Here’s what I’ve been using and loving lately…

Cleanser

I’ve got a really short attention span so I’m rotating three cleansers at the moment…

Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening gel cleanser* - 

This is nice, it smells like apple/blackcurrant juice and leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh. I do prefer the Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli cleanser for my dry skin though, it just makes my skin feel more nourished, however I think the Juliet cleanser would be perfect for anyone with normal/oily skin.

Invisible Zinc IZ Cleanser* -

I use this mainly as a 3 minute mask and also to remove my heavy duty zinc suncreen after I’ve been for a run. It has 12% glycolic acid to help brighten my complexion.

Melvita Milky cleansing oil -

I’ve been wanting to try a cleansing oil for a while now so I ordered this on a whim from Feel Unique, I apply it to dry skin, massage it in then remove with a face flannel.

Also I love the cheap Woolworths face towels, they’re made out of a type of microfibre cloth and they’re fantastic, been using them for years.

Moisturiser

MooGoo Anti-aging moisturiser-

It’s just perfect for me, I can’t be without it. It has all these great skin loving ingredients…

Aqua, Olive Squalene, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Cetostearyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Oryza Sativa [Rice] Bran Oil, Vitis Vinifera [Grape] Seed Oil, MethylSulfonylMethane (MSM Organic Sulfur), Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Hydrolyzed Milk Protein (Casein),Allantoin (Comfrey Extract), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Stabilized Vitamin C), Resveratrol, Piroctone Olamine, Polysorbate 60 (Food Grade Emulsifier), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Vanilla Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hop) Extract

Serum

MooGoo Super Vitamin C Eye Serum-

I add a pump of this to my MooGoo moisturiser when I feel like my skin needs a little something extra, I use this all over, it’s a oil texture so probably best for us dry faced ladies. It’s one of the things that has definitely made a difference to my skin texture, especially the pores on my nose/cheeks, so bright and smooth.

Squalene (Olive, 50%), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Stabilised Vitamin C, 25%), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E, 25%)

Toner

Paula’s Choice Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA

I use this at night, maximum 3 times a week, I pour it on a cotton pad and swipe over my face (avoiding my eyes and lips of course). This my friends is just amazing for me, it’s really helped brighten my complexion and clear up and uneven skin texture aka bumpy bits (mainly a problem on my forehead and chin). I really can not say enough good things about this.

Products marked with * were sent for consideration, I like them and use them, haven’t dumped them on friends/family :P

I’m going to try and write a few mini reviews of what perfumes I currently own…

Womanity 

Salty, figgy, oceanic scent, mermaidish, very sexual, it's a scent that you have to be confident to wear and if your body chemistry doesn't work with it you could end up smelling cross between a fish market and rotten fruit.

J Lo Deseo
A beachy woody scent, a touch of coconut and pineapple, great for summer daytime wear.

Tommy Bahama Set Sail St Bart's 
Cheap men's perfume, supposed dupe for creeds Virgin island water. Fresh, zingy, lime, tequila, palm leaf

Wish by Chopard
Sweet soft caramel, milky vanilla good day scent for cooler weather, nice and cozy. Not a very interesting scent but nice, was a gift.

I’m sick and feeling sorry for myself, also it’s my birthday soon, thus I’ll buy ridiculous shoes if I want to, so nerrrr.

From Office UK

I’ve been meaning to review the Philips Lumea for quite some time now but it’s a device I feel conflicted about, I guess that’s why it has taken me forever to write this review, because really when it comes down to it I’m still not sure about what I want to say.

Here’s the gist of things -

The Philips Lumea Precision Plus ($1,299.95 RRP) is the latest addition to the Philips Lumea family and is suitable for use on both the face and body, leaving skin smooth without ingrown hair, stubble or dark shadows. With its new Slide & Flash mode, the Lumea Precision Plus offers a more convenient and smooth application experience. You can simply glide the device over your skin in a sliding motion for effective hair removal. It’s really easy to use and the results are visible after the first round of treatment.

For a long time I actually hesitated about putting the Lumea to work, mostly because I was afraid it would be painful, you see I’ve not had any form of laser hair removal before and it was something I was somewhat dreading.

I finally plucked up the courage to give the Lumea a whirl after having read the instruction manuals about five times each, (which was probably over cautious on my part) and I was pleasantly surprised, it was not painful at all, even on the highest setting.

Now was the waiting phase, would the Lumea live up to my expectations? Well yes and no.

I have to say though it’s not the fault of the Lumea, you see I’m rather pressed for time (mother of four) and quite disorganised, and for the Lumea to be truly effective you need to be able to find the time and commitment to stick to the program. You must shave, then use the Lumea straight after shaving and repeat the process every two weeks, for two months, then you repeat the treatment process every 4 to 8 weeks for maintenance. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely seen results, a noticeable reduction in hair growth, but not the perfectly smooth hair free skin I’d hoped for, but as mentioned this is really my own fault.

I did observe that the Lumea was noticeably more effective on darker hairs, in particular my dreaded snail trail, those hairs are pretty much completely eradicated, whereas my legs which have a darker blonde hair are more patchy. I used the Lumea only on my left leg so I could be sure to see if there was a noticeable difference in hair growth between the two, and there is.

Not the most flattering photo but I wanted to be able to show that there are definite areas on my leg where the hair has not grown back, this is a good sign that the Lumea is effective but that it would be more effective had I been a more dedicated and compliant test subject. I used the “step and flash mode” myself but I think next time I will give the “slide and flash mode” a go and see if it is a better method.

Do I think it’s a worthwhile device? Yes, despite being expensive I do think it’s worthwhile and it does work to reduce hair growth. I hope to continue using it, hopefully as my 21 month old daughter grows up I’ll be able to devote a little more time to body hair removal. I imagine it would be perfect for anyone who wants to take care of hair removal in an easy, pain free way, in the privacy and convenience of their own home.

Have you had laser hair removal either at a salon or using a home device? Thoughts?

* Sent for consideration, not being paid, honest as always.

Adore Beauty recently launched two best of the best sampler kits priced at $34.95, each kit comes with eight deluxe samples…

Skincare + Haircare

Skincare + Makeup

They both look great, given the choice I’d probably go with the skincare and haircare because I’ve been wanting to try the Alpha H liquid Gold and the Kevin Murphy range. Have you tried any of the products featured in these kits, thoughts?

* No form of compensation received, no affiliate links.

As part of the What on Earth are we Eating? exhibition ATVP is hosting a series of intimate dinner parties (What on Earth are we eating tonight?). 

Each dinner party will host 8 guests, who will contribute $10 to the evening, and the selected chefs for each evening will create a 3-course meal and dining experience with a budget of $80. 

Each dinner party will be documented where cooks and guests will be given the opportunity to discuss the cuisine and the exhibition, artworks and themes in a friendly conversational environment. 

DINNER PARTIES INCLUDE:

TUESDAY 14th MAY 7-10pm: HOME GROWN

Home Grown is a menu cooked by artist Julia Lesiuk Sawicki, from her home permaculture garden. Suitable for Vegetarians and Gluten Free.

THURSDAY 16th MAY 7-10pm: HAND TO MOUTH, FILIPINO (PINOY) CUISINE

Hand to Mouth is a Filipino menu cooked by Stephanie Wells, a tactile food experience, eating with out utensils. Suitable for Vegetarians and Gluten Free.

SATURDAY 18th MAY 7-10pm: SOUL FOOD

Soul Food is an African-American menu cooked by Soulicious author Awia Markey. Enjoy the heritage, culture, and soul behind American cuisine. 

To book your spot at a dinner party contact ATVP via email at info@atthevanishingpoint.com.au or call 0430 083 364 
Booking fee $10.

Regards,
At The Vanishing Point - Contemporary Art Inc.
565 King Street Newtown NSW 2042
(02) 9519 2340
0430 083 364
www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au
info@atthevanishingpoint.com.au

Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 10am-6pm
FREE ENTRY, ALL WELCOME

What on Earth are we Eating? is supported by funding from ATVPs Emerging Curator Mentorship Program and The Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy and the NSW Government through Arts NSW.

I’m inspired by Natalie and Jessica to perhaps start writing these type of posts.

1. I had a great mother’s day yesterday, nice gifts, brunch at San Churro, came home and snuggled up to watch Hotel Transylvania on the sofa with the kids, visited the in laws in the evening. It really reminded me how fortunate I am to have a loving, thoughtful, considerate husband and healthy, happy children.

2. I love pretty much every tv show that HBO puts out, finished watching Deadwood now watching Big Love, yes I am a TV addict.

3. Hub has gout, sooo many foods cause gout, even things like spinach and cauliflower.

4. I’m obsessed with Iggy Azalea

5. I need to get another tangle teezer or two, sick of misplacing mine.

6. I never answer my home phone because I despise telemarketers. 

I guess there’s been a few of these moments so far, buying my first place, the births of my children, getting married, buying a house, improving my running times. Some of these were big life changing events but other things are not so much. I enjoy the small daily victories and gain happiness and satisfaction from the little things that fill my days.

Gemini 

Adaptable - Most of the time.

Versatile - Yes, I’d agree with this, I’m happy to give most things a go, unless it involves maths.

Enthusiastic - To a point, but I’m no type A.

Eloquent - When I can summon the smarts and the energy, being a SAHM has killed my brain cells.

Witty - People are surprised when I’m witty and amusing, I think it’s because I’m an introvert when it comes down to it.

Intellectual - I don’t know, maybe in another lifetime, I have thoughts and ideas as much as anyone else does. I’ve read some good books.

Inconsistant - Yes unfortunately, I have a busy monkey mind.

Superficial - In ways, not in a things/people have to look good kind of way, but in a way where I don’t care for details, like how much money we owe on the house.

Indecisive - Yes to the point of being paralised. People hate this in me, unfortunately it’s one of my traits that makes me come across as “wishy washy” or thoughtless. But usually my indecision stems from the fact that I can see so many options available and I find myself trying to see the consequences of each path. I need to make my decisions with conviction.  

Lack of focus - Yes, I feel as though I have adult ADD.

Nervous - Yes, but more anxious than nervous. It makes me sweat a lot and eat a lot.

FML ahhhh I really should have read this challenge list before committing to it, seriously whoever wrote this must be very self indulgent, well I guess that’s what a lot of blogs are about eh, oh well here goes, I doubt any of these will be “interesting” however…

1. I’m the oldest of five girls

2. I’m left handed

3. I have mild scoliosis of the spine

4. My favourite colour is green

5. I read magazines starting from the back page

6. I have disordered eating habits

7. I have four children

8. I had braces on my teeth but then my teeth got crooked again

9. I shave my feet

10. I hate flossing

11. I’m sick of this already, I can’t possibly make it to 30, I give up!

On another subject, I’ve been doing pretty rubbish with the Gold Star Challenge, think I only got 3 stars last week and the week before.

This week my GSC goals are -

* Clean my bedroom

* No bingeing

* Read to the kids everyday 

* Be more organised

* Run at least 3 times on the treadmill