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WE’RE ON YOUTUBE!

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  • MY FIRST BIG BREAK ✍🏻 .. and the first team to take a chance on me. Let me tell you a little story. Back when I was blogging at about 14-15 years old (indeed, little has changed), I met the gorgeous pair behind @istoria_events_nz. We initially met at a local Auckland restaurant, where we shared our stories, our missions and our aims. ☕️ Each of us passionate and determined women, we instantly bonded. After initially collaborating with the team, I went on to write for them. 👩🏽‍💻 This would be one of my very first freelance/remote copywriting roles. At just 15, it was an ironic foreshadowing to what would later become. I remember sitting on the beach at my bach in Tindalls Bay, tanning and writing an “About” page for the Istoria website. 🏝🤳🏻 I turned to my Mum: “How cool is it that I’m sitting on the beach, but I’m technically working right now”, I said. Years later, you can still find some of my copy on their website. Better yet, myself and the girls have crossed over multiple times between NZ Fashion Week, and more recently, my 21st birthday. You can only imagine how much it meant to have the girls’ incredible paper flower stands, decorating my garden venue, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. Alone, these flowers are stunning. 🌸 Together, with all the history they hold, they meant the absolute world. To the girls who ignored my age and heard my voice instead, thank you. Thank you for your endlessly beautiful work and for your open hearts. I’m saving this story as a little reminder to self: we all need a helping hand at some point. 🌻 And the only real way to give back — is to pass it on. To take the same unforgettable chance on someone else.
  • FINDING YOUR TRIBE 🌿 .. it’s like intuitive eating: satisfying and life-long. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I’m all about trusting my gut. I tell ya, I was practicing intuitive behaviour long before it hit the trending page. From eating muesli for dinner, to fostering friendships that feel right, I’ve always let my gut lead the way. And how thankful I am for it’s guidance. I’ve known @clean_andmean since high school, and yet, it took moving cities for us to really come together. I think we must have shared a single day, drinking coffee and roaming Wellington — and from there, that was it. We’d do the same thing for the rest of the year. And forever. As for @chelseasmethurst, I’d shared a giggle with her in a tutorial. Not long after, I decided she seemed a good fit for a hiking buddy. That she said yes (and also directed us to the snack aisle with admirable confidence) was all the confirmation I needed. We’d be life-long friends too. When it came to @a_jaxcreative, my gut did all kinds of things to pull me in his direction. 🤦🏽‍♀️☺️ We began working together at the same cafe, and my stomach would bound each time we even spoke. Eventually, I listened. I like to apply this same gut approach to the career and business partnerships I make. Today, I work alongside people who both inspire and resonate with the journey I’m on. It’s no surprise I gravitated towards @purpleapricotnz to help with my 21st event. They share my spirit for life, and for bringing bold ideas into a magical state of reality. This was one of the most special nights to date, made so by all the beautiful people who surrounded me. By a mesmerising jungle backdrop by @purpleapricotnz, and the most stunning venue to match, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. The energy that every single person brought to that room confirmed years of gut feelings: this is my tribe. And like this enchanting wall, you make up the layers to my life, to which I never need question. 💕 I simply know. . . 👉🏻 Look by @jaimerandellhairandmakeup. 👉🏻 Photos by @annushkadunstan, edited by me. 👉🏻 @sofia.thelabel Golden Hour dress, courtesy of @hireadressnz.
  • DEFINING SELF CARE .. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Who is anyone to decide what does and doesn’t count? If there existed a counter-movement to self care, I’d argue it’s happening now. And I don’t mean that people are taking off their sheet masks and redirecting to an all-work no-play mentality. Rather, there’s a lot of judgement or critique being thrown at the concept, and what’s “allowed” to exist under its name. I understand the term currently boasts and even justifies a plethora of actions. But am I the only one questioning whether it’d make sense, if this were any different? We can sit here and say that sheet masks or manicures or “down time” don’t define self care. We can argue that the concept only lends itself to addressing anxiety, depression and heartbreak. But then we’d be assuming that everyone exists in the exact same state. Hosting the exact same issues; personality and behavioural conflicts. This is just NOT the truth. Self care connotes such a wide range of feelings, because looking after yourself does not and will not look the same for two people. Self work, by very nature, involves different levels of work within entirely different categories — dependent on who you are and where you’re at. If I’m not dealing with mental health issues, OF COURSE, self care will look different to me. OF COURSE, I’ll be making change in smaller, more subtle ways in my life. This doesn’t mean my change is redundant or any less worthy of my time.. nor the title of self care! For me, self care IS making sure I don’t burn out. It IS setting a time at night to stop working. It IS eating a healthy meal. It IS ordering fries. And it is also: being open to someone when I feel down. Both spending time alone and with others when I need lifting up. Self care is about making space to nourish YOUR inner and outer most self. So if sometimes that means treating yourself to brunch at @highsocietycafe, and other times, that means seeing a therapist, it doesn’t matter where the act places on the spectrum: BOTH COUNT. If you need to take any action at a certain time in order to remain healthy, happy and balanced, it counts — because it counts for you.
  • WELLNESS GIVEAWAY 🧘🏽‍♀️🌻🤸🏻‍♀️ .. let’s start this season by giving back to ourselves. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that I can’t put my best self forward .. when my health and well-being is two steps back. That’s why I do my best to eat well, to sleep and to exercise often, no matter the season. There’s one aspect of wellness I’ve not always been so good at .. and that’s knowing when to take things slow. With thanks to @bellaboxaunz and their beautiful Welcome to Wellness Autumn box (valued at $200), I’ve had every excuse. Now, I’d love to extend the same opportunity to one lucky AUS/NZ reader! If you love the idea of drinking @remedydrinks kombucha on the way to a complimentary @kxpilates class. 🍑 Coming home to a shower with the Native Honey Body Scrub by @organiq and easing into the day with a collagen beauty smoothie, this one’s for you! TO ENTER! 🌻 Follow @currentlylovingblog and @bellaboxaunz! 🌻Tag 2 friends below that deserve a little love! Mental health is a big part of wellbeing, after all. 🌻 BONUS entry: share this post to your story! Giveaway closes Monday 17th of June, 6pm AEST. 😘 Let’s stay well together this Autumn/Winter! Good luck!!
  • SELF-DOUBT SUCKS 🤦🏽‍♀️ .. and no one, not even the most confident, are exempt from its target. We all have our days, right? For me, I’ll have many in which I feel proud to be who I am. I feel accomplished and successful and whole-heartedly capable. And then, out of nowhere, I’ll experience completely contradictory feelings. I may even experience the two extremes in the same day. I’ll meet with a sense of self-doubt that I often convince both my audience and my closest friends, is unnecessary and limiting. During these moments, I’m prone to dismissing all my triumphs. I’ll disregard all the times someone has reached out and told me what I do and who I am.. has helped them. Instead, I’ll feel like I’m providing no value. I’ll convince myself that no one wants what I have to give. I’ll become overwhelmed by a whirlwind of stagnancy. And by a lack of faith. I’ll feel like I’m failing. I should stop trying at all. It’s not worthwhile. I could be doing so much better. All these thoughts run amuck in my mind. And the ironic thing is, I consider myself and present, as a very self-assured and head-strong individual. I am both these things. And yet, this doesn’t exempt me from the bounds of self-doubt. Often the only thing that does, is time. It’s time to reflect, to reset and to gain new sense of perspective. I know that sometimes it’s hard to see the whole picture. And to understand that we’re not failing, so much as we are focusing on just one aspect of our lives. I want you to know that in this moment, whether you’re slightly more susceptible or strong to self-doubt today, we’re in it together. And every moment that we refuse to believe this isn’t our reality — rather, a mere space we’re passing through — let it be said, we’re getting stronger together too.
  • LONG-TERM FITNESS HACKS 🤸🏻‍♀️ .. here’s 3 things I swear by! This Sunday, I woke around 8am, and for just a single blissful moment, forgot that I’d promised to train with @a_jaxcreative. I pondered on an afternoon workout or taking a rest day. And then I remembered: today was couples workout day! I whipped up some @tropeaka BCAAs and before I knew it, we were completing an epic Sunday session in our apartment’s gym. 🙌🏻 What can I say, the boy needed me. 🤷🏽‍♀️😏 And determined not to let him down, ya girl came through! When it comes to staying accountable to your fitness goals, it’s all about building the right foundation, and then, maintaining the right mindset. Here’s a few things that help me to do both! 1️⃣ A VISION OF THE END RESULT 🙌🏻 .. no, I don’t mean the ideal body. Or a number of calories burned. Neither of these things incite enough urgency to get me out of bed for a 5am weekday workout. 👌🏼 What does, is the idea that by 6/7am, I’ll feel amazing, accomplished, awake. And ready to seize every other aspect of my day with the same determination and grit. 🙏🏻 It’s the thought of going without those endorphins, that gets my butt out of bed every time. 2️⃣ A TRAINING BUDDY 🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️ .. whilst I do love training by myself, and listening to podcasts or motivating music, every now and then, I like to mix it up and train alongside someone. 🙌🏻 9 times out of 10, they’re going to cave at a different stage from I. And when they do, I’ll inspire them to keep going. Vice versa, when I cave, they’ll probably be holding the ship afloat. 🙃 On that note, I’m equally inspired to push through! 3️⃣ GROUP CLASSES 🧘🏽‍♀️ .. y’all know I tend to hit reformer Pilates at @loveathletica around 2-3 times a week. 🙌🏻 I couldn’t stress more the value of signing up to a regular class! This holds us accountable to getting it done, particularly on days we’d struggle to commit on our own. 👌🏼 Top tip: choose a class that burns muscles you wouldn’t target yourself. That’s why I go to @loveathletica, after all: they push me to break through barriers that alone, I’d place in the too-hard basket. Have any hacks you use? Comment 👊🏻 if you’re training today!
  • HELLO LONG WEEKEND ☕️ .. feel free to stay for as loooong as you like. This 3 day break has me reminiscing back to the last, where I popped over to Sydney for a mini vacay at the @hotelcollectionist. Here mornings would start much like this. We’d vacate from the most luxurious bed, to a private and sunny little patio. 🙌🏻 Completely ignorant of the time, we’d sip on coffee. I’d wake my body with a warm lemon water. Mostly, for the soul, I’d indulge in several chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 I think it was here where I first discovered my favourite vegan alternative. I’ll be honest, it’s become a bit of a routine. If anything you do this weekend (other than hunt out a good warm drink and cookie), let’s forget about time for a moment. Sometimes, even in the shower, or walking down the street, I feel my heart rate speed up. I’m so overtly aware of time and it’s bounds and how much I hope to achieve in it. I can easily become anxious or stressed by the mere thought. As much as time itself can be so key to structure and routine, it can also make us feel caged. As if we’re doggy-paddling at some rapid pace.. and getting absolutely nowhere. This weekend, let’s release ourselves from that pressure. Let’s enjoy and bask in the things we love. And let’s actively forget about how much time they occupy. Or how much will remain in our banks afterwards. For a few days, let’s pretend it doesn’t matter. When we’re doing what makes us happy, it really shouldn’t anyway! Have a lovely, long weekend everyone!
  • GRATITUDE FRIDAYS! 🍸 .. let’s raise our glasses to the week gone! It’s been too long since I curated one of these lists.. so let’s get straight into it! Here are 3 things that I’m grateful for this week! . 1️⃣ SELF-BELIEF 🥰 .. y’all know it’s been project comeback this week. I’ve really been focusing on applying myself and improving my productivity/self discipline again! 👌🏼 Throughout the week, I shared several tools that motivated me and helped to keep me accountable. When it comes down to it, however, I owe the success I had to self belief. There’s a quote that goes, “she believed she could so she did.” I think there must be a lot of truth to that. Tell yourself enough that you can and you will do something, and here’s the thing — most of the time you wind up doing it. . 2️⃣ THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS 💕 .. this week, as most of you know, was my 21st birthday! Whilst I celebrated back in NZ a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to visit my favourite Italian restaurant in Melbourne, @therococogroup, when the official date arrived! I was delighted by a beautiful three-course plant-based feast. 🙏🏻 At the end of the night, the team brought out a dessert beaming with sparklers, and it was just the sweetest way to finish a most magnificent meal (and birthday). ☺️ When people go the extra mile, and for no good reason but to satisfy your happiness, it truly is the most special feeling in the world! Check out my stories for more insight into the feast that was served! . 3️⃣ CURRENTLY LOVING 🥂 .. and well, you guys! 🙏🏻 Indeed, maybe I felt even more love than usual, being that it was my birthday week — but that aside, you guys share so much warmth and passion and community with me every week. And long story short, it’s BLOODY beautiful. 🤩 I love bettering myself alongside all of you who are willing to listen, to share your own advice and lessons and journey. You inspire me everyday, and I learn so much from you too. What a cool thing we’ve got going here. I love you for it. . On that note, it’s YOUR turn. What are you grateful for this week? 👇🏻
  • ALL YOU EAT IS LEAVES 🥦🥒🥬 .. uh, yeah.. sure? This is just one of the many assumptions made about plant-based eaters. And boy, it makes me laugh. I’ve never had more burgers in my life.. than I have since going vegetarian, then vegan! People say it’s limiting? It’s given me the reason I never had to be experimental! The organic and health food aisle — once a destination full of foreign and not-food foods — has now become a second home. A haven, even. Whilst I’ve never been (nor set out to be) a preachy vegan — and I totally respect everyone’s decision to eat, to act and to live how they wish — it does make me excited when I start to see the effect of an increasingly common choice. Already, the demand for change is being heard. It blows my mind (in the best way possible) that I can go out for dinner and instead of eating before I go, as would have previously been advised, I’m now welcomed by completely plant-based menus. And get this — I don’t even have to coerce friends to vacate dauntingly clean and green destinations. No, all I have to do (at least, in the case of @tyrannyofdistancebar), is to convince them on the idea of burgers, nachos and drinks. They just aiiiin’t gonna say no. Near to gone are the days where eating plant-based entices feelings of alienation and exclusion from social situations. I’ve never been more happy to see something transition into the mainstream. I am proud. I am impressed. And contrary to prehistoric beliefs, I’m fucking full. 😆

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123

KENZIE | EDITOR OF CURRENTLY LOVING


"Don't mistake Currently Loving for your average fashion blog. To me and to loyal readers, it is so much more. Currently Loving is about bettering ourselves -- in ways that extend from upping our brunch game to battling with pride. It all happens in the community of Currently Loving. Here we find confidence through fashion; happiness through lifestyle and ourselves through travel. It's about accepting who we are today, knowing in ourselves that we'll be better tomorrow." - Kenzie xx

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  • MY FIRST BIG BREAK ✍🏻 .. and the first team to take a chance on me. Let me tell you a little story. Back when I was blogging at about 14-15 years old (indeed, little has changed), I met the gorgeous pair behind @istoria_events_nz. We initially met at a local Auckland restaurant, where we shared our stories, our missions and our aims. ☕️ Each of us passionate and determined women, we instantly bonded. After initially collaborating with the team, I went on to write for them. 👩🏽‍💻 This would be one of my very first freelance/remote copywriting roles. At just 15, it was an ironic foreshadowing to what would later become. I remember sitting on the beach at my bach in Tindalls Bay, tanning and writing an “About” page for the Istoria website. 🏝🤳🏻 I turned to my Mum: “How cool is it that I’m sitting on the beach, but I’m technically working right now”, I said. Years later, you can still find some of my copy on their website. Better yet, myself and the girls have crossed over multiple times between NZ Fashion Week, and more recently, my 21st birthday. You can only imagine how much it meant to have the girls’ incredible paper flower stands, decorating my garden venue, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. Alone, these flowers are stunning. 🌸 Together, with all the history they hold, they meant the absolute world. To the girls who ignored my age and heard my voice instead, thank you. Thank you for your endlessly beautiful work and for your open hearts. I’m saving this story as a little reminder to self: we all need a helping hand at some point. 🌻 And the only real way to give back — is to pass it on. To take the same unforgettable chance on someone else.
  • FINDING YOUR TRIBE 🌿 .. it’s like intuitive eating: satisfying and life-long. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I’m all about trusting my gut. I tell ya, I was practicing intuitive behaviour long before it hit the trending page. From eating muesli for dinner, to fostering friendships that feel right, I’ve always let my gut lead the way. And how thankful I am for it’s guidance. I’ve known @clean_andmean since high school, and yet, it took moving cities for us to really come together. I think we must have shared a single day, drinking coffee and roaming Wellington — and from there, that was it. We’d do the same thing for the rest of the year. And forever. As for @chelseasmethurst, I’d shared a giggle with her in a tutorial. Not long after, I decided she seemed a good fit for a hiking buddy. That she said yes (and also directed us to the snack aisle with admirable confidence) was all the confirmation I needed. We’d be life-long friends too. When it came to @a_jaxcreative, my gut did all kinds of things to pull me in his direction. 🤦🏽‍♀️☺️ We began working together at the same cafe, and my stomach would bound each time we even spoke. Eventually, I listened. I like to apply this same gut approach to the career and business partnerships I make. Today, I work alongside people who both inspire and resonate with the journey I’m on. It’s no surprise I gravitated towards @purpleapricotnz to help with my 21st event. They share my spirit for life, and for bringing bold ideas into a magical state of reality. This was one of the most special nights to date, made so by all the beautiful people who surrounded me. By a mesmerising jungle backdrop by @purpleapricotnz, and the most stunning venue to match, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. The energy that every single person brought to that room confirmed years of gut feelings: this is my tribe. And like this enchanting wall, you make up the layers to my life, to which I never need question. 💕 I simply know. . . 👉🏻 Look by @jaimerandellhairandmakeup. 👉🏻 Photos by @annushkadunstan, edited by me. 👉🏻 @sofia.thelabel Golden Hour dress, courtesy of @hireadressnz.
  • DEFINING SELF CARE .. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Who is anyone to decide what does and doesn’t count? If there existed a counter-movement to self care, I’d argue it’s happening now. And I don’t mean that people are taking off their sheet masks and redirecting to an all-work no-play mentality. Rather, there’s a lot of judgement or critique being thrown at the concept, and what’s “allowed” to exist under its name. I understand the term currently boasts and even justifies a plethora of actions. But am I the only one questioning whether it’d make sense, if this were any different? We can sit here and say that sheet masks or manicures or “down time” don’t define self care. We can argue that the concept only lends itself to addressing anxiety, depression and heartbreak. But then we’d be assuming that everyone exists in the exact same state. Hosting the exact same issues; personality and behavioural conflicts. This is just NOT the truth. Self care connotes such a wide range of feelings, because looking after yourself does not and will not look the same for two people. Self work, by very nature, involves different levels of work within entirely different categories — dependent on who you are and where you’re at. If I’m not dealing with mental health issues, OF COURSE, self care will look different to me. OF COURSE, I’ll be making change in smaller, more subtle ways in my life. This doesn’t mean my change is redundant or any less worthy of my time.. nor the title of self care! For me, self care IS making sure I don’t burn out. It IS setting a time at night to stop working. It IS eating a healthy meal. It IS ordering fries. And it is also: being open to someone when I feel down. Both spending time alone and with others when I need lifting up. Self care is about making space to nourish YOUR inner and outer most self. So if sometimes that means treating yourself to brunch at @highsocietycafe, and other times, that means seeing a therapist, it doesn’t matter where the act places on the spectrum: BOTH COUNT. If you need to take any action at a certain time in order to remain healthy, happy and balanced, it counts — because it counts for you.
  • WELLNESS GIVEAWAY 🧘🏽‍♀️🌻🤸🏻‍♀️ .. let’s start this season by giving back to ourselves. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that I can’t put my best self forward .. when my health and well-being is two steps back. That’s why I do my best to eat well, to sleep and to exercise often, no matter the season. There’s one aspect of wellness I’ve not always been so good at .. and that’s knowing when to take things slow. With thanks to @bellaboxaunz and their beautiful Welcome to Wellness Autumn box (valued at $200), I’ve had every excuse. Now, I’d love to extend the same opportunity to one lucky AUS/NZ reader! If you love the idea of drinking @remedydrinks kombucha on the way to a complimentary @kxpilates class. 🍑 Coming home to a shower with the Native Honey Body Scrub by @organiq and easing into the day with a collagen beauty smoothie, this one’s for you! TO ENTER! 🌻 Follow @currentlylovingblog and @bellaboxaunz! 🌻Tag 2 friends below that deserve a little love! Mental health is a big part of wellbeing, after all. 🌻 BONUS entry: share this post to your story! Giveaway closes Monday 17th of June, 6pm AEST. 😘 Let’s stay well together this Autumn/Winter! Good luck!!
  • SELF-DOUBT SUCKS 🤦🏽‍♀️ .. and no one, not even the most confident, are exempt from its target. We all have our days, right? For me, I’ll have many in which I feel proud to be who I am. I feel accomplished and successful and whole-heartedly capable. And then, out of nowhere, I’ll experience completely contradictory feelings. I may even experience the two extremes in the same day. I’ll meet with a sense of self-doubt that I often convince both my audience and my closest friends, is unnecessary and limiting. During these moments, I’m prone to dismissing all my triumphs. I’ll disregard all the times someone has reached out and told me what I do and who I am.. has helped them. Instead, I’ll feel like I’m providing no value. I’ll convince myself that no one wants what I have to give. I’ll become overwhelmed by a whirlwind of stagnancy. And by a lack of faith. I’ll feel like I’m failing. I should stop trying at all. It’s not worthwhile. I could be doing so much better. All these thoughts run amuck in my mind. And the ironic thing is, I consider myself and present, as a very self-assured and head-strong individual. I am both these things. And yet, this doesn’t exempt me from the bounds of self-doubt. Often the only thing that does, is time. It’s time to reflect, to reset and to gain new sense of perspective. I know that sometimes it’s hard to see the whole picture. And to understand that we’re not failing, so much as we are focusing on just one aspect of our lives. I want you to know that in this moment, whether you’re slightly more susceptible or strong to self-doubt today, we’re in it together. And every moment that we refuse to believe this isn’t our reality — rather, a mere space we’re passing through — let it be said, we’re getting stronger together too.
  • LONG-TERM FITNESS HACKS 🤸🏻‍♀️ .. here’s 3 things I swear by! This Sunday, I woke around 8am, and for just a single blissful moment, forgot that I’d promised to train with @a_jaxcreative. I pondered on an afternoon workout or taking a rest day. And then I remembered: today was couples workout day! I whipped up some @tropeaka BCAAs and before I knew it, we were completing an epic Sunday session in our apartment’s gym. 🙌🏻 What can I say, the boy needed me. 🤷🏽‍♀️😏 And determined not to let him down, ya girl came through! When it comes to staying accountable to your fitness goals, it’s all about building the right foundation, and then, maintaining the right mindset. Here’s a few things that help me to do both! 1️⃣ A VISION OF THE END RESULT 🙌🏻 .. no, I don’t mean the ideal body. Or a number of calories burned. Neither of these things incite enough urgency to get me out of bed for a 5am weekday workout. 👌🏼 What does, is the idea that by 6/7am, I’ll feel amazing, accomplished, awake. And ready to seize every other aspect of my day with the same determination and grit. 🙏🏻 It’s the thought of going without those endorphins, that gets my butt out of bed every time. 2️⃣ A TRAINING BUDDY 🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️ .. whilst I do love training by myself, and listening to podcasts or motivating music, every now and then, I like to mix it up and train alongside someone. 🙌🏻 9 times out of 10, they’re going to cave at a different stage from I. And when they do, I’ll inspire them to keep going. Vice versa, when I cave, they’ll probably be holding the ship afloat. 🙃 On that note, I’m equally inspired to push through! 3️⃣ GROUP CLASSES 🧘🏽‍♀️ .. y’all know I tend to hit reformer Pilates at @loveathletica around 2-3 times a week. 🙌🏻 I couldn’t stress more the value of signing up to a regular class! This holds us accountable to getting it done, particularly on days we’d struggle to commit on our own. 👌🏼 Top tip: choose a class that burns muscles you wouldn’t target yourself. That’s why I go to @loveathletica, after all: they push me to break through barriers that alone, I’d place in the too-hard basket. Have any hacks you use? Comment 👊🏻 if you’re training today!
  • HELLO LONG WEEKEND ☕️ .. feel free to stay for as loooong as you like. This 3 day break has me reminiscing back to the last, where I popped over to Sydney for a mini vacay at the @hotelcollectionist. Here mornings would start much like this. We’d vacate from the most luxurious bed, to a private and sunny little patio. 🙌🏻 Completely ignorant of the time, we’d sip on coffee. I’d wake my body with a warm lemon water. Mostly, for the soul, I’d indulge in several chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 I think it was here where I first discovered my favourite vegan alternative. I’ll be honest, it’s become a bit of a routine. If anything you do this weekend (other than hunt out a good warm drink and cookie), let’s forget about time for a moment. Sometimes, even in the shower, or walking down the street, I feel my heart rate speed up. I’m so overtly aware of time and it’s bounds and how much I hope to achieve in it. I can easily become anxious or stressed by the mere thought. As much as time itself can be so key to structure and routine, it can also make us feel caged. As if we’re doggy-paddling at some rapid pace.. and getting absolutely nowhere. This weekend, let’s release ourselves from that pressure. Let’s enjoy and bask in the things we love. And let’s actively forget about how much time they occupy. Or how much will remain in our banks afterwards. For a few days, let’s pretend it doesn’t matter. When we’re doing what makes us happy, it really shouldn’t anyway! Have a lovely, long weekend everyone!
  • GRATITUDE FRIDAYS! 🍸 .. let’s raise our glasses to the week gone! It’s been too long since I curated one of these lists.. so let’s get straight into it! Here are 3 things that I’m grateful for this week! . 1️⃣ SELF-BELIEF 🥰 .. y’all know it’s been project comeback this week. I’ve really been focusing on applying myself and improving my productivity/self discipline again! 👌🏼 Throughout the week, I shared several tools that motivated me and helped to keep me accountable. When it comes down to it, however, I owe the success I had to self belief. There’s a quote that goes, “she believed she could so she did.” I think there must be a lot of truth to that. Tell yourself enough that you can and you will do something, and here’s the thing — most of the time you wind up doing it. . 2️⃣ THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS 💕 .. this week, as most of you know, was my 21st birthday! Whilst I celebrated back in NZ a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to visit my favourite Italian restaurant in Melbourne, @therococogroup, when the official date arrived! I was delighted by a beautiful three-course plant-based feast. 🙏🏻 At the end of the night, the team brought out a dessert beaming with sparklers, and it was just the sweetest way to finish a most magnificent meal (and birthday). ☺️ When people go the extra mile, and for no good reason but to satisfy your happiness, it truly is the most special feeling in the world! Check out my stories for more insight into the feast that was served! . 3️⃣ CURRENTLY LOVING 🥂 .. and well, you guys! 🙏🏻 Indeed, maybe I felt even more love than usual, being that it was my birthday week — but that aside, you guys share so much warmth and passion and community with me every week. And long story short, it’s BLOODY beautiful. 🤩 I love bettering myself alongside all of you who are willing to listen, to share your own advice and lessons and journey. You inspire me everyday, and I learn so much from you too. What a cool thing we’ve got going here. I love you for it. . On that note, it’s YOUR turn. What are you grateful for this week? 👇🏻
  • ALL YOU EAT IS LEAVES 🥦🥒🥬 .. uh, yeah.. sure? This is just one of the many assumptions made about plant-based eaters. And boy, it makes me laugh. I’ve never had more burgers in my life.. than I have since going vegetarian, then vegan! People say it’s limiting? It’s given me the reason I never had to be experimental! The organic and health food aisle — once a destination full of foreign and not-food foods — has now become a second home. A haven, even. Whilst I’ve never been (nor set out to be) a preachy vegan — and I totally respect everyone’s decision to eat, to act and to live how they wish — it does make me excited when I start to see the effect of an increasingly common choice. Already, the demand for change is being heard. It blows my mind (in the best way possible) that I can go out for dinner and instead of eating before I go, as would have previously been advised, I’m now welcomed by completely plant-based menus. And get this — I don’t even have to coerce friends to vacate dauntingly clean and green destinations. No, all I have to do (at least, in the case of @tyrannyofdistancebar), is to convince them on the idea of burgers, nachos and drinks. They just aiiiin’t gonna say no. Near to gone are the days where eating plant-based entices feelings of alienation and exclusion from social situations. I’ve never been more happy to see something transition into the mainstream. I am proud. I am impressed. And contrary to prehistoric beliefs, I’m fucking full. 😆

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  • MY FIRST BIG BREAK ✍🏻 .. and the first team to take a chance on me. Let me tell you a little story. Back when I was blogging at about 14-15 years old (indeed, little has changed), I met the gorgeous pair behind @istoria_events_nz. We initially met at a local Auckland restaurant, where we shared our stories, our missions and our aims. ☕️ Each of us passionate and determined women, we instantly bonded. After initially collaborating with the team, I went on to write for them. 👩🏽‍💻 This would be one of my very first freelance/remote copywriting roles. At just 15, it was an ironic foreshadowing to what would later become. I remember sitting on the beach at my bach in Tindalls Bay, tanning and writing an “About” page for the Istoria website. 🏝🤳🏻 I turned to my Mum: “How cool is it that I’m sitting on the beach, but I’m technically working right now”, I said. Years later, you can still find some of my copy on their website. Better yet, myself and the girls have crossed over multiple times between NZ Fashion Week, and more recently, my 21st birthday. You can only imagine how much it meant to have the girls’ incredible paper flower stands, decorating my garden venue, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. Alone, these flowers are stunning. 🌸 Together, with all the history they hold, they meant the absolute world. To the girls who ignored my age and heard my voice instead, thank you. Thank you for your endlessly beautiful work and for your open hearts. I’m saving this story as a little reminder to self: we all need a helping hand at some point. 🌻 And the only real way to give back — is to pass it on. To take the same unforgettable chance on someone else.
  • FINDING YOUR TRIBE 🌿 .. it’s like intuitive eating: satisfying and life-long. When it comes to the people I surround myself with, I’m all about trusting my gut. I tell ya, I was practicing intuitive behaviour long before it hit the trending page. From eating muesli for dinner, to fostering friendships that feel right, I’ve always let my gut lead the way. And how thankful I am for it’s guidance. I’ve known @clean_andmean since high school, and yet, it took moving cities for us to really come together. I think we must have shared a single day, drinking coffee and roaming Wellington — and from there, that was it. We’d do the same thing for the rest of the year. And forever. As for @chelseasmethurst, I’d shared a giggle with her in a tutorial. Not long after, I decided she seemed a good fit for a hiking buddy. That she said yes (and also directed us to the snack aisle with admirable confidence) was all the confirmation I needed. We’d be life-long friends too. When it came to @a_jaxcreative, my gut did all kinds of things to pull me in his direction. 🤦🏽‍♀️☺️ We began working together at the same cafe, and my stomach would bound each time we even spoke. Eventually, I listened. I like to apply this same gut approach to the career and business partnerships I make. Today, I work alongside people who both inspire and resonate with the journey I’m on. It’s no surprise I gravitated towards @purpleapricotnz to help with my 21st event. They share my spirit for life, and for bringing bold ideas into a magical state of reality. This was one of the most special nights to date, made so by all the beautiful people who surrounded me. By a mesmerising jungle backdrop by @purpleapricotnz, and the most stunning venue to match, @chancerychambersrooftopterrace. The energy that every single person brought to that room confirmed years of gut feelings: this is my tribe. And like this enchanting wall, you make up the layers to my life, to which I never need question. 💕 I simply know. . . 👉🏻 Look by @jaimerandellhairandmakeup. 👉🏻 Photos by @annushkadunstan, edited by me. 👉🏻 @sofia.thelabel Golden Hour dress, courtesy of @hireadressnz.
  • DEFINING SELF CARE .. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Who is anyone to decide what does and doesn’t count? If there existed a counter-movement to self care, I’d argue it’s happening now. And I don’t mean that people are taking off their sheet masks and redirecting to an all-work no-play mentality. Rather, there’s a lot of judgement or critique being thrown at the concept, and what’s “allowed” to exist under its name. I understand the term currently boasts and even justifies a plethora of actions. But am I the only one questioning whether it’d make sense, if this were any different? We can sit here and say that sheet masks or manicures or “down time” don’t define self care. We can argue that the concept only lends itself to addressing anxiety, depression and heartbreak. But then we’d be assuming that everyone exists in the exact same state. Hosting the exact same issues; personality and behavioural conflicts. This is just NOT the truth. Self care connotes such a wide range of feelings, because looking after yourself does not and will not look the same for two people. Self work, by very nature, involves different levels of work within entirely different categories — dependent on who you are and where you’re at. If I’m not dealing with mental health issues, OF COURSE, self care will look different to me. OF COURSE, I’ll be making change in smaller, more subtle ways in my life. This doesn’t mean my change is redundant or any less worthy of my time.. nor the title of self care! For me, self care IS making sure I don’t burn out. It IS setting a time at night to stop working. It IS eating a healthy meal. It IS ordering fries. And it is also: being open to someone when I feel down. Both spending time alone and with others when I need lifting up. Self care is about making space to nourish YOUR inner and outer most self. So if sometimes that means treating yourself to brunch at @highsocietycafe, and other times, that means seeing a therapist, it doesn’t matter where the act places on the spectrum: BOTH COUNT. If you need to take any action at a certain time in order to remain healthy, happy and balanced, it counts — because it counts for you.
  • WELLNESS GIVEAWAY 🧘🏽‍♀️🌻🤸🏻‍♀️ .. let’s start this season by giving back to ourselves. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that I can’t put my best self forward .. when my health and well-being is two steps back. That’s why I do my best to eat well, to sleep and to exercise often, no matter the season. There’s one aspect of wellness I’ve not always been so good at .. and that’s knowing when to take things slow. With thanks to @bellaboxaunz and their beautiful Welcome to Wellness Autumn box (valued at $200), I’ve had every excuse. Now, I’d love to extend the same opportunity to one lucky AUS/NZ reader! If you love the idea of drinking @remedydrinks kombucha on the way to a complimentary @kxpilates class. 🍑 Coming home to a shower with the Native Honey Body Scrub by @organiq and easing into the day with a collagen beauty smoothie, this one’s for you! TO ENTER! 🌻 Follow @currentlylovingblog and @bellaboxaunz! 🌻Tag 2 friends below that deserve a little love! Mental health is a big part of wellbeing, after all. 🌻 BONUS entry: share this post to your story! Giveaway closes Monday 17th of June, 6pm AEST. 😘 Let’s stay well together this Autumn/Winter! Good luck!!
  • SELF-DOUBT SUCKS 🤦🏽‍♀️ .. and no one, not even the most confident, are exempt from its target. We all have our days, right? For me, I’ll have many in which I feel proud to be who I am. I feel accomplished and successful and whole-heartedly capable. And then, out of nowhere, I’ll experience completely contradictory feelings. I may even experience the two extremes in the same day. I’ll meet with a sense of self-doubt that I often convince both my audience and my closest friends, is unnecessary and limiting. During these moments, I’m prone to dismissing all my triumphs. I’ll disregard all the times someone has reached out and told me what I do and who I am.. has helped them. Instead, I’ll feel like I’m providing no value. I’ll convince myself that no one wants what I have to give. I’ll become overwhelmed by a whirlwind of stagnancy. And by a lack of faith. I’ll feel like I’m failing. I should stop trying at all. It’s not worthwhile. I could be doing so much better. All these thoughts run amuck in my mind. And the ironic thing is, I consider myself and present, as a very self-assured and head-strong individual. I am both these things. And yet, this doesn’t exempt me from the bounds of self-doubt. Often the only thing that does, is time. It’s time to reflect, to reset and to gain new sense of perspective. I know that sometimes it’s hard to see the whole picture. And to understand that we’re not failing, so much as we are focusing on just one aspect of our lives. I want you to know that in this moment, whether you’re slightly more susceptible or strong to self-doubt today, we’re in it together. And every moment that we refuse to believe this isn’t our reality — rather, a mere space we’re passing through — let it be said, we’re getting stronger together too.
  • LONG-TERM FITNESS HACKS 🤸🏻‍♀️ .. here’s 3 things I swear by! This Sunday, I woke around 8am, and for just a single blissful moment, forgot that I’d promised to train with @a_jaxcreative. I pondered on an afternoon workout or taking a rest day. And then I remembered: today was couples workout day! I whipped up some @tropeaka BCAAs and before I knew it, we were completing an epic Sunday session in our apartment’s gym. 🙌🏻 What can I say, the boy needed me. 🤷🏽‍♀️😏 And determined not to let him down, ya girl came through! When it comes to staying accountable to your fitness goals, it’s all about building the right foundation, and then, maintaining the right mindset. Here’s a few things that help me to do both! 1️⃣ A VISION OF THE END RESULT 🙌🏻 .. no, I don’t mean the ideal body. Or a number of calories burned. Neither of these things incite enough urgency to get me out of bed for a 5am weekday workout. 👌🏼 What does, is the idea that by 6/7am, I’ll feel amazing, accomplished, awake. And ready to seize every other aspect of my day with the same determination and grit. 🙏🏻 It’s the thought of going without those endorphins, that gets my butt out of bed every time. 2️⃣ A TRAINING BUDDY 🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️ .. whilst I do love training by myself, and listening to podcasts or motivating music, every now and then, I like to mix it up and train alongside someone. 🙌🏻 9 times out of 10, they’re going to cave at a different stage from I. And when they do, I’ll inspire them to keep going. Vice versa, when I cave, they’ll probably be holding the ship afloat. 🙃 On that note, I’m equally inspired to push through! 3️⃣ GROUP CLASSES 🧘🏽‍♀️ .. y’all know I tend to hit reformer Pilates at @loveathletica around 2-3 times a week. 🙌🏻 I couldn’t stress more the value of signing up to a regular class! This holds us accountable to getting it done, particularly on days we’d struggle to commit on our own. 👌🏼 Top tip: choose a class that burns muscles you wouldn’t target yourself. That’s why I go to @loveathletica, after all: they push me to break through barriers that alone, I’d place in the too-hard basket. Have any hacks you use? Comment 👊🏻 if you’re training today!
  • HELLO LONG WEEKEND ☕️ .. feel free to stay for as loooong as you like. This 3 day break has me reminiscing back to the last, where I popped over to Sydney for a mini vacay at the @hotelcollectionist. Here mornings would start much like this. We’d vacate from the most luxurious bed, to a private and sunny little patio. 🙌🏻 Completely ignorant of the time, we’d sip on coffee. I’d wake my body with a warm lemon water. Mostly, for the soul, I’d indulge in several chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 I think it was here where I first discovered my favourite vegan alternative. I’ll be honest, it’s become a bit of a routine. If anything you do this weekend (other than hunt out a good warm drink and cookie), let’s forget about time for a moment. Sometimes, even in the shower, or walking down the street, I feel my heart rate speed up. I’m so overtly aware of time and it’s bounds and how much I hope to achieve in it. I can easily become anxious or stressed by the mere thought. As much as time itself can be so key to structure and routine, it can also make us feel caged. As if we’re doggy-paddling at some rapid pace.. and getting absolutely nowhere. This weekend, let’s release ourselves from that pressure. Let’s enjoy and bask in the things we love. And let’s actively forget about how much time they occupy. Or how much will remain in our banks afterwards. For a few days, let’s pretend it doesn’t matter. When we’re doing what makes us happy, it really shouldn’t anyway! Have a lovely, long weekend everyone!

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