Through Beauty Eyes 2.0 and #LiveAspireBlog

HOWDY!

As mentioned in my New Years Resolutions post , 2013 is about figuring out the direction of my career, this blog and life in general! I'm proud to say that it's going well thus far. I have been spending more time reading coaching, inspirational self help, careers (mainly women focus) blogs (all of which I used to think was bullshit) and they really help and my perspectives have changed so much since then! While I'm still a LONG way to go but I am definitely closer to where I want to be! 

So, I don't think I have ever went through my history of blogging. 

ThroughBeautyEyes is turning 3 this April, but I started blogging back in 2006 - being the rebellious 18 year old I was, I need a place to release my teen frustration and rants. Then, it evolved into a VERY personal blog throughout my university life, which talks about everything from my exam & assignment stress (PFFFT, those were NOTHING compared to the quarter life crisis I'm facing now) to issues with my room mate when I first moved out on my own, heartbreaks & crushes, crazy parties and events I attended (Looking back at those photos, I wonder how did I cope with partying for 3 consecutive days) and my battle with food, losing weight, fitness, bullemia (all of which will be revealed at Eat This Burn That soon! Head over to my ETBT FACEBOOK PAGE and "Like" it to keep yourself updated!) - just anything under the sun really!  

Through Beauty Eyes was born approximately three years ago when I decided to shut my personal blog with the fear that my potential future employer is able to track down all my crazy shenanigans, my hot crush of the week, my angry moments...on the World Wide Web. Yet, I wasn't ready to give up blabbing about random stuff online. And BAM - ThroughBeautyEyes was created. It became a platform for me to express my passion and love for make up/ beauty products and to share my cheap and awesome finds (who doesn't like the #winning feeling of snatching a good bargain?) - hence, the name "beauty". I talk, blog, rave about my favourite lipstick colours (which changes every couple of days. I know.), my new FOTD, the new dupe I discovered - all things related to beauty. 

However, beauty in my eyes has now gone beyond just lipstick, eyeshadows and blushes. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very much in love with my beauty products. Heck, I even painted my nails despite a broken finger (much to the amusement of my physiotherapist and many friends). Beauty in my eyes consists of appreciation of simple pleasures in life such as a good brunch spot, a cup of good coffee, a bottle of good wine, cool pubs and bars, fashion, health and fitness (@EatThisBurnThat) - just anything that makes me happy! 

So, do expect new features and more beauty unrelated stuff in this space! Its going to be a slow evolution as I'm still trying to "soul search", reevaluating stuff and tweak what's right for the blog! This is probably why my updates have been sporadic and inconsistent over the past few months. I could blame it on my injury, my work, being "flat out"...But these excuses are getting stale and IF I really want to, I would have been able to find time for to update. 

Ok, enough of babblings!Me thinks its time for some visual and fun stuff! I mean, a blog post is incomplete without pictures, don't you agree?

So, as part of my "branching out from beauty" initiatives, I decided to RSVP to the Blogging & Entrepreneurs #LiveAspireBlog Meet Up organised by the lovely and inspiring Jess from Live Healthy Simply and Ursula from The Aspirer last Sunday after finding out about it from Katherine of Through My Looking Glass!

 Definitely something new and never been done before.

 On the contrary to popular belief, I can be shy at times and maybe a tad socially awkward when it comes to networking events. #truestory

 Hence, I dragged along my partner in crime - Miss An Ly who has a lovely blog at Lemon Lime Glitters! 

The meet up was held at a vegan friendly cafe at Bondi Junction - Earth To Table which serves raw treats and superfoods! My advice is - don't underestimate these superfoods. A little go a LONG way! I could barely finish half a glass of my Raw Chocolate Superfood Smoothie with Maca, Goji and Lucuma (I think I will stick to #eatclean for now - superfood is a whole new level for me! Lol).

DELICIOUS & GUILT FREE treats!! 

Truth to be told, I was THIS close to bailing because weather was absolute rubbish on Saturday and the event starts at 9:30am (Yes, its almost unheard of that Adeline will be seen at 9:30am on a Sunday morning.) I am glad the angel side took over me that morning and rocked up instead. THANK GOD I DID. After meeting and speaking to the ambitious ladies with the same goals and objectives, I left feeling more inspired and recharged! 

"Do not expect positive changes in your life if you surround yourself with negative people" 

That statement could never be more accurate and spot on! I used to think it is bullshit and it's just another "life quote". But trust me, once you start hanging around like-minded people who strive towards the same direction as you, you will more motivated and hungry for success. 

The two lessons that I have taken away with me from that quick meet up were:

1. Never say never. You just gotta believe in yourself, believe that you can succeed and take the plunge. There will never be the right moment. So JUST DO IT.

2. Start screening the people you have been hanging around with and stay away from the negative people. They do more harm than good to any goals you have. You know those who doubt you the instant you tell them your ideas/ plans instead of providing constructive criticism? YES, THOSE. 

Being surrounded my inspiring people is simply amazing! It keeps me going whenever I am on the verge of giving up or having self doubt! Trust me, it really makes a difference! :)

I hope you guys are as excited as I am about the changes in the future! 

Let me know if there's any new features that you would love to see on Through Beauty Eyes! 

PHOTO CREDIT: Lemon Lime Glitters AND Through My Looking Glass

XOXO,

A

Diary of the "One Handed Warrior" - 9 Fun Facts of a Cripple

Howdy! 

For those of you who follow Through Beauty Eyes social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook or Instagram), you would have known I snapped my middle finger, walked around with a HUGEASS cast which I thought wasn't that necessary for 1.5 weeks, had two screws inserted to fix my broken bone with feral stitches, and now finally en route to recovery with a robot-like splinter for the next 6 weeks. (For visual effect, please click on each event - as there are some that are not for the faint hearted) :P

1. The White Cast has became my daily accessories. 

As evident by the series of my #OOTD above.

Spotted: Lotus Mendes Goddess Ring! 

In fact, I rocked up to Colgate's #OpticWhite event without realising that it was a White Party. BUT HEY, MY CAST IS WHITE SO I WAS KINDA FOLLOWING THE THEME. #winning

2. The White Cast can also be a pain in the arse, especially when it's raining. 

God bless Glad Wrap! This is how I roll - rain or shine; cripple or not - I party on! :P

BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP ME FROM CRIPPLE FIST PUMPING AND SAVING THE WORLD WITH SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA! 

3. The White Cast AND the splinter are both a huge pain in the arse! 

Because I can't get it wet and have a hard time keeping it dry. This is NOT what she said.  

Imagine having to wrap the cast/ splinter up everytime I shower, do dishes, meal prep or any activities that might potentially get it wet... NOT FUN! Which brings me to the next point....

4. EXFOLIATION became a LUXURY! 

I have been exfoliating every 2-3 days ever since I discovered The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Exfoliator (which recently took over the HG Exfoliator title from Soap & Glory Flake Away exfoliator). SMELLS SO FRICKIN AH-MA-ZING & SO GENTLE on the skin with its tiny exfoliator bits.

I did not exfoliate during the 1.5 weeks when I had my massive cast and only resumed exfoliating a couple of days ago after the cast came off and the post-surgery pain has subsided. And BOY, DID IT FEEL GOOD! Except, my right arm will probably need an INTENSIVE exfoliating once my suture wound has fully heeled. GO FIGURE! 

5. At the very least, I can haz pretty painted nails with splinter. 

 Taking the new Illamasqua Speckles Polish in Mottle from I'MPerfection collection on a test drive! This polish is revolutionary and an absolute darling - mint plus glitter bits 2 IN 1? YES PLEASE! 

At least, it made my splinter slightly prettier. 

#ThisISHowYouSpotABeautyBlogger

#NOTD #Cripple #Edition

6. My skin, face & body is lacking TLC.

Try picture trying to massage the serum and/or moisturser all over your face; applying body butter/ lotion all over your body; and applying haircare post shower single handedly. 

Yeap, fun times.

I probably wasted half of bottle/ tub of skincare in the past three weeks; pretty much passed on bodycare since the faithful day; and so's my haircare. (I did however, manage to curl my hair with my robot cast. =P)

7. When I am feeling down or depressed over my injury or the inconvenience caused by it, BRIGHT lipsticks always save the day. 

Illamasqua Lipstick in Immodest on the left and Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in Bright Pink on the right. 

I know I went through an orange/ coral phase towards the end of last year, I am now swaying back to bright, matte barbie pink lippies with smokey eyes. :)

Whilst they are both matte and look pretty similar on the lips but when swatched, Immodest is more of bright fuchsia and Bright Pink is well, more of bright barbie pink. :P

8. I MISS THE GYM SO FRICKIN BAD 

Especially lifting AND pole dancing! 

Yours truly sneaking in a spin class a day before my surgery.

I could barely walk after the class and cast didn't exactly feel the best (EW, I know) - it felt SO. DAMN. GOOD. The endorphins kick was priceless! Me thinks I am going to sneak in a pilates session later this arvo although my physio said I shouldn't really be hitting the gym till the stitches are off this Thursday! 

Gym Junkie or Gym Addict? You tell me! ;)

I have also been working on my new side project Eat This Burn That - will let the cat out of the bag when everything is more organised! At the meantime, don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@EatThisBurnThat) or Facebook for health and fitness updates! :)

Hand exercise, as prescribed by the physiotherapist. This is as active I have been since surgery. =.="

(Pun might be intended)

If only I could list down all the inappropriate comments I received :P

9. IF ALL THINGS FAIL, GRAB A SPOON AND HAVE BEN & JERRYS 

Chocolate Therapy is my drug to replace Panadeine Forte when I was in pain or when I am down and annoyed. #LetsDigIn

FINALLY,

My GORGEOUS & AMAZING bestie whom I stumbled upon (literally) 5 years ago! She's pretty, smart, kind hearted and an awesome listener & advisor when I need it! LOVE YOU LONG TIME MISS CSJ! 

I am glad that despite all the hoo-hah, I am able to celebrate my bestie's 25th birthday - partyin it up like its 2008. My dress even matches my splinter! :P

A little unusual compared to my usual post but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!

XOXO,

A

FASHION FRIDAY: MAXI LOVE - How to dress up an oversized black maxi dress

It has been a LONG while since my last Fashion Friday post - too long actually (my last post was back in Sept 2012, say whaaaatttt?). BUT, I kinda make up for being a #badblogger since I am whipping up a post on a FRIDAY night, right? ;)

I have always been a fan of maxi dresses (although I don't wear them often enough) - casual yet "glam". Maxi dresses make a great staple in a girl's wardrobe - perfect for your weekly Sunday brunch sesh or you can flaunt it at your local pub during the usual Saturday night bevs time. 

 I decided to finally put on this black maxi dress that I got from CLEO over a year ago that's slightly too long & a tad too big. I could either shuff it back to the lonely corner of my wardrobe or make it work #likeaboss.

And, HERE is how I did it: 

1. Tie the knot: Too long? Just because you're not blessed with J Hawkin's height, doesn't mean you can't buy that gorgeous maxi dress that might be a tad too long for you. Simply tie a knot at the corner and VOILA - the perfect length & additional edge to an otherwise simple dress.

2. Add a POP: The good ol', fail-proof colour poppin. Add a bright, bold colour to your plain maxi for that contrast and I chose a skinny, red belt!

3. Plus the STATEMENT necklace: Statement necklace is my favourite icing to my outfit cake, especially corporate wear as it instantly dresses UP an otherwise boring outfit! So, start investing in a few statement necklace today!

4. Finish off with a COLOURED cardigan: With the temperamental Sydney's weather, it's always good to bring along a cardigan as it could be 46 degrees now and drop to 26 degrees 2 hours later. #truestory So, instead of the traditional black/ white/ grey/ beige cardigan, why not spice up your outfit with a coloured cardigan? 

5. BONUS - Add some colours to your FOTD: Swap your usual black liner for an electric blue eyeliner. I am wearing Face of Australia Bulge-proof Gel Liner in Brilliant Blue* here!

(These babies are awesomesauce and cost only $9.95 a pop - coming soon at your local drugstore!)

Maxi dress: "Seduce" (FREE with CLEO)

Red belt: Malaysia

Studded bag: Dotti

Sandals: Sports Girl

Cardigan: ZARA

Necklace: DIVA

Sunnies: Ray Bans

"Don't let your fear of striking out prevent you from never playing the game"

"Focus your conscious mind on things you desire not things you fear. Doing so bring dreams to life"

Outfit photo credit: my LOVELY babysis (@zoweexoxo)

I am by no means a fashionista with some mad sense of fashion - but I do enjoy mixing and matching and hunt fir clothes that suits my bodyshape, especially at a bargain! So, I hope you girls (and guys) enjoy this post. :)

PS: Although the Fashion Friday series have been forming cob webs here, I have been quite diligent with quick OOTD shots on Instagram. Follow @ThroughBeautyEyes for more of my outfit quickies. ;)

PPS: I might be a little floaty from the Panadeine Forte I just consumed 2 hours ago - so my apologies if there's any grammatical error or if it doesnt make any sense. :P

Do you own any/ many maxi dresses in your wardrobe? 

What are your dressing/ styling tips?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

All About The Curls - HG curling products

Haaaiiiiiirrrrrrr?!?!

Wow - the sun must be rising from the west. We all know that Adeline never talks about hair. Almost never. That's simply because I'm the most non-creative girl when it comes to hair and I have had my hair permanently straightened yearly since I was 14. (Read about my brief hair history HERE.)

Well, now that my regrowth has outgrown my chemically straightened hair big time and I'm unable to walk out of the house without looking like a haystack - I have joined the curls club and curl my hair whenever I have extra time to spare in the morning. (Read: only Fridays - Sundays). 

My 24th birthday - this is one of the rare moments where I'm extremely enthusiastic and spend 101% time and effort in curling! 

I thought I would share with you girls my HG products to create and maintain these curls! 

My trusty Modiva Curling Iron* previously reviewed HERE.

This is my one and only trusty curling tools that I own! I have a straightener but I gave up curling my hair using one since the last time I tried curling my hair with a GHD, it took me 1.5 hours and it wasn't long lasting. I know right. *roll eyes* I have been using this since I was sent over a year ago and it's still doing a great job!!!

Products used:

Batiste Dry Shampoo in DIVA: My FAVOURITE dry shampoo of all times! This is my second repurchase and will most definitely repurchase again! I use Miss Diva when I'm curling a-day-old-hair just to get rid of any excess oil and also to ensure my hair smells good!

O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray*: The "IT" hair product since 2012 - all you need is a few spritz of sea salt spray, have it up in loose bun for an hour, and you will get gorgeous wavy hair. Except my hair requires more effort than that (most of my waves won't stay due to the fact that it has been chemically straightened!) I often use this on my freshly washed hair before curling my hair to ensure easier formation of the curls. We all know that freshly washed hair ain't exactly the best t work on, don't we? Uhmm, did I mention it smells lovely too? #extrabrowniepoints

O&M Original Queenie / Firm Hold Hairspray*: Original Queenie is the final and most important product before I head out the door (who am I kidding, I gotta check my lipstick and make up for the 56th time and my outfits from 246 angles before rushing to the door). Gorgeous pink packaging, super lightweight, holds your hair FOREVER, non sticky (extra extra stars for this!!!) and doesn't have the icky smell most hair spray has - sounds like a clear winner to me!

Attempting a mug shot with the baby sis after curling her hair on a random summer day! Isn't she GORGEOUS?

Yours truly before the Swedish House Mafia #ONELASTTOUR concert last week! Mind-blowing.

That's how I get my curls - how did you do yours?

What are YOUR favourite hairstyling products?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A