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. 

Bows, Blooms and Balloons

I still cannot believe my baby girl is turning the big One in two weeks time. Soon I'm going to have two full grown toddlers running around the house, *faints.  I've posted before about throwing a Red Balloon themed party for her. I just love the images a simple red balloon conjures up. A feeling of hope, of love, of childhood and dreams. It's the perfect theme for a first birthday. 

Aside from the red balloon, I'm also picturing lots of ivory, gold and pastels, with a pop of red. Think Marie Antoinette meets shabby chic. Here's a look at what I've got planned for her big day. Most of these images can be found on my Pinterest. Make sure to follow me there if you're anywhere as obsessed with food and party planning as I am. 

 

Party Food

One of the main features of any party is always the food. Here, I am envisioning an opulent dessert table, think Marie Antoinette "Let Them Eat Cake" with decadent cupcakes, pastel macarons, candy covered popcorn and stenciled sugar cookies. As for savory foods I'm leaning towards more casual fair with paper wrapped sandwiches, bite sized appetizers and a fruit and veg buffet. 

Party Decor

If I had to come up with a name to describe my vision for the decor I'd have to call it shabby glam. Although those two words combined seem like a contradiction of each other. I'm feeling inspired by sequin filled glass vases, favors in stamped muslin bags, ombre garlands, chandeliers as cupcake holders, and lots and lots of pastels with gold accents.

Birthday Cake

I love the idea of a smash cake alongside a regular sized cake for guests. We had one when my older child turned one and it was a huge success. I'm really loving all the mini cakes popping up all over Pinterest. Right now I'm leaning towards a pink ombre smash cake with buttercream frosting topped with a gold leaf bow. And for the guest cake, a delicate two tiered white ruffle cake with mini birthday bunting and an asymmetric red felt balloon. 

Birthday Wishes

For the main event I'm thinking of having each guest write a message on a red balloon and then fill it with helium. As soon as my little girl blows out her birthday candle, all the balloons will be released into the air filling the sky with a red cloud of well wishes.  

Friday's Fancies

Is anyone else as excited about the weekend as I am? It's been a long week, I spent the past few days feeling unwell and curled up on the couch. My girls surprised me by keeping to themselves and only bothering me for food or naptime. But now that the weekend is approaching I'm miraculously feeling better and ready for some lazy days under the sun. TGIF! xx

It's been two months since I first started camo meets couture. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I first started but I'm glad I did. Not only have I come across some amazing stylists and incredible women but the highlight of my blogging experience so far is the friendships forged with fellow bloggers. Thank you to everyone for visiting and leaving all your encouraging comments.

Recycled glass bottles, flowers from the supermarket, there's something about a shabby chic table setting that's so delightful in all it's unpretentiousness.

I pass this little red barn almost everyday, it's especially beautiful in the summertime surrounded by a sea of green. I make sure I slow down whenever I pass by, it's rustic simplicity gets me every time.

I don't know what everyone else thinks, but to me abandoned buildings just beckon to be explored. It's probably full of hobos and druggies but I'm always up for an adventure. Actually this one looks rather lovely with it's retro signage. 

I am absolutely infatuted with Jeni's Splendid Icecream. Every time I go I make sure I try a new flavour alongside my favourite, salty caramel. For those who don't live near a brick and mortar store, great news you can even order online!

Friday's Fancies

Isn't this glitter polish just so fun and girly? I love it used on alternating fingers as an accent colour. By Essie- Off the Shoulder (pink) and Set In Stone (glitter).

My go-to meal for the summer season. Delicious cold noodles garnished with seaweed, sesame seeds and a dipping sauce on the side with a little wasabi for that extra kick. 

I do not know what I did before these three little gems came into my life. Girl Meets Pearl gives the skin a nice warm glow, High Beam illuminates facial features and Posie Tint for a lovely natural blush. Thank you Benefit. 

My wonderful husband spoils me. Thank you for making me a mother. 

Is there nothing more precious than watching children be children? Forever young xx

Friday's fancies

Nothing is more lovely than coming across a field of wild flowers. 

Nail colour Nice is Nice by Essie.

Finally warm enough to let my baby girl play in the rain. Simple joys. 

Nothing says warm weather like a bucket full of fresh strawberries.

My baby girl ran over beaming with pride and placed this tiny flower into my hand. 

Friday's fancies

Button envy. I bet these would look great on a blazer of mine. 

My family in a nutshell.

Homemade fried rice- shrimp, dried scallops, egg white and broccoli.

With sunshine comes road trips.

Welcoming spring to my garden.