australis lip butter GIVEAWAY

YOU ARE GOING TO ADORE THESE BRAND NEW LUSCIOUS LIP BUTTERS FROM AUSTRALIS... not only are they super-cute - the buttery lip balm melts on to treat, nourish and moisturise even the driest lips while leaving the prettiest hint of colour and shine. But wait, there's more...
Thanks to Australis, 5 lucky bellaMUMMAs have the chance to WIN their TWO fave LIP BUTTER shades! {Choose from: Clear-cut, Brownie Points, Ringa Rosy, Tall Poppy or Coral Reef} For your chance to win, all you have to do is 'like' bellaMUMMA on facebook {if you haven't already} and leave a COMMENT below - or email me - telling me which two shades you would like to win and why? Winners will be announced October 14! Good luck!

shimmer SHIMMER

WHEN APPLIED PROPERLY, SHIMMER CAN GIVE YOUR SKIN A SUBTLE GLOW... But there is a fine line between highlighting your features and looking like a Disney princess, so keep a few rules in mind:
• Shimmer, not frost. Shimmer is sheer and lightweight, whereas frost tends to be opaque and heavy. Frost goes on thickly and looks dated, so make sure to choose your formula carefully.
• Brush up. Shimmer looks best when blended well, so use a brush to apply it. And keep that brush for shimmer alone; the last thing you want is your matte face powder tainted with bits of glitter. If you're not completely comfortable with the idea of shimmer, test drive it on your cheeks. Using a big, fluffy brush, lightly dust reflective powder on the highest point of your cheekbones. Remember to apply it after blush, so your cheeks aren't lighter than the rest of your face.
• Be a minimalist. Don't wear shimmer all at once. A bit on the cheeks and a dab on the eyes is all you need to open up and brighten your entire face. And while shimmer looks beautiful in evening light or candlelight, don't wear it with a glittery dress. It's far more effective when paired with something simple.
• Enhance your eyes. Depending on where you apply it, shimmer can either open your eyes or overwhelm them. To avoid the latter, use a thin brush to dab a light, cream-to-powder eye shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Then, keeping the brush as close to the lower lash line as possible, drag it outward to create a very thin line.
• Consider your age. Shimmer is not just for teenagers. Women of any age can wear it sparingly. If you have fine lines, use it anywhere with few wrinkles, like the apples of the cheeks and the lower lids. Otherwise, it will settle into the creases and draw attention to them.

{Source: Allure}

this month's FAVE mumma & bub PIX

{Pics: Celebrity Baby Blog}

wise WORDS

{Pic: Le Love}

mid-week MUMMA: REESE WITHERSPOON

REACHING FOR AN ORANGEY COLOURED BLUSH can be pretty risky but as Reese Witherspoon showed recently, it's a gamble that can have gorgeous results... Choose a peachy formula without shimmer and swirl it on the highest parts of your cheeks. You'll warm up your complexion with a sun-kissed, natural flush.
{Source: Instyle}

bronzed BABE

IF YOU'RE CRAVING A WARM SUMMER SUNTAN - without having to sit unprotected under those damaging rays -  here are some quick bronzing tips...
Pick a colour: For your complexion, choose a powder bronzer with a satin finish. (Flecks of glitter on your face don't exactly scream "natural.") Make sure the shade is slightly warmer than your natural skin tone.
Skip the cheeks: When applying the bronzer, use a big makeup brush to dust it under your cheekbones, around your hairline, and down the front of your nose. Contrary to popular practice, the apples of cheeks are better served with a light pink blush or highlighter.
Work that body: Ideally, your body and face should be the same color. But rather than dusting your limbs with bronzer (as if we had that kind of time), try using self-tanner, instead.
Match your makeup: To make your eyes glisten, try layering creamy, shimmering brown eye shadows on the lids.
Block those rays: And, of course, always remember that before you attempt to create a warm, sunny glow on your skin, you need to protect it from the real UV enemies with a strong SPF lotion.

help prevent SKIN CANCER

WE NOW KNOW THAT ANTIOXIDANTS BOOST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUNSCREEN to protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays, but a new study shows eating a Mediterranean diet (which is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids) may be an extra line of defense against skin cancer. The study looked at the blood of two groups of people exposed to the sun for the same amount of time. The group that drank an antioxidant-rich drink after being in the sun had 50 percent less of the chemical that leads to sun damage. Dr. Niva Shapira, who led the study, says based on these results, a Mediterranean diet packed with olive oil, fish, yogurt, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans would be a boost to your sun protection.
{Source: Allure}

glow & tell: FERTILE BODY, HEART & SOUL

THIS WEEK'S GORGEOUS GLOW & TELL BLOGGER IS NATALIE FROM FERTILE BODY, HEART & SOUL... Here are her beauty tips:
What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered?
In my line of work, I have come to understand how every person is different. What works for one doesn’t always work for the next. My skin will always have a healthy glow if I cleanse and rinse using a face washer! Sounds silly but the gentle exfoliating effect of the washer helps to give my skin the little ‘buff’ it needs to stay clean and unblocked. I laugh that it took me a good 30 years to figure this one out! I also always always always wash my skin twice if I have been wearing make-up. Once only removes the make-up, the second wash actually cleanses my skin.

What are your can't live-without beauty products?
I cannot live without Mascara. I’m blessed with naturally long lashes, so finding the right mascara can be difficult because I don’t want to look like I’m wearing fake lashes to do the groceries! I don’t need the length, I just need a quick lick of gloss to the lash. Recently I have found Benefit’s BADgal Lash Mascara and I’m absolutely loving it! I also recently discovered A'Kin Rosehip oil. {Hello - where has this been all my life?} After having Olivia, my skin has changed - this little potion has brought it back to life.

What’s your best time-saving beauty tip?
If my hair is done, I always feel good. I always set aside enough time to have clean and semi styled hair. If this means I wash it the night before and run the straightener through it first thing in the morning, so be it. I can get away with much less make-up if I’m having a good hair day! When you have curly hair like mine, product makes a huge difference. I couldn’t survive without Sebastian Drench Conditioner - it smoothes frizz and cuts drying time in half.

a peek into MY WEEK

ANOTHER CRAZY WEEK ON THE LEAD UP TO SCHOOL HOLIDAYS... all good, but just crazy busy! My to-do list has pretty much stayed the same length all week - it seems as soon as I tick something off, another two things get added! Grrrr! That, coupled with a deadline that needs to be finished; a few computer and internet problems {back up your computer now!}; and over-tired {end of school-term} boys, has kept me on my toes! Luckily my week wasn't all work and no play... I did manage to catch up with a PR girlfriend for a coffee {who I haven't seen forever} and go for a {kid-free} lunch and a few Campari + blood orange with my hubbie... love a spontaneous mid-week date! Hope you had a great week too? I've got some great things planned for bellaMUMMA this week, so stay tuned! X 
PS The tulips are a ' happy Spring' pressie from my boys, bless!

happy WEEKEND

WISHING YOU AN AMAZING, RELAXING WEEKEND... {Having a few wee problems with my computer and the mouse but hope to be back tomorrow with 'a peek into MY WEEK' - fingers crossed!} X

olay definity WINNERS

AND THE WINNERS OF THE OLAY DEFINITY GIVEAWAY are....
so now what?
natala.ferigo
natalie (tiny & little)
flynnwilkes
clea
Congratulations!!!!! Can you all please email me your address, and I'll get these clever products on their way to you!

eyeliner STAYING-POWER

IF YOU LOVE EYELINER, YOU PROBABLY DON'T LOVE WHEN IT STARTS TO SMUDGE, YES?  Here's how keep liner in its place because pencil alone can smear and disappear. If you want eyeliner to last, apply powder shadow with a damp eyeliner brush. If you prefer to use a pencil liner, you will have to layer a similarly coloured powder eye shadow on top of it because pencil is emollient and will inevitably drift and end up halfway down your face. {Probably not the look you're after!}

pretty on PARADE

LOVING THIS PRETTY MAKE-UP AT THE KAELEN NY FASHION WEEK PARADE which was  directed by Napoleon Perdis... {See below Napoleon's creative for the make-up and colours he used!}  He kept the makeup quite fresh and beautiful with luminosity on the inner corner of the eyes. The lips were peach in colour with a creamy appeal and the freshness came through on the cheeks so the entire look was clean, simple and wearable.  Think New York feel meets LA-freshness!

spring clean YOUR WARDROBE

OKAY I'M A LITTLE OBSESSED WITH SPRING CLEANING AT THE MINUTE - which is why I found {and thought} I'd share some tips on how to spring clean your wardrobe... 

• Perk it up. Paint a dingy closet interior a light colour so dark clothes are visible. Wallpapering the inside of the door can be elegant, but don't choose anything too busy. 

• Be brutal. If you know you're not going to wear something again, let it go. Lose anything that is stained or damaged beyond repair and anything that doesn't fit—you have to be honest with yourself. After the first round of edits, go through everything again. And ditch at least some of the things you're keeping for purely sentimental reasons. That doesn't mean you have to throw out your grandmother's wedding dress, but if you have a studio apartment, you shouldn't be drowning in boxes of merit badges.

• Hang out. Uniformity is the key to a pleasing closet. Buy matching hangers so your clothes all hang at the same height. Group categories of clothes together—sleeveless tops together, dresses, short skirts, long skirts, and so on.

• Cover lots of ground. The space under your shortest hanging clothes is valuable real estate. For shoe storage, use cubbies or clear, stackable drawers, not boxes, which are a pain to open. The highest space in your closet is where you should put the stuff you use the least—out-of-season clothes, boxes of memorabilia, and so on. Organise it all in clear, stackable boxes with labels so you can see what's there when you need to get it.

{Source: Allure}

mid-week MUMMA: KATIE HOLMES

HOW GORGEOUS DID KATIE HOLMES LOOK AT Calvin Klein's fashion show in New York? She's definitely got a glow going on - and her make-up was just beauty-full! Her makeup artist, Mai Quynh, wanted to be sure the star's makeup was as timeless as the collection she'd be viewing. "I prepped her lids with an eye primer in a light/medium shade before applying a blend of shimmery taupe and deep gray shadow," she said. Mai finished with two coats of black mascara for a look that lasted through the night.
{Source: Instyle}

nailing your MANICURE

TIRED OF CHIPPED NAILPOLISH? {Arhhh, yes - always!}... Well, here are a few tips that will improve your next DIY manicure:
Double up on basecoat. Applying a second layer of basecoat before your polish makes the color latch on better.
Roll with it. Don't shake the polish bottle—you'll get air bubbles and then a messy coat. Instead, roll the bottle of polish between your palms to mix the formula.
Buff up. Get a chip? Use a buffing disc to smooth out the area before dabbing on some fix-it polish.
Go over it again. After filling in the chip with a dot of polish and letting that dry, sweep one coat over the entire nail to make it look uniform.
Reapply topcoat. A daily dose of topcoat will prevent polish chips and protect the color from yellowing under UV rays.

glow & tell: LITTLE. LOVELY

THIS WEEK'S GLOW & TELL COMES TO YOU FROM ANOTHER OF MY FAVE BLOGGERS, the gorgeous Khali from Little. Lovely - here are her beauty tips...

What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given or have discovered? "Happy girls are the prettiest” – Audrey Hepburn.

What are your can't live-without beauty products? Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss in Lilac, Institut Esthederm skincare products and Chanel Chance perfume.

What's your best time-saving beauty tip? 
I find being well groomed is the best way to save time, so I take my lead from the Girl Guides and try to be prepared. I make regular hairdresser and beautician’s appointments and add the bookings to my husband’s calendar to ensure I always have a sitter for my children. With clear skin, groomed eyebrows, permed and tinted eyelashes I'm always ready to run out the door at a moment’s notice.

spring CLEANING

I ALSO STARTED SPRING CLEANING THIS WEEK... Wowa, what a job! I've only scratched the surface, there is so much to do... So far I've: *stripped all the beds and vacuumed the mattresses and bed slats, *aired the doona covers and pillows in the sun, *washed the underlays and doona covers {and sheets, of course}, *sorted the boy's toys and put some baby faves into storage, some to storage and some to mum's house for playovers! Doesn't sound like much when you put it in writing, but it took me pretty much a whole day! Next, the wardrobes and kitchen cupboards!
If you have any Spring cleaning tips or ideas, I'd love to hear them?

a peek into MY WEEK

NO NO NO, I'M NOT PREGGERS!!! {Which is what one mum at school pick-up thought because I had a copy of Cosmpolitan Pregnancy in my bag}!... OMG, I had bought the latest Spring issue because one of my stories {pictured below} is published in it! {I still get a kick out of seeing my stories in print!} This is great issue, by the way - a definite must-get/read if you are preggers or are planning on becoming preggers - it's full of great/real info and advice ...

I'm also working on some other mum / baby stories for another publication - so it's kinda baby world here at the minute! And speaking about babies, whatabout Jamie and Jools Oliver having a baby boy during the week... I just loved the family shots! How gorgeous did Jools look and OMG how big are their girls getting? Not 100% loving the new bubs's name, Buddy Bear Maurice - but I suppose it does go with Poppy Honey Rosie, Daisy Boo Pamela and Petal Blossom Rainbow!
What are your thoughts - do you like it?

happy WEEKEND

WISHING YOU A FABBO WEEKEND... X  My quote for this weekend... It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy.” ― George Lorimer

loving... MODERN WISDOM

                         FROM ONE OF MY MOST FAVE BLOGS... TABLE TONIC

gorgeous DREW

HOW GORGEOUS DOES DREW BARRYMORE look in US Harper’s Bazaar October issue? She is positively glowing - and I love her body philosophy!
Here's a snippet of what she had to share with the mag...
On her lifestyle: “I actually really love to lie in bed, watch TV, be a total sloth, and eat my favorite food: Kraft macaroni and cheese. Last night I was watching The Next Food Network Star, eating mac and cheese, and feeling grand. And that was after I wore a sequined Givenchy gown with giant holes cut out of it.”

On her body image: “I feel like some of my baby fat is going away, and that’s not just physically, it’s psychologically. I think that your body is in tune with your mind and your spirituality and your heart. If things are going better, I just think you look better.”

CLICK HERE to read more of the Harper's interview - and see a few more pix!

barely-there MAKE-UP

ANOTHER OF MY FAVE MAKE-UP LOOKS using barely-there super-subtle shades! Here's some copy-cat deets...
* With an eye-shadow brush, sweep a light brown powder shadow over your eyelids and along the crease up to just below your brow bone. Blend it along the hollow of the crease, extending to the outer corners of your eyes. Curl your upper eyelashes and apply two coats of black, lengthening mascara.
* Dab lips with a touch of foundation to create a more neutral base. Using a lip brush, apply a beige-pink, matte lipstick.
{Source: Allure}

super-sleek CHEAT

DON'T HAVE TIME TO BLOWDRY YOUR LOCKS? {Me either!} Then try this trick that backstage pros employ all the time: Focus on the one thing that defines the look. For a sleek style, that means spending most of your time blow-drying the hair at the part and the layers around the face. That will give the whole head the illusion of being done. The underneath and the back don't really matter.

mid-week MUMMA: KATIE HOLMES

KATIE HOLMES SAYS BEING THE YOUNGEST OF FIVE IS OKAY...  “My closest sister is five years older than me, and the next one is nine years ahead of me, so I was a bit of an only child, and I liked it,” Katie confesses in the October issue of Marie Claire. “I liked having all of my mom’s attention, and sometimes I think I still do.”

That’s precisely why she's in no hurry to make daughter Suri, 4, a big sister. “Maybe in a couple of years, but right now I want to make sure I’m really there for [her],” she explains.

For now she says her and Tom are dedicated to raising their daughter with as much normalcy as possible, including a daily routine “that never changes.” Although she admits the couple “travel a lot,” she insists that every day “we wake up, and we do the same thing. [Suri] does her chores which I think is very important. If she doesn’t get her chores done, I notice she’s not really herself.”

Katie says Suri is responsible for making her own bed, taking her dishes to the sink, putting clothes in the laundry and more — but it’s not all work and no play for mother and daughter! “I try to do what my mom did for me … just spending time with her, making doll clothes and planting in the garden,” Katie says. “When Suri comes to the set, we have art projects, and I just try to keep her busy and inspired.”

CLICK HERE for more pix and more of Katie's interview!

hello PRETTY

LOVING THIS PALE PINK MAKE-UP LOOK FOR SPRING... Here's what you need and how to copy-cat the prettiness...

Shimmery Lavender Shadow: Lightly line the upper and lower lashes with a powder formula.

Black Volumising Mascara: For big, round eyes, brush on several coats, top and bottom, concentrating on the outer lashes.

Ballerina Pink Cream Blush: With your fingers, dab the formula on the apples of your cheeks and blend outward. Next, lightly tap a pinkish-silver highlighter along your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and at the bow of your lips. For medium to dark skin tones, go for a gold or copper highlighter shade.

Petal Pink Lipstick: Dab it on your lips and press them together to spread out the colour.

{Source: Allure}

stay cool UNDER PRESSURE

WHETHER YOU'RE GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW OR GIVING A TOAST, it's totally  normal to feel nervous. While there is no exact cure, there are ways to compose yourself quickly...
• Get ready. Most of us are more nervous when we're unprepared. If you're giving a speech or addressing a group of people, practice it the night before and carry note cards, or allow extra time to get ready for a meeting so you won't show up late and flustered. And get plenty of rest, which helps ward off stress in general.
• Soothe yourself. For some, rubbing lavender oil on the pulse points or drinking chamomile tea has a calming effect. But avoid stimulants, like caffeine and cigarettes, which can speed up your heart rate. Take it easy with alcohol, too. You never know exactly how you'll respond, so why risk it?
• Let it go. When we're tense, we often clench our muscles unconsciously. This restricts blood flow and makes it difficult to relax. To prevent that from happening, contract the muscles in your feet, count to five, and release. Continue to contract the muscles in your body, finishing with your shoulders and neck.
• Breathe it in. It sounds simple, but if you take a deep breath, drawing air through your nose from your belly—not your chest—you'll get symptoms like shaking under control. It also helps to visualise something peaceful at the same time (the beach, a hammock) to stop your mind from racing.
• Stretch and bend. Regular yoga or meditation may be a more effective, long-term way to control your nerves.

suncare TIP

KEEP YOUR SUNSCREEN FRESH... We all have that leftover bottle or tube of sunscreen lurking in your bathroom cabinet or beachbag, but it's critical to start fresh each summer. The active ingredients in sunscreens can lose their potency, so always check the expiration date.
{Source: Allure}

is your job making YOU PIG-OUT?

I FOUND THIS GREAT INFO ON WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO DE-STRESS AFTER WORK- not only for your sanity's sake, but your health and your weight...  On-the-job stress may be unavoidable, but do your best to chill once you get home. According to a US study, stress causes us to crave sweets because sugar reduces the body's level of stress hormones. It can also lead to pigging out in general: In another US study, subjects who felt the most stress ate twice as much as their less-overwhelmed counterparts. Find your balance by turning off your mobile and computer - and make time for some relaxing activities once you've finished work. Taking a yoga class or simply walking around the block are great de-stressers. Calling your high-drama friend for the latest rundown of her train wreck of a life? Not so much.
{Source: Allure}

glow & tell: hot mumma LOUISE

THIS WEEK'S GLOW & TELL COMES FROM LOUISE - a friend who always always looks AMAZING... I talked her into sharing her tips on bellaMUMMA ay kindy drop-off and here they are: 1. What's the the best advice you've ever been given? Try to sleep on your back because it stops wrinkles. I'm such a side sleeper though and I wake up and my face is all creased - and the older I get the longer it takes for them to iron back out. Note-to-self: MUST sleep on back!
2. What's your must-have products? Dermologica Daily Exfoliant.
3. What's you best time-saving beaut tip? A baseball cap and large sunnies! Maybe not the answer you were hoping for, but seriously when I am running out of time and can only manage to get my children
fed and dressed, they work! Being a mum you always seem to come last on the list so I put my black exercise tights on (saves on ironing), I throw my hair in a ponytail, shove on a hat and then my sunnies - and dah nah I can leave the house without scaring the general public. I look like I am on my way to exercise class and successfully juggling motherhood with fitness. So deceptive! So that's my ultimate time saving beauty tip, although more just time saving rather than beauty!

a peek into MY WEEK

HELLO HELLO, FINALLY A CHANCE TO WRITE MY 'WEEK-PEEK'... It's been a bit bonkers the last coupla weeks, good bonkers, but busy! A lot of late nights! I've been doing a bit of freelance writing for some great titles, and working on a new project {which I keep you updated about} and just life in general - with kids! The days just seem to whizz by - what's that about?
Is life just getting too fast? 

I can't believe that I'm getting invitations to view the latest launches for Christmas - that is just blowing me away. Some exciting launches though! I also found out the distributor of my-most fave shampoo range, davines, which is just divine, and got all the insider goss {which I will post about it this coming week}. And I received a copy of Bobbi Brown's new Beauty Rules book - amazing as all her books are! I have a bit of an obsession for all thing Bobbi Brown {in case you haven't noticed!}...

And speaking of obsession, Hubbie and I have been obsessed with this season's blood oranges - loving! We been having blood orange in our prosecco, bloody orange syrup on our pancakes {like this morning} - and my talented Hubbie is going to make blood orange marmalade!! {I'm a little cooking-challenged, it's just not my thing!} And that's about it, I think! {I'm sure I'll remember more once I post this, I always do!} Going to get onto some Spring cleaning now and get sorted for the week ahead... I hope you've had a great not-too-crazy week? 
If you have time leave a comment and let us know what you've been up to! X

happy WEEKEND

WISHING YOU AN AMAZING, HAPPY WEEKEND with your love-lys... thanks SO much for visiting! My quote for the week: “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends we choose.” ― Tennessee Williams
{Pic: Cupcakes Frock and Pink}