August 2024 - Page 2 of 2 - PLAYWORKEATREPEAT

Currently

Hi friends it’s time to link up with Jennifer for the August edition of Currently. I am so happy you have stopped by! Today we are chatting about what we are currently loving, looking forward to, dreading, eating and buying. Let’s go! Loving January this year I spotted some colourful Bauhaus prints when I went to Mitchell Road Antique and Design Centre. I fell in love with them instantly! I was so tempted to get them, but I didn’t because I don’t usually go for such colourful choices. Normally, I go for neutrals or darker tones. I actually had some Jackson Pollock-inspired canvases up on the dining room wall for years. They were done in shades of brown with splashes of black and cream. I painted them when Sam was about four years old. He watched me splash paint around and looked a bit horrified. I remember him saying ” No mummy, you need to paint nicely!” He was too young to appreciate true art, hehe. Over the winter holidays, I decided to get creative and make my own prints instead of buying the ones from Mitchell Road Antiques. I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying a bit of colour these days! The prints have brought a refreshing change to the dining room, and they were so easy and inexpensive to make. Looking Forward To I love having something to look forward to because it makes each day (especially those dreary winter days) feel brighter. Luckily for me, I have a few exciting things coming up. First on the list is our Cousin Connect get-together this Saturday. We’re hosting at our place this time, and the theme is finger food. Everyone will bring something we can eat with our hands, so we won’t have to worry about too much washing up. Then, I have a day off work on the 16th (yay!), and I’m taking Steve out for dinner that night to a surprise venue (double yay!). And, of course, I’m super excited for spring! Oh gosh, I am so looking forward to it and can’t wait for it to arrive! Dreading I’m not dreading anything, hooray! Eating Snacks at work! My friend, who works at our preschool on a casual basis, often comes in to cover for staff who are away. She always brings us snacks, which is a lovely treat! Just having her at work is a treat in itself because she’s so friendly, fun, and has such an infectious, upbeat vibe. We always know it’s going to be a great day when we see her car parked outside our preschool in the morning! Buying Other than groceries, I haven’t been buying anything. I’m trying to have a no-spend month because the more I save now, the more I can spend overseas next year. But then I found out Country Road is having its ‘Spend and Save’ sale until mid-August. Ooof, it’s going to be hard to resist! And that’s a wrap for this month’s Currently link-up! I’m looking forward to catching up with you all again on Friday. Happy Wednesday, wherever you are—day or night!

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Relaxed Weekend Recap

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Hey there, friends! Another Monday has rolled around, and I hope you’re all feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead. My weekend was a bit on the quiet side, and it was nice mainly staying at home. I think I’ve reached the point where I’m counting down to spring! I know we don’t get the harsh winters here, but it’s still cold, and I’m longing for warmer days and blooming flowers to lift my spirits. I’m not down or anything; I’m just getting impatient and a bit over having to wear so many layers! I can’t wait for longer, warmer days! Anyway, that’s enough whinging from me because it’s time to link up with Holly and Sarah to share a recap of our relaxed and very quiet weekend. Friday You know how you get so excited about Friday nights? I know that I sure do! After finishing my Friday Favourites post, which was all about my simple skincare routine, we had dinner in front of the TV because my husband is watching the Olympics 24/7. I had my headphones on while watching a Disney vlogger on my iPad. After dinner, I had plans to write down more details for our trip. I tidied up the kitchen, lay on the lounge for a second, and then it was lights out for me! The next thing I remember, it was around 1 am, and Steve was waking me up to go to bed. That’s how tired I was! I was almost annoyed at myself for wasting a good Friday evening asleep, but I guess I needed it. Hmph! Saturday Moving on to Saturday, it was a really slow day with no plans. I took the opportunity to catch up on a few things around the house since my usual routine has gone a bit off track. With Steve home recovering, I haven’t been able to stick to my normal evening routine, which means some chores I’d usually tackle during the week are now getting pushed to the weekend. But that’s okay; I’m learning to go with the flow and embrace a bit of flexibility. Change and uncertainty can work two ways: you either hold on, become more stubborn, and freak out, or you let go. Now being post-menopause and minus a thyroid. I’m much more chilled. Phew! Saturday’s highlight was our afternoon snack—halloumi cheese! I pan-fried it in olive oil, sprinkled some oregano and drizzled it with lemon juice. We love halloumi cheese; it’s a little on the salty side, and for someone like me who carries little salt sachets in my handbag for ‘just in case,’ it’s perfect! Later on, we had turkey burgers for dinner. It was a relaxed Saturday all around! Sunday On Sunday, we went to my aunt and uncle’s house for lunch, and I caught up with my cousin and her husband, whom I hadn’t seen for almost a year. We aren’t blood relatives, but our bond goes back several generations, so we’re like family. It seems like I have cousins everywhere! However, these cousins aren’t part of our cousin connect group, as it’s only me who has that generational bond with them. When we came home, Steve and I went for a walk. We walk together now! Before his operation, walking was agony and not something we would just do for fun. We would only walk to get to places with many rest stops along the way. He still has a slight limp, but it’s nothing compared to the limp he had pre-operation. It’s much less pronounced than before the surgery, and I can see that he’s walking more naturally and with less hesitation. After our walk, I snapped a photo of him outside our house doing the exercises the physiotherapist recommended. The man can bend his knee! Do you know what a miracle that is? I haven’t seen him bend his knee in forever! On Sunday evening, Steve watched more of the Olympics while I got brave and tackled the task I had been dreading, which I mentioned in What’s Up Wednesday. I tackled the assessment questions that will determine whether I receive any credit toward the second part of my study journey. Fingers crossed that I do! I was extremely thorough and answered them as best as I could because I’d love to complete this course as soon as possible. It took me over four hours, and hitting that send button was such a relief! I can be a champion procrastinator sometimes—ugh! I texted my lovely friend to tell her I had finished, and she replied in her usual kind and encouraging way. Everyone needs a friend like her; she’s always cheering me along and offering support. She even puts up with me when I’m saying, “Nooooo, I don’t want to, I can’t!” Haha! And that was my relaxed weekend recap! I didn’t do a whole lot or take many photos, but I won a major procrastination battle, and I think that’s pretty good! How was yours? I hope you had a good one! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I look forward to being back here on Wednesday. See ya!

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My Simple Skincare Routine

3 Comments / Beauty and Self Care, Friday Favourites, Home

Happy Friday everyone! It’s great to be back today linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favourites. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favourite routines that keeps my skin feeling fresh and healthy. Over the years, I’ve tried several skincare products and techniques, but I’ve found that a simple skincare routine works best for me. Here’s my go-to skincare routine that’s easy to follow and doesn’t require a ton of products. Keeping things as fuss-free as possible is the way to go for me! Morning Routine Cleanser I start my day with a gentle cleanser to wash away any impurities that have built up overnight. My current favourite is Neutrogena Deep Clean facial cleanser. It’s mild, doesn’t strip my skin of its natural oils, and leaves my face feeling clean and refreshed. Toner Next, I use a hydrating toner. I love Sukin Hydrating Skin Toner because it preps my skin for the next steps and adds a layer of moisture. A few spritzes does the trick and in the summertime, I like to keep it in the fridge for an instant refresh on a hot day. Moisturiser For hydration, I apply a lightweight moisturiser. I usually use Lacura Renew Expert Day Cream. It’s perfect for my skin type—non-greasy, absorbs quickly and provides the right amount of moisture to keep my skin soft and supple all day. Plus, it has received rave reviews for its affordability and effectiveness, making it a fantastic addition to my simple skincare routine. At the moment, I’m treating myself to the Chanel Revitalizing No.1 cream lately, but to be honest, I can’t really tell the difference between the Lacura moisturiser from Aldi – they both feel great on my skin. Still, it’s nice to indulge occasionally; it helps with the psychology of age reversal! Pay more, age less (if only!). Sunscreen I wish I had paid attention to the amazing benefits of sunscreen when I was younger. Back then I was also washing my face with soap (shudder). Now, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of my routine. Living in Australia, where the sun is fierce, it’s essential! I use Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Top-Up Spray with SPF 50 – my cousin gave me a bottle of this amazing sunscreen, and it leaves my skin beautifully dewy. When I initially used the spray, I was excited that it came in a spray bottle. So, I did what I thought I was supposed to do – I sprayed it directly on my face. Big mistake! The sunscreen got in my eye, and it felt like I had a knife stuck in my eyeball for a good hour. It hurt so bad! Eventually, I flushed it out with saline, and all was fine. I should have read the instructions on the bottle: ‘Spray on hands first, then apply to your face’. Oh oh! Evening Routine Cleanser In the evening, I double cleanse. I used to start with my Neutrogena cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, and then I used micellar water afterwards. I’ve learned that it’s actually better to start with micellar water first to break down makeup and sunscreen, and then follow up with a water-based cleanser. Does that sound right? Toner I apply my hydrating toner to replenish moisture and soothe my skin after cleansing. Bakuchiol Serum At night, I have started using Lacura Bakuchiol serum, which I picked up from Aldi a few weeks ago. After cleansing and toning, I apply the bakuchiol serum, gently patting it onto my skin. A few drops go a long way and are enough to cover my face and neck. Amazingly, this routine has even softened a deep line on my cheek. I try serums and creams, and I’m always so sceptical, but this one gave me an obvious result, so I’m happy! Moisturiser Finally, I use the same Chanel moisturiser or the Lacura night-time moisturiser. Extras Face Mask Once every couple of weeks, I treat myself to a sheet mask. It’s perfect for extra hydration, and because it’s a sheet mask, it forces me to sit back and relax. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and give my skin some extra love. Facial Rollers I also use a roller in my routine, which is fantastic for a bit of extra pampering. I watched a YouTube video to learn the best technique, and now I roll it gently from the centre of my face outwards. This technique helps to boost circulation and reduce puffiness. The soothing sensation feels great! Water I try not to forget the importance of staying hydrated! Some days I’m a champ and remember all day long, while others, not so much. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. It helps flush out toxins, supports cellular function, and keeps your skin moisturised from the inside out. Pairing good hydration with your simple skincare routine is a winning combination—I just need to get better about being consistent with it! That’s it! My simple skincare routine is all about consistency and using products that work well for my skin. If all else fails, my top tip is to look in the mirror before you head out, use your fingers to gently hold your face back to where it was a few years ago (ten or twenty years, in my case), smile, and then run out the door with that image in your mind. It works a treat! What are your favourite skincare products or tips? I’d love to hear about them!

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