Found (and I'll be back soon!)

Before I set off into the European sunsets for a couple of weeks, I've got a few things to share.

1. BBC shows off the latest must-have gadget instead of an iPad...a pack of A4 paper.Oops!
2. Hands down, this is the most fun you will have in your office today - playing dot-to-dot!
3. More (polka) dots and beautifully styled ladies at Milan Fashion Week.
4. This Apple Tart looks mighty fine. Apparently the maker of this tart is the Apple-Tart-Queen according my go-to blogger for all things cake at Cupcakery blog.

I've lost the links to both images! Will try to update as soon as I find them.

Well kiddos, I'm feeling like I've been swinging around with party balloons all week. I'm ready to scoot off to the sunsets of Cyprus with my...fiance! This is something sugary-sweet I'm still getting my tongue around (the word fiance, not Cyprus sunsets)! Plus, if you hadn't heard, I said YES to my incredible man as our love-lock was sealed with a stunningly-perfect digit accessory.

I'll see you on the other side of 12 days! Be good and keep the light, bright n' happy stuff in your days.

Maria x

She Said YES

Someone once said "be with someone that requires you to grow, makes you forget your problems, holds your hand, likes to kiss, appreciates art, and adores you."

And so I said YES (whilst sliding on my stunning Mociun fine gold digit accessory), to the one that inspires me to be better, perches me on cloud 9, takes me by the hand, smothers me with forehead smooches, loves art (including my amateur attempts), and showers me in his love by the bucket load.

Skinny love

 

I've always been drawn to elegant, barely-there digit accessories; loving that we're not tied down to rocks of the larger kind, especially when considering our big-day-ring choice. I can appreciate a larger statement when it suits its owner...but...

 

via here & here

It's no news to the people in my life that when it comes to the threads I wear, my accessories of choice and homeware, I gravitate toward natural, simple lines with a little more hint of earthiness than polished glam. Same applies for my big-day-ring of choice (not that anyone asked). There's something about the understated elegance of these skinny lines that scream more than (in my personal opinion) what a rock would (on my finger anyway). You might remember this post and this one about more alternative "I do" statements I've found.

 

 

I've tried, but I can't seem to trick myself into wanting a diamond studded anything unless it's resembling a tiny speckle of dust. Hence, my love affair with layers of the skinny kind - three layered, plain, hammered beauties, to be precise. There's no way these can get in the way of my minimalistic moods!

 

Do you like these barely-there alternatives or do you prefer the sparkle of a solid rock? If you already have your big-day-ring, do you still love it as much as when you first got it or has your taste and style changed?

images via here, here, here

...and now for the bubbles

With my new job venture under way, the past bumper of a week snatched every ounce of concentration and buzz within me. Fair to say I'm itching to get my tappers into some inched-up kicks for my super-duper-one-of-a-kind-count-them-on-one-hand-kinda-friend's hens 'do'. With our lists of of to-do's now checked off as have-dones, us (that's four of us) bridesmaids are ready to pop the bubbles and paint Adelaide town red....and pink, thanks to our well thought out colour scheme!

On a note of all things fluffy, white and wedding-like, here's a few links to get us swaying to 5pm a little quicker.

1. This wedding ticks a few perfection boxes...and then some! Although I'm not one to usually lean the formal way, I must admit I'm a sucker for a well donned bow tie...

2. One step ahead of the pack are Oscar De La Renta's 2013 bridal threads.

See you on the other side of a wonderful weekend x

Bring on the glittery goods

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It's Friday and this blog has seen it's 50th follower jump on board for all the fun. I'll admit I haven't been the most serious and proactive of bloggers since starting (but always had the right intentions to be). Recently,  though, seems some kind of blog-bug bit me. It's sent me giddy in picking up my pace and getting caught up in all the fun of meeting a whole new bunch of wonderfully inspiring blogging ladies and taking part in a few contributions here and there. Great thing (for me) is there's plenty more of the good stuff to come. Must also send out a little note of thanks to my modestly numbered little gang of followers. Thanks to all those who stop by to take a sec and read about my random finds and rambles. Here's to that and these next few links to get us skating to the weekend a tad quicker.

1. Talking all things Celebration, now is the perfect time to introduce you to a great find Meimei paperie. This US based company uses their stationary and paper good powers to take a wedding or celebration to another level with some more-ish design. No, it's not edible but might as well be!

via

2. I have a growing wish-list of prints from the artists at Society6 and now they've got me again with their art for the wee ones. These are the cutest of prints and something that the bambino bearers can be proud to hang too!

via

3. My weekend will be all about some me-time and painting my way through a few hours inspired by the  freedom of colour use from street artist Nuria Mora.

Conroy & Wilcox

Titian pearl ring via

Baroque pearl wrapped in matte brush polished claws of gold. Pardon me while I roll my tongue up and pick my jaw off the floor. FYI I have a tendency to drool over anything pearl adorned, with this being no exception. Wouldn't this be the perfect (may I stress, perfect) addition my digits have been searching for?

Black diamond cut collar via

Who's Conroy & Wilcox, you ask? The result of one brilliant collaboration between Gillian Conroy and Danica Wilcox. Specialising in heirloom-quality designs, seems the  independently owned  New York based company is what it's   all about when we talk things 'bling.' I guess you would be too if you've donned the likes of Ms. Jolie...

It's a trap, but check out the Online store!
Titian Pearl retailing at $2750

Westwood does Wedding

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Whether you've popped the question or not, there's no harm in takin' a look at the iconic designer's latest bridal collection! Bringing a rock n' roll edge to these 20 styles, Westwood's made to measure gowns still bear her classic hallmarks of corsetry, crinoline, immaculate tailoring and draping.

I do!

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My girlfriend got engaged!! I'm yet to see the bling she sports so till then I'm keeping myself busy checking out some other beautiful rocks like these black diamond alternatives. You might remember this lot and these that I posted about some time back. While I'm on the topic of all things wedding, these beautiful wedding posts have kept me happy as I'm wrapped in my covers, a little under the weather and taking a day off with tea and laptop by my side...

When inspired by all things organic, local and bohemian, something as beautiful as THIS happens.

OK...so I said my bestie got engaged? Well, this in no way is a hint but I just think it's perfect that I found my way over to THIS post. Bride-to-be won the gong for "friend of the year" when she went all out for her besties with this pretty, girlie luncheon.

Friday's Frock

Righto. Let me just pick myself up off the floor...again. This wedding has taken every decent descriptive from my gob. I don't know what I can tell you about this except that I should try to warn you on what you're about to see - Absolute perfection. With all the right details, colours and an intimate ceremony set up in a 16th-century convent in Zacatecas, Mexico, this (real) wedding is...just...perfect. Is this not one of the most (or second to your big day) achingly beautiful weddings you've seen? I want it...maybe not now as Im a long way off marriage with groom not yet present, but when the day happens I think I'm sold on colour palette, styling and of course a ceremony in Mexico wouldn't hurt. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

For something borrowed the bride wore her paternal grandmother's silver bracelet from Zacatecas and for something old she wore her great-grandmothers pearl ring. My heart just skipped a beat...

You must want to see more!

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Share the love

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What's better than to kick the weekend into gear with a dose of lurve. Had to share this beautiful proposal I spotted amongst a collection of top wedding blogs here.

Friday's Frock



via

 When two wedding photographers become one, this is what you get - the entire day, after the big event, was spent taking this beautiful wedding shoot. Worth a peek!

Pretty in pink

Bling, girlie charm and some handsome stripes for the big day - I found this spectacular combination here.

"I DO" to a different kind

image via Brooklyn Bride

Two months on from my brother's wedding day, I'm marching on with this fluffy white theme and a fascination in all that points to making your day that much more true to you. My post on Rock Solid Love was a step in this direction with rings-of-a-kind for the big Yes moment.

Not one to seek the diamond kind, I'm always on the prowl for an alternative to the traditional statement piece. Needless to say, I fancy this collection of alternative finger additions to mark a truly unique commitment. [See who designed what, here]

Number 9 would be mine! Do you have or hope to flash a rock of a different kind?

Rock solid love

Equilibrium Collection

Architectural Collection - 22ct Gold plated bronze and white porcelain ring

Unshores Collection - 22ct Gold plated silver and white porcelain ring

images Imogen Belfield

I'm in love. Head over heels for Imogen Belfield's alternatives to the traditionally diamond studded engagement ring. Imogen's collections are solely inspired by her surroundings, whether it be the softest garden flower or tallest skyscraper. Producing these statements sees her experimenting with porcelain, gem stones, metals and dyes to create a classic yet modern piece. With fusion methods creating pieces which cannot be replicated, I like the fact that this ring can simply spell "us". Anyone that knows me also knows to tell my future beau that the diamond is a no-go. Bring on the pearl, I say. Or in this case, a gold plated, porcelain finger feature.

This is where I've been



John & co.



Chin chin - our parents joining inthe fun




Traditional Greek music was played from the brides home & followed us to the Church



Smiles and giggles - the theme of the day





A memorable moment - all guests crowded into the corner, threw pettles (not plates), and cheered on as we took our turn in dancing with the bride and groom





I've experienced some serious blogging withdrawals and this is why (I promise to get back to your beautiful comments & my stylish blogger award! Thank you!). My twin brother married his lovely bride on 27.11.10 so I flew back home to Adelaide for his special day. I think I was more nervous than him before the ceremony. Joy quickly washed those trembles aside. Everything went beautifully to plan and the day led us to some serious dance floor fun - Greek style. I'm considering telling the newly weds they must renew their vows ASAP - I want it to happen all over again!