It really couldn’t of come at a better time. I’m finding myself in a position where I’m really stepping back and taking a look at my life, and it has opened my eyes to new ideals, starting with this quote.

Now the first time I read it, it actually made me feel a little uneasy so I quickly skipped to the next page. Then like a picture of something you know you don’t want to see, but just HAVE to look at, I read it again. And again. Each time taking it in a little more. Now to people who don’t know me, and possibly those who do, I probably seem quite odd. But typically I’m not someone who can sit still. I really struggle to relax.

On Sunday I decided it was time to give it a shot. Or at least start step one of being able to do absolutely nothing. There was a Sex and the City Marathon on TV, so I set myself up for an afternoon with no plans. 1 episode in, I found myself setting up the ironing board. I then proceeded to finishing ironing the whole basket and paint my nails. Although I was doing things, I felt quite relaxed. So relaxed that we had takeaway for dinner. (eeek!)

So my first attempt was definately an average one, but I’ll try again soon.

Why is it that we feel so quilty stopping to rest? And order takeaway? I work part time, run a business, take care of a puppy, cook and clean, and have a fiance who works fulltime in a stressful job and studys part time. Why is that not enough? Why do I feel guilty taking some time for me??

With our wedding around the corner and the possibility of children not too far away, I feel like I need to master this act of doing nothing before it’s too late!

I’d love some tips or pointers on how you find your ‘me time’.

When I got home, I decided to continue with my Anzac spirit, and put together a number of Anzac Biscuit recipes, to create this little gem below. I hope you enjoy!

Kate’s Gluten Free and Delicious Anzac Biscuits

(This beauitful plate was Mike’s Great Grandma’s!)

You will need…

1 Cup Gluten Free Oats (I used the Flannery’s brand)

1 Cup Brown Rice Flour (They have this at Coles)

1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut

1 Cup Brown Sugar

125g Butter

4Tbsp Maple Syrup

1/4 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tbsp Boiling Water

Method

1. Preheat oven to 150 Degrees C, and line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Combine oats, rice flour, coconut, and sugar in a bowl.

3. Melt butter and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium to low heat.

4. Combine baking soda and water in a separate small (tiny) bowl then add to the butter mixture.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix through.

6. Roll the mixture into even little balls with your hands and place on the pre lined baking trays. If you like your biscuits moist, leave them in a ball, if you like them crunchy push them down with the back of a fork.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

8. Allow to cook then eat!

Delish!!

Note- When they come out of the oven they are quite soft, so be gentle. They will become firmer as the cool

I’ve had a great couple of days with the lovely Hyundai i30 that spent the weekend with me! Firstly a big thank you goes to James Frizelle’s Gold Coast Hyundai for sharing this little treasure for a couple of days!

Now I have to be honest, when I was told I would be reviewing a Hyundai i30 I was slightly disheartened. The last car I reviewed was an Audi A1 and snobby-faced-Kate thought (with my nose is the air) ‘Ah well, that’s not that exciting’. I don’t actually know where that ‘snob’ came from… All the same I took myself into the LOVELY James Frizelle’s Gold Coast showroom and met Daniel. Who was extremely helpful and talked me through the car. Needless to say my nose came right back down to earth (I think I just made that saying up…??) and I fell in love!

What a great little car! The first thing I was happy to hear was the 5 star safety rating! Most small cars are a little iffy on safety, but I felt incredibly comfortable cruising around town in Isabel. This being said, it’s not actually that small inside. I was pleasantly surprised to comfortably fit 3 of my friends and I, for our shopping trip to Brisbane. (We were even comfortable on the way back with bags galore!)

The only downside for our trip to Brisbane was the lack of cruise control. However after chatting with Daniel, the model I had is the entry level and doesn’t come with cruise control, but it can be added for only $500. Money well spent I think! The next model up does come with cruise control, which would be more suited to those who travel a little more. And these are priced at $22990.

Some of the other features I love…

iPod connectivity

 Umm…YAY! I don’t have this in my car (neither did the A1) and it’s a God send! It all tucks away and hides in the centre console and you operate it from the digital hub in the centre of the dash. Very neat and tidy. Just how I like it!

Mobile Phone Handsfree

OK so there’s handsfree and there’s handsfree… But this one is fabulous! I was so happy with the quality; I was able to make work calls comfortably while I was driving without worrying about my clients not hearing me.

The Zip Zip Factor – I’m aware this isn’t technical car talk, but if that’s what you want to hear, you’re in the wrong place! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am by no means a speed demon, much to the disappointment of my brother, who insisted I ‘skid it’ when he found out I was doing another review- I’m not even sure I know what that means ???All of this aside, I do like a car to get up to speed when I want it to, and the i30 does that.

All in all I’ve had a great couple of days driving Isabel around town, and I’m hesitant to take her back. I’m currently considering a two year old tantrum at Gold Coast Hyundai when I drop her home on Thursday. The model I had is priced under $20000 which I think is fabulous for a brand new car!

If you’re interested in trying out your very own Isabel (I’m a big fan of the charcoal colour) contact Daniel Bowden at James Frizelle’s Gold Coast Hyundai

danielb@jamesfrizelles.com.au or phone 5583 8810

Stay tuned for another post on Isabel the i30 in the next couple of days.

If you drive an i30, I would love you to post what you love about yours below!

For those of you who have read my blogs before, you may have seen my review on the Audi A1 last year, who I affectionately named Annabel. In true LadyRouge fashion the i30 deserves her own name too!
Meet, Isabel

I’m looking forward to taking Isabel to Brisbane tomorrow with my besties for a spot of shopping! Say tuned <3

Where does Lady Rouge fit into all of this? Well a month off work gave me a lot of time to think about what I want. I got to re-asses my work/home life balance, as well as my relationships with family and friends. Up until now I’ve felt that my career as a Hair and Makeup Artist defines me. It’s time for that to change. Lady Rouge to me, is now a progressive reflection of who I am, (more than hair and makeup) everything I love, treasures I find and whatever the hell else I want to put here!

I hope you enjoy reading the twisting winding road that is my life, and please kind!

 {Mike & I at our Engagement Party}

{Image credits – Photos Ali Mitton, Styling Kate Stien and makeup Kate}

An article in the January 2012 issue of Vogue really got me thinking. Entitled ‘Faking it’ Has artificial everything become so ubiquitous now that it’s accepted as the norm?  It forced me to question my beliefs and ask, what is natural beauty? Is it someone born with a perfect face and body, with curves, bones and plumping in the right places? Is it someone with a personality that brings warmth to your heart when you’re with them? Is it someone who embraces their flaws and learns to love themselves for the person they are? Or is it someone who ‘bought’ the perfect figure, ironed out their lines and plumped their lips?

Now I know some of you would question why I would bring this up when my job is ‘purely superficial’ but for me it’s so much more than that. My approach to makeup comes from two different places.  The first is my passion for creativity. One of my favourite ways to work is by collaborating with other creatives, compiling our ideas and thoughts, and creating a beautiful story that encapsulates a collection of talent. The second is love. The majority of my makeup work is for the most important day of someone’s life, their wedding. I genuinely feel honoured every time a bride invites me to be a part of her special day. Being included in such a celebration of love, is something I will always cherish.

All of this being said, I’ve always been a fan of natural makeup and the less is more approach, so I thought I would share my daily makeup routine and products with you!

I like to use either primer or moisturiser, so I use a SPF 30+ everyday of the year rain hail or shine. (This is so important that I will do a whole post about it in the very near future) For foundation I use MAC Studio Sculpt. This has quite a good coverage and a dewy finish. I follow this closely with MAC  Select Moisturcover concealer around my eyes and on my lids, and in the capillary areas on my nose. Then I use the Benefit 10 bronzer and highlighter duo. The colour is awesome and it comes with a cute little brush that my friends and I affectionately named ‘Murry’. I then take the oil from my eyelids by applying loose powder with an eyeshadow brush. Next is my mascara. Now this is my FAVOURTIE mascara ever! You should all try it, the brand is Graftobian and I use black. The link is further down this post. I put loads on my top lashes to really open my eyes, and just one stroke on the bottom. Finally I finish with trusty old PawPaw or Elizabeth Arden 8hour Cream on my lips.

When I’m feeling really adventurous I add some shadow and liquid liner to the eyes. I particularly love dark purples to compliment my green eyes, with the Jemma Kid liquid liner in black.

MAC Studio Sculpt

http://www.maccosmetics.com.au/product/shaded/158/4386/Studio-Sculpt-SPF-15-Foundation/index.tmpl

MAC Select Moisturcover

http://www.maccosmetics.com.au/product/shaded/157/964/Select-Moisturecover/index.tmpl

Benefit 10

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/10

Graftobian Mascara

http://www.makeupandglow.com.au/Graftobian-Professional-Black-Mascara-p-16248.html

I would love to hear what beauty is to you in the comments section below, as well as you’re daily makeup routine.

I’m a big believer in expressing yourself through your hair and makeup, finding what makes you feel good and wearing it with confidence. For me personally, I know that I feel so much more confident when I love my hair, makeup and outfit. And more often than not, the people around me don’t really get my style, but when I feel good about myself that’s all that matters!

In saying all of that, I’m going to contradict myself and pick out what I love and hate about the 2011 ARIA’s Red Carpet outfits!

First up I really enjoy the whole look that Missy Higgins is pulling together here. She probably could have gone with a bit of a cats-eye eyeliner to finish it off, but overall I think she looks lovely!

Now when it comes to Ricki-Lee and her recent weight loss, the opinions are generally split. Me? I think she looks beautiful here;  I particularly love her hair- very similar to what I did for one of my gorgeous clients last week. (That’s you Miss Kate Bennett!)

Ruby Rose was her usual self in something slightly left of centre, which she pulled off beautifully! Not too sure whether I’m a fan of the shaved head though… I like her with a little more length in her hair.

Havana Brown. I don’t know what is going on here, but I am not a fan of the dead straight hair. I think if she pulled it back into a slick pony it would have looked a MILLION times better! And on a side note, are those pants made from al-foil?

FIFI! I’m a bit fan, hair and makeup looks beautiful, and she has the perfect smile to go with it! Just not too sure what the fashion police would be saying about this one!

Erin McNaught, you are so ridiculously gorgeous so please tell me why you didn’t do your hair? I understand the whole beachy hair look, but it’s still meant to look clean. This looks like she has been on an island holiday for a week and hasn’t washed her hair! (Half her luck if she has though!) Makeupwise? I love her with tangerine lips!

Kasey Chambers… Next time, please get a brow tint, and ask your makeup artist to shade them in!

Lady of the moment Miss Kylie Minogue and good ol’ Jules.

I think Kylie is beautiful, and she really nailed it here! Her hair and makeup is lovely. I could comment on the botox, however my views may be different in 10 years!

Now I have a little issue with people bagging the appearance women in powerful, and significant positions such as Julia.  I won’t lie, I have been known to have a bit of a go at Julia for her re-growth, however if she doesn’t have time to get it done cause she is busy running the country, I’m totally ok with that. (Thanks for asking Jules)

At the Aria’s I think she looks well presented, yet professional.  I just wish she would wear a different colour lipstick, this one makes her teeth look yellow!

What are your thoughts? Was there anyone I missed who you thought was a stand out? And who did it best on the red carpet in your opinion?

A little behind the eight ball, I only discovered Alexa’s brilliance about a year ago, but have since used her style to help me create my own. I have modeled my last 3 different hair colours on Alexa’s (but adapted them to suit me of course). I commend her ‘less is more’ approach to makeup and love her quirky fashion choices and confidence in executing them!

I actually also found a blog (which has since ended) called www.iwanttobealexachung.tumblr.com

So here it is my tribute to Alexa and her style!

ps I’m not a stalker

With her answer…

For my “non-makeup days” it would have to be my cream blush to stop me looking like a vampire… And for days when I’m getting dolled up, it’s my eyelash curler – somehow I lived for 21 years without knowing it’s power and once I discovered it, it changed my life (and face!)

Thanks so much for everyone who took the time to enter the first LADYROUGE competition, keep your eyes peeled cause there’s plenty more coming your way!

How to enter..

As you will see after reading this review, this is one brush I can’t live without, so I want to know what hair, makeup or beauty product or tool that you can’t live without! Write your answer in the comment section at the bottom of this post and the winner will be announced on Thursday morning!

LADYROUGE’S REVIEW

Women spend hundreds of dollars every year on makeup products, which to me means that it is all the more important to ensure that you have excellent quality tools to get the most out of your products. This means good quality brushes!

For many of you out there, a kabuki is part of your daily makeup routine, while other may not have even heard of it! The kabuki is a firm haired, medium bristle length brush. It usually has a small handle and is super cute. They are used for dry products such as powder, blush and bronzer as well as contouring and highlighting. Personally I like to use mine for powder and bronzers.

Recently I was given the opportunity to have a play with the first brush released from the MishMash Makeup range, the kabuki, and here is what I thought…Aesthetically this is a great looking brush. Firstly it has a really great design, and let’s be honest, not only do we want our brushes to work for us – we like them to look good too. The outer casing is made of a durable metal – I think this is very important as our brushes live a tough life being thrown in and out of bags, being dropped and getting used day in, day out. When you remove the lid there is also a retractable casing around the bristles.

Now I have to admit when I read on the packaging that it is 100% synthetic I was a tiny bit disappointed, I have always been one to opt for sable (animal hair) brushes, mostly because they tend to stay softer for longer and generally hold together a lot better – which means value for money. However I have been extremely impressed! It doesn’t feel at all like a synthetic brush and is silky soft! (I even caught my boyfriend brushing it on the back of his hand in awe at how soft it was!) I also washed it a number of times in water and shampoo and allowed it to dry (as I do with all of my brushes) and I am yet to see it loose a hair!

Ok so now for the important bit… How does it perform while applying makeup???

It’s great! The product goes on evenly, but still allows for building up. The versatility is fabulous! It’s perfect for every makeup kit. You only need one brush for powder, blush/bronzer and highlighter or contouring. I used the brush fully retracted for powder as I was covering the whole face, for blush, bronzer and contour/highlighting, I needed to be more specific with where the product was going so I retracted in by only about 1/4.

Another great bonus, if you fully retract the brush, swirl it around in your powder, tap the base on the bench, and close it back up – you can put it in your bag for touching up your makeup throughout the day!

Overall the Mish Mash Makeup Kabuki is a WINNER!! With an RRP is $32.95 I recommend buying this one right now!

I can’t wait for the rest of the range to be released!

To purchase the MishMash Kabuki follow this link …

http://www.mishmashmakeup.com/

Or to win your own tell me what hair, makeup or beauty product or tool you can’t live without in the comment space below!

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