Dearest Reader,

I’ve fallen into a limbo. No longer a child, but still a teenager. A few days ago, I reached the peculiar age of nineteen. Which provoked me to ask myself… What on earth happened during the past 6944 days to create and shape the person that I am today?

Well most importantly, I’ve had the pleasantly enriching privilege of meeting many interesting beings (human or non-human). I’m a bit of a butterfly, I suppose. Not to sound like a character from a children’s picture book, but I really do like making friends. One particular thing I’ve learnt in my first nineteen years of existence is that wether or not such friends remain or fade away, they have entered into my life for one reason or another. Wether you’re a shy girl, whom fate decided to place before me during a university’s admission interview exercise, or wether you’re a future magician who sat behind me at maths tutoring.

You might also be the girl who really liked to eat whole tomatoes at school, instead of the more orthodox apple. This particular girl later became one of my earliest ‘besties’. As a matter of fact my fervent passion for healthy eating and good food stemmed from this very friendship many years ago… in fourth grade. Since then, I began my habit of religiously reading nutrition tables and analysing the nutritional content of the lunchboxes of my peers. Piles of nutrition books and magazines filled my bedside tables each and every school holiday.

With food in my mind all the time, I began to explore the primary realm of domestics i.e. the kitchen. As the nutrition books piled up, so did the cookbooks. ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’ Virginia Woolf couldn’t have been more accurate. My apologies to any feminists reading, but I do feel quite at home in the kitchen. Not to worry though, my future spouse will certainly be there too… doing the dishes. A true man would never hesitate to wash the dishes upon which his wife had presented her love and culinary creations. There it is… The feminist undertones of my theatrical nature. Just a little something I picked up from attending a girls school for the previous six years of my life.

I forget how old I was when sleep became such a (both wonderfully and detrimentally) pliant object that I became so comfortable with manipulating. One thing I do remember is the dearest friend who influenced such poor sleeping habits, which I must admit still remains with me today (both friend and habit actually!) Be it the pillow-muffled laughter or aching thumbs, exhausted from racing with our thoughts and from typing on the tiny keys of our phones and keyboards. Is that dawn leaking through our curtains? We’ll sleep soon! Note: this was also the beginning of my love for coffee. No surprise there!

In birthday, graduation, wedding or any other celebratory speech, we tend to thank those who have inspired us to pursue noble goals and attain astounding achievements. We thank those who have raised us and those who have nurtured our growth and maturity of thought and morality. Yes, I am deeply grateful for such individuals. However this evening, I thought I'd take a moment to reminisce upon those who's seemingly subtle influence have made a rather significant impact on the little yet important things that make me who I am today. So thank you.

Love,

Julie T.

 

The Red Lipstick.

A symbol of vigour and vitality, love and lust… Red is the most fervent colour of life itself. I believe that every woman should be able to experience the feminine empowerment embodied in the iconic red lipstick.

I must admit, I have an exceptional obsession with the red lipstick. Perhaps it’s an addiction to the sheer exhilaration of dressing my lips in such a thrilling colour. Such an intense colour should not be feared but embraced. Unlike some, I wouldn’t say that it is a difficult colour to wear though I do have some tips on perfecting red lips that will last throughout the night.

1. Exfoliate your lips – flaky lips are especially exaggerated by bold lip colours. Using a soft tooth brush or a mixture of honey and sugar, remove any dead skin before starting your makeup routine. 
2. Begin by staining your lips – even before any other makeup is applied. I love using Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain in Adore (005). By the time I’m ready to return to the lips, I simply blot away the excess balm leaving them feeling soft and moisturised.
3. Line the border of your lips – this will assist you in attaining clean edges (a crucial component of the perfect red lips). Remember to stay at the border (between lip and skin) without touching skin. However, carefully applying lip liner on the border itself can create the impression of fuller lips. The shade of lip liner should be identical to the shade of the lipstick to be applied. I can always rely on Revlon’s ColorStay Lip Liner to last throughout the night.
4. Apply a few coats of lipstick, blotting in between each coat. This can be done by placing a folded tissue in between your lips and gently pressing them together and allows you to gradually build colour. If you find that your hands are not steady enough to apply the product directly from the bullet, use a lip brush to carefully paint on your lipstick.

Though I do appreciate all forms of the red lipstick, I cannot deny my consistent gravitation towards the classic matte formulas. My all time favourite red lipstick would have to be Maybelline’s SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Ravishing Rouge or Enduring Ruby, which I discuss here.

What comes to mind when you think of couture? Extravagant jewels? Intricately embellished clutches? Elaborate headpieces? When I think of couture, I think of deliciously and daringly red lipstick. I hope that I’ve convinced you to pick red next time you’re in need of a colour to dress your smile!

Love,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

Do excuse me if my musings are somewhat hazy this week, for I've just emerged from a musical coma. This weekend, I felt urge to return to my piano (which I have been unintentionally neglecting recently) and for some strange reason, I've been playing Strauss' The Blue Danube over and over again. Perhaps it's my subconscious ode to the calm before the storm i.e. my approaching exams. If so, the let us raise our glasses and bid farewell to freedom before I immerse into this fairly daunting workload.

Call me a daydreamer, I don't mind. After a long day, all I want to do is make myself a cup of tea and sip away amongst the lush greenery of my garden. Especially following a tedious Monday, there's nothing like a little rendezvous with Mother Nature to calm the soul and ease the mind.

Though I'm not one to purge on excess amounts of junk food when under exam stress, there's nothing like a square of Lindt's dark chocolate to cheer up an anxious student! Roasted Almond, Mint Intense and 85% would have to my three most loved dark chocolates from the Lindt Excellence range. A single square of such robust yet smooth and velvety chocolate is enough to leave me feeling alive again! 

Eating well definitely helps me get through a long day. At times eating fresh can be quite expensive and overpriced at uni. This is why most of the time I prefer to pack my own food. Though it may seem rather simple, I always feel so cheery when I know I have a delicious pasta ready for lunch. (Of course I make sure I pile on the veggies and in the end my 'pastas' really contain only 25% pasta!) And forget muesli bars... Strawberries, an apple and a tub soy yoghurt is the way to go!

This would have to be one of the most relaxing weekends I've had this semester! I'm terrible, I know... And though I do spend a lot of my time tutoring on Saturdays (something I actually quite enjoy), I thought I'd embrace the sunny Spring weather... A neutral linen shirt and watch combo. Oh and my favourite skinny jeans. Ahh... Such relaxing comfort. 

You know what else is relaxing? Trying on cat-eye sunnies amongst extravagant arrangements of orchids. Who said us city dwellers have no appreciation for nature and her fine gifts? An afternoon at the annual David Jones Flower Show is enough to make anyone consider becoming a botanist! Titled The Enchanted Florence, this year's show was inspired by the aristocratic English lady turned designer, Florence Broadhurst. The delightfully psychedelic floral displays certainly reflect her sensational creativity. 

I'm not going to lie... Whist writing this blogpost I've been listening to an orchestral performance of The Blue Danube Waltz (on repeat). Before I press pause and truly remove myself from my delusional thoughts, I'd like to wish you a charming and sunshine drenched week for I shall be retreating to the confines of my study desk. I only hope that I shall make it to the next blogpost...

Love,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

Flower buds rupture into ruffles of silky petals, as vivid floral skirts adorn store windows... Blue skies wash away winter clouds, just as grocery baskets fill with punnets of strawberries. Spring has finally arrived. In the week leading up to nature's quarterly metamorphosis, I took the opportunity to embrace the season of rebirth and regeneration...

There are only twenty-four hours in a day. Less than twenty once you factor out the time you spend sleeping. Unlike those incredibly discounted heels that were half a size too small, we just can't stretch out time. Nor can we take back these hours once they've slipped away. (Curse you 'no returns on sale items' policy!) All we can do is make sure we think carefully and make the right decisions the first time round. Knowing that I have a vicious series of exams in 18 days, I've moved a humble whiteboard to the wall in front of my desk. Let the guilt-provoking, daily-to-do-list-making begin! 

In the spirit of the season, I also made the decision to do a little bit of spring cleaning... Soul spring cleaning. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green arrived at my door earlier this week and I can't wait to begin reading it. From what I've heard, this is going to be one of those unforgettably moving novels. One of those novels that leave you teary but with a newfound view on life. Literature is always such a brilliant source of such spiritually awakening enlightenment!

Speaking of spring cleaning, making sure that your pantry and fridge is always filled with wholesome and nutritious delights is the best way to cleanse your system! There will always be a huge jar of almonds living in my pantry. We all know what it's like to come home from a long day, with cravings for something flavoursome and crunchy. There's nothing like the heartwarming smell of toasted almonds after an exhausting day. Whilst munching away on some delicious almonds, I always take a moment to unwind and peacefully scroll through the wonderful world of Instagram. Ahhh... Double tap.

With the blossoming flowers and sunny days of this season comes... Strawberries. Hurrah! Who doesn't love strawberries? A plate of fresh strawberries and a square of Lindt dark chocolate for dessert is the epitome of life's simple pleasures. 

Did I mention, I really love my strawberries? Strawberry and banana protein smoothies always make my day! I have a great way to add a thick creamy texture to your smoothie without adding any fats... Here's my secret: I soaking some oats in almond milk (and some vanilla essence) overnight then add it into the blender come smoothie time. I'll be sure to post a recipe soon so you can try it out yourself!

Breakfast of the champions... Yes, Weetbix. But nobody likes staring into a bowl of sad and soggy brown wheat mush. A charming mix of chopped strawberries, banana and toasted almonds ought to inject a little charisma into your bowl of cereal! And yes, that's almost a punnet of strawberries in my bowl (it would've been the entire punnet but I had a few whilst chopping). It's Spring and I really like strawberries, okay?

For my dearest readers on the other the hemisphere, I hope my proclamations on the beauties of this season has brightened your day a little. Still can't remember, how lovely this season is under those grey Autumn skies? Please allow me to quote young Miss Mary Lennox from Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. What is Spring? 'It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...'

Love,

Julie T.

Dearest Reader...

What makes us happy? Friends and family? Food and fun? Though each of these F words sound quite delightful, I suppose it takes a combination of all of the above (as well as other little trinkets) to make our lives worth living. Such words belonging to this sixth letter of the alphabet seemed to be the theme of the week that was...

Here's a family fun fact for you... I have a younger brother. Which, of course, makes me a big sister. Now, us 'big sisters' tend to get a pretty bad rep. I suppose it's in our nature to be leaders, carers and advisors - quite often mistaken for dictators, tyrants and bullies. I'll have you know that I can be nice... Especially when it comes to making delightful study snacks. See!

Another fun fact... I love sushi (and dumplings). Take me to a good sushi train with decent vegetarian options and I will probably marry you. Not quite. (But maybe...) Either way, I'm sure many of you would agree with me when I say that one of the most lovely lunch dates are those spent chatting away with your dearest friends... Especially whilst colourful plates of delicious nori encased delights waltz by. 

You know what is quite saddening though? Relinquishing hard earned money for products that turn around and break your heart. Painful isn't it? So when I'm casually swatching one too many lip colours in the Maybelline section, and the girl besides me picks up a liquid liner that I know (from experience) will end up all over her eyelids, I never hesitate to tap her on the shoulder and let her know. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't wish such cosmetic catastrophes upon anyone else. Which is also why I like to post reviews on things that make me happy e.g. my most recent post on Maybelline's finest! 

Now going back to the the second F word that I mentioned at the start of this post... My grandmother is definitely one of the most inspiration women I've ever met. A widower who raised four kids on her own and helped them set up new lives in a better country (and that's just a fraction of her achievements!) Though I'm sure she knows how much I love her, I think it's nice to put in a little more effort from time to time. Supporting a cause close to her heart, whilst gifting her with a bouquet of daffodils on Daffodil Day seemed like a good idea! 

And food. A source of life itself and an undeniably marvellous pastime. On the weekends, I love taking my time to make something special for breakfast. There's something so comforting about porridge; especially when it's made with almond milk. To celebrate my favourite part of the week (the weekends!) I decided to make some protein porridge and dressed with some berries that been stewed with vanilla essence and a humble amount of golden syrup. Don't forget to toss some almonds in the mix! Yes, I'll be sure to post a recipe soon.

Then comes Sunday, meaning my post-sleepin berry smoothie for breakfast! Really, this doesn't need much more of a description besides: fantabulous-ness in a cup. 

Finally, what better way to end the week than with a family lunch at a great Thai place i.e. Thai Pothong in Newtown. Roasted vegetarian 'duck' salad... Spicy? Yes. But heavenly? Definitely. Waiter! A lychee cocktail and a glass of water, please? I'm going to need it...

In the form of a text, I received a complaint shortly after posting my last Dearest Reader post. My dear friend was suffering sever hunger pains after reading my post. I do apologise in advanced for any grumbling stomachs I may have triggered!  

Love, 

Julie T.

Maybelline's Finest.

Sometimes, cosmetic houses release life changing products and sometimes, they release products that are quite simply disappointing. In a perfect world, each and every product released would be amazing but it's okay... It's all about understanding such products before you allow your money to come flying out of your wallet! And since Priceline (the Australian Ulta, CVS, Boots etc.) has decided to create a bargin shopping frenzy by throwing a 50% Maybelline sale, I've decided to have a little chat with you about my most loved Maybelline products.

Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow

Bad to the Bronze

First of all... Congratulations, Maybelline. You've created the perfect eyeshadow that's been coveted by every makeup artist, guru and blogger (yes, including myself). It's all too easy to apply this luxuriously pigmented cream eyeshadow and it definitely lives up to its long lasting claims. I like to wear it as a base colour all over the lid before applying any other shadows, however it looks just as fabulous on it's own for a pleasantly understated yet elegant look.

Eye Studio Color Pearls

Bronze Blowout

You know those adorable ankle boots you instinctively reach for when you're leaving the house in a rush? Or that oh so chic tote that just conveniently fits all your necessities? (As well as many 'non-necessities' that might just come in handy later!) This is one of those eyeshadows that I always gravitate towards when I'm in a hurry to get ready for a dinner party or when I just need an instant injection of glamour. The luminous duo comes with an exceptionally versatile chocolatey bronze shadow as well as highly iridescent golden shadow, warmed with marbled shades of peach and ochre. Yes, its quite glamourous isn't it! (Note: I'm always pairing it with the Bad to the Bronze Color Tattoo... Truly a match made in heaven.)

SuperStay 14HR Lipstick

Ravishing Rouge (left)

Enduring Ruby (right)

Ravishing Rouge is indeed... ravishing. Though modest in its shell, this is the most devastatingly velvety red lipstick I've ever come across. When I think of this red lippy, floorsweeping gowns and twinkling lights come to mind. Sound of the evening tide brushing against the harbour and excited giggling and chatter follow suit. Yes, this was the lipstick I wore to my Year 12 Formal. I needed a lipstick that could translate the drama of my red Donna Karan-esque satin gown to my makeup - this was the one. It is definitely long lasting and its slightly matte finish is just perfect for a more classy look. Not to mention, international queen of all makeup artists, Lisa Eldridge adores it (which is why I rushed out to get it in the first place!)

Now, Enduring Ruby is what I like to think of as Ravishing Rouge's big sister. Whilst Miss Rouge twirls about in floor sweeping gowns with princes, sending sweet smiles and breaking hearts... Miss Ruby stands poised at podiums, presenting moving speeches and accepting prestigious awards, her dazzling smile illuminated by flashing cameras. Need I say more? 

Do excuse my transition into such opulent musings... This anatomy lecture is sending me to a world so far away. What was that? Blogging during class? Yes, I'm terrible like that. Anyways, I do hope you find these treasures at your local Priceline before the sale ends on Sunday because everything is disappearing off shelves so quickly! 

Love,

Julie T.