SUPER Skincare: Ella Baché's SpiruLines

This stuff is AMAZING!!!!
If you want to know more about a true anti-aging skincare range, then read on...............

I've been using  Ella Baché's SpiruLines for about 3 weeks and I can't get over how good my skin looks and feels. I've even gone out of the house with just a bit of concealer and some mascara...........and that is not normal for me. My skin is much smoother and even in tone. I feel so gushy about this range...so much that I can't wait to get it on my skin morning and night...lol

It contains Spirulina, a plant microorganism which has been on earth for 3.5 billion years. Widely used as a nutritional and dietary supplement. 

After years of research, the experts at  Ella Baché developed SpiruLines into the "super food" for the skin, which delivers vitamins, minerals, amino acids and chlorophyll to assist in restoring health & hydration, whilst minimising the first signs of ageing, including fine lines, loss of firmness and visible UV damage.

Spirulina is 100% natural and a highly nutritious micro salt water plant. Pretty...don't you think?

There are 3 core products to the  Ella Baché SpiruLines Homecare Range:

• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Correcting Serum 30ml $105.00 A high powered anti-ageing serum for targeted fine line correction.
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream 50ml $118.00 A daily day and night cream to address fine lines and firmness. Skin's texture is instantly smoothed and skin firmness improves over time.
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Plumper 15ml $59.00 (MY HERO PRODUCT THAT I WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT) A fine-line treatment that corrects and plumps the skin on the inside for instant smoothing, making fine lines significantly less visible.

Some skincare lines make claims that don't deliver BUT this stuff is the shiz...it has done (to my skin) exactly what it promises.

I know it may seem a bit pricey, but as I've said before..."It's an investment in you", worth every cent in my humble opinion. And yes, I was gifted this range to try, BUT I will be repurchasing...especially the Wrinkle Plumper...I've truly never used anything like it.

So, if you want to try it out...get on down to either an  Ella Baché salon or David Jones. You can call 1800 789 234 or visit the location finder at www.ellabache.com.au

Your skin will thank you for it....and you can thank me later.

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.

Chicken Souvlaki & Tzatziki Sauce {recipe}

A favourite in our house. Easy & healthy too.My husband (Mr3P), who is from Greek heritage tells me that souvlaki means "on a stick"...it's his VERY loose translation. In fact he tells me that if you can poke it with a stick, then it's souvlaki (in his mind anyways). This is a family recipe that was given to me. Yes, it's simple, but aren't some of the best recipes?

Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken breast fillets

Lemon juice

Crushed garlic

Olive oil

Dried oregano

Salt

• Cut chicken into cubes and place in a non-metalic bowl
• Add other ingredients and mix well
• Allow to marniate for as long as possible (at least 15mins) or you could freeze them at this stage
• Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water (this will prevent burning the skewers later)
• Thread the chicken onto the skewers. You could freeze at this stage too.
• Pan fry or bbq, turning occasionally until cooked through. In the pan, I like to use glad bake or similar (like here), this prevents the marinde from burning and clean up is easy.

Tzatziki sauce

Greek yoghurt

1/2 cucumber, peeled and finely grated

1 BIG teaspoon of crushed garlic

salt

finely shredded, fresh mint

• mix ingredients together
• best made earlier, so the flavours can get to know each other a little better
• yummy as a dip, served with veggie sticks.

You can also serve with pita bread (my recipe here).

I'd like to start a link party for healthy, wholesome recipes for the family. Would you be interested in joining in? I'll be back a bit later. to get it started.

linking to 

How to create smooth, 90's style, biker chic hair.

Here's another backstage pass to fashion week...and a "how to" to share. 

I adore the make-up too.........

This 90's look is close to my heart........... ahh, memories.....

Healthy recipe post on the blog tomorrow, btw.

Backstage at Milan Fashion Week with Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, at DSquared2 S/S 13

The Look: 90’s Biker Chic

The hair look at the DSquared2 show at Milan Fashion Week was reminiscent of the iconic photography of the 90’s Supermodel and celebrated biker chic at its most glamorous. Big bold statement jewellery, lace mini dresses and high-shine leather hats were the perfect complement to the super straight glossy hair.

“At DSquared2 this season it was about replicating the look of the fashion icons of the 90’s and giving it a modern day twist. The look we wanted to achieve was a light-hearted take on the decade through beautiful, healthy, glossy, super straight shiny hair,” said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V.

Get the look:

1. To achieve the perfect base for this look start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Try Pantene Pro-V Nourished Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

2. Apply Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to damp hair and gently blow dry using a round brush. 

3. Take small sections at a time and straighten with irons from root to end. 

4. To finish, apply Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Light Weight Crème to get rid of any static.

How to create Glamorous 60's style hair.

I love "how to's", especially hair and make-up ones. This one looks pretty easy, fun and wearable. 

Backstage at Milan Fashion Week with Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, at Moschino S/S 13

The Look: Big 60’s glamorous fun!

The hair look at the Moschino show at Milan Fashion Week, took us back to the glamorous world of the 60’s. Perfectly matching the theme of the Collection, the hairstyles were big, bold, fun and voluminous, seamlessly blending with the eccentric fusion of bright, playful and exaggerated colours. Skirts and pants with contrasting trim made the collection sharp. Historic colours fused with visible embroidery and oversize buttons recalled the fun and frolics of Italian summers.

“I wanted to capture the youthful spirit of Moschino yet celebrate the sensual and powerful influences of the 60’s. The aim was to deliver the structured look of the decade and its exaggerated silhouette but with a modern day twist.”said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V.

Get the look:

1. To achieve the perfect base for this look start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner works well for a light finish as it nourishes the hair.

2. If your hair is damaged, apply Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to the ends only. 

3. Apply Pantene Pro-V Volume Mousse to the lengths of the hair and brush through from to the end and

roughly blow dry to give volume. 

4. Next, tong the hair and pin up to cool and set. 

5. Create a side parting and gently brush out each curl. 

6. Section by section, using Pantene Pro-V Stay Smooth Hairspray as you go, backcomb the hair a couple of

inches from the roots to the nape of the neck, smooth over and pin in the back. 

7. To finish, gently back brush the ends to fan out and spray to ensure a strong hold.

How to create Rainbow Waves hair

Hi there, I was just wanted to show you this easy hairstyle before the weekend starts. The good thing is that everything you need is at the supermarket, so grab some products while you do the weekend grocery shop. I'm trying it out tomorrow. I hope you give it a go!

Backstage at London Fashion Week with Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, at Moschino Cheap & Chic S/S 13 

 The Look: Rainbow Waves 

The hair look at the Moschino Cheap & Chic took us on a journey from 70’s hippies to Africa with a stopover in Milan and arriving in East London. The Collection was a melting pot of Shwe Shwe African fabric and ‘70s bell- bottoms mixed with platform wedges in acid brights. “I wanted to capturethe youthful spirit of the Moschino Cheap & Chic girl and celebratethe various influences impacting this collection. 
The grunge of East London, the crimping of the 70’s , the braiding of Africa and the polish of Milan.” said Sam McKnight, Global Stylist Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V. “The completed hair look has a ripple effect with the hair swopped across the forehead from the side parting creating a youthful finish.” 

Get the look: 
1. To achieve the perfect base for this look, start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner works well for a light finish as it nourishes the hair without adding weight. 

2. During Fashion Week, it’s essential to give hair extra nourishment so use the Pantene Pro-V Intensive Damage Repair Oil to give extra protection and shine. 

3. For hair stressed by over styling, supplement your hair care regimen with a treatment mask such as Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Treatment (for fine hair) or Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Intensive Hair Masque (for normal-thick hair). 

4. Apply Pantene Pro-V Body Builder Mousse to the lengths of the hair and brush through from the roots to the end. 

5. Next, create a low side parting and smooth down with Pantene Pro-V Stay Smooth Hairspray. Take small sections of hair and apply more hairspray, and then braid from root to tip. 

6. For maximum effect, iron each braid with a straightening iron and then leave to cool for as long as you can. 

7. Unpick each braid with your fingers and untangle with a soft bristled brush. For a less uniformed look, wet your hands and dampen. 

8. To finish, gather the front section of hair, swoop to the opposite side and grip at the temple. 

To get a similar look with the eyeliner, try the Covergirl liquidline blast in blue.
If you try this look, I'd love to see a photo...you can add them to the 3pickles Facebook page (click here)

Have a great weekend.
Laters ;)

Wedding Guest Look

Wedding Guest by marniea featuring essie nail polish

Banana Bread {recipe}

I didn't want to be the ONLY blogger on the web without a banana bread recipe.So, here's mine......

Banana Bread

1 1/4 cups self-raising flour
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
30 g butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 milk
3/4 cup mashed banana

• Preheat oven to 220 C
• Grease loaf pan or line with baking paper
• In a large bowl, add flour & cinnamon, then rub butter into flour mixture.
• Add egg, sugar, milk and banana. Stir till combined. Don't over mix...mixture should be lumpy.
• Put batter into your loaf pan and bake for about half an hour.
• Test for doneness (not sure if that's a word)
• Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before turing out on a rack to cool.

I like to make several loaves, slice, wrap in cling wrap and freeze for school lunches.

The banana bread in the pictures is made with double the quantity...I had to lower heat and bake for an extra 10 minutes....you may need to cover loosely with foil to prevent burning the top of the loaf.

linking to  I'm trying out a button, to see if my html codes are correct. The image will change, but I need to see if it works here 'tis.

GENESIS FITNESS TACKLES AN UNHEALTHY AUSTRALIA WITH MILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY

As you may know, I've been working towards a weight loss and healthy life goal since the start of the year. I still have more to lose and I know a lot of you are in the same boat, so when Genesis Fitness told me about this AWESOME GIVEAWAY, I knew immediately that I had to share it with you guys. So if you want to get fit & lose weight, please, read on........

In a bid to encourage more Australians to get fit and beat the bulge, Genesis Fitness is launching a nation-wide promotion to get Aussies moving. 

The $1 Million Dollar Giveaway will see the fitness club give away one million dollars worth of gym memberships across the country – a total of 700 GOLD 12-month memberships during September/October. And the best part? The memberships will be going to the people that need them most – with entrants asked to write in 100 words or less why they deserve to win.

“We’re always looking for ways to help the local community. We see the Genesis Million Dollar Giveaway as a wonderful way of continuing that tradition. 

“In Australia we’ve seen a troubling trend of people suffering from obesity and body issues while at the same time more and more Australians are struggling financially and unable to afford gym memberships. This giveaway is our chance to ensure that the people who need the most help in achieving their fitness goals, get the chance they deserve,“ said Genesis Marketing Manager, Danielle Flood.

Run by locals that aim to unite and inspire their community to be fitter and healthier, Genesis Fitness Clubs take the time to understand people’s individual fitness goals and then provide the necessary support to ensure success. This caring approach has seen Genesis develop into one of Australia’s premier fitness club organisations, with 50 clubs Australia wide.

I hope you enter (go here)

& best of luck!!

Sephora's Head to toe hydrator {guest post}

One of my dearest friends and Godmother to Pickle #2, Lara, is guest posting for me today...all the way from sunny Santa Monica. 

Lara "left me" and moved to the USA with her husband for career commitments for them both.

We Skype regularly, but not's not the same. I'm hoping to visit them next year....shopping booh yeah!

I was so excited to move to the United States, mainly due to all the new and exciting beauty products that we can't get a hold of in Australia!

My first experience in Sephora was in Hawaii, it was amazing! I felt like I was in product heaven, I did not even know where to begin looking!! I spent a good few hours in there while my husband was off looking at other shops!

I purchased the Sephora Brand 'Head to toe hydrator.'  US$14. 

This product is five things in one, got to love that! It can be used as a hand cream, body cream, face cream and can be applied to the tips of hair after shampooing as hair treatment. In addition this amazing cream off goodness can be used as a face mask leaving it on for five minutes then rinsing off.

The cream is fresh smelling and does not have an overpowering scent, I find it incredibly amazing for travel as it is everything in one tube. It is great for the handbag too! 

 It's dermatologically tested and suits all skin types, even sensitive skin. Formulated without parabens and contains HydroSenn and a milky nourishing plant extract for supple, soft and comfortable skin. 

The Sephora Brand do not test on animals which is a must for me, I simply will not purchase cosmetics or beauty products which have been tested on poor innocent animals!

Next time in Sephora...

xx Lara

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

September the 3rd, 2012 marked the launch of the inaugural Beautiful Lengths program (www.beautifullengths.com.au); the first of its kind in Australia to inspire women to grow, cut and donate their hair to be turned into real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment.

A recent study by Pantene revealed that 90% of Australian women would be prepared to cut and donate their hair to help a friend with cancer and is now calling on women across the country to get involved and pledge their ponytails.

In partnership with the charity Look Good...Feel Better - a free national community service program dedicated to teaching cancer patients techniques to help restore their appearance during chemotherapy and radiotherapy - Pantene will fund the creation of real-hair wigs by helping women grow beautiful hair to donate to the program. These wigs will be distributed across Australia at no cost to cancer patients.

Many people are aware of the physical and emotional devastation caused by the disease, and over half of Australian women will either be affected by cancer themselves or have a female friend or family member who is affected by cancer.

Actress Naomi Watts is joining forces with fellow Pantene ambassadors, beauty expert, Zoë Foster, and leading hairstylist, Barney Martin, to encourage women across the country to skip a trim and grow their hair longer and stronger before donating their ponytails to Beautiful Lengths during National Donate Your Hair Week in November.

Mary Ann Azer, External Relations Director for P&G Australia said: “As a worldwide leader in haircare products, Pantene is committed to giving back to the community. The beauty of the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign is that it provides a way to make an enormous, real difference to the lives of women undergoing cancer treatment in Australia. By donating your hair to Beautiful Lengths or by simply helping to raise awareness of the program, you will be supporting women who have lost their hair through cancer.”

Join Pantene Beautiful Lengths and help support women battling cancer by growing your hair longer and stronger to donate. To us it’s hair, but to women with cancer, it’s hope.

Even if you cannot pledge your ponytail,  hope you share this post around.

Oolong chilli egg pot recipe from David's Country Shanghai

You may remember a little while ago I blogged about dinner at David's in Prahran (post here).

While I was there, David was kind enough to share his recipe for yummy Oolong chilli egg pot.

And now, I'm sharing with you.....

I hope you get to try this out....

or get down to David's and ask him to make it for you ;)

Ingredients

• 3 spring onions
• 4 star anise
• 6 quail eggs
• 1 packet dry bean curd
• 2 birds eye red chilli
• 1 TBS Dark soy sauce
• 2 TBS Light soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cinnamon quills
• 3 ginger slices (3mm thick)
• 15g - 20g Oriental Teahouse Oolong tea

To Cook

1. Wash the eggs and gently place them in a pot of cold water
2. Bring the water to the boil and lower flame to a simmer for 3 minutes
3. Remove the eggs from the pot and rinse under cold water
4. Remove the shells from each egg carefully
5. Return all eggs into an empty pot with the bean curd.
6. Fill the pot with hot water to a level that just covers the ingredients
7. Add both soy sauces and season with salt
8. Add the ginger, spring onions, sugar, star anise, cinnamon & tea leaves to the pot
9. Bring to boil and lower flame to simmer for 2 hours, adding the chillis in the last 30 minutes
10. Remove from heat, scoop and serve with a bowl of rice