tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19497383751047498902024-03-14T06:43:01.994+10:00Hip HoorayIdeas and inspiration for celebrating life in style.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-3950694920954070362011-03-01T14:54:00.008+10:002011-03-01T16:17:54.063+10:00Farewell Summer (An ode to ice-cream)Today, in our part of the world, we officially kiss summer goodbye. Today, in our part of the world, it is still 35degrees celsius! Yes, it is quite clear that, as we know and love, summer will indeed linger a little longer. Maybe a lot longer.<br /><br />In our part of the world, it’s pretty much Summer all year `round in fact, which is a good excuse as any for the fact that going out for ice-cream is a firm favourite-thing-to-do in our house, whatever the weather.<br /><br />When Baskin-Robbins moved in just up the road, a few years ago now, there was much happy dancing going on in our house. If you should ask Mia, our eldest, what one of her most favourite things in the world is, there’s a good chance she’ll tell you `Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough’ – of the aforementioned BR variety.<br /><br />And so it was that an Ice-cream Parlour party was set for Mia’s 5th Birthday - a simple, fun celebration inspired by her great love for all things cold, melty and delicious.<br /><div><br /><div></div><div>Now, Mia is soon to turn 7, so forgive us for reminiscing a little here. In the two years since we threw this little backyard shindig, everybody's favourite dessert has trended as a theme for all sorts of celebrations. There have been many gorgeous parties and a whole host of inspiration out there for this theme - like <a href="http://eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/diy-ice-cream-parlour-make-your-own-sundaes-buffet-concept-for-wedding-or-party">here</a> and <a href="http://montresorblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Ice%20cream%20party">here</a> and <a href="http://polkadotprintsstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-sister-got-married.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/kate-mcraes-sweet-7th-birthday-party/">here</a>. See, lots! We hope you don't mind having to look at another, but it seemed a fitting way to say `goodbye' to summer, and well, there can never be too much of a good thing right? </div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d24XaGbG7_0/TWyDuTGiZKI/AAAAAAAAAt0/WxuAr7M7AKg/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578978869830116514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d24XaGbG7_0/TWyDuTGiZKI/AAAAAAAAAt0/WxuAr7M7AKg/s800/3.jpg" /></a></p><div>For Mia's party, delightful invitations, favour tags and signage from <a href="http://www.imprintables.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=36&category_id=11&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1">Imprintables</a> set a soft gelati colour palette which was not overly girlie so could be used if your son is a bit partial to Cookies `n’ Cream too.<br /><br />I put my very handy and patient parents to work on building our very own parlour, complete with candy stripes and scalloped awning and booked Baskin-Robbins in to cater (who else?). On the Parlour menu: Raspberry and White Choocolate; Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; Mint Choc Chip; Hokey Pokey; and Rainbow Sherbert (the much parent-friendlier version of that ghastly rainbow ice-cream that just seems to talk only to children!). </div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIPwqn0V2mU/TWx-S2z6GoI/AAAAAAAAAtk/7V-6yKDaX3k/s1600/April%2B091.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578972900821179010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIPwqn0V2mU/TWx-S2z6GoI/AAAAAAAAAtk/7V-6yKDaX3k/s800/April%2B091.jpg" /></a></p><div>The best part – making D-I-Y sundaes from jars filled with mini marshmallows; meringues; M&Ms; Maltesers and smashed chocolate honeycomb; topped off with Flake, Wafers, 100s and 1000s, Choc sprinkles or Rainbow sprinkles and Nana’s Hot Chocolate Fudge or Uncle Luke’s best Butterscotch sauce – or all of the above! <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/store/pc/Bamboo-Cutlery-70p120.htm">Wooden spoons </a>stamped with `yum!' and `cool' were a fun touch.<br /><br />The rest of the party buffet included ice-cream cupcakes (baked in cones), home-made marshmallow sherbert cones; paper cones filled with trail mix (popcorn, pretzels, m&ms); chocolate brownies; fruit salad (served in vintage ice-cream cups found on etsy); mini hotdogs; mini B-L-Ts and vanilla milkshakes.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-6Aoxvy10I/TWyAzcTz3sI/AAAAAAAAAts/QhS5mjJwpTo/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578975659666169538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-6Aoxvy10I/TWyAzcTz3sI/AAAAAAAAAts/QhS5mjJwpTo/s800/1.jpg" /></a></p><div>I created Mia's birthday cake from a book I’ve had in my collection for many years – Anna Von Marburg’s `Happy Birthday’ – adapting the `flavours’ to suit the colour palette – chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and neapolitan. Many at the party mistook it for real ice-cream and hurried me along to get it served before it melted. The original design actually does use scoops of ice-cream, but I crafted these scoops from cupcakes and so avoided a melting mess!<br /><br />We decorated an outdoor party tent with bunting sewn from sweet ice-cream themed fabrics and giant ice-cream cones fashioned from <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/store/pc/Round-Paper-Lantern-White-74p427.htm">paper lanterns </a>and cardboard. I recall having a string of games planned - including a lovingly created felt version of `put the cherry on the ice cream cone' - only to discover that a bunch of five-year old friends, a backyard to run in and the freedom to create an ice-cream sundae of their dreams was about all that was necessary. We did manage a round of pass the parcel, the layers of which revealed a fun button badge for each player.<br /><br />Personalised <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/store/pc/Kraft-Brown-Noodle-Box-57p373.htm">favour boxes </a>were filled with old-fashioned sweets including those great chewy ice-creams, milk bottles, and creamy chupa chups, plus kawaii-style ice-cream stickers and erasers and for the girls, button hair ties I made with the cutest Japanese fabric – ice-creams of course!</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMc02J9zVg4/TWyFTdZrXEI/AAAAAAAAAt8/zklzbPLIVjw/s1600/April%2B092.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578980607761538114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMc02J9zVg4/TWyFTdZrXEI/AAAAAAAAAt8/zklzbPLIVjw/s800/April%2B092.jpg" /></a></p><div>This photo makes my heart happy everytime I see it and reminds me why it is we do what we do - such joy a birthday party can bring to a child.<br /></div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lvDpv6pVtM/TWx7_T6aXvI/AAAAAAAAAtc/508Dm-DQjBw/s1600/April%2B09%2B366.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578970366012448498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lvDpv6pVtM/TWx7_T6aXvI/AAAAAAAAAtc/508Dm-DQjBw/s800/April%2B09%2B366.jpg" /></a></p><div> </div><div></div><div>Wherever you are in the world - whether you have already bid a fond farewell to summer, are hoping for all its sunshine-y beauty to linger a little longer with you too, or just wishing it would hurry up and hug you with its warmth - we wish you joy and a big bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream! With whipped cream and fudge? You bet. xo </div></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-78894951175107314712011-02-14T22:44:00.010+10:002011-02-15T00:05:06.401+10:00A love noteHello friends<br /><div></div><br />It's been a little while. OK, it's been a long while. Gulp.<br /><br />All this time we've been wandering, we knew that one day our heart would lead us back to you. And on this day that celebrates `happy hearts' so it is that it feels right to be here again. <p>We are well. Thank you for asking after us. And we hope that you are too. </p><p>We have been nervous to know if the words would come easily – after all, somewhere in the haze of the summer that will soon pass, our words have been elusive. Clouded. Quiet, but noisy all at once. </p><p>For so, so long, if you might ask us how we were, our answer would always be `crazy busy'. Our lists were long. Boring long. Boring answer.<br /></p><div></div><div>Then busy got tired. And crazy yearned for calm.<br /></div><br />And so without intention to be gone so long, we simply unplugged for a little while. We switched off the background noise that was drowning out our voice. If you like, we went in search of the acoustic version of ourselves.<br /><br />And found it looking up at us. With piggytails and giggles; wisdom and charm.<br /><br />So we've been working on making busy look different. Good different.<br /><br />And we are striving to make our list shorter. Simpler. More or Less. <p>More loving and listening and learning and laughing with our babies –they soon will be grown. </p><p>Less `not now's, `in a minute's, `hurry up's, `maybe tomorrow's. </p><p>More sleep. Less to eat! </p><p>More `love to's. Less `have to's. </p><p>And of course, more, more, more of pretty. And party.<br /><br />So if you open the mailbox today and pick up our little love note, know that we have missed you. We come back here with the happiest of hearts. And we look forward to the times when we can be here to share a little something with you. We just hope you like acappella! </p><p>And because a love note is always more wonderful with happy snaps folded within, here's a few of our favourite `happy heart' images from recent weeks – all created by home grown talent and just as sweet on any day of the year. </p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAgwQZsYHWo/TVkvsxNqV6I/AAAAAAAAAsc/av4UA2gv6D0/s1600/valentine%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 550px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573538460019087266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAgwQZsYHWo/TVkvsxNqV6I/AAAAAAAAAsc/av4UA2gv6D0/s800/valentine%2Bcollage.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Image credits: Clockwise from top left - <a href="http://justcallmemarthaa.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html">Just call me Martha</a>;<a href="http://bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweetie-valentine-cookie-tutorial.html"> Bubble and Sweet;</a> <a href="http://justcallmemarthaa.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html">Just call me Martha</a>; <a href="http://polkadotprintsstudio.blogspot.com/2011/01/she-loves-me-she-loves-me-not.html">PolkaDot Prints</a>; <a href="http://stylemegorgeous-bysarah.blogspot.com/2011/01/love-is-peachy-valentines-day.html">Style Me Gorgeous</a>; <a href="http://bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweetie-valentine-cookie-tutorial.html">Bubble and Sweet</a>; <a href="http://hello-naomi.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweets-for-my-sweet.html">Hello Naomi</a>; <a href="http://eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/valentine-popcorn-invitation">Eat Drink Chic</a>; <a href="http://thepapertieaffair.com/">The Paper Tie Affair</a></span></p><p>Happy Valentine's Day. May your heart be happy today and always. xo </p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-26794473745607052352010-10-12T12:39:00.043+10:002010-10-14T11:39:18.871+10:00Halloween Inspiration - A Feast of Treats!When we lived in America, my kids adored the fun of Halloween. Changing their minds every day for weeks beforehand about what they were going to dress up as. Deciding who we would trick or treat with and where to go - you can get candy anywhere but we used to love visiting friends in the historic Capitol neighbourhood of Olympia, Washington where every year we would marvel at how everyone was even more creative than last year in decorating for the annual spookfest. Our favourite was the dentist's house with an enormous and elaborate display of carved pumpkins every year (including all the American Presidents) - he of course used to put toothbrushes in all of the kid's treat bags!<br /><br />Now back in Australia, we still trick or treat shamelessly - it is a tradition for the kids and it is really a great chance to have a spooky celebration, complete with the fun of dress ups and sweet treats. Of course it is not much fun on our own, so we have gradually roped in neighbours and friends since moving back 5 years ago.<br /><br />This year I am loving all the Halloween happenings in blogland. The roundup below should give you a few ideas for working on a spooktacular soiree of your own. Make sure you visit each of these talented party people to see all the detail they have dreamed up!<br /><br />Loving this <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/pages/halloween.html?cm_type=gnav">Pottery Barn Kids</a> styling for Halloween - even if you don't have a party you can make your living room boo-tiful!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527068792154728370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQXyGWHp7I/AAAAAAAAAr0/VA7ExTMgCTc/s400/Halloween+PBK+2010.jpg" /> <div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Pottery Barn Kids</></span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify">Then there are the amazing dessert tables, many with their own printables that are available for purchase.<br /><br />The TomKat Studio has two themes this year - <a href="http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/2010/09/halloween-new-printable-happy-halloween.html">traditional</a> Halloween for a get together of little ones, showcased here in this fun table created by the clever Glory of <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2010/09/halloween-treats-table.html">Glorious Treats</a><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527066076091061330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQVUAOFFFI/AAAAAAAAArs/ljBnXS89Z6c/s400/TomKatStudio+Happy+Halloween.jpg" /> <div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2010/09/halloween-treats-table.html">Glorious Treats</a></span></em><a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2010/09/halloween-treats-table.html"> </a><br /><br /><div align="justify">and then this <a href="http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-to-shop-halloween-glam-collection.html">glamorous</a> table suitable for a grown up gathering with a more sophisticated palette including purple and green and some glittery bling.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527065550566142706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQU1afLMvI/AAAAAAAAArk/aZJruQzaVIU/s400/TomKatStudio+Gamour+Table.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via TomKat Studio</span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://sweetsindeed.com/blog/2010/10/06/love-at-first-bite/">Sweets Indeed</a> have done a table inspired by a vintage gothic motif (with that gorgeous purple cake!) and they also sell the most amazing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54189586/bat-pumpkin-and-mummy-sweet-skewer-8">Sweet Skewers</a> at their etsy store -they have different themes throughout the year.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527064832604577986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQULn3zIMI/AAAAAAAAArc/iZhctgPWG8U/s400/Sweets+Indeed+Halloween+Table.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 402px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527064251618854690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQTpziAhyI/AAAAAAAAArU/ZbLQfP4jhwg/s400/Halloween+Skewers.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">images via Sweets Indeed</span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify">This clever "Pink-O-Ween" table styled by <a href="http://www.pizzazzerie.com/parties/holidays/pink-o-ween-party-benefiting-the-susan-g-komen-foundation/">Pizzazzerie</a>, with printable paper details from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58580108/printable-happy-pinkoween-halloween">Anders Ruff</a>, gives us a new twist on traditional colours while supporting a great cause! Very cute!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527062102079893858" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQRsr3-8WI/AAAAAAAAArM/XA25zCAXCPw/s400/Pizzazerie+Pink-O-Ween-Table.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Pizzazzerie</span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://andersruff.blogspot.com/2010/09/straight-from-studio-entire-halloween.html">Anders Ruff</a> also have another more traditional suite of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54119602/printable-happy-halloween-design?ref=em">Halloween paper printables</a> (I have bought these and can't wait to use them!) <p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 405px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527061388926413570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQRDLK8awI/AAAAAAAAArE/Mt3cDywwHtM/s400/AndersRuff-FullTreatTable.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Anders Ruff</span></em><br /><br /><p align="justify">I think you'll love these two amazing Halloween printables from <a href="http://www.gwynnwassondesigns.com/2010/10/give-away-halloween-collections.html">Gwynn Wasson Designs </a>that she is offering for free - enjoy!</p><div align="justify">This one in black and yellow - love the ghoulish ghostly cupcakes -</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527058519352200114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQOcJLIy7I/AAAAAAAAAq8/vo54UoebbAE/s400/Trick+or+Treat+Traditional+-+Gwynn+Wasson.jpg" />and this one Eerily Elegant in shades of green and pumpkin.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527054468348441218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQKwWAk8oI/AAAAAAAAAqs/gQpZNOilLRk/s400/Eerily+Elegant+-+Gwynn+Wasson.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>image via Gwynn Wasson Designs </em><br /><br /></span><div align="justify">Then there is the fabulously frightening food that haunts the foodie sites at this time of year.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">My favourites are Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=2eb6d3deb6a0f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Fcandy-creatures">ghost cake</a> (you could spend hours on Martha's Halloween pages),<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527052527611970818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQI_YM8hQI/AAAAAAAAAqk/RumuDd6uPI8/s400/Ghost+Cake.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Martha Stewart</span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-vampire-cake-pops-youll-be.html">vampire cake pops</a> from Bubble and Sweet,<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527496767928094338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLWdBkV5ToI/AAAAAAAAAsE/1XYZHrU_gJY/s400/Vampire+Cake+Pops.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via Bubble and Sweet</span></em><br /><br /><p align="justify"><and>and <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/halloween-cookie-suckers">Mummy Oreo pops</a> from HowDoesShe?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527050504495377282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLQHJngXK4I/AAAAAAAAAqU/nYqc9BkB87o/s400/Halloween+Cookie+Suckers.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">image via HowDoesShe?</span></em><br /><br /><p align="justify">Of course if the thought of all that printing, cutting or punching makes your skin crawl, we have some spooky details that are <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/">ready to go</a>!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527492602091348178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TLWZPFZBINI/AAAAAAAAAr8/5TJDnkQIkak/s400/Details,+details!.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">images via Details, details!<br /></span></em><br /><p>Happy Halloween!</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-23661001895367830562010-09-30T17:32:00.006+10:002010-09-30T17:56:30.437+10:00Real Hip Decor: Cupcake Liner Pom PomsSo while we know Tissue Poms have been hot property in the land of party blogs for some time and while we have been taking orders for them left, right and centre since we began stocking them, we couldn't resist sharing this very clever adaption of these essential party pretty.<br /><br />Heidi, from <a href="http://madebyheidi.blogspot.com/">Made by Heidi: Sew. Craft. Create.</a> has a guest post tutorial on <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/">How Does She?</a> showing how to turn cupcake liners (papers, patty pans, baking cups - whatever baking language you speak) into these gorgeous frilly poms!<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522607786404724450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TKQ-hY51vuI/AAAAAAAAAqM/yADWT8HW-kY/s400/cupcake+poms.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(Image from Made by Heidi: Sew. Craft. Create. via How Does She?)</em></span></p><p>Now I must say that I tried this and I have some tips to share:</p><p>1. Try the glue gun - I think it gives you a more precise glue spot than the craft glue I used.</p><p>2. Pay close attention to Step 4 - I missed this in my quick perusal of the instructions and it is difficult to do when the craft glue is wet (again maybe better with glue gun) but ensures that really full ruffled look.</p><p>3. I am going to try another one and use pins instead of glue - I think this would work as well and perhaps be a little quicker.</p><p>You can try your own by following the instructions <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/cupcake-liner-pom-poms">here</a>.</p><p>Adorable!<br /></p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-43483874502525999202010-09-27T23:01:00.013+10:002010-09-28T00:21:18.068+10:00Real Hip Hooray: Gloriously ImperfectThe lovely and stylish Steph over at Bondville hosted her daughter's third birthday earlier this month. I had to giggle at her post about her best intentions for decorating and how some friends swooped in to save her at the last minute - I think we've all been there. <div><div><div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521593069781703794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TKCjpG6Y3HI/AAAAAAAAApc/E2mty63hvIw/s400/Steph+Bond+Tablescape.jpg" />It is casually styled and sweet in its simplicity, but still a celebration with lots of little details that make it special and memorable for the birthday girl!<br /><br /><div></div><div>My favourite is the cake - totally achievable for every aspiring cake diva, but pink and pretty with chocolate involved - doesn't get any better.</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521592606021138370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TKCjOHRQN8I/AAAAAAAAApU/f0P71Hh1cZA/s400/Bondville+cake.jpg" /> <div></div><div></div><div>You can see all the details <a href="http://blog.stephbond.com/2010/09/bondville-3-year-old-birthday-party.html">here</a>.</div><div></div><br /><div>I also found this lovely <a href="http://blog.stephbond.com/2010/03/something-sweet-for-you.html">simple baby shower </a>that Steph posted earlier in the year. Again some gorgeous details - but you had me at the freckle cups!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521597212186194018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TKCnaOklMGI/AAAAAAAAApk/qozhH-hXxPI/s400/2010-09-28.jpg" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(All images via Bondville)</em></span></div></div></div></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-10138983031990020492010-09-25T17:50:00.010+10:002010-09-25T18:04:47.662+10:00Hooray(s) for Saturday<div>So amidst the chaos of moving to our warehouse, the accompanying activity that a 25% off everything housewarming sale brings, and plans for one of us to take a very well earned escape with her family, we have neglected our dear friends here. Just in case you have been busy bees along with us, we have this wrap up for you of what is catching our attention in the world of celebrations this week (or the last two weeks as the case may be - I started this blog post last Saturday and ended up staying with my four year old in hospital for three days - another distraction!)<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Loved this trend alert from <a href="http://celebrationsathome.blogspot.com/2010/09/trend-alert-hanging-rags-swags-and-lace.html">Celebrations at Home</a>.</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520756296459057618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TJ2qmfXxedI/AAAAAAAAAoU/_aGI2xacrPw/s400/Sugar+and+Spice+via+Amy+Atlas.jpg" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TJTUruJvBpI/AAAAAAAAAoE/_skyLp8ew0s/s1600/Sugar+and+Spice+via+Amy+Atlas.jpg"></div></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TJTUruJvBpI/AAAAAAAAAoE/_skyLp8ew0s/s1600/Sugar+and+Spice+via+Amy+Atlas.jpg"><div align="center"></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(image from Amy Atlas via Celebrations at Home)<br /></span></div><br /><div align="justify">On a smaller (but just as sweet) scale, this reminded us of the vintage ribbon bunting we did for Mathilda's Market in April this year. We usually decorate the market and used hanging pinwheels in the doorways and this pretty bunting to line the garden beds in the outdoor seating area. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TJTTwRkXMLI/AAAAAAAAAn8/byd2Fu-EXq4/s1600/103_1068.JPG"></a></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520757159589654882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TJ2rYuyJMWI/AAAAAAAAAok/rbfqE4szoGI/s400/103_1068.JPG" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Also loving </div><br /><div></div><div>An adorable country wedding <a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/8554">here</a> - can't decide my favourite thing - the quilt-backed photobooth or the gift wagon! </div><div></div><br /><div>This <a href="http://www.pizzazzerie.com/parties/childrens-parties/vintage-shabby-chic-1st-birthday-party/">divine first birthday </a>complete with adorable birthday girl and inspired photography. </div><br /><div></div><div>These oh-so-sweet <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/34359/wedding-blog/diy-wedding/diy-wee-wedding-cakes/">wee wedding cakes </a>including beautiful stands and darling decoration. </div><br /><div></div><div>A cute and colourful <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/09/preppy-beach-party">beach party </a>- with summer on the way here, some great inspiration for fun in the sun! </div><br /><div>and </div><div></div><br /><div>The second edition of this wonderful <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/09/its-up.html">e-zine </a>- can't wait for the Christmas edition! While browsing I found this <a href="http://www.flowersinmay.com/collections/prints/">very cool artist</a> - can't decide which to order first but my guess is it will be "The Best Things in Life Are Sweet"! </div><div></div><br /><div>Enjoy! </div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-40057007977680001362010-08-27T21:24:00.015+10:002010-08-28T00:45:42.330+10:00Real Hip Hooray: A lovely ladybird's gardenThe promise of Spring fills the air this week. Can you feel it? And it's not even so much about the weather where we are from - it's actually kind of lovely warm-ish all year round - but rather that wonderful intangible something that puts a little skip in one's step. The promise of new growth and new babies, of morning walks and longer days, of lighter, somehow happier clothes, of clean cupboards, airy linen and the scent of blossom on the breeze.<br /><br /><div>What a lovely time of year to party in the garden.<br /><br /></div><div>We are playing a little catch-up on sharing with you some of our favourite Real Hip Hoorays from recent weeks. And while it is certainly possible you have already smiled at this sweet soiree held in Ella's ladybird garden, if there was even a chance that you might not have seen it yet, we could not live with ourselves if it passed you by. Besides, there can be no harm done in a double dose of this kind of happy, right?</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510069438099377010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THey9dmmS3I/AAAAAAAAAmk/otatu-fqszo/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---16.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510075567996614210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THe4iRP_NkI/AAAAAAAAAms/j8eACW9yvwE/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---21.jpg" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THfKKeO4ciI/AAAAAAAAAns/-QfcieUy2Ws/s1600/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---07.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510094950374076962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THfKKeO4ciI/AAAAAAAAAns/-QfcieUy2Ws/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---07.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Inspired by her very own Lovely Ladybug <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=ARLadybird">invitation</a> design, Suzi Waters of <a href="http://www.alannahrose.com.au/">Alannah Rose Stationery</a> transformed her inner Melbourne family home into a sweet garden scene for daughter Ella's 4th Birthday party. We adore the soft colour palette of pinks and lilacs against a blanket of green grass - a gorgeous twist on the traditional red and black of your average ladybird. </div><br /></div><div>Tin pails, watering cans, bug catchers and fresh flowers bring to life the ladybird's garden home - watch for her nestled on flower cookies and hidden atop of cupcakes.<br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510076775939603490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THe5olMCfCI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2B_bbJp5TsA/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---11.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510075832132878146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THe4xpO-v0I/AAAAAAAAAm0/cPNB1n51lzc/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---12.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510088485831339650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THfESL7yboI/AAAAAAAAAnU/IrCHIMmL5VU/s400/Ella-Ladybird-Party-Finals---03.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(All images provided by <a href="http://www.alannahrose.com/">Suzi Waters, Alannah Rose Stationery</a>)<br /></span></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://hiphoorayblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Hip%20Host">Suzi</a> shares more delightful images and details from <a href="http://www.alannahrose.com.au/blog/ellas-lovely-ladybird-garden-party-ladybugs/">this</a> celebration on her <a href="http://www.alannahrose.com.au/blog/">blog</a>. </div><p>Blue skies are promised here tomorrow and we are looking forward to a day spent with grass beneath our bare feet. The girls will reach for butterflies and peek beneath leaves in search of ladybirds. And we might just pop in to share another gorgeous outdoor celebration with you. Happy weekend xo</p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-55375594708337339812010-08-22T22:28:00.010+10:002010-08-23T00:08:54.707+10:00A Beauty-Full Day: Ava's Tea PartyToday, <a href="http://www.avasteaparty.com/">Ava Rosemeyer </a>would have been seven years old.<br /><br />A day for cake and balloons and pretty party skirts.<br /><br />A day shared with girlfriends, filled with giggles and gifts.<br /><br />And so it was. (On earth, as it is in heaven).<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 570px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508230246796154018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THEqOcFY1KI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0eSPysVQyW4/s800/Avas+Tea+Party+3.jpg" /><br />With plenty of pink, a dash of sparkle and twirling galore, at the Watkins house, we stopped and sat a while with true friends. We sipped tea, let the girls decorate their own cupcakes and raised our strawberry milkshakes heaven-ward. We didn't quite get to brushing hair or ironing tablecloths (or even filling the napkin holders *smile*!) A simple, imperfectly perfect Tea Party. A sunshine-y day. A happy day. A day to be grateful, to be glad, to remember Ava.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 650px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508228175843126610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THEoV5LtbVI/AAAAAAAAAmM/3ETYNmCYvoY/s800/Avas+Tea+Party+2.jpg" /><br />Of course in the Baird household there was never going to be fine china, butterfly cakes or pretty pinkness. Instead with a house full of boys we opted for a tent picnic in our living room in honour of Ava. As we set up the tent, Campbell, 4, announced that "It's going to be so much fun, Mum!" We sat cross legged with chocolate crackles, chocolate cake (complete with dino coloured sprinkles) and chocolate milkshakes.<br /><br />The boys compared milk moustaches, we talked about Ava and we sat still together and shared the moment.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 470px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508217205852674962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THEeXWyLG5I/AAAAAAAAAmE/Ufh-1tRJ0JI/s800/103_1812.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508215995946054626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/THEdQ7h9M-I/AAAAAAAAAl8/HlvamBUm1n8/s800/103_1819.JPG" /><br />Happy Birthday, Ava. Your Super-Princess powers have shone bright all over the world today. Thank you for the gift of reminding us of the joy to be found in celebrating small things every day.<br /><br />Don't forget, alongside your plans for cupcakes and pink milk, you can also support Ava's Tea Party by purchasing a printable invitation from <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/beautyfull-collection.php">The Beauty Full Collection</a>. Lovingly created by nine of Australia's favourite children's stationery designers, each invitation file is only $AUD10 (and our cart supports international transactions). 100% of sales go to Paradise Kids, supporting families such as the <a href="http://www.sheyerosemeyerphotography.com/blog/">Rosemeyers</a> through grief and loss.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-25251826822038355552010-08-19T13:10:00.007+10:002010-08-19T23:32:54.612+10:00A Beauty Full Board: Inspiration for AvaIt seems there is a constant chattering about tea parties at the moment. Perhaps it sounds louder to us because our ears are listening for it. Either way, it's there. And nothing makes us happier to know that this weekend, or last weekend, next weekend - whenever - in backyards, on front verandahs, around kitchen tables, at local parks - wherever - families and friends, a few or many, will gather to share cupcakes and conversation and cherish their own, sharing in <a href="http://www.avasteaparty.com/">Ava's Tea Party 2010.</a><br /><br />The support of the burgeoning party industry in Australia for this most special of Tea Parties has been quite wonderful to watch - the constant chattering (thanks Facebook and Twitter) tells us that there are many creative types channeling energy and spirit and pure heart into their simply sweet celebrations. Ava is most certainly twirling above to see what you all have planned unfold, and we too are happy dancing in anticipation to see the beauty full ways in which you will celebrate and remember.<br /><br />As we were preparing to launch <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/beautyfull-collection.php">the Beauty Full collection (Invitations for Ava)</a> some weeks ago now, our imaginations ran wild with ideas for how the creative blogging community we are so proud to be a part of, might share in the spirit of Ava's Tea Party.<br /><br />This was one of them.<br /><br />Beauty Full Boards (Inspiration for Ava).<br /><br />A big thank you to friend and talented stylist, <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/">Sharnel</a>, who purchased the <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=ATPGorgeous">invitation</a> by Style Me Gorgeous and has used it to inspire this Beauty Full board of tea party prettiness. It gives us joy to share it with you today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TGyhbts3BnI/AAAAAAAAAl0/CXBvZKB-0Js/s1600/Ava%27s+Tea+Party+Inspiration+Board.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506953941863564914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TGyhbts3BnI/AAAAAAAAAl0/CXBvZKB-0Js/s800/Ava%27s+Tea+Party+Inspiration+Board.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Top row L to R: </span><a href="http://www.sweetcupcakesandtreats.com.au/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cupcakes</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, Cotton Candy (source unknown), </span><a href="http://www.brides.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pink lemonade</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.4goodnesscake.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tiara cupcake</span></a><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Second row L to R: Balloons (source unknown), vintage tea party place setting (source unknown), </span><a href="http://www.sweetcupcakesandtreats.com.au/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Cake</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Bottom row L to R: <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/">Picnic setting</a>, Ice cream cones (source unknown), <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettyinpink1/2880552587/">a little girl's tea party</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Invitation by </span><a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=ATPGorgeous"><span style="font-size:85%;">Style Me Gorgeous </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">- part of the </span><a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/beautyfull-collection.php"><span style="font-size:85%;">Beauty Full Collection </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Invitations for Ava). Printable invitations for only $AUD10. 100% of sales go to Paradise Kids, supporting families experiencing illness and loss.</span></p><p></p><p><br />While August is slipping on by, there is still time, if you would like, to share with us your inspiration for Ava's Tea Party. There will always be time. A tea party is such a timeless way to treasure, after all. Beauty Full board submissions can be sent to us <a href="mailto:%20info@detailsdetails.com.au">here</a>.</p><p>And if inspiration has since made way for planning and creating, we can't wait to see that too. Wherever you are in the world, if you're hosting an <a href="http://www.avasteaparty.com/">Ava's Tea Party </a>this August, please <a href="mailto:%20info@detailsdetails.com.au">send us </a>some piccies to share. It would mean a lot to <a href="http://www.sheyerosemeyerphotography.com/blog/">this</a> very special family.</p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-15098291941503468632010-08-17T21:57:00.002+10:002010-08-17T23:56:57.877+10:00Crazy Hazy days of AugustOh, how we only wish we could have put a little `Lazy' into that title. Alas, there has been way too little of magazine-reading, tea-sipping and day-dreaming of late. August is sneaking on by in a whirl of activity that keeps us from you, yet begs to be shared. A whirl of activity that looks something like this:<br /><br /><div align="center">Watching and smiling and thanking as <a href="http://www.avasteaparty.com/">Tea Parties for Ava </a>are dreamed </div><div align="center">and planned and created and shared.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Sending off<a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/products.php?cat=239"> the Beauty Full collection </a>invitations to new homes </div><div align="center">and kind hearts. Do you have yours yet?</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Packing little <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/products.php?cat=240">suitcases</a> full of Tea Party pretties.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Styling a christening and first birthday celebration for </div><div align="center">Cheeky Monkey Addison.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Three days scouting all things new and gorgeous for the store at the </div><div align="center">trade fairs in Melbourne.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Creating a sweet strawberry soiree for my 4 year-old daughter </div><div align="center">(very last minute!)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">A glam makeover (entirely necessary!) and paparazzi photo shoots for </div><div align="center"><a href="http://littleonebaby.com.au/">Little One Baby </a>Design and Style issue (on newsstands this week)</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Skulking around aforementioned newsstands waiting for Shop4Kids to land - </div><div align="center">yes, we're in there too!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Planning and prepping and pulling together our stall for <a href="http://www.mathildasmarket.com.au/">Mathilda's Market</a> this past weekend - this time dedicated to Ava's Tea Party </div><div align="center">and the Beauty Full collection.</div><br />See, a whole list of hazy craziness. We guess you might like to see some matching hazy crazy pictures? Consider that added to the list.<br /><br />Meanwhile, we will be holding tight to these last days of August. For many reasons, but most of all <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/beautyfull-collection.php">this one</a>, it will linger in our memory long after the haze has passed.<br /><br />And if you feel like sharing a little of your hazy, crazy (or lazy!) August with us, please drop us a little note - we'd love to hear from you.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-51011361837949022112010-08-12T21:14:00.004+10:002010-08-12T21:39:05.656+10:00little. lovely. A giveaway<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TGPctZG_tDI/AAAAAAAAAls/g1aal2w2YRQ/s1600/little+lovely.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504485841969329202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TGPctZG_tDI/AAAAAAAAAls/g1aal2w2YRQ/s400/little+lovely.jpg" /></a>If you have little people in your life and like finding lovely things for them, then pop on over to <a href="http://www.littlelovely.typepad.com/">little. lovely. </a>- a favourite blog of ours for its mix of inspirational kids interiors, fashion, recipes, craft and pretty parties. <div><div></div><br /><div>Today we are wishing Khali a very Happy First Birthday and joining the week-long celebration by giving away $100 to one of her readers to spend in our little <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/">store</a> of lovely party things. It's as simple as leaving a <a href="http://littlelovely.typepad.com/littlelovely/2010/08/thursday-birthday-giveaway-discount-.html">comment</a>. Good luck!</div></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-16589059267390304262010-07-31T07:23:00.007+10:002010-07-31T08:03:52.425+10:00Christmas in July<div align="left">The weatherman is predicting 27 degrees today in Brisbane. Seriously, it's the middle of winter! No cause for complaint usually. Except today the neighbourhood is gathering for a new tradition - Christmas in July. We might have hoped for a little nip in the air while we go about stuffing and roasting the pork and preparing all the trimmings. But really, it may as well be December. The kids have dubbed it `Early Christmas' - which means anticipation is high about what today might hold - they even got up earlier than normal!! I fear there may be disappointment.<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Last weekend, the talented Australian photographer Tracey Lau, celebrated Christmas in July. I have been popping back to her <a href="http://www.traceylau.com/blog/?p=1093">blog</a> all week to swoon over these beautiful pictures and that amazing dessert table.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499817938692697586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TFNHRqUZbfI/AAAAAAAAAkc/y8ys0P-_7qk/s400/Snowflake-to-you-4-SRGB-Blog.jpg" /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499821540008749922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TFNKjSRDa2I/AAAAAAAAAks/yl_2NVemBJo/s400/CIJ-Table-SRGB-Blog.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Images via <a href="http://www.traceylau.com/blog/">Tracey Lau</a>)</span><br /></p><div align="center"></div><p>Just looking at these images gives me the warm and fuzzies and it seems easy to imagine that it may have been freezing cold outside her home in Sydney.<br /><br />Looking out the window to my 27 degree winter day I know there's not a snowman who would stand a chance out there. And while the kids dreams of a double dose of Santa may be dashed today, there will still be much to celebrate with friends. Much to be grateful for.<br /><br />And much to eat.<br /><br />Merry Christmas in July. </p><p>P.S. While you're over at Tracey's blog, don't miss her exciting announcement and extraordinary I-gotta-have-one-of-those<a href="http://www.traceylau.com/blog/?p=1113"> giveaway</a>.<br /></p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-36056337201902350912010-07-26T07:30:00.005+10:002010-07-26T18:18:42.477+10:00The Beauty Full Collection (Invitations for Ava)<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Something of beauty to share with you today.<br />In more ways than we can possibly describe. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A beauty full child who flew to heaven too soon - adored, missed, remembered.<br />Her beauty full family who opened their hearts to us and a pretty little idea we had.<br />A beauty full way in which they have chosen to honour their daughter - a tea party, simple or fancy, it matters not. But it matters.<br />And nine generous, creative friends who embraced our idea with all their heart and created this.</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/beautyfull-collection.php"><align="center"><href="http: com="" albums="" pp125="" gigiandlulu="" action="'view&current=" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp125/gigiandlulu/Avas-Tea-Party.gif" /></a></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-28253277166070086892010-07-24T00:40:00.009+10:002010-07-24T01:38:04.889+10:00Sharing the LoveWandered over to <a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/">Eat Drink Chic</a> tonight where Amy whispered in our ear about her adorable download and DIY tutorial for Message in a Bottle favours currently featured at <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/">Once Wed</a>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmxcdlrV1I/AAAAAAAAAi8/XX4j5ZaubjI/s1600/loveletters_02.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497119922719512402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmxcdlrV1I/AAAAAAAAAi8/XX4j5ZaubjI/s320/loveletters_02.jpg" /></a></p><p align="left">What a sweet idea for sharing the love, both a message to your lovely guests and a way for them to send their very own message of love to the happy couple. Grab all the instructions and your free download <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/31452/wedding-blog/diy-wedding/diy-wedding-love-notes/">here</a>. (No weddings on the horizon for us but these are too darn gorgeous to resist!)</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmxMBh80iI/AAAAAAAAAi0/SRzAUC8FQEs/s1600/loveletters_03.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497119640309781026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmxMBh80iI/AAAAAAAAAi0/SRzAUC8FQEs/s320/loveletters_03.jpg" /></a></p><br />They would also fit in beautifully at a baby shower, naming day or Christening with Love Letters for the newborn and their family.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmwwI7rmVI/AAAAAAAAAis/o4QF8F_sWPY/s1600/loveletters_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497119161260415314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEmwwI7rmVI/AAAAAAAAAis/o4QF8F_sWPY/s320/loveletters_01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Images via <a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/">eat drink chic </a>and <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/">once wed</a>)</span></p><p>Another fabulous outing for <a href="http://hiphoorayblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/real-hip-hooray-milk-and-cookies.html">these</a> cute little bottles too! Love it!</p>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-31304421091896172192010-07-18T20:37:00.006+10:002010-07-18T21:00:54.553+10:00Delicate DrinksYou know how we've got a little thing for <a href="http://hiphoorayblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/real-hip-hooray-vintage-chick-en.html">doilies</a> going on ?<br /><br />Well after seeing these . . . .<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TELbTEFTooI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ipY3JDzy5Q8/s1600/DoilyDrinkParasol2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495195615905424002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TELbTEFTooI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ipY3JDzy5Q8/s320/DoilyDrinkParasol2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TELb97NOcdI/AAAAAAAAAic/p5lrDtcTfU8/s1600/DrinkParasol3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495196352257094098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TELb97NOcdI/AAAAAAAAAic/p5lrDtcTfU8/s320/DrinkParasol3.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(images via <a href="http://afieldjournal.blogspot.com/">A Field Journal</a>)<br /></span></div><br />it's officially a head-over-heels, heart-pounding, butterflies-in-the-tummy, can't-get-enough-of crush!<br /><br />Pop over to this gorgeous <a href="http://afieldjournal.blogspot.com/2010/07/pink-parasols.html#comments">blog</a> for more details and links to the DIY tutorial.<br /><br />We have been busy creating some doily garlands in white for a very special project, but wouldn't they be pretty in pastels too? Off I go in search . . .Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-31029053070837061162010-07-16T22:17:00.006+10:002010-07-17T17:14:16.019+10:00Hooray(s) for SaturdaySo much to love this week. Hope you have your cuppa and your oohs and aahs at the ready.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEFM6bCef1I/AAAAAAAAAiM/Az6R1eWS_YY/s1600/grown+up+Birthday_Party_1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494757586942984018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEFM6bCef1I/AAAAAAAAAiM/Az6R1eWS_YY/s320/grown+up+Birthday_Party_1.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(image via Twig and Thistle)</span></p>Sweet. And sophisticated. And <a href="http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2010/07/party-perfection/">grown - up</a>. (Pictured)<br /><br />Gobsmackingly beautiful <a href="http://www.sweetcupcakesandtreats.com.au/">cakes</a> indeed - but me oh my, we're smitten with the styling on <a href="http://www.polkadotbride.com/index.php/2010/07/13/paper-cakes/">this</a> shoot.<br /><br /><a href="http://katiewalkersmith.com/blogs/?p=1078">Hello</a> Yellow!<br /><br />Pinwheels, bunting, pom poms - a few of our favourite things in one pretty little <a href="http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2010/07/matildas-summer-garden-party.html">party</a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(via <a href="http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/">Party Perfect)</a></span><br /><br />Cure your craving with <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/sweet-shoppe-party-twins-first-birthday">this</a> seriously sweet sugar hit.<br /><br />Love the <a href="http://www.polkadotbride.com.au/">new outfit </a>and accessories, Ms Polka.<br /><br />You can now catch up with us over <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=121205271237602#!/pages/Brisbane-Australia/Details-details/121205271237602">here</a>, too. Pyjamas still the dress code. Cup of tea obligatory.<br /><br />And just because we love snail mail. And <a href="http://www.littlepenpals.blogspot.com/">this</a> celebrates it. Awwww. (<span style="font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://littlepinwheel.blogspot.com/">Little Pinwheel</a></span>)Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-83182009483643790022010-07-16T18:29:00.005+10:002010-07-16T19:00:49.571+10:00Sweet Surprise<p align="left"> There is such joy in finding pretty things in unexpected places. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEAe7G1tdJI/AAAAAAAAAh0/26EQUF9HtxM/s1600/June+10+038.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494425546189010066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEAe7G1tdJI/AAAAAAAAAh0/26EQUF9HtxM/s320/June+10+038.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEAd8_AvmLI/AAAAAAAAAhs/3Krb-ZH-0L0/s1600/June+10+039.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494424478935914674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TEAd8_AvmLI/AAAAAAAAAhs/3Krb-ZH-0L0/s320/June+10+039.jpg" /></a></div><br />These lovely bottles of lemonade (Product of France!) are available at . . .ALDI! This week only of course - you know how it goes.<br /><br />I have stocked up for Ava's `Strawberry Lemonade' party, but they are just made for a pretty baby shower or high tea.<br /><br />Thanks to Alicia for the tip-off. You were right. They are perfect.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-84930733799208140662010-07-16T10:52:00.006+10:002010-07-16T12:14:05.928+10:00Real Hip Hooray: Vintage Chick (en)<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD-xKPG4Q3I/AAAAAAAAAhc/9o9BXIS1AMU/s1600/April%27s1st_birthday_1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494304859827487602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD-xKPG4Q3I/AAAAAAAAAhc/9o9BXIS1AMU/s320/April%27s1st_birthday_1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD-xc7NtVZI/AAAAAAAAAhk/46PiWC1EiHo/s1600/April%27s1st_birthday_4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494305180904936850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD-xc7NtVZI/AAAAAAAAAhk/46PiWC1EiHo/s320/April%27s1st_birthday_4.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">images via <a href="http://jenniferbirkheaddesign.blogspot.com/">Jennifer Birkhead </a>Design</span></p><div>What a wonderfully sweet and creative <a href="http://jenniferbirkheaddesign.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-cheeky-chicken-turns-one.html">celebration</a> for little April's 1st Birthday.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Just the coordinating vintage `chic' outfits alone were enough to make our heart skip a little beat. But then, oh, the details! Cupcakes and chicken cookies served in doily-lined egg cartons. Vintage glassware and fresh flowers. Pretty paper garlands and a clever doily backdrop. Chicken wire framed for guests to peg their birthday wishes to. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>This party embodies all that we love about celebrating with children at home - creating a theme out of something that they love or is special to your family, beautiful mum-made details, a space that is so personal and reflects family all around. It simply made our hearts warm.<br /> <br /></div><div> </div><div>April's mum, Jennifer Birkhead is a talented <a href="http://jenniferbirkheaddesign.blogspot.com/p/kids-parties.html">stationery designer </a>and one we predict is going places. Happy First Birthday little April, you are one very chic Vintage Chick. </div><br /><div>Oh and doilies are on our new favourite things list. Yours too? It just makes our Mum shake her head!</div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-12696795138493244522010-07-14T19:48:00.004+10:002010-07-14T22:51:52.743+10:00Enchanted . . .<div align="center"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD2vexnp2jI/AAAAAAAAAhU/2vNxz6-zxT0/s1600/enchanted+terrariums.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493740063712467506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TD2vexnp2jI/AAAAAAAAAhU/2vNxz6-zxT0/s320/enchanted+terrariums.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">image via <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/">My Life -My Loves</a></span></div><div align="center"> </div><br />by these cuter-than-cute <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/2010/07/youre-invited-to-enchanted-woodlands.html">invitations</a>. We have always adored the idea of sending invitations with an extra something that hints at what awaits on the day. There is such fun in digging through a layer of sweets to get to the details beneath or receiving a little dress-up to wear to the party. These mini woodland terrariums would have any lucky invitees anticipation-ometer sitting on Very High, don't you think?<br /><br />Sharnel has been planning and collecting and crafting for Olivia's 6th Birthday for some time and we love that we could help her find the perfect <a href="http://www.detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=GalaCookieJar">home</a> for these friendly folk. Sarah at <a href="http://stylemegorgeous-bysarah.blogspot.com/2010/07/enchanted-woodland-invitation.html">Style Me Gorgeous </a>has translated the vision perfectly on paper. Follow the trail through the woods over <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/">here</a>, we predict there will be magic made in a couple of weeks time.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-19001467935480704462010-07-11T09:43:00.007+10:002010-07-12T22:46:33.981+10:00Making Lemonade<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TDsHaBEsAHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HjbL5QUqMFw/s1600/lemonade+sign.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492992314054541426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TDsHaBEsAHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/HjbL5QUqMFw/s320/lemonade+sign.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pattisprimitives?ref=top_trail">Image via Etsy</a></span></div><br />Making lemonade has been on my mind these past few days. For several reasons.<br /><br />It's summer on the other side of the world - weather made for celebrating outdoors. Lemonade and ice cream are abundant in the creative parties I have spotted recently. So sweet and refreshing. So uncomplicated.<br /><br />Soon my Ava will turn 4. She adores Strawberry Shortcake and Lemon Meringue (the characters, not the treats - they are for me to adore :). And as you know cartoon character birthdays are not our style. So I'm thinking of twisting up the theme into a little `Strawberry Lemonade' soiree.<br /><br />And perhaps not least, because over the weekend we were handed a couple of lemons. Only small ones, in the scheme of lemons. But a lemon is a lemon is a lemon and this one tasted, well, sour.<br /><br />On Saturday as I was preparing our scheduled Hooray(s) for Saturday post, I digressed to check in on our site traffic and discovered a new referral. As a store owner, this is usually exciting. But the name made me curious. Very curious. And my stomach flipped over as I waited to see where the link might connect me to.<br /><br />And I found this. . . .<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://hiphiphoorayblog.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492942906122975138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TDraeGL2N6I/AAAAAAAAAhE/RIGCQzqO9Po/s320/hiphiphooray.png" /></a></div><p><br />Did you click already? Wow, the launch of a pretty new blog, created by some BIG names in the US paper and party industry. Admired for their creativity, revered for their originality. They are our idols. And, yes, they still will be. We don't do grudges.<br /><br />But for now the taste lingers. They know we exist. We follow their other businesses on twitter. Within days of their launch, they have linked to our store in a post (and for that we say thanks!). We have even (very shyly, I may add) emailed them directly with submissions for parties featured on our blog.<br /><br />Now, beside them and their accolades, we feel LITTLE.<br /><br />And this is how LITTLE works. Vanessa works full time to help make ends meet for her family and helps in the business late at night and on weekends. I work from home running our little dream store, and sometimes our ends don't meet. I pack orders on our dining room table, drag my kids reluctantly to the post office in the afternoon for our customers who are in a hurry, and somewhere between nappy changing, school pick up, and goodnight kisses we dream BIG.<br /><br />When it comes to parties, we forget to take the butter out of the fridge in time and so have to stay up late whipping the buttercream for the birthday cake we made. We have hubbies who roll their eyes at the mention of a party - goodness, they may have to mow the lawn! And we are lucky to have generous parents who help us clear dishes, make dinners, entertain kids while we do the cutting, sticking, pasting of invitations and goodie bags. We take photos of our kids, of our parties, with an outdated digital camera. We have Photoshop on our PC - but get overwhelmed by its options. We love Pretty but are not so good at Perfect.<br /><br />And so we might be LITTLE. But we have BIG hearts. And we play fair. If it simply didn't share our name, we too would be shouting Hip Hip Hooray - one more gorgeous party blog to follow. But Hip Hooray is our LITTLE piece of BIG. Here we have shared, laughed, connected in ways we once would never have imagined possible. To us, it is more than just the name of a blog - we dreamed it might become a brand and stand proudly in its field. I guess we were just not ready to have to share that.<br /><br />We do know that there is, of course, room for all of us. That is the wonderful thing about blogs - no need to return one to the shelf in order to take another home, no need to donate the other to charity when you get the upgraded model, right?<br /><br />And in case you're wondering, that's why we are introducing you through this post. Because we know that you will find this blog. And love it. That's OK. We do too. But we have manners and think it is the right thing to do. We wanted you to know that we know they have arrived to the party (way after it got started over here!). We wanted you to meet them and avoid any confusion over the nametag pinned to their lapel. To welcome them and to make sure you benefit from the wealth of experience, amazing creativity and resources they will share. </p><p>Hip Hooray is our happy place. We hope it is your happy place too. And in that spirit we have pondered whether to share with you even a taste of how this made us feel. We hope you did not mind that we chose to.<br /><br />Besides after all this, let me tell you, this week has had some sweet lemonade moments -<br /></p><ul><li>my Dad celebrated his birthday and the kids and I took him cupcakes and toasted marshmallows together in my parents open fireplace - just as we did when we were kids; </li><li>school holidays meant my six year old was a constant companion - I took her to her first play, Tashi, and was reminded of how much I love - and miss - going to the theatre; </li><li>I planned, prepped, created a mini photo shoot for a national magazine feature we have coming up - such fun; </li><li>the big girls went for a sleepover to Nannas and I delighted in using the time when I would normally lie with them, tell them stories of when I was a `little dirl', and tickle their backs (with three kids this is 2 hours most nights!!) to eat spicy thai takeout with my hubby and curl up with Dear John on the DVD; </li><li>Vanessa and her beautiful boys arrived home from the US yesterday lugging a little `extra' in their suitcase - stay tuned for some new pretties in the store and a couple of fun giveaways; </li><li>And together with 9 generous, creative souls, the light of a very special little angel and the big heart of her inspiring family, we have started the journey to launch a `beauty-full' project - we can't wait to share.</li></ul><br />On Saturday night when I crept into bed, a little sad, my hubby woke and immediately thought of the ultimate lemonade moment - their traffic might inadvertently become our traffic! Hopefully they will stay a while and enjoy the read.<br /><br />So without question we are going to `Make Lemonade'. And still dream that one day LITTLE will grow up to be BIG too. Hey we might even get a gig as a `Contributing Editor'! xo<br /><br /><br />P.S. If you feel like making lemonade too, there's a recipe over <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/what-to-do-with-lemons">here</a><br /><br /><br />P.P.S sorry Hooray(s) for Saturday went missing. I got writer's block after I clicked that link :) Back this weekend.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-22934627637838639822010-07-03T19:03:00.009+10:002010-07-04T00:38:26.114+10:00Hooray(s) for Saturday: A collection in red, white and blueWhile we are Australian through and through, it's fair to say we have a little soft spot for the 4th of July. 20 years ago, young and adventurous, Vanessa packed her bags, kissed us all goodbye and set off for the U.S of A to complete studies in Journalism at Central Washington University.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The short version of the long story goes a little like this: Girl meets Boy. Girl and Boy fall in love. Girl comes home for visit. Boy comes to visit Girl at her home. Boy proposes before even meeting Girl's parents!! Boy and Girl get married. Girl has baby boy - an Aussie. Girl and 2 Boys move back to the U.S. Girl has another baby boy - an American. (Sister of Girl visits US and gets to help deliver new nephew - that was me, yay!). Happy family resides States -side for (too) many years (Sister of girl allowed to say that.) Girl + 3 boys return to Australia. Girl has another baby boy. Family complete. Australia is home. Girl and Boy and their 3 boys get to visit the U.S. often. They are there right now in fact. Celebrating the 4th of July with friends and family.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>So like I said, a little soft spot, a special place in our collective family hearts for the United States. We will miss them tomorrow, when usually the American flag comes out at our parents house and its hotdogs all round.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Patriotism (by association? by marriage?) aside, Red, White and Blue is such a classic colour palette for celebrating all kinds of occasions - preppy, nautical, sporty - so we thought we'd round up a few of our recent favourite celebrations spotted in this scheme:</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9Ah47q56I/AAAAAAAAAg8/FyGsQ2VpR2M/s1600/TrainCollage2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489677421750445986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9Ah47q56I/AAAAAAAAAg8/FyGsQ2VpR2M/s320/TrainCollage2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">image via<a href="http://sambellinasparty.blogspot.com/"> Sambellina's Party</a></span></p><div>A fun <a href="http://sambellinasparty.blogspot.com/2010/06/christians-train-party.html">train-themed </a>celebration styled by Kate, our very favourite <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/products.php?cat=220&pg=3">spotty partyware </a>designer for her own son's 3rd birthday.</div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9AQ-9cQ6I/AAAAAAAAAgs/RRikgJ1amNo/s1600/food_tables.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489677131310711714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9AQ-9cQ6I/AAAAAAAAAgs/RRikgJ1amNo/s320/food_tables.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">image via<a href="http://jackandizzy.blogspot.com/"> Jack and Izzy</a></span></p><div>A handsome <a href="http://jackandizzy.blogspot.com/2010/05/jacks-party-in-park-part-1-dessert.html">Party in the Park </a>with so many lovingly-made details via Jack and Izzy</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9AaWqIT7I/AAAAAAAAAg0/A0e3k2Rcb1Q/s1600/dessert_table_custom_crop.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 247px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489677292290985906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC9AaWqIT7I/AAAAAAAAAg0/A0e3k2Rcb1Q/s320/dessert_table_custom_crop.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">image via<a href="http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/"> The Tomkat Studio</a></span></p><div>Nautical and oh-so-Nice, the combo is at its classic best throughout this <a href="http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/tomkat-studio-tommys-crab-shack-party.html">crab-inspired celebration</a> from TomKat Studio.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Happy 4th of July to our friends and readers from the United States.</div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-85738192136743683772010-07-03T07:56:00.006+10:002010-07-03T09:15:12.728+10:00Free printable: Milk and CookiesThanks to everyone who dropped by here for a little Milk and Cookies - we are always delighted to share some warm and fuzzy and love getting some back too - your comments are so appreciated. <div><br />I hope to come back and share some recipes from the day and a few tips on recreating the look, but for now can't wait any longer to share with you a new free printable designed for Hip Hooray - and you - by the talented Sarah at <a href="http://stylemegorgeous.com.au/">Style Me Gorgeous</a>. Take a look at these lovelies - nine sweet polka-dot labels and tags to get your cookies looking gorgeous!<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5p_vtRXGI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Vhhy8GxBpYw/s1600/HipHooray_cookie.png"><img style="WIDTH: 226px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489441539670236258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5p_vtRXGI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Vhhy8GxBpYw/s320/HipHooray_cookie.png" /></a></div><div><br />In creating Zoe's Milk and Cookies <a href="http://hiphoorayblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/real-hip-hooray-milk-and-cookies.html">party</a>, I used the large size to create labels for the cookie buffet jars, the smaller size to label the tins and petite cookie jars as take-home gifts, and the square tags to tie to the large bottles of milk - `chocolate' and `100%'. I do confess running out of time on the day to make them fancier (neater?!) with some overprinting or hand-stamping and had to make-do with my hand-writing - I'm hoping the guests saw that as `personal' rather than `overlooked'!</div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5twe2HNdI/AAAAAAAAAgc/E8CZsStYsaE/s1600/June+10+053.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489445675492390354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5twe2HNdI/AAAAAAAAAgc/E8CZsStYsaE/s320/June+10+053.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5uUjCJAAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/ImD5wnZuSjc/s1600/tins+bottles.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 222px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489446295091871746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TC5uUjCJAAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/ImD5wnZuSjc/s320/tins+bottles.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="left">Even if you are not planning a party right now, a batch of home-baked cookies makes a lovely `Hello neighbour' or `Thank You, friend' gift at any time. </p><div>Mmmm, we can smell those chocolate-chips wafting around your kitchen already. Download these pretties over <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?vwzomy4hzz3">here</a> and happy baking xo </div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-74395120622216229172010-06-30T11:23:00.020+10:002010-07-01T00:10:00.834+10:00Real Hip Hooray: Milk and CookiesYesterday, our little Zoe celebrated her second birthday with the menu of her wildest, two-year-old dreams - Milk and Cookies. For breakfast. For lunch. For afternoon tea. For dinner. And, ummm, for breakfast again this morning!!<br /><div><br /><div>Against a backdrop of chocolate-chip inspired polka dots and shades of burnt butter, chocolate, caramel and vanilla, I created this little spread of home-baked goodness . . . .</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs6GDT5b-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/ZOWSx0XawFk/s1600/milk+and+cookies+table+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488544446523469794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs6GDT5b-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/ZOWSx0XawFk/s320/milk+and+cookies+table+2.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtKQHOLSqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/9Y_i6QhE6Ng/s1600/milk+and+cookies+table+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488562211557952162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtKQHOLSqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/9Y_i6QhE6Ng/s320/milk+and+cookies+table+3.jpg" /></a></p><div>I so adore polka dots - a classic party companion which can be both youthful and playful or extremely elegant. I simply can't get enough of them and gave this party a good sprinkling. When creating the <a href="http://hiphoorayblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/turning-two.html">invitations</a>, I had been inspired by <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/03/a-bright-cheery-summer-wedding/">this</a> gorgeous party backdrop, and imagined translating it indoors using our palette of chocolatey warmth. </div><div></div><div></div><div><div><br />Double choc-chip cookies, Polka Dots and Snickerdoodles filled jars just made for digging in. Cookie pops (oreos dipped in white chocolate) kept the kids smiling and milk bottles and marshmallows seemed the perfect lolly additions to the buffet. </div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtIjeZvR-I/AAAAAAAAAgE/LW1hUF3L5RA/s1600/milk+n+cookies+jars+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 229px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488560345174722530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtIjeZvR-I/AAAAAAAAAgE/LW1hUF3L5RA/s320/milk+n+cookies+jars+2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtIW3o9iAI/AAAAAAAAAf8/5CaoqVsgeKQ/s1600/cookie+pops+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488560128611158018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtIW3o9iAI/AAAAAAAAAf8/5CaoqVsgeKQ/s320/cookie+pops+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">Somewhere in my `I've seen that somewhere' files catalogued in the right side of my brain was the perfect cake. I was delighted when a quick dig through my magazine collection revealed a `cookies `n' cream' cake, gracing the cover of the inimitable Donna Hay Kids Magazine (5th Annual Edition, 2008). Layer upon layer of crisp-on-the-outside, gooey-in-the-middle giant choc-chip cookies and cold, sweet drippy ice-cream (Cookies `n Cream' of course!). PERFECT, right? </div><div align="left"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs4tAJyt-I/AAAAAAAAAe0/8LEKCzXBqtw/s1600/cake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488542916667422690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs4tAJyt-I/AAAAAAAAAe0/8LEKCzXBqtw/s320/cake.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtA4Bn1GpI/AAAAAAAAAfs/o3zAI5If_N8/s1600/cookies+n+cream+cake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488551902133426834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtA4Bn1GpI/AAAAAAAAAfs/o3zAI5If_N8/s320/cookies+n+cream+cake.jpg" /></a></p><div>And if you've ever sipped your hot tea through a Tim Tam biscuit - if not, you must! - then you'll know how much fun the kids had with their petite bottles of milk and edible stripey straws. What started out as a dilemma about not having a shade of stripey<a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=StrawBlue&cat=228"> paper straw </a>to match the colour palette (gasp!) resolved in a creative moment that sneaked up on me (in the aisles of Big W!) and became a fun and fitting `cookie' detail.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtDSmtmruI/AAAAAAAAAf0/J6-jSw9uNiQ/s1600/milk+bottles.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488554557789613794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCtDSmtmruI/AAAAAAAAAf0/J6-jSw9uNiQ/s320/milk+bottles.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We served steaming cups of hot chocolate and marshmallows and a shot or two of Kahlua to spice up the grown-up milk (I felt 18 again!). The kids toted home <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=JStyleTinChoc">tins</a> filled with milk bottles - plain and chocolate-covered, - jersey caramels, marshmallows and Twix; and grown-up guests collected their own petite <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=GalaCookieJar">cookie jar </a>filled with Polka Dot cookies.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs7ZZ9CGrI/AAAAAAAAAfc/1ht5Xby4FaI/s1600/cookie+jars.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488545878530726578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs7ZZ9CGrI/AAAAAAAAAfc/1ht5Xby4FaI/s320/cookie+jars.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs_RmPtbAI/AAAAAAAAAfk/FEWs-eR0D0U/s1600/tins+bottles.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 222px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488550142437846018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs_RmPtbAI/AAAAAAAAAfk/FEWs-eR0D0U/s320/tins+bottles.jpg" /></a> </div><div><br />Baby, it was cold outside, but hearts and bellies were warm on the inside. </div><div><br />Happy Birthday to our very own crazy, cuddly, charismatic Cookie monster. Zoe escapes the camera lens at every turn, so this is the one and only birthday shot I managed on the day - devouring the first of four (!) Cookie pops. Like I told you, dream dinner.<br /></div><div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs5iosuq5I/AAAAAAAAAfE/jcKnR4D0dAA/s1600/zoe+cookie+pop.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488543838084443026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCs5iosuq5I/AAAAAAAAAfE/jcKnR4D0dAA/s320/zoe+cookie+pop.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to drop in again tomorrow - we have a little more polka-dot cookie goodness to share with you. </div></div>Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-25176326448412131112010-06-26T20:35:00.004+10:002010-06-26T20:55:37.064+10:00Turning TwoIn just a few days this sweet child of mine will be Two. My baby. My last baby. Now a little girl. A little girl with a very big personality. As affectionate as she is stubborn. As giggly as she is grumpy. As delightful as she is frustrating. As sugary as she is spicy.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVBNZmYVWI/AAAAAAAAAeM/vSDxzd9jEs0/s1600/zoe.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486863419486786914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVBNZmYVWI/AAAAAAAAAeM/vSDxzd9jEs0/s320/zoe.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Zoe Grace (5 Weeks Old)</p>On Tuesday we will celebrate simply with Milk and Cookies. Fittingly, two of Zoe's favourite things. Her preferred choice of dinner - if it were a menu option!<br /><br />Our closest family, a few friends and our kind neighbours will be dropping in for some home-baked goodies and a warming hot chocolate.<br /><br />Everything about this celebration is kind of impromptu (if you hadn't noticed the trend, that's a little how life rolls around here). As such, a phone call to our guests probably would have sufficed, but if I haven't said it before, I'm saying it now. I love, love, love Snail Mail. Packing it, sending it, receiving it, opening it. A thrill that can never be replaced by technology. So, inspired by chocolate chips and a warm and fuzzy colour palette, I made these in an hour on the couch and popped them in the post.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVBY0NoG6I/AAAAAAAAAeU/PBN5C_A8Ixg/s1600/invitations.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 318px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486863615609281442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVBY0NoG6I/AAAAAAAAAeU/PBN5C_A8Ixg/s320/invitations.jpg" /></a></p>Then I ordered<a href="http://www.paperklip.com.au/2010/06/milk-cookies/"> this </a>from a sweet and clever friend. And the rest of the plan? Mmmm, still in the making.<br /><br />So with visions of Whoopie Pies, Cookies'n'cream pops, and delicious chocolate chip cookies dancing in my head, I better get me to my kitchen. Enjoy your weekend xoSiobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949738375104749890.post-38098127393703413932010-06-26T11:41:00.001+10:002010-06-26T11:43:30.077+10:00Hooray(s) for SaturdayDid you drop by last Saturday? Wonder where we were? Sorry we missed you. Promise we weren't sleeping in or standing you up intentionally.<br /><br />Let's just say there was certainly no lazing about in jammies drinking hot cups of tea going on. Rather it was a 2am to bed and a 5.30am rise - standard procedure for our days at <a href="http://mathildasmarket.com.au/brisbane/">Mathildas Market </a>- the gorgeous handmade market for little people.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVUVDJ5YnI/AAAAAAAAAes/EMJOpF2quuQ/s1600/dispaly+june.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486884441621619314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVUVDJ5YnI/AAAAAAAAAes/EMJOpF2quuQ/s320/dispaly+june.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVUJQEgd2I/AAAAAAAAAek/_toeXOJ3tC8/s1600/mathildas+june.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486884238930245474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IYoJ_PtzR_g/TCVUJQEgd2I/AAAAAAAAAek/_toeXOJ3tC8/s320/mathildas+june.jpg" /></a></p><p align="left">We love being out of the `warehouse' and having the opportunity to show off some of our store pretties in the flesh. Still a favourite colour palette is this red, pink and latte combo and in the spirit of handmade (or hard-to-find) we pulled together a little display with these new (and quite adorable) personalised <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/products.php?cat=54">cupcake toppers</a>, pretty custom <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=RibbonGarland&cat=227">ribbon garland</a>, sweet <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=ARLalaBird">stationery</a>, fancy <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=CWPinkStr&cat=54">cupcake wrappers</a>, mini ribbon cake bunting, <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=PKHappyGarland&cat=227">paper garlands</a>, <a href="http://detailsdetails.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=StrawFus">stripey straws </a>and cute spotty labels (coming soon). Please forgive the photography - Mathildas Market is staged in a delightfully historic building at the Brisbane Racing Club where character is abundant but light is not. </p>If you live locally and dropped by to see us, thank you - it was lovely to meet you. If you're a little further away, then we thought you might like to spend this Saturday morning meeting a few of our favourite finds from Mathildas Market Brisbane - hooray for handmade!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fancytea.com.au/Fancy_Tea/Fancy_Tea.html">Fancy Tea</a>? Sugar with that? How about your own perfectly pretty, vintage china collection?<br /><br />A bling <a href="http://www.threelikeme.com.au/">Tee</a> for your favourite party theme.<br /><br />Make somebody's letterbox happy with one of <a href="http://www.invitewithstyle.com.au/">these</a>.<br /><br />Or <a href="http://www.raspberrycreative.com.au/">these</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://madeit.com.au/search.asp?searchtxt=ah-tissue&catid=&search=Search&searchtype=2">Hanging</a> around looking gorgeous.<br /><br />I own <a href="http://www.lovestamp.com.au/products-page/shop/encircled/">one</a>. Most favourite gift ever. (Perhaps a kitchenaid would compete!)<br /><br />The perfect backyard party <a href="http://becreativewithamy.wordpress.com/buy-exclusive-be-creative-with-amy-products/large-childrens-teepee/">venue</a>. Just add (imaginary?) friends and cupcakes.<br /><br />Standout <a href="http://momieetenfant.com/item_21/vintage-angel-tank-in-black.htm">fashion</a> for the guest of honour.Siobhan. Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09627606679466830634noreply@blogger.com2