Cakes and Crown biscuits!

Finally after a very, very long time ..... a post at last! Cakes and Christmas ..... very belated but better late than never....

I made this cake last week ... orange butter cake and so delicious!

I had these fabulous cakes made for Christmas, done by the very talented Nicky Svensen Cake Design ....

I found the design on pinterest and Nicky added her own touches ...

our Christmas mantel ....

We did make biscuits in crown shapes as well ....

and we also thought how perfect it would be to have peace for Christmas!  Hope the year has started well and here is to many more posts more frequently!

best wishes

Invitation to a Blue Dinner!

I am feeling a little blue so an invitation to dinner would be most appreciated!  Especially in blue.... Exquisite table setting in blue and silver ...

the perfect set of antique aquamarine and diamond ear-rings to wear ....

definitely this gorgeous Dior bag would be in order ...

and I would love to wear this ensemble ...

and enter through this doorway .... what an enchanting evening it would be!!! 

all images via pinterest

How gorgeous is this setting for a Sunday soiree!!  I love the parquet flooring and the delicate gilded chairs!

Happy Sunday!

xx

Hello everyone!  After the week I have had I definitely feel that some pretty cakes are in order!  This magnificent creation by Laduree is awe inspiring!  Perfect for the French Queen herself ......

This delicate confection is so pretty ...

I always love using flowers to decorate cakes .... it just finishes them off beautifully and adds to the whimsy of the occasion .... 

xx M.A. the 2nd

credits ~ Laduree, Pinterest, Tata Chervonnaya photography

Beautiful White and Green!

Beautiful white and green for the week-end....

This is me .... (I wish)

Roses and silver ... perfect....

Beautiful .... both living and sculpted ....

have a wonderful week-end

xxx M.A. the 2nd

Images: Pinterest, My blog, unknown but still searching!

Pink and Gold!

I am so loving pink and gold at the moment!  Well actually I have always loved it!  The powder room above is stunning.... I know it is very OTT but you cannot deny it is beautiful and breathtaking.  The balance of gold and marble is perfect and the little posy of pink flowers is perfect!

Then of course there is my favourite .... the Charbonnel Milk and Pink Champagne chocolate truffles ......

Suzanne Kasler style .... she is incredible!

Don't need to say anymore do I?  Chanel pink and gold!

Charbonnel again and rose petals ....

Carolyn Quartermaine's genius never ceases to amaze me ...

and Lisa Vanderpump's pink and gold room is so fresh and light ....

For my 50th birthday dinner I had an "All That Glitters" theme and I loved it so much .... enjoy and I will post photos soon of the cake and decorations ... they were amazing!

xxx M.A. the 2nd

#carolynquartermaine#charbonneletwalker#chanel#suzannekasler#lisavanderpump#
Images via Pinterest, Chanel, Charbonnel et Walker, Suzanne Kasler, Lisa Vanderpump, Carolyn Quartermaine

Hello again and Happy New Year!  I am so sorry for my so long absence but 2014 was a bit of a challenge in more ways than one however it is a New Year full of excitement and possibilities!

I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and a well earned holiday break ......

I found gorgeous wrapping paper and ribbon .... and did the usual traditional Christmas which was so special as we were all home together....

We were lucky enough to have some time at Versace on the Gold Coast and it never disappoints .....

High Tea in Le Jardin ......

So pretty ....

Amazing confections .....

Dinner at Fellini's ....

Alex and his gorgeous girlfriend, Sophie ....

(don't forget to go and see "Unbroken" as Alex plays Louis Zamperini's older brother!)

We also had time in Sydney as Dominic is moving there as he is finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts, Acting .... another one moving far away!  Finally found him a unit but took a lot of time and research ....

The iconic Opera House from our hotel room ...

Dominic took me to dinner at Chiswick in Sydney for my 50th Birthday present! ( have more to show you from the party but will do it in another post!)

Enjoying Chiswick .... the gardens are stunning ....

Georgie and I had tea at the Tea Salon in Sydney .....

This is the most gorgeous setting I have seen in a long time!

So excited to be back and I can't wait to visit all of you soon!

Have a great weekend

xx M.A. the 2nd

Hello!!!!

Oh my goodness …… what a whirlwind the last couple of months have been!  I'm back and have missed you all so much!

These beautiful interiors from Sarah Richardson have really inspired me of late especially the grey cabinetry in the kitchen!

Very tranquil and peaceful ….

and a bouquet of cushions below!!!!

There is much to share with you … have a great week!

xxxx M.A. the 2nd

Time for Tea!

What is it about pretty cakes, delicate china and soft linen that makes us swoon?  It is the feeling of a bygone era where  time did stand still when you took tea...  Where conversations and gossip where shared …. where the delicate art of sipping tea out of an antique cup was sublime.

We are all so busy and this tradition of afternoon tea sounds the perfect antidote for all of us!  I made these cupcakes on Monday afternoon before I picked Georgiana up from school.  I had worked all day and I just felt like baking something …. these cakes are a Donna Hay recipe  … it took in all 40mins including cooking and I was so glad I did it… Homemade cupcakes for afternoon tea and it was perfect … with Georgie's hectic school and dance schedule Monday is the one afternoon where she and I can sit and take time for tea …..

The beauty of these cakes are that they freeze and refrigerate beautifully … I did a vanilla cream and jam filling and dusted with icing sugar ….

I just wanted to quickly show you the new upholstery on my Georgian chairs … love them!

more cupcakes 

The beautiful Countess of Downton Abbey … currently watching Season 4 and loving it!!! Now those Edwardians new how to take tea!

Exquisite …..

Marie Antoinette took tea regularly and the Emperor of China was known to send her tea!

I am on a journey out west tomorrow to see a lovely country client and help her with the Homestead …. I am so excited as we are currently also doing the townhouse which is coming along nicely ….. time stands still in the country I am told … I certainly hope so!  I think I should pack my riding boots as well and try and resurrect my riding skills!  Have a wonderful Friday and don't forget to smile!