A quick note!

Morning Friends! 

I hope your week is already off to a great start and your weekends were nothing short of wonderful! 

Today I thought I would just do a quick post to update you on a little change to the blog. 

Now that I'm back working full time, juggling family, friends, and everyday chaos I have very little spare time up my sleeve - like so many of you other ladies. So I have decided to now blog only three days a week. I will still mix it up with recipe, fashion, Friday favourites, lifestlye posts ect. But I won't be blogging Mondays and Tuesdays! 

This way I can spend a little spare time doing some of the other things I love as well as stay apart of this sweet little community! 

So that being said, I hope you all have a terrific day and you can catch me back here on WEDNESDAY! 

Lots of love 

Lou 

xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends! 

After a wonderful day off yesterday its back to work, washing and real life! This weekend you will find me at the beach enjoy the sun, a nap or two and a few friends. But before I head off for a weekend away here are my Friday favourites. 

One 

Looking after your skin should be a priority for every, especially sun protection. I recently discovered Invisible Zine Tinted Daywear and am in love. This zinc is light on skin and lasts all day. If you are looking for a new zinc I highly recommend you try this out. Find it online here.

Two 

On Wednesday I shared a classic Australian recipe with a twist. If you are looking for something different to bake this weekend check out these biscuits here. Delicious! 

Three 

I have mentioned these shoes before on the blog but honestly every time I wear them I fall in love all over again. These are the perfect sandal for summer, from weekend drinks to casual Fridays at work. I may be wearing them right now ;) You can find them for yourself here.

Four 

Australia - this may be the country I call home and you may think this is an odd 'favourite'. But after celebrating this amazing country yesterday with friends and family I can't not give it a shout out. I'm so very lucky to live here! 

Five 

Last but not least, some wise words to start your weekend, which are particularly relevant this week! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

Lou 

xxx

Weekly Wardrobe!

Morning Friends! 

It's Wednesday and that means I'm sharing a few of my favourite outfits from the week as well as some sneaky purchases! Are you ready? Here we go! 

Dress (Which is 2 years old now and still a favourite) H&M 

Shoes - Tony Bianco 

Dress - Cue 

Shoes - Seed Heritage 

Watch (worn throughout) Michael Kors 

Dress - Remix 

Belt - Carla Zampatti 

Shoes - Seed Heritage 

Abstract Jacquard scarf found here.

Floral PJ short found here.

I will be off celebrating Australia day tomorrow, so I will see you all Friday! Have a wonderful day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Macadamia and ginger Anzac Biscuits

Morning Friends!

Today I'm switching it up and sharing a recipe because this Thursday I will be off celebrating Australia Day! I'm looking forward to a day of friends, food, music, swimming and relaxing. So in celebration of Australia day I'm sharing an Aussie classic with a twist! 

You Will Need 

2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
2 cups traditional rolled oats
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
200g butter, chopped
1/3 cup golden syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Method 

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease 3 large baking trays and line with baking paper. Combine flour, ginger, coconut, oats and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in centre.

Place butter, golden syrup, honey and 1/3 cup cold water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until butter has melted and mixture is combined. Bring to a simmer. 

Remove from heat. Stir in bicarbonate of soda. Stand for 2 minutes.

Add butter mixture to oats. Mix well. Stir in nuts. Roll 1 tablespoon mixture into a ball. Flatten between palms and place on tray. Repeat with remaining mixture, placing biscuits far enough apart so they won't touch when baked. 

Bake biscuits, 1 tray at a time, for 12 minutes or until golden and just firm to touch. Cool on trays for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. 

Enjoy! 

Lou 

xxx

Women!

Good morning sweet friends !

There is no denying that the last few days have been history making, controversial and honestly, a little exhausting. No matter where you live or where your political beliefs lie I think we can all appreciate the importance of women rights and this matter being brought back into light.

 Our sisters, friends, cousins, daughters, granddaughters and selves deserve equal educations,  opportunities, decisions, pay and rights.

Today instead of a post, I'm sharing a few special quotes from amazing women about women!  Today  I hope you are inspired, encouraged and remember just how special you all are 💛

Lou 

xxx

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday Friends! 

This weekend you an find me either by the pool or sipping a cocktail with friends, because man oh man has it been a long week! I hope you all have some fun plans for the weekend ahead and wish you  a wonderful Friday. Now lets jump right into my Favourites for the week. Enjoy! 

One 

Yesterday I shared a classic Australian recipe - the legendary Lamington. The bite sized cakes are about as Australian as you can get and are seriously delicious. I urge you all to try this sweet treat - not matter where you are in the world. If you missed the recipe you can catch it here.

Two 

I shared this dress a few weeks ago on the blog but have had so many questions about it. For those of you wondering, it is from Cue, it wears true to size *I wear an 8, it is beautiful quality and fabric. And yes it is currently on SALE. You can find it here.

Three 

Speaking of recent purchases, how cute are these custom monogramed baseball caps? I bought my sisters and myself one for Christmas and have fallen in love. They come in a tone of colours and text styles and make a fantastic gift. You can find them on Etsy here.

Four 

Is everyone else listening to Ed Sheeran's new album on repeat? Or is that just me?! Either way you need to check it out. This man's talent knows no bounds! 

Five 

Last but not least, so very wise words from a very wise lady! 

Have a beautiful weekend friends! 

Lou 

xxx

The legendary Lamington

Morning Everyone! 

With Australia day just one week away I decided to share an Australian classic for this weeks recipe. Lamingtons are a national treasure and a personal favourite. So this was an easy pick. I encourage you all (no matter where in the world you ma be) to give these bite size, chocolate cakes a go! 

You Will Need

125g butter, softened
1 cup caster sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1/2 cup milk
2 cups desiccated coconut

Icing

3 1/2 cups icing sugar mixture
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/2 cup boiling water

Method 

Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease a 3cm-deep, 20cm x 30cm (base) lamington pan and line with baking paper. 

 Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. 

Sift half the flour over butter mixture. Stir to combine. Add half the milk. Stir to combine. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Spoon into prepared pan. Smooth top. 

Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely. 

Make icing: Sift icing sugar and cocoa into a bowl. Add butter and boiling water. Stir until smooth.

Cut cake into 15 pieces of square shape. Place coconut in a dish. Using a fork, dip 1 piece of cake in icing. Shake off excess. Toss in coconut. 

Place on a wire rack over a baking tray. Repeat with remaining cake, icing and coconut. 

Stand for 2 hours or until set. 

Enjoy! 

Lou 

xxx

Weekly Wardrobe

Morning Friends! 

It's Wednesday and that means two things. We are half way through the week yippee! And it also means we are talking wardrobe. Now I use the term 'wardrobe' loosely because as this blog as developed these Wednesday posts have become less about what I have worn throughout the week and more about what I have bought 😁 

Never the less here are a few outfits / purchases from my week! 

Shirt - Witchery 

Shirt - H & M 

Shoes - Wild Fire 

Shirt - Boutique find 

Shorts - Seed Heritage 

Shoes - Betts for her 

Clutch - Louis Vuitton 

My Shirt - NYC find 

Shorts - Seed Heritage 

Shoes (both) Seed Heritage 

My sisters dress - Sass and Bide 

Plus because it is Summer here and still so stinking hot! I bought two new hats and have to share both. 

First of all,  these monogramed,baseball caps from the Turnip Seed via Etsy are so darn cute. Both my sisters and I have one and wear them constantly.  These make great gifts for friends, kids, teachers etc. and are well within the budget. Ps mine is PD Coral with traditional white font. 

You can find them online here.

And last but not least, how sweet is this Raffia Weave Seed Heritage sun hat?!? 

Perfect for long lazy days outside, I'm in love. You can grab one for yourself here.

So there you have it, a few things I'm wearing and a few things I'm welcoming to my wardrobe this week! 

Have a fabulous day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Blogs I love

Morning Everyone! 

Today I'm sharing a few blogs I follow and love.

 In some ways I'am reasonably new to the blog game. I mean, there are some amazing ladies that have been at this for ten years or more. I salute those ladies, because that right there is some serious commitment! And as much as I like writing and sharing fun things on my blog and little pieces of my life I also love reading about other women stories, lives and interests. 

I won't even attempt to summarise these blogs because they are far too good, interesting, thought provoking and funny to be summarised in a few short words. 

 So instead I will just list them and let you peruse as you please 😜

Mix and Match Mama

A Little Bit of Everything

A Cup Of Jo  

Fashionista

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Happy reading friends! See you all tomorrow for my weekly wardrobe! 

Lou 

xxx

New Year Resolution

Happy Monday! 

Today we are talking about New Year Resolutions. 

Now I know most of you are sitting there thinking 'lady its mid january, you have missed the boat'! But It's never too late for a little self improvement and the first 15 days of January have given me a little extra time to decide what I want to work on this year! 

This year I'm setting myself some small but very important resolutions, some may even resonate with you personally. So here they are. 

One 

Eat breakfast! I know this must seem like an obvious task for a grown adult but I'm terrible with this. I'm never hungry when I first wake up so I wait a while and then I end up getting caught up in getting ready, making lunch, answering a phone call etc. Next thing you know its 10am and Im starving! 

This is a terrible pattern and this year I'm going to change it! After all isn't Breakfast the most important meal of the day? 😁

Two 

Practice more yoga! Yoga is great for your body as well as your mind. Cheesy but true! The more yoga I do the more relaxed I am and the better I feel. Its time to whip out that yoga mat! PS. If you are looking to start yoga or simply want to practice at home I cannot recommend the Yoga Academy App enough! Available on iTunes and fantastic. 

Three 

Spend more time with my parents! Again this is so simple but so important. Life is super busy and our entire families schedule rarely aligns for a full family get together. But one goal of mine this year is to spend more time with my parents one on one. No phones with incoming texts or emails. Just time together to catchup. 

Four 

Last but not least, spend more time outdoors! After a long week of work there is nothing more tempting than lying in bed watching netflix and catching up on some sleep. But a trip to the beach *which for me is so close by, is well worth the drive. How lucky am I to live in a country this beautiful!

So there you have it my new year resolutions!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Lou
xxx

Friday Favourites!

Happy Friday Friends! 

Today marks the first 'Friday Favourites' post of 2017 and I have plenty of goodies to share. This week has been filled with family and friends as we send my sister back to the USA :( All in all it has been a week filled with laugher, food, beach trips and the people I love. A pretty great week! But before the celebrations continue and the weekend begins here are my Friday Favourites! 

One 

I just finished this book yesterday and let me say, it is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Kathy Griffin is outspoken for sure, but she is also honest, sweet and hilarious. I have watched several of her television shows before. So I ordered her latest book on Amazon as soon as I came across it. Defiantly recommend it if you are looking for a cheeky insight into all things Hollywood. 

Two 

Yesterday I shared this Summer inspired mini pudding recipe. It is fresh, fast and easy. A win all round I say! If you missed it you can catch it here. 

Three 

Speaking of Summer, OPI's "Fire Escape Rendezvous" has been my go-to nail colour this summer break. Plus it is currently reduced to just $14, found here. 

Four 

With only a few days left of summer break we are soaking up every minute of free time and sunshine. Early in the week we made a run north to the beach and what a day it was! How lucky am I to live so close to this little slice of paradise! 

Five 

Last but not least, a few wise words to start your weekends! 

Have a wonderful day friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Mini Summer Fruit Puddings

Morning Everyone! 

This years first recipe is a summer treat, using loads of fresh summer fruits. The perfect dessert for a dinner party or just a mid week treat. These mini summer fruit puddings are super simple and deadly delicious. 

You Will Need 

250g strawberries, washed, hulled, halved
200g raspberries
200g blueberries
200g blackberries
150g redcurrants
1 cup (210g) caster sugar
1 1/2 brioche loaves, cut into 1cm slices, crusts removed
Mixed berries, to decorate
Thick cream, to serve

Method 

Combine the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, redcurrants and sugar in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook, gently stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Strain through a fine sieve to separate the fruit from the berry juices.

Use a 7cm round pastry cutter to cut six discs from the brioche. Use a 10cm round pastry cutter to cut another six discs from brioche and set aside. Lightly brush a 7cm disc with a little of the berry juice and place the disc, brushed-side down, in the base of a 1 cup capacity dariole mould. 

Cut the remaining brioche slices into 3cm-wide strips. Brush a strip lightly with berry juice and place around the sides of the mould. Continue with brioche slices until the side of the mould is covered. Repeat with remaining brioche slices. 

Spoon the berry mixture evenly among the prepared moulds. Top each mould with a 10cm brioche disc to enclose berry filling. Cover each mould with plastic wrap. Place moulds on a tray and top each mould with a small can to weigh down. 

Place in the fridge overnight to enhance the flavours.

Use a round-bladed knife to gently help turn out each pudding onto serving plates. Pour remaining berry juice over each pudding. Serve with double cream and extra fresh berries.

Enjoy! 

Lou 

xxx

Summer Sales

It Wednesday! Woo hoo!

That means we are half way through the week AND it also means its time to talk fashion. Double win. Summer sales are officially upon us *if you are here in the southern hemisphere and there are some amazing bargains up for grabs. I have treated myself to a few new wardrobe items this week 😁 But hey, who can resist a great sale ?!? 

Looking for a new work wardrobe ? Then head straight to Cue. Their in-store and online sale is up to 50% off and has got me looking like Kim. 

I want it all but I just can't have it!

I did however, purchase these two gorgeous work dresses. Both of which you can find here.

If you are looking for some summer statement pieces then I recommend heading over to Zara. Zara can certainly be a mixed bag in terms of personal taste. But I'am loving their summer dresses and might just be wearing one as I type this ;) 

Despite the ever odd photos Zara uses for their online store. This Checked midi dress is super sweet and very versatile. You can check out all Zara sale items here.

Last but not least my beloved Seed Heritage. If I could own every piece from this stores collection I would! *I almost do 😁 Seed's current outlet sale is AMAZING and not to be missed. 

I mean how amazing are these sued block heels down to just $69?!? 

Ah yes please! To check out the full outlet sale including women, children and baby click here.

Happy bargain hunting friends! 

Lou 

xxx

Pinterest Finds

Morning Friends!

Like many of you I have spend a few magical, relaxing days at home over the holidays. Days filled with watching tv, lounging in pyjamas and in my case wasting far too much time on Pinterest. 2017 is going to be a big year in this house hold with a family wedding, move, career change and home renovations all in store! I'm excited and already looking for inspo to help out all the ladies in my life organising all this as well as myself. 

So today we begin our monthly pin review. During these posts I share a few pins I have found, love and or currently using. It can be anything from a great wallpaper, to a beautiful  floral centre piece!

Remember to check out all of my Pinterest boards here.

Its out with the old and in with the new, in my parents kitchen this year. All this white marble has me dazed- so gorgeous. To  find more modern kitchen inspiration click here.

Planning a wedding or helping a friend out with their own? I'am currently seeking wedding inspiration for my cousin who recently got engaged! And I'm starting with the flowers. To see some of my favourite floral arrangements at the moment click here.

Finally, Summer is in full swing here and that means fresh, easy and tasty recipes are a must. Give me all the salads, ice creams and fresh foods!! For all my recipe ideas click here.


Have a wonderful day friends and happy pinning!

Lou
xxx

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year friends! 

I know we are now well into January, but seeing as this is my first day back and blogging I wanted to wish you all a blessed, safe and happy year ahead! 

Like many of you our December/ early January period is always chaotic, fun and exhausting. Here is a little catch up on life lately. 

I celebrated Christmas eve with my parents and younger sister *who is home from Minnesota. Our annual Christmas eve dinner includes a BBQ, fairy light tour and champagne. 

Christmas day was a blur of guests, food and fun. We had 20 people in total and it was crazy. Gift exchanges, afternoon tennis matches, far too much wine and memories with the people I love most. 

Including these two! My sisters. I love when we are all in the same city, even if it is only for a few days 😀

Even this guy got into the Christmas spirit! 

Post Christmas a few girlfriends and I took a day trip to a local winery because well why not?!?! It's the holidays after all. We ate, we drank, we laughed and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. 

Then a few days later we where back on the road and headed camping. 1 packed car, four cramped adults and a 3 hour drive yippee!!! 

After we set up it was time to party and welcome 2017! Tents where flooded, phones where broken and a toe was dislocated but it was fantastic. 

I would share more pictures but camping = no phone chargers. Which was probably a blessing after all. Spending some quality time with a few of my favourite people minus the distraction of a phone is  a rare thing! 

Now we are home again and getting ready to jump into the new year. As I write this I'm covered in children and enjoying some good old Scooby-Doo! So I better get back to it! 

Have a terrific day friends! 

Lou 

xxx