Friday 31 August 2018

FFS Friday - CTOHWTIA

This week has been one long episode of Crap That Only Happens When Tiger Is Away. It started on Sunday. 

We woke up, I looked at Chai and one of his front teeth was black. I could see from the bottom that the whole tooth was black inside. Nice. I googled it and my ever trusty google assured me that it was nothing to worry about. Considering google usually tells me I'm dying, I should have been reassured, however I'm a Mum so I wasn't. How can it be okay for a tooth to be black!? I decided to make a dentist appointment on Monday and we continued with our day. 

That evening the dishwasher stopped working. I couldn't find the warranty paperwork but I was pretty sure it was under warranty, so I planned to go into JB Hi Fi on Monday and get the receipt from them. Easy.

Monday morning I woke up with the worst hayfever I've ever had. My nose was running like a tap, my eyes were watering and I couldn't stop sneezing. I took three different natural remedies that usually work. They did nothing. 
I took an antihistamine, it did nothing. I then realised that the antihistamine was expired. Damn. 
I used a nasal spray and took more of the natural remedies. Nothing. At this stage I decided that we had to leave town before I died from hayfever, so sent messages to Tiger informing him that we're moving. 



Since I had stuff to do I couldn't lie around wallowing in self pity so we headed to the chemist where I purchased more drugs (antihistamines) and downed them immediately. 

I got the warranty details from JB Hi Fi and was delighted to discover the dishwasher is under warranty until 2012. Bonus.


I made Chai a dentist appointment for Tuesday lunchtime. Chai was determined not to go to the dentist, so I didn't tell him I'd made the appointment.

My hayfever didn't ease off until 6pm that night. FFS. 

Tuesday morning we headed to our home school group. Whilst we were there the dentist rang and made my appointment an hour earlier which meant that we missed most of the home school group. It was a very wet day so that wasn't a huge deal. 

As we were heading to the dentist Chai asked where we were going. When I told him he was furious and started yelling at me that I'm an awful Mum, I'm so mean and the worst Mum in the world. He locked himself in the car but I managed to get him out and thankfully the dentist and all the staff were lovely. The dentist was very kind, patient and brilliant with both the boys. If you're in Bunbury and need a dentist, I highly recommend Dr Jeet at Eversmile Dental.

Tuesday evening The Great Laundry Flood of 2018 occurred. I'd just got the boys out of the bath and was putting their towels into the laundry when I saw this.


Crap. 
Once I'd figured out that the stinky water came from the drain and not the washing machine, I got the plunger out to see if I could unblock the drain. I couldn't. 

I sent a calm message to Tiger telling him what had happened...




Next I video called Dad to get his advice. Whilst I was talking to him I managed to unblock the drain and most of the water flowed away. Dad suggested leaving it until the morning to see how it went. 

That's not how I do things so I went outside and found the problem. One of the drains was blocked so that the open/close valve was stuck open. 
I managed to clear it out, although I'm sure my arm will never smell the same again. 

I then called Tiger and told him I'm superwoman and since I saved him around $300 I'll be buying myself a present. 

You'd think that'd be enough for this week but it wasn't. Wednesday I was sitting at my computer starting to write this post when I saw something move in the wood basket. White ants. FFS. You have to be kidding me! 

Just to ensure my sanity was barely hanging on by a thread the craziness continued. Sunday Chai developed a red patch next to his eye. When it hadn't gone away after four days I took him to the Dr to be told that he has impetigo. FFS.

Now for what is hopefully the last piece of crap for this week. Last night I was cleaning up after dinner when I heard a huge bang and Eljay started crying. I couldn't see any blood, but he was holding his mouth and screaming. Turns out he'd found a cap for a pop gun, put it in his mouth and bit down on it, which made it explode. FFS. 

Thankfully it did no damage other than give him a sore tongue and a huge scare.   

Why does this shit only happen when I'm on my own!!!!!

Wednesday 29 August 2018

August empties

Another month is nearly over and done with. August is Eljay and Tiger's birth month, they're at opposite ends of the month. Tiger was away for both of them, as usual.

I didn't do too well with empties this month, my skin has been super sensitive so I haven't been using skincare or make-up very often. Having said that, I finished six make-up items which I'm really happy about.


Lush Yummy Mummy
Tiger bought this for me earlier in the years. It's the first time I've tried this scent, it's beautiful and one that I'll happily buy again. 

John Freida Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
These were sent to me a few months ago and I love them. They really do work, especially when used with the leave in serum. If you need volumising hair products, these are definitely worth trying.

Neutrogena Youthful Boost Sleeping Mask
These cute little tubs are supposed to be one nights worth of face mask. Maybe they're intended for giants, because slathering my entire face, neck and chest with a thick layer gave me five nights worth of use.
It's not something I'd rush out to purchase again. It did an okay job of keeping my skin hydrated, but that's it.  

Alcome Co Bearly There Deodorant
Barely There is one of my favourite natural deodorants and one I'll continue to repurchase. I cycle between four different and Barely there will always be in that rotation. 
You can read about some of my favourite natural deodorants here and how to switch to natural deodorants here

Grants Mild Mint Toothpaste
The only toothpaste we use now. 

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme
I got two uses from this sample so can't say much. It didn't irritate and felt hydrating.
 
Glow Lab Night Cream
This is a lovely night cream that I really enjoyed using. The scent is lovely and it's super hydrating for dry skin. I'll purchase it again next time I see it on sale. 
 


Tosses:
I was in a culling mood so went through and tossed out a whole pile of make-up that's really old. The YSL lip gloss I bought before Chai was born, he's 7!

A dishonourable mention goes to the awful Kmart Peel Off Mask, the Tony Moly Liptone Get It Tint and the Designer Brands Gel Liner.

You can read about the Kmart mask here.

The Tony Moly Liptone Get It Tint was a total waste of money, I'm glad I only spent $7 on it. It applies patchy, wears off after a few hours and leaves a ring around the edge of my lips that I can't get off for love or money. Awful.

I usually love Designer Brands products but the Creme Gel Eyeliner is awful. It's hard, lumpy and unusable. I returned my first one but the next one was exactly the same.

Make-up empties:



I'm very pleased with my make-up empties this month. Finishing two foundations was such a great feeling. I was surprised to finish the Artdeco eye liner, I hadn't realised I was even close. These days I wear the same eyeliner every day, so I finish them a lot quicker than I used to. 


Sunday 26 August 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. We've had some beautiful sunny weather lately, it's been wonderful.

2. I bought the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum cream, it smells amazing! I can see it being a favourite in summer. I'm going to get the body spray next.

3. We've been going to a home schooling group and I finally feel like I've found my people. It's such a wonderful feeling.

4. I miss having Emma here.

5. I've started teaching the boys martial arts, they love it and I'm enjoying it too.

Friday 24 August 2018

FFS Friday - The trampoline saga

You may remember I told you about our trampoline flipping a few weeks ago. We quickly discovered that Chai needs a trampoline. Now that we know how much use the trampoline gets, we decided to buy a better quality one. Tiger searched online and found a great one for half price. It was in Perth and delivery from Perth to Bunbury (200km's) would cost $160, so we decided to pick it up ourselves and have a day out in the process.

We arranged to borrow Dad's trailer and set out Saturday. We got a few kilometres down the road and realised that the trailer was very, very loud. Being impatient I just wanted to keep on going, but Tiger is more sensible than me so he stopped to make sure the trailer was okay. The wheels "had a lot of play in them" (whatever that means) so we headed back to Dad's house and Tiger tightened them up. Good o.

Off we headed again. About 50 km's down the road Tiger decided to stop for coffee. WTF! I just wanted to get there. I protested but he ignored me, so we stopped for coffee. Lucky we did. As we were leaving, we heard a screeching noise coming from the trailer. We noticed that one of the wheels wasn't turning. When we got out to investigate we discovered that the wheel bearings had died. Hmmm.

This meant that we were stuck 50 km's out of town, with a trailer that we couldn't move. Nice. One towing company wanted $270 to come out with a car trailer, the other one wanted $200. I don't think so. Dad wasn't answering the phone and our roadside assistance only covered the car, not the trailer, so we were stuck.

Thankfully the place we were stuck at was a cafe with great food, lovely coffee and a huge playground. The weather was beautiful, so the boys and I had a wonderful time whilst Tiger sorted everything out. The people at the cafe were lovely and let us lock the trailer to their fence until we sorted things out.

We tied it up and headed home. Sunday morning we picked up a trailer from Bunnings, headed to Perth and picked up the trampoline. After we unpacked the trailer, instead of returning it to Bunnings, Tiger decided to start putting the trampoline together. By the time we'd put the base and matt on it was too late to return the trailer. Silly Tiger.

Monday morning started at 6.30am for Tiger. He had to pick Dad up, drive into town and return the trailer, drive 20 km's out of town to pick up a car trailer, drive out and pick up Dad's trailer, drop that off in town at the mechanic, drive 20 km's out of town to return the trailer, drop Dad home then come home and finish putting the trampoline together. Fun times.

The good news is that the new trampoline is awesome and very securely tied down, so hopefully it won't be flying away any time soon.


Wednesday 22 August 2018

Two new sunscreens I've been testing

Well isn't that a creative title? I spent ages trying to think up something witty, but came up blank.


I've always been sensitive to sunscreen but the last few months the sensitivity has got a lot worse and everything is irritating me. I wear sunscreen every day, so being unable to wear it isn't ideal. I know that it's winter, but the UV levels are still quite high and daily sunscreen is a must. Thankfully there are two sunscreens that I can wear even on days when my skin is red, inflamed and very irritated.

The Kiss Ready Skin Sun Veil Skin Balm and Moss Lumi and Halo are orgeous products. They're soothing on irritated skin, natural and give an SPF of around twenty, which is fine for winter. 

I can use these products on the red irritated patches of skin and the dry flaky parts, they don't irritate at all. Those of you will know how difficult finding sunscreen that doesn't sting irritated skin can be.   

Kiss Ready Skin Sun Veil is quite hydrating, so I've been using it in place of a moisturiser. I apply my serums, a light layer of face oil then put Sun Veil on top. On days when I'm using a liquid foundation I give it a few minutes to settle into my skin. 
When I'm using mineral powder foundation I apply my foundation straight away. It makes a wonderful primer for both liquid and mineral foundations. 

Moss Lumi and Halo are very unique and really interesting. 
Halo is a powder sunscreen and Lumi is a serum. You mix them together to get a gorgeous, tinted sunscreen.
They don't need to be used together, you can use Halo on it's own, just mix it into an oil based serum. The good thing about Halo is that it's lightly tinted, so can be used in place of foundation or to provide extra coverage under foundation. I like the extra coverage it gives, it helps to cover my red, irritated patches. 

I have only used Halo mixed into Lumi so I can't say how Halo works with other serums, but it's beautiful with Lumi. Lumi is a lovely, light serum that feels lovely and silky on my skin. I only need a small amount of both, so even with daily use they'll last a long time.

If you have sensitive skin what's your favourite sunscreen?

Sunday 19 August 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. My darling Chai has suddenly turned into a rude, sullen little boy. It's awful and I have no idea what prompted the change. He's only seven so way too young for me to blame teenage hormones. Send help.

2. Kosas launches at Mecca soon, it's a brand I've been wanting to try for ages. It'll be available at the end of this month.

3. Who else is watching The Bachelor? My picks are Britt and Brooke.

4. I'm probably late to the party, but did you know you can hire library books online and read them on your phone or tablet? Bloody brilliant idea.

5. I haven't mentioned much about home schooling lately, in short, it's going really well. I'll post a longer update in my FFS Friday post soon.

Friday 17 August 2018

FFS Friday - Soulless

This week it has come to my attention that Tiger is trying to kill me. He's a clever man so he's not doing it by traditional means, he's doing it slowly via torture. People torture to be exact.

See I'm an introvert and Tiger is an extrovert. When he's away he spends most of his time at work or in camp. When he's home he wants to go out. Every. Single. Day. Without fail. 

It's slowly killing my soul. I can't cope with being around people every single day, I like to be home, safely cocooned in my house, away from everyone. 

If we were doing something productive it wouldn't be so bad, but he's so disorganised that we spend a whole pile of time running around getting nothing done. 
When I have to go out I plan it. I write down what I need to do/get, go to the place that's furthest away first and then head back towards home stopping where I need to along the way. I make sure we're not out at mealtimes and that everything is done efficiently.

Tiger doesn't have a list and is totally disorganised. He'll go round in circles, stopping all over the place with no logic or order to it. He'll get halfway home then remember that he didn't get everything he needed to so we'll have to go out again the next day. 

The next day the same thing happens, he'll go out near a mealtime so then insist on stopping to eat, then he'll forget what he needs, zig zag all over the place with no particular order and have to go out again the next day. 

It's exhausting and it's slowly killing my soul. I'm sure it's part of his grand plan to do me in. Not sure what advantage he'll get by killing me as I don't have life insurance, but that must be his plan, it's the only logical reason for his totally irrational behaviour. 

If you don't hear from me next week you'll know his evil plan has come to fruition. 
Rosie, Emma and Karen, you can share my make-up between you upon my demise. 


It's been nice knowing you all.  

Monday 13 August 2018

Do not buy this mask



I really should have known better than to think that cheap skin care was a good idea. There's cheap as in on sale at the supermarket or Priceline, then there's Kmart cheap. Kmart cheap is somewhere I just shouldn't have gone, but I did.

I saw it in store and hoped that it might be a dupe for my favourite Glam Glow mask. Silly me. At only $5 I thought it was worth a try. If only I'd known.


When Emma was here we decided to have a mask night. We put it on, laughed at how funny we looked with our metalic copper faces and waited for it to dry.

I should have been suspicious right from the start, it was making my eyes water as I was applying it. Silly me ignored that warning sign and went ahead with using the mask.

The fun started when the mask had dried and it was time to peel it off. It was stuck like glue. Not joking. It was stuck so well that I struggled to peel any off, I couldn't peel off enough to get enough of a grip to peel the mask off. When I finally managed to get off enough and start to peel the mask off, it was painful! The smart thing to do would have been to wash the mask off, which I was going to do, but Emma was peeling hers off and I couldn't look like a wus, so I persevered and peeled mine off, whimpering the whole time. 


Half an hour later, when I'd finally removed the mask, my skin felt soft and smooth, which is to be expected when you remove the top layer of skin. It still felt soft the next day, but was back to normal on the second day.

If you're looking to remove the top layer of skin then this is the mask for you. If you're happy keeping your skin where it's supposed to be, don't buy this mask.

Sunday 12 August 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. My beautiful Emma was here this week. We've been chatting online for five years however this was the first time we've met. It felt like she'd always been a part of my life. 

2. Emma gave me some beautiful Tabella cards. I can't wait to use them. 

3. Whilst Emma was here we went on a day trip down south. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to take a road trip, we need to do it more often.

4. Did you know about my other blog The Lip Balm Encyclopaedia? Emma and I write it. We've been a bit lazy lately, but I'm getting back on track and will have more posts up soon. If there are any balms you'd like to see reviewed, please let me know.

5. What's with womens clothes? I've been looking for a warm jacket and they're all crap. I have no idea why clothing designers think women want to pay a small fortune for a tiny, cropped, thin jacket. I'm going to buy a men's jacket, they're so much better and cheaper!

Friday 10 August 2018

FFS Friday - Windy

Today it's time for episode three million and seventy nine of crap that only happens when Tiger is away.

It was last Saturday. I'd taken the boys out to an Aboriginal festival. It was a freezing cold (11 degree) day and we were outdoors at a camping ground. You had to park the car and walk about 500 meters to the site. I thought we'd only be there for about an hour so left our water bottles in the car and didn't bother having breakfast.

We were there for three hours in the cold, windy and rainy weather. By the time we left I was totally over it. On the way home we had to stop at Aldi. We got caught in the rain on the way in and the way out. 

I was just starting to thaw out when we got pulled over for an RBT. The poor police officers were freezing cold, I felt so sorry for them. 

We got home, got changed then headed down to the park for a while. Chai was still in beast mode and I was totally over dealing with his crap behaviour. He was a monster the whole time we were at the park. By the time we got home I was well and truly over things and ready for the day to end.

When we got home, I looked out the door and saw this:


Then I went outside and saw this:


We got the trampoline four years ago. When we got it I asked Tiger to fasten it down so that it couldn't blow away in the wind. He told me it wouldn't blow away and didn't fasten it down. 

Three years ago, during a storm, Tiger was walking along the side of the house and nearly got hit by the trampoline as it tipped over. He still didn't bother fastening it down.
I've tried fastening it down but it doesn't hold. If he'd done what I've been asking him to for the last four years, it would have saved me a lot of grief.

I have nine people I can call for help when Tiger is away. None of them were available. There was glass all over the place from the lights smashing and I couldn't get the trampoline off the pool fence.

Not having anyone to help I stood there trying to figure out what I was going to do. Sitting down and crying seemed like a good option. I couldn't leave the trampoline where it was because it was unstable and I needed to get the glass cleaned up so that Shelby didn't cut herself. 
Instead of crying, I pulled myself together and decided to dismantle the trampoline. I figured that if I took the poles off I should be able to push the trampoline off the fence.

It took me two hours to dismantle the trampoline, get it off the fence and clean up the glass. I did the best I could but I'm still finding glass all over the place.

I couldn't get the glass and poles out of the pool, so they had to stay there until Tiger got home. 

By the time I was finished it was 6pm. Poor Shelby had to    stay inside the whole time so that her paws didn't get cut. 
After the day I'd had I decided we'd get fish and chips for tea cause there was no way I was going to cook. I called the fish and chip shop ten times, each time the phone was engaged. FFS.

In the end we went down there and only waited about ten minutes. We got home, had our dinner then the boys wanted to stay up late! FFS.

That was the last thing I needed. They were already up past their bedtime so I told them they'd had a stay up. Chai had a wobbly because he wanted to stay up on his own (without Eljay), but by that time I was well and truly over it so I put the boys to bed and went to bed about ten minutes later. 

What a day. This crap never happens when Tiger is home.

Monday 6 August 2018

July Empties

It's the Bomb Bath and Body Products Coffee Scrub
I'm so sad that It's the Bomb closed down, this was my favourite scrub. I'm now on the hunt for a good sugar/salt scrub. 

Danearth Herbal Farmacy Facial Cleanser
I really enjoyed this cleanser and will be purchasing again as soon as the Bunbury Markets start up again.

Thankyou Hand Wash
The scent was lovely, the soap is gentle and non drying. I'm not loyal to hand washes, but I'll buy it again when it's on sale. 

Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel

I always keep a tube of this or aloe vera gel in the fridge to help with burns and scrapes. I find the paw paw gel to be great at soothing and healing burns, straight out of the fridge it feels lovely and helps take the heat away. 
Natralus is quite difficult to find now, if I do manage to find it I'll be buying another tube. 

Aveda Damage Remedy Conditioner
Why do I have to love expensive hair care? The Damage Remedy range smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling very soft.

Beauty and the Bees moisturiser
Beauty and the Bees products are beautiful, if you haven't tried them, you need to. Their moisturiser is beautiful, I'll be buying a large pot as soon as I've finished a few of my other moisturisers.

Alcome Co The Unicorn Face Mask
It's not love. This was a nice face mask but it didn't do anything amazing. My skin felt nice after I used it but the next day there was no noticeable difference. 
Also, this is a mask that needs to be kept in the fridge which is not ideal for winter. 

Byron Body Coffee Body Scrub
Not as good as my favourite It's The Bomb body scrub, but still great. 
I'm thinking I'll start making my own coffee scrubs, I have enough coffee grounds and it wouldn't be difficult.

Clinique Fresh Pressed Seven Day System
I love this serum. It lasted about two weeks and would be perfect for travel. Vitamin C makes such a difference to my skin, it's so much clearer and brighter when I use Vitamin C regularly,

Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant
I really need to repurchase my Thermafoliant. I love the warming feeling and it leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth.


Nude by Nature Nude Oil
Meh. Nude Oil was okay but not outstanding. It kept my skin hydrated but I wouldn't repurchase, I've used other oils that I prefer.  

Pacifica Tahitian Garden perfume
Despite wearing this throughout winter, it's a gorgeous, summery scent. The thin roller ball tube is great for carrying around and the scent lasts well.

Glam Glow Gravity Mud
I love this face mask and wish it wasn't so expensive. I've purchased a small tub, but once it's gone I'll probably spend the money and buy the big tub. It's expensive but worth it.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
I liked this eye cream but didn't find it did anything amazing. It kept my eye area hydrated and that's about it. I want an eye cream that works miracles, so my hunt continues.

Tosses:

The Nivea Sensitive Caring Micellar Water went into the bin because it's not suitable for my sensitive skin. Ironic.

I've suddenly become allergic to my all time favourite primer, Rimmel Insta Flawless, so unfair. I'm now on the hunt for a glowy primer, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

The mascaras are all going because now that I've discovered tubing mascara I won't use any other formula.

The Victoria's Secret perfume won't pump out any more, I've tried everything but it can't be fixed. 

Everything else is very, very old. The Harlotte lippy pot was part of my Pan the Pots project until I realised that it's around ten years old!

How did you go with empties in July?

Friday 3 August 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. This week has been tough. Really tough. Chai has been in beast mode all week. My sanity is hanging on by a thread.

2. My beautiful Emma will be here tomorrow.

3. Speaking of Emma's, Emma and Lachy Wiggle split up. Imagine how tough it'd be having to work with your ex.

4. I'm looking for a gel/cream eyeliner. They are so difficult to find. Please send me all your recs for good cruelty free gel eyeliners.

5. Happy Sunday lovelies. 

When I loved myself enough

Many years ago when I was going through a very low stage, I read a beautiful book by Kim McMillen called When I Loved Myself Enough. It listed all the ways she behaved when she learned how to extend love and compassion to herself.
At the time it was exactly what I needed to read.
I've now composed my own list. 
I'd love to know what's on your list.

When I loved myself enough...

I chose my battles....some things are worth fighting for, some are not.

I started saying no without explanation.

I played my music...all day.   

I spoke my truth without shame or fear.

I embraced those parts of me that are hurt, ashamed and scared. They need love as much as the whole parts do.

I got my crystals out and started growing my collection again.

I accepted that I'm a strange, barefoot hippie and that's perfectly okay.

I wore my crystals every day.

I stopped replying to messages, spending time with and dealing with people who cause me stress.

I started trusting myself.

I carved my own path instead of doing what was expected of me. 

I accepted that I'm not like most people and that's exactly how I want to be.

I stopped sharing my opinion with people who will never change.

I made sure to spend time in the bush...every single day.

I raised my face to the sky and danced in the rain.

I sat and watched the storm clouds rolling past.

I started going to the hairdresser again.

I bought the jumper with love hearts on it.

I stopped answering the phone when I didn't feel like talking.

I started reading every day.

I put my phone down and started paying attention to my life.

I started saying fuck more.....it's such an empowering word.

I wore my favourite things every day.

I used the nice cups and plates.

I got dressed up whenever I wanted to. Dressing up to do the housework makes it so much more fun.

I did what was right for my family and I, regardless of whether it was socially acceptable. 

I walked around barefoot whenever I could.

I bought myself a coffee from my favourite coffee shop every now and again.

I realised that doing something nice for myself is not selfish, it's loving. 

I treated myself with the kindness that I treat others. 



Thursday 2 August 2018

Dear Eljay

My precious boy. Today you are five. Five! It feels like you've been here forever and only a few weeks at the same time. Your birth seems like a lifetime ago and yet not that long ago.

It was this time five years ago that my waters broke as I was plating up dinner for Tiger and Chai. It wasn't much later that I was holding you in my arms and soaking in your beautiful newness. I lay looking at your for hours after you were born, you were such a tiny little bub.

Eljay, you are the light of my life. You are a curious, inquisitive and observant little man. You love to learn and love to help. You're constantly by my side helping me cook, clean and do things around the house. Learning fascinates you, you watch and listen intently then ask questions until you understand. The past few months you've really come out of your shell and are confident when talking to other people.

You're still fiercely independent and love to do things yourself. 

For your birthday this year you asked for: a spanner, an axe, wood scented lip balm, choc mint lip balm and more lip balms. 
You wanted the spanner and axe so that you can help Daddy when he's chopping wood and fixing things. We're going to get you your own tool box with real tools so that you can help out whenever you want to.

My precious boy. I hope that you stay wild, independent and happy. You are my beautiful boy and I love you more than life itself.