:: Christmas - 2011 ::

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

I hope you all had an amazing day filled with love, laughter, family, and friends. Our first Christmas as a married couple was fantastic. We woke up early (not too early though!) and cooked a big breakfast for Mr LG's brother who came over to our house. We swapped presents and hung out for a while before heading over to my parents house to see all my brothers and sisters.

I was given some amazing presents this year. Words cannot even express how loved I felt. Everyone put so much thought and love into each and every present. I love watching people's faces light up with excitement when they open up a gift.

While I adored every present I was given, there was one in particular that I was blown away by. I won't give anything away, because it deserves a post of it's own. I can't wait to tell you what I got!!

Now the count down to the new year is on, and also to my birthday! Can you believe I'll be 29 soon? I can't!

:: Happy Valentine's Day ::

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating everyone and everything that you love. Valentine's Day is a very special day for me because it is also Mr LG's birthday. We celebrated Mr LG's birthday with my family on Sunday. When I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday, his only response was "cake". One particular cake - my Mum's chocolate cake. And so, we celebrated ... with lots of cake! There was chocolate cake, flourless chocolate cupcakes, chocolate choc chip muffins, lemon slice and caramelised pear cake!

My sister-in-law made some decadent flourless chocolate chip cupcakes. They were gorgeously decorated with a Valentine's Day theme. Baking cupcakes for Valentine's Day has become a tradition for her, and it's one that my stomach and I would like to encourage!

Find her recipe here

Mr LG and I celebrated his birthday together on Valentine's Day by cooking lamb roast (one of his favourites) and relaxing at home. We swapped presents and he gave me the most amazing Valentine's Day present!

Mr LG has decided to start his own Valentine's Day tradition - starting this year, every Valentine's Day I will get a Valentine post card (he knows me so well). I was so touched by what he wrote on the back - I almost cried! Accompanying the post card was some cute hair pins, a chef's pencil set, and a pair of incredible 50s 'rock and roll' shoes!

I have wanted a pair of these shoes since I was a teenager and last week I saw a pair in my size at a local antique store, but talked myself out of them because I didn't "need" them. I was so excited when I opened my present to find them nestled inside the box.

 

I hope Valentine's Day started your week off with a smile.

PS. Thank you all so much for your generous and lovely comments on my wedding dress.