Long Weekend Refresh

Long weekends are such perfect ways to refresh and relax. Thankfully us Sydney-siders had perfect summer-like weather, which means much of my days off were spent beachside.

I also used my days off to introduce two Dr Hauschka products from FacialCo to my skin care routine- the cleansing cream (buy here) and the day cream (buy here).

I'm pretty excited by these products as they are made with all natural ingredients - something that is so important to consider for skincare that sits on our face each day!

You can purchase the full range of products (plus heaps of other brands) at FacialCo.

Etsy Finds

I have always loved supporting local Australian designers. Something about our laid-back landscape combined with plenty of ambition seems to inspire bounds of creativity. So I was pretty excited when Etsy approached me to help find my favourite fresh piece on their online marketplace. Etsy had plenty to choose from, but as Summer is swiftly incoming, I was immediately drawn to this shibori tie-dyed beach throw (buy one here!).  

Created by designer Ambaloo, my new throw is such a gorgeous piece, perfect for lying by the pool or taking on beach picnics. This Etsy seller also has heaps of other hippie-inspired designs, so make sure you check them out here!

xx

Energise

So perhaps my strawberry placement could be improved (I promise to work on it), but this protein smoothie bowl was too good and easy not to share!

I put about a scoop of at.health cocoa protein powder (available here), a cup of unsweetened coconut milk, ice, RAW powder, one frozen banana and ice into my Vitamix blender for about 2 minutes. Then I scooped it into a bowl, topped it with low fructose muesli, strawberries and organic coconut and voila - the quickest and yummiest pre-gym smoothie bowl ever.

xx

Snapshots from NYFW and LFW SS16

Ah fashion month. An influx of visual goodness from some of the most photogenic places in the world. New York, London, Milan, Paris. The wanderlust is real. As is the renewed need to spring clean your wardrobe and rediscover those pieces that can update your current rotation. 

For me, I'll be playing around with my multiple clothing items adorned with stars, grey tee's, white sneakers, overalls and statement clutches.

Let's wait and see what new ideas Milan and Paris will bring.

 xx

Images from becauseimaddicted.net, Pinterest, Elle.com

Routine

I love updating my beauty routine regularly. It could perhaps be attributed to the increasingly gorgeous packaging of a number of products - especially those minimalistic ones with pops of colour. They are also full of promise, to make skin smooth and fresh, or to rid hair of frizz - it's too easy to continually restock my bathroom drawer!

My latest 3 products I am currently testing are from Ry.com.au (which has a huge range of brands!) and are by Dermalogica and evo.

First up, I now officially understand the need for pre-cleansing. It is worth the extra step in my daily routine, especially since most of my day products contain SPF, which is harder to remove from the skin. The Dermalogica version (buy it here), actually feels as if it removes all lingering products from my skin, allowing my cleanser to work so much better. If there is one product you are considering, I would 100% recommend adding this pre-cleanser to your routine.

A second Dermalogica product I am liking is their general cream exfoliant (available here), which I have been using three times a week to help fade stubborn post-pimple marks, which is my perennial skin problem.

Finally, I admit I tried this evo straightening balm mainly for the packaging - all white and pink perfection! Lucky it's doing its job, giving me the excuse needed to try out more of their products. I have been using this particular product in my hair before straightening, both as a heat protectant (so important!) and also to help minimise fly aways. 

Overall, if you are looking for a beauty update, I would definitely add these to your daily routine.

xx

We are lovers

Nothing gets you quite as excited for incoming warmer weather as a new bikini. It is the most visual representation of summer and all it encompasses - coconuts and sunlight and salty water and denim shorts. Those first few warm days as Spring begins are especially lovely, where appreciation for the suns rays are at their highest and everyone clamours to get outside and enjoy nature at its finest.

So I basically cannot wait to wear my new Rusty Cruise Halter (you can purchase it online here). It is a refreshingly cute update of the classic black bikini and I'm loving the higher neck line and ridges, which gives the two piece a super flattering shape. It will be perfect to team with denim shorts for lazy days on the beach, or just chilling in my backyard at the first glimpse of those pre-summer rays.

xx

August Update

Happy Monday! Coffee in hand, I am currently tackling my inbox, finishing an assignment and (trying) to get organised for a busy week ahead. So of course, I end up writing a blog post instead. Regardless this has been long overdue - I returned home from Hawaii to that typical post-holiday catch up, where the blog gets pushed down the list a little. Somewhere after Instagram, but before cleaning my room. 

I have some exciting collaborations coming as well as an update of my travel pages for both Maui and Oahu (I have so many photos to share!), but in the meantime, here are a few images and links I have been loving/reading this week.

The emotional stages of cleaning out your closet.  

Easy changes to make for your health

The best holidays for Instagram (It's a thing...)

I found this account on Instagram, and fell in love with this image of her room! @apebalsom

xx