Summer Beauty Essentials

@socialcut

At the time of writing this post we're in the midst of the hottest days we've had so far this summer. The blinds are drawn, I'm wearing as little as possible without flashing anyone & have a drink in one hand with as much ice in it as possible! IT'S HOT MAN! And with that being said, it feels like the perfect time to be writing this post about all my favourite summer essentials. I pull out these products every time that it's hot & I need a product I can trust. This is what makes the cut . . .

Face & Body SPFs 

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! Being diligent with your SPF routine is so important, even on those cloudy days! I promise there are SPFs out their that aren't heavy & chalky on the skin, you've just got to search for them! Bondi Sands has some of my favourite sun care products at the moment & this one is great for the face. Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+. It's water resistant, fragrance free, gentle & fast absorbing. I love that I can wear it on its own but it also goes well under make up. 

In the way of body SPF I've been reaching for the Bondi Sands Sunscreen Oil SPF 30. This product is really great either on its own or layered on top of other sun screens, my favourite being the Bondi Sands Body Sunscreen SPF 50. The sunscreen oil is non-greasy & water resistant. It absorbs quickly into the skin, has moisturising properties & has a beautiful summer fragrance. I love spray sunscreens has they are a great way to top up your sunscreen & handy to have chucked in your beach bag. 

Other products that are worth trying is Bondi Sands After Sun collection. They have some really great after sun care products that are great if you've been out in the sun all day & even if you're not burnt, they're great for replenishing the skin with moisture. 

Faxu Tanners

I promised this post isn't sponsored by Bondi Sands, I simply just adore their products so it'll be not surprises what's coming next. My favourite faux tanner is the Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam applied with their application mitt. It's a gorgeous light weight tan enriched with aloe vera that leaves skin glowing & sun-kissed. 

Hair Removal

When it comes to hair removal - you do you boo. I don't do anything special other & simply use a 'Gillette Razor for Women' & shave cream. I've found Gillette to do the best razors but of course, that's just personal opinion & preference. 

Summer Makeup Faves

I'm all about sheer texture when it comes to summer beauty. A light layer & I'm good to go, with of course my SPF on underneath! I'm really enjoying Chichi Cosmetics BB & CC Creams. It leaves skin looking natural with a gorgeous radiant glow. Both products are also SPF 30 which is an added bonus. Another product Im loving is my Mecca Sunlit Skin Bronzing Powder. I cannot get enough of this product, it's so bloody gorgeous on the skin & gives you the glow of a goddess! It's simply stunning! 

B x 

How To Get Yourself Ready For A New School Year

@fabspotato

I might now be 22 years old & attending university but not much has changed over the years. I still love the fresh start feeling from a new school year & the opportunity to clear out all the old from the previous year. At the moment school might be a bit different for some but now is a great chance to sit down, reflect and adapt to the new normal because let's be honest, sometimes we all need a breather. 

Clear Out Your Workspace 

Again this year, I will be working from home & after having to do this last year due to the pandemic, I quickly came to realise that working from home is just what works best for me as my schedule needs to easily flexible. 

Whether you have a dedicated desk & at-home office like I do, or you are marking do on your kitchen table, having a quick clear out of your space - wherever & whatever it is - is the best place to start. For me that means have a good declutter of my office space. I found that going through every single draw is my best bet to really minimise what I have. I seem to collect an endless amounts of pens, diaries & planners - it takes up way too much space & it's just not needed! I'm always surprised the amount of crap I find but it's always the single best step for prepping for the new school year. 

Get Your Ducks In A Row - Digitally 

Like a lot of you I'm sure, I do most of my work on a device whether that's my MacBook, iMac or iPad. Take this opportunity to have a desktop clear out! I always start with choosing a new background - something fresh & minimal. I don't keep any documents on my desktop instead I keep it all in Finder/iCloud. 

Safari is the next place I have a wee clear out of. I will check that I need all my bookmarks & if not, they get removed. Same with shortcuts & my reading list. Your downloads is something else you can have a wee clear out of but I tend to do this on a more regular basis. 

Emails is another space that you can tidy up. I don't know about you but my emails always need a tidying up so I'll go through all current folders & make sure nothing extra needs following up on. 

Next is documents, images & videos. I make sure there is nothing taking up too much storage that can be removed. I always collect way to many unnecessary images & documents - personally & due to the nature of my job & study - so going through these on a regular basis is always a good idea. 

Set Some Goals 

Set aside any personal goals that you set at the beginning of the year & think about some thing you think you might enjoy achieving academically. If setting academic goals feels a bit stressful right right, go back to a basics & set goals that are more based around wellness, fitness, relationships, friendships & hobbies.

New Rituals & Routines 

Having some sense of structure is key to me feeling motivated & on top of things, which ultimately leaves me feelings happy & calm. Rituals & routines like a weekly workout schedule & weekly selfceare moments are a great place to start. Maybe you want to try a new morning routine, adding meal planning into your life - whatever you fancy adding that will bring a calm & collected vibe into your week. 

I cannot wait for the new school year to officially begin! Let me know what you're doing to get yourself ready for the new school year!

B x 

What's In My Handbag | Everyday Essentials

@farmersdepartmentstorenz

Recently, I have significantly down sized my handbag size & it's been great! I was a little worried I wouldn't have everything I needed but I quickly realised I don't really need that much while I'm out anyway & if I did need something, chances are I have it in my car. 

I'm currently using the most gorgeous yet simple crossbody bag by Whistle. It's called the 'Origami Mini Crossbody Bag'. It actually fits a lot more than I fit anticipated it would & it can also be used as a clutch depending on the look you're going for. 

In my handbag a keep my phone, a card holder, personal & work keys, lip balm, hand sanitiser & a pen. Super minimal & simple but it's everything I really need while I'm out & about. What are some of the things you are currently keeping in your handbag? 

B x 

Good Things That Have Happened Lately

@anniespratt

As of right now, I'm trying to appreciate all the little things in life that are making me happy on a daily basis & especially more now than ever. Small pockets of happiness & goodness throughout a busy day can be really refreshing so I thought why not share my small pockets of happiness with you. 

• Discovering new local areas to go for walks, get outside & get some fresh air.

• A cup of coffee & a good book in the sun. 

• Waking up to sunshine & warmth. 

• Taking my days a little slower while also still being productive. 

• Seeing my little Guinea Pig's grow & develop their own little attitudes & personalities. 

• A good AM & PM skincare routine that my skin is thriving on. 

• Daily journaling has been a really simple practice that I've started up again & is something I love doing. 

• Getting organised & buying new supplies for the upcoming school year.

What are some of the little things that are making you happy on a daily basis? 

B x 

Sunday Night Skincare Routine

@parkstreet

Sunday evening is not the only time I set aside for self-care but Sunday's are non-negotiable. I've found having a dedicated period of time for self-care on a Sunday is a great way to head into a new week. It's a bit of a refresh & a good way to say goodbye to the previous week. This is the in-depth skincare routine I carry out on a Sunday self-care evening.

Cleansing 

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil 

Garnier Lemongrass Detox Gel Wash

Lush Ultrabland Cleanser

Lush Cup O' Coffee Exfoliating Face & Body Mask

Toning 

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

Moisturising 

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream

The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Hemi-Squalane

Face Masks 

Evolu Triple Action Control Clay Mask 

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

B x 

Over New Year's Resolutions? Try These Small Goals With Me

@laylabird

I don't know about you but I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. I feel like at this time of the year it's so easy to set unrealistic goals & to set yourself up for failure. Been there, done that. I've been thinking about setting smaller, more realistic goals at the beginning of each year. 

Rather than putting a ton of pressure on yourself to meet a long list of New Year's resolutions that may or may not be attainable, consider setting smaller goals for a healthier New Year. These aren't going to be ground breaking goals & may not seem like much, but I know over time, they'll have a really positive impact in my life. 

Drink Lots Of Water 

The human body can't function without water, so staying hydrated is one of the most essential ways to take care of your health. Dehydration can also make you tired. Look for simple ways to drink more throughout the day & make sure you're adequately replenished before, during & after workouts. 

Eat Lots Of Plants 

I don't mean go vegan, that seems a little intimating however 'eat lots of plants' is a simple goal that can make a huge different. Fresh fruit & vegetables are great for your body & make you feel great as well! 

Content That Makes You Laugh 

From relieving stress & pain to boosting our immune system, laughter is really the best medicine. That's why consuming content, like listening to a funny Podcast, could significantly improve your overall wellness, especially if you make it a regular habit. 

Herbal Teas

Sipping herbal teas is a great way to stay hydrated. Herbal teas can be helpful for everything from managing headaches, soothing anxiety & reducing bloating after a big meal. If you feel dehydrated, feel sleep-deprived or over-caffeinated, drinking more tea is a healthy goal to aim for. 

Gratitude & Journaling

Practicing gratitude & journaling doesn't just feel good, it has lots of benefits for your wellness. There is lots of simple ways to do this & keeping a daily gratitude journal is one popular method. Perhaps adding another task to your daily routine is too overwhelming, consider writing a gratitude letter in 2021. Think of someone in your life who deserves it & write from your heart. 

Call A Long Distance Loved One Once A Month

These days, phone calls are one of the safest ways to stay in touch with our loved ones & it's so good for us. I'm setting this small goal for 2021 because not only is it good for us, it's so great for our loved ones too. 

B x 

Summer Reading List For 2021

@sincerelymedia

This list might be a little ambitious but hey, we'll give it a good go! I'm always aiming to read more & I have a pile of books sitting in my bookshelf that I've been meaning to read for ages now. There's no better time than now, right? 

• Before The Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

"What would you change if you could go back in time? In a small back alley was in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop; offers its customers a unique experience, the chance to travel back in time. But the journey into the past does not come without risks, customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the cafe & finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold."

• The Pact - Jodi Picoult

"For eighteen years the Hartes and the Golds have lived next door to each other, sharing everything from Chinese food to chicken pox to carpool duty - they've grown so close it seems they have always been a part of each other's lives. Parents & children alike have been best friends, so it's no surprise that in high school Chris & Emily's friendship blossoms into something more. They've been soul mates since they were born. So when midnight calls from the hospital come in, no one is ready for the appalling truth, Emily is dead from a gunshot wound to the head. There's a single unspent bullet in the gun that Chris took from his father's cabinet - a bullet that Chris tells police he intended for himself. But a local detective has doubts about the suicide pack that Chris has described." 

• The Fifth Letter - Nicola Moriarty

"A fun vacation game turns destructive, exposing dark secrets, deeply buried grudges and a shocking betrayal. Four friends, four secrets and five letters. Best friends are supposed to keep your darkest secrets but the revelations Joni, Deb, Eden & Trina have shared will ripple through their lives with unforeseen consequences & things will never be the same." 

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman

"No one's ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine. Meet Eleanor Oliphant, she struggles with appropriate social skills & tend to says exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka & phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanore meets Raymond, the bumbling & deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she & Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen, the three rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they have been living. Ultimately, it is Raymond's big heart that will help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one. If she does, she'll learn to she too, is capable of finding friendship & even love after all."  

• A Brighter Fear - Kerry Drewery

"An impossible love story set against the backdrop of the Iraq war. A Brighter Fear will appear to everyone who loved a gathering light. This debut novel is the story of Lina, a teenage girl from Baghdad & it starts as the bombs fall in 2003. It is a love story, for a country & for a person too. There is an object that is lost, but may yet be found again." 

B x 

Lessons I Learnt In 2020

@vanesaconunaese

Wow, what a year 2020 was. It was filled with ups and downs & when I say that in a year that's looked like 2020, it's absolutely more than okay to not take anything from it. No lessons learnt, no goals achieve, no nothing. It's really okay if you got through 2020, no 'just' about it. You didn't 'just' get through the year. It's been overwhelming, challenging - mentally & physically, & you've done bloody amazingly. We've done it! 

If we've learnt anything from this year, sometimes getting through hardships, challenges & huge curveballs is more than enough. More than ever, this year has proved to us that we're not products of our achievements, our careers or the things we have or haven't yet ticked off. We're all made up of so much more. Big or small gestures, acts of kindness, mistakes, learnings & whether or not we realise it, we've taken lessons learnt from the past year into the next. We're so much more resilient & adaptable than we realise & I think that's pretty huge. 

On reflecting on the year the 2020 was, I thought I'd write down a few little takeaways & lessons I learnt from the year just gone. Of course, they're not ground breaking & I'm sure you've seen similar but nonetheless, there was a nice bit of comfort when looking at the positives from such a crappy year. Remember, you're doing brilliantly & you deserve every bit of kindness. 

• The little things are the biggest things.

• Mistakes & failures typically make us better people. There's nearly always something to learn from our mistakes.

• It's human to make mistakes & it's so normal. Mistakes don't have to define you.

• Laughter is the best medicine.

• You don't have to go out of your way to please everybody.

• You are so much more capable than you allow yourself to believe. Don't wait for approval or appraisal to recognise that.

• Everything is relative. Your sadness, happiness, tiredness & troubles are always valid. There will always be someone having it harder, better or more challenging - help where you can but that doesn't invalidate your feelings.

• Bubble baths are great. Any season, any weather.

• Never take for granted the amazing people in your life. Hold on to them with kindness & love them always.

• Keep trusting yourself & your gut.

• Remember it's okay to take a break when you need one.

B x