Youthful skin and natural rose oil

I've been sent a lovely product to trial - La'Bonic Organic Skin Savers, Pure Natural Rose Oil.  It's a long lasting skin repairing and smoothing cream with essential natural ingredients.   I'm on day two so will give it a week or so for another full report but first thoughts are that it isn't overly greasy and is a really lovely texture when smoothing into your skin.   Another big tick for me is that it is not tested on animals, and uses organic oils.   Now I know there are a lot of these sorts of products on the market but I am always keen on trying out new skincare.  A 50ml jar of this cream goes for $NZ55 and can be bought online at La'Bonics online store.  I would recommend trying this one.  Give up that Nivea and Oil of Olay - they test on animals!!

Ria Hall and Hailwood

I wouldn't normally envisage a pleated striped skirt and patterned top working so well.  Hailwood the Kiwi designer (shop based on K Rd, Auckland) really does have some great pieces.  I should shop there more.  A few years back I bought a long, blue and white striped (love stripes!) top and I have worn it to death.  Ria Hall pulls this look off perfectly at the 2012 Vodafone Music Awards.  I have hips as does Ria from what I can see, so you definitely need some height with this combo by wearing reasonble high heels or boots.

Image: zimbio.com

Grace us with your memoirs Ms Coddington

I'm part way through this fantastic read - a must have for all fashion followers.   'Grace - A Memoir of Grace Coddington'.  What an amazing life she has led, very jealous, things just seemed to fall into her lap.  But I won't spill too much.  Buy your copy now from Amazon or from your local bookshop.

Artstation for all art lovers

I've signed myself up for a two-day silk screen printing course for the weekend, I can't wait!  I have so many ideas I want to release onto fabric and paper!  Artstation is based on Ponsonby Road, Auckland and has lots of different creative short courses including photography, life drawing, abstract painting, and sculpture.  So many great courses to do!  I have been checking out amazing cushion covers by Bonnie and Neil and Rachel Castle and want to attempt some of my own designs taking a little inspiration from what they have done.  Will post some pics of my results :)

Image: www.bonnieandneil.com

Meadowlark - rings, charms, necklaces

For a New Zealand jewellery brand, Meadowlark would be up there with the best.  Designers Claire Hammon and Greg Fromont create wonderful contemporary pieces that I've never seen before.  Using precious stones the jewellery has a modern, 'rock and roll' feel to it.  I love the chunky rings with unique settings.  My favourites are the Deco Cocktail Ring and the Byzantine Cocktail Ring.  Rings can be customied with stones such as onyx, Thai garnet, blue topaz, smonkey quartz or amethyst.  The have a great collection of other pieces as well which you can check out at their website or in stores at Walker and Hall or Suprette (Auckland).

Deco Cocktail Ring

Byzantine Cocktail Ring

Images: www.meadowlark.co.nz