Things I Learnt (This Week)

Why everyone said nasty things about Sex & the City 2.
Finally saw it - worst movie ever, in every way.




That I really can do budget shopping.
Blazer from Ebay that arrived in the post today. Much higher quality than I expected.




That the strength of the Aussie coin is fun for all intensive (online shopping) purposes.
NARS from Kiss and Make Up.


That's is 'All Intents and Purposes' and not 'All Intensive Purposes' and I've been saying it wrong for years.Thanks to my lovely friend Bec.





Which trend I'll hate for the next 6 months.
Minnetonkas from Miijo.




That I need 6 fillings replaced.
And a root canal.
And my bottom wisdom teeth removed.
Photo from Flickr.



That Target have come up in the world.
I bought the skirt on the very right. Belt removed, it's gorgeous for work. This also reinforces what I said about budget shopping (check out that price!).

That I've been quiet on the blog front.
I've been busy, I'll tell you what with soon.

Hope you're all well, happy, and have marvelous plans for the weekend despite the rain.

Nat x

Stella for Target

Round 2 of Stella McCartney for Target. I am super, super liking this round and seriously considering lining up for some of it. Best to start working my 'step aside ladies' muscles from now because I imagine, for items that are this good, there will be a stampede.

My favourites;

Collarless Jacket, $199

Ribbon Tie Dress, $149

Frame Clutch, $69

Rouched Panel Top, $119

Tulip Dress with Tie, $199

Short Jacket, $179

Lace Dress, $199

Can I also say that I think the model is amazing? I can?

I think the model is amazing.

If you've been under a rock/not on the internet for a week, check out the full range here. It's worth visiting - there are videos.

See you October 29th.

Nat x

Amazing Find

$29.95, from Brightlife
"This shimmering satin bedspread with a full ruffled bed skirt and a classic diamond quilt design on top will turn a bedroom from dull to glamourous in seconds."
I am sad that I need charcoal and can't compromise to pink.
Nat x

Bujé

With house buying/planning on doing so, comes saving. With saving, comes a budget. With a budget comes searching high & low for Country Road on a Supre budget, (although I think Supre has increased in price a fair amount since I was 16?).

So can you get nice, quality, stylish clothing on a budget?

Well this weekend I decided yes. After a lengthy discussion with a friend about khaki pants and the perfect t-shirt, and a story she told me about some nice cargo-like khaki pants she saw someone else with for $50 from Cotton On, I set out on Saturday for a budget clothing search.

What did I find?

(I wonder if Mel knew I was taking photos while on the phone to her)

Both from Jay Jays, and $55 for both, (there is a special where if you spend $50 you get $10 off).

I am wrapped. The denim shorts, ($30), are actual denim, and will be perfect for the beach, and although the photo doesn't show it they are slightly high waisted with I love. The slim fit cargo pants, ($35), are really light weight and fit me perfectly. I don't like them without the hem rolled up but that's a very small price to pay for the price I paid.

I am wrapped in what you can do on a budget!

Where do you go for quality low-cost pieces?

And can someone please tell me what colour sheets to get for my all-white bed? I can't fake tan because my sheets are all white!

Nat x

My Essentials

Directly stolen from Sarah Wilson, because I'm going through a Sarah Wilson Obsession phase.

1. What I wear: Baggy long sleeve cotton tops. One is pink, one is grey, and they were on special at Bardot about 2 years ago. I bought them because I thought they'd help protect from the sun in Summer, but I wear them everywhere from tucked into trousers for work, to layered over tight cotton tops in winter, to over a bikini top and denim cut offs in Summer. I'm actually kind of scared of them wearing out or getting stained because I rely on them so much.

2. What I eat: Muesli. I am obsessed with muesli. Breakfast, lunch substitute, after work snack, dessert - all the time. I make my own and usually use oats, bran, sultanas, almonds and dried apple as a staple. At the moment I have no apple and have added shredded coconut and dried apricot. I also have a Macro Whole Foods one I got at Thomas Dux, (you can also get it in Safeway), that has sesame seeds in it and works really well with everything.

3. How I hydrate: Water. I actually had a blood test result come back once indicating I drink too much of it and the Doctor told me to slow down. Usually by 10am I've drunk a litre, and up to 4 through out the day, (usually it's this high in Summer). I love how refreshing water is and I drink a glass before and after every meal. I can't get enough.

4. My favourite thing to do when I’m a bit flat: Be in the sunshine is the number 1 thing. I think because I spent so long unwell out of the sun, I appreciate it so much more. If I'm feeling drained at work I even step outside for 30 seconds and stand int he sun, (when it's around), to pep back up. I also love grocery shopping and cooking.

5. My other favourite thing to do when I’m a bit flat: See my chiropractor or go to my hairdresser to get my hair washed.

6. My favourite smell: Rosewater. I have a perfume that smells just like it from Le Desire, and I spray my pillow with it if I can't sleep. I find it extremely calming and I've no idea why.

7. My essential online aid: Plain old Gmail. I don't know how I'd keep in touch with anyone or up to date with anything without it.

8. What I do for fun: Walk in the sunshine, have coffee with a friend, wander around shops alone (I love to be alone) and cook up healthy invented recipes.

9. How I feel better: Eating really healthy and balanced. A really clean diet for two days in a row makes my body function better and feel amazing, as well as clears my mind. I just ate too many choc chip cookies in celebration of having worked 6 months, (yay!), and I know it's OK because I have to weekend to clean my body.

10. What nourishes me: The beach. Anywhere near the beach and everything in me is calm.

11. What also nourishes me: Hugs. So under rated.

12. My guilty pleasure: There are 3 big ones; peanut butter is the winner, (Coles brand crunchy), followed by glasses of wine (rose and semillon at the moment), followed by magazine reading (I am a junkie).

13. My favourite feelings: Sun on my skin, being genuinely sleepy and somewhat strangely, being really hungry. I love the feeling of hunger.

What are your essentials?

I really, really love Fridays since I started working.

Happy 6 month work anniversary to me!
Nat x

Beach

I think M & I chose the best weekend ever to make our first trip in circa 3 months to the beach.

Hello Spring!

That photo really doesn't do it justice.

I really super want a nice beige t-shirt, (pictured from YesStyle).

I swear I've searched half of Melb, (and can't afford the Bassike one at the moment).

Current happy life maker; strawberries for breakfast.

Nat x

Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses (Official Single Cover with lyrics)

Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine with lyrics

Photographs

First, some useless outfit pictures. No, I have not improved with age.

Me inspired to wear a 6 year old jacket. I knew I'd want a khaki jacket again.


Easiest ever work outfit.


Second easiest.


This stuff is revolting and I can't believe anyone likes it.

Amazing noodles were found while starving on Bridge Road.


Mama and Papa gave me birthday roses.


I went and fed the swans that I see every time I go for a run. They live in a little damn by themselves away from the others. They're adorable.



Best.



Work Wife.



My work place buys the most amazing cakes.(Birthday Lemon Meringue Pie)

A special thanks to Mr. M for taking me wherever I wanted to go all weekend and not complaining at all. Also to my beautiful family for an amazing dinner. I like everyone together.

It's nice to be 24.
Nat x

With Every Birthday...

There comes a wish list.

Here is mine;

Pink Corporation Kaitlyn Bag

Dinner at Ezard Restaurant, Melbourne

Parlux Hairdryer

Bassike Scoop Neck V Tee in Sand

J Brand Houlihan Trousers

Kit Shop Loves Ocean Nail Polish

Queens Wardrobe Blouse

Lanolips Rose Hand Balm

Breakfast at Replete Providore Melbourne

Macarons from Cacao

Some new Pilates DVDs, a subscription to Good Health Magazine, a work-out hoodie, a cream blazer and cook books would also be nice. As well as a pay rise to afford it all.

If it was your birthday on the weekend, what would you want?

Nat x

Woohoo

Hey guys :)

Today time is dragging and it's making me think about some stuff that's not good!! But I am rising above it and getting on with it :).. Anyways, this morning I had a knock on the door by Mr. Postman with a present for me :). I ordered some make up products from e.l.f yesterday morning and they arrived this morning how impressive is that!! Not even 24 hours and they are here.. I no I will deffo recommended them to friends and I am for sure going to order from them again without fail.! 

Yesterday e.l.f put up a discount code for free delievery and there was no way I was going to miss out on such a good offer :) I like free things ha ha who doesn't lol. I brought 6 items and it only cost me £15.50 and you could never get 6 items for that price on the high street would you? I'm sure you would like to no what i got:

1 x Mango Madness however on the box itself it's called Passion Pink Nail Polish - I am very happy with this just by looking at it. It is a good size and the colour looks lovely. price £1.50

1 x Mineral Foundation-SPF 15 - The contence feels lovely smooth and soft and suits my skin tone great however I'm not that impressed with the size of the box as it looks more like a sample! price £3.50 (a little over priced!!)

1 x Mineral Infused Face Primer - This is the best thing I have ever used in my life!! I used a little on my hand to see what it would be like and it is sooo lovely soaked into the skin and left it feeling like baby skin!! price £6.00

1 x Therapeutic conditioning lip balm Vanilla Creme - I haven't used this yet but my lips are getting very dry and cracking and I love the smell of Vanilla price £1.50

1 x Waterproof Eyeliner Pen - I brought this as I love the smokey eye look and thought it would look good I haven't used this yet price £1.50

1 x Natural Lash Kit - I have short eye lashes and no matter what mascara I use nothing makes them long so yes I am going to cheat ha ha I will only wear these when I go out. price £1.50

Thank you for reading hope you are all having a good day

Diana xoxo

I'm sorry

Hey guys.

I am sooo sorry that I haven't blogged in awhile I have been a very busy girly..

Well I'm guessing you all would like to know what I have been up to.. Well other than working 9-5 I went to Thorpe Park on Thrusday with some friends and it was amazing I loved it I toke a picture of a ride (I must admit I did chicken out on going on it haha)

Also it was my birthday on 12th September and I have turned 20 :).. I didn't really do much for my birthday to be fair but I did go up town with my Mum in the morning and had a look around the shops and I did buy myself a maxi dress from new look it is lovely and I have brought myself a top from river island (I am sorry I dont have pictures yet but i promise i will as soon as I finish work) and then in the evening I went to dinner with my boyfriend which was lovely (went to frankie and bennies.. I am in love with there food and plus the kind lady gave me 20% off my bill too how nice :)..) and yes I did have to have a birthday cake ha ha no birthday is complete without a birthday cake!!

(This is not my cake I just found this picture on the Internet)

I also painted my nails for my birthday and I went for a funky look but I am sooo in love with them :) I used models own feeling blue let me no what you think?

Thank you for having a read and I am sorry it is only a quick blog about what I have been up to I will add pictures of my new items soon.. ooohhh and I have brought some products from e.l.f as it is free delievery until tomorrow morning I just couldn't help myself I hope they do come soon so I can show you guys

Love.. love.. love

Diana xoxo

My Year

Next Sunday, the 19th of September, will mark my 24th birthday. I love birthdays, I always have. I guess it's because it brings about two things I always enjoy; good food and loads of attention, (I can't help it, I love attention).

I've spent most of this evening trying to plan my birthday weekend. As far as I'm concerned, the 4-5 days, up to a week, surrounding the actual day of your birthday is a time to be completely selfish and demand things you usually wouldn't get. For me, this involves making my entire family sit down to a vegetarian meal, (veggie burgers or sheppard's pie made of lentils at this stage), having M cater to whatever I want to do and dressing up a little too much for not a whole lot. I also try to have all my friends, who have nothing to do with each other except at my birthday and sometimes Christmas, come together for dinner. Unfortunately, I can't get them all in the same place at the same time this year, (this makes me sad).

Every year as I plan, I also reflect back on the year just had.

What a year this one has been.

My 23rd birthday saw me have dinner outside at a restaurant with my friends for the first time since my 20th. I had serious dreams of spending Summer at the beach house, (and did), and was contemplating going back to part time correspondence study.

My 4 closest girlfriends at my 23rd dinner.

My 24th birthday sees me fitting in my birthday selfish-self between full time work weeks. I exercise regularly, photograph everything (because life is amazing), and have plans to return to University. M & I shoot down to the beach house every sunny weekend we get, and we're seriously looking at buying a house together. I own pots, pans, knives, and everything else you'd ever need in your kitchen cupboards. I seriously value my 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and I go to Coles on Thursdays to check out what's on special for the week.

Boy life has changed. I love it!

With that, I am inspired. 23 was the age I wanted to start work. My whole aim was to get a job, even if it was part time, even if it was part time and online, I wanted to make my own money. I wanted that 'normality'. I got it!

So what do I want for 24? I've always set the bar high, and I seem to keep reaching it, so here goes nothing;

-More than anything, I want to buy a house with M and make a home together.

-I want to return to study. I believe I've found my passion, and that is nutrition.

-I want to progress in my current job, whatever form that takes.

-I plan to become the fittest I have ever been.
-This needs to combine with the best lifestyle through food I can muster, (I would say diet, but I hate the word), to become the healthiest I have ever been.
-I want to stop taking all the medication I still take.

There it is, what I want to do over the next year.

And I will do it.

I love birthdays so much.
When is yours?
Do you believe in star signs?
Me? No. I am so the opposite of every Virgo trait I have ever been told about.

I am so happy at the moment. I hope that comes through in my posts, even a little. Life is so fantastic! I find myself springing into work on Monday. I must be so incredibly annoying.

Smiling in the heat last Summer. So happy just to be.
(and so excited 'just to be' in warm weather again!)

Nat x