Oh Year!

2013-One of the Best Years of My Life!

Here's just a few snippets why:

-A surprise proposal turned getting flooded in Toowoomba into a most memorable weekend:

-Saw Bruce Springsteen live in Brisbane:

It was the year I turned my dreams into plans:

I went on my 1st big overseas adventure: I traveled to 11 different countries-saw most of Western Europe & then explored England, Scottland & Ireland with Mr. B.

-I made my childhood dream to visit Neuschwanstein castle (the 'Disney' castle) come true:

-Saw snow for the first time (in Switzerland):

-Conquered my fear of heights on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ireland:

-Tossed a coin over our shoulder at the Trevi Fountain in Rome:

-Saw the Colosseum:

-Feel in love with the Palace of Versailles in France:


-Stood in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles:

-Jumped the fence & barriers to get this shot in Paris:

-Shopped at the first ever Chanel store at 31 rue Cambon:

hehe, ignore the poorly positioned pole....

-Tasted my 1st ever Laduree Macaroon in Paris-nothing is as sweet:

 And generally had a blast around Europe (too many pics to show, here's just a few):

 Stood on the edge of the land...

and the edge of a cliff in Ireland:

-I broadened my baking skills:

-This year I achieved my goal of learning how to sew & I took up knitting also :-)

-I seized every opportunity that came my way:
I got a promotion at work, followed by another promotion 5 months later :-)

This year I learnt how short life really is & that if you truly want something you can make it happen-no matter how much money you make & no matter how much people doubt you.

I have so much to be thankful for in 2013, it's almost overwhelming how fantastic this year has been. I am ridiculously happy & there is much more to be happy about in 2014: Exploring France with Mr. B, my sister & Mr. B both turning the big 30, our spring wedding and of course our amazing honeymoon :-)

Happy New Year Everyone, may all your dreams come true!

miss_tash x

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Learning to Sew-2013 Goal

Hello Everyone,

I know it's been a while since my last post, but life has been so busy with wedding planning, full time work & the silly season (Christmas).

I'm so proud to share with you that I have achieved my goal for 2013-to learn to sew!

I was gifted a sewing machine way back in 2009, which had been sitting in the cupboard until July this year when I finally made the time to learn to sew.

I began my sewing journey with a Beginners Sewing Course with the lovely Sonja at Gold Coast Sewing Classes. Before I began the course I didn't even know how to thread a machine or sew a straight line. During this course I successfully made a straight skirt in a teal coloured fabric-perfect for work at the office.

Sonja teaches to a industry standard, so my skirt included a double waistband, invisible zipper, darts, a back pleat, a hem and overlocking for a professional finish:

After completing the Beginners Course I was keen for more-a seed had been planted & my love of sewing had begun!

Next I did a Pajama Pants Class-complete with side pockets, elastic waist and a ribbon tie. How adorable is this kitten print cotton?!

I still have the hem & pink ribbon waist to complete on these-they are a work in progress :P

I then completed a cushion cover class, complete with invisible zipper. I made this cushion out of embroidered bridal fabric:

 I then made this cushion at home. It gets bunny's tick of approval:

I have recently completed an Intermediate Sewing Course with Sonja. I decided to be a bit adventurous and experiment with different fabrics so I am made my dress out of floral black lace from Singapore :-)

It is double lined with poly cotton, which will be cooler in summer than most conventional linings. Working with lace meant double the work & it was definitely different to cut & sew, but the final product was worth the extra effort:

I am loving sewing so much & I know that I would not have got this far so quickly without the patience of my wonderful sewing teacher, Sonja. If any of my lovely readers are interested in sewing-no matter what skill level you are, be sure to check out goldcoastsewingclasses.com
Sonja keeps class sizes at a maximum of 5 people, so everyone gets the assistance that they need. When I started the Beginners Course I didn't even know how to thread a machine, now 6 months later I can make a dress-all thanks to Sonja's patience & guidance :-)

I am so excited about my next project that I'm making over the Christmas break: a 1950s style dress. Stay tuned for that one!

Wishing all my lovely friends & readers a safe & merry Christmas & an amazing new year!

xo miss_tash

Whale Watching

Spring is whale watching season here on the Gold Coast.

As a Father's Day gift my sister took my Dad, herself & I on a whale watching trip with Coolangatta Whale Watch.

I'd never been whale watching before, so I was hoping to see a few tails and maybe a wave of a fin or two & to (hopefully) not get sea sick!

Image courtesy of photographer Steven Triance

About to leave Tweed Heads....

Once we were far out in the ocean, my sister, dad & I went up to the outside deck and waited for our first glimpse of the magnificent humpback whale...It wasn't long before we saw a some water blown from a spout nearby & then everyone got really excited with the waving of a fin!

We saw lots more fins and tails, it was amazing to see these beautiful whales in their natural habitat.

Just as we were about to head back after 3 hours of beautiful sights something truly amazing happened: I was leaning on the railings at the front of the boat and the two whales that we had seen around 20 minutes before emerged right in front of the boat, only a few metres in front of me!

This rocked the boat suddenly and yes, I did take a very ungraceful stumble, but I got a hold of the railings to witness the two whales' backs emerging from the water and a huge whale jump out of the water right next to the boat! I got to see the amazing humpback's belly, fins and head...

Images courtesy of photographer Steven Triance

then a big splash as the whale thrashed it's tail against the water.

Image courtesy of photographer Steven Triance

Image courtesy of photographer Steven Triance
Image courtesy of photographer Steven Triance

Talk about being in the right place at just the right time! It was a wonderful experience seeing two huge whales only metres from me and something I will never forget.

It was a great day and was nice to spend time with my sister and dad. And in case you are wondering, yes I did feel nauseous, but didn't get sick. I spent most of the time focusing when and where the next whale would  pop up :-)

Me up the front of the boat.
And yes readers, this is a rare glimpse of me not wearing a dress! Not very appropriate for whale watching on windy day ;-)

My Dad

Bye until next time!

miss_tash x

Jewelry Organisation

For a the past 3 years or so I have been gradually reducing my wardrobe, buying less items and making sure that what I do buy is of the best quality I can afford. My current mood is for a complete wardrobe over haul! Editing my wardrobe and organising what is left so I can get the most out of my clothes.

I am currently in the middle of organising my wardrobe and I will post the results shortly. In the mean time I have begun to organise my costume/just for fun jewelry. *Please note that I am organising my wardrobe, jewelry and accessories on a budget. While Mr. B & I are saving for our wedding my dream home & decor is out of reach. These are just a few minimal, cheap & cheerful items/ideas that work for me in our current home.*

I have found that if I can't see it, I won't wear it. Of course, the most important item of jewelry is my engagement ring & a few special pieces from Tiffany & Co. But occasionally I do like to express my personality & mood by accessorising with costume jewelry.

My problem is that all of my bangles & costume rings are stored away in glass trinket boxes & jewelry boxes. There is so much crammed into them that I can't see what's what. They are scattered all over the house, which means I can't find them when I'm in a rush and I never wear the lovely things inside them.

I decided that I need the one place for all my rings & brooches-a simple flat case with a glass lid. I found this on ebay:

As for costume bracelets, a plain tube bracelet stand works the best for me so I can view everything & grab a bracelet before I rush out the door to work.  I found this stand on ebay.

Before:

After:

I have a few exciting posts coming up, Amsterdam vintage finds & part 1 of my wardrobe organisation to name a few, so stay tuned.

miss_tash x