Grab your rods, people...

...we're going fishin'!

I was pulling together some last minute posts about hair and moisturiser and whatever, but you know what? Not right now. I shouldn't be writing them, and you shouldn't be reading them. Jump off the computer, go bake some cookies and turn on the Mariah Carey Christmas album (if there is a greater Christmas album than Mariah then I would like to see it).

Have an amazing, wonderful, fabulous Christmas. Thanks for being amazing.

With love and gingerbread,

Elise xx

Picture credit: no idea - sorry. It has been saved on my desktop for months.

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Delightfully Lush

Obviously the prospect of winning a Lush Christmas pack was appealing because a whooooole lot of you entered (many more than the 6 listed below). Sadly, I only had one pack and it is en-route to...

But rest assured I will be doing more great comps next year. It's just my way of saying thank you for being so awesome and stopping by. If you're sad you missed out on this one (I would be), then may I recommend popping over to Marlo Perry, Pink Diva or Primped, because they are all running comps for the same prize. Marlo Perry closes today so you'll get it before The Big Day, and PD and Primped both close in January, so it's a post-festive treat (kind of like how you stretch your birthday out for two weeks...)

On a side note...if the winner would like to gift the prize back to me, send me an email and I'll give you my address.

Just kidding! Maybe.

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Don't forget...

...to enter the draw for the Lush Christmas pack! I'm drawing it at 5pm this afternoon, so don't just sit there staring at your screen procrastinating and thinking about what you want to eat for lunch. Grab a sandwich and get entering!

Click here and enter your email. Done.

The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode three

Just quietly: remember the preface to my last couple of gift guides!

Last minute gift ideas? Unexpected cousin done a last minute RSVP? Office secret santa? There are loads of fab presents out there for under $30, and these are some of my favourites.

First up, ANYTHING from Typo. I swear I would buy everything in that store if I could. So much win – bookends, notebooks, pens, lanterns, calendars, mugs...and all of it so cheap! I have bought presents for five different people from Typo, and five presents for myself while I was at it (star fairy lights for the win). 

 

If you want something a bit cheeky and naughty, waddle down to Borders and grab The Snuggie Sutra ($17.95). I don’t know if anyone would ever use it (do you own a snuggie? The girl who got this in my work Secret Santa didn’t) but there is definitely hours worth of laughter going through all the names and pictures. The Marge Simpson. Look it up. So wrong.

For the little people in your life, grab a Lola&Bailey Alphabet Zoo Mini Tote ($25). These are totes cute (zing!) mini canvas bags, and each letter has an animal hidden in it. They also have lunch totes called ‘the lunch tote’ which is way classier than carrying your sandwich and banana in a plastic bag.

If you still need to grab something extra for Mum or Nan, may I suggest an Inspa candle ($24). They are organic soy wax, come in four beautiful fragrances and $1 from every sale goes to the McGrath Foundation, which is one of my charities of choice. My favourite is Refresh – mandarin, rose geranium and cedarwood tickles the senses and makes the spirit buzz. Just what you need once the silly season is wrapped up (I can’t wait to bliss out next week with a candle, a book and a glass of wine)

Finally, you know I love me some Archie Grand notebooks. This one is so perfect that I can imagine the fat man himself using it to keep track of his naughty and nice list – Santa Clauses I Met And Liked ($19.95). I reckon I would have to be on the nice list this year. I hope. I think. Please? Santa?

Stockists:
Lola&Bailey - website
Inspa - Amcal chemists, Guardian Pharmacies, GNC and Inspa website
Archie Grand notebook - HoneyHoney



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Congratulations to me? Congratulations to you!

This post here...the one you're reading right now...is a pretty important one. You know why? It's my 400th post. That's not something to sneeze at. That's 400 posts of blood, sweat, tears, rashes, pain and pure pleasure (on my part...I hope you're not in pain reading my blog!)

To celebrate this great milestone for me and the impending visit of my favourite North Pole dwelling gentleman, the good kids over at Lush are helping me celebrate with a limited-edition Christmas pack from Lush. You know I love me some Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. The prize consists of three NEW Christmas bath ballistics, a sweet smelling piece of Angels Delight soap and it's all wrapped in Lush’s eco-friendly gift-wrapping service, The Knot Wrap that I wrote about a few days ago, which uses a vintage scarf to wrap gifts instead of paper and ribbon.

So...checklist...
Lil’ Lush Pud bath ballistic (pictured) - tick
Satsumo Santa bath ballistic - tick
Cinders bath ballistic - tick
Angels delight soap -tick
All wrapped in a beautiful vintage scarf, Lush Knot Wrap - double tick for awesomeness

All you have to do is enter your email address HERE and I'll do the draw at 5pm on Monday December 20th so that your prize gets to you in time for The Big Day.

Huge thanks to Lush for offering this great prize for me to give away and a huge thanks to you, my darling readers, who put up with my bad jokes, encourage me on twitter, leave great comments and remind me why I love blogging so much. Here's to 400 more great posts.

Note: Competition is open to Australian residents only - sorry! Prize will be drawn at 5pm on Monday December 20th using random.org.

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Smash those spots while you sleep

Pimples. Yuck.

As fun as all this silly season stuff is, the stress of, well, everything can take its toll. Right now it’s taking its toll in the form of a chin pimple and a forehead pimple.  Blah.

Thankfully, I was introduced to an amazeballs product a couple of months ago that is totally appropriate for just this occasion. An occasion that, really, you hope doesn’t come very often. Like that cousin you don’t like and can only deal with once a year. Now I’m imagining my pimple is a narky little 7 year old boy.

You have heard a million times before that you should treat blemishes with salicylic acid, right? It penetrates the skin, removes the dead cells and unclogs the pores, helping to kick blackheads, whiteheads and excess oil in their icky asses. Sometimes a face wash just isn’t enough though and you need to get all Chuck Norris on that spot. Hello, Skeyndor On The Spot Patch.

It’s a tiny little sticky spot that delivers a concentrated does of salicylic acid straight onto the blemish. Kind of like a nicotine patch, but without the crazy dreams. You wash your face, whack the spot on, go to sleep, and 8-12 hours later when you wake up (HA!) your pimple has sucked in the salicylic and should be a little less angry than before you went to bed.

It won’t magically make your pimple disappear, but I have found using a spot three nights in a row will more or less clear me up. Definitely worth having on hand for those horrible emergencies. If only they made annoying cousins disappear.

Skeyndor On The Spot Patch
Price: $25 for a pack of 24
From: Salons and spas (best place to start is google)
Why you need it: Pimples. Need I say more.

This product was offered to me for consideration

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No need to buy wrapping paper this year

You know how I always say ‘three’s a trend’? (I do, I swear) Well I’m just waiting for a third beauty brand to declare they are doing furoshiki this Christmas and then I can be all Trend Trend Trend. In the meantime, two of my favourite brands are doing furoshiki and I like it! (and let's be honest - it's my blog and if I didn't like it I probably wouldn't write about it. Duh)

Furoshiki is essentially a wrapping cloth that is knotted to carry clothes, groceries or lunches. It started in the bathhouses of Japan in the 1600’s when people knotted a piece of cloth to carry their clothes and toiletries. Those clever Japanese – always so practical.

At opposite ends of the stealth vs wealth scale, this Christmas both Lush and SK-II are offering incredible scarves artfully folded around their products as an alternative to gift wrap. Lush are using vintage scarves, and for $5.50 they are a bang-tidy alternative to paper. Pick your gift in store (their Christmas range is to die for – candy cane and gingerbread bubble bars! Mulled wine shower gel!) and one of the Lushettes will origami your scarf into a beautiful gift ready for you to give. Saves you time, paper, and you look creative!

Over at the SK-II counter, their Christmas coffrets are enveloped in divine silk scarves in the SK-II colours – deep burgundy, icy grey, silver and gold. These are very grown up gift sets chock full of cleansers, lotions and the famous treatment masks – perfect for sucking up to your Mother-In-Law.

So while one brand tips the $$$ scale and offers very grown up silk scarves, the other offers something for everyone and the vintage scarves are $. I like a trend that anyone can buy into.

If you want to attempt to tie your presents at home using furoshiki techniques, check out the Modern Furoshiki youtube channel – they make it so easy that even a klutz like me can nail it! Lush sent me a parcel tied up in a scarf and once I opened it I couldn’t figure out how to put it back together. Awkward.

SK-II
Price: Coffrets start at $99 and go up to $950
From: SK-II counters in Myerand David Jones

Lush
Price: Scarves are $5.50, products range in price
From: Lush stores

PS - Remember the Lush Lip Scrub that I was kind of obsessed with? They have a body wash in the same flavour/scent for Christmas called Snow Fairy. I have never wanted to lick myself so much, and I know that sounds dirty.

Some Lush products were offered to me for review, and they came wrapped in a scarf.

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The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode two

Remember how I prefaced my last gift guide? Please keep that in mind again...I don’t want to go spoiling any surprises!

So let’s talk girlie presents. Mothers, sisters, cousins, friends... This is just a random mix of some of my favourite things that are on shelves this Christmas (and sitting under my bed already wrapped).

Everyone needs decent MAKEUP BRUSHES, and the superadorable Peace & Harmony mini brush set from Shu Uemura ($80) ticks all the boxes. Excellent quality brushes, cute carry case and limited edition. I know it sounds kind of obnoxious, but giving something that’s limited edition gives your gift that extra je ne sais quoi, oui? The Aya Takano for Shu Uemura range is hella cute – hit the counter if you get a chance and check out the adorable lids on the palettes. Whimsical!


If you’re on the hunt for JEWELLERY, then head over to the Holly Jones website. Her current collection, called Phoenix Queen, is hot.to.trot. I am head over heels in love with the Nile Queen necklace ($69), and would be very happy if Santa delivered on to me on December 25th. She also has a sale section, and the prices are absurdly low. I’m going through a statement piece faze right now, and the Belle necklace (pictured), which is on sale for only $29 down from $90, is not only stupidly cheap, but totally glam. If anything from the Phoenix Queen collection tickles your fancy, then enter in the code hollyjewels at the checkout for 30% off. Don’t say I never give you anything.

Since we’re talking about jewellery, I’m also partial to a bit of Lola&Bailey. 
The Sundial pendants are freakin’ gorgeous (all $85), and I really like the Dial D range (all $55 - Murder In The Mews pictured right) – probably because my wardrobe is mainly grey and black. If you check out the Lola&Bailey facebook page, they often have discount codes on there. I don’t want anyone paying full price for anything this Christmas!

I’m sure you’re wondering why I haven’t posted BEAUTY gifts yet. Fear not my friends, I have plenty of those. Editing it down to my favourites was an effort though...so many great gift packs out this year! One of the best makeup gift sets is Benefit Her Name Was Glowla ($69) – it contains some of Benefits best-selling products, like Coralista cheek powder,  High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer and BADgal lash mascara (amongst others) – pretty much all my favourite Benefit prods in one place. This would be perfect for someone who has just started to wear makeup. I remember my parents giving me an incredible Estee Lauder gift set one Christmas that had pretty much everything I needed to get started.

Speaking of Benefit, the Crescent Row Mini Set ($79) contains itty-bitty versions of Eva, Rita, Carmella and LeeLee, and is sure to rock someone’s world on Dec 25. Carmella is still my favourite of the lot.

If you want your nearest and dearest to smell good (and who doesn’t) then hunt down the Best of Korres gift set from Kit ($41.95). The Guava body butter is a little slice of heaven, and the Yoghurt cooling gel will be welcome relief after a day of eating and drinking. It comes in a lovely little gift box and is perfect for Mums, Mother-In-Laws and even Nans (don't read too much into that please Mum).

For your pommy friend, I recommend the Soap & Glory Soaper Heroes travel gift box ($34.95) from Kit. This brand is HUGE in the UK - we’re talking cult status times ten – and this gift set contains little versions of their biggest products. The Girligo Scented Moisturising Mist is so yummy you have to restrain yourself from licking your own arm. Seriously.

I’ll be back soon with my Kris Kringle list!

Picture credit: Thanks to Holly Jones and Lola&Bailey for letting me steal their images.



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I bought new sandals yesterday

...that's all.

Price: $39 (brand is Therapy)
From: Palm Beach Shoes, Oxford St Paddington
Why you need them: The perfect sandal to go with your summer dress

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Guest post: I wonder about the Wondercap

I have told you about my clever friend Kat before, right? She writes the hair blog The Mane Loves... and reviews all the newest and most exciting hair prods on the shelves. She recently wrote about the Wondercap and I liked her post so much I asked if I could nick it and re-post it here. She agreed, but only because I threatened to beat her over the head with her giant pen (you should see this giant pen...it's seriously about 14 inches long).

The Wondercap is the solution for at home intensive treatments. I say this because every time I glad wrap my hair with an at home treatment it gets really messy. There’s treatment oozing out from under the cling wrap and it gets into my eyes, sometimes I accidentally lick it (yes, I know I’m gross, but this is what happens and I just can’t help it). The Wondercap  is a wheat pack cap of sorts - you put it in the microwave or in water on the stove and you heat it up; it’s like a hot water bottle for your hair.

So in the package I bought there was the Wondercap, Guardian Angel treatment and a disposable shower cap. I decided to apply the cap  in the shower, so instead of the 90 sec zap in the microwave, I put it in for 2 mins (this made the cap a bit hot, but that’s exactly what I needed). I then shampooed by hair twice (as usual) and applied the Guardian Angel treatment; this was pretty much like the henna treatment I tried from Priceline. Then I put my hair in a high bun with a hair tie, put on the disposable shower cap and then the now-warm Wondercap. The treatment was the left in for about 5 minutes, then I rinsed my hair and gave it a quick blow dry.

So what did I think of it? To be quite honest, I liked the concept of the heated shower cap, but I think the treatment needs to be improved. It didn’t really do anything to my hair. So I’ll probably be using the Wondercap with other treatments which love the intense heat. I can do without the treatment though.

 Price: Approx $38 for the cap
 From: Check the Wondercap website for stockists
 Why you need it: To lock in the heat and turn up the power on your heat treatments

PS - That is totally Kat in the picture. Ha! As if! Kat wouldn't be wearing a towel.

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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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You put the lime in the coconut and lather through your hair

It’s time to go troppo, people! Christmas is coming, ergo the Christmas gift sets are flying across my desk at full force (although I really wish my courier guy wouldn’t throw my parcels at me like that).

I think my heart stopped when the Philosophy Going Coconuts gift pack landed in my hot little hands. Sigh. Drool. Want. Need. Gimme Gimme Gimme. I immediately thought of a certain coconut fan I know (*cough*Ms.Critique*cough*) and knew she would be as excited as I was. There are three bottles, each with their own scent: pineapple and coconut (smells like Hawaii), lime and coconut (smells like a splice) and orange coconut (smells like orange tic tacs...and coconut).

The bottles are labelled ‘shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath’. Usually I’m not comfortable with the whole body wash and shampoo in one, but I really wanted my hair to smell like pineapple and coconut, so I went for it. Success. Just like any other shampoo. Works a treat. And my hair smelt amazing. Philosophy: I would like these same scents in body lotion please.

Price: $58
From: Mecca Cosmetica (the details I have say online exclusive, but I definitely saw them at the Myer Mecca store last week)
Why you need them: This would make an amazing Christmas gift for sister/bestie/me.

I totally recommend you head into Mecca and try all the different Philosophy products that are available for Christmas. I tried the Sugary Cinnamon Icing body lotion and spent the following SIX HOURS sniffing my hands. The Cherry Christmas set is delicious, ditto the Gingerbread and Raspberries and Cream sets. Santa, take note.

Picture credit: meccacosmetica.com.au - this set was a gift

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Do you miss Big Brother as much as I do?

I don't miss the fame-whore contestants trying to milk their fifteen minutes from the Australian media, but I do miss the voyeuristic pleasure of peering into someone else's life (even if it is manufactured).

With that in mind, I thought I would let you peer into my makeup bag and check out some of my favourite everyday prods. 



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Public service announcement: Free Origins products at kit!

If you haven’t tried Origins skincare products before (silly you) then now is the perfect time. Kit Cosmetics have an amazing deal on at the moment – buy any Origins product and get an Origins skin care kit worth over $45 absolutely free! So in theory, if you buy a product valued around that, it works out that you actually end up in front! Oh wait, or, you double the value of your dollar. Or…I’m no good at maths. Suffice to say, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

If you’re not sure what to get, may I suggest the Night Health Bedtime Bath Oil ($52). This delicious chamomile, lavender and mandarin oil blend is the perfect way to soak your stress away after a busy day and get to sleep that bit easier. Mmmm…I could go for a warm bath right about now.

Skin Protectors Starter Kit includes:Modern Friction 30ml

A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser 30ml

A Perfect World for Eyes 5ml

Value: $46.90

Skin Firmers Starter Kit includes:

Modern Friction 30ml

Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash 30ml

Youthopia Firming Eye Cream 5ml

Value: $49.20


Skin Relievers Starter Kit includes:
Modern Friction 30ml
Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom
Skin Relief Face Cleanser 30ml
Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom
Skin Relief Eye Serum 5ml

Value: $57.90

From: Kit Cosmetics

Why you need it: Something for nothing? Frickin sweet! Buy something for yourself and get something for your Mama for Christmas (she won't need to know it was a GWP)

Offer ends on Tues Nov 30th or until stocks last (which probably won’t be long!)

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Roll it on! Sniff it up!

If three’s a trend, then the newest trend in my life is roll-on perfume (and mermaid nails, but more on that later). They came in to my life in various ways - one was purchased, one was a gift and one was in the PRIMPED goodie bag – but I love them all equally and with the same sort of passion that Miley Cyrus has for wearing short-shorts.

Rollerball perfume, or perfume oil as it is more formally known, is kickass for a couple of reasons. It’s perfect for handbags/gym bags/overnight bags/hessian bags because it’s small, lightweight and tucks away nicely. Want to smell good on your holiday but don’t want to pack your favourite bottle and risk it leaking? No drama. Stinky after your lunch time work out? Here’s your answer! (although I would also recommend a shower, for hygiene’s sake).

Another great thing about perfume oil is that it is usually more concentrated than regular eau de parfum or eau de toilette. You only need a couple of dabs on the heat points for a beautiful, strong and lasting fragrance.

A couple of other bonus reasons: it is much more affordable than a great honking bottle of your juice of preference AND if you’re anything like me and don’t ever finish a bottle then it’s a good way to keep things rotating without feeling guilty for abandoning one when something better comes along.

My current tipples of choice?

MOR Cassis Noir
Price: $19.95/5mL
From: David Jones and Myer

Philosophy Falling In Love
Price: US$18/7.98mL
From: Sephora – USA

Kai  (I’m in good company here, with Oprah, Jess Hart, Charlize and Reese all loving this one!)
Price: $95 $95/3.6mL
From: Mecca Maxima

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Get energized with Clarins!

The thing with Clarins is (and please don’t think I’m being a bully) it’s kind of an older brand. More mature, maybe. Don’t you agree? I always associate it with my Mum, and that’s totally cool. The baby boomers are the segment of the market with the biggest buying power and frankly I think more brands should be targeting them. Tell you what though, Clarins new Daily Energizer range has blown that old perception I had out of the water – these products are fresh!

Have you ever used the Clean&Clear Morning Burst cleanser? The Fiance loves it – little bursting beads in fresh orange gel. This is just a more grown up version of that – slick gel cleanser that washes away the day, removes make-up (obvs not an issue for the Fiance) and refreshes skin with saponaria and moringa extracts (translation: turns into foam and neutralises yucky pollution to keep skin clean and looking fresh).

Gel cleanser is generally best for oily or combination skin because the foaming action breaks down all the dirt and gunk on your skin. I have sensitive skin and usually prefer cream cleanser but I find this quite mild and it doesn't irritate at all. I have also been using it on my arms, chest and neck to keep that skin clear too (TMI?) and my skin has gradually been improving since I started using it. Pretty impressive. My skin feels energised, even on my crappiest days. Perhaps Clarins should do energy drinks.

Price: $22/75mL (in my opinion, this is excellent value!)
From: Clarins counters
Why you need it: To keep your skin clean, healthy and feeling good
Bonus: If you want to lighten someone’s crappy day, head to Share The Happy and send a compliment into the universe. Or make your own day better by finding a compliment to cheer yourself up. Hey, you look great today! Feel better? 

This product was offered to me for consideration in conjunction with the launch of Share The Happy

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Welcome back to my bathroom, Mr Perdis!

Do you have a brand that just doesn’t seem to agree with your skin, no matter what? Me too. Mine is Napoleon Perdis. I adore Napoleon and the way he pushes boundaries with the use of colour (I’m still referencing the Camilla Franks RAFW Avatar-inspired slap) but every time I use NP products I break out in a rash. Ergh.

Remember that PR/blogger panel I did two weeks ago? And remember the day before when I posted that a huge pimple had taken residence on my forehead? One of the girls who looks after Napoleon, who is just the sweetest girl in the world, read my post and took pity on me. She sent me an NP Set concealer pen to help hide Vesuvius. Honestly, I was feeling so frazzled and nervous at the time, had she been in front of me I may have cried!

I decided not to risk it on the night, just in case I had a reaction, but I figured that it was worth giving Mr Perdis another shot, and concealer might be different on my skin than blush or eyeshadow. The Fiance was going to be overseas for another 2 weeks, so if I broke out in a rash it was no drama, right? With much trepidation I swiped it under my eyes. Nothing. Well, it concealed. It hid my dark circles. I looked awake. But no rash. Same thing the next day. And the next.

I have been using it for two weeks now and I love it. It’s a twist pen with a sponge applicator, so I just twist out a small amount, swipe it straight on and pat it into place. Easy. I’m not sure if I’m ready to brave eyeshadows and blushes yet, but hopefully I can cross Napoleon off my ‘do not use’ list. Welcome back, good sir!

Price: $30
From: Target
Why you need it: To hide all your sins. Bonus: it contains Australian myrtle oil (anti-bacterial and anti-septic) so it will help heal your nasty pimples while also hiding them. Clever.

This product was a very gratefully received gift

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