Hello Everyone! 

I couldn't not talk about my favorite music from this year, especially since I feel like I've found so many great songs. My music taste has changed a bit this year too, or at least I prefer different genres depending on what I'm doing. For example, I love pop songs in the car, but my gym playlist has a lot of hip-hop and electronic on it. Anyone else do that? I do go quite mainstream with my music, but hey I like what I like!

My Jam: Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself

"Gonna love myself, no I don't need anyone else"

I have probably listened to this song everyday since I discovered it. It's just so fun and uplifting! Every time I need to cheer myself up I just turn this up loud and I feel so much better. Definitely my favorite song this year.

Blown away by: One Direction - Made in The A.M

Bet you already knew I was going to talk about this one, right? These boys seriously stepped up their game with this album and I absolutely love the direction they're taking with it (see what I did there). There's a really cool retro vibe with the songs and there are a few that remind me a lot of the Beatles. And I don't say that lightly, because I love the Beatles. 

Favorite Tracks: A.M, What a Feeling, I Want To Write You A Song, Hey Angel, Drag Me Down.

Anthem Artists: Little Mix

I definitely gained a new appreciation for girl bands this year. These four girls are all incredibly talented and their music style is quite empowering for other girls. I've actually been listening to them a lot at the gym and when I'm working out and it's great for motivation. 

Favorite Tracks: Salute, Love Me Like You, Black Magic, Lightning.

Feelin' like a teen again: 5 Seconds of Summer 

 I'm always cautious of getting into new boy-band music, just because it usually spirals out of control (I'm looking at you 1D!). But their music is a lot of fun, especially since it has a punk-rock feel to it which brings me back to my high-school days. 

Favorite Tracks: End Up Here, She's Kinda Hot, Hey Everybody, Permanent Vacation.

Girlcrush: Demi Lovato

Anyone else incredible happy that Demi is back? And with a completely new direction of music too! As soon as I heard Cool for the Summer for the first time I was hooked again. Not to mention she looks incredible!

Favorite Tracks: Cool for the Summer, Kingdom Come, Old Ways, Confident.

Track Favorites:

My House - Flo Rida

Hell No's and Headphones - Hailee Steinfeld

Wake Up- The Vamps

Never Forget You - Zara Larsson & MNEK

Lean On (feat. MØ & DJ Snake) - Major Lazer

Don't Worry (feat. Ray Dalton) - Madcon

Levels - Nick Jonas

Get Stupid - Aston Merrygold 

Bad Girls - MKTO

Down South (feat. Motheo Moleko) - Jeremy Loops
BO$$ - Fifth Harmony

Do you have a favorite song from this year? 

Steph x.

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Bookshelf Tour

Hello Everyone!

This year I finally invested in a decent sized bookcase, seeing as my book-buying addiction was leaving me with little room. Personally, I don't think that I could ever live in a house without books and whenever I go to someone's house I usually get distracted by whatever book collection they have. Anyone else do that? Anyway, here's how I organize all of my books and some of the accessories I have on my shelf, starting from the top:

To-be-read Shelf

Naturally as a bookworm I can't read one book without buying ten more. So, of course I need an entire shelf just for all the books I haven't read yet. I can be quite moody when it comes to reading, I usually know what kind of genre I want. Hence why I need quite a different collection ready to go!

Most of what I read is YA, just because I love fiction and there are so few books with characters my age. I tend to go through phases where I buy books from bookdepository every week, but I've now forced a book buying ban on myself until I get through some of these. 

This is probably my favorite find this year. It's a story book based on the 2015 Cinderella movie, which I absolutely adored. The artwork is amazing so I had to buy it.

Three (kinda) organized shelves

The next shelves down are organized alphabetically, except for a few books that are tucked in because I ran out of room.

1. 

2.

 3. 

These three shelves hold the bulk of my twenty (or so) years of collecting books. What's great about it is that each of these books bring back memories and I can usually remember where I was in my life when I read them.

The Miscellaneous Shelf 

I seriously apologize for the state of this particular shelf. It's that awkward stage where my fiction books run out and I just start sticking random books in instead. The very end is home to most of my journals (used and unused). This Alice in Wonderland one is probably my favorite, especially since I bought it at the New York Public Library (which is honestly the most beautiful building I have ever been in).

One of my travel journals, this was from my 2014 trip to the US

University Non-fiction Collection  

As you can probably guess, this is where I keep the mountain of textbooks I accumulated from my university days. There are some really cool ones so I really wanted to keep them. Any guesses as to what I studied? #historynerd

Harry Potter Boxes

Of course these books have to have their own set shelves! To be fair though, the last four are massive and take up a lot of room anyway. These are the originals we collected growing up (hence the tape around a few!) Although I've been thinking of building up a second set, since some of the designs are really cool. 

 Some of these are extra-special because they were Christmas gifts from my grand-parents. I was always that kid that loved getting books as presents!

YA Favorites Box

 Not sure why I started doing this, but for some reason this box just became the place to put my favorite reads. Obviously The Hunger Games, Delirium, and Maze Runner series are here. It also makes for easy access when I feel like reading them again.

Classics Box

A while ago I started collecting a few classics to have on my shelves. I haven't read as many of these as I probably should have, I just find the writing a lot harder to get into compared to modern authors. I will say that I really enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes, but The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was terrifying! Nothing like the sweet movie.

Decorations

I find most of my most important mementos end up with my books. They always bring a lot of character to my shelves and make me smile when I walk past. Here are my favorite ones:

1. Medal from my first half-marathon
2. Cinderlla Pop Vinyl, Planet Projector I got from the Smithsonian and my State of Liberty I got after we climbed to the crown in New York (which was terrifying by the way).
3. My best-of jars 2014 and 2015. I basically write all the good things that happened this year and put them in the jar for me to read on New Years Eve.
4. My old photography camera from High School.
5. Pocahontas figurine I got when I was 4, going to my first movie.
6. First edition Beatrix Potter book I got at a market.

There we go! A little tour of my bookshelf for you. The only thing I'm missing now is some fairy-lights, then I think I will have it exactly how I want it.

What is your favorite book series? I would love some recommendations.

Until tomorrow!

Steph x.

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Behind The Scenes of Hello, Steph

 Hello Everyone!

 I thought it would be fun to take you on a behind the scenes look of my blog. I know I'm still relatively new to the blogging world, but I've managed to come up with a system that works really well for me. I always plan for 3 posts per week, so I have to have a bit of help staying organized. Y'all know how it is.

Notebooks, Notebooks, Notebooks.

Probably the most important part of how I stay organized with my blogging. I'm someone who loves to have everything written down, especially because I'm super-forgetful. I have one main journal where I write everything from blog posts, my weekly planner, or blog updates that I need to do. It's one of those organized messes that only makes sense to me! I approach each post quite differently; sometimes I write it all out by hand with bulletpoints, sometimes I just type it on to Blogger over a week, or sometimes I just go by the pictures I've taken.

Since it's necessary for me to record all of my ideas, I have a list journal which I keep beside me at all times. I have multiples lists of blog post ideas ready in case I get writers block or just want to save one for later. I usually write out any blogging/brand tips in here too.

I also keep digital notes on my phone for whenever an idea hits me when I'm not at home, which happens quite often! Or I usually carry a small notebook in my bag somewhere if I need it.

I did warn you there would be lots of notebooks!

To-do List

 

I don't think I would survive a busy week without my to-do list! I got this one from kikki-k which is one of my favorite places to shop for stationary. I find it really reassuring to see all my tasks ahead of me and to cross them off throughout the day. It definitely helps me be more productive!

A Big-Ol' White Board

Visualization at it's best! I keep this directly behind my laptop, so when I'm writing I can look up and see what I need to do. It keeps me productive and organized without me even realizing. It does tend to get a bit messy after a week, so I make it a habit to wipe it all off and start again each week.

Here's what I write:

• This week's posts
• Next week's posts
• Daily Goal
• Weekly Goals
• Brand Ideas
• Blog Updates to do

Photography: Digital SLR Camera

This is by far the best investment I could have made for my blog. I got the Canon 700D, which is great for someone like me who has never used one before. The difference in quality with my old camera is astounding, plus I've been able to take it on holiday and get some great shots. I edit all of my photos on the Afterlight app since it's so easy to use and my pictures can come out great. 

 Mini Flay-lay Studio

I absolutely love flat-lays! I love creating them or seeing them on other blogs. My awesome Dad built this little studio for me, which has made my blog photography a lot easier and more fun to play around with. I saw some DIY posts on Pinterest and thought it would be pretty easy to put together (It's just a cardboard box, folks!) It's not quite big enough for me to do fashion flat-lay photos, but one day when I have my own office I can build a bigger one.

Sometimes I just use a big piece of white card, which is so cheap and you can move it to the spot in your house with the best light. I've also started buying gift wrap to use a backgrounds in my photos, which is another affordable way to get better photos. I think the visuals on your blog are really important and I've learned never to put up a picture I'm not happy with. 

And that's how I stay organized and work on my blog posts!
I hope that was helpful =)

How do you stay organized with your blog or everyday life?
Until tomorrow, Steph x. 

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The Christmas Tag

Hello Everyone!

 So, this tag was created by the lovely Meggan over on her blog and it was so cute and fun that I had to give it a go myself. I've been loving reading everyone's Christmas-themed posts this month and seeing how everyone is getting festive. Here's a little insight into how I spend my Christmas, enjoy!

What is your favorite Christmas film?
This is a tough one! But I'm going to have to go with Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I have to watch it every year or it doesn't feel like Christmas!

Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Sadly, no. Every Christmas for me has been in the Kiwi Summer, but it is on my bucket-list and I will have one soon I'm sure.


Where do you usually spend your holidays?
When I was younger we used to go camping to different places in the South Island of NZ, which was so much fun. Now though, we usually just stay home and go on a vacation later in the year. I love chilling at home, so it doesn't bother me about staying in.

What's your favorite Christmas song?
All I want for Christmas is you <3 (I don't care who sings it)

Do you open presents on Christmas Eve?
No, never! Christmas Eve is all about preparation for the next day in our house. It's still fun though, Mum and Me are usually baking in the kitchen and there's always a Christmas movie on in the background. I wish we opened presents on Christmas Eve...


Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? Haven't done this since I was a kid, but I can give it a go: Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen, Rudolph, Commet, Donner...I've forgotten one haven't I?

What holiday traditions are you most looking forward to this year? 
I always love putting up our tree and having the house look festive again. We also do lots of baking at Christmas time as well, so I'm really excited about having an excuse to do that again!


Is your Christmas tree real or fake? 
Fake! We have had the same one since I was little. They're a lot easier than real ones, although they don't smell as amazing.


What is your all-time favorite Christmas sweet/treat?
Last year I tried a Terry's Chocolate Orange for the first time and oh. my. word. they are amazing. I have been very self-restrained on them this year, but they are my absolute favorite now.


Be honest: Do you love giving gifts or receiving them better? 
I'm not the best with surprises and I have a terrible poker-face, so I honestly love giving gifts more. We're pretty open in our family with what we want for Christmas, so putting a few sneaky gifts under the tree is a lot of fun for me.

What is the best Christmas present you have ever received?
The only thing that pops to mind is this Barbie camper-van toy that I got when I was about 7. My poor Dad stayed up until 4am putting the hundreds of stickers on it for me! I loved that thing.

What would be your dream place to visit for the holidays? 
Definitely New York. I would absolutely love to just stay in a hotel, walk around Central Park in the snow, and go ice skating with all the lights and buildings around you. I loved the city when I visited in summer, so I think winter would be quite magical.

Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably?
I'm half and half I think. Sometimes I do it really well, then the further into the pile of presents I get I start to fail...at least I try, right?


Most memorable holiday moment? 
A few years ago now, we put Eye Toy on the TV (Playstation version of the Wii) and we all took turns playing the games and trying to beat each others scores. I don't think I've laughed so much in my life! Best memory by far.

What made you realize the truth about Santa? Those heart-breaking words from my mother "Don't you think you're getting a bit old for that?" Never. The answer is I'm never too old, OK?

Do you make New Years Resolutions? Do you stick to them? 
Yes! I always make them and I can usually complete half of them. Although, I can say proudly that I achieved even more than I could have imagined this year. I'm already planning my goals for 2016!


What makes the holidays special for you?
There are a lot of family birthdays going on in December so it's a big month for celebrating and being grateful for each other. Just enjoying family time is special for me.

And that's it! Let me know if you do the tag too, I'd love to read your answers! 

Until tomorrow, Steph x.  

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Snickerdoodle Mug Cake With Chocolate Chips

Hello Everyone!

Who doesn't love dessert in mug! And we all want a treat without having to spend two hours making it, right? I've got you covered today with my absolute favorite mug-cake recipe.

I originally found this recipe on the fivehearthome blog, and made a few changes over the course of making it (a little less sugar and more chocolate!) She has some amazing recipes, so don't forget to check it out! 

The method of this is super easy and you could definitely whip this up in about ten minutes. Make sure you use a straight-angled mug so that the mixture cooks evenly. Feel free to add any of your favorite extras to make this even more delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence 
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips)

 (for layering)

• 1 Tbsp sugar 
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Optional: Add a spoonful of Nutella in the middle or add white chocolate instead of dark.

Method: 

• Measure the milk and leave it to reach room temperature
• In a small bowl, melt the butter (30 sec at a time in the microwave) and leave to cool
• In a another bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients together (including the chocolate)
• Add the milk and butter to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth
• Mix the sugar and cinnamon in small bowl 
• Using a dessert spoon, layer one spoonful of the batter into your mug then sprinkle a little of the sugar/cinnamon mix on top. Repeat until you finish the mix and the sugar is on top
• Microwave for 1-1 & 1/2 minutes.
• Cool and enjoy!

I hope you like it as much as I do!
Let me know any of your favorite mug recipes in the comments =)

"Til next time x.

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Weekly Snaps Diary #4

Hello Everyone!

I had such a great start to the week with having great interactions on Twitter with other bloggers! You girls are so lovely <3 It was a gloomy day with the weather so I thought it would be the perfect time to light my new candle.

So, this is what happens when you try to make cupcakes healthy...lesson learned! They were only for blog photos anyway, so it was still a success. Note: Icing is the best remedy for a cupcake disaster.

Here's a little behind the scenes for you of how I shoot some of my photos. I was losing light so I ended up moving this to the kitchen counter. Cloudy days will forever be my photography nemesis!

My Boohoo order arrived! I got a black bomber jacket, a pair of jeggings, and a berry jersey playsuit. I'm so happy that they arrived in time for my birthday.

This little face never fails to make me smile. Even though he wakes me up ten minutes before my alarm is due to go off...every single morning.

Got my 7th tattoo this week! I'm in love with it and feel like I have a piece of art on my body now. It was worth all the pain, for sure.

Coffee treats are a must when you've been doing well at the gym.

So, my other dog Jess does this thing where she starts at one end of the couch, goes along and pushes every single cushion off, then ends up at the opposite end to go to sleep. Is that not the face of guilt?

I finished off the week with a great family dinner out at one of my favorite spots called Mexico. I finally tried their cold-brew coffee and it was amazing. You got a little pitcher of milk and sugar to mix it how you like it. Yum!

I hope you have had a great first week of December! 

What did you get up to?

Steph x. 

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My Top 3 Christmas Movies

 Hello Everybody!

 It never feels like Christmas unless you hit the DVDs, right? Even in the New Zealand summer, it's still nice to snuggle up with your favorite movies at night time, or have them playing in the background while you work. I love how certain movies bring back memories from my childhood too.

These are the ones that I absolutely HAVE to watch every year, just because it makes everything feel so festive.

Dr Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas
I think I remember forcing my family to watch this, but they all ended up loving it anyway! This is probably my #1 Christmas movie, but come on, it's Jim Carrey! It's funny and sweet at the same time, plus everyone is the town is so cute. You just can't beat Dr Seuss combined with Christmas.


The Santa Clause 
This one takes me back to my childhood for sure. I watched so much of Tim Allen growing up, so my brother and me loved watching this at Christmas time. I think no matter how old I get, I will always love watching this. Anyone else still craving the hot chocolate he gets at the North Pole?

The Polar Express
I think this one is a little less well-known than my previous two, but it really is a lovely movie. It's tradition for us to watch it on Christmas Eve together. It's about a train that takes kids to the North Pole to see Santa on Christmas Eve, but of course it was all about the magical journey to get there. It's great for both kids and adults to watch too. Tom Hanks also voices about five people, so it's worth it just for him!

I have to admit that Home Alone 2 was very close to making this list! There's special something about Christmas in New York.

What are your favorite Christmas movies? 

Merry Blogmas! Steph x.

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