Top 5 Movies of 2014

One of my many New Years Resolutions this year will be to watch more movies, as I really struggle to set the time aside to sit and watch a movie or go to the cinema. I'm pretty picky with the films which I do enjoy watching so this year I could only think of 5 which I really and truly loved. I have the most beautiful cinema, The Hayden Orpheum, just a stones throw away from where I live so next year I will definitely make an effort to go to see more movies.

Easy Mince Pie Recipe

Making Mince Pies before Christmas has been a tradition for me ever since I was a little girl, I remember always looking forward to baking with my nan. I would love eating the little pies and always put pastry stars on top. I only like homemade mince pies, I never eat shop bought ones, and last year I didn't make any so I missed out. This year I was determined to start my own tradition to continue making the mince pies, so my niece Violet got involved and we made this crumbly shortbread pastry version which turned out to be completely delicious. 

Fun Thrifty Creative Christmas Wrapping

I just love everything about Christmas, this year we bought our first Christmas tree since I've been living in Australia and as soon as I put it up weeks ago I felt excited. I love dressing up the Christmas tree and wrapping up presents, its an excuse to be creative and also to feel excited and festive. I am a big fan of old fashioned wrapping and usually stick to brown paper with various adornments which I tend to collect throughout the year. 

Instax 200 Wide

The Instax 200 Wide is one of my many cameras, I love writing posts like these about camera's as it's something I'm really passionate about. I have a degree in photojournalism so photography has been a long time love of mine. I decided to write about the Instax because I think this would be a great gift for Christmas. The Instax Mini seems to be favoured by bloggers but the photos from this one are so much bigger which is why I much prefer it, it's much more reminiscent of polaroid film and the film itself is super easy to get hold of and not too expensive.

Finders Keepers 2

Now for my favourite photos featuring some of my beautiful friends and family. I am so lucky to be surrounded by creative friends in both Sydney and London, they really are an inspiring bunch. I'm especially lucky to call such clever independent business ladies my friends in Sydney, who have welcomed me ever since I moved here and whose work I have admired for years now. Kirbee Lawler and Kelly White (The Storybook Rabbit) are my lovely crafty Sydney friends who had stall's at Finders Keepers and Louise Mulhall (Floralovely Calligraphy) is my beautiful sister in law who is lucky enough to work at all the Finders Keepers events. I've also saved my favourite seller from the markets for this post too and lots of lovely photos.

Finders Keepers 1

I just love the Finders Keepers markets, it's one event that I can't think of anything similar to in London and it just has an amazing feeling to it. I always try to support independent businesses and artist's and this event makes it super easy, with selected sellers all under one roof you can browse at your leisure whilst tasting delicious food and drink too! There's live music and such a wide variety of stalls it's easy to pick up all your Christmas presents in one hit. I'm splitting this into two posts so I can share with you all my photos and my favourite stall holders.

New Homeware Things

I get so excited about buying thing's for my flat its ridiculous. I remember the days where I used to go shopping for clothes every week, but these days I'm much better with my money and more picky with what I buy. With thing's for my flat I am trying to be restrained as we are just renting and who know's how long we will be here for so I am trying not to acquire too many things. However I have a massive soft spot for anything heart shaped and also anything by Cath Kidston. So when I was in the UK I couldn't resist picking up a few cute pieces from Next and Cath Kidston.

Brand Focus: Mac

Mac was the first high end beauty brand I ever splurged on back in my teenage years, and ever since then I've always loved the brand as a whole. I'm never one to buy their limited edition collections and I never go crazy with my make-up but a few of their products I have used daily for years. I love their bases, eyeshadows and lipsticks mainly but here are what I own by Mac and a few things I would like in the future.

New Things Recently

I recently did the classic trying to be organised with buying Christmas presents but actually leaving with more gifts for myself than for anyone else. Three of these things I've had my eye on for a really long time after seeing recommendations on numerous blogs and videos and one was a gift from my mum. I'm trying to keep things minimal so these are really thought out purchases and so far I love all of them!