Winter Pass Times

Melbourne's current weather has proven to be much more useful than I initially thought. Turns out, when it's wet and cold, it isn't so appealing to go outdoors. So, what did I do? Enter: Clean bookshelves. I have lived in my current bedroom for a little under ten years now, and those bookshelves have remained exactly the same the whole time. Despite the fact that I was beginning to worry about the dust accumulation up there, I also decided that if I wanted my room to look like a big girl's, I had to do something about the stuffed animals and picture books. I replaced my childhood possessions with current books I enjoy, like Harry Potter! As well as little knick knacks I have accumulated over the years. Although I am sad to have bid my toys farewell, I am in love with my new shelves and their grown up demeanor. 

Cauliflower Soup

Last nights horrendous storm took with it not only leaves and debris, but any hope I had the winter was well and truly over. Spring has sprung, but it sure doesn't feel like it. So, instead of sulking about the bitter breeze and lack of sun tan, I embraced it by preparing my favourite winter warmer. Enter: Cauliflower soup. This recipe is super easy, and, super healthy. With a little help from my mum, we were able to whip this up in under an hour. We used this recipe here, but tripled it, so that many jars could be frozen for later. We also altered it slightly by substituting the cream for extra stock. This meant their was no fat, and we could call this recipe our own. This soup acts as a great meal for lunch or dinner, or even a snack. And, there is hardly any fat - what could be better? 

 {1.3kgs of Cauliflower}

{Adding the vegetable stock}

{The finished result}

 

Hong Kong Part 2

{Wearing: H&M dress, Bensimon sneakers, L'Amirica leather purse, Bali Joy bracelet}

There is something really fun about shopping in Hong Kong. This of course, I have only discovered since being home. Chapel Street and Glenferrie Road don't seem nearly as exciting as they did before I left.  This is coming someone who usually visits main-stream stores that offer much of what you would see in the latest Dolly magazine. With that being said, visiting this exciting country made me want to head off the beaten track and find some of those fabulous pieces everyone always talks about. I ventured across the island (which includes taking a ferry) to visit some of the best markets Hong Kong has to offer, I went down small streets, and, most importantly, I kept an open mind to trying new things. In saying this, here are a few pictures of wonderful areas to shop in Hong Kong, that one may not initially find appealing or convinient, but are well worth the trouble in the end. 

{Why not pick up a fake Valentino or Balenciaga bag while you're over here? Ladies Market}

{A rather extensive collection of jewellery - Ladies Market}

{Hong Kong's Times Square} 

 

{Immersing myself in my favourite part of their culture - their food! Pacific Place}

{Wearing: Zara Jeans, Vena Cava for Bloomingdales blouse, Metalicus Blazer, Country Road Flats}

 

Hong Kong Part 1

{Insanely good coffee at the airport}

I had a really wonderful week away, but it sure is nice to be home. It is surprising how much you can fit into five full days in a foreign country. We visited nearly every mall on the island, checked out some of the fabulous markets, caught up with old friends, and even had time to relax in the sun (and get burnt to a crisp - quite comfy for the plane ride home!) I thought I would share with you some of the better pictures I took while we were away. Enjoy.

 {The Hong Kong Ladies Market}

{A small gesture from our wonderful hotel - I ate most of these}

{Wearing: Sportsgirl dress, Zara Cardigan (not pictured), Bensimon sneakers, Ray Ban sunglasses an L'Amirica leather purse}

{Despite being far away, there is always something to remind us of home}

A Note Before I Go

Bon Voyage readers! Not sure what the computer situation is going to be in HK, but I will try my very best. Enjoy your week and I will write you soon. Love Sarah xxx

All Packed Up

 {A list I make to minimise my overpacking}

Here are a few snaps I took while packing earlier today. It is completely eccentric and crazy, and an incredibly long process from start to finish, but it ensures nothing is left behind. I am one of those people who lays out their clothes, packs them, takes them out, adds more, then packs them again. 

{A Husk travel bag I use to house all my on board essentials}

 {These are the only shoes i'll be needing where i'm going}

 {A creative way to identify my suitcase on the carousel}

{A colourful T-bag shirt I got for Christmas last year}

{Jewelery stored in a Mimco pouch}

{Light make-up for the humid weather} 

{An outfit set aside for the plane ride}

The Renovators

{My 'S' sits nicely in my bookshelf}

Perhaps it's the TV show, or maybe it's just my obsession with rearranging things that inspired me to give my bedroom a much needed renovation rescue. Ever since the start of the year, I have begun to update certain aspects of my room. Firstly, I ventured out to Ikea and purchased a clothing rack (which I built myself), picture frames, storage boxes and shoe racks. Next, I bought a new doona cover and sheet set. And now, I am tackling the smaller things: my bedside tables, dresser and desk. 

{Old magazines act as a great centrepiece for my bedside tables}

{A vintage plate now houses all my bracelets and bangles}

{An old gift bag is the perfect place to keep assorted ribbons and watches}

 

Bargain Buying

{Missoni for Target} 

I love it when designers create a collection for Target. It means that people like you and me who can't justify spending $400 on a cardigan, can will have beautiful clothes. Missoni have created a cracker of a collection to distribute (much to my dismay) to all Target stores around the United States. The thing that I love the most about this collection is that they have not only created beautiful clothes for women and children, but an incredibley sophisticated range of homewares - all featuring that iconic Missoni striped print.

 

{A Zigzag infinity scarve}  

 

{V-Neck Knit Cardigan - Multicolor Zigzag Print}

 

{Gorgeous umbrella}

Coastal Living

{The lavender lined driveway}

It is such a beautiful day down here at Portsea, so I wanted to share with you all a few pictures that I took earlier. 

 

{Wearing: True Religion jeans, Aqua for Bloomingdales top, Orange pashmina, Sportsgirl aviators and Bensimon sneakers.} 

 

{Blossom trees}

{Chilling in the lavender bushes}

{My home}

My home away from home

Look where I escaped to for the weekend.

I have had a holiday home in Portsea all my life. I am very lucky to have this quiet, beautiful place just an hour from the city, but, sometimes I forget it. I haven't been so fond of coming down here in the past couple of weeks because of the lack of activity and people. Today, however, when we drove down the lavender lined driveway, the sun was shining, the flowers were in bloom, and my opinion of my beach house did a 180. 

 

 

Cookie Creations

My friend made me this incredibly cute batch of cookies today. It was a wonderful surprise to come to school and find her waiting there with them. They were delicious - she is an excellent cook. When I got home from school, I decided to turn them into a yummy ice cream sandwich. I have always loved eating these bad boys because they combine all my favourite things: chocolate, cookies and vanilla bean ice-cream! 

{Just choc-chip cookies and ice-cream. The easiest snack.}

Comfort Food

I didn't have the best day at school today. You know, just teenage stuff. Anyway, to lift my spirits a little, I thought I would bake something. I don't know about you guys, but food always makes me feel just a little better. I decided to make some brownies because they are easy and chocolatey, which to me, is very appealing. The recipe can be found here. 

 

 

Young hearts, run free

Just stopping by today. Big test tomorrow, but holidays start on Friday, so I will be hanging around here a little more. Saw an incredible interview on E! News, which showcased some amazing fashion bloggers, they have really inspired me. 

Here are some pictures from a day out with friends. I am wearing: Forever 21 dress, Metalicus blazer (not pictured), Vitsen boots, black tights, Sportsgirl shades and a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag.