So, I have moved! Please update your links if possible, and from now on come and visit me at...

www.thebellelumiere.net

Thankyou!

My beauty product/makeup "picks" for July 09...

01 This Works Tired Eye Serum: I have been sampling this for the past week or so, and am going to purchase as soon as possible. It's such a light, refreshing eye cream, and it sits really nicely under my makeup throughout the day. It's still too early to see a major difference, but just the way my skin feels after using it is enough for me!

02 Bumble & Bumble Spray De Mode: Aside from the smell (that I now remember is what put me off a b&b shampoo I tried ages ago) this is an amazing product. It gives hold, incredible shine & assists with styling without being crispy or weighing hair down. It was quite an expensive product, but the tube is massive, and I'm sure will last me a while.

03 Zoya Nail Polish in Melanie: This sheer ballerina pink polish is my current favourite. Makes a nice change from all the deep red & purple I've been wearing. A nice way to start preparing for Spring.

04 Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Body Milk: This lotion smells like custard tarts, lol. So delicious.

05 Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Topaz: I've been adding a touch of this liner to my lower lid during the day, and it's brightening my eyes without being too obvious. Love it.

01 Mood: Relaxed. And hungry! Lucky we have roast lamb & vegies cooking away...
02 Best thing about this weekend: Getting to spend time with my family. We have another family-day coming up tomorrow, as we'll be having visitors throughout the day!
03 What I'm reading: Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. It's an adaptation of the Snow White story, and I'm hooked already. I love the way Gregory Maguire writes.
04 What I'm watching: Supernatural. Yes, I am utterly addicted to this show.
05 Skincare lust: This Works Tired Eye Serum. I received a sample of this eye cream at Mecca during the week, and fell in love with it after the second day of usage. It's incredible, and I'm definately going to be buying it soon.
06 Listening to: Hamish & Andy podcasts. These get me through the long afternoon stretch & the train ride home every day. These two never fail to make me laugh so hard I cry. (and embarrass myself in the office, or on public transport)
07 Favourite recent purchase: My GHD IV Salon Styler. I bought this yesterday, and I love the way it straightens/curls my hair while keeping the softness & shine present. (picture below)
08 What I'm looking forward to this week: FINALLY getting to see Harry Potter! I have tickets booked :)
09 I want: A glass of wine, but I think I will setle for a coffee.
10 Aim for tomorrow: Relax & spend some quality time with my family

New hair!

01 Mood: Organised! I have spent the entire Sunday getting things done & ready for the week ahead. I love this feeling :)
02 Best thing about this weekend: Getting my hair cut & coloured, finally!
03 Last movie I saw: Bruno... Was interesting, to say the least!
04 What I'm watching: Supernatural. I downloaded a couple of episodes from Season 1 to see what the fuss was all about, and now I completely understand. The DVD set is currently in my shopping basket at ezydvd and I am about to buy it right now!
05 Makeup lust: YSL waterproof cream eyeshadow pots. I saw these at the store yesterday and tried a couple of the colours on the back of my hand & they are definitely long-lasting! The gold/champagne colour is on my to-buy list.
06 Listening to: John Mayer. Pretty much anything by John Mayer at the moment. His voice is captivating.
07 Favourite recent purchase: A blue silk tie-neck blouse that I bought yesterday, it's such a gorgeous colour and it's sure to spice up my Monday & help avoid Monday-itis on my way to work!
08 What I'm looking forward to this week: Hopefully getting to see Mr B! (he's still in Japan)
09 I want: More Supernatural episodes! Now!
10 Aim for tomorrow: Survive Monday.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies



150g unsalted butter, softened
1 cup soft brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
2 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

01: Preheat oven to 180˚C. Line 3 large baking trays with baking paper.

02: Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix lightly. Add the oats and raisins and stir together.

03: Roll tablespoons of the mixture into ball and place on the baking trays. Flatten the balls with a fork dipped in flour. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, or until pale golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 30

Recipe by Bill Granger