In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is most important than ever to make our families the centre of our lives and the top of our priorities. For the past decade or so, I've seen a lot of people come in and out of my life, some of which have hurt me to a point where I've been scarred. I understand it's all part of life which I've grown to accept and learned how to let go of. What I refuse to let go of though is my family. I will always work hard to mend, re-build, maintain my family relationships ... especially with my dad. My dad and I have certainly been through the toughest times, but as challenging as those times were, our unconditional love for one another never allowed us to give up. Today I can honestly say our relationship is at an ultimate high - a bond I would describe as unbreakable.
My dad is such a great man (if you met him you would say the same thing too!) What I admire about him the most is his youthfulness/zest for life! He just keeps moving! One time I rang him around 10am and he sounded croaky. He told me he and Tita V got home at 2am because they were out clubbing! Not even I stay out until 2am ... well it's been a while! (I know #lame #shame). Other traits my dad possesses that are truly admirable include his patience, his protective nature, his faith and what I've touched upon earlier, his tenacity...however the list can go on and on. Sometimes a girl, no matter at what age still needs her dad and you're always there for me! I love you dad!
A couple of month's ago it was my dad's 70th birthday and my Tita V's 64th birthday. To celebrate, Ben and I took them on a mini getaway to one of our most loved places to escape to, Spicers Vineyard Estate in Hunter Valley. They were spoiled with the best wine and food the Hunter has to offer (maybe a little too much!), spa treatments and just complete peace and quiet. I wanted to give them an experience where they worried about nothing but enjoying themselves...enjoying quality time together! You see, the best gifts don't necessarily come wrapped!
As shown through out this photo story, we all got gussied up on our first night for a beautiful dinner at Spicers Vineyard Estate's award winning restaurant, Botanica. To match the rustic charm of the vineyard setting, I wanted to put together an outfit that was soft and ethereal. I think I accomplished this well with this gorgeous midi dress by La Maison Talulah. A dress that is so elegant and understated at the same time. It was crafted from sheer floral lace in an enchanting rosewood hue. This absolute flattering design closely follows the contours of my silhouette to the hip, then draping down effortlessly. The delicate eyelash lace used for the hemming further enhances the feminine allure of this dress! To maintain the softness of this look but allowing the dress to be the focal point (as it should be) I paired it with simple nude suede heels.
Keeping my accessories to a minimum, these stunning Samantha Wills hook earrings bring a touch of bohemian luxe to my ensemble. It's antique rose-gold tone compliments the vintage feel of this dress, finishing this look nicely.
Spicers Vineyard Estate is the perfect place to escape to. It was my third (but not my last) stay here. I've already made it a point to Ben it's the only place in the Hunter Valley I will stay at. The atmosphere and the people are so welcoming - making you feel extremely special! You could tell they made my parents feel very special as they couldn't stop smiling the whole way through! We really had an amazing time!
These 3 very wonderful and blindingly good looking (inside and out) humans are my everything. If I can offer any piece of advice, surround yourself with people who uplift you, want the best for you and who love you no matter what! You'll feel 10 x lighter once you release yourself from negative energy!
Thanks so much for reading xoxo
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
Me. Dress: Talulah also available in mini and in kale green; Shoes: Billini, or similar; Accessories: Samantha Wills, or suggest;
Dad. Top: Oxford; Bottoms: Tailored in the Philippines; Shoes: Florsheim
Ben. Top: Incu; Blazer: Zara (old), similar; Pants: Roger David; Shoes: Florsheim
WHERE TO WEAR
Dinner date or a wedding
