Monday 31 December 2018

2018 Project Pan Finale

Now that we've reached the last day of 2018 it's time to let you know how I did with my Project Pan this year.

I totally forgot that I'd planned to do a low buy one month and no buy the next month, that went out the window. I did rein in my spending and purchased a lot less than I normally would. Even when we went to the Gold Coast I still didn't buy as much as I expected.

I'm finding that buying make-up isn't as exciting as it used to be. There isn't a great selection where I live, so most items have to be purchased online, which takes the fun out of it. Getting the packages is great fun, but for me half the pleasure of buying make-up is looking at it, swatching colours etc before making my decision. Plus, I already have so much that it seems pointless to collect more when I have so many products sitting there unloved. 

However, back to the topic. How did I go with my project pan? I was hoping to finish 50 products for the year.

I finished 60 products!

The tally is very interest and I plan to use it to help guide my purchases next year. I finished:

8 foundations
7 primers
1 setting spray
4 eye liners
1 eye shadow
2 blushes
3 brow products
5 make-up tools
6 mascaras
14 lip balms
7 tinted lip balms/glosses/lipsticks
2 lip primers

I started using setting spray at the end of November, so I'll use more of them next year. Foundations I go through regularly, although I have enough to last me all year without the need to buy more. I've found my holy grail mascara now, so will go through four of them a year as I change my mascara every three months. I've got enough lip products to last me a lifetime, so don't need to buy them again.

One thing that I didn't finish is concealer. Whilst I could use concealer every day, I don't. I have dark circles and patches I could cover up, but I rarely bother. If concealer didn't take so much effort I would wear it daily, but it takes way too much effort to ensure the concealer doesn't crease and I just don't have the time for that. 

I've culled regularly throughout the year and overall I'm happy with my collection, with the exception of lip products. I still have way too many so I'll continue to cull whenever the fancy takes me. I went through 23 lip products, so I do get through them quickly but still have a long way to go to get down to a number I'm happy with.  

That concludes my 2018 project pan. I'm looking forward to tossing out everything I've collected over the year and starting fresh for 2019.

If you'd like to follow my 2018 project pan, you can read my original post here, first update here, second update here, third update here and fourth update here

Did you do a project pan this year? How did it go?

Sunday 30 December 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. I've been going to the gym for around a month now and it's so much fun! I never thought I'd say that, but I'm really enjoying it. Having an amazing gym helps, if you're ever in Bunbury check out World Gym, it's amazing and nowhere as intimidating as it might seem.

2. After buying Lorna Jane leggings I now understand why people wear active wear all the time, it's so comfortable!

3. How is 2018 nearly over?

4. Who's got new years plans? We're planning on a lovely quiet evening doing nothing at all.

5. Yesterday I went to the hairdresser and went dark for summer. Everyone else was getting highlights and going lighter, but I love my dark hair!


Friday 28 December 2018

FFS Friday - Legless

We've nearly made it through the silly season! How are you all? Have any sanity left? Mine abandoned me years ago.

Today I'm here to rant about gym clothing. Back when I used to exercise I didn't have to worry about active wear. I did martial arts so wore a gi or thai shorts and a singlet. When I went walking I wore a short skirt and if I went running I wore shorts. Easy. Fast forward to now and it's not so easy.

Buying active wear when you aren't fit is a cruel kind of torture. Back when I used to exercise daily, active wear wasn't confined to short shorts or leggings like it is now.

When I started at the gym, I naively went looking for some shorts. I don't want short shorts, I want loose shorts that come to mid thigh. I've now discovered that they don't exist. It's either short shorts or leggings. Initially I refused to consider leggings (why highlight my chunky bits!) however I quickly realised that I had no choice but to purchase leggings. FFS!

Now, you'd think that leggings would be quite simple, but they aren't. Do you want full length leggings, ankle leggings, 7/8 leggings, crop leggings or bike shorts? Once you've figured out the length you like, then you need to decide whether you want low rise, mid rise or high rise.

Added to that is the undie problem. I hate a VPL but refuse to wear a g-string. My days of wearing a g-banger are well and truly over. Thankfully one of my friends told me about seamless undies and the VPL issue was solved. Kmart seamless undies are great. Target laser cut undies are crap.

After figuring out that I like high rise (stops the muffin top), crop leggings. I headed to Target, bought a pair and took them home. After wearing them twice, the side seams split. I figured that maybe they were too small (they didn't feel too small), so bought the next size up. They split too. I returned both pairs. FFS.

Okay, Target ones are crap, good to know. Off to Kmart. Black is boring, so I bought a grey pair. I got them home, tried them on and realised they're see through. FFS. 
Why would they make see through leggings? Those ones went back too.

One of my friends loves Cotton On leggings. I grabbed two pairs during their boxing day sale. Stupidly I purchased a grey pair and surprise surprise, they're see through. The other pair I bought were black and they were split on the sides before I even tried them on. FFS.

By this time I was feeling very frustrated and considering buying a pair of mens shorts. I headed to Big W. The Michelle Bridges leggings looked really nice. They had a few different styles that I liked, so I decided to give them a go. They didn't have one single pair in my size. FFS!

By this time I was more than ready to give up, when I realised that Lorna Jane was having 20% off all stock. I headed in there and got lots of help from the lovely staff. Stupidly I took Tiger and the boys with me. Actually it was lucky I had Tiger with me, because he's the one who convinced me to go in there and to spend the money on a good quality pair. Anyhow, after half an hour, about ten different pairs of leggings, lots of inspections to make sure I didn't have a camel toe, flashing the whole store twice (thanks to the boys racing in and out of my change room playing super heroes), I spent a lot of money on two pairs of leggings. 

Unlike the cheap leggings, these ones suck me in and make my bum look amazing! I shall wear them for a few weeks then report back, but I can already tell you they're the most comfortable leggings I've tried so far.

That brings me to my next rant. Why are women's clothes always so tight? We don't all want to wear skin tight clothes. Trying to get clothes, especially pants, that aren't skin tight is really difficult and it shits me to tears. Men's clothing comes in different fits, why isn't women's clothing the same? Surely there must be some brands out there that make nice, flattering, non skin tight clothes and active wear for women? If you know of any, point me in their direction please. 

Rant over.


Monday 24 December 2018

Pan the Pots Final Update

My Pan the Pots project is over! How did I go?

If you're new here, at the end of March I decided that my potted lip balms needed some love, so challenged myself to finish six lip product pots by the end of this year.

You can read my first post here, first update here and second update here.

Update two: Five products finished, one to go

So, it's time for me to let you know that.....I failed at the final hurdle. I was doing so well, I'd finished five pots and only had one to go. So what went wrong? Firstly, I couldn't find a lip product that I liked and wanted to use. I swapped them out for about a month until I settled on my Shanghai Lil and the Scarlet Fez Jersey Caramel balm. I was happily using it (it's a beautiful balm) and made a decent dent in it, then for no particular reason I lost momentum and forgot all about my project pan. 

Every now and again I'd see it sitting next to my computer and use it, but not often enough to finish it. 


Despite my failure, I'm still pleased that I managed to finish five potted balms in nine months, it feels like a pretty good effort. 

Moving forward I'm making sure that I am always working on one lip product pot. I've left a few around the house so I'll apply them throughout the day. I've also stopped buying lip products in pots, because I just don't use them. My aim is to use up my current stash and be done with potted lip products.


Friday 21 December 2018

FFS Friday - Done like a dinner

Finally, after nearly six years, we've decided we're done. Done with FIFO. We have an end date. At last!

We never intended to be a FIFO family. It wasn't supposed to be a long term option and yet here we are coming up to six years.

Initially it was a stop gap, a job to keep us going until we moved down south and Tiger found something locally. There were a few huge projects due to start and plenty of work. Once we moved down here all those jobs were canned and there was no work locally.

It's no secret that I hate FIFO. I hate being left on my own to deal with everything. It's not what I want. Over the years, every time I've tried to discuss it with Tiger, all I get is "But I love my job". To which my reply has always been "Well that's great, as long as you're happy, who cares that the three of us hate it and are going through hell". 

Tigers solution is for us to move up north. Not an option. I hate the heat and Chai doesn't cope with it either. Being confined to the house for four months of the year would be horrible. 

The final straw for me was when Chai got sick last month. Having to deal with it all on my own was the straw that broke the camels back. Tiger came down for one night and that was it. He didn't come home with us, just left me to deal with it all once again.  

Tiger got to the hospital at 7pm and left with Eljay and Mum around 9.30pm. The next morning he was with us at the hospital for a few hours, loaded us into the car then stayed in the city whilst I went home with the boys. This meant that as per usual, I was dealing with everything on my own.

What's the point in having a partner who's only around half of the time? It's not what I signed up for and I'm done.

We've now agreed that Tiger will come home at the end of next year. Finally there is an end in sight.

There's so much of our lives that Tiger has no idea about because he's not here. They may seem like small, insignificant things, but those small things are what life is made up of. The way we do things, what's happening in the boys life and all sorts of other things that he's missed out on. 

Added to that, it's all the little decisions I have to make and situations I have to deal with by myself because he's away. After six years, I'm over it. I don't want to do everything anymore. 

I have no idea how I'm going to survive the next twelve months because I truly am done. I just don't have it in me to do everything myself anymore. I will survive because I have to choice and because finally, after all this time, I have an end date. 

Happy days.

Tuesday 18 December 2018

My favourite matte liquid lipsticks



I am not a fan of matte lipsticks in general and I really don't like matte liquid lipsticks, they are so drying and make my lips look awful. No-one wants shrivelled prune lips.

Thankfully formulas are improving all the time and I've found three matte liquid lipstick formulas that are long wearing and comfortable to wear.  

The Australis Grl Boss lipsticks are the newest addition to my collection. I have one shade and am planning on adding more. There are fifty shades, so it's not difficult to find one that you love. The formula is creamy, hydrating and long lasting. These don't dry down, they stay creamy, which means they do transfer a little, but that doesn't affect the longevity at all. 
Australis have just released a Grl Boss lipstick version which I'd be interested to try.

Bite Beauty can do no wrong. I'm yet to find one of their products I don't love. Amuse Bouche Liquified lipstick is a gorgeous product, it has a satin finish, is as hydrating as a lip balm, gives opaque coverage and lasts all day. If (like me) you are a fan of flavoured lip products, you'll be pleased to know that these have a lovely citrus flavour.

I wouldn't have tried the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor if Emma hadn't given me one. I assumed it'd be like all the other matte liquid lipsticks that I hate, but it's not. The colour is opaque in one swipe, doesn't feel at all drying and dries down to a glossy matte. I love the oval shaped tube because it doesn't take up as much space as a round tube, so it's more convenient to carry around.

What's your favourite matte liquid lipstick?

Sunday 16 December 2018

Thoughts of the week

1 Who's making new years resolutions? I've got nothing so far.

2. Tarte Shape Tape is finally available in Australia. I'd really love to buy it, but won't until I've got through the mountain of concealers that I currently own. If you've tried it, please let me know what it's like/how much I need it.

3. Along with Shape Tape, Pat McGrath products are also available. I'll be passing on them, they're so very expensive!

4. Now that I'm going to the gym, I need active wear. If you know where I can get good quality, reasonably priced stuff, please let me know!

5. Today Andalou Naturals are half price at Priceline. It's a great time to try their Pumpkin Glycolic Mask.

Friday 14 December 2018

FFS Friday - Emergency Tribe

I've mentioned before that I feel alone most of the time, like I don't have a tribe. 

Over the last few weeks I've come to realise that whilst I don't have an everyday tribe, I do have an emergency tribe. They're the people that I call on in an emergency. 

When Chai got sick I needed my tribe and they were there. Mum came to hospital with me, Mum and Stepdad stayed with us for a week whilst Chai was recovering. 
Lisa looked after our house, checked the mail etc.
Dad kept an eye on the house, locked it all up (after I left in a rush) and sorted out Shelby.
SIL looked after Shelby and bought over a meal for us the night we got home from hospital. 

These are my people and I'm so very grateful for them. 

Monday 10 December 2018

The Physic Garden Luna Balm


Today I present to you the prettiest body lotion I've ever seen. Not only is it pretty, it smells beautiful and is a delight to use.

According to The Physic Garden, Luna Balm was inspired by the moon, it honours your divine feminine self, inspiring confidence and love to carry with you throughout your day.

Luna Balm is infused with moonstone and sacred flower oils, designed to help you connect to your intuition and the divine feminine energy within you. Moonstone helps illuminate the Goddess within and allows her to step forward with confidence. Violet, a sacred plant of Venus, helps to bring deep healing to our feminine self. Jasmine and neroli awaken sensuality and open our hearts to pure love. 

Doesn't that sound amazing? After reading that write up, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Luna Balm. 





There's a moonstone in it!


I use my Luna balm at night to help me wind down before bed. The scent is calming and relaxing. My legs (which have been really dry lately) have been soaking up this gorgeously hydrating balm.



All The Physic Garden products are cruelty free, natural, zero waste and handmade in Australia. 

I purchased my Luna Body Balm for $32.95. This is a limited edition product so I'm not sure how long it will be around for.

Sunday 9 December 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. I've now completed one full week of training at the gym. I am now seriously reconsidering my life choices. I have never been so sore, exhausted and hungry. FML.

2. This is the best twitter thread I've seen in a long time.

3. Speaking of twitter, I'm trying to be more active on there. Trying and failing. I just don't have anything interesting to say.

4. Mecca now have free shipping for orders over $35. I think I may have already mentioned this, but it's worth mentioning again.

5. This week I received the Koh cleaning products that I purchased in their Black Friday sale. They are amazing!

Friday 7 December 2018

FFS Friday - Ranting again

What is it with parent bashing? I'm constantly seeing articles saying how parents are doing such a bad job. It's crazy. I suppose that's what society is all about at the moment, making people feel inadequate so that they'll spend money in an effort to feel better.

Society would be so much happier if we spent our time building people up instead of tearing them down.

The latest annoying article I read was about mobile phones. Have you ever noticed how much we demonise the mobile phone? The person who wrote the article watched people at the park and noted how much time they spent on their phones instead of watching their kids.

Funny that they didn't note how much time parents who weren't on their phones spent not paying attention to their kids. That would have defeated the purpose because they were mobile phone bashing. 

If I was sitting at the park reading a book or chatting to a friend, no-one would have anything negative to say. If I was sitting there on my mobile phone, I'm a bad parent. 

The silly thing is, I could be doing very worthwhile things with my phone. I could be working, paying bills, replying to emails, setting up appointments or play dates for the kids, all types of valid, useful things. 

Technology is a part of life now. How about instead of bashing people for using it, we teach them how to utilise technology in a healthy, beneficial way?

Or even better, how about we butt out, mind our own business and let other people parent however they want to. Works for me. 

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Lanolips Rose Gold 101 Ointment

My love for Lanolips is no secret. Lanolips bought the beautiful Emma into my life, something for which I'll be eternally grateful. 
Whenever Lanolips launches a new product I need it. When it's a limited edition rose gold 101 ointment, I really, really need it. 
That's not true. I don't need it, I want it. I've been considering how I talk about beauty products and purchases in general. I've decided to change my language. The majority of the time I don't need things, I want them. From now on that's what I'll say. I'm hoping that will help not only me, but the boys as well. Really, the only things I need to purchase is food, almost everything else is a want not a need.

But, back to rose gold. She's beautiful. Just look at her.



This is a limited edition product, available exclusively at Sephora in Australia. I don't understand why companies do that. It's annoying having to shop at a specific store when Lanolips is so widely available. Plus, a large majority of the population will be forced to shop online, further adding to the cost. 

I was lucky enough to be on holidays near a Sephora store when rose gold launched, so I was able to head in store and pick one up.


This is such a gorgeous product. The packaging is as beautiful as the product, I'd buy it just to look at the tube sitting on my bench. 

If you have the regular 101 ointment, the texture is very similar, just with a slightly more matte finish when it dries down.

I've been using my rose gold ointment as both a blush and lip balm. Whilst red might seem way too bright for a blush, it sheers out well and adds a healthy glow to my cheeks. I use a very small amount on each cheek and blend it out. 

Rose gold layers well, so can either be a sheer flush of lip colour or applied in a thicker layer for opaque coverage. Being an ointment, you get all the benefits of a hydrating lip balm, with the bonus of a gorgeous tint. 


The shade is a true red with gold glitter. Once the product is on you can't really see the glitter, but you can see it in the swatch above. It has a gorgeous shimmer, without any obvious chunks of glitter. 

As with the original 101 ointment, rose gold has no flavour or fragrance.
 

Lanolips Rose Gold 101 Ointment costs $19 AUD for a 9 gram tube.


Monday 3 December 2018

Invisible Zinc Sheer Defense SPF50 Moisturiser

I think I'm losing my beauty blogging mojo. I still want to talk, but am not at all motivated to talk about beauty products. I've been feeling a bit blah about make-up lately, it's not exciting me like it use to. 
Maybe it's just stress and I'll be back to normal soon. Who knows?

One product I do want to talk about is the new Invisible Zinc Sheer Defense SPF50 moisturiser.

Now that it's heating up in Australia, daily sunscreen is a must. Truth be told, I wear sunscreen every day, all year round. I've decided to make the switch to physical sunscreen so have been on the hunt for a new one. When I saw that the new Invisible Zinc is a physical sunscreen, I grabbed a bottle.

I am very sensitive to sunscreen, most of them irritate my skin or eyes. I'm yet to find a sunscreen I can wear on my lips and I've only found a few facial sunscreens I can wear, so the hunt for a new sunscreen is always daunting.   

Despite that I'm always up for the challenge, so whenever I see a new sunscreen I buy it. Any that I can't use on my face I'll use on my arms so they don't go to waste. 


I purchased the tinted moisturiser in light first. The tint is very light, it's almost undetectable. It brightens my complexion and helps to even out my skintone a little, however I like more coverage so usually wear it under foundation. It also works well on top of foundation (I found that out one day when I was going out in the sun and had forgotten to put sunscreen on. I put it over the top of my foundation and it looked great, in fact I think it looked even better than when I wear it under my foundation.)

Once it's dried this is totally undetectable on my skin. It doesn't leave a film and I can't feel it. I don't find it at all hydrating, however I have dry skin. If you have oily skin this would probably provide enough hydration, if you have dry skin you'll need to wear moisturiser underneath. 


After having so much success with the tinted moisturiser I purchased the untinted version. Whilst it's nice, I don't like it as much as the tinted version. 
The untinted moisturiser comes out watery and like it's split (even though I shake it before use). I find the untinted version to be oilier and it sits on my skin instead of sinking in. It's more hydrating than the tinted balm, but the texture is not great. 

If it wasn't a new product I'd think that mine was old, however it's only just been release so that's not possible. I use the untinted one for my neck, chest and arms, on my face it's a little too greasy.

You can see from the swatches above that the texture of them is totally different. 


At $34 for a 50g tube it's not cheap, however it's regularly on sale at Coles and Woolworths, which is when I stock up. I paid around $23 for my first tube and $17 for the second tube. 

Have you tried Invisible Zinc Sheer Defense? 
What's your favourite facial sunscreen?

Sunday 2 December 2018

Thoughts of the week

1. This is my friend Amanda. She's one of my favourite people ever. That this idiot got away with what he did is an absolute joke. 
Being mentally unfit should not be a get out of jail free card, the person should still have to serve the time, at an appropriate facility.

2. If you love Lush Rose Jam shower gel, you'll be thrilled to know that it's permanent now! Yay!

3. I started at the gym on Friday. I'm hoping that this time I'll be able to keep going. Now that the boys are older they should be fine spending time in the creche and I'll finally be able to get strong again. I really miss being strong. 

4. Mecca now have free shipping for orders $35 and over!

5. The Perth Childrens Hospital is amazing. Despite all the setbacks, they've done an amazing job. Parking isn't a total rip off either, unlike the other public hospitals in Perth.