Lust Have it - March 2014 box

Well as some background, I have had a Lusthaveit.com.au beauty box subscription for the past year. When I started the boxes were $15 including delivery, and at this time I purchased a 12-month subscription which from memory made the boxes approximately $13 per month. I have enjoyed receiving the boxes, and I have to admit that during this time I haven't had to purchase a single moisturiser and have only needed a few make-up purchases to top-up what I received in the boxes. Back when I started receiving the "boxes", the items actually came in a very handy cosmetic bag, and then they have changed to boxes which have undergone a few design changes over the past year.

However, I understand that Lusthaveit are changing packaging again, but I was a little under-whelmed to receive my latest beauty "box" in a plastic bag, particularity as they now charge $20 per box. I have taken a photo of the packaging (items are in the bubble-wrap)...

So here are the items which I received - I was very happy with most of the pack, especially that with the Bloom concealer kit.

What I received was:

1. Klara Kiss Proof Lips - Deluxe Sample Size (Full size RRP $29.00).

I was quite interested in this product as according to the Lusthaveit blurb, it consists of 100% pigment, giving 24 hour matte lips that don't smudge, fade or bleed. The colour that I received was "06", which although it looks like a medium shade of red/pink, it is a lot darker when applied. It is indeed very pigmented, which means that you have to be extra careful when applying it. I found it a little hard to apply evenly and neatly, however found better results when using it following the application of lip-liner. As a life-time wearer of lipgloss,  I have recently been trying to wear red lipstick more often, so I can see myself using this sample a lot in the next few weeks.

2. Bloom - Secret Weapon Concealer Kit - Full Size (RRP $20).

I was thrilled to get this sample - I received the medium/dark shade but would have preferred the medium/light shade if this exists. I have found in the past that shades that are dark can be used for contouring, and I know that I would still be able to easily use the yellow shade (for under-eyes) and the illuminiser. The kit consists of six concealer shades and a handy applicator brush. There is a slide-out plastic card which not only protects the products but provides instructions on how to use it. Overall an excellent sample which I look forward to trialling.

3. Orly - Nail Lacquer - Deluxe Sample Size (Full size RRP $18.95).

Cute bottle, but the colour that I received (Velvet Rope) is a glittery-purple colour which I cannot see anyone aged over 20 using. Sorry - not for me! This will most likely be used at halloween or by my children.


4. Aveda - Intensive Hydrating Masque - Sample size 7ml (Full size RRP $79.95 for 150ml)

According to the blurb this mask hydrates and cools skin, soothing dry and stressed skin. It is made with aloe, kelp, lavender and rosewater. The mask is clear and gel-like with very little scent. There were no instructions on how to use it, but I guess that it would be washed off after use? The sample is enough for one or two masks if used sparingly.

5. Gatineau - Refreshing Melting Scrub - Deluxe Sample Size 15ml (Full size RRP $58 for 75ml)

I am interested how this scrub "melts" - it apparently exfoliates the skin and his hydrating. The scrub is used on wet or dry skin then washed away. I did try a small amount on my hand, and I didn't notice the scrubbing beads melting, but perhaps this will occur when my skin is wet first. A good size sample which I should be able to use 2 or 3 times.

6. Recoverlyte - Tropical Powder - 1 x Sachet (RRP $11.95 for 10 sachets).

Apparently this powder can be mixed with water to help enhance recovery after a late night (ie when we are terribly hung-over after too much bubbly). I will be interested to see if this helps next time we have a big night (which will be next weekend by the looks of things), but I doubt that my true and tested formula of a Sausage & Egg McMuffin and loads of coffee can be bettered!

Thoughts - for my last pack from Lusthaveit I was really impressed with the samples that they provided. I am not going to renew my subscription for now as I will be trialling Beautybox on a month-by-month basis. I have found it to be great value for money, and a great way of treating myself for a few dollars per week. I still think that the brand naming is off the mark - they had some cute boxes but I didn't feel that I could let my primary-school aged daughters use them as really don't think they need a brand named "lusthaveit" on their bookcases.

Take 2 Markets

Well today I took some time out from the family, and took myself off to the Take2Market which was on in Geelong West from 10-3 today. I have seen these markets advertised before, so decided to jump at the chance given we live so close.

The market was held at the Geelong West Town Hall, parking was easy and entry was $3 which included a raffle ticket for some great looking accessories as prizes.

On first glance, it was a little overwhelming - there are a lot of stall-holders who were selling such a diverse range of items, so I did what any girl would do and dove straight in. There were a lot of vintage sellers, with gorgeous dresses that unfortunately would not do my curvy size 16 any justice, so I instead hunted down the racks which looked like they contained items that would suit me.

And boy was there a lot to choose from - there were racks and racks of designer clothes, I saw a rack of jeans which were only $2 each! My favourite stall was called "Pleasure, Little Treasure". The stall had the most gorgeous headbands and flower halos, and they were only $10 each! I am kicking myself that I didn't buy any as they were just beautiful, especially the headbands with the felt flowers. I did however pick-up the cutest butterfly necklace ($5), three pairs of flower earrings (3 for $5 - two are not in the photo as they were quickly claimed by my daughters) and a second-hand H&M necklace ($5) which I noticed was the one on my planned list of purchases when H&M opens next weekend (the seller had bought it from H&M in New York).

Other bargains that I found were a cream top by Anne Taylor "LOFT" ($5), which looks as if it will drape beautifully and a gold sequinned cardigan by Warehouse ($5) which would look great with jeans and a top underneath for a night out. I have to say that I was particularly impressed with the seller who sold me the Anne Taylor top, she was just lovely, packaging up my $5 purchase in tissue paper and finding me a bag to take my purchase home in.

From another seller I picked up a French Connection striped t-shirt ($5),a red Vigorella top ($5) and a brand new navy Mesop top for only $10 - bargain!!!

Overall I loved it - I could have easily bought more, especially with the racks and racks of designer clothes, but unfortunately my budget did not allow it this time. There were quite a few stalls that I didn't even look at, some selling bags, shoes and accessories as well as clothes. An event which I will definitely put in my calendar for next time (and hopefully those cute headbands from Pleasure, Little Treasure will be there).

Bellabox March 2014 Review

This is the first time I have received a Bellabox subscription box. I have been receiving Lusthaveit boxes for the past year after purchasing a heavily reduced subscription, but thought I would try the competition. This box cost me $10 due to a recent promotion, however the box is $15 per month.

So firstly, delivery was VERY fast. I received email notification that the box was on the way, and I was able to track the location of the box online, which I didn't have to do as it was on my doorstep early this morning. 

Opening the box - I love the blue box, it is smaller than the lusthaveit boxes, but quite sturdy and would be good for storage. I also don't really like the lusthaveit boxes as the wording makes it sound like I would have "adult" products stored inside lol....

Initial reaction - what a great box! Have a look.... I received six items, including two full-sized items (the lipstick and nail-art kit).

1. ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick - Matte Lipstick in Vanity Fair RRP $16.95

I have to admit that after seeing other reviews that this was the one shade that I didn't want (I would have preferred a red/orange/pink shade). When applied it has a great, creamy texture, however the colour looks terrible on me - giving me a 90's, gothic look due to it's dark raisin-brown shade. However I did find that if I used it as a lip stain and applied clear lipgloss over it that it actually looks pretty good - will keep this after all. 

2. Happy Skincare TLC Intensive Repair Oil RRP $29.70 for 100ml 

I am not sure what size sample this is, I estimate it to be around 15ml and the sample is in a handy pump pack. Apparently the oil is good for dry skin, sunburn, scars or stretch marks. When I tried the sample it was easy to apply, however it looks, smells and feels just like olive oil.... It did make my skin feel softer and well moisturised though.

3. Glam 3 in 1 Nail Art Pens with Jewels RRP $9.95

I was a bit excited about getting this, as although I rarely have time to do my nails, it is always fun to try new girly products. The kit includes a 2 in 1 nail polish, which you can apply as normal or as a nail pen. The pen also contains nail jewels which can be applied with the enclosed cuticle stick. Finally the kit includes stencils which can be used for nail art. I did have a go at the stencils, however the nail polish in the kit was quite runny, and it simply ran under the stencil which left me with a messy smudge... I will have another go, but will use less nail polish or another brand with the stencils. Overall its a bit of fun, and it may just be my technique which needs work. I am pretty happy with the kit though! 

4. St Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Ageing Multi-Action Face Cream RRP $39.94 for 50ml 

Cute sample (5ml) in a useful tube. The cream itself is off-white and applies clear, with no offensive smell. I like the idea of a separate fake tan for your face, but realistically I can't see myself using this product as it is a lot easier to just use some bronzer. 

5. Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner -  RRP $7.99 for 350ml

I have received these samples before and have found that I love this shampoo/conditioner. It does seem to make my hair feel lighter, and less weighed down, creating that "swish" factor that I usually only feel when I leave a salon. Happy to receive these samples as they are great when travelling. 

6. Natualus Paw Paw Pure Gel RRP $9.95 for 75g

Small sachet of gel - I really don't like sachet samples and I am less inclined to use them as I have to use them all in one go. Will give it a go though as we often use Paw Paw products in this house, and I like that it can be used on insect bites and sunscreen - if it works it may be a useful product to take camping. 

Overall thoughts

For $10 this is a bargain! I will definitely use the lipstick and the skin oil, and even if I don't use the nail art kit fully I know my daughters will. The shampoo/conditioner will be thrown into the suitcase that we often use, and I will add the paw-paw cream to the first-aid kit that we take camping. Not sure about the face tanner though, realistically it won't be used, but you never know! 

Spring onions - replant and save!

Saving money tip #1

Spring onions - replant and save!

We have all been there - we go grocery shopping with the best of intentions, and buy lovely fresh fruit and vegetables, but before you know it you have wilted, mushy, science-experiment worthy specimens hiding at the back of the fridge.

Spring onions certainly fall into this category - we would often buy a bunch, use a few and leave the rest to wilt in the fridge. However we have stopped doing this by simply planting them in the garden. It really is that easy - all you have to is make sure that when you buy them that most of the bunch still have the roots at the bottom (most do). When I unpack the groceries I put any spring onions that don't have any roots into the fridge and quickly plant the rest into our herb garden. No special effort required - and they will last months in the garden without too much effort besides the occasional watering.

Grandma's old-fashioned style curried sausages

This dish is total comfort food - fairly old-fashioned and perhaps a bit daggy, but my kids almost lick the plates clean they love it that much! It is also a meal that can make using items from the pantry/freezer and is a cheap way to feed a crowd.

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Curried Sausages

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

8-10 sausages

1 tsp olive oil

2 x brown onions, peeled & sliced

1 tbs Keens curry

2 tbs plain flour

1-2 carrots, peeled & chopped

2 cups chicken stock (made with stock cube or powdered stock to save $$$)

2 tbs tomato sauce (ketchup)

1 tsp sugar

1-2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1/4 cup milk

Plus mashed potato or rice to serve (you could serve it with extra vegetables if desired)

Method:

1. Brown sausages in a large frying pan, remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Add olive oil to pan (if needed) and fry onion for 2 minutes.

3. Add curry powder to pan and cook for 1 minute. 

4. Add flour and stir, add sausages, carrots, stock, tomato sauce and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 

5. Add frozen vegetables and milk, simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Serve with mashed potato or rice. 

Saving money: Menu Planning

Menu planning is something we have been doing for years, especially once I realised that without a weekly plan we not only spent a lot more money by constantly going food shopping, we also were less stressed.

I usually do my menu plan on a weekly basis, and base my grocery list on this. I firstly look at what we have in the fridge or freezer, and plan to use these first. For example, we had a BBQ over the weekend, and for some reason we have a few sticks of cabana left in the fridge, as well as some salami - I will use this for our "Bits and pieces pasta" dish (see recipe below). I also look at what our family is doing, for example if someone is not going to be home until later I would plan to cook something that is easy to reheat.

Our menu this week looks like this:

Monday - Meatless lasagne (I can't believe it's not meat lasagne) with salad
Tuesday - Bits and Pieces Pasta
Wednesday - Tuna Pasta bake
Thursday - Curried sausages, mashed potato & vegies
Friday - Crumbed chicken & homemade chips with garlic aoili
Sat - Takeaway
Sun - Easy dinner - most likely eggs on toast

Backup Dinner - Baked meatballs & spaghetti

Baking - Chocolate cake (will bake two of these as they go so quickly in our house)

My grocery bill was around $170 for the week (including a bottle of gin for a few G&Ts) :-)

Bits and Pieces Pasta

Ingredients:

Packet of pasta of your chosing (enough to feed your family)
Salami/cabana/chorizo sausage - chopped
1 x Onion chopped
Sundried tomatoes (we keep a large container in our fridge)
Olives
Garlic
Basil (from the garden)
Olive oil
Whatever else that you can find in the fridge - for example some leftover basil dip goes well, or some leftover roast pumpkin, mushrooms, any antipasto leftovers, fetta cheese....
Parmesan cheese to serve. .

Method:

All we do is fry up the meat and onion in a little olive oil (usually we use chorizo) until the fat renders and the meat is crispy, then add whatever you have to add to the dish. It can be as complex or as simple as you want. We buy olives and sundried tomatoes in bulk and keep them in the fridge so we always have a simple dinner ready to go.

Whilst frying the ingredients we cook the pasta. Then drain the pasta, but keep a cup of the pasta water for later.

Toss the drained pasta through the pan-fried ingredients, adding a little olive oil. If the pasta looks dry add some of the pasta water.

Add parmesan cheese to serve. It's not a precise recipe, as the recipe amounts will change according to how many you need to serve and what you have in the fridge.

Money Saving Tip: Some supermarket delis sell the salami ends at a greatly reduced price. As you are going to dice them up anyway they are perfect for this dish.

H&M Australia opening - My shopping list

    

Well - I'm really not much of a shopper, my "inner greenie" detests buying things that I really don't need, but for the first time in ages I am really excited about a new store opening.

I was first introduced to H&M a few years ago whilst in Hong Kong, I went a little crazy there (mind you the exchange rate was heavily in our favour at the time). I often received comments about the clothes that I bought from there, and a few years later still wear many of those items on a regular basis.

So I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of H&M to our shores. Their first Australian store opens in a few weeks - 5th April 2014 at 10.00am to be precise. I am tempted to go on the first day, but might give it a few weeks (and wait until school resumes so I can have a shopping trip sans children).

Whilst waiting, anyone can peruse what will be available on the H&M website, and whilst they are not offering online shopping, you can see what will be available, and at what price. I love the sneak peek, but would be happier if we could shop online also, or at least add items to a "wish-list".

So what am I planning to buy? Here are a few ideas....

Jersey top                         This blouse       Perhaps these pants  


This dress                     A relaxed t-shirt    Some new jeans   



Double-breasted coat     These shoes     Statement necklace  



Finally.... this bag  

Looking forward to a big spend-up (mind you - the prices are very good). What will you buy?

Easy One-Bowl Chocolate Cake!

It's almost my birthday, and I was lucky enough to get some early birthday gifts from family over the weekend. One of them was an awesome bundt-style cake tin (the same tin is available here)

I lasted a whole 24 hours before I just had to use it - by making the easiest, moistest chocolate cake ever!

And the best bit - the recipe is dead easy - you don't even have to beat butter or melt chocolate - you just mix it in one bowl. Original recipe can be found here, but I have made some slight alterations.


One-bowl Chocolate Cake 

Serves 10-12

Note: I used a large bundt style ring tin, so if a normal round tin is used you may need to adjust cooking times.


Dry Ingredients

250g plain flour
300g sugar
75g cocoa (plus extra for dusting tin)
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs - lightly beaten
1 cup cold coffee (I made it up using instant coffee)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees (Celsius). Grease tin and dust with extra cocoa.

2. In large bowl, mix dry ingredients. Make a well and add wet ingredients. Mix until smooth. Note: the batter is quite thin.

3. Pour batter into prepared tin, bake in middle of oven for 35-40 minutes. Use a skewer or sharp knife to check if cooked (skewer/knife will come out clean if cooked). Allow to cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto a cake rack to cool completely.

4. Ice if preferred, however I just sprinkled some icing sugar over it and it looked great!

5. Enjoy!

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