Mario Badescu Awesomeness

I've never really suffered from skin problems and have never been one to experiment with lotions and potions. My skincare routines have mostly been due to my sisters' insistence that I just shut up and do it. Like applying night cream since I was in my mid-twenties. I'm still averse to using toner for some stupid reason. I don't know why I don't like it. I just don't.

Anyway, while my sisters were here, they went a little nutty with the Mario Badescu love. I didn't give it much thought until one of my sisters gave me a little sample size of the enzyme cleansing gel to try.

I've been using it for a little over a week now, and all I have to say is HOLY CRAP I WANT TO MARRY THIS STUFF. Plus it smells so lovely.

Like I said before, my skin's just fine. I get the occasional spot, but nothing to worry about. But my skin now feels super soft, and I feel like my pores are teenier. Maybe it's just in my head, but I really like what this cleanser's doing for me.

I'll be getting the giant 16 oz bottle soon. Oh yes I will.

* FYI, I'm not being bribed by Mario Badescu to say any of this :)

Oh, Anthro

My wallet has gone into hiding because the largest Anthropologie catalogue ever just landed in the mailbox today. Smart little wallet.

Some of my favourites...

Love this. The neckline is perfect.

I want this skirt please.

So cute.
  Oh pretty ruffles...

But aside from the clothing, I think I look forward to Anthro's holiday decor with as much excitement. There's too many to even say which are my favourites.

I'm going to go lie down...

Where The Wild Things Are Bento Box Style

Is this Where The Wild Things Are bento box not the cutest?!

It was made by Anna The Red, who has a blog dedicated to the bento boxes she makes. She's included instructions on how these characters were created on there.

I'm in awe of how she bothers to spend the time on her food and applaud her taking the time and effort in making her food so pretty. Especially when I'm pretty slap-dash when it comes to food. If my food lands in the plate, it's a good day.

(A big thanks to my sister Aurelia for finding this gem!)

Wildflower Kaleidescope

I just love this shot. Simply perfection.

Anthro Can Hear Me

Anthropologie must've heard about my current love and adoration for terrariums.

Their Bell Jar Terrarium is beyond cute. Damn you Anthro.

Surprise Kitchen Awesomeness

I love love love kitchen knick knacks, and I love having pops of colour all over my kitchen. So of course when I spied Jamie Oliver's upcoming kitchen collection, my heart skipped a beat. And I'm just surprised that the entire collection looks so clean and pretty.

It's released in the UK in September, and I don't know if it'll be available here in the States, but ogling these pretties is free. I love those tea towels and the storage jars are super cute. And these pictures make me wish (once again) that my kitchen was light and airy like that! One day, it shall be.

Pictures from Home Shopping Spy.

Ranunculus Love

I've decided I'm definitely going to plant ranunculus in my garden. They're one of my favourite flowers and I love how they look so fluffy and delicate.

Pictures from here, here, here and here.

Current Obsessions

The hub's cousin and wife went to Belgium earlier this month and brought us home a little treat in a bottle.

Speculoos. Oh my grief, it's SO good. It's so good I'm surprised it's not a controlled substance. It basically is a spread made from a cookie, looks very much like peanut butter, and although you might think it's an odd ingredient for a spread, it's simply amazing.

The toaster has no idea what's going on because it hasn't had this much use in a long, long time. We're trying to be as sparing with it as possible, but if you've tasted this yumminess, you'll understand our constant need for toast. We love it so much I might name our firstborn Speculoos. Weeeell, maybe not.

I have found something similar being sold online within the States, but it's kind of pricey for a spread for toast. And it'd probably lead to a spread in my waistline, thighs and rear end.

And you know what else is good in this weather? Iced coffee. Iced coffee with coffee ice cubes. Yeah, 'cause that's how I roll.

Frankie Mag

One of the things I really miss about Australia is being able to read Frankie Magazine. My copies have travelled with me to the States and I pore over them every now and again, sighing to myself. Perhaps I ought to start sighing audibly when the hubs is within earshot so he may be racked with guilt that he made me leave my beloved Oz. Yeah, I amaze myself with my brilliance too.

One fine day I'll shell out the A$125.50 (US$80.85) for annual international subscriptions. Till then I'll just make do with their website and continue sighing.