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  • THREE WAYS TO LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 🌟 .. and one day to start. One of my greatest pet peeves — and also something I avoid doing as a human being in general — is complaining about my situation and not making any effort to change it. If I come close to complaining about something that’s in my own hands, I’ll either openly blame myself, or quickly eat my own words. The shame is simply too much. And so it should be, right? 👌🏼 Being stagnant is a choice as much as enacting change is one. If you ask me, we have two alternatives when it comes to issues with our lives: to endeavour towards change, or to strive towards acceptance. And when acceptance isn’t an option, here’s how I like to incite change in my life in three quick steps! If it works for me, hey.. it just might work for you too! 1️⃣ RESPOND DIFFERENTLY. ☺️ I like to throw myself off — and in doing so, to destabilise the path I’m travelling down. If you instinctively say no to going out, it’s time to shock yourself and say yes. If you hate your job but out of fear, deny any offer to try something new, I dare you to respond differently. 👌🏼 Try it once. It’ll feel good. Try it again. 2️⃣ MEET SOMEONE NEW. 💁🏽‍♀️ Too many of us get comfortable within a particular group and stop feeling the need to interact with new people. Newsflash: there are billions of us! We couldn’t interact with “too many” if we tried! 🤪 So go out and meet someone new. Jump on @bumblebff! It’s how I met @themelbournelook before I even stumbled across her Instagram — and look where we are now. Brunching every damn week! 🤣 But also pushing each other to grow and to act in new ways. 3️⃣ DO SOMETHING YOU BELIEVED YOU COULDN’T DO. ☺️ This one’s just an epic confidence booster. Whenever I’m a bit stuck, I like to throw myself in the deep end to remind myself I have the grit to swim out. 👉🏻 So if you’re crap at cooking, make a meal anyway. If you’re terrible at socialising, go to a party alone. Prove to yourself: YOU. CAN. DOOO THIS! Apply these three things today, and there’s no way you can’t encounter some form of change, excitement.. or a new beginning entirely! Tell me how and what change you’re kick-starting below! 👇🏻
  • TO ALL MY GIRLS 💁🏽‍♀️ .. this one’s for you. Do you remember when we were young? At age seven, we’d be caught in our Mum’s room applying lipstick — we were going to see a boy. Of course, we didn’t need it. 💁🏽‍♀️ But we wanted to feel pretty. Feminine. Beautiful. To feel worthy of more than the ordinary gaze. When we’d hang out with our girlfriends, things were different. We’d let our hair fall down and our bellies hang out. We’d laugh at our bloated stomachs. We’d even compare their sizes. At some stage, the tables turned entirely. We didn’t *stop* applying lipstick to change the way we look. 👄 We started doing it more often. But this time, it wasn’t to impress the boy. It was to stand up against a girl. One day we stopped looking over at our best friend and seeing her beauty as a separate entity from ours. We saw space for just one. Or the other. Better — or worse. We started placing ourselves on a spectrum. 😔 And so arose the pressure to look good — to present yourself as this image of perfection — in order to be placed higher. I think it’s time we took note from our younger selves, and from her untarnished perception. I think it’s time we started dressing to embrace our OWN beauty — not to overshadow or to compete with the beauty of someone else. I think it’s time we saw beauty for what it really is again. That’s diverse. Unique. Shapeless. And wholeheartedly undefinable. Next time you get ready to go out, I want you to look in the mirror. And I want you to tell her — whether in a dress or sweatpants — that she looks bangin’. Then, let’s go comment the same thing on a girl’s picture (whether a friend or a stranger). Let’s voice it again when we meet a girlfriend in real life. It’s time we replaced competition with confidence — and its time the feeling was shared by more than just one of us. But by us all. Make-up/hair: @m.y.artistry. Nails and lashes: @hibeautynails Dress: @becandbridge, thanks to @hireadressnz. 🌷
  • A LITTLE MESSAGE TO LIFE 🤪🌱 .. I love you to the moon and back. I’ve never believed the following two statements as much as I do today. 1️⃣ That when we emanate positive energy into the universe, it does (in some way or form) deliver the same back to us. And if it sends negativity anyway, our attitude will be so shielding, we’ll hardly notice. 🙌🏻 Those negative things, they simply won’t break through. 2️⃣ That everything happens for a reason. Even the things that may appear to have no positive side. These are the way they are, for good reason. In time, life will come full circle. And in doing so, it’ll bring something worthwhile. This gift may come in the form of a lesson, a person, a job or a new mindset. It could be anything. Note to self: it is worth having patience enough to find out. — Ever since my little vacation in Sydney, things have changed for me. That epiphany I had surrounding stress, its root cause and its value.. has certainly stuck with me. I’ve taken life and the things I can’t control far less seriously. 🍃 I’ve been more accepting of the good and the bad. I’ve even embraced the fact there HAS to be both. It’s in experiencing the lows, the stresses and the struggles, after all — that we are demanded as individuals and as communities to stand up. We’re forced to pave the way towards survival. Better yet, towards success. On the other side of struggle, awaits another intense emotion. That’s happiness. That’s gratitude. It’s pure bliss. I dare you this week to look at life with a few extra grains of salt. 😋 No matter what’s going on, understand and respect the extent of control you do have. Make the most of that. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. Trust your instinct and make decisions you’re proud of. But then, let the rest go. As people often say: if you’re not likely to feel passionately about it in a year, don’t let it work you up now. Let’s love life to the moon and back — the good, the bad and the in-between (because god knows there’s a bit of all three)! Happy Wednesday everyone!
  • A KIND OF BEAUTY WORTH VALUING .. 🌷 hint: it has nothing to do with looks at all. In this past week, I have been absolutely humbled and warmed by the sheer kindness of people. There was a moment yesterday when I felt absolutely overwhelmed by elation and gratitude. How could I endeavour to express the level of thanks that was deserved? Strangers, friends and family had greeted me on several important occasions — with a willingness to be there in any and every way they could. Not only had they endeavoured to make me happy. They valued to bring my vision to life. To work together. To join forces. To relieve stress. To provide for, to share with and to celebrate another human being. How lucky I was to be her. To name a couple of these individuals and/or businesses, I should start with @hireadressnz. 🙏🏻 I arrived in Wellington straight from Melbourne, with no time to try on dresses in Auckland before my graduation. I was met by an array of the most beautiful selection, waiting for me in Wellington. When I slipped into this @becandbridge Elle Cut-Out Midi, I knew it was the one! 🙌🏻 It matched my pale pink BA hood, as much as it did the coming-of-age moment. To @hireadressnz, you literally made me feel confident walking across that stage. And that’s a feeling you can’t put a price on (it’s a mere bonus that yours are so affordable ☺️). Thank you. To @m.y.artistry, you made my day 10274 x less stressful. And because of you, I felt like a true princess! I gave you very little direction (we all know I’m clueless when it comes to beauty). But you took what I gave you, and you turned it into something WONDERFUL. I couldn’t be more grateful for the roles you both played in bringing the most wonderful occasion to life. 💕 If you’re based in NZ, and you’re looking for a stunning designer dress or a talented hair/make-up artist, y’all KNOW who to get in touch with. I am so inspired by people who journey the extra mile — for no good reason, but to satisfy the will of their hearts. THIS is what makes someone truly beautiful to me. 🙏🏻🌸 It’s the actions that weren’t necessarily required. But the smile, the love and the kindness that was gifted anyway.
  • BACK TO ROUTINE 👊🏻 .. and I’m not mad about it. Tomorrow marks the end of yet another memorable trip back to New Zealand. This one, the most significant of all its predecessors. In no time, I’ll board a plane and say my goodbyes. I’ll find myself well and truly, back into the swing of Melbourne life. As much as I’ve had the BEST few days (I can’t wait to share more with you over the coming weeks), this return to routine is one I’m approaching with open arms. Sometimes a few days out of ordinary life, is all the vacation we need in order to return more grounded and motivated than ever. For a short period of time, I’ve been happy to indulge in all the many things that don’t have a place in my normal routine. Drinking. Partying. Not (really) looking after my body. Waking up at whatever time I like. Letting the day go by as it pleases. Having no plan, no agenda, no goals. But one: to enjoy! It is times like these that incite such renewed appreciation for routine and why we bother to have one at all. A week away, and my body misses good food. It misses exercise and daily movement. It misses waking up with immense energy — as opposed to a god-awful hangover. Does anyone else need to absolutely vacate their everyday habits.. in order to remember why they’re so important? Why they act (and have for long acted) as the foundation for our most functional and successful selves? Yeah, me too. New Zealand, it’s been epic. But Melbourne, I’m more than ready for you! 🙌🏻 It’s time to NAIL the second half of this year! Who’s with me?!
  • ONE OF MY BIGGEST PROWESSES TO DATE 🥂 .. and not for the reason you might think. Indeed, I’ve finally headed back to New Zealand to get my hands on that degree I earned some time back! I was so eager to live (and in a bigger city too) — I rushed off to Melbourne before waiting around to celebrate, or even, to congratulate myself. I knew that at some point, I’d come back to Wellington. I’d shake the hand of some esteemed chancellor. 🙌🏻 It just so happened that Thursday would be that day. It felt good. But not because I finally had that piece of paper in my hands; a tangible sign of the work I did. It felt good because I had the chance to reflect. And finally, to pat myself on the back for nailing this degree in a most characteristic way. When I moved to Wellington to study, I made a firm decision that would be it. From then onwards, I would grow to be independent. I would call this city home. I would seize its every opportunity. And so whilst flocks of students headed homewards for Summer, I stayed. I made new memories. New friends. I learnt many new lessons. I threw myself into Summer school every year. I spoke to whoever I could, to take on AS many papers as I could (on top of working too. Towards the end, almost full-time). 🤦🏽‍♀️ Sometimes I myself wonder how it all came through. As a result, I condensed a three year (plus) degree into two swift years. 🙏🏻 I came out of that city, young and eager and ready. And much the way I felt when I first left home, I knew I didn’t need any more time in Wellington in order to grow. It was time to find my new destination. This Thursday gone, I felt proud.. mostly because looking back, I really listened to my heart. Despite the journey of those around me, I took it in my stride to write my own. As a result, I’ve earned an education, a sense of experience and of life at the same time. Whatever your story, take a moment to be damn proud of it. 💁🏽‍♀️ I sure as hell don’t do it enough. More details of my look coming soon! 💕 For now, see below! . 👉🏻 @becandbridge Elle Cut Out Midi Dress, with thanks to the ever-handy @hireadressnz. 👉🏻 Make-up & hair by the lovely Wellington-based, @m.y.artistry.
  • LIFE’S GOT YOUR BACK 🤙🏻 .. and don’t you forget it! I really do believe that life has a funny way of blessing us — and in more ways than we might be aware. First example. This absolutely heavenly porridge and a “Nana Bing” smoothie at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 🙈 I couldn’t have foreseen such a gift, if I tried! Talk about the blessing of all blessings. Second example. The girl laughing right here. Not me, lol. The other one. Despite the fact that certain characters in my life have fallen short, I learnt a long time ago not to feel unlucky. I looked around, and I noticed everyone had their thing. Their someone. Their story. And I noticed that sometimes, they didn’t have what I had. A super close relationship to their siblings. Support from a parent. And a wide group of incredibly loving friends. To this day, I feel absolutely grateful. Because whilst I don’t have everything, I’ve realised none of us do. And yet, somehow, life comes around and gives us everything we need anyway. Like you, @themelbournelook. Like you! And yes, we did order exactly the same thing at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 😋 And no, we didn’t have a single regret about it! Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’re just as happy with your lot in life as I am!
  • THERE IS BEAUTY IN BEING ALONE 🚶🏻‍♀️ .. and I think we all deserve to discover it. Just a couple of days ago, I wrote a post highlighting my relationship and my choice to do life with another person. Much as I stand by those words, I want to introduce another side to them. That is, the beauty of being alone. I’m potentially a rare case because I love my own time. But recently, I’ve discovered (and I’d love to share) a really cool reason why. This may sound odd, but I truly believe that I am BETTER at controlling my outlook, my mindset and my mental health when I’m alone. Perhaps it’s because I know there’s no one else to rely on. And so I’m forced to go back to basics. To the drawing stage, even. I’m inclined to indulge with intention, in the things that make me happy. If I feel down or lonely or lost, it’s on me to find a solution. I have to lift myself, like a child, out of her sulky state. This week, I’ve realised how thankful I am, for the many times I haven’t shied away from my own time. From my own head and from her own thoughts. I’ve put myself right between the rock and the hard place, and learnt to get myself the hell out of there. So whilst it mightn’t have been exactly what A.J. wanted to hear when he called from New Zealand this week — I told him I was glad to have this time. It reminded me that if I was only me in Melbourne, I’d be just fine. I’d look after this little head and little body and little being .. just okay. I’d stop to smell the flowers. I’d even have a giggle to myself. I’d feel content with only me too. And I’m proud of that. I hope that in future, I’ll still say the same. What about you? Are you comfortable with being by yourself? 🧘🏽‍♀️ Better yet, are you happy? If not, have you considered throwing yourself in the deep end to learn how?
  • POST-WORKOUT HACK 💁🏽‍♀️ .. why didn’t I think of this sooner? I feel many things post-workout, but let it be said, “pretty” or “glamorous” are neither of them. Picture Tom Hanks in Castaway.. minus the beard. 😆 I look more like that. And whilst I love a sign of a good workout, this isn’t so handy when I’m rushing off to brunch or an event afterwards. Yesterday, I wanted to squeeze in a quick workout prior to jumping on the plane back to New Zealand. I knew it’d be tight, but also, that I’d thank myself later. It was a foreign feeling when I left the gym, feeling more fresh and ready to go than I ever have before.. and all credit to the gorgeous team at @hibeautynails! 💅🏻 That morning, they’d treated me to a manicure, pedicure and eyelash extensions too! All I can say is: wow, the devil really is in the detail — and not just when it comes to how we look, but more importantly, to the way we feel. After my workout, I’d have happily headed to brunch; showered or not. 🙋🏽‍♀️ Make-up free too! As for my nails, this has been my first time trialling SNS and I’m already impressed. Usually I avoid getting my nails done (just ask @a_jaxcreative who absolutely cringes at the sight of them ☺️). But too many times, I’ve gone to live my life — and they’ve broken or chipped immediately. Yesterday, I worked out as usual. I didn’t hold back at all. 💪🏻 And to my pleasure, not a single flaw has forgone my crisp, white aesthetic! Finally, I can balance doing feminine things whilst being a badass girl boss too! I should also note that my last beauty appointment was so far from relaxing — I almost crossed off the entire concept as a means for self care and indulgence. After a visit to @hibeautynails yesterday, I’m entirely re-convinced. 👌🏼 It was exactly the calming and feel-good experience that I needed before leaving Melbourne! Do you have any other tips for fitting in your workouts when you’re in a rush — whether between meetings, brunches or events? 👇🏻 What are your go-to hacks?! I’d love to know! P.S. I’m bewildered at what point the frame behind me moved for the second picture too. 🤔🤣

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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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  • THREE WAYS TO LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 🌟 .. and one day to start. One of my greatest pet peeves — and also something I avoid doing as a human being in general — is complaining about my situation and not making any effort to change it. If I come close to complaining about something that’s in my own hands, I’ll either openly blame myself, or quickly eat my own words. The shame is simply too much. And so it should be, right? 👌🏼 Being stagnant is a choice as much as enacting change is one. If you ask me, we have two alternatives when it comes to issues with our lives: to endeavour towards change, or to strive towards acceptance. And when acceptance isn’t an option, here’s how I like to incite change in my life in three quick steps! If it works for me, hey.. it just might work for you too! 1️⃣ RESPOND DIFFERENTLY. ☺️ I like to throw myself off — and in doing so, to destabilise the path I’m travelling down. If you instinctively say no to going out, it’s time to shock yourself and say yes. If you hate your job but out of fear, deny any offer to try something new, I dare you to respond differently. 👌🏼 Try it once. It’ll feel good. Try it again. 2️⃣ MEET SOMEONE NEW. 💁🏽‍♀️ Too many of us get comfortable within a particular group and stop feeling the need to interact with new people. Newsflash: there are billions of us! We couldn’t interact with “too many” if we tried! 🤪 So go out and meet someone new. Jump on @bumblebff! It’s how I met @themelbournelook before I even stumbled across her Instagram — and look where we are now. Brunching every damn week! 🤣 But also pushing each other to grow and to act in new ways. 3️⃣ DO SOMETHING YOU BELIEVED YOU COULDN’T DO. ☺️ This one’s just an epic confidence booster. Whenever I’m a bit stuck, I like to throw myself in the deep end to remind myself I have the grit to swim out. 👉🏻 So if you’re crap at cooking, make a meal anyway. If you’re terrible at socialising, go to a party alone. Prove to yourself: YOU. CAN. DOOO THIS! Apply these three things today, and there’s no way you can’t encounter some form of change, excitement.. or a new beginning entirely! Tell me how and what change you’re kick-starting below! 👇🏻
  • TO ALL MY GIRLS 💁🏽‍♀️ .. this one’s for you. Do you remember when we were young? At age seven, we’d be caught in our Mum’s room applying lipstick — we were going to see a boy. Of course, we didn’t need it. 💁🏽‍♀️ But we wanted to feel pretty. Feminine. Beautiful. To feel worthy of more than the ordinary gaze. When we’d hang out with our girlfriends, things were different. We’d let our hair fall down and our bellies hang out. We’d laugh at our bloated stomachs. We’d even compare their sizes. At some stage, the tables turned entirely. We didn’t *stop* applying lipstick to change the way we look. 👄 We started doing it more often. But this time, it wasn’t to impress the boy. It was to stand up against a girl. One day we stopped looking over at our best friend and seeing her beauty as a separate entity from ours. We saw space for just one. Or the other. Better — or worse. We started placing ourselves on a spectrum. 😔 And so arose the pressure to look good — to present yourself as this image of perfection — in order to be placed higher. I think it’s time we took note from our younger selves, and from her untarnished perception. I think it’s time we started dressing to embrace our OWN beauty — not to overshadow or to compete with the beauty of someone else. I think it’s time we saw beauty for what it really is again. That’s diverse. Unique. Shapeless. And wholeheartedly undefinable. Next time you get ready to go out, I want you to look in the mirror. And I want you to tell her — whether in a dress or sweatpants — that she looks bangin’. Then, let’s go comment the same thing on a girl’s picture (whether a friend or a stranger). Let’s voice it again when we meet a girlfriend in real life. It’s time we replaced competition with confidence — and its time the feeling was shared by more than just one of us. But by us all. Make-up/hair: @m.y.artistry. Nails and lashes: @hibeautynails Dress: @becandbridge, thanks to @hireadressnz. 🌷
  • A LITTLE MESSAGE TO LIFE 🤪🌱 .. I love you to the moon and back. I’ve never believed the following two statements as much as I do today. 1️⃣ That when we emanate positive energy into the universe, it does (in some way or form) deliver the same back to us. And if it sends negativity anyway, our attitude will be so shielding, we’ll hardly notice. 🙌🏻 Those negative things, they simply won’t break through. 2️⃣ That everything happens for a reason. Even the things that may appear to have no positive side. These are the way they are, for good reason. In time, life will come full circle. And in doing so, it’ll bring something worthwhile. This gift may come in the form of a lesson, a person, a job or a new mindset. It could be anything. Note to self: it is worth having patience enough to find out. — Ever since my little vacation in Sydney, things have changed for me. That epiphany I had surrounding stress, its root cause and its value.. has certainly stuck with me. I’ve taken life and the things I can’t control far less seriously. 🍃 I’ve been more accepting of the good and the bad. I’ve even embraced the fact there HAS to be both. It’s in experiencing the lows, the stresses and the struggles, after all — that we are demanded as individuals and as communities to stand up. We’re forced to pave the way towards survival. Better yet, towards success. On the other side of struggle, awaits another intense emotion. That’s happiness. That’s gratitude. It’s pure bliss. I dare you this week to look at life with a few extra grains of salt. 😋 No matter what’s going on, understand and respect the extent of control you do have. Make the most of that. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. Trust your instinct and make decisions you’re proud of. But then, let the rest go. As people often say: if you’re not likely to feel passionately about it in a year, don’t let it work you up now. Let’s love life to the moon and back — the good, the bad and the in-between (because god knows there’s a bit of all three)! Happy Wednesday everyone!
  • A KIND OF BEAUTY WORTH VALUING .. 🌷 hint: it has nothing to do with looks at all. In this past week, I have been absolutely humbled and warmed by the sheer kindness of people. There was a moment yesterday when I felt absolutely overwhelmed by elation and gratitude. How could I endeavour to express the level of thanks that was deserved? Strangers, friends and family had greeted me on several important occasions — with a willingness to be there in any and every way they could. Not only had they endeavoured to make me happy. They valued to bring my vision to life. To work together. To join forces. To relieve stress. To provide for, to share with and to celebrate another human being. How lucky I was to be her. To name a couple of these individuals and/or businesses, I should start with @hireadressnz. 🙏🏻 I arrived in Wellington straight from Melbourne, with no time to try on dresses in Auckland before my graduation. I was met by an array of the most beautiful selection, waiting for me in Wellington. When I slipped into this @becandbridge Elle Cut-Out Midi, I knew it was the one! 🙌🏻 It matched my pale pink BA hood, as much as it did the coming-of-age moment. To @hireadressnz, you literally made me feel confident walking across that stage. And that’s a feeling you can’t put a price on (it’s a mere bonus that yours are so affordable ☺️). Thank you. To @m.y.artistry, you made my day 10274 x less stressful. And because of you, I felt like a true princess! I gave you very little direction (we all know I’m clueless when it comes to beauty). But you took what I gave you, and you turned it into something WONDERFUL. I couldn’t be more grateful for the roles you both played in bringing the most wonderful occasion to life. 💕 If you’re based in NZ, and you’re looking for a stunning designer dress or a talented hair/make-up artist, y’all KNOW who to get in touch with. I am so inspired by people who journey the extra mile — for no good reason, but to satisfy the will of their hearts. THIS is what makes someone truly beautiful to me. 🙏🏻🌸 It’s the actions that weren’t necessarily required. But the smile, the love and the kindness that was gifted anyway.
  • BACK TO ROUTINE 👊🏻 .. and I’m not mad about it. Tomorrow marks the end of yet another memorable trip back to New Zealand. This one, the most significant of all its predecessors. In no time, I’ll board a plane and say my goodbyes. I’ll find myself well and truly, back into the swing of Melbourne life. As much as I’ve had the BEST few days (I can’t wait to share more with you over the coming weeks), this return to routine is one I’m approaching with open arms. Sometimes a few days out of ordinary life, is all the vacation we need in order to return more grounded and motivated than ever. For a short period of time, I’ve been happy to indulge in all the many things that don’t have a place in my normal routine. Drinking. Partying. Not (really) looking after my body. Waking up at whatever time I like. Letting the day go by as it pleases. Having no plan, no agenda, no goals. But one: to enjoy! It is times like these that incite such renewed appreciation for routine and why we bother to have one at all. A week away, and my body misses good food. It misses exercise and daily movement. It misses waking up with immense energy — as opposed to a god-awful hangover. Does anyone else need to absolutely vacate their everyday habits.. in order to remember why they’re so important? Why they act (and have for long acted) as the foundation for our most functional and successful selves? Yeah, me too. New Zealand, it’s been epic. But Melbourne, I’m more than ready for you! 🙌🏻 It’s time to NAIL the second half of this year! Who’s with me?!
  • ONE OF MY BIGGEST PROWESSES TO DATE 🥂 .. and not for the reason you might think. Indeed, I’ve finally headed back to New Zealand to get my hands on that degree I earned some time back! I was so eager to live (and in a bigger city too) — I rushed off to Melbourne before waiting around to celebrate, or even, to congratulate myself. I knew that at some point, I’d come back to Wellington. I’d shake the hand of some esteemed chancellor. 🙌🏻 It just so happened that Thursday would be that day. It felt good. But not because I finally had that piece of paper in my hands; a tangible sign of the work I did. It felt good because I had the chance to reflect. And finally, to pat myself on the back for nailing this degree in a most characteristic way. When I moved to Wellington to study, I made a firm decision that would be it. From then onwards, I would grow to be independent. I would call this city home. I would seize its every opportunity. And so whilst flocks of students headed homewards for Summer, I stayed. I made new memories. New friends. I learnt many new lessons. I threw myself into Summer school every year. I spoke to whoever I could, to take on AS many papers as I could (on top of working too. Towards the end, almost full-time). 🤦🏽‍♀️ Sometimes I myself wonder how it all came through. As a result, I condensed a three year (plus) degree into two swift years. 🙏🏻 I came out of that city, young and eager and ready. And much the way I felt when I first left home, I knew I didn’t need any more time in Wellington in order to grow. It was time to find my new destination. This Thursday gone, I felt proud.. mostly because looking back, I really listened to my heart. Despite the journey of those around me, I took it in my stride to write my own. As a result, I’ve earned an education, a sense of experience and of life at the same time. Whatever your story, take a moment to be damn proud of it. 💁🏽‍♀️ I sure as hell don’t do it enough. More details of my look coming soon! 💕 For now, see below! . 👉🏻 @becandbridge Elle Cut Out Midi Dress, with thanks to the ever-handy @hireadressnz. 👉🏻 Make-up & hair by the lovely Wellington-based, @m.y.artistry.
  • LIFE’S GOT YOUR BACK 🤙🏻 .. and don’t you forget it! I really do believe that life has a funny way of blessing us — and in more ways than we might be aware. First example. This absolutely heavenly porridge and a “Nana Bing” smoothie at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 🙈 I couldn’t have foreseen such a gift, if I tried! Talk about the blessing of all blessings. Second example. The girl laughing right here. Not me, lol. The other one. Despite the fact that certain characters in my life have fallen short, I learnt a long time ago not to feel unlucky. I looked around, and I noticed everyone had their thing. Their someone. Their story. And I noticed that sometimes, they didn’t have what I had. A super close relationship to their siblings. Support from a parent. And a wide group of incredibly loving friends. To this day, I feel absolutely grateful. Because whilst I don’t have everything, I’ve realised none of us do. And yet, somehow, life comes around and gives us everything we need anyway. Like you, @themelbournelook. Like you! And yes, we did order exactly the same thing at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 😋 And no, we didn’t have a single regret about it! Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’re just as happy with your lot in life as I am!
  • THERE IS BEAUTY IN BEING ALONE 🚶🏻‍♀️ .. and I think we all deserve to discover it. Just a couple of days ago, I wrote a post highlighting my relationship and my choice to do life with another person. Much as I stand by those words, I want to introduce another side to them. That is, the beauty of being alone. I’m potentially a rare case because I love my own time. But recently, I’ve discovered (and I’d love to share) a really cool reason why. This may sound odd, but I truly believe that I am BETTER at controlling my outlook, my mindset and my mental health when I’m alone. Perhaps it’s because I know there’s no one else to rely on. And so I’m forced to go back to basics. To the drawing stage, even. I’m inclined to indulge with intention, in the things that make me happy. If I feel down or lonely or lost, it’s on me to find a solution. I have to lift myself, like a child, out of her sulky state. This week, I’ve realised how thankful I am, for the many times I haven’t shied away from my own time. From my own head and from her own thoughts. I’ve put myself right between the rock and the hard place, and learnt to get myself the hell out of there. So whilst it mightn’t have been exactly what A.J. wanted to hear when he called from New Zealand this week — I told him I was glad to have this time. It reminded me that if I was only me in Melbourne, I’d be just fine. I’d look after this little head and little body and little being .. just okay. I’d stop to smell the flowers. I’d even have a giggle to myself. I’d feel content with only me too. And I’m proud of that. I hope that in future, I’ll still say the same. What about you? Are you comfortable with being by yourself? 🧘🏽‍♀️ Better yet, are you happy? If not, have you considered throwing yourself in the deep end to learn how?
  • POST-WORKOUT HACK 💁🏽‍♀️ .. why didn’t I think of this sooner? I feel many things post-workout, but let it be said, “pretty” or “glamorous” are neither of them. Picture Tom Hanks in Castaway.. minus the beard. 😆 I look more like that. And whilst I love a sign of a good workout, this isn’t so handy when I’m rushing off to brunch or an event afterwards. Yesterday, I wanted to squeeze in a quick workout prior to jumping on the plane back to New Zealand. I knew it’d be tight, but also, that I’d thank myself later. It was a foreign feeling when I left the gym, feeling more fresh and ready to go than I ever have before.. and all credit to the gorgeous team at @hibeautynails! 💅🏻 That morning, they’d treated me to a manicure, pedicure and eyelash extensions too! All I can say is: wow, the devil really is in the detail — and not just when it comes to how we look, but more importantly, to the way we feel. After my workout, I’d have happily headed to brunch; showered or not. 🙋🏽‍♀️ Make-up free too! As for my nails, this has been my first time trialling SNS and I’m already impressed. Usually I avoid getting my nails done (just ask @a_jaxcreative who absolutely cringes at the sight of them ☺️). But too many times, I’ve gone to live my life — and they’ve broken or chipped immediately. Yesterday, I worked out as usual. I didn’t hold back at all. 💪🏻 And to my pleasure, not a single flaw has forgone my crisp, white aesthetic! Finally, I can balance doing feminine things whilst being a badass girl boss too! I should also note that my last beauty appointment was so far from relaxing — I almost crossed off the entire concept as a means for self care and indulgence. After a visit to @hibeautynails yesterday, I’m entirely re-convinced. 👌🏼 It was exactly the calming and feel-good experience that I needed before leaving Melbourne! Do you have any other tips for fitting in your workouts when you’re in a rush — whether between meetings, brunches or events? 👇🏻 What are your go-to hacks?! I’d love to know! P.S. I’m bewildered at what point the frame behind me moved for the second picture too. 🤔🤣

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  • THREE WAYS TO LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 🌟 .. and one day to start. One of my greatest pet peeves — and also something I avoid doing as a human being in general — is complaining about my situation and not making any effort to change it. If I come close to complaining about something that’s in my own hands, I’ll either openly blame myself, or quickly eat my own words. The shame is simply too much. And so it should be, right? 👌🏼 Being stagnant is a choice as much as enacting change is one. If you ask me, we have two alternatives when it comes to issues with our lives: to endeavour towards change, or to strive towards acceptance. And when acceptance isn’t an option, here’s how I like to incite change in my life in three quick steps! If it works for me, hey.. it just might work for you too! 1️⃣ RESPOND DIFFERENTLY. ☺️ I like to throw myself off — and in doing so, to destabilise the path I’m travelling down. If you instinctively say no to going out, it’s time to shock yourself and say yes. If you hate your job but out of fear, deny any offer to try something new, I dare you to respond differently. 👌🏼 Try it once. It’ll feel good. Try it again. 2️⃣ MEET SOMEONE NEW. 💁🏽‍♀️ Too many of us get comfortable within a particular group and stop feeling the need to interact with new people. Newsflash: there are billions of us! We couldn’t interact with “too many” if we tried! 🤪 So go out and meet someone new. Jump on @bumblebff! It’s how I met @themelbournelook before I even stumbled across her Instagram — and look where we are now. Brunching every damn week! 🤣 But also pushing each other to grow and to act in new ways. 3️⃣ DO SOMETHING YOU BELIEVED YOU COULDN’T DO. ☺️ This one’s just an epic confidence booster. Whenever I’m a bit stuck, I like to throw myself in the deep end to remind myself I have the grit to swim out. 👉🏻 So if you’re crap at cooking, make a meal anyway. If you’re terrible at socialising, go to a party alone. Prove to yourself: YOU. CAN. DOOO THIS! Apply these three things today, and there’s no way you can’t encounter some form of change, excitement.. or a new beginning entirely! Tell me how and what change you’re kick-starting below! 👇🏻
  • TO ALL MY GIRLS 💁🏽‍♀️ .. this one’s for you. Do you remember when we were young? At age seven, we’d be caught in our Mum’s room applying lipstick — we were going to see a boy. Of course, we didn’t need it. 💁🏽‍♀️ But we wanted to feel pretty. Feminine. Beautiful. To feel worthy of more than the ordinary gaze. When we’d hang out with our girlfriends, things were different. We’d let our hair fall down and our bellies hang out. We’d laugh at our bloated stomachs. We’d even compare their sizes. At some stage, the tables turned entirely. We didn’t *stop* applying lipstick to change the way we look. 👄 We started doing it more often. But this time, it wasn’t to impress the boy. It was to stand up against a girl. One day we stopped looking over at our best friend and seeing her beauty as a separate entity from ours. We saw space for just one. Or the other. Better — or worse. We started placing ourselves on a spectrum. 😔 And so arose the pressure to look good — to present yourself as this image of perfection — in order to be placed higher. I think it’s time we took note from our younger selves, and from her untarnished perception. I think it’s time we started dressing to embrace our OWN beauty — not to overshadow or to compete with the beauty of someone else. I think it’s time we saw beauty for what it really is again. That’s diverse. Unique. Shapeless. And wholeheartedly undefinable. Next time you get ready to go out, I want you to look in the mirror. And I want you to tell her — whether in a dress or sweatpants — that she looks bangin’. Then, let’s go comment the same thing on a girl’s picture (whether a friend or a stranger). Let’s voice it again when we meet a girlfriend in real life. It’s time we replaced competition with confidence — and its time the feeling was shared by more than just one of us. But by us all. Make-up/hair: @m.y.artistry. Nails and lashes: @hibeautynails Dress: @becandbridge, thanks to @hireadressnz. 🌷
  • A LITTLE MESSAGE TO LIFE 🤪🌱 .. I love you to the moon and back. I’ve never believed the following two statements as much as I do today. 1️⃣ That when we emanate positive energy into the universe, it does (in some way or form) deliver the same back to us. And if it sends negativity anyway, our attitude will be so shielding, we’ll hardly notice. 🙌🏻 Those negative things, they simply won’t break through. 2️⃣ That everything happens for a reason. Even the things that may appear to have no positive side. These are the way they are, for good reason. In time, life will come full circle. And in doing so, it’ll bring something worthwhile. This gift may come in the form of a lesson, a person, a job or a new mindset. It could be anything. Note to self: it is worth having patience enough to find out. — Ever since my little vacation in Sydney, things have changed for me. That epiphany I had surrounding stress, its root cause and its value.. has certainly stuck with me. I’ve taken life and the things I can’t control far less seriously. 🍃 I’ve been more accepting of the good and the bad. I’ve even embraced the fact there HAS to be both. It’s in experiencing the lows, the stresses and the struggles, after all — that we are demanded as individuals and as communities to stand up. We’re forced to pave the way towards survival. Better yet, towards success. On the other side of struggle, awaits another intense emotion. That’s happiness. That’s gratitude. It’s pure bliss. I dare you this week to look at life with a few extra grains of salt. 😋 No matter what’s going on, understand and respect the extent of control you do have. Make the most of that. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. Trust your instinct and make decisions you’re proud of. But then, let the rest go. As people often say: if you’re not likely to feel passionately about it in a year, don’t let it work you up now. Let’s love life to the moon and back — the good, the bad and the in-between (because god knows there’s a bit of all three)! Happy Wednesday everyone!
  • A KIND OF BEAUTY WORTH VALUING .. 🌷 hint: it has nothing to do with looks at all. In this past week, I have been absolutely humbled and warmed by the sheer kindness of people. There was a moment yesterday when I felt absolutely overwhelmed by elation and gratitude. How could I endeavour to express the level of thanks that was deserved? Strangers, friends and family had greeted me on several important occasions — with a willingness to be there in any and every way they could. Not only had they endeavoured to make me happy. They valued to bring my vision to life. To work together. To join forces. To relieve stress. To provide for, to share with and to celebrate another human being. How lucky I was to be her. To name a couple of these individuals and/or businesses, I should start with @hireadressnz. 🙏🏻 I arrived in Wellington straight from Melbourne, with no time to try on dresses in Auckland before my graduation. I was met by an array of the most beautiful selection, waiting for me in Wellington. When I slipped into this @becandbridge Elle Cut-Out Midi, I knew it was the one! 🙌🏻 It matched my pale pink BA hood, as much as it did the coming-of-age moment. To @hireadressnz, you literally made me feel confident walking across that stage. And that’s a feeling you can’t put a price on (it’s a mere bonus that yours are so affordable ☺️). Thank you. To @m.y.artistry, you made my day 10274 x less stressful. And because of you, I felt like a true princess! I gave you very little direction (we all know I’m clueless when it comes to beauty). But you took what I gave you, and you turned it into something WONDERFUL. I couldn’t be more grateful for the roles you both played in bringing the most wonderful occasion to life. 💕 If you’re based in NZ, and you’re looking for a stunning designer dress or a talented hair/make-up artist, y’all KNOW who to get in touch with. I am so inspired by people who journey the extra mile — for no good reason, but to satisfy the will of their hearts. THIS is what makes someone truly beautiful to me. 🙏🏻🌸 It’s the actions that weren’t necessarily required. But the smile, the love and the kindness that was gifted anyway.
  • BACK TO ROUTINE 👊🏻 .. and I’m not mad about it. Tomorrow marks the end of yet another memorable trip back to New Zealand. This one, the most significant of all its predecessors. In no time, I’ll board a plane and say my goodbyes. I’ll find myself well and truly, back into the swing of Melbourne life. As much as I’ve had the BEST few days (I can’t wait to share more with you over the coming weeks), this return to routine is one I’m approaching with open arms. Sometimes a few days out of ordinary life, is all the vacation we need in order to return more grounded and motivated than ever. For a short period of time, I’ve been happy to indulge in all the many things that don’t have a place in my normal routine. Drinking. Partying. Not (really) looking after my body. Waking up at whatever time I like. Letting the day go by as it pleases. Having no plan, no agenda, no goals. But one: to enjoy! It is times like these that incite such renewed appreciation for routine and why we bother to have one at all. A week away, and my body misses good food. It misses exercise and daily movement. It misses waking up with immense energy — as opposed to a god-awful hangover. Does anyone else need to absolutely vacate their everyday habits.. in order to remember why they’re so important? Why they act (and have for long acted) as the foundation for our most functional and successful selves? Yeah, me too. New Zealand, it’s been epic. But Melbourne, I’m more than ready for you! 🙌🏻 It’s time to NAIL the second half of this year! Who’s with me?!
  • ONE OF MY BIGGEST PROWESSES TO DATE 🥂 .. and not for the reason you might think. Indeed, I’ve finally headed back to New Zealand to get my hands on that degree I earned some time back! I was so eager to live (and in a bigger city too) — I rushed off to Melbourne before waiting around to celebrate, or even, to congratulate myself. I knew that at some point, I’d come back to Wellington. I’d shake the hand of some esteemed chancellor. 🙌🏻 It just so happened that Thursday would be that day. It felt good. But not because I finally had that piece of paper in my hands; a tangible sign of the work I did. It felt good because I had the chance to reflect. And finally, to pat myself on the back for nailing this degree in a most characteristic way. When I moved to Wellington to study, I made a firm decision that would be it. From then onwards, I would grow to be independent. I would call this city home. I would seize its every opportunity. And so whilst flocks of students headed homewards for Summer, I stayed. I made new memories. New friends. I learnt many new lessons. I threw myself into Summer school every year. I spoke to whoever I could, to take on AS many papers as I could (on top of working too. Towards the end, almost full-time). 🤦🏽‍♀️ Sometimes I myself wonder how it all came through. As a result, I condensed a three year (plus) degree into two swift years. 🙏🏻 I came out of that city, young and eager and ready. And much the way I felt when I first left home, I knew I didn’t need any more time in Wellington in order to grow. It was time to find my new destination. This Thursday gone, I felt proud.. mostly because looking back, I really listened to my heart. Despite the journey of those around me, I took it in my stride to write my own. As a result, I’ve earned an education, a sense of experience and of life at the same time. Whatever your story, take a moment to be damn proud of it. 💁🏽‍♀️ I sure as hell don’t do it enough. More details of my look coming soon! 💕 For now, see below! . 👉🏻 @becandbridge Elle Cut Out Midi Dress, with thanks to the ever-handy @hireadressnz. 👉🏻 Make-up & hair by the lovely Wellington-based, @m.y.artistry.
  • LIFE’S GOT YOUR BACK 🤙🏻 .. and don’t you forget it! I really do believe that life has a funny way of blessing us — and in more ways than we might be aware. First example. This absolutely heavenly porridge and a “Nana Bing” smoothie at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 🙈 I couldn’t have foreseen such a gift, if I tried! Talk about the blessing of all blessings. Second example. The girl laughing right here. Not me, lol. The other one. Despite the fact that certain characters in my life have fallen short, I learnt a long time ago not to feel unlucky. I looked around, and I noticed everyone had their thing. Their someone. Their story. And I noticed that sometimes, they didn’t have what I had. A super close relationship to their siblings. Support from a parent. And a wide group of incredibly loving friends. To this day, I feel absolutely grateful. Because whilst I don’t have everything, I’ve realised none of us do. And yet, somehow, life comes around and gives us everything we need anyway. Like you, @themelbournelook. Like you! And yes, we did order exactly the same thing at @snowwhitebakerymelb. 😋 And no, we didn’t have a single regret about it! Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’re just as happy with your lot in life as I am!

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