Author: Mrs Wilson of Oz

An awesome blog about the mayhem of modern day parenting, far from home! Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.. X

Want To Keep Hold Of Your Summer Glow? These Skincare Products Will Help

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Summer for us means ‘maxo relaxo!’ Endless days at the beach, plenty of picnics and twice daily ocean swims, all with the warm sun kissing our skin. Whilst I may not have that true ‘Aussie glow’ I definitely have my very own ‘English Rose’ version and the longer I can hold on to that, the better!

No matter how hard I wish for Summer to magically extend itself every year, the seasons begin to change, the mornings get a little darker and maintaining that sun kissed sparkle we all love can be tricky. Well, don’t fret just yet! I’ve put together some hardworking skincare products featuring ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, that will keep us glowing (and swooning at our reflections) all year round!

Aesthetics Rx anti-ageing Regeneration Formula

This intensive moisturiser is packed with high-tech and plant-based actives to replenish and combat the signs of premature skin ageing. It gently smooths and nourishes the skin leaving a beautiful dewy finish. Just glorious!

RRP: $139

Skinstitut Gold Standard Brightening Mask

I’ve been using Skinstitut products for a while now, and I love them! This Gold Standard Brightening Mask uses antioxidant botanicals which help exfoliate and brighten the skin to reveal visible improvements in texture, tone and radiance leaving that bright summer glow. Yay!

RRP: $49

Dr Roebuck’s Bondi Hydrating Mist

This gorgeous mist is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins which brighten, hydrate, soothe and protect the skin. This is the ‘go to’ product after a long day at the beach or even whilst you’re at your desk to give your skin the extra hydration it needs. I love a product I can keep in my beach bag or handbag and pull out when I need an extra fix! This is that product!

RRP: $48

Dr Roebucks Wategos

This is an ultra – hydrating, lightweight face oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to help support hydrate and revitalise the skin, leaving you feeling hydrated and glowing. It’s suitable for all skin types especially those of us with thirsty skin. 

RRP: $79

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+  

Check this out!! Sunscreen, moisturiser and sheer foundation. This Invisible Zinc product is more than just a  sunscreen it’s a 3-in-1 beauty solution. Perfect for those rushed mornings when you need everything in one awesome product!

RRP: $31.99

The Secret Skincare Serum

The Secret Skincare Serum has been designed by doctors to perfectly complement your skincare routine to replenish and support the skin’s healing process. With each drop of this luxuriously smooth formulation your complexion will be calmer and more luminous. Yes please! 

RRP: $130

Tropicology Avocado Revitalising Serum

Tropicology’s Avocado Revitalising Serum is deeply hydrating whilst also improving skin luminosity reactivating renewal enzymes to enhance skin clarity and radiance. It feels incredible on the skin, and looks fab in the bathroom! I just love this bottle!

RRP: $109.95

If I’ve missed your favourite post summer skincare products, let me know! I’m sure there are some more fabulous ones out there that are worth a share!

Liv xx

Welcome the year of the Tiger with a feast of flavour at Sovereign Hill

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Victoria’s iconic living museum, Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, is celebrating the goldfields’ rich Chinese history this Lunar New Year with a food festival fit for an emperor.  Held in collaboration with the Chinese Australia Cultural Society – Ballarat, the weekend of the 5th & 6th of February will see a riot of colour, noise and movement as the Year of the Tiger is welcomed with a bang. 

Bursting with multi-cultural life, Sovereign Hill’s iconic streetscape will come alive with Chinese lantern decorations, lion dancing, parades, outdoor activities, music and an abundance of Chinese inspired food created by the renowned Peter Rowland Group. 

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, Trudi Gray, Head Chef, Peter Rowland Group at Sovereign Hill, has infused her own history and heritage into this year’s Lunar New Year menu. Trudi’s grandfather was born in Hong Kong where Chinese food and family banquets have been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Having worked in Asia, learning from local chefs, Trudi mastered the skills, techniques and special flavours that now layer her own cooking.

Open until 9pm on Saturday 5th February, visitors will be able to experience all Sovereign Hill’s much-loved experiences during the daytime and bring in the Year of the Tiger with a feast of flavour in the evening.

Head to Main Street in the evening for ‘LNY@Night’ and indulge your cravings. There’ll be steamed dumplings, roast pork buns and classic sweet tarts, then for a more substantial second course, head further up the street to the Universal Transit Office or Charlie Napier’s Hotel, venture inside and choose from a range of delicious noodle and rice dishes to take you to the goldfields of old.

If you prefer a unique, sit-down dining experience, the New York Bakery is hosting a Lunar New Year Banquet on Saturday 5th February with pre-booking and payment of tickets required to secure a limited place at the table. Excellent value at $59 per adult, $25 per child, the banquet will celebrate the culinary traditions that Chinese migrants brought to their new home with a moving feast of soup, starters, roasted and traditionally prepared meats, fish, rice, desserts and a range of classic Chinese teas to choose from.

Head to https://summer.sovereignhill.com.au/event/lunar-new-year-banquet/ for more information and bookings (Sovereign Hill entry is not included).

If you’re a dedicated lover of Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery and the New York Bakery you’ll love the Chinese-inspired pie, available for a limited time only, from late January until the conclusion of the Lunar New Year festival.  The Chinese Char Siu pie delivers a flourish of flavour, and is chock-full of Char Siu pork, bok choy, mushrooms, baby corn and with a sprinkling of good year luck, it’s sure to be a roaring success.

Visit https://summer.sovereignhill.com.au for information and bookings about Sovereign Hill’s Lunar New Year Festival and Summer Series.

Sovereign Hill is located at Bradshaw Street, Ballarat and sits on Wadawurrung Country.

Like Sovereign Hill on social media

Facebook –  www.facebook.com/sovereignhill

Instagram – www.instagram.com/sovereignhill

Around Australia at 80ks – Your Summer ‘Must Read’

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Summer is almost upon us, and despite international borders reopening (*ahem sort of/don’t hold your breath) I think many of us are still planning to adventure closer to home this year. If, like me, you’re hanging out for an adventure within Australia, this is the book for boundless inspiration. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of experiences, insider travel tips and dog friendly fun, and is full to bursting with possibly the greatest photography of our beautiful country I have ever seen. If you’ve ever wondered what it may be like to hit the open road and really explore what Australia has to offer, here is your inspiration. As you turn each and every page, you could almost be there inside Meredith & Sean’s bright yellow combi, patting Bandit the pup; the warm, salty wind blowing in your hair! Yes, it’s that good!

This great Aussie road trip took Mez, Sean and Bandit across four states, one territory and over
22,400 kilometres. They drove over dirt roads, down four-wheel drive tracks, onto ferries and
boats, to the edges of cliffs, across beaches and up mountains. They ventured through dust
storms and croc-infested waters, over red dirt, into some of the most ancient lands on Earth,
and along some of the most isolated roads in the world. All in their trusty vintage 1975 kombi,
Meredith’s camera at the ready and with a true sense of wanderlust to fuel their journey.

As a photographer, Mez knew this once-in-a-lifetime adventure would offer her the
opportunity to capture Australia in her own unique way, particularly after the dramatic
changes to our landscape since the devastating bushfires, and boy did she do this.. with a cherry on top!


When it comes to travel, Meredith is full of encouragement and enthusiasm.
‘It took guts to head out across this great big country in an old yellow kombi. I hope every
page gives you a little more of the confidence and comfort you need to set out on your own
adventure. If we can do it in a 1975 kombi you can do it too!’


One of my favourite things about this book is the oodles of great tips this awesome team share so you and I can explore to the fullest when we dust off our suitcases. From dog-friendly highlights (yay) and the best camping spots, to locating the tastiest cheap eats and the finest coffee, this is just as much a travel guide as it is an insanely beautiful coffee table book to share with the fam. After our trip to Kangaroo Island earlier in the year (best holiday ever) the children were thrilled to turn the pages and see the little yellow combi getting on the ferry & hitting up all the sites we’d loved too.

Around Australia At 80ks provides all the inspiration you need to get out on the road!

If you’re looking to elevate your next road trip or you know someone who’d love to live this adventure, you’ve got to get this book. I’ve had a copy for a couple of weeks and have picked it up over and over again, diving into a new landscape every time. Whether you’re ready to hit the road, or you’re happy to live vicariously through Mez’s adventure, this is the road trip that keeps on giving. Enjoy xx

About the author


Meredith (aka Mez) is an Australian photographer, writer and educator, based on the South Coast
of New South Wales, Australia. Specialising in landscape, travel and documentary photography,
her passion is in telling stories and capturing images that evoke a response – visually, emotionally,
intellectually or otherwise. Outside of photography, Meredith is an avid car collector and restorer.
She can often be seen at her local beach with Etta, her beloved yellow kombi, Bandit, her dog,
and Sean, her husband. They travel around Australia getting off the beaten track to discover this
amazing vast and wild country. Around Australia At 80ks is her first book.

You can follow Meredith & see more of her work on Facebook, Instagram and on her website.

Around Australia at 80ks
Two humans, one dog and a bright yellow kombi
on the road trip of a lifetime
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEREDITH SCHOFIELD

Out now. Buy here

Affirm Press
RRP: $35.00

Melbourne, stop eating immediately… and get to Grazeland !

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TANTALISE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT MELBOURNE’S GRAZELAND  The permanent foodie’s playground!

Hailed as ‘A permanent festival of food in Melbourne’ and ‘A playground for foodies, friends and families’ it goes without saying, I cannot wait to get to Grazeland.

Grazeland is set to reinvigorate the city’s food scene with a wide range of  cuisines and fan favourites on offer from 50 food and beverage vendors in the new permanent playground for foodies!

Photo credit Sam D’Agostino

Initially set to open in early 2020, Grazeland, like many other new ventures, was forced to push pause last year. The  unique outdoor dining experience is now more fitting than ever – bringing Melburnians a COVID-safe casual dining  precinct that spans across whopping 10,000sqm. 

“Almost two years ago, we hand-picked some of our favourite local establishments to join us at Melbourne’s first  permanent festival of food and we are thrilled to finally be able to announce Grazeland’s official opening date,” says  John Forman, Grazeland Director. “It is more important than ever to be able to offer Melburnians a place to safely gather  together and reconnect over food, discover new favourites, and create memories after experiencing such an isolating  year.” 

Ready to service every indulgence, Grazeland pays homage to Melbourne’s celebrated hospitality industry and offers the rare opportunity to please everyone in a group. Grazeland’s large list of sweet and savoury food vendors are complemented by three fully licensed bars, artisan stalls selling locally designed products, and a rotating schedule of  captivating entertainers and live performances on two stages. 

Photo credit Sam D’Agostino

Tailored to those looking to feed their curiosity, diners can expect to choose from some of Melbourne’s favourite dishes.  Menu items include award-winning pizza from 48h, cannoli from Cannoleria by That’s Amore Cheese, Bengali-style  curries from The Calcutta Club, freshly shucked oysters and lobster rolls from Claw & Tail, frozen cheesecake from Stix,  family-favourites from Hooked Fish & Chipper, African BBQ from Tasty Suya, and authentic gelato from Cielo Gelateria among many others. 

Reminiscent of a street party from earlier days, Grazeland’s design was carefully curated by Push Projects. The location features individually designed stalls that bring each offering to life and was created with Melbourne’s weather in mind,  with ample undercover and outdoor seating available – making it a destination for everyone and every season. 

“We’re very excited for people to be able to head to Grazeland. It’s set to be a great weekend destination for  families and friends to come together to relax and be entertained. We welcome Melburnians from across the city to  explore more of what Melbourne’s inner-west has to offer,” says Cr Jonathon Marsden, Mayor of Hobsons Bay. 

Visitors can find the permanent festival of food in Melbourne’s inner-west, across the West Gate Bridge next door to  Scienceworks, in Spotswood – just 17 minutes from Flinders St Station and easily accessible via car, boat and public  transport.  

Grazeland brings together foodies, families, work colleagues, and couples alike to connect over a food-fuelled  adventure and discover some of the best that Melbourne has to offer. 

Make yourself hungry and go to Grazeland!!

Address: 20 Booker St, Spotswood VIC, 3015  

Opening Hours:  

Friday – 5pm to 10pm 

Saturday – 12pm to 10pm 

Sunday – 12pm to 9pm  

Website: www.grazeland.melbourne  Socials: @grazeland.melbourne  

Go back to school nude with Smash Enterprises

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Back to school is fast approaching. Eeeek! How has that happened? It only feels like yesterday that term 4 ended and we were gearing up for Christmas and now we’re staring term one right in the eye! With the new school year looming, I’ve been listing all the things I need to organise and, just like every year, it’s a little overwhelming; especially as I have a tendency to leave everything to the last minute and my children seem to have grown about a meter since December!

Bento Bite full of Coconut Yoghurt & lots of goodies for lunch!

Although I should be getting ready, buying school shoes and getting haircuts, I am not’, I’m organising and packing for our road trip to Kangaroo Island next week!! Same same but different. In fact, I think organising a family holiday is easier than organising all the school stuff!

Smash Enterprises Nude Food Movers available at Woolworths

The great thing about heading off on an trip this time of year is not just knowing that we are about to embark on an adventure together, but knowing the weather will be perfect and there is bound to be plenty of beautiful fresh produce to be snacked on all the way Adelaide! Yay for the Nude Food Movers!

I dug out our Smash Enterprises Nude Food containers and lunchboxes that have been cleaned and prepped ready for the new school year (*yeah I actually do that) and have filled them will all sorts of goodies to keep the kids satisfied on the road. These great rubbish free containers are not only super handy to throw in bags *LEAK PROOF… they also ensure the car (or classroom) doesn’t end up full of trash! I am a huge fan of the Nude Food revolution, and Smash always seem to get their ranges Bang On! Due to the fact that these are leak proof, they can be a little tricky to get open and closed, so if you have preppies this year, you may want to practice a few times.

No leaks, easy to clean, dishwasher safe *hoorah, and cool enough for the bigger kids to pop in their school bags too! No cringing here thank you! How good do they look!?!?!

Smash Enterprises (Left to right) Tall Zipper Case, Triple Snack Tube, Leak Proof Snack box & Sandwich box, Fruity Movers & Bento Bite

If you’re about to go on the search for fab back to school lunch ware, just head to Woolworths where you will find a fabulous range of Nude Food Movers for your team! Smash have thought of everything, and have even got some gorgeous new ice packs! (*check my instagram stories) Oh, and make sure you tag us in your pics so I can get some lunchbox inspo because let’s face it, by week two they’ll be on repeats again!

Smash Enterprises Bento Bite

Head to Woolworths to grab all your back to school lunchboxes, and make sure your kids are starting the new school year the right way! #gobacktoschoolnude

These lunchboxes were gifted for a review, however, as always, the opinions in this article are honest and a true indication of what I think is a fab product!

Serious flippin’ fun with Acro Kids

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Honestly, school holiday fatigue is kicking in. I know it’s only week 3 but the struggle is real. Christmas is over, the presents are rapidly sinking to the bottom of the toy box, and we are inching toward unacceptable levels of screen time whilst mama works!

Thankfully Acro Kids have come to the rescue with their exceedingly good holiday program at their incredible new venue, and as I type, the freshly showered children are curled up on the sofa, well and truly exhausted! #Thankyou

Develop your child’s acrobatics and parkour skills, fitness, coordination, stability, strength and confidence!

Acro Kids offer fun, energetic, non-competitive, recreational gymnastics and parkour programs designed for children aged 1 all the way to teenagers (school holiday program is from aged 3.5), from beginner to advanced.

My children haven’t done anything like this before. Acro Kids has been their first foray into parkour and gymnastics, and from their very first class, they were hooked. Both are buzzing when I pick them up, and are tripping over each other to show me their newly learnt skills and tricks, which today included nailing a walkover and perfecting their flips and aerials. All these newly accomplished skills are honed by the gentle and supportive guidance of the fabulous coaches & Mr.D.

The pride, the sense of achievement and the desire to improve are what makes Acro Kids one of the best activity programs available for youngsters – Liv Wilson

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to get your children active this summer, and into the new school year, you must must must check out Acro Kids! Trust me, you’ll have all the feels when you pick up your hot, sweaty, proudly cartwheeling children!!

All the info

My children are 8 (boy) and 12 (girl) and both love these classes equally.

ACRO KIDS SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMS – January 2021

Mornington & Mordialloc

Let the Acro Kids team entertain your kids at their Acro and Parkour/Ninja workshops and full day holiday programs these holidays!

2 hr Workshops – $30 per child

The popular Acro, Parkour and Acro/Ninja workshops are designed by qualified and experienced Gymnastics coaches for children aged 3.5 – 16 yrs of all levels of ability from beginner to advanced. Children will learn and practice gymnastics and parkour fundamentals including tumbling, cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, flips, aerials and much more! Circuit style program with fun games! 

Parkour workshops include super fun obstacle courses where the aim is to use both mind and body to run, climb, jump and vault from one station to the next.

Full Day Holiday Program – $85 per child

A combination of the Acro Kids popular acro and parkour/ninja workshops in an epic all day program. Designed for school aged children of all levels of ability and experience. Children will learn gymnastics and parkour fundamentals including tumbling, flips, aerials, cartwheels, handstands, barrel and commando rolls, fence jumps and much more! 

The program will run from 8.30am-3pm. We have extended care available until 5pm for an additional $20 per child. Children staying for extended care will have afternoon tea, supervised free play and a movie to keep them entertained!

Places are limited so avoid disappointment – BOOK HERE (link to https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ )

Term time program information and fees can be found here, or you can contact Acro Kids directly via info@acrokids.com.au or by calling 0477 079 970.

All of ACRO KIDS qualified coaches have Working with Children checks and First Aid training. Parents can drop off and pick up. There will be 1 trainer to 9 children ratio during the acro and parkour activities. Children will need to bring snacks, lunch, a water bottle and lots of energy! 
Read Acro Kids Covid Safe Plan here. 

Beebee+Bongo- Supporting women and families in Cambodia

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When your kids drive you bongo, find the funny

I am so excited to share a really special brand with you! As soon as I heard about the amazing work Beebee+Bongo are doing to support women and families in Cambodia, I just knew I had to tell you about it. Beebee+Bongo is a new brand of eco-friendly toys that celebrates the ups and downs of parenting, while creating employment for women in Cambodia. 

Just as Monika, founder of Beebee + Bongo said in the video, parenting struggles are universal. *Don’t we know it! Wherever you go, whoever you talk to, no matter the cultural differences or socio-economic status, children everywhere push our buttons, embarrass us, keep us up at night, and generally drive us all crazy! 

Monika and the Cambodia Knits Organization (CKO), agree that being able to laugh at the situations our kids get us into —and ourselves—is key to surviving parenthood:

“We believe a healthy dose of humour is essential for parents. Your kids can drive you mad and there will be colossal disasters from time to time, but the best thing to do is take it in your stride and laugh.” – Monika

Get Behind Beebee +Bongo’s Kickstarter Project

Beebee + Bongo toys are designed with these parenting moments in mind. Each toy in the Sleepy Snoogus line-up for example, has its own unique sleep profile that parents and kids can relate to, including Sabay the Pig who has to wake up every two hours to eat. All of these wonderful, carefully created creatures are designed to remind parents that they aren’t alone in these struggles.  

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1951628744/find-the-funny

The truly wonderful thing about this story is that Beebee + Bongo and the Cambodia Knits Organization support parents locally in Cambodia by providing much sought after employment. Starting from January 1st 2021, Beebee + Bongo will become the primary purchaser of Cambodia Knits Organization products, all of which are eco-friendly, hand-made, and provide women with home-based employment that most importantly is fairly paid. 

“COVID-19 has wiped out 97% of tourism in Siem Reap, home to the World Heritage Angkor Wat Temples, and with it, tens of thousands of jobs. We decided to fight back—and fight harder than before—to ensure that we can keep these women employed, and employ even more.” Monika

The company estimates that for every $1300 in sales, CKO can employ another knitter. The Kickstarter campaign launched on November 24th will enable them to expand their product line and message to families around the world. 

Bongo the water buffalo is calm, industrious and patient

“These are products made for parents, by parents, that you can feel good about having in your home.” 

These gorgeous toys from Beebee+Bongo are not only fun for the children who play with them, they’re a friendly reminder to all of us that parenting isn’t about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing it with love and a sense of humor. A great reminder for all of us, especially this year!! Please do some research, find out more about the wonderful work of Cambodia Knits, and think about gifting a donation in support of this wonderful brand.

Please dig deep and help CKO create jobs for families in Cambodia and delightful products for families just like yours around the world.

Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give – Unknown

All the info

You can read more about the producers here

Support this wonderful work for as little as $5 a month now on Kickstarter! Visit Kickstarter and help keep all the knitters knitting through the Covid-19 Crisis. 

If you would like to talk to someone about making a donation, please email Monika using the link below.

Book review- Love your Brain

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With so much going on in our little people’s worlds at the moment, there was no better time for this fabulous little book to hit our mailbox. Emotions have been running away with us over the past 10 months, (thanks lockdown) and honestly, I’m not sure any of us really took enough time to sit down and talk about how or why we were really feeling the way we were feeling.

Love Your Brain, written by none other than Chaos to Calm legend Chrissie Davies, is a brightly coloured, fun and interactive book that takes the readers on a journey of discovery. Discovery of our emotions, the way our brain works, how we can look after our brains and what we can do when big feelings take over our bodies. *Not just for kids hey. We all need a read!

Love Your Brain is the perfect brain bible, fun fact checker and most importantly, go to guide for parents and children to turn to in order to understand their behaviour more positively, and discover how to become brain builders, together.

“When we truly understand that children don’t see the world in the same way as adults, and we teach them how to keep their brains happy and healthy, we understand that this is really the most important parenting tool we will ever need” Chrissie Davies

As a busy mama to an even busier 8 and 12 year old, we can easily forget to stop and be kind to ourselves. Emotions can run high in our house, however, Love Your Brain’s enchanting narrator ‘Little Brainiac’ gave us all a gentle reminder to stop, calm down and love our brains so that they can love us back. I delighted in the calming nature of this read, and we all appreciated the emphasis on everyone’s brain being unique. I particularly loved being able to confirm to my children that “Yes, it’s ok to feel like that”, put a name to the emotion and reiterate how important it is that we are healthy & sleep well. *Thank you Chrissie!

“I created this book specifically for you to use with kids to help them understand the importance of learning about their brains, and it is my goal to hear the words “love your brain” in every family & classroom worldwide. I also hope that this book is used as a tool for teaching children about inclusion, neurodiversity and embracing our differences.” – Chrissie Davies

Love Your Brain emphasises the naming of emotions, and most importantly, how to manage them. This is a huge thing for our little ones. It’s incredibly hard for our children to open up about how they feel if they don’t really have a name for that ‘knotted feeling in their tummy’. Monty loved the idea that his brain is a computer and we spent ages chatting about his ‘amazing super computer brain’.

This is going to be an “always on the table” book in our house. One that we can dip in and out of whenever we need the reassurance, the guidance or the gentle reminder to feed our brains and give them a break every now and again.

If you have children, this is a book that will keep on giving. It is the perfect way to teach your little one about their emotions and about keeping their brain as healthy as can be! Gift this book this Christmas, and think of it as one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your child’s future.

Love Your Brain

Written by Chrissie Davies and Illustrated by Lou Pennisi

RRP $24.95

We were gifted this book, however, as always, these words are my own and honest opinion xx

Glowing skin is always in with Kiss Ready!

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Truthfully, if you asked me to describe my skin tone, Miss Piggy comes to mind! I’m pink! Not pretty pink, just piggy pink! You’ll often hear me describe myself as an English Rose as I cower in my tent on the beach so not a bit of sun can reach by body, but in all honesty, I just don’t like the pasty white, almost blue when I’m cold, or tomato red when I’m hot, and I go out of my way to cover it up with the old “faux glow” fake tans whenever possible.

When I discovered the gorgeous Kiss Ready and tried the lip balm, I was sold! Whatever Louella makes, I’m all over it. As I’ve got older I have tried to stick to natural skincare and Kiss Ready ticks that box and more. Made in small batches, using Australian grown, cold pressed chia oil for the insane amount of goodness inside, these products sound too good to be true right? All this goodness and Louella who is the beauty behind the biz is just glorious, making Kiss Ready a no brainer for all beauty lovers wanting to make the right choices about their skincare.

Everyday luxury with small batch and nourishing natural skincare

Our range of Australian handmade, no nasties and cruelty-free artisanal skincare is enriched with Australian grown and cold pressed Chia seed oil – Louella Owner of Kiss Ready Skin

So, little old me, writing about skincare, well isn’t that a turn up for the books.

Whilst I am now very “into” skincare, I haven’t always been so careful to use the best ingredients. I grew into my skin in the usual way! I was always a chubby little thing growing up, with plump little cheeks. At about 12 I was using any chemical I could find to burn off spots, throughout my late teens and early twenties I pretty much used Vodka Redbull to hydrate and then I had kids… hence I am paying for it now!

What I particularly love about Kiss Ready, aside from the fact that the products give me gorgeous silky, glowing skin, is that Louella makes all the products by hand and fills them with love with every turn of her hands. Using packaging made mostly from glass and recycled or recyclable materials to leave as little footprint on Mother Earth as possible means so much to me. I want great quality products, but most of all I want to know that they have been lovingly made, using natural ingredients and they will leave as little impact on the planet as possible.

Rich in Omega 3 and 6, exceptionally high in vitamins and minerals, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, discover how chia-enriched skincare can benefit the skin and bring unexpected luxury to self care.

Liv’s Favourite 3 Products ***I love them all BTW

This Light Chia Face Oil is soothing and seriously hydrating, plus it smells divine. I wear this under make up and it doesn’t feel oily at all. If my skin is feeling like it needs a boost at night time, I stick a little on before I go to bed and know that whilst I’m dreaming, it’s working it’s magic. Good Morning Goddess!! $40

I am so in love with this sparkly, heavenly creation, that takes me straight from pork sausage to Bondi Babe! No streaks, no fake tan stench, just sparkly goddess bronze in a couple of drops! I use this as a bronzer on my face (over or under makeup), on my arms, legs and décolletage. Anything that’s showing gets a hit of gold, and I then spend the day strutting around like a friggin’ super model! Just watch me! BUY THIS GLOWING DAWN BODY OIL! $48

I am no stranger to the ‘Puffy Eye’ and this Bright Eyes Eye Cream has been a game changer for me. I pop this on before bed, and lay in all it’s plant based glory as the tired lines and puff fade away. Like seriously, why would you not?? Nourishing, hydrating and a total winner for tired mamas! Price -$40

You can read more about the Australian grown, cold pressed chia oil here.

So there it is!

I have only touched on the surface of Kiss Ready, there are so many wonderful products and even a Self Care Box that you can subscribe to so that you can enjoy a range of goodies from Louella’s collection.

If you love your skin, if you want to treat your body and your mind to some really good, natural skincare (*yes you do) give yourself a big hug and choose Kiss Ready!

Liv xx

I was gifted products from Kiss Ready for a review, however, I have used them before, and will be using them again. The words in this article are my own & honest opinion as always. Pricing is correct on publishing, but may be subject to change.

Glowing skin is always in!

Whiskey tasting packs… Christmas gifts sorted!

Published on by Mrs Wilson of OzLeave a comment

I’ve got to admit, Whiskey tasting has never really been at the top of my list of “fun things to do”. Despite being married to an avid Whiskey fan, and being taken round umpteen Scottish distilleries (Yes he even proposed in Scotland) I have never really liked the taste or understood the enjoyment of kicking back after a long day with a glass of Whiskey. Well, that was until now!

Introducing Barley & Malt

Enhancing your Whiskey experience is what Barley & Malt owner Tan lives for. Through his cleverly designed tasting kits, Tan wants everyone to enjoy, appreciate and share Whiskey together whilst learning to understand all the intricate flavours and textures that come with this world famous spirit. Whether you’re a fully fledged Whiskey aficionado or a total novice like myself, Barley & Malt’s insanely good taster kits will teach you the pro ways to taste so that you can really enjoy the good stuff and wow your mates next time a bottle of Whiskey pops up at a dinner party!

The perfect gift for Whiskey lovers & Whiskey virgins this Christmas.

Barley & Malt has something really special available in time for Christmas this year. They have put together the most glorious Whiskey tasting packs which I know are just going to fly off the shelves. Gifting one of these packs is not only a great way to support a local business, it’s also a unique gift & experience for the receiver.

Barley & Malt Whiskey Tasting Packs

We are all about creating great moments and amazing experiences, no matter if you are new to whisky or seasoned enthusiasts – Tan Tran

These beautifully packaged tasting kits are a one of a kind gift for someone special to enjoy, and they’re really fun to share with friends. The pack includes four 60ml bottles of whiskies and expert tasting notes with a section for you to input your thoughts too. We loved sharing this with friends last night. We were a mix of connoisseurs and novices, and we all enjoyed getting our noses in there and really appreciating those flavours. Tan’s expert notes are well written making them easy to understand and follow. We particularly liked Tan’s top tips on how to taste test like an expert which enabled us to feel like slick, adept tasters by the end of the evening. *Did you know coffee refreshes your taste buds so that you’re ready for the next taste?

Whiskey Tasting Notes

Currently Barley & Malt are offering four pack options in time for Christmas which include, selected American Whiskey, Japanese Whiskies, Scotch Malts , and Whiskies of the World. If you want to wow someone this Christmas with the most wonderful gift & experience, get your order in asap as there is limited stock available.

If you know someone who would love one of these, please order online today to avoid missing out. You can find out more about these wonderful Whiskey Tasting Packs by heading to Barley & Malt online, or checking out their Facebook & Instagram .

We were kindly gifted our Whiskey Tasting Pack (Whiskies of the World) however, as always, the words are my own opinion! Trust me, I’ve been converted! “Pass me the Whiskey!”

What Whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for – Unknown