My Winter Fashion Must Haves - From Workouts to Days Out! {2015}

Now, I want to start this post by telling you that I am, by no means a fashion blogger. In fact, more often than not I'll dress for warmth rather than style in winter (as my friends and family will tell you I'm completely usless if I'm cold) - but I probably dress like you do when you're not off to a special event because, like you, I'm a real person.

I'm not a hoity toity celebrity with red lined shoes and I'm not someone who prances around in their million dollar sneakers - I'm just a real girl with a real life - and that's exactly why I thought I'd share my winter must-haves with you!

I've also included pinnable images for every outfit so, if you're like me and loveeeeeee pinterest, you can pin away! You'll see the red Pin It Button () which will pin the entire post or a pink Pin This Outfit Button ( - NB: It seems some computers automatically change this button to a grey Pin It button so looks for the (Outfit Pin) label if that's the case) which will give you just that image!

So let me share what I'm loving now that the weather is cooler! >> 

A Backpack for Both of Us

In just 37 days I'm marrying this guy. At the end of October, we're heading off to Bali (and I'll be sharing our plans soon!) and preparing for a fun filled, adventure packed vacation. 

Usually, I cart around a handbag (Jesse would tell you it's more than a handbag as it's so big) but in Bali, I didn't want to be lugging around my handbag so we decided we needed to find a different alternative. 

Jesse has his favourite black backpack but it's really big, ugly and boring so I didn't want to be lugging that around and Jesse wasn't pleased with the idea of carrying around my one very small and girly backpack. We needed something that we were both happy to carry and that was also comfortable to cart around for hours. 

Meet Happy Cow's Urban Hemp Backpack (in Beige/Dark Leather) - the perfect solution.  

I absolutely hate carrying backpacks, but this backpack has changed my mind as it's so comfy! Jesse and I have been trying to take it from one another as both of us want to use it - I grab it for busy days out whilst he tries to take it to work or when he's traveling. Tut, tut, tut. 

It's made with vintage-look vegetable tanned leather details and beige organic cotton and hemp. I love that the bag is super strong - with heavy duty zips and padded adjustable straps - and it two pockets that are big enough to fit the things we use all the time.

One of the features I think is really cool is that middle strap doesn't actually need to be undone from the buckle as it has a button close - so it has great detail, but is super functional!

It's actually really cute with it's vintage style and it looks good on males and females. I love that we're both happy to carry it so Jesse can't just keep stuffing things in my bag which I have to lug around or vice versa ;P But here's a picture to prove it! 

The Urban Hemp Backpack is available for purchase on the Happy Cow Website for $147.40 with free worldwide shipping and I'd say it's worth every penny! I can see this backpack being used whenever we travel and I know it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Now, if you're thinking "How did Kristy rope Jesse in to take photos for this post?" or "Wow, what a good model Jesse is" you may want to think again about using him for your photo shoots - because that is what I had to put up with ;P 

But tell me, are you a backpack fan? 

What bag do you take when travelling? 

When travelling, I usually take my handbag and one of my big country road tote bags (not when adventure travelling, however) as I can fold the tote bag up when I don't need it and stick it in my luggage or handbag. 

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Kristy's Must Have Beauty Items

After my Makeup for Sensitive Skin post, I've received dozens of emails from beautiful ladies looking to find out what my beauty essentials are - so rather than keep emailing one by one, I thought I'd share my beauty must-haves with you all! 

I'm someone who chops and changes a lot with what they use, however, these items are pretty much constants for me. I'll be telling you how I use them - and also how you can get them for yourself (and in true bargainista style, the cheapest way to buy them too!) 

1. Toni & Guy Glamour Serum Drops

Available at Priceline for $16 

I have trouble with frizzy, fly away hair so I rub the drops into the ends of my hair after I've washed my hair. Originally I used it when my hair was dry (as the box says), however, I've found I get the results when putting them in wet hair - and it had a tendency to make my hair look a little greasy when using it dry. 

2. Lacura Mascara

Available at Aldi (I think between $5-7) 

I don't know about you, but I am the queen of smudged mascara. I have really long eyelashes and somehow I always manage to get little pitter patters of mascara under my eyes after a long day. The Lacura Mascara actually stops that altogether but still gives incredible volume. It's not sticky, doesn't smell bad, doesn't cost the earth and doesn't irritate my eyes - winner!

3. Inika Kabuki Brush & Mineral Foundation Powder

Brush, Adore Beauty $35.95 - Powder, Conscious Cosmetics $55

A brush that doesn't wear and a powder which covers effortlessly - winner! My only issue with the Mineral Foundation Powder is that I sometimes find it leaves my skin looking shiny. I'm someone who likes matte makeup (overly shiny skin makes me think it's oily or sweaty) so I just add a little bit of translucent powder over the top to matte it out. 

4. Woolworths Select Extra Hold Bobby Pins

Available at Woolworths for $5/120 pack

The holy grail of bobby pins! They don't break or bend out of shape, they hold hair and lots of it and they don't seem to rust! I have really thick hair and these manage to hold it in place - even when twisting it. 

5. Woolworths Select Metal Free Hair Elastics 

Available at Woolworths for $4.60 per pack

Having curly, often frizzy hair - hair elastics can often get snagged - so I've always opted for metal-free elastics. The problem is - often times those elastics snapped after a couple of ties or were way too bulky or just not right.

6. Kosmea Rose Hip Oil 

Available at some Chemists, Health Food Shops and David Jones Stores - check online for stockists

I use this Rose Hip Oil on scars (as I'm the queen of burning myself) and also mix it into my moisturiser as I find it really hydrates my skin. 

7. Inika Liquid Mineral Foundation 

Available at Conscious Cosmetics for $60

I'm actually shocked at how long this foundation has lasted as you only need the teeniest, tiniest bit. The coverage is brilliant and it feels like you have no makeup on at all - not that heavy gross feeling that some foundations give. It also wears really well and I never have to re-apply. 

8. Madre Bees Lip Balm 

Free at iHerb with every order! 

I love this lip balm, moisturising without being sticky - and the scents are amaaaaazing. 

9. Brauer Paw Paw Lip Shimmers

Available at Chemist Direct for $8.50 or you could win a set!

Perfect for when you want a bit of shimmer but don't want to wear lipstick or a sticky lip gloss. 

10. Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder 

Available at Priceline for $13

As I said before, I like a matte look for my makeup so this powder is my go-to, as it's translucent it doesn't add any colour, just a nice matte finish. 

11. A'kin Rose & Geranium Pure Facial Creamy Cleanser and Toner 

Available at Priceline for $22 

Quite possibly the holy grail of cleansers. I am obsessed with this combined Cleanser and Toner! I love that it keeps breakouts away whilst also moisturising my skin. I was having major issues with my skin and this totally got it under control. Heaven sent!

12. Aveeno Tinted Moisturiser

Available at Priceline for $23

Another product that seems to last forever! I can't even remember the last time I bought a bottle (hence why the bottle in my picture is so worn) but it would have to be over 6 months ago. I love this tinted moisturiser. It's not greasy, it blends perfectly with my skin colour and perfect for days when I don't want to wear full makeup, but want a little bit of coverage. If I want even more coverage, I just add some translucent powder over the top. 

And what about that tropical bag in the first picture? That would be the gorgeous Banana Leaf Capri Clutch from Escape to Paradise which is already making me feel like I'm on a tropical vacation. Bali, we can't wait to meet you! 

It's so soft and perfect for carrying just the essentials - your phone, wallet, keys and some makeup for touch ups - or you can use it as a stylish makeup bag (it fits my makeup essentials perfectly). 

But tell me, what are your beauty must haves?

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Where To Buy Single Serve Baking Dishes - Kristy's Baking Essentials

As I am the breakfast bake queen - and also feature a lot of single serve recipes such as my quiches - I am often asked where to buy single serve baking dishes. 

For me, single serve dishes make it so much easier as I can have gluten free baking tins and non-gluten free baking tins. Generally when I'm baking gluten free baked goods, I'm baking for myself - so it's super easy! 

I have a wide variety of different dishes that I use for single serve baked goods and dishes - so here are some of those!

Mini Springform Tins: 

These are my favourite for making breakfast bakes and mini quiches as they're the easiest to get out - as well as the easiest to clean. 

What I do to make it even easier is take out the bottom piece, flip it upside down (so the edge lip is on your palm), lay on a piece of baking paper, pull tightly and then secure into the pan. Here's my post on how to line a springform tin.

These ones you see in the picture are the Baker's Secret Mini Springform tin from Kitchenware Direct ($6.95 each) but you can also buy them at any Kitchenware store, Kmart, Target or Big W. 

Ramekins: 
I have ramekins in all different sizes, colours and shapes. These standard shape ramekins work for so many different types of baked goods - and you can also use them for serving dishes! 

When baking using ramekins, be sure to either grease them well or line them with baking paper. Super simple tip: when lining ramekins with baking paper, scrunch the paper up into a ball and run it under the tap. Squeeze out all of the water and then put the baking paper inside your ramekin/tin - this makes the baking paper fit to the shape of the ramekin and still keeps your food from sticking! 

I buy ramekins from all over the place - Kmart has brilliant prices, Kitchenware Direct have lots of variety and you can find them at any kitchen store or Target, Big W, Myer etc.

Single Serve Baking Dishes 
Sometimes ramekins are a bit too small - and Jesse and I often have dinners which need to be baked in single serve dishes (like the Spinach and Feta Bake and the Chicken Parmesan Rice Bake)

This Heart Shaped Le Creuset Mini Dish is one of my favourites at the moment - and when baking in it I don't even need to grease or line as nothing sticks.

I buy my single serve baking dishes from all over the place - but lately I've found quite a few cute ones at Spotlight and small kitchen stores. You want to buy good quality ones that will last a while or they'll ruin after a few bakes!

Silicone Muffin Cups 
I love my silicone muffin cups. As I'm a coeliac, I have my own set of silicone muffin cups, whilst my family uses muffin tins. This saves cross contamination and makes it easy if I just one to make half a batch of something. 

You can buy silicone baking equipment from so many places - but the cheapest and most durable I have found are actually from Kmart - I think they're $2-4 per pack and they have 12 regular cupcake sized cups or 6 texas size muffin cups. 

I have both and use them for different muffins and baked goods (they're perfect for making mini Quinoa Quiches too!)

But tell me, what are your baking essentials? 

Anything I missed? 

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What to Buy at iHerb - My iHerb Favourites

One more photo from our Engagement Shoot because I'm obsessed

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with iHerb. It is my go-to for gluten free products and it saves me an absolute fortune each month. 

I get hundreds of people visiting Southern In-Law each week by searching for something relating to iHerb.com (hello! do say Hi!) and I have had many reader-requests sent in asking for my list of iHerb favourites.... and ask and you shall receive, my dears! 

So here it goes, my list of Must-have iHerb Buys 

Protein Plus Peanut Flour
I haven't been able to find a protein powder I can eat with my intolerances, however, Peanut Flour is the perfect all-natural protein powder alternative. 

1 serving contains 16g of protein and it is incredibly delicious. I use peanut flour in my protein muffins, as a spread (mix it with some maple syrup, a pinch of salt and a bit of water), mixed into yogurt, made into protein pancakes, added into smoothies and in so many different things. 

It's one of my favourite all time iHerb finds and something I get with every order! 

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats
What would I do without my friend Bob? I have always been oat obsessed - as a child I loved homemade muesli bars and instant oatmeal and then as I got older I discovered oatmeal made from scratch and fell in love.

When I found out regular oats contained gluten - I was devestated. I tried the horrible rice flakes and wannabe replacements but it just wasn't the same. 

Then Bob saved the day with his Gluten Free Oats and I have been eating them ever since! They're the star of many of my recipes and I eat them at least 5 times a week - if not daily.

These oats are definitely a must have item for any gluten free-er - because what's a life without oatmeal?!

Earth Balance Crunchy Peanut Butter with Flaxseeds
I love, love, love this peanut butter! It is one of the chunkiest peanut butters I have ever had and has a delicious flavour thanks to the added flax and agave.

It also has some nutritional pluses as it's low GI and contains 20% of your Daily intake of Omega 3 ALA.

I love using it on peanut butter sandwiches, spread ontop of muffins or breakfast bakes or dolloped on top of oatmeal. I really want to try Earth Balance's Coconut Peanut Butter - so that's on Jesse's Must Buy Kristy grocery list! ;P 

Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal
Another favourite from Bob! This is a favourite iHerb buy for both Jesse and I. This is what we use 90% of the time in our Creamy Grits Recipe and I also love using it in baking, pancakes and as a simple hot cereal base. 

It's made from a mixture of wholegrain brown rice, corn, sorghum and buckwheat which gives it a delicious flavour and it's perfect for both sweet or savoury toppings. I've used it as a sub for cornmeal to make multigrain cornbread and I love using it in pancakes. 

Billington's Light Muscovado Unrefined Cane Sugar
This is the sugar I use for all of my baking. It has a delicious vanilla flavour and is completely unrefined. 

As it's unrefined I find it has a way better flavour that regular sugar as it still contains the natural sugar cane molasses. I also find that you don't need quite as much sugar as it has so much flavour (though I would sub it 1 for 1 if you have a sweet tooth - I don't!)

It's perfect for baking and cooking whether you're making cookies, cakes, candy, sauces or using it in a seasoning rub.

Alter Eco Ruby Red Rice
I love this rice for it's nutty flavour, colour and almost wholegrain texture. It manages to be both fluffy and still have a nice bite to it. The ruby red rice is fair trade, organic and a whole heirloom grain from Thailand. 

It's a perfect substitute for any type of rice and I love eating it on it's own or with simple flavours as the rice has such a nice flavour itself. 

Don't forget! You can save $10 on your first order at iHerb just by using the code above (OTO868). Don't worry, if you're from Australia, the shipping is ridiculous inexpensive - and you will find that even with shipping, you're saving so much more money than if you shopped at a health food store!

These are just some of my favourite buys. I also love; Enjoy Life Perky's Crunchy Flax Cereal, Enjoy Life Cinnamon Raisin Crunch Granola, Made in Nature Organic Dried Apples, Multigrain Gluten Free Puffins and so much more.

So tell me, what are your favourite iHerb buys? 
or if you've never bought anything from iHerb - what do you want to try?

    

   

Recipe: Carrot and Apple Muffins and a Review of the Tefal Fresh Express

Yesterday I shared my Refrigerator Grocery Staples with you - and today I'm sharing a delicious recipe and my favourite kitchen gadget of the moment!

This recipe is a winner - it contains both a fruit and a vegetable and is so delicious no one will ever know. That means it's perfect for fussy kids (or partners! ;P). 

But, you're probably like me and thinking My gosh.. think of all that grating - uggh. That's where my favourite kitchen gadget comes into play.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Tefal Fresh Express from my friends at Kitchenware Direct.

The Tefal Fresh express is basically an electric grater - it does all of the work for you.

At first I thought I'd use it for recipes like Carrot Cake Oatmeal and Zucchini Banana Muffins - but little did I know I would be using it daily. 

The Fresh Express makes it really easy to add extra veggies to everything - I am always grating up carrots or zucchinis and adding them into what I'm cooking.

Here's a quick video of the different blades (there's 5 for different types of foods and grating needs) and to show you how quickly it grates! The Tefal Fresh Express definitely halved the prep time for this recipe - all I had to do was slightly chop up the apple and peel the carrot and it was time to grate. The only slight problem was that it wasn't a fan of the apple peel but that came out of the machine without any trouble. Now lets get onto the recipe, shall we? 

Here's the recipe! >>