Earlier this week I did a sweet little photo shoot at one of Adelaide’s cutest cafes, Tin Cat Cafe. Owner Claire was kind enough to let us make use of the funky retro surrounds as a backdrop for a whole bunch of tutorials (including the one above) aaaand for a new product shoot.

You’ll have to stay tuned for the product pics and the full set of projects but you can find out how to make these faux milk glass vases over on Polka Dot Bride right now!

Styling: White Room Events | Venue: Tin Cat Cafe

I apologise for the title. I really do. Hearing people say ‘totes’ is like nails on a blackboard for me.

In this case, however, I am taking about actual totes.

Camera totes to be precise.

(Apologies for the horrid grainy photos – I obviously had to dust off the ol’ point and shoot to take these photos.)

I’m not sure if I’ve even told you this but The Man and I are heading off overseas for five weeks this summer (HOORAY!).

I love travel photography, but I’m a bit of a princess and find all the paraphenalia frankly a bit annoying. I have a second lens but I never use it because I hate lugging it around, so I take the compact camera bag instead of the bigger one with room for the extra lens (then I’ll be taking a snap and go ‘Ugh, I wish I had my telephoto with me’). I also find it inconvenient to carry around a camera bag as well as a backpack or handbag.

Plus – you know me – I’m all about the functional but there’s no reason why it can’t look good too!

Enter Jo Totes.

I had been coveting this baby for awhile now so I was very excited to unwrap it on my birthday recently (thanks to my parents and in-laws).

I looove how I can fit my camera and spare lens(es) all safe and sound between the padded dividers and there’s still room for my wallet/sunnies/cardi/whatever. There’s even a secret pocket at the back for my iPad as well as pockets at the front for the usual out-and-about essentials. I also like how it doesn’t scream ‘I AM A TOURIST AND I AM CARRYING LOTS OF VALUABLE EQUIPMENT’.

OK now I just sound like an ad I know, but seriously Betsy is going to be my new best travel buddy. The Man also gave me an iPad camera connector so I will be able to upload photos on the go.

Now I’m all set for blogging anywhere in the world!

I am currently working on a gorgeous handkerchief wedding invitation for a lovely couple which made me remember about this great free printable from Eat Drink Chic. It’s designed to be used as a wedding guest book alternative, but you could also use them for marriage advice at a bridal shower, handwritten menus or any number of other creative ideas.

Get yours here.

With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, do you have any special plans?

Whether you are or not, let her know you’re thinking of her with a card like this pretty free printable from Clementine Creative.

The Cilantropist

Yup, as of today I can officially no longer call myself mid-twenties.

Normally I love any excuse for a party, but this year I really didn’t feel like it. Not because getting older bothers me, but everything has been so go-go-go lately that I am really looking forward to celebrating in a more relaxing way. I might treat myself to an early minute today and fit in some me-time before going out for Indian with the family tonight.

Have a super weekend, lovelies!

I have not one but three super easy wedding projects using ribbons over on Polka Dot Bride today. Check it out!

Handle the Heat

Today marks Anzac Day here, so it’s a day for rememberance and all things Australian.

You might even like to make these scrummy Anzac biccies.

Tweet tweet! Time for another tutorial over on Polka Dot Bride. Click here for details on how to make your own birdseed favours.

I’ve been very fortunate that Akimbo has received some great coverage recently. Here are a few snippets…

Real Weddings Issue 20

Modern Wedding Issue 54 Styling Handbook

I also have more being published soon, yay!

I know, I know, the debut issue of the fabulous Fete magazine came out yonks ago. But it’s only been this week that I’m thinking about parties after I realised that The Man’s and my birthdays are in less than a month!

It’s beautifully produced (I would expect nothing less from Annabelle & Jane!) featuring quick and creative entertaining ideas for all kinds of laid back celebrations.

See for yourself.