Point and Shoot #28- Owl and Scarf.

Sometimes I forget that stores such as Kmart actually have some great accessories at fabulously cheap prices. Normally if I need jewelery, a hat or some sunnies, etc I'll head into places like Sportsgirl or Witchery. However, yesterday I wandered into Kmart and found this cute Owl necklace and scarf for a grand total of $16. Bargin. 


If you'd like to play, head on over to FatMumSlim
 

Baking Bliss #5- Chocolate & Raspberry Brownies (Allergy Friendly)

Ever since the Little Lion was diagnosed with multiple allergies, I've been searching for recipes that don't contain dairy, egg, wheat or nuts. Let me tell you, this can be a bit of a challenge. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across the Queen Bee Allergy Free blog- so many recipes for me to try out and that Carter can enjoy!

This week I've chosen to make the Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies that are dairy, nut, egg and wheat free. Amazing! Now, Carter won't be having these as he's too young and they're way too sweet for him, but it won't stop me from trying them!

Oh My. So much gooey chocolatey goodness with a delicious sweet hint of raspberry in every bite! How on earth am I going to stop myself from eating the whole tin? It's so decadent that I'm considering having it as a dessert instead of afternoon tea. Definitely not a fail this week!


Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies from Queen Bee Allergy Free

Gooey and intense and very chocolatey, with a hint of tartness via the raspberries. The perfect brownie, really. Vegan and gluten-free too! Beware though - without the addition of a couple of binding eggs, they're in danger of complete collapse. Best kept refrigerated and you must have cooled the pan for a good hour or two in the fridge before attempting to cut them. They would definitely improve their shape-holding capacity if you cooked them 5-10 minutes longer...but as most of us know, an overcooked brownie is a travesty, so don't even think it.
 
175g dairy-free margarine
200g dairy/nut-free chocolate (eg. Kinnerton), in pieces
1/3 cup organic cocoa powder, sifted
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup apple puree or 2 egg replacers
3/4 cup plain flour or gluten-free flour, sifted
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Preheat oven to 160 C. Lightly grease an 18cm square cake tin and line the base with baking paper.

Put margarine and chocolate into a saucepan over low heat and stir until the butter and chocolate have melted. Remove and set aside to cool slightly. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add cocoa, brown sugar and vanilla and mix to combine. Stir in apple puree/egg replacers and flour. Gently fold in raspberries.

Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for approx 40-45 minutes or until the cake starts to come away from the sides of the tin. Cool in the tin and then in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before cutting into squares. Dust with pure icing sugar before serving.


I always love to see what other people have baked, as it gives me inspiration and ideas on what to cook next weekend. Each Sunday I'm going to post a photo of what I've created (whether it's a success or not!) and I would love for you to link back to your own blog and show me what culinary delight you've whipped up! Remember, it's not just limited to baking, show me your soups, casseroles, pastas.. anything you like!

Beautiful Inspiration.

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Have a lovely weekend everyone xx

We Heart Life.

Hey guys! I'm posting over at We Heart Life today, and it's all about how to create Paper Cut Out Art. I would love for you to check it out!

If you're interested, you can find the article HERE. Happy Friday everyone!

Etsy Pretties.

Window shopping at Etsy on a Friday...

Pink Cherry Bomb Sugar Soaps ~ Fairy Bubbles

Mollie Collection ~ FIAZCO

Turquoise Necklace with Chinese Knots ~ Coupe De Coeur Jewelry

Textured Lace Bowl in Beach Day ~ One Clay Bead

Two Piece Birds White Linen Pillow ~ Sukan Art

Polly Dolly Challenge- Maxi Skirt

I've had 4 hours sleep due to a very sick Little Lion and I'm about to make the drive to work in 30 minutes, so this will be short and sweet.

The maxi skirt. I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan. Maxi Dress? Yes. Maxi Skirt? No. Reminds me of the whole Hobo Olsen twins type trend. Anyhoo, here's my creation for this week...

Maxi Skirt by Rhi* on Polyvore.com

Beaded tank
$30 - dynamite.ca

All Saints tiered skirt
$115 - allsaints.com

Jimmy Choo leather sandal
695 GBP - net-a-porter.com

Antik Batik brass bangle
$70 - net-a-porter.com

Pearl diamond ring
$3,250 - georgianjewelry.com

Aviator shade
190 GBP - coggles.com

Miss Selfridge tan leather belt
15 GBP - missselfridge.com

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - Bronze Bronze
$38 - sephora.com

Jemma Kidd make-up School HI SHINE SILK TOUCH LIPGLOSS - Lipgloss -...
20 EUR - zalando.de

Sugar Blossom Eau de Parfum
$75 - barneys.com

Majestic Tree of Life Metal Wall Sculpture - Tree Of Life Wall Art
$80 - walldecorandhomeaccents.com

If you'd like to join in with Polly Dolly, head on over to Danimezza

Wordless Wednesday- Whisper.

If you'd like to play, head on over to Faith, Hope and a Whole Lotta Love.

Gunslingers and Dark Towers.

Horror novels have always intrigued me. I remember being scared witless reading an R.L.Stine novel in Primary School called Hit and Run and then having numerous nightmares from said book. That didn't stop me though as I found Christopher Pike in my my early Secondary School years, and then Stephen King when I hit 16. Funnily enough I discovered Mr King after watching a Friends episode, the one where Joey hides The Shining in the freezer as it's 'the scariest book ever'. 

After reading The Shining, I was captured. There's something about losing yourself in his writing, and discovering the intricate tapestries of these alternate worlds. His characters are delicately woven and complex, and he manages to draw you in until the very last page. 

Having said that, I've never been tempted to read The Dark Tower series. There was something about a fantasy/western/sci fi series that just didn't appeal to me. My friend (who's also a huge Stephen King fan) tried to convince me that they were amazing, and to give them a go. She even bought me the first book for Christmas, and I've just finished it.

I have to admit, it's been a hard slog in some places. To be fair, Stephen wrote this when he was only 18, and he even prefaces the novel saying fans should stick with it as the series improves as it progresses. I think he's right, as I've read the start of the next book (which is at the end of the first) and I'm intrigued. I've just ordered the next two off the Book Depository and I'm hanging out for them to get here!


What are you currently reading? Play MPAY with Danielle at Hello Owl!

Cracked 8km!

On Sunday I finally cracked the 8km mark, woohoo! Now, I know that my time was pretty damn slow, but I just wanted to build up my stamina and endurance. I try to increase my speed when I do my 5km runs on weekdays. I ended up with a couple of blisters, but nothing too bad. I may have to look at taping to avoid it next time.

Next goal:  Aim for a quicker time during my 5km runs (maybe 6'00) and try to get to 8.25km next Sunday. 

Point and Shoot #27- Nail Art.

Saturday 19th February - 2pm - Kitchen

So, I'm a bit of a girly girl. One thing that I absolutely love to do is get my nails done in bright coloured French Tips, especially with a bit of sparkle added. Today? Denim metallic blue with a silver glitter stripe and a tiny diamante on the second finger. Bliss. I'm set for the next four weeks. 


Feel like joining in? Head on over to FatMumSlim 

 

Baking Bliss #4- Blueberry Muffins (Fail!)

So, I've had my first fail at Baking Bliss. *Pout*

I was searching through my fridge this morning when I realised that I had two punnets of blueberries to use up. I'd originally bought them for Carter, but the Little Lion reacted to them so they were banished to the banned food pile. I figured that I'd still be able to use them in muffins for me though, right?

Instead of doing the smart thing and using a tried and true, ultra delicious recipe I decided to get creative and find a 'healthy' muffin recipe. The one I ended up choosing was low in saturated fats as it used yogurt instead of butter. Interesting I thought, and started pulling all the ingredients out...

 

... and what a disappointment they turned out to be. I'll post the recipe anyway as there may be someone out there who wants to try and fix it and make it edible!

Blueberry Muffins from The Joy of Baking

Blueberry Muffins:

1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt (regular or low fat)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup (60 ml) canola or corn oil

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups (100 grams) fresh or frozen blueberries

*Note: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding them to the batter.

Blueberry Muffins: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Position rack in center of oven. Butter or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

In a large measuring cup or bowl whisk together the yogurt, lightly beaten egg, oil, and vanilla extract. 

In another large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Remove 1 tablespoon of the dry ingredients and toss it with the blueberries. With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Gently stir in the blueberries. Do not over mix the batter or tough muffins will result. 

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from pan. 

Makes 12 muffins.

These are incredibly dense, bland and there's definitely not enough moisture to bind them all together. Sigh. What a waste of all those blueberries. I hope everyone out there had more luck than me at cooking this weekend! 

I always love to see what other people have baked, as it gives me inspiration and ideas on what to cook next weekend. Each Sunday I'm going to post a photo of what I've created (whether it's a success or not!) and I would love for you to link back to your own blog and show me what culinary delight you've whipped up! Remember, it's not just limited to baking, show me your soups, casseroles, pastas.. anything you like! 

Beautiful Inspiration.

[Image]

Have a lovely weekend everyone. 

Etsy Pretties.

It's time for some Etsy window shopping on a Friday...

Oh Deer ~ Double Parlour

Nesting Heart Dishes ~ JD Wolfe Pottery

Words of Beauty ~ First Light Photo

Six Felted Acorns ~ Felt Jar

French Pet Lobster ~ Xenotees

Needing Sunshine.

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Um, hello? Warm weather, where are you? Did I miss the memo stating that you were only going to be in town fleetingly this Summer? Let me tell you, I'm not very impressed. I abhor the cold. I can't bear feeling so frozen that my whole body aches. I'm not sure whether you remember the posts I made last Winter about having seasonal affective disorder and making wish upon wish for your arrival, but I did make them and now I'm feeling incredibly ripped off as technically Summer finishes in a few weeks, and then I'm stuck FACING THE COLD AGAIN.


Our school has swimming sports tomorrow. You've forecast more rain. Is this a joke? You do realise that our community has had it's entire rainfall average for the year already and it's only February, don't you?


Please, please give me some sunshine. Let our Autumn be pleasant, warm and non-soggy (especially on my 30th). Oh, and can you hold off the rain tomorrow too? Cheers.