It's almost May everyone. MAY! I am not ready for 2018 to fly by thank you kindly. 

But that doesn't mean the last few months haven't been filled with lovely things. My beloved puppy Enzo is growing bigger by the day and we took him to the beach for the first time. Easter brunch was epic and I completed my second CrossFit Games Open. 

I've found some new favorite bits and shows this month that have gotten me through some rough days too. Including Netflix shows that I REALLY should have started earlier. 

I am always so interested in watching my favorite YouTubers do these videos every month and I really wanted to incorporate it into my blog again. Monthly favorites are always one of the best posts to read, so send me links if you write one too! 

Without further a do, let's see what I've been obsessed with lately. 

OXX Lip Tints
I went on the hunt for some new affordable beauty products in Kmart and happened along these. I'm someone who's more likely to wear a lip tint or lip gloss, simply because I want it to be long lasting and easy to apply. These only cost me $2 each, so they're not super-great quality. But I was blown away by how much I enjoyed using it and how easy it is to slip into my daily routine. I bought the color Bloom first then had to go back for the other two shades.


Palmolive Peach Indulgence Body Wash
I'm always looking for new fruity scents to try out in my morning routine. The lime Original Source one is still an all-time favorite, but it's always fun to try something new. The words "Peach" and "Body Butter" called out to me and I knew I needed it in my life. It really is an indulgent shower gel and wow does it smell good!


Fruity Eclipse Mints
I have to carry mints in my bag with me at all times and I've sunk to a new low by having mints in my pocket constantly too. And I blame these delicious fruity flavors! First it was sour apple that I found at the gas station, which I can never resist. Then after devouring my first tin I was heart-broken because I couldn't find a replacement. Then the berry flavor came into my life, and eventually sour watermelon too. Super-markets don't stock them yet, but I am enjoying my current obsession with them.

Solitaire, By Alice Oseman
Look guys, I read a book this month! Actually, it only took me three days to read this because I was so hooked on it. I felt like I was going back into my teenage mind with the main character in this novel as she's fighting those tough years I remember well. It's also mixed in with a school mystery that all seems to link back to her. I felt very invested in these characters and finding out who was making all the pranks. I picked this up randomly at a charity shop after recognizing the cover and it was fate. Loved this book a lot.


TEEN WOLF season 6
I became obsessed with this show a few years back, and I still maintain that is it one of the most under-rated shows ever. Don't let the cute boys and 90's title fool you. The series is full of mystery, friendships, cliff-hangers, lovable characters, supernatural creatures, and twists that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Season 6 was released a while ago and I was waiting for it to be available on Netflix. It feels good to be finishing off the series now and it's a good one! Creepy horsemen the make people disappear, especially when they take the series most loved character. I'm seriously hooked on this at the moment and I can't wait for the finale!


STRANGER THINGS
Ah Steph, where have you been? I know, I know, super-duper late for this one. I'm really boring in my Netflix adventures and usually end up watching the same two CrossFit documentaries or Jane The Virgin (both I still highly recommend!) But Steve and I wanted to start a series together and Stranger Things popped out when we flicked through, then BOOM! We were pretty hooked. The thing that got me on this series was the fact that at the end of each episode I just needed to know what was going on. What the monster was, who Eleven really belonged to, will Nancy forgive Steve again?!

We got through season 2 even faster than the first and I have to say that it was a step up! You know I'm in deep now because I've followed the cast on Instagram. Come on season 3!

You guys enjoy the monthly-favorites comeback? 

Definitely gonna try make it a normal edition to my blog if I can. Maybe even weekly favorites too. 

What have you been loving lately? 

Steph x. 

Fitness Wishlist #2!

Apologies for the absence, don't worry I haven't gone anywhere. Lots of stuff has been going on personally lately, so I had zero motivation to be online. It was a healthy break that we all need sometimes. But as you can probably tell, I've been eyeing up some new gear for my fitness life. And oh boy did I find some good stuff!

One thing I have learned is that you can't let yourself get bored when it comes to fitness. 

With your routine, wardrobe, or what you take with you in a gym bag. 

You don't have to spend a fortune, but investing in gear that excites you and can help you up your game is always a good idea. Here are some of my favorite recent finds!

GOLDEN PALMS SET

I'm not normally one for matching sets, but this is pretty cute. I would have to save it for epic training days or competitions. Plus the shorts look high-waisted, which is always a blessing! 

HEROES WRIST WRAPS 

How can it not be a good lifting day with Captain America and Iron Man encouraging you? These could not be more "Steph" really. 

THE BELLA BAR: TOOMEY EDITION

Rouge Fitness are like the foundation for all CrossFit events and are well-known for being the best quality. Lately they have been designing bars with athletes and this one may be my fav! It's for the 2017 champion Tia Claire Toomey and it's bloody beautiful. It's my favorite color and the arrow design is such a cool style. Perfection! 

JAW PULL-UP GLOVES 

One of the main reasons I've had my eye on these for a while is because I've seen one of my favorite CrossFit athletes wearing them. These look so damn comfy and durable. High-rep pull-ups are just so taxing on your hands and these babies would save me for sure. 

GLITTER BARBELL HEADBAND 

How cute is this? I love wearing headbands when I workout to keep any stray hairs off my face. And this is just too adorable. This Etsy store also has some running designs, so I may have to treat myself to a few soon. 

UNICORN KNEE SLEEVES 

Yep, you know I want these in my life. Why have boring black knee sleeves when you can have these epic ones? Knee sleeves help so much with squats, lunges, wall balls etc. Plus they would keep my knees warm in winter!

THICK THIGHS T-SHIRT

Once again, an item that captures me perfectly. CrossFit has taught me to embrace my thighs and I love it. This would be perfect for a laid back lifting day or going for an afternoon hike. 

DEADLIFTS TANK

This Etsy shop has so many awesome tanks with slogans to suit everyone. Everything from boxing, running, cycling, and tacos. Deadlifts are one of my absolute favorite movements, so I would rock this one! 

CHASING EXCELLENCE BY BEN BERGERON

Ben is probably one of the most respected coaches in the CrossFit community and has two 2-time champions under his belt. Whenever I see him talking in a documentary I'm in awe, because he is so good at getting athletes to have the right mind-set to accomplish anything. I've been wanting to read this for ages and will definitely pick this up soon. 

FITAID CROPPED HOODIE 

Would you not be the most stylish person in the gym wearing this? I am seriously in love. Plus this company makes the BEST post-workout drinks EVER. 

NOBULL PURPLE LIFTERS

One of the best brands out there for training shoes and only a handful of people in New Zealand have gotten their hands on them. I've heard they are super-comfy and their lifters are unique because of the wooden soles. Not cheap, but how damn cool are they?

What do you guys think? I feel like there's a lot here to keep me motivated for the gym. I am seriously eyeing up those unicorn knee sleeves...

What's been on your fitness wishlist lately?

Running shoes, protein powder, or a new nike top?

Steph x. 

The Perks Of Being A Morning Person

While most mornings it's a struggle to pull myself out of bed at 5.13am to get ready for an early class, then rush to work for a shower, on my days off I am 100% a morning person. I don't like sleeping past 8am, not that our puppy Enzo would let me.

It's currently Monday morning and I have already watched half a Harry Potter film (The Goblet of Fire) had my first cup of coffee for the day, searched for book blogs to follow, and fed/played with Enzo. I love making the most of my days off and getting all the things done to feel like I have my life together. Some days I wake up wanting to clean the whole house, and the next I'll have some good laptop time. I never regret getting up that hour earlier than everyone else to do what I want. There's plenty of perks to being an early bird like me.

MAKING AN EPIC BREAKFAST FOR YOURSELF
And the BF if he gets up early enough. You know how those dreamy pics pop up on Instagram with the avocado toast and perfectly poached eggs? #yolkporn
A free morning means I have some creative time to make what my heart desires (and get a killer gram pic while I'm at it.) Even oats made on the stove and not in the microwave is heaven. A free morning will always mean you can eat properly and you don't have to rush.


ENJOY THE EARLY MORNING CALM
You know what I'm talking about, right? The quiet traffic, pink sky, and birds singing as they wake up. It's honestly my favorite time of day. Nothing beats the peace of an early morn.


GREAT TIME FOR SOME SELF-CARE
This is my Sunday/Monday morning priority. I have a couple of hours free to myself where I can blog, browse Pinterest, catch up on YouTube, walk the pup, or just enjoy a hot steamy shower. It's why I'm happy to get up at 7am on my days off, because I can take the time to unwind and get my mind right.


THE SUNRISES YOU CAN'T PUT A FILTER ON
I can't tell you how many times I've seen a purple/pink sky from a window at work and it's put a smile on my face. Or I've walked out of CrossFit at 6.30am to find the most beautiful sunrise yet. It makes early mornings so worth it when mother nature puts on a show.


GET MORE DONE
I can never feel like my day is right if I've slept in too late. But when I'm up early and have a day's plan in my head, I can feel oh so motivated. Even if I can just catch up on a Netflix show or read some blogs, I feel good about my morning.

Are you an early bird like me? Or do you like to leave me-time to late at night?

Steph x. 

Puppy Essentials I'm So Glad We Bought

I'm just gonna say it, puppy life is great. I can't tell you how much a adore Enzo and look forward to coming home and hugging his little face everyday. Yes he steals my shoes and jumps up for food, but I can never go mad with those puppy-dog eyes just staring up at me.

He has almost been with us two months now and it has really flown by. To say that we have learned a lot is an understatement. Everyone will tell you different things about getting a puppy, and you don't have to listen to them. Every puppy is different and there's a lot of fun in that. We have been incredibly lucky so far and Enzo has been the perfect start to our little family. There's a few essential items that we have personally found amazing and work for us. I don't think we would have had such luck without them.

A CRATE

Controversial among dog owners, I know, but here's where we stand. It's been an actual life-saver. 

Steve's sister gave us her old one she had for her Rottweiler, so built for a big dog. And it's been Enzo's little cave of safety since the beginning. He has learnt to go to sleep by himself, kept him safe for a few hours while we are at work, and he even goes in it by himself at night when he's tired sometimes. Totally not cruel, just a bit of structure that's good for puppies. 

SMALL HARNESS

 Oh how handsome he looked in his little harness for the first time! Obviously he will grow out and into a new one in no time, but getting puppies used to wearing a harness for walking later on is a damn good idea. When I'm in the car with Enzo and he's at risk of being restless, I have him strapped to the seat (with wiggle room, don't worry) with his harness and leash on. It works perfectly! He's safe and has been used to wearing one since we first got him. 

PLASTIC BED FOR CAR RIDES

Carrying on from above, when he was small and in the car I would also have him in his plastic bed that's full of comfy blankets. Just a bit more security for you and him, plus it makes it easier to carry him. It cost me $5 from the charity shop and he knows what's going on when it comes out now. 

PLENTY OF TOYS TO CHEW ON

Of different textures, some to throw, some to cuddle. Unfortunately it means there's normally toys littered all through the house now, but it keeps a teething puppy from chewing on furniture. Or stealing our socks and leaving them outside...

LOTS OF TREATS 

For good behavior, something to chew on for a while, or just plain old bribery, have a good stash at the ready. Enzo will chew on a rawhide stick for at least half an hour, so it's great for when you want a little quiet in the house. I also give him veggies (carrots/capsicum sticks) for a bit of variety and to help with teething.


TIME OFF WORK
Maybe one of the most important on the list. I spent the week after we got Enzo home with him and it made such a difference for both of us. He got used to his home, while I gained confidence in having him here. He is a total mamma's boy now, but that week off together felt so precious.

As a puppy update, Enzo has now had all the necessary shots and we celebrated with a trip to the beach. He absolutely loved it! 

What are some of your pet essentials? 

Steph x.