D is for divine photography

Ahh - spring. It brings out the blossoms, the sunshine, the warm people, the gorgeous stalls at poppyseed markets. So many lovely new designers each and every stall was packed with gorgeousness. I love all the unique and affordable handmade items. So lovely to provide an affordable alternative to the standard mass-produced items in malls and other large retail stores. We had such a great day and cant wait for the upcoming xmas markets. :)

I was so delighted to see Di from {D Images- Portraits by Deanna M} at poppyseed markets. I absolutely adore her work and I love all the pictures that she took of my little jedi's stall. Di is so passionate about photography and she is so lucky to have the opportunity to make her passion as her full time job! Travelling across Australia, UK and Europe, Di has taken so many gorgeous photographs which have expanded her knowledge about different cultures. Di’s portfolio is nothing short of spectacular so take a look at some of her fabulous work. {images below}.

I am so delighted to have Di as a part of our guest blogger, so here is her lovely story... xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {D Images- Portraits by Deanna M}
I am a 26years old, passionate baby, children’s and family photographer. I love collecting happiness, smiles, love, life and energy. I love chocolate…a lot J and I have an obsession with buying handmade photography props.

When did you launch your business/website/blog?
Well I have been a professional photographer for 6 years but I launched my very own full time business D Images in 2008.

If you could describe your style in 3 words what would that be?
Fun, energetic and full of love!

What was your inspiration for starting your own business & who/what inspires your work?
People inspire me but in particular a little baby named Alfie changed everything for me. I believe Alfie gave me the confidence to run my own business and made me a full time baby/children’s photographer. He also won me a gold award in the baby portrait category with the SWPP (Society of wedding and portrait photographers) in the UK. He opened up my eyes to a love, a passion and a new chapter of my life. I photographed him and his family 2 days after I arrived in Scotland with my partner in 2008. We all laughed and cried with happiness the whole way through the session because he was just inspiring too us all. He was one of the most captivating babies still to this day I have ever met.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I haven’t met a baby or child I didn’t think was perfect. Their skin and eyes are always just divine but most importantly my favourite moment everyday is being able to show my clients their photos, they just fall in love with there baby/children all over again and I am making that happen, how amazing is that!

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Every time I get a phone call or email from a parent that is so happy with their photos, its what keeps me going! It makes me what to be a better photographer and keeps me in a happy place on the inside; it’s the reward that keeps on giving!
But to pinpoint one rewarding moment I would say having a very old friend that now lives in Palma de Mallorca, Spain contact me and fly my partner and me to the island to photograph her family last year. It was the best working holiday I’ve ever had…{wow}

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I love little headbands and props for my baby photo sessions and recently I purchased a tiny little newborn headband from “Summer Blossom”

What are your long-term goals for your business?
My long-term goals are very simple, I want to some how be able to manage my business and have a family at the same time without going crazy! Giving both avenues of my life the attention they both need!

What’s your day-to-day like?
I don’t ever have a set routine, but most days I’m up at 7:30am clean up the house a bit, get dressed and get set for a photo session by 9:30-10am. I normally spend around 2-3hours on my sessions in the clients’ home or on location, then back home to upload my work and start editing! In between I’m usually answering emails and phone calls from clients and picking up orders and dropping them off to clients. Of an evening I do design consultations with clients, which takes place in their homes, so some days I’m not getting into bed till very late but I wouldn’t change that for anything, I love my job :)

What is your favourite holiday destination?
Barcelona and Paris. I can’t decide between the two. There is so much beauty that surrounds you when you walk the streets. The people, the architecture, the whole atmosphere is inspiring in both these cities.

If you could be a super hero or cartoon character who would it be? (this one is just for s a bit of fun) hmmm.. I would have to say Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, because she gets the best of both worlds!

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Thanks Di xx

i dream of vintage...

So it seems that the vintage vibe is making a move into the interiors world! It is no longer trendy to just simply wear vintage, now it is fashionable to decorate with vintage in mind as well. The latest trend in interiors is to create the antique look within your home, and this isn’t limited to any particular room in the house, the look can be applied to any room.

The fact that antique or vintage, whichever you want to call it, has become fashionable means good news all round, as it is possible to pick up some bargains when shopping for items to create this look. This particular theme embraces second hand items, which is always good when living in economic conditions such as we are at the moment.

When it comes to the bedroom a good investment for this look, is a vintage style dresser. This can add a hint of class and sophistication to a bedroom, and is particularly good if it is a girl’s room as it adds a feminine touch.

The vintage look created within each room can of course be enhanced through the use of accessories and soft furnishings. Things such as lamps, mirrors, even figurines, and in the case of the bedroom jewellery boxes can really add to the vintage feel. So before you go and start throwing anything out stop and think twice, it may be just the thing you need to create this look. xx

admit one at "Luke and Alexandar's" carnival party

Wow, what a few weeks we’ve had on our "My Little Jedi" blog. We have featured so many amazing and inspiring parties, however today’s featured party is going knock your socks off! I must say that i absolutely adore this party and you will soon find out why. I am super excited that Niki from Candy Soirees has given me exclusive right to post these gorgeous pictures of Luke and Alexander’s birthday first...I feel very honored.

Niki {the creative mind behind Candy Soirees} has done such a fabulous job planning Luke and Alexander’s birthday party and I am sure they feel so proud to have such a talented mum. I have seen few carnival parties, but this one has been executed beautifully. Attention to detail & creativeness, this birthday party is full of style, amazing details and a sweet candy table that is drool-worthy!

First, she created a nice balance of varying heights on her table. She also left area on the table to breathe so it doesn’t look too crowded. I really like the cake stand that Niki has used for the cake and how cute is the mini bunting decoration on top of the cake? The mini bunting of cakes and cupcakes seems to be a new trend popping up. I am totally smitten with the divine chocolate bar wrappers, gorgeous cupcake toppers, initial cookies, stripe lollie bags, abc paper cups and little drum boxes are to die for.

Thanks Niki for letting us share these amazing photos with our lovely readers!

Enjoy! xx

oh so cheap & chic dessert table

Who said money can buy you style!?!

I love bargain shopping and when i came across this super sweet DIY dessert table from Bride Scouts that I spotted on Amy Atlas’s blog, i was in love. All of the pretty pink, pale blue and crisp white details are so gorgeous, but the most impressive part is the budget – just $40! Everything was purchased at a local grocery store and then arranged on pretty white plates. This would be equally as sweet for a wedding, shower or a party of any kind. Simple things combined with a few select details really make this dessert table shine. Love your work ladies...

{Grocery list}

1. 1 bag of large marshmallows2.

2. 2 bags of heart shaped chocolates (on sale!)

3. 2 boxes of sugared doughnuts (on sale!)

4. 2 boxes of Oreo Cakesters (my immitation whoopie pies)

5. popsicle sticks

6. some mini yogurt pretzels (aka yotzels!)

7. Mini marshmallows

8. 6 dollar store jars (favors)

9. Pink Mints

10. Mini cupcake mix with frosting and cherries

11. Mini Meringues

12. Heart shaped Cookies

13. Some Sparkling Water
Total Cost: $40.00

meet {yummy mummy} Jordan

Well lovelies, here is another fabulous guest post, I am so delighted to have Jordan from Polkadot Prints as a part of our “Yummy Mummy” segment! With a background in graphic & digital design, Jordan started Polkadot Prints, a boutique invitation and paper goods business, to help you create beautiful celebrations for your family. Each print, theme or package is created with uniqueness & current trends in mind. Recently i posted pictures of Levy's aeroplane birthday party & all i can say is WOW! I absolutely adore this party, Jordan did such a fabulous job from decorations, table set up, party favors, cake, colour palette - well, i just love everything! {click here}

A big thanks to Jordan for giving little insight of Polkadot Print to our lovely readers, it has been so much fun! If you would like to see more party planning gorgeousness and inspiration, be sure to stop by Polkadot Prints Blog.
Have a splendid weekend everyone!

Enjoy xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind Polkadot Print?
I am a wife, a mum and a graphic designer. And the 'me' behind all that is a generally fun-loving, social, designy and crafty loving chick. I love a good chat about life, parenting, faith, design, & business. I can't walk past the home, cooking and design magazine isle in the supermarket without have a good browse!

When did you launch your business/website?
I have been doing freelance design work for many years, and decided I needed something a little less 'deadline' focused when my son was born. I launched my blog & website late 2009. Since going 'printable' a few months ago, things feel like the have re-launched all over again!

What was your inspiration for starting your own business & who/what inspires your work?
I think I answered half of this already, but basically I had a baby! At the time I started my business I could only find American based online stationery stores, and my initial goal was to start something for the Australian mum's. Since I discovered "blog-world", it has opened more opportunity and my horizons have changed somewhat. I am now providing digital printable invitations & paper goods in my store. The form & process is constantly being tweaked, but the end goal is always the same - professional, accessible, event stationery and paper goods.

Wow...inspiration for me comes from literally everywhere! A piece of clothing. Design magazines. Baking. Interesting colour combinations. Driving or going for a walk and letting my mind wander. And of course the internet provides endless inspiration. There are so many creative and talented people out there! Often though, I just need to get away from my computer and let my mind wander and wait for that idea to pop into my head - that is awesome when a new design or concept just 'clicks'.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Being able to do this from home while still being a mum (she says while her child is waking from his sleep!!)....(many days later I pick up where I left off...) I also LOVE seeing how my designs can inspire a complete party or wedding theme. To see my designs used for special events in someones life, is really satisfying.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
I can't really pin point one moment. There are many. Having my work featured on other peoples creative blogs and in media is just amazing. I was featured on Amy Atlas recently which was a huge buzz! Mostly though it is the day to day emails and family events that I get to be a part of. I love that! I have come in contact with so many like minded people through "blog-world" that in itself is very rewarding.

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I'm struggling with this one...I clearly need to go shopping!!

What are your long term goals for your business?
World domination!! :) Just kidding. In the near future I have a new website that is being developed which will make ordering online simpler for customers.
I would love to be known as the 'go-to' for invitations and paper goods. There are a few specific goals that I am working on at the moment, but I don't want to count my chickens...I'll tell you when they eventuate! :)

What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling online?
Go for it! Often we think we can't start until everything is perfect (at least I think that sometimes) But I would encourage you to just start with what you have and look into all the options that are out there for selling online (Etsy, BigCartel, MadeIt or custom built) and find what works best for you and your product.

Name three brands you couldn’t live without? and why?
Canon - my trusty camera & ye ol' faithful printer
Mac - oh how I love thee
Ikea - it's always a maze-lik adventure and there is always a treasure to be found!

What is your favorite part of blogging and tell us your 3 favourite blogs?
I love the personal contact with my customers, the feedback from readers is priceless. It's also a great way to highlight and share the behind the scenes of what my business is all about.
My favourite blogs change all the time but currently I am checking Twig & Thistle, Jordan Ferney Oh Happy Day, & Style Me Pretty every day.

Do you have a favourite trend?
I am loving the style of photography at the moment that has that vintage wash - all soft and warm. Love it! Want it! Need to learn it!

What is your favourite place in the world?
Home - mine or other peoples'. And sitting at a Max Brenner chocolate bar with friends. Can't beat it!

If you could be a super hero or cartoon character who would it be?
I going to cheat and say the Three Fairy Godmothers from Sleeping Beauty, so at the wave of my wand I could have a cake baked, a dress made, and my house would look spick and span!

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xx

fly away with me ♥

I am totally smitten by this gorgeous ‘hot air balloon’ inspired party theme. I think this may be my hands-down favorite dessert table. This gorgeous party theme encompasses the feeling that love is in the air and if me and hubby ever decide to renew your vowels this would be the perfect theme ;). From the brilliant talent of Sweets Indeed blog, this is such a creative spin on a travel party.
I love the vintage hot air balloon and luggage props, the bustled fabric curtain with sisal rope detail, the use of map wrapping paper decor, that dreamy and fluffy cloud-like buttercream cake, cloud meringue, chocolate hot air balloons, and cloud-like mousse.
Stylish and delish!

Enjoy!