It's begining to smell a lot like Christmas! (there are cocktails too)

Amongst all the gorgeous new things that I have here at the store, something that I am really enjoying (and that I will be treating myself to for Christmas) are the delicious smelling fragrant products.

I have quite a few special edition 'Christmas' Scented Products. Nothing evokes a special mood and memory like the sense of smell. For me obvious 'Christmassie' scents are things like gingerbread cookies, mixed spices , fruitcake, plum pudding and of course fresh pine. It's usually too warm here for other traditional foods and drinks like eggnog and mulled wine, but the nutmeg and clove smells used in these drinks still remind me of Christmas.
Speaking of drinks, I will be adding a few cocktails below, I have neglected Champagne Friday for a few weeks...(a combination of being too busy and having a nasty cold) But it is the season to drink and be merry, so I will definitely be catching up on this soon!

Fleurage have just created festive room sprays (appropriately called 'Christmas) that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, and an absolutely delicious smelling vanilla and orange candle.   Candles always make such an easy gift, it's the kind of thing I like to have on hand when you need an 'emergency' gift for an unexpected guest or an overlooked present. Of course, it's always nice to treat myself to a candle too, it's such a lovely way to enjoy fragrance.

We also have a beautifully presented gift set from MOR, called 'Dear Mr Partridge' which fits in perfectly with the bird decorating theme at the shop this year. This features a soap, candle and hand cream all with the festive scent of Cinnamon and Clove.

And now for the cocktails! Here are some delicious Christmas favorites (or winter favorites best enjoyed during July and August for us Aussies)

Rum Eggnog
(highball glass)

45ml Dark Rum
90ml Milk
1 egg yolk
30ml cream
sprinkle of nutmeg

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and sprinkle with nutmeg. YUM!


Mulled Wine
(This serves 6 people or one very thirsty person)

1 bottle red wine
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
6 cloves
1 orange
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 tsp ginger
6 slices lemon

Firstly press the cloves into the whole orange, studding it. Place all ingredients into a saucepan and stir and heat. Strain into heatproof glasses.
There is no better drink on a cold December July evening than this!


If these two drinks sound like too much hard work or you don't like the idea of raw egg, try this:


Cheat's Eggnog
(rocks glass)

30ml bourbon
30ml light rum
scoop vanilla ice-cream

Stir everything together  until you have a creamy consistency. Enjoy.

Something Old - Vintage Themed Weddings Part 1

I drove past the old parliament building in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon and as is usual for that time, there was a wedding party having their photos taken on the steps. It does make a wonderful backdrop and I have seen some great shots taken in this location.
Anyway, it got me thinking about some weddings I had been to recently and weddings in general. I am lucky enough to have gone to two vintage themed weddings lately and as you will see for yourself they were simply gorgeous!
The first event featured is the wedding of my lovely friends Nick & Alix. They chose the fun theme of 1920's flappers and gangsters ..think Bonnie and Clyde. All of the guests made up such a fun group of people with everyone getting into the theme.
Alix and Nick's wedding was held at Pepper's Resort, Daylesford.

Bridesmaid and groomsman 20's style and guests in gangster mode (check out the gun!)

The dashing groom and blushing bride. Alix's gorgeous beaded head piece made by her sister-in-law, miliner, Ann Shoebridge. (check out annshoebridge.com)

Alix and I 

Vintage Wedding Inspiration

Image from myweddingplace.blogspot.com. Please visit for more great wedding ideas.

Here are a few pieces from Fanantique that would help create a gorgeous vintage themed wedding.

Vintage Velvet Flower Head Pieces - Perfect for a Bride, bridesmaid or flower girl, we have several colors and styles.

Bomboniere idea- Scented soap

These pre-packaged MOR soaps make the perfect addition to your table setting. Choose from a range of packaging and scents.

Please stay tuned for more on vintage weddings coming soon.....