Wednesday, June 30, 2010

mid-week MUMMA

ANGELINA JOLIE LOOKS VERY 'STRIKING' ON THE JULY COVER OF VANITY FAIR... {I'm kinda thinking she looks a she needs a good roast dinner - she's looking a little gaunt?} In the mag she didn't shy away from any questions about her family - here are a few highlights:
On having more kids: “No, I’m not pregnant [but] we’re not opposed to it. We want to make sure we can give everybody special time. They’re kids now, and can play together, but they’re going to need a lot more talking in the middle of the night, like I did with my mom for hours. We want to make sure we don’t build a family so big that we don’t have absolutely enough time to raise them each really well.”
On tying the knot with Brad Pitt: “[We're not] against getting married [but] it’s just like we already are. Children are clearly a commitment, a bigger commitment [than marriage]. It’s for life.”
On her many kids: “Mad’s a real intellectual, which I can take no credit for genetically. He’s great at school, great at history. He feels like he could be a writer or travel the world and learn about places and things. Zahara’s got an extraordinary voice and is just so elegant and well spoken. Shiloh’s hysterically funny, one of the goofiest, most playful people you’ll ever meet. Knox and Viv are classic boy and girl. She’s really female. And he’s really a little dude.”
On how Shiloh dresses: “Like a little dude. Shiloh, we feel, has Montenegro style. It’s how people dress there. She likes tracksuits, she likes (regular) suits. She likes to dress like a boy. She wants to be a boy. So we had to cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.”
On being most like Shiloh growing up: “Goofy and verbal, the early signs of a performer…. I used to get dressed up in costumes and jump around. But at some point, I got closed off, darker. I don’t remember anything happening. I think you just get hit with the realities of certain things in life, think too much, start to realize the world isn’t as you wished it would be, so you deepen. Then, as I had kids and got older—being goofy, lighter—it all came back.”

{Source: Vanity Fair}

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

smile : ) !

MY FOUR YEAR OLD CUTIE SON painted this for me at kindy today... it made my day and I had the hugest smile on my dial all afternoon. I hope it makes you smile too! X

NATIO mineral MAKE-UP giveaway

NATIO ARE RELEASING THEIR NEW MINERAL MAKE-UP PALETTES for Spring/Summer - and they are just gorgeous...
The new range of clean colours and soft textures will create radiant and fresh-faced makeup looks – including smoky eyes, pink creamy lips, nude eyes and glowy pouty lips... gorgeous!


bellaMUMMA has 5 NATIO MINERAL MAKE-UP PACKS to giveaway with each pack containing:
3 x Mineral Eyeshadow Trios - these pure pressed mineral pigments give you long-lasting, crease-free mineral colour.  Each trio contains three perfectly coordinated mineral hues that work perfectly together.
2 x Full Colour Mineral Lip Gloss - which offer the coverage of a lipstick with the feel and shine of a gloss. It's also nurturing and moisturising and contains beautiful mineral pigments to give vibrant colour and luminous shine.
1 x Super Long Lash Mascara - which has a special super-lengthening brush to lengthen, sculpt and care for lashes.
1 x Mineral Lip Glow - contains light reflecting minerals to give you a defined and plumper looking pout. It's also infused with Vitamin E and C to nourish, soften and protect.
For your chance to WIN ONE of these beauty-full NATIO packs, all you have to do is leave a COMMENT below - or email me - telling my 'why you'd love to win this magical make-up?'! Easy! 
(Winners will be announced on July 14!)


Monday, June 28, 2010

bellaMUMMA is 2 today!

I HAVE JUST REALISED {DERH}... THIS LITTLE BLOG IS TWO YEARS OLD TODAY!!!
I can't believe it - how time has flown! Thank you all SO much for all your support, encouraging comments and friendship. I have met {and connected with} some extraordinarily inspiring and amazing women since starting bellaMUMMA and I look forward to meeting many many more! Thanks again and stay tuned... there's a lot more expert advice, insider tips and giveaways to come! Big love from Nikki X

glow & tell: DUSTJACKET ATTIC

DAH NAH... ANOTHER FAVE BLOGGER, MS DUSTJACKET ATTIC shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...

What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given? I have to say is as simple as water, healthy food (not all the time *wink ... a girl has got to have some fun) and enough sleep. Hydration is key to good skin....
A good cleanser, exfoliater and moisturiser sure helps too.





What's your can't-live-without products?
Mmm I change products all the time, so at the moment I'd say I cannot live without my Bobbi Brown concealer, Zoya lip gloss, Benefit Smokin' eyes, Shu Uemura eyelash curler and mascara and Stila Convertible Color in Poppy...
It's great for lips and cheeks.


What's your best time-saving tip? If I'm in a rush and I've got a bit of concealer, mascara and lipgloss on, I can manage... Okay, maybe big sunglasses on some days too!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

a peek into MY WEEK

HELLO HELLO! WHAT A BUSY WEEK IT HAS BEEN... it's been another whirlwind! {It's freaking me out that it's nearly July - aya carumba!}

It's been a great week for this little blog... Two of my ex-Cosmo mag colleagues have given bellaMUMMA glowing comments on their amazing blogs... The first, from the v-gorgeous Bree @ THE BLOG STYLIST... and the second from the super-stylish Louise @ TABLE TONIC... {Thank you SO much ladies!!!} Here's a quick squizz...





It's also been a great week for sourcing amazing give-aways... there's going to be some fabbo goodies up for grabs, so stay tuned! And finally, I've had a great week with my boys! The highlights have been going on a picnic to the beach last Sunday {which is where the photo of me and my spunky hubbie was taken!} - and seeing Toy Story 3 in 3D today - absolutely fantastic. Put it on your to-do list... it's a must-see movie for the whole family!
Hope you had a great week - would love the hear what you got up to?

perfume POWER giveaway

VERSACE'S NEW FRAGRANCE IS PURE ENERGY...  it celebrates the numerous moods of femininity, from the punk to the melodious, the gentle to the tough at heart. "I wanted a perfume which would express the strong contrast of a romantic yet tough femininity. This intense fragrance is dedicated to a woman who loves to dare.” explains Donatella Versace. With topnotes of kumquat, star apple, rose and patchouli - and additional notes including lemon, orange blossom, stephanotis, musk and ambrette seeds - I'm sure this is going to be favourite fragrance for many.
I have one bottle of this gorgeous new perfume to giveaway. If you would like it, all you have to do is say 'why' in 25 words or less! {The best comment will win!}

Saturday, June 26, 2010

supermodel MUMMAS


LOVING THE NEW LOUIS VUITTON VERY LADY-LIKE CAMPAIGN starring supermodels {and mummas} Natalia Vodianova, Karen Elson and Christy Turlington... Set in a vintage-style dressing room, they look absolutely stunning in bustiers, 50s-inspired knits and sweeping skirts. What do you think? {Source: Instyle}

happy WEEKEND

WISHING YOU A JOYOUS WEEKEND WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAM... 
A wee quote for you too... “You never know when you’re making a memory.” ― Rickie Lee Jones
Let me know what you're up to/have planned? Would love to hear from you!
{Gorgeous pic: Table Tonic}

Friday, June 25, 2010

friday FAVES

MY FAVES THIS WEEK ARE...  {Just three this week - I have more, but a little strapped for time!
1. KATIE HOLMES IN THIS PIC... how cute does she look? It's an outtake from a photoshoot to promote her new film The Romantics, a rom-com about a group of college friends who reunite for a wedding on Long Island. The cast from the movie, which also includes Anna Paquin and Adam Brody, all modelled pieces from J. Crew’s upcoming Fall 2010 collection.

2. KEVIN MURPHY'S NEW HYDRATE.ME WASH AND RINSE... The hair guru himself wanted to provide deep and lasting hydration for hair in an instant, with a unique Australian twist. The range was created for stressed out, dry hair that has been damaged from heated appliances, the environment, the sun, aging or continuous chemical services such as colouring. In a nutshell…it’s for hair that’s thirsty for moisture and replenishment!

Kakadu Plum is the key, unique ingredient in the range and has the highest concentration of natural Vitamin C of any known plant, which stimulates production of Elastin and Collagen to help maintain hair’s lustre and elasticity. The result: super-soft, smoother, shinier locks!


3. RoC SKINCARE'S NEWEST RANGE, WRINKLE CORREXION... 
This skin-changing range combines three key ingredients that blitz wrinkles: Including Pure Retinol - which accelerates cellular metabolism and increases collagen and elastin; and Hyaluronic Acid - which helps to attract water and immediately plump the skin and smooth appearance of wrinkles.

The result: In 12 weeks, the Regenerating Night Cream is proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 31%. LOVING!!!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

make-up OVERLOAD

IF YOU'RE LITTLE HEAVY-HANDED WITH YOUR MAKE-UP you're not only suffocating skin but your your natural beauty too... 
If you think you may be over-doing it, {a smidge} try these tips from Allure's book Confessions of a Beauty Editor...
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Even the best makeup in the world will look like dirt if it's applied on top of skin that is dry, dull, or flaky. Regular sloughing, whether with chemicals (like glycolic acid home peels or nightly application of retinoids) or a gentle, grainy scrub, will make skin more naturally radiant—and allow you to wear less makeup.
Prime—or at least moisturise. Some makeup artists believe it's heresy to apply foundation directly to bare skin. They say makeup primer creates a remarkably smooth surface. If you don't want to add an extra step and a new product, just massage moisturiser onto clean skin. Makeup will then seem to melt into the face rather than sit awkwardly on top of it.
Finish with powder. The famous rule about getting ready, then removing one accessory before you leave the house applies just as well to makeup. After you've done your face, turn away from the mirror; then quickly turn back. You might be surprised to see that your blush suddenly looks too bright, or the shimmer on your eyes is more disco than dazzling. A light dusting of powder will tone it down.

frizz-fighter WINNERS

AND WINNERS OF THE HERBAL ESSENCES FRIZZ-FIGHTER GIVEAWAY are...  Adeline, DanniiBeauty, Nikki, Laura, Kathryn, Turiee, Sara C, Jenna, Sammi C and Anna W *

Each of you will be able to transform your hair with Herbal Essences' new baby - None of Your Frizzness Smoothing Serum!

Can you all email me your addresses by CLICKING HERE so we can get your Herbal Essences in the post and on it's way to you!

And BIG thanks to everyone for entering and leaving such wonderful comments - I really appreciate it - and stay tuned... there's HEAPS more giveaways coming up - so STAY tuned!
* winners must be Australian residents due to mailing issues!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

expert advice: THE PERFECT CUT

HOW TO GET YOUR DREAM HAIRCUT - EVERY TIME -  by Barney Martin...
1. Have a clear idea of what you want the end result to be, if you don’t know your stylist won’t know either and you might be disappointed.
2. Do your research when you’re choosing a stylist – ask your friends for who they recommend.
3. Before going near the scissors make sure you’ve had a proper consultation with your hairstylist, knowing you’re both on the same page for how you want your hair to look is crucial.
4. Don’t have unrealistic expectations in regards to your face-shape and hair texture. You might get beautifully layered long locks, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be walking out looking like Giselle!
5. Maintain your cut, this will ensure you hold on to the shape and it keeps your hair healthy. It’s best to go for a trim every 4-6 weeks.

BARNEY MARTIN is Director of Barney Martin Hairdressing and Pantene's Expert Stylist. With over 18 years experience he's worked with all the top fashion photographers, designers and models; he's worked on the leading fashion magazines; he's cut and styled the locks of the rich and famous - and most importantly - he's a really great guy! Click HERE to visit his website and HERE to join his Facebook group.

make a DATE



mid-week MUMMA

LOVING THE SHOTS OF NAOMI WATTS in UK Marie Claire this month...
The photos were taken by her brother Ben Watts {who I used to work with quite a bit when I worked on Girlfriend mag!}. She told the mag,  ‘It’s easier to make a fool of yourself in front of you brother,’ she told us. ‘Encouraged, I’d spend my whole life trying to make him laugh.'
On the beauty-front she said her must-have is sunscreen. ‘I’m not a make-up person,’ she said. ‘But I will do mascara and gloss.'
And when it came to her two babes, Sasha and Kai... “I didn’t ever think I would be having kids this late,” she admits.  “Then two kids under the age of two in diapers — it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most rewarding.”
CLICK HERE to see the entire shoot!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

hair LOVE

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN DARK ROOTS WERE A MAJOR BEAUTY NO-NO?... 
Not anymore! The perfect example, Alexa Chung's ombre layers with deep chocolate roots fading to dimensional champagne-laced highlights on the ends. I just love it. How low-maintenance is it? And I just adore her make-up!
{Source: Instyle}

super-smooth MOVE


SHED DRY, DEAD, DULL SKIN WITH THIS AT-HOME DIY {SUPER-CHEAP} TRICK...

Mix a cup of sugar and a half cup of olive oil - then rub it into damp skin using circular motions - shower off and you won't believe how it makes your skin feel afterwards. It totally smooths out the skin and leaves it incredibly super-soft.

{Source: Allure}

Monday, June 21, 2010

an apple A DAY

EATING AN APPLE THIS JUNE will not only help keep you healthy, it will help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation to help place additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia.... {How brilliant is that?}
How? IGA Supermarkets are donating 20 cents to the McGrath Foundation from every specially marked 1kg punnet of IGA Fresh Pink Lady™ or IGA Fresh Granny Smith apples, sold at any of its 1300 stores around the nation from today to July 16, 2010. The money raised will help the McGrath Foundation support women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, throughout rural and regional Australia, helping to fund additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses as well as increasing breast awareness in younger women. For more info - and great apple recipes - visit www.oneadaysuperfood.com.au

glow & tell: TABLE TONIC

ANOTHER FAVE BLOGGER {AND FRIEND} LOUISE FROM TABLE TONIC shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...
What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
Having worked in women's magazines for 13 years means I received my fair share of tips and tricks from many a beauty editor, but the ones that stuck...
1. Well shaped, groomed eyebrows can make 1000% (yes, 1000%) difference to a face.  2. It's never too young to start using an eye-cream. 3. Exfoliate every second day.  4. Don't overload your skin with too many products. Find a simple routine and stick to it like mud.

What's your can't live-without beauty products? 
Becca compact concealer in "Cashew" is my all time, hands down holy grail of beauty products. It can put hours of sleep back on my face in the morning (and take years off at the same time!). Also top of my list is Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub (nice grainy-ness, not too drying), and I'm a recent convert to Moroccanoil - it sinks right in, and I love the smell! Napoleon's blushes also get my vote, as they're very pigment-rich, so a little goes a long way. I have three different shades, and they're all absolute winners.

What's your best time-saving beauty tip? For me it's (Permanent) Japanese hair straightening (the bio-ionic one) has saved me literally hours under the dryer! I went from having frizzy, fluffy, unmanageable curls, to straight, shiny hair that now gets compliments almost once a week!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

a peek into MY WEEK

HELLO HELLO - another week has flown by.... {Where is the year going?} It was a busy week for me, maybe that's why it seemed to zip by so quick!
Work-wise I've just about finished my story for body+soul - and I submitted another story to primped.com.au... I have also been interviewing experts for next week on bellaMUMMA - stay tuned!


It was also a busy week for my hair...  I had it cut, by the very-talented Barney Martin, courtesy of Pantene's new Night Miracle Leave On Creme Serum. It made me feel like a million bucks, my hair SO needed it... then I had it coloured by the very talented Monique at Mana Hair... I feel like a million bucks - it's amazing how the state of your hair can reflect your mood! Don't you reckon?

And on the homefront... my hubbie and I started a new winter tradition - having a hot chocolate before bed. It's delish {totally takes you back to when you were a kid} and it helps you get a great nights sleep! {Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! LOL}... and speaking of my gorgeous hubbie, he surprised me with these super-cute fairy lights - which add a little bit of special-ness to the evenings!
And that's about it... I hope you had {and have} a great week - let me know what you got up to?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

confidence BOOSTER #1

GET A PROFESSIONAL BLOW-DRY...
Experts say as soon as women see their hair blown dried to perfection, they start to act differently... {I can relate to that!} And by the time they leave the salon, their shoulders are back, there's a swing in their step—and they feel better about themselves.
{Source: Allure}
What do you think? Do you feel more confident when your hair looks great?

happy WEEKEND



LOVING THIS MISS DIOR CHERIE commercial directed by Sofia Coppola - and thought it went very well with this quote...  “Don’t go through life, grow through life.” ― Eric Butterworth
Hope you have an amazing, relaxing, revitalising weekend... 
... AND stay tuned for an expert-exclusive-info-packed week next week!

Friday, June 18, 2010

friday FAVES


MY FOUR FAVES THIS WEEK ARE... 1. CAMERON DIAZ'S MAKE-UP on/in Instyle magazine - she just looks gorgeous... I also admire her honesty when she opened up to the mag about  motherhood, saying: “I’m not opposed to it happening. Having children changes your life drastically, and I really love my life. Children aren’t the only things that bring you gratification and happiness, and it’s easier to give life than to give love. So I don’t know. That kind of change would have to be either very well thought out, or a total mistake—a real oops!”
2. My ghd MINI STYLER... I just love it! Every day I've mastered using it just a little bit more and it's brilliant. It's definitely made me ditch the ponytail a lot more...
3. THIS SUPER-CUTE IMAGE my hubbie emailed me this week... I adore adore adore him! He is such an inspiration to me - and supports everything I do - I'm a very lucky girl! X

4. NINA RICCI'S RESORT 2011 collection... The Style.com review says that it's loosely inspired by Jackie Onassis and her 1960's Greece - very lady-like. The collection is awash in cherry pink, blush, and soft neutrals, with shots of fluorescent pink courtesy of delicate bras and a retro-ruffled bikini - and fabrics like washed parachute silks, pleated georgettes, and lingerie lace give it a real ultrafeminine feeling. Simply gorgeous - and I just love the shoes and bags...
Have a squizz at the entire collection by CLICKING HERE!


Did you find/have any 'faves' this week?  I'd love to hear about them!?!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I LOVE MY ghd

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THAT I loved a hair appliance... I'm not that 'hot hair tool' style-savvy - I don't even own a hair dryer - but I've gotta say I adore ghd's mini styler! You can create THE BEST random waves in your hair - a look that I've loved for ages but never 'really could achieve, until now!

The super-cute sized mini styler has all the advanced features of the normal size ghd IV styler, but the diff is, the narrower plates makes it perfect for styling short hair, layers and fringes - and for focusing on small sections of hair, and creating soft waves or creating tighter curls.

If you want to suss out more about this little beauty, visit www.ghdhair.com

rosy bronze SKIN


I'M COMPLETELY EMBRACING BLUSH at the moment - and I think I may be trying this blush/bronzer mix... I like how Naomi Watts has warmed up her fair complexion with a mix of pink blush and tawny bronzer. The trick is to use the blush to sculpt along your cheekbones and the bronzer to dapple the highest points of your face with light. The combined effect? Flushed and sun-kissed skin.
{Source: Instyle}

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

mid-week MUMMAS


THREE OF MY FAVE CELEB BELLAMUMMAS.. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts at Stella McCartney's 2011 Spring parade in New York. Who would be your favourite celeb bellaMUMMA?
{Source: InStyle}

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

frizz-fighting GIVEAWAY

WELCOME TO bellaMUMMA's SECOND GIVEAWAY!!! I have 10 Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness new Smoothing Serums to giveaway... Woot-hoo! With a luxurious fusion of citrus and pearl extracts, this new serum transforms the surface and appearance of the hair while protecting it - and leaving it smelling luscious.

Specially created to help maximise your hair’s lustre, it works to leave a sheer veil of gloss and protection without weighing it down. It’s the perfect shine quick fix!
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN all you have to do is leave a comment below - or email me - saying 'why you hate having the frizzies'!
It's too too easy... then stay tuned to see if you have won!!

THE FINE PRINT: The winners will be announced on June 24, 2010. {Sorry this giveaway is open only to Australian residents - we will be running more giveaways 
open to everyone v-soon!}

bye bye PUFFY EYES #1

IT'S NORMAL FOR YOUR EYES TOO LOOK A LITTLE PUFFY WHEN YOU WAKE UP... It's actually drinking alcohol, eating salty foods, allergies, and watching soppy movies that can produce the bigger bags that stick around for a few hours.

Never fear - here's how to sort them out..
Choose a Caffeinated Cream: Drinking an espresso won't help, but applying caffeine topically can - it draws water away from the skin for a tighter appearance. Place cool, moist black-tea bags on your eyes for five minutes or just use an eye cream that contains caffeine.
Try Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural skin-tightening astringent. Soak two cotton pads in cold witch hazel (keep a bottle in the fridge) and apply one to each closed eye for five minutes.
Slice Up a Cucumber: Chilled cucumber slices are a good remedy for bags as they contain enzymes that reduce inflammation - and since the veggie is 90% water, it has an instant cooling effect.
{Stay tuned for part #2 with more de-puffing tips}

wise WORDS


IF YOU WAIT TO DO EVERYTHING until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.” ― Win Borden
{Pic. Dustjacket Attic}

Monday, June 14, 2010

glow & tell: THE HAPPY HOME

ANOTHER OF MY FAVE BLOGGERS, BELINDA FROM THE HAPPY HOME shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...
What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
Less is more effective. I have no doubt beauty companies will tell me otherwise but the best skincare routine is the most minimal one. I’ve discovered a little water, a face washer
and bit of scrubbing with said combo on face is the best kind of cleanser on non-make-up-free days. If I’m cleaning off make-up, it’s that combo with Cetaphil. Followed by QV cream. Nothing more is needed and it works a treat on my skin.


What's your can't live-without beauty products? QV cream as moisturiser for face and body; a double-ended concealer that has green on one end to camouflage redness (the label is missing so not sure what brand!); Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector; Bloom Shadow Liner in Charcoal Grey; and Maybelline Great Lash in black.
What's your best time-saving beauty tip? Work out {and master} the one thing that always makes you look and feel good - whether it be smokey eyes, a semi-messy bun or dewy skin. If you’re short of time, let loose your master skills and no one will notice the missed blush or cow-lick hair! Mine is my hair. I’ve worked out my hair falls best if I comb it while sopping wet, tuck behind the ears and let it dry itself so all I have to do is that - throw on some moisturiser and maybe some mascara and I’m good to go! Every second day when I don’t wash my hair, it gets thrown into a bun in literally 15 seconds (yes, I counted!).

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