2021: Favourites #03

@arnelhasanovic

I keep saying it, but I can't believe we're already over half way through the year! It's crazy how quickly time ifs flying! This favourites post is quite a simple one filled;led with little bits & pieces but I wanted to share these with you regardless! Let me know what your favourites have been over the past couple of months! 

Notion

Other than the standard organisation apps you get on Apple devices like iCal, Reminders & Notes, Notion is the other digital planning lifesaver have come across. I used it to organise pretty much everything. It holds all the important information I could ever need or refer back to. It took me awhile to set it up in a way I found most beneficial but once I got there it's been an incredible feature to my organisation system. 

Uni Jetstream Pens (0.7 & 0.5)

A bit of an odd one but I'd heard how amazing these pens were to write with & if you know me well you"ll know I love a good, smooth writing pen. My pencil case is know filled with Uni Jetstream Pens in both 0.7 & 0.5 sizes. They're gorgeous to write with & what's I'm always reaching for. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

I've spoken about this mascara recently in a couple of posts but I adore this mascara. It beautifully lengthens lashes while added a touch of volume. It's been my go to mascara since I first started using it! see full review here. 

Revolution Pro Hydrating Matte Primer Serum

Another product I think I've briefly mentioned before but this product was recommended to me by a friend of mine & it did not disappoint. It help;s to keep any unwanted shine away but keeps skin hydrated for a gorgeous makeup application. Not to shabby for a drugstore prime/serum combination. 

Chichi Super BB Cream (Light)

Not a new favourite but I've found myself reaching for a base product that is slightly lighter than my regular foundation. the Chichi Super BB Cream is what I have been reaching for & I've fallen in love all over again. It's such a light product on the skin but gives a light to medium coverage on the skin. It's super natural & hydrating on the face & that's all I could ask for when my skin is having a melt down over this colder wether! 

Ecoya Candles

I've always loves Ecoya candles but I finally lit a small one I've had in my office for at lest a good 18 month. Their Guava & Lychee scent is absolutely stunning & left my room smelling gorgeous. If you're willing too pay a little bit more for your candles then I definitely recommend Ecoya. They haves so many amazing scents & other products as well. They're definitely worth checking out! 

Selena Trevino (Youtube & Instagram)

I can't quite remember how I came across Selena on YouTube but chances are it could've been my 'home' page on YT. Selena is the most beautiful soul! Selena is so real & authentic which reflects in her content. Selena creates lifestyle, health & productivity vlogs as she navigates her way through balancing a 9-5 job & everything else she is passionate about. Definitely check her content out if the seems like something you might be interested in! 

B x 

Simple Winter Makeup | Go To Products

@alysa

Today's post is going to feature all the current go to products that I use to create a really simple winter makeup look. Chances are you've heard me talk about a couple of these products before therefore they're all products I really love using. They're all really beautiful products & I know they're going to make my skin look amazing during the cold, drier months. What are some of the products you've been loving this cold winter season? 

Base

Revolution Pro Hydrating Matte Primer Serum

Chichi Super BB Cream (Light)

Revolution Blot & Bake Banana Powder
Revlon Highlight & Sculpt Kit

Brows
Chichi Brow Pomade
Benefit 24HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

Eyes/Lashes 
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

B x 

Volumising & Lengthening Mascara's

@anniesprat

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

"Sky High lash impact from every angle! Last Sensational Sky High mascara delivers full volume & limitless length. Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumise & extend every single last from root to tip. Waterproof mascara formula infused with bamboo extract & fibres for long, full & lightweight lashes, that don't flake or smudge." 

I tired this mascara after it was recommended to me by a friend & it's incredible. I believe it also went viral on TikTok & I can see why. In terms of a lengthening formula, it's one of the best drugstore mascara's I've used in a long time. I've worn it nearly every day since I first tried it! 

Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof/Washable Mascara 

"Give in to Total Lash Temptation! Build on bold volume to create irresistibly soft, separated & dense lashes coat after coat. Features a creamy & whipped formula infused with coconut extract." 

I've been using this mascara since it first came out & it's only now been replaced by the Lash Sensational Sky High mascara. It creates incredible volume while not creating a clumpy mess of your lashes. Both waterproof & washable formulas are incredible while always achieving a gorgeous volumed lash appearance. I've had multiple tubes of this mascara lying around whether that's in my makeup bag or as back ups! I hope they never get rid of this one because it's a great mascara I always fall back on because I know it has my back in terms of performance. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara

"Kick up the volume & length of each & every lash. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact. Lashes get instant volume & length."

Now, I haven't tried a whole lot of what I'd consider 'high end' mascaras but this one blew me away. I was given a sample product to try & I fell in love with it immediately. It's not one I reach for all the time purely because I can achieve a very similar look with the mascaras mentioned above but if you're looking to treat yourself or prefer a more 'high end' product, it's definitely worth giving a go! 

B x 

Weekly Routine: A Birds Eye View Of My Working Week

@majortomagency

While I feel like my weeks are always changing & I'm constantly doing a bunch of different things, in terms of a schedule here's a birds-eye-view of my working week. 

A Standard Day 

530AM: Alarm 

530-630AM: AM Rituals - Bed, Breakfast, Coffee, Skincare, Makeup, Get Dressed, Pack Bag 

630-650AM: Commute To Work 

7-830AM: Work

830-9AM: Commute Home From Work 

9-930AM: Quick Home Tidy, Coffee, Emails & Check Planner 

930-12PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily* 

12-1230PM: Lunch Break 

1230-215PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily*

220-245PM: Commute To Work 

3-6PM: Work 

6-630PM: Commute Home From Work 

630-7PM: Dinner & Tidy Up 

7-8PM: Finish Up At Desk For The Day 

8-845PM: Shower, Skincare & PJs 

845-930PM: PM Rituals - Reading & Journaling 

930-10PM: Fall Asleep 

Monday 

Monday's are my designated days to do everything website related for the week. I try to be ahead of schedule but that isn't always the case. I'll do everything from planning, writing, editing, photos, scheduling & social media during this period of time. 

Tuesday

Tuesday's are more of my catch up days for university. I try not to let things fall through to the following week but if need be, I know I have time during a Tuesday to finish up things from the previous week. I'll also prepare everything I need for lectures & workshops for the week. 

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 

These three days are all pretty university heavy. I'll be participating in lectures & workings, trying to finish up notes, working on readings & assignments. 

This schedule is definitely subject to change due to class changes through semesters at university & my work load at work but for the most part this is what I try to stick to. One thing I'd like to incorporate more into my daily & weekly routine is movement of my body. I know that it's something that's going to make me feel great & have good benefits to my body. For context, I work at a Before/After School & Holiday Programme hence why my work day is split into two periods of time. I'm studying a Bachelors Of Teaching & Learning for Primary aged children which is incredible & I'm loving it. 

B x 

Protecting Your Mental Health When Working From Home

@wearefredi

Over the last 18 months, many of us have found ourselves working in a whole new environment & capacity to what we are use to. While I love working from home, some people will still be struggling. Last month I experienced a couple of weeks where I was really down, unmotivated & overwhelmed with all aspects of life. When home becomes work & work becomes home, it can be extremely difficult to seperate the two. Sometimes it does get a little too much & I wanted to share some of my tips I've picked up over the years I've studied from home for you to consider. Hopefully they'll help improve the quality of your day. 

Keep A Routine 

For me, working at home has become my normal. I finished my final two high school years at home & now I'm studying at University through distance learning. Sometimes it can be really easy to lose track of time or feel the urge to just have an easy day, not get any jobs finished. Sometimes, this is exactly what you need but you also need to develop discipline to avoid potential added stress by not getting things done. Routine is so essential for my mental health & on days I don't keep my routine, I never feel as productive, content or as on top of things as I could be. 

Take Breaks 

Along with keeping a routine, make sure that routine includes breaks throughout the day. Remember, just because you're working from  home doesn't mean you need to be working 24/7! Be just as discipline in allowing yourself downtime as you need to be with getting work done. 

Seek Connection 

If I'm not with people, I'm constantly messaging, emailing & seeking out that connection through other opportunities that are available. 

Eat & Drink 

Set reminders if you need to but when you're taking scheduled breaks make sure you eating & drinking adequate amounts! Nutrition is imperative to concentration, productivity & your mental wellbeing. 

Get Outside

Even if is just in your small backyard, go outside & get some fresh air & sunlight. It'll do wonders for your mood. 

Rest From Screens 

Give yourself a break from screens. Do anything but look at a screen during a designated part of your day. 

B x 

New To My Makeup Bag

@charlottechouette

I have a couple of products that are new to my makeup bag that I thought I might be worth sharing with you. This won't be a super in-depth post because the majority of these products a brand new as in I've never tried them before & a couple of the products I've tried before & pulled from my collection and/or brought again recently. What I will is thought, is give you a description of the product so you're able to gauge whether it's a product you might be interested in doing a bit more research on or try out. 

Revolution Pro Matte Primer 

"Infused with collagen & antioxidants, this all-in-one primer & serum will help to plump the appearance of your complexion, whilst protecting & prepping the skin for flawless makeup application." 

Chichi Super BB Cream 

"This two in one make-up meets skincare tinted cream formula with SPF30 may be worn as a light foundation or as a primer to help conceal blemishes, uneven colouring, fine lines, scarring & other imperfections. It will let your skin breathe whilst radiating a healthy lustre." 

Chichi Super CC Cream 

"This two in one make-up meets skincare tinted cream formula with SPF30 may be worn as a light foundation or as a primer to help reduce the appearance of redness or sallowness, blemishes & other skin imperfections. The silky, light weight texture will let your skin breathe whilst radiating a healthy lustre. Also helps to improve uneven skin tone with its unique light-diffusing pigments." 

Benefit Cosmetics 24HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel 

"This 24 hour clear brow gel shapes & tames brows & locks on makeup so brow don't pull a disappearing act. The custom-folded, dual-sided wand coats hairs from root to tip & the flexible, flake-free formula is easy to apply & quick to dry." 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara 

"Sky High lash impact from every angle! Lash Sensational Sky High mascara delivers full volume & limitless length. Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumise & extend every single lash from root to tip. Washable mascara formula infused with bamboo extracts & fibers for long, full & lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge." 

B x 

The Problem With Always Wanting More

@benchaccounting

I saw a post a couple of weeks back on Twitter that sparked  the beginning of the thought process for this post. I guess I just wanted to chat about how I feel about living in a culture that is never satisfied & always desires more. Whether it's more money, more clothing, more toys, more followers - the list could go on forever. When thinking a little deeper, a came to the realisation that in many ways, wanting more, defines our entire society. More power, more wealth, more prestige, more reputation. 

But the problem with that lifestyle choice, of desiring more, is when we constantly desire more, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we accumulate or achieve, more always exists. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to have goals but when more is the goal, we never truely achieve it. More is not sustainable & that's the problem with wanting more. Happiness & contentment will always elude us if we are looking for it in the acquisition of more. 

What if it was a common place to see an end to the pursuit of wanting more, would it be a different story? If human beings eventually arrived at a level of more & suddenly become content, we could all strive to reach that magical level of more that we are all desperate to reach. 

After all this, this is the way I see it. We can continue to pursue more. We can believe there is a better life waiting for us if we just acquire more money, more property, more fame. OR, we can reject the false notion that more is needed to discover happiness. We can find contentment in our circumstances & gratitude for the blessings we already possess. The choice is yours. 

I choose to be content with less. What do you choose? 

B x