the descendants.

After much procrastination, I finally managed to drag myself to the cinema to check out The Descendants. This movie held quite a few draw cards for me. This movie is by the amazing Alexander Payne (writer-director) - his first since Sideways. Obviously with Clooney as the main man I was already there, but I had also heard excellent reviews for this movie. And I have to say, I am now banging out about how wonderful this movie was.

First of all, I love that this movie was 'normal'. The costumes were normal, the homes were normal, the settings were normal, even the actors (minus the Cloon-meister) were normal... none of the over-the-top size 6 models who barely anyone can relate to. 

I had been warned this movie was sad, sure... we've all seen the ad stating his wife is cheating on him. But I certainly wasn't prepared for what was to come. It started with the lump in my throat about 30 minutes in and led to me in agony trying to get rid of it. I got teary in a few scenes... until the end. When I wept. I actually wept. I couldn't dry my eyes quick enough, my chin was quivering and I think I even let a few sobs out. Not good. At least I had enough sense to wait until the cinema was empty and sneak out with my tear-stained companions.

Don't let this turn you off though. It's really funny as well. The characters of his two daughters are executed perfectly by Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller. The mix of characters and story lines, light and dark allows for this movie to flow easily and seamlessly.

Without giving away any spoilers: Clooney. Hawaii. Bad parenting. Questionable choices. Clooney. Million dollar deals. Pain. Clooney. Property. Family. Laughter. 

I urge you to go see it - if only to see Clooney in Hawaiian shirts and Harry-high pants.

Images from: filmcritic.com, blackmanandrobin.com

a pop of colour.

Although I'm ready for the onslaught of pastels, I am still slightly addicted to block colouring. This is such an easy way to implement colour into your outfits.

I'll be wearing a lot of this look on my month away in New York - not only will it keep me warm, but stylish too!

simple. easy. pasta.

I present to you the easiest, tastiest pasta. Honestly, this recipe is fool-proof (believe me), takes about 15 minutes from preparation to serving, requires simple ingredients and is so yummy. I cook this pasta regularly when I'm in a hurry, can't be bothered or entertaining at the last minute.

This meal is perfect for everyone - those who are time poor, singles, couples, those who can't be bothered... it's a recipe that caters to everyone.

What I love most about this dish, is you don't need to run out to your local deli to purchase exotic ingredients. This recipe boasts ingredients everyone has on hand. I admit, I have been guilty of only having a single mouldy cheese à la Bridget Jones, but I now make sure I always have these ingredients on hand. You can also cheat by using ingredients from the jar!

Simple pasta
Serves 1-2 

2 medium chicken breasts
1 heaped teaspoon of garlic
1 heaped teaspoon of chilli - SOS: cater to your tastebuds
1 dessert spoon of butter
lemon rind from a whole medium lemon (be careful not to get the pith)
a squeeze of lemon juice
1 packet of fettucini
parsley to garnish
1 tablespoon of oil

1. Chop the chicken into bite sized pieces and cook in oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and
    set aside.
2. Boil lightly salted water (enough to suit the amount of pasta you're cooking). Once bubbling, add the
    fettucini. Cool til al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, add the garlic and chilli to a lightly oiled pan on low heat. Cook until
    heated through. (If using fresh ingredients, cook until soft).
4. Add the chicken to the garlic/chilli paste and simmer until the pasta is cooked.
5. Add the lemon rind, and parsley in portions to suit your taste. Do not over cook the lemon as it will
    become tart. Mix well.
6. Drain the pasta - keep a drizzle of the liquid to add to the garlic/chilli paste.
7. Add the pasta to the chicken and mix through. If it's dry, or hard to mix, add a drizzle of the liquid
    from step 6.
8. Add butter and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Stir well.
9. Garnish with parsley.
10. Viola! Serve immediately with a tall glass of wine and herb bread.

TIP: to cheek if the pasta is al dente, take one strip and throw it at your kitchen splashback. If it sticks – viola! If it falls straight off, leave to cook.

TIP: the butter adds that beautiful glean and an excellent (albeit naughty) flavour.