Don't Worry, Be Happy.

I thought I would write a little post, updating you on my 2014 so far. How can it be that we are almost a month into the new year. This year for my resolution I decided that instead of going for the same ones that I seem to set every year (exercise more and eat better), I thought I would go for something a little different.

2014 for me is the year that I will try to be more positive and make the most of opportunities that I am given. I have already mastered (kind of) the sport of snowboarding on my recent trip to Canada, which is something I can now comfortably tick off my bucket list.

Now this is a lot easier said than done.

I like to think that I am a relatively positive person generally. Sometimes I feel that I can be a bit of a pessimist, only looking at the things that can go wrong in certain situations. So this year I am going to try look for the silver lining in everything that I do, learning from my mistakes and growing as a person.

Good luck with your own resolutions for this year.

NYC Make-Up Purchases

On my recent travels to New York City, I treated myself to a whole new make-up collection. This was something that was well overdue as I was starting to use the last few drops of almost all of my products.

I decided to convert majority of make-up to NARS as I had heard both my friends and people online rave about how much they love, rely and continue to go back to this brand. So I decided to buy the necessities of foundation, concealer, translucent powder and a cheek pack. I have now been using the products for almost month now and I am so happy with the result. I love the way that these products make my skin look, with a very light and refreshing feel.

Probably my favourite purchase from my entire trip was Urban Decay's newly released Naked 3 eyeshadow palate. When I first went into Sephora they had completely sold out of  this palate pretty much everywhere over the entire country. When I returned later that afternoon however, they had managed to have delivered a few extra palates. Once I has those eyeshadows in my hand, I was sure not let go. I absolutely love all of the different shades within the set, and they complement one another.

I also purchased two MAC lipsticks within the creme collection, as my lipsticks were looking a little sparse and the lipsticks were ridiculously cheap compared to back home. The first was a hot pink (lickable) and the second was a nude (creme d'nude).

New York, The Greatest City on Earth.

New York City is the international centre of everything from fashion to food. I briefly visited New York in 2009, but only for a few days. However at the beginning of this year I was again fortunate enough to return to this iconic location.

A trip to New York would not be complete without a visit to Central Park. While we were there, we were lucky enough for it to snow. So we got to see this iconic park covered in a white layer a snow. It was so beautiful strolling through the grounds, seeing little squirrels jump around in the snow. You cannot visit Central Park without having a quick skate at the ice-rink. Even though I was absolutely rubbish and spent most of my time holding on for dear life to the side rail, I had such a great time.

In New York City I think I now understand the phrase “shop till you drop”, because that is certainly what I did. This city has a greater variety of brands than the entirety of Australia. Every shop I walked into, I could have easily have bought at least four items. This means that a lot, I mean a lot, of self-discipline was required. Also everything is so much cheaper, it actually makes my heart hurt. I never realised how expensive Australia was until I visited the USA.

However this large quantity of choice can be overwhelming for some, so I have compiled a list of some of my favourite shops, and shopping locations.

H&M

This brand is a worldwide phenomenal which are best know for there affordable clothes, being particularly popular with younger demographics. These massive department stores are generously scattered throughout New York City, so I guarantee you won’t have much trouble finding one.

Comme Des Garcon

This is a French based brand, which has made the leap over to the American and European market. Their quirky love heart clothing designs are worn by various celebrities. These shops are a little scarcer, so make sure you plan a trip to them, you won’t regret it.

SoHo

This famous vicinity of shops in Downtown New York is a must for any shopping lover. They have a huge variety of brands such as Kate Spade, Topshop and Joe Fresh, within such a compact space. You could literally spend an entire day walking around this amazing area, spending a fortune I may add.

Sephora

The one thing I promised myself before I left Australia is that I would not buy any make-up at home, and I am so glad I did. Sephora is almost like a make-up department store, for more high end products. They have numerous deals and gift sets, so you always feel like your money is well spent. Again this brand is located all throughout the city, and is definitely worth the trip if your make-up bag is looking a little sparse.

Finally if you are going to eat at one café or restaurant while you are in New York City, make sure it is the Magnolia Bakery. This place will change your life. This extremely famous cafe has such a massive variety of cakes, you feel like your putting on weight just looking at the selection. But don’t worry it is completely worth it. There is a cake flavour for everyone and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop at one.

A delicious red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing and lime cheesecake from Magnolia Bakery

New York has the power to make you feel famous, just by walking past well-known locations that you have seen in movies. Every restaurant you walk into, you are almost bound to see someone famous, or at least someone who looks to be. I can honestly picture myself living in New York City, and who knows, one day I may end up there.