My GROUPON experience with John Azzi Hairdressers

"The hair is the richest ornament of women" - Martin Luther

I couldn't agree more. 

I am sure most (if not everyone) of us have had our fair share of bad experience when it comes to hair, be it a bad hair cut or a bad colour or bad colour and hair cut. 

That's one of the reasons why I have been going to the same hairdresser for the past five years. And, the only time I get my hair cut is when I have my hair Japanese straightened during my annual visit to Malaysia. 

That being said, you can't quite blame me when I was a little skeptical when John Azzi himself insisted offered to give me a hair cut post my keratin treatment on a faithful Thursday, especially when I just had my hair cut a month prior. 

(One of the perks? of being a beauty blogger is you are the guinea pig get the opportunity to experience various beauty treatments. This keratin treatment + hair cut was generously offered by Groupon  Thanks Groupon!)

However, I am glad I did as I may have found THE hairdresser! You would have probably seen me raved about it on Instagram & Twitter and might have taken a few more  *cough* selfies *cough*  than usual post my hair cut. 

 With the man himself who gave my hair some "life" and volume without reducing the length! 

Ahhhh - the joy of heading home right after a freshly cut & blow-dried hair.

Such a waste. 

The salon is located at John's penthouse suite in the heart of Sydney CBD. 

Oh haiz - Sydney Tower. 

And yes, this is the view you get whilst you're waiting on the balcony, with a glass of wine in hand. 

 I could get used to poppin by at lunch time to have a blow dry whilst having a sneaky drink with comfortable couch like this. Imagine summer time... #justsayin

Upon arrival, I was kindly offered a glass of wino. I opted for water. YES, you read it right, w.a.t.e.r. In fact, I had to reject that glass of white a few times as I could still taste the Chandon I consumed during Crane Bar opening the night before. 

The salon was pretty empty when I got there after gym, at around 7pm. Just a heads up, I think it's better to head there later in the arvo/ evening when there are less people to ensure full attention from the staff and John himself. 

POST Keratin Treatment & new hurrrcut = a happy Adeline! :)

Keratin Treatment is definitely my frizz-fighting option going forward. Having my hair rebonded (also known as Japanese straightening) for the past decade (YEAPS, it has been an annual routine over the past 10 years) has damaged my hair. Bad. Real Bad. 

My hair was extremely smooth and silky after the keratin treatment, without the putrid chemical smell you get with Japanese straightening. However, I can't quite comment if it is as effective as Japanese straightening in terms of fighting frizz and straightening effect as I have just had my hair rebonded a month ago. It definitely is less damaging than your traditional Japanese Straightening.

 New Hurr Cut + LUSH Sea Spray + MAC Candy Yum Yum!

My hair has way more "shape" and less thick after the hair cut, especially the fringe! It makes styling way easier, with a spritz of Sea Salt Spray or two! 

I was really happy with the results and would definitely head back for Keratin Treatment and hair cut again! We all know how costly hair treatment/ hair care can be - and thank god for websites like Groupon, you are usually able to grab some good treatment bargains at a fraction of it's original cost! Unfortunately, this deal is no longer available but do look out on Groupon for similar deals!

When was your last visit to the hairdresser?

Have you had any beauty experience via deals websites? 

Let me know your experience! 

DISCLAIMER: This service was offered to Through Beauty Eyes for FREE, on behalf of Groupon Australia. All opinions expressed here are my own and based on MY personal experience. I am in no way affiliated with Groupon nor will I be compensated for any coupons sold on the sites. This post contains no affiliated links. For further information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policy.

PS: No, I did not forget about the post where I will be taking you girls (and gents?) through my life saviour/HG products that save you from looking like Lindsay Lohan or Amanda Bynes after media Thursdays (or any sneaking midweek Shenanigans!) - am still working on some of the photos! It's coming SOON! :)

XOXO,

A

Through Beauty Eyes Social Diaries #3 +

*Checks calendar*

What the fuuuuuu....dge? It's JUNE already?!?!?! 

How did the first half of the year flew by? And how did I neglect my little baby here for over a month? 

Well, I have been working on a side project which to be revealed at the end of the post and that has been taking up a whole lot of my time along with other life issues, gym and well... social events =P 

Lets catch up with what's happening in the beauty and social scene on Sydney as of late, shall we? And of course, some new products for the colder weather! 

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Pearls, bow tie, flappers seem to be back in action ever since our dear mate made its appearance in this new film called "The Great Gatsby" and yours truly happened to be partying like its 1920s at The Great Gatsby Soirée at Hugos Lounge last Friday. 

Photo Credit: Hugos Lounge

Close friends of mine would know how bad of a "dresser" I am when it comes to dressed up party. Like really bad. 

Photo Credit: Hugos Lounge

But I think I'm getting better at it especially after THIS particular rad, badass shot with my drinking partner in crime. :P

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Apart from cool parties and events, I do try to attend at least 2 events/ conferences/ exhibitions that's related to personal or professional development. "Make sure you invest some time and money in learning" said Jack Delosa

Your's truly at CEBIT 2013 - the largest business technology conference in Australia. Whilst I am no where close to be a decision-maker of a large corporation, it was really a massive eye-opener in terms of the technology available out there, especially with the evolving digital industry. 

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Remember that morning where your feed is flooded with Sydney's fog? Yeh - that ONLY morning where I was fortunate enough to a breakfast launch at Orbit Restaurant and Bar - one of the best spots in Sydney with stunning view, Sydney decides to be shower its concrete jungle with nothing but fog. 

Thanks buddy. 

We were introduced to the brand new RACINNE skincare range that was recently launched in Australia. 

Seven years of dedicated research later, this Canadian brand with world-leading Korean formula released two new ranges - The Ultimate Aqua Blanc Series (for women 30+) and The Ultimate Hydra Perfection Series (for women of all ages). These new ranges boast an advanced biotechnology formula, known as "Callus Cultivation Technology" providing nourishment, hydration and protection to skin. 

"The new ranges penetrate to the deepest layers of skin improving dull, dehydrated and aged skin, which is a common side effect of a natural climate such as in Australia" (BDM of Racinne International)

I am pretty excited to include these new babies into my winter skincare routine especially my skin is "well known" for being exceptionally dry during the colder days. Did I mention that they are pretty reasonably priced too? They are now available online at www.racinne.com.au 

I will let you know what I think about them once I go on a thorough test drive. :)

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Yet another great LiveAspireBlog event with my lovely and absolutely talented friend - Christina from Hair Romance as one of the speakers. If you are looking for some simple yet creative hair-spiration, Hair Romance is THE place to go to! She's currently doing a 30bunsIn30days challenge, don't forget to check that out too!

Check out my wrap up of the previous two #LiveAspireBlog HERE. 

The extremely talented Miranti from Pen & Peplum was one of the sponsors of the recent Live Aspire Blog and look at this genius and gorgeous creation of hers! A Blogger-To-Do-Lists! 

I.AM.IN.LOVE.

Seriously, a must-have for bloggers!

Unfortunately, her ETSY store is temporary shut as she is away on her holiday. However, don't forget to check out her lovely blog and look out for any updates on when its available again. 

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I love breakfast,  I love breakfast launches even more. I love breakfast launches with scrumptious menu and awesome team the most! 

(That's because I get to enjoy the favourite meal of my day, learning about awesome new products/ services before my day job!)

Pretty-In-Pink table settings at HerFashionBox Blogger Brunch | The Grounds @ Alexandria

PINK Box matches my iPad mini and lippie :P

HerFashionBox is a monthly subscription box with 2-3 fashion accessories + added beauty and lifestyle products and a bonus magazine that shares the latest tips and how-tos using the products included in the box. 

Unlike other subscription boxes with one-size-for-all-concept, you get to select your style - Classic, Feminine or Trendy with HerFashionBox. 

Wanna find out more about HerFashionBox, Norlin from Baubles Bubbles Blog did two detailed reviews HERE and HERE. 

And guess who I bumped into at Hugo's Gatsby Soiree? 

The cofounders of HFB - Kerry & Kath! 

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LUSH heaven with a glass of Chandon in hand, NEED I SAY MORE? 

With my gorgeous "blogger" friend - Nella aka Miss Beaute Gazette

Rockin' LUSH Sea Spray (LOVIN this!) with my fresh-off-the-salon hair cut from John Azi (more to come!) and one of my fav bubblegum pink lippie - MAC Candy Yum Yum

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One event after another, a few during the week, over a couple of weeks is the reason why I very much enjoy Saturday-Night-In in my pjs doing nothing with my candle and a good mag or a chicklit.

Photo Credit: Urban Society

 With Andy (aka Mister Kitchen Ninja) at Crane Bar launch at Potts Point after the LUSH Bloggers Event. 

Just your usual Wednesday night where you get to have a photo with the sexy Luke Jacobz

 

Japanezu Girls

 *insert Asian emoticons*

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The sleek interior of newly launched Brad Ngata on Crown after 12 years at his Goulbourn Street salon! 

Ladies and the man behind Maxted Thomas 

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Eurovision Finals Dress Up Party at Oxford Art Factory with Mel & Le Bestie!

Let's just said the best part of the night was dressing up and I was proud to stay around to find out what the fuss about Romania is all about! Eurovision is definitely not my cuppa tea. 

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As mentioned earlier in this post, THIS is the side project that I have been working on that's launching in the next two weeks! :)

WWW.EATTHISBURNTHAT.COM

(Head over there NOW and sign up to our newsletter to get FREE and latest update about our launch and any health & fitness related stuff!)

Don't forget to share the love on Eat This Burn That favourite hang out spots too!

www.facebook.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.instagram.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.twitter.com/EatThisBurnThat

www.pinterest.com/EatThisBurnThat

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 Wonder how I survive a week filled with events without looking like a dag? Stay tune for my next post where I take you through my life-saviour/ HG products that save you from looking like Lindsay Lohan after media Thursdays :P

That's an update from my side of the Social Diaries - what have you beauties been up to?

XOXO,

A

7 REASONS WHY I LOVE IVY POOL BY MERIVALE. AND LIPSTICKS LOVE.

Ivy Pool & Lipsticks. 

It's a weird combination for a blog post, innit?

But, I love them BOTH.

Ivy Pool - Penthouse view

Also, because I am in the mood for some swanky, badass cocktails and obviously, being the responsible adult I am, the closest I could get is probably drinking vicariously through my photo albums. *Light bulb moment* Why don't I just do a blog post on my favourite bar of all times?

AND, the reason I included lipsticks into this post is - I am wearing different lipsticks with different outfits in the photos in this post! Unintentionally.

Beauty + Bar ? 

Massive score in my books. 

Sipping CC Dry by the Pool on another Friday :P

WEARING: FLOMAR matte lipstick in #35 (swatched HERE)

If you have been stalking following me on my various social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), you would probably come to one of the following conclusions: 

1. Adeline is the Ivy Pool Ambassador.
2. Adeline owns the Ivy Pool. (Yeh, I wish)
3. Adeline has share holdings in the Merivale Group (hence, constantly contributing to Ivy Pool's weekly sales revenue)
4. Adeline is the Brand Advocate for Ivy Pool.
5. Have I mention, Adeline probably owns some shares in Merivale Group?

All of the above?

I WISH.

Why the above conclusions, one may ask.

Absinthe Shots in the infamous Ivy cups. (Anzac Eve 2013)

Why the above conclusions, one may ask.

Where do you want to catch up for drinks? Ivy Pool.

Where should we meet this Friday? Ivy Pool. 

Where should I check out when I am in Sydney? Ivy Pool.

Where is good for some groovin' & dancing post Friday after work drinks? Change Room (The level below Ivy Pool)

Oh, what about Ivy Bar? They are shit, come to Ivy Pool.

Where are you going to be after work on Friday? Oh, come on now is this a rhetorical question?

(Whilst I may have discovered a few new bars filled with men in suits, I always ended up at Ivy Pool at some point of the night)

Yeap, you get the point.

Amazing View - What's a better way to wind down after a long week on a Friday than to sip a glass of wine or your favorite drink of choice by the pool?

Please note: This does NOT apply when Sydney's weather decides to go temperamental on us. But lucky for Sydneysiders, we have significantly better weathers on Fridays than miserable ones.

Outdoor DJs (ie #Moonshine) + Palm Trees - There's a DJ deck right next to the pool - playing catchy tunes that gets you into groovy mood. Do you REALLY need more reasons? =P

On the downside though, this outdoor DJ only exists during the warmer months! 

SUMMER LOVIN - CC Dry + Pool <3 td="">

WEARING: REVLON LIP BUTTER IN LOLLIPOP

PERFECT settings - Combining all the factors above: palm trees *fantasising that I am in the sunny state of California instead of Sydney*, pool view (or dipping your feet into the pool), grooving background music, a glass of wine in hand while catching up with your friends/ colleagues/ partners/ parents/ grandparents.... SERIOUSLY, what more do you ask for? 

 WEARING: MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK IN VIVID ROSE + CK ONE GLORIOUS

Civilised Crowd - Mainly corporate crowd and you don't get random creeps trying to hit on you every 5 minutes. That gives you a great peace of mind to enjoy your bubbles.

Please note: This only applies 99% of the time - you do get the occasional random creeps grabbing your hand and plant a kiss on your palm and offering you shots after. 

Strawberry & Lychee Martini (ANZAC Eve, 2013)

Strategic location - located less than 5 minutes walk from Wynyard Shop makes getting home for Tipsy Adeline way easier. 

Robert & Yours Truly

 WEARING: RIMMEL LIPSTICK IN PINK BLUSH

Robert - Ro - whaaaaat? No, he is not Ryan Gosling lookalike. Robert is ALWAYS there in his coloured suit (bright pink, yellow, blue, white... you name it) crackin his ballroom-dance moves. By always, I really do mean ALWAYS. Like, every week. Everytime I am there, Robert is there. No joke. Anyone who is a frequent patron at Ivy Pool knows who I am talkin' about. :P

3AM by the pool post Christmas Party last year.

WEARING: RIMMEL Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in #11 (reviewed & swatched HERE)

EXTRA: You may jump into the pool for a cool down after an epic dancing session in the Change Room. Strictly optional. 

THE GORGEOUS NIVA <3 nbsp="" td="">

WEARING: MAC CANDY YUM YUM

I am pretty sure my gorgeous twitter-friend-turned-bestie Ms Niva Jean could vouch that Ivy Pool is pretty awesome when I FINALLY took her there when she visited Sydney a couple of weeks ago. RIGHT? 

WEARING: MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK IN VIVID ROSE + CK ONE GLORIOUS

In all seriousness though - it's a really good place to catch up with friends or colleagues over a few drinks as it isn't too loud and noisy. Whilst I am generally loud 24/7, I don't enjoy having to yell out loud throughout the entire conversation. :P The pool, palm trees and groovin music is undoubtedly relaxing for winding down after a long week! After a few drinks, head down to the Change Room to shake ya tail feather before catching the last train home across the street! That's how my typical Friday sounds like. :P

I know this is not your typical beauty/ bar review posts but it's always fun to mix something up! I hope you guys enjoyed this post whilst counting down to Friday after work drinks! 

My Sydney readers, have you been to Ivy Pool? 

IF not, what's your favourite bar to hang out?

XOXO,

A

#LiveAspireBlog #2 + How Alison Morgan & Connie Chapman build and grow their online businesses

Can you believe that we are already 1/3 through the second quarter of 2013? Unbelievable. After a shitty 2012, I am determined in making 2013 a better one and hoping to cross out at least 70% of my lists of goals by the end of this year..

Hence, spending an entire Sunday with a bunch of inspiring women, churning out random ideas and connecting random dots together over martini is exactly what I needed after my pretty damn hectic weekend which started since Thursday. (More on that in my next #ThroughBeautyEyesSocialDiaries wrap up).

That being said, I attended the second #LiveAspireBlog event at IKU WholeFoods in Darlinghurst.

(You can read about the first #LiveAspireBlog event HERE)

As opposed to merely just a networking meet up, the second #LiveAspireBlog was even better with inspiring speeches from Alison Morgan, the Director of Relauncher, an Australian destination that encompasses all areas of the expanding health, beauty and wellness industries and Connie Chapman, a certified Life Coach on how they build and their grow their online businesses.

Here are a few takeaways from the amazing ladies for those of you who have missed it (because I am awesome like this :P):

IF YOU WANT IT, YOU GOTTA WORK HARD FOR IT. 

It wasn't an overnight success for both Alison and Connie. They were once amateur too. They are where they are today through hard work, dedication and passionate about what they do. 

"If someone tells you it is easy, RUN" an epic quote from Jack Delosa. 

See what these successful entrepreneurs have in common? YOU JUST GOTTA FUCKING WORK FOR IT! #period

Alison Morgan

BE FLEXIBLE.

Just because you have a million-dollar business plan, if you aren’t flexible, it is not going to work. With the dynamic and everchanging business environment, you need to be able to adapt and follow your heart. Alison’s business today is a complete 180degrees change from her original business plan.

CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMERS

Always strive to provide great customer services, connect with your readers and customers and listen to what they want. Isn’t that what the whole new media/ digital marketing is all about? You really have no excuses not to engage with your customers. Fun fact, a substantial portion of Relauncher’s sales is made through Instagram.

Connie Chapman

TAKE THE RISK AND TAKE THE LEAP 

There will never be the “right” time for you to quit your comfortable 9-5 job and be your own boss. It’s all about taking chances. If consistent income is your main concern, take up a casual or part time job as your safety blanket! “You will never arrive”, said Connie.

ONLY TAKE ADVICE AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE SAME PAGE AS YOU ARE 

If you are sharing your new ideas/ light bulb moments with a co-worker who’s happy with his/ her 9-5 corporate job and has no interest in entrepreneurship, chances are – your potentially great idea Is probably going to get shut down.

Damn straight, sista! In this recent post, I vowed to get rid of the negative people in my lives and surround myself around with more inspiring people and it is going great so far! TRUST ME, it really helps when you’re feeling unmotivated and on the verge of giving up!  I have taken my first steps by being part of #LiveAspireBlog and also dedicated an entire Saturday to The Entourage Unconvention to learn more about entrepreneurship. I hope you have taken your first step out of your comfort zone too! If you are naturally shy or getting butterflies, Katherine from Through My Looking Glass has some pretty good tips for you on how to network #likeaboss. 

Jess from LiveHealthySimply, Connie Chapman, Alison Morgan & Ursula from The Aspirer.

Thank you for yet another inspiring and lovely weekend ladies!!! 

I am already looking forward to the next event! 

Looking to more of these networking events in Sydney but you missed out on the first two due to commitments? Fret not! Jess & Ursula had release the  #LiveAspireBlog dates for the remaining of the year!

The dates are: 26th May, 30th June, 11th August, 22nd September and 24th November! 

 Start bookmarking your diary now just so you aren't missing out! 

PS: Remember how I said my enthusiasm for make up isn’t as strong as before? Well, I lied. I got myself a few goodies during Priceline 40% cosmetics sales! (More on that in the next post :P) 

Hope you had some useful takeaway from this wrap up of mine!

HAPPY FRIDAY LOVELIES AND HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND! 

(Having to go back to work after a Thursday public holiday is just plain cruel.)

XOXO,

A

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#LOVE LIST #5: Beauty Edition

Since the beauty component of this blog has been MIA-ing quite a bit as or late, I thought I'd dedicate a Love List for the beauty products I'm currently loving!

I have been sent a few products at the start of the year (can you believe we are already in the second quarter of the year?!?) and finally got the chance to try them out and these are the ones that I'm diggin' at the moment!

Illamasqua Speckled Nail Polish in Fragile - A gorgeous Tiffany blue WITH speckles! That means you don't have to go through the hassle of applying 5 coats (2 for the base colour, 2 for the glitter AND top coat)! I was wearing this nail polish during my short trip back to Malaysia - and one of Mum's friend was IN LOVE with this nail polish. Lucky her, I brought it with me. =P

Wearing Katie and Ambition here 

Illamasqua Blush Duo in Katie and Ambition - Ambition is a mauve coloured blush with tiny bits of glitters whereas Katie is a matte baby pink blush. Ambition is a great colour on its own - it gives ithat gorgeous flush (somewhere between bronze and coral) within being to over the top; Katie, on the other hand, is a tad too pale for my skin to wear on its own! 

A CLOSE UP of the blush combination :)

However, Katie is the perfect shade to mattify Ambition if I am feeling a no-glitter kinda day! This Blush Duo has been my everyday blush during my short Malaysia trip during Easter! 

Models Prefer Lust Lipstick in Cupcake - Another new found love of mine - this coral lippie with extremely moisturising formula is surprisingly pigmented and long-lasting. It reminds me a lot of Revlon's Lip Butter in Trutti Frutti (reviewed HERE). The best thing is? It's only $11.99 a pop. Gotta love me some good cheapie lippie! 

Benefit FAKE UP Concealer - You might have came across this product on Through Beauty Eyes from my Social Diaries #2 updates (Remember the topless butler? Yes, THAT) I finally get around to trying this and my FAKE UP cherry was popped after a long haul flight. Needless to say, I was hooked since then and FAKE UP has definitely made its way to claim the HG concealer spot. LATERS, dry undereyes! However, if you're looking for a full coverage concealer - this might not be the man (or lady) for you as the formula is pretty sheer (due to its moisturising nature I suppose). I do get the desirable concealing I am looking for by applying a couple of layers. Make sure you try it out at your nearest Benefit counter before doing any purchase! A quick tip I learnt from the #FakeUpevent is to apply this concealer in a "V shape" on your undereye and blend it upwards using your ring finger. 

URIAGE Thermal Water for sensitive skin - This baby was a life savior during my short trip to Malaysia - a couple of pump of this thermal water in the hot and humid weather is one of my simple pleasures in life! So refreshing, so good. URIAGE Eau Thermal is still saving my life skin now that I am back in Sydney. With the change in weather - my skin has been PMS-ing like a bitch. Ridiculously dry and rashes poppin' up left right centre (quite literally). I try to spray this every half an hour or so to replenish my skin with some water it desperately needs. LOVE! 

Hope you enjoyed this my love list and quick reviews this week. J

Have you tried any of these products?

What are on your love list this week and did any of the above products make it into your list?

XOXO,

A