The Hottest Crossed Bun

It’s almost Easter time. While once, that meant my thoughts started turning to frolicking through fields of chocolate eggs and fraternising with fluffy white bunny rabbits, I now much prefer to spoil myself with delicious freshly baked Easter goodies.

Yes, ‘tis the season for hot cross buns, my most favourite seasonal pastry in all the land. Normally, I begin baking hot cross buns two weeks out from Easter and I use any excuse to make them. I invite people over for breakfasts and morning teas and serve them freshly baked, in the spirit of “the season”. I bring them to work in a big wicker basket lined with a red-and-white-chequered tea towel and give them out to butter up co-workers and win friends. I also bring them to work in a little lunchbox as a breakfast on-the-go.

This year, I am sad to admit that I haven’t made a single hot cross bun yet. It has been a busy few weeks but that’s no excuse. It’s a travesty. But today is my last day in the office before the Easter break, and first thing tomorrow, I will make a batch.

I live alone, so as not to be greedy I usually make hot cross buns in batches of six. Of course if you are baking for a family or are entertaining, then just multiply the measurements accordingly.

Here is my fool proof recipe for the perfect hot cross bun – it’s adapted from a recipe given to me by an actual chef and doyenne of good food (thus it’s created, tried and tested by someone far superior at cooking than I)… 

The Perfect Hot Cross Bun

Makes six

Ingredients for The Bun:

2 cups of plain flour

1 sachet of dry yeast (7 grams)

¼ brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

1 cup of currants/raisons (or half a cup of each!)

½ chocolate chips (this is optional, but I have a very sweet tooth at this time of year)

1 tablespoon of butter

150ml low fat milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

Ingredients for the Flour Paste (to make the white crosses):

¼ cup of plain flour

2 – 3 tablespoons of water

Ingredients for The Glaze (to give your buns a polished look):

1 cup water

3 tablespoons of sugar

Process:

Combine all the dry ingredients (including raisons and chocolate chips) in a bowl, and set aside.

Then, melt the butter slowly in a saucepan over low heat, then add the milk. Once the milk has warmed slightly, add that mixture plus the beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix this doughy concoction together until it is smooth and, well, doughy. Perfectly doughy.

Next is the kneading process, so dust some flour on a bench top of cutting board – any clean flat surface really. Place the dough on this floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Play some upbeat music while you’re doing this so you don’t get bored! In the spirit of Easter and this holiest time of year, I particularly like Cat Stevens rendition of ‘Morning has Broken’.

Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, place it in a slightly greased bowl (I like bowls greased with butter personally, but bowls greased with oil was the directive given by the chef behind this recipe. Choose a side). Cover tightly with gladwrap and set aside at room-temperature and wait for the yeast to perform its magic. Generally this takes just over an hour – the dough should eventually be double its original size.

While your magic dough is rising, let’s get organised! Preheat the over to 180 degree – 190 degrees (depending on your oven). Prepare a baking tray and line it with baking paper.

Once your dough has miraculously grown to twice its original size, remove it from the bowl and release any pent up frustration you may be storing, by punching the dough back down to its original size. That teaches that dough for performing its magic trickery on you! That feels better doesn’t it!

Once again, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it looks creamy smooth (or as creamy smooth as it can be when it has raisons and chocolate chips throughout). Then divide this big clump of dough into six little bun size portions. Place them evenly on the baking tray, and cover the whole thing with glad wrap again. Set aside for half an hour.

Now it’s time to make that cool little white flour cross that adorns the bun and gives them their “hot cross” name. This part is easy. You just have to mix the flour and water together in bowl until smooth – if the mixture looks to thick, just add a little water (but please do so sparingly – you can always add more water, but you can take the water out if it’s too runny!)

To apply the cross, scoop the white floury paste into a snap lock bag and cut a small hole in the corner. You can then use this ingenious invention to pipe the paste over the top of the buns to form those iconic crosses. I like to make little cross shaped indentations on the raw buns as well, and that way, the paste just squeezes seamlessly into that. Easy peasy.

Now, to put the “hot” in “hot cross buns”: bake these buns, crosses and all, for 20 minutes – or until the buns are cooked through.

Finally, as the final perfect touch, make your buns glisten and shine like they’ve been made by a professional baker by applying the glaze. To make the glaze, mix the water and sugar into a small saucepan over a low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the solution looks crystal clear. Bring to the boil and continue for 5 minutes. Voila! You have a glaze! Sparingly brush this sweet warm glaze over your warm hot cross buns and you’re done!

I like to serve warm with lashings of butter. Mmmm…..

How to Fake Radiance and Glow

Like many women, I have had a life-long love affair with makeup.

It started young: rifling through my mother’s make up box and smearing a concotion of creams and colours over my young skin.

My mother now fondly recounts what was possibly the most mortifying experience for her as a young mother. I was five years old and we were visiting some very wealthy friends. I had just reached the age where I insisted I be allowed to go to the toilet on my own. I was using the wife’s ensuite (this couple was so wealthy both husband and wife had their own private bathrooms off the bedroom), while my mum waited patiently outside. Suddenly, she heard a smash. Terrified, she burst open the door to find me standing on the stool, in front of the sink and staring with a smile into the mirror. The reflection back showed the turmoil – I was covered with shimmering gold powder, as was the basin and the surrounding floor. And it wasn’t just any shimmering gold powder – this was 24 carat gold powder and it was Chanel. I thought I looked beautiful – and at the very least I would have looked radiant. I just couldn’t understand why I got so chastised.

But don’t let this horror story put you off shimmer and glimmer. Radiance and glow is the most sought after look that many of us try to achieve when applying makeup. In my opinion, there is no better beauty triumph than having skin that looks as though it is bursting with health and vitality. Powders that shimmer and sparkle (like MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish, $46, above) are a sure-fire way to shine, but my favourite way, particularly going into the winter months, is to opt for liquids. Glow potions. Good health in a bottle. Once the skin starts to absorb the liquid, it really makes it look like the glow is coming from within. Very natural, very perfect. 

As you can see, Jennifer Lopez (or J Lo as I still like to call her) gives great glow. 

Products that help me fake the perfect glow are:

Trilogy Rose Hip Oil $20

I know I’m not alone in my love for this product, and if you haven’t already tried it, then you most definitely should! First of all, it is glorious, absolutely glorious, for your skin. Loaded with antioxidants, it nourishes and protects and moisturises, and then repeats. It’s the first thing I pop on my face in the mornings (followed by SPF sunscreen). It is also great to use at night as it offers deep and intense moisturisation.

The second reason I love Rosehip Oil is because in addition to actually making your skin healthy, it also makes it look super healthy and radiant. It gives you a glow like no other I’ve seen before.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm $57

With a subtle sparkle, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is the next step to radiance! Ultra-moisturing, it contains teeny particles of fine shimmer than give you a what looks like an internal glow. It has a cult-following, so chances are you’ve already been acquainted with CBFB. I like to mix this with my tinted moisturizer or foundation when I’m trying for a very natural glow (which is mainly on weekends). 

MAC Hyper Real Foundation $51

Every makeup artist I know uses MAC products. And the general consensus from the makeup artistry crew is this: MAC does a great shimmer and they know how to create products that make you glow. MAC Hyper Real SPF15 Foundation is a smooth pearlescent liquid foundation formulated with SPF 15 to protect the skin from everyday sun exposure (an added bonus). You can it as a luminious foundation, but I also like to use one a few shades darker than my skin tone (like the one above) as a liquid bronzer.

Benefit High Beam $45; Benefit Moon Beam $45; Benefit Posie Tint $55

Put simply, these products are luminescent complexion enhancers that illuminate and accentuate cheekbones and browbones for a radiant glow (actually I could have put it a lot more simply than that, but oh well).

One of the Benefit makeup artists (in their Paddington store in Sydney) once told me that they like to mix Moonshine with Posy Tint for a fresh flush – they called this the ‘strawberry donut’. I like to call it ‘strawberries and cream’. Seems somehow healthier that way.

To use, just dot and blend onto cheek and brow bones on top of your makeup. Sheen central.

So with some simple trickery, voila, you are sexy and shimmery, just like that. 

P.S. As you can see from the above photo of Miranda Kerr, a golden, deep tan (fake, of course) also works wonders for one's complexion. Oh and super white teeth. Ka-ching. 

Pour Another Cocktail, Daaarrrrrling

I’m a big fan of cocktail hour and always have been. And despite always loving it, I must admit the good old cocktail hour has experienced a recent renaissance in my home.

For me, the concept of “cocktail hour” evokes images of American Wasps, in their white cable-knit sweaters and pearls, gathering in the parlour for a tipple after a day of tennis. They use cocktail hour as a mild sedative, and to mask a magnitude of sordid family dramas.

I love cocktail hour simply for the sophistication of it all.

Essentially, Cocktail Hour is like Happy Hour, but with a far more glamorous twist. In my younger days, I would sometimes hit a local bar or pub after a gruelling day at work or uni for a few celebratory drinks. These days, I find it much classier to invite a few special friends over to my house for Cocktail Hour. We dress up, we sip on icy elixirs and we share our news and views. It’s a nice, unusual way to celebrate with people and a lovely alternative to the dinner catch up. And much more budget friendly than going to a bar (a la Sex and the City).

You will need the following: 

- A well stocked bar. Essentials currently in my bar include Gin, Vodka (I always keep a bottle in the freezer), Lemon, Olives, Ice, Vermouth, Tonic Water, Sparkling Water, Wild Hibiscus flowers (for a simple champagne cocktail). Basic, but covers my needs (can you tell I'm a martini drinker?!)

- Crystal clean cocktail glasses – these can come in an array of shapes and sizes, but I think the very best by far is the classic martini glass. It screams “cocktails”! Make sure you clean them well – there is nothing worse than smudgy glasses.

- A “cocktail kit” – with things like shakers, stirrers, toothpicks, swizzle sticks and novelty umbrellas (should the mood strike)

- A suitable soundtrack – I create play lists on my iPod for particular occasions. I like to keep my cocktail hour soundtrack mellow and cool – just like my cocktails.

- A freezer laden with ice – cubed and crushed.

- Appropriate cocktail attire, like a cocktail dress (obviously). Team with a pair of high heels and a string of pearls, and you’ll fit the part the part of "wasp" in no time. 

Cocktail Hour traditionally starts at 5pm... I usually find 6pm more realistic though. It allows flexibility to get home from work and freshen up. And the later the hour, the more acceptable it feels to drink hard spirits. 

I firmly recommend starting your own Cocktail Hour. Everyone enjoys it and it is a lovely tradition, and event, to become famous for amongst your circle of friends.

My favourite cocktail, particularly as we slowly enter the winter months, is a martini. I love the romance and the history of martinis. H. L. Mencken (An American writer/linguist/journalist) once called the martini "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet" – how romantic. E. B. White (of Charlotte’s Web fame) called it "the elixir of quietude" – how poetic.

I like a classic gin martini and while I could wax lyrical about it all day, I have to say I also enjoy some of the delicious martini variations that offer a completely different flavour and experience.

The Perfect Martini

My idea of a perfect martini is the classic gin martini: gin, a splash of vermouth (I like it quite dry) and olives (one as the general rule, three if you’re hungry). Always serve the olive on a toothpick. Exquisite!

The Vesper Martini

This is zesty and refreshing. It was coined by ‘James Bond’ in Ian Flemings original novel, Casino Royal (and of course later the film, starring Daniel Craig). It’s a favourite of mine and I’m sure will become a favourite of yours too! It features Kina Lillet – which can be a little tricky to find in Australia. Specialty alcohol stores should have it, otherwise search it on the web.

Ingredients and directions (as told by James Bond in Flemings Casino Royale):

"A dry martini," Bond said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."

"Oui, monsieur."

"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"

"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.

"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.

Bond laughed. "When I'm...er...concentrating," he explained, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."

 

Appletini (Or Apple Martini)

A completely different take on the classic martini, an Appletini is light, fruity and highly addictive. It’s a concotion of vodka, apple juice and sweet and sour mix, served with a slice of apple to garnish.

Of course martinis are only the tip of the ice cube when it comes to delicious cocktails out there. But I think they are a tasteful place to start.

The Power of a Flower

Nothing makes me happier (on a superficial level), than a bunch of beautiful flowers. I love their delicate fragrance, their vibrant colours and their soft petals. I love the way they change the aura of an entire room. Perfect people’s houses always have flowers. When conducting an interior design shoot, magazines will always have at least one vase full of flowers decorating a room – most of the time they will have several. Magazine interior designers understand the power of the flower. 

I have interviewed many celebrities over the years in their homes – and without a doubt, they always have fresh flowers present. Even the men (although I’m sure this is courtesy of their wives in many cases). On one level, I’m sure they are had flowers there because I was media and they wanted to give a certain impression of domesticity and flair.

And I think that’s one of the important thing about having flowers decorating your house – it shows others you have style and reflects that you care about your home. I never have a dinner party, or invite people over, without a bunch of flowers bursting out of a vase somewhere in the house. I am in the habit of buying flowers every week now, so I no longer even really have to think about it. 

I love white flowers of any kind for both their clean, elegant look, and their addictive fragrance. I love white jonquils (above), gardenias, peonies and white roses the best. Asian lilies are also a winner for their spectacular colour, booming size and yummy scent – although they sometimes drop yellow pollen that stains everything. Beware. 

I also prefer having only one type of flower per vase, or one type of colour per vase. I find if you start mixing them, they look more like a gift you’ve received for a particular occasion, rather than a bunch you bought for your home simply because that’s what you do.

The owner of a prominent Brisbane-based florist also taught me the power of greenery – a vase of fresh leaves. Sounds boring I know, but it looks quite lovely. When Kristy Hinze got married to her billionaire, she followed this advice.

I like to buy my flowers from Flower Markets or Farmers’ Markets – I find they are the freshest and the best value for money.

I also like to pick flowers directly from my garden – it makes me feel like I live in the country, even though I live in an inner-city suburb. I have beautiful blue hydrangeas growing out the front of my house and I regularly harvest these.

I always keep a vase of flowers on the kitchen table, on the kitchen window sill, and on the bathroom window sill. If I’m feeling like spoiling myself, I also put a bunch next to my bed. I love waking up to the pretty smell.

For prolonged life, always make sure you cut the bottoms of the stems off flowers once you’ve bought them, so they can drink in the water more easily. I sprinkle a little sugar in my flower water to prolong their life (I think a florist told me to do that), and make sure to change the water in the vase every day or two. Once a flower starts to die, get rid of it. Brown petals malting on the table is unsightly, and they can begin to smell completely putrid.

I find another lovely touch and the hallmark of a perfect person, is buying a beautiful but understate bunch of flowers for the hostess of a dinner or party you attend. A simple bunch is inexpensive, tasteful and says thank you in just the right way. Pure class. 

Divinely Domesticated: 1950s Style

I’m aware the 1950s was an era which had its downfalls and there is certainly a reason we have left all this in the past. But I like to think we can garner inspiration from all periods of history, and for the 1950s, I’m choosing to follow their commitment to the home. Albeit scaled right back.

We have to admit: the domestic sirens of the 50s had the whole “perfect family, perfect house, perfect you” thing down-pat. If only that perfection had extended past the home. And allowed for some enjoyment in life. Nevertheless, I often go through little 1950s phases, where nothing makes me feel more content and like perfect wife material than feathering my nest. 

I love to bake, if for nothing more than filling my house with a heavenly and delicious aroma. A nice, scrumptious smelling house is so appealing, warm and inviting for guests or other members of the household, and it’s a fragrance that is difficult to mirror with scented room sprays, candles or diffusers (although I am a massive fan of those as well).

Of course the delicious delights that await at the end of the baking procedure – cupcakes, muffins, slices, brownies – are also nice too. I first began my love affair with baking after reading Nigella Lawson’s cookbook, ‘How to Be A Domestic Goddess’.

I love Nigella. Her food is sweet, rich and comforting… and she unashamedly admits to a penchant for unbridled indulgence. 

There is something deliciously reassuring about cooking and it certainly appeals to the maternal side of me. I love being able to make something yummy to give to my loved ones. Perhaps this is why the whole 1950s housewife idea appeals to me. She is a woman who always seems perfect: always perfectly coiffed, with a frilly little apron wrapped tightly around her perfectly cinched waist; a perfect batch of freshly baked cookies in one hand, and a perfect smile plastered across her face. Could you imagine a happier existence?

Hmmmm….

I have to concede, that another reason I love baking is because others are truly impressed by it. Baking is an important skill to have and one that others admire and envy: everybody loves freshly baked sweets but not everybody feels capable of cooking them. Most people assume that baking requires copious amounts of time – although in reality, it certainly doesn’t. Another benefit is that if you bake, people assume you have superior time management skills. It makes you look like you can “do it all”. A vane theory I know – but true. Being able to bake is secret to faking perfection.

I’m all for simple cooking though – like most people, I’m time-poor. And there’s no need to make things unnecessarily difficult. No doubt I will have many, many more posts in the future with baking recipes, but for now, let’s keep it simple. A Grade One recipe.

If you’re pressed for time and wondering what to bake, like this pretty lady, then maybe try this blueberry muffin recipe. It’s basic, healthy (relatively) and very multi-purpose – you can eat these muffins for breakfast, pack them in your children’s lunchboxes, or bring the whole batch into work to leave your colleagues appreciative – but wondering just how you have the time to bake from scratch and fit everything else in.

Another bonus? This is recipe is a perfect example of baking that quickly fills the house with a delicious aroma, evoking the vision of a domestic goddess (you!).

Blissful Blueberry Muffins

1 Cup of Blueberries (I prefer cooking with the frozen ones, they hold their shape better)

2 Cups of Self Raising Flour

¾ Cup of Brown Sugar

1 Egg

¾ Cup of Buttermilk (I make my own version by squeezing a little lemon into skim milk)

½ Cup of Rice Brain Oil (or Vegetable Oil – Rice Brain Oil is healthier though)

Preheat the over to 180 degrees Celsius. Then, simply mix all of the above ingredients together, very well. Make sure your mixture is of a creamy, smooth consistency. I add the blueberries last so they don’t get beaten up too much. Pour into muffin wrappers* and pop into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. Voila, super easy, delicious treats!

*I like to invest in pretty muffin wrappers (and cupcake wrapper) – makes the whole thing look just a little more special and professional!

The Importance Of Being Bejewelled

A revered Australian fashion designer (who shall remain nameless for now for it is irrelevant who he is or what TV show he used to judge), once told me that he thought jewellery and accessories could make or break an outfit.

This may seem like a given to many – of course ten strands of fluoro pink beads wont sit well with that beige tailored dress you bought especially for that corporate lunch – but it is a point I feel should really be reiterated. Because the reality is, an outfit's downfall often doesn't occur because you have selected bad jewellery or too much jewellery – no. I believe it’s because sometimes people don’t wear enough jewellery – they fail to accessorise at all, and therefore fail to make the most of out their outfits. Perfect people understand the importance of jewellery and the many aesthetic benefits it brings to the table.

I know lots of jewellery everyday isn’t for everyone – and I’m certainly not suggesting you constantly be dripping with diamonds. That would be vulgar. But there are certain jewellery staples that I think should be worked into your “every day” wardrobe. And my fashion designer friend agrees. There’s nothing wrong with trying to look a bit “special” on a daily basis – in fact, I think effort when dressing should be embraced. Celebrated even. Go crazy.


Diamonds Are My Best Friend:

It may be an over-used adage and rife with gold-digger connotations, but I really do believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Growing up, I loved nothing more than adorning myself with sparkles, and lots of them. Of course at that point in my life, they were faux diamonds (come to think of it, they mostly still are), but that never mattered. I would rarely be seen out on the town without glittering chandelier style baubles dripping from my ears. I swear the sparkles reflect on your skin to make your complexion shimmer and glow.

Marilyn shows us how the 'chandelier' diamonds are done, in a way we can all attempt to emulate:

That woman has so much sex appeal it's ridiculous. Perhaps it's because of the diamonds? 

A fashion photographer I know often insists that his models wear diamonds on shoots for that very reason! “Luminous” is a word he has thrown around. I think he also likes the way they glint in the light, making his photographs look all sparkly and special.

At the very least, diamonds get people’s attention.

Most of the time, I usually go for more modestly sized diamonds. A simple diamond stud, of whatever size, still brings light to your face with its clear, pure glitter. It has an understated elegance to it. A diamond stud is what I will wear most days in my casual or corporate life– regardless of whether I am spending the day in the office, or seeing a movie, a diamond stud is like wearing jewellery, without wearing jewellery. It is a staple and pre-requisite to any outfit, in my opinion (does that make sense?!).

Reese does understated diamonds well. Here she is with some simple (but probably ridiculously expensive) diamond studs:

If you can't afford diamonds – and let’s be honest, most of us can’t – then I’m all for faking it (afterall, that’s what this website is all about). I’m a big fan of Shhh Secrets jewellery and their diamond simulants.


Kicking Back With Turquoise:

Turquoise is another piece of magic jewellery that has the ability to glam up your whole ensemble and make you look “effortlessly chic” – and despite how much effort I put in, I always want it to look effortless. So turquoise is a winner.

The chunkier the better – you can’t go past a statement turquoise necklace and it’s the perfect addition to any outfit in the following core colours: Black (classic); White (fresh); Coral (Summery); Jeans (casual).

I'm not a fan of Megan Fox, but I will concede that she is very beautiful and demonstrates here just how well Turquoise teams with black:

While not techincally coral (though there are definitely splashes in there), Scarlett also goes very well with turquoise. Zing!

Turquoise works particularly well with a tan (fake tan of course, we’re not heathens). And for those who are game and have a killer body, you should know: I’ve been to several swimwear fashion shoots and nothing says beach glamour like a chunky, ridiculously-over-the-top turquoise necklace teamed with teased hair, a deep tan and an itsy bitsy bikini. Sky-high wedges optional (personally I find them a tad ridiculous and impossible to navigate the sandy dunes of the beach in).

I acquired my favourite chunky turquoise necklace from Dubai – I’m not ashamed to admit that it is faux turquoise and cost next to nothing (Dubai is great for shopping – if you haven’t been there, book a flight immediately. They could do with the tourism at the moment too). The important thing is, my Dubai necklace looks real and it looks fabulous and it always garners loads of compliments. Which is what we want from jewellery isn’t it? To bask in their reflected compliments?

This is the sort of Turquoise I’m talking about – this one is very much like mine – but it’s Bulgari darling, and it’s vintage.

Pearls for Girls:

A strand of pearls strung elegantly around ones neck is a fast way to glamourise your look. I’ve always thought the luminous colour and sheer texture of pearls does wonders for a woman’s complexion and highlights white teeth. Some may find pearls too preppy or old-school – I just love them though and am always complemented when I wear them. I feel I always look a little bit more “special” when I’m wearing pearls, and it’s nice to look like a bit of effort has been put in.

For me, pearls evoke memories of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn – two contrasting schools of thought when it comes to fashion, but both equally seductive.

I always have several strands of pearls in my jewellery collection

- A large scene-stealing “costume” strand of natural pearls – I love the different shapes and the shimmering colour. To the untrained eye, these pearls look real and can make any outfit look like it cost a million dollars. These ones (above and below) are from Mimco and are divine. I love it how they feature diamonds as well! Its a quinella!

- A tiny strand of south sea pearls past down from my grandmother. I love wearing jewellery that tells a story. It makes the whole thing just a bit more romantic and there’s something very spiritual about adorning yourself in the very pearls that your grandmother wore years ago. I don’t even mind that the once stark white of the pearl is now slightly yellowed – in fact I prefer it that way.


- A larger more modern strand of pearls. Prominent, clean, sophisticated. A fresh take on an old classic. 

Pearl studs are also a fabulous, under-stated edition to your daily outfits - and look amazing and coordinated when teamed with a matching necklace.The advice with pearl studs is the bigger, the better.

Perfection? Fake it, don’t shake it!

Faking Perfection… and other random musings


Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many blog entries that explore different ways to make yourself seem and feel amazing, fabulous, sparkly and most importantly, PERFECT.


Through this online portal, I will pass on the lessons I’ve learnt from people far more accomplished than I, about how to be impossibly perfect… or at least how to fake it.


I have had a wealth of different jobs in industries dedicated to superficial perfection. I’ve worked in retail, as a makeup artist, as a stylist, a journalist, in public relations, and as a magazine editor.


Over the years, these jobs have given me the opportunity to meet many inspiring people, each with different habits contributing to their perfection. I have been fortunate enough to steal some great tips to being perfect from those who seem more naturally perfect than I could ever dream to be – famous designers, authors, models, actors, celebrity chefs, musicians, gardeners, entrepreneurs – and of course glamorous, warm people who I meet in everyday life. I’ve taken something from all of them – these are there secrets. (And now I’m starting to sound like a thief. Or a stalker. Both not perfect ideals I know).


Let me be clear: I am in no way alluding to being perfect myself, but, I do love trying to fake it. And from what people sometimes tell me, I do a pretty good job of faking. Othertimes, I definitely don’t. But for the sake of this blog, I will focus on the positives!


On a brief, more serious side note, the notion of perfection is an interesting one, and certainly a notion worth exploring, I think (before we get down to the fun stuff anyway). Put simply, perfection is a state of flawlessness. Search it on Wikipedia (god bless Wiki) and a slightly more complicated definition of its ethical implications comes up.


“The ethical question of perfection concerns not whether man is perfect, but whether he should be. And if he should be, then how is this to be attained?”


This is one of those statements that is difficult for my brain to really process at this early hour of the morning (also it refers to man when clearly I think this blog is more targeted to a woman). But it did get me thinking, so I’ll give it a quick gloss over.

In my opinion, pure perfection cannot exist in a person, therefore, nor should it. Humans, by nature, are flawed. Yet, we always put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect: to be intelligent, successful, attractive, well-groomed, fun, domestic goddesses (thank you Nigella), healthy, supportive – the list goes on.

Perfection is impossible. That part is not rocket science. As celebrities arrogantly bleat at the end of another scandal, “We’re all human; we all make mistakes.” (Granted, most of us won’t make mistakes of the same magnitude as Tiger’s).

But seeming to be perfect to others in some facets of your life? That is quite achievable.

Part of me – the “perfectionist” part I suppose you would say – loves this pressure to be perfect. I find it inspiring and am motivated to be perfect. I think it makes a better me. Be motivated by perfection and use it to your advantage. That is this blog's mantra and what it is all about – that is, aiming to inspire. Sharing tricks of the trade to improve your life. While it certainly wont help with the big stuff, like evolving your core character traits, it can help you with etiquette, with looking your best and with generally presenting yourself in an impossibly perfect light.


This is a blog of entertainment and superficiality– none of these “lessons” are designed to be applied as law and overtake your life. Please don’t take it that way. That would be imperfect of you and we will have none of that here! But enough seriousness! This is a blog of fun, fabulousness and frivolity! These postings will be littered with words like: glow, diamonds, olive-leaf extract, gloss, etiquette – I think that sets the tone of what this is all about (and how superficial it can really be)!


I hope you enjoy my random musings…