TAKE ME BACK TO SUMMER

Hello everyone! It's been a while. I can't even begin to comprehend how crazy my first ever five weeks of university has been, hence me being MIA on this space.

The learning curve since the holidays has been steep. I'm learning new things by the second, I'm starting anew and I'm bombarded with responsibility and lecture notes. I've gotten my first job. I joined a sporting team and I trained and played weekly. The whole process seems to be never-ending but nevertheless, I've met many new people and made many new friends, I've gone out a lot and I've even started drinking coffee (never liked it before). It's been quite an experience.

A throwback to pre-university days, just to ease back into blogging. Ahh those were the most carefree and I didn't even realise that until it was gone. A trip to the beach just to chill with nature seems quite necessary right now, albeit the increasingly cold weather.

BAGELS AND SOFT SERVES

In attempt to make the most out of my post-HSC and pre-university break, I have been keeping myself semi-busy exploring new places, trying new foods and catching up with friends I haven't seen in a while. On one such trip, my friend Chrissie and I ventured out to the city for lunch before going to university to obtain our ID cards. 

We had Brooklyn Hide's signature bagels - Chrissie ordered Hells Kitchen (prosciutto, avocado, fetta, rocket, fresh lime) while I had Soho (smoked salmon, red onion, hummus, olive tapenade). They were delicious and exactly what we were searching for lunch. The bagel was neither too hard nor too soft and the filling was mouth watering - lots of salad, just how I like it. I would no doubt revisit sometime in the future. 

After being in awe of the ten-storey library and getting lost multiple times in the grand suburb that is our university, we headed off for dessert seeing as it was still quite early and as I was recently introduced to Aqua S, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to see what all the hype was about.

I ordered a mix of sea salt and salted dark chocolate soft serve in a dark chocolate cone with fairy floss as a topping. Truth be told, I only ordered the fairy floss for the aesthetics of the photo and I was not disappointed in that aspect. Sadly though, the dessert itself did disappoint - in no way is it horrible, it just wasn't that spectacular for me. It might be the fact that it was a little pricey or that I don't even like chocolate ice-cream or that I had to wait quite a bit for it but I don't think I'll be headed back anytime soon for this... maybe if they had something new I would but for now, it just didn't cut it for me. 

Oh wait, I know why I didn't enjoy it that much - I've been on a little bit of a healthy streak and lately all I've been craving are fruits and other healthy food 24/7. Kudos to Aqua S for being innovative with the new dessert craze though! I'm really starting to miss the froyo craze.

Looking forward to more food adventures!

MELBOURNE SNAPS

Just another Sydney-sider who visited Melbourne... This is the second time I've travelled interstate, with the last time being around six years ago to Queensland. Melbourne is undoubtedly a beautiful city and I really wish I could've stayed longer and explored more... Not to worry though, I will be back soon. Soon as in possibly even this year again. For now, say hello to some happy snaps below.

Federation Square

Yarra River Cruise

Melbourne City View 88 floors above ground at the Eureka Skydeck

Panny's Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Twelve Apostles

This trip has definitely been very tourist-y so next time I'll make the most out of Melbourne life by taking trying out their public transport, shopping and eating at new places. Before I end this post, here are some iPhone snaps.

L-R: Batman Avenue, all floral everything (flowers, dress, bag), lunch at Crown Casino

Until next time Melbourne!

TOP 14 OF 2014 - MAKEUP EDITION

The end of a year signifies the time to start picking out what products have been the most helpful. As with each passing year, my makeup collection has grown and in the past twelve or so months, I've slowly transitioned from primarily "drugstore" items to a mix of high-end products as well. These are the products which have been my favourites for 2014...

Starting off with the lip category, I must say that I've bought quite a few lipsticks, lip balms, lip crayons and all. My absolute favourite lipstick colour to wear is red but as I'm not one with many occasions to sport a red lip to, these picks are those for day-to-day wear.

L-R: Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Kiss, Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 235 Coral Twist, Benefit Benetint, MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Lip balm of choice has been Maybelline Baby Lips Color, not exactly because I like it best, but because it's such a great, easy option. The Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 235 Coral Twist and Benefit Benetint for lip and cheek are other simple, easy, sheer, everyday colours so into the favourites post they go! Speaking previously of red lips, my holy grail is MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo which was a purchase enabled by Anna of ViviannaDoesMakeup - its long lasting power and amazing colour makes it a MAC lipstick everyone should look into for adding to their collection!

Now, if I were to only use one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be concealer. My best discovery is NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard thanks to all the hype in the blogging community and I'm not looking back - I use this both under my eyes and on blemishes. To set this and powder the rest of my face, I adore using Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder in Natural. This is the old packaging which I do like more also.

For special events such as formal, I choose to use quality products including Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 53 Light Beige, Benefit Porefessional and Benefit Hoola Bronzer. These complete my "full face of makeup" events beautifully.

Eyes wise, I tend to steer away from eyeshadows but when there's a special event, I opt to use my Chi Chi Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked Palette which I am yet to get my hands on. My favourite liquid liner at the moment is Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner in Blackest Black and eyeliner to line the waterline and make my eyes appear more awake is Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude.

I'm not too sure how to work with my brows but in the past year, I've enjoyed using Face of Australia HD High Definition Brow Kit then setting it with Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara in Dark Brown.

Phwoah, long post this has been. What have you been loving in 2014?

TRAVEL MEMENTO

Whenever I travel, I make a note to keep items that act as a reminder of the visit, souvenirs so to speak. Something about keeping memento is just so satisfying for me. You will easily find me collecting and placing admission tickets, restaurant receipts and travel itineraries into my bag when on holiday.

Having recently gone on a quick trip to Melbourne, I discovered a newfound way to keep track of where I've been... using postcards. Yep, I don't know how I've missed something so simple and affordable previously but for anyone else in the same boat, I highly recommend it! I'm thinking of putting dates on them as well just to make the memory even more memorable. Maybe I'll even punch holes into them and hang them from the ceiling with string, just a few more ideas to consider as well.

These memento ideas are all excluding photos of course. Take lots of photos, you can always delete them later but you won't get another chance to take more photos if you weren't happy with a single one or two. Take polaroids. I would've definitely done that if I had more film left. Maybe try vlogging. Next time you're travelling somewhere for a short or long period of time, consider a travel diary too whether it be digitally or on paper. Cherish the moments.

How else do you remember your travelling adventures?