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Monthly Favourites // November & December

Wednesday, December 30, 2015
1- Favourites Flatlay
Here are just a few of the things that I've been loving lately!
Fashion
2- Favourites Flatlay
3- Favourites Flatlay
After a big ASOS order at the beginning of the month, I found a couple of new items that I have been wearing pretty much non-stop since.
Noisy May Denim Jacket- I love denim but always seem to find it hard to find things that fit well and after the gamble of buying something online without trying it on, it paid off. The jacket fits perfectly and goes with just about everything. 
4- Favourites Noisy May Denim Jacket
Orelia Pendant Necklace- I have been trying to find a decent 'everyday' necklace and I think I have finally found it! I had found one that I loved on YCL Jewels but it was so expensive and I couldn't justify it so I bought this Orelia one off ASOS and have been loving it. The gold is holding up for now too, which is great considering most costume jewellery that I wear chips within days.
5- Favourites Orelia Necklace
Adidas 'Superstar' Sneakers- Now, I know every person and their dog owns these shoes but I couldn't help myself. They are super comfy and go with practically everything.
6- Favourites Adidas Superstar Sneakers
Nike Pro Sports Bra- Again, super basic but I've been finding it so nice to put on a fairly supportive bra that doesn't have underwire. I also wear a lot of white t-shirts so I don't mind as much if you can see through the shirt, as the bra blends in so much better than most other bras.
Beauty
6- Favourites Colour Theory Mascara and Body Shop Perfumer
Colour Theory Waterproof Mascara-This mascara is incredible. It stays on all day and doesn't budge on my eyelashes until I want it to, it's waterproof too which is always a bonus. Ignore my horrible eyebrows but here is a comparison between completely natural and curled with one coat of the mascara. I love the natural look and hate when mascara gets clumpy so this is perfect.
8- Favourites Colour Theory Waterproof Mascara
Natural LashesCurled Lashes With One Coat Mascara
The Body Shop 'Madagascan Vanilla' Perfume Oil- This smells INCREDIBLE and I'm so disappointed because i recently found out that they have actually discontinued this scent! :( It is very vanilla-ey (hence the name) and quite sweet compared to the type of scent I would normally go for but this is strangely comforting and so delicious. 
7- Favourites The Body Shop Madagascan Vanilla Perfume Oil
Online
'Happiness and Things' Blog- The lovely Silke over at 'Happiness and Things' researches and blogs about a variety of things but mainly focuses on the vast array of activities that Sydney has on offer. Each week, she brings out a 'Things to do this Weekend in Sydney' post and I have followed her suggestions a number of times, and I have never been disappointed. 
Favourites Flatlay Happiness and Things Blog
Music
Panic! At The Disco- Miss Jackson
After hearing Dodie's cover of this song on her YouTube channel, I looked up the original (which I have never heard before) and love it. Disclosure Ft. Lorde- Magnets Justin Bieber- Love Yourself
Loving the Biebs lately. Admittedly this song is being slightly overplayed on the radio at the moment but it's still fantastic.
Troye Sivan- Youth
Troye has been KILLING it and this is no exception. This is probably my favourite song on 'Blue Neighborhood' and the chorus beat just makes me want to dance.

Hope you enjoyed!

Caitie x

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide // 2015

Monday, December 21, 2015
Okay, so I know it's literally only a couple of days before Christmas but I figured I still may as well share some gift ideas for those last minutes shoppers or for people to refer back to. So here we go- hopefully this will help someone who is stuck on what to buy someone for Christmas (or anything for that matter!).
 For the Beauty-Lover:

Lush Bath Bomb- Or anything from Lush really. You can make this as cheap or expensive as you like depending on what you buy. A moisturizer or a lip scrub are also really good ideas for some general little stocking stuffers. If you want something a bit bigger you could always go for one of their prepacked Christmas/gift boxes.
Makeup Brushes- I love the packs from Real Techniques but brushes of any kind are always lovely to open for someone who loves makeup or is trying to build their collection.
Eyeshadow Palette- This idea tends to be a bit more pricey depending on which one you choose. I love this one from Too Faced but a Naked palette would always be well received, especially for someone who is still new to makeup and wants an all-rounder palette.
Perfume- For a cheaper option, I suggest Lady Gaga 'Fame' or Katy Perry 'Meow' which both smell amazing, or for a more high-end option, Christian Dior 'Miss Dior Cherie' or Jean Paul Gautier 'Classique'. I haven't tried any yet, but I have heard that Jo Malone perfumes are divine so that would make an amazing gift as well.
Gift Set- A quick look in Sephora, Mecca, Myer or even Target and you can pick up a gift set. I got this Soap and Glory one from Mecca and it has a nice little array of products, particularly good if you want to give a new brand a try or want a more generalized present.

For the Traveler:
'Live Lokai' Bracelet- "Each lokai is infused with elements from the highest and lowest points on Earth. The bracelet’s white bead carries water from Mt. Everest, and its black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea. These extreme elements are a reminder to the wearer to live a balanced life – staying humble during life’s peaks and hopeful during its lows."
Luggage Tag- A must for a traveler, and nice and cheap if you're looking for a little extra present to add. 
Nice Passport Holder- I got this gorgeous navy leather one from Kikki K, but you can pick up nice ones from lots of bag shops or online.
For the Creative:
Journal- A nice classic plain moleskin always works well, or a novelty journal such as a 'One Line a Day for 3 Years' or Dream Journal.
Pens- If it's for someone who particularly loves writing, you could even spend a bit extra and buy a lovely fountain pen and get it engraved with their name.
Colouring Book- You can currently buy these from just about every shop, with so many options available. They are so calming and make a really nice gift. Maybe add some pencils or textas?
Notepad/To do List- You can pick these up cheaply (try Typo?) and make for quite a good secret santa present.
Watercolour Palette- This, along with a nice art book can be a lovely present. If you really want to splash out and you know they value good quality art supplies you could even buy a 'Newton & Windsor' palette.
Print- Just buy a frame and get to work with a paintbrush or ink pen. Or, if you aren't so much the creative yourself, head over to Etsy and get shopping.
For the Boyfriend:

Clothes- I feel like all guys like getting clothes as a gift from their girlfriend. Maybe some new swimmers?
Wallet- Another one that people tend to forget to buy themselves. I got this one by Colorado from Strandbags.
Calvin Klein Underwear- I feel like the best kind of presents are things that are good quality every-day items that you might not usually splurge on yourself so a pack of higher-end underwear is a great gift.
Headphones-  Everyone loves getting new headphones/earphones right?
Something Sentimental- A little bit cheesy but you could always pick up something like this Q and A style 'Love' book and fill it out as a gift. A photobook or scrapbook is always great too.
Stocking Stuffers-
Groovy Socks- I buy Bryce a pair of cool socks every year, usually Christmas-sy (these ones with sausage dogs are adorable)
Moisturizer/Skincare Products- I feel like a lot of guys don't tend to think to buy themselves this sort of thing. I love this little face cleansing brush from The Body Shop, and daily moisturizer from Aveeno. I also got this little wooden massager from The Body Shop which works incredibly.
Favourite Food-  It could be lollies (maybe even consider buying them in bulk from a warehouse) or just something from the shops but its always nice to add something to eat to someones stocking.
Camping Gadgets- Think a Leatherman, Slingshot (if it's not illegal where you live of course), Torch or even this little 4-in-1 bracelet which has paracord, a whistle, a firestarter and a blade.

For the Acquaintance:
I feel like it can be so hard to buy for people who you are not particularly close to so here are a few options which I think are pretty safe.
A Game- 'Cards against Humanity' can be a good option if you know the person is not sensitive or conservative. Some other great options are 'Taboo', 'Pictionary', 'Articulate', 'The Game of Things' or 'Jungle Speed'. Party games tend to work the best, and the best part it, they usually end up being opened on the spot and played right there.
Coffee Table Book/Toys-  Another one that works for pretty much anyone. I got this 'Humans of New York: Stories' for my best friend which I'm pretty sure she will love. Things such as 'Conversation Starters' or 'Lateral Thinking Problems' work well, and so do puzzles or toys. 'Find It' is great or even those little metal puzzles.
Gift Card- This is probably my least favourite suggestion but I do love to receive them and they are always a safe bet.

Hope you enjoyed this and it gave you a few ideas!
Caitie xx

Camping Mini-Break // Explore

Tuesday, December 08, 2015
1. Mini-Break Blogpost- Camp Site
I just got home from an incredibly relaxing couple of days and thought I may as well share a few snaps from our trip. Bryce and I have been so busy lately that even finding time to hang out between uni, work, family and everything else going on is so hard so when we worked out that we had a few days off together we planned a little camping trip to Lake Macquarie. I detached completely from social media/phone and it was great- so liberating to be in the moment. Enjoy a snapshot of my mini-break!
2. Mini-Break Blogpost- View from tent
4. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie
5. Mini-Break Blogpost- Swimmers on chair
6. Mini-Break Blogpost- Camp Site7. Mini-Break Blogpost- Snacks
8. Mini-Break Blogpost- Toiletries
I pretty much went product free for the couple of days and only took this stuff but really only ended up using my toothbrush and deodorant. Its so nice to pack little of this kind of thing and realize how much you actually don't NEED it.
9. Mini-Break Blogpost- Games
10. Mini-Break Blogpost- Shoes
11. Mini-Break Blogpost- Polaroids
12. Mini-Break Blogpost- Speakers
13. Mini-Break Blogpost- Drink
14. Mini-Break Blogpost- Thai
15. Mini-Break Blogpost- Bryce at beach
16. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie Swimmers
26. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie - Copy
I am loving these swimmers from Dotti...I think my stripe obsession is getting out of control...
17. Mini-Break Blogpost- Bryce
17. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie rockpools
18. Mini-Break Blogpost- Beach treasures
I have the tendency to collect things that I find pretty or different when I go places. I have added these to my window sill.
19. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie and Bryce
20. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caves Beach
21. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie
22. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caves Beach
24. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caitie Caves beach
25. Mini-Break Blogpost- Caves Beach Rockpool
27. Mini-Break Blogpost- Cheers
I had such a lovely couple of days exploring rockpools, wandering caves, eating snacks, swimming in the sea and relaxing. Never underestimate the power of a good weekend away for de-stressing!

-Caitie x