January Favourites 2015

t feels like a life time ago when I sat down and wrote my last favourites post. We've had Christmas, New Year, my adventure to America and I've begun back at school. As I've been in America the majority of January a lot of things I've been loving were bought on my trip. We had to buy two extra bags for all shoes we purchased let alone all the other goodies that seemed to fall into our baskets. 

Being back at school I've begun to sink slowly into my old routine, which involves leaving my warm cocoon like blankets at 6am each morning.

Curses!

Friends. Brace yourselves. It's going to be a long year...

BEAUTY

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Liquid Form) 115

Maybelline for a long time has been my automatic go to foundation brand. Before that I was content with just wearing a light BB cream, even though the colour didn’t always match my skin correctly *cringes*.  I found my exact shade, which is 115 all year round (with a little help from a bronzer in the summer months). It provides great coverage and doesn’t wear off through out the day. I now have all three Fit Me products in 115 because I love them so much - the Liquid Foundation, the Shine Free Foundation Stick (often used as a blemish concealer) and the Powder Compact. I purchased the liquid foundation whilst grocery shopping on my holiday in America. I was so excited that my foundation cost less that half price of what it would have in Australia.

PURCHASED FROM CITY MARKET STEAMBOAT COLORADO ~ BETWEEN 6 – 10 DOLLARS

Benefit Lash-Hugging Gel Linear Pen

When I was in San Francisco I saw a Sephora store and just about died with excitement. So far in Australia we have one Sephora located in Sydney, my closest capital city is Brisbane and Sephora is yet to open a store there. This means that I don’t have access to so many amazing brands (unless I order online). I went in and gravitated straight to the Benefit area where I found one of the most blogged about gel eye linear pens. I actually love it; I often find that getting my linear close to the lash line is really a hassle. However I’ve had a lot of success with this product. It goes on easily and hasn’t rubbed off or smudged like other brands I’ve tried. It really provides a clean slick lash line and flick.

PURCHASED FROM SEPHORA SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA ~ BETWEEN 24 – 30 DOLLARS

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Mist

If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know I love The Body Shop (A lot!). So whilst I was wondering around the airport waiting for a flight I decided to have a glance. They were having a big sale on top of the already cheaper American prices so I purchased this body mist and two body balms. This body mists scents reminds me of chocolate and fudge, the same kind of smell you get when you walk into a sweet shop. I think that this isn’t an everyday scent because it is a little heavy but I will be wearing it often.

PURCHASED FROM SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA AIRPORT ~ 6 DOLLARS 

FOOD

Extra Dessert Delights Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Gum

I've only found one place that sells this in Australia, which was a big confectionary warehouse in Brisbane. I wish they would make a perfume in this scent because I would spray it all around my house (and all my friends houses...), it really does smell and taste exactly like the ice cream flavour. 

+ the taste lasts for ages and with other flavours like strawberry cupcake - we are finally able to confirm that there truly is a God. ;)

PURCHASED FROM STEAMBOAT COLORADO CITY MARKET ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

Cookie Dough Oreo's

I bought these in America and now looking back on it I could probably find some where in australia, but let's be real though I was never going to regret buying Oreos. I found the filling a little weird only because it didn't really stick to the biscuit like the original ones do. None the less - again another sweet thing America has excelled at! 

PURCHASED FROM STEAMBOAT COLORADO CITY MARKET ~ 5 DOLLARS

OTHER

Pumpkin Gingerbread  & Gourmet Espresso Candles

Just when I thought I couldn't fit another thing in my carry on luggage... *Smells Candle*. 

I'm definitely going through a phase where I'm loving scents that smell like food. I probably find these more of a winter/night time scent than something for this time of year (Australia is in Summer BTW).  

PURCHASED FROM BATH AND BODY WORKS CAESARS PALACE LAS VEGAS NEVADA ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

FASHION

Ivory Woven Lace Blouse

All my recent clothes purchases have had a really Boho relaxed vibe, which I'm really starting to enjoy wearing. I've started to build up a really cohesive and put together wardrobe. This Blouse is gorgeous! I'm especially in love with the lace detailing on the chest and the cuffs. I really like when I find a piece of clothing that I'll get a lot of wear out of but it is slightly different to anything I'd buy back home.

. Monochrome.  Lace . Thick Woven Knits . Brown & Black Faux Leathers . Wooden Jewellery . Washed Out Denim . 

PURCHASED FROM FOREVER 21 SIZE S - contemporary - LAS VEGAS NEVADA ~ 27.90 DOLLARS

Redwood Hexagonal Earrings

Made from the roots of the oldest and largest trees on earth, I'm sure to love these beautiful earrings for many years to come. Since purchasing them from the Muir Woods gift shop whilst staying in near by San Francisco I've only worn a few other pairs of earrings and I always seem to come back to this pair. They match my every mood and outfit.

PURCHASED FROM MUIR WOODS CALIFORNIA ~ 2 for 4 DOLLARS

The Best Pair of Boots I've Ever Seen 

When my friends talk about love at first sight I didn't know what they meant until now. I love them they are just superb! Comfortable and could go with anything, which I guess is what everyone looks for in their perfect pair of boots. They are my Little Black Dress of Boots!

PURCHASED FROM AEROSOLES LAS VEGAS ~ ORIGINALLY 89.99 reduce to  69.99 DOLLARS

I do apologise for not posting anything that last week, school and work have been very hectic. I do have several posts lined up for the next two weeks so keep your eyes on this space. If you have any questions do leave a comment below. 

. Stay Cool & Safe .

Starting My Senior Year | Year 12 Update

It makes me cringe a little that as of the 27th of January I'm starting my last year of school. I've been waiting to finally get to year 12 since the shine of primary school quickly rubbed off and now that it's here knocking on my door it seems very daunting. I began to actually like school in year 8, where I had teachers that really engaged me and I soon grew to be really good in a lot of areas. I've been revising over the holidays (not counting America, of course) with things like math and chemistry, working on all the research for my first art project back and I've begun reading a lot more again. Does anybody else feel like when they read their english improves, whether it be writing essays or scribbling down a few notes on something?

I suppose I would call the following tips but they're really just a collection of new year's resolutions, ideas and a few good habits I'm trying out.

     Eat Healthy - In the morning I've recently started making banana smoothies with a dash of honey. I find it hard to eat a lot in the morning so being able to have a drink I can sip on whilst I get ready is a lot more convenient. These really fill me up and have been lasting me until lunch time with a full stomach.

 I usually do eat really well, whilst I'm back at school because you don't have unhealthy things to snack on if you don't pack them in the morning. My lunch on a typical day will consist of a salad (greek or garden) with some form of lean protein (tuna or chicken. Oh even maybe a homemade falafel), two pieces of fruit (apple, orange, peach, lychee's, etc.), a container of homemade trail mix (almonds, walnuts, sultanas, shredded coconut, etc.) and one small treat like an Oreo or a piece of fruit cake. 

I've also recently stopped eating bread, which some people may find a little odd but by making healthy substitutes I don't feel as sluggish and just as full after every meal.

    8 Bottles of Water - I can understand why to some people eight bottles of water a day can sound excessive. However I've found a way of working it into my day. The benefits of this include my oily skin producing less blemishes, me feeling more awake and energised, it improves the digestion of your food, the transportation of nutrients through your body and it also helps calories control. One thing that may surprise you is that I don't drink soft drinks (and now cordials), in fact I've never tasted coke or lemonade in my entire life. Both my parents and my sister do drink them, but I just never liked the bubbles as a little kid so drinking them has never been on my radar. I think that this is also why I drink so much water, I don't have any thing else that I can choose to drink regularly. I do drink tea and coffee but maybe one a day at the most and I'd rather eat an orange that just have it's juice in the morning. Haha I guess we all have our weird little things.

     Me Time - One of the things most parents are warned about this year is that our stress levels go through the roof! I try and make "Me Time" even if it's just taking a break from study or assignments and having a nice hot shower with some nice smelling soap and a music playlist on shuffle in the back ground. Perhaps a cup of tea and your favourite television program 

*cough cough* Downton Abbey

is more your style. Whatever is may be remember that this year doesn't last forever and you do have to work your ass off, but there is still time to contain your stress levels and take a moment of calm to regroup your nerves. 

   Study Time Table - For many years I've been putting this one off and yes I'm about to sound like your mother. However I looked at an email that my maths teacher sent out containing the dates of exams (and all the not so fun stuff) which detailed  on the first day of school for the year it is almost exactly 6 weeks till exams.

*Dies*

Usually we have something like 8 weeks till exams and with math not being my best subject by a long shot I've already begun taking notes on things we'll be covering. With that said on your weekly timetable you need to factor everything in such as all study, after school commitments, Work (difficult because sometimes hours change), any Downton Abbey time once a week etc. You have to get your school and life balanced which means in year twelve that there happens to be a lot more school than life. Having a copy above your desk at home, in your school diary or planner and one stuck in a folder where you keep all your assignment sheets together is also a good idea.

These are just a few that I been finding helpful and habits I'd like to continue from last year. I hope that this has given you some ideas and that you feel welcome to share some of your thoughts and opinions. If anyones written any other back to school posts recently write the link in the comments and I'll check it out.

. Stay Happy & Healthy .

USA Trip | San Francisco - Steamboat Colorado - Las Vegas & Disney Land

Hello!

Yes I'm still alive! It's been almost a month since my last post and many of you will already know that since the 29th of December until a few days ago I've been on a family holiday in America. I thought I'd show you photos from my holiday. With so much to share - giving it to you in bite size pieces will be more manageable. I also thought a photo grid (created on Pic Monkey) would allow for you to see more photos than individually uploading them which would take so much more time to individually edit. 

 . San Francisco .
Golden Gate Bridge - View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the ferry taking us to Alcatraz - A street in China Town - Dad and I On top of an open air sight seeing bus - Muir Woods, where some of the oldest growing trees are - The family inside a italian restaurant in little Italy. Best Pizza I've ever eaten! - The Painted Ladies - Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park - Walking into Alcatraz at Dusk

. Steamboat Colorado .
View from the plane of the snow topped mountains - Snow covered roads and gardens - Family photo, once we'd met up with my Aunt and Uncle - American steak house, where we got to cook our own meat - With guidance from my Dad, Aunt and Uncle I skied down my first blue run of the season -  Purple sunsets whilst we were all cuddled up by the fire - View from the Gondola, looking down into the town of Steamboat - Abe and Me watching the world go by along Steamboats Main Street - Mum and Rosy ready to go skiing!

. Las Vegas . 

The Las Vegas Strip - Louis Vuitton - Inside our hotels shops at Caesars Palace - New York New York's Brooklyn Bridge on the Vegas Strip - View from Hoover Dam - The Majestic Grand Canyon - Family Photo on the Grand Canyon Sky Walk - Elvis Presley (Dad) in the Vegas Hard Rock Cafe - m & m World

. Disney Land & California Adventure Land .

Myself and Rosy checking out the Dorm Rooms at Monsters University - Thor, Mum & I just hanging out at Disney Lands Tomorrow Land - Mum and ! on a ride in the Cars Land at California Adventure Land - Mickey Mouse Ferris Wheel at Paradise Pier - Rosy, Walt, Mickey and I with Sleeping Beauty's Castle in the background - Donald Duck (Rosy) next to a Barrel of Dip "Dissolves Toons on Contact" whilst waiting in line for the Rodger Rabbit Ride - King Tritons Carrousel at Paradise Pier - Minnie Mouse happy snap on the Disney land Main Street - 'It's a Small World!' all lit up at night 

We had an amazing time and were really blessed with the amazing service and American hospitality that was extended to us. We will definitely be back next time to see places like New Orleans, New York and of course Disney Land once again because it was one of the most magical and immaculate theme parks I've ever been to. You definitely walk in and begin to possess a child like excitement I hadn't felt in a very long time, my father said it made him feel like a little boy again. Now Only 5 more days until I'm back at school for the beginning of my senior year. Wish me luck haha!

. Be Kind .

Bucket List No. 16 COMPLETED - Visit Disney Land