Yo Mama! An Interview with Marie Jenkins of Kosmea

 

You, me and the rest of the world know I love trying new beauty products. I love playing with lotions and potions, cosmetics, you name it. I am a willing guinea pig. Except for that one time I went for a bikini wax at a cosmetics training school - I almost screamed at the girl and walked away sporting a whole bunch of bruises for the cheap experience of having her rip the wax the wrong way. Never went back there!

So this week I talk to an Australian beauty pro, Marie Jenkins of Kosmea. The natural skincare products are not only beautiful to use, they smell good enough to eat (trust me, this cleanser I want to squirt in my mouth every time I use it) and give natural benefits to balance the skin. Winning! 

Marie lives and breathes her products, which is testament to how much passion and research goes into the range. Let's talk to Marie! 

PMM: You founded Kosmea - how did that come about?

MJ: As a teenager I always made my own skin care products, natural skin care products. One day I was making up a recipe for a mask and the mask called for rosehips so I decided to go for a drive to the local rose nursery. They gave me a copy of an article on rosehip oil and from that moment on - I think I'd call it my entrepreneurial seizure - I thought, "Wow, what a fantastic product." So I forgot all about picking my rosehips and decided to go home and research into the rosehip oil and find out where you could get it from. And then I convinced my husband at the time to sell the family car and to buy the first drum of rosehip oil.

When business first started, your whole family was involved. A few years down the track - how have things changed?

My children have all worked in the business from the first shipment of oil arrived. But I have always encouraged my children to go after their dreams and their passions and so my two older children are pursuing their own creative endeavours, one with photography and the other in fashion design. My youngest daughter Olivia is very much like me and has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. She has joined me in the business for the past three years.

In the early days, your son was 5 when Kosmea began, and your daughter was 18 months - how did you manage the juggle of parenting with forging a new brand?

My daughter was 10, my son five and my youngest 18 months old so with great difficulty at times, it was never an easy road as often something had to give. I think my children gained so much from being a part of the business from such an early age; seeing me work hard and pursuing my passion has in a sense rubbed off on all of them making them very hard working, passionate advocates of natural skincare and the environment. They have also their own unique talents and I encourage them to go out into the world and pursue their dreams! The most important thing for me has always been learning to switch off from my business because I live and breathe Kosmea and it’s not really work as I love what I do and I am passionate about it.

I struggle with taking time out to look after myself as a working mum, got any tips to share with me?

You have to make sure you nourish your body from the inside out through a largely organic diet and exercise; you should always find time to nourish your soul, whether that be a yoga class, a walk on the beach, meditation or reading a book. Kosmea is the ancient Greek word for bringing into balance and harmony, so for me it has always been important to ensure my life is balanced through a holistic approach.

I'm a busy mum, you're a busy mum, how can Kosmea change my beauty regime?

Kosmea’s Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil is the one must have product for everyone regardless of your stage in life. Bursting with essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, rose hip oil is a healing oil that has the unique ability to deeply nourish and balance all skin types. It has such a wide range of usages, for every skin concern such as lines, wrinkles, acne and burns and even soothing eczema and rosacea, it can be used all over the face including the eye area.

The philosophy of Kosmea is 'beauty as nature intended' - how does this carry over into your everyday life?

As I mentioned above nourishing the body and the soul is a lifestyle and something that is just a natural part of my everyday life.

State of mind is also very important and to know why things happen to you and just go with them. Meditation and the yoga way of life is a very big part of who I am and that just goes hand in hand with beauty as nature intended. You tend to see the beauty in everything when you practice this in your everyday life.

What's your favourite part of your working day?

Kosmea will be 20 years this September and every day is as diverse and exciting as it was in the early days. I have a wonderful team of people around me so coming in to the office and being met by people who share my passion and energy is probably my favourite part of the working day. What makes me get out of bed in the morning is having a chosen career that I love. What I especially love is that I have impacted and touched so many peoples skin with our fantastic natural and organic skincare products based on rose hip oil.

Worst bit? 

Saying goodbye to a team member that has been a valuable part of the Kosmea team. So when people leave or when I have to tell someone that they do not fit the team is another one. Also disciplining team members is a pet hate of mine.

What's your favourite product from Kosmea?

Our Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil will always be near and dear to my heart but I simply adore the Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost as anti-oxidant rich elixir!

How do your children influence your business now?

Olivia the youngest plays an integral role in the Kosmea business, she will one day in the very near future run the company, but for now she heads up the marketing and sales side of the business. Even though Josh and Carla are now following their own dreams they still have some input to the business as they have grown up with the brand.

Can you share any secret beauty tips? (ie how can I get rid of these vertical frown lines??)

Yes sure! First of all try to keep frowning to a bare minimum, second apply the rosehip oil/Radiance 24/7 twice a day and follow with the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising serum daily is a good start. Also keep an eye on your water intake, diet, lots of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, plenty of sleep and limit your stress levels.

Find Kosmea here

Follow Kosmea on Facebook here

Tweet Kosmea here

This is the ninth interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

Round Two:: John Oliver's Round Two Investigating Gun Control

As if the first part wasn't powerful enough, John Oliver goes in for a second round with American politicians regarding gun control. (ding ding)

Seriously. How about a round of lobotomies?

I think that was a TKO.

Three Of The Best:: Bedlinen

Sleep. It's one of my favourite things to do. Which is why I have a vested interest in bedlinen. I could go really nuts on bedlinen. Really. I love the feel of climbing into fresh bedlinen of a night. It just feels so darn good. But whether it's the crisp hotel bed sheets, flannelette for Winter, or a super soft set that's ideal for Summer, I think your bed needs at least a bit of a wardrobe to switch things up in the boudoir. 

This week I take a look at three of my favourites. Giddy up! 

Fairhaven quilt cover set from Freedom $79.95: Nothing says nautical by nature more to me than navy stripes. Classic style for the boudoir, that mixes and matches so well with stripes, spots, bold colours or neutrals. You could really go nuts with this cotton sateen (super soft) set, I'd be adding some citrus highlights, this velvet cushion and that luxe throw and crawling into bed pronto!

Home Republic Modal Jersey queen quilt cover from Adairs $229.95:: Have you ever slept in jersey bedlinen? It is, I swear, like sleeping in your favourite t-shirt. It's seriously good, and fancier than sleeping in flannelette (one of my favourite things to do mid-Winter, I know, I am mega unsexy). It's so soft, and another excuse to climb into bed early. This modal jersey quilt cover just lifts things to the next level, plus it doesn't crease, so your bed looks fresh and ready around the clock.

The Heath duvet cover (queen) from Citta Design $219:: There's something that appeals to me about this quilt cover. It's like a vintage book illustration, and then it's splashed onto a duvet cover - which means I would have totally excellent dreams. And I love the palette too - dreamlike and dialling up my childhood memories = WINNING!  

Which is your favourite? 

Helloooooooo Autumn!

Over the weekend Sydney showed weather extremities to the max. Saturday - bone chillingly cold, with horizontal sheets of rain slaying us. Sunday, nary a cloud in the sky, warm, and perfect for an explore around the harbour and an impromptu gelato.

Ok. Maybe not so impromptu. Truth be, most of the adventure hinged around the gelato - but there's a reason why.

It was my first time to Gelato Messina. Stop the press. Saddle up birds, because if you're going to break a diet, this is where you want to do it. 

Let's take a look at the orders:
Me: Salted Caramel + Bounty
Tiny: Chocolate (that had peanuts through it - yu-um)
The Doctor: Choc mint + choc chip
Matt: Salted Caramel + Italian Nougat

Holy toledo Batman. 

Well. Speaking of Batman, we did come across this car. How's that for every kid's fantasy? Well most kids. Well some kids. Well it was my dream ok?? How rad is that? 

So for the cost of four gelatos and a drive to the harbour, we explored backstreets, behaved like tourists in our own town, decided which boat we wanted and guessed how many bedrooms were onboard (there's probably some lingo I am missing out on here) and fantasised about moving into one of those empty oversized harbourside apartments (squatting anyone??). It was the perfect way to spend Sunday afternoon. 

Oh Sydney you cheeky, cheeky minx, you've got me wrapped back around your finger. 

Possum Magic Turns 30:: A Giveaway

I grew up on a diet of Possum Magic and Vegemite sandwiches. I used to lie on the spare bed, in the sunshine, and read books. Book after book after book. 

Idyllic really. 

Possum Magic was always a favourite. Mem Fox, one of Australia's best-loved authors, created Grandma Poss and little Hush way back in 1983. Can you believe it? 

It's one of those iconic reads that has been part of many generations lives. I love reading it to my own smalls, it's such a beautiful story.

To celebrate this literary milestone, courtesy of Scholastic Australia, I've got three copies of the deluxe clothbound hardbook to giveaway (valued at $29.99 each). 

To enter all you have to do is comment on this post and tell me what your favourite sandwich is. 

- One entry per person
- Please, please, please ensure you leave your email address, if I can't contact you, I can't send you your prize. 
- Entries are open from Tuesday 23rd April and close midnight 29th April 2013. 
- Open to Australian residents only (sorry!)

Whoop De Doo: This Is Genius

John Howard on Gun Control. from John Beohm on Vimeo.

This is so great. Take the time to watch it. Despite it being a very serious topic, it's funny. And really well done.

Yo Mama! An Interview with Prue Brown of Love & Lustre

I've made the confession before that I've become so lazy with dressing at home, that bed for me involves one of Matt's t-shirts, a threadbare pair of pyjama pants and some disheveled hair. I am such a dish. 

Nevertheless, it was a fortuitous thing when I stumbled upon Love & Lustre - a luxe intimate apparel line that's designed locally by two Melbourne mamas, Prue Brown and Dana Burrows.

Kind of fortuitous that it's almost Mother's Day, isn't it birds? Who's not to benefit from beautiful bedfellows?  

So without further ado - let's YO MAMA this thing with Prue Brown! 

PMM: Why do you think it's important to wear something luxe to bed? 

Prue Brown: Having a sound sleep is important to ALL women!  A nasty fabric can be one of the first things to wake a women. Scratchy, stiff, synthetic fabrics can really irritate the skin.  Luxe fabrics should be  mandatory in all sleepwear.

How did Love & Lustre come to be?  

From a desire of finding the perfect knicker.  Dana and I were friends from uni and after several years out in the work force in varying careers decided to come together and create the perfect knickers.  It was really hard to find a well designed, soft fabrication, pretty yet durable pair of knickers!  Our first knicker is still one of our best sellers 11 years later!

You have children - how do you manage running a thriving business, and homelife? 

It is difficult at the best of times, but  Love & Lustre has an amazing team of people who handle the day to day activities of the business and Dana and I have the incredible support or friends and family who always pick up the slack on the domestic front.   

Three tips that save your sanity when it comes to working and being a mum?

1.       Turn your phone off when you arrive at home from school pick up so you can concentrate on just being a mum for an hour or so

2.       Realise that you can’t be everything for everyone – so one thing at a time

3.       Enjoy the wins!

What's a regular day look like for you? 

Hectic! 

What's your favourite part of your job? 

I love it when a new range sells through and there is no stock left  - we know we have hit the mark and our product is in demand

And your least favourite? 

Waiting for deliveries that have been held up on the wharf!

Do you ever get to take time out? What do you get up to? 

Absolutely, time out is what keeps Dana and I sane.  We both try to take short breaks at various times during the year.  It allows us to restore our creativity and focus on what’s coming up!  We both love travel so time out usual involves travelling somewhere – whether in the country or overseas. 

What's for dinner? 

Chicken Schnitzel

What's next for Love & Lustre? 

Big Things! 

Find Love & Lustre here
Shop for Love & Lustre here
Or follow them on Facebook here. 

This is the eighth interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

It Was Only A Matter Of Time

A quick Friday funny. Of course this had to happen.

So. Damn. Funny.

Three Of The Best:: Flat Shoes For Winter

Every season I scope out the best shoes. In particular, I am always hunting down the best flat shoes, because let's be honest here, the old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be - and I don't want to wear heels to work every day and hobble home. Mainly because no one will give a brass razoo and I'll be left to limp around the house feeling sorry for myself.

So for this very reason flat shoes are my favourites. But I'm not talking clumpy, dumpy, frumpy flats. No siree. I've hand-picked three of my favourites for the season that will have you bang on trend and still feeling super comfortable (but no one needs to know that, ok?).

left to right: 

Habbot Polka Dot in Pale Pink (currently on sale) $190:: When I was small I used to sneak into my Mum's wardrobe and try on these most divine white leather flats. I loved them. I thought I was Minnie Mouse. And this is where I am going with these. I just love them. Those oversized gold embellishments are just the right amount of va-va-voom I need to be a modern day Minnie.

Country Road Delia Slipper $129:: I saw Michelle Jank walk past me today - wearing shoes just like these. If anyone was to give fashion a blessing, Michelle's your girl. Get these on your feet, pronto.

Gorman Spotted Pony Hi Top $189:: Be still my beating heart. I love sneaks. Do not repeat this, but if I could live in sneaks, I would love to. And I'm not talking Jerry Seinfeld sneaks. These sneaks speak to me. In sneak speak. I'm a fluent conversationalist.

Which would you wear?

Best Beauty Buys:: Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara

So the other day I shouted from the rooftops - or at least shared with everyone on Instagram, I really, really love this mascara.

Not only does it make my eyelashes look at least 20cm* longer - it makes the whites of my eyes appear whiter - due to the navy added to the formula, it curls my lashes (goodbye curling wand and wincing in pain when I catch my eyelid - yowsers), and the formula is sensitive enough for my delicate eyes, I can wear it daily.

It's not clumpy, it doesn't flake, it's easy to apply and the colour is a rich black - but with those magical blue particles. 

Hooray!

I've even ditched my regular make-up regime and have been wearing just mascara and a slick of colour on the lips - so dramatic a difference does this mascara make. I'm a fan of that mascared look coupled with a strong lip. Yes. I did just say strong lip. What a tosser. 

Anyway - this, my friends, you will like. 

Smashbox was founded by beauty royalty - the great grandsons of makeup legend Max Factor, Dean and Davis Factor. All Smashbox products are designed to withstand the harsh studio lights - they are super duper good and tested for picture-perfect results. 

Smashbox products are available from Kit Cosmetics

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use and think everyone should know about. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Honestly - I didn't expect to be moved by this.

Instead I found myself with tears welling in my eyes. We are our own harshest critics. It really reminded me that how we see ourselves is worlds apart from how others view us. About how we beat ourselves up over things that no one else even sees - let alone gives a second thought.

Over half (54%) of women globally agree that when it comes to how they look, they are their own worst beauty critic, which equates to a staggering 672 million women around the world1. Dove is committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety has created this compelling social experiment. 

 

Featuring FBI trained forensic artist, Gil Zamora,  he used these women's self-descriptions as the basis of his drawings. Prior to their session with the forensic artist, each of the women were unexpectedly asked to spend a short period of time with a stranger without being told why. Zamora then drafted sketches from the stranger’s depictions. Most of the sketches drafted from the stranger’s point of view showed a more beautiful, happier and frequently more accurate portrayal of the women and further demonstrates that, when it comes to how they look the biggest beauty pressure is the pressure they put on themselves.

 

Just watch it and see for yourself.

Three Of The Best:: Coats

Things are cooling down, I've packed my summer wardrobe away and brought out my winter woollies. I am ready for the big chill.  Bring it on! 

I know. You're sitting there thinking: "What the heck PMM? How can you possibly love winter?"

I do! I defy you! I love rugging up. Well we can talk about that in the thick of the winter of discontent, but for now, roll on tights and scarves. 

I've been schlepping around the interwebs and found three of my favourites for this season.

from left to right: 

Bassike Cashmere Coat Black $895:: It's an investment, yes, but cashmere. Cashmere. Ah sweet cashmere. And fully lined with leather sleeves? And that shape and length? YES YES YES! It's a forever coat, classic cut, can't go wrong with black - and it has sass. Those sleeves say: don't mess with me, while the rest of it whispers - I'm hella cool, and definitely don't mess with me. 

Sussan Lady Coat $169.95:: I have this same cut from last year - different fabrication. I am here to tell you - it was worn almost every day of the season because I loved it so much. A really, really great length, and the cut is feminine and flattering. I love the shorter sleeve too - couple it with a bright, or a clashing pattern - et voila. Instant style cred. 

Gorman Untitled Mountain Jacket $299:: Have you ever worn a quilted jacket? It's like wearing a quilt, like wearing a hug, oh man, it feels so damn good. I love this simple, drop shoulder jacket, perfect for layering up - looks good for weekend and office-wear.  

Which is your favourite?

If I Didn't Take A Break

I have so loved having a wee blogging break. 

It has done my sanity awesome-good-things. 

I don't know if anyone else ever feels this way - but life was overwhelming me. I had to cut back somewhere: I can't cut back at work (bills to pay and all that); I can't cut back on parenting (two children to parent); I can't cut back on being a wife (unless I want my relationship in tatters. No thanks); I can't cut back on exercise (because it makes me feel so happy). So it was blogging and housework.

As a result our house is one heck of a mess, and there's a really impressive leaning tower of clean washing on the couch; and my head feels clearer. My blog is a mish mash of thoughts and a trail of where my mind is at, a kind of online inspiration board - minus the inspiration + the bored. 

But it's ok. It is ok. I am ok. My mind feels better for it. 

It's also given me time to think about PottyMouthMama - and who she is, what she stands for, and where she is going.

Over the last few months I've really contemplated giving up blogging. I've been blogging almost non-stop for five years. I let my blogging birthday slip past because - well what have I got to celebrate. 

Please - join my pity party. Just jokes. It's been cancelled. 

Instead this is where it's at:

PottyMouthMama is a working mum. Whether she wants to be working is really beside the point, isn't it? She has to work because - like I said earlier, there are bills to pay, mouths to feed, a car to put petrol in. But work doesn't define PottyMouthMama.

PMM loves: fashion, beauty, enjoying life, getting out and about, family, friends, reading, films, art. This is PottyMouthMama. She's complex. She's fun. She thinks about her life BC (before children), and loves reminiscing about tabletop dancing - but doesn't miss it. She's looking forward. 

I had a friend ring me late one Friday night - she was drunk, I was lying on the couch happily watching Poirot. She berated me loudly and said "yes well that's what you do in suburbia - stay at home on Fridays and watch free-to-air". Well last time I checked with my local suburban free-to-access police station - it wasn't illegal (unless things have changed - and in which case, my hands are in the air - come and arrest me). She continued for another five minutes before I cut the conversation short - she wouldn't remember ever talking to me anyway. I didn't need someone else raining on me, I already give myself a hard enough time without a support crew. 

That phone call not only stung - it made me think about life decisions (and which way our friendship was heading). it made me considerhow no matter who you are, or what you do, life is difficult, life is tough, life throws challenges at you every. single. day. But it's ok. I am ok!

Over the next few months PottyMouthMama is going to change a little. She's evolving. And she doesn't have to please other people in the process, and she's not going to apologise for being who she is. 

And PS - I will watch Poirot on a Friday night if I want to. 

The Logies:: Liz Hayes

Holy guacamole?! Could Liz Hayes look any hotter??? Sheesh! This woman is divine. 

Logies 2013:: Brynne Edelstein, Asher Keddie, Giaan Rooney, Jennifer Hawkins, Someone I Didn't Ever Used To Know

I'm meant to be on a self-imposed blogging break, but it's the Logies, and while I'm sitting here cringing, I thought how remiss it would be of me not to cover the Logies. A festival celebrating local television, where we import international acts to perform. 

In particular I love that rotisserie where they make the women stand and twirl for the camera. Who thought of that? I bet no one owns up. It's heinous.

Without further ado, let's do this thing:

 I don't even know what to say except the salooon is missing its curtains, and they need them back for service tomorrow night. Ok Brynne? Thanks. Oh and My Little Pony want some credit for your hair. That is all. 

 Asher Keddie. Always flawless. 

 Giaan Rooney. I like it. Sleek, sophisticated. And it reminds me of Wall-E. I don't know why. 

 I think Jen hurt her neck the other day, and Steven Khalil, genius designer, worked a neckbrace into her frock. It's been bedazzled too. 

This young lady is going horse riding later. Hence the built in saddle bags. 

I Forgot To Say

I am over on Facebook while my blog is on hiatus. Come talk Bee Gee hair with us. 

Don't be shy! 

I'm Taking A Break

I announced yesterday I was taking a short blogging break.

See you on the flipside. See you when the sun shines. See you when I see you. See you when I see you.

I'll be back soon. I'm going on sabbatical. Kind of. But not really.

In the meantime, please enjoy my hold music.

Finished with that one? Want more?

Another?

Ok that's enough now. Go get busy!

PS - There's no drama involved. I just want a break people. I want some shut eye! I want some beauty sleep.