Company Watchlist: Sorbet Cosmetics

I love a good New Zealand made, cruelty free product and when I found Sorbet Cosmetics I was thrilled. Not only do they fit my first two criteria they also like to keep packaging to a minimum. Something that working at Lush made me really passionate about. Sorbet uses fresh, natural ingredients to make some of the best skin and hair products around.
 
I ordered from Sorbet a while ago and loved how quick and easy it was. The shipping barley took anytime which is fantastic, considering there is a bit of distance between ChristChurch and Palmerston North. The products fit the descriptions and smelt heavenly. I picked  a wide selection of products from across the range and loved every single one. I loved the Gingersnap scrub so much it made my top 6 favourite exfoliaters along with Superstar making it to my cleanser round up.

The products are simple but so effective and do exactly what they say they are going to do. They are beautifully made. Sorbet cosmetics will be one of my go to companies. Go and check them out, you too will fall in love.

I'm Back

Hi guys, this is just a quick note to say I'm so sorry I haven't written in a long time. I have had two back to back Flu's and they are nasty this year! Of course with this being a new blog I did not have any pre written posts to tide me over until I was well enough again. After many weeks of cold and flu drugs plus a stomach ulcer from them all I am finally back on track to being better.  I have missed writing for you all.
Again, I'm so sorry for not being around.

Four Favorites

A warming winter bath thanks to Lush

Its been a pretty average week with not a lot happening, since it has been so cold. We would rather snuggle on the couch and watch TV. However a surprise visit form one of my closest friends really made the week much more memorable. This week Brendan will be out of town for work and we are heading off to Napier for our anniversary, so hopefully the week just flies by.

How cute is this jumpsuit I got for my God Daughter

Taking some time to just chill out

Pretty in love with this new bag by bestie helped me find

Deerly Beloved

Out of the blue I fell in love with deer. I have a feeling it had something to do with our wedding venue, it is a deer farm after all. Antlers featured on our invites, head table and thank you cards. Since then I have to have anything with deer on it, good timing since they seem to be a hit on the home decor front this winter too.
Adding a touch of rustic has never been easier, just add the following items to get your home feeling like a cosy cabin.

1. Antler wall hanging
2. Deer hooks
3. Deer head
4. Cushion
5. Cushion
6. Bed cover
7. Print
8. Light

Weekly Round Up - Serums and Oils

Face serums and oils are relatively new to the skincare scene. With their super intense hydrating powers and concentrated ingredients mean they are top of the game for helping to prevent the signs of ageing, while brightening and refreshing the skin. Use them in place of your regular moisturiser, at night or under a face mask. There are only a few that I have tried and loved me, or loved my skin for that matter. Using serums and oils may not feel natural for us with oily skin but trust me you feel better for it.

1. Sukin: Super Greens Facial  Recovery Serum - This is my latest purchase and I love it. With a light Cranberry scent and it's super food ingredients that detoxify the skin . This product gives your skin a beautiful healthy glow and is light enough to wear under make up.
2. Lush: Full Of Grace Serum - Portobello mushrooms may seem like a strange thing to put into a facial serum but they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Along with Rose oil and Almond oil this little solid bar is a real skin saver.
3. Wild Ferns: Bee Venom Serum - This is the same brilliant brand that makes my favorite moisturiser. This serum has active Manuka Honey that works to protect the skin. The serum gets into the deeper layers of skin stimulating the collagen and making skin more plump.
4. Sukin: Facial Treatment Oil - Full of essential fatty acids that help to even skin tone and boost skin health, this is a small wonder in a jar. Vitamin C helps to brighten the complexion and lock in moisture. I tend to use this more as a night cream as it is a little heavier.
5. Essano: Rosehip Oil - I cannot get enough of this product. Not only do I use it on my face but on all parts of my body where my skin has imperfections, stretch marks, scars and is drier than normal. I love the fact that I can grab a new bottle in our weekly grocery shop and it doesn't break the bank. Best of all, it works!

Four Favorites

Beautiful timber we found on an afternoon walk

The temperate this week has plummeted again, even getting in to the early negatives. I have been battling the good old winter flu for the last week which is never fun. This weekend was spent with family and friends, with my dad coming back from 6 weeks in Italy and going to stay with my 'second mum' in a beautiful little rural town where I used to work.

Pastel flowers make spring seem closer

Her favorite spot in winter

View from our drive home

Copper Collection

Copper is big on the interior design scene right now. It has the power to make any room look polished and pulled together. You can use in it small bursts or key features in the room while keeping the rest of the interior relatively simple
 Here are some pieces I have my eyes on

1 Baskets
2 Wall Hook
3 Wall Stickers
4 Clock
5 Print
6 Terrarium
7 Bag
8 Flag 
9 Vase

Weekly Round Up - Moisturisers

This week I've rounded up my go to moisturisers. I have fairly oily skin and spent a lot of my teenage years trying to strip the oils from my skin. I have since learnt the importance of feeding my skin, especially to keep the signs of ageing at bay.

1. Wild Ferns: Bee Venom - If it's good enough for Kate Middleton then I had to try it. I've been using this product for 2 years, this is the longest standing product in my skincare routine. I love it. It is moisturising yet not too heavy for my oily skin and the venom keeps the skin plump and fresh. I can't say enough good things about this product!
2. Lush: Gorgeous - Originally made for Princesses Dianna this product is as amazing as you'd think it would be. Packed full of cold pressed oils this moisturiser really feeds the skin and makes it glow. It may be at the higher end of the price scale but it is worth it's weight in gold
3. The Herb Farm: Rosehip moisturiser - Light enough to wear everyday yet really nourishes skin. Perfect for both day and night use, the Rosehip repairs the skin and helps to prevent signs of ageing.
4. Sorbet Cosmetics: The Perfector - This solid bar is a life saver. Perfect for travelling and easy to use, this bar has a beautiful scent and leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. The Perfector is great to use as a serum under a face mask to give added moisture
5. Antipodes: Vanilla pod Hydrating Day Cream - This intensive cream has brilliant ingredients like rosehip, avocado oil and manuka honey to keep the skin clear and healthy. This  cream provides so much moisture to the skin but it doesn't feel heavy or leave a greasy residue
6. Trilogy: Ultra Hydrating Face Cream - This is relatively new to my collection but I see it sticking around for some time to come. The Evening primrose and Coconut in here really hydrates the skin which has been great on these winter days and the Rosehip helps to protect the skin against ageing.

What's your go to moisturiser?

Guide to finding vintage clothing

So many of the pieces in my wardrobe are vintage pieces that I've picked up from op shops and flea markets. I have always been attracted to more vintage feeling things, be it furniture, clothing or home decor, they are so timeless yet blend so well with modern pieces. I tend to buy my basics and any new seasons trends that I feel like following from chain stores and all my statement pieces are vintage finds.

There are some important points to keep in mind when hunting out your perfect vintage piece

1. Look for damage. These pieces are old so we can expect to see some sort of damage, whether it's stains, holes, missing buttons, check the garment from top to bottom. If there is some damage ask yourself if it impacts how you feel about the piece and is it and easy fix? Too many times I have fallen in love with something only to get it home and find half the beading missing or a giant unmovable stain.
2. Check zips. Along the same lines as my first point but having a working zip is another thing to be looking for. Generally zips are easy to replace so not a huge issue to me if a zip is broken but it means you cant wear your piece straight away.
3. Does it  go with the rest of your wardrobe. There are some pieces that you will only want to wear on their own because they are are heavily patterned or are truly a statement piece however you still need to think about what the rest of your wardrobe consists of. Is it solely statement pieces or do you a few basics that would take that vintage dress from summer to winter easily?
4. Fit. Yes clothes can be tailored but checking the fit of your item before you purchase is so important. You can shorten hems and take in waistlines but you can't fit those pieces that just don't fit right. If the item has passed on all the above points then try it on and really pay attention to how it makes you feel. I have bought pieces home because I really loved the idea of them but they are too high necked or cling in all the wrong places and I can't bring myself to wear them because they don't make me feel good.
   
   
   

I hope these points help you in the search for the perfect vintage pieces to add to your collection.

Four Favorites

shared my morning coffee with this pretty little guy

Since my last birthday I feel like the weekends are over in the blink of an eye and the weekdays move at a snails pace. All the more reason to really appreciate those small moments in life. This week the weather has been slightly better and in turn has made the general feeling in our house a little better. As I write this, the sun is streaming into my office and I can't help but to smile a little knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Her favorite thing to do is build a cave between our covers

I spy the first of our Kumquats growing

Some beautiful yellow flowers to brighten up these grey days

Mexican Hot Chocolate

I love the combination of Chili and Chocolate so when I found this recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate, which blends real dark chocolate, chili and cinnamon I couldn't wait to try this.Really what could be better than a steaming hot mug of this rich spicy chocolate. Scoop the powder into a pretty glass jar, pop on a pretty tag and cinnamon stick and give it as a gift this winter or keep it and enjoy it yourself.