Long Weekend Pamper!

A few weeks ago I posted the above picture to Instagram and captioned it "Perfect way to start a long weekend" and it was absolutely divine! So I figured it'd be fitting to do a post on it considering this weekend is another long weekend in Australia! So I hope all you Aussies get to have a fun and relaxing long weekend.

Here's what I did for some quality 'me' time to prep for the long weekend!

1. Run a bath and put your bath bomb in. I used 'Cinders' from LUSH - I love this one because the scent is delish and it makes a crackling sound that sounds like a fireplace - so relaxing!

2. Wet face and hair and remove any make-up. Apply face mask liberally over your face avoiding the delicate eye area. I used one by Avene (it was good but not great). Apply hair mask liberally on the ends of your hair and work it up to your scalp. I used Macadamia Natural Oil which I highly recommend! Let it sit while you relax in your bath for at least 15mins. I recommend turning off the lights, lighting your fave candle and listening to some mellow music or reading your favourite book!

3. Rinse off hair and face mask. Exfoliate your skin with your favourite exfoliant. I, of course, used Frank as my body scrub and for my lip exfoliant I used one I made myself :)

4. Pat skin and leave slightly damp. Apply moisturiser! Do your usual facial skin care routine.

5. Now, it's up to you if you want to apply a fake tan or not. Personally, I love fake tan! If you know how to apply it properly it can really liven up your appearance but with that said some people just look devastatingly beautiful with pale skin, I wish I could pull off pale skin :( life would be easier that's for sure!

Well, that's basically it! I hope this inspires you to take some 'me' time this weekend, be it a long weekend or not!

With love,

Char x

The wonder seed: Chia!

Chia seeds have been all the rage and with good cause, they're freaking amazing. I tend to sprinkle/add chia to everything be it on top of my avocado toast, over my veggies, in my smoothie or whatever I'm eating/drinking it's probably been added for the hell of it! Kidding, it's added for the HEALTH of it! 

Check out my top 5 reasons YOU should incorporate chia seeds in your diet!

1.     It contains three times more iron than spinach and more calcium than milk

2.     Chia are the highest known plant source of Omega-3, with 8 times more than salmon!

3.     Chia seeds expand and line your stomach making you feel fuller for longer!

4.     It has a positive impact balancing blood glucose levels (which is awesome for people with diabetes).

5.     Chia provides a slow release of energy which can sustain you for longer.

What's your favourite super food?

With love,

Char x

Wish List!

Can somebody please tell me how it can be March already?! This year is flying by and I've been super busy moving, sleeping, working, eating and playing! It's been a pretty fab year so far, I'm in the middle of organising a mid year rendezvous to Thailand with the BF which we should be booking this weekend! So exciteeeddd!! I might do some posts on travel soon if anybody is interested? I've never been overseas before so it'd be from a different perspective than the usual "I've been everywhere man" travel blogger. And next year I plan on doing a big USA trip so have put a self imposed spending ban in to action so I can save, save, save! It's so hard and I have definitely failed but from March it gets serious!!

Just to tease myself I thought I'd do a fun little post that shows you all the things that I want from the cosmetic world but am not buying :'(

Tiffany - piCture pOlish

This little gem was found courtesy of Laura - my all time fave blogger (http://www.buynowbloglater.com/2014/02/notd-picture-polish-in-tiffany.html)! Not to mention this is Australian - I neeeed.







GLAMGLOW - Super-Mud Clearing Treatment


This face mask just oozes amazing-ness. I've seen so many rave reviews!







Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder

This was recommended by my bestie so I'm uber keen to get my hot little hands on this to dust it all over my face!







YSL - Babydoll Mascara

I just want this because I do. And the packaging is pretty. That's not a crime, right?

Sephora - Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

After watching itsjudytime's first impression video my first impression was - I need!!!







So that's just a little sneak of my wish list, let's see how long it takes me to crack and purchase something!

What's on your wish list?


With love,

Char x

♥ 2013 Favourites ♥

Let me preface this by saying I'm a bit late in the game, but I've been on holidays from work and haven't been doing much but shop, eat and shop. Let's be honest - I've been straight up lazy and loving it! I've been more on the reading side of blogs than writing the past few weeks and have been loving all the 2013 favourites posts so had to join in despite my tardiness!

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New Year break and that it was filled with special memories. I had the best break with friends and family and feel so grateful for the time I had!

Let's get into it. In no particular order, here are my favourites for 2013!

 

1. Macadamia Natural Oil - Deep Repair Masque RRP $39.95 http://bit.ly/1iga3ZU
I wanted this product for the LONGEST time. I constantly hesitated due to the price. I can't tell you how many times I would walk in to Hairhouse Warehouse and pick it up only to put it back down again. Until one day when my BF (clearly frustrated by my constant um-ing and ah-ing) bought it for me! Now, I've used a hell of a lot of hair masks in my time and this is by FAR the best! After shampooing I take a handful and work it through the bottoms of my hair and work it up to my scalp (use sparingly the closer you get to the scalp as it may make your hair oily). I let it sit for as long as I can be bothered waiting (usually 5mins) and rinse. Follow up with conditioner, and voila - amazing, silky smooth hair. Absolute LOVE.

2. Sally Hansen - Airbrush Legs RRP $26.99 http://bit.ly/KCZIfs
This is a long time favourite and I don't think there will ever be a time in my life when I don't have a bottle in my cupboard. This is leg makeup enriched with palmaria extract completely covers any scarring, sores, pigmentation issues, freckles - pretty much any imperfection you can think of to provide flawless looking legs. So easy to apply and it's water and transfer resistant aka perfection in a bottle. I think I may dedicate a whole post to this soon. Let me know if you'd be interested!

3. Lush - Angels on bare skin RRP $16.95 http://bit.ly/KxqiWA
I'm going to be honest here, the smell doesn't really do anything for me - Lavender reminds me of my Nan's house - but the product itself is beautiful. It leaves your face feeling smooth and hydrated. It's a gorgeous product albeit, a little messy to use!

4. MAC - Lady Bug Lipstick RRP $36 http://bit.ly/1a7vIOE
I bought this early in 2013 when I was wearing a lot of black to work and wanted a red lip to give my overall look a bit of colour. I went for Lady Bug as its an easy to wear red that is great for daytime use but with a few extra applications can be built up to be more bold. It's a beautiful understated colour that is a prized gem in my collection.

5. Lush - Bubblegum Lip Scrub RRP $9.95 http://bit.ly/1iSZW00
Everyone's heard of these and all I'm going to say is it's absolutely amazeballs and if you don't own one already go and get it right now. Seriously. GO.

6. BareMinerals Concealer - Well Dressed RRP $24.94 http://bit.ly/1huXf4j
Beautiful product that brightens up your under eyes in a way that is unbelievable. Incredible.

7. YSL Rouge Volupte #13 Peach Passion RRP $55 at YSL counter in Myers
This lipstick has the most beautiful formula - so creamy and opaque. I need to expand my collection ASAP. Not to mention, this colour in particular is absolutely gorgeous and will compliment most skin colours.

8. Jordana - Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara RRP $3.59 http://bit.ly/1dff3yy
Quite possibly my favourite find of the year and the cheapest too! This mascara has been raved about all over YouTube so I decided for under $5 what's the harm in trying it? I am so glad that I did! It actually makes my lashes so long and I always get compliments when I use this mascara!

Well there you have it, just a smidgen of my favourites from 2013. Let me know if any of your favourites were on my list! Or if there's any products I should try in 2014!

I hope each and every one of you have the most amazing year this year! I can tell it's going to be a great one!

With love,

Char x

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