Instant Goddess gets shirty and hops, skips and jumps into spring with Sambag

Sambag Spring

It was spring punch at the ready, a delicious strawberry and raspberry sorbet and perhaps a wee glass of champagne or two to toast Sambag’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection. The sun was shining and the sky blue to get us even more into the spring spirit. There was so much COLOUR – we’re talking candy, fizzy sherbet and luscious fondants – good enough to eat!

So, what are my stand-out favourites? As always the sheer array of Sambag’s ballet flats in the best of textures and finishes and every possible colour stood out – so ideal for our very mild winter weather right now. I also loved the ankle jeggings in really, really soft denim. These featured a fabulous spring palette ranging from dusky lilac, through warm orange to hot pink, but not forgetting trusty staples navy and white.

Instant Goddess also loved these little kitten heels… ooh la la! Spring is in the air and you can hop, skip and jump in these little numbers!

Get Shirty

So what is going on with the weather?! This has to be one of the mildest winters ever, so I’m thinking goodbye knitwear, hello shirts.

Lalani peasant blouse $915 and Spotted peasant blouse $915 both from Anthropologie, Part Two Jemima shirt from Atterley Road $1200* and FindersKEEPERS Playhouse shirt from Shopbop $800

Silk and cotton shirt with tiny polka dots Massimo Dutti $550, ASOS shirt in gingham with chiffon inserts $500, Warehouse lace shirt with chiffon pocket $765 from ASOS and Warehouse Western shirt in dip dye from ASOS $560

And maybe something for the evening, madam?

Contrast lace shirt from Dorothy Perkins $365, Warehouse lace yoke shirt from ASOS $630, Second Female Time shirt from Atterley Road $800*, ASOS Shirt With Layered Collar And Monochrome Panels $500

*If you’ve been paying attention to the pricing detail above, you may have noticed newcomer Atterley Road. Recently discovered by our very own editor, she describes it as a sort of grown-up version of ASOS, which pretty much nails it so I won’t bother trying to come up with anything, erm… more fashion, but what I will say is it’s definitely one to watch with some exciting lesser-known labels, together with some tried and tested favourites such as Whistles. Oh and shipping is FREE!

Object of Desire

Jimmy Choo also recently previewed its Spring/Summer collection and this week’s object of desire (well actually there are two because I couldn’t make my mind up!) is/are:

“Dream” shoe (approx $10,295) and “Marcy” bag (approx $17,835)

According to the people in the know, this collection is inspired by the haute gypsy glamour of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Suede, python, and soft calf leather decorated with fringe, tassels and coin charms are key. So, there you have it Goddesses. I’m not sure how many gypsies could actually afford these, but I think we can channel a bit of haute gypsy glamour into our lives with or without the Choo and at least you now know what to be looking out for on the high street (and if you do find high street versions of these babies, let me know!)

Midweek meal inspiration

Comfort food and good for you?? ‘Never’ I hear you say! But nonetheless, I’ve found a recipe for Pasta-less Lasagne courtesy once again of our friends at Good Housekeeping (and we all know that an Instant Goddess does like to keep a good house). Yep, I’m also on the carb limiting bandwagon (I know, I know. ‘Not that old chestnut – once you start eating them again you just pile back on the pounds’!) I hear you, but bear with me… it’s still delicious without the pasta.

Ingredients

2 courgettes, thinly sliced lengthways
1 large aubergine, thinly sliced lengthways
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince
200g (7oz) mushrooms roughly chopped
400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp dried mixed herbs
Few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
2 ½ tbsp cornflour
500ml (17fl oz) skimmed milk
1 x 125g (4oz) ball mozzarella cheese thinly sliced (low fat if possible – only if you want to be extra good of course!)

Method

1. Preheat grill to high. Lay courgette and aubergine slices in a single layer on baking trays. Season with salt, and then grill (in batches if necessary) until cooked through – about 2-3min on each side. Set aside on kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.

2. Preheat oven to 200 (180 fan) gas mark 6. Heat oil in a large pan over low heat; fry onion until soft, about 10min. Turn up heat; add garlic and mince. Fry for 5min, stirring frequently, then add mushrooms and cook for a further 5min.

3. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs and Worcestershire Sauce. Season well. Bring to boil; simmer for 15min, stirring occasionally. Check seasoning, remove from heat and set aside.

4. Meanwhile, make white sauce. Put cornflour in a medium pan, whisk in milk and season well. Bring to boil, whisking constantly, and bubble for a few minutes (mixture will need to boil to thicken). Check seasoning.

5. Spoon half mince mixture into a large ovenproof dish; top with half veg in an even layer. Next spoon on half white sauce; then half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining mince, veg, sauce and mozzarella.

6. Cook in oven for 40-45min or until piping hot and golden. Serve immediately with a crisp green salad.

 

Yogi tea saying of the week: “May your inner self be secure and happy”

Instant Goddess saying of the week: “Lock up your purses, Goddesses, there’s too much temptation out there!”

Until next week Goddesses, remember you are ALWAYS worth it! XX