A little while back, I thought it would be fun to do favourite things kind of post. Feature books and products, homewares to skincare—stuff I’ve seen on the interwebs in a roundup style post. But then, from memory, it was Afterpay Day. And the very idea of sending out a post flogging stuff, even if it was for entertainment, was a no thanks.
But, some time has passed, and I’ve found more interesting things. I added an extra book and some sunscreen, an old favourite brand has a new offering, and some new-to-me products popped up. And since I feel a little better about the scale of emails in my inbox, I thought it was time. So, here they are, the many things that caught my eye on the interwebs lately; let’s do this.
12. Mr Consistent Mixers are refreshing, delicious and just as good alone or with soda water. Yum yum.
What have you discovered this month, team? I’d love to hear more about what is landing in your cart. Big or small, silly or serious, I’m sure some retail therapy has been helping us all through these weird and wonderful times. Enjoy the post, and as always, shop responsibly.
While I have smugly advanced past the cheapest of wines, that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in getting value for money. I think maybe I just drank too much of the Accomplice Sav. Blanc back in the day to even stomach anything like it these days. Haha. Recently I shared a post asking for wine suggestions and the hot tip. You delivered, as always, so I went on the hunt to see if I could find the wine that would become my new favourite.
Now, I’m no wine expert by any means.
But, I’ll try anything once and like what I like, whatever the price tag. My taste leans a little drier than your average white wine drinker, but not all the way. As I flicked through the pages of wines, I started wondering how good some of these wines could be for under $20! One was under $7, which is the limit of cheap and cheerful I go these days if I’ve learned my lesson. All can be bought in larger quantities that reduce the price further.
Would they taste okay? Would we enjoy them, and would I be able to share them with family and friends without being exposed as a cheapskate? Not that that should be your primary concern when making purchases, but come on, who doesn’t love to find an excellent drinking wine to bring that has people asking about it?
Lord of the wines, that’s my goal in life.
But also, is it possible to enjoy an inexpensive wine and not suffer the consequences of the preservative hangovers. Precisely what happens to me with some low-cost wines. Does that ever happen to you? One glass or many, it makes no difference. When the preservative hangover comes for you, you’re done for. If you know, you know. Yikes.
With a determination to enjoy another hot girl summer, I went hunting for the best summer wines. They had to be drinkable and perfect for beachside, poolside, picnics and BBQs. I’ve included Uncle Dan links in the list below and the complete product name if you want to find them elsewhere. I figure, who doesn’t (other than us here in Gympie) have access to a Dan Murphey, right? Anyway, who’s thirsty? Let’s dive into that, shall we?
Now, I can be a little partial to a pretty label, which is reflected in most of my choices. If it was a toss-up between two similar wines, I chose the prettiest. I’m a shallow and horrible human being, I know. But they wouldn’t have made this list unless I personally love them or the reviews gave them four or more stars with reviews that said they were highly drinkable. That’s what really matters, right? What’s on the inside.
And one last favourite!
One of my favourites, not under the $20 mark, but well worth the try, is the 6Ft6 Prosecco Nv ($25). I first tasted this at one of the Melbourne Fashion Week events and had to buy more once home. Plus, black and white stripes are so on-brand for me. Haha. Once, I even worked with them to do a giveaway on the blog (I made prosecco cocktails, you’re welcome). While it’s the highest-priced on the list, I find that you can often score an offer or deal that reduces the per bottle price. I’m keen to try their new 6Ft6 Prosecco Rosé, so if you score a bottle, let me know how it is.
How about some wine subscription action?
Something else that I enjoy doing to discover new wines is getting my Good Pair Days box (that’s my referral link, FYI. Sign up, and we both get a free $40 bottle of wine; score). I have a four wine bottle subscription delivered per month and have had the best time discovering new wines via their deliveries. Not to mention their packing rocks and they send all these presents as you order and reviews wines. Things like tea towels, bottle openers, champagne corks and even a thermal cup and bottle; I love that.
Are you interested in such things? I’ve done an entire post featuring some of the best-reviewed Wine Clubs and Box Subscriptions out there. If you’re into trying new things and are okay with other people having a go at picking your wines, check them out. I think it’s fun, and it’s like having a present to me, from me delivered every month. It’s the best use of my adult money I can think of. Haha.
You want it, sure, but do you need it? You want it, sure, but do you need it? Are you looking to purchase a new iPad and comparing the iPad Pro to other versions of the iPad? Me too. One of the first comparisons I made when I purchased my iPad Pro last year was the iPad Pro* vs. Standard iPad. Especially when it came to the uses with the Apple Pencil. I was looking to replace my 2009 Macbook Pro for on-the-go type adventures. My Macbook Pro takes up over half the allowable weight for most checked luggage and therefore wasn’t going to work for any work travel-related goodness. I wanted a light, easy to manage and packed with features alternative, and the iPad was where I set my sights.
Part of me thinks that I should have got the new Macbook, but that is a different post.
I knew that I wanted to use the Apple Pencil, for that I blame numerous artist YouTube channels I watch. Despite not having any drawing talent and the worse handwriting known to humankind, I wanted to write. It felt old school, and I thought my love of lists would convert better to digital if I wrote them down. More on that later. So, my search started with iPads that could pair with the Apple Pencil. Easy, using it with the pencil narrowed down my choices to the regular iPad* and the Pro. (You can now access the pencil with the iPad Mini* too, more choices! I’m glad it’s not me).
From there, I dove into the rabbit hole of YouTube reviews, comparisons and unboxings. And that is when I believe the crazy kicked in. Not only did I see the reviews that said that the IOS still lacked in the whole use it as a computer thing, but I was unswayed. I learned the price of setting the whole thing up, and I made up my mind anyway. I was doing it. I got the iPad Pro* in the 12.9-inch screen size (From A$1,329) because go big or go home, I guess. Plus a keyboard case and the Apple pencil, of course. I was looking to replace a computer here.
And close to $3,000 later, the iPad pro was mine. Ouch.
As someone who spent the better part of four years working up to affording and justifying the iMac, that’s why I say that I feel like my senses left me. Did I need the 12.9-inch screen? No. Had I had an iPad before and found the lack of access to some websites I use for work limiting. Yup! But there I was going all-in when now I know that something a little more modest would have been fine. Better than fine, actually. This is usually my suggestion to anyone trying to decide between the two.
Even now, as I do more of my planning and note-taking on my iPad, a regular iPad (from A$499) would have been preferable, especially something a little smaller. The iPad Pro with the 12.9-inch screen is a two-hand job most of the time, so if you’re not so great at balancing or perching an item while you write, read or browse, go with a smaller option. While the larger screen is great when it’s attached to the keyboard case and masquerading as a laptop, I find it really hard to handle in that case to use the pencil. So, I have two cases, and when I’m doing pencil based tasks, I use the slimline flip case, and when I need the keyboard, I switch to the Logitec Keyboard.
Which yes, is just another expense and inconvenience.
But it’s not all bad news, not at all. There are soooo many functions of the iPad Pro that I don’t use. The impressive camera and the visually stunning display. There are new keyboards and trackpads available, and the software is being updated all the time. For me, it’s certainly an investment into what it can do rather than what I use it for now. At the moment, I’m ashamed to say it’s nothing more than a glorified planner. Would I repurchase it? No. But should you? Probably also no, unless you have bigger uses for it.
Yes, it’s easy to get caught up with the biggest and shiniest. But let’s get real, there is a huge price difference here. I’m not your Mum; I’m not going to tell you what to do with your money. But step away from the internet for a moment and really think about how and when you’ll use it. Think of the situation (including the fact the Pro will almost always need a surface) and what you need. Trust me, the comparables between the Pro and the standard version are pretty similar. Seriously, get what you can afford and don’t look back. There’s no wrong answer here.
That’s about it from me. I’m going to throw the iPad on charge and see what else I could be using it for. What do you think? Do you own an iPad or similar? Which version did you go with and why?
Skillshare, I love it. What can I say? I could happily spend the day with Skillshare courses playing in the background of whatever I’m doing. And as someone who couldn’t say no to whatever new online course was being offered by the influencer of the moment, this is a win for me. And a money-saver too, but we can talk about that towards the end because I have a referral link, obviously. Haha. But let’s talk about today’s post and why most of you are actually here, shall we?
Lately, I’ve been working on reinvigorating this blog and opening some new doors over at Chalkboard Digital (my actual business). Skillshare was the first place I looked for ways to get excited again, reset my focus and learn some new skills. I thought maybe some of you are looking for a way to do the same. Whether it is a blog, business or personal brand, these courses have something for everyone; there’s even one on TikTok.
The easiest way to find what you need is to click through the links that speak to you and go from there. The Skillshare course gods will recommend other courses by the presenters or in that category. I’ve loved exploring ways to capture more of our life on camera (whether it’s for Instagram or not) as well as personal writing with one of the great, Ms Roxane Gay (legend). But the thing that got me excited and reinvigorated to blog again was the offerings from blogger Kate Arends at Wit & Delight. A fellow lifestyle blogger, I found a lot of middle ground with her thoughtful, peacefully delivered classes. Seriously, I could listen to her voice all day!
Enough rambling from me. You get it. It’s time; get over there and explore.
I’ve had Skillshare Premium now for a couple of years and constantly find something that I’m interested in. What about you? Have you checked it out in the past? I feel like I’ve raved about those Kate Arends classes before on the blog. I’d love to hear about your favourite courses. And as someone who hasn’t taken part in a Workshop yet, have you participated in one? So far I’m all watching, no participating, maybe we could take on a workshop or two together. Let me know!
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Get 14 free days of Skillshare Premium when you sign up using my link.
I’ve been on the hunt for WordPress themes for bloggers as a way to freshen up my website, and another site I was updating. This is something I do often enough. What can I say, the trends around this kind of thing change often and keeping up is essential. Don’t laugh; these are the things that occupy my time. Haha. It wasn’t long into my search that I had a billion and one tabs open. Then I realised, maybe finding the right theme for your blog is something you guys struggle with too. And here we are.
Before we start, let me say a couple of things.
Firstly, all of the templates I included in this post had positive reviews for easy installation and after-sales customer service at the time of posting. If that changes in the future and you’re looking at them, please let me know and I’ll remove the template from the post.
Why? Because to me, when it comes to purchasing a theme, those are the things I’m looking for. Does it install well (no issues or glitches, no complicated setup instructions to follow) and after I’ve bought it, does the seller support the theme and me, as a customer, well.
The second thing that I want to mention is if you’re building a blog, look through the free WordPress offerings first. There may be something that you like before you purchase a theme. Themes are a bit like photographers with presets or teenagers and water bottles from Typo; there’s no end to how many you can buy. You should know that there are a lot of great free options in the WordPress Dashboard, start there. Try some out. At very least they’ll give you an idea of what you like.
Not a blogger yet? Are you ready to start your blog? Open this blog post of mine and refer back to it later. It will take you from the first steps of choosing a blog name and platform through to getting your first blog post published. I’ve tried to make it a bit of a process you can follow so that you can work through it, setting your blog up as you go. And team, with all that out of the way, let’s get started.
Awesome WordPress themes for bloggers!
My Go-To Divi for all the things
The template I use for SO many projects, this blog included (as at today) is Divi by Elegant Themes. It’s based around a content builder and comes with large, actually make that huge, selection of child themes as part of the main one. You can buy an annual subscription or go all out for the developer version and never pay again. This blog is built on Divi, so is my husband’s website here and this one we did for the team at The Career Planner which they have been successfully updating themselves since the website build in 2019. Plus, at the time of doing this post, they have just launched their Theme Marketplace, so if you’re not into any of the MANY themes they offer built-in, there will be something for you there.
Some great options that have been around a long time are Moesia, Nimbus (which looks a little like my theme here) and Magazine. They can all be found under Appearance > Themes > Add New, which is where you can also browse the other free WordPress themes that are built into the platform. When I started making on WordPress, I used a free theme and customised it where I could. The problem with Free WordPress Themes is that you can be restricted in how much customisation you can do and even what plugins will work with them. A great starting off point and well worth a look.
After my first adventure in FREE WordPress themes, I decided it was time for me to invest, so I went to ThemeForest. I had an account there already because I used Joomla before WordPress and they offered templates for Joomla sites there too (at the time, I think it’s pretty outdated now). On ThemeForest, it becomes imperative only to buy themes that have great reviews, but also, the team is responsive in the questions section, and there’s not repeated ‘I couldn’t get any help’ comments there. It can be hard to get a refund on ThemeForest, so do your due diligence with any Theme you like there. Be sure, and don’t be afraid to buy the more popular items, they’re probably popular because they work.
Finally, the place where I suggest people go if they are DYI’ing their blog. Etsy offers a HUGE amount of options, not just for WordPress but for all bloggers and website platforms. My biggest recommendation is to find one that you like, with FONTS you love, straight out of the box. Some of theme will allow customisation for colours and fonts, but not all. Trust me; you’re better off finding one that works for you without too much work. Otherwise, you may as well customise a free Theme and save your money. Here are some I found on a recent search.
There you go! I know this year has been a big one for starting new blogs or relaunching old ones. As I mentioned in my blog post about how to start a blog, I recommend you get going on WordPress. But straight out of the box, it’s pretty basic. This post should get you all set up with some excellent options for blog layouts.
Why does that matter? It probably doesn’t, you know. I think if you open a blog and want to write, share your work or whatever you’re doing, how it looks doesn’t matter. But, if you’re a little bit like me, those things do matter. Having them look good and how I want them too, does matter. Take learning to code/starting from scratch off your list and get going. Let them inspire you to get started (or keep going!). Enjoy. x
You know how the song goes; these are a few of my favourite things! But to be honest, I can’t believe that the end of June came around so quickly. But here we are, and I learned a few things from last month to make sure this month is a little more interesting. These Favourites posts are about getting the opportunity to share what I’ve been enjoying for the month, about sharing with you accounts and vendors that I think will be interesting to you.
My June Favourites
Favourite Style – The Big Fashion Guy
I was thinking about men the other day. Which may seem like an unusual way to start a sentence, but here we are. I was thinking about my post for plus-sized teens and how it doesn’t include stores for boys. As part of that energy, I went hunting for plus-size male influencers online and found some great ones. The Big Fashion Guy included. Cool, stylish with all that on-trend magic. Everything I miss about fashion blogging (yes, I do miss it) with a great smile too boot. If there is someone out there who is inspiring me to get back into my jeans, they have to be worth it. Even better, he created an account called Men of Size, which is full of big, beautiful, men from all over the world. You can’t argue with THAT.
Favourite Beverage – Good Pair Days
I joined Good Pair Days to try out some new wines. Lockdown has been a cause for many, many wine-inspired evenings and it was time I gave my local bottle shop a break. Though, to be fair, they continue to do very well out of me. I’m about to have my second box delivered with 7 wines. Good Pair Days offers subscription options from 3 bottles. We ordered 10 in our first box at the start of June; desperate times. I’ve tried a range of white, sparkling and red wines and been happy with the quality. Some haven’t been to my taste. But the team got in touch, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their customer service. I told them I was here for new wine and happy to experiment with the selection process as we go. New wines, come to Mumma.
I’m someone who has downloaded the majority of meditation apps out there and never gotten through the trial period without deleting them or getting frustrated with the available plans. I probably need meditation more than most judging by that response. Right? Anyway, this post inspired me to download them again and find one I like. One that works for me and inspires me to stop, take a moment and recharge. And yes, annual subscriptions can seem like a rip off with this sort of thing, but as you can see above, investing in such things isn’t foreign to me. So, I need to get over that and try. If you’re a little like me, and in need of some guidance in the vast big world of meditation apps, start at this post. I think it will help!
Favourite Maker – Tantri Mustika Ceramics
I’ve got a thing for beautiful pots and mugs, ceramics, really. It’s something that I continue to resist purchasing due to straining shelves and purged cupboards. However, if unlike me, you are in need of beautiful things to decorate your home or kitchen, start here. I mean, maybe I could use a few more things… These gorgeous, handcrafted beauties to bring that handmade maker feel that I love Instagram for giving us. And even better, if you’re based in Melbourne (once things with COVID are behind us) you can attend workshops or buy direct from the store. There are Stay At Home kits if you just can’t wait. All available on her website, browse away, team, you can thank me later.
Favourite Instagram – Ashluka Draws
I stumbled across this account via an Instagram Story share and couldn’t be happier. And as someone who has always struggled to write the perfect bio, this one is pretty great. It says that Ashley Lukashevsky is a mixed queer illustrating just futures. Who could argue you with that? Her colourful, bold illustrations are a must follow, she has illustrated a children’s book called Antiracist Baby and I wish I could find the link to buy a poster or sticker or something. You will find other artists in her story highlights too, along with some great information and sources. A thoroughly modern person who I believe might just be on their way to creating that just future. Love that.
Favourite LOL – Very Ugly Plates
Are you ready for a laugh? Remember when the captioning of old oil paintings thing was happening? I was so into that. Taking old stuff and giving it a modern context is my favourite. That’s kind of what is happening here with Very Ugly Plates. It’s a bunch of old dinnerware with very inappropriate sayings or comments on them. I’m in dishes heaven. Which is a place I had never thought I’d find myself – I hate doing the dishes. Add the account to your follow list on Instagram and it will pop up remaining you life is good at the most unexpected times. After all, don’t we all need a little more joy in our life?
June Favourites Gallery
enjoyed this post? consider pinning your favourite.
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If you have any suggestions and want to share your small business or blog, please do! Especially crucial, given my commitment to diversifying this blog. And always, ALWAYS feel free to tag me in posts on Instagram or Twitter to share something with me. Some of the best stuff I’ve found this month was on recommendation from someone I follow or who took the time to share. I know you will, you are the best. Until then, enjoy the Favourites I’ve chosen and I’ll see you back here next month.
As part of the new blog plan, I decided I wanted to share a monthly favourites type posts. Not just for products and things to consume, but for small businesses, I’ve found content creators I love, and spaces that need a little more light shone on them. It may be personal (this month my brother got engaged, so that’s here!) and sometimes it’s more significant (like sharing The Great Unlearn as a resource in these times). I hope through this post, you’ll find someone or something new to love, get involved in or share. Let’s get started with my May 2020 Favourites, shall we?
Favourite Thing That Happened This Month
My baby brother is getting married! Dean proposed to his partner Emma in May, and they are planning a wedding for later in the year. An exciting time for the family as we welcome Emma and her daughter Milly to the fam; officially.
Favourite Style
Kelly Augustine is a long time favourite of mine, and her content just gets better and better. Interested in plus fashion looks and big boob realness? Start here. Always inspiring and ahead of the trend curve. A must-follow account.
Favourite Course
The Great Unlearn is, in their words, a community of everyday human beings committed to curiosity for what is possible in the world. Monthly self-paced syllabi curated by@rachel.cargle. If you are genuinely interested in learning, or in this case, unlearning what you have been taught about race, community and what is possible, start here. And if you have the means, please consider supporting this work with your money.
Favourite Thing to Watch
Now I’m just over here waiting for the next season of Never Have I Ever like a fool. This was every bit as charming and beautiful as they said it was. I can’t wait where they take this to in the next season and the upcoming season after that. Did Teen Dramas get cool or what?
Favourite Beverage
After returning from our cruise last year, I’d developed a taste for higher shelf vodka. Unable to return to the others, I sought out something more reasonably priced that I could enjoy with soda. Enter VDKA 6100, made in NZ so practically local, which I bought for the branding, of course. My new favourite vodka so much so that the collection of empties is becoming a bit of a ‘thing’.
Favourite Maker
Frocks and FrouFrou isn’t your standard expectation for this category. I know when I put in here, I was expecting to include someone who sells the stuff they make. But with May being a sort of Maker Month on the ‘gram, I was hooked on Lily’s outfits (including items she made) and had to share. People who can sew, so freaking talented, right?
Favourite Aesthetic
Finnley Home is a brand new business owned by the son of my one you fine folks. When this proud Mumma shared the page via my DMs, I was so impressed by their branding and Instagram that I added a whole new category to share in the Favourites post. Yes, the shop has heaps of great homewares that I absolutely need for my home, but that aesthetic though…
A post shared by Nerds With Vaginas (@nerdswithvaginas) on
Favourite Thing on the Internet
The Uncle Davids is the best, most heart-warming, charming thing I saw on the internet in May. Make sure if the embedded post isn’t working that you head over and scrolling through the whole album. Have your heart warmed by these fine fellows.
Favourite Blog Post
Bringing it with what the people want, Stylish Curves put together a post featuring 55+ Black-Owned Plus Size Clothing Stores for you to put your money where your mouth (Instagram post?) is. Black women have always been the rightful leaders of the body positive movement; learn more about that, support them and the ways they choose to monetise that. Support fashion from black women instead of the brands that use their ideas and profit from them.
Favourite New Find
Buon Clothing is making all your 90s teen dreams come true. Want a colour block jumper to fulfil your heart’s desire? Start here. With sizing ranging from 3XS to 8XL, they have most of us covered. Now excuse me while I go order that black/grey/white combo in the grid or should I get the pink/purple/grey? Decisions, decisions.
That was May 2020, team. What a month it was. With the world changing around us, and the growing pains that come with that, I hope this offers you some relief. And if you have a favourite you want me to check out, send them through! I want to make this a monthly post (usually delivered closer to the first of each new month focused on the month before).
Oh hey, this is a tech review blog now, apparently. Haha. If you want the down-low on the Series 5 Apple Watch*, you came to the right place. This is that post, written by me, about my experience so far with my Apple Watch Series 5. I’m not a great reviewer like these guys, but I have had it a while now. I’ve used it every day since, so I’m going to talk, and whether I think it was worth almost $700, I paid for it.
Nike special edition, I blame myself.
In my post about being more active while working from home, I mentioned that I would get a watch of some description. I planned to use it to monitor my daily steps and general activity and such. Things like the Sleep and Breathe apps interested me. You have to know where you are to know where your going is a bit of a motto of mine. This was about having the data I wanted to make decisions about my health.
I shared a video unboxing it, featuring splendid camera skills from Kel, on IGTV if you want to see all the packaging goodness. It also runs you through the basics of what comes in the box and my fancy pants Nike version,a Trypophobics worst nightmare. But I’m into it. What do you think? Is it your style of the band or not, really?
Since then, it’s been pretty easy to get used to wearing it. Though, as someone who hasn’t worn a watch in maybe 5 or more years, it was a bit weird at the start. One of the great things is that you can set up the Apple Watch for whichever arm you prefer; settings wise and as far as attaching the band. You could even change the settings to allow you to wear the watch face on the inside of your wrist, which is something I did when I worked in hospitality for years. Weirdo, I know.
The General Stuff – Apps and Settings
Once I got used to wearing it, next was all the apps and working out how they work and which ones I wanted to use. Learning the shortcuts to access everything took me WAY longer and WAY more youTube videos to master, but now I know what I’m doing. It’s great. I highly recommend searching for your series of watch or brands if you’re not using Apple and get a walkthrough on how to use it. I learned a lot, and I know you will too.
The main app I use, which I’m sure is often the case, is the Movement app. Closing the movement and stand rings daily was a massive change for me. Not that rigging the “stand” counter by shaking my arm was super helpful, but hey, movement is movement. Right? Haha. When I first started wearing the Series 5 Apple Watch*, checking my ‘rings’ became a habit fast. In the coming months, I want to focus on the exercise ring. Mostly because I’m hoping the pool will be open again soon, and I’ll be back at aqua classes before I know it.
And make sure, whatever watch you choose (or have), you spend some time customising the watch face. This keeps me entertained for waaaaaay longer than I care to admit. I like to use a watch face with shortcuts to the Movement app, the UV/Weather (Queensland kid) and Playing Now (Music). I don’t get a lot of notifications through my watch (I’ll talk about that a little below), so if I’m looking at it, it’s usually to check my rings, the weather or changes the song when I can’t find where I’ve put my phone down.
Some surprising things
One thing I started liking but ended up turning off was the Breathe app. As a reminder, you can set the regularity to stop and breathe for a minute throughout your day. It sounded like something I’d be into at the start, but really, I wasn’t. It used to buzz me at the most annoying times (it had a gift for it), and I found focusing on taking some deep breaths actually made me feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe it was just my state of mind at the time, but for now, it’s been benched.
I love the Apple Watch because it can act as a remote for your phone’s camera. I’ve found that this comes in handy as someone who tends to take many photos of herself. With a preview on the screen and a 3-second timer to give you time to drop your arm, it’s a winner—something I didn’t expect to get hooked on but have. And I have to mention it because it was always something we struggled with, but family photos using the phone are SO much easier. Not that I’ve had a lot of chances to test it out, given the lockdown situation, but that’s the best.
Would I recommend the Series 5 Apple Watch?
For me, having the Series 5 was just a case of getting the current version on the market. I wasn’t replacing a watch or upgrading. Instead, I read through some reviews online before making my purchase, wanting to know if it was worth spending the money to get the newest version. From what I can tell, there’s not a lot of significant changes from 4 to 5. But from 2 or 3 to 5, there are LOTS.
In the past, I bought an older version of the iPad because there were no real changes, and the same went for the iPhone, around the iPhone 8. At those times, it was about getting the maximum value for my money. I knew I could get 90% of the features of the new one at a reduced price. So, I did. Now that cost is a little less of a factor. I think that if you’re buying new, you might as well get the most recent model. In the end, I decided the series 5 was for me. And when I saw it came in a Nike branded version, something a little different and a brand I’m into, I had to go with that one.
One thing though, why did no one mention the almost daily charging thing?
I don’t know what the previous battery life was like for the Apple Watch, but this one still requires charging, ALOT. I blame the Always-On screen. When I first got the watch, I didn’t realise that it was a new feature. I just assumed it was part of the earlier versions too. Always on, but in a sort of slow refresh sleep mode, it made sense. That said, if you’re using always-on, expect to charge your watch daily. You can stretch to two or maybe three days without it, depending on your notification and check-ins.
Would I recommend it?
Sure! Like I said above, I don’t use many notifications for texts and other things like that. I would find that way too intrusive and would never stay on task. But as far as having something with all those features (if I’d wanted them) and all the health monitoring, data creating ones, I’m keen. Could you buy the series 4 and be totally fine with it? Absolutely. If that was your question, I think that either would serve you well. But if you are interested in the Series 5 Apple Watch*, go for it.
I first heard about Acorns (now Raiz) towards the end of last year. In a conversation about travel, savings and money with my friend, Olivia it came up. Liv is an avid traveler and no year is complete for her until an adventure has been had. To manage this lifestyle with her life and current adult responsibilities, she has become a super-saver.
I am not a super-saver; I am a super-spender.
With her guidance I set up the app and hey presto, I’m making process. I’m on my way to reforming some of my super-spender ways. I at least have some savings. It makes for a nice change. It occurred to me that you could be in the same boat so let’s have a chat, shall we?
{disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored or in any way affiliated with the app. As far as financial advice goes, I don’t know your situation or your savings goals, so consider this advice of a general nature. Do what works for you and your situation. Results may vary, because that’s a thing they say}.
What is Acorns?
Acorns is an app, but behind that it’s an investment account. Your money is invested in “portfolios constructed using ETFs quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange”. It’s not just a savings account, your Acorns account is an investment account. Meaning there are risks.
And it’s an investment account, some days you are up, some days you are down. At one point my account had generated over $5, a few weeks later it was $2. As with all investments there are risks dependent upon the performance of the markets, interest rates and the economy. I treat it like an easy way to put aside money, any increases from dividends or gains are a bonus.
How does it work?
Predominately I use the app to do automatic ‘Round Ups’ of my spending. It will take transactions on any of my linked accounts and round them up to the nearest dollar, investing the difference into my Acorns account. I love this idea, as Liv said when she first showed me the app, you don’t even miss it.
After using the app for a month, I started a $5 reoccurring investment. That just means that every week it would take $5 from my funding account (you select one account to draw all the funds for Acorns from). Since then I’ve increased it to $10 a week. This has been an easy way to bump up the amount of money going into the account. And I figure, $10 a week for 52 weeks of the year is $520. Not much, but more than I managed to save for no other reason than to save than last year.
Some people have asked me why I didn’t just use a high interest savings account. I get that. For some people, a high interest savings account would absolutely be a better option. {reminder: I don’t know your situation, you have to make up your own mind} I’ve never once successfully saved anything in a high interest saver. It’s not automated in most cases and I find it too easy to withdraw and spend from it like a normal transaction account. That said, guaranteed interest is a win that Acorns doesn’t offer. My money is invested, the return {if any} is not guaranteed.
If you join using this link, we will both get $2.50 when you use my invite code. This is something available to all app users once your account is approved. Not, as I mentioned before by arrangement with Acorns. If you’re not comfortable with that, feel free to just search for the app on iTunes or in the Google Play store.
Check this out; it’s been awhile since we spoke about health and wellness on this blog, yeah? I had some stuff to figure out for myself about how I felt about my body, the way it’s told to exist in the world and all that. I didn’t want to continue to burden anyone here with more unlearned lessons about health. But today, I’m back to share something that matters.
Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry.
I requested a copy of this book for review. Yoga has always been something that interested me, in Uni the girls and I used to meet in one of our lounge rooms and bend and stretch to Geri Yoga a few nights a week. Usually followed by dinner and drinks. Spice Girls fans might remember it, most people won’t. Anyway, for better or worse that was my entire experience with Yoga.
But thank goodness for this book. If you’re interested, curious, and want to start at home, this could be for you. If you’re all those things and fat too, well it’s definitely for you. You see, most videos, books and even the YouTube clips focus on small bodies. Knowing how to handle a large body in these positions safely is not only helpful but will go a long way to ensuring that you don’t hurt yourself.
Because yes, that matters.
Remember when I spoke about the pitfalls of plus size women starting out running? This book is like that. But with pictures to guide you through positioning your body in each pose and getting the most out of it. Because I don’t know about you, but even some of the most basic poses just don’t work with a serious amount of boob and belly in the way. Child’s pose? Ummm, yeah, right.
There are a few chapters, really easy reading, introducing you to ways to get in touch with your body, why body positivity matters and all that jazz we love to discuss here. Then, what Sarah does is give you the run down step by step to set up your practice and walk you through, in photos, all you could need to know.
The best part for me is that Sarah does this in Fat Yoga without judgment or an assumption that you’ll ever be smaller. It’s a refreshing change from all the conversation promising (demanding?) instant weight loss and lean muscle definition. Sarah just states it as it is, only referencing changes in your flexibility and competence with poses. As someone in the conversation for enjoying my body, using it as I will without an aim to force it to be anything, I enjoyed that. I think you will too.
And now, a giveaway.
Good news, team, I’ve put together a little prize bundle! Firstly, I have a copy of Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry (you can buy one online here) to give away. Along with that, thanks to the author, I have a set of body positive affirmation cards. You’re going to love these. For some of you having access to this deck of cards will be a game changer. Change your thoughts one card at a time. I believe that wholeheartedly.
Add to the book and the cards a few goodies from me! Undetermined yet, but well, I’ll make sure they’re something good. I just think wherever possible I’m going to stalk you a little and add something to the package. Like, if you were a new Yoga do’er, maybe I’ll grab you some tights or a top. Who knows, but you get the idea, yeah? Bonus prize! This was so vague, my bad. Haha. It’ll be good. Trust me.
Want to win??
Leave a comment below sharing how Yoga (or moving your body) has or could make a difference to you living your biggest, best life! Dig deep team, for this entry, what you say matters. There’s another chance to win over on Instagram (it’ll require a little less soul-searching), so make sure you check that out. Entries close this coming Friday, the 7th July at 10 am. I’ll announce the winners on the Facebook page and Instagram later that day.
Oh hey team, welcome back to another round of Mr Suger looks cute on the blog for bigger, taller guy clothing brand Johnny Bigg. Now Mr Suger, he’s not exactly taller, but he wears 36 inch jeans and an XL’ish shirt. Larger than the average lad. He’s like the men’s plus size fashion inbetweenie. Haha.
The team approached us to showcase some of their Autumn/Winter 2016 range. Given how much we loved the Spring Summer wardrobe update. And I mean we, it was so nice for Kel to have some new clothes, fist bump. So it was on and this time we went top to toe! Well, other than my sunnies. Let’s check it out.
Johnny Bigg Outfit One
I mean getting this guy to be serious for even a second was impossible. He’s such a goofball I spent half the time tracking him with sports mode and the other half yelling at him to stop pulling faces. But that aside, how great is this outfit. Jacket, tee, jeans and sneakers from Johnny Bigg. Aren’t they gorgeous? Kel is wearing the 36 jeans and XL tee and jacket.
Those sneakers are a total upgrade on what he had. Like grown man sneakers in this delicious suede. A must see ladies of sneaker type men, a must see. Mr Suger has wide width feet so they will need to give a little for him to slouch about in them, but otherwise a perfect fit.
Outfit One Details
Reed Stretch Knit Jeans | Deacon Bomber Jacket | Crosby Print Tee | Roland Suede Shoe
Johnny Bigg Outfit Two
Outfit two with this gorgeous knit is just so snuggly and warm. It’s Queensland, so obviously at this point he can wear that without a tee or shirt under, but it will be perfect for that later on too. My challenge with this photos was him claiming to feel like a Wiggle in his ‘skivvy’ and dancing around as such. If you ask me, that’s rubbish, he just wanted an excuse to do jazz hands. Haha.
You get a closer look at the jeans here and they are a great style and fit. Prone to tearing work pants because of his ability to bend and lift and stretch and climb things, these jeans will serve him well. They give and move as he does. Such a win.
But I can’t leave it there without mentioning these beautiful shoes. We water treated them straight away (hello, it was raining) and I know that Kel is going to get some serious wear out of these babies. They are the shoe that dresses up any outfit. Don’t you think? I think.
{We tried out this service courtesy of Sirens Swimwear}
When the team at Sirens Swimwear contacted me about a review of their Ship the Shop offer, I was excited to take part! You know me and swimwear, no amount is never enough. It turns out that their range doesn’t extend to my size. Boooo, sad news for me and anyone else above a 20 this summer. But they would work for my sister, so I said we’d love to give it a try, and we did.
I did the ordering.
My sister Amanda Claire did the trying and deciding.
I did some photographing.
She did the wearing of the final selection to the beach.
And a review, my friends, was born.
Siren’s Swimwear makes swimmers for your lady lumps. And that is a direct quote. Haha. The range has a retro vibe that is both fun and easy to wear. I mean, high-waist bikini bottoms are the swimmers you can spend all day sitting, playing, eating, wandering, and, of course, swimming in and they don’t budge. Sure the tan lines are a little ott, but the comfort factor far outweighs that. Check out their Instagram, you’ll get what I mean.
[jr_instagram id="4"]
My sister Amanda Claire, true to family form, had her eye on the striped two piece and sits between sizes due to a rather ample bust and butt. Ship the Shop is made for her. That and taking her spunky two and a half year old to the shops can be challenging. Haha.
So I clicked through the site, first adding the Ship the Shop swimwear option to my cart. From there you select FIVE swimsuits that you would like the brand to send to you to try on. I ordered three swimsuits, two of which were the same in the two sizes my sister straddles. I went through the process (I used a gifted code, you would put in your credit card details) and they were on their way to us.
Important to note that for the price of the Ship to Shop you receive ONE of the swimsuits and a return post bag for the rest. If you choose to keep more than one pair of the swimmers, your credit card will be billed for the other choices when you return the rest with the returns form. That part was a little confusing for me at first, clearly having a blonde moment, so I wanted to make that clear.
When the swimmers arrived (super fast!), my sister took the whole massive bag home with her after work and could spend some time later that night when her son went to bed trying the swimsuits on. Working out which fit she preferred, which style and print. She chose stripes (good girl), and we bundled the rest of the items up and sent them back in the prepaid bag. Done and done. Watch your time-frames for returns, keep the additional suits too long and they assume you want the lot. Which I’m sure happens a lot. We had a little miscommunication this end, and it took well over the time-frame. Whoops.
So yes, the short version is that this was the perfect service for my sister, she loves the swimmers, and the entire process was seamless. The pic of her wearing hers beach 4WD on her Instagram account is my favourite thing ever. Haha.
Want to try the Siren’s Swimwear Ship the Shop process for yourself? Head over here and use the code SUGERCOATIT to receive free shipping on this or anything else you order. And tell me, my sister is the cutest thing ever, right?
