Eat Drink Chic

So, I'm no cook. However, it has occurred to me that honing my culinary skills would be immeasurably useful. Sure, I can follow a recipe, but construct a meal sans-instruction and it's a hit and miss affair.

Browsing through Avenue Bookstore in South Melbourne (a somewhat dangerous endeavour, judging by the number of books I ended up purchasing), I stumbled across "The Flavour Thesaurus" by Niki Segnit- A gorgeous hardcover reference that contains descriptions of the qualities and resulting flavours of hundreds of food pairings. My first thought was 'Brilliant!". It's exactly what an aspiring, often-times clueless cook, such as myself, needs!

In order to create a vaguely edible dish, it obviously helps to have knowledge of what flavours successfully complement each other and also to be aware of the more unconventional and unexpected combinations that are possible. (Chocolate and bacon, anyone?) Although I still may be lacking in technique, I truly believe that this compendium brings me a step closer to full culinary enlightenment.

It also just makes a rather interesting read. The author combines the more serious, historical facts with personal anecdotes and witty observations. Included are also handy recipes and cooking tips. Heston Blumenthal describes it as "An original and inspiring resource". Definitely a must for even the most adept cook.

And, what kind of style-obsessive would I be if I didn't remark on the gorgeous book cover design by Peter Dawson of Grade Design. It was, of course, the pretty rainbow of colours on the cover that initially drew me to the book. A beautiful gift idea.

Brains paired with beauty, just the kind of flavour I love!

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Note: This post contains a link to 'The Flavour Thesaurus' on Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate which means that I receive a small percentage of any sales made when readers click on this link. This helps to keep this website alive. However, please note that I would only ever review and suggest books that I personally recommend.

{ all photos by Amy Moss }

I recently bought a set of wood coasters from Carina Sherlock in Armadale.  It struck me that they would look beautiful transformed into wedding table number signs for a rustic style wedding.

I thought they would look especially good when combined with a set of nature-inspired numbers I had recently illustrated.

After some research I discovered that I could use Lazertran decal transfer paper to transfer the numbers onto the wood surface and successfully create the table number signs I had imagined!

Continue to download this set of illustrated numbers and to get instructions on how to transfer them onto wood coasters.

Loving this Lookbook by Ruche for their pretty spring 2011 collection entitled " A garden dream". Photography and art direction by Stephanie Williams and set styling by Jessica Haack and Sovy Designs.

I'm incredibly thrilled to announce that our wedding is featured in the latest issue of Wedding Style Guide magazine!!

I retrieved my copy from the mail on Monday and eagerly flipped to the correct page. I was elated to find that the feature was nothing short of perfect! Superb layout, beautiful words...  I couldn't ask for a better souvenir of our special day!

Wedding Style Guide consistently boasts the most beautiful spreads brimming with inspiring colour and innovative style ideas. I was so honoured to be a part of this spectacular Autumn issue amidst so many other gorgeous weddings!

For those interested in purchasing a print or digital copy of the magazine, go here.

You must check out the gorgeous Lookbook which will give you a taste of some of the great style ideas presented in the Autumn issue.

Once again I'd like to say thanks to all the talented vendors and family members who helped in the production of our special day. Special thanks to Jonathan Ong for his stunning photography. We never would have been featured in such a beautiful magazine without his incredible talent!

Almost an entire year has gone by since our wedding day. This is such a wonderful gift for our first anniversary!

The sweet folks at WSG were kind enough to include a photo of my Nan in the feature- it was a lovely touch. She passed away, unexpectedly, only a few short months after the event and I was so thankful that she was there to celebrate with us on the day.

Finally, for those who missed it, you can check out all the photos, story and styling of my wedding in my own account.

Thanks Wedding Style Guide! xo

a) Bernard and Tipton Stamp creation sets from The Small Object.

b) Easter Bunny card from Rifle Paper Co.

c) Hansi Pink Lemonade from Raw Materials.

d) Anna Olivia Animal cups from Danish Ceramics.

e) Esther short shorts from Olive's Friend Pop.

f) Pink Candy Stripe party cups from Sambellina.

g) Pink Donna Wilson cloud cushion from Smallable.

h) My Name is Simone plush toy from Smallable.

Loving theses picks from the Toast spring/summer 2011 catalogue.

This spring/summer kids clothing collection by Polder is gorgeous. Love the colours.

{ via Bloesem Kids }

Cute hair clip bows from Hunter Gatherer.

Juliette Hogan has some gorgeous pieces in her latest winter collection entitled "The Morning After the Night Before".

With a strong focus on eco-friendly practice and design, Apples and Jam in South Melbourne looks like a wonderful new space that hosts fun, crafty and creative parties for kids. They also provide children's classes and playgroups.

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Love the stylish, 'outdoor picnic' inspired space! Makes me wish I was a kid again...

Cute + colourful stationery from SusyJack*.

When I spotted the DIY wedding of Tabitha and Cynthia on Style Me Pretty, I instantly fell in love with all the amazing details, especially the beautiful and festive colours. You can see all the gorgeous pics and read the story (if you haven't already) over here.

{ photos by Beaux Arts Photographie }

01.  'Everybody on the Floral' necklace from Make Believe

02.  Card and envelope from Specklefarm

03.  Mr & Mrs Muse mugs from Jonathan Adler

04.  Retro Fridge from Smeg

05.  Cayenne Dress (grey) from Kling

06.  Turquoise 'Le Versha' chair from Anthropologie

07.  Harlequin socks from Kate Spade

08.  Ruffle pillow from H&M

09.  Heart cup and saucer from The Spoon Sisters

10.  Postcards from Specklefarm

11.  Megan Miller 'Caribbean' nail polish from Anthropologie

Top: Colourful Cubes Bow Tie collar for dogs from Silly Buddy  { via decor8 }

Bottom: Kate Spade's super-colourful spring campaign with Bryce Dallas Howard.