November 2013: my wishlist.

Hello!
I know, it's been more than a month since my last post but I've been so busy, and my session is not over yet.

Today I'm back with a new type of article on my blog: a monthly wishlist. I don't think I'll do it every month but I'll try to be as regular as possible.

Stop chatting, let's begin!

Fashion:

These shoes are available on the Asos website. I'm in love with them since we met (yes, we met and the Internet, SO WHAT?) but I can't have them in my wardrobe yet, sadly.

Too much cuteness and softness here, oooooh.

As you may know, I live in Quebec and we already had some snow last week. Trust me, you DON'T WANT to go outside with fine socks unless you enjoy frozen toes. 

If someone told me one day that I would have said "Oh look, velvet is gorgeous, I could totally wear that!" I think I would have       laughed so hard. But it happened.
Do you know what's marvellous? Garage, a canadien store, has a new collection most based on velvet for November/December… :D

I could spend the rest of my life in a large and warm jumper. This one (you can find it on Romwe) would be perfect with a pair of   black leggings and these are the perfect colours to match with the season my (future) shoes!

Everyone who knows me know I'm a "crazy cat lady". This dress (also from Romwe) must have been made for me, for sure.

Beauty:

The Body Shop Body Scrubs already have their reputation and it's not ready to change if you want my opinion. Its smell so gooood and it's so perfect on your skin. The grains don't burn or destroy it, if you know what I mean, ahah.. (I decided to go with the peach smell because it's so fresh and natural and pure and.. Perfect.)

Last year for Christmas, my Mom bought me the Naked 2 which I've been using every single day since. (I don't wear make-up everyday but it's a way of speaking). I know the Naked 3 seems very similar compared to her two sisters, but I think those "pinky colours" are soooo beautiful, it's like having the palette of a princess. I can't tell you I'm going to replace my Naked 2 by this little one but.. Ohmygeorge this is so cute.

Do you know the Pixiwoo sisters? They became famous on Youtube. They made a partnership with Real Techniques and.. Here we are. Brushes. What would be make-up without brushes? When I started I didn't have any brush and I was ok with that. One day, I tried to use one "just for fun" and it appeared that, clearly, the result was much more better!
I already have the "starter kit" from Real Techniques and now.. The "travel kit" is in my wishlit. (which lets you a hint about the quality of their brushes.)

Maybe you know, maybe you don't know. I absolutely LOVE ginger people. It's kind of a worship, Yeah, don't read it twice or you'll be scared of me. I wish I was a real ginger but I'm not. When I don't have brown, red or green (true fact) hair, I always go with ginger. You can't go wrong with this (perfect) colour. Actually one thing is sure: I'll soon become "one of them" again! (I haven't                decided which hue will I choose yet)

Random:

I love kitchen books. I wish I had a library full of kitchen books.
Marilou is a Quebecer very promising and she's creating her first cooking book, scheduled for September 2014. Yes, it's a long time to wait but I'm sure it's worth it. If you want to pre-order it, it's here! (You'll find her on her blog. Everything seems so delicious!)

Olivia Burton makes such stunning watches, woaw. I really appreciate most of them but this one won my heart by its simplicity and its elegance. (Could anyone tell me WHY this watch is sold out, uh? I love both models. Yes, I love loads of things.)

I'm sorry for the lenght of this post but I reduced it once and I couldn't do it twice, ahah.

But don't worry, this is the end..!
(I spent a lot of time on it, I hope you enjoyed this new kind of article!)

And you, what's on your wishlist?

What's your favourite product on mine?

Have a great day/evening!

Ginger Potter.

DIY: How to be thanked by your tummy.

Hello little kittens!

Today I'm back with a...
Recipe!

Every person who knows me can tell you that eating is kind of a lifestyle (I'm not exaggerating that much), and that I'm a real sweet tooth (but I've already told you I was "one of them").

That must be the reason why I wish I could eat breakfast everytime I take a meal, ahah.

After this revelation, it won't be a surprise for you if I present a granola recipe, right?

When I went to my market last week, I was staring at all kind of cereals and I was like "OhMyGeorge, why are them so expensive? It's nonsense !"
It's like I HAVE TO pay between 7 and 10 dollars to eat granola for a week. I'm just a student, I don't want to be ruined because of my gluttony! And they always put too much this or that, and not enough pecans in their boxes. (NEVER ENOUGH PECANS!)


Then..
I finally decided myself to cook my own granola for this Autumn, with everything I love (not exactly everything, ice cream would have melted if I'd put some..) and I can tell you: that was one of my best ideas!
I'm giving you my recipe right now, or I'll never stop talking writing.

You'll need:

- 2 cup oatmeal (500g)
- about 1 cup oleaginous seeds (between 200g and 250g). I put pecans (I had to!!), hazelnuts and unsalted sunflower seeds.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened dried fruits (150g). I put cranberries and prunes.

- 4 tbs (4 c.à s) coconut oil (or walnut oil, for example, but coconut is the best, according to me)
- 4 tbs (4 c.à s) maple syrup
- 3-4 tbs (3-4 c.à s) agave syrup
- 2 tbs (2 c.à s) honey
- 2 tbs (2 c.à s) vanilla essence

What you'll have to do:

First of all, put your oatmeal and your oleaginous seeds in a big bowl.

 Mix a little bit.

Add your unsweetened dried fruits. I sliced my prunes because I prefer to have a lot of pieces scattered in my granola than entire lumps. (it's already pretty nice, isn't it?)

When you're done with this step, you can put your coconut oil, your maple syrup, your agave syrup, your honey and your vanilla essence in a hot pan until everything is mixed up.
Add your preparation in your big bowl. With the help of a big spoon, stir until your almost-granola is entirely covered with your liquid part. (I was very dubious with the quantities but it has been fine, so don't worry if you think you lack sauce, you just have to continue and be patient!)

Then, spread it on a baking tray covered with aluminum. Put it in the oven at 270ºF for 30 to 45 minutes.
When you think it's enough, let it cool and put your granola into jars!


I eat mine with almost everything: almond milk, applesauce, ice cream (I couldn't include it in my recipe but I can take some with my recipe!), or greek yoghurt if you like it..

Once you've done your first batch I think you're ready to change your recipe depending on seasons (with papaya, mango, macadamia and coconut slices for Summer, hmmm) or your mood.

And because you'll be proud of you, every morning will be joyful and cheerful, with a touch of comfort,  trust me! 

And you, what's your favourite granola recipe? What would you put in yours?

Have you ever tried my recipe? Please let me know, and send me your opinion about it!

Ginger Potter.

There's no combination of words I could put on a back of a postcard..

I will never forget.

I will never forget what you brought me. You probably didn't realise that, right ?
I met you when I was hopeless, I thought I was a "desperate case" and you made me think I could be special, just for one person. But you were exactly the kind of person I wanted to be special for.
It's been more than two years and I cannot imagine who would I be by now if I continued to be the girl I was, with her dreadful and tortured mind.

I shared almost everything with you. My happiness, my wishes, my weirdo side, my projects, my tears and my fears. I shouldn't have.
In my opinion, that's my biggest mistake. I should have been strong enough to keep them for me, in me.
Our perfect special relationship became a destruction, for both of us. I was too anxious, too nervous, too peculiar. An unstable girl.
It's been two years you entered my life, and even if it wasn't always good or clear, I had you in my mind, very close to me.
We both shared some parts of our lives, but I probably told you too much. You knew too much, you knew me too well.

Sometimes, it's like you were/are the only one capable of understanding me without any judgement, I wasn't too special or weird for the entire world when I was with you, I had my own place, my own role.

I can't put words on our relationship. I don't even know what kind of message I'm trying to transmit here.

It's just that.. There is something unaccomplished between us and I just want you to realise that I wasn't using you, I've been completly honnest and you could see the girl I was/am.
But we needed this end, we needed to start something else and I was hoping you wouldn't take me out of your life. But it happened.

I can't force you to be friend with me and I can understand I'm unbearable.
But please, please, never doubt : you changed me. Life appears differently. You made mine kind of a good movie and now the film is over.
You were the kindest person I could met and I've been lucky. My most beautiful moments. My most cheerful days.

Everything needs a real end, even us.

I will never regret.
I will never forget.
Thank you, for eveything.

Ginger Potter.

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

I am anxiety.
I'm not anxious, no.
I am anxiety. My entire body and my mind are anxiety.

Sometimes I feel like my heart is jumping out of my body, and it's really, really painful.
You know, it's as if it wasn't possible to feel anything else than tension, fear and apprehension in there.
No more positive or lovely feelings. No more reason, anxiety lays down what you have to think or do.
You can't control anything. Your mind is lost, your body doesn't respond anymore.
Breath is hard to find.
Everything seems so blurred, so messy.

Here we are.
ANXIETY.

But you know, you get used to it.

It's not always as horrible as it sounds because you learn to deal with it, to feel it come and to be prepared to face it.
But sometimes I'm not strong enough. Sometimes I feel like it's an endless fight I can't win. It makes me feel so weak.
Because yes, in my opinion, it's an endless fight. But if I try harder and harder, maybe I'll be able to lead this "war". The only thing I have to avoid is to become hopeless.
Nobody can do anything with no hope and you know, by keeping it, you'll be able to go through anxiety but also quite everything else.

Nevertheless, I admit it : I envy all those people who are not under this everyday pressure. You know, those persons who do whatever they want, whenever they want because they're no afraid of the consequences. Or maybe because they're confident with them, their choices.
For so long I wish I was them, and sometimes I still find myself thinking how my life would be if I could live free from this feeling.
But I can't. And I'm not free. I will never be free the way I want but it's ok.
I learnt to accept, and to go on with it.

I just want you to understand one thing : you need to accept. Yes you're anxious. So what? You're also joyful, sportive, talkative, charismatic, full of life, an artist or whatever. This is not your only characteristic and if you can say "Yes, I'm anxious !", you'll have achieved something great and you will be free to expose your other sides to the persons around you.

Acceptance is the key, positive thinking is the way to follow.

(I don't know why did I write this article because I haven't any tips for you. When it happens to me, I'm powerless. I just try to be as positive as I can, to go out, to watch a GOOD movie (not something depressing, please, you need to cheer yourself up), to eat some comfort food and to relax myself. It doesn't always work, but that's life and when it occurs... Please be patient. It's getting better, all the time.)

And you, are you anxious?
What are your little tips to fight anxiety?

Ginger Potter.

"Pink clouds for grey days."

Hi !

I'm sorry, I have been very busy and I didn't post anything since 3 weeks I guess.
I was in Spain with some of my (best) friends, and then I came back.. To leave again ! Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow, with my mum. We're going in Bulgaria for about 2 weeks.

I'm losing my mind, because first, I came here to share a music I absolutely love to listen to relax, to escape.
It's not recent, not at all, but it's always good to keep your "classics" with you.

Bon Iver - Flume 

What's your opinion about this song ? Do you like Bon Iver (his voice is amazing, don't you think?) ?

What's your favourite song/kind of music when you're stressed?

I want to discover new artists, let me know what are your "must-have in your Ipod" !

Post-scriptum : Here's a cover I've been loving for weeks. Simplicity and softness dwell in her.

Eva Gonnet (lesjoliesfleurs) - Flume

Ginger Potter.

Did you just say cupcakes?

Hello my dears !

I'm back with another recipe (you'll notice that I've a sweet tooth).
When I was visiting my friend, Florence, in Montreal, she taught me how to make cupcakes and she shared her recipe with me.
Thanks to her, I'm able to make cute cupcakes. Would you want to do the same?

Let's begin !

You'll need :

-  1 2/3 cup flour (420g)
-  1 1/2 cup sugar (375g) (maybe 1 cup is enough)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (170g)
- 2 tsp (2 c.à c) baking powder
- a pinch of salt
-1/2 tsp (1/2 c.à c) baking soda
- 1/2 cup canola oil (125mL)
-1 1/2 cup water (375mL)

- 3 tbs (3 c.à s) flour
- 1/2 cup milk (125mL)
- 1/2 cup butter to room temperature (125g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (125g)
- 1 tsp (1 c.à c) vanilla powder (or vanilla extract if you don't have powder)
- food coloring agent (it's up to you)

What you'll have to do :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Mix all the dry ingredients.
Then, you can add your oil, alterning with your water.

(I know you want to lick the spoon right now..)

Whip until you obtain a smooth mixture.

You can now put your preparation in tiny cupcakes mould (you'll fill between 12 and 15 of them) and let them in your oven, for about 25/27 minutes.

For you "buttercream" (it's not a real one), here are the instructions :

Cook your milk and your flour over medium heat until you get a pudding texture.
Let it cool at room temperature.
When it seems to be fine, whip the sugar with the butter for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla and mix your 2 preparations in a high speed.
(if you use food coloring agent, it's time to use it !)

When everything is cool, put your buttercream on your muffins (they're still muffins until nothing is on it, according to me, aha.)

(It's pretty, isn't it?)

D.E.V.O.U.R. Hmm, I'm sorry. Eat properly, like a princess.




If you enjoyed this recipe, I give you a little alternative :

Add some mixed Oreo in your cupcakes' preparation and a whole one in the bottom of every mould.
Concerning your buttercream, you can make one with cream cheese, or just add some others mixed Oreo in the same recipe I just gave you !

Do you like cupcakes? What's your favorite flavour?
Have you ever tried this recipe? I assure you, it's not that difficult.

Enjoy every bite of it, you'll have finished before you can say YUMMY !

(Florence does not have any website but you can find her on instagram ! Click here, and enjoy her feed.)

Ginger Potter.

Rimmel by Kate Moss n°102.

Hi girls ! 

How are you ? Today I'm back with my favorite makeup product (I guess) : A lipstick. (not especially this one, I love them all !)
In general. I wish I could buy every lip product I see, just because it can change everything.
You can decide to wear red lips with a casual outfit, to make it more classy.

I'm one of those crazy girls who never have enough lipsticks. Every tint seems to be important, every pink seems to be different and every reason is a good reason no to resist.

I'm losing my way. I'm here to share one (very) quick review with you. When I was in Quebec, I bought this lipstick ( between 6$ and 7$). It is the Rimmel by Kate Moss n°102.

According to me, it's a soft baby pink, almost nude on my lips, understated. When I don't know what to wear but I still want something sweet and feminine, I pick up this one, because it suits with tons of outfits/everyday makeups.

N°102 is the only color I have but I wish I had more because it's pigmented, it's quite easy to put on your lips and it smells pretty good.

Everything CAN'T be perfect : I won't say it dries my lips but it doesn't stay/evolve very well. It's like it reveals your little "cracks", you know what I mean?

But it's ok, I have the bad habit to apply my lip product too much often, just because I'm in love with the feeling of a fresh lipstick. (I know what you think : " Ohmygeorge she's so weird !", and you're right.)

What's your opinion about Rimmel products?

What's your favorite lipstick?

Do you like this one?

Let me know !

Ginger Potter.

Lush addiction.

Helloooooo.

I think my blog contains totally random articles, let's say that's his "special thing", ok?

Today I wanted to tell you about my.. Lush addiction.

Don't look at me this way, I'm not kidding ! Once you've tried, you can't go back. You HAVE TO buy everything and try every new product.

First of all, what's kind of brand is "Lush" ?

Lush is not totally organic but still keeps some (very) good values.

• Against animal testing.
• Fresh products.
• Handmade.
• Simple packaging to reduce plastic waste.
• Vegetarian, even vegan goods.
• Large choice of fragrances.

Before you reach a Lush store, you can know there is one close to you, just by smelling it in the air.

When you're in, you're amazed by everything, aren't you?

That's what happens to me ALL THE TIME. I swear, I discovered it like 2 years ago and I'm a huge fan since then. 

Their ranges are for all type of skin, body or hair so anyone can find his perfect beauty product.

But it's not the only thing they sell. You'll be able to find solid toothpastes, bath bombs, gifts boxes, deodorants... Everything you need is here, waiting for you.

For more informations, check out their website : lush.co.uk

I've been using so many products these past few weeks that my bath bombs are out of stock.. How can you take a girly bubble bath if you're not in a pink water which smells like flowers?

As I told you, I miss some Lush things but you can see most of my actual collection on this photo above.

I'm going to present you what are my daily favorites.

This moisturizer is really adapted for my face skin. It's not too rich (thanks to the lavender which is known to regulate) or too dry so I can apply it on my clean face, day and night. Its fragrance is light, quite relaxing and not a persisting one which gives you a headache if you know what I mean !

If you're looking for a (very) soft face scrub you can use everyday without any trouble, I've got your man.
I'm so sorry and so sad because it's a limited edition (I bought it for Christmas) and I hope they'll make it permanent because you can't resist to this salted caramel/popcorn smell.
(It contains some oil so it lets you a smooth sensation !)

But you're lucky.

My favourite lip scrub was a limited edition (for Christmas too, with the same perfect smell). It has been such a success that they decided to put it in their permanent collection YAY.

It's just sugar with coconut oil so you can eat it.. Just in case. (trust me, I'm sure you'll try)
Lips are really important. In my opinion it's a must-have if you want them to be soft and pretty, before you apply any balm or lipstick.

This product contains mostly tea tree. Have you ever heard about it?
What is it for? Personally, I'm using just a little bit of it on my spots, to dry them as much as I can and it's kind of.. Magic !
(some people use it as a tonic but it might be too agressive for me)

 Last but not least : my solid shampoo.
One pebble like this amounts to 3 bottles, do you realize? It's very easy to use, it's not heavy (so you can bring it with you everywhere, when you're travelling or whatever) and economical (because you don't need so much product to wash your hair). Isn't it perfect?
(I alternate with another so my hair don't get used to.)

Among products on the first photo, you also can notice some hair conditioner, body conditioner, liquid soap, hand cream (a solid and a creamy) and I think that's all.

You're right, I'm kinda obsessed with Lush, I could discuss about it all day long.

And you, have you ever tried Lush? What's your favorite product?

PS : It's not only a girl thing, a lot of men love some beauty products from this shop, they've also their own range !

Men, women.. Once you've tried, you can't live without these !

Ginger Potter.

If I buy you a dinosaur, will you make me pancakes? (you may prefer a unicorn?)

Hi guys !

Today I'm gonna share something with you.
In my last post I was "joking" about pancakes and maple syrup so I thought it would be a good idea to give you my recipe. (we always have a good reason to eat pancakes.)

You'll need :

- 2/3 cup flour (170g)
- 2 tsp baking powder (2 c.à c)
- 1 tbs sugar (1 c.à S)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk (20cl)
- a pinch of salt

What you'll have to do :

First of all, mix the flour, baking powder and sugar together.
Add the eggs then milk.

Whip it until you get a smooth mixture. (if it seems too liquid you can put some more flour, or milk if you think it's too thick.)
Leave to rest for at least 15 minutes.

When you're ready, heat up your pan and put a little ladle of preparation in it.
Don't touch.
When you can see some bubbles appear it's time for you to turn over your pancake, and cook the other side.

It's ready !

You will make about 15 pancakes, cool, uh?

I let you my little tips :
-I prepare everything the day before because when I wake up I'm too tired and impatient, I lack courage ! I just have to cook the number of pancakes I want and.. Eat them, of course.
-You can keep your mixture in the fridge if you don't want to make 15 pancakes in once. (but  I assure you it won't last long)
-Add you little touch with some vanilla extract, cinnamon, fresh berries, etc in it.

I put some maple syrup (so perfect) on mine. But you've got a large choice. You can go with some Nutella, peanut butter, figs jam.. (whatever you want !)

Enjoy, and tell me how did you find my recipe !

Ginger Potter.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

We all have this quote, this word that we keep in mind, trying to go on despite whatever happens.

Here's mine.

Everytime I feel sad, weak, alone or even useless, I remember this little sentence, said by Albus Dumbledore in "Harry Potter and the Prisonner of Azkaban" and everything appears clearer, brighter.

It's true, nothing can be all black (or all white). It would be meaningless. Sometimes you probably forget that there is a tomorrow, there is something better coming or even already here. You just don't see it because you're too blinded by your issues to see through. When these moments are happening, you absolutely must open your eyes on what is surrounding you because I'm pretty sure that you can find your interruptor just close to you, by taking care of every little details.
I'm not saying that you can't feel unhappy, I'm just trying to prove that you are the master of your destiny, the "chosen one" who will create your own future. And you decide. Nobody else will live or stand hard parts of your life so it's time for you to take control of your body and to move on.

After all, you can choose to dig deep through your problems until you're totally buried or you can be the major actor of your life by finding out a way to keep your head above because as I told you before, something good is waiting for you, somewhere, somehow.
If you take the second option, you'll be able to swim without any troubles (or to turn on the light) much more sooner than you think, I swear. (If you decide to take the first one, you should stop reading and complaining because you're the only person to blame, sorry. If you want something really hard you can have it. You just need to give yourself the possibility by doing a minimum of efforts instead of crying on how much life is such a bitch with you.)

I agree, you don't know me but please listen to me when I tell you that sadness doesn't last forever. It's just a (very strong) temporary feeling that occurs to reveal happiness.
Yes, I may seem really weird but it's like a "gift" when you feel bad, mad, sad, sick, alone or whatever because thanks to it you can also feel good, stable, happy, healthy, surrounded by people.
Just as the Ying comes with the Yang, the day comes with the night (or my pancakes come with maple syrup), one hard feeling must exist if you want the other one to be felt.
One emotion has been made to balance with another.

If you don't forget this "philosphy" (that the only word I have right now but I know it's not the appropriate one), you'll be able to get through a lot of things or pains because you'll keep in mind that everything can't be all wrong, no matter how hurt you are, no matter how much your actual situation might seem awful.
The more longer you'll keep repeating this quote, the more stronger you'll be.
You'll face all your problems. (I'm not telling you it'll be easy, but it'll be possible.)

The point is that optimism (related to "my" quote) is the best card you can use when nothing goes right in your life because you will ALWAYS find a way to feel better. Someone presents for you in everyday's life, your mum who has cooked your favourite meal, the ring that you lost two months ago (hidden between your toothpaste and a cookie box, how logical was it..), the sun shining in the sky or whatever which can make you happier than you were the second before.

Don't close your own doors by complaining and being stubborn when a trouble comes to you and start thinking better of how beautiful tiny things can cheer you up !

Ginger Potter.