december // mid-month favourites

Wednesday, December 11, 2013
    
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

Sunday, December 08, 2013

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!)

Friday, December 06, 2013
(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

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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