31 May 2014

Things That Make You Go Oooooo (May 2014)


Things are starting to get exciting oven here and I'm just one month away from my big summer trip! I honestly can't wait for but in the meantime I've been using the long sunny days to take my little pooch out on some little adventures, and after spending all my days hiding in "The Batcave" it's been really nice to get outside and do something new, so onwards and upwards to even more fun times and adventures...

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 Animal Inspired Bodyweight Workout

 15 Facts That Prove Cat People Aren’t Crazy (They’re Awesome)

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 Dealing with Dark Days: Help for When You Don’t Feel Your Best

 Lightning bolt panties, power-positions & promises kept - 30+ Confidence Vitamins to pump you UP!

 Getting Over a Break Up

 It's Okay If You Don't Love Yourself

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 Jaden Smith’s Nonsensical Tweets Actually Make Perfect Sense As "Garfield" Comics

 Talking Shit With Bei Badgirl

 Learning To Let Go

 This List Proves You're Never Too Old To Do Something Amazing

 Original Batman Adam West Reflects on His 'Tongue-in-Cheek' Superhero's Legacy








Love & Shining Stars
Cate
xoxo

28 May 2014

Cherry Jam Cake (Vegan & Gluten Free)


Baking for my Mum is always fun as I get to test out my dairy-free, gluten-free baking skills. Earlier this year she gifted me with a bag of coconut flour so I thought I would treat her with delicious loaf cake using her favourite additions of jam, cherries and almonds. One of my main issues with gluten-free baking is that it often comes out a bit dry but the addition of jam and banana really helped give it a nice moist texture. The most important thing though was that my Mum liked it and judging by the speed it was devoured I think I can call this a baking success!


Ingredients
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup self-raising gluten free flour
  • 1 cup jam
  • 1 small mashed banana
  • 1/2 cup halved glacĂ© cherries
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup carotino oil 
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds & 1 cup of water
  • Almond flakes

♥ Preheat an oven to 180°c then grease and line a loaf tin.

♥ Place the chia seeds in a bowl with one cup of water and allow to soak for 5 - 10 minutes until the seeds have swelled and the water has been absorbed.

♥ In another bowl mix together the flours and baking powder then mix in the oil, almond milk, mashed banana and soaked chia seeds until combined.

♥ Fold in the cherries and jam but try not to overmix so you get a swirled effect throughout the batter.

♥ Pour the batter into the loaf tin and sprinkle some flaked almonds on top

♥ Bake in the oven for 30 - 40 minuted until golden brown.

♥ Once baked remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool before serving.

♥ Serve with tea and enjoy!

Good Luck
Cate
xoxo

22 May 2014

#OOTD: Captain Ameri-Cate


During the Christmas holidays I decided to turn one of my many boring blue dresses into something special and being the huge Captain America fangirl I am it only seemed right to re-create his new S.H.I.E.L.D S.T.R.I.K.E suit from quite possibly my favourite ever Marvel movie The Winter Soldier.


So my shield may not be made of vibranium  but it has saved me at many a con by keeping my drinks and snacks safe, I mean seriously this backpack is absolutely amazing there's even stars and stripes on the lining it's definitely one of the best Etsy purchase I've made.


I always like to throw a little 1940's Peggy Carter pin-up glam into my Cap outfits hence the hair and make-up, although I do want to do a full Peggy cosplay sometime and make myself a helmet for my "New" Avengers suit, yep I'm already working on Cap outfit number 3!


Luckily there were a few photographers around that day to take photos for me, because I sometimes forget to take photos, although it's always kinda weird to stumble across photos of yourself randomly on the internet especially the candids as it makes wonder what the hell I was doing at the time....


London Comic Con is in a couple months and although I would love to start work on another outfit I don't think I've got enough time so I'm thinking I'll wear this one again and possibly my Miss America outfit, it's going to be so much fun and I'm SUPER excited at the prospect of meeting Stan "The Man" Lee I can't wait!

Are you excited for any cons? Be sure to let me know in the comments if you're cosplaying
Love & Freedom
Cate
xoxo

17 May 2014

Sell & Shop on Depop



Depop has become one of my new favourite apps, it's kinda like Instagram but instead of just liking a photo you're able to buy the pretty things that are in the photo as well as sell what ever you don't want anymore in one easy click. It's super easy to use especially if you want to clear some extra room in your closet you just take a photo of the item you're selling, write in a description, set your price and bam it's up there for someone to buy and best of all it's completely FREE!


I have a shop up there which I'm using to help me de-clutter and hopefully save some money for my upcoming trips to London and Thailand this summer so be sure to add me and I'll add you back, I love browsing through all the cool things people are selling.

Sunshine & Candy
Cate
xoxo

15 May 2014

Inspirational Quotes #50

“There will be a few times in your life when all your instincts will tell you to do something, something that defies logic, upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When that happens, you do it. Listen to your instincts and ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the odds, ignore the complications, and just go for it.”
- Judith McNaught



12 May 2014

The New Man In My Life

Russell

Meet Russell our new family member who came into our lives just over one month ago although it feel like a lot longer. Russ is a rescue pup from NCAR and as he was a stray we don't know much about his history but we've been having a lot of fun learning about him and guessing what it may be.

Russell

When we first met Russ he was so quiet and shy, he obviously wasn't happy with life at the kennels but now he's a changed dog and so much happier, playful and a little bit chunkier. Giving this little guy a new chance at life has been such a blessing to not only him but us and I'm so happy I could finally convince my Nan to adopt a dog.

Russell

I understand how people are reluctant to adopt a rescue dog, it took me a while to convince my Nan, but there are so many adorable pooches out there looking for homes and they honestly are so loving, with any dog you're going to have to put some work in whether you're getting a puppy or an older dog and I know the kennels do their best to take care of these pooches but nothing compares to being part of a family in a forever home, I seriously would have adopted all the dogs there if I could!


A dog with choose you they have great instincts, Russell wasn't the dog we originally planned on adopting, in fact he was the last dog we saw there and was already reserved for another family but things worked in our favour and he turned out to be the perfect match for us. I'll admit I have my favourite type of dogs but every dog I've had has come into my life seemingly randomly and they've always been a perfect fit, so be open minded and embrace the doggie cuddles.

Walkies with the pup are always a crazy fun time

Walkies are always a highlight of my day and they give me a great excuse to explore the beautiful woodlands nearby and Russ loves exploring to, he also loves cuddles which I'm more than happy to give him. I look forward to many more happy days with the pooch and hope we bring as much joy to his life as he brings to us.

Doggie Cuddle & Sloppy Kisses
Cate
xoxo

06 May 2014

4 Simple D.I.Y. Projects


I'm probably at my most happiest when I'm creating something but lately I've been lacking in inspiration so off to YouTube I went to seek out some simple but fun D.I.Y. projects to try out. I thought the mugs and brush holder would be a fun project to do with kids and the other two would give me a chance to work on developing my crochet and clothes making skills so check them out below, I'm sure they would be great for a fun weekend project.








Love & Paint Brushes
Cate
xoxo