Shopaholics Anonymous | Blog

NEW Erin Condren 2015/2016 Life Planner!

2015-08-30T21:37:00.001+08:00

Follow me on Instagram @TaylaDivitini

... I have a confession to make.

About ANOTHER addiction of mine ...

Today's blog post is going to be all about my new Erin Condren 2015/2016 Life Planner! I have been seeing everyone rave about these planners, so I decided get one for myself. If you are a planner lover like me, this might be your new favourite planner!

Considering I live in Australia, the box arrived very promptly at my doorstep. The box came much quicker than the estimated ship time on erincondren.com upon ordering. The order arrived in an adorable box design with absolutely no damage.

Upon opening the box, I came across some very cute postcards, gift tags, note cards, and stickers. I didn’t order these with the planner, so must just be a free gift from the team at Erin Condren. No complaining here!

I selected the 2015/2016 LifePlanner in the new horizontal layout with the extended 5 month option. That way the planner included the rest of 2015 and the entire 2016 year. This was an additional $5, but totally worth it for five extra months. The standard option was only 12 months (July 2015 – July 2016).

Price of planner (plus additional 5 months) : $55
Shipping cost (international FedEx economy): $19.95

The design I chose is called Fleur Feliz. I opted for the 'custom colorway' variation. Which allows you to customise your colour choices. The colours I decided on were:

Background: Charcoal

Pattern: Flamingo

I flipped through the planner and fell in love with the eye for detail - the laminated tabs, the sturdy bookmark, the double-pocket folder, the pouch full of personalised gift labels. Swoon!

I also chose a few additional extra's to go with my new planner. An interchangable cover, a pack of markers and a pen loop. I chose the Cancer Awareness Fleur Feliz cover, in the pink (Breast Cancer Foundation) option. Purely because the Pink Ribbon symbol holds a very special part in my family's life.

Not only are the designs absolutely beautiful, but the planner pages are perfect. They have enough space for all of your lists, events, chores or uni/college/work schedule. Anything that you might want to write down.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these planners, click this link for $10 off of your first purchase: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/tayladivitini0413

Loving the freebies!

What do you think?

Do you have any favourite planners or tips?

* Disclaimer - All opinions are my own

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette

2015-07-01T20:19:00.002+08:00

Love getting naked? I prefer "NUDE"

This super cute pearlised powder looks amazing on the skin and the rose gold details add the cherry on the top. The powder features four different luminous shades (although they are all pretty sheer so I just like to mix them together). A quick sweep over cheekbones kisses the complexion with a subtle, soft glow.

This face powder is actually four powders in one, and all of them have a hazy, pearlescent finish, as opposed to a super shiny shimmer, so they’re perfect if you just want a soft cheek glow. You can use the shades individually, or swirled together, as an all-over powder, a highlighter, a blush or a bronzer.

Ingredients

Mica, Diisostearyl, Malate, Nylon-12, Synthetic Wax, Water, Lauroyl Lysine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polybutene, Calcium AluminumBorosilicate, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/ Methicone Copolymer, Lactic Acid, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract,Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain Iron Oxides,Titanium Dioxide.

*Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-Free. Gluten Free. Paraben-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Dermatologist approved*

The Physicians Formula range is geared towards sensitive skin solutions. Don’t be afraid to give them a go if you’re face is a bit fussy like mine.

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette - $29.95 (AUD)

*Available at drugstores and online at priceline.com.au*

My Holiday Playlist

2015-06-30T15:16:00.002+08:00

After three weeks away, Mum, Dad and I have arrived home from a holiday of a lifetime. We spent a fun-filled week in Sydney and two incredible weeks in New Zealand. Over the span of our holiday, we managed to capture some fun video footage. So I am happy to share our collection of memories with you all. From day 1 to day 7, we spent our time in the heart of Sydney. Then from day 8 to 21 we enjoyed a fortnight in picturesque New Zealand. One week in the South and our last week in the North. Enjoy my YouTube playlist!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PLAYLIST

Tiffany & Co 21st Birthday Gifts

2015-06-17T21:40:00.001+08:00

Tiffany & Co.

Hi guys. Now I know it's been over a month and a half since my 21st, but I've finally got around to putting together a post featuring some of the Tiffany & Co items I was generously gifted for my Birthday!

Below is a little sneak peak of what I received. Enjoy!

MINI DOUBLE HEART TAG PENDANT & HEART KEY PENDANT

Mini Double HEART Tag PENDANT

HEART KEY PENDANT

Gifts Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Birthday's at Tiffany & Co are the best!

I'd like to pass on a huge thanks to those who kindly presented these to me for my 21st Birthday. I absolutely love them in every way. Thank you.

VLOG | The Divo's on Vacation (Part One)

2015-06-08T10:37:00.002+08:00

After three weeks away, Mum, Dad and I spent a fun-filled week in Sydney and two incredible weeks in New Zealand. Over the span of our holiday, we managed to capture many memorable photo's and video footage. So I am happy to share our collection of memories with you all. From day 1 to day 7, we spent our time in the heart of Sydney. Then from day 8 to 21 we enjoyed a fortnight in picturesque New Zealand. One week in the South and our last week in the North.

Enjoy the first VLOG - Sydney, Australia

Joel Creasey LIVE in Perth!

2015-05-01T09:37:00.002+08:00

Joel & I posing for a happy-snap after the show

"Lock the doors, batten down the hatches, for god's sake please take down that annoying wind chime... a storm is brewing..."

- comedyfestival.com.au -

10-years ago, I met Joel Creasey on Perth television program - The Couch. At that time the fresh-faced 15 year old was just starting in his comedy career. Since then, Joel has skyrocketed to stardom. Not to give away too much juicy gossip, but I must say the "Acid Tongue Prince" himself has gotten himself into a lot of mischief in his life so far.

The 24-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike has many fun, frivolous and utterly filthy memories to share. The Hurricane is the latest show of Creasey's national tour (Australia). I, along with my Mum and Dad, were lucky enough to attend Joel Creasey's The Hurricane at the Perth Heath Ledger Theatre on Tuesday April 28. I must say - we certainly were not disappointed.

So happy Joel remembered us from 10-years ago

The show went off without a hitch. Creasey started the show by wooing the crowd with his charming good looks and vivacious character. In no time at all, he had the crowd in hysterical laughter and had us begging for more. The hour-long show felt like it only lasted 15 mins - which is usually a gauge on how enjoyable it is. Saying that, the show was just as good as his attire... F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.

Nearly knocked this banner over... true story

The Hurricane features Creasey's up's and down's over the past year. Including his experiences whilst spending 41 days in the African jungle, expressing his new love towards foreign gay clubs, attending a raunchy sex party with Australian soap stars, and grossing out Hollywood actress, Jennifer Anniston. Plus without revealing too much, he details a sickly run-in with German-Austrian actor, Christoph Waltz.

Before the crown started flooding in

Though there were a couple of heart-rending moments during The Hurricane, such as the tough aspects of working in LA and the horror with being dumped by an ex. But in true Creasey style, he turns a negative into a positive. The positive being his side-splitting new show. He is wonderful in his delivery, stage presence, and audience interaction. The Hurricane reaffirms his standing as an international comedy superstar.

Upcoming shows:

Venue - Enmore Theatre, NSW

Date - Thu 14 May 2015 7:15PM

"Strap in, bitches... a hurricane is coming..."

- comedyfestival.com.au -

'★★★★★' Time Out New York

'A Revelation.' The Age

'A master raconteur.' New York Advocate

'He’s a f*%king star! I love him.' Joan Rivers

'★★★★★' Herald Sun

Suitable for audiences 16+

http://www.andrewtaylormanagement.com/artist-joel-creasey/

https://www.facebook.com/joelcreasey
https://twitter.com/joelcreasey

Instagram @joelcreasey

My Sydney & New Zealand Holiday

2015-02-21T08:26:00.003+08:00

The Trip of a Lifetime!

After three weeks away, Mum, Dad and I have arrived home from a holiday of a lifetime. We spent a fun-filled week in Sydney and two incredible weeks in New Zealand. Over the span of our holiday, we managed to capture many memorable photo's and video footage (coming soon). So I am happy to share our collection of memories with you all.

From day 1 to day 7, we spent our time in the heart of Sydney. Then from day 8 to 21 we enjoyed a fortnight in picturesque New Zealand. One week in the South and our last week in the North.

Flights:

Perth to Sydney & Sydney back home to Perth - Virgin Australia.

Sydney to Wellington (then transferred to Christchurch), Aukland to Sydney - Air New Zealand.

Places we visited:

Sydney
Christchurch
Dunedin
Te Anau
Queenstown
Milford Sound
Wellington
Napier
Taupo
Rotorua
Auckland

~ Sydney ~

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. It is located on Australia's south-east coast along the Tasman Sea and surrounding one of the world's largest natural harbours.

MUST SEE: Port Jackson - Sydney

Port Jackson, also called Sydney Harbour, is the natural harbour of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The harbour is an inlet of the Tasman Sea. It is the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

~ Christchurch ~

Treat yourself to a myriad of experiences in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city is a cosmopolitan and cultured centre and perfect base for exploring a region packed with adventures. Regularly appearing on ‘top places in the world to visit’ lists, post-quake Christchurch offers a wealth of things to do – and a one-of-a-kind glimpse of a city rebuilding. In 2011, two earthquakes struck at the very heart of Christchurch city, flattening the CBD’s high-rises and most of its inner-urban infrastructure. Two-and-a-half-years later, most of the unrecoverable structures have been pulled down, leaving entire blocks of gravel where buildings used to be.

CANNOT MISS: Lone Star - Christchurch

As my family arrived at Christchurch in the evening, I was unable to take many photo's to capture the beauty of this small town. This photo was taken while we had dinner at Lone Star - Christchurch. The Lone Star is famous for providing quality with quantity, using only the best and freshest local produce. It's not only the size of the meals that are memorable- the service too, is legendary. Your meals are served with a genuine smile in generous portions.

~ Dunedin ~

The city of Dunedin and the coastal Otago region offer an unforgettable blend of natural and human heritage; world-class wildlife encounters on the coast and beautiful historic architecture in the city itself.

MUST SEE: Cadbury World - Dunedin

Is this the most magical place you’ll ever visit? Our chocolatiers certainly think so. It’s here they make some of the fantastic, incredible chocolates and lollies that bring us joy. Visit our site in the centre of Dunedin and you’ll be able to see, smell and taste a huge variety of wondrous chocolate creations.

~ Te Anau ~

The township sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau, lying on the border of Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Te Anau is the town that connects Queenstown to Milford Sound by road. 2 hours drive from Queenstown, the famously scenic Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau. Guided tours to Milford Sound depart or stop at Te Anau, and the town has over 4000 beds to offer to travelers wishing to stay the night.

MUST STAY: Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Get away from it all, and escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

~ Milford Sound ~

Milford Sound is a fiord located in the beautiful Fiordland region in the south-west of the South Island. It was named after Milford Haven in Wales and lies roughly 287km from Queenstown (about a three and a half hour drive) and 757km from Christchurch (nearly a nine hour drive). The road to Milford is one of the most beautiful alpine drives in the world.

MUST DO: Great Sights Lunch Cruise - Milford Sound

The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its pristine natural beauty and remote atmosphere. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). The fiord extends 15km inland from the wild Tasman Sea and is regularly visited by wildlife including penguins, seals and dolphins.

~ Queenstown ~

One of New Zealand’s best-known visitor destinations, Queenstown is a beautiful lakeside resort and all-year-round outdoor adventure playground.

MUST SEE: Skyline - Queenstown

Located an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown, Skyline Queenstown offers awe-inspiring views of the region and an abundance of entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Take the journey on our iconic Gondola up Bob’s Peak to enjoy award winning cuisine in our scenic Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, Kiwi Haka Maori culture performances and theSkyline Luge our very own thrilling downhill ride!

~ Wellington ~

New Zealand’s much-loved political and cultural capital of Wellington lies on a sparkling harbour at the bottom of the North Island, not far from forest-clad hills and a delightful wine-growing region. Explore urban precincts where shopping, dining and culture abound, each with their own distinct character, then take to the harbour and the hills for outdoor experiences on the edge of the city.

MUST SEE: Botanic Gardens - Wellington

Visit Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy its 25ha of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city.

~ Napier ~

Napier is a New Zealand city with a seaport, located in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of the North Island. The population of Napier is about 61,100 as of the June 2014 estimate. About 18 kilometres south of Napier is the inland city of Hastings.

MUST SEE: Cafe strip - Napier

A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931 a massive earthquake - 7.9 on the Richter scale - rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary.

~ Taupo ~

In the Taupo region you can base yourself on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake in the centre of an area that offers a myriad of outdoor activities in an unforgettable landscape. From hiking and fishing to culture and geothermal activity, there’s a lot to do!

CANNOT MISS: Dixie Brown's Restaurant - Lake Taupo

Located on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest fresh water lake in the Southern Hemisphere; enjoy views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe while dining on Dixie Brown’s extensive menu. Open early through late Dixie Brown’s caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. With vegetarian and gluten free options complimenting a menu of lakeside treats; made on site daily by our passionate kitchen you’re guaranteed to take home another great memory of your time in Taupo.

~ Rotorua ~

Rotorua is an unforgettable place where otherworldly geothermal features, from geysers to boiling mud pools, are the backdrop for adventure activities and some of New Zealand’s most accessible Maori cultural experiences. World-class geothermal spa resorts ensure a well-balanced vacation!

MUST SEE: Te Puia - Rotorua

A brilliant blend of Maori cultural and geothermal wonders. See Maori cultural performances, watch ancient Maori crafts being taught, discover a geothermal and natural wonderland, and get up close with endangered kiwi – a day at Te Puia is packed with amazing things to do.

~ Auckland ~

Feast your senses on Auckland’s dazzling array of activities, plentiful dining and shopping options, and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s biggest city; the cosmopolitan and culturally diverse ‘City of Sails’. Perfectly positioned between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, Auckland’s modern and multicultural Pacific centre is unique in the world.

MUST SEE: Sky Tower - Aukland

A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.

* Post travel tip *

Gone with the days of the photo album, the revolutionary photo book is the way of the future! I highly recommend creating your own personalised photo book. It was the best decision my family and I made when we arrived home back in Perth, Western Australia. There are many different websites that provide photo book services.

My recommendation for best price and quality - Big W Photo's.

Hope you enjoyed this long overdue blog post & some of our holiday snaps!

What's In My NEW Planner - 2014/2015 Edition

2014-11-24T22:32:00.001+08:00

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the new planner and stationary collection from Target (Australia). The Molli & Mimi range is becoming a hit with stationary geeks across the country. Last week I managed to pick up one of their featured 2015 padded planner's. So I thought I would post a mini review.

Molli & Mimi Personal Organiser for 2015. Features snap binding and snap stud closure, has a pen holder with pen and space for cards inside the cover. All important local and international holidays are noted, as well as school terms and divided A-Z contacts. With sectional dividers for diary, notes, meetings and more it's the easy way to stay organised this coming year! SOURCE

The planner is so beautiful. The colour scheme is gorgeous - hot pink leather with white and pink spotted interior. The leather itself feels very soft and the size is perfect. Ideal for either an on-the-go diary or an at home organiser.

Product Features

Separate note pad inside back cover
Twin snap stud closure as diary expands
Snap binding
Card spaces inside cover
Pen and Pen holder
Today ruler divider
Personal information
Diary
Year planner
Notes
Meetings
Action
Expenses
Reminders
Sectional A-Z contacts
Approximate dimensions: (l)19 x (w)14.5 x (d)3cm

Materials and Composition

PU
Paper

The size (personal size) is perfect for me, having large enough spaces to decorate and write in.

Firstly, the colour is a beautiful hot pink. Not too bright and not too dark. The hardware is coloured silver with a double stud button for closure. In the inside flap their are three card holders and one large pocket. The right side (inside the back cover) has a envelope top pocket opening which comes with a notepad. And of course a elastic pen loop. The planner also includes a year at a glance accordion-style calendar, a notes section, meetings, action, expenses and reminders. Another special thing about this planner is that it also comes with a bonus silver slimline pen! Plus I mustn't forget, this planner fits Filofax Personal sized inserts.

Ribbon bookmarks from MyThreeMsShop on Etsy

The hot topic of some planners is that the rings may be misaligned or weak. These negative reports had me opening my planner almost *expecting* a fault, but I was lucky enough to find all the rings closed properly. They are a little wobbly on the base. That is because they are studded into the planner on small central studs. This makes the whole planner feel a bit loose and not as sturdy as a Filofax planner. Again, time will tell the effects.

Pros:

Its a very durable planner, this can withstand a few beatdowns if cared for properly
The colour is absolutely gorgeous - the perfect pink in my opinion
The patterned interior gives a unique flair to the planner
It’s not too heavy once filled
The binder rings allows about 2 inches of paper
The pen holder will withstand most shaped/sized pens
It lays flat!

Cons:

The location of the pen loop - would have been better positioned on the edge of the back cover, not the strap
The material of this particular planner is not leather/faux leather - Though there is a faux leather planner available in the Molli & Mimi range - Click here to check it out

Two optional colours of the Molli & Mimi padded planner are also available - Turquoise and black.

Cost - $25.

Where to purchase - Target online.

To view the rest of the Molli & Mimi range - Click here.

Top 5 Tips For Getting Beautiful Skin This Summer *

2014-11-22T00:59:00.002+08:00

One of the biggest beauty trends for this summer is fresh, glowing skin with minimal makeup. Put your best face forward with the help of skin expert and Brand Manager for Nad's, Natalie Ismiel, who fills us in on her Top 5 Tips for Getting Beautiful Skin from head to toe this summer.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night and not only will you feel more energised and productive throughout the day, but your skin will look brighter and clearer. Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep with lack of sleep causing blood vessels to dilate, which can create the look of dark circles. However, be careful not to overdo it, as research shows that too much sleep can be just as detrimental to the appearance of your skin as too little.

Keep Your Skin Silky Smooth with Waxing

Not only is waxing an inexpensive and longer lasting option for hair removal, the right waxing products can have added benefits for your skin. “Waxing has an exfoliating effect and removes dry and dead skin cells, leaving your skin with a silky smooth texture. Unlike shaving, waxing removes that annoying stubble and the regrowth of hair is much slower, meaning that you get much smoother and longer lasting results from waxing. The other benefit is that you avoid any chance of suffering from unsightly nicks and cuts from razors.” says Natalie. Natalie top pick is the Nad’s Body Wax Strips (RRP $10.95) which are quick, convenient and easy to use. The specially crafted natural beeswax formula, available for the face and body, effectively removes hair gently and moulds to all your curves, making it easy to reach those tricky areas.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Ditch harsh, skin stripping soaps and shower gels that can leave your skin dry and irritated and instead opt for natural cream based cleansers containing shea butter, olive oil and vitamin E.

Eat Your Way To Healthy Skin

As we enter the holiday season, there are no shortage of social events that revolve around food. Make sure to indulge in plenty of healthy fats, like those found in salmon, avocado and olive oil to reduce skin inflammation. Try to avoid typical party food pitfalls like chips, lollies and spring rolls, which contain high amounts of sodium and sugar and can lead to skin inflammation and bloating. The good news? Dark chocolate, red wine and coffee are rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals that can damage the cellular structures of the skin, accelerating skin aging.

Keep Hydrated

“You cannot overstate the importance of drinking enough water to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh. The beauty of this tip is that it is free and there are so many other health and beauty benefits that come from keeping yourself well hydrated.” says Natalie. Research shows that the benefits of drinking more water can range from improved concentration, increased energy and reduced hunger. If you’re not a fan of the taste of water and tend to reach for soft drink instead, try adding some lemon or lime to either still or sparkling water to add flavour.

Nad’s Hair Removal products are available from selected pharmacies, major supermarkets and retailers. For further information please visit www.nads.com.au or phone Nad’s Consumer Information Line 1800 352 626.

*This was a sponsored post - Proudly brought to you by Nads Australia*

'Little Black Book' - Filofax Finsbury Mini

2014-11-14T11:13:00.001+08:00

I was lucky enough to get my hand on the Finsbury Grained Leather Mini Organiser. I prefer the leathers to synthetic leather ones, and I as I usually go for bold colours I went for a classic black this time.

With it being so small (the mini) there’s only so much you can do with it but it does force you to only include the most important things in there!

I think it is a lovely size. It is perfect for little bits of information like shopping lists and scribbling down important dates, this is mainly what I use it for. The size of the paper isn't too bad, I'm small myself so it doesn't seem that small to me. It is a bit of a problem when I get to the bottom of the page but I'm not bothered if my hand writing gets untidy on shopping lists!

I like the clasp as it is quite long and sturdy, unlike the Kendal strap I think.

As I said, the leather feel is lovely. The 3 card slots on the inside are perfect for me as I only really use the slots for my student card and some sticky flags.

The rings are 13mm in diameter. You can fit a surprising amount of paper/inserts/refills in there, I have 2014 (June - December) and 2015 week-on-2 pages diary inserts inside the planner at the moment... and they fit snug as a bug in a rug.

I like the zipped section on the back of the planner. It's not a large section but I mainly keep coins in my pocket so this is great for some emergency coins and other small essential items (e.g. coupons).

The full-width wallet-pocket is a great bonus. I love to stash everything I possibly can in places like this... everything BUT cash notes. It certainly brings a smile to my face every time I look in it and its much easier to carry around...compared to my Personal Red Metropol and Pink Domino. Luckily, I managed to find a slimline pen which fits this size diary perfectly without being too long or fat.

I discovered this black beauty Filofax from filofaxshop.com.au and the dividers were made by yours truly.

Do you use a Filofax? If so do you personalise it?

Halloween Decor Inspiration

2014-10-31T20:06:00.002+08:00

Spooky is my middle name!

If you saw my post earlier today you’ll know that I have Halloween on the brain.

What can I say? It’s one of my favourite holidays and I become giddy just thinking about this fun holiday. More than the decor I love that Halloween marks the beginning of “the holidays” and it’s my favourite time of year. Don’t you just love all the fun celebrations, weather, food, decor and feelings associated with this time of year? I know I do!

Today I wanted to share with you some Halloween Decor Ideas that will be perfect for your home to celebrate Halloween with - this year or next.

Best places to purchase Halloween decor (in Australia):

For the rest of my readers, online shopping (for Halloween gear) will be your best plan!

Ebay.

Amazon.

Yankee Candle 'Ocean Star ' Review *

2014-10-19T23:34:00.001+08:00

Ocean Star™

Soothing and fresh … the scent of peaceful, sun-kissed waters laced with aloe, citrus and lotus blossom. Dive in!

About Yankee Candle™ - Our candles are made from premium grade paraffin and infused with the finest quality ingredients that deliver "true-to-life" scents. Each wick is hand striaghtened to ensure the best burn possible. SOURCE

This Yankee Candle 'Ocean Star' offers such a light, fresh scent and I love the shade of blue. According to Yankee Candle, it features sun-kissed waters laced with aloe, citrus and lotus blossom.” Sounds good to me! What I love about their candles are they make a great addition to your home decor, perfect gifts for the hostess of a party, thank you or birthday gifts, Valentine’s Day or holiday presents…the list goes on! And they come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. Good news – Yankee Candle has a candle for you too!

This is a wonderful fresh scent with just a touch of floral. You first smell the fresh, salty, ocean smell of a tropical beach. Then, you can detect the hints of lotus blossoms. It is truly divine and perhaps the best ocean scent I’ve ever smelled.

This scent of this candle carries nicely through the home. It is a solid medium that will fill up a large sized room nicely. I think it’s the perfect balance of being a 'presence' and not being too over-powering and headache inducing. Lastly, the shade of this candle is gorgeous, not-to-mention my Mum's favourite colour. Fabulous job Yankee Candle. You're definitely onto a winner here!

Yankee Candle Ocean Star can be purchased from their website, and start from as little as $1.99! The jar featured in this post is the medium jar for $24.99.

Click here to be directed to the Yankee Candle website.

What are your favourite Spring/Summer fragrances? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Sally Hansen - Spring Racing Shades

2014-10-07T21:32:00.000+08:00

Today I have a little sneak peak of two of the ‘soon to be released’ Spring Racing polishes from Sally Hansen!

There are seven Spring Racing inspired shades which are perfect for the warmer weather here in Australia. Sally Hansen have also designed a new brush for better application. It is rounded to fit the curve of your cuticles and is shaped to hug the contours of your nails. Today I'll be showing you two shades from the Sally Hansen Spring Racing 2014 collection.

“Peach of Cake” is a smooth creme polish. The perfect peach colour. Though application may leave a streaky appearance. A minimum of three coats will help this issue.

“Water Color” was very difficult colour to apply to the nails. It is a rich aqua blue colour. Due to its heavy pigmentation, mistakes are inevitable (unless you're a pro). *Note - This shade will stain your nails if you do not use a quality base coat.

The rest of the colours available in this collection look gorgeous! The two shades that I was supplied are not exactly my taste. Though I am willing to give them a go this spring. A stand-out problem with these polishes is the new brush style. While I like the idea of the curved end, it is quite thick because of the 800-bristle count, and it can take some getting use to. Streaking is also an issue.

*Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polishes are
DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free.

Sally Hansen Nail Polishes are available at most drugstores, pharmacies, and if you're in Australia, check Priceline. The Complete Salon Manicures retail in Australia for $14.95.

Would you wear these colours to the races?

Disclosure: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the manufacturer and/or their PR company for my consideration. All opinions are my own.
My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.

Introducing BLOG DIRECTORY Facebook Page!

2014-10-04T20:56:00.000+08:00

Promote your blog or website here!

Your #1 place to advertise your personal blog or website. Come and join our growing community. LIKE, SHARE and advertise today!

Blog Directory is a brand-new Facebook page (created by myself, Tayla Divitini) that specialises in promoting blogs and websites. Anyone who owns a blog/website can post on this page. Even if you do not have a blog/website of your own, you are more than welcome to promote other sites of interest.

This service is 100% FREE.

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Yankee Candle 'Salted Caramel ' Review *

2014-10-04T13:54:00.000+08:00

"Sweet surrender is yours with our luscious gourmand confection of burnt sugar, sea salt, and smooth vanilla caramel"

Sweet surrender is yours with our luscious gourmand confection of burnt sugar, sea salt, and smooth vanilla caramel. Like the sweet treat itself, this is a pleasure best savoured slowly. Lighting the candle signals you are going to take the time to enjoy its deliciousness. This fragrance perfectly captures the scent of sweet salted caramel - golden and buttery. You can even smell the salt. SOURCE

There is nothing more relaxing on an chilly evening than snuggling on the sofa with cup of tea and a candle burning in the background. Food scented candles are delicious during any month of the year. Especially sweet and indulgent fragrances. My latest Salted Caramel Yankee Candle purchase was a must!

This candle has a sticky sweet scent that fills the whole room and lingers for hours even after you have finished burning. Of course it has a delicious caramel fragrance with hints of vanilla to it. Some sweet candles are just too overpoweringly sickly but Yankee Candle have managed to give this fragrance depth.

Salted Caramel may not be to everyone's taste, but if you love rich warm and yummy fragrances then you should definitely check this one out! I can't wait to try some of their Christmas scents soon.

Yankee Candle Salted Caramel can be purchased from their website, and start from as little as $1.99! The jar featured in this post is the medium jar for $24.99.

Click here to be directed to the Yankee Candle website.

What are your favourite Autumn fragrances? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Lavazza Coffee Machine Review*

2014-08-16T23:09:00.000+08:00

The easiest way to Italy

Every morning deserves an excellent authentic Italian coffee. Actually so does every lunchbreak, evening, weekend. But getting that authentic Italian coffee experience at home has been difficult. Thanks to the Lavazza 'A Modo Mio' system by Electrolux - that is no longer an obstacle.

Design & Installation

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Premium Mio capsule coffee machine is slick and beautiful. It’s small enough to be neatly tucked away but also beautiful enough to be the centerpiece in the kitchen. There is little set up required – essentially just removing the packaging, filling the water jug and plugging the machine is enough to get you started. The instructions are included but are not needed.

Operation

The best products are those which you can use simply and effortlessly. The Lavazza A Modo Mio capsule coffee machine is one of those products. By turning the machine on, two LED lights illuminate where the cup should sit with the machine button lights flashing. Once the button lights have stopped flashing, it’s simply a matter of putting the capsule in the machine and pressing the cup button on the top left hand side of the machine. You can choose to have the coffee served as ristretto (short) or long.

Pods

The Lavazza capsules are true to their flavour, with the tasting notes identifiable as per their trademark taste. There is a large selection of pods to try with different flavours and strength. The machine comes with a sample box – from the strongest (a high percentage of Arabica) to the decaf blend. The pods are reasonably priced around $12 – $13 mark per pack of 16 capsules. If you’re in the market to have a real strong coffee with fantastic consistency, this machine is for you.

Intensity scale

Cost

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Premium Mio capsule coffee machine I was provided with retails at $199.99. This model came with a separate milk frother. If black coffee is your drink of choice, you can save yourself a few dollars by buying the model without the frother (retailing at $99.90).

My top three flavour recommendations

A Modo Mio Favola is compact in size and comes in a variety of colours. All models are equipped with a steam/hot water spout to be able to prepare a cappuccino or latte macchiato.

There is a wide range of capsules for every taste. A Modo Mio comes in eight carefully selected coffee blends, from the delicately Dolcemente to the intensive and full-bodied Divinamente. A Modo Mio machines and capsules are available in select stores and from the Lavazza A Modo Mio homepage.

First Impressions - Yankee Candle 'Snowflake Cookie'

2014-08-13T11:20:00.000+08:00

If you know me, you'll know I'm a big fan of scented candles. I don't think there is anything better than the scent of a pretty candle wafting through the air, and this time of year is perfect for stocking up on all your favourites. I love nothing more than curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book on these chilly winter nights, lighting a scented candle and feeling all my worries float away.

So, when I spotted this gorgeous 'Christmas themed' Yankee Candle from my local newsagent, you can imagine my delight. I chose the one scent I have always lusted after, Snowflake Cookie. Yankee is the king of Christmas candles so it felt only right to give this one a try.

Yankee Candle Snowflake Cookie is a scented candle that features notes of holiday cookies and sugary pink icing. The candle provides a long-lasting fragrance from beginning to end and burns completely. It has been formulated with fine ingredients that include pure and natural fragrance extracts, and features a custom blended wax formulation to ensure the optimum melting point and ability to hold fragrance oil.

RRP: $49.95 / $39.95 / $22.50 / $4.95 / $17.50 / $4.50

Pack size: Large Jar (623g) / Medium Jar (411g) / Small Jar (104g) / Sampler (49g) / Tealights (12 pack) / Tart Wax

Are you a fan of Yankee Candles? Let me know which scents I need to try!

Money-Saving Makeup Tips

2014-08-12T17:28:00.000+08:00

Certain beauty products are extremely expensive and can end up burning a huge hole in your product. The truth is, you can still make yourself look and feel a million dollars without punishing your bank balance. Read on to find out a few tips that could assist you in getting more bang for your buck.

Tip #1 - To prevent compacts from breaking in your bag, put a cotton ball or round inside.

Tip #2 - Pumping the wand traps air inside and makes the mascara dry out faster. Instead, spin the brush to get rid of clumps.

Tip #3 - Fix broken or smashed lipstick by heating it quickly with a match or hairdryer.

Tip #4 - Save money on liquid foundation by applying with a brush instead of a sponge.

Tip #5 - Keep an eye out for blog sales from beauty bloggers.

What are your tips for saving money on makeup and other beauty products?

How To: Blog Graphics

2014-08-02T01:07:00.000+08:00

So, as you might have guessed, I’m a little OCD when it comes to my post graphics. However, you don’t have to be super OCD like me to create a style guide and keep your graphics consistent. Here are a few considerations:

Set your standards

Consider setting standards for the type of images, and possibly even the number, you choose to feature, and how you credit them, or how you edit your photos if you use original photography. Consider how you will credit your images. Remember, Pinterest and Tumblr are not sources.

Will you list credits as numbers at the bottom of your post? Or spell out the source directly underneath the photo? I personally prefer to spell out the source to encourage people to go to the original. If you use original photos, consider editing them the same way for consistency.

Keep it consistent

Making your images one consistent width (preferably the width of your content) is the quickest, easiest way to make a statement with your graphics. You don’t even need fancy software. Simply drag your photo into iPiccy and resize.

If you choose to do nothing else with your graphics, try this. Scroll down any blog with consistent width photos, and you will see just how much of an impact it makes. It can take a blog from scrapbook to editorial. In fact, if you have really great original photography or a fantastic eye for images, you can probably stop here and call it a day.

A little goes a long way

Post graphics are a great place to mix in another font or two beyond what’s in the rest of your blog design, but don’t go crazy. I think a good starting point is something for titles, something for subtitles or less important text, and a fun accent.

You don’t have to use every font in your overall blog design, but pick at least one of them for consistency, and make sure anything you add has a similar look and feel. Also consider using different weights and styles of your blog design fonts.

Keep it real

Photos and graphics can be a great way to experiment and evolve your brand with little impact or commitment, so bend the rules if you need to. What are some ways you’ve established a style guide for your graphics?

Zoutons - Coupon Website Review*

2014-06-21T09:00:00.000+08:00

"The Loot is On!"

Found the perfect dress, check! Discovered its your size, check! Check the price tag, oh dang it...

This scenario is all to common when it comes to shopping in-store. The price is often the reason for you sadly placing your desired item back on the shelf/rack. That's why finding a great deal online always manages to put that cheesy smile back on your face.

Personally, I love websites that offer a wide range of different products. From fashion, to makeup, to electronic devices and food. Because don't we all like to stuff our faces while we impulsively buy unnecessary products online, or is that just me? That's why the following website has caught my eye.

Zoutons.com is a coupons and deal aggregation platform with the tagline “The Loot is on”, helping online shoppers and deal hunters to locate latest coupons and offers from a vast pool of online retailers, banks & brands.

The site is incredibly easy to use. You will be able to purchase your product in a matter of seconds. Below is the the simple 4-step process:

Select the deal you want to redeem
Click on ‘Activate the deal’ button. This will direct you to the website where you want to redeem the coupon.
Choose your product and checkout the cart
Now, just apply the coupon code and you're done!

Upon searching the site myself, I came across a few incredible deals, to good too miss! They are listed below:

Top categories

Electronics

Travel

Cosmetics

Top stores

Amazon

Snapdeal

Fashionara

Top brands

Calvin Klien

Levi's

Nikon

Finally to sum up, There are sites that sell cheap products at high price to customers, and many deals sites are highlighting and promoting those products for huge commission without shame. I find Zoutons to be trustworthy, leaving customers happy to continue shopping with ease. Overall, a great coupon site. One small suggestion for improvement would be to introduce a newsletter to receive coupons to our email inbox.

Like I said earlier, the whole process is incredibly simple. The Loot is On, so why not check out Zoutons today.

Find Zoutons on...

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

Are you new to my blog? You can signup to my FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Top Fashion & Beauty Steals 2014*

2014-06-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

Like many other shopaholics out there, I love to discover new brands and products on a budget. I mean, why pay full price when you can get a discount? That's why I try to be as savvy as possible when it comes to online shopping.

Recently, I came across an Australian website offering a world of savings, including, thousands of fashion, beauty, giftware, electronics and travel discounts. Plus other deals such as restaurant coupons, cheap hotel stays and flights, insurance deals and discounted movie tickets. This website is called CupoNation. Offering discount codes from popular international stores such as ASOS, The Iconic and BeautyBay.

Today I'd like to share with you my favourite deals for June. Get ready, get set... here we go!

15% discount offer on the full priced items on The Iconic

Your voucher code: COMF15TM

Get $20 discount on ASOS first order

Your voucher code: WELCOME20

Get free shipping & 2 Deluxe Treats on orders over $100

No coupon code required.

Are you new to my blog? You can signup to my FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Victoria's Secret Haul

2014-06-04T22:18:00.001+08:00

It's been awhile since I did a haul post, so today I wanted to share with you a few items I bought from my new favourite store, Victoria's Secret. As I'm going on holiday soon, I thought that would it be a good excuse to have a little spend up.

Victoria’s Secret’s unique collection of accessories are perfect for those looking for that special something for herself or great travel sized gifts. For that glam girl-on-the go, expect to find a wide range of bags, luggage, passport covers and travel wallets in both nylon and genuine leather to Cosmetic & toiletry bags, and sunglasses.

There is only a single Victoria's Secret store in my hometown of Perth, which is located at the domestic airport. But the trip was definitely worth the drive!

As soon as a walked into the store I spotted these gorgeous passport holders. I fell in love with the leopard one instantly, but then I couldn't stop looking at the beige coloured version as well. So what else could I do... but get both! One for my mum, and one for me.

Various passport holders

Size: 10.5 cm x 14 cm
Material: Cowhide leather
Price: $59.99 AUD each

At the time of my visit, there was a store promotion going on. If you spent over $100 AUD, you were offered a free Victoria's Secret duffle bag. How could I say no!

I must say, the bag is gorgeous. The pink and black design accompanied by the chrome finish badge is a match made in heaven.

What was the last thing you bought from Victoria Secret?

So there you have it guys! My little Victoria's Secrets Haul.

Check out the Victoria's Secret website for more pretty products: http://www.victoriassecret.com

Top Travel Apps

2014-06-01T17:00:00.001+08:00

Products featured - Samsung Galaxy Ace 3, KLD phone case & Victoria's Secret passport holder

Using my smartphone for and during travel was the advice I was given recently. There are so many useful apps that makes travel and travel planning easy, so I decided to put together a list for you to check out.

You’ll find apps for booking anything from tickets, to hotels, and finding food and wifi when you’re out and about. Some of these aren’t particularly made for travel but should be used when you are. It simply makes it all easier!

KAYAK

Compare hundreds of travel sites in seconds on your Smartphone or Tablet.
Find the right flight, the perfect hotel, and even manage your itinerary or track your flight status.
Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (free)

Trip Advisor

TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site, enabling travellers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travellers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (not available - free tablet version available)

Plane Finder (Free Version)

Follow the path of thousands of international flights on slick, zoomable maps, with detailed information on departure gates, delays and (heaven forbid) cancellations. Great for those anticipating the arrival of loved ones, or particularly nerdy train-spotters looking to up their game.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (free version not available - full version available $3.59)

Mint T Bag (Free Version)

Are you planning a trip to somewhere? Overseas travel or a camping?

Here, Mint T Bag can help you with 'how to prepare your trip'. You can make a checklist for your trip, you can check what you've prepared.

If you travel with friends, you can check who's bringing what. And share the list with your friends.

You can share the list via Gmail, MMS, or other things.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (not available)

XE Currency

Don’t bother paying up for one of the many currency conversion apps out there in the digital hinterland This freebie is slick, easy to use, and best of all, since it uses live currency rates it's completely accurate. It’s been downloaded more than five million times to date, so don’t even think about hopping on a plane without it.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (free)

Viber

Why it’s a must: Viber is an alternative to using your phone’s credit and instead uses your internet connection to send messages, make calls, take photos or send video messages. It’s the new way to chat for free on your phone, plus it’s great for getting in touch with your friends and family who have Viber at home.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (not available)

WhatsApp Messenger

A cross-platform messaging system that’s slowly but surely rendering the text message obsolete. Data (that’s pictures, videos, sound clips and GPS tags as well as text) are sent using either wi-fi or your phone’s web package, so even if you’re sending a message to someone on the other side of the globe, there’s nothing to pay. Absolutely essential for keeping in touch with overseas chums, and, providing you can find some wi-fi, great for sending off-the-cuff holiday snaps back home. 

Available on iPhone ($1.24), Android (free) and Windows Phone (free)

Evernote Food

Why it’s a must: This app is a new online space for foodies to upload and share their photos, recipes and restaurants with other foodies. Evernote allows you to record and discover delicious foods while travelling in one tasty, tantalising app.

Available on iPhone (free), iPad (free), Android (free) and Windows Phone (not available)

So, there you go, some really useful tools for when you’re traveling, whether it’s a roadtrip or further away from home. Happy travelling!

'Valentina' by Valentino - Perfume Photography

2014-04-10T22:57:00.001+08:00

Travel Tips & Tricks

2014-04-04T14:05:00.001+08:00

I L.O.V.E travelling. That is a pure and simple fact. I feel very lucky to say that I have travelled to many amazing places in my life so far. Though many people preference 'packing' as one of their least favourite part of planning for a holiday. Below is a list of my personal tips on how to pack savvy for your next trip:

Shopaholics Anonymous | Blog

NEW Erin Condren 2015/2016 Life Planner!

... I have a confession to make.

About ANOTHER addiction of mine ...

Price of planner (plus additional 5 months) : $55Shipping cost (international FedEx economy): $19.95

Background: Charcoal

Pattern: Flamingo

If you are interested in purchasing one of these planners, click this link for $10 off of your first purchase: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/tayladivitini0413

What do you think?

Do you have any favourite planners or tips?

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette

My Holiday Playlist

Tiffany & Co 21st Birthday Gifts

Tiffany & Co.

MINI DOUBLE HEART TAG PENDANT & HEART KEY PENDANT

MINI DOUBLE HEART TAG PENDANT & HEART KEY PENDANT

Mini Double HEART Tag PENDANT

HEART KEY PENDANT

Gifts Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Birthday's at Tiffany & Co are the best!

VLOG | The Divo's on Vacation (Part One)

Joel Creasey LIVE in Perth!

"Lock the doors, batten down the hatches, for god's sake please take down that annoying wind chime... a storm is brewing..."

"Strap in, bitches... a hurricane is coming..."

My Sydney & New Zealand Holiday

The Trip of a Lifetime!

Flights:

Places we visited:

~ Sydney ~

~ Christchurch ~

~ Dunedin ~

~ Te Anau ~

~ Milford Sound ~

~ Queenstown ~

~ Wellington ~

~ Napier ~

~ Taupo ~

~ Rotorua ~

~ Auckland ~

* Post travel tip *

What's In My NEW Planner - 2014/2015 Edition

Top 5 Tips For Getting Beautiful Skin This Summer *

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Keep Your Skin Silky Smooth with Waxing

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Eat Your Way To Healthy Skin

Keep Hydrated

'Little Black Book' - Filofax Finsbury Mini

Do you use a Filofax? If so do you personalise it?

Halloween Decor Inspiration

Spooky is my middle name!

Yankee Candle 'Ocean Star ' Review *

Soothing and fresh … the scent of peaceful, sun-kissed waters laced with aloe, citrus and lotus blossom. Dive in!

What are your favourite Spring/Summer fragrances? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Sally Hansen - Spring Racing Shades

Today I have a little sneak peak of two of the ‘soon to be released’ Spring Racing polishes from Sally Hansen!

Would you wear these colours to the races?

Introducing BLOG DIRECTORY Facebook Page!

Promote your blog or website here!

Yankee Candle 'Salted Caramel ' Review *

"Sweet surrender is yours with our luscious gourmand confection of burnt sugar, sea salt, and smooth vanilla caramel"

What are your favourite Autumn fragrances? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Lavazza Coffee Machine Review*

The easiest way to Italy

First Impressions - Yankee Candle 'Snowflake Cookie'

Money-Saving Makeup Tips

How To: Blog Graphics

Set your standards

Keep it consistent

A little goes a long way

Keep it real

Zoutons - Coupon Website Review*

Are you new to my blog? You can signup to my FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Top Fashion & Beauty Steals 2014*

15% discount offer on the full priced items on The Iconic

Get $20 discount on ASOS first order

Get free shipping & 2 Deluxe Treats on orders over $100

Are you new to my blog? You can signup to my FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Victoria's Secret Haul

Various passport holders

Price of planner (plus additional 5 months) : $55
Shipping cost (international FedEx economy): $19.95

At the time of my visit, there was a store promotion going on. If you spent over $100 AUD, you were offered a free Victoria's Secret duffle bag. How could I say no!

I must say, the bag is gorgeous. The pink and black design accompanied by the chrome finish badge is a match made in heaven.