Ooh Laa Latte

Quote of the Day

2013-07-29T15:52:00.001+08:00

This rings so very very true xx

Word of the Day - Glamourous

2013-07-19T20:11:00.002+08:00

Happy Weekend

2013-07-06T15:54:00.001+08:00

It's been a long time coming but I am back, I've missed posting so much.

Keep that Summer Glow

2012-05-07T18:00:00.002+08:00

Hi Guys,
I seem to be beauty blogging more lately, it must be the industry I'm in he he. The things i seem to be blogging about are the things that seem to be concerning me at the mo.
I'm sure you have been tanning hard to work up a golden tan this summer?So how do you prevent that sun-kissed look from fading away?

Use some of our fabulous skincare tips to maintain your summer tan this Autumn and winter, and enjoy that bronzed look for a while longer!

1. Avoid over exfoliating. Buffing and scrubbing your skin regularly is a great way to keep your skin looking smooth and toned, but this process will wear away your tan. Limit total body exfoliation to just once per week, that is all you need anyway or even once every other week to help your tan last longer. Avoid using any type of body peels or salt scrubs if you want to maintain that sun-kissed look.

2. Stick with cool showers. Very hot showers and baths can strip your skin of moisture, and can make your skin look dull and dehydrated over time. Stick with cooler showers that will cleanse your pores without affecting your tan.

3. Layer on the moisturizer. Use a vitamin-E infused moisturizers day and night to keep your skin looking soft, and to protect its natural moisture barrier. A lack of moisture can make our skin appear dull -- your skin will lose that natural glow when it's dehydrated. Use a high-quality moisturizer after you shower, and stick with moisturizers that contain ample amounts of Shea butter, jojoba oil and other moisturizing ingredients for even more benefits.

4. Use a bronzing lotion a few days per week. You can enhance your tan by applying a bronzing lotion a few times a week. These lotions will bring out your natural glow while delivering a dose of moisture. Use these a few times per week to maintain your tan and keep your skin looking healthy throughout Autumn.

5. Eat your fruits and veggies. Eating foods that contain a lot of water, essential minerals and vitamins can help to make your skin glow and will enhance your tan. Fruits and veggies that contain vitamin E, zinc and vitamin C can help to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful, and will prevent dehydration. After summer's over, make sure your diet still includes a variety of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining your summer tan through the autumn and winter seasons can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to prevent your tan from fading. Use these tips and ideas to maintain that summer glow for a few more weeks!

Just something to try :-)

Minx Application for Professionals

2012-04-26T15:07:00.001+08:00

As a nail tech, i am always wanting to introduce new products and services to our salon,boy, there is soooo much stuff around. Although Minx has been on the market for quite a while i have finally decided to start offering it to my clients, who are always looking for something more exciting to show off on their nails. So any nail techs out there wondering if it's worth it... here's all the info you need to make a decision and the basic instructions to get you going if you want to give it a go!

Minx come in fingernail and toenail sizes but they are interchangeable. The toenail sizes are more economical sometimes even for fingers because they come smaller (the pinkie size on the fingers just isn't small enough for most of my clients). Minx has a fabulous range of colours and patterns but to get started you cant go wrong with the the cool silver and gold, this seems to be what everyone wants at the moment anyway. You will need a crystal file to apply minx or something similar, you also need an infra red heat lamp 150 - 250 watts, I have purchased a fabulous one from eBay that tilts up and down, rather than on a big stem, then i can move it around if necessary. the infra red does get hot, which is why i purchased 150 watts to start with, i figure when we can apply in our sleep (that's the aim he-he) i can always purchase a more powerful bulb.

Now here we go with the application.

Minx definitely takes time, but don't become discouraged, remember what it was like when you started applying tips and acrylic (anxiety attack...... breathe!). The application will come in time and the adhesion will become easier and easier after while as with anything, the more practice you can get the better. It's best to start on someone with a good free edge because these are nearly impossible, even with experience, to apply to someone with very short or bitten nails.

Application

Remove any polish from the nail with acetone. Shape the free edges of the nail, square is better for good adhesion.
Turn on your infrared heat lamp and put the fingers and the Minx under the light for at least thirty seconds. This will activate the adhesion on the Minx and warm the nail plate, ready for application.
Peel a Minx off the sheet. Place it on the fingernail (keeping under the heat lamp) pressing it on starting with the middle and working side to side. This can be tricky on people with a high arch to the nail. Just keep working till you have no wrinkles, the warmth will help with the molding of the minx.
Take a cuticle pusher with a soft end and rub the entire Minx firmly making sure to seal the edges and tip well. Pull the end of the Minx down and stick it to the fingertip so that it is held tight on the tip.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for one minute.
Take your crystal file and in a straight DOWNWARD motion file the Minx at the tip until the end is removed. You can cut it with sharp rounded nail scissors but i think filing is much easier. You need to be very careful not to file the actual nail plate or the minx will be dragged away from the tips and lifting may occur.
Look a the nails carefully. If there are any bubbles or lifting return to heat and rub over again with the cuticle pusher until all edges are sealed.
Allow to cool.

Minx typically lasts around a week but may last some up to two. It is normal for it to wear at the tips a little but it should not lift when it has been properly applied. To remove it just warm them up under the heat lamp and peel off, for longer wearing you can apply a coal of UV gel over the top as a top coat or just a UV clear top coat for protection. If you do apply gel, remember to charge accordingly (for example the same as for a full set of gel colour).

Minx should take you around 30-45 minutes a set (depending on the condition of the clients nails). You do need to charge appropriately to make any profit. I think practice makes perfect so the more practice you can get the better, and the easier minx will become.

Happy Monday - Quote of the Day

2012-04-16T12:35:00.000+08:00

A good point!

Are babies just another accessory?

2012-02-20T10:21:00.001+08:00

Happy Monday ladies,

I have a rant this morning. Yesterday I went to my gorgeous nieces Baby shower, It was gorgeous, but............. are baby's just another accessory these days?

My niece is 21 (I think), there were about five babies there all of her friends (the same age). Am I just getting old or does it seem to you that it is "fashionable" to become a mum when in these circles.

I sat for three hours there, just listening and taking stuff in, and realised these girls have no idea of the reality of having a baby. It seems to be all about getting the "right designer thing" that matches the baby they will have. It seems with endless credit cards nowadays, money is no object, I mean god forbid if someone gave you a hand-me-down.

I waited until I was 32 to have a baby, I mean its different for everyone, that was my choice, but the day I brought her home, it hit me like a ton of bricks that I would never be "just me" again. I have never in my life found anything to be so hard as adjusting to motherhood and its responsibilities. I have my own business, so lucky for us the income stayed the same, and I had no deadlines to be back at work at any particular time., but as you all know freedom is gone so live your life first..... please!

Back to yesterday. My other nephews wife (21) is also expecting, all they talked about between them was the $5000 they have spent on morning sickness drugs, (which I am sure is also catching amongst them) and her best sentence of the day was, "I wouldn't ever use a bulky pram like that, mine is a designer pram, to go with my designer baby bag". This was when I had to butt in and say "Is this to match your designer baby ha ha., you had better hope he/she doesn't poo in public" All funniness aside, I came home angry. This is the same person who is 13 Weeks pregnant and already has her "70" shower invitations written up!

Children are a life's responsibility and this needs to be realised, alot of thought needs to go into how you will raise them. how you will afford to raise them and give them everything they need, and in today's society is is a fine line between what is too much when it comes to material possessions. What it comes down to is you cant just "wing it" and hope for the best can you!

Something to think about xx A

The Mommy Diaries - Back to School

2012-01-31T20:59:00.000+08:00

‎'T'was the night before school started, when all through the town, the parents were cheering - a riotous sound!! By seven, kids were all washed & tucked into bed where memories of homework filled them with dread! New pencils, new folders, new notebooks too! New teachers, new friends - their anxiety grew! The PARENTS just giggled when they learned of this fright and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!!! IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!!! Have a great first day of school kids and and a great sanity day to their parents!

I have no idea where this little poem came from but i love it !
xx A

Quote of the Day!

2012-01-27T18:55:00.001+08:00

Have an OutDoorsy Weekend! - Happy New Year!

2012-01-26T15:28:00.001+08:00

It is 1 week until the end of our long summer school holiday break (I live in Australia in case you were not sure), and we have had a really busy and good break, usually about now we are all dying to get rid of each other and get back to school/work/whatever — but this year it has been different, we have had loads of time to relax and enjoy being together along with plenty of activities. We spent two of these weeks in Indonesia at Bintan having a well deserved break and some quiet time (i even read a book) "with my body" by Nikki Gemmell, WOW but fabulous. We had time to reflect and be on our own as a family. Work can be really demanding and it had been a long time between breaks so because of that break we have made time to work on projects, lists and goals for the year. Living next to the beach is also an added bonus because if you are not in Australia you may not be aware of how hot it has been this summer in Perth, I think we are going for two weeks of over 40 degree. So with Mango, watermelon and plenty of cool drink we have had a fair bit of togetherness fun this summer.

The last week of the school holidays we’ll be spending doing some projects (getting ready for school), watching movies, going to the beach, barbecuing and enjoying the last moments of an unscheduled life. I have numerous things to do and create this year and as of next Wednesday (the first day of school) these can commence.

This year I really want to make my home a place I want to be by adding, introducing and creating new spaces.

I want to adapt a healthier lifestyle, walk a bit more, eat a bit better, experiment with food and cooking, think and see better, be aware.

Reverse the signs of ageing Amen!

And every morning be thankful for everything and anything.

This is a bit belated because my New Year doesn't really start til February (I am still stuck in holiday mode) but Happy New Year all you gorgeous ladies and I hope we can speak more this year and it is a fabulous one for all of you

xx A

PS Nikki Gemmell is my latest favourite author!

New Years Resolutions - Out with the old and in with the new!

2011-12-28T14:01:00.000+08:00

Happy in between week ladies, we hope you had a fabulous Christmas and overindulged totally, because after all that is what its about heh?? well its that time again...... time to talk New Years Resolutions aarrrgh!!!!!!!!1

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend more time with family and friends.

Apparently more than 50% of Westerners vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends in the New year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a fave Restaurant or take the family to one of these fun outdoor hangouts for some family fun Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in some Fitness.

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular charity walks or runs.

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of Adult westerners are considered over weight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Years commitment to shed some extra kilos.

4. Quit smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides so much easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hot lines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit.

5. Enjoy life more

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at bike riding Go to a theatre performance or head to the local spa. A wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about any one's wishes, is at your feet.

6. Cut back on drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. Set yourself a goal such as "just on weekends" and see how you go .

7. Get out of debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of people who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8. Learn something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills.

10. Get organised

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. There are quite a few professional organisers around who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

Making a Difference

2011-12-21T10:17:00.000+08:00

The Starfish Story Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and

gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?" The

youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I

don't throw them back, they?ll die." "Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and

miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!" After listening politely,

the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at

the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

Motherhood - Children of the World

2011-12-20T18:37:00.000+08:00

G'day Ladies,

I came across some of these beautiful shots of different children throughout the world, arnt they all just beautiful? if you want to see some more check out Lisa's page and there are hundreds, so it made it very hard to choose some to display, hope your Christmas preparations are going well?? xx A

Tips on Tuesday - The perfect Christmas Lunch!

2011-12-20T10:21:00.000+08:00

Hello again girls

Well here we are at that magical time of year again. The countdown has officially began to your Christmas dinner, so it is time to get planning!!

So the number one key to the perfect Christmas meal is planning!! Sit down with your books and decide what culinary delights will be on the menu this year. To keep things interesting, mix some new recipes in with your trusty old traditional dishes ones. Maybe try a new starter or a new side dish. But remember, Keep it Simple, the last thing you want is to spend all Christmas morning slaving in the kitchen!!!
Make sure you get loads of help. It is Christmas time, the house is full of people that should be able to peel a potato, so make sure you delegate any jobs you can.
OK, so it is Christmas Eve, the menu is planned and the shopping is done. It is time to pour yourself a glass of Baily's and start the prep work for tomorrows feast. Prepare any food you can in advance, peel the vegetables and leave them soaking overnight in water, prepare the stuffing (it will taste better the next day anyway) and remember to leave your turkey at room temperature overnight ( this will reduce the cooking time, leaving you time to enjoy a glass of ANYTHING before dinner).
Lay the table the night before, so everything is ready to go for the big event. Remember to set the plates with a small treat such as walnut whirls yum! this makes the table setting look super special.
Make sure you are cooking recipes you have tried out and are comfortable with the timings. Timing is the second key ingredient to a perfect Christmas dinner, the last thing you want is your veggies getting all soggy while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.
Serve your meal with some nice wine, it is the one meal of the year you can splash out a few extra dollars on a special bottle of wine to accompany all that delicious food you have spent hours preparing.
Don’t make too much food. I know it is hard to do, but just think the money you save from not overbuying food, you can spend on that special bottle of wine!
The final key ingredient is to relax and enjoy yourself. There is no point in stressing out in the kitchen, armed with some basic tips you are guaranteed to enjoy the perfect Christmas meal.

Christmas inspiration - Have a hap hap happy Christmas!

2011-12-19T21:56:00.000+08:00

There is nothing better than the Griswald family especially at Christmas dont you think? xx A

Beauty - in the Silly Season

2011-12-19T18:38:00.000+08:00

Ladies, we have talked diet now we will talk beauty, here are my tips for getting through the silly season, looking radiant and relaxed. Even if you’re not ha ha x

HYDRATE YOUR SKIN LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Now is the time to pack your skin with more moisture than a sea sponge, and the way to do that is with a moisture mask. Y’see, when your skin is dehydrated, it looks dull, sallow and dare I say it, old. So, by popping a hydrating and radiance mask to your face the morning after a big night, and probably the night after that, too, you’re chances of faking feeling alive increase significantly. Factors like alcohol, poor diet, lack of sleep and not enough water all contribute to lifeless skin, so if you can’t curb those vices, you better hit your tub of moisturiser and facial masks STAT. Oh, and drink, drink, drink as much water as possible. Try: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque, or Dermalogica Multivitamin Recovery Masque (an ambulance in a bottle)

2. WHILE YOU MAY BE TEMPTED TO PLASTER ON THE MAKEUP, DON’T.

It’s only natural to wake up, see our ‘not as radiant as it once was’ skin and think, ‘Eek, where is my full coverage foundation?’ and plaster the stuff on like wallpaper, but ladies, now is not the time for that. No, no, the more you clog your pores, the more your skin will freak out and the cycle continues. Instead, try a tinted moisturiser with illuminating particles (you know I’m obsessing over the Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup is a weightless liquid foundation laced with light diffusers, long-wear capabilities and a semi-matte finish. , a touch of creme blush and some concealer to cover those dark circles of yours.

3. FAKE IT IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

First up, if you’re not sporing a fake tan right now, I suggest you skip off immediately and get one. Yup, right now. A fake tan will help you look and feel amazing and also lift the colour of your skin, giving you a healthy, fresh, natural glow, try a MagicTan for a natural all over colour Secondly, fake wide awake eyes by curling your lashes and applying a brown Napoleon Perdis mascara. Avoid dark colours on your eyes if you’re tired, they’ll make you look worse. Then, grab a metallic white eye shadow and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes, this is another one of those super handy makeup tips we learn from the pro’s and LOVE.

4. NATURAL MAKEUP IS ALWAYS BEST

When you’re tired, rundown and maybe even a little bit hungover, you really don’t want to draw attention to yourself, So, keep your makeup neutral (no bright lipstick this week, please) and perk up a tired looking mouth with a natural lip gloss that’s as close to your natural lip colour as possible. One of my personal favourites is the Napoleon Perdis Luxe Lipgloss It smells yummy so you get the mad added bonus of lollies. Winner.

5. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, WEAR MASSIVE GLASSES AND A DO NOT DISTURB SIGN

Quote Of The Day

2011-12-19T17:43:00.002+08:00

Body Image - Moderation moderation and some more moderation!

2011-12-19T17:35:00.000+08:00

Happy Monday Ladies, wow this has been a busy year and I cant believe the silly season is upon us already, I have finished my shopping and ordered my food, so i feel at least a bit in control....... for now,

Ha ha ha APPARENTLY Christmas is the time of year when you're 'allowed' to indulge in all foods, yet you're also expected to look fabulous in slinky outfits. So how do you manage it? Check out the following five steps and try to avoid weight gain during the festive period.

1. Decide now to be more careful about what you eat this Christmas, but still enjoy yourself! You don't have to eat mince pies (unless you want to) to have a good time! Enjoy the company of friends and family you don't see that often, dance at the work party and play games with the children.

2. Be prepared. It is essential that you are mentally and physically ready. To get yourself mentally prepared, ask yourself these questions:

Do I seriously want to eat healthily and feel great at Christmas?
Am I resigned to the fact that I will gain weight over the Christmas period?
Do I want to face the task of losing the same weight a second time around?

If after serious consideration your answers are 'yes, I am serious; no, I am not going to gain weight and no, I don't want to lose weight a second time', then we're in business! Your attitude is the most important factor towards staying healthy and staying slim over Christmas. Don't underestimate the power of the mind.

Thoughts like 'Oh, I am bound to gain weight at this time of the year, I always have', or 'I'll get seriously down to losing weight again after Christmas' are negative. Ensure that your thoughts are positive. Replace, 'This year I want to stay slim during Christmas', with 'This year I will stay slim during Christmas'.

Develop this positive attitude and use the power of imagination to assume greater control over what you eat this Christmas. Then you can easily survive the temptations that will present themselves to you.

3. Know what your 'Christmas weight maintenance' goal is. It's the holiday season, you'll be eating out more and eating more rich foods, so your goal over the next few weeks can be simply maintaining your weight. That way, you won't be disappointed if you don't lose weight, while any loss will be a bonus!

But also remember that a healthy eating plan will give you a better chance of losing weight. Know what you are aiming for and be very positive about how determined you are to keep weight off between now and Christmas. Then, go for it!

4. Really want it! This is a weight maintenance goal for you, not for your partner, your family or anyone else. You really want to stay slim now that you've started taking care of your body and your health. Be selfish about it; this is your goal and the rewards and the benefits are also yours. As it is, you are the only one you disappoint here.

5. Believe that you can do it. It is certainly possible to keep the weight off leading up to Christmas. The only thing that might prevent you from doing it is yourself.

Lastly ENJOY and believe in moderation moderation and some more moderation xx A

Quote of the Day!

2011-11-30T12:24:00.000+08:00

Quote of the Day!

2011-11-22T22:32:00.000+08:00

Tips on Tuesday - Are you a Shopaholic???

2011-11-22T22:25:00.000+08:00

Hi there girls,

I went shopping again today, and got totally sucked in by this young German guy who got "me" to buy skin care........ do you get it, yes the Beauty Therapist/owner of salon/skincare shop......... oops! I am starting to think I am a shopaholic, so I looked up some tips on how to save money (yeah right), but although you may not believe me I am going to put some of these ideas into practice...... it will be my New Years Resolution!
So here goes......

1. Free Stuff

Enter rewards programs to get free stuff, but be discerning some schemes don't offer anything you want and some you have to spend too much to receive a reward. Just go with the ones that give you points for spending on what you normally would purchase. Instead of saving on purchases, you can avoid having to pay altogether. Sounds good right?

2. Banks

Check the banks for a different interest rates for both savings and loans. Don't just go with anyone, get the best rates possible.

3. Sell Sell Sell

Everybody has unwanted goods lying around their home gathering dust - Well, you might as well sell them and with the cash you get you can invest for the future. See this is what happens when you do shop too much, you need more space to put things in don't you??

4. Budget (help!!)

The first way to save money is to identify what you have to spend and what your weekly costs are. Budgets aren't boring, saving hard earn cash can be exciting when you have a long term plan.

and controlling your spending is the first step towards saving more money.

5. Eat At Home

Stop eating out and coffee-ing all the time and start eating at home you will save a lot this way and you will know what is in the food. Help save money by preparing your food at home and creating fresh food.

6. Haggle Existing Loans

Threaten to take your business elsewhere and you'd be surprised how flexible lending institutes can be.

7. Repair Things

Repair your goods before they become very expensive to replace. Wait too long and it may cost you dearly.

8. Quit Vices

Quit smoking and other vices that not only hurt your health, but they also cost your a lot of cash in the long run. Quit Shopping?????

9. Leave Your Money At Home

Don't take your wallet or purse with you when you go window shopping. At worst take a few dollars with you but leave the plastic at home, this was the most brilliant idea yet!

10. Buy Generic

Often generic brands are equal in quality to their higher priced competition. Buy Generic and save cash. One of the classic strategies to save money

11. Bake A Cake

Actually, bake anything you want - The more the better - cakes, bread and cookies they taste better too.

12. Evaluate Grocery Items

Are the items you buy useful? Don't just buy from habit, make educated product comparisons and you will save money in the long run.

13. Make Large Meals And Freeze leftovers

By making extra you can save on waste and avoid extra electricity costs.

14. Pack Your Own Lunch

Don't buy lunch every day or you'll rack up the costs when you could save money by making lunch yourself.

15. Buy A Slow Cooker

Having a slow cooker means you can use cheaper cuts of meat and still have tender, delicious meals.

16. Home Brew

Make your own beer it's fun and you will save a lot of money.

17. Use Power Saving Appliances

Keep your power bills down by using energy saving appliances.

18. Buy Goods In Bulk

Bulk buy stores are great just don't buy too much or you may just end up throwing food away.

19. Pay Bills Online

Why drive to the store to pay bills when you can save fuel and pay online.

20. Buy A Home Gym

This may keep you at home instead of at the shop...... what do you think??

xx A

Motherhood - Its easy to fall into a rut!

2011-11-21T14:30:00.000+08:00

Hello gorgeous ladies

I have been wondering, do you ever catch a look at yourself in the mirror and not like what you see...... I don't mean physically either, we are our own worst critics I know but I am trying so hard to be aware of what I do and how I act, knowing that like creates likeness and children do as children see!

I remember a time after my first baby Imogen was born that I realized I didn't like who I was becoming. My moment of clarity came while watching my husband bathe her. From where I was sitting, the bath water was too cold, the soap was all wrong, the washcloth forgotten, and the wrong non baby towel chosen. I seemed unable to keep myself from commenting so one enjoyed bath time that night and the feeling it left stayed with me for a long time.

Almost 7 years and two kids later, I've become skilled at noticing the little ruts we mums can find ourselves in - patterns and attitudes that transform good mums into people we don't like. I've sorted these morphed-mums into groups.

The Critic:

This is the bath time experience I just described - mum is commenting from the sidelines as dad tries to bathe the baby. The Critic believes that her way is the best way and a pattern emerges: My husband says his self confidence has disappeared since the kids were born - apparently its "my way or the highway"!
For example:

- Dad attempts to interact and care for baby;
- Mum disapproves and ‘helps' by providing suggestions (ha ha criticism;)
- Dad loses confidence and is reluctant to care for baby;
- Mom gets frustrated and resents dad of not pulling his weight.

Mum has now created her own monster. Dad has been made to feel useless and that is exactly what he has become. These days, when dad dresses the children in uncoordinated outfits, I keep quiet. Before the Critic speaks, she needs to ask herself "does it really matter?"

The Nag:

What differentiates the Nag from the Critic is her tone of voice. We know we can be polite and respectful because we hear ourselves talk to our friends and her mother. However, when the question or favour is directed at our husbands, the tone completely changes and all "pleases" and "thank-yous" are completely abandoned. My husband still calls me Jekyll and Hyde, he says my mood completely changes when around people other than him. oh does that mean I am a nag and a critic?? When mums are exhausted by a new baby or energetic children, it's easy to fall into the habit of barking orders at your husband.. At the end of the day it doesn't make either parent feel good.

The Score-Keeper:

This is the mum who thinks nappies should be changed according to a schedule of "whose turn it is." If the man is going out with friends on Friday night, you better believe mum's going to spend all day Saturday at the gym or shopping. After all, it's only fair, isn't it? I believe children can interpret this score keeping as parents getting "stuck" spending time with their children. Kids should feel that both parents want to be with them all the time - even during those times we might not.

The Complainer:

I don't think there's anything wrong with having a good rant with your girlfriends - they can make for good sounding boards. But the Complainer takes it to a higher level. She can recognize herself by asking: does the phrase "I'm tired" find its way into every conversation she has? A sub-category is The Competitive Complainer. This describes the mum who if husband had a tough day at work, she had a tougher day at home. The reality is, being tired is what we signed up for and it is exclusive to no one. This mum needs to remind herself that complaining is not pro-active. If there is a problem, do something about it. I've personally never found that saying "I'm tired" lends itself to more sleep, have you??

Motherhood is hard work, very hard work. It's no surprise that at various times during this journey we find ourselves developing some of the symptoms that put us into one of these morphed-mummy categories. I've learned that catching myself as the Critic, the Nag, the Score-Keeper or the Complainer, makes me unhappy with my behaviour and certainly doesn't make any valuable contribution to my family. We all find ourselves falling into these ruts from time-to-time, but with some quick recognition of the signs - there's plenty of time to climb out!

Food for thought
xx A

Happy Monday!

2011-11-21T07:55:00.000+08:00

Good Morning Ladies, It has been ages, a good friend of mine pointed out to me last week that she has been missing my posts (sweet) so I thought I would write again, and I have really missed it. Time is just slipping me by at the moment. The "Silly Season" is just that for a reason, but mine seems to start way back in September for some reason..... I suppose that is the start to our busy time at the Salons.

Anyway loads and loads has been happening.... we have a puppy!! Ruby, she is a Cavoodle and is Red in colour and so adorable, we searched and searched and finally had to fly her over from NSW. Funny, I don't often buy online, this (or Ruby) was my first real purchase ha ha and she came fully delivered to my door last Friday. I have also been busy Christmas shopping, trying to settle new staff and new treatments and fitting all the "school stuff" in, and then there is the "list"!

I have this list........ my husband hates it........ and he is right. He says "throw it away and don't have one", but I cant, I literally cant function without my list, and it does get longer and longer and..........longer!

I DO HAVE TO GET RID OF IT........ but first I have to finish it.

Happy Monday ladies xx A

Quote Of The Day

2011-11-20T22:27:00.000+08:00

I love this, its actually believable for once xx A

How to apply perfect eyeliner! - Beauty Corner

2011-10-12T09:38:00.000+08:00

Hello Ladies, I have been so busy with business I regret I have negleted my blog, but these are the sort of things I have been busy working on, I found this great tutorial on how to apply eyeliner which I have shared with my facebook fans... enjoy!

1. As always we start with priming our eyelid to make sure that the makeup will last all day.
Make sure you get some on the outer corner as well if you want a winged eyeliner like
Angelina Jolie. I’ve used Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot (its a crime not to prime)

2. Get your favorite Napoleon liquid liner and line your lash line. You can choose if you

want it to end in the outer corner of if you want a little wing. If you want to wing it a little,

make sure it’s at an angle with the outer corner of your eye and the end of the eyebrow.

The great thing about this technique is that it does not need to be perfect, but do it fast so

that it won’t dry before you get the chance to smudge it.

(Napoleon Perdis Neo Noir liquid eyeliner) draws like a texta.

3. Take whatever colour you want your line to be on a small brush and smudge out

the liner with the eye shadow. You can use brown or black for a neutral look, or go

for a colour that will compliment your eye colour. For example brown eyes look

fabulous with green (Napoleon colour disc or loose dust) which brings out the

brown eye. Napoleon sable brush 5a is perfect for this.

4. …and apply Mesmerise mascara. How easy was that? :)

by make up tutorials