Sunday, 26 October 2014

Lion Rock


Today I made the trip out to Piha on Auckland's West Coast for a hike up Lion Rock.
The weather wasn't the best but it was awesome to get outside. If you are ever in Auckland I recommend heading out there for the day, the black sand beaches are beautiful.

x


F



Healthy Cacao Breakfast Smoothie



What you need:

Frozen banana
1 Jar Unsweetened almond milk
1Tbsp Cacao powder
1 Tbsp LSA
4 Medjool dates
1 Tspn Cinnamon

Optional for topping:
Almonds
Desiccated coconut
Cacao nibs



Method:

Add frozen banana, dates, jar of almond milk, cacao powder, LSA and cinnamon to blender. Blend on high until smooth!

Side Notes:

Frozen bananas turn smoothies into a thick, icey dream. I cut up a bunch at a time, one banana into four quarters and store in my freezer in a plastic bag - they keep forever and make for easy access during smoothie time. The more frozen banana you add to your smoothie the thicker and dreamier it gets.

Not only are dates are an incredible natural replacement to any sweetener they also work wonders for your morning bathroom movements.

I use unsweetened almond milk due to it's incredibly low calorie count. It is better to use an unsweetened milk and add something such as dates if you require a sweet something-something.

Cacao powder is probably the best superfood investment, yes it is expensive, no you will not regret it. I pile it into my smoothies; when I say one tablespoon, I mean one massive heap.

LSA is a vital ingredient to this morning smoothie, you must make sure you have protein with every meal to ensure you stay fuller for longer. Never heard of LSA? Linseed, Sunflower seeds and Almonds, all the protein you need to start the day.





Topping:

After you have filled your jar to the brim you can then add some extra goodness; cinnamon, crushed almonds, desiccated coconut and cacao nibs.

If you are having your smoothie on the run, as I do most mornings, you can chuck your lid on the jar and it will keep well until you're ready to neck it. I usually make my smoothies in the evening, keep them in the fridge overnight and then chuck them in my gym bag in the morning.

x

S

The Collins






This is a breakfast spot not to be missed. I had annual leave so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to take a drive to Greenhithe. This isn't the closest option for breakfast for me but it was definitely worth it. I decided to go for the Huevous Benedicto's, this was a Mexican take on your normal Eggs Benedict. I must say it was delicious. So if you are looking for something new to try and want to venture out of the city I would definitely make the trip.

The Collins 20 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe, Auckland


https://www.facebook.com/thecollins.co.nz?fref=ts

x

F







Wall Planters



Wall Planters in 3 Steps

These are a great addition to any space and they are really easy to make.

What you will need to create these little earthy joys are the following:

5 x light bulb shells - these can be found at 

1 x roll thin wire - this can also be found at Mitre10

1 x bag of soil - from your local garden shop

5 x mini indoor plants - from your local garden shop



Steps:

1. Once you have every thing you need all you need to do is to tie the wire around the top of each bulb leaving a loop so they can be hug on the wall. 

2. Next you need to fill the bulbs with soil and plant your plants. Make sure the soil is nice and damp.

3. One once you have finished planting the plants it is then time to pop a few hooks onto the wall and hang up your new feature.

If you have any trouble with putting these together remember you can always ask a questing through the blog.

Good luck!

x

F






The Sugar Club







A few months ago I went to The Sugar Club - Sky City, this is one of Peter Gordon's restaurants and I highly recommend it. It is rather pricey but totally worth it, what is really cool about the dining experience is you get "FREE" entry up the sky tower. So make sure you head along on a beautiful day, as the view is remarkable. 

PLEASE HEAD ALONG BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY IT.



x

F


Hello, Welcome.



Hello, welcome to our blog.

We are Frankie and Steph. Our blog vision is simple, all things that intrigue us; home decor, design, photography, health, fitness, food and drink, make up, fashion and beauty to name a few. We aim to create a fresh take on all subject matter, keeping it honest, fresh and interesting for you. Frankie and Steph will be your go to hub and new online obsession.

A few things about us...

How old are you and what's your background:

Steph: Im 24 going on 30. I have a background in fashion; currently working as a retail manager of a ladies clothing store.

Frankie: 24! Im currently working as a Graphic designer/Marketing Communications Coordinator.

Tell us something different about yourself:

Steph: I am an incredibly lazy cook. It's not that I don't enjoy it or that I can't cook well, I just cant be bothered with fancy dishes. Is that really bad?
Frankie: I actually love alone time.

What is your favourite food:

Steph: Chips. All kinds of chips too... potato crisps, french fries, wedges, corn chips. 
Frankie: Ahh there are so many things to choose from! But who remembers that all you can eat chocolate mouse from the dine in Pizza Hut! Nothing can beat that :)

What is your current strangest obsession:

Steph: I am currently obsessed with dark chocolate. I was trying to avoid writing something food related. But seriously, the excessive dark chocolate consumption needs to stop.
Frankie: YOUTUBE!

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter:

Steph: I think it has to be Spring, even though it's usually freezing yet you're still determined to rip out your best summer outfits. Nothing beats the longer, lighter nights and the anticipation of summer.
Frankie: Winter, I love being able to chuck on a huge winter coat and boots.

What are you afraid of:

Steph: I am deathly afraid of moths. It is a completely irrational fear level of about 20/10.
Frankie: Scary Movies! I love the idea of them, but when not when you are actually watching them. I swear I have my hands over my face for the entire movie.

If you were stuck on a deserted island for one month and could take three luxury items with you, what would they be:

Steph: This is so hard, ideally they would all be make up products. Ok considering it is deserted I have decided to embrace the bare face and my luxury items would be; my phone, my sunglasses (to hide the bare face) and a month's supply of m&ms.

Frankie: My sunglasses, some sort of wifi box - you can get wifi anywhere nowadays & beers.

What is your favourite restaurant or cafe:

Steph: In Auckland it would have to be The Takapuna Beach Cafe and out of Auckland it would be Hardware Societe, Melbourne.

Frankie: Mmm thats a hard one as I am constantly eating out (unless I'm on one of my weird diets haha) id have to say it would be anywhere in Ponsonby Central! I love Little Bird for an after dinner treat.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Steph: I am still figuring this one out...
Frankie: So am I...



x

F & S