IT'S A HARD KNOCK LIFE...

This afternoon Victoria and I visited Marina Bay Sands Theatre for the matinee performance of the broadway musical "Annie". I can't really remember how many years it's been since I saw the film but it was a very nostalgic performance! The UK cast was lead by comedy actress Su Pollard (despite me not realizing this until half way through when I turned to Victoria to say "Mrs. Hannigan really reminds me of Su Pollard!" Doh!) and the veteran stage actor David McAlister, who plays billionaire Daddy Warbucks! It might not be the best musical I have seen whilst I've been in Singapore, (I still think Wicked is my favorite!) but I'd highly recommend a visit to see this production. A super cast and the star of the show for me, the young girl who plays Molly! 
Watch the video clip here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcDxQKXAKSY 

LAUREN & KENS WHIMSICAL WEDDING....

Birthday twins!

I can't believe it's a month since I was back in the UK for Lauren and Ken's amazing wedding. Time is truly flying by this year. But I have to say that the wedding is going to be one of my absolute highlights from 2012. I was absolutely honored to be asked by Lauren to be her Maid of Honor and as it was my first time being a bridesmaid I think it was extra special for me. I imagine most girls have been bridesmaids already as children by my age, but I think being older the first time means that I will remember it forever. And despite my age Lauren's amazing choice of dress meant that I felt like a princess from start to finish. So a big thank you to Lauren and Ken for asking me! 

In Lauren, I have not only found a birthday twin to share every years special day with, but a best friend who I know will always be part of my life. I am so happy that Lauren and Ken have found each other and to have them on this side of the world for their honeymoon was extra special for me. I have previously blogged the engagement shoot photographs, which were fab! So now for the big day shots! Anneli did an amazing job and every time I look through these pictures I start to fill up with tears.   


http://www.annelimarinovich.com/2012/06/whimsical-romantic-wedding-photos/

Here are a few of my favorites...enjoy!

The wonderful colours of the theme that Lauren & Ken chose! So vibrant!

The beautiful looking and tasting cake, designed by Lauren and made by mum Caroline.

The moment I caught Lauren's bouquet and asked her if she would be my "Matron of Honor"

The venue ... The Talbot Inn, Ripley. A perfect venue for a perfect day!

The ceremony ... and of course, Lauren's beautiful smile that lasted from start to finish!

Preparing Lauren and helping her look absolutely stunning! So much fun!

The very happy couple ... so cute!

Ken, and now Lauren's adorable nephew Tadhg ... so well behaved and my mini-date for the day! 

PATRIOTIC PACKAGING...

I was amazed whilst in the UK recently how many brands had changed their packaging to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. A trip to Tesco prooved super exciting for me to see all the different takes on not only the Jubilee but the London Olympics and also England's football team's appearance in the European Championships - the Union Jack being used as an emblem across so many packs in so many different categories! Very patriotic packaging!

There was definitely some themes that came through. And there were definitely packs that looked more considered than others. The Union Jack (probably the most obvious idea to start with!) appeared a lot! I suppose with no restriction on how it can be used it's an easy equity to apply to any pack design. Nice to see that it had been somewhat considered more in some instances.

There was a lot of retro packaging to be seen also with Heinz using packaging design from 60 years ago. Cadbury's Diary Milk took us back to their 1952 design...

 The same goes for Kellogg's...

The designs included the first Coco the Monkey design for Coco Pops and the original Snap, Crackle and Pop characters. I wish now that I had picked up a few of these to keep as limited edition collectors' boxes. The best ideas by far for me were the packs that used play on words. Queensmill and (Weetabix) with Fuel Britannia. But my favorite by far, love it or hate it, Ma'amite! Even if they do look slightly Bovril having changed the color of the caps! 

Even though the Jubilee weekend was one to remember for me for different reasons (my best friend got married on the 3rd June!) these packs certainly do make me realise just how patriotic Great Britain is! Something a little different to packaging now ... I absolutely love these new Mr. Kipling ads launched nationally to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. Great work from JWT.