Mulberry and Apple Crumble

You never see mulberries at the supermarket for sale.  Such a shame.  A completely underrated berry, in my opinion.

Anyway, I was up visiting my Mum a few weeks ago and she has a mulberry tree.  We picked and ate to our heart's content.  I ended up with a purple mouth and purple hands and feet.  Such fun!

As the weekend was such a rush, I carefully packed some of the delicious berries into a container and brought them home with me.

Now to the crumble!

Yum!

Heat the oven to about 170 degrees celcius (about 180 if you don't have a fan-forced oven).

125gm butter
125gm plain flour
50gm sugar (add a little brown for a really caramel-y crumble!)

Rub the butter, flour and sugar together until it feels a crumbly texture.  Set aside.

Two pink lady apples (I'm sure any apples would work)

Cut your apples up onto bit-sized chunks.

Mmmmm.....the star - mulberries!  I used about 2 cups worth.  Wash thoroughly!

Layer the apples chucks and the mulberries in an oven proof dish.

Sprinkle with about 50 grams of caster sugar (use more or less depending on your taste.  I don't like mine sickly sweet).

Cover the fruit with an even layer of the crumble mixture and bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until golden on the top.

I like mine with custard.

Mmmmm....so delicious!

The Bonnes Affaires Christmas Gift Guide - Under $20

Today's post is for all the true bargain hunters out there looking for beautiful but affordable Christmas gifts.

This is for a selection of gifts for under $20.  Following posts will provide a selection for under $50, under $100 and under $200.

UNDER $20

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1.  Lindt Delice Macaroons (various flavours available) - $2.70 (cheaper if you buy a boxful) - Lindt Chocolate Cafes

2.  Built NY Netbook Sleeve Micro Dot 9-10 inch (other colours/designs available) - $18 - Peter's of Kensington

3.  Mimco Nouveau Barrette - $19.95 - Mimco

4.  T2 Turkish Tea Glass - $18 - T2

5.  Personalised Luggage Tags - $12.95 - Bag Tag Studio

Good luck with the Christmas shopping!!

The face cream to end all face creams!

After searching my whole life, I have finally found the very best face cream on the planet!

It's not La Mer, it doesn't have gold flecks in it and it doesn't cost a lot.  I know that sounds too good to be true but be prepared to be dazzled.

If you are in Australia, you might have seen them advertising the new Garnier BB Cream.  Not that anyone knows what a BB cream is but a little research revealed something amazing.

BB stands for "blemish balm".  It is a cream given to people who have had laser or similar treatment on their faces to simultaneously cover blemishes (or healing scars), protect from the sun and promote healing.

Some Korean actresses got hold of this stuff and it took off like a shot in Korea.  Other countries have been slow to start but it is now making its way around the world as the next hot thing since YSL Touche Eclat!

Rather than buy the various incarnations available on the internet, I went to the source: the original.  It is made by a Korean company called Missha.  They have a store in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney or you can pick it up online at various sites.  They stock a few different types but I went for the Signature Real Complete BB Cream as I have combination skin.

It was only $36.90 and it is truly amazing!

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream

It does the following:

1.  Covers my pimples

2.  Covers the dark circles under my eyes

3.  Evens skin tone

4.  Reduces redness

5.  Protects from the sun (SPF 25)

6.  Smooths fine lines (although I don't admit to having many yet

7.  Provides a beautiful base for make up

8.  Doesn't feel heavy (more like a sunscreen weight that foundation weight)

9.  Matches your skin tone without fiddling with numerous colours (comes in either yellow based or pink  based)

10. Stays on all day (and all night if you are naughty).

Using this you no longer need a moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation, concealer or primer.

Plus you can wash it off in the shower with a good cleanser.

I cannot recommend highly enough that you go out and try this product!

Before and after using Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream (Lipglossiping)

My morning routine has shrunk to cleansing, putting on the BB cream, mascara, blush and lipstick.  On the weekends I usually only do the first two!

Thanks for...

Strawberries and Cream Tisane from T2.

Purple roses that smell like heaven!

Home-made soup with leek, cauliflower and fennel.

Wandering through the park during the day.

Soy tea cup candle that smells like holidays (coconut and lime).