Holiday Poinsettia Hurricane Vase

I made this candle vase today following Martha's tutorial for "Holiday Harvest Hurricanes" .  Martha's features autumn leaves and while Thanksgiving came and went-- I'm ready for Christmas!

This is such a beautiful project!  If you buy the stencil kit, you can make one for every season!

A few tips:
**Seriously-- splurge for the Martha products.  I cheaped out on the paint and tape and I was sorry.  I used regular acrylic paint and it was difficult to get a rich, even coat on the glass.  Also, my masking tape peeled up part of the spray painted surface.  I have a feeling the Martha stencil tape would have been a wise investment!
**If you live in a warm climate-- don't stencil in the sun!  The spray paint part got a bit sticky and blemished.

What Christmas crafts have you been working on?

Rimmel London I Love Lasting Finish Nailpolish Review

Recently I bought some Rimmel London nailpolishes, they were on sale, so I couldn't resist! I usually change my nailpolish every week so they will be used. I bought a few, but love this color its 199 Go Cobalt - a beautiful Midnight blue type color.

The range is the I love Lasting Finish which they claim should be a long lasting color, and chip resistant.

I applied this on my nails and after about 4 days I saw a little chip on the side of one of my nails, and it was around about day 6-7 that it was time to change my nailpolish. Thats pretty good actually, so I'm quite impressed with this nailpolish.

They have another range called the The Rimmel London 60 second nail polish that I have tried and love more than this one. They retail for about $10 from Priceline or department stores.

Whats your favourite nailpolish?

Maybelline Eye Studio Quads - Legenday Lilac Review

I really like Maybelline eyeshadows, so I bought the Maybelline Eye Studio Quad in Legendary Lilac. I love purples and pinks, so I chose this quad which has beautiful colors.

Working from left to right of the palette, the first shade is for the base- its a really light white with pink in it, the second shade is for the lid a beautiful pink colour, the third is to contour the crease - a gorgeous light lilac purple and the fourth is to define and line the eye - a deep purple colour. The formula is a beautiful silky, creamy blend. The texture is soft, making it easy to blend the colors.



The colors in this Legendary Lilac pallette are a lighter color on, then what they look like in the pallette, which was a shame. But you can mix and match them however you like. There is a guide on the back of the pallette on how to apply the colours. These colours are shimmery as well, so if you dont like shimmery eyeshadow then this may not be for you. The shimmers are only noticeable depending on the lighting.

Overall a great product, and there are a few great shades to choose from. They retail for $16.95aud

Do you have a favourite eyeshadow at the moment?

Your body will love this! Dove Triple Moisturising Body Wash Review

Dove Triple Moisturising Body Wash is soap free, rich and creamy and contains three moisturisers which work in three ways:

1. deep absorption to work longer and more intensively than surface only moisturisation, 

2. replenishment of the skin's natural moisture level from within, 

3. assistance in retaining the skin's natural protective barrier to help keep the
moisture in the skin.

I have been using this for a few months now and love it. I bought it because of the triple moisturising and it really does leave the skin really moisturised, feeling soft, hydrated, smooth and clean. It has a fantastic scent that lingers on the skin, the smell is a fresh, clean smell.

It lathers up really well , and you only need a little bit. I sometimes feel like my skin is dry particularly on my stomach and legs, and this works really well.


In the shower, I always use exfoliating gloves to apply body washes. Just put some of the body wash on the glove and then wash your body. You can also just apply it to bare wet hands and apply the body wash all over. It can be used daily.

If you have dry skin, or just want more moisture for your body, then I definitely recommend this.

Its available from Priceline, or supermarkets and retails for $6.99.

Do you use a body wash?

Nutri-Synergy Product Reviews

Nutri-Synergy are natural alternative to dry, sensitive and problem skin. The range provides effective treatment for dry, sensitive or problem skin using natural, active ingredients to formulate products that are naturally beneficial.

I was sent some wonderful products from Nutri-Synergy to review and they are really good!

The NS Sensitive Skin Cleanser (retails for $14.95 for 500ml)  is a non-foaming cleanser for sensitive, very dry or problem skin. This natural pH balanced soap-free wash cleanses the skin without stripping natural skin oils. It helps maintain skin’s optimum hydration, and is particularly suitable for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. I love the way this feels on the skin, so refreshing and clean. My 7 year old son has sensitive skin and he really likes the way this feels on his skin too. He was so happy, he said his face felt "smooth and fresh".

The NS-7 Dry Skin moistuiser (retails for $12.95 250ml) is hydrating and nourishing moisturiser which can be used on the face and body. It contains key ingredients like almond oil, soy protein, allantoin, shea butter, aloe vera, calendula and vitamins B5, C and E. I use this as soon as a get out of the shower to moisturise my legs and arms and its great, it absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and healthy. My husband uses this too and really likes it. I use this on both my kids (seven and one year old) when they have dry skin and it works really well, getting rid of the dryness quickly.

The NS-5 Protective Hand Cream (retails for $7.95 60g)  protects and nourishes the skin, giving relief to dry, chapped hands. It is light, non-greasy and provides protection for skin and locks in natural moisturisers. I love this hand cream, I have tried many hand creams and I must say this may be the best one I have tried. It feels the hands feeling smooth and silky. My hands get dry, so I need something that will keep them moisturised and after using this hand cream, my hands feel great. This is a must have!

I definitely recommend these products for everyone in the family, men, women and children. They are a great natural way of looking after our skin. They can be purchased at Priceline, most chemists or pharmacies and online.

TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray Review

I have been using the TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray and really like it! My hair is dry from having it bleached nearly 12mths ago and I have been using a moisture renewal treatment which has been great.
However my hair needs thermal protection too!

I dry my hair with a hairdryer every second day, which is how often I wash it, and sometimes I might straighten it. As my hair is already suffering from dryness/damage when exposing my hair to heat it really needs to be protected. So I had heard about heat protection sprays but never used one.

This is why I bought the TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray and I am really loving this.  A heat protecting spray that guards hair against heat styling damage and friction, locking in moisture and keeping hair smooth, soft and hydrated. It also coats the hair with vitamins.

This has really worked for me. I use it when my hair is damp, I just spray a few sprays around my hair so that its covered, leave it for a few seconds and then dry my hair with a hair dryer. I also use it on dry hair before straightening with a hair straightener. It leaves my hair feeling so soft and shiny. Its a must have for anyone that uses heat styling appliances ( which is all of us!) , you will be doing so much good to your hair. 

I will never stop using this, my hair needs it, its definitely made a difference to my hair and I recommend it!

I bought this from the supermarket for $9.95

Do your nails need help? Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, Instant Nail Hardener Review

Lately my nails have been really bad. They are soft, splitting, flaky and very hard to manage. I went down to my local Priceline store and after looking for some time, found the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, Instant Nail Hardener.

This is exactly what my nails needed. It is a nail hardener which prevents nails from breaking, splitting, cracking or peeling.

It has titanium and micro-diamond formula which instantly bonds to strengthen and seal fragile nail layers with a shatterproof, protective shield. It really does this. As soon as I applied this to my nails, and it dried, which didn't take very long, I felt my nails instantly harder. I felt that they were protected. I applied two coats. Then I use a color nailpolish as a topcoat. I really love this now, its helping my nails be stronger!

It definitely locks in moisture to nourish and help stop breaking, so my nails can grow. I would recommend this to anyone that needs help with their nails. It retails for $16.95.

The Beauty Club -for all your beauty needs! - Have you joined yet?

I have recently discovered The Beauty Club  a fantastic online beauty store in Australia that offers a great selection of products from all the major brands. There is access to over 16,000 leading brand cosmetics, skincare and fragrances, all at heavily discounted prices.

 The Beauty Club has great luxurious skin care products, beautiful make up and excellent hair care.

 Membership to The Beauty Club is $55 per annum. There are so many benefits to this membership such as:

• Guaranteed 10-20% cheaper than leading online websites and 70% cheaper than retail stores.
• No questions asked if you have found it cheaper, the beauty club will beat the price.
• 2-3 free Beauty products per year
• Concierge service, looking for a gift idea or need beauty advice our concierge service will take care of it for you! Just submit your request.
• Free Subscription to regular beauty advice eMagazine
• Free Shipping worldwide
• Dedicated customer support, reply to your support question within 24-48 hours
• Free cosmetic, skincare and fragrance samples provided when available
• Fantastic monthly specials on fragrances, skincare and cosmetics
• Very Secure and safe shopping environment with express checkout
• Restricted membership numbers to ensure product availability
• Free Gift wrapping and Free gift cards
• Dramatically cheaper than all online stores and retail stores

I do most of my shopping online and The Beauty Club is definitely a fantastic online store. I am so excited it has such great brands like MAC, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Dermalogica, Chanel, Dior, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and many more!

All your beauty needs will be satisfied with The Beauty Club and with worldwide shipping  - check it out NOW! www.thebeautyclub.com.au

St Ives Body Polish with Oatmeal and Shea Butter Review

I am loving the St Ives Body Polish with Oatmeal and Shea Butter! It is a exfoliating body polish formulated with natural sugar crystals and Oatmeal & Shea butter extracts.

The Oatmeal is a naturally occurring, anti-itch ingredient. Once it solves that challenge, the mineral-rich oatmeal goes to work to gently soothe and help to soften your skin. The Shea Butter is known for natural, skin-protecting vitamins A, E and F, as well as high levels of fatty acids, which can work wonders for moisture deprived skin.

You use this whilst in the shower and apply it in circular motions on your skin. It does say that particular attention can be applied to areas such as heels, knees elbows that can become extra dry and flaky. Then you just rinse it off with warm water.

It smells amazing and gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin leaving it smooth, soft and refreshed. I use this every second day and love it. Definitely try it out, if you want smoother and softer skin.
It retails for $3.99 at Priceline and pharmacies.

Natio Ageless Daily Protection Moisturiser SPF 30+ Review

Natio believes in creating a quality beauty care system that everyone can afford, ensuring customers pay primarily for the product and not for expensive promotions and packaging.

Natio's 100 per cent pure essential oils and plant extracts cleanse gently, nourish deeply and protect against environmental skin stress. Made in Australia with pure plant extracts and essential oils and no animal testing.

I was sent the Natio Ageless Daily Protection Moisturiser SPF 30+ to trial. I am always on the lookout for a easy day moisturiser to use, so when I saw this I was very keen to try it out. The first thing I like about this moisturiser is that it is enriched with Organic Rosehip oil, Lavendar and Lemon to hydrate, soften and smooth the skin. This in turn helps to prevent fine line and pigmentation. I have been using this moisturiser everyday for a few weeks now and really like it. It applies smoothly onto the skin, absorbs quickly into the skin and as it has spf 30+ it helps to shield the skin from the sun.
The Natio Ageless Daily Protection Moisturiser SPF 30+  is $18.95 and available online at Natio, or at certain chemists.

Book Review: Naturally Better by Kristen Morrison

I came across a fantastic book titled Naturally Better by Kristen Morrison. This book is about Kristen and her family, their ongoing battles that they face in finding natural ways to help her son who has Down Syndrome.

It is such a inspirational, heartfelt and empowering story that you will just keep on reading and won't be able to put it down. Kristen has written this book that is easy to read in much detail about her feelings and experiences she faced whilst doing a lot of research and therapies for her son. This book shows every parent that with courage and determination,  there is a lot that can be done ourselves to help the health of all children and create the best future for them. Kristen only wants what is best for her son, and so she has used every resource she could in finding how to best help her son without drugs but rather with natural methods.

I highly recommend this book to ALL parents - a must read, a beautiful story about a mothers love for her child, the lengths she has gone to get help and find what is best. This book is about her personal opinions, research, findings and thoughts that she has written and expressed. She is a mother who is a warrior and advocate for natural therapies, that have helped her son.
To buy her book check her website: http://www.naturallybetterkids.com/

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Intensive Treatment Review

I have been using the Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Intensive Treatment and really think its made a difference for my hair.

After having my hair bleached a few months ago, my hair is dry and damaged from the colouring.  This product is working wonders to restore moisture back into my hair. Its easy to use, once you shampoo and condition your hair, you then apply some of this treatment and leave it in your hair for 1-3mins, and then rinse out.

I have found this to be revitalizing,  it enlivens my hair and keeps it feeling hydrated and healthy. I am really impressed with this product and recommend it, if your hair is dry or damaged.  I have also done a video review on this product, you can watch that here.

This is available from supermarkets or chemists and retails for around $10.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer Review

I never use to use a face primer, didn't even know what it was. But after doing some research I found that a Face Primer helps to prepare your face for makeup and help it stay on longer.
So I bought the Face of Australia Face Base Primer and love it !

This Primer contains vitamin E to nourish and hydrate the skin, and the chamomile helps to smooth the complexion, leaving it feeling fresher and brighter. You only need a tiny bit of this and it goes a long way. It gets absorbed into the skin really quickly, which is great.

Once you've applied it, you apply your foundation as per usual. It really does help keep the foundation on longer and smoother. I have also done a You Tube Video review on this product here.

If your also looking for a eyeshadow primer check my review here.

Its available at Priceline or some department stores for $10.95. I definitely recommend this!

Maybelline Shinesensational Lipgloss Review

I recently bought some Maybelline Shinesensational Lipglosses that were released in July 2010 in Australia. I grabbed two of them the first one is number 40 Berry Bella and the second one was number 10 freshly sliced.

As the names suggest they are based on flavors and have a beautiful smell to them which makes them unique and special!

The Berry Bella (40) does have a subtle berry smell and the Freshly Sliced (10) has a fresh watermelony smell. Delicious! (not that you would eat them of course!!!) They have a few in the range to choose from, some shimmery ones too.

The packaging is cute with the gold letters and fresh fruit pictures, very appealing. Great size to have to put in your pocket, bag, car, anywhere really. The tube is easy to squeeze to get the product out.

They are a sheer lipgloss, so there is not much color payoff, but are a shiny lipgloss. They are great over a lipstick as it will bring the color to shine. But if your after a lipgloss that has some color payoff then this is not the one. This feels great when you apply it, smooth and soft application and your lips feel texturised and smooth.

Overall a great lipgloss to have for a shiny lipgloss finish. They retail for $10.95 available in most department stores in Australia.  I have a video review of these lipglosses on my You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/DanniiBeauty

NYX Eyeshadows Review

I have always heard so much about NYX cosmetics, they are a popular fast growing cosmetic company in the United States. They have very  modern and stylish packaging, and a  huge selection of highly pigmented colors.  After searching online I came across a Australian company. They source International brands that are hard to find or not available at all in Australia. The stock brands like Nyx, Barry M, Elf, China Glaze, Lime Crime, Sleek and Milani. I ordered some NYX products from Crush Cosmetics and love them! It was so easy to order and I received my products two days after ordering. As they are a Australian company, it means that postage doesn't cost a lot, delivery is quick and they are a safe site.  I bought the NYX five color eyeshadow pallette called The Caribbean Collection.

The colors are fantastic and very pigmented. So easy to apply and blend really well.

I also bought two lipsticks in the colours Rea and Honey. They are so smooth and glide on the lips.
I have uploaded a video on my You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/DanniiBeauty if you want to have a look! I definitely recommend NYX products they are so smooth, gentle and pigmented.

Have you tried NYX products?

OPI Nailpolish - Shrek Collection - Whats with the Cattitude? Review

I am loving the OPI nailpolishes in the Shrek Collection and I have already posted the beautiful purple nailpolish called Funkey Dunkey and the green one called Who the Shrek are you? I wanted to now show you the light blue color in this Shrek collection called Whats with the Cattitude? 

It is a great color I love it. The bottle and brush are very nicely designed. The brush is wide and easy to use which makes application easy. The color glides on easily and it took about 2-3strokes to coat the whole nail. It dried very quickly within a few minutes, I applied two coats. I am yet again absolutely impressed with the quality of the polish. It is highly pigmented, and the color really does look great. You can check out all the colors that OPI have at http://www.opi.net.au/.

OPI nailpolishes retail at $19.95 and available at David Jones and beauty salons or online at http://www.opi.net.au/

What do you think of this color?

Protect a bed Fitted Quilted Mattress Protector Review

A mattress protector is a must for any mattress. It can add more comfort to your sleeping experience and protect you against dust mites and other invasive allergens.

Protect a bed  offer a complete line of Mattress Protectors and Bed Linen solutions for a broad range of needs and budgets.

I was sent a Protect a bed -Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad, Queen Size to try out. We absolutely love it!

The benefits of having this mattress pad are dust mite barrier and allergy protection, terry cotton quilted surface, its cool and comfortable which enhances sleeping comfort, waterproof yet breathable, prevents bacteria and dust mites breeding in your mattress (a major cause of asthma, eczema and rhinitis), protects mattress from stains, machine washable which is great and easy, its a fitted sheet style easy to fit, and soft and super absorbent.

We are very impressed with this Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad, it really is so soft and comfortable. Even hubby was happy with it! I love that I can wash it in the washing machine and it fits just right.

I definitely recommend this Fitted Quilted Mattress Pad for every mattress - you have to try it, you will feel the difference!

These are available to purchase from David Jones, Target, Harvey Norman, Big W, and other stores. For more information check out Protect a bed website there is lots of useful information on there. Or follow them at www.facebook.com/protectabedaus and www.twitter.com/ProtectABed_Aus.

Are you using a mattress pad on your mattress?

Revlon Photoready Foundation review

I love foundation so I just had to try the Revlon Photoready Foundation as soon as I saw it.

The Revlon PhotoReady foundation comes in a pump bottle which is very easy to use. I apply my foundation with a foundation brush but you can just use your fingers.

The coverage can be built up to achieve a beautiful full coverage and didn't leave my skin looking cakey. It really does leave the skin looking flawless. It feels light on the skin and makes my skin look glowy.

It does have some shimmer to it, so if you dont like shimmer you might not want to use this, but I found that once I set the foundation with a powder it isn't shimmery at all but rather just glowy, so I like that.

This foundation lasts all day at least 10 hours, which is great. I really like this foundation as it does everything I want it to, great coverage, flawless look, glowy finish and long wearing.

I set it with the Photoready powder which works well with this foundation and you dont need much of it. I dont like the brush that comes with the Photoready powder so I just use a big round brush.

Overall I recommend the Revlon Photoready Foundation, if your after a glowy, flawless finish.


Do you have a foundation that you like?

Kick it to me - Jack plays soccer book Review

My 7 year old son recently read a book called
Kick it to me - Jack plays soccer. He absolutely loves this book. 

It is a childrens book about a boy called Jack whose dad teaches him the basic skills of kicking and dribbling a soccer ball. Jack is so excited and his success makes him feel confident to handle the soccer ball on his own.

After reading this book my son was practising the soccer moves and told his dad he wants to play in the park on the weekend.

What a great book that encourages kids to go outside and try the soccer moves themselves.

Play Valley Kids is a fantastic site that is all about playing sports, having fun and, for parents, getting involved in kids play time. The website has tips, skills and drills, as well as free colour-in pictures to download, and  games and videos coming soon to their website.

So be sure to check them out and you can purchase the book Kick it to me - Jack plays soccer, on
the Play Valley Kids website too.

Does your child like playing sports?

Fisher Price Walker to Wagon Review

I bought this Fisher Price Walker to Wagon for my 10 month old daughter from Kmart for $29 last week. I thought that was a great buy.( Toy sales are great aren't they?)  She absolutely loves it.

She is crawling everywhere and starting to stand up on her knees. So at the moment she is sitting in front of it playing with all the colorful and interesting features it has. They are the big spinning beads, a clicking dial, a roller ball to spin, jingle ball to bat, and colourful pages with friendly characters to flip. There are also 3 colourful shapes that can be dropped through the lift-up door. This is great as it develops her motor skills, coordination and can identify colors and shapes.

The day will quickly come when she will be able to hold on to the handle and walk around with it. It also turns into a wagon so that it can be dragged around. I think this is great you can get more use out of it.

So if you need one this is great and I recommend it!

Did/do your children use a walker?