Ringin' In 2013

Credits: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

I do hope you all had a most wonderful Christmas! We had a huge party on Christmas Eve with my husband's family - as is tradition. The kids tearing open their gifts at midnight. Christmas morning was spent with my immediate family - a delicious long breakfast of pancakes topped with berries and coconut syrup, bacon & eggs, fruit salad and a few glasses of Mumm champagne. Mmmmmm. After a huge late lunch with my extended family we wearily returned home to my parents to curl up on the lounge and all watch "The Holiday" together. Bliss.

Now to gear up for the biggest party of they year (ok, well aside from my birthday!) I have found a little inspiration that sums up a perfect NYE for moi.

I'd love to know what your plans for New Year's are...

~ Clare x

White Christmas

This year I decided that even though it's summer in Australia, I was having a white Christmas. So hubby & I tracked down a pretty white tree & adorned it in silver & gold. I decorated in other areas with a little silver & blue. Above are a couple of instagram pics of my tree & other decorations. The last pic is a delicious bar of Lindt chocolate I received in the mail this week from the gorgeous girls at Real Weddings Magazine. Twas delicious!

What colours are you decorating with this year?

~ Clare x

Fiji

All images by Glenn Chiofalo

A few of my favourite snaps from our Fiji getaway. The first shot was taken from our bure - yes, that was our view each day. 

Anyone who has been to Fiji will tell you how beautiful the Fijians are, waving with big smiles and a "Bula!" as you pass by. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting a local primary school armed with gifts of art & other school supplies. The children from each grade had devised a special song and dance just for our visit. They were so beautiful. 

One thing I'm definitely missing are "The Serenaders" who would play acoustic guitars, ukeleles, & sing for us over lunch, dinner, & long into the night. Why can't I have serenaders everywhere I go here? ;-)

Well, it may be back to the daily grind for me now but I'm already planning my next trip to paradise...

~ Clare x

Love Vintage Show 2012 ~ Featuring Burlesque with Foxtrot India & the Sydney Swing Katz

All images courtesy of Creative Flair Photography

Well I'm back from Fiji & feeling completely relaxed & refreshed. A week of swimming, indulging in tropical cocktails, dancing & laughing into the wee hours with great friends, boat rides to private islands, eating waaaay too much food & plenty of massages & spa treatments, was just what the doctor ordered. Not to mention the highlight of our week; witnessing our very best friends get married! Photos to come soon. You can see a few of my holiday instagram snaps here. There are a few sneak peek photos of Ben & Katie's 1920s inspired wedding & 'trash the dress shoot' on the Photographer's facebook page here. 

In the meantime I'm sharing with you my brother-in-law's shots from our day at Sydney's Love Vintage Show back in September. As you can see above, the highlights of the day were the Sydney Swing Katz, dancing up a storm, and a little lesson on the history of Burlesque with the very vivacious Foxtrot India. She then taught us all a few choice dance moves! The last shot is a sneaky one of moi in my favourite 50s dress & you can see my main purchase of the day; a cream vintage suitcase.

What have you all been up to? I desperately need to catch up on your blogs!

~ Clare x