the body book

When I heard that Cameron Diaz was going to release a book about diet and exercise, I immediately shelved it as yet another celebrity documentation of what to eat, how to exercise and how to look like them.
It wasn't until I was wandering around my local Target that I actually picked the book up and had a flick through. With a 'here we go...' mentality, I got a rather pleasant surprise when I started to take in what was written on the pages.

Cameron (with the help of various professionals in certain fields) has written a 'nutrition and exercise for dummies' type book and has explained in detail (but not too much to get her readers lost!) the science behind what we put into our bodies and how it effects how we feel.
The book was born from her own journey - she was a self-confessed 'junk food addict' until the age of 26, and she couldn't believe the difference she noticed & how much better her body worked when she started to look after herself.

Ever wondered why you feel so icky after skipping breakfast, or not drinking enough water? Yes, it is constantly drilled into us that it is bad for us to create habits such as those, but I would put money on many of us not knowing why. Even me, with a third of a nutrition degree under my belt (I have had an interesting journey to becoming a teacher!!) couldn't have told you why with a convincing answer.

^^gorgeous cameron at a book signing^^

The book also goes into detail on what foods effect your skin in a negative and positive manner, how to combat down moods and also how to keep you energy levels up through both diet and exercise.

The final chapter entitled 'Mind : You've Got This', helps to put all of the information that has been presented into realistic goals, with tips on how to break old habits and combat the temptations that are presented to us in our daily lives.

^^the e-book version^^

This is not a 'weight-loss' book, like many, many other celebrity titles out there. This book is like a beautiful gift of information and education, and we can decide how we want to use this gift. Yes - if you follow what has been written, you will most likely lose weight as it is all about being healthy. But the health component is what is the star of this story, and coming from a celebrity, that is oh-so refreshing!

You can pick up a copy (and I would highly suggest you do!) from your local bookstore, online, or like me - from Target for $21.00. An e-book version is also available for those of you that prefer that way of reading.

To Cameron (and team) : thank you, what a fantastic read.

B xx

sunday funday & a recipe

So, this blog could never be called a food blog in any way, shape or form, as we both consider a glass of red, some crackers and camembert cheese a well rounded meal .

However, I do want to share this gluten free savoury muffin recipe with you all, as it is simply delicious. I try to stay as gluten free as possible, as it just makes me feel better, but I do love my sourdough and rye breads , so I give into the 'devil' (as my sister, Zoe so fondly calls it) every now and again.

I served these muffins at the little Oscars Party I had a few weeks back, and they were a hit with all - gluten lovers included.

Sun-dried tomato & herb muffins : 

1 1/2 cups gluten free self-raising flour

1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped basil and/or spinach

1 1/2 cups finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

80g softened butter

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees and prep a muffin tray. 

Combine dry ingredients first, then mix in the herbs/cheese & tomatoes. 

Beat (or stir!! this is what I do and it works fine) butter & eggs together and then add milk. 

Mix the wet ingredients into the other bowl and stir together. Divide the mixture evenly between each section 

Cook for 15-18 mins and serve when warm for the yummiest results!! {Makes 6-8 large muffins.} 

I have also added sweet potato and feta cheese to this recipe and that turns out delicious too. 

Last weekend we spent the entire Sunday down at the South Perth Foreshore with some lovely friends. 

snippets of life lately

Just a few pictures we have pulled from our iPhones & personal instagram accounts from the past few weeks.

We hope everyone has a beautiful start to their week.

B & F xxx

new coffee bar : engine room espresso

I've never had a coffee in my life!! Never ever!! Not even a taste... So the whole 'I can't function until I've had my coffee' thing is foreign to me.  I do, however, have a husband who would call himself a 'coffee snob' and doesn't leave the house without 3 espressos consumed. Steve would have to be the toughest coffee critic around and on the rare occasion he says he enjoyed his coffee, we know we must be onto a winner.

Enter Engine Room Espresso :

^^ the rockstar gives his thumbs up ^^

Engine Room Espresso recently got the tick of approval. I am even tempted to give the coffee a go!
Run by 3 firemen (hence the name), it opened last week, & is a boutique coffee shop in the heart of North Perth. It should most definitely be on your list of 'coffee shops to visit'.

^^ work in progress ^^

^^ love the cups! simple & understated are often the most eye catching & memorable ^^

 

^^ firemen /slash/ baristas ^^

Open weekdays from 6am and Saturdays by 7am - closing time being when you stop coming!

Engine Room Espresso has a really cosy feel to it and although it is small, it has everything you need in an espresso bar. Sit outside in the renovated laneway and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Go and check it out!!! 450c Fitzgerald Street, North Perth.

Follow on facebook and instagram

Enjoy your coffee!

xx F

Ps.... The view (of the baristas) isn't too bad...hehe

the long weekend

I know it is almost the weekend again, but my Long Weekend last week was too beautiful not to share with you all.

On the Sunday, we caught up with some great friends for a bit of a tradition that we like to call 'Super Seafood Sunday'. The men go to 'hunt & gather' with the kids at the amazing local seafood shop, Seafresh Myaree, while the ladies stay home and prep (or drink champagne and chat...shhh).

We try to organise it for the middle of each school term (we are all teachers, believe it or not) and this particular time it also coincided with the Point Walter Concert which occurs down on the beautiful Attadale Foreshore.

Super Seafood Sunday has become a tradition that both Jarrod & I look forward to each term as a way to break up the routine that we seem to get into once school (& football!!) is back. 

 ^^princess j^^

^^ the tiger ^^

 ^^ princess j photography ^^

beautiful perth

Good morning and Happy Friday!! Perth have a long weekend this week, so we are getting excited for that, with lots of social outings with lovely friends planned. 

We thought we would leave you with some beautiful photos that Brooke took on the way to work this morning. We are so lucky that we live in such a beautiful city. 

Have a beautiful weekend everyone, 

B & F xxx

nb : all photos taken with iPhone 5 

new york state of mind

New York City has been on the mind since NYFW started last week. I was lucky enough to travel there a few years back now, and I think a second trip will have to be on the cards in the coming year or two. I love this city so much.

Below is a bit of a photo diary from my time spent there. I hope you enjoy.

B xx

  

  

empire state cheese.

holly golightly's stoop. 

beautiful treats.

A few beautiful things that are inspiring us currently. 

Christian OITA/WONDERLAND

Peter Lindbergh 1990

Hepburn/Kelly

walt disney world part 1 - the magic kingdom

A while back, my sisters and I took a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
We had the best time, and stayed for ten (!) nights at one of the Disney Resorts.

i highly suggest taking a cross-body style bag so your hands are free to take photos/hug characters. this mimco bag i purchased for the trip was the perfect companion whilst park hoping. shoes that strap your feet in are also a must...flip flops/thongs are a no-no for a full day of walking. i was SO shocked by how many people were hat-less whilst wandering the parks...sun smart is fashionable, people!

Since returning, I have been asked many times to provide suggestions and tips on how to plan a Walt Disney World (WDW) holiday. So with that in mind I have decided to create a series of posts over the next few months dedicated to planning a Walt Disney World Trip.

melbourne town

With family living on the east coast of Australia, we are lucky to be able to visit the city of Melbourne quite frequently.

Melbourne has taken a few trips to grow on me..being from 'The West' I am used to blue skies and warm weather. 

Melbourne is generally the opposite of that. 

However. 

Melbourne has a lot to offer that Perth doesn't. Cafes ... shops ... restaurants ... these all seem to have a bit more going for them than Perth's do. The Yarra is nothing in comparison to the Swan, and the beach is very 'un-beach-like' in Victoria,  but I have come to appreciate the city for what it is - an exciting playground where there is always something happening...

  

beautiful skyline

south west

One of the best things about living in Perth is the beautiful South West being only a 2 hour drive away. 

We try to get down here at least twice a year. It's beauty is like no other place and for me personally, it has connections to my childhood, with many a summer holiday spent here. 

There are wineries galore to explore when it is not beach weather. This trip we completed tastings at Vasse Felix & Voyager, as well as the Cheeky Monkey Brewery (the cider there is to die for).

the beautiful seashells holiday apartments. my absolute favourite place to stay in yallingup.