Daffodil season

Spring is in the air! The blossoms are out (finally), spring bulbs are up in full force, and the trees are coming out in new growth. I love this time of year! 

The best part though - we started daylight savings today here in NZ, and while today seems to have gone super fast because we lost an hour, it means we can start enjoying after dinner walks and bike rides!

X

Molly

Girl behind the blue door

I'm in love with this new collection from Australian label, Casper & Pearl. The label was started by an 18 year old self-taught designer, and is now available in Australia, New Zealand and the US (read the full story here).

These pictures have me dreaming of long, carefree summer days, and makes me nostalgic for a bygone era. 

Do you like?

X

Molly

Down by the river

What I'm wearing: Dress and belt - Dotti, denim jacket - thrifted, bag - gift from Thailand, Boots - Number One Shoes

I love this time of year, when the days are getting longer and its slowly getting warm enough for bare legs. Its been a while since I've shared an outfit of mine, but I'm hoping now there are more sunshine hours in the day I will be able to fit in a few more. 

Is anyone else finding it crazy how fast this year is going? September is already flying by, and the last few months of the year always seem to go by even quicker! Things get pretty crazy in the lead-up to Christmas. I have actually bought one present already, which is surprising as I don't think I've ever started Christmas shopping earlier than December before! 

Looks like it will be another quite weekend for us, catching up on things we didn't get done during the week. Do you have any special plans?

x

Molly

Bravado

I was thinking recently that I don't share enough about my love of music on here. I always find it amazing how a good song can change my mood instantly, almost in the same way a sunny day does. Most of the music I listen to is older, as I feel that musicians these days are all talent show and no talent. However, slowly but surely my faith in new music is being restored - this time, by a 16 year old girl from Auckland, keeping it real.

Meet Lorde.

X 
Molly

Weekend

Hey my lovelies! Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine was pleasantly uneventful. On Friday night the hubby and I had a quiet night in playing scrabble and indulging in a lovely chocolate fondue (with fruit- that makes it healthy, right?). After all that chocolate, I needed a sleep-in on Saturday morning - minus the husband, as he had a date with his dirt bike. 

The rest of the weekend was a blur of long walks (thanks Spring!), housework, and time with Smudge. 

Now to take on the new week!

X

Molly

Crunchy rosemary and parmesan fries

These rosemary and parmesan fries are so good! Enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or as a side with dinner.

Crunchy rosemary and parmesan fries:

1 medium potato per person

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Grated parmesan

Rosemary

Scrub the potatoes and cut into chunky wedges. Pat dry with a paper towel and drizzle with oil oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, fresh rosemary and grated parmesan.

Bake at 180 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the fries are tender and golden brown.

These are so easy and so good. Enjoy!

X

Molly

Smudge Saturday

I love watching Smudge play outside. Some days he spends all day curled up on my bed, and other days I barely see him at all! Oh to have a cat's life. If he's outside and he notices me watching him, he always runs towards me and tries to get inside. He doesn't really get the concept of windows! Such a treasure. 

This weekend has started off really good. Date night with the hubby last night - we tried out dinner and a movie at a new cinema. The food was amazing and the cinema is straight out of the 1920's. It is available for hire, it would be so perfect for a Great Gatsby party!

Today we plan on doing some housework, taking a walk and maybe doing some baking - the best kind of Saturday.

What are your weekend plans?

X

Molly

South Island: Collingwood and Havelock

These are some pics from our last few days in the South Island. The top of the South Island has to have some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, and they are so secluded. I don't even know if I should be telling you guys this! I'm probably giving away some of New Zealand's best kept secrets.
We had breakfast at a gorgeous seaside cafe in CollingwoodThe cutest little chocolate shop! Love the paint job.After begging the husby to pull over every time I saw a 'real fruit icecream' sign he finally gave in on the very last day of our trip. Love a good boysenberry frozen yoghurt!

Beautiful scenery

This photo was taken on the last night of our trip. We were travelling back to Picton to catch the ferry and stopped in Havelock to cook up the salmon we caught that day for our dinner. So yummy!
XMolly

Advertising shake-up

Hey my lovelies!

Just letting you all know that I am no longer with Passionfruit, which means no fees - so cheaper advertising options for you guys!

My large ad space is now $5, or $12 for three months, and my small ad space is just $2, or $5 for three months. 

Sizes

Large (one month) $5.00 USD  Large (three months) $12.00 USD  Small (one month) $2.00 USD  Small (three months) $5.00 USD

     

I'm also looking for some new ad swaps so if you feel that your blog or business would be a good fit with The Cottage Diaries, flick me an email!

X
Molly
thecottagediaries@gmail.com

Stuff I Luff #13

Some mouth-watering quinoa recipes:

Roast sweet potato and quinoa soup                 Sweet quinoa tabbouleh       

Gorgeous gift wrapping by WhipperberryCute outfit by Rachel the Hat 

Gorgeous kitty                       DIY book headboard

Gorgeous home styling by Ink and Spindle

Hope your all having a fab weekend! Ours has consisted of housework, baking and watching movies, along with a good dose of spring sunshine!

X

Molly