Fitness Friday: Simple Green Smoothie Recipe (GUEST POST!)

I'm so excited to have Sarah posting for me today!! I love her blog, I love her and you should definitely go check her out here! Sarah mentioned she'd been really into smoothies lately, and I actually have had this post idea planned for ages but not yet got around to writing it. So, I asked if she would want to share one of her favourite recipes, and luckily for you she was keen on the idea! I think I need to go get a blender now to try this, it sounds so good!! Keep reading and you'll see what I mean! 

Hi guys I’m Sarah and I’m from over at More Than Adored! I’m so excited to be putting together a little feature for Michaela especially since I’ve been really digging the green smoothies lately.

I recently bought a George Forman Mix and Go because I really wanted something quick, didn’t require a lot of cleaning and was small because our kitchen isn’t very big. On a complete impulse I purchased this on because it was only $40 and it’s really paid off! My boyfriend and I have both been using it everyday since purchasing so it’s been a great buy.

I was convinced that I wouldn’t like green smoothies because when I was younger I hated any juices or smoothies that are heavily vegetable oriented. Revisiting the idea of green smoothies has really surprised me because I literally think they’re so delicious and I don’t think I could ever go back to normal juice or smoothies you buy at the supermarket.

Today I’m sharing the perfect blend if you’re a bit scared of that ‘green’ taste but you still want to give it a go. This combination will not disappoint you!

½ cup of pineapple juice (this is what makes it less ‘green’ tasting)

Stick of celery

Small bunch of Kale

½ an apple

¼ of a cucumber

Handful of frozen mango 

Handful of spinach

*these measurements don’t have to be exact I never measure and the combination always tastes delish

Now all you need to do is blend! Perfect way to start your day :)

Thanks Sarah for posting! You can find her on twitter and instagram and of course, at her blog, More than Adored. 

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Review: Daiso Brush Cleaner

A couple of months ago I shared with you guys my Daiso beauty haul. The product I was most excited about purchasing and using was the Daiso 'Detergent for Puff and Sponge'. I'd heard so many great things about it, and for $2.80, if it was as good as people claimed, it might just be the answer to my prayers. 

Cleaning a handful of brushes is time-consuming and annoying, and not that fun of an activity. I really love the end result, and I love clean brushes. But I hate the process. So anything that aims to make that process less frustrating is welcome in my life. Hello, Daiso. 

This brush cleanser is very different from all others I've tried. It doesn't lather up, and instead works by dissolving all the oil and product on the brush fibres, leaving you with a squeaky clean brush. That means that the actual process for using this is different to other brush cleansers. For this, I fill up a glass with a tiny bit of water (in all honesty, in that above photo, that's a bit too much water). You then add a few drops of the cleaner. Literally. A few drops. 

Then you just swirl your brushes in (making absolutely sure not to dip the ferrule in), until the water goes a disgusting murky colour. When it gets to that colour, empty out the water, re-fill the glass, add a few more drops of cleaner and repeat. You repeat this process until you get to the point where you swirl your brush and the water stays clear. Depending on the brush you're cleaning, this can take a few repeats of the process. 

I do most of my eye brushes in the one water, running through the process twice. 

All face brushes take maybe three or four repeats. 

My Sigma F80 flat top kabuki brush is incredibly dense, and it is this brush that I judge all cleansers by. Even though I spot clean this every single time I use it, product still works its way into the brush and it's a monster to clean. This brush took maybe six or seven repeats of the process. 

I then rinse the brushes under clean water just to make sure there's no residue on them. 

I add brush guards to my brushes while they dry. It's alleged this helps them dry faster. I don't think it actually does, I think it makes it take a bit longer, but it helps re-shape the bristles, and I'm down with the extra waiting time for that. 

I really do love this cleanser. I think it saves a lot of time for all but one of my brushes...that damn F80 is such a pain and I think a bit of a lather and scrub makes it clean up a lot faster than this method. Note this isn't a criticism on how well the detergent cleans...it definitely gets the brush clean and looking new, and it takes almost zero effort to do so. I'm just lazy and hate standing at the kitchen sink for ages, so I like to rush the process along. 

Have you used the Daiso brush cleaner before? What do you think of it? 

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Chemist Warehouse Haul

Chemist Warehouse are having 50% off Revlon, Rimmel, Maybelline, Sally Hansen so of course I had to stop buy and pick up some things I've been eyeing off for a while. (NB: Sale is on until Thursday 29 May)

Revlon gentle eye make-up remover: This is one of my skincare staples. I've bought a billion of these bottles, and as much as it pains me to buy it now because of the new packaging, I just love the formula so damn much I can't live without it. Will probably forever repurchase this. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer: Everyone raves about this product, so I thought I'd pick it up and see how it goes. This particular one is the 'brightening / illuminating', and is slightly peach toned. It cancels out the purple under-eye circles really well, and I'm liking it so far. 

Revlon Photoready Concealer: This is a repurchase, as I've almost finished mine. This concealer is really creamy, and I find it really moisturising on my under-eye area. I also like using it as an eye primer. 

Sally Hansen big matte top coat: I have been fascinated by this for ages, but always talked myself out of buying it. I love gimmicky things though, and I love them even more when they're 50% off. This top coat is awesome, and I will be doing a full review on this soon. 

Sally Hansen advanced hard as nails strengthener: I've been painting my nails heaps lately, so they've started peeling and aren't in the best condition.I thought I'd pick this up to see if I can re-strengthen them. 

Revlon Parfumerie scented nail enamel: I bought one of these in pink pineapple to wear to mum's wedding back in April, and I was so totally blown away with the scented aspect of this (although it is a bit weird to be seen sniffing your fingers, or even worse...telling people to have a sniff) I picked up China Flower, which is kind of a minty scent, and tropical rain, which I haven't applied yet so I have no idea what that smells like. 

One of the dilemmas I face with buying these is, do you buy based off colour or scent? I really wanted to try the chocolate one but wasn't sure if I liked that nail colour. What do you think? 

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Review and Swatches: Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balms

And so the love affair with lip crayons continues. 

When I saw the displays start to go up for the Revlon lacquer and matte balms I could hardly contain my excitement. It took a few months for those displays to finally fill up, but once they did, you better believe I got in on that. 

I started off buying one or two of each the lacquers and the matte balms. But as time went by, I couldn't help myself but go back and collect some more to add to my collection. I seriously love them that damn much. (but not enough to pay full price...all of these were either picked up in the buy one get one free Priceline sale or the 50% off chemist warehouse sale)

(L - R: 120 Vivacious, 135 Provocateur, 130 Tease, 115 Whimsical, 145 Ingenue, 150 Enticing)

Firstly, the packaging. The lip product comes in a lip crayon form, which is really fun. The lacquer balms are housed in shiny goodness. They are sleek, and cute and I love it. 

The product lasts for ages (although it really doesn't fare well with eating or drinking and re-application is definitely needed), and is super duper moisturising. Colour payoff is great, although some of the colours bleed slightly around the edges of the lips. Fix this by applying with a lip brush for a bit more precision. I really don't have anything bad to say about these. I love, love, love them. 

So because arm swatches are not that helpful with lip products, I've gone ahead and photographed these on my lips:

(Top: no product (nude lips) Bottom: 145 Ingenue)

Ingenue is the perfect "my lips but better" colour for me. I've been hunting for a good nude lip colour for what feels like forever, and it's quite possible I've found it in this one. You can see a major hydration difference in these two photos. 

(Top: 115 Whimsical, Bottom: 130 Tease)

Whimsical has little glitter chunks in it. These lipsticks are already super shiny, and then they go and add glitter! I actually really like the way they've done this with this shade, because it is subtle, and it is really pretty. Whimsical is pink, and it lasts well. Once the colour wears off though, you are left with little glitter particles on your lips. 

Tease is a sheer orange colour, and I don't think the colour comes out on my lips that much. It takes a lot of work to get it to show up for me. Maybe my natural lips are too red-based for this?

(Top: 120 Vivacious, Middle 135 Provocateur, Bottom 150 Enticing)

Vivacious is such a juicy colour! It's a pinkish red, and I think this would be perfect for Spring / Summer! 

Provocateur is a warm-toned cherry red, and is maybe my favourite colour in this range. 

Enticing is a deep, dark red and I loveee it. This is also maybe my favourite, hahaha. I do find though that I need to re-apply this one every 2 hours or so, and it can take a little while to build it up from sheer. The high shine of this colour keeps it from being too vampy. 

I'm pretty obsessed with these lip crayons, and really don't have any significant criticisms of them. Keep an eye out later on in the week, because I also have a feature coming up on the matte balms (yay!) and you can have the chance to win one of these awesome colours! 

Have you tried the lacquer balms? What do you think? Which colour is your favourite? 

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My Week in Pictures #51

What a week it's been! I can't believe we're nearing the end of May already! I have a performance for pole dancing coming up next Friday, so have spent a lot more time than usual hanging around upside down. Unfortunately I think I've done something to my left shoulder. My dad's just torn his rotator cuff (an injury my right shoulder is well acquainted with), and I'm wondering if I'm just going out in sympathy pain or if I should book myself in for the physio...

 

Before it got too sore I was practicing some hollowback handstands, when BAM I felt my butt hit the wall! What a feeling! I've been training for this for months...tilting my hips ever so slightly turns a normal handstand into a massive back and shoulder stretch

 

In other flexibility news, my chest also hit the ground in this pose as well! Feeling loosey goose this week! It's the small gains like this that remind me to keep patient with stretching, because miracles can happen.

 

In Rommy-cat news, he is being as adorable as ever. Now that it's a bit cooler at nights, he's taken to sleeping in clean baskets of washing. I can't even get mad because it's too cute. We bought a new entryway table from k-mart, and he diligently helped me to put it together.  Knocking about the screws with his paw. So helpful.

 

 

It's not often I get political on this blog (although it has been known to happen), but far out did this government make a mess of the budget. I wasn't surprised that it was harsh, but I was shocked at just how harsh it is. I absolutely loathe the liberal party, and struggle to understand how anyone can justify literally taking money from the poor people to give to the rich. What a disgrace. 

 

Accidentally found myself taking part in the protest #marchinmay on Sunday. I finished practicing my routine at the pole studio at about 2.15, and wandered down to Central only to find swarms of people protesting. I had my camera with me, and figured 'why the hell not'. Sure I have a politics assignment waiting for me at home, but this is politics in action! So I marched with them, from Central down to Broadway. It was a little overwhelming, being surrounded by so many passionate people. The realisation of just how horrible this government is made me want to burst into tears there and then. So I just kept marching.

 

And now it's Monday night. I imagine I'll spend the next few nights reliving this photo, as I struggle through my last ever politics assignment (I finish off my Arts degree this semester, and I am thrilled about it!), and a presentation for my summary justice class. 

I have a pretty fun life.

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Face of the Day: Defined Creases and Ruby Lips

You know those days where you just have a good make-up day, and you're so proud of your efforts? That was me, last week. I was so happy with my face, and my eye make up, and it made me have a little swagger in my step. (ha). So, it's only fair that I share the products that helped me get to that feeling. 

For my base, I used Revlon Colourstay for normal / dry skin in 150 Buff. For the first time in ages, I pulled out my Stila all over shimmer in pink shimmer, and used it as a highlight on the tops of my cheekbones. This product is a little too sparkly to use for highlighting your entire face, but I think it works well on the cheekbones. I used the Make Up Store micronized compact powder in chocolate, to contour my cheeks. I've talked about that product before here. For blush, I used NYX powder blush in mocha. This colour is such a pretty pink - it adds just enough colour to look natural. I finished my face off with the Australis fresh and flawless pressed powder. I love this for blending out my contouring efforts. For a more thorough review, click through to here. 

On my lips I'm wearing the Revlon colourbust lacquer balm in Provocateur. No photos of the actual product because like a pro, I forgot I was wearing it. I will have a thorough review on this line going up next week though, so hang around for that. I filled in my brows with my Inglot eyebrow powder, (more info here) and went over them with some clear gel. I'm a total doofus and took these photos before I put on my eyeliner. But, for the record I went with Maybelline eyestudio gel liner. I also used Maybelline falsies flared mascara. I used a bit of concealer as an eyeshadow base, and went to town with my Lorac palette

(colours listed in order of appearance below. Just like movie stars.)

I used Cream as the browbone highlight and to blend out my crease, with a little bit of White in the inner corner. My eyes don't do too well with inner corner highlight, so I literally use the tiniest amount blended into my base colour. I used Espresso for the crease, blending heaps into the crease and outer corner. I then went back, and defined more of a 'cut-crease' line, and then went back over and blended the hell out of it again. I really like the way that this technique turned out! (NB; Not sure if this is a proper technique) For my base colour, I used Light Bronze, and applied it to the rest of my eyelid once I was done with the crease defining. 

So, about an hour before I had to leave for uni last week I was in an experimenting mood, and that's what I came up with. I'm pretty happy with how the whole make up look turned out, especially because if it was shit I wouldn't have had time to re-do it hahaha.



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Wherever I Fits, I Sits! #2

Because shoe boxes make perfect seats.

What weird places does your pet animal sit?



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April Her Fashion Box

The lateness of March's box has got nothing on April! I've said before that it's not the lateness of the box that bothers me. I'm totally fine with things coming late, as long as I'm kept in the loop about why.
Unfortunately, it seems the HFB customer service standards are slipping.
When the November box was late there were a lot of emails, and generally just good communication from the customer service team. April was different. There was a sort-of sassy email sent out in the last few days of the month, promising that the boxes would be mailed out the following week, at the end of the month "which is still in April!!" 
So that date came and went, and the boxes weren't mailed out like promised and there was no further explanation. There was no reason given for why the boxes were so late, just that the team were working really hard to get them out. A week into May I tweeted if anyone had heard anything. Four days later (May 10) I got a response that the tracking information had finally been mailed out to me.
I understand things happen, and the team have been moving offices, but it's incredibly frustrating paying for a service and getting no explanation as to why you're not getting what you've paid for. Especially when there is definitely someone in charge of social media, and they're posting tweeting / instagramming / pinning heaps of motivational shiz. Not cool guys.

So I arrived home yesterday, the package was finally on my desk, and I was pretty disappointed with the contents.

Cedel Extra firm hairspray - Raspberry Punch (100g; RRP 4.99)
I'm actually pretty happy with this. Hairspray is one of those beauty items I love trying out and this is a pretty good size.

Manicare nail file ( RRP $1.95)
Not at all impressed in receiving this as a main item. I just really don't see the value.

Urban Rituelle Coconut & Honey Soap Bar (100g; RRP $4.95)
I really like the smell of this soap bar, and I love that it has vegetable oils, cocoa butter and Vitamin E. It also contains glycerin, which some people have found helpful for eczema so I am pretty keen to try this and see what it does for my skin.

MOR Essentials Hand cream sachets (80mL; RRP $14.95. I received 5 x 3mL samples)
MOR is a quality brand - I actually already use their hand soap in my bathroom and I love it. I'm not too fussed about sachet samples though.

(Earrings RRP $19.95)

I think these are actually really pretty (although they do feel quite cheap and maybe some people would think they're a bit tacky). Unfortunately, they're not listed as being hypoallergenic. As my ears are sensitive to metals, I sadly won't be getting any use out of these. Which is a  real shame, because it's the only 'fashion' item in the box that I actually like.

Socks (RRP: $24.95)

I have no idea what makes these socks worth $24.95, because there is no way I would hand over that amount of money for these. They're cute, but they're more Spring than Autumn. They feel like polyester and the edges of mine are completely frayed and the threads have come loose. I will probably wear them for warmth around the house, but I doubt they'll get any wear outside. 

Bracelet (RRP $19.95)

I actually think this bracelet is hideous. It looks and feels like cheap, tacky plastic, and seems like something I'd find at a $2 store. This is going straight in the bin. 

Overall, I'm incredibly disappointed with this box. Aside from the fact it was really late, with no explanation, I just do not see the value. The beauty items in the box did not even total $15. I also don't see how the fashion items are worth what HFB allege they are. I'm not impressed with two out of three of the fashion items, and the one item I do like I can't use anyway. 

I just feel incredibly let down. 

I wasn't that impressed with last month's box either. When I opened up April's box, and felt ripped off I seriously wanted to cancel my subscription there and then. But to be fair, I am giving HFB one more chance, with their May box. Watch this space. 

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