My Perfect Valentine

It's that time of the year of again where we get to spread the love and celebrate that special person in our lives - Valentine's Day. This year I'm dreaming of macarons, peonies, LOVER, Cartier and Paris. What are you dreaming of? Whatever it is or whoever they are, I hope it's a special one for you - Happy Valentine's Day xox

Parisian macarons Pierre Herme style

Or Laduree

Peonies

LOVER Lace Serpent Dress - still adore this!

Cartier Love Bracelet

McQueen, Hermes & Cartier - perfection

And Paris

Ruth Reichl - Garlic & Sapphires The Secret Life of a Restaurant Critic in Disguise

I have been dying to get my hands on this book so you can imagine my delight when I checked the mailbox today to see it sitting there - a gift from Allen & Unwin. Written by  former New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl, Garlic and Sapphires is a memoir on the food writer's adventures as she dines around the city in disguise gaging the different reactions of restaurateurs. Being a food writer myself I cannot wait to dive into this book and see what crazy things she gets up to - will let you know what I think. In the meantime for those as curious as I am here it is - xox

White nail polish - YAY or NAY?

Hey guys I need your help with this one. I've seen the white nail polish trend a bit lately and last week my editor gave me some to try...... problem is I'm not sure if I love it or not. It's called Alpine Snow by OPI - what do you think? YAY or NAY? I'd love to hear your thoughts xo

My fingers working the Alpine Snow by OPI

Kimmie K rocking the trend

A demure Scarlett Johansson 

Gwen Stefani showing us how it should be done

Buddy Valstro - The Cake Boss at the Everything Baking Expo Perth

Today I was lucky enough to meet one of the most talented people in the baking industry - New Jersey's The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro! 

Here for the weekend Buddy visited Perth to the delight of his fans at The Everything Baking Exhibition. Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre he has one more show here (tomorrow) before jetting off for a one-show only event in Sydney on Monday. 

The exhibition, the brainchild of Julia Pergoliti of Cupids Delight it features chef demonstrations, the latest products and services in the cake decorating and baking industries with 

Buddy Valastro the cake king of Hoboken most certainly the highlight. 

Buddy a fourth-generation baker and owner of the famous Carlo’s Bakery in New Jersey appeared today for a special masterclass where 30 budding cake decorators and bakers got to experience a once in a lifetime one-on-one tuition from the Cake Boss himself.

Buddy will make his final appearance in Perth tomorrow from 9am during a live demonstration for fans. The Buddy's Surprise show will give fans the chance to hear the chef's top tips and he might even share a few secrets.

Tickets for the Buddy's Surprise show are $65 and tickets to the expo are $16.

For more information visit Cake Artists Australia and to read more about the man himself visit 

Carlo's Bakery .

P.S What was he like in person? An absolute sweetheart!

Some of the cakes in the Everything Baking Cake Competition - Ah-mazing!!!!

Australiana themed cakes were popular

Snags on the barbie, vegemite, surfboard & boomerang - very Aussie!

Love the colours on this one

Award-winning OZ cake

A tribute to The Boss

And another - very cool!

Showing me how it's done

Doing what he does best

THE BOSS

A quick pic before continuing on with his Masterclass

Read my ishoperth interview with The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro

"Bringing back doggy style..."

I received the cutest thing today and just had to share. It came from a lady named Debbie Harrison. The mother-of-three gave up life in the corporate world in 2010 to start up her pet business www.bestdressedpets.com.au and hasn't looked back since. A pet-lovers paradise I encourage you to check it out for the special pup in your life.


Here are a couple of samples from her "designer collection" range - the Jimmy Chew  toy:

And the Chewy Vuitton: 

Also in the designer collection are the Manola Barknick shoes and Pawda Handbags. So if your little pooch has a penchant for the finer things in life - nipping at your Jimmy Choos or nibbling at your Louis Vuitton, a designer inspired toy might be the ideal accessory for your furry fashionista. Retailing at just $20 how can you could you resist!

Visit www.bestdressedpets.com.au to view the extensive range of pet apparel, toys, bedding, jewellery and more.