The things that filled me life this week

Over the long weekend (they are all long for me these days) my husband and in laws made our way for a brief getaway to Safety Beach,

We had a great time, despite the first day involving a lot of hard work on everyone behalf on setting up the house. There was lots of furniture assembling, cleaning and washing dishes.

We must have been lucky as the Melbourne weather gods shined on us and I was able to enjoy a run down to the beach/workout and also an afternoon BBQ and swim.

The time away was cut short as we had a wedding to attend on Monday for a old friend. He and his wife looked absolutely smashing and they seemed so happy and in love...I just love weddings. The ceremony was at this beautiful church on the cnr of Collins and Russell, and the reception followed at Cutler & co.

Ceremony

Cutler & Co in Fitzroy

John looking good in first bow tie

I managed to have a crack at DIY shellac, a little bit of a disaster, but I think its one of those things you have to practice, as the consistency of the gel colour is so different to normal nail polish and you need to run your hands under the lamp rather quickly to set.

You don't know Jaques OPI Shellac

I was also involved in a baking experiment with my cousin
as we tried to work out the best way to make rainbow cupcakes
it looks like the top one wins!

Time for a spring clean, which involved changing my cover to something bright,
so out came my Missoni for Target cover

I loves me a blow dry & some clean eating

I love it when I get my hair done, I am always disappointed however when I have nowhere to show it off.

After the time away in Bali my hair was a little damaged and very bleached, thanks to a combinations of chlorine and sun. So a treatment was definitely over due. In preparation for the weddings I have next week I thought I needed to get it back to its usual healthy state.

So here is the 'do', nothing fancy, but its the way I roll.

Blow dry Mania

On another note its 8 weeks until Christmas, I am on a mission to shed 5kg. I have joined the gym ( I know, I vowed to myself I wouldn't) but I couldn't help myself! I got a great deal and they started Body Balance classes which I LOVE, so SOLD. So Windy Hill look out.

So far I have hit it every day, a little sore so on some days which I am usually in the pool doing laps. Every little bit helps. I have also committed to clean eating, which is about eating food as natural as possible, eliminated processed/ junk food & sugar. Its going well but I have been having really bad headaches, I think its the sugar withdrawals.

I have a secret, I took before pictures so I am hoping that once I hit the goal that I can actually post the after pics. I need all the encouragement I can get. Having PCOS (not an excuse) makes the last few kgs very hard to shift. I train like (a mother f*) very hard so I think I just need to watch the calories. 8 weeks Babs....you can do this!. Breathe in Breathe out, now run

Polar HRM being put to use

I ran for the first time in a year, I use to run a lot and did lots of fun runs, and for what ever reason I just stopped. I thought that I would struggle, but surprisingly did fine with interval running. Baby steps!

I also made some time to plant me "my own little herb garden" with two little side kicks Olly & Olivia my garden scarecrows. My 2 year old niece has already become very fond of them, she talks to them whilst patting and moving them around the barrel. I had enough of spending $4 every time I needed a little Basil or Parsley, so made the trip to Bunnings to buy the gear, you will be pleased to hear that I used "Australia Organic soil" So we have an organic garden.

I think I may have spoken a little to soon, as this morning my hubby found a parcel left on our doorstep on his way to work. The first question he asked was "when did you buy cosmetics?". I had to convince him it wasn't a recent purchase, and that I have been waiting for some time for this baby to arrive. It came packed in the largest box with lots of those foam worms. I cant wait to use this little baby for the weddings I have next week. Look out youtube, I will be requesting your services very shortly.

Enough of my randomness

x Babs

I love a good youtube tutorial

I must admit when it comes to make up application I suck...no I really suck, so on Saturday night I had a few events to go to and I googled "smokey eye make up tutorial" and Eman from makeupbyeman had this great Lea Michelle inspired smokey eye. Check it out, I have subscribed to her youtube feeds now.

Thank goodness as I ended up looking half decent and semi appropriate for the 30th and Hens party I had to attend. I think a few of my friends were shocked and kept asking why I looked so different. Anyways a simple outfit, zara leather jacket, country road zig zag top and my $15 kmart black jeans. Seriously I have bought every colour in the range and everywhere I go I keep getting compliments so each week I buy myself another colour and add to my collection.

On another note my Naked Palette from Urban Decay is officially missing after a month, I am convinced it was either stolen or has gone to another country. I am hoping that BeautyBay will post me out a replacement, I am totally devastated, it was the one thing I bought to cheer myself up when I lost my job.

JB looking very Geeky :-)

Touch Down Celebrations

As we touched down in Melbourne on Saturday morning I rushed to get some ingredients to make some mini Panacotta and Blueberry shots, Sorry no pics, I forgot as I was exhausted from the lack of sleep on the overnight flight.
I will be making them again this week so will make sure to take pictures this week. I had a friends kitchen tea party, and really wanted to make something as I wasn't able to make her cake. Here are some pics of the event, the styling was great, a lot of work had gone in to this and the end result was great.

 Afterwards we made our way to my friends 30th at Mon Bijou, once again no photos, I think the sleep deprivation made me forget to take at least one photo of the place, It was gorgeous but hidden in some dingy ally off Flinders Lane. I did however managed to snap my outfit before heading out the door

Zara Jacket and heels and Target Skirt, J Crew Necklace

New arm candy, Bvl bracelet my sister bought me a couple of years ago and Toy Watch

On Sunday we attended my cousins wife's 29th birthday BBQ. The weather was shining a vast contrast to saturday rain. I was absolutely in love with the rainbow cake Birthday cake she had and was nice to spend a little bit of time with the family

It seems that October and November is a busy time for birthdays and in general celebrations, I need to fit in study and looking for work, so hopefully I still get time to blog.

Signing out Babs

Bali Baby Continues

Seafood mania all for $30 AUD

The Bali Love affair continues, we made our way to Jimbaran Bay to Lia's Cafe
, watch out for the taxi drivers who get a commission from referring tourists to their restaurant, they try and get you to go to other places, fat chance buddy, we're sticking with this place, trip adviser had some really good reviews and we wanted to try the seafood overlooking anger beautiful sunset. The food was great and the views were to die for.

Potato Head

Potato Head – was one of my favorite places to visit I loved this place, food was great and I was craving some hard-core carbs, so it was lasagna for me. Amazing views of the beach overlooking the infinity pool made for a relaxing afternoonOn our last evening we visited Ku De Ta for dinner I ordered the potato gnocchi with wild mushroom and a hard-core vodka cocktail.




Whilst we were staying at the W, we managed to convince the concierge to show us a few other suites (for our next visit).We got showed a private villa and the WOW suite, which we will definitely book one of the two on our next visit. I am already planning my 30th Birthday party next year. A girl can dream!



Bali Kaftan & Necklace

We did a little shopping in Seminyak but nothing too crazy, I was adamant that I didn't want to bring stuff that I wouldn't use or end up throwing. I want to support the local economy and love seeing my husband’s skills for bargaining, but I did see my fair share of it when booking in taxi services. I found this great store which designs in Australia and locally makes dresses and bought 2 royal blue dresses. I also stocked up on a few summer kaftans and some Bali necklaces, as lately I have been obsessed with necklaces. 

We kept running in to footy players down at the pool, my husband would point them out, which was great for a perve, but they were never close enough to take photos together, some guy from Collingwood and Gary Ablett was there also with a new flame, so it appeared.

The day before our departure 

I found a great spa in Seminyak, which would leave Bodyworks for dead, to be honest I cancelled all my treatments at Bodyworks in favor for AMO Spa which was literally across the road from the hotel we were staying at. 
AMO prices were comparable to Bodyworks and had a much more better atmosphere, i found that if you went in the morning you didn't need an appointment, by the afternoon forget about just walking in. I had a manicure and pedicure $25 AUD. On the last day we were leaving I squeezed in a Oxygen facial, apparently celebrities have these every week so whilst I was living it up in Bali I thought I would treat myself to one and at only $25 which is unheard on in Australia, why not? I was not prepared for what I got let me tell you. It started off really nice, cleaner toner, face massage, great, and then came out the extractor. Having a sister who was a beauty therapist I know more than I should about all the equipment, it's one scary devise and she would always tell me don't use it will scar your skin. The beautician went to town, I think she removed blackheads that I have had since year 8. It was painful but the end result was great. Thinking my pain was over, she pulled out this brush which removed all my dead skin. By the end of the treatment I was convinced that my face was going to be red raw. Then came the dreaded steamer, right up my nose, mind you I only have one good nostril so I had to open my mouth to get some oxygen. I know it's oxygen facial but I didn't think that meant you we're deprived of breathing, I ended up coughing as the steam chocked me. To finish it off she placed this weird clear mask, which pumped oxygen to my face for a few minutes. The lady massaged me and then moisturiser my face and was out of there feeling a million bucks, my skin felt great but not sure I would do it again.



Manicure from AMO Spa

After a week of Bali I was totally relaxed and who wouldn't be? Till next time...Adios

KB

Bali Baby!

It seems likeforever since my last post and whilst I have been secretly tapping away on theiPad whilst laying poolside, I wanted to ensure that I could load up a fewpictures of our time away.

I will be the first to admit I had never any intentions to visit Bali, dont get me wrong I know its a beautiful place but I had many other destinations on my "bucket list" before Bali. With hubby only able to take a week off work it seemed that either Brisvegas, Bali or Thailand was on the cards.

So Bali....Look out the Babas are in town

As most of you mayhave gathered we decided to go to Bali for a week to celebrate hubbies30th Birthday. We wanted to escape all the drama and lie poolside for a weekworking on our tans.

Since we managed to do aquite a few things (not really pool and food), I will try and split this over a couple of posts. To behonest we only ever left the hotel pool to get massages or go to dinner so mostpost will be around food.

front entrance of the W


We arrived at the W after our driver picked us up at theairport, and I was more than impressed with the accommodation, by far the besthotel, I had ever stepped foot in and the rooms didn't disappoint. There wasclub music playing over the speaker, which instantly made me want to getchanged into my dancing shoes and head down to the pool where the DJ wasgetting ready for the silent dance party. Shame I was sporting a massivemigraine to the point I had to visit the "ouch" centre to get somePanadol from the doctor. The doctor was grilling me on my symptoms and I wastrying not to barf all over the place, the plane really set me off.
The service at the W Hotel was fantastic and all the workersfussed over us, which at times made me feel guilty which led us to spendinglots on tipping our great hotel staff. We weren't allowed to touch anything;they would prepare our beach chairs and move our umbrellas when the sun moved.

The next afternoon we journeyed to Bodyworks which definitelywas a Bali experience, it felt like visiting the Asian nail salons inMelbourne, women everywhere, and it was cheap, $11 for a pedicure is a bargain,and she did a great job, it wasn't air conditioned and I was pushed into anawkward corner on the room. Check out the pictures and tell me what you think,I also booked to do a couples massage for JBs Bday.





La Lucciola

Our fist evening we made our way to La Lucciola, which a fewpeople had recommended and enjoyed a ragu pasta and a granita cocktail overlooking a sunset

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY BABA

Afternoon Cake

JBs 30th Dinner Cake

Breakfast Cake

My husband enjoyed 3 cakes one for every decade. One forbreakfast, which embarrassed the heck out of him, our lovely waitress Sari (whowas the cutest, she kept wanting us to eat everything from the menu) organised the cake. JB wasn't impressed with the entire staff singing, it was hystericalfor me to wath him suffer, too bad buddy! Then after heading back to our roomafter our pool visit in the afternoon the Hotel had organised a surprise in theroom. We had booked dinner at Starfish Bloo the hotel restaurant to ensurethat the cake I ordered for my husbands 30th would arrive safely and it did. Thenfinally he received my birthday cake, which was provided by Ixora cakes in Bali,and was a replica watch cake, which is on order for his birthday, in the meantimehe gets the cake version.

The hotel gave JB a wishing card, wonder what he wished for? He wouldnt show me, but I think I could guess.

Latest Obsessions

It seems like its been a while since I last bloged, so before I head to sunny Bali and bombard you with all the wonderful things we do on our trip I thought I would share a few latest obsessions, no seriously, obsessions is a understatement.

I was only just saying today that once I find something that I want I almost get obsessive in locating it, at a discount/sale price. My latest craze this week has been, TOMS shoes, Metalicus Dress and the Naked Palatte by Urban Decay.

So lets break it down on the things I have been up to and the latest obsessions

TOMS, I have heard a lot about these shows for a couple of years and admittedly it isn't something I would have stumbled on without my cousin and his wife sharing. The concept is that for every pair sold the owners will also give a child in need a pair. I was surprised how comfortable they are and for around $70 I think its a great away at giving something back without actually giving.

I recently saw an interview on Ellen with the founder of TOMS and felt compelled to make a contribution and these were my first purchase. They are super comfortable and perfect casual shoes for Bali (no sneakers for me)

I was in the city on Tuesday and did a stop by at Metalicus, I use to own a fair bit of there stuff a few years back, these days that I am not working I cant afford a lot of there stuff but managed to get me a great tee dress on sales from $150 to $50. Don't get me wrong I am no size zero and I wasn't wearing any shape-wear and this dress looked great on me. I think I will be wearing my "girls best friend" with this dress (also from Metalicus)

I wanted to clean out my dressing room and also wanted to stock up on a few different eye shadows, I have always been a MAC fan but heard such great things on the Naked Palette so decided to give it a try and make a purchase via Beauty Bay, free shipping was a plus and it cost be around $56

Anyways, I am sure my next post will be about beautiful Bali! I have so much study to cram in before I leave and husband keeps nagging me to pack and clean the house. The social calendar is getting OTT, tomorrow morning I have a book launch breakfast in the morning so should be fun.

KB

Time to stop and smell the roses

This is my new mantra...I am embracing each line on a daily basis

My week thus far has been relatively productive, feeling that the Melbourne weather may have helped pull me out from hibernation. On Monday I indulged in a pedicure with S and had a great gossip session it was so nice to catch up, I think we are both on the same page with Asian pedi salons, you get what you pay for. We have both been cursed with nail infections from these places so my approach this summer will be to BYO my own pedi tools. I have been in love with a couple of nail polishes she has recently purchased the Chanel- Blue Rebel and the OPI- Berlin There Done That, and was thrilled that she bought them with her for me to use, sweet girl.

On Tuesday I stayed focused and did the Ripped in 30 workout DVD, at the 20 minute mark I was gasping for air, so it was either a very difficult workout program or I am very unfit, I think the latter. I also managed to squeeze in a couple of visits from my girlfriends. I haven't seen Angie L for ages so we headed to Alice in Napier street for a coffee, the weather was beautiful and perfect to enjoy our coffee outside and catch up on the wedding plans and the jewelry business.

Upon returning I received a call from AS and we headed to Zaatar's on Sydney Road, my first visit to the iconic Brunswick location for Middle Easter food. For those that haven't been its actually situated at the old Zorbas restaurant in Coburg. I am so glad it was replaced, as this place is sensational and for $8.50 the food is fresh and worth more the money we spent. We ordered the Mezze plate and mixed the items. The fit out is modern, cozy and inviting. The food was a great and we didn't leave feeling overly bloated but very satisfied.
What I really liked about Zaatar's is the large selection of healthy food and the marriage of traditional recipes with the funky urban decor.

I headed off to do some grocery shopping as my fridge was empty I decided to do a quick tidy up and then head out for a nice walk as the day was a sunny 23 degrees, so glad I did, these were a few things I found on my journey, I love cherry blossoms, I use to have one at the front nature strip until the council removed it. It was so nice to just stop and smell the roses.

On Wednesday I decided to a huge Spring Clean and de clutter my space, I lined up all the shoes I owned and was shocked when I saw how many shoes I own, seriously a joke, I assessed each pair and decided to get rid off all the shoes that cause me blisters, that are beyond repair and the shoes that were bought a size to big and the pair I purchased in Singapore where the lady gave me mis-matched sizes, I mean really, I have worn them once and was trying to hold one foot in the shoe and the other foot was cramped in the shoe like no tomorrow. Admittedly there are shoes that date back at least 10 years.

For all my hard work I treated myself to some costume jewelry at Collette, they had a 50% off sale and I picked up all these little babies for under $35, I think that will just about do it for summer.

... and finally because I have not been able to get the dam nail polish out of my mind, I headed to Oz Nail Supply in Braybrook and purchased the Berlin colour for $13, the best place to stock up on OPI and other nail products. Spent the evening repainting the tips, pretty pleased with my efforts they usually end up looking dodgy, but it seems that I am getting better at colouring in the lines.

Also spoke to a student adviser today on the course I am doing, just waiting to see how many units I
am eligible for exception and will fill you in on the exact course, I am super excited on the next adventure.

Ok enough said....ciao Babs

Spring has sprung!

Spring is here People. Have your started your Spring Cleaning yet? Revamped your wardrobe? Doing anything special to celebrate? Tell Me Everything. 
I started taking pictures of everything in my wardrobe and using an app that groups everything and lets you create outfits with your own clothing. So far it pretty good but need to work out what background to use on certain items. Will do a review on it shortly. Anything that doesn't make it to the photo roll has been donated. This is a good opportunity to get some order in my clothing and life.

Sunny Melbourne Afernoon

It seems that Melbourne weather did not fail to disappoint this week. This weekend was also amazing and to enjoy the beautiful weather we headed Southgate market and also enjoyed some Mexican food.

On our way home I stopped and made a little purchase, being without a car and the weather getting warmer I think this lady will be put to good use, I absolutely am in love. Anyone looking for a great bike head to Reid bikes in North Melbourne, my vintage bike was a fraction of the price most retailers advertise and this is a six speed bike also and the basket is super cute. My bike is actually a little more custom and will come with a brown saddle and handles.

Southgate market and my new retro bike

Happy fathers day to all the dads also, we had a nice brekky for my father in law this morning but my old man is living it up on the Greek islands so he only received a phone call this year.


Happy Spring time

Xo Babs

Quilt over Obsession: Tribal Aura by Tracy Ellis

To celebrate the first day of Spring I changed the sheets, granted this quilt cover seems a little more wintery in colours it was still however nice to have a fresh look in the bedroom. Yes the quilt craze continues, there are heaps more to share. Is it wrong to have flannel sheets on the bed? I freeze at night until Melbourne has some consistent weather they are staying put.

Tribal by Aura by Tracy Ellis

xo Babs