Recipe: Apple Roses

Image via Pinterest

If you're anything like me and you spend too much time on Pinterest then you have most certainly seen the recipe for Apple Roses floating around! If I'm honest I always saw it and put it in the too hard basket until I saw this video from Tip Hero:

Sunday we had planned for a picnic in the park and so I thought it time to try this recipe out!
I changed a few of the steps and ingredients mainly due to differences in degrees (Australia vs. America) and microwave cooking times. 

What you need:

• 4 apples (cored and halved - leave skin on)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 3 Tbsp fruit preserves (I used apricots as the recipe suggested)
• 2 Tbsp of water
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (I thawed two incase of mistakes)
• Cinnamon (as much, or as little, as you want)

Method: 

1. Thaw pastry 
2. Core and halve the apples. Then finely cut into slithers. 
3. Add to bowl and fill with water so the apples are just covered. Add juice of half a lemon. 
4. Microwave for 3 minutes. I actually microwaved for 6 minutes. I think this is touch and go depending on your microwave. You want the apples to be soft enough to roll and slightly browner than you what you began with.
5. Cut your pastry into 5-6 sections.
6. Add preserve and water to bowl. Mix until it has a thin sauce consistency. 
7. Spread preserve on pastry, then put your apple slices down. Sprinkle with cinnamon. 
8. Roll up and place into muffin tray. Make sure that you, not your partner, oils the tray. My partner oiled the tray to "help" and unfortunately some of the apple roses got a bit stuck...lesson learnt! haha.
9. Bake for 35-45 minutes at 190 degrees.

Here are my before and after photos!

Here is another snap from the picnic at New Farm Park on Sunday. The weather was a bit glum but the Jacarandas were still putting on a full show!

It's safe to say both the apple roses and picnic were a success. I would highly recommend this recipe if you want something gorgeous, easy and tasty!

Have you tried making these or have another easy dessert you love?

Trend Alert - Gladiator Sandals

We've been talking about their arrival for so long and I've found myself repeating "our lace-up, gladiator and simply gorgeous sandals are coming, I PROMISE"! Well we can finally say they've arrived! The trend is in full swing and we we're happy to say we've jumped on board - our way!

Now, I know we want to channel a grecian goddess but we don't want to look like we're on our way to a toga party. Thankfully this season the styles are less chunky, not studded and make you look more like a goddess than a warrior. We've picked three styles that are understated, feminine and affordable!

1. Gladiator Sandal

1. Ellis Gladiator Sandal $59: Shop Now 

2. Black Swing Dress $59.95: Shop Now

3. White Cross Necklace $39: Shop Now

Now these look like they're not for the faint hearted but they're actually comfortable, slimming and versatile. The tan and strapping elongates the leg and pairs back with plenty of colours and prints. The tassels give them a boho vibe so when in doubt think fun prints and relaxed frocks. This style suits the fashion forward woman who doesn't want to overspend on a trend nor be uncomfortable.

2. Lace Up Sandal

1. Morgin Black Lace Up Sandal $59: Shop Now

2. Morgin Tan Lace Up Sandal $59: Shop Now

This style is more for the woman of everyday style! A simpler, and easier to wear shape, the Morgin Lace Up Sandal is a summer staple. These sandals are subtle enough that you can wear with frocks of any style and can dive into the trend without going over board! 

Image via Pinterest

Now my only task is to make my Ellis Gladiator Sandals look as gorgeous as these little numbers (Found when trawling through Pinterest)! They make me think of long summer days, morroccan markets and holidays to the tropics - I mean if I can't have any of those we can at least have the sandals, right?

Which style would you wear?

One Top - Unlimited Outfits

If you shopped with us last year then you will know the Shell Top well! However, if you didn't, you're about to be introduced to your new best wardrobe asset! These tops have just landed and you need to know about it!

1. Gypsy Tie Pant $49.95: Shop Now

2. Gold Ankle Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

The Shell Top is an easy to wear top that features a high-low hemline, half sleeve and a scoop neckline. Available in four colours, this shape is flattering on all figures - regardless of your bust or belly size!
The Shell Top answers your outfit prayers and pairs perfectly with fitted skirts and pants, can be tucked into flowing skirts and a half tuck is fantastic for pants with a bit of volume.

Three reasons why we love the Shell Top:

• The Hemline - The shape of the hemline is flattering and slims a woman's widest part...her hips! The shorter part at the front is perfect for wearing with skirts and pants alike (and when I say short I don't mean too short - it still covers the belly). This style pairs well with a fitted skirt for women who aren't comfortable tucking in!
• The Half Sleeve - The half sleeve, or cap sleeve, gives the illusion of a slimmer figure. By widening your figure at the shoulders it can even out your hips. This is a good top if you carry your weight on the lower half of your body - I know a lot of us do! 
• The Drape - This top drapes just heavily enough to cover all the bits we're all conscious about...I'm talking bra and belly lines! That said, this style isn't too full! If you're bigger in the bust - never fear - the scoop neckline has you covered. 

Gorgeous Mel Brady from @searched_and_sourched

1. Stripe Ponte Midi Skirt $29: Shop Now

2. Rose Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

For $49 it's safe to say we're convinced - most of us, including our regular customers walk away with not one, but several, colours. As an easy to wash and wear piece, we're counting that this one will be on high rotation!

Shell Tops $49: Shop Now

Which colour would you wear?

4 School Holiday Essentials

The school holidays are just around the corner and by that we mean this weekend coming! Are you ready for the sugar highs and lows, "are we there yet's" and endless supply of fun in the sun?! 
If you're lucky enough to be hitting the beaches, or staying at home, there are some simple essentials you'll need to get you through, just add wine of course!

1. A Summer Dress

1. Aztec Bianca Dress $89: Shop Now

2. Dover White Anglaise Dress $59: Shop Now

3. Natalie Cross Dress $89: Shop Now

4. Tea Green Floral Dress $79.95: Shop Now

If you're not ready to show off the legs in shorts then a summer dress is the answer!

1. The Aztec Bianca Dress is a lightweight playful style that covers the arms and flatters a larger bust. This style sits just above the knee and can be accessorised with a variety of colours!

2. The Dover White Anglaise Dress is a summer staple - a little white dress is the answer to your little black dress woes! Swap out the dull black for the fresh white and pair with coloured accessories. Try sandals for beachside and wedges for lunch!

3. The Natalie Cross Dress is perfect if you want to cover your arms and like the length of your dresses to touch the knee! The V neckline flatters a larger bust and the shape is relaxed through the mid section - best seller alert!

4. The Tea Green Floral Dress is lightweight and a unique print. The crinkle cotton fabric means it's perfect for travel and is quick dry for wash and wear. Pair with neutral and earthy toned accessories. 

2. A Beach Tote

See All Totes $39: Shop Now

1. Pink & Blue Phoenix Jaipur Bag $39: Shop Now

2. Navy & White Geometric Jaipur Bag $39: Shop Now

3. Lime & Green Bold Jaipur Bag $39: Shop Now

Priced at $39 these tote bags are a winner! Thick canvas, tan leather straps and zip closure your beach essentials are kept stylishly safe! This style is available in 10 different prints and add a pop of colour to any outfit. You can expect to fit your bits and bobs, a turkish towel and everyday essentials in this style!

3. Metallic Slides

See All Metallic Sandals $119.95: Shop Now

We love our new metallic little numbers - this style is so comfortable! If you want to know more, read our earlier post 2 Comfy & Stylish Sandals! You'll learn how good this style is for your feet...move over Birkenstocks! The metallic makes this sandal a little bit dressier but the comfort factor means you can wear them all day! When you're going back and forth between the beach and the bar you'll be thankful for this comfy, yet stylish, sandal! 

4. Sunglasses

See All Sunglasses $79.95-$89.95: Shop Now

1. Roc Miranda Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now

2. Roc Perfect Day Sunglasses (Gold) $89.95: Shop Now

3. Roc Perfect Day Sunglasses (Gun) $89.95: Shop Now

Right now we're loving aviator sunglasses! Available in three different reflections and suitable for just about every face shape. Don't think Top Gun, this style is flattering and in season...we're not sending you back to the 80's we promise! When you think of the aviator think of the sun, surf and sand! 

For more outfit ideas check out our Outfit Idea section: Shop Now

What are your school holiday essentials?

Post-Baby Style Session

On Friday I was lucky enough to spend the morning with Leisa, Ali and Catherine. If you're new to us the ladies can be quickly introduced as:

• Leisa, a mum of three, works in-store on Tuesdays and Fridays! She is a devout celebrant of Fri-Yay and is our visual merchandising fairy.
• Ali, of Ali Kay Style, used to work for Blue Bungalow but has since left us. But don't worry she didn't stray too far - she still comes in for occasional modelling and style sessions. Ali is also a mother of two.
• Catherine, a mum of three, was chosen last week to be our post-baby star for a style session and is absolutely lovely!

All three of these women can recognise that "taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your kids", however we can all agree that sometimes such a simple thing can be very difficult! No one is more exhausted and stressed than new mums so we're trying to make sure women remember themselves amongst the mess of nappies, breastfeeding and minimal sleep!

The pressure to do a million other things often leaves what you wear at the bottom of the priorities list, BUT, wearing the right clothing can minimise stress and simply make you feel good about yourself. This is important when you feel like you're having an out of body experience AND when you're carrying extra kilos that you really don't want.

Ali started the morning giving Catherine fresh hair and make-up (it was Catherine's birthday so the timing couldn't have been more perfect) and then the styling session began. The aim was to get Catherine into outfits that she wouldn't normally pick, looked great in BUT were also practical...Catherine expressed that it's been hard to feel good in her clothes for some time and we don't blame her when she's chasing after three little ones!

We managed to find four outfits for Catherine in the time that we allowed, she is still breastfeeding Lachlan of 6 months so we needed to make sure too much yapping didn't happen! 

1. Light Wash Denim Jacket $69: Shop Now

2. Navy Striped Midi Dress $69.95: Shop Now 

1. Black Raglan Top $69.95: Shop Now

2. Black Capri Pant $79.95: Shop Now

3. Two Strand Necklace $49: Shop Now

4. Spot on Tee $99.95: Shop Now

5. White Jeans $79.95: Shop Now

1. Shades of Spring Shirtdress $169.95: SOLD OUT

2. Navy Pratten Clutch $29: Shop Now

3. Gold Ankle Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

Catherine looked great in all the outfits but we decided that the last outfit (shirtdress) was our favourite. Catherine agreed but also took the sandals, spot on tee and white jeans home! 

Why the shirtdress? Breastfeeding is challenging enough and what you wear can add to your frustration. The shirtdress was the best option as Catherine felt great in it, the colours are gorgeous and breastfeeding is a breeze. Having a relaxed fit and buttons ensures you can undress discreetly and quickly to attend to the screaming and squirming baby you're surely faced with!

When you're too small for maternity clothes and that little bit too big for your normal wardrobe it can be hard to feel stylish! We endeavour to change this and encourage mums to feel attractive and comfortable in their own skin! Making good clothing choices can take the pressure off getting back your pre-baby body and gives you more time to treasure your children! 

We'd like to think that Catherine had fun and she was kind enough to say she "really enjoyed the experience. Leisa had me trying on things I never would have even gone near. Loved that she chose clothing that was practical but made me feel pretty :)".

Don't have time for a styling session? Check out our Shopping Service!

What are your post-baby wardrobe tips?

Summer Loving by Style Loving 2

Recently, Karen from Style Loving 2 wrote a gorgeous post about a her first purchase from Blue Bungalow! She purchased three items from us, the Patchwork Kimono, Western Tan Belt and Embroidered Ink Dress - to see what she said and and see all of the outfits she styled you'll have to check out her post...but we'll show you a sneak peak here!

1. Patchwork Kimono $69: Shop Now

2. Western Tan Belt $35: Shop Now

3. Embroidered Ink Dress $89.95: Shop Now

***

Summer Loving - Blue Bungalow by Karen Suzanne from Style Loving 2

" Living in the Brisbane and it’s gorgeous warm climate, summer clothes take up a large portion of my wardrobe.

So when buying clothes I look for items that are light enough for me wear over the long hot summer we experience.

With this is in mind I came across Blue Bungalow on Instagram.Now I have to say in the last year Instagram has become my shopping inspiration, with the discovery of many new retailers.What I really love about this is that I get to see real women in clothes not just models. Getting to see a true representation of how a certain item may suit me.If you need any outfit inspiration just check at Nikki from Styling You Instagram hashtag #everydaystyle. I have got into the habit of posting daily – check my instagram account here. A godsend when you hit that “I have nothing to wear” dilemma.

Anyway back to the subject at hand – the fabulous summer inspired clothes from Blue Bungalow.
As we are in the last few days of winter and the weather is heating up but still not what I would call hot. I wanted to get something I could wear now.I’m a very instant gratification type of gal, I’m not going to deny it.

I found a fabulous a dress called Embroidered Ink Dress $89.95.
This is made from 100% viscose so is light enough to wear in the summer months but with its long sleeves warm enough to wear now.

I’m wearing it in two different ways –
1. With a Western Tan belt $35.00 (did I mention they also sell some fantastic accessories) and Lilliannai wedges currently on sale 3 pairs for $100.00 – check out their instagram account.2. For those cooler days I’ve added a  Mix Apparel denim jacket – similar one can be found here $35.00and my favourite pair of RMK boots.

***

If you want to check out how Karen styled our Patchwork Kimono read her post here!

We love how Karen has given life to all of the Blue Bungalow goodies she purchased and we're all the more excited about spring!

Finally, on another note - we could not agree more with Karen's statement about seeing 'real women' in clothes. It is all too often that we find we're comparing ourselves to models and just can't compete. Simply, this is exactly the thing that sparked the idea of #BBOnMe. #BBOnMe is a gallery that is dedicated to showing our customers in Blue Bungalow clothing! The aim is to encourage real women to inspire and admire each other - if you haven't yet had a snoop please do so here!

Where do you find your style inspiration? 

Who are your favourite bloggers?

2 Comfy & Stylish Sandals

This post is dedicated to all the ladies out there that either prefer, or are forced, to wear orthotics but don't want to sacrifice on style! The combination of comfort and style is generally incredibly difficult to achieve and so we thought it best to let you in on our Stegmann sandal secret! 

Two styles, in two metallic shades, arrived late on Thursday and it's safe to say every BB woman was excited! We've since all taken home a pair and sold a few more so I thought it best write this while we still have them in stock...

A spring/summer collection, these sandals are focused on delivering comfort without sacrificing on style. German design and made from 100% leather the two sandals offer soft leather uppers, padded insoles and super flexible wearing outsoles. The soles of the styles themselves mould and move with your foot. 

Ali from Ali Kay Style recently purchased a pair of our metallic pearl slides (see her picture below) and said "they are the perfect shade of metallic and are incredibly comfortable but so on trend. Think I am a little in love!!"

Image via Ali Kay Style on Instagram

1. Pearl Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

2. Silver Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

3. Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

4. Rose Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

It's scary to say but it's one sleep until Spring! Yes...that means it's sandal season - time to book in for those pedicures and get that tanning regime started! Armed with one of these styles you'll at least be motivated to start one of the two!

4 Ways to Stylishly Wear One Dress

This post takes one of our favourite new arrivals the "Black Tee Dress" for $69.95 and shows you how to style it four ways! 

Now don't get me wrong, this style can certainly be worn more than four ways BUT I have a golden rule when it comes to shopping. Before I buy something, online or in-store, I take a minute to think "can I wear it four different ways?", or if buying separates I ask, "does this go with four things in my wardrobe?".

HOWEVER, of course this rule flies out the door if I "have to have it", "need it for an occasion" or can't imagine life without it...Feel free to use the rule at your own discretion - don't let it deter you from ALL of the impulse purchases because they're what make late night shopping in your sweatpants fun!

1. LOOK ONE - EVERYDAY

1. Light Wash Denim Jacket $69: Shop Now

2. Roc Miranda Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now

Lightweight, easy to wear and crease-free this style is ideal for everyday (or weekend wear if your 9-5 calls for corporate glam)! Throw it on with a denim jacket to achieve that extra bit of casual cool. As this piece is fabricated from polyester/elastane it means you'll stay crease free all day!
This look can help you run errands, glide through school drop-off like a breeze or brunch and lunch with girlfriends.

2. LOOK TWO - GOING OUT

1. Animal Zip Clutch - Zebra $135: Shop Now

Heading out for dinner and drinks? It's time to accessorise! If you're feeling a bit feminine, add a belt to cinch the waist and then pair with monochrome accessories. This formula will help you achieve simple chic.
BUT, because this dress is basic and black you have free reign to go wild! Why not try adding some colour or a bit of bohemian bling? Try heels for dinner and drinks, wedges for parties on the grass and sandals or flat boots for a BBQ at home!

3. LOOK THREE - BEACH TO BAR

I can almost feel the Santorini breeze kissing my cheeks when I look at this ensemble. Too far? A girl can dream...
This look was styled with from "Beach to Bar" in mind. Black may not conventionally remind you of summer but this fabric will, it's certainly a quick dry style. Lightweight enough for the beach, but not see through - SO you can easily carry on to the bar!
Throw on a Panama Hat and you'll be screaming "Hello european summer", but don't worry ours is just around the corner! 

4. LOOK FOUR - TRANS-SEASONAL STYLE

1. Navy Linear Scarf $29: Shop Now

2. Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

Finally, if you're not seeking summer you can still style this tee dress up for the trans-seasonal, or even, the end of winter period! Easily pair this shift style with a scarf and felt fedora to instantly shield you from the chillier temperatures. If you're inclined to get cold more often than I do (I write this whilst wearing a summer dress) then I also suggest a knit jacket and tights! 

Check out my favourites, both warm and both on sale, below:

1. Aztec Tiger Cardigan $50: Shop Now

2. Monochrome Knit Jacket $50: Shop Now

Well there we have it, one dress and four ways to wear:

Which way would you wear?

FINAL TIP: If you're sold and you go to buy this dress - when in doubt size down! This style is slightly oversized so keep that fact in mind.

Aloha from Hawaii

Well it's been a week...reality has set in and I've well and truly slumped into post-holiday depression (first world problems I know). But, they say the best thing to do is recount your experiences and well, plan your next holiday! At the moment I'm thinking it could be a fabulous plan to escape every Australian winter and head to a tropical destination instead. Could I call it market research?

But first I'll take a step back and give you some of my tips and suggestions, rookie errors and favourite moments from Hawaii. Aloha to the sunshine, salt and sand...

Tips & Suggestions:

• Use Hawaiian Airlines
  If you're stuck trying to find a hotel I suggest jumping onto the Hawaiian Airlines website. We booked our flights and hotel stay as a package and managed to get it cheaper than any where else. However, even though it is an Australian website the prices are still in USD. We got a little bit over excited and then realised a bit further down the track. There's plenty of other options when booking your stay but for a couple that haven't traveled much this was easy, fast and reliable.
• Do stay at The Modern Honolulu!
  
  This was our hotel for the whole duration of our stay and it was so beautiful! 5 star rating (reasonable pricing - we got every 4th night free), cocktails by the pool, comfortable yet beachy decor. It's not right in the middle of Waikiki so you beat the hustle and bustle but it's certainly not too far. One quirky fact is that the hotel smells amazing, they had their own 'hotel scent' fabricated and it is divine - the essence of Plumeria. It has now taken to the top of my list as favourite Island scent

The Rooms (Image from The Modern Honolulu)

Our View from the Room

Daybeds by the Pool

• Eat local!
  Sure we tried our fair share of American eats but when you're in your togs and on the beach there's only so many cheeseburgers you want to stomach for the fear of sinking...My personal favourite was a cafe not far from our hotel - GOOFY Cafe & Dine.
  Their tagline was "Local First, Organic Whenever Possible" and it truly made a difference. Great service and delicious fresh food! It's safe to say that we went there a couple of times.

What's island living without an Acai Bowl?

Eggs Benedict with Taro Potato and Kale

Omlette, brown rice and kale - delicious!

• Visit Pearl Harbour -
  I found the experience moving and educational. I would suggest reserving your tickets online the day before as the USS Arizona Memorial only has 2000 tickets a day. Not booking online means getting up earlier, not being guaranteed a ticket and having to wait for your time slot which could be a couple of hours. We opted not to do a tour because we prefer to do things in our own time and it turned out to be a lot cheaper. We also did the USS Missouri experience which proved to be worth the entry cost! If you don't mind a selfie get involved on the #BattleshipSelfie.

USS Arizona Memorial 

#BattleshipSelfie

• Catch Public Transport!
  Depending on your disposable income or holiday budget, catching the bus can be one easy way to save money! Consider Pearl Harbour - public transport was only $2.50 each, each way, as opposed to $40 each for tour packages. The travel time was relatively the same and we were relaxed as we didn't have time constraints!
• Be a Tourist!
  I was not ashamed to take too many photos, buy inflatable sun lounges from the cheap store (and float for hours I might add), get too sunburnt (unintentionally), google "how to tip", eat at chain restaurants, see below, and buy silly souvenirs - it added to the whole experience. I could say that I had an instagram worthy holiday the whole time but that would be a lie, and the experience was so much better than the photos (one would hope). 

One of many cocktails!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Rookie Errors:

• Pack a Straw Hat:
  You wouldn't think I worked for a lifestyle brand because I packed a felt hat - and yes, it did look good...but in 30 plus heat my head felt like it was on fire. Invest in a good hat before you leave - the tourist prices were inflated big time for headwear!
  
  
  Shop Hats
• Pack Plenty of Kaftans:
  I honestly over packed, I think the thought of 32 kilos of baggage excited me too much. I hardly wore any of my day outfits and absolutely LIVED in kaftans. Should have packed more - I only had a couple on rotation.
  
  
  Shop Kaftans
• Pack Your Own Sunscreen:
  You can clearly tell we hadn't travelled much because my partner and I didn't know that you could take liquids in your suitcase. We thought that you had to put everything in 100ml bottles - yes we squirted the shampoo into these, talk about a rookie error.
  I realised the thing I missed most was my sunscreen and the retail for it in Hawaii was expensive!
  
  
  Shop Eco Tan

I could go on forever but I simply think I could be borderline gloating and wasting your time. If you have any questions please post them below! Finally, check out some of my favourite moments -

What's your favourite tropical holiday destination? 

Where should we travel next?