A few months ago it dawned on me that I possibly don't take my finances as seriously as I should. I've always toyed with the idea of term deposits but I like to be a little more hands-on with things and where is the fun in putting a lump of money into an account for a decided amount of time to then get it back at the end with an extra three or so percent.

At the time I had heard of people talking about Acorns (now Raiz), an App that gives users the option to squirrel away their spare change virtually in a diversified portfolio. As well as setting up regular investments or making a lump sum investment. What appealed to me was that there was no minimum, I could start with less than $50.

How I use Raiz: 
Now a month or so on I use Raiz in 3 ways:

• I have linked my current bank account and credit or debit cards so that Raiz will automatically round up my transactions and invests the “change”. For example, if I buy a coffee on my card for $4.60 then Raiz invests the extra 40 cents. 
• I also have a recurring payment, which is similar to setting up a set amount to go into a savings account. I have a set amount each week going to the account and I hardly miss it. 
• Last but not least, I have made one-off investments, my biggest one was putting the money for my car registration, which is due in a few months, into my Raiz account to see it grow.

So what happens with the money you invest? 
Raiz has a selection of portfolio options for you to choose from ranging from conservative through to aggressive. They have managed fund portfolios which invest in a variety of investments via Exchange Traded Funds (EFTs). An EFT is like a combination of managed funds and shares. It is basically a diversified portfolio designed to track and measure the stock market. Of course, there is always some risk that the market will go down, because it wouldn't be sustainable if it was always going up.

Other features: 

• By shopping online via Raiz Rewards at stores such as Kikki.K, HelloFresh, Woolworths, Net-a-Porter, Lorna Jane, BCF and Bonds, just to name a few, you will get a percentage or an amount invested back into your account. For example if I shop online at Nike via Raiz Rewards I can expect to receive 3.5% of my purchase invested back into my account. If you do do this, make sure you read and follow the terms & conditions.  
• There is also the option to set up Raiz Kids, where you can allocate money towards an investment account for your kid/s. You can select what percentage of your top ups you'd like to be allocated to this account, or you can split your contributions evenly between several kids that you may have account for.

Fees: 
Now for the business end of the App, the fees, because there is no such thing as free money. If the balance of your account is less than $5,000 then you pay $1.25 per month. This amount comes out of your linked bank account. If your balance is over $5000 then the fee is 0.275% of your account balance per year. So if you have say $10,000 in your account that is $27.50 a year. They certainly make it easy to understand.

Thoughts:

• In the one to two months I have been using Acorns I have found it really easy to use and have made some returns. 
• I like that if I need to I can withdraw the money at any time without penalties, which makes investing amounts like my car registration easy to do.There are no limits to the number of withdrawals and deposits you can make, and no fees for making them.
• I do like that it's accessible for all as there is no minimum balance required. Some managed funds elsewhere you need a minimum amount of $5000 or more. Whilst I am comfortable with the fees involved if you think you are only going to invest a really small amount each month the $1.25 fee will soon start eating into any returns. So that is something to keep in mind.

If you think that Raiz might work for you, sign up using my link and get a bonus $2.50 added to your account. Sign up here. Just so you know I will also get $2.50

I'm only providing details of my own experience, general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, read the PDS or seek advice before you decide to act on my content.

 This month’s ‘Weekend Skin’ Bellabox is packed full of skin and beauty products selected to give you the very best weekend look. In my box I received a selection of great products from whitening toothpaste to seriously good haircare, and everything in-between. 

Here are all the products I received in my Bellabox this month...

ModelCo Baked Highlighter - Moonshine, 3.5g (RRP $25.00)
This highlighter from ModelCo has a beautiful warm glow and is suited to most complexions. It is the micronized colour pigments and pressed powder that gives an all day glowing goddess look. The highlighter is also sheer and light weight, allowing you to build the highlighter to create your perfect look.

White Glo Activated Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Whitening Toothpaste, Sample Size (RRP $5.99, 150ml)
In our bathroom cabinet there is a selection of products from White Glo. I have used this toothpaste before and have noticed the difference. It has helped to remove the coffee and tea stains from my teeth. It's the activated charcoal particles in the tooth paste that help to detoxify your mouth and remove deep stains and colouration.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence, Sample Size (RRP $23.95, 60ml)

After my first try of this product I was in contact with Style Story who stock it and was making inquiries on how to buy it. Within moments of using it on my freshly washed face my skin looked brighter, hydrated, and my complexion looked more even.  This toner is designed to brighten skin, increase collagen product and target blemishes. It is also certified cruelty-free by PETA.  


Revlon Professional Be Fabulous Daily Care Normal Thick Hair Anti Age Serum 80ml (RRP $32.95)
My hair is regularly exposed to the elements and to being soaked with sweat. I do my best to look after it and I have to admit it is looking better than it did a few years ago. I regularly use other products from Revlon and have found that they haven't aggravated my scalp. I have tried this product a few times since receiving it and have been playing around with the amount of product I use as it doesn't say on the packing how much to use. I have found it to make my hair not only look healthier and full of life but that it actually helps in improving the health of my hair. 
 
La Roche-Posay Serozinc, Sample Size (RRP $24.95, 150ml)
La Roche-Posay hands down makes some of the best skincare products going around. I swear by there suncare range. I haven't really used mists so I was interested in trying out this product, and wow! I would consider buying this in the future. This product is a purifying and mattifying mist that you can use as a toner or over makeup. It is enriched with zinc sulphate which though is designed for targeting oily and acne prone skin it was perfect to help me look refreshed after a day out in the elements. 

BONUS PRODUCT: 

Nutrimetics White-Age Midnight Radiance Night Crème
This is a small sample and for a night creme it does make it difficult to gauge how effective the product is. As a bonus product, it's great. It's perfect to throw into your overnight bag so your not having to take a full size product with you for a weekend away.

To sum up what I think of the May box in five words "your skin will love it". I can't wait to see what will be in the next Bellabox next month.

Bellabox - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime. For $5 off your first women's monthly box subscription use the promo code “NICTATT”. 

For further information about the contents of the May 2018 Bellabox visit the Bellabox Blog.

This is a sponsored post, I received either product and/or payment in exchange for this post.

This month’s ‘Social Flirt’ Bellabox is packed full of products selected to get you feeling confident and gorgeous. In my box I received a selection of great products from beautiful eye palettes to seriously good skincare, and everything in-between. 

Here are all the products I received in my Bellabox this month...

Kenzo World EDP, 1 ml
I have quite the little collection of sample fragrances, what I love about the sample sizes is that they fit perfectly into a handbag or gym bag without the concern of accidentally dropping a entire full size bottle. KENZO World is a playful, vibrant floral scent combining peony, jasmine, and radiant Ambroxan crystals. It is classy, flirty and fun.

Sun Bum Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, 177 ml
As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors I'm all about good sun protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is an all-year-round essential, to protect the skin from burning, cancers, and premature ageing. I haven't yet sampled this full size product  however I look forward to trying out this Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 50. It is Oil-free, 100% vegan, enriches the skin with Vitamin E, and is water resistant for 80 minutes.

EVERYONE RECEIVES: 

NYX Professional Makeup Palette 
I received the the ultimate all-rounder, the Go-To Wanderlust Palette in my Bellabox this month. It is an on-the-go all rounder with six gorgeous brown/pink/ nude shades of eyeshadow, plus an illuminator, blush, and bronzer. I have literally used this palette only on top of my moisturiser and have been exceptionally impressed with the long lasting wear and pigmentation of the palette.

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm
If you're anything like me, you possibly have several lip balms all on the go and everywhere from the bathroom to the car, handbag to gym bag and everywhere else. The Shea Butter Lip Balm from Pixi has been formulated with shea butter and Vitamin E. The lightweight lip balm has been created to nourish lips while delivering a wash of sheer colour. I received the colour Ripe Raspberry which has a beautiful soft pink tint to it.
 
BLAQ Hydrogel Eye Mask
Every product I have tried from BLAQ has exceeded my expectations. I have yet to try these luscious hydrogel eye masks that promise to reduce the puffiness by detoxing the eye area thanks to activated charcoal. I look forward to trying them next time my eyes  need a little TLC.

BONUS PRODUCT: 

Limited Edition Elastoplast Plasters, 2 x plasters
I myself don't use plasters often, however I do use other products from Elastoplast. I think it is great that they've made what can be a rather bland product into one that is fun, colorful and bright.

To sum up what I think of the April box in five words "you'll be impressed by it". I can't wait to see what will be in the next Bellabox next month.

Bellabox - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime. For $5 off your first women's monthly box subscription use the promo code “NICTATT”. 

For further information about the contents of the April 2018 Bellabox visit the Bellabox Blog.

This is a sponsored post, I received either product and/or payment in exchange for this post. 

Ivana Vasiljević is the younger sister of a rather talented and athletic brother, she is nothing short of being a stand out athlete herself. I get so excited and motivated when I see her posting pics on her Instagram account about her gym workouts and training sessions. Her grit, commitment and determination on the basketball court makes her a force to be reckoned with. I cannot wait to see what she achieves in the coming years.

Ivana was nominated for the Summer 2017/18 Young Female Athlete Season Pack and I'm excited to share with you a quick little Q&A I did with this driven young athlete.  

What do you do to be active?
To be active I play basketball, and go to the gym to keep my fitness levels up, along with strength and conditioning during that time.

What does a regular training day look like for you?
A regular training day, well, it depends on the day as every day is quite different. Some days it may be a training in the morning, then two trainings after school. Other days it may be a session at school in the morning then a game in the late evening. During the off season or holidays, it's usually a gym session in the morning along with strength and conditioning, and then a shooting session in the afternoon.

What's your favourite recovery food?
My favourite recovery food has got to be a fruit and whey protein smoothie!

What's your favourite song to work out to? 
It's either "God's Plan" by Drake or "Rambo" by Bryson Tiller.

What's been your biggest sporting achievement to date?
My biggest sporting achievement is probably winning bronze at the 2016 National Junior Classic and being in the Top 2 leading scorers of the 2016-17 Rep Season.

What advice would you give someone wanting to start out in your sport(s)? 
My advice for someone wanting to start playing basketball is to just give it a go and find enjoyment in playing the great sport. To understand that at first it may be difficult but if they're willing to work hard, they can achieve so many great things. It is important to make friends whilst playing as it makes the game so much more enjoyable and memorable. One last thing, is to not pay attention to those who will try to bring them down (#haters) and to use it as motivation to become better.

What do you aim to achieve in 2018?
In 2018, as it is my last junior season, I have many goals. I aim to win the National Junior Classic and the Victorian Championship with my amazing teammates. Also, to make finals with my youth league team and personally, to improve my strengths and weaknesses as a player.

A massive thank you to Engine, Total Face Group, Swisse Skin Care and Simple (via Bellabox), and Synergie Skin for gifting me these wonderful products that I've used in the Young Female Athlete Season Pack for Summer 2017/18.

In 2017 Rachel De Kretser qualified to compete at Worlds and represent Australia in the U/18 K2 where she and her team mate placed tenth. This year Rachel wants to take things up a notch and qualify for both the K2 and K1 events. Whilst she is working on improving her our skills and abilities she is also a coach too and is helping train the next generation of paddlers that will follow in her steps.

Rachel was nominated for the Summer 2017/18 Young Female Athlete Season Pack and I'm excited to share with you a quick little Q&A I did with this driven young athlete.  

What do you do to be active? 


A massive thank you to Engine, Total Face Group, Swisse Skin Care and Simple (via Bellabox), and Synergie Skin for gifting me these wonderful products that I've used in the Young Female Athlete Season Pack for Summer 2017/18.

Opening Ceremony, Marui Pro, May, 1984

It is reported that around 5 Billion photos are shot on iPhones alone daily, that's a lot of photos. Now let's rewind the clock and go back to the early 80's, in particular on the professional surfing tour, I can't imagine there would be many with a camera. Especially in comparison to today when almost everyone on the World Surfing League tour has a mobile phone with an inbuilt camera.

One of the few in the 80's was Two-time World Champion and Pipeline Master, Australian surfer Tom Carroll. Whilst traveling the globe dominating the sport he also took with him his trusty Canon AV-1 camera. Which he used to document the wild, crazy and unique lifestyle and culutre that came with being a professional surfer in the 80s.

"Not many - if any - pro surfers carried a camera around the tour. Once I looked through a lens, I couldn’t help myself.” - Tom Carroll

In his home on the New South Wales coast are thousands upon thousands of photographs and negatives of moments stored in plastic boxes which have survived not one but two house fires. With the help of Canon and curator Benjamin Chadbond, select moments captured on film have been brought back to life and put on show for a truly unique exhibition.

The colours of the photographs are as vibrant as the characters he captured. When I asked Tom if any of the photos had been touched up he said that they only thing that was really done to them was that some mold had to be removed.
 
Salt In The Blood, a short film documenting parts of Tom's life and how the exhibition came to be pulled together was screened at the launch of the Torquay exhibition. Within the first few minutes of the film I was welling up as Tom's words of being embraced by the ocean when times were tough struck a nerve with me. It is a beautiful short film that surfers, photographers and anyone with an appreciation for creative freedom will enjoy.

The exhibition is on at the Boardriders Bar 61 in Torquay until late April, and there is the potential for additional shows after that - stay tuned.

If you heading down to the Rip Curl Pro, take a moment and see just how many people are there taking snaps with their mobile phones verses an actual camera.At the moment my Canon G16 is currently getting serviced so I'll be resorting to my iPhone for the next few weeks.

A post shared by Nicole Tattersall (@nictatt) on Mar 30, 2018 at 4:03am PDT

I want to thank Surfing World Magazine, Canon, and Quiksilver for hosting the launch. Also Tom Carroll for spending the time giving me a personal tour of his photographs and discussing the stories behind them. 

For more information and updates about the exhibition visit the Canon website.

Bellabox is celebrating super powered beauty for the month of March with over $50 worth of beauty products. Each product has been carefully selected to help you feel confident to take on the world in celebration of International Women's Day. They have also swapped their iconic blue box for a purple one too!

Let's take a look at the products I received in my Bellabox this month...

UV-iQ SPF50+ Anti-Pollution Sunscreen, 10ml (RRP $29.95, 50ml)
Endorsed by the Cancer Council, UV-iQ combines the highest UV protection with scientifically-proven skincare ingredients to deliver high-performing daily skincare solutions. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I love receiving sunscreen, even more so when it comes in a handy travel size like this sample.

NYX Professional MakeUp Be Gone! Makeup Remover Wipes, 20 Wipes (RRP $7.95)
Makeup wipes are my number one gym bag must have right behind deodorant. It isn't always practical to give your face a good wash after a sweaty workout, and that's when the wipes are handy. These wipes promise to remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara so they should do the trick next time I need to wipe my face post workout.

Tilley Soaps Classic White Hand and Nail Cream, 40ml (RRP $11.95, 125ml)

EVERYONE RECEIVES: 

ModelCo Luxe Crème Long Wear Lipstick, Full-sized (RRP $17)
Everyone will recieve this month in their Bellabox a semi-matte, flake-proof and long-lasting, luxe creamy lipstick from ModelCo. I received Amelia a terracotta brown Amelia colour which will suit my natural style. This is also a new product for ModelCo.

ModelCo Eyeshadow, Full- sized (RRP $19)
Also from ModelCo, everyone will receive either a gloss, eyeshadow or eyeliner. In my box I received the ModelCo Eye Lites Metallic Eyeshadow in Onyx. It is a metallic, lightweight liquid eyeshadow. The eyeshadow applies in liquid form and takes a few minutes to dry. Once dry it feels just like any other powdered eye shadow, but has an incredible metallic finish to it. I think I'll be using this product when wanting to feel a little extra glam.

BONUS PRODUCTS: 

Natures Commonscents Paw Paw Body Wash (2.5ml sachet)
I'm a fan of the use of paw paw in most beauty products. This month as a little extra bonus everyone will get in their box a natural paw paw body wash from Nautures Commonscents. It is free from harmful chemicals such as sulphates and parabens.

To sum up what I think of the March box in five words "something to empower every women". I can't wait to see what they in store for us next month?

Bellabox - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime. For $5 off your first women's monthly box subscription use the promo code “NICTATT”. 

For further information about the contents of the March 2018 Bellabox visit the Bellabox Blog.

This is a sponsored post, I received either product and/or payment in exchange for this post.