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 this, this 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. 

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?

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. 

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?

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.