HOORAY MAGAZINE + HAPPY WEEKEND

I kind of chuckle at the phrase 'fun bags', but this truly was a fun bag of goodies that arrived yesterday. The new 'Hooray!' Magazine packaged up in a cool tote. All Australian, all inspiring. Even the cover has me excited. I can't wait to dig in!
But...I don't think that will be happening till later next week. We are moving house this weekend. So it's all boxes and unpacking I think. This little winner is going to have to wait a little longer to be savoured slowly. Magazines are totally my little indulgence. I love sitting down, browsing and wishing...What about you?

Have a great weekend! x

P.S. Check out this funny Guide to Ikea a friends husband wrote

ON MY BOOKSHELF

My mum can attest to the fact that I'm not the fastest reader at the library. And I'm normally not very adventurous choosing my own books. I have to have a solid recommendation to read a novel for instance. Given my reading habits, it often means I don't often finish books or just 'read' ones with pictures - yay design books! Ironically I love books themselves, pretty covers, different paper textures, type and idealic quaint bookshops...ahhh. Weirdo I know.

Since Christmas I've read a few winners though that I feel are worthy of sharing. Maybe you can add them to your bedside table collection and you can tell me some I should add to mine!

BLOG INC. by Joy Cho - Wow, this one is worth every penny and I am sure I will head back and reference it again in the near future. What an honest and practical look at this weird world of blogging. I really like the specifics and stories of those who have 'gone before'. Joy is truly the expert and the fact that she is so approachable and transparent earns this book a big fat tick from me. On a personal note, I emailed Joy a few weeks back about something blog related and she replied straight away. I know this often isn't possible for so many 'blogging heavies', but the fact she gave her advice so quickly and willingly, makes me like her even more. Even if you don't want to read about how to blog, you should follow hers! Her little girl Ruby reminds me of my two adopted Korean sisters when they were young. Ca-ute!

FACING UP by Bear Grylls - Is Bear Grylls' story of climbing everest. This might seem a real random amongst the other titles, but I love a good biography and this was definitely gripping (excuse the pun : ).  I think I finished it in like three or four days...unheard of for this snail-paced reader. I liked all the everyday details about living at such high altitude (ever wondered what your pee looks like when you're dehydrated??), and appreciated that like he says in the book; technology can put a man on the moon, but it's only through human effort you can reach the highest summit of earth. Maybe one for the man in your life too!

KARA'S PARTY IDEAS  by Kara Allen - Born from her blog & now shop of party inspiration and supplies, Kara is a whizz when it comes to planning parties around a theme. I liked that most of the parties in this book are exclusive and haven't appeared on her blog before. I have to be honest, when this arrived I was a little disapointed it wasn't a hardcover with full-bleed images (like my fave party book), but it does have a CD of printables you can use for your own events, so that's a big plus in my books.

I WILL CARRY YOU  by Angie Smith - Another personal one and biography - love me a good true story! This story is really close to my heart after losing three babies to miscarriage and having one of my closest friends going through a similar situation to Angie & her husband. It was real and raw and had me reaching for the tissues a number of times. I wish I'd read this months ago. So healing. It's also a helpful tool if you know someone who is grieving in some way. Powerful.

IT'S ALL GOOD by Gwyneth Paltrow - I found out recently that I have some allergies to diary, wheat and eggs. The trifecta hey? Needless to say, this little baking and cooking lover is on a steep learning curve changing from traditional baking to working with alternate ingredients (that actually taste good!). I just bought this book last week, and already I've found a 'go-to' muffin recipe and other meal ideas that actually taste like the 'real deal' and work with the rest of my family too. And if I look like gorgeous Gwynnie on the front cover afterwards, then that's a bonus!

______________________________________________________

As I write this, it's snowing outside. A perfect weekend for staying indoors and snuggling up with a good book. Unfortunately we have a full weekend with a fun marriage conference, birthday parties and Sunday lunch plans, so no lazy days for us. But please send me your fave reads at the moment. I need some more ideas! 

Have a good weekend! xo

Images // Illustration by Polkadot Prints. Cover shots via Amazon & Book Depository

WELL GROOMED

I stumbled upon this well-designed site recently and thought is was such a great concept. A resource just for grooms. From style suggestions, groomsmen etiquette, and a whole swag of images focusing on the guys side of the wedding (warning to any bead-a-phobic's there are a lot of 'arty beards'!).

There's also a "DIY for Guys" section. With some fun ideas like a proposal in a box, and 'will you be my groomsman' printables. I know a few guys who would have actually do some of these ideas!

Have you seen any great wedding ideas lately?

Images // Well Groomed

WINDOW DISPLAYS

When people say they get creative inspiration from everywhere, I can totally relate. A walk through West Edmonton Mall last week had me admiring all the different window displays. Just love the tangible arty-looking ones and think how they can inspired a colour palette, a DIY idea, a dessert table background or party space.
These are a few that caught my eye.
Really liking these ombre dipped cups - these photos don't do it justice.
And while not a display as such, I really like this stencilling concept for an indoor space. I can't wait for some sans-kids time to leisurely browse inside these shops too!
Images :: American Apparel // Pinkberry // J.Crew // WEM // Club Monaco // Scotch & Soda

PARTY INSPIRATIONS :: HWTM

Have you seen the new social networking site from Hostess with the Mostess? Jenn's blog has always been a central source of inspiration of mine when it comes to brainstorming ideas for a party or a new design. So much party eye candy!
With the launch of this new members arm of her website, you can sign up, submit photos, comment and be a part of rich party resource. Think Facebook for party people!


I'm a pro vendor on the site and have begun uploading some of my own events and have started following lots of other talented chicks! One feature I really love is being able to search parties by colour  - handy!


You can find out more about signing up here.

Floating Macarons

(image source)

How mesmerising is that first pic of the macarons in 'mid air'. Some people are clever!

I hope you're having a great weekend. It was a girls night for me last night, and I have a surprise event on tonight...shhhh. Gonna be fun!

Take time out for a stroll around the web: 

:: Want to use these Chalkboard Labels

:: Edible Crayons - hmmmm 

:: File this away for your next School Party & make a go of these clever Pencils

:: Make your own birthday candles 

Hope :: From my friend Liz

After feeling a little bit "meh" and in bit of a funk being post-holidays & post-flood. I'm just about cured and have been kick started me back into regular posts by one of my favourite friends, Liz. Hooray!!
You may remember her daughters shabby chic party? So sweet! We are so alike on many levels (neither of our brains turn off I don't think!). And she is always sending me fabulous finds on the web that often make their way into my weekly "weekend whiparound's". (Thanks Liz!)

I'd asked her a while back that if she ever felt inspired to share some of her party or styling finds, then I'd love to share them here on my blog.  While not specific to party's or styling, she sent me an email last night of some of her thoughts, which I found really encouraging, and so I wanted to share it with you.

Aqua & Red Christmas

It's been a big weekend, and we're nearly all moved. I can now start to think about Christmas day and scour the internet for some ideas to make home look and feel all 'Christmassy'. These are my picks with my favourite aqua & red colour theme.

Love that this fits with the kind of Christmas weather we have in Australia...summery and bright.
(Image Hostess with the Mostess)

With a vintage flavour, this table has 'sugar high' written all over it!
(Image Inspired Events via Birthday Girl)

Satiny bows and cherry cups...simply lovely.
(Image Mon Tresor via Amy Atlas)
And we can't forget this inspiration.

Are you creative juices flowing? I know mine are. It's not too late to get your Christmas printables - they're still half price till Friday. I look forward to seeing what you create with yours!

Book Tour Party with Creative Inc. :: WISH LIST

I have been reading a couple of inspiring things lately about business...dreaming big, having an entrepreneurial spirit, passion and living in your 'sweet spot'. I am processing a lot behind the scenes, my mind is working overtime! The next book on my list is Creative Inc. by Joy and Meg. You have to check out their stop-motion promotional video (...so clever!) And you can get a few insider tips for promoting your work here. They seem like such a talented duo, and I think they would have so many worthwhile things to say on freelancing, designing, promoting your work...I've put it on my Christmas list!

This party was for one of their stops on their book tour. Don't you just love those tassles? You can find them here. Oh to sit down with these ladies and talk shop! Things like this make me wish for face to face  retreats/summits for bloggers and creatives here in Australia...a little dream of mine...x

Images via Oh Joy!

Mini-Celebrations :: Chocolate bar wrappers

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Thank you for letting me know your thoughts on last weeks post. Things are moving along with the new website and blog. I'm so excited to see how it's coming together, and can't wait till it's live! 

With a lot of Christmas projects and custom work on recently, I needed to actually step away and apply some real life creativity. So one night, I decided to make dinner a little bit fun. I didn't cook anything super special, just whatever I had already planned, but I put a little effort into making it look a bit special. (I put it together in the morning and it was funny how the rest of the days activities just whizzed by as I looked forward to home-time and dinner!)

I had these mini chocolate bars from Alidi, in my supplies. I cut out some wrappers for them, pulled out some fabric and napkins from my prop cupboard, put some oranges and lemons in a bowl, and viola! It added a little spice to our meal that night. So many times, I feel like I don't make the most of the moments, so when I do...I want to shout it from the rooftop!!

Birthdays only come around once a year, but you can make 'mini-celebrations' anytime...about anything...or nothing! Have you created a mini-celebration at your place recently?

Gary's 50th Dessert Table

Sharnel from Sharnel Dollar Designs & I were sitting talking about a joint Christmas project recently, when she whips out this Ralph Lauren wallpaper and started talking about an event she was working on for a gentleman's 50th birthday. Next thing I know, we're talking ideas and I am working on some custom printables for it!...

A few weeks later, and she creates this stunning table! You may have seen it featured on Amy Atlas yesterday. I love it! It's quite unusual to see a masculine looking dessert table, but Sharnel has done it with style. Maybe it's the beginning of things to come...

I love the colours, the simple and stylish feel. And those cookie favours in bags...totally my fave. Another gorgeous design, Sharnel, this is now my new favourite of your events!

The amazing photography is by Naomi V Photography - love your work Naomi!
Sharnel also has a new online store with gorgeous products for your next celebration! Check out her range here. 

Nautical Tent fold labels are available in my store.

Asher & David's Wedding Mood Board

One of my sisters is getting married in the new year. These are some of the images she sent me as her inspiration. It's going to be lovely!

She asked me to do their wedding stationery...oh, umm...of course!! When I do things for family it's a good chance for me to put forward some different ideas, they're quite often the most trusting and willing for me to 'just do it'!! So I am working on something fun and for her special day. Would you believe it involves Jelly Beans?

Images supplied by my sister but looking familiar from places like Style Me Pretty, Eat, Drink, Chic, & Green Wedding Shoes

CUSTOMER PARTY :: Katie's 'Lemon Delicious' Lunch!

I L.O.V.E getting party images from customers! It's the icing on the cake when someone who has purchased one of my prints or accesssories, returns to share how they put together a party or event for their friends or family. What a privelege have a little peek into their lives!
This party was sent to me from one of my very good friends, Liz (you may remember her daughters 1st birthday here). She organised a lunch for family and close friends to celebrate her sisters birthday. This is the desert table she put together...


Lemon is so 'in' right now it would seem, and I am loving it! Didn't she do a lovely job? One little detail Liz shared was her cute napkin paper weight. They are currently renovating their kitchen, so she used a tile and added a lemon 'party dot' to it - what a clever lady. Love that kind of detailed creativity!
Liz based this party around the 'Salem' Kitchen Tea invite she had personalised for a birthday, as well as the matching party dots. You can find both in my store.

Have you purchased some Polkadot Prints? I'd love to hear from you and see how the event came together. I'll be adding an album to my facebook page where I will post images you send me. That way we can all share inspiration and ideas with each other. How does that sound? 

Down at the race track :: Party Inspiration

One of my favourite boy parties of all times (other than my son's of course!) is the construction party I mentioned here.
Well another year has rolled on, and Jessica from Juicy Bits has done another grand event for Theo's 3rd birthday! My jaw is still on the floor...

 How much fun is the re-fueling station with the syphoning pipes from the juice?! So much work, thought and effort was put into this no doubt, but looks like her little man, and his friends had an amazing time! You can be wow'd by more photos and details here.

Imagine this non-licensed style of party for your 'Lightening McQueen' or 'Roary' loving son? A sure winner!

In the company of dreamers

A huge thank you to all who came by and said hello at Mathilda's Markets on the weekend. Such a fun and rewarding morning with so many women, mum's, prams and babies! It was a huge highlight to meet & hug real people whom I hadn't seen in a while, or had only previously known by name & email! 
I found it so encouraging to be standing alongside some amazing women who run their own business', and in doing so are living out their dreams and passions.  Following an average couple of months, it has spurred me on in my own dreams for this little business of mine, my family and my future. I really feel so blessed. xo
I plan to share the rest of the farmyard design with you this week, as well as some other party good-ness...talk to you soon!
Image source

Levi's Aeroplane Party Mood Board

Being a designer, I find it great to have some kind of visual when theming an event - images to help tie an idea together in my mind. That's where mood boards are great. Chris from Celebrations at Home & I are working on an event she is styling (can't wait to see it!). So, with Levi's party not far away, we have done a bit of a talent swap - printables for an inspiration/mood board. 
I have settled on having a plane party to match this Polkadot Prints design, and above is the mood board Chris has come up with for our little bash! Some great ideas eh?! Better get busy!

You can find out more about Chris' inspiration boards here. And while you're there, feast your eyes upon all her great party and celebration ideas & inspiration on her blog.  


Image Sources via Celebrations at Home -  Not Just A Mommy, Cutest Little Things, Puddin Pop Designs, Nounces Designs, Amy Atlas

Wedding Inspiration :: When life gives you lemons....

Happy Monday Tuesday everyone! Phew a big weekend at the markets and I have hit the ground running with orders and enquiries! I am feeling a little half baked at the moment...everything has been started but nothing is quite finished! 
I am waiting on my first letterpress wedding invitation job to come back from the printers - letterpress is so 'in' right now, and I can't wait to see it finished! (And I'm sure the bride is hanging out too!) 

With weddings on the brain...how fresh are all the details in this SMP wedding? I love weddings that are just a little out of the box and original. Things that might sound weird when describing them to others, you know like, "we will hold lemons as a bouquet" can you imagine your bridesmaids face?! 

To have a vision for how something will all pull together...totallyadmirable! Oh to do it all again...to the same man of course! 

And isn't this a great idea for creating a "roof" for a venue with a high ceiling...or even none! Love it all!

This post wouldn't be complete without a special thank you to the lovely Kim of the TomKat Studio for the shout out recently! Don't know Kim? You are seriously missing out on some great inspiration and good times!! Check out her blog.

All images: Style Me Pretty

Donna Hay Kids Magazine 2010

The latest Donna Hay Kids Annual was just released yesterday. After discovering this annual magazine last year, I was highly anticipating to her next edition. This may sound like I was camped out at the newsagency or something, but truly it was a coincidence that I was child free at the local shopping centre and I just happened upon a very yummy looking cover...seriously! Coincidence...I think NOT! So I just had to buy it. 


And yes, some very yummy ideas and inspiration. Just her colour choices and styling make you salivate!
My favourites: Jelly tea cups, spaceship smash cake, DIY chocolate bowls (cover), ruby meringues...and the list goes on...

Back in the Saddle again... & a family farewell!

That may be a really bad metaphor to use in this instance...but hey...I'm back! :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your kind comments, emails and notes during my time away from blogworld. I truly felt loved, so thank you! xo

The week for me ended in our family farewell to my parents who are moving interstate! {Enough with the changes and emotions!! :)}
It was lots of fun, with food and family, you can't go far wrong! Everything was rustic, blue and white, floral - very mum! Given I was out of action for some of the lead up, it wasn't an all out decorated affair. As much as I love styled dessert scapes, I don't think all celebrations need to be 'perfectly styled' either. That's what gives them personality, right?!

Anyway, one styling highlight were these little potted Butterscotch puddings. So steamy and sweet! I found the pots at IKEA in the gardening section. Yes, they literally are pots, but luckily no holes in the bottom! We got them for a steal at $0.20 each! (Normally $0.50ea - still a bargain!) And with some party dots, turned into some little winners!
The other highlight will have to wait till later in the week. I used the party dots for an easy to make party favour! (I only had time to do party dots, can you tell?? - they truly are so versatile!)


The blue and white Party Dot design is now in my store. 
Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

CELEBRATE FAMILY :: Family Farewell Inspiration & Mood Board

My parents are moving interstate and leaving all us children to 'fend for ourselves'!!...I'm sure it's meant to be the other way around isn't it??...
It really is an exciting move for them, and we are having a family farewell in a couple of weekends time to celebrate. With 17 adults and 12 children in the immediate fam (yes, I am one of 9 children!), it's a challenge to feed everyone without blowing a years' wages in one sitting! 


We wanted to make it a little more special than a regular family get together, but not a huge fancy affair as we will still be seeing them a lot. Just a marker really to a new chapter of our families' life.  
Here's a little mood board I did up for the occasion: 

What's on the menu? - Think winter-y soups, crusty breads, delish puddings and of course lots of laughs and people!
So looking forward to it...but then again...*sniff*... 


Image sources: Tablescape, Bread, Rustic table, Pudding, Favour Bags