The Chronicles of Bathnia - Winter 2015

Here are my favourites from Lush this Winter!

Baths can be nice year-round, but the cold weather does encourage more frequent use, for obvious reasons.

Nothing like a warm soak to get you through each week! I found that it helped clear my mind on a Sunday night, to let go of troubles from the week prior, and get my head ready for the week to come.

I've chronicled the Lush products I've loved through July, and here they are in a neat little package - I hope this encourages you to take the time to rest, revive, relax, and breathe :)

Relaxation level = 10!

 Creamy Candy Bubble Bar - AU$6.95

My all time favourite bubble bar, I repurchase constantly! I am a sweet scent lover for sure. 

Has little candy scented nibs throughout as well.

The Comforter Bubble Bar - AU$10.95

Massive, and will last you at least 5+ baths!

Think Pink Mini Bath Bomb -AU$5.50 

Scattering of confetti hearts hiding within... so adorable, but you will find them everywhere after!

Pic below of the remenants!

Melting Marshmallow Moment Bath Melt -AU$8.50 

Such a lovely melt, again in a sweet scent, and great to add in addition to using any of the Bubble Bars for a moisturising soak.

Butterball Bath Bomb - AU$5.50

Hands down, favourite bath bomb from Lush. Delicious chocolate scent and my skin LOVES me after using this. A staple in my bath collection! If you only get one thing, ever, from Lush - make it this one.

Thanks for sharing my adventures this Winter - The Chronicles Of Bathnia will return in July 2016!

And don't forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with my latest micro-photo adventures.

Happy bath-ing!

J x

Changes and Endings - D&M

"Everything’s magical when its snows, everything looks pretty. The clothes are great. Coats, scarves, gloves, hats...Do you know the best things in my life have happened when it snowed?...I feel good. Tingly...

When I was five, I had a really bad ear infection and I had been home in bed for a week and I was very sad. So I wished really hard that something wonderful would happen to me. And I woke up the next morning and it had snowed. And I was sure that some fairy godmother had done it just for me. It was my little present.
Of course, many years later, I realized that logically, the snow was not there for me personally. But, still, when it snows, something inside me says, ‘hey that’s your present.’ I don’t think it’ll ever change" - Lorelai Gilmore

Though it doesn't snow in QLD, I've always felt I could relate to what Lorelai was saying.
I've always looked forward to the shift in weather, not only for the obvious more desirable climate and better fashion options, but because of the promise of positive change.
Change can be scary. I am not a fan of change. But I feel like Winter has so many positive associations with it, that over the years, it has become a marker for when my life is going to go into reboot. A positive reboot.
For everyone else, New Years is when this occurs... not for me. 

The day I wake up and feel the distinct chill in the air, the smell of the cooler morning, I know it's time.
It's not quite Winter yet, but the change has started.

I went for my usual afternoon walk yesterday, and this is what I saw:

The beauty of a Winter sunset is unlike any other during the year. There is something special about that sky when it gets colder. It's like the universe is showing you that it's ready for change, and it's giving you a little sneak peek.
This moment, right here, where the sun is just about gone. Where there are slivers of light fighting through the clouds. Where colour explodes and beauty takes over.
It is one of my most favourite moments in life, ever. The late afternoon, my most favourite time of day, coupled with one hell of a cold-day-sunset. I feel good. Tingly.

I take this as a sign from the universe, that change is coming.

The sunset is of course an end to a day, and the cooler temperature I woke up to is an end to Summer. But there's more to it, for me.

It's the world giving me my own little present.
Showing me that there can be an end to whatever negative things I want to leave behind. That good things can, and are, to come.
Just when I think I cannot handle any more, just when things start piling up and I begin to get overwhelmed, the universe is sending me a present to remind me not to give up. To breathe. That hope exists.
To let go of the things/people getting me down, and that there are things/people to look forward to in the future.
The end of the bad, The change to good.
My positive reboot.
 
So thanks, Universe, for my present. It could not have come at a better time.

J x

Winter Favourites 2014

Take a peek at some of my Favourites for the cold season!

// ONE //

Who doesn't love a dark red lip for Winter? Revlon Lip Butter in 040 Red Velvet (RRP AU$21.95). Looks scary in the tube, but trust me this is so wearable and a must-have this season.

// TWO //

Warm sweaters and jackets! I love choosing cute sweater designs and just pairing with jeans. Picked up this cute little navy blue, striped jumper today with heart detail on the elbows. Dotti are running an online sale with 30% off this (and more) at the moment! Get in quick, ends Sunday 6th July.

 Also very much in love with throwing my khaki green Topshop anorak over a tee lately.

Hooded Check Lined Jacket - Topshop (RRP AU$130.00)

Heart On Her Sleeve Jumper - Dotti (RRP AU$59.95)

// THREE // FOUR //

Robes are a Winter must! This one is so comfy, and, paired with my cute slippers, I am set for a relaxing time at home on a frosty Winter's night.

Hooded Gown/Robe - Cotton On Body (Sale AU$20.00)

Knitted Mouse Slippers & Pink Sequin Slippers - Big W (approx AU$10.00 each)

 // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN //

 Deliciously scented candles, Hot chocolate in your favourite mug....

..... and a great book / Kindle to keep you busy while keeping warm inside :)

Glasshouse 'Tahaa Vanilla Caramel' - from Belle Collection (RRP AU$39.95 for 350g)

Mug - Big W Mother's Day Collection 2014

Currently reading: Disruption - Jessica Shirvington

// EIGHT //

 Hot Bubble Baths! I cannot go past the Shortbread Cookie bubble bath from Philosophy (RRP $30.00 Mecca Cosmetica/Maxima and also David Jones) - the only catch is it only comes out at Christmas time!
During the year I absolutely adore Milk & Honey from Bathox (RRP $3.60 any supermarket)

// NINE //

(image: Mecca Cosmetica)

My skin gets super dry during Winter, especially my hands! I am loving this hydrating hand cream Hand Food - Soap & Glory (RRP $11.95 Mecca Maxima 125ml). Blog post to come on more awesome products I picked up from Soap & Glory! I'm so excited to try them all out.

And last, but not least...

// TEN //

Stunning Winter sunsets - clear skies, beautiful crisp colours and fresh air :)

Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast.

Image taken from my Instagram.

Did your favourites make this list?

J x