A Huge, Christmas-sy Friday Finds

Here are a few (more than usual) of my (Christmas-sy) finds (and loves) from over the past week (brackets high score):

^
\\  How fresh would this mandarin wreath look hanging on your door?  //
\\  Make-your-own swan stocking: Queue Billy Madison "STOP LOOKING AT ME, SWAN!"  //
\\  I really, really like this upcycled eos lip balm ornament.  //

\\  SO much yes to these eggnog jell-o shots!  //

\\  This giant peppermint candy cake would be a perfect Christmas dinner dessert.  //
\\  How cute is this no sew DIY glitter star tree skirt?!  //

^
\\  Can we please talk about how cute these funfetti reindeer cookie sandwiches are?  //
\\  These gingerbread snowglobe place settings are so cool!  //
\\  I'm too unco to make something this good, but look at these DIY holiday light pillows!  //
\\  My mum would appreciate these DIY reindeer wine labels.  //
\\  Ooooh, I could eat all of the eggnog frosted chai snickerdoodle snowmen.  //
\\  A gingerbread present stack would be so cute as an edible table centrepiece.  //


Happy Friday! I that hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. 

How to Unwind on Christmas Eve

As magical as the lead up to Christmas is, December is also a stressful month. Probably the most stressful. By the time Christmas Eve comes around, I'm pretty much spent. That's why I savour the night of the 23rd: It's my chance to let go of all the stresses of the month and relax before all of my preparations come to the glorious head that is Christmas day.

Guys. Hands up who is over the age of 21 and still gets so excited for Christmas that they can't get to sleep the night before? You can bet your ass that my 24 year old hand is raised high. I think about all of the food and the presents and I toss and I turn and I make myself sick with excitement. These are a few of my tried and true methods that I've adapted and perfected over the years to help me relax, unwind and get to sleep that little bit easier on Christmas Eve:

Take A Bath

A little bit of festive pampering is an absolute must and the number one way to have a pamper session, is in the bath. I love to melt in to the warm water and feel all of the stress and tension leech out of me. Light some candles, drop a bath bomb, pour in some bubble bath - go crazy. I absolutely love LUSH bath bombs, especially for Christmas time. Anything with a sweet, yet somewhat spicy scent is perfect for this time of year. Luxury Lush Pud and Golden Wonder are both great Christmassy bombs and the spicy Magic of Christmas is a must for bubbles. Your bathroom is going to smell all kinds of festive.

Of course, no bath is complete without a face mask. My favourite face masks at the moment all also happen to be from LUSH (I swear this post isn't sponsored) I have dry skin so I use Oatifix the most often to add some much needed moisture to my face. Mask of Magnaminty is my favourite to use on congested skin and I just love Cup O' Coffee to exfoliate and brighten.

After a bath, I love to slather on a body lotion before slipping into a fresh pair of (Christmassy) PJ's. LUSH's Sleepy is my absolute favourite lotion as the subtle lavender scent helps to further relax me and help me to drift off to sleep.

Spritz Some Pillow Spray

Pillow, bedding and sleep sprays have risen to popularity seemingly out of nowhere this year. They're so extra if you ask me, but it's always fun to be a little extra every now and then (read: always). The brand This Works does a Deep Sleep Pillow Spray which is lovely. The lavender scent really helps to calm my mind, relax my body and ease my anxiety, helping me to get to sleep faster and more peacefully.

Switch Off

We all have that one overly excited friend or family member who will send out a group "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" message to all of their contacts at a ridiculous time in the morning. It's always either right as you've managed to drift off, or well before the sun is even close to coming up. I don't know about you, but once I've woken in up, it's difficult for me to fall back to sleep. Especially when you've just been reminded that hey! It's Christmas! Turn off your phone, or at least put it on silent an hour or so before bed. Not only will not burning your retinas with the harsh light of your screen help you to get to sleep more peacefully, but it also ensures that you will get a night of uninterrupted sleep.

Love, Actually

This could be any Christmas movie, yes, but Love Actually is my #1 Christmas movie of all time (and should be yours, too. Closely followed by The Grinch). Whatever you end up watching, a funny, heartwarming Christmas themed movie with a cup of (boozy) hot chocolate in hand before bed is always a good thing.

Utilize The Out of Office Feature

There’s a reason that the out-of-office auto-reply feature exists. Use it! I understand that this isn't feasible for all jobs, but for the most case, the work (or blog) related emails can be put on the backburner for at least a couple of days. Most requests can wait and most senders will understand. I don't even check my blog's email account over the holidays; I find that it's practically impossible for me to relax if I do.

Treat Yo'self to a Festive Mani

I adore painting my nails with sparkles over Christmas; I actually like to do it whilst watching Love Actually. I've been using F.U.N. Lacquer's polishes a whole lot lately (how cute is Jingle Bells?!) and this year, I'm thinking of painting my nails a sparkly rose gold/copper shade.

I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas, whatever you do.














As always, this post has not been sponsored in any way, meaning that none of the products mentioned have been sent to me, endorsed or paid for by anyone other than me, myself and I.

An Instagram Round-up

In case you hadn't noticed, it's been a hot minute (read: 6 months!) since I've published a "My Month on Instagram" post and the reason for that would be because I HAVEN'T TAKEN ANY PHOTOS IN ABOUT THAT LONG, which is absolutely shameful. I even ended up setting myself a "post to Instagram" goal last month. Hint: I failed.

Don't get me wrong, I use Instagram every single day. I scroll through my feed religiously. I like photos, I watch stories and I stalk comment but I just don't have any content to publish anymore.

So, I thought I would post the pitiful amount of photos that I did publish over the past 6 months as a last ditch effort to motivate me to get back in to the swing of posting, or even just taking photos to begin with, at least semi-regularly:

The trusted "daily face" picks. 💄 See the full post here - http://christiestakeonlife.blogspot.com.au/2017/07/the-cost-of-my-daily-face.html?m=1 #Beauty #Makeup #Skincare #FOTD #Flatlay #MOTD #DailyMakeup #DailyFace #DrugstoreMakeup #Drugstore #BeautyRoutine #OntheBlog #TrustedMakeup #DailyRoutine #MakeupJunkie #BeautyBlogger #BBloggers #AusBeautyBabes #AusBeautyBlogger #Blogger #BloggersUnitedAU #BeautyJunkie #InstaBeautyAU #MakeupoftheDay #MakeupRoutine

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Jul 24, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

 My daily, "work face" products. You can read the full post, tallying up the cost of said face here.

So.. I calculated the total cost of my "night out" face (hint: it's a lot) 😵💸 See the full post #OntheBlog http://christiestakeonlife.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/the-cost-of-my-night-time-face.html?m=1 #Beauty #Makeup #Skincare #HighStreetBeauty #NightOutBeauty #NightTimeMakeup #NightTimeLook #NightOutLook #NightTimeBeauty #NightOutMakeup #HighEndMakeup #Flawless #HighStreetMakeup #FullCoverage #HighEndBeauty #MakeupLook #Nighttime #NightOut #BeautyBlogger #BBloggers #AusBeautyBabes #Facial #MakeupJunkie #AusBeautyBlogger #Blogger #BloggersUnitedAU #Flatlay #BeautyJunkie #InstaBeautyAU

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Aug 15, 2017 at 8:54pm PDT

I also did the same with my "night out" (higher end) make-up and skincare too. Full post here for you to judge read.

Necessary. ☕ #Coffee #ElixirofLife #CoffeeBeans #Mornings #Caffeine #CaffeineHit #CoffeeDate #LazyMorning #GoodMorning #CupofCoffee #BreakfastofChampions #TeaCup #CoffeeCup #CoffeeLovers #CoffeeBreak #MorningCoffee #CoffeeTime #InteriorDesign #Kitchen #KitchenStyling #ButFirstCoffee #KitchenDesign #Decor #KitchenDecor #Warm #CuteDecor #InteriorDesign #CoffeeStation #Succulent

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Sep 8, 2017 at 8:50pm PDT

I was so excited to get this kitchen décor up on the wall when we first moved in to our new house. It added a much needed hit of "life" to our then impersonal house. To this day, I still get a whiff of the coffee beans as I was past.

My light through the dark. 🌟 #Kscope #Light #FairyLights #TwinkleLights #MasonJar #Photography #Lights #Joondalup #Kaleidoscope #KaleidoscopeFestival #Lighting #DIYLamp #MasonJarLamp #Illumination #JoondalupStory #PerthisOK #HelloPerth #MyPerth #WhatsoninPerth #PerthHappenings #PerthLife #CityofLights #LightItUp #Lamp #LightTheWay #NightLife #Twilight #JustAnotherDayinWA #PerthNightLife #WesternAustralia

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Nov 9, 2017 at 7:07pm PST

Perth has an annual event called Kaleidoscope, in which a bunch of light installations and features are set up and free for the public to peruse. This is my favourite shot from the event and it wasn't even a display piece, just an arty lantern, lighting the path.

Turmeric Lattes are life. 😍 #TurmericLatte #BreakfastinPerth #Breakfast #Turmeric #Cafe #Fremantle #Freo #Drinks #FremantleCafe #FreoCafe #PerthCafe #Coffee #Latte #LateStart #GoodMorning #Brunch #BrunchDate #BreakfastBreak #CoffeeBreak #ElixirofLife #Mornings #LazyMorning #Drinkstagram #CupofCoffee #GoldenMilk #TheCoolRoomCafe #TheCoolRoom #BreakfastofChampions

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Nov 14, 2017 at 4:47am PST

If you didn't know that I think turmeric lattes are the bees knees, did you even know me at all?

My name is Christie and I have a problem. #Makeup #MakeupJunkie #MakeupHaul #Flatlay #Beauty #BeautyJunkie #MakeupFlatlay #BeautyHaul #Sephora #MECCA #Haul #TreatYoself #Blush #Lipstick #Highlighter #Powder #Bronzer #Skincare #HighStreetBeauty #HighEndMakeup #MOTD #HighStreetMakeup #HighEndBeauty #MakeupLook #AusBeautyBabes #BeautyBlogger #BBlogger #AusBeautyBlogger #Blogger #InstaBeautyAU

A post shared by Christie Brown (@christieee__x) on Nov 25, 2017 at 10:34pm PST

I do enjoy me a good flatlay or two. This particular one showcases all I got in my collective birthday beauty haul.

I'm not one for New Year resolutions, but I'd definitely like to make the effort to be more active on Instagram in 2018.

I love finding pretty new feeds to follow on Instagram; leave your account deets in the comments, or come find me: @christieee__x

Friday Finds

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

\\  This DIY balloon Christmas tree is so fun!  //
\\  How elegant are these DIY gold leaf ornaments?!  //
\\  Santa's little helper shots - the little boot glasses kill me!  //
\\  A jar of homemade rosemary and lavender sugar scrub would make a great gift.  //
\\  I love this DIY ice skate pillow. Perfect for a cosy Winter in.  //

\\  These simple 3-D holly napkin rings would be great on the Christmas dinner table.  //


Friday Finds

November 2017 Beauty Favourites

One: M.A.C. Blush in "Breath of Plum"

I forgot how much I love this particular shade from MAC. It is definitely more suited to Winter looks (think: I've just come in from the cold) but I've never been much of a follower of "beauty rules" (it's currently Summer here in Australia), anyways. It's definitely a more sheer formula, which I have actually been loving lately because it leaves a much more subtle, natural-looking flush to the cheeks.

Two: Toni & Guy Prep Volume Plumping Mousse

I have thin hair that just loves to frizz up when the weather gets hot. I will admit that I skip mousse more often than not when styling my hair, but I definitely do notice a difference when I do use it (and regret all the times that I chose not to use it) and since it's now Summer, I've been using this mousse a lot. It's lightweight and makes hair look naturally thicker, taming my frizziness and defining my natural waves beautifully, leaving my hair feeling soft to the touch and looking shiny. It has a luxuriously thick texture and a little bit really does go a long way. It also gives a nice amount of lift from the roots if I use it prior to blow drying (I finish off my blow dry with my head upside down for the last minute or so and then use the cool setting to set the volume whilst still holding my head upside down).

Three: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lollita II"

This lipstick is amazing! You may have seen that I picked it up in my birthday haul. This lipstick has barely left my lips since I've gotten it. Lolita II is an amazing terra cotta nude (my favourite lip shade), as opposed to the original Lolita which is a much more rosy pink nude. The formula dries fast and doesn't budge throughout the day. I've found that it does make the lips feel pretty dry, as do most long-wearing liquid lipsticks, but nothing a good lip balm can't remedy.

Four: Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
The weather has really warmed up, so I've been loving this spray lately. It contains an impressive list of natural ingredients that work to nourish and tone the skin. A quick spritz over the face is sososososo refreshing, especially on a hot day. The nozzle sprays such a fine, evenly dispersed mist meaning that my whole face is covered in 1-2 pumps and I'm not left drenched in product.

Five: Too Faced Born This Way Loose Setting Powder*

I also got my hands on this stuff in my birthday haul and I'm already obsessed. The powder is so finely milled, meaning it feels silky and light on the skin. I have dry skin, so I don't like to use a lot of powder products but this sets my foundation and concealer beautifully and blurs the skin in such a gorgeous way. My skin feels so soft and smooth when I use this. Definitely the best "translucent" powder that I've tried.

As always, this post has not been sponsored in any way, meaning that none of the items mentioned have been sent to me, endorsed or paid for by anyone other than me, myself and I. This post does, however, contain 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:

\\  I love the idea of a DIY scratch-off advent calendar!  //
\\  This mermaid shell sweatshirt DIY is a cute way to add a Summery vibe to your Winter outfit.  //
\\  I'm dying over these adorable no bake Rudolph cupcakes!  //

\\  This DIY giant pink ornament cake would be awesome to serve while wrapping gifts.  //

\\  An essential oil based lavender lemon dish soap DIY? Yes, please!  //
\\  I could definitely devour a few of these rumball snowmen.  //

Happy Friday!

November Look Back and December 2017 Goals

A look back at November's goals:

Practise self-love

"In case you hadn't noticed by my horrid attempt at my goals, October was a pretty shitty month for me. Some things have come to a head and I have realised that I am unhappy in my current state. I need to focus more on myself (something I rarely do) and take some time out to really focus on loving myself again."

Cross: Yeahhh, I don't think that I really took the time out to look after myself a whole lot last month (or any month). I did have a bubble bath once, though. Does that count?

Sort out a herb garden

"We got a hanging planter kit for our housewarming, which is adorable buuuutttt the kitchen window, which is the place that I want to hang, looks out on to a fence (no drilling) - go figure. I want to figure out a way to get that damn thing on my fence and fill it with all the herbs while the weather is warming up."

Cross: The search continues.

Spend a day out in the sunshine

"I've realized that since moving in to our house I have not spent a single day out in the sun. Yes, the weather has been pretty average, but even on the nice, warm days (we're getting a few of them now) I've found myself sitting inside in the dark like a mushroom. I'd definitely like to spend a day at the beach or at a park, walking around town or exploring somewhere new, getting out of the house, having fun and just enjoying the sunshine."

Tick: I didn't do any exploring as such, but I did spend a good few days out in the sunshine (and got a nice tan, too).

Instagram

"Photography used to be such a huge part of my life so that fact that I've barely taken any photos recently truly saddens me. The fact that it has been a good 2-3 months since I've posted anything to Instagram is just downright shameful, especially as a blogger. I still scroll through my feed religiously, but I would definitely like to start posting at least somewhat regularly again."

Tick: I still need to work on the consistency thing, but I managed to upload a few shots over the course of the month.

Goals for December:

Spend less money

I've spent a lot of money that I shouldn't have over the past couple of months. Oops. With my Christmas shopping finished (I KNOW! I've never been so organized!), I have every intention of reining in my spending, even though there are SO MANY things that I want to buy for myself. #TreatYoself.

Get to the gym at least three times a week

I keep setting fitness goals and I keep falling short. December is always the month that I fall off of the fitness train hard, with all the festivities and all. I want this month to be as healthy as it can be, giving me a head start on the new year. Hitting the gym three times a week isn't as often as the four times that I used to commit to, but I think three is realistic over the holiday season.

Visit the city at night.

Perth city is quite magical on a December night; they've put up big, beautiful Christmas light installations, organize free entertainment and events, and of course, the night markets. It's so easy to get in to the Christmas spirit after a stroll through the city on a warm night.

Decorate!

I never was one to really get in to the Christmas spirit. I like Christmas and all, but I've never bought in to the pre-Christmas hype. This year, being the first Christmas living out of home, I think that it's time we made out our little traditions. It might be fun to make a night of putting up the tree, decorating the house, wrapping presents and drinking eggnog. Throw a post-decorating Christmas movie (The Grinch, obviously) and you're set.

Bake something sweet

I have been craving baked apple for weeks now and in the name of cozy Christmas spirit, I think I'd like to make a baked apple-something myself. I'm thinking something like this, or this. Or I could get fancy with this one. I love the way the house smells when I bake, and it would be perfect to snack on as we're doing our Christmas decorating!

What are you hoping to achieve this month?

Friday Finds

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

\\  Okay, how cool is this DIY fringe jean jacket?!  //
\\  Prepare for all of the Christmas DIYs, starting with this Christmas ornament advent calendar.  //

\\  What a lovely gift these DIY personalised lavender sachets would make.  //
\\  I'm dying over this DIY pom-pom Christmas tree!  //
\\  I know we've passed Thanksgiving, but sweet potato pie with boozy marshmallows?!  //
\\  Well, these DIY gumball machine ornaments are seriously cute.  //

Happy Friday!