Christmas Presents!

Seeing as Christmas was last Wednesday, I thought I'd share with you what presents I got on that special special day. I'll start with the presents I got from Mum, Dad and Santa.

From Santa, I got a camera, it is an Olympus VH-520 digital camera in purple. This is the camera I will now use for my blog, except this picture...

Thanks Santa!

 From Mum and Dad, I got quite a few things, these include:

A Gratitude Journal

Hair Curler things- I will try these out soon!

A Magic Garden set- I am so excited to do this. It is going to look so cool!

Chocolate Money- Yum!

YSL Paris perfume- This smells so nice!

And a pair of Havianas- I have been needing new ones for ages!

From my Aunties and Uncles on my Mum's side, I got:

A party bucket of Maltesers- YUM!

A Napoleon Perdis lip gloss- So pretty!

Hair Chalk- This is awesome!

Tilt head 90 degrees to the right.

Prism by Katy Perry- Love her!

Tilt head 90 degrees again!

Killer Queen by Katy Perry- Can't wait to use this!

From my mum's parents, I recieved:

A Yankee Candle in Vanilla Cupcake- OMG, this smells EXACTLY like vanilla cupcakes!

From my Aunties and Uncles on my dad's side, I got:

A bracelet making kit- I'll make some for my friends.

A $50 Visa card- This could be anything!

A mini loom- I can't wait to try this out!

A writing set- It includes a journal and pen, sticky notes and four notebooks.

Pink headphones- These are so cool!

From my dad's parents, I recieved a $40 Myer gift card, but I've already spent it, so there is no picture.

That is all that I got for Christmas. What did you get for Christmas?

Ambrosia Recipe

Seeing as it is now only 4 sleeps until Christmas, you might need a meal to make for Christmas dinner. If you are stuck for ideas on what to make, this recipe is what I am going to make for Christmas dinner, so here it is!

You will need:

·         1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

·         1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained

·         1 cup miniature marshmallows

·         1 cup flaked coconut

·         1 cup sour cream

Directions:

1.     In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows and coconut

2.     Add sour cream

3.     Cover with cling wrap

4.     Refrigerate for 2-3 hours

How yummy does this look?

I hope this helped some of in deciding what should go on the Christmas dinner table, or just gave you a recipe for any time. Either way, I hope you enjoy it!

I have taken this from http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ambrosia-salad , but I will be using it.

Beauty Items I want for Christmas

As the title states, this post features what I would like for Christmas (but I'll not be getting because Mum has already finished shopping for presents for me).

The first thing I would like is:

Bourjois Colour Boost lipsticks

I first found out about these on Zoella's Drugstore Cosmetic Haul, and I thought they looked really good, but Bourjois is not sold in Australia. Or is it? Yes it is. I was out Christmas shopping the other day with Mum and I went into Priceline and saw a Bourjois stand. I almost cried with joy because I discovered that I (or Mum) could get them in Australia. 

I'll probably buy some on Boxing Day...

The second beauty item I would like is:

Essie nail polishes

This is a very similar story to the Bourjois lipsticks, in that I saw them on YouTube somewhere and thought that they weren't sold in Australia. On the same day as I found Bourjois Colour Boost lipsticks, I also found Essie nail polishes. I later found out that my Auntie was trying to buy one for me, but the "distraction plan" didn't work. Oops...

These are just a representation of all their nail polishes, but that blue is nice though.
Might get these on Boxing Day, too...

The third item I would like that is beauty related is:

Lush bath bombs

I saw Lush at the shops one day and I just thought it was a thing for old people or something. It was not until I saw Zoella's and Sprinkleofglitter's Lush hauls on YouTube. I was all like "Whaaaaaaat? Lush sells bath and body things? I have to go there!". I went to Lush on the same day as the two other discoveries were made, and I sniffed quite a few bath bombs and decided my favourite was the So White bath bomb (fresh apples is a great smell).

Can't wait to go there on Boxing Day...

The fourth and final thing I'd like is:

Any body butter from The Body Shop

I got a sample thing from my cousin, who didn't want it. It was a coconut body butter from The Body Shop. I put it on after every shower for about a week and it smells so good. Since my favourite smell is Strawberry, that is what I'd most like, but any one of them is good because they are just fantastic, I think.

How good does it look, I mean seriously.

 I hope that has given you some inspiration for what to get someone (or want) for Christmas.These are all my honest opinion, and I am not being paid to talk about these specific products.

What would you like for Christmas? Tell me in the comments!

Surgery Update

This week's post is not going to be about beauty or fashion. I just had to say that straight away so you don't get your hopes up.

On the 4th of December 2013, I went to a hospital (not naming it) to get maxillofacial surgery (Google it). I had to get my two eye teeth exposed (don't worry, I was under general anaesthetic the whole time) and connected to a chain which would then connect onto my braces. This procedure will help pull my eye teeth into place and I could look normal in society.

The whole procedure was pretty easy. All I had to do was breathe in a gas to help me fall under general anaesthetic and lie there until I woke up (in the recovery ward, with mum by my side). I am not going into all the details of it because that is all a bit gross.

The doctors (or surgeons, whatever) had put local anaesthetic on my mouth and nose area so I wouldn't wake up in pain. There was an ice pack thing on my face when I woke up to reduce the swelling the anaesthetic gave me.

The nurses at the hospital were really nice and gave me a lemonade (that was the first thing I'd consumed all day) to give me energy for the rest of the day. They also put a straw in the lemonade bottle, which I couldn't use because my top lip was numb, so I told Mum "I suck at sucking" and lifted the bottle to my mouth and drank.

The hospital people gave Mum painkillers and antibiotics to give me throughout the next few days. These were to numb the extreme pain the doctors had given me, and to stop any infection that may occur. They also gave me a pink toothbrush and told me to rinse my mouth with salt water after every brush (to stop infection) for the next I don't know how long.

After about 15 minutes of being at home in my bed, the anaesthetic wore off. I was a mess. I was crying, in pain and Mum could not get the painkillers into me fast enough. Since I can't swallow a tablet whole to save myself, Mum had to crush up the tablet, mix it with jam and get me to eat it. Twenty minutes or so later, the pain subsided and Mum was reading a book to me about magic and pixies (it's called Flitterwig, and it's a really good book, don't judge me).

Then I got hungry. Now, seeing as I had surgery that day, I could not eat anything that you would normally eat (unless you just eat ice-cream all the time). As you could probably guess from the previous sentence, I had ice-cream for dinner, about two bowls of it and it was amazing (and also the second thing I'd eaten that day).

The next day I did pretty much the same thing. I got more adventurous with the food (I tried yogurt) and continued the mix of medicine and jam to keep the pain away.

I don't really know how to end this post, but here goes...

I am still on the painkillers and antibiotics. I still cannot eat most foods. If you have any tips on how I can get through the next few days (I doubt any of you will), then they will be most appreciated.

Little Piggie went to Market

I went to a market yesterday. The market had things from clothes to food to candles. I just want to show you what I bought from there.

The first thing I bought was some earrings that are flowers with lady beetles on them. I got these for $4 at Susan Jane Jewellery. Click HERE to go to her FaceBook page. She also does necklaces and other pretty girlie things and their really cheap. 

Sorry the quality isn't great (need a new camera)

The second and last thing I got was a candle. It smells like Lemon Myrtle, so it has a really strong citrus-y scent. I got it for free because my grandma bought one of the big candles, but they ordinarily cost $5. I got it from the Pretty Wicks stand. Click HERE to visit her FaceBook page. The shop also does different sizes and a really wide variety of smells.

I still need a new camera (Santa, if you're listening!)

I hope you enjoyed this random little post of what I got from the market. I might do the same for Christmas and Boxing Day, but you'll just have to wait and see.

Life Update

The first thing I'd like to say in this blog post is:

I'm sorry for not being consistent in posting. I'm sorry for letting you down. I'm sorry.

Anyway, a lot has happened since I last posted (which was more than a month ago) so here is a fill in of what I have done in the time I haven't posted.

I have been at school. That is the biggest reason I have not been posting. I have had quite a few assignments due and exams to study for, so I will get back into the routine of writing blog posts for you to read when I am finished with all the remaining assessments. 

I have had so much extra-curricular stuff lately. I go to swim squad every Monday and Wednesday afternoon and have swim club every Friday night. This takes up most of my blogging time (I do an hour of squad (each) and about 2 hours of swim club) and that is another big thing that is happening in my life at the moment.

The other extra-curricular thing I do is dance every Tuesday and Thursday night (taking up a total of 4 hours a week, which is a lot with swimming factored in). In the last term of each year, our dance school does a concert. This concert takes weeks to prepare for and we learn whole dances (I've learnt 4) in the space of 9 to 10 weeks. 

Another thing that has happened in my life since we spoke last was that I went to get surgery (I backed out of it). I have to get my two eye teeth (the vampire-looking ones) exposed and connected to a chain (which is then connected to my braces) and pulled down into their correct spots. I backed out of the surgery because I was scared of what could happen:

- I wake up during the surgery

- It being painful

- I might not wake up (from the general anaesthetic)

I hope that by the time I try again (December 4) that I will be brave enough to do it.

I think that's it.

If you have any questions about my surgery or anything else in this post, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

My Face Care Routine

For my birthday this year I got a sample version of the Clinique face cleansing trio (which you can have a peek at/buy HERE). After the ten day trial of it, my mum and I went off to the shops and bought the real thing (please note that this is not a cheap line of skin care. The total price of it was around $115). 

The first step to my face care routine is the cleanser. The cleanser I use is the Clinique Liquid Facial soap. I use 1 pump of it and work it into a lather in my hands and then rub it all over my damp face (I usually do this step in the shower, but sometimes over the sink if I'm short on time). I then rinse it off under warm water.

The second step to my face care routine is the toner. I use the Clinique Clarifying lotion in "3". I have no idea what the numbers mean, but I think it has something to do with skin type. I put a tiny amount onto a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face and neck. The cotton pad looks really dirty after this step.

The third and final step in my face care routine is the moisturiser. I use the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel. I put 1 pump of this onto my hand and rub it into my hands like soap, but then I rub it all over my face.

That is my complete face care routine. If I was going to wear makeup that day, that would be the next step (I'll save that for another time). I go through this routine twice a day. Since using this routine, I have seen vast improvement in my skin; there are less pimples, blemishes and dry skin that I would otherwise have if it weren't for this routine.

I have not been paid by Clinique to write this post, I just really enjoy using this product and I recommend it to all those in the budget for this (unless you have perfect skin, obviously). If you have any further questions, please ask down in the comments. 

My Makeup Collection

As my blog is about makeup (among other things), I would like to present to you my makeup collection!

Foundation

I have the Napoleon Perdis BB Cream that I got for my birthday. It is suitable for most skin types and has SPF 20 in it.

Blusher/Highlight/Contour

I have the Napoleon Perdis Highlight, Blush and Contour set that I got for my birthday.

I also have the Face of Australia blush in Outback Primrose.

Lipstick

I have a Napoleon Perdis lipstick in  Madrid, which I use in the dance concerts I participate in.

I have a Clinique chubby stick that I got as a free gift with another purchase (more on that later) in the colour 06 Roomiest Rose.

I have a Maybelline lipstick in 190 Royal Red that I use in my dance concerts.

I have a Maybelline Colour Whisper lipstick in 65 Pink Possibilites that I bought with my own money.

I have a Designer Brands Eternal Colour lipstick in 393 Ice Coral that I bought with my own money.

I have a TBN lipstick in 873 Kiss Me Quick that I bought with my own money.

The final lipstick that I own is Prestige in the colour Sweet.
Powder

The only powder I own is the Face of Australia powder in Outback Translucent.

Eyeshadow

I have an Inglot pallette with 5 colours in it. There is a shimmery black colour, a shimmery gold colour, a shimmery dark purple colour, a shimmery lighter purple colour and a light pink shimmery colour.

I have a Nutrimetics pallette with 3 colours in it. There is a shimmery light purple colour, a shimmery nude colour and a shimmery maroon colour.

I have a Sugar Baby single colour eye shadow in the colour ice maiden. It is a nice silvery white colour.

Mascara

I have a Clinique black mascara that I got as a free gift with another purchase. It is small, but it works and I think it is great!

I have a CoverGirl black mascara that is a regular size mascara, it works well and I like it. I mainly use it when I perform in dance concerts.

Eyeliner

I have a NYX Felt Tip eyeliner in Extreme Black. I am a bit scared of using this because I don't want to make a mistake.

I have a Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal black eye pencil. It is easier to use than the NYX eyeliner, and that is why (ah huh ah huh) I like it (ah huh ah huh).

Brushes

Foundation brushes-

I have an E.L.F. professional foundation brush. I find that it makes streaks in the foundation when I use it, so
I use my QVS foundation brush because it is softer on my skin and doesn't streak the foundation.

Powder brushes-

I have one powder brush, it has soft, strong bristles and it feels nice on my skin.

Eyeliner brushes-

I have an Estee Lauder 7E eyeliner brush that I think can also be used as an brow colour brush.

Blush brushes-

I have a blush brush that is unbranded. It has fairly soft, strong bristles and it feels good on my skin.

Contour brushes-

I have a Napoleon Perdis Reflective Contour brush. I got this for my birthday with the blusher, highlighter and contour set. I enjoy using this brush for all three of those things.

Lip brushes-

I have a Manicare lip brush that I use mainly when I perform in dance concerts. It works well and that is why I like it.

I hope this gave you an insight to my makeup life. If you want any swatches or reviews, just ask in the comments.

Get To Know Me

Hi everyone!

For my first ever blog post, I thought I would let you all know a little bit about me...

Do you have a middle name?

Yes I do. It is Jane, after my mum (but she changed it a bit).

What is your favourite subject in school?

It is a tie between Maths and Business, but I also like Art.

What is your favourite drink?

I really like Coke, Lemonade and Coffee

What's your favourite song at the moment?

Roar by Katy Perry

What would you name your children?

Girl- Zoe Louise

Boy- Joseph Marcus

Do you participate in sports?

No but I used to play softball, soccer and beach volleyball (they were all compulsory, but I still did it).

What is your favourite book?

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

What are your favourite colours?

Purple and orange

What is your favourite animal?

I love pandas.

What is your favourite perfume?

Meow by Katy Perry

What is your favourite holiday?

Christmas! I just love the giving and receiving of gifts.

Have you graduated from high school?

No. I graduate in 2016.

Have you been out of the country?

No, but I plan to go to America and Europe when I am out of school.

Do you speak any other languages?

No, but in school I have been taught Chinese and Japanese.

Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I have a younger brother.

What is your favourite store?

I like Target, Myer and Kmart.

What is your favourite restaurant?

I really like The Shingle Inn for it's coffees. 

Do you like school?

Yes, I love to learn new things.

Who are some of your favourite YouTubers?

Zoella, Tanya Burr and Thatcher Joe, just to name a few.

How tall are you?

I am 142cm (or 4'6.5")

Any pets?

I have a cat called Stanley.

I hope that this let you find out a bit about me. If you have any more questions, post them in the comments. I will do my best to answer them!