party {of a different kind} | GIRL'S WEEKEND AT COOLUM


Each year, two of my girlfriends and I spend two or three nights away to catch up.  We met in high school in Grade 11 when I returned from the US. We all then went to the same University and have continued our friendship ever since.

We arrived on Friday night to a brand new apartment at the White Shells Resort at Marcoola beach.  Our apartment has its own plunge pool and because the resort is new, we pretty much had the entire place to ourselves!

Friday was spent in the pools, re-watching Season 1 of Glee, reading and drooling over recipes that we will probably never make and eating gourmet chocolate.  On Saturday night we went to the Spirit House Restaurant.  You can wait months to get a reservation here and for good reason.  It is just so pretty a location in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast and the food is amazing and well worth the money.  More swimming today before our late check at 4pm!!  

Oh and then there's the issue of finishing off all of that wine and food that we can't possibly take home with us.  Shouldn't be too much of a problem I don't think!

These weekends away are always an excuse to eat well, drink lots of bubbles and laugh often and this one was no exception. 




Champagne Breakfast - of course!



Lap Pool and Spas overlooking Mt. Coolum.


Happy Hour



The Spirt House entrance


Carolyn | Mechelle | Madonna


Crispy Pork Belly


Sweet Potato and Ginger Noodle Balls


Chargrilled Beef Ribs


Whole Crispy Fish


Watermelon, Ginger and Coconut Salad





Marcoola Beach

Thanks girls for another wonderful weekend away - great food, great wine, great company!

Mechelle

party | SARAH'S BUTTERFLIES AND FRECKLES PARTY


I think I'm still recovering from my first official birthday party - a Butterflies and Freckles second birthday party for my niece Sarah.  It was a lot of fun to do but a lot of work for someone who is still learning this party business.  Mentally it was draining coming up with designs and ideas inspired by other parties I've seen without actually copying an entire party. And of course after I've looked at hundreds and hundreds of parties (no exaggeration), I start to worry that what I've come up with is an exact replica of someone else's!  It truly was very stressful and has made me question where I want to take this business and whether or not its for me.

Anyway, here are some photos from the party.  I'd love to hear what you think and I'd also love to know if any of you had the same doubts when you started out.

I should point out that I'm no photographer so setting up the table with the sun behind it was not the best idea...oh well, you live and learn.

Enjoy!



This is the gorgeous birthday girl Sarah






















A few thankyous and acknowledgements from me!

The Tim Tam Pops recipe can be found at Little Betsy Baker. They were quite goo-ey so I think next time I'd put less cream cheese in.

The party favours included an adorable crocheted headband.  I found the pattern for these at Busy Mom Designs on Etsy.  If you love to crochet, check out her stuff!

The Cake Pop holders were made by my wonderful Dad as was the stand for the cupcake tower. My beautiful Mum made all the 'adult' food.

Mechelle