshine glow for all slime tones. 

What is does: 

• Create a sheer wash of just-been-to-the-beach color in two shades (lighter or deeper) is an instant, uplifting anti-dote. 
• All the feel-good, look-good benefits of a sun-soaked vacation, without dangerous UVA/UVB exposure.
• Oil-free, paraben-free formula

Choose a shade:

• "Sunkissed" for lighter, honeyed sunny glow
• "Suntanned" for a translucent, sunny bronze

For best results:

Apply sparingly and evenly all over face, making certain to blend into neck. Apply more if needed. Product turns from gray to skin color on contact and adjusts to blend in with any skin tone.

On to the next one: Time Bomb completion cocktail with a shot of H2Omega

The price: £24, 100ml

This product is perfect to reload parched or dehydrated skin from the summer heat, sweating it out at the gym or from using bad cosmetic products.

What is does: 

• Counters the effects of temporary, serious dehydration
• Reloads critical moisture and essential fatty acids 
• Restores smooth, supple texture to skin that looks sucked dry, crinkled.

For best results:

Shake well before using. Apply to dry skin. Pour a small amount in hand or saturate a cotton wool or pad and apply to face. Can be used both morning and evening. Avoid contact with eyes.

Share on e

COMPLEXION COCKTAIL with a shot of H2Omega

View Full Post

PHYTOPLAGE

Where2Buy: Space NK, Feelunique.com and premium hair salons.
Price: Between £13.50 - £26.50
The Gossip: The launch of a new summer hair care range

The other day we went to the launch of the new PHYTOPLAGE hair care range. The range has been created to look after your hair throughout the summer season.

At the launch we got the chance to look at our scalp and see what needed improving with our hair care regime. As you can see the scalp is pretty congested with too much product build up, but we are going to use the recommended products from Phyto to sort out this issue - a blog on the products used will follow shortly!

If you are us and had not heard of this fab range before then check out some fun facts below:

Fun Facts:

• First brand to ever use plants in haircare
• Been around for 40 years
• 95% Natural

PHYTOPLAGE Range:

• PHYTOPLAGE L'Original Protective Sun Oil - £16
• PHYTOPLAGE Protective Sun Veil - £15
• PHYTOPLAGE Rehydrating hair and body wash - £13.50
• PHYTOPLAGE Sublime After-Sun hair and body oil - £25.50
• PHYTOPLAGE After-Sun recovery spray - £13

PHYTOPLAGE Protective Sun Veil 

Don't be afraid to use oil on your hair, it won’t make it greasy! This oil protects the hair from the heat of the sun and stops it drying to the texture of straw. Using this ingenious product will keep shine and suppleness to each strand.

How2Use: Spray on to dry or wet hair before and during sun exposure.

PHYTOPLAGE Re hydrating hair and body wash

This 2-in-1 wash is a must for any holiday removing any salt, sand and chlorine that gets tangled up in our beach hair.

PHYTOPLAGE Sublime After-Sun Oil

This is my favourite out of the entire range not only does it look pretty in a glass bottle two tone colours but it does a range of key necessities you need on your holiday!  The enclosed rare oils and high nutrient value re hydrates and beautifies sun-damaged hair and skin, not only does it repair and hydrate, sun damaged hair and skin, but it works perfectly as a moisturiser and as a bonus it prolongs your tan

View Full Post