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

Handbag Essentials

I've never been the type of girl who carries my entire life around in my bag...or so I thought until my boyfriend recently commented on how much stuff I have in my bag. 'But I need these things, they are essentials' was my reply to which I was met with raised eyebrows. Who knows maybe men really are from Mars and women from Venus. 

Anyways, aside from feeling the need to justify myself to the internet I've always loved stickybeaking in other peoples bags on youtube and blogs. So here is my contribution of what is constantly in my bag, to some it may seem like a lot and to other it may seem very spartan. The bag featured is sadly one I do not own but have been lusting after for a while, you can purchase it here.

Clockwise from top left. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: This in combination with Fix + creates an amazing foundation that's easy to apply. I keep the compact in my bag for touchups as well as to use the mirror if needed. 

Neutrogena Naturals Lipbalm: I love love love this lip balm, it's super soothing and the peppermint smell reminds me of Christmas all year round.

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream: This is my absolute favourite hand cream ever! I have praised it before on this blog and adore the full size one for at home. To make sure I'm never without I always have a mini in my bag for dry skin emergencies.

Chanel Coco Shine in Boy: While I always put whatever lipstick I am wearing on a particular day into my bag, I like to keep a tube of Chanels Coco Shine in Boy in there as well. This sheer nude pink colour is great for touchups or to use incase I forget to put lipstick on that day. 

Phone: Like many people from my generation I would feel lost and naked without my phone, it has my life on it!! Phone cases are a fun way to add a cute touch of your personality to any outfit and I am definitely loving this Belle case from Queen of Cases on etsy. It comes for a variety of phones, and if Belle isn't your cup of tea there are many other princesses to choose from. 

Kikki-K Diary: I'm such an old fashioned pen and paper kinda girl, there is something so lovely and tactile about writing down all my events, appointments and to-do's in my diary (it's also super handy if my phone dies). I received this Kikki-K diary for Christmas and absolutely love how adorable and cute it is. If you want one you best snap it up quickly as they are sold out online, so check your nearest store (they have other cute diaries online if you can't make it to a store).

Kikki-K Pen: To write in my diary with (duh). But also for filling out forms, taking down numbers, lending to strangers etc. 

Keyring: Yes I'm one of those people with a Tiffany keyring, my grandparents gave me one for my 18th birthday (it's not the one pictured as they don't make it anymore but it's super close). Keys are a pretty essential part of life, you use them everyday and a pretty keyring makes them easy to find and also can brighten your day.

Tissues: Because sometimes I sneeze/cry.

Bobby pins: I'm currently growing out my fringe (I think, I may change my mind) so these are super helpful for taming my too long but not long enough hair.

Hair Lackies: Most of the time I wear my hair down, but throughout the day I may encounter situations where I wish/need to pull it into a pony tail. While I can't vouch for their effectiveness (haven't tried them) these lackies are super cute!

Wallet: I bought myself a Coach wallet a few years back when I was in America and it has held up really well. They don't make the one I have anymore, but this one is similar in design and super pretty. 

So there you have it, my handbag essentials. In addition to this I may add items specific to what I'll be doing each day, cardigan for the movies, book if I'm going on a train etc. But this is the stock standard basics that I always have with me regardless. Does this seem like too much or too little for you? Let me know what you keep in your bag in the comments.

x Stacey

One Dress, Four Disney Inspired Outfits

If you're as massive a Disney fan as I am then you've most likely heard about Disneybounding by now. For those not in the know Disneybounding is where everyday people such as you and I take fashion inspiration from the vast catalogue of Disney characters. While many people Disneybound every day, I feel the best place to Disneybound is at a Disney park (duh). Unfortunately if one is flying to a Disney park weight limits on baggage do constrict the variety of outfit choices one can take. However, while browsing boohoo.com I found what I believe to be the most perfect Disneybounding dress ever! 

Ashley Wrap Over Dress

The Ashely Wrap Over Dress from boohoo.com is a beautiful blue skater style dress in a jersey fabric (great for travelling) and is only $16 (AUD)....yes $16!! For that price (and a 20% off sale, plus free shipping) this little baby went right into my cart. While I haven't tried it on yet (it's still in transit) it appears to have favourable reviews on the site. If you would like this dress though be quick as it is currently out of stock in sizes 10, 14, and 16. Although I do believe it is a staple dress and they will most likely re-stock.

While I await this dresses arrival I have put together four disneybound ideas for the imaginary holiday I'm planning in my head to Disneyland (hey I could win lotto any day). Click the text under the pictures for a link to polyvore to see where you can buy the items. 

Alice

Alice

When I saw this dress the first character to come to mind was Alice in her pretty blue dress. For Alice's styling I would place the white camisole under the dress, in addition to the white bow belt this serves as a subtle nod to her white apron. Instead of white stockings, small white frilly socks with black mary janes provide a more contemporary look. I used a black bag to balance out the black shoes however feel free to replace with a white bag if desired. A subtle little homage to your character of choice is provided by the locket, and of course you wouldn't be Alice without a black bow headband!

Wendy

Wendy

Wendy was one of my favourite Disney ladies growing up, I always wished for Peter Pan to come and pay me a visit. Wendy's look is very much blue and as much of it as her beautiful nightgown will allow. To play off this I have paired the dress with a metallic blue belt to serve as her sash, however feel free to replace with a real ribbon sash if you so desire! I found a beautiful Wendy ribbon to pull your hair off your face with from Little Bow Chic Designs on etsy, curls optional. For accessories I kept them neutral toned as Wendy is in her night gown, so she wouldn't have many accessories on her (and finding coordinating blue shoes is a nightmare). Finally, while this was not in the movie, I have added an acorn necklace like the one Peter gave Wendy in the book.

Belle

Belle

Without a doubt Belle is my favourite Disney Princess! I love everything she stands for, her beauty, her outfits, and of course all the wonderful songs in the movie. While she is most well known for her iconic yellow gown I love her 'little town' look in the blue dress. 

As with Alice I have used a white camisole under the dress to act as a stand in apron. A rose necklace serves as a nod to the enchanted rose in the movie. Black flats are sensible for running around town completing errands. For bags I absolutely love the Kate Spade book clutches, don't they fit Belle's personality perfectly. If that is a bit too expensive a simple wicker clutch can serve as your modern day basket (the one pictured is expensive but I have found wicker clutches in Summer for quite cheap). Finally the key to little town Belle is her hair. Secure your hair in a topsy turvy pony tail (as shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfRcR2d7xic) and add the 'little town Belle' bow found on etsy to complete the look. 

Cinderella

Cinderella

When you think of Cinderella you think of blue and a whole lot of silver. To compliment the dress I have selected a silver rope and pearl headband from ASOS, huge blingy faux diamond studs, and a beautiful black and crystal chocker-style necklace to replace her black necklace. To carry around your every-day necessities I have included a silver cross-body bag. While all of this is very in keeping with Cinderella the part of the outfit that screams Cinderella is the glass slippers, or in this case silver glitter jelly sandals (much more practical than walking on glass all night). Because your tootsies will be on display in these sandals you may as well paint them to match with this beautiful silver glittery nail polish from Essie, while you're at it do your fingernails too!

So there you have it, one very cheap dress, four amazing disneybound ideas. I hope you have pulled some inspiration from this and have fun planning your next disneybound, whether it be to Disneyland or just to the supermarket. 

xo

Stacey