Coolest thing to come out of Canada in the last 5 years - sorry Justin Bieber : )

Take a look at this woollen beauty, unable to grow that big, bushy, chin warmer for the winter months well no need, because the BEARDO is here to do all the hard work.

And to make this product even better............."not possible" I hear you say.
To hot for the beard, or its simple getting in the way of  all that pint drinking, well simply remove that beard and your left with an all occasions, stylish beanie.
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The brain child of a canadian snowboarder Jeff Phillips.
Im boarding this winter in the wilds of New Zealand and this is top of my shopping list, pictures to follow.

http://www.beardowear.ca/

Big Butt Brownie - recipe xx

These truly are heaven and so simple to make, grab a cup of tea and someone special and share the love - job done ; )

125g butter
1 cup of caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup plain flour
1tsp vanilla extract
1tsp baking powder
5 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup walnuts


Turn oven to 180oC
melt the butter, then leave to cool slightly
add sugar, eggs, vanilla
stir in flour,  cocoa and baking powder
lastly add nuts until combined but do not over mix
pour into butter lined baking tin
bake for 30mins if you like your brownies dry more like a cake, 
but if like me 20mins so that the middle is soft and gooey and melt in the mouth.


When cool, dust with a little icing sugar...................................................

My woollen friend

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We are just starting to creep towards winter in New Zealand, even though its still hot and sunny outside.  But thinking ahead to all that cold weather, I've decided to knit my own scarf.   Never able to find the right colour combination, off I went and picked some wool and bamboo needles and I've been click, clicking away ever since.  Below is my pride and joy about a week ago, so I will post again when its all finished and its swirling around my neck with my face buried deep underneath

The Yellow Brick Road boutique

There is a beautiful boutique I discovered in Parnell, Auckland. Its owner Ruth Garden had a vision to create her perfect shop.  And so The Yellow Brick Road was born.  All manner of treasures lie inside this vintage inspired Aladdin's cave.  Buy the perfect poker dot dress, accessorise with one of their exquisite modern cameo rings and raise a pinky finger whilst sipping on one of there teas that come in delicate vintage inspired tins.  Grab the Tin man, scarecrow and the cowardly lion and lets make a date at the yellow brick road. 

http://www.theyellowbrickroad.co.nz/

Frankie magazine

I've been obsessed about Frankie magazine since I came across a copy in the library over here.  Why did I never know about this back home.  Its a cool next generation craft magazine packed full of quirky and amazing stuff.  Recipes, design, fashion, its got the lot with something for everyone.  Take a look at their website for plenty of ideas and inspiration. Its made me pick up my knitting needles and dust of my paint set.

http://www.frankie.com.au/

Scandinavian illustrator

My first link is to this amazing illustrator called Sanna Annukka, her work is so colourful and happy in typical Scandinavian style.  Some of you might remember her beautiful art work for the Keane album Under the Iron sea featuring the curvy blue horses. I love her work and am feeling incredibly inspired to paint something using a rainbow of colours. Take a look at her work 

www.sanna-annukka.com

Introducing - Crafty Foxx

Hello out there


Well this is my first blog and im pretty excited, I've been meaning to do this for a while after being so inspired by all those amazing blogs I've spent many an hour trawling through. A little bit of background info, London had been my home for the past 10 years until last April 2010 when me and my boy decided to sell everything we owned and do a little travelling and then try to set up home in New Zealand. 
With no real plan or jobs or long term visa we set off. I am a believer in not thinking or planning too much or I will talk myself out of doing it, which could be my downfall : ).  
After trecking through Thailand, Australia,  and New Zealand with adventures involving white water rafting, walking on glaciers, snowboarding, stroking kangaroos, and travelling on just about every form of transport - planes, trains and automobiles, we have now set up home in the capital, Auckland. 
And seeing as its been such a life changing experience I promised to challenge myself and get more creative so here I am, Crafty Foxx. I want to post my cooking and baking projects, craft projects, illustrations, inspirations and aspirations along with things that just make me tick, so if you ever see my blog I hope it gives you something to while away a little time.


The Fox : )