Unwritten Letters To You by T.B. LaBerge

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Officially half way through the week, Woo Hoo! 

I am really excited to share this weeks book post with you guys. I found this writer about a year ago, when I stumbled upon one of his quotes online. Fair to say that after reading a few more of his quotes I was determined to hunt down more of his work. Lucky for me, I found out he published a book and let me tell you it is beautiful! 

His works focus on love, religion and the importance of appreciating our beautiful, complicated lives. 'Unwritten Letters To You' is filled with quotes that will make your heart skip and your inner romantic sigh. LaBerge's honest and incredibly accurate description of what it is to feel love, be in love and loose love, will leave you in owe. 

I adore this book and know you will too! You can purchase it here. 

Lou xxx 

Paris ~ Part Two

Hey ladies! 

It's Tuesday again and that means its time to talk travel! This week I am continuing my Paris post because there is simply too much Paris to fit into one. So as I mentioned last week Paris has to be my all time favourite city to visit. Bit of a girly clique I know but it really is the most beautiful, romantic exciting city on earth. The highlight of Paris for me (apart from all the food, nom nom!) has to be the many incredible museums. 

Obviously France has a long and fascinating history and with that comes some seriously impressive architecture, art and monuments. So here are a few of my favourites that you absolutely must do when visiting the city of lights. 

Obviously the Eiffel Tower is on my list. I mean you really can't miss it when in Paris. The queue to catch the lift to the top of the tour varies depending on what time of year you visit. In summer time it can literally take several hours, so planning is a must. 

Arc De Triomphe, found at the end of the Champs- Elysees (one of the cities most famous shopping strips). This monument is absolutely gorgeous with detailed stone engravings and a wonderful view from the top. Located in the middle of a round-about, there are 5 lanes of traffic surrounding the  moment. But don't let the traffic deter you the Arc De Triomphe is gorgeous! 

Musee' Rodin. Home to the most prominent works of Auguste Rodin, (including the Thinker) this garden and museum is probably my favourite place to visit in paris. With maintained gardens, breathtaking sculptures and a small cafe, Musee' Rodin is a Paris must do! 

The Lourve. Home to some of the most famous paintings in the world and surrounded by gorgeous gardens, this museum is a European icon. 

Paintings just like this... I think her name was Mona something?? ;) 

Even on a cloudy day, these gardens are gorgeous! 

Last up the notorious Pont Des Arts, also known as the Love Lock Bridge. Every year thousands of people visit this bridge to place a lock and 'seal their love' forever. We of course visited and wrote our  names on a lock. Sealing our family love forever! 

Ah so that is Paris! *Sigh! 

 I truly do love this city and every time I visit I find something new to see, eat and experience. Next week we are talking Versailles So bus up on your French history! 

Lou xxx

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday Everyone! 

We have had a huge weekend here including birthday parties, family lunch and the arrival of our new puppy!

Friends meet Louis. The newest member of the family! Louis is 8 weeks old, loves to chew on basically anything in sight (including toes) and isn't quite house trained yet *sigh! But he is pretty darn cute and loves a good cuddle! 

I assure you there will be more puppy pics soon but for now lets jump into this weeks favourite beauty finds. 

First up, Clinique Superbalanced foundation. I have been using this foundation for years and still love it. Oil free and super light, this foundation won't clog up your pores, yet still provides you with great coverage. I find that one bottle lasts me about three months which is awesome! I can not recommend this foundation enough! It comes in a variety of shades and is only $50. You can find it here. 

Next up my blending sponge. For years I used a foundation brush to apply my makeup but I never felt the results looked that good. A few months back my sister recommended these beauty blending sponges. And they have been seriously life changing! You can find them just about anywhere, I get mine from target because they are pretty well priced and still excellent quality. These blenders are by CHI CHI and found at target. You can view them here. 

Last up this week my all time favourite mascara. This Christian Dior Volume and Curl mascara is seriously amazing. It makes your eyes look fantastic, is allergy free (so no itchy eyes!), waterproof and lasts for months! I always have this in my purse, and you should too! You can find it here. 

So there are a few of my beauty favourites for the week! Have a wonderful Monday ladies! 

Lou xxx

Weekly Wrap-up

Happy Friday Everyone! 

I have had a crazy week and can not wait to have  a break this weekend! So before the weekend begins lets look at life lately and what I am currently loving. 

I saw this quote the other day and knew I had to share it with you guys. At the moment I am trying to slow down and really focus on being present and friendly. Whether that means smiling back at the cash register clerk or waving thanks to someone who lets me in, in the traffic. The little things that we sometimes forget to do in the rush of life ARE important and really can make someones day! 

Speaking of things that can make your day! This gorgeous fresh water pearl ring is my latest purchase and newest obsession. I mean what is better than pearls! I have been wearing it non stop all week (except when in the kitchen. Kitchen and pearls do not mix.) Needless to say I am in love! 

Last night my shopping will power was put to the test! A friend and I hit up the Seed Heritage Sale and I was so well behaved, I didn't purchase one thing! I mean, leaving that store empty handed is a new and slightly frightening experience for me! 

Finally, How amazing are these flowers. This arrangement is from our local forest (how does incredible stuff). She whipped this up for me this morning and I can't take my eyes off it! It has lilies, magnolia leaves and wild wax (the little white flowers). So gorgeous! 

Have an absolutely wonderful weekend friends! 

Lou xxx

Worlds Easiest Banana Bread

Happy Thursday Everyone! 

The weekend is in sight, Woohoo! This weeks recipe is super duper easy and very delicious. We absolutely love banana bread in our house and this recipe is one of the best I have tried. It is great fresh and even better toasted! 

You will need 

265g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
40g (1/4 cup) plain flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
140g (2/3 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
125ml (1/2 cup) skim milk
2 eggs, lightly whisked
50g butter, melted, cooled
2 bananas, mashed

Method 

Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a loaf pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Line the base with non-stick baking paper.

1. Sift the combined flours and cinnamon into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and make a well in the centre. Place the milk, eggs, melted butter and banana in a medium bowl, and stir until well combined. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. 
2. 
   
3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
4. 
   
5. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. (I find it usually takes closer to an hour to cook the whole way through!)
6. 
   
7. Remove from oven and set aside in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. 

Enjoy! 

Lou xxx

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September 'To-Read' List

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 

Instead of a book review this week , I thought I would share my September 'To Read' list.  If you are anything like me you have a 'to-read' list that is as long as your arm. I love reading all genres of books, so as soon as I hear someone mention a good read my little ears perk up! I also enjoy hearing other peoples reviews and recommendations, so if you have any PLEASE leave me a comment below. Here are a few books that are on my September 'to-read' list that have been recommended to me.

September 2015 - 'To-read' 

Me before you ~ by Jojo Moyes

Wave ~ by Sonali Deraniyagala

The Alchemist ~ by Paulo Coelho

I hope you enjoy these recommendations and happy reading!

Lou xxx

Paris ~ Part One

Bonjour! 

For this weeks travel post we are talking all about Paris! And because Paris is so wonderful and filled with lots of great things to see and do I am going to talk about it over two weeks! I may also be doing this because Paris is my all time favourite city to visit. A bit of a cliche I know, but seriously there really is nowhere in the world like it! 

Ok, so where to begin?? If you know anything about Paris you know it is all about the food, art and architecture. Paris has some of the most famous buildings, paintings and monuments in the world.

I have been lucky enough to visit Paris a few times and every time I have been, I have experienced it in a completely different way. The first time I visited Paris I was a little kid and can't remember all that much, I have also visited as a university student, twice (traveling on one seriously tight budget) and visited again as a young adult. 

Each time I have visited I have stayed in different parts of the city and different hotels/ apartments/ hostels. Some more glamorous than others ;). However regardless where you stay, Paris is well worth the trek! I would personally recommend staying on the right bank, so north of the Seine. Although a cab ride or longer walk to the Eiffel Tower, the right bank is home to some amazing shops, great food and tones of other attractions. 

These attractions include the Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place Vendome and the Opera. (There is so much to do but they are by far some of my favourites.)

Apart from sight seeing my favourite activity in Paris has to be eating! I mean anything you find in Paris is worth a try. From pastries to the wine to the bread! Everything is mouth-watering and truly a piece of art. 

Seriously, the food is out of control! Thank goodness Paris is a city for walking otherwise your waistline would be in serious trouble! We would walk pretty much all day, so make sure you pack comfy shoes. I really do believe that the best way to see a city is to walk. The Metro (their train line) is great, but its underground, so you miss out on seeing your sounranduings. I also get seriously disorientated when I pop up on the other side of a city after a metro ride, having no clue which direction I traveled in. So for me walking is the best way to get around. 

Next week I will discuss my favourite museums to visit. Today was really just a love letter to Paris and a few basic tips on things to see, where to stay and me drooling over my pictures of french food *sigh. 

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

Lou xxx