Shopping Blues - The Horror Of Christmas

Okay, so I hate to break it you you all, but Christmas is fast approaching. As in 45 days away, kind of fast.

Horrifying isn't it!?!?

Well, never fear, I am here!

As requested, I'll be writing today about presents. All of the troubles we have with presents start from one point, 'What do I get them?!'. From there, we then need to work out how much to spend. Once you have those two questions (almost) answered, we can go shopping. But how do we get them answered?

I've heard the aged old saying 'What do I give someone, who has everything?'. But really, what do you get them?

Well....Many things! So, let me see if I can break it down for everyone:

Girls, between the ages of 0-10:
There are three different types of gifts; girly, boyish, or futuristic.
What are they, you say? Girly gifts are little things like cute costume jewellery, clothes for dress ups, dolls etc. Boyish toys are for little girls, who like playing in the mud, things like skipping ropes, hula hoops, water pistols etc. Then the gifts for the future, are things like, opening a bank account in their name for university, Sponsoring a child etc. 

Boys, between the ages of 0-10:
Boys are a little easier to buy for, mainly because they're just little boys. Generally (And I say generally, in case any little boys, like being little girls), they just like being boys! Things like footballs, cricket sets, basketballs, comic books, ANYTHING with dinosaurs (mainly my 4-nearly-5-year-old nephew), matchbox cars, remote control cars, or lego.

After this age, they become a little troublesome to buy for, but you want to think about what they like. Do they like studying/reading? Why not have a look at the Top 100 Books Of 2013, pick something you think might appeal to them. Or you could go for stationary, things like nice notebooks, a new pencil case, or a daily planner.
Are they arty? What about a set of acrylic paints, a new canvas, a wooden artists model, or why not some life painting classes?
Are they sporty? What about a gift certificate to their favourite sporting goods store, a signed photo of their favourite sports star, or even one on one training for their chosen sport? 
Do they love space and the further frontiers? What about a model of our solar system, a book on the constellations, or if you want to splurge, maybe a telescope to look at the beautiful night sky?

I'm sure there are more, but I don't want to make this too easy for you!

Here are some ideas for adults:

• Village Cinemas gift card
• A set of BBQ tools
• Wind chime
• Decorative light for outside (bonus points if you put a citronella candle in there too)
• Perfume
• A nice scarf
• New bed spread
• Decorative candles
• A punny mug

You can also put together small baskets of goodies, depending on what theme you want to go for. I put together one last year for a friend Jess, who was having a shit time at work, and needed a bit of 'me' time. So it was in a cute little basket, with some make up wipes, nail polish, face mask, lipbalm etc. I could have also put things like moisturisers, bath bombs etc, but because Jess' skin can react to some cosmetics, I left them out.

If you want to put together a basket for someone who thinks they're a bit of a foodie: truffles (they're expensive), macaroons, fresh pasta, flavoured oils (chili infused olive oil), flavoured coffee beans, blank recipe book they can write in, etc.

What about someone who loves to entertain (sound like anyone you know?), things like quince paste, a cheese knife, sun dried tomatoes, gourmet cheeses, red wine?

Know someone who is a chocoholic? gourmet chocolate truffles, fancy cocoa for home made hot chocolates, sultanas/nuts covered in chocolate, blocks of different flavoured chocolate (think mint or orange).

Is someone in your life a bit of a boozer? what about a basket with different flavours of cider, different beers, and some small snacks to go with the drinks? Now I'm talking one bottle of each flavour, don't get too ahead of yourselves here.

Justin loves tea (drinking Tea), so I could do a basket for him with different teas, a fancy tea pot with built in strainer, travel tea mug (yes they exist), and a tea box. Same sort of thing for someone who loves coffee, get them a new travel mug, different coffee beans, a coffee plunger etc. 

I can see you're all sitting there going, well this is nice Jayde, but get to the good stuff!

Now here's my issue, I can suggest a whole heap of possible presents for people, but unless you actually want to get them something, instead of need to get the something, you're gonna have a bad time! Gift giving isn't about who gets whom the best present, it's about being there with loved ones, and exchanging gifts of love. 

I hope this helps, I know there are probably thousands more gift ideas I could have written about, but really, if you can't find anything in the text above, just give up.

Happy holidays, fools.

Jayde xx

Entertaining: Food For Thought

So, following on from my post the other day about entertaining guests, just thought I would show you guys what I was talking about.

Pretty much, we turned my dining room table into a buffet table!

 With treats for guests of all ages!

 A little bit of this

 A little bit of that

 Some chips...

 Some dips...

 Can't forget the cutlery or crockery...

 Or condiments and glasses!

We also had a few different hot foods, like aranchini balls, spring rolls, spinach & feta triangles, and mini hot dogs. The kids were catered for with fresh fruit cut into bite size bits and fresh home made choc chip cookies.

All in all, a great day, filled with fantastic food (even if i do say so myself) and even better company.

So I hope this helps give you guys some ideas for food to serve :)

Happy celebrating!

Love

Jayde xx

Entertaining Guests

I absolutely adore entertaining people, whether its a small gathering or a large party. You see, it's not about the party its self, it's more about having the opportunity to see my friends. 

One of the upsides of entertaining, is being able to supply my friends with food, and plenty of it! 

So Justin and I are having people over on Tuesday for Cup Day drinks and nibbles. We don't follow horse racing (I personally find it rather horrendous and barbaric, but each to their own), it's just a really good excuse to do something. Plus, here in Australia we have a public holiday for it :)

Anyway, I digress, apologies. I originally wanted this post to be an instructional post of sorts, like, 'I want to entertain some friends, but I have no idea where to start', so I suppose I should probably get on with it!

Okay, so you want to have some friends over on the weekend, but where do you start?

Well, the first question you need to ask yourself is: How much effort do I want to put in? Only a little because I am really struggling budget & time wise, or a lot of effort, because I have all the time and money in the world? Pick your position between the two, and there you have it.

Once you have worked that out, everything else comes pretty easily. Just make sure you know how many people are coming, and if there is a reason to have people over. For example, for us, we're loosely basing it on cup day, so we're doing slightly fancier food than normal. Instead of pizza, we're having gourmet mini hot dogs, instead of coca-cola, we're having soda stream. You get the picture.

Make sure you always over cater, instead of under cater, there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a great party, and having to leave to go get food because the starving masses are started to get restless. That being said, if you aren't going to provide food (and don't panic, not everyone does), try to plan your event around the normal meal times. Don't ask people to come over at lunch time, and expect them to be okay when you don't provide them lunch...

Do any of your guests have kids? Yes, well make sure you plan for them too. It will make a big difference to the parents, when they realise you have catered for their precious little one. Because really, who wants a screaming child ruining your day, because you only have caviar and salmon, when all they want is a hot dog?

Chips for the kids, French Twists for the adults

Pretty much the only other thing you need to know about food, is people's dietary requirements. We have a couple of vegetarian friends, and we like to make sure there is a decent selection for them to choose from. Like Missy Higgins said "we have taste buds too" (https://www.facebook.com/missyhiggins October 17th, or http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/missy-higgins-rants-against-qantas-inflight-meals-20131018-2vrag.html). So we include a few different dips and chips, as well as a 'main snack' so to speak. Something that isn't chips and dips, but isn't a roast dinner. Our favourite is arancini balls, which Justin is a pro at making. Please check if any of your other guests have any food allergies, because there is (almost) nothing worse than sending a guest to hospital, because you fed them satay shrimp and they're allergic to peanuts and seafood. Talk about awkward...

We also try to give people a choice of foods, so we include something snacky & salty, like chips, (think of it as the entree of snacks), then something filling, like the aranchi balls (the main course), then something sweet, like home made run balls (dessert).

Biscuits/cookies make a great sweet snack for both kids & adults

Now, onto actual entertainment. We all like to think that our company is the best entertainment, but don't kid yourself, you're not as interesting as you think you are. So, have a back up plan! Pick some 'sick tunes' for the day, to play in the background, this will help with the atmosphere and stop those awkward silences from taking over. Try to make a playlist, so you can know that your music will take care of it's self, and you're not going to have 'Smack My Bitch Up" suddenly start playing. If you have iTunes, use Genius, you just pick a song, and it will make a 20ish song playlist for you, based on your selected song. Pretty handy!

Next, decide if you're going to have some sort of visual entertainment (remember, we already have audio). You could have a movie playing, a tv show, a special event (Melbourne Cup Day). Pretty much anything your heart desires! Just try to make sure it's relevant to what you're doing on the day. 

So, we've covered food, audio and vision entertainment, now onto drinks! Though I suppose I should have covered that after food, but oh well!

Drinks can be a tricky and expensive venture for anyone. You need to decide if you are going to provide alcohol, or just 'soft' drinks. After you've decided that, it makes it a lot easier! Plus a lot safer for you and your guests. Generally, unless it's a birthday/Halloween/new years party, we don't have any alcohol, and if we do, we advise our guests they will need to provide it themselves. 

Soft drinks sound a little boring I know, but you can always spice them up! A mocktail is a great way to add a little non-alcoholic splash to a party, you can garnish them with slices of fresh fruit, or those cute little paper umbrellas. I've put the links to my favourite 3 mocktails. By the way, limeade is just lemonade but it's make with limes instead of lemons. We made limeade with our soda stream, but you might be able to find it in your local shops.

We're almost done! Last but not least, is decorations! I do love a well decorated event. But sometimes doing it at home on a budget, can seem like an impossible dream. Don't despair, not all is lost! You just need to make smart decisions. Firstly, do you want to go all out, and make this the party of the year, or is this just a small gathering that you want to host every month/year etc? Working out this, will help you decide how you want to decorate. For example, if you're hosting a big end of year party, then yes, hiring the jumping castle is a brilliant idea. If you're hosting a simple afternoon tea, then try investing in some nice candles, cloth napkins and napkin rings. Why not invest in some new wine glasses, and each afternoon (say one weekend a month) a different person brings wine for everyone to try? 

I know what you're all thinking now, 'that's all well and good Jayde, but how do I cut costs?'.

I'm glad you asked!

The main two ways you're going to be able to cut costs:

1) Shop Around:
There is nothing worse than buyers remorse. Going all guns a blazing, and buying everything you see, then the next day, seeing all of those things on sale at various stores. It pays to shop around. I know it's pain in the ass, but if you want to be able to buy everything, you need to be money savvy. I personally love Aldi, I can buy almost everything I need, for a fraction of the cost. 
(You can read my blog about shopping smart here: http://adayinthelifeofjayde.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/beating-big-two-end-rant.html)

2) DIY:
Yes, you read right, do-it-yourself. This means, where you can, get your hands dirty and put yourself to work. When you think about it, would you rather pay $10 for a decorated mason jar, or would you rather pay $2 for the jar, 50c for the decorations, and 50c for the glue? Exactly! It's the same principle with food, if you can spend 30 minutes of your time, and spend only $5 to make dessert, wouldn't you rather do that then spend $10 on the same (less delicious) thing?

Justin making home made rum balls.

Action shot!

Alrighty folks, I think I've told you the basics on entertaining guests. So my job here is done!

Here are the links for a few of the thing's I've mentioned:
Rum Balls Recipe:
https://plus.google.com/115579508519657853131/posts/cL3VwbQhz2s

Mocktail Recipes:
https://plus.google.com/115579508519657853131/posts/hQ94BHWw9LL


Thanks for reading, and if you have any ideas or stories, please share them in the comment's section below!

Thanks, 

Jayde xx

New Purrrr-chases

Hey guys and gals, I've been out being a busy busy girl, and I've come back with some new shiny things! Mainly fashion items...

Firstly, I don't consider myself fashionable by any means of the word, I just know what I like, and I like what I know. I don't try to follow trends, or 'what suits me', I buy what I feel comfortable in. 
I don't really have 'brands' that I gravitate towards, I just look for something interesting and 'me'.

So here goes!

Today, Katrina and I went vintage shopping (no photos, sadly), to a little known vintage warehouse sale. They only have the sale every now and then, and I haven't had the chance to go, before today. We drove for about 45 mins to get there, and I must admit, I was a little very disappointed. They had beautiful clothes, but everything was teeny tiny sizes (ie, USA size 5). The whole place was a little shambled, everything thrown in boxes, or hung half hazardly on portable clothes racks. I can understand not making the sale 'pretty', but they could have at least gone to a little effort to organise things in some sort of sizing. It was hellish trying to sort through everything.

So the sale was a bust, but we hadn't lost hope! There is a little (or what I thought was little) op shop off Warrigal Road, that I drive past every day to and from work, but I've never had the time to go in. Well, today was the day!
It's freaking huge! I now own awesome new shoes, earrings, and sunnies:

Super cute $4 shoes!

New pale pink/clear sunnies!

New light-as-a-feather earrings

Definitely not a total bust of a day, plus I got to spend it with my best friend!

Talk soon!

Jayde xx

My Favourites: Food

Okay, so if you've ever tried to compile a list of your favourite foods, you'll know it's no easy feat.
So instead of trying to tell you just a few things I love, I'm going to break it down. Because I'm a freak and I love lists...

Winter Food:

I am absolutely in love with potato and broccoli soup. It's so thick and delicious, served with Parmesan croutons, it's near on the greatest soup I've ever made. I have Alex to thank for that. Alex is my vegetarian friend. I tell you this, because she helps widen my culinary horizons, and is a good great cook.

Next I love my mums beef and barley casserole. There's just something about how simple and amazing it is. The meat is always cooked perfectly, tender and falling apart. The barley is always cooked just right and it's never soggy or gross. I friggin love it is what I'm trying to say.

Summer Food:

Justin and I recently came across Moroccan chicken seasoning, and instead of doing a boring seasoned chicken breast with vegies, we decided to mix it up a little. Along came our (going to be world) famous Moroccan Chicken Salad. Pretty much, we just chop up red, green and yellow capsicums, throw them in a bowl with some lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Then we crumble in some Aussie feta, dress it with our home made dressing, tear up the chicken and toss with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Divine.

You can't go past a classic food, and Caesar Salad is just one of those things. Almost everywhere I've had the salad, it's lovely. Something that is filling, yet light, and delicious.

Comfort Food (excluding ice cream or chocolate):

Growing up as a kid, the main meals I remember are steak and vegies, and spag bol. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about, it's spaghetti bologna. A rich and hearty meat sauce, with freshly cooked pasta, topped with grated cheese. It's just delightful. My mum taught me pretty much everything I know about cooking, and her spag bol is one of my favourites. Of course, over the years, I've perfected it. Added a little red wine here, some bay leaves there. But now, it's a classic in my house hold. And when I have kids, they will fall in love with it too. They will have no choice.

Desserts:

There can be only one selection in this category. Cheesecake. I'm sure this needs no explanation.
But here are my favourite flavours (mostly made by mum): Cookies and Cream, White Choc, Double Choc, Caramel Swirl and French Vanilla.

So there you have it, just a quick post tonight, because I'm about to watch American Horror Story.

Lots of Love!

Jayde xx

My Favourites: Tv Shows

So, ever had that dilemma, where you've just finished the very last episode of your favourite TV show and you need something new to watch? Well keep reading, because below, is the list of my favourite TV shows at the moment.

1 - Suits. http://youtu.be/6Zu0yYV2uYs
Oh God, there is so much I could say about this show. It like Boston Legal, mixed with HIMYM, with heart warming storylines, and hilarious one liners ("You just got Litt up!"). Please, for the love of all that is holy, if you haven't watched it, please go do so. Now. Seriously, stop reading, and go 'legally acquire' it. You'll thank me for it later.

2 - American Horror Story-Coven http://youtu.be/Itwhmr6Od4k
You may know of the first two seasons of AHS, but don't panic if you haven't seen them, you don't need to (well you do, because they're amazing, but have no relation to season 3). This show is simply sublime. The characters storylines are woven together so neatly (in all 3 seasons) and the writing is amazing. I love everything about AHS. I would highly recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid of the dark.

3 - Hart Of Dixie http://youtu.be/Qtu62lO6J20
A quirky little show, that follows the life of Zoe Hart, a New York MD who has lost her personal touch, and been sent to Bluebell, Alabama to relearn how to interact with people. With this one, you will need to watch the first 2 seasons for everything to make sense. On the plus side, there is eye candy!

4 - The Black List http://youtu.be/k9_qgX7pTlc
A renowned criminal hands himself into the authorities, but not without a catch. His plan is to take down other major criminals, using the FBI to catch them. Has it's ups and downs, but overall a pretty great show. Plus, James Spader is awesome!

5 - Sleepy Hollow http://youtu.be/BFHvr-EhmUo
Everyone thinks they know the legend of Sleepy Hollow, but join us on this journey, with Officer Mills and Icabod Crane and learn the truth (so they say) of the legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Look, even if you don't care about the legend, it's still a pretty good show. I personally love the awkward and hilarious conversations that Icabod has with everyone, and his underhanded sarcasm.

Honorable mention: QI http://youtu.be/dYYK0Trc8yw
QI, Quite Interesting. And It really is. QI is a fabulous show filled with interesting facts. It's good for a laugh, and to learn something new.


Enjoy.

Jayde xx

My Favourites: Blogs

During my time here on Blogger, I've come across some simply amazing blogs.

I like reading about a whole range of different things, and I'd like to share some of my favourites with you. 

(In no particular order)

1 - http://ozproductjunkie.blogspot.com.au/
A local girl who loves beauty products. Her reviews and sense of humor are what I love about this blog. If you're looking for something new to try, I highly recommend reading her posts, very informative!

2 - http://leahloverich.blogspot.com.au/
Over at Confessions Of A Vintage Hoarder, Leah is the queen of vintage. If you're looking for a little inspiration, head on over. Enjoy. Leah is also starting up her own online boutique, and is currently documenting (with photos!!!) her progress.

3 - http://autismasithappens.blogspot.com.au/
This is the blog of a mum who's daughter has Autism. After working in the disability field, it's fascinating to read the trials and tribulations of someone who lives with this every day. Both heart breaking and heart warming, it's definitely worth a read, to get some insight on Autism, and the daily struggle of 'everyday' life.

4 - http://hellowhimsy.blogspot.com.au/
I've just recently stumbled across this lovely little craft blog. Alyssa creates some truly lovely jewelry, and she posts reviews of different products, and tutorials, so you can learn about the item, then how to make it! A definite must read for any crafters out there.

5 - http://polishedmakeup44.blogspot.com.au/
Another lovely Aussie girl who is all about make up and nail polish. She does some excellent reviews, dupe tests and recommendations. I love reading her blog because I am always finding new products to try, and I love her looks!


So there you have it folks, my 5 favourite blogs at the moment. I'm sure when I find more, I'll have to add them to my list, but for now, those are my top picks. 

Please click the links and read away, and if you've got any suggestions of new blogs for me to read, why not leave a comment in the section below?!

Cheers, 

Jayde xx

What's Coming Up In The World Of Jayde

So, there have been quite a lot of things going on in the past few weeks.

I know I’ve been a bit slack with posting new things, but I promise I’ll fix that!

So in the next week or so, I’ll be posting about:

Dupe Tests

New Fashion Buys

New Vintage Finds

My Favourites

Reviews

And a few other random things as I go along!

I hope all is well in your world (where ever you are!)

Jayde xx

Costumes Part 5 - Groups

The final installment in my costume section of posts for Halloween, group costumes make a statement no matter where you are, or what you're doing.

You'll turn heads, and be easy to recognise because you'll all be connected...somehow.

Here are my favourite group costumes!

Blue Man Group

Britney Spears from her many years in the spotlight

Buffy and her crew - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buzz and some toys

The Chanel 5 News Team

Ninja Turtles

Plastic Army Men

Sanderson Sisters - Hocus Pocus

The Spice Girls, if they had far too much testosterone

The Spice Girls, if they didn't

Tetris

Cast from The Craft

Where;s Wally? group.

So there you have it kids, I hope I've given you some ideas for this horrific season!

Jayde xx

Costumes Part 4 - Pairs

Be you big or small, young or old, boy or girl, everyone loves to have someone to dress up in a costume with.

So I've compiled a list of my favourite costumes for pairs. 

I'm sure you could use them as a single person comstume, but I doubt people would think you're cool...That's awkward.

Dionne & Cher - Clueless

Jane & Daria - Daria

The Doctor & Her Tardis

Ghostbusters - Bonus points if you can get a kid as cute as that to be the Stay Puff Man

Thugs from Home Alone

Jack & Sally - Nightmare Before Christmas

Juno

Men In Black

Alex & Piper - Orange Is The New Black

Sherlock and Watson

Silent Film Characters (My favourite)

The Maitlands - Bettlejuice

Walt & Jesse - Breaking Bad

Big Bad Wolf & Little Red Riding Hood

Last but by far the least, is the group costumes. Always a hit, stay tuned!

Jayde xx