As you may have noticed, I haven't published anything for a little while. I moved out of home almost a month ago and have zero internet; I'm currently at the library.
** Since originally writing this I have set up internet and am sitting in the comfort of my apartment.

So, I am here today to give you ideas and tips on how to save money realistically. Yes, realistically; the advice I will give you will still provide you with a flexible and enjoyable lifestyle.
I believe I'm a fairly good saver, but also a good spender (meaning I spend money wisely). I don't deprive myself from everything I want or live off bread and rice, so please read on...
*I am no financial adviser and just want to give you tips on what helps me.

1. INCOME
You need a job. We live in a time where money is important, so don't ask "How can I have things without working?" Don't be lazy. Having a job is beneficial in more than the 'having money' way. You sort of 'grow up'; you gain and earn respect, you learn different things and you meet new people and help yourself get out of your comfort zone. If you don't have much work experience, don't be fussy where you apply. You have to start somewhere and if it's at a fast food place, so be it.

2. BUDGET
Go get a cool looking note book and make it your budget/expenses book. I am serious when I say 'cool looking', you are more likely to stay motivated when you have nice stationary.
You will need to record your income and how often that comes in (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, etc), and your expenses within that time frame. It may be daunting at first to see your expenses all in one place, but you'll get used to it. If you have money leftover, try to include a savings deposit at least once a fortnight.

3. GROCERY SHOPPING
Don't throw away that 'junk mail'! When you receive supermarket catalogues once a week, pull them out and go through them. Get the 'Coles', 'Woolworths', 'ALDI' and 'IGA' brochures and find what's on special and what you need. When you write down your shopping list, note whether the item is on sale and where. If there is one of your staple items on special that has a decent shelf life, buy more of it; you were going to buy it anyway, you may as well get it cheaper.
Lastly, join up the free clubs (flybuys, everyday rewards, etc) every now and then you'll get select items cheaper or can save points up to use towards your next shop.

4. SCHOOL/WORK MEALS
Obviously it is convenient to buy your meals and you might tend to 'get over' your home made lunches and dinners. This might be because you think you don't have time to make anything or you're making the same meals and are beginning to find it unappealing. 1. Make your meals the night before; 2. Make something else. Here I have an opportunity for another blog post - Healthy & Easy school/work meals (stay tuned!) Have different lunches everyday and perhaps make something interesting about them so you aren't tempted to buy something from the cafeteria. In the morning we can all be a bit rushed, it's incredibly convenient to make your meals the night before so you can just grab and go in the morning; you do have time the night before.

5. BUYING THINGS YOU WANT
When following step number two (budget), perhaps consider a reasonable amount (depending on how high or low your income is) of spending money for the week. Either save up or it can be your 'treat' money for the week, keeping in mind that you only have that money for your little extras. If you don't have much money left over after your bills, etc. try your best to not buy those excess things and find new ways to keep yourself busy without spending money.

6. BEING SOCIAL
You can still be social and not spend any money at all. Yes, you may have to decline certain social outings from time to time, but you don't have to be a hermit. If you want to see a small amount of friends, invite them over and tell them to bring drinks and snacks; watch a movie, play video games or just have a nice catch up session. If you want to see more friends do a dinner night at someone's house where everyone brings a plate, if you are going to a bar where it's free to get it, eat before you go and perhaps only have one drink while you're are there and just drink water for the remainder of the time you are there.
When you do have a little bit more money to spend, sign up to emails from companies like 'Living Social' and 'Groupon' (Australia) and find a dinner deal voucher to use.
*If you would like me to give you more specific ideas on activities you can do, comment below and I'll do a post on it.

This is a super quick post to let you all know what has been going on and why I haven't been posting.

As I may have mentioned in a previous post I had plans of moving out of home, well that went through and I've been living with Beau for over a month now. We have no internet!! I'm not sure yet whether we will get it, though I do really want it.
I've also started a new job and have recently resigned at my former workplace and am on the pathway to new things! My new job is 'Administration Officer' at the hospital, where I'm just at the reception desk, having a cruisey time (and I get paid well!)

So, that is pretty much it.
I have been trying to write a blog post on a certain topic that I have never covered before and am having trouble with it, trying to get it right.
I want to try and do more recipe ones and 'A Week in Photos'; among other things.

My number one thing is to try get a post up as soon as possible (not including this one), to keep you all interested.

I hope you are all well, and hope to keep you interested!

Instagram: erena_b

Pinterest: erenabennett

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

Hello all,

A long while ago, I discovered Harvest Box and did some research into it and found a few discount codes that I could have used. However, I just didn't have the last little boost to go ahead and purchase the subscription. When I recently received an email telling me I could get my first three boxes for half price ($3.97) I jumped onto it. Basically what it is, is a subscription box full of snacks for $7.95 per box (four snacks and also includes delivery). You can cancel anytime, which is great flexibility. You can go online and register then you rate all the snacks. If you don't like the sound of some of them you can say 'No Thanks', if there's some you really want you can rate it 'Yes Please' and there is also 'Try It'. You can get it delivered to your home or your work any day of the week - though I asked for it to be delivered on a Monday and I got it on Thursday, but I don't really mind. You can get 1 - 7 a week, I'm good for one though, as I incorporate a lot of other snacks into my diet as well. I've only received one box so far and they had the following snacks (pictured below): Roasted Pistachios, The K2, Thai Lime & Chilli Cashews and Raspberry Swirl. I've had all but the pistachios which I'm looking forward to! And can't wait for my next boxes to come!
If anyone is interested is purchasing this, I have a first box half price code for you: 90283IR4SLK

Hello everyone, 
I had this post on my previous blog and I absolutely must have it on here. I have edited small bits, but nothing to vast.


I prefer to post healthier recipes, but they're are just some things you have to have - this is one of them.
I know you could use different ingredients for a healthier option, but I haven't quite worked up to that - though I will write up a recipe as soon as I perfect it!
This one is super quick, easy and delicious.

• Dark chocolate
• Peanut Butter
• Marshmellows - mini's or chopped

• Nuts - I chose pecans, but any is okay - chopped if too big

• Shredded coconut

Hello all,

This is a little post for you today about my new project I'm doing (pictures below!)
I was looking in the ALDI catalogue the other day and found this 'Grow Your Own Herbs' kind of thing - and it was reduced to $6.99! I thought it was a great idea and have just purchased a set this afternoon.

The pack includes:

• 6 different herbs (Basil, Chives, Coriander, Oregano, Parsley and Thyme)
• 3 ceramic glazed pots (with a blackboard area)
• Soil pellets
• Chalk
• Wooden tray

You read right.

When I first thought of this, I thought I was being original but then I thought about it and realised, no probably not. I then googled it and many images came up. But did they look as good as this?!?!?!





Super easy to make and with the right ingredients, not too bad for you!
*The ingredients I post will be what I used, however feel free to put on whatever you desire.

For one serve:

Ingredients:

• 1 wholemeal english muffin, halved
• Tomato paste
• 2-4 spinach leaves
• 4 cherry/grape tomatoes
• Dried basil
• Light mozzarella, grated
• Barbecue sauce