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)

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

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. 

{Every girl loves flowers so why not sort through to
locate vintage vases and tins to brighten any room} 

{The darling spiral staircase is illuminated
 by the ocean of  this deep dress}

{Books with more history than words
and crisp white sheets are instantly camera ready}

{Country style kitchens that make my heart skip a beat}

{Love letters never looked so appealing}

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

5 Things

{1. chunky gold watches}

This week we are loving these looks and after the long weekend we don't mind having jars full of these adorable pastel easter inspired cookies. After over indulging on mountains of chocolate it was nice to treat ourselves with these butter biscuits (and the darling shapes make them even more addictive!)

   The new O.P.I Texas range had us oohing and aahing, and the rich forest green colour has shot to the top of our winter wishlists. 

   While the weather has left us stuck inside, you can brighten up the stormy days with hits of bright yellow  throughout your house. Take white, black or grey furniture and then play it up with yellow accents to bring back the sun. 

   Perfecting the look of the gold chunky man watch this winter with armfuls of jewellery and stacks of rings  is a must-do.  The statement piece adds edge to any outfit and borrowing your beaus makes it even more special or track one down at a seconds store.

  As the holidays begin to draw to a close, the simple Sundays spent by the fire to stay warm are making a comeback. Theres nothing better than cuddling up on a winters night and watching the flames dance across the wood with a bowl of home made hot soup. 

{2. o.p.i's -don't mess with o.p.i- new forest green polish}

{3. pretty in pastels with these easter cookies}

{4. brighten up your home with a punch of bright yellow}

{5. Lazy days by the fire- nothing better}