The Camilleon

Things That Make Me Happy...

2012-01-25T12:22:00.001+11:00

There's a party on the clothes line would you like to come?!

xx Camille Javal

P.S Streamers aren't just for kiddies parties... this clothes line was covered in streamers at the beginning of the night, but gradually they got streamer-napped and used to create calisthenics style dance moves! Highly recommended for your next partai :)

P.P.S Clothes lines break if you swing on them... oops... nobody tell mum

Alive...Beautiful...Finite...Hurting...

2012-01-20T18:50:00.000+11:00

xx Camille Javal

As A Man Thinks...

2012-01-16T22:26:00.004+11:00

"As a man thinks, so is he." - King Solomon

I caught up with a friend today and while we were getting our chatting on she mentioned how last year was a good year for me. My response was something along the lines of; ...Really!? So she listed off all the reasons she thought it had been a good year. And she was right, they were all amazing things! But I guess when I look back over the year I skim over the good things and focus on the goals and dreams I've been wishing for that still haven't eventuated yet.

It was a good reminder about perspective and being grateful... I have so many random and cool things happening in my life all the time but they often get brushed aside as I get back to my official job of focusing on the things that realllly matter (as though I'm a qualified Senior Knows What Really Matters Somethingorother...).

So I've decided to add Don't Be So Focused On Achieving Your Wants That You Miss The Cool In Betweeny Things Along The Way to my not really making new years resolutions but sort of list.

xx Camille Javal

Princess Power

2012-01-14T22:00:00.003+11:00

Some girlfriends and I were recently in a I Feel Like Watching A DVD Nothing Too Heavy I Don't Want To Think Tooooo Hard, Something Nostalgic Ish Would Be Great Hey Maybe A Little Princess?! kind of mood. Often when you go down nostalgic lane and re-visit movies from your yonder years it ends painfully (take my word for it and do not revisit Dinosaurs the TV series, just remember the Not The Momma hilarity in your mind), but thankfully A Little Princess still has charm and (Camille I'm pretty sure I remember you falling asleep halfway through! Erm... Maybe... but it was so I'd be fresh for the second more emotional half!) childlike but for adults appeal.

Plus a girl can never have too many Princess Power speeches in her life:

Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess? Child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror.

Sara Crewe: I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us.

To all the gorgeous princesses in my life - Yay! Cuddling up on the couch with a DVD wouldn't be the same without you :)

P.S This photo was taken at my Tacky Wonderland themed birthday party a few years ago and won awesomest shot of the night!

xx Camille Javal

A Body of Wisdom

2012-01-12T21:45:00.002+11:00

"Respect your body's wisdom. The body you're in today isn't the same one you grew up in. It may have given birth, survived an accident or an illness, or carried you through difficult times. You wouldn't trade the lessons you've learned or the wisdom you've gained from those experiences, so give your body permission to reflect the changes it's been through."
- You'd Be So Pretty If... by Dara Chadwick

I've been reflecting quite a bit recently on my attitude towards my body over the past, oh, twenty ish years! Basically since the age that pot bellies went from Oo so cute, to Um no more cake for you! I thought I'd be kind for once, so:

To the body I've never appreciated and spent waaayy too much time dissing - you rock! Keep pumping the oxygen and doing all that breathing jazz I take for granted. P.S Lets be friends :)

xx Camille Javal

If You Can Dream It You Can Become It

2012-01-10T16:01:00.003+11:00

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it." - William Arthur Ward

Oh and on a completely different and completely random note, I find it interesting reading some of the keywords people googled which ended up leading them to my blog. Here are a few that caught my eye:

♥ Where's wally beanie pattern

♥ Whatever happened to Camille Hayton (... erm)

♥ Stratigraphic charts showing productive oil and gas wells in Oklahoma (hmm... can't imagine they got what they were looking for!!)

♥ Patrick Moberg and Camille Hayton break up

♥ Women's Weekly choo choo train ingredients

♥ Best ever pecan pie

♥ Bum flaps bodysuit

♥ Camille Hayton in love

And the award goes to:

♥ Crunchy toothpaste (??!)

xx Camille Javal

The Way You See Yourself Is Who You Become

2012-01-05T00:15:00.001+11:00

"Just as you are what you eat, you also are what you think. The way you see yourself is who you become. Every action is based first on a thought. Once your thoughts start to change - about yourself and life - your life starts to change. Because actions are the results of thoughts, to see change you need to allow your thoughts to be conditioned in a way that will bring you maximum results in every area of your life. You need to take control of your thoughts and not allow just any thoughts to dominate your life."
- Natural to Super Natural Health by David Herzog

I'm not making official New Years resolutions this year (cue scene from the film New Years Eve with Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer when he agrees to fulfil her list of not yets... oops just lost ten minutes googling Zac Efron pics haha ok Camille focus!), but I have decided to make an effort with getting some control over my thoughts/words. Negative words seem to be so potent that one hundred positive words can be negated in a fast swoop by only one tiny nasty one.

More and more I'm starting to see the power in the words I think and speak over my life and the life of my friends and fam. That we can literally speak out the changes we want to see happen, even though we might not see the new result straight away. Like dropping ink into a bath of water the positive life words begin to saturate and totally transform our lives with new colours (preferably of the fluoro kind!).

xx Camille Javal

Dreams Are Made of Strong Elastic

2012-01-01T21:26:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year!! In the words of Mary Poppins:

Anything can happen, it's a marvel
You can be a butterfly
Or just stay larval
Stretch your mind beyond fantastic
Dreams are made of strong elastic
Take some sound advice and don't forget it
Anything can happen if you let it...

Broaden your horizons
Open different doors
You may find a you there that you never knew was yours
Raise the curtain
Things you thought impossible
Will soon seem certain

Though at first it may sound clownish
See the world more upside-downish
Turn it on its head then pirouette it
Anything can happen if you let it
Life is out there waiting so go and get it
Grab it by the collar, seize it by the scruff
Once you've started living life you just can't get enough!

- Mary Poppins "Anything Can Happen"

xx Camille Javal

Summer Of Love

2011-12-29T12:32:00.005+11:00

Today's theme is Bohemian Bride Meets Whimsical Flower Child!

My friend Rosie got married recently and showed that you really don't have to spend a lot of money on your outfit to look breathtaking - beautiful - amazingness! (... haha I realise I might be a tad biased)

I LOVE how her simple pretty make up, fresh flower headpiece and vintage wedding dress allowed her natural beauty and love to completely shine through. Instead of the standard flower bouquet Rosie decided to get a friend of ours to hand make flowers out of coloured paper. They contrasted beautifully with her outfit and should last a lot longer than the traditional ones too!

If you're feeling inspired the delightful Miss Martha Stewart has loads of tips and tutorials for making your own paper flowers here.

xx Camille Javal

After a Hurricane Comes a Rainbow

2011-12-28T12:27:00.001+11:00

So often I sing along to songs without paying any attention to the lyrics whatsoever (it's actually a skill I have that my best friend pointed out to me... I unconsciously sing along to every song even if it's the first time I've ever heard it!). Anywho I'd heard Katy Perry's song Firework loads of times, but the other day my mum heard it and decided it should be 'my' song! I listened to the lyrics again and love the following verses:

You don't have to feel like a waste of space

You're original, cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed

So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow

And when it's time, you'll know...

Thanks Miss Perry :)

Things to do toady:

Shine brighter than the moon, moon, moon...!

xx Camille Javal

Being In Love

2011-12-27T13:06:00.000+11:00

"Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling... Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last; but feelings come and go... But, of course, ceasing to be "in love" need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense - love as distinct from "being in love" - is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriage) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God... "Being in love" first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it." - C.S. Lewis

xx Camille Javal

Merry Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:39:00.000+11:00

I received this text message the other day:

Dear Santa,
I don't want much for xmas, I just want the person reading this to be happy. Friends are the fruit cake of life. Some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet. But mix them together and they are my friends. Send this to all your fruit cakes who brighten up your life. xxx

So from me to you, thanks for brightening up my life fruit cakes. Merry Happy Christmas!

xx Camille Javal

Looking Forward to Ahead

2011-12-22T14:10:00.000+11:00

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis

Let's believe that 2012 is going to be the year of awesome... Amen!

xx Camille Javal

Stationary - Heck Yeah - Take That iphone!

2011-12-21T19:02:00.002+11:00

Hands up if you love stationary? Awesome lets be best friends!

My 2012 diary arrived in the mail today woop! (I've been bagged out for still using a physical diary instead of an iphone... but this is because 1) I don't have a smart phone and 2) Scuse me but diary's are the best chuck out the rest and the day iphone's come out with an app that lets me use actual stickers is the day I will stop using my daily planner!)

I finally decided on this one from ebay (but close runner ups were planners from here and heres). The diary has the perfect combination of cutesy, kitsch, sticker and choose your own adventure. Oh and I'm guessing you will most likely want/need a cat pen to go with it.

Alrighty time to finish stickering everything :)

xx Camille Javal

A Touch of Whimsy

2011-12-20T13:55:00.001+11:00

"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." - C.S. Lewis

xx Camille Javal

London Town

2011-12-19T08:50:00.005+11:00

Being told "You look like a Londoner"
Forgetting to convert currency from Pounds to Aussie
Hilarious/ridiculously inappropriate 80+ tour guide
Total Cost of Trip = Priceless!

P.S Brrr I don't know how the Brits do it! Apparently the week I was in London the weather was unseasonably 'warm' for that time of year... umm... to normal people though - it was FREEEEEZING!

xx Camille Javal

A Sweet Conscious

2011-12-18T18:09:00.000+11:00

And the Official Award For Awesomest Vegan Chocolate That Actually Tastes Like Chocolate goes to....

Bye Bye guilty conscious - hello sweet organic goodness known as Conscious Chocolate! A vegan friend of mine got me hooked on this new raw, organic Australian made choc. It's so smooth and much creamier than a lot of other vegan chocolate I've tried (it's a tough job hunting down the perfect choc but someone has to do it!). The ingredients are all natural and I give this two green thumbs up!

The runners up Chocolate Award goes to Loving Earth for their range of raw chocolate bars sweetened with coconut sugar. The texture doesn't quite have the smooth moves that Conscious Choc does but when the sweet monster comes knocking I'll happily knock back a few pieces of choc from their range (pfffft... liar! When have you ever stopped at just a few pieces?!)

DVDs and a movie night with the ladies optional :)

xx Camille Javal

Funny Bizness

2011-12-17T15:22:00.003+11:00

tUnE-yArDs - 'Bizness'

I'm loving the dance moves and incredible color cardboard scenery in this video clip by tUnE-yArDs! A friend thought I'd like their music and he was right - everything about this clip is totes amaze :)

xx Camille Javal

New Beginnings

2011-12-13T17:19:00.007+11:00

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Um... where the heckles did 2011 go?! If anyone else is feeling a little bit anxious apprehensive unsure of what new directions to take in 2012 then you're not alone! I love collaging and one of the things that helps me make decisions and see my thoughts more clearly is to do simple collages like the one above. The emphasis isn't on aesthetics so much as just cutting out words and images that you are drawn to... the less you over think the process the better - just flip as though you're at the supermarket checkout! It's amazing when you stick all the words down what it reveals about your true dreams, desires and subconscious. (This is also a no pressure project which is great for people who thinks they aren't creative - I promise you are!)

I think my collage makes it pretty clear that a completely new direction is on the horizon for 2012! I made this one while watching DVD's with a friend down at my beach house. She provided the old magazines, I provided the floor space! The first magazine I happened to pick up was the New Year special from the mid noughties so it was very appropriate.

"I always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted..."

xx Camille Javal

A Fluoro Family Christmas

2011-12-11T21:29:00.017+11:00

My mum has caught the fluoro bug :) A week ago she asked me if I had any ideas for a Christmas wreath as her house was looking decidedly bah humbug.... I gave my usual reply- "Anything fluoro!" Cut to a week later and mum had obviously been busy getting her craft on.

If you want to try your hand at DIY Christmas decorations then this one's fiddly but fairly fail proof! You can pick up a circular frame from your craft store and then just knot/tie strips of fabric and tafetta all along the frame until there aren't any gaps! Optional bow for extra cutesy factor.

My mum sent me the following text today:

"I'm buying a mini fluoro Christmas tree - hot pink orange or yellowy green?!"

I love how fluoro is taking over the lives of the people around me!

P.S Say hello to your mum for me ;p

xx Camille Javal

You Can Tell a Lot About a Person By Their Shoes...

2011-12-09T17:15:00.000+11:00

My girlfriend burst out laughing the other day when she noticed the difference between our shoes. Being Canadian, Adaeze is more of the Always-Take-Your-Shoes-Off-Neatly-At-The-Front-Door variety. As an Aussie I tend to lean more towards the school of Leave-Your-Shoes-On-In-The-House-Unless-You-Are-Sharing-With-A-Canadian-Friend-Then-You-Have-To-Up-Your-Cleanliness-Factor-So-At-Least-Remember-To-Take-Your-Shoes-Off-Just-Kick-Em-Off-If-Need-Be-And-Wherever-They-Land-Shall-Be-Their-New-Home!

(I'm also from the school of dump your bag in the middle of the floor and voila new wardrobe!)

xx Camille Javal

Something True and Worthy

2011-12-07T19:29:00.001+11:00

"What is the point of worrying oneself too much about what one could or could not have done to control the course one's life took? Surely it is enough that the likes of you and I at least try to make our small contribution count for something true and worthy. And if some of us are prepared to sacrifice much in life in order to pursue such aspirations, surely that in itself, whatever the outcome, cause for pride and contentment."

- Kazuo Ishiguro The Remains of the Day

xx Camille Javal

Fall In Love -

2011-12-06T19:09:00.001+11:00

WITH YOUR LIFE!

xx Camille Javal

On The Second Day of Christmas

2011-12-03T18:14:00.000+11:00

My true love gave to meeeee -

Two ridiculously cute girls wearing matching red and green mini dresses!

Yay for Christmas fashion!

(It's true I'm a big fan of accidentally turning up somewhere and being matchy matchy with your girlfriends :) I think it's a gorgeous indicator of being in sync!)

xx Camille Javal

Let The Summer Begin!

2011-12-01T17:45:00.001+11:00

... first up on my summer to do list - lots of lazy lying in the park days. YAY!

xx Camille Javal

Generosity...

2011-10-20T14:52:00.005+11:00

The other day as I was going for a stroll I started thinking about the idea of generosity...

An image came into my mind of a giant door - with generosity being like a door in our life that is initially closed to begin with. By giving to others we open the door a little and therefore open the chance for generosity to come back into our own life...

By never giving (particularly our money cause that seems to have the most potent spell over us... but also our time, skills, possessions) we keep the door closed, and close off the possibility to receive generosity back into our own life.

So the more wide open we fling the door, the more potential there is to flood both our own lives with blessings and the people around us - everyone benefits!!

I remembered how a couple of years ago I was ridiculously broke and had spent my last $2 on a subway ticket to New Jersey! A friend of mine walked me to a corner store, withdrew a couple of fifties from the atm and put it in my hand. I felt so awful taking money from a friend but wasn't really in a position to say no (unless I decided to make the Jersey streets my next home!). Now years later I've passed on the beautiful gesture to a friend of mine who is in similar financial woes. It felt awesome to be able to 'pass it on', and one day hopefully she'll be able to do the same for someone else!

Keen to put my generosity idea into action I filled a box with rad boy toys for Operation Christmas Child. If only there had been a trendy four year old boy in the store who could have given me shopping advice on the coolness factor of Buzz Lightyear t-shirts? (Oh is it just me or did anyone else SWEAR as a kid that they would never grow up to be one of those adults who didn't have a clue about kids toys... only to discover they haven't got the foggiest idea anymore?! Kids still love GAK, downball and elastics right?!) I hope the little fella that receives my box gets as big a kick out of it as I did making it! (I went with the Buzz Lightyear t-shirt... and Buzz wrapping paper and Buzz everything actually!)

xx Camille Javal

Tom Gibbs - Artsy Guy

2011-10-12T11:19:00.008+11:00

The moment I decided to be an artist...

"Ok, this story is pretty corny. It all started at the age of 15 when I was sitting on the steps of Montmartre, overlooking Paris. I'd just spent a morning obsessing over this one artist I thought I'd discovered (it turns out everyone knows Cezanne). I remember it so clearly! I was listening to a busking French harpist, whilst holding a 2B pencil and scribbling on an A5 pad..."

"That was when I decided I would be an artist. The view was so beautiful: all I could do was draw. When I returned home from the holiday I painted my first portrait." - Tom Gibbs

Tom Gibbs is a cool guy... and an even cooler artist! I recently got to spend time hanging with him in his studio, chatting all things oil paint and artsy related. I love getting to spend time in other peoples studio's picking up creative tricks - i.e. Tom seems to prefer squeezing his oil paints onto a giant paint palette (which looks a heck of a lot like his shelf!) to mix colours. Genius!

For the rest of the interview head to smallwerld.com!

xx Camille Javal

Flame Haired

2011-09-29T13:12:00.007+10:00

Here are some more photos from The Leeloo Fashion Shoot!

How hot is Jenny's flame red hair?! I LOVE the orangey red hair we sprayed for this shoot! It was so easy - a cheapie coloured hairspray did the trick! Jenny was a trooper and let me spray her hair in the middle of the street :)

Leeloo: Everything you create, you use to destroy.

Korben Dallas: Yeah, we call it human nature.

- The Fifth Element

xx Camille Javal

Leeloo For A Day

2011-09-20T13:01:00.005+10:00

Korben Dallas: What's your name?

Leeloo: Leeloo Minai Lekarariba-Laminai-Tchai Ekbat De Sebat.

Korben Dallas: Good. That... that whole thing's your name, huh? Do you have, uh... a shorter name?

Leeloo: Leeloo.

Fluoro yellow high-waisted pants

One can orange hair spray

Re-watching of 5th Element

Priceless

After the first viewing of awesome 1997 film The 5th Element, I determined Next Time Someone Throws An 'L' Themed Costume Party Or Favourite Superhero Or Come As Someone Awesome I'm Dressing Up As Leeloo!

Cut to 15 years later and I settled on a Leeloo themed photoshoot instead (as I thought my friend Jenny looked remarkably like Milla Jovovich)!

Next on my dressing up bucket list - dress up as the singing blue alien (a.k.a Diva Plavalaguna) from the same film!

xx Camille Javal

Lady and The Tramp

2011-09-19T17:59:00.007+10:00

FYI Jenny you're the lady and the image behind you is the Tramp!

Melbourne has amazing street art hidden down various hidden nooks and alley's - the image above stopped me in my tracks when I chanced upon it! Although originally the artwork would have been perfect looking, I prefer the rips and tears because I think it adds to the woman's trashy look! There's also something gorgeous about art being part of the landscape and weathering over time/ being temporary and evolving like we do.

Oo that reminds me! If you haven't already seen this TED talk and you're into street art, you'll love JR's (a semi-anonymous French street artist) 25 minute talk on using art to turn the world inside out!

xx Camille Javal

What Love Looks Like

2011-09-07T11:04:00.010+10:00

The Girl Effect: The Clock is Ticking

I recently met one of the lads behind One Girl (I thought it was specially cool to see a bloke passionately creating a positive change for girls!). I loved hearing about the organisation he's a part of which is helping provide education and value to girls in Sierra Leone;

"If you're a girl in Sierra Leone, you'll only have a 1 in 6 chance of attending high school. There's a 62% chance you'll be married before your 18th birthday, and if you're really unlucky you might get married as young as 11! There's a 50% chance you'll be sexually abused before you turn 18 and it's almost guaranteed that you'll experience some kind of sexual violence in your lifetime. Not only that, but there's a 1 in 8 chance you'll die during childbirth as well."

Erm those odds are pretty terrible! I love that One Girl not only saw a need but started the ball rolling so that we can actually help meet it. Through their site, and your help, we can provide education for girls in Sierra Leone (which then has a ripple effect on future generations of women and children!).

Yay girl power (cue Spice Girls)!

xx Camille Javal

Everything Looks Good In Pastel Musk Sticks

2011-08-19T14:59:00.006+10:00

I'm a huge fan of pastel! Everything looks good clothed in pastel - including these Pretty In Pastel Musk Sticks I made for a friends engagement party! After seeing the recipe in Frankie magazine yonks ago I bookmarked it in my mind under must attempt someday! Well someday came and here are the results :)

Recipe for the cutie candies

Ingredients (makes loads - maybe 20 or more depending on your piping skills!)

1 teaspoon gelatine

1 teaspoon glucose syrup

1/3 cups water

500g icing sugar

Musk / lemon / mint / raspberry flavoring (or whatevs!)

Pretty colors

Piping bag with star nozzle (any size you like!)

To Do

In a little saucepan heat the syrup, gelatine and water over a low heat just until the gelatine dissolves.

Transfer the mix into a larger bowl and stir. Using electric beaters mix in 1/3 of the icing sugar on low speed until it's all combined. (Don't be tempted to rev up the speed - cue powder explosion!)

Repeat the beating action with another 1/3 cup of sugar until it's smooth. Then the last thirdsies!

Either make one flavor or divvy up the mixture and dye/flavor them separately. You can match the flavors with the color or confuse your friends by mixing them up :)

Line a baking tray with baking paper, then transfer the mixture to a piping bag (remembering to put the star tip in first). Overfilling piping bag = problems! Pipe similar length sticks onto the baking paper.

NOTE this took extreme arm power! Seriously... I think I gave myself tennis elbow trying to pipe them! If you're ambidextrous this will be an asset as you can change arms halfway through.

Allow the musk sticks to air dry for about 8 hours then... eat!

Mine turned out far wigglier than the ones in the example photo... I don't mind a bit of wiggle though :) If you want perfect results then prolly best to just buy em! You could always make them look a bit more profesh by trimming the ends straight across after they've hardened a little.

xx Camille Javal

Pass The Happy

2011-08-02T11:46:00.003+10:00

My Happy Tummy print has been pimped e-card style! Head to this link and you can post it online for free to your friends and hopefully pass the happy around :) You'll also be able to find hard copies around Australia at Avant Card postcard stands during the month of September!

xx Camille Javal

She's A Wildflower

2011-07-30T11:56:00.001+10:00

DAISY: What kind of garden do you come from?

ALICE: Oh, I don't come from any garden.

DAISY: Do you suppose she's a wildflower?

- Alice in Wonderland

xx Camille Javal

Jinja Safari

2011-07-25T00:36:00.003+10:00

Jinja Safari - 'Forest Eyes'

Oh - My - Golly!!!!

Do whatever you can to see the creatures from Jinja Safari live!!

Don't forget to bring your ugly dance moves.

Dress code - jungle.

xx Camille Javal

Men Wear Hair Accessories Too

2011-07-12T21:44:00.005+10:00

Blokes like to add flair to their hair too apparently! As long as the accessories are found objects (bobby pins found on the ground with a bit of rust are extra esteemed by the new wearer as there is a health risk... risk = even more manly) or recycled from a previous use (eg. shoe laces and rubber bands) then they're acceptable hair decoration!

What man accessories do you use?

The tools of the trade are hair ties, bobby pins and shampoo and conditioner. They are your friends, get to know them.

Where do you buy your man-cessories?

It is important that all accessories are found objects. Girls buy hair accessories guys find them.

xx Camille Javal

Living In A Dream

2011-07-10T19:57:00.011+10:00

"You and I have need of the strongest spell that can be found to wake us from the evil enchantment of worldliness." - C.S. Lewis

xx Camille Javal

The Man Pony

2011-07-08T21:34:00.000+10:00

I thought it would be rad to profile boys and their pony's (of the hair kind... not the mini plastic toy variety!) for my latest smallwerld.com piece!

[ The verdict however is still out on the man braid....! Thoughts? ]

Can anyone pull off a man pony?

A ponytail is accessible to all hair types, the only question is one of commitment to the cause. A beautiful luscious mane won't happen overnight and there will be setbacks along the way.

Did you used to be intimidated by the man pony?

It's true. Before I had my own pony, seeing a man with long flowing hair made me feel intimidated. They are obviously unbridled of the cares of their peers, flying high above the clouds where 'the man' can't touch them, carelessly blazing a trail... sorry what was the question?!

What reactions do you get from girls?

Girls love it. It fits perfectly into their plans to turn every man into a woman and then complain about there being no men around.

The adventure of The Man Pony has only just begun... fella's it's time to embrace long locks - if you need help rally your female friends (they're good for both hair advice and head massages!).

For the full interview click here.

xx Camille Javal

Faith + Hope + Love

2011-07-01T20:05:00.000+10:00

Three things will last forever

faith, hope + love...

But the greatest of these is -

LOVE!

xx Camille Javal

Happy Cow

2011-06-29T11:48:00.001+10:00

These kids are smiling because they just found out about a rad vegetarian and vegan website called Happy Cow! (hmm... ok maybe the kid in the back isn't too impressed - unless he's just feeling insecure about his hat) It's an online service that helps cow lovers find vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants on their traveling adventures. Some people may prefer to tip cows, but these boys tip their hats to this great site :)

xx Camille Javal

Photo's I wish I'd taken...

2011-06-23T16:14:00.000+10:00

Mariah Carey's Rainbow album

Photographed by David LaChappelle

(...And a flat belly I wish I had without doing any sit ups whatsoever!)

xx Camille Javal

And The Journal Addiction Continues...

2011-06-17T15:54:00.003+10:00

As is generally the case with craft, I find I have seasons of going off on creative tangents with a new addiction (eg... there was the crochet everything phase, the tie dye phase, the cushion cover phase, the headscarf phase, the flag phase, the button phase, the recycle old record cover phase etc etc). Journals are the latest :) I mentioned earlier that I made one for my mates birthday... well here are the latest slightly more pimped and bejeweled versions!

xx Camille Javal

The Day That I Met Luci

2011-06-17T14:09:00.000+10:00

I recently interviewed graphic designer / illustrator / creative type Luci Everett for the awesome site smallwerld.com! I love seeing other artsy folk in their creative spaces and hearing about their inspirations. (Oh and is it just me, or does the Hanson song Lucy automatically pop into anyone else's head when you hear the name Luci?! Apparently Luci is a shameless Hanson fan as am I, her fav obscure single being Madeline... FYI mines Where's The Love! Although shame on me I had no idea the boys have made another album recently - check it out here.... ok no more distractions!)

Camille: Something you've read recently that stuck with you?

Luci: Something that stuck with me recently (because I can completely relate) is Ira Glass' statement about creative beginners: "For the first couple of years you make stuff, it's just not that good, it has potential, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you... We know our work doesn't have this special thing we want it to have... you gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is a lot of work... it is only then that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. It's gonna take awhile, you've just gotta fight your way through."

Camille: Which other artists do you think are rad?

Luci: How do I choose?! Recently: Chris Silas Neal for his killer textures and colours; Joel Penkman's beautiful British food paintings; Sonnenzimmer's utterly perfect silkscreened posters - a mixture of colour, texture and composition that really sits very well with me.

If you're interested in the rest of the interview head to smallwerld.com!

xx Camille Javal

Princess Adaeze And The Kite Of Love

2011-06-16T12:31:00.007+10:00

Princess Adaeze And The Kite Of Love (2011) - Camille Hayton

A little while back a ridiculously gorgeous friend of mine Adaeze propositioned me - would I make something for her out of whatever medium I chose in exchange for some extra goods that she had and didn't want to send back?! I love creating artwork specifically with a friend in mind so it was an easy deal!

Isn't her name lovely? Adaeze's name means Daughter of a King in her dad's native Nigerian language! Her favourite colour is pink so I made sure to embrace the girly hues and her name always reminds me of the flower.

Love Higher Than The Heavens (2011) - Camille Hayton

I had Psalm 108:4 loosely in my head when I was collaging; "For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."

Adaeze is no jokes the best hugger I have ever met. Seriously I know that's a big call, but despite how slim she is her hugs are amazing. I wanted the piece that I made for her to have the same feeling as one of her hugs :) Anywho enough rambling... so here it is!

xx Camille Javal

I Heart New York

2011-06-15T09:52:00.002+10:00

Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...

xx Camille Javal

Live The Questions Now

2011-06-10T11:57:00.000+10:00

"...Try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

xx Camille Javal

Message in a Bottle

2011-05-31T21:46:00.005+10:00

Message in a Bottle (2011) - Camille Hayton

The End of The Ocean (2011) - Camille Hayton

He gathers the waters of the sea into jars...
- Psalm 33:7

Ok so it's more like a boat in a jar... but that doesn't sound quite as romantic! When I discovered this psalm the other day I fell in love with the idea of being able to bottle the ocean into a jar. That despite how massive and magnificent the sea is... at the end of the day it's potentially still finite and only a small glimpse of what could be out there still!

xx Camille Javal

A Super Man...

2011-05-28T17:28:00.001+10:00

"If I find in myself a desire than no experience in this world can satisfy, then the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

- C.S. Lewis

Things to do today:

- Be Amazing.

xx Camille Javal

Little Red

2011-05-23T13:45:00.002+10:00

Red Riding Hood hit the cinemas recently and it reminded me of a photoshoot I did last year with a costume / character passionate friend of mine :) She agreed to my little red riding hood vision so we road tripped off to the mountains with a red hood in search of fog, snow and a fairytale-esque backdrop :) These are a couple of the snaps from that shoot!

xx Camille Javal

DIY - Adventures with The Homemade Leather Journal

2011-05-14T09:29:00.001+10:00

It's Thursday and you know what that means? It's time to get your creativity on! ("Um since when did Thursday mean that?! I'm pretty sure you've never made mention of this before... I could be wrong but no I'm entirely certain you haven't...")

It's my friend Ben Abraham's birthday and he's recently been getting into drawing and sketching and unlocking that creative part of his self. Anywho I thought for his birthday pressie I'd buy him an art journal... then I thought Erm surely I can make that! And so a wee bit of googling later and the leather journal journey began...

Sometimes it's intimidating being faced with a blank page, so I printed lots of my snaps and drawings and doodles onto the pages as a starting off point! I also love the idea that when he draws over them it will add to the picture and create something new and cool.

Making this leather journal was super easy, I'm never buying a journal again! (Camille - 50 dollars says you don't keep this pledge...) You can use em for notes, quotes, writings, sketches etc... I included a range of paper types so he could mix up the medium, but you can use whatever you want. Only have newspaper lying round? Perfect bind that and you've got a cute sketchbook! And you can get creative with the leather cover too; next time you see an old leather couch thrown out on hard rubbish you can cut off a square for your journal!

xx Camille Javal

Pretty In Pink Dangly Bird Earrings

2011-05-10T16:32:00.004+10:00

Earring by CamilleJaval

I've created another piece of bird - pompom - prettiness for your ears! After losing the matching pair to so many of my favourite earrings (how come you never lose things that are easily replaceable?! Grr - it's always your fav!) I started wearing them just as single earrings, or mixing and matching all my lone earrings with each other. Anywho now I've become a fan of just wearing one beautiful statement earring rather than the matching pair... (80s flashback movies like Pretty In Pink played a part in this!).

So here's a pretty dangly earring from my label CamilleJaval! It's meant to be worn on its ownsome - big hair and fluoro clothing optional :)

xx Camille Javal

WeWood - I Would!

2011-05-09T13:52:00.001+10:00

I just read about these new woodsy watches created by WeWood! I love chunky men's oversized watches and the fact that the materials used in these babies are totally toxic/artificial free. I think they'd weather really beautifully too :) If you live down under you can order yours here (Feel free to get me one too while you're at it!).

Christmas in July is around the corner...

Dear Santa,
Pleasssssssssssse!

xx Camille Javal

Bird Bling

2011-05-03T11:16:00.006+10:00

Earrings by CamilleJaval

The other day a friend asked me when my fluoro obsession started...

Thinking back it sort of began when I was living in New York and got inspired by all the electric creativity and colorful characters there. I didn't dive completely into the fluoro deep end (you have to work your way up to it!) but started painting my nails with fluoro polish. Then back in Australia the bright colours sneaked their way into my collages and artwork, the paint was all over my skin... it was only a natural progression for it to move to my clothes and accessories!

Cut to today and it's become a full-blown obsession!

These are some of the earrings I've been making lately and selling through word of mouth. I'll put them up on my shop soon too!

I love how the birds move around and change direction; sometimes hiding and being shy... they're sort of the newer version of the mood ring :)

P.S haha I know it's a bit posey to model your own stuff, I was just the only one available at the last minute when creativity struck!

xx Camille Javal

Hat Bling!

2011-04-30T08:19:00.004+10:00

When my girlfriends and I were in Thailand we had fun playing dress ups with all the gorgeous tribal accessories we found in the villages. These hand made hats were my fav though because they had so many fun pieces all jumbled together beautifully. Any excuse to wear ridiculously large bells and shells in public really!

xx Camille Javal

I'll Be In My Studio

2011-04-26T21:11:00.002+10:00

Every time I'm in my art studio and a friend calls I get the lyrics from Spongetta's original song 'I'll Be In My Studio' in my head! She was a contestant on America's Got Talent a while back and the song is pretty hilarious. The lyrics go - "I'll be in my studio, studio...Up, Up, Up, in my studio, studio... I'll be in my studio, I'll be in my studio." According to the judges the lyrics were a bit limited. Maybe... but they sure are catchy!

Ha ha... anyway I thought I'd show you a few snaps from my art studio, at the moment it looks like a pom pom - sequin explosion has just taken place! I've been playing with birds quite a bit lately; I'll show you some of the finished products soon. Oh and I just love the photo above of the tiny pink bird perched on a woolen nest... I didn't arrange it that way on purpose, the bird just found his own way into the nest :)

xx Camille Javal

Dream Catcher

2011-04-25T19:48:00.004+10:00

You have to have a dream to have a dream come true!

The other week a friend of mine bought me this sweet porcelain bird container because she thought I could fill it with my dreams. I think it's such a brilliant idea, and I recommend you give it a go too!

All you need is a cute container or jar, even just a mason jar would look gorgeous, and every day (or week or month... whatever you choose!) write down one of your dreams on a mini piece of colored paper and tie with thread.

Looking at it each day reminds me of all the hidden dreams I've got (loads of which don't seem remotely likely at the moment but hey!) and the importance of having dreams in our life... they're like our car fuel!

"Looking at the stars always makes me dream" - Vincent Van Gogh

xx Camille Javal

Eve...

2011-04-20T13:38:00.000+10:00

The story of a girl, an apple and a broken relationship with the lover of her soul.

xx Camille Javal

Soul Full Art

2011-04-18T13:25:00.004+10:00

Fluoro Barbie (2011) - Camille Hayton

Hello Monday! Here's some colour to lift your post weekend back to work blues :) I've popped this print on my etsy along with Head in the Clouds.

I watched the film Never Let Me Go the other week and I love the connection the writer makes in the film about art and our soul:

"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it to prove you had souls at all." - Kazuo Ishiguro

xx Camille Javal

Head in The Clouds

2011-04-15T16:26:00.007+10:00

Head in The Clouds (2011) - Camille Hayton

Happy almost finished last day of the working week!

Here's a final bit of creativity for the week. I made this collage from part of the bigger image I posted earlier this week called The Promise. I love making big collages and then breaking them down and finding smaller parts of the image that tell their own story.

The text in this image reads;

"Look up at the heavens and see..."
- Job 35:5

It should be up on my shop next Mondy :)

xx Camille Javal

Fashion Has Gone All Fun

2011-04-13T11:14:00.001+10:00

Model - Jenny Kristen Laven

It appears that fashion has gone all fun again! The catwalks at the moment are finally embracing fluoro and flamboyant as everyday wear.

"I want fashion to be fun again, like it was in the 60s. You couldn't wait to get the clothes and put them on, and I think we've lost that." - Tom Ford

"It's time to be bold!" - Prada

I'm so glad, because I generally choose my daily outfit based around the concept of What would be the most fun thing I could wear today?!

A little while back I was an extra in an 80s television flashback scene. It was ridiculously fun dressing up in parachute pants, bright blue eyeshadow, baggy fluoro jumpers and as much kitsch and pattern as we could humanly wear in one day! Cut to 8 hours later and the 'naughties' day extras arrived... wearing, yup, a very exciting combination of black and more black. They just didn't look anywhere near as fun as the 80s crew or as comfy - those parachute pants feel like you're wearing your pjs in public (pretty much the ultimate fashion indulgence)!

xx Camille Javal

The Promise

2011-04-09T23:47:00.008+10:00

The Promise (2011) - Camille Hayton

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

Drum roll... and here's the finished collage I've been working on! I showed you the work in progress a few weeks ago and finally put the finishing touches, well um more like clouds, dots, stripes etc, on it!

Here are a few thoughts about it:

I feel like so often I’m questioning and wanting to know the answers before I begin - but the key is often to just start moving. A lot of the time the questions don’t seem to get answered specifically, but as we just trust and keep moving forward the picture gets revealed.

I think the real focus of this piece is actually the centre. Even though it’s the least busy area it is still full of movement and change, not static as the middles of life can often feel like at the time (only later in hindsight we see this period was necessary in bringing about the better change in our lives!).

Sorry I've been a bit quiet the past few weeks, but I've been moving into my new art studio! So excited to finally bite the bullet and rent a space to get my creative on.

xx Camille Javal

I don't have as much fluoro in my wardrobe as I should...!

2011-03-25T21:41:00.004+11:00

My friend both laughed and agreed when I made that statement the other week. I just can't seem to get enough Fluoro or Feathers in my life at the moment!

xx Camille Javal

Thursday Prettyness

2011-03-24T21:34:00.000+11:00

One final pic from The Hotel Shoot... I think Jill looks extra specially lovely in this one :)

xx Camille Javal

A Girl Called Washington

2011-03-22T20:29:00.000+11:00

Sunday Best - Megan Washington

How To Tame Lions - Megan Washington

Halloween - Megan Washington

"She weighs half as much as her keyboard but she could punch out your Dad.

Yes, she is a female singer songwriter…but she’s not shy and retreating or cute. BUT: she’s not 10 tons of slut in a mini skirt and nipple tape belly dancing on a crucifix."

How could you not love a girl who goes by that description?! I'm having a tough time trying to pick which of her songs is my favourite... she manages to mix a little bit of all the stuffs I love in each of her music video clips. Seriously, listen to these clips and try not to fall in love with her music!

According to her mum her record is very good, so that means it really truly must be :)

xx Camille Javal

Spontaneous Hotel Photoshoots

2011-03-19T20:14:00.000+11:00

Some of my favourite fashion shoots over the years have been the; spontaneous-light-was-falling-on-the-scene-in-a-really-beautiful-way-and-the-subject-in-front-looked-perfectly-placed-like-they'd-suddenly-found-themselves-set-in-a-magazine-shoot... :)

Well anyway, that's what happened when my friend Jill and I were mucking around in our hotel room in Thailand. We were waiting for another friend to finish getting frocked up so we could head out and all of a sudden inspiration struck, and The Photoshoot was on! An hour later we were having so much fun we (almost) didn't want to head out...

Jill was my hotel roomie buddy in Thailand and I miss our late night chats. Jill sent me a text the other day thanking me for teaching her how to brush her teeth! Ha ha I had totally forgotten giving a mini tutorial on the details of my teeth brushing.

xx Camille Javal

Happy Weekend!

2011-03-04T17:35:00.003+11:00

Ana Kulaia

Dear God,

God help us with ideas, those thoughts which inform the way we live and the things we do. Let us not seize upon ideas, neither shall we hunt them down nor steal them away. Rather let us wait faithfully for them to approach, slowly and gently like creatures from the wild. And let them enter willingly into our hearts and come and go freely within the sanctuary of our contemplation, informing our souls as they arrive and being enlivened by the inspiration of our hearts as they leave. These shall be our truest thoughts. Our willing and effective ideas. Let us treasure their humble originality. Let us follow them gently back into the world with faith that they shall lead us to lives of harmony and integrity.

Amen.

- Leunig

xx Camille Javal

Wildfox White Label Spring 2011

2011-03-03T12:06:00.002+11:00

Wildfox White Label Spring 2011 Lookbook

Today's Theme: Friends of the Forest meets Sparkly Brit Babe!

My friend introduced me to Wildfox the other day because she thought we'd get along.

We get along smashingly :) Especially the flower tee and sparkly fox top - so pretty!

xx Camille Javal

The Silver Lining

2011-03-02T15:46:00.006+11:00

"Silver Lining"

Hey Lovelies!

I thought I'd pop up a piece that I'm working on at the moment... this is just the work in progress stage at the moment but sometimes it's nice to see how a piece evolves. I know this is a bit darker and more trippy than my usual style! That's because Silver Lining is only the left part of the image - the full image and I are having creative issues that still need to be nutted out!

Okey back to work!

xx Camille Javal

Currently saturating my wardrobe with Fluoro Fashion!

2011-03-01T10:26:00.003+11:00

Photographed and Styled by Camille Javal

Today's theme: Punchy Kaleidoscope Crazy!

It's no secret that I don't think you can ever have too much color in your wardrobe :) My friend went shopping the other week and after picking up a black dress heard my voice in her head (something along the lines of "That's a nice dress - if only it wasn't black!").

I bought the amazing top above from Thai designer Walk With Grandam when I was playing in Bangkok. Actually I fell so in love with it, and the price, that I bought 3 - a pastel and fluoro yellow version too!

xx Camille Javal

Monday Morning Manga Meets Bohemian Fashion Fix

2011-02-28T09:30:00.001+11:00

Spring Summer 2011

Here's a peak at Tsumori Chisato's pop - manga - bohemian cuteness for you to go aaaahhhhhhh over!

I love the bold prints and healthy dose of kitsch, sparkly and graceful loveliness. This collection pays homage to the Japanese designer's favorite things and marks her 20th anniversary for making fun yet elegant clothes.

"The look was a sort of mixed-up, manga version of the Parisian gamine/sophisticate, with smartly girlish dresses in bold childlike prints, finished with proper little hats and fab spectator oxford wedge booties." - style .com

xx Camille Javal

Colorful Things Make Me Happy :)

2011-02-26T14:56:00.000+11:00

xx Camille Javal

Thai Tribal Tea Party

2011-02-25T16:50:00.000+11:00

Caro likes surprises so my girlfriends and I thought we'd throw her a mini Thai Tribal Tea Party in a gorgeous hidden teahouse in Chiang Mai for her birthday! The front of the shop looked fairly same same but once you took a walk through the store and out the back it became an outdoor Wonderland meets Miss Dinsmore's House From Great Expectations meets The Secret Garden!

And the keys to throwing a Thai Tea Party?

♥ BYO paper lights and gorgeous beaded bolero's to make it a really magical setting

♥ Fruit smoothies

♥ Colorful Thai sweets and treats

♥ Good friends

xx Camille Javal

Preferred Mode of Transport - Taxi, Tuk Tuk or Elephant

2011-02-24T11:39:00.005+11:00

Hailed a taxi - 60 Baht
Stunning new nautical birthday dress from Thai boutique - 500 Baht
Girl's night out in Chiang Mai - 200 Baht
Dancing in the back of a taxi - Priceless!

xx Camille Javal

Popstar Angel

2011-01-20T10:57:00.002+11:00

After seeing Jessie's interview my other little sister Angel convinced me to interview her too!

So Angel talks boys and celebrities below (you can read a mini interview I did with her a year ago here):

Camille: Now that you're a bit older, have you changed your mind about what you want to be when you grow up?
Angel: I still want to be a Popstar!
Camille: How come?
Angel: Because my hobby is singing and dancing.

Camille: Do you have a favorite Popstar then?
Angel: Ah! That's a tricky one I have lots of favorites! I can't pick just one... Hey stop writing that!
Camille: Haha... :)
Angel: Ok, fine my favorite Popstar is Justin Bieber.

Camille: Do you have a crush on any boys at the moment?
Angel: I can't say!
Camille: He's not going to read it! You can't lie this is an OFFICIAL interview.
Angel: Jack - I don't know how to say his last name.
Camille: Where do you know Jack from?
Angel: From Echo beach.
Camille: What does he look like?
Angel: No! Fine... he has blonde hair and is a friend of Bernard's.
Camille: So he's a bule? (Indonesian slang for a white person)
Angel: Yup!
Camille: How are you going to let him know you like him?
Angel: Maybe a Valentine's Day card... Hey what about my favorite food or age?!

Camille: Ok... how old are you?
Angel: 8. No 8 and a half.

Camille: What do you think of your little sister Jessie?
Angel: She really makes me crazy!

Camille: What do you think of your big sister Camille?
Angel: Oh come on! That is easy, I like her and she's really nice and I love her.
(I promise I didn't pay her to say that! But I did buy her cute earrings...)

xx Camille Javal

Introducing the newest baby GAP model!

2011-01-18T18:43:00.006+11:00

Meet my baby sister Jessie! Ok, so maybe she hasn't been signed up as a GAP baby model just yet, but I think she has perfected the moves and poses perfectly. I remember as a 1 year old she would do the most hilarious dance impression of Brittney Spears!

One of my girlfriends met Jessie the other day and informed her - Jessie you're an above average speaker! It's true, she's a pretty rad little kid.

Here's a mini interview with the lovely lady:

Camille: Jessie what's your favourite food?
Jessie: Carrot.
Camille: Why?
Jessie: Because rabbit's like eating carrots.

Camille: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Jessie: A horsie.
Camille: And if you couldn't be a horse...?
Jessie: A donkey then.

Camille: What do you like to do on the weekend?
Jessie: I like to make funny faces.

Camille: What do you think of your big sister Camille?
Jessie: Angel said to say I like you.

Camille: How old are you?
Jessie: 3 years old.

Camille: What's your favourite song?
Jessie: I want to see your peacock, your peacock... hit me baby...

Hmm... not sure about that last one! I guess they don't have The Wiggles in Indonesia...

xx Camille Javal

Colorful Things Make Me Happy :)

2011-01-09T11:53:00.000+11:00

Sony Bravia Paint Ad

xx Camille Javal

The Colors of Hope

2011-01-07T10:24:00.000+11:00

O Morro (The Hill)

Have you heard of the Dutch boys putting their rainbow colored stamp on a slum in Santa Marta, Rio De Janeiro?!

"The Favela Painting Project creates striking artworks, collaborating with local people to use art as a tool to inspire, create beauty, combat prejudice and attract attention."

Apparently they got the locals to help paint their community with colorful rays by paying them a wage and teaching them about painting.

The final result is the gorgeous artwork above that spans over 34 houses! (I'm getting a vision for Dream Space Blue - The Sequel!)

The boys dream is to attract enough funds to return to Rio later this year and continue working on the project, potentially transforming the slum into one of the greatest community driven artworks of our time. To help them with their dream you can visit their site heres.

Wow. Wow. I love :)

xx Camille Javal

My Summer Uniform

2011-01-04T21:32:00.000+11:00

I have found my uniform for the summer - it's so closely named to the season I knew it was meant to be - Strummer!

Question: Strummer how do you manage to make leather Akubra hats so free-spirited and bohemian looking?!

xx Camille Javal

Hello New Year!

2010-12-31T23:13:00.000+11:00

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." - Cesare Pavese

Bye Bye Twenty Ten - Hello 2011! We had our ups and downs together this past year - loved ones lost, new friendships made, old friendships deepened, brunches and bike rides.

But I'm looking forward to the adventure of 2011. First up - hello South East Asia!

Hope you all have a lovely New Years Eve and make sure to dream up plenty of exciting new things for the year ahead.

"Sometimes it's in the not knowing whether or not we're on the 'right' path that we gain the most clarity and freedom to explore our creative spirit. After all, there are no cookie-cutter experiences when it comes to living the creative life. We don't have to necessarily know and control every step along the way. Our creative spirit is asking us to let go, to embrace the idea that all moments are key moments in the big picture of our creative lives. - Kelly Rae Roberts Taking Flight

xx Camille Javal

Left Over Red Velvet Candy Cane Cupcakes!

2010-12-30T09:08:00.000+11:00

These cupcakes have been nick named: Post Christmas Red Velvet Crushed Candy Cane Cupcakes with Mr Whippy Hats!

Wondering what to do with all your left over candy canes, or the reduced to clear crushed one's you find at the supermarket?! Sprinkle them over your fluffy white cupcake frosting and they will melt into the icing and infuse it with minty post Christmas memories and goodness!

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

[According to the recipe I based these cuppies on this is the BEST EVER red velvet cupcake recipe... I've not made anything red velvety before so can't vouch for the authenticity of that strong declaration... but they were very fluffy and good though!]

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tbsp red food coloring (the better quality food coloring you use the less you have to put in)

1/2 cup boiling water

6 tbsp butter, softened

2 tbsp vegetable shortening

1 2/3 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cider vinegar

1 tsp baking soda

Preheat the oven to 165 degrees Celsius ish and line your cupcake pan with mini paper liners (I think the mini ones are cuter but you can make any size that you fancy).

In a small bowl mix the cocoa powder, food coloring and boiling water - then pop aside.

In a separate bowl, beat butter and shortening until blended then continue beating in sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

Stir in buttermilk and vanilla into cocoa mixture.

Alternate adding flour, salt and buttermilk mixture into butter/sugar mixture.

In another small bowl or cup (I know lots of dishes to clean up after this one!), sprinkle baking soda over vinegar and mix. Pour over batter and mix until incorporated.

Scoop the batter among cupcake liners and bake for 25 minutes in the oven.

Remove cupcakes from the pan and allow to cool on a cooling rack before icing them with fluffy white Mr. Whippy frosting!

Fluffy White Mr. Whippy Frosting

1 cup white sugar

1/3 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (if won't be white white if you use the colored stuff...)

1 tablespoon Wilton's meringue powder (this helps to stiffen it and make peaks)

Crushed candy canes

In an electric mixing bowl whip the egg whites and vanilla to soft peaks.

While the eggs are busy doing their thang, you can stir the sugar, water and cream of tartar together in a saucepan. Cook over a medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.

Gradually add the sugar mixture to the egg whites while whipping constantly until firm peaks form, about 7 to 10 minutes should do the trick.

Frost the cuppies and sprinkle with cachous and crushed candy canes! I preferred to frost them by hand so that I could create mini icicles and peaks, but you could use your piping kit if you're hooked on that.

xx Camille Javal

You Will Lose Your Heart To These Dior Rose Jewels...

2010-12-29T14:09:00.006+11:00

Oh no I've accidentally just gotten hooked on Christian Dior's 2010 Rose collections!

This is a very contagious condition so watch out, one look and you'll be inflicted too! I was just in the right place at the right time I guess...

Earlier last month Christian Dior released four new collections of lovely sparkly rose inspired rings and accessories - Bois de Rose, Rose Dior Pre Catelan, Rose Dior Bagatelle and Precieuse Rose.

I'm in love with them all, I can't online-window-shopping-choose :)

Dior was inspired not just by the flower itself, but the stems as well “rose stems wrapped around your finger, make jewelry distributed poetic tenderness, like a romantic declaration or a symbol of eternal love.”

Sigh. Love!

xx Camille Javal

Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes + The Massacred Christmas Tree

2010-12-27T20:50:00.009+11:00

Today's Christmas cupcake's are titled Mini Gingerbread Moments (and the Massacred Christmas Tree)! While the chocolate Christmas tree's look fairly healthy in the photo above, they sadly didn't stand as proudly by the time I got to my Christmas lunch :( As I was sitting on the train I looked down at the container they were temporarily housed in and couldn't help but laugh - the trees looked like a lumberjack had gone through the forest and hacked them all over! Next time I'll have to make the trunks of the trees a little stronger.

Anywho if you're a fellow lover of all things gingerbready then as promised here's the recipe for them below:

Gingerbread Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

113.5g butter, room temp

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 tsp ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp ground cloves

2 tsp cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch salt

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

Sift the flour and baking soda onto a sheet of baking paper. In a separate bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, spices, vanilla and salt. Beat in molasses, and then eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream until well combined. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter. Pour into mini lined cupcake patties and bake at 185 degrees for 20 minutes.

These mini baby's don't rise that much so don't overfill the patty cases or they just sort of flop over the sides very inelegantly!

Ginger Caramel Frosting - A.K.A Sooooooooooooo Good :)

125g butter

200g brown sugar

80ml cream

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp honey

2 cups icing sugar

Melt the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until it's caramely and lovely.

Remove from the heat and stir in the cream, honey and spices. Allow to cool until lukewarm.

Gradually stir in the sifted icing sugar and cool the mixture completely (you can pop it in the fridge to speed this up... or just go phone a friend and catch up on your emails).

Beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Pipe the frosting onto your cupcakes using whatever tip you like, I chose a large round one that is usually used for piping cream into chocolate eclairs, but you could use anything that takes your fancy.

The Finishing Touches

The fun part of these cupcakes is that you can make the gingerbread cupcakes and ginger caramel frosting, then easily put different finishing touches on them! I think they'd both look stylish at an engagement party too.

Variation 1 - Chocolate Christmas Tree

The chocolate Christmas tree is a spin off from one I made last year for The Man Cake. Attach a small round piping tip to a bag (perhaps a #3 or #4) and fill the piping bag with melted dark chocolate (I initially used milk chocolate because it tastes better but alas the extra milky goodness means it doesn't hold it's shape enough... best save that block for post cooking munching!). Then go nuts piping trees on a sheet of baking paper! It helps if you move your whole arm, rather than just your hand. It's pretty messy and takes practice but you can just nibble at all your mistakes as you go! Let them harden before you attempt to plant them in your icing (before it sets you could attach a silver cachous on the top of the tree for the star). If you like things to be more matchy matchy then you could draw your design on a piece of paper first, and place this under the baking paper to trace over. Or just go with the flow and see what happens :)

Variation 2 - Mini Wafers

This design is super easy and came about after I discovered a packet of mini wafers in my pantry! Break them in half and wedge them in the icing. Done!

xx Camille Javal

A Christmas Tea Party

2010-12-26T22:59:00.005+11:00

Merry Merry Christmas Lovelies!
Just thought I'd post a few pics from the dessert part of my family Christmas yesterday! (Part one was spent picnic style in the park and part two tea party style at my grandma's place)

Oh and tomorrow I'll post a recipe for the mini gingerbread cupcakes I baked!

xx Camille Javal

Festive Fashion

2010-12-22T20:47:00.002+11:00

Um wow. Don't you think Lela Rose's Spring 2011 Fashion Collection is absolutely gorgeous?!

Let's see...
Whimsy? Check!
Citrus Colour? Check!
Beautiful Embellished Fabrics? Check!

Although apparently these dresses are from her Wedding collection, they look so festive and happy I reckon they'd be perfect for the Christmas season too. (Note to Santa...)

xx Camille Javal

"Jam Session"

2010-12-22T19:16:00.010+11:00

If you're like me and you prefer to make/bake or create Christmas presents for your friends and family instead of just buying them something (NOTE it is irrelevant that they would most likely just prefer an itunes voucher...) then perhaps my article from a past issue of The Big Issue will inspire you to get your thrifty baking on and whip up some jam?!

Determined to be both thrifty and a mini Martha, Camille Hayton doesn’t let her lack of experience (and scales) stop her trying to make jam.

I have just become the owner of a gorgeous vintage apron with polka dots and a ruffle on the hem. I’m having Martha Stewartesque visions of myself baking treats for my family and friends; no more store-bought condiments – from now on, everything is to be homemade! I’m not the only one thinking like this. Our shaky economic situation is bringing out people’s thrifty roots, with many returning to the hearth to bake rather than buy.

I start by whipping up some jam.

Maybe I could make quirky little fabric hats to go on the jars and…oh…DIY labels would be so cute! Homemade gifts are so much more thoughtful, and my friends will be chuffed. I’ve never made jam before, but Nigella Lawson assures me it is simple and that I can be a domestic goddess, too. It can’t be that hard, surely?

After flipping through a dozen cookbooks on making your own preserves, I’m ready to lose my jam virginity. I’ve decided to make peach-and-cinnamon-flavoured jam because peaches are in season and it sounds much more exotic then plain raspberry jam. Cinnamon may become my signature zing.

A small voice in my head suggests that maybe I should make a test batch first, rather than using all the ingredients at once… Pfft! I don’t have time for that; I have to be at work in two hours!

I can’t locate any measuring scales, so I estimate the weight of the peaches. After popping all the ingredients in the saucepan, a volcano of froth erupts over the sides. I furiously scoop the foaming mess off the top and give it a nice stir, because that’s what chefs do. Then I read the part in the recipe that says do not stir.

My housemate comes home during the middle of my mess-making exercise and says the house smells great. I feel somewhat comforted. If my mixture doesn’t end up tasting like jam, at least it has a pleasant odour. Then I peer in dismay into the pot of lumpy peaches, which float in a pool of greyish liquid.

They say baking is a science and that you must follow a recipe. But I say that if one other person confirms that, yes, it’s okay to make stuff up then you can officially go for it. For example: Me – “Do you think it’s okay if I give it a bit of a mash?” Housemate – “Erm…yes, for sure.” Done! After giving the peaches a good mashing, the consistency is still funny, but at least slightly less blobby.

I turn up the heat again, hoping the concoction will become more jam-like. Then, as I have only five minutes before work, I scoop the (still runny) concoction into little jars. I should note here that you have to sterilise the jars first to avoid contaminating your friends. I know you can put the glass part of the jar in boiling water, but I’m not sure about the rubber lip. A quick call to Mum reaps an answer: just put it in at the end for a shorter period of time.

To my delight (and surprise) the brew becomes more solid as it cools! (I find out later that I might have made marmalade, but I’m not much of a food connoisseur so I’m fine with leaving it under the jam umbrella.)

I might not have the cooking finesse of Nigella, but I’ve got the fingers-in-the-bowl-licking-the-spoon part down. And the final result tastes, well, pretty darn incredible actually! Fruit and sugar taste good together, no matter what the consistency – especially on scones, ice cream, cake and toast. My jam/slush is a huge success and I’ve been getting requests for more.

There are a few things to consider for next time. I am already having visions of rhubarb and vanilla with cinnamon jam…or maybe fig and blueberry! Make the jam in small batches. For maximum appreciation and praise, give your jam to fellow craft lovers and nanna types. Finally, if you make a cute hat for the jar it will distract recipients from the content’s consistency, and looks pretty in the pantry.

xx Camille Javal

C is for Christmas...

2010-12-19T22:15:00.001+11:00

... and cupcakes :)

xx Camille Javal

A Countdown To Christmas With Cake!

2010-12-16T19:17:00.000+11:00

Today's cake is titled The Christmas Carousel!

While I was baking the wedding cake the other day I had an idea for a Christmas cake - so trying not to procrastinate from my immediate task of weddingness I scribbled it down for later. I ended up baking a mini chocolate mud cake with the left over cake batter as well and froze it ready for a pre Christmas festivity that required a cake with its Christmas on!

I used all the same icing/piping techniques as the wedding cake below, but I love that the final outcome couldn't be more different! It's amazing how with a few tricks up your sleeve you can create so many different cake designs.

TIPS!

To make the red and white striped cake collar I rolled 6 pieces of ready roll icing into snakes (play dough style!) and then rolling pinned them so they joined together. I like that the lines are all wonky but I'm not very particular about things like that... if you want your lines super straight then I'm sure a bit more patience than I have would be required! (You might need to brush a little water over the back to help them glue together)

I made the little red blossom flowers with a blossom cutter, and piped yellow royal icing in their middles. The technique is the same as when I made the daisies earlier this year.

Um what else?! Oh the flags! To make those I just used some of the left over florists wire with a coloured diamond folded in half over the wire.

xx Camille Javal

Naughty and Nice

2010-12-15T13:12:00.005+11:00

Cox, Cookies and Cake are taking the girly factor out of cupcakes and replacing it with bold and brassy designs! Don't expect to find Santa Claus or his Red Nosed friend adorning any of their Christmas cupcakes - they're delivering the stylish and modern designs above!

1. Bauble Cake - "A delicious rich brandy chocolate truffle cake smothered in chocolate/brandy frosting and topped with a gorgeous glittery chocolate Christmas tree bauble."

2. Holly Cake - "A super Christmassy sweet orange cake with juicy seasonal cranberries covered in our classic vanilla frosting, decorated with a glitter covered holly leaf molded out of white chocolate."

3. Snowflake Cake - " A wonderful wintery gingerbread cake covered in a delicious rich honey frosting, topped with an oversize gold glittery white sugar snowflake."

4. Bling Cake (my favourite!) - "A raspberry cake with a juicy raspberry compote centre, decorated with pink icing and sparkling sugar ‘diamonds’."

Apparently staff wear studded black leather aprons and black jeans. Bah Humbug!

xx Camille Javal

Peony Roses, Romance and The Wedding Cake!

2010-12-12T21:59:00.007+11:00

So - here's the final wedding cake!

It ended up a tad pinker than I was expecting, and much more romancy... but I suppose you can never have enough kitschy love themed things at a wedding so I think it passed.

I marbled the icing on the top tier of the cake, partly because I liked the aesthetic of it, but mostly because I got lazy trying to knead the colors to make them perfectly mixed together :)

Oh and I inserted 3 wooden skewers into the cake to support the top tier so the cake didn't collapse volcano style!

Phew... now it's cup of tea time.

xx Camille Javal

Cakes for Romantic Occasions

2010-12-11T21:02:00.016+11:00

Phew! So I've recovered from Camille and The Wedding Cake Bake Chapter 2! (To read about my first adventures you can start heres)

Things you can learn from The Camilleon to hopefully make your own wedding cake baking adventure run more smoothly!

♥ TIP #1 - Make the mud cake 2 days before you plan to decorate it... mud cakes take much much longer to cool in the tin then you would expect... around 5 hours for the biggest layer! So doing the baking part beforehand will save you staying up all night decorating like me!
♥ TIP # 2 - When choosing the ribbon to wrap around the bottom of the cake test to see if it cuts with a clean edge (rather than fraying). 'Glue' it to the back of your cake with a little royal icing and hide the join by attaching a small bow to the back.
♥ TIP #3 - I made some cute heart flags by painting paper hearts and sticking two back-to-back style on the top of florists wire.
♥ TIP # 4 - Figuring out how to transport the cake is almost as difficult as the baking/decorating part! And the part I leave till the last possible moment because I assume it will work itself out (um it doesn't!). I ended up devising a method that involved part popping the assembled cake into a box, part securing the base of the cake stand with towels and part using polystyrene off cuts to wedge the stand tightly into place. Despite a 1 1/2 hour journey to the farm reception with potholes and crazy turns I managed to manoeuvre the cake fairly unscathed! It's worth taking a mini cake repairing kit though to do touch ups :)

I'll put the finished cake up next post but here are some pre-snaps of the preparation!

xx Camille Javal

The Christmas Cupcake

2010-12-08T10:27:00.002+11:00

I love how during the window of December 1st to December 25th Christmas themed things are considered joyful to the world and kitschy and adorable (outside this window however, even by just a day, and they're ridiculously irritating). So as I am safely within the Christmas period I thought I'd post some Christmas cupcake inspiration!

(Oh and the icing to cake ratio of these cupcakes are a big hit with kids!)

Anywho, I'm actually supposed to be planning a wedding cake that I'll be baking tomorrow so must get back to musing about "cakes for romantic occasions"!

xx Camille Javal

What The World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love

2010-12-07T08:59:00.001+11:00

"... No, not just for some but for everyone :)"

xx Camille Javal

An Eliza Doolittle sort of Day!

2010-12-06T12:55:00.002+11:00

Eliza Doolittle "Pack Up"

xx Camille Javal

The Underworld

2010-12-01T14:07:00.006+11:00

Underworld (2008) - Camille Hayton

Wings of The Wind (2010) - Camille Hayton

New day, new print :) I just popped the above collages onto my etsy!

P.S It's always so exciting and encouraging to hear people responding positively to your artwork.

After seeing my 'Forget Me Nots' print Wendy Miles wrote about her response to my collage on her blog;

"Some days we just have to allow our hearts to say good-bye so that we can find something new...let it weep a little and before you know it, something bright and unexpected will come your way!"

xx Camille Javal

French Men and Fashion

2010-11-30T12:17:00.008+11:00

Now for the French men!! Before going to Paris I don't think I'd ever seen so many handsome fella's in one city. Not to mention stylishly dressed. Below the boys give their opinions on life, love, Paris and fashion!

ADRIEN BRUNIER

Tell us about your outfit: My navy pullover is St JAMES, my jeans 511 Levi’s, the boots are Jean Baptiste Rotureau and my father’s vintage bag.

Where are you heading: I’m going to my agency Rue Cambo to get my castings for the day.

Favorite French food: About french food- so many meals! I really like cheese and French "patisserie". I used to live in South Britania so I like "crepes" which are the main specialty of that place.

ANDRE DE HAES

Tell us about your outfit: These linen pants are from Madrid, they are Bonachelo and they’ve seen the world! The sunglasses are Ray Ban, I bought them in Thailand.

Did you deliberately co-ordinate your red sunglasses with your pants and bag? Definitely not telling you if I did! I just happen to co-ordinate….

PHILLIPE LECOMPTE

Tell us about your outfit: I put clothes on a style sport and smart.

What’s your life motto: My philosophy is ‘It’s the last sick, the youngest man.’
(?! I think we may have had language barrier issues! Bless his beautiful pipe and orange jumper.)

RICHARD

Favorite French expression: I love a quote by Rene Lezard years ago: ''Sorry it's expensive". Also FCUK had a nice one: "Supposedly there are things more important than fashion! Yeah right!”

Favorite French food: The food in France is so refined, so I could mention many dishes, but just a croissant- you'll never get the taste of a croissant at the same level of those in France!

Favorite way to spend the day: Probably don’t wake up to early, have a good breakfast with all the right ingredients and a newspaper. See a museum, shop a bit.. After that have a swim in the late afternoon in the sea, a good and long dinner including red wine... home to chill a bit and have some sex with the missus.. After that go out flirt here and there, have a few drinks (whiskey) and go home, have a good shower.. Time to sleep.

DIMITRI SMILENKO

Tell us about your outfit: No tags.

Favorite French expression: “Saperlipopette!”

Where are you heading? To celebrate my son Fetch’s birthday with buddies at a Japanese restaurant.

AHMAD SMATI

Tell us about your outfit: I have a lot of jeans: Cheap Monday, Hell Bells, Dr Denim…I like to cut my t-shirts and wear old clothes of my mother and my father. I also like to wear neckerchiefs and to carry bracelets as well as rings.

Favorite French expression: "Take the best and f*ck the rest!"

Favorite way to spend the day: My favorite day is without school, then I can wake up at ten or eleven. When I wake up I like to drink a coffee and my cigarette with some music (MGMT, Babyshambles, The Cure), then see my friends and play music with some chicks :)

xx Camille Javal

French Fall Fashion in Parieee!

2010-11-29T14:54:00.008+11:00

Below 6 gorgeous women in Paris muse about fashion, food and life!

VALERIE BERTHIER

Tell us about your outfit: I bought the scarf in Bali from a French designer who works with silk. The bag is by the French designer Vanessa Bruno, there are lots of designers who are special in France but she is one of my favourite.

Favourite French expression: “Putain!” It’s a bit rude! It’s not my favourite but I know I say it very naturally. It’s literal meaning is; ‘its not a bitch/its just the job of a woman’!

CORDELIA HOUEL

Tell us about your outfit: My coat comes from a French shop Comptoir des Cotonniers; I immediately fell for its bright color and its trapezoid form months ago when their autumn collection came out, and I finally bought it two days ago! My shoes are from the famous British brand New Look which has recently come to France.

Where were you heading: I was with a friend, just walking in St-Germain des Près because my school has asked me to go and visit many different shops and write down the trends. That is supposed to be an exercise and St-Germain is the very best place to discover the latest trends.

JACQUELINE LENARD

Where are you heading: My friend and I are heading to some vintage stores around Rue Faubourg St Honoré, then we’re going to the Louvre. Finally we’ll go home to find some other friends and go out clubbing at Regine's!

What do you love about Paris: What definitely makes the charm of Paris is that you never know what your day is going to look like, nor which person you'll meet. Paris is full of surprises! Most of the time we're too lazy to take the metro; so we just sit down on a bench or café and observe people who pass. It’s so funny to notice the variety of the styles and character!

ISABELLE VIVIERNAME

Tell us about your outfit: I’m wearing a dress from Zara, which I've redesigned the back of, an old pair of Ash boots, a pareo worn as a scarf and a vintage jacket I found in my mother's cupboard. I like to go through my mother’s cupboard and reinvent the clothes I liked when I was 12 or 14.

Favorite French food: I come from the south of France and grew up with all the Mediterranean flavors; sunny fruits such as peaches, apricots or redcurrants, vegetables with olive oil, and al dente pasta with everything you could find in your fridge on it.

JILL CAYTAN

Tell us about your outfit: I’m actually wearing this because I’ve just been at a press conference at Christie's auction house about Yves Saint Laurent's fine art collection. But I usually don't dress so formally! The blouse is a vintage silk blouse that used to belong to my aunt in the 60’s, the jacket is H&M by Stella McCartney, the skirt is American Apparel, the shoes Marc Jacobs, the bag Chloë and the belt vintage Armani.

What do you do: I am currently working on production of a documentary about Yves Saint Laurent at his foundation.

Favorite French expression: Yves Saint Laurent: ‘La Mode passé, le style reste’ = Fashion goes, Style remains.

ERIC MENARD and ANNE VON KELLER

Tell us about your outfit:

Anne: The jacket, dress and the cardigan are from a flea market in Berlin, the shoes are a gift from the mother of a friend and the sunglasses I found.

Eric (not a French woman of course!): I found the hat on the street in Berlin, the jacket was a gift from my roommate, the pullover is a gift from my mother, I bought the trousers one day before in Paris at Jean Paul Gaultier and the shoes are Vans.

Favorite way to spend the day: Sleeping when it rains and walking around when it's sunny.

xx Camille Javal