Birthday Wish List

March has always been one of my favourite months; the weather starts to cool down, Autumn is officially here, Easter is right around the corner...and it's my birthday month!

I remember when I was little I would find it funny when Mum and Dad would say they didn't really want anything for their birthday, because who wouldn't have a list 50 feet long of things they want. Now I'm older I completely understand where they were coming from. Now I have a job and money of my own (and don't have the desire to own the entire Toys R Us catalogue) if I want or need something I just buy it for myself, if something is really expensive I'll save for it and then buying it is really satisfying.

However since it is my birthday and my family will definitely ask what I want I thought it best to start making a mental list...or a visual one as appears to be the case. I won't be giving this exact list to anyone (I'm still not 100% sure on some things and I hate giving lists it seems so bossy) but if people ask I'll say generic answers like pyjamas etc. This list is purely a way for me to gather my thoughts.





An if you're really interested here comes the breakdown...
 

Beauty and the Beast iPhone case. I have been eying this off for a while now (and have even mentioned it in the past on this blog). I love how it is a more sophisticated way to add a Disney touch to the every day rather than have a cartoon plastered across the whole phone. I'm still tossing up between the one pictured and the one that says 'Tale as Old as Time'.

Sephora and Disney A Whole New World perfume. I'm a perfume addict and in all honesty don't need another perfume. However this spicy floral sounds like it smells wonderful and look at the pretty bottle!

Peter Alexander Bambi Nightie. Yet another Disney item (can you tell I'm a Disney addict). Like perfumes, I also hoard pyjamas. While I have a lot of Winter pyjamas, and a lot of Summer pyjamas I don't have many transitional pyjamas. This long sleeved nightie, with pink lace, a girly floral print and a Bambi and Thumper appliqué looks like it will do a wonderful job of keeping me snuggly on those not quite hot but not quite cold Autumn nights. PS Peter Alexander does the best pyjamas ever!

Rebecca Minkoff Affair Quilted Shoulder Bag. There is something so classic about a quilted bag,  even better; a black quilted bag. Recently I have come to the realisation that all my black bags are big and slouchy, which isn't always the best when I want to go somewhere nice. This bag would be a cherished addition to my wardrobe.

Lush Bath Products. I love taking long bubble baths, and have made a resolution to take more time for myself and these little rituals this year. Fizzbanger smells like toffee apple (perfect for Autumn) and has been on my must try list for a while now.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. Mindy Kaling is a comedic genius (if you haven't seen The Mindy Project yet you should drop everything and do that right now). I have been eyeing her book off for a while but am on a 'no buying new books until I have read all of mine' kick. However I'm not against other people buying me books...

Emerald Statement Necklace. I love a good statement necklace and have a feeling I will be wearing a lot of emerald green this winter, this necklace would be a perfect complement to some outfits that are in planning.

Babyliss Hot Rollers. I have always had a fascination with curly hair. Unfortunately apart from a slight wave at the end of my hair, all I have to work with is thick, heavy, straight hair. Not only does this render curling irons useless (they either take forever, or the curl falls out within an hour), but it also means that I don't get a lot of volume in my hair as it is being pulled downwards by its own weight. I used to have hot rollers back in high school however could never get them to work. Recently though I met up with a friend who had styled her hair with hot rollers and I am beginning to reconsider them. 

Yay you made it to the end! Please remember that I in no way expect to get these things for my birthday (I would be just as happy to spend the day with those who matter most to me). However there is a more than likely chance I will buy some of these things for myself, because I believe in always celebrating yourself on your birthday. 

x Stacey

Target Haul

Target seems to be one of those places where you walk in needing one or two things and walk out with 20. At least that's what happened to me today when I went in for two things and walked out with 12! (admittedly they are having an end of season sale so some things were discounted!)

I'll try to link to the Target (Australia) website where possible. This current sale ends tomorrow (26th February) so get in quick if you want a bargain.

These were one of the items I originally intended on getting. Perfect for work! These sandals are conservative and show a lot less skin than most, but still allow sand to flow out (which is important when you spend a lot of time in a sand pit). These can be purchased here.

LOVE the bow!

I have been eyeing these off for ages! I am in need of a nude pair of ballet flats and adore the grosgrain bow on the toe of these, not too casual, not too formal. They were originally $25 but when I got to the checkout there were $10!! I love when I find out something is on sale at the checkout, makes my day a little brighter. The nude ones are no longer on the website but the black, red, and navy ones are.

I don't think a black camisole needs much written about it because well it's a black camisole. Available here.

I love Aveeno products because they are super gentle on my sensitive skin. The stress relief range is a personal favourite to use after a long day to help me nod off to sleep. Products not available on the website, but in store, or online at priceline.

I needed to get Mum some heat protectant and saw this bottle of beach spray wave next to it. I didn't necessarily need it but at $6 it was hard to resist. Available here.

There was a sale for 30% off Chi Chi cosmetics which I have heard good things about but never used anything other than their eyeshadows (which are amazing). So firstly I purchased a black eyeliner because I was in need of one. I thought I was putting their long wear wind up pencil in my basket but apparently all the pencils were mixed up and I got this one instead. While I'm not thrilled about the mix up I will use up the pencil because it seems ok (just not as good as the one I thought I was buying). The colour is called (excuse my language) Rich Bitch and is available here.

I was also looking at getting a pinkish lipliner and purchased the Stay On Lip Liner in Fly Girl, also from Chi Chi. While the colour is beautiful it only winds up not down so be careful when using. Fly Girl isn't available on the website, but can be purchased on the Chi Chi website here.

Sorry the pretty packaging threw off the light in this photo

Another impulse purchase was this beautiful lipstick by Chi Chi (did I mention 30% off). Viva La Diva lipstick in the colour Bombshell is a dusty pinky-nude cream texture lipstick. It feels wonderful on and looks stunning. Unfortunately this is also not available on the website, however can be purchased through the Chi Chi website here. P.S isn't the packaging super pretty.

I was looking at buying Essie's Lady Like, however when I saw Chi Chi's Social Butterfly nail polish reduced to clear at $5 my mind was quickly changed. While I don't think this will be an exact dupe it still falls within the neutral mauve/pink colour family. This is not available on the Target or Chi Chi website and as such I believe the colour is being discontinued.

This wasn't on sale but my nails have been peeling a bit lately so I decided to pick up Nicole by OPI Strengther Plus. Here's hoping it works. Available on the website here.

Because who can line up at the check out and not purchase mints.

x Stacey

P.S here's a photo of my Winnie when I was trying to take these photos

But Mum this is where I always sit

Iced Lamington Mocha

Lamingtons are one of those wonderful Australian sweets that were very much part of my childhood (lamington drive fundraisers anyone?). Unfortunately the sponge cake, chocolate sauce and coconut concoction is not particularly healthy. However being the coffee addict that I am I have found a way to still enjoy the flavours of a lamington without doing too much damage to my waistline. Below is my Summer Monday morning pick me up; the lamington mocha.

Iced Lamington Mocha

Ingredients
1 shot espresso/small coffee
Skim milk
2 teaspoons sugar/sugar substitute (I like natvia because it's all natural)
1 teaspoon cocoa powder 
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1 teaspoon coconut extract 
Ice

Method
Place cocoa powder and sugar/sugar substitute in an empty mug.

Pour coffee into mug and stir to combine.

Add vanilla and coconut extract to mix and stir.

Place ice into a tall cup and pour coffee mix over.

Top up with skim milk as desired and stir.

Top with whipped cream if desired (because who doesn't love whipped cream on top of their coffee).

This could also be made hot, just heat up milk in the microwave for a minute or two.


Enjoy

x Stacey

Dukan Style Cabbage Rolls

For most people lose weight/get fit is their new years resolution. For the truly dedicated by late February they are still on the bandwagon. My family are currently doing the Dukan diet (although I have slipped up quite a bit) and it's easy to see our waistlines shrinking while eating lots of yummy foods and even some sweets (I'll post more about those later). 

For anyone else out there who is doing the Dukan (or even people who aren't because this recipe is super yummy) I have modified a cabbage roll recipe to comply with the diet for protein vegetable days.

Dukan Style Cabbage Rolls 

Ingredients

8 whole leaves  from the outer part of the cabbage (as big as possible)

225 g uncooked lean ground beef  

1 1/2 cups cauliflower rice (grated raw cauliflower)

2 ½ tsp water  

1/4 cup oatbran

1 medium uncooked carrot(s), peeled and grated  

1 medium uncooked onion(s), finely chopped  

1 clove garlic clove minced  

1 large egg white  

1/2 tsp table salt  

1/4 tsp black pepper  

2 tsp olive oil  

800g canned diced tomatoes, with basil, garlic and oregano   

Method

Steam cabbage leaves either in microwave or on stove top. When they are soft cut off the thick white portion of the spine. Place aside for later

Combine beef, cauliflower rice, water, oat bran, carrot, onion, garlic, egg white, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.

Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture onto center of each leaf. Fold up the cabbage leaf around the mixture.

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add cabbage rolls and sauté for a few minutes on each side. Add tomatoes and simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until beef mixture is fully cooked (about 30 minutes to an hour) stir occasionally to prevent rolls sticking.

Serve rolls on plate with tomatoes over the top or on the side.

Serves 4; yields 2 rolls per serving.

Adapted from the following recipe: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeId=66741

Enjoy

x Stacey

Nailed It...California Coral

Time for a new blog segment, and one that I believe will stay alive too! I love painting my nails (I blame going to a strict all girls school where nail polish was banned) and I love looking at pictures of different nail polishes so why not merge the two and post my own manicures. I can't promise this to be an every week thing because sometimes I will really be feeling a colour/not have time to repaint my nails, however when I do change it up I'll let you know. 


The colour I am currently rocking is essie's California Coral. Being a cool toned person I generally shy away from corals and other warmer colours as they aren't very flattering on me. However I love the look of coral nails in Summer and took the plunge with this polish last Summer and have loved it ever since! 

Don't you just love how my pale hands blend flawlessly into the walls

If you would like to purchase your own little bottle of Summer you can do so at the essie website here

Or if you live in Australia you can purchase it online here. Or in store at Priceline (it's not showing up on their website) or Myers (also not showing up but I know they used to stock essie polishes).

x Stacey

Like Death Warmed Up Actually

One of my favourite scenes in The Devil Wears Prada is when Andy (Hathaway) asks Emily (Blunt) how her cold is doing and she replies "like death warmed up actually". Unfortunatley this is how I feel today (and have for the past three days as well).

It all started on Sunday night when I began to get a sore throat and a cough after having a wonderful belated valentines day dinner with the boy (way to ruin a lovely evening cold and flu). I had hoped it would go away before my first day of teaching yesterday however it didn't and I soldiered on with a flu and 21 darling three and four year olds. Today I woke up even worse with aches and pains (this is the only time I am grateful for not having full time employment) and have taken up post in bed with my laptop, a good book and my favourite thing when I'm sick; a non-alcoholic 'hot toddy'. 

If you find yourself in a similar predicament to myself I am sharing the drink recipe as it is truly heavenly and makes me feel somewhat human again.

A hot toddy and a good book is all I need....and some codral

Sick Days Hot Toddy

Boiling Water (to fill your cup)
4 heaped teaspoons honey 
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cinnamon scroll 

Put honey at the bottom of your mug
Pour boiling water over honey and stir to dissolve
Add lemon juice to cup and stir
Place cinnamon scroll in cup and allow to cool before drinking

I have made this in the past with cinnamon tea instead of the scroll and it is heavenly (unfortunately I am out of tea). If you use cinnamon tea just forfeit the scroll (unless you really like cinnamon) and add honey and lemon juice to the tea after it has steeped.

Well that's it for today. I'm off to drink my hot toddy and most likely watch The Devil Wears Prada.

x Stacey

DIY: Painted Jars

If you have spent any time on pinterest ever you will definitely have noticed the massive trend of mason jars for every imaginable purpose. I love the look of jars (my cousin had them everywhere at her wedding and it was oh so romantic) however the price tag of mason jars here in Australia is not so loveable. 

While cleaning out my wardrobe I found a stack of empty candle jars (because apparently I'm a huge hoarder) and decided to put one of them to use for my very own jar project. May I present my very new bedside bouquet in an old yankee candle jar

Instagram makes everything pretty

If you would like to create your own I have included instructions below.

Firstly you will need to gather your supplies.

• Old jar (I used a yankee candle jar because I like the unique shape they have, but I'm sure anything from a pasta sauce jar to an actual mason jar would work)
• Acrylic Paint (I used 'Antique White' by Semco)
• Glitter (super fine is best)
• Glue (I used Martha Stewarts Glittering Glue)
• Sponge brushes
• Faux Flowers (Mine are peonies from the ever fabulous Ikea)

If you used a candle jar you will need to get the excess wax out before you start. I took photos of all the steps but to make this post less picture intensive you can find instructions HERE.

Once your wax is removed you can get onto painting the jars. I know some people paint the outside of their jars but I love the glossy look of the paint inside the jars, and I kid you not it is the simplest thing ever!

Sorry about the busy newspaper underneath

Pour/squirt some paint into the bottom of the jar

Begin to twirl it so it covers the entire bottom of the jar, then begin to swirl it around the sides. You may have to add more paint into the jar as you go (for this reason paint in a tube is easier to use). If needed squirt new paint onto the inner sides of the jar.

Continue swirling, adding paint, and swirling again until all of the jar is covered with paint. Leave it to dry on newspaper. Initially upside down, however after a few hours/when the paint is almost set turn the jar right side up to allow the jar to completely dry.

Using a sponge brush add a thin layer of glue around the top rim of the jar.

Sprinkle glitter onto the glue and leave to dry.

All dry and ready for flowers

Once the jar is dry you can begin to arrange your flowers in it. Side note: I found my flowers were scratching the paint off the jar because they had rough wire stems once I cut them down. To combat this I filled the jar with cotton balls (cotton stuffing would work too) and cut the flowers very short.

Place arrangement where you will see it and admire your work daily.

Well there you have it, how to create your very own arrangement of cuteness.

If you create your own I'd love to know so let me know in the comments below.

x Stacey