August Lust Have It Box Review

In anticipation of the upcoming arrival of my inaugural BellaBox, I thought I'd post a review of the August Lust Have It beauty box that I bought a few weeks ago. I actually placed the order for a Lust Have It box last month but it was unfortunately lost in the mail. Luckily, their fantastic customer service department quickly fixed that and re-sent my order. 

The box was beautifully packaged in an aqua coloured gift box with all the goodies nestled in swathes of black tissue paper. I received a good mix of cosmetics, skincare and haircare; I also received 2 full size products! (Clockwise from top left): La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, La Roche Posay Lipikar Body Balm, Revlon Nearly Naked Sampler, KMS Californa Add Volume Volumizing Spray, Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Under 18 (Full Size), Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Illuminator (Full Size), KMS California Free Shape Conditioner, LUSH Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser.

Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Popcorn Cupcakes

These nutty little beauties are cupcakes I made for a competition in the newly launched Taste Magazine. The idea is to 'cook the cover' and share the results on their social page. Let me just say... I love this new magazine! It's beautifully designed and the food photography is gorgeously styled. It reads like your favourite food blog and the contributors are all well known Australian food personalities. In fact, Adriano Zumbo gives up his recipe for his famous Zonuts, his riff on the notorious Cronut. Awesome!

Coconut & Mango Victoria Sponge

This week, I've been re-watching old episodes of The Great British Bake Off in search of inspiration. Safe to say, 'soggy bottoms' and 'good bakes' have become part of my day to day vernacular. Another side effect of my 'Bake Off' binge is my brand new girl crush on Mary Berry. Girlfriend knows her stuff! I've tried a few of her recipes and let me tell you now... they DO NOT disappoint! This recipe is inspired by her Perfect Victoria Sandwich; an absolute classic. I, of course, had to put a tropical spin on it. Result: Coconut and Mango Victoria Sponge!

Cat Eye Liquid Liner and False Eyelash Tutorial

My go-to eye makeup look is the good old liquid liner cat eye. It can be glammed up or pared back as much as you like. I don't like to mess around with eyeshadow in my day to day because I'm super lazy and this look tricks people into thinking I actually put in some effort. Clever or what? When I want to step it up a notch, I throw on a pair of false eyelashes and a bit of illuminator and call it a day. My old mate Adele up here knows what's up! Sure, she's got some hardcore contouring and highlighting happening but the headline act is definitely the slick liner and lash job there. Check out my tutorials after the jump!

DIY: IKEA Cake Stand

After a recent trip to IKEA with my cousin (meatballs and homeware...unbeatable combination) I was inspired to make this ridiculously easy cake stand out of a candlestick holder and a candle dish. You can see my cake stand in action in my Cathedral Window Jelly post. 

Cathedral Window Jelly

I love this recipe! Straight out of the 1970's...it's so hilariously retro. This is a Filipino dessert, usually served at Christmastime (hence the festive colours). The adorable cubes of fruit jelly, suspended in sweet, pineapple flavoured cream jelly make for a very refreshing dessert. You can see where we get it's namesake from too. Don't let jelly's unfashionable reputation put you off; embrace the delicious irony and make this ridiculously easy dessert NOW!

Review: Daily Planet Bar & Cafe

On Tuesday, my friend J and I ventured out in the rain in search of lunch. I originally wanted to try Miss Kitty's Saloon in Inglewood but I, being the donut I am, didn't realise they weren't open for lunch!  J suggested we hotfoot it over to Daily Planet, the new cafe adjoining Planet Books in Mount Lawley.

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Macaroons

This week I tried my hand at making good old fashioned coconut macaroons. Sure, they're not as pretty or colourful as their French counterparts; le macaron, but gosh darn they're tasty! They're also naturally gluten-free which is awesome news for my gluten intolerant brethren. If you make them with a meringue base then they're also dairy free...Bonus! I make mine with condensed milk and a whisked egg white to lighten them up a little.