Sunday, 11 March 2012

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today was my dad's birthday! It was such a fun day, and most importantly, we all spent it together. I love birthdays. I love the anticipation, the celebration, the special treats... everything. Not only do I love eating birthday food, but I love making it. Oh, when I make a cake I am in my element. Cake making is most definitely my forte. So naturally, I had lots of fun making this beauty and seeing the blissful looks on everyone's faces when they took a mouth full. Ahh... Heaven.

My dad really likes tea. So much so that he'll drink it in Christmas mugs all year round... :)
Sigh, if only there was still this much cake left!


Much love, Vivi

Saturday, 10 March 2012

Chocolate chip {or raisin} Oatmeal cookies

These bite sized cookies have been a baking regular of mine for longer than I can remember. Some may call it a rut, but I call it an exceptionally delicious habit. A habit that I'm not about to end anytime soon! 



Ingredients:

1 cup butter softened (I warm it in the microwave)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups oats
1 1/2 cups raisins (or chocolate chips, or half of each)

...

Heat oven to 350 degrees
Add eggs, sugar, and vanilla to butter, mix till creamy
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, mix well
Stir in oats, and then add raisins or chocolate chips
Drop by tablespoons onto cookie sheet
Bake for 10-12 minutes

And there you have it! A quick and delicious oatmeal cookie recipe to satisfy your chocolate (or raisin) cravings!

Happy Baking!


Much love, Vivi

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Dots, Bows and a little bit of citrus



in the details// cardigan: bluenotes, blouse: thrifted, jeans: american eagle, boots: sterling, neckalce: micheal hill jewellers

Maybe it's the fact that I'm a dedicated list maker, or maybe its because I have a swarm of thoughts going around in my head, but I thought it was time to make a list of things that made me smile this week. And really, smiling is always the best part of any week :)

The fact that Spring Break starts in just. one. day. 

The super buttery, delicious croissants that have made their way into my stomach for the first time in five years. Friends, never underestimate the power of a good croissant. It will change your life.

Day six of the March Photo Challenge. Are you doing this too? I can't believe it's day 8 already! Check it out here.

Finding a new and amazing pinner on Pinterest. I don't know about you, but this reaaaaally makes me smile. For all of my fellow pinners, have any of you had recurring dreams that sound something like, fetching pins, fetching pins, fetching pins, in some sort of melodic tune? Yeah. I may be going a little bit crazy.

Planning my dad's birthday party! Sshhhh, it's a surprise! :)

The warm purring cat that I have on my lap right now. Oh, never mind, there she goes!

Having an outfit post after a few weeks of having a dedicated and hardcore food blog...  I just can't help myself. Maybe my blog should be called Vivi K Foodstyle?  You know you love it.

Peeling an orange and not having a sneaky squirt of citrus plunge into my eye. This, dear friends, is a miracle.


Much love, Vivi




Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Happy


Just thought I would share some pieces of happy with you!



A hot cup of tea to help with homework

Fresh strawberries from the farmer's market

Homemade coconut macaroons

Blissful Browny taking a nap on the carpet

Lunch out with a friend

Little potted flowers

Blooming flowers on the side of the road

Fun nails inspired by Keiko Lynn

A fancy latte




Much love, Vivi

Monday, 5 March 2012

Vegetable Crush



Vegetables. Does anyone else think the same way I do about these? I love them. Really, I don't think I could get enough of them. Don't get me wrong, I'm no angel when it comes to healthy eating, and I cringe to admit how much chocolate I can consume in a few short minutes. But, hey, all the vegetables balance it out, right? Right?

Every time I eat some vegetables, I almost feel like I'm eating a piece of art, they are so colourful! Some people fear them, some embrace them. I, my friends, am a proud supporter of these brightly coloured beauties. Vegetables have always been my go to meal, although chocolate comes in at a close second! Whether its a plate of raw veggies with hummus, or a side salad with various toppings, any which way I'll gobble them down with joy. 

How about you? Do you have a vegetable crush? :) 

Sunday, 4 March 2012

March Photo a Day Challenge

A new month has come, and I couldn't help but start the March photo a day challenge! I'm already three days in! You can check out my daily photos {here}, or click the link in the right sidebar. I encourage you to join in! and if you are, make sure to leave your link, I would love to see your photos! For some strange reason I can't wait for day 29... Is that odd? 


Much love, Vivi

Friday, 2 March 2012

Seven x Seven Blog Award


Hi friends! It was such a sweet surprise to see that Michelle from On The Adventure had awarded me with the SevenxSeven blog award! Thank you Michelle! Make sure you jump over to her blog, it's a beautiful space that will inspire you!  


 What is the SevenxSeven award, you say? It's an award to spread the love of fantastic blogs that inspire you and bring you joy! Pretty darn awesome idea, I'd say. :)

The Rules:
Link back to the blogger who nominated you- thank you  Michelle!
Share 7 facts about yourself
Share 7 blog posts that fit into 7 categories
Nominate 7 award-worthy blogs/bloggers, and leave a message letting them know!
 
Let's get started....
 
My all time favourite drink is a pumpkin spice latte. Just one of the reasons autumn is my favorite season... :)    

I can't live without art. I drew this piece about five years ago and it sparked the flame of my love for color and design. No wonder I can't get off Pinterest.. :)
Salads are my go-to meal. It may be because I was a vegetarian for a few years, but mostly because they are so versatile! Salads can be made of so many diverse ingredients, and the possibilities are endless. The one above is one of my favorites: spinach with tomato, apple, cucumber, and chick peas. Mmm. Salad heaven.
I journal my thoughts everyday. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and has always been how I unwind and relax after a long day. Over the years I've gone through at least ten journals cover to cover. They are so much fun to find years later, and believe me, so entertaining! I think my Grade 4 journal could be turned into a movie it's so ridiculous.
I adore fresh flowers! Yellow roses are my very favorite... :) Alas, these weren't given to me, but were a gift from my dad to my mom on their anniversary!  
And now for some non-photo facts...

I was born in South Africa and moved to Canada when I was four, and have been living here since!

I love the outdoors. Fresh air. Blue skies. Hiking. Rock climbing. My kind of Summer! 

7 Blog posts in 7 categories:

Photography: Reflections
DIY & crafts:  Heart Warmers
Happy Hair: The Four Strand braid
My goals: 2012 has begun
Vintage: Vintage Cameras
Favorite treat: Chocolate Macaroons  

7 fantastic blog friends:


Happy Friday!

Much love, Vivi