DAY 5 

this primer is my new holy grail. before this i was using a MECCA smoothing primer and thought that did the job, but i was wrong. this primer is AMAZING especially under my Estee double wear foundation. does anyone else notice that when you use the same branded foundation and primer magic happens? using this primer under my foundation makes it so dewy and radiant, i literally have never had so many compliments on how dewy my foundation looks. it applies really easily and gives you that nice sticky feeling (but not too sticky). definitely worth the investment if you are looking for a good dewy/illuminating primer!

CLINQUE
Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator 
this moisturiser was my savior on the cruise! after spending 10 days straight in the sun, this was exactly what i needed at the end of everyday. it is SO hydrating and it feels so luxurious on the skin. i am so glad i picked up this one before i left because it really was a life saver, if you are a 'heavy' moisturiser that really feels like you are locking in the moisture then i would go for this one. its definitely not a day time mosituriser as such, i only ever use it at night because it leaves a 'film' layer on your skin if you know what i mean (basically its visible). at home i now use this one after a long day in the sun or after i have done a heavy cleanse and exfoliated to really lock the moisture back into my skin.

TARTE
Rainforest of the Sea Hydrating Colour Splash Lipstick
i love everything Tarte releases so there is no surprise that this lipstick made it into my favourites. i brought this in Sephora just before we got onto the cruise and it definitely can in handy. i ended up only packing matte lipsticks and glosses so this creamy hydrating lip definitely came in handy. the formula of this is great, it manages to stay pigmented and long lasted but has a hydrating feel and a creamy finish. i am definitely going to invest in a few more shades. also the packing on this is divine, like its marble??? amazing! love the whole Rainforest of the Seas range so if you do to then you already know you need this.

Merry Christmas 
xxx

DAY 4

Day 4 is all about Christmas baking. it is always nice to make treats over Christmas (even though i really don't need them). this year i am making Gingerbread, surprisingly i have never made Gingerbread before but i am going to give it a go.


Gingerbread

What you will need:
- Melted Butter, to grease
- 125g Butter, at room temperature
- 100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) Brown Sugar
- 125ml (1/2 cup) Golden Syrup
- 1 Egg, separated
- 375g (2 1/2 cups) Plain Flour
- 1 tablespoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Mixed Spice
- 1 teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda
- Plain flour to dust
- 150g (1 cup) Pure Icing Sugar, sifted
- 8-10 drops red liquid food colouring
- 8-10 drops green liquid food colouring
- Smarties or M&Ms to decorate

Method: 

DAY 3

Christmas, baby please come home..
Day 3 is all about Christmas music and more specifically my 2017 Christmas playlist.
i have scrolled through spotify and created a list full of my favourite holiday music.

so here we go: 
1. All I Want for Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
2. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Micheal Buble
3. Last Christmas - Wham! 
4. Baby It's Cold Outside - Idina Menzel, Micheal Buble
5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - The Jackson 5 
6. Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett 
7. Santa Baby - Madonna
8. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Micheal Buble *my all time favourite song ever
9. Silent Night - Micheal Buble
10. Man With the Bag - Jessie J 
11. Love Me Like You (Christmas Mix) - Little Mix
12. This Christmas - Christina Aguilera 
13. Here Comes Santa Claus - Frank Sinatra
14. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley 
15. Winter Things - Ariana Grande
16. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber 



Merry Christmas
xxx

DAY 2

day 2 of my 12 days of Christmas is all about my picks for gifts/stocking fillers from ASOS gift range.
i am in love with the range of gifts ASOS has at the moment, if i could i would buy majority of it for me but no. i have tried to pick out gifts that i would give my family/friends but they are probably suitable for anyone.
*if you are my family stopped reading this because i may have purchased this stuff for you hahaha*

Gift Ideas for: 

Your Mum
Paddywax Fa La La Wassail Christmas Candle
candles are always a good idea (for anyone really), especially at Christmas time. there is nothing better then lightening a fresh candle over Christmas. i think this would be a great gift for your mum to use over the holidays or even all year round. ps how cute is the name!!

Paperchase Peacock Golden Place Photoframe
i love this frame, i would keep it for myself if i could! it is so cute and i think the perfect gift. i generally wouldn't give photo frames as gifts but i think this one being a little more unique then your average photo frame, it works. you could give it with your favourite photo of the family/you two in it or leave it empty for her to fill with hers.

Typo Dark Floral A5 Buffalo Notebook
a notebook is always necessary all year round. if you are like me and like to write things down, they are always a nice gift to receive. not only could your mum use this for note taking but also to journal down her travels, thoughts, recipes etc. (you can also get similar ones in this design specific for 2018 or travel etc)

Your Dad 


Fizz Movie Trivia Quiz
dads are generally the 'fun' ones in the family, so i picked this movie trivia game as a great 'stocking filler' gift for your dad. i think that its really nice to sit down and play some games with the family around Christmas time and what better way to encourage it by gifting someone a game to play.

Fizz Star Wars Darth Vadar Slippers
most dads are Star Wars fans (i think) and there is a new Star Wars movie coming out just before Christmas so what better way to celebrate then by gifting them some slippers. plus slippers are a staple in anyone's wardrobe so you literally cant go wrong.

The Cavendish Collection Premium Grooming Kit
i thought this little grooming kit is perfect for a dad. it includes a variety of essentials and is especially perfect if your dad is travelling any time soon. but if he isn't, i think its still a great gift and he is definitely going to use it.

Your Sister


Disney Minnie Headband
if your sister is anything like mine, then she will love this Disney headband. its a super cute stocking filler and can be used for multiple purposes. need i say anymore.

Sass & Belle Gold Pineapple Photo Frame
again, you can't go wrong with a photo frame. especially this one that screams girl and fun. this one even has a cute enough 'stock' photo that she doesn't even need to add a photo if she doesn't want to. (not going to lie i would also purchase this for myself if i could hahaha)

Invisibobble Metallic Original Hair Ring Cracker
i love these Invisibobble hair 'ties' and the best part is they don't leave that annoying dent in your hair after wearing it up. i think these would make a great gift for your sister and they are all that more festive in a bon bon, lets face it.

Your Brother


DC Comics The Joker Poker Set V2
all boys seem to like to play some type of gambling game here and there so i thought this is a easy gift to buy your brother. boys are sometimes the hardest to buy for but this is a gift you can't really go wrong with because even if they don't 'play' with it, they can keep it as a collectible.

Hype Wallet in Black
a wallet, the most simple gift but yet so effective. if your brother is like mine, he uses a shabby old wallet and is in desperate need of a new one. i liked the idea this isn't a proper fold out wallet, instead a more casual 'teen' wallet. i'm sure your brother and mine will love this.

ASOS Christmas Socks
Christmas socks = A WIN. i mean i don't know about you but i love new socks and receiving socks so i wouldn't be complaining if i got these for chrissy and i don't think your brother will be either.
these are also a super cheap buy so definitely a win all round.

Your Bestie 
Paladone Twister Picnic Blanket
basically to gift your bestie is like gifting  yourself, so i thought of shopping for my bestie like what would i love and want to receive. and it is definitely this twister picnic rug!!!! i cant think of a better idea tbh, something you can sit on and eat food and something you can also have a game of and some laughs together. (if anyone i know is reading this, please gift it to me!!!)

Paperchase Lips Jewellery Tray
what more could you want in life then somewhere to dump your jewellery at the end of the day. i think jewellery trays are a great idea for anywhere in your house, they are so useful for so many things other than jewellery. i think your bestie (and mine) would really find use for this present.

Sass & Belle Embossed Leaf Print Day Planter
Leaf prints are definitely 'in' at the moment and so is home decor, so what better way to combine the two. i think this is a great gift idea, as if they aren't plant people and kill anything then they can use it for makeup brushes or just a display or even a fake plant. but i think this is a really cute idea for your bestie.

Your Boyfriend 


Bulldog Beard Duo
men and beards.. right? i know my boyfie loves to look after his beard (probably more then his hair) so what better way for them to stop using your stuff then by gifting them some. definitely a good idea and also good value for money buying them in a pack rather than singular.


Polaroid 4x4 Photo Frame
i have said it previously and ill say it again... hahaha no i won't you get the idea by now. this photo frame is a little bit more basic and boyish so chuck in a photo of you and your man and there is a present he will love (don't leave the photo bit up to him because it will stay empty for ever). this is a good bedside table, work desk, bench top gift i think, something easy but thoughtful.

Harry Potter Notebook Money Box and Playing Cards Gift Set
like myself, my boyfriend loves Harry Potter so i thought this would be the perfect gift for him. ASOS have a bunch of other movie related items so if you know he loves a certain franchise them definitely have a look for these types of presents because they are a definite win.

i hope this gift guide gave you a little inspo for your christmas buying and stocking filling. Honestly ASOS have the best gifting this year and there are so many things for a everyone on your list. i managed to pick up majority of my gifts in one go from ASOS this year.
xxx

Merry Christmas 



**all items are linked and pictured. all credit to ASOS

DAY 1

its beginning to look a lot like Christmas... and what is Christmas without Christmas movies!!!
so here we go: (in no particular order)
12. Arthur Christmas 


and that's it
i mean there are more but i would be here for awhile

Merry Christmas 
xxx

so there are 12 days left until we finally go on holiday!!! we literally booked this holiday about a year ago so thank-god its almost here! although do you ever think to yourself, that since everything has gone good so far that surely something has to go wrong like it seems to good to be true (maybe thats just me) hopefully it is smooth sailing from here LITERALLY.
the only little bummer at the moment, is the weather forecast isn't great. Thunderstorms and rain *que eye roll* but its still going to be 28 degrees + so hopefully the rain stays clear and we don't get stuck in a cyclone hahahaha help.

if you have read the other posts in this 'series' then i have some good news for you, i managed to get the internet on special ($13 AUD per day from $18 AUD) YAY. so look out friends because this girl will be blogging on board. i have spoken to a few past and current cruisers on our ship and they said the internet is pretty quick and strong so i should be able to do a lot of uploading. keep an eye out on my Instagram @lifebyssblog for all my holiday snaps.
i am planning on posting new blogs in 4 day blocks so like days 1-4 etc etc if all goes to plan and i have time to write them amongst it all.

the only other thing we have purchased in regards to the actual cruise itself is arcade credit. we just got $25 USD each which should tie us over because i don't think we will spend heaps of time in there but its there if we want it.

in terms of last minute shopping i have picked up a few handy things aswell as some more clothes (of course)
i did my final ASOS order and picked up some small things like socks, hair ties (has anyone else tried the invisbobbles before) and a necklace

ASOS Skinny Dip Palm Print Tote Bag
aswell as this Skinny Dip beach bag which is to die for!! i am super obsessed with anything tropical print atm so it was only necessary for me to buy this one. it was also meant to be considering it was 1. on sale 2. has 'holiday' embroidered onto it, need i say more.

Puma Sports Bra Black/Gold
you can never go wrong with a new sports bra. i grabbed this from an outlet store (ASOS linked). i like this style of sports bra as it seems to hold everything in and is still flattering (unlike most sports bras). it also can double as a crop top to go under my dungarees if its super hot and i don't feel like wearing a real top haha.

i really didn't need these next three items but Surf Stitch had a 25% off sale and i couldn't resist

Swell Native Stripe Lounge Pants
i have had my eye on these pants for months and finally i got them. they. are. so. comfy.
they almost feel like pjs or a pillow case, i don't know but just think cosy. i got them in a size 6 and they are perfect length wise (normally i would get an 8 but 8 on the model seemed long and she was about 20cm taller then me haha). i like the fit of them but i cant pull off the whole slouchy look like the model can *sigh*. i plan on wearing these on the plane and probably on the ship at night when i just want to feel comfortable. but honestly i can just tell these are going to be the most perfect airport pants. i would pair these with a plain black or white tee and a black pair of birkenstocks or black thongs.
Swell Tassell Stripe Short
not going to lie but within 30 seconds of me seeing these shorts they were in my cart. anything high waisted i am down for especially in shorts form. these shorts are again super comfy, i would say almost the same material as the pants but not as soft. i got them in a size 8 and i like the overall fit of them, i just don't love myself in shorts so i can't tell if they look like pyjamas or not. the plan is to wear these with a plain t-shirt and again thongs or Birkenstocks. they were also super cheap even before they were on sale so i definitely couldn't say no

Cheap Monday Breeze Heart Tee
the last addition to my surf stitch order and potentially my last piece of clothing for this holiday was this Cheap Monday tee. i actually picked it to go with both the shorts and pants. but in the end its actually probably my favourite out of the three. it is super cute and again comfy (there is literally nothing better then when everything in your order comes and it is all comfy). i got this also in a size 8 and it fits exactly how i would want it to.
overall this order was a mega win and i am so happy that all 3 items didn't cost me more then $80 (don't hold me to that)
Kmart Bikini Bag (White Palm) 
Kmart have these 'wet bags' or bikini bags out at the moment in 6 different colours for $5 and they are perfect for 1. storing your toiletries in your suitcase incase there are any explosions (they should keep everything else dry) 2. for storing your swimwear in your suitcase 3. for your reef shoes or water shoes, post swim/snorkel so everything else in your beach bag doesn't get destroyed 3. for your beach bag to stick your phone wallet etc in so it won't get sandy or wet.
basically i recommend picking yourself up some of these because they are extremely handy, i will most probably use these post holiday too for my overnight bag toiletries etc (i am most probably going to pick up some more before i go lets face it)
i am assuming you can get them in stores similar to kmart overseas (primark etc)
ps. of course i got the tropical print haha

flatlay goals

i have gone into an organisation frenzy and have literally turned my OCD up a level haha in hope i won't miss/forget a thing. there are lists on lists on lists and i may or may not have started packing a month out. but hey its an elimination process
i have started to compile all the important documents into a folder for safe keeping; such as a copy of our travel insurance, booking reference, a breakdown of all the times we have purchased (like drinks packages, internet, shore tours etc) in case something is wrong on Royal Caribbeans end, flights and holiday accommodation. very important to have copies of everything!!

tip: purchase luggage tag holders from amazon or ebay and put your printed luggage tag into them (we got these when we finished the check in process) then secure to your bag. instead of just attaching your paper tag, these wont get destroyed or ripped and your bag will be easy to identify coming off the ship.

also tip: copy your passports in both electronic and paper form and send the electronic form to someone who will be able to send it to you if need be. if you loose your passport and have a copy it is soooo much easier to get a new one/get out of a sticky situation.
Tips for embarkation day and disembarkation day:

Embarkation (first day)- in your carry on bag (duffle bag, overnight bag etc) take a pair of clothes to change into for dinner, a pair of bathers/swimsuit, some sunscreen, medication if required and some makeup/toiletries to freshen up. your suitcase may not arrive to your room until 9.00pm that night so you would hate be stuck in the same clothes for the whole day/night.

Disembarkation (last day)- the night before you arrive at port to get off, the ship will take your suitcase. so pack your carry on/overnight bag with a change of clothes for the following day plus any makeup, toiletries, medication etc that you will need the following day. you can always repack these things into your bag when you receive your luggage at the end of the cruise.

that is all for this post and this series of cruise prep. i should be getting a few holiday makeup and skincare posts up before we leave but if not see you with onboard posts xx


those mentioned:
Surf Stitch 
ASOS 
Kmart 
Puma 
SkinnyDip
Pinterest 

*no pictures or links are my own, all provide links and pictures given credit for*