My Favourite City to Live in Australia (+ Giveaway)

When we moved from the UK to Australia, Monsieur Slimalicious and I had to decide on where we would live, which city we would settle in in Australia. Mr Slim is originally from Brisbane and the easiest option would have been to drop our suitcases there, to be surrounded by his family and existing friends that he had left four years ago to live in Europe.

Brisbane Skyline at night

But this wouldn't have worked. For me at least. I was leaving my own family and friends behind and in my view it was important that we start on equal ground and build a new life together, in a neutral territory!

We also both agreed that after living in London and Tokyo, Brisbane was a little too 'quiet' for us. So really we were left only with two options: Melbourne or Sydney. The first place when landed in in Australia was Sydney. It was summer and I instantaneously loved it. It reminded me of Montpellier, the city in the south of France where I had lived for the last few years before leaving France for the UK. With a Mediterranean-like climate, its proximity to the many beaches and beautiful landmarks, the choice was made for me.

Sydney Skyline at night

Mr Slim on the other hand loved Melbourne (and still does): he is an AFL supporter - what do you expect! He often tells me how life would have been different if we had chosen to live in Melbourne. I have been to Melbourne 3 or 4 times and personally after living in Sydney for now over 4 years, I have never regretted my choice. I just love Sydney and everyday I am grateful to live in a safe and beautiful city. 

Melbourne Skyline at night

I read on realestateview.com.au that the Melbourne-Sydney rivalry dates back for centuries and has been linked to when the two states were fighting over the location of the new Federation’s parliament and even further back to the 1800s when the gold rush in Victoria fuelled population expansion. Whatever sparked this competitive spirit, it’s certainly a topic that hasn't waned in modern times. Whether it’s “the coffee is better in Melbourne” or “the weather is better in Sydney” the tale of two cities continues to fire up passionate debate across culture, sports, politics and even the property market.

 

Giveaway

Mademoiselle Slimalicious and RealEstateView have teamed up and have a $50 vouchers from Masters to giveaway to one lucky reader to help with some ideas to refresh your home or to help with the next home move. 

To enter: To be eligible, you MUST be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"What is your favourite city in Australia and Why?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

• Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter 
• Tweet this Thanks @MSlimalicious for giving us a chance to win a $50 Masters voucher! www.mslimalicious.com/ #freebies #giveaway
• Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Giveaway is open to readers with a delivery address in Australia only, and closes on 20th December 2013 at 9 pm (EAST). A winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s postal address is not received by 24th December 2013, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prize was kindly donated by RealEstateView. Total prize pool value: $50. 

  

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

Photography copyright: these photos are the property of Mademoiselle Slimalicious. Do not use without written consent. Pin on Pinterest is allowed.

Christmas Shopping Guide 2013 - for Her and for Him

Following the success of last year Christmas Gift guide, here is some inspiration for the Christmas season! 

Below are two sections: For HER and For HIM and the gifts are listed by price (low to high).

FOR HER

Bakers Delight’s Christmas goodies Nothing says traditional Christmas like Fruit Mince Tarts, made with real fruit mince and encased in traditional short bread, and Christmas Cakes with real currants, sultanas and fragrant spices and topped with delectable cherries. The large Christmas Cake also comes in a lovely decorated tin. RRP $1.70 to $15

CoverGirl Make up

These must have items from the new CoverGirl range will make any lolita happy this Christmas! The Ink It waterproof eyeliner glides on smoothly and easily to enhance your look, while the new Outlast® Stay Brilliant Glosstinis is a long lasting nail polish that requires only one application and no top coat! The Lipslicks Smoochies is a beach bag essentials for girls on-the-go. RRP: $4.95 - $12.95 

Frank Coffee Scrub
A humble coffee scrub packed with minerals and essential oils for smooth, supple skin, and antioxidants to treat stretch marks, scars, and acne. With its high caffeine content Frank also increases blood-flow and circulation to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  RRP $14.95

Tin Candle Christmas

How divine are tin candles down you Christmas table! This beautiful scented candle has a fruity fragrance that will transform your home, creating a unique romantic atmosphere. RPP $17.50

Baileys hand made English carrot hand cream

Free from nasty paraben and sulphates, this delicious and luxurious hand cream is made with shea butter to moisturise and nourish your hands and nails. Made in England. RRP: $20.50

Set of Cheese Jams imported from France 

Celebrate Christmas in style while travelling from the comfort of your own home in Australia with this delicious selection of gourmet French cheese jams. Located in the sunny Languedoc-Roussillon region, in the south of France, L'Epicurien’s master jam maker, Bernard Le Gulvout, uses traditional techniques to create exquisite jam flavour combinations perfect for goat cheese, blue cheese, brie and camembert ! RRP: $23.95

JBronze Tanning range

JBronze is Jennifer Hawkins’ new self-tanning range, 100% Paraben free, proudly Australian made and owned. The lightweight instant bronzing creams will illuminate your skin and give you a radiant, healthy, sun kissed glow for the most natural looking tan effect.  RRP  $24.95 - $39.95

The Jade Widow by Deborah O’Brien 

A captivating historical novel of pioneering Australian women finding their way in a man's world. The perfect summer book, take it with you to the beach or on holiday! RRP $32.95 

Canvas Tote
Five out of five Italian Cows prefer canvas... Says it all really. Keep your loved one's chuckling with this beautiful 100% cotton canvas tote bag from the bagladies. The perfect everyday companion to keep you smiling. Machine Washable. RRP $35

BodyShaper Essentials Gift Set 

BioElixia® is an Australian owned, science based company that have developed a range of products containing a patented delivery system, described as TPM® Dermal Delivery Technology. These powerful body wash and body lotion deliver more key ingredients to where they are needed to keep you looking good! Contain no paraben, formadehydes, sulphates, phthalates and artificial colours.  RRP $49.95  

ANNOD natural & organic skincare
Annod is an Australian made skincare range. The products are as pure as possible, originating from organic, natural ingredients and oil remedies, based on age-old principles of blending vegetable, healing and essential oils. Contain no artificial colours or fragrances.RRP $39-63



Perfumed Jewelry

Perfumed Jewelry brings a woman’s favourite perfume and jewelry together in one stunning filigree pendant. Each combination is unique and reflects the wearer’s personality, mood and style: not simply a pendant or a perfume, it is a statement that proclaims ‘I am unique’. RRP $140 (free shipping)

Thalgo Silicium Christmas Coffret

Restore firmness and elasticity while filling deep wrinkles. These Thalgo products are designed to smooth, fill and lift the skin. The coffret includes a nourishing face cream, a Silicium Extract to help restore density to the skin and re-sculpt the face leaving a velvety finish, and an eye cream with anti-ageing active ingredients to redefine and lift the eye contour area. RRP: $159  

Lululemon Warrior Weekend Bag 

We never know what adventures a weekend away has in store for us, so Lululemon designed this lightweight bag to make sure we're ready for anything. With a large zippered opening and plenty of pockets to keep us organized, this bag has us ready for a yoga class, sweaty workout, or dinner out in no time at all. The water-resistant fabric is easy to clean. RRP $169 

FOR HIM

Tie & cuff links gift set

No outfit is complete without the right accessories. This beautiful box set includes a matching tie, pocket square and cufflinks. RRP $39

Weleda Men’s Christmas Gift Pack

Revitalise and purify the skin with the soothing duo of Weleda Shaving Cream (75ml) and Men’s Intensive Cream (30ml). Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the men’s products have been formulated with carefully selected high quality natural ingredients for balanced healthy-looking skin and the delivery of a gentle shaving experience. RRP $29.35

Under a Mackerel Sky by Rick Stein

"All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why". This book is the wry, perceptive and brilliantly evocative memoir of one of Britain's best-loved cooks, Rick Stein. RRP $34.95

Georges Foreman Mix & Go 

Get your man to whizz up his own delicious smoothies effortlessly with this compact blender featuring a 300W motor with ice crushing blades. Mix & Go allows you to make your favourite shakes in just a few easy steps and then take them away with you. Included are 2 x 600mL BPA free drink bottes with lids. RRP $35

A double pass to Moonlight Cinema

Watch a romantic movie and enjoy a glass of wine with your other half this summer at Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema in Sydney, Melbourne ,Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Port Douglas! RRP $36

Mad Millie Italian Cheese Kit

This DIY cheese kit provides you with everything you need to whip up Italian favourites quickly in under an hour! Get your man to prepare Fresh Italian Mozzarella and Bocconcini, Ricotta, Ricotta Salata, Burrata and Mascarpone! Makes over 10 batches of cheese (approx 6kg in total). Designed to be used in any kitchen. No cheesemaking experience needed! No artificial flavours or preservatives and is vegetarian. RRP $39

Every Man Jack

Every Man Jack offers a complete line of simple and affordable men's grooming products with high-quality formulas free of harsh chemicals. The non-greasy formula will deeply hydrate and heal dry or razor irritated skin. All without blocking pores. Suitable for all skin types. RRP $44.85

Andre Verdier Laguiole Classique Salad Spoon Set Ivory

Andre Verdier is the highest quality range of Laguiole cutlery, displaying fine French craftsmanship since 1859. Toss and serve your healthy salads with flair, this classic salad set has a beautiful polished finish and is constructed from 2.2mm professional-quality stainless steel with distinguishable engravings. The set is presented in a lovely European Beech timber box. RRP $75.95

BLUNT Lite Umbrella
Every BLUNT umbrella features patented BLUNT Tips that form an integral part of its unique Radial Tensioning System (RTS). A system that redirects, transfers and distributes the effort used in opening the umbrella throughout its entire canopy surface. RRP $79

What's on your wish list this Christmas?

When do you usually start your Christmas Shopping?

Expat Life: Top 10 French Expat FAQ

I have lived overseas for 7.5 years. Like most expats and migrants, every week I am being asked the top 10 French expat FAQ.

1. What's your background? At first this question would confuse me. I wasn't sure if people meant professional background or field of study. Since I learnt it's just the Australian diplomatic way to ask "where do you come from?"

2. Where in France are you from? I have developed a standard answer: "I was born in Paris but I grew up in the South of France". I noticed all people hear is 'PARIS'. Then they start telling me about their last trip there and how much they loved it. Or worse, they tell me about their upcoming trip and ask for recommendations. I left Paris when I was 4. Most tourists now it better than I do! 

3. Do you like it here? I can't imagine the face of people if I was to answer, "no actually, I don't!". I should try once, just for fun :) Luckily I do love it here, and that always brings a big smile to the face of whoever asked the question. I justify by explaining how grateful I feel for the opportunities I have had since moving here. Sometimes I also mention the lovely weather, amazing wildlife and friendly people :)

4. Do you miss home? Of course I do. I am from France! Not from a war zone country which I always dreamt of escaping. The good thing is after so many years of living away from home, I got used to it, and it has become easier and easier to be far from family and friends. 

5. What do you miss most about home? Family and friends always come first. Then THE FOOD. Indeed. (I always say the food here is great though - because it is pretty good.)

6. Are you going to stay in Australia forever? Who knows. As much as I love Australia, it is a very isolated part of the world and with my parents growing old it is worrying and making me feel guilty to be so far from them. 

7. Why brought you here? My aussie fiance. We met in London in 2006, we were both living there.

8. Did you learn English at school? I sure did, from the age of 12 (compulsory). It took me 10 years of theoretical learning and over 2 years of in-country practice to speak it fluently. The hardest challenge of my life so far. But I made it and it's highly rewarding to live a life in a different language.

9. Can you cook French food? I love to think I can. Even if it's only 1 or 2 recipes!

10. Do you eat snails? No way! How gross!

Are you an expat? 

What questions are you asked most often?

Images source: 

1. Internation.org

2. mywinepal.files.wordpress.com

Christmas Giveaway: Win 2x Bottles of Wine!

What a better way to celebrate Christmas than with an Australian wine giveaway! This year I wrote a lot about wine, wine is for me a symbol of my own culture but also of my host country, Australia.  

One lucky reader will win 2 bottles from the Taylors Wines range:

• Taylors Estate 2012 Chardonnay 
• Promised Land Moscato  

Taylors Wines, is a family-owned wine company in South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley.

Taylors Chardonnay's toasty nutty flavours of the oak perfectly complement the rich melon peach varietal characters of the grape in this soft full-flavoured Chardonnay. The Moscato is a vibrant white wine with fresh juicy melon flavours and a lively spritz. Great for a warm summer's eve with a fruit salad.

To enter: Post on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook Page Wall a photo of what you love best about summer! 

Make sure you like my facebook page, the winner will be announced there! 

 

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

• Leave a comment below and tell me what is the best Christmas gift you have ever received.
• Tweet this Thank you @MSlimalicious for giving us a chance to win 2x @Taylors_Wines bottles! Visit www.mslimalicious.com  
• Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter (you can use the buttons below the post)
• Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you via Facebook if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers in Australia. The giveaway closes on December 15th, 6 pm. One winner will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winner will be notified on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and postal address is not received by December 17th, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prize was kindly donated by Taylors Wine. Total prize pool value is of about $26.45. I did not receive financial compensation for writing this post, I was gifted product samples for the purpose of this review , all opinions are my own.  

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

Belgian Chocolate Mousse: Mum's fast & easy recipe (no cream, no added sugar)

When we went to France in August for our holiday, Maman made this delicious "mousse au chocolat" recipe for us. Mr Slimalicious loved it. Personally what I like best about this recipe is that it is super fast and easy to make! No more whisking egg whites forever and ever, before gently incorporating the chocolate to the raw meringue, slowly, slowly....Non, non! This recipe is a speedy one for busy women like us! 

This chocolate mousse recipe also contains no added sugar or cream.  

Ingredients

• 200 ml milk
• 1 tbsp good quality instant coffee
• 175 g Belgian dark cooking chocolate (70% minimum)
• 2 farm fresh eggs
• 1 tbsp rum (optional)

Method

1. Heat the milk and add the instant coffee until bubbles form. 
2. Place chocolate in a food processor, add hot milk. Mix.
3. Add raw eggs and rum. Mix. 
4. Place in the fridge for 3 to 5 hours.

Before serving, grate some dark chocolate or pipe a little whipped cream on top of each mousse and garnish with raspberries.

Bon appetit! 

The Healing Power of Humour: Infographic

A few weeks ago I wrote about the benefits of Laughter Therapy. I've been going to Laughing Yoga for a few weeks now and really enjoying it! 

Below is a great infographic I found on Great Clean Jokes that summarise well the powerful effect of humour and laughter on people. 

What or who makes you laugh most?
How often do you laugh?
Do you make other laugh too?