Frocktober 2015: Day 31 - Frock 1 - Obus

Of course on the last day of Frocktober for the year, I have to go out with a bang. So why not do three frocks in one day? Why not I ask you. 

Here's the first for the morning - an Obus frock (Chazal dress) featuring a Malcolm de Chazal inspired artwork. It's pretty freaking awesome, huh???

You can still sponsor me here, believe it or not. 

Frocktober 2015: Day 30 - Obus Goodness

Probably one of my favourites from the whole month, this Obus beauty is picture perfect. I love the modern take on a shirt dress. SO freaking awesome. 

Frocktober. Still frocking. 

Frocktober 2015: Day 29 - Natashya Manfield - Technicolour Love

It's big love with this frock that's high on colour. It's the fit, the cut and the design that has my heart swooning. 

The super clever Natashya Manfield crafted it - alas I believe right now she's ditched fashion to pursue law. 

That just seems almost criminal. 

Frocktober. Frock on! 

Bangers.

Things have been a little quiet around here because life is busy. 

But not so busy that I haven't checked in here now and then to sigh at the fact I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. 

Tumbleweeds have breezed through. Sandstorms have covered the keyboard. Crickets have moved in. 

In breaking news I got my hair cut, which has been a long time coming (seven months in fact, no wonder the ends were crispy as twigs). I got a fringe. Or bangs. Whatever you want to call - them - I got them. And I bought a new hairbrush too. Evo has released a new collection of brushes and combs. I am pretty excited by this new purchase! Clearly I am easily excited.

Other good news? The weather is warming up which means I can move into short sleeves. I've loathed Winter this year. So bring on the sunshine fellas!

And I've been cracking out my Victoria Mason 'Enfold' necklace. Vic gifted me this necklace, and it is a firm favourite. I have the matching earrings too - and it's such a cool combo when worn all at once, and individually they're ace too. I love the nod to the 70s, in a current and contemporary style.

I've been reading too. Hopefully later this week I'll finish my latest and can share a short review. 

Oh and... Frocktober is on the horizon. EEP!

Stay tuned. I do want to come back. But my eyeballs are just so tired these days. 

Welcome to Dismaland. AKA Banksy is a genius.

Just when I thought Banksy couldn't possibly get any more awesome. He goes and gets even more awesome.

I freaking love this guy.

Welcome to Dismaland. 

Taylor Swift is my home girl

Have you seen this yet? 

I've got it on repeat. I am addicted. The song is great. But combined with the film clip? 

KILLER! 

It's like a mini-film. Genius. Taylor just keeps getting better and better. And this clip makes me want to take up some kind of martial arts. 

Plus the Mariska Hargitay cameo is pretty bloody awesome. Watch out for her. I love that woman. 

Frida Kahlo's Wardrobe: Locked Away

Have you seen this? Frida Kahlo's wardrobe locked away for 50 years. Incredible!! 

You already know I am a huge Frida fan, so you'll know that my heart is beating rapidly. 

Click through to see more amazing! 

8 Mother's Day Gift Ideas:: Blog Hop!

With Mother's Day just a breath away, I've been thinking of things I'd love to give to my Mum. Gifts with personality, spunk and style always resonate, so without further ado - let's do this thing!

1. Naomi Murrell 'Thrills' Token $75 (on sale): After a good friend gifted me a Naomi Murrell ring with a teeny tiny bell on it, I've pretty well become obsessed. Cute, quirky and totally of the moment (while having that certain enduring style that you could keep on wearing), it's fun to wear. I love this necklace, because at first glance it's a regular little pendant, but on closer inspection, it's all about the thrills. Sums me up.

2. Nancybird Lounge Gown - Woodland $149: Don't tell anyone, but I wouldn't wear this at home. I'd wear it out. All the time. It's beautiful, draped, long lines, the perfect palette, and the print - well it's pretty well my dream jacket to pair back with a pair of jeans and some oversized jewellery. 

3. Obus Starry Night Socks $12: I am a bit of a sick puppy when it comes to socks. In the latter years, I have become addicted. Because my feet are always cold. I love these cool Turkish made socks that have style. There'll be no more borrowing Matt's anymore! 

4. Jennifer Loiselle Love Heart Sweet Message earrings 25 pounds (guys, I don't know where the pound key is): I am a massive fan girl of an Aussie in the UK. Jennifer Loiselle creates witty, wonderful jewellery that makes my heart go boompity, boompity BOOM!

5. A Table In the Orchard by Michelle Crawford $35: If you have never visited Michelle's blog 'Hugo and Elsa' you haven't lived. Michelle is living my fantasy life. And now her first book is about to launch - I can pretty well be her. Or at least cook and eat like her. Failing that, I can indulge in the incredible photographs and dream. This is not just a cookbook. It's pure indulgence. 

6. Mr Kitly - Flax Line Organic Face Washer $24: I really like having my own face washer. I get a bit annoyed when someone else in the family uses it. Call me crazy (whatevs), I really love this one. And I'd love some beautiful handmade soap to go with it too. Yes please. 

7. Craft for the Soul - How to get the most out of your creative life by Pip Lincolne $29.45: These last few months I have been looking for a crafty outlet from my work and parenting life. To make something and feel like you have instant success, or the powers of creativity wielded in your fingertips. This book holds the key.  

8. Little Tienda Catalina dress $299: Fairtrade and handmade in Mexico, I can vouch for the Catalina dress' easy beauty. Lightweight cotton it feels fabulous on - and looks just as awesome, can be belted or worn loose. 

Want more Mother's Day inspiration? 
Be sure to check out: 
Bondville for loads of clever Australian ideas 
Ish and Chi for loads of style
To totally drool check out eat read love 

The case of the disappearing Lexi

Time flies when you're... super busy. 

It's been a while, yes it's been a while. But I've been lurking. Thinking. Dreaming.

One of the highlights of being on hiatus was hanging out with Em from Little Tienda, at Little Nicki's house while being photographed by Luisa Brimble. 

Honestly, it was a brilliant, bright, wonderful day and I had so much fun! 

Spending time with three excellent strong, talented women was a real coup for me, and filled up my buckets. You know what I mean? When you hang out with people like that you can't help but feel buoyed and inspired. It was really good for my soul. 

Other than that I'm madly trying to get my reading on (I was aiming for two books per month, but hit Feb and FAILED!), working my way through Orange is the New Black (like a true TV binger) and last night I had a little too much champagne. Oops!

Clearly the shoot was the most exciting thing that's happened to me in a looong time.

What's been cooking in your 'hood? 

Paper Planes:: Review and Giveaway (Australian film)

You know those rare movies where you sit down and you're transfixed for the entire film?

This is one of those.

Australian films have a real knack for tapping into authentic, innocent and inspiring stories - and Paper Planes did just that and so much more. It really captured childhood in rural Australia, and tells a simple story of 12 year old Dylan who falls in love with the art of paper folding - and it literally takes off from there. 

A brilliant Australian cast including Ed Oxenbould (amazing!), Sam Worthington (I really wanted to shake his character), Deborah Mailman (she is pure joy), Peter Rowsthorn (hilarious) and David Wenham, this is going to blow your mind! 

In fact, it wasn't just about me - my two kids really, really loved it, and so did Matt. This film is about dreams, the beauty in simplicity - and making something beautiful. And of course the surprise inclusion of Kelis' 'Milkshake'. It was magic. 

I came home from the movie and promptly started folding paper planes, to the delight of the cat and my kids. My cat particularly because he's pretty well mauled them.


If you haven't already seen it, you definitely need to - quick smart. 


I have two Paper Planes prize packs to giveaway courtesy of Roadshow. Each prize pack contains:

1 x double pass to Paper Planes
1 x Paper Planes - the novel 
1 x Paper Planes soundtrack 
1 x paper plane paper pack
1 x Paper Planes t-shirt (size M, youth)
1 x Paper Planes cap 

To win - all you have to do is tell me what one of your childhood dreams. 

Terms and conditions:
Entries open Monday 16th 10:00pm, and close Wednesday 10:00pm.
You must be an Australian resident.
Please ensure I can contact you - please include your email address in your comment.

Channing Tatum. Yes. Please.

Nothing better is going to come your way this Friday.

You're welcome.

Reading:: The Goldfinch (Donna Tartt)

I procrastinated on this book really, really hard. 

For one thing, it's 864 pages long. I like fast conquests. Something I can knock over in a couple of days. But a good friend read it, loved it, and so when we went away on holidays, I grabbed a copy, determined to get into it. 

It did not take long and it did not disappoint. 

After the first day of reading (and around 300 pages in) I wrote to my friend: I feel like a leaf floating down a flooding creek, being tossed around. 

And so it is The Goldfinch. 

If you haven't read it. Do it. And don't let the sheer length put you off. 

It's a beautiful, sad, detailed telling of the life of 13 year old Theo. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but for me, it was the poetic prose that just blew my mind. 

Donna Tartt's writing is thick with description. In a good way. You really get drawn in to this world, the story, everything. It's compelling. It's page flipping good. Honestly, one of the best books I have read in a really, really long time. 

One of my other friends thought it was a little too long, a little too wordy, but me? Nope. Perfect. So freaking good I can't stop processing it in my mind. And now I can't pick up another book because it's not going to live up to Tartt's amazing-ness. That's the worst. Not being able to say goodbye to your beloved characters who become friends, and feeling if you start something new, you're abandoning your friends. 

I know. I am a bit crazy. But that's how much this book affected me. 


The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - $13.95 from Booktopia

* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club. 

The Incredible 'The Imitation Game'.

I took myself off to the movies on Saturday afternoon - which is a rare treat indeed. A solo movie jaunt, and no one to share the popcorn with. Actually, if you must know, I didn't have popcorn. I had a choc top. It's almost compulsory to do so.

I've really, really wanted to see The Imitation Game since it first hit the big screen. 

Benedict Cumberbatch.

Keira Knightley.

And a little-known story (war altering) about WWII. 

A film about the incredible mind of Alan Turing. The creator of the world's first computer.

Honestly, since watching this, I haven't stopped thinking about it. There's so much to contemplate. To digest. To mull over. 

You know those movies when you come out and feel like you really need to chat with someone about it, to debrief? This, for me, was one of those. 

From the performances of Cumberbatch and Knightley (and everyone else) to the true story, my mind was completely blown. It was beautiful, incredible, funny (in some parts) and so hauntingly sad.  

If you've seen it, I'd love to know what you think! 

Reading:: Hector and the Search for Happiness (a book review)

By now you should know that there's no rhyme or reason why I pick up books. I just go for random books and read them. By no means is this Oprah's book club either. I don't have enough dress changes to warrant that. 

But again (I know, I know) I saw the movie trailer for this film, and was drawn to reading the book.

So Still Alice was about a psychologist, and Hector and the Search for Happiness is about a psychiatrist. Maybe there's something going on with my sub conscious ? Never mind, I saw the trailer and thought it looked pretty darn funny. It made perfect sense to me to read the best selling book as translated from French to English by Lorenza Garcia. 

I did wonder if some of the depth was lost because of the translation (Lost in Translation anyone), but then again - I really enjoyed this - delightful, simple and fun, this book has been read by over two million people. It delivers an easy-to-follow story, and some important lessons along the way.

About 18 months ago I read The Happiness Project. I am always on the hunt for happiness (who isn't!), and reading this book (it's a really swift and simple read) was a good - and different - kind of adventure. 

It's the story of Hector. A psychiatrist who leaves his office in Paris to travel the world to find out what makes people happy. In over 20 neat lessons, Hector narrows his lessons down to succinct findings - and then tests them against a happiness researcher with happy results. 


Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord $18.50 



* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club. 

How great is this? Cinderella. And Cate Blanchett. And Helena Bonham Carter.

A couple of months ago I was at a friend's farewell - and I was chatting to this man at the bar (just chatting people, I am a married woman). 

It was hours later (and a few drinks too) when I caught sight of that man's shirt, and realised he was sitting next to the luminescent Cate Blanchett. And then I connected the dots, in a belated fuzz and realised it was none other than Andrew Upton.

Anyway - that story is totally irrelevant except for the fact I wanted to tell you how beautiful Cate Blanchett is in real life. Like really, really gobsmackingly beautiful. 

So on with this post - how great does this look? I am not usually in to movies like this, but this?!??! 

Cate Blanchett is the Wicked Stepmother. Helena Bonham Carter is the Fairy Godmother. Directed by Kenneth Brannagh. BE STILL MY BEATING HEART. 

If you want me, I am busy googling when this is coming to Australian screens. 

Best Summer Beauty Buys:: Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint

I've never been a big fan of tinted moisturiser. It's never the right colour - and it always feels a bit slick when applied to the face.

But as a huge and dedicated Dermalogica fan, I had to try this Ultra Sensitive Tint, because I've never met a Dermalogica product I didn't like love.

Perfect for application (you just need a little more than pea size), I used my fingers for easy and silky smooth application. I wore this everyday of my holidays and loved it - and didn't even go near my everyday foundation, because this was the perfect base. 

It's sheer - but not too sheer, it gives a nice even coverage and feels really good to touch. It worked well with my regular make-up too. 

Offering SPF30 and tinted using earth minerals it helps guard skin against sun and UV damage with Grape Seed and Green Tea extracts added to help fight against anti-oxidants. 

I really loved this - and would definitely recommend it for a really light everyday coverage - and sun protection. But if you don't love tinted coverage - I want to recommend the Super Sensitive Shield. Why? It's really gentle, smells amazing, and it was so good I used it on Tiny (she really, really hates wearing sunscreen - and she didn't complain with this, not once!). 


Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint $52



Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Movie Review: The Little Death (Australian film)

Matt and I really love watching movies together. And since it's a rare day indeed that we get to go to the movies together - we're avid DVD watchers. 

It's well documented how much I love Australian film. And I really love funny Australian films. So how perfect, I thought - to share my review of this Australian film on Australia Day. BOO YAR! 

The Little Death (a reference to the French term for orgasm 'la petite mort') is big on laughs. In fact it's so big on laughs, I had to replay many of the moments because they just made me laugh. Not just haha, but belly laugh laughs. Like achingly funny laughs. 

A comedy about sex, love, relationships and rounded out by taboo, it's the kind of film you'll recommend to your friends in dire need of some laughs. It's not a shy film, by any means, which makes it all the more real, and a catalyst for conversation. 

Written and directed by Josh Lawson and nominated for six AACTA Awards in 2014, the cast is quality - a whole host of familiar faces, playing complicated, realistic and crazy-normal people. 

I have so many favourite moments from this film - and the trailer gives you a pretty succinct slice of what it's like - the whole way through. Fast paced, cracking and funny. My absolute favourite slice of the film features TJ Power as Sam who is hearing and speech impaired, calling up a sex call worker. Seriously funny and poignant too. 

I give it 8 stars!

The Little Death is now out on DVD and Blue-Ray. 

Getting School Ready (sp)

Faber Castell Single Hole Pencil Sharpener: keep them en pointe this year!
Document Wallet Printed (A4): perfect for notes and readers
Staedtler Norris Club Coloured Pencils: get them colouring within the lines (or outside!)
Studymate MegaMonster Premium Scrapbook: make lunches more exciting by keeping a scrapbook

I can barely believe the school holidays are almost over. Gasp! I love school holidays, it's relaxed. There's no school lunches, no morning rush, no fossicking through the laundry searching for clean uniforms. It's living the dream. Ha! Particularly when I am on holidays from work too. 

But these holidays I've decided to use the time to get a bit organised. When the kids got sent home last week of term with a list of stationery requirements for the year ahead - I sighed. It felt like forever away. But fast-forward and we're just a few weeks off being back in the grind, so together with Officeworks, I'm sharing my top tips on how to get your child school-ready. 

1. Talk about it: Don't go into the cone of silence, talk about school. Talk about what it's going to be like (particularly if they haven't started school), talk about teachers, about friends, maybe even talk about playground politics (because heck, we have SO been there). We talk about the year that has been - and what a big year it was - recognise this, and then talk about all the opportunities that lie ahead. Communicating allays fears and helps their growing minds. 

2. Involve them: When you're getting prepped for school - you might just want to knock it all over by yourself (we all know that's quicker), but by involving your child, you can make them feel like the captain of their school-ship. I let my kids have input into things like lunch boxes, school shoes (but they have to be fitted properly), and a couple of key rings on a school bag helps them feel like they're personalising their kit!

3. Sleep isn't for the weak: While I could sleep for the week, my kids love to stay up late in the holidays, and they love to get up early too. Sigh. A couple of weeks before school goes back, start that nice routine again so that they are getting enough rest. I also wind down activities in this period too so they're not so tired from running about everywhere. We stay home and have quiet days, playing board games and soaking up the together-ness. Children love routine, and love to know what's happening next, so if you can set this up early, it should help to make things easier.

4. Cut corners: I'm not usually one for cutting corners, but if you can outsource something. Outsource it. Officeworks has a free School List Service that allows you to submit your list at your local store - and their team members will pick and pack on your behalf for free. They'll even call or SMS you when it's ready to collect. 

5. Start a scrapbook: School lunches get so. darn. boring. Start a scrapbook with lunch ideas so you're never stuck for fresh, nutritious ideas. (I love this Studymate MegaMonster scrapbook for just 88cents!)

Officeworks has also just launched a new app for growing minds - suitable for both primary and secondary students, that's fun and educational. Check it out! 

It would be remiss not to mention Officeworks support for The Smith Family's Back to School Appeal - aimed at helping 638,000 disadvantaged Australian children succeed at school. You can buy a donation stationery card in store, or go online and help provide a child with their school needs. 

Are you ready to get back to school? 

Best Summer Beauty Buys:: Black Chicken Axilla Natural Deodorant Paste

It may sound weird, but this deodorant paste is a total winner. Otherwise I wouldn't tell you about it. 

When I was first asked to try it out, I was dubious. I didn't want to have to apply a paste. But after two weeks of trialling it, I have to say - it's awesome. 

It's 100% natural from certified organic ingredients, made in Australia - and chemical free (aluminium, alcohol, petrochemicals, fragrance, phthalates, talc and parabens) - which means it's free from all the bad stuff we apply to our underarms almost religiously. 

Invisible after application, you just take a pea-sized amount, apply it under your arms - et voila! 

Really, I didn't think this was going to stand the test - but it lasts all day, and smells really, really good (kind of like old-fashioned cola lollies). For the ultimate test, I asked Matt to try it out - the results are in - it's even man-proof! 

It lets your body dispel toxins while keeping you fresh. 

How does it work? I know it sounds too good to be true, but the Kolin Clay and Arrowroot work together to absorb moisture while the Sodium Bicarbonate neutralises odour - and the shea butter moisturises and helps for easy application. Couple this with essential oils of Peppermint, Mandarin, Lime, Geranium (my favourite), Cajaput, Clove and Lavender - for their antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-stink and antiseptic properties, and you've got yourself a real game changer. 

Black Chicken Axilla Natural Deodorant Paste $15.95 - Nourished Life 

Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Golden Globes 2015: Viola Davis, Claire Danes, Rosamund Pike, Julianne Moore etc

Viola Davis: Lovely in red, simple, stylish, sophisticated. But is that a Swatch? (note to self: wear your glasses when you're looking at fashion photos).

Claire Danes: Call me crazy but this Valentino is my FAVOURITE because it's bold, and it's unpredictable and she's a risk taker merely for wearing something strong and graphic. BIG tick from me. (Which reminds me, I need to flea the cat.)

Rosamund Pike: The bustier reminds me of a motorbike's handlebars. Vera Wang. Wtf. In fact it reminded me of the below outfit from this song. True story. If only she took such a risk I'd have more to write about right now. Sigh.

Tina Fey: Do you think she has a hoop under that skirt? I'm distracted and this is all I can think of. How would she sit down with a hoop skirt? How does one go to the bathroom? How does one even get in the cubicle? These are the questions that plague my mind. And like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of my lives. Well that didn't make sense, but whatevs.

Emily Blunt: Another of my favourites - no one can touch her, she's just pretty well my dream girl. Swoon.

Julianne Moore: Speaking of total babes of babe town, Julianne Moore - this has hit it out of the ballpark. Part mermaid, part disco ball - completely awesome. I LOVE this! This is how the red carpet should be. 

Kate Hudson: I just really think Donatella could do better than rehashing Liz Hurley's dress from 21 years ago. Come on DonDons, give us something fresh and new. I don't want to see Kate's cans.

Lena Dunham: You, me and everyone we know knows I love Lena, but I'm not completely in this dress. Which is good because Lena is wearing it and if there were two of it, I don't know how we would sit down.

Amy Adams: Traditionally I have loved Amy's red carpet record, I love her hair, I love the frock, but I still have a strong desire for sequins. Someone - give me sequins before it's too late. 

Julia Louis Dreyfus: Wow she looks STOKED to be there.

Naomi Watts: Cool, calm, sophisticated - I do love Naomi in this understated canary yellow frock. And at least she went with colour. What's with all the white on the red carpet? An homage to the Danish flag? 

Anna Kendrick: Anna. Anna. Anna. I love Anna. The prettiest, frothiest perfection - she shows us how it could and should be done - I love this. 

Lupita Nyong'o: Ok - well let me be indecisive for just a second. If I was on the red carpet, it would be a toss up between this and Claire Danes. Both are fabulous, make a statement, glamour. And this - well she looks beautiful. What can I say? 

Jessica Chastain: Red heads on the red carpet - it's a match made in fashion heaven. But this dress looks more like Las Vegas casino than Golden Globes. Or even Casino Barbie. Me no likey. 

Emma Stone: Speaking of red heads, Emma Stone - cool and classic, this pretty well takes the cake for rocking the red carpet. I love it. Fresh and young, yes she owns it.