diary IX

{Christmas gelato along the beach... my favourite flavours are pistachio and chocolate sorbet and the others got a classic favourite; mango and white chocolate}

{My favourite festive outfit. Simple and comfortable... and notice the three piercings again? I'm a little obsessed. Body alteration would never go as far as a tattoo or any piercings on other body parts but the ears seem quite versatile... perhaps I'll get my helix done? FreshTrends have quite a few pretty flowers for the helix so if I'm brave enough, I'll definitely have to snap them up. What do you guys think? Have you got any piercings?}

{The Christmas table setting! Oh my gosh, isn't it beautiful. My Aunty was responsible for this; she's a designing and planning extraordinaire and I was in awe over how stunning the decorations looked on Christmas Day}

{I'm not a beach girl but it did look lovely on Wednesday night...}

Hope you all had a magical Christmas and I'll talk to you all soon! xo

'tis the season...

I hope you all have a lovely, safe and merry Christmas. 

xo 

mint

 Ally t-shirt, Forever New lantern skirt, Oasap necklace available here, Revlon Lip butter in 'Raspberry Pie'

Today I braved the holiday crowds and caught the bus to our major shopping centre. It was a huge day out, I made new friends on the trips there and back (a lovely elderly couple who told me all about life back "when they were young" and a woman who I discussed Body Shop essentials with), I had sushi and a watermelon smoothie, shopped for five people, and kinda got home and dropped. My heels had the most horrendous blisters and to add to my list of glamorous personal occurrences; they bled and there is now blood all over my shoes. I mean, they hurt, but I didn't think they would bleed! Silly feet. 

I can't believe it's less than a week until Christmas, it surely doesn't feel like it. I've been pretty busy preparing over the last few days; we've all made rum balls and cookies and tonight I'm going to make cinnamon rolls (ala Izzy and her family) so I'm very excited about how those will turn out. 

On to the outfit: I'm really loving this odd combination of stripes and an exciting pattern. This skirt was found on the 50% off rack at Forever New and I couldn't pass it up. It's way too pretty. And festive. Plus, I needed a new skirt! Ok, yes, I've justified it enough... 

Anyway, I hope you're all geared up for Christmas and you're spending time with your loved ones! I need to play more carols to get into the spirit. Talk to you soon! xo

december // mid-month favourites

    

Hello internet! So, it's been a while since I last made a video and that's partly because a) I have no idea how to compose myself like a proper young lady in front of the camera and b) every time I attempt to film a video something goes wrong. This video was quite funny and enjoyable to make though - my sister Jo "helped" me with the set up but decided to sabotage my work half way through which was just great. I hope you like it regardless and are having a lovely holiday! It's so good being back into the swing of blogging, I've missed you all too much. xo

P.S: I'd love to know what your favourites are! Let me know in the comments!

  

grapefruit lemonade

First outfit post of the Summer! Woohoo! The weather hasn't been too awful either. The perfect balance between hot and cool, windy and humid. I just jinxed it though; tomorrow will be a scorcher I bet and I will probably have no choice but to laze about under the fan and drink something refreshing - while listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album - obviously. 

I bought this dress last Monday from Tree of Life on an improptu shopping trip with my friend Zana. We also saw the new Hunger Games film (bloody fantastic!) and then went to work straight after. This dress was definitely a lucky find, it's so summery and cool and has a slightly festive vibe about it. 

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend and I'll talk to you soon. 

P.S: As per the usual, thank you for the comments, emails and messages in regards to my acne posts. It is such an awesome feeling knowing you've helped people and I hope some of you found hope and  inspiration in those posts if you are suffering from acne or know someone who is. 

ACNE // 8 month update, scarring, skincare (and pictures!)

(My skin: no editing, no makeup, December 2013)

Hey everyone! So it's been just over three months since I last updated you all on the state of my skin and how Roaccutane is going (and here's the link to that first post if you haven't already seen it). Oh my goodness, it's just wonderful. I can't even find words to describe how relieved and happy I am feeling about my skin. It's been officially eight months since I started this medication with a pretty hopeless attitude and terrible, terrible skin that I thought would never have a chance at getting better. But! Here I am, more than two thirds of the way through my treatment (finishing next April, woohoo!), with skin that has never been healthier and a much more confident, positive outlook on life. There's still a few more pimples that have to come through (mainly around the sides of my forehead, my chin and near my nose), but otherwise, I have zero active acne. 

What I am most pleased about is the minimal scarring and the healing process. I went and saw my dermatologist yesterday and he was extremely happy with how things were going in that regard. I'm quite lucky because I am still quite young and since my skin is at it's best (biologically), the scarring will be minimal and unnoticeable, especially with time. He also told me that redness accentuates the appearance of scars, but once I am off roaccutane for about two weeks, the redness will disappear due to it being a normal side effect. Yippee! 

I still haven't really gotten any major side effects aside from extremely delicate skin and a bit of eczema and pealing on my legs, but there's not really much I can do about that aside from lots of moisturising, which really isn't a problem. A few people contacted me in regard to the last post I did and mentioned the suicidal thoughts and depression that a people can develop from roaccutane. I haven't had anything like that at all so far and I'm really blessed. 

As for makeup and skincare, I am able to use different products (other than the ultra-sensitive QV formulas) as long as they are organic and don't have any nasties in them. I was on the hunt for something affordable, effective and most importantly, safe for my skin. Sukin is definitely a winner. I've been using the face wash for a few weeks now, and I bought the facial mist and moisturiser yesterday. The products are really excellent and I think I got all three for about $10 each. So if you have sensitive skin or would just like to try something different, I would highly recommend it. 

Makeup is such an easy task now! Gee wiz. I use a light coverage foundation and a primer (which are only sometimes necessary). I actually went shopping the other day WITHOUT MAKE-UP ON. That is kinda a huge deal for me!

(No makeup, no editing. April 2013 vs. November 2013)

Before and after. I can't believe that comparison. The picture on the left is probably not even the worst of it. It makes me really sad seeing this photo, because it brings back pretty horrible memories of unhappiness for me. I was such a different girl back then, and even though it was only months ago, I still remember that Maria. She was sad, terribly insecure and felt hopeless. The photo on the right however, is a snippet of what I've become. I still have a while to go, but what I have achieved this year as an individual is more than I ever thought would be possible. And it's only going to get better from here. 

P.S: Thank you for the support and love, as always. I have the best readers ever and I cherish every single one of you that takes the time to read this blog. In the meantime, if you like to keep up to date regularly with my progress (or perhaps see more pictures), you can check out my acne.org profile and my progress album here. 

end of year 11 // boat cruise

My school is pretty awesome in general, but especially when it comes to putting together end of year celebrations. One of the most exciting parts of these kind of events is getting all dressed up and fancy. I ditched the usual "pink and frills" kinda vibe that I am notorious for and went with a more Audrey Hepburn style outfit. I felt marvellously grown up and loved every minute of it!

The teachers took us all to Brisbane on Tuesday night for a wonderful, fun-filled night on a cruise along the river. The atmosphere was absolutely angelic as we all sat down to eat a meal overlooking the beautiful lights and water, and celebrated the fantastic year that is about to be over. We then all headed down to the bottom level of the boat to dance and mingle. It's celebrations and fun events like this (and last years Year 10 dance) that really make me appreciate the grade, school and the community that I am a part of. Sometimes I take for granted how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a beautiful group of people and caring teachers. 

I'm so excited for what next year has to offer me! I was given the position of Magazine curator for the school next year so I will make sure that the yearbook is an absolute success! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend so far and I'll talk to you soon xo

dentelle noire

Guess who finished her second last year of school today?! Me! Excited is a slight understatement, except I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with myself now that I have no study to do. I feel like I should be doing some sort of research task, studying or packing for school tomorrow... It will probably take a little while to sink in that I'm finished! Anyway, I have plenty to fill you all in on. Tuesday night was our Year 11 Boat Cruise and it was so much fun (photos up soon!). We sailed along the Brisbane river in a quaint little boat with beautiful little fairy lights up on the ceiling at dinner and danced to some swanky tunes before arriving home to our snug beds. I wore a lovely off-the-shoulder black dress (if you follow me on Instagram you probably would've seen it!) and a red lip. I felt quite grown-up and it was strange not wearing anything lacey, pink or covered in tulle. The dress I am wearing in these pictures was the original option, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I love this frock and all, however it's quite impractical and a nuisance to wear. 

The last two days have been full QCS exam preparation. Yay. I'm actually surprised I managed to do anything productive this afternoon because my brain is fried. I actually had a five minute snooze in today's multiple choice test but was brought back to reality by the ten minute warning. I finished the year off on a good note when it comes to assessment I think. I was beginning to lose motivation towards the end but I pushed through and did my best, with History being my favourite out of my six subjects this year. Now it's time to focus on having a splendiferous holiday. Lots of books, tea, beach trips, friends and of course, Christmas! Less than a month away now. How exciting! Hope you're all well, and sorry about the two week absence. Time really does fly when you're busy. 

I'm off to indulge in some tv shows (I'm so behind on the Carrie Diaries) and try a new detox tea. Hopefully it doesn't taste like swamp water. xo

mind clouds //

Clarity. Sometimes that's all I need to get through bumps in the road... lately things have been extremely up and down. I'm stressed with my school work, my family, friends and the relationships I have with people. Something I have really improved and done well on this year has been my ability to pick myself up when I've fallen down (both metaphorically and literally... hehe). I'm practising self-love, repair and picking up pieces. I'm getting better and sometimes the best thing to do is remember how lucky I am. Really appreciate the things in my life that I am lucky to have.

Why do you put your self esteem in the hands of complete strangers?

— Helena Bonham Carter

Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.

— C.S. Lewis

I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant and kindness from the unkind. I should not be ungrateful to those teachers.

— Kahlil Gibran

xo Maria

P.S: Emails, comments and messages will be returned as soon as exams are over! I'm so busy with assignments right now and I know how rude it's been that you haven't had replies. I'm so sorry! I only have two more weeks to go :)

cherry

Photo taking outings (...? Is that what you call them?) never really run smoothly for Tess and I. Today I was eaten alive by ants because I sat on a nest, I ended up swinging from the jacaranda tree trying to retrieve a bouquet and nearly severely injured myself, and I walked back home with a shoes full of rocks and little twigs. Today was rather interesting and I won't lie when I say thank goodness it's nearly over! *And just a little warning; this will be a rant* I started the day off by sleeping in until 8 o'clock by mistake (school starts at 8:30am and I already had numerous appointments to get to before it anyway), my hair was an absolute abomination all day (I looked like I had been electrocuted), I "forgot" my glasses too which made things slightly difficult up the back of the classroom and my art teacher informed me that my body of work is due in a matter of days.

Then, in an attempt to soothe the soul and relax a little in between Geography study, I went out to take pictures and, well, you know the rest. Today was a slightly pooey day but despite it all, it was nice wearing an outfit like this. Colour is something we can all embrace so much more during the Spring and Summer so I took advantage of the colours in my wardrobe and put together this outfit - ideal for a picnic.

I hope you're all having a brilliant week so far! xo

violet sun

This time of year is my favourite - school is winding down, the weather is irresistibly warm and my favourite flower blooms and blankets the town in a beautiful purple carpet. Today was a pretty good day, it started out slightly ordinary (...bad luck-ish?) as I was pooped on by a bird as I walked up the hill. Then I sat in English with a clouded brain (Shakespeare isn't coming easily to me this year, I hate to say), then I had double History and nearly fell asleep in my seat! The topic is immensely interesting, but anyone that stays up until midnight will struggle to keep their eyes open for longer than an hour. I was watching the last Lord of the Rings film (silly me, on a school night) and simply couldn't pause it. That story brings me so much joy - I think it may be my favourite over Harry Potter. Anyway! It was a good day overall because we found out school leaders for 2014 today and I was successful in my application! Yay! I'm really proud of myself and my class mates. Next year will be an amazing final year. 

Anyway, I was really pleased with how these photos turned out - the lighting was so beautiful this afternoon! Tess and I spent most of the time mucking around; at one point I dived into the tree to fetch a bouquet of jacarandas and came out covered in grass and then I did several twirls for the camera and proceeded to collapse onto the ground in a dizzy heap. I need sleep. Yep, that's it. I'm off to relax... catch up on SOR homework and watch the latest episode of Downton. I hope you're all having a lovely Monday. xo