Monochrome

Mr Price sweater, shirt and jeans | H&M booties | Forever New bag | Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch

I have to say the kindness that you girls have shown me put the biggest smile on my face.  Last week I decided I would post pictures with my big, wide smile and you responded so sweetly.  I’m so touched that you noticed!  I always have a fat smile on my face and it was silly of me not to have shared that side of myself before, braces and all.  Thank you for all your sweet messages, girls, you’re so precious!

Here’s my take on the monochrome trend.  I don’t think it’s natural for anyone to automatically reach for all items of the same colour but I love the end result.  When you’re dressed head to toe in a fab colour you can’t help but have a fab day.

xxx

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Casual Outfit

Foschini chambray | old cardigan  | Mr Price leggings | Legit boots (obsessed with these) | bag borrowed from my sister| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these)

Here at home we’re having a Youth Day/ Father’s Day long weekend.  This morning we had a family breakfast on the golf course which is always amazing.  Hope you’re having a wonderful long weekend!

Xxx

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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Father’s Day is on Sunday and I don’t know about your dads but mine has an unparalleled sweet tooth.  My baking repertoire is hardly extensive but there is one thing I can bake that, thanks to Martha Stewart, finds no competition.  This is my red velvet cake and if your dad enjoys cake, this is the perfect Father’s Day treat for him.

Here it is:

·         2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self- rising), sifted

·         2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 1/2 cups sugar

·         1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

·         2 large eggs, room temperature

·         1/2 bottle red food colouring

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

·         1 cup buttermilk

·         1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

·         2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together cake flour,         cocoa, and salt.

2.       With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whisk together sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Mix in food colour and vanilla.

3.       Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and whisking well after each. Stir together the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl (it will foam); add mixture to the batter, and mix on medium speed 10 seconds.

4.       Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway    through, until a cake tester inserted in centres comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.

5.       To finish, use a small offset spatula to spread cupcakes with frosting.

Cream Cheese Icing

·         8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

·         12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

·         1 pound (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted

·         3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, and then vanilla; mix until smooth.

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Xxx

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Trench Coat

 Forever New trench coat (similar) | Identity jeans (old) | H&M heels | Forever New clutch| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these)

It’s got so cold here lately which is perfect for me because it means I get to wear my favourite trench coat.  I wore this to quickly run some errands. 

Did anyone head out to the Converse “Get Dirty” even in Mary Fitzgerald square on Saturday?  I ended up going quite randomly and it was so much fun.  Aren’t spontaneous moments always the best?

Thought for today:

“It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is” – Desiderius Erasmus

Xxx

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Mixing Prints

 Pick ‘n Pay blouse |Zara jeans | Foschini blazer | Aldo heels | Mr Price clutch| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these) | Forever New necklace

I finished my last exam on Saturday so I’m officially on holiday!  So excited!  I’ve got so many exciting things planned and plenty of blogging too.  I’m still hoping I get some of your favourite recipes for Father’s Day baking.  Would love to know what you have planned for your special Daddies too!

Xxx

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