There's a First Time for Everything // Itty Bitty Bijou

This weekend, James took a trip with family and friends and I experienced being home alone for the first time in my life - and I am 30! This is something I always thought be daunting but I do like a challenge and I looked forward to making it a positive experience!

. Photo by Kara Rosenlund .

I planned to eat delicious fish dishes ( as James doesn't eat fish ) to do plenty of work, catch up on some blog posts, and even do a spot of home diy on a farmhouse table I am attempting to refurbish for our kitchen. I also planned to enjoy a movie marathon of films which I have wanted to watch for ages but knew James wouldn't like. This last one may seem odd, but we don't get much time to sit and watch a movie together so when we do, we always try to pick something that we would both enjoy. Anyway...

This weekend has been great! I have really enjoyed myself and my own company. Of course I have my two fur babies, Joey and Teddy too! They have been great company and it's been nice not to be absolutely alone but it did bring another challenge with it - looking after them both! Teddy, our Japanese Spitz is a handful at the best of times, but with their 'Daddy' not being home for a couple of days they have been even more mischievous!

So this weekend had been positive, inspiring and also full of firsts. I honestly think I have grown from it and conquered some fears and insecurities along the way too!

First time I ate Crab ( I didn't like it )
First time I tried the latest Clipper organic tea blends ( I loved them - especially the St Clementine )
First time I sat in the garden and relaxed with a book ( I want to do this everyday )
First time I have attempted to refurbish furniture ( It's much harder than it looks! )
First time I have ever been home alone ( I didn't mind it )
First time I have had full responsibility of our two dogs ( At some points I felt it was very trying and I wasn't confident but I learnt from this that I need to be more in charge and also that I can do it! )
I visited somewhere new - Queens Park, a beautiful new park in my town ( I wish I had taken my camera! I will definitely go again! )
For the first time, I think ever, I could just please myself ( It is refreshing )

I hope you've enjoyed the weekend too!

Inspired by Parisian Chic // Itty Bitty Bijou

I have been very inspired by everything French for some time now - from beautiful French weddings and desperately wanting to plan a trip there to Parisian chic fashion. If I were to visit Paris, I would take a stroll with my camera and enjoy lunch at a cafe. Of course I would love to look the part too! So, here I created an outfit based on Parisian Chic - Skinny jeans, casual t-shirt paired with a beautiful blazer, stripes, converse and of course a hint of red!

Follow my 'Everything French' board on Pinterest

Pink Black & White Bridal Shower Inspirations // Itty Bitty Bijou

Pink, Black and white bridal showers have been trending this season, especially including black and white stripes! Here are some great inspirations for a fun shower with your friends and family based on this color palette...

Key pieces to make this look work include a black and white striped table cloth or runner, add dashes of pink with flowers and napkins and don't forget to use the desserts and drinks to match too! You can use an array of pink tones from pastel to neon - have fun with it!

Credits { from left to right }
Top row > Charlie & Juliet . O'Malley Photographers . Ashley Nicole Events on Style Me Pretty
Middle row >  O'Malley Photographers . Cocodot via Refinery 29  . Hanna LuLu Co

Bottom row > Charlie & Juliet . O'Malley Photographers . Belathee Photography

See more beautiful Bridal Shower Inspirations on Itty Bitty & Bijou { here }

Black & Gold Bridal Shower Inspirations // Itty Bitty Bijou

Today I have some beautiful inspirations for both Bridal and Baby Showers, with a glitzy Black & Gold theme! With gold calligraphy on black for stationery, fringing to hang above dessert tables and marvelous Macarons! I adored these examples of macarons - the white versions decorated with gold chevrons and the rich black macarons - these would look perfect with a hint of edible gold leaf too!

The fun doesn't stop there either - get creative with drinks, such as the shot glasses with rims dusted glittery gold sugar and also the black balloon drink stirrers!

See more inspiration boards for weddings parties and shower { here }