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!

Tea for two...

Mother's day is fast approaching and that can only mean one thing: high tea, of course. So we've booked in a pampering day for both of our inspirational mothers and are preparing for a high tea fit for a queen. (or two in this case!) Its time to get out the pearls and vintage tea cups ladies, and nothing says "I love you Mom" like a gorgeous afternoon tea followed by the release of Water For Elephants. 

Two Turtle Doves

Bird cages are an adorable accent and although they don't actually contain real birds, they do add a perfect vintage touch to any room. Fill them with flowers - fresh or fake, candles or antique teacups. Birdcages add space to any area and allow light into your home. These vintage inspired looks will have us chirping.

Perfect Pear

With winter just around the corner, it seems to be more and more difficult to bake with delicious fresh fruits. The change of season brings with it a range of winter fruits and pears are a standout this fall. These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from morning teas to dinner parties by the fire.
Pears also make great table center pieces due to their gorgeous colour and form. Place pears in the center of the table and surround with glasses of bloom to create a contrast to the autumn look; or arrange pears in glass vases and tiered cakes stands.

upside-down pear & ginger cake

•  1 cup (350g) golden syrup
•  1 cup (175g) brown sugar
•  ¾ cup (180ml) milk
•  1⅔ cups (250g) plain flour, sifted
•  2½ teaspoons baking powder
•  2 teaspoons ground ginger
•  1 teaspoon mixed spice
•  ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
•  125g butter, chopped
•  1 egg
•  5 Williams pears, peeled &
      cheeks removed

Preheat oven to 180ºC. Place the golden syrup, sugar and milk in a small saucepan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool. Place the flour, baking powder, ginger, mixed spice, nutmeg and butter in the bowl of a food processor and process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the golden syrup mixture with the motor running and process until smooth. Add the egg and process until combined. Place the pears, cut-side down, into the base of a 20cm x 30cm tin lined with non-tick baking paper. Pour the cake mixture over the pears and bake for 50 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out. Cut into slices and serve with double cream, if desired. Serves 8.

sugared pear & cinnamon tarts

•   ¼ cup (25g) hazelnut meal
•   3 tablespoons white sugar
•   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•   6 sheets filo pastry
•   6 Beurre Bosc pears, peeled & 
      thinly sliced
•   60g butter, melted 
• 
  

Preheat oven to 180ºC. Place hazelnut, 2 tablepsoons sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and mix to combine. Lay 1 sheet of pastry on 

a clean work surface, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with hazelnut mixture. Top with another sheet of filo and repeat, finishing with a sheet of pastry. Trim the edges of the pastry and cut into 4 x 11cm rectangles. Top each rectangle with 6 pear slices, brush with butter and sprinkle with reserved sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Cut the tarts in half and serve with vanilla ice-cream, if desired.Serves 4.

Recipes courtesy of Donna Hay