hanging on the edge

So all these websites and magazines tell us how to make our weddings look amazing, but they never tell us just how muc it will cost. Being the first of many friends to get married I don't really have much to go off, prices go up every year so it's hard to get a good idea. So you can imagine my confused face when a recent quote came through for my flowers... I stared at the screen and asked; how much do they normally cost? Is this a good price? So I sent the quote to Mr TMF, which is invalid, he thinks anything that costs under $10,000 is "cheap"... Any brides or recently married girls that can shed some light? Anyways enough of the blabber, I have decided I really want a floral chandelier to sit over our bridal table. We're not doing the long table, but a rectangular one that sits in the middle of the venue. I first fell in love with the floral chandelier when I saw them at Donna Hay Magazine's 10th Birthday bash... The pic I have is terrible so, here are a few I have looked at for inspiration...

I like the all while feel of this one, not sure about how low it sits, it would stop you from seeing the people sitting across from you.

Splash! I love the colour in this but I dont like that it doesn't have much length on it.

Similar to the first one, but how amazing would this be on a high ceiling venue? Unfortunately the ceiling on ours is a little too low for this dramatic effect.

I really love this one, I love the use of ribbons and the colourful flowers... I suppose I could get a mixture of all of them to create my own design, I wouldn't want too much happening on the bridal table as I want the central focus on the chandelier... So, what's you wedding statement?

shoe-wall

So I have hit a 'shoe-wall'... I really love shoes, I love browsing and buying all kinds of shoes, but if you look at my shoe collection, they are all so very safe... I promised myself that on my wedding day I would not be 'safe' shoes are fun... Your wedding day should be fun... So it goes without saying. I haven't even gone dress shopping (with 9 months to go... Ekk) but don't you worry I have been shoe shopping. I won't be going for that Carrie Bradshaw MB shoe, or even the 'something blue' category. I Want FUN, FUN FUN! I can't decide on which ones want... Maybe you can help?

First time saw these I was stalking Kate Spade's page for pretty rings... Then this disco ball popped up out of no where and yelled "pick me! Wear me!"... I'm a sucker! I love them, I shopped around trying to find a place to buy them in Sydney and then last night my gorgeous friend in NYC said she would send them over for me... I think I heard them dong a little dance, excited that they would have a home real soon ... But then... I found these... I posted two pairs in the same design, as I don't know which colour I love more... Both are Vivienne Westwood for Melissa. Yes I do like them more seeing as we share the same name...

I love the Red heart, so so so sweet...

These are cute and look more wedding-like... I asked the boy what he thought... He says "buy them all and alternate throughout the night"... Oh God I love him, and i want to say YES, but we will never have any money with that attitude (I can't believe I even said that-slap me!)... Is the boy allowed see the things I'm going to wear on the day? (other than the dress)... What shopping "wall" have you hit this week?

retail therapy

It felt like forever since I went shopping and yesterday I got this urge that I needed to fix so I purchased these lovely wardrobe additions ....

I love this 50's dress from Sportsgirl, I tried a heap on but like this one the most $99.95

I got this skirt for $29.95 so cheap it is 3/4 length perfect for colour-blocking, also from Sportsgirl

I found this light weight vest and bought two (blue and cream), I think it's a summer staple. Cotton on have these in almost every colour... $29.95

The colour of this gorgeous dress isn't given justice in this image, so flowy and sweet. 

Sportsgirl $89.95

This dress looks terrible in the pic, but it so stunning, another 50's number in navy. Love it. The sleeves are so bouncy and cute. This one was from Sunny Girl and only $59.95.

As I was posting the images I remembered I went for a shop on Friday and bought a heap of summer dresses, that I left in the car... clearly I have short term memory loss as I was convinced I hadn't been shopping in months!

I love my purchases, what did you buy over the weekend?

xoxo

No singing or dancing...

Today's a rainy Sunday. Normally I would be stomping around the house wishing the sun would come out, but for some reason today I am so happy I get to stay indoors and chillax for the day (something I have taken for granted).

I have an old school friend getting married today, I really hope the rain stops for a little while... Which gets me thinking, a year from now I will be getting married and with an indoor wedding I'm not too concerned about the weather. However you need to be prepared, plan B shoot locations? Umbrellas? fur stole? Cape?

I like some of these ideas to help save the day...

This is a cute see-through option, I love that you can see the raindrops on this.

What an adorable umbrella, maybe you could do this for the bride and groom? Cute.

A little different but very Victorian. I like.

This is so sweet, best thing is it's 100% waterproof (I think I'd like it in ivory more)

All umbrellas from Umbrella Heaven

I love the idea of having your photo's indoors regardless, you can get some awesome shots as you can play with the lighting. I'm thinking, at our favourite bar/pub and cafe. A beautiful friend of mine had hers at her Nonno's deli, the pics looked amazing.

What were/are your plan B's?

it's been a while...

Wow it really has been a while... I thought I was going to start this blog and blog religiously, clearly life has taken over. It's been an interesting and eventful few months but I'm back...

Some exciting news, Mr TMF asked my to be his wife a few weeks ago which means I'm a soon-to-be Mrs. I love all the beautiful wedding inspiration blogs and thought what harm is there to be another... so for the next year I'll also be blogging about all the wedding things that Tickle My Fancy. Keep reading.

Until next time...

xoxo

born this way...

So a few weeks ago I blogged about Lady Gaga and her new song here...Finally after almost six months Born this Way was finally released!!!



Tell me what you think?

I think it sounds like a dance version of Madonna's Express Yourself...



It probably sounds like a few pop songs mushed into one really, it doesn't sound original, but the masses love it (including me)... it's gone to number #1 in 27 countries... in only two days!!

In other Gaga news... did you all see the egg that she arrived in at the Grammy's?



I love Gaga, but this was ridiculous... who do you think takes the all-time 'crazy' cake?

power of love...

While reading my news feed last night, (even with all the horrible things going on in Queensland and the Middle East)there was one story that stood out... "Couple married for 56 years die within one minute of each other".

True love, Donald and Rosemary Dix

Donald and Rosemary Dix had been married for 56 years when Donald had a heart attack at home, Rosemary called the ambulance and then their daughter. Donald died on his way to the hospital and Rosemary died at almost the exact same time at their home, her daughter found her by the phone with the receiver still in her hand...

Donald and Rosemary were inseparable during their 56 years of happy marriage, and in the end they just couldn't live more than a minute without each other. As morbid as it is for a Friday, I think there is something really warm and beautiful about it. To love.

get hooked...

I may be indecisive, but I am certain about a few things; 1. having to pay tax and 2. how much I love my wine. So what better way to spend the weekend then driving around 'wine country'... the stunning Hunter Valley in NSW (which is about 120km north of Sydney).

The hunter is gorgeous especially in summer, with about 11,000 acres of lush green vineyards it is truly breath taking. I have been to a few wine regions in Australia and yes the wine is amazing, but there is something about the Hunter Valley that makes you go WOW every time. For me it’s the 110 (plus) cellar doors to choose from and the amazing regional produce on offer.

Vineyards

Wine rack @ Capercaillie Wine Company (nice and full)

This was my fifth (over the past two years) visit to the Hunter and every trip I make the effort to try new wineries (which we’re slowly getting through) but I always seem gravitate to my favourites. I’m so Hooked on David Hook, his wines are out of this world, I could have a dozen of each… he just never disappoints. My number one pick (if I have to) is his Hunter Pinot Grigio, it has a yummy sweet melon/tangerine flavour and a splash of spice which goes down really well on a hot summers day! I could spend all my money there (which I am sure he would love). Another fave is Audrey Wilkinson, the cellar door and vineyard perched on a hill that looks over the Hunter, the view is almost as good as their limited release moscato. It’s a delicate frizzante wine with floral notes and a hint of Turkish delight – basically dessert in a glass! Here are a few pics…

David Hook barrells

THE Pinot Grigio

Playing shadows @ David Hook cellar door

The adorable Peppers Creek Chapel

Audrey Wilkinson

View from Audrey Wilkinson's cellar door

Anyways, we were in the Hunter for a reason this time (not that you need a reason), Mr TMF had bought us tickets to Day on the Green which had INXS headlining. It was such a gorgeous day, sitting in the sun listening to music sipping on a glass of white and eventually watching the sunset over the valley – bliss! JD Fortune (INXS lead singer) was back for the first time in a few years (he was in rehab), most INXS fans weren’t impressed with him as they still compare him to the original (and irreplaceable) lead singer, Michael Hutchence (who committed suicide in 1997). I thought INXS were good, I have never been a lover (or a hater) but they were entertaining.

INXS Time

Do you think bands can go on when their lead singer passes or leaves? Think ACDC, Queen…

inbetweener...

I know it's not a new trend, but on my daily online shopping adventure today I came across a few skorts I like. They are the thing between a skirt and a short. I really love them, they look so pretty and girly. This pair from Aussie designer Shona Joy are my fave, I love the white lace on the black lining, so cute. I thought I was over lace this season until I saw these, now my wardrobe is screaming for a pair.

I think they will go with everything, girly glam or rock chic. What do you think?

going gaga waiting...

I seriously can not wait to hear Lady Gaga's new single. Since she announced the name of her new album and single at the 2010 MTV Video Music awards in September, Lady Gaga has been dangling the "Born this way" carrot in front of us for months...

A few hours ago she tweeted "Are you ready for the full lyrics?! Can we trend #bornthiswaylyrics!? It has been in my heart for over a year. I'm so excited to share it," she went on to say "It's #1 worldwide! That was fast! You're so radical! Here you [go] Monsters, this one's for you.".... and alas after teasing us with snippets of the lyrics she releases the full song lyrics here! With the song set to be released February 13th I read over the lyrics trying to imagine how it will sound, what will the genius of Lady Gaga do to turn these words into a masterpiece?

Intro

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M

Just put your paws up

'cause you were Born This Way, Baby

Verse

My Mama told me when I was young

We are all born stars

She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on

In the glass of her boudoir

"There's nothing wrong with lovin' who you are"

She said, "Cause he made you perfect, babe."

"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,

Listen to me when I say"

Chorus

I'm beautiful in my way

Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret

Just love yourself and you're set

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way

Post-Chorus

Ooo there ain't no other way

Baby I was born this way

Baby I was born this way

Ooo there ain't no other way

Baby I was born this way

Baby I was born this way

Ooo there ain't no other way

Baby I was born this way

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way

Don't be a drag, just be a queen

Don't be a drag, just be a queen

Don't be!

Verse

Give yourself prudence

And love your friends

Subway kid, rejoice your truth

In the religion of the insecure

I must be myself, respect my youth

A different lover is not a sin

Believe capital H-I-M (hey hey hey)

I love my life I love this record and

Mi amore vole fe yah (love needs faith)

Repeat Chorus and Post-chorus

Bridge

Don't be a drag, be a queen

Whether you're broke or evergreen

You're black, white, beige chola descent

You're Lebanese, You're Orient

Whether life's disabilities

Left you outcast, bullied or teased

Rejoice and love yourself today

Cause baby you we're born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi

Lesbian, transgendered life

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to survive

No matter black, white or beige

Chola or Orient made

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to be brave

Repeat Chorus

Outro/Refrain

I was born this way hey!

I was born this way hey!

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way hey!

I was born this way hey!

I was born this way hey!

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way hey!

Reading those lyrics I just can't imagine what it is going to sound like. What do you think about them?

hottest 10/100...

Happy “the day after” Australia Day!

I love Australia (not the part where the English invaded) but more the celebrations and fun that takes place. One of the ‘hot’ things that happened yesterday (it was 40 degrees in Sydney) was Triple J’s Hottest 100… and boy was it hot. Every year Triple J (which is a radio station that usually plays alternative music, Australian artists and new tunes) counts down the Hottest 100 songs from the previous year voted by listeners on Australia Day. This year there were a few surprises, upsets and “yeah we knew that” moments. Here are the Top 10 and what I thought about them.

10. Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. - Somebody To Love Me (Ft. Boy George & Andrew Wyatt).In the 80’s Boy George asked “do you really want to hurt me?” and in 2010 he was looking for “somebody to love him”… He really has no luck in love. When I first heard this song I thought it was Boy George’s tragic come back, but after a few more listens I loved it, Mark Ronson is amazing! I met him a few years ago and the guy is so shy, you would never expect it, so I suppose I have a soft spot for his work. Definitely worthy of a top 20 spot, not sure of if this would have been in my top 10.

9. Art Vs. Science - Magic Fountain
This reminds me of a techno Presets cover… which is a good thing but I’m not a fan of this one… sure it’s worth a mention in the top 100, just not this close to the top…total upset!



8. The Wombats - Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)
Another cool track from the English indie band’s second album, it only made it to 33 on the Aria charts but us Aussies thought it was a top tenner in 2010.

7. Cee Lo Green – F*ck You!
I really thought this would nab the number 1 spot but I was so off the mark, maybe because they over played it on commercial radio listeners rebelled? Mr TMF and I do a great cover of this whilst on the road, he does lead vocals, I do back up. It’s such a fun song!

Warning video contains course language…

6. Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime
Makes me wanna get up and dance… this was one of my fave’s in 2010!



5. Boy & Bear - Fall At Your Feet
This cover of Fall at you feet by Australian band Crowded House is just beautiful… I think, don’t do a cover unless you’re going to make it better than the original (The Crowdies fans will kill me for that). Check out the original here.




4. Birds Of Tokyo – Plans
These Aussie guys successfully released their third album in 2010, the self titled album was their highest selling and to make things EVEN better it reached number 2 on the Aria charts. When Plans was released I loved it straight away (it would have been my number one – maybe… I think). I saw them play it acoustic at GQ Men of The Year awards in November and fell in love again.



3. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel
2010 was meant to be the year for Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, with three singles released and their debut album due for release in October this new English synthpop group was set to hit the top of the charts. However the suicide of lead singer Charles Haddon (22) after a performance at Pukkelpop, Belgium in August put a question mark next to the group’s future. I love this song and I really hope Ou Est Le Swimming Pool can produce what they have done without Charles.



2. Little Red - Rock It
This ‘old-fashioned rock and roll’ Melbourne band was first on Triple J’s Unearthed in 2005 and due to popular demand has released two albums since. This song makes me feel so free and happy, it’s a great pick-me-up! These guys deserve the number 2 spot cred.

1. Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane
2010 was definitely the year of The Stone’s (not the English rock band), another lot called Angus and Julia Stone. In 2010 they had the highest selling album in Australia and took home three ARIA’s, Aussies love them! I like them too, but not so sure this song is worthy of the number one spot. However with 1.5 million votes, Triple J listeners thought it was. Maybe it was the follow on from winning single of the year. What do you think?

Sorry about the long post, but once I started I couldn’t stop… in all I was pretty happy with the top ten…you can re-visit the count down here

there's no place like home...

It's that time of year where the best of the best in the tennis world come down under and compete for one of four tennis grand slam's... it's Australian Open time.

I love the open and have been going for the last three years. So of course I was extremely excited to spend this last weekend in Melbourne watching hours and hours of tennis, eating and drinking (way too much). I know the Open is coming to an end, but I really wanted to share some of the weekends highlights.

Degraves Street, Coffee anyone?

I love the old style trams, so much character, the free city circle route is the only

one that uses these now days.

THE Best Pimms I have EVER had!!

Dinner at Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons. I love their sister restuarant in Sydney too... (North Bondi Italian)

Off to the tennis...

Well it is most of the time...

My bow hat

Kicking back in a deck chair watching the tennis from the Jacobs Creek wine bar.

Centre court time!

Bird's eye view

Of course Andy Murray is British (when the English want him to be!)

Mr TMF was very lucky to see his (home)boy Andy play (twice) this time around!

And that was my weekend (without going on and on for pages)... I really love Melbourne, I think I may even love it more than Sydney. It's got that cool vibe without trying too hard. The bars are better, the food is better and I always seem to feel at home...

Where's your home away from home?

glee nailed it...

The next sentence could make or break me in the blogging world... but I can't help it, I love Glee and I'm not scared to admit it! For all you self-confessed and closet Gleeks there's wonderful news in the Gleesphere, O.P.I have released a range of Glee polishes exclusive to Sephora (old news for some, but I really wanted share it). This is exciting for you American's not so much for this Australian who is currently stomping her feet that Sephora does not exist here.

I love O.P.I, their colours and quality are the best in the business and the polish names are even better. They have kept up to standard for the Glee range releasing a limited edition mini six pack inspired by characters from the show.

- Miss Bossy Pants named after Rachel is a rich raspberry/purple.


- Slushied is a gorgeous duck-egg blue 


- Celibacy Club a diamond top coat to show off your inner angel

- Gleek Out, a glittery lime green that will turn heads.

- Sue vs. Shue, come on be a rebel with this navy blue

- Express Yourself to Yourself: this coral polish takes me back to the 80’s... in fact the whole range does.

So get your nails did, your voices ready and let those sprit fingers do the talking.

What’s on your nails today?

three little words...

image: wired

There are many things that make my heart skip a beat, an ice-creamery, a bow, the word 'sale' (in any language) and not sounding too soppy; Mr TMF. But without fail around this time of the year an email with a subject line of three little words makes me go gaga... Coachella lineup announced!!!

I open the link in anticipation and resentment. A part of me hopes the line up is terrible but alas it never is. The thing is I've never been to Coachella, the idea of camping scares me but this is an exception, 183 sets from amazing performers over three days makes me wanna pack a sleeping bag and not care about the communal showers. Every year I tell myself I'll be there the year after but it seems that more important things like shoes stand in my way.

Getting back on track, Coachella is a music festival held in California and has been happening since 1999. It has had the world's biggest names perform over the last 10 years (they didn't have one in 2000) like Madonna, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Daft Punk. This year's lineup is unreal and it's so great to see a few Aussie acts on the list like Angus & Julia Stone, Cut Copy, The Presets, Gypsy & the cat and Tame Impala. International stand outs include Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Mumford & Sons, The Chemical Brothers, The Strokes and Duran Duran (yes I know who they are...). You can check out the whole lineup here.


Unfortunately I'll just have to wait for all the youtube posts to get my Coachella fix this year.

Do you have favorite music festival?

a sea of blue

I am so in love with the colour blue right now, and what perfect timing, it is so S/S11. Navy, electric blue or cobalt I love them all! These are just few of the bags in my shopping basket today, some will not make it to the check out but pretending is just as fun. A few of them stand out for me especially these;

Belle de Jour, j'taime! This YSL clutch is just perfect, what an amazing statement piece.

The ASOS satchel reminds me of the Proenza Schouler satchel on Net-a-porter (which I LOVE), without the 4-digit price tag.

Lastly, I love the patent messenger from Zara, it's a great size for a night out not to mention the gorgeous black and silver clasp. It went straight into the basket and on it's way to a happy home (thankfully it was in my price range). Can't wait to wear it.

Blue doesn't need to be limited to accessories in S/S11. The vibrant colour is great to for key pieces, I love cobalt trousers with black patent heels. The black tones down the brightness of the blue. Before I leave you for today, I also ordered these navy trousers from ZARA today, not really bright blue, but still love them. What do you think?

I've gone blue-crazy, what's your colour obsession this season?

keeping it short...

I think the right thing to do is to start my first blog entry with a short introduction (you will soon learn I don't really do short, except for skirts that is). So many things tickle my fancy on a daily basis... and what better way to share these things then with you. My friends and boyfriend (I can hear them cheering) will now no longer need to receive my hourly updates on things I have found that I like, that I want to buy, that I want to do, where I want to go, where I want to eat or what I want to wear...

The thing is I like so many things that I feel they ALL need to be part of my life...somehow. Perhaps it's because I am so indecisive and I am worried that I will miss out on something great. For example; I'm up to my third university degree and I think this could be the right ONE (my family and friends sure hope it is). I can't organise a holiday unless you give me months to decide, as I always seem to want to fit 100 cities into four measly weeks. Trying to pick a restaurant is always an ordeal, there's really too many to choose from not to mention the menu selection process if there's no tasting menu I can guarantee that waiter will wait up to an hour to take my order. Dinner time is almost the same, I like to make sure my meals are interesting, tasty and require some effort, whereas Mr TMF is more of a simple Simon where bangers and mash every day is fine, so sometimes I wonder why I stress out for hours before dinner. Finally (trying to keep this short) I love shopping, however money in my bank account is my biggest weakness, I just can't say no... I just want it ALL.

Woahh and now I come to realise that I sound just like darling Veruca from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory... Heck I'm Gen Y isn't it my job to want everything, and want it now?

I suppose this blog will be my online shopping bag where I will fill it up with all the things I love and then get to share them with you...