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21 Sept 2014

My Current Night Time Skincare Routine



Today I come to you with my current night time skincare routine.

I'm the kind of lazy girl who has never really had a proper routine. I liked the last minute makeup wipe before bed and stayed away from night creams as I thought my skin was oily enough, until my skin went into meltdown and broke out into a crazy array of blackheads, cystic acne and blemishes.
Turns out I just needed some good exfoliators and moisturisers!

So if I have been out with a full face of makeup, I will come home and use The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter to remove all of that, wipe it off with a muslin cloth, then rinse. If it were a makeup free day (normally my work days) I will use the St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. I will then follow through with the Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner on a cotton round.

Around every 3 days I will use the GO-TO Exfoliating Swipeys. I am giving full credit to these new gems for helping improve my skins texture. Using a gentle Lactic acid, these little cotton rounds of goodness help clear pores, refine fine lines, remove dead skin cells and also moisturise with the added essential oils. My skin has never felt so soft and supple.

Next is the Trilogy Rosehip Oil. 3 drops onto the palm of my hand and I pat it across my face and decolletage. Following with the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream.

I will then brush my fangs and finish with the Go-To Lips! Super Balm. Great for slapping on before bed time, the grapefruity smelling balm is super hydrating and great for keeping those kissers in good condition while you snooze.

And that folks is the way it goes down before bed!

If anyone can recommend a good eye cream, be sure to let me know in the comments. Maybe something that will try and attempt to dull the dark circles. I am struggling to find anything that ACTUALLY works.

Until next time...

Xx


12 Sept 2014

Body Shop Haul and Review



The Body Shop...

A well known brand around the world and definitely a brand that is all about spreading the love.
They are against animal testing, they support community fair trade, they feel very strongly about keeping our environment clean and green and are 100% committed to speaking out for people or animals without a voice. Numerous campaigns are kicking about helping raise money and well needed awareness.

What other reasons do you need to buy from such a kickass company?

Great products for one and the Body Shop never fails to deliver.

I made an online purchase a couple weeks ago to grab a few things that are being raved about in the blogging and YouTube communities.
I have used all of the products at least once so I thought I would do a bit of a review as well as a haul.

1. Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
The first cleansing oil/butter I have used and I must say. I am converted! This stuff melts your makeup straight from your face!! I love the fact you just swipe some from the jar, rub straight onto your dry skin  and everything just comes right off. Far easier and less messy than gel/foam cleansers. (I'm one of those girls who gets water EVERYWHERE when I have to wash my face over the sink) It doesn't sting the eyes when I rubbed it in there to remove my mascara either. Also, NO OILY RESIDUE!! Perfect for combo/crazy skin like mine. Moisturises the dry patches and cleans up the oily bits. Win win!

2. Muslin Cleansing Cloth
The perfect duo. Once you have melted that butter into your face, rinse your cloth under warm water and wipe the grime away. The coarseness of the muslin gives a nice exfoliation without being too harsh.

3. All in One BB Cream (Shade 01)
I'd heard good things about this BB cream. It comes out of the tube white but once rubbed into the skin, it colour corrects to give you an all over even finish.
Having only used this once so far, I can't give too much of a comment on it. I'm not too sure whether there is enough coverage of redness for me yet, but I will have to use it a few more times to make more of a judgement. It feels great on the skin though, not oily. Sinks straight in, it didn't cause any blemishes to pop up like other BB creams have done in the past and didn't leave me looking orange.

4. Honey Bronzer (Shade 01)
A much loved bronzing powder raved about by Essie Button. I just had to give it a try. I can see the fuss. It's a really lovely bronzer that leaves behind just the right amount of colour. It's not orange, it's not too powdery and there's no crazy disco ball shimmer. Just a super easy to use everyday lovely bronzing powder.

I have to say I am super happy with everything I have purchased and now know The Body Shop have a lot more to offer than just moisturisers, shower goodies and lip balms.
Definitely have yourselves a look see and a tester if you are near a store, you won't be disappointed.

Any other makeup or skincare you can recommend from The Body Shop? Let me know in the comments.

Xx

9 Sept 2014

Top 5 Fitness Apps




Something a little different from me today but I thought this would be a blog post I would click onto to read about.

So I'm going to share with you my top pics for fitness apps!




My Fitness Pal. This one is a great app for tracking your daily calorie intake, recording your workouts and water intake! You can also sign up and share all of your bits and pieces with other people to keep you honest or to help you along your way for some encouragement. For any of you that own a FitBit, you can also sync your workout info to the app. 



Map My Run. This is my go to app to track my distance when I take my dog for a walk. You can add playlists into the app so you can have your favourite music pumping while you tread the pavement. I like how it gives you updates throughout the workout, letting you know once you've completed each km and how fast you are going.
You can then save your workouts once you are done and it will email you a weekly statement of how far you've walked and the calories you have burnt.



The 7 Minute Workout. This is my number one favourite at the moment. The 7 minute workout is a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout. 30 seconds of 12 different workouts (star jumps, squats, push ups, planks etc) with 10 seconds of rest in between. You go as hard and fast as you can for the time you get for maximum results. You might sit there thinking 7 minutes is nowhere near enough of a workout. But believe me. You will be feeling it afterwards! I have been walking my dog for around 3-4kms beforehand then coming home and doing this workout. I am in a massive sweat afterwards. I'm loving it! I'm also super keen to pull off a proper push up! (this girl has no upper body strength)




Zombies, Run! 5k Training. Let me put it out there straight away. I'm no runner. Like really. I can't run. At all. But I really want to learn. 
This app is SO much fun!! I had downloaded the couch to 5k app a long while ago and they start off with 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking. I couldn't complete it. (told you I was no runner)
For those of you out there that struggle big time with running but want somewhere to start. GET THIS APP! The first day starts with a 10 minute brisk walk then moves onto 60 seconds of walking and 15 seconds of slow running. It really does start off for the zero running experience newbie. I was able to complete the first workout without stopping and completing every run in the workout! Major win for me!! All the while you get a story coming through your headphones about a zombie apocalypse. Those walking dead lovers out there will really enjoy it. You also get your music playlist playing in between so you still get the motivation from the music as well.



Zombies, Run! The follow on to the 5k training. Now I haven't actually finished the training app as yet but I purchased the full running app for when I do! After you have finished the training to become a "runner" (in the zombie apocalypse world, a runner leaves the secure camp to go out and find food and supplies to survive) you are let loose in the real world to help collect critical supplies and you must avoid the zombie hoards! 

The description sets the scene amazingly. "You tie your shoes, put on your headphones, take your first steps outside. You've barely covered 100 yards when you hear them. They must be close. You can hear every guttural breath, every rattling groan - they're everywhere! Zombies. There's only one thing you can do: RUN! 


I hope you have enjoyed a bit of a different blog post from me today. As my blog name suggests, it's going to be an eclectic mash up (or clash) of bits and bobs that I feel passionate about and what I enjoy reading. 
Does anyone else use any of these apps? Any you would recommend?

Xx

6 Sept 2014

August Favourites




I'm not sure I'm ready for September... I can't handle how quickly this year is passing me by. I keep telling everyone I'm going to start celebrating Christmas every 2 years instead because they are coming around far too quickly now a days.

But, before October is knocking on my door I better get on with the August favourites.



First up. The Sunsilk Longer and Stronger Shampoo and Conditioner.
I'm a girl that likes to change up her shampoo and conditioner all the time. When one lot is done I'm on the hunt for something else to try out. This one smells SO GOOD! kind of fruity, leaves hair smelling amazing for days. I find it doesn't weigh down my hair, it gets rid of the frizz and leaves it feeling silky smooth.

Next is the St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Facial Scrub.
With Salicylic acid to help keep those blemishes at bay and the green tea extract helping dull any redness, this scrub is a real beauty! With super fine sand like particles in it, it gives a great deep down clean feeling and also smells really good.

The Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap is Ah. May. Zing! I had never tried anything from the Mario Badescu range before but was reading a Women's Fitness magazine and seen an article for products that clear up various skin conditions. I have what they call "Keratosis Pilaris" Otherwise known as those annoying red bumpy bits on the tops of the arms...
This soap plus a loofa = a lot less redness. A lot of the bumps gone and much smoother skin! For those who aren't too sure what A.H.A stands for. They are Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They help exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Just remember when using skincare with A.H.A's extra sun care is important! Use that sunscreen yo!





Off to some makeups...

The Chi Chi Glamourous Eyeshadow Palette in NUDE. A Suggested dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I would say it is a pretty close interpretation for almost a quarter of the price. I really enjoy this palette. Most shadows are shimmer with a few matte shades thrown in for good measure. The picture speaks for itself really.

Bonne Bell Therapy Lip Treatment. My holy grail lip gloss. I will forever and always re purchase this. It's a nice gel like consistency. Not sticky. It's SPF 30+ BONUS! Just an all round great lip product. When some girls are all about Blistex pots. I had these. Also super nice to put over the top of your lippies!

Face Of Australia HD High Definition Brow Kit. Nothing but love for this kit. I normally just use the darker powder but if I'm feeling extra fancy I will use the wax over top for extra staying power.

AAAAND lastly the Rimmel Wonder'Full Mascara with Argan Oil. A late entry into the mix but I already know it's going to get a lot more use from me. I'm not going to say a whole lot about it as I have already written a blog post on it. Check that out here.

And that ladies (and maybe some gentlemen) is the conclusion of tonights post! Hope you all enjoyed. Feel free to leave me a comment! Say hello :)

Xx 

21 Sept 2014

My Current Night Time Skincare Routine



Today I come to you with my current night time skincare routine.

I'm the kind of lazy girl who has never really had a proper routine. I liked the last minute makeup wipe before bed and stayed away from night creams as I thought my skin was oily enough, until my skin went into meltdown and broke out into a crazy array of blackheads, cystic acne and blemishes.
Turns out I just needed some good exfoliators and moisturisers!

So if I have been out with a full face of makeup, I will come home and use The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter to remove all of that, wipe it off with a muslin cloth, then rinse. If it were a makeup free day (normally my work days) I will use the St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. I will then follow through with the Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner on a cotton round.

Around every 3 days I will use the GO-TO Exfoliating Swipeys. I am giving full credit to these new gems for helping improve my skins texture. Using a gentle Lactic acid, these little cotton rounds of goodness help clear pores, refine fine lines, remove dead skin cells and also moisturise with the added essential oils. My skin has never felt so soft and supple.

Next is the Trilogy Rosehip Oil. 3 drops onto the palm of my hand and I pat it across my face and decolletage. Following with the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream.

I will then brush my fangs and finish with the Go-To Lips! Super Balm. Great for slapping on before bed time, the grapefruity smelling balm is super hydrating and great for keeping those kissers in good condition while you snooze.

And that folks is the way it goes down before bed!

If anyone can recommend a good eye cream, be sure to let me know in the comments. Maybe something that will try and attempt to dull the dark circles. I am struggling to find anything that ACTUALLY works.

Until next time...

Xx


12 Sept 2014

Body Shop Haul and Review



The Body Shop...

A well known brand around the world and definitely a brand that is all about spreading the love.
They are against animal testing, they support community fair trade, they feel very strongly about keeping our environment clean and green and are 100% committed to speaking out for people or animals without a voice. Numerous campaigns are kicking about helping raise money and well needed awareness.

What other reasons do you need to buy from such a kickass company?

Great products for one and the Body Shop never fails to deliver.

I made an online purchase a couple weeks ago to grab a few things that are being raved about in the blogging and YouTube communities.
I have used all of the products at least once so I thought I would do a bit of a review as well as a haul.

1. Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
The first cleansing oil/butter I have used and I must say. I am converted! This stuff melts your makeup straight from your face!! I love the fact you just swipe some from the jar, rub straight onto your dry skin  and everything just comes right off. Far easier and less messy than gel/foam cleansers. (I'm one of those girls who gets water EVERYWHERE when I have to wash my face over the sink) It doesn't sting the eyes when I rubbed it in there to remove my mascara either. Also, NO OILY RESIDUE!! Perfect for combo/crazy skin like mine. Moisturises the dry patches and cleans up the oily bits. Win win!

2. Muslin Cleansing Cloth
The perfect duo. Once you have melted that butter into your face, rinse your cloth under warm water and wipe the grime away. The coarseness of the muslin gives a nice exfoliation without being too harsh.

3. All in One BB Cream (Shade 01)
I'd heard good things about this BB cream. It comes out of the tube white but once rubbed into the skin, it colour corrects to give you an all over even finish.
Having only used this once so far, I can't give too much of a comment on it. I'm not too sure whether there is enough coverage of redness for me yet, but I will have to use it a few more times to make more of a judgement. It feels great on the skin though, not oily. Sinks straight in, it didn't cause any blemishes to pop up like other BB creams have done in the past and didn't leave me looking orange.

4. Honey Bronzer (Shade 01)
A much loved bronzing powder raved about by Essie Button. I just had to give it a try. I can see the fuss. It's a really lovely bronzer that leaves behind just the right amount of colour. It's not orange, it's not too powdery and there's no crazy disco ball shimmer. Just a super easy to use everyday lovely bronzing powder.

I have to say I am super happy with everything I have purchased and now know The Body Shop have a lot more to offer than just moisturisers, shower goodies and lip balms.
Definitely have yourselves a look see and a tester if you are near a store, you won't be disappointed.

Any other makeup or skincare you can recommend from The Body Shop? Let me know in the comments.

Xx

9 Sept 2014

Top 5 Fitness Apps




Something a little different from me today but I thought this would be a blog post I would click onto to read about.

So I'm going to share with you my top pics for fitness apps!




My Fitness Pal. This one is a great app for tracking your daily calorie intake, recording your workouts and water intake! You can also sign up and share all of your bits and pieces with other people to keep you honest or to help you along your way for some encouragement. For any of you that own a FitBit, you can also sync your workout info to the app. 



Map My Run. This is my go to app to track my distance when I take my dog for a walk. You can add playlists into the app so you can have your favourite music pumping while you tread the pavement. I like how it gives you updates throughout the workout, letting you know once you've completed each km and how fast you are going.
You can then save your workouts once you are done and it will email you a weekly statement of how far you've walked and the calories you have burnt.



The 7 Minute Workout. This is my number one favourite at the moment. The 7 minute workout is a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout. 30 seconds of 12 different workouts (star jumps, squats, push ups, planks etc) with 10 seconds of rest in between. You go as hard and fast as you can for the time you get for maximum results. You might sit there thinking 7 minutes is nowhere near enough of a workout. But believe me. You will be feeling it afterwards! I have been walking my dog for around 3-4kms beforehand then coming home and doing this workout. I am in a massive sweat afterwards. I'm loving it! I'm also super keen to pull off a proper push up! (this girl has no upper body strength)




Zombies, Run! 5k Training. Let me put it out there straight away. I'm no runner. Like really. I can't run. At all. But I really want to learn. 
This app is SO much fun!! I had downloaded the couch to 5k app a long while ago and they start off with 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking. I couldn't complete it. (told you I was no runner)
For those of you out there that struggle big time with running but want somewhere to start. GET THIS APP! The first day starts with a 10 minute brisk walk then moves onto 60 seconds of walking and 15 seconds of slow running. It really does start off for the zero running experience newbie. I was able to complete the first workout without stopping and completing every run in the workout! Major win for me!! All the while you get a story coming through your headphones about a zombie apocalypse. Those walking dead lovers out there will really enjoy it. You also get your music playlist playing in between so you still get the motivation from the music as well.



Zombies, Run! The follow on to the 5k training. Now I haven't actually finished the training app as yet but I purchased the full running app for when I do! After you have finished the training to become a "runner" (in the zombie apocalypse world, a runner leaves the secure camp to go out and find food and supplies to survive) you are let loose in the real world to help collect critical supplies and you must avoid the zombie hoards! 

The description sets the scene amazingly. "You tie your shoes, put on your headphones, take your first steps outside. You've barely covered 100 yards when you hear them. They must be close. You can hear every guttural breath, every rattling groan - they're everywhere! Zombies. There's only one thing you can do: RUN! 


I hope you have enjoyed a bit of a different blog post from me today. As my blog name suggests, it's going to be an eclectic mash up (or clash) of bits and bobs that I feel passionate about and what I enjoy reading. 
Does anyone else use any of these apps? Any you would recommend?

Xx

6 Sept 2014

August Favourites




I'm not sure I'm ready for September... I can't handle how quickly this year is passing me by. I keep telling everyone I'm going to start celebrating Christmas every 2 years instead because they are coming around far too quickly now a days.

But, before October is knocking on my door I better get on with the August favourites.



First up. The Sunsilk Longer and Stronger Shampoo and Conditioner.
I'm a girl that likes to change up her shampoo and conditioner all the time. When one lot is done I'm on the hunt for something else to try out. This one smells SO GOOD! kind of fruity, leaves hair smelling amazing for days. I find it doesn't weigh down my hair, it gets rid of the frizz and leaves it feeling silky smooth.

Next is the St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Facial Scrub.
With Salicylic acid to help keep those blemishes at bay and the green tea extract helping dull any redness, this scrub is a real beauty! With super fine sand like particles in it, it gives a great deep down clean feeling and also smells really good.

The Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap is Ah. May. Zing! I had never tried anything from the Mario Badescu range before but was reading a Women's Fitness magazine and seen an article for products that clear up various skin conditions. I have what they call "Keratosis Pilaris" Otherwise known as those annoying red bumpy bits on the tops of the arms...
This soap plus a loofa = a lot less redness. A lot of the bumps gone and much smoother skin! For those who aren't too sure what A.H.A stands for. They are Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They help exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Just remember when using skincare with A.H.A's extra sun care is important! Use that sunscreen yo!





Off to some makeups...

The Chi Chi Glamourous Eyeshadow Palette in NUDE. A Suggested dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I would say it is a pretty close interpretation for almost a quarter of the price. I really enjoy this palette. Most shadows are shimmer with a few matte shades thrown in for good measure. The picture speaks for itself really.

Bonne Bell Therapy Lip Treatment. My holy grail lip gloss. I will forever and always re purchase this. It's a nice gel like consistency. Not sticky. It's SPF 30+ BONUS! Just an all round great lip product. When some girls are all about Blistex pots. I had these. Also super nice to put over the top of your lippies!

Face Of Australia HD High Definition Brow Kit. Nothing but love for this kit. I normally just use the darker powder but if I'm feeling extra fancy I will use the wax over top for extra staying power.

AAAAND lastly the Rimmel Wonder'Full Mascara with Argan Oil. A late entry into the mix but I already know it's going to get a lot more use from me. I'm not going to say a whole lot about it as I have already written a blog post on it. Check that out here.

And that ladies (and maybe some gentlemen) is the conclusion of tonights post! Hope you all enjoyed. Feel free to leave me a comment! Say hello :)

Xx