Favourite Lush Products | Limited Edition Easter Range

@justkeepsoaking

Here we are again talking about Lush & some of my favourite products. This time, these products are from their Limited Edition Easter range! I have made a mistake & this post should've really gone up a lot sooner so that you could get your hands of ALL of these goodies so I apologise for that but I'll make sure to leave the link for Lush's online store where you can pick up anything they still have left it stock! 

Again, Lush has not disappointed! Not only did everything smell delightful but the presentation was also incredible! Lush always do such a great job with all their products, hence why I'm such a huge fan. Let me know if you were able to get your hands on any of their beautiful Easter products & what your favourite was! These were my favourites. 

Golden Egg Bath Bomb: Orange & Bergamot

Humpty Dumpty Bath Bomb: Honey I Washed The Kids 

Flamingo Egg Bath Bomb: Cotton Candy

Singing Daffodil Bubble Blower: Floral & Ylang Ylang

Follow The Little White Rabbit Bath Bomb: Fresh & Fruity 

Eggy Wegg Bath Bomb: Minty, Citrus 

B x 

Study Tips I've Found Helpful While Attending University

@stilclassics

I'm currently in the middle of my sixth week back at University for the year & I wanted to share some of my favourite study tips I've accumulated over my serval years so schooling. Not only is studying essential for passing school & University, but later in life you'll find studying is crucial to staying ahead of your career. Whether you're learning a new language, adding new skills under your belt or trying to become trained in First Aid, the way you study is important. I wish I knew back when I was at High School that studying doesn't have to be mad sessions, cramming last minute information until 3AM. These life-saving tips can be applied no matter what level of education you're in & hopefully they'll be just as beneficial to you as they have been to me! 

Read & Re-Write Information You Receive 

Most of us passively read & highlight the information that sits in from of us, right? Meaning that it's not being absorbed into the brain. The best way to start changing this habit would be to re-write the important information into a notebook. But, write it in your own words. If you're able to take a piece of information & put it into your own words, words that you understand, your brain is more likely to remember it! 

Take Notes By Hand 

Always write you notes by hand. Yes, you can type fast but writing connects your thought processes with the information your processing. Writing creates a deeper understanding of the work, which helps it stick in your mind. What I prefer to do, is take notes on my computer because naturally I am much faster at typing & then when I get home, I'll re-write information from the lecture into a notebook. 

Teach Someone What You Know 

I've found a really good way to help retain information is to teach someone else. For example, if you're learning a new language, take five minutes to teach family or friends what you know. If you have an exam coming up, trying teaching someone else the topic. 

Make Time To Test Yourself 

As part of my study schedule, I make time regularly to test myself on my knowledge on certain topics. It's fine if you don't know the answers to particular questions because this shows you where you have gaps & what you need to study to make up for it. 

Mind Maps Of Connecting Information 

If there are gaps in your memory, one thing I've found helpful is to connect information together by using a mind map. I do this on a large piece of paper, using plenty of coloured pens to group pieces of information that related to a single topic. I've found the more visual I make it, the more likely I am to remember the associated concept. 

What are some of your favourite studying tips? 

B x 

Brand Review: Ahhh Cosmetics New Zealand

@ahhhcosmetics

I set myself a small goal at the beginning of 2021 to look into more New Zealand brands, where I can shop locally & where I can support small New Zealand businesses. I first came across Ahhh Cosmetics New Zealand was in their first initial lockdown! I couldn't wait to place my first order & I was disappointed! 

"At Ahhh we handcraft our delectable products to make you fizz with anticipation to matter what your day throws at you. Ahhh is a vibrant, playful, luxurious range of bathroom beauties handmade with the love in New Zealand. With names like Coco Lime, Lollipop, Lemon Meringue, Peach Smoothie & Raspberry Marshmallow, our Ahhh range is designed to indulge your senses to elevate your mind, body & soul."

"From our soap, moisturiser, shampoo & conditioning concentrated solid bars, to our effervescent bath bombs, at Ahhh we use the very best of carefully hand selected, natural & organic ingredients. And of course, all Ahhh products are free from nasties like hard detergents, paragons & SLS that harm your body & our precious ecosystems when washed down the drain. Our secret ingredient is nature's superstar, coconut oil. This multi-tasking natural will used on skin & hair is celebrated for its anti-microbial, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties. Combined with other skin-loving ingredients like almond oil, cocoa butter, activated charcoal, tea tree, sugar, fruits, herbaceous botanical, goat's milk, loofah & New Zealand native beeswax & Manuka Honey. Ahhh products are packed with a bounty of natural goodness."

Ahhh Cosmetics create soaps, bath bombs, hair products, sugar scrubs, solid moisturisers, shower steams & bath salts. They have the most gorgeous natural scent range which consists of but isn't limited to Lavender, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Manuka Honey, Rose & Chamomile & Raspberry & Vanilla. 

I think I have tried one of everything from their store with the exception of the shampoo & conditioner bars. Everything I have tried, I would definitely repurchase & have already have repurchased quite a few of the bathroom treats! If I had a to choose a favourite scent I think it would have to be either Raspberry & Vanilla or Lavender. 

If you're looking to support a local business & want to try some gorgeous new bath/shower products, I cannot recommend Ahhh Cosmetics enough! It really does feel pretty amazing to be supporting a local business! 

B x 

Morning Habits For A Super Productive Day

@stilclassics

Really good morning habits can do a great job at setting you up for success! We've all had those days where we 'got out on the wrong side of the bed' & everything seems to go wrong. It seems to last all day & one day things happens after another. But having a good morning routine can make sure you start you day on the right foot & see you up for success. So it's super important to make sure your morning routines healthy habits to make sure your mood & body are prepared for a successful, productive day. These are three things I do in my morning to make sure I have a super productive day. 

Wake Up Early 

We've all been there..wrapped up all cozy in bed & the alarm drags on, you hit snooze & roll over for just '5 more minutes'. Next thing you're leaping out of bed, rushing around getting ready for your day without time to think. 

Waking up earlier gives you more time to prepare for the day. It also gives you time to have some 'you time'. Whatever that is, it's time you're taking to look after yourself. I never use to be much of a morning person but now I love it! And trust me, it feels good. 

Have Gratitude 

Gratitude can be expressed in some many ways. You can show gratitude by say thank-you to someone for something they did, write something down you're thankful for or even create a mental list of things you're grateful for. In the mornings I'll typically do more of a mental list of things I'm grateful for while doing my hair or makeup but in the evenings I'll write down what I'm grateful for when I'm daily journaling. I find doing this every single day helps me to focus of the positives & focus my energy on the good things. 

Incorporating gratitude into a morning routine can boost your mood & put you in a positive, successful mindset, ready to tackle the day. 

Making Note Of The Days Priorities 

Writing down tasks when they come to your mind means your brain doesn't have to remember them all. But only going through a couple of small tasks on your list can make you feel unsuccessful, deflated & unmotivated. A small list with just your days priorities is much easier to tackle & you get the sense of achievement when everything is done. Jotting tasks down in a planner or journal can make it super easy to keep tracker of your to-do lists. 

While to might have a to-do list the length of your arm, like I do, it's important to pick out 2 or 3 tasks which your are going to prioritise & make progress with them first. If these 2 or 3 tasks are the biggest, most challenging tasks, then by completing them first, the rest of your to-do list looks like a walk in the park! 

B x 

Better Luck Next Time - Sam Prendergast

@frankie

Many of you will know by now how much of a fan I am of the 'Frankie' magazine. Frankie is issued every 2 months & brings us some of the most amazing content. For March/April 2021 they're celebrating the release of their 100th issue which is so exciting! While reading through the magazine one article really stood out & resonated with me. 

Better Luck Next Time, written by Sam Prendergast talks about her experience with encountering people who claim to have no regrets. Sam had a really good point when she mentions that regret is basically her go-to mode of living. Whether it's because you left your lunch at home, forgot to pay your phone bill, cut your own hair or forgot to do the washing & now it's raining, these are all small regrets. I don't believe it's about obsessing over all the small regrets because I definitely don't sit down on a Sunday afternoon & worry about the washing that didn't get done on Monday but regret does keep you honest. 

"There is nothing to be learnt from having no regrets. It's like stamping yourself "FINISHED: could not & would not have done things better.'" I know wouldn't be the Bonnie I am today had I not made mistakes, had regrets & had the opportunity to learn & grow from them. It really got me thinking & I wanted to share that because I think there's a lot to be learnt from it. 

If you'd like to pick up your own copy or buy digitally online I'll leave a link here. While reading this article it was really a food for thought moment. It's something I thought was worth sharing because at the end of the day, we're all human & humans make mistakes sometimes. We regret & then we learn & grow because of it. 

Let me know what you think & if you haven't had a chance to pick up Frankie, then I highly recommend you do ASAP! 

B x 

Beside Beauty Products

@socialcut

I'm all too aware that wishing away your time is one of the worst habits you can have, I can't deny that there are days where all I dream about is getting back into bed. There is something so amazing about climbing into fresh sheets after a long day, especially into the cooler months. My evening routine is something that is a really important part of my da, it's something I seriously look forward to. Taking your makeup off can be just as great as taking your bra off after a long day. There are a few products that I reach for every evening that make my night just a touch better. 

I always think there is a fine line between having your bedroom be somewhere that is calm & peaceful. I like my bedroom to be really cosy & inviting, almost like a like a little sanctuary. Things that are a must for me are cosy bedding & comfortable pillows, a good book, peaceful warm lighting, plants & a glass of cold water. 

Sleep Spray/Essential Oils 

A sleep/pillow spray is quite a luxury product, I think we can all agree on that, but it is something that is very nice to have around. Alternatively, essential oils are the next best thing, in my opinion anyway! Lavender, Eucalyptus & Chamomile are some of my favourites to keep my bedside. If I'm not spraying in onto my pillows, I'm popping a few drops into my oil diffuser & it helps create that beautiful calm space. 

Nail Oil & Hand Cream 

Every night without a doubt I apply nail oil & a thick hand cream. Especially as we're coming into the cooler months my hands get horrendously dry but other than that, it's a simple way to pamper yourself. 

Lip Balm 

I feel like this is a non-brainer but I change the lip balm that a keep beside my bed all the time. As of right now I'm reaching for a classic, old favourite - Nivea Original Care Lip Balm. Nivea is always my go to & no matter what, it's what I always end up going back to. 

Body Lotion 

Applying body lotion before bed is another really simple self care ritual & at the moment I'm making my way through my second bottle of the limited edition Lush Yog Nog Body Milk. I always grab multiples of this product when it comes out at Christmas time because it's one of my all time favourite scents. 

What are your favourite products to use in the evening?

B x 

2021: Favourites #01

@heftiba

The fact we are already in the third month of 2021 is crazy to think about & the past three weeks have been crazy to say the least! With university starting back, it's taken me a while to find a routine that it going to work well, allow me to get everything done I want to & allow me time for me but I think we've got there! Here are all the wee bits & pieces I've enjoyed over the past couple of month! Make sure to let me know what you've been loving too! 

Products 

Hobonichi Planners, Designer Nails Cuticle Oil, The Body Shop Body Butters - Shea & Almond Milk & Honey, Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Toasted Coconut Lip Balm, Aromarrr NZ Essential Oil Diffuser & Aromarrr Coconut & Lime Diffuser Oil.

Books 

When The Coffee Gets Cold; Toshikazu Kawaguchi & The Pact; Jodi Piccoult

Films/TV Series/Documentaries

Crime Scene: Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel (Netflix), Holiday In The Wild (Netflix) & Unhinged (Apple TV) 

Apps/Technology

Notion, DayOne Journal, & Apple Watch

Content Creators 

Bailey Sarian, James Welsh & Robert Welsh 

B x