The National Eisteddfod

On the 24th of July, I set off with 12 other students on the most amazing dance experience. We flew down to Sydney feeling very eager to compete  in the McDonald's Sydney Eisteddfod, and take part in a couple of dance workshops.

On the first day we had an incredible contemporary workshop at the Sydney Dance Company! For me this was one of those moments where you know this is what you love and what you can't live without. Shoutout to Shelley Moore for teaching us that day!

The next day we got to explore some Sydney markets and check out our surroundings. We also had a commercial jazz workshop at Brent Street! Eep! So much fun :) 

These 2 workshops were great experience and I honestly learnt so much from them both. 

Then came Sunday, the day of our big performance! We had never competed in an eisteddfod as important as this one, and honestly we didn't expect to walk away with a placing. But who would've thought the only Queensland group who had only been practicing for a term would walk away with SECOND PLACE!! That's right! The largest eisteddfod in Australia, 38 competitors, and the little Queensland troupe came second! I couldn't be more proud of the girls I got to dance alongside.

Monday was a day full of shopping and exploring through Pitt Street mall. We don't have shopping like that where I come from, so needless to say I spent all my money on a shopping frenzy! 

These days were filled with excitement and happiness and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to travel with. I'm so so proud of everyone and very grateful for this experience. From late night pranks (and almost being kicked out of our accommodation), to exploring the streets of Sydney, I loved every moment and can only hope for another trip like this in the future!

Bella x 

Sweet Potato fries

I have been cooking these nonstop because they taste great and are a healthy little snack! 

Ingredients: 

1 roughly chopped sweet potato 

Moroccan spice 

Extra Virgin Olive oil 

Lightly coat chopped potato in olive oil, and sprinkle with Moroccan spice. 

Bake in the oven at 200c for 30 mins each side. 

Enjoy!

(This recipe also works well with your average potato and eggplant!)

Bella x  

10 Things to Learn For Being 16

I turned sixteen last month and I'm so grateful for the people who filled my celebrations with happiness and made it memorable! Big love :) 

And I realised that through my few teenage years, I've actually learnt so much from my own experiences and others. So I've decided to share just 10 pieces of advice from 16 year old me. 

1. Wearing a darker foundation shade doesn't make you looked tanned! You'll look like a strange carrot. DON'T DO IT!

2. If someone is bringing negativity into your life then let them go. Yes this is easier said than done, but once you finally say goodbye to misery, you will start saying hello to empowerment and happiness! You deserve the best! So surround yourself with others that support you and bring positive vibes. 

3. There is always someone to talk to, even when you feel alone and helpless. No matter how difficult a situation might be, someone is out there ready to listen and assist. This might be a family member, friend, teacher or even a support worker. Never feel like you can't reach out when times get tough. 

4. You can't wear everything. We all have different bodies and individual styles to suit us. The truth is not everyone can rock a midriff or a maxi dress. You need to look at what really compliments your figure and style, and not just buy the latest trends. 

5. People will hurt you but you will overcome this. Life as a teen is not always fun and pretty. You will experience friendship troubles heartache, family issues and even problems with people you don't know! Keep your chin up high and power through like the strong independent person you are! Laugh at situations, compliment yourself and try your best to stay positive. You can't control the fact that people will be mean, but you can control how you react. 

6. Waxing yourself will hurt more! 

7. Life changes dramatically as a teenager. Your friendships will evolve, change and maybe even be destroyed. You'll experience physical and mental changes. You'll be placed in foreign situations that may be uncomfortable. And it's ok! It's normal! Overwhelming, yes. But not something to be afraid of. 

8. It's ok to say no. If you are being pressured into something that makes you feel uneasy or unsure, then speak up for yourself! You should never be forced into something that makes you nervous and uncomfortable, and if the people you're with really care about you, they'll understand you're decision to back away. 

9. Leading on from number 8, think before you speak/act. Words and actions can have huge consequences; you don't want to regret a silly mistake you made. 

10. And finally, please fill in your brows beautifully and naturally. They do not need to be thick black caterpillars! 

Recent Favourites!

Hey Everyone!

Haven't posted a monthly favourites in a long time. Oops sorry! So these are the top products I've been loving from the recent months :)

*Mor body wash, marshmallow scent
I am in love with this body wash! It smells amazing! Kind of a mix between musk and marshmallow. I use it so often that I'm running low :( need a replacement asap!

*Original Source Vanilla and Raspberry shower gel
This smells strongly of strawberries and cream! Fruity and fresh, a great morning shower scent!

*NYX jumbo eye pencil, 625 sparkle nude
This is basically a cream eyeshadow in stick form. It applies really easily and is quite pigmented. The shade I'm using is a nude/rose gold colour which is great for a day time or evening look. I've also had my eye on a gold shade which looks like a great cheaper alternative to the By Terry Ombré Blackstar in Beyond Gold. These pencils are very affordable and do a great job!

*Rimmel London 9 in 1 Bb cream
I never have the best experience with liquid foundation. They always make me look cakey, oily and heavy, which is never good. So for the past months I've been using this bb cream :) and I love it! It lasts really well and gives just the right amount of coverage. It isn't like a foundation, in that it's supposed to completely mask every blemish and imperfection. It provides more of a natural coverage and gives a healthy glow. This 9 in 1 cream also has 9 great benefits such as controlling shine, soothes skin and has an SPF of 15. Love it!
Tip! When buying a foundation/bb cream you still want to see your freckles/moles through the coverage, otherwise it's much too heavy.

*Herbal Essences naked shampoo/conditioner
I always change my hair products hoping to find something truly incredible, and I think I've just about done that. This shampoo/conditioner is part of the Moisture collection and has made my hair feel the softest and silkiest it has in a LONG time! Well done Herbal Essences!

*Aveeno daily moisturising lotion
I've talked about this lotion before and I'm still loving it! I use this on both my body and face as its non oily/greasy and super moisturising.

*Soft Hands Kind Heart hand lotion
I lo lo love The Body Shop! And I love their hand lotion! Perfect travel size so you can chuck it in your handbag for the day. I put this on every night and my hands are feeling so soft and smooth!

*Lush bath products 
I recently made my first purchase at Lush and I'm in love with that store! I've used the Rising Phoenix bath bomb, which was beautiful and left my skin feeling so smooth! This has a lovely cinnamon and nutmeg-like scent (making it great for a cozy winter nigh!t), and turns your bath into an amazing magenta/purple colour. Definitely purchasing this again! 

I am still yet to use the Floating Island bath melt (lemon and sandalwood scent; moisturises skin), but I have high expectations as it smells incredible and is very popular! (To me it has a subtle white chocolate smell).

*Pretty Little Liars!
So I know this is already such a huge hit and I'm just a tiny little bit late to the fandom... Right? Seriously if you don't watch this show you need to! Now! Binge watching this series with a cup of coffee is just how I like to spend my lazy days haha.

Bella x 

Winter Haul! Part 2

Continued

*Black pinafore - Dotti 

Cute and plain. This black pinafore looks sweet with a collared shirt underneath, some tights and a pair of boots. 

*Track (sweat) pants - Factorie

Everyone needs some lazy day trackies for those... Well, lazy days! These come in different colours, and look pretty cool for something so essential. (I also grabbed a grey pair)

*Dotti socks 

I've talked about these before, but these little sockies are my best friends on a cold night. Fluffy - check, warm - check, cute winter pattern - check, non slip - check. Grab em while you can! 

Grey knit socks - Coles

A supermarket may seem like an odd place to buy clothes, and yes I totally agree. But when I randomly spotted these I just had to pop them in the trolley. Not the warmest, but they look cute and have non slip grips on the soles.

Not very seasonal, but I bought these as well... 

*Black running shorts - Kmart 

Just some simple workout shorts. Really great, fit well, look good. Big thumbs up from me! 

*Off-the-shoulder lace shirt - Supre 

I'm a little obsessed with off-the-shoulder items at the moment, and luckily they really suit me :) This white lace shirt would be perfect in spring or summer. But I actually wore this the other day with my green parka while I wasn't too chilly. 

Let me know what your winter staples are. 

Bella x