Masala Craft

Living in Burwood meant that all restaurants within a five kilometre radius were guaranteed to be Asian mostly Chinese. As someone who spent half her life in Singapore, I certainly wasn't complaining. It meant I had a little piece of home at my doorstep!

In the three and a half years I was there, I discovered a Chinese joint with seriously addictive dumplings. Not only was the food amazing, but eating at the restaurant was an experience in itself; one that made you feel as though you'd landed in the dining room in a remote village in China in the best "experience the culture way!

Moving to a suburb in the North, meant I had to discover a new area. It felt like taking a risk... I'm sure I'm not the only one who classifies trying a new Asian restaurant as being a "risk"!

The ones down the road from me were an "experience" to say the least. Not in a good way either: we were served a Westernised version of a dish Szechuan Chicken, blasphemy!

Image via Pinterest

To add a little "spice" to an otherwise ordinary night, The Boyfriend and I decided to keep searching for a good Asian place near us. That's how we came across Masala Craft in Thornbury.

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but their food is AMAZING. In fact, it's probably the most authentic Indian food I've had since living here! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Each time we drive by it I can't help but look out the window and wave HELLOOO as though it's my new best mate :D.

Of course, ordering it as takeout is a must.. I mean, is there anything better than stuffing your face with naan and curry whilst watching TV?! I think not...

If you're new to Indian food and aren't too sure on what to order, here are my suggestions:

For two REALLY hungry people:

Vegetable Samosas (to start)

Mutton Rogan Josh

Bhindi Masaledar

Plain Nans or Aloo Parathas

For each additional person I'd suggest ordering another main course, and maybe their deliciousVegetarian Platter to start off with.

So if you're thinking of going there, I'd say: GO FOR IT! It everyone is crazy like us no love the "OMG, my mouth is on fire" feeling. But the chefs there are more than accommodating and would be happy to keep the spices on the milder side.

Definitely a place to try out if you live in Melbourne!

What's your favourite Asian joint?

Till next time,
Francesca Bee

PS: You can even order Masala Craft online, they often have discount codes as well!

PPS: Checkout my Facebook page where I'll be sharing additional content daily! I'd love it if you could "LIKE" it for me... CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FRANCESCA BEE FACEBOOK PAGE.

A Want, Not a Need

Who doesn't love a good old perve at all the things we wish we could afford but cant!
Here are my current "wants".

 

1. Think Big Print: Need I say more? Just look at it! A perfect addition to any room...

2. Rebecca Minkoff - MAC Bag: I've never really been one to obsess over designer bags or designer anything for that matter. But this little number caught my eye and I can't seem to get it out of my head. I think I've got a crush!

3. Jo Malone - Almond & Macaroon Deluxe Candle: Really sweet scents can sometimes too "in your face". But almond & macaroons?! Kill me now!

4. Kors Micheael Kors - Brookton Platform Sandals: Perfect with jeans, a little black dress & a white shirt wi a pair of shorts. These should would add a little more class & chic to the simplest of outfits.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Pickles USB Keychain: Cute & functional, not too mention bright enough to spot your keys from a mile away!

6. Eccentric Molecule - Molecule 1: Rumoured to bring even the most manly of men to their feet, I can't wait to get my hands on a bottle...

What is on your wishlist?

Till next time,
Francesca Bee

Grey Interiors

There was a time when white seemed like the most serene colour for a home. White walls & floors, white furniture with colour accents. And somehow it all looks to clinical to me.

These days, I dream of having a home with Grey walls and couches. And of course, some black and white here and there, with pops of red & navy.

Image 1 - Image 2 - Image 3 - Image 4

Do you like grey interiors too or do you prefer a mix of things put together? I'd love it if you shared your home decor Pinterest board with me! You can see my Pinterest Home Decor here!

Till next time,
Francesca Bee

On How To Speak With Confidence

I've recently started watching videos on YouTube; mostly beaut related ones. Then yesterday, I came across this channel, and the video about how to be speak with confidence.

As someone that starts getting heart palpitations the week before a presentation, and who not only rushes but sweats (charming, I know!) through them, I thought "this could help".

I'm not sure if it has helped, I don't start back unit for another month, so I probably won't be presenting for at least another three months. But many of the tips she gives will help you with growing your confidence on a daily basis.

I especially agree with the part about how we second guess ourselves by saying things such as "I think", "I guess" and either starting or ending a sentence with "I don't know". By the way, how gorgeous is this woman!

Have you got any bad habits that could affect your confidence?

Till next time,

Francesca Bee

What blues?

Apparently this past Tuesday was the day of the year that most people suffer the "blues". Is it maybe a phenomenon reserved for those living in the northern hemispheres?

The January blues... Some attribute it to the ending of that "high" we get during the holidays. Others to the fact that by mid January, it's been winter for a long time...

But for all of us living down under, it's warm and sunny outside. The flowers have all bloomed and bright colours are everywhere. By now, most of us have that perfect sun kissed glow! So, no blues for us.

On Tuesday I returned home after living in a mansion for a month! And although my home is no mansion, I'm so glad to be back in my very own space.

I will most definitely miss this view though!

Did you suffer from the January blues? I sure hope you didn't!

Till next time,

Francesca Be

How to Cook Dinner in Under 10 Minutes

During the summer, I often just want to sit down, relax and enjoy the good weather. Forget about cooking dinner! It's already warm enough without having to slave away in the kitchen.

Wouldn't it be fantastic if our waistlines and purses could afford to eat out every night of the week?! Unfortunately, that's not the case for most of us. 

Today I wanted to share a very simple and relatively easy meal. Pasta with Pesto 'Cesca Style!

 

 Image Source: Cheese, Baby Spinach, Lemon, Pesto, Spaghetti.

1. Cook spaghetti as per package instructions.

2. Add Pesto & olive oil.

3. Stir in baby spinach over low heat and stir until wilted.

4. Grate some lemon zest & squeeze in some lemon juice (to taste).

5. Serve and sprinkle some Parmigiano Reggiano.

6. Enjoy with a glass of white wine!

What's your favorite under 10 minute meal?

Till next time,
Francesca Bee

A Neutral Pallette

I've never been one to wear bold & bright colours. I like the subdued neutrals; browns, blacks & whites, some beige here and there. And to keep it from feeling to boring, I'll add some gold & glitter here and there!

My current favorite colour is brown; not the dark kind, the more camel toned ones. Which is fantastic because it goes so well with my new tan & all the accessories I've recently acquired!

I love mixing it with navy & black! There just something classy and timeless about those colours. If you've ever read Parisian Chic, you'll see what I mean... If you haven't, I suggest you get your hands on a copy, it is just ah-mazing.

Lottie Ballet Flats from Midas in Tan

Arabella Duffle from Forever New in Tan

Ballet Ring from Bimba & Lola in Gold

Geo Ring from Jolie & Deen

Gold Necklace from Jolie & Deen

Gold & Black Geo Earrings from The Lunar Store in Greville St

How do you jazz up your neutrals?

Till next time,

Francesca Bee