Podcast Review - Candy Chat

Let's start 2017 right!

Candy Chat - featuring Betty Ebersol and Tabitha Hutchison - has spun off properly on their own to make this delightful podcast!
They review Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day, etc candy after the designated holidays (so they get it cheaper).

They love Pigglydog (discount store), Candy, and Jesus (they aren't allowed to do the podcast about Jesus anymore).

A photo from a few years ago, the ladies at a church meet-up.

If you want to hear some great reviews, and serious shade thrown at Russell Stover, check these lovely ladies out!

If only candy was as sweet as this podcast!

Catagory: Comedy
Rating: 5/5

A return to Germany!

Posts will continue as usual and I will update you on my trip when I return :)

It wont be a long trip, but it will be fun.
(Yes, it is a trip to see my lovely boyfriend <3)

For flights, I have a rule that I never like to board a plane sober.
I just want to sleep the time away.

The best pre-flight drink for me! <3

Do you have any flight rituals that you swear by? :)

2016 

This was a pretty bad year for a lot of people.
I had a lot of people on my Facebook saying it was the worst.

For me, it had it's ups and downs.
We lost David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, and George Michael (four people I admired).

Less than a week left and death couldn't help itself!

I developed neuropathy in my dominant hand and contemplated a life of invisible pain.
And a bunch of things happening in the world that suck.

On the up side, I no longer have neuropathic pain, I feel stronger and happier, my babycat is still alive, I traveled, made some new friends, I found a new partner, and I have loved more (even more than 2015).

Yes, there is even more love in my heart.
For myself, my friends, my family, life itself.

I think 2017 will be a good year, not just for me but for many people.

My song choice to lead you into 2017 is to remind you say a flat 'no' to the bad and that you are worth so much more:

My bff better learn the words to this before 2017 is over!

Also, it's super catchy :)

Happy New Year!

The Body Shop -Spa Fit - Toning Concentrate

This yellow gel has a minty-citrus scent.
It isn't as cooling as the massage gel, but more so than the oil, of the same line.

Do I feel it had any effect on my 'tone'? 
Nope, and if I must use something of this line, I much prefer the massage gel.

But as a moisturiser, it's pretty good.
It absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated.

Price: 2/5 ($14.95 on sale for 100mL)
Scent: 4/5
Effectiveness: 2/5

Austrais - Metallix Cream Eyeshadow - Guns and Rose Petals

Liquid metal eyeshadows are so hot right now, and this gives the desired effect!

It claims to be a rose gold, but is really more of a gold.
It looks like a foil on the skin, which is lovely.

However, it does crease a lot on me and shifts, but if you have less oily skin than me then it may sit still for you.
Cream eyeshadows are not my friends

Also, it is best to apply it with a finger. I couldn't pick any of the product with a (Ecotools) brush.

Price: 3/5 ($9.49 for one)
Scent: 2.5/5 (no scent)
Effectiveness: 4/5

XXX Review - California Exotic Inspire Nipple & Breast Toy - Vibrating Remote Breast Massager

My poor breasts have been pushed beneath my corset for a while, I worried about them.
So when I saw this I was intrigued!

The design is cute, but floored. 
The light colour makes it easy to discolour/stain. (It was coloured such to look like the breast cancer 'pink', but it isn't practical!)

It fits easily into a bra/corset and the cute 'compact mirror' remote control allows subtlety, but this is useless because it is SO DAMN LOUD!
This cannot be used for public play, if you desire subtlety.

Excuse me ma'am, but is your blouse full of bees?

Also, I can't use it for more than 20 minutes or the sound/vibration starts to give me a headache.

What they should do for a second version is make it black and silent, then we will be in business!


Price: 1/5 ($163.50)
Effectiveness: 2/5

Corset Training - Part 1

I have scoliosis, it isn't noticeable and I only found out I had it after an x-ray to look for something unrelated. (they were checking my lungs)

I don't know if this may be related to my neuropathy (probably not), but I found that my spine and arm felt better when I was wearing a corset. (One I was wearing for a party).

If I can't trust one of you nerves, I CAN'T TRUST ANY OF YOU!

So, before we go any further: This is my body and if I want to be an idiot and do this to myself, then all bad outcomes are my own fault. DON'T COPY ME!
I won't be held responsible if someone tries to copy me and gets hurt! 
I repeat: DON'T COPY ME! I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYONE COPYING ME!
This may very well be the tale of how I messed up my spine real bad!

Ok, so let's get on with the story.

My starting waist size is x (A girl has to have her secrets). Any changes will be + or - x.

*In traditional me fashion, I did not take a before shot.
I guess my stomach is a sensitive area for me (I won't call it a problem area, because it isn't a problem, it does its job.)
It's a little weird, I don't worry about my stomach area when I am naked, but I worry about how it looks in clothes... perhaps it is because when I am naked, I'm distracted ;P

On the 25th of July (2016) I started wearing an exercise cincher.

This is to prepare myself for a proper corset (steel boning and all).
So I started on the widest setting and within a few days, I transitioned to the second set of hooks.

The material on this cincher is elastic and has holes so you don't overheat when you work out.

4/8/2016 - Nine days in, I noticed my spine was "cruncher". Instead of larger cracking that requires a fair bit of stretching, it was giving lots of little crackles with just general movement.
I personally take this to mean my spine is more stretched out (I am NOT a medical doctor) and decided to take this as a good thing.

5/8/2016 - On the tightest hooks now... really looking forward to my proper corset (will still be a few weeks).

9/8/2012 - Wearing a 'dress' corset (can lace up but doesn't have the proper steel boning or construction) today. I like how it goes further up my rib cage and holds my back straighter. I slept in it the night before without issue.

Similar to this

I wore the athletic cincher beneath to protect my body from any warping/breaking of the weak boning.
It was good in the sense that it gave a tighter compression on my body. It also helps me practice breathing higher (so my body doesn't panic in the proper corset which will be even tighter).

It felt a bit like an asthma attack during work, but because I knew I could reverse it at any time, so it didn't worry me.
Did I say don't try this at home? Don't try this at home!

11/8/16 - I find I walk around like Peg Bundy now XD

People in a certain group that I interact with (who don't realise the rudeness of the questions) keep asking if I have lost weight or joined a gym. I don't tell them that I am wearing a corset because I like to keep them guessing.

13/8/16 - Ma figured out I have a brace on because she couldn't get me away from her by tickling me. (I like to try and pick her up/ hug her but not let her go)

14/8/16 - I found that the top of my lacing was always wider than the bottom (my ribs were less tight than my abdomen). So I switched from one lace to two.

This way I could tighten the rib area without worry it would loosen over time.

15/8/16 - I wish the front would dip inwards as well as the back. At the moment, my corset is very straight at the front.
The back plastic boning was digging in too hard at one particular point, so I removed it, and you can see how warped it has become.

This is why I need a good boning (hur hur hur!).

16/8/16 - Ok, all the boning has been removed. It is all warped and was digging into me.
To make up for the loss in structural integrity, I moved from 2 to 4 laces.

I need to think of a way to keep the bust up (currently using a bralette but that isn't the best option).
Ok, I have sewn straps on.

And now Ma helps me lace it.

18/8/16 - New athletic cincher!!! Looks the same as the last one, just smaller. So lets start at the biggest setting and work our way down!

23/10/16 - my steel boned corset finally arrived! It is heavy, sturdy and well made.

Image from seller, this is what it looks like.

It is a size x-4 inch waist with room to tighten.
Tonight is my first night in it and it feels really good.
I'm glad I went with over-bust.

25/9/16 - I have never sat so straight in my life!

My house either has too much light or not enough,,,  this is the former.

I've started getting aches on the middle, right hand side of my back, where my back has spent so much time prior compressed.
But I don't care about a little pain, my body is just adjusting.
I can wait it out.
It is annoying that I have had very poor sleep since wearing it to bed, but I can't stay awake forever.
(Look up 'Peter Tripp' and see what he did in 1959!)
There are some points when wearing the corset is agonizing.
Just being honest, I sometimes think about ripping it off.
But I am going to wait it out. My body will adjust. 


27/9/16 - It is getting easier to put on post-shower, my back is conforming to it very quickly.

1/10/16 - Sleep is back to normal, the corset no longer disrupts it at all.
Movement in it is also getting easier and more normal.

2/10/16 - It is beginning to feel too big now! :O 
The back is almost completely closed, with the lacing panels almost touching.
My stomach doesn't even feel restricted (so my lumbar vertebrae are loosing support).
I placed an order for a x-8 size corset, which will arrive in about 6 weeks.

7/10/16 - Some points on my skin, at the end of my rib cage, are getting marked. Not heat rash, but patches of broken capillaries.
I imagine these will pass, I just have to wait it out, but I'll keep an eye on it.

It's either the corset or a demon who attacks me in my sleep.

It isn't glamorous but it is the truth and it makes you think about what women of days past went through. 

Don't put them on babies!!!! O.o

On the bright side, the neuropathic pain in my arm is virtually non-existent now! This alone makes it all worth it! That was a pain I sometimes thought I may never be free of.

14/10/16 - Ok, so I was at a party and (because my internal organs are shifting and I don't have that much control on my new arrangement yet) I accidentally produced an incredibly loud fart! Hahaha! 
Thankfully it did not smell (that is just awful) and I owned up to immediately. No one cared. 
But I mention this because it is a truth of this process.
You will need to relearn some things. 
It isn't glamorous but it is the truth.

16/10/16 - I have started treating the skin every second day with Selsun gold (love the stuff).
Another not so glamorous side effect is acid reflux.
I previously not had issues with acid reflux, but since being bound in steel, I use a lot of Gaviscon.
Not all food is made equal and it doesn't matter how much I eat, it comes on randomly.
For example, tonight I ate a brownie whilst working (I was starving) and it felt like Satan himself was trying to crawl up my throat.

I may need to start carrying Gaviscon with me.
This sounds awful but it is STILL better than neuropathy!

27/10/16 - my skin is getting used to it, the rash is going.
I do get really itchy at night before bed, because I have nothing else to occupy my mind.
This is remedied by the application of lotion (just normal lotion, not medicated).

The corset is really easy to put on and take off, my body has adjusted to its shape.
My abdomen feels like it is swimming in it, there is so much room.
This will be fixed with a tighter corset (that I have already ordered).

Movement has become more fluid, I feel more at ease with it on.

11/11/16 - So my skin has gone from blood bruises to wounds to dry/eczema. My newest approach is making it 3-4 days between showers.
My skin hates washing at the best of times, so perhaps I'm showering too much for the skin under the corset to be happy.
No, I don't smell. I clean myself each day with a cloth and basin. just not the skin under the torso.
I'm moisturising ever day.

My spine has not clicked/cracked in so long! It is no longer compressed!

16/11/16 - My skin is really appreciating the reduction in water contact.
This is probably TMI, but this is my dry skin that is flaking off.

And this is a great improvement!

21/11/16 - The skin dandruff is gone! It was just too much exposure to soap and water! :D

23/11/16 - I had my corset off for most of yesterday (for sexy reasons) and now that I am bound again, my lower ribs hurt a little.
Totally worth it though ;D

26/11/16 - Went to Sexpo and looked at some corsets there.
All of the brands there had metal spring boning, which provides greater flexibility. However, it also permits buckling.
The spring boning is better for the casual corset wearer, not for my spinal support reasons.
The metal boning in my current corset is rigid steel :)

This is S, not me... Although I will steal that cincher... XP

S purchased one of these spring boned corsets (cincher), more of a dress/outerwear piece.I'll check in with her occasionally and let you know how frequently she wears it.

29/11/16 - Day three of a cramp/ache on my left hand side.
It has been annoying, but I hope it passes soon.

Right on the lower ribs!

30/12/16 - I have also noticed that my breasts have changed shape a little.
I have a diagram, my breasts have been flattened a little and pushed up. I think they look good. 

Either way, my boobs are nice.

Don't start wearing a corset just to change your breasts though, that is a terrible reason to start corset training.

2/12/16 - The back pain is gone, it was just a virus.
Has anyone else found that their parents are just a constant source of illnesses entering their household? 
People call children 'germ bags' but I'm starting to think we have the wrong end of the stick here.

8/12/16 - Oh no! Some of the stitching tore (too much freedom in movement, methinks!)

Before the repair, nothing too major.

After! All better!

I am still waiting on the new corset. I didn't want to be one of 'those' customers and I allowed a lot of extra time for American Thanksgiving, but I will email the company.

****************************************

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Rimmel - Wonder'full Volume Colourist Mascara - 003 Extreme Black

I love this mascara!
This gradually tints your eyelashes darker with use, so the paler tips are more visible.
Even without make up, your lashes look longer and fuller.

I was worried that it would stain the skin, but I didn't.

The brush is sensible, the bristles allow proper lash separation and prevents clumping.
It doesn't flake off over time, so there is no worry of fall out.

I love this and will (and already have) buy it again! 

Price: 3.5/5 ($18.95 for 11mL)
Scent: 2.5/5 (virtually none)
Effectiveness: 5/5

Nature's Way - Women's Multi-Vitamin - VitaGummies for Adults

These are great for travelling because you don't need water to swallow pills.
They claim to be orange, lemon, and blueberry flavours, but they all taste like generic slightly acidic fruit flavour.

They don't contain all of the vitamins and minerals I would like, but that's ok.

They won't make you feel sick after taking (eating) them, like some (particularly iron containing supplements) supplements can do.

I've never felt sick after iron tablets, heck, my body would gladly digest blood.

If you want to take a multivitamin but have trouble swallowing pills, these are a nice option.

Price: 3/5 ($19.95 for 100 chewables)
Scent: 3.5/5 (not overpowering)
Effectiveness: 4/5

Palmolive - Oil Infusions - Body Moisturiser - Citrus with Jojoba Oil

I love the brown coloured bottle of this, it suites the label design so well!
It's such a shame the pump doesn't allow full use of the product in the bottle.

I was disappointed that it smelled more of jojoba oil than citrus. 

It absorbs well, is of a 'cream' thickness, and is great at moisturising the skin.

I would recommend trying it. 

Price: 5/5 ($9.99 for 400mL)
Scent: 3/5
Effectiveness: 4/5

Podcast Review - Adjudicated Guess

This is from the same people of The F Plus, lead by Lemon.
However unlike The F Plus, this is not funny or intriguing.

The questions they ask are things I either know the answer too or not, and I don't want to hear three-four people guess and insult each other for their guesses.

The fourth episode was particularly rough. Not only were they rather dismissive of Jack Chick's (if memory serve me) correct guesses, but also made public fun of a listener submitted question.

Why would anyone want to submit a question and face public ridicule?
Why support this mean spirited show?

I want to believe better of The F Plus gang, and hopefully this was a misstep.
Give this one a miss.

Catagory: Banter (Perhaps it could loosely be considered 'informative'.)
Rating: 1/5

Kiwi Manuka - Manuka Honey Relief Snaps

I know, this isn't medical grade honey, but I'm use it as such anyway.

This is a great single dose system that is easy to use and travel with.

You are meant to use it for your throat? I guess?
I used it for skin irritations and cuts.

I personally prefer to use honey on cuts rather than antiseptic cream because the later can open me up to fungal infections.

Price: 1/5 ($25.00 for 250mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5

Sukin - Protein Shampoo

When they call this a protein shampoo, there is definitely something in this that adds weight to your hair.
You can clearly feel something extra in your hair after use. 
Whether it is the rice and wheat proteins or something else, I don't like it.
This is a pretty personal feeling, as I have super fine hair that looks awful if flattened.
This could work well if you have thicker hair strands.

Also, it felt like my hair was dirty. So I personally wont be getting this again.

Aside from the protein, it smells amazing! Like orange oil and green notes.
It lathers ok, so I ended up using a bit more per wash than I normally use of shampoo.

Perhaps try a different shampoo from the same brand?

Price: 2/5 ($11.95 for 500mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3/5

Avon - Nail Experts - Conditioning Nail Enamel Remover - Non-acetone

This is just nail polish remover.

No more conditioning, no less drying, no less effective than any other.

Please don't seek it out specifically, but if you are facing a good deal on it, don't shy away either.

Price: 2/5 ($10.99 for 75mL)
Scent: 0/5 (don't sniff this)
Effectiveness: 4/5

The Body Shop - Italian Summer Fig

I don't know if the person who formulated this has ever encountered a fig before.
This smells like coconut.

COCONUT!

Not fig, it isn't even fruity.
It is a good summer scent (coconut is known for this).

But all it needs is a sharpie to fix it:

Done!

Price: 4/5 ($36.95 for 50mL)
Scent: 1/5 (not fig!)

Time lasts: 1-3 hrs
Strength: moderate
Season: Summer
Time: Daytime (11 am - 4 pm)

XXX Review - Satisfyer Pro 2

I don't normally review sex toys (I could, easily) but this is an exception.

This is amazing!

It is a vacuum-based clitoral stimulator, creating pressure waves via a membrane movement.
It has two membrane movement 'settings' which can be increased  independently of each other.

If you haven't been able to orgasm prior, this may just make it happen for you.
TMI: This will make me orgasm in under 3 minutes.

The silicon head is removed for easy washing and it is waterproof.
The charger is a usb on one end and connects to the device VIA MAGNETISM!!!!
The design is quite sleek and the rose gold finish is also nice touch.

To fully test it's range, I have tried it on a guy, and he didn't like it (didn't feel like much to him).

If you are looking for a sexy gift for yourself/ your lady friend, get one of these (with some lube, a bottle of champagne, and a quite evening for her to treat herself).*

*Pro tip: don't ask her to use it in front of you while you touch her, that can make it really hard to cum and is kinda frustrating.

Price: 2/5 ($149.95)
Effectiveness: 5/5

Turns of Fate - My Son

My son is 13 years old, can't read or write, and is adorable.
Did I mention that he is a cat?

Hades is one of three kittens from Schnick's one and only litter.
He was the only one we kept, the other two were given to good families to start their own life adventures.

Originally PU1 wanted to keep the male cat so he would keep other cats away.
He only does that by the smell of his urine, because he isn't a aggressive or territorial cat.

I'm not sure why, but he never learned how to 'cat', despite living with his mother (who is great at being a cat).
He will stare at Schnicks and then wonder why she gets mad at him (staring is a big faux pas in the cat world).
Hence, Schnicks doesn't care for him.

PU1 thinks he is a pest, despite being a very patient and loving cat.
He can't help it that he can't remember being fed 5 minutes ago, he has a terrible memory.
He is not smart by any stretch of the imagination.

So I adopted him as my son.
Sometimes he forgets who I am and often he steals my bed, but I love him so dearly.

He purrs so loudly when I pat him. He knows my kisses.

He is my son, and I couldn't be more proud.

Podcast Review - Boners Of The Heart

This is such an easy podcast to binge on!

Rose and Alice get off-topic, have great banter, and quickly produce memorable 'inside' jokes.

The first season covers unconventional crushes. 
Something most of us can relate to (whether we admit it or not).

One of my unconventional crushes, Sir Ian McKellen.

Season two "covers" bigger issues... It wanders off topic a lot, but in a delightful way.

Listening to this podcast is like hanging out with your long term friends, it is easy to a relaxed groove with the hosts.

I will admit, even though she is often the naughty boy of the show, I am a Sneddhead!

Category: Comedy
Rating: 5/5

Clearasil - Superfruits Refreshing Toner

This is an alcohol-based toner that works really well at removing makeup.
Since it is alcohol-based, it stings quite badly when it gets in your eye.

So many causes of bloodshot eyes and this is the easiest to fix (also the lamest).

Also, you want to follow up this toner with a moisturiser, as it will dry your skin.

The scent (raspberry and cranberry) is SO lovely!
It is almost enough to make me purchase it again.

The packaging is great, it didn't leak at all.

Price: 3/5 ($10.99 for 200mL)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5