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