The Ultimate Traveller's Guide To: Airlie Beach, Queensland

Recently Josh and I had a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway at Airlie Beach, eating our way through the beachside town and getting out and about in the Whitsundays Islands. 

I was taking notes of all the cool activities we went to and amazing dining destinations to compile this ‘guide to Airlie Beach’.

Whether you have a trip already planned or are searching for some travel inspiration – read on for all the best places to go in Airlie.

Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - For Her

With Christmas quickly approaching the pressure is on to buy for all of the loved ones in your life. 

While gifts are only a small part of the celebration, I'm someone who derives so much joy out of buying fab presents for the people I love! I brings the biggest smile to my face watching them unwrap their gifts and I always put a lot of thought into each item. 

So without any further delay...because Christmas really is just around the corner.. let's get into it.  

Life Highlights from 2018

I need to stop living life like I read books – quickly turning to the next page in anticipation and speed reading through the action-packed parts. If you keeping flipping to the next chapter you might find yourself finished the book so focus on soaking up each and every moment instead of wanting to fast-forward everything....

At least that is the advice I am currently giving to myself. It is also the reason why I decided to reflect on this year and compile a list of highlights to appreciate. I honestly did not realise what a jam-packed and achievement filled year 2018 was for me until I sat down and put everything on paper so I would highly recommend for you to do this as a little activity to wrap up 2018. I had some of the proudest moments of my life this year! Let’s get into them…

Behind The Desk (January) - Vietnam Trip, New Job, University, 2018 Goals

Happy 2018 everyone! I know we're half way through January but this is the first time I'm sitting down and really talking one-on-one to update you on what has been happening in 2018 so far - there is so much to tell you!

I'm back from my holiday, am about the start a brand new job, going back to Uni and working towards some really big goals for 2018.

The Ultimate Guide To My 15 Favourite Travel Experiences

I'm a huge traveler and even while you read this, I'm out of the country in Vietnam spending a couple of weeks over there for Christmas and New Years.

I have this inate passion in me to see the world and it hasn't eased up. I also want to see it all; within Australia and all over the globe.

I'm very fortunate to have already seen a lot of places in my adult life and wanted to countdown some of the top experiences I have had so far. I've narrowed it down to 15 favourite places that I fell in love with while travelling.

Beauty Tips To Survive New Years Eve

Whether you have got a hot NYE party to be at or are having a quiet one in watching the fireworks, there has never been a better time to pamper yourself. 

Here are a few tips and tricks I have for NYE beauty that will leave you feeling top of your game. This is my favourite routine for getting back to feeling myself after I've slacked on my beauty routine - it's like a revival pamper regime. 

It will also prep you for if you plan on drinking alcohol during your celebrations because preventing a hangover is always ideal.

Merry Christmas

Well..we've officially made it to Christmas Day! As you read this I'll be in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (sipping on a cocktail I hope). 

I wanted to check in with you guys to wish you a very Merry Christmas! 

It's such a great day of the year to see family you hardly get to catch ups with and spend quality time with those in your life who you love most. That's exactly why I wanted to check in with you because I talk to you three times a week and that's more than I talk to some of my friends and family.

Christmas can also come dissapointment so if you are feeling let down it's a really good time to reflect on your expectations. It's also a really good time to re-focus on your priorities and see all of the positives in your life.

We don't really have a thanksgiving in Australia and Christmas is probably the closest thing so it is a really good time to be thankful for every situation, person and experience that has happened in your life this year. Start having a think about your New Years Resolutions and be ready to put pen to paper in the new year to write them all down (keep an eye out on the 1st Jan 2018 because I'm releasing my ultimate guide to writing goals you can stick to in 2018).

If you are still looking for makeup inspiration for your Christmas lunch or dinner...I've linked my 'holiday makeup tutorial' below for a wearable silver and green smokey eye (yes, it's possible).

Have an amazing Christmas! 

Packing For An Overseas Trip - Travelling 101

It's crunch time for me with less than a week left before I head over to Vietnam. 

I've been so preoccupied with all the logistics of travelling (getting a Visa for Vietnam is actually a really complicated process) so I haven't stopped to think about packing at all. 

Packing is important because you don't want to overpack and carry a whole heap of crap around with you but also you don't want to forget anything... So you need a game plan!

These are the biggest tips that I have learnt from my experience while travelling that I wanted to share with you ion case you have an upcoming trip! You might even just be heading home for the holidays but these tips will still help. 

Behind The Desk {December} - Turning 22 Birthday Celebrations, Going to Vietnam + More.

Well we're officially at the end of the year now and at full speed towards Christmas. Lots of exciting things have happened that I want to update you on so let's get into it...

I turned 22 and had an amazing birthday on the Gold Coast with my boyfriend spent poolside with cocktails and shopping. So yeah... my idea of heaven. I was super spoilt by everyone and am feeling super grateful for everyone I'm lucky enough to have in my life. I have an upcoming post called 22 lessons in 22 years where I'm talking through some of the things I've learned / situations I've overcome so far that I want to share with you - keep an eye out for that post. Bring on being 22, I have a feeling it's going to be a good year.

BEHIND THE DESK #12 - HOLDAY IN THAILAND / SINGAPORE, WORKING, STUDYING, WORKING OUT..

So it’s official – we are now in May! Yeah….scary, I know.

This year has just flown by and I have been keeping so busy I haven’t noticed the time get away from me since my last update. I thought that I would make a cup of coffee (my third for the day) and sit down to fill you in on what has been happening in my world.

I've been on holiday, studying, working, working out, getting back on top of YouTube and doing some major overhauls around the house. Can't wait to catch you up...

BEHIND THE DESK #11 - I'm Back!! 21st, Graduating Uni, Moving to Melbourne+ New Posting Schedule



Well it sure has been a HOT MINUTE since I last posted!

I have so much to fill you in on about what I've been doing while away from the screen and am unbelievably EXCITED to be right back in the swing of blogging.

New posting schedule

Let's kick off with that I guess. The new posting schedule is Monday's and Thursday's so you will have fresh new content twice a week, with a few added articles thrown in here and there. I have some incredible new makeup releases to review and some more in-depth articles I have had in the works for a while - I can't wait for you to read them!

I celebrated my 21st in LA and Vegas

I organized a very last minute trip to celebrate my 21st in America, splitting my time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a couple of weeks at the end of November! I had such an incredible time going to live sporting games, stand up comedy (Adam Sandler and David Spade were epic), pub crawls and immersing myself once again in the amazing American food and entertainment culture. I had such an incredible time and can't wait to go back. However, now that I have done the USA 3 times in the past 1.5 years, I might do Europe next and give the US a bit of a break from me.

I graduated University!

At the end of last year I graduated with my Bachelor of Journalism, majoring in Marketing. I am one of those people who really enjoying studying and continuing learning so I already have plans to go back and get my honours and my masters. I'm looking into focusing on advertising and marketing so we will see that takes me. I currently work within the marketing industry so expanding my studies in this field makes a lot of sense for me + I have a huge interest in it so that always helps with motivation to study.

Moving to Melbourne

I have been offered a job in Melbourne and am currently going through a huge decision making process. I have a lot of pros and cons for both options of moving to Melbourne or staying in Brisbane so I am weighing up the options. It would be a huge and great change for me but also a very expensive exercise since Melbourne rent is out of control. I also love my current job so I'm not jumping at the chance to leave for a role I'm not sure I would enjoy. Then again, it could be worth the risk and I won't know unless I try. I'll keep you posted.

That's all from me for now, although so much more has happened since I last updated you guys these are the main things. 21, back from a holiday in the US, graduated from Uni and potentially moving to Melbourne is where I'm at.

EASTER HAIR PRODUCT MUST HAVES

If you are anything like me then hair isn't a top priority when rushing out the door before work and makeup/ selecting an outfit tends to take up most of the time. 

So with the long Easter weekend coming up there might be a bit of extra time to spend on those neglected locks. I might actually try with my hair for once since I have a bit of extra time so I have pulled together three products that I would recommend giving a go on your hair.

PASTEL EASTER OUTFITS

Easter holds a special place in my heart because it was my favourite holiday of the year (on par with Christmas) while I was in primary school. 

My absolute favourite part was the stunning pastel arts and crafts that you would put together. Having chocolate given to you everywhere you turned wasn’t too bad either. Back to the pastel though – some of my fondest memories at school are creating Easter arts and craft with big wicker baskets, fluffy plastic yellow chickens, dip dying eggs and shredding pastel coloured paper to make straw. Not to mention the Easter parades where you would create your own hat and go all out with feathers, glitter and those little plastic baby chickens.

Not much has changed where I now want to celebrate my love of pastels in the name of Easter but this time it is through my makeup. I have put together three pastel outfits that are perfect for Easter and I am itching to get my hands on. You will also be pleased to note that there is a good mix of pricing with some being affordable and others being more splurge items.

10 FUN THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN 2015

 

For my last post of 2015 I want to look back on all the fun and exciting things that happened in my life this year and share them with you.

I love these sort of posts and know a recap of 2015 will always be fun for me to look back on in years to come. I thought 10 things sounded like a lot but they came to be quite easily and it made me realize there is so much to be grateful for and appreciate.

I think that this would be a great exercise to do for you reading this as well because it is so fun looking back on all of the accomplishments on the year ending to put everything in perspective for the new year starting.

Before we get into it I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for everyone who has shown me love and supported me this year! It honestly means so much to me that I am able to share my passion with so many lovely girls and those who read my blog. I consider myself extremely lucky and am incredible grateful for having so much love and support in my life.

5 NEW YEARS EVE LIPSTICK OPTIONS

You want the year to go out with a bang - there might be parties and lots of photos being taken so an interesting or bold lip can really pull together a NYE look. 

I have put together a random selection of five colours - each different totally different to each other. Instead of going for the typical nude or red these colourful and out there options might be a great way to finish your look. 

FESTIVE BEAUTY

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas tomorrow here is a bit of last minute makeup inspiration for your festivities. 

Here are some makeup products that I feel are very festive and suit the jolly theme of the holidays. These are products that focus on red (you can't beat a red lip on Christmas), shimmers and golds.

Earlier in the week we have discussed sparkly holiday eyes and holiday red lipsticks but in this post I have a random mix of festive beauty favourites. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: SPLURGE EDITION

These are presents if you feel like going all out and buying a really luxurious high end gift without heading in the designer bag direction. 

If you have a a little more to spend then these products might be good options priced at a couple hundred each. There are a few perfume options because if you are looking to splurge then scents are always an amazing place to do so. Then a few makeup and skincare items thrown in for good measure and options based on what the woman in your life is most interested in.

GLASSHOUSE HOLIDAY SET - MINIATURE CANDLE TRIO

There is nothing better than coming home after a long day at work and lighting a beautiful relaxing candle to help you wind down for the night. Pair that with a face mask and you have bliss.

Candles are the perfect gift during the holiday season because they are a luxury item that perhaps that person doesn't treat themselves to. When I first saw the meme "shopping for adult females be like" showing Oprah with the words "and you get a candle, and you get a candle" it was too real. Candles are a fantastic present especially when they are as adorable as three miniature glasshouse candles in a collectors box.

INSIDE 2 BEAUTY CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

As a kid I loved Christmas crackers but these days a party hat, plastic toy and bad joke aren't as entertaining as they used to be! Introducing beauty Christmas crackers for big kids who love makeup and skincare.

 

I have 2 Christmas crackers and one hanging tree ornament to introduce to you and show you what is inside. The Mary Kay Christmas cracker is the perfect mix of makeup and skincare while NUXE have lip and skin hydration covered with their Christmas cracker and adorable tree ornament.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: UNDER $100

If you are wanting to gift a beautiful beauty product to a woman in your life but don't have hundreds of dollars to spend then never fear because there are a whole lot of incredible products and sets out there where you can get bang for your buck. 

These six products are amazing beauty products under $100 so you are gifting a really high quality item that they will cherish but you aren't having to spend hundreds of dollars on the highest end gift sets out on the market. This is what I like to call the perfect middle ground.