First Birthday Inspiration | Thinking About April

For some reason a baby's first birthday seems to trump the rest.  I have a theory that this is because it's the only one that the parents get to choose everything because by their second, they're old enough to decide for themselves.  My husband and I were in Big W the other day (a department store like Target) and the lady in the party section said she has served people that have spent thousands on balloons alone for their child's first birthday.  While I definitely won't go that crazy I am excited to plan the first of many parties for my little girl.  I have mainly been going to my beloved Pinterest for Inspiration which is awesome for anything and everything.  The only real ideas I have are that I'd like it to be baby pink and gold with touches of burlap (if touches of burlap are a thing haha).  I want there to be photos all around and I want to DIY as much as I can.  I like the idea of using fake flowers and fairy lights to create a whimsical vibe and I like the idea of creating things that I can use in her playroom or bedroom.

There's so many ideas out there and the theme I've chosen is such a popular one at the moment.  I've already DIY'ed a baby pink tutu for her which she may wear inspired by Marie from BitsandClips on YouTube.  She had a video last year on making a no sew tutu which is so so easy you've got to give it a go!  Perfect for those who want to DIY but don't really have the skill ;)

I'll update you if I make anything else and let me know if you've got any ideas of things I could do for her birthday.  I've also thought about possibly adding mint green to the mix but we'll see :)

Welcome Back - Life Update | Thinking About April

After 7 months away from my little space on the internet, I am back :)  A lot has changed since I last wrote...  I finished up at my job and had a little girl!  My life has completely changed and even though at times it is really hard, it's definitely changed for the better.  Our daughter is the most beautiful little cheeky monkey and I'm totally not biased ;)  I really want to get back into blogging for good now, we'll see how I go.  I want this to be a space where I can talk about my little one, products I love & ones I don't and general life stuff.  I'm really looking forward to the possibilities of where this blog can go but most of all I'm excited to once again have an outlet.  This year is going to be an exciting one.... with a 5 month old every day is different :)  I've got a holiday coming up to QLD and some DIY's that my husband and I want to do around our house including a playroom for our little one and a corner in our backyard we want to transform.  I also can't wait for her 1st birthday!!  In fact I'm already planning it :)  I'll do a post about that soon to show you the ideas I already have!

As always I'd love to know any posts you would like me to write :)  I want to do a couple of posts a week and see how I go so let me know!  Have a lovely weekend...

Courage | Thinking about April

I really like this quote.  It's a good reminder that you don't have to always get things right in life to succeed.  What really matters is how you recover from your mistakes, the things you learn and that you don't do them again.  You don't have to be the strongest or bravest person in the room, you just have to be a big enough person to get up the next day and try again.

I was looking through my pinterest and saw I'd pinned this quote and thought hey why not share it on my blog?  I know I haven't been the most consistent blogger in the universe for the past year.  Things happen in life and you realise that perhaps your little spot on the internet isn't the most important thing.  But I do want to get back into blogging every now and again.  If I feel like posting something I will, but if not I won't.  The fun in blogging disappeared when I felt like I had to stick to a schedule so I'm doing away with that!  But hopefully I can come back to this little spot and write every now and again because guess what?  It's fun! :)

Any Tips? | Thinking About April

It's the 13th of January 2015 and there's less than 5 days until my husband and I leave on our holiday to the US and Canada!! Woot Woot :)  We're planning on going to San Fransisco, a week visiting my brother and his wife, New York City, Washington and Los Angeles. And we are so excited!  Every few hours I google the weather to see if there is any snow fall and every so often I have a look at tourist websites.  I plan to do all the normal touristy things but was wondering whether any of you had any little gems you think are "must see things" in any of the above cities?  Are there any touristy things that are overrated and not worth the time, etc... I'd love to know!

As a little bit of an update (I know it's been AGES) I have finally bought what I like to call a "big girl's camera" and can't wait to show you the photos that I plan to take!  I hope that having this camera means I can expand my blog and make it a better quality space of internet, something pretty to drop by and see :)  I plan to do a proper update post but this will have to do for now as I've got to run!

Let me know what your favourite part of the US or Canada is!

#illridewithyou

About 24 hours ago 15 people were taken hostage in the Martin Place Lindt Cafe in Sydney, Australia.  They were taken hostage by one man that forced them to hold up an Islamic flag against the window, a move that sent chills down everyone's spines.  The flag itself was not an evil one but was deliberately used to draw people's minds to the recent acts of the group this man represented.. the Islamic State.

My husband and I watched the news coverage flat out last night, moving our TV into our bedroom so that we could keep up-to-date on what was happening.  And one thing we saw on the news really impressed us. The way the Muslim community put all of Australia before themselves, the way the majority of Australia supported the Muslim community and the following hashtag...

#illridewithyou

 It made me so proud to call myself Australian.  Because I was so sure there would be bad backlash as soon as I saw that flag held up against the window.  And there was a bit... but no where near as much as there could have been.  The hashtag is all about supporting those who wear religious dress, those who have done nothing wrong but are so often discriminated against.  It's about making them feel safe in a world of uncertainty. And I think it's great!

At 2:00 am last night there were two hostages dead and three injured as well as a police officer who was also injured.  This morning make sure you hug your family extra tight and say you love them.  Because there are two families this morning who are grieving loved ones who don't get that chance anymore.

Random Avon Products | Thinking About April

 A little while ago I was given a few products from a family member that sells Avon and I thought I'd show you what I've tried and give you mini reviews of them all...

 Super Extend Infinitize Mascara

I really like this mascara and I wasn't expecting to.  The big orange tube sort of scared me but the mascara was awesome!  It lengths my lashes like crazy and makes them look like there is a million of them!  It's become a staple in my makeup bag and I would definitely suggest checking it out!

 Crazy wand... but it makes it super easy to apply the mascara evenly to all the lashes... even the pesky corner ones!

 Clearskin Invisible Blemish Corrector - for oily blemish-prone skin

I wasn't a bit fan of this product as I really didn't see any results.  It's got a plastic doe shaper applicator that I didn't find that useful and I just didn't see my blemishes corrected at all...

Moisture Effective - Eye Makeup Remover Lotion

 I was interested to see how this makeup remover would go as I've only ever tried wipes and micellar water.  I apply this to my eyes onto dry skin and rub it lightly in circular motions.  This makes me look like a messy panda ;)  and so I make sure I have a wet flannel to wipe off the mess.  This works really well and leaves my eye area feeling soft which I like.

Smooth Minerals Lip Gloss

 I wouldn't call this lip gloss super pigmented but it adds a nice colour to the lips and I like wearing wearing this over a pink/nude lipstick to add a bit of shine.  The gloss is a bit milky but I don't mind it for layering.

So those are the things I tried from Avon.  Let me know if you've tried anything from this brand as I'd love to check more things out!

Lust Have It September 2014 | Thinking About April

The Lust Have It Women's Beauty Box subscription costs $19.95 per month* and contain 5 - 6 deluxe beauty items.  The subscription is delivered for free to your door and regularly contains approximately $60.00 worth of products!  At the moment Lust Have It is the beauty subscription to go for in my opinion and this month did not disappoint.

We got the same pink bag which to be honest I would prefer if they changed it up though it will make a good gift.  I didn't take a photo of all the products together as for some reason I missed one out so we'll jump straight into it...  Also I didn't get a card in my bag this month but managed to find the prices online.

1.  The Cosmetic Kitchen Macadamia Wax Creme Highlighter

Full Size Product!  $24.50

Didn't get a picture of this one,  sorry guys!  This product really confused me and still does.  Can anyone tell me how to use this please?! :)

2.  ModelCo - Skincare Sachets

 

Even though sachets like this are usually really unpopular in beauty subscription boxes I think these will be a hit.  I like the idea of giving you a whole skincare routine instead of just one sachet of one step.  I got this in my October Bella Box so I'll be able to try it twice!

1. Uriage - Surgras Liquide

RRP for 400ml is $34.95.  I received 8ml = $0.70

A small sample but a useful sample.  I will use this maybe not straight away but you can never get enough skincare!  I like the fact this is for sensitive skin because it means it will be ok for most people!

1.  ModelCo Lip Lacquer - Fire Red

Full Size Product!  $24.00

 I like getting makeup in beauty boxes though for some reason I always seem to get bright red lipstick/gloss.  This is a very intense "fire-engine red" colour so I probably won't wear it that much... maybe just pressed into the lips so that the colour isn't too out there.  I'm too much a neutral girl :)

 

1.  Glam Manicare Nail Art Pens - Gold

Full Size Product!  $9.99

 You already know what I am going to say... I don't wear nail polish.  But I do actually quite like this sample.  I've never tried nail art so I look forward to trying this out.  The only thing I do wish I'd got a pink or silver.  I like how this kit comes with everything you need as well.

 1.  Urban Skincare Co - Repair & Body Balm

RRP for 100ml is $12.95.  I received 35ml = $4.53

This balm smells amazing!  This is an amazing size sample and something I will definitely use.  I also love how they give you a coupon so that if you like it you can buy it for less.

And those were the contents of my September 2014 Bella Box subscription!

Total Box Value = $63.72

(Which doesn't even include the ModelCo sachets)

Overall I really liked this bag...  I've said it a million times but I am so happy with Lust Have It as a beauty subscription as that's not because I'm an affiliate.  Their bags are so on point and always contain plenty of full size products!  Speaking of affiliates... heh heh :)  If YOU would like $5.00 off your first month's Lust Have It Women's Beauty Box simple enter the code THINKAPRIL at the checkout and your first bag will only cost you $14.95!







 Let me know what beauty boxes you guys are subscribed to and what you thought of your boxes.  Also as always let me know if there are any products you'd like individual reviews on and I'd love to do them for you :)

Bella Box September 2014 | Thinking About April

 After my annoyed post last month (here) I have officially unsubcribed to Bella Box.  I received the September and the October boxes but I don't think I'll be resubscribing any time soon.  Some people would probably love the contents of my box... they just don't suit my beauty profile at all and I was sick of paying money and then not receiving relevant items.  So here is what I got in my box....

This month was a collaboration with Gritty Pretty...

1.  Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
 RRP for 25pk is $7.99 - I received a 7 wipes = $2.24

I like receiving makeup wipes for "free"... they aren't an exciting addition but I know I will use them.

2.  Gelogic Nail Enamel - Black
 RRP is $9.99 - Full size sample!

 BLACK. NAIL POLISH.  I will not use this.  This doesn't match my beauty profile.  Not happy Bella Box :(

3.  1000 Hour Lashes
 RRP is $9.95 - Full size sample!

I don't wear false eyelashes but I actually don't mind them being in here as I can give them as gifts...  the only thing is I am paying for these boxes as a treat for me so it can be a bit disappointing to always have to give everything away.

4.  Germaine De Capuccini Defence Emulsion
 RRP for 50ml is $143.00 - I received 5ml = $14.30

 This is such an expensive product... I can't believe a tiny litle bottle is worth more than I'd pay for a massive bottle of skin care!  These little samples I will eventually use but not straight away... they just don't excite me.

5.  Sleek Makeup Eye Dust - Green
 RRP is $9.99 - Full size sample!

Nice, I have wanted to try Sleek makeup for a while and this eye pigment did not disappoint.  Though the colour is not something I will wear on a day to day basis I have popped it into my makeup draws and will definitely experiment with it more.  Fantastic pigmentation!

BONUS items:

Garnier Perfect Blur sachet

 RRP for 22ml is $16.95 - I received 1.5ml = $1.16

 I have already received a sachet of this in a magazine so already knew I liked it... the only thing is I hate it when there is about two uses in a sachet but you don't want an open sachet sitting on your bathroom counter.  I ended up using it all at once which is a bit of a waste.

 

Revlon Colorstay Foundation sachet

 RRP for 30ml is $34.95 - I received 1.5ml = $1.75

 Ditto!  I used about 1/3 of this one as I found it really went the distance but then I ended up throwing out the rest... I prefer the mini squeezey bottles :)

  

Total Value of the Box = $49.38

 Unfortunately I'm just not happy with Bella Box anymore...  which is why I have unsubscribed.  Each box is getting later and later and less matched to our beauty profiles.

Let me know if you're subscribed to any of the Australian Beauty Boxes and what you think!

Pinterest Friday 24/10/2014 | Thinking About April

Pin Pin Pin...  I love it!  This week I thought I'd show you a few outfits that I've been loving at the moment.  We're in Spring at the moment in Australia so a lot of these are probably a bit more warmer weather styles but they are beautiful anyway.  I love wearing dresses and skirts that are flowy but then cinch in at the waist so that it doesn't look dumpy.  My favourite is definetely the first one...  I need to find this dress!!

Enjoy... :)

 

Found here.

Found here.

Found here.

I hope you enjoyed a few of the pins I found this week.  I've been a bit stressed this week so Pinterest has been my "calm down" thing.  What have you been loving on Pinterest lately?

Take Care,

My Brain Can't Think Of A Title | Thinking About April

After nearly two weeks of being on and off sick... bleurghh I know... I am finally back.  Well sort of.  And then this morning when trying to get my photos off my memory card, via my laptop, my USB broke... like literally when I pulled it out of the computer the bit that goes into the computer seperated from the plastic part... SO annoying!  So now I have a whole lot of posts I can't write. :(

I was away in Melbourne to visit my family last weekend and then I'm going to Mildura this weekend for an engagement party so I haven't had a lot of time to go shopping or to really do anything apart from work and sleep at the moment.  But hopefully if I can get another USB today then I can write a whole lot of posts tomorrow and get them scheduled for next too so you get a whole lot more of Thinking About April.  I've been a bit disappointed with myself lately as I haven't been writing as many posts as I would like at all...  But I think what I'll do is start doing scheduled posts more often and not schedule them for every day but have them every Monday and Wednesday and then write a random/chatty Pinterest Friday blog on Fridays.  That seems a bit more manageable and means that even if I write a whole lot of content you're not swamped with it for a week and then get nothing for the next two.  Let me know your thoughts on this as I'm always interested to what you think :)

As far as my Chi Chi Palettes posts are concerned I probably won't be able to get those pictures taken until next week so those posts probably won't until the first Tuesday of November so make sure you look out for those... I'm really excited about them!  You can check out the original post here.

Let me know if you have any ideas on future posts you'd like to see including products you'd like reviewed or even tags you've seen around!  I'd like to start writing a bit more about my upcoming trip to America & Canada so you'll probably see a bit more about that soon :)  Exciting times!!  Just counted and there's only 87 days until I leave!  Eeeep!! So exciting :)

I hope you've all had a lovely week so far and, if you're in Australia, have been enjoying the AMAZING weather!