Where to eat in Canberra

Where to eat in Canberra

Would You Rather

Tuesday 16 July 2013

I made a half batch of this salad on Monday, and it's lasting me through this particular cold, dreary week. Recipe originally from Cookie and Kate.
I learnt that 'pomegranate seeds' are actually called 'arils'. And one step further, I learnt how to remove said 'arils' from the pomegranate using the water method. Big week for me!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup black or red quinoa, rinsed well in a mesh colander
  • 6 stalks of leafy organic celery, leaves picked and reserved, cut into a small dice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • loose 1/2 cup curly parsley, chopped
  • 2 pomegranates, arils carefully removed
Instructions
  1. Pour the rinsed quinoa into a medium sized pot on the stove. Add two cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Cover and simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes, until the water is absorbed. In the meantime, chop your celery and parsley. Once it’s done, remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
  3. Drain the quinoa and transfer to a mixing bowl. While it is still hot, mix in the celery, olive oil, vinegar, allspice and salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and leave it to cool completely, or close to it.
  4. Once cool, add the parsley, celery leaves and pomegranate arils. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary (more vinegar or salt and pepper), then serve.

Wednesday 3 July 2013



 When I was in Copenhagen recently, I couldn't resist going to H&M's latest retail venture & other stories. Upon entering the store, the immaculate and perfectly merchandised layout made every single item look appealing. The store had first caught my eye after seeing some pictures of their gorgeous packaging on Pinterest, like the nude lipstick shown above.

As I made my way down to the cosmetics section (I arrived only half an hour before closing time, so I had to prioritise), this pale pink wallet caught my eye. I've been looking for something to replace my leopard seed coin purse that I had been using while travelling, and while the colour may not be durable (time will tell), it was too pretty to pass up. As I by-passed the delicate and simple jewellery, the chic footwear and crisp lines of clothes, I came across the cosmetic section. I wish I could've bought it all. I think I picked up the lip balm in "Dungaree Rose" because of its similarity to this By Terry 'Rose Balm' (featured in many of this is glamorous's outfit posts). It was near impossible to walk past the powder and blush (in Applebloom Pink) inscribed with a quotation from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet':

"Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days"

As Australia readies itself for the launch of H&M  - sadly not in time for the Isabel Marant collaboration - I can only hope that this may spurn on the likelihood of making shipping available to Australia from & other stories.

Images: one, two, three, four

Thursday 27 June 2013

Just a quick note from Dubai airport to apologise for my absence. I've spent the past few weeks completing exams then travelling with my family throughout Denmark, Sweden, Italy and the UK, so it's been all systems GO for a little while. Once I'm back and settled on my home turf I have a stockpile of blog entries to add (hauls, DIYS and Would You Rather's all ready to go!)
Hope you're all keeping well and smiley and look forward to more posts in the coming days!

Friday 7 June 2013

These two emotionally soaring songs are just what my Friday night packing mode called for. Hey Rosetta's "There's An Arc" has long been a favourite of mine, and my friend introduced me to Bastille's "Pompeii" earlier in the week. Warning: you may find yourself getting unexpectedly emotional.



Wednesday 5 June 2013




Below you can see my favourite wrapping I did for Christmas last year, heavily inspired by the Fete magazine image at the top. Anything that has elements of fabric and ribbons, brown paper and spots, stripes and florals has me won over.  Having a stock pile of brown kraft paper, ribbon, striped fabric and washi tape will ensure that any gift you give will make a statement.
Images: one, two, three, four

Monday 3 June 2013

How amazing does this salad on Sweetsonian look? Summer in the northern hemisphere makes this salad perfectly appropriate. A few simple ingredients, fresh produce and stunning presentation, that's my favourite type of food.

Simply slice the watermelon into cubes (or for a fun alternative, you could use shaped cutters). Place rocket (arugula) on the plate and scatter the watermelon on top. Crumble the feta over the arrangement and season with salt and pepper. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic and perfecto! Can't wait to try this as a post-exam treat.

Saturday 1 June 2013


Studying is not an ideal way to spend my weekends, I would much prefer to be making beautiful things inspired by these posts from Creature Comforts and A Pair and a Spare. Love my Tubereuse Diptyque candle my parents "gave me" for my birthday (bought in Paris with birthday money!) but the price tag isn't very student friendly. These two projects are glamorous and affordable and would be fantastic presents to make for your friends.


Tuesday 28 May 2013

It takes something pretty spectacular to detract me from my usual uniform of black and white. Exhibit A: Mary Katrantzou inspired prints.

The pastel colours depicting retro interiors and the modern take on the extended split shift dress flatters the female form in new and exciting ways. Forever New's gorgeous "Alizia Mirror Print Dress" is a stunning example of the printed shift dress. Trans-seasonal and perfect for wearing to any semi-formal event (like Serena did for Blair's wedding shower), match it with pearls and metallic heels to give a serious edge to a girly look.
Images: one, two, three, four
I purchased this Nars lipstick in 'Crusing' more than a year ago and adore it for day to day wear. The formulation is relatively moisturising and just enough colour to provide definition to your lips when you're going for the minimal make-up look. The MAC lipstick in Hue is more pink, but when applied thinly under gloss, it loses its "bubblegum-ness" that I don't particularly like.

What's your favourite nude coloured lipstick? I'm very keen to try the Tom Ford range - according to this article on nude lips "Spanish Pink" is the colour to try, but "Nude Vanille" looks absolutely gorgeous.

Sunday 26 May 2013

So here's something I never thought I'd find myself typing: I willingly bought a skort. Combining the functionality of shorts with the femininity of a skirt, they're practical and sweet at the same time. After seeing several of my favourite bloggers favouring the Zara asymmetrical skort, I dove in and bought it yesterday. While a bit hesitant on wearing white on my lower half (I am a gigantic grub, and it would take one yum cha date to end up splattered and stained), I think if I reserve it for specific occasions, I could get overlapping summer wears out of it. 

The outfit formula seems to be a neutral coloured (white, black, grey, chambray or nude) top paired with a black satchel (Celine, yes please!) - very easily integrated into my current wardrobe.

Images: one, two, three, four

Sunday 19 May 2013


Some other edible flower recipes to accompany your floral ice cubes. Tea sandwiches which are just far too sweet and a green salad adorned with flowers for a pop of colour. I don't think I could ever be game enough to present these in front of male guests, definitely something a girly event would appreciate.

Saturday 18 May 2013

Nothing is as universally flattering and simply glamorous like nude patent heels. The Pink Peonies shows how easy it is to pair with classics in your existing wardrobe like white button ups and trench coats.
Images: one, two, three, four

Friday 17 May 2013

The amount of time I spend thinking about my dream kitchen is extremely disproportionate to the amount of discipline and fiscal responsbility I have. I dream of a world where I have enough disposable income to afford either of the covetable Le Cresuset or KitchenAid Mixer. Pale pink is perfection in the kitchen.

Thursday 16 May 2013



When I moved to England, the only product I knew I absolutely could not step back on a plane without was a pair of Hunters. Evoking childhood memories and the ability to trot through puddles with ease, Hunters are the grown up way to get around . The standard black is my favourite, but the classic olive green or a bright version can really bring an outfit together.


Images: one and two

Wednesday 15 May 2013


 What a sweet idea to liven up drinks! Freezing small edible flowers in an ice cube tray is so easy and effectively stunning. Either fill an ice bucket laden with flower ice cubes or place the cubes inside a clear glass tumbler and wait for your guests to gush over just how adorable you are.
 
Images: one, two, three

Monday 13 May 2013

It's like Topshop's designers go "How much money can we extract out of Cassie by creating articles of clothing that she can rationalise as being necessities?"
 Firstly, the snuggest jumper I own. Hugs the body tight across the top with the high-front-low-back that makes it perfect for hiding your toosh away when paired with leggings. Incredibly soft as well.


 Secondly, a long sleeve sheer blouse. Super versatile, wore this out for drinks and dancing with friends. Pretty underwear is a must - play it subtle with a beige/pink, or minx-y with black Elle Macpherson Intimates.


 Finally, a chiffon pale pink 3/4 length dress. I was feeling unsure about this dress when I first spotted it in store (the colour caught my eye pretty much instantaneously), but after seeing a girl in the local Sainsbury's pairing it with a denim jacket and brown ankle boots, I fell in love with this look. Can't wait to wear this around London this weekend.

Two of my favourite actresses shot in similar black-and-white-with-a-splash-of-pale-pink-and-floral-motifs style. Carey Mulligan being adorable on this months Bazaar in anticipation for Great Gatsby's release and Kirsten Dunst in September of last year on the cover of Elle. Great covers showcasing great beauty.
One of my Sunday procrasti-(pseudo)baking sessions. A classic fruit tart that is so deceptively  impressive. My girl Nigella aka THE Goddess introduced me to this no-cooking required beauty and it has quickly made it to my arsenal of fail safe recipes.

Ingredients:
375 g digestive biscuits
75g softened unsalted butter
400g cream cheese, at room temperature
240g ready-made lemon curd, at room temperature.
Around 300 g of mixed berries. I used raspberries, blackberries, strawberries (halved) and blueberries, but redcurrants and pomegranate seeds could be beautiful additions.

Method:
1. "Process the biscuits and the butter to a sandy rubble in a food processor, then press the mixture into the sides and bottom of the tart tin. Place in the freezer (or fridge if that is not possible) for about 10–15 minutes." - I don't readily have access to a food processor, so getting messy with my hands is equally as effective.
2. Mix the cream cheese and lemon curd and spread it into the bottom of the chilled tart tin, covering the base of the tart evenly.
3. Arrange all of the fruit gently (so that it doesn’t sink into the filling too much) on top of the lemony cream cheese in a decorative manner.
4. Place the tart in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the fridge. It does need to get properly cold in order to set enough for the tart to be unsprung and sliced easily.

Sunday 12 May 2013

A year ago, I could not get Isabel Marant's Dicker boots out of my head. That lovely soft taupey-mushroom colour works so well with jeans and a tee winter, and socks and a floral dress in the summer. Fast forward to now, and the wedge sneaker is eclipsing most street style blogs. If I were to invest in this style, I think the lighter beige makes a good training wheel pair. I'm rather tall, but done right, I don't really have qualms with wearing a heel during the day. Which would make a better investment? Or do you see this as a passing fad and are better off sticking with high street versions?


Images: one and two

Saturday 11 May 2013

Lisa Mitchell and Erin Fetherston looking adorable with the crown braid,while the model shows how to make the look work sans a fringe.

I think I'll try this tutorial over the weekend. Be sure to let you know how I go.
Update: My attempt, feeling inspired by Lover the Label

Listening to: Lisa Mitchell - Romeo & Juliet
The ubiquitous vintage band tee raises some issues with integrity. I have some conflicting feelings about faux-vintage, but with its proliferation on the high street, it's almost inescapable. I think the general rules to follow are:
1) Does the design match your usual aesthetic?
2) Is it EVERYWHERE? Ramones tees circa mid-2000s, I'm looking at you...
3) Can you name at least some of their discography?

I think the above shirt certainly fulfils criteria one and three for me. Time will tell if the producers of this top will render criteria two true. I like my tees thin and soft enough to sleep in but cute enough to wear out for impromptu picnics.

Warning: Haters gonna hate. You'll have those hardcore members who believe you're only legitimately allowed to wear a vintage band tee as long as your mother bought it from the merchandise stand at the concert in '78 where she met your dad before they eloped... or something equally contrived. I've definitely been guilty of tossing around the "poser" tag, we all have, right?
Some things I'm doing to mentally prepare for The Great Gatsby premiere:
  • Listening to the soundtrack on repeat
  • Lusting after every sequined, scalloped, velvet and fringed item of clothing I've seen
  • Picking out which Art Deco ring I wish were mine.
Which of these two appeals to you more? Oxidised Platinum + White Gold + Circular Diamonds = Be Still My Beating Heart.

Images: one and two

Thursday 9 May 2013



For my birthday this year, a few friends and I made a weekend trip to Paris - as you do when studying in Europe. A must-see/taste was definitely a trip to Ladurée. The famous macaron store is as much a visual feast as it does quell your appetite for something sweet. The array of flavours and colours and the perfect packaging makes it the perfect little luxury.

I enjoyed it so much that we found another outlet the next day just so I could try one of their delicious pastries - the photo below shows me enjoying it just a little too much.

With the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea coming up on the 23rd May, perhaps you could make a batch to share with friends?

Images: one, (two and three my own images),  four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

Saturday 4 May 2013






 Images: one, two, three, four, five, six


Oh, to be married in Chanel with flowers in my hair and ballet flats on my feet in the south of France. Kiera Knightley shows us how to nail the intimate wedding.

Friday 3 May 2013

The Great Debate: Peony v Hydrangea

Fresh flowers are the most beautiful little luxury you can buy yourself. Whether it's the full bulbous blooms of peonies, or the voluminous pastel colourings of hydrangeas, flowers are my favourite little treat to buy when having a blue day or feeling like the world is an ugly place.



The shot below was taken on an early Saturday morning when riding back from Canberra's Epic Farmer Markets. These three colours are complemented perfectly by the brown butcher's paper, and kept me company for a solid week in a tall, cylindrical, glass vase.

Images:one, two, threefour, five.

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About Me

My name is Cassie and I am a student currently on exchange in Manchester, UK from Canberra, Australia. This blog is a space for inspiration, the nicest things to me. Very, very amateur. Be kind.
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