I'm sure you'll agree that being able to afford lifestyle products for myself and my home is certainly one of the perks of growing up and starting working properly. I find myself drawn towards things more and more I once could have deemed “too pretty” but now I clearly NEED IN MY LIFE (#nesting).
At the ripe old age of 28, I find myself naturally starting to edit out things at home which I don’t totally love, and trying to swap in things that are pretty and make me feel happy when I use or look at them. It can be overwhelming knowing where to go to find the kinds of things you want at home. If you're like me, you'll appreciate a business that curates its products well, making it simple to sort out what you want.
I’ve recently discovered a gorgeous online brand who sent a few things to me to review, and I have to say I am quite head over heels. Temple & Co are a Dunedin based online company that you REALLY will want to know about (they’re brand new!). They find premium natural ingredient based products from amazing brands in New Zealand and around the world, all brought together in one place (think a bit like Cult Beauty in the UK, but with more than beauty). Temple & Co also have a strong brand aesthetic which I love, gold, large palm leaves and pale pink *purrs*.
I’d really encourage you to go have a look at Temple & Co, especially for Christmas. It’s such a cool site and is owned and operated in New Zealand. With something for every budget, they have certain things that are amaaazing! Temple & Co also offer a rewards thingy where you get free shipping on orders over $75 and a 6-month subscription service where for $100 a month you receive a box of beautiful, natural ingredients-based products for their skin, body, hair and health and wellness, and for their home. They also do selection boxes with a few pieces which personally I think is gorgeous.
Now, full disclaimer. I know the owner, who actually had a part in inspiring me to write this blog. She used to teach English to me back in the day, and now we’ve reconnected over Temple & Co. I was lucky enough to be sent some products to try and give my perspective on, and I can honestly say I’m having to hold myself back from clicking spend. Temple & Co is awesome and I am OBSESSED! Miss Burke, just putting it out there - you were my favourite English teacher throughout my entire school years. Thank you for inspiring my love of English, which in turn has led me to write this blog post, and for choosing The Piano as out film study topic in sixth form, a movie which truly did not suck, especially in comparison to having to study 10 Things I Hate About You in fifth form and The Matrix in seventh form (selected by other English teachers who will go un-named) - I might have tried to swap classes when I found out The Matrix was on the menu for film study film.
In the edit:
WelleCo Super Elixir Nourishing Protein ($69)
Generally, I’m not a protein girl because I don’t hit the gym frequently enough. When I have tried it, I’ve found it to be a bit gross, like flour. This may be the first protein powder I actually like. This tastes creamy, more like a milkshake. I’ll certainly be needing some more nutrition in my life if I am going to start taking up running again, so this has come at a good time in my life!
WelleCo is co-founded by Elle Macpherson (aka 'THE BODY') who established the company with her doctor, and a media pal. This DELICIOUS Nourishing Protein is an organic sprouted brown rice and pea protein, and apparently contains 9 amino acids, I like that its vegan and might even have a crack at some bliss balls with it. Come to mama, ya healthy bod!
The Skin Kitchen Coffee Body Scrub ($22.50)
I blimmin' love this scrub!! This product is a bit messy, but SO worth it (I might have used it in the showers at yoga to avoid messing up my own shower - boy oh boy it feels good against my body! (ew)). Made from coffee granuals, the scrub is made by a New Zealand company and is super hydrating! A very nice treat in the morning, the coffee smell certainly helped me wake up for the day, exfoliate and was great to use before getting a fake tan.
Soak Society Noosa Wellness Soak ($13)
In case you don't already know, I am obsessed with baths - but sadly at my own home I don’t have one! Fortunately, I used this at Matts parents house over the weekend and I can safely say I ADORE IT. This Soak Society Noosa Wellness soak could become SERIOUSLY addictive, so lucky its not too pricey - it actually feels like going to the beach and left my skin with the same supple and soft feels. Ingredients like lemon myrtle, lime, jasmine and sea salt. Plus, I’m a big fan of magnesium in bath salts because I think it helps you sleep better.
Cocovit Coconut Charcoal Mask ($59)
This mask is another one for the pool room ( I'm having a mask moment right now!). Cocovit is a brand from the USA which sources organic coconuts from South India and produces an exceptionally pure coconut oil. The Coconut Charcoal mask, based on Ayurvedic principles, detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin. I used this and while a bit messy (I’ve used powder masks before so popped it in a teacup) is AMAZING! 1 teaspoon of powder with liquid like honey, yoghurt, apple cider or water and make a paste. Not one to wear if the neighbours might be popping over but absolutely a keeper - and while you may say ‘pricey?’, you get heaps so will last ages.
Rohr Remedy - Rosalina Cleanser and Lilly-Pilly and Omega 3 Face Moisturiser ($30 & $40)
This wee facial duo is a great one for travel, quick use on the go or even heading to exercise Yoga early in the morning. The small packaging makes them perfect and the scent is heavenly! The Rosalina cleanser is gentle and calming and the Lilly-Philly moisturiser is hydrating without being greasy (A++). This line is created from natural ingredients and free from parabens, sulphates and other nasties, which means you can feel very zen like about adding it to your skincare regime.
George & Edi - Rhubarbe tealight candles ($23)
These tea lights! Where do I start??? They scent our whole living room, even when they are unlit. I LOVE a tart Rhubarbe candle (I got my mum one years ago and could never find another in Welly), and these will make the house fragrant a delicious in Summer. Also perfect for the bath! They are Wanaka based hand poured and 100% natural soy wax.