FESTIVE ORGANIC CHOCOLATE

Festive Organic Chocolate 

Here is a delicious treat for christmas - or anytime! The colours of the ingredients make it look a little festive and christmasy. These little treats aren't hard to make and taste incredible. Enjoy! 

Ingredients

- 2 blocks of Loving Earth (Organic Raw Dark Chocolate)

- Pinch of salt

- 1/4 cup Shredded Coconut

- 1/4 cup Dried Goji berries

- Pinch of Cacao Nibs

- 1/4 cup Crushed Pistachio 

- 1/4 cup Walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare all your ingredients - chop pistachios / walnuts, and anything else you would want 

2. Using the double boiler method, melt the first block of chocolate (continuous stirring), once melted, add the other block and complete the same process

3. Spread chocolate on a baking sheet onto the shape plate / bowl / tray you want (you could even get a christmas tree mould and do that!)

4. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients and then press them down gently

5. Put the chocolate into the freezer for about 1hr, so that it can firm back up. 

6. Then break / cut into desired shape and ENJOY !

If you made them, let me know if you liked them - or any improvements that you made!

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Every year the Swedish Church in Toorak (Melbourne, Victoria) holds a Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar over a weekend in December and I made sure this year I didn't miss it. 

People of all ages came to enjoy the markets, live music, fresh cultural dishes (including Norwegian waffles) while gaining a glimpse into this beautiful culture. There was such a large sense of christmas community spirit. I felt instantly welcomed and accepted to be able to enjoy what they had on offer. The atmosphere was alive and warming.

 Of course I didn't leave empty handed... 

Thank-you very much for having me! I had a lovely time and I can't wait to see you next year! 

Pastries - Swedish Church

Tea - Swedelicious

Artist | 'TROPICO' - Lana Del Ray

'Tropico'  Directed by Anthony Mandler featuring Lana Del Ray I have never been a huge fan of Lana Del Ray in the sense of music - but her style has always been something I've loved. Her short film, Tropico, was premiered today and I have been waiting to watch this for some while. I had high hopes that it would be stylistic and something beautiful to watch - and it was.  I am so pleased I took the time to watch this, because it is magnificent.  The short film has a huge amount of religious symbolism of 'sin and redemption', it has underlining meanings of a human's relation to the world, their innocence, beauty and encounters of 'good and bad'. The couple begin in the 'Garden Of Eden' and then following the story of Adam and Eve, eat the forbidden fruit and are banished to the 'Garden of Evil' (Los Angeles in the film). It then goes from a fantasy world, featuring unicorns, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Jesus and John Wayne, to this incredible raw environment - yet cinematically beautiful.  For some, it may feel like a really long music trailer as three of Lana Del Ray's songs are featured - but I feel like the music lyrically flows really well together as a whole. But for the most part, the visuals and cinematography is what I most liked - as it was very enticing and beautiful. 

SKATE MOSS

And I am obsessed. 

Nick Thomm is a genius. This board is amazing. 

Get it here !

STRAWBERRY FIELD

On the first day of summer I thought it would be a great idea to go to the strawberry field's to celebrate the hot weather by picking my very own punnet of strawberries. It so happens I was not alone in thinking that it would be a great idea - as I found myself in a very large space filled with a ridiculous amount of people with the scent of summer in the air; sweat. It then became a race of "who can get the strawberries first"- this making the trip to the strawberry field short lived.

As we were driving home, we came across a little farm that sells organic eggs, honey and lemons - and they had this little shack / cubby house and a jar where you place your money that states "honesty appreciated". I don't know why I found this so strange, but I 'honestly appreciated' the trust. It made me feel really great about myself - that someone can be so trusting towards strangers.

In saying this, keep yourself safe but have trust that things may just work out in a positive way.
__________

On that note, here's a bit of a feel good song by Mikhael Paskalev.
(If the song doesn't make you feel great then the video clip sure will)

Designer | BY CHARLOTTE

By Charlotte is an elegant, travel inspired jewellery collection by renowned make-up artist, Charlotte Blakeney. 

I have recently become obsessed with the simplicity and quality of these pieces - very feminine and delicate. Blakeney has chosen the Lotus Flower as a symbol featured throughout her pieces - representing purity and new beginnings.  Her pieces have been worn by fashion icons Lara Bingle and GQ Woman of Year, Jess Hart. 

By Charlotte    |    ByCharlotteInstagram 

- Follow me on instagram - 

Model | DOUTZEN KROES

In the Victoria Secret Spirit... 

Doutzen Kroes

By Tom Munro, Vogue Spain, (September, 2013)

MACAROONS ON CHAPEL

Chapel Street, Melbourne

Due to the happiness of all my assignments being finished (and completing one full year of university), my friend Sarah and I went to Chapel St - a street known for shopping and great places to dine!

 And did we dine... 

It was one of the first sunny days Melbourne has seen in a little while, unexpected, but sunny none the less. It was great to get out and see the new seasons fashions BUT the biggest highlight was the Macaroon's we had - Sarah's first Macaroon. 

A La Folie was the name of this amazing place and we had the pleasure of meeting the creator herself - she went through the selection of what were her favourites and how a french woman from Paris has come to Melbourne to open a shop for 'Macaroons and Petits Choux'. We felt like we were in a jewellery store picking out a ring for that special someone - but really we were just trying to find that one perfect Macaroon for ourselves. I HIGHLY recommend if you are ever in Chapel St, go to this incredible Patisserie as this place really offers an incredible experience and obviously delicious food.

Oh and we did a little shopping too!

- Photography: myself -