Planning your Christmas menu?
At this time of year when we begin to wrangle the fairy lights, thumb through the Women’s Weekly with newfound determination, and wonder what exactly verjuice is (Maggie Beer could not be reached for comment), creating a Christmas menu can be a daunting prospect.
Remembering a few key tricks when planning your feast, however, might just keep the stress at bay and get us one step closer to being Nigella for a day.
Let location be your guide
Christmas at home brings with it the confidence of knowing the quirks of your cooktop, the available fridge real estate, and how many appliances you can run simultaneously without courting a state-wide blackout. But if you’re heading to an outdoor or unfamiliar venue for Christmas, banish uncertainty by focusing on simple dishes that can be prepared or cooked in advanced, transported easily, or served cold, lest you encounter a dodgy oven and deflated pav.
Don’t be afraid to delegate
Missing a classic catch in the backyard test because you’re stuck at the stove is no fun at all. Whether you visit, Skype, or Facebook your fellow diners before December 25, get together as early as you can to create your complete menu and negotiate the to-do list, so everyone has a chance to bat on the day (or sip champagne with their feet up). Remember that Christmas is a team effort, and you can never have too much ice.
Stock up on nibbles
Pigs in blankets? Devils on horseback? Wombats in track pants? Ok, that last one is possibly made up, but there’s no reason not to get creative and invent some nifty new nibblies to tide the hungry crowd over, with the help of kids or grandkids at your table. When in doubt, nuts, antipasto, and seasonal fruits, are easy and delicious options that never fail.
Do it your way
Every Christmas is as unique as every family, and as in fashion, there are no hard and fast rules. Whether you have your heart set on a seafood buffet, vegetarian smorgasbord, or five-course pudding degustation, what truly makes Christmas special is sharing the experience with those we love.
Things may not always go to plan, but never forget there are few dishes that can’t be salvaged with a generous application of gravy (or custard), and a culinary disaster usually makes for a good story at next year’s Christmas.
With the menu taking shape, it’s time to choose your Christmas outfit! Check out our new arrivals for chic and comfortable looks to have you feeling fabulous this festive season.
Do you have any tips, tricks, recipes, or holiday hacks to recommend? We’d love to hear them!
Tulio x
Summer is coming fast, and fashions are changing to fit with the times. One of the best and most stylish ways that you can stay cool this summer is by adding kaftans to your summer wardrobe. In areas of the globe where temperatures can reach 40 °C degrees, people of that region have figured out how to adapt to the heat well. Their clothing is no exception. Kaftans, with their light material and their loose-fitting comfort, lend to some of the most stylish summer and cruise wear you can get.
Kaftans are traditional to Africa and the Middle East. However, its origins are much older than even those modern-day regions. Originally a product of ancient Mesopotamia, these robes are designed to cover the whole body. Additionally, kaftans can be worn either dressed-up or dressed-down, making them one of the more versatile articles of clothing available. While these pieces are just coming into style in western culture, they have been around in eastern culture for a long time. Morocco stylised and made it their fashion accessory of choice between the 14th and 17th century.
Today, as globalisation shapes every move we make, let kaftans spice up your wardrobe and keep you cool.
The design of the kaftan is made not only to be easy fitting but also to keep cool trapped underneath the fabric. All the while, the usually-breathable fabric makes it easy for hot air to escape and cool air to stay beneath the fabric. Additionally, its full-length coverage provides perfect protection from sunburns, so it is especially ideal for the fairer-skinned beauties of the world looking for cruise wear.
How can you spice up the versatile kaftan? There are many ways. One way, which is often used in countries where the kaftan is traditional, is to wear a decorative belt around the middle. Not only does this emphasize your figure, but it also keeps loose bits of the garment from being snagged on things. Additionally, a range of jewellery can be worn to accent the kaftan. Both chunky and simple jewellerry bring out the beauty of the garment. Accessorize as you’d like to make these pieces yours!
BLOG 5 – BRAS
Hi Ladies
Hope you have all had a good few weeks, and managed to pick up a few purchases along the way. I’ve certainly enjoyed a little retail therapy.
I thought I’d talk about bras today. I hate them! I would love to be able to go bra free. The first thing I do when I get home is to whip mine off and let it all hang out! I spent almost 15 years modeling lingerie for some of the top labels in the world. Back then a model had to have a size 34 b (12b) cup size and no fake boobs were allowed. I had a great bust and was told on several occasions that I had the best boobs in the business!!! Times have changed; I’m now a 34 dd and heading slightly south! I have to wear a bra with everything and find it so difficult to find one that is comfortable to wear all day long, and looks great too.
It’s a fact that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, 70% wear them too small, and 10% too big. This can affect us in many ways.
It is really important to go and be measured by a specialist fitter when purchasing new bras. Most big department stores will have qualified staff to help you. My biggest tip; allow time, you will probably have to try many on before you get the right one for you. Don’t be shy either, the fitters have seen it all before and should make you feel really comfortable.
Here are some of the tell tale signs your bra isn’t fitting you well:
If you are top heavy and slightly chunky around the waist, you can look a bit like a barrel shape, just by having a bra fitting and wearing the correct bra, will separate your boobs from you belly and give you the waist you have always dreamed off, without stepping foot in the gym! So ladies, my advice is go and get fitted; then when you buy your beautiful new Tulio dresses and tops, they’ll hang perfectly on your body, showing you and your clothes at their best.
As always, check out my instagram to see what fashions I’ve been wearing.
Stylebydeblaw.
Here are some shots from my lingerie modeling days.
Debs xx
Hi Ladies
The weeks are flying by so fast; I can’t believe its mid March already.
It’s been a busy few weeks. I’ve just done a two-day shoot modeling ladies blouses for season 2017. On the second day of the shoot we went outside on location, we decided to start early in the morning as the weather forecast that day was hot hot, hot. At 6.30 am the temp was already 33 degrees with about 80% humidity. That’s Brisbane summer for you. They say ladies don’t sweat, they glow, I was definitely sweating that day, but somehow, the shots look fantastic, fresh and fabulous.
Talking of heat and clothes, I was shopping yesterday and noticed most shops are full of their winter collections. Personally, I think the winter range comes in way too early, who wants to even think about jumpers, never mind buy one, when we are in the midst of a heat wave and running for air conditioning. And it’s the same every year. The buyers here at Tulio have been trying to find more summer wear, but all the suppliers are full of winter stock. We better pray it cools down soon, so we can shop and wear.
I love winter fashion. It’s so easy to put looks together, and no need for too many accessories. The best part about winter for me is getting to wear jeans. I have a large collection of jeans, in many colors and styles. Its something anyone can wear, no matter what your shape or size, there’s a pair out there for you. There’s skinny jeans, straight leg, high waisted - great for hiding the tummy bulge, low waisted - for those with a longer torso, boyfriend for the more casual look, along with the ripped jean which can be seen on so many celebs. Making its come back this season is the flared jean. My personal favourite is the skinny jean as I think its extremely flattering and comfortable. I’ve said to friends that I wont wear flares again - watch this space!
A few tips for buying jeans:
Allow plenty of time. Be prepared to try a few pairs on and compare sizes. Sizes vary massively; this is due to the stretch in the denim, along with different washes and fit styles. It’s always best to buy jeans slightly on the tight side, as denim has a habit of giving a little, and after a few wears and washes they tend to fit perfectly. I have made the costly mistake of buying them when they fitted perfectly in the change room only to find a few wears later they are too big.
Also look for pocket size and positioning on your bottom. If pockets are not in the right place or they are too small, they can make your bum look really long or a funny shape.
Everyone should have at least two pairs of jeans, one for day time, casual, and a pair you can dress up for the evening. Dark or black denim looks great for evenings.
Happy jeans shopping ladies.
Check out my instagram and see what I’ve been wearing lately.
Stylebydeblaw.
Love Debs x
IM IN DENIM HEAVEN! My jeans collection
