Thoughts For Thursday #2

(source)

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Shopping Addict.

Guess what!?!? I went shopping. Again.

Notebook - Target

Pen - Kikki K

Mmm.. It's that time of the year again: new stationary!

Daisy Socks - Princess Highway

Absolutely fell in love with these, aren't they just adorable?

Leather wallet - Mimco
I was in desperate need of a new wallet, I had grown out of my $10 hot pink one, to say the least. With that in mind, I decided to buy one that I knew I wouldn't be 'growing out of' anytime soon. I think this one from Mimco is super classy and just flat out gorgeous!

 Black Studded Sneakers - Target
These are so awesome, and cheap too; only $19! I love buying sneakers from Target, they are always a great bargain and quite comfy, too.

Owl Pencil Cases - Typo

School pencil cases don't get any cuter than this! It did take me ages to finally decide on these two, Typo always have such pretty things.

 Waterproof Mascara - Max Factor
 Super Lustrous Lipstick 'Berry Couture' - Revlon
Super Lustrous Lipstick 'Plum Velour' - Revlon
Lip Butter 'Juicy Papaya' - Revlon

Last but not least, I bought these gems. It came to my attention that I needed a waterproof mascara after watching The Book Thief at the cinema and ending up almost looking like a panda (tears galore. incredible movie though). These lipsticks are all very pretty and in some of my favourite colours!


Thanks for reading! Let me know if you want any reviews on these products.

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Review: Hair Products

Here are three mini reviews on some hair products I've used recently!


Toni & Guy Nourish Reconstruction Mask - $15.99

I really enjoyed using this mask! I applied it to my hair immediately after shampooing and conditioning, and left it for about 5 minutes. I rinsed it and let my hair dry naturally. The result was great; my hair felt soft and hydrated, it looked shinier and felt a lot stronger. One thing I did notice was that it weighed down my hair quite a bit. I would recommend using this mask no more than once a week.

4/5
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Herbal Essences 'Hello Hydration' Shampoo & Conditioner - $5.99 each

After the first wash using these products, my hair felt amazing - super soft and silky. I was very impressed, and my hair stayed this way for another 5 washes. At that point, I noticed my hair looked and felt dirty/silicon-y (can I get away with using that word?) immediately after blow drying. I was almost certain it was just a case of product build up, so I used a deep cleansing shampoo and my hair was back to normal. Two washes later (using Herbal Essences) my hair was back to feeling the way it was earlier - dirty and silicon-y. I did a little research and have realised that this is due to the silicon found in the Herbal Essences Shampoo. Won't be using that again!

1/5
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Wella Professionals Purifying Shampoo - $22

This is the deep cleansing shampoo I mentioned previously. I visited a salon and asked about product build up and the lady working there recommended I use this one. It was excellent and removed all traces of the silicon in my hair. It's very strong and strips your hair of its natural oils, so I would only use it once every fortnight. This shampoo is especially good if you use lots of products in your hair. 100% recommend!

5/5
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Sorry for the lack of photos; I've been feeling a bit flat today and can't really be bothered to bring out the camera.
 Let me know your thoughts on these products, or recommend any ones you've been loving recently!

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Thoughts For Thursday #1

Hello chummies! I've decided to start a thing - Thoughts For Thursday. I'll be posting a picture with a little quote on it every Thursday, which will hopefully inspire you and I to make our lives happier and more positive!

(source)

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Summer Smoothies

One of the things I love most about the summer is making and drinking smoothies! These are two of my favourite recipes, they are both super yummy and healthy - two big ticks there! These recipes will make enough for two large serves. Enjoy!

BERRY SMOOTHIE

- 1 ripe banana

- 1 glass frozen berries (I used strawberries, raspberries & blackberries)

- 2 tbsp natural yoghurt

- 1 small handful oats

- 1 small handful mixed nuts

- 1 glass milk

- honey, to taste

SUPER GREEN SMOOTHIE

- 1 cup very cold water
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 stalks organic celery, chopped
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped
- 1 banana, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Polyvore Love

Good news, I've finally joined Polyvore! And I can honestly say... I love it! I've already put together two outfits which I think are perfect for summer!

If you wish to follow me, you can do so here!

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Skincare Routine - Paula's Choice

Having a good skincare routine is essential if you want good skin. It's also a very personal thing; everyone has different skin types and will therefore have different needs. I would say my skin type is normal/combination, but can get quite dehydrated especially in the winter months. My daily skincare routine is made up of four Paula's Choice products, these might not necessarily work for you and your skin type, but they are just fine for me.

First I use the Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser for normal/dry skin. I've been using this face cleanser for over a year and I won't be changing it anytime soon. I use it once in the morning and twice at night, to make sure I get all the makeup off my face. My face is left feeling refreshed, soft and clean.
RRP: $40.00

Next I put on the Earth Sourced Purely Natural Refreshing Toner for all skin types. It's very gentle and made up of 98% natural ingredients. All I do is put it onto a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face and neck. I've used this toner regularly for around 3 months, before then I never thought I needed toner. My mum got me some samples and this was included, and I was quite surprised at the difference it made to my skin - It looked much more radiant and hydrated.

RRP: $32.90

After letting the toner sink in, I use the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant for all skin types. I only use this at night time, and I use my fingers to rub it gently into my skin, avoiding eyes and lips. This is the newest addition to my skincare routine, I've only been using it for about two weeks, and have noticed a slight difference in the appearance of my pores.
RRP: $45.80

Last but definitely not least, I use the Earth Sourced Natural Moisturizer for all skin types. This moisturizer is so so amazing. It makes my skin feel lovely and soft, never dry or oily. It's very gentle - the initial packaging actually said 'Ideal for Baby Too'. This moisturizer is great, would definitely recommend it to people with a similar skin type to me.

RRP: $48.60


If you are interested in Paula's Choice, here is a link to their online store: www.paulaschoice.com
I hope that was helpful to some of you, thanks for reading!

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Money Saving Challenge & 2014 Wishlist

Being obsessed with all things beauty and fashion does have it's negatives, and the worst one is definitely spending (bolding and underlining is necessary). The second I've got money in my hands, I find something I 'need' to spend it on. I haven't got a job just yet, so this is becoming quite the problem.

The other day I found something called the 52 Week Savings Challenge and have decided to give it a go. I wanted to share it with you guys too, in case anyone else was having the same problem. The one I have linked is called the 'Mega Money Challenge' and after completing it you will have saved $6,890. This one is good for those of you who are older and have a job, but is way too much for me! I've decided to do the version for kids. The end result of this challenge is $344.50. There are plenty of other versions of the challenge, which I will link here:

365 Days
52 Week Standard
52 Week Variation
52 Week Make Money
52 Week Double
52 Week Mini
26 Bi-Weekly
24 Bi-Monthly
12 Monthly

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I didn't think this was enough for an entire post so I'm merging it with my '2014 Wishlist' (They are kind of related, right?). Here are a few things I would love to have bought by the end of the year!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - $41.40
I've been wanting an Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette for about a billion years... they look gorgeous and have such wonderful reviews. I thought about whether it was worth buying the 1, 2 or 3 palette but it's far too much money for me! The Naked Basics Palette has six matte, neutral colours which is great for beginners (like me)!

Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray - $15.99
This spray has had very good reviews and is affordable. I love the idea of a sea salt spray, you just spritz it (what a good word...spritz) in your hair and mess it up a bit, then you're ready to go. I hate spending a lot of time on my hair and as it's summer now, this look is great. The salt does dry up your hair, which is the only negative, but it should be fine as long as it's used sparingly.

Revlon Scented Nail Polish - $4.99 each
Two of my absolute favourite things - Nail polish and yummy scents. The ones I'm most looking forward to trying are Bubble Gum (back row, last one on the right) and Cotton Candy (back row, second from the left).

Our Moment Perfume by One Direction 30.0ml - $39.00
As everyone around me knows, I am a huuuge fan of One Direction. I would really love to own this, I've smelt it once before and think it's absolutely lovely. Very sweet and fruity - my favourite!


Let me know in the comments whether you're going to try one of the Saving Challenges, or tell me whats on your 2014 Wishlist!

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For the Love of Black Bags

Black bags... I love them, and I don't think I will ever stop loving them. I also have quite a few of them, five to be exact. So, today I've decided to show you my evergrowing black bag collection, enjoy!

Fiorelli

This was actually the first 'proper' bag I ever owned... yikes! My mum bought it a long, long time ago and then ended up giving it to me, so it's definitely not in store any more. It's got two sections and one zip compartment. I love shoulder bags, I think they look good with so many outfits. This is a perfect size for me as I don't usually have too much in my bag.

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Ruby & Kit
My Auntie gave me this cute little bag for Christmas this year, I have wanted one like this for ages! It includes one small zipped compartment inside. In the photo I've taken, the chain is doubled over, so it is twice the size. Nice for when you're going out for dinner and only really need your phone and wallet.

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Ruby & Kit

This is another bag I got for Christmas, this time from my Mum. I like to call this one my 'Shopping Bag' as it's the biggest one I have and perfect for a day out. Its got three large sections (all can be individually closed by zips). My favourite thing about this bag are the knots made at the end of each handle... I love them!

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Basque

This is another one my Mum bought aaages ago and ended up giving to me. Definitely not in store. It has the one main section, a small zipped compartment inside and one outside. Really like the size of this one, plus the material is very soft.

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Sportsgirl
Going by the state of the zip, it's obvious this bag has been given a lot of love. I've used it ever so much and probably will need to buy a new one soon. It's got three small compartments plus the main one. It's very simple but still cute and classy. I love the design on the material!


Thanks for reading!

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Review: Katy Perry Killer Queen

My amazing Mum bought me Katy Perry's 'Killer Queen' fragrance for Christmas (thank you, again!). I decided to do a little review because, well.. why not? 

 This is Katy Perry's third fragrance, she decided to name it 'Killer Queen' after the song by Queen.

Lets start with the most important thing - the smell! It is a beautiful fragrance, easily one of my favourites. I would describe it as sweet, fruity and floral. Even with all those sugary and sweet smells, it's not overpowering or sickly - just to my taste. Unlike most perfumes, I genuinely think this could be worn at any time - day, night, winter, summer... It's extremely versatile. It doesn't wear off immediately, but I wouldn't say it's 'long lasting' either.

I do love the bottle, although I wish it came with some sort of stand as the bottle has to lay on it's side. Having it stand upright would much better fit the idea of a 'Killer Queen'... don't you think? I loved the packaging too, very royal and sophisticated.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this perfume and would give it an 8/10. I'm obsessed with the fragrance and wouldn't change anything about it, however the bottle and longevity could do with some improving.

What are your thoughts on Katy Perry's perfumes? Have you tried any? Would you?

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Shopping!

I've done quite a bit of shopping over the past week... I think I might be addicted.

Gimme Brow - Benefit
The lady at the Benefit counter applied this to my eyebrows and I was so happy with how it looked! My eyebrows are very difficult, they always look too full/large when I try to fill them in with a light brown eye shadow, so I was very surprised that this looked good. It's kind of like a gel, and you brush it through your eyebrows. You can build it up a lot and but it's not very harsh so I like it :)

Little Mix 'Jade' Press-on Nails
I thought these would be a bit of fun for a night out, I'm not a big fan of fake nails and these just started to come off after about two days which was good for me. Each of the other girls have their own design of Press-on Nails, I'd love to try Perrie's - they are like a cosmic sort of design.

Color Riche Le Smoky - L'Oreal
I got this in 204 - Brown Fusion and absolutely love it. It's just beginning to get hot here in Australia, and I prefer not to wear too much make-up, so a natural looking eyeliner is perfect! The pencil comes with a smudger too, although I never really end up using them anyway.

Baby Lips Glow - Maybelline
This was only $2 so I couldn't help myself. I bought it in 'Mixed Berry' which isn't very strong, just kind of enhances your natural lip colour. Keeps my lips nice and soft, I think I'll be buying more in the Baby Lips range.

Sugar Crush Body Scrub - Soap & Glory

I've been wanting to buy something from the Soap & Glory range for a verrry long time after hearing so many bloggers rave about it. The scrub smells very fresh and citrus-y (I am fab at describing smells...not). I am yet to try it but I can't wait!

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar - Lush

Since visiting Lush for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I have kind of fallen in love. This bubble bar just smells scrumptious - it contains vanilla, almond oil and cocoa butter. This will be my first time trying a bubble bar from Lush, but basically you just crumble it underneath running water and it creates lots of lovely smelling bubbles! You can also break this one in half to get two uses out of it.

Melting Marshmallow Moment Bath Melt - Lush

This is also my first time trying a Bath Melt from Lush, the lovely lady who served me told me that you simply drop it in the bath and let it melt. It's meant to give you lovely soft skin. This one smells like marshmallow (obviously) plus a little bit of citrus and vanilla. I literally could smell this all day - it's sooo lovely.

Bubblegum Lip Scrub - Lush
This little tub was quite overpriced, unlike most things in Lush - $9.95. Although I really couldn't help but buy it... I'm a sucker for anything mini, plus it smells totally delish. It's mostly sugar, which you rub on your lips, then lick off and finish with a lip balm (I've been using my Baby Lips one). This is literally so addictive, it tastes like fairy floss (or candy floss, for you Americans) but doesn't seem to make any difference to my lips. Worth $9.95? I guess so, but I probably wouldn't buy it again.

Hope everyone's had a lovely week so far, let me know if you want any reviews - I'd be more than happy to do them!

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Outfit of the Day

It's a lovely sunny day today, so Mum & I decided to go to our absolute favourite coffee shop - Starbucks! Here's what I wore:

 

Dress - Target
Cardigan - Target
Sunglasses - Sportsgirl
Bag - Valleygirl
(You can't see them but I'm wearing white sandals from Rubi Shoes)

Nails - Coral Colours 'Gilt Pink'

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Summer Nails

My school (sadly) doesn't allow us girls to wear nail polish, so when I'm on holidays... I really go all out. I re-paint them every 4 days or so and like to experiment with lots of different colours. This summer, I've fallen in love with this colour in particular...

Orange! It's perfect for summer - especially if you are getting a bit of a tan, as it makes your skin look darker. It's a lovely, bright colour which matches most of the clothes I've been wearing these holidays.

What's you're favourite nail polish colour at the moment?

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December Wrap-up

Happy New Year! Can you believe 2013 is already over?! I can't...

December was such a fun and exciting month for me; summer holidays, Christmas and New Year... It was insane! So, I thought I would do a little wrap up and show you guys some of my favourite photos/moments from last month, enjoy!




The Jedward Concert! Now, this was technically not in December (Nov 30th) but I loved it so much that I HAD to include it! I went with my cousin Matthew, but after winning 6 tickets (crazy, right?) I gave them away to a bunch of my friends who ended up coming too! Matt and I sat in the 5th row and earned a wave from both of the boys! It was such a great night, I absolutely can't wait for them to come back to Aus.

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My family and my cousins decided to go to this cute event in the city called 'Santa's Magical Kingdom'. There were a few rides and an amazing circus show which got everyone's hearts racing. It was the perfect start to December and left me feeling soo festive!

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Easily one of my favourite family traditions - Christmas Eve at my Nonna's house! We ate our weight in seafood - cocktails, prawns, mussels...yum. Then the kids hopped outside while we waited for 'Santa' to fill up our stockings. Once it was time, we all headed inside, turned on the TV to watch Carols by Candlelight, opened our gifts and ate some yummy desserts.

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Here are a few snaps from Christmas Day, I really wish I took more but I got a little distracted by the fun of it all. I got some amazing presents in the morning and then spent the day at my Aunt and Uncles house. We had a feast - BBQ, potato salad, rice salad, and plenty more. Us four cousins then hopped in the spa and had a good laugh - P.S, water guns and makeup do not mix. Finally, it was time for dessert. Homemade gingerbread house, anyone? Mum and I made it from scratch, as we do every year, and it was a success! The day was perfect, I'm incredibly lucky to have these people in my family.

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New Year's Eve was so much fun - all my family came over for a BBQ dinner. The Nonni (grandparents) left at about 10pm, which is when us kids got all our glow sticks and poppers ready. At 11:30, we headed to the park with a lovely city view. Everyone counted down from 10, and you could see the entire city light up with fireworks. After everyone settled down, we went home and managed to fall asleep by 2:30am.

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I hope you all had an amazing month and best of luck for 2014!

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