Winter is a time for vivid colours and bold fashion statements. One of the most celebrated trends is red lipstick. The only catch being the abuse our lips take over the cooler months.

Between wind burn, sun burn and being dried out from spending too much time in front of the heater, we really don’t create an ideal canvas for us to work with to get the perfect red lips. Here‘re 5 ways to help you get those ideal lips for winter, or in fact, any time of the year.

~ Stay hydrated. Have you ever seen a wrinkly fish? No, me neither. Your lips are one of the first places to show the signs of dehydration, and you’re likely to get that way if you’re constantly escaping to a heated room. If you drink lots of caffeinated drinks this can also speed up the dehydration process, so water really is best.

~ Avoid chapped lips. Sun protection is just as important in winter as it is in the summer months. Apart from wearing a shady hat, use products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and for wind burn, try not to lick your lips to ease the uncomfortable feeling; you’ll only make it worse. The two products that I swear by are both by Blistex. The first is a lip conditioner and the second is a lip ointment. They will save your lips no matter how bad they are.

http://www.blistex.com.au/therange.html

~ Exfoliate. One of the cheapest ways to exfoliate your lips is to gently brush them with your toothbrush, but there are many lip exfoliates on the market. The main thing to remember after you have exfoliated your lips is to apply some form of moisturizer or lip conditioner afterwards to prevent them drying out.

~ Pick your poison. There are so many products on the market for ‘the perfect red lips’ so it comes down to personal choice and the time of day. Not only do you have the joy of picking between blue-based reds and orange-based reds but you have stains, mats, glosses, and cream looks.

For a youthful day look, try a tinted lip balm or using a finger to lightly coat your lips with your preferred lipstick and add a clear gloss over it. For a longer lasting effect than just swiping your lips with lippy, use a lip brush to apply the lipstick. For the longest wear of all try a long lasting lipstick. My best pick is Revlon’s Colorstay Overtime.

Here’s a clip by maurices to demonstrate how to create a perfect red lip.

~ Remove your lipstick. Red lippy is really hard to get out of a pillowcase, so remember to take off your makeup before you go to bed. You can use a commercially made product for makeup removal or go for Vaseline left on for a few minutes to gently take it off.  Just remember to use those Blistex products afterwards to avoid dryness and chapping.

Here’s lanalovesmac to show us her reactions to a Mac makeup remover. *contains some course language*

And for a random fact about lipstick… Queen Elizabeth II has her own special lipstick which was made to match her coronation robes. It’s called The Balmoral Lipstick.

What is your ideal red lipstick?

Bookmark It

Top 5 best action films ~In my opinion anyway~

I’m not usually one for shoot ‘em up, kill ‘em all and huge explosions when I’m looking for a film; but occasionally I want an action film fix. Here are my top 5 list of the best action films ~in my opinion anyway~ in no particular order

#5 The Indiana Jones Series – Lucas Films has made a gazillion dollars on this franchise because it works. University professor and Tomb Raider Indiana Jones, has done some pretty out there things so far in this 4 movie series. He’s run from large boulders, survived an atomic blast by hiding in a refrigerator and has a strong dislike for snakes and spiders.  He carries a whip and his hat almost always stays on his head. Harrison Ford (Indiana) isn’t all that bad to look at even in his aged state, and his leading ladies never disappoint.

I enjoy this one purely because there is a high level of humor, without which, the films would be just a big bunch of meh.

#4 Die Hard Series – Bruce Willis plays John McClean, New York cop, and hero when the bad guys come to town in this 4 film franchise. First in an office building, then in an airport, then they target the Federal Reserve in New York and finally the entire of the USA. He seems to always be Johnny on the spot and the catch phrases run this and fast.

The explosions are legendary, and some scenarios are very unbelievable. This really isn’t aimed at a female target audience, but it’s an okay bunch of films to watch every now and again.

#3 Gone in 60 Seconds – Originally made in 1974 but remade in 2000 this one hits all the right spots; between explosions, car chases, bad guys, hot smart chicks and the unobtainable goal. You tend to forget the highly illegal activities of a bunch of reformed car boosters, who have banded together to save the little brother of one of their own.

Angelina Jolie does what she does best and burns some serious rubber alongside Nicolas Cage. Turn the volume up if you’re a bit of a rev head to hear the engines roar.

#2 Top Gun – Tom Cruise plays Maverick, a fighter pilot… there’s jets, uniforms and a teacher to seduce. Little more need be said. *air guitar to the song Danger Zone*

#1 Fast and Furious Series – Sometimes there’s Vin Diesel, sometimes there’s not; but there is always fast cars and a race to be won.  The sixth film in this franchise looks to be in the works and I haven’t seen Fast Five yet, but the other four films go a long way to cure the action film itch.

Quarter miles, drifting, stolen goods, mobsters, and undercover police work generally cover the gist of the series so far. Give me a Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez double act and I’m in action movie heaven.

What’re your top 5 action films?

Marianne here: I’m adding one of my favourite action franchises as well!

Lethal Weapon - Mel Gibson back in the day.

Bookmark It

The days are getting shorter in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s coming up to my favourite time of year. Winter!!! Here’s my top 10 reasons why winter rocks my world.

#10 Handy Crafts – I love to knit, crochet, cross stich and candle wick. These things are usually better done in the cooler months as you’re less likely to sweat all over your work.

#9 With the cooler weather the food gets tastier – Stews, soups and slow roasted meals are far too warm to eat in summer, however they are perfect for keeping the house warmer and boosting your energy for the longer nights.

#8 Jackets – I have a fantastic collection of jackets that can really only be worn in winter. My top 3 would have to be my hoodie with devil horns (handed down by a cousin), my Martha Jones style leather jacket (Salvation Army $60 still had the price tags on 120£) and my (or should I say Mum’s) bright red ankle length trench coat.

#7 Clothing in general – You really can’t make a dramatic effort with your clothing in summer, (less is not necessarily more, if you know what I mean) but in winter you can layer it up with jumpers and long sleeved shirts and my next favourite accessory, a good steel boned corset  ~my favourite one is from Voodoo Lulu~

#6 Stockings – WOOOHOOOO I don’t have to shave my legs for 3 whole months (Sorry TMI) but with the glorious selections of hosiery getting better every year, you can pretty much get away with it all season.

#5 Boots – I am a self-confessed shoe addict, but boots are a MUST for winter. There is pretty much a style to suit every leg length and body type. Comfort is nice, but for me a spike heel is sweet.

#4 Snuggles – You really can’t get too snuggly with anyone, not even the cat, in summer. Come winter you’ll be sharing the blanket on the lounge with the furry family members and it’s even nicer to have the human loves of your life to snuggle with too.

#3 Books – I tend to have my meals a little earlier in winter which leaves more of the night to read. The print doesn’t go all over your fingers like it does in summer and a good light to read by in bed means that you can hunker down right until bed time.

#2 Hot Chocolate – Book… check. Blanket… check. Furbabies… check. Hot chocolate with extra chocolate and the little marshmallows, and a Tim Tam or two on the plate… check!

#1 Sleeping in – The winter school holidays are the best of the whole year. The sun doesn’t come up as early and you can sleep in after a late night of reading.

See… winter really is a great time of year!

What do you love most about Winter?

Bookmark It

I’m a late-comer to this series as I don’t have cable TV. However, I saw the first season DVD on the shelf and snaffled it up lickety split. Season one was made in 2010, and in total there are (or at least will be, come the end of this year) three seasons to date. I give you “Lost Girl.”

Here’s the intro monologue:

Life is hard when you don’t know who you are. It’s harder when you don’t know what you are. My love carries a death penalty. I was lost for years; searching while hiding; only to find that I belong to a world hidden from humans. I won’t hide anymore. I will live the life I choose.

Doesn’t that just suck you right in?

Bo, (Anna Silk) is a smokin’ hot succubus in her late 20’s. She’s recently discovered she has Fae heritage and refuses to choose between the dark side and the light. This frees her up to become the super sleuth for both sides and every supernatural creature in between.

Kenzi (Ksenia Solo) is the first human woman we see Bo save from becoming a sexual assault victim, and in return, Kenzi offers to be Bo’s sidekick, housemate, friend and confidant. It is also a comedy match made in heaven.

For some drool-worth sex appeal and plenty of friction Bo is in a love triangle. Dyson, don’t mistake him for a vacuum cleaner cause this werewolf does not suck, played by Kris Holden-Reid. Then there is Lauren, the light Fae’s human in-house doctor, played by Zoie Palmer.  These two deny being competitive for Bo’s affections, but the tension is there just waiting to snap.

The fae are known for their good looks and their love of political hijinks and this series, created by Michelle Lovretta, really amps it up to a whole other level. There is more than enough visual stimulation with some rather raunchy sex scenes and the special effects aren’t to be sneezed at either. Storylines are a little unpredictable, some are funny, some are sexy, and there is a couple of creepy ones thrown in for good measure.

If you love Laurell K Hamilton’s Merry Gentry Series, Erica Hayes’ Shadowfae Chronicles and The Hallows series by Kim Harrison, I really recommend you seek out this TV series.  Lost Girl carries an MA 15+ rating and if you’d like more information here is the IMDB site… http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1429449/

Bookmark It

Marianne and Yunyu both know the immense power music has over the world we live in; which is why they joined forces to add musical layers to Burn Bright and Angel Arias. Marianne’s words provoked imagery, setting the inspirational wheels in motion for more brilliant musical talent from Yunyu.

Yasmine Galenorn, hasn’t (as far as I know) collaborated to bring music to her books; instead listing the songs she had on her playlist while the writing process was in motion. The eclectic mix of tunes in her ear while she’s writing certainly colour her characters, her moods and the environment in which her stories take place. I haven’t had the guts to put together all the songs and listen as I re-read, but I am sure it would add spice.

Kevin J Anderson teamed up with his wife Rebecca Moesta and a troop of brilliant musicians to create not one but two entire CD’s to go with his Terra Incognita series. Sailing the seven seas must be rockin’ with a pedigree of metal and symphonic rock stars like that. I do wonder however, just how the songs would mesh with how I see the stories in my head.

Then it comes to Mercedes Lackey, who has in total twelve; yes, that’s double digits people. 12 CD’s for sale on her website and they look to all have something to do with her books. I am kinda thinking there may be more out there on Ebay and Amazon if you look hard enough. Mum had one of them back years ago and until someone she loaned it to lost it, *gasp* she devoured the lyrics, the harmonies and every moment of artistry that was poured lovingly onto each track.

Check the author’s websites to see if they are collaborating with a musician, if they use music and if so which bands influence their writing style, or if they’re completely over achieving and making their own music to complement their writing talent.

I’m sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of authors that take pleasure in the crossover of musical and printed magic. Whether it is a killer playlist, or actually taking the time to collaborate with other musicians to build melodious bridges between the two worlds; the fact still remains, adding music to your reading time will most likely add depth and colour to an already lavish experience.

Like wine and cheese together, everyone has their own opinions as to which songs suit which books.

Who do you listen to while you read?

Bookmark It

Let’s get down to business! My top 5 picks for female superheroes on the big and small screen.

# 5 Cat Woman, who is the alter ego of Selina Kyle. She has been portrayed by Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer and soon it will be Anne Hathaway to don the Black leather cat suit, and enchant us with her feminine feline wiles. Cracking her whip and purring into Batman’s ear is a definite highlight of any movie where the two appear together.

#4 Elektra, who is the alter ego of Elektra Natchios. I think Jennifer Garner did a brilliant job in this role. She had us in awe of her weapon control, mainly with the Twin Sai and that read leather is something to behold.

#3 She-Ra, alias Adora, and twin sister to He-man. She is the wielder of the Sword of Protection and is by far a more passive super hero than most. No leather here as far as I can see, but that’s okay, she still has the power of Grayskull to kick some serious robotic booty.

#2 Wonder Woman, alias of Diana Prince. She’s a stunner in her Americanized patriotic garb which consists of a golden belt, the source of her strength and power while away from Paradise Island, bullet-deflecting bracelets and a golden lasso which is unbreakable and forces people to obey and tell the truth when bound with it. This is all added to a red bustier with gold accents and a pair of blue knickers complete with stars and an awesome pair of red boots.

#1 Xena: Worrior Princess, a bad girl gone good. She’s decked out in brown leather and metal armor and attacks with a very Middle Eastern war cry. She knows her way around a sword and can drop an enemy with the push of a pressure point. Her most famous weapon however is the chakram she wears at her hip and uses to take out multiple foes with the flick of a wrist.

Bookmark It

I spent most of my life growing up in a single parent home and learned that being a woman isn’t a disadvantage. If anything it was a big advantage, because you were able to be tough like a guy, and yet, do it in high heels. So when I read a book where the main female character can’t stand on her own two feet, I tune out.

An article in February’s Australian Women’s Weekly features some of the nation’s best romance writers, one of which I met for the first time at Supanova last year. Kerri Arthur is quoted as saying -in the 70’s and 80’s- “The fantasy heroines were always falling over, needing to be rescued, and it just irritated the hell out of me.” I have to say I agree, and luckily, for the most part, authors writing speculative fiction novels for both adults and young adults have realized that the era of the ‘weak’ girl is well and truly over.

It is no secret I have a habit of pre-judging books written by men with a female lead, because as the old saying goes, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus… men just don’t always get it. That being said, male authors who have women critique their manuscripts early on, write their girls just as well as a woman could.

Trent Jamieson, in his Death Works trilogy, has his leading lady saving the main man in the first scene. His character Lissa Jones is believable, credible and, best of all, enjoyable. Lissa pulls no punches. If she needs saving, it is only after she has tried every other way to get herself out of the situation. None of this woe is me crap for her.

Daniel Waters surprised the heck out of me with the first book in his Generation Dead series, and his character Phoebe Kendall. She dances to the beat of her own drum and eventually falls in love with a zombie. Her ability to be kind hearted and inclusive was what won me over here. Despite what her critics at school said, she stood by her own morals. That takes strength, guts… and Braiiiins.

Justin Somper has more than just the one kick arse chick in his Vampirates series. Cheng Li and Grace Tempest are two different sides of the same coin. They both have strong morals and Cheng Li is certainly a wily, tough trail blazer in the male dominated world of Pirating; whereas Grace is intelligent but mostly driven by emotion and instinct. Being much younger than Cheng Li, she has a lot yet to learn.

Joss Whedon is a man synonymous with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show. There is no need for any more explanation than that.

It is possible to have a man writing a convincing, and iconic female lead, and though I am not an extreme feminist, I do believe it to be unforgivable crime to make a leading lady weak and helpless when we have been singing ‘Sisters are Doin’ it for Themselves’ for close to thirty years.

I’d love to know of any other male authors you’ve read who write a good strong leading lady.

Bookmark It

When you’re moving house or preparing for another book haul, family and supposed ‘friends’ may suggest that donating, trading, selling, or giving away your books would be a great way to make room or lighten your load. Here is a list of completely plausible reasons to keep your books, when NOOOO doesn’t cut it.

#10 You are collecting for the biggest post-apocalyptic library in your hemisphere. When the crap hits the fan, and there are no more romance books left on the black market, where are all the poor, surviving, amnesia suffering, men going to learn how woo a girl again?

#9 You’re preserving the food source and natural habitat for your pet silverfish. Poor old Mr Al Foil, he like to be called Al for short; loves his cozy home. How could anybody deprive him, especially when his son Tin is coming to visit next weekend? PETA may need to be alerted.

#8 You are researching for your memoirs. How on earth are you going to be able to remember the most inspirational books in your life if they aren’t ALL there at your fingertips when you finally get around to writing it?

#7 You don’t get rid of family heirlooms. Each and every work of genius in your book case is to be one day handed down to your children and your grandchildren. What? Twilight IS TO timeless.

#6 It’s financially smart. You’ll only have to replace it when the library hasn’t got it when you want to read it. Not to mention having to pay off the person you bribed to have the book constantly on loan as back up.

#5 Every one of them is on your To Be Read pile. There is an order, and a system. One book missing and the next 6 years are screwed.

#4 Sentimental value. There is a story in every book, and not just the ones written on the pages. Don’t you understand how important these external stories are to me? *Queue sobbing and dramatic music if necessary.*

#3 The pages are all dog eared. Wear and tear really devalues a book. Nobody would want one like that. I only do it when I can’t find a book mark or a random piece of important paper or a coffee mug to mark my place, honest.

#2 Questionable marks on the pages. You know what every single one of them is, and others may think they are something gross. No that is NOT blood, it’s sauce from the brilliant spaghetti Bolognese I made back in 2001. Paul Newman may want a sample of the stain someday so he can extract the recipe. It was that awesome. No; seriously, here do you want a lick?

#1 I read in the toilet. NOBODY wants second hand toilet books. It’s practically illegal to give someone a toilet book. Haven’t you watched Seinfeld?

Bookmark It

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. What are you going to get the one you love, especially if your wallet is a little skinny and your bank account is dwindling?

You can whip up a really nice card yourself rather than pandering to the Hallmark giants. Having trouble thinking of something romantic to put in the card? Find a really nice quote from a book of quotes; you should be able to find one at your local library.

If you don’t have the budget for store bought jewellery, you can make your own for her. Be sure to take notice if she wears mostly gold or silver, then what colour she wears often. You can make a memory wire bracelet, for under $10 if you spend a little more on focal beads and use seed beads as fillers.

Or try this Celtic Heart knot

from TyingItAllTogether with satin ribbon cord, a bead on either side of the heart, and a knot to hold the beads in place. Pass the cut ends carefully through a candle flame to seal them and avoid fraying. This would be great for a bracelet or a necklace.

Rather than buying an expensive bunch of flowers, you can make them with origami or tissue paper. From How to make these, is a tutorial on origami Tulips…

Staying with the origami theme, you can make a heart shaped gift box for whatever you decide to buy or make. This tutorial, thanks to Jo Nakashima, is really pretty and looks simple enough.

Base

Top

You don’t have to spend a fortune to let someone know you care about them. It really is the thought that counts, and a handmade gift shows you thought hard. As a bonus it will be something nobody else will be given. Good luck!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Bookmark It