How to eat pizza & still lose weight

Are you on a low carb, weight loss program, but still want to eat something yummy like pizza? You can.

Here's how......

Ok, ok, so it may not be an actual pizza, but it tastes just like one...without the added fat, calories and overload of carbs.

And it couldn't be easier to make.

Firstly, lay out a piece of Mountain Bread.

Then layer with your favourite (healthy choice) toppings, some low fat cheese and a sauce.

On this one I have used:

• fat reduced ham 
• thin slice of low fat, tasty cheese
• mushroom
• capsicum
• olives
• a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce

Heat up your frying pan and place the folded wrap in. I like to use the trusty Glad bake to prevent it from sticking and saves me time doing the washing up.

Now this probably looks a little weird, but it works really well.
Place a metal saucepan lid on top of your wrap to cook. It flattens it a little and makes a nice crispy crust. No need to go and buy one of those sandwich presses.
Don't forget to flip it over and cook the other side!

Serve it up and enjoy a yummy pizza treat without ruining your weight loss program.

PS: Don't forget to enter my Schwarzkopf giveaway (go here). 

It's drawn on Thursday, so get a wriggle on!

Linking to

Logies Hair & A Give-Away!!

The 2012 TV Week Logies aired recently. I don't always sit through the whole thing, but I never miss the red carpet arrivals. I love seeing what the celebrities are wearing and of course what's happening in the hair and make-up department. 

I'm sharing my favourite hairstyles this year and a guide on how to recreate these looks at home for your red carpet event. They're all fairly simple styles that create big red carpet impact. The sleek "up-do" that Asher Keddie wears so well would be a great one to try for an outdoor event that could be a little windy...like the races or maybe a beach wedding. 

I also have a giveaway thanks to Schwarzkopf, so keep on reading to see how you can win.

Trend: Loose Long Curls

Delta Goodrem and Carrie Bickmore nailed the number one red carpet trend with their long locks and soft curls

(Source)

To get the look:

1. Great hair starts with a great hair regime. Treat it with Schwarzkopf Marrakesh Oil and Coconut Express Mousse treatment.
2. While your hair is still wet use your fingers to distribute one pump (about the size of a golf ball) of Schwarzkopf Curl Flex Mousse through your hair for long lasting curls.
3. Blow dry your hair, starting at the roots to create volume. Tip: Blow dry your hair upside down for ease and when almost dry use a large, round brush to smooth out the ends.
4. Separate your hair into three sections, securing with a clip and begin curling one inch segments with a wide barrel curling iron. (ceramic irons are the best)
5. Alternate the direction of the curl as you work your way through each section for a more natural look.

(Source)

Trend: Tousled Ponytail

This soft, feminine look has continued as a major trend in 2012. I love how Jennifer Hawkins wears hers. This one is super easy.

To get the look:

1. To minimise damage for heat-aided styling, treat hair with Schwarzkopf Hydro Collagen Express Repair Leave In Treatment after washing.
2. Blow dry your hair, starting at the roots.
3. Create waves by wrapping 2 inch sections around a wide barrelled curling iron. 
4. Finger comb waves to create a loose, messy look.
5. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, gently teasing out tendrils around the side of the face and finish with a spritz of Schwarzkopf Ultimate Styling Hairspray to ensure the style maintains it's hold.

(Source)

Trend: The Sleek 'Up-Do'

Asher Keddie was an all round winner on the night, bringing a classic, elegant look to the red carpet with her version of the sleek 'up- do'.

To get the look:

1. For extra sheen apply Schwarzkopf Liquid Silk Repair and Gloss treatment to just washed hair.
2. Create a low side parting using a narrow tooth comb.
3. Pull your hair to one side at the nape of your neck as though you were creating a low side ponytail, ensure your hair is gathered smoothly with no "lumps or bumps"  at the roots.
4. Wrap and twist your hair around itself into a bun-shaped knot and tuck in the ends using grips to pin it in place.
5. To achieve maximum hold, finish with a light spray of Schwarzkopf Extra Care Super Styling Lacquer Extreme Hold.

(Source)

 I'm giving away 2 packs of hairstyling products (from their Professional Range) thanks to the lovely people at Schwarzkopf.
Each prized is valued at RRP $74.20


To win, all you have to do is:
Please note: The prize is open to Australian residents only (sorry). I will have a giveaway very soon for my international readers.

1. Follow this blog on Blog Lovin or Google Friend Connect (check it out in the right sidebar)
2. Leave a comment on this blog telling me which one of these looks you would you choose for your next event and why.

Or

1. You can follow me on Twitter (click here) or Facebook (click here) and leave your comments there. Don't forget to share with your friends and followers.

Or 

All of the above. Enter as many times as you like.

I'll choose 2 winners on Thursday afternoon (Melbourne time) and announce the winners here on the blog, Facebook and Twitter.

See you on the red carpet.

Smouldering Siren Make-Up ft. Face of Australia

I love this look and it's really simple to do. The trickiest bit is to get the lips neat as red shows every mistake. Just line the lips well and use a brush to fill in the lip colour. I used false lashes here too, but a couple of coats of a good, black mascara will do the trick.

Thanks Sue for being my model....it was fun.
BTW : I do "touch up"my photos a little (who doesn't), but I didn't touch Sue's teeth...they really are that white!!....and the blue based red lip colour enhances them even more.

All of the make-up I used for this look is from Face of Australia cosmetics. They photograph so well!

Available online here

What I used

On the face

• Face Base Primer
• Stick Foundation in Outback Beige
• Translucent Powder
• Blush in Terra
• Mineral Therapy Illuminating Pearls on the tops of the cheekbone to highlight

On the Eyes

• Colour Max Eyeshadow Palette in Mercury Rising
• Liquid Eyeliner in Black
• Mechanical Eye Pencil in Black
• 2 coats of Impact Curl Mascara
• Full strip false lashes (from e-bay)

On the Lips

• Mechanical Lip Pencil in Red
• Lip Quench Lipstick in Forbidden Fruit (my new HG of reds)

On the brows

• Colour Max Eyeshadow Palette in Gold Mine (the brown colour B) applied with a slanted brow brush.

Disclosure: I received these products from Face of Australia as gratis for my work as a Make-Up Artist.

PS: My apologies as far as my promised giveaway is concerned. I had a computer issue this week, but everything is all fixed now (fingers crossed). I'll be letting you know about the giveaway over the weekend...promise.

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How to snack less and beat those cravings

If one of the biggest challenges you face when trying to lose weight is snacking or eating too large a portion at mealtimes, then keep reading cos I've got something to tell you that could end up being your HG of weight loss. 

A few weeks ago I received a cute little package in the mail from leading sports & nutrition brand Body Science. I already use and love their other weight loss products (you can read my thoughts on them here). I use the Shaping Protein for Women every day, so I trusted the brand and was eager to try their latest product launch Body for Women Zotrim.

Body for Women Zotrim - the proven diet aid shown to help appetite control, reduce food intake and support weight loss - with no side effects.

Since it's introduction into the UK market more than 5 years ago, Zotrim has helped more than 13 million people with their weight loss goals.


Studies using Zotrim in the UK found an average weight loss of 5kg over 45 days when clients supplemented their calorie controlled diet with Zotrim. 


Body Science is introducing Zotrim to Australia, standing out amongst the many other weight loss products on the market. Instead of relying on the stimulatory effects of caffeine to impact metabolism, Body for Women Zotrim has a natural ingredient mix shown to have no adverse effect on heart rate, digestion or abdominal comfort. 

"I have been using Zotrim religiously for 3 weeks and had noticed absolutely no side effects!!  Except the fact that I'm not even thinking about snacking between meals and I sincerely feel fuller at mealtimes, which I believe has helped me stay on track. Last week at my PT weigh in, I had lost 2kg, with an average loss of one kilo a week, so I'm getting closer to my goal every day!"

So, what's in it?


A blend of three organic plant extracts; Yerbe Mate, Damiana & Guarana, this natural mix has been shown to be both safe and effective to manage hunger and food intake. I take as part of my calorie controlled diet, a few minutes before main meals.  Simple.


You can get Body for Women Zotrim (here) RRP $39.95 for 90 tablets.

This week I'll be talking more about was has been helping me on the weight loss journey and there will be some GIVEAWAYS too.  So pop back for a visit tomorrow.

Disclosure *This product was sent to me for editorial consideration, but when it runs out, I will certainly be purchasing more. 3pickles has no affiliation with any companies mentioned and has received no remuneration for posting this review. All opinions are those of the author.

Disclaimer: The owner of this personal blog is not a registered dietitian nor a medial practitioner and her advice should not be taken in place of your own personal health care provider. All material posted on this blog is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

This Means War - {Workout Tunes}

Have I told you how much I love Nickelback? Yeah, I'm pretty sure I have.

Gonna keep this short and sweet. K?

My PT Elizabeth lets me play my iPod during our sessions (especially the boxing..I swear this song makes me punch a little harder) and this is one of my favourites. I'm not sure what war Nickelback are singing about, but in my mind, whenever I play this song during training, I think about war against lard arseness....(yes, I have decided that IS a word)

BTW, Nickelback have told me (in a Tweet just to me...ooh yeah) that they'll be coming to Australia this year for their Here & Now tour. I've started my VIP "Meet and Greet" fund, so if anyone wants to donate to this very worthy cause, please drop me a line ...lol

 Enjoy the vid and get the album...it's on iTunes as we speak

Lose the carbs and still enjoy dinner...simple

Looking for something simple, healthy & tasty for dinner tonight?

This is such an easy dish to put together and if you're watching the carbs like I am, then it'll be perfect for you and the family.

Garlic Chicken & Steamed Veggies with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Cube some skinless chicken breast. I do this in the morning and throw it in a ziplock bag into the fridge..I can then make portions of this dish quickly and without a lot of mess, especially great when Mr3P and Pickle#1 are at soccer training and I feed myself and the 2 remaining pickles early.

Take a bag of frozen stir fry veggies out of the freezer. (told you this was simple) I like the Stir Fry veggies from Aldi, but I use whatever is in the freezer....or use fresh veggies, but that's a little more work...lol

Pan fry the chicken.  I like to use the Glad Bake to brown the chicken, much like I do with the bunless burgers (here). I will drizzle about 1 teaspoon of good olive oil over the chicken and then add some salt and a good heaped teaspoon of crushed garlic. Give it a toss and add the veggies. Heat them through.

Drizzle a small glob of sweet chilli sauce over the chicken and veggies and serve.

Simple, healthy and tasty.