Collette Dinnigan, Peony, Alannah Hill, Melissah and Spring Carnival!

I am so excited as I am finally able to post on my wonderful trip to Melbourne during Spring Carnival ...... I say that with a certain amount of temperance as there are only so many photos blogger will allow so I am being very careful and walking on eggshells .......

This is me relishing the gorgeous Collette Dinnigan store in Melbourne which my beautiful friend, Melissah from http://www.scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com/ , took me to on my visit to Melbourne .....

We also visited "Peony" and I have to say it was an absolute pleasure to walk in and survey not only the aroma of the luscious smells but the perfectly arranged candles, soaps and parfumerie ..... all so beautifully chosen by Jill Timms of http://www.peonymelbourne.com.au/

The elegance of France and most especially, Paris, invades the senses as you enter the store .... it is uplifting, exciting and romantic ........ anything is possible .... the lovely Agnes who helped us on the day told of the new perfume that was originally "Marie Antoinette's" perfume .... it is by Lubin, Parfumeur 1798, Paris and is called "Black Jade".  This apparantly was the "Queen's Secret Garden"..... and it is so truly beautiful.

Melissah took this photo in front of the gorgeous Collette Dinnigan store ....

This is a sample of the exquisite array of Peony ..... so hard to choose ....

Outside Peony, Melbourne, absolutely exquisite and I feel M.A. the 2nd should definitely have some "Black Jade" .... maybe for Christmas!

Then onto the wonderful, eclectic and romantic feel of Alannah Hill ..... by this time Melissah and I were feeling a little tired and thinking about the evening and then the gorgeous girl from A.H. said "Ladies, would you care for a glass of champagne"? ..... to which we replied "But of course Ma Cherie"........  it is Friday after all!  So glasses of Laurent Perrier were despatched post haste and Melissah and I had the most wonderful afternoon .....

of course we found ourselves ensconced on the most beautiful pink velvet Louis sofa and toasted a most wonderful and special day where two friends meet who have so much in common and get what is important in life ..... family and friendship .....

Thank-you Melissah for your hospitality and giving so much of yourself ...... I had a ball ......

This is Andrew and I on Melbourne Cup Day (actually back in Rockhampton by then!) but thank-you Melbourne and Melissah for an incredible time ........

best wishes

m.a. the 2nd......