Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats

I love zucchinis - I don't know what it is about them, but they're so good. One of my favourite ways to eat zucchini are these Cheesy Baked Zucchini Boats. I was thinking about making these one day, to serve alongside my pesto quinoa - when I thought... 

Why not put the quinoa in the zucchini and then top it with cheese?!

Brilliance, I tell you. So off I went, to create this new creation - and when I bit into it, I was in heaven. Two of my favourite dishes combined into one! This is quite possibly the simplest recipe and you can switch up the quinoa mixture with whatever you feel like - I've also stuffed them with my avocado quinoa and it was delicious!

Quinoa Stuffed Zucchinis - serves 1, easily multiplied  
gluten free, low fat, clean eating friendly 

1 medium/large zucchini 
1 serve of cooked quinoa 
~ 1 tbsp pesto 
~ 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
Optional: 1 tablespoon reduced fat cream cheese if you'd prefer a creamy filling 

Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F
Slice your zucchini in half and use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds, leaving a "wall" on each end to keep the quinoa in. 
Place your zucchinis onto a lined baking tray/dish. Place into the oven and bake until they just begin to soften. 
Mix together your quinoa and pesto until incorporated. If you're using cream cheese for a creamy filling, mix them together over a low heat until the cream cheese mixes through.
Carefully put your quinoa mixture into the hollowed zucchinis and sprinkle cheese over the top. You'll likely be left with some extra mix, depending on the size of your zucchini, but that's an added bonus ;) 
Place your stuffed zucchinis back into the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. 
Leave to cool slightly before devouring! 

But tell me, what's your favourite vegetable? 
Mine is a tie between zucchinis and carrots - once upon a time, my hands and feet began to turn yellow because I ate too many beta-carotene filled vegetables ;P I even had orange blotches on my stomach, haha. 

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The day I fell in love with tea

I remember the exact moment I started liking tea. I'd never been a fan of traditional english style tea with milk and sugar so I didn't drink tea at all.... until this day.... 

I was about 10 years old and at an Asian restaurant with my Dad, Sister, Uncle, Aunty and my cousins. The restaurant was small and tucked inside a strip mall in Lane Cove - away from the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping area and just around the corner from my Aunty and Uncle's house. 

The restaurant had white wooden shutters on the doors of the kitchen, and out of those doors came a small Asian woman, carrying a pot of tea. She greeted my Aunty and Uncle and my cousins and gently placed the tea pot on the table with 7 cups. "Guests today!" she exclaimed. My Aunty poured a cup for herself, my Uncle and my cousins and my Dad poured one for himself. 

I turned back to the menu, worrying that my fussy 10 year old self would go hungry as I wasn't a fan of Asian food - but the tea was still capturing my attention. I peered over at their cups. It wasn't English style tea, it was clear and almost green - Curious, I asked my Dad what this mystery tea was and he quickly poured me a cup and encouraged me to try it.

Being the un-adventurous eater I was, I hesitantly sipped at the tea - and sipped some more - and more before the cup was empty. Dad explained to me that it was Green Tea and you don't drink it with milk - just as it is. He assured me that when we went to the shops, he'd buy some for us to have at home. 

I couldn't tell you what I ate that lunchtime, possibly just boiled rice and a tiny bit of something that looked familiar, but from that day on I was hooked on green tea. 

These days, I love more than just green tea - but I still have at least one cup of green tea each day. There's just something about it I love - and I couldn't tell you what it was. I loved it before I even knew about the health claims and I don't think I'll stop drinking it anytime soon.

My tea collection is quite large and I drink multiple cups of tea each day - but just like my 10 year old self, I still don't like English style tea with milk.

I love Green Tea, Peppermint Tea, English Breakfast, Chai and Rooibos teas - and tea is what you'll find me ordering if I'm ever sitting down at a cafe or restaurant. You'll also find me leaving home with a travel cup of tea in hand whenever I'm off to a meeting. 

I love that tea, like food, is something that brings people together - and I love nothing more than to have a cup of tea and a chat with friends. I think every home should have pretty tea cups for moments when you want to do just that. 

It's also important that you have good tea - or your friends may not come back, haha.

Lately, I've falled in love with Nature's Cuppa - to the point where I'm thinking they may have to be the star of our tea/coffee table at our wedding (seriously, when you're obsessed with tea you have to have a tea station!). Nature's Cuppa make 100% eco-organic and environmentally sustainable tea and coffee - their tea is also Fairtrade and their coffee is pending Rainforest Alliance Certification. 

Most importantly for me, their tea is free from pesticides and agro-chemicals so it's not going to do any harm to my super sensitive stomach!

Nature's Cuppa have a tea to suit everyone, including: 

• Green Tea - both tea bags and loose leaf (fave!)
• Peppermint Tea (fave!)
• English Breakfast Tea - both tea bags and loose leaf (fave!)
• Chai Tea (fave!) 
• Earl Grey  - both tea bags and loose leaf  (SIL Dad's fave)
• Ceylon - both tea bags and loose leaf
• Chamomile

And they also have Organic Chicory "Coffee" and Organic Coffee.

But tell me, are you a tea fan? What's your favourite?

If not, what's your hot beverage of choice? 

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Recipes: Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Raw Bites

These raw bites caused a bit of a dilemma in the Southern In-Law house this weekend. I mean, when you make "raw balls" you're going to have a bit of a problem.

Firstly it was deciding whether they should be raw balls or raw cookies - we decided on balls because Jesse said the looked better (should I be worried about this? I don't want to know..) and I decided they were more portable that way. 

Then once they were made - the jokes started. "That smells delicious!" "What?" "Your balls.... oh wow... that sounded bad"..... "These taste amazing" "What are they?" "Raw balls" "You're going to get some weirdos looking at your blog if you post that on your blog". But you know what.. they taste amazing - and at least they gave us a laugh. 

The biggest dilemma came with naming them - because we couldn't just call them "raw balls" as some people may have other ideas about what that means (I am seriously cringing at writing this post - but let's continue). They taste just like cookie dough and they are super filling so they're the perfect portable snack - we decided on raw balls as Jesse didn't like my idea of calling them Powraw balls because it was "lame". 

Nonetheless, they're a delicious snack that's so easy to make - so let's get onto the recipe!

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Raw Bites - makes 4-6 bites, depending on size

gluten free, raw, vegan, clean eating friendly, sugar free 

1/3 cup dates* 

1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats, ground

1/2 cup peanuts 

1 tsp vanilla 

Optional: cinnamon/spices, 1 tbsp maple syrup for a sweeter bite

In a food processor, first chop up your dates. 

Add in your oats, peanuts and vanilla and process until the mix begins to form a "clump". 

If your mix is too try, simply add in some water - just a couple of drops at a time. 

Form into ball shapes and place into a container to chill. 

Eat within a week, stored in the fridge or store in the freezer to keep for longer. 

*If you'd like them sweeter without using added maple syrup, use 1/2 cup of dates 

Note: whilst these are healthier than regular cookie dough - they're still energy dense as all raw treats are so keep this in mind! We usually make the mix into 4 larger bites and have one bite as a snack - they're way more filling than you'd think!

But tell me, what's your favourite snack at the moment?

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Gift Ideas: For the Domestic Goddess in Your Life!

I love, love, love giving gifts - and many of my family and friends know I put a lot of thought into every gift I buy. It can't be your run-of-the-mill gift, it has to be something they'll use or love. I probably spend about 6 months thinking up Christmas present ideas for everyone - and a double gift hit for my sister who's birthday is just a little over a month before Christmas. 

As I love giving gifts, I'm often asked for advice on what to buy someone - and recently I've had quite a few readers asking me if I had some ideas for certain people in their life. This is why I've decided to start a little bit of a gift guide! All of these gifts will be tried and tested by myself and the SIL family (and friends) to make sure they're not going to be a failure. 

Just don't ask me what you should buy for my birthday - because I'll tell you nothing. I'm a gift giver and I would much rather give than take. (Psst: family and friends, I know you're looking for present hints for my upcoming birthday - but these are things I already have! ;P) 

- Gifts for the Domestic Goddess in Your Life - 

I love to bake and cook and share food with family and friends. This love is to the point where I get giddy and excited over new bowls/plates/cups etc I find in store. It's kind of ridiculous - but when you're a food blogger/photographer and the kitchen is the place you love - it's a bit of a given. 

Here are some gift ideas for the Domestic Goddess in your life - the woman who loves to cook and bake and create and is the one you know will always cook up a delicious meal or have the recipe for that something you have been thinking about. 

These ideas can be mixed and matched to suit your budget - pick and choose and add your own pieces - and be sure to share your own present ideas in the comments below!

Domestic Bliss Apron from Nana Huchy

For me, an apron takes me from every day cooking to something special. I don't know what it is, but wearing a cute apron totally changes everything. 

I'm the girl who has the cutest Minnie Mouse Christmas half apron, a regular Christmas apron that looks just like a dress, a million and one "plainer" aprons and some cute and frilly/lace aprons that I love. 

They not only protect your clothes, but they make you look cuter in the kitchen too. Ladies, if you want to impress your man when you're cooking a nice dinner - pop on a cute apron and make an effort to look good. You won't end up spilling anything on yourself and you'll feel fabulous too. 

Bonus pressie: If the Domestic Goddess in your life has a little princess - or princesses, you could buy matching aprons for them too! (A perfect Mother's Day pressie!) 

Complete the set with Nana Huchy's gorgeous matching Oven Mitt and Pot Holder if you like! The Apron and matching accessories also comes in green, if your Domestic Goddess isn't a pink fan (craziness! I say!)

All available from Online Store, Nana Huchy: 

Apron $35.50 Pot Holder $10.80 Oven Mitt $11.50

Le Creuset Cherry Red Heart Ramekin with Lid 

I love this ramekin. Not only is it ridiculously cute - it is super functional. Le Creuset bakeware is some of the best I have - it's actually non stick (the pictured breakfast bake came out clean without any greasing - unheard of!) and it lasts for ages. 

They're definitely a worthy investment - I know friends who have had their Le Creusets for decades!

The Heart Ramekin comes in a small, single serve size (300ml) and a large casserole style dish (2.4L)

All Available at Kitchenware Direct: 

Small Red Heart Ramekin $20.95 Large Heart Deep Dish  $55.95

Other Unique Gift Ideas:

• A Recipe Folder to keep all of her favourite recipes:
  I have both recipe books and folders which I love and have pride of place on my Cookbook shelves. They're easy to access and filled with tried and tested recipes we return to time and time again. You could make your own by decorating a binder and adding inserts or you could find one in store. Kikki K have a Recipe Binder ($39.95) or a recipe box (Currently on sale for $20) and Typo have a Recipe Folder (Currently on sale for $10 - bargain pick!) and a Wooden Recipe Box ($20 - my stylish pick) and you can also find different versions at Kmart (which I think were $5), Target and homewares stores.
  
  For an added bonus, add in some cards/notes with your own family favourite recipes or your famous dish that everyone always asks for. For me, it's my Healthy Chocolate Cake Recipe which everyone asks for.
• Cute Mugs/Tea Cups/Wine Glasses
  If you ask me, you can never have enough Mugs or Tea Cups. A friend of ours once bought us a gorgeous set of matching mugs which we use almost everytime we have people over. Why? Because most of us have a collection of mismatching mugs, right? A set of matching mugs or tea cups is a great idea for someone who likes to entertain.
• Cute Dishes/Plates/Servingware
  If your domestic goddess is someone who likes to entertain, why not give them a gift they can entertain with and use over and over. Think: a nice cheeseboard (slate cheeseboards are currently a big hit), a cake stand, a tiered serving platter - think about what items your domestic goddess might love! I have the Retro looking Princeton Bowl Set by Maxwell and Williams from Kitchenware Direct which I love (and only $19.95 for five bowls!)

But tell me, do you have some gift ideas that you can add?

What's the best gift you ever received? 

The best gift I ever received was Chanel for my sixteenth birthday! She's the gift that keeps on giving!

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What We've Been Loving: July 2013

How is it July 27th already? Where did the month go? Before I know it, it'll be my birthday which marks two months until the wedding - and then soon enough the big day will be here too! Eek!

I wanted to share some of my favourite things from this month with you - and Jesse's favourites  too. I'd love you to join in and share what you're loving as well - so make sure you leave a comment!

- Food Favourites -

This smoothie was seriously the best thing I made all month. To say I'm addicted is an understatement - I've been having one as a snack every single day. 

One day I was out all day and didn't get to make one - so I had one for dessert as I missed it so much. You seriously need to try it for yourself! 

Freedom Foods Crunchola

If you read my "Are Oats Gluten Free" post, you would have seen that Freedom Foods Free Oats (Quick Oats) are suitable for Oat Tolerant Oats (read the post if you're not sure what I mean!) and I wasn't sure if their granola range was the same. 

This month I tried and tasted both the granola and the free oats bars and they get a HUGE thumbs up - both for taste and allergy friendliness! I'm a super sensitive coeliac who can be sick for a week just from cross contamination - but luckily I can tolerate oats! I love the Apple and Cinnamon Crunchola either on top of yogurt - or my favourite combination: peanut butter, cottage cheese and Apple Cinnamon Crunchola. I am obsessed with that combination - and I bet you would be too if you tried it!

NOTE: Freedom Foods Oats products are no longer gluten free!!

- Best Food Finds - 

I'm one of those weirdos who gets super excited over new food finds at the supermarket so of course I have to share them with you! 

This week I randomly found PB Crave's Cookie Nookie Peanut Butter at ALDI. Being the peanut butter addict I am, of course I had to grab it. I've yet to try it - but I'll let you know how it is when I do! 

Definitely not the healthiest peanut butter, but hey! We all need a treat! ;) 

Bulk packs of Unsweetened Almond Breeze at Costco.

Can you say heaven? You have to know these went straight into our cart. I can't remember how much they were, but they worked out to be much cheaper than the per-carton price at Coles or Woolworths (even when on sale). Definitely worth picking up if you're a Costco member in Australia!

Now if only we could get some of the other healthy food finds at our Costco stores!

- Beauty Faves -

Favourite Hair Product: Toni & Guy's Dry Shampoo and Glamour Serum 

I have frizzy, crazy hair that's often flat on the day after washing it - so naturally I fell in love with Toni & Guy's Dry Shampoo when I found it also works as a volumising spray. I even through out my old volumising powder because this one smells so  good and works so much better. It also allows me to get light waves by twisting my hair after spraying a small amount on the length of my hair.

The glamour serum is also great for smoothing out frizz and making your hair look shiny and healthy.

I'd would definitely say the Dry Shampoo is a must buy - not just for lazy days when you don't feel like washing your hair ;) 

Favourite Beauty Product: BRAUER's Paw Paw Lip Shimmers

This is a product I actually only get yesterday at the Blogger's Brunch - but I'm already in love. So far, the Pink Diamond Lip Shimmer is my favourite for a natural glossy lip - but I'm also loving the Blush.

I love that the Lip Shimmers are all natural, made with only Paw Paw, Shea Butter and Honey and without any nasty Petrochemicals. Best of all? They're not sticky whatsoever, so you'll have kissable lips that your man won't complain about. 

I have a huge lip gloss collection as I'm kind of obsessed - but there's some I'm not allowed to wear if I want to kiss Jesse because he hates them - luckily these aren't one of them!

Favourite Skin Product: KOSMEA Australia's Rose Hip Oil and Purifying Cream Cleanser

In winter my skin tends to be my worst enemy. It's dry, prone to breakouts and what was working in summer no longer works. 

Recently I've been using KOSMEA's Rose Hip Oil products and they seem to be working - as long with my secret weapon: an all-natural toner which I'll be sharing the recipe for very soon! 

Rose Hip Oil is great for scars, moisturising the skin and fighting the signs of ageing - but it's also great for breakouts/acne. I put the rose hip oil on at night time to both nourish my skin and help to reduce breakouts and it seems to be working really well in addition to the purifying cream cleanser.

- Fitness Faves - 

The weather is getting warmer and I am once again enjoying my morning walks rather than loving but freezing-my-butt off. The mornings are still chilly - but I'm starting to lose layers and usually return home super hot and wanting to cool down, whereas before I was happy to return to a warm house.

I still cannot wait to get out of thick layers and back into more comfortable workout clothes - but it won't be long! 

Super cute (and CHEAP!) buy: 

I love this top from Cotton On Body and it was just $15! 

It's soft, comfortable, cute and pink - so what's not to love! Oh and of course, it's functional too! 

I'm thinking I need to pick up another one as it would be a perfect top for our Bali honeymoon - cute, comfy, cool and great for the different hikes and activities we plan on doing!

- Shopping Faves - 

This super cute large jar from Kmart - perfect for candy buffets or a display jar in your home - and only $5!

When I bought mine there was only one, but now I know they're selling more, I'm definitely keeping an eye out for a couple more! 

Funny story: I picked up this jar in store, headed over to the self-scanner to check the price and when it popped up on screen I said to my sister "Oh yeah, 5 bucks" only to get the weirdest look from the guy next to you. Sorry man, I love a good bargain! Kmart have so much good stuff hitting stores next month so keep your eyes peeled - cheap, cute and great quality! 

So tell me, what have you been loving this past month? 

What's your favourite food of the moment? Fitness fave? The best shopping buy? A must recommend beauty product? Go go go! 

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Wedding DIY: Mad-Libs for your Wedding (Wed-Libs!)

Mad-Libs have had a bit of a comeback in the world of weddings and parties - and "Wed-Libs" can be found at weddings all over the world. When I was looking at some ideas for little activities fun things at our wedding, the idea of having our own "Wed-Libs" cards sounded like a good idea.

Wedding sneak peek: Our reception will be spread across two levels - a roof top and a ground floor level - and guests will be free to roam up or down, wherever they like. As we have so much space, I wanted to make sure there was something to entertain guests wherever they were. 

Mad-Libs are a light hearted and easy game which you can adapt to pretty much any situation - but I did them just a little bit differently. Rather than having a list to fill in words on the back like traditional mad-libs, I went for a simple "fill in the blanks" style where guests can add in whatever they choose. 

I looked on Etsy and found hundreds of Mad-Libs/Wed-Libs versions to purchase, however, as I'm launching myself into the world of graphic and invitation design, I decided to create all of our wedding printables ourselves.

I designed the card myself, making sure the colours/fonts/style fitted with the rest of our themeing (another sneak peek!) and then tailored the text to ourselves. 

The card reads: 

"When I first heard Kristy & Jesse were getting married, I shouted "..................!" because they are the ............. couple. A few words of advice as you enter this ................ journey. My best advice? Jesse always remember ........................................................................... and Kristy, never forget............................................................................................................. Make sure you both ................................................................................................... I wish you both a lifetime of ............................................................. Love from ..........................." 

Before designing them, I made sure to find out Vistaprints' Specs for Postcard Printing and made them exactly to size - this way, all I had to do was upload my design and print them. I found Vistaprint postcards were the cheapest (and I tested out the quality of their printing on some other designs first!) and when I received them they were perfect! 

I ordered the Recycled Matte Postcards (which cost a bit extra) so that is was easy for our guests to write on the postcards. They arrived within a week and I ordered them at a time where Vistaprint had specials on (they always have specials on, so keep an eye out!) and saved heaps. 

Price Comparison:

DIY Version + Printing on Vistaprint: $28.73 including postage 

Etsy Design: $18-30 plus printing and postage 

Etsy Printed Cards: Up to $200 for 100 Printed Cards PLUS postage. 

So, the DIY option is certainly cheapest - and I've actually designed a couple of mad-libs cards for readers and friends already! (And being a Bride-to-Be, I'm making sure that all of the prices of my invitations/printables etc are affordable, reasonable with the highest quality results) 

But tell me, what did you DIY for your wedding?

and if you're not married yet, do you think you'll be a DIY bride? 

Stay tuned for more of our DIY wedding projects and wedding sneak peeks!

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Recipe: Quinoa Banana Pancakes

In seventeen days, I turn 21. Why am I telling you this? Because in my almost 21 years of life, I've totally failed at making pancakes from scratch - or really any kind of pancakes. 

I flip them and get batter everywhere, they flop, they burn, they don't cook in the middle - they're just a complete disaster every. single. time....... until now. 

I managed to come up with a recipe for perfect light and fluffy pancakes, full of flavour, low in fat and oh so delicious. It only took me 21 years - but I did it! 

Pancakes are one of those things you kind of have to perfect - especially if you're marrying an American ;) 

Pancakes and breakfast bakes just make breakfast so much fun - they're a million times better than cereal or toast - and these will fill you up better too!

Top them with fruit, maple syrup, yogurt, peanut butter or whatever you feel like.

These pancakes have quinoa in them - but you'd actually never know. The cooked quinoa helps to make these thick and fluffy and adds a nutritional boost - but it disappears within the batter.

Quinoa Banana Pancakes serves 2-4 depending on serve
gluten free option, whole wheat option, low fat, clean eating friendly

---

Use one flour option: 
Gluten free option - 
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp buckwheat flour and 1/3 cup gluten free self raising flour 
Whole wheat option - 
3/4 cup wholewheat/wholemeal flour

---

2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt, baking soda
1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled (about 1/4 cup uncooked)
1 cup mashed banana (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup egg whites or 2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
Optional: 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, 2 tbsp honey/maple syrup/sugar for sweetness* 

If you haven't already, cook your quinoa. 
Combine your flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, quinoa and cinnamon (if using). 
In a separate bowl combine your banana, egg whites, milk, vanilla and sweetener (if using). 
Mix together your wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. 
Heat a large frying pan over a medium-low heat, spray with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter/oil. 
Pour pancake batter into the pan (about 1/4 cup mix for each pancake) and cook until bubbles appear on the top. 
Carefully flip the pancakes over and cook until golden. 
Repeat until all pancakes are cooked, regreasing if needed. 
Serve immediately, topping with whatever you desire!

*I didn't use any added sweetener as they were sweet enough - but if you like things sweet, you'll probably want to add it!

So, who's coming over for breakfast at the SIL House?

But tell me, are you a pancake pro? or do you avoid them like the plague like I used to?!

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Wedding: Shopping for THE Dress

Why hello lovelies! Quite some time ago, I started a "Wedding Wednesday" series where each week I shared some stories, inspirations, pictures and all that jazz. The series fell by the wayside as I was planning a wedding with no idea when it would be, when Jesse would be here and where we'd have it. 

Right now we're just 80 days away from the big day - so it's time we start talking weddings again. 

The lovely Kate, sent me an email this week reminding me that whilst I'd written about trying on my Mum's Wedding Dress, I'd never written about how I found my own wedding dress - so here we go!

A-Net's Enchanted Dream, Lafayette Louisiana

My Wedding Dress journey started at a very cute aqua coloured building in Lafayette Louisiana. A few months earlier I'd found a dress online and had fallen in love. I dreamt about it, I though about it, I searched for it. 

Someone I was following had pinned a picture of the dress and it just happened to be on the home page as I opened Pinterest one day. I immediately saved it to my computer (versus pinning it so that no one could find out) and went on a search. 

At the time there was no where in Australia with that exact dress - and knowing that we'd be leaving for Louisiana soon, I decided I needed to find a store which stocked my dream dress. 

A-Net's Enchanted Dream popped up and I quickly emailed the girls to see if they had it in stock. They did! 

I booked an appointment for whilst we were in Louisiana, hoping Jesse wouldn't mind driving us all the way to Lafayette because I needed to try on this dress.

Source

Luckily, he didn't mind. We arrived at the store and I fell in love. It was the gorgeous mix of vintage, rustic, country, shabby chic that I love and there were hundreds of gorgeous dresses laid about. 

I'd hoped that my Mother In-Law, Marilyn, would be able to come with us, but unfortunately one of our nieces was in hospital and she was minding the other three girls and couldn't come with us. I knew if one of the girls was there, Jesse would know exactly what the dress looked like in about 0.034 seconds. 

So my Mum, Jesse and I walked into A-Net's Bridal where they quickly put Jesse out on the porch so I could try on my dress. We headed to the back dressing room which had a gorgeous old lounge, a hugeeeeeeeee ornate mirror and a gold Persian rug on the floor. The room itself made the process so much more special - it was grand and grown up and oh so exciting. I knew this was the same room that hundreds of other brides to be had found their dresses and the feeling was quite overwhelming. 

Source

They brought in the dress I'd fallen in love with and another dress that was somewhat similar but white versus ivory (the only detail you're getting, sorry loves :P). 

I held the dress in my hands and fell even more in love. The fabric was lush - it looked even better in person and had so much detail. As I stepped my feet into the dress, my heart started pounding. 

I didn't look until my mum had zipped me into the dress and when I looked up into that big ornate mirror, it felt like someone was pushing right against my chest. My chest was tight, I had a lump in my throat and I knew I was right. 

"Wow Kristy... you were right" my Mum said. 

But whilst I had somewhat of a moment, it wasn't the moment. There was one thing that wasn't right - just a simple addition that would make it perfect. 

I was still very much in love and the girls at A-Net's assured me that my one little change could be easily made to make it perfect. I left the bridal salon with details in hand, knowing that I could order my dress from A-Net's and have it shipped to Australia if needed. 

Once we were back at Jesse's Mom's House I showed her the photos - and all she could say was "Oh Kristy, it's so pretty.. it's so beautiful... it's perfect... I wish I was there"

Before I knew it, we were back in Sydney. We decided we should look at other dresses here in Australia before we decided that was the one as I had only tried on two dresses. I gathered my Mum, my sister and my beautiful Aunty Lyn and we headed out to Bridal Stores to look at dresses. 

I'd found a version of the original dress I tried on in Louisiana which had the slight change I needed - and I was sold.. It was the dress and I knew it without ever trying it on. We headed to one of "Sydney's Best Bridal Stores" which stocked the designer of the dress I'd fallen in love with - unfortunately not the dress.

Unfortunately that experience wasn't a good one. I tried on several dresses of different shapes just to get a feel for what I liked and didn't like - but my dress was still what I kept going back to. 

The woman who was helping us was rude and pushy and made me feel incredibly self conscious - all things you don't want to be feeling when trying on wedding dresses.

They could order in my dress but the woman was so rude I left knowing there was absolutely, positively no way I was ordering my dress from them - not even if it was my last option. 

I returned to the internet, searching for somewhere I could buy my dress online. A risky move? Yes. But the only affordable option I had. 

I found one place, researched it and found it was indeed genuine - even speaking to other brides who bought their dress from the same store. But the day I went to buy the dress? They no longer stocked it. They told me they wouldn't be bringing it in again and I was devastated. I called my Mum in tears, thinking I had no chance of getting my dream dress as the pushy lady at the Bridal Store told me it would be "too late" by that date. 

Luckily, I stumbled across one other site which could order in my dress. It was a risk - a bigggggg risk - but one I was willing to take. I hadn't spoken to any other brides who had ordered with the company and I didn't know if it would be all that they said it was. It was a business, based in the US which shipped worldwide through their online store - and they had sent me the papers from the designer which showed they were a genuine stockist. 

I took a risk and I ordered my dress.... and then I waited. I ordered it in a size up from what the evil Bridal Store lady had suggested as her measurements seemed wrong. As I have a bad habit of ordering clothes too big, my family thought it was a bad idea - but I stuck with my gut. 

A few months later after a bit of pushing to ensure they were sending it on time, the dress arrived - allbeit a few weeks late.

The tiny box my
wedding dress arrived in

The box arrived via courier and my heart pounded. In fact, my heart dropped when I looked at the Barbie sized box. I freaked out when the box read: Polyester Bridesmaid Dress. 

"Mum! My dress is not polyester?! How can it fit in this box?! It's way too small!" I cannot tell you how I felt when I was opening that box. It was a horrible feeling of fear, dread, anxiety, sadness, worry and so many other emotions - I was scared out of my wits. 

I carefully cut the tape to open the box - and I spotted the first glimpse of the fabric. The fabric I had held all that time ago in Lafayette - and my heart started to sing. This was the right dress - but how the heck did they fit it in such a small box? Did I order the Barbie size? 

I pulled the dress from the box and it was the one - and it was in my size. We hung it up in our spare bedroom, with the door locked in case Jesse came home and we called my Aunty Lyn. I didn't want to try on the dress until she was there so we planned to head to her house that afternoon with the dress. 

The first time I tried on my dress, I didn't have "that moment". In fact, I went home doubting my choices. 

Why? I was having a super bad day - and it was a silly day to try it on! I urge all brides to be that the first time you try on your wedding dress, please make sure you're in a good mood! I was sick, suffering from a bloated and super sore stomach and I was in a foul mood. Totally not a good idea! 

The second time I tried on my dress, I had that moment. 

Nieves had come to do my hair and makeup trial for the wedding. I felt good and I felt confident and I was so ready to try on the dress. 

I put my dress on and I walked to the full length mirror in my sister's room. I looked up for a single second and I burst into tears. Happy, joyful tears. 

Every single doubt I had washed away in a second. I had spent so many months wondering if I could ever look "like a Bride" because I just didn't feel like one.

Trying on that dress with my hair and makeup done, all of a sudden I saw myself as a Bride - and it was an incredible feeling. My Mum started crying and Nieves called out reassurance that "don't worry Kristy, it's waterproof!". I wished my Aunty Lyn was there but she was away overseas - so she'll just have to wait until the morning of the wedding when we're getting ready at her house - and I know there will be plenty of moments. 

I absolutely, positively cannot wait to show you all my dress after the wedding <3 

But tell me, 

If you're married, was your dress the first one you found - or did it take you a while? 

If you're yet to walk down the aisle, tell me about what you think your dream dress is! 

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