Friday Finds.

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

\\  I'm going to commit to wearing my hair in a loose fishtail pony for the rest of my life.  //

\\  LOOK GUYS! A DIY giant pink dice side table!  //
\\  Pistachio pavlovas with papaya curd. Have you ever heard of something so wonderful?  //
\\  If only this shirt were true to my life. If only.  //
\\  Caramel apple cream cheese spread *breathes heavily*  //
\\  I've fallen in love with this pretty marbled nail art.  //

Happy Friday!

Current Wishlist. Because I Always Want Things. Always.

My anniversary is in January, Valentines Day has been and gone, my birthday is in October, and Christmas is 9 months away. What's a girl to do during those 7 painful months of nothingness between February 15 and October 17?

Lust. Lust and cry. That's what.

But if anyone wants to buy me a present just because, refer to below for inspiration.
I wouldn't object.

I am in dire need of a (one)palette organiser.

Since I have more than enough charms on my bracelet, I guess I'll just have to settle for (two)this ring. And (three)this one. And while we're at it, (four)this one, too. 

These (Five)boots have been on every single wishlist I've ever created. I wish I was joking.

I'm STILL to get my hands on anything Benefit. I've been lusting after their (Six)Hoola bronzer for as long as I can remember.

Too Faced's (Seven)Cocoa Contour Kit is always sold out whenever I brave my local Mecca. Why, Lord, why?! I've also got my eye on their (Eight)Chocolate Bar Palette.

This (Nine)"Booze" decanter is life.

One day I shall get my hands on this (Ten)Louis Vuitton bag. One day.

I need a light pink shade such as (Eleven)MAC's Crème Cup in my lipstick collection.

Friday Finds.

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

\\  My eyeballs can't get enough of this Oreo layer drip cake.  //
\\  I truly believe that I could live on mango margarita frosties.  //

\\  Guys! How did we not know about DIY cookie ice cream cones until now?!  //
\\  This nail art would definitely help cheer me up during the Autumn months.  //
\\  These DIY crazy straws are so fun! Much need.  //
\\  I have no idea what a cheeseburger even tastes like, but this vegetarian "cheeseburger" pizza sounds pretty damn fine.  //

Happy Friday!

My Month on Instagram - March.

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life for any amount of time, you'd surely know by now that I'm a major lover of Instagram! It's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my favourite bloggers and friends are up to.

There are so many times that my Instagram posts never make it to my blog, and that's a damn shame because I consider myself to be quite the photographer..

..Not really, but it's a shame nonetheless!

Instalife over the past month looked something like this:

Of course your month started off with food, Christie. #Cleaneating

Jesse was the boyfriend of all boyfriends and bought me the very last of these discontinued bad boys.

 
Queue the usual LUSH bath bomb photos. Dragon's Egg is one of my favourites!

In case you didn't already know (where have you been?!), I GOT A PUPPY AND IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!

Looking at this makes me realise how much he's already grown over the 8 weeks we've owned him. They don't stay puppies for long.

My red lipstick was on point this day. Daymnn.

The dissolvable flowers in LUSH's Think Pink bath bomb made it that bit more special.

I love finding new bloggers to follow on Instagram; leave your account deets in the comments!

Friday Finds.

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

\\  My life mantra in a shirt.  //

\\  How sweet (I'm hilarious) is this DIY conversation hearts sugar scrub?  //
\\  23 Years of life and I've never tried baked peaches. How can this be?!  //
\\  This DIY lampshade made from a sweater is just what I need for Autumn.  //
\\  Rapunzel, Rapunzel, teach me this braid!  //
\\  I'm sorry, did somebody say bubble tea oatmeal?  //

Happy Friday!

Tat-two.

I'm sitting here feeling pretty smug about that title, not going to lie.

As you may or may not know (most likely may, because I haven't shut up about it for months), Christie over here got herself tattoo number two. Despite my fear of needles and somewhat wimpy pain tolerance, a hip piece has been something I've wanted to do for about a year now, and I finally took the plunge (sorry, mum) just under a week ago.

Why did I get it? What is the deep and meaningful reason I decided to have this particular image etched in to my skin for eternity? Well, Sir. That reason would be because I REALLY like dream catchers. #Whitegirl. Deep, huh? Speaking from experience, I just think that the pieces that don't necessarily have a meaning are the ones you'll grow most fond of. So STFU.

See, I rushed in to my first tattoo. The concept of it all meant so much to me - the term 'Hope' surrounded by paper cranes is inspired by Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and it is dedicated to my Nonna, amongst the other women in my life who didn't beat their fight with the cancer that runs in my genes. I was young and didn't research the artist, resulting in me being disappointed in the quality of their work.

An artist can never truly capture the importance behind something that has a lot of personal meaning to you and chances are, you're going to be let down, no matter how hard they try. Yes, I do regret rushing in to this, but I never ever will regret the content of the tattoo itself.

I understand that tattoos aren't for everyone (again, sorry, mum) and I acknowledge that you're either reading this in disgust or in awe. I personally love a good quality tattoo. I love Pinterest searching the shit out of tattoo designs, I love watching tattoo shows on TV, I love discovering new artists and admiring their work. It all comes down to personal choice. I for sure am itching for tattoo number three some time in the near future. All I can say, is RESEARCH YOUR ARTIST! I failed to do so the first time 'round and I was left disappointed. I learnt from my experience and did the research, and I couldn't be happier with the result!

Check out Vesna from Emerald Ink's work - she put up with my shit like a champ and did a top job of my piece. You're welcome, Perth.


What's your tattoo story?

February Beauty Favourites.

One: Brauer Paw Paw Ointment
I reach for Brauer's paw paw over the ever popular Lucas' brand every time. Unlike Lucas', Brauer's offering is petrochemical free - basically a fancy term that means that it's not a petroleum based formula. It does all the usual paw paw ointment-y goodness: moisturises, soothes and protects dry, cracked skin and lips, just minus petroleum, which is a good thing, my friends. A very good thing. In addition to the increasingly colder months which have me using this more often than not, Christie got herself another tattoo (saywut?!) and this baby has been my aftercare ointment of choice. It's heavenly.

Two: LUSH D'Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap

I've never bothered with shaving creams because I'm lazy, and I always thought this to be a fun but gimmicky and non essential product but I've since discovered it's awesome power when compared to the shower gel shave job I've become accustomed to. It's wonderful! It coats the area with a smooth, creamy layer that allows the razor to glide over the skin with ease, giving a smoother, closer shave. As it's more on the expensive side (for a shaving cream, anyways), I reserve this for the.. "delicate" areas or when my legs are feeling especially dry and nasty. The soothing oils reduce irritation and redness caused by shaving (hence amazing to use on delicate areas - no shaving bumps, KA-CHING!) and the moisturizing properties leave my skin feeling soft and smooth straight after use.

Three: Savvy CC Powder in 'Correcting'
I'd never really bothered with CC formulations before, but I became curious upon discovering these at such a low price my local Priceline. I've heard such good things about the 'Anti-Redness' offering (which I will definitely pick up for the rest of my face) but as my numero uno colour correcting focus has always been my under eye circles, I reached for the 'correcting' compact, which is of a more a more red tone. The powder does an amazing job of counteracting those purple-blue hues and is so easily disguised under concealer I couldn't believe it for such a cheap buy. It has definitely become my holy grail in under eye management.

Four: Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick in 'Peachy Beachy'
This particular branch of Rimmel lipsticks has a fairly impressive shade variety. I picked this tube up purely because of the shade; I instantly fell in love with the peach-coral tone. I really enjoyed Rimmel's Kate Moss Matte Lipstick, so common sense would suggest that I'd get along with this formulation well too. Once applied (I actually find it quite hard to apply neatly with the flat-top bullet shape), the lipstick dries down considerably, to a beautiful satin finish that it is comfortable to wear, yet long-lasting. I'm talking fantastic staying power.

Five: LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask
I'm usually too lazy for face masks, but on the rare occasion I do treat myself, I reach for this baby. It really is too lovely on my dry and sensitive skin! Smells lovely, too - like breakfast. It's incredibly moisturising, yet doesn't break me out, which is a common occurrence when you combine my temperamental skin and face masks. Although slightly difficult to apply, it's soothing, nourishing, calming and leaves my face feeling super soft. What's not to love?

Friday Finds.

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

\\  Basically, I need this coaster set in my life.  //
\\  These peach raspberry rosé bellini cocktails are making me crave Spring something cruel.  //
\\  Quick! Somebody teach me how to do this braid!  //

\\  Do you think work will allow me to makeover my chair like this?  //

\\  My God! This shirt!  //
\\  Marshmallow pavlova with pineapple curd. You had me at pavlova.  //

Happy Friday!

March Look Back and April Goals.

A look back at March's goals:

Loose 2kg

"Now that I think (fingers crossed) I've got my eating/working out back on track, there's no reason why I can't loose 2kg in a month. I'm so close to my goal weight it's ridiculous. Just a few more kilos."
--
Tick: Despite the fact that I thought I'd for sure gained weight due to my lapse in "proper" eating, I just managed to achieve a 2kg (2.02kg to be exact) loss last month.

Finish the "budget" lot of assessments

"If you read my post about the event's workshop I attended, you'll know I've been struggling with this particular lot of assessments. I've not submitted any assessments since the workshop and I've most definitely been putting this one off. Hi, my name's Christie and I'm a procrastinator. This month, I will submit the two budget assessments and be done with the horror that is basic maths that haunts my soul."
--

Tick: The moment I hit submit on the last assessment of this shitty bunch was the moment I discovered true happiness. Turns out I passed with flying colours, too. Just call me Christie "WorriesUnnecessarily" Brown.

Take the time to think about mum's birthday present

"I have a terrible habit of leaving present buying to the last minute, and coming out with something... rushed. Let's say rushed. This year, I shall find something meaningful to get mum for her birthday on April 1, and I shall find it in plenty of time."
--

Tick: I graciously accept the best daughter in the world award. Thank you, thank you.

Create a media kit

"All the recent talk of media kits in the blogger community of late has finally persuaded me to create one for Christie's Take on Life. That's right, my name's Christie, and I have been blogging for three years without a media kit. It's down to pure luck that I haven't been asked for one but I'd damn sure like to have one for when the occasion arises."
--

Cross: I really didn't have high hopes for this one. At all. One day I'll get around to it. Maybe.

Clean the bottom of my wardrobe

"The floor of my wardrobe has become a dumping ground for my work flats, bags, clothes that have fallen off their hangers and other miscellaneous bits over the months and it's getting to the point of piling up to my hanging clothes. I am in need of a Spring (Autumn) clean. Bonus points if I can manage cull and donate few items."
--

Cross: I really have no excuse here, other than I couldn't be bothered. I thought about it every single weekend this month.. but that was as far as I got. I did throw out one dress, though?

Goals for April:

Take the time to think about a Mother's Day present

I hate the fact that there's only one month between my mum's birthday and Mother's Day. IT'S TOO MUCH PRESSURE! As with her birthday present, I shall find something meaningful to get for Mother's Day, and I shall find it in plenty of time.

Submit at least 3 assessments
Since I stressed so much about the "Budget" section, I think I've burnt myself out when it comes to studying. I've half-completed two assessments, if I can refocus and submit three this month, I'll be proud. The most proud.

Reign in the crappy food I've been eating
After doing so well food-wise for so many months, I've lapsed back in to bad (junky) eating habits. I aim to kick that and get back in to the eating habit I had back then, which obviously was my time of greatest weight loss. Win win.

Walk one evening a week
I've been meaning to drag Jesse on weekly walks/jogs/runs (who am I kidding? I don't run) for a long time now. This month I aim to ignore the excuses, both his and mine and go for at least a walk, if not, a jog around a different area each Thursday in April.

Friday Finds.

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

\\  I'm dying over the amazing-ness of caprese stuffed avocados.  //
\\  I love this DIY floating acrylic frame idea! Must try!  //
\\  This waterfall French braid updo is a solid 10.  //

\\  So, grilled garlic beer flatbread basically sums up everything I want out of life.  //

\\  Excuse me! Why isn't all bread rainbow bread?  // 
\\  I love grapefruit, I love daiquiris, I love grapefruit daiquiris.  //

Happy Friday!