A not-so well-read Wednesday!

Happy Mid- Week Ladies!

Its Wednesday and that means it's time to talk books. However life lately has been crazy and as I am sure you will all understand that often means that your favourite hobbies, such as reading a book with a cup of tea, go right out the window *sigh! 

But but but... I did manage to finish 'The Two of Us' by Andy Jones (Which I discussed a few weeks back. You can read my review here. ) And having finally finished the book, I can now say it is one of my all time favourites. So, my friends get on Amazon and get yourself a copy ASAP because this is a must read! 

When life settles down a little (fingers crossed soon) I will start the Alchemist. I know it is an absolute classic and am ashamed to admit I have never read it. So it is first up next month! 

Finally, I saw this picture the other day and knew I had to share it with you all. This is such an important reminder for us all when life is extra hectic. You ladies are awesome and smart and funny and TOUGH, so persevere! 

Lou xxx

Palace of Versailles

It Tuesday and that can only mean one thing. Its time to talk travel! Yay! 

So in keeping with my two previous posts re. France I thought it would be a good idea to discuss one of my favourite day trips. Palace of Versailles! 

Known for its opulence, size, extensive gardens and previous tenants including Marie Antoinette, Palace of Versailles is seriously impressive! 

I have visited Versailles three times now and fall more in love with it every-time. I have to recommend visiting in winter, although the bike tour isn't available during this season, the queues are much sorted and the palace grounds are less crowded. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience and means you can actually tour the palace without being pushed and shoved through the rooms. 

Versailles is located about 40 min (by car) outside of Paris, so I suggest leaving early in the morning and making a real day of it. There is so much to see and do there that the more time you have available the better. 

Here I am at Versailles on a rather wet day, hence all the puddles! 

If you are planning on visiting one of Europe's thousands of castles/palaces I would highly recommend investigating Versailles as an option. Rich with history and physically breathtaking, Versailles will occupy you all day. 

Lou xxx

Happy Monday!

Morning Ladies! 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My weekend included an IKEA run, fireworks, friends and a Japanese lunch! But we will get to that later on in the week. 

Here are my favourite beauty products right now.

My new OPI nail polish, Intl' Crime Caper. Such a cute colour with a metallic tint but still subtle enough for everyday wear. You can find it here.

Next up, Orgins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Let me tell you this mask is actually life changing. My sister told me about this mask a few weeks ago and I am obsessed. My skin tends to dry out in winter so I have started to apply this mask after rising my face for the eying. It completely rehydrates your skin and doesn't clog your pores with chemicals. It also smells great and will leave you felling fantastic! you can find it here. 

Next up, my favourite and very financially friendly coverup, Maybelline Fit Me! I have tried hundreds of cover ups to cure my dark circles under my eyes, and this grocery store find is the winner. It also happens to be the cheapest I have tried, what a win! It comes in tones of different tones  and is gentle on skin. You can find it in all good supermarkets and chemists. 

Last up, my all time favourite perfume, Florabotanica by Balenciaga. I first got this beauty for christmas a few years back and absolutely love this. Every time I wear this perfume I get compliments on how great I smell haha! It is floral, fresh and yet romantic.  I adore this perfume and know you will as well. You can purchase it here.

Happy Monday my loves! 

Lou xxx

Weekly Wrap-up

Yippie its Friday! 

This week has flown by but has been super busy, so I am very excited to have the weekend in sight. 

Here is what has been happening lately and what I am loving!

We have fallen crazy in love with our new puppy. If you haven't seen my recent posts, we brought this little guy home last week and he has stolen our hearts. He is headed to puppy preschool next week and then needs to be house trained! Suggestions one puppy house training are MORE than welcome! 

I have been planning and booking our Vietnam, Cambodia trip like a mad woman this week! All our internal flights and accommodation are now organised, so I can focus on planning some exciting activities and sights to visit. Not long now till we leave! 

So this happened yesterday...And I regret nothing because this 'death by chocolate cake' was truly amazing. Lucky I am off for a run now to burn it off! 

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Lou xxx

Super Simple Paella

Happy Thursday! 

This weeks recipe is inspired by my recent visit to Spain. I have made this meal twice in the last week because it is so quick, simple and delicious. This is my super simple Paella and I know you ladies will love it! 

You Will Need 

4 cups of chicken stock 

1 onion diced 

2 cups of aborio rice  

1 cup of pees (frozen)

1 lemon thinly sliced 

1 Chorizo sausage, thinly sliced 

1 capsicum diced 

approx. half a bag of frozen seafood mix 

Method 

(Serves 5)

Combine the diced onion, chicken stock and aborio rice in a large, deep frying pan (I use our wok) and leave to boil. 

Once the rice has begun to absorb the stock add all other sliced ingredients to the pan and stir. 

Once seafood is cooked through, squeeze some extra lemon juice one top and serve. 

Enjoy with family and friends! 

How simple is that! Such a great mid-week meal, that is easy peasy and super delicious. 

Lou xxx

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