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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On the matter of hair removal...

I had a conversation with the lovely chick from Braun a few weeks ago that went a little something like this...

Her: Did I tell you about the new Braun Silk Epil Xpressive 7681 Wet/Dry epilator?
Me: I’m still kind of in love with my current Braun Silk Epil Wet/Dry
Her: Did you want to try the new one out?
Me: Is there reaaally any difference between the old and the new one? Like, really?
Her: Yep, there is. It’s less painful, I promise! AND it picks up all the teeny-tiny hairs. Your legs will be smooth as a babies bottom.
Me: I dunno. I’m pretty sceptical.
Her: I’ll send it to you to try just to prove there is a difference!

After being a hardcore leg waxer for so long, I have been loving my epilator sick for the last year because it saves me time and money. That said, I got a little lazy towards the end of winter and things got a little, erm, shall we say, out of control? That first epilation after a break was a little uncomfortable.

Then I tried the new one. I hate to admit this because I thought it was just a gimmick to sell more epilators, but the new model actually does hurt less! I think it’s the different massage roller on the head. My legs are also definitely smoother than they have been since I used to shave, because it picks up all those annoying grain-of-sand sized hairs that epilators and waxing usually miss. If you’re a waxer I can’t recommend enough that you make the switch. If you’re a shaver, then you’re totally missing out. I epilate once a week (usually Saturday, for those playing along at home) and the hair grows back so slowly these days that it’s a quick and easy job.

Price: $208.95
From: Myer, David Jones and electrical stores
Why you need it: If you’re going to invest in an epilator, this is definitely the top of the range. Plus being able to epilate in the shower makes all the difference in the world.

As an aside, I’m not totally anti-razor. I am very much in love with my Venus Spa Breeze for under the charm-pits. It has a built in shave gel bar so you don’t need to overdo the shaving cream, and the handle is all ergonomic-y and stuff so you don’t drop it (and believe me, I am clumsy). I bought a green/blue/aloe gel one 2 weeks ago from Coles for 50% off (score!) or there is a new pink one out and the gel smells like white tea. Scrumptious! Best razor on the market by a country mile, in my opinion.

Price: $13.59
From: Supermarkets
Why you need it: Two words...hairy pits. ‘Nuff said.

These products were offered to me for review, along with spa goodies to make the experience more enjoyable.

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Beauty inspiration AND affordable YSL - the ultimate two-in-one

I popped into Kinokuniya last week to pick up an engagement present and stumbled across a sweet find – the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Official Book with bonus YSL tote bag. Delicious!

The book is in Japanese so I’ll be damned if I can understand a single word, but the still-life styling is incredible! There are also lots of makeup looks for me to rip off WITH step by step picture instructions – you don’t need to be able to read anything to understand pictures. 

I needed another tote bag like Octomum needs more kids, but as if you’re going to say no to affordable (read: cheap) YSL. It’s a cute bag and will be totally appropriate for carrying my yoga gear and lunch to work. Bonus: it has a magnetic clasp, which is something a lot of tote bags lack and is much appreciated when I’m juggling 2 bags on the bus (nothing worse than your lunch/gym gear falling out mid-ride and seeing your apple role down the aisle - happened to me last week).

Price: $29.40
From: Kinokuniya – Galeries Victoria, Sydney
Why you need it: 1 – an affordable luxury tote (stealth wealth) and 2 – lots of beauty inspiration

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Was it really a good idea to send a sugar addict a sugar lip scrub?

A few weeks ago the good kids from Lush sent me a couple of different products to try out (thanks Lush!) Now either they know me too well or it was fate, because they sent me a product that was most definitely made with me in mind.

If you’re a regular reader then by now you would know I’m a sugar addict. Like, a full blown, need it in my veins, punch your mum for a Twix kind of addict. When I opened up the Lush Bubblegum Sugar Lip Scrub my pupils dilated and my heart beat a little bit faster...what a rush.

Think about it – a sugar lip scrub, flavoured with bubblegum. It’s like giving crack to Lindsay Lohan.

Beyond the obvious yummy factor, this is actually a really good lip scrub. I love wearing bold lipstick (my current favourites are the orange and fuschia from the Innoxa Couleurs D’ete Summer Matte Collection) and this gets rid of all the dead skin and smoothes my lips out without being harsh or abrasive. Plus, obviously, it tastes good. Call me predictable, but it’s a total winner in my book.

Price: $9.95
From: Lush
Why you need it: For smooth, healthy lips and a sugar rush


This product was offered to me for consideration

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Stressful time eats: Peanut Butter Brownies

Oh boy. This week is going to be a really stressful week at work and I deal with stress the same way most of us do - baked goods. Sunday night I mentally prepared myself for the week ahead by baking Peanut Butter Brownies. To share, of course.

I found the recipe on the blog of Callum Hann, runner-up on this years Masterchef. I have perfected my own brownie recipe, but this looked so good I decided to go out on a chocolate-coated limb and give it a crack. People, it did not disappoint. Maybe that kid learnt a thing or two on that little cooking show.

I could blah blah blah with the ingredients and the steps, but instead think of this as a photo-essay. A visual feast, if you will.

Butter, dark chocolate and peanut butter

In the oven

Following the instructions and licking the spoon

The anticipation...

Fudgey centres

I don't normally like nuts in my brownies, but it is like the salty peanuts were put on earth just to dance with the dark chocolate. Magic.

Check out Callum's recipe here, or pop over for a visit this week to sample one of mine.

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WIN! Need new nail polish for summer?

Well I've got you covered. Head over to The Nail File and fill out the quick 3 question survey for your chance to win one of two China Glaze Up & Away collections. That's 12 kick ass polishes - enough for a new colour every week this summer.

 

Two for one - face serum that helps you sleep

My darling Fiance has been away for a couple of weeks, which means I have been sleeping alone in our big ol’ bed. I’m a rough sleeper at the best of times, so this has just exacerbated it – hello bags under my eyes and even shorter attention span than usual.

One of the things that I have found has helped me, besides cups of tea and late night skype, is Antipodes Joyous Night Serum. Or technically, Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum (mouthful). It’s a night serum that repairs damage, boosts collagen production, sloughs dead cells, plumps skin...yada yada. It’s packed with antioxidants and it’s good stuff. Makes you glow. But beyond that, it smells amazing – goji berry, raspberry seed and blackcurrant.

It’s these sweet summer berries that have been helping me drift off to sleep. I apply it all over my face, but I pay particular attention to under my nose so that it stays with me once I crawl between the sheets. Think of this as a modern day lavender hanky under the pillow – it’s sweet, comforting and helps me relax. Which is exactly what I have needed the past couple of weeks!

Price: $56
From: Myer, David Jones, Antipodes site
Why you need it: To help you catch some zzz’s when you’re a bit stressed and uptight.


This product was offered to me for consideration
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