How to do a FRENCH ROLL

I am sure, just like myself, you all loved the latest up-do showcased in the Louis Vuitton parade. Here is the how to and pro tips for the French Roll from Marie Claire. I adored the addition of an exquisite and delicate headbands. So elegant, so poised!

1. Apply a body-building cream to damp hair and roughly blow-dry.

2. Spritz on a texturising lotion and scrunch it through your lengths to add bulk.3. Gather your hair at the nape of the neck and twist it, so you’re encouraging the ends upwards as hair rolls onto itself. The key is to keep the shape loose, but secured firmly with lots of pins in a vertical line down the back of your head.

4. Finish with a generous mist of flexible hairspray.

You’ll need: Redken Aerate 08 All-Over Bodifying Cream-Mousse, $28.95, Style Connection Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer, $36.95, and Hairsprays Fashion Work 12, $26.95.

Tip: “At Louis Vuitton, we did a more informal French roll,” says Guido Palau. “The hair was pulled back in a less severe way, with loose strands at the hairline, and the ends were left out of the twist. This gave it an edgy feel.”

FACE FACTS ~ important clues to look out for

We all want to be healthy and look our best. Here are some tell tale signs you need to look out for. Your face is exposed to the atmosphere all the time and there are certain signs to let you know when you are not at your optimum healthy self. Here are some signs from Marie Claire August 2012 I want to share with you all.

EYES ~ If the whites of your eyes are completely yellow this means you could have liver issues and you need to see your GP.If there are splotches of yellow or lumps on the eyelids this could mean high cholesterol. Twitchy eyes could mean you may be low in magnesium while dark circles can mean tummy issues. Excessive mucus may mean too much dairy in your diet.

EYEBROWS ~ Thinning eyebrows can be a sign of an under active thyroid.

EYELASHES ~ If you are missing eyelashes this could mean it is time to go for a check up. 

SKIN ~ Dry itchy skin can mean eczema or rosacea. But it can also mean you may be low in iron or a thyroid deficiency. 

LIPS ~ If your lips are constantly dry, cracked and sore you may be dehydrated, so make sure you are getting enough fluids everyday. Wear a lip balm with sunscreen to keep your lips moisturised and help prevent UV damage.

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Love. Want. Read. Eat.

Love ~ I have a thing about spots. I have just purchased this divine dress from CUE. I cannot wait to wear it. The cut is so flattering. Price $219.00. 

Want ~ Another spot dress on my wish list. I have the dress on hold waiting for me to purchase. Can a girl ever have too many dresses? This spot print dress is available at CUE for $225.00. I have always bought Cue dresses the fabric is always divine and the classic cuts and style are sure t be your favourite for years to come.

Read ~ I have been reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy (I am reading the fifty shades freed) and what can I say, they are certainly an eye opener and the base love story is what anyone could wish for. Have you read the trilogy? 

Eat ~ My daughter, over the weekend made Donna Hay's Choc Chip Cookies. This recipe is just divine.

180g unsalted butter, softened  ¾ cup (120g) brown sugar  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  2 eggs  2 cups (300g) plain flour, sifted  1 teaspoon baking powder, sifted  150g dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 180ºC. Place the butter,sugar and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until pale and beat until pale and creamy. Gradually add the eggs and beat well. Add the flour and baking powder and beat until a smooth dough forms. Fold through the chocolate. Roll 2 tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls, place on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper and press to flatten. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on the trays. Makes 12.

Get ready for SUMMER #2

 WEEK 2

FITNESSStress-Busting Moves

These exercises help reduce cortisol levels, helping to achieve a flat tummy and regulate breathing.

HOW OFTEN? 

Do these before bed for the next fortnight.

BREATHING SQUAT: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms out in front. Inhale and squat as you exhale. Pause for a few seconds and inhale as you return to standing. Repeat 10 times.

ENERGY PUSH: This aids digestion. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms out in front, palms facing out. Inhale and bring your hands in towards your chest. Exhale and push your arms back out to starting position. Repeat 20 times.

LEG TUCK: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Inhale then raise your legs up to your chest as you exhale. Inhale again as you lower your legs. Breathe deeply through your nose. Repeat 15 times.

NUTRITION

Tuck Into Wholefoods

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your new eating plan, Purcell has one simple, but cardinal, rule: choose foods that are closest to their natural state. That means nixing refined, processed, additive-laden options that have only the barest resemblance to a food that you could find growing on a tree or from the ground, or a food you can catch (like fish, or chicken). "Swap canned vegetables for fresh, avoid ready-made products, like marinated meats, and make as much as you can from scratch – that way, you're in control of everything that goes into your meal," she recommends.

Chew Your Food

Your stomach can only handle a fistful of food at a time, explains Purcell. "That's why portion control is really important. But even when you're eating a smaller meal, your body can't make the most of the nutrients if you're gulping it down. The enzymes in your saliva, along with the chewing motion, get food ready to be digested in the stomach. If you skimp on that process, your stomach can't break down un-chewed food and extract nutrients properly. Plus, you'll end up with digestive issues, including bloating. Chew your food consciously, and put your fork down between mouthfuls. You'll also find you eat less, as your brain has had time to catch up with your stomach."

Stress Less

Stress wreaks havoc on the digestive system and makes staying healthy even harder. "Give yourself permission to relax – meditate, listen to music, swim, dance, even have a glass of wine," says Purcell. "Higher stress levels lead to poor digestion as the blood supply to your digestive tract slows down during the flight or fight response. Plus, any increase in the stress hormone cortisol will lay down fat around our middle. If you're going through a particularly busy period, there are some foods that can help you calm down. Try miso soup with quinoa, vegetable juices, organic chicken broth and blended soups, such as pumpkin."


WEEK 1

8 reasons to STOP WAITING FOR APPROVAL

To live carefree and with freedom we need to let go of what we may think others think of ourselves and our situations. we need to step outside breathe in the fresh air and remind ourselves of who we are and who we want to be.  Do not let small minds convince you that your dreams are to big because they are not. We have been given this life to LIVE and we need to stop waiting for approval from others and make ourselves happy to make others HAPPY.

You only get one life to pursue the dreams that make you come alive. – It is better to be failing (and learning) at doing something you love, rather than succeeding at doing something you hate.  So take chances on behalf of what you believe in.  Fail until you succeed.  Make sacrifices and step out beyond the safety of your comfort zone over and over again.  Face your fears with courage and passion.  Keep your word and hold true to your vision until it comes to life.  

Someone else’s approval is just another opinion. – Never let someone’s opinion become your reality.  Never sacrifice who you are, or who you aspire to be, because someone else has a problem with it.  Love who you are inside and out, and keep pushing forward.  No one else has the power to make you feel small unless you give them that power.  You are the only one who can create your dreams and happiness

The only opinion of you that really matters is your own. – In life, the thing that is really hard and really amazing is giving up on the desire to be perfect in the eyes of others, and beginning the journey of becoming your true self.  So let your love flow freely.  Because what you love determines your dreams, your dreams determine your actions, and your actions determine your destiny.

Some people will never give you their approval anyway. – Do not let the negative opinions of others destroy your inner peace.  There are two kinds of people – those who are a drain on your energy and creative force, and those who give you energy and support your creativity, even with the simplest gesture, like a smile.  Avoid the first kind.  Be happy.  Be who you want to be.  If others don’t like it, let them be.  Happiness is a choice – YOUR choice.  Life isn’t about pleasing everyone.  

Everyone’s journey and perspective on life is totally different. – Who you are is what makes you extraordinary.  Do not change your unique foundation for anyone.  What lies ahead will always be a bit of a mystery.  Do not be afraid to explore, learn and grow.  Why some things happen will never be certain.  Take it in stride and move forward.  When life pushes you over, stand up and push back even harder.  Where there is a fork in the road and choices to make, make the one your future self will thank you for.

Firsthand experience is often necessary for personal growth. – Some life lessons can only be understood by going through them on your own.  Doing so allows you to form your own conclusions based on firsthand experience, rather than someone else’s subjective opinion.  This experience gives you the ability to think more logically and take educated steps in a positive direction.  

Your intuition requires no approval. – When it comes to exercising your inner genius, you must try what you want to try, go where you want to go, and follow your own intuition.  Don’t accept false choices.  Don’t let others put a cage around your ideas. If it feels right, take a chance.  Because you never know how absolutely perfect it could turn out to be.  As Steve Jobs once said, “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own i

nner voice, heart and intuition.  They somehow already know what you truly want to become.  Everything else is secondary.”

Life is too short to wait any longer. – If you knew for certain you had a terminal illness – if you had a very limited time left to live – you wouldn’t waste a minute of it.  Well wake up!  You do have a terminal illness; it’s called ‘life.’  In the grand scheme of things, you don’t have much time left – no one does.  So look around at this gift you’ve been given, as its miracles unfold before your eyes.  And choose to be happy, without approval – or you will never be at all.

I have to admit I seek approval often from others and I often also think what will everyone think of any given situation. Reading this gives me hope that I can achieve anything all I have to do is work hard at achieving my goals. My aim is for a happy life for me and my family. Do you wait for or consider others approval?

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loving on MONDAY

There is something about Monday's I just love although the weekend is over. I think of Monday as a fresh new start, a new beginning to right all those wrongs to start a fresh with hope and kindness.

image from uberkate

parenting MONDAYS

I am reading 'Bringing Up Bebe' by Pamela Druckerman.  I am only 1/3rd of the way in and I am absolutely loving all the tips that are connecting with me as I am reading. There are some stand out parenting tips that I just have to share. I wish I had have known this when my daughter's were babies (not that they were bad sleepers) but it would have helped and I think it will help all the new mother's out there.

This book is beautifully written and has some wonderful tips to learn from and help you parent your little one.

Tip 1 ~ The Pause

Dr Cohen (french paediatrician) suggests 'for my first intervention is to say, when your baby is born, just do not jump on your kid at night. Give your baby a chance to self-soothe, don't automatically respond, even from birth.'

This is quite logical as young babies make a lot of movement and noise while they are sleeping, which is normal and fine but if parents rush in and pick the baby up every time they hear a peep they may wake him up. Just like adults babies wake up between their sleep cycles, which last about two hours. It is normal for them to cry a bit when they are first learning to connect these cycles. If a parent automatically interprets this as a demand to soothe the baby they will have a heard time learning to connect  the cycles on his own. Dr Cohen says that if a baby manages to fall asleep on his own he will have an easier time doing it again next time.

Cohen also says that sometimes babies do need to be fed or picked up. But unless we observe and pause them we cannot be sure. If the babies requests become more persistent you will have to tend to your baby. But remember to give your baby a chance to learn.

I find this tip so welcoming to learn and not to immediately go in and pick your baby up..... just watch and listen and see if they can settle themselves.

loving on SUNDAY

May your Sunday be filled with happiness and sunshine. xx

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how to have HOPE

I am having a few life changes at the moment and I am constantly in and out with my emotions dealing with certain breakdown of a relationship and losing my father this year. I am on an emotional roller coaster thinking where will I be in the next few months or in a year. My life is about to change dramatically. I do have hope but it is going to be a process for all my family and friends. 

In a harsh world with shootings, murders and all the bad there is always hope and people always wanting to help in any situation. To me the world can be harsh and critical, look what they have been saying about Liesel Jones and how she has been scrutinised with how she looks. Hey may I remind all you critical people out there.....Did you make it to the Olympics? Are you swimming for our country? Take a good hard look at yourself before you go around scrutinising others. She is swimming for our country. GO LEISEL!!!!!!!! You show them girl.

Here is some inspiration for hope from Positively Present

Notice kindness in others. With all the negativity in the media, it's can be hard to believe people are actually good. But they are. Look around and identify the kind acts you see. Pay attention to the doors being held, the favors being done, the smiles being shared. Make a list if you can. In every day, there is kindness, goodness -- you just have to look for it. Choosing to notice the good will make you feel hopeful and will remind you that, in spite of the darkness, there are little glimpses of light. 

Be grateful for this life. Cliche as it is, the old "every day is a gift" saying rings with truth. Tragedies remind us of life's uncertainty. We really don't know what day will be our last. Now, before you let that idea bum you out, make the choice to see it in a positive light. The unexpectedness of life should not cause you fear; instead, it should inspire you to be thankful for every day, every moment, you're alive. Each moment is a opportunity and to realize that is to have hope.

Avoid negative-only news. Most news sources focus primarily on the negative things that have happened over a course of a day. It's important to stay well-informed, but it's just as important not to let the news suck all the hope from your life. If you must watch/read the news, supplement it with some positive news. Seeking out positive news stories and focusing on them will encourage a sense of hopefulness, a belief that goodness really is out there (even if we have to look a little harder for it). 

Be enthusiastic about life. The more you love about your life, the more hope you'll have. If you enjoy what you do, who you're around, and how you feel about yourself, you'll be much more hopeful when faced with negativity. Make an effort to be enthusiastic about life. Spend time doing what you love. Spend time withpeople you love. The things that matter most to you are the things that will help you embrace hope when times are tough; these are the things that will inspire you to believe in the good. 

on trend SIDE BRAID

              

1)    Blow-dry your hair with a barrel brush for a smooth finish. Use the Hair Styler to give your hair that extra bit of volume.

2)    Once dry, give your hair some loose waves. This will help give your hair more texture.

3)    Spray your hair with some texturising spray to give your hair a matte finish and added volume (as well as hold). 

4)    Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and bring it around to sit over your shoulder.

5)    Tightly braid your hair and secure it with an elastic band.

6)    To give your braid that messy look, loosen it up by gently pulling at the sections of the braid with your thumb and forefinger. source beauty heaven


My daughter has worn the side braid a few times to school this week.

Look of the Week ~ OLIVIA PALERMO

I am in love with this beautiful style worn by Olivia Palermo. Super chic and the pastel blue shade is just divine with the gorgeous tailored floral shorts. Just beautiful!

loving METALLIC NAILS

   

Nail art has gone wild with so many different styles, looks and colours. My favourite at the moment is Metallic. 

I am loving the metallic pastel colours as well as the pastel shades with a hint of the metallic stripe. Will you go metallic?

images from pinterest