Colour me happy

Dont let the flashbacks of the 80's and 90's intimidate you when it comes to this flamboyant spring/summer 2011 trend. Yes, it does take dedication and a whole lot of confidence to pull of the dual tones of this latest style but one must not sheer away from the potential to grasp this opportunity for inspiration. Opt for pieces that are already colour blocked or if you wish to improvise, choose brights and bold's that mix well.  Do not limit yourselves to fashion either. Test out other vibrant palette's with feature walls around your home. And if that still isn't enough temptation, these chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches will charm your taste buds and rolling them in sprinkles will add a pop of colour your counter. Mix and match patterns, hues and textures for an invigorating kick in your wardrobe and home. 

Twinkle toes

{Smitten is one word...}

It has been proven that Diamonds are a girls best friend yet let it be know that heels are also a most  prized possession. Especially HIGH heels. And whats not to love about an accessory that accentuates and extends your lovely legs, is the focal point of any outfit and enhances the overall appeal of any look. We are constantly tempting with inspiring and alluring pairs of platforms so for your enjoyment we have selected a few outstandingly tall, sparkly, vibrant and dangerous high heels fashion could through at us. The obsession does not end here. Not by any means. Yet to tide us over for now, here is a sneak peek at a few favourites. 

{Even basic black has us drooling}

{WARNING}

{Accentuated bows add a girly flare to these heels}

All that zest

On a distressing wintry night there is only one place you should be. Busily working away in the kitchen, producing these ravenous treats. The spongy texture and subtle lemon zest is a duet made in heaven. I was utterly surprised when flicking through recipe books, as it came to my discovery that I had never actually made lemon bars myself. That has since been rectified and I now have a tin brimming with tender squares of lemon sweeties. This recipe is from a favorite little cookbook of mine, splattered with the evidence of all the joys of baking now, yet its simplicity makes it all worthwhile. Brighten those miserable grey skies with these pops of lemon delights. 

{Freshly squeezed}

{You simply can not stop at one!}

Makes 12
2 eggs
175g caster sugar
150g soft margarine/ plus extra for greasing
finely grated rind of 1 lemon
175g self-raising flour
125ml milk
icing sugar for dusting

Syrup
140g icing sugar
50ml freshly squeezed lemon juice


Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease an 18cm square cake tin and line with baking paper. 
 
Place the eggs, caster sugar, and margarine in a bowl and beat hard until smooth and fluffy.
Stir in the lemon rind, the add the flour lightly and evenly.
Stir in the milk,    
mixing evenly, then spoon batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing level. 

Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes in a square cake pan, until golden brown and firm to the touch

To make the syrup;

Place the icing' sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.

Prick the cake all over with a skewer and spoon the hot syrup over the top allowing it to be absorbed.
Leave to cool completely in the tin, cut into 12 pieces and dust with a little icing sugar before serving.

Minty Fresh

On our way home the other night I had a sudden urge to stop for ice cream. Luckily, this urge proved to be a rather brilliant one at that. Popping into Movenpick, I drooled over the glistening cabinet: the only thing standing between me and the heavens of ice cream layed out before me. I heavily outweighed each flavour until finally settling for the Peppermint Choc Chip. Now, Im a sucker for any ice cream, but there is something decadent about a minty fresh treat wrapped up in those little wafer cones. The richness of the darkest chocolate was perfectly balanced by the refreshing tang of peppermint, leaving your palette cleansed and rearing to go for that next mouthful. I have made peppermint ice cream several times before and its fair to say that its a must-do for all you avid bakers. And with spring bounding around the corner, its time to churn some minty freshness and this recipe is simply perfect.

{We'll have what she's having, Please}

{Sandwich the peppermint treat between two
chocolate cookies for a taste of  indulgence}

{A bowl of mint chip ice cream with fresh strawberries. Divine!}

Think Pink

The most feminine colour imaginable. One that every little girl gravities towards and one that enlightens any womens day. Its simply the soft, alluring palate of baby pink. Take your chances with bold brights or play it soft and sweet with elegant hues. Whatever edge of the scale you intercept, make sure that you incorporate hints of pinks into your life. Start with gorgeous peonies by your bedside and linger on towards pops of pink in delicate fabrics, polishes and heels. This colour palate is perfect for the warmer months yet were inspired by the delightful colour for any season. Always pretty in pink. 



And this month's Lovely Lady is:

Emma Stone.

Current funny girl and silver-screen starlet, Emma Stone is ticking all the boxes of our iconic girl of the month. Epitomizing style, courage and a little bit of quirky, her sense of fashion radiates her personality and inspires onlookers. Taking the fashion industry by storm, Stone has featured on numerous covers,  capturing her flawless features and fearless attires. Topping best-dresses lists and remaining a force to be reckoned with on the red carpet, her bolds, brights and experimental prints are ones to focus on. Emma's radiance and easygoingness lends its self to the monthly creativity and inspiration of each lovely lady and this just awakens our passion to mix it up when it comes to fashion. And never take your self too seriously!

{Adorable street fashion yet so accessible}

{Apricot and bleach blonde- summer perfection}

{Playing "pinup" on the covers of

the top fashion magazines}

Lets get physical

With a gym membership it often seems that inspiration is the key component missing. These days it seems to be increasingly difficult to find that motivation to complete a thorough workout yet with these tantalizing style ideas it may become a whole lot easier. Cool blues and soft hues are noticeable  pieces to incorporate into your workout wardrobe and these effortless options invoke exercise. Mix up both your daily routine as well as your go-to exercise ensemble to get those active juices flowing.

{Comfort if key with these casual  styles}

{Stay warm after a workout with

this incredibly soft cashmere knit}

New York State of Mind

New York! New York! The city where anything can happen in a heartbeat (or New York minute to be more precise). With the chic restaurants, fast past lifestyle and adorable boutiques lining almost every corner, New York is a place of dreams, ambition and style. I cannot wait to go there and experience the utter chaos and mayhem with the bustling streets, unique people, yellow taxis and best of all the amazing shopping. New York is the place to be. 

{Jump in a yellow cab and go anywhere}

{Tempting ALL taste buds}

    

     

{Street fashion is the epitome of New York}

{loving the chic feel of this

gorgeous New York restaurant with aqua trim}