Quitting Sugar... For Reals?!

Oh Heyyy!

Excuse the hiatus...

Life gets in the way sometimes. January was a hectic one for me. I had a besties birthday weekend in Melbourne, a weekend away with my sister and some friends, then I celebrated my 27th birthday!! Super social!
I am also back at work full time. For those of you that don't know me on a personal level, I am a truck driver! and when I say truck, I mean of the Tonka variety. (the height of a two story house) In an open cut mine.

Random job for someone that loves to write about beauty things in her spare time and really only gets to wear makeup on my days off.
Eh! I love it! But, the whole having to get up at 5am to start at 6.30 then working until 5.30pm doesn't really leave a whole lot of minutes left in my day to sit behind the computer screen.

ANYWHO!

After the Christmas feast and my January social calendar, of course the healthy eating and exercise had well and truly gone out the window. I felt pretty bloaty and awful.
Which swayed me to try out the I Quit Sugar 8 Week Program.
I am a massive cookbook hoarder, so of course I have the 2 I Quit Sugar cookbooks by Sarah Wilson. I had made a couple of things from the books but wasn't entirely convinced.
But after seeing the yummy looking food on the website and reading up on some of the benefits of ditching the sweet stuff, I thought I would give it a go.

So far so good!

I am almost onto my 4th week of being sugar free. It was so much easier than I expected! You are warned about the detox headaches and all of the fun stuff that goes along with cutting out sugar, but I haven't had any horrible side affects as yet...

It has also made me SO organised! I absolutely love having my shopping list and food plan all sorted and emailed to me each Thursday. I can then sit down and organise when I'm going to go and do my food shop, or just hop online and get my groceries delivered to my door! (best invention EVER)

The meals are quick and easy and most of all delicious!
I love how each dinner is the next days lunch, which for me is awesome as I have to take my meals to work every day. I don't have the option of buying meals.

When Sunday rolls around it is time for a teensy bit of prep work to make life easier for you throughout the week. This can range from baking a loaf of bread to whipping up a quick basil pesto. Nothing overly strenuous. Just an hour or so out of your Sunday, which for me would probably be spent sitting on the couch procrastinating or looking at all of the housework that needed to be done. Orrrr trawling the internet and bookmarking all of the lovely things that I would like to have in my possession. #dreamer

So far, I have managed to lose 2.4kgs. I am really happy with those results as I am still a little bit in struggle town with the whole exercising everyday thing.
Included in the program is a 'Movement Plan' which I really actually enjoy doing a lot, when I make myself get up and do it.

My goal from here on in is to get out and walk at least 5 times a week (just 30 minutes) and keep on with the movement plan 3 times a week. I would also like to include a beginners yoga session in there for my flexibility as it is virtually non existent at 27! How am I going to be 60??

I think by far my favourite thing from this program to date is how much my tastebuds have changed! I am tasting more sweetness in vegetables that I have never been able to taste before. Caramelised onions are SO deliciously sweet! As are carrots! Who would have thought??

All in all, I am super impressed with this program and think it is definitely money well spent. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy way to quit sugar. Not even just that, but for someone busy like me that struggles big time with trying to organise life and was so tired of having to think about what to cook for meals. I think being focused on preparing the yummy fresh foods and looking forward to trying the new meals on the menu has really helped with not missing the sugary sweets.

Check it out yourself if you are interested in learning more. You can find the link here.

P.S This is not a sponsored post. I am just genuinely excited by this program and I think it is well worth looking into if it is something you are interested in! :)

Let me know in the comments if you are living sugar free or share with me some of your favourite healthy recipes!

Xx

The Christmas Gift Guide Trilogy || Part Three. Luxe Gifts for Him and Her

Sorry about the late arrival of the final part of my Christmas trilogy. But if you're anything like me, you'll only just be starting your Christmas shopping or leaving it until the 24th. (crazy times)

This one is the goodun! The luxe gifts!

1. TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch.  JB HiFi. $199.
For the sporty lady in your life, this is a nifty good looking sports watch. It tracks your heart rate while you run/walk. Counts kilometers. It's waterproof for the swimmers and there are extra bits you can buy for the cyclists to track your riding.

2. Bobbi Brown Deluxe Lip & Eye Kit. Myer. $130.
*Cue the angels singing* This kit is GORGEOUS! A beautiful tortoise shell palette with 4 shimmer and 4 matte shades with a brush thrown in for good measure, along with 8 beautiful lip shades and lip brush. There's something for every makeup lover in this kit. Perfect for travel, this is definitely one luxe gift I'd be very happy to receive.

3. Limited Edition GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set. Hairhouse Warehouse. $370.
Another gorgeous gift pack for those who love a little luxury. Rose gold is beautiful and what is more luxe than having a matching set of heating tools? Purdy.

4. Viktor & Rolf Bonbon 2014 Christmas Set. Myer. $163.
The ultimate Christmas fragrance gift set in my opinion! I mean, just look at it? For starters the box is super cute and the bottle inside is so pretty! Key note in this fragrance is caramel, surrounded by mandarine, orange and peach. Sounds like a lovely sweet scent, perfect for the summertime.

5. Skullcandy Knockout On-Ear Headphones. JB HiFi. $199.95.
One for the music lovers out there. These headphones are so cool! Made for women they have an awesome floral design on the headphones themselves with a burgundy head strap and cord with gold hardware and a gold volume button on the cord for easy control. I'm more of an earphones wearer myself but I would definitely rock these!

6. Kitchenaid Platinum Collection Stand Mixer. Myer. $849.
I asked my family for money instead of presents for my birthday one year so I could put it towards purchasing one of these mixers. (I opted for the Tiffany blue colour, with stainless bowl) But it is my favourite household item. It sits pride of place on my kitchen bench and I love making yummy sweet treats with it, especially around this time of year.

7. Return to Tiffany Medium Heart Tag Bracelet. Tiffanys. $410.
Pretty sure you would be the best person in the world if you gave any girl a "little blue box"

8. Marc By Marc Jacobs Blade Watch. David Jones. $399.
A beautiful Rose gold watch for someone special.

9. Flutterby Cup & Saucer. T2. $95.
The ultimate for tea lovers. This cup and saucer is absolutely beautiful with hand sketched illustrations and made of fine bone china with a gold covered handle. A limited edition set.

10. Ted Baker Leyah Tote Cross Hatch Shopper. David Jones. $244.
I am LOVING this Ted Baker handbag. Rose gold hardware, baby pink and black bag with a black and grey rose printed lining.


Now for the MEN!

1. Breaking Bad - The Complete Series Blu Ray. JB HiFi. $139.
If you or your boyfriend/husband/partner haven't seen any of Breaking Bad. GET ON IT! It's an awesome series that the two of you can sit and enjoy together after a massive Christmas feast.

2. Anchor Marquee Light. Lark. $100.
Something cool to add to the study/computer/work room to make it look pretty cool! Hang it on your wall or place it in a shelf, it adds a bit of a vintage feel.

3. Marley Liberate XLBT Saddle Over- Ear Headphones. JB HiFi. $249.
A must for a public transport traveler, or overseas goer. Great for any boy with a love of music. Also for the techy guy, these are bluetooth powered! Cool design on the ears too.

4. iPad Air. Apple. $499.
A mad present for anybody! iPad's suit everybody's style. Photographers can edit their pics, DJ's can sample music, you can watch movies on them. Perfect for traveling and taking overseas.

5. The Simpsons LEGO House. Toys'R'Us. $329.99
I think this would make the COOLEST Christmas present for those young at heart men in your life. Die hard Simpsons fans would love it. Also the LEGO guys! WIN WIN! Definitely not just one for the kids.

6. Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker. Myer. $249.
A cool gift for the house or perfect to take traveling.

7. GoPro Hero 3+ Silver Edition. Dick Smith. $398.
For the active man or the daredevil that likes to catch his stunts on camera. The GoPro is the gift to give. With a whole heap of accessories available for it, there are literally a million and one uses for the robust little camera. I've seen it strapped onto helmets, in cars, on the front of bikes, on long selfie sticks to take pics. It's waterproof to 40 meters so surfers can strap it on their surfboards. I've even seen it mounted on the end of a guitar to capture the singer performing.

8. Fossil Mens Watch. Myer. $199.
A classic mens watch that would suit anyone and I think it's a lovely thoughtful gift.

9. HolySmoke Black Turntable 3 Speed USB. Myer. $199.
A cool gift for your dad or someone into collecting old records. You can even transfer the audio to your Mac or PC and import to your portable devices. Nifty!

10. Paco Rabanne One Million Gift Set. Myer. $110.
This scent on a man smells AhhhhMAYzing! The notes are: Frosted grapefruit, blood mandarine, peppermint, rose absolute, musk, cinnamon bark, blonde leather, tonic bean, patchouli, white wood and amber ketal. Sounds good! Definitely go and have yourself a sniff because I could almost guarantee you will love it. Gift pack comes with a 100ml eau de toilette and a 100ml shower gel.

And that concludes my Christmas Gift Trilogy!

I hope you enjoyed reading it and got a little bit of inspiration from it.

Let me know in the comments what is on your wishlist this year!

Xx

The Christmas Gift Guide Trilogy || Part Two. Mid Range Gifts For Him and Her

I'm back with part two of my Christmas Trilogy! This one is all about the mid range gift for guys and gals. (over $40, under $90)

1. Gucci Miniatures Gift Set. Priceline. $65.00AUD
I have 3 different Gucci scents already at home so I have no doubt this little gift set would be lovely and a great tester kit to try out without committing to a giant bottle.

2. T2 Kit & Kaboodle. T2. $54.00AUD
This is on my Christmas list for sure! The coolest invention EVER! The clear jug with the handle is where you put your loose leaf tea and hot water. How do you get the tea without the tea leaves in you say?? WELL! You just place the jug over the top of the glass mug and the tea drains out from the bottom leaving the tea leaves behind!! (I'm way too excited about this invention) Someone please buy me this!!!

3. CWA Classics Cookbook. Collins Booksellers. $49.99AUD
A must for your friends or family who love to cook. This is full of old classics that your Nan would have made. What woman wouldn't love to be able to master the yummy sponge cake and all of those other amazing goodies you would expect from the CWA ladies. A fab cookbook for young and old.

4. Nars Digital World Set. MECCA. $65.00AUD
For the beauty girls. A beautifully packaged travel sized set of Nars Satin Lip Pencils. In 5 gorgeous colours, there is something in there for everybody.

5. Bush Dab+ Retro Style Portable Radio. Officeworks. $88.00AUD
A funky retro radio, perfect for taking along to picnics or the beach. This radio can also be plugged into mains power or batteries when out and about. A fun gift for the outdoorsy type or would look awesome kicking back on a windowsill.

6. Glasshouse Fragrances Triple Scented Limited PA Edition Xmas Pudding Candle.
    Peter Alexander. $42.95AUD
A sticky date Christmas pudding scented candle. Enough said.

7. Benefit Big 10 - Fun Size Flirts. Myer. $69.00AUD
A cute gift pack from Benefit featuring mini sizes of their top 10 products. A nice little introduction to Benefits line of makeup and skincare.

8. Leather Travel Journal. Kikki-K. $49.95AUD
A lovely gift for those of you who have friends or family that have caught the travel bug. A great way to capture those holiday memories you don't want to forget.

1. 1- Minute Gardener By Fabian Capomolla. Dymocks. $45.00AUD
Here's one for the outdoorsy men in your life or even the gardening beginner. It's full of illustrated step by step instructions on "fast, edible gardening essentials" from how to prepare a garden bed to harvesting your own home grown goodies.

2. Family Guy Season 14. JB HiFi. $43.98AUD
I don't think there are many guys who don't enjoy laughing along to family guy. This one is released on the 10th of December.

3. Beard and Moustache Care Gift Set by Men Rock. notonthehighstreet.com $56.28AUD
A nice change from all of the shaving kits. This one is for looking after you beard or moustache! made with all natural ingredients you get a soap, beard balm, moustache wax and a comb.

4. Game Of Thrones Book Box Set. Angus and Robertson. $66.99AUD
One for the book worms. The game of thrones book box set. These are meant to be better than the TV series!

5. American Horror Story Seasons 1-3 DVD. JB HiFi. $59.98AUD
If your man hasn't become obsessed with the American Horror Story series yet. Buy this set of the first 3 seasons STAT!! Such a great show. Like nothing else on TV.

6. Marvel Comics 75 Years of Cover Art Book. Angus and Robertson. $62.99AUD
I know there has to be a lot of comic book nerds out there that would love this book. It's full of 75 years worth of comic book cover art!

7. Silverlit Blue Tech Helicopter. Myer. $89.95AUD
I know SO many guys who would love this gadget! It is controlled by your iPhone or iPod touch. You just download the simulator app and away you go! Fun!

Hope you have found a little more inspo for your christmas shopping. Next up will be luxe gifts, so stay tuned!

Xx

Lark Wish List

It's a wish list! Probably one of my favourite blog posts to read. This one is from an awesome little website/store called Lark. They have one permanent store in Daylesford, Victoria and they also had a pop up store in Fitzroy over the summertime at the start of this year.

This website just makes my eyes super happy. I would love one of everything but I have picked out my uber faves for you to drool over with me.

The reason I went back onto the Lark website was because I spotted these beautiful books on their Facebook page.
Puffins In Bloom. These old favourite story books of mine have had an amazing makeover by the renowned stationary brand Rifle Paper Company.
I'm so in love with these books, especially the Anne of Green Gables one. These will definitely be in my possession very soon. RRP $19.95 ea.

1. Flamingo Plastic Bag Holder. I think everyone needs somewhere to store their old plastic bags. Why not make it something really cool like a flamingo! $24.95.

2. Tag & Twine Box. I love to make my gifts look pretty. This will help. Just add a roll of brown paper and I'll be set! $22.95.

3. Rambling Rose Cake Tins. I love me some cake tins. End of story. $29.95.

4. Pantry Jam Making Kit With Jars. I'm doing a little bit of thinking ahead with this jam making kit. Soon there shall be a Thermomix sitting on my bench and apparently jam making in a thermy is a piece of cake! A cute way to store my home made goodies. $29.95.

5. Large Porcelain Salad Bowl. One can never have enough food storage. It may also get me to eat more salads. $49.95.

Cookie Cutters. Not your average cookie cutter shapes! Loving these A LOT. Makes me want to get in the kitchen and bake for people. $6.95ea

1. Do What You Love Print. Who doesn't love an inspo print. $30.00.

2. Copper Glass Scented Candle. Ginger and caramel scented candle in a copper coloured glass. Tick, tick and TICK! 29.95.

3. Copper Wire String Lights. I'm loving copper anything as you can see! I purchased a really cute glass jar/terrarium thingy (clearly don't know what to call it) but i want to run these string lights thru it. Idea stolen from the pic on Urban Outfitters site when I got the terrarium glass, that is now on the lark site for the copper lighting. See below. 5 meters $39.95. 10 meters $69.95.

4. Copper Schoolroom Clock. I have the perfect place to put this clock at home. Maybe Santa will deliver the goods this year. $105.

5. Marvellous Marquee Lights 38cm. These just make super happy. I would get a B for Brooke! $250.

6. Grey Hello Doormat. Something to make my front entrance bright and happy. $85.

Which one was your favourite? Let me know below in those comments down there :)

Xx