Im going to be an auntie...

Well much to our surprise we found out that we are going to become an auntie & uncle in the New Year!

My brother and his fiancée are expecting a baby on the 4th of July, 2012. It's very exciting... can't wait to see them and the baby bump come January.

Merry Christmas all...

Merry Christmas!!

We have been engaged for 1 full year now!! It was our engagement anniversary today and on the 22nd it was our 7 year anniversary. It's crazy to think we have been together that long now...

So we had a little drama yesterday. Evan ended up at the hospital in the emergency room. He had a motor bike accident and has broken his scaphoid in his wrist. he needed plaster and x-ray's. He will have more x-ray's and a full cast put on next week once the swelling goes down.

It was a bit scary as this is Evan's second accident on a bike in the past 2 years. The last one was a major accident and he ended up in Wollongong Hospital for surgery as a car didn't see him and turned onto him. He had a broken femur and required a titanium rode to hold it all together. He had a few other injuries like broken thumb, perforated ear drum, etc.

He was very lucky last time as he lost lots of blood and very well could have died and this accident was just as lucky. Nothing like the other one but this was a reminder of how easily it could have been much worse.



So after this Evan has decided it's time to sell his bike. Well at least the powerful one. I have no problem with him riding, but we both agree a car is much safer on the road as most drivers don't notice riders.

So keep your eye's open for bikes!!

{Finally} Did Thank You cards...

So it took me almost 6 months but I finally did our Thank You cards! s it had been a long time, I combined then into a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year thing too... I only had about 40 to send out as most where couples so that made it easier.

This is how it looked...




It was double sided, 100 x 200mm on a thick stock with a laminated front. I was really happy with them. I ordered them from and I paid $42.89 including postage for 40. (So I paid $1.07 each card)

Not too bad! Probably could have got it cheaper if I was to have it printed locally but I didn't have the time and ordering online was so easy - I just did it late one night when I had a moment.

I have been a bad blogger lately... promise I will be doing more blogging!

My baby brother is engaged...

My brother preposed to his girlfriend on the 7th of October, 2011.

Crazy that my little brother & I are engaged at the same time. I think they will marry before us. He mentioned 2013 so we will wait and see! It's very exciting, but I have to wait until January, 2012 to see them as they recently moved to Uralla. (It's about 10 hours from where we live and up near the NSW & QLD border.)

Tiger Temple...

While in Thailand we went to Tiger Temple - a place I have always wanted to go! It was 2.5 hours outside of Bangkok.

Evan didn't like it - he thought it was over rated, about 12 tigers chained to the ground on a short chain. I think the main reason he didn't enjoy it was because after the excitement of Phuket he found Bangkok a dirty, busy place and Tiger Temple was such a long drive (about 2.5 hours each way) I know the only reason he went was because I wanted to do it, he was a good sport and just smiles and played nice all day. It was one of those 'I'm happy because your happy moments.'

I loved it, I was really excited to do it but when I got there I was a little disappointed by a few things. They had more volunteers then tourists to start. You couldn't go near the tigers in the first section (have to be about 2m away) and I just found a few things like the walk down the valley with the tiger all a bit commercial - everyone had to line up in a big line and you stood at the front and had a photo with the tiger for about 10 seconds then had to go to the end of the line.

We had taken a private car to tiger temple. From memory it was 2,000 baht for the car trip and 600 baht to get in each. So in total about $175 for the day. It was expensive for Thailand but worth it and it was a long car trip. When we got there you had to pay extra to actually get time with the tigers. The only thing I wanted to do was a cub feeding but when I went to pay to do it, all the spots had been taken for the day. Only 3 groups of 6 get to do it a day. When this happened I was a bit disappointed as we came such a long way. Ev had been ill and had seizures the day before so he went and relaxed in the cab as he wasn't feeling to well and I went down to have some photos with the big tigers. While we where there we meet a couple who came from Phuket on the same transfers and flights with us. They where lovely people and when Ev had a seizure in the airport they helped me out. Well they had got tickets to the cub feeding. I was just chatting to them and told them how I missed out, me thinking nothing of it. About 20 minutes later the wife came up to me and gave me her ticket, I started crying (so embarrassing) I was so grateful! She said to me she didn't want to do it anyway and was just doing it so her hubby had company, but she said I could do that (don't think she liked animals) I was so excited and happy.

The cub feeding was AMAZING - 45 minutes with 6 people in a big caged room and 6 cubs all to ourselves! We couldn't wear shoes (as the cubs eat them) They had only 2 volunteers in with us and one spoke great english and took lots of photo's for me while I was with the cubs. She was great to ask all kinds of questions and really learn more about the place. The cubs ranged from 2 months to 5 months old. She was saying they double in size each month while cubs and the boys sleep 22 hours a day (the girls only 19) My favourite girl was the one they nicknamed 'Trouble' - she was the oldest and you could tell she was getting ready to be with the teen cats. One lady was bending over and patting a small cub when Trouble jumped on her back and grabbed her around the waist with her claws and started biting her hair - the lady freaked out, poor thing. After that everyone kept their backs to the walls. lol

All in all it was an amazing experience and I would do it again tomorrow, but I think you need to be organised. Here are a few pic's from Tiger Temple.

Set the date...

So I 'think' we have set the date! Yes... wait for it...

22nd September, 2014

Ok, so it's not very close! Only 3 years and 2 days until the day, lol But we are fully aware of this. We are thinking of marrying in Thailand now after our holiday so we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to save and plan. We didn't want to rush a 2012 wedding and 2013 we felt was a bit unlucky so why not wait until 2014.

We will have been together for 10 years then and really whats the hurry. We have the rest of our lives to be married, so I can enjoy the build up and planning.

So keep an eye on this and watch the time tick by so fast!

Sun, Sea and Tigers...

We are off to Thailand!! I am so excited.

We got a fair bit of money from our engagement party and we always said it would go towards a holiday. So when we decided on a whim to go now it was very helpful!

We leave on the 30th August. We fly from Sydney, Australia to Bangkok, Thailand and then have a connecting flight to Phuket, Thailand where we spend 6 nights at Phuket Gracelands Resort & Spa. Then we fly back to Bangkok and stay for 3 nights at the Indra Regent Hotel.

We haven't really planned any trip's but I really want to go to Tiger Temple and we want to visit a zoo, but we will see how we go. Ev really wan't to shop up a storm so we might just spend our time doing that and relaxing.

Gracelands Phuket Resort & Spa

Lots of doctors...

So I haven't posted in a little while so thought I was over due for an update. My work life has changed and I have much more free time at the moment. I am only just starting to catch up on everything I need to do.

We are going through some legal mumbo jumbo for a claim and it fills so much of our time. We have been seeing so many doctors. Evan is an epileptic and he's been having more and more seizures. I think we have counted 18 this year so far - a few too many!

We are going to see a new specialist as it's a bit beyond our current neurologists expertise. Evan has also started higher dosages of medication, so now 200mg Lamigine morning and night and they have also now got him on Tegratole 200mg morning and night. So far he has been ok, but in the last week he has been having all the seizure feelings.

We see so many doctors now days! Between his accident and the epilepsy. It really has taken over our lives. He has had some terrible accidents, falling through windows, cutting his face, eye, etc open, bruising, chewing his tongue. It's horrible to see the damage that happens. We have got to the point now that nothing is in the room besides the bed (not even bedside tables anymore) as they are too dangerous. Luckily for Evan he only has his seizures during sleep or while waking up. If he had them all day he wouldn't be able to drive. It is such a difficult condition to live with if you can't control it.

Just the other day I was trying to book travel insurance for an over sea's trip and no one would cover epilepsy. It's just disgusting. I would have been happy to pay a large premium but they flat out refuse to cover him, putting the future of our holiday away on rocky ground. Do we risk travelling with out it? I'm not sure if it's a risk I am willing to take.

Fingers and toes are crossed we can get his epilepsy under control with his new medication and soon.

For more information on epilepsy go to: www.epilepsy.org.au

Need to say Thank You...

I have left it a bit {ok, very} late to say thank you to everyone for our wonderful gifts but I am determined to order a Thank You card this week!

A lovely friend suggested www.snapfish.com.au to make the cards. I had a look and a little play around and so far I like these two...

But I do have the option of designing myself up something like the invitation style. All up it's going to cost around $80, but for that personalised look I would rather spend that little bit extra. Even store bought cards would have cost me around $60. I think Thank You cards are something family and friends will keep so I would like something nice.

I will order and finish this task a week from today! Challenge on!

The mountain & the van...

So we went on a little road trip in our new van to a near by mountain called Pigeon House. We have been spending more time appreciating our time together and each other. This little trip was the first time we have been away in a while. I joked it was our engagement-moon but Evan said, no our next trip up the coast will be!

So we had all intentions of leaving saturday lunch time, but by the time we had finally packed everything {or so we thought} we ended up taking off that afternoon as the sun was going down. It was about a 30 minute drive down a dusty old road and many pot holes later we pulled up to an empty car park. It was dark and being winter it was very fresh.

We realised we forgot the chairs but luckily for us there where picnic tables. So we set up for dinner and seeing I also forgot the butter {oops} we ended up having to cook sausages, served on bread. Even though it was cold it was nice just sitting the two of us, with no distractions. After a bit of chitter, chatter we set up our nest and piled into bed. It was very snug but surprisingly warm bed. And after one scary car visiting, lots of wind and a very funny dawn toilet run it was morning.

We woke up around 8am but the cold outside convinced us to snooze a little longer and next thing we knew it was 10am. So around this time many cars had pulled into the parking lot, ready for the climb. We cooked a yummy feed of bacon and egg sandwiches and then off we set on our walk up the mountain.

Now I'm not the fittest person in the world and Evan has his injury from a motorbike accident, but we did it, with lots of huffing and puffing. The walk was ruff. Lots of big timber sleepers to step up, a bit of mud, followed by a wonderful flat bit in the middle to catch our breath. Getting towards the top was hard, the sleeper steps got bigger and when we reached the peak we had to battle the ladders, but once we got to the top - WOW! What a view!

It was so nice to sit on the top, overlooking the coastline and enjoying very delicious pink lady apples. The only problem was we had to go back down. lol I thought it would be easy but it was just as hard on the legs. It was a wonderful weekend away and I'm really looking forward to relaxing with my fiancé in our van on the next trip.

In bed ready for a sleep in the van.

Good morning - the bed so good we didn't want out.

The target in sight...

Half way up...

Stopping for a breather...

At the top!

Happy Faces...

For any of my friends here is a link to our engagement Photo's on Facebook...

Engagement Party Gallery

For anyone who isn't on my friends list on facebook, here is a few of my favourite photo's from the night and some of the people who joined us to celebrate. Enjoy!!

The Cake

My Grandparents

Both our families together

My friend Laura stocking up at the candy bar

Evan with the Sydney boys

We held it at the Mollymook Surf Club

Evan with good friend Yoshi

Me with my sister-in-laws to be

Evan and his mother with a sneaky Leon

My brother and I

Mick, Kate & Tiffany

Photo's of both our parents on their wedding days

Grace, Lindsay & Victoria

Michelle, Karlee & Alysha

Evan & I having a moment

Grace & Tony (our siblings)

... and they danced the night away!

The Engagement Party...

Ok, this might be a long post... So Saturday morning I woke up and was feeling nothing really. All morning I was getting text messages asking me if I was excited, but I didn't really feel anything. I felt like just another day of the week.

Ev and I went to the venue and took a car load of things we needed. My mum, sister in law and I had set up the tables the night before so it was just the decorations the needed to be done. The hire company had put the wall draping up the night before. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the fabric for how much it cost me, but on the night I think it looked good. So once we had set a few things up Ev and I went into Liquor Land and started stocking up on the grog for the night. We spent around $850 and we had lots left over after, so that was good.

So mum and the rest of my family & Ev's family arrived and we got the decorations and all the kitchen in order, unpacking all the food and the girls prepped it for the night. Hope arrived around 2pm to set the flowers up in the vases and around 3:30pm the cake arrived... it wasn't what I really had asked for, but everyone still commented on how nice it was (and it tasted great so that was a bonus)

Around 4pm I ran off home to get ready. I really felt rushed at this stage. I had a shower and got our clothes out. I was becoming a little bit nervous at this stage. Then my friend Katie arrived to do my hair and make-up. She kept telling me to relax, but I couldn't. I was very anxious. It took longer then I expected and in no time it was 5:30pm - I began to panic.

I ran around the house grabbing everything we needed and Ev was dresses and ready to go. We left our house just on 6pm and made a quick dash over to the Surf Club where we arrived at 6:10pm. Some of our family and friends had already arrived and when Ev and I walked in, hand in hand, they all began to applaud.

After we arrived the guest began to flow in. Ev grabbed a drink and was off chatting with everyone, but I got very anxious and everyone coming up to me congratulating me made me freak out a bit. My beautiful friend Laura took me outside for a few minutes and helped me relax and calm down. It was so full on. We became the centre of attention and it was really overwhelming for me {and later Ev said he felt the same}

As the night moved on I began to feel more relaxed and mingled with all of our guests. They worked very hard in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Everyone said the food was wonderful. Mum and I had got to a food wholesaler and we hired a cook to help prep everything. It was all finger food and it looked wonderful, but I don't remember eating much myself! lol

Just before 9pm we decide to say a few words - although neither parents where any good at it! Neither mothers would speak and both dad's could only push out a congratulations. So the speeches got left to Ev and I. We thanked everyone for coming and then we got to cut the cake. By this time of the evening I was feeling much more relaxed.

Everyone wanted to start to boogie so the dance floor started to fill up. Not having a DJ might have been a bit of a mistake for all the sober people in the room as they kept flicking the ipod from song to song, but they all appeared to be enjoying themselves.

We both had such a wonderful time catching up with all our friends and family. I was so happy that my Sydney girls and all their partners made the effort to come. I really loved having them with me for the night because it wouldn't have been the same without them.

The party started winding down around 12:30am and we had to pack up and clean up before we left so it was well after 2am before we left. my mum was such an amazing help and did SO much for us. Ev was still keen to keep it going so he went off to a friends house until 6am in the morning when he came and snuggled into bed with me.

It's funny how now after it it feels so rushed and over so quickly. I think it's a great indicator for us on the kind of wedding we want. Something small and more intimate where we can enjoy our time together. If I wasn't sure before, I am 110% sure now I only want a small wedding. It was a great night and I only have one photo to share with you now but I will put more up soon...

Crunch time...

It's crunch time...! Feeling organised but everyone keeps asking me if I am excited, honestly no. It's all very stressful in my life at the moment, so it's kind of the last thing I am really thinking about. It just feels like it's a nothing day coming up.

I have now paid for all the food & the decorations, we are buying the grog tomorrow, mum was lucky to have 2 days off so she has been cooking and is picking the key up this afternoon at 4pm then we will meet down there to set up at the Surf Club with Tiff, my brothers girlfriend.

I think tomorrow will be very smooth running as I feel very organised and I kind of have the attitude of "if it's not done, stuff it."

A Royal Wedding...

Today was a big day in history... Prince William & Catherine Middleton married!

Friday 29 April, 2011 they married at Westminster Abbey. The wedding reception will be held at Buckingham Palace and will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen whom today announced their new title of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Miss Catherine Middleton’s Wedding Dress was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace has been used throughout the bodice and skirt, and has been used for the underskirt trim. The dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar. The skirt echoes an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats. The train measures two metres. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace. It really was a stunning gown for a princess.

The veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The veil is held in place by a Cartier ‘halo’ tiara, lent to her by The Queen. The ‘halo’ tiara was made by Cartier in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

Her earrings where specially designed to match the tiara and a gift from her parents on her wedding day. Such a lovely touch.

The couple then travelled along the procession route in the 1902 State Landau carriage Landau. It was specifically built for King Edward VII. It carried them on their way back from the service at Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace where the Queen hosted the reception at Buckingham Palace for around 650 guests drawn from the wedding service congregation. After this will be another private party for very close friends and family only so the bride and groom can let their hair down.

It was lovely to watch and I can't imagine how nervous they both must have been. My favourite part was the 2 kisses he gave her on the balcony - very sweet.

{Ha ha, love the little girl on the left}

It's so exciting to see something like this. It feels more personal for me because we are engaged and I love that I ca be having this wonderful moment in my life at this time.

Candy Bar...

I have ordered all my candy for the Candy Bar now! $103 worth to be exact... but I got some great bulk buys... I might even have a little too much! lol

I have ordered:
- Allens Chicos (1.3kg Bag)for $11.35
- Allens Milk Bottles (1.3kg bag) for $11.35
- Chocolate Hearts with Light Blue Foil (1kg bag - approx 125 pieces) for $34.75
- Chunky Funkeez Cola Bottles (Approx 300) $11.71
- Jelly Belly Gourmet Jelly Beans in Berry Blue (1kg bag) $31.06

I also already had a big box of blue Clouds and bags of mints. I might buy a few bits of chocolate or marshmallows if I need to bulk it up more, but I think I will be ok.

I was very happy with the online company I used called The Professors Tasty Technology. If your interested go to www.theprofessors.com.au

The shipping is free after the first $80. I hope the delivery isn't too long, the website said 4 days, but I have only given myself a week before the party so fingers crossed! I will call come Tuesday if they haven't arrived.

This is one of the pictures I am using as inspiration. Going to try and set the glasses up tonight and see how it looks.

Dress to Impress...

So I got my dress on the weekend!

I was a little worried I wouldn't have a new dress to wear, but while in Wollongong for the Easter long weekend I tried on a whole range of dresses at City Chic. I had picked one out I had seen on the website but when I tried it on it make me look frumpy. I then tried on a further 8 dresses and none of them did much for my shape.

I finally decided to try this one dress on that I hadn't really liked on the model but once I tried it on it was perfect! It covered every lump and bump and really flattered my shape. So I am happy. I ended up buying it online as it was 30% off this weekend.

E is going to wear some nice dark wash jeans and a collard shirt. We will need to pick him a shirt sometime this week.

So here is my dress...

Table Decorations...

I went to Wollongong to see a friend of mine and we nutted out what the table centerpiece would be. I didn't want to spend to much money, but I did want a beautiful look. I really wanted roses. I love the look of them and went put together they looked beautiful.
{See down}

But the roses are very formal and too much like a wedding - so I thought something more mixed. I liked the tulips, lilly's, carnations and berries mixed together. But the sample shown was using lots of bunches so it would have cost a lot more. {See down}

The biggest problem with both of these was for me the bunches wouldn't allow the soft candle light to reflect through them. So I went with this in the end...

It's dodder vine and white Singapore orchids immersed in water. It sits on top of a mirror, which helps bounce the light into the water and around the room, creating a 'sparkling' look. I'm very happy with this, the look is more casual and it's very cheap too! I think when each table has it, this will look wonderful. Also in a few different spots around the room I will have tall long round vases with the same thing in it and a floating candle on top.