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January 23, 2023

Mom's Guide to Staying Fit: 4 Easy Workouts for Busy Mums

December 18, 2022

Celebrate This Christmas With a Homemade Panforte Recipe

It's no secret that Christmas is a special time of year. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a delicious dessert? If you're looking for something truly unique and festive, why not try your hand at making panforte? This traditional Italian dessert is deceptively simple yet incredibly flavourful. Let's take a look at how to make this sweet treat! What is Panforte? Panforte is originally from Siena, in the Italian region of Tuscany, and is a dense cake-like dessert made from nuts, dried fruit, honey, spices, and flour. The panforte recipe has been around since medieval times; it was originally served as a gift during the holiday season. How To Make Panforte Making panforte is surprisingly simple and only requires a few ingredients. The most important part is finding the right combination of nuts and dried fruit to give it that unique flavour. Ingredients: • 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts • ½ cup chopped almonds • ½ cup chopped walnuts • 1 cup candied orange peel, cut into small pieces • ½ cup dried apricots, cut into small pieces • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup • 2 tablespoons sugar • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder • ½ teaspoon ground cloves • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg • Pinch of salt • ½ cup all-purpose flour • Powdered sugar (for dusting) Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round baking pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper. 2. Spread the hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned. 3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before adding the nut mixture to a large bowl along with the candied orange peel, apricots, honey or maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and flour. 4. Mix everything until well combined. 5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top. 7. Let cool completely before cutting into small wedges with a sharp knife or pastry cutter. 8. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before you serve or store in an airtight container. Whether you're having family over for Christmas dinner or want something special for yourself this holiday season, panforte makes an excellent treat that's sure to please everyone! With its unique combination of fragrant spices, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits, this Italian classic will surely bring cheer into your kitchen this year—not to mention some deliciousness too! And if you're still thinking of a Christmas giveaway, why not make a batch of panforte for your friends and family? They'd surely appreciate such a thoughtful treat! Or consider gifting your loved ones these stunning picnic blankets that are also perfect for enjoying your homemade panforte in the great outdoors. So what are you waiting for? Give panforte a try today!

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March 16, 2022

Kristy Lawrence - The creative and co-founder behind the FLANNEL brand ~

FLANNEL started out with one little store in Cottesloe, Western Australia, 15 years ago, and now boasts 12 stores across Australia, 3 stores in the USA and 5 FOR HIM stores. We feel lucky to be able to say, that not only is Kristy a creative genius but also our friend. We have had many conversations with Kristy about business, life and design over the years that have been inspirational and uplifting. She has an amazing energy and outlook that only ever to chooses the positive, no matter what the situation. She is a tireless worker, amazing mother and a great friend. So, we thought it time to put some of these words onto virtual paper and share it with you. Anna and Cath x Flannel Australia Interview Kristy Lawrence What was Flannel’s beginning and what were your plans back then? FLANNEL was still just a dream of mine when I decided to sell my previous fashion brand. I felt the market was beginning to move toward loungewear over high-fashion. We’re talking 2006, 15 years ago. There was a hole in the market - I was at home with three small babies all under the age of four. I felt like women were beginning to feel empowered enough to challenge the style norms and confident enough to rock “loungewear” to school pick-up, or even on a night out! I wanted to develop something I could wear around the house then pop on a sneaker or sandal to head outside; effortless but still chic, and no-fuss! My sister Brooke had been managing all the stores in my previous business, and had just gone through a divorce. She had 2 young children as well. We had always said one day we would go into business together. So, we started Flannel with the dream of earning enough money to take our children on holidays together. I was the creative, and Brooke was the people person, so it worked brilliantly! As it continued to evolve and grow, my husband John took on the business role within the brand, and his sister Anna, took on our logistical operations and ran our wholesale accounts. To this day, it is the four of us who run our family business. You are a prolific designer, season after season you come up with amazing designs? What inspires you, and do you ever just have Designer Block? My biggest source of inspiration is travelling! I’m invigorated by new experiences, unfamiliar and exciting places. Often I see one person throughout my whole trip away who becomes my muse for a whole collection. She oozes a street-style cool with a bit of French chic and bohemian, vintage touches. Nothing’s too refined, everything about her just looks effortless. The way she stands or walks by; I’m inspired by the whole picture and mood, not just by what she’s wearing. In your opinion, what makes good design? A good design, for me, is something that is easy to wear, requires minimal fuss, but makes you feel empowered and confident. These pieces are timeless, artisanal and aspiration. I also think a good design has to be well-made and keep up with the busy woman who wears it. You must have to make hundreds of decisions a day, do you ever get stuck questioning yourself and your decisions? The decisions I make are all part of the creative role that I love, so it’s exciting for me to make those decisions.I’m also very lucky to have such an incredible and supportive team around me who back every decision I make. Working with family means unconditional support, trust and love. Over the years, the times I’ve listened to my instincts is when we’ve been most successful, so I remind myself of that if I am ever having doubts. What would you say has been the hardest part of starting and running your own business? The hardest part of starting FLANNEL was educating people on my interpretation of future trends. For example, when we first started, it was about educating people to wear a slip dress outside! Then it became more about our frill shorts and wearing sneakers with a sequin skirt! What do you love most about Flannel? I love being creative and I love the team that surrounds me and enables this. I love being creative and I love the team that surrounds me and enables this. What is and upside and downside of working with your family? The upside is that we work so well together! We are all terrible at each other’s jobs, so we bounce off each other and succeed in our areas. The support and trust in each other makes is truly a blessing. Plus, we get to share our love for it and celebrate any milestones with family!If you ask my kids, the downside is we talk about FLANNEL way too much! If you had your time again, would you do anything differently? No, I wouldn’t. I’m a big believer in everything happening for a reason. We’ve faced so many obstacles which, at the time, I wished I could have changed, but in hindsight I can see why those challenges arose and how we grow from them. What is the best advice you were given along the along the way? And what is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to start their own business? The best advice I’ve received was to not be afraid to surround yourself with people who can do particular jobs the same, if not better than you. What is your favourite Australian holiday destination? I recently stayed at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane and loved it! The area surrounding has such great shops, great food. Overall, it has a really great vibe. It was super cool to see how far Brisbane has come in the past few years. Do you have a favourite hotel when travelling for business? We love the hotels by the Firmdale Group in New York, London, and opening soon in Los Angeles. It is owned by a husband and wife, so embodies the ‘family’ vibe we know and love. They have the perfect mix of chic and eclectic styling with incredible customer service and the coolest staff who have become lifelong friends! It is our home away from home. Now enough about you, what do you love about murph&murph hahaha? Murph&Murph have created my perfect bag that fits my lifestyle! Practical and chic with a bit of street-style edge mixed in. The bags are a favourite in my household for the beach and weekend getaway, and don’t get me started about the picnic rugs at Daisies!

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March 16, 2022

TEN Reasons Why to choose a murph&murph Picnic Blanket...

We want to thank you for your support of our small business. We are very proud to say that we are the original creators of the Neoprene Picnic Blanket. We came up the idea of the Neoprene picnic blanket over 6 years ago after standing on wetsuits on a hot day at the beach. We loved the soft cushioned feel of the fabric under foot. We also loved the fact it was easy to clean, fully water proof quick dry and sand didn't stick. We knew we were onto something!! It's been a lot of work, sweat and learning, but again we thank you. Anna and Cath x Why Choose murph&murph? Our blankets are fully waterproof from the inside, so they will always be waterproof! Unlike other picnic blankets that lose their wax coating. Sand and leaves don't stick. Easy clean - simply spray them down. The murph&murph picnic blanket is quick dry. Our picnic blankets stay in situ as the neoprene pops back into shape when moved. They feature stunning photographic and floral artwork by Australian Artists. Super versatile - can be used for anything from insulating your shopping to a poolside cushion. Our picnic blanket is fun and can even be turned onto a paddle pool. We are an Australian owned and run small business. Our picnic blankets are built to last, because our environment needs us to make choices that last!

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March 16, 2022

Which Cove Bag Do I Need?

From school drop-offs and pick-ups, to a busy work schedule, to cooking and cleaning — you’ve already got enough on your plate. So the last thing you want to be worrying about is “umming” and “ahhing” over which bag to buy. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to picking the perfect murph&murph bag for your specific needs. Read on and let’s find your match! For Those Who Want To Play Our pick? The Cove Carry-All Bag. Durable, stylish and practical, it’s designed to fit everything your crew needs for a day out or a weekend away. Made for families with active lifestyles, it was originally designed as a beach bag. But, we’ve discovered a variety of different uses for it over the years, thanks to its large capacity. Ready to accompany you on your indoor and outdoor adventures, the Cove Carry-All is perfect for: Picnics Boating Swimming Winter sports Outdoor concerts Traveling Overnight trips Basically, anytime you need to carry a lot of stuff, the Cove Carry-All has got your back (and shoulders). Say goodbye to multiple bags or heavy boxes, and hello to an easier way to get around. Our designers have catered for your every need in an outdoor bag and only the highest quality products have been used: Water resistant, heavy gauge canvas Reinforced with an inner layer of stitching Shoulder straps designed flat for comfort Stainless steel fittings Vigorously product tested And every parent’s favourite feature? Pockets! The Cove Carry-All Bag includes pockets for your every need: An insulated bottle (*cough* wine *cough*) pocket A substantial YKK zip pocket that fits an iPad Inner pockets for your phone, sunglasses, and keys Two magnetised side pockets All pockets are tucked away and water resistant to separate wet bathers from dry towels, wet towels from dry magazines, and electronics from wet anything. For the price of a family outing, all your future outings are in the bag! It comes in a fabulous range of colours, including Rust, Black, Blush, and Blue Steel. Or why not bundle it? Add a picnic blanket and save $55. For Those Who Want To Work Our pick? The Cove Mini Bag. Is the Carry-All a bit big for work? We’ve got you. We’ve downsized our signature bucket bag for all you working mums, or just for you ladies who need something small for when you’re out and about. The perfect mix of style, size, functionality and quality, it’s designed with more day to day use in mind. It’s got plenty of space for all your belongings, such as a drink bottle, lunch, computer, and more. Plus, shoulder straps and handles make it perfect for carrying around on those busy workdays. It has everything you’ve come to know and love about the Cove Carry-All, only in a smaller package. This includes: Water resistant, heavy gauge canvas Designed to fade and add character over the years Water resistant pockets for every need Stainless steel fittings Plus a matching boho shoulder strap. Available in two different colours (Rust and Blue Steel), and two different designs (studded and non-studded). For Those Who Want To Travel Our pick? The Cove Traveller Bag. Our newest bag, it has the same dimensions as our Cove Mini Bag, but with travel in mind. We highly recommend it for your carry on luggage. It’s self-standing so things don’t fall out and fits under the seat in front. But you don’t have to be getting on a plane to put this bag to good use. It’s also great for families on the move. It can carry 2x drink bottles, afternoon snacks, jumpers, and more. Here’s what makes it so great: Made from easy to clean polyamide Has all the pockets included in our other two bags, plus another large magnetised side pocket (perfect for storing your passport AND remembering where you put it!) Super stylish 5cm wide star shoulder strap, which is super handy for when you’re on-the-go Can also be used as a baby bag, picnic bag, and more Available in a gorgeous shade of Teal, Silver Sage, Navy and Black. Decision Time No matter what you choose, step out in confidence knowing our entire collection of personal bucket bags are handmade with the highest quality canvas built to last. Did you make it a murph&murph bag? We’d love to see your bag in the wild. Don’t forget to tag us @murphandmurph.

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August 3, 2021

WHY THE MURPH&MURPH NEOPRENE PICNIC BLANKET

Our blankets are fully waterproof from the inside, so they will always be waterproof! Unlike other picnic blankets that lose their wax coating. Sand and leaves don't stick to our picnic blankets. The murph&murph Picnic blankets are easy clean - simply spray them down. The murph&murph picnic blanket is quick dry. Our picnic blankets stay in situ as the neoprene pops back into shape when moved. They all feature stunning photographic and floral artwork by Australian Artists. Our blanket is more versatile - so can be used for anything from insulating your shopping to a poolside cushion. Our picnic blanket is fun and can even be turned onto a paddle pool. We are an Australian owned and run small business. Our picnic blankets are the original neoprene Picnic Blanket. They are the best quality and biggest on the market. They are built to last!

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December 4, 2020

Reducing our environmental footprint

We are currently making conscious positive changes to our operations to further reduce murph&murph's environmental footprint. Our first major change is our packaging. Until now we have focused primarily on creating the highest quality bags and neoprene blankets so that they will last for a lifetime. No need to be discarded and replaced every season or two. We continue to prioritise the quality of our products but realise that we can always do more to care for our environment. After all, there is not planetB. We've since swapped all of our packaging over to compostable bioplastic, produced by Better Packaging Co (BPC). Our new packaging is made from renewable plants, corn to be exact, with a man-made binding agent added for flexibility. BPC even uses wind & renewable energy to manufacture their packaging products. This combination of materials represents a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastics, is non-toxic and contains no Phthalate or Bisphenol A (BPA). And the best bit, it can be composted at home! It goes in with your food scraps and garden waste, for the worms to enjoy. Better for the environment, better for our oceans, a better tomorrow. The better we look after our environment, the more we can enjoy our murph&murph Cove Bags and Neoprene Blankets in the great outdoors! To see more of our sustainable business journey, follow us on Instagram.

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