I commented yesterday that I couldn’t believe how, with all of the cake I have consumed in the past months, I am not feeling the strain of my skinny jeans or the struggle of doing up my favourite skirt. Be warned readers – I am about to share with you more stories of cake and champagne and all that is good in the world.

Yesterday was a glorious sunny Sunday in Melbourne, albeit rather chilly. The Abbotsford Convent (conveniently located in Abbotsford) was awash with sunshine and people who had turned out to visit the market and enjoy some lunch while the rays lasted. I was in attendance to take part in the newest attraction at the Convent, a high tea offering with a twist.

A Touch of… Bursaria is set to be held in the Rosina Function Room on the third Sunday of the month, making it a lovely outing when paired with a big breakfast and a visit to the market. 

We enjoyed De Bortoli Sparking in the courtyard, a space I imagine would be very sweet adorned with fairy lights for a dusk wedding – and pondered the gorgeousness of the day with Sarah from Style Melbourne, Erica from Fashion Recycled and Leeyong from Style Wilderness, before being ushered into an even more magical room, filled with tables beautifully decorated with doilies, glasswear, flowers and homemade lemonade. The entire room was serene and set up for a delightful afternoon of tea and cake.

The service began with elegant hors d’oeuvres – salmon blinis, poached chicken sandwiches, prawn skewers and chorizo pastry rolls. My gluten free offering included frittata and mini hash cakes, each more delicious than the last. I’ve noted the benefit of always requiring a seperate gluten free plate – I always seemed to end up with more food than everyone else!

We had barely finished the savoury before the sweet descended on the table. Tiers of decadent desserts made our mouths water – creme brulee, lemon meringue pies, scones, pannacotta and chocolate pots. I could feel my blood sugar levels adjusting accordingly. 

Over three cups of tea and carefully selected music from the live DJ, I ate 2 chocolate pots, a panna cotta, a creme brulee and a rosewater meringue. I probably would have kept going if I didn’t feel it wasn’t socially acceptable to continue to eat the desserts until there was nothing left. Best I planned my exit while I could still sit comfortably with my pants done up.

A Touch of.. Bursaria High Tea runs from 2pm til 4pm on the third Sunday of the month, and costs $55. Bookings are essential on 03 9417 7771
Check out the other High Teas I’ve tried and tested here!

A few short months ago I was invited to participate in a forum with the Melbourne fashion industry community, sharing our thoughts and ideas about how the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Business Events could better suit the desires of the industry, and the consumer.

What has resulted from this forum is a new and innovative Industry Program; a full day of sessions, talks and events that will have the industry fired up and ready to debate the finer points of the fashion scene in Melbourne – and the world.

With a great list of speakers; both local and international, several events to choose from that will allow you to curate your industry day, and networking lunches and drinks, the midpoint of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2013 should be a day to remember!

Option One includes: The Plenary, the luncheon, The Debate, Power Hour 1: Future Heritage, and Industry Networking Drinks
Option Two includes: The Plenary, the luncheon, The Debate, Power Hour 2: Cutting the Red Tape, and Industry Networking Drink
Option Three incudes: The Plenary, the luncheon, The Debate, Power Hour 3: Creating a Brand, and Industry Networking Drinks.
Single session tickets are also available

Tuesday 3 September
Full Day: $200
Single tickets: $25 – $85
Book at Ticketek

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I saw two girls wearing these boots last night. Still in love with them after seeing them in stores in Paris back in February. Please go on sale soon!!

Tony Bianco ‘Roach’ boot, in black, $189.95

I have a confession to make. For about one day, back when I was nineteen (you know, young and silly), I smoked. 

My death stick of choice was menthol (minty fresh!) and I remember vividly buying the pack when I stopped at the service station, terrified the woman at the counter was going to ask me for ID (which was dumb, cause I was old enough!!). 

I don’t think I ever finished that pack. After watching my friends smoke at school from the age of 13, my desire to be ‘just like’ them lasted all of about 2 minutes once I realised my hands always smelled, my clothes seemed to waft smoke and that while smoking was touted as being ‘social’, I often watched the smokers slink outside alone for a quicky while the rest of us stayed inside where it was warm. 

I often wonder at my own idiocracy for that one day ten years ago. How susceptible I was to peer pressure. How silly I was to think that smoking would make me look ‘cool’, a la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with her cigarette holder and air of elegance. How blind to presume that smoking would suppress my appetite, like the top models, or give me that edge of awesome, the one James Dean seems to have.

I’ve watched many of my friends quit smoking since my teen days, but there are still those few who clearly think they are cool/edgy/awesome with a tube of tobacco between their fingers. Of those who most recently quit, one went cold turkey and they other is sucking on nicotine tablets. She also noted that she was saving $500 a month on cigarettes. FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!! Do you realise how many shoes you can buy with that money?

Smoking isn’t only bad for your clothes though. Your various body functions can’t be replaced like last seasons cashmere that has a musty smell about it – lungs and livers are meant to last a lifetime. And what of your skin? Yellowed and aged from the effect of smoking. If you want to be Helen Mirren when you grow up, don’t act like Keith Richards now.

So if you still think smoking is cool, perhaps this ace new app that’s designed to assist in quitting will be trendy enough to help you out. The QuitNow: My Quit Buddy app is your best friend when taking the next step, providing encouragement, sharing and timely reminders when you might feel a little on the edge (and thats not the edge of awesome). 

Jason Wu 2012. Love.

Last night, I was invited to a preview screening of The Way Way Back, a film starring Steve Carrell, Sam Rockwell and Toni Collette.

As much as I didn’t quite know what to expect, a cast like this in a touted ‘arthouse’ flick can only mean good things and I was not unimpressed.

The story is that of Duncan, a 14 year old boy holidaying for the summer with his mother (Collette), Mum’s boyfriend (Carrell) and his daughter. The dynamics of this disfunctional family unit are played out as Duncan, a shy and quiet boy, finally finds his voice with the help of local Water Park Manager Owen (Rockwell).

The film is poignant, funny and charming, with moments that will make you laugh, and others that will make you cringe.

But ultimately, I really enjoyed it. It’s been quite some time since I saw a film that wasn’t a ‘blockbuster’ that you actually felt gave you something to think about for 96 minutes, but if you are going to spend $18 on a flick and you want it to make you smile, this one is a winner.

More of my clever friends from the social media sphere are clocking up milestones, one of which is the Take 2 Markets, celebrating their 6th birthday this month!

I can still recall dragging my mum and her best friend to one of these markets many, many years ago – I bought an Oroton purse and a pussy bow blouse. I still have the purse, and I sold the shirt at a Take 2 Market just last year.

It’s so wonderful to see an enterprise such as this develop a loyal following and allow the ‘everything old is new again’ adage to ring true.

Happy shopping!

I’m all about lists at the moment. They simplify the chaos in my life and I find they are quite educational for the rest of you. Today’s list, in honour of the fact that I am procrastinating about packing up my house, is a summary of the good things about moving. Because I’m trying to be more positive and  I’m moving tomorrow. If you are moving soon, good luck! And keep these gems in mind for when you are having a flat spot.

1. It’s a chance to clean out, be it clothes that don’t fit, kitchen utensils you don’t use or food in your freezer that you can’t remember putting in there.

2. You’ll discover who your real friends are. They will help you move.

3. You can unsubscribe from all the junk mail lists you are on whilst changing your address.

4. Use the move as a ‘do-over’ and a new start. Plan for a diet, an exercise regime or to quit smoking. A line in the sand, if you will.

5. You will probably find things you ‘lost’ last time you moved.

6. Unpacking is WAY more fun than packing, so you really do have something to look forward to.

7. Moving will test your relationship. Succeeding will make it stronger.

8. This is an opportunity to redecorate and buy all the homewares you wanted in the last place but figured you didn’t need.

9. New houses mean new neighbours and a whole new world of people, local cafes and neighbourhood walks.

10. Moving may be second or third on the list of stressful life events, but remember: at least no one died.

Happy Moving!!

“Stop comparing where you’re at with where everyone else is. It doesn’t move you farther ahead, improve your situation, or help you find peace. It just feeds your shame, fuels your feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately, it keeps you stuck.

The reality is that there is no one correct path in life. Everyone has their own unique journey. A path that’s right for someone else won’t necessarily be a path that’s right for you. And that’s okay.

Your journey isn’t right or wrong, or good or bad. It’s just different.

Your life isn’t meant to look like anyone else’s because you aren’t like anyone else. You’re a person all your own with a unique set of goals, obstacles, dreams, and needs. So stop comparing, and start living.

You may not have ended up where you intended to go. But trust, for once, that you have ended up where you needed to be. Trust that you are in the right place at the right time.

Trust that your life is enough.

Trust that you are enough.”

Daniell Koepke