What's making me smile right now .....

It's Autumn in Australia right now and the weather is so delicious, cool crisp nights and warm to hot days.  I just love this time of year because you can still go to the beach but you can also snuggle up with a blanket in the evenings, yummy Autumn weather.

The past couple of weeks I've found myself using and enjoying the following things more and more :)

Yeah baby, after years of using a very old, scratched and dying hairdryer I received this beauty from VS Sassoon some time ago!!!! How lovely is that?  I wasn't asked to review it or anything but because I love it so much I thought I'd include it here.

It's called the 'Ultimate Salon Dryer' and comes with a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser with two settings.  The dryer has 3 heat and 2 speed settings, it works really well and makes drying my hair a breeze, literally hahahahha. I'm not one for using a lot of heat on my hair but with the weather turning a bit cooler now I don't want to go to bed with wet hair so it's come in very handy.

I've really been enjoying playing with my new brushes from Sigma, after using cheaper brushes it's really nice to use better quality brushes.  I never thought there would be much of a difference in brushes but I guess I was wrong.. I have a review up on my YouTube about these brushes now and don't forget, you have a chance to win a set for yourself in my 20K comp (video response section).

Another thing I've been using more the last couple of weeks is my NYX lipstick, it's in 'Miracle' and it's really mushed up and well used and loved but the colour is great for this time of year, I just dab a little on with my finger so that it's not too overdone. I picked this up some time ago from Groove as they sell some NYX products in their stores.

 

I've been drinking heaps of water again, which can only be a good thing and I've started to add lemon to it sometimes, it's very refreshing and good for you.  A wonderful cleanser/detoxifier if you're looking for one, and on the not so healthy side, hahahaha I've been loving 'Mocha Frappes' lately too, I guess that's what happens when you work in a cafe!!

Lastly, another thing I've been loving lately is my Djembe, yeah I got this for Christmas but  haven't had as much time to play it as I'd like, so over the past couple of weeks I've made time for it and am loving my drumming release.

I hope you enjoy these little 'loving' posts I've been doing of things I find myself using alot of all of a sudden, it's funny how we might not use something for a while and then 'BAM' you find yourself using it every day.

A Walk in the Park ....

So I had a day off over the Easter weekend, it was raining ..... so in between rain showers, working on assignments and catching up on other stuff I took a walk to the park with my lil sis and did some playing, hahahahaha

and of course a trip to the park isn't complete without a turn on the slippery-dip .... weeeeeeeeee

or the swing ....

I really make myself wonder sometimes!

What I'm wearing, a plain black t-shirt, mauve scarf, grey/mauve fluffy layered skirt, black jumper with faux fur trim, tights and lace up shoes, oh and a bright pink oversized flower in my hair to brighten up this dreary rainy day.

I'm loving these right now ...

Ok so I thought I'd let you know what I've been using alot of over the past couple of weeks, you know, the things I am constantly grabbing for all of a sudden ...

Firstly above is my Clean Start Brightening Up tinted moisturiser, I'm finding I'm using this much more than my regular Clean Start moisturiser right now, I love how light it feels on my face and I'm thinking it could have something to do with the change in the seasons? Anyway, I've been using it every day lately.

Next is my Sigma Roundtop Kabuki - F82, I constantly use this brush for powder, I really do love it.

My Lime Crime Magic Dust in 'Top Hattie' which was sent from 'makeupnet.com', this is a really pretty loose eyeshadow that highlights the eyes beautifully! It has a slight sparkle which is really really pretty.

I've been using my Botanics Cheek Colour in 30 Pumpkin (above) alot over the past week or so, just seems to sit well on my face right now! I think I picked this up quite some time ago from Priceline and a nice eyeshadow pallet I picked up from Tantycosmetics is the NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in 'Velvet Rope', this is from 'The Runway Collection'. The colours have little sparkles in them and the purples are very, very nice.

Lastly, a couple of weeks ago I went Op-Shopping/Thrift Shopping and bagged myself a small bundle of bracelets, they are nice and 'earthy' looking, I tend to mix them with a couple of metal bracelets and denim ones too, I would have to say the thick shell one on the right is my best fav. They cost $2.00 for 4!!!!! Bargain

What I'm loving right now ...

My Candy Eyed Eyeshadow Helper is my fav eye primer, it’s by Limecrime and it works so well with loose powders or any eyeshadows actually, it was sent to me from makeupnet.com for review and has quickly became my favourite. It’s affordable and easy to buy for Aussie girls as makeupnet.com is an Australian online store and they also have some other great products including GLITTER!!!!

Another thing I find myself reaching for time and time again are my Kleancolor -- Rainbow Splendor eyeshadow pallets, one of these were sent to me for review last year and I liked it so much I ordered the other one and I really do find them great to use, they are small enough to take on a sleepover and the range of colors in them is good and they are also very affordable, once again these are from an Australian online store called Tantycosmetics.com that gives great service.

Now that I’m on holidays for a while I’m enjoying being able to read my Dolly Magazine! Yeah I love this magazine and have read it for a couple of years now, I actually ranted about it in my 11,000 subscribers competition video, it’s the kind of thing you read from cover to cover quite literally more than once!

I’m lovin Maxxie the lil pup alot right now, hahahaha .... he’s so cute and tiny and his belly goes really big after he eats, too funny. We got him so that my pup ‘Hunny’ will have a playmate and husband, hehehe and hopefully one day have puppies of their own. Oh and to let you all know, he is not a ‘handbag puppy’, he is a normal dog that goes outside and causes trouble hahaha.

Clean Makeup Brushes are Super Sweet!

Now I know a lot of people say you should clean your brushes every day or every other day but I really don't get the time to do that myself. I'm the only one who uses my brushes so they get cleaned when I get a chance, probably not quite as often as I should!

Well today, after working 8.5 hrs I came home to find my sister had cleaned them all for me, how sweet is that :D Last year over one of the holidays she had helped me clean them and learnt how I do it, boy I was so happy and I thought there might be a few girls out there that don't know how to clean their makeup brushes.

I don't use any fancy cleaners for my brushes, I just use a good shampoo to clean them (of course if you would prefer a proper cleaner or an antibacterial soap then use that). In a cup place a spoon of shampoo and then swirl your brush around in it, brush your brush onto your hand until all the dirt comes out, this may take a little while with foundation, lip and eyeliner brushes.

Rinse your brushes completely, gently pat them dry with a towel and let them dry with the brush end facing down if at all possible so that the water doesn't collect inside the handle (don't stand them on their bristles though). An easy method is to poke some holes in an old shoebox or any type of box that has some depth to it and put your brushes in that (recycling is always good). I use a small screwdriver to make some holes and then pushed the brushes through from the inside of the box giving a snug fit. For larger brushes use the screwdriver and then use a small brush to poke the hole and then an average size brush until you can fit the larger handle in the hole. Place an old towel or rag under the box to soak up any moisture.

Hope this helps someone out, happy cleaning :) xx

A second Brain, or so it seems!

So today I had a small surgery on my arm to remove a lump that had been there since last year and no one seemed to know exactly what it was. I still don't know what it is so it's been sent away for further investigation. I did a Vlog on my experience and thought I would show the picture of the actual 'lump' or 'mysterious brain' as I like to call it on my Blog, not the prettiest thing believe me .................... here goes!!!!!!!!!

Of course my real brain is much much much much bigger than this one :)

Things I've been lovin lately ...

So I've been really enjoying a few simple products lately that I thought I would mention here.

Solace Fruit Selection Body Wash in 'Coconut Milk' and 'Raspberry' .... yum yum, they smell as good as they sound and are so good to use, I even took one on Camp with me instead of traditional soap and loved it. These were given to me for my Birthday and I just love them, there were a box of four and these two are by far my favs.

'Australis Primer', I picked this up from Target back in January and have been using it ever since, it's really easy to use, inexpensive and seems to do the job well. We've had such humid weather in January and February and this primer has held up to it so I'm pretty happy. I can't really compare it to other primers as this is the first one I've ever used.

'Nivea' Fruity Shine (lip balm), I'm not sure exactly where I got this but you can get it just about anywhere, Target, K-Mart even Woollies for next to nothing, I love the tint it puts on my lips, just a touch of red and it works really well protecting my lips too.

My Hat - hahahaha yeah that's right I love my new hat, I bought this from 'Sportsgirl' for $40 but I've never bought a hat for myself before so I thought I would treat myself. It's simply a black felt hat with a skinny leather band, comfy to wear and makes me feel good.

Boots - Yep another treat for me, I've been busy saving so it was nice to spend a little money on myself. I saw these boots in 'Target' for $50 and just had to have them, they are sooooo comfortable and easy to wear, I took them on Camp and they didn't rub or anything. Just a great little 'all purpose' boot that can be worn with so many different things, be sure to wear some socks that come just above the top when you wear boots too (because you don't want any rub marks around your leg).

Snippets of my Life

Queensland Flood Disaster, 2011

Hey there

I’ve been getting a lot of messages, emails and comments from my YouTube subscribers asking if I’m ok here in Queensland due to all the flooding and I’d just like to let you know that yes I am, we only had minimal flooding where I am but thanks for your concern and although I’m not directly affected by this, in a way I am because there are people I know who were in these floods and were trapped in their areas and I also think that something of this magnitude affects all Australians. As most of my Australian subscribers may know, about 75% of Queensland was flooded and parts of NSW and there is also flooding in Melbourne but it does seem that the water levels are now starting to drop, there are so many terrible stories I hear but the Australian way is to stick together and lend a hand.

Thousands of people have lost everything in these floods and I was going to suggest donating items to a charity for the flood victims but I’ve heard that the authorities are asking that no more ‘physical’ donations be sent at this time because they need money donations much more urgently, they will eventually need more clothing and bedding but money is something that will get things up and running again quickly. The clean up after flooding is a HUGE job that has to be done as quickly as possible to help prevent diseases and to get communities up and running again, thousands of people are volunteering for this task in Queensland alone. There’s a fund that has been set up for donations by the Government and various ways which you can donate. Oh and I’m pretty sure the RSPCA are in need of donations for the animals, many people had to leave their pets behind and there are large numbers of cattle also in need of care so if you can help in any way it would be great.

Now I know not everyone can afford to donate money so if this is the case, please - send your thoughts and prayers to all those in need, to all those that are lost and to all those that have lost loved ones, it would be really appreciated.

Thankyou and take care

--------------------

Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal

Donations can be made at: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html or by calling 1800 219 028 or at a branch of:

- Bank of Queensland,
- Commonwealth Bank,
- Westpac,
- ANZ,
- NAB, or
- Suncorp

and cheques can also be made out to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Electronic bank transfer donations are also being accepted. Just use the following account details:
Account name: Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800

RSPCA: https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au/flood

St Vinnie's - Volunteers on the ground in the flood affected areas are reporting that what they really need right now are funds to help these people quickly. There will be time to give gifts of furniture and clothing and other necessities after the water has receded.

Happy New Year!!

Just taking a moment here to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, I hope 2011 brings you everything you desire :) and that it is better than 2010 because I think that's the whole idea .. that each year should be better than the last.

2011 is my last year in school, I will be in year 12 and I know it's going to be a challenging year but also I'm looking forward to the changes it will bring. Alot happened in 2010 for me and because of this I know I've grown as a person so I'm excited about the future and all that comes my way.

Have a wonderful New Year and remember to stay safe, have fun, don't drink unknown liquids and 'don't do drugs!!!

Let the bloggin begin!

HEY THERE :D

Okay, so if you haven’t already noticed, you are reading my blog. YAY I finally got a blog! I had a Blog briefly before but I ended up deleting it because it was ... crap :P Hehe yer, so I’m not very good at writing stuff like this ... So I guess the first thing I should do is explain what this blog is for and tell you all about me.

Firstly the purpose of this Blog is so that I have somewhere to ramble on about things in my life, somewhere that I can show you things that I may have purchased or been given and also be able to share with you on a more personal level. :)

You may already know that my name is Cassandra Michelle/Cassie (also known as lilcammo93 from YouTube) I was born on the 31st of December, 1993. I am Australian and live in QLD. I am absolutely in LOVE with the beach! I am basically like any other 16 year old girl, I like doing my hair, makeup, fashion and sport. Ever since I was little I have loved fashion and wanted to be a Designer. In the last year and a bit I have only really started getting into makeup and doing my hair nicely. It’s all thanks to that thing called hormones hahaha ... makes us wanna dress up our appearance and get noticed by the other gender (BOYS) but more importantly it also makes us feel good and more confident about ourselves. So makeup is one of my fav hobbies and I want to become a professional Makeup Artist. I have a lil pup called Hunny who I LOVE endlessly and I love all my friends. I like to try to be as positive as I can and look towards the good things that God has put in my life. Over the last month, well the last month has been chaos for me, but over the last month I have learnt so much as a person about myself, about others around me and about life in general.

So, wanna know something that I have learnt?

"Yes Cassie, what did u learn?"

People aren't always as they seem. Life is short. We are only here for a small amount of time. Memories are the only things that don't change.

But at the same time I have learnt all this. I have learnt that life goes on, the past is the past. In the small amount of time that we are here we should make the best of it. We will never get a minute or a second back. We are constantly growing. Through rough situations we truly find who we are. It’s our imperfections that make us who we are. If there is one thing I could tell all the young girls out there it would be this :

Never allow someone to change who you are or let someone else tell you who you should be. Follow your dreams. Every second is a gift. Every nightmare ends. Pleasing others is only good if it makes you feel happy too, otherwise you’re just wasting your time. Don't judge people, you never know what kind of person they could be, and that person might even change your life. Be yourself. Never regret the mistakes you make, learn from them. Find what you love in life, what you are truly passionate about and follow your heart.

Hmmm well that wasn’t really one thing but you get the point :P

If you are ever feeling sad (and we all do at times), think about the positive things in life, the things that make you happy. The small things that make you smile. Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you, build you as a person. Be confident, you are who you are and no one else. No one else in the whole world is like you.

You are an original!

Soo...yeah, that’s basically all I really have to say today. Hope you all are having a wonderful day! :D

OHHH .... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

~Cassie
xoxo