League of their own

I'm back in the Rads for one of my dearest friend's Hen's Days. It's going to be a hoot - Ivy League themed. 

I might have had a little something to do with that flavour, hard to believe, hey? 

But most importantly, it totally suits the bride and I think she'll love it.

Ladies, let me indulge in some preppy deliciousness for a moment. Blazers, ties, lots of stripes, cardis over the shoulders, chambray, spots . . . do I need to go on?

Above and beyond all this fun, I've also stocked up on Lady Chatterley's Affair and Kiel James Patrick for the occasion. My suitcase is a beautiful rainbow of pinks, lemon, salmon, aqua, kelly green and navy. Still not sure what I'm going to wear on the day, but I'll be sure to post some pics soon.

Bottoms up!

Fitzperfect

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

Georgeous | Simply Georgeous Occasions never cease to ah-maze me. Their work is perfection, out of this world, totally exquisite.

This wedding in Melbourne's Fitzroy Town Hall ticks all my boxes - colour, flowers, community, magic . . . everything.

Check here for the full facebook album

In the meantime, back to researching my 30th . . . 

Mambo Italiano

The lovely Pete and Michelle hosted a gorgeous long lunch on their back lawn in celebration of Michelle's 30th birthday last week.

It was stunning weather, great company and perfect food. Not so sure about that orange liquor though Michelle, I'm going to blame that for my killer hangover on Sunday!

The menu included meatballs and bruschetta to start, with beautiful shared antipasto platters and then roast meats with salads to boot - including panzanella, calabrese, fennel and orange, and beans. And then for dessert, a gelati bar.

Plus copious amounts of prosecco.

Molto bene, people!

Backyard brilliant

Don't you love playing tourist in your home town?

Especially when you can show off new places to relatively new Adelaide residents.

I took my friend Kristie and her pregnant belly to an old favourite for dinner last night. When you haven't been for years, there's always a risk that it will never live up to the memories.

Cafe Salsa lived up to the hype. Phew!

One of the best pizza  bases I've had in a long time. And I just love the fit out, so retro and cool, like Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast 50 years ago.

Go exploring in your own backyard these Summer holidays, you'll fall in love with your home town all over again!

Clean slate

Isn't this a lovely idea for a New Year's Eve shindig?

'Ring in the New Year with a clean slate' by the ever so talented Loralee Lewis

I love blackboards and chalk and this has inspired me to come up with a new design for my kitchen chalkboard door, fresh for 2013.

I'm turning 3-0 next year and look forward to starting the year with a clean slate. And a new mind-map (yes Bree, I'll get to it soon!)

Do you make new year's resolutions?

Hungry for fun

Are you ready for it, dear friends?

Another Walker girls production, that is.

Well, prepare yourselves for a visual feast. 

Kelly and Bree have done it again - with the help of another sister Abby and their talented Mum Carole.

The occasion was joint first birthdays for Max (my godson and Kelly's son) and Grace (Bree's daughter).

And the theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Behold the magnificent . . .

The lanterns were awesome!

And a donut birthday cake. Brilliant.

Chocolate cake pops

Caterpillar slice

NB. Special mention goes to 'Pop' Walker who carried boxes of these cereal treats home from America, especially for this slice. Dedication.

Fruit skewers - best way to get kids to eat fruit!

Sandwiches

Bree, those chicken sangers were ah-mazing!

Gorgeous biscuits complete with holes

Kelly and Max (left) with Bree and Grace in their gorgeous party tees

And butterfly cakes

Yep, that's me with the sweet treats. Typical.

Congrats on a brilliant day, girls!

Looking forward to Zara's Icecream Party next year xo

PS. Check out the other parties the Walker girls have been responsible for. Totally mindblowing!

Teepee terrific

I love party planning and always try to find a unique angle for a celebration.

Whether it's the food, a signature drink, the decorations or entertainment, there needs to be something to differentiate the event and make it stand out.

And then of course there's the venue. The real backbone of the event.

This is where Tipikata Marquee Hire comes in to its own.

How fabulous are these teepees? 

A gorgeous take on the stock standard marquee - I love how versatile they are. The walls can be up or down, there's a fire, it's intimate or it's big and impressive . . . and it's different.

I've got some ideas for my 30th next year . . . think of the awesome themes I could explore!

Find out more about Tipikata marquees here

This little rabbit

I have a new crush.

His name is Max, and he's gorgeous beyond words.

And did I mention Max is my Godson?!

Yep, I became a Godmother on Sunday.

Me. Single, crazy, loves a champagne, Port supporter ME!

I think Max's Dad (and his Pop Peter!) questioned their choice in me when I turned up to lunch - late - with neon orange fingernails and hot pink lips. Oh, and polkadots.

I did come armed with Greek Salad for 40 people though, and gave a killer Christening present (thanks to the talents of White and Wander), so all was forgiven!

The day started with a two hour drive to Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula where we had the most stunning lunch at Max's Dad's family homestead.

Max's Mum Kelly is known for her themes and she did not disappoint! (Think back to Humpty Dumpty, Little Bird and Rainbow)

Hello bunny!

Kelly's Mum Carole and sister Abby produced this ah-mazing cake. Watch out Planet Cake, here come the Walker girls!

After a gorgeous lunch of yiros and Greek salad, and the most heavenly desserts thanks to fellow Godparent Rick, we trooped off to the family church for the formalities.

And of course, a perfectly 'blue' afternoon tea in the church hall.

Such a gorgeous day with a gorgeous family (who I have inherited from one of my besties Bree who moved to Hobart this year).

All I can say, is good luck Max. You'll need it with me as 'spiritual guide'!

(Be afraid, Mark, be very afraid!)