My Travels

I thought instead of making a long post simply stating all the things I did in Thailand I'd put my holiday into a vlog style video. I couldn't fit everything in as it's hard to condense two weeks into a short video but I hope this shows a bit of how wonderful my experience in Thailand was. P.S. I apologise for my shoddy videoing and editing skills, it's my first attempt :)

Miss J xx

Liebster Awards

Thank you to Monika for nominating me, here are the rules:

1. Post 11 facts about yourself

2. Answer the eleven questions provided by the person who nominated you, and then create an eleven question set for the next group of nominees 

3. Chose eleven people to nominate and link them in the post 

4. Let your nominees know they've been tagged - and no tag-back! 

5. Nominate blogs under 200 followers 

11 facts about me 

1. I've finished school and I'm about to start studying

2. I'm vegetarian/pescatarian

3. I've only been to two continents

4. I interact with other people's pets more than I interact with the people themselves

5. I think I have a pretty obsessive personality

6. I never try to change myself to please other people

7. I love interior design, furniture and all decorative things

8. I love Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars [insert more nerd series here...]

9. I've cried during turbulence on planes

10. I'm not very good at this blogging thing

11. I love looking at boys with nice bodies and cute faces

Questions by Monika 

1. What's your favorite animal? 

I love tigers, if they were domestic it would be a dream come true

2. What do you want to be in the future? 

This is scary because I'm supposed to be starting my future now. I think I want to work in resorts/tourism, but dream world would be in fashion/media

3. Do you do any sports? 

I play tennis

4. Wishes? 

I wish I could have all my birthdays over knowing what I know now is important to me

5. What is a bad characteristic that you have? 

I'm not a great conversationalist with strangers, I prefer others to do all the talking 

6. Where do you want to be at the moment? 

Splendour In The Grass

7. Sweet or savoury? 

Savoury

8. Favorite quote? 

 Honestly, I don't live by any quotes..

9. Do you miss someone?

I wonder sometimes what my life would be like if some people were still in it, but I can't say I miss anyone.

10. Favorite clothing store? 

Sportsgirl

11. One addiction? 

Youtube

My questions

1. Would you rather change something in your past or know something about your future?

2. How much time do you spend on study/work?

3. If you met your parents on the street would you like who they are as people?

4. What category/ies would you label your blog?

5. If you could only eat 3 things for the rest of your life what would you choose?

6. How many people do you trust with your secrets?

7. Favourite novel?

8. Who would you choose to bring back to life if you could (celebrity or other)?

9. What's one reoccurring thought/musing you have?

10. Ever met anyone famous?

11. Early bird or night owl?

I Nominate

Millie

Alice

Clarissa

Ratchet Lia

Tara

The Good Morning Tag

I was tagged by Ratchet Lia to do this tag

1. What kind of alarm clock do you have?

Usually just my phone, most of the time with the default alarm sound

2. Do you have a snoozer?

Yes, so I set my alarm early enough to hit it a few times

3. What do you do first when you wake up?

I usually check all forms of social media and get a drink

4. Coffee or tea?

Definitely tea

5. Window open or closed?

Closed! I couldn't sleep with it open not only because of the noise but my blind would go crazy in any breeze

6. Shower?

I always shower in the morning never at night. If I'm having a bath it will be evening or night.

7. Clothes already picked out?

Never, I always spend time in the morning deciding

8. Breakfast?

Pretty much anything: cereal, toast, eggs, yoghurt 

9. TV, radio or silence?

My family has the TV's on. I usually listen to music in my room.

10. When do you wake up?

When I'm working normally 8am, if not, anywhere between 9-12

11. Mood?

Tired but never grumpy, and quickly refreshed

12. How do you sleep?

I never sleep the same, and I never wake up the same way I went to sleep. Most nights I'll start on my side.

I tag anyone who's reading this, and if you do the tag please let me know in the comments.

Miss J xx

Thailand Haul

Shopping in the markets in Thailand is better than one would assume. If you know what you're doing you'll never pay too much, and if you don't then you're not paying a fortune anyway. If you go in searching for any thing that's a real brand you'll be quickly disappointed but if you're willing to pay not much for clothes that're fine quality wise it's perfect. Most of these items were so cheap initially I didn't need to barter with the price. Here's a look at some of the goodies I picked up on my trip.

Boy London t-shirt: $3 AUD

Chanel t-shirt: $3 AUD

'Super Junior' t-shirt: $3 AUD

Chanel no.5 tank: $3 AUD

Feather tank: $3 AUD

Peplum singlet: $3 AUD

Collared shirt: $6 AUD

Clock: $3 AUD

Beats headphones: $12 AUD

(my last fake pair lasted approx. 1 year)

Stuffed dog: $4.50 AUD

(handmade from this orphanage)

Rings: $5 AUD each

Naked 3 palette: $26 AUD

(The authenticity of this palette is questionable 

but the makeup quality passes the test)

'Inferno' Dan Brown novel: $8 AUD

(I can't go away without buying books)

Aside from the markets I also went to an actual shopping centre and visited H&M so these items you can get at home.

Pinky/peachy scalloped flats: $20 AUD

Black ankle boots: $40 AUD

(link)

From previous travel experience I know things like clothing bought cheaply will actually last, whereas electronics and the like are prone to not quite live up to what the salesperson is selling. However, I know what I'm getting when I'm buying this stuff, and really, who can resist a bargain.

Let me know your thoughts as always, and any travel shopping tips you might have.

Miss J xx

TMI! Tag

Ahh, there's no pictures in this post D: If you can be bothered go ahead and read all about me.

1: What are you wearing?
My pyjamas (oversized souvenir t-shirt from the Sydney olympic games)

2: Ever been in love?
I've either fallen in love a million times or I never have

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
Nope 

4: How tall are you?
5"3 ish 

5: How much do you weigh?
Ought a lady tell..

6: Any tattoos?
Not yet

7: Any piercings?
Only the ears

8: OTP?
Rapunzel and Eugene

9: Favorite show?
Any reality show really, favourite would probably be Survivor and Big Brother

10: Favorite bands?
The 1975, 5sos, Queen, Panic! At The Disco, Ball Park Music, The Vaccines 

11: Something you miss? 
A good working pair of headphones

12: Favorite song?
Life by Tobu or Friday I'm In Love, The Cure

13: How old are you?
18

14: Zodiac sign?
Scorpio

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
Politically correct and good forearms

16: Favorite Quote?
I can't think of quotes off the top of my head, but when I hear a good one, I know

17: Favorite actor?
Johnny Depp

18: Favorite color?
Pink or yellow

19: Loud music or soft?
All music

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
To bed, or I hang around my pets because I know they love me no matter what

21: How long does it take you to shower?
I could literally shower all day if the hot water stayed 

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
If I'm not doing anything special 10-15 minutes. Anything that's as a shopping trip or more important will be over an hour

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
Not anything serious, but very rough play fights

24: Turn on?
Seeming really interested when you talk to me

25: Turn off?
Any sexist/racist/homophobic etc. remarks

26: The reason I joined Youtube Blogger?
You can see that here

27: Fears?
Bugs and insects, only if they can get to me, flying, thunder

28: Last thing that made you cry?
The Fault In Our Stars

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
Pretty much everyday to my family

30: Meaning behind your YouTube Blogger Name?
Well… It's NSFW so google it

31: Last book you read?
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell

32: The book you’re currently reading?
Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovitch

33: Last show you watched?
Orange Is The New Black, season 1

34: Last person you talked to?
My dad

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
My boss

36: Favorite food?
Eggs and salmon, they don't have to be together

37: Place you want to visit?
Italy

38: Last place you were?
Thailand

39: Do you have a crush?
I don't do crushes so much anymore, I just like people and then like some more people and I guess I just like a lot of guys.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
About two weeks ago

41: Last time you were insulted?
I don't really let other people faze me

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
Apple or grape

43: What instruments do you play?
I learnt piano I don't think I'm that great now though

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
A gold and diamond ring my mum got me for my 18th birthday

45: Last sport you played?
Tennis

46: Last song you sang?
Unchained Melody was playing at the restaurant I ate at last night

47: Favorite chat up line?
How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice *ba dum tsp

48: Have you ever used it?
No

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
Well as I've been away for a couple of weeks it's been all family time for me

50: Who should answer these questions next?
Anyone who's reading this, and post a link in the comments so I can check it out

ps. apologies for such a long post (if you got through it)

Hands Across The Water

As part of my current holiday in Thailand, my family and another organised a visit to the Baan Than Namchai orphanage which we learnt about through the Hands Across The Water organisation. (links are here and here)

The orphanage was originally set up after the 2004 tsunami devastation in Thailand that left so many children homeless and without family. As of our visit they currently house and support around 90 children.

This day was honestly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was so touching to see all the work that had been put towards helping these kids, the oldest of which were attending university thanks to the Hands program. Together our two families spent only a little over $200 on supplies for the orphanage, which to some people may seem like nothing, but to them it was a huge amount of supplies, snacks and essentials. We also bought some beautiful handmade items made by the children from their craft shop where the proceeds go straight back into the orphanage.

The atmosphere and the children's positivity was so overwhelming, by the end I could hardly bear to leave. I would recommend to anyone, travelling or even at home, to seek out some type of charitable place, community or anything and do whatever little thing you can to help. The joy it will bring to the people you help and to you is worth it a million times over.

Miss J xx

Review: Benefit Skincare

The lack of posts recently can be attributed to my being on holiday (there may be a holiday post in the future) so my attention has been elsewhere, but I've found some time for a little post.

I was browsing the Benefit counter recently and I wanted to try something from their skincare range but I couldn't decide. I spotted their b.right! Radiant Skincare 6 piece intro kit. It was $24 (AUD) and includes their face wash, face polish, toning lotion, facial emulsion, moisturiser and eye cream!

Foamingly Clean Facial Wash

This is completely used up as it's a tiny tube and I used it everyday, sometimes twice. Immediate results were really nice, my skin felt clean and smooth and didn't feel dry at all. I had blackheads coming up almost immediately which I find is a good sign in a cleanser. I'd definitely need a larger tube to see the long term results but this seems to work well and smells nice.

Refined Finish Facial Polish

This bottle recommends it to be used 1-2 times a weeks which I have been doing. It's quite a hard exfoliant and would definitely not use it more often than recommended and if you're skin is super sensitive to rough exfoliants I wouldn't suggest this one for you. The results, though, are so good. My skin feels so soft after every use and there's no trace of dry skin or roughness.

Triple Performing Facial Emulsion & Moisture Prep Toning Lotion

These two products, whilst they feel lovely on the skin, I don't feel are a wholly necessary part of a skincare routine. I have fairly regular skin so someone with dry skin would probably find these more helpful. The face emulsion for daytime wear contains SPF 15+ and makeup applies and stays easily enough. The night-time moisture prep leaves a really nice feeling on my skin. Both products dry quickly, ready for moisturiser and can easily be used on their own as they still leave the skin feeling moisturised and soft.

Total Moisture Facial Cream & It's Potent! Eye Cream

This face cream is really good as it's super smooth and smells quite good. I do end up looking really shiny after application but it tends so soak in after a while. It's perfect for before bed but also is fine to apply before makeup, as long as you let it settle first. The eye-cream is lovely although I haven't seen any noticeable difference in my under-eye area. Both of these products come in a tiny container and will definitely outlast all the other products as the coverage is excellent.

Overall, this is a perfect package for anyone who wants to try Benefit's skincare range as, apart from the face wash, it really allows you to see all the results of their products. It's also encouraged me to buy the larger products of a few, especially the face polish and moisturiser. If anyone's used Benefit's skincare range before please let me know your thoughts!

Miss J xx

June Favourites

 These are a few of my favourite things...

Beauty:

The Porefessional by Benefit

I can't say enough good things about this primer. If you watch MissGlamorazzi you'll know Ingrid loves this primer and for good reason. The consistency is so nice and I need barely any to get good coverage. I find I have really large, visible pores and this completely minimises them, and it's the perfect base for my foundation. Although it's a bit on the pricey side I think I'll be loving this for a long time.

Wake Me Up foundation by Rimmel

I've mentioned previously how much I enjoy using this foundation, it's definitely the best I've tried. I like how it looks on the skin, it doesn't make my skin oily or give me any kind of dryness, it's the perfect consistency. It also isn't heavy, has SPF 15 and moisturising properties. I know I ought to try others but I'll likely be getting this again as it's a great drugstore brand.

Le Volume de Chanel mascara

This is the loveliest mascara to wear. The consistency is really wet going on to your lashes but it dries quickly and never clumps! The brush is plastic as opposed to bristles (which I'd normally prefer) but it applies perfectly and evenly. I try to only use this for more special occasions as it's quite pricey and I dread the day it runs out.

Lip Sorbet lip balm by Miki

Whilst on the hunt for the perfect lip balm I stumbled across these little pots that I've had for ages. I know this isn't by any means an exciting product but it's been a favourite recently. I have a couple of strawberry, blueberry and passionfruit pots of these and they all smell sweet and taste good. In terms of something I can chuck on my lips when they're feeling dry these work great.

Bits:

Fashion-y bits I've been loving at the moment are tights and scarves. I can't stop wearing skirts and tights, I love Sportsgirl's hosiery and I recently picked up these and these. Scarves have also been my favourite accessory for this winter, I love taking a plain outfit and changing it with a scarf.

Another random thing I've been loving this month is tea! I love drinking tea, I probably have at least two cups a day, but usually I'll just have black tea with milk or chai. I thought I'd step out a bit and try some different ones recently.  I've been loving green teas, orange and mandarin, and my favourite, this strawberries and cream loose leaf tea from T2. Especially around winter, my love of tea kicks in.

Music:

My current favourite tunes from this month are Boom Clap by Charli XCX. This is on the soundtrack to The Fault In Our Stars and I fell in love when I first heard it. My other fave is We Are Done by the Madden Brothers. It has a really cool, feel-good vibe that's really catchy. My favourite artists of the moment are Ed Sheeran (everything he does is perfect) and Tobu, a music producer who makes melodic music that you can listen to here.

Please let me know all of your favourite things from the month in the comments!

Miss J xx