post joyeaux noël

How was your Christmas? Mine involved a stop-over from the parents on their way to Adelaide on the Eve and Christmas Day festivities with the Boyfriend, brother and sister. An easy wake-up and gathering around the tree to wish one another a Merry Christmas and see what the Big Man & loved ones had so kindly left for us. We all did very well and sat around with a feast fit for a gorgeous summer Christmas and a drink or two enjoying one another's good company.
A few phonecalls to and fro with the rellies and the day was made. Whilst we 'tried' to lay off the technology for the day... here are a few happy snaps from my iPhone.

The Newby siblings.

BF & Brosef.

Stunning wee sis, festively clad.

Christmas Day evening view.

Festive Frangipanis - handpicked by the BF.

I do hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas.


I'm off to Melbourne tomorrow - a sweet vacay with that one I... y'know - think is the bees knees. What are your New Year's plans?

happiness

January 15 : Photo-A-Day

Happiness

After Michael's RAAF AFTS 'Thunderbird' graduation display flight.

In September 2010, my little brother graduated from Advanced Flight Training School in the the Royal Australian Air Force. The whole family, plus my Aunty Karen went to be part of this significant moment in time for my brother - a milestone in his life and military career. We were all so proud.

This photograph captures the happiness and pride that my sister and I have in regard to our brother. That tight bear hug, us three. That moment is precious - I'm so glad it is frozen forever in this frame.

at some point

I think it's completely normal to want to partake in this kind of caper. Semester is over.

Time to escape - though mine shan't be attending a fancy-dress party with a feline accomplice... but I'm ever so interested in such activities.

Time to pencil something fabulous in.

sydney, sunday

And so Sunday was the day. The weather promised to be a delightful late Autumn one... and so this is how it began:: 

The day of my Godson-to-be's Baby Shower (or Bath, as baby's don't have showers!). We enjoyed fresh, hand-squeezed orange juice and ricotta pancakes and maple syrup at the Castro's - they roll in organic and culinary fabulousness. They were fab.

The morning continued with nursery/music studio re-arranging and filtering through Baby Expo freebies, watching  Casey and her Dad solder some Alice&Reino jewellery, followed by a Crown Lager and primping and preening for the special occassion.

Here are few more snaps, take note of the gorgeous cake by SweetArt.

En route, to The Victoria Room

Our cosy, yet luxurious corner of The Victoria Room

My first ever Red Velvet Delight cupcake!

The cake

Mama-to-be, cutting the cake to reveal it's rich chocolate innards

The couple were showered with an array of baby gifts, accessories and needs, and most importantly the love of those closest (in Australia). It is delightful to know that Cuzband's family in New York also held a Skype Baby Shower for them aswell.

Ah, family love.
I'm so honoured to be little Jupiter's Godmama.

bienvenue avril

It's April, c'est Avril!

Can you believe it? Already?

Well, I think it's divine. Autumn will finally arrive... and I am ever so glad. It'll be a little windier, a little cooler and the world will be filled with colour. Those beautiful hues of autumn... fall if you will.

Easter is upon us soon, and it will be time spent with family. How excited I am for five days of this.

The Easter bunny shall visit (yes, he still visits me), a religious holiday will be mourned and celebrated, hot cross buns and creme eggs will be eaten... hahhh - three weeks to go!

Through found images, I'd like to share things that I love about April, this time of year and things that just seem to fit the theme.

Dear Peter Rabbit.

Leaves on the plain trees turning in Inverell. My hometown.

Easter egg hunts, country lanes and wicker baskets.

Toy bunnies and real bunnies... little biddy ones.

Autumn leaves...

... worn, leaf-crunching Mary Janes.

This collection of autumn-inspired creative tid-bits.

Enjoying good books, immersed in autumn.

Wee owls.

This charming and mysterious illustration.

Bookshops, bicycles and rain.

And listening to Laura Marling.

A Happy Monday and an amazing April ahead to you, and you and you.

{images found here, and here}

time to toast

Whilst the picture is for pure comic relief (albeit there is some degree of talent to be merited!), today holds a particular significance for those of the X chromosome.

It is International Women's Day.

It's a day to celebrate beauty, generosity, sacrifice, love, perseverance, friendship, family and many more facets that women around the world convey with their colourful personalities.

It's a day to celebrate your significance as a great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, mother-in-law, godmother, aunty, sister, step-sister, half-sister, cousin, daughter, friend; and of course the significance of those in your life.

While today is being celebrated in over 70 countries, take the time to say it...

'Happy International Women's Day'

to those around you.

Let's bring the consciousness of this day to the foreground in our immediate communities.

Pussy power?

{YOU heart it}

here it is!

Well, welcome 2011! It's finally here.

I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and celebrated in style this New Year. I know I did.

From the comforts of home and family bonding, to popping bottles of French champagne and attending festivals over New Year's amongst old and new friends - these last celebrations will be hard to trump!

Last night I flew back into Brisbane's balmy weather after a higglety pigglety string of weather experienced in Melbourne.
The nights are balmy, the mornings temperate and the days hot - summer has arrived in South East Queensland, despite all the rain!

So what's on the agenda for the New Year of 2011? Many, many things. The efforts to accomplish them all will be tried, and this I am looking forward to.

It's my first day back at work, travelling the world through my 20inch screen in my little cartography world - but the fun doesn't stop there... this evening it's DM at The Lido, followed by freelance and bar work throughout the year. This Miss has some serious saving and 'getting ahead' to do!
The 4th of January, wow. It has begun!
Can you see the smile on my face?

It is the time to put resolutions into place and challenge oneself to accomplish such tasks. As for myself, I'm not sure I have resolutions... I have goals and the desire to be a better person. Both of which I'll try with utmost effort and passion to achieve.

My Dad said that 'this is my year', and that he can feel it. The faith and encouragement of others can really give you that positive boost - so thanks Dad for your vote of confidence!

By the way, it was dear Daddy's birthday yesterday. Turning the ripe and wonderful age of 57, I hope this year brings you as much joy, satisfaction and happiness that I know you wish for me.
How I love family!

So whilst I get back to work, I wanted to leave you with this note 'from The Universe' I recieved via email yesterday. It's little notes like these that can pick you up and give you that feel good feeling, and above all - the feeling that everything is alright. I think that is important.
You can sign up for your weekday subscription here. Enjoy.

Every day, "the score" is even. Every second, in fact.
Everyone lives each day for him or herself, no matter what they did.
No one owes anything to anyone, no matter what happened.
And from this, what I hope you most get, is that whatever you do next, you do it for the joy it brings you.

Joyfully,
The Universe


Happy New Year all, here's to the best one yet!

{image via weheartit.com}

I think I'll also make more cupcakes this year...


Peace, love and happiness,
X

positive number fourteen

The whole family - one, two, three, four, five - will be home for Christmas.

How wonderful.

positive number five

This year on the 15th of August, exactly one year after their first wedding, I was honoured to be a part of my cousin Casey and her husband David's special (second) day.

The gorgeous couple first wed in Shakespeare's Garden in Central Park, New York City - you can see my blog post about that sweet day here, and secondly at Little Bay Chapel in Sydney, Australia.

Family is such a wonderful thing.

Now waiting on the latest addition...

The image here was taken on the beach just down from the Chapel, the wind whipping and a storm as a dramatic backdrop. But these two are sprinkled with luck, quite literally - it rained on the way to the reception at Sydney's funky Crown Street bar, The Winery; and we all know that rain on your wedding day means great things! Especially when it fined up for a comfortable August evening.

{image courtesy of Tindale Images}

the most wonderful time of the year

Can you believe it's December 2010 already? A year and a half ago I began my little blog, to place my creative rambles and recently share some of my personal work.

This year, I have met some amazing people who have inspired me no end, celebrated with friends and family and now the most wonderful celebration of the year is upon us.

Whether you believe in God or the significance of the holiday season, take time to appreciate all the good things that have come your way this year. I'm going to try and name a positive experience or happening every day this month, here on my blog. Could I encourage you to do the same?

Happy December, Happy Holidays, Happy celebrating!

party perfect

all rolled into one.

{find it here}

welcome to the mad house

Only one more sleep until Halloween waltz' into Crescent Manor (residence of yours truly), where a thriller night shall take place.

Ghouls, ghosts, the frightening, the fabulous. Naughty, nice, sugary sweet, sexy and downright disgusting. Super heroes, sailors, pin-up girls, devils, demons and angels. The calibre of attendees is sure to be a visual delight.

Photos will be posted for your amusement and creative perusal, after the event.

Spooksville welcomes you to join in the fun!

what my weekend entails

ol' Sydney town

fine wine, food, champagne, fabulous company,

and the second wedding (Australian take) of these two gorgeous people I'm blessed enough to have in my life ::

David and Casey Castro

You can find their New York wedding in 2009, just here.

NOW - what to wear?!

Enjoy your weekend festivities!

chime!

Congratulations to Elsie Flannagan (of a beautiful mess blog) & Jeremy Larson on their recent engagement!

I've been following Elsie's blog for some time now, and find the moment just enchanting. Gorgeous... sigh.

Such a beautiful story :: see here <3

{images via abeautifulmess}

a photo that makes me laugh

because it reminds me of the good old Kent Road days, living with Dani & Wendy.

This was taken by Riham I believe, at Riham's birthday drinks last night at Barsoma in Fortitude Valley. 


I'm pictured with my girlfriend Dani (monstering behind me). Two years on and we're still crazy mofo's!

Hip, hop Happy Birthday Riham!

when i get married...

When I get married... {ah, perhaps a way off yet}, I'll have a beautiful dress - but not one so delicious as this!

A wedding cake dress.

At least your guests will be delighted. It could prove a little problematic... though what a gorgeous, novel, creative idea.

Smile.

wwwwhhhhaaaaat?

Four hours sleep after a freelance job last night, and this nightowl if functioning surprisingly well. A spritely wake-up call from the lil sis (door flung open and blinding light switched on), and my day began.

Checked tights, a funky black dress, grey cardi, Burberry scarf, red nails, red patent ballet flats, a slick of mascara, rouge and Lady Danger (see fabulous lipstick below) - and I was dressed and ready to take on this rainy Brisbane day.

 Bummed that I couldn't wear my brand new Oxfords from Down The Rabbit Hole (sale on now!), due to the weather - I resorted to admired them all pristine in their box... and sourced this photo to ease the pain.

No, really. Marina and her Diamonds also helped vamp up my morning soundtrack with The Family Jewels, nibbling ever so nicely on my earphones. Doesn't make sense? See for yourself --

Pleeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase come to Brisbane!

Loving the fact that she was rocking my morning, I had wander through marinaandthediamonds.com and stumbled across this awesome image. I'm not sure who it's by, but I like it so much I wish to frame it in a polaroid-esque fashion and stick it on my fridge. A reminder worth putting some pep into your every day.

So apart from my faffing about - I have had a rather productive day, travelling the world via my 20" screen. But I have to admit - my mind has been elsewhere (apart from twitter).

Tomorrow night Boyfriend & I are going to a friends birthday dinner (Hip, Hip! Hooray!) at the Himalayan Cafe in New Farm... and the nights attire and necessary decisions have been plaguing me. WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??

I'm obviously thinking of Lady Danger... perhaps the Oxfords, and channelling the style of these two ladies -- Marina & Gwen.

 

 

Perhaps a bit of sexy messiness, with a daring edge? Oh, how I need new clothes!

I'm hoping to get some 120mm film for my DianaF+ to capture the evenings escapades, however depending on spare time tomorrow I may have to rely on my trusty (or not so) digital camera. Either way, I hope to have some great pics to share with you after the event.

And so I shall leave you with a giggle - this deadline's pushing.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Friday!!

X

p.s. here's a quote for the weekend, thanks to David Castro of DMTintheCity:

I ride a guitar wave

called Desire.

It takes me where it wants

 to go and leaves me

  asking

  where I've been...

Find something you're really passiionate about this weekend, and go at it like hell for leather.

more things that make me smile

I found this a few years ago, stashed in my desk drawer. A handmade Christmas card from my little sister, Amy, when she must've been about 4 or 5years old. There's 5 and a half years between us and she's now 18.

Children's gifts and especially drawings are some of the most selfless gifts - made for you and only you. We hang on to so much of our own creations these days. Imagine the difference in the world if someone could treasure something of yours, unlike you ever could. This has made a difference in my world, however small - it's the littlest things that make you merrier.

I love notes, and I still believe this is one of the most precious things I own.