happy WEEKEND

HAPPY WEEKEND, HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT WEEK?... I think this weekend we may hit the beach for a walk - or in the boys case, a run around! {Good for getting their wriggles out after a long week at school!} Which brings me to the quote of the week... “The cure for anything is salt water—sweat, tears, or the sea.” ― Isak Dinesen So true! Have a great week. X

send this to SOMEONE YOU LOVE

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” ― Morrie Schwartz

the low-maintenance BOB

I'M KINDA THINKING THE BOB MAY BE MAKING A COMEBACK... 

think Scarlett Johanansson's do! 

This jaw-skimming pretty bob could be one to consider as flatters practically every hair texture and face shape. The key to making it look cool (as opposed to 'mummsy') is asking for a blunt, inverted bob—which is shorter in back—and side-swept bangs. 

To copy-cat this mussed-up look, mist the roots with sea-salt spray to create volume and work in a bit of pomade to make your hair look piece-y. Blow-dry with your head upside down, or just air-dry. 

So simple but so stylish! Pretty haircolour too!

mad men MAKE-UP

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO CREATE THE 'CAT EYE'... The kind you create with liner and the kind you create with shadow. Mad Men's Christina Hendricks went for the later and it looks gorgeous! Shes' just got a brown-grey shadow dusted up into points right under the ends of her eyebrows - which is a much softer version than using eyeliner. It's a little bit retro, kind of girlie and pretty sexy all at the same time.
To copyCAT: Line all the way around your lashline with a black pencil. Then dust a brown-grey on your top lids and out into a soft point that lines up with the crease of your eyes. Finish with a shimmery gold along the inner corners. Divine!
{Source: Glamour}

friday FAVES

MY FOUR FRIDAY FAVES this week are... dah nah...
1. MORRISON'S 'REDEMPTION' SUMMER COLLECTION... I think I love just about every piece - and the colours are so pretty, they just whisper 'summer'! Morrison explains the idea behind the range, saying, "Redemption' comes in many forms and is a time of reflection, this season we celebrate that life is to be enjoyed, under the warmth of the unforgiving sun we take solace in the simple pleasures of family, friends and love." Perfect!  CLICK HERE to create your wish-list of soon to be favourite pieces or even buy them online...

2. THE BODY SHOP'S DEEP SLEEP DREAMY PILLOW & BODY MIST...  Enriched with all natural stuff including Community Trade chamomile, you spray this quick-drying mist onto your pillows or sheet and it helps to encourage restful sleep. It smells divine - so fresh! Just love it...
3. PINK LOULOU'S NEW LOVE & LUCK RANGE... I'm a fan of Pink LouLou and I'm loving the new Spring collection of  gold and sterling silver jewellery. The Luck & Love range is inspired by those close to LouLou's heart and includes two-of-a-kind necklaces, rings and charms to share with your friends and family or keep them for yourself. Join the Pink LouLou facebook page and you'll receive all the lastest on our new collections, special discounts and the best snippets of style, trend and fashion news.

4. NANCYBIRD ACCESSORIES... You simply have to check out this range of so-so-unique gorgeous leather bags, wallets and belts. Much of the range has been hand printed by local Melbourne makers, while all the leathers are custom made in Italy in gorgeous seasonal colours. The collection has a distinctively Australian feel, using raw, earthy materials with influences from around the globe. CLICK HERE to see the entire range and to buy online. {The wallets would make the perfect b'day gift for your hard-to-buy-for friends - or for yourself!}

hair LOVE

LOVING JESSICA BIEL'S HAIR... the colour and style! Copy-cat her barely-there waves by twisting the ends of your hair around a curling iron— the trick is to stay away from the roots.
{Source: Instyle}

expert advice: YOGA

WHY YOU SHOULD PRATICE YOGA by Charlotte Dodson {yoga teacher to the stars including Miranda Kerr}...
The beauty of a yoga practice is that it a works on all levels - your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. It feeds into every area of your living day, positively. Here are a few reasons as to why yoga is so good for you:
Yoga benefits all of you, whatever your age, background or experience, there's always a pose and movement that can suit your body shape.
Yoga works the whole body as one. Rather than isolating muscle groups, you use your whole body together.
Yoga strengthens both body and mind. It's a muscular practice, as you use your muscles to lift out of your joints.
Yoga creates flexibility in both body and mind, freeing your body of any blockages.
Yoga tones and massages all your organs as you make different body shapes.
Yoga detoxifies and cleanses your body as you open up energy channels within your body.
CHARLOTTE DODSON teaches yoga to many stars of sport, the big screen and business. Her one-on-one sessions are booked by models, actors, film directors, TV entertainers, sportsman and influential professionals. Along with her private A list clientele she keeps her projects diverse to stay inspirational and spread the word of positivity. She is one of the ambassadors for 'International Women’s Day' and is passionate about yoga as a way of transforming health and vitality in everyday life.  Stay tuned... next week Charlotte share her revitalising yoga moves for tired-mums!

olay total effect WINNERS

AND THE WINNERS OF THE OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS PACKS are...
* Josephine Tale Peddler * Hannah * Nellbe * BuBbles * Cara 1979 * Belle Choses and * Samantha Clifton
{You may have noticed there are 7 winners - thank you to Olay's PR!}
Each of these lucky bellaMUMMA readers will receive a pack containing:
1 x Total Effects
1 x Total Effects Gentle
1 x Total Effects with Cooling Essence
1 x Total Effects Touch of Foundation
1 x Total Effects Foaming Cleanser
1 x Total Effects Cream Cleanser
= YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN
Can you all email me your addresses by CLICKING HERE so we can get your packs in the post and on their 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!

flakey skin remover GIVEAWAY

HOMEPEEL FLAKEY SKIN REMOVER WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW... It works to remove excess dead skin cells by using corundum crystal as an abrasive agent - the same abrasive used in microdermabrasion. It prevents skin congestion caused by dead cells generated in the skin’s natural exfoliation process; leaves the skin more receptive to your lotions and postives; and makes your face positively glow.

For your chance to WIN ONE of the 5 Flakey Skin Removers bellaMUMMA has to giveaway, all you have to do is leave a COMMENT below - or email me - telling my 'why you'd love to win'! Good luck!
* Flakey Skin Remover is not suitable for use on sensitive skin, skin affected by sunburn, recent exposure to radiation, or skin being treated by prescription medication.
CLICK HERE to check out more about HOMEPEEL! Winners will be announced August 6!

mid-week MUMMAS #2: STELLA & NATALIA

LOVING THE SUPER-CUTE FALL 201O  STELLA MCCARTNEY CAMPAIGN starring model-mumma Natalia Vodianova and featuring some crazy/kooky little illos. What do you think - do you like it? 

mid-week MUMMA #1: GWYNETH SINGS

GWYNETH PALTROW'S LATEST MOVIE PROJECT has her singing the title track 'Country Strong'...  “I won’t stay down long / Because I’m country strong,” she belts out. To help her prepare for her role, Gwynnie tapped her husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, to teach her to play the guitar. In the movie - that's out at the end of the year - she plays alcoholic singer Kelly Canter plucked out of rehab by her manager husband (Tim McGraw). The flick follows her career resurrection tour. CLICK HERE to hear Gwynnie singing!
{Source: Just Jared}

perfect hair-colour COMMANDMENT #1

ONE TRICK TO GETTING THE HAIR-COLOUR YOU WANT EVERYTIME... learn how to communicate.
The most reliable way to make your hair-colour wishes clear at the salon is to bring in a picture of what you're envisioning. But understand that's just a jumping-off point—your colourist will (and should) tailor the colour to your complexion. And unless you've got a cosmetology degree, it's not a good idea to use salon jargon. Do away with the "caramel" this and the "buttery" that. Instead, describe what you want as if you were telling a friend ("natural-looking highlights that aren't too stripey," for example).
{Source: Allure}

dollars and SENSE

SMART BEAUTY SHOPPING STRATEGIES CAN SAVE YOU BIG BUCK$$$... Hair and make-up artist, Meg Guthrie explained to me what you should – and shouldn’t - spend your hard-earned cash on…
blow the budget for:
• Foundation:  "Invest in a good base or tinted moisturiser for their superior colour matching and texture.
• Cleanser: “Cheap cleansers can strip away moisture and upset your skin’s equilibrium – something few moisturisers can fix.”
• Eye cream: “Choose a light formulation that isn’t going to leave a greasy residue.”
• Moisturiser: “A good moisturiser is the secret to create a flawless complexion.”
• Exfoliant: “Cheaper brands tend to be too abrasive and leave the skin too raw.”
go budget for:
• Trends: “Don’t spend money on colours that are only going to be ‘in’ for a season.”
• Lipstick: “Cheap lipsticks are great quality – and you can afford to blend your own colours.”
• Mascara: “Inexpensive mascaras are as good as expensive brands – just without the tricky packaging,” says Guthrie.
• Eye make-up remover: “Most are gentle and water-soluble,” she says. “ Just remember not to drag it across your eyes and remove the product thoroughly.”

mad men BEAUTY

I'M GETTING VERY EXCITED ABOUT MAD MEN SERIES 4... CAN NOT WAIT! {Oh, I'm a bit TV obsessed at the minute - hmm!} Anyway, one of my fave characters is Betty! January Jones is a classic beauty and I love her look on and off the show. How gorgeous is her icy blond hair - very Grace Kelly? If you're a natural blond, you could consider this frostier hue - it's an ideal shade for someone with a bob to shorter length hair as the shortness keeps it fresh and healthy. And love her sheer wash of lippie colour.  If you go with a lipstain rather than a creamy lipstick, you can pull-off bolder hues {like January} without looking clownish.
(Source: Instyle}

i miss MASTERCHEF

I KNOW, I KNOW IT'S A TV SHOW but I'm missing Masterchef!!! {Watching it was our evening ritual/wind-down time for 14 weeks!} If you can relate {?} this may put a smile on your dial... To re-experience the finale episode or check out Peter Gilmore's gorgeous/pretty Guava and Custard Apple Snow Egg dessert recipe, CLICK HERE!

eye-changing LINER

3 SUPER-EASY EYELINER TRICKS THAT WILL WORK ON EVERYONE'S EYES... {these nifty tricks will even convince people you've had 8 hours sleep!}
1. Don't be afraid to pile on that eyeliner more thickly than what you might think is “normal.” Try lining them according to what it looks like when your eyes are open, instead of closed—even if that means creeping up toward the eyelid territory.
2. Extending the outer corner of the eye gives the illusion of a larger eye (this is what makes a cat-eye look so amazing on people with smaller peepers). The trick is to add a little length and little flick upward at the end - it does wonders at opening up the eye.
3. One last tidbit in securing the eyeliner look is to try coating the top of your lash line with waterproof liner again (even if you’re already using it). This thin area gets a lot of action when fluttering around all day, so doubling the coat will help make it a little bit more bulletproof.
{Source: Glamour}

glow & tell: MAKEUP BY ELIZABETH

ANOTHER OF MY FAVE BLOGGERS, MAKE-UP ARTIST,  ELIZABETH FROM MAKEUP BY ELIZABETH shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...
What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
I also start the day with a freshly squeezed lemon in cooled boiled water – it’s great for your digestion, a metabolism kick-starter and a good liver cleanser which all helps to achieve glowing skin. And my grandmother told me many years ago and it’s so true, “Remember what you do now will effect the way your skin looks in ten years time – so give your skin the TLC its needs today to see the results tomorrow”

What's your can't live-without beauty products? 
My ultimate beauty ‘must-have’ (and has been since as long as I can remember) is Jasmin Organics Pure Rosewater Mist for it’s multitude of uses and its exquisite aroma.  Eye cream or gel I find is totally essential to stop those fine lines and wrinkles.  I use Jasmin Organics Eye Gel (which I keep in the fridge) in the morning – to wake up my tired eyes and to cool down any puffiness. In the evenings I apply Decleor Experience De L’Age Triple Action Eye and Lip Cream – it’s pure indulgence for your eyes and does wonders. The Liz Earle Muslin Cloth acts as a gentle exfoliator which I use it wash off my cleanser and scrub.

What's your best time-saving beauty tip?
Less is definitely more (especially as you mature) and multi-purpose products are the key! (NARS Multiple Cream to Powder Stick highlights and provides translucent colour for lips, cheeks and eyes) Being a busy working mum I’ve managed to perfect the 3-minute makeup face: Apply i.dbareMinerals loose foundation with kabuki brush (for quick application), sweep I.d bareminerals flawless definition mascara on top lashes, apply i.dbareMinerals warmth on cheeks and sweep over browbones too, pinch the apples of my cheeks for that flushed look and lastly apply (and carry in handbag too) Burts Bees Lip Shimmer in Toffee.

lush lash TRICK

I LOVE THIS TRICK FROM PRIMPED.com.au {You know that I'm lash-obssessed!}...
When you’re applying mascara, don’t forget to coat the very inner lashes and the top of your lashes, too. Makeup artists do, and they always make us look just terrific, so let’s copy them.

a peek into MY WEEK

HELLO HELLO... hope you've had a great week? My week has been busy... getting myself back into the school/kindy routine and trying to get work done inbetween drop-offs and pick-ups, you know the drill! It's also been a busy week for bellaMUMMA, I've had two interviews, one for careforkids.com.au and one for plussizemodelsunite.com - very excited about that! I also started contributing to one of my fave mumma sites, Sunny Mummy - I'll keep you updated when my first beauty-full post goes live... And speaking of fave sites, I have a new fave blog {that is a cracker} Fruitloopmum - a great read and guaranteed to put a smile on your face! And that's about it my friends, apart from my resolutions for the week: Cut back on coffee AGAIN {I've creeped back to two cups a day - eek!}, pay more attention to my feet {very very neglected} - and getting the boys rooms sorted {I think a toy clean-out is on the cards}! X
PS. Don't forget we announce the winners of the Olay Total Effects and the Make Up By Elizabeth giveaway this week - and launch the new Homepeel Flakey Skin Remover giveaway - so stay tuned! 

happy WEEKEND

HOW AMAZING IS THIS PHOTO? IT'S A BIT DIFF TO THE NORMAL IMAGES AT BELLAMUMMA but my hubbie i-chatted it to me yesterday and I was so taken by it, I had to share it with you! Hope you like it as much as I do - and hope you have an amazing weekend! : )
{Pic: Leslie Miles Blog}

jeepers PEEPERS

WORK? STRESS? KIDS? LESS THAN 8 HOURS SLEEP? TIRED TIRED EYES?... 
{I hear you, I've been up working on the computer most nights!}
Never fear, here's how to get the sparkle in your eyes back {note to self: an early night will also help}...
To delay the signs of aging, gently pat on an eye cream both day and night, being careful not to drag the skin.
To reduce any puffiness and stimulate the lymphatic system, gently press along your eyebrow and around your eye socket with your middle finger.
make-up wake-up... Draw a fine line above the lashes of your upper eyelid, taking it out slightly at the corners. Sweep a neutral shade shadow across your brow bone and a medium shade over the eyelids. Next brush a pale, shimmery shadow on the lower inner corner of your eyes to open up the eye and brighten up your whole face. Finally try a burgundy coloured mascara. It's much softer than black and much more surprising than brown - and it really brings out the colour of blue and green eyes.
{PS. I tried this trick this morning and got a few compliments - so it's worth a try!}

friday FAVES

MY FOUR FAVES THIS WEEK... {The kids are back at school!}
1. ANGELINA JOLIE'S MAKE-UP... She positively glowed at the premiere of Salt in Los Angeles this week. Especially loved her eyebrows and her subtly flushed cheeks - gorgeous. {Brad Pitt didn't look too bad either!} To give your complexion a windswept glow like Angie's, work a dab of creamy, pink blush into the apples of your cheeks.

2. SUDZ HANDMADE PURE GOATS MILK SOAP... Made with premium oils and farm fresh goats milk these luxurious soaps are kind and gentle for delicate skins. Why is goat's milk so great? It's packed full of vitamins and triglycerides, has a PH level close to our own skin and is easily absorbed -which all equals super-soft skin. There's four fragrances, rose, vanilla, lime, peppermint {perfect for feet} and plain {perfect for super-sensitive skin}! CLICK HERE for more info - and to buy online!

3. DR.LEWINN’S MEN RANGE... Especially designed and tested in Australia, for Australian men, Dr. LeWinn’s MEN is a simple 3-step skincare program – Cleanse, Shave and Moisturise for a no fuss, high performance skincare solution that will guarantee your man sure scrubs up alright. {My hubbie has been using the range and loving it!} CLICK HERE for all the info!

4. SONY'S NEW COMPACT UBER-FASHIONABLE NEX-3 and NEX-5 CAMERAS... these little babies feature the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera body that allow you to effortlessly capture stunning, DSLR quality photos, HD videos and high quality 3D panoramic photos with the touch of a button. Yep, it's that easy! The cameras are very user-friendly... they have simplified control layouts complete with built-in shooting tips and techniques so you simply choose the relevant shooting mode, no matter the scene or subject, and snap yourself a jaw dropping professional shot. Seriously, you'll amaze yourself! CLICK HERE for more info!

hair LOVE

LOVING BEAUTY-FULL MUMMA, NAOMI WATT'S slightly angled bob and soft, side-swept fringe... She looks gorgeous, the best I've seen her in ages! {And this style is making me re-think having a fringe -again!}
THE INSIDE STYLING SCOOP FROM INSTYLE: Naomi Watts's stylist, Robert Vetica, tidied up the star's overgrown cut with this long-in-the-front, short-in-the-back, super blunt bob. "She told me she wanted to grow her hair out and these sharp angles are the perfect solution," he said. The side-swept bangs are equally as versatile: "She can wear them straight and in her eyes, or slicked back with a bit of product. They're light and incredibly flattering."

natural HUE

IF YOU'VE BEEN COLOURING YOUR HAIR FOR YEARS and want to go back to your natural colour, read on my friends...
I think it's a wise move, it was for me, {although it took me a while to get my head around not being a blonde anymore}. Loving it now though, it's less maintenance and my hair feels so much better! Here's everything you need to know if you want to 'go there'...
• Picture it. After years of colouring your hair, it's easy to forget what you looked like with your natural color. Examine your face with your hair pulled back so only the roots show. Or take a picture of yourself wearing a wig. Don't experiment with temporary colouring shampoos, since many leave a permanent stain, and the result tends to look dull and lifeless.
• Switch gradually. Going back to your true, natural shade doesn't mean letting your roots grow out (that could take many months). Instead, blend in lowlights until the overall colour matches your roots, at which point you can stop dyeing altogether. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, this could take two or three appointments, spaced four to six weeks apart. But keep in mind that not everyone should return to their original shade exactly—it may not flatter your skin tone. If that's the case, ask your colourist to suggest alternatives, such as a warmer version of your natural shade.
• Glisten up. When your hair is mostly one colour, it often seems flat. To create some shine, blow-dry it on a low setting (high heat strips away moisture) and apply a gloss-enhancing spray afterward. If you have fine hair, you'll lose some body when you stop highlighting, so find a good volumising shampoo and styling spray.
• Make adjustments. As you settle into your colour, consider other changes like adding layers where you once had highlights. And if you decide to dye your hair again, make sure it's in good condition. Otherwise, you'll wind up with breakage—which isn't a good look in any shade.
{Source: Allure}

complexion IMPERFECTORS

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT - ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR SKIN... I chatted to Emma Hobson, Education Manager at the International Dermal Institute, and asked her expert advice on how to eat to combat the three big complexion imperfectors - here's her advice:
1. STRESS: “Consume an adequate amount of protein each day (eight grams of protein per kilo of body weight per day) to help your skin cope with stress,” says Hobson. “Also eat frequently, consume nutrient dense foods such as nuts, seeds and dried fruit, and avoid heavy, large meals that are difficult to digest.”
2. POLLUTION: “To combat the effects of pollution eat chlorophyll containing foods such as lettuce, spinach and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts,” says Hobson. “ Also include foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots and sweet potato which have a protective effect – and always choose organic.”
3. AGEING: “Include lean meats and protein in your diet (in moderate quantities so you do not exceed your daily requirements) to help combat ageing,” says Hobson. “Also eat foods high in antioxidants such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables.”

mid-week MUMMAS

ANOTHER QUICK PEEK AT THIS WEEK'S CELEB BELLAMUMMAS... Halle, Katie, Jennifer and Naomi with their gorgeous babes... All going about their day with papparazzi in tow! {I don't know how they do it - it would drive me bonkers!} {Pics: Celebrity Baby Blog}

olay total effects GIVEAWAY

OLAY IS CELEBRATING ITS 10TH BIRTHDAY - and you have the chance to get the pressies... {Hip hip hooray!}
Olay Total Effects has become the choice of 10 million women worldwide because it fights fine lines and wrinkles, blotches and age spots, skin texture, skin tone, skin dryness, skin surface dullness/loss of radiance and pore visibility. How? Olay Total Effects harnesses the power of Niacinamide to help fight all these seven signs of skin ageing and helps deliver the beautiful, younger looking skin.

If you haven't already experienced Olay Total Effects, here's your chance... bellaMUMMA has 5 Olay packs to giveaway! Each pack contains:
1 x Total Effects
1 x Total Effects Gentle
1 x Total Effects with Cooling Essence
1 x Total Effects Touch of Foundation
1 x Total Effects Foaming Cleanser
1 x Total Effects Cream Cleanser
= YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN
For your chance to WIN ONE of these OLAY packs, all you have to do is leave a COMMENT below - or email me - telling my 'why you'd love to win this TOTAL skincare pack?'! Good luck!

glow & tell: PLUS-SIZE MODELS UNITE

ANOTHER OF MY FAVE BLOGGERS, THE V-GORGEOUS ANGELA FROM PLUS-SIZE MODELS UNITE shares her 'glow & tell' beauty tips...
What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
The best advice I have received has not so much been with words, but by watching how much mom takes care of herself. She always has set an example to my sister and I by drinking lots of water, eating healthy, and exercising. I used to love to watch my mom get ready to go out with my dad and she did tell me the importance of moisturizing.
What's your can't live-without beauty products?

Big and Sexy Root Pump Plus, I love big hair, I like it to have texture, if it looks too perfect, I have to mess it up! Dermalogica skin care line, I apply their tinted moisture with sunscreen in the morning and use the active moist before bed. Nars blush in Orgasm, my favorite lip gloss is by Buxom Lips in Trixie and my favorite lotion is by Bella Lucce in Rainforest Restoration the scent is fun, fruity and fresh! Eyelash curlers are also a must have!
What's your best time-saving beauty tip?
Being a mother of two, sometimes we have sleepless nights and I never feel fully rested, so I need a bit of help! I use a beige color eye pencil to brighten my eyes and it makes me look more awake than I really am! Klorane Dry Shampoo, my hair is easier to manage when it is dirty, so with dry shampoo, I don't have to wash my hair as often! Also, I keep my favorite products not only in our bathroom, but in the kitchen cupboard and in my car! Running around the house in the morning, sometimes I forget things, so it is always useful to have a backup! :)
Visit Angela's blog by CLICKING HERE and CLICK HERE to become a facebook fan!

the perfect PONY

I LOVE ALLURE'S TIP ON HOW TO CREATE A WAY-ABOVE-AVERAGE PONYTAIL... "Always take the two minutes to wrap a piece of hair around the elastic—it will make the style look intentional."
Are you loving? Here's the tricks to getting it just right:
Pull the right piece. Grab from underneath your ponytail, where the hair is the longest. A two-inch section from here will create a nice, thick wrap.
Polish it up. Using the tiniest dab of styling cream or pomade (whatever you've got handy) in your fingertips and smoothing it over the piece before wrapping the elastic will keep any flyaway-prone layers in place, as well as add shine.
Play around. Try twisting the piece or making a small braid instead.
Keep it secure. The usual way to finish the style is by discreetly bobby-pinning the bit of hair in place, you can also work it into the hair elastic. Once you've wrapped the hair, flip your ponytail up onto the crown of your head. Fish out the elastic underneath the hair with one hand while looping the hair piece through it with the other.
Add some flair. If you prefer using an actual pin, but can't quite get it at the right angle to make the pin disappear, use a decorative hair accessory, such as a comb or barrette.
{Source: Allure}

happy WEEKEND

HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING {SUNSHINE-FILLED} WEEKEND WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, LITTLE ONES AND FRIENDS... 

My quote for the week:  “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman

{Pic: Bottom Of The Ironing Basket}

friday FAVES

ONLY THREE FAVES THIS WEEK {it's still school holiday so not a lotta bloggin time!}...
1. LOVE PILLOWCASES FROM COX & COX... I've seen them on a few blog but never knew where they came from... until... I discovered the UK shopping site Cox & Cox... they have some gorgeous gorgeous homewares! {Perfect pressie stuff!} CLICK HERE to buy some 'LO VE' online...
2. NGA WAIATA RINGS... Contemporary New Zealand artist and designer Nga Waiata has created these magical rings by fusing two natural forces into one. By retaining the rawness of the sustain-ably mined crystals with the hardest native
recycled woods, these rings are divine. Inspired from 4th century Georgian artisans, combined with high fashion and the stunning landscape of her country, each ring is completely handmade and unique. “I love the weight of the crystal and the warmth of the wood” says Nga Waiata “each piece is like wearing a mini sculpture.” I totally agree! CLICK HERE to visit Nga's blog!

3. DR. BONNER'S MAGIC PURE CASTILE CLASSIC SOAPS... They're unlike any you’ve ever used. A combo of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleanses without being aggressive and drying - and creates a velvety-lather that leaves the skin silky-smooth and refreshed. {I use the Lavender Liquid version in my boys bath to calm and settle them before bed.} The soaps are certified not only under the USDA National Organic Program but also Fair Trade under IMO’s “Fair for Life” program. CLICK HERE to check out more!