Recent Happenings

Once again things have been very quiet around here, mainly becuase I just haven't been in the mood for posting! But I have a feeling that my current existential bind is drawing to a close and things are starting to look up:

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• The days are getting longer! I feel like I've had too much winter so it's nice to know that there are only a few months to wait until summer rolls around.
• I finally have a longer term job. By longer term I mean six months but it's certainly nice to have a regular income again.
• I've finished the Graduate Certificate in Career Development (which is another thing crossed off my much neglected 101 in 1001 list)
• I finally bought a typewriter, something that has been on my wishlist for ages!

I'm also enjoying being back in Christchurch despite my original misgivings. It's great to be living in the same city with a lot of friends again, and it's also nice to have the opportunity to meet some fellow bloggers!

And hopefully all of these changes will inspire some more content around here!

Life List Highlights

Recently I started constructing a list of things I want to do before I die. It's already up to 111 and counting, and here are a few of my favourites:

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	Write novels and get them published
	Learn to play the harp
	Learn swing dancing
	Become fluent in French
	Become a sharpshooter
	Learn how to longboard
	Hold a sloth
	Build a treehouse
	Grow a herb garden
	Ride in a hot air balloon
	Learn to recognise the major constellations
	Live in a house boat
	Be an extra in a movie
	Learn to have lucid dreams

And just so you know, I have a completely separate list for travelling!

This list is most definitely a work in progress with no size limit, and I would love any new ideas. So if you have a similar list or plans to start one let me know so I can steal some of your ideas get some inspiration!

What to Take on an Adventure

Here is a list of the essential supplies to take along on any future adventures on which you may embark!

• Phone to recruit friends and allies
• Camera for documenting all those memories
• iPod because everything is better with a soundtrack
• Sunglasses are always a good idea to have along
• Disguise in case you want to stay incognito
• Paper & Pens for note taking, list making and writing down directions
• Water Bottle because adventures are thirsty work
• Snack Food to keep your blood sugar levels up
• Peppermints because fresh breath is good for every situation
• Chapstick of course, how could you go anywhere without it?
• First Aid Kit just to be prepared
• Swiss Army Knife unless you're going through a security check point...
• Magic Eight Ball for when you just can't make a decision
• Cash always helps!

What are you sure to take along when you go on an adventure?

Beauty on a Budget

Life is worth living, and beauty is worth making.
-Beth Anderson

Here are some suggestions for saving money without sacrificing results when it comes to your beauty routine.

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Simplify Your Routine
Cleanser - Toner - Moisturiser - Beauty Serum - Sunscreen - Primer - Illuminator - Foundation - Concealer - Powder... Skincare routines can become very complex if you let them, and the more products you use the more time and money you will spend!

Consider the type of products that are essential for your skin, and identify the ones you can do without. Different skin types have different requirements, so figure out what's best for you and ditch any part of your routine that doesn't actually help to improve your skin.

Another option when simplifying your beauty routine is to use products that combine different properties such as tinted moisturisers, illuminating foundations, or products with SPF 30+ that can replace sunscreen.

Re-evaluate Your Products
The most expensive products are not necessarily the best, and paying extra just for branding is a sure way to waste your money if you are able to find a cheaper alternative.

Ignore the marketing hype and find reviews of products by real people. Makeup Alley is a good place to look, or just try a Google search.

If you can't bear to part with an expensive product that you love and really works for you, then don't feel that you have to! Instead try and save money on other products. If you have a perfect but pricey moisturiser then balance this by using a low cost cleanser, or if you can't live without your favourite expensive foundation then maybe you can save money by switching to a cheap but effective sunscreen.

Adapt What You Have
Instead of throwing away products that don't really work for you, think about alternative ways they could be used. Moisturiser can be used for your body instead of your face (especially if it's thick), and foundation that no longer matches your skin tone can be corrected with powder.

What tips do you have for saving money on beauty products and procedures?

Links
Top 20 Cheap Tips for Your Make-up Bag at Charade
Multi-Purpose Beauty Products by Miss Corrine
Essential Beauty Habits to Develop & Avoid Over Consumerism by Tres Lola

Inspiration: Winter

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy.
-Anton Chekhov

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Winter has definitely arrived here, but instead of hibernating and wishing for summer like I'm always tempted to do, I've decided to focus on the best things about winter. And to help me in this endeavour I've tracked down a few suggestions via the world wide web.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.
-Edith Sitwell

Links
How to Beat the Winter Blues at Yes and Yes
10 Things To Do During the Winter by Penelope Bat 
50 Things To Do Before Winter Ends by Gala Darling
Things To Do This Winter by the Glamourous Grad Student
At Least Stay Warm at Cupcakes and Mace
Surviving Winter... in Style by Doe Deere
Your Autumn/Winter Wardrobe on a Budget at Charade