Green Lashes and Fashion

Perri Piper - Lemon Sugar Wax

2013-04-03T14:51:00.002+01:00

We have a new website and Etsy store called Perri Piper where we are selling our lovely Lemon Sugar Wax. We are excited for you to try this impressive beauty product that we have been making and using ourselves for three years. Lemon Sugar Wax contains only three ingredients so it is ultra gentle on your skin and the environment.

Every jar is handmade in London by myself and Ali (my mum). We were inspired by ancient beauty practices and apothecarian packaging when making this so the wax is poured into glass jars and includes unbleached cotton strips (reusable) and wood spatulas. The product is so pure that we did not want to use any plastic packaging and microwaves for heating. Our glass jars simply sit in a sink of hot water and several minutes later the wax is soft and ready to use.

If you would like to find out more about the Lemon Sugar Wax, you can read further information at our website, Perri Piper or at our Etsy store.

Cookbook - One More Slice

2011-12-14T01:31:00.003Z

I love it when a book seems to find you. Isn't it always the way? When you're not looking for something, that's often when you make the best discoveries. This cookbook is one of them. The recipes and pictures in One More Slice (Leila Lindholm) make you want to dive into the pages and start snacking with the lovely looking people who are picnicking on beguiling delights such as wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and fruit-filled pies.

I gravitated towards the alluring bread sections in the book. You can learn how to make your own sourdough starter or try brave new bread recipes such as a beetroot baguette or rye sourdough with apple and walnuts. I also can't wait to make a tortano (an Italian bread that can be filled with luscious lashings of roasted vegetables or portobello mushrooms).

There is also an array of sweet recipes in the book and while the cheesecakes, waffles and pies aren't vegan, they are of course, inspiring and may give you some ideas of how you could tweak them to suit your own tastes or dietary needs. Either way, if you love pretty cookbooks that are still practical and useful, then this is one to add to your collection. I've added it to my embarrassingly, expansive collection. If only I could pour over the classics as enthusiastically as I do with my cookbooks.

image: Leila.se / Berkelouw Books

Vintage Find: Sequins for the Silly Season

2011-12-12T03:42:00.004Z

Shimmery silver and white dresses are what it's about for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties. This is the time of year when we can all get away with wearing sequins (vintage, of course) and other over-the-top pieces. Wouldn't this dress be perfect for welcoming in a wintry or summery New Year?

Vintage Dress - Singularitie Vintage

I Can't Believe It's Nut Parmesan!

2011-12-05T03:08:00.003Z

I know it's wrong to be this excited about a brazil nut but this discovery has really expanded my culinary, cheese-less world. My bowls of pasta never used to receive that final, Italian flourish of parmesan just before serving. My homemade Italian dishes always looked distinctly un-Italian.

Then, the other night, while watching the Food Channel here in New Zealand, a chef appeared and began shaving a brazil nut over some gluten-free pasta creation. The brazil nut obediently flecked off fine, feathered shavings that looked just like real parmesan. I ran to the kitchen and awkwardly grabbed a grater and brazil nut to see if it was true. Could this selenium-packed nut be that talented? Yes. Yes, it could.

Once I grated one nut it was hard to stop. Pasta, pizza, risotto, salads, bruschette, even family members all received a ceremonious dusting. Every dish and everyone was drenched in a shower of brazil nuts. I jest of course but I could have gone that far and I am still considering carrying a mini grater and bag of brazil nuts on me at all times just so I can be ready to show someone this new discovery. It could be a great party trick. Sure to impress the lactose-free set.

Until then, these humble pictures will have to do. They were snapped hastily as there was a delightfully, dolled up bowl of pasta waiting to be eaten. I know the Italians will scoff at this parmesan dobbelganger but pasta night just got a whole lot prettier at my house.

N.B - Just remember to eat those brazil nuts in moderation. I've read that they are super healthy but should be eaten in small doses as they have a very high selenium content.

Vintage Finds in Linen

2011-11-28T23:03:00.004Z

I came across some lovely linen fabrics over the weekend and was inspired to check out what vintage linens were already out there. I love natural fabrics and I think all these pieces tick the boxes for ethics and style.

I've got my eye on the scarf with the cute kitchen illustrations. I think it would look great framed on a kitchen wall.

Vintage Linen Scarf - The Birdi
Orange Sherbet Linen Top - Violet Ville Vintage
Vintage Mustard Blouse - Oma Vintage
Vintage Linen and Straw Bag - Estate Originals

Indian Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Recipe

2011-11-25T03:29:00.003Z

This is an Indian dish we have been cooking a lot lately. It's one of those star recipes you find and just have to share with people. It's great served with dhal and brown basmati rice, sprinkled with lemon juice and coriander (cilantro). The recipe is by Bal Arneson and the only tweaks I've made are to cook with olive oil and add some hot water (1/2 cup or so) when cooking the sweet potatoes along with a dash of red chilli flakes. You can also use dried ginger if you don't have fresh ginger. Enjoy!

Indian Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Recipe

Kitchen Organisation

2011-11-13T02:48:00.005Z

It's amazing how organising your kitchen can make you feel more on top of things. I've decanted all dried fruit, nuts, pulses and whole grains into lovely glass jars and what a difference! It's great having everything on display. I'm now inspired to cook so much more (whether I do or not is another question but at least the culinary inspiration is there!).

P.S - To keep organic nuts, seeds and wholemeal flour as fresh as possible, pop them in the fridge and/or freezer.

Hello, again!

2011-11-08T02:27:00.004Z

Greetings from me and the white fluffy clouds of New Zealand. I took this picture on the weekend when we were having a picnic in the Wellington sunshine. The camera had to come out for such blue, blue skies. After the grey skies of London, such simple things make me and my camera smile.

Hopefully, I will have some new posts up soon as I have missed blogging here.

Have a wonderful week!

Vintage Maxi Dress

2011-06-17T05:13:00.004+01:00

Maxi fantastic. This is the glamorous, dressed-up version of the maxi dress (vintage style). Perfect for parties or just flaunting your fabulousness!

Available at Rokit - £35

Have a great weekend!

Vegetable Patch Table Setting

2011-06-13T04:18:00.002+01:00

Love this idea from Martha Stewart. What better way to convey your love of seasonal vegetables and local farmers' markets? The next time you have friends around for a meal, try decorating the table, petite vegetable patch style. It's a definite conversation starter!

image - Martha Stewart

Sparkly Vintage Dresses

2011-06-07T04:57:00.002+01:00

I spotted these three decadent vintage dresses on Etsy and had to share. The Grecian halter neck dress is from Maefair Vintage ($108) and would be perfect for special occasions. The peach and silver dress is impossibly pretty and only $78 from Melsvanity. Finally, I had to flaunt the black cocktail dress with its incredible neckline from Persephone Vintage ($65). Which one to choose?

Persimmon and Medjool Date Cake

2011-05-26T22:38:00.004+01:00

It's now my fifth month here in New Zealand. One thing I've loved about being here during the autumn is trying all the beautiful, fresh fruits. Scarlett red apples straight off the tree, quinces from a friend and persimmons from, well the supermarket. I love them all. Feijoas? Not so much! I will try them again though (preferably baked into something to mask their perfumy-ness).

But back to persimmons and their role in an experimental 'cake' I made two days ago. I use the word 'cake' lightly as it didn't quite reach the height of a cake, bless it. It did taste rather luscious though which was a surprise.

I wanted to try making a vegan cake without wheat or sugar so I bundled in a few scant ingredients so I didn't waste anything. Not like the prior baking fiasco earlier in the week that involved wasting four courgettes, a cup of cocoa and too much expensive NZ honey. Just when I'd finished blending the ingredients for this persimmon cake and had said a little prayer to the vegan baking gods, I realised I still hadn't unpacked a cake tin. All I had was a glass baking bowl. What could I do but pour the mixture into the glass bowl and wish it well as it was placed into the oven and appeared to look back at me nervously, as if to ask, 'am I meant to seriously turn into a cake, luv? Look at me. I've got nowhere to go but out'.

Almost 25 minutes later out came the cake, or let's call it a torta because it definitely had a rustic, Italian thing going on. It was flat but it had turned golden and the dried fruit was peeking out here and there, quite attractively. It tasted good. It tasted even better after a day or two. Marzipan-like from the ground almonds and just the right amount of sweetness from the stewed persimmon, dates, apricots and tablespoon of agave. You only need a small amount as it is rich and dense. It's definitely worth a try if you want a sliver of a treat with your tea in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Persimmon and Medjool Date Cake
(I've doubled the ingredients below, from the version I made)

Ingredients
2 persimmons
6 medjool dates, chopped
6 dried apricots, chopped
1 cup of ground almonds
6 tablespoons gram flour (chickpea flour)
2 tablespoon agave syrup
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar

To make...

Preheat oven to about 180°. Grease baking pan with a bit of olive oil.
Chop persimmon, dates and dried apricots and place in a pot with a little water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool.
Combine dry ingredients - ground almonds, gram flour and bicarbonate of soda.
Combine wet ingredients - agave syrup, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar and six tablespoons of water.
Mix dry and wet ingredients together along with the cooled fruit mixture.
Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes to an hour (when I cooked mine with half the ingredients, I needed 30 minutes so maybe keep checking on it after 45 minutes just to be safe).
Allow to cool on baking tray then enjoy!

Have a good weekend. I'm planning to go to the Food Show in Wellington tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll get some more inspiration for some new recipes!

Vegan Shoes for Winter + Summer

2011-05-16T00:18:00.002+01:00

Now that I am back in the Southern Hemisphere, I am bracing myself for the winter months and seeking warm, cosy footwear. These 'Yew' boots from Po-Zu look perfect. They are made in Portugal with organic hemp, cork, coconut husks and natural latex. They are also unbleached and no toxic glues have been used. Love it!

Purchase Yew Boots at Po-Zu - ¢185

For those lucky people in the Northern Hemisphere getting ready for summer, here is an equally cute, vegan shoe option. The 'Zia' sandals would look great with a little black organic cotton dress. They are also made in Portugal with organic hemp, cork, coconut husks and natural latex.

Purchase Zia sandals at Po-Zu - ¢110

Five Great Organic Cotton Hoodies

2011-05-08T23:29:00.005+01:00

Chrysalis Hoodie - Clary Sage Organics

Keep warm before and after your yoga class with one of these stylish, organic cotton hoodies. They're perfect for popping on when the weather is brisk and you want to feel comfortable but look stylish (with your ethical checklist ticked).

Chrysalis Hoodie (above) - Clary Sage Organics ($198).
Made in Northern California with 99% organic cotton.

Prairie Underground Short Cloak - Beklina ($210).
Made in USA. Available in peacock (as shown) and green. Also comes in longer length style.

Quiet Djuna Sweater - Stewart + Brown ($198).
Made in USA. Only available in cargo green (not black as shown).

Purple Wave Hoody - BTC Elements ($72).
Made in California.

Dunaway Jacket - She-bible ($160).
Made in San Francisco. Available in chocolate, navy and black.

Blazer Time

2011-05-06T03:03:00.003+01:00

Ah, blazers and the colour green. Only my two favourite things! This vintage one looks perfect for spring or autumn weekends.

Purchase at Dandelion Daydreamer - $98

Moving + Retrograding

2011-05-04T05:24:00.004+01:00

I don't know how the last few weeks of April were for you (hopefully great) but they were completely chaotic for me. I wish I could say the reason for the abrupt blog posting hiatus was because I took a spontaneous holiday in Mustique to soak up some sun over Easter but I actually had to move and find a new rental home as quickly as possible. I was unable to access the internet and struggling to live out of suitcases for a fourth month. To make things even more fun, mercury was retrograding and boy could I feel it.

Anyway, it all worked out and we found a new and very lovely place to stay. The moving guys arrived yesterday and unloaded an obscene amount of boxes so I'm in denial and now resemble the person in the photo. I got the internet connected today so I should be back to posting as usual! Thanks for sticking with me!

image: Big Apple Boxes

Hempseed Apricot Chews

2011-04-16T05:09:00.003+01:00

I love coming across new healthy snack ideas and I think this recipe from Whole Foods looks wonderful. Dried fruits with nutritious hempseeds as well as nutmeg and vanilla. Keep a stash in the fridge for a sweet fix in between meals.

View recipe at Whole Foods Market

Moroccan Superfood Salad

2011-04-15T00:27:00.002+01:00

If you want a light and healthy meal over the weekend, this couscous salad from BBC Good Food looks ideal. It's bursting with goodness and flavour with beetroot, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and a sublime Moroccan dressing.

View recipe at BBC Good Food

image: BBC Good Food

Fun Vintage Find

2011-04-14T01:27:00.002+01:00

Dressing up should be fun and this dress couldn't be more playful. The print is worth pouncing on alone and could be transformed into a mini dress or cute top. Adorable!

Purchase at Adrian Company Vintage (Etsy) $30

Osborn - Vegan Shoes

2011-04-11T03:15:00.003+01:00

Are you squealing at the sight of these vegan shoes? They look completely adorable and are a rare breed of vegan shoes that have been made without synthetic leathers and PVC. These lovelies are made with 'handwoven recycled cotton' and 'hand peeled recycled tire soles.' Oh, and their name? Pup Cat Vegans. Cue more squeals.

Osborn shoes are handmade in Guatemala by a small team of about 30 artisans.

Pup Cat Vegans - available at Osborn Design ($148)

image: Osborn

Steamed Artichokes + Creamy Walnut Dip

2011-04-08T05:39:00.004+01:00

Whole Food's recipe of the day looks divine, doesn't it? Beautiful artichokes and a vegan dip made with walnuts, vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic and chives. Stunning simplicity!

View recipe details at Whole Foods Market.

image: Whole Foods Market

Luxe Organic Cotton Trench

2011-04-07T06:12:00.002+01:00

Ooh, the classic trench. Yes, it's $398. Gulp. But, I've thought of five reasons to justify paying this amount of money on a coat.

1) It's organic cotton
2) 100% organic cotton
3) It's made in the USA
4) It has a cool name, the 'Spring Ramona Trench.'
5) An excellent trench coat is an investment piece.

Have almost convinced myself. Resisting urge to click, Steven Alan to purchase.

image: Steven Alan

Bento Boxes - Stainless Steel + Wood

2011-04-06T05:43:00.005+01:00

A lovely reader wanted to know where I got the stainless steel tiffin box that I featured yesterday and where she could buy one. I've had my tiffin box for years so I can't remember where we got it but I have found some wonderful options for anyone looking for reusable food containers.

This two-tiered, Zen 04 bento box is made in Japan from stainless steel. There is a 'silicone seal around the inside rim of the lids' so if you want your bento even better, you could try the wood versions below.
Available at Bento & co - 39.80 EUR

Magewappa Michi is a bento box made in Japan from 'sustainably farmed sugi (Japanese cedar) wood' that is untreated.
Available at Bento & co - 65 EUR

I love this Magewappa Hana two-tier bento box. Not sure if it's too small but it could work for lunch snacks! It is also made in Japan from sustainably farmed cedar wood and is untreated.
Available at Bento & co - 89 EUR

Hope this helps! If any other readers have questions about where to find ethical products, just get in touch. I will try and find it for you!

Images: Bento & co

No Plastic Packaging for Takeaway Meals

2011-04-05T05:08:00.004+01:00

This is how I picked up a lot of my takeaway meals when I was travelling through the States and New Zealand. I wanted to avoid using disposable plastic food containers, cutlery and carry bags for obvious environmental reasons but also because of health concerns about plastic leaching into food.

Anytime I ordered a meal, I would just hand over my stainless steel tiffin box and ask if I could have my food stored in there (BTW, that's a lovely Thai meal in the photo). I thought I'd look somewhat dorky but restaurant staff were always so accommodating.

Taking your own reusable containers and cutlery is easy and reduces so much unnecessary plastic packaging. If you can try and do small things such as this, it will make a huge difference.

Recycled Tweed Cape

2011-04-04T07:23:00.004+01:00

The weather is drizzly and chilly where I am so I've got my eye on this cute cape from Rokit. It's handmade in London using vintage fabrics (love the wooden toggles and hood). I just need some organic jeans and vintage wellies and I'm so ready to splash in puddles!

Available at Rokit - £50