Wednesday 25 December 2013
Friday 20 December 2013
festive friday facts...
Not long now until Christmas day is upon us so I thought another batch of festive fun facts was in order.
Christmas pudding was originally a soup made with raisins and wine.
In Britain, the best-selling festive single is Band Aid's 1984 track, Do They Know It's Christmas?, which sold 3.5million copies. Wham! is next in the same year with Last Christmas, selling 1.4million.
The bestselling Xmas single ever is Bing Crosby's White Christmas, shifting over 50million copies worldwide since 1942.
The word Christmas comes from the Old English "Cristes maesse" meaning "Christ's Mass".
56 percent of Americans sing holiday carols to their pets!
Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra sang it on December 16, 1965.
The holly in a wreath symbolises Christ's crown of thorns while the red berries are drops of his blood.
Many parts of the Christmas tree can actually be eaten, with the needles being a good source of Vitamin C.
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
Jesus was probably born in a cave and not a wooden stable, say Biblical scholars.
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
According to a survey, 7 out of 10 dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners!
Happy Friday everyone.
Christmas pudding was originally a soup made with raisins and wine.
In Britain, the best-selling festive single is Band Aid's 1984 track, Do They Know It's Christmas?, which sold 3.5million copies. Wham! is next in the same year with Last Christmas, selling 1.4million.
The bestselling Xmas single ever is Bing Crosby's White Christmas, shifting over 50million copies worldwide since 1942.
The word Christmas comes from the Old English "Cristes maesse" meaning "Christ's Mass".
56 percent of Americans sing holiday carols to their pets!
Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra sang it on December 16, 1965.
The holly in a wreath symbolises Christ's crown of thorns while the red berries are drops of his blood.
Many parts of the Christmas tree can actually be eaten, with the needles being a good source of Vitamin C.
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
Jesus was probably born in a cave and not a wooden stable, say Biblical scholars.
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
According to a survey, 7 out of 10 dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners!
Happy Friday everyone.
Wednesday 18 December 2013
super simple turkey bake...
I love dishes where everyone gets to tuck in and help themselves. It brings people together and I just love sharing food around the table. I've found a nice festive bake to make use of all the Christmas dinner leftovers. This is delicious and obviously the recipe is just a guide, so feel free to chuck in anything else you might like. I love mushrooms so add those in to almost everything I cook.
Ingredients:
stuffing, use leftovers if you have some, if not you can use a packet mix if you are not up to making another batch to cover the top of the bake.
turkey, enough to feed four, feel free to add some leftover ham to this aswell if you dont have enough turkey.
brocolli, again use the left overs this is what this recipe is all about, maybe even cook some extra on Christmas day so you know you have enough for both days.
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup of milk
grated cheese, enough to taste, leftovers from the cheese plate are great for this.
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
2. Combine your turkey and brocolli in a baking dish.
3. Mix the soup, milk and cheese and pour over the top of the turkey and brocolli.
4. Top with the stuffing and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes. It really is as easy as that!
This is so quick and easy, you would be crazy not to try it.
Merry Christmas!
Ingredients:
stuffing, use leftovers if you have some, if not you can use a packet mix if you are not up to making another batch to cover the top of the bake.
turkey, enough to feed four, feel free to add some leftover ham to this aswell if you dont have enough turkey.
brocolli, again use the left overs this is what this recipe is all about, maybe even cook some extra on Christmas day so you know you have enough for both days.
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup of milk
grated cheese, enough to taste, leftovers from the cheese plate are great for this.
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
2. Combine your turkey and brocolli in a baking dish.
3. Mix the soup, milk and cheese and pour over the top of the turkey and brocolli.
4. Top with the stuffing and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes. It really is as easy as that!
This is so quick and easy, you would be crazy not to try it.
Merry Christmas!
Monday 16 December 2013
turkey, turkey, turkey...
Rosemary Scented Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa
In our house the left over turkey from Christmas day usually gets made up into a delicious turkey curry or popped between a couple of slices of bread and served up as sandwiches until it has all been devoured. I thoroughly enjoy both of these but thought how nice it might be to serve up something different. I've had a scout around and come up with a few new recipes that I will share with you. I found this recipe in a healthy eating magazine and have already tried and tested it so i know not only do they taste amazing but they are pretty healthy too. They taste light and fresh and are the perfect meal for the day after Christmas when you may have overindulged a little too much.
Ingredients:
8 Stalks celery, minced
1 yellow onion, minced
100g fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped (thawed, if frozen)
2 large pears, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice 1 orange
1/2 tsp sea salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried rosemary
500g shredded turkey, if you are not using leftover turkey you could use ground turkey for this.
8-15 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter)
grated cheese, enough to taste, why not use up the left overs from the cheese platter and create lots of different flavour combinations.
1. To prepare the salsa add 2 stalks of celery, 1/2 onion, cranberries, pear, 1 clove of garlic and orange juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Set aside for later.
2. Preheat a large non stick frying pan or skillet and add the remaining celery and onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add in the rosemary and the remaining garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. If you are using the ground turkey add this now and cook for 5 minutes breaking it up as you do. With a fine mesh colander drain the turkey mixture and leave to sit in a large bowl. If you are using leftover turkey you just add this to the bowl of celery, onion, rosemary and garlic now.
3. Wipe out the frying pan or skillet and reheat to a medium heat. Add a tortilla to the frying pan then add a few spoons of mixture to cover the tortilla. Sprinkle cheese to cover. I like a lot of cheese so I get a little carried away at this point. Leave this to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
4. With a spatula gently fold the tortilla in half and cook for one minute gently pressing the tortilla closed if need be.
5. divide the quesadillas between the plates and add some salsa to garnish. They are so tasty, you will just love them.
I love making quesadillas as you can add any leftovers you have in the fridge and make delicious snacks in no time. They can be as simple or adventurous as you like and always go down a treat. I love to add some sour cream to top mine off perfectly. Enjoy.
In our house the left over turkey from Christmas day usually gets made up into a delicious turkey curry or popped between a couple of slices of bread and served up as sandwiches until it has all been devoured. I thoroughly enjoy both of these but thought how nice it might be to serve up something different. I've had a scout around and come up with a few new recipes that I will share with you. I found this recipe in a healthy eating magazine and have already tried and tested it so i know not only do they taste amazing but they are pretty healthy too. They taste light and fresh and are the perfect meal for the day after Christmas when you may have overindulged a little too much.
Ingredients:
8 Stalks celery, minced
1 yellow onion, minced
100g fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped (thawed, if frozen)
2 large pears, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice 1 orange
1/2 tsp sea salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried rosemary
500g shredded turkey, if you are not using leftover turkey you could use ground turkey for this.
8-15 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter)
grated cheese, enough to taste, why not use up the left overs from the cheese platter and create lots of different flavour combinations.
1. To prepare the salsa add 2 stalks of celery, 1/2 onion, cranberries, pear, 1 clove of garlic and orange juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Set aside for later.
2. Preheat a large non stick frying pan or skillet and add the remaining celery and onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add in the rosemary and the remaining garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. If you are using the ground turkey add this now and cook for 5 minutes breaking it up as you do. With a fine mesh colander drain the turkey mixture and leave to sit in a large bowl. If you are using leftover turkey you just add this to the bowl of celery, onion, rosemary and garlic now.
3. Wipe out the frying pan or skillet and reheat to a medium heat. Add a tortilla to the frying pan then add a few spoons of mixture to cover the tortilla. Sprinkle cheese to cover. I like a lot of cheese so I get a little carried away at this point. Leave this to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
4. With a spatula gently fold the tortilla in half and cook for one minute gently pressing the tortilla closed if need be.
5. divide the quesadillas between the plates and add some salsa to garnish. They are so tasty, you will just love them.
I love making quesadillas as you can add any leftovers you have in the fridge and make delicious snacks in no time. They can be as simple or adventurous as you like and always go down a treat. I love to add some sour cream to top mine off perfectly. Enjoy.
Friday 13 December 2013
smile... it's friday...
Well December is upon us and although it doesn't feel very much like Christmas in Australia, we are hopping on a plane to New Zealand tonight and taking a months holiday including Christmas spent with my wonderful aunt in Auckland. In light of this I thought Some festive facts would go down a treat this week.
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
In Greece, Italy, Spain and Germany, workers get a Christmas bonus of one month's salary by law.
If you received all of the gifts listed in "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song, you would receive 364 presents!
During the Christmas season, 1.76 billion candy canes will be made.
The average person spends 2 hours and 27 minutes wrapping presents!
The average person will go to one Christmas party, sing five carols and eat 30 pieces of chocolate candy!
Based on previous surveys, 17% of you will embarrass yourselves in some way at your office Christmas party!
Nearly 3,000 tons of aluminium foil will be used to wrap Christmas turkeys!
Happy Friday all and hope people are beginning to get into the festive spirit a little bit too. x
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
In Greece, Italy, Spain and Germany, workers get a Christmas bonus of one month's salary by law.
If you received all of the gifts listed in "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song, you would receive 364 presents!
During the Christmas season, 1.76 billion candy canes will be made.
The average person spends 2 hours and 27 minutes wrapping presents!
The average person will go to one Christmas party, sing five carols and eat 30 pieces of chocolate candy!
Based on previous surveys, 17% of you will embarrass yourselves in some way at your office Christmas party!
Nearly 3,000 tons of aluminium foil will be used to wrap Christmas turkeys!
Happy Friday all and hope people are beginning to get into the festive spirit a little bit too. x
Thursday 12 December 2013
car engine cooking...
About two years ago Sazzle and I were going on a road trip to the circus. Sazzle was driving and I was to be her co driver. She even prepared some light reading for the journey which included instructions and ideas for cooking food on a car engine.
Unfortunately the journey we were making wasn't really long enough to cook a pork tenderloin (although if you include all the time we spent lost, tearing around country lanes we probably would have managed some sausages), but I have always said someday I would get around to trying this car engine cooking. I'm now almost ready to hop on a plane and head to New Zealand so I decided to revisit this plan as we will be spending a week travelling in a campervan.
I'm not too sure if I'd be brave enough to try some chicken or pork but maybe a piece of steak or some roasted veggies might be good. Something that we're less likely to get food poisoning from if it's not cooked 100% through. The concept is pretty easy. At least three layers of tin foil and make sure everything is wrapped up good and tight. Then make sure the food parcel is put on the hottest part of the engine to ensure you get the best out of your drive. You need to make sure the parcel is really secure aswell as you don't want it moving about once you start driving.
Maybe I'm taking on too much here and we might just stick to beans and two minute noodles after all...
Unfortunately the journey we were making wasn't really long enough to cook a pork tenderloin (although if you include all the time we spent lost, tearing around country lanes we probably would have managed some sausages), but I have always said someday I would get around to trying this car engine cooking. I'm now almost ready to hop on a plane and head to New Zealand so I decided to revisit this plan as we will be spending a week travelling in a campervan.
I'm not too sure if I'd be brave enough to try some chicken or pork but maybe a piece of steak or some roasted veggies might be good. Something that we're less likely to get food poisoning from if it's not cooked 100% through. The concept is pretty easy. At least three layers of tin foil and make sure everything is wrapped up good and tight. Then make sure the food parcel is put on the hottest part of the engine to ensure you get the best out of your drive. You need to make sure the parcel is really secure aswell as you don't want it moving about once you start driving.
Maybe I'm taking on too much here and we might just stick to beans and two minute noodles after all...
Tuesday 10 December 2013
hate to say goodbye...
So my little brother, who is not so little anymore has left Australia to go home and I'm pretty sad to say the least. We have had moments in our lives where we couldn't stand the sight of each other but in the last few years we could not have gotten on any better. He's cheeky and drives me crazy at times and never ever turns up on time for anything but he does make me laugh and he's always there if I need him.
Family is super important to me and although I'm going to miss him and this is our second Christmas apart I'm glad my mom and dad will get to spend time with him this year and I know we'll definitely make up for lost time next year.
He told me under no circumstances to put up a blog post about him but then he did mention in the same breath that the picture below was one of his most favourite pictures ever so I'm just hoping I get away with it. Miss you already you little brat.
Family is super important to me and although I'm going to miss him and this is our second Christmas apart I'm glad my mom and dad will get to spend time with him this year and I know we'll definitely make up for lost time next year.
He told me under no circumstances to put up a blog post about him but then he did mention in the same breath that the picture below was one of his most favourite pictures ever so I'm just hoping I get away with it. Miss you already you little brat.
Monday 9 December 2013
packing party...
We leave for New Zealand in a few days and packing is my least favourite job of all time. I always want to take everything with me, this includes stilettos on a backpacking trip through South East Asia. Needless to say they didn't even make it out of the bag. You would imagine that since I only came to Australia quite recently that I wouldn't have gathered too many belongings but you would be wrong. Luckily for me Billy likes to travel light. How anyone could up and leave home for a year and only pack 12 kilos of luggage is beyond me but I'm thankful for those extra eight kilos that I now get to fill.
I learned a very valuable lesson when travelling to Kenya a number of years ago to do some chairty work. Your hand luggage is the most important bag you will pack, because if you are lucky like me and end up having to wait a whole week for your bag to arrive, you need to have sufficient supplies to survive. I didn't. But you can be sure I wont be caught again. Luckily we were limited to 10 kilos of clothes each anyway so most people were wearing the same clothes each day so I didn't stand out too much.
In saying all this I do also believe that less can be more and once travelled to Madrid for a weekend with nothing but my handbag and a clean pair of pants and survived just fine.
This time I aim to be the perfect packer. Firm but kind in my selection of outfits. I'm even going to try to plan out most of my outfits to avoid bringing extra things that I know I definitely wont be wearing but you know a pair of stilettos might just come in handy when visiting the Franz Josef Glacier right? and I wouldn't want to run into Bilbo Baggins dressed in any old thing you know. Wish me luck! Or maybe reserve that luck for Billy who will have to carry what I can't fit.
I learned a very valuable lesson when travelling to Kenya a number of years ago to do some chairty work. Your hand luggage is the most important bag you will pack, because if you are lucky like me and end up having to wait a whole week for your bag to arrive, you need to have sufficient supplies to survive. I didn't. But you can be sure I wont be caught again. Luckily we were limited to 10 kilos of clothes each anyway so most people were wearing the same clothes each day so I didn't stand out too much.
In saying all this I do also believe that less can be more and once travelled to Madrid for a weekend with nothing but my handbag and a clean pair of pants and survived just fine.
This time I aim to be the perfect packer. Firm but kind in my selection of outfits. I'm even going to try to plan out most of my outfits to avoid bringing extra things that I know I definitely wont be wearing but you know a pair of stilettos might just come in handy when visiting the Franz Josef Glacier right? and I wouldn't want to run into Bilbo Baggins dressed in any old thing you know. Wish me luck! Or maybe reserve that luck for Billy who will have to carry what I can't fit.
Friday 6 December 2013
facts on friday...
I've found some really funny animal facts this week that are bound to make you smile.
Cows have best friends.
A group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance.”
Millions of trees grow every year thanks to squirrel’s forgetting where they put their nuts.
Butterflies can taste with their feet.
Sea otters hold each other’s paws when they sleep so they don’t drift apart.
When rabbits jump and twist out of excitement, it is called a binky.
Gentoo penguins propose to their lifemates with a pebble.
Sea horses are monogamous life mates and travel holding each other’s tails.
Male pups will intentionally let female pups “win” when they play-fight so they can get to know them better.
Worms communicate by snuggling.
A cat’s nose is ridged with a unique pattern, just like a human fingerprint.
A group of porcupines is called a “prickle.”
Now if that hasn't got you smiling I don't know what will.... Have a great weekend.
Thursday 5 December 2013
chocolate christmas tree...
One of my earliest Christmas memories is from a year where we went and stayed with my Uncle John and Aunty Marie. I was the first grandchild on my mom's side of the family so I really was very well looked after and was very lucky to almost always be the centre of attention. This one year my aunt and I made a Christmas cake to rival all Christmas cakes. To this day I have never made it again but it is on my to do list, if not this year (as I will be in New Zealand) then it will be made next year for sure.
The recipe is pretty simple and comes from Darina Allen who is Ireland's queen of cookery and I'm almost certain no one will be able to say no to a piece of this.
Chocolate Christmas Tree
250g of best quality chocolate
110g of Rice Krispies
85-110g of dark chocolate for assembling the tree
3 teaspoons icing sugar
1. Firstly you need to prepare the trays to make the branches of the tree. Cover 3 baking trays or large Swiss roll tins with tin foil. Draw out crosses on the foil. Leave 5 - 7 cm between each cross. The measurements of the crosses are: 7 cm, 9 cm, 11 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm and 18cm.
2. Prepare a serving plate or comport for the tree: it must be rigid, absolutely flat and strong enough to support the tree. Cover with tin foil. Mark the 18 cm cross on this base.
3. When all the preparation is done, melt the chocolate very carefully in a pyrex bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir in the Rice Krispies and mix well. Using a teaspoon, drop small amounts of the chocolate mixture along the marked crosses. Do the base board first and put in the fridge to set while you do the others, in order of size from the biggest to the smallest. Try not to eat the mixture although it does look amazingly tempting.
4. When all the crosses have set firmly after approximately 30 minutes, melt the remaining chocolate over a low heat. Put a teaspoon of melted chocolate onto the centre of the cross on the base board, and stick the next largest cross on top so that the points are in between the points of the previous cross.
5. While that is setting (supported with a matchbox if necessary), drop another teaspoon of chocolate on top of the second cross to form a basis for the next layer. Refrigerate for a few minutes.
6. Meanwhile stick the remaining 8 crosses together in pairs in the same way and allow to set. Add another teaspoon of melted chocolate and put the next largest pair of crosses on top, angling them so the branches are arranged alternately. Continue to assemble until the tree is finished, however do it gradually as it is essential that each section is completely set before topping with another layer.
7. To serve decorate the board with some Christmas decorations and lightly dust the tree with some icing sugar.
This brings back some amazing happy memories. This is such a great cake to make if there are kids around aswell because they can really get involved and thats the part I loved the most. Oh I do love Christmas. ho ho ho.
My wonderful cousin Jane dug out these photos so I thought I must share them with you.
The recipe is pretty simple and comes from Darina Allen who is Ireland's queen of cookery and I'm almost certain no one will be able to say no to a piece of this.
Chocolate Christmas Tree
250g of best quality chocolate
110g of Rice Krispies
85-110g of dark chocolate for assembling the tree
3 teaspoons icing sugar
1. Firstly you need to prepare the trays to make the branches of the tree. Cover 3 baking trays or large Swiss roll tins with tin foil. Draw out crosses on the foil. Leave 5 - 7 cm between each cross. The measurements of the crosses are: 7 cm, 9 cm, 11 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm and 18cm.
2. Prepare a serving plate or comport for the tree: it must be rigid, absolutely flat and strong enough to support the tree. Cover with tin foil. Mark the 18 cm cross on this base.
3. When all the preparation is done, melt the chocolate very carefully in a pyrex bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir in the Rice Krispies and mix well. Using a teaspoon, drop small amounts of the chocolate mixture along the marked crosses. Do the base board first and put in the fridge to set while you do the others, in order of size from the biggest to the smallest. Try not to eat the mixture although it does look amazingly tempting.
4. When all the crosses have set firmly after approximately 30 minutes, melt the remaining chocolate over a low heat. Put a teaspoon of melted chocolate onto the centre of the cross on the base board, and stick the next largest cross on top so that the points are in between the points of the previous cross.
5. While that is setting (supported with a matchbox if necessary), drop another teaspoon of chocolate on top of the second cross to form a basis for the next layer. Refrigerate for a few minutes.
6. Meanwhile stick the remaining 8 crosses together in pairs in the same way and allow to set. Add another teaspoon of melted chocolate and put the next largest pair of crosses on top, angling them so the branches are arranged alternately. Continue to assemble until the tree is finished, however do it gradually as it is essential that each section is completely set before topping with another layer.
7. To serve decorate the board with some Christmas decorations and lightly dust the tree with some icing sugar.
This brings back some amazing happy memories. This is such a great cake to make if there are kids around aswell because they can really get involved and thats the part I loved the most. Oh I do love Christmas. ho ho ho.
My wonderful cousin Jane dug out these photos so I thought I must share them with you.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
must be manicured...
Ok ok I know, not another Christmas post but I just couldn't help myself. As it will probably be too warm for festive socks and jumpers I've decided I'll probably go with all out Christmas nails instead. Here are some ideas that I definitely want to try out.
How cute are these little reindeer faces.
Might need to be a bit more artistic to give this one a go.
Santa and glitter. Perfection.
Some fun fuzzy hats.
Green and glittery.
Some Christmas tree baubles.
Red and Green. The colours of Christmas.
How cute are these little reindeer faces.
Might need to be a bit more artistic to give this one a go.
Santa and glitter. Perfection.
Some fun fuzzy hats.
Green and glittery.
Some Christmas tree baubles.
Red and Green. The colours of Christmas.
Tuesday 3 December 2013
little black dress...
When it comes to the little black dress there are sooooo many options out there to choose from. There really is an LBD for every shape and size and every budget too. Celebrities rock their LBD's and here are a few dresses that I just love.
Eva Longoria has to be the queen of the LBD. Here she is wearing a Victoria Beckham creation. I just love how this dress cuts in at the top. It's so flattering although I'm sure a bin bag would also look flattering on this lucky lady.
Here she is again in a simple strapless black dress. It looks effortless.
I love this dress that Emma Watson wore quite a while back. The feathers and the lace just work together brilliantly.
Jennifer Aniston looks so chilled in this LBD. I'm a real fan of a skater or flared skirt. They are just so comfortable and easy to wear and if like me you love to get down on the dance floor then this is the perfect dress to do so in.
Here Eva breaks out the bling in this little sequined number. I'm generally not a huge fan of sequins but because the lines of this dress are so simple it just works.
As it's only coming into summer here now I'll have to wait another while before I get to pull out all my LBD's so until then I will just have to druel over all the images on the net.
Eva Longoria has to be the queen of the LBD. Here she is wearing a Victoria Beckham creation. I just love how this dress cuts in at the top. It's so flattering although I'm sure a bin bag would also look flattering on this lucky lady.
Here she is again in a simple strapless black dress. It looks effortless.
I love this dress that Emma Watson wore quite a while back. The feathers and the lace just work together brilliantly.
Jennifer Aniston looks so chilled in this LBD. I'm a real fan of a skater or flared skirt. They are just so comfortable and easy to wear and if like me you love to get down on the dance floor then this is the perfect dress to do so in.
Here Eva breaks out the bling in this little sequined number. I'm generally not a huge fan of sequins but because the lines of this dress are so simple it just works.
As it's only coming into summer here now I'll have to wait another while before I get to pull out all my LBD's so until then I will just have to druel over all the images on the net.
Monday 2 December 2013
fun festive finds...
I really like to get into the festive spirit and this year because I am in Australia where it's not as cold and winter like as we are used to, I feel even more compelled to be as festive as possible.
Here is a list of a few festive finds that I love and instantly put people into a jolly mood.
Christmas socks
Keep those toe toes toasty in some jolly Christmas socks. You may even be lucky enough to find some with bells.
Christmas Jumper
Nothing says festive fun then a group of people laughing and joking in their Christmas jumpers.
Christmas Jewellery
If you don't want to go all out with your Christmas clothing why not accessorise with some jewellery. Little Christmas tree shaped stud earrings will give that subtle hint of Christmas cheer.
Christmas Hat
When I was younger I loved wearing my Christmas hat at the horse riding school. Not only did it spread a bit of festive cheer but also kept my ears nice and toasty too.
Christmas comes but once a year. Go out and spread some festive cheer.
Here is a list of a few festive finds that I love and instantly put people into a jolly mood.
Christmas socks
Keep those toe toes toasty in some jolly Christmas socks. You may even be lucky enough to find some with bells.
Christmas Jumper
Nothing says festive fun then a group of people laughing and joking in their Christmas jumpers.
Christmas Jewellery
If you don't want to go all out with your Christmas clothing why not accessorise with some jewellery. Little Christmas tree shaped stud earrings will give that subtle hint of Christmas cheer.
Christmas Hat
When I was younger I loved wearing my Christmas hat at the horse riding school. Not only did it spread a bit of festive cheer but also kept my ears nice and toasty too.
Christmas comes but once a year. Go out and spread some festive cheer.
Friday 29 November 2013
funny friday...
It's Friday again... where does the time go.
Guinea pigs and rabbits can't sweat.
The porpoise is second to man as the most intelligent animal on the planet.
Skunks can accurately spray their smelly fluid as far as ten feet.
The duckbill platypus can store as many as six hundred worms in the pouches of its cheeks.
There are more than fifty different kinds of kangaroos.
Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear any pants.
A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death.
Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages them.
The word "queue" is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone. x
steamcream...
I'm sure I've rambled enough about my love of steamcream but I've just seen their Christmas tins and they are the cutest.
This little Rudolph tin is adoreable.
Imagine pulling this little gem out of your Christmas stocking.
They also have lots of great deals on at the moment too so if you're stuck for a secret santa present or just want to treat yourself then definitely have a look.
buy it here...
This little Rudolph tin is adoreable.
Imagine pulling this little gem out of your Christmas stocking.
They also have lots of great deals on at the moment too so if you're stuck for a secret santa present or just want to treat yourself then definitely have a look.
buy it here...
Thursday 28 November 2013
va va voom velvet...
Velvet is something that we didn't see for quite a few years but seems to be making a regular comeback for the last few Autumn/Winters. Nothing says luxury like a beautiful velvet dress on a cold winters evening. I'm missing out this Christmas as I'm in Australia so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that velvet is still big in 2014 too.
Here are few velvet pieces I have bought and a few more I could definitely see me parting with my pennies for.
I love this little skater style dress. It is super comfy and has little dots of glitter all over it. The three quarter length sleeves work great for winter too. It looks fab with black tights and black heels. I have gotten heaps of wear from this dress already.
Everyone needs some black pumps so why not make them velvet too.
Berry shades are big this year and this burgundy velvet dress is just perfect for a night out on the town. Paired with black tights and boots and a black leather jacket this is a super chic outfit with a bit of edge too.
You can't have black pumps without getting a matching pair in navy too.
This dress oozes sophistication. It is a simple silhouette that lets the velvet speak for itself. I got this as a gift last Christmas and lived in it.
I really am not a leggings type of person but I just couldn't leave these behind. I love black velvet because it really is the darkest black you can find and wont lose it's colour. Leggings and a loose shirt with some heels and statement jewellery work great for a festive get together.
I need this dress...
I think some velvet boots will be next on my wish list. I would give a great home to any of these.
Here are few velvet pieces I have bought and a few more I could definitely see me parting with my pennies for.
I love this little skater style dress. It is super comfy and has little dots of glitter all over it. The three quarter length sleeves work great for winter too. It looks fab with black tights and black heels. I have gotten heaps of wear from this dress already.
Everyone needs some black pumps so why not make them velvet too.
Berry shades are big this year and this burgundy velvet dress is just perfect for a night out on the town. Paired with black tights and boots and a black leather jacket this is a super chic outfit with a bit of edge too.
You can't have black pumps without getting a matching pair in navy too.
This dress oozes sophistication. It is a simple silhouette that lets the velvet speak for itself. I got this as a gift last Christmas and lived in it.
I really am not a leggings type of person but I just couldn't leave these behind. I love black velvet because it really is the darkest black you can find and wont lose it's colour. Leggings and a loose shirt with some heels and statement jewellery work great for a festive get together.
I need this dress...
I think some velvet boots will be next on my wish list. I would give a great home to any of these.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
bottle top top ideas...
I recently saw this picture below and ever since I have been determined to create this look. The floor was made by laying bottle tops down like tiles and grouting and sealing them. I need to have this is my house, that is when I get a house...
Determined as I am I have already started my bottle top collection. I thought if I'm going to have a bottle top floor I may aswell have one that has bottle tops from all around the world and ones that will remind me of certain events and parties too. Billy thinks I'm slightly crazy but he has been very good and when we were recently in the country I could usually hear him coming before I saw him as his pockets were rarely without a collection of bottle tops. My brother who works in a bar here in Melbourne has also agreed to help me on my quest, although I don't think he knows yet that he will be carrying most of them back to Ireland with him in December.
I also really love this look. It's amazing how different colour tops can create different looks.
This would be a good alternative to a floor covered in pennys which is also another idea I have seen and really like. Victoria Bitter bottle caps would be perfect for this one.
I'm looking forward to watching my collection grow and even more looking forward to seeing the floor come to life although I know this is a way off yet... must be patient....
Determined as I am I have already started my bottle top collection. I thought if I'm going to have a bottle top floor I may aswell have one that has bottle tops from all around the world and ones that will remind me of certain events and parties too. Billy thinks I'm slightly crazy but he has been very good and when we were recently in the country I could usually hear him coming before I saw him as his pockets were rarely without a collection of bottle tops. My brother who works in a bar here in Melbourne has also agreed to help me on my quest, although I don't think he knows yet that he will be carrying most of them back to Ireland with him in December.
I also really love this look. It's amazing how different colour tops can create different looks.
This would be a good alternative to a floor covered in pennys which is also another idea I have seen and really like. Victoria Bitter bottle caps would be perfect for this one.
I'm looking forward to watching my collection grow and even more looking forward to seeing the floor come to life although I know this is a way off yet... must be patient....
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