HABBOT BLOG

#shoesnoop | Cassie Lucas

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:00:00 GMT

Everyone in life should have a friend like Cassie Lucas of Firecracker. She is one of the warmest, kindest and most enthusiastic people going around. She is also a feeder and cook, and from her homemade granola to slow-roasted lamb and ability to pronounce Fromager d'Affinois like a boss, it was no surprise that Cassie would end up working in food and events.

A former landscape architect, Cassie switched the T-square for the kitchen in 2012 when she started her events and catering business Firecracker. Now in its fifth year, Firecracker has grown into a culinary empire that word-of-mouth types loves to recommend to anyone who will listen. Firecracker has a reputation that is synonymous with ëthis-is-mouth-watering-no-seriously-this-tastes-so-good. Cassie combines her passion for people and food by creating events with heart, a design sensibility and more delicious food than you can chew.

On her feet more than most people, when it comes to shoes Cassie favours comfort with flair and a little extra height. She can walk in 15cm heels with more sass than a tightrope performer, but for now she is sticking to the kitchen with no plans of joining Cirque du Soleil anytime soon.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?

Bubblegummers! I felt like I could do anything in them! They were super colourful with pink laces and I remember feeling super free in them. For fancy activities, I would wear my black patent party shoes with white frilly lace socks and party dress. I thought I was such a lady!

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?
My collection is an even split between fun and practical. I have a few pair of fun kicks and a couple of amazing heels that I wear about once every three years. I used to wear heels to all Firecracker events from bump-in, the event itself, to bump-out. But as soon as I hit 32 my body told me to act strategically and accordingly for comfort! Now I wear sneakers for the setup and switch to heels before guests start to arrive.

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
My Melissa platforms, they are yellow with tassels and a beaded base. They make me super happy when I wear them and about an extra 15cm taller (an added bonus).

The age-old debate: heels or flats?
Heels for sure! I am a shorty.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
A pair of Miu Miu shoes that I bought in Hong Kong while I supervising a study tour. My colleague encouraged me to buy them, which always helps when deliberating at the cash register. After I bought them, the shoes sat in their box for a year because I was too afraid to wear because I thought I would ruin them. Finally I came to my senses: shoes are made to be worn. I proceeded to wear them every Saturday night out dancing and tipsily ride home in them. I ended up butchering them but they witnessed many stories!

Where is the best place your shoes have taken you?
The dancefloor and home again! I had a great pair of authentic cowboy boots that my friend bought for me in the USA. I took them to Europe when I was living there for work and they visited many countries, dancefloors, and tourist sites. They had the impressive ability to transition from work to night time activities seamlessly. I can't bear to part with them and have had them in my shoe fix it pile for about four years!

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?
Nice ones in the box, everyday shoes out of the box.

What type of shoe would you never been seen in?

Crocs and those crazy runners with the separate toes.

What is your biggest shoe regret?
I remember being in second or third year uni and going to a factory outlet designer sale. I had saved up pretty hard and had a sensible plan to buy a pair of sensible black boots for winter. Instead I came home with a pair of white stilettos and cream leather boots. I have no idea what came over me! I think I wore them once in a friends video clip, then donated them both to the Salvos.

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
No. No. No. But if I am being honest, I was prone to wearing my uggs in public on a Sunday when I lived in the Netherlands riding to get DVDs. I did wear uggs once in Melbourne when I was getting a quick takeaway coffee and bumped into this babe with sparkly eyes that I knew. Never again.

If you were a pair of shoes what would you look like?
I would love to be a pair of Alexander McQueen the type that Lady Gaga would buy. But I think my sister answered this best when I asked her what I might look like, she said: ìYou would be a pair of super beautiful, comfortable, sturdy heeled, pink sparkly pumps. They'd have bows on the front and fireworks would shoot off the back heels when you walk. Perhaps a little dramatic, but I am happy to oblige!

How many pairs of shoes is too many?
If you get to the point of forgetting what shoes you actually own!

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe?
There was an old woman that lived in a shoe,
It was a crusty old boot that made her so blue,
She packed up her bags in search of the best leather,
And she found her joy in a pair of Italian heels forever.

To find out more about Cassie Lucas and Firecracker visit her website here, and follow her on Instagram.

Cassie chooses our 'Spritz' sneaker and fuschia 'shoe fringe' to get her from A to B in style and comfort.

#shoesnoop | Jo Hook

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMT

Jo Hook designs lives. A trained NLP Practitioner, Jo Hook is a small business mentor and life designer. She got into the business of helping people when she was pregnant with her daughter while at the helm of owning a rag trade empire. At the time Jo had four stores, 22 staff, production, manufacturing and design deadlines to manage, as well as everything else that comes with running your own business. She knew, with a baby on the way, she had to rethink how she operated the most important business of all: her life.

Shifting gears, Jo originally started offering communications, strategic and organisational solutions to those she knew in the fashion industry. These days she works with individuals and small businesses of varying backgrounds in a similar sense, by offering them clarity, problem solving solutions and the confidence to trust their choices and chase what they want in life. Jo often sees that change is possible when we are stuck in a rut, and assists her clients in making change a reality.

Jo’s flair for organisation and coordination extends to her shoe collection. Jo says there’s a place for both heels and flats in her wardrobe and that she rarely throws shoes out, because just like in life, with the right attitude there’s always room to adapt and see things from a new perspective.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?
A pair of black patent leather Mary Janes. I loved them because they were so shiny and obviously for special occasions. I must have been about four when I had them and I would wear them with a little straw handbag with fake fruit on top (so NOT matching!) that made me feel like a little princess.

What pair of shoes are you still lusting over from childhood?
Tap shoes and the talent to use them! I always wanted to learn how to tap and I loved Shirley Temple so I had tap envy. I always thought that if I was given tap shoes I would have just been magically able to use them. I did ballet and calisthenics as a kid and the shoes were boring by comparison.

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?
Probably that I like soft leather and like to make a subtle statement. I like to move fast and feel comfortable but haven’t ever given up on heels to dance and feel sexy.

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
I bought a pair of pale blue and lemon plaited court shoes from Santini e Dominici in the late ‘80s from their shop in Rome and they were so wonderful and different to everything around then. They were soft, so comfortable to wear, and went well with the very first pair of paper bag denims I bought in Amsterdam.

The age-old debate: heels or flats?
Both! I can’t work in flats, they just don’t feel right. I think I am in a different state of mind when I wear flats as opposed to heels, even though I had have had glam versions of both. In heels I feel I can access my magician powerful self! However, I also love flats because I like to move fast and walk very quickly (ahem, run!), and flats are perfect for speed and practicality.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
Some brown suede Fendi brogues that I still own and a pair of black and tan cowboy boots from London with leather so soft it felt like butter. They cost 500 pounds in the ‘80s, oops!

Where’s the best place your shoes have taken you?
Down the aisle in a 12th century derelict Abbey in Paris where I got married 12 years ago. The stone walls echoed with Nick Cave’s ‘Into My Arms’. The wedding was intimate and attended by my beautiful daughter and eight of our closest friends who’d generously made the trip. I felt like I was in a surreal cloud like space, or maybe even heaven.

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?
Some in and some out. I lust after those clear boxes that protect them and help you to see what is in them but they take up too much space. I’d love a walk-in-shoedrobe!

What type of shoe would you never been seen in?
Ugg boots, moccasins and Crocs!

What’s your biggest shoe regret?
I lost a pair of jade green nubuck platforms from the ‘40s that I bought from a vintage store. I adored them and used to plan outfits from the shoe up with them.

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
No!

If you were a pair of shoes what would you look like?
If I was a shoe I’d be the perfect blend of gorgeous, sexy and stunningly wonderful to wear I hope. I would be handmade with love and consideration and my colour and heels would adapt to match whatever I was wearing!

How many pairs of shoes is too many?
You can never have too many! That’s a bit of a sore point, as I have way too many and they are scattered in cupboards and stored, as I find it very hard to let go of them.

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe…
She decided to turn her shoe into a cabaret theatre and held some major drag events that rocked the whole village! What was she thinking with all those kids?!

To find out more about Jo Hook Solutions visit her website here, and follow her on Instagram.
Jo chooses habbot’s Biscotti to get her from A to B in style and comfort.

#shoesnoop | Cristina and Isabella Toscano

Tue, 09 May 2017 02:36:00 GMT

The phrase ‘like mother, like daughter’ could not ring more true for Cristina and Isabella Toscano. This dynamic duo are two of the warmest and most generous people you will ever meet, and their effervescing spirit follows them wherever they go.

Growing up as a child in an Italian family in Australia in the 1960s, Cristina has always been surrounded by those who passionately love food. Her father especially would make traditional panettone and colomba cakes in his biscuit and cake factory and in the process started a popular business that would support his family in the ‘lucky country’. Forty odd years later in 2011, Cristina along with her daughter Isabella decided to start their own business, a bespoke food and gifting business called Cristina Toscano Everything Food – and honestly if there are two women to entrust with food prowess and knowledge it is these two.

Starting their business from their dining room table with a friends and family night, the duo took a risk and ordered 1000 empty gift boxes with the challenge of filling them up with luxury food and homewares and selling them all. Lo and behold, almost six years later and business is booming in the epicurean city of Melbourne, with two tiers of the business emerging: CTEF’s famous panettone and colomba cakes that are sell out well before Christmas or Easter has even arrived, and their luxury gift boxes that are sought after and have become a popular fixture on the corporate circuit.

This mother-daughter team’s success is largely due to their fastidious attention to detail, from the products they choose (including balsamic glazed pears imported from Italy and candles from Greece) to their packaging that makes it feel like it is Christmas every day and their optimistic customer service that keeps you thirsty for more. The same approach for detail is extended to their shoe collections featuring Italian and European classics, soft leathers and shoes that make a statement and are worth the investment.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?
Cristina: Black patent t-bars! All the Aussie girls at school had this, and this Italian girl wanted a pair. I used to sleep with them next to my bed so I could look at them. I truly loved them!

Isabella: I had a pair of gold Mary Janes that I wore as a flower girl when I was 3 and I would wear them everywhere. I have an entire playgroup photo album where I am ‘pretending’ to play in them, I still recall that I refused to step in the sandpit for a photograph just in case I ruined my gold little shoes.

What pair of shoes are you still lusting over from childhood?
Isabella: I am still lusting over a pair of white platform Sketchers a la Baby Spice from the Spice Girls. I had an all white pair but I still wish I had an all black pair too. Mum says I was always so close to twisting my ankles in them but I would still never take them off.

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?
Cristina: I spend a lot of money on shoes, I love them! And still sometimes never the right suit for something.

Isabella: I have way too many boots and have finally realised that perhaps I need to invest in some more everyday classics.

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
Cristina: I love a sexy black evening shoe.

Isabella: I love an embellished or jeweled high heel, especially Manolo Blahniks.

The age-old debate: Heels or flats? And why?
Cristina: I have always loved and bought heels, which have slowly transitioned into a wedge for comfort over the years. My secret to wearing them all night is that I take two anti-inflammatories before I leave the house – it works wonders!

Isabella: Similarly to mum, always heels! For me heels really elongate your legs, are seriously flattering and have the ability to finish off all outfits.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
Cristina: I can’t even say! Too much!

Isabella: Over $1000 on a pair of Valentina Rockstuds in Paris. The colour was sold out worldwide, so when I found a pair in the colour AND in my size I had to have them. Have only worn them three times in two years, oops.

Where’s the best place your shoes have taken you?
Cristina: Beautiful parties, overseas travel and my dad’s biscuit and cake factory. The last is particularly important to me as it eventually led me into starting my own business 40 odd years later, where I am able to re-produce and honour his panettone and colomba cakes and share them with the community.

Isabella: Shoes have led me to the most memorable family holidays, including watching the sunset over the sand dunes in Dubai and finding the most authentic pizzeria in Rome, where waiters carry 12 pizzas at a time. (PS. It’s called Pizzeria Ai Marmi).

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?

Cristina: Both, it really depends on how special they are and if I wear them every day. If they are an everyday shoe, they normally stay out of the box for convenience.

Isabella: Outside of the box 90% of the time. I finally invested in a shoe rack, so I can see them all on display and most live here, except for the odd pair of heels that are in their box or dust bag.

What type of shoe would you never be seen in?
Cristina: I would never ever be seen in plastic shoes!

Isabella: Crocs! Still trying to figure out how they can be comfortable or look good on your foot. It’s a mystery to me!

What’s your biggest shoe regret?
Cristina: A pair of summer Furla sandals. They looked great in Sicily and when I brought them back to Melbourne I instantly thought, ‘WTF, when and where am I ever going to wear these?’.

Isabella: A pair of Hogan runners in Italy. The Italian girls rock that sporty jeans, white t-shirt and runners look so well and I just can’t. My friends used to try and throw them out when I would do a wardrobe clean out!

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
Cristina: They are a 100% no go zone in public.

Isabella: Not in public, especially since there are so many other shoes you could wear instead.

How many pairs of shoes is too many?
Cristina and Isabella: Never! Everyone lusts over more shoes and we are definitely included!

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe…
Cristina and Isabella: She kept on buying shoes.

To find out more about Cristina and Isabella visit their website here or follow Cristina Toscano Everything Food on Instagram here.

Cristina chooses habbot’s Razzle and Isabella chooses habbot’s Crumble to get them from A to B this spring season.

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#shoesnoop | Emma Nicholas-Jennings

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 02:46:00 GMT

Gelato always saves the day. Gelato brings people together. Gelato can lift your mood from zero to hero in less than five seconds. Now imagine being the person who owns the gelateria? Emma Nicholas-Jennings is that person. She saves lives with a daily dose of good cheer that is frozen and sold by the scoop. We call her the gelato doctor.

Emma, alongside her husband Gary, opened their gelateria Miinot in Pascoe Vale South in 2015. Their idea was simple: to offer the finest gelato made from the finest ingredients. After returning from home to Melbourne after a 15-year-stint running restaurants in London, Emma and Gary decided to start their own business. A gelato shop was the obvious choice, Emma’s parents had run them for years, and she always had a passion for food and flavours. This was Emma’s chance to combine the two and unleash her delicate, frozen creations onto others.

Since opening, Miinot has become a local favourite known for gelato that doesn’t just taste good but gelato that tastes really, really good. Emma pairs unlikely flavours together that you might not think of but are happy to learn exist. She suggests trying Miinot’s walnut, salted pistachio and liquorice together for a surprising frozen revelation. Similarly, Emma’s shoe collection pairs the unlikely with the everyday, embracing high end designer finds and classic comfort trainers. On her feet 12-hours a day, we got the shoe scoop from Emma, literally.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?
My first pair of shoes that I remember, and still have one of, are my tiny white Swedish clogs. My father took me to the Queen Victoria Market one day and lo and behold one of my clogs fell off! I kept repeating “KOG! KOG!” all around the market in my little pushchair but he didn’t realise until we got home and I only had one shoe on.

What pair of shoes are you still lusting over from childhood?
I am still lusting after my pair of Jean Paul Gaultier red kitten heeled flip flops that I purchased in London at the age of 22 (that feels like childhood to one as old as me!). I wore them to death and threw them out when they finally fell apart. I still ask myself, “Why, Why, Why? Why didn’t I keep them and get them repaired?” One of life’s great regrets!

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?
My current shoe collection says: Eccentric weirdo lives here.

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
My wedding shoes! They were Japanese-inspired, wood block, platform, suede knot shoes by Eley Kishimoto.

The age-old debate: heels or flats?
For years and years only heels! Now that I stand on average 12 hours per day it is flats, mostly trainers.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
Biggest splurge? There have been too many! There have been multiple Miu Miu purchases when I was on a waitress's salary in the ‘90s, which often meant no food for a week. But I looked fab so didn’t care. A recent splurge was a pair of Acne trainers.

Where’s the best place your shoes have taken you?
The best place my shoes have taken me (probably those JPG flip flops) were to the street market in Marseille, Southern France on a regular basis where there used to be a guy selling samples/dead stock from Robert Clergerie and Stephane Kelian. I would make my pilgrimage to him twice a year on holidays!

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?
Shoes out of the box!

What type of shoe would you never been seen in?

N.E.V.E.R wear Crocs.

What’s your biggest shoe regret?

No shoe regrets to report. Just buy/hoard everything!

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
Uggs only to be worn under the cover of darkness.

If you were a pair of shoes what would you look like?
If I were a shoe I would be a traditional, handmade and stitched, leather soled, lovingly made piece of art. Most likely a two-toned tan and white, slip on, brogue.

How many pairs of shoes is too many?
No such thing as too many!

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe…
The Old Lady who lived in a shoe ended up as a 1970s plastic bedside lamp in my childhood bedroom, sold at Camberwell Market six years ago for the princely sum of $15.

To find out more about Emma Nicholas and her amazing gelato visit her for a scoop or seven at Miinot Gelato, 71 Melville Road, Pascoe Vale South, and follow her on Instagram.

Emma chooses habbot’s Prickle to get her from A to B in style and comfort.

#myhabbot Arrives!

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:12:00 GMT

#shoesnoop | Alice Oehr

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 13:00:00 GMT

Not all illustrators are created equal, most can draw and do it superbly, but then there are others who can REALLY draw. Melbourne-based graphic artist and illustrator Alice Oehr falls into this latter category. Working out of her home studio in Abbotsford alongside her trust intern/British Shorthair cat Otto, Alice creates a wonderful world of colour.

Obsessed with food, much of Alice’s work is steeped in the edible, and when she’s not drawing food she is most likely cooking and eating it. A published editorial, commercial and book illustrator, Alice extends her love of graphics and art to her wardrobe, which is jam-packed with printed textiles, colour and tactile fabrics that all tell a story. It’s a similar situation with her shoe collection, where even a basic sneaker is not a basic sneaker when Alice is around.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?

A pint-sized pair of jelly sandals! Throughout my childhood I owned many pairs, gradually the size would get larger, but the glitter and style of the shoe remained pretty consistent. The standouts for me were my green, hot pink and gold glitters pairs. To be honest I think any shoes that feature gold glitter are loved by children and adults alike.

What pair of shoes are you still lusting over from childhood?

I had narrow feet when I was young, which meant that there were just some shoes styled that would never fit me, no matter how much I attempted to delude myself they would. I remember quite vividly that there was a pair of Converse All Star suede slip-ons that my friend owned in primary school that I was green with envy over. But wearing them would have been a constant OH&S nightmare, so sadly I never realised this footwear dream!

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?

My collection says I’m all about comfort and practicality, which is a necessity when you ride a bike to and from everywhere, like I do. Fingers crossed, my collection is also chic.

I own no heels, but do love a platform, which are very bike-friendly. My sneaker collection is getting a little out of control, but there are so many dressy varieties available these days, it’s NOT adding to the collection.

You love a platform, obviously! What is about Tape that makes it the ultimate chic shoe for the bike-rider?

If I need some extra height I'm going for a platform or not at all. Tape sandals are the ultimate day-to-night/dress-it-up/dress-it-down shoe. They'll be getting a lot of outings on the bike this summer.

Where do you hope your habbots take you this Summer?

To many good parties and the dance floor!

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?

I love my dressier pairs of shoes and feel great when I wear them. Having said that I am super loyal to my white leather Spring Court sneakers. I have never had a more comfortable pair of shoes in my life and you can kind of get away with wearing them anywhere, even fancy places. Not bad for a modest pair of sneakers!

Heels or flats? And why?

Flats. I’m always on my bike and while I do love wearing heels I love riding my bike more.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?

A pair of criss-cross Marni sandals. It was just one of those situations where there were a few signs from the universe that these sandals were meant to be mine or so I keep telling myself. They were the last pair, in my size and I was on holiday, that’s the retail justification trinity right there.

Where’s the best place your shoes have taken you?

Those Spring Courts have taken me all round Japan, France and Italy. I couldn’t really ask more of a pair of shoes.

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?

Absolutely out of the box. I’m a messy person.

What type of shoe would you never been seen in?

Toning shoes! I remember them being big in the ‘00s, they had a curved sole and apparently when you wore them felt like you were carrying bags of sand. No thanks. And I could never wear heeled thongs. Sooooo wrong!

What’s your biggest shoe regret?

Once I got a touch of Tokyo fever and bought some Jeremy Scott x Adidas collaboration sneakers that were inspired by Pebbles Flintstone. They were white with aqua, purple and leopard skin panels and each one had three large plastic bones up the front that attached to the laces. I still like how wild they were, but outside of Tokyo, just not a good look for me.

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?

Definitely not. Uggs aren’t even that easy to walk in once you leave the lounge
room, surely there’s always a better option for public consumption.

If you were a shoe what pair would you be / what would you look like?

I hope I would be a pair of those sneakers that are a bit more dressy (translation: a bit over the top, a total rip off), but they’re nice enough to wear to a smart occasion and great for day-to-day.

How many pairs of shoes are too many?

I reckon anything more than 20 is getting a bit dangerous. Where would I keep them?

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe…

Old-age and a desire for comfort got the better of her and she downsized into an ugg boot.

To find out more about Alice Oehr website here, follow her on Instagram.
Alice chooses habbot’s Tape to get her from A to B this summer.

#keyingredient | Roasted Capsicum and Labne Salad

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Roasted Capsicum and Labne Salad

Spice up the endlessly boring festive dishes with this spectacular salad. The middle eastern spices give it the right exotic touch that is sure to please crowds.

Salad
2 medium orange capsicums (400g)
2 medium red capsicums (400g)
2 medium yellow capsicums (400g)
2 medium green capsicums (400g)
80g baby rocket leaves
1 small red onion (100g), sliced thinly
300g labne, drained
2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
1 tsp za'atar
1/2 tsp chilli flakes

Red Wine Vinaigarette
1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed

- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Quarter capsicums; discard seeds and membranes. Place, skin-side up, on an oven tray. Roast, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until skin blisters and blackens. Cover capsicum with plastic or paper for 5 minutes; peel away skin, then slice capsicum thickly.
- Make red wine vinaigrette: Combine ingredients in a screw-top jar; shake well.
- Combine capsicum with rocket and onion in a large bowl, add vinaigrette; toss to combine, season. Arrange salad on a large platter, top with labne and oregano; sprinkle with za’atar and chilli.

Accompany with crusty bread and enjoy!

Featured shoe is Orb

#keyingredient | Mushroom Sliders

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Mushroom Sliders With Pickled Fennel and Harissa Creme Fraiche

Slider is the affectionate name coined in the States for a small hamburger found in any worthwhile restaurant or cool party. In our travels (of the internet not U.S.) we stumbled across a super yummy vegetarian alternative for the festive season. An absolute must try.

Mushroom Sliders
2 tbsp olive oil
8 x 8cm portobello mushrooms (400g)
120g vintage cheddar, sliced thinly
8 soft white bread rolls, split
40g wild rocket (arugula) leaves
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Pickled Fennel
Baby fennel bulb (120g), trimmed, sliced thinly
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup (80ml) white balsamic vinegar
2 tsp caster (superfine) sugar
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Harissa Creme Fraiche

- can be made a day ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.
1/2 cup (120g) creme fraiche
2 tsp harissa paste
2 tsp lemon juice

- Make pickled fennel: Combine ingredients in a medium bowl; stand 30 minutes. Before serving, drain fennel mixture; discard liquid.
- Divide oil between two large non-stick frying pans, heat over medium heat. Divide mushrooms between pans; cook, covered, for 5 minutes each side or until golden and tender. For the last 2 minutes of cooking time, top mushrooms with cheddar until melted.
- Meanwhile, make harissa creme fraiche: Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Season to taste.
- Spread harissa creme fraiche on roll halves. Sandwich with mushrooms, pickled fennel, rocket and parsley.

You will never want to eat mushrooms any other way!

Featured shoe is Hazel

#shoesnoop | Simone Haag

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

There are two types of people in the world: those who wear shoes and those who love shoes. Stylist and designer, Simone Haag, belongs to a third category: those who really, really love shoes. As a busy mum of two young daughters, Simone’s shoe collection is a combination of the practical and impractical. She doesn’t flip flop in-between, as she puts it: “Give me some trusty trainers or heels so high I won’t be able to walk by the end of the night, but none of this business in the middle!”

Simone is the original hunter and gatherer. Working as an interiors stylist for residential projects and editorially as Real Living’s Melbourne contributor, Simone’s that person who is always sourcing the best stuff from the most unexpected places. It’s part of her charm.

From her Scandi-inspired family home to her recently renovated beach house the Anglers Shack and the homes of her clients, Simone’s aesthetic is hard to miss: it’s meticulous, considered and fun. The same ethos applies to her shoe collection, a place where a $10 op shop find will sit next to a pair of Chloe boots. When it comes to shoes anything goes for Simone, as long as the PPW (price per wear) works out in her favour.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
Chloe boots. They were on the wish list for close to three years, so there was no chance of buyer’s remorse with this pair after lusting over them for so long. Thankfully, my husband doesn’t begrudge me spending money on investment purchases. We have an agreement, as long as the PPW (price per wear) works out in the end, I can add to cart.

What is your biggest shoe regret?
My biggest shoe regret is an ongoing disorder I call USSD (Underestimate Shoe Size Disorder). You see, I know what size I am, I have been the same shoe size for many years now, but this won’t stop me from buying the perfect pair of shoes even if they are one size too small.

I will convince myself that they ‘fit’, take them home and wear them just enough that they are non-returnable. It’s a few weeks later, when I am hunched over with a shoehorn and sweaty brow that I know I am in trouble, and when I hope the client’s house I am about to walk into isn’t a ‘shoe off’ home.

I bought a pair of suede ankle boots from French label IRO a few years ago, I knew they weren’t going to fit, but I purchased anyway. This pair has actually turned into one of my best styling props for shoots, and I am counting down the days until my first-born Goldie can fit into them!

Your verdict on ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
My gut feeling is to say absolutely no, but on reflection, I think a postcode related response is required. I live in what was generally known as a fairly bogan suburb, and likewise, my beach house is on the daggy coast line, so to be fair I have worn my uggs out in public. Would I wear them out in 3142 aka Toorak? Um, hell no!

The age-old debate: Heels or flats?
I love both but when I say I love both I mean I love heels or flats, don’t give me that mediocre business in the middle that tries to be a heel with the comfort of flats. When I’m wearing heels I want a pair that’s super high that I fear I will not be able to walk by the end of the night. To me, that’s part of the fun. Or give me some trusty trainers or an ankle boots. In my job I shift from having to be on-the-go on a shoot day to running to client meetings in something a little more upbeat.

Where is the best place your shoes have taken you?
My trusty pair of Converse Chuck Taylors (the black leather ones) have taken me around the world! I’ve worn them snowboarding in Japan, Canada, France and the States. I popped in some of those lambswool inserts and they became a quasi snow boot.

In my twenties, I worked for Quiksilver the surfing company for a few years all over America, and this pair of shoes saw me through that time. I then did a stint in rainy London, and my socks were never wet. The perfect travel companion, they squashed up nice and small when I backpacked around Europe, and got me from A to B safe and sound.

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in out of the box?

I’m split down the middle here. Expensive shoes in the box, knock about pair of trainers out of the box. Having said that I once tried to be super organised and went out and bought matching boxes for all of my shoes. I then proceeded to stick a Polaroid photo of each pair to the front of the respective box. Now would be an appropriate time to say: What the?!

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
A cracking pair of thigh high leather boots found at an op shop in Barwon heads for under $10. And I do love my Versace two-toned pumps (cream and peach) worn on my wedding day. It’s important to note here that my USSD syndrome snuck in again with this pair, so as much as I would like to get the PPW down, I just can’t ever where these beauties again!

How many pairs of shoes are too many?

When they start collecting dust!

Typically Walnuts are a hard nut to crack, but not the habbot variety. What is it about this style that you're a fan of?
Well funnily enough I did say I wasn't a mid heel kind of girl - but this one has a summer sandal elegance and is comfy enough to run after a naughty toddler in between client visits!

Where do you hope your habbots will take you this Summer?
I was really hoping they would take me to the Indonesia resort in Nihiwatu, but I think I will need Qantas for that.

To find out more about Simone Haag visit her website here, follow her on Instagram, or stay at her beach house the Anglers Shack in Philip Island. And of course, feel free to wear your ugg boots if you visit!

Simone chooses habbot’s Walnut to get her from A to B on busy styling days.

Words | Lisa Marie Corso
Photography | Amelia Stanwix

Share it or spend it?

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

#keyingredient | Choc Chip Goodies

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Choc Chip Goodies

Some days call for choc chip cookies to get you feeling good in the afternoon. Personally, we've been dunking ours in an iced latte around the meeting table while Annie designs AW17.

1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
1 1/2 cups (225g) self-raising flour
1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
1 cup (150g) coarsely chopped macadamias, toasted
185g butter, melted and cooled
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
200g dark eating chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 packet of silver sugar beads

- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Combine sugars, sifted flours and nuts in a large bowl.
- Add combined butter, egg, egg yolk and extract; mix to form a soft dough. Stir in chocolate.
- Place 2 level tablespoons of dough for each biscuit, about 6cm apart, on lightly greased oven trays. Top with silver sugar beads.
- Bake in moderate oven about 16 minutes or until browned lightly. Cool on trays.

Hide from all the cookie monsters.

Featured shoe is Bubble

#keyingredient | Liquorice Slice

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Liquorice Slice

There are many strong opinions around liquorice. You either love it or hate it. However, we think this tasty treat will definitely persuade you towards the love side of the fence!

185g plain sweet biscuits
60g plain sweet biscuits, coarsely chopped, extra
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
90g unsalted butter, chopped
155g licorice twists or allsorts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
250g milk eating chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tsp vegetable oil

- Grease 20cm x 30cm (8 inch x 12 inch) rectangular pan, line base and long sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm (2 inches) over sides.
- Process plain sweet biscuits until fine. Chop extra plain sweet biscuits coarsely.
- Combine condensed milk and butter in small saucepan, stir over medium heat until smooth. Combine processed and chopped biscuits with licorice in medium bowl. Stir in condensed milk mixture. Press mixture firmly into pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.
- Meanwhile, combine coarsely chopped milk eating chocolate and vegetable oil in small heatproof bowl, stir over saucepan of simmering water until smooth, spread chocolate mixture over slice.
- Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.

Have allsorts of fun enjoying this treat!

Featured shoe is Rings

#keyingredient | Persian Eggplant Dip

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Persian Eggplant Dip

This dip, known traditionally as Eashkeh Bademjoon, is one of the most popular Persian appetizers. Bademjan is eggplant in Farsi, and kashk is a yogurt product that traditionally is made through a long process from very firm strained yogurt. We like to think it has great health benefits... but incredible taste is all we can guarantee!

1 large eggplant, cut into 1cm rounds (skin on)
2 cups onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil
Sea salt + ground pepper
1/4 cup Plain Greek yogurt or tahini (optional)
Pita or Toasted Bread for serving

- Sprinkle your eggplant with salt on both sides and place in a colander to drain excess water. After 10 minutes, lightly rinse with water and then press dry between two towels.
- Preheat oven to high and position a rack at the top.
- Arrange eggplant rounds on a baking sheet drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Roast for 5-7 minutes, turning once or twice until eggplant is softened and golden brown. Remove from pan and let cool to the touch.
- While eggplant is roasting, caramelise your onions and add some minced garlic at the end.
- Peel away the skin of the eggplant and add flesh to a mixing bowl. It should be soft and tender. Add onion-garlic mixture and mash with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or tahini and stir once more – this makes the dip ultra creamy.

Serve immediately with pita, toasted baguette or assorted veggies.

Featured shoe is Gust

#shoesnoop- Hunting For George

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

One of the best things about having a sister is sharing clothes. Instantly your wardrobe is doubled. Of course there are certain unspoken rules when you enter a sister-wardrobe-time-share arrangement: Always ask permission to borrow first, and don’t you dare think about returning anything that isn’t in the same immaculate condition it was when it left the coat hanger.

Sisters Lucy Glade-Wright and Jo Harris know a thing or two about sharing. Yes, they’ve spent a lifetime navigating the chapters of the sisterhood wardrobe constitution, but they are also business partners in real life. Together Lucy and Jo run Hunting for George, one of Australia’s most popular online destinations for local and internationally sourced homewares, art, furniture and bed linen.

Known for their ability to curate the very best in interiors, Lucy and Jo also take the matters of curating seriously when it comes to their individual shoe collections. Stylish and down to earth sums up these sole sisters, as long as you don’t forget to put back what you borrowed.

What was the first pair of shoes you remember owning as a kid, and why did you love them?
Lucy: The only thing I remember having on my feet when I was a kid was an old pair of roller skates that belonged to my mum. They were red and white with worn out laces that looped from the toes to the top. They were the coolest thing I’ve ever owned.

Jo: Just to clarify, I was a child of the ‘70s, which will make sense when I say I had a pair of red patent clogs when I was five. I still have them to this day, displayed with pride in my daughter’s room.

What pair of shoes are you still lusting over from childhood?
Lucy: One Christmas Santa upgraded me to a brand new pair of rollerblades. It was the ‘90s and it was glorious.
Jo: Clogs, I loved them but I’ve never owned a pair since. Not sure if I can still pull them off.

What do you think your current shoe collection says about you?
Lucy: That I am incapable of wearing high heels!
Jo: That I am a down-to-earth-flats-kind-of-girl who loves playing dress ups (just not enough as I’d like).

What is your all time favourite pair of shoes?
Lucy: My white Converse Chuck Taylors that eventually turned grey. I was made to throw them out.
Jo: My pair of Habbot rose gold stilettos that I purchased a couple of years ago. They make me smile.

The age-old debate: Heels or flats?
Lucy: Flats, the reason is obvious.
Jo: Flats, they are just so damn comfy.

What has been your biggest splurge on shoes?
Lucy: I’ve only just recently allowed myself to spend money on my clothes and accessories. It took a while for me to find my style but now that I have I think my biggest splurge is soon to come…
Jo: I bought a pair of Bally boots just after I had my first child. They were outrageously expensive and they were a complete knee jerk purchase after feeling fat and horrendous after nine months of pregnancy. Childbirth was still fresh in my husband’s mind, so he didn’t even flinch when I told him how much.

Where’s the best place your shoes have taken you?
Lucy: Everywhere.
Jo: I bought the most beautiful pair of black strappy sandals while on my travels through Spain. I wore them to death until no cobbler in the world could breathe life back into them.

Be honest, do you keep your shoes in or out of the box?
Lucy: Box? Hell no. They’re a mess. Not organised. Not treated well. I am a bad person.
Jo: I start out with good intentions for my ‘good shoes’ and keep them in boxes. This changes when my 7-year-old decides to play dress up in my wardrobe.

What type of shoe would you never been seen in?
Lucy: Those wedged sneakers. I’m sorry but sneakers are for running and wedges are for strutting!
Jo: I'm not one to judge, but I would have to say Crocs. Sorry!

What’s your biggest shoe regret?
Lucy: I’m currently selling some strappy stiletto heels on eBay. Safe to say I was deluded when I bought those. The highest bid is currently sitting at $2.41.
Jo: I bought a pair of sneakers that were a size too small once. I endured the pain of wearing until common sense kicked in and I finally decided to throw them in the bin.

Your verdict on Ugg boots out in public, yes or no?
Lucy: Many moons ago I was dating a guy who believed Ugg boots in public were an acceptable dress code. He is no longer my boyfriend.
Jo: Okay, so I believe there are different degrees of ‘public’. I believe no in general, but there is one exception to the rule – The Milkbar.

Winter has finally departed and what better way to celebrate than putting your best foot forward with a new pair of shoes. What habbot style will you be hitting the pavement with this spring?
Lucy: I’ll be donning habbot’s ‘Glue’ platform brogue. I was really drawn to the contrast of the sole and the fancy pants patent finish. I also think they look super posh, and considering Posh was my favourite Spice Girl, these shoes are a no brainer.
Jo: My kind of shoe is definitely ‘Walnut’ with its mid-heel and suede finish in that soft colour. Also to be honest and hopefully without sounding like a grandma, the heel on this shoe looks so manageable and comfy, this is probably a shoe I could wear all day with the added bonus of some extra height!

Where are you planning on wearing these shoes this spring?
Lucy: These are going to be my all day, everyday shoes! Jeans, cut-offs, skirts, I'll find a way to integrate them into every outfit.
Jo: I think the Spring Racing Carnival might be on the cards!

If you were a pair of shoes what would you look like?
Lucy: Thongs. Down to earth, a little squishy and if you wear them for too long they start to get annoying.
Jo: I would be a comfy pair of silver flats, a bit of personality but also down to earth.

How many pairs of shoes are too many?
Lucy: As many as my cupboard can handle.
Jo: There’s no such thing as too many!

Finish this sentence: Whatever happened to the Old Lady who lived in a shoe…
Lucy: She’s still there isn’t she? Just loving that shoe.
Jo: She had a killer shoe collection to pass on to the next generation.

To find out more about Lucy and Jo visit their website here or follow Hunting for George on Instagram here.
Lucy chooses habbot’s Glue brogue in grey and Jo chooses habbot’s Walnut heel to get them from A to B this spring season.

Words | Lisa Marie Corso
Photography | Amelia Stanwix

#keyingredient | Coffee Scroll

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 04:08:00 GMT

Coffee Walnut Scrolls

It has been a long time since we had the luxury of morning tea or little lunch in the playground- a daily tradition of opening the lunchbox to see what sugary treat might be inside. These days it's all pick ups, drop offs and deadlines.

This edition of #keyingredient we decided to slow down and take a bite of our childhood favourite. A big fat coffee scroll!

Coffee Walnut Scrolls
2 cups self raising flour
2 tbsp caster sugar
50g cold butter, chopped
1 cup milk
50g melted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Icing
1 tbsp instant coffee (dissolved in 2 tablespoons warm water)
1 tbsp sour cream
2 cups sifted icing sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, to sprinkle

- Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Sift flour and a pinch of salt into a large bowl. Stir through sugar. Using your fingertips, rub through butter. Pour in the milk. Using a flat bladed knife bring the mixture together using a cutting motion.
- Turn mixture onto a floured surface. Roll out to approximately 20 x 30cm rectangle.
- Combine extra butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, swiss roll style. Cut into 6 pieces. Place one scroll on the tray, and then place the remaining scrolls around it (so that they just touch). Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Combine coffee, sour cream and icing sugar. Drizzle over scrolls and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Devour immediately. On repeat. Until there is no longer a crumb!

Featured shoe is Flutter