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Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Aphrodisiac Valentine Day Dinner!

Valentines Day is here and you know you want to do something special but you're just not quite sure what!

We've put together some wonderful ideas for you to really strut your talents to your man.



Any meal you make should include a good dose of aphrodisiacs to help the evening along...

Entree - Goats Cheese and Fig SaladSalade Chevre Figue




Did you know that an open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act.

This entree takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare! 
  • 4 figs
  • 4 cups mixed baby greens
  • 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, or you could use feta cheese as well
  • 8 walnuts chopped or 4 tablespoons of pine nuts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or champagne vinegar works well)
  • salt and pepper

Wash the figs. For an attractive presentation, cut the fig in fourwithout cutting through the stem, and allow the fruit to fan open.
Garnish four salad plates with the greens and the figs. Place oneounce of cheese alongside the fig, and sprinkle with walnuts.
Prepare a vinaigrette with the olive oil, walnut oil, vinegar andsalt and pepper. Pour on top and serve.

Mains - Crispy Barramundi with Basil & Lemon Sauce



Did you know that Basil is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.

Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene.

Ingredients:

Barramundi fillets


Crumb Topping:
  • 2 cups dried bread crumbs
  • ¼ t old bay seasoning
  • ¼ t garlic
  • ¼ t onion powder
  • Pinch thyme leaves
  • The zest of ½ a lemon
Lemon Butter Basil Sauce:
  • 2 cups butter
  • 4 T fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • Handful of minced fresh basil

Preparation

  1. Brush fillets with extra virgin olive oil then coat them with crumb mixture.
  2. Bake fillets at 375 degrees until they flake easily with a fork about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and drizzle lemon butter sauce over fish and serve immediately.



Salad - Rocket, Radish and Avocado Salad


Rocket seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta. Today we taken the rocket leaves and created a salad with nuts and avocado for that extra aphrodisiac oomph!

The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture.

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Mustard is also believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire!!

Ingredients: 


  • 1/3 cup caster sugar                            
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1 large avocado
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 100 g baby rocket
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 6 radishes, washed and thinly sliced                       


    1. Line a baking tray withfoil and lightly oil it. Place sugar into a non-stick frying pan with water.Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar then increase the heat to medium andbring to the boil. Boil for 5-7 mins until mixture starts to become golden andsyrupy. Add walnuts (or exchange for Pine Nuts to add that bit "extra" to the evening!) and cook further 2-3 mins stirring often until the sugarmixture is caramel coloured, toffee-like and coats the walnuts/pine nuts. Turn out ontothe oiled foil and leave walnuts to cool.
    2. Cut the avocado in halflengthways and remove the stone and skin. Cut into thick slices then intopieces. Toss with only 1 tbsp of the lemon juice. Combine rocket, avocado andradishes in a serving bowl.
    3. Combine oil, mustard andremaining lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the salad and tossthoroughly to coat. Roughly chop the walnuts and sprinkle over the salad. Serveimmediately.
                                         

    Dessert - Chocolate Tart with Coffee


    Berries are the perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

    The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two.

    Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

    Ingredients

    • 125g chilled butter
    • 1 cup (150g) plain flour
    • 1/3 cup (60g) icing sugar mixture
    • 1/4 cup (30g) almond meal
    • 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
    • 1 egg yolk
    • Raspberries, to serve
    • Thin cream, to serve
    • Chocolate custard filling

    • 4 egg yolks
    • 1 tbs custard powder
    • 2 tbs caster sugar
    • 200g dark chocolate, chopped
    • 300ml thin cream
    • 1 cup (250ml) milk

    Method

    1. Place the butter, flour, icing sugar, almond meal and cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor and process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and process until mixture just comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until almost smooth. Shape into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
    2. Preheat oven to 200°C. Roll pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 4mm-thick disc. Line the base and side of a 23cm (base measurement) round, fluted tart tin with removable base. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to rest.
    3. Place the tart tin on an oven tray. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with rice or beans. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the rice or beans and bake for a further 5 minutes or until pastry is just cooked through. Reduce oven temperature to 160°C.
    4. Meanwhile, to make the filling, combine the yolks, custard powder and sugar in a saucepan. Add the chocolate, cream and milk and place over low heat. Cook, occasionally whisking with a balloon whisk, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
    5. Pour the chocolate custard mixture into the pastry case. Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until custard is just set. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. Place in the fridge to chill.
    6. Place on a serving plate. Top with raspberries and serve with thin cream.

    Serve with a lovely cup of coffee!!

    Have a great evening!!!

    Bibilography:
    http://www.easy-french-food.com/fresh-fig-recipes.html
    http://www.thebetterfish.com/recipes/view/crispy-barramundi-with-lemon-basil-sauce
    http://recipes.coles.com.au/recipes/84/rocket-radish-avocado-salad/
    http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/22174/chocolate+tart
    http://nittanyinspirations.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/valentines-day-table.html
    



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    Wedding Style Guide Autumn 2012 Issue 20

    Wedding Style Guide International is proud to release the Autumn 2012 Issue 20 full of inspirational wedding ideas, styling, DIY and Real Weddings.

    You can view on your iPad and iPhone too!
    In response to you, our readers, we have taken the Wedding Style Guide International Magazine completely online which gives you instant access to all the content you love.

    Here is a FREE preview. Please visit our website to purchase the full 236 pages of Wedding Inspiration!





    “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a singlestep.”   Lao Tzu

    We have taken the first step and we THANK YOU for helping us walk!





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    Are you prepared to break with tradition for your wedding?

    It is your wedding! Or is it? Sometimes it can feel likeeveryone but you has a say about what is going to happen on your day.

                    “Youcan’t do that! That is not what a wedding is about!”
                    “You have to do it thisway. We’ve always done that in our family!”
                    “Where did you think thatidea up from?”
                    “Our family always does itthis way!”


    Parents of many brides and grooms want to put their fivecents worth into the planning of your wedding. Family and friends may mean wellwith their ideas and contributions of “ideal” wedding plans but this can leadto arguments and upset.
    Renaissance Wedding


    At the beginning of all the planning you had a picture ofhow you saw the day falling into place. You want your wedding to be different.Perhaps a unique theme, change the vows, sing modern songs or have a completebreak from traditional wedding music. You and your partner have been to plentyof other weddings and you don’t want to have just another beautiful buttraditional wedding day.

    This decision leads you into unchartered water. How willyour family and friends react to your idea? They know you are rule breakers with modern views and all you wantis a day that reflects who you are as a couple.
    Gothic Wedding Theme
    Gothic Wedding Cake

    In ancient times the bride was given to the groom’s family!The white dress signified virginity, the cake was a symbol of fertility and thebridesmaids dressed like the bride to confuse evil spirits ! The groom stood onthe right of the bride so he could use his right hand to grab his sword to fendoff enemies who wanted to steal his bride!

    Western Wedding


    Then in Victorian times we introduced bouquets of flowersfor the bride. The bouquet was made from scented flowers or herbs to held tohide the smell  of an unclean society orto ward off all those evil spirits!

    We carry on these traditions, mostly without even knowingwhy. We aren’t tied to these traditions for any of these old reasons anymorebut so it continues!  Our parents did itso their expectations are that you should have a great church wedding, whitedress and wonderful sit down dinner!
    Western Wedding Cake


    These days you can have many different themes that can beamazing fun for you and your guests. Just maybe not considered to be a greatidea by your parents! Remember that it is your party and it is your weddingday. This is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. Share withyour grandchildren and demonstrates your personality to them and everyone onthe day.

    You can have fun being different! Be prepared for somearguments but don’t let it stop you being quirky and different! Go for it andmake your day extra special!
    Extreme Weddings @ Ayers Rock, Central Australia

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    The Tradition of a Trousseau


    The tradition of a trousseau is age-old, when a woman began sewing clothesat an early age in anticipation of her marriage. 
    The word ‘trousseau’ comes from the French word ‘trousse’ meaning ‘littlebundle’. 

    While the concept of a trousseau is no longer practical, the idea ofshopping for your wedding night and honeymoon is still enduring and relevant.The implication is timeless! New clothes for a new life!

    Depending on where your honeymoon is, you might be packing bikinis for thebeach or evening dresses for a European escape. Combine fabrics – cashmere,cotton, silk and lace – to create versatility.

    Neutral-toned
    Pashmina Shawl

    For any trousseau and anydestination, a few pieces are essential; a lightweight cotton robe, a cashmeretwin set, a little black dress with high-heels and a neutral-toned pashminashawl and black leggings for comfort ease and practicality.


    A trousseau encompasses the going away outfit, honeymoon attire and thosespecial pieces of lingerie you may have purchased for your wedding. 


    Although it’s unseen by most, your lingerie is actually a very significantpart of your trousseau, and should be carefully chosen.
    Lingere Shower Invitation
    www.polkadotdesign.com

    You may like to hold a “Lingerie Party” or “Lingerie Shower” with yourfriends in the lead up to your wedding. Many Lingerie companies will come toyou with a full range and create an evening of entertainment for you and yourfriends. This can be a fun way to browse lingerie and ensure correct sizing. Inmost cases the Lingerie company will give the host free goods in return forholding the party!

    Have your lingerie fitted
    by an expert


    Working with experienced Lingerie fitters (plus your friend’s input) canensure that you find the right lingerie for you. Lingerie can flatter yourfigure or give you a cleavage that suits your wedding gown, smooth yourstomach, back or hips.



    It is important to take into account if the lingerie can be seen throughyour wedding gown as some fabrics can be clingy so something plain but made ofsilky fabric is a good choice. You should take colour into consideration aswell. Neutral colours like apricot or flesh coloured lingerie are lessobtrusive under a white wedding gown.


    Choose the right bra for your gown!


    Depending on the bodice of your wedding gown your choice of bra will beimportant as you do not want to be adjusting straps all day. Strapped or straplessit is a good idea to wear the bra for a day prior to your wedding to make sureyou are comfortable. Taking it to all your fittings can also ensure you have theright lingerie for the day. Most Lingerie fitters are experienced with advisingyou on the right style for your dress.
     

    Another part of your trousseau is the Going Away Outfit. Choose an outfitthat looks glamorous and can be worn again, plus matches jewellery andaccessories that you may already have. You won’t be able to wear your weddingdress again but your Going Away Outfit can be a reminder of the special day formonths or years to come. 

    Pre Fall 2012 Collection
    www.oscardelarenta.com

    Purchasing your Going Away Outfit is a great opportunity to buy something from a designer range such as Oscar De La Renta. Check out all the great outfits from him in his Pre Fall 2012 Collection below:



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    Summer Wedding Hint



    Hands up whoorganised a Summer Wedding? In Adelaide we are heading towards five days of HOTweather with 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday (100 degrees Fahrenheit) so we atWedding Style Guide thought it was time for a Summer Wedding Hint for your man!

    The groom’sjob is to look gorgeous, fresh, unflustered and perfect in every photo all daybut Summer has ways of bringing even the coolest customer undone. 

    Guystend to just grab the jacket and go. But when it’s off to be married on asummer’s day, when the thermometer hits record highs, you can’t rely on gettingthrough the most important day of your life without planning for the heat.

    Tolook good you must be comfortable. Choose a light fabric for your suit, don’tbe caught in a winter-weight weave. If wearing a vest, make sure it has a satinback which will be more suitable.

    You could even choose a vest that looks good WITH the jacket off! 

    Checkout the suit without the jacket. In extreme heat and later when dancing, thejacket will probably be removed; the pants have to look flattering.

    It’snot a regular day, most grooms are nervous and nerves can lead to more sweatingthan usual. Add in the heat factor and a perspiration condition can really kickin. Carry a crisp, white cotton handkerchief to wipe a glistening brow and damphands. Tissues can disintegrate quickly and leave you without the help youneed. There will be a lot of handshaking, your hands should be wiped dry,nobody likes to touch a clammy paw.



    It’sa long, long day with many potential grooming pitfalls like the shirt gettingsoaked with sweat early in the day or red wine being spilled down the frontlater in the evening. It’s all happened before; a wet shirt is not a good look.Hot feet perspiring and starting to smell as if they were in a pair of gymsneakers is embarrassing. Perspiration can be a nightmare on hair, making itfall flat. It’s wise to have wardrobe and grooming quick fixes on hand to makesure you look your best and the photographs show a great looking groom, not adamp one.

    Packa smart looking bag and include all the emergency grooming odds and ends thatwill end up saving the day by making you feel fresh and look crisp.


    Include:
    • a spare pair of socks
    • hanky
    • a spare shirt on a coathanger, so it doesn’tget creased,
    • deodorant,
    • hair product,
    • shoe cleaner,
    • breath freshener.
    • If a fiveo’clock shadow tends to appear at 3pm, throw in the shaver and some aftershave.Don’t use a new aftershave for the first time on your wedding day, it won’t smelllike you and it could cause an allergy and skin rash.

    Youmay not need to turn to these reserves, but if you do; it will be a lifesaver.Pop the hold-all into the boot of a car of someone you know will be there untilthe end.

    Beingone of the two stars on the wedding day is a bit like running a marathon, lookafter yourself from the start with a good breakfast. This will help get youthrough the day and give energy to battle the heat.

    Reassessthe wedding day’s morning activities.

    A game of golf with mates might soundlike a great idea, but if it’s 40 degrees, you might exhaust yourself and notfeel 100% for the wedding itself. Heat stroke is a real possibility. Take iteasy on the morning of your wedding.

    Havebottles of water handy all day, don’t become dehydrated, or you mightn’t feelon top of the world. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so drinklots of water.
    Most of all have a great day
    and keep your cool!

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    Courtney & Justin - Engagement Party

    Last Saturday the Style Guide team headed to the gorgeous Rymil Park Island in Adelaide for Courtney & Justin's engagement party. Court, a very good friend of Style Guide, put on a fabulous show and we all had such a wonderful afternoon - amazing food, delicious drinks, a truly beautiful venue and lovely weather. Court's got a keen eye for styling and she did a wonderful job with the dessert and lolly buffet. I look back now and wish I'd paid more attention to those gorgeous cakes! Thank you to Court & Justin for a wonderful afternoon and of course, Happy Engagement!


    The gorgeous couple Justin & Courtney


    A truly scrumptious dessert & lolly buffet






    Our Editor Annabelle with her husband Naish


    Myself and my sister Edwina




    Courtney's brother Angus enjoying the blue fairy floss


    Emma enjoying her San Pellegrino

    Thank you to our talented Creative Director, Jane, for taking such lovely photographs!

    Posted by Emilie Harrison
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    Well Noted

    If you're after a cute-as-pie place to keep all your notes in the lead up to a big event or special occasion then I'd get your hands on one of Cristina Re's gorgeous new journals. Available in 6 designs featuring luxurious finishes such as metalic foiling, flocking and embossing, as well as lined pages, they'd make the perfect gift or special keepsake. The journals are available in A5 hard cover with grosgrain ribbon and mini soft cover with elastic. Visit www.cristinare.com to view and shop online.





    Posted by Emilie Harrison
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    Amanda and David

    One of my favourite real weddings in the current issue is Amanda and Davids' wedding. It was shot beautifully by Next Exit Photography and had lots of crafty details. Here are a few more shots from their wedding.







    These Badgley Mischka shoes are adorable, you can buy them from Piperlime who ship to Australia.






    Amanda made all the ceremony programs herself and had them printed at a local printer, I love the puzzles on them which help pass the time whilst waiting for the bride.









    Photography by Next Exit Photography

    Be sure to check out Issue 17 to see more of this wedding.

    Posted by Emma Henderson
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