Buy this, not that: Isabel Marant Zappy Belt

I've wanted just about everything that Isabel Marant has done, including the Zappy belt.  Then I thought about how I would wear it and a uniform of jeans, an oversized white shirt and sky high heels came to mind.  ASOS came to the rescue with something just about the same for a fraction of the price.

Isabel Marant Zappy Belt - ~AUD500

ASOS Multi Link Belt - AUD38

Asos Bauble Interlink Earrings,   Witchery Tash Woven Bag - $80,  Louboutin Pumps

Black & Gold

I can't wait for this week to be over.  It feels like everyone wants everything done yesterday and the pressure is immense.  I've found myself tucked into the corner working breathlessly-an open plan office isn't always the best idea.  Sometimes space and quiet to hear yourself think is a godsend when you feel like the world load is caving in.

Silk blouse-Scanlan&Theodore, Skirt-Cue Gold Jacquard Tween Skirt, Clutch-Witchery hard leopard print clutch, Earrings-Forever New, Ring&Bangle-Melinda Maria

Postcards from Mornington

I'm sure I'm not the only one overwhelmed and stressed with daily life.  Yet I still throw myself into a million side projects, too.  Since scaling back and virtually taking a year off from most of my myriad of commitments, it's been a real revelation having spare time to wile away.  Reading, watching shows piling up on my IQ, napping, taking long walks, doing pilates or simply doing nothing.  Everything is either an essential, or unnecessary.  I'm simplifying my life and my to do lists.  I don't have to have it all and I don't have to have it all now.

Part of not having much planned was impromptu afternoon drive to Mornington for some wine and cheese.  Just over an hour away from home and so slow paced and relaxing.  It was a freezing day, but the sun broke through and made the sunny deck an ideal place to ponder.

View from Arthur's Seat.

View from the deck and a bottle of wine at Morning Sun Winery.

Tasting plate of Main Ridge Dairy cheeses - $10.  I went home for a jar of marinated chevre and some caprinella.

Gisele Bundchen for Vogue Paris June/July 2012

via fashion gone rogue

Can I please have a European summer and her body to enjoy it with?

Recipe: Magnolia Bakery Red Velvet Cupcakes

It's surreal to think that March marked 3 years since I was in New York.  It almost seems like a life time ago and so much has happened in my life since then.  So much has changed too, including me, my life and my circumstances.  I always use trips as check points, what has happened between one trip and the next?  The last trip and now?  Have I grown, have I stuck to my gym schedule, are the same people still in my life?

I'm really itching to go back.  New York is definitely one of my favourite places in the world.  The city is so diverse and each block has a completely different vibe and is like a new world.  New York is a million things and places in one. 

I sadly wasn't really blogging much back then, but I do have a few posts that you can check out here,   here, here, here, and here

Don't think many people visit New York without a stop at Magnolia Bakery, made famous by an episode or two of SATC, where the girls drown their sorrows in cake (haven't we all been guilty of that???).  The cupcakes really are as excellent as you'd hope.

We are hosting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in the office next week (I hope you are too!) to raise funds for Cancer Council, so I wanted to do a trial batch of cupcakes and decided on the Red Velvet, using the Magnolia Bakery recipe.  I snuck out of work early and had a great night watching the voice and playing around with red food dye and measurements.  I am really happy with how they turned out and would recommend the recipe to anyone as it's fairly straight forward.  I did tweak the recipe slightly, so I am posting my own version which in my opinion makes the cake a bit more fluffy and moist.  The original recipe is freely available on the internet.

Red Velvet Cupcakes (recipe makes 24)

3 ¼ cups plain flour (sifted)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used Lupak butter which has a bit of vegetable oil added to it)
2 ½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
6 tbsp red food coloring (about 2 bottles of dye available at Australian supermarkets)
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 teaspoon vinegar
3 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven (fan forced) to around 170C and line cupcake tray with papers.

1. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy
2. Add eggs, one at a time and beat until creamy
3. Combine food colouring, cocoa and vanilla extract on a bowl and then add to batter
4. Add salt and buttermilk and combine on the lowest setting
5. Add the sifted flour, again mixing on the lowest setting
6. Combine vinegar and baking soda separately and add to batter and combine the mixture well on a low setting, without overbeating
7. Spoon into cupcake papers (fill to around half to 3/4 full) and bake for 20-23 minutes
8. Cool cupcakes in the baking tray for around half an hour

The cream cheese frosting is honestly the ultimate.  You will never frost your cupcakes with anything else once you've tried this!

500g cream cheese
3/4 cup of butter, softened
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups icing sugar, sifted (you will find that this is much less sugar than the original recipe, but it's honestly not necessary to use any more sugar)

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth
2. Add sugar and vanilla extract and beat on high until light, fluffy and consistent
3. Fill a piping bag and generously spread over the cupcakes.

Floating

My energy levels have slowly been returning, so I am getting out and about a little bit more, which will hopefully result in more blog posts.  It's been a slow process but it's truly wonderful to feel alive again.

I've really been loving the peplum trend that's been everywhere since the Oscars.  B was in Sydney so I had to do with the self timer (as my camera remote isn't working).  Since the outfit was so monochrome, I decided to dress it up a bit with Louboutins and the Zara sequin clutch (which I'm still not sick of).

The top is from Glassons.  I am seriously loving everything they're doing at the moment (move over ASOS) and the shipping is quick & free.  Items are far better quality than everything else in the price range, too.

You may remember that I blogged whilst contemplating the Louboutins and let me tell you, they have quickly become my favourite shoes.  They are incredibly comfortable (just make sure you go up half or a full size) and so easy to wear.  Now I know what the fuss is about.  I am already plotting my next pair.

Top-Glassons or similar, Leggings-sass&bide 'rats', Belt-Scanlan & Theodore, Necklace-Peeptoe

Shoes-Christian Louboutin 'Decollete' Pump, Clutch-Zara or similar

sass & bide: MAKE A WISH necklace

The lovely girls from sass & bide have created a limited edition necklace to raise funds for MAKE A WISH foundation.


All profits raised from the sale of the necklaces will be donated to Make-A-Wish^® to help bring hope, strength and joy to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.  


The iconic sass & bide star design is a symbol of creative duo Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton’s friendship, inspired by a tattoo which both designers share. 

The necklace is now available for purchase and retails for $25 (including free postage)

A gorgeous (and on trend fluro) way to make a difference.

" Clothes can suggest, persuade, connote, insinuate, or indeed lie, and apply subtle pressure while their wearer is speaking frankly and straightforwardly of other matters." ~Anne Hollander

 

(Gwyneth in Burberry)

Something I've been thinking about for months and something that now holds so much relevance in my life is proper dressing.  I've been thinking and reflecting a lot over the past 6 months, but having huge writers block all year has been really frustrating.  Words and thoughts fill my mind, but when I sit down to write nothing forms on the page.

I've been keeping up with the details of the Facebook float and found it fascinating, but not unsurprising, that investors are uncomfortable with Zuckerberg's casual approach to dressing.  Casual dress, casual attitude I've heard people say.

Last year I was the workhorse, and now I am the face.  I am delivering big decisions, often flying off the seat of my pants and having big discussions and the only thing I have to hide behind are the clothes I am wearing.  I have become increasingly conscious of how I present myself.  Walking into a room is a first impression, upon which you build with what you say and how you say it.  Illusion and perception is everything in business.   

I have a roster of edited looks that I rely on over and over that seem to work well.  I want to look like someone that's taken seriously.  The basics wear well and are looked after and I regularly update the tops and accessories (Zara & Glassons are doing good things right now).

I've learnt a couple of things along the way:

• keep a killer pair of heels under your desk.  They will make you stand tall when you need it the most
• paint your lips. draw attention to what you're saying
• don't be afraid of colour, a bright yellow blouse under a blazer can do wonders
• be a good listener and never stop educating yourself
• think before you speak
• never say more than is necessary
• stay on top of current affairs, scan the headlines when you log on - it will provide you some great conversation starters

FOMO

I must be the only person in the universe (ok an exaggeration) who doesn't own these Zara sandals.

Must remedy immediately. Even though it's too cold to wear them until December, at the earliest...

On my plate

Part of getting back on track is eating breakfast. In my previous life almost every meal involved sugar and unfortunately breakfast was skipped. I was much too tired to wake up any sooner than 5 minutes before I had to leave the house so I was a walking, disheveled, hungry mess most days.

I am not eating dairy in the morning, which causes a huge problem. No yoghurt or cheese is hard. Muesli and cereal with a milk replacement is also out as its loaded with sugar. Not much choice, is there?

On my plate today is an egg white omlette/scrambled mess. Toast with avocado and a giant pot of T2 French Earl Grey.

Power puff

This is the first winter I haven't actually dreaded. I have a lovely trip planned for the middle of it and I've slowly built up a great winter wardrobe, covering the key pieces and adding lots and lots of scarves for a change.

I'm usually in denial about how cold it gets and am reluctant to spend money on key winter pieces. Somehow it makes more sense to blow a fortune on an amazing dress than a stellar winter coat. Yeah, no logic I know.

I've finally splurged on a stunning wool and cashmere wrap coat and have succumbed to the Scanlan & Theodore fur wrap after considering it each winter of the past 4 years.

And today I found a winter skirt that I've wanted for years, and that never seemed to exist in store, only in my mind. I'm loving the slight puff, the gold colour and the stiff raffia. I'm thrilled that Cue is back to its old self. And it looks even better on.

Tea Time

 

Setting up... 

 

 

I had some wonderful girls over on Sunday afternoon for afternoon tea.  I'd been meaning to do something like this for a while and had planned well in advance.  Sadly, the numbers kept dropping off as the day got closer so there was a lot of food to be consumed and a lot of bubbly to be drunk between a handful of girls.  Not that we complained!  It was such a fun and relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon, just sit and chat and not do much.  A nice change to the usual running around that we all do on a daily basis.  I was a bit worried about some of the things I baked, especially the scones as it was the first time that I tried that particular recipe.  But I think it all turned out okay!

On the menu were chicken sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, macarons, strawberries, cupcakes and a lemon tea cake.  I might sit tonight and post some of the recipes.  

Definitely an afternoon I'd love to have again.

Denim Dilemma

The last pair of jeans that I bought were my beloved J Brand ink blue skinny denims in March 2009 in New York!  The only pair of jeans I have.  My jeans have to have at least a 32"+ inseam, which eliminates most pairs and I'm also in between sizes making it very difficult.

ShopBop currently has a tempting 20% off discount code (INTHEFAMILY20) so I'm on the verge of adding a new pair, but help me decide on a pair, please!  And you're not allowed to say all three..

DL1961 Kate Slim Straight Leg Jeans

J Brand Waxed Jeans

Current/Elliott Black Skinny Jeans

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” ~William Morris

A year on I'm still not finished decorating the home.  I didn't want to rush into it and fill it up with things just for the sake of it.  I still have mostly empty walls as I'm yet to find anything amazing for them, bar the magnificent vintage french cognac poster.

The little things that make the house a home are still mostly missing.  But that's okay, I don't like to rush these things and I hope that these magic pieces will happen with time and I'll know that I'll be really happy with them once I do find them.

I've decluttered a lot this year. but still have a long way to go.  I've sold over 70 pieces of clothing on eBay, thrown out 15 pairs of shoes and invested in basics that I always put off.

Right now I'm working on my kitchen cupboards.  Upgrading to new bone china.  I'm obsessed with the Gordon Ramsay for Royal Doulton place setting and I cruise for hours drooling over everything Kate Spade.   One thing at a time... but I want it all now!

My First (Louboutin) Time..

After hearing Louboutin horror stories about the pain, the vanity sizing and the narrow toe box, I wrote them off years ago. I never even bothered to try on a pair.

After much deliberation and finally getting my hands on the Décolleté in my size, let me tell you I have a new obsession. They are so soft and light and make my feet feel like they're enclosed in a silk slipper. They're made out of the most exquisite leather.

I'm falling in love with shoes again, after not liking many styles over the past few seasons, I've spent all night trawling sites for pumps, flats and wedge sandals for women.  I'm in trouble!

Reasons to Wolford

If I was Oprah and I had the opportunity to share my favourite things, it would be easy for me to choose.  Everyone would get the exquisite Gordon Ramsay for Royal Doulton Platinum dinner set that I am completely obsessed with right now.  The J Brand 901 waxed jeans.  And some Wolford tights.

It took me forever to take the Wolford plunge, but little did I know that they are indestructible, I would have taken the plunge a lot sooner.  Where most tights tear within a couple of wears, Wolfords stand the test of time.  Third winter for my first pair.  Not bad.

For someone like me, who wears variations on a daily basis (opaque tights, black tights with a seam at the back, which are impossibly sexy, as well as my new obsession-polka dot tights) what is there not to love?  They cover skin imperfections, tuck bits in, hold warmth and best of all, make shoes comfortable by absorbing the friction between the skin and shoe.

Sunday

I get so much pleasure from a sunny day, when I can throw on a dress, clip on a bracelet and go. I hope the sunny days never ever, but I know they're numbered...

Dress-Topshop. Bag-Scanlan&Theodore. Bracelets-Hermes & Melinda Maria

Grace Kelly Exhibit: Bendigo, Victoria

Bendigo totally took me by surprise.  I hadn't ventured much out of Melbourne (except to Portsea and Daylesford) so I used the Grace Kelly Exhibit as an excuse for a road trip.  The exhibit itself is wonderful.  I love that Grace was such a huge champion of wearing things more than once.  If you buy something fabulous that you love, why shouldn't you wear it over and over again, year after year?  Two issues I had with the exhibit though a) it is much too dark in there and b)  the crowds.  Despite timed entry it was absolutely overstuffed with people and a definitely got the sense that the person standing behind me was hurrying mealong.  I would have loved to have been able to sit and watch the home video footage.  Perhaps I will go back on a weekday?

If you get the opportunity to go to Bendigo, do make a reservation for a long lazy lunch at Wine Bank On View - wonderful food and great service.  And being in the country, nobody will hurry you up.  The restaurant is housed in an old bank building, built in 1876.

Bendigo is such a charming little city with rich history and significance.  It's a very easy 2 hour drive from Melbourne.  Will definitely be back...

To décolleté or not?

I've had these on order for months and had even squirrel away some some special savings, which I slowly spent as I convinced myself they'd never restock...only to get the email that they were in stock, in my size, at the old price. What to do!?

Climbing...

As I had promised myself, 2012 is all about righting the wrongs and looking after myself better. Whereas my usual trips (I don't use the term holiday as holidays mean doing nothing but when I travel I have to see every little corner) are all about visiting the hot spots and planning every last second.

I booked a trip this week that requires hiking boots (gulp), ear muffs and a back pack. With not a shop in sight. I'm carefully working on the itinerary but trying to be flexible. There are too many glaciers to climb. Hoping the fresh air will do me a world of good. Any tips for a first timer welcome...

Easter Bread

Easter is one of my favourite times of the year, especially to reflect.  The year always gets off to a flying start so it's a good time to clock up some serious church time and enjoy the long weekend and re-evaluate.  While most of the world rejoices over Easter and the impending warmer and longer days, in Australia we are winding up the summer and all the festivities.

The oven also gets a nice little workout and it warms the house just enough without needing to turn the heating on yet.

I trialled this excellent recipe from Gourmet Traveller (as much as I love that magazine the recipes are often far too difficult to pull off) last year, but didn't get to post it, so I'm sharing it this year.

Using the dough hook on a mixer is the absolute secret for this recipe, the dough ends up incredible.  Even my husband, who is a bread and dough expert was very impressed.

500 gm	(2 2/3 cups) plain flour
21 gm	(3 packets) dried yeast
125 ml	(½ cup) milk
2	eggs, lightly beaten, plus extra for brushing
50 gm	caster sugar
Finely	grated rind of 2 oranges and/or lemons
2 tsp	mahlepi or nutmeg
75 gm	softened butter, coarsely chopped, plus extra to serve

1	Combine flour, yeast and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, form a well in the centre, set aside. Add milk, eggs, sugar, orange rind, nutmeg and 100ml lukewarm water and mix until a soft dough forms (5-7 minutes). Gradually add butter, a little at a time, mixing until a smooth soft dough forms (3-5 minutes), place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside until doubled in size (approx 1 hour).
2	Red Easter eggs are painted mainly by those of the Orthodox faith as they symbolise Christ's blood.  They can be dyed using dye available to purchase from European delis or traditionally the skins of red onions which are collected since Christmas.
3	Knock back dough and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a 45cm-long cylinder, plait pieces together, then bring ends together to form a wreath and squeeze to join. Place on an oven tray lined with baking paper and set aside to prove slightly (20 minutes).
4	Preheat oven to 180C. Brush wreath with eggwash, gently push red Easter eggs (unpeeled) into wreath and bake until wreath is golden and cooked through (25-30 minutes). Cool on a wire rack, serve with butter. It tastes amazing eaten same day, usually baked early in the morning in time for lunch.