It's the perfect dessert: with a crispy crust and a light marshmallowy inside.
If I were a summer girl, this would be my birthday cake:
The Pavlova recipe is originally from New Zeland.
The dessert was named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova.
A hotel chef in Wellington created that dish when Pavlova visited as part of her world tour in 1926.
Since then there are hundreds of different versions of this sweet dessert.
Professor Helen Leach, who studied the history of food, collected 667 pavlova recipes.
But there is one that I consider my ultimate favourite.
The Nigella Lawson's pavlova from her book "How to eat".
Well, of course everyone makes some small changes according to their sweet tooth.
It's so awesome that I had to share it with you.
Here is the recipe:
4 egg whites (room temperature)
0,25 teaspoon of salt
200 grams of sugar (I took a little less)
2 tablespoons of cornstarch (I replaced it with potatostarch)
1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar (I was out and sceptical about balsamic vinegar so I used fresh lemon juice)
A few drops of vanilla extract (I used a little of vanilla sugar instead)
Whipped cream and fruit of your choice.
So, I also altered the temperatures according to my unpredictable oven and preheated it to 160ºC instead of 180. Next you have to beat the egg whites until satiny peaks form and then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is shiny and stiff (a trick: turn the bowl 180º and if your meringue won't drip you're ok).Sprinkle with starch, vinegarand vanillaand stirthroughgently.Pourthe meringue onto a baking sheet in a circleandsmooth the sides and the top.Place inthe ovenand immediatelyreduce the ovenheat to 150 ºC (or 130º in my case).Bake for1 hour. Try to restrain your excitement and do not open the oven door or it will begin to crack.
After 1 hour had passed I turned off the oven and allowed the cake to coolio-cool down.
When you're ready to serve, turn the pavlova upside down (then your cream will merge with the meringue). Whisk the cream and pile it on top of the meringue, then scatter over the strawberries (Nigella used passion fruit only. "Don't be tempted to add other fruit" she said). In my oppinion strawberries, meringue and whipped cream is a match made in heaven and as they say: "The best things in life come in threes" (Fact: 69% of people can find something dirty in every sentence. Hey, just saying.)
This is the second time that I've made pavlova.
The first time was two years ago and it was such a catastrophe that I was scared of making another...until today. I am so glad about that. What a great reward to youself for getting rid of your fobias- a nice (read: large!!!) piece of pavlova.
I hope this encourages you to try it.
(Note: The picture in this post is a result of googling. I was too excited to taste my own pavlova that I could not stop for a second and take a few pictures. When you'll be making one yourself, you'll understand what I'm saying)
I was feeling lost today and decided to take yet another tour at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Sadly, virtually.
The second floor is dedicated to the brilliant Alexander McQueen and to his most outstanding collections.
I find his outrageous and boundaries breaking work comforting. His stories are breathtaking as are his pieces. The nature, the victorian-gothic feel, the darkness and the light, the flow and the structural shapes, the perverssity, the line between beautiful and the ugly, life and death, etc. I can understand his source of inspiration. He makes you feel that anything is possible and that beauty can be found in unusual places. Wandering in his controversial fairy tale, he makes me feel me and ok with myself.
"Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty"
The one piece I admire the most from his works is the white cotton dress that was spray-painted on stage by two robots and worn by the model Shalom Harlow.
Shalom described the experience: "I walked right up to it and stood on top of this circular platform. And as soon as I gained my footing, the circular platform started a slow, steady rotation. And it was almost like the mechanical robots were stretching and moving their parts after an extended period of slumber. And as they sort of gained consciousness, they recognized that there was another presence amongst them, and that was myself.
And at some point, the curiosity switched, and it became slightly more aggressive and frenetic and engaged on their part. And an agenda became solidified somehow. And my relationship with them shifted at that moment because I started to lose control over my own experience, and they were taking over. So they began to spray and paint and create this futuristic design on this very simple dress.
And when they were finished, they sort of receded and I walked, almost staggered, up to the audience and splayed myself in front of them with complete abandon and surrender.
It almost became this like aggressive sexual experience in some way. And I think that this moment really encapsulates, in a way, how Alexander related to—at least at this particular moment—related to creation. Is that all of creation? Is that the act of a human being being created, the sexual act? Is it the act of, you know, the Big Bang, if you will, that violence and that chaos and that surrender that takes place?
Alexander and I didn’t have any conversation directly related to this particular piece and to creating this moment within his show. I like to think that he wanted to interfere as little as possible and allow me to have the most genuine, spontaneous experience as possible."
In McQueen’s Words:"[The finale of this collection] was inspired by an installation by artist Rebecca Horn of two shotguns firing blood-red paint at each other. It was really carefully choreographed. It took a week to program the robots."
Be sure to klick here to see the selected objects from his collections with additional comments.
I have always felt a deep connection towards birds. Soooo deep that I am even convinced that I was one of them in a previous life. I especially admire the bewildering colours of paradise birds and the giant eyes of owls.
So the logical step for me was to make a feather skirt. And where else to wear this skirt than to your high-school graduation to be remembered as you truly are by your mates.
The process of making this skirt is easy but time-consuming, very time-consuming as I used a needle and thread to attach the feather ribbon instead of the easy peasy glue gun.
I got the electrifying green feather ribbon at a craft store Karnaluks for 3€ a metre.
They have a great variety of crafty goods for all DIY projects. A lot of the young Estonian designers fish their materials there.
For the base I used an old skirt I found at Humana.
So here it is:
The surprising part is that I actually did not wear it for my graduation.
My mother is quite old-school and takes etiquette seriously and she thought that it was too costume party for graduating. My plan A was to wear a grey tux with a white shirt with black buttons and a velvet bowtie. When I told her about that I had to thik up a plan B, because "all the girls wear a dress on that day".
A few unsuccessful plans later and a day before graduating we finally reached a compromise with a white tailored jacet and a red! ("red is your colour") dress . I can't remember the last time I wore red. I greeted red with scepticism. At least I felt like myself when I added a selfmade brooch, without her permission of course.
So why didn't I wear the skirt as I wished? Why didn't I be selfish for my night as everyone else encouraged me to be?
Well, because it wasn't just my night. I didn't reach the finish line to receive the gold medal alone. It was not just my battle. We shared it with my mother.
And I heard a sentence from one of my favourite movies "Into the wild". If you have not yet seen this movie, you should put it into your to-do list. It's an order.
"Happiness only real when shared"
It kept me thinking: "How can I be happy alone with my decisions?"
At this point you may have a negative impression of my mother, because she doesn't trust my decisions and she want's to make me a little more like everyone else.
You may be right and wrong at the same time.
More wrong.
I have to assure you she is the Biggest person I have ever met.
Everytime I am with her I wonder: "How lucky of a kid I am!"
She is the one I cherish most in my life and she makes me happy, even though she may keep me back a little.
It's fear. Wouldn't you be scared to let go all of your beliefs that you have carried you whole life? And wouldn't you be scared of your kid who is different from everyone else in some way?
So what I'm trying to say is that analyse peoples' actions before you fustigate (what a cool word) them, Do It Yourself and share happiness.
I wanted to share my Top 5 favourite TED videos with you.
By the way, do you even watch the videos I post?
If not then, this post is not for you, sorry.
For you that don't know what a "TED" is:
"TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other."
Here are the videos that I have watched over and over and probably will again soon.
The videos are in no particular order, they are all so good that I can not pick a winner. They all deserve first place.
Why did I chose these videos? I found myself nodding the whole time, or laughing. Both are a true result of how brilliant the speakers' ideas were.
I have been thinking about making a post about the anticipated ERKI fashion show a few days now, but I was worried.
"What exactly?" you ask
Well, the notes I made during the show were pretty critical.
Ok, maybe even too critical if we think about the still-learning students that participated.
The worst thing you could do is criticise their work when they are still searching themselves as a designer.
It would be like clipping their wings when they are still developing them in the first place.
Or like criticising a future mother about how ignorant of a mother she is on her baby shower.
Ok, you got it.
But still, here you are reading the beginning of the post I didn't want to write.
So, does it mean I am brave enough to make public the oh-so-critical comments?
There is a thin line between bravery and stupidity.
I would like to assure you the following is my sincere oppinion and my oppinion only.
Did that sound like the beginning of a drug commercial?
I am not trying to take someone down with my oppinion. It's quite predictable to say "I would like to see your designs!", "Do better then!", etc. So please, spare me.
This was the end of small talking.
So, ERKI fashion show 2011. What happened?
This years moto: The podium is like a white empty canvas that is going to be filled with the freshest fashion.
Each year the organisers think of new ways how to make it a one of a kind and innovative experience . Last year the theme was "Silent show" where all the participants (audience and models) had to wear headphones because the show was held in an underground parking lot (how creative?!). This year they made it into a live show so everyone that didn't have the chance to be there physically could still take part of it thanks to the miracle of television (well, not much of a miracle in the 21. century).
On the Estonia's longest podium, 30 metres to be precise, 25 collections were shown. 22 of them from Estonian, the other 3 from French, Slovakian and Finnish young aspiring designers.
The collections, in my oppinion, could be devided into 4 groups. The first are the ones that really stood up, then there were the ones that had one or two true pearls. The third group consited of mishmash pieces, far from cohesive collections by a group of students (That's ERKI). There were a lot of not-quite-there collections that weren't memorable someway, just neutral. I chose not to write about the two last groups, trust me it would have been very dull for me to write and for you to read. If you are reading this part of course, the intro is too long I know.
Let's begin, shall we.
"Moravian Costume"
by a Slovakian designer L. Komosny
The goal was to reflect Moravian history in a modern way.
The colour palette consisted of gray and vivid green.
I loved how the different shapes were playing and balancing each other.
You could really feel the professionalism of the designer.
Erverything was wery well sewn, especially the pants. It's hard to make high-waisted pants look good and clean.
The designer tought about making the collection seem interesting onstage and also practical offstage.
What really caught my eye was the balanced choise of models: they seemed to really embody the Moravian woman.
"Uneline"
by I.Ait and K. Ostrat (Euroakadeemia Fashion 1. year)
The collection was inspired by the clutter of cities in dreams that resulted in eclectic prints.
I must say, the prints were the best part.
Sure, there were elements that weren't cohesive with the other pieces , but did that ruin the overall impression? Not at all.
"11"
by L. Suurväli (EKA Fashion 3.year)
A mix of geometric forms, sumo wrestling, space, bright colours and latex made up one of the most memorable and quirky collections of the night.
Don't know about how flattering the clothes are in real life of couse?
"Meie aja kangelane"
by K.Koovit (EKA Fashion 3.year)
I was so glad to see a collection dedicated to men only. The most underestimated part of fashion is men's fashion. And we need more talented designers to fix that.
Designer found inspiration in nuthouses, emotionality and mythical people, who are bigger than life itself.
Fantastic tailoring, interesting new cuts and shapes.
The collection really told a story for me.There are a lot of people mildly crazy only in the inside, outside everything seems fine. And so the crazyness keeps on growing because medical attention hasn't been given. I imagined a nowadays artist, poet maybe, following the footsteps of his father, who is the owner and founder of a woldwide company. He wants to devote his life to poetry, but his father doesn't approve of it ("Who ever said poet is a real occupation?"). He always dreamt of having a son, who shared his enthusiasm towards business, and so he gives his son a very presigious postition in his firm, hopefully to bing him over to the business side so he'll forget the arts. The son agrees, continuing to write poetry and secretly performing them in an underground poetry club, hoping that one day his father will understand his passion. Not knowing how to explain it to his father he agrees to his job offer. Every single day in that office drives him a teaspoon closer to a mental breakdown.
This is my favourite collection of the night. I love the almost shifted cuts and even I would wear them. Honestly.That's a true proof of how much I love the collection.
I love the next guy in every fashion show. He always brings a theatrical energy to the stage. It's always a pleasure to see him. Although this time he was the most restrained I have ever seen him. Perfect fit for the "crazy but not really there" idea.
"Nude directions"
by Kallas and Jazepova (EKA Leather 3.year)
Truly world-class shoedesign.
I loved the wedges and the colour palette.
I want to see them closer, feel them, smell them, love them and wear them even if they seemed to be a little uncomfortable and a challenge to wear.
"Vaktsiin"
by EKA fashion 3.year
I love the idea of turning toward yourself for inspiration. A person is his own source of inspiration.
The prints were amazing.
Not recommended for nervous people?
"A Mystery Cup"
by A.Babitsky
Well that collection made a lot of people scrach their head.
"Vulgar circus" was my first thought.
Probably the most scandalouse collection of the night. That said, it reminded me a little about the last years wtf? collection.
Babitsky himself said that the collection's name comes from totally unpredictable, mystical and unique persons from saloons' teanights.
"The whole collection debated over who we really are in the society and how much of that is deceptive. How much do we have to show ourselves and where the line is drawn? What makes us human? How conservative we are?" said the designer, "For me the mystery is in the large amount of different characters. People are interesting to watch, analyse, understand and find their needs."
His leather collection was made in 9 months.
Well, his hats are amazing, I must say.
I don't know. I'm speechless. Boy, you've left me speechless. That was probably your goal.
"Marsime sinu unne"
by EKA Leather 2.year
The designer brought a variety of leather boots and accessories.
I really enjoyed their own unique view on the classical Dr. Martens. Especially the ones with the multiple layers.
The few seconds of presentation were made interesting by two pairs of helpful hands that added or tweaked a detail or two on the models on stage. Reminded me of my favourite fashion duo Victor & Rolf and their fall and winter 2010/2011 collection. Of course theirs is much interesting. I added a video so you can all agree with me.
Victor & Rolf:
Note to self: Have to make a post about these guys someday!
"Satellite Orchids"
by O.Jazepova EKA Leather 3.year
Olga said about her collection: "Complicated connection of feelings, a combination of evenst, rare sense of reality, lightness, freedom and transparency."
The pastel tones, pleating and flowy fabrics, the thin staps of leather and suprising minimalistic geometric shapes made the overall collection very feminine yet firm. I loved the contrasts. I always love contrast, everywhere.
"Okasroosike"
by M.Sild (freelance photographer and fashion designer)
Thorn-romanticism and rococo.
I loved the flowery tights and stockings.
Sorry, this picture is purely due to this guy's amazing facial features.
He reminds me of The Doors singer. Jim Morrison anybody else? Anybody?
Ok, here is the second group with some outstanding pieces that I could not not add to this post.
"Loomine"
by M. Vaakman
EKAs 3rd year fashion student Maria's collection had an etno feel to it with a lot of lightness and freshness.
I must say the jacket with the gathered collar is amazing. It was interesting to see the victorian and ethno influences together.
"All that money"
by M.Luik (EKA Phography 3.year), K. Milistver (EKA Leather 2.year), N.Aunap (EKA Animation alumna)
The collection unites money and art. It's about their dialogue.
I love the girls' capeish jacket's cutting, the idea of multibelting and the belt bags (a fun new interpretation of a comfortable fanny pack)
"I love you...me neither"
by O.Rattik EKA Fashion 3.year
Yes, I am aware that safety pins are old news.
Somehow this gown's torso is really beautiful from long distance.
And you may noticed this jacket on Artjom in the final of "Eesti otsib superstaari"
To end somehow the picture and the text porn, sorry about that, the overall impression was not at all bad. Was I dissapointed and do I regret spending my valuable time for these young designers instead of studying for my exam? Noup.
Although, I have to say, ERKI fashion how is the oldest in Estonia, but it still has some organizing misunderstandings. For example, is it so difficult to show the designers after each show so that the clutter of the finale with the designers and models wouldn't be there? Or at least send them to the runway with equal gaps so that we could actually see them?
I leave these questions to find their answers next year.
