Giveaway - Personalised signed copy of Amy Atlas' new book

Yes you read correctly, we are giving away a personalised signed copy of Amy's new book (due for release in April 2012) Sweet Designs.

Amy has kindly offered to personally sign a copy of her book for you, my very very special blog readers.

As you know Amy was the inspiration behind my business. She took time out of her busy schedule back in July 2009 to write to me and give me much needed business advice. Thank you for being my mentor Amy and helping me on my own creative journey.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment here on this blog post telling me how Amy has inspired you in your life. I'm sure Amy will love reading all your stories (as will I).

Please note that the winner will most likely receive their signed copy in April/June 2012.

One entry per person. Entries will close Sunday, 5th February 2012 and the winner will be announced here on the blog.

Goodluck each and everyone of you! And if you would like to pro-order a copy you can do here at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

First dessert table of the year

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a great New Year whatever you did. We had some friends over for a BBQ, the kids swam and we were all in bed by 10pm.

As you may have heard I've decided to close down the retail side of my business to concentrate on styling and my family. I just can't do it all, I'm certainly not a superwoman. So the shop drew the short straw. I absolutely loved sourcing all the products for my shop and really loved seeing how my customers used them in their own parties and celebrations. Yes I'm a little sad but I'm also excited about what lies ahead this year. I have some fabulous jobs on the horizon and can't wait to share them with you.

Today I created this all white dessert table for Julie and Dean's wedding held at The Strand at Rugby Quay. Dean is a dentist so Julie requested that we incorporate lolly teeth into the design.

A huge thank you to all the vendors that worked with me on this.

The Lemony Cupcake - Coconut Stacks, Chocolates, Marshmallow Pops, Choc Pretzels.

Authentic French Macarons - Macarons

Cakes by Simone - Cupcakes and cake

Style Me Gorgeous - all artwork for labels and chocolate bar wraps

Sharnel Dollar Designs - Styling, design and photography

Have a fabulous New Year

Photo Sharnel Dollar Designs

How we celebrated Christmas Day

Here is a little peek into how we celebrated Christmas this year. It was just the four of us so we opted for casual fun!

The kids woke at 5.45am and managed to play with Santa's presents until 7am then we all gathered around the tree and exchanged gifts.

Our lunch was very relaxed. Ham, moreton bay bugs and salads. Dessert was so delicious, a simple banoffee trifle.

How did you celebrate the day?

Glitz and Glam and NYE

Earlier this month I designed a festive New Years Eve table for the ezine produced by My Little Jedi. Thank you to Amy Atlas for featuring it today on her blog.

The gorgeous cake, cookies and cupcakes where made by the super talented Coby from The Lemony Cupcake here in Brisbane.

Photography by Sharnel Dollar Designs

Traditions - Gingerbread House Decorating

Only 2 more sleeps until (in the words of Michael Buble) the big fat man with the long white beard arrives.

We have been busy doing nothing really. Lots of visits to the park, Manly Esplanade, kite flying, swims, morning teas with friends and sending off the last orders before Christmas.

One of our family traditions is building and decorating a gingerbread house. There is something so magical about it isn't there? Like you are in your very own version of Hansel and Gretel.

Here is Olivia and William's finished house. Absolutely no help from Mum. One year I will do my own. I dream about it. What lollies to decorate with, where I would place them. What sort of roof I would make. Maybe next year?

I hope everyone is enjoying the lead up to Christmas. We are having a very quiet day here. Just the four of us enjoying each others company. Lunch will be ham and seafood (bugs and prawns!) and salads. Perry has requested a trifle. Easy. Trifle is such an unrated dessert in my opinion. It's up there with pavlova. Dead set winners in my humble opinion.

Mini Picnic Baskets

Our miniature picnic baskets are now available and are making quite an impression. From a small garden picnic to a sophisticated garden wedding. They are sold in a set of 6. Available here now.

Holiday Cheer

Ivy & Piper Christmas Drinks

On Wednesday night I had the pleasure in attending the Ivy & Piper Christmas Cocktail Party held at their beautiful newly refurbished showroom.

Thank you Mel and Liz for such a lovely evening. Here are a few iphone pics from the night.

Divine blooms everywhere!

Judy from Judy Elloitt Interiors, moi and Melinda from Lily G.

Thea, Judy, Melinda, Jessie and Lauren.

Love that middle cushion!

Peach Bellini's for all

What's a party without a cupcake?

All the fabulous people where there

A little (and gorgeous I have to add) little parting gift from the Ivy & Piper girls.

Vintage Wreath update

So you might remember back to this post a few years ago where I posted about the vintage bauble wreath I had made. Well it's taken a few years of collecting but I'm finally really happy with how it looks. A few more baubles next year and we will be done and dusted!