February Favourite!

OMG, I can't believe that February is already over, it means this blog is nearly two months old and I'm so happy that there are so many of you reading and enjoy it.

I thought I'ld write a little list today about some of my Feb favourite, it's a range of things from activities to smells and home decor. So let's get this show on the road and get into some of my favourite from this past month.

Incredible Things by Taylor Swift

I wanted a new perfume for this year and hadn't realised that galpal Taylor had released a new one. I loved her previous perfumes, so went and smelt it and loved it. With scents of vanilla (my fav scent), musky, orchids and white amber, this perfume lasts ages on my skin, making feel super glamorous and happy when I wear it. Also the bottle is so beautiful  and looks great on my vanity.

Baking

I'm not a baker, I can cook but baking is not my expertise. Measurements and stuff are not my thing. However in the last couple of weeks I've really gotten into gluten free baking. Googling and Pintresting fun, easy recipes. What I've been doing is making a huge amount and freezing most it in small amounts ready for me to grab for uni.  My favourites to make are Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate cookies (recipe to come) and Banana, Dark Chocolate & Walnut muffins. Easy peasy recipes that taste delicious.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

This is not a favourite I am totally proud of but I have been binging this show for weeks on end. I 'accidentally' ended up watching this show through a random thought process. The start of this binge was Gigi Hadid, who I am obsessed with and I saw on her Wikipedia page that she was in a quite a few episodes of the show because her mum is on it. I decided that is Gigi was going to be on a few episode I should watch ( a logical decision obviously). However Yolanda (Gigi's Mum) is not on the show until a few season in but I couldn't just start in the middle right? So I started from the start and was hooked. It's not normally a show that I would be interested in, I'm not normally a reality tv watcher or into a show that puts women against women. I really don't know why I have to watch this show but I do, its a guilty pleasure and I'm nearly finished.

L.A. Girl Velvet Matte Bronzer Contour Stick in Suede 

I had been wanting to get into cream contour for a while and had heard mixed thing about these sticks but thought for the price I'ld give it a try. And I fell in LOVE, its so easy to apply and blend, it looks so natural and definitely plan on repurchasing.

Essay Reship Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

I was given a sample of this oil in a kit for christmas and loved it, so I repurchased a larger bottle. I just apply after my toner and before my moisturiser. I have definitely noticed a change in my skin and love how moisturising it is. Rosehip in super in right now and is so readily available, so go get you some!

 Call Your Girlfriend

Referred to as a podcast for long distance bestie, hosted by Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, this podcast is one the best things I have ever listened to. Discussing everything from Pop Culture, Politics, Menstruation and are unapologetically Feminist! I love the relationship these two have ever when they are miles apart and that they don't beat around the bush about tops, they are open and truthful, it is refreshing. Now this is a late favourite as I only started listening to this last week (22nd) but I am already up to episode 25. I have been binge listening like crazy.  I had heard about them for a while but had no space until I got my new phone, then I went for it. As a 'Baby Feminist', I truly appreciate this format and am so inspired by these two women. I am now a proud member of the CYG family and will forever be loyal.

Article I first saw CYG on: http://msmagazine.com/blog/2016/01/06/9-feminist-podcasts-to-stream-in-2016/#card_3052_30760_30759

CYG website: http://callyourgirlfriend.com/about


Active Wear

I have bought way to much active wear in the last month... I mean it's a slight addiction. From sneakers to legging and sports bra, the cuter the better, active wear has become part of my wardrobe (something I never thought would happen). But really its super practical not just for working out but for when you need to do jobs around the house or for work as well. 

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flower are know to bring joy and happiness when they are placed in a room and I have joined the party. Every week I have been doing out a buying flowers to put in my room. To me they just brighten the place up and make me feel a bit more put together. Like I'm totally classy because I have fresh flowers in my room.

Mindy Kailing's Why Not Me?

I mean it's Mindy Kailing, I already own her first book and love it. I was on the waiting list for ages to actually get my hands on this book and it was totally worth the wait. A continuation on her first book 'Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me? (And Other Concerns), Mindy uses her clever wit to talk about issues and topics that every women deals with. Falling in love, weight loss, seeking new friendships; stories that are relatable and funny, not just the norm of a 'autobiography'. Mindy Kailing is a great writer in generally and if your a fan of her humour I highly recommend both of her books.

So there are some of my favourite for the month. It's been a great month, a busy but a fabulous one.  I'm slowly falling in love with working out and am looking forward to starting my final year of undergrad. So here's to another fab month in 2016. Let keep the good times flowing.

Love Louise xo

Happiness doesn't mean that everything's perfect. It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfection.

Unknown

#Girl Boss, A Review

Okay, so today I thought I'ld hit you with a book review.  I feel like the other two that I have put out are more like me talking about the person as a whole and mentioning the book, this one I hope is a bit more book focus.

As I have mentioned before as part of implementing my New Year's Resolution is my inspirational reading list. The latest addition to that list is Sophia Amoruso's #GirlBoss. 

I was introduced to this awesome book by the blog The Haute Mess which is the brain child of Ashley Tisdale. In an article written by Aspen Hogue '5 Must Have Books For Every Girl Boss' She outlines 5 incredible books and obviously the moment I read it I went and requested every single one from my local library. Now I may not be a Girl Boss at this moment but one day I hope to be and I think that every women should strive to be the best they can be whatever they are doing. Inspiring right?

On a side note I love The Haute Mess so much, the articles are well written, fun & witty, while also covering a wide variety of topics from beauty and fashion to one my fav headers WERK, all about being a powerful badass women, obviously where the aforementioned article came from.

Now back to this book.

If your not familiar with her, Sophia Amoruso is the creator and founder of the clothing brand Nasty Gal. She can be seen as the definition of a #GirlBoss, a women who started a super small business on eBay in order to pay rent that morphed into one the best kept secrets of the fashion world, the place with some of the best clothing for the girls in the know. From an eBay shop selling vintage clothing she was spending her weekends rummaging for to running a clothing empire and having a net worth of $250 million and counting. I mean... From just that alone can you see why this women is pretty awesome.


I actually didn't know who Sophia Amoruso was before I started reading this book and had only heard of Nasty Gal in some Youtube hauls I had watched but this book intrigued me and I'm so glad it did.

What captured me from the start was in the first couple of pages Amoruso puts into words what I have been feeling for so long about feminism, modernism and the conceptual ideas people have about women who look a certain way.

'When I put on make up, I'm not doing it to pander to antiquated patriarchal ideals of feminine beauty. I'm doing it because it makes me feel good. That's the spirt of Nasty Gal: We want you to dress for yourself , and know that it's not shallow to put effort into how you look. I'm telling you that you don't have to choose between smart and sexy. You can be both. You are both' (pg.15)

I mean isn't that one the best thing you have ever read? I kinda wanna frame it and put it on my wall. It is the epitome of what I believe, that just because I dress up and wear make up doesn't mean I do it for a man and it still makes me a feminist.

What I also love about the way Amoruso wrote her book is that though it tells the story of how Nasty Gal actually started but also all the mistakes, failures, successes and lessons she had along the way. Once we get the stage where Nasty Gal is actually thing, she gets into the nitty gritty of running a business how to fire someone, find investors, her beliefs in running her company and even how as a newbie you can build yourself up to be a #GirlBoss with tips about how to write a CV, interviews etc. It's not about how to run a cookie cutter business but create a business that suits you. This really is a great guide for women to know how to present themselves in the workforce.

Its also not just the generic advice but its stuff that she has learnt from experience and catered towards being the best you can be. Sprinkles through the brilliant chapters are short profiles by other #GirlBoss's who lend their own words of wisdom towards the book.

Amoruso's way of writing is witty and clever, never being overly obnoxious or forcing information upon us. Everything is based on her own opinion and what she has learnt along the way, you know that she wouldn't  have written it down if it wasn't true. she shows us that even if your not entirely sure of what your doing you can achieve your goals.

Overall I found this book a great read, its inspirational on every sense. Whether you are a women starting out your career or have dreams that you hope to conquer or just floundering on what to do, any part of this book will provide you with the wisdom you need to push forward on your path.

I would recommend this book to everyone, I don't think their is specific audience or anyone who shouldn't read it, it really doesn't matter.
So go out and grab yourself a copy today, I know you won't regret it.

Love Louise xo


If you know your going to fail, then fail gloriously.
Cate Blanchett






The Haute Mess Blog Post: http://thehautemess.com/5-must-have-books-for-every-girl-boss/

The Single Pringle Valentine's Day Survival Guide

Just a short little extra post today just as I wanted to show this up before V-Day

So very soon the exclusive and elusive holiday of Valentine's Day is upon us and if any of you are like me your constantly single during this holiday for those who aren't forever alone, there is feeling of awkwardness when February approaches.

Now I'm not saying that if you re in a happy, stable, loving relationship you shouldn't take a day to celebrate that love and enjoy spending time with your significant other, but if your are single whether you choose to be or not Valentine's Day can sometimes be a pain, especially if everyone else around is lovey-dovey.

Now this post isn't complaining about the existence of Valentine's Day or the commercialised aspects of it but more of a little bit of some fun advice/tips on how us single pringle girls like me can use if your feeling a little down on February 14th. Why not catch up with friends or have some me time instead.



Organise a fun movie night for you and few of your friends, whether its chick flicks, horrors or binging a new tv show, get a few of your also single friends together and break out the popcorn (if you still live at home like I do, it could even be your mum that you chill out with this coming Valentine's)

Another friends option is a picnic  (sorry north hemisphere), grab a pizza, fish & chips or even do a pot luck of all your favourite foods and head to your local park or beach. This means you don't have to worry about running into lovey does couples by going to a restaurant but are still grabbing a fun bit to eat with your friends and not feeling pushed to celebrate if you don't want to. Grab a speak, make a fun playlist, dance it out, maybe even break out some glow sticks and make it a night of it.

You don't need friends for these two ideas either, grab your fav movie or create a fun playlist and just chill. Dance it out in your room or snuggle down with some popcorn m & m's, it doesn't matter whether you have a significant other by your side or not, you can have some me time and have some fun doing it. I have a playlist on my phone called Happiness which is basically my dance and sing it out playlist and I know that if I'm feeling down or need to burn off some energy I can just put it on and feel great. Try it out this Valentines if you feel a bit down and out.

How bout buying yourself a treat, whether just a nice block of chocolate, some pretty flowers to brighten up your room or a new dress, whatever make you smile that day you totally deserve.You don't need a significant other to buy you something or even buy something to impress someone. Buy it because you want it. Now I'm not endorsing frivolous spending but its okay to have a treat once in a while as a pick me up or a just cause.


Bit of a bitty post but I just wanted to post something about Valentine's Day as I know that sometime is can be hard for those of us that don't have a someone who we want celebrate it. If you are feeling a little lonely or down because it is February 14th, just remember there are always people out there who love you, why not give them a call and see if they are free for some fun, I'm sure it will bring a smile to your dial.



Hope these help lovely :)
Let me know what your up to this weekend whether its with a partner, your friends, family or yourself. I'ld love to hear it.


Love Louise xo

Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine
Whoopi Goldberg

OOTD: Just Play(suit)ing Around

So it's another stinking hot day here in Auckland and I was off to get my hair spruced up so I thought I'ld shoot an OOTD after I had my hair all pretty like for y'all.

Since it was such a hot day, I keep it pretty casual and flowy, just so that I didn't feel as though I was being weighed down or something by my clothes while walking around the shops and then sitting in a hairdressers for a few hours.

I choose to throw on another playsuit that bought during the Playsuit Obsession of 2015/16

This one I fell in love with because of the way it draped at the top into this beautiful v wrap shape, a cut that is perfect for bigger busted girls like me.

As well as the print was something I hadn't seen before and colours that I didn't have in my wardrobe.

Its almost a marble/tie dye effect in black, mauve, grey and beige.

I topped this casual outfit off with my rose gold jandals, a collection of silver rings, a black mini satchel and my new 'she believed she could so she did' pendant.

For make up I really did my basic every day look ( I know it seems like an excessive amount of products but really I need them all)

Products Used:

OH She Aromatherapy Pure Magic Primer

Rimmel London Match Perfection in Ivory

Rimmel London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in Transparent (Not Pictured)

Bourjois Paris Round Pot Blush in Rose d'Or

L.A Girl Velvet Bronzer Contour Stick in Suede

L.A Girl Velvet Hi-Lite Stick in Cashmere

Ambient Lighting Edit Palette in Iridescent Light on my cheek bones and Diffused Light under my eyes and on my T-zone

ELF Eyebrow Kit in Dark

Rimmel London Eyebrow Pencil in Black Brown

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick in Bluffing

Still Eyes Are The Window Palette in Soul using the colours Individual, Being,Character,Vitality and Kitten

Art Deco Sensitive Fine Liner in Deep Black (Not Pictured)

 Maybelline Lash Sensational in Black

Maybelline New York Colour Drama in Nude Perfection

Revlon ColourBurst Lipgloss in Bellini

L.A Girl Pro Powder High Definition Setting Powder

Outfit Worn

Playsuit: Supre

Shoes: Amazon Beach Wear

Bag: Rubi Shoes

Necklace: eBay

Infinity Ring: Equip

Floral Ring: Pandora

I hope you enjoyed this little OOTD I put together for you, I really enjoy these little post and look forward to doing many more of them.

Love Louise xo

Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal

Yves Saint Laurent

    

Lush Lover

Show of hands if your one of those people who walks into Lush and have to buy at least one thing before they leave

(Raise hand slowly)

I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for Lush, I love literally every single one of their products and know almost as much about them as the sales people do. I mean its almost addictive in a totally okay way. Its vegan, environment friendly products so like by buying products from them I'm totally helping save the planet right? 

I don't know if its the intoxicating scents, the dazzling colours or the cheerful staff but I cannot resist it.

Does anyone else have this problem? (please tell me you do)

Since I'm so obsessed with Lush (I literally have a over flowing basket of products in my room)

I thought I'ld go through a list of some my top products from Lush.

I love how much variation their is in Lush's products as well as the fact that they aren't gender specific, so they are free for anyone to use.

So here we go:

Louise's Lush Loves

1.Honey Bee Bath Bomb
One the best smelling ones there is in my opinion, sweet like honey & caramel and filled with Moroccan mud. This bath bomb smells as good as it feels. Only down side is the colour.. its a little weird sitting in yellow bath water.

2. The Comforter Bubble Bar
Smelling like blackcurrants The Comforter is my favourite bubble bar as does it have an incredibly strong smell and create great bubbles, its actually big enough for a couple of baths, giving you a good bang for ya buck.

3. Shower Jellies
I actually don't have an opinion on which scent of shower jelly you should get as I have tried most of them (including the limited edition Christmas one, which is my favourite) but I love the concept of them. Thicker than a shower gel, they lather up amazingly and what I find the best for shaving my legs. Also they are super fun to play with if you take it out whole from the packaging. Next time your in the store, give it a go.

4. Curly Wurly Shampoo
The one and only shampoo I continue to repurchase from Lush. My hair reacts to certain shampoos and after the lovely people at Lush gave me many samples to try, I fell in love with this shampoo. It smells incredible like coconut and vanilla and is perfect for those of us with curly or frizzy hair (like me). I apply it just to the bottom half of my hair that gets really tangled and its perfect.

5. Blackberry Bath Bomb
My favourite bath bomb to put with The Comforter, its scents of blackberry and musque match with the blackcurrant perfect as well making your water a awesome purple/pink colour.

6. Big Blue Bath Bomb
If you ever wanted to be a mermaid, this bath bomb is for you. With lavender, seaweed and lemon, Big Blue literally turns your water in a swirling tub of ocean water. It smells incredible and the seaweed does wondered for your skin, so its a win/win situation.

7. Greased Lightening Spot Treatment
Something both my 17 year old brother and I actually agree on is how amazing this treatment is. Just put a little on your pimples before you go to bed and it will decrease the redness & dry out your pimples all at the same time. Its filled with everything that good for your skin, witch hazel, tea tree, aloe, you name it, its in there.

8. Popcorn Lip Scrub
Okay, so this one is more about smell than anything else. You can make your own lip scrubs at home super easy but this Popcorn Scub smells so good its hard to resist. It smells so buttery and sweet like caramel you just want to eat it, which is good because you can. Every put into the scrub it edible so once you have finished scrubbing you can lick the rest off your lips. I mean that a beauty treatment and a snack all in one.

9. Buffy Body Butter
I was introduced to this exfoliating bar online by someone talking about how much it helped their Keratosis Pilaris ( those little red bumps some people get on their arms caused by dry skin blocking hair follicles). As a suffer of KP I needed something that was gentle enough it wouldn't irritate my skin but also exfoliated and opened the hair shafts. The exfoliants that makes up Buffy are ground up rice, almonds and beans, so they are super gentle on the skin and the cocoa & shea butter means it leaves the skin extra soft. A win in my books for sure. (also great after you shave as well to prevent ingrown hairs)

10. Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser
Using the same scent as the Popcorn Lip Scrub, this cleanser literally smells like a cookie and makes you consider eating it badly. As its almost a paste like cookie dough consistency it cleanses and polishes the skin. Great for skin that doesn't have a large amount of problem areas but just needs a good scrub and clean to keep it healthy.


So there it is, My Top 10 must by products from Lush. Let me tell you that it was hard to narrow it down to a short list, there so many more I could but on there like the Tea Tree Water Toner, Toothy Tabs or Creamy Candy Bubble Bar. But I stopped it there so that this post wouldn't go on forever. I also didn't include any of the holiday stuff really as it now January and hard to get you hands on (fingers crossed they do another winter in July promo this year).

What do you guys think, is there anything I should have included on my list of top products? Is there anything on there you have tried or been wanting to try? I would love to hear what would be on you Holy Grail List.
Let me know down below, i would love to hear from you.

Love Louise xo


Your time is limited, So don't waste it living someone else's life.
Steve Jobs