My blog – Page 2 – The Beauty Blossom

Taking me back with a Trip Down Memory Lane! xo

I just love photographs and I simply can’t go past creating these special memories. I am a very big believer in investing in professional photos. You simply can’t go past how precious the time goes. Photos create moments in time that last a lifetime and for that, it’s so super special! <3 xo #love #life xo

I just adore this photo of our little Oscar Bear and you can definitely see why! Look how scrumptious he looks. I can’t believe how much he has grown looking at these photos. He really is becoming such a little boy now. My goodness, he is a angel in his mummy, daddy’s and brother’s eyes. Love you so much our little one. Big hugs and kisses to you. xo <3

When he was born, his little hair looked like it was red, but it’s more of a darker blonde now that he has grown up. His gorgeous blue eyes are still nice and blue though! My little Oscar. Almost 17-months-old this month. We all love you so very much buddy, don’t ever change!

His little hands, those gorgeous little lips and this adorable little timber mini baby bed. My heart is bursting! <3 Not to mention his little cutie eyelashes! Oh my lordy! XO

BROTHERS FOR LIFE – But Best Friends by Choice. <3 xo

I truly am – the luckiest! I can’t believe that I got so blessed with these two cuties. I’m so proud to be their mumma and I know that their Dad feels the same way. #mylittlelovesollieandoscarbear. xo <3

This is were his little bear nickname came from. I just want to eat him, he is so cute! hehe. Lots of snuggles. Forever my baby boy. Love you to the moon and back my Oscar darling. xx

Mummy and Oscar. Noses touching. <3 These moments are memories to last a lifetime. Forever and always – family. Bound by our mother and son bond. I always vow to protect you my son, for as long as I shall live and beyond. xo <3

Baby blues, none of that here! Just a little Easter bunny baby with his cutie bunny rabbit! Easter is this month, 2019 and it will be Oscar Bear’s second Easter as a family of four. So very special and I’m looking forward to it very much! #iloveandadoreeaster! xo #happinessiseaster @nicolabranderphotographer #surroundedbyfamilyandlovedones

My favourite photo of Oscar Bear and I. I am so very lucky to be his mum. I am so proud that I survived another pregnancy. After losing two babies to an ectopic pregnancy and a missed miscarriage, our journey to becoming parents was certainly not an easy one. But I am without a doubt, so incredibly grateful. I will never take my special and blessed role as a mother of boys for granted. It’s simply the best job in the whole-wide world! xo

Our fam bam of four. Is it complete? I do not know. In my heart I feel that we have room for one more little bambino. Only time will tell. I hope that my instinct is right. If it is and we are blessed again, that would be incredible, but hubby is happy with our two, and so am I. xo

My Friday Fave Beauty Products That I Love to Use Daily! Straight from my Beauty Personal Supply! xo

I have loved Nu Skin for many years and last year I started properly using the products. They are amazing in every way and I love to use them daily! My go-to products to keep my skin lovely and hydrated are the below:-

So amazing! The Lip Plumping Balm and LightShine Lip Stain. xo Always in my handbag, both for everyday and evening with a special occasion to attend! They both make my lips look and feel, sensational! xo

These gorgeous vases I found in a cute little vintage store with my mum after a special birthday high tea. Sadly one got broken, but I will always treasure the one that survived. The beautiful bridal dress was from St Vinnies of all places! I always planned to wear another dress down the track one day after our wedding. Perhaps one day it will be used again! Pretty pink rose from my gorgeous home collection of stunning artificial blooms. (always pink, and soft shades of creams and whites! Swoon!). The stunning brooch is from my personal jewellery box collection. I love finding timeless pieces, that will stand the test of time . xo

The absolutely stunning imagery and bridal inspired pieces – all the work of Nicola Brander Photography.

To keep my skin nice and hydrated, I just love the Nu Skin NapCA moisture mist. It’s so super refreshing, especially in our warmer tropical climate of where we live! My Nu Skin mirror I simply can’t live without! Absolutely love it. My Nu Colour concealer is always something that is in my daily make up bag in my bathroom cupboard. I sometimes like to take it out with me too. I suffered quite bad scarring when I was younger (wish I left my skin alone, knowing what I know now!) but the Nu Skin make up provides fabulous coverage. It makes me feel beautiful. It’s very long lasting, affordable and wonderful quality that I simply can’t fault! <3 xo Cute little sugar pink high tea cake stand/aka, make-up stand was from my personal collection, as was the pretty little floral spring-time scarf! xo The fresh rose blooms were from our local Woolworths store. I love blooms, you can give me flowers every single day of the week!

Most definitely in my top 5 beauty products. I love how beautiful they make me feel. It really is the simple things in life that matter the most! xo

Powerlips (the best!) and the Nu Colour Lip Gloss = perfection = such a great little combo! I don’t know about you, but I absolutely LOVE to mix and match!

Lipgloss, Powerlips love! I adore a lippy that can last up to 10 hours and this little beauty does! My go-to colours are: Maven, Determined and Confidence. The names are so super cute also! xo Pucker up ladies. xo

When it comes to my all time favourite baby products for the kids, I simply can’t go past the Johnson’s and Johnson’s baby skincare range! I have been using the Johnson’s brand all of my life. It’s one that I have grown up with and can trust with our little ones. My top-three faves for bath-time with the boys. I secretly often find myself using the sooth Lavender moisturiser myself when I’m in the nursery. I also find that it’s great hand cream! and leg cream for mummas, pretty much body cream for not just the kids, but you too! = double bonus and triple, quadruple bonus if hubby ever sneaks any of the J & J’s supplies also! xo

A big thank you to Nicola Brander Photography for taking the photos for the blog for us. You are one in a million. We always love working with you! <3 xo

Did you know that we have two sister blog sites, right here at The Beauty Blossom!? They are – The Pink Jubilee and THe Baby Blossom. You can follow our founder, Rachael Elizabeth’s journey with her blogging about family, lifestyle, health and beauty by following all three sites: @thepinkjubilee, @thebabyblossom and @thebeautyblossom! xo We can’t wait to continue sharing our products with you and our blogging journey! We value YOU! Our readers so very much. Can’t wait to share with you all, all things beauty! xo <3

If you are a PR agency or brand that you would like us to feature on The Beauty Blossom, or perhaps one of our sister sites, even all 3! Be sure to drop us a friendly line. xo <3 xo

Eating Healthy with Odyssey Lean – Loving My Odyssey Lean Journey so Far!

I just simply can’t get enough of the delicious, healthy and wholesome ready-made meals of Odyssey Lean. They are simply amazing in every way.

The meals are so nutritious and taste really fresh! I love the flavours. Healthy eating has never tasted so good.

The variety of meals is amazing. You never tire of the choice on offer! I can’t wait to try even more.

They don’t only taste delicious, they look soo good too! How are those colours! You feel like every meal is covering off on all of the main food groups from a nutritional value perspective!

I am already feeling so much healthier and happier since starting my journey with Odyssey Lean. For so long with being a mum of two boys under four, and juggling home life and work life, my health and diet I must admit, came second fiddle. Not anymore. Self-care is so important. I now enjoy each meal, take the time to sit down and savour each bite. As opposed to eating on the run and choosing convenience over what is good fuel for my body!

Many of my friends are trying Odyssey Lean now too, which is awesome. From old high school friends, to fellow mums, everyone can see the value in the wonderful service that Oydssey Lean provides it’s customers. Even my hubby and boys like to try the meals from time to time!

It’s all about balance. I know that every time I select an Oydssey Meal from our fridge that it’s not just any old ready-made meal. I’m not going to lie, in the past and especially in the newborn days with the kids, hubby and I would often opt for frozen meals on those very hectic days. I feel so much better knowing that these incredible meals only have to be kept in the fridge and they honestly feel like they have been made fresh in the kitchen that day!

I have legitimately not found a meal that I do not love! They are all my faves but I simply can’t go past the yummy chicken dishes. They are always so tasty. The Chicken Lemongrass Curry would have to be my Number One of all time since starting with Odyssey Lean!

It’s also so awesome that you don’t have to totally deprive yourself of a nice treat! The Coconut Raspberry Chia Pudding is really incredible too! Something that is sure to tempt your taste-buds! The Chocolate Home-made protein brownie over Valentine’s Day weekend which we received as a little gift in the delivery box was unbelievable too! <3 xo

Whether you choose to eat your meal straight from the microwave (a simply preparation of two to three minutes is literally all it takes!), to enjoying the meal in a beautiful home or park setting, you can eat Oydessey Lean in the comfort of your own home, or on the go… The choice is yours! I love to mix it up. From sneaking in a lunch meal in between caring for our two boys at home, to enjoying a lunch picnic with my hubby and gal pals, I’ve experienced all different ways of enjoying my meals and I’m sure that there will be more more memories and experiences to come. It really does enhance your whole lifestyle. For me it certainly has anyway!

From farm to plate, Odyssey Lean is made from 100% natural produce. The ingredients are wholesome, fresh and most of all, the best quality that you would want to buy yourself if you were preparing the meals for your family at home every day.

Which cuisine would you choose? Be sure to head on over to Odyssey Lean’s website for all of their lastest menu options. I can assure you guys, you don’t want to miss trying this amazing home-delivery service of weekly meals. It takes only 5 minutes to get the super stylish silver box from my front door and unpack the meals in to the fridge, all ready for the week ahead. You even get a little reminder message on your phone once the box has been delivered and the delivery drivers are so kind and friendly!

The meals tell you on the back what the best before date is. Usually you have a week or so to eat them fresh. Some may vary by a couple of days, depending on which cuisine options there are in your weekly order. All of the ingredients are clearly labelled on the back too! So you know that what you are eating is only the very best of ingredients and produce! No preservatives and nasties here guys!

To visit Odyssey Lean, be sure to jump on their website and you can tell them that I sent you! Simply check out with my special discount code: Rachael20 to receive $20 off your very first order! Enjoy guys. Be sure to let me know what you think! Tag @odysseylean on Instagram and Facebook.

Self-Care Being a Mum of Two Boys

How I try and take care of myself being a busy mumma of two! Some days, let’s face it, it’s super hard! Sometimes, simply showering for the day can be a struggle with two cutie pie little mini-mes running around! I know that I have never appreciated showers and baths as much as I do now! lol. xo

My beautiful boys who I love so dearly, with all of my heart and more! xo <3

I still can’t believe that I created these two cutie-pie little humans! I love them with all of my heart and everything of my being! <3 xo Ollie and Oscar. Besties for life. xo

Welcome to The Beauty Blossom

Thank you so much for joining me here at The Beauty Blossom. We are so glad that you have found us and can’t wait to share with you all of our beauty and lifestyle tips. From make-up to hair and accessories, here we will cover everything that’s on-trend for the beauty industry. We also absolutely LOVE the vintage classics, so be sure to watch out for those too!

We will only ever post about products and brands that we believe in and can’t wait to share these with you, our valued Beauty Blossom readers! xo

Love and Light,
Rachael Elizabeth, The Beauty Blossom Managing Editor.

***Yours in Vino, cheese and chocolate! Oh and don’t forget everything pretty and pink! xoxo***

My Fave Feminine Fragrance of All Time!

Without a doubt, I just LOVE Vera Wang, Princess. It was purchased for me as a gift from my now hubby and of course it had to be our wedding day fragrance! I always see it as my ultimate, “go-to” fragrance and think that I always will! Whether you want something that’s soft and feminine for day to night, this fragrance is oh, so perfect! It’s nice and affordable too for the quality of the brand.
I usually head to Myer or David Jones in Australia to stock up. You can also conveniently purchase it online. I hope that you love it as much as I do! The little lid is so super cute too. It truly is fit for a modern day princess or Queen!

Getting ready with my favourite fragrance, Vera Wang, Princess on my wedding day in 2012.

Being pampered on our special wedding day morning with the beautiful Rebecca (Bec) at Mertion Apartments, Adelaide Street, Brisbane. My fragrance and signature scent was Vera Wang.

Make-up pamper time. Loved getting my hair and make-up done. My favourite scent just added to making me feel so pretty and feminine on the day.

**Images: By the beautiful, Sarah Taylor. At the time it was Focus Films.**

Oh to be primped and pampered all day everyday! Wouldn’t that be the life ladies! If only! My mumma attire most days is definitely not as pretty and pink as this! (hehe).

Isn’t the packaging of the bottle just divine?! So perfect to display on your make-up table ladies.

How often should you replace a signature fragrance? It all depends on how often you use it. Some ladies like to wear their signature fragrance every day, whilst others like to save it only for special occassions when they are going out.

Tips for applying fragrance correctly!

Who knew there was a special way to do it. 🙂

Tip 1: Make sure that you apply your perfume once you have had your shower/bath and freshly dried off. Clean skin will make the perfume last much longer.
Tip 2: You can also choose to apply an unscented lotion before your fragrance.
Tip 3. You can also opt to rub Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying your perfume to make the scent last longer.

***Photos***: Sarah Taylor Photography, Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Vera Wang, Princess. My signature wedding fragrance which I still adore to this day, 7 years on!

Another lovely idea for your wedding day is to gift your bridal party a special bridal fragrance too! That’s exactly what I did. They all received a lovely fragrance which was different to mine but still lovely and soft/girly to complement the pretty floral tones smell.

Being a busy mum of now two boys, I love to still dress up and head out for date night with my hubby, or cocktails with my girlfriends. When I do, it’s never complete without my Vera Wang signature fragrance to be sprayed before and sometimes even after my hair and make-up!

I am still and always will be, a girly girl at heart! Without a doubt ladies. xo

Some of my favourite places to check out the best buys for gorgeous perfumes/fragrances, include: Your local chemist, such as Chemist Warehouse, My Beauty Spot, Perfumery.com.au, and Strawberry Net – www.strawberrynet.com. As well as of course your major department stores, as I mentioned earlier such as, David Jones, Myer, Big W for some selected fragrances too, Kmart (has a great little purse spray), and Target (they have some cute little gift packs).

*Please note this post is not sponsored, it is the author’s personal views about beauty and fragrances for the purpose of the blog post. Thank you in advance.

Wedding Day Beauty Style

I remember my wedding day like it was yesterday. Circa, October 2012 and that was the day, the day that my life changed for the better! The day that my husband and I started to create our own little family! Below you can see how we created our wedding day style and what my beauty influencers were.

I opted for a classic and traditional wedding day. Complete with old-school glamour. My dress was timeless, my accessories where vintage chic and my make-up, I ensured that I kept it natural, yet elegant and soft. I definitely had the most beautiful hair and make-up team in Brissy! I love Bec and Lauren so much for the wonderful work that they did. They also went on to do the wedding day hair and make-up for my sister and sister-in-law as well!

The most stunning bridal earrings by Emmanuella Adorn! I just loved these so very much. They are gorgeous in every way and felt so very light wearing them. I have to be careful wearing earrings as many of them hurt my ears if they are not proper gold or silver.

I absolutely loved my wedding day veil. It was almost as expensive as my dress but I remember that as soon as I saw it, I knew it was, the one! The detail on it was just beautiful and all hand-made with love… <3

My wedding day bridal accessories where purchased from Brides of Brisbane in the city. They are so much beautiful stuff!

I chose to opt for a classic and freshly done French manicure acrylic nails. I had my tan, nails and eye brows all taken care of a few days before the big day!

My bridal gown was one which I absolutely adored and still do to this very day! It was absolutely everything that I could have ever asked for and much more! xo

Wedding Day Style – What I loved most! #thebeautyblossom #love xo

If I could relive our wedding day all over again, I most definitely would, in a heart-beat! I’m secretly hoping that I will be able to renew our vows one day! We can only hope can’t we guys. Watch this space in a few years, Lol.

Wedding Day Veil. From Brides of Brisbane, the city.

My gorgeous bridal gown. One which I will always cherish it. #soblessed #bridal #love #vintage

So much prettiness. Love tulle. Gorgeous. xo

My Favourite Beauty Hacks

I absolutely love all things beauty and try my best to stay right on top of all of the beauty trends that happen both here in Australia and around the globe! I love to read the glossy magazine fashion pages, see the latest fashion shows and most of all, follow my favourite Instagram influencers online for tips and tricks that they all use, each and everyday.

I also take style inspiration and advice from my mum, and sister, who are also my best friends in life. My beautiful gal pals, also help with my style inspo!

I enjoy old-fashioned movies and books and fashion and beauty icons, like Grace Kelly.

Another style icon who I have always adored growing up, which I’m sure that many other women would agree, is, the ever beautiful, late Audrey Hepburn. A stunning source of inspiration from Hollywood’s, Golden Age.