Washi Tape Notebook

I'm back from the most wonderful, relaxing holiday at the beach with literally hundreds of your blog posts to read and millions of youtube videos to watch...who knew it would be so hard to catch up on my internet life after having been away for only a little over a week! Nevertheless, posting shall resume as normal, thanks for all your lovely comments during my absence!

So I recently discovered Washi Tape. I had never heard of such a thing but when I was purchasing my books for next year from Officeworks, I found a whole stack of Washi tape for $1 each. I ended up purchasing five different patterns although I had no idea what I was going to use Washi tape for!

I then decided that I needed to cover one of my small (and ugly!) notebooks. I figured a bit of Washi tape here and there might look pretty so I gave it a shot and I am so happy with the results. I've made a step by step photo tutorial of how to make this lovely looking notebook cover!

So you can see just how darn easy it is to make this notebook cover! You can go crazy with creativity using different patterns and playing around with shapes as opposed to plain stripes. As you can see, I chose school related tapes because it is one of my school books and I love the maths equations and music notes on the front!

It took me honestly about three or four minutes to make this and I think it looks wonderful! If you had a plain notebook (for example just plain black) then you could apply the tape directly onto the cover as opposed to on paper that you then glue on. There are so many possibilities!

Let me know if you are planning to try out a Washi tape notebook cover!

Also, if you happened to spot my nails, they are created using Washi tape too which you can read about here!

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Colour in White on

I'm not going to lie - a white polish is hardly the most thrilling NOTD but I've just been wearing it so darn often that I had to show you. At first when I was considering purchasing a white polish I wasn't sure whether I liked the look or whether I thought it was a little liquid paper-esque. I've since decided that I am a huge huge fan, and that white nails are a clean, summer shade that literally go with anything. 

This Sally Hansen polish in White on is just awesome, a lovely formula that is easy to work with and opaque in two coats. I would love it if it was quick drying but sometimes you just can't have everything. This, as the name suggests, is long wearing and resistant to chipping. I would recommend this wholeheartedly.

What do you think of snow white nails?

New Years Resolutions

Happy New Year, and welcome 2014!

So I'm really not a Christmas kind of person. Sure, it's nice to see the family and all of that, but we tend to do that fairly often anyway and it is considerably less stressful seeing the family when it isn't Christmas and everyone is calm and peaceful! Nevertheless, I may not be a Christmas fan but I do love New Year.

Something about fresh starts and exciting new opportunities just appeals to me so much, and of course I am one of those people who every year make wild resolutions that I really have no intention of keeping. However, this year is going to be different and I know everyone always says that but I'm serious, this year is going to be different because I'm going to make 4 resolutions that I'm actually capable of achieving.

1. Read more books
I love reading, it's honestly one of my most favourite things in the world. I'm going to be in year 12 this year which means I'll be stressed and busy all the time, so I really want to schedule in some time - even if it is just on the weekends - to simply read a good book. I've already gotten off to a great start, having read 11 books since I first started my holidays in December so hopefully this continues.

2. Drink more water
When it comes to water I swear I'm like a camel. I can honestly go a whole day without drinking a single thing with no real problems. Winter is the worst because I just do not drink. I know this is absolutely terrible so I'm going to make a huge effort to drink up. Everyone at school carries a drink bottle around with them, so I shall begin doing that too, but it's just so annoying having to go to the toilet all the time!

3. Blog, blog, blog
This one is easy - carry on blogging. Blogging is such an enjoyable activity for me, and despite the fact that this is going to be a huge year, I intend to continue doing my best to post as often as possible, and read everyone else's wonderful blogs.

4. Be content with less than perfection
This might actually be the most difficult one to work on, but the most important too. As I've mentioned, I'm going to be a year 12 this year which is absolutely terrifying in every way! School and study is really a number 1 priority in my life and I dedicate so much time to it to do really well in my studies. I've always been a perfectionist and it can be challenging when I get grades that aren't what I consider to be perfect. This is of course, not sustainable, and I want to be able to finish the year knowing that whatever grade (ATAR) I get is okay because I've worked hard and done my best. I need to change my thinking which will be hard, but worth it.

So there are my 3 big resolutions for the year, and I really do hope that I stick to them. I might even include my progress in every Monthly Favourites post so I don't simply forget them and stop working towards them.

I would love love love to hear your resolutions for 2014!

Bloopers of the year

Despite the lovely photos, enthusiastic text and positive discussions, beauty blogging doesn't always work out as planned. Sometimes photos are just a mess, my post is so poorly written and spam comments are just flowing in, and there is really nothing you can do about it.

Here are a couple of snapshots from this year's 'bloopers' that didn't make the final cut.

So I learnt this year that nail art isn't my thing. No seriously, I mean it really, really isn't an area in which I should dedicate a whole lot of time. That horrible mess to the left was an attempt at 'Tribal inspired' nails. Instead it was more like 'Scribbles of a two year old' because it just looked awful.

I was brave and tried an OOTD post, and the photo below was a bit of a blooper for that shoot. An OOTD without the outfit? I think not.

I attempted another OOTD which also had a couple of bloopers...

In Winter especially, taking pictures of products can be absolute hell because lighting is so hard to come by. I thought I would try and see whether I could brighten and adjust shades on the computer, but this is what happened. I won't be trying that again...

So I might not be able to master nail art, but normal polish is okay...it's just the photography that can be a bit of an issue. I'm left handed so I take photos of my right hand because the polish always looks nicer. You may notice that the button on the camera is on the right, so I have to try and hold the camera and take photos with the wrong hand. I promise it is harder than you would imagine. Super close up shots are often an issue.

So there you have it, bloopers for the year. Beauty blogging can be harder than it looks!

Empties of 2013

I'm currently hanging out on holidays at the beach and I'll have little to no Internet access so I'll have lots of scheduled posts coming up. I hope you are all having a lovely Christmas break!

So I'm not an empties kind of person. I really hate hitting pan on a product and do everything in my power to save a product if I think it is coming to the end of its life. Where other bloggers have multiple products they feature in a monthly empties post, it really takes me a whole year to achieve a similar result. Nevertheless, here are my empties for the year!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub
I love Lush products, and this lip scrub is no different. It is ridiculously sugary and overpowering but it suits me just fine. It's effective for removing flaky skin on dry lips and I already have a back up!

Nivea Lip Balm Strawberry
I'm not really sure how I managed to use this up because I don't actually love the colour all that much. I find that it is a little fake and childish looking at times, but it doesn't really matter because I used it up and have many much nice alternative red shades as back ups.

Essence Clear Lash and Brow Gel
I've actually gone through about three of these but I didn't save the packaging. I love this brow gel, it is so cheap, works like a charm and is such a no fuss kind of product. I use this everyday and I won't be changing any time soon.

Simple Kind to skin hydrating moisturiser
I find it really hard to stick with one moisturiser because I always have so many options to choose from. I managed to use all of this Simple moisturiser up, so that must mean it was pretty good!

Garnier BB cream
I went through two of these Garnier BB creams before I'd ever tried the oily skin version. I thought they were good at the time, but now I use the oily skin version and I think it is so much better. I wouldn't buy these original ones again, but I use the oily one every day.

Dove Original Deodorant & Dove Pure Deodorant
I've used up more than two deodorants however they are multiple of the same ones, so I only included the two versions. I can't really tell the difference between one deodorant and another. As long as I'm not super sweaty and stinky, I don't really care what deodorant I'm using!

Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine control moisturiser
I wasn't a fan of this moisturiser because it smelled strange, was blue in shade and much too think for my liking. I definitely wouldn't buy this again because there are just so many amazing options out there these days.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
This is seriously the first real makeup product I've ever hit pan on so that is a little bit strange! I really love this powder and found it to be remarkably effective for keeping my face oil free during the day. I just wish it was a little cheaper.

I'm quite pleased with my empties efforts. Of course I went through countless shampoo and conditioners but they're boring to include! Maybe next year I'll have even more empties to include!

Questions from the Natural Confectionery Company

Remember the days of sleepovers filled with an endless supply of lollies and late nights playing 'truth or dare'? Then things became more complicated and such simple pleasures weren't appreciated in the same way that they once had been. I recently discovered that The Natural Confectionery Company had little questions on their wrapped lollies (how long has this been the case, by the way?) and thought it was the perfect opportunity to re-live the days of giggling over silly questions with friends, except I thought I would do it online with fellow bloggers! Just a side note before we begin - I am no way associated with The Natural Confectionery Company (in fact I'm not really a huge fan of their lollies anyway) but I thought their very clever marketing strategy would be an excellent opportunity for a fun blog post. I'm going to answer some of the questions that can be found on the lolly wrappers!

The Questions

1. What's the number 1 most played song of yours of all time?
Well, according to my iPod it is 'Breath of Life' by Florence and the Machine although that may have something to do with the fact that I accidentally left it playing on repeat for an entire weekend when I went away...my next most played song is 'Heavy in your arms' by Florence and the Machine...followed by 'Sweet Nothing' by Florence and the Machine, so I guess it's not really a surprise.

2. What are you saving for right now?
I'm not exactly saving for anything, but if I was to splurge on something it would be the Urban Decay Naked Palette or MAC lipsticks and eyeshadows.

3. Broccoli: Love, hate or ambivalent?
LOVE! I love Broccoli so much!

4. If you could be any singer or musician who would it be?
Florence Welch, because she is just incredible in every way.

5. What's your special talent?
Oh my gosh I hate this question...I'm a quick reader...is speed reading a talent?

6. What's your favourite playground equipment?
Without a doubt, the swing.

7. What was your favourite toy as a kid?
I had a little plastic motorbike that you moved with your feet that I loved to sit on and drive around the place!

8. What was the last music concert you went to?
Probably the Big Day Out in 2012, although I wouldn't really call that a concert!

9. What is your favourite sport to watch?
AFL footy, especially if I'm actually there at the game!

10. Who would you like to be related to?
Emma Watson - she is so intelligent and beautiful and can you imagine the life stories she would have to tell! My goodness!

12. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere where it is stinking hot and there are books to read and fruit to eat!

13. What's the first thing you notice about people?
Well let's be honest here, most certainly their clothes, although I usually only take real notice of clothes that are a little more 'out there'...standard clothes I'll just see and then dismiss as unimportant.

14. What song do you secretly love to listen to?
A song called 'Be What you want' by Robin Loxley and Oliver Jackson. Why in secret? I first heard it on an advert and fell in love with it. My Dad and brother despise the song so I literally have to listen to it in secret or else they will be yelling at me to "turn that horrible song off!"

I had a lot of fun answering these questions imprinted upon the wrappers...feel free to purchase your own lollies and make a Q&A post if you like too, I would love to read your answers!

NOTD - Washi Tape!

I know, I know, two NOTD in a row but honestly, this is so cool I had to show you!

I went to Officeworks to purchase my school books for next year and I found some magical stuff called Washi tape. Having never seen it before in my life, I purchased 5 different patterns for $1 each and figured that I could probably come up with something cool to use it for.

Indeed I have, when I decided to make a Washi Tape NOTD!

This was ridiculously easy and looks so cool. It is perfect for people like me who are useless at nail art in general, because it is simple and looks ever so fancy.

Having said that, I did have some issues with the thumbnail (as you can see) but as it is on the side of the nail it is not too noticeable. The difficulty was because the width of the tape wasn't quite enough to cover my entire thumbnail (but it was alright for all my other nails) and so I had to use two strips.

To apply I simply cut a small square of tape from the roll, applied it directly to my painted nail and then used small nail scissors to trip around the edges so it fit the shape of my nail a little better.

I used a white nail polish as a base coat to make the colours stand out a little more (the Washi tape is slightly translucent).

Sadly, this Washi tape manicure doesn't last long because the edges of the tape start to peel off a little bit, but for a day-long occasion where you want to have fancy nails, this is the perfect solution.

My absolute favourite thing about this though, is that when you are tired of it you simply peel it off leaving a fresh coat of polish underneath that you had as your basecoat which lasts for another week. There is no sticky residue remaining from the tape either. It is like two manicures in one, and allows you to avoid the horrible task of rubbing and rubbing at your nails with strong acetone (which surely cannot be good for you!)


What do you think of my Washi tape nails? Would you give it a shot?

Face of Australia Carnivale Nail Enamel in My Island Home

So I may be biased but seriously, Face of Australia have smashed it out of the ball park this past year or two, with some of their limited edition releases. Beginning with the ridiculously affordable lip crayons that started my all time obsession for all things similar,the gorgeous illuminators, then the nail polishes that soon followed with their pastel and glitterati range and more recently their Carnivale collection, they haven't stepped a foot wrong.

When I saw that they had come out with a textured nail polish collection, I knew I had to give it a try even though I wasn't all that keen on the idea. A beauty blogger has to be brave every now and again right?

When I went to invest in my first ever textured polish I wasn't sure which of the stunning shades I wanted to get. The range wasn't short on beautiful polishes so it was a real struggle deciding what I would go for. In the end I picked the shade 'My Island Home' as it was the most gorgeous neutral shade that I knew I had to own.

First up, on a little side note, is it me or is it a little strange that the shade name doesn't match the Carnival theme? I mean, 'My Island Home' hardly conjures up the images of scary clowns, pink fairy floss and Ferris wheels, does it?

The best way to describe the texture of this is simply by imagining that you've poured sand into your favourite polish and then applied it as normal. At first I was not at all a fan, in fact, I was almost repulsed by it. I hated how it looked, how it felt on my nails and I knew it would be horrendous to take off. However, after a week of wear I am shocked to say that it has grown on me and I am almost at the stage of saying that I like it. What?! I went from hating how it felt so rough and awful on my nails to actually liking the texture (although it does soften due to natural wear and tear).

Yep, so perhaps time really does fix everything - it certainly did no harm in this case! I went from really despising the strange polish to looking at the photographs fondly. I will mention that 3 or 4 people have commented on my nails saying "oh dear, what happened when you were putting on your nail polish?" and "how did you manage to mess it up SO much?" which I'm not sure I really like hearing!

The wear time was actually quite poor, with it chipping within a day, however the chips were not as noticeable as usual which I blame on both the texture and shade of the polish. I found that the grainy texture would wear off in small patches and become smooth (like a normal polish) after three or four days.

Overall I have to say that I liked the change from the stock standard nail polish, but think ill stick to traditional polishes in the future (especially around the non-beauty obsessed folk who kept thinking it was my poor application skills that made it all textured!).

What do you think of textured polishes, particularly Face of Australia's Carnivale collection?

Q&A - Beauty

Back when I had my giveaway one of the optional entries was to submit a question that I could answer in a Q&A post...here are the remaining questions I've not yet answered, all of which are beauty related!

1. If MAC were to approach you telling you they wanted you to help make a new lipstick, what colour would it be and what would you name it?
First of all, coolest question ever. Second of all...this is so very hard to answer! I think I would go with a beautiful pinky peach summery lipstick shade suitable for all skintones...kind of a my lips but better shade. As for the name, something clever I would hope! But honestly, why stop at a single lipstick? I would have a whole range related to book characters so like Hermione Granger would be a fiery red shade, Katniss Everdeen a nude shade etc. and all the lipsticks would be named after their corresponding character. Now that would be cool...

2. Please do a tutorial on eyebrows (products and tools used, how to apply etc).
I would love to do this but the only problem is...I don't do anything to my brows. Nothing at all. I just pluck any strays and occasionally I'll use a clear lash and brow gel, other than that I literally do nothing to them.

3. How much makeup do you wear on a daily basis to school?
At my school we aren't allowed to wear makeup, but if you're clever about it and just use it to slightly improve your skin and enhance your features nobody minds. I wear my Garnier BB cream (for oily skin), a bit of Face of Australia concealer in neutral, a coat of Covergirl mascara and my Nivea Fruity Shine Lip balm in Guava.I'll also use a setting powder, often one by Face of Australia, so that I don't get too shiny throughout the day.

4. When did you start using makeup and why?
I first took an interested in lip balms when I was 12. At 13, I wore tinted moisturiser (as more of a tinted sunscreen for my face) and then by 14 I wore a single coat of mascara. By the time I was about 15 I was experimenting with lip products, foundation and eyeshadow, and at 16 I got into anything any everything playing around with eyeliner bronzer, highlighter and blush. Despite this my makeup has always been worn for the purpose of enhancing as opposed to covering up which I think is a lot more flattering than packing it on because of insecurities. I wear makeup for fun and because it makes me feel good, not because I feel insecure without it.

5. What is your favourite nail polish brand?
It used to be Ulta, but then Face of Australia smashed out some incredible polishes (Hello Pastels and Glitterati ranges and now the new Carnivale polishes!). I don't own many Revlon polishes, but the ones I do own I adore. Essence also have some lovely polishes...clearly I can't pick a favourite!

6. What is your favourite eyeshadow colour?
Either a shimmery golden toned champagne shade, or a golden brown shimmery shadow.

7. How do you keep your makeup from not melting in the heat and still looking beautiful?
I use a good primer when I really need my makeup to stay put, as well as using waterproof or more matte makeup in addition to finishing it all off with a really good setting powder. Still, sometimes there is nothing you can do about your makeup when it's 40 degrees and you're all gross and sweaty. In those times you've just got to embrace it and go with the flow!

8. What is the best makeup brand to use for sensitive skin?
I'm really lucky not to suffer from sensitive skin but unfortunately that means I don't really know the answer to this question. I imagine any of the brands that pride themselves on being all natural and free of unnecessary chemicals would be good. I've also heard that the more expensive brands like Clinique are excellent for that.

9. If you could own one beauty brand which one would you own?
Probably Face of Australia because I love love love their products, they are of course Australian and they're really good about things like not animal testing. They have an excellent range of products and they're really affordable...all the things I want in a makeup brand!

10. What's the best nail polish to use to strengthen your nails?
I don't know about a polish, but I know that the Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream is really good for strengthening dry and brittle nails.

11. What are the best products for frizzy hair?
Oh my goodness I wish I could answer these questions for you but I am so lazy with my hair and own no frizz targeting products. I am sure that if you went into somewhere like Price Attack of Hairhouse Warehouse they could suggest something to you.

12. Do you like Asian skincare products?
I have no idea, I've never tried any!

Thank you all so much for these questions, I wish I could have answered some of them in more detail!

OOTD - I'm going on a picnic