Work Hard, Play Hard: Top tips on smashing emails

Life’s officially back to normal after the summer holidays. How do I know this? I can finally park the car in my local shopping centre without having to do laps looking for a free space! It seems that the hordes of school children and uni students who called the mall home most days throughout the summer holidays finally have somewhere else they have to be.

The sad thing is that most of us are also back behind our desks and the summer holidays are but a distant memory. But before you book your next mini-break, try to look for some positives in your role. Maybe there’s a training course you can enrol in to extend your skills, or perhaps there’s a better way of doing a task you do every day, like checking and responding to your emails. 

This week we’ve dedicated our blog to all things work: great products that will get you excited about your next business trip, meeting or presentation, and tips on how to deal with stressful work situations, like emails coming from all directions. Watch this space for more helpful tips on how to survive and thrive at work this year in our Work Hard, Play Hard series.


Email is used for everything from communicating with colleagues and friends to marketing products and events. Generally speaking, the more you send, the more you receive. So how do you cope when you’re faced with an inbox of 100+ emails per day? There’s got to be some strategies that we can use to help us ‘work smarter, not harder’, so we put our hand up and asked for some advice. Check out some of the fantastic suggestions and solutions our contributors shared with us below:

Problem 1:
Email becomes an unproductive distraction (you may even use it as a form of procrastination)
Personally, I find email a terrible distraction. Every time I access my inbox to look for a piece of info someone has sent me, I catch myself going through new emails and feeling overwhelmed by additional tasks I need to complete.


Solutions:
• Limit how often you check your email
Unless your job is entirely driven by receiving emails i.e. answering customer queries that only come through on email, limit yourself to how often you check your emails. I allow myself half an hour every couple of hours to check emails and prioritise the ones that need an urgent response. Most people are happy if you respond on the same day you receive their email, and if it’s a life-or-death situation they’ll usually call instead.
• Turn off the New Email pop-ups and alerts
If you receive a message or alert every time you get an email, you’ll go insane. Curiosity will drive you to check your inbox, so turn off your email alerts and focus on what you’re doing.
• Close your inbox when you’re not checking your email
This will limit your desire to click on your inbox, ‘just in case’ anything new has come through. Complete the task you are doing, and then check your email.


Problem 2:
You can never find important emails when you need them

Solutions:
• Use folders to stay organised

Anton Martin from Sherpa Design is a big fan of creating folders for clients or projects. “It’s important to organise all of your current projects or clients into their own folders to keep your inbox clean and to have relevant client emails easily index-able,” Anton explains.
• Archive the folders you don’t use anymore
To avoid the infinite list of folders down the left-hand side of your inbox, have a Spring Clean every now and then and archive old folders you don’t use. Anton recommends archiving “Previous clients email folders so they remain organised and free up precious email storage”.

Problem 3:
You have 100+ new emails in your inbox and you don’t know where to start OR you never seems to get quick responses to your emails

Solutions:
• Sort emails by subject when you start going through them so you can work through email trails quickly
• Review the way you use email subject lines

The title of your email could be affecting the effectiveness of your emails, explains copywriting expert, Jess Woods of Woods of Words: “Email subject lines should be catchy, yet informative. You want to attract attention so that your email stands out amongst the crowd (and it will get read before others) yet remain focussed on the matter you are emailing about.”
• Don’t use start your email in the header line
“There is nothing more off-putting than an email header that reads: “Can you work on this and….” before concluding the sentence “…that by Friday please” in the body of the email. It looks unprofessional and is often sent straight to the trash pile,” says Jess.

·  Use reminders to follow up on important emails that you need a response to
Elizabeth Moore, Brand Manager of Wallsneedlove recommends using ‘“Boomerang’ which sends a reminder after a specified amount of time if they haven’t responded, making it much easier to send follow up e-mails”.
·   Always proof read your emails before sending
Does your email make sense and will your recipient understand what you mean? “Read over what you have written before sending and you are much more likely to get the response you want,” advises Elizabeth.  



Problem 4:
You can’t get on top of the amount of emails you receive

Solutions:
• Find a strategy of categorising your emails so you can work through them.

Landon Kahn, Marketing Manager for Todae Solar has a great system called the Zero Inbox principle that he uses to manage his inbox. “You can ensure you spend less time on email and more time on more important tasks by categorising your emails and actioning them straight away,” explains Landon. You’ve got five options on what to do with emails that hit your inbox:
1. Delete – if it’s unimportant delete it (or archive)
2. Delegate – if it is a task that someone else is able to do forward it to them straight away.
3. Respond – Some emails my require a response (and then archive)
4. Do – Action it immediately if need be
5. Defer – If you don’t have enough time, defer it with a reminder for later (but remove it from your inbox).
• Identify serial email offenders
Work out who sends you the most emails and try and find an alternative way to communicate. If it’s a work colleague or client, schedule a regular (brief but focused) meeting where you can discuss points that would usually be emailed. Ensure your team members and colleagues know when they should and shouldn’t cc you on emails. Remove yourself from unnecessary mailing lists.


Problem 5:
We sometimes forget there’s a person at the other end of an email
Solutions:

  • Focus on your intro

“It’s important to remember when e-mailing that you are still talking to someone. We get so many e-mails these days it can be hard to keep up, both with whom we have e-mailed and who has e-mailed us,” says Elizabeth Moore of Wallsneedlove. Elizabeth recommends starting your email off “with a genuine and attention grabbing intro. My go-to-intro is ‘Hello [name], I hope this e-mail finds you well.’ Be genuine and show attention to detail”.


Thanks to our contributors for their advice:

Anton Martin, Sherpa Design: Sherpa Design is a boutique web design and online marketing shop that specialises in crafting your vision into an awesome website, and then taking that website and turning it into a profitable business tool. Check out their work: www.webdesigners.net.au

Jess Woods, Woods of Words: Jess is the owner of Woods Of Words, offering freelance copywriting and PR services in Sydney. Check out examples of Jess’s work and the service she offers at www.woodsofwords.com

Landon Kahn, Todae Solar: Landon is the Marketing Manager for Todae Solar. Check out Todae Solar’s services and projects at www.todaesolar.com.au

Elizabeth Moore, Wallsneedlove: Elizabeth is the Brand Manager of Wallsneedlove.com where she runs the social media platforms and manages SEO. She has worked in social media and marketing professionally since graduating college in 2010. Check out what www.wallsneedlove.com can do for you.

BRAND OF THE WEEK: The Little Veggie Patch Co

Although I knew of The Little Veggie Patch Co, it was an online interview between Tim Reid (of Small Business Big Marketing) and The Little Veggie Patch co-founder, Fabian that made me realise – “we need to stock this brand!”

The concept for The Little Veggie Patch Co (LVPC) was originally conceived in 2008 by Matthew Pember, who was joined by Fabian Capomolla in 2009. The duo is passionate about seeing “more people living a greener lifestyle – growing their own vegetables”. Fabian explained to Tim, “we’re a business that takes out the hard work of setting up your veggie garden. We’re about having fun and fun ways of growing food.” 

The boys both have an Italian heritage, which probably explains the importance they place on food – and not just any food, but the freshest food they can grow. “We grew up being centred with food as part of our life. We always had the back garden full of veggies and fresh food coming from the back garden, so it’s a way of life,” says Fabian.
The Little Veggie Patch Co founders – Fabian Capomolla and Matthew Pember
This philosophy can sometimes present a challenge in large cities where many people live in small apartments and houses with limited space. Based in Melbourne, The Little Veggie Patch Co are aware of these limitations and “specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of chemical-free vegetable gardens” – for any sized space.
Book 1: How to Grow Food in Small Spaces
In addition to offering custom design and installation of gardens for clients, the boys have produced two books: How to Grow Food in Small Spaces (book 1) and Guide to Backyard Farming(book 2).
Book 2: Guide to Backyard Farming

They also sell a sensational range of heirloom seeds and are keen to encourage people to have a go growing these classic varieties at home for themselves.

Novice and veteran gardeners alike will love the tips and tricks included in both LVPC books. The books are exceptionally well written in an easy-to-read style (not a sentence of gardening jargon in site!) and feature plenty of beautiful images to highlight a variety of topics, such as Making a Scarecrow, Building a Spud Tower or Growing Beans in a Bean Can. Book one also boasts an A-Z of edible plants.
The Little Veggie Patch Co heirloom seed varieties

About the boys:

With 10 years landscaping experience from his previous job under his belt, Matthew knows a thing or two about creating the perfect space for clients. Matthew also has a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Melbourne (2000).

Fabian is adding another string to his bow by completing a Masters in Urban Horticulture at the University of Melbourne (Burnley Campus), in addition to his degree in Business Administration from Monash University (1998).

Accolades:

LVPC received “Best in Show” for their display connecting edible gardens to native Australian landscapes at the 2010 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

LVPC and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Gardens Foundation (SAKGF) have been working together since LVPC started. LVPC is the sole representative of the SAKGF initiative with an exhibition garden at Collingwood Primary.

Check out The Little Veggie Patch Co books: How to Grow Food in Small Spaces and Guide to Backyard Farming as well as their selection of heirloom seeds – the perfect gift for budding or experienced gardeners alike.

“A little food, a little fun;
a little soul, a little sun;
a little green, a little grow…
The Little Veggie Patch Co.”


SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all The Little Veggie Patch Co orders placed before 5pm Sat 23/2/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code VEGGIE when you checkout.

Our Favourite Valentine’s Day Recipes: Cherry Kirsch Mudcake

Not many things beat an authentic Cherry Kirsch Cake made-from-scratch. At first glance, the below recipe might seem quite complicated, but I promise you it’s worth it!

We have guys from The Trustee Bar & BistroBrookfield Place to thank for this one:
Serves 6, to fill 7 x 6cm lined dessert rings

Mudcake:
Ingredients:
  • 110g butter
  • 110g dark Valrohna chocolate (premium French chocolate, arguably the best available)
  • 12g coffee grounds
  • 65g plain flour
  • 25g dutch cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon bicarb soda
  • 240g caster sugar
  • 30ml cherry kirsch
  • 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 50ml buttermilk
  • 50ml water
  • 2 eggs

Method:
  1. Melt butter, dark choc and coffee granules till just melted – do not boil.
  2. Remove from heat and set aside, sift all dry ingredients and combine liquids and mix well.
  3. Incorporate chocolate and liquid together, whisk in eggs and mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Bake in a slice tin at 160 degrees for 1 hour or until just set
  5. Allow to cool completely, trim top of slice and cut 6 circles using metal rings.
Hazelnut Dacquoise:
Ingredients:
  • 160g whole hazelnuts (toasted)
  • 150g sifted pure icing sugar
  • 200g egg whites
  • 500g caster sugar
Method:
  1. Combine 160g hazelnuts in a processor with icing sugar
  2. Whisk egg whites till peaks form and add caster sugar slowly. Remove and gently fold through crushed nuts and icing sugar.
  3. Place baking paper on baking tray. Put in piping bag and pipe circular rings to fit the size of the mould (draw circles on the baking paper as a guide).
  4. Bake in 180 degrees oven for 15 mins till golden brown, crisp on the outside but still moist inside.
  5. Remove from oven and allow to cool down completely.

Milk Chocolate Mousse:
Ingredients:
  • 100g Valrohna milk chocolate
  • 25g egg white
  • 25g caster sugar
  • 250ml whipping cream

Method:
  1. Melt chocolate in bain marie till melted
  2. Whisk egg white and sugar until soft peaks
  3. Whip cream till soft peaks
  4. Fold chocolate into egg whites, then fold into whipped cream.
  5. Set aside and line metal rings

Chocolate ring lining:
  1. Melt 250g of milk choc in a bain marie
  2. Assemble line rings with plastic acetate. Spread acetate with melted chocolate and carefully line the inside of the ring (plastic acetate to face outwards). Fridge the rings until chocolate is set.
  3. Place dacquoise disks on base of metal ring. Pipe the mousse mixture evenly between the 6 rings. Then place the disks of mudcake on top of mousse.
  4. Place this in the fridge for 1 hour to set
  5. Remove ring and acetate. Garnish with fresh cherries and raspberry coulis and dust with icing sugar.

About The Trustee:
Perth’s Trustee Bar and Bistro is owned and operated by brother and sister duo, Angie and Scott Taylor. Angie has a PhD in paediatric immunology and Scott is a wine columnist and educator. This dynamic duo are also behind the iconic Beaufort Street Merchant and the latest string to their bow, Obsesso Expresso in the CBD.
The Trustee offers tasty “rustic European peasant fare made from the heart” by a team lead by Chef Michelle Forbes. Wine lovers can also look forward to a wine list – “probably the most interesting in Perth” – offering a choice of over 500 different wines by the glass and bottle. If you’re a Perth local, or heading to Perth for a break, make some time to check out The Trustee and Brookfield Place: www.thetrustee.com.au and www.brookfieldplaceperth.com



If you’re in need of some new cooking utensils, check out Joseph Joseph’s Elevate Carousel Set. There are 6 handy tools have a weighted handle that ensures the cooking end remains elevated and doesn’t touch your kitchen bench – minimising mess and maximising hygiene. Tools also hang neatly on a rotating stand – minimising clutter and maximising space. 


RAW Chocolate Nut Fudge with Sweet Strawberry Topping

Most of us have many happy memories associated with a good ol’ fashioned chocolate fudge. It might be a memory from our childhood, or in my case it’s a recollection of a girl I used to work with who made a kick-ar*se chocolate fudge. This decadent (but can you believe it, healthy) treat will help you rekindle those fond memories.


Louise Mackie from Fridge Scrapings – our source for this RAW Chocolate Nut Fudge with Sweet Strawberry Topping – reckons that this recipe is “perfect for Valentine’s Day….BUT it’s also healthy! What could be better? Healthful indulgence with no guilt…also great for those with food allergies”. It’s Vegan and free from gluten, wheat, soy, grain and refined sugar free. 


RAW Chocolate Nut Fudge with Sweet Strawberry Topping

Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups almond meal (or dehydrated almond pulp from making almond milk)
  • ½ cup vanilla protein powder (unsweetened)
  • 2/3 cup pitted dates
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons brown rice syrup
  • 3 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 3 tablespoons coconut butter (recipe below)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coffee (optional)
  • 80g dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped macadamias (or any nut)

Method:

  1. Pulse all ingredients together in a food processor – if you prefer chunks of chocolate/nuts then leave out the last two ingredients, and fold them into the mix once it forms a soft “dough” – otherwise just whizz everything together.
  2. Press into a lined loaf pan, and let it chill in the fridge and “set”.


Strawberry Topping:
  • 1 cup dehydrated/dried strawberries (or any dried fruit – cranberries/cherries would be great)
  • 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup (or any liquid sweetener)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Method:
  1. Quickly pulse everything together in a food processor, leaving it reasonably chunky.
  2. Spread thinly over the set fudge, and return to the fridge.
  3. Carefully cut into small bars/squares once set.
  4. Store in the fridge.


Coconut Butter
All you need to do is get yourself a bag of coconut shreds (at least 3 cups, otherwise it’s way too frustrating). Chuck in your food processor and process, process, process. Patience is a virtue, yes as this tends to take a little time, but you will reap your rewards in the end. The coconut goes through a few stages….clumpy as the oils release. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give the motor of your machine a break every now and then – “don’t go blowing up appliances on my account,” says Louise.

About Fridge Scrapings:
Louise Mackie openly admits that she likes to “cook and eat weird food” on her blog, www.fridgescrapings.com. Louise is a Vegan, as well as a mum and yoga teacher-in-training. The more you read about her passion for food and cooking, the more you actually realise that her choices aren’t “weird” but part of an exciting journey of self-discovery towards a healthier, balanced lifestyle. After reading Lou’s blog for a couple of minutes I felt compelled to re doesn’t evaluate the contents of my fridge and pantry and really question every meal I make for myself and my family. Lou encourages her “family to eat REAL food – it doesn’t matter what “label” your diet falls under (vegetarian, carnivore, RAW, paleo etc etc) you can still strive for a wholesome, responsible and sustainable way of eating”. And really, what is there to lose with recipes like the one above? 



Feeling inspired to grow some of your own fruit and veg as part of a healthier lifestyle choice? Check out some of these beautiful heirloom seed varieties from The Little Veggie Patch Co

Heirloom Beetroot variety from The Little Veggie Patch Co. 


Raw Vegan Cacao Superfood Truffles

It must be my lucky day – two healthy truffle recipes in one week! In case you can’t tell, I’m a truffle addict. This Raw Vegan Cacao Superfood Truffles recipe has been kindly shared with us from Maz at Sadhana Kitchen. This version has a few more nuts than our last truffle recipe, but both are equally as tasty and the best thing you can do is try them both!

 
 
Maz from Sadhana Kitchen is a genius! Healthy truffles that taste awesome – love it!
 

Appliances you will need:

  • Food Processor
 
Ingredients (makes 15-25 truffles, depending on how big you roll them):
  • 1 cup  almonds (www.veggiewave.com/soaking_chart)
  • 1 cup cashews (www.veggiewave.com/soaking_chart)
  • 1/2 cup hemp seeds
  • 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut plus extra for rolling
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup brown rice syrup (depending on how sweet you want them)
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
After preparing all of the above:

 

1. Place all ingredients except for the last three in a food processor and mix until the consistency of almond meal (very fine crumbs).
2. Slowly add coconut oil, brown rice syrup, vanilla and good vibes until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and shape into balls by rolling between the palm of your hands.
4. Finish by rolling in shredded coconut and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

 
TIP: Check out VeggieWave’s Soaking Chartwith lots of hints and tips on soaking your seeds and nuts to get the most out of them nutritionally and making them easier to digest.
 

About Maz and Sadhana Kitchen
SadhanaKitchen was founded in 2012 by Maz Pugoy in order to make organic and raw food easily accessible to the people of Sydney and to spread the benefits of livings foods through delicious meals, desserts and beverages. Maz left a successful corporate career to open Sydney’s first Living Foods café and promote optimum health, vitality and wellbeing through nourishing and tasty food. Check out Sadhana Kitchen online: www.sadhanakitchen.com

 
Maz from Sadhana Kitchen, Sydney

Whilst cooking is fun, it can be a messy job. Keep your clothes looking their best (especially if you’re entertaining) with this handy Crumbz Apron. They’re beautifully made and this one’s even red for Valentine’s Day!
 

 
 
Crumbz Chef Apron in red check

Our Favourite Valentine’s Day Recipes: Grilled prawn and chorizo skewers on a refreshing Caribbean salad

A trip to the Caribbean is still on my wish list. Until I can get there, these fresh and simple Grilled prawn and chorizo skewers on a refreshing Caribbean salad are a tasty compromise and so easy to make this Valentine’s Day (especially if you don’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen all night!). 



Enjoy these yummy skewers with a cold Corona


Ingredients:
  • Prawns
  • Chorizo
  • Skewers
Salad Ingredients:
  • Rocket
  • Avocado
  • Mango
  • Tomato
  • Red onion
  • Salt and pepper
  • A squeeze of lime juice
  • A drizzle of olive oil
Method:
1. Chop up and combine all salad ingredients, season and dress with lime juice and olive oil.
2. Soak skewers in water, skewer prawn and then a slice of chorizo, repeat twice.
3. Grill with salt, pepper and olive oil until prawns are cooked and chorizo is crispy.
4. Place skewers on Caribbean salad with lime wedge and voodoo mayo on side. 

Babble on Babylon: Elwood’s hip eatery with a Caribbean flavour

About Babble on Babylon:
Tricia from Babble on Babylon has kindly shared this recipe with us. Babble on Babylon is a gorgeous eatery located in the historic ‘Old Hat Factory’ on Brighton Road in Elwood, Victoria. Hungry dinners will be satisfied with fresh, hearty fare “where contemporary comfort meets unforgettable flair”, often with a Caribbean twist. Babble on Babylon also offers a professional catering service. www.babbleonbabylon.com.au 


BBQ in style with these high quality MAN LAW BBQ Tools. MAN LAW makes barbecuing easy and fun. Check out the MAN LAW range here

Our Favourite Valentine’s Day Recipes – Mini Mango Pavlovas

We’ve had a great response to the BBQ Mango Cheeks and Lamb recipe featured earlier this week, so we’ve got another delicious mango recipe – a dessert this time. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t like Pavlova – it’s a summer classic. On a hot day you just can’t beat it with a bit of fresh mango. These Mini Mango Pavlovas are so easy and tasty that they’re certain to be a hit with your Valentine.


Prep time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (makes 4 serves):
  • 2 x fresh Australian mangoes
  • 8 x pavlova nests (store bought)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • Whipped cream
  • Mint (optional)
Method:
 1.    Scoop out the cheeks of one mango (see images below) and slice into thin strips or if you are feeling romantic, use a heart shaped cookie cutter to create hearts.
2. For the puree, slice and pit one mango and cut into pieces. Place mango, sugar and lemon juice in a food processor and puree until smooth. Cover and chill in fridge.
3. To serve, place the Pavlova nests on a platter, top with whipped cream, puree and mango slices or hearts.

You can slice the mango into thin strips, or if you’re feeling creative use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes

This recipe is courtesy of our mates from the Australian Mango Industry. Australian Mangoes are the flavour of summer with a range of varieties for you to enjoy all season long. There are four main varieties including the Kensington Pride, Calypso, R2E2 and Honey Gold, and several other late season varieties, including the Brooks, Keitt, Palmer, Kent and Pearl. Mangoes are quick and easy to prepare and are bursting with nutritional value. But best of all, mangoes are one of the most versatile fruits on the market; delicious by themselves or as an addition to your meat and seafood dishes, salads, cocktails, smoothies and desserts. Check out their websiteand their Facebook page.

Good knife skills are something that every chef (amateur or professional) strives for. Half the battle is finding a good quality set of knives, and this knife set from Joseph Josephwill more than get you on your way to becoming a pro. 



The Ten Best Gifts for your Valentine

Mr Gift

Mr Gift’s Top 10 Valentine’s Gifts

Gorgeous gifts to impress your Valentine 

 
The most memorable Valentine’s Day I have ever had was when my boyfriend (now husband) knocked off early from work, whizzed home and whipped up a roast dinner before I got home. He greeted me at the front door in a three-piece suit with a nice glass of bubbles. Our housemates made themselves scarce and we enjoyed a romantic candle-lit roast dinner with fancy wine. It was pure bliss!

Sometimes it’s the simplest gestures that are the most romantic, which is why we have put together a collection of our favourite recipes to cook this Valentine’s Day. Cook them for your Valentine, or alternatively print them out and leave them on the kitchen bench to drop a hint.

We’ve also put together a list of our top ten favourite Valentine’s Day gifts with a mixture of ideas for guys and gals. Check it out below…
 

All orders received before Valentine’s Day will receive a complimentary bag of chocolates

1. Beauty Mate Good On You Gift Pack $39.95

It doesn’t matter if you are going out or spending the night in on Valentine’s Day, everyone likes to freshen up before a date. The Good On You Gift pack does just as the name suggests – feels ‘good on you’ and covers all bases with shampoo, moisturiser and hair product.

Check out our other grooming gifts

2. Luminara LED Candle, ivory $54.95 

Candles are an essential ingredient for any romantic evening. Create a stylish AND romantic ambiance by treating yourself to a Luminara candle or two. The best thing about these candles is that they are completely safe. They use an LED light instead of a flame, but are designed to ‘flicker’ so they look like the real thing. They’re also made from real wax that emits a subtle fragrance – divine!

3. Mugs (set of 2) – Girl Meets Boy / Boy Makes Tea $34.95 

There were a couple of couples that instantly came to mind when we first saw The Bright Side’s product range. This is a fun Valentine’s gift that is guaranteed to make them smile. Sadly, it won’t guarantee more cups of tea though. 

4. Port Sippers (pair) $9.95

Sharing a glass (or two) of port together is a pretty romantic way to finish off a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner, especially as the nights start to cool off. These traditional Port Sippers are an elegant way of enjoying your port or fortified wine, whilst helping to enhance the flavours.

Check out our other wine and beer gift ideas…

5. Slate Cheese Tray with Chalk Pen $29.95

Cheese is also great way to finish of a romantic evening that you don’t want to end, especially if you’re not a dessert person. With so many different types of cheese, you’re bound to find something that your Valentine will enjoy. Serve it in style on this stunning slate cheese board. One of the best features of this board is the chalk pencil that can be used to write the names of your different cheeses on the board. 

Check out our other gorgeous kitchen andhomewares gift ideas…

6. Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays, assorted sizes $44.95
Don’t let your curled collar let you down this Valentine’s Day. Keep your shirt looking it’s best with these clever Magnetic Collar Stays from Würkin. 

Check out the Würkin range

You’ll be your Valentine’s favourite person on the coldest winter days when they snuggle up with this hottie in bed or in front the TV.
Check out our other Hottie styles… 

8. KeepCup Reusable Coffee Cup, Crackle $14.95 

This KeepCup makes a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift not only because of the striking red colour, but also because your Valentine will think of you every time they drink their morning coffee. 
Check out our other KeepCup colours

 

If you’re after a high quality iPad case, look no further than this well-made leather case from Troika. The striking red lining is the colour of passion – very appropriate for Valentine’s Day. This bold, unexpected use of colour is characteristic of Troika’s distinctive designs.  
 
Check out the Troika range

 

If you’re planning a romantic getaway this Valentine’s weekend, travel in style with this gorgeous leather duffel bag from Boheme. Alternatively, if you’re in a spontaneous mood, pack your Valentine’s belongings in this bag and surprise them with a last minute mini break. Lots of Brownie Points guaranteed! 
 
Check out the Boheme range for other beautiful leather products…
Keep up to date with what’s happening at Mr Gift by visiting our Blog or the What’s New page on our website.

Whatever you’re up to this Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s a good one!

Our Favourite Valentine’s Day Recipes – Crêpe Suzette

I love the happy memories we associate with eating great food, which is what I drew me to Louise’s recipe for Crêpe Suzette. Louise recalls: “I grew up with close family friends who were French, and we always had Crêpe Suzette on special occasions for dessert (among Duck à l’orange, and profiteroles). It was so lovely being introduced to a different cuisine so young, and also to understand the lovely community that dining creates within a family. Every now and then, we’d have the smallest amount of ‘plonk’ with our meals although we were only 12 years old! But it showed us the true purpose of beautiful wine and alcohol. It’s used to celebrate, to create conversation and to compliment gastronomy. Divine.”

 

Ingredients:
  • 100g plain flower
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 300 ml milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Ice-cream to serve
Sauce:
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 35g unsalted butter
  • 150ml orange juice
  • 1 orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
  • 2 tablespoons brandy (or a little more :0)
Method:
  1. Place first six ingredients in a food processor and whiz until combined and mixture forms a smooth batter. If you don’t have a food processor, use a stick blender or hand beaters.
  2. Pour into a jug, and let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Carefully brush the pan with a little melted butter.
  5. Tilting the pan slightly, pour in enough batter (about 2-3 tablespoons) to just cover the base. Cook for 1-2 minutes until base of the crepe is lightly browned.
  6. Carefully flip the crepe to brown the other side. Transfer to a plate and repeat until batter is used.
 
To make the sauce, heat sugar and 1 tablespoon water in a frying pan over low heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add butter, increase heat to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Add orange juice and zest, and simmer for a few minutes. Pour in liqueur and brandy and stir to combine. Dip a crepe into the sauce, then fold it into quarters and place on a serving plate.
 
Repeat with remaining crepes, serving 2-3 per person. Serve with ice-cream. Or if you’re feeling naughty, King Island triple thick cream!

About Louise:
Louise Murphy is the designer behind Forbidden Linen – a seductive selection of sensually inspired products under the Forbidden Linen label.

Her deliciously delicate linens come in a variety of designs that portray the beauty of a woman’s body in various discreet poses captured through the tactile medium of cotton finery, lace and silk.

Louise created Forbidden Linen to bring to life a collection of stunning, digitally printed tableware and household linens.

All of her work is printed onto imported Italian cottons using re-active dyes which are water based and steamed into the fabrics to lessen the effect on the environment.


These gorgeous ceramic jugs not only look great in the kitchen, but they are also a functional way of measuring out your ingredients to make the perfect crepe.  

Traditional-style ceramic jugs are available in 250ml, 500ml and l litre sizes