Open !

My little workroom store is looking very cool. Open this Saturday 10.00am - 3.00pm. There will be special in store only offers through September too! 
I have a rack with up to 50% off and if you bring a friend along to visit the store you can have 20% off all current full priced product in store as well.
Sneak a peek into my workroom and you might spot the summer styles heading for the racks soon. 
Come by and say hello x

Meat Free Monday - 27.08.12

I have been so busy in the last few weeks! I forgot to post my Meat Free recipe last week, and then today . . . I forgot to be meat free. Not a problem though. I will plan my meat free day today and go vego tomorrow.
I am pretty excited about Springs arrival this Saturday so I'm hoping I might be able to pick-up some Asparagus and make up this delicious tart from Jamie Oliver's website.
It's called 'Crispy and Delicious Asparagus and Potato Tart'. You can check it out on his site here.
To really celebrate Spring I might throw some Nasturtiums into the salad to really brighten it up and farewell these last dark Winter days.

Thanks Everyone x

A huge thank-you to the 400 likers on Facebook! It has been a joy meeting you online, in store or at markets along the way! Thanks everyone x

Cycle Styling

In just a few weeks Belle + Beau will be rolling down the runway as part of the UC Sustainability Cycle Runway. This will be the first time I take part in a show and I am both excited and nervous!
One thing I am really excited about is the bikes being used as part of the show, provided by Archi Bikes. Check them out here or on Facebook.
One of these sweet rides is definitely on my wishlist . . . a white one would have me living the dream.

Gold for Valerie!

Congratulations to Valerie Adams! Now rightfully recognised for her amazing natural strength and talent! New Zealand is so proud of you and proud to have you represent us. Now you are our golden girl all over again!

Meat Free Monday - 13.08.12

Here is what I made for our dinner tonight. It is such a great winter warmer! And cheap too at this time of year. I got my Cauliflower for just 99c! Double the recipe if you are serving more than 4 people or would like to freeze some for later.

1 Tbs Olive Oil

1/2 Brown Onion - chopped

1/2 Cauliflower - chopped

4 Cups Vegetable Stock

1/2 Cup Cream

1 Tsp Finely Grated Nutmeg 

Heat oil in large saucepan, add onion and cauli, cook until tender. 

Add Stock, cook for 10-12mins. 

Remove from heat and puree until smooth. 

Return to heat, add cream and simmer for 5mins

Grate Nutmeg and crack pepper over the top and serve with ciabatta.

Delish!!!

Meat Free Monday - 06.08.12

I'm determined to Blog better! So I am going to share with you my favorite Meat Free Recipes each Monday. As I have mentioned before it is a little, but great way to reduce the carbon emissions caused by mass livestock production. 

This week we are having delicious little Galettes from the glorious cookbook 'Treats from Little and Friday'. 

(If you don't already have it, this is how it looks . . . and trust me - this should be on your book shelf!)

Check them out on Facebook here.

I am currently loving Leeks (they are in season too) so we have made the 'Walnut Pesto, Leek and Halloumi Galettes'

Super easy, here are the simple steps (A much more detailed and precise version of this recipe is in the book) :

* Pre-heat your oven to 200C

* Cut a sheet of Flakey Pastry in to tart sized squares and lay on a lined baking tray, brush with Egg Wash then pop in the fridge.

* Chop up your Leek and caramelise in a pan of Olive Oil or Butter

* Spread your cut pastry squares with Pesto and top with the caramelised Leeks and several slices of Halloumi

* Bake for about 12mins or until golden.

* Serve with roasted Tomato, a sprinkling of cracked Pepper and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Defo Nom!

Happy Friday

Happy Friday everyone! I will be having one busy weekend! In between Netball and prepping for the Auckland Art and Craft Fair I will be getting a new phone and making samples! Life is one giant whirlwind at the moment!

But I will definitely take time out to sit and eat toast . . . How could I not after this lovely little pic for inspiration!

My toast will have marmite . . . Just saying.

Enjoy your weekend x

The Auckland Art & Craft Fair - 28 July 2012

We are excited to say Belle + Beau will be at the Auckland Art & Craft Fair on July 28 . . . This is definitely a market you don't want to miss!

We will have all of the last pieces of the A/W 12 Range for sale there. Come along and say hello!

Check out the blog for more details: http://aucklandfair.blogspot.co.nz/

Matakana Country Park Market

Matakana Country Park Market is one of my favourite markets to wander around or be a stallholder at. Located in the beautiful setting of the Matakana Country Park on Omaha Flats Road  and held every Saturday between 9am and 1pm. It is the perfect place to pick up the freshest, locally grown fruit, vegies and other quality produce including gourmet cheese, local honey, organic seedlings and plants.

There's quality New Zealand made goodness there too. My favourites are the beautiful flax weaving and the natural handmade soaps.

Next time you are escaping the city or nearby, check out this lovely local market.

https://www.facebook.com/matakanacountryparkmarket

The New Workroom

Belle and Beau have recently moved to a new address. We have finished painting and setting up the workroom. Check out the pic here.

Next up is the new Workroom Store! Can't wait to get into it - I'm even more excited to open the store doors! Keep an eye out for update!