Friday, November 15, 2013

Stephen Jones for BARBIE!

I have a bit of a soft spot for Barbie dolls and I love millinery and fashion.  So, I just had to share these festive Barbie dolls that have been created in collaboration with UK milliner, Stephen Jones.

The names of the dolls are Holly Surprise Barbie, Toffee Ice Barbie, Santa Baby Barbie, Snow Globe Barbie and Christmas Tree Barbie (whose headpiece lights up).

The dolls are available from 15 November 2013 at Selfridges' London Toy Shop for £250 each. 

I love Toffee Ice Barbie (the one with the antlers on her head)and Snow Globe Barbie (the one with her head in a globe)!








Monday, November 11, 2013

WHAT TO WEAR (TO WORK) WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING


One of challenges I had when I started to “show” and “grow” was dressing appropriately and comfortably for work.  I have a corporate job, although we are not required to wear suits everyday.  I found it very tricky to find clothes that I felt comfortable in and that I felt suited my personal style.  I am not one to wear tight or fitted clothing and I prefer to wear dresses to work.  Wrap dresses are not really my thing either…

So, I wanted to share some of the successes I had and where I found them!

ASOS was a great place to start!  They have a good range of affordable maternity wear.  Below are some of the things I have purchased and been very happy with.




ASOS Shift Dress In Animal Print (its not maternity so check the size chart)($64.69), click here.  I bought it in the longer version, which goes to the knee.


 

Mamalicious Colour Block Cap Sleeve Jersey Dress ($73.94), click here.


ASOS Maternity Smock Dress with Embroidery ($72.09), click here.


 
ASOS Maternity Exclusive Midi Dress With Dipped Back (I wear it with the top few buttons undone) ($51.76), click here.


For more dressy occasions (for example, the races) I bought these dresses.



  

ASOS Maternity Singlet Midi Dress in Lace (on sale at the moment for $45.29), click here.


Black ASOS Smock Spot Dress (not maternity, so check the size chart)(on sale at the moment for $48.98), click here.


When buying online make sure you check the size charts.  ASOS have a separate maternity chart, which I found to be pretty accurate.  I made a couple of errors with my first order and as a result I have a couple of particularly large t-shirts!

I also had some luck at Soon Maternity. I bought a gorgeous black dress from there, which I will be wearing to a black tie wedding this weekend.  Soon Maternity also has great basics such as long singlets and jeans.  

The other local Melbourne gem I would highly recommend is Premaman Maternity in South Yarra.  My mum went shopping there when she was pregnant with my younger brother (nearly 30 years ago)and this place was truly amazing even after all these years!  I bought my 'staples' from here: black pants and a black bandage skirt.  They also have some beautiful dresses and blouses so make sure you check it out!  

 

This is me (on the left) wearing navy peplum dress from Premaman Maternity (which I will also wear to work) and Annie Clifforth Millinery.




Sunday, November 3, 2013

PEA, ZUCCHINI & ONION PASTA



This is a simple and delicious pasta recipe.  Just like traditional Italian pasta dishes, it is not complicated but has great flavour – especially if you use good quality ingredients.  It is perfect for a mid-week meal or even something you could serve to friends or family.  My husband made this recipe up so all credit to him for this one (and that is why there are no step-by-step pictures... sorry)!

Serves 2

What you need

250 grams of fresh fettuccine, or your pasta of choice
¾ cup peas (frozen is fine)
2 onions, chopped in half and then finely sliced into half-rings
1 zucchini sliced into ribbons
1 cup of vegetable stock
1 tablespoon basil pesto
½ cup fresh flat leaf parsley, roughly ripped or chopped
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
1 knob of butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
Parmesan cheese, grated to serve


How to make it

Gently melt the butter and a good drizzle of olive oil in a pan and add the onion and garlic.  On a low heat, cook the onions until soft and cooked through.  This will take a little bit of time.  Don’t rush this part, as you don’t want the onions to burn, but to caramalise.  It might take up to 10 minutes.  Stir regularly.

Boil your pasta water with a good pinch of salt in it.  When the water boils, add your pasta.  If you are using fresh pasta, it won’t take long to cook so make sure you have the sauce ready for when the pasta is cooked.  You will need to combine the two immediately.

Add the zucchini and a tablespoon of pesto (or more if you like) and a good pinch of salt.  Stir gently for a couple of minutes.

Add about ¾ of a cup of vegetable stock or some water from the pasta pot to the sauce.  When the pasta is just about ready add the peas to the sauce.

Reduce or turn off the heat on your sauce.  

When the pasta is cooked, add it to the sauce mix.  I just transfer the pasta from the water straight into the pan.  Add your chopped parsley and stir to combine.

Serve with grated Parmesan, parsley and cracked black pepper.

Enjoy!