happy NEW YEAR

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY NEW YEAR...

{I have a feeling it's going to be a good one for all!!!}

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”
―Joseph Addison

fresher MAKE-UP

IT'S CLOSE, IT'S VERY CLOSE!!! THE NEW YEAR... {I CAN'T BELIEVE 2009 IS OVER - where did the year go?}

If you're off to your NY's party tomorrow night and you don't have time to shower and re-do your make-up before heading out, {like if you're working, going from one 'do' to another - or if have kids} here's how to freshen up the make-up you're already wearing, quick-sticks...

* If you're not wearing foundation, rub some moisturiser on your cheeks to make your skin look dewy.
* Swipe a makeup-eraser pencil around your eyes and mouth to delete mascara smudges and lipstick smears without messing up your foundation.

* Re-do your undereye coverage with some concealer, but be sure to dab on a bit of moisturiser or eye cream. It will keep colour from becoming cakey.

* Pumping up lashes with an eyelash curler will perk up tired eyes, with or without a new coat of mascara.

* Press an oil-absorbing sheet - or a tissue - on your forehead, nose, and chin to degrease without destroying your makeup.

* Swipe a highlighting cream or powder on the cheekbones and brow bones to brighten your skin.

* Smile wide and dab a rosy cream or gel blush on the apples of your cheeks. This one step alone will make you look ready to face the world.

mid-week MUMMAS

THE PAST WEEK'S BELLA MUMMA'S... the newly brunette, Nicole Richie; Elle and son Cy; Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and fam; and Gwen Stefani with hubbie and baby Zuma...

red red WINE

MORE BOOZE NEWS: {Well it is the season, right?} We've all heard red wine is good for the heart—but we always thought our teeth would be better if we stuck to chardonnay. Not so...

Researchers have found that compounds in red wine, previously identified as antioxidants, protect teeth from cavities. A study in Italy investigated the effects of non-alcoholic red wine—and found that a bacteria that feeds on sugars in food and contributes to cavities was unable to cling to teeth and saliva when the wine was present. And if that's not enough, scientists in Canada found that red wine polyphenols may both prevent and treat inflammatory gum diseases. Worth drinking to!

holiday EATING

IF YOU'VE EATEN WAY TOO MUCH than you meant to over the Christmas break, all is not lost. Here's how to get back on track over the next few days:

Snack smart... Don't starve yourself over the next few days, but don't dive into the left over Christmas nibblys either. If a craving hits go for snacks that balance protein, fat, and carbs—like whole-grain crackers with peanut butter or a piece of fruit and a couple of nuts.

Distract yourself. If you do start eyeing up all the leftovers in fridge, call a friend or take a walk. By the time you're finished, the urge should be gone. Cravings can last from 4 to 12 minutes!

Lay off the booze. Alcohol contain heaps of kilojoules—and also lowers your willpower. (So a midnight trip to the fridge for some leftover mashed potatos and gravy starts to seem like a great idea.) At least over the next few days, drink sparkling water with lime instead.

Get moving. It sounds simple, but if you ate too much, you'll want to burn some of it off. Try to get out and about for a walk or a run to burn off those extra kilojoules a day over the next two days.

{These gorgeous Pink Peppercorn Pfeffernüsse from Mowielicious!}

go BRANGELINA

ANGELINA AND BRAD got into the giving holiday spirit with a donation of $100,000 to support the American SOS Children’s Villages for Christmas...

Angie, 38, shared her thoughts about the organization, saying, “We have seen first-hand the remarkable job SOS does to raise orphaned and abandoned children and keep families together. No one ‘ages out’ of an SOS Village: vocational training, advanced education, living assistance and moral support are there forever.”

Brad added, “In this holiday season, many of us take for granted that we are surrounded by loving family members. The poor outcomes for foster children indicate that we must do a much better job of supporting them.”

santa SALES

I HAVE TO SAY I'M A LITTLE OVER THE AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALE emails and tv ads... with one exception! This one that was emailed from Anthropologie - gorgeousness - I think it must be a Rob Ryan job! That said, here's the link to their sale!

{Hope you had a great Chrissie day!}

merry CHRISTMAS

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy Christmas - and hope you have a beauty-full time with your family and friends... {Fingers crossed you get spoilt rotten}!

big love

bellaMUMMA

xxx

ps. There'll be a few 'holiday' posts between Chrissie and New Year!

christmas across THE GLOBE

earthTV HAS LAUNCHED A a "Christmas Across the Globe" page, which shows live video of Christmas impressions and traditions from all around the world...

You can see what the holidays look like in exotic destinations such as Hong Kong, Berlin, Amsterdam and Vienna (NY is my fave!). Just roll your mouse along the bottom of the video to click and choose your favourite cities. Just amazing... CLICK HERE to start touring!

mid-week MUMMAS

YOUR WEEKLY CELEB bellaMUMMA check-in... Madonna, Gwen, Halle and Nicole!

the deal on HIGH HEELS

WE'VE ALWAYS SUSPECTED (and lived in denial) that our highest stilettos are doing a number on our feet - but now there's proof...

A new study published in Foot & Ankle International found a significant increase in pressure on the edges of the bones that connect to the toes as heel height increased—a problem that can lead to pain, calluses and bone deformities. {Wonder if Victoria Beckham is aware of this!}

Of course the study suggests limiting heel height to no more than .8 inches - not very high! But it isn't all bad news if you want to get some glam going at your Chrissie party - don't panic, you don't have to resort to wearing your flatties. They suggest adding padding at the ball of the foot to reduce discomfort and injury risk, shortening your heel height even a little (a two-inch heel, for example, causes fewer problems that a four-inch heel), wearing open toe shoes, and frequently kicking off your shoes during the day.

glitter EYES

GLITTERY EYESHADOW is one of the biggest makeup trends this season... {people can't help but be attracted to the sparkle, especially when it's done well}. Here are two very different - but equally gorgeous - glittery shadow looks that are perfect for holiday parties:

* Tough and strong: Try a smoky black shadow and glitter on the lids and underneath the lower lashes. Another version that's just as cool but not quite as stark is to apply a navy shadow just to the lids, then sprinkle silver glitter on top and under the lashes.

* Angelic: Gold glitter on the eyelids, with no shadow underneath, and worn all the way up to the brow bones. Pair this with a bold lip colour - an orange-based red lipstick - for the most festive effect.

party HAIR

DECORATIVE COMBS, BARRETTES AND HEADBAND can transform a simple hairstyle into a seriously hot look! Here's how...

* Ponytail Holders: To create a tousled ponytail, part your hair in the middle while still it's damp, and gather it into a low ponytail. Braid the tail, and when it dries, undo the braid and brush through it - this creates a crinkly wave. Then, wrap it in a beautiful ponytail holder.

* Feather Clips: Some are more exaggerated than others, but regardless of their size, wear them with your hair loosely up off your shoulders. These also look great when worn on the side of the head, close to the face, with a wispy updo.

* Pretty Hairpins: To make a bun more festive, place a big comb or pin slightly off-centre at the crown. Or, if your hair is down, try two unmatching but similar pins behind the ear.

* Headbands: The best version this season is a thick band with sparkles, a bow, or shiny patent leather. When placing it on your head, make sure the band isn't pushed back more than an inch from the hairline, and tease the hair very slightly at the crown.

fresh air FOR KIDS

THE FRESH AIR FUND is an independent, not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877...

You can do your bit to help them by running in the Fresh Air Fund NYC Half-Marathon on March 21. All the money raised will go toward providing New York inner-city children with memorable and enriching summer vacations. Beginners and advanced runners are welcome and encouraged!

The Fresh Air Fund will provide lots of help along the way including a customized training program and training tips as well as a fundraising guide. You’ll also be part of a team and can look to your fellow teammates for motivation and encouragement.

Join the team now and make a big difference to a child's life . CLICK HERE for all the info!

mums in MAGS

JENNIFER LOPEZ GRACES THE JANUARY 2010 COVER - AND INSIDE PAGES - OF ALLURE MAG...

{I'm loving this black & white pic from the shoot!}

She arrived at the shoot balancing 17-month-old twins Max and Emme on each hip wearing five-inch Christian Louboutin heels. {As you do, NOT!} She chatted to the mag about all things J-Lo including the pressure to look good in Hollywood: “Part of my business is being in shape and looking good. You can’t lie to yourself about it. But I’m not the monster I used to be in the exercise department.”

Click here to check out all the behind-the-scenes pix.

a little INSPIRATION for the new WEEK

MORE THOUGHT-PROVOKING FABULOUS-NESS FROM the bottom of the ironing basket blog

snow FLAKES

MORE DELICIOUS-NESS FROM MOWIELICIOUS...

click here to get the recipe for Mowie's Christmas cookie of the week - these scrumptious *pink* cinnamon snowflakes...

Perfect for bundled up for last-minute pressies, don't you think?

happy WEEKEND

“TO GIVE and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving.”

―Max Beerbohm

PS. With less than a week 'til Christmas - and the kids on holidays - you just have to visit SANTA'S QUARTERS for some free Christmas goodies. {Yes, free goodies!} They’ve got an Elf ID Card Creator and printable colouring pages for kids... and for you, a Christmas Decoration ToolSet and Wordpress Christmas Themes + heaps more.

CLICK HERE to check out Santa's Quarters for yourself!

hello BUBBLES

SOME GREAT NEWS FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR party season... {or just for mums who need a tipple at the end of a full-on week!}

Results of a study from the University of Reading in England show that two glasses of champagne a day are good for the heart. The sparkling wine contains nitric oxide, which can help decrease blood pressure and diminish the chance of cardiovascular disease or stroke.

No need to say that twice. To your health, cheers!

mowielicious MACAROONS

OMG... Are these the best macaroons you've ever seen? They're blackberry and raspberry macaroons with ginger and lime buttercream!

You can check our more about these mouth-watering morsels and other tastebud tempters by clicking here!

party EYES #2

ALLURE MAG'S GUIDE TO CREATING smoky eyes in three easy steps {perfection for chrissie cocktail parties}...

1. Using a soft, chubby black pencil, draw short strokes from the outer lashes inward, creating a thick line that stops just short of the corner. Repeat on your bottom lashes, then smudge it all with a cotton swab.

2. Dip a small eye-shadow brush in gray shadow; tap off excess. Start at the outer corner and dust it across your lid using feathery strokes and staying close to your lash line, then blend the shadow up to the crease.

3. Dust what's left on the brush from your crease to your brow bone, then blend everything into a soft haze by whisking your brush over any edges of colour.

friday FASHION FAVOURITE

I'M TOTALLY LOVING NINA RICCI'S Spring 2010 RTW... just gorgeous!

To see the entire collection visit www.style.com, click here!

miracle MILKSHAKE

MILKSHAKE HAIR PRODUCTS are going to be your hair's new BFF... {seriously!} If you colour your hair, Milkshake is a must-have...

The invention of Australian Television Personality & Model, Bridgette Kirk, Milkshake’s Sugar Frosting is a luxurious hair powder that conceals re-growth (including grey’s) and absorbs excess oil whilst revitalising the appearance of your hair. No more unsightly roots inbetween hairdresser visits - sensational!
Milkshake’s fabulous formula’s are also infused with yummy smells that not only freshen but also indulge your hair with the finest of fragrances! {Plus the packaging is gorgeous!} For more info visit www.milkshake.net.au

mid-week MUMMAS

BELLA MUMMAS AND THEIR BABES... rugged up on the lead up to Christmas... too too cute!

pretty {peachy} WOMAN

JULIA ROBERTS JUST SEEMS TO GET BETTER WITH AGE... 

and I'm loving her make-up especially her warm, apricot-hued cheeks - which is unusual because I'm normally a more pink-based person!

Instyle mag says to get a healthy glow like Julia's, choose an orangey blush, and blend it along the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. They say it may feel awkward, but it helps accentuate the way the face flushes naturally.

{Source: InStyle}

product of the WEEK - MOROCCANOIL

MOROCCANOIL IS A NEW TYPE of weightless finishing, styling and shine product in one, which protects against UV damage and other environmental hazards.

THE PR BLURB: Moroccanoil Treatment’s patented Argan Oil based formula is rich in Vitamins A, E and F (Omega 6), as well as phenols and tocopherols to nourish the hair and scalp, promote healing, and repair and relieve dry, itchy conditions. It absorbs into the hair instantly, leaving a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine. Moroccanoil also softens thick, unmanageable hair, restores dull, lifeless locks, and helps brittle hair become more supple.

THE BELLAMUMMA VERDICT: If you have any dry, frizzy or out-of-control issues with your hair, this product is for you! My {chemically-challenged} loves it... bye bye flyaways!

heidi's HOLIDAY FOOD

HEIDI KLUM'S FAVOURITE holiday food is guacamole! {Me too!} She told INSTYLE mag, "When we're in Mexico, we eat differently—a lot of fish, grilled cactus and definitely more guacamole."

Here's her recipe...
INGREDIENT:
• 4 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
• 2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 small serrano chile, seeded and chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Coarsely mash the avocados. 2. In a bowl combine mashed avocados, tomatoes, onion and lime juice. 3. Stir in chile (if using). Season with salt. 4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes. Makes about 3 cups.

For more celeb's fave holiday foods and recipes, click here!

a little INSPIRATION for the new WEEK

A FEW CHRISTMAS GIFT inspirations from ANTHROPOLOGIE...

{... and the rumour is, they'll soon be delivering to Australia - woohoo!}

happy WEEKEND

"GOOD INSTINCTS usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out."

- Michael Burke

jennifer in W

HOW HOT IS JENNIFER GARNER ON/IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF W MAG??? {I love her because she's so real!}...

She told W magazine that {like most of us}
she's waging an “internal battle” between working and being a mum. “I need to work, I need to work, I need to work and I need to be home with my kids,” she explains, “and the kids win.”

At the moment daughters Violet Anne, 4, and Seraphina Rose Elizabeth, 11 months, have been enjoying mum’s undivided attention, and the day-to-day routine she describes is routine for many. “[It's about] getting the kids up and fed, getting one to school, getting the other down for a nap, going to the grocery store, picking one up from school, getting the other one down for another nap, cooking dinner…I live my life at these two extremes. I’m either a full-time stay-at-home mum or a full-time actress.”

To check out more pix - and the entire interview - visit W magazine

friday FASHION FAVOURITE

EMERSONMADE {WHO I JUST ADORE} has an amazing range for Christmas... SO SO gorgeous!

Their Holiday Reds are like little bursts of specialness - great pressies for the gal {or guy} who has everything!!!

Check out emersonmade by clicking here!

angelina's WAVES

LOVING THIS INSTYLE INSIDER INFO ON ANGELINA'S SOFT WAVES...

Angelina's stylist David Babaii, who created this style, told the mag, "This is my interpretation of a bohemian look on Angelina Jolie."

To try it for yourself, comb hair with a mixed bristle brush for shine, then wrap random sections around a large barrel curling iron. "Hold the iron until you feel the heat coming off of the hair," he says.

Pin the spirals loosely around the base of the head, and let cool before taking them down. "This look is all about simplicity," says Babaii.

mid-week MUMMAS #2

MORE

MUMS

to have a

sticky-beak at...

Gwen {again}, Katie,

Linda and Minnie...

mid-week MUMMAS

THIS WEEK'S celeb-cool mums and babes...

Victoria,

Jessica,

Gwen, Cate,

Christina and Kate...