flowerbomb - Valentine's Day gift inspiration

I'm sure you're all well aware that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner - the high volume of Michael Hill Jewellers ads on TV are certainly announcing it loud and proud.

In my most recent blog post, I shared some current favourites and gift ideas, including the lovely flowerbomb, a Sunshine Coast florist with style, and I just can’t get enough of their amazing attention to detail. I was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Deb of flowerbomb about her business, and I'd love you to get to know her too!

What do you do? What do you make?
Owner/Florist at flower bomb

Why and how did you make your first product?
I saw a gap here on the Sunshine Coast for fresh flowers delivered. I wanted to make it simple and affordable! Our flowers are a small, thoughtful gesture :)

Who was your key support during the fledgling stage of flowerbomb?

My hubby!

How do you manage your time well?
I do everything at night when the kids are asleep. It's amazing how much you can get done without distractions :)

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

We make flower giving really simple! There's one type of arrangement each week and it's easy to order though our website or Facebook. The exact picture of the week's flower bomb goes on to our website and social media on the Wednesday, ready for delivery Thursday. Our customers know exactly what their flowers will look like.

If you could have given yourself a piece of knowledge or advice when you started what would that be?

Always go for the 'hardy' flowers. Our customers give great importance to how long their flowers last.
(Note from Katy: I can vouch for this, I have been so impressed with just how long the glorious flowerbomb arrangements last. And check out all the reviews on their Facebook page too!)

How do you conquer any moments of doubt that threaten to stop your great ideas? What pushes you through?

I try to focus on all the positive feedback we get. The Sunny Coast has embraced flower bomb with open arms and I'm really grateful for that.

Righto, time for some fun stuff.
What is your 'uniform'? What do you wear more often than anything else?

An amazing denim Apron from Cargo Crew with our logo embroidered on (yes, aprons can be amazing!)

What is your favourite thing to wear to make you happy?

Cute earrings or perhaps a fresh flower crown.

(Well, isn't that just darling?! I want to wear a flower crown to work too.)

Where do you deliver to?

Caloundra to Noosa, and everywhere in between!

My sweet Valentine's Day tip: use discount code 'katypotaty' for $5 off at checkout (valid until Friday 19th Feb), and treat yourself, your lover and your Mum this weekend! For more info, head to their website.

Do you love to send fresh flowers as gifts? (Note - you should, especially if you love receiving them!) What do you plan on gifting for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments!

Note: not an ad or sponsored post - just sharing in the hope that locals will flowerbomb everyone they love!

16 to try in 2016

Ahhhh January. You were but a fleeting visitor.

How are we already one-twelfth of the way through this year already? I can't even deal. Between working in retail over Christmas and New Year (which is the easiest way to make Summer disappear, let me assure you), a quick camping trip, then back to school, I feel like last month was really only been 10 days long. Gah!

In the spirit of making the most of 2016 (without making it my best year ever because CLICHE), I've come up with a list of 16 things I'd like to try, or if I've tried them - commit to them, during what remains of this year.


1. Handwrite a card/letter a month (starting in February, so 11 in total)

2. Learn a new skill from Udemy. Last year I tried Udemy for a few small programming courses, and actually really enjoyed learning this way. Any suggestions on something new I could learn that might be a little useful?

3. Listen to podcasts instead of the radio driving to and from work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The drive to Lorna Jane is much longer than my quick trip to school, and I sometimes feel like listening to drivetime radio is killing braincells. There's only so much blatant sexist stereotyping (it's like the guy is always the funny one and the woman is the nagging one who knows nothing about sport - blah) that I can take for 90mins a day. I can highly recommend the new Sweet Teen Club podcast by Veggie Mama and Smaggle, because they're both sassy as all get out, and who doesn't love the thought of rehashing the excellent Sweet Valley High series with fresh eyes? Children of the 80's and 90's, this podcast is for you.

4. Visit a dairy and take a cheese-tasting course. Because my jeans aren't tight enough already.

5. Cook a three course meal once a month - and no, cheese can't be the entree or dessert!

6. File all the random photos on my computer and iPhone properly, because I can't find photos of Stevie when I want them!

7. Keep our houseplants alive (it's way harder than you think), and buy more houseplants. By the end of 2016, I'd like at least one in every room of the house!

8. Deal with my fear of toads a little better. Try to overcome it enough that I can deal with toad-related situations and not call my Mum if BB isn't home.

9. Find the best strapless bra ever. (This could be tricky, I don't think it exists. But I'm willing to search.)

10. Learn to meditate and practice it for ONE month without fail.

11. Write 100 blog posts, not necessarily for this blog, guest blogging might be awesome too.

12. Be an awesome best friend. If you don't know, my spunkrat bestie Peta of Trainee Mama is pregnant with twins, which means her 2 year old son Ned (one of my favourite humans ever, especially since he's now saying the words 'Love you') might be looking for some one-on-one time with an adult once the newbies (both girls!) arrive. I plan on being the best auntie and stealing him away for lots of Big Boy time while Peta settles into twin-mum mode. Also associated with this goal, pamper the heck outta Peta before the birth, too.

13. Give more compliments. And get better at receiving them.

14. I asked Brooke of Blonde Ambition if she had any bucket list ideas for me for the year, and she came up with 'Be the first in Australia to see the sunrise', which I absolutely LOVE! So I think there'll be a girl's road trip to Byron on the cards sometime soon!

15. Donate blood - I'm a reasonably regular plasma giver, but I'm really keen to stick it on the list so I don't forget.

16. Go to the drive-in. This is actually something B and I used to do occasionally when we lived in Brisbane and had a convertible; I think it'll be slightly less sexy in the ix35, but we'll give it a go!

There you have it - a list of 16 pretty cool things I want to get stuck into during 2016. Let's see what I can tick off!

Are you a Bucket List kinda person? Anything missing off here that I just HAVE to do?

In other awesome news, I have been given three awesome iCare Eyewear family sunglasses packs to giveaway, featuring each of the great sunnies I reviewed in this post. For your chance to win a great eyewear pack, simply check out the Rafflecopter below, and follow iCare on any of their social media channels. Good luck!

If you want to check them out in person, head to the iCare website where you can find your closest pharmacy which stocks the range.

#Everydaystyle weekend - visiting Brisbane (and a great Mantra Brisbaneaccommodation deal)

I used to be a Brisbane local. I lived in one of the most beautiful riverside suburbs, and caught the CityCat (fast ferry for outtatowners) to work in the CBD. BB and I regularly took ferries to the football, and to Southbank for brunch and for date nights, and we've always thought the best thing about Brisbane is the Brisbane River.

So when there was a little mix-up with our accommodation at Mantra Midtown a few weekends ago when Peta and I we were in the city for Styling You's awesome #everydaystyle birthday party, I really didn't mind when the concierge said 'I'm so sorry Miss, we're going to move you to our riverside property, Mantra on the Quay'. I mean, river-view upgrade? I'll take it.

After a beautiful afternoon swanning around like we were internet-famous, we checked in to our new digs for the night. (Let's all agree that I'm not the world's greatest real estate photographer. And also that I'd had a few many wines at the luncheon by the time we checked in, and clear photos were low on my to-do list.)

The lobby is lovely, and roomy enough for a few photo opportunities without the concierge seeing what you're up to. Totes important.

Our rooms were plenty big enough - none of that 'squeeze two small bedrooms into what should be one bedroom space' situation here. We've all seen it before, and it ain't pretty.

(Above three images from Mantra.)

A decent bathroom to get ready in is always a priority, and the ensuite certainly sufficed.

My view the next morning was fantastic; I got up early, drew back the blinds and snuggled back in bed with a cuppa to watch Brisbane come along on a Summer Sunday morning.

 

A large balcony with a river view for happy snaps is always appreciated!

Peta and I didn't get the chance to check out the pool and barbeque area, or the gym (as if I was interested in using that!) because we had to head back to the Coast early-ish, but the hotel is well-equipped for longer stays, with everything you could need in CBD accommodation. I'll definitely be heading back to Brisbane for a longer trip this Summer, visiting has made me homesick for my favourite city.

Mantra on the Quay has a great accommodation deal this Summer if you're planning on visiting Brisbane :

• Stay 3 nights and save up to 10% - rates start from $158 per night for 1 bedroom apartment
• Stay 5 nights and save 20% - rates start from $140 per night for 1 bedroom apartment

(Offer is valid for booking and travel until 29 February 2016, subject to availability, minimum 3 night stay & 5 night stay respectively, conditions apply. Visit www.mantra.com.au for bookings.)

Do you have a favourite Australian city? Somewhere you've lived or visited that you love?

*One night's accommodation at Mantra on the Quay was gifted to me to attend the #everydaystyle party; but as a longtime Mantra lover (all our engagement, wedding and anniversary holidays have been at Mantra), I'm super-happy to share what I love about these hotels. Thanks Mantra, and thank you to Brisbane Marketing too.

Flowers... just because. FreshFlowers.com.au review and a giveaway!

This post is sponsored by FreshFlowers.com.au

Update: I've chosen a winner! Melina's children's teacher will receive a lovely surprise delivery at work this week! Thanks for joining in, everyone; it was so lovely to read all those comments about who you'd love to spoil!

When I was contacted by new florist on the block FreshFlowers.com.au about reviewing their fresh new website, my response was immediately YES! 'Free flowers, I'm in!' I am, after all, a girl and as a girl I enjoy receiving flowers. I do have a pretty sweet and thoughtful husband, but honestly, can you ever receive too many flowers?

As I was online though, checking out their bouquets and arrangements, I thought how unexpected and lovely it might be for someone else to receive a flower delivery, and promptly ordered a potted orchid for my friend Brooke of Blonde Ambition.

The ordering process was so simple, the hardest part was choosing what I wanted. I love orchids, and giving a potted plant instead of a bouquet really is the gift that keeps on giving. Brooke's apartment in Brisbane is white with lots of natural sunlight and pops of colour everywhere, so I decided to go for traditional white with a sunshine yellow heart! This lovely little gem only cost $49.95, and with 10% for my first order, the whole thing delivered was $53!

I was given an opportunity to write a sentiment for the card and I received email confirmation when the flowers were shipped and then when they were delivered.

I ordered the orchid mid-afternoon on Wednesday, and they arrived safely in Brisbane before lunch Thursday. Brooke snapped these pictures for me, and I'm thrilled at how happy she was with an unexpected delivery!

Girl can cheese.

I am so happy to recommend FreshFlowers.com.au to anyone; the quality was terrific, and the ordering and delivery were spot on. I also think that their prices are pretty amazing. I know where I’m going to turn the next time I am ordering flowers. Just let me know if you're in the mood to send flowers... I'll give you my address!

Who would you love to send a surprise flower delivery to? I will choose one commenter and send a FreshFlowers.com.au bouquet** to their chosen friend or family member!

*This product was kindly provided. Like everything you'll find on Katy Potaty, my thoughts are all my own. For more info, check out my disclosure policy.

** Not sponsored; I'd just like to buy someone else flowers. Comment before midnight Sunday 15th November 2015 AEDST, and I'll choose a lucky winner! (Australian commenters eligible only.)

Glasshouse Candle Inji Mist - Cure Brain Cancer

Have you ever wanted to design your own beautiful candle? Who hasn't? I don't really need to though, because Glasshouse Fragrances have already created pretty much the perfect candle for me... their Montego Bay Coconut & Lime scent is on high rotation in this house. I still remember the moment that BB discovered how much Glasshouse candles cost, and did some quick maths to come up with the figure I was spending on candles every year. Oops.

Back to candle designing: on this week's episode of The Block (which I rarely watch, but still enjoy), the teams participated in a candle making challenge with Glasshouse Fragrances Co-Founder, Nicole Eckels. Western Australian sibling pair, Luke and Ebony won the challenge with their candle Inji Mist, inspired by Injidup Point, a surf break in the south-west of Western Australia and dedicated to their family friend who passed away from brain cancer. What a beautiful gesture.

Luke and Ebony with Nicole Eckels of Glasshouse Fragrances

The best part is that all Glasshouse Fragrances' profits from the sale of this candle will go to Ebony and Luke's chosen charity, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to support their mission to increase five-year survival for brain cancer patients. 

Stop and just think about that statistic for a moment. It's so not ok. I know people who are being hit very hard by the awful effects of brain cancer right now, and it ain't a walk in the park. It's debilitating and brings families to their knees. 

Glasshouse Fragrances Inji Mist

Do the right thing, and stock up on Glasshouse Inji Candles for gifts this Christmas, and get the warm and fuzzies when you think about the double-awesome good deed you're doing.

Do you watch The Block? And what sort of candle would you design if you had the opportunity?

Want more like this? Sure you do, get Katy Potaty via email and go into my monthly subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse Fragrances candle! (What's the betting odds that I'll buy you an Inji Mist one, eh?)

Weekend Reading

I've officially survived my first full term at my school job. (I know, I know, I haven't really blogged about what I'm doing with two jobs, but if you follow me on Instagram, you'll pick it up pretty quickly. I work in a school, and also still at Lorna Jane casually.)

Ok, here are some great things on the internet for you to enjoy this weekend.
1. Here's a sweet post from Vicki over at Style on V, suggesting Five Little Ways to Spread a Little Kindness.

2. Completely in love. My go-to lippie of the last three months has been Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Grapefruit. I use this balm all the time - I'm definitely going to have to re-purchase soon, and with 3 for the price of 2 at Priceline at the moment, I'll try a few other shades in the range too.

3. Tell me, do you want the same thing as me from your blog reading? You want high wit, and low prices? Someone who would wear an amaze ballgown skirt with converse sneakers and a striped tee? Well get following Beth of Almost Posh. She's an Adelaidean with attitude, and she juggles the three big ones - work, her kidlet and blogging - well.

4. It's now almost October. Gah! I'm still searching for a little more inspiration for how best to keep my focus in 2015, and not get too sidetracked. More suggestions are welcome!

5. Trainee Mama (excellent blogger, cool mama, my bestie) is so different from me in so many ways. She's a gym instructor *insert grossed out emoji face here* and she really enjoys green smoothies *insert facepalm emoji here, oh wait, they don't have one yet* FACEPALM.

She wrote this week about a groovy little blend-y appliance with the bottle actually on the top, and was talking about some of her fave smoothie recipes on her Facebook page. If you're that way inclined, head over and check them out. If you're not, pour another dash of cream in your coffee and relax.

6. For those of you not into starting your day with a big ol' bunch of kale, these Apple Bacon Pancakes (let that sink in a moment) by Shay of Mix'n'Match Mama are the bee's knees. The cat's pyjamas. The ant's pants. Go cook them now for someone you love.

So happy weekend! I have huge plans to vacuum and get the media room ready for our new lounge that's being delivered. Then I'll mix and match cushions on it for seventeen hours. Huge plans, eh.

What about you? Discovered anything amazing cruising the internet lately? Good stuff I should read (that's not about Sam and Snez, or the #libspill)?

Life lately: why I'm not taking many outfit photos

I used to take a LOT of selfies. Pretty much every second photo I shared on Instagram or Facebook was a 'what I'm wearing' pic. And you might have noticed that I don't do that very often lately. And you might even (if you care a smidge for me) have wondered why.

There are a few reasons. The first big one is that I'm just not feeling inspired by my wardrobe and the outfit combinations I have in front of me when I'm standing staring at the rails of clothes in the mornings. This comes and goes, and doesn't worry me very much.

The second reason is that I wear a uniform a lot now. Le sigh. A red Dri-fit polo shirt, three days a week. I wear this with any of a number of black Lorna Jane shorts/cargo pants/tracksuit pants (yes... I wear trackies to work) and sneakers, either black or white. Now do you understand why I don't snap many pics of myself in this gorgeous get-up?

Red = not my favourite.

The pants that were issued to me with my shirt were so hideous, that I think even classing them as golf shorts was flattering. Knee-length, multi-pocketed, high-waisted shorts are not going to work on even the most slender of bodies, and on my curves... NO. So I pull the ol' LJ Flashdance shorts and pants out of the wardrobe for work, and try to make an effort by putting my hair in a bun or a braid. Yep, that's the extent of my creativity. I would LOVE to tart up a polo shirt-shorts combo a bit more, but I'm stumped. If you've got suggestions, please let me know!

The third reason is that I worry about people judging me. Yup, I'm like everyone else out there, and way too concerned with other people's opinions.

'Hang on,' you say, 'isn't that why people post selfies and outfit photos on Instagram though? For others to look at and judge?'

Why no, my dear friends. No it's damn well not. I post outfit photos because I like seeing other outfit photos, and I feel inspired by style bloggers (completely separate from fashion bloggers, because who has the funds to keep up with fashion?) who wear a really cute striped tee with a denim vest over the top and I think 'Hey! I've got striped tees and denim vests, I'll try that. And maybe, just maybe, someone might look at my (probably coral and/or stripe tee) outfit and think 'That's cute, I might wear my stuff like that'. Or they might not, and that's ok too.

But I don't think it's ok for regular people to be judged on their everyday style choices. Celebrities who are famous for being celebrities, sure. I mean, I'll rag on Kim Kardashian's poor choice of ankle-strap stilettos until the sun comes up, but if a mum from Melbourne wants to wear those, good on her. Kim K (and pretty much anyone else in her clique) wear clothes TO GET REACTIONS from us, and from the media. Normal people wear clothes so their private parts don't show. Yes, double standards; but I never said things were fair.

All this to say that I had a brutal customer experience at work a month or so ago, and have only just noticed that it's affected how I get dressed in the morning, and how I share images of myself on social media. And I want to get myself out of that slump.

I bought these tights from work. I harboured no delusions that I would look like the above bum-model when I wore them, I just loved the print. It reminded me of a Finch swimsuit I had and loved as a 10 year old, and that made me happy. Lesson one: buy things that make you happy.

I was so excited about them that I wore said tights to work the day after I bought them (who doesn't do that? Nobody, that's who). I took a couple of pics in the fit room before work to send to my bestie (who is as much of a Lorna Jane print tight lover as me) and thought I might also share on Instagram later in the day. Lesson two: share outfit pics on Instagram shortly after you take them, don't overthink it.

Who matches their green smoothie jar to their workout tights? Lorna Jane girls do, that's who.

Before I got the chance to go sit in the sun on my lunchbreak, read excellent text compliments from my best friend on my new tights, and post a photo on Instagram, a customer walked instore and insulted me. Ok, so she didn't just come in and smack me in the face with cruel words, but she really hurt me. She wanted tights for exercise (you're in the right place, lady), the conversation was running along nicely, and after I explained the lengths of tights available, she told me what she wanted, so I pointed at mine, and confirmed 'You'd like a 7/8 style, like the ones I'm wearing?' (Retail 101. Always confirm what they want, because sometimes they explain very, very poorly.)

Her response almost floored me. 'No way, I don't want those. I don't think bigger girls like you should ever wear printed tights.' With a sneer. I smiled of course, and handed the customer over to a collegue. Then went and ate my body weight in avocado and fetta on Turkish bread because carbs.

Who even? I thought we clarified I was talking about the LENGTH OF THE TIGHTS, you muppet. Apparently not. And apparently you have rules on who should wear what. To which I say, leggings are pants. And print schmint. But that little exchange did upset me. I didn't post my photos on Instagram for a day or so, because I felt that I looked a lot bigger in them, and that I would get similar comments if I posted the photos. Lucky for me, my Instagram community are lovely. Lesson three: believe compliments, ignore criticism.

Lots of likes and love from my peeps on Instagram. Gems, all of you.

The first thing I did to drag my mind out of that 'Katy, you're horrible' place this weekend was read Melissa of Suger Coat It's new eBook '10 ways to be happy in your skin' and then I wrote her an email telling her that she was a genius. If you ever doubt your ability to shine in the body you have, this is exactly the book you should be reading. She's a delight. (Not sponsored, gifted or anything, it just resonated like crazy with me.) Lesson four: read wise words.

Get this awesomeness here

The second thing was to spend some time with people (pets are people too, for the kidless) who think I'm awesome just as I am. I mean, sure... my puppy would probably prefer that her mum was a super-runner who could take her for 5km jogs along the beach every day. And BB would just adore it if I had Christie Brinkley's bum. But I don't, and they love me so much. Lesson five: good husbands and dogs never lie, and always love.

The third thing is that I've consciously decided that I'll share more outfit photos. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Do you have any hot tips on feeling better about posting outfit photos? Have you ever had days, weeks, months, where you feel like you can't share?

And how would you have (politely) responded to a comment like the one I got at work?

Want more like this? Sure you do, get Katy Potaty via email and go into my monthly subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse candle!

Getting the ol' blood pumping

Well, here we go again. Another ranty post brought on by reading Woogsworld.

Now before you carry on, please know that Mrs Woog is a good and excellent person, and the ranting that will shortly ensue is not directed at her, but aimed at the disgusting twerps she wrote about the other day in her blog post called Keep walking, you fat mole. Ugh.

If you haven't yet done so, head over and read it here, or let me give you a simple run down:

• A woman puts on clothes.
• A woman walks along a footpath in an effort to get the ol' blood pumping.
• A carload of teenage boys yell abuse at her.

What the hey? This is not ok. But it is certainly not a one-off incident.

When I regularly exercised outdoors (this was a good long while ago, and I needed all kinds of promises from housemates that they would keep any tempting chocolate out of the fridge to not ruin my efforts), I would often get yelled at by men in whizzy little wanky cars. You know, Nissan Silvias and 1998 model Subaru WRXs... the kind of cars driven by grown men who never quite outgrew the pizza-delivery-boy stage.

I wasn't getting complimented or asked out, I was getting 'encouragement'. Because being told that your ass is huge is super-encouraging. I regularly would hear that tell-tale whooshzaaaa of a crappy little turbo blow-off thingy, cringe in anticipation, then hear 'Hey fat bitch!' or 'Long way to go before I'd f*** you!'

Let it be known that I was not exercising outdoors to reach a point where I would be attractive enough for these boy-racers to procreate with, I was exercising because my doctor thought it would be a good idea, and because I lived a 45 minute walk from my home in the inner city suburbs and it was faster to walk than catch public transport. I walked because I liked the time to think, to decompress after a day at work. What planet do those guys live on that makes them think for one second that my walking at a pace not unlike that of a sleepy turtle (although I think I rocked that lycra better than a turtle) was for their benefit?

I've also been egged as I walked along a main road. It was so horrible. The worst. And oh my word eggs are harder than you expect when they hit you hard on the boob.

I know that not everyone thinks this is a big problem, but I do. I spend a significant portion of my week up close and personal with women who have poor self-esteem and are wanting to change the outside of their body to feel better on the inside. A significant portion of my week squishing big boobs into sports bras, pulling up high-rise exercise tights to above belly-buttons to prevent them rolling down, and explaining in hushed tones that pawpaw ointment is BRILLIANT for preventing chafe on thighs that rub.

I've seen women cry when my colleagues and I passionately proclaim that they are allowed to exercise, and that nobody is at all interested in their camel toe (although, I can fit you in tights that won't give you a camel toe, I assure you). I have heard women tell me that they are at a great point in their life where that feel like they don't need permission to exercise and be comfortable in their bodies, and I love it.

Yes, I get all Spice Girls and make women come out of the change room in their huffypuffy* pants and strut around to Katy Perry's Roar. Sometimes they really need it, and I love that they can get it.

However, I hate knowing that there's a chance (a high chance) that walking their dog, strolling with their kids, riding a bike for the first time since they were 12 years old, they'll get yelled at. They don't need to be bigger for the abuse to be hurled either; I know women sizes 6 to 22 who have received charming** comments from guys driving past. (And occasionally girls. Carloads of teenage girls full of language you wouldn't expect from a sailor.)

So how do we stop it? I don't know. I know we need to talk about it though. Talk to our family and friends, both male and female and share that it happened. If you have to (and I am totally fine with this), call someone who thinks you're hot and tell them - get a nice little compliment out of them to balance the crap.

Have you been hollered at by some idiot while out exercising? What did you do? (And what would you have yelled back if you were witty enough?)

* Brilliant Woogs-word for workout tights.

** Not charming. Actually pretty shit.

*** In more pleasant news, I have a pretty fabulous giveaway next week, so pap back soon for a chance to win something special.

This is me. In a nutshell. {My new Emarlie Jewellery necklace}

I have a new favourite thing. (And yes, this is where my mother sighs, turns to my dad and says 'She's so materialistic'.)

Honestly though, I'm sure if it was hers, or yours, or anyone's; it would be a favourite.

I was so fortunate to receive a beautiful In a Nutshell sterling silver necklace from Emily of lovely (and local) online handmade jewellery store, Emarlie Jewellery.

I was planning on having it at least a month before I posted about it to be sure that I absolutely adored it, but I seriously couldn't wait any longer.

My faves. My favourite husband and my favourite puppy. 

This isn't just a personalised necklace, this is a personalised necklace with SIX sides. Like a nut. For someone who is fond of geometry and symmetry, this is just perfect!

To be honest, I didn't know how much I was going to wear it, since I'm a statement jewellery kinda gal (or as my mother calls it, costume jewellery), but here's the thing... I'm bordering on obsessed.

I know that personalised necklaces have been around for a while, and I've always liked them just fine on other people, but I never got one for myself. Maybe they all seemed a bit 'mumsy' to me. I mean, I don't have kids, and my husband isn't going to get his name engraved on something and give it to me, he'd think that was just weird. (And I don't like the idea of guys doing it for girls to 'claim' them, or show some kinda ownership. Not my dealio, Joe.)

But this is going to become a staple for me. You know how I know? Because I've had it since the 6th of March, and I've worn it every. day. since the 6th of March. A new record for me, I'm sure.

 Literally every single day. 

Every day that I've worn it at my retail job (more on that and why I'm back in retail a little bit in another post, I'm sure), I've received compliments, and I've given out Emily's details so often that I think I need to get her to order at extra set of Emarlie business cards for me!

So, let's get to know Emily and her lovely and quite distinctive personalised jewellery brand, Emarlie.

What do you do? What do you make? I love to make things with my hands. I hand stamp jewellery, make polymer clay necklaces, crochet, and like to do a bit of woodwork. I just have to be doing something with my hands all the time.

Why and how did you make your first product? I came across a piece of hand-stamped jewellery a few years before I started. It wasn't until we moved back to Queensland and I was at home with my two boys, before I started making them. I made two heart charms with my boy's names on it and their birthstones. I still have them hanging up in my office so I can see how far I've come.

How do you manage your time so well? I'm not so good at time management. I never have been. I find I work better under pressure for some reason, I don't know why. When you work from home with young children, sometimes housework comes last.

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors? There are a lot of people that hand-stamp jewellery, so distinguishing yourself from them can be a little tricky at times. I have exclusive designs, use high quality precious metals; sterling silver, 9ct gold and rose gold, I am a little OCD when it comes to stamping itself; I try my best to stamp it as perfect as humanly possible. It's a very competitive market to be in.

If you could have given yourself a piece of knowledge or advice when you started what would that be? Emarlie is still currently only an online business, I would have suggested to try every possible way to get your product out there; markets, parties at people's houses, dropping flyers in letter boxes, and approaching businesses to stock your products. I still need to listen to that advice myself haha.

How do you conquer any moments of doubt that threaten to stop your great ideas? What pushes you through? My drive and determination to be successful and be always be bettering myself is what pushes me and motivates me to draw up new designs, make new beads, photograph the pieces differently. I have this motivation board with little quotes and positive sayings which I drew up when I started Emarlie (formerly Forevermore Hand Stamped Jewellery). I look at that when I doubt myself and see how far I've come.

Righto, time for some fun stuff.
What is your 'uniform'? What do you wear more often than anything else? Haha I don't have a uniform as such, just whatever clothes I choose to wear for the day. However, I have to wear a necklace everyday. I feel naked if I don't. I usually try and compliment my outfit with my necklace, and lucky for me I have a large collection to choose from haha.

What is your favourite thing to wear to make you happy? My necklaces! At the moment I'm wearing my polymer clay necklaces, I just love the colours in them, and I love colour so they make me happy.

Thank you to Emily for putting such care into my beautiful necklace; I'm proud to wear it (did I mention every. single. day)!

How do you feel about personalised jewellery? Do you already wear something personalised?


I'm linking up with Kimba Likes Wardrobe Wednesday, there’s a great giveaway to enter this week, so head over.

If you enjoyed this, you may like to read my story of dressing a Home and Away actress and a fabulous super-blogger. And bossing them both around a little.

Instagram Inspiration: Folk to follow

Hip hooray - the first work week of the year is done, and we've all earned our weekend, I'm sure!

Needing a little extra fabulous in your Instagram feed? Here are four that I love to follow, I hope you love their pics as much as I do.

Clockwise from top left: hilaryhrhoda, jessicadimmock, memoryweaver, gdax

Following rising supermodel Hilary Rhoda (@hilaryhrhoda) on Instagram is truly a double edged sword. On one hand, she's one of the most gorgeous women on Earth and always doing pretty interesting things. On the other, it is a constant reminder that I'm not Hilary Rhoda. Ah well.

Very simply, I love @jessicadimmock. She will add the beauty to your feed. An awesome photographer with a gorgeous eye and many a beautiful place to introduce you to.

Nothing compares to a good Instagram still life, right? And @memoryweaver delivers just that. Marcus Rodriguez is a web developer with a passion for photography, although he only joined Instagram last year. By the way, what's so excellent about Marcus is that he includes a detailed post with each series that contains handy tips and suggestions for fellow photographers. In a competitive world, it's great to find someone who has not only mastered photography but is also willing to share his tricks with the public.

You won't believe me, but @gdax is one tech-savvy monk. Gedun Wangchuk, a Buddhist monk living in Tibet, has such a tranquil Instagram account. Simply looking at his photos will put you in a state of peaceful reflection.


Who are your fave Instagrammers? Anyone amazing I should be following?

Weekend Reading

1. Dangling from bags, necklaces, and wrists; when you start seeing tassels, you know Summer is on the way!

2. Contemplating blush pink homewares right now. I mean, if the cool kids at Resident GP are loving it, it must be awesome.

3. Could you, would you ever wear a Canadian Tuxedo? Firstly, I would and I do. Secondly, I'd like to look less lumberjack and more Courtney Kerr when I do.

4. Someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection! Or we'll find the perfect rainbow smoothie recipes... even better!

5. Did your mother ever make you a birthday cake from the Australian Women's Weekly Birthday Cake Book? If not, do you feel like you kinda missed out?

6. Vanessa of Style and Shenanigans often introduces me to fabulosity and fun stuff throughh her blog. But this time, she's introduced me to the best way to snap up Kate Spade and Michael Kors this side of the Pacific. Nicely done, Vanessa.

7. Planning your 2015 calendar purchase already? Well, you'll need to if you've got your eye on the most designer-y of designer calendars. The Stendig 2015 Calendar has hit selected stores already, and will be sold out well before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Get yours here.

8. Check out how one of my favourite friends stepped out of her Spanx comfort zone on her blog recently, and send her some love.

9. I'm betting that this blogger's view on having a birth photographer will be doing the rounds of the internet for years. Beautifully written, Jo. Just beautiful.

10. With talk in our house this week revolving around how to do the US best when we head over in 2015 for a friend's big birthday celebrations, I'm loving Kate Spade's greatest road trip suggestions. Now to plan the perfect drivetime playlist.

What about you? Discovered anything amazing cruising the internet lately? 

Weekend reading

While you're enjoying a relaxing start to the weekend, I'm probably up and showered, annoying BB and saying 'Come onnnn,' while getting dressed to explore Melbourne.

You see, we're visiting Melbourne for a trip with clients, and I want to make the most of all the croissant, coffee and shopping time that I possibly can! Feel free to send me awesome Melbourne food, drink and shopping suggestions on my Instagram or Twitter if you're in the know!

Until I get back to Queensland, suitcases overflowing (I hope!), here are some weekend reads for you to enjoy.

1. Bring on Summer and bring on Sangria, I say!

2. Read about one of my favourite places (tropical North Queensland) in a lovely blog post written by one of my favourite friends

3. We all want to be the ultimate flower-child, Drew Barrymore, right? Well, now we can at least smell like her. (And for your daily laugh, check out Drew and Jimmy Fallon playing Russian Roulette with Drew's cosmetics range!)

4. Work smarter on Twitter with Sarah Von Bargen's tips to connect with the people you admire

5. Don't even try to pretend that you don't act like this... every single time you go for a manicure.

6. Bake these delicious strawberry and basil muffins for a high tea (or for me)

7. Let your kid-imagination play with this super-cool kid's room makeover (the kid is super-cool too, he's my bestie's adorable little boy)

8. Get crazy-jealous and plan your dream holiday in Sardinia

9. Dine on some pretty fancy dinnerware, these locally-made pieces by Noosa ceramicist Elke Lucas just scream 'posh high tea' at me!

10. And while you're thinking entertaining... who else plays 'the dinner party game', planning your ultimate dinner party guests?