July Favourites + Highlights

In the second half of the month I really picked up my reading game and the total number of books I finished in July is four, an average of one a week. I’ve been having lazy weekends and I’ve been enjoying curling up on the couch watching movies and TV shows or with a book. Work has been super busy recently so it’s nice to wind down at the weekend and recharge for the week ahead. I’m very much looking forward to having a couple of weeks off at the beginning of September. Towards the end of the month I did some online shopping and as I type this post I am waiting for three orders to arrive… oops! 😛

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Zoella x Colourpop Brunch Date Palette – This eyeshadow palette has been a real grower and every time I use it I like it more. I know some people were disappointed with the shades but the colours are really nice and there’s an even mix of mattes and shimmers. I still haven’t been brave enough to use the blue but I do plan on applying it to the lower lash line with a pencil brush when I next feel like experimenting. Having never tried makeup from Colourpop until I purchased this palette I am impressed, the formula of these shadows is lovely and the shades are pigmented and last well throughout the day. Initially a few of the matte shades seemed more difficult to blend but the more I use them I don’t think that’s the case. I find sometimes with makeup it has to be worn in a little and the shades do in fact blend nicely.

2. Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush – I recently mentioned this brush as one of My Favourite Makeup Brushes. It is comparable to the Expert Face Brush by Real Techniques. The brush blends foundation easily and the head of the brush isn’t too big for my small face. Product does apply nicely with this brush and it doesn’t cake up or take a long time to blend into the skin. The brush is made with Taklon bristles so it’s super soft and washes up well.

3. Palmers Moisture Rich Night Cream – This is a repurchase and picking it up again has made me realise why I liked it so much the first time. I like this better than other evening moisturisers I’ve tried. The texture of the cream is light and product sinks into the skin easily keeping it soft and well moisturised. The cream doesn’t feel greasy or drying and the slight cocoa butter and shea scent is pleasant. When I use this product alongside Trilogy’s Very Gentle Restoring Facial Oil it’s a dream combination!

4. Agatha Christie mysteries – I’m a sucker for an Agatha Christie mystery! Her stories are simply written but they’re so compelling and gripping. It doesn’t take me long to read a Poirot or a Marple because they’re written in a way that makes me want to keep reading. The last story of Agatha Christie’s I read – ‘Nemesis’ – took me less than two days. I understand for some readers her stories may not be super thrilling and action packed but the plot is always good.

5. Cricket World Cup Final – Something not many people know about me as I’m quite partial to watching one day cricket when New Zealand is playing and matches are on free to air television – which isn’t very often. I’d been following New Zealand’s progress throughout the tournament and we did well initially but there was a moment it looked like we might not make the semi-finals. A lot of people thought India would beat us in the semi-final but I felt so proud when I heard we made the final for the second consecutive time. I was even more excited to watch the final which started late on Sunday July 14th as I didn’t have to get up and go to work the next day. I did well to stay up all night and only fell asleep briefly during England’s innings. For the last hour of the game I was nervous and couldn’t sit still, I was literally pacing on the spot because of how close the game was going to be. New Zealand lost by the smallest margin but I personally believe we won the game, we just didn’t get to lift the trophy. The pride the rest of New Zealand felt after that game is amazing. Whilst it was sad not to win, I am extremely proud to be a Kiwi!

July Highlights

• Someone left a KitKat in my pigeon hole at work.
• Went out for wedges on one of my lunch breaks.
• Placed my second Colourpop order.
• Did some online shopping in the last weekend of July; purchased a MAC blush I’ve wanted for ages, a necklace and a couple of clothing items.

July’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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First Impressions: Skechers Flex Appeal

Hi everyone, hope you had a good weekend! It’s not often you see a first impressions post about a pair of shoes so I’m switching things up a bit and writing one for you. I purchased these shoes over the long Easter weekend and I got a pretty good deal – they were 40% off! I finally had the chance to wear them last weekend and gather my thoughts to share with you.

What inspired the purchase?

Trainers to me are one of the comfiest styles of shoes to wear because they are so versatile. You can wear them with casual outfits, to the gym, on long walks or simply running errands. Over the past few years I haven’t needed to wear trainers (except for mowing lawns but I have a cheap pair for that) as I didn’t wear them to school and don’t wear them to work. I got to thinking and came to the conclusion it would be nice to have a proper pair that I could wear on weekends for shopping or hanging out with friends. The weather is cooling down and it’s time to put away the sandals and summer shoes and start thinking about covered in shoes for those rainy days.

Style and Colour

I was drawn to this particular pair as I like how sleek they look. The shoes themselves don’t look heavy and bulky – I like something that is light to wear. The Flex Appeal line comes in a range of colours but I opted for a black and white pair as I think they look really cute and chic and it makes a change from having solid black shoes. My mum actually has a pair of Skechers almost identical to this and instead of white soles hers are multicoloured. All the colours look really cool but I didn’t want to be quite that adventurous. The shoe features a Skech-knit mesh fabric upper and comes with two pairs of laces (black and white) so you can alternate or keep one as a spare.

Size

I purchased these in a US Size 8 and I knew this was the right size as my mum’s pair are the same size. I’ve worn hers before and they fit perfectly. One good thing about Skechers is that they have 1/2 sizes so if you’re between two sizes chances are the 1/2 size will be right one. I like the fit of my trainers to be quite snug so I know they won’t fall off.

Memory Foam

I have always found it somewhat difficult to find comfortable shoes for my feet as when I am standing still my feet are quite wide and when I walk my ankles roll in which is called pronation. Skechers feature an insole made of memory foam which adds to the comfort and makes it feel like you’re walking on air, meaning your feet get less sore over long periods of time. The memory foam moulds to your foot but bounces back as soon as you remove the shoes.

Price

I mentioned earlier I got these for 40% off meaning I paid $77.99 NZD. I don’t buy shoes very often and what I’ve learnt is that in the long run it does pay to spend a bit more and make sure what you’re getting is a good fit and feels comfortable. I know these shoes will get plenty of wear and are so versatile and will go with pretty much anything. Would I pay the full price of $129.99 if they weren’t on sale? Honestly, I’m not sure. I have only worn the shoes once so I’m not ruling out that I wouldn’t but I need to wear the shoes a few more times before I could say.

Overall Verdict

I’d recommend these shoes if you’re in the market for a stylish, reasonably priced pair of trainers. There’s a huge variety of colours and styles and something that would suit everybody. These shoes are lightweight and comfortable to wear; perfect if you’re on the go and for everyday wear. Rating: 9/10.

What was the last pair of shoes you purchased?

Fifteen of ’15

Hello beautiful people! Is it just me or does the thought of another year about to begin suddenly make you reflect on the one that’s been? Yesterday’s post saw me talking about my favourite things in 2015 beauty wise, but today I will be sharing with you fifteen of my personal highlights from the past year. Prepare yourselves, this one gets a bit wordy…

#1 – Followed by Lisa Scott-Lee and Faye Tozer on Twitter

If you know me well, you’ll know pop music is my absolute favourite thing in the whole wide world! I could talk about it for days and my head is filled with plenty of pop facts other people would deem ‘useless.’

Lisa and Faye are members of British pop group Steps who are one my favourite bands of all time. On New Year’s Eve 2014, Lisa followed me on Twitter. I didn’t ask her to (though I had in the past) and it was an incredible way to begin the new year. A month later at the end of January, Faye did the same. I have always counted myself lucky to have been tweeted by all of Steps numerous times but to have your idols follow you is a special feeling.

#2 – First time clubbing

In January I turned 20 and celebrated by going out to dinner and then going out clubbing. In New Zealand you can go clubbing once you turn 18 and almost everyone else I know had been but I wanted my first time to be special and worth it. I enjoyed myself a lot and I think that was down to my love for music, I wasn’t self conscious dancing in front of people and I could’ve kept going all night (which I did at a few 21st’s this year!) I haven’t actually been clubbing again but when I do go I know I’ll enjoy it.

#3 – Interviewed by Karen and Kimberley

This year I had the opportunity to feature on the blogs of two of my best blogging buddies. In February, I featured in Karen’s Behind The Blog series and in June I was featured as an Inspirational Blogger on Kimberley’s blog.

#4 – Purchased my first MAC lipstick

In April I made my first visit to the MAC counter and ended up purchasing my first lipstick; Syrup. I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase and still reach for this shade a lot. This is a lovely, girly, neutral shade and definitely worth a swatch next time you’re at the MAC counter!

#5 – Yoga With Adriene

Looking back, April was a very good month. I decided to take on Yoga With Adriene’s 30 Days of Yoga challenge and I blimmin’ loved it! I was a complete newbie to yoga but I didn’t find the positions too challenging. I like how calm yoga made me feel and I enjoyed taking time out for myself every day.

#6 – Getting my first job!

In May I had my first day of paid work and it was such a good feeling to finally have a job. Prior to starting my job I had been to numerous interviews and had been job searching for 18 months.

#7 – Buying my iPhone

In June I made my first big purchase since beginning my job and got an iPhone. I’d had my previous phone for three or so years and it was a basic phone I only used for texting. I worried I wouldn’t use an iPhone very much but I am so glad I bought it and it’s super handy if I need to take pictures when I’m out or want to play a game when I’m bored.

Corresponding post: My New iPhone!

#8 – Winning #Disco25

Dannii Minogue celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut single Love & Kisses this year and launched an Instagram competition to mark the occasion. I entered and recorded a video of me singing along and was chosen as one of the winners. I received a signed Love & Kisses vinyl record and hand written note.

Corresponding post: #Disco25

#9 – Shane Filan – Right Here

I have been a Shane Filan fangirl for the longest time and he released his second solo album ‘Right Here’ in September. I still get excited whenever I listen to Shane’s music. His voice is undoubtedly my favourite to listen to over anyone else – it’s so smooth and clear and he has the most beautiful tone. Shane also co-writes most of his solo material. Personally, I prefer Shane’s debut album as it’s really special to me and brings back so many good memories of 2013; hearing Shane’s solo music for the first time and Shane replying to my questions in Q&A’s.

#10 – Reaching 500 followers!

Also in September I hit a blogging milestone, I reached 500 followers! That was a big achievement for me and a goal I had my eye on since starting my blog. I’m not someone who worries about numbers and tries to be in competition but 500 was a big deal and it made me realise people out there enjoy reading my blog.

#11 – Starbucks French Vanilla Frappucinos

I’m not a coffee drinker and don’t go to Starbucks all that often but when Starbucks had their French Vanilla Frappucinos out I loved them! They’re so tasty and refreshing and I’m gutted they’re not part of the permanent menu. Fingers crossed Starbucks bring them back.

#12 – 44 Ways You Know You’re a Dannii Minogue Fan

October is Dannii Minogue’s birthday month and I decided I wanted to make something for her. In 2014 I sent a parcel to Australia but I wanted to do something different. Originally I came up with the video idea ’44 Reasons I Love Dannii Minogue’ which evolved into ’44 Ways You Know You’re a Dannii Minogue Fan’ so other Minogue fans could relate. Dannii tweeted me to say she saw the video and loved it which absolutely made my day!

To watch the video yourself, click here.

#13 – All Blacks win Rugby World Cup

Most people wouldn’t expect me to like sport but when it comes to rugby I turn into a proud Kiwi. My mum had no doubt the  All Blacks would win and getting up early to watch the final game between New Zealand and Australia was thrilling. The match was entertaining and the All Blacks made history by being the first country to win back to back rugby world cups and being the first country to win the rugby world cup three times.

#14 – Ellie Goulding – Delirium

‘Delirium’ has been named one of 2015’s Best Pop Albums and with good reason! Call me biased but I believe anything Ellie touches turns to gold. I never get sick of listening to Ellie’s music and could listen to her on repeat all day, there’s not many artists I can say that about. I have been listening to Delirium since it’s release and honestly, it gets better with each listen.

#15 – Confidence

In many ways I have saved the best for last. I remember being nominated for the #TakeBackWhatsYours campaign at the beginning of the year and I am pleased to say I rose to the challenge. Over the past 12 months I have changed a lot (for the better) and felt myself grow in confidence. Now I don’t think twice about sharing images of myself on my blog and being open and honest. I’ve learnt to make myself a priority and do what makes me happy. I’ve also become more confident with my writing and the direction I want my blog to go in.

Corresponding post: #TakeBackWhatsYours Campaign

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Thank you to everyone for all your support over the past year! Wishing you the very best for 2016 and sending all my love!