Under Construction

Over the last month, I have been gradually getting more and more frustrated with my blog. I am a perfectionist and things just haven't been exactly how I want them, so I've decided to fix it!

Over the next month or so, (I will give you an exact date asap) I will be devolping my blog and relaunching something much bigger and better! This means that instead of focussing on my posts, I will be re-building my blog in a different location. I really appreciate your patience during this time, and encourage you to follow me on facebook, to keep up to date with all of my progress!

In the mean time, if you have anything you would like to see covered on my new blog, incuding hair and makeup how to's, please email me!

Thank you so much for all of your support to date, I can't wait to share with you what I'm working on!

makeup@katemckenna.com.au

x

Top Gear love Annabel too!

Ok so let's face it, when it comes to the technical side of the Audi A1, I don't really know what I'm talking about. I know what I like, but I don't necessarily know why I like it. So I decided to do some research on what the experts think, but firstly I established a list of what is important to me when purchasing a car.

Non- Negotiable ...

Appearance

Ok I know you probably all think I'm superficial, but who wants to spend thousands of hard earned $'s on something that you look at every morning and think 'Oh goodness you are one ugly car!'

Economical

For saving cash and because I care about the environment

Comfortable

Comfort is essential for me when travelling lots of hours every week

Practical
This means enough room in the boot for my makeup and hair cases. Also the majority of the time it's just me in the car, so back seats aren't a priority, but as I've said before, I love options!

Air Conditioning

After 4 years of no air-con with my first car, I vowed never to do that again!

Extra features that I would like be aren't essential...

Sound System

Nothing crazy, I'm not someone who drives around town with the windows down and the music 'cranking' but I do like it to be clear when I turn up my favourite song!

Also a CD player/stacker, iPod connectivity, or something similar so that I don't have to change CD's all the time.

Bluetooth for my phone

Lets face it, 'speaker' on iPhone sucks!

Fun Electricals

Power windows, automatic lights or wipers etc are always fun!

Zippy

For weaving in and out of traffic!

All of these considered, and no I'm not being bias towards Annabel - although she is pretty amazing - almost everything was met in both categories. I believe my lists are very similar to what most women my age would be looking for in a car.

Research time ... So apparently everyone likes Top Gear. I must say that whenever it's on TV I leave the room- I may regret admitting that, it's just something that has never interested me. However, I respect that they know what they are talking about when it comes to cars, and are probably the best in the world at comparing different models and brands.

So here's what Top Gear had to say about the Audi A1.

'Audi's Mini is finally here'

Audi has joined the market of small, luxury, sporty cars and is definitely a strong with loads of custom options to personalise the A1 to suit you. On the outside... They particularly like the lights. Shaped similarly to that of the Audi A8 and R8 (Annabel's much sportier older siblings) as well as the 'Sporty European Shape'. On the inside... Considering word on the street is that Audi used an aeroplane as inspiration, the Top Gear guys commended the air vents that resemble turbines and the wing shape to the dash.

They then go on to talk about the engine, the bit that goes well over my head! Basically what they say is 'it goes fast!'

You may like to read the full Top Gear review.

You also may like to watch this video from You Tube.

My conclusion...

It gets the reviews from the experts and the general public that it deserves! A well rated car all round!

Do you have a product you would love me to review?

Please contact me directly for Brand Ambassador and Product Review Enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Day 4 & 5

So... Unfortunately it was back to reality for me, off to work I went on Tuesday and Wednesday, so there wasn't much time to spend with Annabel and explore the roads!
Fortuntely though, I do have a couple of photos to share with you!

I had to show you the size of the boot! Small cars often simply that, SMALL! (Including their boots!) I have been quite impressed with how much I can fit into Annabel's boot (you might even say she is 'Bootilicious!') I managed to comfortably fit in an Overnight bag, a pair of heels, a pair of wedges, uggies, hand bag, beauty case, and a number of mystery boyfriend owned items!

You may remember my little adventure to Wheel & Barrow (Day 3 With Annabel)... Here is the result of my trip! My cupcakes that I made for my Dad for his birthday. He is a keen fisherman and was very proud when I told him that I had made 'fish' cakes, especially for his birthday!

Todays Favourite Annabel Feature
Zipping about town for work I get to use my new favourite feature to it's full potential!
When you come to a complete stop with your foot on the break, at traffic lights for example, she turns off! The air-conditioning and stereo etc. stay on, just the engine turns off. When you lift your foot off the break, she starts again and by the time you get it to the accelerator, she's ready to take off! It's to help limit fuel consumption and this modern technology is pretty exciting to use! There is a button on the dash if you decided to switch this feature off as well - who doesn't love options AND saving cash at the same time!

Do you have a product you would love me to review?

Please contact me directly to review your product or for Brand Ambassador enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Annabel and Cupkate | Day3

So today was back to work, but one of the beauties of having my own business is that when I get brain fried from sitting on the computer, I can take some time out!(Sometimes anyway) Especially when there is a fabulous Audi A1 named Annabel sitting in the driveway!

Anticipating Dad's birthday (12th July) I decided to venture to Wheel & Barrow at Ferry Rd Markets for cupcake making supplies, and mum was keen to expereince Annabel's brilliance, so it was decided.

I also had the chance to quickly put together a CD before we left as I had only used the radio so far. I'm not going to tell you what was on the CD because generally speaking, my passengers don't always give me credit for my song choices! However, I love the feature where the songs pop up on the little screen so you can see their names and easily select to yours ear's pleasure! It also has an SD slot, so you can load up your SD card with media (songs, clips and movies!) and play them through the car - I know you're thinking 'WOW! This is so awesome!" I got pretty excited when I worked this out too!

Today's Favourite Annabel Feature

So I have kind of already answered this one... But defintely all of the different media options you have and how easy they are to use. You can also run your mobile phone through the system - This isn't set up on Annabel yet, as she is a demo for the Audi Centre Gold Coast and she doesn't really have an owner :( -I know, it makes me sad too.

Stay tuned for tomorrows update, including pics of the cupcakes I made!

For me to review your product or brand ambassador enquiries...
p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Me and Annabel! Day 2

I have this re-occurring dream where I have this amazing wardrobe (similar to Carrie's in SATC) but the racks are motorised and I press a button and they move around so I can select my clothes. Everything is hung (I hate folded clothes!) And my shoes have their own little homes. It's always so devastating when I wake up to find it wasn't real! So Sunday morning the first thing I did was check that Annabel was real- once that was confirmed, it was time to work out how to give her breakfast (fuel). 20 mins later and still no sign of opening the fuel cap, I decided to ask Michael for some help. Sure enough all you do is press the fuel cap and it pops open. So glad I didn't wait until I got to the petrol station!

Sunday was such a beautiful day on the Gold Coast, the perfect opportunity to take Annabel for a cruise! Starting with brunch at Burleigh with Mike, then lunch with my family at Harrigan's Irish Pub at Calypso Bay. It was great taking the A1 for a drive up the M1 and getting to play with the cruise control. It's so smooth to ride in, and driving on my own meant I could turn my music up loud and not get paid out! On the way back I went a different way home, through windy roads. This was a really good chance to see how Annabel went on the corners etc. With the traction control I felt super safe and in control!

Today's Favourite Annabel Feature
Definitely have to say the cruise control. It's really easy to use. You just press one button and flick the switch and taa-dar, it's set. Then you just tap the breaks to turn it off! It also gives you a digital reading of the exact speed you are doing on the dash when you set it, so you can make sure that you are smack bang on the speed limit!


Stay tuned for tomorrows adventures!

For me to review your product or brand ambassador enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

A1 Day1

So it's finally here! I felt like a little girl on Christmas Eve!
I picked up the A1 on Saturday morning from the beautiful new Audi Centre Gold Coast at Southport. Damien and Felix showed me through the car and all of its functions and features to get me through the week!

For those of you who don't also keep up to date with my facebook, I was contacted recently to have an extended test drive of the new Audi A1 and report back about my thoughts. After much deliberating (all of 1 second!) ,I agreed and have been itching for the day when I pick it up since!

So over the next week I will be bringing you lots of updates on the A1 which I have named 'Annabel', and our adventures!

Being a European car, the wipers and indicators are on opposite sides to my Rav, so I was slightly embarrassed when I hadn't even left Audi, and flicked on the wipers! Oopss! Haven't done it since though!

Michael and I had planned to go to the races, as well as the Reds V Crusaders game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday - the perfect chance to get comfortable with Annabel!
It was soooo comfortable to drive up to Brisbane in, even with two adults in the back. Which I found very surprising for a 2 door car! It was super easy to park, and it's hard to not feel a bit flash when you look at the steering wheel and see the trademark Audi logo!

Today's Favourite Annabel Feature

The automatic head lights! Not only is it great that they just switch on by themselves when they are needed, but when you turn the car off, hop out and lock it, the lights stay on for about another 30seconds. Just enough time to get inside the house without being in complete darkness! Makes finding your house key sooo much easier!

Overall Day 1 in the A1 was lots of fun! (Ok I know that's a little bit lame, but I'm in love and that's what it does to us!)

And I never want to give her back!

For me to review your product, or brand ambassador enquiries ...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

School Formals 2011

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing hair and makeup for the lovely Arden for the TSS formal.

She wanted her hair sleek and straight with some height in the front, and her makeup natural with defined eyes.

Don't forget to book your formal hair and makeup early, as I can usually only take a couple of bookings per date. Contact me now to enquire about your date...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Life is Magnifique...

Last week while I was waiting for my tall soy latte at Zarafa's I had a flick through Label magazine. I was very excited to find this full page ad with hair and makeup by yours truely for Sofitel 'Life is Magnifique!'

I have spotted this ad in quite a few magazines, (and also in the elevator at Sofitel Broadbeach!) but this is the first full page!

I also have to say thanks to the guy at Zarafa's for the great coffee, but also for letting me take the magazine with me!

Styling is by Marloe Morgan @ Division Creative
Photography by Dan Molloy

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenn.com.au

Paradise Magazine 11th June and 18th June

As you are probably aware now, I have had a my work in Paradise Magazine in the Saturday Gold Coast Bulletin for the past couple of months. It's a really great platform, and an awesome opportunity to work with some other fabulous GC talent! Here is an update from the last two weekends!

Hair and Makeup is by Kate, styling and concept it by Tara Rose Hyman and our model is Shannon @ Vivienes

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Highlight of My Career!!!

Last night I found out that my work is now featured on Vogue Italia's website! http://www.vogue.it/

Vogue is a magazine that I have always looked up to for inspiration in both my professional life, and for fashion in my personal life. They always seem to hit the nail on the head when it comes to style.

So to find out that my work is now featured on Vogue Italia's website was defintely a defining moment in my makeup career!

A massive thank you (and joint congrats!) also goes to Katreina Emmanuel, the fabulous photographer and creator of this fabulous shoot, Aleesha Darke who did a beautiful job of the hair, and our lovely model Samantha Darke.

I have posted a screenshot from the website below, as well as some of the other images from the shoot!

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

ABIA Awards 2011

After a few days off work with friends and family, I'm feeling refreshed and excited to take on part two of 2011!

What a great year I have had so far, and last night proved that my brides are happy too!

I atttended the 2011 ABIA Awards, for the Queensland Bridal Industry with my partner Michael. It was such a great night, and a chance for us to celebrate my last 3 years in business. It was a great feeling to be surrounded by all the other industry professionals who have been voted the best in their field.

After being nominated as a finalist for both the hair and makeup categories I felt extremely proud. The hair and makeup industry is SOOOO competitive with new talent coming through the ranks every year. But for me the awards are not about where I placed in accordance to the next makeup or hair stylist, it's about making my brides happy on the most important day of their life. I'm not going to lie, of course it would have been fabulous to win- but that would be for me.

I am so happy with my results that reflect lots of hard work in doing everything my team and I can, to make all of our brides feel as beautiful as they possibly can on the most important day of their lives!

Michael & I at the ABIA Awards
Sorry about the bad quality photo - thanks iPhone

So here are my results

In the makeup category
98.39% (just to show you how high the scores are this put me in 8th position!)

In the hair category
96.47%

Both of these earned me a silver rating and a huge smile!!
Thanks again to all of my brides who took the time to rate my services, I really apprecaite the fantastic ratings you have given me!

xxx

For bookings and enquiries....

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Wedding Links Expo - June 2011

Sunday saw my second wedding expo of the year with the Wedding Links group. I am always a little apprehensive with the Winter expo's as people like to hybernate for the cooler months, and there aren't as many brides out and about! However this Sunday proved me wrong! (Which I was quite happy about!) It was a beautiful day outside and we had a steady stream of eager 'bride and grooms to be' throughout the day!
There were also 3 fashion parades with dresses from many of the exibitors. The hair and makeup looks for the parade were created by me and my team!
I was also very excited to have my booth positioned right across from one of my favourite wedding photographers, Kylie Maree, from Kylie Maree Photography! It worked really well as we were able to refer back and forth to each other.

Thanks to all of the lovely brides, and their very patient grooms (who loved the chocolate and lollies!) for stopping by and taking a minute to hear about what I do. It was great chatting to you all about your big day, and I do hope to hear from you all very soon!

All in all it proved to be a great day!

Haley's Big Day!

On Saturday 28th May, mydelf, Sarah and Leah all had the chance to help Haley and her bridal party get ready for her big day! It was a really lovely morning!

I wish Haley all the best for the future and of course a fabulous honeymoon!

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Behind the scenes for Paradise Magazine

Behind the scenes shooting for Paradise Magazine.

Hair and makeup by me, styling and trends by Tara Rose and model, Shannon of Vivienes.

On location at The Wave Broadbeach.

Expect to see this shoot in the Paradise Magazine liftout in the Gold Coast Bulletin from this Saturday.

The view!

For bookings and equiries...

p0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Up and Coming Models...

If you're serious about getting into the industry, you need great images and jesKAA Designs and Kate McKenna hair & makeup can deliver!

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Joanna 2nd Oct 2010

I just received these beautiful pic's from one of my lovely brides from last year!

Have a look at how beautiful Joanna looked on her Wedding Day!

Makeup only by me :)

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Paradise Magazine May 21st 2011

So here is part two of my work for Paradise Magazine, from the weekends Gold Coast Bulletin.
Makeup by me
Hair by Cian Christina
Styling and concept by Tara Rose
Model is Chloe M of Division

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w http://www.katemckenna.com.au/

Paradise Magazine May 14th

On Saturday morning I woke up to a lovely birthday surprise of two pages in Paradise magazine with makeup by me! Stay tuned to the Gold Coast Bulletin lift out over the next couple of weeks for more of my work!

Makeup - Kate

Hair - Cian Christina

Styling and Concept - Tara Rose

Shot on location at QT Surfers Paradise

For bookings and enquiries...

p 0406 970 014 e makeup@katemckenna.com.au

w www.katemckenna.com.au

Hair Trend - Red

So it seems that the new hair trend this season is red!

With celebrities like Blake Lively, Whitney Port and the balayage Queen herself Drew Barrymore all making the switch, who will follow next?? I'd love to hear your thoughts!