beach essentials

So it's summer in NZ and it's been amazing. Everyday its been sunny and hot and all there is to do is jump in the ocean at work because it's too hot to do anything else.

It's amazing and of course summer means beach and beach means beach essentials, so here is mine!

Bikini // Well this is kind of essential...unless you don't want to swim. And if that's you well you are missing out! I love my bikini from Piha Swimwear but it's a style for 2012/2013 so it's not available now - expect the top is available at north beach for a cheap price if you are interested.

Towel // If you are swimming you need one, if you are sunbathing you need one, it's just needed ok? Don't go and argue it please. I got this very pretty one for christmas from my parents and it's from Karen Walker. It's the most prettiest anchor design in blue. I love!

Instax Mini // I love my instax and getting instant beach snaps are the best I think. The lighting is perfect and retro looking beaches are just on point. I know that my instax will go on every trip this summer. I'm trying to take an instax for everyday in January and so far I've succeeded. Will share soon.

Magazines // When you've been for a swim, a nice relax with a frankie magazine is great! But any magazine is great for a read and it's easier to flick and not end up stuck in a book. But if that's what you want then bring a book. But you might forget to put your sunblock on.

Beauty Products // The obvious product is sunblock. NZ summers are harsh and you can get burnt so quickly. Having good sunblocks and a necessity to survive actually. I also find having an SPF lip product essential because my lips get burt so easily and it's hideous. I've also got this oil for your hair that is really good for protecting your hair from the sun and salt. This will keep your hair nice and healthy.

Water Bottle // Dehydration is very common if you are busy it's very easy forget to quench your thirst. Having a pretty drink bottle is a good idea and then you won't forget. My favourite is my nude water bottle. It has an infuser that can be put into it for infused water with fruits or mixes. My favourite is lemon and mint. Read my infused water post for more ideas.

Jewellery // I love having jewellery than I can wear all summer. My favourite are my rope bracelets - one is homemade from sailing rope and the other is from miansai. I also have a natural seashell ring on a sliver chain which I love. I can wear all of this at the beach so it's great!

Hat + Sunglasses // Be sun mart and sun safe with a nice hat and a pair of sunnies. You can be stylish with your protective gear. Remember to put on a t shirt when you have had a lot of sun for the day, your skin will thank you!

Enjoy your summer and the beach (and your winter and snow if that's what you have!)

- harri xx

keeping a diary

Is everyone ready for 2015? I know I'm ready for a fresh start, though I don't love the "new year, new you" saying. I think you can have a 'new you' everyday, there is always things to improve on.
I've never kept a diary very well. I'm all keen in January and then it gets tossed to the back of the cupboard and won't make an appearance in any other month of the year. Can I just get a January diary anyone?
But this year I'm going to keep my diary and here's some tips that I think will help both of us.

find the one that's right for you // A standard diary doesn't work for everyone. I've used planners and wall calendars and lots of different things through out the years. Some people prefer weekly views, maybe daily views and even monthly views. It may take some experimenting, but don't force a use of a diary, try and find something just for you. Maybe the frankie magazine wall planner would be suitable for you, or a kikki.k monthly pad planner. It's all up to you. This year I got a weekly diary from Kikki.K which is so cute.

pen vs. pencil // I'm sure this will spark an argument. Is pen or pencil better. I like using black pen because it looks so tidy and this year my diary is going to be black pen. But what if things changes, and with our busy lives they are guaranteed to do so. So for things that aren't confirmed - write in pencil and rub it out. Then when its the night before go over it with pen. This can help you with checking your diary every night.

let's go places // Don't leave your diary at the back of the cupboard like I do. Take it places, leave it out on your desk ready at hand when your friend texts you a selection of dates and times. Be ready and have as many things as possible in your diary so you don't miss a thing. This will definitely help you organise your 2015 so you have more time for fun and goal achieving

make it fun // Don't be boring! Get out your craft supplies (I know you have them) and washi tape and sticker that diary up. Make it fun for yourself so have fun prettifying every day, week and month. It's sure to make using your diary more fun.

more than a planner // Use your planner for more than a schedule, do some to do lists, right your goals, keep notes and bits and pieces in your diary. Most planners come with some form of pocket in the back or there is a cool tutorial here to add your own book pocket.

Have a structure // To keep it nice and neat, keep a structure. If you want different colours, have a color code - blog posts in pink, personal life in blue etc. Or use highlighters or put a box around important things. It always looks nice to look back on if everything matches and is in theme.

Hope this might get you started on using a diary
I'm back next week with an exciting photo a day project - so here's my tip, start taking some photos
- harri xx