Tuesday 31 December 2013

December Empties

What better way to end 2013 than with my last empties post for the year. I didn't have very many empties this month, but I did manage to finish a few large products which I'm pleased about.
Sanctuary Spa Hot Sugar Scrub - I have a full review of this coming soon, but suffice to say this is my holy grail body scrub.

Soap and Glory Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em body buff - As with the Sanctuary Spa scrub, there is a full review of this (and all the other Soap and Glory scrubs I've used) coming soon. In short, I'm very happy with this scrub and I'll buy it again.
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich luminous body lotion - This was a christmas present at least three years ago. Somehow it hadn't gone off, which is good cause I loved it. It has a gorgeous apricot scent and a lovely, subtle shimmer. I don't think they make this anymore.

Nivea My Silhouette - I've used this on and off for years and it works. What else can I say?

Canterbury Rose Nourishing body lotion - Rose scented loveliness.
Pantene Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner - Nice but not amazing. I won't purchase the full size as I prefer my Original and Mineral products.

Nivea Essential Care lip balm - One of my staple lip balms. You can read my review here.


Dove Original deodorant - This is the deodorant that I fall back on when my arm pitts are upset and sensitive. I prefer to use natural deodorants but had to use this again when I had an allergic reaction to the natural deodorant that I was using.


Soap and Glory Flake Away body scrub - This is a beautiful smelling salt and sugar scrub, one of my favourites.

Biore Make-Up removing wipes - Nice but not amazing. I'll buy these again if they are on sale, but I prefer WotNot and Swisspers.

Monday 30 December 2013

Planning for the new year

I'm not one for new years resolutions, I don't see the point in waiting till the new year to change things, I change them at the time I think they need changing. So instead of talking about new years resolutions I'm going to talk about my plans for the new year.

Last year I started reducing the size of my collection and I'll continue to do that this year. I'd like to have a reasonable size collection of products that I love. That means no more than one 20 litre tub of skin care, bath and body products, 1 train case of make-up and 1 bag of lip balms. When I moved in August I had three tubs of skin care, bath and body products, two train cases of make-up and a train case of lip balms. Plus I also had products scattered all over the place. It was way too much and too difficult to manage.

I've been ruthless with getting rid of products and I'm going to continue that. If I don't like something and won't use it, out it goes. There is no point hanging onto a product that I won't use. If I can't find someone to give it to then it'll go in the bin, simple as that. It seems like a waste, but what's the point having it sit around taking up space until it goes off and I have to throw it away anyhow? Pointless.

I've been rethinking the way I purchase things also. Instead of buying something because it's new and I want to try it, I'm only going to buy it if it's something that I think I'll definitely use and I'll get rid of two similar products to make way for one new product. I remember reading a shopping tip years ago. It said that when you go shopping for new shoes, clothes etc, wear your favourites. If the new things you are trying on are as nice as your favourite shoes/clothes, then buy them. If they aren't then walk away. That's a great tip, which I'm going to use when I'm make-up shopping. 

Blog wise I really need a make over. I've had this blog design for a while now but I'd like something that looks a bit classier. I'd also like to get my own domain name instead of using Blogspot. 

On a personal note, I plan to keep on exercising and getting fitter. It's been nice exercising again, I really like being fit. Once Eljay gets a bit older I'm going to start doing martial arts again. I really, really miss martial arts but haven't been able to start again as there are no dojo's with a creche here. Once Eljay is older I'll go to classes when Tiger is home.  I'd really like to get a personal trainer and just have private lessons instead of going to classes, however the budget doesn't quite stretch to that at the moment. One day.

I've also set myself a 2014 challenge which I'll be writing about soon.

Do any of you have plans for the new year that you'd like to tell me about? Is there anything I've missed?


Friday 27 December 2013

FFS Friday - Whingey, whingey, whingey

Hello! Have we all survived the silly season okay? I hope you have all recovered from your food coma's. We had a lovely, quiet day at home.

My poor face still hasn't recovered from last week's poo incident. FFS.

I'm not sure that it ever will. FFS.

Thanks to Eljay, our day now starts at 4.30am at the latest. FFS.


Sometimes it's 4am. FFS.

4.45am is a sleep in. FFS.

Since he's been home Tiger has been complaining about the early starts. When he's at work he doesn't have to get up until 5am. Lucky him. FFS.

I've told him over and over again that our day always starts at 4.30am and he needs to get used to it. He still complains. FFS.

So he's started sleeping with Chai in Chai's bedroom. FFS.

And they get to sleep in whilst I'm awake with Eljay. FFS.

This does not please me. FFS.

Monday I was awake at 4am and they slept in until 7am. FFS.

I'd been awake for three hours by the time they finally woke up. FFS.

Chai has been in whinge mode the last few days. FFS.

It drives me nuts. FFS.

I am not equipped to deal with whinging, from Chai or from anyone else. FFS.

Tiger has been whinging a lot lately too. FFS.

I have no sympathy. FFS.


Last week I thought I'd try online grocery shopping. It was an epic fail.

Chai's milk was on sale so I ordered 36 cartons. Not FFS.

I have a lot of trouble finding it in store so was really pleased that I could get it on sale and so many of them. Not FFS.

When my shopping arrived I didn't even receive one carton of his milk. FFS.

I received different, crappy brands and also almond milk not oat milk. FFS.

There were a few other things missing and some random things that I didn't even order were included. FFS.

I called Woolworths who sent someone around the next day to pick up the 36 cartons of milk and the other random things. FFS.

Turns out I'd made a rookie mistake and failed to uncheck the substitute button. FFS.

The cheeky buggers have it automatically ticked so that they can send you whatever they want to. Great. FFS.

Won't be wasting my time with that again. FFS.




Dear Baby G

Monday 23 December 2013

2013 - The year in review

2013 was a huge year for us. Tiger and I sold the first house that we bought as a couple, moved towns, bought a new house and moved into it (days after Eljay was born!) Tiger started working FIFO and we welcomed our second child into the world. 

Somehow I managed to stay sane through all of this, I have no idea how. Then again, maybe I'm crazy and I just haven't realised it yet. That's quite possible. 

I thought that selling our first home together, the home that we bought our first son home to, would be difficult, but it really wasn't. Once all our furniture was out it was just an empty shell. I drive past there now and feel no emotion at all. This taught me that home is where my family is and has nothing to do with the actual house.

2013 was also the year that I finally got a coffee machine. It's up there with the great loves of my life! I've wanted a coffee machine for years but never been willing to part with the $2,500 that they cost. When I found a fully automatic one at Harvey Norman Seconds for $700 I grabbed it! We shall never be parted again. 

2014 Beauty Diet part two

Last week I posted about the 2014 Beauty Diet that Vita and I are doing. Today I have a photo and list of the products that I'd like to use up but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.
I know I'm aiming a bit high trying to finish a blush and eye shadow palette, three cream eye shadows and a single eye shadow, but if I can make a good dent in them and at least hit pan, I'll be happy. 

In addition to the products shown, I also plan to finish: 
four lip balms
two lipsticks
my Kora organics lip balm
two TBS body butters
If anyone else would like to join Vita and I, please let either of us know and join in the fun!

Friday 20 December 2013

FFS Friday - Poo face

Friday is here again. I had a mini panic on Tuesday thinking I hadn't done my FFS Friday post, then I realised it was only Tuesday. FFS.

The BIL and SIL came down last weekend. They didn't bother to let me know they were coming until a few hours before they arrived. FFS.

BIL kept on calling Eljay Eliza. FFS.

I have two problems with this. Firstly, his name is not Eliza. Secondly, he is not a girl. FFS.

Tuesday morning was fly in day. Not FFS.

The last few days before Tiger comes home are always tough. I've had enough, Chai has enough and we are both short tempered and grumpy. FFS.

Tuesday Chai had a tantrum because I wouldn't put his tv show on. FFS.

I wouldn't put it on because he wouldn't tell me what he wanted to watch. FFS.

When I asked him what he wanted to watch he said yes, something or show. FFS.

And was then annoyed when I put the wrong show on. FFS.

I called Tiger and he told him straight away that he wanted to watch Cars. FFS. 

Wednesday was even worse. I contaminated myself with poo face. FFS.

We all know there are strict rules for washing oneself in the shower. The face must be washed before the nether regions to avoid contaminating the face with poo germs.

I was following protocol and having washed my face went on to wash my nether regions (never thought I'd get to use that phrase twice in one post, yay!) I washed them and went on to thoroughly wash my poo hands before continuing my shower. I'd bought a new pump style shower gel the day before so was trying unsuccessfully to get some shower gel out. I realised the pump wasn't going to work so put the shower gel on the floor outside the shower when suddenly my nose got itchy, so I scratched it!!! FFS.

I know! I can hear you all gasping with horror! Without even thinking I'd contaminated my face with poo germs! I quickly realised my error but by that time it was too late, the deed had been done and my poor face was contaminated. FFS.

Even though I quickly washed my hands and then washed my face several times, I don't think my poor face will ever recover from being contaminated with poo germs. It's a tragedy. FFS. 

I would continue, but really, it can't get any worse than poo face.

Linking up with Sarah for FFS Friday. If you'd like to read more weekly whinges, head on over to Sarah's blog


Dear Baby G

Thursday 19 December 2013

2014 Beauty Diet

Last week I was looking at Instagram when I saw a post by Vita from Making Up 4 My Age showing products that she's planning on using up and saying that she's going on a make-up diet next year. Never one to miss out on copying a good idea, I asked if I could join in and Vita was kind enough to let me.

I really like this idea. Instead of doing something unrealistic that I won't stick to, or a no buy or project pan that I do stick to and then go on a shopping binge afterwards, the beauty diet is a great long term strategy to reduce the amount of make-up that I have without totally depriving myself. 

Here's how it will work: I have a pile of products that I want to use up throughout the year. I'll have a wishlist of products and only buy products from my wishlist instead of impulse buying. Also, I'll be doing two out one in, so I won't buy a new product until I've used up or got rid of two of the same product (eg. I'll use up two lipsticks before buying a new one). I'm planning on applying this to my skin and body care products too.

Below are the products that I think I can finish in 2014. I also have another post coming Monday with general products that I'd like to use up (such as two lip balms, one palette etc) but I'm not sure if I'll be able to. It doesn't hurt to aim high.

I will also post the products that are currently on my wishlist and when I add to it I will repost my wishlist. 

You can read Vita's post about the diet here.

Monday 16 December 2013

Bits and Pieces

I've only got one thing to report for bits and pieces this week so here it is. Does anyone else have any news?

The Heat Group have opened up an online store. You can check it out here. If you haven't heard of the Heat Group, they are the company responsible for bringing Max Factor, Covergirl, Essence, Billee Goat Soap, Ulta 3, Bourjois, Jeanne Arthes and WB to our shores. They have free express shipping when you spend over $40 and flat rate $7.50 shipping if you spend under $40.


Friday 13 December 2013

FFS Friday - Sleep deprivation

My poor Chai has been sick this week, he's had croup. FFS.

He's been coughing a lot at night and it sounds awful. FFS.

It also wakes up Eljay and I. FFS.

 And means I got even less sleep than usual over the last week. FFS.

Unsurprisingly, Chai's illness also coincided with Eljay not sleeping well, so between the two of them I've turned into a walking zombie. FFS. 

Monday night was particularly bad. FFS.

Eljay decided that he wanted to play in the middle of the night and was awake for over two hours. FFS.

I had just got him back to sleep when Chai (who was sleeping sideways), kicked him in the head and woke him up again. FFS.

Eljay has decided that 4.45am is a good time to start the day and he's been doing so for the last three weeks. FFS.

I strongly disagree with him, however no matter how many valid arguments I give him for sleeping later, he does not concede my point. FFS.

Being the parent of a two and a half year old is highlighting the things that I say regularly. FFS.

It's also highlighting the things I don't say that regularly but when I do say them I say them with gusto, making them memorable. FFS.

Thankfully I've stopped swearing. Not FFS.

One of the phrases that I say with gusto is "for christs sake". FFS.

I've said it twice and now it's one of Chai's favourite sayings. FFS.

He says it regularly, at the most appropriate times. I find it hilarious. Not FFS.

My religious mum and step dad do not find it at all funny. FFS.

They were here on the weekend and I saw the disapproval on my step dad's face when he heard Chai say "oh christs sake!" FFS.

Perhaps he'd rather Chai said fuck? I'm going to teach him that for next time they visit. FFS.

Monday I had to go to the shops. FFS.

The second I put Eljay into the car he started crying. FFS.

Chai gets upset when Eljay cries, so he started yelling and crying too. FFS.

They both cried and screamed the whole way to the shopping centre. FFS.

It's a 15 minute drive. FFS.

The main reason I went to the shops was to get more milk for Chai. As luck would have it, it was on special. Not FFS.

They only had one carton. FFS.

I usually buy at least ten. FFS.

Now I'll have to go back to the shops in a few days to get more milk. FFS.

Chai is toilet training at the moment. Cleaning up wee and poo is not my idea of fun. In fact it's disgusting. FFS.

Wednesday Chai had done a poo without me knowing it, so I hadn't cleaned his bottom. I discovered he'd done a poo when he sat on me and I noticed that I had poo all over my skirt. FFS.

It was my last clean skirt. FFS.

Wednesday was a trying day. FFS.

Chai thinks it's hilarious to wake up Eljay. FFS.

By 6.30am Wednesday he'd woken him up three times. FFS.

The BIL and SIL are over here for a holiday at the moment. Tiger and I have been asking BIL for ages now when they are planning on being down here, so that I can be prepared for their visit. He hasn't told us. FFS.


All he's said is they'll spend a few days with his parents then come down here. FFS.


I found out when they were intending to arrive on Facebook yesterday. FFS.


So far they still haven't bothered to let me know that they plan to arrive on my doorstep sometime today. FFS.


Too bad if I'm out. FFS.


That's the end of my weekly whine, I hope it's given you a good laugh. If you have had any FFS worthy moments, please post them below so I can laugh at your misfortune.


To read more weekly whines, head over to Sarah's blog


Dear Baby G

Thursday 12 December 2013

Lip Balm Loving

I've been trying out a few new lip balms lately and using a few old favourites. Rather than write a post about each of them I decided to be lazy and write one post about all of them.
Aerin Rose - This gets bad reviews on MUA and I don't understand why. It smells beautiful, it's thick, creamy and hydrating. I don't find it at all sticky and it lasts about half a day before I need to reapply. The Aerin line isn't available in Australia, I purchased mine from strawberrynet.

Chapstick 3 in 1 balm - After searching for what seems like ages, I finally tracked this down at a random, no name chemist and I'm so happy that I did. My lips have been dry, flaky and awful lately so this has been a real saviour. It's hydrating without being too thick and goopy and it has a lovely shiny finish. I can see myself buying this again.

Lanolips Banana Balm - It really, really irks me when an Australian company releases a new product overseas before they release it here. No doubt it's because of our strict laws here, but still. Being a balmaholic, I've been waiting ages for this to be released here and one night I decided I couldn't wait any longer, so I bought it. I've been using it a lot recently and it's lovely. There were two things that surprised me when I first started using my banana balm and they are that it is shimmery and it has no flavour. The no flavour disappoints me a little, it smells so good and it'd be great if it tasted good too. One great thing is that it has a slanted tip applicator, hurrah! Apparently banana balm won't be available here until late next year, so if you want to buy it you'll need to get it from Victoria Health.

Subtle Energies Rose Petal lip balm - Another rose scented product. This one is a little pot of hydrating heaven.

Nivea Essential Lip Care - This is one of those stock standard, boring balms that is an essential for me. It's very, very hydrating so perfect for winter, leaves a lovely shine to my lips and keeps them in good condition.

1 Skin Solution - I love all the balms that Raylene makes, however the tinted lip butters are my absolute favourite. I've tried countless tinted balms in my time but none are as hydrating as my 1 Skin Solution balms. The gorgeous, unique  flavours seal the deal even more, they really are perfection in a stick. 

Carmex Moisture Plus balms - There will always be a Carmex balm on my list, they are one of my all time favourite balms. I've yet to find a lip balm that heals my lips faster and more effectively than Carmex.

Crazy Rumors Red Hibiscus - I have no idea what red hibiscus would taste like, I'm sure it's not this as my balm tastes sweet and foody, not at all floral. Which is a good thing because as lovely as flowers smell, I don't think they taste that great. 

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Wishlist Wednesday

With all the gorgeous christmas gift packs available at the moment, my wishlist is huge! I'm so tempted to go out and buy all the things, but thankfully for my credit card most of them aren't easily available so I've managed to restrain myself (so far).
Jurlique Rose Body Oil - This is a huge 200ml bottle for $78.99. I want it!
Jurlique Purely White Essentials - I am in serious need of some effective skin whitening products.
Jurlique Ultimate Skin and Body Collection - Can you imagine how awesome it would be to receive this?
Jurlique Essence of Rose fragrance oil - I used my rose perfume up a few months ago so I need a replacement and this is only $28.
Gift Box - Mojito  

1 skin solution Mojito gift pack - The new gift packs look so pretty and are all ready to go, I wouldn't even need to wrap anything. Plus it looks like it'd cost a lot more than $22.

Monday 9 December 2013

Morgan Annie Latte Lip Scrub

Lip scrubs are one of those products that I neglect. I have two of them but I rarely make the effort to use them. Silly really, because when I do use a lip scrub regularly I notice a huge difference in the way my lips feel.In an effort to make myself use my lip scrub more, I put it in my shower and now I exfoliate my lips a few times a week.
Because this is all natural it doesn't need to be washed off, you can just lick off the sugar crystals and leave the moisturising products on to hydrate your lips. I usually lick it all off because it tastes great. 

I bought my Morgan Annie lip scrub from Addicted 2 Lip Balm, which is now closed, however Morgan Annie products can be purchased from the Morgan Annie website.
Latte Lip Scrub costs $24.95 for a 15ml pot.

Ingredients: organic raw sugar, rice bran oil, macadamia oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, carnauba wax, flavour, mineral pigment, vitamin e, plantaserve q.

Sunday 8 December 2013

When your best isn't good enough

I've realised that lately I've been a really crappy parent. And it hasn't just been for a little while, it's been for about five months, if not more. 

There are many reasons, but no excuses and frankly it's not good enough. Sure I've been tired, we've been moving, I've had a baby etc, but none of that is Chai's fault and he shouldn't suffer because of it. 

I used to be a fun mum. We used to do things all the time and get up to lots of adventures together. We'd go to the park, go for walks, find drains to drop things in, see the ducks, watch boats on the river, go to the library, go to rhyme time, stand on the side of the road and watch all the cars go past etc. Now we do nothing.

Admittedly I'm so exhausted that I struggle to keep my eyes open most days, but that's too bad. Chai shouldn't be bored and have to stay at home all the time just because I'm tired. We've been living here for eight months and I haven't joined a playgroup or found him any friends. He longs to be around other children. Whenever we come across other kids he gets so excited, it's not right that I'm denying him the opportunity to socialise like he so badly wants to.

I've talked about it with my mum and dad and they both say that he's a happy child and I'm doing the best I can. But that's not good enough. I need to do better. I want to be a great mum, not a mediocre mum.

With the school holidays coming up very soon most playgroups and other activities will be closed, so I need to find activities that we can do at home, things to keep him engaged and entertained. They need to be things that I can do with Eljay in my arms or in the wrap and some things that Chai and I can do together when Eljay is asleep. 

I'm going to get him a blackboard and some paints so we can paint together, what else can I get for him? 

I'm also planning on taking him to the park at least twice a week so that he can run around and play with other kids. 


So what do you do when your best isn't good enough? How do you keep your children amused all day? Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Friday 6 December 2013

FFS Friday - Let me sing you the song of my people

It's Friday! Time for all you lucky working people to rejoice that the end of the week is here and look forward to your weekend. For non working people like me, it's just another day. FFS. 

Tiger has gone back to work. FFS.

I really don't like solo parenting. FFS.

I've been complaining about how tired I am lately, it took Tiger to realise why. I was overdue for my b12 shot and I'm probably low in iron. FFS.

I had my b12 shot and for three days I felt amazing! Not FFS.

Now I'm exhausted again, which means that my levels must be really low. FFS.

When I can get someone to come with me, I'm going to get a blood test to check my iron levels. I suspect that they will be low as I don't eat meat. FFS.

I've been toilet training Chai for a while now. He does really well when Tiger is away but when Tiger's here he wants to wear a nappy. FFS.

Since Tiger is away again, we've been toilet training. I've been wondering why there was wee all over the potty and the floor and I found out why. FFS.

Chai has decided that he now wee's standing up. FFS.

His aim is pretty good, but not great, so there is wee all over the potty and all over the floor. FFS.

He's also partial to weeing in the shower. FFS. 

And in the lid of his potty. FFS.

Clearly I'm going to have to teach him to wee in the toilet. FFS.

Bed time with two children is an absolute nightmare. FFS.

Tuesday night Dad came over to help out. Not FFS.

As soon as he left I heard Eljay crying. Chai was in the bath so I quickly settled Eljay and raced back to Chai. FFS.

Whilst I was with Chai I heard Eljay crying again so I raced back to settle Eljay. When I was in there settling him I heard Chai crying so I raced back and explained to him that I was settling Eljay then ran back to Eljay. FFS.

I heard Chai crying again then next thing he ran into the bedroom, soaking wet, with a whale in his hand. As you do. FFS.

He sat on the bed, crying and playing with the whale and I tried to comfort him, dry him and settle Eljay at the same time. FFS.

The whale was full of water which came pouring out and soaked the bed. FFS.

On my side of course. FFS.

By this time Eljay was wide awake. FFS.

It was 9.30pm before I got both boys to sleep. FFS.

Have I mentioned how much I dislike FIFO? FFS.

Not content with just singing me the song of his people every time we are in the car, Eljay has decided to up the ante and add a few screams in amongst the crying. It's great. FFS.

And if that's not enough, he also throws in the occasional choke and gag just for good measure. FFS.

I wouldn't be surprised if I develop post traumatic stress disorder from traveling in the car with him. FFS.

You think I'm joking. FFS.

I'm not joking. FFS.

Wednesday was our wedding anniversary. Since Tiger was away, I got him a card and after he'd packed I hid it in his bag. A bit later he decided to repack his bag but I wasn't worried as I'd put the card in a part that he doesn't use. Naturally he decided to use that part of the bag and found his card. FFS.

Thankfully he guessed what it was so didn't open it. Not FFS.

So much for my clever surprise. FFS.

Yesterday my day started at 3.55am. FFS.

I was awoken when Chai spewed on my arm. FFS.

Then he spewed on his pillow. FFS.

Mercifully these were both easy to clean up, always a good thing at 3.55am. 

I couldn't get back to sleep. FFS.

That concludes my weekly whinge. If you'd like to have a whinge, please feel free to tell me all your woes in the comments. If you haven't had enough whinging, head over to Sarah's blog and see what everyone else has been whinging about. 


Dear Baby G

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Bath & Unwind Tried and Tested Review Panel

Exciting news! I'm part of the Bath and Unwind Tried and Tested Review Panel. WooHoo! This means that four times a year I'll be trialling and reviewing products that I've received from Bath and Unwind.

If you haven't heard of Bath and Unwind before, they are a beauty store based in the UK, with free worldwide delivery. They stock a range of great brands such as Caudalie, Korres, Badger Balm, Elemis and Love and Toast. I've shopped with them several times and been very happy with their service. 

I received my first Tried and Tested Review Panel products last Friday and thought I'd write a quick post with my first impressions. I'll write a full review of everything once I've tried it for longer. 
If, like me, you have always wanted to try the Ole Henricksen products then the La La Glow From Head to Toe Blockbuster kit is for you. It costs $111.97 (AUD) and contains 9 products!

I'm really excited to dig into this lot. I've used a few of the products already and they are all lovely.
This Works No Wrinkles Tired Eyes costs $72.56 (AUD) which I think is fairly reasonable for an eye cream. Here's hoping this one works as I need all the help I can get at the moment!
Caudalie Divine Indulgent set costs $53.48 (AUD) and contains divine oil, divine legs and divine scrub.
The Caudalie products smell heavenly, I can see them quickly becoming staples.
Korres Indulgent Treats cost $34.68 (AUD). The set contains a guava body butter, wild rose 24 hour moisturising and brightening cream, mandarin lip butter stick in rose and a nourishing almond oil and shea butter hand cream.

Unsurprisingly the only Korres skin care products I've tried are the lip balms, so I'm really looking forward to using everything.

I also noticed that the new Burt's Bees Revitalizing lip balm (with blueberry and dark chocolate) is available for pre order on the site. I'm so tempted as I have no idea when we'll be getting it here.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Chapstick Christmas Balms

With no thanks to Chapstick, I managed to find the Christmas tins! I'd given up looking when I spotted them sitting on the counter at an Amcal Chemist! I'm sure the girls at the chemist thought I was crazy for getting so excited about lip balms (and for buying six tins!)
They had only got them in a few days earlier. Anyone else on the hunt for them, check out your local Amcal Chemist. The tins cost $9.95 each and contain three balms, two are Candy Cane flavour and one is Velvet Cake flavour. 
 

Monday 2 December 2013

November Empties

My second last empties post for the year! November has been another good month empties wise. I still haven't finished any make-up, I really need to work on that!
Dirty Works Buff Your Stuff body scrub -  This is a new range available at Coles. They smell lovely (like Soap and Glory products) and are cheap (I think this was under $10). Despite the lovely scent I won't buy this again as there aren't enough scrubby bits in it for me, I prefer sugar or salt scrubs.

Lendan Rich Nutrition shampoo - This was a lovely shampoo that did a great job of keeping my hair hydrated and clean.

Mor Marshmallow body scrub - I loved this scrub but at $39.95 it's a luxury buy for me and not something that I'll automatically repurchase. For those of you who love salt/sugar scrubs, this is great and it smells amazing. 

Dirty Works Glow Getter Buttery salt scrub - This wasn't too bad, but just not scrubby enough for me. As with the Buff Your Stuff scrub, it smells great but I won't buy it again.
Lendan Rich Nutrition conditioner - As with the shampoo, I really liked this conditioner.

Biotherm Biosource hydra-mineral cleanser - My beautiful soul sister Karen gave this cleanser to me so it's unsurprising that I love it. This is a cream cleanser with a difference. It contains clay so cleans deeply and very thoroughly, but it has the gentleness of a cream cleanser. It's like the love child of a foaming cleanser and a cream cleanser. When I get through my current stash of cleansers I'll be buying this one again.

Dirty Works Life's a Beach coconut scrub - I won't bore you by repeating myself again, this is like the other Dirty Works products.

Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover - The only m/u remover I use. Enough said. You can read my full review here.

Nivea Visage Daily Essential Light Moisturising Day cream - Meh. This is a good, basic moisturiser. I used it on my neck and decolletage. It'd probably be good for someone in their twenties, but at my age I need a moisturiser that does more than just moisturise.

The Jojoba Company Jojoba Absolute Serum - I was so sad when I used the last of this as it's my HG serum and I decided not to buy another one. Despite really, really wanting to, I have so many other serums that I need to finish first. I'm hoping I can get through them fast so that I can repurchase. My full review is here.

MU London organic marigold, frankincense and myrhh moisturiser - Loved this. It's a very unique moisturiser in that it contains no water. The lack of water makes it a very thick lotion that needs to be warmed between the hands before application, quite similar to the butters that I used on my belly when I was pregnant. This little pot lasted me for ages as a little goes a long way. Once I get through my huge stash of body lotions I'll buy this again.

Unknown perfume -I think this was a Lancome perfume but the writing on the bottom of the bottle is so small you'd have to be a fairy to read it. It was nice but a little overpowering, I think it'd be great for winter. Clearly I won't be purchasing a full sized bottle because I have no idea what it is.

Clarins Younger Longer Balm - I don't remember what I thought of this so it obviously didn't make much of an impression.

Angel Violette body lotion - Love this scent.

Angel body lotion -You know those perfumes that you love but you just can't wear cause it smells like flyspray on you? Angel is one of those for me. I can however, wear the body lotion, so I do. Love it.

Eve Lom cleaner - I got this is my Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Loop pack and I'm really glad that I got to try it because I don't like it at all! This is said to be the best cleanser in the world and I have no idea why. It stinks, is grainy and left a film all over my eyes that was very difficult to remove. I much prefer my Audra James cleansing balm.

Very manky Ardell brow gel -This is a HG that I've spoken about enough times, I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it.

Milk Beauty Wipes -These are quite amazing, I have a review of them coming up soon. They have a smooth side and an exfoliating side, brilliant idea. They are also huge, about the same size as those man tissues that Kleenex used to make, if anyone remembers them.

Sunday 1 December 2013

Thoughts of the month

1. I updated Eljay's birth post to include a few details I'd forgotten, if you are interested you can read about it here

2. James Blunt's song Bonfire Heart is rather wonderful. Also, he clearly has a good sense of humour as his twitter feed is hilarious. 


3. My FIL is in hospital at the moment, he had another minor heart attack. Whilst he's okay at the moment, he's not a well man. I hate to think how awful it is going to be for Tiger when his Dad passes.

4. How on earth is it December already?

5. I managed to resist all the amazing black friday deals. Go me.

6. We've had a few warm days this month and I've now officially had enough of summer.

7. That's it for me, I have no more thoughts. I shall leave you with this rather wonderful photo.

Image credit