Friday 31 July 2015

Weekly Wrap-Up


Morning Everyone! 

Thank goodness it is Friday! I am headed to the beach this weekend for a long weekend, hoping to enjoy the sun and some time quality time with friends! But before the weekend begins I thought I would share with you what I am loving, what I have bought and what I have been up to this week!



On Sunday I went for a 'walk and talk' with a friend in one of my favourite spots, New Farm. Although it was a little overcast it was still a gorgeous walk along the river and gave us an opportunity to catchup! A great form of multi-tasking ;) 


We ended our afternoon 'walk and talk' with a river side drink.  Such a nice way to finish the weekend! 



This week's nail colour was OPI - Kiss me I'm Brazilian. Such a fun colour perfect for summer! 



This week I bought this gorgeous dress for an upcoming charity event I have. It is simple, elegant and didn't break the bank! I ordered so am eagerly awaiting its arrival! 


You can find the link for the dress below. 
http://www.fameandpartners.com/dresses/dress-madeline-488?color=black 

Finally a little inspiration for my week. This painting of the amazing artist Frida Kahlo, reminding us all to be FEARLESS as she was! If you don't know about her or her beautiful work I highly encourage you to check her out. 



Have a wonderful weekend everyone! See you Monday. 

Lou xxx



Thursday 30 July 2015

Delicious Crabapple vanilla cupcakes


Happy Thursday Ladies! 

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I absolutely love to bake! Cakes, slices, muffins, biscuits. You name it I bake it! I love cooking these traits almost as much as I enjoy eating them! 


Today I thought I would share one of my all time favourite recipes. The Crabapple Bakery, Vanilla Daisy Cupcakes. These cupcakes are delicious, easy to make and a real crowd pleaser. The recipe below makes 24.




You will need. 
2 3/4 cups of plain flour 
2 teaspoons baking power 
200g butter 
1 3/4 cups of castor sugar 
4 eggs 
1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
1 cup of milk 

(Frosting)
200 g softened unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
8 cups icing sugar

Method 
Preheat oven to 170°C. Line two 12-hole muffin trays with cupcake papers.
Sift together the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream the butter for 1–2 minutes. Add the castor sugar a third at a time, beating for 2 minutes after each addition. After the last addition, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy and the sugar has almost dissolved. Add eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition or until mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Add a third of the flour to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Add half of the milk and beat until combined. Repeat this process. Add the remaining third of the flour and beat until thoroughly combined; do not overbeat as this will toughen the mixture.
Spoon mixture into cupcake papers, filling each about threequarters full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a fine skewer inserted comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from the trays immediately and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before frosting. 
Frosting 
Cream the butter for 1–2 minutes. Add the milk, vanilla extract and half of the sifted icing sugar, and beat for at least 3 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the remaining icing sugar and beat for a further 3 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy and of a spreadable consistency. Add extra milk if the mixture is too dry or extra icing sugar if the mixture is too wet.
If you wish to colour and/or flavour the buttercream then this is the time to do it (except for lemon blossom and coconut – see guide on previous page). Follow the guide on the previous page to create the colours and flavours you desire. Add a drop at a time and beat in until you reach the required colour and/or flavour.

Recipe thanks to The Crabapple Bakery cupcake cookbook. If you don't already own this beautiful book check it out. It is filled with delicious recipes that your family and friends will love. 


Lou xxx




Wednesday 29 July 2015

Still Alice By Lisa Genova

Happy Well- Read Wednesday everyone! 

Today I am reviewing the best book I have read this year if not ever! Lisa Genova's Still Alice was a truly amazing. Beautifully written and deeply emotional this book explores the heartbreaking repercussions of early-onset Alzheimer's as well as highlighting the complex dynamics of family and the bonds that are tested during times of hardship. 


Genova's novel has received much praise since its 2007 release and was brought to life in 2014's film 'Still Alice'. A film which beautiful captures the raw surfing of the protagonist Alice Holland played by Julianne Moore. ( Moore won her first Academy Award for her role of Alice in the film).  The film also focuses heavily on the relationships between Alice, her husband, children and beloved work as a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard University. 



Both novel and film are extraordinary pieces of art. Although the topic of this novel isn't light it will  encourage you to live each and every day to the best of your ability, remind you to be thankful for your blessings and hopefully inspire you to help find a cure to this devastating disease. I urge you all to check it out! 


Lou xxx





Tuesday 28 July 2015

Howth you doing? My adventure through Ireland!


Any one who knows me well knows I love love love to travel! Whilst living in the U.K I was able to travel extensively though out Europe (whilst on a budget). Let me make that point very clear, as a collage student who was jobless and studying at the time I learned to travel with very little funds whilst having the time of my life.

 One of the first countries I visited in Europe was Ireland. And let me tell you it has to be one of my all time favourite destinations. Not only is Ireland physically breathtaking but it is full of culture and great people.

Although I was only there for a few short days the capital of Dublin failed to disappoint. However the highlight of the trip without a doubt was our expedition to Howth. Approximately  30 minutes outside of Dublin, Howth is a small town set on Dublin Bay. Its local pubs, markets and landmarks are affordable and charming but it is natural scenery of the town that makes it so special. The scenery may be free but trust me it really is a million dollar view!


View from the bay. 


My friends and I traveled there in early November for a birthday weekend and although it was cold it was totally worth it. The mountings where still covered in colourful foliage and it only rained once during the day! Which in Ireland is a small miracle! 



Here is  friend Sophie and myself all rugged up during one of our walks. 


Overall Howth was absolutely stunning and a must do day trip if you are in Dublin! I was so excited to visit Ireland and it certainly did not disappoint. 


Lou xx



Monday 27 July 2015

Welcome!

Welcome to Life Of Lou! 

My name is Emma Louise, affectionately known as Lou and this is my blog! 


  I am an Australian born, beach loving, bargain hunter who is passionate about sharing beautiful things place and foods with others. This blog is my happy place and space to write, share and chat with other creative ladies.

So a little about me!

  • I was born and raised in beautiful Queensland, Australia. Although I grew up in a reasonably large city I spent almost every weekend at the beach. Thus my love of the surf, sand and sun began! 
  • I went to college in Australian and studied Media Communications and Business with a major in marketing. Whilst finishing my degree I took a six month exchange to England, living and studying in Birmingham. 
  • I am crazy about travel! I have been blessed to travel throughout the United States, Australia and Europe extensively as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East. Travel is an incredible experience and a wonderful education. I seriously can't get enough of it!
  • Lastly I' m mad about food. Although I am a small person I consume an impressive amount of tasty treats. Cooking and most importantly eating food is by far my favourite hobby! 
Overall I'm a busy lady who loves to share fun and beautiful things with others, while enjoying a sneaky glass of wine 😛 

Be sure to check out my Pinterest here Tumblr here Instagram here!

It's nice to meet you! xxx