New Roads, New Rivers // We're Gonna Make It

It's been a while since I last spilled my raw thoughts into a blog post so I thought it was about time I did again. In all honesty, I haven't been doing that great lately (which is why I haven't written a post like this in a while), but then I thought about it some more and decided that the not-so-perfect parts of life will come and they will go, and they are just as important as the rest. It's in these down days that we are tested, and from that comes strength, growth, and the ability to rise again. Recently I came to a crossroads in my life. A moment where I could choose to stay stagnant (and ultimately go downhill) or I could choose to do something that scares me greatly, but will actually do me a world of good. I chose the latter. Seeing a psychologist is a topic that is not spoken about all too often. People tend to brush over it, or simply won't even mention it at all. I suppose even I am a little hesitant to bring up the subject sometimes. I think it's because it can be a scary thing, and not something that we feel great sharing. It's admitting that you need help, and that makes you vulnerable. I haven't been to a session yet, but I've got one booked in, and I feel like good things will come of it. 

Earlier on this year someone told me that this will really be my year of stepping into all things great. Little did I know they also said that I would have to work for it, it wouldn't just fall into my lap (and I wasn't told that at the time). Once I booked in my session my mum told me the rest of what was said. She mentioned that perhaps me starting this journey was me working for it. If so, bring on all things great! Another area of work and growth relates to my purpose in life. Right now I honestly have no idea what it is. However, I have started to read a book written by a pastor named Rick Warren called The Purpose-Driven Life. While I'm only on day five, I already know that things are changing. It's a 40 day study and I cannot wait to see where I am in 40 days time. 

Writing all this down feels a little uncomfortable, but I'm doing so in the hope that it might help someone out there reading it. I have felt so lost and confused and sad lately, but I'm not sitting in that pit of despair any longer. I'm being proactive in making a change. I don't know what your change looks like, but I urge you to pluck up the courage and make it. Surely it'll be better than staying where you are. "A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there". With that in mind, I'm waving goodbye to certain 'comforts' and moving towards a better me instead. I'm calling this year the one where I work on myself. I've neglected certain things for so long, and it's unhealthy, and about time I just dealt with it. I'm cancelling my pity party and getting ready to celebrate for real instead. I don't know what this year will bring, but I'm believing it can only go upwards from here. At my church we're calling this the year of new roads, new rivers. I can't wait to explore them. 

I was on Instagram the other day and I came across this encouraging message that someone I follow had posted. Straight away I had to write it down in my diary because it spoke straight to my heart. I'm going to end this post with this. I hope that you find joy and encouragement in these words and in my own. I hope that you're reminded how beautiful and worthy you are - and if you're not, go somewhere where you are reminded. This world is beautiful and filled with amazing moments that we are yet to be a part of. God only ever wants the best for us, okay. 

"His heart is never to silence the desire of our hearts or to shame us for those desires. His heart is to pull us up on His lap while we ugly cry out the disappointments and curveballs we've faced. His heart is to listen to us laugh at how silly we've been and to marvel at how beautiful the future is. At the end of that, we just have to be willing to hop down and only take the steps He leads us to. It's the year of reaping what we have sown in sadness and hurt, it's the year of deferred dreams coming to fruition, and it's the year of big honking leaps of faith into His plan. We're gonna make it."

Love, S.

Image: Tumblr

Lust Have It: February Box

If I thought last months box was exciting, it was only to prepare me for a whole new level of excitement over this months box. For the February box, Lust Have It hinted that some products from The Body Shop would be included, and I could not wait to see what they were. As it turns it, there was not only three products from The Body Shop in my box, but also some other really amazing products too! This months box was a standout one, and I urge you to get your hands on one while you still can (do so here, and read on until the end to get my code for $5 off your first box!). 

What was in the box...

1. Be a Bombshell mascara in Nightfall, $21 (full size)
2. Lanolips Everyday Hand Balm 120mL, $22.95 (full size)
3. Mellow Cosmetics Matte lipstick in Candy Floss, $18 (full size)
4. The Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil 7mL sample, full size 30mL for $54.95 (sample size)
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream 15mL sample, full size 50mL for $24.95 (sample size)
6. The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig EDT 1.5mL sample, full size 50mL for $36.95 (sample size)
7. Garnier Fructis Full and Luscious shampoo and conditioner 10mL samples, full size 250mL for $5.95 (sample size)

The standouts for me...

Honestly, the whole box was a standout! The only thing was the lipstick isn't really the right shade for me, but I'm sure I can pass it on to someone who'll love it. As for everything else, I know I'll get use out of it all. I love trying new mascaras so I can't wait to see what this one is like. I also love skincare, and have been wanting to try a new facial oil so that has worked out well. As for the vitamin e moisture cream, I might have to wait until the colder months when my skin is a bit drier in order to get use out of that, because my skin is usually more on the oily side. The fragrance that was included smells so lovely. Just as the name would suggest, it smells like I would imagine Italy to smell like in the summer - it's divine! So creamy, but fresh at the same time. The Lanolips Hand Balm also excites me greatly because I try to use a hand cream every night because I can suffer with really dry hands sometimes, and this one looks wonderful and I've heard really positive reviews on it - and apparently it has won multiple awards too! 

I couldn't be happier with this months box and I cannot wait to start using all my new treats! If you want to get your hands on this box before it sells out then you can do so here, and don't forget to use my code - SAMINDIGO1 - in order to receive $5 off your first box. If there was ever a time to try Lust Have It, it's definitely now! 

*This box was sent to me for consideration, however all opinions are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post. 

Lust Have It: January Box

When this months box arrived on my doorstep I couldn't have been more excited! Why? Because I knew that it included a micellar water. I'm crazy, I know, but I just have a thing for micellar waters. They are the lazy girls best friend when it comes to skincare. Now, I don't recommend using it for everything, but it is great to take your makeup off before you use a proper cleanser, and it's also great to use in the morning to give your skin a quick cleanse and refresh before applying toner and moisturiser. That's how I use them anyway. I'm a big fan of the one from Garnier, so I was excited to see how this measured up. But more on that in a minute, let's get into the box.

What was in the box...

1. Unani Micellar Water 200mL, $22.50 (full size)
2. Hikari Blush in Sun-Kissed, $21 (full size) - unfortunately mine was smashed on arrival, but that's okay. These things happen. As I receive these boxes complimentary I'm not going to ask for a replacement, but I know they are more than happy to replace broken products. 
3. SkinYoga Almond & Orange Face Scrub 5g sample, full size is 50g for $24 (sample size)
4. Hikari Lip Crayon in Amour, $18 (full size)
5. SkinYoga Sandalwood & Saffron Face Mask 5g sample, full size is 50g for $24 (sample size)

The standouts for me...

Once again it was the skincare products that came out on top for me. I'm just really having a moment with skincare right now and Lust Have It have been including some great products on that front in their boxes lately. The Unani micellar water is lovely to use. It cleanses well and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight, dry, and stripped of moisture. However, it is fragranced, so that is something to bear in mind if your skin doesn't react well to fragrance in products. I haven't had a chance to use the face scrub and face mask from SkinYoga yet, but I cannot wait to! The ingredients are so natural and healthy, you could literally eat them - but I'd say it's probably best that you don't! It's always a good feeling when you understand what ingredients are in the products that you're using, and these ones would cause no worries to you at all. Prepare to see a post in the future once I've been able to use them a few times because I have such high expectations. 

Like usual, I might pass on the lip crayon to one of my friends because I probably don't need another red lipstick and I know they'll love it. If this box interests you, then be sure to check out their website here so order one for yourself. You can also use my code 'SAMINDIGO1' in order to get $5 off you first box! Until next time...

*This box was sent to me for consideration, however all opinions are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post. 

Lust Have It: December Box

Apologies that I've been slack with putting these reviews up lately, I'm doing my best to get on top of them in order to get up to date. I'm also slightly changing the way I do these reviews in that instead of talking through each product, I'm going to give an overview of what was in the box, and then talk through the standout items for me. So, let's see what was in this months box shall we...

What was in the box...

1. Naobay Moisturising Peeling Brightening Facial Scrub 100mL, $27 (full size)
2. Orchid from Paradise Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 40mL, $15-20 (full size)
3. Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals Micellar Cleansing Wipes, $2.25 (sample size, 8 wipes)
4. Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in Sydney, $22 (full size)
5. Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil, $24.50 (full size)

The standouts for me...

The facial peel and hand cream were definitely the standouts for me because I know that I'll get a lot of use out of them. I love a good scrub, so I can't wait to try this one some more. It smells really fresh and has a milky consistency while little granules throughout in order to provide the exfoliation. It isn't too abrasive on the skin and leaves you feeling so smooth and soft after use. The hand cream smells so floral and lovely and nourishes your hands well. It's the perfect little size to just pop in your handbag while you're out and about. I can't stand having dry hands, so this kind of thing is always an essential for me. 

Overall I feel like this box had some quality items in it. As for the few things I know I probably won't use, I'll be able to pass them onto one of my friend who will get use out of it, so nothing's lost. To be fair, I would have been chuffed with just getting that facial scrub and hand cream, so the other things were just a nice little bonus. 

If you're interested in signing up to receive a box full of goodies straight to your door each month, then you can do so here. Don't forget to enter my code 'SAMINDIGO1' at the checkout to get $5 off your box! 

*This box was sent to me for consideration, however all opinions are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post. 

Getting Excited Over Grocery Store Trips

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm trying to be a bit wiser with my spending habits and develop some sort of budget. While also being wiser with my spending, but I'm trying to be smarter with me eating. I'm not going to be super healthy all of the time, because right now that's just unrealistic for me, but I'm going to try and make small changes and better choices where I can. I went to Aldi with my brother yesterday and picked up all of this stuff for less than $30! To me, that seemed like a bargain. There are a few not so healthy bits in amongst the healthy things too - baby steps! It was such a successful trip to the grocery store and I feel so pleased with my purchases. (For reference, I still live at home so I don't need to buy all of my food, just extra things that I want for myself.)

As a quick overview I got asparagus, basil pesto and egg fettuccine to make for dinner (many, many servings of it ha!), amazing looking chocolate muesli to have with fresh berries and yoghurt (I bought the berries but already had yoghurt at home), some dip, chocolate coated rice cakes, and dark chocolate to snack on, and shortbread to have with a cup of tea. I'm a happy gal! 

Op Shop Finds #1

I am trying to introduce a new word into my vocabulary - budget. What a scary word. A word that means you're really growing up. To be honest, I spend more money than I should, and it's not good. That is why I'm trying to break my bad habit and look for cheaper options, that are still just as good, if not better! I thought why not document my finds and journey here on my blog because it might even help to inspire you as well. 

Today's post is about my recent op shop finds. I love op shopping because it's so fun. I think of it like hunting for treasure, and it feels amazing when you find gold. I'm trying to become more conscious of where I'm buying from, and op shops are a great way to help support charities, while finding great bargains. I visited two op shops near me over the past week and these were the few bits I picked up. I got a total of five items and all up it only cost me $27! 

This sweater top is originally from Country Road and was only $5! I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this in autumn and winter. 

This sweet little top is originally from Glassons and was also $5. I love the mustard yellow colour of it and think it's the most perfect little top for all year round - but especially autumn and spring. 

This lovely little skirt is from Temt and was another $5 bargain. I love the vintage look of it and it's peachy colour and spotty design. I just feel so lady-like and lovely in it. 

This is another polka dot find and was also $5. It is originally from Uniqlo and I think it's also got a lovely vintage, classy, sophisticated feel about it. It's more appropriate for going out somewhere nice, and I hope to get a lot of wear out of it. 

Last but not least is the most precious dress that has little flowers all over it, and it's from Dotti. It was $7 and as soon as I tried it on I knew it was the one for me. I just feel so beautiful in it - which is a good sign that you're buying the right thing! 

I hope seeing my great finds has inspired you to check out the op shops in your local area. You'll never know what you'll find and I can't wait to explore some more. 

Summer Essentials with Boohoo

Summer is well and truly here in Australia and I'm left desperately wishing it was winter again. I'm just not the biggest fan of the heat and humidity and it leaves me feeling a little cranky some days. However, these are a few of the things that I use to keep my unhappiness about the weather at bay and to feel prepared for the warm days. 

1. Wear a cute outfit
To me summertime means playsuit season, because they're just so easy to wear. I really love this one because the pattern is so pretty - I'm a sucker for anything floral! Playsuits are always a safe option, especially if the weather turns windy. Mine is from Boohoo and you can see it here. I also live in my Birkenstock's all year round, but especially in summer. Sunglasses are a must-have, and these ones from Boohoo are so interesting because they look black but they're really a dark blue tortoise shell design, which is just so pretty. You can't forget a bag of course, and mine is a new purchase that I found in the sales on Asos. My watch is Daniel Wellington and I can never be without it. Its design is stunning and timeless and I always get so many lovely compliments whenever I wear it. You can also view some more of the items in Boohoo's Holiday Shop here because they have some really great and affordable items that are perfect for this season. 

2. Read a good book

I love to read all the time, no matter what the season. Although in summer you can sometimes find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, so why not use that time to lose yourself in a book? I'm currently reading The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett and I am really enjoying it so far. I love that books have the power to transport you into a whole other world. 

3. Remember to wear sunscreen

There is nothing worse than forgetting to put sunscreen on and coming home burnt. Not only is it extremely painful, it's also no good for your skin. I'm one of those people that dislike the smell and feel of sunscreen, so if you're like me in that regard, then I've found two perfect sunscreens for you. I use the Neutrogena Beach Defence SPF50 all over my body, and then the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face Facial Sunscreen SPF30 on my face. These two are my heroes because neither of them smell or feel like normal sunscreen. They both smell so lovely - the one from Neutrogena smells like a tropical island and the one from Mecca smells like cucumbers. I highly recommend them because not only are they a pleasure to use, but they actually work really well also. 

4. Explore different forms of hair removal

Up until last week I only ever shaved my legs. And I always hated it. It left my skin irritated and never even worked perfectly as my hair would grow back far too quickly. It's always been such a hassle for me, so I decided to explore other alternatives. I settled on buying an epilator because waxing was going to end up being too expensive in the long run. I use the Braun Silk Epil 7, and I like it so far. It hurts a bit, not going to lie, but it isn't completely unbearable, and I think it's just something that I'll get used to. Once I've used this a bit more I'll write up a proper review. I also use exfoliating gloves before hand (to stop ingrown hairs) and my Vaseline lotion afterwards (to keep my legs smooth). 

5. Invest in this life-changing bottle

This water bottle from T2 is the greatest thing ever. It's my absolute best friend in the warmer months because it actually works at keeping your water cold for hours upon hours - even in the sun! I cannot say enough good things about this bottle, and I highly encourage you to invest in one (they are around $32) if you spend a lot of times outdoors and away from a fridge. It is worth every cent because it works so well, and nothing beats the refreshing feeling of cold water on a hot day. 

These are just some of the things that are essential for me to have during summer, but I'd love to know what some of yours are in the comments below! Hope you're all having a lovely day, and here's to braving the heat together.