OUR LOVE STORY

Blogging babe ShesSonic suggested we all share the stories of how we met our significant others.

                                                               The first photo of us together


May 2003 -  I went to watch a football game at Parramatta with a few friend of mine. One of the girls, Jackie, bumped into some fella she knew - who was with a big group of boys! Most of the boys in that group were under 18 - but there were 4 of them who were a few years old. Naturally, we were drawn to them!!!
We ended up hanging out with the older guys who said they could get us into a nearby by Pub. Cue underage drinking lecture. I was quite shy back then, but luckily Adam had drinks under his belt to get me talking. As we were approaching the pub he told me that if I held his hand we would look like a couple and they wouldnt ask me for ID. As a 17 year old - this was just swoon-worthy.
It was such a great night and we were all pretty smitten with the boys. Big, beefy & blokey - just the way we liked them!

The next few months we hung with the boys most weekends. Either at his place (where we now live!), some of their friends parties, or local pubs (again with the underage drinking). Me and girls even stole him a street sign of his last name one night!!! Adam & I always ended up sitting alone talking. There was just some connection/chemistry there. He was a bit shy, and I was even more so - so it took a while for him to kiss me.

Oct 2003 - Around the same time I turned 18, I found out he had a girlfriend (who were on the rocks). I wasn't annoyed - because we never said we were dating (we never even hung out one-on-one) and we only kissed that once, but a combindation of that and the fact that we could now go clubbing, and that the bloke Jackie was seeing (Adam's friend) wasn't really keen anymore - meant that we slowly stopped hanging out with them so much.
Aside from a few drunken phone calls to one another, we eventually lost contact.

Fast forward past 6 years of me kissing too many frogs

2009 - Fate came knocking... A friend  rang me telling me she is certain this new guy she is dating knows Adam - apparently she had seen the mutual connections on Facebook.
 - When I tell this part of the story I know it sounds ridiculous that even my friends still remembered him... but I am pretty sure I compared a lot of guys to him at the start there. As cliche as it sounds, he always one that one that never was -
I found Adam & his mates on Facebook and 'added' them. One of them invited us to a party on Melbourne Cup night. As soon as I heard the address I knew where it was!! We walked in and the first person I saw was a drunken Adam & his killer smiler (the kid has some seriously sexy dimples). No surprise we sat there together all night talking. He offered me to stay the night, but it was a weeknight I'm a lady, so I said no. We swapped numbers and I was like a giggling school girl calling all the girls on the way home. We called the next day and arranged to hang out. Within 2 weeks we were 'official'

And well the rest, as they say, is history

I am a huge believer in fate now. Adam says that he never knew how much I liked him back then. He wanted me to be his girlfriend but was too shy to ask. He always says that if we had've got our sh!t together back then we could've already been married with kids by now. But I wouldn't change how things went. I would never have married my first real boyfriend, and we both had enough time being stupid & single to be ready to settle down at the same time.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR JEANS ARE TOO BIG

Discovering your fav pair jeans are too big is a bitter sweet feeling. On one hand - it's great because it usually means you are losing weight! Yay! On the other hand it means you probably have to buy new jeans (or you could just eat more McDonalds to gain weight - but I wouldn't recommend that)

If I am going to be adding yet another pair of jeans to my collection - they are going to have to be cheap. An upcoming wedding puts to sleep any designer denim dreams I have. Along with my hopefullness that I will continue to lose weight - I don't see the point can't justify spending more than $50.00

My two picks for cheap jeggings (yes, I wear jeggings... what of it?!! As long as they are actually denim and you don't intend to wear a shirt tucked in  - they are comfy as f*&k)

ASOS $40.55

EziBuy $49.99

Until I decide on my new pair (and wait for them to arrive) I will have to resort to putting my current jeans in the dryer to shrink them before each wear!

xoxo

SHOP YOURSELF CHIC

1,000,000 new blogs are created everyday (ok, I made up that statistic - but you get the idea) - so it is rare that I find new ones that I actually enjoy reading.

I love reading about all my blogging pals lives, ideas, inspiration, children, significant others, style etc etc - but every now and then its nice to escape to a site where you can window shop, but also get the authors hints, tips and suggestions on the product.
Think regular online shopping - with little voice next to each product telling you how to style it, comparing similar products, or how to rock it like the celebs did.

Well its here at Shop Me Chic

"We created Shop Me Chick to keep our readers up to date with current trends or products and to inform them of online bargains and amazing online stores" Melinda (MummaInHeels) co founder

It was created by my twitter gorgeous friend She's Sonic and another fabulous blogger Mumma in Heels - and trust me, if there is one thing these ladies know it is shopping! (They do know more than one thing though - they are both funny, intellegant and stylish women)

"Shop Me Chic brings together Fashion, Beauty and Children in one chic little place. Our readers can click through and buy every single item featured on the website - online" says co founded Sonia.

You can tweet you suggestions, ideas or questions directly to @ShopMeChic - it's like having your own personal stylist/shopper.

I've asked the girls at Shop Me Chic to compile some feirce Winter "girls nigth out" outfits. My hen's night (more on that later) will be in July. I still want to look ah-maz-ing but I think I'll need to wear something more than a little cocktail dress. I can't wait to see what the girls come up with.

Have a great weekend

xoxo

SAVE THE DATE

I've been a little bit MIA lately. Long story short - we are moving out of our place to rent it out and moving in with family. So the last few weeks have been full of cleaning, sorting, packing!!! I gave away soooo many clothes/shoes =( It was nice to have a clean out though!

I did manage to find time to send out (most) of our Save the Date cards. I have received so many calls/text msg's about how much people love them.
Seriously - they were so worth the money.

I found Sabina on Etsy.com who created a cariacture of Adam & I (and the dogs!) for only $60.00. I sent her photos of us and back and forth we created the image I liked. She is amazingly talented and nothing was too much trouble for her.
Then I jsut went onto VistaPrint and printed them off for $40.00!!!
Best.$100.I.Ever.Spent !!!!

My only regret is that I didnt use these as the wedding invitations - they have been such a hit I worry that our invites will be a massive let down! haha!

PERFECTLY POACHED EGGS!!!

I am in the middle of writing a post which will show you guys what I eat and how much I train during the week. (Thanks for the idea She's Sonic ) and the main thing I eat for breakfast is poached eggs! So here is my instructions for Perfectly Poached Microwaved Eggs

I saw this online somewhere & thought it sounded too good to be true. But it really works!



Crack egg into a coffee mug or ramekin (careful not to break the yolk)



Pour over 1/3 cup of boiling water



Pierce yolk with tooth pick (this is an important step)



Microwave for 1 minute (may vary depending on your voltage)



The water will be there and still murky looking but just take a spoon and scoop out the egg!



Sooooo quick and easy and the healthiest way to eat your eggs

PRODUCT REVIEW; MIRAS HAND ARGAN OIL

Ok, so you all probably know how much of a Argan/Moroccan oil fanatic I am. If you missed it you can read about it here

I was using a product I got off eBay "One n Only" brand - and that you would probably find in your local hairdresser. Through a 'pro argan oil' post on Twitter - the founded and creator of Mira's Hand tweeted me to let me know about their up and coming range of 100% pure Argan Oil (god bless twitter!)

The product I was using was almost out - so I ordered from Mira's Hand.

The first thing I did was read the bottle. Ingredients: 100% pure Argan oil. 'Hmm, cool'  I thought.
I picked up the almost empty bottle of One n Only Argan Oil I was using to check the ingredients on that! I nearly died when I saw a list of ingredients I didnt even know how to pronounce (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Red 17 (CI 26100)

So when I have been raving about Argan Oil - it seems I haven't actually been using much Argan Oil at all. I spoke with Jamila from Mira's Hand and she said that some brands use as little as 4% Argan Oil in their ingredients. I try to use as many natural products as I can - so to think I was using all that crap on my hair AND FACE really pissed me off!!!

As soon as I opened the bottle and poured a bit of Mira's Hand Argan Oil into my hand I could immediately see the difference. To start with - the bottle only allows for a few sparce drops at a time... which trust me, is all you need. It wasn't nearly as oily or greasy as the concoction I had been using. It didn't have such a fragant scent too it (which is obviously because it hasn't an additional 'perfume' added to it). And it just seemed to soak into my skin and hair a lot quicker.

I used it both Saturday & Sunday morning before my early morning swims and when I got home and brushed out my swimming cap hair - it still felt pretty good considering all the chlorine. In fact I didn't even use shampoo on Sunday morning - just rinsed my hair, put in some conditioner then some argan oil once I was out of the shower.

Regardless of if you chose to purchase from Mira's Hand or not (although I really think you should support small and local businesses - mind you they are making quite a spalsh on the beauty scene!) please please plesae please make sure you are using 100% pure Argan oil. Otherwise you may as well be using a mixture of cooking oils, perfume & chemicals on your hair. It's simple - check the ingredients - it should be one thing only listed - ARGAN OIL.
All the hype about the benefits of Argan Oil (it is referred to as liquid gold) only apply to products that are 100% pure Argan oil. So the benefits of argan oil don't apply to companies who make Argan/Moroccan oil product with anything other than Argan oil.
The Moroccan woman whom have been using Argan oil for hundreds of years, and reaped the benefits, did not use oils laced with other chemicals and additives.

The only Argan Oil product I have found to be 100% pure is www.mirashand.com.au. Check out their website for other Argan oil products and many more ways to use Argan oil.

** Depsite what it may read like - I did actually purchas this product and have not been paid for this review. I just honestly think anyone who thinks they are using Argan oil should check the ingredients. Don't be fooled into thinking you are using a natural product , when you are more-than-likely using one that has toxins added to it**

xoxo

MOTIVATION WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday folks!

I don't know about you - but this def hits home...



Regardless of if I am on a health 'kick' or not - I would always tell myself that from lunch time Friday until I wake up on Monday morning - food and alcohol are a free-for-all.

It wasn't uncommon for myself and Adam to eat take out two nights over a weekend, and me to eat take away lunch at least twice. That's not even going into the alcohol.

Since the begining of the year, when I began this 'journey' I've been so mindful to treat my weekends like any other day. I make sure I work out of a Friday afternoon and either Saturday or Sunday. Last weekend was the first weekend all year that I've had alcohol - so I stuck to light beer (it was a wedding that had beer, wine & softdrink only) and only had around 4 over the course of the night. I attempt to eat a balanced meal for dinner especially and I basically allow myself 1 cheat meal - just ONE!

Plus - now that I am eating better - as soon as I have anything fatty or high in MSG - my belly makes me pay for it!!!

The funny thing is - the more you work out - the more I don't WANT to eat bad things. Last week when we ordered chinese... I only had a little & didnt even bother ordering spring rolls (my all time fav) becasue I thought to myself "Do you really want to waste your work out on this meal. My half hour gym session or swim wouldn't even work off the calories I'm about to eat".

WEDDING LOOK

I have finally decided on how I want my hair & make up for my wedding. I am so fussy it's not funny - so I am looking forward to my trail to make sure the people we have booked can pull off the look.

I want my hair in a big ballerina hair donut bun. I originally thought I wanted a slicked back look - but I have realised sometimes from front on, it looks very plain. So I think I want it with a few peices out to frame my face - similar to this (although I do like the placement of Whitney Port's bun - I think if it were this far forward I wouldnt need to worry about not being about to see it in front on photos);

And for the make up - I want a very basic cat eye. I have never and will never be a fan of eyeshadow (I think my eyelids are too small) and the last thing I want is to look like a completely different person on my wedding day. I've been wearing eyeliner since high school - and used to frequently be kicked out of English class to wash it off.
I don't want it TOO dark - but I definitely want more liner than I do eyeshadow.
Like RiRi's look (but I'd have a nude/peachy lip - defs not hot pink)

A big pair of earrings, killer tan and a very simple & delicate necklace will complete my look (well, from the shoulders up anyway)

xoxo

All images found via google images

MOTIVATION WEDNESDAY

Ok, I know I'm a day late - but I was seraching everywhere for the picture I had seen before on tumblr. I can't find it but I found this one which gives the same message!

source

If anyone of you are overweight, or have put on a considerable amount of weight - you will know it didnt happen overnight! It took possibly years to gain that weight. This is why we have to remember it is going to take just as long (if not longer) to lose that weight.
Sometimes I get so frustrated becasue I have been trying so hard and yet I still struggle to get into some of my clothes. I just need to remind myself that this is a slow progress - and not to give up just because I am not seeing immediate results.

I have had a few people ask if I have lost weight though, which is always nice, and I guess confirms that my body is changing - even if I can't notice it yet!!




ODE TO WATER

source

If I have learnt one thing from my quest for a healthy mind, body and soul - it is the importance of drinking water.

I had always thought I drank enough water - I probably fill up my 600ml bottle twice during the day. And have a glass of two with my breakfast (I'm not a big juice fan).

But I soon realised 1500ml of water a day is infact, not enough.

I now try to drink 2500ml - 3000ml a day (that's about 4 or 5 600ml bottles). I seriously feel as though I permanently have a bottle of water attached to my lips.

Basically - if you've think you've had enough water. You haven't. Keep drinking!

I've replaced my lunch time can of coke zero and glass of coridal with dinner for water. My pee is basically clear (TMI?) and I notice I don't snack as much becasue I am too busy drinking!!!

Aside from all the above benefits- water has proven to be the best beauty product of all. My skin & hair feels healthier (even though I have been swimming in cholorinated pools) - I've had three people comment on my 'glow'. The whites of my eyes seem whiter and brigther (again, I've had a few people comment on my eyes in the last few weeks). And my dry lips, which see me go through a tub of Blistex a fortnight, have seemed to significantly improved.

If I could ever recommend one beauty tip - it would be this. Seriously. Try it. It won't hurt you. You don't have to break a sweat. You won't be uncomfortable (unless you have to hold a pee... that is never fun - but just strength those kegal muscles!)

Bottoms Up!
x

MOTIVATION WEDNESDAY

I have found myself reading more and more fitness/health blogs lately - I think it's because at the moment - it is more important to me than reading about fashion (although I still love all my fav fashion bloggers).

I'm going to keep up with the Jones' and do a "Motivation Wednesday".

This week:

source

In the last 10 days I've worked out 11 times. I've been drinking more water than I usually do. I'm eating at least 2 serves of fruit, 3 serves of veggies and serverely reducing my intake of processed foods. This isn't perfect - but I already feel so much better. My skin is glowing. My hair feels better. My muscles have the dull ache that lets me know they are working. My breathing has improved and whilst its not yet time to weigh in/measure - Adam is certain I have at least lost weight in my boobs (which he isnt very happy about haha)

Whilst I do want to lose weight (and need to) - this is about taking care of my body. Preparing it for when I have children and making sure I am getting the most out of life. Doing everything I can to make sure I am healthy enough to fight any illness life throws at me. I want healthy bones, healthy muscles, healthy mind and a health heart.

If you need to kickstart your motivation to get healthy - I highly recommend you read the blog of Amanda - the same blog which I read until 4am one morning and was a huge factor in me deciding NOW is the time. Me vs The Bulge is the inspiration that even the most lazy, obese and unfit of people will need to get clean!


xoxo

PUPPY LOVE ART

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love my puppies (which is more than a I like most people), so when I was killing boredom on etsy.com and saw these posters - I knew they would look perfect as some art deco style artwork in my house, and that they reflected my dogs PERFECTLY.

I can not even begin to explain how spookingly perfect this Black Lab pic is. We got Tilly after living together for a few months (after lots of begging). I've always loved labs. We went to the breeders property to look at the 3 black pups left and as soon as we walked through the gate, one little pup with giantic ears came running towards us and weaved in and out of our legs. I picked her up and said "We want this one!" without even consulting with Adam haha! My fear of losing Tilly is (what most would say) somewhat unhealthy. Which is weird considering I've lost a parent at a young age - so death is not a foregin thing to me. I imagine its the sort of bond parents have with their first born child. She is always going to be my perfect little girl - and I hate to think of the time when she won't be around - so the quote from the wise bear himself, Winnie the Pooh sums up an unspoken deal I am sure Tilly & I have
Plus - she is as black as the ace of spades (even her eyes) so this picture couldn't be more like her!

This poster was actually a 'rescure greyhound' picture (as most greyhounds are dumped at pounds/shelters once there race days are over). Duffy isn't a greyhound - but she is definitely part whippet and her body shape looks exactly like this silhouette. We got Duffy from our local pound after she was dumped there as a 3mth old pup. I saw her on the website and rang up to put my name down. That afternoon we went to have a look at her and saw she had a sign on her cage door "I am deaf". Lucky she wasnt ready to be 'released' for another few days, so we took the time to research deaf dogs and discuss if it was something we wanted to take on. The pound rang a few days later and said the people who had their names down infront of me didnt want her once they knew she was deaf. That was all I needed to hear to know we HAD to take her. Duffy was, and still is sometimes, a challenge. Apart from being deaf - she is very strong headed and needs to be close to you. I think she has some sort of separation anixety which probably has to do with her breed, the deafness and the fact that she was dumped at the pound. I hate to think what would've happened if someone took Duffy and werent prepared to put in the hard work with her. Had she of ended back at the pound as a fully grown dog - she wouldnt have had that 'cute puppy' factor on her side anymore. When she snuggles up next to us for morning cuddles - I know she is grateful for giving her the life she nearly didnt have!

If you have a pet you love, these are from etsy.com seller Going Places 2 which I highly recommend you check out. I believe you can change the dog breed/quotes etc

And here are the hounds in real life Tilly aka Bubba-lubba and Duffy aka Deafhead (as Adam affectionaly called her) of Duff-a-luff-a-guess

* sorry for those who arent dog lovers or pet people - this post would be a complete waste of your time =)

REVIEW: SHELLAC NAILS

I am a self confessed nail picker (and ex nail bitter). Up until about 12 mths ago I had acrylic nails for as long as I can remember... So it was only just recently that my nails were FINALLY back to normal strength. I kicked my nail biting habit, and replaced it with a nail picking polish.

I'd heard about Shellac and thought it sounded too good to be true...
- doesn't damage your nails
- colour and shine lasts up to 4 weeks with NO CHIPPING
- costs less than an acrylic infill

So I treated myself and got a "Hollywood" red on my toes and a "crystal" pink on my nails (in time for my engagement party)
All in all it does look fantastic, and perhaps if you were a bit more dainty things would be different, but only 1 week later the polish is started to lift on probably 8 of my nails... I am trying so hard not to peel it off.
I do love it on my toes - but i think before I go again, I will go to a nail salon for a EPA pedi first (the salon who does the shellac is a proper beauty salon... As opposed to a nail bar) because my toe nails look flawless at the moment, but my heels could do with a good buffing.

You can read more about Shellac here http://www.cnd.com/Products/Color/shellac-hello.aspx

Have you had Shellac... What did u think???

To

CARRIE BRADSHAW STYLE BUN

Some of you UK readers would probably say this is old news... but the Hair Donut is back!!!!!

If you haven't heard of a hair donut - it is what is used to make Carrie Bradshaw's bun look soooo perfectly ballerina like in Sex & the City;

Have you tried to rock this look, only to find your bun ends up looking like a sad, little door handle on your head?? Well, my friends, you have to get your hands on one of these;

I am not going to try and describe how to put this in your hair, but you only have to you tube "Hair Donut" to see a million beauty blogger tutorials, or check out this one from Beauty Heaven.
You can get hair donuts in various sizes and colours (I would suggest finding one closest to your hair colour) and you can buy them from ebay or any hair accessory store.

As soon as I got my new BFF, I tried it out and this was the result;

Seriously - this was my 2nd attempt and it legit took under 2 minutes. It is the perfect hair style for the days you can't be bothered doing your hair but still want to look polished. I can't wait to go out one night and wear a higher bun.

Go on, get going and buy yourself a hair donut... and a chocolate donut - all this talk to donuts is making me crave one!!

xoxo

PRODUCT REVIEW: AUSTRALIS TINTED MOISTURISER

Some mornings I am too lazy to apply a 'full face' of make up
Some weekends I let my face get wayyyy too much sun (tutt tutt, I know)
Some seasons of the year my skin gets VERY dry.

As you can imagine, all these things, make finding an everyday foundation a pain in the backside.

Then I heard about Australis' Paparazzi Perfect HD Tinted Moisturiser and remembered how much I used to love the Australis' tinted moisturiser I used back in high school. I considered waiting until I needed more foundation - but at $15.95 it didnt exactl break the budget.

This stuff is incredible, legit. It provides enough coverage to mask my uneven skin tones and sun spots, but still shows my freckles (seriously, who can resist a splatter of light freckles over the nose??). Plus it is super dooper quick to apply - I basically just apply as I would a moitsutriser.

And it lasts allll day and over night (as I discovered when I fell asleep before removing my make up the other night).

I don't feel as if I am wearing a heavy foundation and my skin definitely feels and looks dewey all day. I use my much loved Moroccan Oil on my face (and hair) as soon as I get out of bed then about 30 minutes later I put the Tinted Moisturiser on - the combindation is like a match made in heaven.

I am considering going and stocking up on Paparazzi Perfect, as it's been just my luck lately that when I find a product I love, it is not long until it is discontinued. Praying to the beauty gods this doesn't happen again.
xoxo

BIKINIS MY BOOBIES LOVE

Anyone with boobs bigger than a B cup will know what I am saying when bikini shopping is the WORST (like, even more of a nightmare than bikini shopping is for most)

Little string bikinis hardly cover my headlights - let alone provide any support (or modesty). Team that with the fact that I am not blessed with a bikini perfect body (far, far, far, far away from it) I was starting to think I would have to resort to wearing a tankini or one peice.

I long gave up my insecurities about going to the beach/pool. I am most definitely a water baby and I can tell you that a (well fitted) bikini is much more comfortable to swim in that a tankini top or one peice. I hate the feeling of the water coming up under your swimmers. In saying that - I have learnt (the hard way) that I do need to invest in well fitted swimwear - not tie up traingle bikinis for this beach babe whale.

So team the curvy d cup Karina with the tight a$$ Karina and my serach for cheapish yet supportive and fashionable swimmers lead me to http://www.asos.com/

I got this animalistic bikini top back in September

ASOS Leopard Print 50s style bikini

It had served me & my tat tats well over the last few weekends... however I now have the style permanentely tanned onto my skin - so I think its time to get another one to remove the halter tan lines frmo my chest.
Although this one is also hatler, the straps are a lot thinner and in a different position to the above - so I think I am going to order this one later in the week

ASOS Blue underwire Bikini

Here are a few tips I have for buying the perfect bikini - if you aren't lucky enough to be able to make a garbage bag bikini look good

*  Buy what fits - not what is fashionable. A string bikini on anyone bigger than a size 0 does not look good if you ask me. Nor do high wasited bottoms.

* Try to avoid tie up backs... I find they are not supportive enough and you risk ending up with a bow tan line

* Also avoid big bows, buckles, cut outs... unless you like the whole weird tan line thing

* For us Aussies - shop in the off season. ASOS has a lot of their bikinis on sale because it is coming into winter over in the UK

* Buy a few different styles - halter, straps, strapless, thin straps etc. this way if you are spending a few days in a row in the sun you can ulternate the straps line

* If you are big busted I would steer clear of detachable straps. A little plastic clip is not going to hold my girls up and usually results in the clip breaking or coming undone.

* You don't have to buy a set. I nearly always wear black or navy bottoms and just mix & match the tops (In my mind, this is a slimming effect). If your bottom half is your best asset you should wear a plain colour on top and wear print/bold coloured bottoms

* Be confident. Seriously - I truly believe gals wearing boardshorts and singlets make themselves look x 10 bigger. No one is judging you and once you get over the insecurity you will enjoy going to the beach so much more. Trust me!

* Wear sunscreen. This is a true case of the pot calling the kettle black, beacuse I rarely do. I have the freckles/mole to show this - and if I am still blogging in 20+ years I will show you how leathery my skin will be.

If you know of any other places to buy real women bikinis, let me know =)

xoxo

ARGAN OIL MAGIC

A few months back I had been hearing about argan oil (moroccan oil) a lot. After a bit of a google search and you tube - I found out it is meant to work wonders for dry, fizzy hair. I didn't need any more convincing.

I purchased a bottle off ebay for around $25.00

It is pure amazeballs. Seriously. Not only does it act as an incredibly light anti frizz serum (which smells delicious) but I also use a teeny tiny bit on my face each morning as a primer - because I have insanely dry skin at times. I read somewhere that Sophia Loren used to moisturise a bit into her skin each day!!!

To read a more scenific description (what, amazeballs isn't descriptive enough?) check out Mira's Hand blog (which includes some other uses)

On the beauty front - I've recently discovered two great Aussie beauty sites where you can read reviews and compare products etc
http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/
I would highly recommend checking out these sites for more information on Argan oil (or any other products)

Now I am off to lay in a tub of Argan oil. Pfft - I wish.... back to the moutain of paperwork it is. Le sigh!

xoxo
Karina

FIRST WEDDING DIY

You'll probably hear my talk alot about my DESIRE not to have a $30,000 + wedding. (Yes, it's my CHOICE not to have that... So spare me the pitty party).
Having only been engaged for a month - I am DETERMINED to show all the cynics that you can have a cheap wedding, and it still be elegant, classy & fun.

This is why I am in the DIY/Budget Bride category.

My first project was a "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" card.
I searched Zazzle, Ebay, Vistaprint and more for a unique cards to give my BM's. The problem was they are all lovey dovey cards stating how much you love them and would be honoured to have them by your side in during the most important day of your life.
Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that - but my gal pals would've punched me in the face if I gave them that.

So I came up with a little 'poem' after getting some design inspiration off http://www.weddingbee.com/ and went down to the scrapbooking store to get some cardstock and the stickers;

Incase you can't read it properly it said (I've blanked out a few words that would be offensive to most people - just not my friends)

Will you be my taffeta wearing woman.  my dress shopping amigo.  satin vS silk shagga. My tooth-checking, train-fixing, toilet-helping bitch. tiara adjuster. my hens night home girl.  Bridal expo guidette. Invitation-making, stamp-licking, colour-picking lady. my flower holding f$cker.  ****, will you be my…

BRIDESMAID?

Sure they aren't the most creative or fancy cards but the girls loved them!!! I was a bit over it after making the 5th card (even though it didnt really require much effort at all) so needless-to-say, I don't think I'll be DIYing my invitations.

If you aren't into DIY, but still want a not-so-mushy card I suggest you look at these on etsy.com (of course I found these AFTER I went to such efforts *cough, cough* to make my cards)

MERRILYdesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/greencard?ref=seller_info

biploarbettygoods

rbgcolor

What's next on the DIY list??? Engagement party decorations! Stay tuned.

xoxo



ENGAGEMENT GIVEAWAY

To celebrate my engagement - I am giving away a gift to one two lucky readers thanks to http://www.bombayfashions.com/

Bombay Fashion have recently launched their affordable line of statement necklaces, bangles, earings named Bella.
The average price of the products are around $20 and is super unique (so you won't be walking around town with the same statment necklace as everyone else).

Here are a few of my favs

So here is how to enter;
* Comment on this post and let me know what is your signature statement piece of jewelery
* Go to http://www.bombayfashions.com/ and find you fav piece from the new Bella Collection
* US residents only
* Competition closes Sat 15th Oct (my birthday!!!) and winners will be randomly picked.

Goooood Luuuuckkk

xoxo
* Two winners will be chosen

THE BEST ACCESSORY OF ALL

A few weeks ago I came home to My MR presenting me with the best accessory a girl could want... a diamond ring

This is my late mother's engagement ring to be exact. He went and asked for my Daddy's permission - and got the ring off him. I actually feel sorry for MR knowing how stressed out he would've been.

I love that my ring is unique and has a meaning behind it. A lot of engagement ring these days are (while lovely) very similar.

Soooo... as you can probably imagine KarinaXOXO is going to take a bit of a 'Wedding' spin. Of course I want my wedding to be fabulously fashionable!

I hope you stick around to see how it all plans out (and dont worry - there will still be plenty of random fashion/beauty/shopping posts)

xoxo