snippet of MY DAY

SPARKLERS IN THE GARDEN...

getting ready to say hello to 2012!

: )

your new years eve {BEAUTY} SURVIVAL GUIDE

WOO-HOO, TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT ~ GOODBYE 2011, HELLO 2012...
Here's how to start 2012 looking great, even if you do have a few too many bevvies on NYE!

Before you go to bed tonight:

* Quench your skin. Skin normally loses moisture at night, and alcohol exacerbates the dehydration because it's a diuretic. So slather on a face cream before you plop into bed to reduce that tight, dry feeling in the morning.

* Prop up. Sleeping on one or two extra pillows helps minimise next-day eye puffiness. Alcohol causes blood vessels to swell, which can cause fluid to spill into your skin's tissue and puff it up. It's most noticeable around your eyes, where the skin is very thin. So the more upright you are, the easier it is for that fluid to drain.

Tomorrow morning:

* Wash your hair. Alcohol makes you sweat more, which may make your scalp oilier than normal. So be sure to shampoo, or sprinkle dry shampoo on your roots to soak up any greasiness.

* Avoid exfoliating. You may think a good scrub or at-home peel will be just the thing for your pasty complexion, but skin is more sensitive when you're hungover, so skip grainy exfoliants or products that contain alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid.

* Soothe swollen eyes. To take down inflammation, dab on an eye cream that contains caffeine or a mild 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. If your eyes are bloodshot, try redness-reducing drops. (Just don't use them more than twice a day, or they could irritate eyes.)

* Camouflage. A mineral-based foundation will conceal any red splotches without irritating your skin. Concealer can help hide dark circles, but skip it if you're puffy (it can actually draw attention to the swelling and make it appear worse).

* To disguise sallowness, sweep on a rosy blush—but don't go overboard or you'll look too flushed—and apply a soft pink gloss.

Hope you have a great night! 

words of WISDOM #53

{Source: Pinterest}

nye COCKTAIL recipe #5

DAH NAH... MY LAST COCKTAIL SUGGESTION FOR TONIGHT...

The Frozen Margarita {another huge fave}

what you need to make 4:

5 cups ice cubes

3/4 cup tequila, preferably silver

2/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 5 to 6 limes)

1/2 cup Simple Syrup

1/3 cup coarse salt

1 lime wedge, plus more for serving

what you do:

Puree ice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a blender until smooth. Pour salt onto a saucer, and moisten the rims of 4 glasses with lime wedge. Dip each glass into salt, and fill with margaritas. Serve with lime wedges.

{Source: Martha Stewart}

weekend hair: THE BIRDS NEST BUN

THIS COULD/WOULD BE THE PERFECT 'DO FOR TONIGHT...

Here's the-how-to-do:

* First, apply liberal amounts of mousse to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. 

* Blast with a hairdryer to dry the mousse into the hair. 

* Pull the hair up into a very high ponytail on the top of the head. 

* Divide the ponytail into several sections then tease each section with a comb, creating lots of volume and texture {it should look a little crazy right now so don’t be alarmed… it will soon be tamed!} 

* Brush the ponytail out just a little bit to even out the texture, then wrap the hair around the ponytail to create a messy bun. 

* Secure with bobby pins all the way around. 

* Finally, spray the hair with ghd ultimate hair spray. 

For the Chanel pre-Fall 2011 version of the style, simply add a headband or ribbon – and, if desired, tug out a few loose pieces of hair to create a more wispy finish.

{Gorgeous!}

new year INSPIRATION

15 THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS YOU TO DO ~ INCLUDING YOU...

{I don't believe in New Years resolutions but I think these should be on everyone's to-do list for 2012!}

Notice without critiquing.

Appreciate without comparing.

Listen without interruption.

Question without objection.

Challenge without mocking.

Consider without doubting.

Discuss without criticising.

Smile without hesitation.

Give without expectation.

Comfort without lying.

Guide without misleading.

Forgive without resentment.

Rest without judgment. 

You need to be you – just the way you are. And you need to respect others – just the way they are.

{Source: Mark and Angel Hack Life}

snippet of MY DAY

LUNCH...

Crostinis and a glass of Krinklewood!

{Loving the holidays!}

X

copy-cat her look: GWYNETH PALTROW

LOOKING FOR MAKE-UP IDEAS FOR NYE...

Copy-cat this look Gwyneth's makeup artist created for the actress at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Contagion back in September. 

Gwynnie's brows were bleached blond from a summer in the sun so Lovell penciled them in a neutral shade of taupe using feathering strokes. A blend of lightweight foundation with drop of tinted moisturiser stippled on with a synthetic brush creates an even, glowy complexion.

{Source: InStyle}

nye COCKTAIL recipe # 4

ANOTHER DRINK TASTE SENSATION FOR YOUR NEW YEAR'S EVE...

The Pear and Cranberry Bellini

what you need:

1 cup pear nectar

1 cup craberry juice cocktail

1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

what you do:

In a small jug or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

{Source: Martha Stewart}

get your EATING back on TRACK for the NY

DRINKING TOO MUCH, NOT EATING ENOUGH GOOD FOODS?

FEELING BLERH?... 

Here's how a few small changes to your everyday habits can help you get your eating back on track 
for the New Year...

1. Eliminate a single food. Dessert, the bread basket, salad dressing—they're are all good, easy choices. Or you can switch from eating meat or chicken to seafood. There was a study done on people replacing beef with salmon, and although the foods contained about the same number of kilojoules, 

the people who ate the fish lost more weight.

2. Change your drink. You don't need to cut out alcohol entirely, but switch from your favourite flavourful drink to something you don't love as much—even if it's just from white wine to red. You'll probably sip much less. And be sure to alternate every alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one, like mineral water or ice tea.

3. Change your behaviour. Sometimes it's not about a particular food, it's a pattern. Promise yourself no mindless nibbling at the office, or decide not to bring home the foods from the supermarket that tempt you the most.

4. Start going to the gym - exercise will give you fitness, but not save you from "fatness" if your eating isn't correct. Exercise not only burns kilojoules, it gives focus and structure and increases motivation. Just be careful not to overexercise and then go home and overeat. Your legs will never go as fast as your fingers.

5. Consider whether something is really a comfort food. For most people who think they are finding comfort in an unhealthy food, a major cause of their discomfort may be their weight and feeling out of control with their eating.

6. Revise your attitude. Dieting is not about deprivation and missing out. You can eat whatever you want—but ask yourself, do I like it enough to wear it? There is a substitute for almost every high-fat or high-kilojoule food, so don't think of it in terms of good or bad food. Think, does this work for me or against me? Deprivation is in eating the foods that will deprive you of a lifetime of being trim and happy with yourself.

{Source: Vogue}

snippet of MY DAY

LITTLE REINDEER CUPCAKES...

Not sure how the pretzels work with the sugar and cream ~ 

but they look cute!

X

stress less THESE HOLIDAYS

IF YOU'RE FINDING IT HARD TO UNWIND THESE HOLIDAYS ~

here are some tips on how to mellow out...

Exercise: You've heard it a million times—and pretty much any form of exertion, from a brisk walk around the block to 90 minutes of cardio, has been shown to help the brain manage stress.

Don't pig out: Studies show that comfort food may not be so comforting. Researchers have found that mice that are calorically restricted so they stay hungry seem to show less depression than mice who have free access to food.

Unplug. All those pinging, buzzing devices can become a huge source of anxiety. Set hours when you’re not reachable—and stick to them just as you would to work hours. Having downtime—taking lunch, shutting off the phone—has been shown to improve productivity.

Clean Up. Sometimes clutter can be a source of stress we don’t even notice.

{Source: Allure}

nye COCKTAIL recipe # 3

ANOTHER DELISH 'BEVVIE' IDEA FOR NEW YEARS EVE...

The Cosmopolitan Slushy

what you need:

10 ounce (1 1/4 cups) citrus-flavored vodka

1/2 cup lime juice

2 cups cranberry juice

4 ice cube trays

what you do:

Combine vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher with 2 cups water and stir to blend. Divide between ice cube trays and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight (the drink cubes will freeze only partially).

Just before serving, empty trays into a large bowl and using a fork, break up cubes to loosen ice crystals (the ice will be slushlike). Spoon slush into tall stemmed glasses and serve immediately.

{Source: Real Simple}

11 steps to a fresh NEW YEAR

WANTING A FRESH START FOR THE YEAR?

Here are 11 steps that can change a variety of different areas of life – health, attitude, time management, job performance, finances, relationships...

These steps will take discipline and a consistent approach to eliminate the old habits that haven’t worked and reconfigure new habits into your mind that you would like to become second nature. The good news is the change you want to see can and will happen. 

Let’s get started. 

 1. Let go of what didn’t work – past grievances, emotions, etc. However, letting go doesn’t mean you forget, but what it does allow you to do is move forward. 

 2. Be very clear about what you want to change. Write it down. Be concrete. For example, I will increase my monthly income by 5% by the end of the year. Then set about breaking down that goal into small steps. What are you going to change in your life to make that a reality? 

 3. Stick to a short list of things you want to change. Try to keep your list of changes/goals to three for the upcoming few months or at the longest, a year. By keeping your goal list short, you are better able to focus and accomplish what you intend to. 

 4. Learn from the mistakes and apply those lessons effectively. As mentioned in no. 1, letting go is imperative for a fresh start, but the key is to learn the lesson and apply it so that in moving forward we make positive strides in the right direction. 

 5. Talk to an objective party. Often there may be things in your past that you aren’t quite sure how to change, but desperately want to. I highly suggest talking to someone who isn’t bias and is simply able to give objective advice. This could be a counselor or a mentor, but make sure it is someone you trust. Allow yourself to just listen and digest their advice. Some you may use and some you may not, but it is always best just to listen once you’ve shared your scenario. 

 6. Understand the reason for each of the changes you want to make. If you are trying to eat healthier and perhaps drop a few kilos, remind yourself of how you want to feel by treating your body with better care. 

 7. Remain committed. To truly change habits and let go of things that were not helping you progress toward your goals, will require time – approximately 3 weeks or 11-14 times of what ever the new habit is to make it an engrained thought. So be patient with yourself. 

 8. Strive for excellence, push aside perfection. You will make a few missteps along the way, but file them as opportunities to learn and don’t stop. Do your best and then push a little further. You’ll be surprised what you are actually capable of. 

 9. Positive self talk is mandatory. Remember to surround yourself with optimism – whether it be the people who support your choices, affirmations you’ve written down and posted in your house, journal or planner, or most importantly, the self-talk that is constantly going on in your head – keep it positive. If you wouldn’t want to hear such negativity from somebody else, don’t allow the voice in your head to bad mouth you either. 

 10. Give it 24 hours. There will be days where your mood is just not where you’d like it to be and the hope and determination you had at the beginning is waning. It may seem in this moment that nothing will help, but give it a day. We all have funks when for whatever reason, we just aren’t feeling it. Give yourself 24 hours and pick up the cause again tomorrow. Don’t stop believing in yourself and give yourself a bit of a break (but not too much). 

 11. Let yourself dance around the living room. You know those moments that occur that you didn’t expect would go so well but they do and sometimes better than you expected? And while nobody else would understand how thrilled you are, this is no reason not to celebrate. Whether it’s dancing around the living room, letting out a YAHOO!! even if your pets look at you kind of funny, do it. 

 Be happy and celebrate the change that is gradually becoming the new you and the new life you had designed.

{Source: The Simple Luxurious Life}

snippet of MY DAY

BREKKIE, BEACH, LUNCH...

loving the holidays!

X

copy-cat her hair: GORGEOUS WAVES

 GREAT LOOK FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE...

and a great look for the New Year! 

{Source: The Beauty Department}

copy-cat her make-up: STARRY EYES

HOW CUTE IS THIS LOOK FOR NYE?

Place little stars, confetti or crystals at the corner of your eyes to create a party-ready gaze that’s sure to be an attention-grabber. 

The Tip: Keep the rest of your eye makeup soft and neutral, so you don't detract from your eye-catching bling. 

 The Trick: When using jewels or confetti in your makeup, use an eyelash glue to stick them to your face — they’ll adhere to your skin without causing major pain when you remove them later.

{Source: Refinery 29}

nye COCKTAIL recipe # 2

ANOTHER DRINK IDEA TO HELP YOU 'CHEERS' THE NEW YEAR IN...

The Martini 

{one of my hubbie's faves}

what you need:

3 ounces gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire—something around 94 proof)

1/2 ounce Noilly Prat dry white vermouth

ice

what you do:

Chill a martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.

Pour the gin and vermouth into a stainless-steel cocktail shaker or a chilled tumbler.

Place 8 to 10 ice cubes in the shaker or tumbler, stir vigorously for about 20 seconds with a long-handled spoon, and strain into the chilled martini glass.

How you finish off the martini is a matter of taste. You could do for a twist which gives you the cleanest-tasting drink or olives which is the traditional garnish - and is very Breakfast At Tiffanys.

{Source: Real Simple}

snippet of MY DAY

 I'VE EATEN SO MUCH {DELISH} FOOD 

over the last coupla days...

These little home-made babies have been amongst some of my fave morsels!

X

4 super-simple MOOD BOOSTERS

NEED A LITTLE AFTERNOON ENERGY/MOOD BOOST? 

Here are four things you can do right this very moment to feel fab-u-lous...

1. Sit up straight.
 Good posture gives you presence. Plus, slouching makes you feel frumpy. And frumpiness is the enemy.

2. Smile. 
It makes you happier instantly. And happiness is always pretty.

3. Turn up your tunes. 
Listen to a song that makes you feel hot or transports you to your happy place!

4. Step outside. 
Even if it's for five minutes, stepping in the fresh air, away from whatever you've been doing will give you a boost!

{Pic: Pretty Girl}

nye COCKTAIL recipe # 1

BLOOD ORANGE + CHAMPAGNE ... 

This one of my fave cocktails - one to definitely to put on your 'toast-the-new-year-in'
list!

Here's the how-to...

what you need:

2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed or frozen blood-orange juice

2 750-ml bottles champagne, chilled

What you do:

Pour 3 tablespoons juice in each champagne flute. Fill flutes with champagne, and serve.

{Source: Martha Stewart}

new year HAIR

THE PERFECT WAVES FOR NYE...

The imperfect, messy look has it's place, but for NYE these dressed-up waves will work a trick! 

To diy: First mist dry hair with a texturising formula, then wrap two-inch sections around your curling tong; curl strands only from the ears down. When you've finished, run your fingers through your hair
and spritz it with shine spray.

Voila - gorgeousness!

snippet of MY DAY

PLAY DAY...

A few of my boy's Chrissie pressies ~ the skateboard is Hubbie's!

{PS. Our lounge room looks like a toy shop!}

X

hairhouse warehouse BLITZ BOX giveaway

BEAUTY BOXING DAY BARGAIN...
Hairhouse Warehouse is celebrating the end of year sales with the return of their Blitz Box which includes more than $150 worth of fantastic hair products for just $34.95...

This ‘must have for summer’ Blitz Box contains: 

* RPR Brighten My Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner (300mL) OR RPR My Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner (300mL) 

* RPR Protect My Hair (300mL) 

* RPR My Quick Fix (150g) 

* RPR My Argan Oil Elixir (60mL) 

* a Vent Brush 

* a Mini Dryer 

* a Models Inc Lipstick 

* a $20 Salon Voucher

bellaMUMMA has 5 Blitz Boxes to GIVEAWAY...
To enter all you have to do is leave a comment below ~ or email me - telling me why you'd love to win one of these great hair goodie boxes!

The Blitz Box will go on sale in all stores nationwide from Boxing Day {December 26}, 2011
until sold out {they seel out REALLY quickly}!

For more info on the Blitz Box, visit www.hairhousewarehouse.com.au
or call 1300 424 746. 

snippet of MY DAY

MY CHRISSIE PRESSIES FROM THE BOYS...

I got a v-cute classic teak monkey {that I've wanted forever} + an Alexander McQueen ring and scarf + a Helmut Newton Polaroids book = loving!...

I hope you were as spoilt?

: ) X

merry CHRISTMAS & happy HOLIDAYS

WISHING YOU & YOUR FAMILY THE MOST AMAZING CHRISTMAS EVER IMAGINABLE

& 

thank you SO much for all your support and inspirational comments during the year...

I so SO appreciate it!

BIG love to your family from mine...

NY

X

snippets of MY DAY

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE IS ONE OF OUR FAVE TIMES OF THE YEAR {SURPRISE} 

and it involves a lot of our traditions... 

The boys ~ hanging their Santa stockings, leaving the key out and nibbles out for Santa and the reindeers... Hubbie and I ~ swapping early pressies, lobster, champers and getting ready to 'be' Santa!

Seriously, this is the best time of the year!

X

gloria jean's COFFEE MACHINE WINNER

... AND THE LUCKY WINNER THIS AMAZING...

 G-79 Duo Home Espresso Machine + a Stainless Steel Rotary Grinder Canister 
+ Gloria Jean's gourmet coffee beans is:

Dale T.

{I hope this helps to make nexy year better! : ) }

Can you email me your address so we can get your machine out to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered ~ all your comments were amazing and I wish I could send each of you a coffee machine BUT we only have one to giveaway!

If you are on the market for a coffee machine, I can personally recommend the G-79 Duo. It come in red or silver and features a commercial-sized group head creating an even and superior flavour. The Italian-made pump with an optimum 15 bar pressure guarantees a creamy, smooth coffee every time!

The G-79 Duo is available at Gloria Jean’s Coffees across Australia in limited numbers for $395 RRP.

{Thank you again to everyone who entered!} 

kindred gifts BRACELET WINNERS

... AND THE WINNERS OF THE TWO GORGEOUS 

 Same Sky Material Girl wrap bracelets we have to giveaway...
are:

Maranatha

& 

Klaire Clark
Congratulations ~ you will love these very special bracelets that are crocheted by women artisans in Kigali, Rwanda and are from Kindred Gifts...

Can you both email me your address, so we can get your bracelets to you.

Thank you to everyone who entered...
Visit Kindredgifts.com.au for more gorgeous gift ideas!

christmas GOLD

SO LOVING THIS EYE MAKE-UP FOR CHRISTMAS...

or for New Years Eve!

The Tip: This gilt eye gets a bit of edge thanks to black liner. Apply gold eyeshadow from the lash line to the crease, in the inner corner of the eye, and below the lower lash line. Apply brown cream shadow to the middle of the lid, followed by black eyeshadow, blending out toward the outer corner of the eye. Line the inner rims with a black liner, making sure to loop it around the inner corner as well. Add two coats of mascara to top and bottom lashes. 

 The Trick: When lining your inner rims, use a cream liner instead of a pencil — it has better staying power, so it’s less likely to smudge or fade.

{Source: Refinery 29}

snippet of MY DAY

MY BLOGGER SECRET SANTA PRESSIE...

how gorgeous!

{It's from Mikaela Danvers and I recommend you check out her blog/site!}

Thank you Mikaela, I love it!

X

bella sponsor: PUREAU PURE WATER

THIS WEEK IS THE LAST WEEK PUREAU PURE WATER IS SPONSORING US TO DRINK THEIR WATER...

It took this sponsorship to kick-start me into drinking more water ~ and I'm so glad I did!

We have the cask sitting on the kitchen bench and I drink as glass of water almost everytime I walk past it...

as a result I feel less foggy and sluggish, my skin looks better and I don't drink as much coffee!

My boys love Pureau too, not only the taste but the cask it comes in ~

it's a total novelty to them and they actually fight about who is going to get the water!

We are definitely going to continue drink Pureau water!

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE PUREAU PURE WATER?

Pureau Pure Water is the only water in Australia that is 100% guaranteed to have: 

 No chlorine 

No bacteria 

No salt 

No fluoride 

No other impurities

+ 

IT TASTES GOOD...

CLICK HERE to find out more about PUREAU PURE WATER

and to sign up for their newsletter!

home inspiration: ALL WHITE

YOU CANNOT GO WRONG ~

with all-white throughout your home...

Crisp & chic!

{Pics: Pinterest}