Mani Monday: I Scream Nails - Leopard Print

I am an Instagram-a-holic. There I said it. Whether I'm posting or just flicking through I am always on it! A couple of months ago I discovered I Scream Nails after stalking Tully from this years Big Brother and I immediately followed them! They create the most amazing little pieces of art on your finger tips! 

After months of stalking I finally booked an appointment on their Tightarse Wednesday night at the Collingwood studio - which is absolutely fabulous! It's a really cool small space with graffiti art on the wall. They had a selection of nail prints to choose from for the special so I chose the leopard print and swapped the red for white and wow, I loved them! For the special they only cost me $20 which was great! For their normal bookings depending on what you get the prices start from $25 but my design would have cost me $40. 

They use normal nail polish for their designs from a variety of brands like OPI and Model's Own. My nail technician was wonderful and took good care of me during my visit even giving me a bag full of delicious goodies! I was so pleased with the end result and received so many compliments! They're definitely an icebreaker! The only bad thing I would have to say is they only lasted 3 days for me which was kinda disappointing but it's more my fault - I work in an office so constantly typing away at the keyboard. 

All in all, I would definitely recommend checking them out! Even if it's just for a stalky stalk on Instagram! 

What do you think of them?

With love,

Char x

Stocking stuffers for her!

Just thought I'd do a super quick post on some last minute stocking stuffer ideas!

I've been super busy the past week finishing up work for the year (and only just starting my Christmas shopping eek!).

I'm going to head out to look at Christmas lights with my BF, mumma and little brother soon but thought I'd get this up quickly to help all those who are struggling for some last minute, small gifts. These range from affordable to premium but all are as amazing as each other!

1. Fake Bake Golden Faux Glo Perfection Instant Tan Spritz RRP $29.95

This product is perfect for all the seasonal parties coming up! Instant wash off tan is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit!

2. Lush Bath Bombs RRP $3.95 - $8.95

This one featured is called Cinders - it's my favourite to get me in the mood for Christmas time! It smells so delish and has popping candy inside that crack like a fireplace when in the water. Absolutely amaaazing and affordable!

3. YSL Rouge Volupte RRP $55

A little bit of luxury is a perfect find in any stocking - this will have your GF/friend/mum/sister squealing! Beautiful formula and phenomenal selection of colours.

4. Frank Body Scrub RRP $15

The world's best scrub for $15. Need I say more? Check out my review here: http://withlovechar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/product-rave-lets-be-frank-about-frank.html

5. Essie Nail Polish $16.95

Pretty colours and great formulas! I am loving pastel nails for this summer!

6. Pandora Stackable Rings RRP starts from $49.95

You can create your own ring by stacking different ones together! Totally cute!

Hope this was somewhat helpful in the final countdown for the big jolly man!

I am going to get changed and put on some comfy clothes for my drive around Melbourne tonight - this is a tradition we do every year and I absolutely love it! Do you have any Christmas traditions? Let me know in the comments below!

Merry Christmas!

With love,

Char x

Healthy Recipe: Acai Smoothie ♥

So, I have a new tasty obsession. Acai Berry smoothies. If you don't know what Acai berries are they're basically a super food that taste super good! It's definitely an indulgent treat without the nasty aftermath!

I've done a bit of googling (this is one of my best skills) and created a list of the reported benefits of Acai berries:

1. Aids in heart health
2. Promotes improved skin and cellular health
3. Improves mental function
4. Gives an energy boost (which I need lately!)
5. Aids in weight loss
6. Anti-aging effects



To make it yourself all you need is:

• Frozen Acai Berries
• Yoghurt (I use vanilla but you could use any flavour and swap for a vegan alternative)
• Apple juice (if I can be bothered I will juice this freshly myself)
• Chia seeds
• Ice (about 1-2 cups, I like it a thick consistency)

It's all guess work when it comes to the exact measurements but it leaves you with a creamy delicious smoothie that will probably have you coming back for more! This is a tasty treat that could easily be made vegan friendly!

Let me know if you try it!

Also, please feel free to follow me on Twitter and Instagram for daily updates: @char_balchin

Happy sipping!

With love,

Char x

Product Rave: Let's be Frank... about Frank!

If you're an avid 'instagrammer' like myself then I'm sure you've seen the naked selfies of ladies (& gentlemen) with a dirty substance coating their skin with hashtags like #thefrankeffect #thefrankmovement etc.. No they're not covered in dirt or promoting some weird new insta-porn, in fact it's a fabulous exfoliant (and all around good stuff) from coffee grounds - a yummy scent that is sure to linger in your bathroom for hours to come. Now, I am totally all for jumping on the bandwagon of things so of course, I immediately placed an order online - hello, for only $15 and free shipping - how could I not?!

Delivery was super quick - so I was quickly able to strip down and scrub the abrasive (but not overly irritable) scrub into my poor, dry skin. The unfortunate result of having eczema since I was born -.- but here's yet another bonus, it didn't irritate it!

Safe to say the hype was spot on! This dirty looking scrub

that is making all the girls get naked is phenomenal! Never has my skin felt more soft or smooth - and the BF agrees! Frank is now a few times a week visit kinda deal and BF is okay with it, in fact BF loves Frank just as much as I do!

How I use it:
I use it on both my face and body probably every third day - sometimes more, sometimes less. On my face I do a very small coat and on my body I use a couple of handfuls.
1. Wet skin
2. Turn off shower and scrub desired amount in to skin. I scrub more vigorously in areas like knees and elbows.
3. Stop scrubbing and stand around awkwardly for 10mins - this is the most annoying step but honestly, makes the skin feel much more rejuvenated and supple as opposed to leaving it sit for a couple of minutes or rinsing it straight away.
4. Rinse and pat your skin dry.

Definitely worth the money! And I will be purchasing again (in fact, I already have)!

Let me know if you've tried it and your thoughts!

Happy naked selfie snapping! or you know.. not.

With love,

Char xo

Product rant: Michael Todd True Organics dry sensitive skin regimen

When it comes to skin care I like to use one brand in a set as I feel like I should get optimum results as they were made to work well together. That seems substantial, right? I usually use the Clinique 3 step system for my face but decided the Michael Todd range seemed more elaborate with more "fun" steps. Boy, was I wrong. I admit - I fell into the marketing trap and come out battered and bruised.

After watching what feels like a billion YouTube gurus rave about Michael Todd I decided to give in to defeat and use a coupon to purchase a regimen which resulted in me paying about $75 for the six piece set. I opted for the dry sensitive skin regimen because my face leans more to the dry side (but not overly) and as I hadn't used their products before I thought it was best to get sensitive, just in case. Thank god I did.

I waited 5 weeks in shipping to Australia and was disappointed to find that they had swapped out the exfoliant (I would think that's the most important step in a dry skin routine) for a moisturiser with no note or nothing. I didn't complain however as I was just too excited to try it.

Now here is my impression..

This regimen has made my face incredibly dry, sensitive to touch, red and flakey like nothing I have ever experienced in my life. All around I wouldn't recommend any of the products that came in the pack. The only positive I have is that the mango and avocado face mask smells to die for - however it's a terrible face mask that really adds no noticeable benefits to my face.

I do not recommend Michael Todd True Organics at all. Please note that this may just be my skin reacting in an adverse way and it may work amazing for you! I will not be repurchasing this product and have no desire to test out any other products from their range.

Let me know what you've used from Michael Todd and your thoughts. If you haven't used them let me know what your current skin care routine is as I am on a hunt for another regimen!

With love,

Char x

My name is Charmaine and I'm a.....

You may ask why I decided to start a blog on a Friday night. Well, I have a confession to make. Let's just say I need to face up to the facts.

Exhibit A - I am home on a Friday night. 
Exhibit B - I have no will to do anything that crazy old 16-20 year old me would have done. 

So, here I am. Sitting at my desk. About to admit a deep and dark secret to the interwebs.

Well, here goes - at the tender age of 21 I have decided that I am officially a mature Adult. Please note that the capitalisation of Adult is definitely deliberate. I feel as though it allows you to understand the full impact and seriousness that is compacted into my new found title. 

Hello everybody, my name is Charmaine and I am an Adult. 

Believe me, I have tried to resist this status in the past year, however, I feel as though I am finally coming to accept this fact for what it is. I've attempted many times to inspire some of the energy that kept me crazy and fun during my "teen" years but have failed miserably and I can't help but wonder.. were they my 'golden' years? Or, perhaps they're yet to come? Maybe this is just a slum?

Now that I identify myself as an adult does that mean that I need to be serious all the time? Do I need to start thinking about purchasing a home? Getting married? Having children?

Let me know when you guys decided that you were officially an adult. I'm intrigued to know.

When will you start making the big decisions of life?

With love,

Char x