Blog Sponsor: {Dreamy Princess Boutique}

I’m a sucker for anything kitschy, fun and cute, so its my pleasure to announce our new blog sponsor {Dreamy Princess Boutique}. Lorenn is the mastermind behind the brand and she has brought the latest fashion pieces all the way from Korea.

Dreamy Princess Boutique was born out of a love for fashion, with a definite attraction to all things Korean, this gorgeous online store is where you can get the latest fashion for girls who love stylish clothing and accessories at very reasonable prices. Your little princess will be the best dressed little girl around town.

And that is not all, Dreamy Princess Boutique is offering 20% OFF store wide for this entire week, make sure you visit their website and start your Christmas shopping now. Enjoy!

Meet Linda of Harper Event Design

Enticing, feminine & pretty is how I am going to describe today’s post. I would like to welcome our new blog sponsor Linda, the mastermind behind {Harper Event Design}. The inspiration behind the business came about from Linda’s 10 years’ experience working in the UK with her husband, flying to exotic destinations styling extravagant parties. Harper Event Design is a Melbourne based business that offers event design and styling ideas that will guarantee your next event will be the one to remember.

When I saw the images of the {Pink Ribbon} dessert table styled by Harper Event Design, i was instantly in love. What attracted me the most was that Linda chose the theme in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The styling is amazing, the highlights for me are the lovely ribbon backdrop, using different hues of pink and incorporating breast cancer inspired sweets made by Kiss My Cakes. This amazing dessert table was captured by Lee Bird Photography.

Take a moment and read the interview below and enjoy getting to know Linda and learn more about the inspiration behind her business. Enjoy xx

{Pink Ribbon Dessert Table styled by Harper Event Design}

1. Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Harper Event Design}? When did you launch your business and what is the inspiration behind your business?

Officially Harper Event Design (HED) was launched in 2008, however my husband and I were both working full-time until I went on Maternity Leave in March this year. This has given me the opportunity to dedicate a lot of time on building the business. HED is actually the brainchild of my husband who worked for an event company in London for 7 years before we met.

2. Who and what inspires your work?
I know it’s cliché, but everyday people do. My background is in psychology and seeing the hardships people go through on a day to day basis really keeps me grounded and I feel that if they can do it surely I can. It really motivates me to keep moving forward with our dream of building HED.

In terms of my design aesthetic, my mind is always thinking about new ideas and different ways to use things. Every store I go into my head is spinning. I am a huge fan of Preston Bailey, Amy Atlas and Martha Stewart, which is where I draw alot of my vision.

3. What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Being able to see the reactions of the client and their guests. I love hearing that our work played a part in the enjoyment of someone’s event. I feel privileged that people put trust in my vision and enable me to create what I see in my head.

4. What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Our “Pink Ribbon Shoot” being featured on the Amy Atlas blog and being picked by Hostess with the Mostess as the number 2 Party of the week in October 2011. I am one of their biggest fans and seeing my work featured on the blogs was absolutely mind blowing. I felt as though I climbed the top of the mountain and achieved a huge goal of mine.

5. Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I have raided all the op shops in my area and have bought hundreds of doilies for my daughters “Vintage” themed Christening. I remember as a child, my mum having so many doilies around the house and thinking how daggy they were. Who would have thought they have made a big comeback and I am paying money for them now :)

6. What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking of styling their own dessert table?
1. Research, research, research…..type in key words in google and scan through lots of images for inspiration. Make a folder with all these images so you can easily refer back to.

2. Know your theme before you start going shopping or else you’ll be left with a mishmash of items you can’t use.

3. Give yourself enough time to plan your event, there’s nothing worse than a rush job and forgetting to put key elements into the look.

7. If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Oh wow, at the moment I think I would have to say Rachel Zoe – celebrity stylist. I am obsessed with her show on Foxtel and totally enjoy her fashion! Her style is so smooth, clean and fresh…..I would love to be able to create a gorgeous brunch for Rachel and her girlfriends.

8. Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
Vintage – I love op shopping and love being able to bring life to items that have had their day. Mixing old elements and turning them into modern masterpieces is so much fun. Lots of girly…lace, tulle, pastel colours and doilies.

Moroccan – I absolutely love all the colours…….the clashing of textures, fabrics and colours really gives me the freedom to explore and create a lush atmosphere.

Pink – I’m not usually one to wear pink or don’t consider myself overly girly but for some reason I totally enjoy styling parties with pink. It may be my girly side trying to get out, but it is fun shopping for delicate and soft colours to match the party I am creating. It doesn’t necessarily have to be all pink but the bonus to doing a pink party is that other colours work really well with this colour so it makes it easier to shop for props etc.

9. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
Bright colours. I have never been one to wear lots of black and am really enjoying all the block colours that are around at the moment for spring. Whether it’s flowers, clothes, paint, whatever……I love it!

10. What is your day-to-day like?
Tiring and chaotic at the moment. Living on minimal sleep. I have a gorgeous little 6 month old baby girl Grace so my day begins at 7am and usually ends at about midnight. Trying to juggle motherhood, starting an online business and event styling is challenging but something I enjoy immensely.

My home has now turned into a warehouse full of stock and gorgeous products for our online store that is launching very soon. I think this is the calm before the storm and my days will be even busier (if that’s possible). A lot of my time during the day is also consumed with making/taking phone calls (lots of them), sending/replying to emails and lots of research on the computer.

11. What does the future hold for {Harper Event Design}?
We are in the process of launching an online store that will stock boutique items and brands that I have hand picked. Ideally, I am concentrating on building my clientele for the shop and getting in some wonderful brands. I’d also love to keep building up the event styling part of the business and be booked up every week :)

12. What is your favourite place in the world?
It has to be Noosa. This is where I married my wonderful husband in 2007. Since we met in 2005 we have returned every year and love the laid back urban feel to it. I would love to retire there one day...

Email: lindaharps@gmail.com
Website: www.harpereventdesign.com.au
Blog: www.harpereventdesign.com.au/blog
Online shop: www.harpereventdesign.com.au/shop
Facebook: Harper Event Design

Styling by Harper Event Design

Photography by Lee Bird Photography

Sweets by Kiss My Cakes

Fabulous Giveaway!!!

It’s been a while since we hosted a {Giveaway} and I must say you are up for a treat! And here is why! We are offering one lucky winner a chance to WIN all of the following:

1. One full page advertisement in our Christmas issue of My Little Jedi Online Magazine!
2. One month blog sponsorship which entitles you to a store feature!
3. Win a $40 printable party package of your choice from My Little Jedi!

{How to enter this fabulous giveaway}

1. Become a blog follower of {My little Jedi} and leave a comment saying you did so.
2. Spread the word about this giveaway on your facebook page and leave a comment saying you did so.
3. Become a fan of My Little Jedi Facebook Page and leave a comment saying you did so.

Entries close on Sunday 30th October at 8:00pm (Eastern Standard Time). The winner will be drawn by Random.org and announced on the 31st of October on our blog.

Good Luck! xx

Wrapped with Love

I adore a pretty package anytime of the year, but it’s especially when I package gifts to give to my loved ones. A simple gift can leave a lasting impression when you use pretty wrapping paper. If you’re anything like me, half of the fun of the holiday season revolves around picking up little gifts you know your loved ones will adore and then carrying them home to wrap them up in the prettiest wrapping paper.

With this in mind, we have launched our latest {A4 Paper Printables} perfect for gift wrapping, gift tags, scrapbooking, card making and any other craft projects. The best thing about the printable paper is once you purchase the files you can print as many as you like, over and over again. The papers are available in 5 colours {rose pink, lemon, mint, duck egg blue and lilac} and in a range of traditional and mod designs to suit any occation. From polka dot, candy stripe, damask, chevron to trellis, we have it all covered! To purchase the printable paper visit our website: www.mylittlejedi.com.au

{Printable Papers by My Little Jedi}

A day in the life of...{me}

Today i would love to share an article i wrote for one of my fabourite blogs of all time {The Style Net}. The topic of the article was "a day in the life..." so i decided to write about my son's 2nd birthday party! Grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read. xx

Oh happy day…

It’s 3am and the house is peaceful and not to mention full of props, candy and balloons ready for Aniken’s 2nd birthday party. I am not even tired and my brain refuses to shut down. I think to myself I might as well stay up and continue with the set up. I slowly open Aniken's bedroom door to check on him and make sure he is still covered as he loves to kick the blanket away. His angelic face truly melts my heart, miraculously he is still covered so I gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and I am off to the kitchen. The preparation for the party is already underway.

It's 5am and i am in a desperate need of a strong coffee! I finally sit down on my rocking chair, with a cup of coffee in hand, planning the day ahead. I am sipping my coffee and looking at the giant pile of candy sitting on my dining table. (Temptation, temptation)! The candy jars, cake stands and props are all lined up in the kitchen ready to go. I am using the re-vamped shabby chic buffet (which I sanded, painted and adorned) to display all the delicious candy and sweets. The buffet is ready to go and it’s looking exactly how I imaged it.

Its 6.30am and my little man is already up, I can hear him calling out “mama” from the bedroom! I am standing in front of his cot and he is reaching out to give me a hug. Oh, his face is so warm and cuddly, he has wrapped his hands around my neck, legs around my waist…the best feeling in the world! Hubby has started preparing the breakfast while Aniken is laying on the couch watching “peppa pig” on the ipad. {Aniken is totally obsessed with this show}. And me, well I continue with the set of the backdrop and photo booth. The kids will have so much fun with all these props and I can’t wait to see the look on Aniken’s face.

Its 7.30am and breakfast is served, it smells as good as it looks. Eggs benedict on a sourdough toast (totally scrumptious)! I have to flush this down with my daily dose of peppermint infusion which keeps me going until the next meal.

Its 8.30 am and the delicious macaroons have been dropped off. I have to admit Catherine has done an amazing job. Half an hour later Dewi has arrived as well and delivered Aniken’s scrumptious rosette birthday cake, cakes in jars and cupcakes! All I can say is wow, the candy buffet is finally complete and it looks totally splendid. It’s time for me to snap some shots for my online magazine and blog. I will never forget Aniken’s face when he saw the candy bar for the very first time, it was literary like winning the “Golden Ticket”. The colour palette of chocolate, turquoise and mustard tied in perfectly with the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” theme. Candy overload is all I can say.

It’s 11 am and the party is all set up, Aniken is having a nap and it’s time for me to sit down and enjoy a glass of bubby with my mum and unwind. The weather is not looking too bad, little overcast but at least it’s not raining. While waiting for the guests to arrive hubby and I are having a photo booth session with all the props. (so much fun!)

Before I realize the backyard is full! The kids have kicked their shoes off and are already bouncing away on the jumping castle. Aniken is awake and the first thing he spotted was the giant cake shaped jumping castle and he is ready to join the fun. After loads of fun and a lovely lunch, it is time to cut the cake. Aniken has enjoyed blowing the candles several times and finally we get to taste the mouth-watering pistachio butter cake with vanilla bean swiss meringue filling. (One of the best tasting cakes I have ever had).

The party is coming to an end and the kids have had an amazing day filled with lots of fun. Little Aniken is looking very tired and he is ready for a relaxing bath and bed time. Hubby has already cleaned all the mess in and outside the house while I am sitting on the couch absolutely exhausted downloading the images of Aniken’s party which will be featured in my online magazine and Amy Atlas’ (the queen of dessert tables) blog.

I must say the last few months have been super busy but extremely fun as I have turned my dream into a reality. Tomorrow is a huge day for me and MLJ, the launch of my very first issue of My Little Jedi online magazine. All the hard work and sleepless nights have finally paid off. I am happy with the layout of the magazine and I can’t wait to share it with my readers. Its 11.30pm and I can’t keep my eyes open, I can finally go to bed and have a good night sleep.

Candy Coated Baby Shower

If you are in possession of a sweet tooth you are going to love this sweet baby shower which i styled last weekend. Candy coated pastels and baby showers go hand in hand! I chose the shades of mint, lemon, rose pink and powdery blue which tied in perfectly. For the centrepiece is used the lovely wishing tree which was adorned with little birds and i must admit not only looks super cute but also it’s a great way for the family and friends to leave a sweet little message which can be kept forever. Catherine from 2Bites used her magic wand and made the delicious cupcakes.

If you would like to get your party styled by {My Little Jedi} please send us an email {vesna@mylittlejedi.com.au}. Hope to hear from you soon. xx

1st Birthday Tea Party

Life is delicious…make time for tea!

Today's post is all about ruffles, macarons and gorgeous styling. If you ask me this is one of the most gorgeous tea party i have ever seen. Just my style! I love all things pink so it took my breath away to see the little tea pot set and the gorgeous ruffle cake! This amazing tea party was styled by {Avie and Lulu} and it was inspired by vintage florals and pastel colour palette of soft pink, pale blue and whites.

They have used Vintage Pink Fenton glassware which they have collected over many years and paper garlands in rose pink and white formed the backdrop. Instead of lolly bags, children were given a pretty cupcake in love heart box as a take home gift. I am totally smitten by all the gorgeous details and would love to congratulate Avie and Lulu on the Amy Atlas feature. Thank you so much for sharing this special event with our readers. Enjoy xx

Vendors:
Cake by Sweet Tiers  
All photography and styling by Avie & Lulu