be kind...

We are often our own harshest critics so something to always remember... I know I am terrible at remembering this on some days...



via Phuong on Pinterest

I can't believe it is almost Christmas...

I put up our Christmas tree yesterday - really early I know! But all the Xmas decorations are up in the shops and I thought why not get in the festive mood as well...

In past years, I have been quite inspired to send out Christmas cards but some other years I have been downright lazy.  The clever and lovely folks at ellothere (I ordered our wedding invites from them - they have a wonderful range) have just released a snippet of their Christmas collection.  This is super cute - maybe it will inspire me to send out Xmas cards this year...

via Phuong on Pinterest

office lounge love...

I would love to work in this office space!  Check out Airbnb's new offices... I love their idea of designing some of their meeting rooms after rooms available on their site.   It looks so comfy.

If you haven't used Airbnb before, I recommend having a look for your next travel adventure.  We used it when we went to New York last year and scored a great little one bedroom in the lower east side for about 1/3rd of the price of a hotel!

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Pie Love...

We received Seasons by Donna Hay as a wedding gift so what better than a recipe out of that book to celebrate dinner at home for our first wedding anniversary.   We were cracking open a fine bottle of red so I thought the beef, onion and red wine pie looked perfect and it turned out great!  (except for maybe buying sweet shortcrust pastry by accident oops! - I really need to perfect my French before buying french only labelled produce from Carrefour next time)

Donna Hay's Beef, Onion and Red Wine Pie

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1kg beef chuck steak, chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 up red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup water, extra
• 1 x 200g sheet store-bought shortcrust pastry, thawed
• 1 x 375g block store-bought puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat a large saucepan.  Add the oil and beef and cook in batches for 3-4 minutes or until browned.

Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the stock, water, wine, bay leaf and thyme. 
Bring to a simmer and cooker for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the cornflour and extra water, add to the beef mixture and cook, stirring for 4-5 minutes or until thickened. 

Set aside to cool completely.  Preheat the oven to 200 deg celcius.

Line a 22cm pie dish with the shortcrust pastry. Spoon the beef mixture into the dish.

Place puff pastry on top of the pie, press the edges of the pastry together and trim.

Brush the top of the pie with the egg and make a slit in the top.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden. Serves 4.

 

The book celebrates seasonal cooking and is gorgeous with beautiful photography and food styling.  Donna Hay's recipes are always so simple and hassle free too.  The book's been out for a while now and I definitely recommend picking up a copy for your bookshelf. 

If I were a fashion collection... #2

Effortless, versatile, bright, fun and flirty. 

From Singapore label, Vamastyle

sunday morning...

reminiscing with the lovely husband...8 years and one wedding anniversary later. Happy anniversary my love xx

more gorgeous photos from our wonderful photographers, Todd Hunter McGaw, here

Pins...

Often all you need for the perfect outfit is a pretty jacket and a chance to show off your pins!

Source:  via Phuong on Pinterest

I vs E

To all the lovely introverts in my life ... I know I have to remember this as I know me being an "E" can often frustrate you when I talk too much! :)  xx

friday thoughts.. . be daring!

If I were a fashion collection...

I would want to be a bit like this one... (but with a bit more colour!!!)

Classic with a modern and edgy twist.  Simple and effortless.  A bit quirky.  Understated boldness - not overwhelming or trying too hard.   

 

Hubert AW 2011/2012

One eye open...

A wonderful little video about one of my all time favourite street style photographers / bloggers, Tommy Ton from Jak and Jil.  Have a little peek into his world...

cup day...

It's Melbourne Cup day today in Australia. 

Being in Singapore, today I am missing the work Melbourne Cup lunches, sweepstakes, having the afternoon off, my mum who used to always win and come home with a meat tray and of course all the pretty hats and fascinators.

Frocking up and going to the races is quite a big deal in Oz.  I haven't really seen it replicated to the same degree at the races in Hong Kong and Singapore where it is kept pretty casual. 

If I were going to the races today, I would look to Alannah Hill for some gorgeous inspiration - florals, brights, bows, polka dots, cute little hats.