How to have soft, supple skin this Winter...

Every Winter I get dry, dehydrated skin. I don't look after it they way I should. Just like so many Mums who tend to put a lot of these things last...you know where I'm coming from, don't you?

But this year I decided to change that. Lots of things (like my weight loss journey) are on my to do am doing list. A better skincare/beauty regime is also there...high up on my list. So, over the next few weeks I want to share with you some of the products that have been "doing it" for me in the skin, hair and make-up departments. 

Now, you might think I'm a little shallow and vain (good for you), but I believe that these little things are what can make the difference for me, especially when I'm having one of those fat, ugly crappy days (don't tell me you haven't had one of those...and if you haven't, please feel free to share your secrets in the comments). 

When I buy products for me, I look at them as an "investment in myself". I want my kids to remember me as someone who tried to look after herself (in all areas of my life)...if I can't set an example for my kids, how the heck am I supposed to expect them to learn to do it?

OK...on to the good stuff.

I love the idea of skincare products containing 100% natural ingredients (they are far and few between), so when you find one that you love, grasp it with both hands and don't let go!! I also love to buy an Australian brand before other brands..

enter Black Chicken Remedies............ don't you just love the name??

Love Your Body Oil for Men and Women is a 100% natural, aromatherapy product made from a combination of twelve remedial oils. This silky smooth concoction is made from Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Oil and the essential oils of Sandalwood, Geranium Bourbon, Patchouli, Lavender, Carrot, Ylang Ylang and Nutmeg.

I've been using this daily, especially concentrating it on the decolletage as this is where I show the signs of ageing and dryness the most. 

Love Your Face Serum is a beautiful,  deep penetrating, anti aging oil that hydrates my skin and keeps it hydrated all day. I use it at night too and wake with really soft skin...just what I wanted. I love the fact that I'm using a 100% natural product that contains certified organic ingredients, no parabens, no petrochemicals and no artificial fragrances (it smells heavenly). So my skin is re hydrated in a chemical free way...love that.

I also love the story of Black Chicken.

It is said that Black Chicken is an ancient crone, renowned for her healing powers and ability to transform her appearance at will.

For centuries they came, with their problems and ailments, to sit at her feet. Only those with good hearts were admitted. Those who had forgotten how to trust sought her door in vain.

So the story goes…

They came for comfort, for salves, for oils and herbs, for creams and cures.

They told their stories and for each she had a little magic to spare.

Black Chicken knows, they said, one to another, and so their children learned and their children’s children.
Black Chicken knows.

Black Chicken is the stuff of legend, but there’s no myth in the remedies afforded by practical and specific application of 100% essential oils.

This Aussie brand is already famous all over the world, where it is sold in Selfridges in London and boutique stores worldwide...Hong Kong, Singapore, Amsterdam, Ireland & Canada.

In Australia, these beautiful products are available from Black Chicken's Website (click here). And especially for my readers and friends, when you make any purchase from their website and enter the special code threepickles, you will receive a FREE Love Your Body Polish valued at $24.95!!!

Wooo hooo...get on that shiz. xx

Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

High Protein Chocolate Brownies {recipe}

These are yum and are a major hit with the kids. They make a great after school treat or when you're looking for a choccy fix....with added protein.

Ingredients

180g butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 cup Body for Women Shaping Protein in Swisse Chocolate Flavour

Method

• Line a brownie tin with baking paper.
• Beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy.... I used an electric beater
• Add the eggs, one at a time until just combined.
• Stir in the flour, cocoa powder & Body for Women Shaping Protein powder.
• Spread the mixture into the pan
• Bake at 150ºC or 300ºF for 30 minutes (test for doneness with a skewer & don't overcook as brownie will be dry and you'll have to eat it with ice cream...and that would be a shame)
• When done, let the brownies cool for a little while in the pan, then lift out, slice and sift over with cocoa powder or icing sugar.
• Feel fabulous that you added extra protein to your diet.

linking up to

What to look for when buying a treadmill.

I've been asked by quite a few people lately about what to look for when choosing a treadmill to buy. My initial response.."Um, I dunno..."...cos, I don't have a clue.
So I asked my lovely PT Elizabeth, who kindly put me in touch with her good friend Rob Campbell from Crazy Cheap Fitness.
Rob was very kind to do this guest post for me. It is quite detailed, so if you're serious about getting a treadmill, then read on...

Guest Post by Rob Campbell, www.CrazyCheapFitness.com

Range:

The range of treadmills on the market is large and can be quite confusing. Very simple manual or magnetic treadmills (ie: no motor) can be purchased for under a few hundred dollars. These are not motorised and off the most basic and simple treadmill features. Usually they are quite compact and have a very simple computer.

Motorized walking machines up to $700 price range. These are the next level up and normally offer motor sizes up to about 1.5HorsePower (HP), speeds up to 12 or 13km/hr, manual or no incline and a basic computer with hand contact heart pulse, selection of programs with speed, time, distance etc. For Crazy Cheap Fitness this has always been a huge selling range for us as they offer the safety and ease of use of a motorized treadmill, in a compact/affordable package while still being able to do a jog if required. negatives: Usually small deck sizes and small motors can wear out with heavy use. Also, weight rating of these machines are typically only up to 100kg.

Then you get the largest range of treadmills: The home running treadmill market. 

Price range is typically $1000 to $3000

Running machines should have at least a 2HP DC motor (continuous duty, not peak duty - the specification plate on the motor will tell you the rating of the motor if there is any confusion). speed range at least 16km/hr, Motorized incline - 10 level is fine, Running belt size of at least 450mm wide by 1250mm long, Hand contact heart rate system, Good sized computer with bright display and a decent selection of programs. programs automatically vary the speed and incline over time and offer interval training, hill training profiles etc. great for keeping treadmill workouts interesting.

Budget running machines around the $1000 to $1500 mark should offer all of the above features. Maximum user weight ratings of at least 120kg are typical in the budget end, but look for a weight rating of more than this - up to 150kg if possible. Fold up deck design is also very handy for moving the treadmill or storing it away when visitors come over.

A more feature packed home running machine may have a 3HP motor, Speed range up to 20km/hr (although I don't know many people who will do 20km/hr for long), Big running belt 500mm wide by 1400mm long and built in heart rate monitor/receiver system. These are much more accurate than the hand contact pulse system. Expect to pay $2000 although there are deals out there if you shop around. We do a machine with many of these features for only $1300.

The last significant range of treadmills is the commercial treadmill sector with prices in the $10's of thousands of dollars (yep). These are big and heavy duty and designed for non-stop gym use. The specifications usually reflect this (and the price too).

these machines usually offer AC motors as opposed to DC motors used in most home machines. Oversize & reinforced decks, big strong frames and solid computers with hardy buttons are standard. They are very big, very heavy and not designed to be moved around the typical family home. many commercial gyms and Personal Training Studios hire/lease these machines under lease/service agreements. popular commercial brands include Life Fitness, Techno Gym etc.

Things to consider before buying:

So when considering purchasing a treadmill for home use, it helps to think about the following before starting to look around at deals:

1. Who is going to use the machine? Mum only or will the 15 year old most likely use it too
2. Will the user of the machine want to run fast, jog only or walk only or a combination of all?
3. What is the maximum user weight of the heaviest user?
4. Are any of the users particularly tall?
5. Budget?

The above information should then steer you to a particular treadmill range and will allow you to refine your search more to models with particular specifications that suit your needs.

Many users over 100kg, even if they only wish to walk/jog, are usually forced to get a running machine that can handle 120kg plus, simply because the small machines are not rated over 100kg.

Particularly tall people have few options but to purchase a large running machine with oversize decks because it is not practical, not mention unsafe, for them to try and walk/run on small decks with small belts.

This is my PT Elizabeth...ain't she cute.....

Must haves:

Regardless of the treadmill range you are looking at, be it a walking or running machine, the following should be non-negotiable "must haves" for any home use treadmill:

• Emergency safety cut-off key that disables the machine if the key is disconnected should the user fall. Also comes in handy when little ones are around and you don't want them to use the machine.
• Quick speed buttons (and quick incline buttons too if applicable). saves you hammering away at buttons.
• Don't buy a treadmill with a motor size of less than 1.5HP.
• Fold-up design. it's very hard to move/relocate a treadmill if it doesn't fold up.

Optional luxuries/Wish list features:

Keep a look out for the following:

• User definable programs. these allow you to set and save your own programs and user information and then come back to it next workout.
• Built in heart rate monitor/receiver system - they work with a chest strap and heart rate information is wirelessly transmitted to the treadmill computer without having to place your hands on the contact sensors. Much more accurate than the hand sensor system although wearing a chest strap can be uncomfortable for some.
• suspension system. Most treadmills have a fair bit of give in the deck and the majority of people find this level of cushioning acceptable, however you can get treadmills with suspension systems that reduce stresses on legs and joints.
• Built in TV and audio

Buying New versus a Secondhand Deal...

Honestly, buy new and make sure warranty is comprehensive. No point getting a deal off ebay then not being able to get a part when it breaks down in 6 months or worse, having to send the machine interstate at your cost. Consider buying second hand very carefully. If the machine is close to new and warranty is transferable/will be honoured under new ownership then this would be one example where secondhand is OK. Treadmills require maintenance and servicing to keep them in good and safe working order. Always read and follow all maintenance procedures detailed in owner's manuals or contact us and we can put you onto some exceptionally good technicians who can help you in this regard.

Happy shopping!

Looking for an alternative to botox injections?

I don't want wrinkles...OK! ......hands up if you do?

nobody....?

no takers....?

...yeah, I didn't think so.

I'm not saying that I don't have any...(fine lines...ahem), I do...and I earned every last one of them....... But I don't want them!!!...and I don't want any more. So when I was asked if I would like to try Simplicité Skin Care's "new breakthrough product that promises an immediate firming lift without medical intervention"..... I was in.

My only concern was that Mr3P may not recognise me after using it!

What the experts say about Simplicité Results Lift Gel

Simplicité Director and Naturopath David Lyons said the new Simplicité Results Lift Gel harnessed the power of plant-­based nutrients for instant anti-­ageing results that, unlike Botulinum toxin (Botox) and fillers, improved with time.

Mr Lyons said after ten years of research and development, Simplicité had perfected a unique and highly-­potent combination of natural active ingredients to create a product that delivered fantastic short-­term and long-­term  anti-­ageing results.

OK, OK...gimme, gimme...I wanna try
and so I did...


Smells like lemongrass (probably because there's lemongrass & a whole other bunch of yummy smelling, good for you things in it)


So, I cleanse my skin and apply the Gel...
and it works...


Strike me blue Mr Magoo!!


My skin felt really smooth and firm....I kept going back to the mirror to look. The "fine lines" around my eyes were softened and the overall colour of my skin looked better.


I first tried this product and the other beautiful skincare products in the Simplicité Skin Care range about 2 weeks ago, but I didn't want to blog about them until I had tried them for a while. So, 2 weeks later and my skin is noticeably improved. The texture is much, much smoother and the colour of my skin looks even. So much that I didn't even wear foundation at all this week...just a BB cream.


So, I'm a fan.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to Botox.......one that you don't need to stick needles in your face...check out Simplicité's website and give the Results Lift Gel a try. I

 think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Simplicité Results Lift RRP $83.70 (55ml) and is suitable for all skin types.

  Simplicité products are stocked nationally and can be purchased online.

  www.simplicite.com.au.

 

Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

   

  

  

  

   

   

Dolly Roadshow & Face of Australia

Recently, I had the pleasure of being Melbourne's Make-Up Artist for Face of Australia Cosmetics at the Dolly Magazine Model Search 2012. I got very sick shortly after and totally forgot to post the pics I took...doh! So here they are......

If you haven't yet tried Face of Australia cosmetics, may I suggest you get on it asap!! I've been using this brand for many years and still find them amazing value for money and are comparable to a lot of "pro" products on the market (at a fraction of the price...ahem). I have talked about them before here here and here...so check that out if you like.

The line up for model entrants was HUGE...it started about 9am and did not die down till 2pm. Crazy stuff...oh and I now know all the lyrics to One Direction songs...every time they were played, the girls were screaming...I felt quite old......lol

The parent were very patient...and I'm sure they know all the lyrics to One Direction songs too. :)

The girls were all so sweet and excited...below are some pics of a couple of the girls who's make-up I got to do. (I did more than 2 make-ups, but it was so busy that I didn't get time to get more pics than these)

All make-up by face of Australia cosmetics.

Photos above:

Lips

• Mechanical Lip Pencil - pink
• Lip Quench Lipstick Malibu Barbie

Eyes

• Eye Primer shimmer
• Colour max Eyeshadow Palette - Mercury Rising
• Liquid eyeliner - black
• Impact curl mascara

Face

• Face Base Primer
• Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation
• Translucent powder (lightly to set)
• Mineral Therapy blush - Berry Pink

Photo Below:

Lips

• Mineral Lipshine - starlight
• Massage Therapy Lip Gloss - Noosa

Eyes

• Eye Primer shimmer
• Colour max Eyeshadow Palette - Gold Mine - colours A & C
• Mechanical Eye pencil - brown
• Impact curl mascara

Face

• Face Base Primer
• Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation
• Translucent powder (lightly to set)
• Mineral Therapy blush - Sheer mauve
• Mineral Therapy Illuminating Pearls to highlight the cheekbones and browbone

I love this soft, sheer, polished look.

If you want to see the 6 finalists, then you can go here and vote.

Extension Update - Painting...still

A quick house update.

No pretty pictures today...just scary ones of me...

We are still painting, but it's a BIG extension.

The stairs are being delivered TODAY!!! and installed on Monday.

So, I've gotta dash and finish the stairwell...I'll be glad to see the last of that scaffold for now.

I feel like a monkey.

 Oh...and I just became an Auntie again ...about 15mins ago!! 

 The ceiling colour, in case you were interested in Antique White USA 1/4 strength and walls in Full strength.

have a great Friday!

Dove Nurti Oil Serum & a Giveaway

Product talk by Nuffnang

I grew up on the Gold Coast where the humidity can sometimes be unbearable...it also turned my hair into witchypoo hair....and I don't like it like that.

Eventually, I discovered hair serums and they worked pretty well at easing the frizz, but they were always quite pricey and in tiny bottles.

I now live in Melbourne, but I still have the same frizzy problem (it followed me). I've tried so many different brands and types and there are some great ones out there, so when I had the opportunity from Dove and Nuffnang to try out the new Dove Nutri Oil Serum, I was keen to see what it could do.

It could do plenty!

I washed & conditioned my hair as usual, then I towel dried it, combed it and  then ran a few pumps of the serum through my hair.

The first thing I noticed was that it smelled great (a big deal to me...I can't walk around all day with a weird smell in my hair...it gives me a headache...hmmm).

I also loved that it didn't feel oily or greasy on my hands like a lot of serums do...I liked that too.

Then I blow dried my hair and straightened it with a flat iron.

Booyeah!! Silky (really), smooth and no witchypoo in sight.

I couldn't stop touching it...lol

Even on the day that I didn't blow dry and straighten (I just put it in a ponytail), it was still pretty smooth...and that's what really sold me, cos that never happens.

Oh and it's under ten bucks and you can get it at the supermarket!! 

So get it on your grocery list.

Yep, sweet.

• Formulated with Coconut and Sweet Almond Oil
• As effective as Moroccan Oil, but a fraction of the price
• Reduces roughness and frizz by 99%
• Weightless formula that does not leave an oily residue
• Dove Nutri Oil is part of a three step system, including Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo and Conditioner
• RRP $9.99

Giveaway Time!!

I have three bottles of Dove Nurti Oil Serum to giveaway. (one per winner)

To be in the running to win:

Just follow 3pickles on Facebook (if you don't already).

Then, in the comments here on the blog, tell me about your worst or best hair day.

I'll pick the winners next week, so come back and check.

See ya.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author. 

Be Inspired

 Need a little inspiration?

Feel like giving up on your goals?

I've had a bit of a hard week and just at the right time and friend of mine shared this with me on Facebook.

Now I want to share it with you.

Please leave a comment if you felt inspired by this today. 

Thanks Ava from Picket Fence Fancy.

Weight loss apps to help you get fit & healthy

The best websites, iPhone and iPad apps - {a guest post by Alicia}

There’s no denying that I’d be completely lost without my Apple laptop (on a great Flexirent plan) my iphone and ipad these days. I am usually seen with at least one of these life-enhancing gadgets in my hands. I am often asked what my favourite apps are so I thought I’d compile a list to share with you of all the apps that I use daily and find particularly useful. There are simply too many to discuss, so in this post, I will focus on my go-to health and fitness apps. 

5K Runner: couch to 5K workout

Before this app, the thought of exercising at a pace faster than a power-walk baffled me and I’d find myself in fits of sweats with my face between my knees attempting to jog to my mailbox. This app is pretty amazing if you want results quickly. The app is designed to get you off the couch and running 5kms in eight weeks. If you can afford to do 35 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks – you’ll be effortlessly gliding through a 5km stretch. It uses walk/run/walk interval training and the voice markers offer guidance and encouragement. It gets my thumbs up.

CalorieKing:

This clever little app is an eye-opener! It features a database of over 22,000 Australian food products and has become my nutritional information bible. Start making healthier choices today and count yourself skinny.

My NetDiary:

This food and exercise diary was rated best iPad diet app of 2011.  This little gem allows for easy yet meticulous diet tracking and is a tsunami of information on all things health. It records how many hours you sleep, how much you exercise, what you are eating and it approximates your weight loss goals. Whilst the very concept of a diary relies on a higher level of effort by the user, this app has been designed to make it minimal- their huge database begins its search as soon as you begin typing.

Bupa Fitness: 
Another app that I have recently stumbled upon is this great little ditty. Established by Bupa Health Insurance, this app is a free-for-all fitness guide that begins with multiple tests to get you started, personalising your training and assessing the areas that need the most work. From there, it designs a four-week plan for you with detailed and diverse workouts, featuring video demonstrations and step-by-step guides. Another great feature is the progress tracker – your eyeballs will dance as you view your results, quite literally on screen (as well as off!)

Hope you’ve enjoyed our top picks for all things health and weight loss. With a plethora of support in your pocket, or your handbag (or wherever you keep your contraptions), weight-loss goals just became that little bit more achievable.

Author bio: Alecia is a tech-savvy news and current affairs addict, a tea drinker who holds daily devotions to her shrine of assorted gadgets and pieces of technology. She doesn’t know where she’d be without her Apple laptop, or the Flexirent plan she used to get it!

**This post was brought to you by Flexirent.

Schwarzkopf Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to Effie & Christine Scott. You've won!!

Thanks to everyone for following and your comments.

Contact me at threepickles@optusnet.com.au with your details so I can get your prize to you.

If you didn't win, stay tuned as I have another giveaway next week.

Found: something that works to relieve my child's eczema

If your child suffers from eczema and you tried everything with no results, then keep reading as this may be helpful.....

A little while ago, I was sent some products to try from Aveeno. They're from the Aveeno baby range and are especially designed for baby's sensitive skin.

Now my little pickle #2 is far from a baby (even though he'll always be my baby), but he does have very sensitive skin and suffers from atopic dermatitis...also commonly known as eczema. His eczema isn't severe, probably because we have been diligent in trying to prevent flare ups, but occasionally it will happen anyway. Pickle #1 used to suffer from it too, but thankfully has grown out of it.

One of the main causes of flare ups that I have found is from the skin becoming too dry..

• from too hot a bath/shower
• overheating in bed
• synthetic clothing
• being in contact with irritating chemicals, like chlorine
• even plain old bath water can be an irritant

So, anyway... I thought I'd try these products with him, but was skeptical....everything else I had tried hadn't done much to help him. I thought, if they were gentle enough for a little baby's skin, then they might just be suitable for my pickle. I've been using them on him for nearly a month....

...... and I am over the moon!

He hasn't had a reaction or flare up at all since I started using these products on him. They work so well for him that I'll be continuing to use them.

My little pickle #2...ain't he cute?

 Aveeno baby range is specifically developed for babies and has been clinically proven to moisturise for 24 hours.
Colloidal oatmeal forms a protective barrier on the skin to help sooth very dry, aggravated skin conditions and protects against external skin irritants. Natural colloidal oatmeal lotions have been clinically proven to moisturise and sooth skin as well as gently cleanse and help maintain skin's natural moisture, to prevent further moisture loss.
The Aveeno brand has been recommended by US dermatologists and paediatricians for more than 60 years....why a I only finding this out now!!!

Here's what I've been using on him:

• Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream: Clinically proven to moisturise for 24 hours. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and is hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I like to use this on him after a bath at night and for spot areas where flare up occur. 140g RRP:$10.99
• Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash: fragrance free, hypoallergenic and tear free. I use this in the bath as an alternative to soap. 236ml RRP:$10.99
• Baby Daily Moisturising Lotion: This is non greasy too, absorbs quickly  with no drying alcohol. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I use this to prevent flare ups and protect the skin everyday. 227g RRP: $10.99
• Baby Wash & Shampoo: To wash his hair of course! I'll put this in the bath too, when I'm not using the Creamy Wash. Tear free and lathers nicely. Smells lightly fragrant...Pickle#2 thinks it smells like mandarins. 236ml RRP:$10.99

I've seen this range in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Click here to see where you can buy these products in Australia.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial consideration. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author. This information should not replace medical advice.