ORLY NAIL COLOUR: LIQUID VINYL AND MERMAID TALE

When life throws you a tantrum: get an Orly Manicure, and stare at your nails. This is what I did, and it made all my stresses seem so distant.

I love this look: clean, funky and so hot right now. Look achieved using:

Orly Nail polish in 'Liquid Vinyl' and 'Mermaid Tale'.

LOVE!

Love Luc X

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** I was fortunate enough to get my talons painted at The Maxted Thomas Blogger Event in April. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product as I was already purchasing the products: and have done so since. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

MIRENESSE TOUCH UP BROW SCULPTOR

I have a slight obsession with my brows. Not because they are fabulous: quite the opposite really. I am anal about them because I was never blessed with that 'filled in' brow look.  I get serious brow envy whenever someone walks past with banging brows- yes, I realise how lame that is., but that is the extent to which I had been blessed with better brows (serious sad face)

My eyebrows are stupidly sparse, wirey and well, just plain sucky. I have struggled for years to find the perfect brow companion to fill them in, and make them less shittastic: to no avail. Just when I was about to give up hope, I found my Brow nirvana in Mirenesse Touch up Brow Sculptor: a pencil-and-gel-in-one: and I was hooked. This baby is all about filling the sparsity in, instant taming of unruly hairs and gives the most perfect sculpting you can ever imagine.

 Nothing says 'put together' than a cleanly filled in brow. This shall be going on the constant re-purchase list.

Love Luc X

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** I was generously gifted this Brow Sculptor. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product as I was already purchasing the products: and have done so since. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

Image- Own and Mirenesse

ENDOTA SPA NAIL POLISH IN CROWS NEST

Endota Spa Nail Polish in Crows Nest

The best way to brighten a dreary day? Fluoro sandals, floral jeans and a smashing of non-toxic Endota Spa Nail Polish (in Crows Nest). 

Keep calm and varnish your talons with Endota Spa Nail polish.

Love Luc X

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** I was generously gifted this nail polish at a Blogger Event in 2012. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product as I was already purchasing the products: and have done so since. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

COOK IT, SHARE IT, LIVE IT!

**Did you know** 20% of Australian Kids think Pasta comes from an animal?

I learnt this disturbing fact off my favourite Dietician, Miss Lyndi Polivinick: the Sydney Food Revolution Ambassador and Dietician. Not going to lie: that stat frightened me a little. Sure, when I was little I thought Ursula (From The Little Mermaid) was going to lurch out of the toilet when I flushed it, but I at least knew where pasta came from. So, in the spirit of all things healthy and educational, I urge you all to get involved in  Food Revolution Day: a global day of action for people to make a stand for good food. Food Revolution Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of good food and better food education for everyone by focusing on three simple actions – cook it, share it, live it.

The Lovely Lyndi. Image courtesy of The Daily Telegraph

There are loads of ways to get involved in this movement. Simply:
- Find what's happening in your area
- Get in touch with your local ambassador (if you are in NSW, hola at Lyndi Polivinick on Twitter)
- Attend (or organise) an event or activity promote good food- Sign the petition for better food education!

For those in Sydney, there is a picnic in Centential park on Saturday 18th May. Everyone brings a picnic hamper made completely from scratch to celebrate nutritious, wholesome food. 

Check out the website and sign the petition today! 

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and educate our kids about the importance of a healthy and wholesome lifestyle.

Love Luc X

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Images- Food Revolution and The Daily Telegraph

BREAKING MY INSOMNIAC CURSE WITH CHILLAX NATURAL SLEEP DRINK

For any one who knows me, you would know I have the worst case of insomnia. Like 6 years bad. So it is with great assurance, and experience that I can recommend a natural alternative to drowsy-inducing sleeping pills. Chillax natural sleep drink is my go-to for horrid bouts of 'I-can't-sleep', when I am in need of..well, sleep!

SO HERE ARE SOME FACTS:

Chillax is a 100% natural solution that contains no nasty ingredients or flavours. 

Contains Lactium and Montmorecny Cherry Juice (contains Melatonin): the natural sleep makers.

**here's a fun fact** Melatonin (a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms) influences ones sleeping process and on a beauty note: is an antioxidant, thus, can help prevent cell death and ageing process.... brings new meaning to 'beauty sleep' now doesn't it.

Non-sedative/ non-drowsy, and definitely not addictive.

No risk of overdose.

Naturally helps your body clock get back into rhythm.

 Available in 90ml shots (which I tested) or 200ml bottle. 

The Montmorecny Cherry Juice is very obvious, and thus, is quite tart. There is a hint of cinnamon that I can detect (probably not in there), and thus, reminds me of Austria and Gluhwein for some very strange reason (possibly why I liked it so much). Although the taste is on the yummy scale for me, it could be a tad to tart for the Littlies. Also, it did seem to have quite a lot of calories in it for something to be consumed at the end of the night. I would definitely keep it up if it were to have the same taste, but less calories. 

Now, I recently hauled ass to New York, and the plane journey was long and tiresome. I cannot sleep on planes usually, but managed to score 3-4 hrs thanks to Chillax (trust me: this is a HUGE feat). Perfect "plane" sized (thanks to it being under 100ml), this little baby was a breeze to go through customs and was one of the first things I skulled when I took off. Sadly, I wish I had given it to the toddler who thought jumping up and down next to my seat was an entertaining idea. You win some, you loose some!

Have you tried natural ways to help bring on sleep?

Love Luc X

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** I was kindly a 12 night trial pack to try and for blog consideration. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

OPI NAIL LACQUER "LUCKY LUCKY LAVENDER"

OPI Nail Lacquer in "Lucky Lucky Lavender"
Hong Kong Collection
$19.95

The girly girl in me got a little giddy when I saw this delicate colour from OPI from their Hong Kong Collection. Pinky purpley perfection picked up from my recent travels to New York. I shall be brandishing this baby all year round for the perfect mix girlyness and sophistication. 

Love Luc X

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FRENCH BEAUTY- PREMIERE PARTIE

French women have some sort of genetic predisposition to be beautiful. Engrained in their DNA is a touch of allure, a dash of sophistication and a chromosome of class. Woman aspire to be like them. Eat like them. Dress like them. They are so chic it hurts. 

I have wanted to move there for years, only to have my dreams burst upon realising I have no comprehension of the French language apart from my daily conversions with my French cafe friend (whom, just quietly, I only started drinking coffee for so I could listen to his delicious accent).

Marion Cotillard- the epitome of French beauty

Upon arriving in Paris in 2011, I was pretty excited to visit the typical Parisian sites, but as a Francophile, I was most excited to scope out the elusive French women in their natural habitat and see if I could learn a thing or two.

One thing is for certain: French woman are flawless. It is no surprise: they have some of the most brilliant beauty products coming out of their baguette-laden-hands. So, in honour of their whimsical and jealousy-inducing knowledge of great products, I have decided to compile a French Beauty Log for you Mademoiselles: and this, my beauties is part one.

French beauty products and brands to get your mittens on.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse® Multi Usage Dry Oil

$24.95 / 50 ml at Adore Beauty

I have tried this oil in 50ml, and can I just say: I was totally taken a-back by how amazing it is. Not only does it smell of a cocktail of delicious goodness, but it seriously works wonders at repairing my severely damaged skin or hair or nail bed. 

Not one to beat-around-the-bush, or waste my time on a product that offers no results, I have basically been buying up stocks in this little baby (much to my bank accounts dismay). Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse® Multi Usage Dry Oil concentrated compositions of 6 plant oils: macadamia, Borage, Sweet Almond, St John's Wort, Hazelnut and Camellia: give your skin the much needed injection of hydration in one single swipe. Drenched in Vitamin E, and free from preservatives, mineral oils and silicones, you can rest easy, knowing that what you are putting on to your delicate skin is as nature as it smells.

It also is a great hair and foot treatment.

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

$12.95/150ml

I for one am pretty lazy when it comes to washing my hair. Sure, I wash it twice a week (I am not too revolting, sheez), but I have been sweating it up lately with boot camp (not to mention, it has been rather humid here in New York), so I have made sure I was stocked up on the one dry shampoo I rest my complete faith in: Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk of course.

Hailing my from favourite country, I knew I could do no wrong with this deliciously scented, life-giving (to hair) spray. I have been hooked on this baby for years, and I literally have bottles coming out of my ears. I am stocked in my car, my bathroom, my study, my bedroom, my work desk and carry one in my handbag: just to be safe. I often have bad hair days, so just a spritz of my 'French stylist in a bottle' and oohhlala I am tres chic again (no more flat, oil slicked hair). 

For more 'serious oily hair days' i.e. Gym days: I keep a bottle of Klorane Oil Control Dry Shampoo with Nettle Oil ($14.95)!

Klorane is available at most chemists, online

Do you have a favourite French Product or Brand?

Love Luc X

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** I was kindly sent the Klorane Dry Shampoos to for product consideration. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product as I was already purchasing the products: and have done so since. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

Images- Beauty Directory, Pinterest and Cosmetiques de France

NOMAD HOTEL, NEW YORK: TAKE YOUR TASTEBUDS ON A JOURNEY

Cheers to a glorified Lamington with Coconut Ice cream

Just a quick post to say: If you are ever in New York, you must eat at the NoMad Hotel. Unreal doesn't even begin to cover this hugely European influenced dining room. Step back in time to an era of glamour and regality, in what feels like a The Great Gatsby style of dining with modern cuisine. 

Add to your "must do" list next time you are in the Big Apple. 

Love Luc X

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TRY-BEFORE-YOU-BUY: THE GENIUS THAT IS SNEAKING DUCK

I like to get my nerd on in my glasses

I really need to share a load of genius with you. As a glasses wearer, I know the value of a pair of glasses. I was conned in to purchasing my reading glasses (for a depressingly large sum of money, mind you) the minute I walked out of the Optometrists office. Sure, I really do love my reading glasses: but I kind of wished I could have tried before I buyed. You see: not everything goes with my glasses (sure, I only use for reading, but a girl has to be complimentary to her get-up). Somedays, when I am nerding it up, I think: these leather pants and rocker tee really clash with my sophisticated glasses #identitycrisis. 

Enter Sneaking Duck: and my mind (and way of shopping for reading glasses) was blown. 

Sneaking Duck is an award winning online retailer for cool, affordable glasses and frames that allows you to build a wardrobe of frames to match every outfit! The website allows you to take a photo of yourself so that you can try glasses on and see if they suit you before you buy or Sneaking Duck also offer a 'Try at Home' service in which they will send up to 5 pairs to your home or office for you to try on. They allow you to keep the frames for 5 days and they pay for shipping both ways. This is only available to Australian customers. 

The Sneaking Duck online store guides customers on how to buy the best prescription glasses and sunglasses. They have a very affordable strategy in place with most of their glasses available for $180 for the first pair and only $90 for your second and third purchases.

Get your butts over to Sneaking Duck and make your wardrobe work with you eye-wear. 

Love Luc X

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Images- Sneaking Duck