Bought! Zetta tote by Mimco

Totally stoked that this bag finally went on sale a few days ago, I swooped in early enough and it is ideal! Great size, durable, nice detailing and a detachable shoulder strap. It's not leather, but I wanted a nice tough bag that I didn't have to worry about getting wet.
$119 down from $199! I'm glad I waited.
There are stacks of other bargains to be had at Mimco too, and if you're a member they're giving you a 30% off everything else in the store that hasn't been marked down TODAY ONLY. Worth going to the mall just to check it out in my opinion.

Zetta bag from Mimco

Loving this week: Issa x Havaianas collaboration

I'm not a fan of thongs but these are some incredibly cute designs, Havaianas have been working with Daniella Helayel of the Brand Issa London to create this range of thongs, (Issa being one of Kate Middleton's favourite brands.) Featuring heart and spot motifs, The contrasting fluorescent straps are spot on in trend for the summer and the quirky prints are subtle and cute.

Major <3. Last minute Christmas idea anyone?

RRP $29.95 in Aus

Whatever happened to Boxing Day sales?

The pre-Christmas sales ate them, that's what! So many places have already started their sales it's ridiculous. There will be no difference between now and boxing day in the majority of stores, and I predict that the department stores are the only ones that there will be any difference (weather the difference is notable is another matter)
What this does mean for you is that if you haven't been out into the stores with your boxing day budget already, you best get into it! Here's just a small selection that I have found notable.

Review: 20% off new stock, and up to 50% off everything else.
Sportsgirl: Half of the stock looks to be marked down, I've picked up things up to 70% off before in their sales.
Portmans: Same goes for Portmans, truly worth going through.
Mimco: up to 50%, I bought a handbag from there today and the clerk told me she was surprised it was marked down as this type of bag never gets marked down ... bonus!
Alannah Hill: Up to 50% off
Cue: Up to 50% off

Can't handle the crowds? (They are pretty massive already!) Most of these shops have online counterparts but don't forget to check out ASOS marked down up to $50 off thousands of items. I've put an order through already.

Stores to check on Boxing day?

Diva: $5 racks galore, good god yes please!
Myer: Not one for the faint hearted, go alone, or take someone to hold your spot in the lines!
Kikki K: Up to 50% off

Splurge v Steal: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat & L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique

Illuminating concealers are a brilliant make-up items found in beauty around the world and these two are my favourites, I use them under my eyes and around my nose to help reflect light and brighten up tired and dull skin as required, they do not conceal per se, but rather are useful in the fight against eye bags and for highlighting.
Try dabbing them on at the just above the middle of your lips (just above the cupid's bow) to make your pout look fuller. Otherwise along the top of your cheekbone or on your brow-bone will help your face appear more angular and slim.
The pen packaging is also very convenient, you draw it on and then tap to blend with your ring finger, they are also very compact and will fit into most make-up cases, and you can even slide them into a brush roll without any fuss.
One thing that I think Touche Eclat has over Touche Magique though is the variety of shades, Magique comes in four shades (in Aus) while Eclat comes in seven with varieties for darker skin-tones.

 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

 L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique

Have you used these products? What did you think of them? Is Touche Eclat worth the extra dosh?

Book review: Meals in Heels by Jennifer Joyce

Meals in Heels by Jennifer Joyce

I have had this book since before I even started this Blog, and to me it deserves being put up on here. It is one of the books I pull down time and time again whenever I'm in the mood for something lovely to eat, or even just to get inspired to cook something new and interesting. My personal favourite is the 'Make ahead risotto with sausage, spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Jennifer is a food stylist and recipe writer based in London, so she is exposed to stacks of different dishes, ingredients and cooking styles that have worked their way into this book. The basis of the book are dishes that you would make for a dinner party, but it helps you prepare as much of the food as possible in advance so you actually get to enjoy your dinner party. It gives you prompts in the recipe instructions telling you how long in advance you should ideally be doing each step, but of course you can still make it all in one go to put on the table for a household dinner.
What sets this recipe book out from the rest of them to me is the styling. Along with each recipe there are tips on how to present it and a few other dishes in the book it would go well with. This helps immeasurably when you haven't had the chance to cook any of it before. What sort of platter should I go for? Will it fit in this bowl? Will these two dishes complement each other? They're all taken care of.
Also at the front of the book is the 'getting started' section, of course it's a great place to start with general tips and tricks to ensure your dinner party will run smoothly, with help on how much to serve per person, what will help fill them up, menu plans, and other good advice.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking to break out of a cooking rut and looking to start entertaining guests. Even seasoned dinner party fans are bound to pick up some help on how to make more of their meals ahead of time by adapting some of the tricks to suit their own recipes.