Claire and Dave...

How do I begin to tell you about the wedding of two of the most fabulous and creative people I have the pleasure of knowing?

After 8 years together, 3 of which were in spent living in Germany, Claire and Dave were officially married in Denmark in early 2011. However, they chose to celebrate their day by holding their wedding in Blue Mountain Heights in Queensland, on the 24^th of March 2012 at Claire’s family home.

Their day was handmade and stunning, with the quirky, vintage styling of Claire and her mother, Jo. From the bunting lining the inside of the marquees, to the jars of preserves and jams as favours for the guests, the work that into this wedding was extensive, and the end result was magic. Her stunning sister Evelyn made the delectable cake and our dessert for the evening - home made ice-cream in an array of flavours with biscotti (one of my particularly favourite foods!). 

Claire derives from a terribly talented family. Being a graphic artist and business owner of Fellow Fellow in Singapore, she painstakingly created the invites for their guests, as well as the white dotted garlands decorating the ceremony venue and the bunting that was hung intermittently with the fairy lights in the marquees at the reception. We drank champagne, dined, laughed and cried along with beautiful speeches, and then got up to dance the rest of the night away to the swingin' tunes from a jazz band on the grass. 

This was truly an exceptional wedding. It was so Claire and Dave, and their love and joy was the undertone for the entire day. My favourite part of the whole day - watching Dave, who couldn't wipe the smile of his face every time he looked at Claire. It is a wonderful thing to know one of your most beloved people in this world is so dearly loved and adored. 

Enjoy... 

Photos by Bec Johnson Photography. (I also happen to adore this amazing photographer!)

B & T...

I wonder what has taken me so long to write this post. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of my most beloved shops to date. Presents, gift cards, even random conversation about it are always breathlessly welcome, and you're about to find out (if you didn't already know!). 

Blake & Taylor is placed conveniently and appropriately in my well-loved precinct of Paddington, and is a site to behold. Situated on a busy corner of Latrobe Terrace, B & T is like a shining beacon of provincial home wares, stunning gifts, perfect, vintage home decor pieces and delectable tea and scones from their cosy little kitchen. Those of you who know me need me to say no more - the minute they see the words 'provincial', 'vintage' and 'tea' they know I'm in love, and in love forever. 

The picturesque building that houses the bespoke world of Blake & Taylor was built around 1890, and has been renovated in a cool, calming neutral palette. 

As you step through the heavy doors, you are engulfed in the aroma of coffee and delicious candles, and the lulling streams of yesteryear French songbirds. The first time entered this store, I almost swooned from the quaintness of it all! Sounds of coffee/tea making create a sense of stepping through your own front door, and you are instantly put at ease. Whether this is a stroke of luck or a well orchestrated strategy, it is working. You can spend an immense amount of time wandering back and forth through the impeccably styled displays. Literally. I spent a good hour there on the weekend, and I didn't even sit to have tea! 

It is plain to see that Blake & Taylor is a labour of much love, stunning taste and a need to surround people with beauty. If you have not yet done so, take some time one of these days to discover this treasure. You will thank me...

Photos from Blake & Taylor and the stunning blog of Chantelle Grady Little Things.

Dry July...

Where HAVE I been? A whole July with not one post. Fairly slack on my behalf, and with not a great excuse. Work gets to you, the house work gets to you, LIFE gets to you. But we're all in the same boat, right?
I am about to have a few changes in my life, work wise, so I feel that it's time to make some even bigger changes - make some decisions that I have previously been scared to, take steps towards a happier, healthier me, and do what makes me feel creative and satisfied with life.
So... watch this space... or maybe even another one... I'll keep you posted.
Just know, I haven't forgotten you, little blog....

Walk this way...

Something that I have never been a particular fan of has just recently started to take hold in my "happy place". My like for it (I won't say love just yet - don't get too crazy!) has not grown in leaps and bounds, but I enjoy it far more than I ever have. Walking. Yep, I said it. Can also come under the heading of "exercise" or "working out"... UGH. Dirty words.

My mindset in regards to exercise is not a good one. My siblings and I were never particularly encouraged to exercise as children, mainly because we lived on a large property with abundant space where we rode horses and motorbikes, and trekked down paddocks to make forts and cubby houses, so I suppose our parents decided this was enough in the way of physical activity. In all honesty, it probably was, I'm just giving you a glimpse of my "active" childhood. 

As a result of any form of exercise coming from doing things I enjoy that just happen to be active, whenever I "force" myself to do exercise, I find I CANNOT stand it. I hate sweating. I hate being out of breath. I hate how unfit I am. I hate how I look working out. So for a long time, my idea of exercise has been that it is something not to be enjoyed, rather endured, with the end goal being that I am far skinnier and fitter than before. And I always stop doing whatever exercise I've pushed myself into that week/month/year.

SCRAP THAT.

Lately, I have realised that if I am to enjoy exercise, I can't think of it as exercise. It has to be something that is active, but that I have enjoyed doing, even if I am a little puffed and "sticky" at the end of it. Among these things I've included dancing (in my own home, to my own music, my own way), horse riding (more on that in future posts), Pilates and Yoga (which I do enjoy, and also make me feel incredibly chic and "Gwyneth") and, funnily enough, walking. Anywhere. And not at a particularly fast pace; just somewhere lovely, soaking up atmosphere and view, and feeling good that I stepped out rather than drove out. 

Yesterday, I headed to Toowong Village for some very important and frustrating passport business. Instead of climbing into the car, I decided to put my earphones in and walk the not too far distance to get there. I have to tell you - even though I was sweaty and I hate walking right next to traffic, it was a really lovely way to spend half an hour. I switched my iPhone to shuffle, set a brisk pace and absorbed things around me that I would never normally take notice of when we drive. And can I just say, my music was so ON. I really have to leave things to chance a little more often. My random playlist of the Beatles, Florence, Madonna, Anthony Warlow (!), Queen and Abba, combined with the fresh air and people watching, put me in the best mood. I mouthed words to songs and didn't care who caught me, smiled at people I passed and pined for a delicious breakfast at The Corner Store Cafe as I wandered past its staple massive queue. Life was good, for that 30 minutes, thanks to music and walking. 

Moral of my story? I'm going to opt to walk a lot more. If it's within a fair distance, and time frame, I'm there - on foot. It's activity, but enjoyable, and my little outing made me appreciate life just a little more for a while. It's also a terrific time to think. About anything and everything. So do yourself a small favour: pull on some comfortable shoes and hit the pavement. You'll thank yourself (and me!). 

Footnote:...... I caught a cab home.... *smacks forehead* 

A rose by every name...

My current obsession? Actually, no, this is not a current obsession. This is a new found love. A true love. A love... for roses. How can you blame me... 

Blue Moon Hybrid Tea

Honey Dijon

 Karen Blixen

 Mister Lincoln

Mon Petit Chou 

Pat Austin 

Pierre de Ronsard

Olde Fragrance

On Pointe...

On another recommendation from one of my sisters, I have started watching "Breaking Pointe" on Sidereel (LOVE Sidereel!). My sisters and I have always loved anything to do with ballet. We all feel that, given the chance, we would have been terrific ballerinas.... Perhaps in our very vivid imaginations.  We love the grace and propriety of the institution that is professional ballet. This form of dance has long been known for it's high stature and exquisite, classic choreography. What it is also known for, is the determination and hard work it expects from the dancers who choose to become professional ballet dancers. 

The series "Breaking Pointe" follows a group of real ballet dancers at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, each at different levels in their dancing careers. The grit, heartache, pain and triumphs that is their lives in the world of ballet is on show. Ok so no, they are not actors and as such the "acting" is not great - a little flat actually. However, if you have a genuine love for ballet, this show is worth watching. If you love "Centre Stage"... this show is definitely worth watching. 

Find "Breaking Pointe" here on Sidereel, and enjoy some ballet inspiration. Also, check out my Pinterest board "I Always Wanted to be a Ballerina"...

French for a day...

Here's a saying that for us English speaking countries (boring!), while still lovely, doesn't have quite the same ring to it, as it does in say... oh, French? 

To say, "I miss you" is touching to hear, however translated into beautiful, melodic French tones, "I miss you" becomes, "Tu me manques". This actually translates a little closer to, "You are missing from me". 

To me, this is a most romantic and beautiful way of saying I miss you. It implies that I am less with you not near me; I am no longer a whole entity through your absence. I do not simply miss you... my being is incomplete without you... 

"Tu me manques"

"You are missing from me"