2015: A year of Learning, Living and Growing

It's not a bad thing to look back.

2016 as been an interesting year for me and my family. I thought I would log these events as I have learnt so much and in years to come I want to look back and remember that everything happens for a reason.
In January, Dan and I decided to move to Albany, because we liked the idea of living down in the South and Dan could easily transfer his job there working for Coles. We have both always wondered what it would be like to live down there and had visions of us finding hippies living in the forest and settling down there in one of their Nomad camps.
We found a great rental in Mount Barker which suited us perfectly as it wasn't expensive, its in a small town and was only 45 minutes drive for Dan to go everyday to work. The rental prices in Albany we too much for us to afford.
Having been a part of such a dramatic change it for me I was in a bit of shock the first few weeks. We have moved from my mum and dads house where there was constant entertainment for our 1 1/2 year old (now 2 1/2) and long time friends just down the road to a small farming community where I knew no one. 

I was lonely and sad. But Miss E. constantly needs something to do and Dan was working a lot so I had to be tough with myself and make a plan. We decided to join plenty of groups, such as the gym, Library time for Miss E. and I quickly made my way to the church where I was greeted by tonnes of friendly faces ready to welcome us to the community. 
I thoroughly enjoy Small Town living, there is a slower pace and quieter atmosphere. People seem to be happy helping others on the weekend and including others in community projects.
Dan and I were prepared to spend a lot of time exploring nearby towns and meeting similar Eco conscious minded people. Soon after receiving full time hours as night-fill Daniel would work all night and catch up on sleep during the day. This resulted in barely any family time and no time to really take weekend trips into the forest which is what out initial plan was.
However the benefits of living in a small town was undeniably good for us. On the nights when we were a family of three we would invite friends over, have dinners and connect with others who shared our energy and passion for life.

At the end of the year we were told by our agent that the house we were renting was sold and we had 35 days to vacate. Dan was busy with work so it was up to me to look for other rentals and conduct the rent inspections. Being so close to Christmas time, the rental market was flooded and we couldn't find a house in time. 

We needed somewhere to live so we paid $2000 for a second-hand caravan and parked it at the Kalgan River Caravan Park in Albany. Beautiful spot, but not ideal for a small family with the bare essentials and another baby on the way.  
It was a bit of a fantasy of mine to live in a caravan and travel around like gypsies. But you know what? God has a sense of humour. He knew caravan life wasn't for me, so did my husband, but I wouldn't give up until I had realised it myself. 
After a little while we were able to move back up to Perth and we have settled into my mum and dads' house. It's nice having the constant company of a full house and we are able to prepare some room for the arrival of new baby. 

The past year I have matured and become a little tougher. I have become stronger in my beliefs and I feel more comfortable speaking up for mine and my family's decisions. I have decided that its time to put some roots down. I have always dreamt of owning my own house and Miss E. is not far from starting school so I think its the right time to start the next step on our journey. I don't know what it is but looking back this year I know that I don't need to worry and I can trust that God will look after us and make it really, really fun!

Trust the Journey

Renee x

Luma Cosmetics by Jess Hart

Where Have You Been In My Life?

An exciting time in a makeup lovers life is when your current stash is MUCH overdue for a renewal. My mascara had become clumpy and I was on the hunt for a new concealer that would cover a few dark circles. The Luma Cosmetics by Jess Hart stand at Priceline had been calling me for some time so I went and pick up a few of their bits and pieces.

From the Website: LUMA, is a nourishing range of naturally derived cosmetics designed to enhance your own natural beauty

The Daring Curves Mascara delivers a perfectly feathery finish. Thanks to the large brush and many fine bristles this mascara lengthens and separates lashes perfectly. However, if your after drama in your lashes I suggest you look elsewhere as this mascara is intended to give the most natural result and it does just that. With a specially formulated combination of Beeswax and Carnauba Wax  this mascara holds curl, is long-lasting and protects lashes all day long.

I'm still a tad undecided about the Mineral Eye Definer eyeliner. The pigmentation is nice and it is 100% natural. I like how blendable this eyeliner is and it creates a beautiful finish. I am a bit disappointed that it wasn't as easy to apply as some of the other eyeliners I have used. I think that the formulation isn't as creamy as advertised and it pulled a bit on my eyelids the first couple of times I used it. A few layers are needed to create a Jet Black look which can be a bit time consuming. 

My first love with this brand was the Flawless Concealer. I loved the cute, feminine packaging and the mirror included was an added bonus. This creamy concealer disguises dark circles and redness around the eyes. It is buildable so if your having a really bad day with blemishes it will seamlessly cover them right up!  If your suffer from irritated blemishes the Calendula Oil will set things straight with its soothing properties. In Summer I suggest setting it with some powder to minimise any rubbing off and maximise staying power.

I am loving the Sheer Lipstick in Natural Pink. It compliments fair skinned/ cool toned ladies by giving a perfectly natural tint.  Containing Avocado, Jojoba and Evening Primrose Oil, I am happy to say that my lips feel hydrated and not covered in synthetics when I apply this in the morning. This is not a long-lasting lipstick as it is sheer but it is a perfect finishing touch to the natural makeup look that Luma Cosmetics is all about.

I feel the one thing missing in the Luma Cosmetics range is a loose setting powder, since we live in Australia its nice to finish off with a light cover of shine free powder. I have really been enjoying using Luma Cosmetics, if your a fan of natural and healthy looking makeup then grab one or two pieces from the Luma collection and enjoy your new effortless makeup routine. I know I have!

Have Fun!

Renee x

Little Innoscents Skincare

Organic Skincare For The Whole Family

Rarely after reviewing a gifted item do I rush out and buy some more, but today I have been beaten. 
Little Innoscents Skincare is for baby and the whole family. The Summer Pack*- $19.95 comes at just the right time during this sweltering heatwave we are having in Western Australia. 

Both my daughter and I have been using the Hair & Body Wash and I have different opinions for each of us. For my daughter this is a bath wash that I would feel comfortable using everyday as it is so gentle on her skin and the less irritating product I have used yet. I love the convenience of the body and hair wash combination together with the pretty Spearmint and Sweet Orange scent it leaves her smelling. I personally like something that foams a little when I'm in the shower, so I felt like I had to put a lot of product on my loofah to clean my whole body. I do enjoy the scent though.

My poor daughter didn't even get a chance to use the Moisture Rich Body Lotion because I have been using it on myself to relive itchy skin after swimming lessons in the chlorine pool. What can I say about a body lotion that works wonders? Except, it works wonders! The ingredients list is full of natural, hydrating and cooling properties like Organic Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil and Aloe Vera juice. The scent is subtle and made from an essential oil blend of Organic Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

The Intensive Soothing Cream is a rich and thick cream. It serves the purpose of a bottom balm for baby and a barrier cream for any other part of the skin that needs that bit more protection. With ingredients that include Calendula extract, Lavender essential oil and Rosewood essential oil its 100% natural and safe to use on bub.  

My favourite item from this pack is the Sun Lotion SPF 30+. Its always a huge relief that I can apply this sun lotion on my daughter and she has no adverse reactions. This Zinc based sunscreen contains Coconut Oil and Vitamin E so its moisturising as well.  I really like that there is hardly any scent and it doesn't leave an oily residue. This sunscreen is perfect to use on sensitive skin and suitable for babies as young as six months.

Swatch of Moisture Rich Body Lotion (left) and Sun Lotion (right)

I have been so impressed with this pack that I have decided I will order the Winter Pack for myself. I will keep it safe in my hospital bag for when I have our new baby.

Have your tried Little Innoscents? What should I try next from their range?

Have Fun!

Renee x