High Tea Parties

Celebrate with friends over a cup of tea or coffee and indulge in the exquisite signature tastes of Cristina Re. 

From perfectly pretty pastel cupcakes, melt in your mouth French inspired macaroons and artfully handcrafted Belgian chocolates, you are sure to be delighted. 

Whether you are celebrating a Birthday, a Wedding or Friendship, High Tea Parties at Where a Girl Goes will be sure to delight and inspire. 

Perfect for Bridal Showers and Hen's Parties. Only the best for a woman of High SocieTea.

High Tea Parties will be running from:

 Where a Girl Goes 
30 - 34 Oxford Street
Collingwood, Vic, 3067
Ph: +61 3 9495 6222

Perfect Party Season Product!

We have found the perfect foundation that will carry you through the festive season and, most importantly will keep your skin in tip-top condition.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc‐Free Illuminating Veil & Mineral Wear Talc‐Free Bronzing Veil bathes the skin in minerals, providing the look of a soft, natural glow for the ultimate ‘finishing touch’ to your make‐up.

 

This extremely lightweight powder can be worn alone for a subtle glow or over Mineral wear Face Powder, Liquid Foundation, Bronzer or Blush to add a illuminating soft halo or a natural bronzed glow. Featuring a minimalist talc‐free formula it is ideal for the most sensitive or breakout prone skin. The veil gently absorbs shine while adding a healthy, velvety, radiant finish.

The gentle formula allows skin to breathe while vitamins and natural anti‐oxidants protect and condition the skin. 

The Flow‐through brush applicator delivers just the right amount of powder. It is great for on‐the‐go touch‐ups without the mess.

Stockist number: 02 8709 8800

Cristina Re Papercraft Workshops

Be inspired and visit the Cristina Re Papercraft Academy - Where a Girl Goes to learn gorgeous paper styling. 

From Australia's leading stationery designer and author of Paper Style comes a selection of fabulous new papercraft workshops. 

From Wedding Invitations and Bomboniere, to Scrapbooking and Cardmaking, there's something for everyone. 

Our papercraft workshops are the ultimate experience for you and your friends to gain expert tuition in a fun, friendly and beautiful atmosphere.

Papercraft Workshops will be running from:

Where a Girl Goes 
30 - 34 Oxford Street
Collingwood, Vic, 3067
Ph: +61 3 9495 6222

Your Signature Wedding Drink

Cointreau, the iconic spirit for charismatic women is launching the Cointreau Blush, the must have wedding signature drink.

The Cointreau Blush is a heavenly blend of bitter sweet Cointreau, fresh lime, pink grapefruit juice and a dash of soda, all served over ice in a long chilled glass - a delicious, citrus masterpiece for the discerning couple. 

Designed uniquely for Australia, the charm is in the contrast of the drink as it offers an elegant balance of bitter and sweet that is at once intense and gentle, warming and refreshing. 

The Cointreau Blush is ideal as your signature wedding drink and is the perfect accompaniment for an afternoon and evening reception.

Stay, Park & Play in the heart of Sydney

Wedding planning getting you stressed? Need a break to prepare for the festive season? Slip away and escape into the heart of the City. From only $259* per night, enjoy an accommodation package with your loved ones and discover all that Sydney has to offer. Stay, Park and Play with overnight accommodation in a City View Room, breakfast for two in Botanica Brasserie, and complimentary self parking. Parking at Sheraton is easy and convenient and is located at 138 Castlereagh Street.

Perfectly situated in the centre of Sydney’s retail and entertainment district, Sheraton on the Park will keep you connected with the city’s favourite destinations. Located adjacent to Hyde Park, Sheraton on the Park is a short stroll to the city’s galleries, theatres, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and the historic Rocks area. Additional attractions including Darling Harbour, Convention Centre, The Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World are accessible via the scenic Monorail. 

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Toll Free Reservations on 1800 073  535 or email sheratononthepark@sheraton.com. Gift Vouchers for accommodation can also be purchased by contacting the Reservations team as above.

Emporium Cocktail Bar Launches New High Tea Menu

Brisbane’s multi-award-winning Emporium Hotel has announced the ultimate Cocktail Bar High Tea Menu & Experience, which is guaranteed to have pinkies wagging. 

How delightful, how delectable, how decadent - the art of high tea is alive and well at the Emporium Hotel. Paying homage to the artisanship of high tea and enjoying the strong flavour of real loose-leaf tea served in a delicate china tea pot, accompanied by a three-tier stand laced with a fine selection of ribbon sandwiches, delicate pastries, delicious tarts, this is an experience worth waiting for, and there are four experiences from which to choose from….

 

·        The Emporium High Tea is the hotel’s traditional high tea experience and includes a Glass of Deutz on arrival, ribbon sandwiches, petit fours and a selection of ‘Twining’s’ Teas for $35pp. 

·        The Exquisite High Tea includes a glass of Piper-Heidsieck on arrival, petit fours, ribbon sandwiches and a selection of ‘Twinings’ Teas for $45pp. 

·        The Royal High Tea includes a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival, petit fours, ribbon sandwiches and a selection of ‘Twinings’ Teas for $55pp.

·        The Hendrick’s High Tea includes two Hendrick’s cocktails (chosen from the award-winning Cocktail Bar’s Hendrick’s Menu) served in traditional ‘Tea Cup’ martini glasses (images available) with cucumber sandwiches, ribbon sandwiches, petit fours and a selection of ‘Twinings’ Tea for $65pp. 

Bookings essential and available from two to 60 people. Contact Lucy George, Cocktail Bar manager direct on (07) 3253 6906 or email:events@emporiumhotel.com.au 

 

www.emporiumhotel.com.au

Christmas Jules!

Jules Collins Jewellery is stocked for Christmas with a glittering selection of the prettiest pieces spanning the classic to the contemporary.  Lustrous silver and gold mix it with brightly coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls to deliver stunning, very wearable and surprisingly affordable earrings, charms, rings, bangles and brooches. 

All pieces and gift certificates are available online at www.julescollins.com.au or in-store at Jules Collins Jewellery, Wentworth Connection, Sydney (from mid Dec 09) and 36 Oxford St, Woollahra. 

Classic French Duck Liver Parfait

Celebrated Chef Trent Robson has more than settled into the French Bistro Belle Epoque at Brisbane’s Emporium precinct, so much that he’s even sharing the recipe to a classic French dish – the Duck Liver Parfait.

 

Well travelled and having spent time at The Firestables in Wimbeldon Village in the UK and also at Kew Gardens working for the two-michelin-starred restaurants The Glasshouse and The Trompette under Chef Antony Boyd, he has won a number of Gourmet Traveller red stars at establishments like Double Cream in Coorparoo and Luxe on James St. He then went out on his own at Noi on Brunswick St; a tapas and wine bar, before he was called to Riverside, to be Executive Chef at Pier Nine. In 2009, Trent put his stamp on 1889 Enoteca creating some innovative Italian cuisine.

 

He now calls the French Bistro Belle Epoque home, as Head Chef, where he creates authentic, inventive French bistro food.

 

Duck Liver Parfait

Makes 2 large terrines

 

2kg duck livers cleaned

¼ bunch picked thyme leaves

120g butter

800g softened butter

90ml congac35ml Grand Marnier

750ml Mediera or port

 

Soften shallots and thyme in butter then add liquid and reduce until liquid is 300ml volume. Cool.

Blend together with the cleaned livers and softened butter.

Pass through a drum sieve and repeat (blend and sieve).

Season with salt and pepper.

Line the terrine mould with Glad Wrap with a little excess overhang and before placing mixture inside and covering with excess.

Cook at 75 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes depending on size of terrine moulds.

Serve with condiments like confit onion, cornichons and warm French bread.

 

Belle Époque Café, Patisserie, Bar, Bistro I Emporium, 

1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Ph: 07 3852 1500  Web: www.belleepoque.com.au 

Say 'Cheers' to Health with Rooibos Summer Mocktails

Make your summer mocktails antioxidant-rich and filled with health benefits with Rooibos Tea – the popular herbal tea from Aspalathus linearis. Abundant with antioxidants, Vital Organics Rooibos (pronounced Roy-Bos) is Certified Organic, naturally caffeine-free, with low levels of tannins. Here are a few Rooibos mocktail ideas to keep you feeling cool, refreshed and brimming with good health this summer:

Honeydew and Grape Rooibos Spritzer

1 Small honeydew melon

1 cup (250 ml) Vital Organic Rooibos Tea, brewed and chilled

1/2 (125 ml) cup seedless green grapes

1/2 (125 ml) cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 (125 ml) cup honey

2 cups (500 ml) sparkling water

Cut the melon in half, scoop out the seeds, peel and cut into 2.5 cm cubes. Rinse grapes well. Freeze the grapes and melon for one hour. Combine frozen melon and grapes with the freshly squeezed lime juice, Vital Organic Rooibos Tea and honey. Put into a blender and puree until smooth while adding sparkling water as needed. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

St. Tropez Tanning Salon Back in David Jones

Exciting News! Following a hugely successful run last Summer, the St. Tropez Tanning Salon is back and exclusive to David Jones Elizabeth Street Sydney store for a limited period.

The urban tanning oasis now features St. Tropez’s new Aromaguard™ technology- reducing the self tan smell by at least 70%. Our tanning experts can provide: 

• ½ price St. Tropez spray tan with purchase of any St Tropez product over $39.95
• Buy 5 St. Tropez spray tans and get 1 St Tropez spray tan free
• $35 for a St Tropez spray tan

The St Tropez Tanning Salon will be in-store for the summer season, from Wednesday 4th November until Saturday 9th January 2010.

Call 02 9266 5407 now to book in your tan and for terms and conditions. Bookings not essential.

Summer Maternity and Nursing Fashion

These beautiful styles from Dote are a must have for your maternity and nursing wardrobe! The styles are modern, fashionable and, best of all, practical for nursing mothers! The Dote range is available from Queen Bee.

Banish Pre-Wedding Jitters with Rooibos Tea

The approach of the big day often brings lots joy, excitement and happiness. On the flip side, a mile-long to-do list combined the stress of creating the ‘perfect’ day can also lead to nervous pre-wedding jitters.

Take control and calm your nerves with a cup of Rooibos Tea – the popular herbal tea from Aspalathus linearis that is Certified Organic, antioxidant-rich and naturally caffeine-free, with low levels of tannins.

Rooibos is a very soothing tea and can be used to calm the nervous system due to its Magnesium content. In fact, scientific research has also shown that it soothing properties may even extend to helping calm nervous conditions and even mild depression - making all the tasks associated with your upcoming nuptials that much more manageable.

From organising the cake, to booking the photographer, culling the guest list and making sure that you and your bridesmaids look fabulous on the day – being a bride means that it’s often hard to cram everything into the one day, leading to a lack of sleep. The great thing about Rooibos Tea is that its 100% caffeine free – helping you to get to sleep more easily and even improving your sleep quality – making it easier to face the big day ahead of you.

QUICK STRESS-LESS ROOIBOS TIP: When you feel all of your bride duties are getting a bit too much, place used Rooibos tea leaves over your eyes for a few minutes for an instant pep-up, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Vital Organic Rooibos is available from your local supermarket and health food stores. Contact Vital Health Foods Australia on 1300 131 686 or see www.rooibos.net.au

A must-have for your Bridal Gift Registry!

For those who prefer a laid-back approach to entertaining, everyday mealtimes have never been more stylish thanks to the arrival of Jasper Conran’s new Casual Collection for Wedgwood.

Designed with informal dining in mind, the Casual Collection marries functionality with relaxed style, responding to the current trend towards casual dining.

Presented in a fresh and comforting summer colour pallet of cream and pale blue, the Casual Collection of tableware and accessories features highly glazed classic contours and fluid handles, which reinforce the no-fuss dining concept behind the range.

Available now from select David Jones and Myer department stores nationally, Peters of Kensington, and specialty home and giftware stores.

For stockist details contact 1300 852 022

Visit: www.waterfordwedgwood.com.au

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa Wins Best Resort Style Accommodation

Congratulations to Broome’s Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, who have won Best Resort Style Accommodation for the second consecutive year at the 2009 AHA Aon Hotel Awards for Excellence.

The resort already holds a list of National and State award titles in 2008 and 2009 and is honoured to add its newest award title of Best Resort Style Accommodation to its list of reputable credentials.

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is the only Resort in Broome overlooking the legendary Cable Beach and provides a diverse range of café, bar and restaurant facilities for guests. A variety of accommodation options at the resort includes Studios overlooking Garden, Pool or Ocean Views, classic Broome style Bungalows, Villas complete with personal butlers as well as the Resort’s flagship accommodation being the Colonial and Asian styled Suites. The new Chahoya Spa offers a level of indulgence and certified experience unequalled in Broome.

This summer guests can stay at the award winning resort and save 50% off luxury rooms*, including return Broome airport transfers (*Conditions Apply).

Visit www.cablebeachclub.com for more information.

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Offer applies to accommodation booked in the following room types; Pool View, Pool Terrace, Ocean View, Villas & Suites. Return Broome airport transfers included. Valid for stays from 1st November 2009 to 31st March 2010 on new bookings only. Excluding 20th December 2009 to 4th January 2010.

Beauty Product of the Week: Skin Vitals

A must-have for your emergency wedding kit! 

The Skinvitals Purify* Spot-on Blemish Pen will save you from pre-wedding breakouts - the precision application pen deposits a potent, fast absorbing formula of Tea Tree Oil and salicylic acid directly onto unsightly spots and blemishes. The Tea Tree Oil clears and clarifies while salicylic acid exfoliates... and nasty pimples are stopped in their tracks. 

The sleek and discreet skin saviour, priced at a tiny $12.95, is the perfect secret weapon for break-out emergencies! 

Expert Advice on How to Move in Your Wedding Dress!

Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life and you want o look absolutely stunning in your dream dress. But, have you considered how you will move in your wedding dress? You will probably not have worn anything like it before, so there a few things to take into consideration so you will look and feel elegant on your special day. This fantastic video highlights how to move in your dress, and how to look your best!

Samantha Wills Songbird Necklace

Our pick for accessory of the week! 

This beautiful Songbird Necklace is by Samantha Wills. It is a hand cast brass pendant encrusted with coral coloured stones strung on a delicate chain. And of course, who could go past the matching Songbird Ring!

We think these accessories are so sweet and the perfect bridesmaids accessory - especially if you are going for a red wedding theme such as we have been featuring this week! 

Moorooroo Park Vineyards make the Hot 100

Congratulations to Moorooroo Park Vineyards! Two of their wines have made it into the prestigious Adelaide Review Hot 100 South Australian Wines. 

From a field of 700 wines, Moorooroo Park's Silentium Sparkling Shiraz 2005 and Dolce Far Niente Late Harvest Semillon 2005 were selected as park of the Hot 100. Not only was the Silentium the only Sparling Shiraz to make it onto the list, earlier in the year it also received the highest mark in the Sparkling Wine class at the Barossa Valley Wine Show. Dolce Far Niente Late Harvest Semillon 2005 is a subtle dessert wine, and was the only Sweet White to make it onto the list. 

To celebrate having both wines included in one of South Australia's premier wine guides, with every case purchase Moorooroo Park Vineyards is offering complimentary freight to any major city in Australia and 2 Moorooroo Park Vineyard Glasses.

The offer is available until Friday the 13th November. To place your order email jcrmarketing@bigpond.com or fax an order form to place your order.  

Visit moorooroopark.com.au

Silhouettes in Bloom

The graphic nature of this floral design gives this beautiful collection a modern yet classic feel. Lush textures and dramatic colours result in the perfect balance of elegance with flair.

Silhouettes in Bloom is a coordinating collection of wedding accessories. The collection includes ring pillows,  pen sets, flower girl baskets, guest books and garter sets, with all items available in either red with black detailing or black with white detailing. 

Go all out with the whole collection for a coordinated wedding style, or select one or two key pieces to serve as focal points in your wedding. 

For more information or to order from the Silhouettes in Bloom range visit weddingstar.com.au 

Hot Red Shoes!

These gorgeous Alan Pinkus shoes are perfect for a Rich Red wedding theme for bridesmaids or adventurous brides! The modern styles and stunning detailing will complement any wedding style. 

For stockists visit www.alanpinkus.com.au

How to Make Pomander Balls

Ever wondered how to make beautiful floral Pomander Balls? This is a great "How-To" video, with simple step by step instructions, so you can make your own Pomander balls for your wedding, engagement or special event. Perfect for DIY brides!

Free Give-Away Closes Today - Cristina Re Wedding Planner CD

ENTRIES CLOSE TODAY! Cristina Re and The Bride's Diary are giving you the chance to WIN one of four Cristina Re Wedding Planner CDs, valued at $69.95 each.

The stylish Cristina Re Wedding Planner makes it easy to handle all the administrative details of organising a wedding, making planning a special event the pleasure that it should be.

Please note this software is compatible with PC Computers only.

To enter, simply describe in 25 words or less why you would like to win a Cristina Re Wedding Planner CD. Please email your entry to mail@bridesdiary.com.au with 'Competition – Cristina Re Wedding Planner CD' in the subject line. Entries close 6th November 2009.

Beauty Product of the Week: MAC Viva Glam Lip Kit

The MAC Viva Glam Lip Kit is the must-have beauty product for brides and bridesmaids! Stylishly compact, it will ensure you have perfectly luscious lips your entire wedding day! The lip kit features VG V and VI Lipstick, and VG V Lip Gloss colours, so you will be able to create a "lip look" that will be uniquely you!

Every cent of the purchase price goes to the MAC AIDS Fund.

Rich Red Wedding Theme

Rich Reds by The Bride's Diary® featuring Forever21

Want to make a statement at your wedding? Then a Rich Red wedding theme is the way to go! 

Begin your Rich Red theme with some beautifully patterned stationery - we just love the Cristina Re stationery set using Papillon Rouge and Paris Polka Red. There are some many  ways to combine the stationery choices to uniquely express your wedding style!

Choose a bold red cocktail dress for your bridesmaids and match with subtle accessories! Or go for a simple black bridesmaids dresses and add stunning accessories, such as a beautiful parasol and red shoes!

For  adventurous brides, why not add a hint of red to your gown - we love the tiny touch of red in dropped waitsband of the stunningly simple gown shown here. 

The flowers and centre-pieces will set the mood at your reception. Discuss with your florist the many options available to find the perfect match for your wedding style.

For the final touch, why not decorate a stunning cake with fresh flowers. The Sugar & Spice cake shown here is absolutely gorgeous! Talk to your cake-maker and florist about matching your cake with your reception decorations!

The perfect Australian wedding memento!

Your wedding will undoubtedly be one of the best days of your life, and now Crown Lager can help to make it even more memorable.

A beer synonymous with celebration, Crown Lager is offering wedding planners and brides- to-be the opportunity to create their own keepsake as a tribute to their special day.

No wedding will be complete in Australia without personalised Crown Lager bottles, individually tailored with the happy couple’s names, the wedding date, and a personal message. 

Personalised Crown Lager bottles are the perfect gift for your husband-to-be, the perfect wedding memento for your guests, and of course the perfect beer to celebrate the big day with.

Purchased online in under ten minutes, and delivered straight to your door, the simplicity of ordering Crown Lager personalised bottles makes it one less thing to worry about.

Brides or grooms-to-be can visit the Crown Lager website, enter their special message, select the desired number of cases and within six weeks “Michael” and “Lara” are drinking bottles of Crown proclaiming ‘match of the century’ at their wedding reception. 

To order Crown Lager personalised bottles, visit  www.crownbeverages.com.au/mylabel. You will need to allow six weeks for delivery – so be sure to order in advance.

How To Make Healthy Banana Bread

Looking for a healthy and delicious snack option? This banana bread recipe is very tasty and depending on how health-conscious you are, you can vary the amount of sugar to be either very healthy or moderately healthy! This is also a great snack for kids.

1 & 3/4 cups self-raising flour

1/4 cup plain flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Between 1/3 - 2/3 cup brown sugar (vary the amount according to taste and healthy-eating requirements! If using a small amount of sugar you may want to add 1 tsp of vanilla essence with the wet ingredients for a little extra sweetness)

1/2 cup skim milk

2 eggs, lightly whisked

50g butter or margarine, melted, cooled

3 overripe medium bananas, mashed

1 extra banana, sliced, to decorate top

1 tsp extra melted butter or margarine

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush an 11 x 21cm (base measurement) loaf pan with melted dairy spread to lightly grease. Line the base and 2 opposite sides with non-stick baking paper, allowing it to overhang.
2. Sift the combined flours and cinnamon into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and make a well in the centre. Place the milk, eggs, melted butter and banana in a medium bowl, and stir until well combined. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Cut the extra banana into slices and place on top of the mixture. Brush the bananas with a little extra melted butter (If you are feeling extra-healthy you can leave the extra butter out, the bananas on top will just dry out a little).
3. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and set aside in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into slices to serve.

Note: The original recipe came from taste.com.au, but has been modified after several attempts for a healthy, low sugar but still tasty version for kids (which adults also love!).

How To: Prepare for the holiday season with Napoleon Perdis

The holiday season is upon us and we all want to be looking our best for the many functions and events that make the holiday season so much fun!

International make-up artist Rebecca Prior shows us simple Gilty Pleasures with a 'how-to' video featuring the latest holiday offerings from Napoleon Perdis.