Red Carpet Ogling

Red carpet arrivals are my guilty pleasure. Thanks to the beauty of being able to record live T.V, I over indulged last night.

Here are my top 10 Best Dressed:

Emma Stone - The dress is utter
perfection to me!

Milla Jovovich (I am OBSESSED with Ellie Saab)

Kristen Wiig

Michel Hazanavicius

Louise Rowe
(ABC Red Carpet Reporter)

Octavia Spencer

George Clooney

Michelle Williams

Brad Pitt

Angelina Joli

A krafty engagement

Making things makes me so very happy. So when it came time to start thinking about our engagement party invitations, there was never a doubt in my mind that I'd attempt to make them myself.

Of course my original idea looked much better in my head than it did in reality, but luckily for me no one else was witness to the picture in my head OR reality. 

In both the original idea and the final design, I had three constants;

1. Kraft Paper!

If I wasn't already marrying The Geord, I would totes marry kraft paper. Hell, I'd probably even buck the tradition and get down on one knee myself. It is the easiest thing to dress up or down and whatever you do with it, it oooooooozes rustic charm.

I found kraft card + matching envelopes at
Spotlight + made two invites per card

2. Typewriter Font

It took me a while to find a typewriter font that actually looked like it'd been printed on a typewriter, but in the end I was pretty chuffed with my choice. It is called Splendid 66 and can be downloaded straight onto your computer in about 5 seconds, for free!

3. Music lyrics

Any music loving couple has 'their band'. A band that when it's not in a play list of it's very own, it's your go to band for any type of mood you're in. Ours is the lovely Angus + Julia Stone. With the risk of sounding like a big corn ball - their gorgeous music has always resonated with us, so much so that it was only natural to have their lyrics splayed across our invite.

"One kiss from you + I'm drunk up on your potion"
Just a boy - Angus + Julia Stone

I have no idea how I stumbled across these gorgeous custom stamps, but they were purchased from Peppermint Press, an Australian company which specialises in beautiful customised stationery. I originally purchased the smaller stamp for the back of the envelopes as an alternative to a wax seal or sticker. Through pure luck, I was sent the larger stamp as well and it just so happened that it looked brilliant on the information side of the invite!

I have blanked out some of the finer deets
as we are yet to hold our big celebrations!

 

So there you have it! We somehow produced charming invites on the cheap, which match our personalities 'to a T!'.

 

 

x

Technofail

Last week, a friend of mine admitted to me that whilst watching the cricket live, she reached into her eski to grab a drink, missed one of those 'Howzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!?' moments, popped her head up and waited patiently for the live replay. It took a few seconds before she realised, replays don't exist in real life.

Although she was horrified and ever so relieved when her cricket loving peers were none the wiser, she was positive she wasn’t the only person who’d experienced what we’ve now dubbed a ‘Technofail’.

This prompted me to think of times technology has jumped in the way of my life. I must admit though, at this stage of the thought process, I couldn't imagine I'd do anything quite as ridiculous as she had.

As per usual I've surprised myself.

In the days before facebook or texting, a teenage version of myself spent most weeknights switching between ten conversations in 'ICQ' (whilst on a three way phone call), laughing out loud and ensuring the less interesting of 'friends' that I'd BRB. In the hazey sleep deprived school days that followed, it wasn't uncommon for anyone to find me hiding from embarrassment in the bathrooms due to answering 'LOL' to something funny the latest guy I was in love with had said. 

However, unfortunately I can't just blame this on teenage stupidity or lack of sleep. In more recent times, upon reading a particularly entertaining piece of writing, my right pointer finger has been known to linger over the article header longing for a 'like' button. I still can't help but be disappointed when the writer has no way of knowing I really liked their article. Who writes to the editor these days?

As embarrassing as this has been to admit, it’s my most recent phase that’s got me worried.

Now, I don’t often voice strong opinions on trivial matters, but I distinctly remember speaking up about people who 'check in' on facebook. Firstly, why on earth would you want your facebook 'friends' knowing where you are, I have enough issues with stalkers.... And secondly, how boring must your outing be for you to feel the urge to get on your phone and tell the world you're having a wonderful time.

But much to my horror, it wasn't long before I copped a big slap in the face when I was tagged in check in. With wide eyes and a thumping heart, I watched my phone light up and reveal to the social media universe, that I was at Little Creatures with 7 other people...

I couldn't tell you exactly what happened in the outings that followed, but much the same as an addiction to baked goods or online shopping, I am now a serial checker innerer.

So instead of adding my technology addiction to the list of things I worry about each day, I have decided to just roll with it. And why not!? Surely everyone knows how important it is to reveal to your 'friends' how cool you are and that your nights aren't actually filled with blogging and crafting... And let's face it, we must get on the good side of technology if one day computers will rule the world and hold us as their slaves for use only when their batteries run low.

Cheeky Rascals

Did I ever mention that I love school fetes? Well I do....and I'll do my best to drag along the closest person to me so I don't feel like a weirdo twenty-something childless person, hanging solo at a typically family oriented event. Getting high off baked goodies and crafts by yourself is sure to raise eyebrows.

On a weekend back in November, the unfortunate victim was my husband. Poor thing. After bribing him with a pre-fete caffeine fix at Hubbles Yard on George St (my most favourite street ever) we plodded up the hill to East Fremantle Primary School. This is where I came across my copy of 'Cheeky Rascals'. Mr B. was not the least bit impressed by my fete enthusiasm, so while he sought refuge at the home-made fudge stall, I set out to get my hands on this treasure of a cook book. When I heard that these tasty tales had been collected by the kids and relatives of the school (some of which were family secrets until now) I had to support this local project. A browse, some chocolate fudge and a cupcake later- my curiosity was satisfied.

The recipes are divided into seasons and feature some beautiful photography and playful food styling

So far I have tried and tested the Hubbles Yard Chocolate Raspberry Cake (above)- to die for! ...and the Brown Rice & Lentil Salad- amazing! Next on the 'to do' list is the Avocado & Ginger Icecream; Drunken Peaches and the Beetroot & Quinoa Salad

Well worth the $20 investment.

Get your greasy little fingers on your very own copy by popping into Hubbles Yard, Harpers Emporium, The Wine Store or Willow and the Bowerbird, all located on George Street in East Freo

The difference between lust and love

Oh how time changes everything. Here's what you new lovers have to look forward to.

Happy V Day.

DI - Why?

I have an ever growing urge to paint my large, old floor boards a fresh shade of white. At least in my bedroom.

Old houses can be quite dark and sometimes no matter how many times you sweep and scrub them, they lack that fresh look of a new house. Don't get me wrong, this is part of what I love about old houses, but it can also be frustrating.

If paint them, it will be quite an undertaking (not to mention a mammoth task to keep them clean; sharing my house with a man child and 2 boisterous dogs) - so I am open to opinions before I make the final commitment. On the other hand TheBob's father is a painter, so how hard can it be right?

What do you think?

It's Not My Fault I like Bubbles

Who doesn't?
These cute labels hug the collection of wines from the lovely Lansdowne Vineyard. The Sparkling Pinot Noir 'It's Not My Fault I Like Bubbles' is by far the greatest, largely due to the label, but I assure you it tastes as good as it looks!

Happy Friday!

Mid Summer dreaming....

We always want what we can't have. For me; today it's winter.

O Thermomix, where art thou?

Twas autumn, 2011 when I first lay my eyes on him.

A handsome specimen, who could stop even the most resilient woman dead in her tracks. But with an air of mystery and an expensive price tag was he really worth the risk? Were the things ‘they’ said true?

Was he really that good?

Surely dips, cakes, curries and jams; sorbet, ice cream, bread and soups; pasta, rice, yoghurt, skin care, cocktails and play dough are not even something we could consider one machine to accomplish!?

It wasn't until a recent weekend away, I realised the truth. The lovely Rachael had decided to put my mind at ease and bring him along for the ride.

I watched with a sense of nonchalance as he was turned on to 'work his magic'. Not only was our friend able to be carted 2 and a half hours away, but he seemed to be quite easy to put together - show off.

The first creations were a beetroot dip and a Cashew Parmesan and Spinach Dip. In a matter of 3 minutes, the dip was made from fresh ingredients and devoured.

 

With 12 people eager for more and to prove it wasn't a fluke, he went on to produce the most delectable sorbet.

While we sat and pondered whether we were living a dream, he sat quietly... modestly and left us to consider his worth.

And as if I wasn't already sold, I was recently lucky enough to enjoy a coffee with gorgeous Marnie, who just happened to have baked a sweet walnut bread... in her Thermomix!

Well... not only did she reserve judgement when I literally inhaled this delightful treat, but she let us take the rest home!!!!!!!!

Oh my word.

There was nothing left to decide.

I need a Thermomix.

Mum?

A Vintage Kitchen Tea for the Lovely Laney B.

With her March nuptials just around the corner, my lovely sister-in-law Ellaine celebrated in style with a traditional 'let's get excited about the wedding' garden party on a glorious Sunday morning. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze about and the girls frocked up in their finest to honour the beautiful bride to be.

For myself, being a first time bridesmaid I think the excitement slightly got the better of me. Watch out Nicole... I can't promise I'll be able to control myself leading up to a certain engagement party soon. Styling like this is sooooo much fun to do! With Vintage as the theme, fellow bridesmaids Marie B., Marie L., Eliea and myself set about to create an intimate setting for 50 ladies which reflected old-school charm, prettiness and of course love... which was certainly in the air!

The courtyard of the Breglia Residence was framed with white lanterns and paisley bunting

DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms in various shades of lavender hung above the savoury food table.

(Contact us at NNG to purchase your own DIY Pom Kits)

White roses, carnations, lisianthas, baby's breath and delphiniums were the flowers of choice. Charmingly encased by empty vintage frames or besides a cute chalk-drawn pic

Round tables were draped with old lace curtains (Good Sammy's really is a girl's best friend) and pastel paper doilies. Jars vases collected by my dear mum were wrapped in hessian, lace and pearl strings

Pink lemonade served in mini milk bottles were a hit with the crowd, whilst the pink bubbly went down a teeny bit too easily as the morning warmed up

Yummy food! Sandwiches, quiches, rice paper rolls, sushi, meatballs, gourmet pizza ...just to name a few

Sweets galore! A pink lolly buffet, macaroons, teapot cookies, decorated cake pops, chocolate roulade, lavender cupcakes, warm apple pastries, Armenian nutmeg cake, fresh figs and Nanna B's home-made ricotta cake... Mmmmm stop making me drool!

It never gets old- the toilet paper bride. Love that game every time!

Our home-made Strawberry, Apple & Vanilla Bean Jam favours for the guests. A little thank you for making Ellaine's Kitchen Tea a special day

The gorgeous Bride herself (centre) with her Bridesmaids. A picture of perfection in her vintage cream dress... not a hint of Bridezilla here!

...and look how her eyes just POP! Ellaine'smakeup was done beautifully by Marie Liberatore bridesmaid/sister-in-law (back left) of Makeup Savvy who will also be 'making up' all our faces on the BIG DAY in exactly 32 days, 7 days and 41 minutes.

Excited much??