Gift Yourself: BaubleBar Under 35$

Maybe it's a little early to think about Christmas...
but maybe you just deserve to give yourself a gift.

I prefer ear jewellery because it highlights my favourite feature - which is my eyes. I've been a fan of statement earrings, and I've been interested in getting an ear cuff for a while.

Nevertheless, here are my top goodies I'd pick for myself from the Baublebar.

PS - Great quality for the price, I definitely recommend a browse.

Droplet Ear Cuffs, 28$

Click Here

Hermes Ear Cuff, 28$

Click Here

Ciaro Ear Jackets, 28$

Click Here

* Personal Favourite 

Khaleesi Braslet, 32$

Click Here

I LOVE THIS. I LOVE GAME OF THRONES. OMG.... omg.

Enjoy,

Marina G.

Minature Mother Nature

Have you heard of Diatoms? I haven't until a few weeks ago in my biology lecture.

What are they? They are a major group of algae, and among the most common types of phytoplankton...

Strikingly beautiful for being a few microns in size!

What's more incredible is that they account for over 85% of the world's Carbon sink in the oceans; curious to think, could increasing their populations in the oceans provide a means of removing carbon from our atmosphere? Increasing carbon dioxide causes oceans to be more acidic - although it's a nice notion to use diatoms to our environmental advantage, their numbers have been dwindling due to increasing temperature in the waters, which causes their structural breakdown.

But nevertheless, it's stunningly beautiful how small and perfectly symmetrical they are. What I like is how scientists put together diatoms under the microscope in arrangements into art.

More diatom art, click the link here.

Enjoy,

Marina G.

They have been used in many artistic arrangements

Make A Wish, It's the ISS

Sweet little app I found, ISS Tracker

Credit should be given to my Dad, who told me eagerly that that he saw the International Space Station one night thanks to this app.

He was out camping and used it - it comes multiple times during the day and night, and you will be able to spot it.

Take a look here, it's on the web too!

And get it on the app store here. 

Basically, it tells you where to look, what time it will pass and what kind of visibility will be like.

Also, it shows you where it flies over the rest of the world.

Kinda fun especially for the outdoors - I saw it tonight myself and it looked like a shooting star!

PS - It's shining because it's reflecting light off the sun

PPS - It's hard to see at night when it's clear because stars are so bright!

Enjoy,

Marina

A Necklace, A Scarf, and A Belt

Hey Guys!

I hope everyone is doing well! Lately I've been absolutely obsessed with accessories. I can't tell you why, or how this happened but I can share with you the top three accessories that I have been keeping my eye on!


1. Tiffany Hearts Arrow Pendant - Tiffany & Co

2. WILFRED Mixed Stripes Blanket - Aritzia

3. Moschino Belt

Fall Find: Menswear Shorts

The struggle of finding the perfect fall short boils down to two things:
1) You want it versatile - fall-y enough to wear with tights, and without
2) Can't be made of super thin material
And bonus, if you like me and have more Anaconda than most...
The fit and length.

Nevertheless, I have found what you seek.

Urban Outfitters, Link Here

On sale for $19.99 from $69

Fret not, these shorts are flattering for both curvy and slim physiques. Looks great with sweaters and tee's, which is perfect for the most of relentlessly unpredictable fall weathers.

This is how I wore it:

The shorts + thin brown leather belt

Long sleeve red crop top from Zara 

Paired with a red lip to match

PS - Red wine is the best colour. ;)

Enjoy,

- Marina G.

Books for Greatly Improving One's Life

Gravitating towards self-help books has been a result of the reduced time I have in my life for reading.

I was genuinely surprised at how much I've learned, grown and developed as a result of reading these books, and I've been raving about them ever since to all of my friends...

Not to sound too much like a billboard, but these books definitely deliver what they are meant for - overall happiness, improvement, peace and wisdom in your life.

If you don't trust me, trust the Dalai Llama.

Warning: Reading this once hits the surface. Every time you re-read this, will be a different experience.

The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra

4/5 on Goodreads

The title of the book really does it justice - I have gained so much insight, and I've re-read it twice and still haven't fully grasped the depth of the content - very straight forward but a slow read (four months) as the benefit only comes if you apply it's lessons to your own life and situations.

What I've Learned:

1) How to deal with negative emotions such as stress, greif, confusion, anxiety, sadness in a variety of productive ways

2) How to unlock your own potential by gaining insight into who you are as a person

3) How to find happiness through situations in which you think there would be none

Willpower by Roy F. Baumeiser and John Tierney

4/5 on Goodreads

Read this at the beginning of the summer; works by helping someone understanding their capability to succeed, and especially useful to read if you're experiencing doubt, indecision or confusion.

What I've Learned: 

1) Willpower is like a muscle - the more you use it, the more it's fatigued

2) Willpower shouldn't have to be used often, only when necessary

3) How to get through moments when you think you have no motivation

The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Llama

4.1/5 on Goodreads

Not for the faint of heart, but the challenge is greatly worth the effort. The translator did a choppy job and it's awkwardly worded at times, but I like how at the end of each chapter, there was a step by step list of how to apply the lesson you learned you your own life and situations.

It makes you appreciate the complexity of happiness - and shows you methods of approaching difficult situations in productive ways.

What I've Learned:

1) How to develop peace in my life

2) Developing new methods of accepting difficult situations rather than opposing them

3) Developed a healthy perspective in assessing my own happiness

* Must read for anyone in my opinion

These would be great books to read in conjunction as they compliment each other in different ways. The Art of Happiness definitely encompases many more lessons and ideas about well living and peace that The Book of Secrets does not give a deep enough assessment about. Happiness definetley needs a whole book dedicated to it's explanation.

& Willpower can be helpful for anyone seeking career success, can't imagine anyone who would mind that advice.

Enjoy,
- Marina G.

My Watch

I first saw my watch on Instagram through the page of the lovely Evelina Barry.

Then I saw it again, and again... people who I follow on Instagram were raving about this watch like it was the best thing since sliced bread.

Let me tell you... this watch (for me) is the best thing since sliced bread.

I have been looking for a watch since I graduated high school... three years ago, but I have never been able to find the perfect watch that I was willing to wear around all day, every day. I looked at the ever so popular Michael Kors watches, Tag Heuer Watches and every other brand that my friends and family recommended to me. Nothing felt right. Until, I discovered Daniel Wellington. Before Daniel Wellington I was looking at two brands, Shore Projects and The Horse, who both sold almost identical watches. While they are of a similar minimalistic style to Daniel Wellington, neither offered the simple elegance nor the rose gold detailing that Daniel Wellington did.

About a month ago, I took the plunge and ordered my watch.

I ordered the Classic Sheffield Lady. When placing your order, you have the option of choosing either Rose Gold or Silver, and you can scroll through the website to find the face or strap colour/style that works best for you.

I chose a black strap because of my preference for monochromatic colours, the standard white face and the rose gold case to ensure that the watch could tie together gold and silver jewellery.

It took about three weeks to receive my watch (which was excruciatingly long to wait for something) but it was so worth it. After wearing it for about a week, I keep falling more and more in love with it. I find that because the watch is so simple, understated, and very different from the traditional Michael Kors watches that most girls wear around my university it is a great conversation starter. I've had so many girls come up to me and ask me about my watch, where I got it, and other questions along that train of thought. Seriously one of the better investments that I have made in the last year.

I hope you guys found this post interesting! I'll post how I style my watch and what I wear jewellery wise everyday once I figure that out myself!

XOXO
Steph