What I packed in my hospital bag

I read so many articles on what to pack for the hospital and made several lists. After about 2 weeks of stopping and starting with my packing this is what I ended up with. It's hard to tell how long we will be there for, I have had huge problems with my iron levels already needing one iron infusion with the possibility of a blood transfusion after birth. I feel like I've packed for a holiday but a lot less tropical! Here's a glance at what I've packed

Since we don't know the sex of the baby we needed to keep the coming home outfit neutral, so this adorable little brown and white striped all in one is perfect, it is so soft too! I intend on a water birth so I included a little muslin blanket to use in the bath after our little one is born and another knitted blanket for once we head up to the wards.
The little booties are something B surprised me with early on in our pregnancy so of course they are coming with us. They are lined with sheepskin which will be perfect since our little one will be making a winter entrance.

I want as natural birth as possible so I packed a little bag of goodies to help me. Bossy Cosmetics aromatherapy stick in Comfort&Ease is packed with soothing oils that you inhale through your nose. I love these and use the Alive and Perky one on a daily basis. Lavender spray to use on myself and around the room as we cannot use candles. The Herb Farm Relaxation cream is great to use on areas of your body that are a little tender, perfect for my lower back during labour. The other essentials include Lip balm, eye drops, hair ties, tissues and so on.

Make up, of course, there is no way I am having photos taken without looking slightly less like death. I'm sure post birth this will be my last concern but right now I feel like it will help me feel more human after pushing out a human. I don't tend to use this BB cream much as ZA test on animals but there is a small amount left in the tube and it does give good coverage. The Eyes Right mascara gives a natural coat to your lashes, enough to make me look awake. The E.L.F brow tint is ideal to add a little colour and shape to my brows as the gel formula keeps them in place too. E.L.F liquid lipstick in Ruby Red which gives my lips a lovely hint of red without looking too over the top.

Samples were brilliant to pack in the bag since I don't intend on staying for a long period of time and they saved so much room!

Shampoo and Conditioner

Nappy wallet complete with Nappies, wipes, Ultrabalm(Used as a nappy cream) and Wildflower lane Nipple balm

Nursing bras and samples of nursing pads

Anything you recommend I add?

weekly roundup - Highlighters

With the new trend of "Strobing" highlighters are in the spotlight at the moment. They are an easy way to make you appear fresh and glowing. Highlighting the high points of your face is also a great summer alternative to contouring and highlighting as you don't need to wear as much make up on a hot day.  Below are my favourite products to highlight with.

1. Lush Feeling younger: This cream highlighter is the first one I ever used. When the make up line first launched at Lush we were taught how to apply the product, little did I know at the time they had just taught us how to strobe. The cream is easy to blend and doesn't have any glitter chunks that sometimes get left behind. A small amount of product goes a long way.
2. Bossy cosmetics Strobe effect highlighter: I had heard a lo about this product so I had to try it. The powder is easy to work wit and a small amount will go a long way .  It can be a bit to glittery to pass as a natural glow but none the less the highlighter really makes an impact.
3. Mellow Baked eyeshadow in Peach: That's right, this is an eyeshadow but it makes such a beautifully natural highlighter. The peach colour is similar to skin  tone so blends flawlessly, leaving behind a pearlescent glow. Very build able and easy to work with. 
4. No 7 Illuminating lotion: A lovely pink pearlescent lotion that is natural enough to be worn as a highlight with no other makeup on. It can feel a bit heavy If it is used with a full face of makeup but the effect it gives you is fantastic. Start with small amounts as the effect can go from natural to heavy fast. Easy to blend with fingers or a blender.
5. Mellow Baked eyeshadow in Cream: She product as the peach but this is a simple off white  version. I find this colour great to add to the inner corner of the eye to make you look more awake also. 
6. Sleek Precious metals palette: This palette is stunning, the colours are so pretty. The creams are easy to apply and blend. The four different shades are great to use on the different parts of your face. The product is build able so you get control over a subtle look or a more dramatic look.

I would love to know if you have tried any of these or what your Favourites are.

Father's day present guide

Dad's are always hard to buy for and with Father's day just around the corner here are some ideas that suit any Dad's taste.

1. Scully's gift pack. Dad's don't often go and splurge on skincare products but their skin probably needs it the most. This pack is manly yet really takes care of his skin. The pack contains Shaving oil, After shave lotion, Exfoliating soap and a face cloth in some cool vintage bottles. $24.90
2. Irish Cider homebrew kit. For the Dad that enjoys making his own beer and ciders. This kit gives him everything he needs to create his very own crisp apple Irish Cider.Perfect for the upcoming summer $49.95
3. Shoe polish kit. The business Dad may have a range of expensive business shoes but does he look after them? This well presented kit contains everything he needs to keep those shoes polished and supple. Every man should own one of these. $39.99
4. The Wild Chef. This book is perfect for any Dad that enjoys either hunting or cooking. With recipes from Venison to Turkey, Pies to S'mores this book covers everything with brilliant photography and a section at the back that includes hunting tips. $44.94
5. Lush Veerappan Moustache Wax. Dad can style and condition his stache with this wax. With 4 different types of natural wax product is secretly good for him too. $18.90
6. Whiskey. A good bottle of whiskey will last longer than Father's day. This is the kind of gift you can share with your dad. $36.99
7. Sports bag. Great for either the sporty dads or the dads that enjoy hunting or camping. This bag is big enough to fit all their essentials while being stylish. It evens comes with a ventilated shoe compartment $49.99

What will your Dad be getting for Father's day?

Weekly Round Up - Face Masks

Face masks may be one of the first skincare products we used, as a group of teenage girls at a sleepover, slapping on thick coats of green stuff to our skin with no knowledge of why. Masks are a great way to nourish the skin, draw out toxins and they make us feel good. There are tonnes of masks out there for every skin type, just remember that once to twice a week is enough and leave them on until tacky not completely dry. Frequent and prolonged use can dry skin out.

1. Lush - Love Lettuce: All Lush masks are preservative free so need to be kept in fridge. The coldness pf the mask I feel makes it that much more refreshing. This mask provides a really good deep scrub thanks to ground almond shells. The Honey and Seaweed gel helps to soothe and moisturise skin.
2. Wild Ferns - Bee Venom Mask: This tingly mask helps to build collagen and keep  the skin plump. I love the feeling of this mask after an exfoliater as it increases the tingly feeling. Manuka honey and Sweet almond oil help to soothe skin.
3. Freeman - Anti-Stress: Even the colour of this makes me feel much more relaxed! Lavender and Bergamont give a beautiful relaxing scent while brightening the skin. Dead sea minerals combined with sea salt draw toxins from the skin and balance your facial oils. Great mask at a good price
4. Queen Helene - Mint Julep: This mask reminds me so much of the green masks we all first tried. Excess oils are absorbed and any impurities are drawn from the skin. The result is deeply clean, smooth skin.
5. Lush - The Sacred Truth: Packed full of anti-oxidants and powerful ingredients this mask is a life and skin saver. Papaya breaks down the dead skin leaving behind youthful glowing skin. Wheatgrass feeds and hydrates the skin. Lavender oil and rose oil soothe the skin and help with redness. As I have gotten older I find myself turnig to this mask a lot more. 
6. Queen Helene - Avocado and Grapefruit: We all know how good Avo is for out body, well it's really good for your skin too! I find this mask gives me such a healthy glow. The grapefruit is not only a fantastic anti-oxidant but also helps to draw out excess oils. Better for normal - dry skin than really oily as the Avocado packs a mighty good hydration punch.

Which mask is your go to?

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

Weekly Round Up- Cleanser

This week I will be rounding up my favourite cleaners. I tend to exfoliate more than I use  a cleanser but now and then I do like to get my skin a break with one of the following.

1) Herb Farm Energising Gel Cleanser :This cleanser  has such an invigorating scent that really wakes you up. The Orange, Lemon and Lime oils work wonders on your mind, the Aloe Vera liquid softens the skin. This is one of my relatively new favourites but it will be a life long favourite.

2) Superstar from Sorbet:  I learnt early on during my time at Lush that the best way to clean oily skin is with oil and this cleanser cleans so well. It takes off every little bit of make up and leaves the skin so soft and fresh.

3) Juliet Skin Brightening Cleanser from Antipodes: I've often felt that my skin is dull and lifeless and this cleanser really helps to liven it back up. The Kiwifruit extract exfoliates so gently that you can't feel it and the Manuka honey really hydrates the skin.

4) Aqua Marina from Lush: Don't let the look of this fool you, this cleanser is a god send. With its Seaweed, Calamine powder and Aloe Vera this cleanser can soothe even the most irritated of skins. With all the exfoliating and harsh New Zealand weather my skin is exposed to, the softening ingredients in this calm everything.

5) Cleans all from Skinfood: Kiwiseed oil, Avocado Oil and Manuka honey. This all New Zealand cleanser is so creamy and hydrating yet purifying. I always find myself going back to this product.

6) Essano Rosehip Cleanser: As I am getting older I am noticing some fine lines that I would rather nip in the bud now than try and manage in a few years time. Rosehip is so good for renewing skin cells and helping the skin stay young. This cleanser is beautifully scented and formulated to leave skin protected and cared for.