Hello, happy Monday & May. As I write this I am going to be honest, I feel a bit disoriented. Most likely what comes from sleeping the weekend away and intermittently resurfacing to read and watch Netflix+drink orange juice. #fluseasonissoglam. But today is not about ailments or even pulpy orange juice which is the jam, today is about five things for May. We have icecream, articles and some TV+film to add to your list...

Duck Island: Aka quite possibly the coolest icecream pop-up store you will ever encounter. I love it so much-I went there twice in a week and had the same thing. Fairy Bread and Blueberry Buttermilk Gooey Butter Cake. Frickin delish. Also-they cater to people with allergy concerns which gets a big tick of approval from me. If you are in Auckland, hit up Ponsonby Road, otherwise they have a couple of locations in Hamilton too. 

both/and: Madeleine often writes some of my favourite thinkpieces but this one last week particularly resonated. It's an idea explored in cognitive behavioural therapy and honestly, such an important tool. And I am not the best at it but seriously, it's such a good way to step back and put things/moments/memories in perspective. "It's learning that sometimes life gives to us by taking something away. That even when things are just f*cking terrible, there are still moments of levity. That it's still a good life even on life's worse day."

Rocketman: "And I think it's gonna be a long long time..." I am so excited for Rocketman, the biopic about Elton John. I mean, watch the trailer-it looks fantastic. Honestly, I don't know a ton about Elton's backstory so I am looking forward to seeing this-to the point I bought advanced screening tickets. Not gonna lie, I kinda want to buy these just for the occasion. Side note: I actually want to buy those anyway because Lana Del Rey vibes. But yes, Rocketman-bring it.

The Gentlewoman: I feel like to read this magazine is an event. You want to savour each page, every word, the design-preferably with a decent beverage & silence. Maybe this is just me but this magazine is a treat and I bloomin' love it. Issue 19 has recently launched, starring Cindy Sherman-whose work I saw at the City Gallery in Wellington a few years back (so good). Also there archive of profiles online is worth casting your eyes over, here. 

The Crown 2.0: Me whenever I literally finish any TV series, "what next? The Crown, again?" This time though-it's more in anticipation for Season 3 because I think we are close. My prediction is it'll drop in July/August on Netflix and I cannot wait. More so to see Helena Bonham Carter & Olivia Colman as Margaret & Queen Elizabeth respectively. I mean, if you've been around this blog a while-you will know I love The Crown and it's such a treat to watch. The costuming+attention to detail in every sense as well=yass.

-What are you loving this May?

May is here, in the Southern Hemisphere at least and it's the month of the Auckland Writers Festival aka AWF which is honestly one of my favourite times of the year. I never seem to manage to make it to a lot of things on their calendar but what I do go to, I tend to love. This month I'm hoping to get a bit more writerly. By that I mean, I want to write more offline, potentially for submissions, maybe just for my own eyes. I feel like this is an ongoing goal but in May I want to get back into it because my creativity really fell to the wayside in April. Not really a goal per se but I really want to go to the Wintergarden in the Auckland Domain this month and want to check out the Mecca Trove in Takapuna. Anyway, this introduction is getting lengthy enough as is so five things for May; magazines, a TV show, makeup, books and a bit of art...

The Gentlewoman: I love me a longer-form magazine. One that's really like a weighty coffee table book. Designed to be read slowly, luxuriating over the words and imagery. That to me is the beauty of The Gentlewoman. The latest issue profiled Tavi Gevinson (fave), Allison Janney (also fave), Val McDermid, Katharine Hamnett and others. There's stunning fashion editorials as well and plenty of bite sized stories to peruse. I love their lengthier profiles in particular-the website's archives are worth checking out but the magazine in person is an exquisite treat. 

Feud: Bette & Joan: So I'm kinda pushing this show on my friends and family at the moment, #sorrynotsorry so I might as well carry it over to this corner of the internet too. I love me a good celebrity biopic and when this was announced, I was really excited. Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, yes please. Not to mention I find the whole unravelling of Hollywood starlets devastating yet fascinating all at once. You want to look away but can't. So admittedly I didn't know a lot about Joan Crawford or Bette Davis prior to watching this series but I am learning. I grabbed a book detailing their varied feuds and am immersing myself in it as we speak. Anyway, this makes for compelling viewing. I more or less watched all eight episodes in a matter of days last week. The costuming as well is worth a mention. I'd like every pair of sunglasses Susan Sarandon wore please and thanks. I'll definitely be rewatching this at some point. 

L'Oreal Paradise Mascara: The hype is real with this mascara. I'm guessing there's been a ton of fanfare on and offline because it's been sold out whenever I've gone to find it. Thankfully, my local Farmers had it and it was 40% off. International readers, that never happens here in NZ so when it does, y'all bet we get excited. Anyway, this mascara curls and adds volume like nobody's business. I feel like mascara is very much a personal preference thing but in my opinion, L'Oreal's mascaras are some of the better ones out there and generally don't disappoint. 

Currently Reading: Okay so I'm a serial reader, that isn't news to anybody. I thought I'd draw attention to the two books I'm currently immersed in. They're both novels which is unusual in itself for me but I wanted a break from the Plath journals. Anyway, first up: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society*. Longest title ever. Anyway, this book, told through letters, is about a London writer in the days post WW2 and a book club/secret society of sorts formed in Guernsey. I love epistolary novels. They're so clever. If I ever write fiction, this'll be the style I choose. Secondly, The Female Persuasion. This book flew onto my radar towards the end of last year I believe and I was so excited when it finally arrived. I'm saving my opinions for a review later in the month but so far I am loving it. 

Manifesto: I can't really explain this in words and honestly, I am sure some of the deeper meaning was perhaps lost on me but regardless, Albertine and I thought it was fantastic. So Manifesto is an exhibit celebrating various art movements and paying homage to them+the changing nature of creativity and the values we place on art. In each of the thirteen films, Cate Blanchett adopts a new character to tie in with each film. She's anything from an Australian schoolteacher, a Russian choreographer, a hot-mess Brit, even a puppeteer. Actually the puppets were borderline terrifying, I'm not gonna lie. Anyway, if you are in Auckland between now and June, it is worth a visit. Set aside some time. We were in there for at least two hours and didn't quite get to watch every single film. I think the idea is you're supposed to go in and out but if you can immerse yourself in them all, it is worth doing. 

Hello, happy Wednesday and welcome back to another post about one of my all time favourite things. Magazines. Such great poetry skills, I know, I know. I've actually not really stepped outside my magazine comfort zone much recently; that being British Vogue and, er, British Vogue but I have squeezed in some reading time with this quartet of glossy goodness. Some of these mightn't be available anymore but I will try to provide links to buy them if they are still around...

The Gentlewoman: This gigantic tome is always a treat. It is laden with brilliant, clever stories and editorials throughout. It's a well designed, aesthetically pleasing magazine too which makes it all the more appealing. The Spring/Summer issue featured a cover story with Sofia Coppola, who I love. She was discussing her new film The Beguiled which I seriously need to see asap, among other things. If you want a read for a long plane trip, beachside or perhaps snuggled under some blankets in Wintry NZ, this is for you. 

Glamour Magazine (UK): Glamour magazine hasn't been on my radar for a while but after listening to this podcast episode featuring editor Jo Elvin, I was inspired to pick it back up again. The latest issue featured all their women of the year winners; including Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo, Amy Poehler, Nicole Kidman among others. It also included a column from Dawn O'Porter which I loved because I'm a Dawn fangirl, we all know that. There were some brilliant articles on stress and mindfulness included as well which were particularly timely for me. I'm not sure how often Glamour is released here but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next issue.

Violet: The newer brainchild of Leith Clark, the genius who used to edit Lula magazine. Violet, like The Gentlewoman is another hefty tome but it makes it all the more brilliant. There's more content to enjoy for one. Inspired by the recent women's marches, it's focused around getting women inspired and geared up for positive change in society. I haven't had a chance to really savour this properly yet but I will keep you posted on it because I'm sure it's going to be good.

Puss Puss: Last year when I worked in a magazine shop, I remember seeing this and being wildly confused by the title. My gutter mind instantly assumed it was a vulgar reference but in fact, it is actually a magazine combining two of my loves. That being cats and fashion. I'm not sure if the latest issue is still around but it featured Grace Coddington, the queen of cat ladies and of course her cats, Bart and Pumpkin. It's a bit artsier than some of these other reads so if that kind of content is your jam, you might enjoy that side of things as well. It also features some brilliant interviews and imagery too. It's one you will want to hold on to and save for inspiration later on. 

-What magazines have you read and liked recently?

We all know my love for books is only really rivaled by my love for magazines. Discovering new ones to enchant and inspire me is naturally something I enjoy. Recently I've been wanting something a bit more from my women's magazines. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy perusing the pages of Vogue and Allure. I just have been  craving magazines a bit wordier and more idea-filled than what I usually reach for. Today I want to fill you in on three magazines you may not be so familiar with. They all deliver something different and are equally as inspiring. Coincidentally they are all British too. There must be something in those English magazine waters...

Bedboat, published quarterly-An independently published title, Bedboat is only available as a print magazine. The team appreciate the beauty in something that we can all hold and read, rather than cast our eyes across a PDF file and I love that about them. That's not where the love for Bedboat magazine ends though. Inside you will find a treasure trove of ethereal, dreamy imagery and writing that will inspire you to put pen to paper yourself. It embraces creativity in all its forms and does it brilliantly. The next issue is out in January 2017, I backed the Kickstarter campaign but if you want to pre-order a copy you can do so here. Oh and if you're in Auckland you might be able to find this in Mag Nation Ponsonby if there's still some copies there.

The Gentlewoman, published biannually-The Gentlewoman is the sister publication of Fantastic Man and The Happy Reader. It's the talented middle sister in a trio of creative, well designed paper siblings basically. It's also incredibly hefty and crammed with a tonne of content, focusing on inspiring women and fashion+style in a way that never feels trite or superficial. Past issues have profiled woman such as Saiorse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Adele, Beyonce and others. Issue 13 looks at Zadie Smith and her latest novel Swing Time. Side note: It's a brilliant book and I'm loving savouring every last sentence. Diana Athill, literary editor is featured as is Erin Brokovich among others. If you like wordier magazines that are designed seamlessly and are an absolute treat to read, this is for you. 

Riposte, pubished quarterly-Another magazine that is in a similar vein to The Gentlewoman but with less of a focus on fashion. Each issue contains curated content, specially produced for that issue which I think is pretty darn fantastic. They also do brilliant essays and interviews as well. Issue 6 featured a great one with Gloria Steinem and Barbara Nessim. Again, if you like magazines that are a bit wordier and embrace women from all walks of life, you should hunt this down.

-What women's magazines do you read and like?

During mid-semester break I've been indulging in one of my favourite pastimes, online window-shopping. Also known as the one where I stare like the heart-eyed cat emoji at the things I'd buy, right now if money were no object. The reality is I may inevitably purchase some of the products on this list but it will be a much more gradual, drawn out process. Unless, I win Lotto in which case all self-imposed restrictions will promptly go out the window. So here's what is on my wishlist this Spring; there's a mix of beauty, some fine paper goods because y'all know how I feel about them and some fashion to round things out. 

Rifle Paper Co Herb Garden Wall Calendar-I loved my Frankie calendar that I have this year but honestly I prefer a calendar that's a bit smaller. Here's where the Rifle Paper Co one comes in. It's small, each page contains a gorgeous flora and fauna, or in this case herb themed illustration. To top it off there's some gold detailing on the pages. Swoon.

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick-The one or two foundation sticks I've tried in the past have been a bit of a mess basically. The colours have been off but they've also been thick and just generally not a good time, for my face or for applying. This one's full coverage but in the one or two videos I've seen it used in it doesn't look overly heavy. I imagine you could sheer it out even further with something like a complexion sponge if full coverage isn't really your thing. Admittedly a heavier base isn't really what I go for in Spring/Summer but I'm in need of a new foundation so I might have to give this a try. 

Lonely Lingerie Winona Bra-There's something luxe and lovely about Lonely lingerie. I have a few of their pieces and they're just so darn special. I also lovelovelove their campaign imagery and the fact they design lingerie for real, diverse women. Blush pinks and khaki+lighter greens are two colours I'm really digging at the moment. The Winona bra satisfies my yearning for the former colour. It's lacy, strappy and so luxe. I love it.

Tuesday Bassen Erase You Pin-Support the OG designer of these pins, not the Zara knockoffs guys. One of Wellington's indie stores, Madame Fancy Pants is going to be stocking a range of Tuesday Bassen's pins and patches very soon and honestly, I want all of them. I particularly like this erase you pin because let's be real, who doesn't have people or moments they'd happily like to erase from the picture? I also love the Girls flag pin they have too. Get in my life. 

Kikki K 2017 A6 Diary Pistachio-Every year I purchase a Kikki K diary to use. It's been that way for as long as I can remember now. The last couple of years I've bought their 'inspire' diary but I want to go back to the classic diary for 2017. It's a bit simpler but I figured I can always pretty it up with some washi tape and things. I can't resist this new pistachio colour either. So pretty!

Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau De Parfum-This is definitely one of the 'if I won the Lottery' items because I have quite the collection of fragrances. I spritzed this in Mecca when I visited with Emma a few weeks ago and she liked it as well. Byredo's fragrances have a cult following for a reason, their Gypsy Water one seems to be a fan favourite. There's something special about Mojave Ghost though. Its notes include ambrette, Jamaican nesberry, violet, sandalwood, magnolia base, chantilly musk, crisp amber and cedarwood. I seem to be naturally drawn to fragrances that contain sandalwood and floral base notes so maybe that's why I'm so taken by it. What I do know is this is such a unique, beautiful fragrance and I'm going to keep coveting it for some time yet. 

the gentlewoman magazine-The new issue of The Gentlewoman keeps with my preference for longer, more book-esque magazines. This is one that champions women so I'm even more of a fan of it. Zadie Smith covers this issue, on the eve of the launch of her latest novel. Erin Brockovich is also featured, designer Grace Wales Bonner among others. This magazine's quite wordy which I love so this would be perfect to take on my travels later in the year.

-What's on your wishlist at the moment?