2023 Happenings

January

After seeing in the new year we were straight in bed. New Years Day was nice and quiet. 

We celebrated Poppy's 75 birthday.

That same day there was a fire in the bush behind our house. We went onto alert and chose to evacuate. Thankfully I was home alone. I packed up all our things, got Shelby and went to my bff's house. Luckily the emergency services got it put out really quickly so we were back home that night. 

Tiger had a week off so we went to Mandurah for a few days. It was nice to spend time with Mum and SD. We saw three of the giants they were amazing. We'll go back when it's cooler to see the other two.  

We discovered that the boys love the beach so spent a lot of time there.

T turned 40. We went to his surprise party, it was lots of fun. He had no idea!

There were some really hot days so went spent a bit of time at the beach which was glorious. 

Chai lost a tooth.

I went back to work on the 25th.

The last few days of the school holidays were spent at the beach and relaxing at home as it was quite hot. 

February

School went back on the first of the month.

Eljay started year 4 and Chai started high school. Despite their nerves (and ours), they both had a great day.

Tiger took the first three days of term off so that he could get Chai to and from school. 

I worked full time for the first two weeks of school, it was soooo busy but fun.

I'm working three days a week this term.

Chai lost another tooth!

There are still food and grocery shortages. It's funny the random things that were out of stock. Capsicum was one. Chai was out of stock for ages, then corn chips and then cheese. So random. You never know what you're going to find when you head to the supermarket.

Eljay went to a birthday party at a friend's house and stayed there on his own whilst I went home. He's slowly getting more confident.  

 

March

It's still quite warm. The nights and mornings are cooler which is nice.

Food shortages continue to be an issue. 

Great Grandma turned 105. We had a family zoom call with her. 

Chai turned 12! We all had the day off, it was lovely spending the day together. We met Poppy for breakfast and had pizza dinner at the beach. 

Nanna turned 72.

I worked full time for two week.s

Scrampy stayed with us for a few weeks whilst he was helping renovate Aunty and Uncle's house. It was nice having him here. 

It's still quite hot. The temperatures haven't been high but it's been really muggy.

April

School holidays!

Chai has now finished his first term of highschool. 

I went to the parent night and they said he's fitted in well and will have no problems finishing high school. 

We had nice weather for some of the school holidays which was great. It meant we could get out and do things. The first week was pretty wet but the rest of the holidays were lovely. 

The boys and I had gastro in the second week so it was a nice, quiet week. 

The weather is cooling down so we've had the fire on a little bit. 

The boys all went out wood chopping which they loved.

 

May

Eljay started the term with swimming lessons. 

He passed stage 5 and is now in stage 6.

Chai got a merit certificate for having attendance above 90% for term 1.

Chai hasn't been sleeping very well since school went back, it's been rough.

It's been cold and wet, just how I like it. 

Chai lost another tooth. 

Chai's anxiety kicked into overdrive, not fun.

June

It's winter!

Chai missed a bit of school due to his anxiety. 

Eljay run his cross country and came 2nd. 

He chose not to go to the interschool cross country.

Eljay's class ran the assembly, Eljay had three parts and was awesome.

Tiger had a few days off work because they're assholes.

I worked a lot and finally got myself back to the gym.

July 

After having problems for months, Tiger quit his job.

School holidays are here!

Poor Chai came down with that awful flu/gastro combination in the last week of term 2. He had the last four days off school and was sick for 10 days. It was horrible, it's the sickest he's ever been in his life. For the first three days he could barely stand up. 

The holidays were cold and wet which was okay because we didn't want to go far with Chai being sick. 

When Chai got better Eljay got a head cold. Thankfully it was only mild.

Just when we thought it was all over, two days before school went back Eljay got gastro.

Chai and Tiger were next, so they all spent the week recovering.

Thankfully Tiger was off work so he stayed with the boys when I went back to work. 

At the end of the month Tiger started his new job. 

August

Eljay turned 10! Double digits! We all had the day off so went out for breakfast (Poppy came too), then went shopping then spent the afternoon at home. It was a lovely day.

I worked five days a week for the whole term. It was fun but tiring.

We had an appointment with CAHMS but did not get help for Chai.

Tiger turned 50!

My hair is nearly down to my belly button. It's been years since I got it cut, so I got about 5cms cut off.

September

School holidays again. 

This felt like a very long term, probably because I was working so much. 

The weather started to warm up so during the holidays we went to the beach a few times.

We spent two days in Mandurah and saw the last two giants. They're amazing. It's a shame they aren't here permanently.

October

This month saw the end of the school holidays. 

I'm back to working three days per week.

We went to the Bull and Barrel festival to watch the burning of the bull. My bff came with us and treated us to a lovely picnic dinner. 

The warm weather is here. It arrived without warning.

Chai got a body board and the boys have been having a great time at the beach. 

Tiger and Uncle J did a two week shut-down.

We went back to CAMHS and got some help this time. Chai started medication. 

My hair is annoying me so I cut it to just below shoulder length. I want it shorter and easier to manage for summer. 

 

November 

Summer arrived with a vengeance. We went from low 20's to high 30's overnight and had a row of 8 days at 38 or higher.

The school year was slowly winding to a close. 

It was a quiet month filled with work and school. 

Chai was suspended for 2 1/2 days. I didn't find out the reasons until the day before he went back to school. He shouldn't have been suspended. If they want to suspend him next year I will not allow it until I get the full story.

So far we haven't noticed any changes from Chai's medication.

 

December 

At the start of the month we had Eljay's school celebration night. 

Eljay's performance was great.

I had to do a speech, it went well.

Eljay's teacher finished two weeks before the end of term as she need to have an operation. 

I cut my hair into a bob. I asked for it to be collarbone length but she cut it above my shoulders. I'm not mad about it. 

The school year ended. Chai has now completed his first year of high school!

I finished work the day after the boys finished school.

These school holidays will be different as we'll have Tiger home more which will be really nice. 

Christmas was a quiet affair, but nice.

New Years eve was spent with friends who have become family, the perfect way to see in the new year. 

 

Thoughts of the week

1. It's school holidays!

 

2. Clarabelletoks on Threads is one of my favourite accounts. She's so funny, even funnier are her replies to people. If you need a good laugh, check her out here.  

 

3. Poppy King has released another lipstick. She's recreating her Seven Deadly Sins range. First off the line is Indolence which is a gorgeous pinky, browny nude.

 

4. Just over a week until Christmas and I haven't finished my shopping.

 

5. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

FFS Friday - Que?

Sometimes I think Tiger and I are on a totally different thought stream. Or maybe his brain has just left the building. 

Take this conversation for example:

 

Me: Do you know where our face washers are? I can't find them.

Tiger: What are you talking about?

Me: Our face washers. Do you know where they are?

Tiger: What?

Me: Face washers!

Tiger: Oh, you mean hand towels?

Me: No, face washers, the ones you use to wash your face.

Tiger: I don't use face washers.

Me: I didn't say you did, I'm asking if you know where they are, ours have gone missing.

Tiger: Why would I know where they are?

Me: Because you were the last one to put away the washing.

Tiger: I haven't seen them.

Me: Why was that so difficult?

 

Conversations like that happen all the time. I have no idea why. Maybe I'm speaking another language and I just don't realise. It's the only logical explanation. 

 

 

Thoughts of the week

1. One week to go until school holidays. I am equally anticipating and dreading them.

 

2. I have not yet done any christmas shopping.

 

3. I have no desire to do any christmas shopping.

 

4. I do have plenty of desire to shop for myself, but that's not going to happen.

 

5. Yesterday I chopped my hair off. It's now in a bob. Shorter than I asked for, but I like it. 

FFS Friday - Ugly Kid Joe

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

 

I've noticed something lately and it's been unsurprising and also disappointing. 

For years I drove a station wagon. Around three years ago I swapped to a small hatchback.

 

Since swapping I am subjected to road rage and bullying from other drivers weekly. This rarely happened when I drove the station wagon. 

I put it down to one of two things, neither of which are very nice. 

It's either people think they can bully someone or something smaller than them, or they're abusive because the car is more likely to have a female driver. Either way, it's not a nice thought.

 

There's one particular road where it happens so often that I avoid going that way whenever possible. 

 

People can be so ugly. Ugly on the outside and ugly on the inside. 

 

I don't see why they need to behave that way. There's so many unhappy, hurting people. 

 

I just ignore them, don't let them bully or push me around (both on and off the road) and go along my merry way.

 

That's all for today.

 

Have a great weekend beautiful people. 

 

 

Kester Black Nail Polish

 

I am very late to the party as I've only just discovered how wonderful Kester Black nail polishes are. 

 

I am not a nail person. I rarely paint my nails as they chip within a day and I can't be bothered redoing them constantly. Knowing this, I have no idea how the Black Friday sales sucked me into buying a Kester Black nail polish. Actually that's incorrect, I do know how, I wanted to try their new lip balm so thought I'd throw in a nail polish whilst I was at it.

 

I purchased the shade Low Maintenance which is an opaque, shimmery white. They send a card with the order saying how to get the most out of your manicure. I threw it in the bin, ignored the instructions and hoped for the best. 

 

The best is certainly what I got. With no nail prep, no base coat, no top coat and only two layers of polish, I got seven days with no chips. I'm not joking, seven days wear! Who would have thought? I expected to get a day or two, not seven days!  

See how gorgeous and shimmery it is? My photo really doesn't do it justice.
As you can probably tell, I seriously neglect my hands, need to do something about that. My hands may be neglected but at least my nails look pretty! 

 

Kester Black nail polishes cost $28 each. They are cruelty free, vegan, carbon neutral and free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate.

 

Have you tried Kester Black? What should I try next? I've got my eye on the skincare and lipsticks.  

Thoughts of the week

1. You know when you really want to talk but your brain has run out of words? That's me this week. My brain has left the building.

 

2. Who shopped the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales? I got two Holme Beauty primers, that's it. It's not cheap if you don't need it.

 

3. Two weeks until school holidays. I am looking forward to them and not looking forward to them at the same time.

 

4. I've got a few big house jobs that I plan to do on the holidays. I need to sort out the pantry, freezers and my wardrobe.

 

5. I'd also love to have a huge clean out but 90% of the crap in this house isn't mine and I refuse to clean up after anyone else, so that won't happen.

FFS Friday - Of Mouse and Men

You know that saying "the best laid plans of mouse and men"? That was me this week. It's been months since I had some quiet time with the house to myself. I've either had kids home or Tiger home. This week I was really looking forward to two days of nice, quiet time at home. I'm an introvert so desperately need the quiet time to recuperate. Unsurprisingly it didn't happen. 

 

Monday Eljay got up and teold me he didn't think he could go to school because he had a sore belly and the runs. He then tolds me that he had it all day Sunday too but it didn't occur to him to let me know.

No worries, I figured Eljay is quiet so having him at home wouldn't be too bad. Halfway through the day I got a phone call from Chai telling me he wants to come home. I told him to get his teacher to call me. Half an hour later I got a phone call to say he's been suspended. WTF. FFS.

 

They suspended him for two and a half days. FFS.

 

There went my two peaceful days off. It also meant that I couldn't go to work when I was supposed to as Chai would be home. I called Mum to see if she could help but she couldn't, so I had to call work and tell them I couldn't come in because of Chai being suspended.

 

He was not allowed to go back to school until I attended a meeting with the school. I didn't have anyone to look after him so he had to come with me (despite not being allowed on school grounds whilst under suspension). 

 

Their reasons for suspending him were ridiculous and as it turns out, due to his diagnoses he was unable to do what they asked, not unwilling so should not have been suspended.

 

I sorted it all out but it was just another thing to add to the huge pile of things I have to deal with. I'd planned to go shop the Cyber Monday sales on Monday but missed out on that. I need new work clothes so thought the sales would have been the perfect time. I'll have to wait for the new year sales. 

 

There's always something isn't there? Something stopping life from running smoothly. It'd be nice if there was just a week or two where everything ran to plan and life was simple. I don't think it ever will be though.    

Thought of the week

I only have one thought this week. It's probably controversial but it needs to be said. 

There's a lot going on in the world right now and it's very heavy. All over social media I see uproar and outrage (rightly so). I also see a lot of pressure being put on people to make a statement and take a stand. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to. 

You don't have to educate yourself, you don't have to make a statement and you don't have to take a stand. If you do not have the capacity or the desire to learn about the awful things going on in the world, don't. It's perfectly okay. 

I don't think that organisations and influencers speaking up about issues they do not really understand is helpful. 

People who have a good knowledge or are affected, sure, make a statement. But don't say something just because you feel pressured to say something. You don't need to. 

I've also seen people saying that we can't just ignore this, that if you ignore it you're condoning it. That is incorrect. Take me for example. I am at total capacity dealing with my life. I have no capacity to take on anything else. Small issues and setbacks feel huge to me. There is no way I have the emotional or mental capacity to read about what's going on in the world. I can't do it. It would tip me over the edge and send me spiralling. I know this, so I stay away. I have chosen not to educate myself and that's perfectly okay.

In situations like this it's okay to do what's right for you. Me sending myself into a downward spiral is not going to help or change the situation. It's only going to make life really difficult for me and my family. 

So, if you don't have the capacity to learn, speak or make a statement, that's okay.

I'm back, again

Hah. After saying I was back, I in fact have not been back. But I'm here now. How are you all? I am tired. Permanently tired. I've decided that's just who I am now, a permanently tired zombie.

 

So, what's been happening? I have been working (it's the highlight of my week), muming and that's about it. I have not been exercising. I have been looking after myself a little bit.  

This is your reminder to get your checks done. I had my first mammogram last month. A few weeks later I had my second mammogram. It was a very scary time. When I had my first mammogram they told me that it's quite normal to get called back after your first test and to try not to worry. I got called back after my first test. I tried not to worry, it was very difficult not to worry. Waiting for the results of the second test was the worst part. Thankfully, there was nothing to worry about. Regardless, it was not a pleasant experience. Despite that I will continue to have my mammograms every two years as recommended. I'm also about to do the bowel cancer test that came in the mail. Then I'll be doing my pap smear. I've already had my skin check. Next after that is the dentist. So many checks but they all need to be done. 

 

So, what's been happening? How are you all? Anything interesting to tell me?

 

We're counting down until the school holidays. Three weeks to go. I'm looking forward to the rest. To lazy days where we do whatever we feel like, no schedule, no rushing around. Just rest and relaxation. 

 

That's all I have to say right now. 

Thoughts of the week

1. Christmas releases are starting to trickle out. So far I am underwhelmed.

2. I notice a lot of influencers are being called to speak out about world events. I disagree with this on so many levels. That's probably a blog post in itself. I'll stick with this one reason. Speaking out about something you don't fully understand is not a good idea.

3. Glossier are finally shipping to Australia. I'm tempted but have yet to place an order.

4. Get your boobs checked!

5. Eight weeks until the school holidays.

I'm back!

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

It's been a while since I was here. Life has been busy. Working five days a week doesn't leave much space for anything else. Third term is over so I hope to be back on board soon. At the moment I don't have the brain power to string many words together. 

Whilst I've enjoyed working five days a week, it'll be nice to have a little down time next term before the christmas holidays. 

 

Life has been tricky lately. Chai has been struggling which means we've all been struggling. I am so worried about the long term affects on Eljay. It's not good for a little boy to live in such a stressful household. 

I wish it was easier to get help and guidance. I'd like to take Eljay to the psychologist but he refuses. It'd be nice if there was somewhere he could go to talk about what's going on with him. Maybe he'll be ready to do that when he's a little older. 

 

It feels strange not being at work every day, I don't know what to do with myself. So far I'm catching up on appointments and arranging coffee dates with friends I haven't seen for ages.

Also, I had my first mammogram. Here's your reminder to get your health checks done. Pap smear is next on my list of checks.

We've seen a psychiatrist for Chai, it was a mammoth effort to get an appointment but I managed. I really feel for people who don't have the knowledge or capacity to push for help like I did. They'd just have to suffer along without any help and that's not okay.

 

The first visit to the psychiatrist wasn't great. I wasn't impressed with him but he's our only option so we'll just have to stick with him and hope his service is better than it was last time. 

 

The warm weather has arrived very quickly. It's gone from low teens to high 20's virtually overnight. It's been quite pleasant though so I'm not complaining. 

 

That's about it. I'm planning to be back here more regularly now that I have days off again. 

 

So, how are you all? What's been happening? Are you well and happy?

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts of the week

1. I'm back at work tomorrow.

2. We're toxic again, poor Eljay has gastro. I have no idea how he got it as we've barely been anywhere.

3. Billie Eilish has just released her second perfume. I haven't smelled it yet. If it's anywhere as lovely as her first one then I want it.

4. Has anyone else noticed how much Mecca's prices have gone up? They're so expensive now. Then again, everything is expensive now.

5. This is going to be a really busy term for me, here's hoping I get through it with some sanity intact.

FFS Friday - Rested

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

Did you survive the school holidays okay? I'm getting ready to go back to work, it's going to be a crazy term as I'm working full time for most of it.

Things are challenging here at the moment. Tiger is changing jobs so there's a bit of stress there and Chai is really struggling with his anxiety. Trying to get help for him is so difficult. Most providers have closed their books and the ones who haven't have waiting lists between one to two years. In the mean time I have to try to keep him coping which is not easy at all. 

 

I don't understand how and why there is such a shortage of health care professionals. Surely this is something that should have been recognised and addressed years ago. Apparently no-one seems to care though. Let's hope that a politician's child needs a health care expert and can't get one, then maybe something will change. 

 

Ah well, hopefully it'll all work out.

 

We've had a very restful school holidays. Chai was sick for the last week of school and the first week of the holidays, Eljay was sick for the second weekend and halfway through the second week which means I've spent a lot of time relaxing on the couch next to a sick child. It's been lovely. I've read seven books and got lots of rest. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people. 

Thoughts of the week

1. The first week of the school holidays is over. I've been very slothful and have had a wonderful time resting and relaxing thanks to the kids being sick. It's been lovely.

2. I've read six books in the last week and have now run out of physical books so am back to reading on Libby.

3. The Esmi lip balm is lovely.

4. There are lots of new lip balms that I want to buy, must resist.

5. Chai is finally better from that awful flu. I'm not sure if it was influenza but it was awful. It's the sickest he's been in his whole life. I can see how it would kill people. For the first three days he could barely stand up. I hate to imagine how bad it would be in someone with a weakened immune system.

FFS Friday - Effort

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? We're on school holidays, so far it's been lovely and restful (because I've had a very sick child.)

I've had lots of time to think lately and I'm confused. 

Of all my friends, other than H and Lisa, if I don't call them I don't hear from them. That's okay, I understand that we're all busy and I too am terrible at calling people.

But here's where I'm confused. I'll catch up with a friend and they'll say something about us not having seen each other for ages but then they get annoyed if I point out that they can call me too. Like it's my fault I didn't call them? But they didn't call me either?

Here's an example of when I saw a friend recently.

Friend: I haven't seen you for ages.

Me: Yes, we've been so busy.

Friend: I've missed you.

Me: I've missed you too, it's nice to catch up.

Friend: You haven't called me for ages.

Me: No, I've been really busy. I'm assuming you have too because you haven't called me either.

Friend: Oh, it's like that is it!

Me: No, I'm not being funny, but you can call me too.

Friend: Okay well if that's the way you're going to be.

Me: You know you can call me anytime.

Friend is now annoyed with me.

 

Does that make sense to anyone else? It doesn't make sense to me. Why is it only up to me to call people? Why can't they call me too? And if they choose not to call me then what right do they have to get angry that I haven't called them?

It makes no sense to me.

 

That's all I have to whinge about today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thoughts of the week

1. How is it July already?

 

2. School holidays are here! I'm hoping I'll get a little bit of rest and relaxation so I'm ready for the madness that will be term 3.

 

3. Chai is really sick so that is helping in the rest department. Poor boy has that awful flu/gastro thing that's going around. I've never seen him so sick.

 

4. Illnesses now seem so much worse than they were ten years ago.

 

5. It's so cold and wet here at the moment, perfect hibernating weather.

FFS Friday - Broken

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? Survived the week okay?

I have to tell you about our washing machine saga. Our old washing machine was on the way out so Tiger bought a new one. I'm not overly happy with it, he bought it without me and it has an agitator which I don't like. 

Anyhow, we got it and when we first used it we noticed that it was quite noisy. We figured it was just a noisy machine and thought nothing of it. A few days later the noise got louder. It was only on the spin cycle so we thought the machine was unbalanced. We made sure it was balanced and tried again, however the noise got worse. It sounded like there was a coin stuck in the machine. We pulled the agitator off and looked underneath but couldn't see anything. 

I ran a clean cycle, that didn't help. The noise kept on getting worse until day eight when it showed an error message saying there was a motor failure. Our washing machine that was only eight days old was stuffed. The warranty people came out, confirmed it was broken and ordered a new one. It took a week for the new machine to arrive and another five days until they could deliver it and remove the broken machine. 

The only saving grace was that we still had our original machine (not the new one, the one we had before we bought the new one) and it still worked okay until the day before the new machine arrived when it decided to die completely. 

So all in all it worked out and we now have a new machine. I'm just waiting to see if this one is going to die too. So far it's okay. It's been nine days with no problems so hopefully we're in the clear. 

That's my first world whinge.

A look at my Lanolips collection

 

It's been a while since I talked about Lanolips. They're one of my favourite brands and a staple in my collection. The golden ointment is great for treating rashes and dry skin, the original 101 ointment is a brilliant all purpose product and the lip balms are heaven for dry lips. 

As you can see from my photo I've been collecting them for years. Some of the products are over 10 years old yet they work as well as they did when I first bought them (having said that, I don't use the old ones anymore, I just kept them so I could take a flashback photo).

Have you tried Lanolips?

What's your favourite Lano product?

Thoughts of the week

1. It's school holidays!

 

2. Tax time is nearly here, I need to get my paperwork together. 

3. I am very tempted to cut my hair off and get a fringe. I think I'll wait till winter is over before I cut it shorter. It's been years since I went to the hairdresser. I'd love to be able to cut my hair myself. 

4. I have a $75 Mecca voucher and no idea what to spend it on. Suggestions are welcome.

5. I forgot to tell you about the washing machine saga. I'll save that for next week's FFS Friday.

FFS Friday - Wine

Hello beautiful people! How are you all? Have you had a good week?

Our week has been okay, not awful and not wonderful. Chai was doing really well with his anxiety until something happened at school. It was totally preventable and shouldn't have happened. It pushed him back and now his anxiety has kicked up again. 

The good news is that Tiger wasn't working at the time so was available to pick him up and we've managed to get an appointment with the mental health service. They have a really bad reputation but I'm hoping through them we'll be able to see a psychiatrist. I'm sending Tiger in so hopefully he'll be able to sort it out. I'm also trying to get him into other psychiatrists, not putting my eggs into one basket as we all know it's nearly impossible to see any paediatric health professionals in WA at the moment. 

One week until school holidays start. I'm equally looking forward to them and dreading them. I'm looking forward to not having to race around, I'm not looking forward to having to keep the kids entertained in cold, wet weather. 

 

Next term is going to be crazy. I'm working a lot. It'll be a crazy 10 weeks but we'll get through it. Lucky I love my job.

 

I know I have things to complain about, however I can't think of them at the moment. I'm not doing a very good job of complaining and this post is supposed to be all about complaining.

 

Ohhh I remember now. So, last weekend was my birthday. I didn't want to do much so we just had a lunch with immediate family and my bff....and one of Tiger's friends. Yep. He invited one of his friends because "she's having a hard time at the moment". I was not impressed. I've met her a few times but don't really know her and she's definitely not someone I would call close family. She spent a lot of the time talking about the hard time she's going through. Whilst I feel sympathy for what she's going through, it was just awkward and uncomfortable for all of us. 

That's my whinge for the week.

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people.

Ultraderm Skin Renew Tri-Peptide Moisturiser

 

A few months ago I was sent the Ultraderm Skin Renew Tri-Peptide moisturiser to trial. I'm about half way through the tube so it's time for a review. 

Peptides are great at hydrating and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles however they take a little bit of time to show results. The longer you use them the better the results. I've been using my Tri-Peptide moisturiser for enough time that I'm starting to see results. My fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable, my skin is glowing and it looks more plumped. My winter skin is loving how hydrating this moisturiser is. 

It doesn't irritate my sometimes sensitive skin, however when I use too much it can irritate my eyes, but that's nothing a little bit of powder doesn't fix. 

 

I used this as my day moisturiser to keep my skin feeling comfortable all day. It absorbs quickly and works well under make-up. 

Skin Renew Tri-Peptide moisturiser costs $84.00 for a 75ml tube. I've been using mine daily for two months and still have at least half a tube left, I'd say it'll last me at least another two months. 

 

Igredients: Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Shea Butter, Cyclotetrasiloxane and Cyclopentasiloxane, Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract, Dimethicone, D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol and Carbomer and Polysorbate 20 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide –7 (Matrixyl 3000), Di-peptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (SYN-AKE), Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Extract, Chamomile Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate,  Potassium Sorbate.

Thoughts of the week

1. My boys have started making popcorn the old fashioned way (on the stove). It tastes so much better than the packet stuff.

2. It's been so cold here lately, I love it.

3. I got some really good news at work this week. I'll have a permanent job soon! I won't know for a while yet how many days I'll have, but I'm excited. It's a great job with lovely people. I'm so lucky that I fell into that role.

4. I've been doing a little clear out of my lip products lately. I have so many, there's no way I can use them all up.

5. Make-up isn't bringing me as much joy as it used to, mainly because I just don't have the time to spend getting ready like I used to.

FFS Friday - Trundling

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? What's been happening?

I have nothing exciting to report. Things have been trundling along as usual. One step forward, two steps backwards as per usual.

Chai's anxiety is starting to ease a little which is great. It's been a tough few weeks for him. I'm trying to get him help but as anyone else who's trying to get help for their kids knows, it's almost impossible at the moment. I'm not holding out much hope that we'll get anywhere. I've got Tiger to try to sort it out. In my experience he gets much better results than I do. Professionals are more willing to listen to the Dad instead of the Mum which is ridiculous as usually the Mum has more of an idea what's going on. If that's what we have to do to get help then we'll do it. Fingers crossed we get somewhere.

It's my birthday this weekend. I'm planning on having a family lunch and spending some time with my bff. Nice and quiet, just how I like it. 

That's all I've got for today. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

An oldie but a goodie

 

Does anyone else get so excited with new products that they forget about the old products they love? I do it all the time. 

A few weeks ago I was sifting through my collection looking for a lip product small enough to fit in the pocked of my work skirt when I came across the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector. If you love tinted lip balms and you haven't tried these, get on it!

These balms are gorgeous. They're hydrating, taste like cake and give a good wash of shiny, opaque colour. I get around three hours wear before I need to reapply the colour, however the hydrating effect lasts for about six hours. 

 

I love the doe foot sponge applicator and thanks to the squeeze tube I can dispense the exact amount that I need. The sponge is easy to clean which is great for hygiene. 

The one in this photo is a mini size, the full size is 12ml and costs $40.

Thoughts of the week

1. After about a year off, I returned to the gym last week. I thought that I hadn't missed it but now that I've been a few times I've realised that I did really miss it.

I did not miss the silly posers and men who think you're checking them out every time you look in their direction. Note to self, do not go to the gym at 8am on a Saturday morning.

2. It feels good to be exercising again. I got a program done by an exercise physiologist and it's so much better than the ones PT's gave me.

3. I really, really hate paying for shipping. I don't mind if it's a small business, but when it's a huge business it really annoys me.

4. Has anyone discovered an amazing lip balm recently? If you have I need to know about it please.

5. It's been so wet and cold here lately, I love it.

FFS Friday - Heh

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

Things have been crazy here this week. Both Chai and Tiger are falling apart. 

Wednesday I got to work, was given some news and all I could do was laugh. I had no words, every time I tried to talk I just laughed.

It wasn't bad news, it was frustrating news but it really just was typical of everything that had been going on this week. 

 

In situations like these I just laugh. When I have the choice to laugh or cry I'll choose to laugh and then keep on going. It's all I can do. Get over this wave then wait for the next one to hit. I'd like it if the waves were hitting a little less frequently though.

 

Anyhow, enough of the whinging. I went back to the gym last week. I haven't been in over a year and I was worried that I'd be really weak and really sore but I haven't been. I was a little sore for a few days but not nearly as bad as I expected. I've also retained quite a lot of strength, I can still lift the same weight that I was lifting before which is a pleasant surprise.  

Hopefully being back at the gym will help me get rid of some body fat. I've put on quite a bit of weight lately and am not feeling comfortable in my clothes. I have no idea how much I weigh as I don't believe that's a good indicator of health, but I know that my body fat percentage is too high so I'd like to reduce it. 

That's all I've got for today. My brain has gone into weekend mode already.

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people.

How to combat winter skin dryness.

I'm so excited to be able to relay advice given to me by a Cosmetic Nurse! Sylvia Crouch has over 15 years of experience in the beauty and cosmetics industry. As the founder of Angel Aesthetics Clinics she has seen many clients come to her with skin concerns and looking to bring life back into dull, dehydrated and dry skin, especially at this time of year and coming into winter.

Check out these 6 tips to live by this Winter; your skin will thank you!

1. Use a gentle cleanser: Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for a gentle cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Sylvia says, “you would be surprised at the amount of people using a cleanser for oily skin on their dry skin!”

2. Hydration station: Hydration is key! Any chance you get to drink water - DO IT! Sylvia says she’s made a habit of filling a tall glass of water with ice to sip while she gets ready for a night out. Really making an effort to up your water intake throughout the day may be one you’re sick of hearing but it really is the answer to dry skin problems.

3. Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid serum is your best friend! One trick Sylvia shares is to make sure the skin is damp with water to allow the hyaluronic acid to absorb into the skin. 

4. Vitamin C serum: This a great way to brighten and hydrate skin complexion. As well as using a hyaluronic acid serum, make sure you apply a brightening Vitamin C to give your dry winter skin a brightness boost! When using Vitamin C serum the face needs to be dry, so the best application is after your hyaluronic acid serum has dried into the skin. 

5. SPF: If there is one key takeaway Sylvia has to offer, it is always to wear broad-spectrum SPF. UV damage can make dry skin appear even worse. By ‘broad-spectrum’ SPF, this means sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays. 

6. Avoid hot water: Avoid taking hot showers and baths and washing your face with hot water! Many don’t realise the damage this can cause, stripping the skin of natural oils. Sylvia comments: “Take short warm showers and baths but nothing of a ‘hot’ temperature. Lukewarm water when cleansing your face has many benefits including depuffing the early morning skin we often wake up with.”  

It’s simple and doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, taking these steps are key to plump and hydrated skin this winter. 

Thoughts of the week

1. I went back to the gym yesterday. I haven't exercised regularly for over a year. I struggle to fit it in now that I'm working. My plan is to train twice a week however that will depend on what's happening with the boys. I was supposed to train Thursday but couldn't because Chai was home. That's just the way it is when you've got kids.

2. It's winter! I am very happy about this.

3. Where do you get your fun beauty content from now? I'm not liking instagram lately, it's all ads. I just want to see pretty pictures and chat about make-up.

4. The new Burt's Bees Sweet Peach lip balm is lovely.

5. Carmex Peach Mango balm is lovely too.

FFS Friday - Sinking

Hello beautiful people! How are you all?

Life has been tough this week. Chai's anxiety has kicked into overdrive and I have no idea how to help him. He's had anxiety for ages and we've always been able to manage it. This time we are not managing it and it's debilitating. 

He had two days off school this week and when he was at school he stayed in the same room all day. I can't get an emergency appointment with his psych, he can't take medication and I have no idea how to help him. 

It's awful watching my child struggle and not being able to help. It's also exhausting to deal with. When Chai's anxiety is high he talks non stop. It's not just chatter, he expects a response. It's overwhelming and I find it so stressful. I'm an introvert, I like quiet so having someone talk non stop for hours on end hurts my brain, is exhausting and sends me into overload. 

I wish I knew how to help him. I know there isn't an instant fix for anxiety but there must be some way to help. What happens to all the other people with anxiety who can't take medication? What do they do?

There needs to be more help available for children and families who are struggling. There's nowhere for me to go to get advice (that I'm aware of). For all I know I could be making his anxiety worse. I'm trying to keep him going to school so that he keeps his routine and so that he doesn't get too anxious to leave the house but is that the right thing to do? I keep him home on the days when I see he can't function but the days when he's not too bad I send him to school. Maybe that's pointless because he won't leave his classroom? He still does his school work but by staying in one room he's still quite isolated. Am I making it worse? 

I can't get him into a psychiatrist so there's no way of finding out if there is a medication that can help him. His paediatrician won't prescribe medication as every one we've tried has had the opposite effect and made him worse. What am I supposed to do? Who is going to help us? Probably no-one, I'll just have to muddle through it and hope that I can retain my sanity and that I'm not causing lasting damage to Chai. 

I suppose that's what life is about, muddling through, doing the best you can and hoping it all works out. 

Whinge over.

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people. Never forget you are perfect exactly as you are.

Why this cosmetic nurse says no to some patients’ filler requests

With fillers and injectibles so popular now I was interested to hear from a cosmetic nurse who doesn't always recommend fillers. 

I spoke with Angel Aesthetics founder, Sylvia Crouch to get her take on why she refuses filler to some people and not others. Angel Aesthetics are known for their natural looking aesthetics so fear not, there won't be any overfilling or pumped up faces leaving the clinic!

There’s lots of reasons why you may be refused filler even if your go-to clinic might turn around and decide enough is enough and it’s time to dissolve or time for a break. I heard it from a cosmetic nurse herself who has performed over 15,000 procedures so it’s fair to say she’s definitely been around the block a fair few times! 

Medical conditions: “If you’re new to the injectables world and although it seems like anyone and everyone is getting filler, it may not be suitable for you especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding along with other medical conditions, as this can act as a contraindication for treatment. If you’re at risk of an adverse reaction, your clinic has the right to not perform the treatment.” 

Desired looks:

What’s wrong with going to the cheapest clinic and shopping around for the best price? “Choosing your clinic has a lot to do with the results you will achieve. Yes, there are cheaper places to go to but you won’t achieve the high quality results or products and it may often result in a suboptimal result that will cost more to get fixed.”  While natural aesthetics are on the rise, it’s clear that many still do prefer a fuller look but you may not find this in high end clinics such as Angel Aesthetics. 

As an experienced cosmetic nurse, have you ever needed to turn away a client for filler? “Yes, unfortunately it happens more often than I would like it to. However, there is a high standard that Angel Aesthetics are held to and when it comes to overfilled cheekbones, lips, you name it; it’s just not something I like to portray or stand by. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has recently also released new guidelines that all practitioners have to adhere to in regards to not overfilling and body dysmorphia. More often than not I turn away clients looking for an overfilled look as I believe in natural aesthetics and subtly enhancing what’s already there.”

If your aesthetic clinic turns you away the advice is often to not go around them and maybe treat yourself to something less invasive and more relaxing? There’s a lot to be said for a glowing facial and these classic treatments are definitely on the up.

Check back next week for more advice from Sylvia. 

FFS Friday - Heh

It's Friday again! Where does the time go?

What do I want to whinge about today? I'm sure there's something.  

 

Whilst I try to get my whinge on I have a funny story for you. 

A few weeks ago Tiger came home with a new modem. He bought it in then told me that I'll have to install it. My first reaction was "No I don't" but because I'm an adult I didn't say that I said "Why can't you install it?". Apparently he can't install it because he doesn't know how to. I told him that I don't know how to install it, I just follow the instructions. 

I told him there's no way I'd install it on the weekend and I'd do it during the week. 

I did not do it during the week so Tiger decided to have a go at it on Sunday.

 

The reason I didn't want it done on the weekend is because of the number of devices we have. There are:

• 5 phones
• 6 tablets
• 3 laptops
• 1 printer
  
• 4 tv's
• 1 doorbell

all of which need to be changed to the new wifi. Not a fun or simple job.

 

So, Tiger gets the new wifi installed and it's terrible. Heaps worse than the old one. It's super slow, disconnects all the time and is just totally crap.

The next day he calls up the customer assistance line to get help figuring out why it's so bad. Turns out there was a very simple reason.

Wait for it.....

He didn't plug it into the wall. 

Really!

How could anyone forget that?

He plugged in the power but not the cord that goes to the phone line. 

I would have though that'd be the first thing you'd do. 

This is why I'm responsible for installing and connecting new devices and putting furniture together. 

 

Now that it's been plugged in the new wifi is far superior to the old system. 

 

Heh. 

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people. I'll be back with a whinge next week.

Wilderness Lab Elemental Amber Perfume Balm

 

If you have yet to discover the joy that is Wilderness Lab you are missing out. 

Wilderness Lab make solid perfume and lotion bars that are natural, vegan and sustainable. They're made in Tasmania by Rini and they come in gorgeous little tins that are recyclable. The perfume tins are the perfect handbag size. 

I have about twelve of Rini's perfume balms and love them all. The latest one I've added to my collection is the limited edition Elemental Amber. I'm not usually a fan of warm, exotic scents but this one is magic. It's warm, calming and just gorgeous. It's a great unisex scent, both my boys love it and I'm happy for them to use it as it's natural and made with essential oils.

I purchased my Elemental Amber perfume for $16. It comes in a 10g aluminium pot. Despite me and the boys using it constantly for the past three weeks I've barely made a dent.  

Shipping is free for orders over $60 and orders are posted really quickly, my perfume was sent the same day I ordered it!

If you are new to natural perfumes they are very different to regular perfume. They are a lot milder and don't have the strong scent throw that traditional perfumes have. After using natural perfume for a while I find it very difficult to use traditional perfumes. 

I apply my perfume balm on my wrists, inside of my elbows and behind my ears. I don't need to but I usually reapply halfway through the day because I like to be able to smell my perfume and I've usually gotten immune to it by lunchtime.

The lotion bars are gorgeous too, I'll have to do a review of them soon.

FFS Friday - Dentist time

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? Has it been a good week or just a week? We've had a pretty good week. My standards for what constitutes a good week are pretty low, so most weeks are good weeks. No point letting a few rough moments ruin a whole day or week. 

I stuffed up this week. Chai hasn't been sleeping well since school went back. He's up two to three times every night and comes in to our room most nights. Since I've been taking the herbs from my acupuncturist I can usually get back to sleep, but some nights I don't. 

Monday night/Tuesday morning he came in to our room at 2.30am. Tiger had just got up to get ready for work. When Chai came in he woke Eljay up. Both of them will not sleep in a bedroom on their own. They both got into bed with me but I couldn't sleep, it was too hot with them both pressed up against me. 

I waited for half an hour then got out of bed. I'd just hopped in to Chai's bed when they both came in and asked what I was doing. I told them both to get back into their beds. After about five minutes Chai came back into my room quickly followed by Eljay. 

I got angry, told Chai to get into my bed, Eljay to get into his bed and I got into Chai's bed. Chai refused to go to sleep, I was way past caring so told him he could do whatever he wanted to. He laid in my bed and watched tv.

I waited for Eljay to go to sleep then got up to deal with Chai. Eljay woke up straight away. I was so tired and way past anger that I begged him to go back to sleep but he refused. 

I checked on Chai who was thankfully sound asleep (with the tv on) so Eljay and I got up at 4.30am.

We sat on the lounge suite and after a few minutes Eljay fell asleep on my lap. I was trapped. I sat there until 6.30am but then I needed to get up so that I could go to the loo, get our lunches made and get ready for work. As soon as I got up Eljay woke up. Chai woke up around the same time.

 

By this time I was a wreck. I cried the whole morning but managed to pull myself together to put my makeup on and get to work. Thankfully it was quiet that morning, if anyone had spoken to me I would have cried. 

 

Sleep deprivation is awful. Twelve years of sleep deprivation torture. But enough complaining, back to Monday night. 

Can you guess what the fatal mistake I made is? 

I tried to go back to sleep. If I'd just accepted that I was awake for the day I would have sat up in bed between them and read my book whilst they slept. My mistake was in trying to get more sleep. 

When they wake up after 3.30am I just sit up with them, I don't try to get back to sleep I just get up. In future I'm going to get up no matter what time they wake me up. I can't get both of them back to sleep on my own, I know that so I have no idea why I tried to fight it. I suppose I was just too tired to think rationally.

Ah well, lesson learned. Next time I'll do better. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend! I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing.