Review: Marley Spoon.

Marley Spoon*# is a food subscription service that promises to make cooking easier by delivering everything that you need to cook delicious meals directly to your door.

Marley Spoon is perfect for busy people that struggle to find the time to meal plan and grocery shop. By delivering only the exact amount of every ingredient required for each meal, Marley Spoon takes the guesswork out of grocery shopping and allows you to say goodbye to food wastage forever!

I was sent a sample Marley Spoon*# box to trial and review. It contained the ingredients for two meals – Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas and Mushroom Miso Risotto with Sesame and Spinach.

The box contained three bags: one bag for each recipe and a cooler bag for ingredients that need to be chilled. Detailed recipe cards were also included explaining exactly what you need to do to prepare each meal.

I decided to prepare both meals on the same night with the soup being the entrée and  the risotto being the main meal. I am pleased to report that the recipes were easy-to-follow and the ingredients were all of very high quality. Since I only have my husband myself to cook for, there were plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.

The Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas.

I don’t usually make soup, mainly because I have no idea how to get the amount of ingredients and consistency right, but following the Marley Spoon recipe card made preparing the Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup with Roasted Chickpeas super easy! My husband and I were both happy with the flavours. It is a very hearty soup and it could easily be a meal on its own.

The Mushroom Miso Risotto with Spinach and Sesame.

The Risotto was easy to prepare and tasted delicious. I was a big fan of the Miso and Sesame favours. My husband doesn’t usually like risotto very much, but he loved this recipe!

Marley Spoon have kindly offered readers of my blog $35 off! All you need to do is click here# to order and start making dinner time so much easier!

Have you ever tried Marley Spoon? What did you think of it? 

*All products in this post were provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

#Affiliate link. I will make a small commission from any sales made using this link at no extra cost to you.

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Review: Liverpool St Subscription Box.

If you’ve ever had a period, you’ll know that the arrival of your monthly visitor doesn’t always sync up with your most recent purchase of tampons.

Hands-up if you’ve ever frantically rushed to the supermarket to buy your monthly supply (or sent a loved one on the mission) just so you can go about your day? I know I’ve been there and it can certainly throw a busy day out of whack.

Imagine if tampons were magically delivered to your door once a month? You’d never have to put your plans on hold to stock-up again!

Well, good news folks, because Liverpool St* does exactly that!

Liverpool St* offers a monthly subscription service in which two boxes of organic tampons (in your preferred absorbency) are delivered to your door each month in a discreet (and very cute) box.

Why organic tampons? Well, just like how we try to avoid nasty chemicals in the food we eat and the beauty products we use, it is a good idea to make sure that the products we use in our most intimate areas are as chemical-free as possible.

According to the Liverpool St* press release, “the majority of tampons on the market are laden with toxins and chemicals that absorbed into the bloodstream once they are inserted.”

Scary stuff, right?

I was sent two Liverpool St* subscription boxes to trial and review. It was my first time trying organic tampons and I couldn’t help but notice that they are so much more comfortable than other tampon brands I’ve tried. I wonder if my body has disagreed with other brands for years and I just didn’t know that there were better options out there?

According to Liverpool St*, organic tampons are made from 100% cotton, are hypoallergenic and won’t disturb your body’s PH levels. So it is possible that organic tampons are just a better option for me.

In addition to the products being great, I also love Liverpool St’s packaging*. The exterior cardboard box is very cute and is sealed with a sticker that says “Positive Vibes Only” on it. I love this because menstrual cycles are unfortunately often a taboo topic so I am a big supporter of brands that endeavour to make getting your period a more positive experience. The tampon boxes themselves are rectangular and slender so they can easily fit in any bag or pocket and I love the on-trend pastel colour scheme.

If you’re interested in giving organic tampons a go and want the convenience of a monthly delivery service, all you have to do is sign up on the Liverpool St* website. At this stage, Liverpool St* only deliver within Australia but according to their website, they are hoping to expand to other areas soon.

You can choose between a Mixed Bundle (1 box of super tampons and 1 box of regular tampons), a Regular Bundle (2 boxes of regular tampons) and a Super Bundle (2 boxes of super tampons.) Each bundle costs just $8.90AUD plus $3.30AUD postage.

*All products in this post were provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

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REVIEW: Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum and Renewing Moisturiser.

It’s winter here in Australia, and as the weather cools down, my skin gets to, unfortunately, dry up. Every winter I assess my skincare regime and try to work out what I can be doing to take better care of my face.

When I was asked to review the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum* and Renewing Moisturiser*, I jumped at the chance. I had used Derma E products before and I knew that Derma E is a high quality, cruelty free brand that focused on using natural products wherever possible. I’d also heard about all the great affects of using Vitamin C in your skincare, but never really found a range that I liked. I was very keen to see if Derma E’s Vitamin C range would agree with my combination skin.

The Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum and Renewing Moisturiser* are both packaged in slender bottles with a pump that contain 60ml of product each. I love the simple white and orange label design because it instantly makes me think of oranges and  therefore vitamin C. Both products come in a matching box.

The Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum* retails at $39.95 in Australia and contains active ingredients hyaluronic acid, non-oxidising vitamin C and aloe vera.  According to the press release, this serum promises to help

…brighten the skin and boost collagen health, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improving the appearance of uneven skin tone.”

The Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum* is a gel-based serum with a slight orange tint. It has a delicious natural citrus scent which reminds me of the lemon tree that grew in my childhood backyard. It dissolves into the skin very quickly and unlike some other Vitamin C products that I’ve tried, it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. After use, my skin feels very smooth and ready for some moisturiser.

The Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturiser* retails for $34.95 and it is a very light, cream-based moisturiser. It has the same incredible citrus scent as the serum. I prefer a heavier moisturiser at night time, so I have been using the Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturiser* as a day cream and I am please to share that it is the best day cream I have ever used! It’s super light, doesn’t add unnecessary grease to my t-zone and is the perfect base for make-up. I don’t even need to use a makeup primer when I wear this moisturiser!

In addition to non-oxidising vitamin C, the Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturiser* also contains rooibos and probiotics. According to the press release, this combination of ingredients is designed to

 …help shield and strengthen the skin’s natural defences for a smoother, firmer and more revitalised appearance.”

I’ve been using the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum* and the Renewing Moisturiser* for a few weeks now and I’ve noticed that my complexion is looking brighter and I am experiencing less redness. I would definitely recommend these products to anyone who is looking for natural skincare solutions that actually work.

*All products in this post were provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

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REVIEW: David M. Hawkins presents ‘Cabaret’ (Melbourne season).

The beautiful cast of ‘Cabaret’. Image: supplied.

Iconic Musical Heats Up The Athenaeum. 

I was invited to attend a preview production of the production of Cabaret currently playing in Melbourne. As a longtime fan of the musical, I jumped at the chance to attend.

Cabaret is set in Berlin in 1929 and tells the story of a young American writer named Clifford Bradshaw (Jason Kos) who finds himself in the debaucherous night spot The Kit Kat Club. Bradshaw quickly becomes bewitched by one of the club’s headlining performers, the vivacious Sally Bowles (Chelsea Gibb). The pair end-up living together in a flat they rent from a conservative but caring landlord, Fräulein Schneider (Kate Fitzpatrick).

While Cabaret might sound like the typical boy-meets-girl story, it is anything but. The Nazi regime is beginning to take hold and the characters do not know if they are safe or who to trust. Particularly distressed is Fräulein Schneider’s love interest, fruit shop owner Herr Schultz, who happens to be Jewish.

The story of Sally Bowles (Chelsea Gibb) and Clifford Brashaw (Jason Kos) is not a typical love story. Image: supplied. 

In Cabaret, the action constantly shifts between bittersweet realism in the dramatic scenes and bright musical numbers that are performed within The Kit Klub Club. These songs are so much more than catchy showtunes though, they are commentary about the characters’ lives and the political climate of the time. Leading these dynamic numbers is the Emcee (Paul Capsis) who also acts as a narrator for the show.

With a book by Joe Masteroff and a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Cabaret is so cleverly written that, if performed right, you will fall a little bit in love with every character. And as for the ‘villains’, you will love to hate them. Every performer in this production had me smitten.

From the moment Paul Capsis greeted the audience with the iconic song ‘Willkommen’, I knew the show was going to be great. Capsis brings bucketloads of charisma and energy to the role making him the perfect Emcee. He is one of those rare talents who can give one hundred percent to challenging songs and choreography while making it look effortless at the same time. If you are debating seeing Cabaret, I urge you to not let the opportunity to see Capsis in this role pass you by.

Paul Capsis is an unforgettable Emcee. Image: supplied. 

Chelsea Gibb brings a unique level of vivacity to the role of Sally Bowles. Gibb’s performance of the title song is an absolute showstopper filled with raw emotion. Her chemistry with love interest Clifford Bradshaw (Jason Kos) is electric.

Kos brings an appropriate sense of innocence to the role of Clifford and successfully portrays the character’s transformation into a more jaded, weary man.

The supporting cast work well together and create an eccentric, unconventional family. Kelley Abbey’s intricate choreography is performed with style and ease. Ensemble vocals are flawless and powerful.

The Athenaeum theatre is a small space but the inventive scenic design is nothing short of genius. A raised platform acts as both The Kit Club’s stage and Fräulein Schneider’s apartments. Two doors on either side of the platform allow for actors’ entrances and exits as well as clever storage spaces for props and costumes. A few small tables and chairs surround the platform for cast members to act as an audience at the club. Between songs, the Emcee often sits at a table, watching the characters’ lives unravel.

Without giving too much away, this production of Cabaret is unique, innovative and expertly performed.

So what are you waiting for? Book now and come to the cabaret!

Cabaret is running until the 20th of May at the The Athenaeum theatre in Melbourne. Tickets are available through Ticketek. 

*I was invited to attend a preview performance of ‘Cabaret’ and tickets were supplied. This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

Do you know about Boe?*

Boe Beauty is an affordable, high quality make-up line available exclusively at Big W Australia. Prices start as low as just $2.00!

Boe Professional is Boe Beauty’s sister brand and the quality of these high-end inspired products are impressive, but the prices are still very affordable. The Boe Professional line contains everything you need to create all the latest make-up looks for a fraction of the price.

I was invited to a VIP Bloggers’ Event at Boe HQ in South Melbourne last year and it was so fun to see what goes on behind the scenes. We were treated to a yummy lunch, lots of bubbly and trialling some yet-to-hit-stores products. The team at Boe also sent us all home with a very generous gift bag of products to try at home.

 

Some of the Boe Professional products I was given to try.

 

I think that all of the Boe Beauty and Boe Professional products I’ve tried so far* have been amazing quality for the price, but the standouts for me would have to be the lipsticks. All the shades I’ve tried are pigmented with build-able coverage and are super comfortable to wear.

The Colour Pro Super Shine Lipstick* in Athena has become one of my favourite everyday lip colours.  It’s a beautiful peachy-nude colour with a dewy shine. It’s like a lipgloss without the stickiness factor and it’s pretty long lasting too.

The Colour Pro Matte Perfect Lipstick* in Vixen has become my go-to dramatic red lipstick. It’s a classic Marilyn Monroe-esque red and although it’s a true matte, it doesn’t dry out my lips. This is probably due to the amazing concoction of natural oils working under the surface – Jojoba, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond.

Honestly, I prefer Boe Professional Lipsticks to most more expensive drugstore brands that I’ve tried. If you realise at the last minute that you need a particular shade of lipstick to match your new dress and you don’t want to spend a fortune,  I suggest you give Boe a go – you won’t be disappointed.

Boe Beauty and Boe Professional Products and sold exclusively at Big W Australia. For more information check out their website.

So, tell me, what do you think of Boe? 

*All products in this post were provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

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REVIEW: Real Techniques Bold Metals 200 Oval Shadow Brush*

Make-up lovers went wild when the Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection of make-up brushes hit Australian stores.

According to the Real Techniques website, the Bold Metals Collection was designed with:

[o]ne goal: to create a breathtaking, premium brush line that delivered amazing results.”

The stunning Bold Metals Brush Collection. Image: press release.

 

I was fortunate to be sent the 200 Oval Shadow brush* to review. It has a stunning, long silver coloured handle and fluffy white bristles which are very soft.

 

The Real Techniques 200 Oval Shadow Brush* from the Bold Metals Collection.

 

As with all Real Techniques brushes, there are helpful videos online, which show you how to use each brush in the Bold Metals collection. The video for the 200 Oval Shadow brush* (narrated by one of the Real Techniques’ founders, Nic Chapman) explains that the brush can be used with cream or powder eyeshadows and due to its size it is perfect for applying a base colour.

Nic Chapman also explains that the 200 Oval Shadow brush* can be used to blend coloured eyeshadows into the crease of the eye and even with concealer under the eyes. You can watch the full video on YouTube.

I experimented with this brush using my Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. Firstly, I love how light this brush is! Will the metallic handle I expected it to be heavy but it’s light and easy to use. Secondly, it picks up powdered eyeshadow easily and you don’t lose heaps of product when you tap off excess product.

I have quite small eyelids, so this brush is perfect for applying base colours and a brow highlight, but too big for any intricate blending or crease work.

I am so tempted to try some more brushes from this collection. As I love contouring I am thinking about investing in the 300 Tapered Brush and the 301 Flat Contour Brush – also known as the two gorgeous brushes with rose gold coloured handles.

 

The 300 Tapered Brush and the 301 Flat Contour Brush – sooooo pretty. Image: Real Techniques Website.

 

The 200 Oval Shadow brush* retails for $39.00 in Australia.  You can find the entire Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection at Priceline. For other countries, stockists can be found on the Real Techniques website.

Have you tried the Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection?  What did you think?

*This product was provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

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REVIEW: Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Perfume*

Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Perfume

 

It’s no secret that I love a good celebrity fragrance. In particular, the delightful Katy Perry never puts a foot wrong in the fragrance design department and I have loved all of her perfumes.

Katy Perry’s latest offering in her perfume collection is Mad Potion. It reminds me of her earlier fragrances ‘Purr’ and ‘Meow’ in that it is sweet, girly and fun.

Mad Potion is evidence that good things can come in small packages as the bottle is quite short and round. I personally prefer this shape to longer bottles as it is easy to fit in most handbags and I love to reapply perfume when I’m on the go.

According to the Mad Potion press release, it is best described as an oriental musk fragrance. The top notes are Tahitian Vanilla Orchid, Apple Musk and Pink Peonies. Middle notes are Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, Creamy Musk and Jasmine Petals. Finally, the base notes are Mexican Vanilla Bean Absolute, Magical Musk and Glowing Amber.

For me, the vanilla, apple musk and magical musk notes stick out the most. Mad potion reminds me of fairy floss and musk sticks. It’s definitely a magical, mood-boosting scent.

Mad Potion is available in Australia at Myer, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and selected pharmacies. The regular retail prices are $39 for 30ml, $49 for 50ml and $69 for 100ml. For international stockists and prices visit https://www.katyperryfragrances.com.

What’s your favourite celebrity fragrance? 

*This product were provided for my review.  This has not influenced my views in any way.  Please read my PR & Disclosure Policy for more information.

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