Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends!

The final countdown till the big day has officially begun and I'm pumped! But with so much to do  won't bore you with small talk, lets dive right in to this weeks favourites!

One 

The Clasp by Sloane Crosby - I started this book a few days ago and thus far I'm loving it. This book was recommended to me by serval people and has had great reviews from everyone including Oprah herself! I will keep you updated but I'm looking forward to finishing this sweet novel over the holiday break. 

Two 

Western print on linen shorts? I think yes! Quirky, light and affordable, these shorts are the perfect little number to wear this summer. Check them out online here!

Three 

If you like a) white chocolate b) desert c) christmas recipes d) all of the above. Then you must check out my White chocolate bark recipe here!

Four 

The holiday season may almost be over but its never to late to grab some last minute decorations *even if they don't make an appearance until next year! Bed Bath and Table currently has up to 50% off selected Christmas decorations and ornaments. So this sale is not to be missed. You can see the full range here.

Five

Finally, wishing you all a very safe, blessed and merry Christmas. I hope you spend it with people that mean the most to you and your holiday break is filled with love and laughter. 

Merry Christmas friends! I will be back on Tuesday, look forward to seeing you all then! 

Lou 

xxx

White Chocolate Christmas Bark

Morning Friends!

With only a few days left until Santa visits, planning, cooking and chaos is in full swing (for everyone)! This weeks recipe is the last Christmas suggestion for the season and it is perhaps the easiest. For years my mum has been making various versions of traditional white chocolate bark and every year it is a family favourite. So today I'm sharing it with you !  

You Will Need 

1/2 cup whole shelled salted pistachios

450 grams  white chocolate, finely chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup medium-diced dried apricots

1/4 milk choc chips 

* any other toppings you fancy  i.e. dried fruit, candy 

Method 

Preheat oven to 180 Degrees and line one sheet pan with baking paper. 

Place the pistachios in one layer on another sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Place three quarters of the white chocolate in a heat-proof glass bowl and put it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  Stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again. Continue to heat and stir in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is just melted. Immediately stir in the remaining chocolate and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring often, until it's completely smooth. 

Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it lightly to fill the drawn rectangle. Sprinkle the top evenly with the cooled pistachios, the cranberries, choc chips and apricots. 

Press the nuts and fruit lightly so they will set in the chocolate. Set aside for at least 2 hours until firm or refrigerate for 20 minutes.

 Cut or break the bark in 16 pieces and serve at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Lou 

xxx

Christmas Traditions

Morning Friends. 

Like many of you our Christmas celebrations are in full swing and I'am loving it. So many people have special family traditions for the Christmas period, including my own. So I thought I would share one of them with you. 

First up the light tour spectacular. As a little kid my grandparents pilled up all the small children in the car in our PJs and we would drive to the best light displays in the city. Now I understand this is not a 'trademark' tradition but it definitely is a special one to us. 

Three rules apply - 1. Everyone must wear pyjamas 2. You must listen to Christmas carols 3. You must get out of the car and eat a treat in said pyjamas! 

We still carry out this tradition all these years later and I still love it! Most importantly this Christmas activity is inexpensive and designed to spend some quality time with the ones you love. I'm looking forward to our light tour spectacular this week, as well as seeing my sweet grandparents pyjama clad in public ;) 

Have a wonderful day everyone !

Lou 

xxxx

Christmas Recipes

Happy Monday Friends! 

Today is the last chance to check out some delicious Christmas recipes! It is less than a week until the big day eeeekkk so its time to get organised. Todays recipes will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own upcoming celebrations this weekend! 

Christmas is the season of gingerbread and this recipe just happens to be my go to. Super easy and fast, the recipe is the perfect afternoon activity to keep small hands busy and results in a scrumptious treat #winning Check it out here.

Looking for a vegetarian meal or side dish that is a little different? Why not try this Whole roasted cauliflower this Christmas. Thanks to our sweet friend Jamie Oliver you can enjoy this super easy dish in no time. Check out the full recipe here.

Speaking of side dishes, green beans are a must have on our Christmas dining table. This year Martha Stewarts grew-bean casserole will be making an appearance and I'am dam excited to try it out. To find this recipe and much more Martha magic click


Have a great Monday Friends!

Lou
xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Everyone! 

This weekend is going to be cray-zay! We have Christmas celebrations, birthday parties, hosting duties, oh and we are house / dog sitting. A really quite weekend planned! 😮 So today we are going to jump right into this weeks favourites. Are you ready?!? 

One 

It is officially Summer and that means our pool is getting a work out. It also means we have recently purchased a new collection of pool floats and these pelicans just happen to be my favourite. You can find them and the whole Sunnylife collection online here.

Two 

On Wednesday I shared a few of my recent summer wardrobe pieces. Including this sweet floral playsuit. To check details and check out the post click here.

Three 

Now I know I mentioned This is Us last week. But I just have to share it again! This show is beautiful! It is funny, smart and so sweet. I heart This Is Us! 

Four 

I'm assuming I'm not the only one listening to this album on repeat this week?! But don't worry if you haven't, you still have a whole week to enjoy those Michael Buble classics ;) 

Five 

Last up, I saw this yesterday and had to share! 

Have a wonderful weekend my friends and enjoy that christmas magic!

Lou 

xxx

Christmas Recipes

Morning Everyone! 

I hope your weekends were as crazy / fun-filled and Christmassy as mine! This week is off to a bang and going to be a huge weekend so lets dive straight in. Just like last Monday, today I'm sharing three Christmas recipes I will be trying out this week. Today is a mix of old and new, sweet and savoury so enjoy! 

Star Cookies 

These Donna Hay sugar cookies are an old favourite in our house. They are fast, easy and the perfect casual Christmas treat. Find the recipe online here.

Raspberry Cream Mimosa 

Is there a more Christmassy drink than Raspberries mimosas?!? I think not! The sweet ladies at Cooks with Cocktails have our holiday drinks menu sorted. You an find these gorgeous mimosas online here.

Festive Couscous 

Last but not least its time to talk couscous. If you are like me, you know this is a must at the Christmas table. This recipe, thanks to our trusty Woolies will have you begging for more and is seriously simple. You can check it out here. 

Have a wonderful day friends and happy cooking 😉

Lou 

xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends! 

This weekend is all about celebrating some of the wonderful people in my life. I have three birthdays this weekend so it is going to be a big one! But before the celebrations begin lets catchup on a few of my latest favourites! 

One 

Um, this show is beautiful. So many of you have been watching / recommending This is Us for weeks and I have only just got into it yesterday. Fair to say I'm hooked and hiding away watching this tonight! 

Two 

I feel like I'm cheating on Michael Buble for saying this but Kelly Clarkson's Christmas album is possibly my new favourite 🙈 The mix of old carols and new Christmas songs has me in the spirit and singing out loud (and badly) all day long! You can find it on Spotify or the Apple Store. 

Three 

Speaking of Christmas, if you are in the market for some new holiday pyjamas then look no further. If I am at home I'm usually in my PJ's and Peter Alexander happens to make my very favourite. How sweet is this tee?!?  Check out the full holiday range here.

Four 

On Wednesday I shared a few of my go-to outfits at the moment including this sweet summer shift. And guess what? It is currently reduced to only $14 ! Yep $14! You can find it online here.

Five 

Invest it wisely! 

Have a wonderful weekend friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Christmas Recipes 2016

Morning Everyone! 

Because the christmas season is officially upon us and I'am determined to spend some quality time with my kitchen this month, I'm sharing a few recipes every week leading up to Christmas. Over the next three Mondays I will be sharing three recipes I'm trying out. 

Hopefully these will inspire you to jump in the kitchen, or provide you with a little inspiration or your own recipes this season. This week I'm trying our three sweet recipes for a dinner party, lunch boxes and family treats. 

How cute are these Christmas tree cupcakes?!? This recipe is from Annie Rigg's sweet book Christmas Cupcakes, which you can purchase on Amazon. I love this book and use it at least once every year! 

However I found the recipe to this years Christmas tree cupcakes online here.

No one does gingerbread quite like Donna Hay. This year I will be trying out her new chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, found in the December edition of Donna Hay Magazine. Recipe can also be found here.

Did someone say Peppermint fudge?!?! Ah yum! 

The ladies at "Like mother like daughter" have shared this recipe and I'm pumped to try it out this week. You can see it here.

I hope you enjoy these recipes, I can't wait to test them all this week! Have a great day friends!

Lou 

xx

Pinterest Finds!

Morning Friends! 

This week is going to be a big one. I spent yesterday getting my holiday prep on, with one humongous grocery shop, some menu planning and even shared a few of our Christmas decorations from this year. (If you missed it you can see that post here. ) 

Today I will grabbing some last minute items for my girls getaway and starting some Christmas shopping. 

Then tomorrow I'm off to spend some quality time with friends out of state! Before dashing home to catchup on brand NEW Gilmore Girls this weekend! 

But before I get to all of that, I sharing a few of my recent favourite Pinterest finds. 

If you are still looking for a little seasonal decoration inspo then head over to my board here. From wreaths to trees, this board has something for every style and budget! 

Looking for some creative ways to keep little hands busy these holidays? Check out my craft board for inspo, templates and ideas. Click here.

And if you are trying to get a head start on all the seasonal shopping then head over here.

Have a wonderful few days friends, I'll be back on Monday! 

Lou 

xxx

Christmas Decorations!

Morning Friends! 

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends! Last week we bit the bullet and put up all our Christmas decorations. I know it is only November but we put them up early every year. We do this for two reasons A) hauling them all out of storage and putting them up is a pain in the butt and usually takes a whole afternoon, so we have to get in early before we are busy with holiday plans B) They are all so pretty, expensive joyful why not have them on display for an extra few weeks! 

Today I thought I would share just a few of my favourite Christmas bits and pieces that we have around our house this year! 

Pottery barn Christmas Cushions. You can see this years stock here!

Ceramic reindeer found here.

Handmade fabric nativity set purchased from a charity in Vietnam last Christmas. 

Christmas Bedding. (A mixture from various stores, but this year I found these sweet pillowcases, here. ) 

One of our two Christmas trees this year! Filled with decorations collected throughout the years.

So there you have it, just a few of my favourite decorations you can find in our house this Christmas. Have a wonderful day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Gingerbread Syrup

It's nearly that time of year again! 

If you are like me you are desperately trying to get a jump start on the christmas shopping and planning. During my research / planning this week I came across this recipe which is not only perfect for your own holiday celebrations but makes a super sweet gift as well.  Best Part you only need 3 ingredients and it takes 5 minutes to prepare! 

You Will Need 

300g golden caster sugar
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 cinnamon stick

Edible gold glitter (pinch) 

Method 

Put the golden caster sugar, 200ml water and ground ginger into a saucepan. 

Add the cinnamon stick and bring to a gentle boil. 

Simmer for 5 mins until the sugar has dissolved, then stir in a little edible gold glitter. 

Pour into a 500ml sterilised bottle.

*To decorate, tie a cinnamon stick around the neck with a pretty ribbon. Sauce will keep for up to 1 year.

Enjoy! 

Lou 

xxx

Holiday menu prep

Morning Friends 

It may only be the second week of November but Christmas prep is in full swing here! Between celebrating with friends and several parts of the family we somehow end up entertaining for weeks. 

This year I'm trying to get a head start on menu planning and gifts. I shared a few gift ideas last week and will continue as we get closer to Christmas. But for now its all about the food! Today you will find me on Pinterest getting some menu inspo. You can see me holiday food board here.

What are some of your favourite holiday recipes that I should be trying this year? Please keep your comments coming as you guys always have great recommendations! 

Ok I'm off for a date with Pinterest now. 

Have a wonderful day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Gift Ideas 2016

I'm back and blogging! YAY! 

After an eventful Saturday night with a quick trip to the emergency room I'm home and on the mend. Thank you for the sweet messages I received and for being patient with me yesterday as I reset up. 

Today is the first of November, so basically the beginning of the christmas season right? ;)  It also happens to be the season of birthdays in my life. So after all my recent shopping I decided I better share a few of my favourite gifts. If you are looking for some christmas gift inspo or wanting to get a jump start on it, this is the post for you! 

Erin Condren has us covered! I bought a tone of christmas gifts online a few weeks ago including life planners, phone cases and note books. You can check out their full range of gifts and stationary Here.  

This site is the perfect place to find something for the girl who has it all. 

Nobody does accessories like Tory Burch! I'm obsessing over these earrings at the moment but the whole collection is pretty darn gorgeous. You can see her full jewellery collection here.

Summer is on its way! *Well for some of us ;) and I can think of two better gifts to celebrate the gorgeous weather than these two. This sweet Country road tote is the perfect beach or weekend bag and comes in four colours, seen here.

Another favourite gift perfect for summer days is the classic Country Road beach towel. These towels are as soft as can be, nice and big and last years! They also happen to come in beautiful colours and patterns, win! 

Finally, is there a better time a year to spread your bath and bodyworks addiction? I think not! Everybody loves a candle and they are such simple and useful gifts. I just picked up Bergamot Waters and it is a game changer! #givemeallthebathandbodyworks

So there you have it, just a few gift ideas to get your inspiration flowing. Have a fantastic November 1st and see you all tomorrow! 

Lou 

xxx

Merry Almost Christmas!

Its Christmas Eve! WOO HOO! 

Like many of you beautiful folks, I will be taking a few days off to spend time with my loved ones. I also plan to eat way to much food, relax and count my many, many, many blessings. 

I will be back next week! But until then I wish you all a very happy, safe and joyful Christmas! 

Lots of Love 

Lou xxx

Holiday Pins you have to see!

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 

I hope you are having a great week. Only 10 days until christmas now! Eeeeekkk!I braved the shops today to finish of my christmas purchases but still need to grocery shop ahead of my friends christmas dinner which I am hosting on friday night! 

I love to entertain and seeing as it tis' the season! I am hosting my friendship groups' christmas gathering this year. I have fantastic friends who are smart, silly, and down right hilarious. So getting together is always fun. Today I thought I would share some decorating and recipe ideas I have for this years group dinner. 

Where have I been planing this event and holiday season?? Pintrest OF COURSE!! As most of you know I suffer from a very intense Pintrest addiction, as do many of my girlfriends. So planning our group dinners via this handy little site is our ritual. Be sure to check out my Public Board - Decorations/ food for the Holidays!

Any ways! Here are a few things I have been pinning and loving! 

You are never to old for a Reindeer cookie and these are just too cute to resist! Check them out here.

I love this look for the table. White table cloth and a long simple garland through the centre of the table. Accented with white candles and minimal table wear. Fridays table will definitely be inspired by this gorgeous one! 

I honestly believe it is the little details that not only make  great party but make it really memorable. These hand made name cards (mini pine cone wreaths) are so sweet and a beautiful party favour, that your guests will love. Find the tutorial for these beauties here.

No Christmas party is complete without a gingerbread house! Now, I'll be real the gingerbread house I make will probably not resemble this masterpiece in anyway, shape or form. *sigh. But a girl can hope for the best! Cross your fingers and toes people! 

Remembre to check out my holiday Pintrest board here for more fabulous food, entertaining and decorating ideas. 

Lou xxx