Its the weekend! For me this means its time to cook ...  

I have had this cake a number of times but I had never had the guts to make my own. This was my first trial and boy was it easy and tasty too!

Ingredients
2 Apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon (I didn't have lemons I used 3 teaspoons of concentrated lemon juice)
2 eggs
1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees celsius)
   
2. Cut apple into 8 pieces. Remove skin with a potato peeler or a knife.
   
3. Mix all ingredients together except the apples.
   
4. Spray a 9 inch baking pan with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Put the dough in the oiled pan and then place the apples on top.
   
6. You can slice the apples a bit for them to release flavor during baking.
7. Bake for 50 mins.

Enjoy with tea or some ice cream!

So it was my birthday a couple of days ago. I had a blast and obviously a moment of self reflection. I decided to make a list of the things I think are important that I have learnt so far.

1. Pursue a passion.
2. Accept criticism.
3. Cut people some slack; especially cashiers and shop help. Don't be the jerk that ruins someone's day or its already ruined so don't make it worse.
4. Buy good jeans. They last longer because of cost per wear.
5. Cook your own meals! its cheaper.
6. Pay debts bit by bit. Student loans or even loans from friends. A bad debtor = a bad friend!
7. Don't force on yourself things you don't like. Chances are you won't like them the next day either. Music, people, clothes and especially boys!
8. Buy the right size of clothes and shoes always! Not whats there or the size you want to be!
9. For others - do what you can! You cant save everybody!
10. Stop being judgmental, critical or talking about others. You don't know nothing about them. You don't know their struggle.
11. Don't rush to tell your story wait until your friend is done. Wait until laughter has died down from your friend's joke before you start your own funny story. (Found in the book " The happiness project")
12. Don't follow your friends all the time. Learn to say "NO" and go your own way sometimes. You cant please everyone all the time.
13. Feel good NOW!
14. Don't be anxious about the future. Don't worry you will figure it out.
15. Exercise! Get a good night's sleep.
16. Its ok to prefer your own company sometimes. Everybody needs some alone time once in a while. 
17. Read before you sign anything! Online or in person. Read the fine print always!
18. Accept your situation and work with it. Bloom where you are planted!
19. People are a great source of information. The internet might have loads of info too but nothing beats face to face.
20. Keep in touch -  with friends and family. 
21. Be nice to others - Know that sometimes you have to do what others want even if you don't want to just to keep the peace (as long as it not dangerous!)
22. Sometimes it's good to keep your mouth shut. Silence is good! Sleep on it... it might look different tomorrow.  Some say, "Count to 10 before you reply and to 100 if you are really mad."
23. Dance it out! Find your own "Happy song". Play it in the crazy times or in the morning to get you ready to face the day.  

My morning song these days ...

Well since I have to wear closed shoes in Lab even though its summer, I decided that I might as well do it in style (but still on a budget :P) H&M came to the rescue. I got some really cool flats that I can dress up or down. Yayy me! 

Surprisingly the brown ones were the cheapest but are the most comfortable. And to think that I nearly didn't get them>>> I bought the brown ones the last!! The blue ones got me with that bow! The print ones have a a gold shimmer that I just couldn't resist!

Oh H&M why do you make me love you so.... 

An ode to all women out there; You are all beautiful just the way you are!  "You and I" is one of my favorite songs off of John Legend's latest album and then this video comes out! No words to describe this. Just wonderful!

I try to cook a lot of food on the weekends so that I avoid cooking after work. On the weekdays I just reheat. This stir-fry-like pasta is one of my favorites on the lazy days. It takes a very short time to prepare.

Ingredients
Pasta
1 Onion
Pureed Tomatoes 
1 tin Baked beans
250G beef mince meat
Seasoning (salt, pepper, curry and spices)
Soy Sauce + Worcestershire sauce
Oil

Step by step
1.Boil the pasta in salted water. I also add a little oil to stop the pasta from sticking (I think!)
2. While the pasta boils make the mince meat:
Fry until the mince meat has browned well. Add onions  and other veggies like carrots and peas if you got them.
3. Add the tomatoes and baked beans.
6. Add the pasta, mix everything like crazy and you are good to go! Let it simmer for at least 5 mins to set the flavors.

And its done! Simple as that. Enjoy!