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. 

Summer Favorites I'm Living For

Happy Blogmas Day Six!

I know most of you will be all snuggled up with winter blasting outside, but down here in the southern hemisphere we are enjoying out summer weather while we can! I do miss getting some writing inside while the rain is coming down, although I would never trade it for the sunshine. Lately it had been HOT here, like almost 30*C everyday. It's been blissful being able to put shorts and sandals on to rock the day. 

I thought it would be fun to share what summer is all about for us Kiwis and what my favorite things about this season are. Enjoying the weather in December is a big part of Christmas for us. Be prepared for me to talk too much about food once again (when do I talk about anything else?) 

IT'S BARBECUE SEASON!

Hell yeah baby! I think my food obsession started growing up with summer barbecue parties with the family. And it's always the simple food that's the best. I'm talking my Mum's salads, various breads, prawns, scallops, potato salad, grilled potatoes, and any kind of bubbles you want. And the meat eaters are happy of course. You can always go back for seconds and the weather is so nice that you can sit outside. I live for this time of year because it's the best for food!



I can finally wear my SUMMER DRESSES
This time of year is always my favorite for dressing up. Whenever we go on holiday I buy more summer clothes and look forward to wearing them on warm days so much. I've found some personal favorites lately and it makes my day way more fun when I get to wear them.



SUMMER BERRIES! With yogurt, ice cream, porridge, smoothies, whipped cream, and on every single dessert! There's usually a peak in these months where berries are sold for a really good deal, so you can have them for breakfast every single morning. Fresh raspberries are always my favorite and I can eat a whole punnet if I don't stop myself. It's the best time of year for fruit for sure.



The new STAR WARS MOVIE!
*nerd alert* How cool is it that we've been getting a new installment every year in December? And it always falls right on my brother/Dad's birthdays too. It's not just about the geek in me that's always loved the series, but it's become a tradition for the past 2 years to go and see the new movie as a family (once on opening weekend and again on Christmas Eve.) So I'm really looking forward to the fun and the excitement of it all!



BRIGHT NIGHTS
Oh I love how I can come from work at 8pm and I feel like I still have my whole evening ahead of me. In winter I always want to get warm again and end up falling asleep in front of the TV after dinner. But at least now I can pot about the garden, do Christmas shopping with Steve, or walk the dog (when I get one :D) The days just seem longer and I feel more productive because the sun makes me happy. Gotta love day light savings!

What are some of your summer favorites you love, and maybe miss a little? 

Steph x. 

September Favorites!

Hello, Everyone! 

I know I don't usually put out a monthly favorites, but there are quite a few goodies I picked up in the States that I haven't had the chance to share with you yet. Most of these items have been with me throughout September and I've used them almost everyday. We all love sharing what we love, right? They all range from lifestyle, to beauty, and even a music favorite. It's been a good month!

Hermione Granger Wand

Isn't it beautiful!? When we visited Universal Studios Hollywood, the first thing we did (because I dragged my family there) was visit Hogsmeade. I loved every second of being there and I could have blown all of my spending money in Honeydukes. I didn't get the chance to go into Olivanders, but I did find another store beside the Jurassic Park ride that was full of amazing Harry Potter merch. After looking at the selection of wands, I knew Hermione's was the one I wanted most and I love it! The only other wand I own is Snape's and this is only making me want to start a collection.

Demeter Fragrance Library

"Blueberry" 

I've heard so much hype around this brand and I remember Carrie Hope Fletcher raving about different scents in a video. While we were in Honolulu, I ducked into Wallgreens to stocked up on makeup I can't get at home and I came across this counter. I was so happy! I spent ages smelling all the fun types of scents they have and decided to get the blueberry one. It just stuck out to me as something I could wear that's uplifting and perfect for Spring. I've been wearing it all month long and I'm still in love with it.

Essie Nail Polish

"Cabana Boy"

Having painted nails is one of my favorite ways to feel amazing. Essie always has the prettiest shades and I found this little beauty at T.J.Maxx. I'm a big fan of pastel shades for my nails, and this pale lavender color is exactly what I've been looking for. It has a really pretty shimmer to it too, which makes me think of it as a mermaid color whenever I wear it.

Kat Von D Shade + Light Blush 
"Bonnie + Clyde"

This is another little beauty I picked up for a bargain at T.J.Maxx. Blushes are one of my favorite items to shop for and I'm so glad I found this one. Being such a great brand, the pigmentation and quality of this blush is amazing. The idea is to use the lighter shade right on your cheek, then the darker shade towards your ear. It always comes out really pretty and it's been my go-to blush all month long. 

Skintimate Shaving Foam
"Raspberry Rain"

Whenever I visit the US, I always grab myself a new can of this stuff. It's the best shaving cream I have ever used and it breaks my heart that I can't get it in New Zealand! It's so silky and moisturizing, which we all know is important. And with vitamin E and olive butter in there formula, no wonder it feels nice! Their scents are always lovely too.


Original Source Shower Gel
"Grapefruit"

This has been a big favorite of mine for a while now, but I've never had the chance to share it. This is the shower gel I use at the gym and it has the most heavenly scent ever! It says grapefruit, but for me it's more like sour candy which is my favorite. After I've had a long workout and I'm super-sweaty, this is just perfect for feeling clean and happy again. It's like a post-workout treat!



NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder

I think this is one of those beauty items that has been floating around the blogging world. I was in desperate need of a new powder and NYX is a brand I naturally gravitate towards. Being a loose powder, it was a little awkward to use at first. But I have the hang of it now and have been reaching for it everyday. It's the perfect finishing touch to your makeup, and gives you a great boost of confidence!

Alice in Wonderland Mug

One thing that I was desperate to buy at Disneyland was a new mug. I need coffee with me at all times when I'm at home, so of course I collect mugs for a hobby. I've seen this one floating around Instagram for ages and it immediately caught my attention. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite tales, and every part of it at Disneyland was beautiful. Ever since I got home it's been my regular coffee mug and I love it!


New Gym Beauty Bag 

Finally a bag that describes me perfectly! Well, blog should be in there somewhere, but other than that this is spot on! I found it at T.J.Maxx in Hawaii and just had to have it. I bring it to the gym with me now, because it's the perfect size to hold all of my makeup brushes and favorite Naked Palette.


 Song: Let Me Love You ft. Justin Bieber, DJ Snake.

This has pretty much been on replay for me through August and September. I was watching a Lexlos vlog on YouTube and Carlos kept playing the song over again. It got stuck in my head, so I quickly found it on Spotify and it's been my go-to song since! It's pretty great for listening to at the gym as well. Always gets me in a good mood : )


Book: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas 

If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm a massive reading fan, but have struggled with a reading rut for a while now. I tried getting into Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but that just wasn't for me. I've had the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series on my shelf for a couple of months (I bought it on sale) and thought it would be perfect to help me get back into reading. I know the characters in this book are gonna break me, but it's so worth it!



Those are all of my favorites from September. I'm so happy with what I managed to pick up, especially since I don't get to shop all that often.

Let me know what some of your favorites have been this month!
Steph x.

My Snapchat Favs!

2016 has definitely been a big year for Snapchat and I have honestly become quite obsessed with it. It's the app I open most when I'm bored and/or procrastinating. The first thing I do in the morning is watch people's stories that have gone up over night and it helps me wake up. I certainly have my favorites that I look for and ones I usually skip to. I love it! I thought I would share my favorites and maybe get a few suggestions from you guys.


Anna Sacconejoly, asacconejoly

Surprise, surprise, that the Sacconejoly family is at the top of my list. Anna basically daily-snaps and since she's not in the vlogs a lot anymore, I always miss her. You get to see her funny side come out in the snaps, plus some really cute moments with her kids. Her snaps kinda feel like a behind-the-scenes of her YouTube channel. She's the one that I always click on first and her story is usually the longest. I love Anna and I think I'm just curious about what she gets up to!




Rosanna Pansino, rosannapansino

Another YouTube star I need more of in my day. Ro only recently got Snapchat and I am so glad that she did! She's such a bubbly and fun person, so it puts me in a good mood to watch her. Her adorable dog Cookie makes an appearance almost everyday. We sometimes get a sneak peak of what she's working on for her channel too!



Fitbychloe / Bowl & Spoon, fitbychole

Chloe is a fitness/food blogger that I found on Instagram and I've been following her story for a while now. She gives me some daily fitness inspiration with her long gym sessions and food snaps. I get so curious about what other fit-girls eat and what supplements they take. Her legs and abs are total #goals as well. So good to keep me working hard!



Ben Brown, mr.benbrown

Yet another YouTuber that I love to follow. Ben is hilarious and is such a natural on camera. His Snapchat is kind of another behind the scenes of his daily vlogs where he shows how he films stuff and when he's uploading. He's always off on some kind of adventure, so it's fun seeing what he gets up to.



sliceofmatt

More commonly known as SP, he is one of Ben Brown's best friends and is equally hilarious to watch. I love it when he's in Ben's vlogs, because combined they are one funny duo! He loves cooking and will quite often show what food he makes on his snaps too. Anyone who can make me laugh is a winner in my book! 



Heidi Somers, buffbunny

Another amazing fit chick to keep me inspired! I only recently discovered Heidi on Instagram, then immediately added her on Snapchat for being so awesome. The first snap of hers that I watched was a gym session and she was killing it! Some serious leg work was going on and it inspired me so much. She's one of my favorites already. 



louteasdale 

Lou is actually the hair stylist for the One Direction boys. She's also a talented makeup artist and I actually first fell in love with her snaps when she would do beauty tutorials. She also shows what beauty products she's loving and quite often goes to events where they are releasing new products. She just brings a bit of glamor to my day!



So, those are some of my favorite Snapchatters to watch! Leave me your favorites in the comments below : )
I don't snap often, but of you want to add me mine is marvelsteph 

Steph x.

Blogs I'm Currently Loving #2

Hello Everyone! 

The last time I did a Blogs I'm Currently Loving post, you guys seemed to really enjoy it. It became one of my most popular posts, so I thought it was time for a part two! There have been a few blogs lately that I keep going back to and have become some of my all-time favorites. It's even better when I see these bloggers on Twitter, where they are still so lovely. I hope you'll find some favorites in them too!

 Aisling's Beauty Bytes 

I've been following this amazing chick for a while now and I just keep loving her blog more and more. First of all, her layout and photos are beyond stunning! So bright and colorful. She writes about a range of topics, from beauty to books, and with every post you will get amazing advice. I always feel like I leave her blog in a calmer mood than before, and also like I've walked away learning something new. You can't ask for more in a blogger! I've looked up to her ever since I started blogging and she's still one of my biggest inspirations.

Sophie's Anecdotes  

I stumbled upon her lovely blog after seeing a post of her's on Twitter. It was all about what it means to be a health & fitness blogger, especially when you don't feel like you fit into the stereotype that people expect. Everything that Sophie writes is so relatable and well thought-out. She always talks about really interesting topics that had me reading for hours. I absolutely love her style and I feel like she writes posts that other people would hesitate on. Totally want her as a blog-friend! And a gym buddy.


Sweet is always in Style, Lucy & Kelly  

I just love these girls! No matter what they write about, I know I will love it because we have the same taste in everything. Their blog is always positive and leaves you feeling super happy. Everything is so well-written and full of passion. I always look forward to their next post! If you're a fan of Chuck/Zachary Levi, Captain America, fitness, and talking about happy things, then you will love these girls as much as I do.


 Julie, cuteinstgram 

When I'm going through my Bloglovin' feed looking for some posts to read, I always seem to keep coming back to this little gem. Julie's posts are always so positive and I find her blog really quite calming. She posts about everything from beauty to blogging tips, with lovely bright pictures to match. She definitely deserves more followers, so make sure you check out her blog and send her some love.

From, Roses 

I've been reading this lovely blog for a while now and the quality of Rebecca's post never wavers. She's one of these bloggers that you can go to for advice on everything from self-care to beauty products. Her blog is also visually stunning and just so well put-together. It's honestly the kind of blog I aspire to be have one day. There's always something inspirational to read on From, Roses, so make sure to head over if you are ever having a bad day, or are feeling lost. She's brilliant!


What blogs have you been loving lately?

Let me know, I'd love some recommendations!
Steph x.

April Lifestyle Favorites

Hello Everyone! I feel like April was a really great month and I found some awesome things to share with you. I finally found some new music to listen to, TV shows to binge-watch instead of socializing, and yet another journal project to keep me busy. The only thing missing is books, since I got myself into a bit of reading-rut that I've struggled to get out of. But it's a new month so I will try and get more reading done. Here's what I loved in April:

Skincare

Essano Rosehip Cleasning Water 

This is my new skin savior and a product I just can't live without anymore. My skin had been bad for a while and nothing was calming it down. I switched from using the Simple brand of cleansing water to this one and it made such a difference to my complexion. I picked it up because I knew that Rosehip oil is really great for your skin and I had used it before with great results. I love that it's a New Zealand brand too!

Movies

Creed

Rocky is quite the favorite in my family, so naturally we wanted to watch the latest film. You guys know of my love of boxing as well which made me want to watch it even more. It was such a great movie and really inspiring to anyone who has a dream to make it big. It's one of those movies that reminds you that to get what you want most, you have to be willing to go the extra mile (sometimes literally) in order to get it. I loved this movie as a modern Rocky and I highly recommend it!

TV 

 Vikings

 This one is entirely my trainers fault. He wanted to know what I thought of it and I ended up watching the entirety of season one over the weekend. It's not as gritty or gruesome as I thought it would be. Yeah, there's tonnes of blood and killing, but they are Vikings. The thing that has me hooked is how much drama happens in just a few episodes. I'm not talking about petty squabbles either, but full-on battles and achievements that make history books. There are some pretty badass characters that just make the show for me (Lagertha is queen bae) and it's made for the History channel, so you learn a little bit too!

Marvel's Daredevil   
 You may have seen in my What I'm Currently Geeking Out About post that this show has been a major love of mine lately. I've struggled to get into super-hero shows in the past (which is really weird for me) but this one has me hooked. I love that we get some awesome fight scenes, as well seeing the soft side of Matt Murdock when he's with his friends. I'm currently trying to finish season 2, which has been really great so far. I'm personally not a fan of Electra, but the Punisher has been really cool to watch and see how he interacted with Daredevil. 

Music

Jason Derulo
As much as I don't always agree with how he sings about women in his songs, damn Jason Derulo can come up with some really catchy tunes! I quite often have Talk Dirty playing on my ipod at the gym, and one of my YouTubers (Mr Ben Brown) was playing Get Ugly in one of his videos so I got hooked.

Ariana Grande, Dangerous Woman
I am completely obsessed with this song! I enjoy Ariana's music, but this song in my all-time favorite. It's so sexy and has a great beat; I often use it as my cool-down song at the gym. This song also describes someone I know really well, so I can relate to what she's singing about.

Little Mix 
These girls just keep getting better. I've been listening to their latest album, Get Weird, a lot this month and the songs are just so much fun that it puts me in great mood. I'm currently obsessed with Grown and Weird People. I really wish their tour was coming near me!


Other: 
Bullet Journals  

I know that this is quite a big trend right now, but I am totally on board with it and love reading blog posts about how people use them. It didn't take me long to go running to my local bookstore and buy my own journal to start creating pages. I love the freedom of bullet journals and how much you can personalize how you use it. I've been using mine for tracking TV shows and for notes when I'm at the gym. I love adding colors and doodles to make the pages a bit more interesting. I did a post on how I got started if you would like some tips : ) 


 Did you find any new favorites in April?
Steph x. 

February Lifestyle Favorites

Hello Everyone! How was your February? Mine was nice and productive. I decided on a slightly new direction career wise with my blogging and finally got myself a blog button/logo (do you like it?) I fell in love as soon as I saw the design. I wanted it to be something happy and calming, which is how I want you to feel after reading my blog : ) Here are some of my other lifestyle loves for the month:

Lush Montalbano Shampoo Bar 
I'm a big fan of these bars, I love that there's no packaging and they're so easy for travel. I needed to buy a new one so I decided to try something new. The scent of this one sold me straight away. It has Sicilian Lemon Oil as one of the main ingredients and makes it smell like sherbert lemons. I can't resist citric scents! With olives and rosemary as well, it does a great job on my hair and leaves it feeling so lovely and fresh again.

Lush Roses All The Way Soap
How beautiful is this!? When I saw it in the shop I grabbed one immediately because it was so pretty. I'm not usually a big fan of rose scents but this one isn't too over-powering and I find it really calming. It's one of those Sunday morning soaps to get you feeling relaxed for the day. And with coconut oil as one of the main ingredients, it makes your skin feel great too!


Body Shop Mango Whip 
 I actually bought this ages ago, but stopped using it after a while for some reason. I recently started showering at the gym and I needed a moisturizer to take with me and this one is perfect. I love the consistency of these, they're not too thick or thin and it leaves your skin super soft. I'm also obsessed with anything mango, so this puts me in such a good mood when I use it : )

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer "Cocoa Glow"
One downside to running outside so much is that I now have a tan line that follows the sports tops I wear and cuts off at my ankles...it's so bad guys! It also means that moisturizing is especially important too. I managed to find a solution for both problems, and I'm really happy with this product. I think the best part is that it smells like a coconut dream!

Boxing
So I've seen a few people at my gym having boxing lessons and it looked like so much fun, and such a good workout too. I wasn't sure at first, but now I'm so glad that I got over my nerves and booked myself a lesson. It was seriously fun and actually really satisfying! The only bad part was sweating so much and I couldn't wipe it off because of the gloves. Gross, but I'm hooked already and went out to buy myself some gloves. It's so important to change up your workouts and this should be a great addition to my routine!

Teen Wolf 
It was about this time last year that I became obsessed with this show and I ended up watching about four seasons in a couple of weeks (one of my life achievements, really.) Season 5 has been out for a little while but it looked so intense that I had to brace myself before jumping back into the supernatural dramas of Beckon Hills. This season is just as dark and twisted with enough mystery to keep me watching more episodes. It's the type of show that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I wouldn't recommend watching it alone at night-time, as I have now learned...

Fuller House
Being a 90s kid I grew up watching Full House and loved it so much. My Mum actually named me after Stephanie from the show because she loved how feisty and tough she was. Even now she's my favorite character! I was pretty excited when they announced a revival and I'm so happy with how it's turned out! Go watch it : )

What did you love in February? 

Steph x.

A Few Of My Favorite Things - Janurary

Hello Everybody!

The first monthly favorites of 2016! It is going to be a little different on my blog this year, since I don't try enough makeup in a month to focus just on beauty it's going to be a big collaboration of items instead. Sound good? Cool! So here's a general mix of everything I loved in January, from skincare to snacks and work-out fashion!

Beauty

Goodness Everyday Cream Cleanser 

This brand has become my go-to for skin care, so when I ran out of my First Aid Beauty Cleanser I decided to replace it with this one. It leaves your skin feeling so soft and nourished, which its perfect way to start or end your day. And no wonder, since it's full of apple extract, chia seed, avocado and coconut oils to keep your skin feeling lovely. You get quite a big tube as well, so your money will go far with this one!

Maybelline Baby Lips Candy Wow "Raspberry"

This one has had permanent residence in my handbag all month long. It's one of the best tinted lip balms I have tried and I find the packaging really cute. It leaves a really lovely pink color doesn't dry out my lips. Definitely trying more from this range.

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation 

My beloved Maybelline Fit Me foundation is now running out, so I went on the hunt for a replacement. I have never tried a foundation by Rimmel before (gasp!) but I have to say that this one is amazing. The formula is thick, yet it feels so light on your skin. It also survived a work shift better than any other product I have tried. If you're looking for a matte foundation to try, I highly recommend this one.

Snacks

Mini Bagel with Chocolate Peanut Spread

My new favorite snack! I was watching an old Zoella vlog where she was having bagels with Nutella on them, so I blame Zoe for making me crave the same (still love her though.) To save me committing to an entire bagel, I found these adorable minis. I also spotted this Mother Earth Chocolate Spread that I wanted so I thought why not make it a winning combo!

Making my own popcorn

I had a major craving for these the other week and have been obsessed since. I didn't want to get popcorn that was covered in greasy butter and salt, so I ended up making my own! I found this Jamie Oliver YouTube video for a healthy recipe and loved it. He coated his in Marmite, but I'm a Vegemite kind of girl and it worked like a charm. 

Fitness

Stella McCartney Adidas Tights

I had one of those "I don't know what I want to wear" days as I was heading to the gym. Naturally, I raided my Mum's closet and I remembered she had these tucked away (She never wears them, so it's fine!) Compared to all of my other black tights, these are a nice change and I'm in love with the design. Quite comfortable too!

Lorna Jane Sporty Sister Tank

I swear it was written in my destiny to find and buy this top. On a recent trip to the mall, I had an urge to go into one of the sports stores to see if they had any new Lorna Jane gear, when I found this gem. It was the last one on the rack, exactly my size, and the sides are open so I can now show off my jaguar tattoo! The material feels amazing (like everything in the LJ range) and it's just a lot of fun to wear. You gotta treat yourself every once in a while, right?

Spartan Fitness Daily Calender 

If you read my Fitness Bucketlist post, you'll know that it's a big goal of mine to complete a Spartan obstacle race at some point in the next few years. I spotted this at the calendar stall the other day and just knew that I had to pick it up. It's filled with fitness advice, recipes and motivational quotes to keep me working hard through the year. The race is pretty intense, so I need all the help I can get! 

Cotton On Water Bottle

I have been searching for a new bottle for a while now, with no luck. They're either too big or the top is annoying to drink from. I'm like the Goldilocks of drink bottles! On my weekly hunt for new gym-gear I found this one and it's perfect! It's 950mls, so now I can measure my water intake each day. 

Reading

Ignite Me, Tahereh Mafi

I finally got my butt into gear and finished the Shatter Me series, this poor book had been sitting on my shelf for over a year...and it was fantastic! I was honestly glued to this book for the three days it took me to read it, and the scenes between Juliette and Warner was leaving me a bit breathless. The character development was amazing and I forgot how great the writing is structured for some of the really intense scenes.

YouTube

Little Book Owl 

If you hadn't noticed, I have become obsessed with reading books again and have been trying to find recommendations for what I should read next. I started watching Caz a while ago and rediscovered her YouTube channel this month, and I forgot how much I loved it! She is such a natural and her reviews are really great (no spoilers!) so I have been watching so many of her videos for reading inspiration. Love her!

Like I said, a bit of a mixed batch this month! January has definitely started 2016 on a high note for me. I have to say a big thank you to everyone who helped me get to 200 followers this month! I'm well on my way to making my year goal of 500 and I'm thankful to everyone who reads my blog <3

What have you been loving in January?

Steph x.

November Favorites 2015

Hello Everyone! 

Time for another monthly favorites, and it's a bit of a mixed batch this month. 
I picked up a few new additions, as well as discovering some old favorites. My budget was starting to stretch a bit thin so I needed to do a bit of "Shop My Stash" which is still fun!

Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil "Nude Perfection"
I've really got into nude shades these past few months and this has been one of my favorite finds. I read a blog post that had it as a dupe for a Mac lipstick so I went out and bought it the next day. I've been pairing it with Tanya Burr's lip gloss "Lunch Date" which is a perfect match. Great for an everyday look!

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder in "Honey"
I've been using this one for a while now and I'm still so in love with it. It's by far the best powder I have ever used. It's probably a little thicker than most powders but it gives you such great coverage and makes your foundation look flawless.

Chi Chi Creamy Matte Liquid Lipsticks 
I've been raving about these on my blog a lot lately, but they have seriously become my favorite lip products. They're basically a 3-in-1 (stain, lipstick, gloss) with amazing pigmentation. For the price you pay ($22) you get amazing quality. Read my review here!

Zoella Beauty 
I was going to talk about just one of her products, but I can't pick a favorite! Her moisturizers (I tried Creamy Madly Dreamy and Candy Cream) are quite thick and leave your skin feeling so soft. Perfect for when you want to feel pampered! I've also been using her Foam Sweet Foam cleansing shower gel after the gym and it makes you feel refreshed and ready to go. I wrote a blog post on these if you want a more extended review.
 

Lush Snow Man Shower Jelly
This is one of the only Christmas products I feel in love with this year. I mostly bought it because the scent is incredible; it's really fresh with carrot and lemon. But the best part is that when I got home I realized it's actually the shape of a snow man! How cool is that! I would show you but he's kinda melted now...sorry Olaf. 

Taylor Swift Perfume Taylor
I bought this one years ago at duty-free when I was flying to Melbourne for my birthday. I had actually gone to Taylor's concert a few days earlier and there were promo girls there so I got to try some then. This has always been one of my favorite perfumes; the scent is so lovely and floral. I randomly picked it up again and have been wearing it all month!

Do you have a favorite pick from November? 

Until next time x.

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
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September Beauty Favorites 2015

Hello Everyone!

I have to say, September was a great month for finding new beauty products. I've managed to pick up quite a few new items that have made it into my everyday routine. There were a few newly-released products that I really wanted to try as well. Although, I'm quickly developing the habit of using blogging as an excuse to buy new makeup. Does anyone else do this?

Milani Lipstick  #43 Pretty Natural 

I just have to say that I LOVE Milani lipsticks! I always pick up a few when I visit the states. This was a purchase from a recent trip and I fell in-love with it quickly. It's a beautiful rose/nude color that would suit most skin-types. I've been using it for everyday wear and on the weekends as well.

Goodness Every Morning Moisturizer

This stuff is seriously like a smoothie for your face! It's incredibly nourishing and feels so lovely on your skin. It's also certified organic, so there's none of those horrible chemicals inside. I wrote a review of this and their face scrub in a previous post. Read it here!

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Color Lip Liner #5 Pure

I will admit that I'm still fairly new to lip liners, so this one has been perfect for me as a beginner. The formula for these are amazing and really pigmented. I've been using it as an all over base, then putting my Fresh Sugar Tulip Lip Treatment over top for a lovely everyday look. It's been a perfect combo for Spring weather!

Lush Shampoo bar- Seanick

Now, I am a proud Lushie but it's been a while since I've tried a product that's blown me away. My hair is naturally straight and flat (a blessing and a curse!) so I asked one if the girls for help buying a new shampoo bar. Let me tell you, this gives me crazy volume! It's basically the bar version of their sea spray. Love it!

Covergirl Full-Lash Bloom Mascara

Earlier in the month I wrote a review of this mascara saying how much I enjoyed it, so of course it was going to make my favorites! It just does everything it promises: full lashes, soft to the touch, and they don't clump together like a lot of other mascaras do. Well done, Covergirl!

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

As soon as I saw this advertised I just had to try it. The words "Matte" and "Poreless" got my attention and I just thought Yes! That's the finish I want in a foundation! Even though the formula is a lot thicker than I usually go for, I still love how this looks. It doesn't feel too heavy and even a light coat makes my skin look amazing.

Maybelline Big Eyes Liner

Since the Winter weather has finally moved onto some Spring sunshine, I've been trying to soften my makeup look. I've been using this double eyeliner pencil quite a bit since the white side makes my eyes look wide awake and soft when I apply it to my bottom lash line. It's my new favorite look!

Australis Liquid Eyeliner

Eyeliner is NOT on my list of talents at all. I had been using a Maybelline liner, but it was just not working for me. So, I decided to switch formula and applicator to see if it made and difference and it did! This has been so easy for me to use and it's great practice. I will be doing perfect cat flicks in no time!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I know I'm one of the last people to try this, but at least now I know what all the fuss is about! This is a must in my everyday routine now. Whether I just need a quick cleanse in the morning, or when I'm taking my makeup off, this stuff is great. It just does exactly what it promises and it doesn't have a horrible chemical feel to it either.

How was your September? Tell me what your favorite beauty find was in the comments!

Pretty please? 
 
Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph
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10 Things II Week 4

Hello, Everyone!

Time for another weekly favorites. I had a bit of a tough week as I transitioned from holiday-mode back into work and thinking about future plans. Nevertheless I still had a good week, and I hope you guys did too! 

Here are my Top Ten Favorites from the past week:

1. Current Anthem. You all know I love a good pop song. Hailee was awesome in Pitch Perfect 2 so I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next. Love Myself  is about being proud of yourself and putting you first, and all that good stuff.

2. Welcome Home Gift to Myself. I made the brilliant decision to order the next Raven Boys book, The Dream Thieves, before I left for Hawaii. After ten hours of the most uncomfortable sleep and my body not reacting well to air travel, a new book was much needed to lift my spirits.

3. Blog to Follow. I stumbled upon this lovely blog by Rebecca called FromRoses on Bloglovin', and I couldn't stop reading! She gives amazing blogging advice and great life-style posts. Go show her some love here. 

4. One Direction Drag Me Down Music Video. I mean, they filmed it at NASA! How cool is that? Watch it here.

5. Fandom Life is the Coolest. Can we just take a moment to thank the internet for being able to let like-minded people come together to support something? I have next to no friends who share my passions, so I am forever grateful for our internet community.

6. Currently Reading. I took Matched by Ally Codie on vacation with me and it's so good! Dystopian novels are my greatest weakness. Read about it on Goodreads.

7. Back to the Gym. I know, I'm nuts right? BUT since getting back from my vacation, in which I ate too many delicious yet bad foods, I am more determined than ever to get back into shape and keep up my fitness.

8. Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Contour Kit. One of my favorite beauty purchases and a must for me every morning now. It gives my eyes amazing definition, which is great for someone like me when wears glasses!

9. Mango Berry Protein Smoothie. My current favorite post-work out treat. Just add mango, frozen berries, lemon juice, berry protein powder (I use this one) and coconut water, yum!

10. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser. You know what the most dangerous part of Sephora is? All the minis they sell as you walk through the check out. I couldn't ignore this and I've heard so much about First Aid Beauty that I just had to give it a go and I love it!

I hope you guys had a great week! Can you believe it's almost September?! 

Let me know what you've been loving lately in the comments.
Don't forget to leave you blog links for me to check out too. 

Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph

Pinterest - marvelsteph

10 Things II Week 3

 1. Holiday Fashion. It's the perfect time to experiment with your look and try something new. For some reason it just gives me so much more confidence. Love it!

2. YouTube Video. One of my favorite YouTuber's Jack Howard is back to uploading videos again (woohoo!) and he did his first Q and A. I absolutely love his sense of humor and his videos always cheer me up. Plus, he loves Marvel movies just as much as me! Check out the video here.

3. Cauliflower Pizza. I know, it's not quite the same as a thin base BUT I found a recipe that is super easy and delicious. Plus, it's fun to try things every once in a while! Get the recipe here.  

4. Deadpool Trailer. I'll admit I had my doubts about Ryan Reynolds, but he has proven me wrong and this movie looks so good! Slightly more gritty than Marvel's usual movies, but the humor will probably make up for it. Watch it here.

5. Google Shopping. Am I the last person to notice this feature? Now you can search for whatever item you wish to buy online and it will tell you prices to compare and where you can buy them. It's definitely is going to save us a lot of time!


6. The Desire for More Tattoos. I have already had four done, one of which I only got a few months ago and I go through phases of wanting to get more. I've had some ideas in my head for ages now, so I am determined to get them done when I'm back from my holiday. Makes me very excited!

7. Demi Lovato. She has become one of my major role models this year, so when they released her cover for Cosmopolitan magazine I thought she looked stunning! I love the way she handled the hate she got for it too (I'm not even sure why people made a big deal about it?) Her being confident and embracing who she is gives me confidence as a woman too.

(Photo credit: Billboard)

 8. Packing for Hawaii. I can't be the only person on the planet who loves packing, right? Everyone seems to hate doing it, but I find it fun! Not sure if it's just the OCD organizer in me, or if it makes me get into that excited holiday mind-set. I do restrain myself and only do it the day before.

9. Quote of the week. I'm always on the lookout for new quotes that motivate me, change the way I think, or help me understanding something better. I have a Pinterest board full of them if you'd like to read more. Here's my favorite one I found this week:

Photo Credit: http://www.upperlyne.com/

10. Sunset on Waikiki Beach. I mean, is there anything better? Everyone deserves to experience it. Make sure to put it on your bucket-list!

How was your week? What were the best bits? Let me know in the comments x. 

Twitter - @MarvelSteph91

Instagram - @marvelsteph

Pinterest - marvelsteph

10 Things II Week 2

I hope you guys have had a great week! Can you believe we are in August already? It was a pretty roller-coaster week for me, but there were still some great things that happened.

Here are my weekly favorites:

1. Animals in Flower-crowns. This cheers me up every single time.

(Photo credit: Instagram)

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

2. Yay, Vitamin D! Even though it has barely gone above ten degrees, the sun has been shining all week. I'm so happy that we are getting closer to spring!

3. I got (another) new mug. I found this beauty on Mighty Ape and since I love Cinderella I couldn't resist getting it! Isn't your morning coffee better with a cool mug?

4. A Kind Stranger. Thank you to the window cleaner who comes into work and gave us all chocolate. You had no idea how bad a day I was having, anxiety levels were high. Chocolate is my savior. 

5. Favorite Blogger. I stumbled upon a lovely blog called A Yellow Brick Blog and I have really enjoyed reading it! If you love Disney and Beauty, you will love it too!

6. Perfect Eggs. Thanks to this Pinterst post I have now mastered making boiled eggs perfectly. Domesticated goddess in the making.

7. Throwback TV. I've been re-watching episodes of Chuck when I have some down-time and I never realized how much I missed it! Definitely in my top 5 TV shows. It gives me all the feels.

8. Drag Me Down. So One Direction decided to be sneaky and release a new song, and I love it!  New album next, yeah?

9. Thanks, Ingrid! I'm in need of make-up recommendations before I fly to Hawaii (I'm coming for you Sephora!) and her YouTube videos have been a life-savor. Plus, she's just so funny and sweet. Thanks for the help!

10.  New Headphones. A seriously cool design by a company called Slick. They have a tangle-free cord, they fold up so travel will be easy, plus I'm loving the neon orange color. They were also on sale for $15 (score!) Buy them here. 

Let me know in the comments what you got up to this week, and don't forget to leave you blog links for me to check out!

Until next time x.
Have a great week!