Hear me Roar!

Looking effortlessly chic in winter shouldn't mean sacrificing warmth in the process. With these adorable looks and soft palettes we show you how you can stay cosy while looking fierce. Whether your playing with cute vests, full on fur coats or even talking a walk on the wild side with a Russian inspired hat, faux Fur is a winter must have this season. Mix up the furry looks with velvet wedges, baby pink turbans and soft loose knits for the perfect winter look.

Sugar and spice

I have been craving a hot, sticky sweet cinnamon bun  this week. So, when I stumbled across this recipe while sorting through some of my old Taste magazines and was instantly inspired. With the radio blasting in the background and a few wee moments to myself, I nipped into the kitchen and got to work. The simplicity of this recipe and the fact that you're actually allocated breaks while the dough rises, means that this could not be easier. Although the process seems a little drawn out, its honestly a fun and rewarding  activity. These small treats are perfect for brunches with your girlfriends and they'll be impressed by the tastiness and drizzled icing on each bun.  

{Simply roll dough into a log on a floured board}

{Serve warm to let the icing
trickle over the sides}

{Put buns on long sticks to
make an detailed centerpiece} 

Chelsea buns

3 cups of plain flour

1/2 sachet instant yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

60g butter (melted)

3/4 cup warm water

2 eggs

1/3 cup brown sugar

2tsp mixed spice

1/2 sultanas

1 Tbsp honey

Simple glacé icing:

1/3 cup icing sugar

dash of milk

Combine plain flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Melt 30g butter, then mix with warm water and 2 lightly beaten eggs. Mix into flour. Knead dough, adding more flour if required, until smooth and springy.

Place dough in a clean greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on low power for 1 minute, rest the dough for 10 minutes, then repeat. After the second rest the dough should have doubled in size. (Alternatively, set aside in a warm place until doubled in size.)

While it is rising, combine brown sugar, 30g melted butter and mixed spice. When dough has risen, punch the dough down, knead lightly and roll out to a rectangle roughly 40cm x 30cm or the size of a Swiss roll tin. Make sure there is plenty of flour underneath the dough so it doesn’t stick.

Spread with sugar and spice mix and sprinkle on sultanas. Roll up dough, then slice.

Place the scrolls on a greased baking tray, face up, with just a little space between each. Arrange them with the tail of each scroll facing another scroll, so they don’t unravel as they rise.

Allow the scrolls to rise for around 10-20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 190°C. When scrolls are almost double their original size, bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

A minute or two before scrolls are cooked, brush them all over with melted honey.

When buns are cool, drizzle with a simple glacé icing made from icing sugar and a dash of milk, mixed to drizzling consistency.

Makes 12.                                                

From Taste magazine, October 2010. 

Loco Coco

{Hot Cocoa kits, perfect gift for any chocoholic} 

There is nothing like a cup of hot cocoa on a wild winter night. The indulgence of chocolate infused with cinnamon and vanilla is just too good to pass up. With the temperature beginning to drop, only one thing can be sure: it's time for hot cocoa. Spice things up by stirring a vanilla bean and cinnamon stick in with your chocolatie brew for an deliciously infused recipe. Drop in a few marshmallows for the ultimate soothing drink.

{Hot cocoa on a stick}

{Hot cocoa on cold days}

Bare Necessities

{White on white- simply  chic} 

Simplicity is key: making neutrals a consistent "go to", no matter the season. We usually turn to the toned down pieces in spring as they offer a fresh start after the darker months. Yet this season we're ditching black and other somber tones to embrace the lighter side. Play up darker shades with pastels and neutrals to stand out this winter and let the softer colours create a feminine look for autumn.

In the bedroom Wooden floors, white walls and natural/pastel colours; to me, are so serene and peaceful I could just move in. We simply adore the colour palette, the furniture and the simpleness of these rooms.

{These nude fashion staples are right on trend}

{Gorgeous neutral Balenciaga heels}

                                   

{Perfectly delicate rooms with just the right amount of edge)

A jar full of Spring Time

Every girl loves fresh flowers, especially if they are from a man. We put them in vases in our homes and everybody comments on how beautiful they look while they sift off a sweet aroma of sweet spring time. So why not rattle through your local antique stores looking for vintage milk bottles, antique jars and glass bottles that will fit delicately in rooms with pretty flowers spilling from the top. This is a delightful accessory to any room in the spring time, that adds a simple touch. 

{A whole array of bottles and jars fill a tray}

{Vintage paint cans add an instant rustic feel to any room}

{Turquoise tinted jars make the soft pink flowers pop}

{This just screams vintage-adorable!}

{Perfect for any girly girl}

The Top Knot

{Who What Wears: perfect collage of our fave Top Knots}

Remember, dear readers, last summer and how Heidi braids seized the limelight as the hairstyle of choice? Everywhere we turned there were pinned-up braids (here) haloing the heads of civilians and celebrities alike. Well, this year, another trend tornado is sweeping the fashionable elite and is sure to be the breakout style of the season. It's simple, stylish, and perfect for your inner slacker: the topknot!  
If your having a 'bad hair day' twist your hair up into one of these effortless messy super high buns with a cute outfit and sunnies and you are good to go!

A case of the "blues"

I often find myself frantically rushing around the house getting ready for the day. So, by having a delicious batch of pre-made muffins filling my favourite tins is perfect. Grabbing a healthy, homemade snack for lunch makes morning prep incredibly easy. I've tried many a blueberry muffin recipe so when i stumbled across this one i was thrilled to experiment. I love adding muesli to my muffins to make a great alternative for breakfast. These are simply an addictive treat - guilt free! (well...almost). 

        

    

Blueberry Muffins:

2 cups of blueberries.

2 eggs.

2 cups of flour.

1 cup of sugar.

1/2 cup of milk.

1/4 cup of butter.

2 teaspoon of baking powder.

1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.

1/2 teaspoon of salt. (I tend to leave this out)

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Grease and flour the muffin tin lightly. Place the butter, eggs, salt and sugar in a medium bowl and beat together using an electric mixer. Fold in the flour with baking powder and sift into the first mixture, alternating with milk. Blend in the vanilla essence and then add the blueberries gently. I often place the blueberries on top of the mixture, once in the muffin tins so not to damage them. 

Pour into the muffin pan and bake for around thirty minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool for 10-15 minutes before storing in a air tight container. Lasts 4-5 days or freeze for 3months. 

Makes 12

M is for macarons

I have this slight obsession with macarons. I love the adorable pastel colours, the flavours and how cute they look in vintage jars.

We found these photos from Maison du Macaron and it was love at first sight. The first patisserie in Mexico to specialise in the colourful French Macaron. I would love to take a tour through this most delicious looking store. The white on white colour scheme with a pop of colour from the gorgeous the macarons is truly adorable.  Definitely putting it on the list of places I have to visit.

{gorgeous display-white on white with a pop of pink} 

{pick up a adorable box of these
and take round to a friends place}

I have to visit.

Love affair

The vintage love affair has well and truly taken hold. There is simply nothing as elegant nor inspirational than a vintage piece, whether it be furniture, accessories or clothing. The delicate looks entice, with their layered stories and intricate backgrounds. Play up the distressed looks with glass, pearls and pops of rich colours. 

I got a crush

{1. Steamy hot chicken pot pies}

The other day we popped into a small cafe to escape the rain and while mulling over the menu we saw a mini pot pie carried out of the kitchen. We ordered two of  the most satisfying chicken pot pies one could wish for. Individual flaky tender pies filled with season vegetables and roasted chicken. I can see already that this may become a dangerous obsession!

 In my opinion nothing is as sweet nor heavenly as a vanilla scented candle. The perfume provided is perfect for infusing any room yet florals, blossoms and fruity fragrances are also a divine treat for winter days. 

 O.P.I are the pick of the bunch for nail colours and after spying this gorgeous plum colour we were instantly addicted.  Spice up any winter outfit with the deep tone without going overboard on colour. 

 Besides actually owning this essential winter piece, we are loving the causal cute feel of the cape look. Cosy and chic, what more could you ask for?

 Last, yet by no means least is our fifth and final pick of the week. Simply because we've moved into the darker months does not mean our lips must follow suit. These pops of brilliant lipstick colours can brighten up any look and can add sunshine into the stormiest of days.

{2. Nothings sweeter than vanilla scented candles to infuse your home}

{3. O.P.I- Plugged in Plum}

{4. Wrap up in this adorable winter must-have}

{5. Brighten up your raining days with pops of kisses with our favorite MAC colours}

Summer Dreamin'

Winter has officially invaded and as I sit at the computer, looking out the storm, i feel that summer is a lost memory. (And the thought of pulling on a pair of much loved printed shorts seems to chilling to bare.)  So when i came across these pictures of our summer holiday away at the beach I couldn't help but wish for winter to be over. The pastel nail polishes, trilby's, writing in the sand, and the effortlessness of spending all day at the beach. Summer, were coming!