The Sunday Break #7

 

 

 

Another sunday, another sunday break.
Today, I started the day right, a mug of the signature green tea, a delicious bowl of creamy, honey porridge, and another re-reading of The Fault in Our Stars. I'm obsessed, end of.
Chilly, winter mornings, require porridge. It doesn't look too appealing but, trust me it tasted amazing, honey and porridge is just always a winner.
I recently saw the TFiOS movie; and wow, it was amazing. It made me want to read the book.. again, it gets better everytime, and still as emotional as the last.

So tell me about your favourite book? maybe it's time I branch out into something not TFiOS related.
How has your month been?

 

♥

Cedel Raspberry Rush Hairspray

Hairspray is a wonderful product, which saves my hair from turning into a mess at a hint of a breeze. One thing, I wish I could change is that chemical scent most hairsprays have - but, I have found the product that makes all my hair dreams come true; Cedel's Raspberry Rush Hairspray.
This product is amazing! I just love it! The packaging is gorgeous; it's creative, its pink and stands out in my hair care/product collection. It's just perfect!

The product itself smells of raspberry soft drink and lollies, a pleasure to spray in my hair, and every so often throughout the day - I catch a whiff of it and it still has that gorgeous scent.
The product hair style wise does not disappoint, much like Cedel brand hairsprays, you get a great hold, not crispy and its easy to work with throughout the hair.

They also have a coconut scent and a oriental floral one, looks like two more are about to be purchased. :)

What is your favourite hairspray?  

 

♥

Palmer's Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Lip Butter

Lip balms are a must during the winter. A few months back I blogged about one of my holy grail, newly discovered lip balm/butter; Palmer's Lip Butter. Oh my my. I just loved it! It became so well loved, another was needed. I saw that there was a second 'flavour' in the lip butter range; dark chocolate and peppermint. This smells just like those chocolate mints that are available at Christmas time, or peppermint crisp chocolates. Or just peppermint chocolate in general. The consistency is lovely and great to put on before applying lipstick, just to add that subtle shine.

It's just as lovely for the lips as the dark chocolate and cherry one, I find these make such a difference to my lips. Highly recommend the lip butters from Palmer's.

 

 

Have you tried these lip butters? Share your thoughts. :)

 

♥

The Sunday Break #6

This Sunday break is a little more simplistic. I decided to treat myself to a few episodes of one of my favourite television series - Gossip Girl. It was quite the simple way to treat myself, but just what I wanted and needed.
I made myself a vanilla latte, and watched a few amazing episodes. Bliss.

I adore everything about this series, the scandals, love stories, the eye candy, the fashion, the beauty, just everything! I secretly wish I had Blair Waldorf's wardrobe.

What do you love at the moment? Any recommendations?

♥

The Sunday Break #5

Here we have another installment of The Sunday Break. I hope you're enjoying this little series, and if you are, let me know. For now, lets get straight into it!

The drink;
Tea, tea, tea. I love ice tea as a refreshing drink and hot tea as a relaxing drink, both are what the this break has been about. I recently purchased two little boxes of tea on a recent shop. Even though in Australia, March tends to be a mix of summer and spring like weather - not so much Autumnal weather. Once, April comes round there are some hot days, but it slowly begins cool down and hot sweet tea can be made. This berry flavoured tea is that perfect transitional tea between summer and winter.

The sweet;
Now, I have quite a sweet tooth. Something that I love to eat is Turkish Delight. I find it is the perfect little treat to have alongside tea. It is something that I do not have to feel completely guilty about having. Something about this just compliments the berry flavoured tea.

What are you treating yourself to?

♥

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair Restoring Conditioning Spray

I was recently gifted this product, which is great as I was in need of a conditioning spray to give my hair that little extra care.
Now I have dabbled into L'Oreal haircare range as its the most affordable, and has amazing results.
I use this product in the mornings and at night before I go to bed, I often spray generously throughout my hair and then brush through. What is also great about this product as it often helps to detangle my hair and that it doesn't feel heavy on my hair.
What it says on the bottle is true, it is weightless, it conditions & detangles, and does help to strengthen. However, I believe the hair mask in this range would be more suited to that claim.
I do recommend this product, more as an addition to your haircare routine.
What are your favourite haircare products? Any recommendations?

♥

The Sunday Break #4

The humble mocha, I decided I would treat myself to one and take some time out for myself and organise and plan assignments, to gather my ideas. I know this somewhat defeats the purpose of 'The Sunday Break', but I found planning my assignments in a relaxed café, with a delicious mocha - made it enjoyable.

I did however afterwards treat myself to watching a few episodes of The Carrie Diaries. Once again late on the bandwagon with this one. I have been addicted to The Carrie Diaries. As a massive fan of Sex and the City, (by the by - has anyone read the book it was based on? Was it a good read?). It was only natural that I would want to watch The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to what was Sex and the City. I became addicted instantly, I think Austin Butler is responsible for that one. I really enjoyed watching this series, and I totally ship Kyddshaw (how cute does that sound!). I've become quite fond of the series and recommend it.
After watching the The Carrie Diaries, I want to read the book it is based upon, perhaps the next Sunday Break will be including the The Carrie Diaries novel.

♥

Palmer's Gentle Daily Cleanser

In recent blog posts, I look like I'm obsessed with the Palmer's skincare range, which I can't deny. My purse loves Palmer's skincare, and I love Palmer's skincare. Palmer's skincare, you have my heart.

So I could receive the best results from my skincare routine, I decided to use the facial cleansing range in combination with my facial lotions and moisturizer to receive the best results. My latest addition is the Palmer's Gentle Daily Cleanser. I love cleansers, they freshen my skin and take off all the bad things make up can leave behind. Obviously, everyone has a different skin type and not all products will work for everyone, but personally this facial skincare range works great for me and I'll keep on going with it.
I love this particular cleanser as it smells divine and contains milk proteins and antioxidants which improve the quality of the skin and in conjunction with the matching facial moisturisers - my skin should be healthy and glowing!
I have become so obsessed with skincare lately, which is a good thing, my skin will be thankful for all this extra care, I even begun to notice what a proper skincare routine can do for skin, it's in better condition which is amazing. I'm now looking at the Palmer's facial scrubs and mask range to further enhance the results of my skincare routine.

What are your favourite cleansers? Any recommendations?

♥

The Sunday Break #2

Here we are, another month, another Sunday break post! (this has slighty become a favourite feature on my blog for me). Are you enjoying this little series as much as me? This 'The Sunday Break' will be a little different as it won't be a collection of products, more so a  little outing to treat myself.

1. I love to read.
2. Summer weather = Iced coffees, iced lattes, iced mochas, iced chocolates, anything cold and sweet.

So for my monthly Sunday break I headed out to a lovely little café, ordered myself an iced latte and relaxed while reading my new book.

The read; Looking for Alaska by John Green.
Now, if you recall in my last 'The Sunday Break' I mentioned how I had my eye on this book. I didn't know what to expect while reading this, but so far I'm not disappointed with this book! It is just so brilliant! I found this book to be so engaging and I love how all the small things/mentions throughout the story led to ending.  John Green is an author, worth the hype. If you're wanting to get into reading more, definitely start with John Green books.

The treat;
Iced Latte. Delish. Need I say more?

The song;
What You Wanted - One Republic, now I bet certain people will instantly know where they have heard this song used before. Hint Hint. It is such a beautiful song, acoustic version, just as amazing.

What have you been loving during the month? What have you been treating yourself with?

♥

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick; 47 Rose Pare

Bourjois is the closest I'll ever get to a high end beauty product, as to what I've been told Bourjois is a sister company to Chanel! AMAZING.
I always used to avoid the Bourjois stand as I knew it would be too expensive and my purse would not allow me to spurlage on something, when there would be a perfectly good, cheaper priced dupe in another stand. However, on this occasion, something drew me to the stand - the beautiful sale sticker labels! I went straight to the lipstick (as it would be the closest thing to a Chanel lipstick, my logic). and discovered it was $11 from $20+, bargain right? Then at the checkout it turned out to be $8! EIGHT DOLLARS FOR BOURJOIS, YES PLEASE!

As usual, I was going to go for the light rosy nude shade, until a lovely beauty assistant suggested a deep rose shade. I instantly answered, oh no - I can't pull off a red, but she reassured me it isn't as red as a person would think. I swatched it and it was a beautiful deep rosy pink, to reassure me further she applied a sample on, and I must say I have never been so surprised by a lipstick! The shade was 47; Rose Pare, gorgeous, and the packaging is so lovely - who doesn't love a little purple.
It is perfect for all year round, but I love to break this out in the A/W. While everyone else is rocking the red winter lip, I'll rock the rosy red lip.
What are your favourite Bourjois products?

♥

What's on my face? - Everyday Make Up Products

Hello there, something new here for you. My first what's on my face post, this installment will feature the everyday 'no make up' make up look I've been sporting.

Lips

Palmer's Lip Butter in Dark chocolate and cherry - Does wonders for the lips . Check out my review, here!

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 101 Celestial - Divine, a natural nude pink shade. Check out my review, here!

Nivea Glamorous Gloss - just to add that touch of glam to my everyday make up.

Face

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 - Light Porcelain - This foundation is amazing! The shade range is brilliant for pale toned people as there is a variety of yellow toned pale, and pink toned. It's perfect as its a light enough coverage for me to work with, but also a buildable coverage. I like how the foundation lets my freckles shine through. I find it quite a good foundation for a 'no make up look', perfect if you're in school. If you would like a full review of my thoughts, let me know in the comments! :)

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent - It's the best powder I have used, when I use this powder - I 'stay matte'. Perfect powder that everyone should have in their make up bag. Perfect for beginners too.

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener - This does wonders for those pesky under eyes, it's the only concealer I have used that actually hides my under eyes and brightens them so I look awake. This product is so lovely, I cannot speak more highly of it. It's a must have!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch (Cream Highlighter) - This is amazing to work with, add a touch to the top of the cheekbones blend it out and you're good to go.

Eyes

Maxfactor Wild Eyeshadow Pencil in 05 (Bronze) - If I want less action on the eyes, I just sweep this across my eyelids, blend it out lightly and voilà! It adds that little something to your eyes, by making them more awake, not too out there and defined. It's perfect for a 'no make up' make up look.

Rimmel 'Day 2 Night' Mascara - For this look, I just use the lengthening mascara wand, to give my eyelashes that long a luscious look. What I love about this is the two 'wands', a volume wand and a lengthening wand, its perfect to have one mascara that can do both. It's also perfect for layering.

What make up products are you loving at the moment? Please leave them below. :)

 

♥

The Sunday Break #1

In a previous post titled 'Goodbye December, Hello January', I discussed how I wanted to read more novels and treat myself a bit more throughout the year. Realistically, assignments can be time consuming, so I have little time to treat myself with. I came up with the goal of the last Sunday of each month, I would try and treat myself, whether it be for 10 minutes, or 30 minutes. Just some time to allow me to relax.
I thought this would be a great little series for my blog, as I can share some goodies that I'm loving and perhaps provide a review of what I think of the item/product. This can be a great way for others to share their favourite treats of the moment and provide recommendations.

The read; The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This had to be the most hyped up book of 2013, and I have been wanting to read it for a very long time. I received a copy and been addicted to it ever since. It's such a good read, and really worth the hype! I can see myself reading this over and over again. John Green, you really know how to tug at my heart strings. I highly recommend it, like everyone else does. Now like everyone else, I will be awaiting for the movie adaption. I now have my eye on several other John Green books, Looking for Alaska - I'm looking at you there.

The scent;
I love candles, but I can never seem to finish one as the wick breaks and cannot be lit and its not even half way done. As much as I would love to have a Yankee Candle/Collection of Yankee Candles, they do not come cheap in Australia, think $30+. Once again, I was on the hunt for a bargain.
I was recently in a supermarket and came across this candle - from the Glade brand, I had heard good things about the brand and hoped it wouldn't end up like other candles. It smells divine! My room smells of vanilla sweets, even when it is not burning. This is amazing candle for $4, and I now have my eye on a few other candles for my room.

The treat;
I was recently in The Body Shop (now, once again it is quite pricey and my pennies won't allow that), but I did go to the sale section and noticed something beautiful, Chocomania. Hi, I'm Steph and I'm a chocoholic. The Chocomania soap bars were majorly reduced and my pennies were happy for that. Now, I'm going to have a lovely soap experience, let's hope it doesn't create an addiction to The Body Shop soaps.

The film;
500 Days of Summer. Do I need to say more? Amazing film, beautiful, witty, fabulous and everything in-between.

What do you love at the moment? Any recommendations?

♥

Essie Nail Polish in Fiesta

Essie is a brand of nailpolish I've only just dabbled into as I won a prize from them. One of my favourite nail colour from their collection is Fiesta. Ooooh man, this is the perfect summer shade. I prefer to wear these on my toes, as I prefer brighter colours on my toe nails than fingernails. The colour is a beautiful hot pink, such a summery colour.

The applicator brush is quite thin but some how it works perfectly when I paint my nails. The brush collects and applies the perfect amount of product.
What I also find interesting, the consistency of the nail polish is quite thin, something I have not seen in other nail polishes. With a thin consistency, yet it still applies and opaque coating.
Essie, you have sold me.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick; 210 Fancy

Yes, another Rimmel lip product, I can't help it - Rimmel's products are amazing.
I also picked this up on a reduced price also, and ever since I purchased it, I have loved it! If you haven't noticed I love to wear rosy pink lips as they suit me a lot more than say a peach or an orange colour.

This is one of the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks in the colour Fancy. It does have a slight shimmer to it, but I prefer this than a matte lipstick. I love to mix this lipstick with a lip balm if I'm going for a 'no make up' make up look, or apply more to give me a real elegant pout. This is perfect for beginners as well! This was actually one of my first proper lipsticks and I found this colour to be subtle and not too 'scary' to wear. I find mine to last at least perhaps two hours before I need to touch up, but all this depends what I'm doing on the day. If I'm out going places I would need to reapply sooner. However, when I put a clear lipgloss on top, it lasts much longer for me, personally.
Have you tried a Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick? What are your thoughts?

♥

Goodbye December, Hello January.

New year, fresh positivity.
This year I'm heading into my second year of university, time is just flying by. I'm going to take what I learnt from my university experience last year and use it to better myself as a student.

1. Read! Read! Read!
So, throughout last year I didn't read as much novels as I wished. I always had my nose in one of my textbooks. Which is all well and good, because I am studying something I'm interested in and love learning about. However, I learnt from myself I have to reward/take little breaks now and then, not be about uni, uni, uni.
There are so many books I would love to read (are you surprised that I am a bookworm? eheh). I have listed four novels so far that I want to read, would you be interested in reviews, or keep you updated on my latest reads? I want to start a mini novel collection. It is the beginning of an expensive habit. Yes, I'm also one of those people that rather the feel of a book, than staring at another screen. Anyone else feel that way? Oh! Leave some book suggestions in the comments, pretty please!

2. Treat myself more
University is stressful, and students in university can agree on that one. This year, every once and awhile I would like to treat or reward myself with something special. It maybe as simple as buying a little trinklet, a special flavour of tea, a DVD, a bargain item of clothing or something I've been wanting to try; a product or bath bomb/ballistic from Lush. Just little things really.

3. Take more photos
I always say this, every year. I'm going to do it this time round I swear! I think I get so swept up in the moment (which is great!) but it means I forget to capture a moment. I have a rather large collection of photographs, which I adore. I often look through them all, and they make me smile, laugh and appreciate that beautiful moment. I want to capture more moments this year.

4. Always find something to be grateful, and positive for
Now this may seem something simple and something that can come naturally, but I think people and myself can get caught up in the day to day life and business that follows and forget to think of a positive note. I have a diary, which keeps me organised, but I thought perhaps in each day of the diary I write something I'm thankful for, then I can go back over the diary and see what I was thankful for on that day.

Do you have any goals for the new year? Let me know.

I hope y'all have a lovely new year, thank you for reading wherever you are.

Stephanie.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer; 101 Celestial

Rimmel, you always produce some winner products.
Rimmel is my favourite make up brand, I have countless items of their products. Their lip product range is incredible, their lipsticks, glosses, lip stains and liners are all winners and there is something for everyone.
I recently popped into a discount chemist and I could not resist looking at the Rimmel stand. I noticed that it was 50% off, which is just fabulous! In Australia, store make up brands are so expensive, meaning I often wait around for the special offers. This was my chance to try the rather hyped Apocalips, can we take a moment to appreciate the creativity of the name?
I'm a bit late on the bandwagon with the Apocalips, but at an average price of $14, I couldn't justify spending that much on it. However, when I saw 50%, I began to round up the coins in my purse to purchase the product I've wanted try for months and months.
Now, the trouble was picking a colour. I cannot pull of the bright shades or very nude shades, I every much needed the perfect pinky nude known as Celestial.

The colour is perfect for my pale complexion, not too 'out there' but not too basic. The colour just adds that something special to your lips. The application couldn't be simpler. The doe foot applicator makes it an ease, but I do recommend applying with a mirror, it can get messy without. What is wonderful about the product is you can mute it down by blending it out with a lipbalm, or add more to it to make the colour bolder.

I now have my eye on the colour, Nova.
Have you tried the Apocalips? What colour is your favourite?
Thanks for reading! :)

Favourite Christmas Movies #5 - Noel

This movie can bring a tear to my eye. It's a beautiful film and worth a watch. The film has a similar basis to Love Actually, of characters being linked together in some way or another.
Noel focuses on strangers, who are linked together and meet each other at separate times, by several events that take place on Christmas Eve.

This has to be the one I love to watch the most. It tugs at the heart strings, can make you smile and can make you giggle. Time well spent watching this.

Have you seen this film? What did you think?

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Movies #4 - Christmas with the Kranks

Not a typical favourite Christmas a person would pick, but I just love this film (along with the past three I listed before).
I remember first seeing this film with my mum, and it is one of her favourites too. Thus, naturally it would become one of my favourite Christmas films.
The film is based from a book called Skipping Christmas. The storyline follows a couple who decide to skip Christmas one year since their daughter is away for the season. However, the Christmas spirit and festivities suck them right back into celebrating Christmas.
It's a funny film to watch during the lead up to Christmas.

Have you seen this film? Comment some of your favourite Christmas films. So close to Christmas now!

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Tunes #4 - It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

 

Ohhh, Michael Buble, your beautiful voice will forever have my heart. Ooft. This song is just beautiful and it is a signature song to have playing during the Christmas season. This is a cover of the original song I believe, but after all the covers I keep on coming back to the Buble. A joy to listen to.

Do you love this Christmas tune as much as I do? Can you believe how close Christmas is, I still have to find gifts. Anyone else in the same boat as me with that one?

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas now
Love always,
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Movies #3 - Love Actually

Okay, so this movie makes me believe that my love life will never be satisfactory until someone runs through an airport to stop me from getting on a flight. I love how every time I watch this movie, I feel so uplifted and positive. It's probably because at the ends on the beautiful sentiment, 'love is actually all around'. When I reflect on it, it truly is. It's a beautiful film to watch during the Christmas season as it lets you reflect on what you are grateful for. It just reminds me of the fact, love is all around.
The film is set in the city of London and follows the lives of numerous characters whose lives are intertwined in some form. The film starts from five weeks before Christmas and follows weekly countdown until Christmas.
The cast is incredible, beautifully scripted, I cannot speak more positively about this.
I feel like this is the Christmas movie for 'grown up's', so the children have The Santa Clause (but hey, I still love to watch that). Nevertheless, it's still has that Christmas film appeal to young adults/adults.

I have to say, this is a movie I will always adore and love. Do any of you love this movie?


Don't forget, Love actually is all around,

Love always,
Stephanie