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