What are you thankful for?

I have always loved the idea of Thanksgiving.

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia. When I did my year of exchange in Michigan in high school, I looked forward more to Thanksgiving than I did Christmas. There's something about Thanksgiving that seems to carry more weight than other holidays - and I'm talking not just about the turkey, the first snowfall of the year or the flowing of drinks and merriment.

It is probably the absence of presents. It means the holiday stands out as a time to reflect on and celebrate the things that mean most to us. It probably doesn't sound like a lot, especially when you have grown up with the tradition. But I think the message of the day is important, and beautiful.

I struggle to think of a time, since arriving home from my year in Michigan where I made time to stop and smell the roses. With life taking us in all different directions - peaks, troughs, laughter, tantrums - things can really get away from us sometimes. Moments of clarity where you do appreciate and give thanks for all the blessings that make it worth getting out of bed are rare amongst all the obstacles thrown our way.

So while it is still the last Thursday in November for the next few hours, I am going to have my own Thanksgiving day - being thankful for all that makes me smile. I will bask in the joy of knowing that there are things in my life to be thankful for. In my case, those "things" are many and beautiful.

So happy Thanksgiving, one and all! I hope that your celebration (whether it is part of tradition or a thoughtful reflection) is as meaningful and heartwarming for you as it will be for me.

Favourites #3

I make no secret how much I love oxfords. I'm so over ballet flats. I'd be happy never to see another pair again. This Deena and Ozzy pair I ordered from UO is probably my favourite at the moment... only because I haven't been able to rock out my black Chelsea Crew pair yet!

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire.

I CANNOT stop listening to this album! After quite the hiatus, the Arcade Fire released this gem in August and I didn't get my hands on it until a couple of weeks ago. As someone who has always lived in the suburbs, I find this to be one of the most relatable albums in my collection. Win Butler has called this a collection of letters from the suburbs and it is beautiful, poetic and innovative. I know I'll be hugely unpopular when I say that I was quite disappointed with their 2nd album, Neon Bible after the truly epic debut in Funeral, but The Suburbs more than makes up for it. Fer real. This is an absolute revelation and probably the best album of the year.

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (Shade no. 23).

I was a bit wary buying into the whole BB Cream craze, but after a review from one of my favourite YT gurus, BeatIdeas I had to check this one out. I've only been using this for about 2 months and I love it! I use it when I can't be bothered with the sunscreen/foundation combo and need to skip a step. Coverage is really light (just how I like it), natural looking and it disappears into the skin upon application. Does go on looking grey but oxidises fairly quickly. I started using this during a breakout that I was having and noticed my blemishes going down without any added acne treatment. I cannot rave enough about this product! It's sun protection, foundation and skincare all rolled into one! I wouldn't recommend using this without moisturiser if you have dry skin though. All in all, a fantastic product!

Vitamin E Face Mist from The Body Shop.

I love floral scents, rose and lavender being my favourites. I tried my sister's Rosewater Balancing Mist from Jurlique which is beautiful but slightly pricey for a university student's budget! I also didn't like the glass bottle as I'm clumsy and for traveling it's a bit heavy. I bought this Body Shop mist from eBay at half the retail price after seeing the reviews on MakeUpAlley.com. I use it after applying my makeup for a more dewey finish because I don't really like looking too matte during the day. The bottle itself it great and this mist goes on so fine and does not spit at you. If you want to buy Australian and don't mind paying a bit more, then the Rosewater Mist from Jurlique is great. But for a slightly cheaper alternative with (in my opinion) a better spray bottle this is the way to go.

My girls.

This was taken at our high school graduation dinner 4 years ago now (where has the time gone?) and embarrassing teen awkwardness aside, this is one of my favourite pictures of all of us. Sure we've all grown up, learned new things, learned more about ourselves and each other and even though the transition into adulthood has meant that our priorities have changed too, we still always make time for each other and are still really close. Also, their very belated birthday present to me was a romantic night for my boyfriend and I at a winery - just what I needed! I wouldn't trade them in for anything. Seriously. Try me.

Makeup-free days.

I made sure to take this with my Macbook camera as it is much more forgiving, but it still helps to make a point: sometimes your skin needs to breathe. Also, it feels pretty good to get up in the morning and not have to worry about your flaws with a naked face. While I do get embarrassed about my skin, I find it strangely exhilarating to go brave the world barefaced (except for sunscreen of course!).

Freedom!
I have officially finished my undergraduate degree! I guess I'll spend my free time with more blogging (I've no idea how to get a blog off the ground) and spend more time with friends and my man. It feels good to close that chapter of my life. Freedom will be short-lived though... I plan on moving on to postgraduate study next year which I'm sure will a lot more intense.

Sticky

On what was a disgusting, humid, 30 degree day in Melbourne yesterday, my foundation did not run at all. Not only that, but thanks to the light reflection and dewey finish I did actually look as though I had slept for 10 hours instead of the 5 I actually had. Over my IQQU Advanced Sunscreen, my skin looked good all day. Thank you, Bourjois. How I love you so.