loving LOUIS VUITTON HAIR S/S 2012

For the last day of Paris Fashion Week, hairstylist Guido created a punky French twist Louis Vuitton.

"We took inspiration from the Marc Jacobs shoe in New York and evolved the look with a dryer to add texture. 

Some of the models had tiaras and some had headbands. Simply gorgeous.

HAIR

1. Apply Redken Aerate 08 All-Over Bodifying Cream-Mousse into to damp hair and blow-dry.
2. Apply Redken Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer all over to hair for texture and a matte finish.
3. Pull hair away from the face and into a French Twist.  Pull a few pieces out at in the back.
4. Finish with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray and secure the headband.
   
   
   

in love with LOUIS VUITTON

  

  

  

    

  

  

  

  

  

I am so on love with the latest Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 Collection.

So delicate and feminine. Love love the pastel colours and the dainty headbands.
I wanted to add all of the collection but thought I better stop.
You can view more at Harper's Bazaar.

3 ways JUMP-START YOUR ENERGY

Power up with protein ~ to maximise energy, eat healthy protein with every meal and snack. Protein satisfies and stabilises your blood sugar, insulin and energy levels.

Let it be ~ Stress zaps energy, but ignoring stressful thoughts and feelings can keep them alive. If you acknowledge them, they are easier to let go. This mindfulness exercise can help: take some slow breaths and focus on the parts of your body that feel tense. Next concentrate on the thoughts that are making you tense. As each thought comes to you, acknowledge it and then picture it floating away on a leaf down a stream.

Get some mountain air ~ A simple yoga breathing exercise, the mountain pose, helps calm your mind and recharge your batteries. Stand with your feet hip width apart, arms by your sides. Close your eyes, take 3 natural breaths, then open your eyes. As you inhale, sweep your arms out to the sides and up, until your palms touch each other overhead.

Lift and expand your chest as you breathe in. Hold the breath for 2 seconds as you gaze up at your hands. Exhale and sweep your arms back down to your sides. As you breathe out, draw your belly in towards your spine. Hold the exhalation for 2 seconds, eyes straight ahead. Repeat 6 times.

source ~ prevention magazine

photo a day CATCH UP

JAN photo a day ~ Day 24 - 31

You can follow me on instagram @shoppegirls

Get ready for FEB photoaday. You can find more information at fat mum slim.

loving STATEMENT SHORTS

There are some super cool shorts around at the moment.

 source ~ pinterest

on my mind BACK TO SCHOOL

Do you feel melancholy when another year has started and the kids are back at school? I am excited for them going back to school, but will miss having them home. I still believe your school years are some of the best years of your life. I loved school and was always excited to go. We lived in the country on a property so school was our social outlet as we did not tend to do too much with friends on weekends or holidays except for the occasional sleepover.  I used to have to travel 45 minutes on the bus to get to school. It was fun, the bus trips were always entertaining. What are your favourite memories from your school years?

red carpet SAG AWARDS

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy haute couture.

Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Lea Michele in Versace

Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham

Rose Byrne in Ellis Saab

A few of my favourites from the SAG Awards.

source ~ Harper's Bazaar

calm down DEEP BREATHING

'Deep breathing is free, and it's right under your nose!'

BREATHE EASY ~ We have all been told to 'take a deep breath'. It is recommended that we take that advice with this 4-7-8 breath exercise.  Doing this daily will induce a feeling of serenity and over time it will give you greater emotional resilience-especially during difficult moments. 

1. Rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your top teeth.

2. Exhale completely through the mouth, with your lips tightly pursed, to make a whoosh sound.

3. Close your mouth and inhale deeply and slowly through your nose for a silent count of 4.

4. Keep your mouth closed and gently hold your breath for a silent count of 7.

5. Exhale slowly through your open mouth for a count of 8, making the same whoosh sound.

6. Repeat steps 3,4 and 5 for a total of four breaths. Perform this twice daily for optimal results.

source ~ Dr Andrew Weil for Prevention Magazine

starting today 1 MILLION KILO CHALLENGE

Today I am starting in the 1 million kilo challenge. My starting weight is 65kg and I hope to get down to around 58kg.

I think I will work better on a program as it will help me commit more. I think this is a fabulous initiative by channel 10 to help people stay on track. My main aim is to tone my tummy and hip area and get rid of the excess fat. If you are interested in joining please email me and we can do it as a group or chat on facebook to help support each other.

the benefits ~ WHITE TEA

White Tea is the new wrinkle remedy. According to a study white extract contains compounds that can 

block the effects of inflammation associated with premature ageing,as well as many health conditions 

including cancer, arthritis and diabetes. White tea contains less caffeine than green tea and has a milder

sweeter tast. Enjoy a cup of white tea without milk.

There are 3 main varieties:~

Silver Needle - the highest quality of the white teas which is made from the buds only.

White Peony - contains both the buds and leaves which is stronger in taste than the silver needle.

Long Life Eyebrow - Made from the leftover leaves after the harvest.

source ~ Body + Soul

back to school ~ PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

Healthy food helps learning ~ without a healthy breakfast, kids cannot concentrate and 

can become disruptive. A healthy lunch is just as important to help kids survive the afternoon.

Kids need help with homework ~ where possible create a set routine.

Refuel with a healthy snack when the student get home. Then sit down together 

to complete the set tasks. As it gets later the children tend to get tired.

Proper sleep habits are critical ~ children are going to school tired after late nights.

Parents can support good sleeping habits by enforcing mobile phones and social media are 

switched off at night. Ending screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime and ensuring 

they are in bed at a regular time.

Children need help being organised ~ Being organised makes the day better for both children and teachers.

Teachers appreciate a child who is organised. You can help kids get organised by:

 + Creating a family calendar so everyone can see what's on each week. 

For young children, use visual symbols. 

+ Once at home, unpack your child's school bag together and discuss what is on for the next day. 

Get your child to put their school shoes in the same place every afternoon.

+ Always pack the school bag and prepare the uniform the night before.

+ Ask your child question's such as, 'What do you need tomorrow?'

source ~ Body and Soul

new on TV ~ NEW GIRL

My new favourite comedy is New Girl. I am so looking forward to watching every Sunday.

Zooey Deschanel is so cute and nerdy. She is an emotional wreck after a traumatic break up and 

moves in with three single male room mates. Did you watch the premiere last Sunday? What did you think?