EVERYTHING IS BRIGHT & NEW

Happy new year friends!
I hope you've had a wonderful break. It's been so stinking hot here at times, it has made me wish for a snow day or two in Canada!

We saw in the new year with some good friends who hosted an outdoor movie night. So much fun! The kids made little box cars for the "drive in" which was a genius idea in also keeping them contained while eating their dinner...I think we should use them every night : )

While things have been quiet here in blog-world, I have been working on a lot of freelance design projects lately, trying to get a new portfolio put together, and adding new designs to the shop. I don't know if it's a last spurt of pregnancy motivation (34weeks!), but I'm feeling like a design machine at the moment and it feels good! I can't wait to start sharing some of these designs in the coming weeks.

We are gradually settling into life here again, although a bit of a downer has been finding out our shipping container packed with all our earthly belongings, is still sailing the seas and expected to be another month or so away! Living out of suitcases is a little wearing some days, until I remember something that I have on it's way and I get excited that we will have another 'christmas' when our favourite things arrive and get unpacked. Looking forward to that!

What are you looking forward to this year?

I HEART THE GOLD COAST

We finally made it to the beach on the weekend! Oh my word, there is something so refreshing and majestic about it, I loved it!

Only since living in a land-locked province of Canada, did I realise how much I took for granted our living within an hour of some of the worlds most amazing beaches. The kids had a fantastic time frolicking about in the waves & got sand every.where.

I'm vowing to appreciate these pristine sands & clear waters a lot more this summer! They really are pretty spectacular. Do you live close to a tourist attraction, or beautiful part of the world that you tend to take for granted?

:: Don't miss out on the 20% discount on all items in my shop this week. Use code MERRY20 at checkout.

SICK + TIRED

Oh man, I have had so many "I really should blog today" thoughts over the past few weeks. But to be honest, the motivation has just not been there. You see...I'm pregnant with baby number three! (yay!) So I've been literally sick & tired for the past 12 weeks. How quickly you forget what the early months of morning sickness is like! (which is a good thing, or I'm sure there would not have been another babe on the radar!).

I've just really retreated into family life of late. Making the most of this waning summer. Not really interested or motivated creatively. Even my regular blog reading went out the window, just wasn't into seeing anything that involved that creative side of my brain! (very weird for me!)

But, the fog is lifting and I notice I am thinking more creatively, sketching and writing ideas down again. It's good to feel 'normal'. 

I thought I'd catch you up in photos on the last few weeks of life at our place, heading back to school & making the most of summer and preparing to move back to Brisbane!

Are your kids on Spring holidays back in Oz? What have you got planned?

SUMMERTIME SORBET

So who doesn't like ice cream in the summertime? These ice cream sandwiches have me licking my lips! They are from a shoot I was privileged to be a part of late last year for Peekaboo Magazine. I designed some custom paper goods and props for the feature fashion shoot styled by Jenn of Style Milk. Lots of summery sorbet colours and refreshing smoothies!

I learnt a lot on this project, working with children in a fashion shoot environment for the first time. (Even driving home I was making mental notes for "next time"!)  I hope I get a chance to apply these  to more projects this year - bring on 2012! 

You can see some more piccies on Naomi's blog (I love the boy and the surfboard - so beachy!)

{All images by: Naomi V Photography}

SPONTANEOUS LIVING

I'm feeling a little young and spontaneous today as we've decided to make the most of a break between Dave's work contracts, and take a little mini holiday! Woohoo! We're off to the beach for a couple of nights...mid-week. Did you get that? Not even the weekend! We never do this kind of thing, so I'm really looking forward to a little breather before we head into the last few months of the year. Just what the doctor ordered I think. See you on the other side!

{Any shop Orders made in the next two days will be sent on Friday 16th Sept - thanks friends!}

Image The Fullness of Joy via Pinterest

Note:: This was the alternate picture depicting summer - funny right? Funnier still because that round green belly is probably what I will be looking like in my maternity bathers! Now that will be a sight!

BRING ON SUMMER

I have woken today with my first (and fingers crossed, last) cold of winter. I have survived healthy so far, but today I have fallen. Sore throat, sinus, and heavy head. I don't know about you, but I am totally ready for summer!
I read that it is Ice Cream sandwich day in the US today. I had no idea (who decides on these things I would love to know!), but I'd love a summer ice cream party right about now. Are you a winter or summer lover?

{Ice Cream sundae printable stationery available in my store}

LET'S GO FLY A KITE

You may have seen this party on Birthday Girl yesterday. How sweet is it? This was a custom design I did in collaboration with Tash of Whimsy Petite Styling. Tash and I have worked together on a number of occasions lately and it's always fun. This girl is going places and has a real eye for detail and making a party one to remember - from location and furniture to food and activities, it all just ties together beautifully!


A custom name banner decorates a refashioned dresser, which is a perfect way to serve all the food and display the favour boxes decorated with party dots.



I'm sure this little girl is still thinking of her first ever birthday party!

See Tash's post here for more photos and details on this summery party. All photos taken by Voice Photography.

{This collection will be in my store soon. In the meantime, feel free to email me!}
UPDATE: This collection is now in store HERE}

SHAR'S SWIM & SODA PARTY :: CUSTOMER PARTY

I have had quite the flurry of custom party stationery orders lately. It's been fun. The wave seems to have subsided a little, and now the fun part of seeing how all your parties came together are coming into my inbox.





Tash wanted a retro style 'Swim and Soda' party for her daughter, with ice cream, 'soda's' and lots of summer splashing! I designed this 'retro' inspired invite, buffet labels, thank you tags and even sunscreen bottle label for her.
She created an authentic surf/beach atmosphere on the day, complete with heaps of sand and their personal life guards! Her daughter has some allergies, so I loved how she made scrumptious things the birthday girl and everyone else can enjoy too!

Tash is an old friend I haven't seen face to face in a long time (so, thank you Facebook!). She puts in a lot of detail and effort into making family life sweet for her children and husband, and is always creating little celebrations amongst the everyday. Love your work Tash!

You can find more customer inpiration via my Facebook page. Custom design is available via my store.

Feature Print :: 'Brad' Retro Summer

Meet "Brad". A retro styled invitation to set the mood for a summer party (for those of you who are experiencing summer at the moment!) A great colour combo of blue, brown and burnt orange & yellow, it's a versatile design able to be used by the young right up to your husband, brother or dad!

Think of the event theme potential - VW Kombi van, lots of sand, surfboards, coconuts & tropical themed food, and of course, sun!


'Brad' is a personalised invitation, available in my online store. 

All artwork copyright to Jordan of Polkadot Prints