Friday Finds

Here are a few of my internet finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  I need this DIY modern desk organiser in my study, pronto.  //

\\  I'm obsessed with this peach ricotta layer cake. So beautiful!  //

\\  Aren't these simple DIY fringe shorts fun? Perfect for Spring and Summer!  //

\\  This DIY slat wood privacy fence is both chic and inexpensive! Ka-ching!  //

\\  These rosé winesicles would make a perfect Springtime brunch treat.  //

\\  How amazing is this frozen cookies and cream polka dot martini?!  //

Happy Friday!

July Look Back and August 2018 Goals

Fridge and pantry clean out

"I love an organised space, so every few months (in this case, 12) I like to completely gut and reorganise the pantry, fridge and freezer. Getting rid of anything old, expired and/or forgotten and putting things back in an orderly fashion brings my OCD-ridden self with such peace."

Tick: This was such a satisfying feat. Here's to hoping that everything stays in order, even with Jesse's constant rummaging.

Buy everything needed for our holiday
"September 1 just keeps creeping up! I would confidently say that I'm about 95% prepared for our time away, I just need to buy a few small things: sunscreen, bug repellent.. things you don't really think about during the Winter months. I'd also like to check that my bathers still fit and make a little list of the types of outfits that I'd like to bring, making sure that I don't need a new pair of shoes or shorts (what a shame that would be)."

Tick: I am officially holiday ready!

Walk Milla every morning
"I'm taking a break from the workout plan that I made for myself to work on completing Jacklyn Waterson's full body program (I'm feeling muscles I've never felt before, oh boy). Since, unlike my old workout plan, Jacklyn doesn't require me to get up early for a before work gym session, I've really been enjoying laying-in, which means that I've been skipping Milla's morning walks - oops (it's also the middle of Winter and freezing in the mornings). I do feel bad, though, so rather than rolling over when the alarm goes off, I'll be getting up and moving! I'll be getting up early again when I complete Jacklyn's program and switch back to my original plan so I may as well stay in the habit."

Cross: I'm a terrible mother.

Take body measurements
"I'm lifting a lot more weights and doing a lot more muscle work throughout this program than usual, so the scales are only really going to tell me so much. For a true gauge of my progress, I need to be taking body measurements (buying a measuring tape may be a good start) and taking photos from every angle - something that I've been purposely putting off."

Cross: IN MY DEFENCE: I couldn't find a measuring tape. Although I didn't exactly go out of my way to find one, either.

Get to a Winter Fest
"Perth has some pretty cool Winter activities (in the city and in Fremantle) that I'd love to make a date out of. Considering I've never seen snow, the fake snow in Fremantle is going to be as close as I'll get and sounds absolutely magical. Sipping on mulled wine and watching Jesse attempt to ice skate sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening to me."

Cross: The weather has been terrible, which I guess is fitting for a Winter Fest, but hail and storms don't typically go hand-in-hand with outdoor ice skating. I'll get there one day.

g

Finish my business plan

There are some exciting things in the works for me. To keep things short for the time being: I'm starting my own business on the side (for now). A business that aligns with what I've been wanting to do with my life since I was a little girl. It's going to be a lot of work but I'm incredibly excited.

Pre write a couple of weeks worth of blog content

I hate to leave the blog in silence for more than a handful of days and since we go away on September 1, I'd like to have a few posts up my sleeve ready to go. I always feel amazing when I pre-write my blog posts (I should make the effort more often) so putting in a little time over August means that I can truly enjoy my break in September.

Plan dinner menu for Father's Day

Since I'm a terrible daughter and will be on the other side of the country for Father's Day, I'm planning to have dad over for dinner the week prior. Cooking for others gives me such anxiety so I'd like to get a menu and a schedule prepared early.

Book a hair appointment

I haven't been to a hairdresser in years. I've been doing my own hair since a particularly bad cut back in the day, but as a result, I've had the same style since, which I do like, but I'm ready for a change.


What are you hoping to achieve this month?

See also:

July 2018 Goals
2018 Resolutions

Friday Finds

Here are a few of my internet finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  LOOK at these chocolate caramel crunch ice cream bars!  //

\\  I'm dying over this homemade blackberry cobbler ice cream recipe.  //

\\  How cute are these DIY shooting star pencil toppers?  //

\\  These DIY canvas lunch bags would be such a cool back-to-school project.  //

\\  Salted honey lavender nuts: who knew mixed nuts could be so fancy?  //

\\  A DIY Scattergories game night anyone?  //

Happy Friday!

July 2018 Beauty Favourites

One: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask**
I received a sachet of this mask when I attended Shea Moisture's Perth launch event and I've gone ahead and bought the full-sized tub after devouring the sample because it is one of the very few masks that I've tried that you can very visibly see a difference the next day. It's a great mask if you've got congested skin. I'm not acne prone by any means and I really only get breakouts during that time of the month so I'm not sure how far this would go on truly troubled skin but it has been amazing on mine. Any pimples are diminished and my blackheads are visibly improved, leaving my skin feeling smooth and clean and looking fresh and glowy. I have dry sensitive skin and admittedly, this does sting a little at first, but it's nothing unbearable. The fact that it doesn't dry hard and therefor suck the moisture from my skin more than makes up for it. Because it doesn't dry, it also is easier to wash off, which is always a plus.

Two: Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara

This isn't a new product in the slightest, but it is new to me. I can't believe that I've been sleeping on this mascara! It's beautiful! I usually opt for waterproof mascara (although I do believe there is a waterproof version out there) but this is a damn good formula. It lengthens my lashes so much without any clumping at all. It just gives me natural-looking thickness and separation whilst elongating and curling in the most beautiful way. I haven't found it to flake or smudge on me and my lashes definitely feel more soft than they do "crunchy" when I wear it, which I haven't seen in other formulas too often.

Three: Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter*

This is a crazy highlighter! It is full of metallic pigments so it gives off a beautifully reflective glow. It looks super gold in the pan, which made me a little nervous at first, but it looks gorgeous on the skin, even on my light complexion. It actually starts off looking quite natural but can easily be built up to a blinding highlight. The formula is creamy and blends in beautifully - such a high quality drugstore product. It also looks gorgeous on the inner corners of the eyes or as an eyeshadow topper!

Four: Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

I love a chemical exfoliant but with such dry skin, it's difficult to find a formula that isn't too harsh for me. These pads don't irritate the sensitivity of my skin and they contain hyaluronic acid which helps to add some moisture back in to the skin. They do still leave me feeling a little dry, but it is nothing compared to what other brands have done to me. As long as I slather a good moisturiser on afterwards, I'm good to go. These gently resurface and tone my skin leaving my face looking brighter and smoother. I don't use these every night, maybe 1-2 times a week, but even with sparing use, my texture and pigmentation has vastly improved over time.

Five: LUSH Hair Custard

This took a little trial and error to get the amounts right but once I got it figured out, I fell in love. It is marketed as a "hair dressing", which I guess more or less means a leave in treatment? I have quite fine hair and this works to combat static and flyaways whilst leaving it feeling soft and healthy. I find that applying a small amount (I just rub a smidge between my hands) to wet hair before blow drying is the best way to go. It can be put directly on to dry hair too, but I find that it is very easy to go overboard and have your hair look greasy and feel weighed down this way. The smell of this stuff is beautiful and I can smell it on my hair all day. A sort of sweet vanilla scent.


What products or brands have you been loving lately?
Is there anything here that you'd like to try?

Products marked ** were gifted to me, free of charge. However all comments and opinions expressed are 100% my own. I would never promote anything to my readers that I do not 100% believe in.

This post also contains affiliate links. I will always disclose such information with a single asterisk (*) for full disclosure to my readers. Feel free to find and purchase these products elsewhere if you don't get down like that. :)

Friday Finds

Here are a few of my internet finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  I'm dying ver these DIY marble moon phase hair accessories!  //

\\  How cute is this DIY circle swimsuit cover up?  //

\\  I don't mean to alarm you, but cold brew cereal milk iced coffee!  //

\\  All the heart eyes at this peanut butter fudge ice cream cake.  //

\\  I'm loving these DIY dragon fruit soap popsicles. How cool!  //

\\  These DIY minimal floral chandeliers are stunning!  //

Happy Friday!

The Winter Skincare Edit

As a dry skinned gal, Winter is certainly no friend to my skin. Getting my skin in to cooperate is hard enough as it is during the warmer months without having to amplify everything by 10 when the temperatures drop.

But switching up our routines for Winter is essential, no matter your skin type. Whether it be simply switching from powder to cream make-up where possible or from light-weight skincare formulas to rich, creamy ones, or changing up your whole routine entirely, the toll that Winter takes on our skin can definitely be managed with the right know-how.

Cream Cleanser

I use a gentle cream cleanser all year 'round because that's just what works for me, but I always recommend switching from a foaming to a creamier cleanser come the Winter months as cream cleansers tend to strip far less of your face's natural oils which is a great way to tackle Winter dryness and irritation. The cleanser I use every single day is QV's Gentle Cleanser. It's milky and wonderfully gentle but still manages to break through makeup and grit, leaving my skin feeling fresh, soft and moisturized.

Heavy Duty Moisturizing

My skin is incredibly difficult so I have to use a variety of moisturizers, varying depending on whether it is morning or night, Summer or Winter. In the morning, I start off with a layer of The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5* and smooth Clinique's Moisture Surge* over that once fully absorbed. It works to repair the skin's moisture barrier over time, which ensures that my skin stays hydrated, even when out in the weather. I've been using ESPA's 24 Hour Replenishing Moisturiser** as an extra step on top of that (when I say that my skin is dry, I mean it). It's thick but layers wonderfully in which it doesn't leave my skin looking or feeling greasy, and is so very hydrating.

Winter nights call for heavy duty moisture, especially if you don't have a humidifier. I start off light with a few drops of Trilogy's Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+* and leave it to soak in for a few minutes. I then smother either FRESH's Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, which has time-release technology - perfect for replenishing lost moisture, or ESPA's 24 Hour Replenishing Moisturiser** (yet again) all over my face. Right before bed (typically a few hours after my shower and moisturiser routine), I apply The Body's Shop's Sleeping Cream*. It's basically a face mask that sinks in enough to not stick to your bedsheets and gives me THE softest, plumpest skin come the morning.

Use a Facial Oil

Facial oils are worth the hype I promise you! Even if you have oily skin, I highly recommend a facial oil (rosehip is my favourite). It's not as scary as you think trust me. As I've already mentioned, I use Trilogy's Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+* every night and it make such a difference to the overall condition of my skin. On super dry mornings, or days when I know I'm going to out in the cold a lot, I'll even mix a few drops in to my moisturiser for an extra boost.

Hydrating Face Masks

Your skin will be so much happier if you make time for a weekly hydrating face mask (Sunday is my go-to pamper day). I like to use The Body Shop's Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask* when I'm looking for a plump, smooth and glowing finish. It's sticky and has the consistency of honey but gives me a nice amount of much needed nourishment. I also use LUSH's Oatifix on days that my skin feels a little irritated. It is soothing, calming and great for sensitive skin (although a little messy). I reach for LUSH's Cup O' Coffee when I'm after some brightening. It does contain Kaolin clay, but surprisingly, it works for me and smells amazing, too.

Lip Care

I don't know about you, but my lips get super dry and flaky throughout Winter. I carry a balm (look for balms that contain seed and plant butters and oils) around with me everywhere I go. My favourite lip "treatment" is the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, hands down. It's thick and incredibly hydrating. I pop some on every night before bed for soft, nourished lips come morning. In addition to constantly being smothered in some lip balm or other, I also love to use a lip scrub to slough away any flakes, smooth any rough patches, and just generally maintain the look and feel of my lips. LUSH's lip scrubs are my all-time favourite (always bubblegum)! They taste amazing and contain moisturising oils to really condition the lips.

Body Care

It's not just your face that needs extra nourishment during the colder months - your body does too. I love to use Palmer's Cocoa Butter Body Lotion** on my legs and arms after a shower - it's so hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth and moisturised without feeling greasy. I love to use their Cocoa Butter Concentrated Cream** on the driest parts of my body, too. Palmers products are amazing on sensitive skin (opt for fragrance free) and if you happen to suffer from eczema like I do, their products are absolute lifesavers! I've also been using ESPA's Smooth and Firm Body Butter** lately, mostly on my thighs and hips. It's such a thick, hydrating formula than sinks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft supple - heavenly.

Haircare

I like to class haircare as a branch of the skincare category too because I guess that we can technically call this step scalp care, right? Sure. Let's go with sure. I like to treat myself to a deep conditioning treatment once a week, typically on Sundays. I reach for Essano's Argan Oil Recovery Hair Mask to replenish any moisture lost due to the dry heat of the office heating system and give my hair a healthy, smooth shine. I also get quite bad static through my hair in the Winter - Redken's Frizz Dismiss Fly Away Fix Finishing Sheets* are amazing at combating static! They're basically dryer sheets.. but for your hair. Genius!

What are your most trusted Winter skincare switch ups? I'm always looking for new hydrating products to try!

Is there anything listed here that you'd like to try?

Some products mentioned in this post have been gifted to me, free of charge. This does not in any way affect my opinion. I will always give my true and honest thoughts and would never recommend anything to my readers that I do not 100% believe in, paid for or not. Integrity is something that I value tremendously. Said items have been marked **

This post also contains affiliate links. I will always disclose such information with an asterisk (*) for full disclosure to my readers. Feel free to find and purchase these products elsewhere if you don't get down like that. :)

Friday Finds

Here are a few of my internet finds (and loves) from over the past week:

\\  All of the strawberry margarita jelly shots, please.  //

\\  This DIY rattan sunburst mirror is so cool!  //

\\  I have fallen completely in love with this sweet peach rose tart.  //

\\  How cute are these palm tree beach cupcakes?!  //

\\  S'mores with homemade flavored marshmallows and graham crackers sound delightful. //

\\  This DIY acrylic desk calendar is pretty nifty.  //

Happy Friday!

An Instagram Round-up: June 2018

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life for any amount of time, chances are you've been made aware of how much of a fan of Instagram I am. Even with all of the algorithm changes and the messing around, I still think that it's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my friends and favourite bloggers are up to. Nine times out of ten, my photos don't make it to my blog and that's a damn shame because I do love to see pretty pictures and share what's been inspiring me in turn.

Here's a recap of what the past month has looked like on my Instagram feed:

My first and only out-of-state holiday was back in 2013. 🙈 To think that I'll be surrounded by beautiful beaches far, far away in less than 3 months time is beyond exciting. #Travel #TravelGram #Whitsundays #WhitsundaysQLD #WhitsundayIslands #Wanderlust #IslandHoliday #Holiday #Vacation #IslandEscape #Explore #ExploreAustralia #SeeAustralia #TheWhitsundays #GreatBarrierReef #Beach #WhiteBeaches #BlueSea #FunintheSun #Getaway #IslandLife #Beaches #ExploreWhitsundays #IslandVacation #Vacay #BeachBum #BeautifulBeaches #BarefootWanderer #PackYourBags #SunSandSurf

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Jun 3, 2018 at 2:21am PDT

I was excited about our upcoming Whitsundays holiday before, but since the weather has been pretty average here in Australia, I've been getting even more pumped for it. This picture was taken during my last holiday in Busselton, but it's of a beach so samesame.

Winter in the City. 🍁 #Winter #NewSeason #ChangingSeasons #Bike #AutumntoWinter #FalltoWinter #Fall #Autumn #OrangeLeaves #PushBike #Bicycle #FallenLeaves #Gloomy #MoodyGrams #StreetsofPerth #RainyDay #StormyWeather #PerthisOkay #PerthisOK #ColdWeather #Street #WinterWeather #GloomyDay #StreetPhotography #CityLife #CityLifestyle #HydeParkPerth #WinterVibes #GloomyWeather #WetWeather

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Jun 5, 2018 at 11:02pm PDT

I'm actually quite proud of this moody shot - insert all of the smirk emojis here. it basically sums up what my days have looked like of late.

The sky is actually blue for the first time in what seems like forever today, so here's a colourful Priceline haul to celebrate. 🎉 🌈 #Makeup #Haul #Beauty #DrugstoreMakeup #Dupe #BeautyonaBudget #MakeupDupes #MakeupFlatlay #MakeupJunkie #MakeupHaul #BeautyHaul #Skincare #PricelineHaul #BeautyJunkie #Flatlay #Priceline #DrugstoreHaul #BudgetBeauty #Blogger #BeautyBlogger #BBlogger #AUSBlogger #AUSBeautyBabes #AUSBeautyBlogger #TreatYoself #TreatYourself #MOTD #AustralianBlogger #DrugstoreFinds #AustralianBeautyBlogger @pricelineau

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Jun 14, 2018 at 8:13pm PDT

This was such an uplifting haul - I'm devastated for those who didn't get their hands on the limited edition palette. You can read my full haul post here.

Cold Winter nights got me like #Beauty #Relax #Pamper #BathTime #NightIn #BedTime #AtHomeSpa #Skincare #LUSH #BeautyJunkie #Flatlay #Blogger #NightsIn #BeautyBlogger #MakeupFlatlay #BBlogger #AUSBlogger #LUSHie #BusyDay #AUSBeautyBabes #Unwind #AUSBeautyBlogger #TreatYoself #TreatYourself #Mood #Calming #Goodnight #NightTimeRoutine #AustralianBlogger #AustralianBeautyBlogger @lush_ausnz

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Jun 26, 2018 at 3:53am PDT

I wish that every single night looked like this, especially on weeknights. You can see my full post on relaxing after a long day here.

I love finding new accounts and inspiring feeds to follow on Instagram! Leave your deets in the comments or come find me @christieee__x!