Feb 24: My Acne Story.

Hi guys,
Something I try not to let people know is that I have struggled with oily, acne prone skin since I was 11.
During the time between then and now I have tried pretty much everything under the sun to try and control/prevent them. From medication to proscription creams to the pill to drugstore products and even ProActive. They all started off promising however within a month or two my skin stopped reacting to it and it would end up the same as it was before I tried the product. It was very frustrating.

Sensing that it was something else, I turned to face mapping and a change in Diet. A lot of my dad's side of the family are wheat or gluten intolerant so that's where I started. I cut out all bread and cereals. Seeing that it was actually doing something, I went to my doctor to have tests done. Seeing as I was still on my wheat/gluten reduced diet the tests came back negative even though I was displaying all the symptoms. My doctor then recommended me to go see a gastroenterology. Though I'm still in the process of being tested but it is all going well.

As well as cutting out bread and cereals I have also started cutting out refined sugars and refined/white rice and have stopped eating fast food and junk food (mostly). I was taught the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables since I was very young, something I am incredibly grateful for.

I also started doing little things like:
- changing my pillow case twice a week
- making sure my phone is clean
- regularly washing makeup brushes
- getting more exercise
- not eating straight before going to bed
- getting more sleep
- reducing stress by doing yoga
- making sure I get enough vitamins everyday.
This article also helps with treating specific places that are breaking out.

I've now found that I need to swap around my cleanser every few days. I now use the 'gel cleanser' from this range most days, using the 'antibacterial cleanser' from this range every few days.

I also found a homemade face mask that works really well for me.

EXFOLIATING FACE MASK
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Honey
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg

1. Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of nutmeg until it forms a paste.
2. Rinse face with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Apply mask using fingers starting from the nose working your way out and around the face avoiding the eye area. This should only be a thin layer other wise it will drip.
3. Do something else for 30 minutes then rinse off using warm water and a face washer. I usually cleanse using my everyday cleanser afterwards like I normally do just to get rid of any dead skin left behind.

Honey has antibacterial properties so can help the skin heal promoting new skin growth (perfect for scars) and can help fight swelling by killing infection when applied to acne. Similar to honey, nutmeg and cinnamon also have antibacterial properties as well as anti-fungal ones to fight infection. The cinnamon and nutmeg also act as an exfoliate and bonus points because is it smells amazing too. However nutmeg can be harsh on sensitive skin, so I recommend testing a bit on your inner wrist to make sure its okay to use.

I hope my story helps someone.
Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 17: if necessary use words

Hello,
I have been a very busy little bee these past few days.

Friday I had a study skills seminar at Swinburne Uni. I learn a lot of things that I can use to get the best score I can this year, including how to take notes, when to study, how to study etc. The boring but useful stuff really. I think I might do a blog post on what I intend on doing study and school wise, if it isn't to boring. I did get to see some people who I haven't seen in a while, which was fantastic.
Also on Friday night my youth leaders asked me to host/lead our C.O.W. (change our would) night in a months time. I need to come up with a subject for discussion by this coming Friday, it shouldn't be too hard. I'm going to ask around an see if anyone else ha any ideas. If you guys have any ideas please leave them in the comments :)

Yesterday my family took a beach trip to Rosebud to not only make good use of the fantastic weather we have had for the past 2 weeks, but to visit my uncle and aunt, their 'new' dog, son and grandson. New meaning four years old but we haven't been down to see them in that long we haven't met her. They are part of the Mcray yacht club who were running a race that day which was really nice to watch while we had a little dip. We had fish and chips for dinner on the beach, I say on the beach I really mean on the yacht club balcony, while watching the sun set over the water. We took their dog Poppy for a walk along the beach to burn it off. It was an amazing day. We go there for a late lunch and stayed until after night fall and got back at 10pm.

Today was pretty boring. Way to hot to do anything. My darling sister was very cranky; she doesn't do well in the heat. We also went to my sister's church to listen to a guy (Ian McCormack) speak about his life and give his testimony about how he came to know god when he died 30 odd years ago. A really incredible and interesting story. And don't worry I'm not going to get all preachy with you, but it is a part of my life however I believe that actions speak louder than words and in this case: "Preach the gospel. If necessary use words"

I hope you had a nice weekend.
Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 14: A lack of words

I am feeling slightly depressed, actually not really, just a little sad but not even sad describe accurately how I'm feeling. I seem to be experiencing a lack of words. It could be more disappointment. Okay so I look up sad in the thesaurus and I think better words to describe how I feel are cheerless, wistful and dismal.
It may be caused by the amount of homework I have looming over my head, that it is hot stuffy and humid which makes my sister and mother very temperamental or the fact that it is Valentine's Day and I have never had a proper valentine. It's probably the first option, plus my baby brother is my valentine (not that that is weird), he takes good care of me.

So due to that I have come up with a(nother) list of things I love:

1) The Lizzie Bennett Diaries: Anyone who loves, likes or even remotely enjoys Jane Austin is sure to like this new adaption in a web series. I have been following it since it first started about 10 months ago and I was hooked from the very first second. Linked is the very first episode. I am so emotionally involved in it it is insane.

2) Soul Pancake: I found this site this week and it is possibly the reason I have so much homework not done. Opps. It really is great. It is basically a whole lot conversations about things that matter (art, culture, science, philosophy, humour and spiritual things). I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

3) Tom Law: If you haven't heard of this guy yet, I'm expecting some extravagant thankyou's after you have. Plus he is super *insert adjective here* (my choice words are: sexy, cute, gorgeous, amazing, supermegafoxyawesomehot?). He does alternative covers and writes his own songs. He definitely needs more recognition.

This is my favourite song he wrote. It's called 'touch my skin'. I hope I have you hooked.

I hope you had a better Valentine's than me.
Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 13: Sorry?!?...

Okay, it's been a little while. Okay it's been more than a week. And I'm sorry. You know how it takes a little while to get back into the swing of things after holidays well, same goes with school. I feel like I just get a handle on it and by that time it's back to holidays. So while I'm trying to get on top of all the homework I've now got, along with balancing my extra activities into my scheduled I'm asking you to be patience with me. I have definitely gotten better over the week, but there are still a few kinks I need to figure out.
Along side homework and school there have been some excruciatingly hot days which are not fun for anyone especially those who don't have air conditioners. I fit into that minority group. But hey that's summer for you.
Tuesday I got my hair tidied up. I've got to say going to the hairdressers is so calming, there is something about the smell of them or at least mine. 
Wednesday night I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Her Majesty's theater with my family. It was one of the best experiences I have had to date. The show and the cast were fantastic, I'd recommend going to see it if you get the chance. The five words I'd use to describe it would be: Fantastic, Fireworks, Set, Brilliant, Dogs. Anymore and I'd give the whole thing away. I'm on the right with my sister on the left.

Friday, I was back doing things with my youth group. This week we went to the pool and had our new year pool party. Two of my youth leaders got married at the beginning of the year and I was absolutely shattered that I couldn't go to their wedding because I was away. I also got the iPad my school is letting be borrow from them (all yr12's have the opportunity to get one). Even though I have to give it back on October the 22nd, I love having it.

 My Dad is in the middle of moving the location of his business to a studio in our backyard that is still not quite finished even though he has moved out of his old work shop. He is in a state of limbo at the moment with all of his time being spent moving stuff and organising it.

Less notable things: I cleaned my room and saw my aunt on Saturday. I had my uncles birthday lunch on Sunday which was as dramatic as always, I've been sick and have had a surprise blood test. And have yet to have a full day of school this week and will not until next Wednesday. Happy days. Tomorrow I have only 2 periods of class, though I do have an Oral Presentation (bummer). Friday I have no class as we have a seminar at a near by Uni.
I hope you are all doing well. I'd love to hear about what you have been doing over the past week.

Until next time,
Liana xx

P.S Happy Valentine's Day or as it should be called Singles Awareness Day.

Feb 4: Frustrations

OIJWEFIOWVJFWEOHWFOHI!!!!!!
If you are wondering what that up there is, it is a scream of frustration.
Let me ask you something, do you find that all the good guys are already taken or are gay?? because it is certainly my problem.
It turns out that the cute new guy from my English class is taken. Just my luck. Oh well, there's nothing I can do.
However there are a number of things to look forward to this week. Tomorrow I'm getting my hair cut which is fantastic. I love getting my hair cut. Wednesday I'm going to go see Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang with my family. and then on Friday my youth group starts back up, I'm so excited to see all my friends from there again. So theoretically it should be an exciting week. Though knowing the fates something will go wrong.
Sidenote: I'm painting my nails while writing this, they are now a gorgeous maroon red. The colour is called Epicurean and it's by Sparitual.

Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 3: Things I love

I am taking a break from homework (something I do not love) and giving you an insight into my life mainly things I like.
The first thing that I am loving at the moment and have been ever since I got it for Christmas an album called Moonfire by Boy and Bear. I am yet to find a time where it is inappropriate to play. It suits everything from road trips and cooking to homework and cleaning. My favourite song on the album is probably Golden Jubilee.

Second thing I am loving is my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey. It has a minty fresh sent that I love and it's perfect for everyday. It's light weight and last for ages. I can't say a bad thing about it. I need to get some more colours in it, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Third, in lieu of Valentine's day I stumbled upon this website which has some really cute and creative date ideas which I am definitely looking forward to trying out even if they are just with friends.

The fourth thing is this Ginger Bread recipe by sorted food though slightly modified by just adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg and 2 teaspoons cocoa. Everyone in my house loves them. They are so good and easy to make.

And lastly the fifth thing is a blog I love La vie en rose et moi with Meg. She is absolutely gorgeous and has fantastic style. I think you all should check her out.

Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 2: Unexciting

Hello,
Today is Saturday which means for most people they can sleep in, read books, play sport etc. but not me. I have homework and house work to do. So this means my day was very unexciting.

However I am now on bloglovin. Woohoo!
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4716171/?claim=9aumsbuqh5c">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

It's just a little update from me today.
Until next time,
Liana xx

Feb 1: Don't cry over spilt... pasta?!?

So the past couple of days have been really full on, but first of all Happy February!!
Yesterday was my last first day of high school which was kind of scary but really awesome at the same time. I got lost a few times on my way to new class rooms and met some new people who have just transferred to my school, one of them being this really cute guy in my english class but shh.
I've already go homework and it's only been two days including a test on Monday, yay!

But right now I'm going to get stuck into the weekend.

But the real reason this post is going up today is because from about six last night to ten thirty which is like four hours!! We had no power which made cooking so hard but luckily we have a gas stove. We had about fifteen candles lit in our house including a few in my parents new en suite. We didn't burn the house down which is a good sign.

Cooking by Candlelight

But of course the first thing I did while cooking dinner was to take a picture of my sister cooking and put it on my instagram (at)lianam216

Today was also pretty dramatic. As last night we had issue with the power this morning was really rushed and I had to go to school without makeup on, not even mascara which is something I hardly ever do.
I had to look after my baby brother to night and while I was getting my dinner ready he accidentally dropped his bowl of pasta on the ground and spilt  it everywhere. He burst into tears and stood there crying. It was heart breaking. I felt terrible and it wasn't even my fault. Me and the dog cleaned up the mess and I made him more food (toast pizza) and everything was good.
It reminded me that sometimes we get worked up over little things, when say emotions are running high or you're hungry or tired, that are really not that big which not only has it had an effect on you but also people around you without you realizing.

Until next time,
Liana xx