France For Christmas!

You can see the Christmas markets in this photo and of course, the Strasbourg Cathedral (I've climbed the stairs to the top of the Cathedral btw, in tight jeans and a blazer no less - no easy feat!).

2012 will hopefully be the year I experience my first WHITE CHRISTMAS! The flights are booked and the boy and I are set to head back to France for the festive season. He's so excited to go back to Strasbourg to have Christmas with family and friends. I can't wait to walk around the Strasbourg Christmas markets, go to a Christmas church service at the Strasbourg Cathedral and hopefully wake up to snow on Christmas morning! I'm determined to try some mulled wine and authentic Bouche De Noel whilst I'm there too. Let's hope the rest of the year passes by quickly - I can't wait!

The Darnell Collection at Unique France

Last Friday I was lucky enough to attend a cocktail function at Unique France where they were show casing a selection of dresses from the Darnell Collection. The Darnell Collection is Australia's largest private collection of vintage clothing, curated by Charlotte Smith. Charlotte inherited the dresses from her American godmother and gave a short speech on the night about the history of the collection. It was a really enjoyable night in which we were able to browse the vintage couture gowns with a glass of French wine in hand and beautiful antique surrounds.

 

I wore a red lace Alannah Hill dress with a matching Alannah Hill belt, sheer black stockings and black velvet heels (scored at Myer for a bargain $8 a while ago! So pleased with that find haha). 

I left my hair down and just put a few soft waves in the front with my straightener and hairsprayed them in place. My make up was definitely inspired by Lisa Eldridge - I used her concealing method, plus wore a red lip that didn't wear off the whole night (even after drinking champagne and eating yummy canapes from Lady Lamington!) because of Lisa's amazing lipstick applying technique!

Face Of The Night: Chanel Matte Lumiere Foundation - Clair, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow in Bewitched (to fill in eyebrows and on eyelids), Urban Decay Primer Potion, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Personnel Multi-finish Lipstick in number 14, Nars 'Bloodwork' lipgloss, Cover Girl Lengthening Lash Blast mascara, MAC Studio Fix Powder N4, Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Medium, Revlon Skinlights, Nars Albatross.

Just a couple of happy snaps from the night!

A Weekend At Home!

For the Labour Day long weekend the boy and I, along with my sisters and brother in law headed home for my Grandma's 85th birthday and also to celebrate Mother's Day a week early.

It was great to catch up with family and enjoy some of Mum and Grandma's cooking. I love going home when it's cold, it's so cosy and comforting!

Popping the bubbly!

Champagne, cheese and presents for Mother's Day.

Getting a garden tour by Grandma.

A beautiful bloom from Grandma's garden.

A healthy breakfast at home - love it!

Stuck in a traffic jam in the middle of the highway!

My Little 'Work Station'

Since moving into our apartment I've realised that I've totally taken over the lounge and coffee table. It's become my getting ready space and my office, and consequently is always covered with my stuff (much to Pierre's annoyance). 

In the morning I do my make up in front of the T.V. It's great because I can spread my products and brushes out whilst I watch Sunrise and keep an eye on the time, and at night I curl up on the couch with my Mac to study and blog. Once we get the apartment properly set up I'm sure I'll find a more permanent set up for my make-up, but for the moment this is it!

My space.

Flowers, MacBook Pro, Make Up Bag, Mirror.

This is one of my favourite arrangements I've had in the apartment. The colours are so fresh and bright, and compliment each other beautifully.

My constantly over-flowing make up bag!

There's A Nip In the Air!

There's a nip in the air and I'm getting excited for the cooler weather! My favourite season is autumn because it's not too hot nor too cold and autumn/winter fashion is always the best. I just wish Queensland had more deciduous trees so Autumn really was 'Fall'.

This autumn I plan to 1. Read books 2. Drink tea 3. Read more books. 

My sister and I reading at home in our PJs. Luckily for us Mum is an avid reader/book collector and the house is sort of like a mini library.

Tea is always more enjoyable in a pretty cup - and this is my favourite one.

A book I thoroughly recommend. 

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An Easter Get Away

My Easter holidays were actual holidays this year which I am so thankful for. I got the chance to relax with my family in a beautiful waterfront apartment and enjoy some sunshine, the beach, pool and lots of wine!

Some highlights were kayaking to Bribie Island, hunting for Easter eggs, reading books and design magazines and spending time with the family.

The view from the balcony.

After a hard day swimming at the beach.

The boys and the Glass House Mountains in the background.

Stocked up on the essentials...

Five Most Used Products This Month

Palmer's Cocoa Butter - a rich, thick, sweet smelling product that's intensely moisturizing and leaves skin baby soft and smooth.

Yves Saint Laurent blush brush - love the shape of the handle and bristles of this brush. It's so soft, and blends blush beautifully.

Perfect hairspray - good hold, matte finish, not too shiny, great for holding curls and creating volume. LOVE the pretty pink can too!

Bobbi Brown Lipstick in 'Bare Pink' - perfect for nude lip without that 'dead look' going on.

St Tropez Tanning Mousse - fuss free, easy to apply and gives a natural non-orange glow.