September 22, 2015
Almond Brittle
What's this? A food post? Where did that come from? it's only been, oh I don't know... FOREVER. I do apologise. I shot these photos in June so that's how long it's been since I've shared a food related post but fret not my friends, the food mojo is picking up again.
September 11, 2015
Pearls of Wisdom For Myself
Today's my birthday and I'm feeling like a wise (old) owl today, so I thought it would be nice to write down a few bits of advice and what I've learnt in the last year, kind of like those posts where you write to a younger version of yourself, but I'd like to write this to myself a year ago. A time when I left my corporate job, stuck 2 fingers up to the sky (peace sign of course) and proclaimed #yolo.
Your time in Europe with Jase is precious. 5 weeks is going to fly by and you're going to pine for more when you come home. Cherish it always and if you forget for a moment how lucky you were to experience 5 weeks of bliss on the other side of the world, sort out your thousands of photos and edit that video already!
Your patience will be tested and you have to believe that things happen for a reason, things in life are timed for a reason. Trust in the timing. Everyone's timelines are different. Opportunities will come in their own time as long as you put the effort in.
That nagging feeling you have had about pursuing your hair and makeup dreams are not going to go away anytime soon (they haven't gone away for almost 10 years). It's probably going to take you almost the end of your 8 months off to realise this, but when you do realise that the opportunity is NOW....take action and keep working hard. Something that has always been part time can become full time. Yes it's not going to pay the bills at first but you can find a balance between your analytical and creative brain and take up contract roles in the corporate world. Make it work for you.
If you're going to preach the #yolo mantra, go hard or go home.
You hate quitters, so don't even think about being one yourself. Stop worrying about the things you can't do and find ways to do things with what you CAN do. Everything always has a workaround.
Remember those that have supported you all along. Take stock of those peeps that raise your spirits and lift their hand up to you for high fives... and forget the ones that doubt your dreams or simply don't care. You're getting too old for that crap.
Aspire to the successes of others and remember they also fought hard for their dreams. You will have to as well.
Learn learn learn. You can never know enough about your craft(s), and you can always learn more about other people's perspective on things.
You're going to want to go out less than before... it's okay. You're allowed to be more introverted in your older age. Own it. But don't be too much of a hermit.
What do I hope for my next year after this birthday?
- Tick off my never ending to-do lists, or stop calling them to-do lists and re-label them "brainstorming sessions"
- Carry on practising patience and mindfulness. Remember to be thankful that I have the luxury to make the decisions I can afford to make today... others aren't so lucky.
- Carry on learning.
- Commit to the workout plan. 30 minutes a day is NOTHING.
- Plan the next eye-opening trip... hello NYC take 2! Don't take Australian beaches for granted!
- Remember whatever I end up doing or decide to do for myself or our family, happiness, above all, is always the most important thing.
I'm off to celebrate my birthday, starting with a day off to get my hurrrr did. Brunch, cheeky wines, quality time with friends, french crepes, beach time, a nice dinner out and catching "Straight Outta Compton" is also on the agenda! Have a great weekend!
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September 08, 2015
30+ Days with Hylamide
I feel like my skin story is a never ending novel, this is probably Maria’s skincare story Part 3; Serums.
Until recently, I never saw the need for serums. I gave into the hype of the Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher once after hitting my quarter century and felt like it didn’t do me any good. It was like applying slippy silicone on my face with no real visible results. I didn't having any wrinkles back then, and luckily still don't, but I like to prescribe to the mathematics theory that acne-prone skin = zero to few wrinkles (do not hold me to that one). From what I've read though, moisturisers can only protect the skin so much and the potent workers are really, serums. With my birthday coming up, I’m well into my 30’s, and having spent a lifetime growing up under the kiwi sun as well as the Aussie sun, it’s probably time I tried to see how serums could improve my skin texture while prolonging its elasticity while I still have it.
August 31, 2015
Bye Bye Winter, Hello Spring
I pretty much skipped on posting any fashion/style posts through all of winter. It has been especially arctic in Sydney this year and I was just in hibernation mode, really trying to knuckle down on building my hair and makeup portfolio, and then of all days I've decided to post on the last day of winter.
So here's saying bye bye to winter with one of my favourite knits of the season. This may not be the best time for wardrobe inspiration in Australia as we head into spring but I would place bets that this is a great kind of piece to have on stand by in the closet. A classic and neutral camel shade with versatility in wear. It feels cozy like a blanket, yet you can wear it either as a loose cowl neck top or a shoulder baring top for some extra sexiness. Dress it up with a pencil skirt and heels or dress it down like I have, with ripped denim.
While the peeps up north of the globe are saying hello to winter, I am very much looking forward to the warmer months to come down under, winding the clock an hour back, and veeerrryyyy much anticipating flowy boho maxi dresses, gladiator sandals, bronzed skin and beachy hair, I can't wait!
X
August 13, 2015
Style Is Eternal
Clockwise from top left to right: 'Classic 51' Sunglasses | 'Iconic' Smoking Jacket | 'Sac de Jour' Tote Bag | Skinny Lambskin Jeans | 'Paris' Pumps | Corrugated Ring | Striped Sweater | (all Saint Laurent*)
I've been slowly purging my wardrobe of all those items that I seem to cling onto in the hopes of "one day it will be in again" or "one day I will fit it again". The goal is to only hold onto the classic items that can see me through day and night, season to season. This must be a grown up thing, but I'm seeing the need to de-clutter more and more and investing in timeless pieces that are made well and can last the distance is becoming more important.
YSL fashion house is legendary and has been around since the 60's, and while I saw all the fashion within the pages of Vogue, I didn't take a whole lot of notice until I was drawn to the YSL beauty campaigns that came later and then became a constant admirer of the whole brand from afar.
Known for their androgynous style and the introduction of the tuxedo suit for women, this year, the iconic Le Smoking jacket has been modernized via the 'Iconic' Smoking Jacket. Aside from that little black dress that everyone always talks about, I think there's nothing like a good fitted blazer that could be dressed up or dressed down to suit your current mood. A well made black blazer would never succumb to the threat of being tossed out of the wardrobe.
I'm not yet close to investing in a YSL Jacket, but a girl can dream and save her pennies.
Here's my dream wish list for a complete Saint Laurent look that will last through the ages. All the items in this set are streamlined, chic, and a good mix of textures. All the pieces are great on their own, and are interchangeable with so many other pieces for dressed down or dressed up options. Change the striped sweater out for a crisp white shirt or white t-shirt for an even cleaner look. Dress the set down by swapping out the leather pants for ripped denim and change out the red pumps for low top sneakers. Swap the tote out for a classic black clutch and you've elevated the look to something suitable for evening. Whack on a red lip and a sleek low bun, or wear your hair out in beachy styled waves and a neutral lip.
I could go on forever as the style options within this set are endless.
"Fashion fades, style is eternal" - Yves Saint Laurent
"Fashion fades, style is eternal" - Yves Saint Laurent
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* I was reached out by Farfetch to come up with a Saint Laurent collection set that was timeless in style. See the full Saint Laurent collection here
* I was reached out by Farfetch to come up with a Saint Laurent collection set that was timeless in style. See the full Saint Laurent collection here
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