Searching for a flat - Finally!

It's been a while since George came to stay with me at my parent's house and we both feel that it is about time to move on with a new place to live. After all I am writing about being a new housekeeper! So we finally found a place, a 2 bedroom flat that is convenient both financially and location wise.

The flat definitely needs improvements, we have made a list to the owner (my brother!) and he will proceed. What you need to look for when searching for an apartment or a house is:

a) Does it have enough space for you and your family/belongings/kids/pets?

b) What condition is it in?

c) Is it affordable? Remember you are not only paying for rent but for a lot more. Groceries, electricity, water, internet etc...

d) Is the area convenient and decent? Is it too far from work? Is it a place where you can walk at night without being afraid?

I'm not saying the flat is in perfect condition since the previous tenant wasn't careful. But it can be fixed with some patience and help from family and friends! So while we are waiting for the changes to take place (both in the apartment and in our lives!) here are a few pics of its current condition. More will follow when we make the changes and start moving in!

The kitchen! It needs new cupboards and some extra little things that George and I came up with ;) Since we are both into furniture and designing we were bound to make certain changes here and there!

The living room. Notice how small the place looks??? Well not for long!

The narrow balcony.... Empty for the time being but it will serve 3 purposes pretty soon!

The second bedroom. It will soon be transformed to something completely different!

And the main bedroom! Soon with new furniture and decoration!

Stay tuned for the changes!

Chocolate Cheesecake-No bake-Easy ONLY 4 INGREDIENTS!

It's cheesecake. With chocolate. And it's no bake. And with only 4 ingredients! I cannot imagine anything easier except maybe going to the bakery and buying one!!! So here it is!

Ingredients:

250 gr of Digestive cookies

100 gr butter (I used Kerrygold)

250 gr chocolate spread (I used Nutella)

150 gr cream cheese (I used Philadelphia) You can use more if you want it depends how "cheesy" you want the taste to be!

How to:

1. Take the cookies and crush them either in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a roller pin. Make sure they are very fine with no large pieces in.

2. Melt the butter over low fire stirring constantly. Once melted add it to the cookies and stir well so it goes everywhere.

3. Take a round pyrex and put the cookie mixture. Press it down using your spatula to make it even throughout. Put it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. (The time it will take you to wash the spatula and bowl and do step number 4!)

4. In a bowl combine the chocolate spread and cheese. Make sure the spread is in room temperature to make your life easier! Add first the cheese and press it down and then the chocolate. Pour over the refrigerated cookies!

Return to the fridge for 10-15 minutes. If you want decorate with some walnuts or cookies.

Serve and enjoy!!!!

Summer 2014 color trends for your living room!

It is important to remember 2 basic things when it comes to decorating your house.

1. It should reflect your character. A house becomes a home when we enter it and feel relaxed. It is your kingdom and all must be according to your taste. So it doesn't matter if the sales person or interior designer tells you that it will look amazing. If you don't like it then it shouldn't be there! Use colors, patterns and accessories that represent your life style and not your interior designer's!

2. For summer dare to use bright colors. Whether you like romantic, minimal or deluxe style you can choose the accessories to fit!

In this article I will give you 3 different combinations to see how you can use the trending colors of summer 2014 for your living room. Just remember that it's like fashion; you need to adjust it to fit to your needs.

The colors:

Currently the most popular colors are mint, ligth pink, mustard yellow, green and orange-red. These are the bold colors you will use. The base can be white, light oak, or light grey. If your sofa is darker you can add a light throw on top.


Romantic Style:

Romantic style has softer shades and floral patterns. You can add lanterns with candles if you are sitting outside or close to a veranda for a more relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively small floral tea-light holders that resemble the pattern of  the pillow can create a romantic setting if you are inside.


Minimal Style:

Minimal speaks for itself. It is simple without being plain. You can have monochrome vases with texture to set the tone. Similarly you can choose pillows with little or no design but with different fabrics (eg. silk with linen) so that you still give a visual interest to the setting despite its simplicity.


Deluxe Style:

Deluxe does not necessarily mean over loaded or bulky. You can mix mustard yellow which resembles the gold color with greens to tone it down. Natural wood also gives it a more light and summer feeling whereas white candles complete the look. The pillows themselves even though they are monochrome they have the strips of fabric in the front that give them a more modern touch of deluxe style.

Feel free to play around to get the look you want to your house! I look forward for your comments!
Happy summer decorations! xxx

Rusk salad (Not for diet!)

Following my trip to Crete I decided to present to you an easy and different "salad". The good thing about this is that it uses very simple ingredients and produces very tasty results! I am giving you the base so feel free to add or change according to your taste.

Ingredients for 4 people:

Barley Rusks (400 gr)
4 Large tomatoes grated - use your mixer! (You can also use canned tomato juice but it won't compare  to the fresh ones!)
Olive Oil - about half cup
Oregano
Soft Goat Cheese eg. Feta cheese or if you are from Cyprus Anari cheese salted.

How to:

1. In a bowl add the rusks. They should be in large chunks. Add the olive oil and stir so they are all wet.

2. Add the grated tomatoes and the oregano.

3. Add the cheese. Use a fork to cut it into smaller pieces.

Enjoy!

Tip: For summer use cold tomatoes and cheese to make it more refreshing!

Chocolate Dreamy Cream!

The great thing about corn starch is that we can use it in a variety of ways. Here is another one that is easy, tasty and when served cold ideal for summer nights!

It took me 10 minutes to make, I was waiting for the iron to get its temperature, so I thought I'd make something to eat after dinner ;)

Ingredients:

Generally the analogy is:

1 glass of milk
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cocoa

However: I used Nesquik which is already sweet. Therefore I used 2/3 of the sugar needed.

How to:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat add the milk, the sugar and the cocoa.

2. When it is dissolved add the corn starch. Stir continuously for 5 minutes or until it thickens. When it turns into a cream remove from fire and pour into a pyrex.

3. Either enjoy hot or let it cool down and put it in the fridge to enjoy cold!

How to Iron jeans - Simple.

Jeans. Trousers. Pants. Nice to wear but difficult to iron? Here's the solution for all you basic housekeepers. The easy 2-minute ironing! Pay attention!

1. Fold the pants in half (the zipper should be on the inside). Put them on the ironing board.

2. Lift the top leg and fold it backwards. Iron the bottom leg first from head to toes (or so to speak). Put the top leg back in its place and iron that as well.

3. Flip over and repeat. Fold and you are done!

PS: Like with the shirt use the steam!

PS 2: Don't fondle the trousers. Show them who is the boss!!!

Trip Advice!

So it's summer and like most people we are getting ready for vacations! Being a good housekeeper also means being able to organize your trip to make your life and trip easier! This is also important when you travel with limitations like bag size or kilos.

Since George and I are going on a 1-week trip to Crete I decided to compile a list of some useful tips for you:

1. Plan ahead. We started saving money (whatever we could spare) since last September. We also reserved our tickets and hotel early on. Right now, we have successfully covered the cost for the tickets, hotel, car rental and we are left with some extra money!

2. Know your bag size! We are travelling with Ryanair so we are only allowed 10 kg each plus one extra up to 15 kg. The plan is to take the 15 kg bag and 2 extra handbags that we can fold inside the larger one. This way we have as little luggage as possible to carry and in case we do not need the extra space we can just leave them in there folded :)

3. Take what is absolutely necessary! I know that a lot of things seem necessary but ask yourselves; Will you really need them? Make a list so you wont forget any REALLY important items! Here's mine!

2-pairs of trousers (preferably jeans)
6-7 tops
1 jacket
2-3 pairs of shoes MAX! sandals and trainers (you never know what weather you will find!
1 beach towel for each
swimsuit
bathroom items (toothbrush, hairbrush, etc)
underwear (1 for each day + 1 extra!)

Less is more! Less items is more space for what you will shop! And remember, if you forget something you can always buy it there!

4. Use websites like tripadvisor to determine which places are most worth visiting! Real people's reviews are very helpful in deciding restaurants, hotels and places to go.

5. Before you leave the house make sure you leave it as tidy and clean as possible. Try not to leave milk or bread that will spoil until your return. This will make your return easier.

6. Always be careful with your personal items! Enjoy your vacations the most but watch your items so you can enjoy your return back home!