simple really

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I'm going to be really happy. Are you?

Beautiful torture

This week I embark on a nine week challenge with my gym. nine weeks to get super fit and ready for summer. nine weeks of no alcohol*, minimal carbs, stacks of protein and multiple visits to the gym. 

as an indication of what I've signed up for, my personal trainer sent me a text this afternoon, kindly reminding me it was 4pm and not to eat any carbs from then on. hmm, right. so I'm guessing ordering our standard friday night pizza is out of the question. I'm also guessing if i happen to win the prize at the end of the challenge, which is a trip to Hawaii, i should probably send the boy. alone. if he makes it out of this alive.

in the mean time I'll torture myself (and you) with images of these beautiful cakes by maggie austin cakes

* I can handle the strict rules relating to everything else, but, alcohol? No booze for 9 weeks? That's a challenge

misguided pennies

        

How sweet are these drawings? I discovered the work of Nan Lawson via the green wedding shoes blog.

As my quest to buy a bike continues I thought purchasing the bike drawing above to put on my inspiration board would make perfect sense! Let's just ignore the fact that it is perhaps slightly counter-productive to be spending my pennies on pretty drawings, rather than putting them in the piggy bank!

Is time on twitter time well spent??

As you know I am fairly new to the world of blogging and twitter and various other social media options that I am yet to discover. I really enjoy the world that has opened up to oscar and ruby through these mediums and honestly believe time on twitter is time well spent. Not just for helping to grow as a business, but for making friendships and genuine connections with vendors all over the world. 

If you have the inclination there is a wealth of info out there on how to use twitter well.

To save you the trouble (if you are interested!) I've linked for you here a great article by chris brogan.

It's worth the time.

And the groom wore tartan

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Here for your viewing pleasure are two beautiful Scottish weddings. 

I'm positive i'm not the only girl or guy, who adores a groom in a kilt. Not sure what the attraction is, but could perhaps be that it's such a rare occurrence that when a groom does choose to wear one it's all the more amazing. 

the boy considered* getting kilted up for our wedding, but it seems just because your name is McLeod and some where way way way back in the depths of history someone else called McLeod could possibly be your relation does not give you free reign of the national dress. 

My dad, on the other hand can lay a claim to a slightly closer relationship to the bonny land. He also considered wearing a kilt in the Anderson family tartan, however, after witnessing the somewhat immature behaviour of some of our friends at our engagement party, dad considered the chance of said people lifting his kilt as a joke too risky. And opted out.

Shame really.

* if considered means politely agreeing after months of pestering, then, yes. 

I guess you could say he 'considered' wearing a kilt.

what do you think?

kilt or suit? or tux or shorts?

what's your fav groom attire?

5 floral ideas for Spring!

It doesn't seem to be so dark now, when I get home from work. And it has been a few days since we have turned on the heater.  The boy doesn't groan as much when getting out of bed and the dog is less reluctant to go outside. 

I don't want to jinx anything but, I think it may almost be spring time (shhhhh).

This is exciting, not just for me but for all you brides out there, looking at flowers for your bouquets and centre pieces.

Flowers can take a huge chunk out of your budget, especially if you have your heart set on something that is not in season*. Below I have listed for you five beautiful options that are available in spring and are budget friendly.

1. Carnations. No longer last minute service station favourites.

 But a super stylish and colourful addition to any table

2. Sweet peas. 

So appropriate if that just happens to be your pet name

3. Ranunculus.  The peonies understudy and great all rounder

4. Ranunculus again. 

Just because I think they are highly under-rated and deserve a second mention

5. The Peony. If you are getting married in November, you are lucky. 

As this is the only month peonies bloom here in Australia.

* I'm looking at YOU peonies. You might be popular but you are very elusive. Grrrrr

Images all from Martha

The big five

image via apartment therapy

exciting news. oscar and ruby has been commissioned to plan what could be the most important party in a child's life.  the big five. 

important because it marks the transition from pre-school to BIG school, important because if you impress the right people they could be your best friends for life.

i totally get the importance of fifth birthday parties, as I managed to turn my own in to a complete disaster. 

being the birthday girl and therefore person of very important status i simply assumed this gave me the right to do and act however i pleased. unwrapping presents with ungrateful haste and shoving chips and jelly beans in to my mouth at the same time was slightly acceptable behaviour. unfortunately shoving patrick from across the road off the top of the monkey bars, was not.

patrick, his crumpled little body on the ground screamed so loud his mum came running from across the road.

i was in big trouble. with tears stinging my eyes i was sent to my room ( at my own party, the shame) and all the guests were sent home. party and queen status - ruined.

i really hope this party goes a little better.

p.s patrick, as it turns out was fine. i still think to this day he was just jealous it wasn't his birthday and wanted to steal the lime light. 

do you remember your 5th birthday? 
did it go a little better than mine? 
i hope so!