Fried Chicken and Beer; hitting the sweet spot

Last night Dean and I had a date night. He’s had a tough week at work and I – being the loving and thoughtful partner that I sometimes remember to be, decided to organize a Man’s Kinda Date Night.

Call it a cliche – but a good starting point for the man in my life is beer. Craft beer? Even better. An action packed, comic book hero movie to follow? You bet – and now I’m scoring brownie points all over the place.

Me, ready to get my pink wine on. Wearing my new trench coat from ASOS. Style Number 1160660

We headed down to Northcote to The Beer Spot for a couple of beers and a pre movie, early dinner.
The Beer Spot is a very low key little tap room that has 40 rotating brews of beer. Decisions! If you’re a beer drinker I believe this may be the equivalent to being a kid in a candy store.
Cleverly, they offer flights of beer, so you are able to taste a few before diving into your favourite(s).

I love this place for it’s easy going vibe. On any given Saturday afternoon, you will find a casual mix of young families (we take our 6 year old, Summer, with us sometimes) groups of friends, the occasional mild stag-do posse, couples, older people, younger people – and those people who have to take their dogs everywhere with them 😉
There is a bit of seating outside, but as it was pouring with rain, we grabbed a leaner and some stools and got toasty by the wall heater.
Dean had an IPA and I had a pink wine. Because I’m cute like that.

But where does the chicken come in, Nicky? You guys have probably heard of Nashville Chicken by now – it’s spicy fried chicken and it’s biiiiig in the States. I’m delighted to tell you that we now have our own Nashville Chicken Food Truck – Peach’s Hot Chicken.
Each week, The Beer Spot hosts a different food truck. A couple of weeks ago it was The White Lady. I haven’t had one of their burgers in years and let me tell you, it was yuuuuuum.

Ah, yet again I digress. The chicken. Peach’s offers offers 4 levels of heat, on your super crispy chicken, served in a sandwich (a brioche bun), wings or on a waffle.

We had the mild burgers as I had been forewarned by my sister who tried the medium previously and said that it was pretty spicy.
In retrospect – I wish I had been braver and had the medium as I feel like it would have been next level🔥 

They also offer sides; coleslaw and pimento Mac and cheese.
Hmmm, pimento Mac and cheese you say? I wasn’t sure that it would work. Be assured, that it does, I was wrong and it was the best.
I’m serious, it was the best Mac and cheese I’ve had in forever. Nice and gooey, a sharp cheddar taste and a kick of heat that doesn’t overtake the dish.

Two thumbs up – and ten points to Nicky for nailing the Man Date brief. Except, let’s be honest, I liked it too 👌

And so, with tummies full of chicken and beer, off we went to see Chris Pratt, I mean, the new Avengers movie.
And we lived happily ever after. Obviously ❤️

Nic xxx

Your Valentines Hot List

Valentines day is only 3 weeks away and this year, I have decided that the celebration will not be relegated to presenting Dean with a forlorn supermarket rose picked up from the checkout when I was out grabbing milk and cat food❤️💕

I have put together a little mix of all my favourite Valentines appropriate things for your perusing pleasure 😍

 

Dress from CrossRoads in size 8 to 22

Dress from Ezibuy (available in various sizes from 8 to 20)

Mini Dress from The Iconic (available in various sizes from 18 to 26)

Dress from the Warehouse (in various sizes 8 to 18)

Dress from Max Fashions (in sizes 8 to 18)

Kimono Wrap Dress from Isla-Maree (available in sizes S – L, fitting 12 to 22)

Dreamers Kimono from Augustine (One Size)

Broderie Shorts from Ezibuy (in sizes 8 to 20)

Heartbreaker Tee from ASOS in sizes 16 to 28 (Don’t forget ASOS does free shipping and returns)

Strappy Mules from Glassons

Red Gingham Slides from The Iconic

 

Pink and Red Heels from The Iconic (free delivery over minimum spend)

Thea Heels from The Iconic

Gina Satin Mules from The Iconic

Lulu Guiness Shopper bag from ASOS

Shorts and Tee Pyjamas from Ezibuy in sizes XS to 3XL

Shorts and Tee Pyjamas from ASOS (in sizes UK4 to UK18)

Flash Em PJ Set from BooHoo (in sizes 16 to 24)

Barbie Nightie from ASOS (in sizes 18 to 28)

Chiffon Lace Teddy from Boohoo (in sizes 16 to 24)

Rose Hoop Earrings from ASOS

MAC Matte Lipstick – Lady Danger

Sexy Pick up Sticks from ASOS

Sequin Heart Nipple Covers from Boohoo

Cheese Valentines Card from ASOS

Avocuddle Card from ASOS

Seasonal Update: Sheer, lace, frills and the sleeve

I am not a big fan of my upper arms. There. I said it. I know we are supposed to be body positive and love ourselves, and I do try, but in real life – I wouldn’t complain if they were smaller. First world problems really; I’m lucky – my arms are strong and I have two of them 🙂

But – if you are like me, and despair every summer over what to wear for special occasions, then fear not. This season there are lots of flattering options for ladies who don’t want to, or feel they can’t work the spaghetti strap!

Sheer

 

I recently bought this sheer black mesh long sleeved top from Glassons ($24.99). Perfect to wear with a singlet. Hint of sexy mama underneath.

I’ve just ordered this mesh style dress (above) from Next, (who go up to a size 20 in this dress) for $162. They also offer this dress in Tall and Petite, which is handy. Tip: I try and buy tall wherever possible in dresses and tops. The longer torso is useful in accommodating my large bust.

ASOS have a similar style, and they go up to a UK18 in this dress which costs $122

Lace

Its everywhere. In black or white. Not just in tops. In dresses and skirts too. Feminine and pretty like this white one I’m wearing from Eloquii or if you prefer, you can toughen it up with a coated jean or leather skirt.

Frills

This is another fun look. Think Victorian but less austere. A high neck frill or a frill across the bust (Although I would recommend these options more for my smaller busted ladies as these styles tend to emphasise your bust size). The one pictured above is from ASOS, goes to  a UK18 and costs $88

The Sleeve

This last one works in with all three of the above mentioned styles; sheer, lacy and frilly. The top I’m wearing above is from H&M.

(AND – lets face it, the bell sleeve is EVERYWHERE! Just look at pics from the Melbourne Cup yesterday and so many fashion darlings were working it.)

Lots of these sleeved looks come in lovely sheer and light fabric, or are nice and loose so the breeze can get at you on the balmier summer nights. The one pictured below is from Countryroad and costs $199 (I just bought it using their Spend and Save). Its a great example of what I mean. A sleeve, sheer, frill on the neck (and the metallic spots don’t hurt either). Keep an eye on my instagram account on Saturday night to see how I style this as I’m planning on wearing it out to dinner.

To be clear – I am not telling you to hide your arms under sleeves all summer – it’s just an option for your less confident days, and god knows we all have those, we are but human 😉

Cosmetics; Where to spend, and where to save.

If you are anything like me, you might wonder where to get an unbiased opinion, from someone in the know, about value for money cosmetics. I asked Professional Makeup Artist, Meags, from Makeup by Meags, about her favourite products, and if we really need to spend up large on all our products. Here’s what she had to say…

 

In the world of makeup there is a plethora of brands ranging from ‘affordable’ right through to ‘omg I’ll need to re mortgage the house to pay for that’. At what point though, are you paying too much for something? The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly applies to some products, and once you know where you’re best spending your pennies, then you can start building a decent makeup collection with products you truly love.

These are some of my favourite products that I use in my professional makeup kit..

Ardell Brow Defining Kit $19.90 http://www.recreateyourself.co.nz/ardell-pro-brow-defining-kit.html

This quad has 3 brow colours and one highlighting shade. The textures of the powders are perfect for brows and apply with a decent amount of pigment. The brow kit includes a brow brush and a brow wax too, quite the steal at under $20.

Australis Black Eyeliner $12 Kmart

This has to be the blackest eye pencil ever! It’s super creamy in texture which means it doesn’t drag on your eyelid or waterline. It has amazing staying power on the waterline too. I am always so impressed with this eyeliner, especially because the YSL one I previously used retails for about $47 and is average in comparison.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation $82 Mecca Cosmetica

This is definitely a splurge item but before you write this off as being too expensive, hear me out. If your skin looks good, everything else automatically just looks better too. Foundation is the hardest thing to get right, whether it be the texture or colour. The cheaper brand foundations just don’t compare. The main difference with budget brands and luxury brands is that usually luxury brands have a beauty advisor on the counter. As intimidating as it might be to approach a makeup counter, the girls are there to help and it means you can get your foundation properly matched up, also you can usually ask for a sample to take home and try too. It can be a large investment spending upwards of $80 on foundation so you will want to be sure it’s right.

The reason I use NARS Sheer Glow in my kit it is that it has an adjustable amount of coverage and I can build it up if I need too but it still feels like you have next to nothing on your skin. It has a gorgeous subtle glow to the finish, it wears well for a decent amount of time and most importantly, it has a great range of colours.

Garnier Oil Free BB Cream $17.50 Countdown/ New World/ Kmart/ The Warehouse

I have used these BB creams for a few years now and love them! It is my ‘go to’ for those days I just want to head to the shops but don’t feel like piling on a whole heap of makeup. It gives a beautiful sheer coverage, enough to even out the skin nicely. There are two colours called Light and Medium (light is more like a medium colour and medium is quite dark) I use both colours to mix together and create my perfect shade. These last forever too!

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows $8.82 ($6USD) http://www.makeupgeek.com

I feel like eyeshadows don’t always need to be an expensive purchase, especially if you’re buying Makeup Geek shadows. These start from $6USD through to about $14USD each and are bloody amazing! The pigment is intense and the range of colours is gorgeous. They also do ones called foiled eyeshadows which are an amazing buttery texture with an intense shimmer or reflect through them. You can purchase a ready made palette or build your own, plus they ship to NZ.

Blac Cosmetics Illuminator $35 http://www.blacosmetics.com

Highlighted cheekbones are super on trend right now and this illuminating powder hits the spot. It is super reflective and pigmented, and there are 3 colours to choose from. Another bonus is they are a New Zealand owned company!

L’oreal Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover $12 Kmart

There are plenty of high end makeup removers out there such as Lancome’s Bi Facil which retails for $66! Don’t get me wrong it is an amazing product but at the end of the day do you really need to spend that much money to get your mascara off? I have been using the L’oreal version recently and it literally does the exact same thing. I always recommend you buy the waterproof remover with the oil layer in it even if you don’t wear waterproof mascara, it just gets your eye makeup off way faster than the normal one.

I hope you find this wee insight into some of my favourite products helpful. If you have any questions about certain products please feel free to ask me anything!

Meags

xx

 

NYX Makeup – More makeup for your Money

I recently went to THE prettiest bloggers event held by NYX Makeup at Rockefeller in Auckland.
Let me set the scene, bubbly, oysters, flowers everywhere, beautiful people and lots and LOTS of makeup to play with. It was girly bliss 😍
I met some gorgeous and talented New Zealand make up artists and bloggers – all the while, really hoping no-one would ask me for my pro make up tips 😳

I have seen NYX on Instagram a lot – and often wondered what their products were like.
Well, I can say I’m now a fan 😉
Great colours, sparkly sparkles, longevity, good textures and last but by no means least; affordable!

I want to tell you about a couple of products that particularly impressed me;
1. Jumbo eye pencil in Gold – $12.95 (at Farmers)
2. Roll on Shimmer in Salmon -$10.95 (at Farmers)
3. Pore filler – $26.45 (at Farmers)

As you know, I’m not a make up artist, so I’m usually looking for things that make my life easier whilst staying on trend.
This is where the gold jumbo eye pencil comes in. It’s beautifully soft so it doesn’t drag on your lid, and the colour is so prettttty. And it has a true metallic finish. I can’t be sure but I think I may have mentioned in the past how I feel about metallics.

The roll on shimmer is also awesome. You can pop it on on your cheeks or lips but I wore it over the gold jumbo pencil. The glitter is so fine is just looks like shimmery dust. The effect was really cool but best of all it was easy!

As for the pore filler – I’m guessing you can figure out what that does. I put it on under my foundation (but you can wear it over your foundation or just on its own) and it literally wipes away (mattefies) the shiny open pore affect my skin seems to have! I’ve been meaning to try a product like this for years – ever since I saw the Benefit version, but I was dubious about wether or not it would work!

If you are interested in having a bit of a play with NYX products, you can find them in Farmers on Queen Street, or the Farmers website (and opening in 9 more stores around NZ this week)
Or you could just trust me and buy them online 💋

 

Creating Winter Luxe

 

This winter I am chasing a luxurious (read rich bi*ch) vibe.

As I am a part time Admin lady, I don’t quite fall into the rich category – but no worries ladies, I’m a big believer in fake it ’til you make it.

So, the elements required to create this elaborate ruse? Velvet. Faux fur. Metallics. Possibly not all at the same time 😂

I know this combo is probably giving you all sorts of 80s/90s flashbacks! But you know what they say, what goes around blah blah…
I have trawled about the Internet finding pieces you could add to your existing winter wardrobe (which I’m guessing is mostly black?) to give it a deeper and more luxurious feel.

Let’s start easy;
Velvet scrunchies, hair bows, chokers, a fluffy key ring?
If you prefer to play it a little safer (i.e. You’re not loud like moi 😉) than these are little elements you could add without feeling like everyone is staring at you.
PS – if they are staring, it’s in admiration, obviously 😘

New Look

New Look

Sportsgirl

Asos

Sportsgirl

Asos

New Look

Then, if you are feeling slightly braver you could try a Velvet top or bodysuit. Or a furry stole or scarf.

New Look

New Look

New Look

Max Fashions

Max Fashion

Country Road

Ruby

New Look

New Look

Or a furry gilet or coat.

New Look

ASOS

ASOS

Trenery

Ruby

Max Fashions

Or a metallic skirt, heels or bag (this Kenzo one from Shopbop is killing meeeee)

Monks at ASOS

Kenzo at Shopbop

ASOS

ASOS

Next

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

Remember – not all at once. Featuring one piece is always more effective than being a smorgasbord of every trend simultaneously. Just add one of these pieces to a simple outfit and it will be plenty. Trust me, rich bi*ch incoming 😉

Street Style Inspiration – Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia

Fashion Week seems like a pretty obvious place to find new looks, styles and fashion tips. And it is, but to me the really interesting looks are the street style snaps we see online – where we see what all the editors, fashionistas, bloggers and off-duty models are wearing. Where we get to see their interpretation of current or up and coming trends.

Heres a look at what inspired me at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia 2016

Bomber Jackets. This is a super easy one as bomber jackets are everywhere. I really like the idea of wearing them with a defined lip, jeans and a heel for a different night time look. I’m too old to be wandering around in barely there singlets and dresses for nights out – cue an evening outfit that is centred around a warm jacket. Um yes please.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

 

I just bought myself this one off ASOS for (gulp) NZ$161 and I plan to wear it with black jeans, gold heels and a red lip. I love the pink (obvs). And I love the satin which adds a luxe feel for the evening.

I found a heap more online if this one doesn’t push your buttons. The ones below are all ASOS, but check out New Look Fashion too.

Asos

Asos

Misguided at ASOS

The next look I noticed cropping up a bit is either a choker or a bandana/silk scarf tied around the neck. So, if your budget  does not stretch to a bomber jacket you could defo give this one a go instead.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

 

Here are a few bandanas and chokers I found on ASOS. Im sure you could pick up similar things in the shops locally too, but these are easy things  to pop onto your next online order if you don’t feel like traipsing around the mall 😉

Asos

Asos

Asos

Asos

Asos

Asos

Fisherman Chic

Fisherman Chic is just a ridiculous Zoolander-esque description I made up myself to describe this seasons ‘look’.

On Saturday I went to Newmarket for a little window shop and I felt that the consistent palette coming through was rust (reddish brown) and olive green.

Not to say that the usual winter suspects weren’t there, there was plenty of our old pal burgundy. Black, grey, charcoal, camel and navy were there too.

The look, apart from the colours; is chunky knits, chinos, hooded anoraks – imagine, if you will, what a slightly (read very) hipster fisherman from Cape Cod would wear.

Sportsgirl

Countryroad

ASOS

ASOS

Back to the colours, rust and olive can be mixed and matched with black, grey and navy very easily. Equally good with denim.

Make up wise I would do a burgundy lip with the olive green (but not red, it’s too Christmassy looking) and a red lip with the rust. If you’re not a loud lipstick girl like me, a nude would do just fine too!

Anyway, have a look at all these options I’ve spied in the shops and of course, online ☺️ and see if there’s anything you might fancy putting on your winter lust list x

Countryroad

Sportsgirl

Countryroad

Sportsgirl

Countryroad

Countryroad

ASOS

Countryroad

Countryroad

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

Countryroad

Glassons

ASOS

MAX

ASOS Curve

MAX

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

MAX

ASOS

ASOS Curve

ASOS

This post is independent and has not been sponsored or endorsed by any of the brands listed or noted above. This is a personal blog and the opinions expressed here are my own

Investing in your Winter Coat

Recently I was invited to a PR event hosted by K&K Fashion. I will be honest. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I hadn’t been in one of their stores for a very long time – writing it off as too old. Well, the upshot of that is either they’re becoming more youthful or I’m getting older?! Obviously, it must be the former.

I found a number of pieces that were not only good quality, but could also easily slot into the wardrobe of the average 30 something, New Zealand woman. But one piece particularly stood out for me – this grey wrap coat.

For me a good winter coat needs to cover a couple of bases, as it’s not the cheapest piece of clothing one buys. Quality and versatility. Two key factors to consider when outlaying a decent amount of money.

This coat is 100% wool – so that’s your quality box ticked.

This light grey is a classic colour that can be effortlessly mixed with various other prints and tones. Versatile.

I have put together a few looks so you can see what I see 🤓

The look above is a casual weekend look. I’m wearing white jeans (first time wearer, long time considerer) from New Look Fashions, a striped white and burgundy top from ASOS, and white converse all stars. Notice the coat is the only grey thing I am wearing because it’s a neutral – no need to play matchy matchy with this one.

This next look is to show how it can be dressed up with a more corporate look.It really drapes beautifully. I’m wearing a black dress and leopard print belt both from ASOS and black heels from Zara.

The final style is just a fun look I put together where another colour – blue – is the star of the show. The grey really helps the blue to pop without being as ‘heavy’ looking as a black coat could be. The dress is Boohoo from ASOS and the glasses – you may remember from a few posts ago – are from Parker and Co Eyewear and are Saint Laurent.

(Side Note: Look how grumpy I look when I’m “modelling”)

This coat is NZ$279.90 – which I was happy to pay for the reasons noted above. K&K sizing ranges from Small to 3XL.

What you choose for your winter coat is obviously up to you, this one or a myriad of others. But if I could make one small request of you – it is that you consider something other than black. Maybe Grey. Or camel. Perhaps tan. Navy. Burgundy. Forest Green. Olive. Khaki?

Ladies – Lets try and reverse the tide of black this winter, one coat at a time.

ASOS

Coats from Top to Bottom, From Left to Right:

Top row: Trenery, Countryroad, Sportsgirl, Countryroad

Row Two: ASOS, ASOS, ASOS

Row Three: Witchery, Trenery,Witchery, ASOS

Row Four: Sportsgirl, Glassons

Row Five: ASOS, ASOS, ASOS, ASOS

Row Six: Sportsgirl, ASOS

Row Seven: ASOS, ASOS

PS – This post is independent of K&K Fashions and has not been sponsored or endorsed by them or any of the other brands listed above. This is a personal blog and the opinions expressed here are my own.

On my Radar this week

Here’s what’s in my imaginary shopping bag this week!

A shirt from UK brand, Boden, that’s easy for work but would equally ‘dress up’ well with a strong lip and statement earrings. NZ$98 (including shipping costs)

A plaid shirt for winter from Asos. Great with jeans or leggings, worn open over a t shirt or buttoned up. NZ$43

A winter dress from Country Road. Love this colour and the self tie waist is really flattering. NZ$199

White sneakers – have been eyeing these Adidas originals for a while. I think I will actually have to buy these. Goes with everything. Like actually. From ASOS NZ$175

Lastly are these super cute earrings from Bauble Bar. They are plain white so I think they would look really crisp against a red or burgundy lip. Great even with just a white shirt and jeans. NZ47 (plus shipping)