I’ve got a real medley of favourites this month. I’m going to branch out a little beyond beauty and food as I often find there are things that really spin my wheels and I’m keen to share, but they aren’t beauty and food related. But I reckon you’ll be OK with that. Right?
The Husband’s Secret: I recently had a couple of seriously late nights reading this book to find out what would happen. In my experience, being knackered as a result of being buried in a book is a sure-fire sign that it’s a goodie. The plot centres around Cecilia, devoted Mum, Tupperware sales guru and all-round model of efficiency (she exhausts me), who discovers a note from her husband that is only to be read in the event of his death…. Of course, Cecilia opens it. The letter contains her hubby’s deepest darkest secret… And it’s a doozy! It’s a fairly easy and light read which is the perfect ‘wind down’ ticket for me: After a busy week at work I can’t handle serious and deep…. If you like Jo Jo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern, Marian Keyes, you’ll enjoy this. Tip: Buy it from Paper Plus: For some reason other book stores sell this for NZ$35 but I got it for under $20… The sales assistant was taken aback by the price on it when she rang it through the till but she investigated and said that was it’s usual price. Bargain..
Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex from Image Skincare: What a mouthful of a product name. They should just call it ‘crack for lips’. This addictive lip balm is seriously hydrating and packed full of antioxidants and skin repairing ingredients that soften and sooth the lips. It’s also got a peptide for anti-aging benefits, so if you are starting to experience those pesky fine lines around the lips: You’ll love how this will help wind the clock back a tad (apply it on the lips as well as just outside your lip line). I apply this little gem as part of my morning beauty regime and by the time I put my lippy on my lips are beautifully hydrated and ready for lippy. I also apply this at the end of the day when it’s ‘face take-off time’. My only niggle is the NZ$35 price tag for 7g of product but, unlike my lipsticks that often cost the same amount: This will have my lips thanking me. This is a ‘must have’ for my beauty regime. I bought this from Simply Indulgent in Taradale and that’s one thing to note: The Image range is only available through a licensed beautician. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find a list of Image Skincare stockists in NZ, but I know there are lots of places that sell it, so definitely keep an eye out! (PS: This would make a great Christmas pressie idea for either yourself, your Mum/Mum-in-law!).
Garnier Perfect Blur: I bought Garnier’s new Perfect Blur this at the supermarket on the weekend for NZ$14 on sale ahead of the makeup workshop I ran with my girlfriends. Both of my favourite primers (Benefit’s Porefessional and Youngblood’s Mineral Primer) are running dangerously low and I wanted a last-minute primer for my workshop that everyone could use – that wouldn’t break my credit card. Holy moly – it’s good, REALLY good. All 6 ladies at the workshop applied this and were wowed (and noted it on their Beauty Wish Lists). Apply this after your usual day cream and before your usual base (foundation/BB cream etc). The product works by smoothing, slightly filling in fine lines and pores and reducing shine (ideal if you have oily skin)). I can actually see me wearing this on ‘no makeup’ days, it gives the skin a nice natural finish (but better than my ‘natural’ skin!) Now, it doesn’t say anywhere on the packaging that it’s specifically a foundation primer but I can assure you it works just like one. I was going to buy a new Porefessional at Duty Free in a couple of weeks before I go on holiday, I won’t now: This is as good as Benefit’s $50+ offering. All in all: A great beauty bargain find. Usual retail price is NZ$20. Available at Farmers, all supermarkets and most pharmacies.
Budapest by George Ezra: I’m in love with this song. This talented British newcomer has me tapping my feet and smiling and I adored it from the first moment I heard it. I’m glad this is racing ahead in the Top 40 music stakes (if that’s what it’s called: I’m out of touch with such things!)
LSA: This stands for linseed, sunflower and almond and is a super-food staple that Hubby and I have been scoffing back lately. We sprinkle this over our muesli, yogurt and I add a scoop to breads, cakes and smoothies. Not only is it delicious it ticks the nutritional boxes with being high in protein and Omega-3 fats (which promotes both healthy heart and brain functions). Here’s my recipe!
So, what are you loving lately?
