Here is Part I of Greenpatch travel diaries, for those unfamiliar with the area 'south of Sydney', five hours from the New South Wales capital there is a little slice of paradise called Booderee National Park. It is here that you will find a frame to capture "Australian" iconography (beach, roo's & bush) This first post will feature bush sights of Greenpatch and those in the Jervis Bay area and the second post will highlight the beach.

I spent a few nights in February camping with my sister and grandma close to Bristol Point. We chose to camp at Greenpatch this time of the year because it was a uni break, my employers excused me from my work duties and the weather is a little cooler. Camping is an experience easily forgotten, whether it is my body's mechanism of convincing me that nothing went wrong last time, and camping will be a alternative summertime pastime than to binge watch tv shows. I personally believe it is similar to the memory loss that mother's suffer when recalling childbirth; overall the outcome outweighs the burden of suffering.

List of things I always forget about camping:
+birds are loud
+there is a 99% chance that your air mattress will deflate
+the way the tent becomes a fiery furnace courtesy of the blazing morning sun
+camping food isn't the healthiest diet and won't be featured on a morning tv program anytime soon
+sunburn will sting and one application of sunblock will not make you tanner quicker, just stupider
+the smell of open air campground bathroom facilities
+children cycling by (at all hours) 20cm from your tent/face is the perfect alarm for your contraception
+birds are LOUD
+what people did pre-internet times after the sun sets at 8pm?
+alcohol is okay with/after lunch
+erecting a tent isn't all fun and games
+birds are bastards

My personal highlight reel of this mini-vacay includes chasing possums out of my tent and away from the Cocopops at midnight & the cozy blanket fort vibes. Greenpatch is guaranteed to provide the answer to whatever you are looking for. Whether that might be the answer to someone asking you to join in on a outdoor activity; the vitamin d will do you some good

Brunch | Kettle Black

Kettle Black | thekettleblack.com.au

A: 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne P: (03) 9088 072 

If Daenerys Targaryen is the mother of dragons, Kettle Black is the mother of pancakes. This cafe was first on my Melbourne 'to-do' list and it did not disappoint. I will admit Instagram lead me to this cafe, however not even the most photogenic filter can capture it's chic hybrid atmosphere of resort spa meets contemporary cafe. 

Kettle Black diners are welcomed by a heritage terrence house exterior yet the modern design interior is 'contemporary industrial chic'. Subway tiling, clean lines, circle patterns, white marble and gold trimmings is everything this architecture and room styling nerd could dream of.

I am more of a savoury gal but I knew from the recommendations that the signature hotcake was the way to go, and boy did I consider ordering seconds. The menu description reads "Hotcakes with house made ricotta, blueberries, maple syrup, double cream & seeds." They were especially delectable in both the flavours and presentation.

In terms of service we expected less wait on a mid-morning weekday and were surprised by the amount of diners. We were seated outside at the entrance and politely given a estimated wait for a table that was close to a coffee trolley. Our coffee was pretty dismal, it arrived and both our drinks were starting to cool, however waitstaff were polite and friendly. We were unimpressed with waiting, but what can you do? Despite the waiting, Kettle Black provided a beautiful sensory dining experience. I occasionally joke that I would drive ten hours to have this breakfast again. But sometimes I wonder if this is a serious statement.

Hours

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Melbourne Travel Diaries

Surprise this blog post is l o n g overdue but here it is; my trip to Melbourne! For me, returning home from a holiday calls for a reflection on the past traveling experiences and maybe planning the next adventure. No better way than to throwback to this time last year when I had taken a short 2 hour domestic flight from Sydney down to Victoria for a tattoo booking and was accompanied by my close friend and sister. Melbourne is a beautiful city this being my third trip in two years, I was familiar with the city but we had a long list of things to return to and visit for the first time.

We spent four nights and five days at a beautiful AirBnB apartment located in the suburb of Fitzroy. I can't recommend this place enough! The friendliest host whom had great recommendations and had styled this studio apartment like it was out of a interior magazine I would read. I will try to keep this post short and simply list the favourites from this trip. Now keep in mind we aren't huge clothes shoppers and believe money is better spent on food.

/ / Favourite sights \ \

+ Gallery of Victoria

+ State Library of Victoria Le Mis exhibit

+ Rose Lane Markets

+ Dreamworks animation exhibit

+ Hoizer Lane

+ picnic with goodies from Queen Victoria Markets

/ / Favourite Eateries \ \

+ Breakfast Thieves

+ Pellegrinis Espresso Bar

+ Industry Beans

+ Vegie Bar

+ Yong Green food

+ Lord of the Fries

+ Kettle Black

+Italian on Lygon street

MMXIV

Hello, I would like to say Happy New Year and I hope everyone is having a lovely start to 2k15. Here is the review of MMXIV (2014) 

top life events 
+Melbourne trip August/Sep new tattoo, good coffee (29/08/14)
+Arctic Monkeys live (06/05/14)
+Universal blessing of finishing tafe, uni, internship in the same week & getting a fancy new job (11/14)

Concerts 
Jan 14 - Sarah Blakso 
Feb 4 - Daughter (Support act: vancouver Sleep Clinic)
May 6 - Arctic Monkeys (Support act: Pond)
May 16 - Vance Joy
June 1 - The Paper Kites
June 26 - Chet Faker
July 12 - Lorde
July 24 - City and Colour Solo
July 31 - Ben Howard
Aug 1 - Broods
Aug 21 - Velociraptor
Sep 13 - Andy Bull
Sep 15 - Angus & Julia Stone
Sep 19 - Kingswood
Sep 22 - Boy and Bear
Oct 4 - Yours & Owls Birthday festival (Bootleg Rascal, Dunerats, The Griswolds, Hockey Dad, High-tails, Lyall Moloney, Safia, Sticky Fingers)
Oct 7 - Altj
Nov 27 - San Cisco
Dec 6 - Joe Mungovan

tv shows I binged watched
+Orphan Black
+The Strain
+It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
+Broad City
+Twin Peaks
+Brooklyn 99
+Penny Dreadful
+The Following
+Workaholics
+Mindy Project
+Orange Is The New Black

I've got some big plans for MMXV (2015) travelling to Europe for six weeks, which means learning Italian, fancy job applications & of course copious flutes of vino.

   

Blue Mountains pt.2

Grand Budapest Hotel doppelgänger or what?! These pictures were taken on a detour when visiting The Blue Mountains in late July 2014. I spotted the candy pink exterior out my passenger window on the road trip and demanded a u-turn be made to explore the landmark. It is as if the fictional Wes Anderson set came alive before my very eyes.

Inside the absolutely gorgeous Hotel Grand View disclosed interior just sweet and delightful as The Grand Budapest; ruby red tapestry carpets, navy patterned chairs, burgundy stained wooden staircase, cream coloured walls the very likes features on Mendel pastries. Hotel Grand View happens to have vacancy to stay over night, operational restaurant & a function room to host your soirées. I practically weeped out of happiness when I entered the building, here a a few photos taken on our visit.

Currently // Summer

Summer has got me feeling how much I wish to be child again. Okay to eat ice blocks for dinner, okay to have an afternoon nap, okay to be scarred at the arrival of loud storms, okay to unemployed and the luxury of zero responsibilities. The photo above shows my much loved childhood porcelain figurines, a collection that has grown with my current twenty-something-year-old-adult/nana hobby.

For those new to this spectator sport where I pretend to be a blogger, and you sometimes observe my attempts; I usually upload regular 'Just A Minute' monthly posts describing personal life events, recent reads, music I'm listening too and screen time highlights (films or tv series). These posts have been a constant but not recently, and this is a representation on how little time I have had this half of the year. However I always make time for music, so I created my first season mixtape for spring '14  and here is another for summer 14/15. I pinky promise each of you that regular posts will start happening after the christmas mayhem.

summer 14/15 from paperdollchronicles on 8tracks Radio

Tracklist  1. Bon Iver Re-stacks 2. James Vincent West Coast  3. Conor O'Brien Mysteries of Love 4. #1 Dads So Soldier (feat. Ainslie Wills) 5. The Paper Kites Featherstone 6. Glass Animals Gooey 7. Airling Wasted Pilots  8. Zero 7 In The Waiting Line 9. Sarah Blasko God Fearing  10. Seabear I Sing I Swim

Special Mention Marc Ronson and Kevin Spacey - Daffodils 
Click here to listen because the internet has only provided a single shoddy phone camera footage of the band playing a live (early version) and I really really wanted to add it into the mix but due to quality restrictions yadda-yadda. I am totally loving this groovy Motown meets funk Tame Impala hybrid. 

Blue Mountains pt.1

Okay, so Christmas in July was happening way back when we took a road trip to The Blue Mountains now it is only a few weeks away! Basically, I'm am a shocking excuse for a 'blogger'. I don't think you could call this visit to Katoomba a road trip or not but we were travelling from The Illawarra on the South Coast it was about three hours in the car. But there is something about an open window and the blurring of colours on a long drive that makes me recall Kerouac and youthful bliss.

We drove through heavy rain most of the journey to far Western Sydney and the mist blanketed the region's vast tablelands and valleys it formed droplets on my outstretched arm and made the scenery more beautiful. After a couple of quick pitstops by the time we reached the windy observation platform at National Park the clouds were moving low and fast above us, almost creating a mirror of the rolling landscape. I 'grammed a picture of a polaroid my sister and I on that platform and I was so petrified my hat would fly off.

Katoomba area is so lovely with it's cobblestone roads and old buildings but after spending so long in the car we were all feeling a bit feverish and conveniently we stumbled across a lady with two fluffy dogs she recommended  Station Bar pizza  Obviously, pizza cures travel sickness and we were feeling so much better and ready to continue our day. P.S I'm convinced the manager and I are musical soulmate because the playlist he was playing was awesome. We then explored the nearby streets and did a bit of retail shopping in the charity shops and used bookstores.

Lincoln's Rock is this magical place where the sky blends into the land and I could of lived the rest of my days here. I will let the photo's articulate the beauty of this phenomenal place. After spending a good hour at Lincoln's Rock we followed the chilly winds that swept off the mountains home. Part two of this Blue Mountain series will have photos from Grand Budapest Hotel themed shoot when we gate crashed an retirees Christmas in July function.

 

Currently // springtime

Music has this magical ability to ground me in a place and time. For instance, I can listen to Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago and instantly I am back in Vietnam on my 2012 trip because that album was on repeat on my ipod for the six weeks I spent overseas. I hope I'm not the only person to experience this time traveling ability because it is gift to vividly recall memories simply by pressing play.

So here is a compilation of all of the songs that have helped me transition into springtime these past few weeks. Not all of the tracks included below are bands I've seen live but I have included them in this mixtape for the seasonal vibes that resonate in their lyrical and compositional qualities. I hope the future picture I envision better memories of spring 2014 and not as woeful as my current over stressed uni & work schedule.
 

Tracklist  1. Alt- J The Gospel of John Hurt 2. Youth Lagoon Cannons 3. Lemaitre Cut To Black 4. The Weeknd Wicked Games 5. Slow Dancer Took The Floor Out  6. Lisa Mitchell Wah Ha 7. Zeds Dead Remix Holding On For Life 8. #1 Dads Feat. Tom Snowdon Return To 9. Chet Faker 1998

Special Mention 

BANKS - Goddess 
I want to describe her music if Beyonce and Lorde had a musical baby, Banks would be it. Goddess is the album of the season. This album is a choreographer in moving my body on the 4km runs I've been doing lately. Give it a listen and see if you too, need motivation to do tasks you hate doing. I don't think I'm imagining the metta-narrative of feminism that is distinctive in this album (?) whatever this girls agenda is, I'm supportive of it. Bank's is visiting Australian shores in January for Laneway festivals and I think I might attend to hear the Goddess herself, in person.

Hill 60 War Tunnels

Local legend says that these bunkers are haunted; so during daylight we went to judge for ourselves. Spoiler: they were not in fact haunted. Like any third year history major I researched the history of the tunnels whilst procrastinating on what to wear.  The Hill 60 bunkers were once built to protect the nearby ports in World War Two, although these bunkers were never actively used in wartime events, the foundations for large guns are visible overlooking the ocean. The bunkers comprise of two tunnels, equipped with a series of rooms that branch off from the main walkway. Now abandoned, the two tunnels are used by locals to graffiti the walls and to party as quite obvious by the debris. The bunkers are not the most hygienic place to be spending time in so I don't plan on returning anytime soon.  On the day we visited the tunnels it was quite overcast weather and it had a prominent winter chill to the air. I chose a preppy-Wednesday Adams themed outfit paired with my new Mui Mui glasses and black statement bag by Cambridge Satchel Company. I'm wearing an old button down black dress with white collar, underneath a Peter Alexander daywear Mickey Mouse sweater. My lipstick is Limecrime's Poisonberry.

Dallas Green at Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a venue reserved only for the most exclusive events and on Thursday 24th July the city of Sydney heard Dallas Green (of City and Colour) as he sang his way into our hearts. Walking into the Opera House Concert Hall I notice how the layers of the building as seen from the exterior are mirrored accordingly. The room is arranged around a stage that seems to squeeze out of a condensed space of mezzanine levels, with balconies that hold seats filled by shadowy figures. My first impression of this space is of a blanket fort made from layered quilts and sheets. This theme of intimacy is heavily drawn upon as Dallas Green invite us all for an evening simply with Dallas, his guitar, and a harmonica.

Inside The Concert Hall, Dallas shared vivid stories of love, loss and spirituality in the form of his signature soulful vocals. Strange to describe but at moments during the night I could almost feel the entire auditorium breathe as one in these unison sighs. I imagined I could feel all the patrons express an inaudible feeling, triggered by the flow of effervescent sounds within the music that we all shared. Highlights of the evening were "Coming Home" and "Body In A Box" but it's difficult to choose favourites as the set was beautifully arranged with a variety of songs taken from Dallas Green's discography. "What Makes a Man" saw Green conduct the audience in a special Opera Concert Hall choir, which was very fun to be apart of. Another memorable part of the evening was Dallas honesty in describing the background of "The Grand Optimist" a lovely song with a powerful family message.

The set was finished like the majority of City and Colour sets with "Coming Home". I think the connection to blanket forts was made because in a special way I participated in a sacred ritual of blanket fort story telling that evening. It was inside these private spaces where secrets were whispered into the ears of invited friends, and lasting memories were made after the fort was demolished.

{ image taken on iPhone 5 by Shenay Spinelli }

Just A Minute | July

This year has absolutely flown by and July was without a doubt the most adventurous of them all. My planner was filled to the brim this month with appointments, classes, concerts, parties or work. A close friend joked I lived an entire lifetime within these weeks. I would have to agree. July delivered highs and lows but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope August will give me a chance to unwind from the hectic past weeks but I might have to wait a little longer until early September when I've booked a trip to Melbourne. I so excited to be returning to the lovely city and I am prepared to drink the city dry of it's coffee.

Life events: A huge lifestyle game changer would have to be independent living, that has come into full effect. For instance I did my taxes by myself for the first time and I've been finding a passion for cooking (even if it means waiting patiently for things to bake in the oven or chasing screaming smoke alarms). I was very social in July and got out and about for a couple of events, like supporting by my best friend in Chicago, I visited some local heritage tunnels from WWII and road tripped to The Blue Mountains. Also I bought new Mui Mui reading glasses and I just think they are the bee's knees.

Reading: I finally finished reading Allegiant by Veronica Roth the third and final book in the Divergent series. The Welcome to Night Vale podcasts are so strange and marvellous, any fans of Twin Peaks will love. I discovered the hilarious twitter accompaniment to Welcome to Night Vale and it is everything I need to subdue my grumps on bad days. As for blogs I have been enjoying The Goodrich Wife whose photography and writing is so delightful.

Listening: July was the month for outstanding live music and I was there for four stellar performances.  I began the month with seeing Lorde at Sydney's Horden Pavillion and I wrote a review over here. Next show I saw was Dallas Green (City and Colour) at The Opera House, a review is in the works but a quick synopsis is it was magical. I'm a big fan of Ben Howard and his show at the Enmore theatre was very impressive. I can't help but swoon at his adorable messy hair and the honesty in his lyrics. I think the highlight of Ben Howard's show was his beautiful alternate live version of The Wolves. Also, I loved hearing the new album preview because it sounds amazing. Finally, I saw the dynamic bro/sis duo Broods whom kicked ass at Oxford Arts Factory. Broods set was energetic and good vibes radiated off the tiny venue and well into the night. As per usual here are my favourite new releases for July: The Griswolds 'Beware the Dog' / Alt-j 'Left Hand Free' / Vance Joy 'Mess is Mine' / Angus & Julia Stone 'A Heartbreak' / Jungle 'Julia' / Fractures - Won't Win

Watching: July was a lacklustre month for passive activities however I did spend one long night watching Penny Dreadful. A psychological thriller set in Victorian London and features famous fictional characters such as Dorian Grey, Frankenstein & Dracula. The cinematography, production aesthetics, costume department and cast are on point. Another show I got into was Fargo I've only seen three episodes so I don't have a review just yet but it has potential. As for films I watched Palo Alto starring James Franco & Emma Robberts. I was captivated by the aesthetics of shots and detailed colour schemes but the plot was disappointing. If writers want to include sensitive material such as rape and domestic violence as featured in Palo Alto please do it with the respect it deserves. These topics are extremely personal and Palo Alto completely veiled it in the background, I would advise viewer discretion unless you would like to rage with me. A youtube discovery of mine in July was Last Week Tonight with John Oliver a youtube channel that presents the current affairs in comical view. It is very informative and addictive and I would recommend to everyone who would like to know a bit more than the headline.

Listen: Chet Faker

It is a known fact that everytime someone presses play on a Chet Faker song, doves take flight in procession of a marriage ceremony. Basically, Chet Faker creates the sounds that you want to get married to and even marry. That's right I said it; given the chance I wouldn't mind spending matrimony with those sweet-as-honey vocals & delicate instrumentals featured in the debut album Built On Glass. The mister behind the sounds is Nicholas Murphy, whom I had the pleasure of seeing perform on stage at Sydney's Enmore Theatre in June (to read the review click the 'read more').

Track 1. 'Release Your Problems'
Firstly, lets take a moment to appreciate the experience of listening to this album on vinyl…. the 180 gram perspex translucent 2LP records look luxurious sitting on a turntable. Now to the album, this track is perfectly arranged for listeners who just want to melt away for the album's duration. The opening notes are like those slow, rhythmic, hypnotising beats you would find being played at a yoga studio, but Chet's crooning vocals welcomes you into a bluesy but catchy chorus.
Feels a lot don't leave the light on I could be the warmest soul if I like What a night 

Track 2. 'Talk Is Cheap'
Saxophone - sax - s a x - sex..? How did we get to this point? Sexy instrumentals tease us for a while before Chet provides groovy vocals.
That's what I'm thinking Not what I'm drinking.. Talk is cheap, my darling When you're feeling right at home I wanna make you move with confidence I wanna be with you alone

Track 3. 'No Advice (Airport Version)'
We return to the yoga studio for some more chilled out vibes before an echoey Chet reminds us to breathe evenly because most of us are in delusional states of floating (down the aisle?)
I feel it in my bones I feel it take me home

Track 4. 'Melt' feat Kilo Kish
The character Flaca in Orange Is The New Black describes it best: "It’s like getting into a bath but the water is like warm, chocolate pudding."
You won't leave me alone, every time I rest you're in my head Breaking bones, Breaking bones You make me lose my time, fall all over the words

Track 5. 'Gold'
I'm not going to lie. This is one of my favourites of all time. I want to review it with justice but I'm way too emotionally invested to accurately describe it. Listen for yourself.
You gotta know, I'm feeling love Made of gold

Instagram roundup

My Instagram account is updated a lot more regularly than my blog. However I haven't done a catch up post on here in a very long time, so here is a roundup of what has been happening. I've decided to delve into my 'gram achieves from oldest to youngest.

Above… Is a collection of upload's between late March and late April. I can't believe these were only taken four months ago because it seems like a lifetime. Spring was in the air and I was still basking in the sun all day long. I was also going on day adventure trips with Jake and my sister. I was reading a lot of books and the sun had me loving just about everything.

white teeth teen

Happy saturday to all you lovelies! I hope the weather is treating you to the same delights as it is here in Sydney. I would like to share a few images of my saturday uniform, I wore this out to get some San Churros signature Spanish hot chocolate's and churros with my sister and a few friends. However, this is sure setting a poor first impression for outfit posts when I decide to break a wardrobe commandment and pair navy and black. I'm sorry. Thank you to my sister for taking these shots of me; I am so awkward behind the camera.

Also please excuse the tiredness I was up late last night seeing Lorde perform at Horden Pavilion. Lorde was absolutely amazing! She has incredible stage presence and is entirely captivating with her dance moves. Establishing the vibe for the night Lorde opened with Glory and Gore a very powerful song to open with and my favourite. Lorde surprisingly remixed and sung alternate versions of songs and it felt so natural with the flow of the set. She was very interactive with the audience and just before Ribs she spoke of the influences behind the song. Specifically, she talked about her life as a young women dealing with fame and adult responsibilities. It was very sweet to hear that she thought Sydney-fans are the coolest and she wished she could be best friends with everyone of us. A World Alone as the finale was out of this world brilliant. It might have something to do with the confetti explosion or maybe the gold gown that she wore whilst she sung it. The night was magical and I am completely riding on the post-gig vibes well into the weekend.

Outfit details: jeans: ASOS, cardigan: vintage, top: Millers, brooch: Something For Doris, bag: Cambridge Satchel Company

Just A Minute | June

It is officially winter here in Sydney and this month was particularly highlighted with some changes beyond the thermometer! Sorry this is a delayed blog post, but sometimes life just throws you some curveballs and you have to roll with it.

Life events: Big news in June, my parents relocated to Perth, Western Australia and left the house with my sister and I. Also, I celebrated a primary school friend's 21st birthday; where I reconnected with school peers and six hours of belly laughs and a yummy food. This month was very opulent on my spending. I purchased my new camera (Canon 600D with two lenses) and I paid my fees for the second semester my course as well as paying a visit to Ikea to choose a wall unit for my new room. I feel so guilty after saving for so long. However my best friend left for a six week overseas trip to the Europe and I keep thinking of all the marvellous things she is up to in order to save my pennies.

Reading: I would like to say I read copious paperbacks but honestly June was all about the final university assessments which meant academic journals and other boring reading material. My favourite blog this month has been Margo And Me that is designed by Jenny. I couldn't resist her French blogging series that catalogued her chic travel style especially her Capes Away post. I highlight recommend milkteef that is curated by Emma with posts updated with impeccable photography and beauty features. I love her wardrobe posts especially the Chasing Summer With New Look where I almost bought the pineapple button up blouse impulsively seeing how lovely she styled it.

Listening: At the end of the month I was fortunate to see Chet Faker live (and meet the bearded legend) perform at Sydney's Enmore theatre. Read this review of his debut album Built On Glass and live performance on how this guy is slaying it. No surprise I'm still listening to Arctic Monkeys on repeat because the images Alex Turner dancing before me in still fresh in my memory and I have obsessed over the release of Snap Out Of It film clip. Some new tunes I have been digging Velociraptor - Ramona // Meg Mac - cover of Bridges // Kite String Tangle - Arcadia // Glass Animals - Pools // Alt-j  - Hunger of the Pine //  Skaters - Miss Teen Massachusetts // ASTA - My Heart Is On Fire // Andy Bull - Talk Too Much // Glastonbury music festival is everything I need, I love the live performances, festival atmosphere & chic style of attendee's. Theoretically it has the smoothing effect that a mug of tea typically has.

Watching: After finishing Orphan Black I proceeded to binge watch season two of Orange Is The New Black. I happen to think OITNB as the most important tv series to date to addresses the diverse sexuality, social-economic patterns, women, women prisioners, awesome characters. As for films I finally got around to watching Dallas Buyers Club this month, and it exceeded all and any expectations I had. I was super impressed with the acting of the entire cast and kept me engaged even with the morbid nature of HIV/AIDS. John Green broke my heart twice. First when I read the paperback The Fault In Our Stars in 2012 and this month when his book was adapted for the screen. 22 Jump Street was such a disappointment and I feel jipped out of my money by seeing it in the cinema. What happened you might ask? A bigger budget for this round meant focussing on lavish sets, car chases, explosions and not on the script. A few funny moments but not at all what the original film had to offer.

LOVE: Laura Mercier

Beauty has always been a passion of mine so I am excited to be sharing this review of this cosmetic dynamic duo. With youtube as the most current and reliable back pocket resource to have, I made some recent cosmetic purchases that has a title as beauty bloggers holy grail products. Also, I've finally got my sparkly new camera which is very exciting but please bare with me whilst I navigate around the settings and editing functions.

Fellow beauty aficionados will be familiar with Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation and I can completely testify that is an absolute dream to wear. It is a lovely full coverage, non-cakey and matte velvet finish foundation and simply a pearl size amount covers my entire face. The positives of this product is it's thick consistency and how it reduces the appearance of my acne scarring as well as complexion redness. I'm in the shade Beige Ivory and RRP $59, David Jones

I was also told the miracles of a good primer and trialled MAC, Napolean Perdis and never found the perfect formula for my combination skin. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is the champion of makeup bases. It has a sheer lightweight gel formula and smoothes over my complexion. I'm glad I was offered a sample pot size of the oil free primer and found it didn't suit my skin at all making my foundation slip with slight perspiration or oil production into unflattering droplets. However, this formula helps keep my makeup fresh and in place all day long without being to heavy and thick. RRP $45, David Jones