royal wedding

And they lived happily ever after ....

What a fairy tale wedding. Really loved Kate's dress! How unbelievably beautiful! The elaborate creation - a blend of modern and traditional -was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, love the lace applique full-length sleeves and floral detail, so elegant.

Click HERE to watch & read up on the key moments from the Royal wedding.

Love Audrina from The Hills 70's inspired outfit! Not sure if I am brave enough to pull off high waisted flair jeans ... But this pic certainly inspires me to give it a try. Doesnt she look gorgeous? 

For more celeb fashion pics click HERE (Vogue Diaries)

YIPEEEE next week is the next I heart Market. Can't wait to stuff my face fill of pancakes & shop to my little hearts content! Hope to see you there*

sienna's simple steps for sophisticated style

reference: InStyle, design darling

Wishing you a

Hoppy Easter every-bunny!*

my easter cupcakes

Using my featured Martha Stewart recipe I baked up a batch of chocolate Easter cupcakes today! Just added cocoa and made them chocolate. Too delish!*

 

Look yummy right?

easter bunny came early

Lookie what I got!

 My hubby found this warm and cuddly, HEART print gown in Woolies and being the thoughtful and amazing man he is, knew I would LOVE it (mostly for the hearts). Thank you my bear! xxx

some-bunny needs a treat

With the easy peasy recipe below, and a bag of woolies speckled eggs, you will be well on your way to treating your loved ones with the perfect Easter cupcake!

Yellow Butter Cupcakes

From Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook
Makes 24 delish cupcakes

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking pans
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-raising)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups milk

Preheat oven to 220 degrees. Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
Into a medium bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until combined after each addition.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups so that each is about two thirds full.
Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until cupcakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and allow to cool completely.

Dark Chocolate Frosting


From Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook.

• 1 slab best-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon boiling water
• 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• Pinch of salt

Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Turn off heat; stir occasionally until chocolate has melted completely, about 15 minutes. Set bowl on countertop, and let chocolate cool to room temperature, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl; stir until cocoa is dissolved.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, icing sugar, and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add melted chocolate; beat on low speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Beat in cocoa mixture. Use immediately or chill until ready to use. Bring frosting back to room temperature and beat until smooth before using.

Making my batch on Saturday ... Hoping they look just like Martha's!

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter this Sunday!*

that seventies trend

70's fashion makes a strong comeback this year combining classic bohemian, with modern staples. Think wide leg trousers, long flowing maxi dresses and skirts, high-waisted pants, shorts with chiffon floaty blouses tucked in and floral floral florals! Accessorise with a big floppy sunhats, headscarves & oversized sunnies.  

70's fashion was full of vivid colors and bold prints, from mustard yellow to bright oranges and regal purples. This trend was and still is all about making a statement.

"Four Season Plates" by Rob Ryan. LOVE his stuff!

cashmere & mafia

Tomorrow night it my bestest best friend, Tazzi (better known as Tazzilicious) house warming party. It is going to be an old school 'house party' with the theme 'Cashmere and Mafia'. How divine! Who better to use than the gorgeous Kate Moss for some dress-up inspiration! This is from her Mafia inspired winter range at Top Shop.


Other than that I have a very busy weekend planned! My darling friend from NZ, Katie has arrived so we are going out tonight in celebration. I have booked my hubby and I dual therapy massage treatments for tomorrow! Eek! Cannot wait to be spoilt! This is still a surprise for him so shhhh ... And Sunday I am looking forward to a late arvie family lunch!*
Wishing you all a happy weekend!*

wild orchid

Wow! How beautiful! I have no idea who 'Wild Orchid' is but love their latest ad campaign in Vogue Spain. Lace & Big floppy hats are a major trend this season!

 

 See more here 

must have

  

Yikes! Gold coat hangers! Who knew? AND they apparently come in silver & pewter! I am seriously in love with them. When I get my dream walk-in wardrobe (one day) my clothes will most certainly hang on gold hangers!

They are rather pricey but you can get them here by the box (100 hangers per box) ... A little bling never goes astray, even if it is plastic!

(and......the contents of above closet look quite divine, don't they?) 

pic from here (where you will also find the most amazingly gorgeous wardrobe! I want!)

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!*

ivy & piper

Just love the colourful vases!

I came across this talented duo on the amazing decor8 blog. I absolutely love their gorgeous colourful prints! If you in love you haaaave to check out Ivy & Piper online magazine on Issuu it is just too inspirational, click here. To shop for their pillows and things, visit their beautiful website. Enjoy*

wise words

Isn't she just gorgeous? Love her!

friday socks

Isn't this cute? Not sure about you but I am most certainly wearing MY 'friday socks' today as I have an exciting night planned! Its my friend Tara's birthday and a big group of us are gearing up for a night on the town! As you can tell I havent had a big night out in a while so looking forward to it! The rest of my weekend is going to be chilled, family time on Saturday followed by a friends birthday braai.

Yay for the weekend!*

get spotted

Leopard print is in for another season! I don't think this trend will ever fade out.

Just love kate Moss's pink/cheetah combo and the sheer shimmer of her dress. Ideal inspiration for my night on the town with my gorgeous friends

tomorrow night!*

reference: trendenvy, InStyle, design darling

I am sew (lame I know but just go with it) very excited! I start my sewing lessons tonight. Sewing has always been a skill that I have wanted to perfect but never had the patience or motivation to learn. My mother is amazing with a sewing machine! All of our clothing growing up was made lovingly by her, she made the curtains for our home, the bridemaids dresses for my wedding and is constantly bombarded with minor but highly time consuming alteration requests. She is too thrilled I am finally learning this invaluable skill!

I have a few (ambitious) ideas in mind on what I would like to make, I have got to start small first though so tonight I am planning to make a table cloth. I found this gorgeous baby blue and white heart print (no surprises here) fabric and just think it would look too lovely as a table cloth!
Will keep you posted on my creations! Yay!*
image via love sugar design

heart-shaped goodies

I love hearts! Images via here and here and here


I got the heart shaped silver measuring spoons from Clicks for only R25.00! Would love to get the heart shape pancake maker, spatula & cutting board!!

I know I could never live without mine!*

its the weekend!

Hooray!*