Friday, April 27, 2012

10 things - My Make-up essentials for a lazy mum

I am lazy, a little vain and a mum of two young girls. The mornings are usually rushed with limited time available to make myself look slightly presentable. I have managed to reduce my morning routine down to about 5 minutes, not including my shower. My current top ten beauty items are, in order of use:
1. Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation in medium. This is an all-in-one moisturiser, SPF 15, vitamins and with light coverage. I have tried a few of the new BB creams and this one feels the nicest on my skin. I bought mine at Woolies on special for $10, it's usually around $15
2. Revlon Age Defying moisturising concealer in light medium for extra coverage of dark circles. I think this may be discontinued but I am ready to try another concealer. I'm on the the lookout.
3. Covergirl Intense Shadowblast in Beige Blaze. I have only recently discovered this. It's an amazing cream eyeshadow and primer. I like to use it to cover the whole lid before I add any other eyeshadows or liner. It doesn't move at all...ever. I bought this from Target on special for $12, it's usually about $18.
4. Youngblood Eye-Illuminating Duo $35.50. This is a recent addition and I love it. You can use it a hundred different ways but I like to use it to line my waterline, it makes my eyes look less tired and opens them up. I bought this from Beautiful You.
5. Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner in black. This has been replaced by Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner. I can not wait to try this. I love the old one, it's so easy to use and delivers a nice even line. Even a tired and distracted mum can use it. I imagine the new liner will be even better.
6. Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara in black $48. I have quite a few black mascaras but this one that seems to be within my reach at the moment. I love mascara, it must be black and not clumpy.
7. Youngblood Pressed Blush in Nectar $49.95. This is a gorgeous apricot and gives a beautiful natural colour to an otherwise pale, grey, tired mum. I am a little nuts about blush. I think it makes the difference between looking like death or looking alive. I also bought this from my Youngblood supplier, Beautiful You in Margate
8. DeLeon Lipgloss in Ambassador. At $14.50 this is a bargain. This is one of the most perfect pinks, natural and not sticky.
9 and 10. Hairbands and bobby pins. For the messy twist, braid, knot, bun or whatever other 2 second hair do I can manage.

What are your current must have products?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Anzac Day

Today is Anzac Day.
It's a day to remember the Australian and New Zealand Corps that fought in Gallipoli and also those that died and served in military operations for their country.

I am grateful to those amazing people and proud of our forces.

Today, also reminds me of my father. He served in the Army for a long time before becoming a Baptist Minister. He did not die in battle but is no longer with us. 

My dad is the man in the middle.
 My dad is on the far right. This photo was in the paper after my dad was detachment leader for an Australian National Research expedition to Antarctic.

A teeny little picture, my dad with Gough Whitlam,
and with his proud dad, an old navy man.


On Wednesday's I link up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

How did this happen??

I have a crush on Keith Urban. I have spent years wondering what Nicole saw in him. I thought he was short with bad posture and with a quick trigger finger on the hair straightener. Now, I love watching him on The Voice, he really knows and enjoys every song. He seems so kind and encouraging.

As you know I have been having singing lessons, I wasn't ready for The Voice this time but maybe next time I will be. I am going to sing my little heart out.

I am going to make Seal jump out of his seat and move those hips, click his nail polish clad fingers, smile that gorgeous but smarmy smile.
He decided on yellow hair instead of yellow nails. 'Welcome to The Voice'.
I am going to make Joel's eyes pop open when he hears my first note, he is going to be turning from Keith to Delta like an excited goanna trying to see if they are as excited as he is.
'Hey Seal, Wha'do'ya think?'
I am going to make Delta stop swaying for a moment, then a flash of jealousy will cross her face before she hides it behind a mask of encouragement.
'Puurr, hello Keith. Would you like to play chasey with a kitty?'
And Keith, I am going to make Keith, smile and shake his head and call me baby.
'I am just so happy to be here and I think everyone is awesome'
And then I am going to wake up to my husband and realise it was all a dream and I still sound like poo when I sing.


Best tweet of the night last - 'If Seal told me to start smoking and get a tattoo of my ex on my bum, I would do it'

I probably would too.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Lacking Self Esteem? I can help you.

When you are feeling low and you can't seem to perk yourself up. No-one seems to notice or appreciate you. You don't feel like you have achieved anything. Does this sound like you???

Here is what to do....
1. Have a shower and put on some nice clothes;
2. Make up and hair will help but aren't necessary;
3. Get your bag, your purse (this is definitely needed) and your car keys;
4. Drive to your closest Apple store, mine is at Chermside. You need to arrive
    before Apple is open;
5. Wait impatiently with the other 200 people'
6. When the doors open walk in, they will be clapping, cheering, smiling and
    whooping, loudly and just for you (not the other 200 people).
And if you buy an iPad, they will do it all again.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

10 Reasons I am wearing Glasses

So I picked up some glasses this week, purple Burberry ones that looked really cute on the rack.

Now I would like to give you 10 reasons why I might have them:

1. I have been spending a lot of time on the computer lately (it's all for you);
2. They are using smaller fonts in magazines (jerks);
3. Dusk is starting earlier at the moment;
4. I just want to look after my eyes;
5. People weren't taking me seriously (I can't imagine why);
6. I wanted to match my husband (he really is a nerd)
7. I didn't think I had enough variety in accessories and I needed to branch out;
8. Because they were cute on the rack and had 50% off;
9. I secretly find the boys from The Big Bang Theory really hot - particularly Raish
10. They make my eyes look bigger (when you are really close and using a magnifying glass).

So be honest. What do you think, naughty librarian or just some dork?

Friday, April 20, 2012

Eyebrows! Are you more like Bert or Ernie

I  am a little obsessed with eyebrows. I believe they can make or break your look. Not all of us are blessed with thick brows to play with, I know I am not. My eyebrows start and finish in the wrong spots, are sparse and patchy. I naturally have daggy brows.

The best advice I can give you is to find a professional, a beautician or brow specialist that can look at your face and brows and create the best and most flattering brows for you.
I think Bert stole Ernie's eyebrows
I went straight to the top and convinced Katrina Beckett and Michelle from Lash Me to talk to me. Katrina is a Lash and brow guru with salons in North Lakes, Paddington, New Farm and St Kilda. As well as talking eyebrows, they are going to groom my brows.
The trend these days are for brows to be thicker and more naturally groomed, defined but not heavy handed. You want to find the best shape for your brows while keeping their natural appearance. This is the most flattering and make you look younger. Eyebrows that are too thin, nike ticked or over plucked looked dated and ageing.

Brow waxing - How often? This really depends on each person because their needs are different. If your hair is darker, thicker hair or fast growing you may need to visit every two weeks initially but if you have sparse, slow growing hair you could go as long as 4 - 6 weeks. I usually go for 4 - 8 weeks because my hair is thin and grows slowly and I pull out the odd obvious stray. Do not pull out strays if you are unsure. Michelle said that one hair can make all the difference.

Also, make sure your beautician is using the correct wax. You want a nice soft wax for sensitive areas like your face. I have been to beauticians who use the wrong wax and they have still successfully removed strays but taken my skin with them. When this scabs over you are looking significantly worse for a little while.

Gentle hands, Michelle had fingers like little butterfly kisses. There was no pain and I could have fallen asleep if I wasn't there to pick her brain. She said that it is important to keep the skin taunt and that reduces pain and also keeps your skin attached.

At home, Use a eyebrow pencil or shadow to fill in the gaps, make sure you have the right colour and use little strokes. Pluck the odd stray if you must but be prepared for the wrath of your eyebrow specialist if you mess up.
Before
My eyebrows are uneven, spare, patchy
After
Neat, shaped, trimmed and tinted
This photo is taken immediately after my makeover. The tinting will fade a little and the redness reduce and I will be left with gorgeous, perfectly shaped, youth creating brows.


Lash Me
14 Discovery Drive, North Lakes
1300 LASHME
www.lashme.com.au

Great Celebrity brows Camilla Belle
Jennifer Aniston
Bad Celebrity brows - Fergie
Pamela Anderson
Miss Piggy
Hiiiiii-yaa!! Maybe she is always angry because she doesn't have eyebrows. I would be.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI Convertible car review

This week I have a Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI convertible to drive and review. I have an agreement with Northstar Motor Group Redcliffe. For one week each month I will have a car to play with and give an honest review of. I'll also give a few updates over that week, so stay along for my ride.
I have always liked Volkswagens so I was confident I knew what to expect. I was kinda wrong. It drove like I expected, a little rocket ship. I also knew I would like convertibles, but what I didn't know is that it would ignite a full blown love affair. I love the sunshine and wind. It makes me feel like I am on a boat, I'm at one with the elements, all windblown and carefree. I am pretty sure I was smiling the entire time I was driving.
What did the children think?
Miss 6 "Umm, fun and good, and umm so cool'
Miss 8 " Err, small and good and I like the roof'

Ok, they loved it as much as I did. There were no complaints about the small back legroom, their only concern was that there were no window controls in the back. There are two passenger seats in the back, so they were sitting very close, but weren't fighting. They were too busy enjoying the wind in their hair and watching the world whoosh by.

Is this a car for a family? I want to say yes because I really want a zippy convertible. I have to say no because you can't pick up the kid's friends and boot space is quite small. BUT, if you have one child or are a two car family, then yes. I would want something like this as one of the cars because it is so much fun.

Any other points of interest? I think anyone beside me at the lights hate it and not just because I looked so much cooler than them. It's because they get to hear my singing. There is no buffer, I am loud, bad and out there.
See how cool I am
The facts
Price from $42,000 driveway
2 doors and 4 seats
Engine - 1.4
Fuel consumption - 6.6km per litre. The petrol dial didn't seem to move.
5 star safety rating

Conclusion: The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet convertible drove well. I do not have any complaints about driving, braking, comfort, fuel consumption or safety. My only concerns were from a busy mother perspective, with only two doors, an awkward boot and limited space for extra people, bags and a dog it wouldn't satisfy all my needs. I really loved my time with this car. If I could pump it up by 20-25% I would beg and plead (read nag) my husband for it. I live in Queensland, we are born for vehicles like this.


Northstar Volkswagen
322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring
3480 8600
www.northstarvolkswagen.com.au

Yes, Northstar is a paid sponsor of Redcliffe Style but my opinions are not bought and I am always honest.

Season of June

I do wonder why some people are blessed with so much talent and others (like me) have to bumble through life pretending.

I came across this website and thought the photography was lovely. I like that the photographer it is looking at life differently but not 'trying' to be different. It's is so easy to called yourself an arteeeeest but not as easy to be one. Making this even more impressive is that this is run by two local young students, Thomas Hobbs and Jay Kane. They are hope to work in fashion, live concerts, art and have just started shooting a music video.

Please check out at:
www.facebook.com/SeasonOfJune
www.flickr.com/photos/seasonsofjune/

Here are three photos. I love the feeling of peace they give me.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bellisimo!!

Who doesn't like pizza? It' so easy to make your own and so much yummier
 Partly cooked pizza bases
 Fresh ingredients, with basil plucked from our garden
The girls spread the sauce and then add on whatever they like.
 The result


On Wednesday's I link up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Veggie Burger

I have been craving a burger and no, I am not pregnant. I think it was because of the (semi) cold snap in Brisbane.

One thing that annoys me about being vegetarian is the bad burgers. I don't like the frozen veggie patties some places defrost and throw on, so I usually end up ordering a burger without the meat/patty. Afterwards I am left feeling unsatisfied, like something is missing. It's like ordering a pizza and asking them to leave off the base, or Spaghetti Bolognese and hold the pasta.

I decided to visit a new burger place that has opened in Blue Water, Redcliffe called 'Burger Box'. I was happy to see there were two vegetarian burgers on the menu (score!) and neither of them looked like the frozen veggie patty. The African Veggie burger looked awesome, chickpea fritter, harrisa, etc etc but I decided to go for the Vegetarian Feast. I will buy anything that has feast in it's name.
It has salad, haloumi, grilled mushrooms, grilled capsicum and more. To be honest, I don't like mushroom or capsicum but I am trying hard to be a little more accepting of them. I inhaled this burger, I was either really hungry or the burger was that good, I didn't once notice the mushrooms or capsicum. I ordered a side of chips for my girls to share, this is a very small serve and I should have ordered the regular.
 Then I noticed the dinner menu. You had me at Trio of Dips.

Burger Box Gourmet Burgers
Shop 4 Blue Water Square
20 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe

3284 0040

I did not receive any payment to visit this restaurant. I am happy to receive payment or food (or wine) as incentive to visit but I will always give an honest opinion, rachel@redcliffestyle.com