winter picnic...

oh the glory of living in queensland!  the day was as warm and sunny a winter day as i've ever seen one - perfect for a walk around brisbane to our destination picnic spot in the botanical gardens.  first we walked over the newly built go between bridge to west end...we passed multitudes of people out and about, chatting in cafes and soaking up the beauty of the day...stopped off at the shops for some picnic produce to add to our backpack - hello cherries, dates, dried peaches, fresh bread, semi-roasted tomatoes, roasted artichokes, olives and goats cheese!!

 these are a few of my favourite things... followed by a doze in the sun...

and some more cherries...

dozing and watching the world drift by...

baking, candles & sunny delight...

i'm off on a picnic with my beloved so i have to make this quick...the gorgeous winter sun is calling!

last night we had the most amazing pavlova, and after my mum's amazing pavlova as well, i think i'm going to have to give this a go...it's definitely one of my favourite desserts...alongside creme brulee and the most amazing passionfruit souffle i tried last week...but i digress...here is the masterpiece that took five of us just ten minutes to demolish!

on the subject of baking, i've recently become enamoured with banoffee pie after trying it at the wicked sisters cafe in bulimba with my grandma.  i've now made two attempts and despite being extremely yummy i'm still struggling with the base...it's way too crumbly...so i will continue trying to perfect it until we're rolling out the door!

my first banoffee pie attempt

and before i go...i've made a lovey batch of lemon verbena and vanilla soy candles last week...they smell absolutely gorgeous!

must go outside now and soak up the joy of the simple things...like a clear blue sky and some goat's cheese in my backpack xo

food inspirations...

harvest moon bakery
just near mt baker (usa)
...homemade blackberry pie to die for

my mum is constant inspiration...
here is an amazing pavlova she dropped over the other night - isn't she the sweetest?!
nom nom nom...gone in ten minutes! 

the granville island markets in vancouver
my other half sneaking into the picture
...so many awesome food memories in lovely canada