Winners! We're all winners!

Except that the people who won the Have Prods - Will Travel travel pack competition are the real winners. The rest of us are just "winners".

The winners have been drawn and emailed. If for some reason the prizes aren't claimed within four weeks, the next names down will get the nod. (Obviously I mean they will win the prizes if they get the nod, not fall asleep. That just doesn't make sense, silly!)

 
Thanks for playing!

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The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode one

I have to preface the Stuff That I Bought Giftsmas Guide – you guys know that I am always incredibly honest and transparent with disclosing what has been sent to me for review and what I have purchased myself. I pride myself on this and it’s something I take very seriously because I value my credibility. The Giftsmas Guide is a mixed bag – most of it has been purchased by me but a couple of items that have been offered to me for review are included. For once, I won’t be indicating what is what because a lot of the items I have included are real gifts that I am giving people in my life over the following weeks and I don’t want surprises to be ruined!! I hope you all understand this and can appreciate why I am doing it.

One of the MOST important things about going to someone else’s home for a Christmas celebration is manners. My amazing Godmother has always instilled in me that being a grateful guest is of the utmost importance – you should never turn up empty handed and you should always write a thank you note. I adore having her over for dinner because she always brings homemade cookies as a hostess gift (yum!) and sends really thoughtful notes afterwards that make all the effort of preparing a meal worthwhile.

If you don’t have the time or skills to bake a little hostess gift, then these are a few of my favourites that I will be rolling out over the coming weeks:

CANDLES never go out of style and are always appreciated. Pop into Kit because they always have a great range. My favourites are the Caramel Archipelago ($52.95), which is like filling your home with the amazing scent of dessert all. the. time., or the Kit limited-edition Fresh Pear, Crisp Apple and Vanilla ($44.95) which is super-fresh and just the right mix of sweet and creamy. If you have never burnt a pear candle in your home, then you’re missing out.

SOAP and LOTION are always a safe option. My almost-brother-in-law will often bring me Molton Brown gift packs from the UK, and there is nothing more enjoyable than having lux hand soap in the bathroom – I can’t go back to regular soap now! Pop into Molton Brown and grab a gift pack or try one of the Philosophy sets from Mecca. My new favourite is the Amazing Grace Hand Duo ($65) – hand wash and hand lotion in a cute wire basket, or go Christmassy with the Holiday Hostess Set ($38) – the Sugary Cinnamon hand lotion is to die for! Santa, if you’re reading, this one is on my list.

SCENT STICKS are something else for the home that make a great hostess gift (or regular gift...hello, Nan.) Someone recently gave me a set of three mini Atmos scent sticks and they are fab – one for the bedroom, one for the lounge and one for the entranceway. In the past I have bought Archipelago Botanicals diffuser and votive kits from, er, Kit ($39.95) and they currently have white fig, pink grapefruit or wasabi mint. If you were bringing me a gift, I would want Pink Grapefruit.

As for your thank you note, you can’t go past French Navy. I just bought three boxes of French Navy notecards ($35/box of 10 cards & envelopes) so I’m right for a while, and I can’t wait to send them because they are just so darn cute. I bought Thanks for..., E is for... and an assortment box of various colours and designs, so all my bases are covered. If nothing else, please promise me you’ll visit French Navy and check out their beautiful stationary!

I’ll be back with episodes two and three later in the week – keep an eye out ‘cos we’re talking girlie gifts and secret santa pressies!

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A few random bits and pieces...

• It’s not often that I re-purchase a beauty product because I prefer to constantly be trying new things BUT the Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil that I wrote about two weeks ago has proven to be such a winner that I’m buying two. The stretch marks on my boobs are more-or-less gone - I can still see them under the surface, but the skin on top is smooth and even now. What a winner.
   
• For those of you who were concerned with the well being of my scalp (thanks for all the cards and flowers, by the way) the Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care shampoo seems to be doing the trick and my head is feeling much better. Now if Mother Nature could just make up her mind and pick a season, maybe my sinuses would calm down too.
   
• Don’t forget that the travel pack competition ends tomorrow! All you have to do is click this link and put your email address in. Apologies that it’s Aussie residents only – I promise to be more diligent next year with doing proper T&Cs and whatnot (add it to my New Years Resolution list)

• Sorry that posts have been a bit sporadic recently - I don't know about you but the Silly Season seems to be out of control! My mantra at the moment is just three more weeks...just three more weeks...just three more weeks... 

Picture credit: homespungraphics.blogspot.com

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The ultimate in luxury - bling bling!

Looking for something special for the person who has everything. How about personalising some sunglasses with over a carat of diamonds?

If you haven't heard of Nicholas Haywood Jewellery Concierge yet, you will. This guy is the next big thing in jewellery - he is incredibly talented, knows where to find the best diamonds and is just about the nicest guy you will ever meet. I am incredibly fortunate to be wearing a Nicholas Haywood engagement ring - see if you can spot it on his website. (hint: it's not the fruit bowl)

Nicholas recently customised a pair of Supra's for Sydney PR and IT girl Roxy Jacenko - could you just die?! This is the deluxe fit out - her whole name in 18ct Rose Gold and Diamonds on both sunglass arms and also her initials in diamonds in the nose bridge. These have an RRP of $4995 and have over a carat of diamonds in them - certainly not the type of glasses you would wear to a festival and lose after a few drinks!

If you don't want to go OTT, you could just have your initials done in gold and diamonds for a starting price of $1850. Who wants to customise my Wayfarers with EP on the arms for me for Christmas. Santa?

You can find Nicholas through his website.

Image courtesy of Nicholas Haywood

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Have prods, will travel...(and so will you, if you win the competition)

Seeing as I just got back from a weekend away (an amazing wedding down at Numbaa, if you must know...nosy) I figure it’s a good time to wax lyrical about packing for holidays and what not. If you’re lucky enough to be going away over the summer (jerk) then you should probably pay attention.

First thing to pack is shampoo and conditioner. I love that most supermarkets now carry mini travel sizes of shampoo, body wash and moisturiser, and the baby-sized Pantene is no exception. It’s just the right amount for 3 weeks away and won’t take up valuable shopping real estate in the suitcase. $2.99 each from the supermarket is insultingly cheap.

You should also grab a Trilogy Travel Pack because it has all your travel essentials in one place. I keep my toilet bag ready and raring to go, so that I can hop on a plane at a moment’s notice (I’m slightly delusional like that) and this actually comes with a little bag. Yes! There are five mini prods – Cream Cleanser, Vital Moisturising Cream, Ultra Hydrating Body Cream, Hydrating Mist Toner and Gentle Facial Exfoliant. Whether you’re going to Barcelona, Bahrain or Brissy this Christmas, this ticks all the boxes and everything is 10/20/30mL, so you’re travelling light. $35 for the set of five is incredibly good value and you’ll get a few trips out of it. Hit up Myer or Priceline for this baby.

OR...OR...you can win one of three Stuff That I Bought ‘Have Prods, Will Travel’ holiday beauty travel packs. Saves you a trip to the shops, right? Incentive to book a trip, no?

Each pack contains an Organic Essence Hand & Body Travel set, Organic Essence Facial Balance Travel Set and all seven BeautySnapz. I have written about BeautySnapz before and those things are awesome-sauce. Perfect for travelling. And the Organic Essence sets are just divine. It’s a really nice brand that is totally skin-friendly (no fragrances, colours soap free and all organic), and they donate a % of every sale to the Foundation For National Parks & Wildlife.

Each prize pack is worth over $90 ($91.83, if you want to get picky) and I have three to give away. Just click here, pop your email address in and cross your fingers.

Competition is open until 10am next Tuesday December 7th and the winners will be announced on Wednesday 8th. Competition is open to Australian residents only. Get amongst it.

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Aloha! Coconut and guava water?

In honour of the fact that I have just booked a plane ticket to Hawaii...and that summer appears to finally be here...and that it’s Friday...let’s celebrate by toasting with a coconut and pink guava juice. Mmm...tastes like tropical.

I’m all over coconut water like sand on a wet bottom after a day at Bondi – when there’s a new ‘health’ trend you can guarantee I’ll try it. That said, I have been enjoying coconut water for years on my regular trips back to Hawaii (I used to live there, donchaknow). I’m quite partial to a Nudie Coconut Water with pineapple, orange and passionfruit, but Cocobella Coconut Water with Pink Guava is definitely my new favourite.

Sure, it looks like a popper but without the straw. Drinking out of the top of a tetra box might feel a little primitive and not entirely sophisticated. But coconut and guava were meant to be together. Not since Reese’s added peanut butter to chocolate has there been a finer flavour harmony. Just trust me on this one. Mahalo.

Cocobella pure coconut water
Price: $3.95
From: the convenience store
Why you need it: Forget the health benefits, it just tastes good!

PS - if you're interested in the nail polish, it's a Katy Perry OPI with Black Shatter on top. Deets here.

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Got scars? Got stretch marks? Not any more

This is one of those products that if I hadn’t used it myself I probably wouldn’t believe it. A spray that makes stretch marks go away? And fades scars? Really? Truly.

Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil is pretty epic. It’s a spray that contains a product called tocomin, which is an extract from the fruit of palm trees (I didn’t know palm trees had fruit...besides coconuts, obviously.) It’s safe to use on both face and body, and also contains other oils like geranium, lavender and rosemary.

I have been using it for about two weeks and in that time it has already faded the scars on my shins, the stretch marks on my upper thighs and the stretch marks on my boobs. I can still see that the stretch marks are there, but they are far less noticeable unless you’re right up close and looking hard, which I hope you’re not. Because that would be inappropriate.

The only thing I don’t like about it is the fact that it gives off epic clouds of aerosol mist when you spray. Make sure you have the window open or you will choke, and have a mat on the floor because it makes the floor slippery (it is a spray oil after all...) These are seriously small gripes though when you consider the fact that a product worth less than $20 will fade your stretch marks. Tell me you’re not impressed.


Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil
Price: $19.95
From: Myer, David Jones, Priceline, chemists
Why you need it: Considering 86% of women under 25 (and a similar number of 25+ women) have stretch marks, you would be silly not to try this.

If you have tried it, I would love to hear your feedback.

Fun fact: Because collagen and elastin require moisture to stay strong, skin is more susceptible to stretch marks in winter. Well, thank goodness it's summer!

This product was offered to me for consideration

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Sydney's newest secret hideout

There is something really special about stumbling on a new secret hidey-hole in Sydney. While I was wandering Oxford Street in Paddington yesterday I came across the newest and sweetest little cafe ever. Literally the newest, because it opened yesterday. Such a shame I didn’t have my camera on me!

It’s called the Healthy Feast Sanctuary Cafe and it’s at the back of the Fleur Wood store. Like, ‘you have to walk through the Fleur Wood store to get to it’ kind of back. It’s a whimsical dream – mismatched tea cups and saucers, ceramic bunnies, flower pots, a bird cage and a pink wicker chair all shielded from the sun with a printed shadecloth. It seats about 16 and serves tea, coffee, cake and organic soft drink from the cantina-style counter.

I had a slice of gluten and wheat-free lemon flan and it was delicious. Delicious. This is the kind of place where you can hide away with the book you just bought at Ariel Booksellers after an afternoon of shopping at the markets. Relaxing.

Check it out at: 464 Oxford St Paddington – walk through Fleur Wood

Picture credit: stolen from delish.com

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How to deal with an itchy little situation

This annoying change of season is doing my head in...summer, winter, summer, winter...when did I move to Melbourne? My sinuses are throwing daily tantrums and I’m working double-time on the antihistamines. Unpleasant.

I’m also scratching my scalp like crazy – I swear it must look like I have nits, but my scalp has gone cuckoo-bananas with the dry and the warm and the ugh. I asked Keiren Street, the Head & Shoulders Expert Stylist, what the heck I should do about my annoying scalp and he gave me a few answers, after he stopped staring at me all funny from my ape-like scratching.

Why does my scalp get itchy during the change of season (spring and autumn)?
Often your scalp skin gets irritated by changes in the climate, spring and autumn are prime times. But an itchy scalp is a problem which can occur all year round. This is why it’s so important to keep using your head & shoulders shampoo and conditioner. Even when you think your scalp and hair feels better, you need to keep using the head & shoulders products as a preventative.

What sort of ingredients should I be looking out for to fight the itch?
The active ingredient in head & shoulders is a special power-packed molecule called HydraZinc. In the new Itchy Scalp Care shampoo and conditioner is the natural ingredient eucalyptus which will give you a cooling sensation as you wash your hair which really soothes an itchy scalp.

Will using a dandruff shampoo damage my hair colour?
Contrary to popular belief head & shoulders does not strip colour from your hair. They are effective but gentle on your hair and scalp, not drying or stripping, but conditioning. Your scalp is just a continuation of your skin and it’s important to care and look after it, as a result it will then give you beautiful, shiny and healthy hair.

I’m going to be honest – I always thought dandruff shampoo stripped the colour out of your hair, which is why I was reluctant to use one (even though I clearly need it). Now that I know I’m wrong (cheers, Kieren) I’m going to grab some tomorrow and get on top of the, uh, itchy situation.

FYI – I’m tracking down Head & Shoulders Dry, Itchy & Sensitive Scalp Care shampoo, $5.99, cos that’s the one Kieren recommends. And he knows stuff. I'll let you know if the itch stops.

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Christmas spirit, macaron style

This is probably not what you want to see first thing on a Monday (assuming you’re reading this on Monday) but OM NOM NOM Christmas Macarons. Get in the spirit with these super yummy treats from Lindt.

Macarons are the new cupcakes, thanks mainly to Adriano Zumbo, Callum Hann and Masterchef 2010. Lindt have been on top of macarons for years though, and this year they have created these gorgeous gift boxes that are absolutely perfect for hostess gifts/secret santa/sucking up to the boss/eating on your own when no one else is around. The six red and green macarons are made with Christmas spices and the filling is white chocolate.

Personally, I kind of have an aversion to green food (seems mouldy, right?) but for about one month a year it seems perfectly acceptable to eat food that looks off. These are really tasty and a perfect gift idea. I hate to tell you this, but with only 33 sleeps to go, you should probably start making lists (and checking them twice – ho ho ho)

Price: $15 for box of 6
From: The Lindt Chocolate Cafe
Why you need a box: Before you buy these for anyone else, you should probably sample them for yourself. You know, to make sure they’re ok.


These macarons were very gratefully received from Lindt; eaten by me

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Let's talk lashes...

If you watched my video the other day you would have seen that I am flicking back and forth between two mascaras at the moment. Since filming that, I have added a third brand to the line-up and have been drawing up my lists of pros and cons for each.

I’m normally a die-hard Covergirl mascara user, which is why I bought the LashBlast Fusion as soon as it came out (that nice Drew Barrymore is very persuasive). Then I was totally suckered into buying the Revlon Grow Luscious after attending the PRIMPED look book event (that nice Yaz Turker is very persuasive). Courtesy of a friend, the other mascara floating my boat at the mo is MACs Haute & Naughty (not least because of its sparkly lid). My bathroom has reached maximum capacity.  

Why I dig the Covergirl LashBlast Fusion –
The little flexi-bristles make my lashes fat-as, bro. I find it doesn’t clump, smudging is minimal and it comes off easily with warm water. I also like the black brown formula – nice for a workday rather than black black. Let me grab my pom-poms and put my cheerleader outfit on again.

The GrowLuscious is pretty orright too –
It has a massive brush, so it picks up every.little.hair. My lashes look full and thick, but I do find it rubs easily after a few hours of wear. I also haven’t noticed my lashes growing stronger, but to be fair I have pretty long and strong lashes already. Would love to hear other people’s feedback on this one.
 
Haute & Naughty is sex in a tube –
Truly. This is a sexy beast. There are two brushes – one is more spaced out bristles to create long and fluttery natural lashes, while the second, denser brush hooks up the fat. It smudges a little towards the end of the day but it comes off ridonkulously easily in warm water. I am not ashamed to admit I spent a good five minutes trying to figure out how the two brushes in one tube thing worked, but I just ended up with mascara all over my fingers and then I got sidetracked.

Can I pick a favourite? No. Can I recommend one over the other? Covergirl is probably still my top choice. Considering you should replace your mascara every three months, I’m all for an affordable option, but using the more expensive M.A.C has been a little luxury of a morning. I conclude that I’m not coming to a conclusion, but having options of a morning sure is fun.

M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash - Price: $42 From: M.A.C
Revlon GrowLuscious Mascara - Price: $21.95 From: Priceline
Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara - Price: $18.95 From: Priceline

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Please learn from my mistakes...

Can I give you some advice? (Hang on, why am I asking you? It’s my blog and I get to do what I want!). When you have a monster pimple and you need to get rid of it asap, don’t use out of date pimple cream. Funnily enough, it doesn’t work.

Sounds obvious, right? I’m embarrassed to admit I committed this massive beauty sin last week, but hopefully my mistake will serve as a timely reminder to all of us to check the expiration dates on our products.

Most cosmetics are either stamped with a best before date or have a little jar symbol with a number on it, indicating how long a product has after opening. As a rough guide, lipstick is 1-2 years, foundation in a bottle is 3-6 months, body lotion is 2-3 years, eye pencils, eye shadow and blush are all around the 1+ year mark, and mascara? 3 months. And don’t pump it, ever.

As for the offending pimple cream, it has been replaced. Jurlique Blemish Cream - $30 and worth every cent for its pimple fighting abilities (otherwise known as calendula, witch hazel, self heal and tea tree oil). Just make sure it’s in date.

 PS – replace your SPF every year. If you don’t, I’ll know (probably because you will be sunburned)

Picture credit: jurlique.com.au

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