Friday's Fancies: Hello Spring

Happy friday folks! It's been so long since I last put together a Friday's Fancies post that I've apparently forgotten my usual template for it. Not to worry though, this week's photos are too pretty to be confined to a polaroid filter anyway. The truth is, things have been a little crazy lately. This is turning out to be one hectic year with no rest in sight. I can't wait to reveal more when the time comes, but for now, I apologise for my sporadic postings and late replies to your comments and emails.

Spring has been on my mind a lot this week. While the season officially begun a couple weeks ago, it hasn't really felt like Spring till now. So to celebrate, here are some pretty pictures of the prettiest season of the year. Happy Spring!

Loving this innovative way of growing tulips. With the tall vase, it almost looks like the tulips are in a terrarium. My garden gnome candle has popped up in so many blog photos that I'm sure you're all sick of it by now.  But I love it, it's such a fun whimsical addition to a table display and I just can't quite bring myself to light it. 

A picture says a thousand words right? This was my favourite image from the kid's Easter Egg hunt at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville. It was the first time either of them have been on an egg hunt and I'm still hearing about it today. "Mum, I want to go on an egg hunt please" 

In place of traditional flowers, I'm loving the idea of displaying baskets of eggs for Spring. Brown eggs give off that homey country feeling, and look great when contrasted by white baskets and flowers. 

Getting excited by all the fresh new recipe ideas for Spring. I love trawling through Food Gawker and am also an avid Bon Appetit subscriber. 

I have been meaning to take this photograph ever since we first moved into our house some three years ago (my how time's flown). This pretty scene is right on the corner of the main street before turning into our neighbourhood. I'm hoping to one day do an oil painting of this image to hang up in the kid's bedroom. 

Friday's Fancies

The weather has been so glum lately that the husband and I went ahead and purchased tickets to sunnier shores. We'll have to brave through the rest of this winter season first but it's great to have something to look forward to. I don't know about you, but I often find the lead up to a vacation just as exciting as the vacation itself. The last time I was in SoCal was almost three years ago (yikes), so if you have any tips on where to go and what to eat, send them through!

In my previous outfit post, a few of you asked about the leather wrap bracelet that I wore. Today I'm really excited to share a 10% discount for all {camo meets couture} readers at House of Gemmes. Simply enter the code CAMO10 at checkout and you'll be on your way to new additions to your arm party.

A teeny tiny vintage Speedy that now permanently belongs to the kids. My little ones love carrying it around on the crook of their arm almost as much as they love licking the little brass lock.

It's no secret that most fashion bloggers sit around in their PJ's and sweats while posting sartorial content online. While I can't say I don't do the same, I also see blogging as an excuse to crack open a bottle of red and enjoy some much needed alone time.

A new gold tray from Pier One that works great for housing my sunglasses collection. Up until now my sunglasses have lived inside their respective cases thrown into the deep abyss of my drawer. I love that this tray lends a little glamour to picking accessories. 

Since the playground has been out of the question this week, the girls and I went on a little adventure ride through some hilly streets instead. I'm not going to lie, I probably had as much fun as they did. 

Some pretty watercolours of iconic Melbourne landmarks that I brought back with me from a recent trip back home. Now to find a suitable location to house them. 

Friday's Fancies

Happy friday folks! And just like that February is almost over and what a crazy month it's been! New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, monster storm on the East coast, the launch of Vine App by Twitter, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day and how can we forget Taco Bell's viva young commercial during the Superbowl. All of this in the shortest month of the year. I'm still reveling from my birthday celebrations and quite certain that I've already met my cake quota for the year.

So tell me readers, how did you spend your February?

Absolutely ecstatic when I received this little ray of sunshine in the mail from my mum and sister. Doesn't this butter yellow colour just conjur up images of cupcakes and lemon meringue? I can't help but envision trays and trays of pretty pastel cupcakes scattered across my kitchen floor while I'm standing by my new mixer with a spatula in one hand and the tail of my Marchesa in the other. Is it obvious how much of a Tim Walker fan I am? 

As if splurging on a little birthday treat wasn't enough. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my mail to find the sweetest little thank you note from the wonderful staff at Nordies. That just goes to show, true style stems from the heart.

Throwing my first brunch of the year with ample sweet treats and sushi. None of which are very brunchy but together makes up the perfect feast, a healthy main followed by decadent dessert. Oh and let's not forget the most important component of brunch- champagne! 

I don't know why people frown upon child labour. Little hands are wonderful for peeling garlic! These little pungent balls of fun have been wonderful at keeping my kids entertained for no end. All of a sudden my little energizer bunnies are transformed into focused little workers.

By now every blogger I know has now some form of Prabal Gurung for Target in their closet. When you look at it you understand why it was such a popular collection. Punchy graphics in wearable styles at an affordable price, this may just be the best designer collab Target has put together. For me, the best part was the shoes. Every style was a nod to it's designer doppleganger making it affordable to achieve runway looks for the every girl.  I only wish they didn't sell out so fast. 

Friday's Fancies

Signing off early this week in preparation for Chinese New Year. I'm anticipating a day filled with frenzied cleaning and non-stop cooking in time for the traditional New Year's Eve feast on saturday. To anyone else out there celebrating, I hope your weekend is full of good food, good company and lots of red pockets (in the sense that you'll be receiving and not giving, ha!). Here's a few photos to sum up the week. Happy friday!

A new read my wonderful cousin sent over for my birthday, accompanied by the sweetest note. After a quick flip through and I am already mesmerized by Coco's photos and Karl Largerfeld's original drawings. 

Welcome to music city, Nashville. This is one of my favourite views of the city seen from the interstate. It's amazing what a glorious sunset does for the city and the soul. 

Absolutely in love with opaque white mani's lately. They not only match with absolutely everything, but is also flattering on all skin types and provides the perfect contrast to your outfit. The perfect non-colour, no? The colour here is Blanc by Essie. 

Highlight of this week was taking the kids to watch their dad parachute out of a c17. This was the first time they've gone to watch where they were actually aware of their surroundings. Needless to say, the rest of the day was filled with excited chatter about planes and parachutes and dad. 

I recently came across giant-sized Pocky at my local asian supermarket and let me tell you, my world has completely changed! 

Friday's Fancies: Birthday Lustlist

Happy Friday friends. Today, being the official start of February also marks the start of my birthday month. With that being said, I thought I'd change up my usual friday's fancies this week and showcase a few items I haven't been able to get out of my head lately (you know that feeling). In preparation for my birthday month, I've been spending a considerable amount of time perusing all the delightful goodies the internet has offered up. So husband, if you're reading this, anything from the list would be just dandy, anything really!

I have been madly in love with Celine's Trio bags for the longest time. Aren't they just perfection in their minimalist design? No studs or spikes, no metallic hardware, no chains, a barely-there logo and soft buttery leather. Just perfect. When I finally started getting serious about investing in one, out comes the soft rolled trios to mess with my head. So help me out, which do you prefer? And more importantly, what colour?

>> Celine Trio $890 not available online

If I do end up only getting one item from this lust list, it will most likely be these Tibi shoes. Any petite statured female can attest to the magical leg lengthening ability of a little nude shoe. The fact that these have an ankle strap, and not just any ankle strap but a clear one is just sheer genius. Now you have the added comfort of a strapped pump without the visual leg chopped-in-half effect from your usual strappy shoes. I think these just might be the closest shoes ever made for achieving that floating barbie foot effect, as coined by Rumi Neely.

>>Tibi Daria pumps $430 available here

Balmain always gets it right. While I'm loving the fact that black and white is going to be huge this Spring/Summer, it's these Balmain striped pants that I just can't get out of my head. So far I've yet to come across a high street version that lives up to these Balmain ones with it's perfectly placed stripes and a touch of moto detail.

>>Balmain stripe jeans $2038 available here

Every year I make it a point to buy myself a new birthday frock. A quick browse easily results in a dozen pretty dresses but nothing really stood out to me, that was until I came across this gorgeous Etoile Isabel Marant number. It's easy breezy shape and embroidered porcelain like print has me day dreaming of sunny brunches and mimosas.

>>Etoile Isabel Marant Daryl dress $498 available here

Beautiful fresh-faced make up at Elie Saab's couture show this year. I love the dewy blush eye shadow with matching lips and va va voom lashes. Okay, okay who am I kidding, it's clear that I'm loving everything blush and black at the moment. Like the cozy street style outfit above, blush accents with a black and white palette, so pretty and perfect in it's simplicity. 

Friday's Fancies

It was really great getting to learn that little bit extra about each of you in my previous post. To be honest, I didn't think so many of you would come forward to reveal what a major role books have played in your lives, so thank you for sharing.

Another week has come and gone, despite the four day weekend, this week has felt exceptionally long. It probably had something to do with the frigid weather we've been experiencing and the early onset of cabin fever. This weekend is going to be all about eating, sleeping and exploring. Who's with me?

Dark and gloomy mornings call for a breakfast by candlelight naturally. Lately I've been waking up craving hummus and pretzels, I mean it does fulfil all the requirements for a complete meal am I right? Protein (hummus)... carbs (pretzels)... dairy (coffee)... am I forgetting something? 

A pretty jeweled Ted Baker collar from my sister that I've yet to wear. I can't wait till it warms so I can layer it over tees and sweaters without the added bulky coat. 

Too cold to leave the house this week and today was no exception. Has the thought of licking icicles ever crossed anyone's mind? ... not that I spend every winter thinking about it. Really!

I couldn't help ordering Kate Spade's new coffee table book for myself.  I must admit, the gold gilded page edges was what originally sold me, but when the book arrived in the prettiest pink tissue paper that was custom designed for the book, I knew I was onto something. Packaging does makes everything. 

 

Sometimes I think my toddler has a better wardrobe than I do. She's been clashing prints and colourblocking ever since birth. Never mind the mixed matched socks, corny slogan tees, and the odd food stains.

Friday's Fancies: Things that make me smile

Happy friday, I hope your first full week of the year has been off to a great start. The girls and I are settling nicely back home in Tennessee. While I don't have as many beautiful scenic snaps like what I had in Australia, here's a look at a few things that are making me smile this friday.

New take on old nursery rhymes. This book exposes toddlers and the like to the wonders of Louboutins, Nobu, Bolly, Krug and Premier Cru. Pretty sure this book is going to come back and bite me in the butt. My favourite rhyme from the book- 'Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been? I've been to London to visit McQueen. Pussycat, pussycat, what did you there? I bought the collection and kissed lots of air.' 

A whimsical neon bow bracelet I chanced upon at a boutique store by the sea. It's finding little gems like this in unexpected places that brighten my day.  

While Pockys (those Japanese choc dipped cookies on a stick) and I go way back, I've only recently discovered how even more delicious they become when dipped in milk. The only downside is wrestling over them with the kids.

Subdued with a tinge of colour, this winter I'm all about nails that look polished and refined. I recently picked up these Essie colours for my sister. The dark wine is a nice departure from your usual bold red lacquers. 

Imagine my delight when I came across these ready made box mix macarons at the supermarket!  For anyone who has ever attempted to bake these tiny delights from scratch, you'll know how difficult and frustrating they can be. The evil genius of Adriano Zumbo has taken all the guess work out of macaron making so you can spend less time worrying baking and more time eating. See what I mean about evil?

Friday's Fancies: Reliving Christmas

Well Christmas may have come and gone but I still refuse to say good-bye. Those few days out of the year are the only ones where you can feast without judgement, shop like there's no tomorrow and drink like a fish, all while spending it with your nearest and dearest whom you never get to see enough of. Is it just me, or does everyone seem a little lonelier come January? The new year may have officially started but that doesn't mean I can't hold onto those moments just a tad bit longer. Especially when they remind me of such warmer weather. Note to self, spend Christmas in Australia whenever possible. I promise after this post, there will be no more mention of all this bah humbug well, at least not for the next 12 months. For now, please indulge me for a moment.  

Spending a rare Christmas together with both my sister and cousin (who's like a sister as well). The last time we spent the holidays together was well over five years ago. Though life takes us on different directions (and continents) it's good to know that we will always have each other. Anyone who's ever had a sister will understand how strong that bond is.

Ah presents, definitely a highlight. So much effort each year goes into the funding, the brainstorming, the actual shopping, then the wrapping, the embellishing and finally, the unwrapping. But you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way. There's no better feeling than watching loved ones open gifts that you've carefully hand selected and wrapped. 

Not wanting to be outdone by my scrumptious turkey (or so I tell myself). In walks my mum on Christmas morning with 4 dozen fresh oysters, 2 kgs of rock lobster and the biggest wild caught barramundi anyone had ever seen. I'm almost sure that fish was older than both my daughters combined. Needless to say, Christmas dinner was spectacular this year. 

This sign makes me giddy, don't ask me why. Every time I see it, I feel like a little kid getting cookies ready for Santa. I don't even remember how many detours I've taken last month just so I could see it. Please tell me I'm not the only one that does things like this.   

It just isn't a party unless you're wearing a paper hat. Someone really should make Christmas bon-bons (or Christmas cracker) mainstream in America and save me the trouble of ordering from the UK or Australia. 

Friday's Fancies

Phew it's been a while since my last friday's fancies post. That's what being on extended holidays does to you. These past couple weeks have been a blur of marathon shopping trips, days at the beach, catching up with old friends and now the dreaded packing for our long journey home begins. These four months in Australia have been wonderful to say the least. I cannot believe in a short two weeks we will be making our 30 hour flight back home again. In the meantime I'm going to kick back and enjoy as much sun as I can. Blogging will have to wait.

It's cookie season! I'm looking forward to sharing some wonderful holiday treat recipes with you in the coming weeks.  

Rainy day fun, playing dress up with the girls. Who knew you could have so much fun with an eyebrow pencil and a little eyeshadow?

You're probably getting tired of all my beach photos on Instagram by now, but you'll have to bear with me just a little longer. Soon I will be back in my landlocked state day dreaming of the sun sea and sand.

Loving my sister's casual chic style. Note to self, rummage through her closet next time she's out.

No other store has ever been more appropriately named than this. It also helps that they make the meanest bowl of pho. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in town. 
    

Friday's Fancies

Happy friday friends! It's been a week of races (horse racing that is) here in this city. You may not know this, but it's kind of a big deal around here. Picture the Kentucky Derby with an Australian accent and it's very own public holiday! You heard me, apparently Australians take sporting so seriously that we've even created public holidays around them. Over here we call it the Melbourne Cup. I never did get around to placing a wager, but that was probably a good thing. Turns out the horse I was going to bet on ran slower this year because he put on a bit of weight. Ha, who knew horses could also commit gluttony. Aside from not attending Melbourne Cup, here's a few snaps from life this week.

An elegant and understated wedding invitation consisting of black ink on kraft paper with coloured twine and succulents. Just the look of this invite alone gets me excited. I love my friend's sense of style and can't wait to see all the details she's planned for her big day.  

My kids get in trouble big time when I catch them vandalising walls at home. I guess taking them around admiring street art probably doesn't help my cause. Maybe if their doodles resembled something like this then I wouldn't mind so much. 

Nothing says 'Australia' like pairing flip-flops (or thongs as we would call them) with everything. I think this photo pretty much sums up our approach to life i.e. relax and take it easy.

Would you prefer 1. green-tea cake with white chocolate ganache or 2. vanilla cake with elderflower icing and fresh strawberries or 3. lemon cake with layers of lemon curd and raspberries? These were just a few cakes my sister recently made for a cake tasting. Since I like to share so much, I'm going to steal her recipes to post on my blog. So tell me, which should I make?

My googly eyed, button nosed baby girl has officially graduated into a toddler. This week she stopped limping around like a zombie on stilts and now walks just like you and I.