Life Lately: December

As I sit down to write this I'm in Los Angeles Airport, waiting for my flight to Auckland. I feel like that's just my life lately, so busy I can hardly keep track of what I'm doing. Thanksgiving and Finals flew by. I spent the last weekend in Seattle with my brother, and now I'm heading home to Melbourne for some relaxation, hopefully! Anyways, here are some snaps from the last few weeks, which have gone by so quickly!

Clockwise from top left: this weekend, exploring Seattle; the view I had during Finals week; a walk on a crisp day; a rainy afternoon spent in bed (watching Skyfall, I think). Hope all is well, wherever in the world you are and whatever you are doing.x B

Favourites: November 2015 (Belated)

I'm sitting at my desk, looking at the gloomy grey sky outside. Perfect study weather, but naturally I'm procrastinating. Finals are this week and yes, I'm pretty stressed out, and yes, I have bronchitis, but I've had a strange rush of productivity today, which is nice! So here are my super late November favourites.

In no particular order...The Pai Camellia & Rose cleanser. I took advantage of the Black Friday sales and splurged on some Pai skincare, and love it all (post to come). This is my favourite of the lot, it's a lovely cream that you massage into dry skin. I have been looking for a cleanser that doesn't dry out my skin and I think this could be the one!The Mission Grove Clementine and Clove lotion. I bought this on sale, and good thing too because it's tiny! That said, I fell in love with the scent. It's a perfect blend of citrus and spice (and all things nice, hehe). FAB Ultra Repair Cream. This stuff is so good. SO good. I've been sick all week and naturally my skin has been a little neglected. Yesterday I put this on my face and I'm so glad I did. It is so soothing and hydrating.HANA Eye Oil. I received this in a Petit Vour box, and I have been using it most nights. It is heavy when you put it on, but it soaks in overnight and I feel like it's making a difference. They recommend 3-4 drops, I've been using 1/2 a drop. Something to consider!OPI polish in Do You Take Lei Away? I can't find a link for this, sorry! It's the perfect neutral for my nails and I've been loving it lately.Twinings Lemon & Ginger tea. Doesn't need a ton of explanation. I've been sick. This is my saviour. Add some honey and fresh lemon and you're golden.Origami cranes. I've been making lots lately, and they all sit in a jar on my window sill. It's a super relaxing hobby and one I've come to love. Little gold jewels. my two favourites this month have been my new-ish ring from Datter Industries (close up below); and my old elephant necklace, which I believe was a gift from a friend. Love these smaller statement pieces. What have you been up to lately? x B

Brands I Love: Toast

By nature I am poor at making decisions, and this translates to my wardrobe choices. My style changes frequently and drastically, but there are a few brands that I have loved regardless of my current taste, I think because their clothing is so versatile and timeless.

I first found Toast a couple of years ago, and since then they have quickly become one of my favourite brands. Not only are their styles to die for, but their artistic team is so great, and they release a look-book each season which is always incredible. Although they are not a cheap brand, the quality is outstanding and they do have good sales. I picked up a few things last year, including two of my now-favourite skirts and a lovely cardigan.

Here are some of my favourite photos from their A/W15 collections:

What is your favourite brand? Or like me, do you also have many? Let me know!

x B

My Favourite Things: Part I

It might sound cheesy, but lately I've been admiring the beauty in the everyday. I find that everywhere you look, you can find something beautiful, and the world we live in is full of so much beauty that it's almost too much to handle! I've been working on a list of my favourite things, mostly related to the beauty of the world we live in, so wherever you are in the world, whatever kind of life you lead, you can appreciate these things as well.

1. The way that trees are reflected in water (puddles of rain, lakes). Related: the lights of a city reflected in water at night.
2. Sunlight shining down through a tree, and how it moves as the breeze rustles the leaves.
3. The moon. This is a big one that is complex for me, and maybe one day I'll dedicate a post to my love for the moon. I like the idea that although our world has changed so much over the course of history, the moon has remained the same, shining bright up there every night. Just think- Shakespeare saw the same moon that you do, so did Cleopatra, and your great-great-great-great-great grandparents. A nice thought, if you ask me.
4. Taking a walk through a forest, surrounded by the whisper of trees in the wind. Related: the beautiful 'hush-hush' sound that trees make when it's windy. It sounds like they're talking to each other!
5. Visiting the beach on a stormy day, when it's so dark that you can't tell the sky and the sea apart.
6. Not so much nature-related, but one that enhances everything the world has on offer: listening to a beautiful piece of orchestral music while doing something mundane, or going for a walk around your neighborhood. I find that this helps me appreciate the little things. Perhaps one day soon I'll dedicate a post to my favourite classical pieces and film scores.

I hope wherever you are in the world, and whatever you are doing, you are aware of the beauty that surrounds us every day. When things are bad, remember that this world was created for you and it's beautiful, so get out there and enjoy it!

x B

(photos are from my Instagram: @rebeccasather)

My Skincare & Beauty Basics: November 2015

The weather has been dreadful in the PNW lately, so I've been paying extra attention to my skin so that the cold winter air doesn't dry it out!

Some of these products I use everyday, others every week, but they are all part of my routine and I love them so much!

Up first: face. I use my Clarisonic Mia 3 (previously the Aria) with the 'Radiance' brush head. My cleanser changes almost daily, I have about three I use in rotation because I've yet to find one I really love. I then use the Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner. I found this a few months ago at a supermarket actually and love it so much. The packaging is delightful, it smells great (none of that awful alcohol smell that most toners have) and it really does work. When my skin feels a little dry or I just feel like a pampering, I use the Caudalie Grape Water. I love this product but I recently learned that Caudalie is not cruelty-free so I need to finish this and then find a cruelty-free alternative. For moisturizing, I start with the Fresh Seaberry Oil (not pictured, but link to previous post about it). I have also started using the Hana Eye Oil that I received in a Petit Vour box and it's so great! Plus, it's made in Bainbridge Island so it's a local brand! Next I'll use either the Belif Aqua Bomb (mornings) or Burt's Bees brightening moisturizer (nighttimes). Would recommend both! Also pictured is the Origins charcoal mask, which I really like. I bought a trial size and I don't think I'll buy it again but I really like how it feels on my skin.

For my body: I was such a devoted fan of the L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate (this is my third jar), but like Caudalie, they're not cruelty-free, so once I'm done with this one, that's it! They also increased the price recently which is pretty uncool. The consistency is PERFECT though so I need to find something similar that is cruelty-free. The other moisturizer I've been using is from Coconut Revolution, their coconut oil for the body. I was given this (really big) sample at a market a couple of months ago and it's great! The only thing I don't like is that you need to warm it up to use it, so you can't use it in a hurry.

Finishing touches: the perfume I've been wearing a lot lately is Urban Rituelle's Ginger Apple. It's an Australian brand so it's much easier to find when I'm at home in Melbourne. This must be my third bottle and I have a few more stashed away for when I finish this one! To me it smells like Christmas so it's perfect for this time of year. I also really like the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz pencil. I wear it in Soft Brown and the consistency is perfect, as is the little spooley brush it comes with. Lastly, this Habit nail polish was also in the last Petit Vour box and it's all natural, cruelty-free goodness. I love it!

What are your go-to products?
x B

Life Lately: November

I don't know what it is but the last couple of weeks have left me feeling totally exhausted, and in need of a long (really long) sleep. I think that the lead up to finals has begun, and the weather is getting colder, so now is the time to think about self-care and remember to put my health before my grades. It's something that I always try to do but at this point in the semester it can be so easy to stay up all night working on papers and cramming for exams. It's not healthy!

Hope you are all well, and not too stressed out!
More posts coming soon, I promise! Just need to crank out a couple of papers first.
x B

Today's the Day

Note: today's post is on a slightly different note. Not 'serious' but related to something that is very important to me. 

I've been a vegetarian for six years now, and don't miss meat one bit. I've been wanting to commit to veganism for about a year now, but haven't for two reasons: cheese (honestly, I eat way too much of it); and the fact that my school dining hall doesn't have a lot of vegan options.

This week I watched the film Cowspiracy and I can honestly say that it has changed how I think about food in general, and particularly about animal agriculture. This morning I had cereal with milk, and couldn't bring myself to finish the milk. That's when I knew it was about time for me to fully commit to veganism. 

I'm not one to tell people how to live their lives, but it is frustrating when meat eaters don't know the facts about animal agriculture. So I would encourage you to do some reading, watch Cowspiracy, and see if you still feel like eating a steak for dinner. Just learn the facts and then decide for yourself. 

x B

Wish List: November

This month has been one of those where I just want everything! Do you ever have those? I feel like whenever I see something I like, I start thinking about whether I can afford it, and it's not a great state of mind to be in. I've started keeping a wish list on Pinterest that I update often, which helps me avoid impulse purchases. I thought I would share a few things I wish I owned right now!

1. LL Bean Donegal Wool Blazer. This is so pretty and honestly I may just buy it. I think it would go with everything and be good dressed up or down.
2. Porselli Oxblood Suede flats. Classic, they don't really need an explanation! I love a good pair of ballet flats.
3. The North Circular Marl Beanie. Lily Cole started this brand a few years ago, and I love it. They use sustainable materials, and everything is handmade by 'Grannies' in the UK.
4. Lily Lambert Pavo perfume. I tried this on months ago and fell in love with it, but can't find it anywhere! I may just buy it online! To me, it smells like the perfect mix between a relaxing yoga afternoon and romantic evening. It's dark and lovely.

Tuesday Inspiration: R.W. Emerson & Big Star

Taken on a road trip through Washington in 2013.

This week has been one of those where I want nothing more than to crawl into bed, tuck myself under the covers, and sleep for days. The weather is getting colder, the trees are losing their leaves, and I find myself losing motivation and just wanting to escape from the world for a while. Unfortunately, November is when school gets busy, and before I know it, it will be time for finals and lots of paper writing, so I need to stay focused! Today's inspiration comes courtesy of the great Ralph Waldo Emerson, and this quote has helped me out recently when I feel daunted by all the work I need to do, and don't feel like I'm good enough to get everything done.

What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.

If you feel like you're losing motivation, please keep these words in mind! You are capable of anything you set your mind do, and you can do amazing things, I believe it!

As well as this quote, I've been loving this song lately, and it is really good at making me feel calm when I get stressed out. Would recommend!

Hope all is well with you, wherever you are in the big wide world.

x B

Favourites: October 2015

This month I've been very busy, with lots of study, midterms, and fun social things too! As such, the things that I've been loving most this month reflect how I've been living lately. Simple things that make my life a little easier, happier and less stressful.

First of all, I've been loving this Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil, which I bought at Sephora. I bought the smaller size, because my skin is quite sensitive and I didn't want to commit to spending $50 on the larger size when I don't know that my skin likes it! I'd been looking for a more natural product to help even out my skintone and reduce hyperpigmentation, and I think this could be the one! It's light, absorbs quickly, and smells great. It's packed full of good things (including Omega fatty acids) that smooth and moisturize your skin. I feel so luxurious when I use it, too!

Next up is this Topshop Glow Highlighter in 'Polish'. I really wanted to buy the RMS Living Luminizer but couldn't justify spending $40 on something I'd never tried before, so I went with the cheaper version first, and I really like it! It's the perfect colour for my skin, and I just dab a little above my cheekbones and I instantly look more awake and lively.

My next favourite thing is tea! It's finally getting cooler in Washington and so when I was at Target last week I picked up this Vanilla Comoro Tea from Harney & Sons. If I'm being honest, it was the packaging that drew me in, but when I opened the tin, it smelled SO good! And it's decaffeinated, so I can have a cup before bed and not lie awake for hours. Next time I'm at Target I'll be checking out this brand again, because I love this one so much!

And I can't have new tea without a new mug to drink it from! I ordered this adorable 'Felix the Fox' mug from Urban Outfitters (still available right now) and it arrived this week. I'm already in love! It's just the right size, and I love the little fox and Scandinavian style. It will be perfect this winter as I drink about 10 cups of tea each day!

I'm also loving this dainty little clover bracelet from Dogeared. I ordered it early this month and have been wearing it nearly every day. It's perfectly simple and makes me feel so lucky! It honestly matches everything, so I wear it all the time.

Two skincare saviours! This tea tree mask from the Body Shop has always been a love of mine (and the whole tea tree range, really) but this month I've used it a few times and my skin has cleared right up! Also, it's bright green so I feel like Elphaba from Wicked when I have it on, and am therefore prone to bursting out in a rendition of Defying Gravity.The Bare Minerals powder is new but I love it! I finally found a powder that matches my super pale skin! The packaging is great (minimal spills!) and I love the coverage: not too much but still enough.

My last favourite is not a thing so much as an activity. While I do adore the journal itself (Leather Sagitta Journal from Anthropologie), I've really been enjoying keeping a journal. I make time a few times a week to jot down my thoughts, what I've been up to, and what I'm looking forward to. Sometimes I include a quote that's been inspiring that day, or something that made me laugh. It's so nice to look back through it and see what I was doing on a certain day and what I was thinking about!

What are your favourite things this month? What have you been up to? Hope all is well!

x B

Curing Midweek Blues

Lately I've been making more of an effort to enjoy (or at least not detest) weekdays and all that come with them. It is so easy to fall into the mentality of I can't wait until Friday! It's totally okay to look forward to Friday and I really do most weeks, but I also think it's important to appreciate Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I'm trying not to be the kind of person that lives for the weekend. I'm working on making the most of every minute of every day.

That said, my busiest day is Tuesday and sometimes by the time I get to Tuesday evening all I want to do is curl up in bed and sleep until Saturday arrives. I wish. If you're like me and find it a struggle to stay motivated and power through the week, but also find yourself worn out by Friday afternoon, maybe these tips will help. 

• Plan! I know it sounds boring but honestly, this is what I've found to be the most helpful in getting things done and making sure I have time for myself in the evening. I keep a diary so that I know when important things are coming up. Additionally, each night I write myself a list of tasks to complete the next day. This has been a huge help this school year, and I would recommend it! I cross each task off when I finish it and somehow I can feel myself de-stress a little bit after I do.
• Put yourself first. It took me a long time to learn that no paper or homework task is as important as my mental and physical health. I'm not an all-nighter kind of girl, and I'm not going to let schoolwork stress me out to the point of physical exhaustion. I had a friend who had a literal breakdown because she worked too hard and didn't spend enough time caring for herself. So, start assignments early, to avoid late nights. And even if you feel like you need a late night, just don't stay up all night. All kinds of regret the next day.
• Exercise! I am not the best person to be dishing out this advice, but when I do make the time for a walk or a run on a weekday I feel so much better. It clears my head, makes me feel more energized, and gives me a chance to look at all the pretty trees and flowers around the neighborhood! When you get back, you'll be so much more awake and ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way!

 

Photo diary: Lake Morton & Kent

This weekend was Fall break, a four day weekend following midterms week. I spent a couple of days at Lake Morton with two of my good friends. We went on a walk in the rain and were soaked from head to toe; we spent an afternoon in pedal-boats on the lake; we visited a pumpkin patch; we danced around the supermarket and cooked fajitas for dinner, and on the drive back to school I felt like I'd found a little slice of heaven in this tiny Washington town. 

The sign said 'no trespassing' but how could you not walk down a path as pretty as this?

Emma in the rain

Something's not quite right...

It's actually really hard to look cute while swinging, but Emma pulls it off.

My friends are adorable!

The lake at sunset.

An Introduction

I have a vivid memory of being four years old, returned from a friend's birthday party. I arrived home with a painted face and a wand in hand, and danced around my bedroom all afternoon because I felt beautiful and powerful and like nobody could hold me down. I was four years old and I had the most wonderful sense of self-worth (which has slowly but surely fluctuated over the last decade or so). This year I decided that I wanted to feel as beautiful, powerful and independent as that four year old did, so I set myself a list of five goals to achieve by the time I reach twenty (next year, what???) years old. 

1. Not give a shit what strangers think of you. Sure, I care what my friends think of me. This doesn't mean I'm going to change who I am or what I look like based on their opinions. I respect them but I don't always agree with them. So if my friends don't control my perception of myself, why should strangers? With this comes two 'sub-goals' to help increase my confidence: a) increased fitness; and b) increased hydration for lovely skin.
2. Read a book (for pleasure) every month. It might not seem like a challenge, but on top of all my assigned reading for school, I think I'll be busy.
3. Smile more! Smile at strangers, at cute boys, at professors, at lovely old couples walking their dogs around campus. Life's too short, spread joy wherever possible.
4. Declutter! I'll never be a minimalist (too attached to my books), but I do want to sort through my belongings before I hit the big 2-0.
5. Go vegan! I've been vegan off-and-on for the last six months, and vegetarian for six years, so this is something I hope to become more committed to.

So, anyways. That was a pretty hopeless introduction. I tried.

Basically, I'm Bec, I'm currently a sophomore at a little west-coast college and I'm originally from Melbourne, Australia.

Until next time,

B