fancy pants

In celebration of Kate and Will's Big Royal Wedding, I thought it was a great excuse to whip out the wedding dress and give it a night out.

Of course, I haven't actually tried it on since I was married 10 years ago. Let's just say that it was a bit of a reality check. I had to hitch it up to fit around my waist and waddled around in it just moments before my departure to our monthly Food Club Royal Wedding Celebration, but then when it came to actually getting into the car, I realised it was going to be a bit tricky. And then after arriving at Wedding Destination (Julie's house), it didn't take long for me to remember that I hadn't allowed room in my dress for eating.

So, after a night of shallow breathing (and undoing my back zipper a little bit more), I made it through the night. Yes, I shed a tear or two because Kate walking down the aisle and William telling her she looked beautiful is that romantic, and relishing in the beautiful choir music (wasn't it awesome?). I even sang along to the hymns. Overall, it was a fabulous night. The girls (also dressed in clothes fit for a wedding) while giggling and commenting their way throughout the whole night. Which flew by very quickly, I might add.

And while I was thinking about how quick the ceremony was, it took me back to my wedding day. The bridesmaid's gowns, the giant lillies in the pine trees, those amazing bouquets, the handsome groom, the stinking hot weather... oh, and the wedding dress that fit much, much better!

 

How my dad walked me down the rose petal aisle..

And our very own balcony shot...

Nothing like a royal wedding to remind you that you, too, were a princess for a day in your life (more of our wedding photographs here).

Did the Royal Wedding remind you of your wedding vows and your big day? Did you wear your wedding dress or something equally as fancy while watching the Royal Wedding?

Why not become a beautiful follower, linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week. As for me, I can't wait to see what you've worn (and what excuse you had to dress up, hint hint!).

Kymmie wears: DRESS/SKIRT/VEIL, Made by Rosalie. NECKLACE, Made by me. SHOES, Tony Bianco. FLOWERS, Made by Rosalie. NAIL POLISH, OPI Big Apple Red.

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this saturday i'm grateful for... no washing up

Aah, the longest Easter weekend in years. School holidays. Fantastic weather. This week has been brilliant. And I'm especially grateful for:

1. No washing up. On the easter weekend our church has its annual camp. But it's more like a state-wide festival with more than two thousand people camping on show grounds. Laid on programs for the littlies, juniors, youth and adults alike. It's awesome. Hubby was a special guest hosting the morning music, cafe live, and a Saturday night concert. He asked if he could bring his family (and backup singer) and the organisers said yes. Highlights for me? Catered meals, no washing up, entertainment for the kids, and my first easter weekend with my husband in four years, which turned out to be a really wonderful holiday. Not to mention inspiring and refreshing.
2. Easter Egg Hunts. After returning from our weekend away, we went home to an easter egg hunt of a lifetime. The lads were spoilt by their big sisters and after limiting the chocolate intake up until that time, our house is now overflowing with oval shaped chocolates.
3. Wedding Dresses. Every now and then a wedding dress ought to be pulled out and the cobwebs dusted off. And thanks to Will and Kate's gorgeous nuptials last night, I was able to wear my wedding dress again (more at tomorrow's Fancy Pants). Althought a little tighter than 10 years ago, it still (just) fit. And for those of you who wondered if I would drip gravy from my Yorkshire Puddings on my dress, do not fear. It was all okay. The gravy made it to the inside of my dress instead (and made it even tighter)!

Happy Grateful Day.

What are you grateful for?

are you planning to celebrate the royal wedding?

You can imagine our delight when my fellow foodies and I discovered that our next Food Club night coincided with William & Kate's wedding.

Promptly, we decided to dress up in wedding attire (some girls are choosing to wear an old bridesmaid's dress (and because I've kept NONE of my many dresses - sorry girls I've been in weddings for), I'm wearing my actual wedding gown.

We'll be watching the wedding on the tellie, while eating finger food varieties of good English fare.
I'm making Yorkshire puddings with gravy and I can't wait to see if my wedding dress still fits (don't worry, I'm not going to be last minute and discover it doesn't fit just before I fly out the door).

And while I'm getting into the swing of things, I'm looking forward to seeing what Kate will wear. Gosh, it's bringing back memories of the last big Royal Wedding. Lady Di getting Charlie's names all muddled, and her shy lovely smile. I don't consider myself a real royal fan (no, I don't own a tea set with Di and Charles' faces on it), but I did get swept away with the whole thing back in the day.

So, I'm going to relish in it again. And create some new memories that I can look back upon with fondness, joy and laughter.

Are you going to watch the wedding tonight? Are you going to get into the wedding swing of things, or avoid it completely?

DOING THIS MORE OFTEN.

 

The silence here this week means two things: we were away this easter, and I missed you, my blogging friends. Did you have a wonderful easter?

We did. A weekend away at Elmore/Rochester and a beautiful day worth boating with our girls. And while we were away, I did something that I haven't done for (wait for it), 18 years.

I skiied!

The water was freezing (it took a few seconds to catch my breath), the water was choppy (hello high seas), there was a head wind (that was cold too). I was aching the next day, but mildly impressed that I wasn't that sore.

But I was buzzing on the adrenalin. And can't wait until I do it again.

How about you? Have you done something recently that you haven't done for long, long time?

Why don't you join in? All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below). Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.





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WHEN ONLINE FOLLOWERS BECOME GOOD FRIENDS.

I cannot begin to tell you how nervous I was to actually meet people I've only read about in the virtual world. Some of my favourite people, in fact. It's like meeting a celebrity. Someone you think you know.

Except that you don't.

But you do know enough about them to know that you don't need to start from scratch - you know, the outer layers of an onion. You start somewhere in the middle layers, or even deeper. Even though it feels a bit strange to do that.

And then there's those insecurities. And the butterflies. Because I admit I was nervous. When I asked myself why I was nervous, what did I come up with?

• What if they're nothing like I imagined?
• What if I don't like them?
• What if we run out of things to say?
• Will I enjoy reading their blog after meeting them?
• Will the mystery all be gone?

Now reverse those questions and turn all those onto me (because they were the real issues!).

• What if I was nothing like they imagined?
• What if they don't like me?
• Will they enjoy reading my blog after meeting me?

It was fear of The Fear. In the worst way.

Because while my quirky ways might seem cute or likeable on the blogosphere, they may just seem weird in real life. Like when I order a hot chocolate (because I don't drink coffee). Or when I talk a lot when I get nervous. Or how my children behave. And damn those Fancy Pants posts. Are they going to notice what I wear, or what I don't? Will I look the same in real life?

I made it clear up front I was nervous. After all it allows anyone else to admit the same thing. A great ice breaker too. Except when they didn't.

Brenda (of Mira Narnie) said, "Yeah - don't be nervous, be freaking excited!!! It's going to rock." While Cate (of Keep Cate Busy) said, "I'm not nervous! You are both gorgeous...what is there to be nervous about?"

Either they were hiding their fear better than me, or that they were prophets who knew the future.

But as usual, I had nothing to worry about. They both looked exactly like their photos (except even better looking, if you can believe that!) and the 3D version of them was simply scrumptious! Brenda loves to eat as much as me (and we shared our meals) and even came with homemade gifts for both of us. How thoughtful is this girl? And around 7:30pm each night I'm going to imagine Cate sitting on top of her toilet with her laptop constructing her blog post while her kids are in the bath. It's quite an image isn't it? But these are the things you learn when you meet bloggers in real life.

And in case you're wondering, for all our blogging love, did we remember to take a photograph of the three of us? Nope. Not until Brenda raced out the door did we think about our poor neglected blogs sans photographs of our catch up!

Oh, also we're definitely going to catch up again (even take a proper photo). And we might even open up the invitation a little!

Already, I can't wait.

What did you try new this week? Did you stretch your boundaries or get out of your comfort zone? Did you visit a cool cafe called Birdie Num Nums (like we did) and promptly change it Boobie Bum Bums (thanks to Cate's monkey). I don't think I can ever go there again without calling it that!

All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below). Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.

 
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IT'S GOOD TO REMEMBER THE LITTLE THINGS.

So, last week I received this email from a friend:

Hi Kym, I found this today in a pile of papers Alesia had been drawing. I think she is a good candidate for the Kym Piez school of personal organization :-)

I know she isn't related to me (except by awesome friendship), but I was so proud. Alesia had written a 'to-do' list of her evening, making sure she hadn't left anything out. She had even included "Clean YOUR teeth" (probably the exact way her mum says it each night).

On the odd occasion, I might have mentioned that I make lists (here and here). In fact, I write one every day. And because I'm an overachieving neat freak, it helps me to ensure that my days aren't wasted. I'm sure Alesia feels the same way.

Did I mention that I'm so proud? Probably prouder than her mum (who thinks I should start a school of organisation). Which isn't a bad idea when I think about it.

Hmm, perhaps I should add that to my 'to-do' list?

Is there something that you're renown for? Are you teased about it? Do you think it's a good thing to be remembered for, or a bad thing?

fancy pants

There is a time in one's life when you can actually be full up with social appointments. And for this extrovert, I think this tank might actually be full to overflowing.

I visited my home town Adelaide for my cousin's 40th. (Seems that number is going to come up a few more times this year.) And the joy of staying with family is that I get to go out more often than I would normally. On second thoughts, I just get to go out.

And what's better than spending time with those who I love so much?

So, this is what I wore to my cousin's 40th. This dress has actually been featured in Fancy Pants before (here). One of the things I love about this dress is that the whole look changes with just with a few different accessories. This time I went for a bit of a safari look, dressing down the dress with tans and silver.

And the joy of jersey? I could eat what I wanted, danced and still was comfortable all night. I love this dress.

Also, just on Friday I was visiting one of my favourite bloggers, Sarah @ Ah, the possibilities. And she posted this fabulous post called supermodel tips for mortals. As well as being honest and entertaining, Sarah shared some cool tips for us non-models (even with pictures!). And I took some notes for Fancy Pants. For Sarah's tips visit her here.

And here's a glimpse of the fun we had last night. The birthday girl Kate (right) and one of my other favourite cousins Holly (left). 

Do you love to change the look of a simple piece with different accessories? Do you find that you crave social outings, or do you find that one big 'do' every now and then is enough?

Why not become a beautiful follower, linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week. As for me, I can't wait to see what you've put together (and what excuse you had to dress up).
 
Oh, and did I mention that you can now vote for me in the People's Choice?
 
Mummy wears: DRESS/TOP, Ishka (yes, the hippy shop). BELT, loaned from my mum (and she can't remember where she bought it). WEDGES, Tony Bianco. HOOP EARRINGS, Target ($3!). CUFF, Diva. NAIL POLISH, Revlon Black Berry.




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THIS SATURDAY I'M HAPPY FOR... HAPPY AIRPORT REUNIONS.

We've been visiting family this week, and apart from an exciting plane trip, there's so much to be grateful for...

1. Happy airport reunions. There's nothing more gorgeous than seeing the big wide grins of two little boys who are super excited to see their Adelaide grandparents again. (Oh, and big wides smiles of the grandparents' too.)
2. Movie nights with siblings. Because I never get time off at home, it was a delight to go and see Red Riding Hood with my step-sister Karen. And because her husband is a cop who does shift work, she hardly ever gets a chance to have a night off either. Double treat!
3. Sleep ins. With a mother who is happy to get the kids out of bed, dressed and fed means something wonderful for me the last few mornings. Thanks Mum!

What are you grateful for this week? Happy Grateful Day.

 

MAKING MUSIC WITH MY HUSBAND. THE LITERAL KIND.

With hubby's upcoming concert on Easter Weekend, we've been making a bit of music together (usually figuratively, but this time literally).

At first, I confess it was an effort to make time to practice. I'm always sooo busy. But after wiping a few things off my to-do list, I actually sat back and enjoyed it. No, scrap that. I was remembering what I used to love. So very, very much.

So, this week, I've remembered the poor neglected piano which I played all the time. And been playing it. Luckily the bathroom is opposite, and I've been timing my piano playing with the kids' bathtime.

It's been decadent, and although I've gotten very rusty, it's a pleasure to play again.

How about you? Have you forgotten a hidden treasure of something you used to love to do?

All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below). Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.



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what's your 'go-to' outfit?

Have you heard of the 20/80 theory? The one where you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time?

Even my four year old has a few regulars he puts on as soon as they come out of the wash. The picture above is one is one of them.

He asks, "Mum, can I wear my skinny cool jeans?"

And when he looks as cute as this in them, how could I say no? (Even when they're still a teeny bit damp?)

In celebration of the 'go-to' outfit, Gina from Acute Designs is featuring some of her favourite bloggers and their 'go-to' look.


So pop over and visit Acute Designs. Not only because I'm a privileged guest today, but because she's just gorgeous. (Plus you need to buy one of her divine headbands or clips).

And because I'm curious... do you have a 'go-to' outfit, apply the 20/80 theory to your wardrobe, or do you try to pull out all your outfits for regular wear?

fancy pants

My friend Rachael is the quite the professional op-shop buyer. Just about all of her clothes are purchased for $2 or $5. She has a knack for putting it all together, and always looks fabulous. In fact I think she ought to start a 'Rachael Wears...' blog showcasing all her outfits. Because seriously, she is that amazing.

At one of her op-shop sessions she found the book by Trinny & Susannah called Who do you want to be today? Rachael thought that I might like to borrow it for a while.

I'm so glad she did, because it explains why I'm so interested in looking different every day. Why I love to look conservative some days, wild child on others, and glam on special occasions.

The book shows how to work all sorts of looks including:

1. Bombshell (think Marilyn Munroe, Brigitte Bardot and Scarlett Johanson)
2. Gamine (think Twiggy, Audrey Tatou and Audrey Hepburn)
3. Cutting Edge Cool (think Gwen Stafani and Agyness Deyn)
4. Androgyne (think Annie Lennox, Katharine Hepburn and Cate Blanchett)
5. Ice Queen (think Grace Kelly, Nicole Kidman and Bree from Desperate Housewives)
6. Avante-Garde Eccentric (think Bjork)
7. Diva (think the late Elizabeth Taylor - RIP, Rita Hayworth and Dita von Teese)
8. Sophisticate (think Meryl Streep in A Devil Wears Prada)
9. Rock Chick (think Debby Harry, Chrissie Hynde and Marianne Faithful)
10. Minimalist (think Anjelica Houston, Tilda Swinton and Yoko Ono)
11. High Maintenance (think Paris Hilton, Ivana Trump, Eva Longoria, Victoria Beckham)
12. Boho (think Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Mary-Kate Olsen)

And I think every one of us could work at least three of these looks. (Body-shaped dependant, that is.)

 

 

Which brings me to my outfit today. The dress? A $10 find in an op-shop I was passing by. And add the whole outfit together - as Rachael would do - and it comes to a grand total of $39!

So... how about this look? Does it represent ice queen, high maintenance, bombshell or sophisticate?

And a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes of this 'fashion shoot' (the mad dash to pose before the camera goes off...) Whoops!

How about you? Do you like to be someone different every day? Or do you have one look that you stick to?

Why not become one of my beautiful followers, linky up your Fancy Pants post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are dressing up this week. As for me, I can't wait to see what you've put together (and what excuse you had to dress up).
 
Kymmie wears: DRESS, Aero (found at an op-shop for $10). WEDGES, Roc (on sale). EARRINGS, Target (on sale $4). CUFF, gift from my sister. BEADS, United Against Malaria Fundraiser (did you know that up last year Malaria killed more people in the world than anything else? $5 to donate). NAIL POLISH, Revlon Black Berry.

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THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... BAD HAIR.

The weekend is here. And I'm excited because it gives me a chance to reflect on the week and be grateful for:

1. Bad hair. Nothing like having a giggle with my lads who usually hate having their hair washed. And after taking some of the advice given here, we've created more opportunities to have a giggle and actually make hair washing fun.
2. Lemon iced water. After a recent reality check that I drink just one or two glasses of water a day, I've upped the ante. Enter ice cubes, a slice of lemon and mineral water. Voila. The perfect drink which I actually make time to sip. Plus, it's super good for me.
   
3. Making music. Sometimes I think I'm too busy to enjoy anything other than blogging, but this week with a looming concert date, hubby and I made some music together (literally, if you're wondering). It was joyous, and melodic. And just one of the very things I love about him - that he is musical, and he loves it as much as me.

 

Happy Grateful Day. What are you grateful for?

SOMETIMES IT'S WORTH PAYING THE BIG BUCKS.

 

I may or may not have mentioned that this is the year of 40. Friends' birthdays. Cousins' birthdays. My birthday.

Back to this particular friend's birthday... she planned a girls' only lunch on Sunday. Without kids. At Riva. In St Kilda. She wanted no gifts. Mainly because the menu was a teeny bit expensive.

So, for the first time in my life ever, I spent $65 on a two-course meal. And I confess... it was worth every penny.

It wasn't a supersized meal full of average tasting morsels. It was tasty, unusual, delicious and surprisingly light. And the creme caramel? It looked like this:

The best I have ever tasted.

And because I made friends with someone who also doesn't like to miss out, we swapped desserts half way (she ordered the lemon tart, pictured up the top). So, we both were able to sample each other's choice. Oh my!

But the best thing about the lunch was the company. I confess going to an event where I know one person out of seventeen was a little overwhelming. But the loveliness of this friend, the opportunity to get dressed up, and the outing to St Kilda setting was worth getting out of my comfort zone. Plus I went with the right attitude.

And apart from seeing quite a few celebrities at this place, turns out my friend just so happens to have the most fabulous taste in friends too.

So, what did you do new this week? Did you blow your budget on a five-star meal? Or did you step out of your comfort zone in a whole new way?

All you have to do is follow me, add your Try Something New post below and add a link back to me in your post. You can also include the lovely button (below). Then pop over to visit other bloggers who have done something new this week.




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FANCY PANTS [SKINNIES VS. CURVIES]

When they named those tight jeans 'skinnies', they obviously weren't thinking of me. Because when I wear them, they're anything but skinny. If you ask me, they're more like 'curvies'.

Okay okay, I can't really blame the skinny jeans for my body shape. It's what's underneath them that makes the difference. But a girl is what a girl is, and despite the fact that I swore I would never ever wear them due to my body shape, I have a pair in my wardrobe that I bought on a 2 for 1 deal over a year ago.

this saturday i'm grateful for... backyard picnics

It is the weekend already? Oh my! If I pause for a moment, I can remember some wonderful moments in the blur...

1. Backyard picnics. This week I had the joy of three extra little munchkins in our home. The weather was so divine, we decided to have a backyard picnic. The kids were excited, and I was able to capture some of the lovely moments.
2. Toddler dates. My toddler enjoyed his very first babycino this week. I've been surprised that it has taken this long for us to have this sort of one-on-one time. Plus he loved the babycino and cupcake so much, we might just have to do it again.
3. Reminders about small people. This week one of my favourite bloggers posted a gorgeous list of things to remember when parenting. It's been printed and reminds me of all the wonderful ways to love my children. One of the sentences filled with wisdom was remember how really small they are. It has given me so much to think about this week. It's a danger when we treat our children like big boys and girls, when really they are still so young, vulnerable and precious. I'm guilty of making my eldest grow up too quickly. These words also help me to remember that tomorrow they will never be as small as they are today.

Happy Grateful Day.

Why not celebrate your gratefuls with the lovely Maxabella...