Wardrobe Diaries: Weekend Sweat Suits

If you've followed this blog for sometime then you probably know by now my fascination with all things loungewear- sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirt dresses and so on. The truth is, despite all better judgement, there's just something about loungewear that I unexplainably love. For the sake of this outfit post I've decided it's about time I pinned down the root of this bizarre infatuation and in doing so, hopefully help others realize and understand their own love affair with what is sometimes perceived as a crime against fashion.

After spending a questionable amount of time in the shower (that's where all brilliant ideas originate right?) what I've come to realise is aesthetics and comfort only play a minor role in my love affair. A great pair of jeans is just as comfortable and much better looking so that can't be it. What I've ultimately realised is, it's the message one sends when wearing sweats that makes me love them so much. That easy effortless, I-couldn't-care-less-what-you-think-because-I'm-comfortable-in-my-own-skin appeal. We always associate loungewear with a carefree and laid back attitude and I think in this crazy day and age it's nice to be able to wear something that doesn't take itself too seriously.

But enough of me trying to be philosophical. I chanced upon this sweatshirt and sweatpant combo one day when I wasn't even meant to be shopping. The strategic colourblocking, flirty peplum waist and contrasting drawstring was just too pretty to pass up. It seems like all these years of loungewear idolising has finally lead me to serendipitously find the perfect sweat-suit (yay).

So tell me dear readers, are there certain items you love despite all better judgement?

 

{ wearing : rachel roy peplum sweatshirt // rachel roy cropped sweatpants // j.crew cable knit jumper // zara bag // michael kors watch // sam edelman pumps // ray ban mirror aviators }

Friday's Fancies: Hello Spring

Happy friday folks! It's been so long since I last put together a Friday's Fancies post that I've apparently forgotten my usual template for it. Not to worry though, this week's photos are too pretty to be confined to a polaroid filter anyway. The truth is, things have been a little crazy lately. This is turning out to be one hectic year with no rest in sight. I can't wait to reveal more when the time comes, but for now, I apologise for my sporadic postings and late replies to your comments and emails.

Spring has been on my mind a lot this week. While the season officially begun a couple weeks ago, it hasn't really felt like Spring till now. So to celebrate, here are some pretty pictures of the prettiest season of the year. Happy Spring!

Loving this innovative way of growing tulips. With the tall vase, it almost looks like the tulips are in a terrarium. My garden gnome candle has popped up in so many blog photos that I'm sure you're all sick of it by now.  But I love it, it's such a fun whimsical addition to a table display and I just can't quite bring myself to light it. 

A picture says a thousand words right? This was my favourite image from the kid's Easter Egg hunt at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville. It was the first time either of them have been on an egg hunt and I'm still hearing about it today. "Mum, I want to go on an egg hunt please" 

In place of traditional flowers, I'm loving the idea of displaying baskets of eggs for Spring. Brown eggs give off that homey country feeling, and look great when contrasted by white baskets and flowers. 

Getting excited by all the fresh new recipe ideas for Spring. I love trawling through Food Gawker and am also an avid Bon Appetit subscriber. 

I have been meaning to take this photograph ever since we first moved into our house some three years ago (my how time's flown). This pretty scene is right on the corner of the main street before turning into our neighbourhood. I'm hoping to one day do an oil painting of this image to hang up in the kid's bedroom. 

Wardrobe Diaries: Moto Into Spring

When I was a little girl I never quite understood the importance my mum placed on outerwear. At the time, wearing a jacket or coat over my little party dresses seemed to defeat the purpose of dressing up (and back then I was all about showing off my new dresses). One day I asked why she always insisted I wear them, especially when it was mid summer, and she knew I'd take it off immediately after our arrival?

Her answer was plain and simple- it just didn't look finished without one.

Even with her explanation I still didn't understand, but it obviously struck a chord (a very confused chord) within me because today, it's one of my most vivid memories from childhood. Yes folks, my mum had me doing the blogger jacket drape long before it was even a thing.

Since growing up, much has changed. My favourite piece of clothing nowadays IS in fact outerwear. I rarely leave home without some form of external layer, be it a jacket or coat or even just a scarf in summer. Throwing on that something extra immediately 'smarts' up an outfit and lends a certain sophistication don't you think?
So tell me readers, are you also an outwear addict? 

{ wearing : warehouse coat // marcs tee similar here and here // michael kors booties (old) // celine trio crossbody bag // omega watch (old) }

April Showers $500 Giveaway

Hi friends, oh do I have a treat for you today. Together with some amazing bloggers we've teamed up to bring you the mother of all giveaways. April Showers usually brings May flowers, but this April Shower can bring you a $500 VISA Gift Card! I know, I know, after all it is April Fools Day but let me promise you this giveaway is the real deal. 

Use the Rafflecopter below to complete all of the mandatory entries for your chance to win. For more chances, unlock the bonus entries and complete as many as possible. Good luck stylish readers!

Brought to you by these lovely ladies...

 The Serena Saga / Chioma's Evolution of Style / Kacie's Kloset / Here & Now / Kelsey Bang

She is Lovely / Chasing Davies / Addicted 2 Etsy / simplyxclassic / A Devine Live

Twenties Girl Style / Handbags & Handguns / Opal & Violet / The Mrs. & The Momma / JennifHsieh

 Just Dawnelle / Walking in Memphis in Heels / The Winthrop Chronicles / My Thrifty Chic / Citrus Refreshing Fashion

The Freckled Fox / The Chic Sheet / Camo Meets Couture / Dancing With Ashley / Delightful Deets

Make sure you stop by and visit all of these lovely ladies to let them know how you would spend $500.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:

The April Showers Giveaway is for one USD $500 Visa Gift Card. This giveaway is open internationally to people 18 years and older. The giveaway will run from Monday April 1st, 2013 12:01 AM to Monday 15th April 2013 11:59 PM. ALL mandatory entries must be completed in order to win, including the winning entry. Once you have completed the mandatory entries, the optional bonus entries will be unlocked. Optional bonus entries are not required to win, but will increase your chances of winning. ALL entries WILL be verified, so please be honest in completing the entries. The winner will be announced on this Rafflecopter after the winner's entries are verified and the winner is contacted via email. To claim your prize, please respond to the email within 24 hours, failure to do so will result in a re-draw. Once the winner has been selected, the decision is final. This giveaway is not affiliated with Visa, Facebook, Bloglovin, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platform. 

Chinese Marble Tea Eggs

With Easter right upon us, chances are you've probably seen your fair share of egg decorating ideas, but indulge me for a minute because I have one more to share. While these marble tea eggs don't necessarily classify as an 'Easter activity', they do however involves eggs, which makes them somewhat relevant.

Tea eggs are one of my favourite ways to cook eggs. Simmered in a fragrant broth of black tea, soy sauce and spices, the eggs are elevated from a humble hard-boiled egg into something beautiful and complex in flavour. The mulling process permeates the whites of the egg so that even the yolks are infused with a hint of tea and spice. These eggs are as common to Chinese homecooking as cheeseburgers are to America. Generally consumed as a snack either warm or cold from the fridge, these eggs make a great addition to any meal. Add them over ramen, in a rice bowl, or even as the basis of an Asian inspired deviled egg. Personally, I like to have them for breakfast, slice in half, warmed up and with a splash of the tea marinade over the yolk.

 

Chinese Marble Tea Eggs
1 dozen eggs
2x star anise
1x cinnamon stick
3-4 bay leaves
1 tsp peppercorns
2x dried orange peel
2x tea bags (any type of black tea will work)
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp five-spice powder

1. Boil eggs till soft-boiled, approximately 6 minutes
2. Bring a large pot with 4 cups water to boil. Add tea bags, spices, soy sauce and five-spice powder and let it simmer. Reduce broth by 1/4 before adding eggs.
3. Lightly crack the shell on the eggs but do not peel. Either gently tap with the back of a spoon, or roll the eggs lightly on table.
4. Place cracked eggs in tea broth, bring to a boil and continue simmering for one hour.
5. If eggs are not completely submerged, rotate after every half hour. Add more water if necessary.
6. Remove from heat, cool and refrigerate the eggs in the tea broth.
7. The flavour will continue to develop overnight. Tea eggs are best consumed the next day and the day after. Peel egg just before serving.