5 THINGS WE LOVE TO DO IN WINTER

It may be cold and grey outside but instead of missing the sun, we’re taking comfort in a few things that only winter can make so enjoyable.

From cosy layers to warm comfort food, here’s our top 5 list for surviving the season. 

1/ BREW A WARMING BEVERAGE

Tea toddy’s, hot chocolates and mulled wine. Delicious hot drinks for winter are perfect for lifting spirits and warming fingers.

Curl up with our twist on a classic.

CHILLI HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

100 g 70% plain chocolate

50 g 70% plain chocolate, grated

1 small red chilli

300 ml full fat milk

100 ml double cream

1 pinch salt

1 cup fresh strawberries and raspberries to serve

In a pan warm the cream and milk together and let the chilli steep in the mixture for 5-10 minutes (dependent on required heat).

Remove the chilli and grate the 100g of Peruvian chocolate in to the mix, heating and stirring as you go until it is all melted in.

Add a pinch of salt.

Whisk until frothy and pour in to big mugs.

2/ MAKE A NOURISHING SOUP

A great pastime for a rainy winter day, a heart-warming homemade soup is a must. Deliciously easy to make, try our favourite winter lentil soup.

LENTIL SOUP RECIPE 

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons

1 can whole tomatoes, drained

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bunch kale, thick stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

½ cup brown lentils

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

salt and black pepper

¼ cup grated Parmesan (to garnish)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.

Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil. Stir in the sweet potatoes, kale, lentils, thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Spoon into bowls and top with the Parmesan, if using.

3/ COSY UP AT HOME

 Update the ambience of a room for winter with soft throws, a few extra pillows and the warmth of a seasonal scented candle or diffuser.  Woody, spice and cinnamon scents, work particularly well in winter. 

4/ RUG UP IN SOFT LAYERS

Cosy up in classic luxury made to live in. Stylish layering pieces in premium natural fabrics including 100% Australian Wool and Cotton Cashmere

SHOP LUXE COLLECTION

5/ CATCH UP ON SOME READING

Forget the wild weather outside and take the excuse winter is giving you to stay indoors and catch up on all of those books you've been meaning to get to.

Settle in in front of an open fire or under a cosy blanket or indulge in a hot bath Instant relaxation. 

NIKKI PHILLIPS x LUXE

A genuine leather jacket is a true wardrobe essential for elegant, enduring style that will last a lifetime. Take inspiration from fashion influencer, Nikki Phillips and discover how she is wearing the leather jacket this season.

 Winter dressing should be about effortless style, which is on trend, comfortable and value for money. You can’t help but update your wardrobe with key pieces every season and we all know that can get expensive. The basic elements of this outfit should be in every woman’s wardrobe: a comfortable knit and pair of jeans. Update the look with a leather jacket, plain black or colourful heels and if wanting to update that classic day look to an evening one, go red lipstick! All three main items I’m wearing are great staple pieces that you will have on rotate this winter, and purchased from Katie’s so they tick all the boxes – being stylish, on trend, comfortable and affordable. 

~Nikki Phillips, bynikkiphillips.com

Paula Joye x Luxe

Everyday luxury is made simple this season with our new collection of classic layering pieces in luxurious fabrications including 100% Australian fine wool, cotton cashmere and genuine leather. 

Australian fashion influencer, Paula Joye from thejoye.com showcases her favourite LUXE pieces and how she’s wearing them this season.

Regular readers know that high/low dressing is my thing.

You will rarely see wearing a single label head-to-toe. My style is a true blend of designer and high street brands because I firmly believe that smart women – you and me – prefer to dress and shop across the entire market.

So, I’m thrilled to introduce you to LUXE –  a premium capsule collection from iconic Australian fashion brand Katies.

It’s an online only range of classic knitwear staples made from 100% Australian fine wool and cotton cashmere.

This means no synthetic fabrics. No. Synthetic. Fabric.

From an essential crew and cowl neck to short and long-line cardigans there’s a knit for every occasion and body shape in chic black, grey marl, charcoal, autumn red and cobalt blue.

Now here’s the best bit. The prices are crazy ranging from $69.95 to $79.95.

I mean, who’s not buying multiples!??

Here’s my edit of the collection – in marle grey and charcoal (natch) – which I’ve teamed with my oldest, most beaten-up denim to show you just how luxe the fabrics are.

I can’t say enough good things about this initiative and collection.

I strongly support a local retailer that offers this type of quality at such an affordable price.

Paula Joye, thejoye.com 

LUXE COLLECTION / LAUNCH EVENT

INTRODUCING LUXE

Exclusive to online

THE INSPIRATION

We believe that every day is special & true style is effortless.

That’s why we’ve created a range of wearable classic layering pieces in luxurious fabrics including 100% Australian fine wool, cotton cashmere and 100% genuine leather.

THE LAUNCH EVENT

In celebration of this new premium collection, we hosted a very special lunch event, hosted by former journalist and blogger, Paula Joye at Sydney’s Chiswick restaurant to showcase the upcoming collection to local media and influencers.

MOTHER'S DAY / SONIA BAVISTOCK

Whenever I’m buying a gift for someone, there’s always one word that dominates my thoughts…

Fabulous.

Besides being one of my favourite words in the English language, it’s also the word I live to hear when someone unwraps a gift I’ve chosen for them.

Even the person who would never normally utter the word can’t help but exclaim, “It’s fabulous!” when you give them something they really love.

So with Mother’s Day on the horizon, it’s time to turn my gift giving gaze towards the fabulous women in my life who are mums but most of all, my friends.

Women like my mother-in-law, Carolyn.

Little did I realise when I met my husband, I would also gain a great friend in the form of Carolyn.

Not only is she an incredibly kind, giving and thoughtful person, she’s also a lot of fun to spend time with. We can chat for hours over a cup of tea (or glass of bubbles) and we both share a love of the fabulous things in life.

Things like fashion, naturally!

Carolyn is a Katies fan just like me, so you can guarantee that’s exactly where I’ll be heading this year to buy her gift.

I’m thinking a gift card could be just the ticket, so that we can have a lovely girls’ day out with some shopping at Katies together, followed by lunch and a cheeky glass of something sparkling.

What I’ll be wearing this Mother’s Day

For me, when it comes to Mother’s Day, I like to wear an outfit that’s comfortable and fairly casual, yet still stylish and on-trend. And Katies fits the bill.

At this time of year, the weather in my hometown of Adelaide can be quite unpredictable, so this is when I call upon the magic of layering.

I start with a never-fail base of jeans that are fitted and flattering, but with just the right amount of stretch to enjoy lunch. Add to that a gorgeous lightweight grey knit top with white and grey chiffon detail along the hem, for a feminine touch. Next up, a little bit of bling in the form of a statement necklace. And finally, the finishing touches of a luxuriously soft check scarf, felt fedora hat and boho crossbody bag with tassel detail.

Et voila, I’m ready for a fabulous Mother’s Day lunch!

Mother's Day Outfit Inspiration 

Shop Sonia's Look

Chiffon Hem | Sweater Check Scarf | | Fedora Hat | Super Shaper Jean | Statement Necklace | Crossbody bag

MOTHER'S DAY / NIKKI PARKINSON

We are big markers of any occasion around here and Mother's Day is firmly fixed on the celebration agenda each year. This has nothing at all to do with the fact that I am a mother and stand to personally gain from being made the focus of attention on said day.

No, nothing at all.

I also poo-poo the naysayers who cry commercialisation and ask why shouldn't we celebrate the mums in our life EVERY day?

I'd be all for this everyday celebration idea but, in reality, it just wouldn't happen, would it?

No.

Instead, why not dedicate one day in the calendar year for really taking time out and acknowledging the role we play in our kids' lives?

Because, if you're a mum, then I'm here to tell you deserve it. You're all kinds of awesome.

Even on the most challenging of parenting days, you are someone's person. A person they have loved from the very first moment they met you.

Mother's Day Outfit Inspiration

The fringed poncho is definitely the hero piece of this outfit. I cannot own enough of these show-pony pieces as they lift an outfit up about six notches just by throwing them over a basic jeans and tee outfit.

Knitwear is a fabulous gift idea for Mother's Day as it will be starting to cool down and the mum in your life might be able to immediately get wear out of your gift.

I've sized down a size in this - something I always test when buying over-sized pieces. The idea is that with so much fabric in a piece, your typical size can be overwhelming on you. Sizing down lessens that.

The texture of this knit is a great contrast to jeans and the tassels are a fun finish to the hem line.

Do check out the Love K jewellery in store at the moment - so many on-trend designs for prices that would make ideal gifts. I love the layered bar design of this necklace for wearing long over a block of colour or texture like this poncho.

Shop Nikki's Look

Poncho | Biker Jean | Scarf | Bag | Necklace 

WIN / MOTHER'S DAY Deluxe Private Screening

KATIES VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

As a valued Katies customer, we're giving you the opportunity to WIN a deluxe private screening of MOTHER'S DAY for you and twenty friends!

ENTER HERE

Come celebrate the Mother of all holidays with the star-studded and heart-warming comedy, MOTHER’S DAY, following the very different relationships between Mothers and their children. 

This big-hearted movie invites us all to enjoy the laughter, tears and love as four families come together in the week leading up to Mother's Day. Starring Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Jason Sudeikis, and from the director of NEW YEAR’S EVE and VALENTINE’S DAY, this delightful story intertwines poignant and hilarious tales of parenthood sure to melt your heart and make you smile.

Filled with touching moments and big laughs, MOTHER’S DAY is a celebration of Mothers everywhere, in cinemas nationally April 28.

3 AUTUMN FRUITS, 3 QUICK & EASY RECIPES

Autumn is a time of abundance when it comes to fresh produce - so when life gives us apples, figs and pears, we turn them into something delicious! Here’s a few of our must-try recipes, making the most of seasonal fruits to enjoy this autumn.

Ingredients

·         ½ cup chopped walnuts

·         1 Gala apple (or other sweet apple), cored and chopped

·         ½ cup celery (two stalks), sliced

·         4 Tablespoons mayonnaise

·         1 Tablespoon lemon juice

·         ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

·         ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

·         2-4 lettuce leaves

·         ½ cup red, seedless grapes (about 20), sliced in half (optional)

Method

Spread walnuts on an oven tray and roast in oven at 180 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper. For a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time.

Add apples, grapes and celery and mix until well-coated with mayonnaise mixture.

Add toasted walnuts just before serving, mix well.

Arrange lettuce leaves on small plates and divide salad mixture among them. Serve heaping spoonful’s on top of lettuce leaf.

Ingredients

For the basic dough

250g white flour, plus extra for dusting

1 tsp salt

½ tsp dried yeast

125–145ml warm water

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for oiling and drizzling

For the pizza topping

Tomato paste/ purée

250g mozzarella cheese, sliced

8 slices prosciutto, ripped up into bite-sized pieces

5 figs, quartered

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 bunch fresh basil

Method

Mix the flour, salt and yeast together in a large bowl and make a well in the middle. In a jug, mix the water and oil together, then pour the liquid into the well of the flour mixture and mix to make a soft but not sticky dough.

Knead for 10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured work surface or for five minutes in an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Bring the dough together to a smooth flat ball and place on a large, lightly floured baking tray.

Cover the pizza dough loosely with oiled cling film, making sure it is airtight. Leave in a warm but not hot place for 30–40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220C

Remove the cling film from the dough and roll out to a 30cm circle to knock some air out, then prick holes all over the dough with a fork. Spread over the tomato purée, leaving a 2.5cm/1in border, followed by the mozzarella, prosciutto and half of the figs.

Drizzle with oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and golden-brown and the cheese has melted. Scatter basil over the top and arrange the remaining figs on the pizza. Drizzle with oil.

Serve at the centre of the table so everyone can rip off their piece of Italian gold.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, at room-temperature
1 stick unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 pears, peeled, in a small dice
3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks

Method

Preheat oven to 180c. Butter and flour a 9-inch round springform pan.

2. In a small bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, (using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment), whip the eggs until pale and very thick.

4. Meanwhile, brown the butter in a medium saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat and continue cooking it, stirring frequently, until it turns brown and smells nutty. (This will take about 6 to 8 minutes.) Remove from the heat but keep warm.

5. Add the sugar to the eggs and whip for a few minutes more.

6. Just as the egg-sugar mixture begins to lose volume, turn the mixture down to stir and add the flour mixture and brown butter. Start with a third of the flour mixture, then half of the butter, another third of the flour, the other half of the butter, and the remaining flour. Whisk until just barely combined (no more than 1 minute from when the first flour is added). Use a spatula to finish folding the ingredients until just barely combined. (Over-mixing the batter will cause it to lose volume.)

7. Pour batter into the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle the pear and chocolate chunks over top.

8. Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped heavy cream.

Katies x Trimfit Bodies

Trimfit Bodies ambassador, Fiona Falkiner

Trimfit Bodies is the new online healthy weight program for anyone at any level who wants to feel great! Easy to follow. Easy to do. Easy to Succeed. 

The Trimfit program is designed with leading dietitians, personal trainers and exercise physiologists for men and women who are busy and who may lack the resources to go to the gym, consult a PT or spend hours upon hours training.

With an easy to follow meal plan, adding just 10 minutes per day of low or high intensity exercise, listening and learning from someone who has been on the journey, such as Fiona Falkiner, and along with some tasty Trimfit supplements, you can lose weight and jump on the path to fat loss and optimal wellness.

We’re excited to bring you an offer exclusive to Katies members with Fiona Falkiner and Trimfit Bodies. 

Join today and you will receive $40 off the membership price plus 200 Katies points. 

Exclusive to Katies, everyone who signs up to go into the draw to meet with Fiona and the Trimfit Team. 

Enter code: TFBKATIES upon registration  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE OFFER 

Valentine's Day | Strawberry Crepes Recipe

Indulge in this guilt-free sweet treat. Simple and delicious, our partner in health & wellness, Trimfit Bodies have created this easy recipe, perfect for treating yourself (or a loved one) this Valentine’s Day. 

INGREDIENTS (2 serves)

·         1/2 cup egg whites (4 large egg whites)

·         1 1/2 scoop Trimfit Strawberry Crush Skinny Shake protein powder 

·         70g low fat Greek Yoghurt

·         4 medium strawberries

METHOD

1.    Blend 1 scoop of the protein powder with a splash of water (try not to use too much!)

2.    Combine the protein mix with egg whites and whisk to combine

3.    Pour 1/3 of this "batter" mix into a nonstick pan

4.    Cook until bubbles form on the surface, flip and cook for another 10 seconds. 

5.    Repeat with the rest of the batter

6.    Place the crepe open on a plate. Chop the other two strawberries up into small pieces and spoon a small portion on top of the crepe, and fold the crepe over. 

7.    For the sauce: in a blender place the 2 strawberries, the rest of the protein powder and the yoghurt and blend. 

8.    Pour this sauce over the warm crepes and enjoy!  

Per serve: P: 35g F: 2g, C: 4g, Cal – 192 cal per serve

For 2 more free family friendly recipes from Trimfit Bodies, click here