Royal eyeliner... fail!

Hi Dolls,

Let me get this straight, I quite like the royal family. I mean, I remember princess Diana's wedding and I was there on the couch with a cuppa and a block of chocolate with a billion million other people for Kate and Wills' wedding - just waiting to catch a glimpse of what she was wearing. But... what is with the eyeliner? Heavy handed or what? I've thought this for a while now and thought it might get better, but it hasn't. It's just too harsh and she needs to relax! I commend PK for still doing her own makeup - it looks fantastic, she obviously knows what she's doing and what suits her... except for her eyeliner!

What do you think? Does Kate wear too much eyeliner and should she tone it down a little bit or do you like this look?

Flashback Friday: Barbie... get on it!

~Originally posted December 17, 2009~

 

Hi Dolls,

 

Even though I am 25 years old, I still love Barbie. She is awesome!A couple of months ago there was a Barbie expo at Federation square. As a cover, I dragged my husband’s 7-year-old god-daughter along and bribed her with the hope of free Barbies! When we got there all she wanted to do was get to the shop at the end of the expo where you could design your own Barbie.

The expo had everything you could want to know about Barbies. We learnt how they were made, watched a movie and then waded through rows and rows of Barbies that dated back the first ever Barbie in 1950. There were Barbies designed by high-end designers including Chanel, Versace and Valentino. There were even the glamorous and famous Barbies including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Beyoncé just to name a few. We walked the runway where mannequins were dressed in full-sized Barbie clothes and later stared through the glass cabinet at the most beautiful Christian Louboutin Barbie pink heels I have ever seen! I couldn’t get enough! So many childhood memories were floating back to me. We made it through the displays of camper vans, limousines and sports cars and to my god daughters delight we finally made it to the store.

So it just goes to show why I find it hard to let go of anything as I know it will have a comeback eventually! 

The ques! I have never seen anything like it! We finally managed to design our own Barbie and I must say they were magnificent! You could choose between hairstyles, clothing, shoes, handbags and makeup. Once your design had been completed our masterpieces were put together and rocked the looks we picked for them in a glass display cabinet before they were wrapped up in a plastic box and popped through the shoot landing in our hot little hands. There were so many things to choose from and we ended up walking out with a remake of the first ever Barbie made in the 1950′s (It was a tough choice between this one and a remake of the 80′s Barbie), a nail file with the phrase ‘plastic is the new tan’ and our design your own Barbie. I almost bought my husband a Ken T-shirt with the slogan ‘doing it Ken style’, however I knew he would never wear it. They also had an offer to subscribe to vogue for six months and you would receive your very own collectable Vogue shopgirl Barbie. That night I went home and immediately ordered it and she is awesome! 

Since going to this expo I have noticed Barbie is popping up everywhere! Mattel have teamed up with Mac and Stila creating the Barbie loves Mac and Barbie loves Stila makeup lines. Even Mimco have got on board with handbags and accessories called Barbie loves Mimco.  

                      

So it just goes to show why I can't let go of anything - everything has a comeback eventually!

Early birthday dollars well spent...

Hi Dolls,

How beautiful have the last few days been!? I've even been able to catch up on my gigantic basket of washing. Speaking of washing, I even washed the inside of my washing machine. I have never done that before, and you could tell - Eek! To be honest I didn't even know that it needed cleaning. The thing washes, right? I thought it would just wash itself! Anyway, it's sparkling now!

My husband goes for Carlton in the footy (AFL). I am a Collingwood supporter (match made in heaven right!?). I don't follow the football as much as I used to (possibly because my husband coaches and has a game and two nights of training every single week as well as his AFL team and by the end of the season I am over it!) so our daughter is going to go for the blues too. I figure he loves his footy and he will be the one to take her to the games (very noble of me isn't it!). Her little footy jumper fits her much better now. This was actually the first thing we bought our little munchkin and was how we announced that I was pregnant to our families!

It's my birthday tomorrow and I can't wait to go out for breakie with my husband and little girl, followed by a spot of shopping. We haven't gone out for breakie in ages, so I'm really looking forward to it! I hope I also get a nice card... I'm totally not hinting... I'm also having the family over tomorrow night to celebrate so it should be fun! I got a bit of early birthday shopping money so went off to DFO last night with my husband and Piper. Our first mission was to find my husband a suit for his sister's wedding next week. Only a man would leave it so last minute - obviously my outfit and Piper's outfit were sorted ages ago. We ended up back at good old Fountain Gate in the end and got a suit from Man to Man and I must say he does look pretty spunky. It was quite reasonable too, I just can't justify spending thousands on a suit that is worn rarely. Hopefully I will have some pics soon after the wedding next week. We also strolled past Ruby shoes while we were at DFO and had a little looksie. I got these awesome boots (the picture really doesn't do them justice) and some cute pink flats.The boots were only $20 and the flats were $5! Total bargain, how could I say no? These are still at Cotton On and Ruby shoes stores for full price so I was wrapped! I bet my sister isn't when she reads this because she paid full price the other day! Hehe...

I also picked up a few casual tops from Susanne Gray and a couple of cardies from Katies. I got this cute bag at Katies. It was 25% off the sale price and I ended up only paying $11 for it!

My mother-in-law picked up a couple of super cute Lonsdale jackets for Piper from Rebel Sport. They were originally $50 each but picked them up for $10 each.

I am also loving best & Less at the moment for baby & kids clothing & accessories. Piper has been so spoilt! I got this top and dress for $5 each among numerous other things. I was a bit naughty, but nevermind - I definitely have a well dressed baby.

I took this pic a few nights ago and thought I would share with you. This is from our video monitor. As well as being a total time waster (I could sit there and watch her sleeping all night) it is super handy. Sometimes, she makes noises in her sleep and when you go into her room she can wake up. With the video monitor you can just check it and see if they are unsettled. If they are, you can go in and check on them, but if not you don't have to disturb them. My sister-in-laws got us this and it is great value.

 Until next week, stay safe!

Flashback Friday: Hair Extensions - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

~ Originally posted at http://www.kirstensstylereport.wordpress.com on 5th August, 2010 ~
Hi Dolls,

Don’t be fooled when you flick through a magazine and look at pictures of celebs with glorious look-at-me hair. They probably have hair extensions. Hair extensions not only add length to your hair, but they also create volume. Love them or loathe them, hair extensions are a great way to create an instant long-haired look.

Bad hair extensions can take you from classy to trashy in an instant. You are better off having no extensions than having bad extensions. Take a look at these celebrities who are guilty of sporting bad hair extensions – even they can get it so wrong. You would think that someone would tell them that their extensions are showing or that they just look plain tacky. Isn’t that why celebrities pay their ‘friends’ the big bucks?

Permanent extensions can damage your natural hair so consider clip in extensions as an alternative.
I personally really like hair extensions, if they’re done right. I am considering some clip in extensions at the moment mainly to add volume and a bit of length. My hairdresser can get high quality hair extensions. They are really expensive but will last forever.

Bardot Junior... what a disapointment!

Hi Dolls,

One of the best things about my blog is that I can tell you about all the amazing and fabulous things I come across. If I don't like something, I tend to not write about it. I don't like to be a negative person, so I don't like to put it here. However, I recently had a very unpleasant experience at Bardot Junior to the point where I actually made a complaint in writing to their head office which I have never done. I wasn't very happy with their response so thought I would publish it here:

I sent this last email on Monday and I have not received a response. This shows me that they don't really care about at all which is why I will no longer shop there again. All I really wanted was an apology and I was really disappointed that I didn't even receive that. Obviously they are acknowledging that they are wrong by offering me a full refund, so why not just apologise? Is it really too much to ask??

To market, to market...

Hi Dolls,

Just wanted to fill you in on what's been happening in my world this week. 

I think we were up to Father's day last time I checked. It was my husbands first Father's day and it really was such a great day. Piper and I made him this cute photo frame and got him a little book as well. We got up early and made him breakfast in bed - Eggs Benedict. Ha, she is so clever isn't she! I have got to be honest though, they were seriously the best poached eggs I have made in my life. Actually, scrap that - it was the best meal I've made in my life. I like to bake, but my husband is generally the cook in our home. Of course, I do the washing up though! 

Piper finally got over her sniffles and we got her 4 month old needles. She was such a little trooper, she cried at the time the nurse poked her, but was her happy little self afterwards. We also visited the health nurse and she is now over 6kgs! She is growing at the pace she is supposed to. It's nice to know she is on the right track and doing what she is supposed to be doing.

 

Our mother's group changed it up a little bit and went to the Caribbean market. On the first Friday of every month, there is a baby and children's market. It's fantastic, possibly a little more fantastic for girls but there was still a few things for the boys there. It was such a beautiful day, after a wonder around the market we sat outside in the beautiful sunshine. I am definitely keen to do this again next month. Piper wore her little dress from seed that I got the other week. Total bargain - was $40, down to $20 with 15% off. I ended up getting it for $15!

My sister-in-law (who is getting married in... 18 days - excited!) had her hen's night the weekend before last. We gate-crashed a bit early and gave her a little something before the wedding day that I had made. They are handkerchiefs with the tag 'happy tears.'

The night was hilarious and we all had a great time. I didn't get home till almost 3am - party animal! As with most hen's nights, there was obviously some entertainment. The entertainment turned out to be life drawing. Has anyone done this before? I haven't, but I must say, it was so much fun! He did four different poses and we each had to try and draw him and his... well you know! Then we had a wonder around the room to check out everyone else had drawn. I have not laughed like that in a while! It was so funny and a bit naughty, but definitely worth the bucket load of cash this guy charged! I got a prize for one of the four drawings. Would it be bad to let Piper play with these maracas...??

Ooo, I forgot to show off my new boots. Yes, another pair and well, they aren't quite new - I got them a month or so ago and forgot to show you! They were from Williams and were $90 down to $55. They even fit right up to my knee!

Sconeday Sunday was yesterday. My sister and I have started making scones (with jam and cream with a Chai Tea Latte on the side) every other Sunday. They are delicious and so easy to make. Why don't you get a couple of girls around and try it too this weekend. You could even make it a bit more fancy and break out the china for a high tea instead!

http://www.seedheritage.com

http://ww.williamstheshoemen.com.au

Jolly Jumper with the sniffles...

Hi Dolls,

There are sniffles in our house again. I was supposed to book Piper in for her needles but had to postpone because my poor little chicken wing went and got herself another cold and gave it to me while she was at it. At least I can't say that she doesn't share!

Piper tried out her jolly jumper for the first time this week. She loves it and could not get enough of bouncing and spinning around! If you have a baby you have to get one of these. They are so much fun - for the both of us!
She has also been using her Bumbo a little more. It's so cute and she looks so grown up sitting up in her Bumbo and bouncing around in her jolly jumper.

                         

 

We also finally got a door gate. We went to put it up and guess what... too big. So we will have to take it back now and get a new one.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Robert Gordon Pottery in Pakenham. That place has the most amazing things. I know that Piper's first birthday isn't until April next year, but I couldn't help myself. I picked up invitations, cupcake patty pans, party hats, lolly bags and heaps of other stuff all in the same theme. They had heaps of different themes you could use for birthdays, parties, hens/kitchen tea, high tea, baby showers... the list goes on. They had beautiful crockery and a huge collection of tea pots. They had these cute ceramic milk bottles that I'm going to get next time I'm there. I thought I could put some balloons with sticks attached in them and place them on the table to decorate the party a bit.

Also on the agenda this week is fathers day - this Sunday. I have Piper's daddy sorted and will be able to reveal all next week. I have been racking my brain for my Dad and my husband's Dad though. I have no idea. What are you getting the Daddy's in your life? More socks? It reminds me of the little father's day stalls at school and the presents we bought for our Dad's that we thought were so good. We just couldn't wait to give them to our Daddies on their special day.

On a sad note, I'd like to send my condolences to Jarrad McVeigh and his family on the loss of their baby girl Luella who was born with heart complications.

http://www.robertgordonaustralia.com/

I've been getting my craft on!

Hi Dolls,

I have been busy busy this week. I got stuck in lincraft (again!). I got a heap of stuff and have been glue-gunning away making cute little headbands for my lil munchkin. It's so much fun being crafty and I have a huge to do list for things in my home - not just baby stuff. I've been scrolling through and watching tutorials on Pinterest.com and have custom made headbands to go with all of Piper's little outfits. Here are a few I made earlier.

I have been putting Piper in headbands pretty much since she was born. Mainly because they are pretty, but also in the hope that when she is older and she is wearing a hat or sunglasses in the summer time she might not feel the need to rip them off - here's hoping! My sister-in-law was making headbands among other things for Piper while I was pregnant. Yep, I couldn't wait to find out what I was having. So, before she was born I had the cutest hand-made cot mobile and pram-tie going around. Everywhere I go, someone comments on how gorgeous it is! Here is a sneaky peak of the cot mobile and our baby girl's nursery. I hung lanterns over her change table. There are white cane baskets with pink gingham inserts under the change table. I put a dandelions decal on the wall. I even hand sewed crystals all over the top of the mosquito net (took me ages!!). My sister-in-law made the canvases hanging on the wall as well using white fabric, pink and white polka-dot ribbon and buttons.

Did I mention that my other sister-in-law is getting married next month? I'm so excited and cannot wait, gosh I love a wedding! We all went Mother-of-the-bride dress shopping last weekend. It's top-secret so I can't say too much. Only it cost a bomb and looks magnificent. We went shopping at the Burke Street Mall. That place is huge! Piper was an absolute nightmare - she slept most of the time and we barely heard a peep out of her, she was the perfect little angel! I behaved myself as well, but did get myself a new pair of Nike runners. I needed them, I swear! I've even used them already (shocked? I know I was!). They actually make me want to exercise. I guess we will see how long that lasts!

Ooo, I also got a dress for the wedding! It is also super top secret... but I will tell you it was from Diana Ferrari and it was $150 discounted to $130 with 50% off. So I ended up getting it for the bargain price of $65!! Absolute bargain, I couldn't pass it up! Gee, bargains make me happy!

I caught up with my girlfriends as well for brunch. We went to Switch at Fountain Gate shopping centre. It was great to catch up. I think sometimes life just gets in the way and you forget how long it's been. I must make the effort to do that more often.

I didn't realise until I started thinking about my week, how much running around I actually do. It seems like I'm never home! We also went and visited Belinda and her brand new 3 week old baby girl, Aleeyah. What an adorable little girl, and such a gorgeous name. I had a cuddle and she felt like she weighed just a breath of air. It made me realise how fast Piper is growing up, she is 4 months old already!

This week, my husband and I also had our first proper date night without Piper! We went for dinner at Outback Jacks. So many people rave about how good the food is here, but I was a little disapointed! My steak wasn't cooked very well and was really fatty, so I don't think we will be going back again anytime soon. We then went to the movies and saw Red Dog. I loved it! Ok, ok, I cried as well, but that's not unusual - I cry in almost every movie! It was an Australian film and it was really good. If you're a dog lover, it is a must-see for sure.

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy the lovely sunshine. It's such a beautiful day!

OPI: Hawaiian Orchid & I Mainley Eat Lobster

Hi Dolls,

David Jones had a sale I just couldn't resist. Spend $39.90 or more on any OPI products and you receive a free full-sized OPI Rapid-Dry top coat valued at $22.95! OPI is my go to nail polish. It glides on effortlessly and even for me it's easy to keep in between the lines. So I got 2 full size OPI nail polishes at $19.95 each - Hawaiian Orchid & I Mainley Eat Lobster.