Australia Day - Lunch, Cakes and Party Ideas!

THE MAIN EVENT

Slow-roasted Aussie lamb pies by What Katie Ate

Vegan sausage rolls by VegeTARAian

Chargrilled Prawns by Gourmet Traveller

CAKES AND SWEET TREATS

Pavlova cupcakes by A Cookie Named Desire

Iced Vovo Cake by Raspberri Cupcakes

Tim Tam Cake by Raspberri Cupcakes

Lamington Cake by Love Swah

PARTY IDEAS

Use native florals

Make your own Australia flag bunting: Love Swah

Friday Fashion - Strappy Casual Summer Heels

Wanted Shoes

Windsor Store

Wittner Shoes

Siren Shoes

Zu Shows

Novo Shoes

Betts Shoes

Karissa Pukas - How to Build your Booty

Who is she?

Karissa Pukas has been a little starlet on You Tube for years now, making quite the name for herself for beautifully edited videos on everything from skincare, makeup, fashion and vlogs. A Canadian living in Australia, Karissa lives with her boyfriend Glen and her super cute chihuahua Lola.

What is she up to?

She has recently kicked up a gear in her vlogging and we love seeing what she is up to, like beach trips and market exploring, hitting the gym and making healthy meals, or showing us how she planted her vegetable garden. Watch one here where she does a circuit training session or watch this one for vegan and vegetarian meal ideas.

How does she inspire us?

After hitting the gym for the past few months, Karissa posted about her current progress in the gym and how she has achieved some serious goals! We love seeing girls inspiring each other to make better choices and feel confident, strong and happy! Let's see what she wrote down below…. and can we just say, looking AMAZING Karissa!!!

I was always insecure about my ass. I grew up quite athletic, but skinny and flat as a pole (my friends always called me lamp shade when I wore a skirt…)

It never made things easier that I fell into a job where every aspect of my body and personality was scrutinized. I had always been athletic and had no problem gaining muscle and tone everywhere else on my body- but my legs and butt were my ‘problem spot’ I just thought it couldn’t be done and it was what it was How wrong was I.

The past 4 months I’ve focused on eating more consistently (making sure I’m eating a good mixture of protein and slow release carbs) and lifting. Heavy. Pushing myself more than I ever have before. I was always afraid of looking bulky up top and convinced myself that cardio was 'enough’ and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Lifting has changed my life - physically and mentally. It’s just the start of my journey and I’m pretty stoked to see where it takes me. #LampPostNoMore

HUGE thanks to my mom, @nikkiblackketter and @buffbunny for the daily inspiration. Who run the world…?

Tell us, who is your inspiration??

January Essentials

How to keep those holiday vibes going this summer.

FETCH FLOATS

Move over giant swan or even you over there giant flamingo because there's a new cool kid in town. Fetch floats have brought out a range of mystical floaties shaped in dragons and unicorns. These must-have sun lounges will turn your pool party into a magical wonderland.

SUMMER FRUIT COCKTAILS

Of course we want to be using our fruit for green smoothies and fresh fruit salads this summer but nothing beats a margarita punch to get the party started.

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Punch

Ingredients:
500 grams of strawberries, chopped and preferable frozen
2 lemons, juiced
4 cups water
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
1½ cups good-quality tequila
1 cup of no added sugar pineapple juice
4 cups of diet lemonade
¼ cup of stevia
Limes and strawberries, for garnish
Salt to rim glasses (optional)

Method:
Put chopped strawberries along with stevia and 1 cup water into a blender or food processor and mix until smooth.
Pour strawberry mixture into a large pitcher Add lemon and orange juice, soda, agave nectar, tequila, and the remaining 3 cups of water. Mix until well combined.
Serve over ice, garnish with strawberries and limes. Salt the rim of your glasses for an added margarita flair. Enjoy!

LUXE BEACH TOWELS

Beginning boutique

Beginning boutique

Planning to find the perfect beach or park spot to set up for the day with a good book, some coconut water and your beau? A big luxurious beach towel can be your fave picnic blanket, sand protector and be something to wrap you up after a day in the pool.

POWER BOWLS

Acai bowls were so 2015 as 2016's equivalent are nutritionally packed bowls of veggie goodness that are the perfect summertime meal. Take inspiration from Korean and Japanese cooking by adding brown rice, your favourite veggies, top with a little protein of your choice and flavour with spices and herbs.

BRONZING OILS

The most luxurious faux tans to be released our infused with natural oils to moisturise your skin while leaving you with a bronzed glow. This way you can get fake baked without drying your skin out, leaving your tan looking more natural and lasting longer. Or choose a shimmering bronzed oil to enhance your tan and leave your looking super sexy for a night out.

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

Frocks that fit below the neck line are perfect to wear throughout the hotter months and can be paired with a denim jacket for evenings. These sort of dresses are perfect to throw on in those 'I have nothing to wear' moments. Throw on some sandals, a floppy hat and you're out the door.

Princess Polly

Witchery

Atmos Here

My highlights of style in 2015

Before 2016 rings in, I want to mention a few of my favourite style trends to emerge in 2015. Style is something that constantly evolves and changes as life transpires. Some of my inspirational stylists this year were beauty vloggers like Chloe Morello and Rachael Brook, and sydney trend setters posting instagram shots with lush layouts of fashion, accessories and beauty products.

Of course Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle remain constant sources of influence, largely because they dedicatedly present fashion houses collections and keep us informed in all we need to know. Travelling to Europe this year also meant I could see designer collections first hand and see the trends first in the Northern hemisphere, knowing what I could expect to hit down under later that year.

Last but not least, what my friends do with their fashion and accessory choices always inspire me, as well as women I spot in my daily life. I admittedly check out women much more than I do men. People watching gives me some of my greatest style thoughts.

Here is three trends I will be taking through to the new year.

Ear Cuffs

Not brave enough to pierce my ears beyond the school girl pearls in each ear, ear cuffs allowed me to experiment with jewellery not usually for those less adventurous types. Ear cuffs come in all different sizes and placements with different stones, metals and designs. Ornate ones create a dramatic effect and small dainty pieces dress up a simple ensemble.

Rachael Brook - Ear Cuff Amber Sceats

My ear cuff from Mimco

Chloe Morello

Reflective sunglasses

Straight off the runway, the latest trend in sunglass wear in high gloss reflective pieces that will make a statement. Aviator shape, bright colours, loud styles and bold metals, this trend isn't subtle.

Mini Cross Body Bags

Mini.

Long strap or petite handles.

Structured and super cute. May contain studs, tassels or buckles.

THE bag trend of 2015 and it's here to stay.

What trend got you excited this year?