Halloumi

The next big food fad will be halloumi cheese.  It is becoming increasingly popular in Britain where large chain restaurants such as Nando's, Pret a Manger, Eat are including halloumi in their offerings.

Halloumi is cheese of Cryptic origin usually made with a mixture of sheep's milk and goat's milk.    It's so freaking unique that it does not melt when you put it on heat so it is served grilled or fried.  Known as one of the healthier cheeses as well and a great source of protein. The only downside is that it is high in sodium, so it may be too salty for some. 

Mandy eats: courgettes and fried halloumi | @charlotttequeen and I have been uni all day and are too lazy to cook a real meal 😂

A photo posted by 🍴 mandy 🍴 (@foodymandy) on Apr 22, 2015 at 11:21am PDT

Halloumi can be used a meat substitute and can be used in wraps and burgers to substitute.   Or even on it's own (Yes, it is socially acceptable to binge eat chunks of cheese). However if you are being extra healthy, it is really good in salads and even fruit (to balance out the saltiness of it).

#foodie: Avocado Toast

The latest "foodie" craze is avocado toast.  Go ahead search up "#avocadotoast" and let yourself droll.   It is super easy to make at home so I can't justify paying $10 at a trendy brunch place for something I can make at home. There are many different variations of avocado toast but here is how I like my avocado toast:  

mandy cooks: avocado toast with poached egg

A photo posted by Amanda Pun (@amandapun) on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:50am PDT

What you will need to concoct this beauty:

• Avocado (DUH)
• Toast (DUH 2.0) - I prefer whole wheat toast over white but it's up to your preference
• Lime
• Olive Oil
• Cilantro
• Egg
• Chilli Powder
• Balsamic Vinegar

How I concocted this beauty?

1. Put the toast up into the toaster
2. Prep avocados and cut into halves 
3. Spread avocados over toast and drizzle lime and cilantro over it
4. Make poached egg (google it, sorry I genuinely suck at poaching eggs) 
5. Place poached egg over the avocados and toast from step 3
6. Sprinkle some chilli powder and balsamic vinegar. Volia! 

Favourite iPhone cases of the moment

Your iPhone should be dressed as well as you.  In the future, there will be a runway for tech fashion (Lol. I joke.)  So here I compiled a list of my favourite iPhone cases. Note: the list goes from boring cases - fun cases, so read on! 

Barely There

This is for the days you want your iPhone to be practically but you still want to protect it.  No one will be able to tell where this case is from; you can get one for less than a dollar on eBay.  

Practicality 

Your iPhone should be able to keep up with you throughout your busy day.  This is what battery cases/extra batteries are for.  After reading reviews of popular charging cases on the market, I found that Boostcase had the best lifespan and they also have the most aesthetically appealing cases amongst other brands.  On full charge (and healthy battery life), the case can charge your phone up to 80% of its battery.  

If you don't want to commit yourself to always outfitting your phone in a battery case, another alternative that still does the trick is a portable charger.  

This is easy to throw in your bag and have it ready for whenever you need it - you just plug your USB into this thing and it charges your phone.  The Duracell one isn't that pretty but it's does the trick - mine usually lasts for two full iPhones charges before I have to recharge the device.  

Logos

Self explanatory but same reason why you would use a case with some form of branding on it is likely the same reason why you would wear a purse with a monogram on it or a t-shirt or a sweater with the designer's name in block letters across your chest.  Here are two of my favourites from Kenzo and Moschino

Active

The Nike Armband case gives off the impression that you work out and you know what you're doing at the gym.   

Metallics 

Who doesn't love anything that shines? Within reason though... You don't want to have your phone look like it has been bedazzled by a 12 year old pre-teen. Marc by Marc Jacobs [foil] and [faceted] nails it with metallic/shiny cases.  

Silly

   

Moschino is a huge player in this section.  Their crazy designs vary from a teddy bear with the it's arms and legs spreading off the phone to "fries" (think McDonalds but the Golden Arches aka "M" stands for Moschino) to a camera with a strap.  



















I also love this one by SKINNY DIP.  This caught my eye as I was quickly walking by their stand in Selfridges.  

These PureGear maze iPhone cases are a good distraction from whatever else you should be doing.