Image via We Heart It on Tumblr

Valentines Day is one of those Holidays you either love or hate. I see it for its origins of love, faith and belief in something that transcends the every day and lifts us up. While Valentines day is traditionally the day to send your love out there to all those you have a crush on / admire / hope for more from, I think that this year we should do things a little differently. This year I propose that your Valentines be yourself! It’s about time you got some of the loving you deserve, and turned the mirror back on yourself to think of all the great qualities in you that ought to be celebrated. And that is why this Valentines Gift Guide, including some special offers from my lovely sponsors, is for you. For all the things you don’t buy yourself because you have something more urgent or sensible to do with your money. For all the times you gave up something to make someone else’s day, and for all the times we’ve been too hard on ourselves. This is the time to say, ” I Love you me. You are awesome!”

For What Lies Beneath….

A stunning, stretchy rose print slip from Cadeau Republic. Looks and feels amazing, and makes an excellent outfit solution if you decide to stay in for the evening. One visit to their store and you’ll be hooked!

These soft and beautiful stockings are from Sweet Pins, one of my lovely sponsors and where I head to for a gorgeous selection of seamed stockings and day to day pieces.  My new favourites are the Pretty Polly ones in Sherry. They feel super soft and smooth and have an excellent stretch to them. They have lots of new arrivals for Valentines Day but also loads of clearance stock from $10! Luxury..

For your Leading Lady moment

When you take yourself out to dinner for Valentines day you’ll want your Leading Lady moment. These gorgeous pieces from my friends at Miskonduct are my top picks for a dreamy, romantic look and I even have a special discount code for you! For 10% off store wide and the chance to win a $200 voucher, simply enter “Be Mine” at the checkout.

Capture your inner beauty

Two of my favourite photographers have some wonderful opportunities  to turn yourself into art with their Valentines packages. Finessence have their portrait sessions for you and your loved one (maybe even your puppy) to celebrate Valentines Day together with their $99 offer. Helen McLean, (for whom I’m stylist) also has a wonderful offer for you to either treat yourself or someone you love to her exclusive vintage glamour portraiture with a special Valentines gift certificate. Of course, if you’re not based in Australia I recommend seeking out some fabulous photographers in your local area and doing what you’ve been putting off. Capturing a yourself in a beautiful moment of time. Frame yourself in silver and put her on the piano!

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Now that’s got you started on just how to treat yourself this Valentines Day, make sure you check back on Wednesday for my guide to the Top 10 FREE Valentines Gift Guide. That ought to give you all the extra lovin’ you deserve!

Notebooks from Flirty Bird. Plush cactus in a pot from San-X Sabo. Sleep mask from Click for Art.

For many of us this back to work time is one of the hardest of the year. Especially if you’re currently struggling through winter as well and haven’t seen the sun in a long time. I’m one of those odd creatures that actually looks forward to this time of year, as I love the feeling of new beginnings that it brings. So I thought I’d share some of my tips for remaining upbeat and optimistic in the face of the back to work grumps.

1. Be Organised AND Cute!

Treating yourself to new co-ordinated stationery was always one of the greatest things about heading back to school, so do the same for your work. Even if you don’t work in an office, just a cute notebook and matching pen so you can write down thoughts and ideas as they come to you.
If you’re not a paper person and have made the transition to keeping everything electronically, these treats can be new phone cases, iPad/tablet cases, updated wallpapers and lock screens, even new list making apps like Wunderlist (I ADORE this!).

2. Take the time to clean.

Cleaning out your handbag, desk, car and emails is a great way to start the year without feeling the burden of the year before. Many of you will be on top of this already, but how’s that inbox looking? Don’t be afraid to liberally apply the delete button, unsubscribe from unwanted updates, check your FB settings to make sure that your privacy is protected and you’re not getting notifications all day.

Now that you’re on top of the organization front, you can at least go back to work feeling like you have a head start.

3. Beautify your space.

If you have a desk, keep it clear – but not so clear that there is not something to rest the eyes on when you need a “calm blue oceans” moment. Fifty nick nacks is not a help, but a small plant, a picture of puppies/ kittens/ unicorns/Johnny Depp, will!
If you work in a store, or somewhere else where the space is not your own, think of things you can have on you at all times that make you feel a bit more special. Try silk knickers, a new fragrance, a locket with a picture of your happy making place. For chaps, things like gorgeous tie pins, a fresh manicure and even an old fashioned hot shave will go a long way to making you feel brand new.

4. Prepare the snappy come back.

This may sound a little pessimistic, but undoubtedly there will be those who will think nothing of ruining your holiday buzz with their kill joy attitudes. Let’s try-

“ I love being back at work, the dog wasn’t quite enough of an audience for this level of awesomeness.”
“Being back at work is just great. It really makes the weekends that much more fantastic.”
“I’m so thrilled to be back at work, I was really missing those LOL cats.”
“Lucky I’m back at work this week. Now I can stalk you in real life instead of just on FB.”
Or just mess with them and tell everyone that you can’t talk to them unless they hold up this giant @ reply cut out, cause that’s the only way you’ll pay attention these days.
… but seriously..

5. Eat well.

If you were fortunate enough to take your taste buds on a tour this break, bring the flavours back with you. Went to Thailand? Learn to cook a mean green curry and bring some to work. Sip of coconut juice for that tropical flavor. Add Pawpaw to your breakfast and relax with lemon grass tea. I know a few of you should be trying your hand and Malaysian food. And if you didn’t get away, just pretend you did and give your stomach a rest from the peanut butter sandwiches for a while.

6. Sleep.

After the New Years you had you’re still going to need it! It’s hard enough to get our body back into routine, but burn the candle at both ends and you’ll be ruined before the week is out. Plan to spend the evenings of your first week back in the most relaxing way you can. Skip the alcohol in favour of non caffeinated tea. Give yourself a foot spa or a long bath, then relax for half an hour with a chilled or warmed eye mask before hitting the hay before 10pm if you can.

These are my top tips for avoiding the post holiday blues. If you have some excellent ones that work for you, please share them in the comments. Goodness knows we can all do with a hand at this time of year!

Mondays can be a drag at the best of times, but just one week out from Christmas, it can take super human strength to stay on track and stay motivated. So I’ve created something especially seasonal to give you a bit of a boost in your breeches.

SKM’s Christmas Coffee Heart Starter!

You will need:

A French Press / aka Coffee Plunger

A jug of boiled water

Fresh ground coffee

Ground Cinnamon

Spiced Rum

A Candy Cane

Whipped cream if you’re so inclined

Sweetened condensed milk

To Make:

* Boil your water and let it sit for one minute.Add the required amount of coffee grinds to the french press for as many cups as you intend to make.  For 3 measures of coffee, add a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Add these dry to the French press.

* Fill the French press with the (just off) boiling water, stir the coffee grinds and cinnamon into the water and allow to brew for 5 minutes.

* Measure 30ml of spiced rum per mug and add to mug.

* Plunge and pour coffee into the mug.

* Instead of milk we use sweetened condensed milk to whiten and flavour; add now to desired colour.

* Stir with Candy Cane and allow hook of the candy cane to adorn the edge of the mug.

* If your calorie content is not yet met (hey you might be trying to rival Santa), top with whipped cream and a very light sprinkle of extra cinnamon.

* Delight!

Enjoy your Monday!

(not my family, but a gorgeous picture of the Halvorsen family that represents just how Christmas looks in my head…)

Last week a friend sent me an email with this message, capturing what I been thinking in a very succinct way…

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1. Alice Jean’s Soda Pop Shop for locally made, beautiful soaps and vintage inspired children’s clothing. YUM!

2. Melbournalia is not only filled with wonderful Australian made wares, but these are even local to MELBOURNE! (Yes, that’s the city I live in). Lots of ephemera, postal goods and fancy wares.

3. Sukin - natural, organic hand and nail cream that smells heavenly and has been doing wonders for my hard working hands.

4. If you hadn’t already figured it out by the avalanche of blog posts  on Some Fancy Ladies™, we are all Australian grown, shot here, produced and printed here! So adorn the walls of those you love with some home grown pinup art.

5. If you’re looking for something truly magically for the children in your life this Christmas, I think I’ve discover the ultimate in one of a kind, love them forever gifts.  Handcrafted from local gumtree timber, Bentsticks creates these incredible fantasy mini tree houses and gnomes that have to be seen to be believed! They even now have a range of night lights. These are guaranteed to ignite the imagination.

6. For totally Australian made, stunning looks to get you through your Christmas parties or even for great gift vouchers, take a look at Peta Pledger, Powderpuff Boutique & Hot Couture – Gorgeous, locally made, vintage inspired apparel.

There’s loads and loads of great ideas out there. In fact, if you spend a few minutes on Facebook, you’re likely to uncover some fantastic local businesses with all sorts of gift vouchers on offer. How about portrait sittings with Finessence Photography or your own classic pinup shoot with Helen McLean. You could even treat yourself and a friend to Personal Shopping tours, Vintage Styling Sessions or Vintage Makeup lessons with me over the holidays. Want to learn how to be Charming? Book a gift voucher for the Lindy Charm School for Girls next workshop in your city.

It goes without saying that wherever you live in the world, this message applies. No doubt there will be some things on your wish list that you can’t get at home, but there are loads that you can. There are so many wonderful, creative, keen people out there that are more than happy to help fulfil your Christmas gift list. Your local economy and the tables of those at home will thank you for it!

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What are your tips for a Merry Kitsch-mas?

It’s my super cute look number two for Halloween!

Outfit

It just so happened that on a previous trip to Texas, I’d stumbled across this cool authentic cheerleaders outfit. I’d had it stored away for a special occasion, and wouldn’t you know it; it’s just perfect for Bonnie Rose – it even has a ‘B’ on it!  The amazing red suede wedges are from the Spring Summer collection at Siren Shoes.

Makeup Products

Base – Bourjoris liquid foundation in ‘vanilla claire’.

Bobby Brown concealer in ‘cool sand’

Face of Australia Translucent powder in ‘Outback’.

Highlighter – cream highlighter by Urban Decay

Eyeshadow – Urban Decay.  Base- ‘Polyester Bride’,  Lid- ‘ Shattered’, Crease -’ Mildew’.

Eyeliner – Liquid eyeliner in black by Essence

Mascara- Loreal Telescopic in black

Lashes - The Face Shop

Blush – MAC ‘Desirous’

Brows – Brow shadow by Ardel

Lips – Pencil in “No. 6” by Stephanie Marais, lipstick in “Trolley Dolly” by Chi Chi

Download!

Not only have my wonderful Some Fancy Ladies™ team helped me create this great image to share, we’ve created a download for you to use this Halloween as a wallpaper for your smart phone or desktop!  Just visit Some Fancy Ladies here and it’s all your’s for free!

2012 Calendar

On Friday the Some Fancy Ladies™ 2012 calendar finally arrived at headquarters here, and OMG!! It is freaking amazing! So get on over to the website and order your copies now – If you place your order before the end of October, your copy will come personally autographed by each of the ladies. Don’t wait – we’re shipping right now to get your Christmas orders across the world in time!

Happy Halloween! – Well almost..

I’m actually on top of my Halloween planning this year and as a result I have THREE, yes count them 3 big Halloween pinup look tutorials for you!  The first of these is my classic Halloween Witch look, shot here with my Some Fancy Ladies™ team.

I wanted to create something classic, simple and easy to follow. A look that you can put together for your own private Halloween party, or perhaps with a little more on, something to take out on the town.

Outfit

In this shot I’m wearing a vintage Rago girdle with stockings by Jonathan Aston and shoes by Bordello.  The hat you can find at any discount store in the costume section. For a great alternative to this vintage, all in one girdle, the Kiss Me Deadly Vargas dress is the perfect solution.

Makeup Products 

Base – Missha BB Cream, YSL Touche Eclate no.1, Face of Australia Translucent powder in ‘Outback’.

Brushes – Eco Tools

Highlighter – Missha ‘Oven Pop Blusher’

Eyeshadow – Physicians Formula Baked Sweets trio

Eyeliner – Liquid eyeliner in black by Essence

Mascara- Almay Intense iColour in black

Lashes - Eyelure ‘ Naturalites’

Blush – MAC ‘Desirous’

Brows – Brow mascara by Prestige

Lips – Pencil in “Poppy” by Savvy, lipstick in “Frosty Berry” by Savvy

Download!

Not only have my wonderful Some Fancy Ladies™ team helped me create this great image to share, we’ve created a download for you to use this Halloween as a wallpaper for your smart phone or desktop!  Just visit Some Fancy Ladies here and it’s all your’s for free!

Stay tuned for the next Halloween Pin Up look instalment where we’ll create a super sexy 60′s Catwoman!

Yes, it is still freezing degrees here in Melbourne, but Brisbane? Brisbane was a wonderful 25 degrees!  Heading up north this weekend did wonders for my spirits and has me in full swing searching out my go to looks and colours for spring.  For today, I planned a very simple, easily packable outfit that was perfect for a day of shopping adventures. (A look at that shopping later on this week!)

A simple reproduction 1950′s dress in a blue cotton voile, a coral cardigan, lemon yellow chiffon petticoat and a pair of black ballet flats.

Outfit Details

Blue “Trixie” dress by Trashy Diva (in other news, Miskonduct Klothing is now bringing in a select range of Trashy Diva dresses to Australia!)

Coral Cardigan – Random super cheap Chinese clothing store find.

Swallow Brooch – taken from my Dior T-Shirt circa 2004

Cream cutwork bangle – Diva

Lemon Chiffon Petticoat – vintage

Black Ballet flats – Aerosoles (Great for walking miles)

Lipstick note – “Fresh Berry”, by Savvy. Available at Priceline for $4.99

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~Stay tuned tomorrow for my exclusive, one on one interview with Micheline Pitt of Pinup Girl Clothing fame!~ 

Well now, June certainly got away from me this time! Unlike so many other industries, Winter seems to be my busiest time of the year, running pillar to post trying to fit everything into fifteen plus hour days, seven days a week. So as penance for my appalling absence this month, I’ve set aside the most of July to catch up on all the things I’ve yet to show you, all the articles half written, and all the video tutorials that are awaiting the editing room.

It’s become clear that my usual planning skills, although pretty darn good, just haven’t been up to the task of the last month; so I’ve decided to bring in the big guns and get myself a copy of the new book by fellow blogger Nicole Avery, “Planning with Kids” from the blog – Planning with Kids of course!  I’ve spent so many hours in airport lounges of late, that reading and browsing bookshops has been like a spotters sport. It’s always smile worthy to see a friends name on the shelves.

I love the addition of the little plastic T-Rex on the cover – that’s often how it feels when you have two (or more) small people after your attention all the time.

In order to make sense of the whirlwind of a month I’ve had, I thought I’d do a little mini photo diary for you over the next few days. Partly to remind you what I look like, I’ve been so absent this month; also in part because it all gets so mad at times that I forget what I’ve done from day to day and it’s nice to look back and take a moment for it all the sink in.

So back at the end of May, I headed up to Queensland for the Garterbelts & Gasoline festival. You’ll remember we had a bit of a vintage shopping tour and all kinds of tiara’d shenanigans. That’s where the next six weeks of craziness began…

Because we like to travel in the style we’re accustomed too (nothing to do with how much luggage we have..) we arrived in the stretch limo, champagne in hand. Yes, I know; it already looks like trouble!

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Oh so demure at breakfast as we fortify ourselves for the day ahead… but you wouldn’t believe what some of these ladies could put away!

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This really had to be seen to be believed, but on Miss Nada’s plate is the biggest single scone known to mankind -and she actually did it!

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Miss Nada, Me, Miss Chrissy and Bonnie Rose – hanging out and shopping up a storm in Mt Tambourine.

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Do we have fun? Ummmm… well I can tell you that onlookers certainly do when we hit the streets!

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The festival had a fantastic little art show, the only disappointment for me is that all the pieces I loved weren’t for sale!

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But of course it wouldn’t be a nostalgia event without the Show n Shine part of the weekend. We ladies are all partial to a bit of vintage transport, and spending the afternoon wandering around through all this shiny, shiny eye candy is sometimes more than you can bare. So of course we make sure to take a few snaps of our favourite to add to the wallet as a reminder of why we need to keep on saving out pennies for a few of these beauties of our own!

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Bonnie Rose shows her wild side.

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Harry Deluxe, the indomitable Rockabilly chanteuse, goes with something red hot to match her red hot voice.

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and me, well I was rather partial to this sleek and dangerous number.

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But what about when the lights go down? Silly question – we have a good old knees up!

Candice DeVille, Bonnie Rose & Helen McLean.

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Yes, indeed I do dance; in fact dancing and shopping are currently vying for first place in my list of thing I love to do.

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Bonnie Rose and I propping each other up after a very long weekend.

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And that’s only one weekend in May! As I said, I’ve lots of catching up to do as I get a chance to go through all my images from the last month, so if there’s something you’d particularly like to see, let me know and I’ll see if I can dig something up for you. And thanks for sticking around while I disappeared!

Xxxx!

]]> http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2011/06/29/and-breathe/feed/ 6 http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2011/06/16/wintersun-2011-tales-of-a-traveller/ http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2011/06/16/wintersun-2011-tales-of-a-traveller/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:07:45 +0000 Super Kawaii Mama http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/?p=7487 If you follow me on Facebook you’ll have a pretty good idea of where I disappeared to this last week. As usual, I leave town with all the best intentions of blogging while I’m away, then find myself working and or socialising every minute of the day… and night.  The last week in Port Macquarie was no different, with so much to do that I somehow managed to do a whole week on no more than 3 hours sleep each night! Yes, self inflicted torture but what fun!

Having never been to Port Macquarie I didn’t really know what to expect of the town. In fact I had done so little research that it didn’t even occur to me that it would have a beach… duh. And while the weather was wintery as to be expected at this time of year, the entertainment was so hot that we had an unforgettable time.

Getting to Port Macquarie meant a 5 hour layover in Sydney (my bad planning), so I decided to be conscientious and use the time to answer emails while watching the planes taxi off. So I sat by the window, tapping away furiously on the laptop catching up on emails, when an older chap (not elderly by any stretch of the imagination), came and sat beside me. Concentrating, I kept on working away, typing like a demon until about 45 minutes later he interrupts to say, ” My you’re a busy little beaver. Is that work you’re doing there?” Of course I smile and say, “Yes, I’m catching up while I have a chance.” Imagine the stunned expression on my face when he gives me the look one gives a clever child and says, “Now who would give such a pretty girl so much work to do?” Seriously… WTF?! But the lady in me won out over my inner bitch and closed the conversations politely so I could get back to the task at hand.

Being someone who travels to all manner of places, I’m not much fazed by different locations and having to think on the fly; but one thing I always forget is that people aren’t quite used to me.  So stepping off the small propeller plane onto the tarmac in Port Mac with the locals awaiting their loved ones, faces pressed up against the wire fence; my cashmere, full skirts, sequins, dark glasses and hat boxes were quite the sight! This is when you feel a bit like Moses parting the Red Sea… but it is useful for getting to your luggage quickly!

And how beautiful was the first morning…

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Breakfast in the sunshine with the fabulous Miss Chrissy

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I’d like to tell you that each morning was this leisurely experience kicking back in the sun, but generally we were all working so flat out that not much sun (or rain) was seen.  The beauty of mixing pleasure and business on these trips is working with friends, but it does mean that you don’t really get a chance to see all the cars and performances. We spend all day at different ends of town on our various gigs, so of course when the sun goes down…. all bets are off!

My buddy Scotty Baker and I pose for another “Classic 50′s moment snap shot”, of which there were many.

So after a little healthy pizza parlour action for the crew we were sufficiently fortified to hit the town!

A little from my personal party photo album of the week…..

Casual night for kicking up the heels with a bit of Swing dancing.

The fabulous Catherine and Bonnie from Bonnie Rose Vintage

Tara from Lucky Trix, the suave Scotty Baker and Miss Chrissy.

The incredible Heather from Pretty Things Peep Show and Miss Catherine.

yes… the usual suspects.

The Rockabilly Diva Miss Harry Deluxe entertaining us at the after party.

We might possibly be the most glamorous party animals ever.

If you’d like to see even more of our rabble rousing and secret videos, check out my Candice DeVille Faceboook page. Now that I’ve managed a few good nights sleep I’m back on deck and ready to tackle the next project. Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at the big Wintersun 2011 vintage fashion parade in all it’s finery!

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