Lily Loves....Jennifer Birkhead Design!

Looking back, I can now see that Jen & I would always have been destined to work together...I mean, have you seen her throw a party??  I first saw Jen's Styling for her daughters Chicken themed party.  It was the first time I noticed how Paper Details finished off the party!  Upon investigation, I learnt that the source of all that gorgeous Paper Design was from no other than the hostess herself...Jen Birkhead!

Jen's Cheeky Chicken Party and photo's by Shoot 4 U 

I was planning my Twin's Christening and the only person who I knew would understand my idea's without asking too many questions (I like to find suppliers who just get it...).  She designed exactly what I wanted within one email...and so she became my preferred supplier of custom invitations!  Since then, Jen has designed my daughters First Communion Invites, became a supplier of Invitations on Shoppe with Lily, designed all Paper Printables for my upcoming Beatrix Potter Easter shoot and her Dinosaur Invitation range inspired a 5th Birthday Party I donated to a gorgeous Autistic boy! Phew!!

My girls with Jen's designs

I am so happy that Jen has agreed to being interviewed.. you are going to love her!!

Jennifer Birkhead captured by Linda at Shoot 4 U

What do you love most about your business?

''It allows me to create, which is a true blessing as this is what makes me complete."

 What makes it so unique?

"There are a lot of very talented people out there doing a similar thing to me but I guess when I set out to design my children's range I wanted them to all have a 'Jennifer Birkhead Design' look about them.  I wanted them to look like they belonged to a suite.  I also didn't want to create 'characters' for each theme as this is something I felt had been done.  Also, by approaching the design differently meant that although they are classed as children's products they could in fact be used by any age, including adults!"

Jen's Fill-it-in Range available at Shoppe with Lily

 What has been your proudest moment?

"My girls make me proud. Being a Mum is the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done. As trying as it/they are at times their little smiles and warm hugs completely melt me...My husband makes me proud. He is so capable. We are renovating at the moment and it seems there is nothing he can't do!!

 In my work I'd say my proudest moment has been working with Kate Landers on her Nutcracker Ballet Suite party. This was a lady who's work I adored from a far so to work with her was amazing. Her work receives great and wide acclaim so to be associated with one of projects was a real buzz!!

Styled by Kate Landers Events LLC with Printables from Jennifer Birkhead Design

 However I am proud every time someone says that like my work :)"

What has inspired you this week?

"I am inspired daily by the many other talented people's work I see on Facebook and over the www.However, I find inspiration in the strangest of places!!! I was in a public bathroom over the weekend in a building that is far from modern and fell in love with the pattern of the tiles - the shapes are stored in my mind and will no doubt appear in one of my designs!

 Also, it is bulk rubbish pick up in my area at the moment so people's verges are full of "junk".... however a lot of the time I catch myself driving slowly past thinking "Oooh, I could use that as a prop for a party!!!". There is something about turning someone else's junk into something beautiful that is very satisfying for me! LOL!"

Vintage High Tea styled by Jen and captured by Shoot 4 U

How do you make time for Jennifer Birkhead Designs?

"However I can and however it works, day to day, week to week!!Any other WAHM will agree it is a juggling act!  The beauty of working from home though, is the flexibilty, something that is very valuable when you have little children.I am a night owl which helps, so I work once the children are in bed, however not every night, as I like to be able to actually spend time with husband too ;)I have one child at school so I try and fit in some work while my youngest naps during the day too. But there is always some creative idea floating around in my head!!"

What's in store for 2011?

"Who knows???? I am excited not knowing exactly who will approach me and what they will ask me to work on!One project of my own that I will be launching this year will be my wedding stationery range, something that I have been dying to do!"

Jen's Wedding Range

What Party trends do you love right now?

"I love the idea of favours for children's parties. Something they have had fun creating or playing with at the party. I'm a big believer in making the whole party experience magical for the birthday child and their guests so taking a piece of that magic home with them is wonderful!
I am also loving the effort people are going to to think outside of the box when it comes to parties, there are some AMAZING people out there!!!"

Lily Chic Events Dino Party using Jen's Dino Range

What Party trends are you over right now?

"Play centre parties *runs and ducks for cover* LOL!"

FUN FACTS ABOUT JEN & ME...

Favorite item of clothing?

JEN: Practically - my Lorna Jane gym gear - I'm a group fitness instructor ;)

Not so practically - I just bought a skirt from Forever New - I LOVE that shop!!!!!!!!!!!!

LIL: My Max Azaria Wedding Dress! I bought it off US Ebay for $450 and then I fell pregnant...with the twins!!  Luckily for me, it fit perfectly! I keep looking at it hanging in my wardrobe wondering when I will get a chance to wear it again!!

Gorgeous Jen taken by Shoot 4 U

Favorite Childhood Book?

JEN: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

LIL: I loved The Adventures of the Wishing Tree, Heidi and the Sweet Valley High series! (I used to want to be an identical twin like the characters in the books! It's funny how life turns out!!)

Sweet Valley High Twins

Favorite Song to work out to?

JEN: To work out to - I tend to sing when I instruct so I love something that I know the words to!! It has to be something powerful because that is how I want to feel when I'm working out!

To Design to - Sia :)

LIL: Well...I don't really work out lol! But I do like to go for a run, and when I do I LOVE fast paced music like 'I like that' by Richard Vission & Static.

The Facebook Page you found this week and have to share?

JEN: Just this morning I have been browsing through the gorgeous work on  Planet Penny - VERY cute little needle felt animals!!

LIL: I love the page Maddycakes!  Her unique Owl - o - ween & Artist Parties are so sweet! 

Photo from Planet Penny

Where did you get married and why did you chose the location?

JEN: St Michael the Arch Angel church in West Leederville here in Perth.....because it is a pretty church! Our reception was at Mindarie Marina overlooking the ocean and the yachts...both just felt right. 

HOWEVER I would love to do it all again (with my husband!)... weddings have changed a lot since I got married!!

LIL: We got married at Glendower in Upper Beaconsfield...15 minutes from our house.  It's a German Kartoffel House Restaurant and we chose it for the views and the food! 

Lastly...finish this sentence.....

"When I was little, I always wanted to be..... a hairdresser!"

Baby Shower Styled by Jen and photographed by Shoot 4 U

Thank you Jen for sharing more about you...it's made me like you so much more lol!! (I love Forever New too!! Just ask my husband, lol!) 

Till Next Week...

Lil xx

Purple & Red Wedding

The Beginning...


I met Rachael at the tender age of 12.  She moved in across the street from me and our parents 'made us' meet and get along! We didn't go to the same school but we managed to stay friends right through High School, Uni & Beyond! 

Rach & I on my Wedding Day

Rach is a twin too and it made sense to choose her to become my twins God Mother (a role she takes very seriously...even when tipsy on her Hen's Night, she made me promise not to show the babies any pic's of her in that state!)

Rach, Aurelia, Indy & Me 

When Rach told me she had met 'the one', I knew she was telling the truth...she was in love...and poor Mark didn't stand a chance! Luckily, he fell in love right back...so fast forward to the middle...


The Middle...


The Wedding Date was chosen and then the venue...Nathania Springs in the Dandenongs.  Next was the decor... Rach told me what she liked and so I came up with three Inspiration Shoots for her and Mark to choose from.  The first was one that I titled...Bora Bora..

Bora Bora...styled by Me

Next I chose to create a theme called...The King & I...

The King & I styled by me

The End...


And finally I created something that both Mark & Rach fell in LOVE with!  You see...both Rach & Mark are very social and both wanted something that represented their personalities..so along came... Shaken Not Stirred!


It began with the White Lycra Chair Covers and Dark Red and Violet Satin Sashes.  The Sashes matched exactly with the Bridesmaid's dresses!  I covered the 112 Chairs...which took me about an hour...and then tied the 112 Red Sashes in a Chinese Knot Style.  This took me about 2 hours!! Next came the Violet Sashes...which took me another 2 hours! (So I'm up to 5 hours already and I hadn't even begun the Centrepieces!!)

The BEFORE Shot!

Next I placed the 40cm Round Mirrors onto each table and then a 70cm Martini Vase in the centre of the mirror.  Each table then got 5 Clear Votive Candle Holders which had Gold Pebbles placed in them and a tea-light placed on top.  The table numbers were made by Rach and the Red & Purple Rock Candy Lollypop favours doubled as place tags..and were ordered and decorated by me.  

The Design process..

The Martini Vases were filled with Clear and Purple Water Crystals and had two Red and two Purple LED's in each Vase.  I scattered glass hearts in Red & Purple onto the mirror and this just finished off the table (and Rach's entire theme was based on two hearts...one purple and one red.)  


The Bridal Table had six Flute Vases that were filled with Clear Water Crystals and then I placed 20 Red Roses and 4 Lilac Orchids (the flowers that were also in Rach's bouquet) in every vase.  Amongst the vases I added a Round Tea Light Holder with Orchid Leaves on my Red Glitter Plates.  

Bridal Table Set up

Rach had Charactertures made of herself, Mark and their two puppies..Gizmo & Buffy! The dress was a replica of Rach's and it sat on the Cake Table front & centre!  


And finally... Rach also wanted a Wishing Well for her guests cards, so I found her one in a House Shape and dressed it up to match the entire theme.  It bought everything together nicely!


It was such a lovely day and I enjoyed relaxing with my friend of 20 years..and to see her get married to her soul mate makes me so happy!

After I waved my magic wand! 

Don't forget to sign up to follow my blog...every week I have something new and exciting to share with you all and I would hate for you to miss out!  
NEXT WEEK... I am interviewing the beautiful and very talented Jennifer Birkhead of Jennifer Birkhead Designs!  You don't want to miss this one!!


Lil xx

Happy little me.. xx

Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers

There are some people you meet who are great sources of inspiration.  Then there are some people who I personally aspire to be like...it's always good to have a dream.  Then there is Kristie Heyden...creator of

           Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers

I remember seeing Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers in a Shout-out on Facebook and I thought..that sounds different...so I liked her page.  After spending about 20 minutes going through her album's I was totally blown away by how Creative she must be!

I said to my husband James that night..."I am so in awe of WAHM's who come up with an original idea...and make it work".  There have been many pages since this epiphany that totally blow me away...but Kristie was the first...so I am very excited to get to know her a little bit more...so without any further ado..here is Kristie Heyden...

Kristie Heyden

 What do you love most about your business?

I love the flexibility of being able to work, do activities with/for the kids and having family time whether it's watching a movie at home or going out for breakfast at a cafe.  I also love the fact that I'm the boss and I get to do something that I enjoy.

What makes it so unique?

I work with a material {birchwood roses} that isn't very popular or seen which makes my bouquets and arrangements different from others whether they use fresh, silk or real-touch flowers.  I love how they look just like real roses and how you are able to admire them longer than the real thing. 

Real Wedding Bouquet made by Kristie

What has been your proudest moment with your business?

There have been a few moments but my proudest would have to be the first boxed arrangement that I made for a customer by request.  It was for her Aunty during the loss of her partner and the thanks I got from both of them was wonderful and unexpected. 

Boxed Arrangement by Kristie

What has inspired you this week? 

Seeing the new Wedding Colours for the season are just lovely and I can't wait to do some colour combinations to show everyone.  I'm also thinking back to the 60's after seeing my friends pinafores  for little girls that she made...not sure how I'm going to work that into my work just yet. 

 

How do you make time for Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers?

A lot is done at night after the kids are in bed.  On some nights Kris and I say "no work tonight" or "only till 9pm" otherwise we would never have some us time {and he is very supportive}.  I also do a bit during the day when it's rest/nap time and I have made Thursday's work day as this is kinder/care day.  

Kristie's gorgeous family xx

What's in store for 2011?

2011 see's lots of Weddings {6 orders at the moment}.  I love doing Wedding orders and I've got some different ones coming up, one which involves zebra print. 

New Idea's coming in 2011

What party trends do you LOVE right now?

I’m loving the vintage theme that is happening at the moment and for some reason I have a thing for polka dots in the classic black and white, I even got some boxes to make some arrangements. I also love the lolly buffet tables but I am a bit of a sucker when lollies are involved and the paper pom poms.

 What party trends are you so OVER right now?

I'm over the demo catalogue parties eg. tupperware {sorry to all who do them}. Don't get me wrong, some of these at home party plans have lovely products, I have recently purchased more candles from one, but I have been invited to so many in the last 6 months that I just can't take any more. 

Ribbon styles Kristie can create!

FUN FACTS ABOUT KRISTIE & ME!!

Favorite Pair of Shoes..

KRISTIE:  My thongs, they are Havaianas and I live in them! 

ME: I bought the most beautiful pair of Aubergine heels for my Wedding Day...and because I was 4 months pregnant (and there was lots of stairs) I decided to opt for the conservative pair...now I look at them everyday wishing I had somewhere to wear them!

Favorite Easter memory?

KRISTIE: Watching my girls wake up to find out that the Easter Bunny has been and they are allowed to eat chocolate for breakfast! 

ME: When I was growing up my brother (who's 7 years older than me) would wake me up and we would run to the backyard to collect all the Colourful Easter Eggs hidden in my parents garden!

My girls with our pet Rabbit

Favorite Song?

KRISTIE: My music styles change on a weekly basis, I'm into My Chemical Romance, Muse and Paramore at the moment. 

ME: I am infatuated with the movie Dirty Dancing...so I'd have to say "I've had the time of my life".

The facebook page you look at daily?

KRISTIE: Mine {hehe}.  I check the news feed and visit these pages regularly - White Lane Studio,  Lily Chic Events,  Ma'Cake, Ok Charli,  Crafty Mummas,  Yasminah's Gift of Hope,  Bloom & Scents {I'm sure there are heaps more!}  

ME: I love to look at Tara K Designs, Bliss Clips, Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers, Jennifer Birkhead Designs, and lots more!!

Children's Names...and why they were chosen?

KRISTIE: Charlotte {Charlie} Lorraine - my choice, loved the name and the middle name is after my mum and Kris' nan.  Cleo Patricia - Kris' choice, name play after Cleopatra.  Connor Martin - Kris and I just liked the name and the middle name after Kris' dad. 

ME: Mikayla Kate and Georgia Elise are from my Husband James' first marriage. Aurelia Violet - Aurelia was chosen by James..he loved the name {it's a very old name and means Golden}, and I chose Violet {Purple is my favorite colour}.  Indiana Torah - Indiana was chosen by me {I love Indiana Jones lol}, and James chose Torah {he loves the snow boarder Torah Bright!}

L-R Mikayla, Indiana, Aurelia & Georgia

Lastly finish this sentence...

When I was little, I always wanted to be....."a mermaid or live in the sea"!

Thank you so much Kristie for sharing a little bit more with all of us! I am very excited to be using some of Kristie's gorgeous Design's for the upcoming Beatrix Potter Easter Table Shoot! 

Till next week...

Lil xx

 

Creating the Amazing Race

My 30th Birthday fell in the middle of the Melbourne Winter. So..what to do??  Yes I could have gone out to dinner...yes I could have hired a hall...no I couldn't have...because I wanted something unusual...something that will have my friends and family looking forward to celebrating my 30th Birthday with me.


So...I began planning my Amazing Race Themed Birthday! I began the plans in February for a July Party! (Yes...it took that long lol!)  I started with the Invitations. It detailed the full plan for the day...what to wear (sneakers and the chosen 'team' colour), what to bring (camera, map, water, phone), team's (names), where it began and ended (my house) etc. I ended up with five teams of five and they all chose their team names and colours before the day.  

My teams arrived at 7am...they had a full breakfast provided by me (we all need energy early on a Saturday morning)..and then they all grabbed their first clue at 8am...and they were off! (The one's that thought ahead parked their car in a position where they could make a quick getaway!)  


CLUE ONE:


Teams were asked to make their way to the Melbourne Crown Casino where they were to find the Galactic Circus.  Once at the Circus, two people from each team had to find a particular 'Motion Sensor' Ride. (A photo of the ride was included in the clue).  They had to complete the Ride to get their next clue. (They were given Clue number 1 & 2 at my house and were asked to take photographic evidence of the task being completed before opening the next clue).  Teams received $20 for that leg of the Race for parking and the Ride Cost.

CLUE TWO:


Teams now had to make their way to the Melbourne City Library.  Once there only One person in their team were allowed to enter the Library.  They had to find the Children's Section.  In the clue they were given a list of 10 Children's Books with no author's names given and they had to find 3 books on the list.  Once they found the books, I had a family member sitting on a Red Chair in the Library...they had to find her and show her the books to receive their next clue. 


For this Clue to work, I had to check on the friday to make sure the books on the list were still in the library and not checked out and this was done online.

  
CLUE THREE:


Once back with their team...the Clue could be opened.  It was the first 'Detour'.  Teams had to now make their way to a Bar called Chill On Ice Lounge.  Once there, they had to chose One member of the Team to take the Detour.  They had to choose between having a photo taken of them on the Ice Lounge (in a provocative position)...OR take the Shot of Alcohol which is served down an ice luge in an ice shot glass!!  Once the task was completed, I had a Staff Member of Chill On hand them their next clue! 


Staff here were really excited to be involved.  They were more than accommodating and I had purchased the entry tickets in advance so the teams weren't slowed down by the 
paperwork. My friends still talk about this one...

CLUE FOUR:


Mandatory Pit Stop! Teams had to make their way to the Hard Rock Cafe for Lunch. Their 'check in' time was recorded and they had to re-start the Race in the order of arrival.  I had pre-booked the table with the Restaurant with a rough estimate on arrival time. The food was all finger food so it was served quickly and with little fuss. The Hard Rock Cafe were really fantastic with this part of the Race and it went really smoothly.  It was great to hear the funny stories and see the photo's so far!

CLUE FIVE:


Teams were handed their next clue on their way out the door...now it was time to SING!!  They made their way to a Karaoke Bar. The Bar was normally closed during the day but would open for private functions, so I had it opened for one hour during the day.  Teams had to choose a song and then 'Perform' in front of a Video Recorder! This was recorded and a momento to keep! The next clue was handed out by a staff member after the Song was completed..


CLUE SIX:


Teams were then asked to hop onto a tram and to make their way to the Melbourne Cemetery.  (this gave the teams a chance to catch their breath...their was lots of walking done by this point!)  Once at the cemetery, they had to find the Monument dedicated to the famous 'Burke & Wills'.  Once photographic evidence was taken and shown to a friend who was waiting at the exit of the Cemetery..they were given their next clue!

CLUE SEVEN:


As it was my Birthday...I decided to get all teams to then make their way to the iconic Queen Vic Market.  Once there they needed to find the Party Shop and purchase a packet of either 'Pink Balloons' OR Balloons with the number '30' on them.  They were given $5 for this leg of the race.  They then had to find a friend of mine wandering through the market holding balloons..and give them the packets in exchange for their next clue!

CLUE EIGHT:


Teams had to make their way back to St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne City. They had to find the statue out the front and on the statue was a plaque with a date on it.  Once teams had this date they had to call a friend of mine on her mobile and tell her the date.  If it was correct she gave them their next clue!

CLUE NINE:


We were nearing the end of the Race with only two clues to go.  Teams were tired by this point but amazingly not one failed to finish (it must be the competitive nature of my friends lol!)  The next clue had teams racing towards Chinatown in the heart of the CBD.  They had to find a Shop there whose name was printed on the clue (if you have ever been to Chinatown you would know that all names are in Chinese and they are mainly letters and numbers...in Chinese! So they had to look hard or they would miss it!)  Once they found the shop they had to purchase a Baby Pink Lantern and bring it back to my Party.. $5 for this leg of the race.

CLUE TEN...LAST CLUE!


Teams now had to make their way to the banks of the Yarra...for a Ferris Wheel Ride!  I had pre-purchased tickets for the Ferris Wheel and placed the tickets in the clue envelope.  All they had to do was hand them over and enjoy a quiet 5 minutes overlooking the Yarra River. Once their ride was over they had to find my friend who was waiting at the coffee shop next to the Wheel who told them to make their way back to my house for a Spit Roast Dinner and lots of drinks...and the first team there got the Prize!!


The Prize was Gift Vouchers to get a Massage and the runners up received vouchers to Breakfast at a local Restaurant and some 'gag' gifts!

So there you have Lil's 30th Birthday...Amazing Race!  I have to say this was by far the most I have had to organise and plan for a Birthday Party...and it did take many nights researching Melbourne's history...and even doing a test run before the big day...but it was well worth it! Almost 4 years later and I still have friends tell me it was one of the best things they did!  


If you are looking at planning something like this for your next Event...I would love to help you...I'm thinking of a Winery Based one next time....hmm...


Lil xx