Kirsten's Style Report

Quote I Love: Grace Kelly

2011-12-02T21:14:00.000+11:00

My Top 5: Sites

2011-12-02T21:04:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

If you ask my husband, he would tell you that I am always on the Internet. These are my top 5 sites that I visit all the time. They can keep me entertained for hours on end.

1. http://www.kirstensstylereport.blogspot.com - This is an obvious one.... this site is so rad, you should tell all your friends and family about it... even randoms at the shops if you like!
2. http://www.facebook.com/ - This is another obvious one. I could possibly be addicted...

3. http://www.pinterest.com/ - I can spend hours and hours on this site. It gives me lots of inspiration and crafty ideas. It also gives me a few laughs! If you're not already a member, let me know and I can invite you. I've really got to stop telling people about this... I would like to keep up the illusion of being a creative genious!
4. http://www.etsy.com/ - A site full of beautiful hand-made pieces of love!

5. http://www.ebay.com.au/ - I love browsing through the pages of eBay trying to snap up a bargain - and I almost always do!

There are plenty more but we would probably be here all day, and anyway I've got some more browsing to do!

What's in my makeup bag??

2011-10-17T15:04:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

I absolutely LOVE makeup. I am obsessed. If I had my time again I would definitely be in that industry. A mortgage and bills to pay has put this dream on hold, but for now I am satisfied with just playing from home.

For me, if I’m feeling a little bit bleugh, blah or depressed, I get my glam on. I get fresh so I feel fresh. Shower, clothes, shoes, jewellery, hair – blow dry, straighten or curl and the cherry on my ice-cream Sunday – makeup! I try to look how I feel and if I don’t feel quite up to scratch, my motto is - fake it till you make it. I always feel better when I put a bit of effort into myself.

I use a Mimco makeup bag for all the makeup I use every day. I have an Inglot makeup case for the rest of my loot for every other day. My mother-in-law bought me the Mimco bag a few Xmas’s ago and I LOVE it! It’s the perfect size. My husband shouted me the Inglot case a while ago and it’s fantastic. Everything has it’s place and isn’t chaotic and crammed in draws like it used to be.

Inside my makeup bag:

Smashbox Highlighter - Such an easy to apply illuminator.

Smashbox liquid concealer - Liquid concealers are easy to apply and blend in effortlessly.

Smashbox tranculesent powder - Can go over any foundation as it is translucent and makes your complextion flawless and your makeup stay put.

Maybelline New York Fit Me liquid foundation - Really easy to blend and leaves a dewy complexion.
Maybelline New York Concealer - Easy to blend.
Maybelline New York Powder - Helps my foundation stay put.

Benefit High Beam - Apply to the brow bone to open up your eyes. Trust me - this works!

Benefit gel brow pencil - Best brow pencil I have ever used. Fills in sparse areas and blends in so easily.

YSL touché éclat - Fantastic for fine lines and is a must have if you suffer from dark circles under your eyes.

Stila illuminating powder in bronze - A beautiful illuminating bronzer. Easy to blend.

Stila convertible colour in lilium - Can be used on cheeks, lips or eyes. I like to blend into the apples of my cheeks.

Stila eyeshadow in Kitten - The eyeshadow colour that suits everyone. Brightens and makes your eyes sparkle.

Nars duo eye shadows – favourites: Brumes, Violetta and Jolie-poppee - So easy to blend and gorgeous colours.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara - Makes you look like you are wearing false lashes!

I don’t use every single thing every day, but it all comes in handy!

Shopped till the shops closed!

2011-10-13T15:53:00.002+11:00

Hi Dolls,

I have been spending my birthday money again…on makeup… again! Well mostly makeup anyway.

This time I was on the look out for a new foundation. I know I’ve said this a million times, but my skin is quite dry and I find it hard to find a foundation that just stays the way I put it on, instead of flaking off my nose the second I walk out the door. I went to Priceline and the Maybelline New York Fit Me range had a $30 deal where you could choose any three products from the range. I ended up with a foundation, matching concealer and powder. I have been using them for a couple of weeks now and I am in love with it! It stays put and has great coverage without being too heavy.

My sister-in-law was telling me about the Yves Saint Laurent touché éclat and how it’s her new favourite piece of makeup. So I went to the YSL makeup counter and told them that I wanted to be talked into it too. It was $55 and in my opinion worth every penny. They also through in a sample of their new ‘shocking’ mascara. That will have to be my next purchase because it was fabulous – one stroke and it looked like I was wearing falsies! Anyway, the touché éclat is a highlight concealer stick. If you get dark circles under you eyes, I suggest you run (not walk) right now, yes, right this instant and purchase this magic wand. It really is that great. Before you go to Myer or DJ’s though, check out my beauty spot. I saw them there a few days ago for only $30! Dammit, I hate it when I miss out on a bargain, but I would hate it if you missed out on it too!

Speaking of my beauty spot, I did get a Stila lip glaze in peach for $10! I have paid way more than this for the same thing before (don’t think I should say how much more in case my husband is reading). I love Stila makeup. There were also Stila eyeshadow palletes, lip pencils and bronzing powder for only $10 each. That is just a ridiculous price!

I went past the MAC counter at Myer on the look out for a lipstick to wear at my sister-in-law’s wedding. I ended up being sucked into a pink lipstick. The shade is and was $36. I had never worn a MAC lipstick before, but it’s very smooth, glides on and feels really nice. It’s super bright and quite a deep shade but I love it anyway. It’s nice getting something a little different.

I tend to always buy the same lip colours because I love them. I only realize this when I get home and put them with the 20 other lipsticks that are the same shade. So at Kmart, with this in mind again I picked up a Rimmel lipstick for $10 in pink blush. This was also bright but very light and I love this one too! I also want the same lipstick in the shade soft coral but thought I better not buy too many lipsticks all at once!

With all this new makeup, I totally needed something new to put it all in, right! I was in Myer and spotted this awesome Basque makeup bag. It was $30, but imagine my excitement when I found it on sale for $5! It fits heaps in it but isn’t too bulky.

I also found myself in Diana Ferrari where there were racks of things with 50% off. I ended up getting these gorgeous ballet flats for $20! They were $90 reduced to $40 with 50% off the sale price! Bargain! They feel wonderful as well - like walking on a cloud!

... and this is where i dropped... or at least this is when the shops closed!

Roly Poly!

2011-10-13T15:44:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

Sooo… Piper rolled from her back to her tummy this week! Eeeee…. Just a little bit excited and so damn proud of my little pumpkin! She has been on a roll (literally!) ever since! As soon as we put her down now she is rolling from her back to her tummy and back again grabbing and playing with her (many thousands of) toys. We've also been having fun dressing up and having photo shoots in baskets - Watch out Anne Geddes!Nothing can stop her now, she’s growing up so quickly! Before you know it I’ll be back at work - luckily enough to be going back only part-time. As much as I can’t wait for all the different stages she is about to go through (walking and talking etc.) it will mean that I'll have to be back at the office and that I’ll be missing out on every single moment with her. Anyway, I’m making the most of now until my maternity leave is up.

I haven’t updated since before my birthday really. So here goes….

The girls and I got together to try and plan a surprise baby shower for my bestie. She is due next month and didn’t want to have a baby shower. My first thought was, why!? I guess it’s a bummer not being able to celebrate with some bubbly or a bit of kabana and cheese but that just wouldn’t do for us. I understand not wanting a big fuss, but it’s a really big deal to be having a baby and we had to celebrate it in some way. A friend suggested having a lunch at a local restaurant with just the girls so it wasn’t a huge gathering, just an intimate celebration with her closest girlfriends. So I invited the mum-to-be out for lunch with the girls in the disguise of a lunch for my birthday. I know, I’m that good of a friend, I gave up my birthday for her! So I picked her up and we arrived fashionably late to a table decked out with balloons and presents. When I dropped the mum-to-be home and finished unpacking the car with all her surprise pressies, I said to her, I bet you didn’t think you would be bringing home this mountain of baby presents! It was a lovely lunch and I think we pulled off the surprise for her!

So, for my actual birthday, my husband took Piper and I out for breakie. We went to my favourite breakfast spot – Mocha Jo’s. It’s in Glen Waverley and it is amazing. The food and the atmosphere are fabulous. My go-to breakie meal without a doubt (I get the same thing every single time) is poached eggs on ciabatta bread with smoked salmon and avocado. Delicious! We then went into The Glen shopping centre for a spot of shopping and got our wedding rings cleaned at the jeweler we purchased them from. He cleans them for free and they look brand new again. I get all my jewellery from there now – KT Jewellers. He is lovely and has some beautiful pieces. He will even design from scratch to suit your budget. We then hit up Chadstone shopping centre and I scored a new hair curler. It’s a Babyliss Pro 25mm ceramic curling iron from Hairhouse Warehouse. I will do a separate blog on this baby very soon. It is awesome and I think I’m finally starting to get the hang of it without burning myself! Seriously, I have a ripper of a burn on my hand - ouch! I also managed to get some bobby pins thrown in. Can’t go past a good set of bobby pins. These ones actually hold and stay put. They were around $15 for 999! They always go missing, but this will take a while for that to happen now! We also visited Ferguson Plarre and picked up my birthday cake! A strawberry cheesecake. I had been drooling over it for weeks and couldn’t just buy it for nothing, right?... Right! So I waited for my birthday and it was well worth the wait – it was yuuuummy! Make sure you try the custard tart and chocolate éclair too… I heard they are amazingly scrumptious….! The family came over for a BBQ the night of my birthday and I was showered with gifts and money to go shopping (!) for some more gifts! My sister got me some gorgeous body shop sparkly body lotion and a beautiful silver necklace with my name cut out alà Carrie Bradshaw.

I updated you all on my sister-in-law’s and new brother-in-law’s wedding last week, but I forgot to show you Piper’s outfit from the store we shall not name. I think it’s just too adorable to not give Piper and her outfit a mention!

Last week we also had to say goodbye to a beautiful member of our family. The gorgeous silky terrier Phoebe who grew up with my husbands family. I know you are in a better place now little baggarty chicken… RIP…

Until next time lovelies…

Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Tart... to die!

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

I have had a few requests for the Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Tart I made recently. I have to be honest, I pinched the recipe from my sister... actually, if I'm really honest, I made her help me make it too! We made it for a BBQ on the weekend and it all went within 5 minutes, so it might be a good idea to make two! It's delicious and SO easy to make - Enjoy!

Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Tart
Serves 8 / Ready in 25 minutes (plus refrigeration time)

Ingredients:
250g packet chocolate ripple biscuits
125g butter, melted
32 vanilla marshmallows
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
300ml thickened cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used vanilla bean)
1/4 cup salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Method:
- Place biscuits in a food processor.
- Process until finely chopped.
- Add butter.
- Process until just combined.
- Press in base and side of a 3cm-deep, 23cm base) loose-based round fluted flan tin.
(I used a pie dish and lined it with baking paper instead).
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

- Place marshmallows, milk and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until melted and smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl. Stand for 5 minutes to cool.

- Using an electric mixer, beat cream and vanilla until soft peaks from.
- Add 1/4 of cream to marshmallow mixture.
- Stir to combine. Fold through remaining cream.
- Spoon mixture into prepared case.
- Sprinkle with peanuts.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or until set.
- Serve.

Bon Appétit!

Faking it...

2011-10-03T11:35:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

As you all know I went to my sister-in-law and new brother-in-law's wedding last Friday. I looked down at my ghostly white legs in shock and realised this just wouldn't do. I always feel much better with a tan. I don't mind a spray tan, but they just don't last very long on me. No matter how much I exfoliate the crap out of my skin, taking care to pay extra attention around my elbows, underarms, knees and ankles, it still ends up streaky and flaky. I moisturise as well, but it doesn't always help.

I now use an airbrush tan in a can called Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. It's like a makeover for not just your legs, but your whole body! You don't need spray tans, pantyhose or the solarium anymore. It's a makeup designed for your legs and body which covers freckles, veins and imperfections leaving your legs and body looking flawless. It's also water and transfer resistant. Just spray it on, rub it in and 60 seconds later you can get dressed and head out with your new sexy legs!

I got it at Priceline, but it's also available at Kmart, Target, Big W, chemists, etc. It comes in Light glow, Medium glow, Tan glow and Deep glow. I'm quite fair and the light glow was more than enough for me. Price range is around $27. It lasts quite a while though and a little bit goes a long way.

Going to the Chapel...

2011-10-03T11:33:00.000+11:00

Hi Dolls,

We finally had my sister-in-law and now new brother-in-law's wedding last Friday. It feels like we were counting down for ages and now it finally happened! It was seriously one of the best weddings I have ever been to. In the top two I'd say! Everything was just perfect and full of little surprises! Such a magical and special day!

The hair, the makeup, the accessories, the flowers... everything was just beautiful.

The ceremony was held at their local church. I was lucky enough to be asked to do a reading. The ceremony was short and sweet and just beautiful.

Afterwards there was photos and the weather held up long enough to do this in record time. They had made a list of all the photos they wanted with family and friends and this was such a great idea - no one was left out and they went so quickly! The bridal party then trotted off (well I should really say elegantly glided away) to the next location for more photos... in a stretch Hummer! Awesome!

The reception was at the Doyle's Bridge Hotel. It was a beautiful venue set on the water surrounded by all the boats and yachts. The bridal party were introduced and came in separately with different funky little dances and pumped everyone up for a fabulous and fun night. The bride and groom(!) even had a sneaky outfit change in between the ceremony and reception! A couple after my own heart! A long dress at the ceremony was changed for a shorter little number for the reception. The groom changed into a pair of shorts.
The bridesmaids wore a beautiful yellow colour, each with a different neckline. The bride's white dress had a matching yellow bow and shoes.

There was just so many great things, they had leaned a dance routine for their first dance with lifts and all!
Instead of a guestbook, there was a fingerprint tree which will look fantastic framed on their wall. Each guest put a fingerprint on an outline of a tree and wrote their name under it. A great idea instead of an actual guestbook that just sits in the cupboard and never comes out to play.
The speeches were even great, and it doesn't always happen this way at a wedding. I was so proud of my husband who did a beautiful speech for his sister - it didn't leave a dry eye in the place. I also loved the joint bride and groom speech which was hilarious and so touching. I loved the way they separately thanked each groomsmen and bridesmaid. You choose these people to be part of your special day, so it was nice to know why they each meant so much to them.
You could just feel the love between the two of them and could tell they were meant to live happily ever after. I know, I know, I'm getting a bit corny now but I just love a wedding, you know!

I can't wait to see the wedding video and all the photo's.

Have fun on your honeymoon in Fiji!

To the bride and groom!

P.s - Thanks everyone for all the pics I pinched from Facebook... obviously I left my camera at home!

Royal eyeliner... fail!

2011-09-23T15:10:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

Let me get this straight, I quite like the royal family. I mean, I remember princess Diana's wedding and I was there on the couch with a cuppa and a block of chocolate with a billion million other people for Kate and Wills' wedding - just waiting to catch a glimpse of what she was wearing. But... what is with the eyeliner? Heavy handed or what? I've thought this for a while now and thought it might get better, but it hasn't. It's just too harsh and she needs to relax! I commend PK for still doing her own makeup - it looks fantastic, she obviously knows what she's doing and what suits her... except for her eyeliner!

What do you think? Does Kate wear too much eyeliner and should she tone it down a little bit or do you like this look?

Flashback Friday: Barbie... get on it!

2011-09-23T14:35:00.000+10:00

~Originally posted December 17, 2009~

Hi Dolls,

Even though I am 25 years old, I still love Barbie. She is awesome!A couple of months ago there was a Barbie expo at Federation square. As a cover, I dragged my husband’s 7-year-old god-daughter along and bribed her with the hope of free Barbies! When we got there all she wanted to do was get to the shop at the end of the expo where you could design your own Barbie.

The expo had everything you could want to know about Barbies. We learnt how they were made, watched a movie and then waded through rows and rows of Barbies that dated back the first ever Barbie in 1950. There were Barbies designed by high-end designers including Chanel, Versace and Valentino. There were even the glamorous and famous Barbies including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Beyoncé just to name a few. We walked the runway where mannequins were dressed in full-sized Barbie clothes and later stared through the glass cabinet at the most beautiful Christian Louboutin Barbie pink heels I have ever seen! I couldn’t get enough! So many childhood memories were floating back to me. We made it through the displays of camper vans, limousines and sports cars and to my god daughters delight we finally made it to the store.

So it just goes to show why I find it hard to let go of anything as I know it will have a comeback eventually!

The ques! I have never seen anything like it! We finally managed to design our own Barbie and I must say they were magnificent! You could choose between hairstyles, clothing, shoes, handbags and makeup. Once your design had been completed our masterpieces were put together and rocked the looks we picked for them in a glass display cabinet before they were wrapped up in a plastic box and popped through the shoot landing in our hot little hands. There were so many things to choose from and we ended up walking out with a remake of the first ever Barbie made in the 1950′s (It was a tough choice between this one and a remake of the 80′s Barbie), a nail file with the phrase ‘plastic is the new tan’ and our design your own Barbie. I almost bought my husband a Ken T-shirt with the slogan ‘doing it Ken style’, however I knew he would never wear it. They also had an offer to subscribe to vogue for six months and you would receive your very own collectable Vogue shopgirl Barbie. That night I went home and immediately ordered it and she is awesome!

Since going to this expo I have noticed Barbie is popping up everywhere! Mattel have teamed up with Mac and Stila creating the Barbie loves Mac and Barbie loves Stila makeup lines. Even Mimco have got on board with handbags and accessories called Barbie loves Mimco.

So it just goes to show why I can't let go of anything - everything has a comeback eventually!

Early birthday dollars well spent...

2011-09-23T14:00:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

How beautiful have the last few days been!? I've even been able to catch up on my gigantic basket of washing. Speaking of washing, I even washed the inside of my washing machine. I have never done that before, and you could tell - Eek! To be honest I didn't even know that it needed cleaning. The thing washes, right? I thought it would just wash itself! Anyway, it's sparkling now!

My husband goes for Carlton in the footy (AFL). I am a Collingwood supporter (match made in heaven right!?). I don't follow the football as much as I used to (possibly because my husband coaches and has a game and two nights of training every single week as well as his AFL team and by the end of the season I am over it!) so our daughter is going to go for the blues too. I figure he loves his footy and he will be the one to take her to the games (very noble of me isn't it!). Her little footy jumper fits her much better now. This was actually the first thing we bought our little munchkin and was how we announced that I was pregnant to our families!

It's my birthday tomorrow and I can't wait to go out for breakie with my husband and little girl, followed by a spot of shopping. We haven't gone out for breakie in ages, so I'm really looking forward to it! I hope I also get a nice card... I'm totally not hinting... I'm also having the family over tomorrow night to celebrate so it should be fun! I got a bit of early birthday shopping money so went off to DFO last night with my husband and Piper. Our first mission was to find my husband a suit for his sister's wedding next week. Only a man would leave it so last minute - obviously my outfit and Piper's outfit were sorted ages ago. We ended up back at good old Fountain Gate in the end and got a suit from Man to Man and I must say he does look pretty spunky. It was quite reasonable too, I just can't justify spending thousands on a suit that is worn rarely. Hopefully I will have some pics soon after the wedding next week. We also strolled past Ruby shoes while we were at DFO and had a little looksie. I got these awesome boots (the picture really doesn't do them justice) and some cute pink flats.The boots were only $20 and the flats were $5! Total bargain, how could I say no? These are still at Cotton On and Ruby shoes stores for full price so I was wrapped! I bet my sister isn't when she reads this because she paid full price the other day! Hehe...

I also picked up a few casual tops from Susanne Gray and a couple of cardies from Katies. I got this cute bag at Katies. It was 25% off the sale price and I ended up only paying $11 for it!

My mother-in-law picked up a couple of super cute Lonsdale jackets for Piper from Rebel Sport. They were originally $50 each but picked them up for $10 each.

I am also loving best & Less at the moment for baby & kids clothing & accessories. Piper has been so spoilt! I got this top and dress for $5 each among numerous other things. I was a bit naughty, but nevermind - I definitely have a well dressed baby.

I took this pic a few nights ago and thought I would share with you. This is from our video monitor. As well as being a total time waster (I could sit there and watch her sleeping all night) it is super handy. Sometimes, she makes noises in her sleep and when you go into her room she can wake up. With the video monitor you can just check it and see if they are unsettled. If they are, you can go in and check on them, but if not you don't have to disturb them. My sister-in-laws got us this and it is great value.

Until next week, stay safe!

Flashback Friday: Hair Extensions - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

2011-09-16T13:27:00.000+10:00

~ Originally posted at http://www.kirstensstylereport.wordpress.com on 5th August, 2010 ~
Hi Dolls,

Don’t be fooled when you flick through a magazine and look at pictures of celebs with glorious look-at-me hair. They probably have hair extensions. Hair extensions not only add length to your hair, but they also create volume. Love them or loathe them, hair extensions are a great way to create an instant long-haired look.

Bad hair extensions can take you from classy to trashy in an instant. You are better off having no extensions than having bad extensions. Take a look at these celebrities who are guilty of sporting bad hair extensions – even they can get it so wrong. You would think that someone would tell them that their extensions are showing or that they just look plain tacky. Isn’t that why celebrities pay their ‘friends’ the big bucks?

Permanent extensions can damage your natural hair so consider clip in extensions as an alternative.
I personally really like hair extensions, if they’re done right. I am considering some clip in extensions at the moment mainly to add volume and a bit of length. My hairdresser can get high quality hair extensions. They are really expensive but will last forever.

Bardot Junior... what a disapointment!

2011-09-16T13:08:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

One of the best things about my blog is that I can tell you about all the amazing and fabulous things I come across. If I don't like something, I tend to not write about it. I don't like to be a negative person, so I don't like to put it here. However, I recently had a very unpleasant experience at Bardot Junior to the point where I actually made a complaint in writing to their head office which I have never done. I wasn't very happy with their response so thought I would publish it here:

I sent this last email on Monday and I have not received a response. This shows me that they don't really care about at all which is why I will no longer shop there again. All I really wanted was an apology and I was really disappointed that I didn't even receive that. Obviously they are acknowledging that they are wrong by offering me a full refund, so why not just apologise? Is it really too much to ask??

To market, to market...

2011-09-12T14:21:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

Just wanted to fill you in on what's been happening in my world this week.

I think we were up to Father's day last time I checked. It was my husbands first Father's day and it really was such a great day. Piper and I made him this cute photo frame and got him a little book as well. We got up early and made him breakfast in bed - Eggs Benedict. Ha, she is so clever isn't she! I have got to be honest though, they were seriously the best poached eggs I have made in my life. Actually, scrap that - it was the best meal I've made in my life. I like to bake, but my husband is generally the cook in our home. Of course, I do the washing up though!

Piper finally got over her sniffles and we got her 4 month old needles. She was such a little trooper, she cried at the time the nurse poked her, but was her happy little self afterwards. We also visited the health nurse and she is now over 6kgs! She is growing at the pace she is supposed to. It's nice to know she is on the right track and doing what she is supposed to be doing.

Our mother's group changed it up a little bit and went to the Caribbean market. On the first Friday of every month, there is a baby and children's market. It's fantastic, possibly a little more fantastic for girls but there was still a few things for the boys there. It was such a beautiful day, after a wonder around the market we sat outside in the beautiful sunshine. I am definitely keen to do this again next month. Piper wore her little dress from seed that I got the other week. Total bargain - was $40, down to $20 with 15% off. I ended up getting it for $15!

My sister-in-law (who is getting married in... 18 days - excited!) had her hen's night the weekend before last. We gate-crashed a bit early and gave her a little something before the wedding day that I had made. They are handkerchiefs with the tag 'happy tears.'

The night was hilarious and we all had a great time. I didn't get home till almost 3am - party animal! As with most hen's nights, there was obviously some entertainment. The entertainment turned out to be life drawing. Has anyone done this before? I haven't, but I must say, it was so much fun! He did four different poses and we each had to try and draw him and his... well you know! Then we had a wonder around the room to check out everyone else had drawn. I have not laughed like that in a while! It was so funny and a bit naughty, but definitely worth the bucket load of cash this guy charged! I got a prize for one of the four drawings. Would it be bad to let Piper play with these maracas...??

Ooo, I forgot to show off my new boots. Yes, another pair and well, they aren't quite new - I got them a month or so ago and forgot to show you! They were from Williams and were $90 down to $55. They even fit right up to my knee!

Sconeday Sunday was yesterday. My sister and I have started making scones (with jam and cream with a Chai Tea Latte on the side) every other Sunday. They are delicious and so easy to make. Why don't you get a couple of girls around and try it too this weekend. You could even make it a bit more fancy and break out the china for a high tea instead!

http://www.seedheritage.com

http://ww.williamstheshoemen.com.au

Jolly Jumper with the sniffles...

2011-08-29T14:21:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

There are sniffles in our house again. I was supposed to book Piper in for her needles but had to postpone because my poor little chicken wing went and got herself another cold and gave it to me while she was at it. At least I can't say that she doesn't share!

Piper tried out her jolly jumper for the first time this week. She loves it and could not get enough of bouncing and spinning around! If you have a baby you have to get one of these. They are so much fun - for the both of us!
She has also been using her Bumbo a little more. It's so cute and she looks so grown up sitting up in her Bumbo and bouncing around in her jolly jumper.

We also finally got a door gate. We went to put it up and guess what... too big. So we will have to take it back now and get a new one.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Robert Gordon Pottery in Pakenham. That place has the most amazing things. I know that Piper's first birthday isn't until April next year, but I couldn't help myself. I picked up invitations, cupcake patty pans, party hats, lolly bags and heaps of other stuff all in the same theme. They had heaps of different themes you could use for birthdays, parties, hens/kitchen tea, high tea, baby showers... the list goes on. They had beautiful crockery and a huge collection of tea pots. They had these cute ceramic milk bottles that I'm going to get next time I'm there. I thought I could put some balloons with sticks attached in them and place them on the table to decorate the party a bit.

Also on the agenda this week is fathers day - this Sunday. I have Piper's daddy sorted and will be able to reveal all next week. I have been racking my brain for my Dad and my husband's Dad though. I have no idea. What are you getting the Daddy's in your life? More socks? It reminds me of the little father's day stalls at school and the presents we bought for our Dad's that we thought were so good. We just couldn't wait to give them to our Daddies on their special day.

On a sad note, I'd like to send my condolences to Jarrad McVeigh and his family on the loss of their baby girl Luella who was born with heart complications.

http://www.robertgordonaustralia.com/

I've been getting my craft on!

2011-08-22T14:21:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

I have been busy busy this week. I got stuck in lincraft (again!). I got a heap of stuff and have been glue-gunning away making cute little headbands for my lil munchkin. It's so much fun being crafty and I have a huge to do list for things in my home - not just baby stuff. I've been scrolling through and watching tutorials on Pinterest.com and have custom made headbands to go with all of Piper's little outfits. Here are a few I made earlier.

I have been putting Piper in headbands pretty much since she was born. Mainly because they are pretty, but also in the hope that when she is older and she is wearing a hat or sunglasses in the summer time she might not feel the need to rip them off - here's hoping! My sister-in-law was making headbands among other things for Piper while I was pregnant. Yep, I couldn't wait to find out what I was having. So, before she was born I had the cutest hand-made cot mobile and pram-tie going around. Everywhere I go, someone comments on how gorgeous it is! Here is a sneaky peak of the cot mobile and our baby girl's nursery. I hung lanterns over her change table. There are white cane baskets with pink gingham inserts under the change table. I put a dandelions decal on the wall. I even hand sewed crystals all over the top of the mosquito net (took me ages!!). My sister-in-law made the canvases hanging on the wall as well using white fabric, pink and white polka-dot ribbon and buttons.

Did I mention that my other sister-in-law is getting married next month? I'm so excited and cannot wait, gosh I love a wedding! We all went Mother-of-the-bride dress shopping last weekend. It's top-secret so I can't say too much. Only it cost a bomb and looks magnificent. We went shopping at the Burke Street Mall. That place is huge! Piper was an absolute nightmare - she slept most of the time and we barely heard a peep out of her, she was the perfect little angel! I behaved myself as well, but did get myself a new pair of Nike runners. I needed them, I swear! I've even used them already (shocked? I know I was!). They actually make me want to exercise. I guess we will see how long that lasts!

Ooo, I also got a dress for the wedding! It is also super top secret... but I will tell you it was from Diana Ferrari and it was $150 discounted to $130 with 50% off. So I ended up getting it for the bargain price of $65!! Absolute bargain, I couldn't pass it up! Gee, bargains make me happy!

I caught up with my girlfriends as well for brunch. We went to Switch at Fountain Gate shopping centre. It was great to catch up. I think sometimes life just gets in the way and you forget how long it's been. I must make the effort to do that more often.

I didn't realise until I started thinking about my week, how much running around I actually do. It seems like I'm never home! We also went and visited Belinda and her brand new 3 week old baby girl, Aleeyah. What an adorable little girl, and such a gorgeous name. I had a cuddle and she felt like she weighed just a breath of air. It made me realise how fast Piper is growing up, she is 4 months old already!

This week, my husband and I also had our first proper date night without Piper! We went for dinner at Outback Jacks. So many people rave about how good the food is here, but I was a little disapointed! My steak wasn't cooked very well and was really fatty, so I don't think we will be going back again anytime soon. We then went to the movies and saw Red Dog. I loved it! Ok, ok, I cried as well, but that's not unusual - I cry in almost every movie! It was an Australian film and it was really good. If you're a dog lover, it is a must-see for sure.

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy the lovely sunshine. It's such a beautiful day!

OPI: Hawaiian Orchid & I Mainley Eat Lobster

2011-08-22T13:11:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

David Jones had a sale I just couldn't resist. Spend $39.90 or more on any OPI products and you receive a free full-sized OPI Rapid-Dry top coat valued at $22.95! OPI is my go to nail polish. It glides on effortlessly and even for me it's easy to keep in between the lines. So I got 2 full size OPI nail polishes at $19.95 each - Hawaiian Orchid & I Mainley Eat Lobster.

How to: Newspaper Nails

2011-08-22T12:58:00.001+10:00

Hi Dolls,

For the life of me, I can't remember where I saw this, but thought I would give it a shot anyway.
I think they look super hot. My sister and I had a go yesterday and here's how we did them.

Ingredients:
Bowl
Rubbing alcohol or vodka
Base coat nail polish
Light coloured Nail Polish
Top coat nail polish
Newspaper

Method:
- Pour some rubbing alcohol or vodka into a bowl. Just enough to be able to dip your nails in.
- Grab your newspaper and cut out 10 strips. I chose my horoscope and an article from the style section of the newspaper. You could also use recipes, cartoons or even crosswords.
- Apply base coat.
- Once base coat is dry apply your nail polish.
- Once your nail polish has completely dried, dip one nail into the bowl of rubbing alcohol for about 20 seconds.
- Apply the newspaper onto your nail and press down for another 20 seconds. I found it helped to add more rubbing alcohol on top of the newspaper.
- Carefully peel off the newspaper and the print should have transferred from the newspaper onto your nail.
- Wait for the print to dry then apply your top coat.

Flashback Friday: Parlux 3200 Ceramic & Ionic Edition Hair Dryer

2011-08-22T12:07:00.001+10:00

~Originally posted June 29, 2010~

Hi Dolls,

I have just upgraded my hair dryer to the Parlux 3200 Ceramic & Ionic Edition $169.95. This is my first salon quality hair dryer and I have absolutely no idea why I didn’t upgrade sooner!

The Parlux 3200 hair dryer has won awards including InStyle’s best hair dryer and is used by hairdressing professionals all over the world. This dryer not only dries your hair faster, but it also reduces the amount of damage that your hair suffers when using a regular dryer.

The combined effect of ceramics and negative ions radiates heat inside the hair without damaging the hair. Drops of water are broken down into micro-molecules which are absorbed by the hair, leaving it frizz free and healthy. Moisture can then easily penetrate the hair shaft leaving your hair moisturized and looking soft and shiny. The negative ions also reduce static electricity and stress on the hair.

This dryer not only dries my hair super quickly, it also cuts down my drying time in half. It seriously took me less than 3 minutes – trust me, i timed it! My hair is fine and thin and generally lacks body. I find this dryer really good for blow drying and I can create plenty of volume with it. It leaves my hair feeling silky and soft, frizz and static free without drying it out. It feels the same as it does straight out of the salon.

- 1900 watt powerful motor. Life: 2000 hours
- Light weight compact dryer.
- Cold shot button.
- 4 temperatures.
- 2 speeds.
- Ceramic and Ionic technology.
- 3 meter long and strong cable cord.
- 2 unbreakable nozzles – one for a perfect setting and the other for fast drying.
- Weighs less than 500 grams.
- Air flow: 69 cubic meters/hour.
- Matching diffuser is available to purchase separately.
- 12 month warranty.
- Available in: White, Silver, Chocolate, Pink, Red, Blue, Black, and Choc Cherry.
- Mine also came with a free round brush worth $26.95!
- Made in Italy.

The man chair - do you know it?

2011-08-12T13:11:00.001+10:00

Hi Dolls,

This week has been so cold and I've had the heater blasting non-stop. I'm not looking forward to our gas and electricity bills that's for sure.

Our tax money has finally appeared in our account so I can now officially shop - delighted! I went shopping with my husband the other day and it really is a totally different experience when you are shopping with the boys. I don't want to generalise, but most guys, when they shop are on a mission. They know what they want and they just go in and get it. No browsing, no window shopping and no thinking about it. They go in, try a heap of stuff on if your lucky (sometimes they don't try it on and make you take it back another time because it's not right) and spend the big bucks all at once. I end up layering mountains of clothes in my husbands arms with things I think he would like, things I like and things I think would look great but not sure if he would actually go for but am trying to push my luck anyway. They never believe that some things look better on compared to just on the rack. It is actually a bit exciting shopping this way. They don't just pick up a top or a pair of shoes every few weeks, they get the works and get it done once, maybe twice a year. You can tell when they have been dragged along by their partners and are not shopping for themselves. They are sulking and sitting on what I like to call the 'man chair'. You know the one, it's the lone chair just outside the change rooms where the girls leave their shopping companions to sit and wait patiently while they try on a million things and come out for a suitably flattering statement about what they have tried on. Let's face it, we never come out with something that we don't actually like, those things we just call out and say that it just didn't fit right, not the truth where it actually didn't fit at all. God forbid we ask the boys to get us the next size up! So shopping with my husband wasn't too bad after all and he picked up some jeans, a couple of T-shirts, a hoodie and a jacket. He looked very spunky in all his new gear.

I went shopping with my Mum yesterday and we wondered into Williams where I discovered the boots I got last week come in tan! They also had 50% off the second pair of shoes and I could not leave without this other pair as well. The best part was that my Mum shouted them for me as an early birthday present. I know my birthday isn't until the end of September, but they are going on holidays for over a month and won't be here for my birthday so I get to have them now! I love my birthday! The tan pair were $140 and the other pair were $70 discounted to $50 with 50% off. So I ended up getting them for just $25!

During my shopping adventures I obviously had to visit the baby change areas. I have been to quite a few now in the three-and-a-half months Piper has been around. I know the nice ones in each of the shopping centres and which ones to avoid. Unfortunately you can't always avoid the weird people who frequent them. Of course I have met some lovely people there, it's just what you do when you are changing and feeding your baby. You chat to the other Mums, friends, grandparents and siblings. You coo at their babies, ask how old and what their name is and then tell them how adorable they are. You obviously expect this in return! I also see a lot of people with the same pram. I have an apple iCandy. I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone! Whenever this happens we both check out each others pram and and say ooo, do you love it!? The answer is always yes! I have the black one, but you can buy attachments to make it different colours. I reeeealllyyyy want the purple, I hope my husband is reading this and sees how good the purple looks! Hint Hint! There is a LOT of traffic coming in and out of the baby change area. I once saw a line of people wait for the toilet where you can take your pram and the rest of your life in with you for what seemed an age only to discover that it was empty the whole time and it just looked like it was locked. Another time, I saw a women hold her two year old's bottom half under the tap of the sink to wash her. Seriously, I would have given you a wipe if I knew you had run out. Or you could just pay the 2 bucks for a nappy that comes with wipes. I would have been so embarrassed! So note to everyone, best not use the sinks in these places!

We got the new incubus album this week and I have had it playing in the car non-stop. I really like it and can't wait until they come out again. I'm thinking date night with the husband for that one!

I also got stuck in Lincraft this week. Not literally, but I did spend a lot of time in there sorting through all the fabrics, felts, lace and elastics. I decided to get a bit creative and I made some super cute headbands that go with all of Piper's little outfits. I am really enjoying it too! I will show you what I have been up to in the next few weeks.

Flashback Friday: Op-shopper... I am not

2011-08-12T13:11:00.000+10:00

~ Originally posted April 20, 2010. ~

Hi Dolls,

I am a dedicated shopper. I would even say that I am an experienced shopper. I can walk into a store, quickly give it the once over and decide whether or not they will have what I am looking for. If I think they have what I’m looking for, watch out! I can be in there for hours. When I tell my husband that my type of shopping is definitely a form of cardio, he just laughs. It’s true though, shopping is cardio and I’m sure that a lot of you would agree. I have been known to visit more than 4 shopping centres all in one day. I am even lusting over pink license plates at the moment that say SHOPPA. They are still available, so don’t even think about stealing it! This is how committed I am to all things shopping.

The only thing I can’t get into is op-shopping. My sister is an op-shopperaholic. I must have missed this ‘jean’ – see what I did there?! I can’t help but think about who wore these clothes before me. I think of a disgusting pervert that hasn’t showered in… well ever. My sister thinks of someone fabulous and the fact that it has been dry-cleaned anyway. I have tried to get into it and have visited many opportunity shops before. The thing is, when you walk into an op-shop there is no mistaking the smell. They all have the same smell – musty, crusty and ‘pre-loved’. I love to rummage through racks of clothing with the best of them, but at an op-shop I think of the smell and it has to be coming from somewhere. I almost cried when I saw a jacket with sweat patches stained under the arms. I don’t want to breathe in through my nose because it smells so bad, but I also don’t want to breathe in through my mouth in case the germs get in.

I am all for a bargain, but I just can’t get past these issues. I don’t know why. I would have thought that it would be enough when my sister came home with a Review Dress (A$8), MNG Dress (A$6), French Connection dress (A$10), Grip Jeans (A$4), Levi’s jeans (A$6) Jag T-shirt (A$3), Lee Miller Shirt (A$5), Escada Jacket (A$12), Original Nike Air High-Tops (A$4) – All for under $60!!

I’m pretty sure that if you told me a celebrity had worn it before I would make an acceptation. This is where good vintage stores really could take advantage of me. I am extremely gullible and would believe almost anything. Oh, Sarah Jessica Parker wore that? Sold! Then the credit card bill would come through at the end of the month and I would look at how much I actually spent on something that SJP probably never did wear.

So my unfortunate habit of all things having to be hygienic and my over-active imagination will make sure that my shopping and spending habits will not always have a lot to show for themselves like a committed op-shopper would.

Here are some good op-shops if you dare. Keep an eye out when you are out shopping. The little ones and the forgotten ones are the best ones. They always have the best stuff as nobody has found them yet.
You are also helping to support some worthy charities and people less fortunate.

Savers - Supporting Sids and Kids, Diabetes Australia
Dandenong - 210 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, VIC. 3175, Australia
Brunswick - 330 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC. 3056, Australia
http://www.savers.com.au/

Salvos - The Salvation Army
http://salvos.org.au/

Vinnies - St Vincent de Paul
Cranbourne - 4/218 High Street, Cranbourne, VIC. 3977, Australia
http://www.vinnies.org.au/

If you have any other hidden secrets you would like to share, please feel free to leave a comment.

No muffin top here!

2011-08-05T15:50:00.001+10:00

Hi Dolls,

Last weekend I went to the T'Gallant winery for my sister-in-laws 30th birthday. We had a wonderful time and a really beautiful day. The food was amazing, the wine was fabulous, the company was fantastic, the service was perfect and the venue was spectacular. We started with a wine tasting where I decided that I must chuck a few wine glasses in my purse on the way out, they were gorgeous. Then I found out there was no need as you could purchase them from their cellar door instead. At the wine tasting I tried Pinot Grigio for the first time among many others and it was so yummy. I also had the Mascato and that was devine! I think I could be a wine drinker after all. We then had a delicious two course meal. I had salmon croquettes with beetroot and then braised duck with ricotta and spinach gnocchi. I stuck to the mascato throughout lunch. I must say, I didn't have much drink training in the lead up to this day but I was quite surprised that I didn't actually end up napping under the table after lunch. We all travelled there together in a mini bus so we had no excuse but to 'get on it'!
Check out their website if you are interested - http://www.tgallant.com.au/

Miss Piper had her first case of the sniffles this week, so we spent the first half of the week at home. It's awful when they are sick. There's not much you can do and you would do anything to take on their sickness instead. She has now come good though and this morning she had a playdate with her little friend Miss Indi Winter. These two little besties met through their mummy's at baby birthing classes! They had such a fun time chatting, having lunch and playing together. Both proud mummy's took so many photos that I now can't decide which one to put up on facebook! The one where they are both smiling or the one where they are holding hands or... I can't put them all up... can I? It's hilarious what you do to get a good photo - I'm glad I'm not the only one who dances around trying to get the perfect picture! When they held hands accidentally on purpose we both yelped with excitement. Both babies got such a fright they stopped holding hands before we could get our cameras out!

It's funny the things you think you might need before your baby comes along. I seriously had everything you could think of, but when you actually start using these things you 'had-to-have' you quickly learn that most of them are really not very practical at all. While I was waiting for my little one to come along (sounds a bit nicer that pop out) I searched everywhere for the perfect nappy bag. I stumbled upon a Marc by Marc Jacobs nappy bag on shopbop.com. A bargain at just $200 with free delivery. Obviously I had to have it. I talked my husband around and was very proud of my purchase. BUT... when I actually started using it I realised that it just wasn't very practical. The bag was massive and as it only had smallish handles it would not fit over the handle of my pram. It had to go in the storage part of the pram and basically took up all the room. If you are anything like me and like to shop I found there was no room left to hide all of the shopping bags from my husband... I mean... well anyway. You just don't realise these things aren't practical until you try them out. So I ended up at Target the other day with my husband and saw that all nappy bags had 30% off. I found a gorgeous red canvas one that was $50 (bargain) down to $35 (double bargain). How could I not? It had a long handle that would fit over the handle of my pram and free up room for the rest of my 'bargains' underneath. It had heaps of different compartments, a bottle warmer and even a special place to put the dummy. Imagine my husbands surprise when I told him that we needed one. I spent all that time talking him into the other nappy bag and telling him how great it was and that he could tell everyone he has a Marc Jacobs nappy bag (yeah right) that he could not believe what he was hearing. I told him the Marc Jacobs nappy bag would still be in use and we could still put all the toys and blankets in it for when we go visiting people. Perfect, and it is for it's new function! I don't think my husband is so sure...

So with my new nappy bag and our tax return on its way I managed to get an advance and went shopping! I think I forgot how good shopping actually was and how amazing it felt to actually spend some money.
I live in thongs. Black havaianas are a wardrobe staple for me, but now that I am a mummy I thought it was time to invest in something that would actually keep my little toes warm. I got these awesome boots from Williams. Devastated I missed the 30% off sale just days before but I loved them, so I forked out the $140 anyway. They are so comfy and actually fit really well. Like so many others, I find it difficult to find a pair of boots that fit nicely around my calves. These are perfect and flat so I can last all day long in them.

I also got a pair of bootleg jeans from Katies

I got a couple of things from Susan as well. They have 50% off the marked sale price at the moment. Do yourselves a favour and get down there. When they do a sale, they do an amazing sale! Katies also have 50% off the marked sale price on some items and I got an awesome bright orange jacket that was $90 down to $20! My husband says that it's a red jacket and it is called tomato red, but I think it looks more orange.

I stumbled across these free Kewpie doll printout labels from My Poppet and thought I would share. They are just too cute! Be sure to check out their FaceBook page. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmypoppet.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fkewpie-labels-free-printable.html&h=RAQC_hRZAAQBb7tXP57P0AeBb7apW4pF58wNiYmNKO9iPkw

By the way, it is national lipstick week this week, so everyone get on board and crack open the red lippy!

Flashback Friday: There are people who don't like shopping?

2011-08-05T15:49:00.000+10:00

~ Originally posted on 22nd April, 2010 ~

Hi Dolls,

It has been brought to my attention that there are people out there that don’t like shopping. It’s true. These alien beings exist in our material world and they are certainly not material girls. I find excuses to go shopping, they find any excuse not to. I just cannot comprehend this. What is wrong with these people? They are definitely not my people.
A few of my friends have recently admitted to me that they don’t actually like shopping. Shocking, I know! I’m not sure how we have been friends for so long and I hadn’t realised this. I just cannot think why they wouldn’t like it. What did we actually talk about up until I was assaulted with the news that they didn’t like to shop. Do we still have anything in common? Can we get past this? What have they been wearing in all the time we have been friends? I must have been too wrapped up in my own shopping expeditions to notice. They have never been my shopping buddies, so I really should have caught on a lot earlier. I generally like to shop solo unless I’m in the mood for a stroll and not on a mission for something in particular. If I need a second opinion I choose my shopping companions very seriously. I cannot be rushed, and I will always show the same courtesy to my fellow shoppers.

I asked my friends if shopping had done anything to them in particular. Was there a reason they hated it so much? Did they get RSI in their hands from carrying too many bags? Did they get shin splints from walking around the shops for too long? Do they suffer from Agoraphobia – fear of shops and open spaces? What could possibly make them hate my favourite thing so much?
Apparently there is no big reason. Basically, they just can’t be bothered. Can’t be bothered? Now this is definitely a foreign concept to me. I am totally out of my depth here. The only thing in my world that stops me shopping is lack of funds. I have back-up plans though. Oh, no cash – Do you take credit card? Sold! I can justify any purchase. Seriously, try me. If I literally don’t have any cash or cards left, I can always window shop for next time.

Nothing can deter me from satisfying my shopping and spending needs. So what, I love shopping, I’m superficial… whatever. It makes me happy.

Donna Hay... my hero!

2011-07-29T12:57:00.003+10:00

Hi Dolls,

I hope everyone has been fabulous. As usual, I have had another chock-a-block full week.

After months of no mobile service, I finally got off my butt and contacted Optus to get out of my contract. Could not believe my luck when I had no problems getting out of it and I didn't have to pay a thing - score! So, we went straight to the Telstra shop last night so they could hook us up with the lot - mobile, internet, t-box and t-hub. I had finally talked my husband into getting the internet and everything else that goes with it, so I was pretty pumped we were finally sorting it all out... until Telstra told me that I couldn't get the internet in my area. Are you serious!? It's not like we live in the country! Their explanation was because all the internet ports in my area are taken and there isn't any left for us, but I am more than welcome to go on a waiting list for the next available, blah, blah, blah. So I rang this morning to go on a 'waiting list', and guess what... there isn't one! Grrr... my only option apart from a stupid and expensive wireless pack is to just ring up every few months and try my luck. The likelihood of this actually happening is extremely low. Someone basically has to move and then the next person that moves in hopefully doesn't hook up the internet for a really long time and then perhaps I might be able to get it... if I ring before the other billion people also wanting the internet. So annoying... anyway that's my little vent for today... even though I did vent about it last night as well. Deep breath... moving on!

On a much more fun note, Piper rolled! My mother-in-law bought her a little tummy-time mat and she still hates tummy-time but not so much anymore. Anyway, she was wiggling around and rolled. I don't know who was more shocked, but after the initial shock, I yelped for joy and started clapping and she started giggling!
Piper also moved onto the 'big bath' this week. As with most of her things at the moment, she has grown out of her baby bath, bassinet and even her car seat. She loves being able to kick and splash and it's just too cute.
What isn't too cute is her new habit of waking up at 3am every single night. Last night was the first night in so long that she amazingly slept through. I won't hold my breath, but I am secretly hoping that this is the beginning of a wonderful night's sleep. Fingers crossed! She has settled quite nicely into the eat, play, sleep routine. It isn't strict but it helps me understand why she's grumpy, when to put her down for a nap and when to give her a bottle.

I had my Mother's group on Wednesday. There are 5 of us and we are taking it in turns having everyone over at each of our houses. Every sixth week we plan to do something fun outside the house somewhere. These lovely ladies kept making and baking things for afternoon tea and seriously put me to shame. Who has time? Especially when they do a 24 pack of mixed MnM, Snickers and Mars Cookies for $10 at Safeway! My husband is the one who cooks, I'm very lucky he looks after me. He even used to make my lunch for me when we both worked. But, this week was my turn and all the Mum's were coming to my place so I decided to give baking a go! My Mother-in-law got me onto Donna Hay and she is my kind of cooking lady. She declares herself the queen of cheats and if there is a shortcut she will point you in the right direction.

I gave the Chocolate Eclairs and Chocolate Brownie Cake a go. I must say they were delicious. They were also so easy, which is a relief because that's how I roll.

Why don't you give them a go:

Chocolate Eclairs

Serves 12

Ingredients:

1 cup (250ml) double (heavy) cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon icing sugar, sifted

12 sponge finger biscuits, halved length ways

125g dark chocolate, melted

¼ teaspoon vegetable oil

Method:

1. Place the cream, vanilla and sugar in a bowl and whisk gently until thick.

2. Place the bases of the biscuits onto a wire rack.

3. Spoon on the cream mixture and top with the remaining biscuits.

4. Mix together the chocolate and oil.

5. Spread the chocolate mixture over the tops of the biscuits.

Chocolate Brownie

Makes 16 Slices

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate, chopped

250g butter, chopped

1¾ cups (310g) brown sugar

4 Eggs

⅓ Cup (35g) cocoa powder, sifted

1¼ Cups (185g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted

¼ Teaspoon baking powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 160°C (325ºF).

2. Place the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

3. Place the sugar, eggs, cocoa, flour and baking powder in a bowl.

4. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until combined.

5. Pour into a 20cm square slice tin lined with non-stick baking paper.

6. Bake for 50 minutes or until an inserted skewer withdraws clean.

7. Allow to cool slightly in the tin before slicing.

8. Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!

http://www.donnahay.com.au/

Rhubarb and my week so far…

2011-07-22T12:42:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

This week has been another busy one – visiting some of the grandparents and a lovely outing at the shops among numerous other bits and pieces.

Piper spent her first night in the cot in her own room last night. She had been napping in her cot during the day in the hope of a smooth transition to her overnight sleeps. Daddy and I weren't quite ready for her to be on her own at night, but she has grown out of the basinet which we kept in our room and we no longer have a choice but to let her sleep on her own in her own room. She went pretty well, but did wake up a few times. So fingers crossed tonight goes a bit better.

This week’s highlight was a shopping expedition at Chadstone Shopping Centre with Piper, my sister-in-law and two nephews. One of the little darlings had a play with the scissors last week and cut himself a nice little bald patch in the front of his hair. A quick trip to the hairdressers and well… it doesn’t really look too bad now… but it’ll be good once it grows back!

So, imagine my delight when I realized there are still sales happening! Then I remembered that I’m still on one wage (bummer) but quickly countered that with the thought of layby (woohoo!). I had a look at a few things in Target before the toy sale started (which started Wednesday midnight by the way) and was very practical for once… and no – I’m not justifying silly purchases that I didn’t really need. Although I do very much think that this is a fantastic skill I have acquired in all my experience and years of shopping. If you want to go shopping with me, be sure to want to buy, buy, buy, because I really can justify any purchase. Alas, the guilt overwhelmed me and my many wanted purchases, so I stuck to just buying a latch thingy-ma-jiggy that will allow the new car seat to go in the car and stay put. I don’t even need to justify that one – there is a first for everything!

We went past a kid’s clothing shop called Rhubarb. Oh my god, this shop is amazing! The sales were spectacular. My sister-in-law stocked up on a few bits and pieces for next winter for her kids and I lusted after pretty much the entire store. Our families and friends have been so generous, loading Piper full of absolutely gorgeous and wonderful gifts. While I wasn’t looking, my sister-in-law picked up this fabulous growth chart from Rhubarb that I was eyeing off for Piper. It was only $15, down from $40 (see saving more than what it was bought for, bargain - see what I did there, I told you I can justify any purchase!). It is super cute and will be put up this weekend by my husband… when I ask him. Pumpkin, if you are reading this, pretty please put this up on the back of Piper’s door. Not sure if I like my chances, I think it’s hilarious but he hates it when I call him pumpkin or any other name for that matter. E.g.: Shnookums, Muffin, sweet-cakes etc.

In a few weeks, it is my sister-in-law’s 30^th Birthday! Dirrty 30! Ha, I just like saying that. She is taking a few of us to a Winery for lunch and I am beyond super excited! So for the next few weeks I need to get myself into training and start drinking so I can keep up. I am not a big drinker at all, a light-weight at best and seeing as I was pregnant not too long ago I haven’t had a drink for at least… hmm… probably a year and a half. So it’s been a long time between drinks and if I don’t want to be snoring under the table halfway through lunch – which I don’t (and I totally don’t snore, no matter what my husband might say!) – I need to pace myself. My problem is I get a bit excited and go too early, too quickly. I also don’t love alcohol all that much so I knock it back and mix it up to trick my taste buds. I think it’s a great idea to begin with, but mixing drinks just really isn’t a great mix.

My other challenge this week is to try and get myself into some sort of a routine. For Piper and myself. The sleep, eat, play routine with a bit of tummy time thrown in which is a nightmare because she absolutely hates tummy time. Wish me luck!

http://www.rhubarb.net.au/
http://www.chadstoneshopping.com.au/

Flashback Friday: I Love... My Chanel Handbag

2011-07-22T12:41:00.000+10:00

Originally posted on Wordpress - December 21, 2009.

Hi Dolls,

About 6 months ago I jokingly (sort of) asked my husband if I could spend our tax return on a Chanel handbag. He asked me how much they were and when I told him, his reaction wasn’t what I had jokingly hoped for. I told him it was an investment and I could justify this by working it out to $1 per wear. I would only have to wear this handbag every day for the next 8 years and 8 months. Unfortunately this didn’t appear to sway his opinion.
A few months past and we finally got around to lodging our tax return. Saving this money obviously did not cross my mind. A tax return is like free money – as long as you don’t get a bill! So I asked my husband what we were going to buy. He said that he thought I was buying a handbag. You could not imagine my surprise and excitement. I dropped what I was doing and rang the Chanel store immediately to see if my handbag was in stock. It was! I left work early and drove into Collins Street to make my purchase.

I finally arrived and as I walked toward the store I felt like I was on cloud nine. I had a spring in my step and nothing could drag me down from the fashion high I was on. The doorman opened the big glass doors for me and as I stepped inside I thought to myself that this is a lot like what I think heaven might be like! I glided straight towards the counter and introduced myself as the girl who called this morning about THE bag. She looked at me with pity and said she was sorry but they had just sold out. I looked at her in despair. I felt sick. This was the bag I had been dreaming of my whole life and she shattered this dream within two seconds! I felt defeated. I was beyond disappointed. The shop assistant must have realised this and offered me another bag with gold hardware instead of silver. I shook my head. Then she offered me the smaller version of my bag (which was the same price!). I shook my head again. This was not what I had my heart set on and was just not what I wanted. She then offered to call me the minute another bag arrived. I thanked her and walked out the store feeling extremely rejected. I felt so down and the high I was on just minutes ago had completely vanished.

The next day at work I received a call from Chanel to let me know that my bag had come in. The shop assistant advised me to come in straight away as she couldn’t hold the bag for me and also couldn’t guarantee that it would still be there later that day. I couldn’t believe my luck. I ran into my boss and asked if-I-could-go-early-because-my-bag-has-just-turned-up-at-chanel-and-they-won’t-hold-it-for-me-and-it-might-not-be-there-later-and-I-need-to-go-NOW!!!!! As the fashion savvy boss that she is, she immediately understood me and told me to go now! So I did. I called my husband and asked him to collect me immediately. I needed a quick exit from the car when we got to Chanel and could not waste time on ticket parking. He agreed (amazingly) and we were on our way.

We rolled up and I was dropped off in front of the store. I bolted from the car and back into my little piece of heaven. I ran directly to the counter and breathlessly announced that I was here for the bag! The lovely shop assistant smiled at me and asked me to wait there and she would go and get my bag. I beamed back at her and thanked her for all her help. I was finally getting my very own Chanel handbag!!! She returned with my bag and my heart skipped a beat. It was beautiful. I held my breath as I took it in my arms. It was love at first sight. I handed my money over and took a seat while I waited for my new purchase to be wrapped, boxed and ribboned. I felt at home here. Everyone understood the thrill of a new Chanel handbag and were all genuinely excited for me. A few minutes later my bag was returned to me packaged in Chanel’s signature carry bag. My only disappointment today was that I couldn’t show off the carrier bag for longer. I had already kept my husband waiting for quite sometime as we all oohed and ahhed over my new handbag.

I waived goodbye and exchanged air kisses and as I walked out of the store the alarm sounded. I was mortified. I had beeped on my way out of Chanel! I turned around and the doorman asked me to come back in. What had I done?! Thankfully the shop assistant noticed my panick and told me not to worry. She apologised and told me that it was her mistake and she hadn’t removed all the tags from inside the bag. She took my carrier bag away and returned it to me a few minutes later. So I went to leave again. The doors opened and to my relief the alarm remained silent.
I cuddled my carrier bag in the car all the way home. When we returned I de-ribboned, unwrapped and unboxed my gorgeous new handbag. The italian leather smelt amazing as I gently removed the dust bag that revealed the Chanel Large Shopping Tote. My handbag was magnificent and more than I could have ever wanted. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world and I suppose I am!

Xmas Shopping - Check!

2011-07-15T13:26:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

So it’s been a busy week. Two words – TOY SALE! This was my first year checking out the mid-year toy sales. We usually leave all our Xmas shopping until a few days before Xmas. I always mean to make it happen earlier but the funds and motivation are just never there. It’s just more exciting picking out the perfect present for everyone on a deadline. Shopping and spending all that money at once is quite exilerating! But, now that I have a baby and it will be her first Xmas this year, no one could hold me back! As soon as those toy catalogues were delivered to my letterbox I was all over them! It felt like it was Xmas already! Looking through all the toys I wanted to get for my little girl, Piper, and for my nephews and friends babies it really brought back memories of my own childhood. I remember circling all the things I wanted when I was a kid (which was pretty much everything) and still not much has changed. I love junk mail and still circle everything I want – I mean need. So the list for my little girl was pretty much the same - massive. I also picked out her presents for when she is two – doll house, and when she is three – kitchen and when she is four – drum kit! But shhh… it has to be a surprise! I ended up with a massive trolley at two different stores and had to go back again to the original store for the things I forgot the first time. So I am now all set for Xmas and it’s only July! I feel so organized, I must be forgetting something. All I have to do now is just pay for it – Boo!!

This week, I also caught up with B & L, who are friends we made at our baby birthing classes. They had their little baby (what a cutie!) just 4 days before Piper came along. We had a great time and Piper got a little present as well – a little ittybittyindi ‘confetti’ headband. B made it and has just started her own label – ittybittyindi designs. She is so clever and creative. She makes beautiful, one-of-a-kind children’s garments, accessories and plush toys. They are handmade with a sprinkle of love, a cup of giggles and a pinch of mischief. You can be assured your teeny tot will stand out in the crowd with a wardrobe full of cheeky, cute and quirky outfits from ittybittyindi designs!

I haven’t seen B since our birthing classes and this was the first time our little girls met each other – even though Piper slept through the whole thing! We swapped birthing stories (shocking!) and it got me thinking back to when I was still pregnant. The minute anyone heard I was pregnant, the nightmare pregnancy stories came out to play (double shocking!) Seriously, no one wants to hear the bad stuff before you are about to go through it and have a baby. The thought of birth and labour and everything in between is scary enough anyway. We don’t need to hear anything else that is going to scare us more from something that happened to a friend of a friend's, cousin's, best friend's, mother's, sister's, daughter's friend. Who cares! Chances are it’s not true anyway and then what happens - you can’t sleep at night! My advice – buy yourself a full length maternity pillow (amazing) and block your ears! Whatever happens, the end result is amazing and when you are holding your little baby in your arms it is all totally worth it and nothing else matters.

I have also started my mother’s group! It’s amazing how much you can learn about a group of woman and their babies in 2 hours. It’s nice to have a reason to get out of the house and put some makeup on and catch up with people whose eyes don’t glaze over because you can’t stop talking about your baby (guilty – oops). I do make an effort and try not to talk about Piper all the time, but she’s so cute and doesn’t everyone want to talk about her? Ha, I know. I was one of those people who couldn’t stand it when all anyone could talk about was their kids. I didn’t mind a little bit of baby talk but not for the whole conversation. I now understand that if you are at home with a baby all day long, some days there isn’t much else to talk about. Apart from talking about my shows – Winners and Losers and Offspring (love them) there’s not much time left for anything else not baby related. I'm in my own little bubble. I don’t even watch the news anymore (well actually I never did) – never anything positive on the news, certainly no happy endings! So I don't even know what's happening around the world. That’s why I always try to get out of the house and be as social as I can. I still love shopping, but will have to be satisfied with window shopping until I go back to work. I have been creating a mental shopping list for months now.

Well, until next time… peace and love…

Check out ittybittyindi designs on FaceBook – ittybittyindi designs, and the online store on Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ittybittyindi

Flashback Friday: Boyfriend, Husband, Partner... Whatever!

2011-07-15T12:27:00.000+10:00

Hi Dolls,

Today is Flashback Friday... here is my first ever blog post! Enjoy!

At school I had loads of friends that were boys but never had many boyfriends. I kind of forgot about them in primary school when I kissed (well, more like a peck) my first boyfriend at the back of the oval in grade 4. He then proceeded to tell everyone in the canteen line that afternoon during lunch. I was mortified – he had boy germs!!
When I left school and started hitting the town with my girlfriends we met heaps of different people. We used to go out every night of the week, but we would always go to the same place every Friday night without fail to watch a band play. Some of us went out to have a dance and some of us went out purely to ‘pick up’. I was the one who went out to have a bit of a dance. I was usually designated driver anyway so I never had the dutch courage I needed to just go and pick someone up. How embarrassing! The rejection would be humiliating! I would literally die!

One of my friends boyfriends came with us one week and invited his basketball team to come along. My future husband was in his basketball team. A friend introduced us and once upon a time begun. We talked all night and really got to know each other.

The following week there were a few phone calls, messages, a couple of movies and dinner.
The next Friday night my future husband and I were sitting outside the pub singing to a song that was playing inside. The song was “Hey Baby” and he sang it to me: ‘Hey, hey baby, ooo ahh, i wanna knooo o o oow if you’ll be my girl…?’ *enter GIGANTIC pause*, then he asked me if I would be his girlfriend. So from there we became ‘offiicial’, ‘exclusive’.

I hadn’t had a boyfriend in quite a while. Sure, I had a hook up here and there but nothing I would dignify with an actual title! So when I talked to anyone about my boyfriend I felt a bit silly really. I felt like I was telling anyone who would listen about my boyfriend – like, hello, excuse me everyone, can I please have your attention – I HAVE A BOYFRIEND!!!

A few years later, we got engaged and my boyfriend became my ‘fiancé’. So when I talked to anyone about my fiancé I still felt a bit silly really. I felt like I was telling everyone about my fiancé – who proposed – who I was getting married to – like, hello, excuse me everyone, can I please have your attention – I HAVE A FIANCE AND WE ARE GETTING MARRIED AND WE ARE GOING TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!! I must have been so boring during this time in my life. I don’t think I talked about anything but THE wedding!

I thought about using the term ‘partner’ although I think this made me sound like I was either an older person that never got married or gay which I am neither so decided to stick it out and get over it.
Now that I’m married I’m more comfortable with using the term husband. The truth is I love my husband to the moon and back and I’m so lucky to have him…. He’s lucky to have me too… and don’t worry, I remind him of this every day!

Something for Me...

2011-07-10T17:11:00.001+10:00

Hi Dolls!

Some of you may be new to my blog and some of you may have followed me here from my old wordpress blog. I hadn’t updated my wordpress blog in so long, so I decided to start again here from scratch. I guess it’s kind of like a blog re-launch!

So, to my new readers and those who have just stumbled across my blog – welcome to my life on the road to fabulous! - And to my loyal readers who have followed me over the last few years – thanks for your loyalty and patience!

My blog is basically about my random thoughts and views on anything and everything in my life. It is about my own personal style and the things in my life that I think are a little bit fabulous. Whether it is family, makeup, beauty, handbags, fashion, shoes, books, restaurants, recipes or just a good old fashioned ‘vent’, you will find it here!

Well, a lot has happened since my last blog post. The main reason I stopped blogging was because my work blocked my site. I used to update from work as I had no internet connection at home. With no internet at home, I just couldn’t find the time or the resources to make it happen. At around the same time, I also fell pregnant and felt pretty awful for the first month or so, hence my blog was neglected.

…That’s right, I was pregnant and am now a mummy (!) and have an 11 week old beautiful baby girl who is the light of my life, the sparkle in my eye, the sequin of my world! My husband and I are absolutely in love and cannot imagine ever being without her!

The main reason I decided to start this blog again was to have a hobby. Something that was mine. Something I could do just for me. My husband loves the football – obsessed really is a better description for his love of the game. He coaches a junior footy team and goes regularly to watch the local team he follows. He also has an insanely loud drum kit and can happily bang away on it for hours. It is his little bit of freedom, something he loves and I love that he loves it… But I found myself sitting at home a few weeks ago thinking about how I don’t really have a hobby of my own. My daily routine mainly consisted of feeding, sleeping, nappy changes, sterilizing, cleaning, washing, house work, more feeding, more nappy changing, occasionally venturing out to the shops, entertaining visitors, playing and singing with my baby girl and trying anything and everything for just one more smile! (It’s amazing what we will try for another one of those melt-your-heart smiles – let alone a giggle!)

My only hobby I could remember having and deeply missed was shopping, and now on one wage whilst on maternity leave, shopping is a major luxury, one which is now just a distant memory. Sigh… I also love to read. I will read anything with a happy ending. I like the predictable story of boy meets girl, they have a fight but makeup because they are meant to be – soulmates - and everyone lives happily ever after. (Awww!) Why read something that doesn’t end like that? But seriously, who has time to read now?! I just never have the time anymore.

I’m certainly not complaining. I absolutely love being a mummy. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I could hold her in my arms all day and just look at her. She is just gorgeous and I am so lucky to have her. I also now have someone to pass my beloved Chanel bag down to one day... probably when I get another one! I say this in the hope that I will one day get another one, although my husband probably has a very different idea to this, which is, well… that’s never going to happen!

So, back to my lack of a hobby… a friend recently started her own blog and business which I will be sure to plug away in a future post, when I suddenly remembered… I do have another hobby - my blog! So here I am making a promise to myself to make time for myself and my re-discovered hobby.

I was having a look through the archives of my old blog and I have decided to post a few of my favourites from time to time – they are oldies but goodies! Hopefully the newbies who are now reading my blog will get to know me a little better.

Well, that’s it for me… for now. I promise I won’t leave it too long between posts this time!