Why I love Running shoes....

I do love sportswear, running shoes and all the paraphernalia that goes along with them.  Here are a few reasons I love running shoes:

1. They come in really cool colours. I am like a magpie and love bright things. The brighter the running shoe the more desperately I obsess on them. 'Get in my cupboard' (said in the voice of Fat Bastard from Austin Powers);
2. When they are new, they feel like you are running on springy-sponges. You feel like a superhero;
3. You feel fitter as soon as you put them on. (Also check out this and this for other faux fit tips);
4. When your kids start running away, you are more likely to catch them than if you were wearing heels;
5. When you run away, your children can't catch up;
6. They re-motivate you. As soon as you get a new pair, you want to hit the pavement straight away;
7. They make you walk like you are stronger. Just like P!nk or Jennifer Garner when she was Sydney Bristow in Alias;
8. You can use them without any other equipment (except clothes and a sports bra)
9. They don't make your feet hurt if you wear them too long.
10. They are lighter than any other type of workout shoe. Some of them are like wrapping your feet in a cloud.

Vibram - toe shoes. I reviewed these after a run.

On Tuesdays I link up with IBOT at Essentially Jess

Life of Pi Movie Review

I was one of the lucky winners of Nuffnang's double passes to preview Life of Pi. This isn't released until January. Woohoo!! Last night, I organised my date for the night, Lisa from Mrs BC's House of Chaos, got pretty and headed off to Dendy at Portside. We got there with 15 minutes to spare. This is just enough time to have a quick drink and enjoy the river view.

I am a huge fan of Yann Martel's book and I couldn't see how this gorgeous, crazy, unbelievable story could be translated to the big screen. Oh, my friggin' gosh!!! This was simply beautiful. It completely exceeded my expectations. It was amazing in 3D. I think this is one of those movies that should be seen this way. I could really feel the rough seas, the deep bengal tiger growl and the gentle rocking.

The casting was excellent. Suraj Sharma was perfect as 16 year old shipwrecked Pi. I had seen it mentioned that Gerard Depardieu was in it. I am surprised he was even mentioned for the brief 30 seconds he has on screen.

I love Richard Parker!

Thank you Nuffnang and 20th Century Fox for this experience.

Girl on Raw

I have been following Girl on Raw for a while now and find her so inspiring. Robyn used to live in Redcliffe but now resides with her family in Saudi Arabia. Robyn is an international flight attendant and a qualified Raw chef.

If she wasn't impressive enough, she has now found time to write an ebook titled 'Smoothies and Juices for Newbies'. I was so excited when I saw this. My husband has been known to go through the odd diet and he recently brought home a shiny, new, industrial strength juicer. He had been whipping up the oddest combinations which he would then attempt to balance as he chased me through the house to taste test. I still have fennel flashbacks.

Now, I am getting on the same bandwagon but I have some tried, tested and delicious combos to drink. I am a huge fan of the Ginger Top and the Honey Bee. These are both so simple and yummy. I also think I will be drinking the Detox Juice quite a lot after the Christmas season.

This book has much more than just recipes. Robyn also provides a great guide to help and inform you about raw, organic diet and health. It's full of great tips and excellent advice. You don't have to go completely raw to enjoy this, you can just add elements to your existing diet.

GIVEAWAY!!! - THIS HAS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNERS NOTIFIED BY EMAIL

I am really excited to be able to offer a free copy to 3 lucky readers. If you would like to own a copy of  Smoothies and Juices for Newbies, all you need to do is:

1. Leave a comment either here or on facebook telling me why you would like to win a copy.
2. Enter prior to 6am on 28 December 2012.
3. If you would like to 'like' Redcliffe Style or Girl on Raw on Facebook that would be nice too.

Good Luck!!


Robyn's Bio
Robyn Law is 'Girl on Raw' a certified raw food chef, writer, coach, speaker and teacher. Although based in Saudi Arabia with her family, Robyn often travels home to their native Australia and other parts of the world, where she educates other on how to make more raw food a part of normal day-to-day living.

With over 6 years of eating a predominately plant and raw based diet, Robyn has been sharing her tips, tricks and knowledge gained from both formal training as well as self study through both her blog www.girlonraw.com, eBooks, coaching programs, group and personal classes.

You can find and follow Robyn at: www.girlonraw.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn

I have not received payment to review or host a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

On Tuesdays I link up with IBOT at Essentially Jess

LOL movie review with a give way valued at $200

This movie is a remake of a French movie by the same name. It's a coming of age/love triangle/teen angst/drama movie. I think it's fine for what it is. It's not going to change your world or inspire you to start writing fan fiction but it will keep you entertained for 1.5 hours.

Miley Cyrus is the lead and does a fine job. I think she is quite charismatic on screen. Demi Moore is her mum. I am not afraid to admit that I like Demi Moore. I like her voice, it's so sexy and husky. I want a sexy, husky voice but it would probably sound more drag queeny on me.

image source

The movie touches on teenage sex and drugs so I would recommend this movie for older kids, maybe 14+. The rating is M. I guess it's like Gilmore Girls dirtied up.

The good bits

• The mother/daughter dynamic. They were very close and believable. I think Demi and Miley probably really like each other in real life
• Demi's voice (pass me the whisky and smokes)
• Fisher Stephens. I just like him. He is one of those people I call strangely attractive. I wish he had more than 5 minutes screen time
• Miley Cyrus seemed like she was playing herself. She must be a great actress or she really was just being herself

The bad bits

• It seemed like a little stray vaseline might have got on lens when they were filming Demi.
• I thought Demi's love interest seemed a little young. At 34 year old Jay Hernandaz might even be too young for me
• I also don't think the mother would hop on the back of a motor bike 2 minutes after meeting someone for the first time. What kind of message is this giving the young and impressional teens watching this movie?
• The chicken fondling scene was not necessary
• Ashley Greene's make up

GIVE AWAY 
Roadshow Entertainment have given me 5 copies of LOL! If you would like to own this movie, all you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment either here or on facebook telling me why you would like to win a copy of this DVD.
2. Enter prior to 6am on 11 December 2012.

If you would like to 'like' Redcliffe Style on Facebook that would be nice too.


LOL is available to rent & own on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download from 12 December 2012

I have not received payment to review or host a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

On Tuesdays I link up with IBOT at Essentially Jess

Dreamworld, Bengal Tigers and Ruby Rose

We started the weekend off early. We decided to take the girls out of school on Friday and head to Dreamworld instead. If we went before school holidays started we were certain to have the place to ourselves.

Um no, the place was riddled with end of school celebrations and schoolies. What is it with teenagers and their fear of deodorant?

I have never seen so many cut off denim shorts in my life. It's usually bad enough that the bum cheeks hang out the bottom of them but now so many of the young girls unbutton them and fold them down too. If my girls attempt to wear clothes like this when they are older, I will staple more modest clothes to their body.

We got to pat the Bengal Tigers, got splashed on the log ride, took silly photos and visited the Big Brother house. 5 hours later, rosy cheeks, hat hair, wide eyed, we headed home and then out to dinner with my wonderful aunt and uncle. What a great day!

Can you believe that you can actually pat the Bengal Tigers at Dreamworld? I think this is the highlight of my life.

Saturday started off with a delicious breakfast at Watercress, singing lessons, grocery shopping etc and then late afternoon a tummy bug hit and the first kid when down. In fact, she went down over and over continuously all night. The second kid when down early Sunday morning. They spend the day on the lounge with the aircon cooling their temps and me running back and forth emptying spew bags and reminding them to sip water. By late afternoon they were feeling much better but still lacking energy.

Monday morning, happy children really looking forward to their last week of school. We stopped by Pelican Park to watch B105 live and met Ruby Rose. My girls and I love her. We downloaded her new song, Guilty Pleasures and sang it on the way to school.

Now I'm home, alone, the house is quiet and all I want to do is fall asleep on the lounge.

How was your weekend?


PS: I wish Ruby Rose had her hat off. I always love to see what she is doing with her hair.

Dinner guests' manners - 10 things that drives me nuts

There are a few things that drive me nuts at the dinner table. I am sure I drive other people crazy too and you can feel free to write all about it on your own blog.

I really must be the worst hostess ever because here are 10 things that will make me want to poke a fork in my eye:

1. Arriving late without calling. Dinner can only cook for so long and the meal I prepared may go past the point of delicious after another 1hr staying warm in the oven. I really would like to serve you something yummy.
2. Starting to eating before everyone has taken their seat.
3. Reaching across people to grab things. I will bite your arm. It might be an accident but it might not be. Is it worth the risk?
4. Taking massive portions and not leaving enough for others. I am hungry too, don't make me hangry as well.
5. Double dipping. Pour some sauce onto your plate. Happily double, triple or quadruple dip into your germy sauce. I won't criticise or judge you when it's all your own.
6. Pointing cutlery at people when you talk or scratching your back with your fork.
7. Talking with your mouth full. Unless you are giving emergency, life-saving advice, keep it shut.
8. Applying tomato sauce or seasoning without tasting the dish first. Everyone has their own taste preferences, but taste it first to see whether it's to your taste or not first.
9. Bringing an extra guest without notice. Huh? Yes, it happens.

But the worse thing EVER, and I will forgive EVERYTHING else...

10. Turning up without a delicious bottle of wine (or two) for the delightful hostess.

What drives you nuts at your table? Rant away.....

I don't like tinsel

There I said it.

I really don't like it. In fact I dislike it so much that I have made my house a tinsel free zone this Christmas.

Would you like some reasons?

1. It's messy
2. It's last season
3. It lacks imagination
4. It's itchy when you wear it as a scarf.
5. Little pieces can still be found weeks after Santa has left the building.

It's such a weight off my shoulders to be able to say it. I hate tinsel!

Is there anything you don't like in Christmas decorations? This is a judgement free zone.

Why I am glad my treadmill broke...

I love my treadmill. We have a great routine that involves a lot of multi-tasking and running. I could put on a load of washing, or start dinner preparations and jump on the treadmill to review a movie until it was time to move the washing around or toss another vegetable in the soup. It meant I could always find time to exercise but the rest of my world didn't stop.

Then it had a blow out.

While I am waiting to fix it, I had to go out of my way to exercise. I had to schedule around children. For a creature of habit, this was hell.

But I took Lola, my permanent furry fixture...

..for a run along the waterfront. The temperature was perfect, there was a slight breeze and the air was salty (and a little seaweedy)

...I rediscovered the beauty of nature.

I'd still prefer the convenience of my tready but the outdoors is pretty amazing too.

10 Exercises to do while watching TV

I am the queen of multi tasking. I love to squeeze in a little exercise each day and I don't mind a little TV. My current obession is 'The Walking Dead'. So I can do these 10 exercises in my lounge room while watching one episode.

So I get my fix and workout in one go.

I like to start with a warm up run on the treadmill. Running on the spot or skipping are both great too.  Try for 10 minutes and have a little stretch when you finish.

1. Squats. Stand straight with your legs shoulder width apart.  Hold your arms out parallel to the floor, bend your knees and slowly lower your bottom just like you are about to sit on the loo. Then slowly rise. Repeat x 15

2. Side leg raises. Standing straight again. Hold onto a chair for balance if you like. Image a straight line through your head down your body and through your support leg. Slowly raise the other leg directly out to the side. Don't point your toe or move any other part of your body but you can bend your support leg slightly. Only raise your leg about 30cm and hold for 1 second before lowering. Repeat x 15 then change legs.

3. Push ups. You know your level. Either on your knees or toes. Keep your back and neck straight.  If you find these too hard you can start by doing a standing one against a wall and work yourself up to the doing floor push ups.

4. Triceps dips. Use the edge of the lounge or a dining room chair for tricep dips. Face away from the bench and place your arms shoulder width apart. Keep your back close to the bench, arms straight legs slightly infront with knees bent. Slowly bend and lower your body towards the floor. Then rise again. repeat x 15

5. Plank hold. Similar to planking. On your toes and elbows. Keep your body straight from your ears to toes, no sagging. Elbows under your shoulders and hold for as long as you can.

6. Sit ups. Pull you toes under the couch if this helps. Puts your arms across chest and slowly lower down then back up x 20

7.  Wall sits. Lean your back against the wall and then slide down until your thighs are parallel to the ground and your calves are at a right angle to the ground. Then hold that position until you can't hold it anymore. If this is too easy. Hold you arms up straight above your head.

8. Walking lunges. Step lung, step lunge, etc etc. Nice and steady. Keep your back straight. 40 steps. If you don't have the space, then just do it on the spot.

9. Step ups. You can use your stairs or even a stable chair or coffee table. Stability is important. Step up, step down. 10 times on each leg.

10. Star jumps x 20. It could be worse - I could have suggested burpees.

Rest for 2 mins (or put on a load of washing) and do it all again, twice more if possible.

If you have some weights - or cans there are many other exercises too.

AND, here is Monday's motivating playlist

Landside - Dixie Chicks
Pink - There you go
One More Night - Maroon 5
Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne
Wings - Little Mix
Jai Ho - Ar Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls
Die Young - Kei$ha
Black and Gold - Sam Sparro
Case of the Ex - Mya
She Wolf - David Guetta

Have a great week!

Looking for some exercise mojo?

Today I am over at Katrina from the Block giving tips on how to restart your exercise mojo.

Pop over and visit and say hello.

Guest post: Restart your exercise mojo

My new obsession and a "Call the Midwife" giveaway worth $120

Call the Midwife is my new obsession. I had a big gaping whole left by Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs. I was lost and empty, then I discovered this series.  It is amazing!

Call the Midwife is the highest rating drama series on BCC1 in the last 10 years and I can see why. Jenny Lee is the lead and she plays a new midwife. It's set in poverty stricken London's East end in the 1950s. It's so interesting to see how times have changed.

Glass enemas, pregnant ladies bawling, loopy cake stealing nun, and that is just the first episode.

My husband walked passed me watching it and made some sort of remark about 'obviously it's only for the ladies'. Get this....he didn't walk away and he couldn't stop watching it.

GIVE AWAY!! 

Call the Midwife is released on DVD on 10 October RRP $39.95 and thanks to Roadshow Entertainment I have three sets to giveaway!! All you have to do to enter is:

1. Leave a comment either here or on facebook telling me why you would like to win a copy of this series. The three most interesting comments will win.
2. Enter prior to 6am on 16 October 2012.

If you would like to 'like' Redcliffe Style on Facebook that would be great but it's not an entry requirement.

Call the Midwife is available to own on DVD from 10 October 2012.

The second series is currently in production.

I have not received payment to review or host a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Spring Cleaning and a giveaway!

I hate cleaning but I love cleaning products. My house is always usually glistening and sparkling with scented chemicals wafting through the air. Normally, I wouldn't be interested in writing or promoting cleaning products because there is nothing glamourous about it and I like to give a false impression of a stylish, lady of leisure. But, when I was told about this Brisbane based company, producing quality and environmentally responsible cleaning products, I couldn't refuse.

I was already aware of Orange Power due to their must-have Sticky Spot and Goo Dissolver. This has been a constant in my life since children. Every parent should own this. Orange power is 100% Australian owned, the products are palm oil free and they are endorsed by environmental group Planet Ark. The packaging uses 95% recycled cardboard and is easily recycled.

GIVEAWAY!!
Orange Power have now launched a new line of laundry products and to celebrate, I have two packs to give away to two lucky readers.

Giveaway Packs ($50 value)
2 x NEW! 1kg Orange Power Laundry Powder
2 x NEW! 800 mL Orange Power Laundry Liquid
1 x 500mL Orange Power & Upholstery Cleaner
1 x Orange Power Air Freshener
1 x Orange Power Sticky Spot and Goo Dissolver

To enter, all you have to do is:

1. Comment below and tell me why you would like to win the Orange Power pack. 
2. Enter before 6am on 11 October 2012.
3. Include your email address (so you can be notified if you win)

If you would like to 'like' Redcliffe Style on Facebook that would be cool too but it's not an entry requirement.


Redcliffe Style was sent product to review but did not received payment to review or host a giveaway. All opinions are our own and can not be bought.

How to work a room like you're the business

I always get extremely nervous when I go to an event, party or even a dinner. Here are some tips to help give you a confidence boost:

1. Put on deodorant. When you are nervous, you sweat more. Body odour will make social situations worse
2. Wear comfortable undies. I can not stress this enough. Nothing is more distracting than undies bunching up between your butt cheeks
3. Do a last minute check in the mirror. Check teeth, check the bottom of your shoes (looking for price stickers, toilet paper and dog poo) and check your skirt isn't tucked up. Any of these can have a lifetime affect on your confidence. I know, my school formal outfit included rottweiler poo
4. Pop a mint or two and add a few back ups mints hidden strategically on your ensemble. I have been know to hide them in the top of my bra but be aware of the high beaming effect
5. Look people in the eyes and listen but don't stare. People love to talk about themselves to someone that seems interested.  If you find eye contact too hard then pick a spot on their face to focus on. It's best that it's not a mole, pimple or scar. It'll make them self conscious and want to get away from you
6. Have a buddy but don't stick too close to each other. People will stop seeing you as an individual but as an odd twosome instead. Strive for individual oddness
7. Don't drink too much. This is tempting and could make you the life of the party. You may be surprised to learn, but this strategy can sometimes backfire
8. Smile. People can't resist happy people.

Are you nervous in social situations? What's your best tip?

Wow your guests with a cheats dessert

I am excited. I have a guest post at the awesome Veggiemama blog. Please drop by, visit and say hello.

http://www.theveggiemama.com/2012/09/guest-post-wow-your-guests-with-cheats.html

Hello lover...

I have just spent a few days on Moreton Island. As you may already know, I was missing COFFEE!! I like to have a few cups as soon as I wake up. Bam, bam, bam.

When I got home I noticed my husband had installed this. A Nespresso capsule dispenser. Sometimes he is awesome.

PS: I am joining up for Wordless Wednesday at My Little Drummer Boys

Mon Komo

Last week I received a call asking if I would like to check out the new menu at Mon Komo. Being the greedy girl that I am, I said 'yes', started drooling, then phoned the second greediest girl I knew and invited her to join me. To protect her, I won't mention her name.

The first thing you notice about Mon Komo is the gorgeous setting. It's on the gorgeous Redcliffe Waterfront. The restaurant is beautifully furnished, light and airy. You feel like you could be holidaying on an exotic island.

My sister Kerrin (yeah, I lied and outed her) and I took our seats, ordered a glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc each and started analysing the menu. I gave her orders:

1. You have to order something different to me
2. You have to let me try yours
3. Use your cutlery and
4. DO NOT EAT before I take photos. This was harder than it sounds

Entree
We decided to share the Turkish bread and grissini with hommus, eggplant kasundi, tussah and balsamic oil. Lucky the Grissini (bread sticks) were there because we could use them as swords to fight over the Eggplant Kasundi. This was amazing.

Mains
I ordered the Sweet pea risotto with Swiss shard, oyster mushroom, sweet potato, goats feta, lemon aioli. This was generous and well presented. I was happy that they catered for vegetarians. I personally don't like mushrooms but I am trying hard to train myself. I tried a few, pushed them aside and devoured the remaining dish.

Kerrin ordered Ricotta and prosciutto stuffed chicken breast with baked semi dried tomato polenta and beetroot oil. This looked amazing. I couldn't help myself and kept stealing bites of her polenta, roast beetroot and sauce. This was probably my highlight.

Dessert
Our awesome waiter, Ronald from the Netherlands, suggested we might like to look at the dessert menu. He could see we were weak, dazed from food and had passed the point of no return.

We split a Kahlua tiramisu with chocolate shards and coffee gelato. This was a great ending.

Then it was time to roll out of the restaurant and pick up the children from school. Back to reality.

I did not receive payment for this post. It appears that I can be bought with food but my opinions are honest and my own

Mon Komo Restaurant 
99 Marine Parade, Redcliffe
3284 6520
https://www.facebook.com/MKHotel