Happy Easter, much love. undasday x

who the hell is doctor marten?

OK so for those that know me would know that my favourite shoe is my black 8-hole docs..this is actually an understatement. I practically LIVE in them. I cannot emphasis enough how much I wear/love them. People probably don't recognise me without these shoes on. Sadly they have become about me and who I am. I wear them at least 5 days/wk. Boring? yes well i do wear them everyday. But, hear me out. Plain, simple and understated? you know it!...Maybe its just me but they literally go with everything (my mum would disagree 'oh not those boots')..work/play, rain/shine, summer(can get a bit heated down there)/winter..faaaark i wear em alot..I realise as I put on my shoes, ha yes my docs, I realise that for an item that I use everyday I know nothing about them. I mean, we usually look into makeup, hair products, clothes and skincare and know a tiny bit about them or at least know where or who originated them. 

So who the hell is Doctor Marten? Dr Marten is actually a brand. The brand is a collaboration of the Griggs family (a family from the english midlands renown for amazing shoe-making with high quality leathers) and Munich-based Dr Maerten himself, with the help of his university friend Dr Funck - probs the reason why they are so freakin' funky.
In response to a foot injury on a ski-ing trip, Maerten and Funck invented an air-cushioned sole and were looking for like-minded innovators. Griggs contacted Dr Maertens, a name was discussed, a plan hatched and a legend born on April 1st, 1960. I'm told (by the internet) that it was actually Pete Townsend who donned a pair of black 1460s on stage with his crazy, boundary-pushing band 'The Who' who made them an infamous grunge, working-class fashion icon. Townsend once said that he used to go to bed on tour with two things: ‘A cognac bottle and a Dr. Martens boot.' 

My DM. story is quite cliche' as I bought them from a small crowded shoe store on Cheshire St just off Brick lane in London, literally the size of a shoe box (oh the irony). £50 and love at first sight. They have been through many trials and tribulations and have seen more of the world than most people I know.

RRP $189 from most cool shops.

OK, so I'm continually on the hunt for a 'cure' for my skin. I buy'n'try almost a new product every month all promising beautiful fresh skin, meh. I'm starting to believe this is a myth. After going through many dermatological-type products that attack bacteria and fight oils using glycolic and salicylic acids and still having no luck I have turned to the world of 'al natural'. Grown Organic Alchemist is purely organic, hence the name derr. I got this pack at David Jones, which I thought it was not too badly priced. $70 bucks and you get little travel mini's too. I gave it the 3 day challenge.


Chamomile leaf, Bergamot and Rose-bud Cleanser:
Claim: 'This delicate blend of  botanical extracts gently removes impurities from sensitive facial skin allowing skin to breathe freely without drying or leaving a greasy feel.''
The Test: The pump was a bit of a bitch to start pumping, but the gel cleanser is light and smells quite nice. Not too much foam when washing however, but my face did feel fresh. Previous gel cleansers make my skin feel slightly tight and tingly after rinsing but not so after using this one.  

Rose Absolute, Ginseng and Chamomile Toner:
Claim: 'A refreshing, invigorating toner for an instant lift and radiant glow. Leaves facial skin soft and clean. Balancing the skin, refining facial pores and evening out skin tone'
The Test: I like to splash my face in the morning and wipe with a cotton pad at night to remove the last traces of pesky makeup that hasn't washed off. Probably my favourite of the 3, this toner left my skin feeling awake (by that I mean slightly cold, kind of like when when u feel a cool breeze on your face), and when it dried my face didn't feel too dry or thirsty for moisturiser. I use a dab of this under my eyes after lunch sometimes when I'm feeling a bit sleepy, the fresh spicy smell of the ginseng keeps me awake and it makes my eyes feel less droopy and sad/tired and hungover. Of course, a slap in the face would definitely wake you up but I don't recommend it.

Camellia and Geranium Blossom Moisturiser:
Claim: 'This nourishing non-greasy facial moisturiser regulates and maintains moisture without leaving residual oil or shine on the skin'
The Test: I'm loving all things rosehip oil these days, as it rehydrates skin and is good for scarring and blemishes, although I'm not sure of the percentage. It's got quite a light watery texture and I liked the way my makeup set on it. It's not a greasy feel but rather it dries quickly and feels like you put it on hours ago unlike some lotions that make you feel somewhat damp for a bit. At night I found it a little too thin as a o/night moisturiser and I was putting on a layer after the toner and then another layer just before bed. 

I don't know if one or all 3 combined have worked, but I have noticed small changes which I hope to improve my skin overall in the long run. I noticed my forehead/T zone was slightly less oily by day 3 and and my makeup stayed matte until the end of the day, umm yay! No drastic changes as yet. Great product, basic yet classic packaging, and for the price I think it's a great little snatch. 

NOOOOOOOO! Summer, please don't go :(

'i wish my wife was this dirty'

My reading material of late. 
So after trying every diet under the sun, most of which consist of bland boring eating and hunger pains I am now on my new diet-expedition. I was given this book by a friend because, as like most girls, believe anything written about foods/diets on websites, magazines etc. Food Myths is based on science and 'dumbs' down the facts and explains in a language anyone can understand. I used to be afraid of carbs especially at night, this is my favourite fact so far:
Avoid carbs after 5pm to lose weight? The time you eat carbs makes no difference to your weight - it's the total amount you eat over the day that counts. Withholding carbs at the evening meal can trigger late-night snacking. Eat smaller portions of carb-rich core foods such as bread, pasta, rice, noodles and the like, and choose lower GI versions combined with plenty of veggies, satisfying amounts of milk products and lean meat, chicken, fish or vegetarian alternatives.

But you already knew that right?