Update

So we have an ETA on the internet being connected at the new place. Next Wednesday, sigh. Of course it's never as soon as you want it. But fear not, I have bought some gorgeous things I can't wait to show off, and have found some good topics to chat about so stay tuned, I'll be back in my full capacity very soon. Until then, please find me on twitter as birdettebuys, I'd love to have more followers!

Make up Storage

Phew! Well moving house has completely worn me out, and I'm only half unpacked! The cleaners are coming this afternoon to clean up the mess of the previous tenants (the walls are filthy among other things) so I can't unpack too much yet anyway. But I have been able to unpack my bathroom and find all my acrilic storage units.
I bought these from Priceline a while ago, and they are magnificent in small spaces, all your gear neat and organised, ready when you want them every day. Certainly something I would recommend.
I'll have to add pictures and links to this post when I get full size internet back, there's only so much you can do on a phone!

Slow week warning

Hey guys, I just moved into my new house and hopefully won't have to even think about packing up my gear and moving for another few years. Totally over it. So Just being polite and letting you know that I can't post much until I get the internet up and running again, which should only be a few days anyway. Thank you for your interest and patience, I'll still be on twitter if you'd like to follow me the link is on the right!

Minxy author Kelly Doust coming to Brisbane

Hey girls, while going through some information for an upcoming craft and quilting fair, (Don't mock me, sewing is invaluable.) I found out that Kelly Doust will be signing copies of her new book Minxy Vintage on October 22 between 12 and 2 pm at the fair.
For those of you who have no idea who I'm talking about, Kelly runs a site called The Crafty Minx, about her love of vintage clothing. In her latest book she helps readers bring vintage pieces into their wardrobes with some love, reviving techniques and care. She has fans in people such as Dita Von Teese and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant.
Even better? She's an Aussie girl!
The craft and quilting fair is also something I highly recommend attending. When you get past the fact that it's mostly attended by women past a certain age, you can find a wealth of knowledge, as well as things you never even imagined. It's fantastic for inspiration, as well as being educational. You could go not knowing a thing, and leave with at the very least knowing where you can find out more and many places that will help you along the way.
I'm excited now! I loooove getting books signed!

September Sales!

Truly one of my favourite times of the year, There are normally heaps of sales this month with many worthwhile discounts. Perfect time to get a head start on christmas shopping too! Here are some that I have already looked at, or plan to:

Portmans: Are clearing off what remains of their winter stock to fill with summer stock arriving frequently. A lot of the items can easily be translated into summer wear with maxi skirts, blouses and clothing that walks the line between work wear and smart casual. Great time and place to stock up on classics.


Sportsgirl: 50% off already reduced stock? Oh my god yes please! I already told you all about the great wedges I bought there on Thursday, but I also picked up a large slouchy handbag that will see me through my casual days this summer. Loving bags with two straps.

Cotton On: 30% off everything online, you only have until Monday to make use of this discount though so get on it! great chance to pick up fashion items that don't need to see you past this season.

David Jones: Great to check out and start stalking items so you can jump on them the second they have another round of discounts. My friend picked up the perfect classic pair of nude patent slingback stilettos the other day, makes me jealous I can barely balance in wedges. Lots of bargains to be had across the store, home wares, clothing, beauty, worth a look at the very least.


Cue: If you've had your eye on something, now is the time to snap it up. I haven';t had the chance to go in and check out the savings, but I know from past experience that the sales are good.

This is just a handful of what's out there at the moment, but it's a great time to stock up on your summer wardrobe. Take the opportunity while it's there.

Lady like handbag by ASOS

I don't normally get this excited over one item, but handbags are my thing, I've hardly ever thrown one out after retiring it. Some people like shoes, I like bags.
It is almost perfect. The colour goes with everything, made from leather, it has a cross body strap so it's hands free. The clasp reminds me of doctor bags which are another kook I like, (but are taken for granted by the uber hipster crowd so I've never bought one.) Polished enough for work, Silver hardware, and a top handle for the quick "I'm out the door" grab that often occurs in my mornings.
In fact the only thing I don't like that it is that it's just too small to fit a magazine in it ... but does fit books so it's not all bad.

 

Lady-like Handbag by ASOS

Now off to polish and treat it before it's first outing.

Bought! Sportsgirl Cork Wedges

Ventured out this afternoon with a friend to go and see what we could find in the sales. After teetering around on a lovely pair of wedges at David Jones that I just couldn't balance in I thought all was lost for the day, then we went to Sportsgirl (among twenty or so other stores...)
Complete score for my go to shoes of this summer! $40! I love the seventies feel of them, and just hope I can preserve the cork effect for as long as possible.

Sara Cork Wedges by Sportsgirl

So Balayage?

I haven't had the time to talk to guys through my new hair. This is ecxiting for me because as I previously mentioned I have never done something like this to my hair before. when I was growing up, we were quite poor, and even a yearly trip to just cuts was a treat because it meant mum wasn't cutting our hair herself! Because of this mentality in my family I did grow up rather frugally, it wasn't until I was in my twenties that I got my first professional wax jobs. Even nowdays most of the time you will still find me in some sort of pretzal position in the bathroom doing the backs of my legs! You know, spending $60 on your own wax pot that you can use for ages just makes ten times more sense to me.
Either way, ranting.
So the procedure my hairdresser did to me was a halo of foils, followed by a dark blond toner. She and I had a chat beforehand and since I was a bit nervous she suggested we didn't go as extreme as the picture I brought in.
Probably about half my hair was bleached, as the toner fades it will lighten and I can have a lighter tone next time.
All in all, I spent 3.5 hours in the chair, but that also included an hour or so of styling, Lisa was keen to get some curl in my hair for my date that night and the blow wave just didn't do the trick.
Would I do it again? Oh my yes. But next time, I think I will get more hair bleached.

Incoming: Textured hair

After the noughties obsession with hair straightening it looks like the trend is finally starting to slacken with the amount of curls, waves, updos and texture appearing on the recent catwalk shows. Creating some interest with your hair may seem daunting but the great thing is there are no rules! Just look after your hair properly. Treat it with kindness and make sure you use heat protecting products!

Hair at Vera Wang was worn low and teased, you can acheive this look yourself with a back comb. If you are back combing on the surface of your hair it is easier to work from the nape up, unlike normal teasing. And don't forget to be gentle! Make sure to use conditioner to help detangle. If you've gone too far, gently brush it out from the ends up.

Tail Comb

Another trend that caught my eye were detailed ponytails. These were still rather sleek but will be great in long sticky summer days where you don't want to worry about your hair! I don't want to even think about how to achieve Marchesa's detailed pony, but Herve Leger had some simple and do-able looks.

 Marchesa's Fishtail Ponytail

Herve Leger's Triple Ponytail

To get this look, all you need is a steady hand. Part your hair across the crown from ear to ear and brush into a half up ponytail style, then part straight across the back and add the first tail into it, then gather all your hair into the last at the bottom. You may require a friend or extra mirrors to get this right, I think it'll look even cuter with hair wrapped around the elastics. Practise also makes perfect!

Bought: Priceline Haul

Went a bit beauty crazy in the last week or so too, after a fortnight of complete scrimping, and then all the great workshops I did have a few moments where as soon as I saw what I could do with a product, I wanted it ... ooooh dear.

Just the results of one such shop up.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula SPF 15 +: Because we should always wear sunscreen! Smelling like chocolate is an added bonus

Models Prefer Professional Mineral Eye Shadow in Bronzed Belle: Bronze is super flattering on almost everybody, and black and grey smokey eyes just don't work in summer, these colours are gorgeous, stay in place all day, and being minerals won't annoy your skin.


L'Oreal Paris Touche Magique: The thrifty girls answer to Touche Eclat, brilliant for hiding dark circles.

Prestige Ultimate Brow Definer in Toffee: Some make up artists suggest that blond eyebrow products are good on anyone, but I'm not a fan, they do not do a thing for me. This is the medium shade, and would be good on anyone darker then a light brown. my eyebrows are naturally quite dark, and this is perfect.

John Frieda Full Repair Touch-up Flyaway Tamer: Mentioned in a previous post, Got my hands on one and think it's great. Doesn't smell half bad either.

Loving this week: Forever New and Bardot

I love a good shift dress but it's a pity that very few of them love me, I just don't look good with a high neckline! This one is good, it's somewhere in the middle and still rather classy. I'd wear it to the races with silver wedges and a white facinator. The scalloped detail at the hem is beautiful and the hand sewn sequins and stones make it perfect. Want.

White Lace Shift dress by Forever New

So strange to think that the brand Bardot was an add on to a talant search band from when I was in Primary school but there you go. Another label that have sizes that run rather small for this day and age, but I'm fitting back into them now so I'm not going to throw stones. Still wish for the sake of getting my butt into some of their jeans that they came in a 16 (14) though. However, dresses? Big win. With Jersey dresses liek this you MUST wear seamless underwear, if in doubt, buy it in black, much harder to spot VPL.

Luxe Jersey Maxi Dress by Bardot

Bought! Cotton on Body

I'll admit I've been having a cheap fortnight, moving house has rendered me rather broke  (yet I still found the money to get my hair done ... Yes I do have f'cked priorities....)
But I'm also finding cheap can be chic again, and a lot of cheap has lifted its game. So long as you generally avoid jersey and lace.
Cotton on body has these amazingly flattering and comfy workout singlets at the moment,  Remembering that their sizes do run a little small compared to most out there. They're 2 for $30 in store, but $15 each online (go figure). I picked up this one, and another that states 'Treadmills get you nowhere' I do like a cute slogan top .. but it has to make me giggle.

Indeed it does Cotton on Body!

Also picked up some light cotton PJ pants, it's hard to see in the picture but they have a cute pair of owls print all over. Living with more people then my boyfriend has reminded me that clothing isn't optional in many houses. Mind you I just realised I had a conversation with my housemate in little more then knickers and the above tank top ... Oh I'm classy. But yes the pants. Comfy, light, will see me through Spring until it gets too hot.

 

PJ Pants by Cotton on Body

Bought! Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

There are times when I completely forget about things. I try others, to see if they're as good, and in the months it takes me to use them up, I completely forget just how good something can be.
I first used Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse when it came out more then a few years ago, thought it was brilliant, but then bought some MAC foundation at the season change, then something else, something else again. Until yesterday.
Priceline have an awesome sale on at the moment, where you pick three face products by Maybelline (Foundation, powder, blush, concealer .. I think that's it) and it'll only cost $30. If you're savvy you can save over 50%.
I love Dream Matte Mousse because I have a major problem with my pores. There's no use denying it, and I know I can't be the only one out there. But this stuff seriously hides them. I went on  a date last night and I was taken aback by the idea that I just couldn't see one! It was also teamed with my Urban Decay De-Slick. Lasted hoooooours.
So I may just have a new makeup product routine?

Going to get my hair did!

Spring is certainly here up in Brisbane and there can't be any doubt about it, after a shock of rain last Friday we have had nothing but bright blue skies, cool nights and the urge to take off our stockings and bare our legs.
Another thing that normally strikes me at this time of year, is the idea of dying my hair for the new season. I'm normally quite happy to DIY it, because I haven't done anything that drastic before, (except an at home bleach job without toner that we then dyed bright pink ...done correctly I would've set trends but no, it was horrid.)
So I'm off to my trusted Hairdresser today, and she's going to do Balyalage on me. She nicknamed it the 'regrowth dye job' -geez, thanks Lisa!- and advised me to look at some pictures and bring in what I liked, so I've google image searched and the girl that keeps popping up that I like is Lily Aldridge, good hair Lily!

Source

Could also help that she's a model but you know!

I think one of the tricks is to make sure that the roots in the picture are similar to the hair colour you have. Naturally my hair is pretty average thickness and can be considered dark brown and touches the top of my bra cups. hers isn't far off. However her skin colouring is darker so that may affect it. 

I'm seeing that block coloured hair and blunter cuts are what's coming into fashion, but I think it's better to go in baby steps when you're doing something to your hair you're never done before. I could look horrific as a blond! Or it might totally kill my hair and make me wish I'd never even thought about it. When it comes to hair, do what you're comfortable with, and if you want to try something drastic, it can help to try on wigs first to see if you could do it, (when cutting all your hair off to a crop, it helps.) But don't get stuck in a rut, every season or so, take a look at it maybe you've seen something you like on someone else or in a magazine? Perhaps just a few highlights could make all the difference?

Either way, I have a busy weekend ahead, what with baby showers, Circus shows to see, and getting my hair did ... and should really start packing and cleaning as I'm moving on the 26th! Oh well!

Bought! Fur tail and Leather collar from ASOS

Bit of a sucker for strange trends, particularly if it's a little off the beaten track, Tails first popped up on my radar a few months ago but not at a price or location I was willing to go for, so When I spotted one on ASOS I pounced. Not the cheapest, but cute none the less hanging from my bag.

 

Racoon Fur Tail from ASOS

Another one I bought for the quirk factor recently is this cute leather collar. I'm not going to wear it with shirts that go to my neck, instead I'll wear it more like a necklace with scooped neck singlets and dresses.

 

Leather Collar by ASOS

So just how much product is supplied for NYFW?

Just found this article online, I dont think the average beauty conscious girl would use anywhere near that on her life!

http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2011/09/new-york-fashion-week-by-the-numbers.html

Sale: 50% already marked down items at Sportsgirl, extra markdowns at Portmans

One last little scrap for the evening, Sportsgirl are doing one of their great end of sale markdown frenzies. There are stacks of transeasonal clothes in the sale racks and now really is the best time to buy. Striped knit berets for $2.50? Yes please. Also Hunter-esque gumboots for $20.
Portmans have just marked down their sale stock further too, Grab yourself a classic trench coat that will see you through many years, or a Print, pleated Maxi skirt for under $40.
Be sure to check them out!

ASOS Australia has landed

And sadly I don't see the point yet! Apart from a local return address, they still charge more when you pay in Aus dollar. Come on, you can do better then that!
Let me know if you find amy other perks guys!

Just Fab

Went to another 30 days of FAB workshop today, this time hosted by the lovely Leigh Campbell of Cosmopolitan Magazine (I'm a big fan of hers and it was epic to meet her!) Free copy of Cosmopolitan and another awesome and free goodie bag, certainly worthwhile to go to if there are any you can get to!
Leigh walked us through some tips on how to master a 'red carpet' look with flicked eyeliner and nude lips, and I finally figured out where I was going wrong with my eye liner!
I have always flicked it up right at the end of my eyes, when the make up artist did my make up while I was there, she started the flick before the outer corner and my god it looks so cute! Tiny flick, big results.
 Le sigh, I just wish these thiings came around more often during the year.

Product Review: Rimmel Vinyl Max Lipgloss

Bought a bit of a beauty haul today, so I'll tell you all what I think!
I have to say that I think Georgia looks utterly adorable in the ads for this gloss, I didn't even recognise her without her trademark teeth on show! So cute but - I envy her cheekbones.
So I bought this gloss today in the colour Outrageous, a nice pinky nude that will suit a lot of girls out there. It's in the arsenal of the girls doing the Priceline 30 days of Fashion and Beauty workshops so it's getting a massive amount of use right now, and rightfully so.
This colour is a great option when you are wearing a stronger eye, it won't compete with smokes, brights or liner. it lasts for quite a few hours, isn't too sticky and the colour is strong enough to let the world know it's there. There must be a little of lip plumper in it too, as it tingles for a while on application, but not as strongly as other plumping glosses I've used.
The only negative I can think of with this product is that the brush is obscenely large and you will get too much product to work with if you just pull it out. I suggest wiping the foot of the brush on the rim of the tube to return some of the product before applying.

Rimmel Vinyl Max Lip Gloss in Outrageous

Tip of the day: Save your neck!

Now of course you all put sunscreen on daily don't you? Of course! I'm not even going to indulge the idea that you may not. But do you apply it to the back of your neck?
This is a much forgotten part of your body that is frequently on show. Just think of all those short haircuts, upstyles, and the fact that most clothes don't cover your neck.
So many times I'll be sitting behind an older lady or gentlemen and see that the skin on their neck has aged terribly, people with a 30 year old face and 50 year old necks! Ick.

It just takes 10 seconds longer people, do iiiiiit.

Bought! Supre and Dotti

Gone a bit buy crazy lately, after having a poor fortnight for the last one and being stressed as hell about finding a house, (found one by the way, it's awesome).
Now listen, I know Supre has a horrific image 'even I'm a member of the Facebook group 'welcome to Supre, our sizes come in skinny, malnourished and anorexic', but so long as you avoid the jersey clothing they've got some cute on trend stuff. I was even surprised to find that the sizing was actually just about right again. I wear a medium at Sportsgirl, and I now wear a medium at Supre.
Finally getting into the Spring weather that lets me wear trends I've been seeing since February overseas.
I bought a cute tie waist shirt, if you are a little middle heavy don't be afraid of the trend, wear it with a high waisted skirt that meets the bottom of it, and if you're still nervous wear a singlet underneath. It looks especially cute with an a-line skirt, or you could wear it with a slimline long jersey skirt.

Tie up denim shirt by Supre

I also picked up a Denim shirt dress while I was there, but I use the term dress lightly, it barely skims my butt. I love how it looks with the sleeves rolled up, and plan on going to it with my sewing machine soon, I'm going to scoop the hem and take out the drawstring and officially call it a shirt.

Denim Shirt dress by Supre

I also stopped in at Dotti, having a bargain day. I found these cute shorts in the sale rack, 100% Cupro which is a new fabric that breaths like cotton but has a nicer drape to it. Paperbag waist to tuck tops into, looks great with the tie up top above!

Shorts by Dotti

Last Friday Night

Phone totally died while I was out last night, after a looong day at the office I had a 30 days of Fashion and Beauty Event to go to, One of the Priceline and Magazine Beauty editor ones, and you know what? Learnt some tricks!
Down the back they also had make up artists doing makeovers too, so while the guys at the front are demonstrating on the models, you can have anything they're demonstrating applied to you too, which made a nice reprieve while they were doing things I knew how to do, had a gorgeous girl do my make up for me. Pity I only had home to wear it to tonight but also scored two make over vouchers for Priceline.
The Grab bags are pretty damn awesome too, if you print out your email confirmation you get one automatically, (I think they're nice enough to hand out the rest to those who don't afterwards). They contain stacks of samples and some full size products, in particular I love the mini dry shampoo and Samples of John Freida's new haircare range. Worth sitting through the workshop just to get those!
So as I type I may be signing myself up to the rest of the priceline events, and I highly suggest any readers from Sydney, Melbourne Gold Coast and Brisbane do the same, well worth an hour of of your time.

Sass and Bide Warehouse Sale Brisbane

I'll be brutally honest and tell you this is the only time I buy anything by Sass and Bide. Why pay so much for jeans when you can get them this cheap twice yearly?

Location: RNA Showgrounds, building 7
Dates: Thursday 8th -Sunday 11th.
Times: 12-8:30, 10-5:30, 10-5:30, 10-3.

They will take EFTPOS and credit cards too.

Bought! Portmans

Two quick buys from Portmans today, after originally going to hunt for some wedge boots (Rubi shoes smelt funny and cut in at the ankle) My friend and I ended up wandering into Portmans. I quite like Portmans, you can pick up some great buys in the sale racks, and bring fashion to office clothes.
First purchase was this cute sleeveless sheer blouse, I'm craving this sort of cut at the moment, I'll wear it with skinny jeans or shorts and a tank underneath.

 

Sleeveless Blouse by Portmans

Second of my purchases today was this chain embellished tank top. I like collecting feature tops, I find my top half to be where I want to draw attention, and this (mildly heavy) top does the job nicely. I can wear it over jeans, belt it,or tuck it into a skirt to toughen up something girly.

Pity I can't find any images for it!

Man grooming Yay or Nay

An article I recently read over at Bellasugar got me thinking, Man grooming. What a euphemism. I'm really quite glad that we're past that period a few years ago when men by the barrel load took more time to get ready then their more feminine counterparts, but it was nice of them to still get up and make a little bit of effort.
Take my boy, if I want him to look nice, I generally have to dress him myself. Otherwise it's flat hair, comic book character t-shirt and pants if I'm lucky. If I'm not lucky it's shorts, long socks and pull on shoes. Such a dag lol.
I just want a nice balance, where he does his hair and realises that the shorts and socks combo just isn't right. However, I would love to attack his eyebrows with a wax pot one day ...
Another example on the opposite end of the scale is my sister's Italian husband. My sister is frequently late to events because he's spending time making sure he looks like he's spent very little time. However he's imaculately pressed his clothes, blow dried and straightened his thick hair, trimmed his designer stubble and thought very carefully about what he's going to wear. The whole process takes more then a hour from what I can remember.
Just a little bit of effort please men! Not the whole sh-bang. If you are going to do anything, make it look like you haven't, and for the love of god, please put down my straightening iron!

Surly models

Has anyone else noticed an influx of surly looking models in advertising campaigns recently? I went shopping with a friendi Cue last week and I was taken aback by the scary looking girl in the posters. such a scowl. It disappoints me because I found a lot of their clothes to be really interesting and things I'd like to buy but these pictures really turned me off completely.
See what I mean:

 

Cue aren't the only ones, Talulah also have a surly model:

These are just ones I've spotted today, email me if you've found some others.
Does it turn you off buying clothes as well when the models just aren't working for you?

Source

Nature inspired Wall lamps by Ikea

Another thing to add to the refurbishments when I get off my financially challanged butt and buy a house, how gorgeous are these lamps? The Ikea catalogue landed in my mailbox last week sometime last week and these are by far my favourite thing in there.

 Soder Wall lamp by Ikea

They also have a pendant lamp in the range.

 Soder Pendant light by Ikea

Cannot wait to move into our own rental again soon, started looking this week and the market is tight as (yawn, I know) wish me luck guys!

Loving this week: Agent Provocateur and What Katie did

I love new line drops at the start of the season, and I have two awesome ones this week, starting with Agent Provocateur. When I reach my goal and lose all my weight I'm going to splurge and get a complete set as (one of many) rewards. To me they really do scream that a woman is confident in herself and deserves to be spoiled. Mostly impractical to wear under clothes, but don't we all need something just for the bedroom? This is my favourite set for the new season.

Thora Underwear set by Agent Provocateur

The second range I want to mention is by What Katie Did, They have recently released their new season collection and the standout to me is this gorgeous Storm Corset. It's a newer style from them and is designed to hold in bustier girls, it also comes in a large range of colours.

Storm Corset by What Katie Did

Birdette does Laundry: How to wash your clothes

Boring! Yes I know. Trust me, I know. But it never ceases to amaze me just how clueless the majority of people are when it comes to washing clothes, guys in particular, but yes, some girls I know, the horrors! All in one, no colour sorting, bras in the dryer, No no no no no! My god no!
So I'm going to tell you all everything I know. Barely any of it I learnt from my mother so I don't expect yours to have taught you that well either. This will also help out anyone who has just moved out from home. Do not take your laundry home for your mother to still do once you move out. Grow up, buy a machine and do it yourself, she has only been looking after you for the best part of at least two decades! In fact, go buy her some flowers, just because she's been awesome all these years.

Buying a machine:
Personally I only have one piece of advice here, get one with a central spindle, mine does not have one, and it is a bitch that likes to tangle clothes and get stuck on repeat. Will be getting a new one when I can afford it.

Washing Powder:
My best advice it to use what your mother uses, chances are she's trialled a lot of them and she knows her stuff, plus you already know you are not allergic to it.
Also use white vinegar as an end of wash softener, it neutralises soap powder and finishes your clothes nicely.
Lastly buy a woolwash for your wool and silk items, best to handwash these.

Separate your clothes:
I normally do my washing once every two to three weeks, this is enough time to get up decent load sizes so I do not waste water in the machine, it will generally take at least 40 litres of water to run the smallest load, so you're better off hand washing if you have anything less then perhaps two kg of clothes to wash, (generalising here).
The categories I break up my load into are as follows (you may need to adjust depending on your wardrobe):
Blacks
Whites (I sometimes add lights into this load as I do not wear much white)
Lights
Brights (can need to be further broken down into colours, blues, reds etc)
Dulls (Mid range colours, but not brights, think tan, olive, grey muted shades)
Darks (nearly black but not quite, navy, charcoal  a lot of denim etc)
Delicates (silks and wools)
Dry cleaning

Also worth mentioning here is that you should wash your tea towels daily, bedsheets weekly, and towels at least weekly. they can generally go in the same wash as they tend to be colourfast, but check the labels. if in doubt, separate.
Take dry cleaning to the cleaners, and save your receipts, a lot of jobs will let you claim dry cleaning as a uniform or work related clothing tax refund.

Buy some garment bags.
Best to have about half a dozen of these, some mesh, some normal, the mesh ones are best for knickers, while the other variety are best for bras, fabric belts, and other items, Have a look around, a good price for these is just a couple of bucks each, I like Ikea and department stores to find them.
Items that you'd want to put in these are (but not limited to):
Bras
Knickers
Clothing with straps and attached belts (wrap around dresses and tops)
Shoestring singlets
Hosiery
Lingerie in general
Keep like with like in the bags, and make sure you do your bra clips up when you chuck them in, they catch on everything.

What temp to use?
My rule is to always use cold water, it's too much stuffing about if you separate your clothes by temp to wash in, cold water will wash everything and use up stacks less electricity too. Only bother with hotter settings for things like bedsheets, and if you haven't mixed your loads. Apart from risking colour leaking from item to item, it can sometimes shrink your clothes.

Got a top loader? Let the machine fill up a bit without any clothes in it yet.
For top loaders, it's a good idea to stick your washing powder in and then let it mix with some water before you put your clothes in, this is a good time to sort you load and garment bag any items that need it.

Suit your wash to what you are washing:
Gentle Cycles are for dedicates and items that are recommended for hand washing (if an item says to hand wash, I stick it in a garment bag and on a gentle cycle.) Heavy duty loads are for Tradie's uniforms, incredibly messy gear, rarely washed jeans and for linens. Everything else can go on a regular cold cycle.

Dryer vs. hanging up:
Do your electricity bill and the environment a favour and hang your clothes up to dry as much as you can. Some items of clothes you simply cannot chuck in a dryer, bras,  jeans, and sports gear come to mind but check the label before you put anything in the dryer. Personally, the dryer is made for uniforms that have frequent wash and wear, linens and for extra crisp cotton shirts. Bonus tip? If you dry your cotton shirts in there, and grab them out and hang them on coat hangers IMMEDIATELY, You made not need to iron them at all.
Also if line drying in the sun, turn your clothes inside out as this will prevent the majority of colour fading in garments, who cares if it's on the side? At least you can't see peg marks on the outside!

Well I do hope that's helped some of you out at least a little, I have more so share but I'm really over typing at the moment! If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to let me know!

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

We all have our basics that we come back to time and time again, This is the one for me, fail proof, doesn't stir up my skin, does exactly what it says and has a great price tag on it.
Most of the time, my skin is pretty good, oily but not too many blemishes, and it's not too often that I get blemishes that are noticeable. Back before I started using this product I used to use harsh cleansers that irritated the hell out of my skin with the belief that 'the tingle means it's working!' (Get stuffed adverts! What the tingle really means your skin is crying out loud in pain.)
Red patches around my nose were a common feature, and I had no idea that they were because I was using harsh cleansers, so if this is a problem for you I'd recommend picking up a bottle of this, they also have a great mechanical scrub that is quite gentle that I use a few times a week.
The way I use it is once in the morning, and twice any time I have to take off make up, it's gentle enough to use on your eyes, (but I still couldn't recommend pouring it in them!) While it still takes off waterproof products with ease. Love it.

 Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser