With the public holiday on Monday this week has simply flown by, which means it’s time for another Polka Dot Bride project.

I’ve already shared the cherry pie and pumpkin pie recipes, so here’s how to pull the whole look together.

Click to read the full post.

I have wanted a bar cart for the longest time. I was picturing a gorgeous rounded art deco or mid-century piece, but – even if the budget stretched to an antique – we simply would have nowhere to put it.

My brother-in-law’s partner is a keen painter and when we were admiring the latest piece in her studio recently I spotted the cute Ikea Råskog cart she used for her art supplies.

Not long after, I spotted it on the Ikea website for a steal ($49 down from $79) and immediately raced down to snap one up.

It makes a great bar cart for a small space. The middle shelf is adjustable so we could fit the tall bottles on the bottom shelf and glasses on the middle shelf.

We certainly don’t need hard liquor on hand on a daily basis (we’re mainly wine/beer drinkers) but it has freed up almost an entire cupboard in the kitchen. And you know how excited I get about additional storage space!

I’m also happy that the original mid-century anodised ice bucket that I inherited from my late great-auntie now has a suitable place to be displayed out in the open instead of shoved at the back of a cupboard.

I would still love an antique bar cart one day, but I didn’t hesitate about buying this for the same purpose as it’s such as versatile piece I know we’ll always find a use for it. We’ve already discussed an artists’ trolley and a bar cart, but how about a mobile craft station, bedside table, bathroom storage, cleaning supplies storage or perhaps its advertised use: extra kitchen storage?

Til then, I think I can feel a cocktail party coming on…

What do you think about bar carts? Do you have one?

Silver metallic garland | Paper lantern | Hanging jar votive | Cake dome | Cake stand | Cutlery | Mason jar drink glasses

Since it’s Birthday Month, let’s talk about party style!

I think we all tend to accumulate various party supplies over the years for each occasion, but there are a few basics that are the basis of any party decorating stash.

Choose unpatterned paper lanterns, garlands and clear votives for their versatility and budget-friendliness. Of course, food and drink are a big part of any celebration, so make sure you’ve got cake stands, food platters, glassware and cutlery covered.

I love a mix of neutral basics plus some colourful, quirky touches.

How about you, what’s your go-to party style?

Jessicakes

I spotted a sale on Craftsy recently and went to see what tickled my fancy. I briefly toyed with the idea of a quilting course, having recently found out I’m going to be an auntie (!!) and had visions of cute modern baby quilts.

Then I remembered that I hate sewing. And I work like 60 hour weeks.

Thankfully I came to my senses and decided on something more suited to me: cakes!

My baking skills have definitely improved over the last few years, but I tend to stick to more basic homestyle icing that I can quickly (read: messily) slap on rather proper cake decorating. Unfortunately most cake decorating books and courses seem to be aimed at weddings or kids’ parties – neither of which I have need to cater for – or they are generally a bit old-fashioned.

I don’t need anything too fancy, but I’d love to be able to make some fun and contemporary party cakes.

So I’ve signed up for the Clean & Simple Cake Designs e-course with Jessica Harris (she of the gorgeous cake in the picture). I honestly have no idea when I am going to find the time to do it, but that’s the great thing about Craftsy classes: you can do them when it suits you in your own time.

Who’s going to join me?

We had both of our families over on the weekend for Mother’s Day. Champagne, pie and good conversation – if only every Sunday afternoon could be so divine!

I’ve shared my recipe today over on Polka Dot Bride.

How are we today, friends? I’m still recovering from my huge weekend at Bowerbird Bazaar – no stamina now since I turned 29 on Saturday

I wanted to tell you about an awesome project I’ve been working on and have just released. Called the Clever Hello Club, it’s a greeting card subscription service where you receive two of my Akimbo cards each month.

Some will be seasonal and others will be for life’s occasions, both big and little. I love having a stash of cards ready to go for any occasion because I hate that last-minute dash to the shops before a party, don’t you?

You can choose from either a 6 or 12 month subscription for yourself or as a gift (ahemmothersdayahem). And because I know you’re spread all over the world, I’m not charging any more for international shipping (you can’t say I don’t look after you!).

I’m currently taking orders for the first shipment which will go out in June. Join us in the Clever Hello Club!

I can’t believe it’s May again, which means that it’s Birthday Month here at Atypical Type A. It’s not only the blog’s birthday (3 years this week!) but also my birthday, The Man’s birthday and my business’s birthday.

So it’s time to celebrate! This month we will be talking all things parties and gifts. If you have any questions or dilemmas on either of these topics, please feel free to email me or to drop a comment below or over on our Facebook page and I’ll be sure to answer what I can.

For a bit of fun, I thought we’d kick things off with what’s on my wishlist this year. Do you spy any things that you have your little eye on?

My existing case doesn’t hold quite everything so I want this Apple & Bee cosmetic case.

I’m too lazy to do my nails the old fashioned way so I’m dying to get an electric nail buffer.

Are you as much of a fan of Young House Love as I am?

Canon 50mm lens pleasepleasepleaseplease?

I adore statement necklaces but haven’t bought a new one in so long. This ModCloth necklace would be perfect to freshen up my wardrobe.

My friend Georgina has an awesome new accessories business called Gulp & Gasp. The foxy bag is my fave.

I found out about the Modern Art Desserts book while ordering the Mondrian cake at SFMOMA.

I’m off galivanting around the world for a few weeks so I have lined up some some talented ladies to hold the fort while I’m gone. Hope you enjoy!

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It might be cold over here where I am at the moment, but back home I know everyone will be gearing up for hot New Year’s Eve parties by the pool or barbecue. I can’t picture a more appropriate drink for a summer cocktail soiree than this delish pomegranate margarita slushy by Jane from one of my fave online shops and blogs emerald + ella. Show us how it’s done, Jane!  – Alicia

Earlier in the year when I was in Mexico on my honeymoon I discovered a cute restaurant that drew me in with its enormous margarita menu outside. They had mango jalapeno, hibiscus, pineapple chipotle and tamarind flavours to name a few. I loved that they had taken an already awesome drink and somehow made it even more delicious!

So now that summer is upon us I thought I would try my own little variation on this sweet and sour classic – a pomegranate margarita slushy – no slushy machine required!

Pomegranate margarita slushies

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup caster sugar

2 cups pomegranate juice (I used POM Wonderful from the supermarket)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup tequila

Lime slices and pomegranate seeds to serve

Place the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to the boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the pomegranate juice, lime juice and tequila and stir to combine. Pour into a shallow 1.5L baking dish. Freeze for 3 hours. Break up any ice crystals with a fork. Freeze for a further 3 hours or overnight, until frozen. Scrape mixture into a blender and blend quickly until slushy. Pour into glasses and top with lime slices and pomegranate seeds to serve.

Makes 6

Tips

• If you don’t have a blender you can scrape the mixture into a large jug and blend with a stick mixer, or even break up vigorously with a fork.
• You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if you happen to have a glut of them.
• Freeze any leftover pomegranate seeds in a small container or snaplock bag and use for fruit salads, chicken salads or on pavlova for a jewel-like surprise.

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About the guest poster:

I’m Jane, the girl behind the emerald + ella blog. I’m also a recipe writer, food stylist, shop owner, vintage collector, New Zealander, married to an Aussie boy, aspirational crafter, wine drinker, pulled pork sandwich lover and basically just a girl who likes pretty things.

In my blog I explore a world of beautiful, eclectic things to brighten up your day. We cover everything from lip-smacking recipes to sweet celebration ideas and some crafty little projects in between. I will also be getting input from some peeps that inspire me so hopefully they will give you some inspiration too. Don’t forget to check out my little shop! – www.emeraldandella.com.au.

I hoped you’ve enjoyed the previous posts in this series with the cake topper and candles. Now it’s time to bring the whole look together with a few simple DIY touches and styling tricks.

Read the post here.

My latest guest post over on Polka Dot Bride is up! Find out how to make your own candle tins here.