Chirstmas Gift Guide ... for him!

Gift Guide for Him...

Guys can be really hard to buy for, so I thought I'd put together this gift guide with some ideas. This can be used for dads, boyfriends, brothers, male colleagues, etc etc.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Him by michaelaarghh on Polyvore

1. Watch - Watches make a great gift, and there are so many styles to choose from at so many different prices, to suit whatever budget you have.
2. Tablet - If the man you're buying for is busy or a tech-head, a tablet computer can be a great idea. This one is the Samsung 2 10.1 - easy to use, affordable and it runs on Android which has heaps of great free apps to download.
3. Video Games - There are so many new PS3 and xbox games out at the moment, and if the guy you're buying for plays, this is a great gift idea.
4. Sports Gear - If the guy you're buying for likes exercising, think about getting some new sports gear! Last year we got J's dad a new gym bag set and he loved it. Runners are also a great idea, or some new sports equipment - tennis racquets etc.
5. Camera - Everyone loves a new camera! Think digital cameras, or even something fun like the Polaroid 300 Instant Camera.
6. Sunglasses - Essential for Summer!
7. Clothes - Clothes are always a great idea - if you have a boyfriend who dresses like a dag this is a nice and subtle way to introduce cooler clothes into his wardrobe.
8. Books- Even if the guy you're buying for isn't a reader, books can still make a great gift idea. Try themed cookbooks (True Blood Cookbook? Uhm hello, yes please!), or if he's a Bond fan there's a heap of James Bond-themed stuff out at the moment.

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? What are you getting the men in your life this Christmas?

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Manicure Nail Kit

I got sick of juggling all my nail-y items from their storage place every time I wanted to paint my nails, so decided to put together this manicure kit.
I used an old Bellabox for storage; it's durable, and the perfect size, and yay for recycling!

So this is everything in the box:



1. Hand Cream
I rotate this one around often, at the moment I'm using U Little Beauty's Nourishing Hand Cream. There's something really cathartic about moisturising my hands and this is a step I love to spend time on when finishing my manicure routine.

2. Nail Polish Remover
This is an obvious item to include. I'm just using a Coles brand one at the moment. Acetone works really fast at dissolving nail polish, however it can also be quite damaging. I have a non-acetone one in the cupboard for when my nails are feeling weak. However, this is my normal go-to if I'm in a rush or wearing glitter nail-polish. I find as long as I wear a decent base coat the damage isn't too bad.

3. Callous Remover
The less-than-glamorous part of being a pole dancer is the ugly calluses that appear on my palms. Gross, yeah? Although a pumice stone usually keeps them in check, sometimes I need something a bit meaner

4. Nail Files and Nail Clippers.
Obvious tools are obvious.



5. Cotton Balls
We pretty much buy these in bulk, so we have a massive bag of them, but I like keeping a few in my manicure kit to remove nail-polish.

6. Base Coat
A base coat is absolutely essential when painting your nails. Not only does it fill ridges to create a smooth base for the polish, but it also helps protect your nails from discolouration. Some formulas include strengthening vitamins as well.

7. Nail Polish
The nail polish switches around depending on what I'm painting. The best thing about putting this kit together means that all I have to do is pick the colour I want. Easy as!

What are your nail-painting essentials?

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Review and Swatch-Fest: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 

With the launch of the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains in Australia, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you, and some swatches on the four colours I have - Precious, Cherish, Lovesick and Crush. Crush and Lovesick were both given to me from Jessie in our International blog swap.

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Precious

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Cherish

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Lovesick. 

Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Crush

As you can see, the intensity of the colours depends entirely on the colour you choose. The nuder, pinkier colours are not as deep or pigmented as the darker colours. However, they still provide a really nice coverage on the lips. Fun anecdote: I wore nude 'Precious' on Sunday to the annual referees awards lunch to cover a cut on my lip. It wore off by the afternoon, and J thought it was a bit of food on my lip and tried to wipe it off, because he hadn't noticed it earlier in the day. Sweet, huh?
What I'm trying to say is the colour payoff on these is excellent.
I don't know if I'd go as far as calling them a 'stain' though, because although the staying power is great, it's not stain-worthy (maybe 3-4 hours of wear? Half that with food). That being said, they are veryyyy moisturising so that's a definite plus considering stains are super drying.

There's a hint of a minty taste upon application, but it doesn't tingle and doesn't last long, so I definitely love that.

The packaging is also definitely in the 'pro' column. They don't feel cheap, the silver ends screw up to reveal more product, and the lid sits on nice and tight, so isn't going to fall off in your handbag. However, the only issue I have is that the lid doesn't fit on the end, so you're kind of left awkwardly holding it while applying your make-up. Or, putting it down somewhere and finding you lost it. No, that's just me? Carry on then.

As for texture, when applied the balm stains feel like a lip balm. No thick, greasy lipstick feel.

All in all, I loveeeee these and ever since Jessie sent me a couple I've pretty much worn these exclusively.

Do you own any? What colours are your favourite? 
I'm normally a bright lip girl, but I've been loving nude lips lately...



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My Week in Pictures #16

 

J makes the best food - I am so lucky to be with a guy who not only cooks well, but loves to do so! Every Saturday night we have steak and salad. For something different this week we also made mini pizzas! So nom, and so healthy depending on what you put on them. 

 

Did some reading in Hyde Park while waiting for J to finish work. We saw Skyfall, which unfortunately was really disappointing. But I also finished J.K. Rowling's Casual Vacancy and that was excellent (btw lemme know if you want a review on it - I'd love to write one but only if you peeps want to read it) So it was a week of ups and downs. Also stocked up on some new iced teas. Nom. 

 

Iced tea and tea lights - so perfect on a balmy Summer night. 

My friend B and I were in the city on Thursday and ran into Zoe Foster in Myer! She's such a babe - so friendly and nice. And she signed 'Amazing Face' for the both of us!

Had the Annual Awards lunch for my soccer referee association on Sunday arvo, and won the award for 'Female Referee of the Year'. Pretty sweet trophy, but we're not entirely sure what the figure on the top is doing. J thinks he's doing a rendition of Greased Lightning. 

What was the last trophy you won for? 

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Lust Have It November!

Now I can't be 100% certain, but I think LHI might not be doing the three categories of boxes anymore - the card that comes with the box that contains the product info was really generalised and it didn't say which of the three boxes I received. Anyone have any thoughts on this? 

This month the products came in a bright blue makeup case - I love the colour and apparently this is the last month they're using these bags - next month is a "new range of collectible packaging", so I guess that's something to look forward to. 

Now onto what I received:

1. Modelco Fibre Lashxtend Mascara

RRP - $28. 

(no mention of size on the product info card or the product itself)

On first glance this appears to be a pretty standard mascara - the wand is nothing to write home about, so maybe it's all in the formula? They claim it gives a "false lash effect" but I haven't tested these claims yet so can't comment on whether they do or not. The side of the bottle has a small mirror which is a cute, yet probably slightly impractical, idea. 

2. Davroe Hair Wellness Smooth Sense Straightening Balm

125mL / 200g = $22.50

I received a 50g sample. This is used for straightening hair and taming flyaways - something I definitely have an issue with so I'm keen to give this a go. It has quite a florally scent, which is somewhat strange for a haircare product but isn't unpleasant. 

3. Face of Australia Purifying Cleansing Wipes

25 wipes = $4.95

I received a full size of this product. These wipes are alcohol free - which is cool if you're into that. I have tried one out, and although it did a pretty good job I still prefer the Biore wipes I use daily. These aren't completely useless though, so I will still use them up and are an excellent cheaper option. I would still wash my face after using though to ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed. 

4. Lomasi Pomegranate Body Creme

236 mL = $22.95

I received a 30mL sample of this. How funny this should arrive while I'm going through a pomegranate loving phase! Pomegranate has 3x the anti-oxidant power of green tea and it smells delicious. This moisturiser is quite lightweight and sinks in easily with a nice scent that's not too overpowering (but definitely smells like Summer!) I also really like the packaging - something about the matte black lid just looks so indulgent to me. This is quite expensive but I think it's nice as a "treat yourself" product. 

5. Star&Rose Hologram Tweezer

RRP = $9.94

I honestly wasn't expecting that much from these tweezers, but they do a pretty good job of grabbing onto those tiny little hairs and pulling them out. The design on them is pretty cute, and they're affordable! Win, win win. 

Overall...

I'm pretty happy with what I received in this month's LHI box. I think there was a good mix of make-up, hair care, skin care and body care and I will use the products I received (which for me - always means value). 

What did you receive in your LHI box?

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Hair Care Series Part Five: My Blow-Drying Routine!

Today I'm sharing my blow-drying routine, right from when I step out of the shower.

Check out the video below for more sexy details:



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My Week in Pictures #15

This past week gone has been really relaxing, and I didn't really get up to much at all, which is nice for a change!

My little sister had her year 12 formal on Thursday night! I did her make-up, and decided to go with a golden, bronzey eye with nude lips to complement her royal blue dress. She looked beautiful! 

I love this photo of her with Snookie, she has such a gorgeous natural smile! Speaking of, Snookie went back home to mum's on Saturday, but not before she slashed my face open:

Thoroughly unimpressed. 

On Sunday we headed off to Ikea and Bunnings. I have a really cool organising project we're currently working on and I can't wait to share it with you all. 

We also picked Rommy up some cat grass:

Nomnomnom. Poor kitty has also been throwing up since Thursday. It's suspected he may have eaten a bit of plastic, so his poor tummy is a bit irritated. We took him to the vet this morning, and  he should be fine. We had to fast him for the rest of today, which he was not pleased about at all. 

On to other news, I got some new pole moves down last night! This was the first time I attempted any of these, so I'm pretty fucking psyched I got them all! 

Check it out! 

 

Cross ankle release. 

 

Flatline! In the first photo, my arm creates a weird line, but I got it in the second one!

SUPERMAN! 

What did you achieve this week?
How much does it suck to have a sick pet?



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November Bellabox!

I always get so happy when I see the Bellabox waiting on my doorstep, and I'm really happy with what was in this month's box!

This was the 'Soiree Season Staples' box. The theme for this one was beauty products and essentials to get you through the party season. You may notice in the above photo some great products, so let's get into it! 

1. Bioderma Crealine H20 Cleansing Water

250mL = $39.95

I received a 20mL sample. This is such a cult product, I'm sure you're all aware of it. I've been curious about it for ages but never been brave enough to shell out the RRP of $39.95 for 250mL; especially when I know it is a lot cheaper in France (and J has a French friend who could get it for me for cheaper!)

2. 4me Nail Polish Remover Pads

30 pads = $3.49

Super convenient wipes that quickly remove polish while conditioning nails and cuticles at the same time. 

I received a full size product. These are a really cute idea - I love the packaging, I love the idea of having nail polish remover on me and not spilling all throughout my bag (the number of times I've had to deal with chipped polish at work! - bleurgh!). I gave these a go and they left my fingers slicked full of oil. They didn't remove my nail polish any quicker than ordinary nailpolish remover and a cotton pad. However, they are super convenient. 

3. Swisse Hand Cream with Vitamin D and Pomegranate

100mL = $14.95

I received a 30mL sample. I think the size of this one is great, as it can easily be thrown into my handbag without weighing it down. I didn't even know that Swisse had a body products range, so I'm really interested to try this out, even though it sounds a bit pseudo-sciencey. Still, you can never have too many handcreams! 

4. Palmolive Strawberry Smoother Body Butter Wash

400mL = $6.49

I received a 50mL sample. I'm unsure as to whether I'll try this one out or not, as it's packed full of sulphates which gives me eczema on my legs. It smells just like a strawberry smoothie though, and the mini bottle is really cute. 

5. Bloom Gitter Liquid Eyeliner

4g = $14.95

I received a full sized sample. I think this is actually really tiny for a full sized product! I've never used glitter liquid eyeliner before, and if this one works well I think it would be really cute to use for Christmas!

6. John Plunkett Essentials Multi Vitamin Moisturiser

20mL = $9.95

I received a full sized sample. I love moisturisers and am always keen to try new ones. Apparently the vitamins in this help your skin to feel supple, firm and protected so that's always good. 

7. Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack

10 sheets = $21.99

I received one sheet. I'm actually reallllllly excited to give this one a go. This is a Korean product used to get rid of black and whiteheads. I have an issue with blackheads and blocked pores on my nose, so hopefully this works for me. I think I'll do a review on it once I've used it - just to see if it's any different to regular old pore strips. 

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CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Source

It is getting so close to Christmas now, with only a little more than 5 weeks to go!
The Christmas displays have started going up in the shops, and I'm starting to freak out that I haven't properly considered what I'm buying for whom.

Every year Christmas has its dramas, but I can't help but still love the holiday season. I love the feeling of giving gifts and catching up with everyone.

So with that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to give a gift to one of you guys, my readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will receive:

1. An adorable spotty Christmas stocking
2. 100g Limited Edition Lush Ponche Shower Gel
3. Lush Sandy Santa Sugar Scrub
4. Pack of Christmas Chocolate Truffles!

The Rules

To enter all you need to do is:

1. Make sure you're a follower on this blog via Google Friend Connect. 
2. Leave me a comment below telling me:
   a) what you have planned for Christmas day
   b) what you plan to wear (fashion-wise and/or makeup-wise)
3. follow me on twitter and tweet daily about the giveaway to earn extra entries!

The giveaway is open internationally and will close at 6pm, 14th December AEDST.

I will draw a winner at this time, and notify them via email. 

To allow postage on time, the winner has 24 hours to respond or I will draw a new winner. 

I'm also hosting another, separate giveaway over at my Youtube channel so go check it out, and enter there as well!
(N.B. These are two different competitions!) Click the video  below for entry details for that one. 

GOOD LUCK and MERRY CHRISTMAS

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The Hair-Care Series Part Four: PARLUX 3800 REVIEW

For my birthday, J got me a Parlux 3800! I promised all the way back in July that I would write a proper review on it, and here we are! I really try to give myself enough time with the appliance so I know it well enough and can give you guys my genuine thoughts and feelings on it. I've now been using this for 4 months, and think that is more than enough time to have formed a valid opinion on it.

What they Say:

• Delivers beyond 2000 hours with substantially more airflow. 
• Built in silencer designed to specifically reduce noise
• Emission of negative ions offers a natural "healthy" function to leave hair soft and shiny. 
• Speeds up drying time
• Patented ceramic and ionic system which helps the hair to maintain moisture for smoother, healthier results. 

Specs:

- More than 73 cubic meters per hour for fast drying
- 2200watts
- 4 temperatures
- 2 speeds
- Instant cold shot button for the perfect setting of your hair
- 10 foot cord with a safety plug
- Parlux standard 1 year warranty

What it Does:

I know it's easy to think that this is just "another hairdryer", but I honestly believe the Parlux is in a completely different category to hairdryers. This thing is seriously the Rolls Royce of the hair industry. The Parlux is industry famous and used in salons world wide (seriously! check which hairdryer your hairdresser uses next time you're there!) and for good reason. 

Parlux claims that because it is ceramic and ionic it dries your hair quicker and with less damage than any other hairdryer on the market. 

My Hair Type:

I have thin, very dry hair. It's also bleached, so quite damaged from that. Although naturally my hair is straight, the bleach has changed my hair cuticle making it quite wavy and kinky. (Or so my hairdresser says...) I have also used this however, on my sister's hair: thick, dry, very curly and come up with the same results.

My First Thoughts:

I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it's really hard not to. The first thing I considered when opening my present was the packaging. The hairdryer literally came in a cardboard box with some writing on the front - nothing fancy, nothing extravagant, and given what you pay for it I thought this was pretty strange. 

Parlux pride themselves on producing the world's only 'eco friendly' hairdryer. When I did a bit of research into this, I discovered it meant that the hairdryer itself is built out of recycled materials, the box is made from recycled cardboard and the actual appliance also uses less energy and is more efficient. So that explains the non-indulgent packaging. I can deal with that. 

I'll be completely honest with you; the first time I used this I could not work out why this was so great. I couldn't work out the controls (the manual that it comes with is limited in information) and it didn't seem to produce much "heat". After using it a few times though, and getting the hang of it, I'm a total convert. It dries my hair in 10 minutes, 15 max and leaves it soft and shiny afterwards; neither of which I was never able to achieve with my previous hairdryer.

Basically, the controls on it are really simple to use (and sensibly placed on the handle) the 'red' switch is the heat setting, with the 'blue' switch being the air speed control. Both have 2 settings, so that leaves a few combinations. I personally just use it with the red button turned to MAX and the blue setting left off. I find that the speed and force in which the air comes out of the hairdryer compensates the lack of heat. This has completely changed my attitudes towards hair drying; I used to think that the hotter it could get, the quicker my hair would dry. This is completely false. 

Do I Think it has Lived up to the Claims?

YES. YES. YES. 

This is why:

• I used to hate washing my hair because I'd then have to spend half an hour drying it. The Parlux has literally cut that time in half, and leaves it looking less frizzy and with little to no 'flyaways'. This is because of the negative ions it produces, which helps to combat static electricity. When I style it properly with the concentrator nozzle I end up with that 'salon' hair. And I don't even really know how to blowdry properly. 
• This is super easy to use straight out of the box, which is something I appreciate in technology. 
• I wouldn't buy it on its 'silencer' claims alone - although quieter than my old hairdryer it is still pretty noisy. This claim was one of the reasons I went for the 3800 over one of the lesser models, and tbh I would just go with a lower model. You are still going to get an incredibly durable, reliable appliance. 
• If you've ever had your hair blow dried at a salon, you would know that it lasts longer than that one day. As you can achieve that same quality at home, there is less need to blow dry and straighten your hair every day, which automatically leads to your hair being in a better condition. 
• I also think Parlux have done well to balance the weight between the handle and the top of the hairdryer, so it's quite evenly distributed. Although it is kind of heavy, the nice distribution of weight means it won't tire out your wrist or hand. 

The only negative thing I have to say about this is that:

• It is pricey, at roughly AUD$149.95. However, like I mentioned above, if you were to go with the other models (3200, 3500) which are probably just as excellent, you can save yourself about $50.00. 
• I also kind of wish it did come with a more comprehensive manual. 

Where You Can Buy It:

This is a hairdryer designed for commercial use, so they're not that easy to come across in stores. I think the Shaver Store stocks them, as does Sydney Salon Supplies. However, I would probably check out Recreate Yourself and ebay - I've found them to be a bit cheaper on there. 

Because they are designed for use in salons, they are incredibly durable, incredibly long-lasting (I read reviews before asking for mine from people who have had theirs for 10+ years!) and excellent quality. Although it is tempting to buy a cheapy $50 hairdryer, this one is going to do wonders for your hair - especially if it's frizzy. 

What hairdryer do you own?

Stay tuned next week for part five of the hair-care series: my blow-drying routine.

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