So – fast approaching is my 24th birthday… Yikes! Oh how the years fly by. It seems like just yesterday I was at High School, getting in trouble for talking too much and dating the wrong kind of boys. Now I’m an adult that talks too much and dates the wrong men. (Perhaps I should remedy a few things after this self realization?!)
It’s been an amazing few years though, I must say. Learning the curve of balancing work, independence, relationships and interests; I have come a long way from the very green girl I was back in my school days. But more enjoyably has been watching those around me flourish in their own lives. Seeing my friends work hard, whether it be through study or work, to end up climbing the ladder of success.
One of my dearest friends recently got engaged (and yes, I’m lucky enough to have been made a bridesmaid!) which has really brought home to me that we are all growing up. People are traveling, getting married, having kids, buying houses. It’s scary and exciting and wonderful. Everyone I went to school with seems to be doing something to be proud of, and thanks to Facebook, I have been able to follow the lives of my old classmates. Of the people I used to get drunk with when we were sixteen year old idiots.
At first I thought growing up, getting older, was a bad thing. Responsibility starts to impede on your life… paying bills, making sure you have insurance, bringing work home so that it’s done for that 8 o’clock meeting the next morning. You start to worry about if you are far enough along in your career, or whether your relationship is going somewhere etc etc. Things stop being all about whimsy and “whatever happens, happens”. It’s like a lightbulb has been turned on, and you’re suddenly thinking about the building blocks to your future. It’s kind of daunting…
But at the same time? Thrilling. Empowering. Exciting. Corny as it is, life is what you make of it. And the power to achieve great things is up to ones self. There are just so many possibilities, so many things to experience that now… I’m kind of looking forward to seeing what happens. Yes, the safety net has been ripped away by the ravages of time, but that’s okay. If I fall, I will get back up and try again.
So here’s to all of the twenty-somethings out there who have been hit by the sudden realization that they are not kids anymore. Let’s face it head on and make our lives good ones!
So, at the start of this month I thought “Hmm, time to save my pennies!”. I started off strong, until I remembered I live in New Zealand and pennies have nothing to do with our currency. So I shelved that idea and added to my wardrobe! Or should I say, added a boatload of skinny style jeans with a few other pieces thrown in!
Here are a few of my purchases thus far…
EziBuy Urban Denim Military Vest NZD$49.95
This cute little vest from EziBuy embodies the current soldier-style fashion statement that seems so popular right now, without being too much. Most people either love vests, or hate them, but I think it’s a quirky addition to my collection.
EziBuy Emerge Casette Print Tee Shirt NZD$39.95
Another EziBuy find, this tee is casual, funky and warm. Perfect over jeans and a great length to boot.
EziBuy Urban Stud Detail Skinny Jean NZD$59.95
Aaannnddd… EziBuy brings it home for the team AGAIN! These black skinny jeans are embellished with darkened punk-type studs, and look wicked with a black leather jacket. Just sayin’.
EziBuy Heine Designer Jeans NZD$139.95
Last but certainly not least from my EziBuy shopping spree are these wonderful dark blue skinny jeans. They fit beautifully and have a funky angel wing design on the back, giving it that extra something special.
Pulp Strap-T Boot from Hannahs NZD$149.95
These cute boots are both comfortable and fun! I am a massive fan of studs (can you tell?) and this particular style fits my personality perfectly. They look superb with skinny jeans and being flat, it means I can wear them out and about without worrying about sore feet. You can get Pulp shoes and boots from Hannahs.
Stainless Steel Sun with Gold Plating from The Warehouse NZD$49.99
Yup, who’d have thunk it, but I found a nice pendant at The Warehouse! I just saw it and fell in love, and it is now my every-day piece. A step up from costume jewellery, but still not costing megabucks like some of the designer ranges out there. A happy medium.
Valley Girl Military Cardy NZD$19.99
Cheap and cheerful. It doesn’t look like much, but it’s one of those “looks good on, looks crap off” items that you sometimes stumble across. Great to chuck over a long singlet or tight tee. Found in Valley Girl, of all places.
Hmm, so I might have gone a little bit skinny-jean-crazy, but how cute are these! Distressed patches on the front thigh and lower backside add to what would normally be a simple pair of blue jeans. Find them at Glassons.
Max Studded Skinny Jeans NZD$99.00
Skinny jeans? Check. Studs? Check. My final skinny jean purchase of the month are these beauties from Max. They fit like a dream, go well with boots and leather jackets, as well as being dressed up with corporate attire.
So, we aren’t even half way through the month and I am already eying up my bank balance with horror. But… totally worth it! Plus, most of these items I caught on sale which is always a bonus!
I work in a lovely office environment, but this also means I spend 40+ hours a week stewing beneath a heavy blanket of machine controlled air that is harshly circulated around me and dries out my skin. The end result? My skin needs some moisture baby!
I have a few good skin products to remedy this, but recently, nothing has quite been cutting it. So one day I was talking to my beautician about said issue, when she mentioned that the wonderful nourishing mask she used on me also doubled as an extremely hydrating facial cream. ZING!
So we got to talking, and she showed me the range she used – Trilogy. This is a New Zealand brand started by two ex-Australian sisters that use fresh, luxurious ingredients including their favorite ingredient, rose-hip oil. Price wise, they are middle of the range (most of their items cost around NZD$40) but the quality of their products are top-notch.
You know when you get a facial and the next day you break out? I have never, EVER broken out after a Trilogy facial. I have sensitive skin that reacts to almost anything, and yet it has positively sung out with happiness after I use their different products. They sell skin regimes for all skin types, to reduce wrinkles, help with acne and for both men and women.
Now, the product I am raving about today (and most of the past week!) is the Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Cream. This seemingly heavy cream goes on and just melts into your skin, leaving your face feeling supple and nourished. There is no shiny-faced monster looking back at you in the mirror, and it works wonderfully as a makeup primer if you are in a rush. My skin has never looked healthier, more even and best of all, there is no dry skin! I put it on before I go to bed and again after I wash my face in the morning. You don’t need a lot, it goes on beautifully and smells wonderful according to all of the people who have commented! My 75ml tube cost me just under NZD$40, and to be perfectly honest – I would have happily paid twice that much. And I certainly don’t say that often!
So, if you are searching for an eco-friendly, wonderful skin care range – try Trilogy. You will not regret it!
Now, anyone who knows me knows that I’m a GUESS girl through and through. When it comes to handbags, not much can distract me from the G label. Buuttt… I will admit to deviating from my obsession a few times. For a good quality, stylish but sexy handbag for everyday wear, I am GUESS all the way. But, when I want to funk it up a bit, make my outfits a little bit more playful… I turn to the Baby Phat range of handbags by mogul Kimora Lee Simmons.
The Baby Phat label is not only famous for its handbags, but also for shoes, clothing and accessories. That’s all good and well, but I am most taken with the outrageously over the top bags, not the other stuff!
The handbags are fun and quirky, certainly not demure in any way, shape or form. They range from approximately NZD$100 to around about NZD$500 – but in most cases, you are looking at the former rather than the latter. The bags are more often than not covered in bling, with shiny buckles, accessories and edgy designs. They look great with a simple jeans/boots/t-shirt combo, or to zest up a little black dress. These aren’t the bags for you if you wear a lot of colour or stand-out cuts, as it would just be waaaay too much. For those of you who spend most of your days in fairly simple attire? Baby Phat = WIN!
Have a look at some of the great designs to choose from!
When it comes to something to drink, I have always been one of those weird people who just prefers water. Not the kind of water that has a lemon twist, or anything like that. Just plain old water. Most of what’s out there (sodas, juices etc) just don’t really do it for me. Which is why I was surprised when I tried Vitaminwater and became… well… addicted!
Vitaminwater is a product by Glacéau, and was launched in 2000 as the first enhanced water on the market. It comes in a 500ml bottle and is available in six great tasting varieties: glacéau vitaminwater power-c (dragonfruit), glacéau vitaminwater essential (orange-orange), glacéau vitaminwater xxx (acai-blueberry-pomegranate), glacéau vitaminwater super-v (lemon), glacéau vitaminwater energy (tropical), glacéau vitaminwater revive (fruit punch).
Now, I seriously go through like two or three of these a day when I am at work! The local cafe sells them, and I go with everyone when they are getting their morning coffee and buy my drinks in bulk for the day. They are actually that good! The bizarre thing is, I absolutely loath those water drinks that have been tainted by some kind of flavour to give them “pep”. But the Vitaminwater isn’t like that! And it’s so refreshing, I feel fantastic while I’m drinking it. It is like having an icy glass of water after running around in the sun all day – it’s that thirst quenching.
Yes, I am sure it’s not going to make me any healthier, and it definitely has a high sugar content. I am not debating that. What I am saying at that I, the pickiest person I know when it comes to drinks, thinks Vitaminwater tastes great. Yum! I might go have one now…
Ahhh, there have certainly been a few interesting things that I have stumbled across online this past month or so! Enjoy!
The Simpsons intro for Season 21, Episode 20 – the one that features Ke$ha. Don’t particularly like her but LOVE the intro!
This was found by a friend of mine… possibly the WORST website ever created in the history of the internet! *Shudders* Check it out here. There is no more to the story other than the fact it just looks awful.
This is from years and years ago, but I had never seen this particular interview with Madonna before. Why is it so special? A suspiciously loose-tongued and clumsy Courtney Love stumbles in and hilarity ensures. SO AWKWARD!
The Miley Cyrus scandal of the week – the video of her dancing with her “The Last Song” producer, 44 year old Adam Shankman. (The only thing that saves him is the fact he’s gay!) In the clip she is 16 and grinding like a pro! Yikes!
The Royal New Zealand Ballet performs a piece to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”. So amazing! The talent absolutely floors me. Well done guys!
From Cracked.com comes a rather hilarious article! 15 unintentionally perverted toys for kids! Sheesh, who comes up with these things?
This guys blog is EPIC! 27bslash6.com is one guys witty fight against the world – and more often than not, authority. ALL of his posts are hilarious, but here is one of my faves! Enjoy.
And last, but certainly not least, is John Campbell and Roves bromance exposed! Watch the clips here at TV3′s video on demand.
These certainly all entertained me in one way or another! Hope they do the same for you.
So, my shopaholic tendencies have overcome me again (what’s new?) and I have been out adding to my wardrobe. I have bought a few things to keep me warm throughout winter, without bundling myself up like a Sumo wrestler, or looking drab and boring.
Now, a woman can NEVER have too many jackets (my friends disagree but this is MY blog haha) and so I have bought myself a new jacket from the lovely EziBuy store. A zip-through biker style jacket, in a slim-line classic fit. I bought it in brown, but it is also available in black and gunmetal (and it is basically identical to the white one I bought a while back). It fits me like a dream and looks awesome with boots and jeans.
Capture Biker Jacket NZD$89.95
Now, this is totally ugly, I admit. But my god it’s warm! The Maya Poncho from The Warehouse, when you’re wearing it, looks like your Grandma’s moth-eaten bedcover has attacked you. But it is deliciously cozy and great for nights at good friends houses when you are there for takeaways and DVD’s. And the funny thing? You feel great when you’re wearing it, despite it’s utter silliness. Go figure.
Maya Poncho With Arms NZD$34.99
CottonOn has always been a great shop for buying your basic tee’s and singlets, but has recently been upping its game with good quality knitted items and quirky jackets. This is where I found a rather funky, chuck over your simple jeans and t-shirt type jacket. I chose a startling, fire-engine red, but it is also available in black, white and grey. And yes yes, I know. ANOTHER jacket. So sue me!
Rosie Jacket (Ruby Rose) NZD$39.95
And last, but certainly not least, BEANIES! Luckily for me, one of the lovely girls I work with has a Mother that is a champion knitter! For NZD$10 per beanie, I (and most of the girls I work with!) have commissioned this poor lady to make copious amounts of the damn things. So far, I have paid for four to be made (black, red, blue and hot pink) and they are wonderful! First thing in the morning, when I step outside, I am nowhere near as cold as I normally am – all thanks to my head being incased in a cozy little beanie! I colour coordinate my beenies with what I am wearing, and spend the day without frozen ears and windblown hair. Brilliant! Go out there people and find a place that sells beanies and buy one in every colour. It’s worth it!
Me at work, showing off my gorgeous Hot Pink Beanie (and my Hot Pink Headphones from an earlier post!)
I have never been an AVON buyer. Don’t know why really – maybe because you can’t just walk into a shop and buy the products. You need a representative to order it for you after a consultation or at the very least, a flick through the latest brochure. AVON is famous for selling makeup and skin care products, but also peddles jewellery, perfume, clothing and things for around the house.
A wonderful friend of mine, who is also one of my fashion icons, informed me that she got a lot of her makeup from AVON (through her Mother-In-Law who’s one of their Sales Representatives). We had a brief discussion where she assured me the makeup was awesome (and if you saw how gorgeous this chick always looks, you’d see why I implicitly took her on her word!) So I requested a brochure and I was off on my first AVON adventure!
I ordered a few things – some skin products, lip balms and the item that has me blogging now, a Glimmerstick Eyeliner. I love eyeliner, it looks totally gorgeous on, but can look absolutely awful as soon as it smudges/crumbles. I have been having a hard time finding a good eyeliner that goes on well (a pencil is too light, a liquid option is too hard for the uncoordinated such as myself, and the glide sticks seem to smudge within seconds of application!) and so have been trying a zillion brands, hoping against hope to find that PERFECT EYELINER every girl dreams of.
Okay okay, maybe I’m going a little bit overboard here. But I was truly, 100% over the moon when I got my AVON order in and tried the liner for the first time. It went on easily, it stayed on all day without smudging, and it was unnaturally easy to apply both thinly and thickly. Glimmerstick – where have you been all my life?!
It comes in black, brown, grey, green and blue, and is infused with a slight shimmer that makes your eyes sparkle. The retractable tip and self-sharpening features means this is an easy to use, no mess, no fuss product. The cost is ridiculously low (depending on the promotion at the time, you could get this eyeliner for a couple of dollars or just over NZD$10) which means you can easily afford to replace it when it runs out.
I will never use another eyeliner again! I am converted! Thanks AVON!
I was at the Supermarket recently with a friend, and spotted something on the shelf I hadn’t seen before. I love Neutrogena products, always have, especially when it comes to basic skin care regimes. So it gave me a small happy to find the Neutrogena Body Oil.
I am a big lover of Bio-Oil, but the bottles are so small and I use the stuff so much that I thought it would be good to have a general oil for using on my legs after shaving etc. The price on the shelf said NZD$10, so I chucked it in my shopping basket and that was that. Later on, when I checked my receipt, I found it was actually about NZD$20 – and I thought “Damn! What a rip-off!” But by then, it was too late and I couldn’t be bothered going back to exchange it.
Well, now I’m GLAD I read the price wrong! I have been using this product ever since and it’s fantastic! A lightly scented sesame infused oil that absorbs well and leaves your skin soft and dewy looking. It isn’t greasy (yes, it leaves you with a bit of a shine, but not like Baby Oil does) and is brilliant to rub all over when you get out of the shower. The directions state it works best with “shower-damp skin to lock in the moisture”, and at first I thought “Hmm, oil and water? REALLY?!”, but it actually works quite well! I have even found that my skin is less dry directly after shaving, just due to using this product daily.
My verdict? I love this product. It’s one of those good old maintenance items for your skin. No more dry elbows or knees! The price puts it somewhere between your basic everyday brands and the more designer products, so it is affordable for the masses, but you ARE paying a little bit more for the sheer quality of it.
When I saw that the musical RENT was playing at the Civic in Auckland, I thought “Hmm, might be interesting.” I soon forgot this little inclination, to be perfectly honest, until one of the girls I work with piped up and said “I want to go to RENT – anyone else keen?” So we got together a group and bought tickets. Well. Best decision EVER!
RENT is an avant-garde rock opera, based around a group of young, down on their luck creative types living in New York and trying desperately to survive (and pay their rent, of course!). This story could very easily tip towards being quite depressing, as it touches often on poverty, death and HIV. And yet… it is woven together in such a way that it becomes a story of hope, endurance and love, without becoming overly sentimental. You fall in love with the characters, you understand that their mistakes are what make them so wonderful and offbeat. You are sucked into their world, and even though you know there can’t be a fairy tale ending, you sit there desperately hoping for them to be touched with happiness even for just a moment.
And the music… ohhh THE MUSIC! Beautiful, haunting, catchy… Obviously, many actors/singers have played these brilliant parts all over the world during different productions of RENT, but the songs themselves are pure gold. And the New Zealand cast of Rent? Didn’t let the show down at all. They were exceptional.
When I got home, I went straight onto iTunes and downloaded the album (from the film that was made based on the musical) and I have the film itself on order, too. This musical left me buzzing… It just was so riveting, dark, honest and thought provoking. I recommend anyone, anywhere in the world, to go see this show if the opportunity presents itself. It isn’t light and fluffy, but it is utter brilliance.
Or should I say, added a boatload of skinny style jeans with a few other pieces thrown in!
