March Favourites
3/28/2018

March Favourites



Another month bites the dust and just like that it's time for favourites to be reflected upon again. March has been a real ride but rather than dwell on that side of things, some good from this month: I walked 8.4 kms with a group of ladies+gents from my office at work for Round the Bays. It was a good time and I managed to complete it without complaints. Although the blisters the next day, you were not welcome. I read a lot. I wrote a lot-am still writing a lot, for myself and other places. Oh-and I got my blogging juice back. In truth this month I've struggled with the ol' blog so it was a relief to myself when I sat down and devised a posting schedule for April, without staring at blank paper for hours. Anyway, March Favourites and there's a real variety. Beverages, books, beauty, podcasts...the whole enchilada. *Props if you get that reference* 

-Bronze Eyeshadow: Bronze glittery eyeshadow is my makeup MVP. I've literally been gravitating towards this tone of eyeshadow alone all month. Probably spurred on by this makeup look. It could also be the slight Autumnal crispness to the air that is drawing me to these colours as well. There's no specific eyeshadow I've been reaching for over another but stand-outs have been thisthis in the shade Twig and this palette.

-Rushower Dry Shampoo x Soap and Glory: This is good, inexpensive stuff. Hey-if it makes my hair smell good and kinda disguises the hair washing laziness, I am not going to complain. This mini can is cheaper than a takeaway coffee, where I frequent at least, and the larger can is only $7 so it's not going to set you back a lot. A++ would recommend.

-Oh Comely magazine: I have a lotta love for this independent British title. It's packed full with brilliant stories, imagery, women, books and just a whole bunch of goodness basically. Like my beloved frankie, it's released bimonthly and also like frankie, it's a magazine best savoured over several readings. As I'm a bit behind on magazine reading I had two issues of this to read this month and loved them both. Roll on April because another issue is released then. 


-The Fringe Of It Podcast: Sorry not sorry for mentioning this podcast again. Liv+Charlotte in a podcast=a whole lot of  brilliant banter and ideas. Each episode they talk about what they've been watching and buying and then they move into a themed discussion. The two most recent episodes have looked at getting out of a funk and style. The podcast is on a lil' break at the moment while Liv is in New Zealand(!!) but there's plenty to listen to while you wait if you need a catch up. 

-Lovisa Earrings: I like my celestial jewels, that's not new information for anyone. I've been wearing these ones a bunch recently, until I can fork out for something a bit fancier. Despite their appearance, they're surprisingly lightweight and I love 'em. If only for the fact it makes me feel like I'm channeling Stevie Nicks a bit whenever I wear them.

-The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: This hefty tome has been carted everywhere with me. I'm still not finished and because I like to dip in and out of it, reading it will probably take a while. Sylvia's writing is so captivating and profound in many ways. She does like the odd grotesque metaphor which did take me a bit of getting used to. I wish I could quote something memorable from it but the one line staying with me right now is her aside about an ex's new girlfriend, in which she called them a "brilliant whore". In seriousness, I do have many passages underlined and will collate my thoughts about this book into something more cohesive when I do eventually finish it.

-Rekorderlig Elderflower & Lime Cider: First off, not sure how many youths are reading this blog *waves*, please drink responsibly. Everyone else, you need to try this cider. I had a glass post Round the Bays at The Glass Goose and it is divine. Not too sweet, not too bitter and mighty refreshing. Bold claim but this might be my favourite Rekorderlig flavour. In fact you can bet I'll be celebrating the end of the short working week with one of these tomorrow. 

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Things I Watched+Liked: March
3/26/2018

Things I Watched+Liked: March




In a further quest to share a bit more love to things I've watched on and offline, I've made this lil' list. Today we have a bit of everything; fashion, lifestyle and dark comedy. Get comfy, grab a coffee and maybe some seasonal chocolate if you're that way inclined...

Inside the Wardrobe of Rosalind Jana: Biased because Liv & Rosalind are two of my favourite Internet ladies and have rather stellar wardrobes. Regardless, I loved seeing inside the well-stocked wardrobe of Rosalind Jana. That lady knows her way around a thrift store and always looks fabulous. Don't believe me? Have a look at her Instagram. Interesting watching and I love the stories behind her clothes. 

Dealing & Living with Depression: Britney and I go way back. Actually I think this year it's seven years since we met. Crikey! Anyway, she is the reason I am here blogging at all because she made it seem so cool and fun and I wanted in. So thanks B. Anyway, she is creating some fantastic discussions on her blog and YouTube around mental health. They're candid and real. We need more content like this. I don't want to call her 'brave' or inspirational because sharing stories like this shouldn't feel exceptional, even though in the present day it kinda is. Anyway, freakin' brilliant person. Go watch. 

Moving Into A Studio Apartment: Tara, aka one half of the dynamic duo that is Shop Style Conquer studies fashion design in Melbourne (yass) and recently got her own studio apartment. She's still setting it up I think but I enjoyed seeing this glimpse into what it is like and of course that IKEA furniture. Side note: NZ, needs an IKEA and needed it yesterday. On that note, I recommend all of Tara and Ellen's videos. 

The Party: Not a YouTube video but a film. A dark comedy or dramedy as I believe they're referred to. It stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall and Patricia Clarkson among others. The whole film revolves around one evening at a dinner party and the secrets, off-the-cuff comments and drama that ensues. It's brilliantly written and well worth the watch.

-What have you watched+liked lately?

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Mental Health In Literature
3/21/2018

Mental Health In Literature



Mental illness is not a topic that's particularly easy to talk about. Perhaps this is why there is so much written about it. I can't speak for all the authors, obviously. Personally though I find being able to write about these ideas, namely anxiety and depression, can help make sense of thoughts. Ideas I can't always express verbally in words. Ideas that are complex, multifaceted and yes, sometimes overwhelming. That being said, being able to read the words of others on these topics can often be a great comfort and relief if you do feel like an outsider for example. Not that I am saying mental illness=alienating, although it can sometimes feel that way. Perhaps you just want to understand what someone in your life may be going through or feeling. Quick disclaimer, it has been a while since I've read some of these books but I am going to try to list all the disorders and themes included because some may be triggering and best approached with caution. I've read a fair bit on this topic and of what I have read, these are the books that address the topics in the most effective way. Without unnecessarily rose-tinting and making light of significant concepts. This post may be long so I suggest you get comfy and if you do find yourself unsure whether a certain book is for you, feel free to ask in the comments or message me on social media. 


The Accidental x Ali Smith: I've been doing a bit of background reading on Ali Smith, as well of course as immersing myself in her work and one of the recurring themes is that of love and loss. The grief we feel for the passing of someone in our lives, the disappearances and the swiftness that is the passing of time. Astrid, the teenaged protagonist adventures off to Norwich for a summer holiday with her family and their lives are forever changed by the arrival of a traveling student, Amber. Like many of Smith's stories, this book is multilayered and there are many themes and motifs at play here; cameras, time, love, death, nature to name but a few. // Themes: Suicide, bullying, romance, family, disordered relationships, infidelity, creativity, cinema. 

Wishful Drinking x Carrie Fisher: There is only so much of Carrie Fisher's writing available but she certainly made an impact with her frankness and openness surrounding the discussion of mental health, therapy, dealing with addiction and the likes. She did it in a way that was incredibly honest, yet funny as well. As she said, life is always about 'finding the funny'. While I couldn't relate to her stories of substance abuse, I still found this a very refreshing, honest take on living with mental health and the effects it has on us+the world around us. // Themes: Drug and alcohol addiction, manic depression, celebrity, the media, family. 

An Extraordinary Theory of Objects x Stephanie Lacava: This book has been mentioned a few times on the blog now and while mental health is not the overriding theme of this book, it is something that is taken into account. Lacava faced at times debilitating anxiety but also depression. I've included this here because her writing on high-school bullying particularly resonated. As well as her associations with objects and their significance as both comforters and sources of nostalgia. // Themes: Identity, depression, anxiety, art, creativity, association. 


Girl, Interrupted x Susanna Kaysen: In my misguidedness I assumed this was a novel but it is in fact a memoir. It's a quick read albeit an intense one. I read it in snippets across a week or so's train trips. Kaysen spent two years being treated for depression in the psychiatric ward of a hospital that also once looked after the likes of Ray Charles and Sylvia Plath among others. Given it takes place during 1967, the attitudes and I guess overall understanding of depression was starkly contrasted to how it is today. I found the comments made to her by therapists and their assessments particularly fascinating. Actually I found this whole book fascinating. // Themes: Identity, the journey to adulthood, depression, mental health treatment, friendship. 

Where'd You Go Bernadette x Maria Semple: A quirky, Wes Anderson-esque tale about the far from ordinary Bernadette Fox. Former renowned architect, now reclusive with clearly undiagnosed psychological disorders. This book isn't all bleak though and it is in fact quite entertaining, despite the obviously dark subject matter. You will laugh but also cry in parts. Then again, I cry easily in books and films so perhaps I am not the best judge here. Another quick read too, given the book unfolds through letters, emails and memos more than traditional narrative methods. // Themes: Family, the pressures of success, bipolar disorder, infidelity, bullying. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower x Stephen Chbosky: My all-time favourite novel which follows Charlie, a high school freshman and his experiences and almost fly-on-the-wall observations of high school and outsiderdom. Such a freakin' relatable read and coming of age novel. I recommend this all the time and gift it quite a bit as well because it's one of those books I think everyone should read. // Themes: Childhood trauma, adolescence, pop culture appreciation, post traumatic stress disorder. 



It's Kind Of A Funny Story x Ned Vizzini: One of my internet pals Hannah actually sent me this book and I've only read it the once but I remember finding it so refreshing and brilliant. I need to revisit it soon, it's well due a reread. Craig, a fifteen year-old faces immense pressure from a prestigious school he attends which eventually manifests itself into various disorders so he admits himself to a psychiatric ward. At first he feels he doesn't belong, among those with perhaps more challenging demands. Over time he eventually finds more common ground with the patients and solace through therapy. It's not all doom-and-gloom and is in fact really quite humorous. Definitely another, laugh+cry and feel all the feels kind of read. // Themes: Depression, peer pressure, self acceptance, identity. 

Looking For Alaska x John Green: Another novel I love and am secretly quite pleased has never been made into a film. If only because I'm scared any visual recreation will tarnish it. Miles goes to boarding school where he meets the infamous Alaska Young. Infamous, yet mysterious. She is enigmatic. They unite over Miles' love of famous last words, pranks, a lil' bit of underaged drinking and adventure. I won't spoil this for anyone who hasn't read it but the ending is sad. Kim Kardashian levels of crying sad. The whole book is brilliant though and I love every last sentence. Another I need to revisit sooner rather than later. // Themes: Childhood trauma, outsiderness, youth suicide, grief. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: One of my current reads and I still have 500-ish pages left. Plath writes vividly and uniquely and it is all kinds of intoxicating. In the best way. As this does get a bit heavy sometimes I do tend to put it aside when I want a hiatus from her world but it's easily one of the best diaries I have read and will probably ever read. // Themes: Youth, love, identity, depression, careers, the future, time. 

Quick disclaimer: If you or someone you know needs to reach out and you're based in New Zealand, head here for a list of resources. 

-Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
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March Buys
3/19/2018

March Buys



Hello, happy Monday. I hope you all had great weekends. I always find myself feeling like the weekends need an extra day, if only so I can make up for the day(s) I usually spend procrastinating. Case in point: I was meant to start writing a 2000-word essay this weekend and didn't write a single word. I started mentally arranging the crux of it so I don't feel too neglectful. Ramblings aside, today we have a lil' post of some things I bought and liked in March. Quick disclaimer, this is not me showing off. If you must know, I've also made many an unglamorous purchase this month, petrol and public transport, here's looking at you. I just thought I'd show you some of the things that have entered my life when treat yo'self and let's be honest 'bad day' vibes have come up...

Crystals: I nabbed these from the Third Eye here in Auckland. If you've wandered along Karangahape Road I am sure you will be familiar with it but the store is laden with all sorts of treasures and nicknacks. Anyway, I primarily grabbed these for my desk at work. I don't know if I am one hundred per cent on board with the benefits and properties of them, but I do know that having crystals on my person seems to comfort me. Again, could be a placebo effect/sorceress Stevie Nicks thing but I like 'em. 


MAC Tan Pigment: I have wanted this for the longest time after seeing Anna raving about it back in her Vivianna Does Makeup days but also because I know Fiona loves it. My pictures really don't do it justice but it is beautiful. When I'm not time-pressed I will be playing around with it so expect selfies because y'know, I am inclined to document makeup-wearing. 

Sticky Notes x Indy Yelich: Indy might be Lorde's sister to the rest of the world but to me she is the gifted storyteller, who spins incredible yarns on her blog and tells such captivating tales on her vlog as well. She has just released her debut volume of poetry, split into sections based on the cities she now occupies; LA and New York. Poetry is quick to read but I have to tell you, if I'd not used up all my lunchbreak reading and eating, I would have read this in one hit. It's the kind of book you will want to inhale all at once, multiple times over. I don't want to compare her to Lorde because Indy's work really stands alone but she is just as talented a wordsmith and I can't wait to see what she does next. 

-What have you bought in March?

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Women & Their Books: Amy Foulkes
3/14/2018

Women & Their Books: Amy Foulkes



Today we have one of the best ladies in my life taking over the blog. My long-distance bestie Amy. I say long-distance because she now lives in Cairns with her hubby and gorgeous cat Earl Grey. I miss her a ton but we message and essentially speak in some capacity daily. That being said, I really do need to pay her a visit sometime soon. It's been two years since we last saw each other IRL and that is not okay. Along with a love of banter, #goals aesthetic-y dreams, dreamy scents and movies, we also share a love of books. Amy reads quite different books to me so I always love hearing what she's reading. Now we can all share in that love because she's sharing her answers to my questions about her books. Enjoy! 

-What are you currently reading? 
Rich People Problems x Kevin Kwan. This is the final book in the series and I'm obsessed! Think Pride & Prejudice meets Gossip Girl set in Hong Kong and Singapore. There's drama, social climbers and the richest of the rich. Kwan does such a good satire of the affluent circle he grew up in. I highly recommend!

-What is your most read book? 
I really had to think about this one. I'm that girl who continually rereads her favourites *same, tbh, gazing guiltily at my shelves right now*, they are like both my family and my mental comfort food. I am going to have to say The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from the Chronicles of Narnia series. I must have reread it well over ten times, I love the growth and journey of the characters and all the magical little details. Just writing this makes me want to read it all over again.  


-I'm not sure if everyone knows this but you studied marine biology at university. *I've added in my notes "yass smart cookie. yes I fangirl over my friends. Moving on....* Was there a book or an author that inspired you to study marine biology? 
I'm obsessed with Madeline L'Engle. She was the author that acted as a catalyst for my obsession with science as she portrayed it in a way that was intriguing and almost magical. She had some amazing female scientist characters that were strong, sexy and empowered which made the field appeal to me as an adolescent. Her novel Troubling a Star probably inspired me the most. It features a lot of marine biology and oceanography and a good dash of drama and political intrigue. 

-You recently spent a bit of time in New Mexico. *Go look through her Instagrams peeps, it looks stunning*. Did you read any books whilst you were there? 
I read The Roanoke Girls x Amy Engel on my journey home as I had a long stopover in LA. I booked a hotel room for the day, ordered room service and binge read in the bath. The story is very dark and has some intense subject matter but it's intricately woven, full of twists and turns. A very shocking but excellently written story. 

-What is your favourite book by a New Zealand author and why? 
I feel like a terrible kiwi because I haven't read nearly enough New Zealand writing as an adult. *Same, tbh* My childhood favourite though was Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy x Lynley Dodd. As a child I was (and still am) obsessed with animals so I drove my preschool teachers crazy, asking for it to be read over and over. 


-You're in the process of building your first home. So exciting! Do you have any books you've been seeking out for inspiration?
  The Kinfolk Home! It's one of the most beautifully curated and presented design books and I never fail to get inspiration from it. I love the Scandinavian and Japanese inspired minimalism featuring lots of light timber, hidden storage and stark white walls. We're incorporating these features into the house and got our main texture and colour palette ideas from homes in the book. 

-Is there a female writer whose words have left a lasting impression on you? 
I just love Jodi Picoult. Her stories have such beautiful characters who say such raw and deep things. One of my favourite quotes is: "Forgiving isn't something you do for someone else. It's something you do for yourself. It's saying, 'you're not important enough to have a stranglehold on me.' It's saying, 'you don't get to trap me in the past. I am worthy of a future.'

-Finally, if there was one book you'd recommend every woman has on their shelves, what would it be and why? 
First of all, have as many books as possible on your shelves! Secondly I think Little Women x Louisa May Alcott is a necessary staple for every bookshelf. It's a tale of the value of sisterhood and the importance of our minds and substance of our personalities and character over the superficial. In a world that bombards us, telling us our value is in our appearance and that being different is a problem-we should all read more books like Little Women. 

-Thanks so much Amy for answering my questions. I am undeniably biased but thinking of questions for Amy was so much fun and I had just as good a time reading her answers. Amy has a blog, Tea and Sage which is on a lil' hiatus but Amy posts regularly over on her Instagram @teaandsage and I suggest y'all go give her a follow and swoon over her dreamy photography. 

*Images c/o Amy's fantastic photography skills. 

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Books To Read In Autumn
3/12/2018

Books To Read In Autumn




-Image via free people, image on the right x me

Hello and welcome to book week. Yes, I'm aware two posts don't really equate to a week but let's just roll with it shall we? While I don't make monthly reading lists nowadays, if only for the eventual disappointment I felt not finishing everything, I did want to try to make seasonal reading lists a thing. There's a lotta material here and given one of the books clocks in at well over seven hundred pages, I may not make it through everything. They're all titles I do want to read in 2018 though so I am sure I will get to them eventually Perhaps most surprisingly, almost all these inclusions are novels. Don't worry, my memoir-loving self hasn't run away. I just seem to be having a good run with fiction right now and want to make it last. Anyway, books for Autumn incoming...

Enigma Variations x Andre Aciman: After reading and loving every inch of Call Me By Your Name, this made its way on to my to-read list. I've actually requested this from the library. Like CMBYN it looks at the nuances of romance and the way in which our relationships shape us. I'm expecting more vivid, beautiful words. Here's hoping it delivers. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: So I am currently reading this, as touched on here and am taking my time with it. If only because I find it's the kind of book I want to immerse myself in for a while, hence dragging the reading process out. It seriously blows my mind that Plath was 18 or 19 at the beginnings of these journal entries. Her writing is so profound and captivating. I've been marking sections I like with a black ballpoint pen to return to later. In fact I can see myself revisiting this one a lot. 

The Female Persuasion x Meg Wolitzer: Honestly, I can't remember where I read about this book now but it's one of my most-anticipated novels for 2018 because it just sounds flippin' fantastic. I mean, read that synopsis if you need convincing further. 

Everything Ali Smith: The Ali Smith obsession continues, right now I am reading How to be both for a book club I joined and I am loving it immensely. This was the first book of Smith's I attempted to read and I gave up on it pretty quickly yet I knew it was a book I wanted to try again in time. So glad I persevered. Anyway, I also have Winter, Artful & Girl Meets Boy to read so this lil' literary love affair will continue for some time yet. 

The Price of Illusion x Joan Juliet Buck: A candid, refreshing memoir from a former editor of Paris Vogue. Naturally the subject matter appeals but I've heard this is brilliant. Also, Kristin Scott Thomas is a fan which makes it all the more enticing. 

The Muse x Jessie Burton: Emma loved this book which reminded me I also had it on my shelves and really need to get to it soon. Like How to be both, this is a book about art and paintings, set over two different time periods. In fact, the whole centreing around one painting gives me Goldfinch vibes too, which is a book I want to reread but anyway. This has been on my bookshelf for way too long so I will be reading it sooner rather than later.

The Catcher in the Rye x J.D. Salinger: In my quest to read more classic literature, this book finally entered my life recently. I deliberately don't know much about it, other than it's a classic, coming-of-age novel and I'll be getting to it very soon. 

*Well isn't this asterisk a little blast from the past... Longtime readers will know I used to conclude posts with my 'life rambles' as I call them. This isn't really one but I thought I'd do a quick little PSA to say blog posts are going to go up every Monday and Wednesday for the time being. There may be extras on a Friday but I've not really had a schedule for ages and I want to reinstate it. This may fall to the wayside as I'm in a bit of a creative block right now-not entirely but it's definitely there in the background. The struggle is a bit real sometimes but it's hardly surprising given I've done nearly 1100 posts here now. Anyway, just thought I'd update y'all. Have a great week!
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Magazine Marvels & Long Distance Pen-Pallery
3/07/2018

Magazine Marvels & Long Distance Pen-Pallery



I suggest you settle in with a coffee or whatever beverage takes your fancy right now because it's going to be a long one. Myself and one of my Internet pen-pals Liv bonded over our love of many things; magazines, stationery, the She & Him Christmas album, just to name a few. It is the first item on that list though that inspired a lil' magazine exchange. I think this may be something we try to do more often because it was a fun time and who doesn't like getting snail mail? More so magazines from faraway places. Quite literally the other side of the world. Liv got all her picks for me spot on and I badly wanted to spend all day long reading them but as we all know, the magazine-reading experience is best savoured. Anyway, details....



Lionheart: Liv is actually one of Lionheart's contributors and I'd been meaning to track down a copy of this for ages but somehow never did. *taps wrist*. Firstly, I love the handbag friendly size of this one. I've been slipping it into my bag between notebooks and the book I'm reading. Yes I don't pack light and never will. It's crammed with inspirational, positive, uplifting articles, interviews, stories and ideas,. It is wonderfully designed and quite simply an exquisite publication. This issue has a feature on books too so that of course has me sold. There's florals aplenty too which I love.



Sunday Girl: Another magazine I'd heard about through Liv. I actually found the previous issue in, of all places, the newsagents near my work. The last issue felt a bit more zine-y and this feels a bit more grown up but still just as inspiring. In fact, seeing as some of you will be reading this on International Women's Day (March 8th), might I suggest you track down a copy of this. Published biannually, this 'fashion magazine for intellectual girls' doesn't scrimp on the important issues we women face and makes time for the fun vibrancy of fashion and art that we love. Case in point; these beautiful images you see above. 



Oh Comely: I bloomin' love Oh Comely and have made it my unofficial mission to get more people on the bandwagon this year. Fun fact; when I was in the UK almost eight years back, I stumbled upon an early edition of this in WH Smith. I no longer have it because it met a sad demise in a bathtub and I couldn't find another copy. Trust me, I tried to track one down. Anyway, flash forward several years and I'm back in love with this gem. This issue in particular is brilliant, with an essay on the art of dress up by Rosalind Jana, interviews with Scarlett Curtis and Dolly Alderton, the fantastic story you see above on self-love and kindness, their regular book feature which I always love and more. I'm seriously considering subscribing to this one, if only because my impatience at waiting months for the newsagents near my house to get their stock in frustrates me no end. That and I love it and wouldn't be upset to see it arriving in my mailbox. Ever. 



Cherry Bombe: Not sure if Liv saw my tweets contemplating buying Cherry Bombe but either way I kinda did a metaphorical dance when I say this included. When I worked in a magazine shop I always made a beeline for this and it is a beautiful magazine. Yes this is one for the foodies; the enthusiasts, the eaters and of course the makers. Lately I've really been getting back into making things; food and otherwise so I think this magazine will really inspire me in that regard. That and it's just beautiful design-wise. I've actually ordered the Cherry Bombe cookbook from the local library too so my fix can last a little longer.

-Thanks so much to Liv for these stunning magazines! I've already finished+loved Oh Comely but cannot wait to get into the others because I know I'm in for a treat. Let me know in the comments if you've read these and what you think of them.

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New in Beauty: Autumn '18
3/05/2018

New in Beauty: Autumn '18



Another month, another lot of beauty newness. While my beauty magpie tendencies seem to be somewhat on the backburner these days, I do still love a new addition to the lineup and especially with the changing of the seasons, I enjoy mixing it up a bit. In saying that, I had a few days last week where I just threw concealer on because leaving for work an hour earlier than usual=less care factor about makeup. Sorry not sorry. Anyway, if you want to hear me wax lyrical on the new, fantastic foursome, keep reading...

Majolica Majorca Mascara: A makeup-loving friend of mine bought this back for me from her travels and I'm not one hundred percent certain if you can buy it in New Zealand. I'll update this if you can. Anyway, I have a feeling Anna may have tried this too, maybe. Either way it was new to me and I love it. The brush is quite unusual, being more like a comb you'd use in your hair with bristles of differing thickness. The mascara itself has a tubing formula I believe which lengthen your lashes like nothing else. The beauty (ha) in this mascara though is really in the wand. At first I was rather perplexed by it because it is so unusual but whatever it is, works. Again I feel mean showing y'all this because I'm not sure how accessible it is but I will do some investigating. 

Soap and Glory Rushower Dry Shampoo: My friend and fellow blogger Cass loves this dry shampoo. In fact I know it often makes an appearance in her empties posts because she's repurchased it a few times. Anyway, it's cheap as chips, I love dry shampoo (don't tell my hair stylist) and there's not much more to it than that. I'm yet to use it-but I have high hopes. 


Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam: I am not a cream blush person usually but these ones I am totally here for. Pigmented, yet easy to blend away to something less intense, long-lasting and flattering on the cheeks. As someone who deals with adult acne, bane of my freakin' existence, cream products that don't draw attention to uneven texture are the best. You can even use these on the lips too, with a bit of balm and I know Fiona's experimented with them on the eyes as well. 

Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Twig: My love for the glitter and glow shadows is well documented around these parts so when I saw that Stila had new additions to the family, well, I did not hesitate. These are definitely less glittery and more metallic in finish, you'll understand if you swatch them. Still absolutely stunning though. This deep bronze reminds me of a limited edition paint pot I used to own called Eclair. It's going to get a thrashing in Winter when I decide to make my eye makeup dark like my soul and the weather perhaps. 


-Have you tried any new beauty bits 'n pieces lately?

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Five Things: March
3/02/2018

Five Things: March



March has arrived. So crazy! It's also the beginning of Autumn here in NZ although given how humid it still is, I can't see crisper temperatures on the horizon any time soon. This month for March we have a few digital things to enjoy, books because of course and another movie I'm smitten with. Enjoy.

The Fringe of It: So in case you're hiding under a rock. The lovely Liv and Charlotte have launched a podcast. The title is naturally inspired by their current matching face framers. Each episode is centred around a topic; so far they've looked at friendship, confidence+comparison and defining success+ambition. All incredibly relatable discussion points. They also talk about what they've been watching/reading and buying-particularly in the fashion realm. It's a good time and a new episode drops every Tuesday. It's my Wednesday morning ritual to listen to the new ones at work and I'm not going to lie, I love it. 

Lady Bird: Probably my most anticipated movie of 2018, so far, is this one. Over the weekend I went and saw it with Albertine. It did not disappoint. As I said on Twitter, the film perfectly captures that time when you're nearing the end of adolescence and are on the cusp of adulthood. The way you feel everything in extremes and the future looks unclear but hopeful. Saiorse Ronan is amazing as Christine aka 'Lady Bird' but Beanie Feldstein was a scene-stealer as her best friend Jules. I think this film is resonating so much because it is so relatable and everyone sees a bit of themselves in one or more of the characters. That and the cinematography is exquisite. A must-watch. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: I feel like not a lot of people know this so correct me if I am wrong, Unity Books in Auckland+Wellington have a loyalty card system. For every book you purchase, they'll write the amount & stamp your card. When you get ten, they average the total cost and you are able to redeem a book to that value. Anyway, long story short-I've been wanting to read this for ages and redeemed it with my credit. It's looking a bit battered because I have been carrying it everywhere. Underlining passages and losing myself in its pages. Plath's writing is brilliant. As this is over 700 pages I will be absorbed in it for a while but I don't mind because it is so captivating. 

Anyone Girl: To be honest, there's not a ton of NZ specific publications that I read and like but I'd been wanting to grab this for a while. It was while perusing the shelves in The Bread and Butter Letter that I found it again and snatched up a copy. Shamefully I am yet to read this (still) but this issue and all its contents look dreamy and wondrous. 

Anxiety: young women & this silent epidemic: Emma was one of the original bloggers here in NZ, writing under the Rag Pony moniker and she now writes for her own website among other places on and offline. Anyway, she has written this brilliant piece on anxiety and its impacts on young women. Please read it. As someone who personally still feels like these topics aren't always given enough airtime, I applaud those who write or speak about them and do it well. 

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