DAY FOUR | The Gratitude Project | The Ocean

Today I am grateful for the ocean... For the sounds of the waves,

feeling of the sea breeze and smell of the salt air.

 

 

 

www.escapetoparadise.com.au

Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Salvador, Brazil

 

Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte is an ecologically responsible resort to the north of Salvador, Bahia. At a time when eco-tourism is on the rise and destinations are trying to be increasingly "green," this is a place that is refreshingly and transparently sincere in its efforts to blend with its natural environment.

Brazil is a land of incredible biodiversity, and Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte is no exception to that rule. Care is taken that the sensitive natural surroundings are not harmed, and the resort's simple architecture does not detract from the stunning sights of the surrounding area.

At Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, guests are treated with the same respect as the environment, and your stay will be one of luxury, ease, and incredible comforts... a perfect combination when coupled with peace of mind.

 

Source: Kiwi Collection

Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii

On the quieter side of Maui, visitors will find the peaceful retreat of Travaasa Hana, where true Hawaiian heritage waits to be discovered. One of the last unspoilt parts of Hawaii. Travaasa Hana, located at the end of the famed "Highway to Hana," is well worth the trip.

Rooms at the Travaasa Hana are designed in traditional but luxurious Hawaiian style, with hardwood floors, indigenous art, and bamboo mats. Sea Ranch and Bay Cottages have private gardens, hot tubs, or ocean views. Best of all, there are no TVs or radios to interfere with the sounds of the surf... Bliss!

Source: Kiwi Collection

Just Arrived

We're all really excited here at Escape to Paradise HQ, and not just because the Easter Bunny is coming soon. The ever-popular Oasis Cushion in Fern Natural fabric is back in stock AND it is now also available in the rectangular Sanctuary Cushion. 

Twice the reason to celebrate!  

 

Oasis Cushion in Fern Natural Fabric - $74.95

Sanctuary Cushion in Fern Natural Fabric - $54.95

Head to our online store now to snap yours up before they all disappear again - www.escapetoparadise.com.au

 

Sensational Sunsets...

 

 

Where is the most beautiful sunset that you have seen?

Escape to Paradise on Instagram

We love seeing Escape to Paradise pieces instore and on show in your home!

Here are some photos that we were excited to come across on Instagram. 

www.abbotkinneyinteriors.com.au

www.dluxinteriors.com.au

www.dluxinteriors.com.au

www.driftdesign.com.au

www.timneve.com

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope you celebrated in style...tropical style that is!

Did you have a big party, a quiet night in with friends, or where you living it up in paradise somewhere?  Here are some photos from tropical celebrations that inspired us to bring 2013 in with a bang. 

 

 

Sneak Peek!

Here is a little taste of the new products that Escape to Paradise has on the way for Spring/Summer 2013.  Enjoy! x x

Blue Orchid and Grey Chevron Cushions

Calypso and Sumshine Grey Cushions

Chevron Beige, Waves Mint, Sunshine Peach and Sunshine Beige Cushions

Chevron Mint, Chevron Grey and Sunshine Peach Cushions

Waves Mint and Chevron Grey Cushions

Chevron Grey and Sunshine Yellow Cushions

Chevron Mint, Chevron Grey and Sunshine Peach Cuhions +
Palm Trees Table Runner

Fluffy Lime Cupcakes with Lime Whipped Cream

Fluffy Lime Cupcakes with Lime Whipped Cream
Makes 24 Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Cupcake Batter
2 ¼ Cups Cake Flour
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 ¼ Cups Buttermilk
4 Large Egg Whites, at room temperature
1½ Cups Sugar
1½ Tablespoons Fresh Lime Zest
½ Cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
1 Teaspoon Key Lime Extract
Lime Whipped Cream:
1 Cup Heavy Cream, chilled
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 TablespoonsFresh Lime Zest
Garnish:
Fresh Lime Zest
Fresh Lime Slices

Preheat oven to 180˚ c / 350˚ F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together the milk and egg whites in another bowl. Put the sugar and lime zest in a mixer bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter and with the paddle attachment beat at medium speed with a stand mixer until ingredients are light and fluffy. Beat in the extract and lime juice, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Mix in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, mixing until the batter is well mixed, then add the last of the dry ingredients. Continue beating the mixture for another few minutes to ensure that the batter is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes are well risen and springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for a few minutes, and then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

While cupcakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. Using a standing mixer fitted with the balloon whisk attachment, whip the chilled heavy cream on high until it just holds stiff peaks. Slowly sprinkle in the sugar until you reach a thick consistency. Add in the zest and whip until combined.  Fill a piping bag with a fitted tip. Pipe on the whipped cream on top of cooled cupcakes. Garnish with additional lime zest and lime slices....and enjoy!

Source: The Culinary Chronicles

Tropical Inspiration...