Paper Straws

These vintage inspired straws are right on trend at the moment. They're appearing in sweet little boutiques everywhere, in fact the Lilly Loray ladies purchased some just last week! If you're hosting a party, these accessories will make your drinks look so stylish and pretty. We wouldn't be caught sipping on a milkshake without one! We simply must get our hands on those floral beauties, retro heaven! 

Banoffee Pie Bonanza!

Lately we've been craving something a little naughty. Something creamy and indulgent and full of delicious calories! This pie is definitely worth that extra gym session and not only that, it's easy to make as well with no baking necessary! It would be a perfect dessert for a mid week family meal when you fancy a treat. We think that might just be tonight! 

Ingredients

8 - 10 Digestive biscuits, crushed

1 tbsp Butter, melted

1/2 cup Dulce De Leche

1 Banana, sliced

1/2 cup Whipping cream

Cocoa powder for dusting

Method

Mix melted butter with powdered biscuit until combined.Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Keep this in the fridge until firm (you can also bake this for 8 to 10 minutes at 160 deg C,if desired)

Spread dulce de leche evenly over the biscuit layer.

Arrange thinly sliced banana over the top. 

Whip the cream until thick and spread this evenly over the banana layer.

Sprinkle cocoa powder or grated chocolate over the cream layer.

Words of Wisdom - Bob Marley

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley

Love is in the Air

This week we're expressing our love for the handbag a little literally with these gorgeous heart numbers. We love the sweet little structured bags for a night out with the girls and the bigger variety just make a beautiful statement piece! Spread the love with your accessories this season!

The Art Room

All the creative types out there will understand what a privilege it is to have an art studio in your own home, a space that is dedicated to creating a beautiful mess! A few of us girls had the urge to do some good old fashioned painting so we were looking for studio inspiration. Unfortunately we don't all have a spare room that is ready and waiting for such an occasion so we're just looking to dedicate a corner of our homes to the cause. Getting your fingers covered in paint is somehow so soothing for the soul, we recommend it to everyone!

It's Strawberry Season!

News reports keep telling us that British strawberries are going to be particularly good this year and this has got us thinking. The girls at Lilly Loray go crazy for a punnet of these delicious red berries and we wanted to find ways to express this love in all areas of our lives! Strawberry prints look so summery and retro like that vintage 60's blouse and how adorable is the babies hat?? We're also dying to try out strawberry nail art! How 'sweet'!

Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Ice Lolly

The hot weather always has us craving something cool and fresh and we have found the ultimate satisfaction for this craving. These lollies are strictly for adults, perfect for a barbecue or garden party with friends! They will take a little preparation in advance but will be so totally worth it. That sweet summery taste of melon goes perfectly with the sharpness of lime and tequila, we can't believe we haven't thought of this combination before!

Makes five Lollies

1 cup honeydew juice (approximately a whole melon)
1/3 cup cucumber juice (approximately half a cucumber)
½ cup tequila
1 tablespoon triple sec
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon mint simple syrup (recipe follows)
3 large mint sprigs

Instructions:

1. Place the honeydew and cucumber in a food processor or a blender and process until everything is pureed. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice and mint syrup and process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well. Pour mixture into lolly mould.

2. Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a lolly stick upright. Insert sticks and finish freezing lollies overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of the molds for 2-3 seconds.

Mint Syrup
(You will have more syrup than you need. Save for other cocktail uses.)
· 1/2 cup water
· 1/2 cups sugar
· 1 cup mint leaves, loosely packed

Instructions:

1. Place sugar and water in a pan over heat until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature and place mint leaves in mixture and muddle. Allow mint leaves to steep for 20 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. (Depending on the fineness of the sieve tiny pieces may remain).