Page 365...........You Beauty!!!!

Being the last day of 2014, I thought it was only fitting that I write my final post of the year. 2014 has certainly thrown challenges my way - health playing a huge part. But all challenges do have a tendency to be overcome and that I did!!!!!

Pics courtesy of Google Images

Being diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 over a year ago, I didn't take it too seriously. "I will be fine", I convinced myself. I got through Gestational Diabetes and was injecting insulin for the last two pregnancies - over 10 years ago now - I was going to see this disappear as well.

I recall the Doctor's recommendations:

* You must exercise Sandra - at least go for a half hour walk each day.  FAIL
* You need to monitor what you are eating Sandra.  FAIL.    Did someone say CAKE???
* Sandra, you need to lose weight. BLAH BLAH BLAH.  FAIL

Pic courtesy of Google Images

I was invincible. I will be fine. I will lose weight. One day. When Im ready. Arrrggghhhhh F%$K it.

So for the next year my health went spiralling out of control. If I could sleep all day - if anyone could only let me - I could sleep. Lethargy, no energy, depression, no emotions - recipe for disaster really.

So picture this, I'm doing bridal make up and I go to pop on some lashes. I can't see what the hell I'm doing. I blink a few times to get my vision back but it remained blurry. You would think this set alarm bells ringing.

I continued with life as best as I could. There was no such thing as a break from life. I had a family to keep together and a small business to run. I soldiered on. I sucked it up like a true princess. If only I could cry, perhaps I wouldn't feel so numb.

I turned to wearing my reading glasses full time as I needed to put those damn lashes on all of my clients.

Any normal person would have taken themselves to the Doctors by this stage. Well not Sandikay. Glutton for punishment I am.

Then it happened. I just wanted to sleep, sleep and more sleep. I wanted to run away to avoid conversation with anyone. It was way too difficult to keep a conversation going, even for me - Miss always talkative.

My eldest daughter, who works in a Pharmacy, suggested I go see the Nurse who was coming into the chemist to discuss Diabetes Management. It was $10 - what did I have to lose - except having to dress myself and make myself look half decent.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

I took myself off to the Nurse. Lovely lady but ironically a large lady herself. Go figure (no pun intended). We talked and she noted down my history. Then came the finger prick test for blood glucose.

BOOOM!!!!!!!!

Her facial expression said it all. "Let me do it again Sandra, as I think there may be an error" she whispered.

And there it was. The beginning of WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES SANDIKAY. My blood glucose reading was 28. Normal is 7-8. See I told you all I wasn't normal!!!!! According to the medical team I was seeing, I should have been in a diabetic coma.

It was the wake up call I had been anticipating. I don't want to die young because of my diabetes. I don't want to go blind, lose a limb or more importantly, not be around. WHO WOULD DO EVERYONE'S MAKE UP???????

Pic courtesy of Google Images

From that moment, drastic action was taken and 6 months on I can happily say I'm feeling fabulous, I have energy (a little too much some days - hyper), I've lost 10kg and 10cm around my waist and my diabetes is under control. Oh and my eye sight improved only a couple of weeks later.

So why am I boring you peeps with this? It's about AWARENESS peeps. Some of you may be feeling what I experienced in the past - lethargy, depression, light headiness, weight gain & just feeling CRAP!

Get yourself to your GP. Don't wait till it gets better, because as I learnt, it doesn't get better. A simple blood test can help with diagnosis.

Don't think you are alone. Reach out for help. You aren't weak for wanting help. Do it!

So I bid 2014 farewell, and thank this year for opening my eyes and my heart to LIFE.

Pics courtesy of Google Images 

Wishing you all a fabulous, healthy and peaceful 2015 and thank you all for your support in reading my blog.

Until next year..............8 hours away........... keep SMILING.........IT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU :-)

SK x

Hubby & I

HAVE A BIT OF SOLE .......take care of your feet.

FEET. There I said it. I don't necessary like feet, but I looooooovvveee someone massaging my feet and I loathe unruly toenails. You know the type I am talking about........nail polish only gracing the tiny pinkie.  Okay okay, I'm guilty of having feet look like that. But, in my defence, it is only during the winter months. Socks usually hide them.......socks and thongs. Yes a wonderful image I have just painted you.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

 

Don't laugh......I bet you have worn these too.

 

Why do so many neglect their feet. I mean, they carry us around all day long and then we don't care enough about them to give them a pampering.

In order to wear your strappy, open toe heels this holiday season, here are Sandikay's top tips to dress those babies up.

* Get a pedicure. Do one yourself if you must. Get those nail beds ready for some bling, or in foot language - a coat of nail varnish. Be sure to choose a Salon that adheres to State Regulations in regards to Hygiene and cleanliness. You don't want to get any nasty foot or nail disease. Any hard callouses or corns should be seen to by a professional. Go and see your Podiatrist - most are covered by Medicare here in Australia.

Pics courtesy of Google Images 

* Clean under the free edge of each toenail. Get rid of the black fluff - left overs from the black socks you wore in winter no doubt.

* Use a cuticle softener to get rid of the skin excess around the nail groove.

* Be sure to cut / file straight across the nail so you avoid getting an ingrown toe nail.......ouch.

Picture courtesy of Google Images 

* Buff your nail beds until you hear that squeaky sound - then you know you have buffed them up nicely and they appear very shiny. This also assists in the removal of yellowness left from nail varnish and smooths out any ridges you may have developed on the nail plate.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

* Use a base coat and let it dry before you paint on the varnish. Choose nice bright colours for summer - pinks, oranges and reds. Two coats of varnish is recommended  followed by a top coat. OR you can purchase my favourite brand of the moment - VINYLUX. No base coat is needed. You paint two coats of the varnish on and then finish off with the Top Coat in the range. Vinylux is the latest for the CND range - the same people who brought you SHELLAC. Unlike Shellac, which requires a UV light and then soaking the polish off with acetone; Vinylux dries instantly and removes just like normal nail varnish. I love it. I'm addicted.

Pics courtesy of Google Images 

* Don't forget those heels either ladies. You can't wear a gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choo sling backs and then have heels dry as. No fashionista would approve of this. Get the foot bath out and soak those babies. Then, lightly use a pumice stone to exfoliate that dead skin away. Don't rub too hard as you don't want to remove too much skin or your feet will feel sensitive to touch. Moisturise your feet. Try using a Heel balm at bed time. Pop on a pair of socks and let them soak in overnight. You will thank me later.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.

You don't want your heels looking drab in a sexy pair of heels. 

So those footsies are ready to party. Be kind to your feet. They will carry you to higher grounds.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

SK x

THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS.

I just have to mention the word CHRISTMAS and the response I get is either, "Can't wait", or "Please shooosh".

Pics courtesy of Google Images 

I used to be the 'shooosh' girl but as I have gotten older matured, I realise it doesn't matter if I don't grab the right presents or the best turkey (FYI - lets pretend I cook a turkey.......I don't), its the time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus - religious or not - and gather with loved ones and celebrate.

Pic courtesy of Google Images

CELELBRATION on the other hand, means wine, champers and cocktails!!!!!!!!! With your besties of course. A time to reflect upon the year that was and a time to just chill and talk to one another and EAT.  Did I mention EAT?????? OMG......... that one day of the year and somehow we all gain weight. It's like our brain tells us, "okay its Christmas - stuff your faces and gain some weight and we will worry about losing the extra kilos in the next 12 months". Arrrgggghhhh........ vicious circle I say.

Google Images

Now, I'm a last minute type of gal. I shop better under pressure so its fair to say I leave everything till the week of Christmas. I've been doing this for years and I'm not about to change now. People don't realise that some of the sales actually begin before the big day. So when I can grab the gift I intended to buy all along and I pay less, its a win-win situation.

Now for the part that I want to discuss. The stress that Christmas can cause is really brought upon ourselves. There is no rule you have to have the best tree, or the most expensive gift under the tree, or house filled with mistletoe (unless the pool boy is invited to your Christmas dinner - then I suggest you cover your entire ceiling with mistletoe). 

Everyone is too busy trying to impress everyone else and the stress begins to show. And by 'show', I mean hair pulling, crease lines deepen on the face, excessive alcohol consumption to lessen the stress and the ANXIETY and HEART PALPITATIONS. Really people????? Is all that necessary for one day. The true meaning of Christmas regardless of the religion you follow, has certainly dispersed and is lost somewhere amongst the tinsel and baubles.

Christmas time should be about chill time, celebration, spending time with the kids that you haven't seen because you have been flat out working, sharing stories, eating heaps but knowing its okay to indulge for one day and drinking loads of champers.

This is the path I'm going down this year. I hate worrying about having no money to satisfy the wants of others. I don't want to wear the crease lines or have my hair falling out from stress. I want to be happy, healthy and give thanks that I am alive and my family is safe and healthy. If Santa doesn't bring me a good gift now that I have encouraged happiness at Christmas time, I'll be disappointed!!!!!! Hope hubby reads this......... just saying??

To finish up, here are some survival BEAUTY TIPS to get you through the month of December so that you SHINE on Christmas Day!!!!!

* SLIP SLOP SLAP - yes peeps. Continue to put on SPF before you head off outside. The sun produces the strongest UV rays from 11am to 3pm. And don't forget, you must reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours for maximum protection.

* Get a facial - come to me..... lol - and give your skin a glowing platform to prepare you for the party season.

* Drink loads of WATER. It's important to keep hydrated especially if you are stressed during this season. I like to add ice cubes, lemon and lime to refresh my palette. Try drinking a glass of chilled water in between alcohol too.

* Go for a walk either first thing in the morning or late in the evening when its cooler, to clear your thoughts from all the mumble jumble.

* Go check out Sephora in Pitt Street Sydney........ this is a cheeky one but hey it doesn't hurt to go and have a look, play and perhaps make a few purchases for yourself or for pressies. Sephora will open this week on the 5 December 2015. It's a fabulous beauty shop where you will feel like you are in BEAUTY HEAVEN.

* Next party you attend, add some sparkle to your eyes. Glitter means fun. Even if you only pop it on under your bottom lash line, it will spell, FUN!!!!

Google Images

So please try and enjoy this time people. It only comes around every 12 months. Don't stress but relax!!!! Don't worry about keeping up with the Joneses or the Kardashians. Make it YOUR Christmas and YOUR special day.

Stay safe.

SK x

Wafers, bread sticks & a glass of Chardy. Pass the Caviar Darling.

FORGET AVOCADO ON YOUR FACE. Been there, done that. Move over the rich and famous and welcome to CAVIAR. Move over salsa and hello crackers and Chardonnay!

Pic courtesy of Google Images

You may have noticed the delightful delicacy (for some.....not really a fish egg fan) has made its debut in recent times in the Luxe Facial regime and now also gracing the fingernails of young fashionistas everywhere.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images 

For those of you who do not know what CAVIAR is, let Sandikay define it for you through the words of this lady from Canada - Dana McGlynn.

"DANA MCGLYNN works as a freelance fitness and health instructor in Toronto, Ontario. She has fitness certifications from the Ontario Fitness Counsel and Yoga Alliance. Over the years she has taught a variety of different classes including Cardio dance, Step, Pilates, Body Sculpting, Balance Ball classes and Yoga. She is interested in all forms of health and holistic therapies and also has a B.A. in psychology and English. In 2010 she completed her certification as a Natural Health Practioner from the Institute of Aromatherapy. She also has her own line of herbal and aromatherapy body products".  (taken from www.examiner.com)

Dana goes on to define caviar as the following:

"Caviar has long been considered one of the most decadent and expensive foods to eat and enjoy. It is thought to be the food of the rich and famous. Simply put, Caviar or fish eggs is often served to impress one's company and treat them to a delicacy of taste and sophistication. In recent years caviar has also become a popular ingredient in skin care creams and spa treatments.
Caviar skin care products and spa treatments of the stars".

"Being that caviar has been known as an expensive food, often enjoyed by the rich and famous, it is perhaps not surprising that caviar spa treatments, creams and lotions first became popularized by some of Hollywood's elite".

"Angelina Jolie is one star that openly proclaimed her fondness for the caviar spa treatments and the benefits of the caviar products and treatments. The famous star, mother and partner of Brad Pitt began using the caviar creams after a noticeable weight loss that left her feeling that the veins in her hands, forehead and face were bulging and more noticeable. The three hour spa body treatment that she underwent included a detoxifying body wrap followed by an application of the caviar creams over her entire body. The whole treatment lasted roughly three hours, and was said to cost roughly $400. Needless to say, Angelina claimed to be thrilled with the results, and also began using a caviar laced cream from La Prairie on her skin in between treatments".

"There is also a popular Caviar Facial offered at the Spa at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hill's that costs roughly $295 U.S. It is reportedly a favourite treatment of many of Hollywood's stars. Some of the stars that are rumoured to be fans of caviar creams and spa treatments include: Gwenyth Paltrow, Mick Jagger and Stella McCartney".

"The skin enhancing and anti-aging benefits of caviar skin care treatments and it's products
Caviar, which again is simply fish eggs contains many nutrients and antioxidants that heal, regenerate and protect the skin. To begin with caviar contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Fatty acids help to prevent cellular inflammation of the skin, and also trigger hormones in the skin that are beneficial to the skin by promoting regeneration and collagen production.
Caviar also contains a fair amount of antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E which both help to correct and protect the skin from environmental hazards and free radicals that cause aging and disease.


Caviar also contains the nutrients: Potassium and Selenium. These nutrients improve the skin's dermis elasticity and help to prevent the erosion of tissues.
Finally, caviar has a unique cellular structure that is similar to a human cell. Like a human cell, caviar is 50-70% water. Therefore, using caviar products and having caviar spa treatments can help keep the skin moisturized which reduces superficial lines and wrinkles within the skin".

Pretty fancy right? Not for the faint hearted either. Not to mention the dent it would make to your bank account. But lets put all that aside for a moment and look at the benefits of this wonderful discovery.

 

 

Some LUXE products you may come across next time you walk through David Jones and Myer in the City.
Be prepared to spend a month's salary on these products.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

Remember I have discussed Skin Elastin in previous posts. This is what keeps our skin tight and as we mature (there's that bloody word again for OLD), the skin struggles to keeps its elasticity and saggy skin becomes apparent. Caviar will assist in elasticity.

Caviar also contains Vitamins A and E - both are detrimental to fighting free radicals. What are these you ask? Free Radicals are the effects on skin (whether it be drying/polluting) from environmental factors, such as air conditioners, pollution and smoking. Vitamins A, C and E are anti-oxidants for the skin to recover and protect it from visible signs of aging.

Caviar also contains Omega 3 and 6 which are fatty acids. You may have heard about these in Nutritional and Health articles. Foods which are rich in these include eggs, fish and extra virgin olive oil.  Hence, Caviar is fish eggs. (Again, not really a fan here in Camden). These fatty acids are responsible for the Collagen made in our skin. Collagen gives us that youthful glow - reduces signs of ageing too.

So far you can see that this little wonder is extremely beneficial to our skin and to skin regeneration. I'm passionate about skin care as much as I am about make up. You need good skin to show off a face with make up. Its like if you have a stale cracker and try putting caviar on it or dip, cheese or even pate ........not good. Put it on a fresh, crisp cracker and yummo. Crunch crunch  and wash it down with a nice glass of Chardonnay. Same goes with your skin. If you don't create a smooth canvas, that make up might as well be wasted.

Now for the nails. Yes it has been a trend particularly this year. Nail Salons are promoting the craze as well as the Nail Polish companies. It's 3D polish for the nails. You can feel the tiny little beads and they give the nail texture as well as character. Check out the nail salons next time you go in for a mani or pedi.

Pic Courtesy of Google Images

So I hope you learnt something new in this blog. Next time you order CAVIAR in that expensive restaurant, sneak some into your clutch and smother your face with it when you get home. (JOKES) (But its worth a try) :-P.


SK x

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. Most of it anyways. Please fill my stocking with La Prairie. Sounds so posh and very French darlink!!!!!!! Please & Thank you. xxx

WHEN EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN. Living like Benjamin Button.

Bonjour my little beauties,

Whilst performing make up the other day, one of my clients made a comment suggesting that the older I was getting, the younger I looked. Really? Hmmmmm. I decided to check out some of my pictures from years gone by and holy moly - I do look younger. Or different. Definitely bigger (big is beautiful I know). But wow. Never thought it was possible but I must admit that a lot of my colleagues, friends and girlfriends do look more refreshed now as we have gotten older - or as I say, "matured". Its 'THE CURIOUS CURSE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON'  rolling out in real life.

Demi Moore in 2014 and back in the 90's. I think its safe to say that we can thank Ashton Kutcher
for keeping her young in the looks department (and plastic surgery). Pictures Courtesy of Google Images. 

Nicole Kidman in 2014 above and in 1980 (BMX Bandits days) below.
Courtesy of Google Images. 

Who can we thank for this latest finding? Is it the beauty products we are using? Is it the 2 litres of water we are drinking (or wine...... whatever wets your palette)? Is it our environment? Is it our diet or lack of? Is it the steroids pumped into our chickens? Is it the botox readily available to 'LIFT' our  sagging skin?

Pic Courtesy of Google Images.

You know what I think? I think it has to do with our genes. Not of the denim kind - those blasted skinny jeans were never made with my body shape in mind. Arrrrgggghhhhhhh.

Yes ladies, I truly believe it is our genes that map out our overall appearance.  My mama definitely looks better now than she did when I was younger. I used to think 40 was sooooooo old and over the hill. But, here I am...... 41 and finally I can say, and FABULOUS.  Turning 40 last year was more like 40 and FALLING APART :-( .

Mum & I in 2010.

My wedding day in 1993. Look how young hubby and I looked. Mum looked
fabulous in her fascinator. Dad had brown hair and my brother still had hair. Lol.

Back to the genes. A lot of my clients always request that I hide their bags under their eyes, or the darkness. Unfortunately, blaming lack of sleep is not always the reason behind it. Chances are if your mum or dad had really dark circles under their eyes, its hereditary. Nothing will really get rid of it besides a great concealer.

Tip: Always use a shade or two lighter than your natural colour, to highlight the darkness and then BLEND girls.

Pics Courtesy of Google Images.
Here are some concealers designed to use under the eye area to conceal darkness. 

Dark circles can also be a result of poor diet and dehydration. So lots of water and invest in a really good eye cream. Some of my favourites include Dermalogica, Sukin and the Young Living range that I am a distributor for. Best to apply at night when the skin is regenerating.

I may have mentioned before (pretty sure I did as this is one thing I am happy with), my skin is really good. My dad has great skin and there aren't too many signs of wrinkles. He is fully grey though, I am following suit - but thank goodness for hair dye and Mr G (Hair Flair Salon - my hairdresser). My mama is grey too so it was inevitable for me not to go grey. I was 30 when 1/2 my head showed signs of the 'sparkly hairs', as my youngest called it. Sparkles I wish. Perhaps I'll begin a new trend. I have noticed on the pages of fashion magazines, that grey hair is in vogue. Yeh........nah.  It definitely looks sexy of Richard Gere though.  Funny isn't it. Looks crap on us girls but on the boys its hot. Bastards.

Kate Moss with grey highlights.
All pics Courtesy of Google Images.
 

The way we dress and the make up we choose, along with the hairstyles we sport; also plays a big part in looking younger. I have my 'fat clothes' in my wardrobe for those 'fat days' I may have and honestly, I look about 10 years older. Then when I'm feeling fabulous, my hair looks great, my clothes reflect somewhat of a fashionista; and my make up - well what can I say. My MUA - Sminka Ink ;-p makes me look pretty. Lol. Less is more babes. No spak filler required, or the 80's blue on the eyelids is NOT necessary. Go for the fresh, natural look and maybe go for a fabulous red lippie or pink.

Another pic from 2010 - that was a great year. Pretty sure
it was when I finally found ME.

I THINK PINK IS MY COLOUR.

PIC COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

Afraid to wear RED?  I always used to wear red lipstick in my younger years. As I got older (mature) I felt it was too harsh for me. RUBBISH. I just didn't have the confidence to pull it off. Whilst working at Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics, I was encouraged to wear the look of the month and many a time, it included a bright red lippie. I will never forget when a male friend of mine walked past my counter and said, "wow, you look like a hooker Sandra. But a classy hooker". Gees thanks. Lol.

But then I realised I was the only one who thought it looked "hookerish" (my own made up word) on me. One of my favourites these days is the RED. I prefer the blue/reds with a pink tone in it.

Pic courtesy of Google Images.
Olivia P - Love her look and the way she wears RED LIPSTICK

 
TIP: Warm tone Reds include - orange/red.
Cool tone Reds include - blue/red (which is a true red), pink/red.

The ideal tone for you if you have an orange undertone complexion - are the warm tones.
If you have pink undertones - go for the blue/reds, pink/reds.

There is no rule though that you can't wear either or. Just go for it.

Hair can also determine how old you look. Just picture the perm. Although, having said that, I have heard of late many women hoping it makes a comeback as it was so easy to care for. But picture the frizzy perm. With no product in it. Big FAIL. Soft waves, curls and messy buns are ideal - especially for the party season in the warmer months.

THE PERM. 1989. SO COOL.
 

I'm wearing the classic bob again - I find this look is great for both young and old. Can look classy and then I can have fun with it and make it wavy to give me that playful look. Don't be AFRAID to experiment. Haters are gonna hate regardless. Give them something to stare at I say.

Finally, dress to impress. Impress who you may ask???? YOU. You are your worst enemy for the way you look. I'm guilty of it - especially when I'm having a 'FAT DAY'. Impress yourself ladies. Do you feel great in your outfit? Do you like wearing a hat and accessories with loads of jewellery? Go for it I say. Do what makes you comfortable. Wear it with your head held high. (If it looks shocking; lets hope your girlfriends will let you know before you show the world....lol) You have nothing to lose and a whole lot of FABULOUSNESS to gain.

These pics were taken in 2008. I was definitely having a 'fat day'
however, once I got dolled up, I felt fabulous. 

Love
SK x

PIC COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES