Summer / Winter is here !

Morning Friends! 

It is the 31st of May meaning the season is about to officially change! For us folks in the south that means its time to whip out the blankets and start using that fire place. For our friends in the northern hemisphere it is beach season and school break! After a whole lot of 'spring' cleaning I think our homes deserve a little treat ;) I like buying something small and sweet for the house as a bit of a reward for tossing all my junk out! Here are a few ideas for your own little house treat, no matter the season! 

Glasshouse has to one of my favourite Candle companies EVER! These candles are long lasting, coming in about a hundred flavours and smell AMAZING!  This Tahaa has to be one of my personal  favourites however you can check out the whole collection here!

Looking for a little summer fun? These inflatable *huge swans are so much fun. We bought three at the beginning of the summer and they where a he hit with the whole family! You can find them via Sunny Life here!

Who doesn't love curling up on a cold night with a lovely faux fur blanket? I love them, the kids love them, even our dog loves them, much to my displeasure! Pottery barn has been making quality decor forever and they are my go to. You can find these beauties here. 

How beautiful is this beach towel? Seriously I want it as a table cloth! Grab one for yourself here!

Ok I need this handprinted stone cheese board in my house like yesterday! If this doesn't scream summer outdoor dinning I don't know what does?!? Pick one up from Anthropologie here.

Finally, how gorgeous is this kid friendly plastic table wear ? 100% recycled this plastic tableware is kind to the environment and the eyes! Check out the whole collection here!

Happy Shopping friends! 

Lou 

xxx

May Pins

Happy Monday Friends! 

There are only two days left of May, can you believe it? Once again this month has flown and I'm now sitting at my desk staring at my calendar, wondering where the year is going! For us southern hemisphere folk the weather is cooling down *finally! Which means its time to start playing our winter wardrobes, hunt for some warm winter recipes and rug up by the fire and waste time on Pinterest ;) Before winter officially begins lets have a look at my May pins. Remember you can find my many boards here!

I love scouting cute new looks for the coming seasons, using Pinterest. Including these two below. However I never forget about my girls in the north ;) So there are still pliantly of cute summer outfits for y'all ! 

You can see these plus many more here!

My Food board has to be one of my favourites! Not only are the recipes delicious but they are easy. I'm a big believer that healthy and yummy food shouldn't require 5 hours prep, because lets get real, who has time for that?! Here are a few recipes I'm trying out at the moment. 

All recipes and about a million more can be found here!

Other bits and pieces I have found on Pinterest that I know you will love, include 

These amazing kids sheets found here.

This incredible foyer found here.

Have a wonderful day friends, hopefully it includes a little Pinning time! 

Lou 

xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends! 

The weekend is nearly here and I'm pumped. The weather here at the moment is beautiful and perfect for a good hike so hopefully this weekend will be spent outdoors. But before I grab my sneakers and that crazy labrador of mine here are this weeks favourites! 

One 

What's Up Wednesday is here. If you missed my Wednesday post you can catch it here! This post is basically a monthly catchup on what I'm loving, what I'm planning etc. Essentially What's Up! 

Two 

I have mentioned my love of Erin Condren products a number of times before but seriously have not put my Life Planner down all week. This is no regular day planner it is life changing! Big statement I know, but seriously if this planner can't get you sorted and organised, nothing will! You can check out their gorgeous range of all things stationary here. 

Three

An unusually serious book choice for me I know! But I'm telling you this book is captivating. If you have seen the 2013 documentary 'Black Fish' which discusses the controversy surrounding Orca Whales in captivity. Then this book is a must read! I'll share more details in my next Entertainment Update but if you are looking for a book to diver into, then I highly recommend this one! 

Four 

I saw this yesterday and had to share, so funny! I have just finished season 12 of Greys Anatomy and wow oh wow! This show has had some dry points, where I'll admit I stopped watching. But it is once again, fantastic TV drama and I'm hooked all over again! 

Five 

Finally, as always, some wise words to start your weekend! 

See you all Monday !

Lou 

xxx

Chocolate sandwich cookies!

Morning Everyone! 

I shared a picture of this weeks recipe on Instagram a few days ago and know y'al are keen to get your hands on it! I tried this recipe for the first time on Tuesday and it was a huge success with the whole family! These cookies are soft, chewy and super easy to make. This is the perfect recipe to make with kids and one they are guaranteed to love!

You Will Need

 1 1/2 cup plain flour 

1/2 cup coco powder 

1/2 tsp salt 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 

250g unsalted butter 

2 eggs 

1 1/2 cup white sugar 

1 tbs vanilla extract 

Nutella - to sandwich cookies 

Method 

Preheat oven to 180C and line two baking trays with parchment paper. 

In a large mixing bowl combine butter, sugar and vanilla until well blended using an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time and continue to mix until blended. Reduce speed and add all dry indigents. 

Place small balls of dough on baking trays, even spread apart and sprinkle dough with a small amount of additional sugar. 

Bake cookies for approx. 15 or until surface is cracking. Cookies should stiffen as they cool on tray. 

To assemble cookies - place a spoonful of Nutella on the bottom of one cookie and top with another, sandwiching together. 

Enjoy with family and friends! 

Lou 

xxx

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What's Up Wednesday!

Yay yay yay, it's What's Up Wednesday! 

As always I'm linking up with lots of lovely ladies to answer all these fun question about life lately. It has been business as usual here but blessed as ever! Here is what's up! 

What we're eating this week

Ok so not these cookies 24/7 but damm they are good. I made these yesterday and they are nearly all gone! I will be posting the recipe tomorrow so be sure to check back in! 

What I'm reminiscing about

Our last trip to NYC. As I mentioned on Monday my sister and I will be heading to the Big Apple for a girls getaway later in the year. We have both been serval times but most recently where there together in 2014. I love NY big time! 

What I'm loving 

This Country Road fringe sweater I bought a few weeks ago. Sadly its not for sale online anymore but HERE is a similar one I found on Nordstrom. 

What we've been up to

A whole lot of organising. The next few months are going to be crazy with work, trips, school holidays and birthday madness. So I have been trying desperately to get myself sorted before the chaos descends. 

What I'm dreading

Not much (knock on wood)!!! Life is pretty sweet at the moment!

What I'm working on

My spring cleaning is nearly complete. We have done the whole house, garage and all storerooms! Now we just have to sell a few items we are no longer using and the mammoth clean will be over #exhausted 

What I'm excited about 

Celebrating this little ladies this weekend! 7 has never looked so cute! 

What I'm watching/ reading 

Who else watched the season 12 finally of Greys Anatomy?? Sooooooo much drama as always but well worth a watch! 

What I'm listening to 

Coldplay plus beyonce = perfection! Thats all I'm going to say.

What I'm wearing 

If you missed yesterdays post you can check our my weekly wardrobe here! 

What I'm doing this weekend 

This weekend I have children birthday parties, a housewarming party, a family lunch and hopefully a sleep in on the books. It will be wonderful chaos as always! 

What I'm looking forward to next month 

Next month is going to be huge for us. We have birthday parties almost every weekend so it busy busy busy. I love a good party and basically any excuse for a catchup with my friends and a glass of wine ;) 

Well there you have it, May's Whats Up Wednesday! Are you still with me?? 

Have a fabulous day friends! 

Lou
xxx

Wednesday Wardrobe on Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

I hope you week is off to a pleasant start. As tomorrow is the last Wednesday of May, I will be posting my What's Up Wednesday - May Edition. Thus we are talking my weekly wardrobe today! The weather continues to keep us guessing. This morning it was freezing and I was in long sleeve shirt, vest and jeans and by lunch I was in a Tee and shorts! 

Not quite but you get the idea ;) 

Jeans here

Boots here

Shirt here

Scarf (different print) here

Shirt here

Jeans similar here

Sleeveless Cardigan here

Espadrilles similar here 

Jeans similar here

Espadrilles similar here

Shirt here 

Jeans here 

Sandals similar here

Shirt now out of stock :( 

Lets hope the weather here cools down soon and we can finally get into our winter closets! 

Have a great day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Your NYC!

Morning Friends! 

I hope your weekend was relaxing and restful. Mine was lots of fun but busy busy busy *insert accidental 3 hour nap on Sunday afternoon! As I mentioned last week I'm taking a quick getaway to NYC with my sister in August. We have both been the New York a tone of times but there is something simply magic about the city that never sleeps. 

Having visited numerous times before there are a few must-do activities, sites and restaurants on our list. However I want to hear from YOU! What do you love to do when you visit this amazing city, are there any recommendations you have relied from friends etc? All comments and messages are appreciated! 

Sadly that is it for me today as I have a mammoth sized list of chores to get on. But I'll be back tomorrow with lots of goodness! 

Lou 

xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends! 

As usual, this week has flown by the weekend is nearly upon us, woohoo! We will be having a very lazy weekend filled with sleep ins, friends and a trip to the movies. I can't wait! Here are a few of my favourites from this week. 

One 

Last weekend we joined my family for our annual excursion to my hometowns country show. I have been visiting the show every May with my parents for as long as I can remember. And although I no longer enjoy sideshow alley or beg my dad for a show bag a visit is mandatory. 

Two 

Speaking of country life. Meet our friend Tuesday. Tuesday is a friends pet alpaca and recently received a mohawk haircut. We are sure he is loving it, can't you tell from his expression ;) 

Three 

On Wednesday I shared my favourite outfits from the week. Including this sweet, chore friendly get up. If you missed the post you can find it here!

Four 

I posted a picture on instagram last week of my Summer holiday planning session. And as some of you may have already guessed by this picture above, I will be heading to New York for a girls trip this August! I love NYC big and it is one of my favourite cities to visit, like ever! August can't come soon enough! 

Five 

Finally, as always a sweet little quote to start your weekend! 

Have a great weekend ladies!

Lou 

xxx

Caramel Fudge

Morning Everyone! 

This weeks recipe is a bit of a challenging sweet treat which I'm still trying to perfect. I don't know about you but I still haven't quite mastered the art of fudge making. I constantly manage to burn it or undercook it or just royally screw it up. However its something I'm committed to perfecting #smallgoals This recipe however is one my mum has been using for years and when cooked correctly, is amazing! 

You Will Need 

2 2/3 cups Brown Sugar
1/2 cup cream
125 grams butter
3/4 cups sweet condensed milk

Method 

Grease a small slice tray or cake tin with butter and set aside.

Place sugar, cream, butter and condensed milk into a heavy based saucepan and stir until sugar has dissolved. Lower the heat and bring fudge to a boil until it reaches softball stage (116C or 20-30 min). If the fudge starts to burn remove it from the saucepan and place in a clean one, continue cooking.

Once the fudge has boiled for approx 30 min place in bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Then transfer into tin and refrigerate until firm.

Enjoy with family and friends!

Lou 

xxx

Wednesday Wardrobe

Morning friends! 

Today I'm sharing my wardrobe from this week and once again it is a mix of winter/ spring fashion. The weather just can not make up its mind. The days are hot and the nights are freezing, so our wardrobe are all over the place. Here are a few outfits from this week! 

Unfortunately a lot of these pieces are sold out :( I live in these jeans and this cardigan (which I grabbed on sale) is probably the cosiest thing I have ever owned. Nether the less this is a cute outfit which you can easily re-create. 

Espadrilles similar here 

Cardigan similar here

T-shirt here

Jeans here

Shirt here

Jeans here 

Boots similar here

Bracelet here

Watch here

Vest here 

Jeans here

Boots here

Shirts here

Watch here

Dress/sweater similar here

Boots here

Have a wonderful day everyone! 

Lou 

xxx

Spring Clean

Morning Everyone! 

It is now officially half way through May, which is exciting and terrifying. This year is flying and has been absolutely hectic so far. A few weeks ago I had about a week off work and decided to get a just start on our 'spring clean'. One a year we try and do a MEGA clean out of clothes, toys, linen, essentially everything. Some things are sold some are donated and some are passed onto friends. Having just donated and sold the last of our 'clean out pile' I'm exhausted! 

However I was wondering what your tips are for a successful spring clean or house clean out. You guys always have great tips and tricks so please comment below. Here are my three biggest tips when attempting such a mammoth clean! 

One 

Go room by room. I'am easily distracted, for instance I will be half way through cleaning out a bathroom cabinet and walk past our messy bookshelf, so will start organising that. If you commit to one room a day (or every few days) and only do that space you will stay on task and actually complete your task! 

Two 

Clean a closet a day. Don't try and clean out a room AND its closet in one go. If the task is too big you will give up and abandon the job. Use one day to clean the room of clutter, outgrown toys etc 

and the next to tackle the closets. 

Three 

Sort as you go. We have three clean out piles. Toss, donate, gift. These three piles (I use laundry baskets) will help you keep on top of the items you are getting rid of and insure that all items go to the right spot. I have gotten piles confused more than once resulting in the wrong things been thrown!! 

Four 

Make you clean out fun (or as fun as possible!) Pump some music, treat yourself with a yummy treat after a successful room clean and get the kids involved. Lightening the mood will make you more motivated to persist with your clean out and will entice the whole family to get involved! 

Happy Cleaning Friends! 

Lou xxx