Bonjour!

I understand we are more than half way through May but I know you guys can't resist a good ol' book haul (or maybe that's just me?!) April was a spectacular month for gaining books, I had received some money for my birthday from my partner's parents and decided I needed some new books despite the ever growing TBR. I also received four books from the ever generous Harper Collins Australia in exchange for honest reviews (you can read my review for The Yearbook Committee here!).

Here are the following books I bought/received:


1. The Winner's Curse - Marie Rutkoski
I have heard so many good things about this series and finally decided to make it mine. I seriously hope to get to it in the next couple of months.

2. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
Another book I've seen all around the Bookstagram community and even more since the movie trailer came out. I'm aiming to get to it before watching the movie. I'll get my tissues ready!

3. An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir
I've already read this one and is definitely one of the best books I've read this year so far. I am now so damn excited for book two: A Torch Against the Night. You can find my mini review here.

4. We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
Another one I've already read (mini review here!) I started reading this soon after I bought it as I wanted something small to take to uni and I finished it pretty quickly, and loved it.

From Harper Collins:

5. Demon Road - Derek Landy
The first in the series (book two below). I've always wanted to read something from Derek Landy so I picked this one up and should hopefully be starting this one soon. Look out for a review!

6. Desolation - Derek Landy
This one was released in.... April I think? So will more than likely jump straight into this one after Demon Road!

7. The Yearbook Committee - Sarah Ayoub
This one I've recently read and reviewed, I would say a really good read for teenagers and young adults (younger than me!) Good sized chapters which is very appealing for me.


8. Flawed - Cecelia Ahern
Recently released is Cecelia Ahern's first YA novel, Flawed. What I get from the blurb is that the main character lives a perfect life until she breaks a rule and becomes...Flawed! Something along those lines. The cover looks good too.

Can't say I usually get 8 books in one month. I should really read a few more until I buy another (but that ain't gonna happen).

This is where I leave you, I always intended for this to be a short post. I hope you enjoyed though! See you soon for something a little different (still about books though!)

Byeee!
x


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Recently I have picked up a whole bunch of new things: clothes, accessories, home wares and beauty products. I knew I wanted to treat myself but I also had a list. As predicted, I did not get everything on that list, but I'm working towards it.
Today I give you a haul. The first few things I haven't put together by store (oops).
*All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).



1. Gym Wear (Cotton On Body, Target)
The sports bra brought me into the store. It had a zip on it and I honestly just thought it looked cool. I realised I actually needed a new one - instantly justified! They had these in different colours, I picked it up in black for $19.95.
The sports shorts - or 'jogger' - is also from Cotton On Body. I already have two pairs in different colours and wanted another as I prefer them over leggings at the moment. I picked this one up on sale for $10.
The sports shirt, from Target, is a loose fitting top made from polyester and helps keep you dry while you sweat. I got this for $12.


2. Floppy Hat (Target)
In the back of my mind I have always wanted a black floppy sun hat but haven't really sought one out. While I was out shopping with my family, I came across this one for only $10 and it is exactly the one I always thought of (perhaps a little big though). When you wear it, it does do the whole floppy thing, which makes you look perfectly relaxed.


3. Chokers and Necklaces (eBay)
As you all may know, the 90's tattoo chokers are back in, I honestly remember wearing the whole set back in the day. I knew a lot of places were selling them, but just decided to hop onto eBay and I got the neck choker and bracelet set for $1.99.
I also wanted a necklace to wear with it and found a seller that had a whole range of different pendants on rubbery chains for $1 each. I would have preferred them to be a shorter chain, but I still like wearing them.
To purchase, log on to eBay and search 'Choker'.


4. Early Harvest Raspberry Body Lotion (The Body Shop)
This is one of the limited edition scents, along with a peach scent, so it was sitting out the front of the store. I always like to have a little look at their new scents and both of these were so divine-smelling that I was thinking for a good ten minutes wondering if I should treat myself. When I asked my mum what she thought, she said "Go on, treat yourself"; from the wise words of my mother, I bought the body lotion. I was thinking of getting the scrub, but then knew I wanted the smell to linger longer as it was super delicious. The body butter would probably have a longer lasting smell but I much prefer the lotions to the butters. I picked this up in store for $16.95.


5. Breakfast Scrub - Soap & Glory (Mecca Maxima)
This is probably one of my favourite things in this haul. I originally went into this store to look at makeup and then found they stocked Soap & Glory products which I've heard good things about it. I found myself drawn to the body scrubs as I had been wanting a new one and one of the staff members there recommended this one and I had a little read and smell and was sold. It literally smells 'breakfasty' in a sweet and delicious way. It has banana, almond and honey extracts in it but smells like maple syrup - which is one of my favourite things ever! This 300ml tub sells for $16.




6. Macaroon Nightie (Cotton On Body)
I don't need new pyjamas but couldn't resist when I saw this. It has six different macaroons pictured with their flavours written underneath them in both English and French and says on the top 'what flavour are you?' and then in French underneath it. Cute! This was on special for $10, and I couldn't find it on the website but could possibly still be in stores.



7. Swisse Rose Hip Oil Face Moisturiser (Priceline)
My skin is in the 'normal' category. Even though it gets a bit oily at times, if I use combination moisturiser my skin is too dry. It contains rose hip oil and they also have another one with argan oil in it - which I might try in the future. I picked up this up from Priceline for around $8 I think and I've already used it and so far finding it working really well with my skin.



8. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 HR Foundation (Priceline)
I get emails from Rimmel so that was how I found out about there new foundation. I was looking for a new one as I'm not 100% loving the L'oreal True Match at the moment and had just finished my Bourjois (which is good, but wanted to try something new). The reason that made me go and get it was a little review from Gabriella Lindley (YouTube here). It's a full coverage foundation with SPF 20 and I got it in the shade 103 True Ivory, which is a little lighter that I usually go for but looked fine with against my skin. I got it on special for only $12 from Priceline and usually retails for around $18.


9. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (Coles Supermarket)
I saw this mascara in Coles (supermarket) for only $7, so naturally I had to get it. I know my current mascara is running low so I decided it's justifiable. This is one of Maybelline's older products and one of the best! I love the green and pink packaging too. You can get this mascara in any store that sells make up - it will always be there!



10. Kikki K Goals Journal & Daily Note Pad (Kikki K)
I recently decided to attend a Kikki K Goals workshop. They have four different ones: Goals, Happiness, Organisation and DIY for $40 and I'm not sure with the others but with the Goals workshop we got to take home this Goals journal also worth $39.95 for free! I won't get into workshops but you can read about them here. During the workshop they go through the journal with you which really helps you understand it. The first part explains a 'SMART' goal and talks about core values. It gets to you to fill out bits and pieces to help you understand the importance of setting goals and how to follow them properly. The majority of the journal is tabbed by months. Each month includes four goals that ask you specific and motivating questions, your three top core values, a monthly planner and a page for notes. If you are struggling with your goals and keeping motivated I strongly recommend attending a workshop where you receive this journal for free. It's also quite fun to do!
I also picked up this daily note pad that has different sections for your day. It has: today's date, today's weather, to do list, top 3 priorities, my treat, don't forget, water intake and for tomorrow. Not only is it super cute, it's great for when you have a bunch of things you need and want to do and want to keep track of everything. I got this for $7.95 in store.



11. Lush Bubbleroon & Dry Shampoo (Lush)
This one is pretty straightforward. I don't buy from Lush all the time as I like to purchase it as a treat. The last bubble bar I purchased was the Yuzu and Cocoa bubbleroon so this time I got the Rose Jam
 bubbleroon. You can get a few baths out of these and they always smell so delicious. Where I live it's getting quite hot so whenever there is a colder night I make sure I have a bath. This one is $6.50 and always on sale.
I also purchased their Dry Shampoo which comes in a powder. I have already tried this out and it smells like lemon (yum!) and really leave white marks in your hair and if it does, you can easily brush it out. This was $13.50.
Also pictured is a sample of Rehab shampoo that the staff member let me have as I didn't want to commit to buying a bottle incase it did nothing for my hair.



12. Loose Patterned Pants (JayJays)
These pants are super comfy and flowy and a must! I've been wearing them when it's a bit hotter and still feel comfortable. Because they are patterned I wear them with a plain coloured shirt or a shirt that has a very simple picture on it. These pants are usually $29.95 but they have plenty of half price sales so I got these for $15.



13. Cushions (Target)
I have lived in my apartment for a few months now and had only one tiny cushion that came in a bed sheet pack, so I thought it was about time I purchased at least a couple. The first one I picked up is black and white and has 'Queen of the Couch' written on it with a crown and felt it was appropriate ($15). The second one is a dark purple cushion with ripples all down one side which feels super nice  as well ($10 sale).



14. Cropped Button Up Dotty Collared Shirt (Target)
This was in a sale section for $7!! I have already worn this shirt for work twice now and love it. I like that it's cropped so I don't have to tuck it in my skirt and it looks fine. I wear a black singlet underneath it as it is a sheer fabric.



15. Bread Knife (House)
I know this is really random and I wasn't going to include it, but then I used it and had to! There are different types of knives and colours to choose from, I chose a serrated knife in purple as you can use it for pretty much anything. They come with a cover as well (thank you) and work really well. Go get one for $12.99!



So this brings my shopping haul to an end. I hope you enjoyed it and if you have any questions about any of these products comment down below (you don't have to be a member to comment).
Also let me know what else you'd like to see me post. I am going to work out a plan for my blog so I can post more regularly, even if they aren't picture-filled posts!

Take care everyone!

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