Hello, Everyone!

I've been wanting to do this post for so long now and I'm finally making the time to sit down and write it. You should know by now that I'm Instagram obsessed. I know a lot of bloggers don't feel the same, but it's like a second creative platform for me. Not to mention how many hours I've scrolled through looking at beautiful pictures. I just love it! 

One of my recent favorite things about Instagram has been Disney accounts. I've come across some truly stunning ones and I really wanted to showcase some of the amazing talent in this genre. 

adisneydreamforever 

You don't see many guys running Disney accounts, but Nick has a serious gift! He captures lots of characters and really highlights the happy expressions on their faces. Each row in his feed seems to match in color, which I find really satisfying. He's just started posting Halloween shots and I'm really happy about it!

whereiskirstie

This is definitely one of my favorite accounts I've found so far. It's just so beautiful to look at! She posts a lot of beautiful details she finds at the parks, or even her outfits that she wears. She has a real eye for it and I just love how she edits her pics.

evetaylorr

The special thing about Eve's account is capturing fun moments at Disney. For those of us who have been lucky enough to visit, there's always those moments that make your face light up from being so happy. Her snaps really capture the fun of Disney and why it might be the happiest place on earth.

dolewhipdani

The prettiest feed you ever did see! There's a major color scheme going on and it's so gorgeous to look at. She has a real mix of characters and park details that are just as pretty to look at. There's a lot of effort going into this account and it pays off.

disneywithabi

I really love the tone of color and softness to Abigail's pictures. She shows a lot of different locations in each of the parks, which is awesome. Most accounts focus on the main attractions, but this one's a true explorer.

windsintheeast

For some reason this account just screams magic to me. It might be the combination of brilliant editing and princess' smile at their adoring fans. Lexi also captures the beautiful colors of Disney and what the do for the experience. I don't know how she was able to capture so many amazing moments with the cast, but she rocks at it.

princepogiatdisney

If you're in the mood for some Disney Halloween pics, this guy is for you! He's been capturing some of the great things about the parks in October, and always looks like he's been having the time of his life. I really adore this one for the pure joy of it.

I really hope you find some new favorites among these! They really are some of the most stunning accounts I follow on Instagram of any genre. They're just so fun and remind me of why I need to go back as soon as I can. 

Who are some of your favorite Disney Insta/bloggers to follow?

Steph x. 

What Notebooks I Use: Blogging, Food Plan, & Bullet Journal!

Hello fellow journal lovers! 

I think my obsession with blank notebooks has only gotten worse as I've grown older. Keeping up with the notebooks that I have is like a hobby for me, and a relaxing one at that. I operate better in my day-to-day life when I have plans, goals and lists all written down for me to look back on later. And it helps if I have some pretty notebooks to do it in. 

Since I'm always curious about how other bloggers use theirs, I thought it would be fun to show you what journals I use and how it helps me with my blog and everyday life. Most of these travel in my backpack with me wherever I go, just in case I get a wave of inspiration. What can I say, I'd be lost without my notebooks!

Bullet Journal

Before I get your hopes up, I don't have a super-creative BuJo with cute writing and colors. This is my interpretation that works best for me. This journal is my go-to for almost anything I want to write down. From blog post ideas to packing lists for trips away. I just flick to the next empty page and start writing! I think it's one of those controlled messes that only I know makes sense. This is where I write out my 365 Days of Happy posts and brainstorm other ideas. I would be so lost without this journal! I've actually almost filled it up, so I'll be popping out to get a shiny new one soon.

• Budget plans for my pay
• Meal ideas
• Wishlists
• Lists of cafes to try
• Travel ideas
• Hashtags to use on Instagram 
• Goals for the future
• Blog post drafts

Home-Planning

When it comes to projects or goals, both Steve and I can't operate well without writing down a list first. It was months ago now when we started talking about us moving in together. It seemed like a natural progression in our relationship and we were both so happy and excited to start thinking about it. I still remember the cloudy Sunday afternoon we grabbed this Jetsons notebook I got from Typo, and made a master list of all the items we would need before we made the move. In here I also have:

• Moving plans and tips for when the time comes. 
• Inventory of what we already have
• Questions to ask our landlords 
• Chores I'll need to do and when
• Layout plans for kitchen storage and furniture 
• Notes from when we stayed while house-sitting
• Grocery master list (so I never forget to buy milk!) 
• Budget tips for saving money while flatting

Blogging

Not gonna lie, I mostly bought this journal because it has pizza on it and The Girl Gang is one of the best things about the blogging world. This is the newest edition to my journal collection and I've dedicated it to anything blog related: goals, drafts, blogmas planning etc.

I've been trying to get back into the habit of writing out 2 blog posts per week for each of the coming months. I like making sure I have back up ideas if I get stuck or just need to remember what plan I had for my blog. This time of year is the best for being creative, with Halloween and Christmas right around the corner. Half the fun for me is planning what themed posts I want to put up, so I'm gonna be using this one A LOT very soon.


Meal Plans

I think it's safe to say that I work best with a plan. Lately I've been spending ten minutes or so writing out what meal prep I want to make for Steve, and what we will have for lunch/dinner on the weekends I stay over. It makes me happy knowing I have a plan in place and I know exactly what I need to buy at the grocery store. So it saves me money too! I write out a week ahead and leave a blank page for a grocery list. I love having this in a small notebook, so I can take it with me anywhere.


Calendar Diary

I found this beauty at Paperchase last year and it's still one of the most beautiful journals I own. I think the use for this one is pretty obvious. I don't always stick by it day-to-day, but more use it as a reassurance should I need to know any events coming up. I've been using it lately to plan out our big move into our first home. Just so I know when to pack up certain things in my room. I will definitely keep my calendar handy for when we do move in so I can keep track of when to pay bills etc.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I stay organized, as well as a little a look into my journal obsession. Let me know if there's any other planning posts you wanna see in the future. 

What notebooks do you use? 

Steph x. 

Weekly Blog Appreciation #2

Hello, Everyone!

I'm back with some more awesome blog posts for you to browse. I don't know about you, but lately I have been really impressed with a lot of the content that bloggers are putting out onto the web. There's so much creativity and bravery (a perfect combo) that's going around and I freaking love it. All of these incredible beauties are inspiring me daily and I can't thank them enough.

I think there's a lot of belief going around that people don't read blogs as much as they used to. Maybe it's true, but I thoroughly enjoy spending my time checking out posts that people have put their heart into. We have to support each other in this community and reading blogs is the easiest way!

Gemma Louise 
What Being A Single Parent Has Taught Me

Yes! This is the post I needed. I see so many harsh truths being published about parenting (mainly from my sleepy friends with their toddlers) and I so wanted to read something about what you gain from having children, instead of focusing on what you lose. Louise does touch on the challenges, and I take my hat off to her for being Wonder Woman. But the fact that she's turned this situation into something that's made her stronger is amazing. Whether you're a parent or not, this is so worth the read.


Year of You 
I Quit My Career Today 

What an inspiring post! It's basically the story of an unhappy girl who left that horrible job to pursue what would make her happy. She writes so well and really captures how great she feels for making the bold move to go back to study. If you need a kick in the pants this week to make your life the way you want it, go read Hayley's blog.

HelloMissJordan
Can I Be An Instagrammer AND A Blogger?

I don't think there will ever come a day when I don't love one of Jordan's posts. Isn't she great? The title really called to me on this one. I've been loving Instagram a lot lately and see it as an extension of my blog, and I'm not the only one enjoying it. Jordan writes about the role Instagram plays in the blogging world and how she uses it personally.


Sunday Chapter 
10 Instagram Worthy Brunch Spots In London 

I stumbled upon Angela's blog on Instagram one morning and quickly followed her on Bloglovin'. I found this post and had to click on it immediately! Not that I'll be traveling to London any time soon (one day!) but if there's one thing I'm obsessed with, it's cute cafes. And WOW does she share some good ones! Can someone go check them out for me please?


What Cat Says
Haul l Primark X Harry Potter 

As if HP in the title wasn't cool enough for this nerd, Cat and I also share the same house! You always see Gryffindor and Slytherin themed goods, so I'm happy brands are finally acknowledging the other houses too. These items are beautiful, especially the pajamas. Cat has some amazing blog photography skills to capture them all too.


The Nerdy Me
How To Throw The Perfect Movie Night 

This is the coolest post! Since I will so have my own space, I'm really looking forward to actually being able to host movie nights. Leta shows how to make a super-cozy setting, with inspiration from Pinterest to get your creativity running. Her photos are amazing for this post too, I really love seeing all the little details. This has given me so many ideas for upcoming movie nights!

I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I did! Make sure you leave me a comment telling what blogs you've been reading lately. 

Steph x. 

Follow me on Bloglovin' to never miss a post!

How To Have A No-Spend Weekend

I think no matter where you are in life, at some point or another money is gonna get tight. Finance has been on my mind a lot recently, owing to some exciting life changes happening soon. It's easy for me to start to freak out and wonder if I can even conquer this adult thing. 

BUT I decided this morning that instead of worrying (because as Newt Scamander says, it means you have to suffer twice) I am simply going to handle it. Like the girl-boss I know I am! 

We can all agree that the weekends is when we spend the most money. With shopping trips, going out to lunch, or buying a feast of takeaway food, it all adds up. But I am here to give you a big ol' list of ideas for saving your pennies and still enjoying your time off too. The idea is to spend your weekend being productive, which for me means happiness. Having a no-spend weekend means you're one step closer to that holiday, new car, or maybe just to have a little more cash up your sleeve for when you need it. Spending less doesn't mean you can't have fun on the weekend, you just have to get a bit creative. 

Bake with ingredients you already have

Plan a dream holiday

De-clutter areas in your home that bother you

Have a picnic 

Play board/card games 

Read that book that's been sitting on your shelf

DIY something from Pinterest

Go to the beach; take photos or just go for a walk

Re-design a room

Give your garden a little love

Watch Netflix documentaries 

Plan a weeks worth of meals

Make your car look shiny and new again

Make a vision board

Plan your dream holiday

Try YouTube Yoga

Organize your pantry

Watch the sunset

Give your dog a bath and make them all fluffy again

Take bulk blog photos for the week

Clean your fridge

Tuck up on the couch and read blogs

Start a journal project 

Make a scrapbook of happy things from 2017

Create a wish-list (never too early for Christmas)

Have a duvet-day in your living room. Building a fort is optional

Update your bucket-list

Plan a party you want to throw

Go to a botanical garden and have a photography day

Organize your closet and plan outfits for the week

Start a recipe book

Have your Mum around for a cup of tea

There you go! Plenty of ideas to fill your weekend while you save money. You really don't need to spend heaps to have fun. There's also a lot of activities that mean you get to spend more quality time with loved ones. That is what's most important, right?

How do you have a no-spend weekend?

Steph x. 

365 Days Of Happy: August

Happy September, Everyone!

Another month has flown by us and I'm back with another installment of my happiness project. It's gonna be a good one this time, since I get to share my Hawaiian adventure with you! 

I learning through this project that you're gonna have highs and lows every single month. For me, the start of August was amazing and then the second half got a bit crappy. Mainly because I got sick, but you've gotta take the good with the bad, right? 

I'm actually really excited to start this new month. I'm the most inspired I've been for putting out content in months and it feels so good to be writing again. I've also been putting a lot more effort into my Instagram lately. I love using it as another creative outlet, and even posting stories! Check out out and let me know what you think. 

Enough rambling, here's what made me happy through August: 

1. Finally got to pack for Hawaii! Me and Steve have been binging some Hotel Hell episodes, it's pretty good! 

2. Work took so long, but we finally got on the plane to paradise!

3. Started our first full day in Hawaii by watching some CrossFit Games action, then a run by Diamond Head and the beautiful beach. Coffee at our favorite place, Kona, then a fun beach swim. We also visited the famous Leonard's bakery! 

4. We drove up to North Shore today. I ate the most amazing purple hummus and tried Aloha Lemonade. There was also night-time fun of burgers and shoe shopping! 

5. We checked out the Saturday market this morning, then had lunch at The Pig and The Lady (totally amazing!) We couldn't resist hitting the beach again for an afternoon swim. 

6. Spartan Race Day! It was very tough both mentally and physically, but we did it! So proud of Steve and I for doing so awesome. We celebrated with a relaxing spa to help our sore legs. 

7. Had a nice, chill day. The best part was going out on a catamaran cruise around the harbor. 

8. Spent the day at Pearl harbor, which the boys loved. The most fun came in the afternoon when we had family fun by the apartment pool. Feeling super-happy. 

9. Explored my new favorite part of the island today! Started with a workout at CrossFit Kailua, which I have been stalking on Instagram for ages. Then we all headed to the beach for a fun day of paddle boarding! I was super-proud of myself for standing up for so long.


10. We did some major shopping damage today! There's an amazing outlet centre (Waikele) and we all treated ourselves to some bargains. I think between us we bought 15 pairs of shoes...


11. Finished off our holiday with good food, cocktails, and spending some time in the spa.


12/13. Traveling over the timezone on our way home :( But we had great flights and I got to watch the new Power Rangers movie, which took me right back to my childhood.

14. Had a quiet day with Steve; casual lunch date at Subway (I was craving it) then a nice food shop.


15. Spent the day blogging and getting lots of life stuff sorted. Feels good!


16. Came home from my first day back at work to Mum cooking me a tuna steak. So good!


17. Met up with Mum for lunch then did a little home-ware shopping together!


18. Came home after a long day at work to chill with wine and pizza.


19. Got out for some fresh air with a hill-run, then went back to our favorite cafe for some refueling. I forgot how amazing their coffee is!

20. Made a big brunch for me and Steve to enjoy while we are house-sitting in our future home. The buttermilk chocolate chip pancakes were amazing! Then we just got to chill all day in our own space for once. Bliss!


21. Nothing better than eating a big bowl of pasta and watching Friends with my favorite person.


22. Had an afternoon of blogging and packing/organizing my room. It's great to have some productive time.


23. My cold got so much worse after this morning's burpee workout, but Steve cheered me up by taking care of me and bringing his sister's dog over.


24. Bad day saved by Mum today. Me and Steve started getting addicted to watching Love Island...


25. Chocolate ice cream and apple strudel for dessert kinda-evening.

26. While Mum was getting her haircut, I went into the charity shops nearby and found some awesome stuff!


27. Sunday chocolate chip pancakes in bed :)


28. I finally got a Monday off (hooray for a full weekend!) so I made the most of it by going for a run with Mum and catching up on chores.


29. Finally back at CrossFit after having time off for being sick. Felt awesome doing zercher squats!


30. There was so much negative energy at work today that I decided to go out and buy some home stuff that we need for our move. A little retail therapy goes a long way sometimes.

31. My CrossFit gym is finally stocking LifeAid in the fridge! It's my favorite flavor of the brand. It's made my body feel better already.

Tell me in the comments what made you happy this August, or what you're looking forward to in September!
Steph x.

How To Beat The Post-Holiday Blues

Ahh, the downside of every vacation. There's nothing better than taking a break from your every day life, but unfortunately it's always over before you know it. To be honest, I usually look forward to coming home. I miss the routine and comforts of home. I miss getting up in the morning for a coffee in one of my favorite mugs, or chilling in my own bed with one of my favorite TV shows.

We all know those moments upon your return where you wish to be back on sandy beaches. And that amazing feeling of having zero responsibilities for the first time all year. But life can still be good my friends! There's plenty of ways we can beat those holiday blues and keep the happy feels flowing.

Since routine is what I miss most on holiday, changing up and perfecting a routine is a great way to feel better once you're home. Maybe you can look at what was boring you before you left for vacation and find a way to change it up. Eat your breakfast outside, incorporate new food into your diet, or blog for half an hour in the morning. Use something you loved doing on vacation to spice up your everyday routine.


On the plane ride home, I kept thinking about the positives of arriving back. You spend the months leading up to your holiday anxious and excited, so I find it's important to keep that feeling of looking forward to something in the future. It can be absolutely anything from getting a new pet, Christmas, planning a road trip, going to a concert, or having a big birthday bash. If you're sad that the vacation is over, have something else that just sits in the back of your mind, that you can turn to when you wanna feel excited. I'm lucky this time, because in 1 1/2 months me and Steve will finally be living together. We always felt more excited about the move than the holiday to be honest! Now I get to start planning the move, think about how I want to decorate the place, and get our home gym sorted. It's an exciting next chapter that makes coming home from paradise a lot more bearable.


If you miss that feeling of exploration and eating out, why not find new favorites in your home city/town? There's been a lot of activity here in Christchurch lately, with new cafes popping up every week. No matter where you live there is always a way to try something new and enjoy it with friends. One of my favorite ways of getting recommendations is through foodie accounts on Instagram. There's always someone in your area who is doing it, and you will be spoiled for choice! You can scroll their feed, drool at their delicious food pics, then make a list of all the places you wanna go. Even planning to try somewhere new once a month can help ease that travel bug that keeps coming back. You may even want to start a foodie account for your home town too!



I'd love to know any tips you guys have for beating those post-holiday blues! Steph x.