HAPPY NEW YEAR

@socialcut 

I cannot believe it's New Years Eve or maybe when you're reading this it's already 2020! 

I want to thank you all for the amazing support this past year! It's been an incredible year & I'm so excited to see what the next has install for all of us! 

I hope you've all had the best festive season spent with those you love the most & are ready to kick 2020 in the butt! Love to you all! 

B x

2019 Lifestyle & Beauty Favourites

@socialcut

This post is simply going to be a bunch of my lifestyle & beauty favourites. I'm not going to go into any great detail as I'm sure I've spoken about all these products before but there will be links for everything if you're interested in checking a product out! 

Lifestyle 

Ecoya Products 

Ecoya has been one of my favourite brands this year. They have the most beautiful products & the scents are divine! 

iCal, Notes, Trello, Things3

These 4 apps have been everything to my planning & organisation system this year! 2019 has been a ridiculously crazy year & I couldn't have gotten through it had it not been for my organisation system through these apps. 

Plants & Succulents 

2019 has been the year where I've fallen in love with plants & more specifically indoor plants. There is just something about have flowers & plants in your space that instantly brightens its up & makes it more pleasant. 

Essential Element Candles 

Along with Ecoya, this year I've also come across another really fantastic brand which goes by the name Candle-Lite Company & their Essential Elements Candle Collection is just gorgeous! They use essential oils & a natural soy wax to make their candles with 13 different scents available. They offer their candles in 3 different sizes but if candles aren't your thing, they also offer a reed diffuser as well. 

Bullet Journal 

I've had a love/hate relationship with my bullet journal this year but I'm looking forward to a fresh start next year & I've been brainstorming different ways I'd like to utilise it next year. 

Beauty

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer 

Super beautiful product & that's all I'm going to say. If you want to know more you'll have to check out my full review here. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara 

I've had this mascara in a mini version for awhile now & I love it so much I'm looking into buying the full size which isn't something I'd normally do considering the price point of the product but I love it that much. 

Maybelline Master Prime Perfecting Primer Pore Easer

Haven't always been a big fan of primers & I've more or less learnt to embrace my big pores but I actually really enjoy this primer. It's lightweight, non-oily & doesn't clog my pores like other primers I've tried in the past.  

VO5 Frizz Free Cream 

I know I spoke about this in last months favourites but it's one of my favourite hair products in the way of curl creams. It doesn't leave hair looking or feeling crunchy but does give your hair such a natural frizz free look with a natural shine. 

Invisible Zinc Sunscreen 

Again, another product I've mentioned recently but I just can't get enough of this brand especially because of their SPF use. Hands down some of my favourite SPF products. 

Essano Body Products

Essano is a natural skincare brand here in New Zealand & I've tried a lot of their products & been extremely impressed. Their body products didn't fail to amaze & is something I can see myself continue to use. And their scents are to die for! 

Revolution x Soph Eyeshadow Palette & Highlight Palette 

Two of my favourite Revolution products hands down but with that being said, there are a few other Revolution products I'm looking forward to try in the near feature! 

Wet & Wild Photo Focus Foundation 

For a drugstore foundation, I was highly impressed & it quickly became a staple in my routine earlier on in 2019. I believe I've done a review, so if you'd like to know more I'll link my review here. 

Mecca Max Skin Halo Diamond Dust Highlight & Sunlit Bronzer 

Oh, look at that! Another product I've done a recent review on but I cannot rave about these two products by Mecca Max. They're a dream duo from gorgeous, natural looking, glowy skin. See review here. 

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm 

I got gifted one of these in the shade 02 Whole Lotta Honey & it's a really gorgeous my lips but better shade. It's a perfect lip product you can just chuck in your handbag & that is really easy to wear. I'd definitely love to try this product in some different shades. 

What have been some of your lifestyle & beauty favourites for 2019? 

B x 

Current Morning & Evening Routine | Summer Edition

@socialcut

My current routines are pretty simple at the moment but nonetheless I know you guys enjoy seeing what I get up to & what my routines consist of outside of work & study. 

AM

7AM: Wake, Check Phone, Bathroom, Make Bed, Water & Medication 

730AM: Breakfast & Coffee 

745AM: Skincare, Makeup, Hair & Dressed

815AM: Planner & Journal Time 

830AM: Begin Work Day 

PM

630PM: Arrive Home, Put Belongings Away, Comfy Clothes On 

645PM: Dinner, Clean Up, 15 Minute Tidy 

730PM: Netflix, YouTube, Phone - Chill Time

9PM: Shower & Skincare 

920PM: Hot Drink & Planner Time 

940PM: Bed 

What do your routines consist of at this time of the year? Is there something that you do that isn't in my routine that you think I should try out? 

B x 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

@freestock.org

MERRY CHRISTMAS TEAM! Depending on when you see this, I hope you have or had an amazing Christmas spent with those that you love most! 

This festive season has been a crazy one but I hope you've been able you enjoy the special day! 

B x

5 Staycation Ideas That Allow You To Reset Without Leaving Your Home

@soicalcut

Depending on your work schedule, current budget situation or overload of tasks & projects, taking even a quick weekend getaway might seem impossible. But that doesn't mean you can't still hit the refresh button & give yourself a moment of much needed rest, relaxation & inspiration to power through everything coming up in your calendar. 

Sure, it can be fun playing a tourist in your own town but there are also those times when staying in feels even more enticing. That being said, it can be challenging to shut off your brain to any projects that might otherwise distract you from completely unwinding. The best version of an at-home staycation manages to let you feel somewhat transported but with the all the comforts that being in your own space allows you. Maybe for you, that includes a weekend of Netflix bingeing or taking all the long luxurious bubble baths you want, either way, the best staycations are the ones that allow you to truly recharge. 

And if you need some ideas, here are five ways to make the very most of you next at-home vaycay. 

Do A Digital Detox  

If you truly want to disconnect from your usual distractions, a digital detox might be in order. By putting down your device for a day or two, you can truly take a break from work obligation & also channel your time & energy into offline things, like that book you keep meaning to finish or treating your body to some yoga or guided mediation. 

Treat Yourself To A Spa Experience 

Even if it's as simple as drawing yourself a stress-relieving bath, putting a face mask so or doing a DIY manicure, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to a little pampering.

Order In 

Try out the latest new restaurant from the privacy of your home, in pajamas if you feel like it! Or just order in from your favourite pizza place! A home staycation is the perfect excuse to take a break from cooking & your usual routine & enjoy of few of your favourite dishes. That is, if cooking is something that soothes you, this might be the perfect time to try a new recipe or bake some totally indulgent. 

Catch Up On Your Favourites 

With a full workload, there's probably a few shows or movies you just haven't gotten around to watching but have been wanting to. Your staycation is an ideal time to catch up on your favourites. Do a movie marathon, or finally binge that new series everyone's been talking about.

Work On A Creative Project 

The whole Netflix & chill thing can be fun but maybe you want to avoid screen time altogether. If that's the case, use this time to indulge in some of your favourite creative hobbies, like sketching, journaling, creating a vision board - sink your teeth into something crafty! 

B x 

Personal Festive Favourites & Why I Love The Festive Season

@freestock.org

A quick one from me today but we're on the home stretch! Less than one week until Christmas! This time of the year has always been my favourite! You get to spend time with your closest friends & family, you get to indulge in all the Christmas movies & music, you get to decorate your home & give gifts. 

For us here in New Zealand, Christmas is in the summer so for us that means warm weather, BBQ's, salads, fresh fruits & a whole lot of delicious desserts! 

Festive films are also another beautiful thing to happen at this time of the year & some of my favourites include, The Grinch, Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, A Muppet Christmas Carol, The Santa Clause & Christmas With The Kranks. 

In the way of festive scents some of my favourites are fresh pine, spices such as nutmeg & cinnamon & lavender is also a really beautiful calming scent for this hectic time of year. The Ecoya Christmas Collection is beautiful this year which I'll link for you to check out! The Fresh Pine & Wild Strawberry Frosè are absolute bliss! 

What are some of your festive favourites? What films do you enjoy watching or what are some of your favourite scents? 

B x

The 5 Day Goal Detox That Will Help You Achieve Anything

It's that time of the year where we should be starting to think about what we what in achieve in 2020. I stumbled across this post which I found super beneficial for this time of the year & thought it might help some you you as well.

Beth, from Career Girl Daily, talks about how to kick start achieving your goals & how you're capable to achieve anything & everything. It's incredibly insightful & I learnt heaps from reading this single post.

"Our attitude to goals is all wrong. We often think of goals as something that someone else sets for us, or something to set ourselves once a year, but goal-setting is something you should aim to do once a day.

The first thing you need to realise is you always have goals, you will never be able to look anyone in the eye & say you've achieved everything you ever set out to. Life would be boring if you had."

Let me know what you think!

B x

The Festive Season On A Budget

@freestock.org

Holiday gift-giving can be draining, both on your mental health & your wallet. 2019 is quickly coming to an end & that means that the Christmas season is upon us. 

As you get older, the holiday spirit takes on a different meaning. Hopefully the feelings of cheer & goodwill with stay the same, but your attitude towards presents starts to shift. I know it has for myself. It changes from something you await eagerly to something you endure wearily. 

Gift-giving does take on new connotations once you're expected to give as much as you get. It can feel like an imposition to spend so much money on so many different people - especially if you're living on a tight budget. But Christmas shopping doesn't have to be a budget buster & there are plenty of ways you can cut back on holiday expenses, you just have to be willing to try something new. Here's some of my favourite methods of cutting back over the holiday period. 

Make A Budget 

Christmas spending often goes overboard when we fail to match our budget with our shopping list. To avoid overspending, determine how much you can afford & then make a list of all you holiday obligations. Then attach a dollar amount to each item, overestimating slightly. 

Find Extra Savings 

By this I mean keep an eye out for sales & discounts. Around this time of year there are generally plenty of sales & discounts up for offer but another small way I tend to save is on wrapping. Don't get me wrong, I love wrapping Christmas gifts more than anything, but wrapping paper, bows, ribbons & name tags quickly all add up. When it comes to shopping for these items I prefer to shop at the dollar stores. If you do this, you can normally get everything you need for a really good deal. 

Cheaper Alternatives 

Instead of buying everyone on your list an expensive present there are alternatives such as putting the money you'd spend on gifts to treating everyone to dinner at your favourite restaurant or even better, cooking them a meal yourself! A movie night could always be an option too! Another alternative that my family participates in every year is a gift exchange. We draw a name out of a hat, set a price limit & that becomes our designated person to buy for this Christmas. It's the perfect way to be able to buy a substantial gift without ruining your budget! 

Talk To Your Family & Friends 

If money is tight, Christmas can feel more like an imposition than a celebration. Stressing about the holidays isn't fun & can lead to feeling of resentment. You might just find they're feeling the same way. 

B x

How To Plan For A Successful 2020

@stilclassics

Making a strategy on how to be successful in 2020 might be the last thing on your mind right now but 2020 is just around the corner & it's approaching faster than ever. 

2020 feels to me like it's going to be a good year, it just feels like it has potential, you know? If you want to live that potential, you should start thinking about what you want to achieve next year now! 

Don't Set A Resolution This Year 

I don't like New Year resolutions, they're dumb. They encourage us to set vague, non-specific goals with the intention of working towards them over the course of the year. Then, when the end of the year rolls around, you haven't made any progress, you then feel defeated & start the process all over again. 

Opposed to setting New Year's resolutions I prefer to set myself a new goal or resolution every month. You can set that big overarching goal, but every single month you need to have a new resolution/goal & know how you're going to achieve it. This way your goals are smart & you're hitting them by the end of each month. 

Learn To Be Conscious 

We get complacent when we are on autopilot. Think about all the times you travel to work or do household chores without thinking. When you're conscious of your actions, you can control them. You can think clearly about what you're doing. 

Take yourself off autopilot whenever you can if you want to be successful in 2020. The earlier you can train yourself to do this, the better because it will help you be on top of your actions & in charge of where your mental energy goes. 

Find Out What's Filling Up Your Jar 

If you visualise your day as an empty jar, what you're filling your jar with makes a huge difference to what you achieve. Try logging what you're doing every hour with a timed weekly schedule. Make a note of everything you achieved to see how smart you are with your time, give yourself specific deadlines & keep a record of appointments. 

Be Extraordinary, Not Ordinary 

If you want to be successful in 2020, you have to acknowledge your potential & live up to it. Everything you want is possible, you're the only obstacle standing in the way of your goals. Make a conscious effort to step it up as soon as you can be extraordinary. Next year, you don't have time to be average. Don't settle for anything, go out there & grab it! 

B x

Summer Skincare Lineup

@toaheftiba

It's come to that time of the year again where I mention my current skincare lineup. I won't be going into great detail of each individual product because the chances are pretty high that I've already spoken about them before however I'll leave everything linked so you can look some more into the product. 

Just know, that I love each product mentioned in today post & I wouldn't talking about it if I didn't but please remember to conduct your own research into individual products as works for my skin may not work for yours & vise versa. 

The Body Shop, Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash 

This product has been a staple in the skincare routine for years now. It works incredibly well for helping keep my skin clear of impurities, it doesn't dehydrate my skin & my face feels throughly cleansed afterwards. 

Lush, Ocean Salt Face & Body Exfoliator

More of a newer product to my lineup but nonetheless, it's fantastic. It unclog pores like you'd never believe, removes dead skin cells & leaves your face feeling squeaky clean & fresh. 

BLAQ Face Mask 

This activated charcoal mask is designed to target toxins & draw out impurities & I promise that's exactly what it does! It's the perfect mask if you're wanting to remove any clogged pores. 

Essano Rosehip Clarifying & Deep Cleansing Rosehip Clay Face Mask 

In this product, Essano uses natural clays to help draw out impurities, dirt & toxins which also helps leave your skin feeling refreshed & revitalised. It includes Shea Butter, Aloe Vera & antioxidant rich, certified Rosehip Oil which will help restore balance & radiance to skin. 

Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion 

One of the things I love most about this product is that is it designed for all-over-body use. It's fast acting & great on extra-dry skin. It's non-greasy & fragrance free while instantly replenishing, hydrating & protecting for dry & sensitive skin. 

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser 

This is a good ole favourite of mine. It keeps skin moisturised for 12 hours & is made with skin loving ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5 & vitamin E, as well as there being no artificial perfumes, colours or dyes & no harsh chemicals. 

Invisible Zinc Facial Mosituriser SPF50

If I'm wanting a mosituriser with SPF in it because I'm feeling lazy, this is what I reach for. It's such a beautiful product & Invisible Zinc have some of the best SPF products. I definitely recommend the Invisible Zinc as a brand. 

B x 

Festive Beauty & Makeup | My Favourite Products

@jazminquaynor

For this post I thought about doing specific festive makeup looks that you could grab inspiration for & re-create yourself but rather than doing that, because there is already so much amazing inspiration out there, I'd just mention my favourite products. Not only are these products great for festive looks but they'd be fantastic for any events you've got going on throughout any time of the year.

Clinique High Impact Mascara
I cannot get enough of this mascara & I know I've mentioned it more than once before but it truly does kick up the volume of your lashes while adding a natural thick appearance. Your lashes will get that instant volume & length you've always wanted. It also comes in a travel size which is perfect for this time of year if you're planning to go away. Depending on your preference, they do offer this mascara in black or black/brown so there are options which is always great!

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer
I'll be sure to link my full review to this foundation & concealer but it's definitley a standout favourite in my collection this year. It gives a gorgeous natural look, is light weight & lasts all day. This is the kind of product you want when trying to achieve looks that will last you your work day as well as any nighttime events!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
This concealer for dark circles & fine lines instantly creates a radiant, refreshed looking eye area & I don't know about you, but that's exactly what I want in an under eye concealer!

Maybelline Master Prime Perfecting Primer - Pore Eraser
What I love most about this product is that it caters for all skin concerns. Whether you need something for hydration, anti-redness, pore erasing, illuminating or protecting, they have you covered. My personal favourite is the pore minimising version but I could only imagine how amazing the others are. It's a water-based primer which is lightweight with a non-oily formula, that helps smoothes fines lines & helps makeup stay put but doesn't clog pores! All you could ever ask for in a primer, right?

Mecca Max Skin Halo Diamond Dust & Mecca Max Sunlit Skin Bronzer 
Similar to the foundation above, I'll be sure to link my full review but if you're looking for a gorgeous glow this season I recommend giving the Mecca Max Skin Halo Diamond Dust & Sunlit Bronzer duo a go.

Revlon Sculpt & Highlight Contour Kit
For some of us, this time of the year means heading away on holiday & I couldn't think of anything more appropriate to take anyway with you that this palette. With the four gorgeous shades in the palette, it makes contouring simple & all in one.

Revolution X Soph Original Eyeshadow & Revolution X Soph Highlight Palette
Again, a great duo for this time of the year. Beautiful shades with great pigmentation, that will leave you skin looking natural & healthy this festive season!

B x

Christmas In A Blogpost

@erinwalker

While doing research for Christmas post ideas & inspiration I came across a bunch of posts that we're just too good not to share but they also cover things that I won't be posting about this festive season. All the posts are filled with a ton of useful tips & tricks to help you get through the festive season. 

A Frugal Chick - Christmas Gifts Under $25

Ladies Make Money Online - 10 Awesome Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas Under $30 

Dave Ramsey - 15 Ways To Reduce Stress

Earn It, Save It - 3 Steps To Ensure You Don't Lose Money This Christmas 

Made In A Pinch - 10 Meaningful & Affordable Gift Ideas 

Money Done Right - 12 Extra Ways To Make Money For Christmas 

Maple Money - The 10 Best Ways To Save Money On Christmas Shopping

The Dating Divas - 100 Christmas Cookie Recipes

B x 

Lessons I've Learnt From Being An Introvert & A Homebody

@trentszmolnik

It's taken me years to really appreciate just how much of a homebody & introvert I am. For the longest time I worried that maybe I'm just a bit odd & that there was something wrong with me but really, my personality traits & what makes me happiest just isn't the same as the majority. Which is totally okay with me but it's taken me awhile to get where I am today & here are some of the things I've learnt along the way. 

What Is An Introvert & A Homebody?

An introvert generally prefers solitary activities opposed to interacting with large groups of people. And a homebody refers to those that prefer pleasures & activities that centre around the home. 

It's Not Boring In The Slightest 

Probably one of the biggest misconceptions about being a homebody is that it's boring. I'm a big believer that the biggest reason for somebody to have a good time is based on their personality opposed to where you are. There are so many awesome things that you can do whether it be alone or with other people. And it's so much more cost friendly too! 

It's Perfectly Normal 

For so long I felt like I wasn't 'normal' because I didn't enjoy going on nights out or partying with friends. And the thought of a bustling crowd just made me want to hide under my duvet. There is absolutely nothing wrong with not enjoying huge social occasions or going out & getting drunk. For some people, that's how they thrive but for some, it's just not enjoyable. 

It's More Acceptable The Older You Become

I still remember how unacceptable it was to say that you didn't want to go & hangout but I feel the older we get, the more prominent that people really enjoy being at home & socialising in that kind of environment. When you're younger & you feel like you're the only one who wants to stay at home, it can be disheartening but chances are you're not alone. 

It Means You Recharge In A Different Way

Ever since I realised that I was an introvert, it's been something I've really enjoyed learning about. Learning about being an introvert & how it can change different aspects of your life is really amazing & gives you a new perspective on it all. Introverts tend to recharge when they're alone opposed to extrovert who get their energy from other people. 

You're Not Alone 

One of the biggest things I've learnt over the years about being an introvert & a homebody is that we really aren't alone. It's really opened my eyes to just how many people out there are introverted & homebodies but also that it's nothing to be ashamed of. Being an introvert wasn't always something that was spoken about five years ago & it was always made out to be such a bad trait but it's not at all. Although it's hard, sometimes you just have to stand up for how you feel & stick to it. 

B x 

Ways To Rejuvenate Your Body, Mind & Soul

@socialcut

When you're a child, or fairly 'young', there's this boundless energy that you have. Everything seems fun, everything is an adventure, a delight.

Then you grow up & you realise that life has it's way of taking over. You harden. Sometime being a 'grown-up' sucks. Having to deal with 20 different things at once when also experiencing major & unexpected setbacks, suck. Sometimes it can even feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders & with that, we harden. But we shouldn't/

Whether you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut or creative block, lack motivation or are in need of a little change, know that it's okay. We all go through 'stuff' sometimes. If this is something you're dealing with at the moment, challenge yourself to rejuvenate you body, mind & spirit. Think about it, is there anything you really enjoyed doing but stopped because you don't have enough time?

Create A Self-Care Kit 
Keep a box full of things that make you feel good, make you feel happy. These could be photos, books, music, essential oils, candles - absolutely anything. Reach for your box whenever you're in need of some self-care & if you don't have time to practice it, schedule it in!

Go To Sleep Early
Some of the things we hated doing as children, we love doing as adults & for me this is one of them. Go to bed early & aim for more than six hours of sleep.

Take A Nap 
As someone with CFS, midday naps is something that often helps me get through the day. I don't tend to make it too long, between 15-20 minutes but sometimes that's all we need to keep us going.

Digital Detox
Spend an entire day without your phone, computer, tablet, TV. Think of some of the things you loved doing as a kid, that didn't involve electronics.

Laugh
Watch something silly, funny. Stand-up comedy is one of my favourite ways of cheering myself up.

Journal 
Write out everything that's on your mind. Just write. What are some of the things you hope to accomplish? What makes you happy? What are you grateful for? What are your fears?

Sunrise & Sunset 
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Both happen every day, but how rarely do we get to truly appreciate their beauty?

Drink More Water
Better yet, start your days with a glass of warm water with lemon. It does wonders for your digestive system & gives your immune system a little boost.

Create A Morning/Evening Routine 
Create a ritual, something you'll look forward to every single day. Even if it's just a 10 minute mediation, reading a chapter or two of a book or having your tea or coffee in complete silence. Make sure to spend more time with yourself & set intentions for the following days.

Spend Time Outdoors
Read outdoors, go for a long walk in the park, grab a blanket, a bottle of water & a book. Walk barefoot, feel grounded.

Also remember, give love. To yourself as well as those around you. Just because you feel tired, exhausted & overwhelmed at this very moment, it doesn't mean that things will remain like this forever. Too often we let that inner voice take over & let it go crazy with its colourful array of insults. Watch the way you talk to yourself, give love.

Is there anything you'd add to this list? What are some of your favourite ways to rejuvenate?

B x

2019: November Favourites

@trentszmolnik

November was filled quickly with events which didn't leave me with a lot of free time & December is looking to be pretty busy too. Regardless on how busy or not I am I still like to make sure I'm getting content up for you guys. I use Trello to make sure that I have content ready to go & where I organised everything website related. 

This month I've been wearing my hair down a lot lately & to keep it looking smooth & frizz free, I've been using the VO5 Frizz Free Smoothing Cream. It's a gorgeous product that doesn't leave hair feeling heavy but is strong enough where you hair doesn't have any choice but to behave. 

Since it's coming into the warm months SPF is an absolute must! Invisible Zinc is my favourite brand for SPF & I highly recommend the brand if you're looking for high quality SPF! 

When it's come to clearing out my pores this month BLAQ Peel Off Mask has been a life saver. It an activated charcoal mask which is designed to target toxins & draw out all impurities from your skin. 

My book of choice this month was Finding Me by Michelle Knight, now known as Lily. I don't have words for this book & it's definitely not because it's an awful book but because of the devastating story told. 

"In 'Finding Me', Michelle reveals the heartbreaking details of her story. Michelle was a young single mother when she was kidnapped by a local school bus driver named Ariel Castro. For more than a decade, she endured unimaginable torture at the hand of her abductor. In 2003 Amanda Berry joined her in captivity, followed by Gina DeJesus in 2004. Their escape on May 6, 2013, made headlines around the world." 

I happened to find this particular content creator while searching Youtube for productivity inspiration & she's incredible. Julia Kristine is a lifestyle content creator, that has an amazing Youtube channel & the most gorgeous Instagram! Definitely recommend checking you content out, it's been some of my favourite this month! 

B x 

6 Quotes To Inspire The Best Version Of You

@socialcut

A quick one from me today but I wanted to share these small, yet powerful quotes with you. There's been a theme throughout some of my posts lately & I've been speaking a lot about looking after yourself in such a busy time of year. I think it's important to remind yourself of the following on a daily basis to help inspire you to be the best version of yourself no matter what is going on around you. 

"Put yourself at the top of your today list every single day & the rest will fall into place." 

"Love yourself unconditionally & always think about ways to make each part of your body strong & healthy." 

"Be kind to yourself." 

"Self love is the greatest medicine." 

"Honor your body & love it! Without that love, nothing else can stand a chance." 

"Take care of yourself so you can be at your best for others." 

B x 

5 Sources Of The Best Beauty Inspiration

@trentszmolnik

Beauty is something that I find incredibly inspiring & it's one of those things that once you get past all the consumerism that surrounds it, there becomes something really special about the world of beauty. 

Blogs & The Internet

The first & most obvious choice, to me, for beauty inspiration is the beauty blogging community. Even though it's not quite like what it use to be, there are still real people behind the words & glossy photos. Some of my all time favourites are Lily Pebbles & Anna Newton.

As well as blogs, Pinterest & Instagram are also great online places to find beauty inspiration. 

Magazines

Now, I rarely ever pick up a magazine to read the beauty reviews because I never really find them helpful or of any benefit but I do get my inspiration from all the gorgeous photography editorials. 

Books

I never thought I'd enjoy books on the topic of beauty. I guess I always just assumed they'd be quite dull & boring. Lauren Conrad's book 'Beauty' is the perfect example of the kind of beauty books I prefer. It's beautifully written, simple to understand & filled with knowledge. 

Everyday Life

I've always thought there's something interesting about the skincare & makeup products that other people use. We're all different, we like different things, different finishes, different looks & have different skin types. I love that not everybody enjoys using every product. It sparks a conversation, it's just one very simple way for us to learn from one another. 

YouTube 

The beauty community on YouTube is huge & continues to grow & there are just so many channels that are just incredible. Some of my favourites are Shaaanxo, RawBeautyKristi, NikkieTutorials & Desi Perkins.

What are some of your favourite beauty inspirations? 

B x

10 Things To Do This Weekend

@stilclassics

It's getting to that time of the year where weekend fill up quickly with end of year & Christmas events. So I'm putting this post together to encourage you to take a weekend for yourself before your life gets completely hectic. 

I will also link here my '3 Things To Do For Yourself At Christmas Time' which might help you come up with some ideas of things to fill your weekend with.

Read Your Favourite Book, Magazine or Blogger 

Give yourself some time where you can pick up for favourite reading material & dive into another world. 

Take A Bubble Bath 

Hot bubble baths are one of my ultimate ways to relax! Light a few candles & enjoy some time for yourself. 

Face & Hair Mask 

Along with a hot bubble bath, you can't go wrong with a hair & face mask! 

Buy Yourself Some Fresh Flowers 

I find fresh flowers always brighten my day & my space. There's nothing like buying yourself a fresh bunch of flowers! 

Tidy Your Space

Tidy space equals tidy mind! I always feel so much better once I've tidied my space. 

Complete A Small Project 

I don't know about you but at this time of the year I always have a list of small projects that I just haven't got round to doing throughout the year so how about doing on of those small projects this weekend? 

Take A Friend For A Coffee 

Catch up with a friend you've been meaning to catch up with for weeks now but you've just been occupied with other life events. 

Watch Your Favourite Film Or TV Series 

Curl up on the couch with your favourite snacks & binge watch you favourite films or TV series. Sometimes this is just what we need, to sit & doing absolutely nothing. 

Give Yourself A Manicure & Pedicure 

Nothing feels better than starting off your week with a fresh mani/pedi! 

Plan For Your Week 

Plan for your week & be prepared for anything the up & coming week might throw at you. 

What are your plans for the weekend? 

B x 

Bloggers Who Remind Me Why I Started

@brookecagle

Just a quick post from me today butI think it's worth it! I first uploaded to @bonnieellenxo nearly six years ago so I thought it would only be fitting to dedicate a post to sharing those bloggers that inspired me to start blogging but are also just some of my all time favourites.

All these women are truly inspiring & hold a special place in my heart! Their content has taught me so much over the years & I'll forever be thankful! You can also find these lovely ladies on other platforms such as Instagram, Twitter & YouTube!

Lily Pebbles, Anna Newton, Zoe Sugg, Lousie Pentland, Victoria, Suzie, Alix Coburn, Tanya Burr & Fleur deForce.

Who are some of your all time favourite bloggers? Is there anyone I should be checking out?

B x

Product Review: Mecca Max Sunlit Bronzer & Skin Halo Diamond Dust Highlight

As it's coming into the summer months & it's starting to warm up, I've noticed I've been reaching for the more glowly products more than usual. With that being said, of course these products can be used at any time of the year & do create the most gorgeous, healthy, natural looking glow when used together. 

Both products come in 3 varying shades so you're able to pick the one the best suits your complexion & retail for $24NZD. Mecca Max is also 100% vegan & cruelty free which is an added bonus! 

Mecca Max Sunlit Bronzer 

"For a goddess like glow. This light reflecting bronzer turns up the temperature for the silky summer love skin." 

Mecca Max Skin Halo Diamond Dust Highlight 

"A next level illuminating powder. This angelic diamond dust is the ultimate skin halo." 

These are two of my absolute favourite products to reach for when I'm looking for a healthy, natural glow! The formula is soft & silky & applies gorgeously to the skin! I cannot rave about this product enough! 

B x 

3 Things For Yourself At Christmas Time

@brookecagle

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! For a lot of us, Christmas is all about giving back & giving to those we love most. So I thought I'd do an edition of '3 Things For Yourself' for this holiday season. 

As lovely as it is to be buying gifts & doing things for others round this time of the year, it's still important to look after yourself & do things for you. 

Buy Yourself A Gift 

Buy yourself something that has been sitting on your wishlist all year. Something you've been thinking about getting but otherwise haven't. You've had an amazing, you've given it your all & you deserve this gift to yourself. 

Decorate Your Space

Go crazy & have fun decorating your space all festive! Put on some Christmas music, light your festive candles & go all out! Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year & I cannot wait to have an afternoon decorating my home! 

Put On Your Favourite Christmas Film & Relax

There are some amazing Christmas films out there so I'm encouraging you to take an afternoon for yourself, put on your favourite Christmas film, grab some snacks & relax! You deserve to have some time for yourself! 

B x

How To Plan Your Day For Success

@ohtilly

There is so much to get done & sometimes you just have to accept that not everything is going to get done. A working day throws so much at you, even someone else's problems can end up taking an hour from you. You could have all the trendy planners, to do lists & apps but I believe execution is the problem we all need to tackle if we want to have a successful & productive day. 

Set A Plan For The Day 

Now you know I love a good plan so start off your day with a blank piece of paper & a pen & decide what you can realistically get done today. By being realistic & setting goals that you can achieve, you won't feel defeated at the end of the day when you see a long list of tasks you couldn't get to. Take your new & improved list & schedule those tasks in around meetings, placing the hardest at the beginning of the day. 

Refocus 

Set an alarm to ring every hour. When it goes off take a deep breath & take another look at you list. Have you spent the previous hour productively? Now that you have evaluated how you've been spending your time, go back to you schedule & recommit to how you're going to make the next hour better. 

Review

Right, shut your laptop & step away. Take this time to look at your day & how successful it was. What worked & what didn't? When were you most productive & what distracted you? Use all this information to see how you can make tomorrow better. 

By treating your work day as a ritual you will notice results of success. You'll train yourself to prioristise & how to do it well. You won't be wasting your days on menial tasks or distractions. You'll be leaving your workspace lighter, happier, more successful & ready for tomorrow. Keep focused & choose deliberately & wisely. 

B x 

If I Could Only Use 5 Beauty Products

@stilclassics

Minimal makeup is some of favourite & it's what I tend to go for on an everyday basis but when it came to picking only 5 products, I actually struggled more than I thought I would.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer 

Beautiful coverage & light on the face. It's everything you need in a foundation & concealer duo but for more details see my full review here. 

Revlon Highlight & Sculpt Contour Kit 

Gorgeous highlight & contour kit which is also really reasonably priced. Includes four powders, banana, highlight, bronzer & contour which all look really natural on the skin. 

Revolution Ultra Brow Kit 

It's no doubt that Revolution have some amazing products & their brow products are some of my favourites. It's the dream eyebrow kit! 

Maybelline Brow Drama - Discontinued 

I was thinking about not including this product but at the end of the day, my brows really do just have a mind of their own & I hate to think about the state of them if I didn't use a brow gel! This specific product appears to have been discontinued on their website which is a bit of a pain, you may be able to still pick on up in your local department store but otherwise I've linked their new replacement brow gel which I have not tried but does sound promising! 

Clinique High Impact Mascara

Again, another newer favourite by Clinique but it's such a gorgeous mascara that gives your lashes volume & length! I'd pick this mascara a thousand times over. 

If you could only use 5 beauty products, what would you choose? 

B x 

Book Review: History Is All You Left Me - Adam Silvera

"From the New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not comes an explosive examination of grief, mental illness & the devastating consequences of refusing to let go of the past." 

I throughly enjoyed 'History Is All You Left Me' & how it explores grief & mental illness in young teenagers. The author Adam Silvera does an amazing job at capturing the infinite small heartbreaks of love, loss & grief. It shows it's readers what it means to survive devastating loss & that you will be okay. Not only does this novel bring light to LGBTQ+ community, it helps bring mental health awareness into a world that desperately needs it. It's a tremendously fantastic novel that I can't recommend enough. 

"When Griffin's first love & ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college & started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he's been imagining for himself has gone far off course. 

To make things worse, the only person who truly understands his heartache is Jackson. But no matter how much they open up to each other, Griffin's downwards spiral continues. He's losing himself in his obsessive compulsions & destructive choices & the secrets he's been keeping are tearing him apart. 

If Griffin is ever to rebuild his future, he must first confront his history, every last heartbreaking piece in the puzzle of his life." 

"This book will make you cry, think & then cry some more." - Nicola Yoon, bestselling author of Everything, Everything. 

B x 

What Happens When You Believe In Yourself

@alliesmith

How much better would life be if we always believed in ourselves? Of course, it's much easier said than done but it's definitely worth the try, right? 

Self-Acceptance

When you believe in yourself, you're accepting who you really are. You're not afraid to give your opinion & you're going to be proud of this person you're becoming. 

You Feel More Energised 

When you believe in yourself you feel like you can handle the world! Positive energy & a little confidence gives a major lift. You don't need those three coffee to start, you just own Monday mornings!

You're Always In A Good Mood

If you're happy with yourself, you feel better about everything, which puts you in a great mood all day long. A very nice side effect of believing in yourself if you ask me. 

Success Will Be Guaranteed

If you believe everything is going to be fine, it will. It's called the law of attraction. You attract the things you wish for. If you truly believe that you'll get a promotion or finally manage to work out three times a week, you will. It's that simple. 

You Can Motivate Others

When you feel good about yourself, you can motivate & inspire those around you. People love to hear great success stories & trust me, your story is definitely worth telling. 

Positivity Is Your New Mantra

There is no space for negativity in your life. You have goals to reach & deadlines to catch. So when you believe in yourself you'll be surrounded by positive people that bring a good, relaxing vibe. 

You Will Glow From The Inside Out

Even though true beauty starts on the inside, once you believe in yourself you will see it on the outside as well. You hair, skin & mood will be better than ever. You go girl! 

Respect 

People will appreciate you for who you are. When you believe in yourself you exude confidence that will make you respected. Exactly what we need right? 

I believe in you & I believe that you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. 

B x 

Learning To Communicate When You're Nervous

@soicalcut

We've all been there, stuck in a big meetings or at lunch with your manager & last week I was in that position. I had a crucial interview which depending on how well in went meant whether I got into the College Of Education for 2020. You want to show that you're confident & in control, even if you're feeling less than. So I thought, better now than ever to talk about communicating when you're full of nerves. Here are some of the tips that I found super helpful so I thought maybe they'll help some of you too.

Maintain Eye Contact 
Don't look away because you are nervous, holding someones gaze communicates that you see them as an equal & that you're comfortable speaking with them. Make sure that you're not looking down at the floor when you're speaking & find people's eyes around the table.

Sit Up Straight
Don't slouch! Square your shoulders & lift your chin to show your engaged!

Don't Fidget
Picking at your jumper, nail biting, playing with jewellery - stop it! You're putting your nerves on display.

Strike A Pose
Power pose, that is. Take a minute to power pose in the bathroom if you can't in the meeting itself, research says that doing these for a few minutes beforehand will make you feel more confident!

Speak Slowly
Getting nervous & speeding up your speech can sometimes go hand in hand. Try to pace yourself & don't try to say too much too fast. Rambling is a surefire giveaway that you're not comfortable.

Praise
Sometimes the best way to relax is to feel you're among friends. Tell a coworker how much you enjoyed their presentation or their new idea. Remember everyone gets nervous - doing this only makes you look like a team player but also makes it more likely that someone will back you in this way also.

What are some of the ways you like to remain confident when you've go a nerve racking meeting or interview? It's not always easy, that's for sure!

B x

2019: October Favourites

@fabiolapeñalba

I'm pleased to say that October has been a pretty chilled & relaxed month, just what I had hoped from in the lead up to the end of the year. With that being said, I still have been keeping busy & I'm really excited for the next couple of months & heading into the New Year! 

If you have been keeping up with my posts this month you would've seen I posted a product review on the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer. I have been wearing nothing but this foundation this month & it's very quickly become a favourite.

Keeping me organised this month is a new digital app that I've actually been trying out for awhile now. Things3 is a fantastic task management app, it's simple to use & has a beautiful design. If you're looking at dabbling into the world of digital organisation I highly recommend Things3. 

For reading this month, I've been reading 'History Is All You Left Me' by Adam Silvera. It's a fantastic novel which brings light to the LGBTQ+ community & mental awareness into a world that so desperately needs it. I have a complete review coming it a week or two. Breathe Magazine this month also has some fantastic article in it! 

I've watched two series this month. 13 Reasons Why, Season 3 & You, Season 1. I throughly enjoyed both & recommend both if you're looking for something new to watch. I also went to see the new Joker film at my local theatre & it has to be one of the best films I've seen in a long time. I think there is a lot we can learn from it. 

Some of my favourite content creators this month have been Lily Marston, Hailey Reese & Caitlin Rose. Lily does all things lifestyle & vlogs while Hailey creates all things paranormal & spirit related & Caitlin covers crime & physiological cases. Adore these women & all the content they have to offer. 

What have been some of you favourites this month? Is there anything that you recommend I try out next month? 

B x 

How To Appreciate The Present Moment

@alliesmith

The present moment is all you're ever promised. Don't postpone happiness for a time that might never come. These articles have helped we realise the importances of living in the present moment & how I can go about learn to appreciate those moments more.

The Moment You've Been Waiting For: Zen Habits 
"Our lives are spent building up to more important moments. Moment when we'll be happy. But when those moments come, we're not happier, in fact, we're already looking ahead to our next big moments. An up-coming project, a trip away, meeting up with friends, getting that great thing you ordered online, finding your next favourite book, meal drink, experience. What if that wonderful moment we've been waiting for is this one, right now? What if this very moment is the one, the most important moment of our lives? What if we stopped working for something later & instead started paying full attention to right now? What if we stopped thinking happiness is coming soon & tried to see what was in front of us & find happiness in that? What if this were the moment we've been waiting for all along?"

Appreciate Each Moment: The Huffington Post 
"One of the ultimate objectives of attaining inner peace is learning to live happily in the moment. Keep in mind that life is a continuous succession of present moments Most of us spend a great deal of our present moments regretting the past, worrying about the future, which creates restlessness with the here & now. A whole lot of precious time is wasted.

To a large degree, the measure of our peace of mind is determined by how much we are able to live in the present moment."

6 Tips To Being Happy In The Present Moment: Pick The Brain 
"We all want to be happy. But we have preconceived notions or beliefs about what needs to happen in our lives, before we can be happy. Maybe we need to get that dream job or we need to have a million dollars in the bank. Or maybe we need to have the body of our dreams.

The list goes on. Yes, these things may indeed make us happy. Or then again they may not.

When we set goals, we also have the tendency, once we're achieved them, to replace them with new goals. So you may find that you still don't feel happy after you've achieved that big goal because you've just replaced it with an even bigger goal that you now need to achieve to be 'truly happy'.

By doing this, we stack the odds against ourselves. And if we play this game in order to find our happiness, then there's a good chance that we'll spending the rest of our lives chasing down the dreams that may 'one day' make us happy.

What if I told you that you don't need any of those things in order to be happy in your life & that you can be happy today? The key to happiness is learning how to be happy right now, while you work on achieving your goals, instead of waiting until you've achieved those goals to be happy. Here are 6 easy steps you can start applying today."

How do you prefer to appreciate the present moment?

B x