tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13684695117185636242024-03-05T07:10:37.726-08:00Blindly BeautifulA little bit of beauty and sparkle.Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-5936181801625240172014-03-18T18:10:00.001-07:002014-03-18T18:10:39.200-07:00Ripe Shop Lip Balms Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't had a chance yet to talk about my lip balm obsession which slowly but surely started up during winter. My lips were parched deserts and I was bored with the choices offered at the shops in town. So I did what any beauty blogger does and set out to browse through Etsy! I have found some fantabulous sellers, and the one I want to talk about today is <b>ripe</b>, owned by <b>Adriana</b> over in sunny California.<br />
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One thing that drew me in as a customer was the visual aesthetic of her shop. All the photos of her products are simple, but gorgeous. The font design she uses on her products is also gorgeous and fits in perfectly with her shop design. Now that's just that, but what are her products like, you may ask? To be honest, they simply do not disappoint and it's so exciting deciding what flavour of lip balm to purchase (jeez, that makes me sound boring, I swear it's actually fun picking out which ones to buy!).<br />
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All three lip balms which I purchased from <b>ripe</b> have been smooth, soft (but not that melting-all-in-your-bag/back-pocket soft) and nourishing. All her lip balms contain: avocado, coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oils, beeswax, cocoa & shea butters, which makes me really happy knowing what I'm putting on my lips, and eventually ingesting because I'm prone to licking my lips especially when they're dry, is natural and not something I'm afraid of getting into my body.<br />
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Because I was bought mine in winter time, I was all in the holiday spirit and purchased <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165716040/gingerbread-egg-nog-lip-balm-christmas?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=ginger" target="_blank">Gingerbread Egg Nog</a>. At first I found the top to be a bit crumbly, if that's even possible, but after a few uses, the top of the balm smoothed down and I didn't experience this issue again. The smell itself is interesting, and I feel like the "egg nog" is the more prominent flavour, and I don't really get much of the gingerbread, but that's fine with me as I still really enjoyed using it. Unfortunately the writing on the labels wore off really quickly, something I was gutted about with these products as everything else is so great, so I am borrowing the images directly from Adriana's store so you can see how cute they are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJr1u0_iFvLFUxke6e98-2vAmkbv7rXzMWiiIlcV1rMBvwoW2x94KhWSXpXIqd2fhiJAtRMmDRM05py7nn6bcgnCbbAsNLm2ZK4kFAFfpqWxniBC0PLFXqZrrSBf0xT0AE65AQ2ibdkc1/s1600/Gingerbread+Egg+Nog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJr1u0_iFvLFUxke6e98-2vAmkbv7rXzMWiiIlcV1rMBvwoW2x94KhWSXpXIqd2fhiJAtRMmDRM05py7nn6bcgnCbbAsNLm2ZK4kFAFfpqWxniBC0PLFXqZrrSBf0xT0AE65AQ2ibdkc1/s1600/Gingerbread+Egg+Nog.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ripeshop?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count" target="_blank">ripeshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because I'm a green tea fiend, and love anything matcha flavoured, not to mention I'm currently living in Japan, the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165715814/matcha-green-tea-lip-balm-beeswax-lip?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=green" target="_blank">Matcha Green Tea</a> was destined to end up in my clammy, excited, little hands. If you're not a fan of in-yo'-face scents, this would be great for you. This is a lightly flavoured lip balm, and the green tea fragrance is very gentle when you're putting this on your lips. Makes me crave green tea ice cream whenever I put it on! I also had the crumbly beginning with this lip balm as well, but like I mentioned, this issue quickly disappeared.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFkEjfLRZ9Tau-iWDjc_9L5X-cnMYb8S8uvobdjCcfMCmDIyk1tRJmwgX0qMC_xtmF1gxNKk1Agw4iImw9rzOsWyedEuFUY-zCtDSGj8lYHDHr-XMtOZeynzHY7L0NmHhddon7kLqW_bt/s1600/Matcha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFkEjfLRZ9Tau-iWDjc_9L5X-cnMYb8S8uvobdjCcfMCmDIyk1tRJmwgX0qMC_xtmF1gxNKk1Agw4iImw9rzOsWyedEuFUY-zCtDSGj8lYHDHr-XMtOZeynzHY7L0NmHhddon7kLqW_bt/s1600/Matcha.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ripeshop?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count" target="_blank">ripeshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And my favourite of all three lip balms is the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130235113/chocolate-rosa-lip-balm-coconut-oil?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=rosa" target="_blank">Chocolate Rosa</a> and this is by far the most divine thing to ever glide on to my lips. The scent is just abso-fricken'-lutely amazing! The chocolate and rose combination is genius, and the scent is just uhhhhhhhhh, so good! I can't even tell you using words how good this actually is, you just have to trust me that whatever else you're purchasing from this store, this also has to be in your shopping cart. I didn't have the crumbly at the beginning issue with this lip balm, it was just perfection from the get-go.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBR8Eqhelm8DH4MMzLWXryNu8YafsRqL_z9a11OEP84jQGU3LopRa3icG5h2hD5tfjoRMhGzSHm2fQljkwLx-laoMMTqOpabEu6GIB3kKVMvTJxbfYPxDt1-WHfT6lSD5EKeW5GEYHoyD/s1600/Chocolate+Rosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBR8Eqhelm8DH4MMzLWXryNu8YafsRqL_z9a11OEP84jQGU3LopRa3icG5h2hD5tfjoRMhGzSHm2fQljkwLx-laoMMTqOpabEu6GIB3kKVMvTJxbfYPxDt1-WHfT6lSD5EKeW5GEYHoyD/s1600/Chocolate+Rosa.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ripeshop?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count" target="_blank">ripeshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting it ready and shipping took around 2 and a half weeks to get from the USA to Japan, and this was during the holidays, so I was super happy as I was so excited to try them out. Prices range from $4.25 - $5.00 per lip balm, and while this may seem a tad steep for a lip balm, I can guarantee these are worth it; nothing better than handmade things, I say!<br />
These lip balms are all I've been reaching for during the cold winter days, and even now slowly moving into spring, they've been a godsend. Go check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ripeshop?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count" target="_blank">this fantastic shop</a> and tell me what your favourite lip balms from there are. I've got my eyes on the Taro Milk and Chocolate Raspberry, drool. Adriana also has her own site, so you can also have a gander <a href="http://ripeshop.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">there</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So, what is your favourite lip balm? Have you ever bought lip balms from Etsy before?</b> <b>Do tell!</b></div>
</div>
Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-18283343042330224082013-11-05T04:10:00.001-08:002013-11-05T04:10:17.314-08:00Inspired Scents Etsy Store Perfume Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, it's been a while, huh. If you've noticed my absence I apologise; I
have been tackling the beast that is the Japanese immigration and all of
processes that come with trying to get a working visa in Japan. My beau decided
that he wanted to camp out here in my little tin roof flat, so I spent my
summer sweating my ass off on a bicycle seat and various governmental offices,
yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, I have just been
plain lazy, left my blog feeling a tad unloved. But that’s all changing, I
promise.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I decided to write about a small business I stumbled
across on Etsy this summer. Now, if you don’t already know about Etsy, I feel
like I should warn you. Access this site only if you’re ready to be sucked into
all the handmade awesomeness and be ready to part with your beloved savings
account.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I discovered Shelley's Etsy store when I was searching online for a dupe of
Elizabeth Arden’s Bronze Goddess perfume. I was desperate for a new summer
perfume and Japan’s shops had nothing to offer in terms of summer fragrances.
In Japan, their range is focused on citruses and fresh scents, and I was
desperate for some coconut action in my perfume, and the Bronze Goddess perfume
seemed right up my alley.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Bronze Goddess (TYPE) is a sensuous, sun-drenched blend of
Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed
with Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. All heat, all desire, all woman.</span></div>
</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I lucked out because I found a couple of sellers who were
selling their own versions of famous designer scents, and BG happened to be one
of the ones they made. I was curious about how similar it would smell compared
to the real thing, and I also ordered Miss Dior Cherie because that’s a perfume
I had owned before and knew what it smelt like. My perfumes were sent lightning
quick and I received my package in just less than 2 weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was very
pleasantly surprised to discover in my package that Shelley had also included a
full sized solid perfume in her Coconut Mandarin scent as well! I was absolutely tickled pink.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrqFK-oUicAMr8fjaKZo87eFHDx5fBtrYY5EY7Fb8ttl4isD3TbWJG5n91BMOhbXRTn51G5cx7kz3nYnQ-ylVyhLW2rTAhSqMQYVGK0SpSZzaOzuPlYlesSmo5ahQbWVlxk-j-KwzEMJI/s1600/Inspired+Scents.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrqFK-oUicAMr8fjaKZo87eFHDx5fBtrYY5EY7Fb8ttl4isD3TbWJG5n91BMOhbXRTn51G5cx7kz3nYnQ-ylVyhLW2rTAhSqMQYVGK0SpSZzaOzuPlYlesSmo5ahQbWVlxk-j-KwzEMJI/s640/Inspired+Scents.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Store description: This fragrance has notes of mandarin, strawberry leaf,
violet, jasmine, caramel popcorn, wild strawberry sorbet, musk, and patchouli.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was absolutely delighted to find that the Miss Dior Cherie
smelt exactly like I remembered my bottle of it smelling! Sweet and slightly
floral, it is gorgeous and I wear it almost every day now. My Bronze Goddess I
wore almost every day since I received it, and I actually ended up being able
to purchase an actual bottle of it through a friend who had gone back to the US
for a visit, so I was able to compare the two and found that the likeness was
pretty much 100%. Both the oil perfumes are very potent and last at least 4 hours on my skin during the summer, and around 5-6 hours during the winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am so pleased with my perfumes, Shelley is super lovely and
the shipping rate was decent! I am so envious of all those people in the US,
there are so many awesome Etsy shops that I would be purchasing from if I lived
in the States! Here is the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Inspiredscents" target="_blank">link to Shelley's store</a>, if you wish to take a gander.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tell me, lovely readers, what is your favourite Etsy store?
Hope y’all had a safe and fun Halloween/Samhain!</span></b></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-61823191275113529002013-07-28T22:32:00.001-07:002013-11-05T03:44:33.321-08:00NARS Orgasm Nail Polish Review + Swatch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favourite blusher is the cult favourite NARS Orgasm, so it only made sense that when I thought I'd lost it, I'd immediately re-purchase another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the last time I bought the Orgasm/Laguna duo, I also got the Orgasm nail polish which I was exciiiiiiiited about because, sex on my face AND nails, it couldn't get any better, right? Hmm, that sounded kind of...dirty...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It looks very chic, and it has the NARS signature rubbery top (we all know what a pain that is when you've got a NARS product in your handbag, eh ladies. All the dirt, assemble!). The brush itself is quite standard and the formula itself is runny. The frustrating thing is that it's very light in colour, so it takes at LEAST 3 layers to become opaque. Even then, it's not completely opaque, as you can see in my next photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The one thing I was super impressed with was the longevity of the nail polish. I am a lazy potato-bug and I usually can't be bothered with a top coat (tell me I'm not the only one). Sans a top coat, this nail polish stayed chip free for almost 3 days! How amazing is that? Any other nail polish would chip within the first 12 hours, but this one, ho boy, really stayed strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a bit sceptical about the colour of the nail polish, i.e. it not matching the blusher, but when I swatched the blusher on my hand, it was pretty much a 100% match! In the pan, the blusher looks a lot more pink, but swatched on the hand, you could see the beautiful coral/golden colour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I'm currently too pale to wear this shade, but it would look absolutely lovely on someone with tanned skin. Nevertheless, it won't put me off wearing it, it truly is a gorgeous colour that I doubt is easy to find. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tell me, friends, what NARS nail polish do you covet? Are they any good, or are their blushes really only worth the moola?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-45737406646500901672013-07-16T20:03:00.000-07:002014-03-18T18:12:17.556-07:00Jump to June Favourites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ciao bellas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry that I've been MIA but I've had a lot on m<span style="font-size: small;">y plate since m</span>y beau's arrival and I just haven't had the time to update the ol' blog even though the purchasing hasn't stopped. I'm actually proud of myself because I haven't bought anything online for a few months now! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">But only because I haven't had money in the account with which I make my online purchases. <span style="font-size: small;">Still. Proud of myself! Savings galore, woop woop!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just noticed that I was a naughty blogger and completely featured two products from last month as this month's favourites as well...oh well...that just goes to show how much I love them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In order from left to right, le-tsu go!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. SKIN AQUA </span>さらさらUVシャワー </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SPF50+ PA+++</b> - Summer is well and truly here in Japan, and I decided I needed to invest in a decent sunscreen. Luckily for me, Japan has a plethora of them and they are all quite high in the SPF and PA</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">department. The beauty of this sunscreen is that you just spray it and ta-da! Done! It's such a fine mist that when I first applied I was worried I hadn't applied it properly.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not sticky, it doesn't leave me greasy, like I said, it's like you hadn't applied it at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water </b>- A great little face spray that I've actually used up now. So refreshing when I wake up feeling super hot in the morning and need something to cool me down in the already 28 degree heat at 7.30am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product</b> - This is my little hair saviour. Like a lot of other people have noted, you might not notice a difference the first time you use it, but after a while, if you happen to not use it once, you'll notice the difference immediately. This has really helped to keep my hair smoother and softer. I'm keen on trying the version with keratin in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. MUA Lipstick in Shade No. 16</b> - It's a bright coral lipstick that leans towards orange more and it fits right in with the current summer trend of coral lipsticks. I bought it during a 50% off and free worldwide shipping on the MUA website. Unfortunately, when I lent it to a friend, it looked way more amazing on her than it did on me; she has the most beautiful blue eyes, and the contrast between the lipstick and her eyes was amazing! So, blue-eyed beauties, I can highly recommend this colour to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5. Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Repulpant Shiny Lip Plumper SPF10 in Shade 1</b> - I bought this in a sale when it came with a YSL lipstick, and I paid around NZ$45 for both, which I thought was a bit of a bargain. I recently re-discovered this lip gloss when I was looking for something to wear on my lips, and I really liked how it gave my lips that shine without the stickiness and the minty feel and smell is quite refreshing on a summer's day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>6.</b> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in No. 21 </b>- A staple in my handbag when I've rushed out and feeling like I need to put something on my face to cover up the redness and give me the SPF I need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>7. Essie Borrowed and Blue Nail Polish</b> - Probably the most worn colour of the year for me! Such a beautiful light sky blue colour, it will look gorgeous on someone with a tan! Still working on mine, y'all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>8. Vecua Wonder Honey Citrus Sorbet Body Spray -</b> Every time I spritz this on myself I crave lemonade! It smells exactly like it and it makes me so thirsty. I find this the perfect scent for a pick-me up and when I want to cool down a bit. My summer must have if you're living in Japan and want a nice body spray!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>9. Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses with Blue Tint</b> - I got these a few years ago as I needed a decent pair of sunglasses, and as I have a naturally weird face, I don't seem to suit any style other than the aviator. I don't mind because I think they look damn cool on anyone who wears them! I'm lusting after the new seasons ones though, ahh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Non-beauty faves:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Air-cons: anywhere and everywhere because goddamn it's humid.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. The beaaaaaaaach! Can't wait to be swimming every day!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And most important fave:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SUPERNATURAL</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am addicted to this show. There is just aksljfsdkjfsd so many feels, you just have to watch it. If you're wanting a bit of supernatural action, dorkiness, brotherly love, angels and demons, ghosts, ridiculous scenes, and a bit of eye candy, you should give this show a go.</span></div>
Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-43196282037139534642013-06-03T03:15:00.000-07:002013-06-03T03:15:50.599-07:00Magical May Favourites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so glad to see the end of May! The only reason being that my beau is due to arrive in a few days time and I have absolutely been suffering as I've been waiting for time to go past <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(over 5 months since I've seen him, yo)</span>.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I actually have been using and lurving a lot of things in May, my birthday kind of included, and although not all of them are going to be featured this month, as I don't want to overwhelm you guys with the product awesomeness, they will probably pop up in my next month's favourites!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought a couple of nice things for my birthday, and one of these things is (don't judge) a fancy tea. It's rhubarb and strawberry flavoured and it is just such so gorgeous I make sure I brew myself a cuppa almost every day. Let me tell you how it tastes; it's strawberry heaven with a hint of bitterness kicking in from the rhubarb and after it glides down your throat this creamy strawberry taste is left in your mouth. Pretty delicious sounding, eh? It is. Oh, it really is. The tea is made by the Japanese company Lupicia, and whilst it is available in quite a few places around Japan, it is also available in the States, Tawian, and in Melbourne, Aus. The store is always fun to pop into to grab a small free sample of whatever tea they're promoting at the time and stick your schnoz into all the sample pots and have a sniff of the wonderful aromas. I didn't realise just how much I would fall in love with this tea, but it won me over when I was having birthday cake with my friend at a cafe.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Boil me, now! It screams.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My next favourites are, again, non-beauty related. I have been missing my Kiwi-a-gogo land, along with my lovely friends, and I happened to get an awesome package of them with these two very Kiwiana products which I am so happy to have in my life right now. I figuratively weep whenever I make my toast and s</span>wipe my Marmite across it, or douse whatever I'm eating with my Kaitaia Fire hot sauce. SO GOOD TO EAT IT. If you've not heard of Marmite, it's the same dealio as Vegemite. If you've not heard of either, they're both a yeast extract spread (the only kind of yeast you want near in you) which is a by-product of beer brewing. It's very good for you as it contains a lot of iron, niacin (vitamin B3), folic acid and thiamin, all essential to helping protect your nervous system, and kidney and liver function. The taste is very unique and salty. You want to have a light hand when spreading this on your toast. It tastes amazing accompanied with cheddar cheese, and this is my favourite way of eating it (though I've been having it sans the cheese as good cheese is hard to come by in Japan unless you pay in gold for it).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI9sl7aF80jRUlkdFLnf3Mh_ddK9hAATB9H1y_VT9BUenJ3d96oQt5g3_pkBHFJJS706CxPoob_ZWlmnidz1hayvOe98PZFcIl3LCyQzUqKT7T8ZY01e0LPdcwNt92zAKpT1ky8eSI5Rw/s1600/Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI9sl7aF80jRUlkdFLnf3Mh_ddK9hAATB9H1y_VT9BUenJ3d96oQt5g3_pkBHFJJS706CxPoob_ZWlmnidz1hayvOe98PZFcIl3LCyQzUqKT7T8ZY01e0LPdcwNt92zAKpT1ky8eSI5Rw/s640/Blue.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maaaaate, dig in!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now, finally onto the beauty stuff. From L-R, let's get on it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. MAC Margin Frost Blush</b> - I was obsessed with reading Tali's blog (The Gloss Goss) from back in the days, and although she unfortunately stopped blogging completely and deleted her blog (why Tali, why? At least let us have your old posts to read and re-read!), and I was watching Zara's video of her favourite blushes (from the blog Mouldy Fruit)(she is so gorgeous!), and she mentioned that this is one of the blushes that Tali wears, so being the nerdo that I am, I bought one for myself. I was just hoping that it would transform me into a lush beauty, and whilst it did not do that, it did turn my cheeks lovely. You have to have a light hand with it as it is very pigmented. Review coming up soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water</b> - This bottle I was gifted by the most wonderful friend of mine in prep of my trip to Serbia last year. Although I think these bottles of water are ridiculously overpriced, they are a wonder on a long-haul flight. I've also often been reaching for it now that the weather has warmed up and it's just such a lovely, refreshing thing to mist over your face in the morning when you're trying to get your game face on for the day. It's sadly almost run out and I'm debating with myself whether I should splurge on the big bottle. #firstworldproblems</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Perfume</b> - I absolutely adore green tea in all its many forms: as the tea that you would just drink, the frappucino and latte from Starbucks, green tea in its ice cream form, green tea milk, green tea cookies, green tea cake, and obviously, green tea perfume. This is such a perfect spring/summer perfume as it's so fresh and light, it puts me in such a happy place when I spritz it on. It's also on the cheaper side of perfumes which makes me happy, and as you can see, I will need to repurchase it very soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in No. 21</b> - I've actually been in love with this BB cream for a while, but I kept forgetting to put it into a favourites list, goodness knows why. Again, it was a birthday present from one of my friends (gosh, my friends do certainly know what I like, don't they!). It's just pure magic, I just haphazardly slap it on my face over my moisturiser, and although at first it looks far too pale to be the right colour for my face, (this is where the magic kicks in) it changes colour over the course of 5-10 minutes and becomes like a second skin. It covers up the discolouration on my face and leaves it looking beautifully glow-y. I also love it because it stays put, and it's got SPF42 plus PA+++ which means it has you covered on both the UVA and UVB rays. Score!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZi9xle9jP8lL994c6nXRIkrA5WA9WvKP8gbJBmXA6PlLPdsIzDYHBlpjGna1hxOV00TMrzFS1IvLvmvgxWLoimoyLoHnTDAXurrKAAUSp4KS16ygd828afzO98HOnA-BmrzeUFwqpSPf/s1600/Faves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZi9xle9jP8lL994c6nXRIkrA5WA9WvKP8gbJBmXA6PlLPdsIzDYHBlpjGna1hxOV00TMrzFS1IvLvmvgxWLoimoyLoHnTDAXurrKAAUSp4KS16ygd828afzO98HOnA-BmrzeUFwqpSPf/s640/Faves.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Isn't my blush a beaut?</span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>So, my lovely-lovely lovelies, tell me what was your favourite of May? How do you feel about my favourites (please tell me they're all wonderful)?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-45793985038925963842013-05-30T04:30:00.001-07:002013-05-30T04:32:18.114-07:00Smelly Pits: Crystal Deodorant Roll-On Unscented Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, being a white person in Japan can get a bit tough sometimes. The things you struggle with the most are always things you wouldn't really think would matter, but actually make a huge difference. So, what is really getting me down, you might be wondering <strike>not at all</strike>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a sweaty, hairy, smelly beast, and I rely on a good roll-on deodorant to help me through my sweaty, smelly days. However, the majority of Japanese women don't tend to get very sweaty or smelly (here's a neat <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=people-without-underarm-protection" target="_blank">fact</a>, Japanese are more likely to possess a gene which means they have dry earwax; this gene is also linked to underarm smells, so if you have dry earwax, you don't get smelly!), so their deodorants all fall under the body spray category. I think I have only come across a couple brands which have roll-ons and they don't seem like the type that would be any help to my sweaty pits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With my pits gobbling down my Rexona roll-on faster than I can eat a taiyaki, I decided to grab myself a more natural and environmentally friendly roll-on from <a href="http://www.iherb.com/" target="_blank">this</a> site after reading a million good reviews for it on there.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xm6PRry4Pb-z1GdSheY0xaSaXxrHhW-V3GO0EkcDyWtlH1OjLMzfsY8i0V-VjDwgsWHxx27xw9674AxQgDvRMqhtFo33MRTqp7x2pNdv2w4wAwrcC0grCPBReoxwm85i0pdbaDRdRzq0/s1600/Roll+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xm6PRry4Pb-z1GdSheY0xaSaXxrHhW-V3GO0EkcDyWtlH1OjLMzfsY8i0V-VjDwgsWHxx27xw9674AxQgDvRMqhtFo33MRTqp7x2pNdv2w4wAwrcC0grCPBReoxwm85i0pdbaDRdRzq0/s640/Roll+On.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Look at it trying to convince you that it's awesome! Flex those biceps, man!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I decided to go for the unscented version, and I have absolutely no clue why as I prefer my pits to smell like anything other than their stinky selves. I was drawn in by the fact that it was aluminum and paraben free. Aluminum is the reason why you get those yellow stains on the armpits of your favourite white tops, and the reason all your other tops get that stiffness. The sweat mixes with it, chemistry happens, and boom!, you're left with those horrid stains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had really high hopes for this deodorant, and I was feeling pretty good about it. But...it just didn't do it for me. At all. It's safe to say that I'm almost better off not wearing this at all, because it really makes no difference to whether I get smelly or not. I get sweaty easily, like, I look at a picture of someone taking a walk and I get sweaty; it's that type of sweaty. It's because I have a very efficient cooling system, mmkay? So I wasn't expecting it to help with that issue, because that's not what it was for, BUT I was expecting it to stop the smellies, and it failed miserably.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBw67qhBsn45ut_UXR4K1u1z6SfoVZne5GQ654JoubPRDtgIIa-GqQ5BdsBuIXA5GzwVuOO0bpdCR0Y3IiXXvmC3tz4hAtOS7Xoghf0CG388W0pqm-MalLuYCBCnca3aO1pnd7lwBhGcb/s1600/RO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBw67qhBsn45ut_UXR4K1u1z6SfoVZne5GQ654JoubPRDtgIIa-GqQ5BdsBuIXA5GzwVuOO0bpdCR0Y3IiXXvmC3tz4hAtOS7Xoghf0CG388W0pqm-MalLuYCBCnca3aO1pnd7lwBhGcb/s640/RO2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I had such high hopes for you!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, sweaty and smelly beasts, beware! This is not the deodorant for you! My quest for a natural deodorant continues and I cling on to my new bottle of Rexona with the desperation of a stranded islander down to his last bottle of water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you still feel compelled to give this deodorant a go, because I am a pretty lost cause, you can get it for cheap <a href="http://www.iherb.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and even cheaper with my voucher code </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FSK978. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Any recommendations on a good roll-on? Do you get the yellow pits of doom on your white tops too?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-19778874850692412492013-05-17T20:03:00.001-07:002013-05-17T20:03:13.750-07:00Fitness Friday: Starting Jamie Eason's Livefit 12-Week Trainer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUcoAYGfOFJ3U4qcfWbTyj5Ih1Eg_Y2obtiX-9VCa7MewZohg6-EovrBJF6g6ndsvJBita3HUwii1Gg1YNdDtzB1UF2w56vpv1aeFeGgP9x6fuxRsL-_NCz5dcS-vQF4UfzBXJC5GJpF9/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUcoAYGfOFJ3U4qcfWbTyj5Ih1Eg_Y2obtiX-9VCa7MewZohg6-EovrBJF6g6ndsvJBita3HUwii1Gg1YNdDtzB1UF2w56vpv1aeFeGgP9x6fuxRsL-_NCz5dcS-vQF4UfzBXJC5GJpF9/s640/Untitled-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Linked from <a href="http://whoishanna.blogspot.jp/2012/08/fitspo_21.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realise my FF posts have not been happening for a while now, but I've just been struggling with my own fitness journey to be able to share anything worthwhile. If I had posted anything, it would've been just super negative stuff about how lazy I'd gotten and how much I was just hating everything under the sun because everything was just so hard for me *the smallest violin in the world plays*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, a few weeks ago, after much debating, I finally decided to a join a gym, even if it is a 45 minute bike ride for me in just one direction. I have to say, I am pretty darn excited to be back in a gym. I'd been gymless for a year! This is a huge deal for me as I have been teaching group fitness classes for a year, and the gym is my home away from home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to joining a gym, I have also decided to start the <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html" target="_blank">Jamie Eason Livefit 12-Week Trainer</a>. I have been reading and following a lot of blogs that are written by girls who eat clean and workout predominantly using just weights, and it's really inspired me to do something I couldn't do before/was too intimidated by. I am hoping to stick to the training and the meal plans provided as much as possible, because I am keen to see what I can achieve when I put my mind to it. Honestly, I am not super happy with my body, and I am painfully aware of the pressure media and society puts on women especially, to conform to some kind of "beauty standard", but I'm slowly trying to change my way of thinking. At the same time, I am doing something that I am actually passionate about. I love working out and eating healthy, and I want to look and feel strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday was my Day One of Week One for me! Wish me luck! I have taken a "before" picture, which I am far too terrified to put up now, but if I have stuck to my goals, I will have an "after" picture taken as well so you girls can see the results. I will try and put up pictures of what I've eaten throughout the week if that interests you, so let me know!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does being healthy mean to you?</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you happy with your appearance, and if not, why?</span></b></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-18714719279815075482013-05-14T01:03:00.001-07:002013-05-14T01:57:14.076-07:00Essie Borrowed & Blue Review + Swatch (I'm In Love!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guys, I am so excited about this nail polish, I actually can't believe how much I love it. It was love at first sight when I saw it on the absolutely gorgeous Annabelle from <a href="http://vivaluxury.blogspot.jp/2013/01/favorite-nail-polish-colors.html" target="_blank">Vivaluxury</a>, and I knew it had to be in my life ASAP.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I finally got my sticky little hands on it, I knew this would be the start of a full blown affair with this polish.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiv4z5gqnJnUtiH-J2wCMruoKXiGjt44ZNqIPfGJvzBp2J852ePciIyBS6orCMmCjf0ScszDivuKDSlDcEoF9COPHs9wo6KbSuR-Xa2pkv6fjHyHVP0ZX5Bc2feNMlj9jXJj8fKKFkkeJ/s1600/Essie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiv4z5gqnJnUtiH-J2wCMruoKXiGjt44ZNqIPfGJvzBp2J852ePciIyBS6orCMmCjf0ScszDivuKDSlDcEoF9COPHs9wo6KbSuR-Xa2pkv6fjHyHVP0ZX5Bc2feNMlj9jXJj8fKKFkkeJ/s640/Essie1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How appropriate that my first ever Essie nail polish is one that I absolutely adore but is a limited edition? It's from the 2011 Wedding Collection and it's just the most gorgeous pale blue colour I've ever come across in a bottle. It reminds me of that really pale blue colour that you see when you're looking at the sky on a clear day, and it's peaking off into almost white. That's the sort of colour this nail polish is; basically a sunny day's sky in a bottle. It tends to look bluer inside and outside it washes out to an almost white, as you can see from Annabelle's photo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHagrc4_t-TOPasaMJD52yFIB8MJ7Tj7G7REipn17RyX5a9r-WC65KwKo1NN24fy2Fe8xwwEL6AeO27UYbwZoAP10DunGjz1NocGEoPbq3zkw8bR-XLg33VdKpNYMRf61zEQX7YXtMvrEP/s1600/Essie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHagrc4_t-TOPasaMJD52yFIB8MJ7Tj7G7REipn17RyX5a9r-WC65KwKo1NN24fy2Fe8xwwEL6AeO27UYbwZoAP10DunGjz1NocGEoPbq3zkw8bR-XLg33VdKpNYMRf61zEQX7YXtMvrEP/s640/Essie2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, this nail polish can do no wrong by me in regards to colour, but formula-wise...it makes for one very frustrated blogger. I imagine because it's an older polish that's the reason why it's thick and gloopy, and it's just a nightmare to apply. I've read a few reviews by other people who've complained how crapola Essie's formulas are; they tend to chip immediately and not last very long. Unfortunately I've found this is very true with this polish, even with a top coat, it lasts a day max without very obvious chipping. Day two, goodbye nice looking nails.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOYL0z6iPD884VVISK3j8BZ0NyFyk05UXc6_a4IaZx5XAUJSzYnNmxGkGsl1nfqJhDstzqHTJRlPrxe0NkoDdH5sYFCR6fQ3tKwl8dEmOsHMpopr03yLwETfqLhjgs1zpER30FNyyzK_L/s1600/Essie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOYL0z6iPD884VVISK3j8BZ0NyFyk05UXc6_a4IaZx5XAUJSzYnNmxGkGsl1nfqJhDstzqHTJRlPrxe0NkoDdH5sYFCR6fQ3tKwl8dEmOsHMpopr03yLwETfqLhjgs1zpER30FNyyzK_L/s640/Essie3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We're going sky high, baby, you and I.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I didn't get the chance to take a photo of my nails as soon as I'd painted them, so here they are in their couple of days old glory! Keeping it real for y'all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...I seriously love this nail polish way too much. I've been reapplying it, that's how much I love it! And I can never be bothered to reapply the same colour so soon after I've taken it off! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought mine <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Essie-Polish-Borrowed-Blue-746-1-2-oz-15-mL-/121110288507?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c32bc587b" target="_blank">here</a> but if you're living in the States, I bet there's a seller on eBay who's selling it for less. International beauties, this is the cheapest I've found it on the internets.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What do you think of this colour? Are you dying to have it in your life right now? What polish have you not been able to take off?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-89264332981707369422013-05-08T06:32:00.000-07:002013-05-11T18:31:00.663-07:00It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Buenas tardes beauties!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope that everyone in the northern hemisphere is getting more sunshine and warmth than we are here on Western coast of Japan, because it's just been absolutely frickin' cold and I can't imagine what summer feels like any more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anyway! I thought I would finally share my opinion on a cult product that has a huge fan base. You've probably seen this purple bottle popping up in numerous beauty gurus loved products reviews and videos. I am, of course, talking about the It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In hair product.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxrF70gHjcn4Lt5ANZKT7cse6_TMV8We4YQ5NLOgPe-dYQFf1ah9aKow_zuNNtC63YFd5moRuQ7L_9uwOceGiDDAc-CLTbZpElcn1CaY_e3drCwOh04_K5Wo2scquWi-U_Xn0Cwxye3_0/s1600/Hair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxrF70gHjcn4Lt5ANZKT7cse6_TMV8We4YQ5NLOgPe-dYQFf1ah9aKow_zuNNtC63YFd5moRuQ7L_9uwOceGiDDAc-CLTbZpElcn1CaY_e3drCwOh04_K5Wo2scquWi-U_Xn0Cwxye3_0/s640/Hair2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It claims to do "10 things instantly", and although I don't feel I could tick it off on everything, I definitely have noticed a difference since starting to use it. For reference, I have naturally curly hair that is very fine and dyed blonde. Not a fun combination, let me tell you! Life is a struggle with fine, curly hair, it gets damaged and tangled really easily and it's hard to look presentable. *takes a deep breath* Don't let me get started!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjBFgu6JFXuu6ZzT424cW9cEEQh-zUMvjRshgKSr8B5UZCBYAPQTjOtQDKi77iaSkWq-0VQVe9NOX8ukv2zuKA12LkqB1TB6nZCwkq7MkOKqvfLYXJTeh_6dSAn10hEuLjP2RDj0Zq0J5/s1600/Hair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjBFgu6JFXuu6ZzT424cW9cEEQh-zUMvjRshgKSr8B5UZCBYAPQTjOtQDKi77iaSkWq-0VQVe9NOX8ukv2zuKA12LkqB1TB6nZCwkq7MkOKqvfLYXJTeh_6dSAn10hEuLjP2RDj0Zq0J5/s640/Hair1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since starting to use it last year October-ish, I feel like it's really helped with detangling, and although it hasn't prevented split ends and breakage, I feel like it has possibly had a hand in reducing both problems a little bit. It adds a bit of shine, I'll also give it that. I haven't used it as a thermal protector as I've been avoiding all hot styling tools since last summer. I definitely have noticed my hair calming down a bit, and dare I say it, becoming a little bit softer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The consistency of the product is surprisingly thick; it's a spray style nozzle, but I don't spray it directly into my hair. I first spray it into the palm of my hand, rub my palms together, and then evenly distribute it in my hair from the tops of my ears down to the tips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am always desperately seeking something that will leave my curly hair soft, full of body, and manageable -- might be a fools quest! I feel like It's a 10 MLIP is something that would only give benefits short term; I'm always dubious when I come across ingredients on products that I have difficulty pronouncing/have no idea what it means. I should really look into oils, shouldn't I?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are your recommended hair products? What would you say has made a significant difference to the health of your hair?</b> </span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-65500807355129708122013-04-29T04:27:00.001-07:002013-04-29T04:30:49.328-07:00Loved and Used Up - Empties #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been squirreling away my empties for a few months now, and finally I have a decent amount which is post worthy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqBERVsp6HFsu0FzRdm3YPj3wf3EnX_5UnByPa2DFfxVSuK-YIE83AuIFGjAchLR1-7P7hEFd4gpt97TYFDhe7e4Oj3lsdtTeRjsCTE63Pszvf2Gy0gj68cGkBXciLH9w_a6TR1F9HPzX/s1600/DSC08087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqBERVsp6HFsu0FzRdm3YPj3wf3EnX_5UnByPa2DFfxVSuK-YIE83AuIFGjAchLR1-7P7hEFd4gpt97TYFDhe7e4Oj3lsdtTeRjsCTE63Pszvf2Gy0gj68cGkBXciLH9w_a6TR1F9HPzX/s640/DSC08087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's work it from left to right, top to bottom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <b>スペインの匂い (Spain Bath Salts)</b> - I had originally planned to do a review of this but as it was less than ordinary, I have shunned it to the one conglomerate product post.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The smell is generic, promising to smell of "Spain", obviously roses are the theme. I found it overpowering and not that pleasant. I didn't have very high expectations as it was <span class="st">¥100.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">2. <b>ハーバリズム Herbalism from LUSH</b> - This is the 3rd pot of Herbalism that I have gone through and although I used to enjoy it, I didn't find it did anything note worthy to my skin. The reason I kept re-purchasing it was I couldn't make up my mind what else to buy, I was desperately in need of a cleanser, so I'd just end up re-purchasing what I knew wasn't bad. The scent is okay, very fresh smelling, it's difficult to describe! I found that the version they make in Japan is a lot smoother than the one in New Zealand. It's supposed to be a gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin, and I agree with that claim. It never left my skin feeling stripped or tight, and I loved the fact that it was vegan, cruelty-free and other crapola-free. Unfortunately, the search for a superduperspecialsparkly cleanser goes on!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">3. <b>Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Blonde Brilliance Intense Treatment</b> - And a century later the product name is finally typed out...So, this hair treatment I liked! He was nice, was there for me when I was in a state of distress, but unfortunately this is where we part. There was just something missing, the chemistry just wasn't there. I will look back at our times together with fondness. Girls, if you've got blondie locks, which also happen to be curly and fine, this may be the treatment to tide you over while you're looking for <b>~*</b>the one<b>*~</b>. Think a review is in order.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">4. <b>Gucci Rush EDT</b> - This is definitely a perfume that seems to be in the category of, you either love it to bits and want to bathe in it, or you hate it and stay away from it like it's petrol. I am most, most, most, most definitely in the former group. I just absolutely adore this smell, I think it's just so sexy and feminine and a total head turner. I love the stark red video cassette shaped box the perfume is housed in and I love wearing it to make myself feel "grown up" and "sexy". It's sweet, but in a sophisticated way, and the floral notes meld so well with the vanilla and patchouli, it's just divine (ooh, look at me just throwing out notes there). Needless to say, I repurchased as soon as I ran out, definitely would never be without it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">5. <b>Vitacost Ultra Hair Formula</b> - Forever seeking the perfect hair, you know what I'm talking about, long voluminous locks that cascade down your back like you're a mermaid, and when people touch it, it makes them want to recite poetry (what, this isn't what everyone aspires to?), I am constantly trying different things. I have always been very wary and suspicious of supplements, wishing that they'd work, but not really believing they'd do anything. In a desperate bid during the cooler months to help nourish my poor dying locks, I invested in these Ultra Hair Formula supplements. Probably should've continued taking them as they recommend taking any supplements for at least 3 months for results to be apparent, but the site Vitacost, jacked up international shipping prices so I found bigger and greener pastures in the form of another site. Conclusion: would not repurchase, did not really work for me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">6. <b>Korres Japanese Rose Shower Gel</b> - I desperately wish this was available in perfume form because it's absolutely divine. I loved, loved, loved using it during summer (did I mention I loved it?). It's a very sweet fruity rose smell and I look forward to using it during my happy shower times. I love Korres, and this smell is just amazing. Free of the nasties you don't want on your body or in your drain, and a beautiful product from Greece, can you say win?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">7. <b>Burt's Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil</b> - Bought during winter time to soothe my chapped and dying lips, I am so proud of myself because I have actually used this all up without losing it first! Featured in my <a href="http://blindlybeautiful.blogspot.jp/2013/03/february-favourites.html" target="_blank">Feb faves</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">8. </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybelline Baby Lips Soothing Cherry Lip Balm </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Another lip balm that's been used and abused<span style="font-size: small;"> without being lost, woohoo! You go Glen Coco. It<span style="font-size: small;">'s a <span style="font-size: small;">lovely fruity smell and taste, and whilst it <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">doesn't</span> <span style="font-size: small;">give you baby soft lips, it does help relieve the chapped pain <span style="font-size: small;">for a little bit.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Phew<span style="font-size: small;">! So that's it, ladies and gent<span style="font-size: small;">lem<span style="font-size: small;">en, my first empties over and done with. <span style="font-size: small;">What did you think? What's<span style="font-size: small;"> something you've used <span style="font-size: small;">up recently that you're dying to r<span style="font-size: small;">ep<span style="font-size: small;">urchase<span style="font-size: small;">? Share and care below!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-8120150855921751152013-04-17T03:18:00.002-07:002013-04-17T03:18:34.828-07:00Canmake Colorful Nails #10 Lavender Milk Swatch + Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've never really been the girl that was into nail polishes. Sometimes a certain colour took my fancy, but very rarely did I buy them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, living in Japan, it's all about the long eyelashes, big eyes and pretty nails, so there are many different brands of nail polish available to the average Japanese girl. After lusting after many a pastel coloured nail polish featured on various beauty blogs, RosyChicc's <a href="http://www.rosychicc.com/2013/04/essie-lilacism-nail-polish-review-and.html" target="_blank">post</a> on Essie's Lilacism polish really was the last straw for me.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was going to have a beautiful purple pastel coloured nail polish in my life, if it was the last thing I bought!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to Daiwa, a big department store, as I recalled them having some Essie nail polishes, but unfortunately the selection was teeny and Lilacism wasn't there. Before I caught the train back home, I went to browse in a beauty shop in the big mall next to the station when, lo and behold!, a beautiful pastel purple polish twinkled out amongst the other non-pastel polishes! At under 400 yen, it was an easy and quick purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am really not with it when it comes to popular beauty brands in Japan, but I've seen the Canmake Colorful Nails a few times, so I imagine it's a well-known brand. They had an array of other colours, and I may have to go back for the pastel green and yellow that I also spotted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The colour is called 'Lavender Milk' and I believe it to be quite an apt name for the shade; a very light and creamy lavender colour. Not so sure about the description of it:"A gentle, sweet lavender like the Little Mermaid." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh Japan. It sure is like the Little Mermaid...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am sorry about the light, in the late afternoon light, it looks a lot darker than it actually is. During the day time it is a very light colour. The application wasn't bad, I found that I didn't get enough polish often, and because it dried so quickly, I'd get angry at the obvious horrible layering I'd done. It was still very streaky with 2 coats, so 3 coats it was. Even with 3 coats, I still felt a bit underwhelmed with the formula, but I love the colour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I've got myself my first spring nail polish, how about some of that spring temperature, ay, Japan?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your spring nail colour this year? Any recommendations? Should I be worried that my nail polish addiction will get worse?</span></b></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-52479318050487895952013-04-11T23:40:00.001-07:002013-04-11T23:40:22.017-07:00Love for the Gemstones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've never felt a particular fondness for quartz and other gem stones you see used in jewellery; mainly because I think I associated it with older women, and it just didn't appeal to my "hip" side. However, since working in a jewellery store for 3 years, I learnt a fair bit, and I developed a wee love for some stones in particular.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Alexandrite</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhLulMFYDQhh0KpPo3HjAXhCvGzWYsDrBiMwlOZHOfhYiJSxR1zeWRywZ7MNe9yEdfyEipzQgJB4yE4nCngXvqbWoxinRL5PihSl6bhnTFSiVvRWpQZgNMSavkU3YPgU0nQmrDjLVfG4EU2SCKVoPWN8DfT89RfmIX8u80IZvXlFL2HHtDPcSXs1oCH=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhLulMFYDQhh0KpPo3HjAXhCvGzWYsDrBiMwlOZHOfhYiJSxR1zeWRywZ7MNe9yEdfyEipzQgJB4yE4nCngXvqbWoxinRL5PihSl6bhnTFSiVvRWpQZgNMSavkU3YPgU0nQmrDjLVfG4EU2SCKVoPWN8DfT89RfmIX8u80IZvXlFL2HHtDPcSXs1oCH=" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was cleaning a very lovely girl's ring, and when I exclaimed how beautiful it was, and how it was incredible because I could have sworn it'd changed colours, she told me the story behind it. It's a fairly "recent" discovered stone, found in 19th century Russia, and was named '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysoberyl#Alexandrite" target="_blank">Alexandrite</a>' in honour of Tsar Alexander II. This stone is believed to bring good fortune and love, and I can understand why, it's just absolutely stunning. They are expensive, but I am definitely going to invest in one in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Sapphire</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjsPxbq0SykTLYdwjQNqLs7hoTiO9VFXvKTvl4IJ9knSicEuc4UZkhbt_5hoCzXm38ZN6Wsi3tkgmcQViXyqIeREeAgCBjl-zykueP4oCuicB6DRR9TaRt8s8F_CilTZEC3g2rZK9YLj5XorW4M8vqOI_dYagMBOyPoXXkidQWH-p_D5H5drpV7xFyjNfgIQBtCtyT7RhlgfbzDp4S8HJgXJ3w=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjsPxbq0SykTLYdwjQNqLs7hoTiO9VFXvKTvl4IJ9knSicEuc4UZkhbt_5hoCzXm38ZN6Wsi3tkgmcQViXyqIeREeAgCBjl-zykueP4oCuicB6DRR9TaRt8s8F_CilTZEC3g2rZK9YLj5XorW4M8vqOI_dYagMBOyPoXXkidQWH-p_D5H5drpV7xFyjNfgIQBtCtyT7RhlgfbzDp4S8HJgXJ3w=" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bet you thought sapphires only came in that vivid blue colour, amirite? Well, I'm going to break that common stereotype right here and now, sapphires come in an array of colours! The only colour the sapphire doesn't come in is red - that is a ruby. My other half gave me a stunning ring with a dark blue sapphire which I absolutely love. It's been passed down within the women in his family, so it's even more special to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Mystic Topaz</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can you tell I love multi-coloured things? As much as I want the usual blue topaz, I also want to own the mystic topaz. The name is awesome, let's not deny it!, and I've rarely seen other women wearing it. The stone is coated with a thin layer of titanium to the underside through a process which changes the way the stone absorbs and reflects light. Because it's man-made (the colours), it's considered semi-precious.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Amethyst</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g4NjcKb-sFMWHreDIwYekxg34_j3xITc1CiSIZO_kqKJTTCuespYrmYLlWBh3IPYFv5MuoHicJ5o1Y9UErQ7b6KXS8b_of3KD7BmuxZMtfW-FtEU0vi4RvTTaXdFgQRpRdvqxh_DA1fU/s1600/amethyst1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g4NjcKb-sFMWHreDIwYekxg34_j3xITc1CiSIZO_kqKJTTCuespYrmYLlWBh3IPYFv5MuoHicJ5o1Y9UErQ7b6KXS8b_of3KD7BmuxZMtfW-FtEU0vi4RvTTaXdFgQRpRdvqxh_DA1fU/s640/amethyst1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's name is derived from Ancient Greek which means "not intoxicated", because the ancient Greeks believed this stone protected its owner from drunkenness! In terms of spiritual and healing properties, it's believed that the stone brings peace, aids restful sleep and eases stress. My grandmother wore a necklace made out of little bits of amethyst, and I always think of amethyst in fondness because of this. I love it in its natural state best, I love running my hands over the cool, jagged lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Emma from Beauty and Rags is currently running a giveaway for an absolutely exquisite gold dipped amethyst necklace, and I would absolutely, absolutely love to win it! *fingers crossed* Hop on over and check it out <a href="http://beautyandrags.blogspot.jp/2013/04/giveaway-win-delilah-dusts-gold-dipped.html?showComment=1365746447489#c2197988854662794044" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'd love to hear what your favourite gem stones are! Leave a comment down below with your favourite stone and why you love it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Konnichiwa beauties!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although I'm constantly lurking in the blogsphere, the weather has prevented me from being able to take pretty much any photos of things I've bought recently (and not so recently!) and review them. Boo. How did I pick one of the most precipitate places in Japan to live? So I was tagged by the lovely, amazing Monica from <a href="http://thetotalopposite.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">The Total Opposite</a> to do this tag, and heck, I'm gonna do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><u>Copy and paste THE RULES:</u></b></span><br />
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1) You must state this tag was created by Megan at <a href="http://thebeautypier.blogspot.com/">TheBeautyPier.</a></span></div>
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2) You must tag at least one person to do this. However, the more the merrier!</span></div>
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3) Let the person know you tagged them with a comment on their blog.</span></div>
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4)Title this post 'Influences of the Internet TAG!'</span></div>
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5) Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>1. Did other blogs convince you to start up your own?</b></span><br />
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Yes, for sure! I would never have thought of starting up a beauty blog prior to reading them. Unfortunately, a couple of the people I first started following have stopped blogging, like, Tali from The Gloss Goss, but luckily, Laure from the <a href="http://liparazziblog.com/" target="_blank">Liparazzi</a> blog is still here and has really developed since I first started reading her posts!</span></div>
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Yes...I was never really someone that was into Twitter, but I liked the fact that I could keep more on top of what my favourite beauty gurus were up to! (Stalker, much?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>3. Is there a tip/regime you've gotten from the internet that you now use?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Too many to name, actually! They're all beauty related - I was a complete beauty noob prior to entering the world of beauty blogs. But a recent regime I have taken up is using oils on my face - I love supporting New Zealand brands so the <a href="http://www.antipodesnature.com/shop-skincare,shop,8,1,11.html" target="_blank">Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum</a> (phew, what a mouthful!) is the one I'm currently using.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>4. If your favorite YouTube/Blogger personality likes a product, will that make you buy it?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ohhhh yes, I think 99% of my purchases are beauty gurus recommendations/loves. But I always make sure I read a trillion reviews before purchasing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Content and personality. I like a blog that shows what kind of person behind the screen is. Whilst I do love an eye pleasing set out of a blog, I don't mind if it's not the best if the person is interesting.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>6. Have you ever been deceived by a product that you ordered online? (e.g you thought it would be pink but it was coral)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not really, that's why I look at the photos of swatches and FOTD's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Of course, the marketing team will try to talk up a product as much as possible. I don't actually pay any attention to new products, if someone is talking about it, I'll go check out reviews of said product.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">YES, I HAVE ONE. (I was thinking about this for so long). The Possets oil perfume <a href="http://blindlybeautiful.blogspot.jp/search/label/Possets" target="_blank">Ribbands</a> is actually the most amazing scent, it's LE so you can only get it during Christmas, and my word, if it's not the most delicious thing you've ever smelt, then I'm a fool. It smells of chocolate and juicy raspberries, like, for real face. This absolutely deserves cult status, in my opinion.</span></div>
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Same as Monica, Maybelline The Falsies Mascara! I bought it because my sister said all her friends love it, but I tried it on, immediately took it off and swapped her it for her Covergirl LashBlast Fusion mascara. My HG mascara! (Review <a href="http://blindlybeautiful.blogspot.jp/search/label/Covergirl" target="_blank">here</a>). </span></div>
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Yes, so many of them! The two UK Laura's dress exactly how I'd like to! Laura from <a href="http://www.buynowbloglater.com/" target="_blank">buy now, blog later</a> just has impeccable, classy taste and I drool over every fashion post of hers, and Laura from <a href="http://liparazziblog.com/" target="_blank">Liparazzi</a> has this edgy, chic but still professional look that I also adore. Corrie from <a href="http://www.dizzybrunette3.com/" target="_blank">Dizzybrunette3</a> is so pretty, and I love her for her love of shorts! The drop-dead gorgeous Eastern European beauties: Zorana from <a href="http://www.zorannah.com/" target="_blank">Zorannah's Fashion Corner</a> definitely has a look I would love to have, very edgy and rock, and Tamara from <a href="http://www.theglamandglitter.com/" target="_blank">The </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1368469511718563624" target="_blank">Glam and Glitter</a> is just stunning and chic. And how can I leave out Shannon from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/shaaanxo" target="_blank">shaaanxo</a>, she is gorgeous, funny and wears a lot of things I'd love to own (and she's from New Zealand, yay!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Recently, there have been a few fitness blogs that have really changed my attitude towards healthy eating and how to get the kind of physique I've always wanted. I follow them on Instagram, so if you follow me on there, you'll be able to see who I'm following. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>12. How much time do you spend on the internet daily?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm not going to tell you because you'll actually just choke on your spit reading it the answer, and then you'll try to take my death grip off my laptop. Let's just say LDR suck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>So, that's it! I tag each and every single one of you who wants to do this. I'd love it if you linked me to your post, just leave a comment down below!</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-26527122214898611012013-04-11T01:55:00.003-07:002013-04-11T01:55:53.513-07:00Rausch Moisturizing Body Butter for Very Dry Skin Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lovely ladies of Europe,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have discovered a must-have product for you. Last year when I was visiting my aunt in Switzerland, I came across this beaut of a product. My aunt is into natural hair and skin care products, and she's a devotee of <a href="https://www.rausch.ch/products" target="_blank">Rausch</a>, a Swiss company which use natural, raw plants and herbs in their products to provide people with the best care for their scalp, hair and skin. They have a large range of various hair care products, but the product I have been in love with is their <a href="https://www.rausch.ch/products/herbal_body_care/very_dry_skin/body_butter" target="_blank">body butter</a> for very dry, flaky skin.</span> <br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdlBedYCenI1K-In-XAr5h03vXdDBWRbMkTReLePGcy3WJlalVVlUGImaXuLS-V-B0Cp8kIvNPjx_N7YkaKoSt7VIwtlvSO6i0iHyMLtB9GXU9ySQDqZvnQggKb9hOju7ftb7xL0ubDUe/s1600/Rausch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdlBedYCenI1K-In-XAr5h03vXdDBWRbMkTReLePGcy3WJlalVVlUGImaXuLS-V-B0Cp8kIvNPjx_N7YkaKoSt7VIwtlvSO6i0iHyMLtB9GXU9ySQDqZvnQggKb9hOju7ftb7xL0ubDUe/s640/Rausch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It smells absolutely heavenly! It contains extracts of barley, oat milk and Tahitian </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">monoï</span> oil</span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Barley extract is known to soothe and moisturize skin, promote replenishment of the skin’s
protective barrier and renewal of cell membranes. Oat milk is high in Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tahitian </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">monoï</span> oil acts as an </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">emollient for your skin (emollients are lubricating agents that have a soothing
and softening effect on your skin and prevent water loss). So it's jam packed with absolute goodies for skin that is in dire need of TLC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I burnt myself to a crisp during my holiday in Greece, and while I was suffering I was using this religiously, and it definitely helped to keep my skin soft and completely prevented peeling, which is amazing because I've always peeled after I've gotten sunburnt as bad as I did that time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopnTgu_cA0lSeeQrddogs4OfdcxgJOnXKLw0ZX_ufaSzZAUqiMMNXgUTLgB_4qAi8Y8NVldZzr_qnaLdHpZ37Vmri_f-_Htpk4tDo5Ua9YZAsmsUfrFSqCEC4NR09JA-U-UUSPqnZuSmd/s1600/Rausch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopnTgu_cA0lSeeQrddogs4OfdcxgJOnXKLw0ZX_ufaSzZAUqiMMNXgUTLgB_4qAi8Y8NVldZzr_qnaLdHpZ37Vmri_f-_Htpk4tDo5Ua9YZAsmsUfrFSqCEC4NR09JA-U-UUSPqnZuSmd/s640/Rausch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at <span style="font-size: xx-small;">how <span style="font-size: xx-small;">much I've been loving it, almost all gone!</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The consistency is very creamy, and although it has a scent, it's not one that I find overpowering. For something that is such a heavy duty body butter, it blends in so quickly to the skin, and there's absolutely no trace of "greasiness" which I adore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a wonder product and even though it is a tad pricey, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to all the beauty gurus out there in Europe who have easy access to it, it's amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Beauties, have you used any products by Rausch? What do you think of this body butter? </b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-7182789186589903342013-04-03T03:44:00.003-07:002013-04-03T03:44:51.871-07:00Peachy Goodness: The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Butter Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plum blossom has blossomed on trees in Japan</span>, <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and the cherry blossom are about to make their debut. Pretty exciting stuff, this spring weather. Unfortunately, whilst it has definitely become warmer, it's still not time for me to put away my winter leggings and jackets. So my legs have been suffering, and after getting a whiff of the peach body butter in The Body Shop, I knew it was coming home with me come next pay day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pay day came and went, and this bad boy ended up coming home with me after I joyously discovered that TBS were having a wee sale. Yes!, cried my wallet, and off I hopped off with this glorious body butter in my bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a big fan of fruity, gourmand smells, so of course, this is completely up my alley. Slathered across my desert dry legs, this provides wonderful moisture to them, and I was ever so surprised how quickly this sinks into the skin. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyUtB6TW2AAd0nxZRO91e2qqzfAMp-ye7fR5FmQj1SDoHYiqrNKao3Bx4kvEcuq7F_mDJtEnE27efn4TNW74TtGb1T8fYzryxAFc981Y9bF36v51WYUVAVLht9-NtvubOAuNhPvSprjWL/s1600/DSC08016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyUtB6TW2AAd0nxZRO91e2qqzfAMp-ye7fR5FmQj1SDoHYiqrNKao3Bx4kvEcuq7F_mDJtEnE27efn4TNW74TtGb1T8fYzryxAFc981Y9bF36v51WYUVAVLht9-NtvubOAuNhPvSprjWL/s640/DSC08016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is that a pumpkin in my fruit bowl? Why yes, yes it is.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many <span style="font-size: small;">of you who are reading this p<span style="font-size: small;">ost will already be familiar with TBS <span style="font-size: small;">body butters, <span style="font-size: small;">so I don<span style="font-size: small;">'t need to go into too much detail. <span style="font-size: small;">Th<span style="font-size: small;">is body butter i<span style="font-size: small;">s designed for dry skin and it claims to leave your body all h<span style="font-size: small;">ydrated for 24 hours<span style="font-size: small;">, and I would have to say t<span style="font-size: small;">hat I am happy with the state of my skin now that I've been using it. I would even go so far to back the 24 hour hydration claim.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFLdavXWHeq2iRZ5cG-5decnBWPgg4Gmr0WhKlAyeZVyY8aQ26lNNzDu0fpVTlh0e-j8ELKCFfQUYsmvywLRqBBGTd_Gh1sllf6aye3lIg8JeC_T4y4nR-8C-LH3DCOWZvIEPiDa44mWe/s1600/DSC08020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFLdavXWHeq2iRZ5cG-5decnBWPgg4Gmr0WhKlAyeZVyY8aQ26lNNzDu0fpVTlh0e-j8ELKCFfQUYsmvywLRqBBGTd_Gh1sllf6aye3lIg8JeC_T4y4nR-8C-LH3DCOWZvIEPiDa44mWe/s640/DSC08020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a pretty bi<span style="font-size: small;">g tub of this peachy go<span style="font-size: small;">odness<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">and the cream is super thick, so it would take you yonks to work your way through this whole tub. <span style="font-size: small;">A<span style="font-size: small;">nd did I mention how amazing this smells? B<span style="font-size: small;">ecause, oh my lawdie lawd, this smells ever <span style="font-size: small;">so divine. When I put it on in the morning,<span style="font-size: small;"> my clothes absorb the smell, so even after I take <span style="font-size: small;">them off, I can smell this wonderful body butter. YUM!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think I've gone peach crazy and this post by the amazing Cassi<span style="font-size: small;"> from <a href="http://thriftthick.blogspot.jp/2013/03/pretty-in-peach.html" target="_blank">Th</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thriftthick.blogspot.jp/2013/03/pretty-in-peach.html" target="_blank">rift Thick</a> is definitely not help<span style="font-size: small;">ing. (S<span style="font-size: small;">rsly guise, go check her out, <span style="font-size: small;">her posts are incredible, and her videos hilarious!).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Body Shop, you've done it again, another glorious product to add to <span style="font-size: small;">you<span style="font-size: small;">r ever expanding collection.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, what products <span style="font-size: small;">do you think are peach<span style="font-size: small;">y keen? What's got you sniffing your arm like a dog ever<span style="font-size: small;">y 2 seconds?</span></span></span> Do share!</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; 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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-10988184054953474422013-03-30T01:48:00.002-07:002013-03-30T01:48:33.176-07:00Fitness Friday: Protein Pancakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I've been a little AWOL, but I recently went away to visit a friend in the wonderful city of Nagano, and I've been enjoying my very brief spring break from work, so I've just been enjoying reading blog posts as opposed to writing them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've recently attempted to make my diet healthier and more specific for my nutritional needs. I have a massive sweet tooth, and I managed to make it by one week without so much as a piece of sweet goodness passing my lips, but unfortunately my trip to Nagano ruined my resolve, who can pass up the opportunity to try a cherry blossom flavoured ice cream? Not me, that's for sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I had this massive craving for some pancakes last night, and whilst the box of Japanese pancake mix and I had a stare down, I quickly put the search for hash tags to good use, and found a recipe I wanted to try my hand at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So kiddos, today I'm going to share with you this pantastic pancake protein recipe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will need:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 x medium sized banana, or half a big one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 x egg whites </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup of oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp of cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 scoop of protein powder of choice (I have vanilla flavoured at the moment)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 x teensy bit of coconut oil </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You mash the banana with a fork and add the egg whites and mix them around a bit. Add the oats, cinnamon and protein powder, and add a dash of water to make the consistency a little runnier. I think I added a tbsp or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Warm up your pan, add just enough coconut oil so your pancakes don't burn, and add the mixture to the pan once warm enough. I had enough mix for two pancakes, and I cooked them on a medium flame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fail at making my pancake look pretty, but I scoffed down the other one with a bit of peanut butter and blueberries on top and it was yum as! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE-wIE0drn58hZ4NCBFZzg3vdpVNYV01L2U2CsF7r5xU86bq1lCGn1E701B5ruB36McB84QSglW04axOugX5UxPOGJqxkGXibZ_MevilCaOG3bQrKJnRRSs99M4p71MLv57BnVeN9zd7K/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE-wIE0drn58hZ4NCBFZzg3vdpVNYV01L2U2CsF7r5xU86bq1lCGn1E701B5ruB36McB84QSglW04axOugX5UxPOGJqxkGXibZ_MevilCaOG3bQrKJnRRSs99M4p71MLv57BnVeN9zd7K/s640/photo(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you think, kiddos? Something that you might give a go?</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's a simple and healthy dessert you enjoy?</span></b></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-80584368533857105712013-03-12T20:39:00.000-07:002013-03-14T19:28:09.031-07:00Liebster Award!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOzpnPQSEo8_hd3RuzDlgQPECNC-iIvSD808TvnTIc-pg8E3Umq9ffx4flov5pAQBjKLMCtxvZxr8zdOQz0xKkCDqfjIAMwJhpE8Kil24a48o87QaPzG_c-TGiQE5VtTT6kDklfzBMH0p/s1600/Liebster+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOzpnPQSEo8_hd3RuzDlgQPECNC-iIvSD808TvnTIc-pg8E3Umq9ffx4flov5pAQBjKLMCtxvZxr8zdOQz0xKkCDqfjIAMwJhpE8Kil24a48o87QaPzG_c-TGiQE5VtTT6kDklfzBMH0p/s400/Liebster+Award.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I really wasn't expecting this so this really made my Tuesday morning! A big thank you to <a href="http://thetotalopposite.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Monica from The Total Opposite</a> blog who has nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award. Please check her out, she's a bilingual beauty, and I hope she'll help me brush up on my Spanish!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've been trying to source the original blog that started this, but unfortunately it seems like this might not be possible but <a href="http://sopphey.onimpression.com/2012/05/liebster-blog-award-origins.html" target="_blank">this</a> blogger has done the detective work. I'm going to change the rules around just a wee bit, because it's a bit like that game, Chinese whispers, and I'm a rule breaker ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1) Share <b>10</b> things about yourself.<br />
2) Answer the <b>10</b> questions that your tagger has given you.<br />
3) Choose <b>at least</b> <b>5 </b>fellow blogs to nominate. The nominees must have under 200
Google Friend Connect followers and be told in a comment on their blog.<br />
4) Think of <b>10</b> questions to ask the bloggers you have nominated.<br />
5) Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>10 Tidbits About Me</b></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has been my dream to visit Japan since I was 12 years old, so I'm living the dream as I am currently living and working there.<b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a deep love for a Japanese boy band called NEWS (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="st">ニュース)</span>. They are all things fluffy and adorable and they make my life.<b> </b>And <a href="http://www.downvids.net/-maanchan-news-chankapana-pv-k-r-t-longer-version-299057.html" target="_blank">this</a> song is super catchy (I suggest watching it from 3:00 unless you want to see their adorkableness).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am a group fitness instructor. Minus the leggings and neon tights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have lived in 3 different countries.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am multilingual.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I once almost ate a bug by accident. It was in my drink and I chomped down on it *cries*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I used to read a lot of vampire/werewolf/witch teen romance books as a teen. Twilight does not compare to them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I smell all my fruit before buying them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I never wear my new shoes in so I get painful blisters 99.9% of the time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't drink coffee because I know that if I started to drink it, I would never give it up.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>11 Questions From Monica</b><br />
<b><br />
1. Shorts or skirts?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shorts! As much as I'd like to say skirts...I always slip into shorts in warmer weather.<br />
<b>2. What's your favorite magazine?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't read them much, but if I did, it'd be The National Geographic.<br />
<b>3. Favorite piece of clothing you own?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jeez, this is a toughie. But I have to say <a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/35493350/2453956_VIVALUXURY_AQUA_DRESS_large.jpg" target="_blank">this</a> dress I am absolutely in love with and can't wait to wear again during summer!<b> </b><br />
<b>4. Wavy or straight hair?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wavy, definitely! I think it just always looks sexy.<b> </b><br />
<b>5. Do you like to read?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hah, do I ever? I'm a total bookwork.<b> </b><br />
<b>6. What's your ideal job?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Doing close to nothing whilst earning lots of money and helping others. Is this a real job?<b> </b><br />
<b>7. Do you have any pets? How many?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I wish :'( My current pets are a stuffed penguin and a dying plant on my windowsill.<b> </b><br />
<b>8. Favorite fruit?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Difficult! Bananas...and strawberries...and cherries.<b> </b><br />
<b>9. Do you play an instrument?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My best friend started to teach me how to play the guitar and the bass when we were in high school. I stopped because I didn't have a guitar of my own which I really regret.<br /><b>
10. Heels or flats?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As much as I adore heels, I wear flats all the time, so flats it is!<br /><b>
11. Favorite thing in your room?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My <a href="http://www.glasshousefragrances.com/destinations/montego-bay.html" target="_blank">Montego Bay</a> candle. It smells just absolutely divine, I cannot describe my love for Glasshouse Fragrance candles. (I also own Tahaa, the best vanilla scented candle in the world.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My Nominees</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Kendra from <a href="http://www.beautybykendrac.com/" target="_blank">Beauty By Kendra C</a></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. Emma</span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">from <a href="http://www.hundredlipthings.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">A Hundred Lip Things</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Rosina from <a href="http://rorolovesbeauty.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">All Things Beauty</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Stacey from <a href="http://expatmake-upaddict.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Expat Make-up Addict</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. Ezi from <a href="http://i.k.i.n.t.o.o./">I.K.I.N.T.O.O.</a></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My 10 Questions For the Nominees</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. What song are you currently bopping along to?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. What is your favourite fairy tale?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. What is your favourite online store/s?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. What is your pet peeve?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. What book has had an impact on your life?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6. If you were turned into a vampire, what would you do?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7. What is something that's really made you laugh recently? (Link us to the video/image/post, if you can!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8. How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9. What is your favourite Disney/childhood movie?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10. If you rubbed a lamp, a genie popped out and could grant you three wishes, what would those wishes be?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Spreading the love, y'all. Big thank you, again, to the lovely Monica for nominating me! If you think there are any other lovely blogs that deserve this, shout out so we know!</span></b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theyesgirls.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Sparklers-Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.theyesgirls.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Sparklers-Love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from www.theyesgirls.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b> </span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-9510381281376995712013-03-12T17:11:00.002-07:002013-03-12T17:11:28.060-07:00February Favourites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better late than never!, is what I always say. With that said, I'm jumping aboard the monthly favourites bandwagon all the beauty bloggers seem to be riding.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4GI7FoAPdkLFs_ZJg2VQ-F5dNjpMRG8tH_uXQ6fRJq2X2u2bxUuemTK_jYKWR1mh8uqM_KpJLgM0QnQaLG2P68TFG9B_D5GPKnM2vTItI3HXn-CV2jleVdt5EgT401rGqAihuKmaQwu9/s1600/Favourites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4GI7FoAPdkLFs_ZJg2VQ-F5dNjpMRG8tH_uXQ6fRJq2X2u2bxUuemTK_jYKWR1mh8uqM_KpJLgM0QnQaLG2P68TFG9B_D5GPKnM2vTItI3HXn-CV2jleVdt5EgT401rGqAihuKmaQwu9/s640/Favourites.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My selection is small, but there are the ones that have stood out most for me *cough*didn'thaveenoughroomforotherthings*cough*.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Pompadour Peppermint Tea:</b> A favourite tea of mine no matter what the time of year, but was even more of a treat during the cold winter. Warms me up, and keeps the discomforts of gluten-filled food eating slightly at bay. Unfortunately, tea is on the expensive side here so this cost me a horrifying </span><span class="st">¥<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">600!</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Burt's Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil:</span></b> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This lip balm has lived in my right jacket pocket for the last couple of months, and I don't go anywhere without. It smells delicious, tastes sweet, and has helped relieve my poor lips of their chapped pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Rausch Moisturizing Body Butter:</b> A gift from my aunty's friend who used to work for Rausch. This body butter smells amazing, clean and refreshing. The scent just reminds me of Greece now because I used it constantly on my poor sunburned body. It's perfect because it deeply nourishes, and absorbs into the skin straight away. Will definitely be doing a review on this.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bioderma</span> </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sensibio H20 Micellar Water:</b> Has been my saviour for those lazy winter nights when I can't be assed waddling over to my sub-zero temperature bathroom to take off my makeup. I can hear the tsk-tsk's from over here...But review is over <a href="http://www.blindlybeautiful.blogspot.jp/2013/02/bioderma-sensibio-h20-micellar-water.html" target="_blank">yonder</a>.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fake Pearl Stud Earrings in 8mm:</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To make myself look (and feel) more classy, I bought myself these stunners from <a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/01cnyw2010/" target="_blank">this eBay</a></span><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/01cnyw2010/" target="_blank"> </a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/01cnyw2010/" target="_blank">seller</a> for 2 buck. Sweet as.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flowerbomb by Viktor&Rolf EDP:</span></b> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favourite all-time perfumes. Bought this LE gorgeous perfume for myself 2 Christmas' ago, and it feels like I'm indulging in something very luxurious whenever I wear it. It's a scent I would describe as heavy, and is perfect for cooler weather. Very sweet, very beautiful, and I think a favourite of many other women.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product:</b> My hair and I are in constant war with each other, but I feel like my techniques of pacification have been helping me with a peace treaty. I have been using a few other new hair products, but I feel like this has been helping with the split ends and hair breaking off. Unfortunately, have naturally fine and curly hair that's been dyed blonde for the last couple of years, means that I have an array of hair problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have kept it short and sweet my lovelies, but what has been your favourite of the short month of February?</b> </span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-28443207787775128792013-03-11T04:12:00.001-07:002013-03-11T04:13:17.767-07:00Almost The One Ring to Rule Them All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a big fan of costume jewellery, as much as the real stuff. I worked in a jewellery store for most of my time in university, so I know a thing or two about the bling bling. I love something different, something I know not many people will have. At the same time, I'm not about to avoid something because I know it's "trendy" or a lot of people also own it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend I spent a fair bit of time in a shop I'd normally speed by on my way to the amazing 315 yen store. It's a costumer jewellery store, and it has a lot of rocking, trendy things in there that I wouldn't have noticed had I not actually gone in. From the outside, it looks like it sells the normal type of delicate chains and earrings commonly seen here in Japan, but once you go in for a closer look, there are many beautiful things to be discovered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been lusting after a plain bar two-finger ring for a couple of years now, and I have not been able to find "the one" even after hours of searching on etsy and eBay. However, this weekend, I think I've found something very close to "the one". </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ltbkNPbZexp4StENE2AU5yHnHIjMB-6R7618ngMrdqc71iZK6LIZHrt2YbpI6FaInjwtGWBYVpoxKzJHYzxRsN5sW-PC0bPwak23KFg2HWf7F6QBJ9IPjiRiIezPo78SPnO2CkoVfvRp/s1600/Ring+Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ltbkNPbZexp4StENE2AU5yHnHIjMB-6R7618ngMrdqc71iZK6LIZHrt2YbpI6FaInjwtGWBYVpoxKzJHYzxRsN5sW-PC0bPwak23KFg2HWf7F6QBJ9IPjiRiIezPo78SPnO2CkoVfvRp/s640/Ring+Photo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see from the misalignment of the bars in the ring, it's not a very high quality ring. Even though it was overpriced, I was happy to treat myself to something I'd been wanting for a while.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rLa-NjE5B1HWbYa5Xw-EHQx-UiSJ3yaILPDYD81gkFr-oUMjPb8fO3giqqBt723cRkhtuAxnWFmxl5NHA8NocTfaMhO9guBElQbWVb9VxFJXSxOqlFJLK-7LeKK2msspzoitOyojKB0M/s1600/Ring+Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rLa-NjE5B1HWbYa5Xw-EHQx-UiSJ3yaILPDYD81gkFr-oUMjPb8fO3giqqBt723cRkhtuAxnWFmxl5NHA8NocTfaMhO9guBElQbWVb9VxFJXSxOqlFJLK-7LeKK2msspzoitOyojKB0M/s640/Ring+Photo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see you can bend it to fit the size of your fingers - though surprisingly, it's the first ring in Japan that I've tried that doesn't bend to be as snug as I'd like it to be. I was definitely thinking, 'wow, this ring is definitely made for fat gaijin fingers!'. (P.S To those not familiar with Japanese words - 'gaijin' means foreigner, and it has a somewhat derogatory nuance to it depending on situation, and who's saying it, etc.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ScFeYcUDNmcsiTBmVZdh2eNEYeeF8oJwaAfT5b5wapqWt12r42OMWCcJCXsBxd3tjYpjZUsszPT1HRefcGIcVKISfi3oEpKnoqlPrmS2bzFYUO7Fcm4R5GN80EibRQeZWvQP_luq7LJ/s1600/My+Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ScFeYcUDNmcsiTBmVZdh2eNEYeeF8oJwaAfT5b5wapqWt12r42OMWCcJCXsBxd3tjYpjZUsszPT1HRefcGIcVKISfi3oEpKnoqlPrmS2bzFYUO7Fcm4R5GN80EibRQeZWvQP_luq7LJ/s640/My+Hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selfie of fat gaijin fingers as aforementioned. I think this ring will definitely spice up my otherwise boring work outfits!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What kind of jewellery person are you? Do you prefer rings, necklaces, earrings? Are you a silver, gold or rose gold fan?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-32746614711304149282013-02-21T22:35:00.001-08:002013-02-21T22:35:18.481-08:00Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">If I’m the
last blogger in the world to blog about it, so be it. But today I wish to join
in the chorus of other bloggers squealing in glee over Bioderma. In all
honesty, I’d been quite oblivious to micellar water, but having experienced it
once, I don’t think I would be able to continue without having it in my makeup
removing arsenal.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLjj6mGAnTN0142pBPfflA73sTGHZ4J9YKmGNz8pMrEuCJrrYytKnjqVaAWFNHLD-8KqZt4qPpmFBg4GbmcFOv4dBJV5_aR65kOjEbBu7URsW0YzsdtaEBfyhxFZTy6SC9DrdTKDgS8fH/s1600/Normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLjj6mGAnTN0142pBPfflA73sTGHZ4J9YKmGNz8pMrEuCJrrYytKnjqVaAWFNHLD-8KqZt4qPpmFBg4GbmcFOv4dBJV5_aR65kOjEbBu7URsW0YzsdtaEBfyhxFZTy6SC9DrdTKDgS8fH/s640/Normal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3CTh5K0sQLqHJvn9sMG9MX0-HMnZ8iQQ5_NHQh9CLJ-kTSGSIxc3BFQGwwaNZB_dasD-o0QjT-zPsxsSdV0mw_21OXxqadcUs12RKq1xTOjiBjoxzNPWU5XO0uTsS5ikwwtuxKqlixzZ/s1600/Normal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">The stuff
itself is of the consistency and smell of what its name implies – water. Except,
it does so much more than regular water; it really is a pleasure to see my
makeup coming off so nicely when I use this. A cotton pad and a cup of tea is
all you need to make this a pleasurable experience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">I know I’m
committing a foul beauty sin, but often there are nights where I can’t be
bothered returning to my freezing bathroom to wash the makeup off my face, and
this is where Bioderma has to step up to do the job *shields herself from storm of stones being thrown*. I’ve used it to take off
foundation, blusher, BB cream, waterproof mascara, eyeshadow, and it’s never
failed me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">If I
recommend this product to anyone, I would say it’s a great pre-cleanse cleanse.
Use Bioderma and then proceed with your usual face wash (if you can be bothered, I won't judge!).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3CTh5K0sQLqHJvn9sMG9MX0-HMnZ8iQQ5_NHQh9CLJ-kTSGSIxc3BFQGwwaNZB_dasD-o0QjT-zPsxsSdV0mw_21OXxqadcUs12RKq1xTOjiBjoxzNPWU5XO0uTsS5ikwwtuxKqlixzZ/s1600/Normal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3CTh5K0sQLqHJvn9sMG9MX0-HMnZ8iQQ5_NHQh9CLJ-kTSGSIxc3BFQGwwaNZB_dasD-o0QjT-zPsxsSdV0mw_21OXxqadcUs12RKq1xTOjiBjoxzNPWU5XO0uTsS5ikwwtuxKqlixzZ/s640/Normal+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><b>Have you had a go with Bioderma's Micellar Water? Or any other brands that sell micellar water? Do share!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-88840918816902357422013-02-07T20:55:00.002-08:002013-02-11T00:25:47.765-08:00Fitness Friday: BodyRock.tv<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I know I've missed out on my FF the last couple of weeks, but I've been struggling with motivation for working out, and my meals haven't been exciting enough to share with you. But I think I've definitely something that could help alleviate my problem with workout motivation, and I thought I'd share it with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/node_page_image/article_images/bodyrocktv-article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="369" src="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/node_page_image/article_images/bodyrocktv-article.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I discovered <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/" target="_blank">BodyRock</a> a few years ago when I was hitting up YouTube for some at-home fitness inspiration. After watching a couple of videos I was immediately drawn to the concept. Unlike the popular belief that you have to work out for hours on end every day to get the fitness level you want, BodyRock's basis is that through fast, high-intensity workouts, split into intervals (usually a minute, or two, followed by a quick rest interval of 10-20 seconds) is enough to give you your fitness boost for the day. Each workout is only around 10-20 minutes in length, and there are videos targeting different areas of the body, as well as a breakdown of the workout, with varying levels of difficulty offered. I think that the workouts are great, I'm usually dead after a 20 minute one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They regularly hold 30-day challenges, and I've decided to give the January one a go. The 30-day challenge is where they challenge you to workout from Monday-Friday with their provided workouts for 30 days, measuring your fitness on the first day of the month, and then the last day of the challenge, so you can see how far you've come. I think this is great because people nowadays are drawn to immediate results, and this is a sure fire way to get people interested. Of course, as with anyone wishing to lose weight or tone up, you have to be eating clean as well as exercising. No point working your butt off if you're still eating chips and cookies every day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The fantastic thing about BodyRock is that it's free! And they're constantly uploading new workouts, plus they have a huge archive of older ones, so there's no chance you'll get bored. The biggest thing to do is to just get started and keep going with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>What is your favourite type of workout? Have you tried anything from BodyRock? Please tell me I'm not the only one struggling to exercise this winter! </b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-24210460927314093952013-02-06T19:56:00.004-08:002013-02-11T00:26:31.004-08:00Bitten by the Love Bug - Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My Bloglovin' has been heavily saturated with Valentine's Day related posts, and I imagine there's quite a few others who are also experiencing the same thing. I'm a big romantic at heart, and as much as I hate how the companies exploit us through commercialisation of Valentine's Day, I refuse to not celebrate a day where love is celebrated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I imagine the amount of people who are getting proposed to on this day, and the general feeling of love that must be wafting around the whole word on February 14th. Of course, not everyone's going to be feeling the vibe, I'm guilty of having been bitten by the love buy myself, but my beau won't be here on that day to celebrate with me, so I'm going to make do with a date with myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I'm going to do a teeny list of things you can do on your own, and things you can surprise your S.O. with!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>Things You Can Totally Do By Yourself on Valentine's Day</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>1. Treat yourself and your sister/mother/BFF to a fun day together</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://static.ultrafastcdn.com/images_posts/2010/11/moviegoers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://static.ultrafastcdn.com/images_posts/2010/11/moviegoers.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Show some love to your other loves! I spent one of my Valentine's Days with my sister - we went to the movies, got some yummy snacks, and we watched the crap out of that romantic comedy. Other suggestions: spend the day baking and eating delicious things with your other <strike>bitter</strike> single friends and watching your favourite movies <strike>whilst throwing food at the happy couples whenever they pop up in a movie.</strike> If it's a nice day, go somewhere you've been wanting to go for a while, or go shopping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>2. Have a day completely to yourself</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://wesleying.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/treat-yo-self.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://wesleying.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/treat-yo-self.gif" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://img.buzznet.com/assets/imgx/1/9/2/7/8/7/6/1/orig-19278761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://img.buzznet.com/assets/imgx/1/9/2/7/8/7/6/1/orig-19278761.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will take any excuse to pamper myself slash justify spending money on that dress/pair of shoes/Chanel perfume you-know-is-out-of-your-budget-right-now. I would actually recommend starting the day off with a good workout. Ensures you're gearing your body up to burn all those lovely treats you'll be eating today. Who loves and knows you the best? You, of course! So acknowledge all that you are, love yourself! Love yourself like you've never been loved before! Buy that Gucci bag and cashmere sweater, and don't regret it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>3. Go to a cafe cafe because...Japan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.sureflap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/A-Cat-Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://blog.sureflap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/A-Cat-Cafe.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is only for those of us who are unfortunate enough not to own our own pet right now, but would dearly love to be able to spend some quality time with one who is available. Cue cat cafe! If it's got too many loved up couples who are getting on your nerves because: a) you're lonely b) they don't know how to handle the cats and c) they're taking up your precious time with cute cats, just throw one at their face and they'll run faster than your mascara when watching The Notebook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>Things You Can Do With Your Loverman/Loverwoman</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>1. Make dinner for them</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.232designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/valentines-day-decorations-idea06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.232designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/valentines-day-decorations-idea06.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But this isn't just your normal, oh look honey, surprise romantic dinner for you where I've strewn rose petals on our dining room table! I think it'd be fun if you agreed on making a different meals of the dinner. One person does the appetizers and main meal, the other person does the dessert and drinks. Don't let each other know what you're intending to make, and see what happens!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>2. Take them somewhere beautiful</b> <b>and tell them something beautiful</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://favim.com/orig/201104/24/Favim.com-23126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://favim.com/orig/201104/24/Favim.com-23126.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.qoutz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sweet-Love-Quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.qoutz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sweet-Love-Quotes.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You don't need to get that 3 carat diamond ring that'll be paid off by the time the dinosaurs rise again (because they will!). The most memorable things in life are ones that you remember because they were something you felt. So if it's something that's spectacularly beautiful, you're going to remember it because you were in awe of its beauty. Taking someone where there's a certain beauty to it, whether it's the beach at night, or on top of a hill with a breath-taking view, to a beautiful cobbled old street with picturesque cafes, or to a park with a beautiful tree, it's not hard finding it if you're looking for it. And to really cement the moment, even if you're not that good with words, something from the heart means so much more than a cute teddy bear (but bring him along too!), or a dozen roses with a box of chocolates (nothing wrong with sweetening a kiss with some choccies!). A beautiful surrounding with something from the heart will definitely imprint this moment in the mind and heart of your loved one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>3. Take them to a Love hotel because...Japan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.quirkyguide.com/qg2/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/TheLoveHotel_RickHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://www.quirkyguide.com/qg2/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/TheLoveHotel_RickHall.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">S&M Hello Kitty ftw! If you're in Japan, might as well experience the awesomeness that is a Love hotel. You know what's going to happen there so I'm not going to walk you through it...but there's a large variety of Love hotels, especially in Tokyo, and you can get all sorts of different themed rooms and well...I imagine it could get a little crazy in them. But something worth experiencing with your S.O., right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed my little guide, I'm feeling quite inspired by all this love talk (must be the bug thing!), so I'm going to whip up a Valentine's Day gift suggestion list too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Share and care, what's the most romantic/strangest Valentine's Day you've had? What are you planning on doing?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-7136292181096415882013-01-28T02:26:00.000-08:002013-02-11T00:27:00.183-08:00Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After browsing some photos from last summer, I began to feel envious of the tanned me, so I decided to once again dip my toes into the world of self-tanning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After doing my research, I decided to give the famous Fake Bake a go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It comes in a rather gorgeous purple box which includes your very own mitt for tanning, and a pair of purple gloves to put on so you don't get orange hands.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_VxC6ruHTVWdm3uWSdXkobkFAkGvgF45S6kSGEyqpif5dCoAHMxD2DwWodOXNzjrSwemIe8Io_c12i4JBdM2CTXF9K9PuwyjjN85OOv_k3pr642wmMpi6vpFOXHBVIxcrfjn3gCjRHUp/s1600/DSC07906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_VxC6ruHTVWdm3uWSdXkobkFAkGvgF45S6kSGEyqpif5dCoAHMxD2DwWodOXNzjrSwemIe8Io_c12i4JBdM2CTXF9K9PuwyjjN85OOv_k3pr642wmMpi6vpFOXHBVIxcrfjn3gCjRHUp/s640/DSC07906.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The self-tanner in all its glory. The mitt is a brown and white colour, and you use the brown side to rub the self-tanner in. The best advice I've read on applying self-tanner to avoid getting uneven colour, and to avoid getting tanner in your pores<b> </b>(you know, when you get that gross chicken skin look), is to prep yourself the night before by exfoliating and shaving (if you're a hairy monster such as myself), and moisturising afterwards. The following night is when the magic happens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have particularly dry elbows and knees, make sure to put a bit of moisturiser (oil free) on them, and also in between your toes and fingers. Because this self-tanner does dry quickly, you want to work fast. Instead of spraying the liquid onto the mitt (I think it absorbs too much of the liquid), I spray it directly onto myself, around 3-4 spritzes per arm, and quickly rub it in in circular motions. I did actually start off with my legs, making sure I did long strokes upwards. Make sure you avoid going over the knees too much. With whatever you have left on your mitt, or if you want to just do one spritz, this time onto the mitt, lightly go over the tops of your feet </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and get right in there between your little toes. With my face, I did a couple of spritzes and just kind of really tried to get it everywhere as even as possible, making sure to also do my ears, back of the neck etc. I did my hands last, taking off the gloves, I did one spritz, curved my hand so the knuckles are a bit taut, and lightly swept over them, making sure to only sweep outwards.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beauty of this self-tanner is that it smells nice, like some sort of sweet coconut/vanilla, and it doesn't have that prominent self-tanner smell that you normally get from self-tanner products. I didn't have to wait long to get dressed, and hop into bed. In the morning, there were no marks left by the tanner on the bedspread, and I went from</span> being Casper the Friendly Ghost...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To a sun bronzed goddess! Transformation complete.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The brown guide does wash off a bit, but a lot of the colour remains, and if you're wanting a deeper colour, do it again the same night for more colour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so happy with this product, it really was fool-proof that even I, the complete bumbling fool, could manage to tan myself without streaks, mess or fuss! I am so chuffed with this product, I think it's actually inspired me to self-tan on a regularly basis (we shall see...).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is your favourite self-tanner? Have you tried any of the Fake Bake range?</b> </span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-21893976787462863442013-01-18T21:18:00.004-08:002013-02-11T00:27:08.314-08:00Fitness Friday: Scrambled Eggs and Orange Paprika for Breakfast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as fitness is important to us, so is our nutrition. You cannot have one without the other, it's a bit of a yin and yang, <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpmv7hmRtV1qg8azxo1_500.gif" target="_blank">Sheldon and Penny</a> situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love discovering delicious and healthy recipes that will vary up my otherwise boring food routine.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This may not blow your minds, but this following breakfast is one of my favourites. It's quick, easy and tasty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I present to you</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my Scrambled</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eggs and Orange Paprika breakfast á la Maria!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp oil (coconut, or anything that is available to you)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 eggs (medium or large sized)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 chopped orange pepper (a red one is just as delicious)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a pinch of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a pinch of black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a pinch of paprika</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparation:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a fork. Add the salt and pepper. Put chosen oil in pan and heat up to medium. Add in chopped pepper and cook it until it starts to get fragrant and you get a bit of colour to it. Lower heat to low and add in whisked eggs. Cook for perfection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serve on plate and sprinkle paprika over the top for more tasty goodness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like to eat this with a side of chopped tomatoes and cucumber. I tend to put a few drops of lemon juice over them and sprinkle on some more black pepper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I am slightly gluten intolerant, I try and stay away from bread, but I would highly recommend this with a nice piece of wholemeal and grain toast smeared with avocado.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>If you decide to give this a go, let me know what you think of it! What are your favourite breakfast meals?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368469511718563624.post-74409799685024915622013-01-12T07:11:00.001-08:002013-02-07T20:57:03.869-08:00Fitness Friday: Fruit Punch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following on from the Christmas Detox post, I know how hard it is to eat healthy during the colder days, or to get out and about, we all just want to return our <strike>caves</strike> beds, snuggle up into our blankets, and hibernate our way into spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you are running low on energy, you're hungry and you just want something that's warm and tasty, the colder days make it all to easy to make comfort food. Or, if you really can't be bothered, ordering takeaways, or eating out. I know I have been guilty of my fair share of butter chickens and Turkish kebab takeaways. And don't get me started on the snacks! And because I think snack food is usually peoples biggest weakness, let's talk a little bit about that.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1366x768/2008/Nature_Seasons_Winter_Winter_fruits_006402_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1366x768/2008/Nature_Seasons_Winter_Winter_fruits_006402_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://wallpaperstock.net/winter-fruits_wallpapers_7422_1152x864_1.html" target="_blank">Image credit</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best way to overcome the hibernation syndrome is to make sure that you're eating regularly throughout the day. I know that the supermarkets are lacking in the abundance of tropical fruits, but there are still many fruits readily available that should be your main go-to snack foods.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ed3/192/1922729/51_2009/502b800d08af46b6_fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ed3/192/1922729/51_2009/502b800d08af46b6_fruit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Calories-Winter-Fruits-6642565" target="_blank">Image credit</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh apples, pears, oranges, kiwifruits, grapes, bananas and persimmons, these are the winter fruit that are usually readily available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So opt out the packet of chips, or mince pie, and toss in a beautiful red skin apple, or a firm green pear in your lunchbox, and instead of that hot chocolate mashed full of marshmallows, buy a box of herbal fruit tea to keep you warm throughout those cold hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're wanting to get your daily hit of Vitamin C, a couple of kiwifruits pack a good punch. These little brown furries contain almost one-and-a-half times the minimal daily requirement for Vitamin C, so a fruit juice containing these bad boys will do the trick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another great snack is muesli bars -- not those that are completely dipped in chocolate with chocolate chips inside, I'm talking about the super grain-y ones that are mixed with nuts and dried fruit (a little dark chocolate on there won't hurt).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So hopefully this will give you a bit more motivation to swap in an extra fruit, or two, every day, and to keep that snacking healthy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What are your favourite winter snacks?</b></span></div>
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Maria K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04694689309204932078noreply@blogger.com0