Quick & Easy Pasta Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino (garlic, oil & Chilli)

Not my usual sort of post but while making lunch for myself the other day I realised this is not a dish many people are aware of which is a real shame as it's incredibly tasty and very quick and simple to do.
The ingredients list is minimal and and it's stuff that everyone should have lying around their kitchen and should take roughly 20-25 minutes to make.


Here's what you need (serves 4):

1x packet of spaghetti
6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1x onion
2x large cloves of garlic
1x large hot red chilli (you can substitute this with 1tbsp of dried chilli flakes or use a bit of both)
salt

The above recipe is a basic guideline you can add more garlic and chilli if you want to, I actually used 4 cloves of garlic and I was making this dish just for myself.

Step 1 Start by placing a large saucepan of water onto the stove, you want to do this now as it seems to take forever to boil and the rest of the recipe isn't going to take long.
Make sure you add a generous amount of salt to the water otherwise the pasta's going to taste bland.

Step 2 Chop up all your ingredients.

Step 3 By now the water should be at boiling point so pop the spaghetti in and cook according to packet instructions.

Step 4 Place the oil into a frying pan or wok.

Step 5 Add the onions and garlic and fry until soft.

Step 6 Add the chilli's and a pinch of salt and fry for another minute or so but watch that you don't burn the onion or garlic as it doesn't taste very nice if you do. 

Step 7 Drain the Spaghetti, add to the wok and give it a good stir to coat the pasta with the oil mixture.

Step 8 Place the spaghetti into a dish and serve.

So there you have it, super simple and delicious and it didn't take you ages to make.

If you do try this recipe out make sure to leave me a comment letting me know what you think.

Best Beauty Products Of 2011

Since I'm never consistent in doing a monthly favourite post I thought it would be a good idea to do a "favourites of 2011 post" so I can share with you all the products that really stood out for me last year and ultimately the ones that I think are worth spending money on.

I've broken them all down by category, so if you're only intrested in one area you can skip past the rest.

Skincare

Cleanser 
Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foam Wash

Have gone trough countless bottles over the years and always come back to it despite trying new stuff.

It's a great basic foaming cleanser for oily/combination skin and it works well at deep cleansing without over drying.

Toner
Burt's Bees Acne Solutions Clarifying Toner

Good for keeping skin clear and helping to heal any little blemishes, it's not to expensive either and it really works.

Moisturiser
Origins Vitazing Energy Boosting Moisturiser

Amazing product! Similar to a tinted moisturiser but not quite, this comes out grey but once you blend it into the skin it adapts to your skintone and gives you a gorgeous even glow.

Exfoliator
Alpha H Liquid Gold

Not your typical exfoliator as it's completely free of any abrasive particles, this is a clear liquid containing glycolic acid that you apply to skin like you would a toner.
I find using this 3 times a week keeps my skin clear and glowing and works far better than any scrub I've ever used, it's expensive but it lasts a long time as you only need a little.

Mask
Lush Cupcake Mask

Brilliant deep cleansing mask that smells good enough to eat, this is like smoothing After Eight Mints all over your face.
I love that it as a slight exfoliating effect and makes your skin super smooth.

Eye Treatment
Garnier Tinted Eye Roll-On

This works amazingly well to de-puff and brighten the eye area and because it's tinted it mildly conceals too.

Make-Up


Primer
Korres Organic Face Primer

Absolutely fantastic primer, it makes my foundation glide on effortlessly and it doesn't have the slimy feel of regular silicone based primers.

Foundation 
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua


One of the best foundations I've ever tried. It feels and looks natural on the skin, medium coverage, luminous matte finish.
It looks like your skin but better, instant perfector in a bottle.

Concealer 
MAC Select Moisturecover

I like this mainly for under my eyes as it's nice and moisturising and doesn't look cakey, I have it in the shade NW20 as the slight pink undertone counteracts dark circles.


Powder
 Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre

I'm not a massive fan of powders as they alway leave my skin looking flat but this one is a pleasure to use. It provides a nice lightly matte finish but it still look natural and radiant and not powdery in the slightest.

Bronzer
NARS Laguna Bronzer

The most natural looking bronzer I've ever used, it's probably not ideal for darker skin tones but if you're fair to medium this will be perfect for you.


Highlighter
Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee

Such a shame that this was limited edition because it's an amazing product.
It doesn't just work as an highlighter but also as a gorgeous golden eye shadow and it's unique texture and versatility makes it an excellent product.


Blush
Illamasqua Shimmer Blush in Ambition

One of the pretties blushers I own, it's a soft natural peachy pink shade with a little golden shimmer and it looks great regardless of what other makeup your wearing.

Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Naked Palette

Just about every nude, natural eye shadow you will ever need packaged in a travel friendly palette, I cannot imagine anyone who would like this as every shade is super versatile and would suit every skin tone.


Liner
L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss

Mascara
YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking

If you're a fan of YSL False Lash Mascara you will love this! It's a supercharged version of the original, intense pigmentation and super volumizing.


Lipstick
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

Lovely sheer, glossy lip color, it glides on effortlessly and doesn't dry out my lips.
My favourite shades are Boy, a natural rose and Evasion, a gorgeous natural peach.

Lip Gloss
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

One of the best glosses money can buy. They are smooth, non-sticky and moisturising working almost as a gloss and balm all rolled into one.
They also smell amazing!


Lip Balm
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Not the best to wear before bedtime but if you're looking for a moisturising balm with an hint of colour to wear during the day then look no further.
I love how creamy these feel on the lips but they aren't heavy either so they feel comfortable on the lips.

Haircare


Shampoo
Phyto Phytorhum

Fab effective shampoo, cleanses well and leaves my hair feeling stronger and healthier.

Conditioner 

This is technically an express treatment mask but I use it as I would a normal everyday conditioner.
It works really well on my dry, coarse hair and leaves it feeling soft and detangled.


Treatment

This as literally saved my hair after I went from dark brown to blonde, it as proteins to reconstruct the hair but it's also very moisturising unlike a lot of other protein treatment which can leave hair dry and brittle.


Styling Products

I'm a big fan of hair oils in general but this one is the one that suits my hair type the most and provides the most softness and moisture. I also really like the fact that it comes in handy travel sized bottles.


Nails


Nail Treatment

This is the reason I've been able to grow my nails. It's not great as a base coat because it dries shiny therefore making polish application that bit trickier but it's worth the extra effort because it makes my nails super strong.


Top Coat
Essie Good To Go

Much better than my usual Seche Vite as this does not shrink and still provides the same glossy finish

Perfume


Diesel Loverdose

A gorgeous warm liquorice and vanilla scent that sweet without being heavy.

Bath & Body Works Sensual Amber

A strong sweet amber based scent and one that reminds me very much of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.
Really wish Bath and Body Works would come to the UK because they do a lot of really nice scents.


So there you go, you have my 2011 favourites, what are yours?

GlossyBox December 2011

Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel
I love the smell of this and you only need the tiniest amount to get a really good lather.
I would definitely re-purchase and I'm intrested in trying some of the other scents.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Laquer in Razzle Dazzle
The consistency was a little thin on first coat but the second coat covered beautifully and the shade itself is very pretty, a dark purple base with a raspberry shimmer.
The lasting power was really good too and when I took it off 4 days later it hadn't chipped one bit!

Cargo Lip Gloss in Tokyo

A lovely pinky coral shade with gold shimmer, it felt nice and smooth and wasn't sticky but pigmentation is quite sheer which is a shame because it's a pretty colour.

Me Me Me Seventh Heaven

I almost bought the full size of this and I'm so glad now that I didn't,it's not a bad product as it moisturises well enough and provides a good base for makeup but for me the strong citrus smell is very off putting.

It almost as the same sort of scent as a lemon wood polish and those kinda scents literally make me feel sick, if you like citrus you will probably enjoy this product.

Blink + Go Long lasting Black Mascara

Love the fact that this is a full sized mascara but this did nothing for my lashes, no volume or length and it made my lashes feel really dry and crispy. Not a fan!  

Boudoir Prive/Joliebox December 2011

As most of you know Boudoir Prive as merged with Joliebox and this months box turned out very well,

the new box design is sleek and compact and it's packed to the brim with goodies.

OPI Gold Shatter Nail Laquer

I was super happy to see this included in this months box as I was looking to buy this full price.

OPI make the best crackle polishes on the market, they go on smoothly and give an even finish and this particular shade is exceptionally pretty.

New ID Cosmetics Lip Gloss

Another item I really love, it's one of the nicest nudes I own, almost a golden nude.

It glides on smoothly and isn't sticky or heavy and it smells lovely too.

Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

Haven't used this yet but it smells nice (fresh and herbal) and the packaging looks very expesive and reminds me of Jo Malone.

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold

This supposed to be a multi-purpose powder that you can use anywhere were you want a little added shimmer however this particular shade is to dark and to red to be used that way.

It look beautiful as a blush and would probably look okay on the eye but that is it, it's a great quality product nonetheless.

Swatches of the gloss and shimmer powder.

Yonka Vital Defence Anti Age Moisturiser

I've wanted to try this brand for so long and it certainly doesn't disappoint. 

The cream felt light, it's easily absorbed and my skin felt hydrated all day, it's also a great base for make up.

Not sure how it would work in terms of anti ageing as I don't have any wrinkle to test it on plus the sample is kinda small.

Joliebox Concealer Brush 

A nice little extra and it's actually a decent quality brush.

Kusmi Tea 

Another nice little added extra, I haven't tried this either yet but it's smells nice but looks very messy.

What did you this of this months JolieBox? What brands would you like to see included in the future?