Sir Charlie Stinky Socks

I love books. I think it would be more sensible to borrow books from a library but there's just something about having my own collection. In recent years I have been focusing on children's books; we have seriously gone from nil to a small library. How do I justify this? Books are educational. And I plan on keeping them for my grandchildren!

One of our current favourites:

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson 
This is an exciting and slightly scary book (great for boys) about a brave little knight who comes across beasties, a dragon and a witch. He doesn't fight them, though, you see. He's got better methods, such as singing a lullaby, sharing sandwiches or offering a drink. 

Look inside...
Included are some huge flaps. 

Sure, it's an entertaining book, but what makes it even better is the CD. I think this is so well done, with fun music, great sound effects and it's read convincingly. As if that weren't enough, the CD also contains songs and games.

Love the name, too: Sir Charlie Stinky Socks!  

What exactly is "my personal yoga challenge"?

I should probably explain.

One of my current and hopefully long-term obsessions is to become a yoga believer. A yogi, I think they're called.

That sounds sort of negative, like I'm trying too hard. For a lot of people, they seem to be converts after the first attempt.

That makes me a bit nervous because I don't think it's clicked yet. For the record, I am a complete beginner. I've only just started Kundalini Yoga and what I can say is that I like it so far.

But it hasn't changed me or my life YET.

From what I've heard and read, yoga can heal and strengthen the body and mind. It is exercise, it can calm you down and make you into a better person. It apparently becomes a lifestyle, if you want to embrace it as such. It sounds too good to be true.

There are so many believers out there that there must be some truth to it!

So here's my mantra.

Be open-minded.
Don't give up.

MAC's Spring Colour Forecast 2 Blush Ombre

From the Spring Colour Forecast collection, this was the only face product that I felt I had to have... (the other one was the matching nail lacquer in Malibu Peach).

The Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach is a multi-toned blush in coral.

I swatched the colours separately first (the pale peach and darker pink), then swirled my finger around in it to get the pretty blossomy, sunset colour on the right. It looks really natural and fresh on my skin. Fab! Why do such great things have to be limited edition?

First review: Detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD

This is my first ever yoga DVD!

It's Kundalini Yoga to detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes.

What a relief that she wears a loose white outfit and not a horrid neck-to-ankle leotard that accentuates all the most unattractive curves. The background is also white: so simple, so pure. 

My very first thoughts: it's easy! No funny poses. The chants are not too silly. And I like the music - it's her own. It is soothing and you also get a CD with the DVD, which is an added bonus.

What I like most about this DVD so far:

1. I can do this in whatever clothes I am wearing that day. I've even done it in jeans, although I admit it wasn't that comfortable.

2. My body warms up when I do this but I don't sweat so I don't need to shower afterwards.

3. Most of the exercises are done sitting down, which seems wonderfully lazy.

I will report back regularly on my progress... 

Petit Bateau's disappointing spring 2010 collection

Every season, I usually find a couple of adorable kids' clothes at Petit Bateau. The striped cardigans, the reversible jumpers, trousers with a high waist and enforced knees...

But I am disappointed with their spring 2010 collection. Nothing interesting caught my eye. It all looked the same.

Have I seen too many stripes in recent years?

Detox and De-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD: The best quote

Sit with your legs stretched out together in front of you. Now grab the toes. Stay in that position and breathe.

Arrgh, it hurts. Not the least bit comfortable for a beginner like me.

And she says: "This exercise is deeply relaxing."

Yeah, right!

Kérastase haul: Nutritive & Noctogenist

I noticed last night that my shampoo bottle was (sort of) nearly empty so I, quite enthusiastically, went out to buy some more today! You know, I wanted a back up, just in case.

For about two years now I have been loyal to Kérastase. (Try as I might, I can never stay faithful to one make-up brand so that says something.)

I have tried green (for damaged hair), pink (for coloured hair), orange (for unruly hair) and blue (night treatment). I recently bought a hair treatment from the white Nutritive series - which by the way smells wonderful - and as a happy customer, I decided to go for a 'matching' shampoo.

This is what I got. The Bain Satin Dosage Gluco-Active 2: Complete Nutrition Shampoo.

It caught my eye because it was the only giant Kérastase product with a pump in the shop. So I decided it was good value, as you get (500 ml, which is) double the usual amount.

And then I went to pay.

Uh, not quite.

I conveniently remembered that I like leave-in treatments for during the day. And oh! look what happened to be on the shelf! The Nectar Thermique: Nourishing care with heat-styling protective agent.

And a little oomph for whilst we sleep, as well. The Noctogenist Sérum Nuit: Overnight Softening Treatment.

There's nothing like the promise of waking up to silky hair.

Quote: Monkeys don't wear tights

My son was wearing tights under his trousers the other day.

(I wonder when he will start telling me that tights aren't cool and he'd rather freeze his ___ (fill in the blank) off than wear a pair.)

He likes to climb and is astoundingly strong - he can hold on by wrapping his limbs around me and I can wave my arms up in the air (a bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman: "Look, no hands!").

Me: "You're a monkey!"

My four-year old: "No. Monkeys don't wear tights."

He got me there. At least the last time we went to the zoo, there weren't any monkeys clad in tights.

MAC's new mineralize compact foundation

This is MAC's newest foundation and I love it. It is creamy and my skin feels hydrated when I use this. It's ideal for travelling and I'm sure some people will find it less messy to apply than a liquid foundation.

It gives medium coverage: lighter than the Studio Sculpt (left) and more than the Face and Body (right). It also has SPF 15, which the Face and Body doesn't.

L to R: Studio Sculpt NC30, Mineralize NC30, Face and Body C4

It comes with a sponge but I would recommend using a brush. I think the 130 short duo fibre brush is fantastic and easy to use because the bristles are short and compact.

If you like the dewy look, you won't need to powder your face after applying this foundation. I personally prefer to powder my t-zone. I like to use the select sheer powder (and blot powder for touch ups) but you could use the Studio Fix powder, as well, to give you that extra bit of coverage.

Gym? No way, thank you

I hate working out. Gym memberships are a waste of money (my record: one year of non-attendance). I don't like being around (other) sweaty people. And oh, the hassle of leaving the house, especially in winter when it's freezing outside.

So last year I bought some cardio workout DVDs. I quite liked them. For a while. Until I realised what a pain it was to have to do the following in the middle of the day:

1. change into a sports bra

2. shower

3. re-do my hair and make-up.

Of course, I tried to do it first thing in the morning. But I just can't get up any earlier than I really have to. And I can't do it after taking my son to kindergarten because I've already got a full face of make-up on.

So I tried working out at night. But between 9pm and midnight is when I finally have my peace and quiet! I'd rather enjoy that than have to hop around in front of the TV.

But now I think I have found what I have always been looking for...

Kundalini yoga with Maya Fiennes!

I am trying out one of her DVDs and so far... I like it. I'll be doing a proper review soon.

Who is familiar with her yoga?