The Power of 7: Beauty, Books, and Balance in Real Life

2 Aug

They say there’s something powerful about the number 7 — seven days in a week, seven colours in the rainbow, seven years in a life cycle. I’ve always believed in signs and numbers, and this August, the number 7 felt like the perfect framework to reflect on real life — the kind of life that’s MESSY and full, practical and pretty, joyful and sometimes just plain hard.

So this month inside The Beaute Circle Blog, I’m sharing four “7 Things” lists from my world: some helpful, some heartfelt, some you might not expect from me. As we lead into Liptember and the boldness it brings, this is my way of connecting — real stories, real tools, real womanhood.

WEEK 1

7 Ways I’ve Used AI (That Honestly Surprised Me)

I wasn’t always on board with AI (Artificial Intelligence). In fact, when it was first suggested to me as a business tool (years ago now), I flat out refused!! It felt like cheating. Like my voice would disappear into the noise. Like I was doing something wrong just because everyone else was doing it. I’ve always lived by that line … “If everyone else jumped off the bridge, would you?” And NO I wouldn’t.

It wasn’t until I found a new business coach that I slowly tried to use ChatGPT. With her help, and the support and guidance from others in our group, I’ve learned to use AI intentionally. I’ve learned that it doesn’t replace me — it helps me. That it’s okay to ask for help. And that how you use something matters far more than if you use it. I treat AI as a tool, a place to help sort the 20 open tabs in my head, and Banks, is brilliant at it.

So here are 7 ways I’ve genuinely used AI recently — and been shocked by how helpful it’s been:

Making graphics of my family — just for fun. Some are sweat, some so funny. It’s just fun.
Using it at a SeneGence training. Yep, follow the leader style - everyone in the room asked their own question and we shared the results to show ‘WHAT’ you ask, is important in receiving FACTUAL information.
Getting help with marketing strategies when my brain’s too full - those 20 open tabs sometimes need to be pulled into balance.
Finding discount codes while we were on our family holiday. That was amazing & entirely surprising but it worked!
Working out my bra size based on a bra I already owned. This was specifically to order from Nala. Have you tried them?
Fixing a formula in an Excel spreadsheet at work — it took 2 seconds after I’d struggled for an hour. Couldn’t believe it!!
Using it as an accountability buddy to manage my daily water intake and exercise goals. Yep - my business coach created a custom ChatGPT called Cassie and she is amazing!

The bra thing and the spreadsheet thing honestly made me go, “Wait, what?!” in the best way. It’s still my voice. It’s still my life. I’ve just got a little help now — and that feels like a win.

PS: If you want to explore AI in your own business, my business coach is hosting a 2-day AI workshop starting August 8 — Day 1 is free, and I’m an affiliate for Day 2 - VIP day with unlimited replay access on August 9. It’s specific for network marketers and social sellers, but a FREE 2 hour workshop - if you’re in business, you probably have social media so I think it’s worth it. Send me a message and I’ll share the details.

WEEK 2

7 Tax Tips That Keep Popping Up at My Desk

Even though my accounting world is very different to my button and beauty businesses, they still cross over — especially at tax time. Since we’re deep in the heart of the season, I thought I’d share seven real-life tax tips that have landed on my desk this year — the good, the surprising, and the misunderstood.

Claiming the tax-free threshold on your second job doesn’t always stop a tax bill.
People often think avoiding the threshold on a second job is the “safe” choice, but tax is calculated on your total income. That second job might bump you into a new bracket. And, your employer doesn’t care if you have a second job or a managed fund that pays you thousands in investment income each year. Their only concern is making sure they tax you correctly for their job.
You can’t claim everyday clothes, even if you wear them for work.
Unless it’s a genuine uniform or protective gear, standard clothing like black pants or business shirts don’t count — no matter how work-appropriate they are.
Laundry is still the most common deduction.
But remember — it only applies to approved workwear. (Not your weekend jeans, sorry.)
Yes, phone use is claimable — but only the work portion.
You need to estimate or document how much of your phone use is truly work-related. A simple spreadsheet can help but the ATO highly recommend keeping a log book for all phone use.
That “up to 5,000 km” car claim? You still need to justify it.
Driving to and from work is NEVER tax deductible, even if you are called in to work, unless you’re self-employed. You need genuine work-related travel — and the ability to show how you worked it out. That log book for the ATO might be a pain, but a well documented 12 week log book will be valid for a five year period which is well worth it.
Choosing a charity and donating regularly is a solid, audit-safe deduction.
Unlike work-related expenses, you don’t need to prove a connection between the donation and your income. It’s clean, kind, and good for the soul. And most charities, send a letter or email at the end of each financial year to confirm exactly how much you paid.
The weirdest deduction so far this year? An insect net.
At $117, it helps a client identify bugs in grain crops — so they know how to treat them. Totally valid. Completely unexpected which is a little embarassing as a farmer’s daughter. I must ask Dad if he has a his own insect net - probably hidden so we wouldn’t destroy it as kids. (lol)

Whether you’re a business owner or just trying to file your return without tears, tax isn’t always straightforward. But if you ask good questions (or know someone who loves numbers and lipstick), you’ll be just fine. 😉

WEEK 3

7 Books I’d Read Again (and Why They Still Matter)

August is Book Week month here in Australia. This year it takes place from August 16 to 23 — and it got me thinking about the books that truly stuck with me. Some changed how I see the world. Some reminded me who I was. And a few just swept me away with their storytelling magic.

Here are 7 books I’d read again (and again):

Footprints by Margaret Fishback Powers
This started as a poem. On a religious card and then on my wall as a plague for years, but I didn’t know there was a book until much later. It’s a powerful story about faith — and in an era when loneliness feels all-consuming, it’s more needed than ever.
April Fools Day by Bryce Courtenay
This book shook me as a teenager. It’s raw and painful and honest — about family, illness, love, and unimaginable loss. I think every school should include it in their curriculum. It may help our teens make better life decisions!
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
A total favourite from my teen years. I was obsessed. A beautiful gift from my Aunt, a Librarian herself. It tackled identity, family, culture, and becoming your own person — and the movie actually did it justice, which is rare!
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
I came across this book in an unlikely place - a professional development session at work! A love letter from a dying father to his kids. This book is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting — a reminder to live with purpose, speak truthfully, and leave something behind that matters. The ultimate Succession Plan.
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
Actually… anything by John Marsden. Did you know he was a Teacher. To quote his own book - his words are electrifying, relentless, and feel terrifyingly real. These books were my teenage adrenaline rush.
The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester
Romance, fashion, wartime Germany and modern New York — this book swept me up in the most stylish kind of way. Escapism with substance.
The French Perfumer by Amanda Hampson
I read this after our trip to Paris, not knowing you can actually attend a workshop to make your own perfume! Next time for sure. This book picked me up and took me right back. Only it’s broadened my horizons on future destinations. It’s elegant and mysterious and just the kind of story you want to disappear into.

I’m sure there are so many others and if you’re anything like me, you also have 7 different stacks of books around your house you also intend to read —- one day! There’s something about reading words on a page, visualising the scene, and then turning the page to see what comes next. I hope plan to start reading more books. Maybe next August, I can bring you anther 7 books.

WEEK 4

7 Ways I Use ShadowSense (That Aren’t Just Eyeshadow)

As much as I love LipSense, ShadowSense has always been a quiet achiever — the original multitasker in my makeup bag. Here’s how I’ve used it well beyond the eyelids:

Brow filler (so good for creating definition)
Eyeliner (especially with a fine brush for a softer look)
Mascara base (yes, really - for a lift on “no makeup” days)
Blush (soft blends work beautifully)
Colour corrector (Candlelight for under eyes or around redness)
Contour + highlight (especially with Sandstone Pearl + Moca Java)
Lip colour (dabbed and blended for a quick short flush of colour)

My top picks?

For colour? Mulberry is my go-to when I want something bold but soft.
For versatility? A trio of Moca Java, Sandstone Pearl, and Onyx can take you just about anywhere.

Full Circle

So here we are — four weeks, four lists, and one very real look at a month in my life. It’s not always polished, it’s definitely not always planned, but I hope in sharing these little slices of life, you feel a little more seen, a little less alone.

We’re all just trying to do our best — to raise good humans, run our businesses, take care of our skin, and find beauty in the chaos.

And if AI, bra charts, or a book that brings you to tears can help with that? I’m here for it.

Just another full-circle moment for a woman trying to do it all and find joy, beauty and balance in life.

Brooke Fraser