Little Red Riding Hood's Tea.

Once upon a time, an exhausted schoolgirl ventured into her usual tea store. As the shadows of exams drew closer and the nights became longer, fatigue weighed down her weary head. And so she asked for something different... Something refreshing yet heartwarming at the same time. She was offered a strange yet fascinating tin of tiny red needle like leaves. She lifted it to her nose and inhaled. The mellow earthy aromas pirouetted through her thoughts of golden sunsets in enchanted forests from far away lands. From the rugged slopes of the Cedarberg Mountains in South Africa to her dainty glass teacup... A year later, she sips the coppery red infusion of rooibos tea and continues to write this very blogpost...

Rooibos tea tends to remind me of Little Red Riding Hood. Often referred to as 'red tea', I suppose it's the colour of the charming beverage, not to mention the sweet earthy notes that are so reminiscent of the forests Miss Riding Hood frequented.

I really do adore this tea and I can't help but love it even more knowing the high levels of antioxidants that it contains. As a vegetarian, I'm very conscious that my diet includes plenty of vitamins and more importantly, those essential minerals. To my great surprise and delight, I discovered that this caffeine free tea also contains iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

I always get my rooibos from T2, and what's brilliant about this whimsical psychedelic tea store is that they are always very generous when it comes to samples! So if you're a bit nervous about purchasing this magical tea, just go in store and ask a friendly shop assistant for a sample to take home. Once you you've tried it, return to the store immediately and purchase. I just know you'll love it!

While your there, perhaps pick up a little sample of the Red Green Vanilla? 'Fresh and light green rooibos blended with velvety vanilla'. Think a couture ruby red Valentino silk cloak and a monogrammed Louis Vuitton wicker basket filled with the most decadent Ladurée macarons. I shall not say more, and I'll let you try it for yourself!

Tea party anyone?

Love,
Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

Throughout the past week, I found myself in caught in an unshakable sense of limbo. What do I mean? Please allow me to explain... It is that period of time where the carefree idleness of the holidays still lingers about in your head. Meanwhile, you feel your heart pounding in the background because deep down you know that there are still lectures to attend and assignments to complete (it's also pounding because you're about to miss your train!) And so, I made the very sensible decision to embrace the calm before the storm... I kid. I am a serial procrastinator.

Now how does one remove the guilt of procrastination? Ensure that whatever irrelevant activity you've chosen has something to do with exercising. Intensely study each and every bone and muscle in the human head or take an invigorating afternoon run beneath the golden sky? I'll take the second option, please.

If neither appeal to you, have coffee with Julie T. However, when your dearest confidant returns from a month of adventures through Europe, coffee alone does not suffice... Whisk him off to your favourite little cafe for a celebratory breakfast! The most delicious fig toast you'll ever taste infused with tales of Paris, London and Rome? I couldn't be happier.

Now, I find that in the midst of a stressful week (or one spent frolicking about in nonchalance...) one of the best way to unwind and escape from reality is to lose yourself amongst ornate gowns and decant creations in the glossy pages of Harper's Bazaar. By the way, Scarlett Johansson... You are beautiful.

I am also proud to announce that I published my first Julie loves... post featuring my favourite products of July. See, I wasn't that unproductive... I really did enjoy sharing my thoughts on such lovely items and I do hope you enjoyed reading! 

Speaking of makeup, I find that you can achieve such classic elegance with just a flick of eyeliner. I rarely line my eyes, but it is quite a joy to sport a cat eye look every once in a while. Add some ruby red lips, a little black dress then layer on a long gold necklace or two and you're ready for that cocktail evening. Here's a little trick, prime your lips with a layer of lipstain (or even better lipliner) before applying and then blotting your lipstick. You'll avoid completely defacing that sparkling flute of champagne with your dramatic lips!

I do confess, I did find myself strolling through The Strand Arcade yet again. I was simply on my way to my Aunty's birthday lunch at La Rosa on the third floor. I must say, the food was divine as always. At this darkened but beautiful restaurant, there is something so exciting and magical about having a candlelit meal in the middle of the day! Caught in the moment, I told the nagging kilojoule counting voice in my head to be quiet, and ordered the most unadorned yet tempting item on the dessert menu... Tiramisu. Let me tell you, I had no regrets.

And as a week of pleasant affairs and delicious delights came to an end, Mother Nature decided to remove her dirty laundry from the skies and bless Sydney with some sunshine. A classic polka dot dress from Ben Sherman seemed fitting for such a jovial occasion! 

I do apologise for the slight delay of this post, though I will have two more coming out by Sunday! I hope that this coming week brings with it a little more productivity and that you won't have to resort to chaining yourself to your desk as I may have to at this rate... 

Love,

Julie T. 

Julie Loves - July Edition.

Promises of vanishing lotions and hydrating potions, can fool even the best of us. When it comes to making purchases in the beauty department, it never hurts to read a review or two... Nobody wants to spend $20 on a enticing concealer that only leaves you feeling heartbroken and tarnished with further inflamed blemishes. 

So, my dearest reader, I've decided to present to you my monthly beauty favourites on the first Monday of each month. I hope this saves you the pain of disappointing purchases and introduces you to beautiful things you'll fall in love with too!

Throughout this past July, I have been adoring...

Revlon's Colour Burst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum

I know that every beauty blogger and her dog has raved on about this product but I must say... The rumours are true. I find that this particular colour adds such a lovely, yet exceptionally natural, flush of pink to the lips. Though it may not last as long as the Revlon Kissable Lip Balm Stain, it's staying power really did surprise me... Think of it as pleasantly hydrating lip balm with a sheer yet sufficient tint of colour. Oh and it also contains mango, shea and coconut butter. Yes!

Covergirl's Clump Crusher Mascara

The Covergirl Lash Blast mascaras are brilliant. But... This is definitely their best mascara yet. The dense and stiff plastic teeth (think teeth of a teeny tiny hair comb instead of your traditional mascara bristles) really do 'crush' those horrid mascara clumps. And for those of you who are serial mascara abusers (Yes, I see you on public transport applying ten times more mascara than you need) this is a must have. I am addicted to it's lash separating and volumising powers and trust me... you won't go back once you've started using it!

Real Techniques Multi-task Brush

Step aside Sigma brushes, Samantha Chapman coming through! Apart from being a long time follower of the lovely Youtuber, I absolutely adore her brushes. By now everybody knows how brilliant they are but I find that the Multi-task Brush rarely gets much time in the spotlight compared to some of its other siblings e.g. Miss Popular Expert Face Brush. It is the perfect size for contouring, especially beneath the cheekbones (though I must say it is just as wonderful for any of your other bronzing/blushing desires). The dense bristles pickup just enough product and also manage to blend quite wonderfully! Tell me, what more could you want? What's that? The perfect bronzer? Read on...

Rimmel's Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze (022)

In the middle of winter, when you combine my olive skin tone with my exceptionally terrible sleeping patterns... You get a rather pale and sickly looking Julie. On a day to day basis, I rarely ever use blush though, just because I find that it is too garish on my skin. However, I love how just a touch of bronzer brings so much warmth to the face, whilst adding dimension and defining your features too. As a devout bronzer advocate, I swear by Rimmel's Natural Bronzer. Who could say no to a natural looking sunny glow! This is actually the second one I've purchased and I've already hit pan.

Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser

Back when Julie T. was an acne baring teenager who's benzoyl peroxide prescriptions left her skin 'treated' but quite dry and rather lifeless, her dermatologist handed her a few samples of this moisturiser.  Thus began a long and hydrating relationship filled with comfort, relief and of course, UV protection... This Aveeno moisturiser has stood by me for quite some time now and always makes me feel just that little bit more radiant especially on those cold winter mornings.

 Nivea's Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

Before we even go into how hydrating this lip butter is, can we just pause for a moment and appreciate Nivea's ingenious development of such unique and heartwarming flavours? The Caramel Cream one has such a heartwarming smell and reminds me of Golden Popcorn too... I think I'm just a little obsessed with all things caramel these days... Either way, it is so pleasantly moisturising and doesn't leave your lips with that greasy stickiness (a problem I often encounter with the more hydrating lip balms and butters). This has definitely been my favourite winter lip balm!

Dearest Reader

So here we are at the end of the beginning... The end of the first week of semester two, to be exact. There were times when I felt like staying in bed all day. Well actually, I felt like morphing into a ball of blankets and pillows each and every morning. But you know what? Once you finally make that small step out of bed (i.e. that giant leap for an exhausted and sleep deprived uni student) the day isn't as bad as it seems. Though it is taking some effort to excavate any remnants of optimism from the extremities of my soul, it can be done! Especially with the help of some good food, good company and a treat or two along the way...

I decided that the new semester called for a new laptop case... Trivial, you say? Yes, I know, but I often find that having somewhat flamboyant artefacts scattered here and there, makes my day a little brighter. A wildly red laptop case, doesn't scream Mardi Gras, but it certainly puts a smile on my dial!

On the topic of rouge items, a fresh punnet of strawberries always makes be feel infinitely better! I love that kick you get after single handedly devouring an entire punnet (perhaps it's the vitamin C high?) I assure you, eating fresh is the way to go on those foggy-minded mornings.

'But Julie! I can't survive on strawberries alone!' I know, I know... You know what you need? A gigantic sandwich stuffed with the goodness of lots of fresh vegetables, some grilled eggplant and a wholesome homemade vege patty. 

Now Friday had come and it was time to unwind. It is quite alright for one to treat oneself every once in a while, right? Especially when such a treat involves froyo! Green tea and biscotti froyo, with strawberries, slivered almonds and mochi. Need I say more?

Though treats come in many shapes and sizes, ingredients and kilojoules... To be quite honest with you, sometimes a really good salad can be a treat in itself. It's always nice to appreciate the flavours of natural food that hasn't been concocted in a lab or fried to death. One of my all time favourite salads is a charming mess of vinegarette carrots and fennel, celery, parsley, toasted pine nuts and just a few drops of sesame oil!

They say that aromas have an exceptional effect on our moods too. And on my quest to combat wintery chapped lips, dabbing on some of Nivea's Lip Butter in Caramel Cream has kept me quite cheery!

Speaking of this delightful lip product, I will be publishing my first ever monthly favourites post tomorrow. I've decided to feature all of my most loved beauty products on the first Monday of each month from now on and I do hope you'll pop by to have a peek. See you soon!

Love,
Julie T.

NUTELLA POPCORN!

For any gentlemen reading this post, let me tell you... Food may be the way to a man's heart, but it is also a pretty fast highway to that of a woman's. (Seriously, the recipe only takes about five minutes!)

Having said that, no man nor woman could possibly deny the heavenly hazelnut spread that is... Nutella. Every once in a while it is perfectly fine to treat oneself and what better way to do it than to combine this hazelnutty goodness with the satisfying crunch of our previous Winter Warmers recipe (Golden Popcorn). Simply replace the butter with one very generous tablespoon of Nutella and there you have it: Nutella popcorn... The most simple and satisfying culinary discovery I have ever made.  Feeling extra devilish? Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream! 

Let me know if she said yes,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader,

In an exhilarating whirlwind of delightful reunions, retail therapy, ridiculous sleeping patterns, and plenty of good food... For many of us, our beloved midyear hiatus has come to an end. Of course, it is of great importance that the final week of any sort of break must be filled with as much merriment as one can contain in 168 hours. Yes, every hour counts, doesn't it? As for me, I must say... This has certainly been an exceptionally pleasant week! Here are just a couple of things I decided to shake up in my cocktail of bliss before returning to the monotony of university life...

Good food and good company... Two very important yet simple joys in life. So off to Newtown I went, with Mr Biffle, to have a very lovely lunch at the one and only Luxe cafe & bakery. Their pea fritter is to die for. Trust me, I have ordered it every single time without fail!

As much as I enjoy strolling through the city, sometimes a lazy day at home can be just as enjoyable. On a cold winter's day, how can one say no to snuggling up in bed with some good old chick flicks? Confessions of a Shopaholic. How appropriate for such an occasion! 'If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater...'

Don't fret, dearest reader... I made sure that I switched off those chick flicks before my IQ was completely diminished. Later that night I had the great joy of being reunited with ten highly independently minded young women - my fellow high school prefects. A metre long pizza followed by a churros fiesta was definitely worthy of such an event!

This week also came with the very much anticipated return of a loved one bearing a rather special gift. For those of you who don't know, I am in fact Vietnamese. I do believe that it is truly important to value and take pride in your heritage. This silk hand embroidered clutch was a beautiful souvenir from Vietnam - a little reminder of the vibrant and tropical country my parents grew up in.

Oh and of course I had to visit all of my favourite places one last time before diving into the workload of semester two. Tasting nougat under chandeliers at Bon Bon? Yes, please!

Now can I just say... Mellow burgundy and navy blue tones may be very winter appropriate but rules are meant to be broken. Adding a splash of yellow and emerald green here and there on a winter's day, certainly lifts my spirits!

Though I do enjoy shopping with friends and family, most of the time I prefer to stroll past the gleaming windows and poised mannequins alone. Call me antisocial, but I find it quite therapeutical to absorb the decadent elements of the my city when solo... (sometimes with the company of a dark mocha frappuccino from Starbucks?)

Though the thought of early mornings rushing out the door and late nights cramming, may seem somewhat bitter... Try to think of this as a fresh start filled with plenty of opportunities to better ourselves and work towards higher goals. I will certainly continue to post regularly and I do hope that this blog brings a little joy to your day! Thank you so much for the wonderful support and kind words since I started Coffee with Julie T. It means more than I can say to know that my humble collection of musings have been so appreciated. As another semester dawns, I'd just like to wish you the very best! 

Love,

Julie T.

WINTER WARMERS: GOLDEN POPCORN

Eating is an exceptionally sensual experience. To best explain this concept to you, today we shall be making then devouring one of my favourite winter nibbles: golden popcorn. There's something so comforting about this winter warmer, even before your taste buds are kissed by the sweet golden glaze. It's the burst of sizzling as the cool butter touches the pan, the gentle bubbling of the golden syrup, the warm and luscious aroma of caramel that just dances around your kitchen for hours. 

So if you're craving something sweet, put down that chocolate bar and read on... At just a fraction of the calories, your golden popcorn is only five minutes away!

Preparation Time - 2 mins
Cooking Time - 3 mins 

Serves 2-3

Ingredients
1½ cups Puffed corn (lightly toasted)
½ Tbsp butter (preferably light)
1 Tbsp golden syrup 

Toasting Puffed Corn.
Heat up a medium sized pan on high heat, then lightly toast puffed corn for a minute (give the pan a bit of a shake every 10-20 seconds to ensure that the puffed corn is evenly toasted). Transfer onto a lined tray.

1. Wipe pan to remove any crumbs and return to stove on medium heat. Melt butter on hot pan. 

2. Add golden syrup. 

3. Once the butter and golden syrup begin to combine and bubble, reduce heat and add puffed corn.

4. Stir occasionally for an even glaze. Transfer onto lined tray once puffed corn is evenly coated and golden. Allow to cool slightly before devouring! 

If you're wondering what on earth these little round balls are, they are in fact 'puffed' corn. Puffed corn (as well as other various puffed cereals) have always been a pantry staple for me, because they're so great to nibble on when you're feeling peckish - especially as a healthy midnight snack during exam season! I always use the organic range from Abundant Earth, which you should be able to find in the health food aisle at Woolworths. Oh and they're only 54 calories a serve... Brilliant.

Happy munching!

Julie T.

Dearest Reader,

How are you? Good or bad? Comme ci, comme ça? I do hope this post finds you well!
However in the world bloggers and blog readers... I always seem to find that this blogging experience is more enjoyable when those on either side of this screen are able to interact on a more personal level. I'm afraid, I'm not quite ready to share your toothbrush (perhaps I shall never be, not to mention that is awfully unhygienic) but I would love to, instead, share my day to day experiences with you.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I couldn't agree more. Call me slow, but I have been recently blessed by the wonderful world of Instagram! So I've decided to write you a little letter at the end of each week based on my Instagram adventures. Shall we begin?

Yes. My week began with a bubble bath. I do believe that becoming extra lazy to make up for the torment of Semester 1, has caused my days to merge into one very long day dream. So why not embrace the situation and fix yourself up with a lovely bubble bath. How peachy! (Pun intended...)

Strolling down the balconies of The Strand Arcade, I always feel so very much like Miss Holly Golightly. There is something so magical about this elegantly opulent building and it's beautiful little shops. Each and every time I go on a little shopping expedition to the city, I can't help bit pay a visit to this little piece heaven. 

When we seek a getaway, most of us will think of Hawaiian beaches and little umbrellas shading the contents of a crystal cocktail glasses... As lovely as that sounds, I prefer to find beauty in the places close to home or in this case in my second home! That is, Pitt St. 

And why not make a toast to a brilliant day of fine (and hopefully well considered!) purchases? On this particular day, I decided to visit the new T2B tea bar in Westfield Sydney. Forget Starbucks or juice bars, and pick up a fruity slush tea with popping apple juice bubbles... Beverage innovation at its finest!

You know what else makes shopping so thrilling? Trying on ridiculously extravagant pieces. I've never been one to prance about in neon yellow, but come on... After the mannequin in the window waved me in with this flamboyant maxi, I couldn't help but skip into the store and have a go! As the shop assistant happily handed me a gold buckled statement belt (cause bother with subtleties now?), she couldn't help but laugh. I was the sixth customer that day who had been lured in by the same mannequin in the window!

Now here's one for those sweet toothed readers and indulgent souls... Let us bask in the beauty of the Ladurée window. Need I say more? (Oh except, please try not to salivate on your keyboards!)

Hope you enjoyed my very first 'Dearest Reader' post! And for those of you who are wondering you can find my little abode in the world of Instagram by clicking right here!

Love,

Julie T.

WINTER WARMERS: ROASTED CHESTNUTS

As we dive into the dark depths of winter, we tend to take with us plenty of sweet and fattening edibles. Then in the wake of summer, in the harsh and unforgiving sunlight, we face the shocking repercussions of our winter gluttony...

My dearest readers, it does not have to be this way! I have come up with some simple winter warmers that are nutritious and most of all: delicious. Brace yourself for what I am about to say but... Comfort food can be healthy. I have decided to begin our nutritious quest for heart warming winter delights with the magnificent chestnut:

There's something so beautiful about these nuts, with their dark woody shells which break open to reveal a soft and sweet content. When choosing chestnuts, make sure the shell is firm and free from blemishes. I do confess that I love a freshly baked muffin, but I find that a bowl of roasted chestnuts is just as, if not more satisfying (I do believe it's the lack of guilt that makes food taste better). Even before they are cooked your kitchen (and the rest of your house!) will be filled with this heavenly nutty aroma that almost defies the laws of physics - I swear on my beloved blog, they smell 'warm'...

Roasting Chestnuts

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Begin by giving them a quick rinse, then pat dry with a tea towel. 

Step 2. With a serrated knife, carefully cut a horizontal and vertical slit onto each nut. This prevents excess pressure from building up under the shell during the cooking process. (I shall not be held accountable for any exploding chestnuts!) Transfer onto a tray lined with baking paper, cut side up.

Step 3. Place tray into preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes. You will notice the shell peeling back as they cook!

Step 4. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. (Though this wait may be difficult with the mouth-watering aromas filling your kitchen, I wouldn't want you to burn your fingers!)

Step 5. When cool enough to touch (but still nice and warm!) peel back the shell and enjoy!

Now that you're happily munching on your chestnuts, I thought I might add to your joy by informing you that these nuts are in fact low fat, gluten and cholesterol free. There're also a great source of iron and potassium! See I told you comfort food can be healthy.

Happy roasting!

Julie T.

BUTTER ME UP!

‘Wouldn’t it be nice if the world was Cadbury…’ The melody dances through my mind whilst the smell of cocoa tickles my nose. Though it could be quite entertaining to smear chocolate all over oneself, I do believe that cocoa butter makes much less of a mess and just so happens to be rather moisturising too...

Winter has come for us Southern Hemispherians, and finding the perfect moisturiser to prevent that dull and rough winter skin is vital. My all time favourite is definitely Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula. Feeling it melt into your skin is just the most satisfying feeling. With added vitamin E, it also helps with scars or blemishes. Don’t forget to moisturise after you come out of the shower, when your skin can best absorb the lotion! I usually have one in the bathroom and another by my bedside table. So alternatively, one could apply the cocoa goodness before bed for supple skin and very sweet dreams.

Butter up!

Julie T.