Step into spring beauty.

Clockwise left to right: Sukin sensitive face moisturiser, Sportsgirl white nail polish (similar), Face of Australia Illuminator, Chi Chi BB cream, Body Shop Vanilla perfume oil, Face of Australia blush, Revlon PhotoReady eyeshadow pallet (505 - Impressionist), Revlon ColourStay Ultimate Suede (060 - It Girl) and Chi Chi Dramatic Lash in very black.

The weather is warming, the sun is rising earlier and setting later, flowers are in bloom and the world seems rather cheery. It can only mean one time of the year: spring. Everyone is shaking off the winter's chills and heading back outdoors to enjoy everything the world has to offer. It's the time of the year when fashion is at its most colourful which means the beauty is usually quite simple and effortless. I have compiled my everyday go-to make up products which will see me through the spring and into summer. They are your everyday basics with the inclusions of a pretty-in-pink blush and lipstick to keep the look fresh and rosy.

 On a side note, I can't rave enough about the Chi Chi BB Cream - it's brilliant! I have annoying combination skin and this cream smoothes out all of the uneven skin tones and redness to create a flawless looking base. And the best part is that it's just a moisturiser so it's light and doesn't require a ton of foundation over the top. Oh and it's SPF 30, so it's basically moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen in one tube! Brilliant!

What are your go to makeup products for spring?

Loving this week.

1. Candy Bars

Although they have been around for a little while now, candy bars are so fun and, pardon the pun, sweet to look at. Next time there is a soirée I'm involved in there will be candy, a bar and a candy bar! 

(Image Ruffled)

2. Brit + Co

It's like a well curated version of Pinterest with only the good bits of food, fashion, DIY and cool new products.

3. Everyday Food with Sarah Carey

I spent a whole Saturday afternoon watching these YouTube videos. Sarah is so clever and charismatic.  I love how she explains why she is doing what she's doing, like adding a pinch of salt to sweet dishes to enhance all of the flavours! I never knew... you learn something new every day they say!

4. Gelato

After experiencing Gelato Messina in Sydney for the second time this year it's safe to say that I am truly, madly and deeply in love with this creamy goodness. Whilst wandering the isles of Coles looking for something that I don't need but will buy anyway I stumbled upon the next best thing...Weis Hazelnut and Milk Chocolate Gelato. It's like the bad boy of ice cream, you know you should stay away but you just can't help yourself.

5. Kikki-K Dreaming notepad

How could anyone go past the adorable pink and mint notepad? I certainly couldn't. It's the perfect way to start getting organised and inspired for the day and week. The sections include 'today's top three priorities', 'things to get done' and 'don't forget'. The cute water coloured graphics make getting stuff done so much more exciting! 

In The Kitchen: Basic Brekky Granola

Personally, I like to start my day as healthy as I possible can. This means a good, wholesome and nutritious breakfast that sets the tone for the rest of the working (and eating) day. After eating oat and quinoa porridge for the last two wintery months I thought it was time to add some variety into my breakfast routine. This is a basic granola recipe that I came up with using ingredients I already had in my pantry. I used rice malt syrup which is a fructose free alternative to honey and maple syrup to make this granola. Most people eat their daily sugar intake from a single serving of breakfast so I try to eliminate that first thing in the morning, you never know when you might feel like a sneaky chocolate later in the day! The great thing about this recipe is that it is super easy, nutrient dense and affordable.

This is what you will need:

1 + 1/2 cups of quinoa (I used red but you can use white or black, what ever floats your boat)*

1 + 1/2 cups of oats

1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds*

1/2 cup of flax seeds*

2 tablespoons of chia seeds*

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 cup of rice malt syrup*

2 tablespoons of macadamia oil

* I find it's much more economical to buy these ingredients by the amounts needed from a health food store rather than from the supermarket in bulk. Rice malt syrup can be found in the health food isle of Coles and Woolworths.

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.

Line a tray with baking paper. Spread mixture evenly onto the baking paper. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until golden.

The granola should be a light and crunchy with the occasional bits that are all stuck together.  

With this basic recipe you get a healthy, nutritious, sugar-free breakfast that you can personalise with whatever other ingredients you would like to add; whether they be dried apricots, shredded coconut or nuts. I prefer mine the way it is with some stewed rhubarb (or seasonal fruit), yoghurt, a bit of almond milk and honey. 

Loving this week.

1. Element Eden Australia's Instagram feed

I have been loving some of the shots on Element Eden's Instagram these past few weeks. The photos have a warm and cosy sensibility about them that I really love. They remind me of Frankie magazine or my Nana's house. The second shot with the fresh flowers in the model's hair and her make-up is divine!

2. Crocheted Blankets

This colourful crochet blanket, made by my clever Nana, is keeping me warm and colourful this winter.

3. This post from The Cool Hunter

This post from The Cool Hunter's Instagram really resonated with me this week. Nothing is more educational and inspiring then seeing the world. I can't wait for the next time I go travelling.

4. Falling back in love with Urban Outfitters 'Apartment'

I haven't been on Urban Outfitters in yonks! Mostly because I stopped liking their clothes and the shipping was really expensive. I went back over there the other day and landed straight on their 'Apartment' store, saw that they now do free shipping over $50 and have since wish-listed about every item that ships to Australia on there! 

5. Dubai police cars...

This is just totally outrageous and kind of funny! Police in Dubai drive top of the line sports cars to fight crimes - read more about it on Lost At E Minor.

Leopard.

Coat: Vintage (similar)

Top: River Island (similar)

Sweater: Trenery (similar)

Jeans: Country Road

Boots: ASOS (similar)

I am very lucky to have a very generous and fashionable boss. One afternoon she invited me and a co-worker over to her home to go through some clothes she was going to donate to Lifeline. I saw this coat hanging on the donate rack and made a total bee-line straight towards it! There was no way this baby was going anywhere other than with me! It's soft, thick and a wee bit heavy but oh-so amazing. Wearing it on a cold winter's day is like being wrapped up in a doona, snug and toasty. Another thing I have learnt from my boss is matching patterns and colours to complement one another through your entire outfit. Taking inspiration from her I paired the leopard jacket with my leopard print sleeveless shirt and green sweater for some colour which is a little more me. Channelling my inner leopard spirit I went on to prowl through the long, dry grass at sunset.

Lady White.

Images from Pinterest

 Wearing white on white is one of the most daring statements you can make when it comes to fashion. All white exudes class and confidence in both that you look like a millionaire and in that you're self-assured you won't be spilling anything on your luxurious threads! To make the transition from winter to spring try a white on white with a skirt and top. Play with proportions and textures on top like knitted jumpers and sheer blouses for a fresh and contemporary look.