Details to die for

The most gorgeous wedding details I've ever seen. Thanks to Cynthia Martyn Events. To view all of this gorgeousness, click here.

More party inspiration

I'm at the business end of collecting bits and pieces to finish off my collection for Olivia's 6th birthday.

Here is a little eye candy that is inspiring me at the moment.

Image credits: 1st row both image source unknown 2nd row deer, dessert table, squirrel 3rd row Cake Tracey Lau, fairy door, felt mushroom terrarium

Mini glass bottles

You heard it here first die hard party fanatics .............. the place to go for these adorable little glass bottles that I used here:

and here

drum roll please.................

Woolworths! Yes you heard correctly, Woolworths/Safeway. They are a little glass bottle filled with peach or apricot nectar by Santa Vittoria. Who would have guessed hey?

I also use them as vases. Just pop one or two stems in and viola!

Image 1, 3 & 4 Sharnel Dollar, Image 2 Leanne Stamatellos (Olivia's 5th Birthday 2009)

More Hawaiian magic

View from our suite at Fairmont Orchid on The Big Island.

One of the three turtles we had the pleasure of swimming with each day.

Private hula lesson for the kids!

Peekaboo Magazine - Circus Party

Here is the Circus Party I put together recently for Peekaboo Magazine.

Thank you to the wonderful suppliers and retailers that helped out with product for the shoot.

Strawberry Soiree

Pop on over to Glorious Treats for one the prettiest of Strawberry themed parties I've seen.

I absolutely adore this one from Cakewalk too.

Click on links to view all images of these pretty parties.

I think these mini lunchboxes would work perfectly with both of these parties. Now, where to find them? Anyone got any ideas?

UPDATE: The handled favour boxes can be purchased from The Container Store.

Image source Martha Stewart

Back home from hospital

A little bump in the road last week with an unexpected visit to the emergency room. A few days and a laparoscopic appendectomy later, I'm home safe and sound albeit a little sore and sorry for myself.

I am so thankful for the lovely friends that helped out with the kids and others that offered. It's so reassuring to know that you have others to lean on when you are in need.

Here are some more Hawaii photos to brighten my day. P.S. Wishing I was still in Hawaii at the moment!

A few trips to the Lego shop at Ala Moana made for some happy kids.

A few trips to RL made for a happy Mamma!!

I loved this adorable children's settee at Ralph Lauren.

My own little 'ralph girl' at breakfast. She hardly took her new dress off.

This is where we spent every afternoon.

My two little hula's

Let's start at the very beginning

a very good place to start ........

Well we are home and starting to feel a little more normal after the journey back from Hawaii. Thought you might like to see some happy snaps from our family holiday.

We loved every bit of Hawaii and I'll share some info on where we stayed and what we loved the most.

Right off the plane and into a limo taxi. The kids thought this was so cool. I felt like a hooker.

We check into the Westin Moana Surfrider and we are greeted with this view from our room. Breathtaking.

These were right below us. Very Gidget like!

Perry was kind enough to take the kids for a few hours while I had a much needed nap. And boy did I sleep hard. Tip for anyone thinking of flying Hawaiian Air - DON'T! Dodgy brothers are us. We are very lucky to have such a great airline here in Australia, Qantas that is.

The Moana Surfrider is a gorgeous hotel, in a great location with plenty on offer for everyone. Being a Westin hotel you know you are going to have a dreamy nights sleep. There is nothing like a Westin bed ..... heavenly.

I'll post more on our trip in the next few days ...... great to be home. x

Aloha!

Well only one more sleep till we depart for beautiful Hawaii. I can't tell you how excited I am to be going on holiday. First reason is we've never been to Hawaii and most of our holidays are spent in Africa. Whilst I love Africa, I haven't felt this sort of anticipation in quite awhile.

Our children are also bursting to go. Olivia wants to learn how to hula dance and William seems to be focused on the hotel!

I'm also looking forward to a little shopping! It's been a while since I've been to the USA, last time I was seven months pregnant with a 15 month old in toe. Shopping wasn't on the radar. This time however, is a whole new story. I'm hoping to find some props for my event styling business, plus lots of clothes for the kidlets.

See you on our return!

Photo courtesy of Leanne Stamatellos Photography