inspire.

I don't just get out of bed in the morning with new ideas. There are people, places and experiences that unclog the creative flow of innovation inside me. I call these my 'triggers'. Have a look at some of them...

Beach, Snaps & Ice-cream

Being so faraway from the seaside, I don't normally get the chance to embrace Australian sand, sunshine and oceans. However, in the future-if the time comes- I would grasp the opportunity to live by the beach with both hands and sweaty palms. In case you haven't already guessed, I love the beach.

Yesterday, my love affair with the beach rekindled when the fam and I visited Manly. We were showcasing the Great Sydney Experience to my cousins who have travelled to Land Down Under all the way from Florida. While exhibiting some of the most breathtaking sights of Manly, I was reminded of how much I was looking forward to this summer. 

We started off by eating some truly woeful seafood (it was disgusting...but that's beside the point). But I did get some cool mango smoothie down my throat!

Then we set off to take some snapshots together by the beach. There was fun...laughter...family drama, but above all, there was a mixture of love and warmth from the setting of that happy place. Now before you reprimand my vomit-inducing cheesiness, you've got to be there to feel it.

It was warm, but far too windy to swim, so we headed off to grab some good old Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. And let me tell you, it was worth the despicable price tag. There's nothing better than slurping sugary American Ice-cream in Australia! And before you ask, I got Chunky Monkey, of course.

There are some amazing markets in Manly, so we ventured through the long line of stalls, searching for treasure amongst trash. 

 We then set off back home, exhausted after an entire day under the much missed sun.

 Now I know I don't normally post recounts of my day, but yesterday was too special not to share with my faithful readers. Until next time !

Ella xoxo

Style Diary: Spring, A Kind of Wonderful

Fedora - Ruby Shoes, Dress - Supre, Boots - Myer

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August is a crucial time for fashion freaks worldwide. While the Northern Hemisphere prepares for Fall/Winter Fashion, we Aussies embrace Spring. It feels like yesterday that I was blogging about Autumn trends, so this is feeling slightly surreal. I may have been super excited for winter towards the beginning, however I think it's safe to say that I am officially over cold weather. I am so ready for warmth and sunshine and sand. I miss the floral hipster trends and the skirts and boho shorts. I miss flowing kimonos and gorgeous long maxis blowing against the summer breeze. While those things may seem far away right now, we are only heartbeats away from September and springtime. Yup, you guessed it, peeps. It's time to prep up our wardrobes for brightness and outrageousness. 

I was out shopping today in town, and was surprised at the many stores that were clearly prepping for spring fashions. It would be a criminal act not to take advantage of the oh-so-irresistable sales...so I bought a few things...

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What I wore today: Jeans Vest: Supre, Cable knit top: Cotton On, Leather pants: Urban Outfitters, Leather Bracelet: Lovisa, Necklace: Lovisa >>>>>>>>>>>>>

                   

Pamper Me Up

                         

 Yup. It's that time of year again girlies. The winter chills we Aussies fear return once again, to cause frostbites on all our delicate skins. I feel like it's this time of year when my skin is most dry and affected from the cold weather. Evidently, we desire luxury and indulgence every now and then this season, and who can blame us? I've got the deets on the products I like to use in my pamper evening slash "Beauty Bonanza" routine. 

Soo...I sort of went on a mini beauty splurge in Lush and The Body Shop, as it is winter and it is nice to warm up after a long day, right? Yup-that's my excuse.

Above: Bright Side Bubble Bar - Lush Cosmetics ($10.50)

 

Above: Sunny Side Bubble Bar - Lush Cosmetics ($8.50)

Step 1: Adding your Bath Bomb/Crumble Bubble Bar
Bath bombs and bubble bars make any bathtime experience that much more luxurious. If you're a fan of epic multi-coloured explosions, bath bombs are perfect for you. However, if you're more of the 'bubbly' type (like me), go for a nice Lush bubble bar. The latter does last you more than one bath which is also great. Aside from the fact that Lush bath products smell freaking amazing, the ingredients are wholly natural and organic-ideal for your skin!

Step 2: Setting the Mood

Light up the atmosphere with some gorgeous scented candles. I like to pop one on each corner or around my bath tub for a stunning dimmed setting. If you're gonna get some true down time, why not do it with class?

Step 3: Stepping into The Bath...

This is fairly self-explanatory, you don't need me to run you through this (I hope). Furthermore, I will not be providing a picture of this step...sorry.

Step 4: Dropping Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil has many wonderful properties that are soothing to the mind and body and great for the skin. For an all-in-one combo, I like to apply a couple of drops to my bath.

Step 5: Moisturising Body

There are a vaiety of exceptional and sweet-smelling body butters on the beauty market, it's hard to keep track! Be sure to select one with organic ingredients that suit your skin type. With my dry skin, I like to go for the ultimate moisture products.

Above: The Body Shop - Shea Body Butter ($9.95)

Step 6: Spraying it Up

Time to eliminate body odours with your fave deodorant or body mist!

Above: Ralph Lauren Pony Collection Body Mists 4 & 

Step 7: Applying Moroccan Oil to Hair

You don't need me to tell you how extraordinary Moroccan Oil is. Honestly, it's been on the market for ages and does wonders to livening up unhealthy or dead cells in your hair.

Protance Naturals- Moroccan Argan Oil

Step 8: Cleansing Your Face

Washing your face is the basics or bread and butter of skincare. Everybody has gotta do it, regardless of how clear your skin is. Even on no make-up days, it is necessary for one to replenish the facial skin in order to draw out any dirt or impurities. This prevents nasty break-outs that none of us really need. The cleanser I've been using on a pretty much daily basis has been the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. This is a drugstore/highstreet brand, yet it has been proven by dermatologists to work better than high end brands such as Dior or Laura Mercier. Crazy, right?

Step 9: Masking your Face

I absolutely adore mud facials. I don't know whether it's because of the cool feel of the product on my skin or the fantastic results I achieve from its use. Definitely both (but mostly the former...). The brand that I am using is Formula 10.0.6, which is an amazing skincare brand available at Priceline. The "Deep Down Detox" mask contains orange and bergamont, which both assist in brightening the skin on your face. When using any of the gorgeous masks from this brand, please keep in mind that a mild burning or stinging sensation when you first apply the product is completely normal. It just means the mask is doing it's job-reaching into the deepest darkest depths of your unholy pores, that is. After about 2 minutes, I swear the stinging stops and the product feels naturally cool and soothing on the skin. When it's all dry (after 10-15 minutes) wash off the mask.

 

Step 10: Moisturising your Face

I also use the wonderful Cetaphil brand's moisturiser on my face after I have washed off my mud mask. After moisturising, I apply my eye cream.

Lacura Skin Science Aqua Complete Moisturising Eye Gel

Step 11: Painting your Nails

A pamper evening is incomplete without applying colour to your nails. This time, I went for ChiChi's "Metallics Collection". Below are my three favourite colours from the range (unfortunately they don't have names...boo).

And that is it! After my pamper evenings are over, I enjoy settling in my comfy armchair and absorbing myself in a good book. I really hope you all have benefitted from this extra long post and that you're next pamper evening is just around the corner!

Kisses,

ella xoxo

Blush By 3 in Lace Review

This blush palette possesses a special position in my make-up collection. I've got to admit, all Sleek products are infamous for their highly pigmented and unique products. Unfortunately, Sleek isn't available in Australia, meaning that we Aussies have to wait up to 10 business days when ordering their products online (first world problems...).

The Blush By 3 come in 8 different shades, Lace being my absolute personal favourite. Let me tell you, I'm not the only one. Notorious fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger and Youtuber Zoe Sugg (also goes by her online name; Zoella) has previously spoken highly of the Blush By 3 range, particularly Lace.

Chantily (the first shade from the left) is an peachy orangey toned colour that is matte. I really love this colour on olive-skinned girls as it applies a gorgeous exotic element to a face. Guipure (middle shade) is a deep rosey pink hue with shimmery specks of gold running through the shade. This colour is stunning for those who desire illuminous cheeks. The last shade from the left (or  Crochet) is a matte coral pink. I love mixing this shade with Guipure for corally, shimmery pink coloured cheeks.

All in all, I believe the wait for the purchase was so completely worth it and I urge all beauty lovers to buy it too!

Random Loves

I was thinking a lot about my blog this morning and I couldn't help feeling that it was lacking something very important. When I first started this page, I wanted my readers to be able to know me. And that is exactly what I am going to achieve through this post. Peer into my soul and see what strikes my fancy...warning: this post could get a bit narcissistic...as it should be! Here's some random snapshots from the movie that is my life.