Archive for the ‘ Uncategorized ’ Category

My little lala turns five - bird party inspiration

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Last weekend my little girl turned 5, we celebrated with a pretty pink and red lala bird theme, based around our lala bird invitations. The lala bird invitations were named after Alannah, I call her lala for short, so it was only fitting that she should celebrate with the lala bird party theme.

I had such fun with this party, I never grow tired of red and pink together it’s such an unexpected but pretty combination, and I found that there are endless options of bird things that you can pick up from all over the place to help set the scene.
bird party invitations, bird party theme, party invitations wholesaleabove: customised lala bird party invitations from Alannah Rose; ‘la la’ on her party day. The gorgeous red and white party dress is from Little Gems.

bird party invitations, lala bird invitations, bird party inspiration
above: Tissue paper pom poms, birds and hearts hung from the ceiling; gingerbread birds in cellophane wrap, I found the cookie cutter for these from Cute Cups on etsy here

bird party dessert table, bird cake, bird party invitationsbird party inspirations, tissue paper pom poms, wholesale party invitationsabove: the dessert table; happy birthday banner by paperklip; the stunning hydrangeas were ordered specially for me by Camberwell Florist; easy to follow instructions for the tissue paper pom poms can be found here

bird birthday cake, bird party theme, lala bird party invitationsabove: Jodi from Designer Cakes created this beautiful La La bird cake for me; the stunning pink and red roses also from Camberwell Florist (I can’t remember the name of the variety, but I’ll certainly be asking for them again).
bird paper cone hats, bird party theme, bird party invitations above: lala bird party hats made by me with an extra special one just for the birthday girl

bird party inspirations, party invitations wholesale, bird party theme, red and pink party themebird cake, pink and red party theme, 5th birthday party girlsparty food inspiration, pink and red party theme, gingerbread birds, candy kebabs
I kept the dessert table food to a theme of red, pink, chocolate, birds and hearts. Food included, cupcakes, gingerbread birds, sweets, candy kebabs, chocolate crackles, and heart shaped fairy bread.

As we had quite a few children at the party I also set up an area outside, this is where we served the hot food for lunch and played the party games. bird party theme, bird party invitations, party invitations melbourne

The table centre piece was simply a handful of fallen branches that I collected, spray painted and placed in a vase, we then hung some lovely wooden birds from it that I found in Bed, Bath N Table, together with some crepe paper roses that I made.
bird party games, egg hunt game, egg hunt cupsAll children love party games, and whilst we played some traditional favourites like pass the parcel, musical chairs and pinata, I wanted to also incorporate something on theme. I got the idea for these nifty little cups from the Eat Drink Chic blog, and thought they’d be great to use as ‘nests’ for the children to do an egg hunt. The child that found the most eggs got to choose a prize from the birdcage. (and of course they all got to keep their eggs).

The cups are super easy to make, simply buy plain paper cups, punch a hole either side at the top, insert ribbon and you’ve got a pretty little favour basket or candy cup.

bird party theme, party drink bottle labels, bird party invitations, bird party tablebird party theme, wholesale party invitations, girls party inspiration
Thirsty birds need drink: I love these pop top bottles (available at Safeway) they’ve got not artificial colours and flavours and they’re perfect for parties - it saves you time pouring drinks and eliminates spillages on the party table. I made the little labels to co-ordinate in with the rest of the stationery.

bird party bags, party bag tags, favour bag tags, bird gift tags
Sweet tweets: All little birds love a tweet (or treat) at the end of a party, I used our little lala bird party bag tags, and found these gorgeous little pink pegs on etsy here. Together with an assortment of lollies for the guests, each party bag also had a necklace gift ‘for pretty birds’ inside. The girls and I made these together, they’re simple and cost effective to make - just take a length of ribbon and thread some wooden beads onto it, tying a knot in between each bead - I then just slipped them into a cellophane bag.

My little lala bird loved her bird party, we’re already in discussions for the next one, and her little sister bells has put in a request for a new design for her party in July… stay tuned xx

oh my… net-a-porter bridal just launched

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

One of my favourite international stores net-a-porter has just launched it’s bridal boutique. Lots of beautiful things to drool over and they ship to Australia.

Love this gorgeous Lanvin Blanche bridal gown
lanvin blanche
lanvin blanche
And I know I’m not getting married, but these ChloĆ© Capretto flats, well, I just want them.
chloe flats

There’s sections not only for brides, but mother of the bride, bridesmaids and wedding guests, stop in and have a look. Congrats Net-a-Porter, it’s gorgeous!
xx

Behind the scenes of Alannah Rose

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

I talk a lot about the business side of things at Alannah Rose, but today I thought I’d share something on a more personal level.

Some of you know we’ve been renovating for a couple of years now, it’s not been an easy task, with two small children under feet and a fast growing business! Many a day has been spent navigating around my husbands projects or occupying the children so he can get on with the task at hand. On saying that, we’ve loved every minute of it, and have enjoyed watching a green and yellow (yes!) 60’s house transform into a loved family home.

When the Herald Sun contacted me and asked if they could run a renovation story on us we were thrilled, the results were published in last weeks Herald Sun Saturday Home Magazine lift out, images below.
wedding invitations
wedding invitations
wedding invitations

Our house is by no means finished, we’ve still got bedrooms, bathrooms, and a play room to go and there’s still furniture that needs updating and so on - but isn’t that part of the journey of owning a home? We’re currently working on the main bedroom and a cubby house for the girls which is almost complete - watch this space! xx

images in article by Chris Groenhout, words Louise Surette

Too sweet to eat

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

I stumbled upon these gorgeous felt cakes and cupcakes via the holamama blog.
Created by Etsy Seller Sweetie Pie Bakery, you can buy these gorgeous felt delicacies ready made or you can purchase the patterns to make them yourself.

Sweetie Pie Bakery owner Jessica, a retired interior designer, also has her own blog full of ideas, inspiration and crafty bits, take a look here.

felt cake
Imagine how much fun the kids would have decorating their own three tier cake!
felt cupcakes
Or DIY with a pattern for these delicious felt cupcakes

whilst we’re on the subject of christmas….

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

I’m always told I’m difficult to buy for, but I do beg to differ. A shopaholic (ok confession time) really does love most things, and presents well, what’s not to like about presents?
Here’s some things I’m loving (and wishing for) xx

mimco necklace
Silver Pearl Fob by Mimco

tuberose candle
Diptyque Tuberose Candle from Peony Melbourne

loccitane shower gel

Verbena Shower Gel - Loccitane

barbie mimco tote
High Flying Barbie Tote by Mimco

Christmas Gifts

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Tis the season! I’m pleased to say my Christmas shopping is complete! For those still looking for ideas, here’s some little treasures I’ve seen along the way. Happy shopping!

honey bake baking set
Honey Bake Baking Set from Little Wagon

maileg rabbit

Maileg Rabbit from My Brood

little bubble and tree birdie necklace
Birdie Dance Necklace by Little Bubble and Tree

pippi longstocking book
Pippi Longstocking book from Borders

dolores doll
Dolores doll from Happy Little Hippos
brio race cards
Brio Race Cars from Ekidna Kids

magnetic aeroplane
Magnetic Plane from Little Wagon
activity bear
Wood Bear Activity Bear from Little Wagon

soldiers skittles
Soldiers Skittle Set from Design Child

Christmas Day Dresses

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

With two little girls, I’m always on the lookout for beautiful dresses. Every Christmas I search for something new and special. I tend to always go for red and white, there’s something festive and bold about it, and of course it’s what santa wears!
Here’s a few I’ve seen this year that caught my eye - gorgeous for christmas, parties and everyday wear too! In Australia, it’s nearly always a scorcher christmas day, so my selection is summery. xx

oobi elisabeth dress
Oobi Baby & Kids - Elisabeth Dress from Design Child
princess ratbag pettiskirt
Princess Ratbag Pettiskirt in red from La Toriana

rock your baby flamenco dress
Rock your baby Flamenco Dress from Cradle Rock

eternal creation dress
Eternal Creation Tolouse Party Dress from Ekidna Kids

Circus…Circus! Who says kids should have all the fun?

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Following from our last post, I received another gorgeous circus theme party in my inbox this week. This time from the very talented Sacha at Bridal Survival.

Sacha arranged this fantastic party for her partner’s 30th Birthday - held in the rotunda of a local park and themed in true Big Top style, Sacha wowed not only her partner but their guests and friends.

Being in the park Sacha’s main requirements were that everything was easy to set up and take down. Casual was a must on the birthday boy’s list - so a fun, relaxed setting in the park with bbq lunch and friends was the perfect way to celebrate.

The theme started with our Roll Up Circus party invitations and was carried through with beautiful details including make your own lolly bags, pinwhirls and giant lollipops, whilst guests clowned around with red noses, moustaches and juggling balls.

circus birthday party invitations

Sacha sourced her supplies from a variety of online and local stores including:
Bunting - made by Sacha; fabric from spotlight, Paper straws and popcorn cups from Bake It Pretty, Striped table runners from Details Details Toffee Apples from here, Balloons and ties from Pink Frosting, Red noses, moustaches and juggling balls from ebay. White raspberry fairy floss and movie style popcorn from Flossy’s fairy floss , Cake - Homemade, Lolly buffet contained old fashioned circus fair - toffee apples (as above), fairy floss (as above) movie style popcorn in boxes (details as above) candy bracelets, redskins, crackle and pop bars and different lollipops. Star and Elephant shape cookies made by Sacha.

The gorgeous pinwheel centrepieces were also made by Sacha using instructions, sticks, pins and beads from Pin Whirls on the recommendation of Prue from Gigi & Lulu. Pinwheel paper from Paper Heaven.
Invitations and lolly bag tags from Alannah Rose.
party invitations
Thanks so much for sharing with us Sacha - what a beautiful party!