My Friend, Anxiety

Friday 25 January 2013

I mention in my About Me page, that I suffered a nervous breakdown mid last year. This resulted in severe depression and a debilitating anxiety disorder, both of which I am still struggling with now. The anxiety is particularly troublesome, as it is severe and it feeds the depression.

Recently I came across a program called Panic Away. I've tried many of these programs before without positive results, but I felt that this one was still worth a shot. Basically, the theory behind it is that in order to overcome panic attacks and generalized anxiety, we first need to stop fearing the fear. We need to welcome the fear in a sense and make anxiety our friend, in order to overcome it and find some form of happiness again.

I've just finished reading the book and going through the materials, which I do feel make sense. However, after having a huge anxiety attack this week and still suffering the aftermath two days after, I'm feeling a little disheartened in the present moment. I just hope that somehow, in some way I'll be able to put this new information to use and get somewhere with it.

I would love to hear from anyone who has tried this program and what your thoughts are on it, so please feel free to contact me - I'd love it!

Love to all always.

S ☓
Bookmark and Share

Foundation Obsession

Thursday 17 January 2013

I've been on the hunt for the perfect foundation for years and I still don't know that I've found it.  I do however know that I have found some brilliant ones along the way.

Lately I've been trying out powder foundations, and my absolute favorite of these at the moment is the M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.  I've gone through about 3 compacts of this so far - I love it!

I've never been one to wear a tonne of makeup for during the day, so I've been using this on it's own for every day use, with just some moisturiser underneath.  It's buildable, so you can layer it on if you wish for extra coverage.  I find it gives a lovely all over coverage, and being a powder is so easy to apply.  I use a sponge to apply the first coat and then I add another layer or two with a powder brush.

For a heavier look, it also does well as a finishing powder over top of a liquid foundation.  It gives a great matte finish and I find I only need to reapply during the day on my particularly oily spots.  Otherwise it lasts really well.

Overall, I'm in love with this product and highly recommend it to all.

I will blog about my other fave M.A.C. products as I go along, and also my other favorite products in general.  I would love to hear your opinions on these also.


M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NW20 RRP: $49.00


S ☓
Bookmark and Share

Teen Mom 2 Season 3 Episode 9

So this week was a tough one to watch. My fears from the preview were confirmed regarding Chelsea's little French Bulldog, Frankie - I had to pause and go get the tissues at one point. Any way, here's my little rundown for this week.

Jenelle broke up with Josh and decided to move out and get a place with her friend Amber and her 6 month old son, Brantley. Barbara & Mike seem to be supportive of her decision and once again help her move. Barb was quite happy with Jenelle's choice of house, but was none too impressed when she found out Jenelle had dropped her classes once again.

Kailyn is back from Texas and still talking about moving there. She doesn't seem too concerned about how Jo will feel about her taking Isaac away. When Kail went to pick up Isaac from Jo after her trip, she found out that her mother had stopped by to see Isaac behind her back. Needless to say, Kailyn wasn't impressed. She called her mum to talk about it, only to be hung up on twice. Although Jo doesn't particularly understand why Kailyn is so upset about the whole thing, he is supportive and agrees to let Kail know if her mother comes by again. When Kail mentions the possibility of her moving to Texas though, Jo is understandably unhappy about the idea.

Leah has made up her mind about Corey and decided not to give him another chance after all. Good job Leah, you're so much happier with Jeremy! She decides to sell the trailer she's been living in and find a nicer, bigger house for her and the girls to live in. As usual, Ali & Aleeah were their adorable selves. Ali's face after sucking on a piece of lemon was priceless! Leah found a great house and is excited about moving on with her life, much to Jeremy's relief after the drama with Corey last week.

Chelsea is getting ready to take another practice test for her G.E.D. when the drama unfolds. She let her dogs, Frankie & Darla out for a potty break when Frankie ran off and the neighbours Husky got a hold of her. Frankie was killed and poor Chelsea was left devastated. Little Aubree broke my heart when she told her Papa "Mommy's crying!" and "Where Frankie go?". Of course after all of this, Chelsea missed her test and had to take it the following week. She passed, even though she was stressed and not feeling well. Go Chels!

Looking forward to meeting Kailyn's new man, Javi in next weeks episode.

Bookmark and Share

On This Day...

Monday 14 January 2013

On this day 59 years ago, beautiful Marilyn Monroe and her sweetheart, Joe DiMaggio were married.

They started dating after Joe took a fancy to Marilyn in 1952 and asked a friend of his to arrange a meeting with her.  After that they began seeing each other regularly, often at Joe's restaurant as they wanted to keep a low profile.

On January 14, 1954 they were married at San Francisco City Hall.  The wedding plans had been leaked to to the press, and needless to say they were mobbed by reporters and fans.

It was while they were on their honeymoon in Japan that Marilyn was asked to go to Korea to perform for the American troops.  Joe is said to have been extremely unhappy with her decision to accept the invitation.

Joe was never particularly comfortable with his new wife's "sex symbol" status.  He was very jealous, which ultimately is what led to their troubled relationship and failed marriage.

Marilyn & Joe were divorced in October, 1954 - just 9 months after their wedding.  Marilyn filed, claiming "mental cruelty" from Joe.  She later went on to marry playwright, Arthur Miller.

Most Marilyn fans, including myself, do believe though that Joe was really her one true love.  After Marilyn's death, Joe made the funeral arrangements and continued to send roses to her crypt regularly for 2 decades.  It's also said that before Joe passed away, he mentioned that he would "finally get to see Marilyn" again.  One of my favorite Marilyn stories.

Marilyn Monroe & Joe DiMaggio


S ☓
Bookmark and Share

Teen Mom 2 Season 3 Episode 8

Friday 11 January 2013

I finally got to see the latest Teen Mom 2 episode last night, so here's my rundown of all things Chelsea, Leah, Jenelle & Kailyn.

First of all, I am in LOVE with Chelsea's French Bulldog, Frankie.  Cutest little pup ever!  Not to mention how adorable little Aubree is.  I think she gets cuter in every episode, if that's possible.  Seeing her cry for her mummy when Chelsea left to take her G.E.D. tests broke my heart.  Good news though, Chels aced her tests and made her lovely dad super proud.  On another note, it's time for little Aubree to start potty training.  She doesn't seem too keen on the potty just yet, but it has to be said that Chelsea is so good with her.  She even created a Potty Chart for Aubs to try and help make things a little more fun for her.

Kailyn overall seemed pretty miserable throughout this episode.  We saw her fly to Texas to reconnect with her family.  She bonded really well with her cousin Kaylie and her half-sister Mikayla, and even toyed with the idea of moving there.  Her dad on the other hand, did not receive a visit and probably won't anytime soon.  Kailyn recalled the last time she saw him she was six months pregnant and he asked to borrow $20.  I must say, I could see the resemblance between Kail and her sister.  Mikayla gave Kailyn a ring, which I thought was super sweet.  Another highlight was watching Kailyn attempt bull riding with Kaylie!

Jenelle had plenty of drama to offer, as always.  I have to say I really felt for her during this episode though - she seemed genuinely distraught at one point, after going back on her bi-polar meds.  Maybe it's because I can relate to similar emotional problems, but I felt really bad for her.  On a lighter note, we saw her take Jace to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin.  Although Jenelle didn't crack a smile once, it was super cute watching Jace with his little baby pumpkin!  In true Jenelle fashion, she is now claiming that she moved in with Josh as some kind of favour to his mother.  That's not really the way I remember it, but okay.  She also seems to think that spending 2 hours alone with Jace should be enough proof for Barbara to see what a great mum she is.

And then there's poor Leah, who I think had it pretty tough during this episode.  Corey is being super unfair to her, claiming he now wants her back and thinks their divorce was a mistake.  Convenient now that she's finally moved on and happy with Jeremy.  I couldn't help but think how difficult it must have been for Leah & Jeremy to watch the footage back, as we now know they are happily married with a baby girl on the way.  Jeremy seems like a genuinely good guy, so I think Leah has done well for herself in that regard.  As always, Leah's parents offered her comfort and good advice while she struggled with her confusion and what she should do.  We also saw precious Ali & Aleeah crying their little hearts out when Leah left them with the babysitter to go to school.  Another moment to break my little heart.

On a whole, I enjoyed this episode as I always do.  I've been left a little terrified by next weeks preview though, as to what happens to little Frankie!  I hope the little pup is okay!

S ☓
Bookmark and Share

Body Shop Beauties

Thursday 10 January 2013

So today, despite dealing with the aftermath of a rather nasty anxiety attack yesterday, I decided to venture out with my lovely fiancee to our local shopping centre.

While I didn't want to be there in any way, shape or form feeling this way, I decided to try and make the most of it by stopping by my favorite - The Body Shop!

Here's what I came away with:

This beautiful Hand Cream smells divine!  It's designed for "mature skin", but being from The Body Shop, I know it will not be too harsh on my younger skin.  It moisturises beautifully and soaks in almost straight away without leaving that horrible greasy feeling behind.  It also claims to reduce age spots, but I can't really comment on that as my 27 year old hands have yet to be burdened with these.  It's availale in two sizes - 100ml for $21.95 and 30ml for $10.95.

Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15+ by The Body Shop
 
I also indulged in this beautiful Body Mist I've been wanting since I saw it a few months back.  This light scented body mist smells amazing and leaves me feeling lovely and fresh!  My favorite thing at the moment, especially for Summer since it's so light and I don't always feel like wearing a heavy perfume.  It retails for $23.95 for a 100ml bottle.
Strawberry Body Mist by The Body Shop
S ☓

Bookmark and Share