STATEMENT JEANS FOR CURVY GIRLS

Sitting at home with a newborn baby and unfortunately carrying a bit of extra weight has given me plenty of time to shop online.

In preparation for winter, I have been updating my denim wardrobe. This is a big issue for me - since my short, chunky legs struggle to fit into jeans and when they do, they usually don't look any good.
I have a few staple pairs of skinnies that I hope last me until the day I die - but I have been having a few hit & misses when it comes to buying more fashion forward pairs of skinny jeans.

I've since learnt that unless you are blessed with being curvy AND great legs (bitch!), you should stick to dark denim (or colour)  which will elongate your legs... Even in flats. Unfortunately that means no pastel jeans for me.

My choice for denim is ASOS, because they usually go up to at least size 18 (and then have a plus size range) and legit have the biggest range.

I've got my eye on these 3 pair - I'm not 100% sure on the ombré ones... But I will definitely order them and try.

1. ASOS Supersoft Skinny Jeans in Dark Acid Wash
2. ASOS Matelot Denim Jeggins in Oxblood
3. Oasis Skinny Jean in Ombré

I have the Matelot Jeggings in khaki and a light denim (which was a HUGE mistake - pardon the pun) and they are super comfy.

I'd love to hear your tips & tricks when it comes to buying jeans

XOXO

FACEBOOK STORE OF THE WEEK: JAM PATCH SINGLETS

Regardless of if you are buying clothes, accessories, shoes... Finding unique, hand made and affordable products can be more hassle than its worth.

Sure - there is Etsy, but I always prefer to support local retailers first and to be honest, there are not nearly enough Aussie retailers over there yet.

Enter your friend (...or foe) Facebook. One look at your news feed and you will surely notice friends "liking" pages of handmade clothes, accessories, kids clothing, toys, candles - the list is endless.

It really is a great way to buy. To start with, the prices are low because it's usually a one man/woman doing it as a hobby, so they can keep their prices down as they limited overheads. Their customer service is second-to-none, and because everything is usually hand made or made-to-order, you can normally customize or personalize the item.

My most recent purchase, via Facebook, was a singlet for little Baby B (in the event "it" is a girl) from Jam Patch. Hand made and customized singlets by the lovely Christy (sorry about the image... I tried to rotate but it wouldn't budge!) 

Jam Patch have a hugggeee range and can be customized to suit your favourite colours, size (from babies to ladies). I even saw a pic of their page of matching Mum & Baby ones!!!

You can view the range here on the Jam Patch page, and contact Christy via Facebook messages to discuss your singlet with her. The chances of you bumping into someone else wearing the same thing are slim, and you know that your money is supporting a local small business.

HALLOWEEN BOOK REVIEW; DARKHOUSE BY KARINA HALLE

If you are looking for a series of books to keep you entertained over the next few months (or weeks, depending on how quickly you read them) – I can highly recommend, in fact, insist you read the Experiment in Terror series by Karina Halle.

“A (very) mature new adult urban fantasy series that is scary, sexy and relatable, filled with the supernatural and things to go bump in the night
In a large, flaky nutshell, the Experiment in Terror Series is an eight-part sci-fi/fantasty/horror series that revolves around a pair of ghost hunters. Well, aspiring ghost hunters, anyway. After filiming a creep experience in her uncle’s dilapidated lighthouse, 22-year old Perry Palomino becomes a YouTube and internet sat overnight. She attracts the attention of Dex Foray, a producer and cameraman for a side that specializes in various webisodes, who convinces her to be a host for a low-budget ghost hunting series. The only problem is, neither Perry of Dex are entirely “with it” – I mean, they see ghosts, after all. And when the duo isn’t wrestling with their very notion of reality, they’re frapping with a working relationship that’s deep-cut with sexual tension. As the series moves on, leading Perry and Dex to new locales and supernatural situations, their lives become more and more intertwines, where they discover that ghost aren’t the only things the can haunt them” -Experimentinterror.com

It is an understatement to say that I am not a fan of the sci-fi/supernatural genre. Sure, I read/watched Twilight, but that is about as far as my supernatural experience has taken me.

I still wouldn’t count myself as a sci-fi fan, and would probably even be reluctant to read anything like this series by another author. It’s the two main characters, Perry & Dex, which keep me so hooked. I generally read at least 1 book a month, and I have never come across characters that captivate me as much as these two.
Admittedly, Darkhouse (the first book in the EIT series) started out a bit slow for me, but thank god I did continue reading through – by the time I was a quarter way through the book I couldn’t put it down. Ever since then, I purchase the next book in the series the day the author releases it, read it within the week, and then have to patiently wait a few months for the next book to be released.
I gave the first 5 books in the series for a friend as a birthday gift, and she read them all within a month.

Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror#1) by Karina Halle Kindle Edition FREE

The kindle edition is currently free on Amazon.com, whilst the rest of the series are on sale for $0.99 (kindle editions) for Halloween.
If you usually stick to reading chick lit – you must try Darkhouse. As much as I hope this statement isn’t an insult to the author, but I would best describe the series as a really is a well written and somewhat smutty chick lit (where there isn’t always the typical happy ending), with scary paranormal activity thrown in.

So if you aren't planning on trick or treating tonight, download Darkhouse and enjoy a terrifying story filled with sexual tension!

xoxo

I was not compensated or renumerated for this review. This review is my own and honest opinion. For more information see my disclosure policy

FIST PUMP, PUSH UP, CHAPSTICK

Fist Pump. Push Up. Chapstick - the wedding edition.

I am slowly, but surely, starting to get some more wedding pictures (still no professional ones yet!) and this is so far my fav.

Anything "Jersey" (Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, leopard print, big hair... you get the idea) is a guilty pleasure for myself and a few of my bridesmaids, so we just had to do the iconic "First Pump, Push Up, Chapstick" from Jersey Shore photo

Such a classy wedding photo!!

xoxo

SUMMER HAIR UPDATE

Word on the street (and over at Vogue Australia ) is that balayage, ombre, dipped ends hair or whatever you want to call it, is on the way OUT.

And to that, I say good riddance. It's just not for me, despite the fact that I have had natural balayage locks for more than 6 months now. You see, for years I had an amazing blonde colour (truly, it was a beautiful colour) but time, money and the health of my hair meant I had to stop bleaching my dark hair.
Cue a few packets of hair dye and my blonde do had been turned into a light brown mane.

12 months down the track, many washes and pregnancy-hormoned-hair-growth-spurt... and the light brown in the ends of my hair has slowly but surely washed out, and my dark brown roots have grown almost half way down.

A natural (and completely unintentional) subtle ombre look;

But as I mentioned - its not for me. I prefer more of a polished colour and don't do the boho/stylishly unkept look very well. Add to the fact that my ends are like straw - I've decided to go the chop. Now that Baby B is cooking nicely, I feel more comfortable colouring my hair, so I am going for this brunette version of the Lauren Conrad long bob. I predict that flat but vibrant colours will be be the trend once the female population realises that OMBRE.IS.OVER

I will be stressing the importance of the LONGness of the bob (I still want to be able to tie it up reasonably high) to my hairdresser. And the importance of, you know, making me look as HOT as LC does (if only!)

The results...

Stay tuned

xoxo

STORE FEATURE; AUSSIE GIRLS LOVE SHOES

I recently caught up with Dawn, who is on her way to living every fashionista’ss dream with the launch of her online shoe boutique www.aussiegirlsloveshoes.com.au (AGLS)

I am so inspired by people who can turn their dreams into a reality, and seriously, who wouldn’t love to design and sell shoes for a living

Tell us about the history behind the brand?
I started the brand in April 2011 but only coming to launch my designs October 2012. I faced many “upheel” battles trying to find suppliers and get myself up and running while also managing a full-time job as a neuroscientist, and getting through rehabilitation for a sprained back which happened late last year. I set-up the company because I realised Australian women didn’t have the same access to reasonably priced, good quality unique fashion shoes as women in the US and Europe. I have been blogging about my journey since the first “bumps” last year and you can read the tricky, funny and sometimes ridiculous challenges I faced on my blog at www.aussiegirlsloveshoes.com.au/blog
The first thing I did when I decided I had to pursue my dream of designing shoes and owning a shoe store was to go into Borders Bookstore (which was still open then) and buy a book called “How to Start an Online Business for Dummys”. That’s literally where it all began and after countless networking and professional development events, courses etc I got to where I am today which is with uniquely designed, quality products, made from European leather, available for sale in my boutique. It’s all very exciting (and scary) for me.

Where do you source your inspiration? And how do they influence your design?
Inspired by my long-term love affair with all things French, the collection is inspired by French feminine chic style. I connect closely with the statement “Fashion appeals to many – but style is individual”, French author Véronique Vienne. Each AGLS style is named after a French city, like St Etienne or province, the Bordeaux. I like to think that when an Aussie girl buys a pair of my shoes, they are kind of buying an overseas experience, without the price tag!

Talk us through your design process from drawing board to in-store/online?
I sketch my designs simply with a sketch pad and pencils, using colour and textile swatches provided to me by the manufacturers. They can source accessories for me and I am provided guidance by them on the “engineering” of the shoes, in that, if a design feature I’m after will not translate into a quality, long-lasting shoe they very kindly advise on better modifications to my get close to my desired features.

I agree with Dawn that us Aussie’s don’t have the same access to high quality AND reasonably priced shoes. Sure…we can go budget and buy from chain stores (nothing wrong with that, they make up half my wardrobe – but they will rarely last more than a season or two), or we have to spend a month’s wage to buy heels from high end fashion labels

AGLS gives us a chance to have a little bit of French chic style and quality in our shoe collection, for a fraction of the cost.

Since the website was launched earlier this month, I have had my eye on 3 styles;

Bordeaux - A funky T-Bar take on a classic pump. A little bit sassy, but still subtle enough to wear to the office

Calais – A bright wedge sandal, just perfect for summer. I love anything turquoise at the moment, and these shoes are no exception

Cannes  – A sophisticated printed flat that my swollen pregnant feet are dying for





If you are after high quality, reasonably priced, and fabulously stylish shoes… Check out Aussie Girls Love Shoes  For a limited time only, AGLS are offering a 10% discount to KarinaXOXO readers using "karinaxoxo" code.

For any Melbourne ladies, you can still take advantage of a free blow wave from VA Hair & Makeup with any purchase. Check out AGLS facebook for more details



This post is my own opinion and I was not remunerated or sponsored for this feature. For my information see my disclosure information

ETSY STORE OF THE WEEK

This "Etsy Store of the Week" is a store I featured in in this post Max and Me Homewares.

I love the neutral tones and elegance of everything. These are such statement pieces, while still being so understated.

Glitter dipped soy candle $45.00

 

Pom Pom Baby Mobile $70.00

Gold Sequin Love Cushion $49.00
What is your fav etsy store??

xoxo

PUPPY LOVE BABY SUIT

Despite being 6 months pregnant, I have not started shopping with little BB. Not one single thing.

We are lucky that we are getting most of the essential items handed down to us, including some new born clothes in various sizes - so I am being sensible and not buying things that we may not need - (and I may be missing the 'overly-excited-jump-for-joy gene' that most pregnant woman have... but that is a whole other story).

Then I see something like this... and it makes me melt and hope for a girl (most of the time I am thinking/hoping that I am having a boy).

Rock Your Baby Puppy Love Bodysuit from Surfstitch $39.95

Hubby would kill me, but I am tempted to buy this and keep it as a just in case, I can always gift it to another expectant mother. There aren't as many cute things you can buy for a summer baby. I'm not usually a pink fan, this has just the right amount. I love dogs. Have I justified it enough yet?

xoxo

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING GUIDE: CO WORKER

I like to fancy myself as quite the gift giver. I love gift shopping (everything from decided what to buying, to the wrapping, to seeing my loved ones face when they open the present). And I’d like to think my friends and family love getting gifts from me!

 

I know not everyone feels the same though, and given that it coming up to the ultimate gift giving time of year, Christmas. I’ve decided I will be doing a 2012 Christmas Gift Giving Guide. From everyone and anyone you can think of (if you have anyone in particular you are stuck for email me at karinaxoxo@gmail.com)

 

To kick it off, here are some suggested gifts to give a female co-worker the office secret santa. To me, this is possibly the most tricky person to buy for. You may draw out your work BFF, but you may luck out and have to buy for that weird 60 year old lady who doesn’t speak a word to anyone born before the 1960’s

Rose Water Toning Mist from Mira's Hand - Distilled from the Damask Rose in Morocco, this mist is the perfect pick me up on a hot summer day especially when you are stuck in the office. I keep mine in the fridge (so it is nice and cool) and spray it on my face to keep me feeling cool and fresh

 

Gold Chevron Soy Candle from Max and Me via Etsy - A refreshing take on the dowdy lavendar scented candles you used to get. If you haven't heard of, or used soy wax candles.. they are a slower burning, less toxic candles that come in amazing fragrances like French Pear and Pomegranate. And it's glittery (what more could you want?)

 

BenElke Lunch Bag from Birds Nest - Your colleague will be the envy of everyone in the lunch room with this modern take on the brown paper lunch bag. It comes in a variety of designs/prints (so you will find one to suit the person who's name you barely know)

 

 

Hopefully some of my co workers are reading, so that this year, I don't end up getting pot pouri as a christmas gift. What is the worse secret santa/kris kringle gift you've ever received??

 

xoxo

 



LUCKY MECKLEBURGH STYLE

 

Today's style-spiration comes from the drop dead gorgeous Lucy Mecklenburgh from the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex (aka "Towie")

It's no secret that Lucy Meck' works a stylish dress & heels almost as good as Victoria Beckham

Image credit

 

 

But what I love even more, is the girls take on 'casual'. Seriously, don't you just wish you could look like this when you pop out for coffee with friends?

 



 

Image credit



Here is how you can get Lucy's look (somehow I dont think a peplum top and skinny jeans will be in my maternity wardrobe, but hopefully by next winter, my pre-baby body will be able to rock this look)

1. Miss Munroe heels from Peeptoe

2. Red peplum top from The Pretty Dress Company

3. Acid Wash Skinny Jeans from ASOS

Tony Bianco Mahrissa Bay from The Iconic

 



 

 

Which celebrity would you like to see featured as a style-spiration???

 

xoxo





REVIEW: BODY FOR WOMEN PROTEIN POWDER

I was lucky enough to win a competition held over at The Fit Girl and won a goodie bag from Body for Women

Because I am about as technical as an ant – here is the run down on Body For Women’s Shaping Protein (from the experts themselves)

Women specific shaping protein.
Finally females have access to a delicious guilt free shaping protein that will have you looking and feeling great. This adaptable protein can be used in any situation from having a light meal to replenishing your body after a workout.


What’s in Body
Female specific proteins from whey and soy to help boost your metabolism, control your appetite and tone your body,
L-Carnitine to transfer fatty acids to sites where they can be used for fuel keeping you lean and fit,
Calcium for strong and healthy bones,
All the essential vitamins and minerals females need including folate and iron to keep you energised all day,
Inulin to ensure a healthy digestive system,
Plant extract Hydroxycitric acid to inhibit fat production and help reduce hunger cravings.
Omega 3, 6 and 9

Basically, Body for women is the guilt free female shaping protein in a high-energy, low-calorie meal supplement ideal for the health conscious female.

This is not the type of shake where you have to have 17 of them a day and nothing else. It is designed to be the hit of protein you need after a workout, or as a healthy alternative as an on-the-go snack.

I tried the Swisse Chocolate flavour. 1 scoop + 200ml milk and I had a chocolaty goodness that I would probably drink regardless of benefits it contains. It was seriously delicious. A tiny bit grainy (but that could be my half assed attempt at shaking it up) but other than that, it tasted like any calorie filled chocolate milk you could buy off the shelf – except this chocolate won’t go straight to your hips

I don’t think my training schedule is hard core enough to warrant regular protein supplement – but I would be perfect morning tea snack, or even as a way to cure any late night chocolate cravings I have.

Do you use any dietary supplements??

xoxo

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!!