It happens to all of us and more often than not you just can’t put your finger on why you woke up in such a terrible mood! We run to a pretty tight deadline Monday to Friday. Ethan needs to leave the house by 7am …
In hindsight it was a totally ‘oddball’ purchase, but the first animated/family DVD we purchased when Dave and I found out we were pregnant 12.5 years ago was Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – how can that movie have come out in 1993?! Anyway, …
Scheduled for release in New Zealand October 27th, the latest legend fragrance from Versace, Eros Pour Femme EDT is ah-maze. Add this to your Christmas list ladies, this is a classic. It’s a strong, fresh fragrance, with citrus notes combined with raspberry and white current. Mid-notes comprise florals; freesia, magnolia, orange blossom and jasmine with a base of white patchouli, wood notes , musk and ambrox. This is divine! I can’t get enough.
The need-to-know: Available October 27th in Farmers, Life Pharmacies and department stores. 30ml $100, 50ml $125, 100ml $170.
Nadia’s empire just keeps growing with the latest offering from the team at My Food Bag. I attended the launch party at Meadow and sampled the My Dinner Party menu last week and it’s another home-run. My fave? The Kaipara Kumara and Rhubarb Crumble with Mascarpone – I’m still thinking about it days later!
The need-to-know: My Dinner Party Bag can be ordered as an add-on to your normal My Food Bag delivery.
My Dinner Party Bag includes
Gorgeous natural skincare brand Sukin have repackaged their Purely Ageless range which comprises the Botanical Hydration Booster $35.99, Replenishing Night Cream $32.50, Intensive Firming Serum $37.99. If you haven’t tried Sukin yet I can honestly recommend these products, I’m a huge fan (especially of their Foaming Cleansers). This is natural skincare, free of sulphates, animal derivatives, parabens, propylene glycol, harsh detergents, mineral oils, triethanolamine, synthetic fragrances and parabens at a great price.
Go Healthy’s GO Slim Garcinia GoldThis is a new-to-market product from a brand our family uses every day. When I received this press release, I responded with a five word email; ‘Winter has not been kind”.
This stimulant-free formula supports healthy fat metabolism, helps manage appetite and cravings plus is a great natural energy booster. GO Healthy GO Slim Garcinia Gold combines three key ingredients that work harmoniously to help manage weight; Mangosteen, East Indian Globe Thistle and Garcinia cambogia. I’ve started taking it so will get back to you in a few weeks!
The need-to-know: GO Healthy GO Slim Garcinia Gold 60 Caps $34.90. 120 Caps $59.90 (2 per day).
I’m 1/3rd through this book right now and simply cannot wait for my teeny 15 minutes of reading time each night before I just can’t stay awake any longer! This is my first read of French’s work and I’m definitely going to be reaching for her back catalogue when I’m through The Trespasser. Dubbed a ‘psychological suspense thriller’, the characters I’ve met so far are a collection of deep, complex personalities that are leaving me guessing – I have NO idea where this novel is going – but I like it.
The need-to-know: Published by Hachette New Zealand RRP $37.99 / E-book RRP $19.99, released 27/9/16
Kiwi fave Farrah’s have launched an exciting new Mexican range that’s definitely going to bring some smiles to my burrito loving family! Farrah’s Flame Baked Tortillas come in three variants; Burrito, Taco and Chilli and are guaranteed to not crack or split when rolled. Farrah’s Spice Mixes are all gluten free and available in three flavours; Nacho Spice Mix for the mild palate, Taco Spice Mix and Burrito Spice Mix for those that love a bit more heat!
A new face in the Mexican make-at-home dinner market is just what New Zealand needs so make sure you check out these new products in the supermarket.
The need-to-know: Find Farrah’s Mexican Range in your supermarket nationwide. Farrah’s Flame Baked Tortillas RRP: $5.49, Farrah’s Spice Mixes: $2.99
Say ‘Hola!’ to Farrah’s NEW Mexican range! We have 4 prize packs to give away (three here and one on FB) valued at $25 each. Visit @Farrah’s on Facebook or farrahs.co.nz for recipe inspiration!
Prize packs contain:
To enter simply sign-up for my email newsletter using the form below (I mail once a week max!) and leave a comment letting me know you’re on the list! Comp closes Mon 18/10/16 @10pm. NZ residents only.
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Charlie & Lola: One Thing by Lauren Child RRP$19.99 I’ve been in love with straight talking Lola since Ethan was little and am so happy that Nix loves these siblings just as much as his brother did. Nixon turned 3 a couple of months ago …
Our 5th season as rugby parents has just come to a close, and with that our washing machine, gumboots, weekday evenings and Saturday mornings breathe a collective sigh of relief! Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE rugby, but it’s a big commitment at J1 level …
Last week Dave and I stole some quiet time and headed out to Takapuna for a lunch date. Once my old stomping grounds, Takapuna, specifically Hurstmere Road has experienced something of a renaissance over the past few years. It’s pretty much the ‘restaurant row’ of the North Shore with many great and varied options and smack, bang in the middle sits The Lab Eatery.
Housed in the old Auckland University Laboratory, the on-trend decor and vibe is relaxed and semi-industrial – definitely inspired by the properties history. I’m pegging the large deck that looks out to Hurstmere Road as one of this summer’s hot spots, both for a bit of people watching and to be seen – of course!
So, I’ve got two tips for you, the first is obviously a new summer eatery, the second is what to drink when you get there. I’ve never had anything like The Lab’s Limited Edition Wine Pop before and I’m totally hooked! Sparkling wine served with a Vodka Peach Ice Pop that’s made in-house and is to-die-for good. A destination drink? Absolutely.
I get the feeling that the owners and chef at The Lab like to add their own twist to whatever they do and it totally works. Dave ordered the Daddy and Me burger, the patty made from lamb and bacon worked perfectly and was such a welcome change from traditional beef patties. I loved my Chicken and Prawn salad, the secret Lab sauce is amazing and makes the dish one I will return and order again and again.
The Lab Eatery ticks all the boxes for me, the service was wonderful from both the waitress and bar staff, the food is great (and a little bit different!), the drinks are divine and the location is hard to beat. Make this a Sunday afternoon date spot, sit on the deck and sip on a Wine Pop – you won’t be disappointed!
After I bared my Mum Tum online last week, I realised I wasn’t alone in the awkwardness I feel about my post-baby body. You guys feel awkward too! You often struggle to find bras in the right size, you’re perhaps not sure what size you …
One of the awesome things about our Flying Start judging panel is that each time we convene it’s an exciting process of discovery as we are introduced to some of the many amazing community groups that are out there, often flying under the radar, doing some really cool stuff. Jetstar’s …
If you’re a fan of global mega-brand H&M you’re probably already planning your first look and the new store at Sylvia Park that opened it’s doors for the VIP shopping preview last night.
Guests were not disappointed. The red carpet was rolled out, shopping bags, champagne flutes, gorgeous canapes and wonderfully helpful sales assistants were everywhere in abundance. Mum and I were among the first through the doors so we got straight to work before the 500 other guests rolled in!
The store is huge, do not visit if you’re in a rush or have small children – you will either lose them or wish you could lose them lol. I’ve been to H&M in Sydney in a hurry and left feeling overwhelmed and far too old to shop there, when in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You just have to have time to look and be selective. The Auckland store is spread over two spacious floors, Ladies and Menswear on the ground floor, more ladies, intimates, activewear and kids on the 2nd floor.
Mum and I were methodical and brutal, if we weren’t sure on size we grabbed two so we wouldn’t have to hit the changing rooms more than once – that’s where the lines were. I’d say most things are true to the sizes that we know here in New Zealand. I loved the women’s wear, the little boys section was cute but I wasn’t wowed and the men’s department was pretty great to be honest. Not entirely to Dave’s taste but this is where I’ll be bringing Ethan to shop from now on.
The price? Ah-mazing, pretty much exactly what you’d pay in Aussie. My favourite pair of jeans are from H&M and they were in stock at $29, the same price I paid in Sydney earlier in the year.
L-R Off-the-Shoulder Dress $29.99, Chiffon Blouse $29.99, Jersey Top with Perforations $24.99, Skirt $59.99, Vest Top with Frilled Sleeves $24.99, Jersey Top with Puff Sleeves $14.99, Jersey Top $19.99, Patterned Cotton Cap $12.99, 5 Pack Socks $14.99, Printed T Shirt $12.99, Blue Hat $7.99, Mustard Skirt $59.99, Palm Tree Shirt $19.99, Cactus Shirt $29.99, Men’s Cap $14.99
So here’s most of my H&M Auckland haul, the red dress and Mustard skirt are definitely the stand-out pieces for me, the rest is mainly just comfy casuals. Little things like nice socks for little boys that aren’t in goofy colours or overdone with patterns was a welcome respite and I LOVE the scorpion, desert-themed tee I picked up for Nix!
It was a really excellent opening party and I’m pretty sure 99% of those attended had a fab time – Mum and I sure did!
Good luck if you’re heading out tomorrow, it’s going to be absolute bedlam! Have fun!
Having the kids home for the school holidays is the perfect time to try out some new recipes (Chocolate Chip and Macadamia Cookie anyone?) and get the kids comfy in the kitchen. Learning to follow recipes, prepare and serve food, clean up (!) and share …