Thursday 15 December 2016

Your Christmas Gift Guide: Subcriptions for Her

With only one working week left until Christmas, a lot of us are left in a frazzle over what to gift people. If time is the one thing you don't have this silly season, consider gifting a subscription and share the joy throughout the year! Here's a few I know I would love to recieve, and I won't be the only one, so support local and get clicking!




1. I AM CO. DELIGHT BOX $39 - $350
For the health nut, or the one that intends to make lifestyle changes next year, the I AM Co. Delight Box is a fabulous way to trial new products. Buy one, or up to a years' worth at a time for that special person in your life. It really is one of my favourite subscription boxes available in New Zealand. Check out the website blog for awesome recipes, ideas and inspiration.





2. TOGETHER JOURNAL $50
For the Bride to Be, this is one of the most gorgeous Wedding Magazines available on the market. At only $50 for a 12 month subscription, it fits within most budgets, and is incredible value for money!
3. EVE LASHES $16.99 - $75 
For the beauty addict, this subscription, it's just plain genious! Purchase anything from 2, up to 20 pairs monthly - whoever you are gifting to will never be without lashes! A huge benefit is that you can chop and change the lash styles in each subsciption, and shipping, like the other two options is free within New Zealand.


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Wednesday 7 December 2016

The Miraculous Facial Oil that is just that - MIRACULOUS

Time to take a little break from all of these gift guides and talk about something that is also totally relevant for this time of year - Allergies.

Growing up, I never expereienced hay fever, or any allergy-like symtoms. I had Eczema, but that phased out at an early age. So, for me to come out in a freakishly crazy, itchy rash all over my body last week - I just couldn't understand what was going on! Heck, I didn't even want to leave the house looking like that, and it took a huge hunk out of my self-esteem - I was fighting back tears at work for a solid two days. Even Antihistamine would not make this thing go away.

I was lucky enough to go to the races last Friday night for my partners work-do, and in the bathrooms were a number of samples of the Linden Leaves Miraculous Facial Oil, which I may have taken a few too many of! For three nights following, I slathered this all over the affected areas, and it just disappeared. Halle-freaking-lujah! 


If I'm totally honest, if it wasn't for these samples I probably wouldn't have actively gone out and purchased this oil. It's a bit pricey, at $64.99, but a little does go a long way. On top of that, my original opinion of Linden Leaves was that it was a brand targeted towards older skin types. After reading up on how the brand came about and has developed over time, I'm now 150% totally sold. Take a read of their story here.

Now that my rash is gone, I've started using this oil on my face a night to help bring some moisture and balance back. It's early days, but I think it's safe to say this miracle worker is going to become one of my ride or die beauty products for years to come. 10/10 from Mama!

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Tuesday 6 December 2016

Your Christmas Gift Guide: Experience

If resorting to vouchers is all that's left, investing in something that's going to create memories is definitely the way to go. Check out this gift guide for all the experience related inspiration you need to get your mind ticking!




1. HANMER SPRINGS PAMPER PACKAGE $369
This package was probably the most favoured gift we received at our engagement party, and for couples in similar positions to us, having renovated all year, this is the perfect Christmas gift for them to have a little getaway amongst the madness! There's a number of packages to choose from on the website, just click here.

2. OUR DATE NITE EXPERIENCE $25 - $1475
I recently saw a collaboration with this fantastic company and She Said Yes blog - These guys can literally help you plan the perfect date night to suit any budget! For now, most of their packages are tailored to the North Island market, but they have plenty of experience working with South Island vendors, so before you discount them, definitely check out the website here, and send an email to info@ourdatenite.com.

3. THE DRAWING ROOM VOUCHER $100
Earlier this year, I went to an art class at The Drawing Room in Christchurch and had so much fun with pouring medium! You can check out my work here, excuse the terrible photos though! They have just moved to a fantastic new site, and offer a range of classes to suit most interests. Email paul@thedrawingroom.co.nz to get this seasons class options, prices and dates.

4. PAINT AND SIP STUDIO CLASS $50
You don't even need to be gifting to a budding artist to hand over this voucher, I went last year with a few girlfriends and had the best time painting our pets over nibbles and a few wines! We sent through pictures of our pets before the class and waiting for us upon arrival were our canvas' pre-sketched with our furry friends - foolproof! Paint and Sip have a huge variety of themes to choose from, there will be something you might just want to hang up on your wall afterwards. Children's classes run over the school holidays too, details can be found on the voucher page.

5. BREAK ONE CLAY TARGET SHOOTING $135 - $160
Gifting for someone who just wants to shoot some s**t, or is just a general thrill seeker? Clay target shooting is a great idea. Break One are located in Queenstown, and guarantee you will hit a target! There are plenty of crowds around the country that do this, just have a look online to find one suitable.

6. APPELLATION CENTRAL HELICOPTER WINE TOUR $975 - $1475 
Now, you don't have to totally splurge and lay it all on with a Heli and Wine Tour, but this post is after all, about creating memories - so if it's in the budget I'd totally recommend! Appellation Central Wine Tours have a number of tour options from $199 upwards, and better yet, they can work to accommodate any special requests if there is a particular winery you would like to visit.

7. EPIC ADVENTURES FISHING TRIP $300 - $1500
Our family got together and purchased this experience for the men in our lives earlier in the year. They made a long weekend trip up to Auckland and had a whale of a time on the boat - excuse the pun... definitely money well spent! Check out Epic Adventures for more.

8. HIGHLANDS MOTORSPORT PARK FAST LAPS $295
Any motor-head needs to do this once in their lifetime! My pick is Fastlaps, but Highlands Motorsport Park have plenty of options available to suit the "need for speed" in that special someone you are buying for.

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Sunday 4 December 2016

Your Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

Not shopping for myself when putting this part of the Gift Guide together was oh so hard! There's so many beautiful items in here I would love to own, and I hope the women in your life do too. 

Enjoy xx


1. STATUS ANXIETY THE ASCENDANT BAG $200
You cannot go past a good handbag, and what better than one that will go with everything! The size of this hip bag means it is perfect to carry around at any occasion, and will definitely not go unnoticed! Ballantynes has a great range in store, or jump on the net to find out the best location to get yours.

2. THE HORSE WATCH $169 - $229
These watches are just amazing. I can't say enough about them. For those of you that have been eyeing one up, your New Zealand stockists Paper Plane Store have 20% off The Horse range until midnight tonight. Get shopping!

3. NIKE WOMENS METCON 2 ROSE GOLD EDITION $200
Got a Crossfit Queen in your life? Well, she needs a pair of these for Christmas - so long as she doesn't have narrow feet! Available in stores or online at Nike NZ - just go there now.

4. BIG BOTTLE $21 - $26 AUD
Personally, I find a bigger drink bottle makes me drink much more water - and we all need more of that, especially over the hot summer months. This awesome find has none of the nasties and holds a massive 2.2 litres, so you'll never be caught short. Great for gym bunnies, or a special someone wanting to tweak their lifestyle. Get yours from The Big Bottle Co.

5. CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR $30 - $60
The Iconic have got you covered when it comes to your Calvin's. Their Modern Cotton range is literally the most comfortable underwear I have ever worn, and still so sleek and trendy. If you want an excuse for your lady to throw out her nana knickers - This gift idea will do the trick!

6. BEACH PLEASE ANCHOR ROUND TOWEL $85AUD
Sometimes, you just need to go outside of NZ to get the right print, and Beach Bella in Australia have some gorgeously stylish round towels for the perfect Kiwi Christmas gift. Bit out of the budget? No time to wait? No worries! Cotton On and The Warehouse have some affordable options.

7. CLUB L MERMAID BLANKET $67
If that woman in your life always has cold feet, this is an awesome gift idea. Better still, this gift is perfect for that little lady that is just obsessed with mermaids. Such a funky couch blanket, or one to take to the batch over summer - It's guaranteed to be put to good use! Get it on ASOS - I'd order this week though to ensure delivery before Christmas.

8. PURE FIJI SUGAR GLOW SPA BOX $28
A couple of years ago I was gifted a few items from this brand and my skin reaped the rewards from their oils and scrubs. It wasn't until recently that I was reminded of the product - featured in a favourites video from Victoria Nunns Beauty, and I just knew I had to share it. You can purchase this gorgeous gift pack here - Be sure to check out the rest of the range too!

9. YSL MON PARIS PERFUME $117 - $245
The instant I tried this scent, I fell in love - and you will too! It's taken over my Black Opium addiction, and is just perfect for the warmer months. Farmers have the full range of sizes, including some beautiful gift packs that you could split up, or give as a complete gift.


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