Track work

In a former life I would be spending the days leading up to the Melbourne Cup, having something plucked or tanned, straightened and made up. Outfits were meticulously chosen and pressed. Accessories lined up ready to go.

In a former life this girl was high maintenance. I admitted this twice yesterday. Once to my bestie. I think she already knew this. The other to a stranger at a cocktail party last night. I'm pretty sure he didn't really care for the details.

In a former life I was pretty much exhausted from all the pre party grooming that by the time I got to wherever I was going I felt like having a big old nap.

So for last nights party I made a few short cuts. I self tanned only the body parts that would be seen, and that I can still reach. The bowling ball that is my stomach gets in the way now. That's actually the only short cut I made. I still schlepped to get my hair blow dried and at the 11th hour I was applying false eyelashes.....

So my tips on a short cut Melbourne Cup Day this year are:

KIT Cosmetics Luminous Body Bronzer - give a nice subtle glow over a fake tan or on its own. Washes off with soap and water. Be careful if wearing white. Best to apply after dressing.

Mecca Cosmetica Eyes Wide Open false Eyelashes - I have mentioned these before but they are the best false eyelashes I have used. Saves the time and money and maintenance of eyelash extentions. I would be keen to know the brand Oprah prefers though. I like the individual ones as they are more subtle.

Chanel no.5 bath gel and moisture mist - Layering a scent can really make a difference in a long lasting fragrance. And what is more decadent and guaranteed to make you feel good then a Chanel shower gel? Who knew Terry White sold this stuff?

NEVER underestimate the value of a professional blow dry. If you are crap at make up, at least make sure your amazing hair is a distraction. That's all I'm saying. I would marry my hairdresser if I could.

And my tips on the track this year in no particular order are:
Americain
At first Sight
Older than time

You can thank me later.

PS - c'est bon bon does not normally promote gambling, except for the first Tuesday in November when it is mandatory. Please have a glass of champagne for me, and never take your shoes of in public. x

So gelishious

I love me a good mani - pedi. My favourite treat.

I calculated roughly how much I spend per year on my nails.. and then I decided to keep this my little secret. So when a friend of mine told a few months ago about gel nail polish and a chip free manicure for 3 weeks I've been wanting to try it out.

I did about a week ago and so far I have cleaned my house from top to bottom, washed a dog, opened a package from net - a -porter - with my bare hands, done some flower arranging, and generally not held back in normal activities that would be frowned upon for ruining nails. IE opening tinned tomatoes gets me every time.

And not a single chip or buff or anything. I am a believer.

The low down is that the gel polish comes off with a special remover at your nail salon.

The brand which I used was gelish. And they had it at my local nail place. I can't recommend it enough!

Loving...

Some things floating c'est bon bon's boat this week.

• Reality tv overload. I'm almost getting my housewives and my masterchef's mixed up. Almost. Honourable mention goes to The Amazing Race Australia... Loved it when the father and son team teared up over the hanging lantern task. Good times.



• The White Company's new candle scents. The calming white rose is just divine. I am trying not to use it too much.



• A perfectly starched and ironed white shirt.



• Acupuncture.



• Starting to think seriously about planning Project Fiji October 2011. Destination weddings - I love you.



• My husband trying to teach an old dog how to high five... Cute but I can't see it happening.



• Twitter for iPhone. I can't tell you how fascinating I find it. I can track my IVF Dr.'s every move. ( In a non stalker/ legal kind of way.)



• Clinique's Instant Facial Masque. So good. Perfect before a night out.
  
  Hope you are having a great week. I am spending a special W tomorrow going Bridal shopping with my bestie. Bring it! xxxxxx

I don't know much...

But I know a lot about tan. Just between friends I've considered buying a spray tanning machine. Just for home use.
My friend recommended this. She was seriously glowing.
I've tried it for 5 days now and so far no streaks. Its the best self tan I've ever used - hands down.
Just in case you were in the market for one.

Palmer's coco butter Natural bronze tanning moisturizer. I got mine from a chemist.

Brown paper packages, tied up with strings...

These are a few of my favourite things...

My blogging friend Lou over at Lous boos and shoes invited me to take part in a Getting to know you Q and A. How very kind of you Lou.

Here goes.

1/ What is your favourite time of the day?

Night time. Late. I'm a night owl. I try to go to bed by ten thirty but its never before midnight.

2/ When and where did you meet the love of your life?

On my way to a mutual friends engagement party. Waiting for a bus. Almost 4 years ago.

3/ What three words would your friends outside the blogging world use to describe you?

funny

thoughtful

good cook

4/What country would you most like to visit and why?

Bora Bora. Ok that's not a country but my sister went there recently and the pictures from her trip made me seriously jealous. I have no fear of tropical holidays since surviving the trip to Fiji.

5/ What is your favourite dish to cook and why?

Bon bons. They are my signature dish and so deliciously chocolaty. I could eat them everyday.

And my Nana Junes banana cake. It rocks! I just made some today.

6/Salt or sugar?

SUGAR. Everyday.

7/What are your must have make up or beauty items?

I love this question.

I swear by Proactive solution. It has worked for my skin for over 7 years now.

I use a great lancome moisturiser. I don't know the name but its expensive and it works.

Clarins beauty flash balm for eyes. No wrinkles. So far.

I love Chanel eyeshadow's. They last all day and are a great quality. You really get what you pay for.

Touche Eclat by YSL.

I like a good coverage foundation. At the moment its a clinique one but I use a Chanel one and a Lauder one as well. Depends on where I'm going. A great foundation brush helps. I have a good one by clinique.

Lancome definicils mascara I also swear by.

My secret weapon is blusher. I am loving clinique's iced lotus at the moment. They will probably discontinue it and I'll be screwed.

Just add perfume, lip gloss, and nail polish and I'm good to go. My go to never fail fragrance is coco by Chanel and OPI dutch tulips nail polish.

8/What are your favourite flowers?

Hyacinth, peonies, sweet pea's, tulips. My husband buys me lilies.

9/What do you think are your worst vices, honestly?

I am indecisive. I can whinge with the best of them. I also eat to much chocolate and don't exercise enough.

10/ at what time of your life were you happiest and why?

When I first met my husband and when we got engaged. I was so happy to be starting a great life with someone I loved so much. It was such a special time.

Thanks Lou for including me in this!

How to look good naked.

My mother and sister laughed and said it was stupid.

"But it contains caffeine." I heard snickering.

Let's see who's laughing when I arrive looking thin and glamorous at the 2011 Lake Como wedding after a long international flight.

So there.

I've been told it works and the source is highly reliable but is wanting to remain anonymous for fear of being outed as a beauty product junkie.

No I don't condone "liquid diets" however this is a topical treatment. IE you don't drink it you slather it on your large white thighs and hope for the best.

Sunday Riley liquid diet and disrobe available from Bergdorf Goodman

In other news. I have none.
Have a great weekend.

This changed my life... Seriously.

This is it - Estee Lauder nutritous mineral make up SPF 10

Mineral make up. I must be the last woman in Australia to get on board the mineral make up band wagon. Its just once I find a good product I stick to it. Anyway a doctor suggested that I try mineral for my "large pores" shudder and so off I went in humiliation to Estee Lauder. Cruel doctors weapon of choice it seems.

And it changed my life.

It doesn't look like I'm wearing make up but I am - trust me.

It feels so light - again it doesn't feel like I'm wearing make up but I am.

My skin looks better.

Damn that Dr she was right. I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as my trusty Chanel claire professional liquid. But it is. Better.

So I'm converted. You should try it. It works.

An oldie but a goodie.

This super sheer and super creamy blush by Nars is well super.
My favourite shade is Cactus flower. It looks pretty bright but it melts into a mcreamy peony pink on the skin. You can get yours here.

PS. Make sure you drop by tomorrow for a special W is for....

Happiness is..

A good manicure?
For all of you who have been dying (DYING) to know the fantastic nail colour I've been wearing lately.
Here is is..
Essie - Poor little rich girl.
Not too dark, not to red. We likey.

OK so three people asked. One was my mum, and one was a checkout lady at Woolworth's ;)