How I Organise My Life

I am a pretty organised person. I was raised in an organised home by organised parents. In order for my mind to be clear I try to have everything around me tidy and clutter free. I’m a planner and I like to look ahead always, be that organising tonight’s dinner, what I’m doing on the weekend, how we will celebrate Mr P’s upcoming birthday or our next holiday.

I’m an Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant/Executive Officer by trade and that role requires me to be good at organising things. Not only do I look after myself but I look after a very busy senior government executive.

Here’s how I manage.

Calendar app

I couldn’t survive without my iPhone and in particular the calendar app. Each member of the family has a calendar with their name on it and each of us adds events and appointments that are coming up. Each calendar has a different colour which makes it pretty easy to see if it an appointment belongs to Miss P or Mr P etc. We have a pretty hard and fast rule that things must be in the calendar and that helps us know where everybody is at any particular time.

In the last few years getting fit and healthy has been a big focus. With every goal set it is vital that enough time is allocated to working towards it. Fitness is important to us so we schedule our gym sessions into the calendar. We work our life around our gym routine rather than the other way around. It means that we are getting good value for our gym membership. Consistency is the key.

Reminders app

This is another iPhone app that I couldn’t live without.

I’ve created a number of sub-lists, such as Things To Do Today, Groceries, Health and Wellbeing, Miss P, Master P, Birthdays, To Buy, Household, Presents. I use these lists to record all of the things that need to be done and not forgotten. You can also assign alarm reminders to each item to further jog your memory.

Notes app

I love a good list and this app is a great way of capturing them.

Examples of the lists I keep are:

• lists of movies I’d like to see and have seen (I love great Oscar and Golden Globe nominated movies)
• menu plans/ideas for parties or dinners I am hosting
• photos and details of things I have lent to people
• restaurants/cafes I want to try in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast
• if someone tells me about an interesting app to try, I’ll note it down
• details of my kids’ epilepsy diagnosis in case I’m ever quizzed on it
• skincare and makeup products I’m interested in
• reviews of products as I try them
• notes on recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals (because I can never remember)
• my clothing and shoe size in US, UK, Europe and Australian units (helps with purchases at Zara and H&M)
• fragrances suggested to me or ones I’d like to try

Clutter

I have a couple of rules I try to follow and they are - less is more and everything has a home and everything in its place. Each storage area of our home is the home for specific items and I keep things together i.e. candles together, cook books together, videos/DVDs together. The same rule applies in the pantry. It’s organised in a similar way to the supermarket where all breakfast items are together, oils are together, biscuits are together. I also like to do a once over of the house most days to make sure that all clutter is removed and things are returned to their home. Any loose items are left on our internal stairs and each of us clears our own bits and pieces at the end of the day. Again it all works based on consistency and the face that we all like a clean and uncluttered space. I also try to follow the idea of an item out for an item in. For example, when purchasing new piece of clothing, something old needs to be removed to allow for something new. But Master P’s room is full of clutter and there’s not much I can do about that other than constantly nag him to tidy it up. Ahhh teenage boys!!

Groceries

I always shop with a list as there’s little hope of me remembering things if I think I can just commit it to memory. I normally walk through the house with paper and a pen in hand and add things as I go. I also use the reminder app on my phone to write down things I think of when I’m away from home. The family will also text me if there’s anything they need. Most of the time my husband will do the groceries with me so we can keep to the list and limit spontaneous purchases. We are trying to cut down on wastage as much as possible and generally plan our meals for the week ahead.

Sometimes I also use the Woolworths (supermarket) app. You can load grocery lists into it and it sorts the list into aisle order to match your store of choice. Very handy.

Memories

At the end of each calendar year I compile a list of things we have done. It may be that someone started their 1st year of university, someone turned 18, some major health event, significant parties, holidays or major activities. I have been keeping track of this information since my husband and I met back in 1986. As you can imagine it contains an interesting list of things that have occurred over the years – jobs we’ve had, houses and cars we’ve bought, school events, birthdays, holidays etc. I also use this document to compile our Christmas Newsletter. The newsletter is written yearly instead of writing Christmas cards and the memories document makes writing it a whole lot easier.

Quicken

I have always recorded every cent earnt and spent since Mr P and I married. At first I used Microsoft Money but eventually that program was discontinued. I now use a home version of Quicken. You can record assets, loans, home inventory, share investments, superannuation and bank account transactions. The program helps so much when we are preparing our tax returns as the program can create numerous reports. It also has budgetary functions and tracking. It does require the effort of regularly inputting information but the ability to analyse financial information and be notified of bill payments is well worth it.

Medical Information

We keep Word documents for each of us which holds all of our medical information. It contains vaccinations and dates, details of any hospital admissions and information on each visit to a doctor, specialist, optometrist, physiotherapist and dentist. This information has been especially valuable when both Master P and Miss P were diagnosed with epilepsy and have any kind of recurrence. Doctors always want to know when this or that happened and a document like this is the only way we can remember any of it. It’s also valuable when applying for travel insurance which can be tricky when your family suffers from complex medical conditions.

Each member of our house has a file where physical medical information is held. It includes prescriptions, receipts, brochures, reports, results etc.

Packing List

In a previous post called Packing I talked about a packing list that I have compiled. We pull it out each time we travel and it serves as a reminder of things to consider when packing a suitcase and travelling.

Housework

I might be a tidy and neat person but I wouldn’t say I’m a clean-freak. We don’t have a house cleaner and to be honest we really don’t need one. I do however find that cleaning is best done on a priority basis – obviously clean the areas that people will see as a priority. We do however have a few rules and they are that bed sheets and towels are changed and washed every weekend. Dirty clothes are stowed in the laundry basket and that is then sorted into 4 separate laundry bags that are in the laundry.

One of our labelled laundry baskets - makes sorting easy

Our dishwasher has a sign on the front that says either Dirty or Clean to help us know whether the dishwasher needs to be filled or emptied.

We all create mess and we all need to be responsible for cleaning it up – and for the most part, in our house, that works.

Washing

Given we are a very busy family, with 2 of us working full time and the other 2 studying full-time and working part-time, we need to be super organised. Our washing machine runs daily, literally if someone’s home the washing machine is on. That way we are always on top of it. We do have someone doing our ironing weekly and we need to be sure that we have enough items for them every week.

Consistency

I think with most things if you set up a really good system and do things consistently, then everyone in the family knows what needs to be done and what expectations need to be met. I’m lucky that we all like a neat and tidy environment (well most of us).

Books

A couple of good books I’ve read that really got me inspired.

• The Family Manager's Everyday Survival Guide by Kathy Peel

• Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Mogenstern

• Family Survival Guide The Essential Family Organiser by Lucy Kelly

A book I’ve just started reading.

• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo

Until next time xx

Evening Skincare Routine

By popular request I have been asked to detail my evening skincare routine. This is a follow on from my recent Morning Skincare and Makeup Routine. Please note I have oily, dehydrated skin with fine lines and textural issues. I have a little rosacea (redness), but no melasma/hyperpigmentation or acne.

Freshly cleansed and makeup free

The products I have chosen suit my skin type but may not suit yours. It goes without saying but all products should extend down the neck and onto the décolletage.

Removing eye makeup

It's important to thoroughly but gently remove your eye makeup. That can be rather tricky if you use liquid liner and waterproof mascara. I find that Micellar water does the trick. I sprinkle a few drops on a cotton pad and rub gently back and forth for a few seconds to remove my eye makeup. It takes a few goes to remove it all but be gentle with your eyes.

Bioderma Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution – purchased from Priceline $39.99

Or:
Garnier Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water – purchased from Priceline $12.99

Removing the remaining makeup – First cleanse

This step is focusing on removing makeup, that is any remaining eye makeup, the foundation, the blush etc. I apply the product to a dry face and rub until it starts to slip, take your time and massage the product in. Remove with a warm, damp face washer. Again as per my morning routine post, my suggestion would be to totally avoid anything foaming as the sulphates are harsh and stripping on the skin.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – purchased from David Jones $55

Or:
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter – purchased from The Body Shop $22.95
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil – purchased from The Body Shop $22.95

Cleansing the skin – Second cleanse

This step is focusing on cleansing the skin and getting it super clean for the following skincare steps. I apply the product to a dry face and rub until it starts to slip, take your time and massage the product in. Remove with a warm, damp face washer.

First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser – purchased from Beauty Bay $29.70 (imported from the UK)

Or:
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser – purchased from Priceline for $25.99

Exfoliation

This step is all about removing dead skin cells and exposing newer cells. There are a couple of ways to do this – abrasive agents (like scrubs) or chemical agents (acids). Because my skin is in the aging-phase I’m not a fan of scrubs because I find they are too harsh and stripping. Acids may sound scary but trust me they aren’t. There are various types of acids and exfoliating ingredients and they work on different things:

• Lactic Acid (AHA) – resurfacing, great for dehydrated and dry skin, great for exfoliation to reveal fresh, brighter skin
• Glycolic Acid (AHA) – stimulating for better collagen production, resurfacing, great for exfoliation to reveal fresh, brighter skin
• Malic Acid (AHA) – resurfacing, good for boosting collagen production
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) – best for spots/acne, surprisingly gentle, clearing blackheads, keeping spotty skin clear
• Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) – best for those in need of hydration and deep penetration of product afterwards
• Hyaluronic Acid – potent moisturisers
• Vitamin C – help to protect the skin again things like UV damage and pollution

I exfoliate daily (at night) and use a variety of different products in rotation. For me this is the step that makes the most difference to my skin. Here’s how I use them.

First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads – purchased from Beauty Bay $38.10 (imported from the UK) – pre-moistened pads containing lactic and glycolic acids, make sure you include your neck and décolletage, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use these on nights I’m not using the following products below, normally every second/other night)

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V – purchased from Laguna Day Spa, Sydney $34 for 50ml, $82.50 for 150ml & $132 for 250ml – liquid niacinamide acid and malic acid applied to a cotton pad and applied to the face, tingles on contact, has a vinegar smell, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use this one or twice a week)

Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner – purchased from David Jones $48 – contains glycerine, glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acid, applied to a cotton pad and swipe across the face, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use this once a week)

Alpha-H Liquid Gold – purchased from Beauty Bay $47.15 (online) – contains glycolic acid, tingles on contact, followed with nothing, just leave it as it is i.e. don’t follow with a serum and moisturiser, it works on balancing the skin’s pH (I use this once a week). The next morning following this treatment my skin is smooth and my pores appear much smaller.

Eye cream

As per my previous post you don’t need to buy a separate eye cream if you don’t want to but I like to add this extra step so my eyes are well hydrated and plumped. If you don’t want to use an eye cream, just extend your serum and moisturiser onto the eye area.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm Eye Cream – purchased from David Jones $72

Or:
Indeed Labs Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue – purchased from Priceline $29.69

Retinol/Vitamin A

Retinol is the best product to fight the signs of aging and encourage skin to turnover. It also unclogs and minimises the appearance of pores, boosts collagen production, evens out discolouration and smooths and softens skin. It works at a deeper layer of the skin. Apply the product sparingly and start using it only once a week and then increase to twice or three times a week. It should be used next to the skin right after exfoliation. I only use it at night as it makes my skin more susceptible to sunburn. Always wear a sunscreen anyway.

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface – purchased from Priceline $34.99

Or:
La Roche Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Dermatological Treatment Intensive – purchased from Priceline $59.99

Serum

Serums are designed to address specific skin concerns or conditions and should be used morning and night. I focus on serums that target anti-aging and hydration but there are others that reduce redness, work on hyper-pigmentation or deeply moisturise. For evening I often choose something that is a little heavier than my daytime serum.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – purchased from The Body Shop $34.95
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Serum – purchase from Priceline $34.99
L’Oreal Revitalift Laserx3 Anti-Aging Power Serum – purchased from Target $49.99
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler [HA] Serum – purchased from Priceline $34.99

Moisturiser

Moisturiser is like the outer coat of your skincare routine and is designed to lock other products in.

Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturiser Oil-Free – purchased from Mecca Maxima $86.00

Or:
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator – purchased from David Jones $60

Masks

I don’t really use them that regularly but sometimes I might do a clay mask or a hydrating mask.  I do it more as a treat or if I have some spare time rather than it being something my skin desperately needs.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask – purchased from Mecca Maxima $37
Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque - purchased from Cosmetics Now $58.95
Avène Soothing Moisture Mask – purchased from Priceline $43.99The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-in Moisture Mask – purchased from The Body Shop $26.95

And that is it.  Time for bed!

Until next time xx

Our weekend in Ballandean

Every February we travel to Ballandean for the Sicilian Vintage Lunch. It's held at Golden Grove Estate, a family-run winery in the Granite Belt. Mr P is of Sicilian heritage hence our yearly pilgrimage to this event.

Ballandean

Ballandean is a small town and locality in the Granite Belt Region of the Southern Downs with a population just over 450. It's 237 kilometres from Brisbane and the drive takes just under 3 hours.

The Granite Belt area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other areas that make up much of South East Queensland.

Seriously it looks like the moon

Golden Grove Estate

Run by the Costanzo family (Sam and Grace with their boys Raymond and Jason), Golden Grove Estate is a multi-award winning winery located in beautiful Ballandean. We especially love their Sauvignon Blanc, Nero D'Avalo, Mediterranean Red and Tempranillo varieties. My late father-in-law was great friends of the Costanzo family and spent much of his younger years growing up in the township. Their Facebook page is available here. Check out their website.

Sicilian Vintage Lunch

The Sicilian Vintage Lunch, held annually by Golden Grove, is a celebration of the beginning of the vintage.

Now in it’s 16th year, the day starts with wine tasting on arrival followed by a full buffet lunch of authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Antipastos...

...fresh salads, pastas and homemade authentic Sicilian sausages are just some of the dishes on the menu. The eggplant lasagne was to die for so of course we all had seconds of it.

Their traditional grape pudding (mostarda), made from the juice of the the crushed grapes, is the specialty of the day. This traditional pudding was served with poached fruit and a sweet wine sauce. The recipe was handed down by their ancestors from their homeland of Sicily. It was always made from the juice of the first crush of the vintage.

Another Sicilian delicacy is the prickly pear or in Italian Fig dell'India. My father-in-law used to grow these trees in his backyard. Mr P has terrible memories of running into these trees when he was mowing around them.

Entertainment was provided by Brisbane artist, Fortunato Isgro who sings traditional Italian songs. It creates such a great ambience and people get up and dance along.

The grape pickers bring home the first harvest which is then blessed and a grape stomp begins.

Vineyard Cottages

We stayed in the beautiful Vineyard Cottages located not far from Golden Grove Estate in Ballandean. The cottages are nestled amongst beautiful gardens and provide the perfect, cosy place to stay. Check out their website.

They also have a licensed restaurant onsite which we took advantage of on Saturday night. The meal was delicious and beautifully presented by the chef.

Dressed and ready to explore some more

The Bramble Patch

Brunch on Sunday was sorted with berry poffertjes, waffles and chocolate cake from The Bramble Patch. Check out their website.

While we were there we also picked up some of their amazing berry coulis and jams. The coulis is delicious poured over ice-cream, berries, meringue and cream.

There is no store-bought jam that tastes anywhere near The Bramble Patch's.

Mangia Meglio Vivi Meglio - Eat Better Live Better

We always visit The Bramble Patch when we're in town.

Tenterfield

We headed south to Tenterfield, former home of singer Peter Allen. We visited the Tenterfield Saddlery where Peter's grandfather worked.  We also saw his grandfather's former home.

Strawberry Fields

We picked 2kg of strawberries from the Strawberry Fields near Stanthorpe. Check out their website.

We demolished most of them on the drive back to Brisbane.

Sutton's Juice Factory, Cidery, Distillery & Shed Cafe

The apple pie at Sutton's Farm is incredible. You must try it. Check out their website.

You can also pick your own tree-ripened apples, sample the juices, ciders, conserves and brandy or dine at their delightful cafe.

What a wonderful weekend it was. If you're looking for incredible food and amazing wine Ballandean has it all. It's the perfect getaway.

We will be back in a few weeks for the biennial Apple and Grape Harvest Festival held in Stanthorpe (just north of Ballandean). Check out their website. Can't wait.

Until next time xx