two weeks of winter: creative ideas

A few little ideas to plan my holidays out. DIY projects, cooking parties and afternoons set aside for reading and tea. 

 This floral scalloped collar is nothing short of a dream come true! It looks quite simple to make and would add the perfect amount of charm to a simple white blouse. This collar was made by talented sewer and etsy seller, Theresa. Visit her store here: Scandivintage

Gifts in a jar? Yes please! Wondering what to fill them with? Here are 27 ideas!

I haven't yet made red velvet cupcakes and am thinking it would be splendid to make these. I think the cream cheese frosting makes it all the more tempting, don't you? 

Gosh, I'd been looking everywhere for a tutorial on how to make these beautiful wind-up paper butterflies, and I finally did! They are the perfect little gift to slip into a letter to someone special. You can make one here too!

Put flowers and braids in your hair. At the same time. *sigh* 

And, last but not least, listen to this while you are DIY-ing, cooking or daydreaming. You will be whisked away to Paris as soon as she starts singing...

life through the lens

1. Some beautiful tea party invitations I stumbled across whilst preparing to write to pen pals. My stationery box is a little overloaded and needs sorting out desperately! 2. Chai lattes and sparkly nails. Essential for sleepovers in winter. (Well, sparkly nails are actually essential all year 'round)

3. It was quite chilly at the beach on Sunday but this coat kept me nice and snug! 4. Starbucks is not only the perfect place to relax after a long stroll at the beach but their chocolate frappés are the best!

5. Out-takes from Izzy and I's little photo-shoot. This photo makes me laugh; I look so...jubilant! 6. The gorgeous flowers that sat on our heads.

7. It was a polka dot and white accessories kind of day. This dress is perfect for the sudden (and unpredictable!) weather changes in Australia. 8. I couldn't believe it when I was featured was featured on the cover of Teen Vogue's snapshot app. I still get excited thinking about it!  

9. I was scrolling through my archives yesterday and I stumbled across a hair bow tutorial I did last year! I remember being really proud of how pretty it turned out. If you'd like to make a bow like this one, here's the link: Hair Bow DIY (hopefully the instructions aren't too hard to understand)

You can follow me on instagram via @avenuemaria

P.S: My little sister, Jo, just made a blog! She would really like some new visitors so take a peak if you fancy ♥ 

pink out-takes

(I'm thinking of shortening this dress a little. What do you think? Should I add a lace trimming or some details to the collar?)

(I'm slightly obsessed with sparkly manicures lately. Whenever Izzy and I spend the day together it always includes a nail painting session and I tend to go slightly crazy with the glitter...)

How has your weekend been so far? I'm meant to be studying for the last exam of term but I have been procrastinating all day. I've done nearly everything possible to avoid opening that math textbook, including: baking the most delicious muffins in the world (they were decorated with hundreds & thousands), cleaning up my room, experimenting with make-up and reading magazines I've already read. I may have even stared at the wall at one point!

Tomorrow we are off to the markets and I can't wait. I haven't been in a while and I'm dying to get my hands on either some vintage pieces or a pot plant. I hope the rest of your weekend is positively marvellous!

Maria ♥ Avenue M

latest discovery: papilio bridal

Although I won't be getting married any time soon (I'm fifteen after all!) I still find great pleasure in looking at other bloggers' weddings, bridal gowns, reception inspiration and hair and make-up ideas. I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful label, Papilio, with you. The soft lighting of the photos, exquisite models and elegant designs make it just that little bit more special. The lace is so beautiful and delicate that it seems as if fairies had spun it with their tiny fingers!

I think one of the main reasons I want to get married (besides love, hehe) is the wedding dress shopping! I often 'pretend plan' my wedding down to the last bridesmaid hair-pin for fun. I think these holidays coming I might make a little booklet of wedding plans and take a few pictures for you all to see. Yes, I think that will be splendid!
Well, I'm a happy girl tonight because my assessment is over for the term! Now I can snuggle into my floral PJs, read as much as I please and finally return the amazing comments you left on my last post ♥