Topic: Anorexia

In no way or form am I speaking as a professional. I just feel like I need to address this issue. Lately i've seen many of my friends go through this and I hate standing by and watching it. But for the purposes of people who have never experienced it and need to support someone, i'd really appreciate it if you could read this.

First of all, anorexia is a mental disorder and a psychological illness. The easiest way to describe it, is that a demon takes over the mind and changes the way he or she thinks. This demon makes the person believe they are 'fat' or 'obese', or in my friends case 'unfit'.

She's been on a health kick for about 6 months, eating healthy and regularly exercising. But over the past few months it has become so extreme that she's just stopped eating, thinking that it will make her 'fit'. It doesn't matter how much you try to explain that starving the body is unhealthy, she will not listen.

When she got to the extreme point of hospital, her mind started to think everyone hated her because we were all telling her that she wasn't 'fat'. She thought we were all planning against her so she couldn't reach her 'goal'. She's begun to lash out at us, saying she hates us and wants us to die. It's terrible to watch her mould into this new person. And its sad to know that if she makes it through, she's never going to be the same girl again.

There's a difference between being skinny/healthy and anorexic. And girls, if you want to make a change. CHANGE your diet! Don't erase it! There is nothing worse for your body than not giving it energy to run on. 

If you think a friend might be developing into an unhealthy stage, I suggest it is a good idea to let their parents know so they can keep an eye on them at home. Because theres nothing better than hitting it on the head before it fully develops. 

If you have a friend who is rapidly losing weight and you have seen 2 or more of the following effects change, please for the love of god tell a trusted parent or councillor, they need your help! 

Behavioural Effects 

• Excessive exercise and/or food restriction

• Secretive behaviour surrounding eating or exercise

• Overly sensitive to references about weight or appearance

• Obsessive interest in cooking or preparing food for others

• Refusal to eat in the presence of others

• Aggressive when forced to eat "forbidden foods"

• Self harm

• Substance abuse

• Suicide attempts 

Psychological Effects 

• Distorted body image

• Self-evaluation based largely or entirely in terms of weight and appearance

• Pre-occupation or obsessive thoughts about food and weight

• Refusal to accept that one’s weight is dangerously low despite warnings from family, friends and/or health professionals

• Low self esteem

• Mood swings

• Clinical depression

• Withdrawal from interpersonal relationships in favour of social isolation

Physical Effects 

• Dry skin

• Dry or chapped lips

• Poor circulation resulting in pins and needles and/or purple extremities

• Headaches

• Brittle fingernails

• Bruising easily

• Frail appearance

• Decreased libido; impotence in males

• Reduced metabolism

• Abnormally slow heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Hypotension

• Hypothermia

• Iron deficiency

• Abdominal pain

• Stunting of height and growth

• Fainting

• Abnormality of mineral and electrolyte levels

• Thinning of the hair

• Constantly feeling cold

• Zinc deficiency

• Reduction in white blood cell count

• Reduced immune system function

Review: Perfume of the month

Beyonce HEAT

I'm late to the party on this one, but better late than never, right? 

Recently i've been loving this perfume, I actually bought it when it first came out but it didn't really tickle me fancy. But as I was running out of perfume and this was on sale I thought i'd give it another try. 

The first spray is strong (like floral old lady strong) but quickly morphs into a musk/vanilla and it is devine! Would eat this if I could, it is literally amazing.

8/10

Review: World War Z

Theres nothing more annoying than a trailer that shows the best parts of the film. This isn't a review as such, more like a sentence of advice.

Basically its the best movie ever. If you're into, scary/action movies, this is perfect for you. There is literally not one boring scene in the movie. I hight suggest to see it!

Rate: 10/10

Review: INDY C block colour bag

 Recently I've been shopping and found this gorgeous Indy C bag. RRP $60 I found it on sale for $20! Bargin!

Thought I would give a quick review because its a brilliant bag. 24 cm in length, 17cm height and 6cm wide, this bag can fit so much inside! Even though its small, it is shaped perfect for everything. I can fit, my phone, keys, wallet, ipod, headphones, makeup and perfume inside!

The photos don't give the colour justice, but it's a beautiful lime green. I find it perfect to brighten up and outfit full of dark colours!

9/10

Want this bag?
http://www.universalstore.com/indy-c-block-colour-case-chartreuse.html
http://www.surfstitch.com/product/indy-c-block-colour-case-bag-chartreuse
http://www.jettysurf.com.au/product/block-colour-case-bag-by-indy-c-in-chartreuse

How to: Be happy!

Lately i've found that after doing certain things in my life I have become happier, so I devised a list of everything i've done so far!


Perform random acts of kindness: It doesn't have to be generous or a certain kind (big, social, etc). Just something small, for example, give a friend a lift home or buy a mate lunch! Of course not every day, but the small things like these always come back. Those people will always remember what you did and you will be repaid! If you're walking down the mall and you see a busker you really do love, take the time to find your wallet and give them a couple of dollars. It might just make their day!

Count your blessings:
When I was younger I would take everything for granted (sometimes to this day, I still do). But be grateful for what you do have, whether that be family, friends, a house, a pet or a place. Your problems might seem like the end of the world, but you have a roof over your head and thats one less thing you need to worry about. So don't forget about those little people or things in your life that make it worth while.

Find a hobby:
Whether it be a sport or a skill, do it. If you're having a terrible day/week you'll always have something you enjoy wait for you. For example, I play netball on friday nights. And theres nothing better than knowing that in 2 days i'll be back on court again with my team.

Be healthy:
Food: I honestly feel a lot happier when I eat healthy. Not only am I putting something good into my body, it gives me more energy for my sports and play! If you're not a big fan of healthy food (like me), pack a health work lunch, you'll find that you won't hate it as much knowing theres pizza waiting for you at home.
Exercise: Sport is one of the most exciting ways to stay fit. Netball, soccer, basketball and football are all team games. Not only are you being fit, but you're socialising! If your not a sports person, go for a 30 minute walk once or twice a week with your iPod, nothing is better than listening to your favourite music early in the morning.

Set goals:
Setting short term goals is a great way to keep motivated. The more you tick off, the happier you feel about that goal and what more you can achieve. Start a list of what you want to achieve in the month, whether it be; getting a pass on your math exam or saving a certain amount for an item you really want. It doesn't matter what it is, but when you cross it off your list, it is the most satisfying feeling. Trust me!

Be confident in yourself:
I've always been a person to hide behind friends, but in the past 6 months i've managed to change that. Go out yourself more often, go to the shops for a day and DO NOT call or text anyone - be independent! When you come home it will be the most satisfying feeling. Being confident in yourself is something most people need to work on. Whether it be negative self image or just outright shy (like me) setting little tasks like this will be the most rewarding.

Socialise:
As Woody Allen said "Eighty percent of success is showing up". Make plans with your friends! Go see a movie, go camping, have lunch, ANYTHING!  Making the effort to catch up with friends goes a long way. And if your friends don't make you happy, then maybe your friends with the wrong people, so go and branch out, meet your brother best friend, meet his older sister, meet her best friend. - You'll meet people in the oddest of ways.

Pamper yourself:
At the end of a long day, give yourself something to wind down to. Run a warm bath, have a nice mud mask, add candles and music and remember to turn off your phone!

And las but not least:
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF! We are all our own individual selves. Sure Suzie might have longer hair or Jane might have straighter teeth, but does that really matter? For all you know, Suzie might hate her hair and Jane might have been bullied for the 3 years she had her braces. We're all different for a reason, embrace your flaws. You are you and you cant change it. As confident as everyone looks we all have an insecurity, so don't think you're on your own.

Review: Make-up Foundations

Recently Chemist Warehouse had a 50% off sale on make-up and I went a bit crazy! Since everything was cheap I decided to splurge and try out some new brands. I've had a few asking questions about what I bought, so here we go.

Maybelline FIT Me
Pressed Powder and Liquid Foundation

I love love LOVE the FIT Me Powder! It works great as a setting powder and its also not too bad used by itself if you don't like the full coverage that liquid foundations give. I often find the lightest colour in most make-up ranges is usually too dark for my light skin tone, however, the fit me range is perfect for someone as pale as me in this cold winter! 

I didn't enjoy the FIT Me liquid foundation as much as I wanted too. I feel like its almost too much of a liquid and doesn't have much coverage for my bad days. The only good thing about this liquid foundation is the colour range. However, if you usually have clear skin and don't feel the need to cover much up, it's a good product! 

REVLON
Photoready Powder

I was kind of disappointed in this revlon powder. Full price in Australia it is $40 and I feel like I could have spent my money on something better. When applied it looks amazing, it has a beautiful matte finish, but after about an hour it completely changes and looks like someone has smooshed a cake all over your face and in the slightest touch it comes off. 

RIMMEL Match Perfection
Liquid Foundation

I can't decide if I am happy with this product or not. However the colour range is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! (Mostly for my skin tone) I had about 3 different tones that suited me! I find this foundation a bit thin, however matched with the Maybelline FIT Me powder, it gives a nice coverage for red cheeked people like me. 

RIMMEL
Stay Matte Liquid Foundation

This is probably one of the best liquid foundations I have ever tried. It isn't too thin and it has great coverage. Its easy to apply and doesn't dry too quickly or leave lines. Working in a gymnastics environment everyday I do find that it does become shiny after a few hours (when doesn't this happen?), but it is quite easy to touch up. I've already bought another 4 of this foundation, highly suggest to try it!

RIMMEL
Lasting Finish Liquid Foundation

I was looking for a foundation that I could wear to work without sweating off during my long shifts in summer. Claiming that it is 'sweat, heat and humidity proof for up to 25 hours' I expected big things, but unfortunately I was let down, the Stay Matte foundation lasted longer, had more coverage AND had a bigger colour range! A complete waste of money in my opinion. 

I'm pretty happy with my purchases, I'm never game enough to try new brands when everything is so expensive. At least I have a supply of make-up to last me many months!