My Current Favourites
Erena Bennett
May 29, 2014
0 Comments
So... My last 'Favourites' was on my old blog and that was a while ago. I don't do a monthly favourites because I would need to spend a lot more money to make those posts worthwhile. However, over the past couple of months there have been a lot of new and different things that I've been loving.
Also, I like to include a whole bunch of favourites in this post and not just a particular theme. I hope you enjoy!
1. Kindle Paperwhite e-reader
I should have got one of these a long time ago, I love it. I never wanted one in the past, as I thought "No, I like books, real books". It wasn't until late last year when my older sister got one for Christmas and raved about it; that was when I saw the light. I asked for one for my birthday and immediately downloaded books onto it and got reading. The page looks like it has been torn from a book and stuck on a tablet, so you still have that 'real book' feeling. You can also adjust the lighting to suit you depending on where you are. You also have plenty of books all in one place; you might be a quick reader on holiday, or read different books depending on your mood. These Kindle's usually range between $150 - $180, and you should definitely pick up a case!
2. Marshmellow Eggs
I know Easter is well over, but chocolate never will be. I am obsessed with marshmallow chocolate, and it's really hard to find some decent ones around the stores - even during Easter time, which surprised me. My mum was just browsing Sam's Warehouse a week after Easter and found these Strawberry flavoured marshmallow eggs - delicious! I am on the hunt for more marshmallow chocolate (other than those snow drop things), so keep an eye out for me! These were about $1.50, but are an Easter item (I bought the rest on the shelf!)
3. Mimco Secret Couch Bag
This was actually my first Mimco item - which is kind of a big then as they are quite expensive. I am part of the Mimco loyalty club and received a $50 voucher as it was their 18th birthday, not long later I received another $30 voucher for my birthday, there I have $80! I went into one of their stores and picked up this super cute hip bag in the colour apricot (they have more colours). They usually sell for $199, but this one was on special for $120, and with an $80 voucher it was a complete bargain. Its genuine leather and feels lovely. It has two main zipped sections, with a more open but slightly sealed middle. It is quite small, so you'll have to ditch your wallet for a small purse with your essentials, but it's a perfect bag when you don't need or want to take all the usual items. You can purchase this item here.
4. Nerada Organic Tea
Specifically, Green Tea with Lemon Myrtle and Rooibos with Vanilla. I've been drinking this brand for quite a while but only recently became obsessed with these two flavours. The lemon one ain't no ordinary lemon green tea, I think it's the 'lemon myrtle' that makes it taste different and better! I find this tea to be refreshing and can drink it any time of the day.
The Rooibos and Vanilla is a lot more recent, I had only tasted rooibos for the first time a couple of months ago on a little lunch date with a friend. It's a black tea... and well, that's as far as I can explain it (I'm terrible), I saw this one whilst browsing for some tea and decided to give it a go. It helped that it was by a familiar brand and that it also had vanilla in it - yum! I usually like to drink it with some almond milk, but if I have no milk I don't mind drinking it on its own. I find this tea to be very calming and usually like to drink it in the night time, although sometimes I find myself drinking it any time of the day - especially when it's cold weather.
5. Mac - Pro Longwear Concealer
My first Mac product!!!!! How exciting! This was very spontaneous. It was raining and the nearest cover was Myer, so I went inside and passed the Mac stand and decided to have a look. I've heard many things from their concealers and was intrigued when they were right in front of me. I had someone find my right shade and try it on me. Then I bought it. This literally took less than five minutes. This concealer is in a little bottle with a pump - which I don't really like because I want to use less than it gives me. I don't wear too much foundation and this one suited me more than the concealers in the little pots (apparently). I got this because I'm really conscious about the darkness under my eyes and this helps cover it a lot, which makes me happy.
6. Maybelline - Colossal Volume Express Mascara
I don't have a 'one true love' mascara, not yet anyway. While I wear mascara almost every day, I don't wear a lot of it. The past two mascaras I had been using had weird brushes and got way too much product out and would make my eyelashes uneven and just look plain silly. I didn't purchase another mascara because I had only just started using these ones, but when I saw this mascara on sale for $9 (!!!) I decided to purchase it. The wand is nice and little (and not weirdly shaped), brings out the right amount of mascara for me and goes on nicely. I was incredibly excited when trying this as it was exactly what I wanted. I am still keen to try other mascaras but would definitely re-purchase this in the future if I don't find another competent one. If you like simple yet nice looking eyelashes without over doing it, definitely give this a go. It usually retails between $19 - $20, but if you look around you can usually snag a better deal.
7. Knits
I never used to be into knits whatsoever. I decided this autumn and winter I wanted to try out some different styles that I don't usually wear. The first one I purchased was actually a Batman one (yay!), and while the last size they had left was a large, I went with it. Not only did I love the design, I loved the way it felt and that was when I decided I liked knits. They are super comfy and honestly go with almost anything. Since then, I have purchased about three more but they are much more simple and fitted. The ones I have purchased have just been at Ally, Chicabooti, Target and Valleygirl, and have ranged between $15 - $40.
8. Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipsticks
I am yet to take the plunge and purchase a high end lipstick as I haven't decided what colour I would get, and also because I need to be saving money at the moment. A little while ago, I purchased these at Priceline as they had a 2-for-1 on Rimmel lipsticks at the time. I went with the colours 103 (pink) and 107 (deep red). Although they don't last too long, they are easy to apply and highly pigmented. Coming into winter, 107 is the perfect shade, but I love 103 as a general day to day lipstick as it's easy to apply and reapply. They retail for about $12.95 each and you can buy this item here.
9. Pump Up (App)
I am a bit weird with exercise and go through phases of what I like. In the last two months it has been running, then pilates (blogilates). While I'll definitely still love Blogilates, I have recently been loving the new Pump Up application, which I use on my iPhone. Once you sign up you can easily build a workout that caters to your level of fitness, location and what equipment you have or don't have. Your first option is to choose either Lose Weight, Get Toned, Build Muscle or Be Healthy; you can also focus on target areas. It records your time, calories burned (not sure how accurate it is) and targets reached. There is so much more I could tell you about this app, go check it out, especially if you're struggling with exercise and staying motivated. It's free and definitely available on the iPhone, I think it's available on android (not 100% certain) and Google Play.
10. Circa Home Vanilla Bean & Allspice Candle
While I really like scented candles, I don't go out and spend a whole bunch because I can't justify it when I need to be saving money. I was lucky enough to win this candle through 'Lean Cuisine' (random, I know). It came in incredibly nice packaging, has a cute wooden lid and has two wicks. Now, the smell... It is absolutely delicious. For those who don't like vanilla, or get sick of it after two minutes, I honestly think you would actually like this. The allspice mixed in makes it the perfect scent that you won't get sick of. I really like vanilla, but I like this waaaaaay better than vanilla on its own. The 250g candle retails for $29.95 and you can purchase this one or other scents from here.
So that is it for my current favourites, I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any extra questions on these items comment down below, or just let me know what you've been loving lately.
Until next time, take care!
Instagram: erena_b
Pinterest: erenabennett
Also, I like to include a whole bunch of favourites in this post and not just a particular theme. I hope you enjoy!
1. Kindle Paperwhite e-reader
I should have got one of these a long time ago, I love it. I never wanted one in the past, as I thought "No, I like books, real books". It wasn't until late last year when my older sister got one for Christmas and raved about it; that was when I saw the light. I asked for one for my birthday and immediately downloaded books onto it and got reading. The page looks like it has been torn from a book and stuck on a tablet, so you still have that 'real book' feeling. You can also adjust the lighting to suit you depending on where you are. You also have plenty of books all in one place; you might be a quick reader on holiday, or read different books depending on your mood. These Kindle's usually range between $150 - $180, and you should definitely pick up a case!
I know Easter is well over, but chocolate never will be. I am obsessed with marshmallow chocolate, and it's really hard to find some decent ones around the stores - even during Easter time, which surprised me. My mum was just browsing Sam's Warehouse a week after Easter and found these Strawberry flavoured marshmallow eggs - delicious! I am on the hunt for more marshmallow chocolate (other than those snow drop things), so keep an eye out for me! These were about $1.50, but are an Easter item (I bought the rest on the shelf!)
3. Mimco Secret Couch Bag
This was actually my first Mimco item - which is kind of a big then as they are quite expensive. I am part of the Mimco loyalty club and received a $50 voucher as it was their 18th birthday, not long later I received another $30 voucher for my birthday, there I have $80! I went into one of their stores and picked up this super cute hip bag in the colour apricot (they have more colours). They usually sell for $199, but this one was on special for $120, and with an $80 voucher it was a complete bargain. Its genuine leather and feels lovely. It has two main zipped sections, with a more open but slightly sealed middle. It is quite small, so you'll have to ditch your wallet for a small purse with your essentials, but it's a perfect bag when you don't need or want to take all the usual items. You can purchase this item here.
4. Nerada Organic Tea
Specifically, Green Tea with Lemon Myrtle and Rooibos with Vanilla. I've been drinking this brand for quite a while but only recently became obsessed with these two flavours. The lemon one ain't no ordinary lemon green tea, I think it's the 'lemon myrtle' that makes it taste different and better! I find this tea to be refreshing and can drink it any time of the day.
The Rooibos and Vanilla is a lot more recent, I had only tasted rooibos for the first time a couple of months ago on a little lunch date with a friend. It's a black tea... and well, that's as far as I can explain it (I'm terrible), I saw this one whilst browsing for some tea and decided to give it a go. It helped that it was by a familiar brand and that it also had vanilla in it - yum! I usually like to drink it with some almond milk, but if I have no milk I don't mind drinking it on its own. I find this tea to be very calming and usually like to drink it in the night time, although sometimes I find myself drinking it any time of the day - especially when it's cold weather.
My first Mac product!!!!! How exciting! This was very spontaneous. It was raining and the nearest cover was Myer, so I went inside and passed the Mac stand and decided to have a look. I've heard many things from their concealers and was intrigued when they were right in front of me. I had someone find my right shade and try it on me. Then I bought it. This literally took less than five minutes. This concealer is in a little bottle with a pump - which I don't really like because I want to use less than it gives me. I don't wear too much foundation and this one suited me more than the concealers in the little pots (apparently). I got this because I'm really conscious about the darkness under my eyes and this helps cover it a lot, which makes me happy.
6. Maybelline - Colossal Volume Express Mascara
I don't have a 'one true love' mascara, not yet anyway. While I wear mascara almost every day, I don't wear a lot of it. The past two mascaras I had been using had weird brushes and got way too much product out and would make my eyelashes uneven and just look plain silly. I didn't purchase another mascara because I had only just started using these ones, but when I saw this mascara on sale for $9 (!!!) I decided to purchase it. The wand is nice and little (and not weirdly shaped), brings out the right amount of mascara for me and goes on nicely. I was incredibly excited when trying this as it was exactly what I wanted. I am still keen to try other mascaras but would definitely re-purchase this in the future if I don't find another competent one. If you like simple yet nice looking eyelashes without over doing it, definitely give this a go. It usually retails between $19 - $20, but if you look around you can usually snag a better deal.
7. Knits
I never used to be into knits whatsoever. I decided this autumn and winter I wanted to try out some different styles that I don't usually wear. The first one I purchased was actually a Batman one (yay!), and while the last size they had left was a large, I went with it. Not only did I love the design, I loved the way it felt and that was when I decided I liked knits. They are super comfy and honestly go with almost anything. Since then, I have purchased about three more but they are much more simple and fitted. The ones I have purchased have just been at Ally, Chicabooti, Target and Valleygirl, and have ranged between $15 - $40.
I am yet to take the plunge and purchase a high end lipstick as I haven't decided what colour I would get, and also because I need to be saving money at the moment. A little while ago, I purchased these at Priceline as they had a 2-for-1 on Rimmel lipsticks at the time. I went with the colours 103 (pink) and 107 (deep red). Although they don't last too long, they are easy to apply and highly pigmented. Coming into winter, 107 is the perfect shade, but I love 103 as a general day to day lipstick as it's easy to apply and reapply. They retail for about $12.95 each and you can buy this item here.
I am a bit weird with exercise and go through phases of what I like. In the last two months it has been running, then pilates (blogilates). While I'll definitely still love Blogilates, I have recently been loving the new Pump Up application, which I use on my iPhone. Once you sign up you can easily build a workout that caters to your level of fitness, location and what equipment you have or don't have. Your first option is to choose either Lose Weight, Get Toned, Build Muscle or Be Healthy; you can also focus on target areas. It records your time, calories burned (not sure how accurate it is) and targets reached. There is so much more I could tell you about this app, go check it out, especially if you're struggling with exercise and staying motivated. It's free and definitely available on the iPhone, I think it's available on android (not 100% certain) and Google Play.
While I really like scented candles, I don't go out and spend a whole bunch because I can't justify it when I need to be saving money. I was lucky enough to win this candle through 'Lean Cuisine' (random, I know). It came in incredibly nice packaging, has a cute wooden lid and has two wicks. Now, the smell... It is absolutely delicious. For those who don't like vanilla, or get sick of it after two minutes, I honestly think you would actually like this. The allspice mixed in makes it the perfect scent that you won't get sick of. I really like vanilla, but I like this waaaaaay better than vanilla on its own. The 250g candle retails for $29.95 and you can purchase this one or other scents from here.
So that is it for my current favourites, I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any extra questions on these items comment down below, or just let me know what you've been loving lately.
Until next time, take care!
Instagram: erena_b
Pinterest: erenabennett
