Loving on Instagram this week.....

I thought I would share a few of my favourite snaps on Instagram this week. So much inspiration for food, interiors and divine holiday destinations.

Photos by The Boathouse Palm Beach - @theboathouse

Love seeing their dreamy pics and it is a fab reminder to get back there soon :)

Photos by Anna White of the blog Lona de Anna - @lonadeanna

Loving Anna's mix of her home and interiors plus she has a baby Noah too :)

Photos by Themisadventurousmaker -@themisadventurousmaker

Food envy! I love the dinner ideas especially.

Photos by Renee Claire -@reneeclaire

This has reminded me of my dream of a Positano/Almalfi Coast holiday.

Ahhh one day :)

So do you have any favourite pics or people on Instagram I should follow? Still can't get enough of this thing!

Simone xx

all images from Instagram by the above mentioned people.

Wouldn't this be nice.....

Simone xx

image via weheartit.com

I worked it out - Comment Love xx

It is something so small but I worked it out. I have been wanting to be able to reply to the comments here on this page. I knew I could do it, I just had to find the time to sit down and do it.

So now when you leave me a comment I can leave you a reply! Genius! I'm only a year or so behind with this ;)

Simone xx

Living in jeans.

I'm living in jeans at the moment. 

They are my "go to" item in my closet. Easy to get around in with the kids and they go well with my collection of jumpers and scarves. My little uniform as such. 

Do you ever feel like you just get up and put on the same type of outfit again and again? I do until the time that I find a new favourite. 

I'm not back into my old jeans yet so I have been keeping my eye out for a good pair of jeans that I can wear. Something flattering and on trend so I don't feel too mumsy ;)

When I received an email from Jeanswest's pr team telling me about the new Coloured Curve Embracer jeans, I was quite interested as they sounded exactly what I was looking for. I asked for a pair to try and as soon as I popped them on I knew they were perfect for me. You know how with jeans you just know as soon as you put your first leg in? Or is that just me?!

The jeans were a great colour, I chose the Princess Royal Blue as they gave a nod to the coloured denim trend without being too out there. I also thought they would go with everything in my wardrobe. Although I also have my eye on the berry pair as well. I loved the higher waist which held my tummy in. They have a straight leg with lots of stretch so nothing was too clingy.If anything I could have went with a smaller size as they stretched a bit by the end of the day. I think they are quite reasonable in price too, so they are the perfect way to jump onto the coloured denim trend.They are available to buy online or in store.

What are you living in these days? How many pairs of jeans do you think you have in your wardrobe?

Simone xx

**Disclosure - Jeanswest did send me these jeans free of charge but I was under no obligation to write about them. I am only sharing this review with you as I really did love the jeans.**

Sorry there is not a better photo of the whole outfit, I only had Noah with me that day and he hasn't mastered the camera yet ;)
Also excuse my filthy pathway, I am going out to gurney it asap!

Nuffnang Blogopolis 2012

I went to Blogopolis on Saturday and wow, what a day. I left at the end of the day feeling a mix of emotions. I was excited and motivated but also drained and tired. I had the conflicting emotions of having been inspired with so many fabulous ideas but also the overwhelming feeling of "where to start?" 

I went with my blogging friend Belinda aka @MrsKypo from Billy and August. It was lovely to walk in with someone who was as excited as I was to be there :)  Once we registered for the day we stood around at the front of the Conference Rooms waiting for the day to start. I thought I saw a few familiar faces but when I pointed them out to Belinda, she laughed and said they looked really different to their profile pics. Turned out I was getting confused and had forgotten my glasses! They were totally different people! It was too funny and I decided to wait for people to say hello to me first to save myself any embarrassment ;)

After the welcome speech our first class we went to was Blog Design held by Katrina from the Block. She shared so much and it was all so helpful and relevant and easy to do. I have already implemented a couple of things such as the search bar at the top of the blog and I have added a RSS feed. Hopefully what I have done works! But I want to give my blog a little refresh so I am just doing up a mood-board of the feel and image I want to project and then I'll go from there. I will need help with this so I might have to employ Katrina and her company The Media Maid for those extras :)

Our next session was Branding your Blog - by Nicole Avery aka The Planning Queen. Nicole gave me something to think about as to whether I want to introduce sponsors/advertising to my blog. I am still undecided on this as I blog for me and to share snippets of my life and all the lovely things I come across. 
I like to think I have built a bit of a brand for Honey and Fizz and that is that this space is a very light, pretty and happy place. I try to keep things upbeat and that is how I like it. It is my escape. It is sharing the BEST bits of life. It is a lifestyle, fashion and inspirational blog. I like to think I celebrate the beauty in life. So that's me so far and the image I am trying to bring to you. Is this how you feel when you come to Honey and Fizz?

We then had a session with Rachel Devine from Sesame Ellis on blog photography. Rachel's photos are gorgeous and she gave us great tips on Light, Colour, Framing, Composition, Images that tell a story. Also tips on cameras and post processing. A lot to think about as well. As I love to use gorgeous photos here on Honey and Fizz and I usually source them from Pinterest, other blogs and tumblr sites. Rachel has got me thinking about improving my own photography and using more of my own shots. I guess I am doing this via my Instagram account as I am not overly interested in doing a Photography course. I am quite happy just to do the best I can with my point and shoot camera :)

After that brain overload (in a good way!) we broke for lunch, which was a delicious buffet of salads, chicken, salmon and desserts. This really made it feel like a "day out".

The afternoon sessions were in panel form and had it was great to listen to the other bloggers experiences and tips. Eden is an amazing speaker. So real. I could have listened to her all day. Also Mrs Woog made a good point on the Blogging Community sticking together and supporting each other. I love this idea as blogging is full of the best and most lovely people who can lift you up. All of this love and most of us haven't even met in real life!

I did meet some lovely bloggers I have been following in real life, Corrie from Retromummy, Jennie from Posie Patchwork, Nikki from Styling You, Mrs Woog from Woogsworld,  Katrina from The Block. I was introduced by Belinda to Zoey from Good Googs and Danni from Hello Owl.  It was great to be face to face with the voice behind the blog. I also saw some familiar faces from a distance:)

I was getting distracted halfway through the day thinking of Noah at home (our longest separation!) So I apologise to anyone if I didn't seem "fully there" :) After a fab day I was ready to get back home to the boys though. I walked in to a beautiful clean house and dinner ready. Also to find Finn with a cut lip and chin and a need for stitches/glue! Seems he had a football injury that day and they didn't want to call and tell me and spoil my day. Love them xx

So that was my first blogging conference and I loved it. I will definitely be going to more in the future. How about you? Are blogging conferences your cup of tea? (pardon the pun, the event was sponsored by Twinings!)

Simone xx

June Photo a Day

Well I have completed June Photo a Day with Fatmumslim. 

I am still enjoying the challenge of the photos and I have decided to do July Photo a Day but also try out a new Interiors Photo a Day with Jen from Interiors Addict.

Here are some of my photos from June Photo a Day :

And here is my first photo for the Interiors a day - Coffee Table

As some of you would know Instagram was down for most of Saturday and isn't totally back to normal today. I had major withdrawals ;) It's definitely my most favourite form of Social Media.

I also went to Blogopolis on Saturday which was great. I learnt so much and came away with heaps to think about. I will do a post on it tomorrow, a bit of a wrap up and notes I took.

How has your weekend been?

Simone xx

all images my own. Taken on my iphone 

Blogopolis - 2012

I'm going to Blogopolis on Saturday and I can't wait! It was a last minute decision but I have been wanting to do a little something different with my blog and this conference came up at the perfect time.

I'm going along with Belinda from Billy and August (formerly Cupcakes, Frocks and Pink) and it will be a perfect chance for a catch up as well. We might even bump into some of our bloggy friends. 

Simon has a Saturday off for once (!) so he will mind the boys and it will be a nice little day out for me, although I will miss having my little shadow Noah :)

So are you going? Do you feel the need to change up your blog?

Do you know how too?!

Simone xx

image found on pinterest and totally put here tongue in cheek! ;)

Blog them.

That's what this blog is all about.

 I'm blogging my dreams. The one's I have achieved and the one's I'm still reaching for. Have a gorgeous Saturday!

Simone xx

image via theyallhateus.com

Pinterest Clean-up

I was cleaning up my Pinterest boards the other day, as you do! 

I spent probably toooooo long rearranging them and deleting some onto different boards but it was so satisfying :)

Anyhoo, as I was arranging them I realised that the majority of my pins are of cakes & sweets! (followed by home interior pics) 

As I try not to eat too much cake in real life the pins were a bit of a fantasy. Here is some of the deliciousness I pinned.

Peanut butter and chocolate pancake cake

Pink perfection. Just add sprinkles.

Nutella donuts, baked not fried

Churros and hot chocolate

Are you on Pinterest? What do you seem to pin the most?

Simone xx

all images from my pinterest boards

Insta - Love

Well, I am still in LOVE with Instagram and have joined in again with Chantelle's Photo a day Challenge. Here is my June photos so far. 

Come and follow me on Instagram if you haven't already.

I'm there under honeyandfizz (of course!) Let me know if you are on there so I can follow you too.  

I really feel like it gives a bit more of a personal insight into some of the bloggers I follow. It has also given me so many new ideas for recipes, online shopping links, home decor, fashion. Instagram is so much more than just happy snaps :)

Simone xx

all pics my own taken on an iphone 4S

Friday Fashion.

I'm loving both of these styles. They are as opposite as you could get, but I could definitely find room in my wardrobe for them! It must be my Gemini personality coming out ;)

Neutral

Bright

Which one do you prefer?

I also love the image below but I never would have thought to wear a dress in the colder weather. Do you?

Simone xx

all images via my Pinterest board

Photo Challenge - March

Well I missed out on the last week of the March photo a day challenge, held by Fat Mum Slim but I have had a pretty good run with it so far.

 I'm still loving Instagram and the challenge of taking a photo and using my imagination. Here are my pics from March :)

I'm going to try and give April a go too.

Have you joined in the Challenge yet?

Simone xx

Another Photo Challenge done!

So I completed my 2nd month of Fat Mum Slim's photo a day challenge.I am still enjoying it and Instagram has become a little bit addictive! 

I am going to do the March challenge as well to keep me occupied so I am not constantly counting down the days until bub's is due.

Are you doing the challenge? 

Let me know if you are on Instagram and I will follow you :)

 I'm on there as honeyandfizz if you want to follow me. 

I think I am going to share my pics on my facebook page as well.

Simone xx

Blog Love.

I just started following some new blogs tonight. Although the strange thing is that I thought I was already following them! 

When you see the same faces and names on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I just assumed I already had them on my blog feed. But I have been missing out!

So many blogs with gorgeous photos and new stories to devour.

I feel like a renewed enthusiasm for blogging is stirring within me. All very exciting!

So if you have a blog that I haven't popped by or there is a must read blog, let me know.

Simone xx

image via pinterest

I completed the January photo a day challenge!

I had a fab time joining in with Fat Mum Slim and a whole heap of other bloggers in the January photo a day challenge.  All my pics were taken on my iphone and shared on instagram. It is a fun way to share a bit of day to day life and "try" to bring a bit of creativity to your pics.

Chantelle has created a challenge for February and I'm doing this too :)

How about you? Are you taking part?

I'm on Instagram as honeyandfizz , let me know if you're on there and I'll follow you too.

Simone xx

A photo challenge.

I'm playing along with Chantelle at fat mum slim with her January photography challenge. 

Who knows, I might even make it to the end! 

I'm sharing my pics on instagram, so if you are on there pop over for a look. I'm there under honey and fizz :)

Simone xx

Pin Happy!

I had some time to indulge in some Pinterest over the weekend. *sigh*

Here are a few pins I thought I'd share with you :)

I love this idea for a photo! Instructions are have your camera around your neck on timer.

Will definately try this with Jasper. 

Finn is getting much to big to swing around!

This asparagus will be a side to one of our dinners this week. Olive oil, salt and pepper. 

I probably won't use as much salt as they have!

This reminds me of the bargain I found at Vinnies the other week. Although I got buyers remorse (I couldn't think where to put it and it needed some work & time!) and changed my mind. Now I'm wondering should I have kept it?!

This was a reminder to organise catch ups with friends. Jill, Belinda, Kylie and Kylee I will call you today :)

This giant peanut butter cup is what I will be making Simon for his birthday on Saturday. 

He is a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter :)

And my last picture was just for it's prettiness, although I do want to buy some flowers today.

I am really hankering for Spring!

If you want to follow me on Pinterest or find the sources of these pics you can find them here

Happy Monday!

Simone xx

My photos so far........

As you know I am taking part in the 30 day photography challenge and today is day 8.I thought I would show you my pics so far. 

Why did I think that just because I was taking part in the challenge my photos would magically get better?!

 I'm having fun although my partner in the challenge (Finn) dropped out after day 2! I'm going to stick with it!


Day 8 - Bad Habit

Day 7 - Fruit

Day 6 - From a low angle

Day 5 - From a high angle

Day 4 - Green

Day 3 - Clouds 

Day 2 - What I wore today

Day 1 - Self portrait

So there you go. I am updating my pics on flickr and Twitter if you want to take a peek :)

How about you? Have you started any of these challenges? 

Have you finished them or given up half way through?

Have a wonderful day

Simone xx

all images by me.

June already + a photography challenge.

Can you believe it is June already!

This year is flying by.

For something different this month, I have decided to take part in a photography challenge set up by whitepeach.com and I had seen that Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim and other bloggers were taking part in. 

I'm only an amateur when it comes to photography but it sounds like fun and an opportunity to use and explore my new camera a bit more. Something else to add to the day!

 I think I will share my pics on Twitter(honey and fizz) and via Flickr (where the group is set up). 

Maybe I will pop some here too.

Anyhoo a pinch and punch for the first of the month and all that!

Simone xx

image via whitepeach.com

Feel free to join in. 

I'm on facebook and twitter too!

I'm going all out and taking Honey and Fizz onto Facebook and Twitter. I also have an account with Pinterest if you wanted to follow along with that too!

Come and join me over there as I will be sharing a little bit more and updating through the day.

I'm going to give it a go anyway until it all becomes a bit too much for me!

If you are on facebook and twitter too, let me know so I can catch up with you.

I kept my little blog a secret from most of my family and friends for almost a year so now it is all out in the open I have been getting lots of positive comments which is lovely.

So do your friends and family follow your blogs or is it your little secret?