Emma aime

At the Movies: Midnight in Paris

2012-02-17T08:56:00.002+11:00

Well what do you know, no film reviews for a year and then two in two weeks! The hubby and I had a lazy Wednesday watching movies. We went for a 1920's theme and watched both Midnight in Paris and The Artist (which I will also be reviewing soon!)

Midnight in Paris tells the story of Gil (played by Owen Wilson) a successful Hollywood writer who is struggling to make the cross over from screen writer to novelist. Gil holds a great nostalgia for Paris in the 1920's so when Gil's fiancee Inez' (Rachel McAdams) parents travel to Paris for business the couple tag along. It soon becomes apparent that the couple want completely different things.

The fun starts when Gil takes a midnight stroll around the city only to be picked up at midnight in an old Peugeot by Scot Fitzgerald to the 1920s where Gil meets Cole Porter, The Fitzgeralds, Hemingway, Josephine Barker, Dali and a whole host of other artists of the era including Adrianna the mistress of Picasso who catches Gils eye.

I absolutely adored this movie and found it simply enchanting. The hubby and I especially liked playing 'guess the 1920s bohemian' so all through the movie was cries of 'that's Hemingway' 'that's Cole Porter' 'that's Josephine Barker'. The movie was definitely cutesier than I imagined from the trailer and I'm still not sure I like Owen Wilson as an actor but I still loved every bit of it.

By the by this movie made me fall in love with Paris again. If i'm honest I think I may just be in love with Paris in the movies and I know from experience its not like that in real life!

Midnight in Paris is out at cinemas now but in the meantime enjoy the trailer:

Spreets Competition

2012-02-16T19:29:00.000+11:00

With the recession leaving us with little spare change in our pockets we're all looking for ways to enjoy time out for less. That's why I joined Spreets.com.au. Spreets is a website that offers fantastic deals on a number of goods and services including Health, Fitness, Beauty and loads more!

Today I'm teaming up with Spreets.com.au to offer one lucky winner a $25 gift voucher to use on any of Spreet's Daily Deals. To win all you have to do is tell me what you would spend your $25 Spreets voucher on by commenting below. You can check out Daily Deals Sydney for some inspiration and the most creative answer will win the voucher. The prize will be drawn on 1st March 2012 so get your answers in soon for a chance at this fab prize!

Valentines Day on the Sydney Showboat

2012-02-15T10:49:00.000+11:00

The Hubby and I spend our valentines night being entertained by Sydney Showboats. The Hubby's Mum had got us vouchers for Christmas for the showboat so we put them to good use and booked for Valentines Day.
The boats themselves are beautiful old paddle steamers that have been fully refurbished top suit the show requirements.

As we cruised around the harbor at a leisurely pace taking in the beautiful sights of the Opera house and bridge we were treated to a delicious 3 course meal starting with an entree platter of smoked salmon rolls, Tandoori spiced chicken drumettes & chilli garlic prawns. For mains I had Northern rivers prime veal cutlet with mushroom and ricotta tart while the hubby got oven roasted chicken breast with asparagus, porcini mushrooms, mash & champagne cream. Dessert was a gorgeous platter of vanilla bean panacotta, rich chocolate cake and heavenly tiramisu.

After dinner we were treated to a wonderful show of dazzling dancers, fantastic costuming and fabulous vocal numbers.

All in all it was a wonderful way to spend valentines day!

Prices for cruises start at $100 a head and include a 3 hour cruise with 3 course meal, wine, beer and all soft drinks and the fabulous showboats show! You can book your ticket here

What Emma Did - 12th February 2012

2012-02-13T04:39:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Taking a roadtrip to the Southern Highlands to pick up a mid century modern sideboard we bought on ebay
♥ Catching up with the UN girlies for a spot of lunch
♥ Going shopping for yet more homewears and DIY items
♥ Watching the new series of Misfits
♥ Giving my wardrobes a makeover

At the Movies: The Muppets

2012-02-10T11:06:00.001+11:00

The Hubby and I watched the new Muppet movie this week. Having grown up watching muppet movies and Muppets Tonight on TV I have to say this movie did not disappoint. I love everything about it from the staged musical numbers to the pseudo 50's styling and the tongue in cheek humor.

The film tells the story of Walter a Muppet growing up in Smalltown with his brother Gary (Jason Seagal). Walter and Gary are avid Muppet fans growing up so when they get the chance to visit the Muppet Theatre on a trip to LA (along with Garys long suffering neglected girlfriend Mary played by Amy Adams) they jump at the chance. However when Walter inadvertently finds out that rich oil baron Tex Richman (Gary Cooper) plans to buy the dilapidated theatre and demolish it to dig for oil underneath Walter, Gary and Mary go on a roadtrip to ~~get the band back together~~ reunite the Muppets and put on a telethon to raise the $10,000,000 the Muppets need to buy the theatre.

One of my favourite things about the movie was all the gorgeous outfits Amy Adams got to wear so here are a few shots of them:

Von Follies for Target

2012-02-07T20:19:00.003+11:00

If you're looking for a fab valentines present for your favourite vintage lady then check out Dita Von Teese's new underwear range Von Follies at Target. The range features some beautiful vintage inspired pieces in sizes up to an E cup. The pieces are very well priced with bras at approximately $40 and undies around the $20 mark.

Von Follies is available tomorrow in stores and online at Designers for Target but for today I leave you with this fab pictures of the range:

What Emma Did - 5th February 2012

2012-02-06T18:23:00.000+11:00

I didn't have time to blog yesterday as I spend most of the day putting together flat packs from Ikea so this week I have been:

♥  Buying a new sofa at Ikea
♥  Meeting up with the Purple Fairy for a spot of lunch
♥  Going for a girly night out with Tinkerbell and the Purple Fairy
♥  Spending way to many hours playing My Sims Kingdom on the Wii

January's Old Hat Social

2012-01-30T19:11:00.004+11:00

Last Sunday was the Old Hat's January social. It was a beautifully sunny day so we all met at Tim's house for a spot of afternoon tea. We had a wonderfully lazy afternoon and it was lovely to finally meet everyone after failing to make a single Old Hat meetup last year! Here's a few piccies from the day:

What Emma Did - 29th January 2012

2012-01-28T11:33:00.001+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Purchasing a fabulous sideboard for the bargain price of $15!
♥ Having my oldest nephew over to stay for a few days
♥ Coming home to a gorgeous chicken cordon bleu made by the hubby
♥ Contemplating getting my haircut like Elizabeth Taylor in the piccy above
♥ Watching Hoodwinked Too with the hubby

Emma aime in the Kitchen: Damper

2012-01-26T12:57:00.020+11:00

Dampers are traditional Australian soda bread prepared by by swagmen, drovers, stockmen and other travelers. It consists of a wheat flour based bread, traditionally baked in the coals of a campfire. Damper is an iconic Australian dish. Damper was traditionally made in a cast-iron pot with a lid, called a "camp oven". The entire pot was either covered in hot wood coals or the camp oven was placed in a hole in the ground and surrounded with hot wood coals. It was usually served with tea made in a billy over the camp fire.

Ingredients:
450g (3 cups) self-raising flour
Pinch of salt
80g butter, chilled, cubed
185ml (3/4 cup) water

Method:
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the water to the flour mixture and use a round-bladed knife in a cutting motion to mix until the mixture just comes together, adding 1-2 tbs extra water if the mixture is a little dry. Use your hands to bring the mixture together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into an 18cm disc and place on tray.
Use a sharp knife that has been dipped in flour to mark 8 wedges on top.
Dust the damper with a little extra flour and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the damper is cooked through and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
Transfer to a wire rack for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

recipe courtesy of taste.com.au

Two Ways to Wear: Paprika Embroidered Bra Top

2012-01-26T11:55:00.000+11:00

I recently bought this super cute Paprika Embroidered Bra Top after I saw it on Andi B. Goode's blog. I contacted Andi to see where she had bought it and she very kindly posted the link. You can see how Andi styles it here (which is super cute btw!) but here is how I would wear it:

Home Shopping Wishlist for 2012

2012-01-25T11:33:00.001+11:00

The blog has been pretty quiet this year as I have been spending most of my free time working on our new unit. Most of the big jobs are done now but there are still hundreds (or so it feels!) of small jobs that need finishing up. So with that in mind I have compiled a list of items I want to buy to finish off the place. I was inspired by pictures of the Museum of '51 held at the Southbank Centre in London (more info can be found here)

Greenington Currant Sideboard, $1,659
Pair of figural atomic table lamps with original s : Lot 160
Retro Bullet Retro Bullet Planter, $160
George Nelson Vitra Collection - Multicoloured Ball Clock, $307
Arch 1-light Polished Steel/ Chrome Floor Lamp | Overstock.com, $67
Outré Gallery - Exhibitions - PREVIOUSLY:: March 2011: Matte Stephens...
Noguchi Coffee Table - Natural - Buy the Glass Coffee Tables and...

What Emma Did - 22nd January 2012

2012-01-24T11:40:00.000+11:00

I'm very late posting this section this week so without further ado this week I have been:
♥ Doing yet more DIY work around the unit (will it ever end!)
♥ Packing a picnic and spending the afternoon rowing around Audley with the Purple Fairy and our nephews
♥ Doing some martial arts training with the hubby and the boys from the bakery
♥ Booking a fabulous cabaret cruise for Valentines day
♥ Shopping for a vintage portable turntable after being inspired by the one the lovely Jesse of like Johnny and June owns
♥ Having a gorgeous lazy Sunday afternoon tea at Tim's (also of like Johnny and June) house and meeting the lovely people of the Old Hat

Spotted: Is this the new Fleur Dress?

2012-01-21T08:37:00.000+11:00

This pictured popped up in my inbox today on Shona's 'In the Heyday' newsletter. With Fleur herself mentioning a new Heyday Fleur dress design last week I'm wondering if this is it. It seems we will have to wait until Spring to find out but if it is I will be sure to grab on for myself as I adore cherries on anything!

What Emma Did - 15th January 2012

2012-01-15T11:30:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Getting a lot more DIY done around the unit
♥ Going to see Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girls at the Factory Theatre
♥ Going shopping at Ikea and DFO and buying some new Oakley sunglasses
♥ Having the car break down on us halfway home from Homebush!

Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girls

2012-01-13T08:57:00.029+11:00

Last night the Hubby and I went to An Evening with Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girls at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville. For the first time the stars of the Hurly Burly Burlesque have come downunder and are bringing the unique brand of bawdy burlesque.

The first half features mother superior Polly Rae and her naughty nuns including the fire eating Miss Kitty Bang Bang, balloon popping goody two shoes Katie Ella and many other fabulous acts from the Hurly Burly girls set to a whole host of modern songs with a burlesque twist. The first half ends with a bawdy number by Polly which has the audience up out of their seats and learning what burlesque is really about!

And the second half is equally as fabulous with some fantastically hilarious numbers including lets get physical and a fab flash dance inspired number by Miss Sarah-Lou. There were also two fabulous performances by token boylesque performer the Amazing Ari who performed on the lyra and silks.

Overall the night was a fabulously fun show that brings a great new twist to classic burlesque. This review does not do the show justice so catch it for yourself. It is on at the Factory Theatre for the next two nights. Tickets are available here.

And for now here is a sneak peak of the show:

What Emma Did - 8th January 2012

2012-01-08T10:35:00.002+11:00

My first attempt at cake decorating is a bit 'rustic'

Its the first 'What Emma Did' of 2012. I took a few weeks off over Christmas and new year but 'What Emma Did' is back! So without further ado, this week I have been:

♥ Enjoying the sunshine with a nice picnic in the park behind our unit
♥ Making a cake for the Hubby's Birthday
♥ Taking the Hubby out to dinner at Rockpool for his birthday (you can read about it here)
♥ Going to watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows which was fantastic by the way
♥ Heading over to see the Purple Fairy and spending the afternoon drinking tea and playing board games
♥ Waving my Sister and her Boyfriend off as they're now on their way back to the UK
♥ Having dinner with the Hubby at my favourite pie and mash shop
♥ Planning to head into the city to check out the Sydney Festival First Night but then being too tired!

Emma aime in the Kitchen: Christmas Pudding Ice-cream

2012-01-06T10:48:00.000+11:00

Photo courtesy of Recycle for Dorset as we scarfed our

ice-cream before I had chance to take photos!

Christmas was a lovely hot day so instead of slaving over a hot stove the hubby and I prepared a cold Christmas dinner with cold turkey, potato salad and salad. For pudding I made a Christmas pudding ice-cream. Its super easy to make (if you have an ice-cream maker) and fantastic for a hot day.

Ingredients:
Christmas pudding
250ml single cream
a shot of brandy

Method:
Cut the Christmas pudding into bit site chunks
Place the cream and shot of brandy into the ice-cream maker
Add the Christmas pudding to the ice-cream maker
Mix as per manufacturers instructions

Serving suggestion: place ice-cream in a pudding basin and turn out so it looks like a real pudding add a sprig of holly to the top for that festive touch!

Birthday Dinner at Rockpool

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000+11:00

Last night was the Hubby's birthday so we went to Rockpool for dinner. Rockpool is located in a quaint building in the Rocks. The interior has a modern light and airy but decadent feel to it with a runway leading up to the dinning area.

As for the food we picked from the 4 course tasting menu. We both choose Glazed pig’s head, hot and sour gluten, sugar glazed jujubes and hazelnuts for first course followed by Lacquered Pekin duck, gizzard, liver and heart, orange ginger marmalade and Earl Grey sauce. For third course we both went for the Rangers Valley beef short rib, braised and barbecued, mao po doufo and bone marrow xiao long bao. I went for the Date tart for dessert but Simon opted for Vacherin of pandan custard, coconut parfait, jasmine sorbet and lime granita.

Before the main meal came out we were treated to a beautiful spelt and honey bread which was so good we had a second cob! There was also a canape of Queensland spanner crab, toast, Tabasco mayonnaise, peach leaf jelly. As i'm not a fan of fish I didn't eat mine but Simon loved it and said it was a beautiful smokey flavoured crab with a lovely light mayonnaise that was almost like a cold souffle.

The first course of glazed pig head was absolutely delicious. The pig was a tureen of the snout, ears and cheeks that practically melted in the mouth. The hot and sour sauce was delicious if slightly greasy.
The second course duck was just lovely the freshness of the orange and cucumber wonderfully balanced the richness of the duck. The third course of beef was amazingly smokey but I have to say for me the smokey flavour was a little too overpowering.

And as for dessert the date tart was a wonderful classic dish. I expected it to be a little heavy but the custard was deliciously light and fluffy and the pastry base was deliciously biscuity. The only gripe I would have was that there could have been a little more date in it! Simon's vacherin was deliciously light and refreshing

And a quick note on the service which was impeccable as you would expect from a restaurant of this quality. The staff were friendly and approachable. They went out of their way to accommodate us even to the point of offering me an alternative canape when they saw I had given mine to Simon.

The Life Overhaul - Update 4th January 2012

2012-01-04T10:21:00.001+11:00

I'm continuing on with 'The Life Overhaul' in 2012 and although I've been really busy recently what with moving, having people to stay and the holiday season I am making headway on some of my goals.

Although I haven't yet built up the confidence to take a burlesque class I have signed up to Bombshell Betty's online Burlesque Challenge training course. The course runs for 12 weeks and comes in the form of weekly tutorial videos from Betty herself posted directly to your email mailbox and best of all its completely FREE!

I'll keep you updated on how I go over the next few weeks but in the meantime if you want to sign up yourself check out the website here.

Going Wild at the Zoo

2012-01-03T10:15:00.000+11:00

It occurs to me that I have posted a lot of 'Days Out' posts recently and not much else. I assure you this will be rectified soon but before it is here's one more 'Days Out' post.

In the run up to Christmas I finally got around to visiting Taronga Zoo. I've been in Sydney for 4 years and still hadn't been so when my sister came to visit I jumped at the chance of checking out more touristy sites.

Grabbing some shots on a very windy ferry

It was a little bit chilly in the morning so I wrapped up in my blue cape but by the afternoon the sun had come out and it was gloriously warm.

As for the zoo itself, well it was fantastic. I especially loved the baby tigers and those cheeky giraffes!

I'll leave you with some photos of the animals:

Pre-Christmas Tiki Party

2012-01-01T19:09:00.000+11:00

I've been so busy lately what with Christmas, trips away, my Sister visiting and various parties that I forgot to share with you piccies from the Tiki Party I threw a few weeks back as a pre-Christmas gathering of all the UN girlies.

Here's what I wore:

Tiki Dress - Lady Luck through eBay
Shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa
Hair flower - Fiji

I forgot to take any piccies but here's a few shots that my sisters boyfriend took:

Goals for 2012

2012-01-01T10:20:00.000+11:00

This year i'm continuing with my goals instead of resolutions:

January 2012
Go Para-sailing in Manly
Have dinner at Rockpool for the Hubby's Birthday
Go to Sydney Festival opening night
Go to Hurly Burly Burlesque
See IOTA Young, Hard and Solo
Go to Opera in the Domain
Go to Symphony in the Domain
Go to Lady Luck Festival - Blue Mountains
Watch some Shakespeare at the Sydney Shakespeare Festival

February 2012
Learn to Drive
See Bordello Blues at Slide
See Come to the Caberet at Slide
See My Weekend with Marilyn at Open Air Cinema
Go to Opera in the Caves
Spend a weekend in Canberra
Go to Berry / Berrimer

March 2012
Learn to ride a bike
Go to VaVoom Festival
Check our Mardi Gras
See Love Never Dies at the Capitol Theatre
See Americano Burlesque at the Vanguard
See Ross Noble in Newcastle

April 2012
Have a girls weekend at the Entrance
Try our Trapeze

May 2012
Go to Gaterbelts and Gasoline

June 2012
Check out Wintersun and Cooly Rocks On
Spend our first wedding anniversary in the Blue Mountains
Go to Winter Magic - Katoomba
See An Officer and Gentleman at the Lyric Theatre

July 2012
Learn to Knit
Get some yummy nibbles at the Good Food Show
Take a burlesque Class

August 2012
Go to Greazefest
Go to the Fifties Fair

September 2012
See the Legally Blonde musical at the Lyric Theatre

October 2012
Check out the Camperdown Cruise

November 2012
Go on holiday to New Zealand's North Island

December 2012
Have a fab Christmas new years eve!

2011 - A year in Reveiw

2011-12-30T10:30:00.062+11:00

2011 was a busy year for the hubby and I. We got married, moved house, worked hard and played hard!

Although we've both worked hard this year and I have taken on more hours we still took time out to spend time together. This year we went to see:
♥ Smoke and Mirrors
♥ Imelda May
♥ Burlesque Royale
♥ Terry Pratchett
♥ The Miss Burlesque Australia Final
♥ Hairspray
♥ The Fifties Fair
♥ The Pink Slipper Club
♥ Lost LaMour
♥ Mary Poppins
♥ The Peel

This year I concentrated on Overhauling my life and doing the things that I have put off:
♥ I started learning how to read music
♥ I tried out scuba diving and even though I couldn't get on with it I still tried!
♥ I had a fab pinup shoot with Bex of Bexterity
♥ I took my learner test and got my L's
♥ The hubby and I took up Tai Chi and have now completed our first term!
♥ In September I took a Learn to Love your sewing machine course which taught me how to use all the setting on my machine

In June we went to Fiji to get married and had a fabulous holiday. We also traveled to some nearby towns including Kiama and . I had two trips to the Blue Mountains this year - one in May with the UN girlies and more recently we spent a weekend there with my sister and her boyfriend.

I hope 2011 was a great year for you all dear readers!

Canoeing at Audley

2011-12-27T19:32:00.000+11:00

Boxing day was beautifully sunny and warm so we took advantage of the sunshine and headed to Audley to the boatshed and hired canoes for the afternoon. We took a leisurely paddle down river until we got to this waterfall and couldn't go any further so we hopped out for a quick look around. Unfortunately on the way back I dropped my new camera I got for Christmas in the river and although my sisters boyfriend gallantly dove in to fetch it, it is no longer working. Luckily I managed to get these pictures off the SD card.

So here are a few piccies of the day:

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:26:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post to say Merry Christmas dear readers! I did mean to post this last night but I was out at El Circo at Slide. I will be sure to post about it soon!

Daily Outfit: Work Christmas Party

2011-12-19T13:05:00.000+11:00

Last night was our work Christmas party we went for a Chinese and karaoke at the Fountain Court in Sylvannia. I'm nursing a hangover this morning but I thought I'd share with you what I wore.

Bettie Page Seirra Dress - The Pinup Gal

Lady Dragon Cherry Shoes - Vivian Westwood for Melissa

1940s Fur Cape - beboppalula on Etsy

Poinsettia earrings and brooch - Jewels House of Vintage on Etsy

Pearl bracelet - Robins Nest Vintage

What Emma Did - 18th December 2011

2011-12-18T10:46:00.000+11:00

It seems like I haven't done a 'What Emma Did' for a while. This week I have been:
♥ Picking my sister and her boyfriend up from the airport. They're staying with us over Christmas and New Year
♥ Spending a few days in the Blue Mountains checking out the mountains and Jenolan Caves
♥ Throwing an awesome Tiki Party and BBQ
♥ Going to my work Christmas Party

A Few Days Away in the Moutains - Day 3

2011-12-16T17:25:00.001+11:00

On our third (and final) day in the mountain we drove up to the Jenolan caves. Its an hour or so drive from Leura but the last section is a very narrow and windy mountain road. After having a chamomile tea to calm my nerves and a spot of lunch at the caves house bistro we got our tickets to see the Temple of Bahl cave. The caves were incredible beautiful and the guide very informative. Here are some of my pictures:

A Few Days Away in the Moutains - Day 2

2011-12-15T17:31:00.017+11:00

On our second day in the mountains we headed in to Katoomba. My sister and I checked out the antique and vintage stores while the boys went to get some coffee at the Savoy.

We then hopped on the Blue Mountains Trolley Tours and headed straight down to Echo Point to check out the Three Sisters where we took many photos and checked out the gift shop.

After hoping back on the trolley and alighting at Katoomba Falls to get some snaps we walked around to Scenic World.

We did consider wandering round the Scenic Walkway but the 1000 steps into the valley put us off and we were getting a little peckish so we hoped back on the bus and stopped of in Leura for a spot of Devonshire Tea at Bygone Beautys. While the boys were finishing their tea my sister and I went to check out all the teapots and spotted vintage clothes for sale at the bargain price of $10 each! I picked up a wool dress suit which I think is from the 60s and a pink babydoll dress that looks like its from the same era. I will share them with you soon. I also spotted a stunning 1940s wedding dress but when i picked it up it was completely moth eaten down the back!

With full bellies and purchases in hand we got back on the trolley to check out the Leura Cascades we then caught the last trolley of the day, stopping off at a few lookout points, back to Katoomba and from the headed back to the cottage tired but happy!

A Few Days Away in the Moutains - Day 1

2011-12-14T17:20:00.001+11:00

We arrived in Leura just after lunch time so after dumping our bags at the cottage we rented at the weekend we headed into town and grabbed some lunch at the Leura Gourmet Deli. I had the chicken liver pate and the hubby had a rather pink beetroot and sweet potato soup. Both were delicious.

After lunch we checked out some of the gorgeous little boutiques in town including Leura Vintage which had some beautiful dresses unfortunately they were a little out of my price range.

We also stopped by the Josophan's Fine Chocolates to savor all the yummy choccy!

After grabbing some groceries we headed back to the cottage and set a roaring fire to warm our cold tootsies!

We stayed at Leura Plum which although very cute was not as nice as Chery Tree Cottage (which is where we stayed when we went for the UN trip back in May). Leura Plum was clean and well presented and the owner Louise is friendly and helpful but you don't get the little touches that Cherry Tree cottage provides.

New Unit Renovations

2011-12-04T03:10:00.000+11:00

Hello dear readers
sorry I haven't posted much for a while the hubby and I have been super busy the last week doing renovations to our new unit that we're moving into this coming weekend. This also means I may not be posting much in the next few weeks until our internet connection is up at the new place.

In the meantime I thought I'd share with you the work we've been doing:

Day 0 - The new place in need of much work!

Day 2 - With the kitchen ripped out

Day 4 - Looking much better now its painted just needs the kitchen fitted

Unfortunately our friend who is fitting the kitchen is really busy at work at the moment so we're having to move in without a functioning kitchen! I will update you with new piccies once our kitchen is fitted and all our furniture is in.

Short Vintage Hairspiration

2011-11-27T11:41:00.001+11:00

I've found recently that the only setback of having short hair is that its very limiting in the amount of different styles you can achieve (not that I'm good at styling my hair anyway!) so I've been looking for vintage hairstyles that are easy to achieve with short hair.

The first (and easiest) one I came across is the Rosie the riveter look. Simply pop all the hair into a headscarf leaving the fringe poking out. Here's a great video from Susie Brown of the JaneDear Girls:

Short hair also lends itself very well to finger waving.

Here's a great tutorial for quick and easy finger waves:

Pin-curling is also great for short hair that may be too short to put rollers in properly. Here's a fantastic tutorial from Super Kawaii Mama:

Once curls have been achieved you can style your hair in a number of styles from victory rolls (which I find easier with short hair)

Casey from Casey's Elegant Musings

or the pompadour (with the help of a hair fringe insert if you have a short fringe like me)

I also checked out old starlets for short hair inspiration and came across these fabulous styles:

Audrey Hepburn

Elizabeth Taylor

Ava Gardner

And finally I searched for inspiration from fellow bloggers:

Bex from Subversive Lesbian Anarchic Femme

What Emma Did - 27th November 2011

2011-11-27T11:22:00.002+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Shopping for birthday presents for my nephew and great niece
♥ Starting reading the 50 books to read before you die beginning with American Psycho which as far as I can tell is just a list of luxury items indispersed with scenes of horrific and brutal violence against women. Personally I don't see the point of this book!
♥ Going to see The Inbetweeners Movie
♥ Buying some items for our new unit including these fab flamingos which I love but the hubby thinks are a little tacky!
♥ Decorating the new unit and putting in a new kitchen

Daily Outfit: Ready to Bop!

2011-11-23T11:24:00.001+11:00

Here is what I wore on Sunday when we headed into town to check out Cronulla's annual Beach Bop.

Black cats eye sunglasses (these are becoming my go to sunnies for everyday!) - My Vintage Fix on Etsy
50's lemon gypsy top - Sewing Machine Girl on eBay
Denim high waist shorts - Jay Jays
Red peep toe bow pumps - Novo
Lipstick - Rimmel Moisture Rich in Voluptuous

I really must start trying new things with my hair. When it was first cut it looked really nice but now its grown a bit longer its starting to look a little messy. Whats more its still too short to recreate any vintage styles. I may just have to go with headscarves until its grown some more!

What Emma Did - 20th November 2011

2011-11-20T22:20:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Viewing and being accepted for a new unit in Engadine (We pick up the keys on Friday and move in the Friday after!)
♥ Shopping for DIY stuff to make the new unit awesome
♥ Heading into the city to see the Peels: My Ass is Haunted Before Xmas
♥ Going to the Purple Fairie's for a Nutrimetics party
♥ Popping into Cronulla to check out the 2011 Beach Bop!

The Peel: My Ass is Haunted Before Xmas

2011-11-17T02:21:00.000+11:00

On a very rainy Wednesday night he hubby and I headed into the city to check out The Peel's Halloween /Christmas show ingeniously titled 'My Ass is Haunted Before Xmas' Hosted by the fabulously funny and charismatic Lauren LaRouge and the lusciously leggy Holly JaDoll, The Peel is a monthly burlesque show now held at the fabulous Slide Bar.

Slide not only host the fabulous show but have a fabulous meal and a show menu that the hubby and I sampled. Unfortunately by the time we got to Slide we were both so hungry we forgot to photograph the food. But I can firmly attest that the salad landaise we had for entrees and the pork belly main was absolutely delicious!

As for the burlesque well it was a fantastic mix of burlesque virgins and veterans. Special mentions go to the always fabulous Kelly Ann Doll, Lucile Spielfuch's sensational emperors new clothes routine which culminated in Lucille 'taking off' her 'new clothes' but then become surreal when she pulled a baby from her wig! and Lillian Star's inspired 'Ghost' routine!

The next Peel is in February 2012 so put it in your diary now for a fabulous valentines date!

What Emma Did - 13th November 2011

2011-11-13T08:46:00.001+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Looking at more units in Engadine with the hubby
♥ Heading over to see the Purple Fairy and planning another UN girls weekend away at The Entrance!
♥ Planning a possible holiday to NZ for this time next year
♥ Booking tickets for the last Peel of the year wonderfully entitled - My Ass is Haunted Before Xmas!
♥ Buying some fabulous accessories for my Christmas outfit (I'll share with you soon!)

Daily Outfit: Feeling Peachy

2011-11-12T11:39:00.000+11:00

I was going to meet the girlies for lunch today so this is what I wore:

Peach ruffle top - SES
Black peplum skirt - SES
Bracelets - Robin's Nest Vintage
Pearl Necklace - H. Samuel
Shoes - I love Billy

This Weekend in Sydney

2011-11-11T10:36:00.000+11:00

This weekend sees a hosts of fabulous events around Sydney:

For all those swing kings (and queens!) check out The Velvet Set Big Band Show at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville this Friday for what promises to be the biggest night of swing dancing this year!

Doors: 7.30PM The Velvet Set: 8.30PM – 12.00AM. Tickets are on sale here for $26

For all those burlesque beauties Saturday night sees 34B's 6th birthday bash at QBAR 44 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. With a fantastic line up this is sure to be a fantastic night of burlesque.

Tickets are $25 or $35 to reserve a table (min of 3 people) Get yours here!

Saturday is also the Miss Pinup Australia State Final at the Windsor RSL - $30 entry for members and guests

and...

Miss Ink Australia Grand Finale at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville at 7pm - Tickets $35 available here

And to round of the weekend Sunday plays host to the monthly Ruby Revue Burlesque at the Arthouse Hotel. I can firmly attest a fabulous night of burlesque frolics is sure to be had! Tickets $27 for general admission or $50 for dinner + show available here or on the door

So whatever you chose to do this weekend have a fantastic time!

Some Fancy Ladies 2012 Calendar

2011-11-10T10:40:00.000+11:00

If you're stuck for a Christmas presents this year why not check out Some Fancy Ladies 2012 calendar!

Some Fancy Ladies™ are Australia’s very own premier vintage style pinups. Recreating the glamour of the 1940’s and 1950’s pinup art for a modern market sorely in need of a little more class. With the overwhelming amounts of flesh on display even in commonplace advertising, these ladies have captured the spirit of the naughty but nice pinup images of days gone by.

As long time vintage aficionados, and well-known personalities in their own rights; Candice DeVille, Bonnie Rose, Foxtrot India and photographer Helen McLean, hatched a collaborative project to share their passion for a more sophisticated and suggestive style of sexy.

The first Some Fancy Ladies calendar "Sugar 'n Spice & all things Nice" is photographed by renowned pin up photographer, Helen McLean, and modeled by Australia's premier pin up models, Candice DeVille, Foxtrot India & Bonnie Rose. The calendar pays homage to one of the world's master illustrators in the pin up genre, Gil Elvgren

It is 30x30cm full colour gloss cover & 12 high quality images of nostalgic lady-like glamour per month on 230gsm paper stock. Staple bound and drilled hole ready for mounting on your wall.

At just $25.99 + p/h its a bargain to add a little fanciness to your life!

Check out Some Fancy Ladies website here and order yours now!

Love Vintage Fair - October 2011

2011-11-09T09:46:00.000+11:00

Well dear readers its been almost a month and I've yet to post about the Love Vintage Fair.

The hubby and I headed over to check out the fair on Sunday and after checking out all the beautiful things each stall had to offer and having a nose at some of the girls being coiffured by the lovely ladies at the Lindy Charm School for Girls stall we grabbed our seats to watch Bonnie Rose's Fashion Parade of Fashion for Special Occasions. There were some fabulous frocks on show (including the one Bonnie was sporting which was a gorgeous light blue 1950s creation) also well as some other 'interesting' pieces. I especially loved this beautiful 1950s polka dot dress but unfortunately (I could tell by the very petite model wearing it) it would have been to small for me.

After checking out the fashion show we headed over to the Darnell Collection stall which was just stunning and had some beautiful items from the 1920s to 40s on show that Charlotte Smith had shown in the When Fashion Meets Fiction: Fashions Fit for an Agatha Christie Novel presentation that had been earlier in the day.

After wandering round a few more stalls and the husband trying on a few leather jackets we headed home to rest our aching feet and revive with a nice cup of tea!

As for purchases we both came away empty handed as I found some of the prices a just little high. Having said that I will definitely be attending next years Love Vintage show although I have to say this may be one for the girls as the hubby is not really into vintage fashion and seemed a little bored at times!

Unfortunately I didn't take my camera on the day but there are many wonderful shots from the show all over the web! Here's what I wore on the day. I got many lovely comments on my dress:

The Bookworm Presents: Retro Makeup

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000+11:00

I was so excited when I got my copy of Retro Makeup in the post. I've heard a lot about this book on various blogs and websites so I definitely had to check it out for myself. The book is written by Lauren Rennells a hair and makeup artist and author of Vintage Hairstyling.

Retro Makeup covers an array of styles split into sections for each decade from the 1920's to the 1960's.Every section has some history and information about makeup and styles from the era at the beginning. Each style is simply set out and very easy to follow with clear instructions and photos for each step of the way. The book is beautifully illustrated with fabulous original and modern day shots.

The beginning of the book also contains a highly informative history (or 'her-story') of makeup, a section on tools and techniques and sections on brow shaping, eyelash and lipstick applications and the best colours for different skin tones.

Having tried out a few of the looks I can say that the book is easy to follow and the looks simple to achieve.

Daily Outfit: Beachside Bliss

2011-11-07T09:26:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was a beautifully sunny day so we decided to take advantage of it and head down to the beach. I wore my new top from SES and these cute shorts that I ordered for our holiday to Fiji.

Blue bow top - SES

Rockin Girl high waisted shorts in blue - Retro Vixens

Swimsuit (underneath) - Jantzen

Red bow pumps - Novo

50s cats eye glasses - My Vintage Fix on Etsy

What Emma Did - 6th November 2011

2011-11-06T16:38:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Heading to the beach to lap up the sunshine with Tinkerbell and her son
♥ Going to catch up with the UN girlies
♥ Making plans with the hubby to take dance classes next year
♥ Looking at more units in Engadine

Weekly Buys - 4th November 2011

2011-11-04T21:01:00.002+11:00

Here are a few items I've bought recently but yet to share with you:

This gorgeous 1950s yellow peasant blouse from Sewingmachinegirl on eBay for the bargain price of $12.99!

Remember a few weeks ago I mentioned I picked up a gorgeous red dot top in market city? Well here it is. Sorry the pictures not great but I will be putting together an outfit post soon.

and finally a good few months ago I changed my red dot canisters for these fabulous 1950s Lincoln Beautyware ones I also have the flour one but its too big to fit on top of my bread bin.

Blogging Belles and a Few Other Bits and Pieces

2011-11-04T20:28:00.001+11:00

I just realised that its gone past the 1st of the month and Ive yet to post another 'Blogging Belle' I contacted many bloggers to interview for this section but unfortunately none have replied so I will continue with the section but it will be posted randomly as and when I get replies. I you have any bloggers that you would like to see interviewed please comment to let me know!

Also I know the blog has been a little quiet the last few weeks. I have been very busy with work and to tired any time I do have off to post. Please stay tuned though as I have many new posts in the pipeline including my post from the Love Vintage Fair and what I wore, many book reviews and a fair few new outfit posts. I will try to get some written up over the weekend and scheduled to post throughout the week!

Halloween Party Dress Ups

2011-10-31T09:14:00.001+11:00

I went to a Halloween party on Saturday night at the Oatley Hotel and I was stuck for a costume until I saw this post on Tales from Betty Bee Towers for corpse bride makeup. Then I realised I had an old wedding dress knocking around somewhere so I decided this would be perfect for me for Halloween.

Unfortunately I didn't get any shots of me dressed up only this dodgy iPhone snap of my makeup but here's my costume laid out!

Not only did I get told I looked pretty by some very sweet kids of the train (although pretty wasn't the look I was going for!) but I also won a prize for my costume!

What Emma Did - 30th October 2011

2011-10-30T13:36:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Spending the week living on rations
♥ Going out to lunch with the purple fairy
♥ Looking at a new unit in Engadine
♥ Going to a Halloween party with Tinkerbell who I work with at the bakery and the UN girlies

Rimmel Rich Moisture Lipstick in Voluptuous

2011-10-29T11:58:00.000+11:00

Last week whilst shopping in Market City with the Purple Fairy I came across AKA Cosmetics. AKA is a Japanese cosmetic store that follows the Asian trends and has many discounted items. I picked up Rimmel's Moisture Rich Lipstick in the shade 120 Voluptuous for just $3!

I just got round to trying the lipstick today and I have to say i'm pretty impressed. The packaging is Rimmel's standard plastic relatively plain and unassuming packaging but the lipstick itself is fab! The colour is a pinky/red which when applied has a slight orange tone and just a hint of iridescence. It has hardly any scent or taste and has a beautiful creamy moisturising feel on the lips.

Being a moisturising lipstick it isn't very long lasting but for $3 who's complaining. It is great as an everyday lipstick that you can chuck in your handbag and take everywhere!

Weekly Buys - 28th October 2011

2011-10-28T10:36:00.000+11:00

Its been a little while since I've posted a weekly buys post so here are a few bits I've been buying recently:

Collectif's Heidi skirt with braces in red plaid

$40 from the Pinup Gal

Collectif's Delores blue spot top

$25 from the Pinup Gal

Bettie Page Seirra dress in red

$135 (but with a 10% discount on all dresses) from the Pinup Gal

and for any of you lovely readers wanting to shop at the Pinup Gal add the discount code PINUPGAL5 for a further 5% discount!
Once my order arrives I will be sure to put together some outfit posts!

What Emma Did - 23rd October 2011

2011-10-23T12:09:00.001+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Going with my friend so she can get a gorgeous Tinkerbell tattoo
♥ Planning our Halloween soiree
♥ Stopping by Robbin's Nest Vintage and picking up some gorgeous bracelets
♥ Going to see the Mary Poppins musical
♥ Getting more books to review as my Lauren Rennells hair and makeup books and Good Housekeeping wartime scrapbook
♥ Having a lovely roast dinner
♥ Shopping with the Purple Fairy and picking up a gorgeous red lipstick (that I will review next week) and a fab red and white dot top (that I will share with you soon!)

Mary Poppins Musical

2011-10-22T20:26:00.001+11:00

On Thursday night the hubby and I went to see Mary Poppins at the Capitol Theatre.

Mary Poppins is adapted from the P. L Travers books and the 1964 Disney movie. When the Bank's children scare off another nanny Mary Poppins answers the children's ad for the perfect nanny and many magical adventures ensue.

The hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed Mary Poppins Verity Hunt-Ballard was practically perfect in every way as Mary. Matt Lee made a fabulous Bert, he certainly nailed the cockney accent much better than Dick Van Dyke. With a show this good its no wonder that its Mary that we love. If have no other word to describe how fantastic the show was other that to say it was simply Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Mary Poppins is on until 17th December. You can buy tickets here

Check out this sneak peak for yourself:

Robin's Nest Vintage

2011-10-21T21:29:00.003+11:00

On the way home on Thursday the hubby and I stopped off at Robin's Nest Vintage. The hubby noticed their sign on the way home last week so we popped in to check out the shop.

The shop is in a small run of stores and is not very noticeable from the road but its a real hidden gem. It may not look like much from the outside but when you step through the door you a transported to a world of vintage shabby chic and other beautiful treasures.

While we were there I picked up these gorgeous bracelets for the bargain price of $8 for both!

Location: Shop 2 / 105 Miranda Rd, Miranda, Australia 2228
Hours: Wed: 09:00 - 18:00
Thu - Fri: 09:00 - 15:00
Sat: 09:00 - 14:00

What Emma Did - 16th October 2011 (The Late Late Edition)

2011-10-18T11:10:00.000+11:00

I just realized I didn't post my 'What Emma Did' section on Sunday so here it is two days late! This week I have been:
♥ Taking my first Tai Chi class, which was fantastic
♥ Heading over to Hyde Park to check out the night noodle markets
♥ Going over to see my niece and great niece
♥ Going to the Love Vintage Fair (a post will follow soon!)

The Bookworm Presents: Style Me Vintage - Makeup

2011-10-14T10:53:00.000+11:00

Way back in May I reviewed Style me Vintage (You can read the review here) This is the second book in the Style Me Vintage collection this time focusing on make up. This book gives step by steps guides to creating vintage makeup looks from the 1920's through to the 1980's.

The book starts with sections on the tools and makeup need to achieve the looks and some useful tips to help create the looks.

This book is as visually stunning as the first feature shots of each makeup looks and modern and vintage celebs that sported these looks. There is a brief history of each look.

I have to say I found these looks easier to reproduce than the hairstyles. This book has clear concise steps with photos at each step of the look making it easy for a beginner to makeup to understand.

The back section of the book contains useful 'Extras' including how to create 'fabulous flicks' with eye liner, how to apply 'luscious lashes' how to maintain 'beautiful brows' and how to create a 'marvelous manicure' including a '1940s - style manicure'

This book is definitely worth a buy. I would recommend it for beginners and apt makeup users alike. The third Style Me Vintage book, this time focusing on clothes is out February next year and I'm sure I will be reviewing a copy!

Night Noodle Markets

2011-10-13T20:08:00.000+11:00

The Hubby and I went to Hyde Park this evening to check out the Crave Food Festival's Night Noodle Market. We tried a variety of goodies including Peking Duck Pancakes from Zilver, pork dumplings, mini pancakes with strawberries and chocolate sauce and kofter and baklava from Efendy. Unfortunately we didn't get pictures of all the dishes as they were just so yummy that we quickly scoffed them!

Kofter from Efendy

Baklava from Efendy

I wore my new green Cheongsam that i got from Paddy's Market which I just love!

Cheongsam - Paddy's Market
Cape - eBay
Shoes - I love Billy
Rose - Bexterity
50's Cats Eye Sunglasses - Etsy

Emma aime in the Kitchen: Scotch Eggs

2011-10-12T10:33:00.000+11:00

The longer I'm away from the UK the more things I realise I miss. Granted other than family most things are little items, mostly foodstuff that I cant find over here. I love scotch eggs especially the mini pack of 6 Tesco used to do. But I just cant seem to find scotch eggs over here in Oz so I bit the bullet and attempted making some for myself.

Ingredients:
500g pork sausage meat
6 eggs
breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to season
oil to deep dry

Method:
Hard boil the eggs for 12 minutes
Leave to cool then shell the eggs
Wrap the eggs in a layer of sausage meat and then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs until well coated
Deep fry for at least 10 minutes ensuring they are golden brown all over
Place on some paper towel to drain off excess oil
Alternatively for a healthier option you could bake the eggs in the oven

The Life Overhaul - Update 10th October 2011

2011-10-10T08:28:00.000+11:00

Its been a while since I've update you on my progress so I thought I'd drop a quick line. When making my list of things I want to achieve I forgot to add 'Learn Tai Chi'. I started taking Tai Chi classes 10 years ago but never got back into it once I had moved around the country and then finally here to Sydney. The hubby and I signed up for classes last week and the first class is tomorrow so I'll let you know how it goes.

Also the hubby and I made a good start on going through some music theory so I can learn to read music and then learn to play piano. I have to say some parts were a little confusing but I soon picked it up and the hubby is a very patient teacher. Learning to read music feels like learning a foreign language to me so it may take a while for me to get it down pat but i'll keep you updated of my progress.

What Emma Did - 9th October 2011

2011-10-09T10:57:00.000+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Having my nephew stay over
♥ Watching the Smurfs movie
♥ Protecting my strawberries from the pesky birds who keeping getting to the ripe ones just before me!
♥ Shopping for books (so expect lots of reviews in the next few weeks!)
♥ Going to see the UN girlies
♥ Making scotch eggs (a recipe will follow)

The 39 Steps

2011-10-03T19:53:00.000+11:00

The hubby and I headed to Marrickville to the Sidetrack Theatre to catch Patrick Batrlows adaptation of The 39 Steps.

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, is recreated as a fast-paced farce with a cast of four fearless actors playing 139 roles in 90 minutes of hilarious and thrilling action.This outlandishly funny show follows our handsome hero Richard Hannay as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing villains and mysterious women armed only with his stiff upper lip and British gung-ho.

Set in London 1935, Man of the world Richard Hannay returns to the mother country from the colonies thinking to find some peace and quiet. A chance encounter at the theatre with a beautiful and mysterious women sees Hannay embroiled in a strange spy conspiracy and wanted for murder. Can Hannay clear his name, stop the conspiracy and find out just what exactly are the 39 steps?

I have to say the Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation of The 39 Steps unfortunately this was the last performance but be sure to look out for performances in your area!

What Emma Did - 3rd October 2011

2011-10-03T11:38:00.001+11:00

This week I have been:
♥ Heading into the City with the Purple Fairy to scour Paddy's Market for a cheongsam
♥ Going to see The 39 Steps which was just hilarious (a review will follow shortly!)
♥ Going back to see The Pink Slipper Club (which was well worth the two trips)
♥ Going to Ikea for some new curtains for my bedroom
♥ Booking tai chi classes (after wanting to start doing it again for years!)

Blogging Belles - October 2011 - Candice DeVille of Super Kawaii Mama

2011-10-01T18:17:00.001+10:00

Remember way back at the beginning of August I promised you a new section entitled Blogging Belles where I interview fellow bloggers who have turned their blog into a business. Well I am excited to present to you our first Blogging Belle Candice DeVille aka Super Kawaii Mama!

♥ What inspired you to start a blog?

Well, I was home with my second baby who had just turned six months old and found myself with time on my hands. I decided that I wanted a record of all of my outfits and how I wore them, rather like that cool software in Clueless, remember that? That was the 'why', but I had no idea what it would become.

♥ Why did you chose blogging over other digital mediums?

To be honest I hadn't really considered anything else. I did have a 'Style Diary' online first for a little bit, but I wanted to write more about why I was wearing what I'd put together and also wanted to connect with other like-minded vintage lovers.

♥ How did you come up with your blog name and what does it mean to you?

The blog name started out as just the eBay handle I had at the time! I really didn't give it any thought as to how important that would be, and once I realised that it was important, the name had stuck.

♥ Why do you think your blog has become as successful as it has and when you first started did you ever imagine that it would have the following it does now?

Why is the blog successful? I guess it is a combination of two main things - I'm a very multi skilled individual which means I can do a lot myself when it comes to content, but also a LOT of hard work. I spend 35 hours a week on the blog on top of being a full time mum to 2, and running my own company as a Vintage Stylist; I'm the world's toughest boss. It certainly isn't for the faint hearted taking something like this on.

♥ You've been blogging for over 3 years now, how do you think your blog has changed in that time?

I've become a lot more aware of my audience. Their hopes, dreams and inspirations, and also the responsibility I have as a blogger for what I put on the page. I have a responsibility to them to always consider their interests, but at the same time I have a responsibility to myself to always be honest and keep my true voice.

♥ How did you ensure that your blog reached such a large target audience or is this something that has just happened over time organically?

It was something that has been purely organic as a result of my own interests really.

♥ How long do you take each day maintaining your blog? Is it a full time job for you or do you have to supplement it with an income from other work?

It is a full time job in terms of hours, but certainly not in terms of pay. If you didn't do this for the love primarily, you'd be kidding yourself.

♥ Do you think it is possible for bloggers to make an income purely from writing a blog?

Yes, it depends on your expectations of lifestyle and your responsibilities, but it is possible for a very select few.

♥ What's an average day for you?
Up about 6am, doing emails and breakfast before getting the girls to school. Then gym, errands, and either writing from home, working with clients on location or heading off to photoshoots. Then back to pick up children, cook dinner, tidy up the house, answer more emails, often then out to evening events, then fall back into bed when I can.

♥ You seem to have such a glamorous lifestyle is everyday so glamorous or do we just see the highlights?

I'd have to say, yes I do have a glamorous lifestyle, but life is what you make it. I work incredibly hard but I always try and do whatever I have to do that day with flair and style. Even those days that I have the most unglamorous things to do, I try and make something of that. Taking the dogs to the vet? I'll try and them my outfit with little dog brooches pinned to a sweater and tucked into capris.

♥ You seem to have irons in a lot of fires being a model, a spokeswoman for glamour, hosting workshops, public appearances and your styling and hair and makeup work as well as being a busy mum to boot. How do you manage your time?
Time management is a constant challenge and one I'm yet to fully master I think. I keep a series of notebooks in hardcopy for expanding on thoughts, as well as a central calendar and all kinds of other calendars. I still to clear time limits for most activities and unfortunately don't always have the flexibility I'd like to, but that comes with being a parent. What it comes down to for me is that I refuse to give up on things I want to achieve or do, I simply plan to make it happen. If that means I'm taking a dance class at 9pm on a Monday night, then that's what I do!

♥ You're have the title 'Ambassador for Glamour', what does this mean to you?

Inspiring others around me to dress better and thereby feel better, by always finding ways to 'put on the Ritz', into each and every occasion, no matter how mundane.

♥ Do you believe that blogs have to be a spring board for other services that the blogger offers in order to be successful?

It depends on what you mean by 'successful'. If you mean financially successful, then the answer is yes.

♥ What advice would you give to bloggers just starting out?

Have a thick skin. Remember that anything you put online is there FOREVER. And be true to your authentic self.

♥ Your blog is so individual how do you maintain this individuality and do you think this helps your blog to be as successful as it is?

My blog is me; inside and out- there is no created persona, and therefore it is easy for me to just be myself. In saying that though, I know it can be hard for a lot of bloggers out there who hear some many voices online to remain true to their own inspirations. I guess I've always been a bit of a renegade like this, never running with the crowd, or as my husband says - on my own planet!

♥ For any bloggers that lack confidence or your charisma do you believe that you have to really promote yourself and put yourself 'out there' in order to be a successful blogger?

Yes, you do. The internet is a noisy place, but if you're going to shout, be very, very clear on what you want to say.

♥ Finally, can you share with us what we can expect to see from Super Kawaii Mama in the future and any new projects you may be working on?

Yes indeed! I have a HUGE new project that is officially launching in October, but you can see ithere
And the very first release from this new project is our amazing 2012 calendar!

Thanks so much to the devine Candice DeVille for taking time out to answer my questions! You can check out Candice's blog Super Kawaii Mama here or her website here.

Daily Outfit: New Shoes!

2011-09-30T16:34:00.003+10:00

This is what I wore to see 'The 39 Steps' at the Sidetrack Theatre on Thursday night. I'm loving my new shoes from Rivers. The are burgundy patent and have gorgeous red glitter all over them.

Hat - 1940s vintage from eBay

Blue dot tea dress - Primark (a few years back!)

Shoes - Rivers

The Pink Slipper Club

2011-09-28T13:30:00.004+10:00

The hubby and I headed back into the city last night (after the show was cancelled last week!) to Slide Bar to catch the Pink Slipper Club. Part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, the Pink Slipper Club is a derelict cabaret of love, hate, romance and revenge. Set back stage Danica Lee plays the hostess who struggles to keep control of her cast or down and outs. Herbie (played by Herbert Peppard) is a crooner with a gambling problem. Poppy T plays the stripping star with a drinking problem. Mr. Gørski (Dan Gorski) also struggle with drink much to the frustration of his partner Missy who performs a fabulous balancing act topped off with aerial hoop and a fantastic pole routine. Kelly Ann Doll wows with a fast pace strip and tango routine and Lucious Lush Lauren LaRouge tops of the cast as an unlucky in love singer who accompanies herself on ukulele and helps herself to the audiences drinks in between numbers.

I loved the concept of the show being backstage. A show within a show as it were. The Slide Bar is a beautifully set up venue and although we didn't try the food the meals that we did see were beautifully presented and look delicious. I would definitely go back to Slide to catch a show and meal again and it was certainly worth heading back into the city to catch the Pink Slipper Club.

Slide hosts a 9 act circus show with accompanying 9 course degustation menu every Saturday night or $99. Check out there website for details of El Circo

Flowers

2011-09-25T16:30:00.005+10:00

My gorgeous hubby came home on Tuesday with these beautiful flowers and a Kindle! Do I have the best hubby ever?!

What Emma Did - 25th September 2011

2011-09-25T15:28:00.004+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Reading heaps of books on the fabulous Kindle that my gorgeous hubby bought me

♥ Being happily surprised when the hubby came home with some lovely flowers and a beautiful orchid for me!

♥ Having a non-eventful day out when we headed into the city to see the Pink Slipper Club as the restaurant we went to eat in was closed and the performance was cancelled!

♥ Getting my hair cut into a 1920's style bob!

♥ Taking a Learn to Love Sewing Machine course and having my machine break down on me

♥ Enjoying a lazy Sunday with a bottle of wine a bubble bath with the hubby and a delicious roast dinner

The Life Overhaul - Update 24th September 2011

2011-09-24T21:26:00.001+10:00

I had my Learn to Love Your Sewing Machine. Unfortunately while I love my sewing machine it doesn't love me and broke down half way through the day and nothing I or the tutor did could get it working again! Thankfully the tutor had a spare sewing machine I could use and gave me the number of her neighbor who is a sewing machine mechanic.

The course was very informative for a relative novice like me and while I knew how to do some things I did learn quite a few new techniques and how to use all the gadgets and stitches on my machine. Once I have my machine fixed I will be sure to practice the techniques I learnt and I definitely want to sign up for the dressmaking course that the college also run.

The Bookworm Presents: 1000 Pin-ups Girls

2011-09-21T20:23:00.006+10:00

1000 Pin- up Girls is another Taschen book that I recently purchased. The book starts with an article (in English, German and French) on Robert Harrison creator of such magazines as Beauty Parade, Eyeful, Titter, Wink, Whisper and Flirt. The rest of the content is cover shots from these magazine with a few articles thrown in for good measure. The book is fantastic reference for

anyone interested in pin ups pictures but there's little written content to really comment on so I'll leave you with one of my favourite magazine covers from the book

My Hens Night - The Pictures!

2011-09-19T17:58:00.006+10:00

Remember way back in June I posted about going on my hens night? Well I finally got my hands on a copy of the photos! Here are a couple of the tamer ones:

The girlies whisked me off for a pub crawl in Newtown starting at the Bank then spending most of the night in Freaky Tiki (which is just so trashy its fabulous!) and finishing up in Coopers. Many cocktails were drunk (I did share the one above honest!) dares were dished out and general silliness ensued!

Sydney Rock 'n Roll & Alternative Market

2011-09-19T16:20:00.002+10:00

The hubby and I hopped on the train to Tempe yesterday and headed down to the Rock n Roll markets at the Jets Club. It was a beautifully sunny but very windy day so we mooched around the stalls in the sunshine checking out the goods. While there were some fabulous frocks and other items on offer I behaved myself and didn't buy anything.

We then headed inside to check out the band Pat Cappoci Combi who were fabulous and certainly know how to fill a dance floor so we were etertained by some fantastic swing dancing too!

I will certainly be heading back next month to check out the goodies on sale and fab music!

What Emma Did - 18th September 2011

2011-09-18T17:46:00.003+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Taking my Driver Knowledge Test to get my Learner License

♥ Heading into Newtown to see Lauren LaRouge's one woman show Lost L'amour

♥ Catching up with the UN girlies

♥ Ordering some Vivien of Holloway blue denim 1940s Swing Trousers after waiting ages for them to get them back in stock in my size!

♥ Heading to Tempe to the Rock n Roll Markets and having a swinging time!

Arbonne's FC5 Deep Cleansing Mask

2011-09-17T17:32:00.004+10:00

I've recently started getting my eyebrows shaped and tinted regularly and at my most recent appointment my beautician started talking to me about my skin. I have to confess I don't use many products on my face as I have super sensitive skin and have had some bad experiences with products in the past so I tend to just stick to the Simple range of products.

Since starting working at the bakery I find my skin has been quite dry and moisterising doesn't seem to be helping. My beautician explained that the dry skin forms a crust layer so even if you moisterise it just sits on top of the skin.

Arbonne's FC5 Deep Cleansing Mask breaks down this crust layer and draws out impurities from the skin. My beautician did advise that you feel a slight tingling as the product works but not to worry about it. When I first started using the product it felt more like a burning sensation so I almost panicked and washed it off but it soon stopped tingling.

I've been using the Deep Cleansing Mask twice a week for a few weeks now and my skin in definitely looking clearer and more healthy. At $52 Arbonne's FC5 Deep Cleansing Mask isnt cheap but it's definitely worth splashing out on.

Lauren LaRouge's Lost L'amour

2011-09-16T18:43:00.003+10:00

On Wednesday night the Hubby and I headed to Newtown to watch Lauren LaRouge's fabulous one woman cabaret Lost L'amour in which Lauren shares her tales of love gone wrong including a trip to see a Singaporean midget who had a new girlfriend, the Coney Island carny who wont return her emails and the dysfunctional relationship she has with her abusive cat George. These tales of lamour gone wrong are dispersed with Lauren's own versions of songs about Love self accompanied on ukulele.

Luckily Lost L'amour does have a happy ending in the form of the lusciously leggy Holly JaDoll who takes to the stage with a fabulous burlesque performance or two!

Lost L'amour is on again at the Vanguard in Newtown on Wednesday 21st September. Get your tickets here!

Emma aime in the Kitchen: Apple Pie

2011-09-16T18:29:00.002+10:00

We had some apples that needed using up this week so I made a yummy apple pie. Its really easy to make and tastes great!

Ingredients:

Filling:

Apples

1 tsp cinamon

1 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

knob of butter

sprinkle of sugar

Pastry:

225g plain flour, sieved
110g unsalted butter
80g castor sugar
1 large egg, beaten

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees centigrade

Mix the flour and butter together to form bread crumbs

Mix in the sugar

Mix in the egg, knead together to form a pastry

Cover pastry and refrigerate for 30 minutes

Peal, core and cut up the apple

place in a pan with the spices, butter and a sprinkling of sugar and leave bubbling away on a low heat until soft

Roll out the pastry to 3mm and place in a pie tin cut off excess pastry

Fill tin with apple mixture then place on pie pastry lid

Bake on 180 centigrade for approx 30 mins or until a golden brown colour.

What Emma Did - 11th September 2011

2011-09-11T12:14:00.003+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Heading over to see the UN girlies and planning (very far in advance) our New Years Eve party

♥ Hurting my back so spending alot of time resting up at home

♥ Watching Practical Magic

♥ Reading 1000 Pin Up Girls (which I will be sure to review this week!)

♥ Heading over to Tinkerbell's house to wish her happy birthday but missing out on a night out as my back is just too bad!

♥ Booking tickets for Lost Lamour and Anything Goes Cabaret

♥ Booking my road knowledge test so I can get my learner license

The Eternal Hunt for the Perfect Red Lipstick

2011-09-10T15:10:00.006+10:00

My local chemist was selling off all their Maybelline and Loreal cosmetics for just $5 each so I snapped up a couple of new red lipsticks.

The first one was Maybelline Colour Sensation Lipcolor in Red Revival, a gorgeous deep red shade with a slight pink tone (at least on my lips!) I have to say I was very impressed with this lipstick. It had a gorgeous creamy texture that was very moisturising and was relatively long lasting for a lipstick that makes no claims to be so. My only gripe would be that the packaging is a little cheap looking for a lipstick that retails around the $16.95 mark although it looks pretty good in the campaign pictures above in actuality it is rather plasticy on the upside the tube is rather large so you get alot for your money! This would definately take pride of place in my bag as an everyday lipstick

The second was Loreal's Infallible Longwear Lip Duo Compact in 501 Invincible Red. I have to say i'm not so impressed with this lipstick. The packaging look great. I've used longwear lipsticks before and had to carry around two tubes with me. One the colour and a gloss to go over the top so the design for this packaging is ingenious. However I can't give as high praise to the product itself. The lip colour is difficult to apply precisely without a brush or first using a lipliner which defeats the object of the ingenious packaging. The lipstick itself has a slightly tacky texture even when dry. I found it to be very drying so I couldn't use it as a matte colour without the balm. As for being long lasting well the product definitely doesn't last the 16 hours it claims to. I'd give this product a miss if you're planning to wear it on a dinner date. As soon as it comes in contact with any slightly greasy food it disappears! The other downside to this product is that due to the packaging design the lipstick tube is quite small so you don't get much product for your money. I wouldn't pay the $33.95 rrp!

Keep an eye on the mobile gallery for piccies of me wearing these products!

The Bookworm Presents: Gil Elvgren - The Complete Pin Ups

2011-09-05T11:44:00.004+10:00

Its been a while since I reviewed a book for my blog but when this Gil Elvgren book arrived in the post I knew it was definitely worth a review. The book was written as a promise to Elvgren from Art Armise a pin up photographer who photographed Bettie Page in the 1950s. In the 1960s and 70s He also owned a gallery called The Girl Whirl which was the only one dedicated to pin up portraits at the time. Armise promised Elvgren when Elvgren was dying of cancer that he would publish Elvgrens book.

is the most complete collection of Elvgren's pin ups and neatly split them intro sections of pin ups from 1937 - 1944, the 1940s, 1950s and 1960-72 so its easy to see how the artists style evolved over the years. It also contains a very informative section on 'The art and times of Gil Elvgren' details Elvgrens inspirations and his rise to becoming the best and most prolific pin up artist in the US and probably worldwide!

In conclusion I would definitely recommend this book for any pin up or Elvgren fan!

The Life Overhaul - Update 4th September 2011

2011-09-04T20:11:00.006+10:00

I squeed with delight on when I opened my emails on Thursday and was met with my final edited photos from the Bexterity shoot I did at the beginning of August. I'm so pleased with them I'm hoping to book another shoot with Bex soon.

Here are the finished piccies!

What Emma Did - 4th September 2011

2011-09-04T11:21:00.005+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Reading the Gil Elvgren book I ordered (I will do I review when I have had a good read of it!)

♥ Seeing the UN girlies and planning a dinner and photos night

♥ Having my eyebrows tinted and waxed and purchasing a fabulous face mask which I will be sure to review

♥ Going out for a fathers day picnic (but not with my Daddy obviously!)

♥ Squeeing with delight when I received my shots from the Bexerity shoot I did! (I will share them all with you soon!)

♥ Getting some new pets (Keep your peepers on the mobile gallery for shots of my finned friends)

♥ Meeting (via facetime) my Sister new kitty, Steve the Russian Blue!

What Emma Did - 28th August 2011

2011-08-28T09:02:00.003+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Having a fab day out with the hubby in Kiama

♥ Hearing the sad news about the death of my little kitty Tom

♥ Going down to our garden to put the laundry on and finding we've acquired a chicken!

♥ Heading over to see the UN girlies

♥ Planting up more pretty flowers now spring has sprung

♥ Watching 'The Only Way is Essex' my new trash TV obsession

Rose Seidler House

2011-08-25T10:22:00.006+10:00

While we were at the Fifties Fair the hubby and I had a snoop around Rose Seidler House. As it was so busy in the house itself we did consider coming back another day just to view the house but I have to say I'm glad we didn't come back and pay entrance fee as I found the house a little disappointing.

I have to say coming from the UK where there are thousands or years of history, calling a house that is 50 years old 'historic' seems a little absurd. Especially if you con consider the fact that we lived in a house that was 400 years old! So you can see that it may be hard for us to properly judge the house on its merits.

That being said the house is a great example of 1950s architecture and it sit beautifully in its surroundings. It is the kind of house I would love to live in.

Rose Seidler House was built by Harry Seidler in 1948 - 50 for his parents Rose and Max who lived there until 1967. However he banned their Viennese furniture from the house in favour of modern, minimal pieces from designers such as Eames, Saarinen and Hardoy. Harry fitted out the house with all modern appliances such as the fabulous Mixmaster.

The House won the Sulman Medal in 1952 and remains one of the purest examples of mid-century modern domestic architecture in Australia.

For more information on Rose Seidler House check out the Historic Houses website here. Rose Seidler house is open for viewing Sundays 10am - 5pm. Tickets are $8.

A day trip to Kiama

2011-08-24T09:10:00.008+10:00

The hubby and I took advantage of yesterdays almost spring-like weather to take the new car for a run out to pretty little town of Kiama. After strolling through town and checking out the op shops (sadly no vintage to be had except for some cotton gloves but I could get them cheaper elsewhere!) we went to check out the blowhole (which was blowing a little!) After stopping back in town for some fish and chips we headed home.

RIP Tom Cat

2011-08-23T19:31:00.006+10:00

RIP to my beautiful old Tom cat aka Mr O'Malley who died at the ripe old age of 19. I left him with my sister when we moved from the UK. My sister and her boyfriend have doted on him ever since.

We rescued Mr O'Malley when he was 14 years old (although he was still as sprightly as a kitten) he had been a stray for a while and hated other cats and thus hated being in an animal shelter but after taking him home he warmed up to us and spent all the time I was at home sitting with me and sleeping on our bed!

A Few Things Right Now

2011-08-22T12:35:00.006+10:00

A while back I posted this about the new kitchen accessories that I bought. I promised I would post a piccy when I received them all and then promptly forgot so here it is now.

Speaking of fabulous kitchen good check out this fantastic 1950s kitchen table and chairs going for a song on eBay at $10

And on a completely different note I'm still trying to put together the 'Blogging Belles' section I told you about but unfortunately I've had no response from all the bloggers I contacted to interview!

Rose Seidler House Fifties Fair

2011-08-22T11:28:00.007+10:00

The hubby and I headed over to Rose Seidler House for the annual Fifties Fair yesterday. I have been super excited about going to my first Fifties Fair and the day didn't disappoint. I know I promised to update you throughout the day on the mobile blog but honestly I was having too much fun to remember to take many photos. As for my outfit well due to the dress dramas I told you about I wasn't wearing what I wanted to and the dress I wore you've all seen before!

But back to the day itself. The hubby and I arrived around 1 ish as the hubby had to work first. We checked out the stalls and thankfully (for the pocket) I didn't see anything that caught my eye. I did see a fabulous set of Nally canisters in the original box but i'm sure they would have been above my budget and the hubby hit me with the revelation that he didn't really like them and found them a bit plasticy as he is the main kitchen user I'll have to concede and scrap the idea of a red set for the kitchen and go for a stainless steel 50s set instead.

We then headed down to the stage to see the best dressed in vintage competition. I think the judges would have had a hard time choosing as there were many fab outfits. After checking out the house itself (for which I will dedicate a separate post) we went back to the stage to listen to Candice DeVille's talk on 50s fashion which I have to say was very informative as well as amusing. After sticking around to watch the fantastic Swingtime dancers we headed home for a nice cup of tea!

What Emma Did - 21st August 2011

2011-08-22T11:04:00.005+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Popping to the pub to see the UN girlies

♥ Having a fab day at the Fifties Fair

♥ Watching Hereafter with the hubby

♥ Buying some pinup books from Book Depository (I will review them when they arrive)

♥ Taking up Yoga by doing Yoga Basics every morning!

♥ Watching the first episode of Underbelly Razor which was pretty good except for the dodgy cockney accents!

Fifties Fair on the Mobile Gallery

2011-08-20T17:41:00.002+10:00

Hello dear readers!

Tomorrow is the Fifties Fair and as its the first one I've been to I'm super excited!! I will keep you updated throughout the day with piccies on the mobile gallery so for anyone who can't make it to the event stay tuned for my snippets of the day. I will also post a full blog post about the event on Monday so stay tuned!

Daily Outfit: All in Black

2011-08-19T18:46:00.005+10:00

Here is the gorgeous 1950s dress that I mistakenly bought from Etsy for the Fifties Fair. I want to wear something a bit more colourful for the fair so I thought I'd tried this one out today.

Black 1950s new look coat dress - Etsy

Shoes - I love Billy

Rose hair flower - Bexterity

Seamed stockings - Jonathan Aston

Lipstick - Revlon Just Bitten in Frenzy

Mobile Gallery and a New Domain

2011-08-17T13:04:00.004+10:00

Eagle eyed readers may have noticed that I have added a mobile gallery to my blog. I will use this to blog on the go when at event and out and about. I've also bought my own domain so you can now find the blog at www.emmaaime.com but anyone following the blog will be automatically redirected.

What Emma Did - 14th August 2011

2011-08-14T17:42:00.002+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Having a pin up photoshoot with Bex of Bexterity

♥ Getting a new car (now we can take some longer road trips!)

♥ Heading over to see the UN girlies

♥ Checking out the bargains at Costco

♥ Having Jelly Belly Beans for breakfast (not a wise breakfast choice but they make me happy!)

Daily Outfit: Caped Crusader

2011-08-13T15:52:00.006+10:00

Here is the outfit that I wore to meet up with the UN girlies last week. I love love love my new cape it is sooo warm and comfortable but looks stylish on cold days.

Cape - 97k-Cube on eBay

White pencil skirt - ???

Black mary janes - I love Billy

Red knit beret - Stall at Paddy's Market

Red knit arm warmers - eBay

A New Monthly Blog Section - Blogging Belles

2011-08-11T17:47:00.002+10:00

I would like to start a new month section of the blog entitled 'Blogging Belles'. Each month I will interview a blogger that inspires me in order to find out their motivations behind their blogs and what inspires them to blog. I hope this will help me learn how to turn my blog into a successful career but the question is will this be something my readers would be interested in seeing on Emma aime?

Setbacks and Silly Mistakes

2011-08-11T14:42:00.006+10:00

I have had a few little setbacks the last week some as fault of my own and some beyond my control.

Firstly I've just found out that I have to put my plans to learn to drive on hold for six months. I have to be in Australia 6 months before I can obtain a license and as we went on a two week holiday to Fiji our last re-entry date was only two months ago! I will still save my tax money and most likely start learning to drive after the end of January as we have visitors over Christmas up until the end of January.

Secondly the wonderful 50s dress that I bought from Etsy for the Fifties Fair next weekend is not what I thought it was. I misread the listing so thought it was the dress and coat in one that is shown in the picture above but actually it is just the coat section. It is a beautiful coat dress but has some flaws and had I known this I probably would not have paid what I did for it. In fact I probably would not have bought it at all and would have bought the dress that the seller also has for sale. I must stress that this is my own silly fault for not reading the listing properly and the seller is in no way at fault. Unfortunately due to this I have nothing to wear for the Fifties Fair!

The Life Overhaul - Update 8th August 2011

2011-08-08T20:28:00.003+10:00

This morning I headed over to Ingleburn for my appointment with the lovely Bex of Bexterity. Bex offers a range of pin up photo packages but I opted for the Teaser Package which consisted of hair and makeup, one scene setting and 3 final edited images.

Bex did my hair and makeup and showed me the range of outfits and props available. I'd settled on a scene before hand and quickly picked out what I wanted to wear. Bex then guided me to the photo scene and directed me on how to pose. I felt a little self conscious at first and pin up poses are a little awkward but Bex put me at ease and the shoot was over before I knew it. I check out the pictures and was definitely happy with what I saw. Overall the whole package took just over an hour.

I'm eagerly awaiting the edited shots and as soon as I have them I'll share them with you!

What Emma Did - 7th August 2011

2011-08-07T14:35:00.002+10:00

This week I have been:

♥ Going out for lunch with the hubby at Amici Di Kogarah

♥ Heading over to the pub to see the UN girlies

♥ Going to the Purple Fairy's for an Intimo undies party

♥ Primping and pampering ready for my photo shoot tomorrow

♥ Going for pizza in the bakery and then heading out to the pub with a few of the girlies

♥ Nursing a bad hangover!

Daily Outfit: Retro Vixens

2011-08-06T09:12:00.004+10:00

I headed over to see the UN girlies yesterday and as the weather has finally warmed up I had an opportunity to wear my new purchases from Retro Vixens:

Nautical Nancy Swing Trousers - Retro Vixens

Nautical Nancy Dolly Top - Retro Vixens

Saddle Shoes - eBay

Nautical Jacket (worn top photo) - Chic Star

(Please excuse the messy hair I desperately want to get it cut but my hairdresser has gone overseas for a month!!!)

What Emma Did - 31st July 2011

2011-08-01T20:34:00.003+10:00

I just realized I forgot to post this weeks 'What Emma Did' (bad blogger!) so without further ado, this week I have been:

♥ Catching up with the UN girlies after not seeing them for a couple of weeks
♥ Quitting my creche job to take on my hours at the bakery

♥ Bagging myself a fabulous 50s dress for the Fifties Fair (but you'll have to wait til then to see it!)

♥ Keeping warm in style in my gorgeous new cape (I'll do an outfit post on this soon!)

♥ Having a belated birthday meal with our bakery friend

♥ Receiving some beautiful roses from the hubby!

My edible garden

2011-07-31T09:39:00.006+10:00

This week I have been digging for victory and creating an edible garden. I find winter a little depressing so the thought of having some gorgeous fruit and veggies in the summer cheers me up somewhat.

I planted strawberries and raspberries as I love my summer berries but they're a little expensive. I also put in one tomato plant which should be enough for the hubby and I to use for pasta sauces and a whole range of different herbs.

Next to the herb garden you can just see my lime tree which hopefully will give me gorgeous limes for summer cocktails.

Weekly Buys - 30th July 2011

2011-07-30T19:20:00.011+10:00

This week I have been shopping for vintage style lingerie at What Katie Did.

I got this gorgeous Maitresse bullet bra in both black and white:

This fab peach Harlow bullet bra:

and these cute little french knickers: