Jeanswest Curve Embracer Jeans

jeans west curve embracer

I did a shout out on my Facebook page on Wednesday saying I needed new jeans and asked:

“Where does a curvy midget go for jeans that a) Won’t require taking up and b) Won’t require online shopping (poor track record)?”

I also relayed in the post that “I might end up at Jeanswest, again”, and that “I might get curve embracer jeans, again”. However, I also said I was open to new ideas. I was bombarded with brilliant suggestions! Thank you! Overwhelmingly though, I got told “go back to Jeanswest and get curve embracer jeans!”

I listened. I went yesterday. (more…)

Farmers Beauty Week – My Goodies

So, it’s Farmers Beauty Week. Here’s the pic I posted on Facebook with my bag of goodies, alongside a caption that said “Who wants to see what I got?” I’m such a tease. #sorrynotsorry.

Farmers Beauty Week

In case you missed the memo, it’s Farmers Beauty Week (here in NZ, this post will be utterly uninteresting if you aren’t on NZ shores). I got some super awesome beauty scores last year, so I was excited to get my bum in there this week. In my experience, it’s worth holding out for.  (more…)

Lou’s Faves – February

I’ve been in two minds about writing this blog post as I’m mindful I haven’t done my usual favourites post for 2016, yet alone January or February.  Frankly, I’ve been experiencing fatigue on writing these monthly favourite blog posts, so I think I needed a break. My mojo is back though, have no fear!  So, sod the backlog: I’m abandoning that otherwise we’ll never get back on track. Here’s Lou’s Faves for February!

Replenish Wonderlift Serum by World Organics

world organics wonderlift serum
This is organic botox. I pat this serum on all over my face morning and night after cleansing and toning, including on my under eye area. It’s a one hit wonder for replenishing and renewing skin. I can bloody SEE the difference after nearly 6 weeks of using this premium organic anti-aging product.  My buddy Philly got some a couple of weeks ago and she reckons she can already see fine lines slightly abating.  #winning.

This  serum feels like a super luxurious product – and to be frank, by a country mile, this is the best serum I’ve used. Ever.  I’ve got a quarter of a container left and I’m getting anxious: This is a no brainer for repurchasing. LOVE.

Price: $75 or $60 (Jasmine Club members – click here to find out about Jasmine Club, it’s a cracking deal)
Available fromClick here (more…)

World Organics Soft Buffer Brush – That’s a foundation brush?!

I spontaneously purchased a new foundation brush, World Organics Soft Buffer Brush, a few weeks ago.  The uniqueness of this soft buffer brush totally caught my attention, it was unlike any other brush I own (in my,errr, large stash!).  It was $25. What can I say, I was caught at a weak moment. I’m a naturally curious creature with an insatiable appetite for beauty. But, you know, I kind of needed it.  

I’ve showed a few friends my World Organics Soft Buffer Brush and they all said the same thing….

“What the heck is that?” “How does that work?”

Yes, there were raised eyebrows. What sceptics! That immediately made me think that a demo video was a good idea. Boom.

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Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market – A Foodie Paradise

Hawkes Bay Farmers Market Our recent summer holiday saw us doing a huge roadie around parts of the North Island (i.e. Rotorua-Masterton-Wellington-Napier-Mahia-Cape Runaway-Rotorua-Napier-Rotorua. I lost track of how many kilometres we travelled. At last count it was over 2000km in 10 days. It’s been great from the perspective of the stunning scenery, tip top weather and catching up with friends, some of whom we haven’t seen in a long time. It’s ended up being a summer holiday I’ll remember for crayfish, gourmet salads, fantastic coffee, craft beer, lots of giggles and good books. I read for a large chunk of the roadie. I am extremely grateful to be able to read in the car: No travel sickness has ever been experienced by this wanderluster!

Anyway, last weekend, on our last few days of holiday we ended up in my hometown of Napier and we boosted it to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market. Wow. So wow in fact, I took a heap of photos on my trusty Samsung S7 to share with you. Out of all of the things we saw and did on holiday, this was one of the best experiences. And I’ve been to this market plenty of times. (more…)

Carrot Salad with Toasted Coconut and Cashew

carrot salad with toasted coconut and cashew

This carrot salad with toasted coconut and cashew was inspired by a recipe on the back of a carrot recipe! Needless to say the recipe got the “Lou Once-over” and this was the result. Yum, nailed it.  My  buddy Emma has road-tested it for me and declared it delicious.

I made this recipe in Wellington, on trip to Ohariu Valley to visit my hubby’s family. We had a good old-fashioned belated Christmas get-together and it was so much fun. This zingy carrot salad was served alongside Aunty Janet’s now famous roast turkey: Quite possibly the best turkey I’ve ever had (I want to say it was super moist, but so many people seem to have an allergic reaction to that ‘m’ word.. So I’ll put the word in brackets).  Back to the salad, this would be a sensational addition to any BBQ. You could serve it hot – we had ours cold and it was perfection.

As you know, I like recipes that can be easily modified with different ingredients. This recipe is no exception. I reckon replacing the carrot with orange kumara would be delicious. Emma and I both agree that chopped dates or cranberries would also be tip-top.  

Speaking of carrot salad recipes, have you tried this recipe for crunchy carrot, date and almond salad? This is another goodie!

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