April Favourites!

Here's a bunch of stuff I was loving last month! 

Perfume:

I've totally been digging the sweet, floral intensity of Rihanna's Reb'l Fleur. I'm not really a fan of celebrity fragrances...I find them way too sweet but I dunno, this one is nice. I'm not even going to try to describe the scent, just know that I like it. The bottle is kind of a weird shape; apparently it's based off a high heel? I can see that, but that doesn't change that I think it's ugly hideous. 

Skincare and Haircare

Once a week I've been using the Organic Honey Peel from Organi to exfoliate my skin. This one is an enzyme exfoliator, which is great because it deep cleans your skin without any scratching! The manuka honey in it also acts as an anti-bacterial agent, helping to combat breakouts. I've found this has really helped with my blackheads, and removing that layer of dead skin.

My hair has also been super soft this month, because I've started using (and loving!) the Deep Repair Masque from Macadamia Natural Oil. I started out using this as a deep conditioning mask when I washed my hair, once a week. After about three weeks, my hair was so noticeably softer that I've now switched to using it every second week.

Lips

I've been freaking obsessed with Revlon's Colourstay ultimate suede lipsticks. I've written up a whole review for them to go live tomorrow, so check that out because I just cannot express how much I love these in one paragraph. 

I'm not much of a gloss person, but I have really been loving the moisture I get from Arbonne's lip gloss. I did a review of that (with swatches) here. This one's been great to wear to work - it lasts for ages, and I can quickly re-apply without a mirror. 

Make-Up and Body

I got the Body Shop's Coconut Body Butter for Christmas off my friend Meg, and I've been loving rubbing it in to my skin after a hot shower. The coconut scent is helping the scents of Summer linger around as the temperature starts to decline. I think it's funny that I love the idea of Summer, but am not really a fan of the season. So products like this one are perfect for me! This body butter is really moisturising without being heavy. 

Not too many new loves in the way of make-up. I really like the finish that I get from Australis' Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder. The texture of this is so smooth!! I use it to set my foundation, or on days that I want a lighter coverage, I just apply it by itself.  I also bring it with me to uni on really long days to touch-up my base make-up during the day. Cannot believe it's taken me this long to find out about this. 

My Blync lashes in Monroe Monday have been getting a lot of wear lately. I love the super length I get from these. They don't add too much in the way of volume, so it's good for daytime; amazing long lashes without the heaviness. 

I picked up this concealer from Revlon ages ago, and it is PERFECT. I cannot believe how amazing it is at covering my under-eye circles. I haven't been getting much sleep lately, so this is an absolute staple for me at the moment. I also love the sturdy, lipstick-y packaging. It's so durable, and I know it's going to be safe in my handbag during the day. It also makes it really easy to quickly touch-up during the day too. It's not that great at blemish-covering, but that's more a colour/tone issue.

Miscellaneous... 

The change in weather has had my sinuses in a mess. I picked up the Vick's Inhaler from Coles and use it to clear that stuffed-nose feeling. The first time I tried it though...woah. I was not a happy camper, it seriously felt like I'd just snorted menthol; not pleasant, but not as bad as that wizz fizz I snorted at 15 (cheap thrills). Once I learnt how hard to sniff it in though that problem went away. 

What were your favourites in April? What's the craziest thing you've snorted? 

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Farewell, 2012.

I still cannot believe that today is New Years Eve.
Even at 1am this morning as I was jumping around our apartment, hyped up on fructose and yelling at my boyfriend "It's the last day of the year!!" I didn't truly believe that it was.
And yet today, here it is.

Last year I posted a summary of my year, and throughout 2012, I've found that going back and reading that has really grounded me in knowing what I want for the year.

My Goals / Aspirations / Excitements for 2012:

• I'm so excited for my trip to Bali with my amazing boyfriend.
  Going overseas was such an amazing experience. I know life-changing is such a cliche way to describe it, but it really does change the way you see yourself and your own situation. 
• I'm excited for my sister, who will be finishing her last year of high school. I hope I'll be able to be there and support her through her HSC.
  My sister received amazing results this year, and I could not be more proud of her. 
• I'm excited to move house (maybe).
  In April, I moved in with J. We got a little kitty cat, and I could not be happier. Our apartment has had quite a few issues, but this is the unfortunate reality of renting in Sydney.
• I hope to further my experience in my chosen profession.
  I lost my job at the law firm halfway through 2012, so I don't think I can really cross this one off. That said, I am a year further into my degree so I'm sure that counts even just a little bit. 
• I hope to get back into volunteer work.
  Unfortunately, I did not, which is a regret. 
• I'm excited to continue learning ... both at uni and in my new hobby, pole dancing.
  Overall, with uni I had a good year, and I have progressed so much further in pole dancing than I ever thought I would in a year. 
• With that, I hope that I'll be able to treat my body a bit better. I want to increase my strength, and my stamina.
  I think this is the healthiest I've ever been, and the most positive I've felt about myself. My eating is the healthiest it's been in quite a few years now - and I mostly have my boyfriend to thank for that. 
• I also hope to save a bit of money next year.
  This definitely did not happen. We had some ridiculous electricity bills, I lost my job part-way through the year and overall, things were just really tight financially. Luckily, money is not everything. 

2012 was an okay year for me. It was pretty horrible financially. Like I said above, I lost my job, and we had electricity bills that together, equalled in the thousands. I had numerous fights with Centrelink over eligibility, and I lost my health care card which just makes things so much more expensive and tighter.

I did fairly well at uni, despite lacking all sorts of motivation, and this is definitely something I want to change in 2013.

I lost my Nan (from my mum's side), leaving me with no Grandparents. The thought really upsets me, and I miss her still. I was really lucky to get two of her rings, and I wear them almost every day. Luckily, they're my style anyway, and every time I look down at them I think of her.

My mum moved to Queensland. It's been pretty hard not having her around the last few weeks. It has been made easier with how wonderful technology is, though. I'm so grateful that we don't have expensive STD phone calls, and can video chat for free over Skype. I'm also so grateful that it's free to call over our mobiles.

But good things have happened too.

We went to Bali - my first time overseas ever. It was both super relaxing, and adventurous all at the same time!




I moved in with the love of my life, and we have a little kitty-cat who provides us so much joy and happiness.

I performed on stage at pole, for the first time ever. Just generally, I have made so many improvements and had so many achievements in this area of my life. I forget that this time last year I was learning to just take my feet off the floor!!

About 2 months ago I got a new job, and I love it - even though it's retail and that's never something I thought I'd be interested in. I really appreciate everyone who has been in my life over the past year - -to all the new friends I've made through blogging, who have transcended online friendships to IRL friends, and to all my "old" friends who I know I can always count on: Thanks.

I don't really know what 2013 will be like. I think if this year has taught me anything it's that you really don't know what's going to happen tomorrow (Which I already kind of knew anyway, hence my back tattoo). I really hope next year is a better one for me. I hope to travel lots to see my mum, I hope to get better at photography and always improve on blogging for you guys. I hope to only keep improving in pole, and I really am going to put more effort into uni next year. No excuses, this time.



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Manicure Nail Kit

I got sick of juggling all my nail-y items from their storage place every time I wanted to paint my nails, so decided to put together this manicure kit.
I used an old Bellabox for storage; it's durable, and the perfect size, and yay for recycling!

So this is everything in the box:



1. Hand Cream
I rotate this one around often, at the moment I'm using U Little Beauty's Nourishing Hand Cream. There's something really cathartic about moisturising my hands and this is a step I love to spend time on when finishing my manicure routine.

2. Nail Polish Remover
This is an obvious item to include. I'm just using a Coles brand one at the moment. Acetone works really fast at dissolving nail polish, however it can also be quite damaging. I have a non-acetone one in the cupboard for when my nails are feeling weak. However, this is my normal go-to if I'm in a rush or wearing glitter nail-polish. I find as long as I wear a decent base coat the damage isn't too bad.

3. Callous Remover
The less-than-glamorous part of being a pole dancer is the ugly calluses that appear on my palms. Gross, yeah? Although a pumice stone usually keeps them in check, sometimes I need something a bit meaner

4. Nail Files and Nail Clippers.
Obvious tools are obvious.



5. Cotton Balls
We pretty much buy these in bulk, so we have a massive bag of them, but I like keeping a few in my manicure kit to remove nail-polish.

6. Base Coat
A base coat is absolutely essential when painting your nails. Not only does it fill ridges to create a smooth base for the polish, but it also helps protect your nails from discolouration. Some formulas include strengthening vitamins as well.

7. Nail Polish
The nail polish switches around depending on what I'm painting. The best thing about putting this kit together means that all I have to do is pick the colour I want. Easy as!

What are your nail-painting essentials?

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The Hair-Care Series Part Four: PARLUX 3800 REVIEW

For my birthday, J got me a Parlux 3800! I promised all the way back in July that I would write a proper review on it, and here we are! I really try to give myself enough time with the appliance so I know it well enough and can give you guys my genuine thoughts and feelings on it. I've now been using this for 4 months, and think that is more than enough time to have formed a valid opinion on it.

What they Say:

• Delivers beyond 2000 hours with substantially more airflow. 
• Built in silencer designed to specifically reduce noise
• Emission of negative ions offers a natural "healthy" function to leave hair soft and shiny. 
• Speeds up drying time
• Patented ceramic and ionic system which helps the hair to maintain moisture for smoother, healthier results. 

Specs:

- More than 73 cubic meters per hour for fast drying
- 2200watts
- 4 temperatures
- 2 speeds
- Instant cold shot button for the perfect setting of your hair
- 10 foot cord with a safety plug
- Parlux standard 1 year warranty

What it Does:

I know it's easy to think that this is just "another hairdryer", but I honestly believe the Parlux is in a completely different category to hairdryers. This thing is seriously the Rolls Royce of the hair industry. The Parlux is industry famous and used in salons world wide (seriously! check which hairdryer your hairdresser uses next time you're there!) and for good reason. 

Parlux claims that because it is ceramic and ionic it dries your hair quicker and with less damage than any other hairdryer on the market. 

My Hair Type:

I have thin, very dry hair. It's also bleached, so quite damaged from that. Although naturally my hair is straight, the bleach has changed my hair cuticle making it quite wavy and kinky. (Or so my hairdresser says...) I have also used this however, on my sister's hair: thick, dry, very curly and come up with the same results.

My First Thoughts:

I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it's really hard not to. The first thing I considered when opening my present was the packaging. The hairdryer literally came in a cardboard box with some writing on the front - nothing fancy, nothing extravagant, and given what you pay for it I thought this was pretty strange. 

Parlux pride themselves on producing the world's only 'eco friendly' hairdryer. When I did a bit of research into this, I discovered it meant that the hairdryer itself is built out of recycled materials, the box is made from recycled cardboard and the actual appliance also uses less energy and is more efficient. So that explains the non-indulgent packaging. I can deal with that. 

I'll be completely honest with you; the first time I used this I could not work out why this was so great. I couldn't work out the controls (the manual that it comes with is limited in information) and it didn't seem to produce much "heat". After using it a few times though, and getting the hang of it, I'm a total convert. It dries my hair in 10 minutes, 15 max and leaves it soft and shiny afterwards; neither of which I was never able to achieve with my previous hairdryer.

Basically, the controls on it are really simple to use (and sensibly placed on the handle) the 'red' switch is the heat setting, with the 'blue' switch being the air speed control. Both have 2 settings, so that leaves a few combinations. I personally just use it with the red button turned to MAX and the blue setting left off. I find that the speed and force in which the air comes out of the hairdryer compensates the lack of heat. This has completely changed my attitudes towards hair drying; I used to think that the hotter it could get, the quicker my hair would dry. This is completely false. 

Do I Think it has Lived up to the Claims?

YES. YES. YES. 

This is why:

• I used to hate washing my hair because I'd then have to spend half an hour drying it. The Parlux has literally cut that time in half, and leaves it looking less frizzy and with little to no 'flyaways'. This is because of the negative ions it produces, which helps to combat static electricity. When I style it properly with the concentrator nozzle I end up with that 'salon' hair. And I don't even really know how to blowdry properly. 
• This is super easy to use straight out of the box, which is something I appreciate in technology. 
• I wouldn't buy it on its 'silencer' claims alone - although quieter than my old hairdryer it is still pretty noisy. This claim was one of the reasons I went for the 3800 over one of the lesser models, and tbh I would just go with a lower model. You are still going to get an incredibly durable, reliable appliance. 
• If you've ever had your hair blow dried at a salon, you would know that it lasts longer than that one day. As you can achieve that same quality at home, there is less need to blow dry and straighten your hair every day, which automatically leads to your hair being in a better condition. 
• I also think Parlux have done well to balance the weight between the handle and the top of the hairdryer, so it's quite evenly distributed. Although it is kind of heavy, the nice distribution of weight means it won't tire out your wrist or hand. 

The only negative thing I have to say about this is that:

• It is pricey, at roughly AUD$149.95. However, like I mentioned above, if you were to go with the other models (3200, 3500) which are probably just as excellent, you can save yourself about $50.00. 
• I also kind of wish it did come with a more comprehensive manual. 

Where You Can Buy It:

This is a hairdryer designed for commercial use, so they're not that easy to come across in stores. I think the Shaver Store stocks them, as does Sydney Salon Supplies. However, I would probably check out Recreate Yourself and ebay - I've found them to be a bit cheaper on there. 

Because they are designed for use in salons, they are incredibly durable, incredibly long-lasting (I read reviews before asking for mine from people who have had theirs for 10+ years!) and excellent quality. Although it is tempting to buy a cheapy $50 hairdryer, this one is going to do wonders for your hair - especially if it's frizzy. 

What hairdryer do you own?

Stay tuned next week for part five of the hair-care series: my blow-drying routine.

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October Favourites!!

Does anyone else think it is absolutely ridiculous that it is already November?
With the beginning of a new month comes the post about my favourite products from the month before!
So I give you... my October favourites!

1. NARS - Deep Throat
Every single time I tried to snap a photo of this, I just couldn't do it justice. This is a beautiful pink, shimmery blush that I wore literally every day in October. A little goes a long way with this, so I can see it lasting ages. I find the shimmer isn't overpowering and the colour lasts right to the end of the day - unlike some other blushes where they fade, leaving you with glittery cheeks. I apply it with my Real Techniques stippling brush.

2. Lush - 'You Snap the Whip' Body Butter
I only bought this one recently, but I love it so much I couldn't not include it! This body butter exfoliates and cleanses your skin really well with the use of coal and charcoal, but has cocoa butter and macadamia nut oil to soften your skin as well. It's super easy to use, and it smells like lollies. NOM.

3. Dermalogica Precleanse
I got this in the September Lust Have It box, and am in love with it! Basically, using dry hands, massage it into your dry face, rinse with warm water and it turns into a milky cream and breaks down all your make-up. I use it after I've removed my eye make-up, and before cleansing (hence, precleanse!) I have loved using this and am seriously considering spending the money on buying the full-sized when I run out of the sample. 



4. Davroe Hair Wellness non-aerosol hairspray
This was another sample from the same September Lust Have It box. I wasn't sure if I'd like it when I first got it, because of its non-aerosol-ly-ness.
However, I think I actually prefer it over aerosol hairsprays. It shoots out a really fine mist, so it's easy to set your hair quickly, and it doesn't shift the hair when you apply it.

5. Stila all over shimmer in Pink Shimmer
I bought this one on a midnight-online-shopping-whim about two months ago. This is the first highlighter I've owned so I'm still working it out. But I love applying it on the brow bone when I'm in a rush in the morning, and it brightens my eyes and perks me up a bit. It is quite shimmery, so haven't yet tried it on my cheekbones. Will do so soon, and report back pronto!

6. Maybelline the Falsies Volum' Express Flared
I am of the opinion that Maybelline make the best "drugstore brand" mascaras. I am yet to buy one from them that I haven't liked (okay I lied...I despised that one in the green and pink tube. I'm sure you know which one I mean. Don't pretend you didn't own it as a 15 year old.). Anyway, I find this adds heaps of volume and length to my lashes, without clumping. I don't use waterproof mascara because I hate how hard it is to get off, and I find this one quite difficult to remove.

8. The Body Shop - Hemp Foot Protector

I bought this quite a while ago now, and cannot express enough how much I love it. 

It's a super hydrating, really thick cream for your feet. Now, I know feet gross some people out, but they carry us around everywhere we go, so they need looking after too. I slather this on before bed, and after my shower and let it really soak in. Be careful putting it on and then walking around on tiles / floorboards though - it can make your feet slippery!

What were your favourites for this month?

Have you used any of the above products before? Do feet gross you out? I personally don't mind them...

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21 before 21

Love these lists!
So, as you know, I turned 20 last week. Which means next year I'll be 21. Which is kind of a big deal (I say kind of because it's not really as big as turning 18). I saw Cate at All Cats are Grey at Night do her 30 before 30 list, and it really inspired me to do one myself!

I put a lot of thought into this list - I wanted to dream big, but also make my goals achievable. So here we go... here is my 21 before 21:

1. Go Overseas Again.
It's true that nothing expands your world more than travelling. I loved my experiences travelling to Bali earlier this year, and that combined with all my friends getting back from Europe this week makes me desperate to travel again! 


2. read 52 new books
This should be easy I think, as it equates to one book a week. Although during semester I slow down on my personal reading, I absolutely devour books during holidays, so I feel it should balance out.

3. Keep a list of each book I read
This is in line with the last point and something I've been meaning to do for years. I also plan to write down a few thoughts of the book - that way it'll be easier for me to recommend books to friends and family.

4. Finish reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Chinese
Again with the book theme! This is pretty self-explanatory but I really would love to be able to read this iconic book in another language.

5. Have a Conversation in Only Chinese
We have started doing this in class of course, but I think it would be pretty amazing to have a conversation outside of the classroom using only Mandarin. What can I say - I dream big!

6. Learn to Knit Socks
So I've started knitting scarves this year - which is a fantastic hobby for when I'm watching tv. I fidget a lot so knitting is great at keeping my hands occupied which allows me to better focus on what I'm watching! I would like to expand my knitting repertoire to include socks!

7. Go on a Road Trip
When I was younger we road-tripped it up to QLD a few times. I'd love to do another road trip now that I'm older.

8. Solve a Rubik's Cube
This is a skill that has always eluded me. I think it would make a great party trick to be able to finish one!

9. Watch every movie that has won an Academy Award for Best Picture
Okay so unless you know me well, you probably have no idea what a challenge this will be for me. I very rarely watch movies and would almost always pick watching a TV show over a film. J works in the film industry and loves movies - so luckily with his help I should be able to complete this one.

10. Make a tower cake. 
Since moving in with J I have not cooked once. Impressive, non? When we get our oven fixed I am going to attempt to make a tower cake.

11. Do the Splits
Again, another skill that has eluded me for my entire life. Routine stretching is key with this one - but I think I can do it if I'm religious enough with it.

12. Get my Provisional Licence
Yep, still on my Learner's. Everyone has a great laugh at that one, at my expense. I'm sick of handing over my L's as ID and am desperate to learn to drive.

13. Get my next planned Tattoo
I think I've picked out the studio I want to go to in order to complete this one. Now it's just a matter of saving the money.

14. Perform at my pole studio's open night
I love pole. But for some reason performing kind of scares me. At the same time - it's something I dream of doing. So I'm going to suck it up and do it!

15. Take More Photos and Get Them Printed
I want to take more snaps of me and my friends. And I don't want them to just become files that sit on my computer forever. I want scrapbooks, or albums...either way I want tangible memories.

16. Get back into Volunteering
As a teenager I volunteered quite frequently. Since leaving high school though, it's pretty much taken a massive back-burner. I loved volunteering and it was such a huge part of me. I want to get back into that, and really make a difference in my community.

17. Do a First Aid Course
I have no idea how I'd react in an emergency. Once a guy on my bus had a heart attack. The only thing I could think of doing (someone else had already called 000) was giving him my jacket to rest his head on as he lay on the floor of the bus. I doubt doing a first aid course will be able to help me heal people who are having heart attacks, but I think first aid knowledge should be essential - and common knowledge - to everyone.

18. Complete a Daily Photographic Diary
I think it would be fun to look back at this in a years time.

19. Get a job that I like and enjoy
At the moment (apart from refereeing) I am jobless. Not by my wishes, either. I hope that by this time next year I'll be in a job that I like.

20. Donate Blood More Regularly
I already donate quite frequently, but I aim to be more regular about it. As in, every 3 months. Schedule it in, no excuses. It's such a small action on my behalf, but can save lives.

21. Climb a Mountain
Because, why not?

So that's my 21 before 21.

Have you done a list like this?
What would be in your list? Any tips on how I can complete my goals?

Anti-War

Nothing stirs up some emotion in me like a passionate, anti-war song.
I think my love for punk and metal can be attributed to this - among other things.

Because I love making lists,
My favourite anti-war songs are (in no particular order):

• I was Only Nineteen - Redgum;
• Khe Sanh - Cold Chisel;
• Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon and Yoko Ono;
• Suicide is Painless - Johnny Mandel
• And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda - Eric Bogle 
• War - Edwin Starr (I was watching the Boston Legal ep concerning this song only a few nights ago!)
• Disposable Heroes - Metallica
• One - Metallica
• Paschendale - Iron Maiden 
• Russians - Sting
• A Farewell to Arms - Machine Head
• Clenching the Fists of Dissent - Machine Head
• Franco Un-American - NOFX
• Hand that Feeds - NIN
• Most of Anti-Flag
• System of a Down had some excellent anti-war songs
• As did Bad Religion
• War Pigs - Black Sabbath
• Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen

And most recently, I've fallen in love with:

Hero of War - Rise Against