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

And now the fun begins....

When it come to babies I'm old fashioned. I just love a baby in a smocked romper or wrapped in a beautiful vintage shawl. I'm the same with names. And so it seems with decorating. I know there is a huge trend with modern nursery's right now, but that's just not going to cut it round here.

So "Barney" will be sleeping in a vintage style rattan cane cot and sleeping on pure Irish linen until he's old enough to protest and demand Thomas the Tank or shudder Barney sheets.

These two nursery's are getting the cogs turning - both are pottery barn kids and they now ship to Australia.

Happy weekend - I am going shopping for a pregnancy support pillow so hopefully this ever growing bump can have a more comfortable sleep.

All in the family.

rlauren@ralphlauren.com
Dear Mr Lauren,

As a loyal customer I would like to personally apologise for the meltdown of your US on line store today. Since you are the head the worldwide fashion powerhouse that is Ralph Lauren I thought it best to go to the "top" to explain.

You see yesterday I found out that my first born due in February 2012, will be a son. The first grandchild on either side of my family this has lead to a range of emotions from family members and overnight, a lot of thinking and planning. Today my mother seems to have tried to purchase everything available for sizes 0 - 1 year boys, and this has led to a breakdown if you will of your online store.

And Economists are saying retail is slumping!!

So I would like to apologise for our part in your current IT woes. It was purely about a love of classic American sportswear. WE all know you are the master.

I know you must have a team of experts on the case now and we look forward to shopping with you again soon.

Kind regards,
Rachael

*********************************

Its out there and it is a BOY and we are surprised and thrilled!
My mother may have to send the Lauren's a Christmas card this year.
That's all.

B is for Bugaboo

Well I have news!

I am very humbled and pleased and thrilled to announce that out first Embryo transfer was successful and I am sitting here at 14 weeks my good friend nausea by my side.

When I found out I wanted to tell the world and post a special post on my blog but I thought about it and tweeted it and decided not too. So I have sat on it so to speak and then I have felt so sick and tired that I couldn't be bothered too. So I haven't until now but I plan on catching up.

The bump has been nicknamed "Barney" (not by me) but it seems to have stuck so Barney it is for the meantime. I will be opting for a more traditional name once this child is born - let me assure you of that!

I am telling my body at the end of 14 weeks that its time to start feeling great again. Because apparently that's whats supposed to happen. You hit 14 weeks and you feel alive. Have boundless amounts of energy and get that "glow."

So glow come and get me!

Game on ;)

W is for.....

If you are a bride who is channelling your inner Duchess Catherine but unluckily doesn't have access to a vault of family jewels, then perhaps this might be a suitable pick?

Its from Bando. Here. Happy shopping Brides.

Loving....

Ever since I saw a similar clutch is the perfectly manicured fingers of Miss Palermo ( lets assume she has gel nail polish now) I have got on board.

If I wore a very classic outfit with this statement clutch I think it work work! I could so rock it!

But this one is kind of on the exy side..... Its by Sara Berman and it can be delivered in three days anywhere. Worldwide. So if you needed it for a hot date on Friday night you could still do it. Although I think such a cute clutch deserves some attention from the ladies so a girls night out might be more appropriate. Straight men don't really squeal over accessories....

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!

A thank you card disguising another post about IVF...

What is better than a hand written note?
These could perhaps be too lovely to use.
Thank you cards from: Rifle Paper Company. Here.

What did you all think of last nights Master chef elimination?? I felt bad for Jay but I guess desserts are a big part of a cooking competition. And you need to be a confident chef in all area's. Which is why I would never enter. I'm not sure how far I could get based on my small (but tasty) range of old favourites.

In other news that is not at all related, I have a made a deal with myself (the devil)that I am allowed a small amount of chocolate a day as a treat for going for a walk. "Small amount" is open for interpretation.

There are just 4 more sleeps till my Frozen Embryo Transfer so it's getting super exciting around here. Things are falling into place nicely now. I need to of course start to think seriously about comfort and my good luck transfer outfit for Saturday. And then the lounging at home no, heaving lifting outfits. Could be a new pyjamas purchase coming soon.

I've got my acupuncture lady on speed dial and I am seeing a relaxing long weekend coming my way. Perfect timing.

What have you got planned? Anyone tracking your hormones??
That's' all

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

Don't you just love a good card?

Sometimes Hallmark ain't going to cut it.

These are funny and different. By Navy blue Notes via Poppytalk handmade.

Love it.