12/30/2016
16 Good Things About 2016
In a week that's proving to be an absolutely devastating one for the music, film and writing communities, RIP George Michael and Carrie Fisher it seems more important than ever to reflect on the good. So here's my list of sixteen good things about 2016. Some are personal, some are more pop culture-y than anything else but they're all positive and stand out to me about the year that was. So 2016, while you had some stones in among the diamonds, today I want to concentrate on the latter...
1. We saw a woman as one of the leading contenders in the race to the White House. You may think, what does she care, she's a New Zealander? This however is a huge win for women across the world and while I am still upset that Hillary did not win, I am also so, so proud of her. Troll me all you like, Hillary did us all proud in 2016. While America may be starkly different next year, wherever she sets her sights next will be in safe hands.
2. We got to experience Stars Hollow again. For many of us, 2016 will go down as the year we committed to re-watching seven seasons worth of Gilmore Girls episodes in prep for the four seasonal themed Netflix specials. For me they did not disappoint and aside from one or two cringe-worthy references, ahem, Zoella, I loved them. They were the perfect escape from the aforementioned political circus.
3. I read. A lot. Reading is my tonic, it's my escape and I love it for that reason alone. This year I read, heaps. Books, magazines and even some graphic novels when I was going through a bit of a phase with them earlier in the year. I also took part in a couple of online book clubs and established my own on Goodreads. What did I love reading in 2016? Well, stay tuned for Monday's post...
4. Gloria Steinem came to New Zealand. And I met her and spent an hour on an Autumnal Saturday night listening to her speak. It is easily one of the highlights of my 2016 and her words of encouragement and wisdom will stick with me for a long time to come.
5. Frankie Magazine launched a new book and I met some of their writers and editorial team. It is only by chance that I was perusing the Readings bookstore catalogue and discovered that Frankie had an up and coming talk happening. I am so glad I did though. Some great banter was had, about New Zealand and cats with strange names (props to my cat, Shirley aka Shirl) among other things. I even made a bookish friend in the process, shout out to you if you're reading.
6. Teen Vogue slayed all day. People hugely underestimate the power of Teen Vogue's editorial team and the intelligence levels of teenage girls. It is publications like this which are making people pay attention, especially when they're providing such fantastic political coverage. They're also making a point of showcasing diverse women from all walks of life as well as recommending some amazing books and influencers to follow. I love their work and can't wait to see where they take the magazine in 2017.
7. I became a beauty and fashion writer for FashioNZ. In a majorly exciting moment, Evelyn who I've known for four years now took over at FashioNZ and asked me to be one of their contributors. Each month I do two articles, sometimes more and seeing my stories going live never gets old. I'm so grateful to Evelyn and Carolyn for letting me share a slice of their platform each month. It also gives me the chance to write about things I don't get to write about around these parts and I get to use a more editorial voice if that makes sense. This is actually one of my favourite things from 2016 and I am still so proud as punch of the site and getting to be part of it.
8. Confidence behind the wheel. Sure I'm still not overly fond of reversing and I flat-out won't parallel park unless I absolutely have to but I feel like I've become so much more confident with my driving this year. It does not sound like much but given I didn't get my license until I was 20 and didn't really enjoy or want to drive for ages it is a huge achievement for me. Here's to getting my full in 2017, fingers crossed.
9. The Crown. I've already blogged about this once this week so I will keep it brief. This is hands-down the best show I have watched this year, only just beating Freaks and Geeks. Netflix, you've been good to us in 2016.
10. Spending time with family. This year I got to spend time with some of my family who I don't get to see all that often because they live quite far away and it was the best. I spent two whole weeks with them and had the best time. My cousin and I went for daily walks, talked all things literary, binge watched The IT Crowd and exchanged humour and music suggestions aplenty. They get me and my crazy self and (seem to) love it. Such good times and I hope to see them just as often if not more next year.
11. Melbourne. Reuniting with my favourite place is right up there in 2016 highlights. Every time I visit Melbourne I just fall more in love with it. The art, the culture, the vibe, the people. It's all so fabulous. I sincerely hope I get to live and work there someday just so I can immerse myself in its goodness for longer.
12. Makeup free days. Don't get me wrong, I love makeup and the transformative powers it has. This year though I probably had more minimal makeup days/no makeup whatsoever than usual. Again this is probably nothing in the grander scheme of things but for someone who used to feel so insecure with nothing camouflaging their face this is huge. I don't know if I just cared less this year, or maybe I just feel more confident to go au natural but this feels like a good thing.
13. Awesome banter. You know those conversations you have that just leave you buzzing and walking on air for days? I lovelovelove them and get so much out of them. Whether they were with friends, with awesome people on Twitter or just podcasts I heard. They really put some spark in my life and for that I am thankful. Never underestimate the power of words.
14. Friends, old and new. I have to give mentions to some of my local blogging babes, Emma and Lucie. Both awesome, intelligent, brilliant ladies. Shoutout to my non-blogging friends too. You are all spectacular and I love y'all. For 'reals.
15. Joanne and A Seat at the Table. My two favourite albums of the year, that were released this year. I have to give a mention to Rumours x Fleetwood Mac which was also on high rotation. Lady Gaga and Solange though were killin it this year.
16. Rediscovering poetry. Madisen Kuhn and Rupi Kaur deserve most of the credit here. Especially the latter whose volume I have dog-eared and underlined to oblivion. I want to read more poetry next year so if you have any recommendations for me, sing out.
-What's one good thing that happened to you in 2016?
12/28/2016
December Favourites
It's the final monthly favourites for 2016 and we have some real gems in here. A lot from the British set and also some makeup standouts. Oh and keep an eye out for my 2016 beauty and book favourites, they'll be going up in the New Year. Meanwhile, here is what I have been loving in December.
The Crown-In case it wasn't obvious to anybody who knows me, I love this show and think everybody should watch it. Thanks J, if you're reading, for persuading me to watch it. I wouldn't call myself a diehard royalist but this is just brilliant. It starts with the now Queen Elizabeth marrying Prince Phillip and goes from there but if you're unfamiliar with the Royal Family, pre Diana and the rest then you'll probably find it really interesting. Aside from that the set and costume design is just spectacular and the acting, wow. Major props to Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret but John Lithgow as Churchill is brilliant as well. In fact the whole cast is top-notch. If you have Netflix, add it to your watchlist.
MAC Cream Colour Base in Sepia*, limited edition-This was part of the MAC x Charlotte Olympia collection from earlier in the year and I've been revisiting it a lot lately since having to set aside my Paint Pots for Back 2 MAC. This is very similar to Groundwork, if not a bit less pigmented. As a base for layering shimmer shades over the top however it's perfect. I like pairing it with this palette or this cream shadow.
Boy Brow x Glossier-First things first, I love the name of this product. More so I love this brow gel. It's subtle but powerful. It'll keep your brows in place and disguise a multitude of sins. By that I mean it stops your brows looking off-fleek. I'm not surprised it keeps selling out, it's the best brow gel I have tried. No crispiness or graphic blocks of colour. I hope they bring out a clear variant too.
British Vogue-My love and enthusiasm for the British variant of Vogue has been firmly reestablished this year. If I'm not buying issues, I've been borrowing them from the library and I absolutely love it. Their Christmas issue is usually a special one, this year's was no exception. It featured a beautiful editorial with cover-star Lily Rose Depp, a story shot by Tim Walker in Japan and all the usual goodness British Vogue is known for. I love it and when my subscriptions are starting to run out, I will be considering subscribing to this gem.
Too Faced Love Flush Blush-This blush in I Will Always Love You has become my new favourite. In fact, it's reinstated my enthusiasm for peachy pink blushers. I find them so much more flattering on my skintone than standard pink shades. It doesn't seem to fade into oblivion as well which is a major bonus in my opinion. I have to admit the Polly Pocket-esque packaging gets a major thumbs up from me as well.
Miu Miu Rollerball-The only thing better than wearing this fragrance on the regular would be owning a full-sized bottle and/or having a candle in this divine fragrance to burn. Miu Miu's signature scent is just lovely and not too intense for Summer. I'm a fan of much lighter fragrances at this time of year and it delivers. If you're a fan of fragrances like Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel or Nirvana White by Elizabeth & James, you will probably love this one.
What Olivia Did-I have to give a mention to Liv Purvis, fabulous fashionista and curator of one of my favourite blogs and vlogs. She's one talented lady and this month she's been killin' it on the content front. From her New York vlog which made me want to rewatch Elf so bad, to her Australian jaunts which made me want to head back across the ditch immediately. Her channel does not disappoint. I also loveloveloved all her gift guides this month, they were fabulous. I'm not going to lie, I have a rather long Etsy wishlist now. Thanks Liv! Seriously though, her blog is the bomb dot com and other, much cooler sounding phrases. Bookmark it right now.
-What have you loved during December?
*PR Sample
12/21/2016
End of Year Book Club Reads
It's been a little while since I did a book club update. In fact, I think the last one went up in October. Whoops. Speaking of, if you follow my book-club, I'm thinking of cutting it back to bimonthly so I'll probably assign one or two books and if you want to read them, you can. Anyway, today I have the November+December reads for my own book club as well as Jean's December Book for the Fem Orchestra book club to review and rave about...
Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham-This was arguably one of my most anticipated reads for the year. I love Lauren Graham and that probably is not much of a secret so thank goodness this delivered. I had finished it within twenty four hours, probably as fast as Lorelai Gilmore would inhale a book about coffee. Her collection of essays and anecdotes cover Gilmore Girls (naturally) but also Parenthood and 'everything in between' as she puts it. It's like having a lengthy natter with Lauren, well what I'd imagine it to be like and for that I love it. I will definitely be revisiting this soon because I really read it way too fast. In fact the audiobook may be something I look into as well.
Autumn* by Ali Smith-Another book club read of mine that I was eagerly anticipating, as I'm quite the Ali Smith fan now. Again it did not disappoint. Ali Smith is releasing four novels themed around the seasons, this being the first. I'm not sure if she wrote this in the days following Brexit and the current state of the world but it certainly seems that way. The story itself explores the political and social injustices of our times which makes it all the more captivating. It follows the relationship of Daniel and Elisabeth, two neighbours turned friends who are only divided by their ages. Elisabeth cares for Daniel in his old age and the story shifts between the period of Elisabeth's adolescence to the present day. I'm not going to ever do this justice in writing. Just read it and discover its brilliance for yourself. Please.
Girls Will Be Girls by Emer O'Toole-This was the final book assigned by Jean for her Fem Orchestra Book Club this year. Admittedly I have been flitting in and out of this one a bit but I am enjoying it. Part memoir, part study of the varying degrees and facets of girlhood that shape our understanding of feminism and what being a woman entails. In the same way as Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates, it can be a bit of a rage-inducing read in that it will make you bemoan the state of the world and the psychological effects that seem at play even as a child. For the most part it is an entertaining, riveting read. I highly recommend it.
-What have you read lately?
*Review Copy
12/19/2016
Last Minute Gift Ideas
So you've left your shopping to the last minute and don't necessarily want to brave the shops? I feel you and hope to lead a mall-less existence for the next week or so. Today wraps up my gift guide series with some ideas for gifts you can access online fairly easily. Sure they might not arrive for Christmas Day but it'll give you or the receiver something to look forward to. A lot of these items are from independent sellers because there's some very talented people who deserve support and to have their work shown. That and I am all for shopping local. Anyway, last minute gift ideas...
something to say x frankie magazine // Unfortunately this book is not available to buy in NZ but it can be bought online or in the shops if you are in Australia. Something To Say is a collection of stories from the first twelve years of frankie mag. It really is the perfect volume of the best of the best and contains some really fantastic, humorous and enlightening writing. It is well worth the purchase.
Constellation Moon Phase enamel pin x Oh No Rachio // Pins seem to have made a bit of a comeback in 2016 and many of the ones on my lust-list have come from Oh No Rachio's Etsy store. I own this Constellation Phase pin and most days it lives on my trusty denim jacket where I can marvel at its dazzling-ness, as can passersby. She also has some adorable succulent pins in her shop as well that are worth having a look at.
Cup and Saucer: Svenska Hem x Kikki K, not pictured // After spying this on Maria's Instagram I thought how gorgeous this would be as a gift for Christmas. In fact, I'm not going to lie, I would not mind owning this myself. It's the perfect gift for the tea or coffee enthusiast in your life, and it's translucent and adorned with gold foil dots. What more could you want?
Herb Garden Calendar x Rifle Paper Co // If you are in Wellington, pop in store to buy this from Madame Fancy Pants. Otherwise it is available online. This is the calendar I bought for myself and if you haven't seen my Instagram, go look at this. I'm absolutely smitten with it and can't wait to hang it on my wall. Rifle Paper Co. also have a stunning Alice in Wonderland desk calendar and this one which is a simpler variation on the one I have.
Netflix // If you have a friend who loves Netflix or wants to start a subscription, perhaps you could make up a little voucher saying that you'll pay for a couple of month's worth of their subscription? It's a simple idea but is sure to be appreciated. I know something like this would make me so happy.
Floral Weekly Planner x Papio Press // Desk planners are a lifesaver, especially if they like being able to see at a glance what their week is looking like. This floral one is gorgeous and is bound to brighten up any desk it sits atop. I love the handy notes column too-it's perfect for jotting down phone numbers, train times and the like.
Copper Tipped Ring Cone x Fox and Lilly // Another of those items I think I will end up getting myself. As someone who wears a lot of rings and finds standard jewelry holders to be a bit of an eyesore, this is right up my street. It is a bit quirky but if you know someone who wears a lot of rings then I think they'd love this.
Framed Cards or Prints, not pictured // Something as simple as a well designed card or a print framed can be very special to receive and gift. You don't need to go all out for frames. I usually get mine from Kmart and they're definitely no more than $12 maximum. A lot of Etsy sellers even have prints available as digital downloads so you can get them printed out, often at a cheaper cost and then frame them up for the receiver. Some of my favourites are from Oh Gosh Cindy. Rifle Paper Co and the Megan Hess for Disney cards look stunning framed as well.
-What are your last minute gift recommendations?
12/17/2016
The Budget Beauty Gift Guide
The less luxe beauty offerings have come a long way in recent years. Brands both locally and overseas have really upped their game and we are all simply spoilt for choice at this time of the year. Today I have a mixture of beauty bits 'n bobs for you, including some ideas for Secret Santa and Stocking Stuffers. They're all under $50, with the exception of the brush set. Enjoy! Kiwi readers, stay tuned to the very end because I have a giveaway just for you...
Korres The Greatest Mini Showergel Collection-This is coming up as sold out online but hopefully it may still be around in some of Mecca Maxima's stores. The Greatest Mini Showergel set contains six shower gels: Santorini Vine, Basil Lemon, Bergamot Pear, Guava, Japanese Rose and Fig. Sets like these make perfect Secret Santa gifts but they're also handy to divide up among friends and family's gifts as well.
Max Factor Masterpiece Nude Palettes*-These palettes give me festive, luxe, Great Gatsby-esque vibes and I love that about them. As well as that, you have two neutral palettes of shimmery, stunning goodness. My pick is the golden nudes palette but they're both beautiful.
Soap and Glory Get Into The Smooth Trio-Another set that seems to be sold out online as well but again I am hoping it is still around in store. This trio of body butters would again make a perfect Stocking Stuffer or Secret Santa gift for someone who may be a bit harder to shop for. You get three mini tubs of their Sugar Crush, Smoothie Star and The Righteous Butter body butters. Soap and Glory do some other fantastic gift sets actually so they're well worth checking out.
Neom All I Want For Christmas Is A Moment Of Calm Set-Unfortunately this is sold out now on Cult Beauty which is where I got it from but it may still be around in store (UK) or elsewhere online. I've bought this for my Mum as she loves products like this so I'm sure this bath oil and hand balm will be well received. At least I hope so (!).
Simply Essential Pro Series Eye Brush Set*-These brushes are some of my favourites that I've used this year and they look a lot more luxe than they are. Bonus. This gift set comes with a rose gold brush roll which is perfect for both storage and travel. An eye set like this would be ideal for a budding makeup enthusiast or someone whose brushes are looking a little worse for wear.
Tender Love & Carry Makeup Bag*-Tender Love & Carry do gorgeous makeup bags in an array of sizes and designs. I have one in my handbag permanently which I use for housing makeup and lipstick, which inevitably never gets reapplied but anyway. It's still useful, I like having things on me just in case. Anyway, I love this one and think it'd be perfect filled with some of her favourite beauty bits and pieces, or maybe a book. Just because.
Wet Brush Key Chain Mini-My Wet Brush is my favourite hair brush and I don't say that lightly. It's one of the few brushes that doesn't make me cry when my hair is tangled or stab itself into my scalp. Again this mini is another ideal stocking stuffer. I'm going to be keeping mine in the car because I'm terrible at taking brushes out with me and given the imminent heat in Auckland, it'll be a staple in Summer.
Too Faced Love Flush Blush-Single makeup items of any kind really can be a good way to go but I feel like blush is a safer choice than something like an eyeshadow palette, eyeliner etc. These ones from Too Faced are fantastic. There's bound to be a colour she'll love. As an added bonus they come in Polly Pocket-esque packaging which as a child of the nineties pleases me immensely.
The Body Shop Christmas: Cracker, Exfoliating Sugar Scrub* and Body Butter*-The Body Shop never fail to deliver at Christmas time and their spicy, fruity, home-baking-y Christmas ranges this year tick all the boxes. They have an extensive array of products, starting from $10 and up in the Christmas range so there is something for everyone. My picks are the Christmas Crackers which contain a mini shower gel and body lotion, the sugar scrubs and of course the body butters. The latter you can actually have personalised this year.
-What beauty things would you love for Christmas?
*PR Sample
**Thanks to The Body Shop New Zealand, Max Factor New Zealand and The Beauty Collective who kindly provided the prizes for this post. I received no compensation for this post and chose to give away products I genuinely love and think you'll all like too.
Giveaway:
-NZ Readers only. Be in to win one of the following prize packs: 1 (The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter and a Max Factor Masterpiece Nudes Palette), 2 (The Body Shop Spiced Apple Body Butter and a Max Factor Masterpiece Nudes Palette), 3 (Max Factor Masterpiece Nudes Palette and Simply Essential Pro Series Eye Brush Set), 4 (The Body Shop Frosted Berries Body Butter and a Max Factor Masterpiece Nudes Palette). Let me know which prize pack you'd like to win in the comments below. Good luck! Entries close next Saturday and I'll send the prizes out sometime after Christmas (whenever the post offices reopen).
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