Kahve Dunyasi, my kind of cafe

 Kahve Dunyasi resembles a coffee shop that is warm, friendly and just happens to be located in central London. I haven't dined in yet but it is definitely one of my top places to sit in. I am always in search for unique and authentic types of places because they're very interesting to explore and I learn something new in the process whilst indulging in what original goods they produce.

This place has a variety of chocolates to choose from and a good selection of macaroons, cakes and muffins which will leave your taste buds craving for more. They also serve numerous types of drinks, from turkish coffee to your normal cappuccino. Cold beverages are also available. You'll be spoilt for choice.

For now, I got these macaroons. I will definitely be posting more pictures of the place once I dine in. If you're curious, find out more about them here.

 Don't you just love the way they packed these?!

My verdict: My standard of macaroons has the bar raised as high as Laduree's standard. And comparing Kahve Dunyasi's macaroons to my expectations, I have to say, I was not in the slightest bit disappointed. I will be definitely getting more of these if I get the opportunity to. At £3 a box, this is a real treat. The macaroons are so yummy and so well made that they crumble gently and melt in your mouth. Yum. Enough said.

My baking disaster

This was my first ever attempt to make a biscuit known as the Napolitaines. It all started out well. Ingredients laid out in order. Recipe to one side, read and re-read. Equipments out, polished, clean, each one on the kitchen counter.

I used this to shape out my cookies.

And this is where the disaster happened. At the final stage of the recipe. I used either the wrong type of food colouring or I used too much of it (although I only used 2-4 drops per half cup!). It tasted bitter and very very strange, leaving me with no choice but to scrape off the already set icing sugar.

It is also the first time I have used food colouring, so perhaps my lack of inexperience shows here.

Also I just about made the dough well so it attained the right consistency, not too sticky and not too crumbly so it breaks away as it is rolled.

And so because of this, I won't be putting up where I got the recipe for this on here as I don't think it's a great recipe to use. Certainly would not recommend it. I will make this again and next time I will get it right! And then, I will put the recipe up on here to share with you all.

Voyager 1: 22 years & 4 billion miles away

A picture taken 22 years ago, 4 billion miles away by Voyager 1. 

Watch it and listen. It's a tragic, touching and amazing reminder of planet earth and our race. I think it puts things solidly into perspective and it has a sorrowful look at what has been and what is yet to come.

Our purpose here can be made better, if only we all do our bit.

The best facial is free

Exactly as this blog title puts it, the best facial is free and if you haven't already guessed from the picture below, yes, it is facial steaming.

I feel like a lot of us have forgotten how facials were done many many years ago. 

Put your face masks aside and along those your creams, your exfoliators, your face muds and try a facial steam.

TV, magazines and newspapers nowadays concentrate on selling us so many products, a large percentage of which are for our faces because let's face it, our face is one of the most important features and people pay a fortune to maintain and achieve a black head free, spot free, blemish free look.

I honestly think facial steaming works so much better than any face masks I have tried including high end products out there. It feels so natural and so simple. Do it once a week and see if you notice a difference. I certainly did and I do my best to maintain my weekly routine. It gives amazing results to oily skin and to those who have blackheads. I'm telling you this works just as well as if not better than using nose strips!

I have sensitive skin and my session usually lasts for 5 minutes but I would advice first timers to try 2 mins and gradually increase it by a minute but do not exceed 5 minutes unless your skin can take it! You know your skin better than anyone else.
Make sure the water is boiling hot and that you use a big enough towel to cover your head over the steam.

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If you want to treat yourself or make it more interesting, try adding a drop or two of scented oil to your boiling water. My favourite is lavender.

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Or you could try some toners & steamers from Lush. Pop one of these steamers in the boiling water and it fizzes slowly releasing its aromas. I have tried one of these but cannot remember which one. However I would not recommend it because I felt like it didn't last very long and for what it is, it is pretty costly.

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My favourite type of facial steaming is minus the oil and toner.

I prefer the natural simple way because I think it is amazing just the way it is.

Let me know how this works out for you =D