OOTD | Fancy Pants

 Top UNIF Acid Tank / Pants Vintage / Shoes River Island via ASOS

It looks like summer has come early to Brisbane. Yesterday was the most perfect weather for wandering about doing nothing. Erin invited me over for tea and before the sun went down we made time for some outfit photos. Luckily for us Erin just happens to have this stunning backdrop in her backyard. 

Review | Geranium Body Wash

Since starting A Rose and a Peony I've become a lot more involved in my beauty choices and aware of what is and isn't out there. This is a new post style for me but I thought I'd share my discovery with you. A while back I received a sample of Aēsop's Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and became rather obsessed but also depressed as I knew how much a full size product would cost me. Shortly after finishing the sample, and during my contemplation of purchasing the full sized product, I stumbled across bx Earth's Hey Settle Petal whilst doing some groceries. When I saw geranium on the label I had to go in for a closer look as I had become hooked on the scent.

I shall now compare the two products for you as sometimes it can be a little hard to believe that a product from the supermarket shelves can be as good (if not better) than a higher end skincare brand. 

Shoes | Jeffrey Campbell Meyer Light-Up Sneaker

 Hi lovelies! So up until recently I had been very good (by my standards) and had not purchased any new shoes. Well that has gone rapidly downhill in the last two or three weeks and I'll be posting reviews of all the pairs as they arrive. I blame the crazy sale prices and Urban Outfitters' free shipping. 

Now I am not generally a fan of sneakers, particularly the thousand and one Isabel Marant wedged sneaker lookalikes that were floating about last year. However these shoes are different. These shoes light up!

OOTD | Glittery Weaves

Chambray shirt - thrifted / Pullover - vintage / Black A-line skirt - Barkins / Black opaque stockings - VooDoo / Black leather 'GG Rider' riding boots - Greg Grant

I told you so, I really do love an eccentric knit; the brighter the better. This probably one of my favourite and most worn knit purchases and I owe it all to spontaneous purchasing with a voucher to the Woolloongabba Antique Centre that Jess gave me a while back. Its neon pink and purple patterns confused with a spattering blue glitter thread make me so happy just by looking at it. 

OOTD | In Check

 Hat UNIF Concho Hat / Jumper American Apparel Fisherman Jumper / Skirt ASOS / Shoes T.U.K. Mondo Creepers

 Hi lovelies! Alright so I am not entirely happy with how these photos came out, my camera was not cooperating with me on that particular day. A few weekends ago mama and I took a weekend away at the Versace. The weather was absolutely stunning and this was my favourite outfit whilst I was there. Perfect for lounging in the sun and reading Game of Thrones (I am obsessed). 

Recipe | Pan-fried Dumplings

Since moving into my new home I've tried to make Sunday evenings a night for friends (who I consider my family) and good food. A few weeks ago Tara, Ruby and myself made these scrumptious little dumplings and my freezer is still aplenty with them for late night noshes. I'm no master at making these and so I won't go into great detail with ingredients as I usually do (also it was pretty experimental so I can't remember exact measurements either). It will also depend on how many you want to make; I made about 120 in the end (in three different flavours) and still had a tiny bit of left over mixture. 

Ingredients

dumpling/wonton wrappers

vegetable oil for pan-frying 

a selection of ingredients for fillings

        e.g. pork/chicken mince, tofu, chopped leek/shallots/carrot etc

crushed or grated ginger and garlic

a variety of sauces commonly used in Asian cooking

        e.g. oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, chinese cooking wine etc

So this is going to sound super vague but if you hadn't realised I am no expert. Separate your wonton/dumpling wrappers out and put about a teaspoon of your dumpling mixture in the centre of each one. Now the next part is entirely up to you depending on how you want them to look but I found the easiest way is to fold the wrapper in half and, starting at one end, gather the dough in pleats (see picture). 

Once you've made your dumplings you need to pop them in some boiling water for about three to four minutes to ensure your filling is properly cooked. Then, with a small long-handled strainer (see picture) or slotted spoon, transfer your boiled dumplings into a hot fry-pan with the vegetable oil. Cook your dumplings, turning occasionally, until they are a crispy golden brown and you can't resist picking one up and burning your mouth on their incredibly hot inside (I speak from experience). 

These are served best fresh hot with some asian greens cooked in oyster sauce, soy sauce and chinese cooking wine (portions vary on your preferred serving size). If you made these in bulk, like myself, you can put them in the freezer before cooking them.

Once again, if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. I know this wasn't very precise but that is simply a reflection upon the nature of the dish. 

Enjoy!

Erin xx

OOTD | A Rose and A Beanie

 Beanie eBay / Hoodie American Apparel / Jacket Vintage Levi's / Dress Monki via ASOS / Belt American Apparel / Shoes T.U.K. Mondo Creepers

Hi lovelies! Have any of you noticed a pattern in my outfits? My love for beanies has reached new heights, especially as I haven't had my hair coloured in a while. Waking up for an 8am lecture on constitutional law doesn't have me in the best of moods in the morning and I can chuck a beanie on without having to spend any time putting together an outfit. The second photo is a fairly accurate portrayal of me pre-caffeine.