Reading: The Red Notebook - Antoine Laurain

All I seem to talk about on here is books. Books. Books. Books.

When I was little I was an avid book worm. You'd find me on the spare bed, lying in the sunshine, devouring books. Whole novels over the weekend. I would barely move because I loved reading them  all. Roald Dahl. Judy Blume. Robin Klein. John Marsden. Duncan Ball. I just really loved them.

And I still do. 

So this year I set a goal for myself to read 16 books. That might not seem like a lot, but previously I would have probably been lucky to have read a book a year. 

If you befriend me on Goodreads, then you can follow along with what I'm reading and loving (and FYI - you can set yourself a reading challenge and track it! I'm 38% through mine - huzzah!).

I also joined a real-life book club. 

I was looking at ways to fill up my own buckets, I don't go out much - so I went to my local bookstore, found a book club and joined. And I flipping love it!

So anyway - book. 

'The Red Notebook' is translated from French and is a real beauty.

When I was told I would knock it over in two sittings - I inwardly scoffed. But at 159 pages, this little novella is a quick read that will keep you flipping the pages. 

Apparently the French love a handbag sized novel, and this is it. 

Set in Paris, bookseller Laurent finds an abandoned handbag on a street and is compelled to return it to its owner. So starts the story of the small red notebook - which contains no defining details, but some insights and thoughts from the owner. 

This is a charming book, full of whimsy. Fast-paced and quite lovely I really enjoyed it and would recommend as a light read. 

A Royal Night Out:: Review

I was lucky enough to enjoy a sneak preview of A Royal Night Out last week. I was really, really excited, I'd watched the trailer and it looked right up my alley.

And it was right up my alley. And my street. My boulevard. My avenue. It was right up there.

Based on the true story of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret being allowed to go out into public on 8th May 1945, VE Day, it's embellished, to great effect. 

Imagine this, six years of horrific war, food rations, bombing, general gloom and doom. And the two princesses concoct a fantastical ruse to convince their father (King George VI, played by Rupert Everett) to allow them out to hear how the public responds to his victory speech. 

It works and they are allowed out, incognito - to dance at the Ritz with a strict curfew to be home by 1am. 

Princess Margaret (played by Bel Powley), quipped with all the best lines, is wide-eyed and hilarious; Princess Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) is considered, incredibly beautiful and navigating her world as an ordinary young woman in the midst of huge on-street celebrations. 

They jump from the Ritz, to 

It's fun. Innocent fun. It's such a fun movie, nostalgic and lovely I came out positively buzzing darlings! It's feel good, fanciful film that was so right for me to escape into.  


My rating? See it! It's light-hearted, whimsical, and an adventure on another scale. Plus it's funny! 

I give it three and a half stars. 

A Royal Night Out - in cinemas from May 14.

Reading:: Me Talk Pretty One Day (David Sedaris)

I'll be honest - I've been pretty crummy at reading lately. I started the year with great gusto, tearing through three books in one month, and have dwindled to taking two months to read this book.

Which - let me clarify, is no reflection of this book. It's a reflection of me needing to unwind in front of bad tv, with tired eyes, instead of read a book, propped up in bed. 

But today I finished it. Lying on the sofa, with the Doctor fast asleep right next to me, I laughed out loud - so funny is this book, it makes you laugh the whole way through.

I don't think that's an easy thing either, to make someone laugh out loud via a book. But David Sedaris never fails. First published in 2000, it's been out for a long time. A really long time, but it's still as relevant, entertaining and hilarious as ever. 

I read David Sedaris' piece regarding his obsession with his FitBit a few months ago - and it spurred me on to read more of his writing. 

If you want an easy read, that's funny, self-deprecating, and totally good value - read this. I am sure it won't disappoint. Particularly the chapters on living in France. Bloody funny. 



Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris $16.95 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. 

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. 

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. 

Reading:: Still Alice - A Review

I picked this up at my local bookshop on a whim. You see I really love Julianne Moore, and I'm not a literature snob - if it's been converted to a film, I am not above buying the film adapt cover. 

You see it's the story of Alice, a way above average woman who happens to be a psychologist, who happens to teach at Harvard, who happens to be married to an incredible man, and have three incredible children. You think she's got it all. Well she does. And then some. 

She's diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers and the following story is heartbreakingly sad, but also really beautiful. The story captures the descent into the disease - the memory loss, the loss of self, and the futile snatches at claiming back her memory. Fifteen years prematurely, Alice struggles with memory loss, disorientation, loss of words - and losing her thriving and super successful career. 

I read this book in record time. It is an easy, compelling, engaging read that is beyond sad - informative and insightful. 

Written by neuroscientist Lisa Genova, Still Alice is a New York Times bestseller, that's a pacey page-turner.  


Still Alice from Booktopia $15.95



* 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. 

Tak3n:: Review - HELLO LIAM!

Last night Matt and I got the rare opportunity for date night. 

These are rare as hen's molars. Seriously. 

So when my Mum offered to babysit, we swung into action. 

But I have to confess, when I was first invited to see Taken 3, I was a little dubious. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved Taken - oh the stress! On the edge of my seat, scared, worried, my goodness, it really kept me glued. This time set in France, daughter gets kidnapped on a trip with her BFF, CIA operative Dad flies to her rescue. But not without a whole lot of twists and trouble.

Taken 2 - Liam really has bad luck - and again, it was quality viewing. Set in Istanbul, it was a snapshot into the unknown, and those action scenes - yowsers! 

But a third go at Taken? Really? 

REALLY! Go see it. It's awesome. I think Matt still has grip marks on his arm where I was squeezing him so hard. This time set in the US, starring Forest Whitaker, the story takes an unexpected twist and is as riveting as ever. But I'm not giving the storyline away. 

Co-written by Luc Besson (director of The Professional), reigning king of  who yet again creates a totally watch-able, action-packed, beautifully executed, crazy, amazing film that stands on its own in the Taken franchise. He has your heart pounding, your brain racing, and you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat. 

And then there's Liam Neeson. Ahhhh Liam. Supremely watch-able, he kicks some serious ass as Bryan Mills. There's no denying that he's good. But he's not just good. He's ace. 

I totally recommend seeing Taken 3. You'll like it if you like: any of the Taken films. Liam Neeson. Luc Besson. Ass-kicking action. Fight scenes in y-fronts.


Taken 3 - opens in cinemas Thursday 8th January.

Beauty Review:: Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss

I am someone who loves my gloss. Like really, really loves my gloss. 

I carry those puppies around everywhere I go. You never know when your lips need another slick of lip gloss. 

For me, the Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss is the perfect pop of subtle colour, combined with a beautiful gloss - that's not sticky. 

Way back in 1930 Max Factor created lip gloss for Hollywood stars to make their lips super-glossy and sultry. These new colours are next level delivering high-pigmentation - perfect for Summer. 

Super smooth application, the gloss itself feels light on, but provides maximum gloss. And the palette is bang on - perfect for everyday use. 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss $19.95

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. 

Frocktober 2014:: Beauty Favourites

Given I've documented everything I've worn this month, it's meant I've had to dedicate myself to a pretty rigorous beauty regime. 

Say it ain't so! 

It is so, I need to get my face ready for the camera people!

Today I'm sharing three of my favourites that have helped me combat fatigue - or at least make it look that way!

1. Kosmea Facial Cleansing Wipes:: These are pretty well my favourite thing at the moment. At the end of the day, to get rid of the liquid eye-liner, foundation, everything I've layered on my face, these wipes are gentle, and cleanse your face in a wipe. I pretty well want to marry them. Plus they smell like rosewater, and rosewater is my all-time favourite smell. 

2. Bloom Cosmetics Full & Flirty Mascara:: I love thick looking, dark lashes, and this does just that. No flaking, no itching, instead just full, luscious lashes. Plus the brush ensures there's no clumping. 

3. Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream:: A colour-correcting cream that combines camouflaging capabilities with a super dewy finish. It's hydrating, contains SPF 30, and just between you and me, I've been using this UNDER my regular foundation for a flawless finish. But you could wear just a moisturiser and this and be incredibly happy. 


What's the beauty product you couldn't live without?

Reading:: This One Is Mine - Maria Semple

This is a great book.

Remember when I read 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'. This is penned by the same author, and delivers the same pacey, awesome, realistic, laugh out loud, feel a bit sad story.

I may have devoured this book whole in just a few sittings. It's that good.

It follows the life of Violet Parry - a woman who has everything. Except Teddy Reyes.

Running alongside her story, is the story of Sally Parry - a woman who wants everything.

Both stories are cracking, will have you cringing, laughing, feeling angsty, and almost shouting at the pages in disgust and surprise.

I really, really loved this book (and Semple's previous) - she writes so beautifully, she's witty, clever, and the storyline is compelling. Semple worked previously as a TV writer (Arrested Development, Ellen, Saturday Night Live etc), so she sets a cracking pace and knows how to keep you engaged. Sharp as a tack.  

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I subtracted .5 of a star because I wanted it to keep going, and it didn't. 


This One Is Mine - Maria Semple: from Booktopia $15.95


* 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. I've read six books this year. This is six more than I did last year.

Movie Review:: The Boxtrolls

The Doctor and I went on a date together these school holidays. He wanted to see The Boxtrolls.

I was a little reluctant. The Boxtrolls was created by the same makers who did Coraline - which I found freaky deaky and Paranorman too - which I loved. Quirky and SERIOUSLY INSANELY WONDERFULLY CLEVER!! In the interests of spending time with my 9 year old son, and finding delight in something together, we went - choc top and popcorn in hand.

And we loved it. We both really, really loved it.

The workmanship that's gone into producing the film is astounding. It's mind-bogglingly beautiful and intricate. 

Combine that with a really enchanting storyline, and you've got yourself a winner. It's one of the best children's films I've ever seen. Like. Ever.

The story is incredible, but just as interesting is the behind-the-scenes action. It's a work of art. 

Click below to blow your mind. 


The story is beautifully simple, a boy - Eggs, is orphaned and raised underground by the boxtrolls, who collect rubbish to create crazy masterpieces. The trolls are targeted by a bunch of exterminators and Eggs steps up to defend his family.

It's such a great film - I can't recommend it highly enough. There's a good VS evil storyline - a little bit of darkness, but it's a delicate mix of rollicking good storytelling combined with incredible stop motion goodness. 

Looking for something to do these school holidays? Definitely take your kids to see it.

Reading:: The Fault In Our Stars

Get excited because I have been reading again.

Honestly I think I forgot how much I really, really love reading - ever since having kids. And these last few months - I am back, ride 'em cowgirl! 

So The Fault In Our Stars is categorised as teen fiction. But I really, really loved it. It's a great read - easy, straight into it, and for me, I felt immediately bonded to the characters. 

Narrated by 16 year old cancer patient, Hazel, it tells the story of three friends all battling cancer. It's beautiful, funny, insightful and needless to say - desperately sad. 

Hazel is forced to attend a cancer patients' support group - where she meets the love of her life Augustus Waters. 

John Green wrote 'The Fault In Our Stars' after working as a chaplain at a children's hospital and wanted to rehumanise the sick or dying patients, ""the stories that I was reading sort of oversimplified and sometimes even dehumanized them. And I think generally we have a habit of imagining the very sick or the dying as being kind of fundamentally other. I guess I wanted to argue for their humanity, their complete humanity."

Inspired by Esther Earl, Green was inspired to create a book that shared the idea that a short life could be a full life.  

I won't give any more away because part of the joy of reading is discovering another world for yourself, but I really, really recommend this book - for teenagers or adults. 

The film is set for release very soon. 

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - $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. I've read five books this year. This is five more than I did last year.

Reading:: Gone Girl

It's been a long time since I tore through a book.

That drought is over. 

I read Gone Girl in less than three days. It was that good. That page turning. That action packed, psychologically compelling, easy to read, crazy good. 

I'd heard people talking about this book - but it wasn't until I saw the trailer for the film that I thought I better get my roller-skates on. I had to read it before I saw it on the big screen.

Right from the get go I was absorbed into this book. About a marriage turned sour, and written from the two differing perspectives of a married couple, Nick and Amy, fired from their respective magazines - and life spirals from their. It all starts on their fifth wedding anniversary - when Amy goes missing. In case you didn't read the cover - it's a thriller, and it's fast-paced - it's so good I didn't want it to end. 

The film is set to be released soon. But read the book first. It's really super good. 

Gone Girl from Booktopia $13.95

* 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. I've read four books this year. This is four more than I did last year.

Reading:: Murder in Mississippi

It's been a long time between good reads. In fact, I've been so flaky I start reading and then drop off. Like a fly.

There are so many books beside my bed, and I hang my head in shame - I've finished none of them.

I start with great gusto - all a-buzz to get into something new.

I get a few pages in, and since adopting the idea that if it doesn't grab me, I'm not going to further punish myself to read it, I abort mission.

Not so with this book. John Safran's 'Murder In Mississippi' is a really, really great read that I could barely put down. In fact, while stirring risotto one night, wooden spoon in one hand, I had the book in the other. I churned through this in a short term - as testament that it's so well written.

Without giving anything away, the true story is about the murder of a white supremacist in  deepest Mississippi, by a black man. Safran digs up all the grit behind the scenes, finds out more about the supremacist (who he'd met the year before), and about the murderer. 

For the longest time (since I was a teenager and Safran appeared in Race Around the World on ABC) I've been a fan of Safran. His wit, intellect, and ability to pull out an enthralling story and make it not only hugely engaging, while weaving it with humour - it is a real rare talent. I found myself laughing in many places - while Matt looked at me quizzically. I was after all reading about a serious subject.  


You'll like it if you liked: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. 

If It's Good Enough for the Duchess of Cambridge:: Karin Herzog

So the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine was recently out here in Australia - and beyond lusting after her impeccable wardrobe and luscious thick locks - lots of people commented on her peachy perfect complexion.

How does she do it? In a recent interview she credited the Karin Herzog oxygen face creams. 

And given I am not even close to being royalty, I thought I'd give it a shot too. 

I've been using this face cream for over a month and have to say, the results are pretty compelling. I don't have a before and after, but have already noticed smaller pores, healthier looking skin, and a better texture of my complexion. 

I don't naturally have flawless skin. Sigh. It breaks out from time to time, and despite me knowing I am in my mid-30s, apparently my skin still thinks it's a teenager. Thanks for the spots! The oxygen in the  formulas kills pimple-causing bacteria and helps to control redness. 

Although this cream is better suited to younger skins, (this one is probably better for my age group), it is perfect for problem skin - and doesn't strip out the natural oils from skin.


Karin Herzog Oxygen Face Cream $60 (free shipping) 



* this product was sent to me for editorial consideration - this is not a sponsored post, but I tried the product, I loved the product, and I wanted to share. It's that great. I only share things that I genuinely love and think you might like too.

The Marvel of Cavalia:: Review

 

It's not every day you get to marvel. In fact, I think as you get older, and as life gets trickier and seemingly faster, you lose the ability to marvel as a child does.To be transported back to childlike place, where you sit gaping in awe and marvelling at how incredible life is. It's a good place to be. 

This week I was so very lucky enough to be invited to see Cavalia.

The best word I can think of to describe it is marvellous. I cheered, I clapped, I cried. It was that beautiful. I marvelled.

Not only the creativity and sheer skill, but relationship between horse and rider - it was tangible. You could see the mutual adoration. On top of that, the strength. I sat there, my jaw dropped, transfixed. And then add that these adults have shunned the perpetuated norms of society, and run away and joined the circus. What artful joy! I never wanted it to end.

It felt like a dream - and I am so grateful for having it. 

Could Cavalia have invoked an epiphany for me? Gosh, I hope so.

Last night I felt like I was in The Princess Bride. And Willow. And Lord of the Rings. It is that magical. 

The show sweeps you off your feet and into another world. I never want to come back.
 
We were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the stables. Now I want a pony. And a farm. And to get the heck out of Sydney and live a horsey life riding bareback and doing stunts - that's the life for me!

If you can - go see it. For the sheer dream fuel. For the beauty. And for me, to inspire me to exercise more so I can do a hand stand, on a horse, cantering.

You'll like it: If you want your breath taken away - to be transfixed by the sheer beauty of our equine friends, and the art, grace and humour of the performers.

When? Now until June 16

Book your tickets to Cavalia Sydney here and you can get 10% off ticket price by using the code: CAVALIASYD

Disclosure: I attended the show as a guest of Cavalia. I had no obligation to blog about it. BUT I loved it so freaking much I had to tell you about it.  I will only tell you about products/experiences that I genuinely love. Honesty is after all the best policy. I went, I loved it, I wanted to share.

Paid Product Reviews:: What Does This Mean?

Voices of 2013 Blogs and Brands Panel (L-R) Brian Giesen of Social@Ogilvy, Lousia Claire of Brand Meets Blog, Stacey Roberts of Veggie Mama and me.

I had the great pleasure of attending Voices of 2013 on Saturday. I've been light in step ever since, I've felt so buoyed by the experience.

It's been good not only for my blog (inspiring!), but for me to meet so many like-minded people, and awesome birds that I only usually get to chat to on the interwebz. 

Maybe you might not know, but by day I work in PR. It's night time when I don a cape and mask and start blogging. I was delighted to sit on the Blogs & Brands panel as a blogger. Even if I did get covered in nervous rash sitting up there. 

So on the day, while we talked about sponsored posts, we didn't get to talk about paid reviews. And what I think of them. Or more likely - what I don't think of them.

Because at the heart of a review - it's meant to be an unbiased account of what you think of a product.

But if it's paid? Well then it blurs the lines doesn't it? It becomes a bit of cash-for-comment - because really, are you honestly going to bite that hand that feeds you? Will you look a gift horse in the mouth? (How many more cliches can I work into this one paragraph?). How can a review be unbiased if you're being paid to post it? 

The cold and quick answer: it can't. 

Or can it? I'm interested to know if you think that you can maintain an unbiased review while being paid by the brand. Because me? I don't think so. I think the lines are blurred, I think you're cosying up with Alan Jones, and your reader is going to be pretty annoyed to find that your writing paid reviews.

This stinks of lack of integrity.

Nielsen research shows that 71% of Australians look at web reviews before buying. That's a huge figure - a lot of Aussies looking for credible reviews to guide them. Now let's imagine if all the reviews you're reading are fictional. How to navigate your way through all that crud?

There's more power in honesty, integrity, and your readers will want to keep reading what you have to say. But if you're being paid to share your scoop de la scoop about products? Well who wants to read more PR guff. Not me! And I work in PR!

You need to give your audience more credit - they are smart and savvy. They can sniff out when something's not right. And if all you share are glowing reviews, then something's rotten in the state of Denmark. 


image is courtesy of the impeccable Cheryl of BusinessChic. 
THANK YOU CHERYL! (I'm in the pink - like Barbara Cartland).

Best Beauty Buys:: Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream

We are gathered here today to talk about my obsession with hand cream. 

And the lack thereof. 

You see, I have this habit, that's kind of OCD in that if I don't put any hand cream on before I go to bed: I. Can. Not. Sleep.

Same with lip balm.

And I'd run out of proper hand cream, so was using any random moisturiser around the house. And it wasn't cutting the mustard.

Then this week I had the rare treat of a mani - and I was talking with the beautician, as one is prone to do, and we got to talking about hand creams. She told me that I should buy the Garnier hand cream as it is cheap as chips and super good.

Me, I am a bit of a beauty cynic. Unless I have tried something first-hand, I don't believe it. 

And as if Garnier hand cream was going to have me all in a froth. 

So the next morning I happened to be in the supermarket and I splashed out on the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream (with L-Bifidus - btw). A huge outlay of $4.75. Cough. Peanuts.

Still cynical I slathered it on as soon as I got to my desk at work. It smelt pretty darn good. Thick and yet not greasy consistency (already winning points), and now I am up to day 5 of using it - and giving it two thumbs up, plus two big toes up. It is honestly, super fantastic. It's quickly absorbed so no sticky after-application feeling either.

Already my hands are noticeably much softer, they feel fantastic. They're not dry. I am hooked.

And at $4.75 per 100ml tube, I can afford to have one at my desk, one by my bed, and one in my hand bag. It's a cinch!

* This is not a sponsored post. I bought the product myself after a private recommendation. It's cheap and cheerful, I loved it. I wanted to share. All reviews are my own opinion, after all, honesty is the best policy.