This Week The Mice Have Mostly Been...

Guess what...

We know it was only a four day week for us UK lot, but with all this God awful rain and miserable'ness surrounding us, it could easily have been a 10 day week! Us London Mice have also had to deal with immense holiday blues ... after a week glued to a lounger, a glass of wine permanently in hand, at a glorious French farmhouse, we couldn't have felt any closer to bursting into tears each and every morning as our alarm's jolted us awake. HOWEVER, despite the pain, we all made it through, Friday is here once again, and I can almost smell the Hendricks!

When we haven't been on the brink of a temper tantrum every time someone rests their dripping umbrella against our leg on the tube, desperately trying to tame our frizzy locks or jumping out the way of cars puddles splashing us on the street - this week the Mice have mostly been....

Reminiscing back to afternoons spent basking in the sun, flicking through Grazia without a care in the world whilst slurping on our new obsession ... jugs of gin and basil lemon cooler! 

Yes I said jugs. Believe me, a glass will not suffice however I warn you, clear the entire afternoon as they are an absolute killer! Both days we mixed up one of these bad boys we both mysteriously fell into a deep afternoon sleep for a few hours completely zonked out ... I'm sure it must have been due to our morning runs though...!

Very easy, very drinkable and oh so delicious! 

You Need...

Ice
5 lemons - juiced
1 cup of sugar
A good bunch of basil
1-2 cups of gin
Ice cold water

How To...

1. Fill a jug with lots of ice and add the juice of all five lemons

2. Add 1 to 2 cups of gin, depending on how brave you feel, and your cup of sugar

3. Top up with ice cold water and add your torn basil leaves

4. Give your lemony, basily concoction a good stir to dissolve the sugar and serve with a slice of fresh lemon and a basil leaf! 

5. Enjoy! And maybe, to be on the safe side, make sure you apply a layer of suncream before you start just in case our bouts of heavy afternoon sleep weren't actually down to our morning runs!

Watching the self-soaking bucket challenge snowball out of control! Every third Facebook post now features a new wet-look video from a friend or colleague and practically every celeb has been splashing their way through the week! 

It is for a hugely worthy cause to raise awareness and research funds for Motor Neurone Disease so we’re backing it from that perspective however we can’t help but be annoyed by the many celebs and general public who are taking the opportunity to wear their smallest bikini’s or get glammed up to the max to fulfill the challenge. NOT THE POINT PEOPLE! 

HK Mouse has actually taken part in the challenge and donated. Check out her video on her Instagram.

On a silly note, it has been an fascinating insight into celebrities' gardens and exotic trips away! Our favourites include:

The Beckham clan…



Trouser Snake's…



And, Benedict Cumberbatch’s ice montage… 

Lastly, here's to a...

Love, love, love, 

The Mice xxx

Getting Crafty: A Pair & A Spare Workshops

As I glow through my sixth Hong Kong summer (horses sweat, ladies glow, don't you know...), I have come to the realisation that unless I am submerged in the sea, or shut away in my icy-cool, air-conned flat, August in the city is pretty darn miserable. 

Or so I thought.

A couple of weeks ago, I discovered the most amazing (and blissfully cool) way to while away a scorchio Saturday afternoon when Team Sassy were invited to a workshop at the A Pair And A Spare studio. Actually, it would also be an amazing way to while away a rainy afternoon, a stormy afternoon or even an afternoon when the weather is perfectly blue-skied and non-humid. In fact, it would genuinely be one of my all time dream places to hang out, full stop.

If you haven't heard of DIY Fashion Blog, A Pair & A Spare (where have you been?!), we're actually quite jealous, as that means that you have hours and hours of blog-surfing fun ahead of you, poring over Geneva's genius ideas for replicating catwalk trends at a snip. But the really, really great news for Hong Kongers is that Geneva has just finished DIYing her brand new studio and is kicking off a series of weekend workshops to celebrate. This means that anyone and everyone in the 852 now gets to hang out with the DIY maven and hope that a little of her crafty magic will rub off on them (and at the very least head home with something fabulous they've made from scratch).

I headed down with the Sassy girls two weeks ago and we all tried our hand at the knotting school workshop - AKA turning a fish bowl, a handful of brass rings and a few metres of rope into a super cool hanging planter vase.

With the boys from Fish & Meat there to whip up a few mason jars' of the dangerously delicious farmhouse jam cocktails, Nice Pops keeping us cool with their boozy lollies and a studio decked out with the most Pinterest-worthy floral pineapples ever, there was nothing left for us to do but get down to the serious business of knotting...

I could go write pages and pages of gushing and swooning over the jaw-droppingly incredible studio, but lucky for you, I'm going to let the photos do the talking...  

DIYing done and we all headed a debrief over cocktail top-ups and scrumptious Invisible Kitchen canapés.

Oh and did I mention the boozy lollies...? Hic!

A couple of hours later, after one too many country jams, I happily bumbled home swinging a goody bag stuffed with booty from Anything But Salads, Ditto Ditto and Pyar while proudly showing off my knotting handiwork to anyone and everyone who glanced my way.

Geneva's taking bookings now for September & October workshops which start at HK$1,200 for the afternoon (including all the materials for your DIY, drinks, nibbles and a fab goody bag). Bag your spot fast before she sells out!

On the 3BM iPod: Zella Day

We know we're always comparing our latest music crushes to Lana Del Rey but this time we're not the only ones. In fact, Zella Day herself has said she's the 'happier' version of LDR. 

But, it's not just Lana that springs to mind when you listen to Zella, we also get a dusting of Ms Mr, a bit of Banks, more than a touch of Wild Belle and even a little Marina and the Diamonds. If you want to know what a mash up of that bundle of music loveliness sounds like, hit play and take a listen...

Zella Day - Sweet Ophelia

Zella Day - East of Eden

Soundtrack to the rest of the summer or what?

Last but not least, check out this awesome cover of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. 

Zella Day - Seven Nation Army

We predict huge things for this girl, you heard it here first...

3BM Kitchen : Paella...

Most of my very favourite childhood memories are set during the three week long holidays we used spend as little girls in Macaret, a small Spanish fishing village in Menorca. We'd go back every year to the same villa, in the same little square and pick up exactly where we left off.

The locals would always be there to greet us, we'd get fresh pastries from the same bakery each morning, play with the same local children all day and evening and eat at the same restaurant every night which boasted the most delicious Spanish food served up in the most beautiful Menorcan crockery. Everyone would be gobsmacked to see the three little blonde English sisters shaking their heads to eggs and chips and instead digging into bowls of fresh chiperoni (baby squid) and steaming plates of paella! Our love for real food started from a very young age!!

As us London Mice have just returned from another lovely trip and are in need of a little of the holiday spirit to get us through the first few dark days back in the office, we thought we'd pay homage to one of our favourite dishes of all time - paella!

This is a super easy one to make, and in my opinion you simply can't beat a big bowl of this deliciousness all washed down by a chilled glass of wine! If only we could also magic ourselves back to Macaret we'd be in pure heaven!! However for now this will do...


You Need (for 4 people)...

300g paella rice
2 packets pancetta cubes
1 chorizo (sliced)
100g frozen peas
½ teaspoon saffron strands
500ml chicken stock
1 onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

4 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
100g king prawns
½ lemon juiced

How To...

1. Heat the oil in a wide paella dish ideally (otherwise use a normal pan as we had to!) on a medium heat and add the onion. 

2. Cook the onion for a few mins then add the chopped garlic. 

3. Add the chorizo and pancetta and cook for 5 mins. 

4. Add the chicken and cook for approx 10 mins until the chicken is cooked.

5. Prepare your stock, add the saffron and stir

6. Season with salt and pepper and add the saffron-scented chicken stock, rice, peas and prawns. 

7. Cook for 15-25 minutes on a medium heat stirring occasionally until the rice has absorbed the stock and the peas and prawns are cooked.

8. Stir in the lemon juice and serve.

This Week The Mice Have Mostly Been...

Oh hello there last working day of the week, we're not going to lie, we're pretty pleased to see you...

The last seven days have seen the London Mice ooh la la it across the Channel to a farmhouse in the French countryside for a week of rest, reading and sipping on pitcher after pitcher of Basil & Lemon Gin Coolers.

Meanwhile, over in Hong Kong, their poor big sister has been laid-up with a horrid summer cold while relentless torrential rain pours down outside. But luckily it hasn't been all sneezing fits and showers, when I haven't been puddle-hopping with a fistful of tissues, this week this Mouse has mostly been... 

Rhapsodising about having discovered burger nirvana. Yup, I know that's a pretty huge claim, but this week I finally found the one. Burger lovers, the only three words you need to know from here on in are: Butcher's Club Burgers. Well, I mean, just so that you can find your way there, it would probably be handy to know the words: 2 Landale Street, Wan Chai too. And once you're there you're probably going to want to know the words: duck fat fries and ice-cream float too, but you get the idea.

There's only actually one burger on the official menu here but, when the burgers are this good, one burger is all you need. We're talking - a juicy, smoky hand-ground burger, draped in rashers of bacon and a cloak of oozy melted cheese, spiked with a kiss of pickle and nestled between two halves a perfectly grilled bun. Each and every mouthful is patty poetry.

If you've brought your smartphone (and your super sleuthing A-game), use the phone's camera to scan one of the mysterious QR codes on the wall to unlock the secret burger menu featuring a handful of other beefy delights (and even a vegetarian option). 

If you're really in the mood for a burger blow-out, then order up the Double Happiness - double everything in the regular burger all sandwiched between two rounds of grilled cheese. Words really can't do this bad boy justice, so I'll just let the photo do the talking...

Go hungry, go NOW!

The Butcher's Club Burgers

G/F Rialto Building

2 Landale Street

Wan Chai

2528  2083

(No Reservations, Open Noon-11pm, 7 days a week)

Sending my credit card scuttling off to cower in the corner after discovering the Little Shop of Jasmine. Anyone who spends any time at all on Pinterest, will definitely have already discovered at least a little piece of the typography genius of Jasmine Dowling, you just might not know about it yet... I've pinned her beautiful brushstroke typography pieces so many times over the last few months without ever taking the time to find out who was behind them. This week though, I clicked through on one of those pins, and hey presto, the girl behind the brush was revealed! Better yet, I realised there's a whole host of drool-worthy products in her e-shop, the Little Shop of Jasmine, just waiting to be snapped up. Now all I have to do is decide which gorgeous piece I'm going to make mine...

Beauty in the Chaos Print

$55

Bonne Nuit & Bonjour Pillowcases

$49 each

Phases of the Moon Print

$55

All You Need Is Sleep Cushion

$49

Raising a glass, draping ourselves in strings of pearls and honouring Coco Chanel because last Tuesday would have been her 131st Birthday. We personally think that the anniversary of the doyenne of fashion's birth should be a worldwide public holiday, but until then, here's a little Coco wisdom to finish off the week on the right note...

Have the most wonderful weekend!

x

The Mice

What's In Mini Mouse's Suitcase...

Earlier this week we gave you a peep inside Middle Mouse's suitcase, today we're sneaking a look under the lid of Mini's...

By now I'd say that all three of us Mice could pass as pro packers! We've clocked up a fair few holidays between us and can pretty much pack with our eyes closed!

Packing to most is that dreaded chore which stands in the way of the true holiday excitement! So we thought why not share our wisdom to try ease the ordeal with 3BM's top 3 tips....

1. NEVER share a case with a boy!

Packing alone is bad enough but the prospect of sharing a case with a partner can cause no end of stupid comments and ultimately arguments...not ideal just before a supposedly peaceful break together! Do you really need another pair of shoes? Why have you packed hair straightens - I much prefer your natural beachy look?! I've only got one pair of swimming shorts surely you only need one bikini? All of these common statements prove that men know nothing, will lie to get their own way and should always take their own case!

2. If in doubt don't pack it!

There's nothing worse than getting to check-in and being told you're over the baggage limit and must pay a ridiculous excess or remove the offending heavy items immediately! Actually scrap that, it's even worse to pay the extortionate fee and then return from holiday with a case full of unworn outfits!

Be decisive, if you're unsure if you'll wear it, you probably won't and always outfit build as you go! It doesn't have to be physically trying on options (although if I'm doing hand luggage only I'll often go to these slightly divaish extremes!) but there's no point bringing that skirt without a top that goes with it and so forth!

3. Always pack with a glass of wine in hand!

Over the last few years when our travelling seems to have peaked, we always try our hardest to make the packing chore last as little time as possible but be as fun as possible! A big glass of icy Marlborough sauvignon blanc, fun music to get you in the holiday spirit and a super pre-holiday feast to look forward to at the end of it, always helps us complete the task a lot more quickly! In fact, if anything, it becomes part of the fun lead up rather than a boring job on the to do list!

It's as simple as that...with that in mind, check out my holiday essentials which I'm actually packing as I type (wine in hand of course!)...

Papaya Gold Paw Paw Balm

I can't go anywhere without this magical ointment, it's basically Mary Poppins in a tube! It treats burns and dry skin, acts as a lip balm, soothes eczema, cuts and chafed and chapped skin... you name it, paw paw does it! I somehow managed to mislay mine on my latest trip to Portugal which of course was a total disaster...one teeny, tiny tube multitasks so hard that it renders so many other products redundant!

The Perfect Pair of Wedges

For me the perfect pair of wedges are priceless...comfortable to wear, easy to balance in (no matter how many cocktails you drink) and somehow manage to be dressy but casual at the same time! I've already blogged about these before but my gold Zara beauties have come up trumps on every holiday so far this Summer!

An Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Bikini...

Seeing as 90% of most holidays are spent in a bikini I feel it's pretty crucial to invest in some good ones. Firstly those that you feel nice in and secondly ones that can withstand a few outings in the sea without stretching and bobbling immediately.

I fell head over heels for this Estuaries canary yellow number...I'm loving the flattering fit, multi textures and the vibrant summery hue is an added bonus! The brand uses thick, great quality fabrics that give amazing support and wash really well! I'm a total convert to spending a little extra to feel that much nicer! 

My NK1 LED Travel Lamp...

It's no secret that NK1 have converted me to be an at home shellac addict - if you missed it check out my post here. Gone are the days of chipped nails and constant re-painting...I'm fully dedicated to a 30 minute session every three weeks! I know it sounds ridiculous but it simply changes your evenings, I used to have to reserve a night every week to come home and sit on the sofa patiently painting, waiting, painting, waiting and then smudging as soon as I got into bed - ANNOYING!! I now have perfectly shiny nails after 30 mins every few weeks with no annoying drying time!!

There will always be those moments where you scrub the dishes a little too vigorously or lug your suitcase a tad aggressively and eventually a chip or lifting at the edges will appear. When you're at home it's quick and easy to repair with your LED lamp however it's defiantly too large to pack in your suitcase! So once again NK1 have come to the rescue with their travel size LED lamps - super light, speedy, small and perfect!

A Secret Stash of Beach Chick Lit...

It's the one occasion when you can devour stereotypical feel good chick lit with no judgements whatsoever! Who really wants to be reading heart wrenching stories or hardcore historical novels when the sun is beating down and the cocktails are flowing?! I know I'd much rather be reading about the New York adventures of beautiful socialites being chased by drop dead gorgeous millionaires! 

A Selection of my Favourite Beach Dresses...

Regardless of what I think I'll wear, I always end up in a bikini with an easy beach dress in the day followed by comfy flowing maxi dress in the evening. 

After non-stop cocktails, champagne and copious amounts of delicious food (calories don't count on holiday - FACT) it's not about tight fitting outfits is it?!

A few of my trusty favourites are...

And last but by no means least...

My Beauty Essentials...

I'm definitely not someone who wears a face full of make-up to the beach, instead I go for the au naturel look but with a few small additions for the evening to jazz things up! 

I find it especially necessary for the worst stage of the holiday, tan-transition...everyone must have experienced the horrible time when you're freshly exfoliated ready for the beach and waiting for the tan to come out! After day one in the sun you've turned an awkward beige (or even pink if you're not careful) and every outfit looks pretty disastrous making bronzer your only saviour! 

So...I always have my beauty essentials on hand to cater for those times and to make me feel that bit nicer in a beachy way! 

Firstly and most importantly everyone needs a trusted suncream, us Mice are loving Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection - it smells of a heavenly coconut dream, is water resistant and easy to rub in...perfect! 

A super fresh summer perfume is a must - if you didn't see my post a few weeks ago my current obsession is Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo...

Nothing will budge my new Benefit 'They're real! push up liner' (you actually need a special gel to remove it)...BUT believe me no amount of sweating or water splashing will make your eye line falter!!

After a hard day in the sun it is essential to rehydrate your skin, I'm using Elemis Hydra-Balance Day cream at the moment which is super light but keeps my skin moisturised all day long...

Finally for the evening to add a little pizzazz to a natural look I have two favourites which come everywhere with me. My MAC Mineralize Skin Finish to sweep across my cheekbones and Clinique's Chubby Stick in Heaping Hazelnut to keep my lip moisturised and also adds a hint of colour...

And that's it....I'm ready to go!

Summer Weekend Uniform: Vama Style Swimwear & By Charlotte Jewellery

With the London Mice sun-soaking in France, I'm mainly thinking good weather thoughts and doing a little sun-dance for lots of beachy rays in Hong Kong this weekend. It certainly seemed to do the trick last weekend, so fingers crossed for a re-run come Saturday...

Sunny days in the height of the Hong Kong summer definitely mean minimal clothing but if I'm not wearing much, then I want the couple of things I have got on to be too awesome for words.

Step up my current summer wear obsessions... 

I've blogged before about my love for Vama. If you're in the market for a new one piece or teeny kini, the Vama swimwear collection is an absolute must shop. Check out the eye-popping brights and super flattering cuts of these babies... 

Images via: Vama Style Instagram

I'm particularly obsessed with the Boathouse one piece in midnight blue (US$105)

and the Twisted By The Pool bikini in yellow chevron (US$90)

And while I was cruising the Vama Instagram Feed, I couldn't help getting a little bit distracted by those jaw-droppingly gorgeous necklaces. Pretty, delicate and particularly delicious when worn layered, after a little bit of digging, I discovered that these were By Charlotte Lotus necklaces. I also found out that it wasn't just me and Vama with a bit of a weakness for By Charlotte, a certain Devon-born, Victoria's Secret Angel is pretty keen on them too...

After much lotus lusting, I finally got my mitts on a silver one last week and have been wearing it pretty much non-stop ever since.

The By Charlotte Lotus Necklaces start from AU$129 and come in a variety of metals, designs and lengths. 

Head over heels in love, I'm already planning on which piece to add to my collection next...