 Sometimes in life we need a little reset. We tend to go through life and the motions of it without being fully aware or present in the direction we’re heading. Every now and then I find myself feeling a little bit lacklustre, like I’ve lost my direction or purpose. Ultimately I do believe that we’ll get to where we want to be or where we should be eventually but I am a huge believer in manifesting what we want our future to look like and living consciously in taking the steps to get there. That’s why I love answering these questions to help me get clear on where I am at in my life, where I want to be and what is truly most important to me. Each season of my life these things will shift and change and new achievements and directions might then set me on a completely new path or even just a slightly different trajectory.
I've out together a little guide to help you on your way to get a little clarity and motivation towards your life goals. Grab your guide HERE
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 Celebration in the Sky. Celebrating the impending arrival of a sweet bundle of joy has to be one of lifes greatest parties! We wanted to keep the gender of our baby a surprise (for us and the world!) so we creeated the perfect gender neutral baby shower with an "Up in The Sky" theme. With a palette of soft blue, white with a mix of neutrals with a pop of Gelato colours in the balloon garlands. Featuring soft white roses, dried florals and leaves with the added fun of our colourful “Hot Air Balloon” cake table, hot air balloon lanterns and fluffy white clouds! Such a fun way to celebrate amongst the clouds!  Captured beautifully by the amazing Kaitlin Maree Photography, each little element came together so beautifully. It's amazing how it can be so easy to create a really beautiful expensive looking themed event with a little thought and preparation. The key for me (being rather pregnant and of course being a host) was to have everything as ready as possible ahead of time (ays or weeks ahead) so that it could all just come together on the day. It was a week and a day of crazy rain so we were very grateful to have some amazing helpers (brothers, husbands and friends) help on the morning. We created centrepieces from faux flowers and dried pampas, bunny tails and a few sprigs of dried wheat which I think set the scene beautifully. This meant that on the day they were ready to pop on the table and I didn't have to worry about running around for fresh flowers. Propping them up on top of these centrepiece stands (which can be purchased on eBay in gold) I spray painted these white to match the theme. I wanted a bit more of a formal seating arrangement so we had cute little place cards made with little wooden clouds on each plate. (matching white plates purchased from Kmart for a bargain at 75cents!) The table cloths are also from Kmart and were perfect as they were extra large with a linen like texture and their length and width meant they cascaded beautifully to the floor. Chair covers really can tie the entire look together and give a uniform and blank canvas for the theme and table setting to just POP! They can be hired relatively cheaply from a Party Hire and we went with the amazing Elite Weddings and Events who have such a great range and cater to small and large events! The gorgeous Sky Themed cake was created by ever amazing The Sweet Society Co and all were just as incredibly delish as it looks!!!! The cake looked absolutely perfect underneath our gorgeous HOT AIR BALLOON! This was created with an extra large round wicker basket, a few wooden dowels from Bunnings and a gorgeous Gelato balloon arrangement put together by my sister in law & I! A little drink station put together by my mama with a little Signature Cocktail of hers (alcoholic and virgin available!) kept us all smiling. Add in some champagne and bottled water (all essential for any event really!) My amazing bestie put together some fun party games and event favours of delish Melting Moment cookies in little cloud themed gift boxes. They were so cute and all the ladies loved taking a little taste home. My hair and makeup was done by the ever amazing Bella Brides! Unfortunately the rain and humidity did nothing nice for my hair but the makeup stayed put ALL DAY! Given I was 29 Weeks pregnant these ladies somehow made me feel like a total queen. And of course my little sequin dress was Begitta, I love this dress created in our Soleil fabric with a soft nude underlay. It showed off my bump and I felt like a rockstar!
 
I absolutely love an event! I love planning and creating a mood board, I love dreaming up how to style a space and adding fun DIY ideas. So when it came to my baby shower that I had been dreaming up for so long I knew I would have the time of m life with the theme. After being so ill throughout my whole pregnancy I felt I had lost some of that excitement and joy that I had expected during what I had anticipated would be a beautiful blooming time for me! So my best friend and I planned it together so I could find some joy in putting together the celebration and it was such a beautiful day amongst all the women I hold most dear! 
   Special thanks to some incredible people who helped make this day amazing - all the amazing women and brothers/husband who assisted on the day Photography: Kaitlin Maree Photography Hair and Makeup: Bella Brides Cake & Tarts: The Sweet Society Co Dress: Begitta Chair Covers: Elite Weddings and Events  ,A long awaited story of our journey to our double lines! If I am honest, I was a bit apprehensive to share our story with the world, I was scared that something might go wrong or it would all be too good to be true. But now I am so excited to share this little glimpse of our journey. Growing up I always dreamed of having a beautiful little family. I've always wanted 3 kids. So funny when you’re 13 and you picture your life, I wanted to have met the love of my life by 21, be married at 23 & have 3 kids by 28 with a house. HA! Well at 23 I dove into the world of business. I worked as a freelance stylist until I could save enough to follow my passion to Paris to study Fashion, Specifically Haute Couture (High Fashion). Which I did with a short stint studying in London as well. I made my way home and started my business. Since then I have worked endlessly creating my dream world in business. Working with some incredible people and along the way met and married my Prince Charming in our dream wedding, on a beautiful September day, fit for a story book! Now In my early 30s that 13 year olds idea of life was a bit off, but trusting the timing of my life has worked out pretty well so far!  My beautiful husband Robbie and I wanted kids straight away. We wanted a honeymoon baby and to start building our family as quick as we could. Rob wants 4! Eeek! Our honeymoon was amazing and to be honest we thought we would get pregnant fairly quickly. Don’t we all! I haven’t ever taken contraception, I am relatively active and eat well and healthily and I don’t drink much. For some of the lucky ones it does just happen in one month but for us it seems, we weren’t those people. In the first few months of our marriage we opened a business with my parents. I became the worlds greatest juggler running both my successful business and helping to build up a new one. We worked our butts off, dealing with both business and family issues. A long road we had not foreseen would be quite so rocky. Months went by and each and every month when my monthly cycle would reveal itself I was disappointed. At first Rob was a bit confused that it didn’t just happen. I knew that it would likely take maybe a few months. But each month got harder and harder as what felt like a lifetime went by. I prepared my body by nourishing it with good food, prenatal vitamins, I stopped drinking alcohol completely, I visited the naturopath and took herbs to ensure a regular cycle. I eliminated toxins in our house and made all natural cleaning sprays (chemicals can mimic hormones in our body! Did you know that?). I began to track my cycle with ovulation kits and ensuring I knew when our fertile period was. I was doing everything right, or at least I thought I was. But each month when my period arrived I was so disappointed. The first few months I expected it but as time went on I got really down. Each month Rob would say something supportive; “it’s not our time”, “try not to overthink it”. Trying not to overthink it while doing everything right is like trying to drive a car blindfolded. The year began to roll by, February, March, April…. May, June,… Nothing. Plenty of phantom signs of pregnancy. Sore breasts, campiness, headaches. People would make comments. Family and friends who knew we wanted to start a family would mention babies and I would feel pretty useless. Beginning to doubt my body and my abilities as a woman. You really don’t want to let those feelings in but boy do they infiltrate your heart and mind. I ran into a girl I went to school with a few grades below me, pregnant and beautiful and glowing. I said Hi and was genuinely happy for her. But the moment I turned away from that conversation I had tears in my eyes. I wanted it so bad. July came and went and I basically just said “Fuck it” I don’t even think I want this anymore. I have big plans for the next 3 years of my life and business and a baby isn’t going to fit anyway! HA! Robbie and I had some holiday time in August available to us. I wanted a holiday that we didn’t have to think about anything. Just eat, drink and enjoy sun and sand. So we booked a cruise to get away from life for awhile.
We had an amazing time, I threw all my cares out the window. I drank too many cocktails and ate all the glorious foods and desserts. We nearly got left on an island because we hiked up a mountain Rob was desperate to scale (after a $70 steak it was the last thing I wanted to do!). We met some really lovely people and had a lovely trip. Until the last 2 days sailing home! It was 4-4.5meter waves and I was sick as a dog! I don’t really get seasick usually but our room was at the front of the boat and boy I got hit hard. Upon returning home I was still walking with a sway for a week. I was suffering from vertigo and had a headache and vomiting about a week later. Then thankfully the sea-legs wore off a little but something still felt off. I woke up early one Monday morning (Rob Usually sleeps in till late on a Monday because he works nights Thursday-Sunday). At this point my period was a day late but I really didn’t think much of it. I decided I would do a test. I had a few cheap eBay test (like 30 of them! HA!) so I used one of those. I showered, brushed my teeth and hair and washed my face. I was about to walk out of the bathroom when I remembered the test. I took a quick look… What?! No…. Theres a REALLY faint line there! By this point I knew that any line even small as a positive can be a positive especially in early pregnancy. I took it outside into the sunlight, I kept saying to myself don’t get excited. It’s a false positive. Or it’s your eyes. I really didn’t want to be let down yet again. Especially when last month I had literally had said “FCUK it all! So I dipped a First Response (a real test I said in my head) and there it was 3 minutes later. An unmistakable second line. Darker than dark. There-r than there! I cried. I danced. I didn’t want to believe it.  I took my time to breath. I looked at myself in the mirror, looked in my eyes and said out loud “You’re pregnant”… “We’re pregnant”! I really could not believe my own words. So I sort of floundered around… I actually felt like I was having an out of body experience. I wanted to laugh, cry, run to Rob and jump on the bed. But No. I had to tell him in a special way. So I put together a little box. Inside the box I put a little romper suit (I had purchased because it was adorable, even if a little pre-emptive!) the pregnancy test, a little handkerchief for happy tears and I wrote on the inside of the lid “Hello Daddy”. I then sat around for what felt like years until he woke up. Ok Ok I jumped on the bed a few times to wake him and tried to get him up. Between trying to wake him up I made myself a tea and some toast and the FINALLY he was awake! I hid my camera and made him come into the room where I said I had an early Wedding Anniversary present. He opened it and I think he was a bit awestruck. We hugged and we just so over the moon excited. Have a peek at this little video - I secretly filmed telling Robbie, I cry every time I watch it!  The beautiful thing was we were to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary that weekend! Such an exciting thing to share joy in over a weekend Celebrating a BIG year! In hindsight a year really wasn’t the longest time to hope to conceive. I know that for many couples it can take years and years. But the entire journey has truly opened my eyes to how hard the ‘Trying to Conceive’ (TTC) journey can be. For all the women going through that monthly roller coaster cycle. The ups the downs the optimism, hope and excitement shortly followed by disappointment, doubt, shame, sadness. I want to say to those women that I am here. To support you and to understand how incredibly hard that is. My story isn’t as hard as some but it certainly took me on a journey I was not prepared for. I am so grateful we have been so blessed and honoured to be able to conceive and I have been able to carry a child. We’re so excited to be parents!  
  - Our Family Christmas Snaps - |
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Prepping and planning for the wedding so far has been pretty crazy.
Working as much as I do, I often let my health and diet take a backseat. When I have a high work load and a high stress load I definitely tend to put on the kilos.
That said because planning the wedding and running a business seems to have made me double the frazzled and I am really wanting to be feeling my absolute best before THE BIG DAY so I’ve taken charge to make sure I’m on the right path.
THE DAILY WALK
Walking daily gets you up and moving. A fasted walk (not eating before) is the best way to get your body burning fats. It’s also a great way to get your blood flowing, your digestion moving and your heart rate up.
Walking is not only great for physical fitness it’s also amazing for meditation and reflection. Walking without headphones and just taking the time for yourself to open yourself up is a really beautiful way to start your day.
If quiet isn’t your thing or you’re wanting to have a productive walk (sometimes you just have to double down on that productivity!) I have a huge love of learning and I love listening to podcasts whilst walking. A few of my favs are The Toni Robbins Podcast, The Goal Digger - Jenna Kutcher, anything Amy Porterfield and The High Low.
Working as much as I do, I often let my health and diet take a backseat. When I have a high work load and a high stress load I definitely tend to put on the kilos.
That said because planning the wedding and running a business seems to have made me double the frazzled and I am really wanting to be feeling my absolute best before THE BIG DAY so I’ve taken charge to make sure I’m on the right path.
THE DAILY WALK
Walking daily gets you up and moving. A fasted walk (not eating before) is the best way to get your body burning fats. It’s also a great way to get your blood flowing, your digestion moving and your heart rate up.
Walking is not only great for physical fitness it’s also amazing for meditation and reflection. Walking without headphones and just taking the time for yourself to open yourself up is a really beautiful way to start your day.
If quiet isn’t your thing or you’re wanting to have a productive walk (sometimes you just have to double down on that productivity!) I have a huge love of learning and I love listening to podcasts whilst walking. A few of my favs are The Toni Robbins Podcast, The Goal Digger - Jenna Kutcher, anything Amy Porterfield and The High Low.
NUTRITION
For the last 5 or so years I have predominately aimed for a “Clean Eating” diet. Basically put a clean eating diet has little to no processed foods. Pretty much everything on your shopping list should come from the fruit market and butcher. I still visit Coles or Woollies for anything cleaning/hygiene/stuff related and I buy canned items but mostly just wholefoods and fresh produce.
For the past 3+ years I have exercised ultimate productivity by doing Meal-Prep every fortnight. Its super cost efficient and means that when I’m working long hours I am still ensuring I am eating enough. Which I most definitely struggle with the whole “Enough”. My body tends to lean towards the fight or flight mode on the regular. With the high pressure of deadlines and being a workaholic this pushes my cortisol up (stress hormone) and this tends to show around the waistline! My body requires a lot of fuel and when I don’t give it enough my body grasps and holds tight to everything I put in it. When I fuel my body with all the right foods and nutrition the KG’s seem to just melt away – I’m still overcoming the whole thought that more food equals lose weight, but I’m getting there - and my energy levels are amazing. So food prepping allows me to make sure I’m getting everything I need to be the best me.
Enter the most amazing gift of god – Five Point Four Meals!
With the cost I was putting down for groceries plus the time it takes to cook and box everything (which all ended up tasting rather bland anyway!) there was another way more efficient (Win!) way to fuel my #Girlboss days and get me to #BabetownBod that I dream of. Instead of slaving at the kitchen once a fortnight to make my ideal meals for the week I did some research and found this amazing food service. The meals are clean (Win!), there is so much variation and the foods are so delicious!
My mouth literally waters when I smell these meals in the microwave and the convenience alone is the biggest win of all. Delivered to my door weekly and so delish! #BabetownBod here I come!
FITNESS – Personal Training
My amazing partner is a Personal Trainer and there are some awesome benefits of that but I truly wanted to knuckle down and be pushed and commited to working my hardest to look fab for the big day, so I called THE BEST trainers I know to get me to the alter! B2N – Before 2 Now who offer 3 month “Bridal Transformations” in a 12 week bootcamp course. I commenced a 12 week challenge 3 months out from the wedding and with only 3 weeks to go I am feeling super fit and healthy. I am excited to double down and get these next 3 weeks my all and be looking super hawt in my gown!
I do find that with so much going on my fitness tends to go to the back of my mind and the bottom of my (never ending) To-Do List. These girls have kept me accountable every step of the way with regular check ins on my walks and food as well as just offering lots of amazing knowledge, guidance and an amazing community of women to work out with in the group fitness sessions too.
CHECK OUT B2N HERE
MIND & SOUL
One of my biggest saviours for my never-ending running mind is Yoga! I absolutely love taking the time to zone out and really feel what my body is saying. It also helps I have a major girl crush on my teacher Gee. I followed Gee from a Gym she use to teach at in Burleigh (Gold Coast) to her private classes on Park Ave. She has totally transformed my life and her love and passion for yoga makes me love it even more, the moment I step into practice I instantly feel at ease. Gee is my yoga-unicorn! I would love to see you in a class! You can check out her class times via her insta HERE
With only 3 weeks left till the wedding I really want to focus on training, feeling strong, fit and healthy. Continuing to look after myself physically and mentally during these last few months of wedding planning is high on my priority list! Cant wait to share all my results!
I used to be a huge lover of prepping my meals ahead of time. Robbie, My Fiancé, and I would spend Sundays making a fortnights worth of meals (or in his case a months worth!). It would be great to know we had it all ready and set out and with conflicting schedules it worked well for us. I found the only way to make sure I ate enough thought-out the day with a busy schedule was to prep everything.
That was until I discovered 5point4 Meals! Their incredible meals are so tasty and by qualified chefs. The variation in the meal flavors and meats (and their vego options) means that I can just heat it and run but not feel like im on the hamster wheel of chicken breast and brocolli! No meal prep! Hooray! Being a workaholic these meals are amazingly convenient! I’m totally guilty of popping it in the microwave whilst posting on socials on my phone for 4 minutes and then returning to my desk to keep working whilst eating. I’ve really tried to take note of eating mindfully to avoid overeating in one sitting, which I do tend to do because I skip or forget meals when I am in a hurry or working on huge projects. But thankfully with these delish meals they are portion sized so even if I gulp it down (ooops!) to quickly I know that I haven’t eaten to much.
That was until I discovered 5point4 Meals! Their incredible meals are so tasty and by qualified chefs. The variation in the meal flavors and meats (and their vego options) means that I can just heat it and run but not feel like im on the hamster wheel of chicken breast and brocolli! No meal prep! Hooray! Being a workaholic these meals are amazingly convenient! I’m totally guilty of popping it in the microwave whilst posting on socials on my phone for 4 minutes and then returning to my desk to keep working whilst eating. I’ve really tried to take note of eating mindfully to avoid overeating in one sitting, which I do tend to do because I skip or forget meals when I am in a hurry or working on huge projects. But thankfully with these delish meals they are portion sized so even if I gulp it down (ooops!) to quickly I know that I haven’t eaten to much.
An honest review – I tried FivePointFour meals some time ago when they first started and loved the convenience of just ordering and forgetting about it (no big grocery shops!) but I wasn’t “in love” with the taste. The meals were good but I found myself craving other foods. Then I read somewhere a little while ago they had changed their menu and kitchen and I was curious to see if there was a difference. So I ordered some just to try whilst working on the Miss Universe National Costume (so I knew I would have food available when cooking was way to much extra work!). And since getting back on the bandwagon I have to say they were good before but they are totally game changing now! The flavours and meal variation is amazing and I finish a meal feeling full but also totally content. I know I’m getting the perfect amount of protein and veg. I’m completely addicted and so excited because I feel like I have more energy with the regular fuel (without the fuss!) and also am slimming down which, with a wedding coming up, I am pretty thrilled about!! I’m going to stick to a 12 week challenge to optimize my productivity and get going on my health and fitness pre-wedding! Over the last 3 weeks eating 5point4 I have lost 2kg! How awesome is that! Hot wedding bod here I come!
I am super excited because I had a chat to the awesome team at Five Point Four and they have given me a discount code for all the Utterly Engaged Readers – Just use the code “BEGITTA” for $30 off your first box!
--- HEAD HERE TO CHECK THEM OUT ---
This incredibly gorgeous young girl has been through a tough time. A 16-year-old high school student and an incredibly talented artistic skater and a recently-diagnosed cancer sufferer. She and her family have gone through so much recently so together with an incredible team we pulled off a beautiful photo-shoot in a "Make a Wish" style project!
Please get behind this gorgeous young girl and support her and her family to KICK CANCER'S BUTT!!! Check out her Go-Fund-Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/jenny-schneiders-medical-fund
& a heartfelt and love-filled thank you to the incredible team who came together to make this little Dream Come True:::
Photography Erin Smith Photography // Hair and makeup Dead Gorgeous - Hair & Makeup Styling // #DreamMakersProject
and of course the amazing businesses who have kindly contributed to our gift hamper
GC MAG, Endota Day Spa Broadbeach, Finding Your Peace, The Atelier, Kylie's Professional
Please get behind this gorgeous young girl and support her and her family to KICK CANCER'S BUTT!!! Check out her Go-Fund-Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/jenny-schneiders-medical-fund
& a heartfelt and love-filled thank you to the incredible team who came together to make this little Dream Come True:::
Photography Erin Smith Photography // Hair and makeup Dead Gorgeous - Hair & Makeup Styling // #DreamMakersProject
and of course the amazing businesses who have kindly contributed to our gift hamper
GC MAG, Endota Day Spa Broadbeach, Finding Your Peace, The Atelier, Kylie's Professional
This beautiful girl, Jenny, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor a diffuse anaplastic astrocytoma in January, with little hope of recovery. When we were approached by a family friend to help make a little wish of Jenny’s come true we were excited to put together an amazing team of women to create a magical photoshoot and make Jenny feel like a princess for a day! The results are absolutely breathtaking....
When boarding a fabulous Italian Cruise Ship as magnifique as the Cost Luminosa, one must dress appropriately! Particularly when your new collection is opening the fashion show on the top deck in front of hundreds of members of the press, media and the internet famous!
OUTFIT OF THE DAY
I absolutely loved embracing this "Carrie Bradshaw Moment" wearing a custom Tea-Length Ballerina Skirt by moi, Begitta - Bridal & Couture! Paired with a bust-cup slip in off white it was the perfect figure-hugging bodice to balance the sheer size of this insanely pouffy ballerina skirt!
OUTFIT OF THE DAY
I absolutely loved embracing this "Carrie Bradshaw Moment" wearing a custom Tea-Length Ballerina Skirt by moi, Begitta - Bridal & Couture! Paired with a bust-cup slip in off white it was the perfect figure-hugging bodice to balance the sheer size of this insanely pouffy ballerina skirt!
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OUTFIT
Bodice & Skirt: Begitta - Bridal & Couture / Heels: Valentino Rock-Studs (Borrowed) / Watch: Chanel Première Watch (vintage 1987) / Cuff & Sunglasses: Begitta / Bag: Zara
Bodice & Skirt: Begitta - Bridal & Couture / Heels: Valentino Rock-Studs (Borrowed) / Watch: Chanel Première Watch (vintage 1987) / Cuff & Sunglasses: Begitta / Bag: Zara
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Endless beauty is what Cloudland brings to the wedding planning table. With it’s incredible three-story high ceiling upon entering to the luscious and forever green foliage that grows throughout the main bar. Each and every facet and faucet of this incredible venue has been thought of and created in a way you could only dream of.
Upon entering Cloudland you will be blown away by it’s grandeur and whimsy. The retractable glass ceiling is just the beginning of the extravagance. With so many incredible rooms to choose from, each with their own individual feel. You would be hard pressed to find a venue, or anywhere ever, quite like Cloudland.
We got to know the lovely Katrina the Events Co-ordinator of the fabulous Cloudland…
In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?
I am the wedding coordinator for Cloudland and I tailor every wedding experience to each bride and groom to create a seamless and beautiful day.
What is it about weddings that you love so much?
I love the precision of weddings and being able to create a beautiful setting from a blank canvas.
What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?
We held a Hindu ceremony which was a great experience for myself to learn the culture and understand the ritual involved in marrying into an Indian family.
What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my lovely fiancé planning our own wedding!
If you were a colour, which colour would you be, and why?
Light Blue, it is such a fresh and airy colour that makes me feel at ease.
Favourite Cocktail?
French Martini!!!
Favourite Restaurant in Brisbane?
Madame Hedges- I may be a little biased however I love Asian food and our new flavours and dishes are really delish!
Come visit the exquisite CLOUDLAND and see the magic for yourself at our UNVEILED - Luxury Wedding & Fashion Showcase - Click HERE for more details and tickets!
Upon entering Cloudland you will be blown away by it’s grandeur and whimsy. The retractable glass ceiling is just the beginning of the extravagance. With so many incredible rooms to choose from, each with their own individual feel. You would be hard pressed to find a venue, or anywhere ever, quite like Cloudland.
We got to know the lovely Katrina the Events Co-ordinator of the fabulous Cloudland…
In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?
I am the wedding coordinator for Cloudland and I tailor every wedding experience to each bride and groom to create a seamless and beautiful day.
What is it about weddings that you love so much?
I love the precision of weddings and being able to create a beautiful setting from a blank canvas.
What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?
We held a Hindu ceremony which was a great experience for myself to learn the culture and understand the ritual involved in marrying into an Indian family.
What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my lovely fiancé planning our own wedding!
If you were a colour, which colour would you be, and why?
Light Blue, it is such a fresh and airy colour that makes me feel at ease.
Favourite Cocktail?
French Martini!!!
Favourite Restaurant in Brisbane?
Madame Hedges- I may be a little biased however I love Asian food and our new flavours and dishes are really delish!
Come visit the exquisite CLOUDLAND and see the magic for yourself at our UNVEILED - Luxury Wedding & Fashion Showcase - Click HERE for more details and tickets!
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IMAGE: Milque Photography // Producer - Justine from Beautiful Weddings // Styling: Nicole at Beautiful Weddings Australia// Gown: Begitta Bridal & Couture // Hair and Makeup: Twigdale //Florals Bouquet Boutique (brides bouquet, table florals, Adam & Eve chair florals)
These exquisite little raw caramel slices are just divine as an afternoon treat or desert with the family. It is certainly one of the best caramel slices we have tasted, the fact that it is a healthy little treat we are soooo excited to make them! The fact they're made with clean ingredients makes them even better!!
INGREDIENTS
BASE
2 Cups Nuts (Almonds, Brazil Nuts or Walnuts)
1 Cup of Dates (Soaked)
Pinch of Salt
CARAMEL
1 Cup of Dates (Soaked)
2 Tablespoons coconut cream
2 Tablespoons organic peanut butter
2 Tablespoons raw honey
Pinch of salt
CHOCOLATE
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
2.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2.5 tablespoons Raw Honey
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In preparation soak 2 cups of dates minimum 30mins-1hr (or I soak mine overnight)
Nut Base- Using food processor/Thermomix blend 2 cups of nuts until it creates a crumbly texture and place in separate bowl
Put one cup of pre-soaked dates into processor and blend well with a touch of the juice/water from soaking. Continue to scrape down and blend until it becomes a paste.
Add nuts to date mixture with a pinch of salt and blend until it is well mixed.
Line preferred dish in cling wrap and spoon base mixture into dish, press down lightly and place in freezer whilst preparing the next step
Caramel- Clean food processor and add 1 cup pre-soaked drained dates. Add 2 tablespoons coconut cream, 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter, 2 tablespoons raw honey and pinch of salt.
Blend all ingredients continuously until it creates a creamy caramel– you may need to scrape the edges down occasionally. Spoon caramel evenly over nut base and place in freezer to set.
Chocolate top- In a bowl combine 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder with 2.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil and 2.5 tablespoons Raw Honey. Stir well and layer over the top of the caramel. Place in freezer to set for minimum of 3 hours. Once set cut slice into pieces and store in an airtight container in freezer.
Take a few slices out a few minutes before eating to thaw slightly. Absolutely yummy with an afternoon cup of green tea <3
INGREDIENTS
BASE
2 Cups Nuts (Almonds, Brazil Nuts or Walnuts)
1 Cup of Dates (Soaked)
Pinch of Salt
CARAMEL
1 Cup of Dates (Soaked)
2 Tablespoons coconut cream
2 Tablespoons organic peanut butter
2 Tablespoons raw honey
Pinch of salt
CHOCOLATE
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
2.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2.5 tablespoons Raw Honey
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In preparation soak 2 cups of dates minimum 30mins-1hr (or I soak mine overnight)
Nut Base- Using food processor/Thermomix blend 2 cups of nuts until it creates a crumbly texture and place in separate bowl
Put one cup of pre-soaked dates into processor and blend well with a touch of the juice/water from soaking. Continue to scrape down and blend until it becomes a paste.
Add nuts to date mixture with a pinch of salt and blend until it is well mixed.
Line preferred dish in cling wrap and spoon base mixture into dish, press down lightly and place in freezer whilst preparing the next step
Caramel- Clean food processor and add 1 cup pre-soaked drained dates. Add 2 tablespoons coconut cream, 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter, 2 tablespoons raw honey and pinch of salt.
Blend all ingredients continuously until it creates a creamy caramel– you may need to scrape the edges down occasionally. Spoon caramel evenly over nut base and place in freezer to set.
Chocolate top- In a bowl combine 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder with 2.5 tablespoons melted coconut oil and 2.5 tablespoons Raw Honey. Stir well and layer over the top of the caramel. Place in freezer to set for minimum of 3 hours. Once set cut slice into pieces and store in an airtight container in freezer.
Take a few slices out a few minutes before eating to thaw slightly. Absolutely yummy with an afternoon cup of green tea <3
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EVENT // MERCEDES BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL - BRISBANE ARCADE GROUP SHOW
Date: Tuesday, 25th August 7.00pm
Location: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds
Designers: Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, Bora and Darb Bridal Couture.
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We at The Atelier had the absolute pleasure of attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival this week. Featuring some of Queensland (and Australia's) most brilliant designers. This years event was held at the John Reid Pavilion, an industrial feast for the eyes offering a plethora of stunning space to present the latest in fashion from Swim Wear to Couture and beyond! Our first show to attend was the incredible Brisbane Arcade Show which was incredible to say the least. The Brisbane Arcade offered an amazing array of high-style designers and boutiques with sought after collections (and such a pleasure to see Quentin Bryce in the Front Row, looking tres magnifique and Oh-So Chanel-esque in what we believe to be a Pia Du Pradal ensemble!).
The Brisbane Arcade is host to Queensland’s leading couture fashion and the big name fashion houses for the past nine decades. It was incredible to be front and centre to enjoy some of the most beautiful collections from Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, Bora and Darb Bridal Couture.
See below for our standout favourites.
EVENT // MERCEDES BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL - BRISBANE ARCADE GROUP SHOW
Date: Tuesday, 25th August 7.00pm
Location: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds
Designers: Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, Bora and Darb Bridal Couture.
______
We at The Atelier had the absolute pleasure of attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival this week. Featuring some of Queensland (and Australia's) most brilliant designers. This years event was held at the John Reid Pavilion, an industrial feast for the eyes offering a plethora of stunning space to present the latest in fashion from Swim Wear to Couture and beyond! Our first show to attend was the incredible Brisbane Arcade Show which was incredible to say the least. The Brisbane Arcade offered an amazing array of high-style designers and boutiques with sought after collections (and such a pleasure to see Quentin Bryce in the Front Row, looking tres magnifique and Oh-So Chanel-esque in what we believe to be a Pia Du Pradal ensemble!).
The Brisbane Arcade is host to Queensland’s leading couture fashion and the big name fashion houses for the past nine decades. It was incredible to be front and centre to enjoy some of the most beautiful collections from Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Maiocchi, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, Bora and Darb Bridal Couture.
See below for our standout favourites.
A few of our Favourites from PIA DU PRADAL // with divine hats from THE HAT BOX
Stunning Collection from MAIOCCHI
Preview of THE IRMA J SMITH HOUSE OF FASHION // with hats from THE HAT BOX
TENGDAHL's Show Stoppers
BORA
Magnificence from DARB COUTURE
IMAGES: IAN GOLDING for MBFF
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