This weeks recipe is a new one for me and boy oh boy is it a goodie! I made this slice for the first time yesterday because I already had all the ingredients in my pantry and it looked fool proof! *It seriously is fool proof!
This slice is gooey and crunchy all at once and packed full of flavour. It has nuts, chocolate, biscuits and coconut - thus a little bit of everything!
Cooking time included it takes approx. 30 minutes to make. It has already been labeled as my sisters 'new favourite' and has been a major win with the whole family, my grandfather included!
You Will Need
2 cups granita biscuits, crushed
50 grams melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup choc chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Method
Grease a medium sized slice tray, lining the bottom with baking paper.
Combine crushed biscuits and melted butter in a small bowl, then pour into slice tray. Pressing down so it forms a thin base.
Layer pecans then choc chips on top of biscuit base. Then cover with condensed milk, making sure it is spread evenly. Sprinkle coconut on top and you are ready to bake it!
Bake in moderate over for 2--30 minutes, until coconut is golden brown.
June has been a busy month around here and only about to get crazier. Between work, planning for my upcoming trip to NYC and the usual chaos of life, June has been a busy month!
What we're eating this week
The cool weather here has me looking and cooking up some great winter warmers. I shared one of my new favourite winter recipes a few weeks ago on the blog. If you missed my Mushroom, Parmesan and tortellini soup recipe, you can find it here!
What I'm reminiscing about
Planning is in full swing for our upcoming trip to New York and I'm looking through old travel journals and photos to refresh my memory. I love NYC and having visited a number of times with my family growing up, it holds a special place in my heart!
What I'm loving
I'm 1000 and 10% obsessed with my new Zimmerman dress. I bought this stunner last week for an upcoming birthday party and I just can't wait to wear it!
What we've been up to
This picture pretty much sums up life lately! I have been working from home and planing our trip in the comfort of my PJs and loving it! This is the perfect time of year to grab a book, cup of coffee and read by the fire place when you have a spare second! #ilovewinter
What I'm dreading
I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon to remove a few questionable moles, one being on my face. I really don't enjoy going to the doctors especially when there are stitches involved!!! However I know how important it is to take these precautions. Fingers crossed the scar isn't too bad!
What I'm working on
One of my dear friends has a big birthday coming up, so we will be celebrating hard! A few of our close friends and I are working on a small speech to celebrate all our wonderful memories together. Three opinionated women writing one short speech, good luck to us!
What I'm excited about
Soooooo many exciting things are coming up this month! We are headed camping with friends for a mini get away, three big birthdays as well as starting a new job. July is going to be crazy but wonderful!
What I'm watching / reading
I shared my favourite binge worthy TV shows a few weeks but if you missed that post you can see it here! I also shared my recent reads on Monday and have a whole new pile of books to keep me busy this week! If you missed my recent reads post, you can catch it here!
What I'm listening to
One Tree Hill may be questionable television but the shows soundtrack it fantastic! Gone by Ian Axel is a beautiful song which I may have on repeat at the moment ;) Thank you One Tree Hill for this recommendation!
What I'm wearing
When I have willed myself out of my pyjamas this week I have been trying to both stay warm and look reasonably cute! You can find my weekly wardrobe on the blog every Wednesday!
What I'm doing this weekend
This weekend my girlfriends and I are celebrating our friend Phea who is moving back to the UK. We will be farewelling our friend with dinner and a 'bar crawl'. I'm nervous but excited, wish me luck!
What I'm looking forward to next month
July is birthday month here. I have three close friends birthdays coming up next month and can't wait to celebrate with them all.
What else is new
Not a whole lot and that is perfectly fine with me!
Hope your still with me ;) Have a wonderful day friends and see you tomorrow!
Today I'm sharing my very limited weekly wardrobe because tomorrow is What's Up Wednesday! I will be honest my wardrobe has consisted primarily of pyjamas this week because it is freezing here. *By freezing I mean like 4 Degrees, which in Australia is borderline ice age. On occasions I have braved the weather and headed outside this is what I have worn!
Sadly these PJ's are last years so they have been discontinued! But with my NYC trip coming up I just had to whip them out and snuggle up. This style is cozy, true to size and seriously warm. They are from Peter Alexander so are fantastic quality. You can check out all their winter PJ's here!
Today I'm sharing my recent reads because it has been far too long. If you have been reading the blog for a while now, you will know that I'm not always the best reader. I tend to be either super committed to my reading or won't pick up a book all month. It is something I'm working on because lets be real, reading is fantastic for your brain, langue and writing skills!
Here are a few books I have read lately that you might enjoy!
The Life and loves of a he devil by Graham Norton
I mentioned this book in my last 'Must read' post and now I have finished it. Hilariously honest, genuine and touching. This book is a great read if you are looking for something light or a good laugh!
Under the tuscan sun by Frances Mayes
I'm currently reading this book and loving it. This is a sweet story based on real events where two Californian university professors save up to buy their dream summer escape in, you guessed it, Tuscany! The writing is witty, honest and filled with beautiful imagery. I'm loving this book and can't wait to see how it finishes.
The Clasp by Sloane Crosley
This book is next on my 'to read' list and I'm excited. A number of friends have recommended this book to me and it sounds sweet. This book centres around of friends trying to navigate life and love while accepting the fact that sometimes life doesn't go to plan. Throw in a love triangle and a wedding or two and you the perfect holiday read.
I can't wait to sit in front of the fire and read a few good books this month. If you have any recommendations please comment or message me. You guys always have great tips!
I hope you all have fun plans for the weekend and are looking forward to a mini break! This weekend I plan on spending time with family, attending a friends fundraiser and planning for my upcoming girls trip to NYC! But before all of the weekend fun commences I'm sharing my favourites from this week.
One
Looking for the perfect weekend recipe? Why not try this deadly easy Victoria Sponge! If you missed it on the blog yesterday you can check it out here !
Two
I snuck into Zimmerman this week to find a new party dress and boy oh boy was I blow away! I have loved Zimmerman designs for years and already have a number of their dresses but this latest purchase may just be my favourite. I can't wait to wear it in a few weeks time! You can check it out online here!
Three
As I have mentioned before, I love visiting New York, it truly is one of the greatest cities in the world. So an upcoming visit with my sisters has me giddy! Planning is full steam ahead at the moment and I'm loving some of your recommendations. So please please please keep them coming.
Four
Exciting holidays and fancy dresses aside, it is important to always devote some time to the important things in life. For me that has always been donating my time and resources to some very worthy causes. A personal favourite and one close to my whole family, is the Cancer council. This weekend I will be attending a friends charity morning tea to help raise funds towards this very worthy cause and I can't wait! For more info on how to host your own morning tea or to donate click here!
This weeks recipe is an absolute classic and family favourite. I will be the first to admit that I am still working on perfecting the baking classics, Victoria Sponge included! For a long time I just couldn't get sponge cakes right. They either turned out to dense or chewy or just not quite right. However this fool proof recipe has changed my ways! Here is the worlds simplest Victoria Sponge thanks to "The Whisking Kitchen"
You Will Need
1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter (room temp)
1 1/3 cups icing sugar
3 eggs (room temp)
1 1/3 cups plain flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
For the filling
Icing sugar, to sprinkle
3/4 cup strawberry jam
1/2 punnet of strawberries thinly sliced
1 cup whipping cream
Method
Preheat a moderate oven and grease one medium sized tin, lining the bottom with baking paper.
In a large mixing bowl beat the room temp. butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy . Then add eggs, sugar and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Add in flour and baking powder until all dry ingredients are mixed through. *Do not over beat the mixture otherwise the cake will become dense when baked.
Bake cake for approx 25 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing in half horizontally.
Filling
Whip your cream in a large mixing bowl with electric mixer until fluffy. Spread a generous amount of jam and cream on two sides of the cake. Then place strawberry slices on top and sandwich the two cakes together.
Dust with icing sugar and share with family and friends!
This week my wardrobe has been all about the sweater! Jeans, sweaters and boots are my winter uniform and this weeks outfits are a prime example of that. Here is what I have been wearing this week as winter sets in!
Life has been wonderfully un-exciting lately. I have been enjoying the quite schedule and trying to embrace the cool weather. The next few months are going to be crazy so I'm trying to enjoy some quite time and plan,plan, plan. Here is a little look into life recently!
Winter means its strawberry season and man do I love me some strawberries. Soph and I headed north a few weeks ago for a little day trip to try our hand at strawberry picking and a whole lot of eating! This also happened to concede with international best friend day, how fitting!
It may be winter here but in Australia the sun is always shining. How perfect was our little lunch spot?! I grew up along these beaches so popping in for a visit is always special.
Speaking of the outdoors. I posted this pic on Instagram last week after a gorgeous walk with friends. How lucky am I to live in such a beautiful city!
When we have been at home we have been doing a whole lot of this. Snuggling up in front of the fire and TV for some quality rest time!
I feel like we can all relate to this picture ;) There has been a whole lot of TV watching going on during these past rainy weekends.
Last weekend I attempted and successfully completed a flat pack #exctingiknow The perfect little weekend project that left me with a new bed side table and a whole lot of pride.
Lets all just appreciate this cake for a minute! What else is there to do on a freezing day... Eat cake right?
So there you have it, a little look into life lately ! Have a wonderful day friends!
Today I'm sharing 5 Apps that I just can't live without. I will not deny that my iPhone has changed my life and lets face it, if you own one you will understand why... They can do pretty much everything. I use my phone to organise my schedule, make calls, meditate and everything in between. Here are 5 Apps that I love and you need now!
Stop Breath Think
I mentioned this App on the blog last week because I have fallen hard for it. This meditation app can help you with sleeping and relaxing as well as practising mindfulness and forgiveness. It is currently free on the app store and well worth a look! Find out more info here!
Spotify
Wow oh wow! I'am ashamed to say that up until this year I was not a Spotify member, and by was I missing out! Limitless songs to choose from, easy sharing capabilities and an idiot proof set up. This app has seriously changed the way I find, listen and share music. Plus it is only $10 a month #win
Afterlight
Looking for an app that will make you look like a photography pro with minimal effort?? Look no further. After light was recommend to me by a friend a few years ago and I'm forever thankful. This app has tones of filters, boarders and everything else that makes your crooked, slightly blurry image, Instagram worthy.
Heads Up
Looking for a fun, active and child friendly game to keep the family busy in the car or waiting room. Heads Up is a new charade game from Ellen DeGeneres (often featured on her talk show). The games various categories and settings mean it is friendly for the whole family and is a garnered to provide you with plenty of laughs. This game is a big hit in our house and is definitely worth a download.
Yoga Academy
One of my goals for 2016 was to try and practise Yoga more often. I love yoga but I don't always make it to my classes. So I wanted to find an app which would allow me to practise at home daily. I'm pleased to say I have found it!
It has been business as usual here this week, work, chores, friends and a little bit of chaos. So this weekend I'm looking forward to some time spent with friends relaxing, eating and hanging out! Here are a few of my favourites from this week.
One
I'm off to the movies tonight with some girlfriends to see this term jerker. I read this book a while back and wasn't the biggest fan. However reviews from the film have been great and I'm dying to see how Emilia Clarke and Sam Clafin have brought these characters to life. I'll be bringing my tissues for sure!
Two
Yesterday I shared a new recipe, the whole family will love. This Mushroom, Parmesan and Tortellini is super easy and insanely good. If you missed it you can check it out here!
Three
I have mentioned these Seed Heritage Sequin Tees a few times before. But they are currently on sale and thought you all should know! I bought two more in the sale and can't wait to wear them as soon as the weather here warms up again. You can grab one online here.
Four
We are heading on another camping 'adventure' in a few weeks time. So I put it to you guys for tips, gadgets and necessities. I'm not overly outdoorsy so any advise is much appreciated. Regardless I'm looking forward to a few days away with friends!
Five
Finally as always a sweet sentiment to start you weekend!
