I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel featuring the gorgeous new Pro Plates from MoYou London. I adore these - particularly plate 25 - and highly recommend adding these to your collection.
I've been a little bit obsessed with matte top coat lately so I finished the nails with the matte top coat from Bundle Monster. I also used a couple of colours from the Cali Dreamin' gel polish collection, again from Bundle Monster.
The colours in this collection are bright and cheerful, show the stamping off beautifully and look simply stunning finished with the matte top coat.
It's Wednesday and that means it's Wednesday Weight Update #9 and my progress with Jenny Craig.
I had a great week this week. I lost a nice amount of weight and I feel great. I'm loving the exercise and being outside in the fresh air.
Unfortunately I am feeling unwell (germ-ridden husband contaminated me) and now I'm freaking out about not being able to exercise! Not like me at all. I am either one extreme or the other. I won't exercise at all for months or I'll go flat out and start to panic when I can't do what I want. Obviously being fit and healthy is the better option of the two!
Nothing earth shattering to report this week. Everything is going well and I'm still really enjoying the food. I find I am actually craving the muesli and other cereals that I previously wouldn't have touched.
I do think I'm going to do a bit of research into going either red meat free or vegetarian. I don't eat a whole load of meat and I LOATHE touching it. If I am preparing a meat dish at home I ask Kevin to cut up / prepare the meat so I don't have to touch it.
I've been quietly considering cutting out red meat altogether for a while and I do need to do my research so that I know what I would need to eat in place of the meat. For instance I know your B12 levels can be affected when you cut out red meat but my body doesn't sustain B12 anyway so I figure it won't make much difference!
Anyway, I'm waffling so I'll end the post now.
I've linked Jenny Craig's website in the description box below the video, should you want to go and check them out.
I've got a new swatch review video up on my YouTube channel.
Today I am showing you the gorgeous Furry Best Friends stamping plate from Über Chic Beauty. This is a really fun plate for those of you who love your furry friends, or have clients that have pets.
The plate is choc full of all things cat and dog and super cute. It's well etched and the designs are unique and fun. They stamp beautifully with a range of polishes and stampers.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel that features the gorgeous Cali Dreamin' gel polish collection from Bundle Monster. These colours are just stunning.
I think this is by far the nicest collection yet to come from Bundle Monster and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
I'm also road testing their matte gel top coat because I thought it would look stunning over the top of such lovely bright colours. I wasn't disappointed. I'm also currently wearing the matte gel top coat over my own nails and it's wearing really well.
*Current mani using the Bundle Monster matte gel top coat
I really love the products from Bundle Monster. Not only do they continuously have great new releases at a very affordable price, they are a non-professional brand, so anyone can use them. But they wear as well (and remove) as any professional brand I've used.
I've got two lovely sets of Bundle Monster stamping plates to swatch so stay tuned for the videos on those coming soon. No doubt I will be using the Cali Dreamin' colours as a base to stamp over.
I've listed all the products used in the description bar below the video.
I've got a new nail collaboration video up on my YouTube channel with the lovely Sarah R.
This time we're doing a Flower Power inspired theme and we've come up with two ideas at polar opposite ends of the spectrum.
Sarah has come up with some gorgeous bright nails that are super fun...
I just love them. Well done Sarah.
I've come up with some subtle nails...
I really need to snap out of it and live a little. I've developed a phobia of bright nails on me - for no reason whatsoever, I adore Sarah's nails - so I am going to endeavour to do some fun bright nails in our next collab.
If you are interested in how we created these nails, click the video below to find out. All products I've used are listed in the description bar below the video.
My Jenny Craig Wednesday Weight Update is now life on my YouTube channel.
I thought I was going to have a truly terrible week this week, partly due to the fact that I injured my back and partly due to me not eating all my food.
BUT I lost weight - not a huge number - but I lost weight all the same and that's the goal!
I also did a massive purge and threw out / gave to the Salvation Army / am selling more than 50% of my clothes. Most were way too big, some were just old and grotty and the rest were smaller sizes but out of style.
I felt great after clearing everything out but I managed to pull a muscle in my back quite badly. That made me feel pretty sick from Saturday onwards and I lost my appetite. I did however make sure I kept up with my walking.
Exercise has been increased again and I'm loving getting out in the fresh air. In fact if I don't go out I start to get antsy!
I'm still waiting on the parcel of clothes to arrive from the UK. When it arrives I'll get the lookbook up on the blog.
I've linked Jenny Craig in the description bar of the video. Go check them out if you're thinking about losing weight. It's been a great experience and Tammy, my consultant, is just lovely. She's so encouraging and positive, even when I lose a small amount of weight, she makes me feel like I've achieved something great.
I've just uploaded a new video to my YouTube featuring some gorgeous new stamping plates (set 8) from Uber Chic Beauty.
As usual the plates are well etched and choc full of gorgeous images. I've also given the new XL clear stamper head a whirl and it's brilliant. If you're after a good XL stamper then I suggest checking this out. I fitted the head into my Creative-style stamper holder and it's a perfect fit.
I stamped the images with Black Knight and White Knight from MoYou London. These are lovely pigmented stamping polishes that work brilliantly with every stamp.
I've listed all the products in the description bar below the video.
* Disclaimer: This product talk is bought to you by Nuffnang and Circa Home.
I collect (hoard) several things... handbags, shoes, makeup, skincare and one of my favourite things is candles. One of my favourite brands of candles is Circa Home.
As a blogger, I am always on the lookout for beautiful homewares pieces that make a good backdrop for filming or photos.
Circa Home fit the bill perfectly as not only are their products practical, giving off a beautiful scent throughout your home, they are also visually appealing and do not look out of place on the coffee table, book shelves or even in the bathroom while you relax in a hot bath.
I was super excited to find out that Circa Home have just released a new collection - The Gratitude Collection.
The Gratitude Collection is a beautiful blend of Honeyflower & Sandalwood, with a hint of cucumber and vanilla. The candle smells amazing and I fully intend to go out and purchase the fragrance diffuser and soy melts.
I've got a huge collection of candles and I particularly love the Circa Home products because they look so stylish, and the range of fragrances is gorgeous. The products have a subtle scent that will gently fill your home.
Circa Home are proudly Australian made and owned and their core products consist of soy candles and melts, hand washes, fragrance diffusers and electric wax warmers.
I particularly like the soy candles because of the beautiful packaging and the fact that you get a lid (which can double as a candle coaster). Soy candles for me are a favourite, they burn beautifully and I find I get no smokiness from the candles at all.
I can confidently burn Circa Home candles, knowing that they will fill my home with gorgeous aromas and creating beautiful memories.
I never spend time thinking what I am grateful for. I'm always too busy or too distracted by everyday life to sit down and really think about all the blessings in my life.
I have such an amazing life, a loving husband and beautiful dogs, all of whom I love dearly, and I have some amazing business opportunities coming my way in the next few months. I have a lot to be grateful for.
Here's your chance to show your Mum some gratitude. Circa Home are giving you the chance to win a Limited Edition Mother's Day Gratitude Gift Pack. The prize pack is to the value of RRP $251.60 and contains:
Simply click here to enter the competition and you could win this gorgeous gift pack for your Mum.
Even if you don't win, make sure you go and check out the range of Circa Home products and fragrances. You won't be disappointed and you'll love them as much as I do.
There's a new video up on my YouTube channel featuring some of my favourite skincare from Medik8 Australia and a couple of new products from SkinCeuticals.
I've been using products from Medik8 for probably around a year now and my skin has never looked better, had a more even tone or been more soft and subtle than it is now.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am super fussy about what goes on my skin and I can say without any hesitation that every product I've ever tried from Medik8 has been fabulous.
I suffered from severe rosacea up until around the time I started using the Medik8 products and the only thing keeping it at bay before was a huge amount of antibiotics. Obviously I didn't like pumping my body full of unnecessary drugs so when I found Medik8 and saw results, I was over the moon.
Each product I've tried targets specific concerns and those specific concerns have either improved dramatically or disappeared altogether with prolonged use of Medik8 products.
My all time favourite and holiest of grails is the Glow Oil. This is the most fantastic product I've ever used on my skin. With continued use over a period of time, your skin becomes more hydrated, your skin looks healthier and more vibrant and it even helps reduce those nasty under eye bags.
What I notice most about the Glow Oil is just that - my skin is literally glowing after using this product for a couple of months. I even tested the product by stopping using it for a couple of weeks and switching to a different oil. While my skin stayed hydrated, it lost the glow and looked dull.
Needless to say I immediately switched back to the Glow Oil and I wouldn't be without it. I start to panic when I know I'm running low so I know I love this product.
Medik8 put so much effort into developing products that work with the best ingredients and the right strength. Their products are sold in professional outlets such as doctor's offices, skincare clinics, beauty salons and spas all over the world. Medik8's team have over 40 years combined experience in skincare research so you can rest assured you are putting the best products on your skin.
Now I am in my mid-40s I strive to have the best skin I can and I am confident that Medik8 can deliver what I need.
I am currently trailling more Medik8 products and I will report back when I feel comfortable that I've tried them for long enough to be able to give you an educated opinion.
All the products mentioned in the video are listed in the description bar below the video.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel. It's a day late due to unforeseen circumstances but it's up!!
It's my Jenny Craig update and I'm so happy with how I am doing. I've lost weight and I've upped my exercise. Getting outside in the fresh air is making me feel amazing and I get to spend time with my husband and puppies.
The fresh air and exercise are doing us all good and even the dogs are losing weight!
Still loving the food and I'm finding I have more appetite after I've been outside.
I also got an opportunity to work with a plus size clothing brand and they've very kindly offered to send me a few pieces. I've also purchased a few more (but we won't tell my husband that). So when everything arrives I will do a little look book.
I've linked Jenny Craig's website in the description bar if you are interested in checking them out. If you are thinking about losing weight and need a hand, I highly recommend Jenny Craig. The experience so far has been an absolute pleasure.
Ohh and I had a guest interrupt me during the video, so everyone meet Poppy, my adventurous Toy Cavoodle. This is the little rascal that I have to chase around because she bolts off while we're out walking! All I need to do is find the nearest muddy puddle and she's in it.
I've got a review of the new L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation up on my YouTube channel.
I've been testing out the foundation for about the last week and it's a knockout. I rarely have 'holy grail' products, partly because I test so many products and partly because I'm super fussy.
The Nude Magique Cushion Foundation has taken its rightful place, along with a handful of other products, on my 'Shelf of Treasures'.
I have foundations that cost $20 right up to foundations that cost $120 and the Nude Magique Cushion blows half of the high-end foundations out of the water.
It's fabulous on my skin, leaving it glowy and youthful looking without caking up or making me look dry and dehydrated.
I also love the ease of use of this product. Because of its compact design and handy applicator, you can just throw it in your bag and use it for touch-ups if needed during the day.
This was taken after several hours of wear (excuse the tongue poking out) and I love how it looks. I am 44 and for my mature and dehydrated skin, this product is a huge winner.
I did match myself to shade 6 (Rose Beige) based on the other L'Oreal foundations I wear. It will be my perfect winter shade, but right now with my remaining summer tan, I could go a shade darker, or mix the two together.
My preferred way to apply the foundation is with a foundation brush - the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is my favourite - and I keep the sponge that comes with the foundation for on-the-go touch-ups.
For me, a foundation needs to last for about five hours as I rarely wear makeup for a whole day, and this product does it with ease. I powder down my t-zone after application and don't reapply any powder during the day. I find that towards the end of the wear, I am left looking glowing and hydrated.
This foundation retails in Australia for $29.95 and if you keep an eye out, Priceline often have specials so you can pick it up for a bargain.
If you are in the market for a new foundation, pop into a pharmacy and get colour-matched. You won't be disappointed.
I've got a new review video up on my YouTube channel of the Love & Marriage 02 plate from Uber Chic Beauty. This is a gorgeous plate if you are getting married.
As usual, Uber Chic Beauty have come up with some gorgeous, unique images that are well etched and stamp perfectly.
I've stamped over a base of gel polish from the 'I Do' collection by Bundle Monster. This collection is specifically designed with weddings in mind. I've used No Place Like Chrome and Penny Talk, both regular polishes from Essie, to stamp with. As you will be able to see in the video, these stamp like a dream.
I've used my favourite stamper from Fab Ur Nails to do the stamping. It picks up pretty much any polish and is consistently brilliant for stamping.
I've listed all the products I used in the description bar below the video.
I've got a mixture of makeup, beauty tools and skincare this week. A few bits from iherb, a few from Beauty Bay, a few from Beautylish and some randoms.
I've found ordering from iherb a great experience. I paid the shipping to have a courier deliver the products and they were at my door three days after I ordered. Super impressed as this was over the Easter break and I got a knock at the door on Easter Monday and the courier was there with my delivery.
I highly recommend checking out some of the websites before you purchase in Australia as more often than not the prices are significantly cheaper and you get free shipping with many companies.
I've listed the products mentioned in the description box below the video.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel featuring some beautiful glitters from MoYou London.
I have seventeen out of a range of 22 glitters and they are lovely. They pots are heavy glass with a screw off lid and a cap inside the lid for extra protection. Each pot contains 5mls of fine grade glitter, with a few in larger hexagonal glitters and mylar pieces.
I found application over the tacky layer of gel polish extremely easy and the colour range is great.
Each glitter retails for £2.50 which I believe is a great price.
I've listed the products in the description bar below the video and I will endeavour to get my hands on the other five colours ASAP.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel featuring some gorgeous nail art goodies from B.loves Plates.
The video features three lovely shimmering polishes and a gorgeous stamping plate covered in pretty snowflakes. The plate stamps brilliantly, as do all B.loves Plates, and the polishes are a range of lovely shades. B. a Rudolph is my particular favourite.
I've listed the products in the description bar below the video.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel. Week 6 of my Jenny Craig program is now live.
I've had a great week and I feel like I'm finally out of my 'down in the dumps' mood. I've been doing a lot more exercise and I'm finally feeling more energetic. I think it's down to the extra exercise and getting out in the fresh air.
I did sneak a Cadbury Cream Egg this week, along with a few wedges on the weekend, but I tried to do the appropriate amount of exercise to work off the extra kilojoules.
I realistically have to start buying the right size in clothes and maybe only one or two items at a time. I have a horrible habit of buying multiple colours if I really like something and now I'm stuck with six - YES SIX - tops in a size 22 and they're now too big.
I've got a photo comparison up on the video but I'll add it here too for those of you who prefer to read the blog. The photo on the left was taken on day one of my Jenny Craig program and the photo on the right was taken this Sunday (3.4.16).
I can see a huge difference in my face - and there is a difference in my body, I just need to stop wearing tops one size too big. I still feel very much like I need to hide any unsightly lumps and bumps.
As I said on the video, I'll endeavour to take some decent body shots this weekend.
So I am having a really positive experience on the Jenny Craig program and I am absolutely over the moon about my weight-loss.
As a lifestyle and blogger, I get a large amount of products sent to me for review. I also purchase a large amount of products, because I can't help myself. Not all of these products turn out to be winners, but I've found some that are.
After several years of rosacea and generally unhealthy skin, I am VERY particular about my skincare. and what goes on my face. It's taken me a long time to find brands I trust and products within those brands that I love.
I now feel like I've got control of my skin and have a good range of great skincare. So I thought I'd start a skincare series on my YouTube channel and blog to share what I love.
The first video features some gorgeous products from Kiehl's Australia.
A couple of these products are new to my collection, the rest are long-time loves that I wouldn't be without. For my 44 year-old skin, Kiehl's is a fabulous brand and I would be lost without it.
Kiehl's products are available online, in David Jones and Myer stores across the country and they also have their own Kiehl's stores in several major shopping centres. There is a store locator on the website.
If you are after some great skincare recommendations, pop into one of the stores and have a chat to one of the friendly skincare staff.
As I change my skincare and add new products to my regime, I will do further videos and blog posts to let you know what other goodies I've found.
I've listed all the products in the description bar below the video, for your reference.
I've got a huge haul for you today of some new products that arrived recently. I've got a heap more goodies to show you but I think I'll filter them into the next few videos so that I don't overload you.
There are some great products in this haul, along with some not so great products. Lots of eye products in this video and some particularly outstanding mascaras.
I've listed all the products in the description bar below the video and anything that I think it particularly outstanding will be covered in a separate blog post later down the track.
The second part of my Product Purge series is up on my YouTube channel. I actually filmed this before Christmas and forgot I'd filmed them. There's a third part to come and in the gap between filming and now, I've accumulated more crap so I am sure there's plenty more to get rid of / pass on to family and friends.
I'm sure there will be more videos in this series in the very near future. I'm almost tempted to do a purge of my clothes too!
As I mentioned in the video, if anything was recyclable, that's what I did, after I'd cleaned the product packaging of course.
I've got a new video up on my YouTube channel featuring some gorgeous stamping plates and a clear jelly nail stamper from Born Pretty Store and I've done the swatches using stamping polish from Nail Stamping Queen.
These plates are a pleasure to use, super cheap and have such lovely designs. The stamper was great too but some polishes worked better than others. As with many stampers, it's trial and error until you find the perfect combination of stamper and polish.
If you're in the market for some Born Pretty Store goodies, I have a discount code which will give you 10% off your order. Enter MRSDW10 at checkout to receive your discount.
I've listed all the product I used in the description bar below the video.
