Everyday life is the special occasion!

December 31, 2014

Cheers to 2015


May the New Year of 2015 arrive full of hope, health, love, peace, new courage and belief for a very new start. Thank you so much for having walked through this path with me and I sincerely hope that you'll stand by for the year to come. Wish you a very Happy New Year.
 

with all my heart,

Aida

December 30, 2014

Hot Chocolate & White Chocolate Cake


This is a combination made in heaven - hot chocolate, white chocolate and strawberry bits. You won't get a more decadently delicious recipe as this to say goodbye to 2014.  It will result in the perfect match for a cozy evening by the sofa, a party at your best friend's or a family gathering. It will also be the last food post of the year and it naturally and to end in a sweet note!


Ingredients:
  • 4 cups of hot chocolate
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/3 cup sunflower oil
  • 1 white chocolate with strawberry bits

Make the hot chocolate or heat the already made one without boiling. In a bowl, mix the sugar, the eggs and the oil and beat until it forms kind of a foam. Then add the flour and beat. Finally, add the hot chocolate and beat all until well blended. Add big chunks of chocolate. Take it to a preheated oven at 180º for about 40m, do the toothpick test.


Ingredientes:

  • 4 chávenas de chocolate quente
  • 2 chávenas de farinha 
  • 1 1/2chávenas de açúcar
  • 5 ovos
  • 1/3 chávena de Óleo de girassol 
  • 1 chocolate branco com pedaços de morango

Faça o chocolate quente ou aqueça o que fez sem deixar ferver. Numa tigela, misture o açúcar, os ovos e o óleo e bata até formar uma espécie de espuma. Em seguida, adicione a farinha e bata. Por último, acrescente o chocolate quente e bata tudo até ficar bem misturado. Adicione pedaços grandes de chocolate. Leve a um forno pré-aquecido a 180º cerca de 40m e faça o teste de palito. 







December 29, 2014

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

If there's a time to shine as much as you'd please this is the day, or better saying, the night. New Year's Eve is excellent for you to let your inner self shine through. Sparkles, glitter, sequins become one and only with your outfit, specially if you aim to stand out and embrace fun. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to turn into a walking disco ball. Sometimes a small detail makes all the difference and you can style down your party-ready sequins with basics in neutral colors and fabrics without loosing the glamour you want to achieve and portray. Just remember that if you're having second thoughts about it there is no better time to pull out the sequins than on this ultimate celebratory holiday!



This Too Shall Pass



December 26, 2014

In The Mood For


{I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with those you love}

It's incredible that I still get amazed by how fast Christmas festivities go by year after year and how quickly time slips away. Another whole year of our lives has gone by and so much remains unfulfilled. I always get a little thoughtful after Christmas, maybe because it always makes me realize what really matters and puts everything else in perspective; I guess most of all, it makes me slow down from the rush of life with its endless to-do’s and just be grateful for what I have and where I am in life. I'm in the mood for...


{having the last batch of pumpkin "velhoses" for this weekend's lazy breakfasts}




{traditional Christmas arrangement - holly, naturally}




{new books I am going to read avidly asap}



{goodies for the new house I'm eager to give good use to}




{an intriguing scent that I'll review very soon}




{my favourite Christmas gift}