Why I haven't been posting lately...

Hi all! You're probably wondering where I've been lately, since I did promise to post more frequently. But there's a problem. For those of you that didn't already know, I've just started at boarding school (more on that in a later post, maybe?), and the school wifi blocks blogger :( Wow. I've managed to post this on my phone, but I obviously won't be able to keep up with mobile blogging while I'm still at school.

So I know this is annoying, but please stay tuned! I'll be back home in mid-September, and be writing (and queuing) fresh new posts for the next term I'll be at school. Thanks for understanding, I'll talk to you all again soon xx

2014 Favourites #1

Since it's been about 10 months since I've last published a favourites post (what!? where has the time gone???), I thought I'd start them up again. Since I haven't written a favourites post this year, this will be a recap of my major favourites from the beginning of the year. Who knows? I may even compile a second list in December! (Hey, the interests of a teenager can change a lot in a few months)

Makeup Favourites
I'm going to start by talking about a well-known brand of makeup that is loved by ladies around the world - M.A.C. Sadly, this brand isn't available in the city where I currently live. However, I purchased a few products while I was in America. And wow. I now understand why M.A.C is so popular - the quality is amazing! While it may seem a little expensive, it's definitely worth it. The favourite product I purchased from M.A.C is the Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. It gives great coverage without giving your skin the 'caked' look. Since it's a liquid, I set it with the M.A.C Mineralise Foundation (loose powder).

Another popular makeup brand is Benefit Cosmetics. Benefit products are recognisable due to the retro-themed posters surrounding them in stores, not to mention their super-cute packaging. I use the Pore-fessional balm I recently purchased and use it as primer, and I absolutely love it! Also, my sister would definitely recommend the They're Real mascara. It may seem a little daunting to be applying a mascara that promises the illusion of fake eyelashes, but trust me - it does wonders for your eyelashes!

Other Favourites
For a while, I've been looking for a simple, classy, everyday watch. And surprise surprise, I found one while I was at Macy's in America! I love Michael Kors products, period. His bags, clothing and even bracelets are all completely gorgeous, but don't get me started on his watches. It's amazing that he's created such a diverse range of watches to suit both men and women, and it was pretty crazy when I saw my watch (pictured below) and instantly knew that it was the only one I wanted. (Okay, I really hope I'm not sounding crazy to all of you right now) But anyway, I nearly purchased the rose gold watch in the same design, but instead chose the gold one. Gold is just so classic, and will go with a lot more of my clothes.

Michael Kors Midsized Golden Runway Watch with Chronograph

Let's move onto hair! In between washes, it's not unusual for the ends of my hair to feel dry. I'm so glad I was introduced to the L'Oreal EverSleek Oil Treatment, because although I love Moroccanoil, it's way too pricey, considering the rest of the market.

Now onto oil treatments in general...
If you've never used an oil treatment on your hair, you should definitely consider trying one. Although it does seem a little strange that tree sap will do any wonders for your hair, you'll be surprised at the results. All you need is 1-2 pumps of whatever product you choose, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Massage it between your fingertips, then run it through the lengths of your hair. You may want to comb your hair to evenly coat the ends, but other than that you're good to go - no rinsing is required!






This next favourite may seem a little twelvie-style for some people, but I'm going to mention it anyway: Arizona Iced Tea in peach flavour. In my opinion, this narrowly beats peach-flavoured Lipton Iced Tea in the taste department, but how can you walk past their packaging? Although I never purchase things for their packaging alone, I have to admit it's a cute bonus.

My sister and I have been obsessed with iFunny for about two and a half years. And finally, we created a joint account! While it's been active for less than three days, it's been fun creating original content and finding photos/gifs/videos to repost. Although the app revolves around American holidays and inside jokes (The Super Bowl! College Decision Day! Freedom!), it's almost guaranteed to make me smile every time I open the app. Go iFunny!

Finally, my favourite song over the past six months has probably been MMM Yeah by Austin Mahone and Pitbull. Remember that favourites post from last year where I mentioned Austin Mahone trying to make it? Well, he's finally broken through with this song! Although it was released some months ago, radio stations have begun to put this particular song on replay. I love the beat of the song, and the music video is a-ma-zing.

It's been a short but jam-packed six months for me. Make the most of these next six months, because 2014 seems to be dissolving quickly. Stay tuned! xx


Currently listening to: It's my Birthday (Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise)
Currently watching: The Vampire Diaries Season 5

"Wow, eat a cheeseburger."

Disclaimer: Although I understand that everyone has their own opinions on different topics; I'll be talking about the majority of the population in this particular post.

I've been tossing over whether to blog about this particular topic for a few months, and I finally decided to go for it. After all, what do I have to lose? Besides, this isn't exactly a sensitive topic to talk about. Okay, here it is... A question that has been in my mind over the past few years is: why is it acceptable to comment on a person's weight if they're skinny?

If you're confused about what I'm asking, I'll give you an example. When I was about 13/14, I got into the habit of going for a run five times a week. I was already playing soccer and going for short swims about once a week, in addition to studying two sport-related subjects at school that contained practical components. I was exercising almost every day. I also remember feeling very fit and healthy (not that I don't feel the same anymore). Despite this, one of my friends thought otherwise: "Wow, you're really skinny," she said after we had hugged. Before I comment, let's just pretend I was slightly overweight instead. Would that same girl have pulled away from a hug and said; "wow, you're really fat," or "you've gained weight?" Uh, definitely not.

But why is it any different? Just because someone is at an 'ideal' weight, this doesn't mean they have a high self esteem. I shouldn't have let my friend's comment on my weight affect my self-concept, but it did. Following her comment, I began to think I was too skinny and tried arm and shoulder exercises in an attempt to appear broader and less 'bony'. I'm not going to go on about how you shouldn't worry about what other people think of you, because that's not the point - the point is, why did my friend make the comment in the first place? Why did she think it was fine to comment on my low weight, whereas it wouldn't have been fine to make a comment to someone who had a higher weight? It just doesn't make sense.

Sadly, this targeted criticism reaches further than the schoolyard. I've seen model shots of curvy girls receive masses of compliments for their confidence in regard to their body image. If anyone called these curvy girls 'fat', they would likely be hated on. Let's turn things around again. Typically, supermodels such as the Victoria's Secret Angels are regularly described as being 'too skinny' and 'unhealthy'. Why is it only acceptable to make negative comments on someone who is skinny?

Okay, sorry if this was a little too intense for you - obviously, I don't normally rant or write a post around something I am passionate about. I guess the whole point of this post was to bring attention to something most people don't realise they are doing in the first place. Don't worry, though - I'll be back to posting about the usual (you, know... beauty, thoughts, obsessions, fashion) regularly. Till next time xx

Top 10 things you need to do in New York City

New York City: The Big Apple. The City of Dreams. The Concrete Jungle. You get what I'm saying. In actual fact, I was in NYC less than two months ago. It was the first time I'd ever been there, and I absolutely loved it. I love the hectic feeling of being in a city where you're a complete stranger to everyone else. Okay, I'm getting off topic. My point? Since New York can be pretty crazy at times, it's important to have a plan as to what you want to see or do while visiting. Most people, like me, are pretty clueless as to what they want to see/visit/experience while in The City. Don't stress, though - I've done most of the work for you and compiled a list of the top ten things you "must do" while in NYC. Read on.

10. Buy a hot dog from a street vendor
I don't care what kind of attitude you have towards hot dogs (unless you're a vegetarian/vegan, then by all means ignore this), but most people know that hot dog vendors are an iconic thing in New York. In actual fact, the (one) hot dog I ate while in New York was probably one of the best I've ever had.

9. Walk through Times Square
Ahh, Times Square. You'll all probably agree with me when I say that it is absolutely insane. The arrangement of different shaped posters and electronic signs is so beautiful that you may get distracted while walking and end up bumping into another person.
On a side note, I wouldn't recommend walking through Times Square if you're claustrophobic. However, the top deck of a tour bus is a good option.

8. Shopping on 5th Avenue
No matter your budget, shopping on 5th Avenue is almost guaranteed to make you feel 10x more glamorous than usual. For me, walking down an unfamiliar-yet-extremely well-known street (that word may be a little downgrading) is pretty special. You don't even need to purchase anything; just surround yourself in the glamour of beautiful stores (from designers who you may never have even heard of) and soak in the atmosphere - trust me, you'll appreciate the memory after you've left.

7. See a Broadway Show
Yes, Broadway shows are quite expensive. However, I recommend you see a show if you're an international visitor - when else are you going to get the opportunity to go, so just do it! :) My family and I saw Wicked while we were there, and it was honestly the best musical I've ever been to.

6. Go on a river cruise
You can interpret the word 'cruise' however you'd like to, depending on your budget. Basically, it's a good idea to go on a river tour around Manhattan (under the Brooklyn Bridge) and ultimately having a good view of the Statue of Liberty. Have your camera ready!

5. Visit the Empire State Building Observatory
No matter which viewing platform you go to, the view from the top of the Empire State Building is stunning. It's a great way to see Manhattan from above, since you can spend as much time as you'd like analysing just one part of the city. Just a warning, though - it was 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) while I was up there in April. Don't underestimate the temperature at that particular altitude, in addition to the wind chill!

4. Walk through Central Park
There aren't many parks this large that are so close to the CBD of a major city. It would have been lovely to lie in the grass while I was there, however it was pretty cold at the time. The ice skating rink is beautiful, too - can you imagine it in winter? While walking through Central Park is nice in itself, the horse and carriage rides were probably the major highlight for me. How can you resist going on a trip through Central Park via horse and carriage? I've included photos below, just in case you're missing the point here :)

How relaxing does this look?

   

3. Go on a bus tour
It's probably the best way to get to know where everything is (How many blocks is Times Square away from your hotel?). Plus, most companies have hop-on, hop-off tours arriving every fifteen minutes to each stop. I probably enjoyed the Midtown and Downtown tours the most, while I didn't enjoy the Uptown and night tours to Brooklyn as much (although they were still interesting).

I definitely recommend Gray line tours

2. Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center
When I first laid eyes on The Rink at the Rockefeller Center, I actually gasped. It's the most beautiful ice skating rink I've ever seen. My first assumption was that it was probably incredibly expensive to use, but I was actually quite wrong! I mean, it's expensive for what it is; however, it won't break the bank! Plus, you'll get a good deal if you purchase a conjoined ticket that lets you go up to the Top of the Rock, too!

It actually looks exactly like this

1. Go to the Top of the Rock
In my opinion, this is no doubt the number one thing you need to do while in New York. I mean, the observatory of the Empire State Building (refer to 5) is pretty cool, but isn't the centerpiece of New York the Empire State Building itself? The Top of the Rock has a perfect view of this iconic building, in addition to holding about three observation decks on consecutive floors. That way, it doesn't get too claustrophobic come sunset (trust me, everyone wants a good sunset photo).

Yes, it really is this stunning. I recommend going at dusk for some sunset/night shots

In case you didn't already know, I'm Australian. This means that neither my family or I were extremely interested in various historical sites. However, if you're an American (or interested in American history), you may want to consider visiting locations such as the Twin Towers Memorial. 

Wow, that was my first ever travel post! Which surprises me, because I've always loved travelling and want to share my experiences with you all. If you liked this, please let me know! That's all from me for now, so I'll talk to you all next time xx

Finding the perfect outfit

Hey, everyone! In case you haven't read my latest blog post, I queued this particular post while I was overseas, but for some reason it never got published. I wanted to post it now, so you can all read it :). I know I've been taking a few posts from my second tumblr lately, but this post surprisingly got a lot of notes. Other than that, read on :)

So you’ve got something coming up, but have no idea what to wear? Join the club. Hopefully, after you read this you’ll have all your future worries sorted!

1. Decode the invitation. Take note on any dress codes mentioned, as well as how formal the invitations look. If the invitation is on Facebook or there is no invitation at all, find out who else is coming and try to ask them for their opinion.

Black tie = a long or floor-length dress

2. Pick your outfit. It doesn’t matter how long this part takes, as long as it gets done. There’s nothing worse than throwing clothes all over your room in an attempt to find something to wear at the last minute! Just make sure your outfit matches the theme/dress code.

3. Accessorize! I know you’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but it’s true: accessories really do make an outfit. They can be used to dress up or down, so make sure you pay close attention to this step. (Remember, if in doubt, dress up)

4. The finishing touches. For just a casual party, make sure your hair and make-up isn’t too high maintenance. Limit your touch-ups to 2 max, because you’re there to have fun, not to be constantly worrying about smudging your eyeliner!

 xx

Taken from: My second tumblr

"The Basics"

Okay, so I know what you're thinking: uh, Katrina, why haven't you posted in like, 3 weeks? I know, I know, I can explain! I've actually been overseas, and I queued 2 posts (including this one) to publish while I was away. The problem was, I only realised blogger didn't post them until I got back and one of my friends asked why I hadn't posted anything over the holidays (shoutout to Yemi!). So I'm sorry if I've been seeming inactive lately, but I'll definitely try and get back on top of things. For now, enjoy this post :) xx

Have you recently bought something incredibly cute, but have nothing to wear it with? Already owning all the basic clothing items can save you heaps of time and money when it comes to wearing a new piece with your current wardrobe. Want to know what all the basics are? Read on.

- White and black t-shirts (help with making statement shorts stand out - ones with pockets are extra cute!)

- White and black singlets (great for sheer tops and wearing under normal shirts when it’s cold)

- Trench/winter coat (make sure you try to get one that’s waterproof! And it's a good idea to splurge on a trench coat, as you're likely to keep it for a few years.)

Perhaps you could channel your inner 'A'?

- Denim blue and black jeans (you don’t have to get skinny jeans - choose any sort of cut you want! Thick denim is especially helpful for those chilly days)

- Jeggings (they're so much more comfortable than jeans - great for flights and road trips)

- Nude coloured underwear (never wear white underwear under white clothes - it will show through!)

- Boots (if they aren’t your thing, you could always get booties. It’s best to get leather ones and spray them with waterproof spray.)

If in doubt, dress up...

- Everyday sweatshirt/jumper (get a dark coloured one, so it won’t easily stain and look dirty)

- Casual dress (something that could be worn to the pool or out to lunch)

- Formal dress and shoes (so you don’t have to panic whenever you get invited to a formal dinner)

- Black blazer (for job interviews or any time you need to look formal)



- Everyday earrings (small-ish in size, and at least made of sterling silver so they last longer)


- Swimmers/bathing suit (this is obvious, but I’m saying it anyway)


I’m pretty sure I've covered everything. Since I'm currently overseas and away from my beloved laptop, I'll mainly be using popular posts from my second tumblr until I get back xx

Taken from: My second tumblr

TBT: Forgotten memories that made our childhood

Since it's well and truly 2014 now (what? 3 months have already passed??), I've had the time to really consider how time has literally been flying over these past few years. I mean, it only seems like 6 months ago when I was permanently curled up in front of the TV after school, rather than constantly freaking out about what needs to be done by when. And if your memories of 2004 are still pretty clear in your mind, think about this: 2004 was ten years ago. TEN! So I've been seriously throwing it back lately, because I've come to realise that my childhood was actually pretty great (just about everyone's was!).

I've compiled a list of my favourite childhood memories into a kind of archival-style post. Read on for a throwback into the early 2000's *gels hair*.

Drake and Josh
I'm going to start with a classic: Drake and Josh. What made this show great is that it appealed to everyone at the time it was airing, from introverts to extroverts, and little kids (me at the time) to teenagers. Plus, you can watch any old episode and still find yourself in stitches from laughing too hard!

N Sync
Does the name sound familiar to you? Because I was sure I'd never heard of N Sync before until I listened to  songs like Bye Bye Bye for the first time in about six years, all the while wondering how I had forgotten about them (and the much younger Justin Timberlake). I can almost guarantee you'll remember one of their songs if you just take the time to listen to one of them.

The Jonas Brothers
While I understand that not everyone liked the Jonas Brothers, I know that I'm not the only one who was completely obsessed with them about five years ago. Ever since I heard SOS, I was hooked (oh, and Nick was my favourite, by the way). Although, my infatuation with them only lasted for about 1-2 years, as seasons 2+ of JONAS/JONAS LA were a bit of a letdown for me.

Mmm, that hair! ;)

Every now and then, I'll listen to a few of their songs just to bring back memories :'). And although the Jonas Brothers are old news now, a lot of people don't know that they released a song called Pom Poms just last year. And while they officially broke up last October (*sob*), they'll always have a special place in my heart.

Disney Everything

Sorry, I couldn't help myself...

No, I'm not talking about relatively new Disney movies such as Tangled and Frozen (although those movies were amazing), I'm talking about the classics. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid... They're still great movies, even now we're older and our interests have changed multiple times since then. And whenever I'm having a lazy weekend or down day, one of the classic Disney princess movies is guaranteed to cheer me up.



Miley Cyrus (the early days)
When I was about 10 years old, Miley Cyrus was my idol. I completely loved her, and eagerly awaited new episodes of Hannah Montana to be aired every week. When people started predicting that she would eventually go wild, I didn't believe them - I mean, why would she? And although I was no longer a fan by the time she turned eighteen, I wasn't surprised that she was still completely normal. And then she cut her hair in 2012, and shocked the world multiple times in 2013...

This was actually my favourite hairstyle in 2008

And while I don't agree with some of the decisions she's made in the past few years and the image she currently portrays, I'm glad she was a good role model while I was growing up.

High School Musical
Did you know that the first High School Musical movie was released eight years ago? And while you may not be fan of the twelvie-style fangirling that was happening at the time the trilogy was being released (I definitely wasn't), you're likely to fall in love with the romantic side to these movies. Cue late-night sing-alongs with your best friends!









She's the Man
I think everyone can agree with me when I say that She's the Man is one of the greatest teenage movies of all time. Even though this came out when I was eight years old, I still loved it and continue to love it today.

And the early 00's movies I haven't appreciated until now...
- Mean Girls
- White Chicks
- Bring it On
- Legally Blonde

If you've seen any of these movies, you'll know just how quotable they all are.

Never break the rules

Okay, that's all from me for now! I'm trying to get back in the habit of posting regularly, so keep checking back here every so often. I'll talk to you all soon, bye xx

I'm just a little clueless...

So I was going a little crazy while attempting to study/finish homework/start on assignments last weekend, and I thought I needed a little break. Since I'd heard a lot of good things about this particular movie, I decided to watch ...Clueless. Oh. My. God. This is actually my favourite movie at the moment, I'm not even joking.
Before I go into detail about what this movie has taught me, I thought I'd share my favourite Clueless quotes with you all. Read on.

[driving up to a huge house]

Cher: "This is where Dionne lives. She's my friend because we both know what it's like for people to be jealous of us."

Amber: "Was I the only one listening? I thought it reeked."

Cher: "No, I believe that’s your designer imposter perfume."

"Ugh, as if!"

Amber: "Ms. Stoeger, my plastic surgeon doesn’t want me doing any activity where balls fly at my nose."

Dionne: "Well, there goes your social life."

Mr.Hall: [as Travis goes to jump out window] "And could the suicide attempts PLEASE be postponed until the next period?"

"Christian said he’d call the next day, but in boy time that meant Thursday."

"So okay, I don’t want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don’t get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair (eww!) and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon? I don’t think so."

"He does dress better than I do, what would I bring to the relationship?"

Mel: "What the hell is that?"

Cher: "A dress."

Mel: "Says who?"

Cher: "Calvin Klein."

Cher: [wondering why she feels so horrible because of Tai and Josh; looks in a store window] "Ooh! I wonder if they have that in my size."

Cher: "If it’s a concussion, you have to keep her conscious, okay? Ask her questions."

Elton: "What’s seven times seven?"

Cher: "Stuff she knows!"

"I was just totally clueless."

Okay, I'm done (but seriously, this movie is like the Mean Girls of the 90's!).
Just about all of us are a little clueless about something (or everything), and during our teenage years especially. I actually think this is a pretty good thing. I mean, life wouldn't exactly be exciting if we knew all about anything and everything. This is the beauty of life - no one truly knows what is going to happen in the future, so this definitely gives you the right to take chances. Discover new things! No matter how 'crazy' your ideas may seem, you should definitely attempt to put your (not too extreme) ideas into action by doing whatever you can to make your dreams into a reality.

Still not convinced you should share your ideas? Maybe I should give you an example. I'm guessing you're all familiar with Richard Branson (or heard of any business beginning with 'Virgin'). He single-handedly began quite a large number of his own businesses - some failed; others are now extremely successful. My point being, Branson had an idea. No matter how many times he got knocked down or was laughed at, he didn't stop giving up and is now one of the richest people in Britain.

So no matter how clueless you may be right now, someday everything will make perfect sense. So make the most of it! xx

When you don't like change...

If you've read my favourites' posts from mid-2013, you'll probably know that I love Lauren Conrad and everything she's written/appeared in - her TV show, her fictional books, as well as her Style and Beauty books... Don't even get me started on her personal website and The Beauty Department! She's a very talented woman, who happens to have made some comments that have stuck with me. I won't mention all my favourites just yet (maybe in another post?), because I'd like to talk about one particular quote right now. I've included it below...

“And lastly…why did you move to L.A.? Besides your job, why L.A.?”

Jane thought for a minute. “To be uncomfortable.”

Dana and Wendell looked at her, a little confused.

“My whole life I’ve always been safe, boring…comfortable,” Jane explained. “I’ve had the same friends my whole life. I have a great family. I grew up in a beautiful place. I was really lucky, but I came to L.A. to get out of my comfort zone and do something different.” 

(Conrad, L. LA Candy, 2010)


It's a well-known fact that almost every human doesn't like the idea of change. And why would you? Things are (mostly) perfectly fine as they are, and it's quite common to become hesitant when it comes to changing things up. Things are familiar, routinely...comfortable for you. Which is why it's good to remember that stepping out of your comfort zone may be just what you need in life. I mean, how else will you get to see everything the world has to offer for you?

And as for stepping out of your comfort zone? Well, the choice is up to you! Just do whatever makes you feel uncomfortable (in a good way), such as changing jobs or taking up a new hobby. And I don't know if I should be asking this, but I'm going to do it anyway: Do you really want to have the exact same life in 20 years as you do now? If the answer is yes, then that's completely fine - actually, that's great! However, if your answer is no, then you may want to think about trying something different every now and then.

If you don't like something, change it. If you've decided what you'd like to try, but are scared, click here for a post I recently published that's all about making decisions.

No matter how much you deny it, you're probably hesitant when it comes to trying something different. But this is completely okay! The best thing to do is to accept that at some point, change is going to happen. Focus on the positives of these changes, and you'll be able to handle anything. xx

Valentines' SOS

So Valentines Day is tomorrow! I personally don’t have any plans (except for the usual), but I know a lot of you do. The key thing to remember when putting your look together for a Valentines date is to keep it as soft and natural-looking as you can. Here are some tips on planning your look with minimal stress...

Hair - don’t spend heaps of time on it. Today isn't necessarily the day for tight ballerina buns and multiple cans of hairspray (unless, you know, that's your thing). Braiding your hair then taking it out after a few hours will result in soft, touchable curls - a great Valentines' idea. Remember to try to have a relaxed look, so wearing your hair out with nothing done to it is completely fine, too!

Makeup - this needs to be really natural. This means minimal foundation, long eyelashes (If you have brown eyelashes, use brown mascara if you can), and soft pink lips and cheeks. If you can, red lipstick is a great idea. Also, I'd try to stay away from eyeshadow unless it’s mostly shimmery/nude colours.

Clothes - try to wear something that suits your everyday style. This could be a floral dress with flats, or a knitted jumper with jeans and heels (if it’s cold). If you don't like wearing pink, but would like to dress in traditional Valentines' colours, opt for something like a red bag, pumps or baby pink nail polish. Just be yourself - really!

Jewelry - wear your normal earrings/bracelets that you would any other day, but just add something a little different (a statement necklace? An over sized ring?).

Okay, so this is actually one of the prettiest Valentines' Day outfits I've ever seen...

[Photo Source: Windsor Store]

Don’t get upset if you don’t have a special someone to spend the day with. Valentines Day is all about spending time with your loved ones, not necessarily your boyfriend. After all, what’s better than watching rom coms with a bunch of your friends, with lots of popcorn and ice cream? Happy Friday everyone! ;) xx

Taken from: My second tumblr (I've added a lot more to this post since I initially wrote it last year)

Next Week: When you don't like change...

Making a decision (the right way)

No matter who you are, no matter how smoothly your life may be going at the moment... there will come a time where you'll need to make an important decision sooner or later. Don't stress, though - I've compiled a list of questions (with not-so-creative examples) you may need to ask yourself before making the all-important decision, ASAP.

Is this possible?
Let's say you were wondering whether to put medicine as one of your preferences on a university application. If it's obvious you don't have the grades to get into this particular course (doctors have to be unnaturally smart!!), you may want to consider another course. On another note, if your grades are just a little away from being doctor-standard, you could consider an external program or a training course to make your application really stand out and higher your chances of being accepted.
-> Before deciding to do something, just check if it's feasible before you set your mind to it. :)

If I go through with this, how will it affect everyone around me?
So you've just been offered an amazing job... that's halfway across the world. Your decision as to whether or not to accept this offer really depends on how settled you are right now. If you're really close to your family and are in a serious relationship with someone who can't move, maybe taking the offer just isn't right for you. However, if you're a pretty independent person and the people closest to you wouldn't mind (or may even move with you), taking the offer may be the thing that really kickstarts a great career for you.
-> Of course, at the end of the day it's your decision that matters the most - but it's probably best to consider the feelings of those closest to you before you decide on something potentially life-changing.

Is this what I truly want?
So you live in a relatively small town and your parents are expecting you to move to the city for university. Despite the fact that you think it's a good idea, think about what you really want to do. If you'd feel comfortable staying where you are for a little longer (or maybe you'll never really want to leave), then I recommend doing what you think will make you feel the happiest at the end of the day.
-> Try flipping a coin to decide whether you should leave town or not - while the coin is in the air, you'll suddenly know what answer you're hoping for.

Will this make me happy?
Your friend has decided that she's sick of your long hair and has suggested you get it cut a bit shorter - no, make that a lot shorter. Other friends and family members may agree with this idea, but you need to consider your own feelings towards this decision before the opinions of anyone else (and no, this isn't being selfish).
-> Focus on making yourself happy before dedicating your time towards helping other people find happiness.

Best/worst possible outcomes?
Okay, so you want to join a club/sports team, but you're worrying that it'll be difficult to make new friends/master the skill/etc, etc. Before you freak out, just take a moment to consider the best and worst possible outcomes from joining. The worst outcome would probably be that you hate the commitment and end up leaving after a few weeks. Not so bad, is it? However, the best outcome could be that you love your team/club and make heaps of new friends along the way.
-> Seriously, though - you'll never know if you never try.

Okay, so I accidentally posted this a week late... But I'll definitely try to keep up with blogging from now on! xx

Next Week: Valentines' SOS

When to replace...

Sure, there are a lot of things that need replacing - but this week, I'm going to be focusing on makeup and skin care products. I used to be completely clueless when it came to replacing pthese kinds of things, and often  freaked out when I realised the problems of keeping certain  products for  longer than I should be. So I've saved you the trouble of non-stop googling for 2 house and have compiled  everything into a list. :) Read on.


Makeup

Mascara (3 months) My sister and I used to think the "3 month mascara rule" was just a strategy that drugstore makeup brands used to sell more mascara, in less time. It turns out we were completely wrong! Since eyelashes are covered in a safe amount of bacteria (this is normal and completely fine), this bacteria is transferred to your mascara brush whenever you use it. After about 3 months of this multiplying bacteria sitting in your mascara, you can take a guess at just what you're applying to your eyelashes. It's just best to play it safe and buy a new mascara every 3 months.

Foundation (About a year) Since foundation isn't exactly a breeding ground for bacteria (you' squeeze the product out, rather than using it like a mascara/lipgloss tube), it can last for a while longer than some other products. This can also depend on how often you actually wear foundation - that is, if you use a small amount when you first purchase it, then don't use any for a few months - you should be fine (I really hope this is easy to understand).

Concealer (About 6 months) This is the same deal as mascara, only your skin is less likely to be holding the same amount of bacteria as your eyelashes.

Lip balm (9-12 months) It's usually easier to use one (and only one!) lip balm at a time. Once you begin to use it, the whole bacteria-spreading thing starts to happen. Just stick to one lip balm and you'll probably find that you'll finish the tube by the time you're due to throw it out.

Brushes (whenever) Depending on the initial quality of your makeup brushes, you won't need to replace them until you really need to (the bristles start falling out or become stiff, etc.). Instead, focus on taking care of your brushes by washing them 1-3 times a month.

Eyeliner (3 months) This is basically the same deal as mascara. This 3-month rule applies for any kind of eyeliner, whether it be pencil, liquid, gel or felt tip - if you've had it for longer than 3 months, get rid of it!

Hair

Brushes (depends) Once your hair brushes begin to dramatically lose their quality (you'll know when this happens), it's time to replace them. To avoid racking up some serious bills, invest in good quality brushes to begin with.



Anything else (whenever) When it comes to just about any other beauty product - toner, shampoo, etc... Replace it when you finish it. Also, please don't begin to use new products while your old ones are still half full - it's how girls archived the "goo hoarder" stereotype ;).

xx

Next Week: Making a decision (the right way)

Alphabet Creams Decoded

Sure, we've all heard of BB Cream... But do you know what it actually does? And did you know that not only CC Cream is on the market, but now even DD Cream is a new and growing makeup trend? This growing list of alphabet creams can get a little confusing, but don't worry - I've decoded it all for you. Read on.

BB Cream
Beauty Balm
The oldest and most widely recognised of the alphabet creams also happens to be, in my opinion, the most overrated. Sure, BB Cream is great when you'd like a little coverage while still achieving a barely there makeup look (perfect for school!). But when it comes to advertising purposes, certain makeup brands *cough* Garnier *cough* are guilty of  promoting BB Cream as a product that will perfect your complexion with the use of one single product. We all know this isn't true, as the models in these advertisements have likely been spending hours in the makeup chair to achieve this idea of "flawless" skin. The truth about BB Cream? It can be used as a primer, as it evens out your skin tone (but not as dramatically as CC Cream will). My mum and sister occasionally use their BB Cream as a light foundation, especially in summer when they want to look more natural. In addition, Maybelline has a BB Cream with added salicylic acid, meaning it will help fight acne during the day, while still maintaining coverage.

CC Cream
Colour Correcting
In my opinion, this is the perfect alternative to primer. It evens out your skin tone before you apply any makeup (this is especially helpful for redness or dullness), causing less foundation needing to be used. CC Cream is lighter than BB Cream and targets problem areas rather than giving a light overall coverage. CC Cream is also better for your skin than BB Cream, with the majority of CC Creams being packed with vitamins C and E, in addition to added SPF. L'Oreal has three different CC Creams available, and from what I know, they're pretty amazing.

Anti-dullness                             Anti-redness                             Anti-fatigue

DD Cream
Daily Detox
Now, I don't know how long this has been out, since the first time I heard about it was a few days ago. Since DD Cream is the newest "alphabet cream" to be introduced to the market, it can be a little confusing to understand what it actually does. The simplest way of describing this is that it's a daily cleanser for your skin.
Dynamic Do-all
Uh, oh... there are two types of DD Creams! This one combines the "powers" of both BB and CC Cream, giving you one powerful face product! In addition, the majority of DD Creams have anti-ageing benefits, and will supposedly improve your skin with prolonged use. Seriously, give this a try!

Dynamic Do-all

Daily Detox

Although I doubt there will be an EE (Excellent Editorial??) or FF (Fancy Facial??) Cream, I suggest you try at least one of these alphabet creams in the next month or so. Who knows?  Maybe you'll find your new beauty best friend :) Till next time xx

Next Week: When to replace...

New year, new you!?

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Yeah, it's pretty crazy that 2013 has already been and gone, especially with all the drama that has happened in just one year (Miley Cyrus' crazy performances, Kimye's, ahem, very public confessions of love for each other, and of course, Cory Monteith :'( ). But anyway, you've all probably been thinking and reflecting on how the past year has gone for you. Hopefully, it's been great! But if you feel like there's something you may have to change, such as stopping a bad habit or spending more time and effort in your schoolwork or sport. These things are perfectly fine to make your New Years resolutions list; however, there are unnecessary wishes you may be adding that are likely to end in excessive worrying if/when they don't come true. Some things such as...

I will get a boyfriend. 
No, no, no! You can easily ruin love by wanting it too badly, especially if you force yourself to put up with bad behaviour from other people. Love will come at the right time, trust me! For now, focus on loving yourself and maintaining good relationships with friends and family.
"Never allow loneliness to drive you into the arms of someone you know you don't belong with."
- Unknown

I'll get straight A's at school
This could only be a reasonable resolution if you were previously sitting on a B+ in a few subjects, and getting straight A's in the others. In most cases, this resolution will only cause you unnecessary anxiety and stress over assignments you can only do your best in (I'm not saying you will never get straight A's, though - try your bet and that's seriously all that matters). Instead, promise yourself that you'll put an extra effort (and procrastinating less - yeah, we all do it) into your schoolwork this year - who knows, your grades may end up skyrocketing before you know it!

I'll stay best friends with ____.
Ba-bow! Once again, you can't force something like friendship. Sure, you can definitely make an effort to maintain a friendship with someone (but don't force the pressure of being their best best friend), but who knows? If you're weighing yourself down by a friend who's clearly moved on from your group of friends (keep in mind that this may also be temporary), you could also be stopping yourself from making new friends of your own.


Instead, say things like...

I'll try to be more positive
I'll learn to cook/clean/master another important skill
I'll put more effort into sport
Etc, etc...

Really, it's what you think you can accomplish in the time frame of one year, in addition to school, work and any other commitments you have. And definitely don't try to reinvent your personality ("New year, new me!!"). Just stay true to yourself, be kind to others, and accept the fact that either way, 2014 will be amazing xx

Next Week: Alphabet Creams Decoded