Fiji Dreaming... Packing for a summer holiday

We're all going on a... summer holiday. No more worries for me and you... Except what to pack!

I am off to Fiji for a week and I'm one of those over-prepared travelers who really enjoy my creature comforts. I like to have brands I know and products I can trust so I put together a quick list of my favourite summer must-haves for a quick beach holiday.

A quick trip to the supermarket and this is what I came away with. Normally, I am much more environmentally friendly when shopping and turn my nose up to individually packaged products as they are overpriced, unnecessary and are way more production-intensive but seeing as I am going on a vacation I succumbed to the convenience of our consumer society. Here are my takeaways:

Swisspers Facial Wipes: These have a million and one uses and when you're applying sunscreen constantly they are useful for hand wipes and after hoping out of the pool or sea it's refreshing to wipe your face once over to remove excess sand, salt and sweat.

Blistex lip balm (Raspberry Lemonade Blast): A good lip balm is essential for the summer time and you want something nourishing and healing to save your cracked and dry lips. (Review to come soon, I am not a fan of this flavour at all).

Kleenex Flushable Cleansing Cloths: When I went on a trip to Hong Kong these were my lifesaver as the toilet situation wasn't always the greatest experience and you should keep one in your carry-on, your luggage and your beach bag. They are great because they are not fragranced, not soapy and super simple to use. Great for the humidity and even better if it's that time of the month. Also, being the summer time it's great to feel fresh down there and again wipe away salt, sand and sweat.

Extra Chewing Gum: I am old school and like having chewing gum on the flight during take off and landing. It really helps calm my nerves and help my ears pop. And when you're on your vacation it's handy to have these around for after dinner and any time you need fresh breath.

Kleenex Tissue Packs: Again, have these in your carry on luggage, in your checked luggage and your beach bag so if the air cons or the change in weather don't leave you with a running nose or hay fever or anything.

Nivea 50+ Sunscreen: Last but not least. A brand new sunscreen lotion. We had about 3 half empty sunscreen containers in our household but as I knew I was going to a beach location and be applying sunscreen on a thrice daily basis I invested in a larger sized 50+ bottle.

Until next time! xoxo

Fashion is the Only Cure

Last week I attended the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival here in Brisbane. MBFF this year showcased many local labels and some pretty fancy fashioned-up Benz. Celebrating 10 years we love seeing the latest in home grown fashion.

Last week's showcase was the QC Club Bridal Group Show with the stand out for me being Elizabeth De Varga who had not one but two awesome fashion transformations into adorable bridal play-suits (unfortunately didn't get photos). Here are a few quick snaps taken from my phone so the quality is not that great.

 Entrance and foyer. Of course a glass of champagne because, why not?

 Inside the runway.

 And the dresses.

 End of show.

Now let's all go watch some serious re-runs of Sex and the City to get our fashion fix.

xx.

Happy makes a home

We all like to decorate our homes with the latest and greatest and the HomeHeaven site let's you know what's hot and gives you a chance to try out all these wonderful products for yourself. I have only just joined but I made it to silver status and the lovely ladies at HQ sent me a prize!

Thank you Homeheaven for the gifts. This is beyond kind. I am excited to try out all these products around the house. Here is what was included in my prize.

Palmolive Divine Blends dishwashing liquid, Ambi pur light citrus vent clip, Mortein mice kill and Chux Bathroom duets.

 Paper napkin, paper straws and paper bowls by Lily.

Love the colour and pattern of this cute little set.

Be right back, going for a picnic! :)

Beauty SAMPLES

"Knock, knock... Postman calling".
Today I got a special prize from BeautyHeaven full of samples as part of their sample giveaway promotion back in May. I was one of 400 that was lucky enough to get to try some new products and I am sure many others will be receiving their packs in the next few days.

Here is what is included:

 Lady Jane large bow and elastic.

 Skin care samples; Kosmea rose hip oil and Dr Lewinn's day cream moisturiser.

Sample packets; Vagisil feminine wipes, Al'chemy leave-in conditioner and durex RealFeel.

Expressing thanks! BeautyHeaven.
Did any other beauty's get their packs?

xx bb

Shopping Haul: Fiji Calling

I've booked a trip to Fiji (sort of on a whim) so I thought it was an appropriate time to splurge some well earned cash on some well deserved summer items.

One of the good things about going on a little summer vay-kay-kay in the Winter time is that all summer stock is basically running out the door on sale!

Check it:

New Topanga Bikini set. One major benefit of this bikini top is that there is NO under-wire, so they are really comfortable. I can't tell you how many bikinis I tried on at City Beach and they all are choc-full of under-wire, uncomfortable straps, and a remarkably excess amount of boob padding. What's with all the bells and whistles. Yeah I know, I might be a grandma already but forgive me for wanting to feel comfortable while I'm on holidays.

 Love the design of this bikini. Can't wait to try it out!

 I thought it might be a wise investment of $9 to buy a cheap pair of sunnies from Lovisa just so I don't have to worry about scratching or loosing my Bvlgari sunglasses. Bonus points for scoring the silver upper arm cuff.

Now, let's all through caution to the wind and travel somewhere the sun shines!!! Meet you there.

xx bb

Deshabillé: What it means to be casually luxe

Let me share with you what I got for Christmas... these adorable sleep shorts from Deshabille! 

I am very grateful that my family has such good taste in brands because I never would have come across Deshabille otherwise. The brand collaborates with artists to design unique pieces inspired by whatever things the founder (Roslyn Gleave) falls in love with.

Each garment has delicate trimmings and details to give it that relaxed luxury feel. The colours are beautiful, the styles are elegant and if I had one criticism it would be that I would prefer the elastic on the waist to go right the way round with the ribbon just being decorative as it is more practical. But regardless I love these shorts and am keen to explore more of their products.

Initially inspired by sleepwear the brand now has some truly breathtaking items ranging from beachwear to knitwear and even homewares.

Here are my lust-have items:

Anywhere dress

The Erin Cardi Black

Melange Robe Silver Marle

How cosy do these look!!! I could seriously spend an entire Winter season wrapped up in one of these cardi's.


Take a look at their website and let me know what you think? Or maybe you have heard of Deshabille before?

Love and gratitude. Xx

Breathe and Reboot; Whenever You Choose

Another year and another chance to make your mark on this beautiful wide world and spread your inner beauty.

You already know who you really are so do not get weighed down worrying about New Year's resolutions and whether you are on track to maintaining them or not. The idea of a resolution is a bit ludicrous to me now because you do not have to wait a whole year to do something you want. You can start whenever you choose and if it doesn't work out then you can start again.

I heard something the other day on Hay House Radio and the teacher (I cannot remember her name) was talking about if you do one thing it can simply be to love yourself more and choose to spend this year focused on who you are and looking after yourself better. That can be done in many many ways from cooking more at home, to buying flowers for yourself, and meditating to look after your complete body, mind and soul.

Or it can be as easy as looking in the mirror and deciding to really love yourself this day (and then each day after that).

So go ahead beautiful people and simply: