Daring to Begin

So I had an epiphany today - there is more to life than work. I know this should be so obvious but today  I found myself at work, all stressed out and feeling down about a potential problem. That's right, only a potential problem, not even a real one and I realised that even if my worst fears are realised over the next few days (and I have made a mistake) well, the world will go on and continue to revolve. 

I am at a point in my life where big change is happening. I refuse to be held captive by money. Now don't get me wrong, I like things and especially pretty things and these things cost money (Sometimes more than my husband realises!) But you only get one shot at this life so you need to make the most of it. 

Being at work no longer fulfills me. Parties on the other hand do. Parties are a lot of work and possibly even more stress but it's an enjoyable stress, because the satisfaction you get on completion - well that's the feeling of a job you love. It's going to be a transition from full time middle manager to party planner extraordinaire, but I know with the utmost certainty it's going to happen. And I am excited :o)

And right when I needed it, by chance I clicked on an old Etsy newsletter and saw this:

Letter press by Happy Deliveries on Etsy

Really, I can't say it any better than that! What do you dare to begin?

Nads xxx

Monday - Supplier Shout Out

It's a lovely Monday morning, and I say that because it's a long weekend. Sleeping in, warm cups of Milo and time to just chill out, browse the blogs and with the overcast and cool weather, snuggle up i bed with my hubby and watch some movies.

Well as part of my new years resolution, Monday will now be known as Supplier Shout out Day here at Red Bow Party Design. The day when I scream from the rooftops (or my blog anyway) about the fabulous people who make throwing a party that much easier. So if you are someone starting out, or who is already established and want to be featured, drop me a line.

Being a Sydney girl, it is very exciting to discover all the fabulous Aussie ladies who are doing so well in the world of parties. Today I stumbled across Lark whilst searching for bulk paper straws in Australia and all I can say is Oh. My. God. It is truly fabulous! Below is just a small sample of the goodies they sell.

How gorgeous are these vintage looking paper plates? That's right - paper plates!

And these gorgeous glass vintage bowls - yes I have a love of all things vintage looking!

Striped little paper bags in an assortment of colours. Perfect for weddings, baby shower or parties as little favor bags. Or even cute for little popcorn satchels - the possibilities are endless!

This is such a small selection of what they offer so be sure to check our their website - warning though - you will become addicted and may give the good ol' CC or DC an intense workout!

They do have a retail store down Daylesford VIC for those of you lucky enough to live in VIC you should drop in - the store looks so quaint!

Nadsxx

New Year...New Goals

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm so excited to ring in the new year. As cliched as it sounds, there is always so much optismism at this time of the year. Call them resolutions, goals or dreams, being able to start with a clean slate is exciting.

So one of my resolutions for 2011 is to really conentrate on my blog this year. I know as I type this I have all of 1 follower (my husband, who I had to ask 5 times to join!), but I am not going to let that deter me. As they saying goes "If you build it, they will come". 

Parties give me joy like very few things in my life and I think this year is about doing things that make me happy. Pretty simple, but I think we have a tendency to get so caught up in the every day, we forget to enjoy the simple pleasures.


I hope 2011 is your best one yet!





















Nadia xxx



 

Dora Inspiration Board - Purple Orange and Pink!

I have just completed my first inspiration board and it's for my niece's 2nd birthday party. She is having a Dora themed bash using the colours purple, orange and pink. My sister, Shaam and I are planning it together and her vision was bright, bold and beautiful.

This is going to be the first party I organise under the 'Red Bow Party Design' Banner, so it has to make it amazing! Shaam is trying to cope with my OTTness at the moment, but I am just so excited to do it!

 She is an amazing baker (especially her red velvet cupcakes) so will be making most of the goodies for the dessert table I am in charge of the party decor and paper goods. I realised this morning that there is only one month to go, so we better get cracking. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend :o)

Yellow and Pink Princess Party

I originally came across this adorable Princess Party on Save The Date For Cupcakes which was designed for the daughter of Marie from Sweets Indeed. It's one of my favourite colour combinations of fuchsia and yellow. 

These little wafers have to be one of my favourite details; so simple, yet such a big impact.

The Perfect party for any little princess!

Cupcakes and Tea Parties

Today is all about the tea party. I am helping a friend throw a tea party for her 30th birthday, so I have been on the hunt for inspiration. My theme will be vintage cupcake par-tea (get it) and I am excited!

I love these individual cupcake stands I mean really could it be any cuter?!

I found it on Social Size Me and I want one. Well Several. I mean, how cute would they be at each place setting as a favour for a high tea? Somehow I don't think our budget is going to stretch that far so I may have to get creative!

To go with that whole vintage look I am going to be attempting to make my first rosettes. My inspiration is below: 

They just cream girly and gorgeous. If a party could have a sub theme, that would be it!

I can't wait to start sharing my part design.I promise to do an inspiration board for it real soon!

Cookies and Milk Party

I continually browse the web for inspiration  and over the past 8 months I have been astounded at how many creative people there are out there. Some of my faves are Celebrations at Home and TomKat Studio. I check these religiously every morning before I go to work and I just love what they do!

I have noticed a popular trend at the moment is milk and cookies parties and I just LOVE them! I think they would be a great idea for a baby shower or a 1st birthday... or just for someone who loves cookies!

Below is a party Anne from A. Party Style threw for her daughters first birthday I found these on The Cake Blog. How adorable is the cake?

There is just something I love about the simplicity of the party, but what had me sold were the milk bottles. I have been looking everyone online for where I could find these in Australia and was considering having these shipped from the US (crazy I know). Luckily I held off as I stumbled onto a 6 pack down at my local shopping Centre.. I was so excited I clapped in store!

I am loving these milk bottles from Sharnel at My Life, My Love with the gorgeous retro striped straws. I have ordered the same straws in fuchsia from Details Details I am so excited and can not wait to use them in my nieces upcoming 2nd Birthday Party. Makes me feel like I should be on the cast of Happy Days.

Well I am off to bed now, to dream about all the amazing parties I can throw, based around these milk bottles and straws :o)

I'd love to hear what party you guys are thinking about throwing next!