Handmade Naturals - My faves

So over the last few months we have been using and testing a few products from Handmade Naturals and we are sooo in LOVE with their stuff. Handmade naturals by Corinne is a gorgeous little store in Highgate Hill, Brisbane which is full of all natural and organic products. From hair and body care to essential oils, make up, food etc. She has it all and her shop is the cutest! With no nasty hidden chemicals or altered natural products, I highly recommend her stuff to those who are looking for a more 'natural' approach to health and beauty. Her growing concern for the effects of chemicals on health, skin and our precious planet drove her to research natural alternatives for a variety of things and she is such an inspiration to me! To learn more about her shop and research, click here. To learn more about my favourite products and why, keep reading! haha

1. Cedarwood, Bay and Patchoulli & Peppermint and Seaweed soaps

These babies are my absolute faves! I have been using the cedarwood as a facewash substitute as well as a body soap and it has worked its magic on my skin (I now use it religiously everyday). Apparently cedarwood is also good for acne prone skin, and I can guarantee that it works! My husband loves the peppermint because its sooo refreshing, and when its also cold pressed with coconut, palms oil, and macadamia nut oils, who wouldn't love this stuff! There is a whole range or luxury soaps on her website! you can check them out here. 

2. Rose Hip and Jojoba Face Cream

This is another product that I use religiously (twice a day lol). Made with lots of different essential oils, this face cream suits most skin types as it contains lavender, rosewood and geranium which are all well known for their skin balancing properties. Pure Rose hip oil is also used, and has been well documented for its amazing effect on wrinkles, scars and pigmentation. You can buy this product online here.

 3. Rose Water Mist

I use this as a toner under my Rose Hip and Jojoba face cream and it makes a little go a long way! With rose essential oil infused in purified water, it has humectant properties to help keep your face and skin hydrated!

4. Lavender Infused Coconut husk 

A fine exfoliant that I use on both my face and body about once a week. After reading about plastic microbeads in both beauty products and cleansers, I was determined to find a more natural approach (other than sugar and honey haha), and I cant get enough of this stuff! There is a whole range of other beauty products you can buy and use but I religiously buy these 5 products once every two months or so. I also use virgin unrefined coconut oil as a body moisturizer and as a hair mask and I love it! (If i had more money I would use her body mousse but coconut and sweet almond oil will have to do for now lol) I am not being paid to write this post, I am simply sharing some of my favourite products from her store because I love her ideology and what she stands for. Her products are not just about beauty. They are also about holistic health, looking after our precious planet and our bodies through natural remedies. I LOVE Handmade Naturals by Corinne and I know you will too xo 

A&D cosmetics in Brisbane

I have always been a fan of that 'minimal/flawless' make up look and have forever been on the look out for a make-up brand that gives me that flawless look. I have previously used mac, calvin klein, loreal, maybelline and all sorts of other finds with no real long term satisfactory. Not to long ago, I joined the Arousal and Designs Cosmetics team, and they (seriously not being biast) have the BEST make-up prods I have ever used! All I use for a natural base is a primer, tinted moisturizer, their concealer stick and a little powder... IT DOES WONDERS!! And I cant wait for their stock to arrive in Brisbane so we can give it out STRAIGHT AWAY and not have to worry about shipping!!! If your a make-up finad like me, you must atleast TRY this product!  Everything is mineral based (bar the thicker concealer to maximize coverage), and the quality of the products are so good! If you want to look more into A&D cosmetics, you can find information here. If your in the Brisbane area and would like to try the products, pop over to our facebook page ( which can be found under the "follow us" section on the side bar :) ) and send us a message!! Meanwhile, check out some of the nude faced beauty inspo that we LOVE from our pinterest account! (We love pinterest!) xo JM

Images are not my own. Gathered from pinterest

Black and White love

I love black and white. There is something so incredibly sexy about the 'hair in the wind, all over the face, blank canvas background' look to me. Im such a pinterest addict! I love looking for new inspiration and new ideas! Im still trying to figure out how to work around and change things on our blog, but when I finally do figure it out ( and how to get all the share buttons) come and check out some of our inspiration boards! (If anybody has any tips please feel free to share!! :) ) From decor to food to fashion to photography. We love and cover all. Here's a few of my Pinterest faves from tonight. Black and white portrait loves.  Jome xo

Images are not mine. Provided by Pinterest #blackandwhite #portrait #beautyfashionandlifestyleblogger

The broke girls guide to fashion

This is what we like to call "The broke girls guide to fashion". We have narrowed down our list to just 5 basic reminders (cause 10 was too much to remember haha) to help guide you when it comes to shopping for new clothes and accessories.  Enjoy xo

1. BOLD IS BEAUTIFUL
Big patterns and colours look more upmarket and sophisticated in comparison to little dinky patterns. If you can, go for deeply saturated prints to make sure it doesn't fade to quickly. Quick fading will immediately outdate you.
Graphic Floral Matching Separates, $86.00 from Pixie market

2. STAY AWAY FROM BUILT IN ACCESSORIES
Thats it. No ifs or buts about it. You know that little belt that came with your dress or that flower broach? bin it. Built in's instantly outdate an outfit and just make you look old. Remove built in's and replace them with your own more modern accessories to keep you looking trendy.
Navy Blue Belt with Rose Gold toned keepers, $30 available at River Island

3. MINIMAL FOR SWEATERS, BLAZERS AND CARDIS
Keep it simple. You don't need anything fancy on your sleeves or droopy waterfall like collars. Those outdate your outfit (and if they do come into fashion, they only last so long). Try going for neutral colours too such as white, grey, cream etc because minimal and neutral are timeless.
Cozy Cropped Sweater in Heather Grey, on sale for $12.48 at Forever 21

4.STRUCTURE
When looking for a handbag, go for something that has a little more structure. Bags with a shape tend to look a little more snazzy, while slouchy (especially in faux leather) tends to come across as cheap and unsophisticated looking. To many buckles, clips and mixed textures is a big fat NO to. Just keep it simple.
Hillary Bag in Black, on sale for $29.95, at Sportsgirl

5. NOT TO SHINY
Jewelry shopping can be really hard because there is SOOOO much choice all the time! One simple rule... not to shiny. Overly shiny golds and silvers can come across as tacky and cheap. Go for something slightly dull to keep you looking classy and stylish.
ABRACADABRA cuff in silver, on sale for $59.00 at BigBangNYC

The gift of gratitude

This week has been crazy for us. I wont get into details but it has been a struggle. Financially. Emotionally. Physically. Everything-ly. There have been so many times where things like

2014 NYFW mens street style faves

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Pastel Crazy

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