from summer to… winter?

winter pic

 

It’s hard to believe that I’ll be going back to cold, winter temperatures in a month–okay, two months, since Florida doesn’t really count! In an effort to cope with the fact that all of my bright, spring/summer clothes I’ve accumulated here will be put away until March, I’ve put together some of my favorite loungewear for the season.

Disclaimer: I am not happy about leaving Australia at the start of summer…but I will admit I do love to be cozy by the fire with some hot chocolate, especially the homemade famous one from The Little Nell!

Wildfox and Free People have the best loungewear to stay cozy this season, which can be found on both Shopbop and Revolve. I also can’t go without my camp socks and slippers from J. Crew! I’ll be sending those items back home, and until then, I’ll savor every day in my bathing suit and summer dresses!

xx

 

loved

loved

More and more recently, I’ve been hearing about young ones taking away their own lives. I personally have not experienced this with anyone too close to me, but it is still such a shaking event that resonates with me. While I know this is a controversial issue, and there are many factors playing into suicide, I want to encourage anyone reading this to tell whoever, whenever, that they are loved.

The scary thing is, sometimes you never know when someone is hurting inside. People come with their own amount of inner demons, but may cover it up with a goofy personality, or a smile on their face. Our lives are so fragile, and the pressures of society can fracture our ability to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you may feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, but that means you’re only going up from there. I’m not an expert on psychology and mental health, but I felt the need to express my feelings towards the issue.

All I want for you to do is to just express your love, appreciation, and gratitude towards your friends, family, and all your loved ones. Even to compliment an acquaintance, coworker…anyone! We all walk around with the same general fears and anxieties, and sometimes put up a front to keep others from seeing our vulnerabilities. If we can all accept that we are after the same thing in the grand scheme of things, then maybe we can help those who are in a dark place by simply telling them that they are loved and worth it.

xx

aus-sentials

I’ve been loving my new Samudra clutch, it fits everything I need! Here’s a peek inside my daily essentials (with some Aussie products that I hope to get when I’m home!)

essentials

1. Papaw Ointment: Chaptstick is the number one necessity in all of my purses–I’d be stranded without it at all hours of the day! This is the best lip balm, cuticle cream, or basically anything you need it for! My aussie sister (did I mention I’ve been ‘adopted’ into a family? I love them!) gave me a spare jar and I am obsessed! 

2. NARS coral lip pencil and concealer stick: I just got the coral for summertime, and it goes on perfectly with my lip gloss. A spot concealer is perfect to cover up little blemishes on the go, this one lasts long too!

3. Gypsy Water: thanks to my sister, I’m now addicted to this amazing smelling perfume! I’m starting to see it grow in popularity around here, probably because it’s so amazing! I love how it smells different on everyone, it gives you your own personal scent.

4. Coconut lotion: okay, sunscreen? Yes, it is a necessity to wear daily, especially when Australia is lacking an ozone layer… but this mainstream sunscreen smells amazing! You don’t smell like a tourist going to the beach, you smell like coconuts and vacation. It’s all over the convenience stores, but I hope I can get it when I get home, it smells that good!

5. Card holder: I love my new YSL cardholder. It’s perfect to carry itself when your on the go, or throw in a purse when you only need a few cards and some cash for your night out.

6. Sunnies: the Daddy B sunnies from Oliver Peoples are my absolute favorite. They have the best styles and colors, I’m already saving up for my next pair!

7. Ear-buds: Frends makes the best ear buds and headphones. I love these, but since I’m usually on the go, the ear buds fit perfectly in my Samudra pouch.

8. Last but not least: the Samudra Pouch! I absolutely love the beach designs on these bags. They are such great quality, and fun to even use for a casual purse when you’re out to dinner. It was hard to pick just one–I want them all!

xx

thinking out loud

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If you told me a year ago where I would be now and what I would experience, I wouldn’t believe a single bit. My adventures abroad have opened new doors, giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as I go along. Now I know your eyes have already glazed over because, who doesn’t say that studying abroad or traveling to another country is life changing? I know I’m not different, however, everyone’s experience is special to him/her in some sort of way. That’s why, I hope that by sharing my adventures with you, you will be inspired to challenge yourself and dig deep to the root of who you really are.

I’ve gained a lot of clarity on this trip. Made new friends, strengthened old relationships, and learned to let go of what doesn’t serve me. It’s been a challenge (and believe me, those who I have complained to are fully aware), but despite my somewhat failed efforts to let everything go, I can say that I am learning to see the silver lining in most situations. If I were to take anything away from this experience, it would be that I have the most incredible support system and I am even more grateful than I was before to have such amazing people to be there for me.

My experience has served me in the best way possible. I am ultimately happy with the person I have become, and look forward to the future that I can make for myself. I can’t wait to keep traveling, learning, and growing to the point where my passion becomes my career. The American mentality is a tough pill to swallow–graduate, get a job, and that’s it for the rest of your youth. How will you know what you really want, when all you’ve been doing is following a path that most people take? If you have the opportunity, even if it’s for a month, travel! There’s so much to learn about yourself and others when you take yourself out of your comfort zone, and if anything it will give you the confidence to go in the direction of your dreams.

x

classic + accent

blue and white picWhile I was home, I took on a bedroom re-do project.  I wanted to transform my room into a more classic, cozy space.  I love my new Bella Notte crochet pillow cases and white linen bedding, but I have been on the hunt for the perfect accent color.  The crisp white is beautiful, but this indigo/navy accent color would look great! I can’t wait to get home and finish decorating. I’ll be sure to share the final product in December : )

a drop in the ocean

turtle

{photo by: Chris Slawson}

During my time home this summer, I got to watch my dog save baby sea turtles that were stuck in their nests. He would bring them to me gently, and watch as they slowly made their way out into the ocean. It’s such a beautiful sight to see–having this tiny, new-born creature instinctively make its way out into the ocean alone. Could you imagine, being tossed through waves into a massive, unchartered territory–but at the same time, instinctively knowing to do so?

It’s so easy to get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle. I’ve always been the type of person to have a long list of things to do, going through every day with some sort of agenda. Ever since I went home this summer, I really started slow down and take the time to observe the little things that happen around me. I have taken that understanding with me to Australia, immersing myself in this new place while letting things come naturally. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and a lot of my appreciation and happy memories have come from the moments when I slowed down and really took in the moment.

There’s such a deep message that I’ve picked up on from watching the turtles this summer. It inspires me to open my eyes and immerse myself in the unknown, and to always know that home is there. I was blessed with support and guidance growing up, and I have so much appreciation for the foundation I’ve been given. Now, this is the time to go out and learn more about myself from being in new places, figuring out which direction to head as I go along. It is such an exciting point in my life, and I am so thankful to have this understanding with me as I continue my journey. I instinctively know that I am doing what’s best for me, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

coffee coffee buzz buzz

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When I was a toddler, my mom caught me in the kitchen, swimming in coffee grinds on the counter. Ask me why I did it, I couldn’t tell you then–but today, I would proudly say I was doing a coffee body scrub! Who knew a toddler could be so innovative? (Yes, I did just share one of the many weird things I did as a child.)

Meet Frank, the best body scrub I have found to date. Its coffee-based, all natural formula not only soothes your skin and sloughs off the bumps, it is proven to help diminish stretch marks, psoriasis, and many other skin problems you may be experiencing. The quirky packaging just arrived and I was so excited to try it out! 

I may have looked like I was just casually rolling in dirt, but after leaving the scrub on for 10 minutes and rinsing, I came out of the shower smelling like sweet almond oil with a hint of coffee, and my skin was the softest its ever been! (probably as soft as it was the last time I rolled in coffee grinds…) 

If you’re in Australia and New Zealand, you get free shipping. If you do not live there, I still highly recommend the product! Check out there products online, there’s a few other types to choose from! However, I found a little DIY recipe on another Australian favorite, The Beauty Chef, to try at home! (I’ll be filling you in on why she’s so amazing soon!) 

Oh PS- Tasha Oakley loves Frank too! So if I couldn’t sell you on it, maybe she can! 

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{via: A Bikini A Day}

simple summer look

surf and sand pic

During the summer, my makeup drawer is usually collecting dust. It’s such a hassle to put on makeup that I usually end up just showing my sunburnt face in public without a care in the world. In an attempt to clean up my look, the first thing I go for is a simple shimmery eyeshadow. I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand eyeshadow palette–it’s every beautiful neutral color in a fun case! It’s a great touch for the natural makeup look if you’re looking for something subtle. 

Happy weekend everyone! : ) 

independence

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Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope you all enjoy the holiday with your friends and family. I am so grateful to those who serve for our country, and for my amazing family and friends surrounding me today.

Today, we are having a family barbecue with our close friends–hot dogs, cheeseburgers, the whole deal! I’ll be making a vegan strawberry shortcake with Clara. New post coming soon (if it turns out yummy!)