Farewell, 2012.

Apart from working for a couple of hours this morning, I've tried to spend the last day of this year doing the things I love most... and eating my favourite things too.  I spent the afternoon at the beach reading before roasting some potatoes and indulging in VERY garlic-y garlic prawns.

The Moet and the chocolate strawberries have to wait until midnight.

After a busy lead up to Christmas, I've tried to unwind and reflect since.  New Year is always a time to reflect and it's full of possibilities and hopes for the future.

2012 was full of lows and highs.  Being so sick for a huge chunk of the year was very eye opening and humbling.  I'm never going to take an alarm clock for granted again and being able to function before 10am is a now a true blessing.  What doesn't kill you truly does make you stronger.

Here's to a 2013 without nightmares and stress.  To being humble and kind.  To loving those who love me.  To being healthy and wealthy and valuing that which is important in life.

May it be the best year yet for all of us.  Thanks for reading xxx

End

Ending 2012 planning out 2013.

Scary.

Christmas Tree

 

We live across the road from a beautiful florist and despite being a grinch and hating the commercial aspect of Christmas, my husband got into the spirit of it and surprised me with a real Christmas tree.  Apparently these bad boys are slow to grow, so we will hang onto it for a few years and grow it and use it year in and year out.  Once you have a real Christmas tree, you can't go back to the plastic trees that's for sure.  

This month has utterly exhausted me and I'm looking forward to my parents arriving next week to fuss over me.  Sometimes it's fun to be spoilt like a child.

Beach babe

Utter summer inspiration.  Doutzen for Vogue UK January issue.

Fake it 'til you make it

With most of Australia winding down for holidays this coming week, I do hope you've all got some sort of plans to rest and relax and recharge for the new year.  I have a few more weeks to go, but that doesn't mean I'm not preparing my beach bag, suitcase and beauty case, especially with sun protection.

Living in Melbourne and being chained to a computer and desk, I am seriously packing in sunlight and vitamin D so when I do expose my skin to the sun I am even more careful not to burn it or cause it any unnecessary damage.

Here are my favourite summer sun protection products and fake tanners.  And best of all, most of them don't break the bank.

St Tropez Bronzing Mouuse - most people who have never used this baulk at the idea of rubbing in a foamy mousse, but this so fool proof.  The mousse is rich and leathery which makes it a breeze to apply and due to a dark hue, you can see exactly where you are applying it, which prevents any streaks.  The colour is very believable.  It also comes in a gradual tanner if you want something that lasts a few days longer.

Garnier BB cream - my favourite product year round.  Has SPF.  Gives a wonderful light coverage and colour and makes my skin glow.  I even notice that it improves skin tone over time.  What's not to love!

Nivea Ultra Beach Protect Spray 30+ - I love the convenience of the light, non greasy spray.  I can even spray it on myself in the hard to reach places if I'm alone.  No sunburn in sight with this one.

Reef Sun Tan Oil - to me, summer smells like Reef - oily and coconut-y.  I often apply this oil over the top of sunscreen.  And the 15 and 30 SPF products often do a great job at sun protection, too.

Garnier Body Summer Lotion - I discovered this a few weeks ago and am entirely obsessed.  It comes in 3 shades to suit all skin tones and leaves a great non yellow tan.  My legs have never looked better.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, I'm off to bake and finish decorating the tree (B surprised me with a real tree yesterday that we can grow over the years!)

Rainy Saturday

Melbourne can't get the hang of a continued bunch of nice days.  Saturday morning rain is no fun, especially when you can't stay in bed all day.

Early breakfast today at my fave cafe and shopping. On a mission to decorate the tree and do some baking tomorrow.

Dress - ASOS pencil dress with wrap front (absolutely amazing and a few favourite!!)

Scarf -Witchery (old)

Bag - Alexander Wang Emile in suede

Gorgeous baby

This pretty girl has been hanging around my desk waiting for me to make a decision. Guilty feeling. Suede (not the most practical).

Bullet has been bitten.

Hello gorgeous girl.

Summer party looks

I am honestly banging my head against the wall in regards to my summer wardrobe.  I have two work Christmas parties. A myriad of family Christmas events.  A concert.  Two weddings.  And a baptismn.  On top of a two week holiday.  One thing is for sure, well two.  Fake tan will play a major part and I will shop my wardrobe as much as possible.  Well, what remains that I didn't get rid of throughout the year.

On Tuesday I am going to a concert with my girlfriends.  I'll be honest and admit that I am not a concert goer.  I'm not one for ringing ears and crowds, but they somehow talked me into seeing JLo.

Nail polish-OPI On Collins Avenue, Lipstick-Maybelline Coral Crush (truly suits every complexion), Ring-Maria Maria Adjustable Pod Ring, Top-Witchery, Bandage skirt - Kookai (similar at Forever New), Clutch-Zara, Shoes-Christian Louboutin Decollete

For the work Christmas party (and at least one of the weddings) I have tracked down the very last knee length version of this dress in a raspberry pink.  I'm thinking a nude peeptoe pump or wedge, more fake tan and nude/bronze make up and accessories.  

I am really into bright nails and lips this season.  A cheap and wonderful way to update any look over the party season. OPI Cajun Shrimp should be in every beauty cupboard.

It's beginning to look a lot like summer.. holidays

A bit of a respite cannot come quickly enough for me.  I am tired. Really tired.  Nothing is more tranquil than a calm and clean house and the smell of something delicious baking in the oven, however that all falls by the wayside when you're working 16 hour days and all you can do at home is have a hot shower (while sitting down from exhaustion) and sleep like a log.  I had the heater on last night while Melbourne was being moody with the weather.  Lets face it, we went to the beach on Saturday, so we have to get some cold days in for good measure. 

I am preparing for my parents visit later this month (the guest bedroom is an ongoing project I tell you) and then jetting off somewhere extremely hot for two weeks in January.  I do love this time of year.  Hopefully I am well enough for another clean and declutter and Christmas decorating.  And remind me to send my Christmas cards out...

Reef smells like summer

Mid life (fashion) crisis

Witchery Lace Peplum top

I don't know if it's the fact that I'm itching so dangerously close to turning 30 but I'm finding clothes and shopping to be a complete drag.  Everything that's being thrown at me has no appeal or is horrendously overpriced that all I can do is shake my head.  I overanalyse absolutely every purchase, even mulling over a $19 singlet from Sportsgirl that I know is NEEDED to layer to make an outfit work.  I spent two hours yesterday wandering around the mall yesterday only to walk out empty handed, when I knew I desperately needed things to wear over summer.  The Net-a-Porter free shipping code also rendered my cart empty.

Is anyone else feeling the same, or have you had a similar experience?

Of course all is not lost.  I am squirreling away some money and focusing on Christmas presents for loved ones.  It's not all doom and gloom.