no thank you MY SWEET

STEP AWAY FROM THAT CAKE...

THINK TWICE ABOUT PUTTING SUGAR IN YOUR COFFEE...

Why? Some experts believe that overindulging in sugar can prematurely age skin, weakening collagen and elastin as early as our mid-30s.

{That is SO not fair!}

{Source: Allure}

tea ANYONE?

A CUPPA TEA WILL NOT ONLY PERK YOU UP IN THE MORNING OR CALM YOU BEFORE BED, it has other 'special' powers... Take a peek, you'll be surprised! {I was!}

Relieve your tired eyes
Revitalise tired, achy, or puffy eyes. Soak two tea bags in warm water and place them over your closed eyes for 20 minutes. The tannins in the tea act to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes.

Reduce razor burn
To soothe razor burn and relieve painful nicks and cuts, apply a wet tea bag to the affected area. And don't forget to replace the blade before your next shave.

Cool sunburned skin

A few wet tea bags applied to sunburnt skin will take out the sting. This works well for other types of minor burns (i.e., from a teapot or steam iron) too. If the sunburn is too widespread to treat this way, put some tea bags in your bathwater and soak your whole body in the tub.

Make soothing mouthwash
To ease toothache or other mouth pain, rinse your mouth with a cup of hot peppermint tea mixed with a pinch or two of salt. Peppermint is an antiseptic and contains menthol, which alleviates pain on contact with skin surfaces. To make peppermint tea, boil 1 tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves in 1 cup water and steep for several minutes.

{Source: Real Simple. Pic. Martha Stewart}

glow & tell: FATMUMSLIM

ONE OF MY FAVE BLOGGERS, CHANTELLE FROM FATMUMSLIM shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...

What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
Around the time of my wedding I started taking more notice of beauty and how things can make a difference. Before then I just let anyone at my eyebrows, and the same went for my hair and my skin.

On the advice of a beauty editor friend I tried a new eyebrow specialist, and haven't looked back. Good eyebrows really change a whole face. I constantly get compliments for my eyebrows, and don't feel right unless they've been tended to recently. Other advice I've been given that I follow is don't touch your skin so much, drink lots of water and use a good cleanser.

What beauty products can't you live without?
I'm not particularly loyal to any one brand except for my cleanser. After years of trying different products with not much success, I've found one I adore. Gernetics cleanser just works really well with my skin. The other things that need to be in my kit are a good bronzer, mascara, light moisturiser and gloss.

What's your best time-saving beauty tip?
Pick the thing that matters the most to you. As a mama, I know that I don't feel right unless my hair is done. So I make sure I take the time to straighten my hair and I feel almost done. I think it's also great to have a two minute make-up plan. I can do bronzer, mascara and gloss in two minutes and that's all I need. If all else fails. Get up twenty minutes earlier to get it all done.

true LOVE

MY HUBBIE EMAILED ME THIS TODAY... super super-cute, as is he! X

a peek into MY WEEK

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN RAIN RAIN GO AWAY... it hasn't really stopped!

{Oh, I lie, it did stop on Friday when I did manage to get all the sheets washed and dried... miracle.} One good thing about all the rain is the garden looks amazing, especially my Little Gem Magnolia - just exquisite - and the scent is HEAVEN!...

So 'cabin fever' well and truly set in - especially for my boys - lots of lego building after school and I had to call on all my pre-schooler entertaining strategies to keep my 4-year- old amused inside when he wasn't at kindy...

Needless to say I didn't get a lot of work done... and I had to turn a few activities, like making {much-needed} coffee, tidying up my bookshelf {it was all-over-the-shop} and vacumming into a game, just so I could get stuff done... everything did take about three times as long to do, but what areya to do!

I did manage to finish, and submit, my story for Cosmopolitan Pregnancy... which made me feel like I actually achieved something work-wise - and I have found some great contacts to do more mag freelance work... so fingers crossed! Plus my bookcase does look pretty schmiko!

That's about it... hope you had a great week? Lots of great stuff coming up on bellaMUMMA next week, look forward to you visiting and leaving your comments! X

the real MADONNA

WOW.... MADONNA IN HER LOUIS VUITTON CAMPAIGN BEFORE AND AFTER {RETOUCHING}... I'm still amazed that these photos were leaked - I didn't think they public would ever see shots of her 'untouched'! Shame we have such a plastic-perfect image etched in our minds when we think of her! She is a pretty amazing 50 year old {without photoshop}, don't you think?

{Source: Pixie Dust}

super-quick HAIR TRICK

ADD INSTANT VOLUME at the end of the day simply by changing your part...

Flipping it to the opposite side not only gives you more lift at the roots, but it also helps you achieve a different look—without a trip to the hair salon.

{Source: Allure}

happy WEEKEND

“IT TAKES AS MUCH ENERGY to wish as it does to plan.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

That said, I'm going to start planning our next holiday {to somewhere warm and exotic}!

Wishing you a sunny, happy, relaxing weekend! X

{Pic: The Bottom Of The Ironing Basket}

bright EYES

A SUPER-QUICK BEAUTY TIP JUST IN TIME FOR THE WEEKEND... dah nah!

Take the time to curl your lashes {before you apply your mascara}! A good quality curler - like a Tweezerman one - will really open up your eyes.

Clamp it at your lash line, then gradually pump it along the length of your lashes.

{Pic: Allure}

friday FAVES

MY FOUR FAVES OF THE WEEK...

1. PRADA'S LIMITED EDITION INFUSION DE TUBEREUSE... a mix of Tuberose, Petitgrain Bigarade, Blood Orange and Dynamone - heaven in a bottle. I just adore tuberose, I had tuberose everywhere for my wedding in Bali and whenever I smell it, it takes me back there! Tuberose is my

deliriously happy smell... It's released late June!

2. SIENNA MILLER'S NEW FRINGE... Okay I know I'm still on the fringe thing, but this is BIG beauty news this week! Nearly

every beauty site has reported on it {very silly in the real scheme of things} but she does look cute. And she is a HUGE style icon....

3. MARQUISE CELEBRITY SINGLET AUCT

ION... This year there's an AMAZING line up of celebs and designers {including Cindy Crawford, Kirrily Johnston, Christy Turlington, Yasmin le Bon} who have added their own touch of gold in support of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Gold Week. You can bid for the singlets {which c

ome beautifully framed in a white box frame} online at www.goldweek.org.au until June 6th...

4. BOBBI BROWN'S NEW TREATMENTS LIP SHINE SPF 15... This soft shine lippie doubles as a rejuvenating moisture treatment. It instantly comforts chapped lips and provides long-term moisturisation {I love that word!} with natural cocoa and shea butters, jojoba, apricot kernel and avocado oils. But that's not all... peptides, along with vitamin C, stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Pretty fine!

ponytail LOVE #2

UPDATE YOUR PONYTAIL BY SECURING IT WITH A BARRETTE... It gives a looser {hello, sexier} result than an elastic.

To create this style, spritz dry roots with volumiser and massage through with your fingers for a bit of lift, then wrap the ends of the hair around a curling iron. Clip hair back loosely just below the nape of your neck in a tortoiseshell barrette.

Now you're ready for a hot date with your man!!!

join the BAND

I LOVE HOW A SIMPLE HEADBAND can turn a two-second 'do into something more special...

To DIY this look: Brush your hair into a messy bun at the centre of the back of your head. {I think the messier the better, but it's totally up to you - a neat bun would work too!} Then slide a thick white fabric headband (no satin, too tacky) a smidge back from your hairline.

healthy HOME tip{s} #2

THESE TIME-SAVING CLEANING TIPS will save you serious elbow grease down the road....

* Place a couple of dryer sheets (even used ones work) in the bottom of the trash can to absorb spills and mask odours.

* Switch to liquid soap or glycerin bar soap. The binders in traditional bar soaps are the main cause of soap scum and contribute to clogged drains.

* Line the bottom of the microwave with 10 or so paper towels to protect the turntable. Take the top one off after each use.

* Run the bathroom exhaust fan or crack open a window while you shower—and for at least 10 minutes afterward—to prevent mold buildup.

* Eradicate hard-water stains in the toilet by pouring in a cup of distilled white vinegar once a month. Let sit overnight, then flush.

* Wipe down tile walls and glass doors after showering with a small flexible squeegee to curb soap scum.

{Source: Real Simple. Pic: This Is Glamorous}

look younger CHEAP TRICK #8

LIVEN UP YOUR EYE MAKE-UP... Too much eye makeup is aging—but so is none. Choose neutral colours like bronze, copper, and cocoa for day time - {steel grey/purple for night} - that aren't overly matte {a light sheen adds radiance}. 

Then add lashings of mascara... wowa mumma!

sjp's hair IS GOLD

HOW GLOWING IS SARAH JESSICA AT THE SATC PREMIERE AFTERPARTY...

I'm just adoring her colour with it's bleached-out ends, darker crown, and haphazard highlights—oh, and perfectly undone waves.

Celeb hairstylist Luigi Murenu, who famously created Madonna's Botticelli waves for her "Ray of Light" video, and is a master with a curling iron, advocates wrapping random sections of hair around the barrel of a curling iron.

He recommends Hot Tools curling irons in one-inch, 3/4-inch, and 3/8-inch sizes: "These are ideal because they get quite hot, which helps set the curls so they don't droop later," he says. "Always use the larger iron on face-framing layers. You want bigger, looser curls in front to make them seem natural."

He also says, "For the shiniest curls, I work a few drops of serum through soaking-wet hair—because once hair begins to dry, frizz can start." He then uses a super-fine finishing spray to hold curls and waves in place. "If a spray is too dense and wet, it can weigh down curls," Murenu adds.

{Source: Style.com}

gwen's new 'DO

IT SEEMS EVERYONE IS GETTING A FRINGE!!!... Gwen Stefani traded in her shoulder-length classic waves for a new rock chic fringed 'lob' {= long bob}.

Her longtime hairstylist Danilo dished that this updated look is all a part of the mother of two’s constantly evolving style. “Gwen is an ever-changing beauty. The straight chop is just another aspect of her representing her individuality,” Danilo told us. “Gwen marches to her own beauty beat—bangs today, gone tomorrow.”

What do you think? Do you like her new 'do?

{Source: Style.com}

hair HELP

IF YOUR HAIR IS ANYTHING LIKE MINE {chemically-challenged} it needs a little TLC to keep it looking shiny and smooth!

Here's the weekly boost each hair type will 'drink up'...

For Fine Hair:
Use a hot-oil treatment once a week—it's not as heavy as a mask, so it won't weigh down your hair. Here's the key: Slather it on before shampooing, but avoid your roots. Make sure to pick one with jojoba oil to help strengthen the cuticle.

For Medium to Thick Hair:
Here's why you need a deep conditioner: The ingredients are much more concentrated, and they leave behind a smoothing film that prevents frizz. If you have severe damage, consider leaving the product on overnight—just place a towel on the pillow to prevent a mess.

mid-week MUMMAS

THIS WEEK'S STICKY AT THE CELEB MUMMAS... Liv and Milo; Jennifer and Emme; Naomi and Samuel; and Jessica with Honor! Super-hot mums with super- cute babes!

send this to SOMEONE YOU LOVE

hair bare: {ahem} YOUR UPPER LIP

OKAY, AS MUCH AS WE HATE TO ADMIT IT, some of us have a little hair on our upper lip... Soooo, what to do about it? Here's what Allure recommends...

To get rid of a mustache for a year: Laser it.
Lasers work by wrecking hair at the root, preventing it from growing back for a year—or much longer. Sessions are fast, lasting just a few minutes, and feel a little like a rubber band being snapped against your face (i.e., not pleasant but not particularly painful, either.) Lasering is expensive and most women require six sessions to get up to 90 percent fuzz-free.

To get rid of a mustache for a few weeks: Wax it.
Unlike the eyebrows, this area of the face is fine to tackle at home. (Bonus: You won't have to leave a spa with a temporary red 'stache for all to see.) Choose a low-temperature kit, since waxes intended for other parts of the body can burn the face. Work in three separate sections (left side, right side, and center), spread the wax downward and out from your nose, and always pull the wax strip upward when you rip it off.

To get rid of a mustache for up to a week: Use depilatory cream.
Good news: Cosmetic chemists have finally figured out how to get rid of that rotten-egg stink and they eat through hair in five minutes. And because depilatories work below the skin, it leaves the upper-lip area hair-free for up to a week. (Just be sure to first test the cream on a small patch of skin near your ankle to be sure you don't have any kind of reaction to it.)

{Source: Allure}

winter WARMER

GIVE YOUR COMPLEXION A WARM GLOW... by using a fluffy brush to skim bronzer over cheekbones and along the jawline. Remember it's not about faking a tan; you only need a hint of colour to get your 'glow on'! Less is more ladies - too much and you'll look like Malibu Barbie!! {Don't go there!}

mummy MUST-HAVE

EVERYONE NEEDS A TUBE OF LUCAS' PAPAW PAW OINTMENT... {I don't know a hair and make-up artist who doesn't have it in their kit!}

Developed in Queensland a century ago by Australian botanist T. P. Lucas, the sweet-smelling balm utilises the papaw fruit, a.k.a. papaya, and its antiseptic properties to treat a host of skin issues from cuts and scrapes to dry patches, cracked cuticles, under-eye wrinkles, and chapped lips. {It gives your lips a glossy sheen!}So if you don't have a tube in your bag, get one! It's a multi-tasking must, for you and the kids - and it's cheap as chips! Woot-hoo!

how to look GORGEOUS IN PHOTOS

WHETHER IT'S MUCH-CHERISHED PHOTOS WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES OR YOUR FACEBOOK PIC, here's 4 make-up tips to make you look drop-dead-gorgeous in photos {and then all you need to do is practice your smile!!!}...

1. Get a flawless face! If you have redness, you can skip the blush and simply apply a powder bronzer all over. Use a fan brush to dust an extra layer of bronzer along your cheekbones, nose and jawline. If you aren't prone to redness, tap on a cream-blushed, coral blush to the ball of your cheeks to create a pretty, dewy glow. PS Don't wear foundation that contains a sunscreen, it's too reflective!

2. Make your eyes stand out! Line the inside rim of your lower lash line with a white pencil, then sweep on shimmering shadow shades of silver or gold all over your eyelids.

3. Create fuller lips! Maximise your smile by applying a peachy lipstick, then dabbing an opalescent lip gloss to the centre of your bottom lip. This trick will catch the light, making lips look luscious.

4. And remember! No matter what, always have a pop of colour in one place-either with your blush, lip colour or eyeshadow tone. Now, say cheese!

{Source: Self}

a peek into MY WEEK

IT'S BEEN A RAINY RAINY COLD WEEK... so these gorgeous roses added a little colour-cheer against the grey outside - and the Chinese Laundry inside! I've had washing hanging on clotheshorses everywhere trying to get it dry. {btw: the roses smell as magnificent as they look!}...

I spent a coupla hours blissing out at Mana Hair getting my colour done! {How much better do you feel when you get your roots done?} My hair is a real work in progress! You see I was white white blonde at the beginning of the year, so my last four or five appointments have been working on getting pigment back into my hair. It's a big job! {Thank you Monique and the girls, you ROCK!}...

I also caught up with a girlfriend who I used to work with on a few mags... She lives close by but I rarely get to see her! Just to give you an idea, she gave me my belated birthday present - my b'day was in December! She gave me the gorgeous bangles in the pic on the left. {The skull brooches I got from my boys for Mother's Day.} So now I'm on mission to catch up

with my girlfriends much more! {Bel that means catching up with you more with a glass of Mrs W!}

And finally, I made a culinary discovery! I've found THE MOST divine lamington... super-soft sponge covered in thick luscious chocolate and little shavings of coconut. Superb! Hope you had a great week too? X

beauty Q & A

HELP, I’M CONSTANTLY TIRED, even when I've just woken up. What can I do? I’m living on coffee! - Tired-Mumma

Are you stressed? Stress is a major energy zapper and your body loses reserves of vitamins B and C and zinc when it’s under pressure. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegies, lean meat, chicken, nuts, fish, wholegrain cereals and dairy to keep your nutrients topped up. Resist cravings for sweet, caffeine laden foods or alcohol as they’ll have the opposite energy effect in the long-run.

Try and get eight hours sleep as often as possible and if you’re having problems getting to sleep, dab a couple of drops of lavender oil on your pillow case.

To spark your mind and body during the day: take a deep whiff of peppermint oil; go for a brisk walk; or eat a banana, they have a high concentration of natural sugar which produces long-lasting energy!

{Pic. The Bottom Of The Ironing Basket}

happy WEEKEND

“The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw.” ― Havelock Ellis... WISHING YOU A RELAXING WEEKEND with your loved ones! X

{Pic. Dustjacket Attic}

how to FAKE HEALTHY SKIN

HOW DO YOU GET PERFECT A NATURAL-LOOKING GLOW without piling on the makeup?

Check out these tips from Elle mag... {I'm quite interested in the rose-gold lip gloss!}

* Choose a few choice products over a bunch and stick to sheer, barely there hues and textures.

* Skip the powder and full-coverage foundation—opting instead for skin-brightening tinted moisturiser.

* Sweep cheek colour over cheekbones up toward the temples and finished with a dash across the centre of the lip.

* Replace traditional cream and powder eye shadows with rose-gold lip gloss. “It lights up the eye without using a lot of makeup,” the mag says, adding that “the colour is a nice blend between warm and cool tones and looks very natural.”

* Curl lashes and coat them with mascara.

{Source: Elle}

friday FAVES

MY FOUR FAVE THINGS OF THE WEEK ARE...

1. MICHELLE WILLIAM'S new platinum pixie cut - which

she debuted at Cannes this week... Her hairdresser said they went for a [pale sandy blond] because she is playing Marilyn Monroe. This shade works well on fine hair as it gives it tons of body. Apparently Michelle just loves it!

2. CLARINS NEW EVERLASTING FOUNDATION – it makes

your skin look and feel amazing - and it lasts all day! Plus it

contains a SPF 15 - perfection! CLICK HERE for more info and to buy online!

3. YUM CASHMERE's buttery soft cashmere cardies and scarves...

super super soft and just gorgeous! CLICK HERE for more!

4. TOAST'S High Summer Collection - there's some majorly cute pieces! Great little summer frocks and cossies - I just wish it was beach weather! CLICK HERE to have a squizzie at the range!

look younger CHEAP TRICK #7

ADD A LITTLE GLOW/COLOURS TO YOUR CHEEKS... A skin-warming cheek colour can make your face look more youthful, - but be mindful of where you apply your colour. While flushed apples can work when you're in your 20s, it doesn't give you enough definition as you get older. The rule of thumb: The older you are, the higher up on your cheekbones you should focus the colour.

ponytail LOVE

I LOVE THIS 'HIGH AND MIGHTY' PONYTAIL... it's basically a simple ponytail with a bit of oomph to make it look a little more interesting!

Here's how to DIY: Lightly tease the hair at the crown with a fine-tooth comb. Gently smooth over the teased area with your palm, and secure it in the center of the back of your head. Add a bit of texture to the ponytail by scrunching with a little balm.