Guest Wedding Blog on Polka Dot Bride

Hi everyone!!!

I've been gone for a while now (oops, and don't worry, I've missed you), and am still in the process of having my new website designed (which is very exciting) but I also forgot to share with you the guest post I did with Polka Dot Bride Blog!!!

I'm one of their 'real bride contributors' now, so I'll be submitting stories during our wedding planning process, for all to see. Next up is our engagement shoot. We checked out the venue last night and can I just say that this shoot is going to be AMAZING!

I am absolutely loving planning our wedding...every step of the way. I'm working on the invites right now, then we can start on the song choices, meal plans, bouquets (I'm making felt & button bouquets for me and my bridesmaids) and all the rest of the fun stuff!!

Anyway, here's my post for Polka Dot Bride featuring images from our very talented, very wonderful photography duo, Tamiz Photography.

Bye for now x

PS Only 281 days to go now...

Moving on up...

Hi guys,

Just a quick post today to share with you my exciting new project all to do with my Internet Communications course which I'm currently studying. My first unit, #web101 through Curtin University and OUA, focuses on the basics of all things internet and world wide web related (yes, did you know they are actually 2 different things?) and involves me creating an entirely new web presence for myself as one of my assessment projects. How exciting!

So, my clever fiance thought it appropriate the given the fact we're juuuuuuuust about to move to Sydney (yes, that time has finally come) that I create a new blog about moving house, and of course, I expanded on it a little bit. And the first post it up!! Ch-ch-check it out here. Go on, do it!!!

Here's a snapshot of the new blog, and my design work (basic as it may be).

As part of my project, I've created an alter-ego (no I'm not just MsProcrastin8, the Procrastination Princess) which is MsRelocate. You can find me on twitter, facebook, flickr and of course, Pinterest. They've only just been set-up, but be sure to add me as I'll be updating them all very very soon, and over the course of the term, building up what I hope will be, a significant web presence.

Hope everyone's gearing up quite nicely for Xmas, and don't worry, I'll be back to share more of those holiday stories from our trip to the USA.

Bye for now x

PS I may or may not have just written my first post as a contributor to Polka Dot Bride - eep! I'll keep you posted as to when it's going live!!

These things take time...

I haven't written a post in like forever, and it's all because I've been waiting or my new site to be up and running. But these things take time, and to not write is just ludicrous. I love blogging, so why wait for a new platform when I have one already sorted here? So, enough of the old procrastinating, time for some writing.

No more excuses!!

I just had an amazing 2 week holiday in the USA, travelling to LA, San Diego and Las Vegas. It was a blast! Ate and drank far too much, shopped a bunch, did a stack of sightseeing and took like a billion pictures. Loved every minute of it, and now, it's back to reality. We just had our "nesting day" as my friend Dan calls it, where we just rested and did laundry, nothing too exhaustive. But tomorrow, we're back to work and soon enough it will feel like we didn't even go away.

So while I'm still on my post-holiday high, here is just one of my many highlights (with more to come):

But brace yourselves, this highlight is a biggie. I... bought... my... WEDDING DRESS! Yes, I had decided that as part of our trip, if possible I would try to buy my dress while in the States, because the prices are far better than here in Australia. My dress, my gorgeous, elegant, very 20's/30's, AH-MAZING dress, is from the wonderful store, Unique Vintage in Burbank, Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to visit on a special event day which included a Sue Wong trunk show. How lucky am I? Clearly it was meant to be. Anyway. do you remember my post about her AH-MAZING dresses? You can revisit it here. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to walk into the store (the only one I visited for dresses no less), try on no more than 4 dresses, find "the one" and walk out the store with it in my hot little hands. Fate! I've heard of girls who visit multiple stores, try on more dresses than they can count on 1 hand, and lose hair in the process. I was truly blessed.

It was also Halloween weekend, and the store was doing a "Vintage Halloween Costume" promo which meant that all the staff were in fabulous costumes, including the owner, Katie's, very own dad who also works there. Here's a picture of just some of the crew, looking very sassy in their costumes including Katie's dad (can you spot him? hehe). They were all so sweet, and Katie's dad was even kind enough to give us a lift back to the hotel! Thanks Unique Vintage - you were all such great fun!!!

I'm not going to lie, their store is so great that I bought A LOT more than just my dress, including a gorgeous skull print pencil skirt, a fabulous wiggle dress by Stop Staring, a cheeky vintage hip-flask and luggage tag, a red rockabilly cardigan and my absolute favourite, a clutch purse made with computer keyboard keys!

While we're discussing fun costumes, be sure to stop by Clare's blog and check out her Masquerade Ball pictures!

That's all for now, but I'll be back soon with more highlights and fun pictures from our trip, plus plenty of wedding planning joy. It can all start now that I have the dress - woohoo!!!!!

Bye for now x

Sydney Frame of Mind

As I mentioned in my last post, Ben and I are moving back to Sydney at the end of the year...which is fabulous news because I've missed it so much!!! Originally we were going to stay in Bundaberg until just before our wedding next year, but a few changes and some opportunities have presented themselves that are too good to be true. It's a sign, back to Sydney we go.

Image taken with my iPhone using Instagr.am app

One thing I will definitely miss when I move is living only 10 minutes from work. Currently, I can get out of bed just before 8am and be at work by 8:30am, and I get to have lunch at home every day - bliss! The weather is fantastic all year round, and it will definitely take some getting used to surviving a Sydney winter again. Perhaps I should start getting up earlier each day, to acclimatise myself to early mornings and cold weather... Or perhaps I'll just keep enjoying my sleep-ins and sunshine while I still have it... What do you think?

Anyway, in keeping with my Sydney frame of mind, I thought I'd share with you a wonderful write-up on the Gallery Burlesque crew who are featured in this year's Sydney Fringe Festival. Written by none-other than the very talented Clare of Looking Glass, this interview is sure to tempt you to join in the festivities. And if you're craving more (and who wouldn't, really?!), Clare will be putting up the full interviews on her blog soon.  I just wish I was going to be home in time to see their performances!!

Bye for now x

And life goes on...

So it's been an ETERNITY since I last posted, and yes, I have been busy, but no I really have no excuses. I've been daydreaming, and...up to my usual procrastinating self.

On the weekend I was maid-of-honour at my friend Kirsten's beautiful wedding in Montville. The day was so lovely, and the rain even held out until after the ceremony. By my oh my was it cold!!! I was literally squeezing my knees together to stop myself from wobbling too much. And trying to smile? Wow, my teeth were chattering so much that it was hard for me to move my lips into the correct smile position! Goodness knows what the photos will turn out like, but I can't wait to see them. I had a lot of fun, and have some great ideas for our ceremony and reception too. Here's a pic of me in my dress, pashmina plus Ben's jacket that he kindly lent me to stop me from turning into the surprise ice-sculpture.

From my iPhone via Instagr.am app

But the good news is that I have LOTS of amazing ideas, and I promise to attempt them all into fruition very soon.

Here's a snippet of what I have up my sleeve/what I'll be sharing with you very very soon...

• Purchasing my own domain name & starting a new/rehashed personal blog
• Starting a new blog with my bestie
• Sending out my save-the-dates soon (yes, they are home-made and yes they are very very cool)
• Formally asking my bridesmaids to join Team Katie
• Getting a gig as an article contributor on a big wedding blog (I am determined to do this)
• Taking a trip back to the USA for Halloween (yay), wedding dress shopping (YAY!), Chargers v Packers NFL game in San Diego (OMG) and more!
• Moving back to Sydney before the end of the year (yay!!!)

So all in all, it's good stuff to come and I'm feeling so positive about the future :)

Bye for now x

Forgive Me Readers, For I Have Lapsed

Forgive me father readers, for I have sinned lapsed. It has been almost one month since my last confession post. And I have no excuses, it was pure laziness. Back to my old procrastinating ways, perhaps?

But here I am, back and better than ever. Time to blog, and blog well. I'm a woman on a mission!!!

Rock n Roll Bride's Rock n Revolution Behind the Scenes Photo by Shell de Mar Photography

So what have I been up to? What are my latest goals, ambitions, plans, dreams? Well, I have just recently applied to become the new Rock n Roll Bride Intern and now I'm waiting in anticipation for the results to be announced. I'm very excited about the possibility of working with such a talented, creative, bold and brilliant woman. She's honestly one of my role models! What she has done with the Rock n Roll Bride brand, launching her blog, which like mine started out as a personal blog, into what is now a massive international success, is truly inspirational. But, if I am not chosen, I have decided to take on her internship style career path by myself. No, I won't be blogging for Rock n Roll Bride, but I can still blog. I can still share my experiences with the world, and describe all the trials and tribulations of being a bride to be!

Rock n Roll Bride's Rock n Riot Shoot by Steve Gerrard Photography

But just in case I do (hopefully) become the new Rock n Roll Bride Intern...I'll keep all the juicy details under wrap for another week or so. Then it's on for young and old!

What I can share with you, is the photographer that I have booked for our wedding. *Drum roll please*

Joslyn + Matt's Wedding by Tamiz Photography

The fabulous Rebecca and Jonathan Adkisson from Tamiz Photography are going to be flying from Hawaii to Fiji to photograph the whole long weekend. I'm so excited! Their work is ah-mazing, and I just know that they will do a wonderful job capturing our wedding in all it's glory. But more on the wedding plans to come...soon.

The gorgeous Jonathan & Rebecca of Tamiz Photography

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Bye for now x

Things I Love Thursday #2

Good evening/morning/afternoon Blogsvillians,

It's been a whopping week since my last post, which means it's time for my second installment of Things I Love Thursdays! Hope you've all had a fabulous week, and perhaps have even enjoyed some exciting adventures. Share!

Here's what I'm thankful for this week:

1. I'm officially done with uni - woohoo! Last assessment submitted, and no more exams to be had. All I have now is 18 months of pure guilt-free bliss to look forward to. Yay!!!

Image via Pinterest

2. I started my second (part-time) job on Tuesday. I'm working at a sports club that I worked at back in 2007, and not much has really changed since then, so I feel like I'm already fitting back in. I've got loads of hours to work this week, which (although I may be tired) is brilliant. It's all going to the wedding fund, which means it's all for a VERY good cause.

Image via Pinterest

3. The state government has just decided to fork out another incentive for people wanting to purchase a brand new home, which means that Ben and I may be able to buy our first home sooner than we originally thought. Fingers crossed we'll be buying our first home before the end of the year!!!

Image via Pinterest

4. Cold weather means winter foods! Yes, it's true we live in Bundaberg, Queensland...which officially has the second best climate in the world (according to my dad) and our "cold" equates to about 19 degrees Celsius/66 degrees Fahrenheit, but to us it's chilly! I'm especially lucky because my awesome FIANCÉ does all of the cooking for us, and he's a great cook. So lately we've been eating some delicious heart-warming foods, like his amazing low-carb lasagne, or bangers and mash (he is a god when it comes to mashed potato!!!), or his amazing curried sausages. They don't sound like fancy foods, but trust me, they are moorish!! He's preparing another meal for us right now...and mmmm I'm hungry! :)

Image via bom.gov.au

5. Sue Wong. I am obsessing over her ah-mazing dresses. I want one of each and every one of them!! They're so reasonably priced, and available at such stores like Unique Vintage (which is a store, btw, I am totally crushing over). Anything 1920's or 1950's and I am sooooooooooo into it! Love love LOVE! So I still haven't tried on any wedding dresses yet, but trust me, I have looked at a lot online, and I'm loving every minute of it. Question: can I get married once a year so I can wear a different dress each time? ;)

Sue Wong gowns via Unique Vintage

What have you been up to? How's your week panning out? Anything exciting planned for the weekend?

Bye for now x