Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Stirling Restaurant Recommendation: The Locavore



The Locavore
49 Mount Barker Road
Stirling
SA 5152

Hi guys! Last month we went on a drive to Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills. It's such a beautiful area, with lots of pretty flowers, gorgeous trees lining the roads and quaint little shops that just begged to be explored! I really love the relaxed vibe, and I guess it helped that we visited on a lazy Sunday. The only problem was, Sunday is the one day of the week the much-hyped Lobethal Bakery is closed. Oh damn! So that's still on my must-visit list (a great excuse to re-visit this lovely part of South Australia).





We had lunch at The Locavore, which is a family-run restaurant situated along Mount Barker Road. Given the option, I basically never choose to sit outside (wind being my mortal enemy and all) but it was such a lovely day, and to keep hubby on his toes (plus natural lighting, who are we kidding?), we sat out the front, which was the best decision ever. It was a super relaxed atmosphere and we were able to people and (more importantly) dog watch to our hearts content. So many dogs, you guys.

The Locavore specialises in locally sourced produce, and they strive to live by the 100 mile diet. This means that, as much as possible, they try to work with produce that is grown within a 100 mile radius of the restaurant. I love this idea. Talk about supporting local! Time to slip the #IChooseSA hashtag in.





Now onto the food. They do have a Kids Menu, but we did have to request it. Everything on the adult menu was a bit too fancy for our fussy son, who has only recently branched out to Fish and Chips as his restaurant order, after a good many years ordering Chicken Nuggets and Chips. Baby steps, right? He loved his meal, and happily, it was quite a generous size for a kids meal. The hand-cut chips were super chunky too!




Hubby and I ordered the Dips & Dukkah Starter and it was amazing! He said to me "you're ordering the dips platter no matter what, aren't you?" and he was right. Ain't no stopping me. This is one of my favourite things to get as a Starter, and this platter did not disappoint. There's just something about dipping various breads in oils, dips and dukkah that makes my heart sing. These flavours were delicious. It included two housemade dips, toasted rye bread, extra virgin olive oil, vincotto, house made dukkah and Fleurieu olives which hubby claimed because I'm that freak that dislikes olives.




My husband had the Murraylands Sirloin with Three Chips (lol, not the actual name of it) which he said was beautifully cooked. It was actually served with kipfler potato and red wine jus. Yum. Usually we let our son steal some of our chips, but hubby wasn't letting him eat Tom, Dick or Harry on this occasion, and rightly so. Haha.




I ordered the Gnocchi, which was accompanied by a creamy, delicious sauce and was absolutely to die for. I always gravitate towards pasta, what can I say? Sorry, not sorry. Except sorry to my clothes, I guess, which invariably fit a little tighter afterwards. Worth it though, when a dish tastes this good! Guys, I cannot find the menu I printed out at the time with this exact dish name on it (lol, I can't be the only one that prints out the menu and plans their entire meal beforehand? Like with highlighter and everything?) and now their online menu has changed so I have NFI what this gnocchi exactly was, just know that it was incredible and you should haul arse to Stirling and dine at The Locavore immediately.


You can follow The Locavore on Instagram here or Facebook here and make a booking here.






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Disclaimer: Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Do you have a favourite restaurant in the Adelaide Hills?

Monday, February 17, 2020

GIVEAWAY: WIN a $100 Restaurant Gift Card!



Hi guys! I have reached 5000 followers on my foodie Instagram account, which I'm so thrilled about! I want to thank everyone for the support; I'm so grateful for the likes, comments and follows! To show my appreciation, I'm running a fantastic Giveaway to WIN a $100 Good Food Restaurant Gift Card! You can use this gift card on food and beverages at hundreds of restaurants across Australia! Who doesn't love eating out, and it's even better when it's free, right? This is being run on my foodie Instagram page @imhungrymax so hop over there now and get your entry in!

If you'd like to see all the participating restaurants you can feast at using the Good Food Gift Card, you can do that on their website here. Every Australian state has participating restaurants, yes even Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT (I checked as I don't want anyone missing out!).


PRIZE
~ 1 x $100 Good Food Restaurant Gift Card

Entering is super easy! Head over to my foodie Instagram account @imhungrymax and enter now!






This Giveaway is open to Australian residents only. Giveaway will run until 11:59pm Adelaide time on 29 February 2020. Winner will be picked using a random number generator and announced on the Instagram Giveaway post and notified via Instagram DM on Monday 2 March. GOOD LUCK!


CLICK HERE to be taken directly to the Giveaway!


You may be interested in my 2020 Project Pan

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Disclaimer: Gift Card was purchased by me and this Giveaway is not associated with Instagram or Good Food. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

2020 Project Pan: February - April



Hi guys! Well I've just finished my 2020 Masking Challenge (here are the results) and now it's straight on to my 2020 Project Pan! I've been so keen to get into this, but knew it was way too ambitious to start whilst using twenty masks in a month (which ended up only being ten lol), so here we go! This lot of products I'll be going hard on for three months, from February right through until the end of April.

The idea behind this is to use up a shit-ton of products that would normally just be sitting in the cupboard, approaching their expiry dates, possibly hidden from sight behind other products #beautybloggerproblems ~ I've specifically picked out things I don't want to go to waste, things I really want to use and things I can power through.

My plan at this stage is to pick another 20 products for the next Project Pan (May - July) and so forth until the end of the year, then see how I've done. However, I may carry some products over into the next Project Pan if I'm really loving them/I love the results/I'm nearly finished it for example. OK so I've only really thought through the first three months lol. I want to just dive in and play it by ear basically!




Here are the first lot of products in my Feb - April Project Pan!

1.  Clear Skincare Microdermabrasion Cream*
2   Kit Pomegranate & Pink Grapefruit Body Lotion
3.  Lush Twilight Shower Gel
4.  Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask
5.  La Roche-Posay Serozinc
6.  Skin Physics Lash & Brow Magic Enhancing Treatment
7.  L'Oreal Pure Clay Anti-Blemish Mask
8.  Chapstick Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub*
9.  GlamGlow GravityMud Firming Treatment
10. Nip + Fab Skin No Needle Fix Serum
11. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
12. Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier*
13. The Base Collective Magnesium & White Tea Hand & Body Wash*
14. Revlon Youth FX Fill + Blur Primer
15. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Spot Treatment
16. StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks
17. A'kin Rose Mist Toner
18. Andalou Youth Firm Night Cream
19. Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover
20. Olay Total Effects Whip Moisturizer



Wish me luck with this lot! Hopefully I can finish a few of them over the next three months or at least make a big dent in them. Anyway I'm sure it will feel good to be 'shopping my stash' and working towards emptying out my beauty cupboard. I'm so sick of being overwhelmed with products everywhere!



You may be interested in Results of my 2020 Masking Challenge!

Linking up with Lovin' Life Linky



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Disclaimer: Products marked * were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Are you doing a Project Pan this year? On a low buy? Spill the details below!

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Results: 2020 Masking Challenge!



Hi guys! I'm writing this introduction last, so I've used all the masks featured below now, and I have to say this Challenge was harder than I thought it would be! Here's the blog post explaining this Masking Challenge, in case you haven't read that. First of all, it's hard finding the time for a mask nearly every day, then there's taking my skin's reaction to multiple masks into consideration. My skin was more sensitive than I thought and really didn't like lots of masks in a row, so I had to have days off in between, setting me back in time and motivation. Because of this I've decided to do away with the second part of this challenge (so I will have used 10 masks instead of 20). I really don't want to stress my skin out any further. Anyway, here are my experiences with the masks I used. Comment below if you've used any of these and what you thought of it!





1. Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask

'Unveil plumper,  firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Perfect for dry or dull complexions in need of a lift, this Collagen-packed formula works to help improve skin's elasticity while smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.'

Type: hard-drying. Wash off after waiting 15-20 minutes for it to dry. Use 2-3 times per week.

My thoughts
First of all, I'm a fan of this type of hard-drying mask, as it's so easy to wash off in the shower, and not as messy as a sheet mask. Results-wise, I'm very impressed! The first thing I noticed was how bright my skin was afterwards, followed by really even skin tone. Then I noticed a tighter complexion, particularly under my eyes and to the sides of my mouth. This one would be perfect to use in preparation for an event.



2. 7th Heaven Manuka Honey Peel-Off Mask*

'With Manuka honey collected from the nectar of the bushes of New Zealand, this natural cleansing peel-off mask will gently remove dead cells. Used regularly pores will be emptied and restored!'

Type: peel-off. Apply, wait 20-25 minutes until dry then peel off.

My thoughts
I'm not in love with the formula, as it was difficult and messy to apply what is essentially sticky honey all over my face then attempt to wash it off my hands. Results-wise, I couldn't see much of a difference in my complexion, other than the slight yellow tinge of my skin after removing it! I wouldn't purchase this one, to be honest.



3. Aus Medic Co. Phyto-Nutrient Face Mask

'A phyto-nutrient rich formulation designed to clear dead skin cells and surface debris to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores unveiling radiant, glowing and healthy skin.'

Type: A thick light green cream containing microcapsules that you massage in, leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse off.

My thoughts
This was quite nice to apply and massage into the skin. This took ages to wash off in the shower but that could be because I applied quite a thick layer to use it all up in one go. Afterwards, my skin felt really soft and smooth, so this definitely exfoliated off the dead skin cells. I quite liked this one!



4. 7th Heaven Coconut Cream Deep Moisture Boost Hydrating Mask*

'Give your face a nourishing hydration treatment with intensive moisture from Shea and Cocoa butters, all mixed up with a generous helping of creamy coconut freshness.'

Type: This is a thick white cream mask that's non-drying, you simply wait 10-15 minutes then wash it off, designed to be used once a week.

My thoughts
This felt soothing upon application, but I did experience tingling whilst it was on. I'm not sure if my skin is freaking out from too many masks (I specifically chose a moisturising, gentle mask not one with hardcore ingredients). After I washed it off, my skin looked healthy and definitely had a glow to it. My skin tone looked even too. I'd get this one again for sure!



5. L'Oreal Pure Clay Anti-Blemish Mask

'Combines 3 pure clays with the soothing properties of Marine Algae Extract to help clear blackheads and tighten pores.'

Type: Apply a thin layer over a cleansed face, wait 10-15 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Can be used twice a week.

My thoughts
This was super easy to apply because the formula is quite thin and very smooth and creamy, despite it appearing thick in the pot. I also love the subtle fragrance of this mask and the colour of it! I picked this one for today because after yesterday's hydrating mask I developed two little pimples (which happens with me if I moisturise or hydrate my skin too much). After removing the mask, I noticed my pores were smaller and my skin was tighter. I think this might be my favourite of the masks I've tried so far.

~~~~

Editors Note!
After five masks in nearly as many days, my skin was slightly flushed/red in appearance and I broke out with about three quite small pimples. I treated these with a pimple cream overnight and skipped doing a mask for a day so that my skin had a chance to calm down. It looked much better the next day, so I proceeded with the Challenge.

~~~~



6. In-Flight Magic Celebrations Hangover Mask*

'Re-hydrates dehydrated skin, cools and soothes irritable skin, reduces redness and blotchiness, rejuvenates stressed skin.'

Type: This is a very thick white balm-like formula that you apply, leave on for 10 minutes (or even overnight) then wash off.

My thoughts
This smelled lovely and even though I applied a liberal amount, there's still enough left for 1-2 applications. It does feel quite gentle, soothing and calming whilst it sits on the skin. After removal my skin was just kind of the same? I didn't really notice a difference, but it was pleasant to use.

~~~~
Editors Note!
Nope, my skin was not liking this many masks and just kind of looked wrong and not healthy. Also my skin looked greasy as hell after applying moisturiser, like it was too moisturised or something! I took a few days break from the masking challenge at this point (plus I had a super busy few days so it would have been hard to fit a daily mask in, anyway).
~~~~



7. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask*

'This powerful mask helps address the appearance of a dull, aging complexion in three ways: by exfoliating with pumpkin enzyme, peeling with Alpha Hydroxy Acid and polishing with Aluminium Oxide Crystals.'

Type: This orange gel mask is an enzymatic dermal resurfacer that you apply in a thin layer then massage in to exfoliate then leave on for 3 - 7 minutes depending on skin sensitivity. Then wash off.

My thoughts
There was a bit of a hurty tingle once I applied this but it disappeared thankfully. I really liked how fresh, clean and renewed my skin felt after washing this off. I hadn't exfoliated in a while due to my skin freaking out, so I was overdue, and I was really happy with the results of this; smooth, healthy-looking, brighter skin.



8. 7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Mask*

'With nutrient rich Dead Sea minerals and soothing lavender our natural mud mask hardens to draw out blocked pores leaving skin squeaky clean and really soft to the touch.'

Type: This is a deep pore cleansing hard drying formula that you leave on for 15 minutes then wash off.

My thoughts
I really liked my results from this mask! My skin looked fresh and brighter, not irritated at all and true to its claim, it was really soft. I'd definitely use this one again.



9. Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask

'Our ultra-hydrating pore-refining charcoal tissue mask is enriched with black algae extract, LHA and Hyaluronic Acid to purify, refine pores and skin texture, while leaving skin hydrated.'

Type: A black sheet mask that you leave on for 15 minutes, then remove, massaging in the excess serum.

My thoughts
Honestly, I find sheet masks cold, wet and uncomfortable to wear. This does stick well to the face though. My skin did look brighter and my pores were smaller and more refined afterwards. I made the mistake of trying to apply my moisturiser after massaging in the extra serum and the two did not mix well, causing the dreaded ball up effect all over my face, which I had to micellar water off. Apart from this my skin did look nice, but I probably wouldn't bother with this mask again.



10. 7th Heaven Charcoal Mud Mask*

'Our purifying charcoal exfoliating walnut shell mask unclogs pores and polishes away grime. Detoxifying charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities.'

Type: This is a black hard-drying mask that contains chunky walnut shell pieces, for oily, combo and problem skin. It can be used weekly. Leave on for 15 minutes or until dry then wash off.

My thoughts
I loved how my skin looked after using this! Admittedly I have been getting more sleep lately since it's the school holidays, but my skin was super smooth and looked clean and fresh. My skin tone was the best it has been, but again I'm not sure if that's the mask or the amount of sleep I've been getting!

In summary, I feel like I failed this Challenge because I only got halfway through and had to quit (I hate quitting things!) but I have no regrets about putting the health of my skin first. There's no way it would have handled ten more masks when I had ongoing issues during the first ten. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this challenge nonetheless!



You may be interested in my 2020 Masking Challenge

Linking up with Life This Week

Don't miss a post!
Like Max The Unicorn on Facebook
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Disclaimer: Products marked * were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Have you used any of these masks? What's your favourite mask?