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. 

5 Must Haves For A Happier Summer

We're in the thick of it. Summer. Happy. Hot. Sweaty. Sweet, sweet summer. Here's a list of five things I don't think you can do without. Well. Almost. 

Ginger + Gillligan I Dream of Indigo beach tipi $285:: I saw one of these on the beach (the day before I went back to work - boo hiss! WAAAAH!) and instantly fell deep, deep, deeply in love. As a fair skinned lass, I avoid the beach in high-sun times - which means we only go first thing in the morning or late in the day. I think this tipi is super awesome - look how ace it looks, but it's also a practical thing - we could spend a little more time digging in the sand. 

Super Sunglasses - America Francis from Off the Runway $220:: Wear sunglasses. All of the time. Ok well not when you're inside because you'll just look like an idiot. But listen to me. Wear them. I have a pterygium which is about as glamorous as it sounds. It's also known as 'surfer's eye'. In short, my eyes got damaged from sun exposure, and if I don't wear sunglasses a) it makes them incredibly cross and b) the pterygium will grow - resulting in surgery. Um yeah. So wear sunglasses. And make them good ones.

Country Road wide crushable hat $59.95:: If you have never noticed - I really, really love wearing hats. And I'm a big fan of big floppy hats in particular. They make me think of that romantic era in style - the 70s. As well as being incredibly practical they can also cover up a bad hair day, hide you from someone you don't want to see, and help protect you from the sun.

Dermalogica After Sun Repair $45:: It's a no brainer that you have to use sunscreen. All. The. Time. I try and use sunscreen as much as possible. Sometimes I flunk out. Other days I get a gold star. If I get a little too much sun, this cream is the shiz. It's cool and soothing to the skin, smells good, and works a treat on sun reddened skin. It also helps to repair damage from UV exposure - totally worth bathing in if you ask me. 

Castle 'Happy Place' towel $49:: An awesome towel is one of my favourite things for Summer. I can't wait to lay that thing down on the sand and stake my claim on that little spot (for an hour at least). These colours. Those words. A recipe for happy. 


What are your must-haves for Summer?

Day 10:: Frocktober - A Cool Lee Mathews Frock

It's so piping hot in Sydney today. Trust me. 

Which is why this morning I pulled this awesome cool blue Lee Mathews frock out of my wardrobe. I bought it at the end of last Summer and have only worn it a few times, so couldn't wait to get it on again. Plus it has pockets, and any frock with pockets is a friend of mine. 

Tiny took my photos again today - and made me pose. Hence I look like a dodgy 70s model. 

MASSIVE thanks to all of my sponsors - you are, each and every one of you, so awesome. I've reached $3,105 - all going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to help find an early detection test for ovarian cancer.

You can still sponsor me here! 

And since I reached $3,000 yesterday - tomorrow I go to work rockabilly style, so I better go sort out some fake tatts, stat. 

Dress: Lee Mathews

Sandals: Country Road

Necklace: From Collette

Bangles: An assortment of Dinosaur Designs, Jamin Puech and vintage

Movies You Should Watch. Yes. You Should. And One You Shouldn't.

There has only been one bad film I have (barely) watched of late and that was Ted. I can't even blame Matt for this film choice - I saw the trailer and thought it looked hilarious, but, well, turns out they jammed all the funny stuff into the ads, and the rest was unfunny gaff. Don't borrow it.

The worst thing was I forgot to return it to the DVD store the next day (yes, I still do that) and had to pay a late fine. Matt kindly told me that I was just merely doing a civil duty by ensuring no one else could hire it.

Sorry Marky Mark - Ted was totally wrong dot com. DO NOT WATCH!

Now that I have that off my chest, here are some films you might just want to check out:
1. Les Miserables:: I've said it once and I'll say it again, I love Les Mis. And this didn't fail. Though I was wary of Amanda Seyfried (am I the only person that didn't rave about Mama Mia?) she has the voice of a songbird. And Anne Hathaway - yowser. Plus I have a crush on Eddie Redmayne. I give it: 4/5

2. Wreck-It Ralph:: We took the smalls to see this, and it's safe to say - the whole family loved it. The outtake? It's a bitch to be a glitch. Sarah Silverman is AWESOME! I give it 4/5. 

3. Hysteria (on DVD):: I adore Maggie Gyllenhaal, and she does not disappoint in this - with Hugh Dancy (phwoar). Literally a laugh out loud film, you must watch it. It gives the history of the vibrator in a hysterical story. I give it 4.5/5. I loved it that much. 

4. The Intouchables:: Whoa Nelly. This is one of those films that will have you laughing, crying and re-evaluating your life. Watch it, love it, and then watch it all over again. I loved this life affirming movie SO much. I give it 5/5. 

Have you watched any good films of late? 

Ew. Heat.

It's freaking hot, just in case you have been living in the Esky over the past day or so. 

What do you do to keep cool? 

Me? Ergh - spray myself with the hose. Fact.
Eat too many icy poles. Fact. 
Sit under the air-conditioning. Fact.
Take a cold shower. Fact.
Complain a lot. Fact.
Drink rose. Fact.
Sit on the beach wearing a vintage bikini looking hot. Myth.

Anything else I should be doing? 

On a more serious note, I hope dear reader that you are safe wherever you are. 

Happy New Year Skin: Four Firm Favourites

I'm sprucing up my skin for the New Year and am sharing four products that are my favourites.  You may have already bared all on the beach, but me? I'm the type of person who sneaks off to the beach at the very tail-end of the day to avoid the sun (and crowds). And my face needs some serious TLC. 

So friends - here are four of my favourites to share with you. 

1. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant $67.50:: For a long time, I'd been avoiding exfoliating my skin. What a mistake. Not only does it slough away dead skin and removes dulling surface debris, but it dramatically improves my skin texture. This one is a goodie - as it provides chemical exfoliation with a two-in-one masque treatment - and the lactic acid and salicylic acid speed up cell renewal, and it's super gentle. Sulfur clears the skin by eliminating breakout-causing bacteria while clearing excess oil and follicle congestion - which is perfect for me, because - even though I'm 33, I am still not clear of breakouts. Boo hiss to that - but wild party for this exfoliant.

2. Ella Bache Great Tan Without Sun $40:: I have been a devout user of this fake tan for over 12 years. I'm one of those people who - if I find something I really, really love - I'll stay loyal. There are a number of reasons why I'm compelled to tell you about this - probably one of my most favourite beauty products. Ever. 

I have very fair skin - and lots of fake tans don't really lend themselves to this. I've found that if I dilute this a little with some regular body moisturiser, it gives me the perfect subtle tan - rather than looking like an Ooompa Loompa. Secondly, applying fake tans can be risky business - particularly if the formula wipes on with no colour. The Great Tan is a brown colour - so immediately you can see where you've applied it - and where it needs to be removed, pronto. While most fake tans stink - you know, I know - when you smell that tell-tale odour - you know someone's been faux-tanning. This one is subtle, next to no odour. And finally, the formula is moisturising - leaving your skin feeling hydrated it protects the skin's natural barrier.

3. Garnier Body Intensive Ultra-Softening Lotion with Mango Oil for Dry, Rough Skin $6.95 :: Anything containing mango gets my thumbs up. I love mangoes in the daytime. In the night time. Anytime. I grabbed this from the supermarket one day - dubious about just how good a $7 moisturiser could be. Well the news is - very good. It leaves your skin silky, nourished - with a nice sheen - and not sticky (the sign of a good moisturiser in my book).

4. Clarins Eau Dynamisante Invigorating Fragrance $65::  Nothing says summer to me like this fragrance. Fresh and invigorating, I love a splash of this on one of those heinously hot days - plus it reminds me of my Mum. 

Do You Know Your Own Skin?

Do you check your skin regularly? I am guilty - I don't, and I should. 

My beautician told me a few months ago that I needed to go and get my skin checked - she saw some skin changes near my hairline on my forehead. 

After watching these videos, I've booked an appointment with a skin specialist so I can get checked properly. It might be nothing. It might be something.

I was silly in the sun when I was younger - and I should be more savvy. 

I'm going to take Matt with me too, so we can both get checked. I'll report back with the findings. 

Sussan Summer Sneak Preview (Try Saying That 10 Times Fast)

This last week I had the great joy of flying to Melbourne as a guest of Sussan.

I flew down in the morning, and knew I was on a Sussan flight when I walked up to my gate and discovered a bevy of women all dressed in the new Summer collection. They were excited. I was excited. We were all excited together - and the other guests were none the wiser except for that certain buzz in the air.

We landed in Melbourne and a cab driver walked over to me and asked me if I wanted a cab. He wasn't in his car. And I agreed. And then imagined he was going to kidnap me. So I asked him if he was a real cab driver and he said yes and so all was ok. Phew. Glad we've got that sorted.

During the day I meandered the streets of Melbourne like only a waif could. But more on that later.

That night we went to see a sneak preview of the new Sussan Summer collection. The room was a-buzz, electrified by the 200+ excited women (and one lone man sitting front row- I salute you sir).

If you've not stepped into a Sussan for a spell, the value they place on customer service is exemplary. The staff know the ranges back to front, front to back and upside down.
It's here I should tell you: This was not like fashion week where it's totally not cool to crack a smile.

When the models walked down the catwalk, they smiled. And the crowd? They cheered! It was such a fun evening.

This new collection is fresh, fun, and loaded with bright and bold colour. There is so much to love - so many pieces to covet. As a working-in-an-office mum, Sussan has just made it that much easier to mix and match outfits (which the ladies in store are SO good at), plus there are so many great pieces that are supremely wearable, frocks that you can throw on - or suiting that doesn't look too corporate. I do not do corporate! I do fun! I do colour! I do bold prints and pattern and awesome. Sussan is all that.

I can say all of this because I'm newly converted. And I've been enjoying spending time in their stores being inspired. It's a bold new step - and you have to hand it to the team at Sussan. They're turning the beat around and I'm dancing to it.

I took lots of snaps from the catwalk - an have loads more that I'll be loading on to my Facebook page this week.  

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Sussan paid for my flights and accommodation. I attended their Summer launch. I loved it. I wanted to share.

And Then.

I was planning to write something profound today.

About revelations.

Epiphanies.

About life's little hopes, glories and joys.

About how this New Year is going to be oh-so-much better than the crummy one we just left behind.

Except I've forgotten everything I drafted in my head.

Instead you're going to have to make do with these snaps taken from our last few days. I am still relishing my time at home, on holidays.

A few days ago, I foolishly got sunburnt.
We made a massive sand castle/fortress at Balmoral on New Year's Day, while everyone else was hungover, we enjoyed those first few hours of 2012.
After a sweltering day, we managed to sneak in a swim. Well Matt, the Doctor and Tiny did. I chickened out and thought the water was too cold. Tiny is convinced she can swim. The Doctor is enjoying swimming. He never wants to get out of the water.





How is your Summer faring?

Popping Colour

I'm back into embracing colour and having fun with it. I've packed away my Winter woolies and barely have any black in my wardrobe for Summer. And I like it! This Kate Spade clip is so fun and colourific.

There's something about a riot of colour that can instantly lift your mood.

What are you enjoying wearing lately? Colour? Or mono? Just when I thought my wardrobe was done and dusted - I can't go past the new Gorman collection - aye aye aye, I love that pumped up colour!

Big Update

Citizens! I am a mad clown, juggling too many balls, working five days a week at the moment, with two small fry and a big husband. I am a zombie.

And that heat! THAT HEAT! It wiped any remaining energy, that radiant heat zapped it straight from the bones, straight up and outta me. I am pleased for this cool change. I am not a big heat fan. I like summer, but not seven days straight of bone bleaching heat.

In breaking news today, I'm letting you know that my hair's grown considerably. I knew you'd be relieved by that.

Looking Forward

I have gots to tell you folks, I am so looking forward to Spring warming up. I am looking forward to Summer too. Not the searing heat, but the holiday vibe that accompanies Summer. That even if you're at work, it feels almost like you're on a holiday because everyone's in a good mood, skin is bared, you're living, you're sneaking off for mid-week jaunts to the beach. You're ALIVE people.

Imagine my disappointment when this shift in weather flung us back into chilly-billy weather.

I love layering and all. But I was looking forward to pulling out my scanty Summery things, people.

Yet the weather is just not ready. The crepe myrtle is leafing up beautifully. That is one of those things I love about our new abode. The crepe myrtle, and the small magnolia right in our front door. Big fat azalias that have finished blooming until next year. It's a pretty garden. It's a very small matchbox house, with a lovely old garden that someone loved. I love that.

I am still looking forward to Summer. Though it's playing hard to get. I can't wait to wear my Summer frocks and sandals. Dip my toes in the ocean. Play in the sunshine. Lie in the grass and read books with my small fry.

And because I am in the mood for lurve this week - check out lovely Sophie's sewing for her man. She's so cute I could bottle her.

Summer, Where For Art Thou?

Just kidding hot stinky days, I don't miss you. I'm enjoying these rather cool overcast grey, grey days. Bring on le rain I say! Ban the humidity too. Yes, let's call for a ban on humidity because it ain't no friend of me (or my hair for that matter).

I wonder what you're up to in this weather. It's perfect for:

- snuggling
- watching movies
- tea! tea! tea!
- baking
- ironing (er! pretend I never typed that)
- listening to music and doodling

Every time I hear the Sydney Festival ad on tv I squeal into the room so fast I am definitely faster than a racing car. Without doubt. Why do I run for the ad? Because of this beautiful song. The Middle East had me at hello.

Bakey Bakey: Time For A Giveaway

The other night we were driving through the back streets and I spotted a whole cache of treasures thrown out roadside. I reversed the car (such is the power of being the driver). There was a completely ace bar stool that I imagined would be perfect for when I was baking. I thought it would be ideal for the smalls to pull up, sit bench-side, have a stir, have a taste, lick the spoon, lick the bowl. Clearly Matt wasn't feeling it and commanded I drive on. 'Very good, Sir.' What kind of a mean spirited person makes me drive past perfectly good stuff?

Anyway, CSN stores has given me the opportunity to give away something to a lucky US or Canadian reader (do you know that every time someone says 'Canadia' a little Mountie fairy dies?). CSN Stores have over 200 stores where you can pretty well find anything you're looking for, including bar stools.

Given you're in Winter, and we're in Summer, I selected something that will give you a slice of Summer. So keep baking baby! This Le Creuset Stoneware baking dish in Caribbean (get it, get it, Caribbean - summer, get it?!) is something that I would LOVE in my kitchen. I'm imagining a piping hot lasagne, or potato au gratin, or maybe some kind of pudding..

All you have to do to enter is tell me what you'd bake if you won this Le Creuset baking dish (that also happens to come with a bonus baking dish).

For an extra entry you can Tweet or mention it in your blog. I'll draw the winner in a week (Saturday 23rd January).

Sorry folks this is for US and Canadian readers only.

NB: I have not been compensated for this giveaway.

Too Hot To Move

My oh my, while our UK and US friends are freezing their little hineys off, we're sweltering the Summer away. Some may have been whining about the strange change in weather, the grey, drizzle and cabin fever (not me! no! no!), so Summer has returned to us with a vengeance. Go outside and sizzle. I feel so hot we could eat tripe for dinner. Mine. Cooked in body. Delicious.

So I am safe in my house, which feels as though it's pretty well a hothouse anyway. I could be breeding some beautiful butterflies in here.

But all I really wanted to say is: Teddy Bear's Wednesday is holding a giveaway. She's drawing the lucky winner tonight. Get yourself over there quick smart to have a chance to win one of her beautifully clever and whimsical creations. That Jess is a smart cookie.

Can't Wait For

Hits Australian cinemas December 4. Spike Jonze. I salute you.

Things Not To Do On Super Hot Days

Ok ladies, here is the list of things not to do when combatting super hot days:

1. Baking - I don't need to tell you, surely, that baking on super hot days could be deemed a health hazard. If you even go close to that oven dial, you should hear in the back of your head me, in a very bad mock NYC accent saying, "Waddareyoucrazy?"
2. Bikini waxing - It's a no-no on steamy days. The wax doesn't stick properly, and everything's all sort of steamy, and let's reiterate that the wax doesn't stick properly and you're in for some uber ouchies if you decide to wax on a hot day. Don't say I didn't warn you.
3. Turn the heater on.
4. Sit in the sun, unless of course you're catching melanomas. And that ain't cool.
5. Wool. No. No. No. You're not a sheep and you're not following the flock. Leave the wool for Winter.
6. Polyester. Unless you want to work yourself into some sort of sauna-frenzy, and leave sweat marks on furniture it's another no.
7. Bikram yoga on hot days. Well you might as well do yoga outdoors. It's the same temperature.

Things to do on hot, disgusting days when the air is breathless?

Make doilies into icebergs, build farms and then get Baby Boomsticks aka Tiny to come and knock everything over at every whim.

Blogtoberfest Day 16: Mr Mango

Here is a mango. Do you think he's happy that he's about to be eaten?

It's almost mango season, first mangoes are in the shops. This fills my bloody, sinewy heart with deep inner joy. Mango season is my very favourite part of the year. I look forward to it, I mourn it once it's done and dusted. I love standing over the sink with skin and seed, sucking all the goodness from it, all the flesh, every single slither.

For other faces found in inanimate objects, visit here.

The First Day

The Doctor had his first day at pre-school today. Well not so much a 'day' but just two short, sweet hours. Enough for me to start missing him, and just a 'taste test' for him. And now he's wondering why he can't go back tomorrow.

For me, this is the beginning of being apart. We do almost everything together, so I've been riding on a wave of excitement for him, to being boom-tossed by the wave and feeling a little sad that my first-born is off the starters so soon - but with so much excitement. It'd be terrible for me to try and hold him back just for my own sake. He is thrilled with this next big step.

Tiny even missed The Doctor today. Chanting his name as we drove away. His name comes out as 'Nang Nang', or 'Nah Nah'. She continued for the entire time.

The Doctor returned home pooped. So pooped he had to have a sleep today. A rare, rare occurrence 'round these parts.

I know we'll hit our stride, and it will all become part of our family's week, but for now, it's new and a little secret tear is shed now and then. But don't tell the Doctor.

We Are A Lucky Country

For visitors not in Australia, today is Australia Day. A celebration of our country and all who live here and make our country what it is. Truly lucky.

We went to visit my sister and her family who are staying at Darling Harbour at the moment. I am not usually a fan (and you'd never really catch me down there) of this area of Sydney. It's very touristy. BUT today they had all sorts of fun going on down there to celebrate Australia Day.

Lots of street performers including this ride 'em cowboy who taught the Doctor how to pat a bull (in case you're curious, pat, stop, pat).

The Doctor got to rock out to Bananas in Pyjamas, Jay Lagaia* and Fifi and the Flowertots. Talk about rock 'n' roll baby! The only thing missing was my very special air guitar.

And what happens after all good rock concerts? You run into two very large marsupials, that's what. The male marsupial was sporting some very over-sized appendages.

* Sorry for the Jay Lagaia link - eek - I can't find anything else, and well I thought this was kinda cute anyway, for nostalgia. And Jay's cute no matter.