tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73092362592580724672024-01-30T23:50:21.717-08:00We are the Foordsand this is our lifeVictoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.comBlogger639125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-51043608248291300552016-07-11T20:43:00.000-07:002016-07-11T20:43:19.961-07:00first summer campoutHooray! First camp of the summer was a huge success. Four families, blue skies, messing about on the river and great cook outs, all made for the perfect weekend away, just a couple of hours drive from home.<div>
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The Deschutes State Park recreational area was fabulous camp site for a couple of our first time camping families - hot showers and flushing loos always help! Fun games ranging from cricket, tennis, soccer and boules, with a little fishing (with two catches), and a lot of messing about on the river thrown in, kept everyone busy and happy. Cold beer and hot chilli kept us even happier.</div>
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And of course, the icing on the camping cake is always the huge pile of s'mores that get eaten! Bring on the next trip.</div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-35123563533296187382016-05-16T09:40:00.005-07:002016-05-16T09:45:00.354-07:00a clutch of clutches<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">So many stylish clutch bags (purses) around this spring. My own collection is made up mostly of leather, muted tone clutches but my eye has been drawn towards some super bright fun ones this season, perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit or just carrying for fun. Here's a few of my faves (and it's obvious that I have a penchant for tassels!!)...</span></div>
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<img alt="Tassels clutch | MANGO" class="ficha_foto row-fluid" height="640" id="imagenFicha_63037584" itemprop="image" src="https://st.mngbcn.com/rcs/pics/static/T6/fotos/S6/63037584_56_B.jpg?ts=1458548842204" width="457" /></div>
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<a href="http://So many stylish clutch bags (purses) around this spring. My collection is made up mostly of leather, muted tone clutches but my eye has been drawn towards some super bright fun ones this season, perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit or just carrying for fun. Here's a few of my faves..." style="text-align: start;">Mango</a></div>
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<a href="http://So many stylish clutch bags (purses) around this spring. My collection is made up mostly of leather, muted tone clutches but my eye has been drawn towards some super bright fun ones this season, perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit or just carrying for fun. Here's a few of my faves from the high street stores, so easy on the bank balance too!"><span style="font-size: x-small;">H&M</span></a></div>
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<img alt="Image 1 of Star Mela Embellished Clutch with Metal Disc Trim" class="main-image xl" src="http://images.asos-media.com/inv/media/0/4/9/2/6002940/khakicharcoal/image1xxl.jpg" height="640" id="ctl00_ContentMainPage_imgMainImage" itemprop="image" style="border-width: 0px; left: 0px; top: -31px;" width="499" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/Star-Mela-Embellished-Clutch-with-Metal-Disc-Trim/19afxd/?iid=6002940&cid=8730&Rf989=5063&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Khakicharcoal&totalstyles=184&gridsize=3&mporgp=L1N0YXItTWVsYS9TdGFyLU1lbGEtRW1iZWxsaXNoZWQtQ2x1dGNoLXdpdGgtTWV0YWwtRGlzYy1UcmltL1Byb2Qv">asos</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">Happy Monday!</span></div>
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-55750521118003332902016-04-05T13:53:00.002-07:002016-04-05T13:53:50.437-07:00bring on springHello again. Long time. No Blogging. It feels like most of my favourite bloggers and myself are a little distracted with other things in their lives these days and blogging has taken a back seat for a while. Has Pinterest, Instagram etc become the quicker easier social media fix these days? Anyway, I'm here and if you're reading this, then you are too and that's great.<br />
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Here in the Pacific Northwest, Spring is teasing us. Two days of sun. Two days of rain. Blossom on the trees. Wind blowing gale. Light jackets. Scarves. Heating on. Doors and windows thrown open! Argh! Thursday we are supposed to hit 84 degrees, but just for one day! Let's just get on with it and bring on Spring in full force please!<br />
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Spring Break has been and gone in a flash. We had a wonderful family trip to Arizona (in search of sunshine of course), and it did not disappoint. Yes, yes, we all know how bad the sun is for our skin, but it felt oh so good to feel the warmth on my skin again. The need to wear sunglasses, sun screen and light breezy clothes, and to sip Margaritas and eat tacos sitting outside in beautifully lit terraces as the sun set. Palm trees swaying and cacti blossoming. Heaven after the grey wet PNW these past few months.<br />
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Six days in a fun hotel with pools and lazy river and more pools, split in the middle with a three day trip to the Grand Canyon. And WOW! Just WOW! What an amazing place. It was the first visit to the GC for myself and the kiddos. The Huzz and been 20+ years ago. Incredible. Vast. Stunning and so changeable throughout the day. We did a 40 minute flight in an eight seater plane over the South Rim and Eastside. I did great for 20 minutes. The next 20 minutes were mostly spent looking into a brown paper bag! Motion sickness I hate you! The rest of the trip was stunning.<br />
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Back home and life has taken on that count down to the end of the school year! Did I really say that? It's hard to believe that June 17th will be here before we know it and my kids will have finished 1st and 7th Grades! <br />
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We've finished Basketball season (2nd place, hurrah),and we are just starting Track & Field season for the teenager. New spiked running shoes are in the house. Personal Bests are being discussed. He did so great in his first season last year. Here's hoping he loves and and does just as well this year. I know I love watching him and yes I'll be that mum bellowing from the bleachers in my best English voice, getting looks from the other parents and daggers from the boy!<br />
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Spring Cleaning has taken a hold of me! Trying to get stuff done before the good weather arrives and I want nothing more to do inside our home. A repaint and rearrangement of Ruby's bedroom has long been discussed and is so overdue. Lots of decisions on artwork to be made - the Huzz has a vast collection of photographs that we'd love to get onto large canvas. Yard landscaping will be tackled too. And that's just to get us going.<br />
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Here's to Springtime and warmer days.<br />
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-85218708684104570742016-02-03T16:50:00.002-08:002016-02-03T16:50:57.381-08:00national carrot cake day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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National Carrot Cake day (who decides this stuff ?!).</div>
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I do love a slice or two of carrot cake. But I have never made one myself. So I think today could be the day! <br />
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I've had some wonderful and some really not so wonderful carrot cakes in my life. The worst was in a cafe in the Netherlands and was so dry and flavorless with barely any carrot to be found. The best was at <a href="http://www.littlecupcakebakeshop.com/">The Little Cupcake Bakeshop</a> in New York City and was unbelievably moist, lots of carrot, walnuts and spices and toped with delicious cream cheese frosting (a must for me). Perfection. I swapped my Hummingbird cake with my friend's carrot cake and she never got it back!<br />
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So now to recreate something of equally good standards at home!<br />
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Here's a selection of what looks to be some of the most delicious carrot cakes around and a couple with a little twist of there own...<br />
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<a href="http://sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/baking/special-occasion-cakes/item/carrot-and-pistachio-cake">Carrot & Pistachio Cake</a></div>
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<img alt="INCREDIBLE CARROT CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING {Simply classic, but probably the BEST recipe out there. And that cream cheese frosting is so creamy, perfectly sweet and very stable!}" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1121 pinit-hover" data-jpibfi-indexer="10" src="http://cleobuttera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/slice-with-spoon-w.jpg" height="900" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" srcset="http://cleobuttera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/slice-with-spoon-w-200x300.jpg 200x, http://cleobuttera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/slice-with-spoon-w-400x600.jpg 400x, http://cleobuttera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/slice-with-spoon-w.jpg 600x, http://cleobuttera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/slice-with-spoon-w-300x450.jpg 300x" width="600" /></div>
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<a href="http://cleobuttera.com/cakes/incredible-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/">Incredible Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</a></div>
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<img alt="Carrot Cake with Orange Curd" class="alignnone" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16785891187_ef87aceac0_z.jpg" height="427" title="Carrot Cake with Orange Curd | Striped Spatula" width="640" /><br />
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<a href="http://stripedspatula.com/2015/03/31/carrot-cake-with-orange-curd/">Carrot Cake with Orange Curd and a beautiful rose design cream cheese frosting.</a></div>
Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-28113817627821237522016-01-14T08:44:00.000-08:002016-01-14T08:44:20.621-08:00here and nowHere we are a 12 days back into real life after our UK Christmas & New Year trip.<br />
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Snow and ice gave us a slow start to the New Year with the first day back to school cancelled and a late start the next day. That kind of threw us off our restart game. All the snow gear was grabbed out the closet and the kiddos spent half the day sledding in the neighborhood and then drinking lots of hot chocolate and watching movies. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise to ease us in.</div>
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I got online and ordered pair of Ugg boots on that snowy day. My first pair. Happy warm cozy feet. </div>
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The Huzz is still in Europe. Me and the kiddos, we travelled back here alone. We are missing him. Two sleeps to go and his back with us. Reunited. It will feel so good.</div>
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I've started my fitness off pretty well. Three 5k runs in 4 days. Two yoga classes. Pat on the back for me. That must have taken care of at least 5 of the sausages rolls I had over Christmas!!!<br />
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The Christmas tree came down on Sunday. Reluctantly. It feels so bare. I am not taking away the lanterns or little white houses glowing with candles on my fireplace. I am not ready for all the Spring stuff appearing in the stores. I am looking forward to more cozy winter days and nights at home.<br />
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Thinking of a trip over Spring Break. I suggested Alaska to the Huzz. He wants beach and sun. That sounds perfect to me! Planning now needs to begin. </div>
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Struggling to deal with my now 13 year old son. He seems to think he's become all grown up in the month since he became a teenager. I am apparently treating him like a baby! Argh!!! Help this is all new!<br />
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I binge watched the very last season of Parenthood during the evenings on my own this past week. Loved it and cried a bucket load! Love that <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/photos/the-braverman-family-tree/2081746">Braverman</a> family.<br />
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Happy Wednesday.<br />
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X X X<br />
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-12517983780026038822016-01-10T22:11:00.002-08:002016-01-10T22:11:44.361-08:00a christmas recap<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Welcome to 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Ok we are 11 days in, but it's still all new isn't it.</span></div>
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We arrived back home in Portland on 1st January (at 11.57pm to be precise), returning from a fabulous busy family fun filled two weeks in the UK. A trip long awaited and that of course went by in a flash of partying, feasting, drinking, feasting, gift opening, festivities, fireworks and did I mention feasting!</div>
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London looked fab, of course. Street lights, Christmas trees, wonderfully decorated store windows. My only regret was that we didn't have time to see more.<br />
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I really loved taking the kids to a Christmas Eve carol service gathering outside the local church. With my mulled wine in hand and singing all carols (very) loud and clear! My son, now 13 and full of runaway hormones, had a look caught somewhere between embrarrassment and amusement looking on at us. My kids hadn't ever attended a carol service, so this was a totally new and wonderful experience for them. I shall be seeking out more in their future.<br />
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Days rolled into one another. Family, friends, cousins meeting cousins for the first time, seeing aunts and uncles that we hadn't seen for more than 4 years in some cases. Sadly not seeing everyone we'd hoped to. Feeling we are missing being closer to everyone. Holding on extra long for goodbye hugs. Tears or laughter, joy and sadness.<br />
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Lots of champagne, gin and tonics, sausage rolls, mince pies and chocolates! <br />
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It was a Christmas well spent.<br />
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Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with good things.<br />
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X X X<br />
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-87653547839761403832015-11-16T12:37:00.001-08:002015-11-16T19:28:18.009-08:00ear bling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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365 days of the year I wear little black onyx stud balls in my ears. I've worn this style forever (this is my 3rd pair). Even on my wedding day!</div>
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I've tried and tested other earrings. Studs, loops, dangling ones, big big big ones! But always come back to my much loved and treasured black studs.<br />
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But now I'm thinking a little ear bling would be fun for the upcoming party season and up my game in the glamorous ear department! An ear cuff or crawler. Just on one ear (two would be over the top, for me anyway). These are some of my favorites...</div>
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<a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Mismatch-Rose-Cluster-Ear-Cuff-and-Single-Ear-Stud/180zus/?iid=5755224&clr=Rosegold&SearchQuery=ear+cuff&pgesize=36&pge=1&totalstyles=106&gridsize=3&gridrow=5&gridcolumn=1&mporgp=L2Fzb3MvYXNvcy1taXNtYXRjaC1yb3NlLWNsdXN0ZXItZWFyLWN1ZmYtYW5kLXNpbmdsZS1lYXItc3R1ZC9wcm9kLw.."><span style="font-size: x-small;">Asos</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/639410/Oscar_de_la_Renta/gold-plated-crystal-ear-cuff-and-stud-earring-"><span style="font-size: x-small;">net-a-porter</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.baublebar.com/anderson-ear-crawler-set-earring.html?utm_content=8-8706&utm_source=pepperjam&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=20648&cvosrc=affiliate.pepperjam.20648&clickid=1441509557"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bauble Bar</span></a></div>
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H A P P Y S P A R K L Y M O N D A Y T O Y O U!</div>
<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-18873698947663331992015-10-28T12:15:00.000-07:002015-10-28T20:11:31.369-07:00national chocolate day has arrived!It's a very good Wednesday when I wake up to hear that it's <a href="http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chocolate-day-october-28/">National Chocolate Day</a>! Bring it on!
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I'm not a crazy chocoholic, but can be more than tempted to indulge when there's some good stuff around (and that firmly excludes anything Hersheys!!!!). One of my favorite chocolate bars is the Dutch brand '<a href="http://www.tonyschocolonely.com/us/2015/09/25/hello-pdx-im-tonys-chocolonely/">Tony's Chocolonely</a>" which the Huzz brings home from his very frequent trips to the Netherlands. But starting just a couple of weeks ago, my favorite local Portland grocery store, New Seasons, has started selling it (and is the first store in the whole USA to do so!!) so no more waiting for the Huzz to unpack his suitcase! Lucky me.<br />
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Milk (always my favorite)</div>
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Dark Almond Sea Salt</div>
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Milk Caramel Sea Salt</div>
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Dark Coffee Crunch</div>
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Dark Pecan Coconut</div>
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Extra Dark</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">H A P P Y C H O C O L A T E D A Y!</span></div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-3917637811829727352015-10-21T13:45:00.000-07:002015-10-22T13:24:15.403-07:00fall(ing) into fall<div style="text-align: left;">
Well summer has well and truly ended! I've had the early morning walks in the dark with our dog Harvey, when I've had to pull my Hunters and my rain jacket! Not pleasant at 7am, even before my first coffee! The endless summer did actually end, of course it would - this is Oregon!</div>
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Thoughts obviously turn to keeping cosy, whether that's a feeling achieved with food, surroundings, ambience or style. The change of season is welcome. I absolutely LOVED our extended summer this year but definitely am feeling that Fall has made a welcome appearance.<br />
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Five things I'm going to enjoy this Fall are….</div>
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Wearing this fabulous skirt. I purchased it from <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.co.uk/">Marks & Spencer</a> as soon as they were previewing. I love this 70s style, and the hype around it being a "must have" was justified. Beautifully designed and so well made, and the suede is perfect and makes you want to keep stroking it! </div>
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This <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/outerwear/view-all/furry-waistcoat-c733882p2822558.html">gillet from Zara</a> caught my eye on<a href="http://www.lecatch.com/"> Le Catch</a>.<br />
I pretty quickly found myself clicking on 'Add to Cart'. Love it.</div>
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Soups.<br />
I'm determined to be more adventurous in the soup department.<br />
Not just good old veggie soup, made with whatever veggies happen to be in the refrigerator!<br />
This <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/25/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/">Lemon Chicken Orzo </a>soup is going to be near the top of my list…</div>
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<img alt="Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup - Chockfull of hearty veggies and tender chicken in a refreshing lemony broth - it's pure comfort in a bowl!" class="alignnone wp-image-8223 size-full" src="http://damndelicious.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_5693edit.jpg" height="640" width="426" /><br />
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This <a href="https://www.evermine.com/blog/saturday-sips-autumn-sangria-two-ways/">Fall Sangria</a>.<br />
I'm planning on serving this at a little gathering with friends at home next week. Delicious.</div>
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White Pumpkins. My favorite.<br />
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Happy Wednesday!<br />
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-56755522947697626742015-10-16T13:42:00.001-07:002015-10-16T16:29:21.269-07:00national dessert dayYes its National Dessert Day! What a tasty Friday!<br />
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We don't have dessert at home after every meal. Sometimes some ice-cream or fruit. But that doesn't mean I'm not partial to something sweet at the end of a meal, usually when out for dinner or with friends. Here's a few desserts that would finish any meal and fit the bill perfectly for today.<br />
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<img alt="Blueberry-Ricotta Tart" class="feat-primary-img" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/styles/wmax-520-highdpi/public/d21/mbd105202_0710_bpie12/mbd105202_0710_bpie12_vert.jpg?itok=dwgO6RgP" data-original="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/styles/wmax-520-highdpi/public/d21/mbd105202_0710_bpie12/mbd105202_0710_bpie12_vert.jpg?itok=dwgO6RgP" height="640" itemprop="image" style="display: inline;" title="Blueberry-Ricotta Tart" width="512" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1047830/blueberry-ricotta-tart">Blackberry-Ricotta Tart</a></div>
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<img alt="the sultans pavlova | Tanya Zouev" class="attachment wp-post-image" src="http://tanyazouev.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/the-sultans-pavlova-Tanya-Zouev.jpg" height="640" width="453" /></div>
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<a href="http://tanyazouev.com/the-sultans-pavlova-the-ottomans-come-down-under/">Sultan's Pavlova</a></div>
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<a href="http://dustjacket-attic.com/2015/01/churros-with-chocolate-espresso-dip.html/">Churros with Chocolate & Espresso Di</a>p</div>
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<a href="http://yummycrumble.com/apple-cinnamon-baklava/">Apple Cinnamon Baklava</a></div>
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Happy National Dessert Day!<br />
#nationaldessertday</div>
Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-5520247630514551442015-10-05T13:38:00.001-07:002015-10-16T16:29:35.394-07:00a new york weekendI've been tardy again! What can I say? Sorry! We've been getting back into the whole new school year routine. The Huzz has travelled back and forth a few times to the Netherlands. And I went on a fabulous trip to New York City!!! Yay! <br />
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Last weekend I met up with two of my great British girlfriends in what is the 'middle' between London and Portland. New York! Three days and nights in the Big Apple doing exactly as we like. No children calling out every 2 minutes. No household chores. No real agenda.<br />
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There was rather a lot of 'Popemania' going on last Friday, so we changed our plans around and avoided the areas where crowds were gathered and security was at it highest level. Instead we took a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and all around Dumbo. Admiring the fabulous Brownstones, neighborhood streets and great views back over to Manhattan. A lunchitme cocktail, instead of the usual afternoon car-pool drive, was a perfect escape from the norm!<br />
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A fabulous meal at <a href="http://gelsoandgrand.com/">Gelso & Grand</a> and then discovering an even more fabulous cocktail bar, the <a href="http://mulberryproject.com/">Mulberry Project</a>, down some steps under a handbag store, certainly started our Friday evening off well with one of the best Lemon Drop cocktails, ever.<br />
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We found a great breakfast stop just a few minutes from our hotel, which we visited two of our three mornings. <a href="http://www.greecologies.com/">Greecologies</a> is a Greek yogurt lab! The most delicious yogurt, topped with a selection of either fresh fruits, amazing honey, granola, rose petal preserve or feta, olives, tomatoes. Delicious and so worth a visit.<br />
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On Saturday we stopped at Hugh Jackman's non-profit coffee shop, <a href="http://laughingmanfoundation.businesscatalyst.com/">Laughing Man</a>, for what was an outstanding latte (but alas, no sighting of Hugh!) and then moved on to visit the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial and admire what a fabulous architectural momument now marked this tragedy. We took a stroll along the High Line Park, which really is a great use way of this disused railway and a major NY tourist attraction now and enjoyed equally by locals.<br />
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New York has such a great vibe. Every corner hold something new and interesting. I loved the street art ("grafitti" seems to give it an unexceptable feel). Typical scenes like fire escapes tumbling down the outside of apartment blocks, small community gardens, neighborhoods each having their own distinct feel even when just one street apart. We stayed at The <a href="http://www.thesohotel.com/">Sohotel</a> which was a perfect location and a great little rustic boutique hotel with everything we needed and super comfy beds, which we all we needed after a long day out in NYC.<br />
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Just having the time to wander, catch up, people watch and soak up all that is NY was the perfect getaway. Here's to the next time!<br />
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#newyorkcityVictoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-10596154472131278962015-08-29T21:08:00.003-07:002015-08-30T10:56:06.153-07:00summertime bluesIt's been an absolute age since I've been here. Bloggers Block? Or a Summer Siesta? <br />
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I'm not feeling too blue about it though. This summer has been magnificent. Talk about endless. We have been spoilt with glorious days of blue sky, and I do believe a consecutive 19 days of 90+ degrees, with the rest not far off. When it got a little too much (and I know I really shouldn't be complaining) and we had a couple of days of cloudy skies with a few showers and temps dropping to low 70s, it was enjoyed. However, I wasn't quite ready for cooler days just yet.<br />
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Of course there is downside of this wonderful summer. The lack of rain in Oregon has increased the wildfires substantially here in the Pacific Northwest I have never seen the countryside so parched. And seeing on the news the fires that have destroyed more than a million acres of land, homes, old wooden bridges and more is frightening. Even though not on our doorstep, we could smell the smoke in the air and the smoke pollution on a few days was quite visible hanging over the city. Thoughts always go to those in danger and those risking their lives to help. So for this reason the rain that's arrived this past couple of days has been more than welcome.<br />
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For us it was a Staycation this year. Lovely family came visiting from the UK and stayed with us for 10 days which meant lots of day trips, cousins getting lots of overdue time to play together, lazy dinners late into the evening, board games, movies, gin & tonics (plenty!) and a great time together. My kids were at a few summer camps ranging from camping in the San Juan islands, to an art camp and lots of clay creations coming home every day! A multi-sports camp and a beginners sailing camp (I love that they get to try out new stuff each year). Plenty of sleepovers with friends, grilling outside almost every day, camping, summer movies and messing about in boats. And of course lots of beach and pool days, keeping cool and in some cases escaping the heat of Portland for the cooler temperatures at the coast.<br />
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With just over a week to go until BTS (back-to-school) we have a camping trip, a 7th birthday celebration slumber party and school picnic to enjoy. Fun up to the last minute and plenty of good memories of a great summer to carry us through what we know will feel like a long damp Fall and Winter.<br />
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Hope you're enjoying your last days of summer as much as we are…<br />
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-65419512220212302732015-07-19T17:46:00.003-07:002015-07-19T17:46:48.038-07:00we all scream for ice-cream<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;">National Ice-Cream day!</span></div>
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And perfect timing too, with temps today at 95 degrees!</div>
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In Portland, we are rather spoilt in the ice-cream department. <a href="http://saltandstraw.com/about/">Salt & Straw</a> being my favorite. With a line snaking around the block at peak times (which is most hours of the day), at any one of its three stores (+ one in LA), it seems it's everyone else's favorite too! I found that mornings are the least busy and it's no hardship having a little ice-cream indulgence before lunch!<br />
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Fresh handmade ice-cream with flavors ranging from Stawberry Banana Split to Goat Cheese Marionberry Habenero, and Meyer Lemon Buttermilk and Blueberries to Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon, it's an adventure for your taste buds for sure. Of course Salt & Straw does have a vanilla (albeit double fold Vanilla) and a Chocolate (with Gooey Brownie) if you don't want to push your ice-cream boundaries. And if you can't decide on what flavor (after sampling a variety), then you can always pick a 'tasting' board' of 4 different flavors - its more than enough to share, if you have to.<br />
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<img alt="Salt and Straw Ice Cream Pints" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/5e/15/ca5e1584c7664d71948b78f88564adec.jpg" width="425" /> </div>
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<img alt="Salt & Straw - Portland ice cream shop. Flavors like Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise, Dandelion Sorbet with Spring Flowers, Sweet Heat Apricot Wheat Ale with Candied Peppers, Honey Lavender, Lemon Basil Sorbet, Pear with Blue Cheese, Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper, Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbon" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/14/70/69/1470697760eee921ed6a7651dadbc798.jpg" width="418" /></div>
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With pints to take home and an ice-cream cart to hire for events, Salt & Straw have got Portland covered.</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">Happy Ice-Cream Day!</span></div>
Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-38682439076979379842015-07-14T18:40:00.001-07:002015-07-16T22:37:38.313-07:00summer days drifted away….We are into week 5 of summer vacation already! One day has rolled into the next and before you know it another week has passed by. We've managed to squeeze in a whole bunch of stuff in so far…<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">3 beach trips</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E7QHxPdTTEp32wTgNnFU0zFFcDjwTp_ddfLQZuQcxbuj7IoTdry71HFJxlovPtC4TVteavGindMjh5_dgE9KGq9JiHzfqTOzlzb3gZtQY7M0gUYsf8ozh6xdj3wEyLrQaMi1LxB5L05H/s1600/DSC_4011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E7QHxPdTTEp32wTgNnFU0zFFcDjwTp_ddfLQZuQcxbuj7IoTdry71HFJxlovPtC4TVteavGindMjh5_dgE9KGq9JiHzfqTOzlzb3gZtQY7M0gUYsf8ozh6xdj3wEyLrQaMi1LxB5L05H/s640/DSC_4011.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">2 visits to the movies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">many many playdates with friends</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">copius amounts of ice-cream</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">grilling on the bbq almost every day</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">17 consecutive days of temperatures reaching 90+ degrees (we hit 100 a couple of times) = </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">hours and hours spent at the pool</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">4th July at the St Paul Rodeo - yee haw cowboys!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> a small surgery for Ruby (nothing to worry about thankfully)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">lots of library book borrowing</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">lots of playing in the sprinkler</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">sleepovers</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">bike rides</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">outdoor music concert</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">an art camp for Ruby - lots of clays things were made!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">and Luca is away in the amazing and beautiful<a href="http://www.visitsanjuans.com/"> San Juan Islands</a> with 23 other kids this week (envy!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">climbing all over the remains of a ship wreck from 1906</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">exploring a fort dating from 1863</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XB-29HWbqQxswUu-lGdyRtFhkznqIaJWAdCM040GjvBpEKyEWAsSxXol0ylUEBHuGPzV4wNB1dXTPbIClMOiJINoVY3eLEOnbZnWMfMwvDcnrxJjd_YLY8cygYEzwPS4Qf_Po1IfySxH/s1600/DSC_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XB-29HWbqQxswUu-lGdyRtFhkznqIaJWAdCM040GjvBpEKyEWAsSxXol0ylUEBHuGPzV4wNB1dXTPbIClMOiJINoVY3eLEOnbZnWMfMwvDcnrxJjd_YLY8cygYEzwPS4Qf_Po1IfySxH/s640/DSC_4021.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9rpHOBHeP8GbBIAQw9xrd79PazKUwSXMbUgde1uvoR3vbzEA7ZrjtGUk6uVjGOXkHQtpU_SNirSqzsBtYbsQO50mgEExVV7_fIcqZudgBjhcO6KKFWW1p-3JcPPwe7tATqMJoAc_hmZ6/s1600/IMG_9433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9rpHOBHeP8GbBIAQw9xrd79PazKUwSXMbUgde1uvoR3vbzEA7ZrjtGUk6uVjGOXkHQtpU_SNirSqzsBtYbsQO50mgEExVV7_fIcqZudgBjhcO6KKFWW1p-3JcPPwe7tATqMJoAc_hmZ6/s640/IMG_9433.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">more than enough time on electronics!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">and yet…..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I've heard my kids, more the a few times, say "I'm bored" !!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">To which I've replied...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">What about that pile of Lego that could be rebuilt into all those amazing things you "needed" not so long ago. How about walking the dog? Go outside and play basketball. Start on a new book.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">No, I will not let you watch another movie. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">No, I will not give you <i>another</i> $5 to spend in Starbucks!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">It makes me think of my summer vacation in the UK as a child.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">six weeks of lazing around </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">watching Elvis movies in the mornings</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">endless bike riding with friends</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Girl Scout camp</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">swimming</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">parks, forests, den making</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">No electronics (well, unless you count the TV) whatsoever!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">And I'm sure I said I was bored more than once too! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">Hope your summer is going wonderfully.</span></div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-12622087976407668732015-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:002015-07-01T13:42:37.374-07:00summer partyOne of my (many) favorite things about summertime is the outdoor eating and entertaining. Whether it's coffee, fruit and yoghurt for breakfast on the deck as the sun peaks through the trees (ideally with the kids still fast asleep in their beds). A 'mezze' for lunch, with a table filled with cheeses, homemade bread, selection of meats and chutneys and fresh fruit. A dinner with family and friends with delicious salads, steaks or fish on the grill, chilled wine and little lights glowing all around. It's all good.<br />
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<a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/">Paperless Post </a>- the creators of beautifully designed unique <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/cards/section/invitations">invitations</a> and cards that make organizing your own event that little bit easier - asked if I'd be interested in compiling a post on my inspiration for summertime entertaining, from color schemes, what I'd wear, food, styling etc. How fun is that? I mean, just take a look at my Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Hibiscusbloem/summertime/">Summertime</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Hibiscusbloem/eats-drinks/">Eats & Drinks</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Hibiscusbloem/outdoor-space/">Outdoor Space</a> boards to start with. How could I resist?</div>
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My dream entertaining space would be a sandy beach with a long table lined with flowers and candles. Cream, tan and white, with and a touch of gold, and lights strung overhead. Invitations would be gorgeously simply and have to include the softest bluey/grey with with flecks of gold.</div>
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<img alt="Party à la plage" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/48/73/c0/4873c052bdfedbfaa5a66a7741e5cca5.jpg" width="266" /> <img alt="beach party" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/13/13/8c/13138c343fac887c0984c5d153bf0303.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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<img alt="Dinner At The Beach" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b9/25/bb/b925bb9a568b5ac368e154f56d46598f.jpg" width="300" /> <img alt="eventful | simple white set-up on the beach" class="pinImage" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/22/d0/d2/22d0d2ecd211781c1c987d8599ee73b3.jpg" /><br />
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A stylishly relaxed dress 'code' on a warm summer night. Shoes kicked off (why would you need heels on the beach?), sand between our toes, soft fabrics ….. I would absolutely be wearing a dress…. which one of these would be hard to decide …..<br />
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<img alt="4-in-1 trapeze dress | Gap" class="pinImage" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c3/20/33/c32033fccce5ecfb35e68fae82535635.jpg" /> <img alt="block-printed silk dress" class="pinImage" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/14/fb/f8/14fbf801d830d205d5cf312c15afc90a.jpg" width="264" /><br />
<img alt="Image 4 of Glamorous Printed Maxi Dress with Lace Up" class="pinImage" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4f/6d/7a/4f6d7aecdc2ffe10ed8ba062f889e83e.jpg" width="250" /> <img alt="Christophe+Sauvat+Chica+Bandeau+Maxi" class="pinImage" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/89/06/7e/89067eea9d991a95073dc442086175b6.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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Drinks….<br />
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<a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/citrus-and-basil-sangria/">Citrus & Basil Sangria</a><br />
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<img alt="Citrus and Basil Sangria via What's Gaby Cooking" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e5/c3/b5/e5c3b5092a14fc5849c1466d5a030104.jpg" width="266" /><br />
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And a delicious spread of food…<br />
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<img alt="This is the best coconut shrimp recipe I've tried and you won't believe how easy it is! sallysbakingaddiction.com" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/82/35/2f8235e96239fe4779310e29ce0ca869.jpg" width="244" /> <img alt="Heirloom Tomato, Peach & Burrata Salad" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/ee/c7/17eec72d6aaccf6033a1d9ab49d17294.jpg" width="266" /><br />
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Coconut Shrip | Tomato, Peach & Burrata Salad</div>
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<img alt="Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini on Foodess" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/6a/53/926a53eecbd91d692c98691e336814c6.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Strawberry & Goats' Cheese Crostini</div>
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Followed by a sweet treat. </div>
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Of course, you're all invited!</div>
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Happy Summertime Friends.</div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-59295252889245492162015-06-14T19:50:00.002-07:002015-06-14T19:50:37.672-07:00ice ice baby<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I heart summer" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5f/81/27/5f81274951d3cd9fc9a9f193708884a0.jpg" width="334" /></div>
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Summer is well and truly here. Kiddos have finished school in a crazy week filled with end of year exams, field day, class parties, talent shows and 'school's out' parties. It feels like the quickes school year ever (but I'm sure I say that every summer!). It's good to know we have no early morning alarms to contend with, packed lunches to make and no late night homework schedules to deal with. Twelve (yes 12!) weeks are ahead of us and I am taking a deep breath and diving in, and hoping I come out the other end still breathing!!!<br />
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The sun is shining here and its hot hot hot here (I'm hoping we haven't peaked too soon with such good weather). The demand for ice-cream and popsicles is on the rise too, and there's only so many mini-Magnums I want my kidds (and me) to eat, and so I've been browsing homemade ices for them and some that have an extra kick for the grown-ups too!<br />
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Happy Summertime!<br />
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<img alt="Blackberry, Rosemary, and Yogurt Ice Pops" height="424" itemprop="image" src="https://d2k9njawademcf.cloudfront.net/slides/6449/original/food52_07-25-11-13.jpg?1312514799" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="http://food52.com/recipes/13791-blackberry-rosemary-and-yogurt-ice-pops">Blackberry Rosemary & Yogurt </a></div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4091" height="673" src="http://passthesushi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/popsicle6-660x1024.jpg" title="popsicle6" width="434" /></div>
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<a href="http://passthesushi.com/strawberry-lemonade-popsicles/">Strawberry Lemonade</a></div>
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<img alt="IMG_0200" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9342" height="640" src="http://alaskascratch.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_0200.jpg" width="427" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.alaskafromscratch.com/2014/06/02/peaches-cream-greek-yogurt-popsicles/">Peaches & Cream</a></div>
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<img alt="iced coffee popsicles 1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10886 pinit-hover" data-jpibfi-indexer="0" height="426" src="http://cf.theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1-DSC_0052.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/iced-coffee-popsicles/">Ice-coffee </a></div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2412" height="750" src="http://www.hungrygirlporvida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_9218.jpg" title="Watermelon-Mint Tequila Popsicles" width="500" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.hungrygirlporvida.com/blog/2012/07/16/watermelon-mint-tequila-popsicles/">Watermelon Mint Tequilla</a></div>
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<a href="http://cookingstoned.tv/recipe/raspberry-lime-sangria-popsicles/">Raspberry & Lime Sangria</a></div>
Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-38881626276665915852015-06-05T00:30:00.000-07:002015-06-18T15:28:53.919-07:00doughnut day<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="blue star donuts portland" class="pinImage" height="480" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ad/48/3c/ad483ca7350cab8ebff6a55225d1c940.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">via Pinterest</span></div>
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Yes, its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Doughnut_Day">National Doughtnut Day</a>!<br />
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I think my son may have got there early. We made a visit to Blue Star Donuts last weekend to break up his finals studying, and then we picked up 2 dozen doughtnuts from Krispy Kreme on Wednesday for a class party - apparently he ate at least 3 of them!<br />
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Here in Portland we are kind of spoilt in the doughnut (or is it donut?) market. <a href="http://voodoodoughnut.com/">Voodoo Donuts</a> has the bright pink boxes and a eyepopping selection of crazy color and crazy flavors - covered in Froot Loops, the 'Cock-n-Ball (yes, really in that shape!), Maple Bacon (with a slice on the top), a Voodoo doll etc. And there is always a line of customers snaking down the street and often around the block!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhZQgwJC934-e8jJDIEF4XtsfkO7NsnHEqFsCI0hiSXaUyMvu4lYahDakrbyrkw1WWX388IUbidLFpgwMI6_4Um6LGYvzlcbxzJaCUYLJ2D2VC9DCzAxVvNkRAWjmA1uEdZk-pH9SeHe-/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhZQgwJC934-e8jJDIEF4XtsfkO7NsnHEqFsCI0hiSXaUyMvu4lYahDakrbyrkw1WWX388IUbidLFpgwMI6_4Um6LGYvzlcbxzJaCUYLJ2D2VC9DCzAxVvNkRAWjmA1uEdZk-pH9SeHe-/s640/IMG_9175.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyknJNziK5NO7ZuDxFbeR9vQlmuKkD0Dh_MkVWG5Pq6ZBxpTeeL7w6cH8NY9KLOAqwo-jU0z76u7s4jBuOAmFruPyFVQrvSAlSkLh5FnMLYy9jSLKn2SYSbDjUxZgrjZrGBG4DiYaT4_n/s1600/IMG_9177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyknJNziK5NO7ZuDxFbeR9vQlmuKkD0Dh_MkVWG5Pq6ZBxpTeeL7w6cH8NY9KLOAqwo-jU0z76u7s4jBuOAmFruPyFVQrvSAlSkLh5FnMLYy9jSLKn2SYSbDjUxZgrjZrGBG4DiYaT4_n/s400/IMG_9177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluestardonuts.com/">Blue Star Donuts</a> is a more upscale, minimalist doughnut store with a selection for the more discerning doughtnut fan - quality over quantity is the promise. With flavors like Bluebery Bourbon Basil, Poppyseed Lemon Buttermilk, Vegan Pistachio Cake with Raspberry Hibiscus, Cointreau Creme Brûlée. Definitely worth the indulgence. Mmmmm!<br />
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Of course, we have a <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/">Krispy Kreme </a>where the kids still like to go and watch all the doughnuts being churned out, deep fried and moving along the conveyor. It still has a very retro feel about it that they love.<br />
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<img alt="Move over Voodoo, there's a new donut shop in town - Blue Star Donuts! The two pictured are blueberry bourbon basil & passionfruit cocoa nib. Amazing!" class="pinImage" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/06/5e/8d065e7a76f8abf115348dd611bddea7.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="Portland | Blue Star Donuts • 1237 SW Washington / Laurens Latest" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/79/de/b3/79deb3780515f2f0f9dec88bae887c9e.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">via Pinterest</span></div>
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Anyhow, if you are partial to a doughnut, today's the day. What's your favorite? Original glazed? Maple Bacon? Sprinkles? Chocolate? Filled with jam or custard? Whatever it is… E N J O Y!</div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-15321525627369996242015-05-26T14:59:00.003-07:002015-05-26T16:08:19.450-07:00rainblow colored saladsBanish those salads made from limp lettuce, cucumber and tomato (memories of which still haunt me!). With the bounty of gorgeous vegetables and fruits available as summer approaches, these salads are sure to get your tastebuds buzzing and asking for more. And of course they look pretty good too. Enjoy.<br />
<img alt="a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3" class="lazy alignnone size-full wp-image-11024 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://ahouseinthehills.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3.jpg" data-lazy-type="image" height="1200" src="http://ahouseinthehills.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3.jpg" style="display: none;" width="800" /><br />
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<img alt="Beet Salad with Honey-Lavender Dressing" class="feat-primary-img" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/styles/wmax-520-highdpi/public/d34/wyebrook-farm-salad-04-014-d111590/wyebrook-farm-salad-04-014-d111590_vert.jpg?itok=ZUnsQDAs" data-original="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/styles/wmax-520-highdpi/public/d34/wyebrook-farm-salad-04-014-d111590/wyebrook-farm-salad-04-014-d111590_vert.jpg?itok=ZUnsQDAs" height="640" itemprop="image" style="display: inline;" title="Beet Salad with Honey-Lavender Dressing" width="512" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1114957/beet-salad-honey-lavender-dressing">Beet salad with honey lavender dressing</a></div>
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<img alt="2009_01_29-citrussalad.jpg" src="http://p-fst2.pixstatic.com/5069f0b5fb04d60a4d000812._w.540_h.359_s.fit_.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-citrus-and-onion-salad-75279">Citrus & Onion Salad</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/superfood-salad/#WsBc8ouRv4HBPhjA.97">Quinoa & Roasted Sweet Potato</a></div>
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<img alt="Quinoa, Mint and Stone Fruit Salad via A House in the Hills" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/79/b0/48/79b0487a6fefc1a9b93fbb6a3973bbc8.jpg" width="426" /><br />
<img alt="a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3" class="lazy alignnone size-full wp-image-11024 data-lazy-ready" data-lazy-src="http://ahouseinthehills.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3.jpg" data-lazy-type="image" height="1200" src="http://ahouseinthehills.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/a_house_in_the_hills_quinoa_stone_fruit_salad-3.jpg" style="display: none;" width="800" /></div>
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<a href="http://ahouseinthehills.com/2015/05/19/quinoa-mint-and-stone-fruit-salad/">Quinoa Feta Mint & Stone Fruit</a></div>
Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-18248503384864465672015-04-29T09:30:00.000-07:002015-04-29T09:30:00.869-07:00basket case<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Beach Days. Picnic Days. Pool Days. And especially Farmers' Market Days. All on the horizon with Spring here and Summer up next. Time to fill a basket with everything you'll need to take with you, or take home filled with fresh goodies from the market. These are my favorite baskets.</div>
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<img class="tg-image ng-scope" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/35648575_085_b?wid=425" data-zoomsrc="" ng-click="action.productImageZoom($event)" ng-if="model.selectedUrl" ng-src="//images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/35648575_085_b?wid=425" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-bags/35648575.jsp#/">Anthropologie</a></div>
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<img alt="Farmers Market Basket Black {The Little Market}" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e2/8e/b3/e28eb3813e97f1fbee4df3d9cd246afa.jpg" width="502" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.thelittlemarket.com/">The Little Market</a></div>
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<img alt="Casablanca Basket" height="400" itemprop="image" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0266/5959/products/Casablanca_Market_Basket_silver_trim_and_handles_date_palm_Morocco_handmade_shopping_grande.jpg?v=1383219257" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://greatoceanroadasia.com/collections/market-baskets/products/casablanca-basket">Great Ocean Road</a></div>
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<img alt="Provence Market Basket in Dark Wash Gray. A steal at $35." class="pinImage" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f0/77/1b/f0771b89471bec3dc58b88be63ac83ab.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/provence-market-basket/14433?cm_mmc=Pinterest-_-Mercent-_-general-_-prodlink&mr:trackingCode=D05B0096-E448-E311-9917-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA&listIndex=0&SourceCode=PINTMERC&redirect=y">Ballard Designs</a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">H A P P Y D A Y S!</span></div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-26591240333312431872015-04-27T12:09:00.002-07:002015-04-27T12:09:16.086-07:00spring greens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nQmbqNtbpARR9WVD5Eg95yCvKLie31TkSNRQP2OrTNPQcu5B-60lF__Sq7Igkuh5B8JYFZKhGozVguuy4_PLf_hdMjT-Njh2K1w8qTFL5eYT6w2t8rCXdvvG8biaoQrSWKtX3GiKmWQx/s1600/DSC_3576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nQmbqNtbpARR9WVD5Eg95yCvKLie31TkSNRQP2OrTNPQcu5B-60lF__Sq7Igkuh5B8JYFZKhGozVguuy4_PLf_hdMjT-Njh2K1w8qTFL5eYT6w2t8rCXdvvG8biaoQrSWKtX3GiKmWQx/s1600/DSC_3576.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Fresh bright greens. Immediately appealing for this time of year. New shoots. New beginnings.</div>
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I've been adding more plants around our home. From a huge Fiddle Leaf Ficcus, to cut branches with green leaves, cacti and succulents and ferms in my terrariums. Opening blinds to let in as much light as possible and feeling spring in the air.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMZNjhyphenhyphenKqjSuIg0QFeqCo71w-vlTnulewbyPpaS3FmsekSN_L-KWfgcNZVzN5fj2VP4rOMH1Xhte1g_PdNQnllEzUiAmQ-tgH_4PgZHEIYnXsrg5igdK2T3sLKLmFkOycg9nf4qGwhy3h/s1600/IMG_9091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMZNjhyphenhyphenKqjSuIg0QFeqCo71w-vlTnulewbyPpaS3FmsekSN_L-KWfgcNZVzN5fj2VP4rOMH1Xhte1g_PdNQnllEzUiAmQ-tgH_4PgZHEIYnXsrg5igdK2T3sLKLmFkOycg9nf4qGwhy3h/s1600/IMG_9091.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My favorite daytime item of clothing has become these <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1015319&vid=1&pid=516372012">Gap</a> cargo jogger pants. </div>
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Super comfortable and I love the narrow ankle. </div>
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Teamed with my favoroite vintage style Nikes…</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hope your Monday has a Spring feel to it.</span></div>
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-91505286525752426902015-03-30T14:23:00.000-07:002015-03-30T14:23:25.432-07:00sunshine state of mindWe have just returned from a family vacation in Florida. Visiting an old favorite place, staying in the same familiar blue and white beach cottage. Walking the same path to the beach. Visiting tried and tested restaurants, cafes, doughnut shops and beaches. All lovingly familiar and making us feel right at home immediately on arrival.<br />
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We've stayed at Indian Rocks Beach on the Gulf Coast 6 times now. We vacationed in other places for the past two years and thought we wouldn't miss our little beach cottage. But we did. Of course. The sun shone and we all have a healthy 'glow' to bring us into the summer and outdoor pool time once again. We are rested from lazy mornings, exercise really not much more than walking to the beach and along the beach!</div>
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The light in Florida is amazing, giving photographs that beautiful brightness that you see in magazine spreads. Greens are greener. Blues more azure. White sand so soft, almost like flour, reflecting the sunlight. </div>
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My favorite meals always include coconut shrimp and Grouper fish tacos! Of course, a Margarita or two on the side is the perfect partner! Some local live band playing (not always good) music and the warm air and sunset. I could live here, without a doubt.<br />
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We're already planning a return trip next year.</div>
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H a p p y M o n d a y.</div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-5845199043254423012015-03-16T20:14:00.001-07:002015-03-16T20:55:34.555-07:00tan and whiteYes we're still a little way off from summer, but I've been spoilt by a few wonderfully unseasonably hot days over the past few weeks (Spring sprung early and kind of tricked us into thinking (hoping) it might stay - of course it didn't! This week temperatures dropped and rain lashed down (good for the garden I keep telling myself!). But with a vacation to sunnier climates on the horizon I'm ready and raring to go.<br />
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This is how I envisage my look to be this summer. White and Tan. With some blues mixed in. I already have a few items in my closet that go perfectly with this style. More than a few pairs of sandals in tan (I'm always attracted to them. Every year.), a crisp white shirt, embroidery anglais shirt (seen last year on <a href="http://www.lecatch.com/2014/08/bali-bliss.html">Le Catch</a> - a fabulous fashion style blog - and snapped up at the click of a mouse!), a perfect Trina Turk white dress from last Summer's sales, a beautiful tan <a href="https://cowboysbelt.com/">Cowboy</a>s bag that the Huzz purchased in Amsterdam for my birthday, teamed with jeans, a gold or silver cuff and that's about it. <br />
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Fresh. Relaxed. Classic. Crisp.</div>
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<img alt="Summer style- White eyelet partial button front belt with shirt collar, side seam pockets, full sweep and paired with a nice caramel structured belt. LOVE THIS LOOK!!" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/79/c9/c979c9033c4fb6af5de7a8f71255dee8.jpg" width="332" /></div>
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Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-62832534131055288172015-03-04T08:38:00.000-08:002015-03-04T08:38:19.501-08:00missing mum<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Always on my mind Forever in my heart | Inspirational Quotes" class="pinImage" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/13/ae/f6/13aef6212a06e0e5bba770274fab9e6c.jpg" /></div>
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It is 4 years today since my mum passed away. These days, weeks, months and now years have passed by in a flash. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. Sometimes it feels much longer than 4 years ago. Life happens and here we are 4 years later.<br />
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So many times I wish I could pick up the phone and tell her about my day. Talk about the things my kiddos are up to. To take her on a trip. Spend time together. <br />
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Since she passed away, a few of her friends have also lost their lives. I like to think of them all, somewhere, enjoying each other's company again. Drinking tea. Smiling. Laughing. Free of all the pain they had to endure.<br />
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Miss you Mum.<br />
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-67818171510017818942015-03-02T22:27:00.000-08:002015-03-02T22:27:04.649-08:00around here recently...What! No blog post since February 9th. How did that happen? I see the regularity of some of my favorite bloggers posting daily, bi-weekly etc. I stop by their blogs and read and sometimes comment, but haven't found the moment to sit and just get on with my own. <br />
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February tore up the tarmac with such speed I cannot fathom how we arrived at 3rd March.<br />
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Great and not so great stuff happened in February. </div>
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The Great = beach days, swim wear and picnics in the sand! Yes in February on the Pacific North West coast - crazy.</div>
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Snowboarding for my kids. Although we could have done with a few more inches of snow, but still they loved it and I watched from the restaurant with a nice beer and dinner!</div>
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Spring sprung early. Everthing is budding or blooming! Long may it continue. Although, I do fear that the crazy weather differences between here on the west coast and the unstoppable snow on the east coast, will bring an uncertain summer and more than an April shower or ten!</div>
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Valentine's was fun. I organized a little Friends' Valentine's Brunch for Ruby and 5 of her friends. Heart shaped pancakes, heart shaped straws, cakes and chocolates. Canvas painting and playing outside in the sunshine, all made for a great Sunday Valentine morning.<br />
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We moved my son from one middle school to another! A major change in education style and a big step for him halfway through 6th Grade. He is thrilled and loves it! Relief for us all!</div>
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The Not So Great = two visits to the ER and one to the doctor! Both for my son. First off, a skier crashed into him, out of control after doing a jump, whilst my son was sitting at the edge of the piste with his snowboard instructor. Grazed back and 'whiplash' symptons resulted in his being ceremoniously stretchered down to the mountainside ER.</div>
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The next week, an elbow in the face, instant headache and dizzyness meant a visit to the doctor to ensure no concussion. All fine.<br />
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And finally, an unfair tackle during rugby training from a very disgruntled team mate that was not happy my son had prevented him scoring a try (even though it was a 'friendly' practice game) decided to 'get his own back'. Two x-rays later, and thankfully no broken bones, but a sprained ankle and crutches for a week. No rugby. No snowboarding. No judo. Whoopee!<br />
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We are dreaming of sunny beaches and a vacation to a favorite place that holds good memories and great family time in the sunshine. I feel a little vacation shopping coming on!<br />
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Hope you March is off to a great start.<br />
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7309236259258072467.post-69813611819761424022015-02-09T21:06:00.000-08:002015-02-10T22:08:05.534-08:00life happensLife seems to be going at a pace these days. "The hours go slow, but the years go fast" - well, not around here. The hours, days and weeks are flashing before my eyes.<br />
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With a husband away with work, often, it can feel like the hours are running away on some days. This weekend saw me in full chauffeur mode. Delivering my son to judo and drum and a movie trip. And having friends collect him for a go-karting afternoon. Shopping with my daughter for her Valentine's party decorations and making Valentine's cards for her class friends. Dog walking in the pouring rain in full waterproofs too many times. Grocery shopping, cooking, and all the usual household duties. Single parents that do this day in day out, my hat goes off to you.<br />
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I woke up Sunday to news that a longterm colleague of my husbands had died on Saturday night. Suddenly, and whilst away on business at a company meeting in another country where my husband was also in attendance. Shocking, sad and heartbreaking for his family. How unbearable for them to wake up on their Sunday morning and their world come crashing down. I haven't stopped thinking about this sadness since. I could hardly speak about such tradgedy with such a huge lump in my throat and tears rolling down my cheeks. You can never know when the last conversation, hug, kiss, FaceTime chat, I Love You will be. I have a heavy heart every single time my husband leaves on a trip. It will be heavier from now on. Life is fragile.<br />
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I watched some of the Grammys (I couldn't make it until 11.30pm!!). Things that struck me…. I really love Ed Sheerans song "Thinking Out Loud" (I sing it very very loudly in the car, often!). Madonna's thighs! I'm never going to warm to Kanye West's music or him. Annie Lennox was fabulous and I loved her black sequin jacket (and am delighted I decided to keep a dark blue sequin jacket I recently ordered!). Strange hair / hats going on.<br />
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I am ready for spring and bought a few bunches of white tulips to try and hurry it along. At the same time, I'm doing a snow dance in the hope that a huge dumping of snow will fall this week on Mount Hood so my kids and their friends get, finally, a decent snowboard lesson. It's been the worst snow fall we've experienced and its pretty grim up there.<br />
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Happy Tuesday.<br />
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<br />Victoria | Hibiscus Bloemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937937184875769756noreply@blogger.com3