Hello June 2024
The month that was all wrapped up in one place
{If you’re new here, this is the monthly round-up email I send out to my OG blog subscribers. I send out this format every month - with the intention of writing other Substack posts in between. Except that hasn’t happened as often as I’d hoped because … LIFE. HAH. I promise, it will happen.}
It’s my birthday month! Shout-out to my fellow Geminis who in true Gemini fashion love making a big deal out of their birthdays. How I see it, birthdays come around once a year, it’s an absolute privilege to still be here and that’s definitely worth celebrating.
I’ve also long taken the view that I don’t rely on others in my life to make my birthday the day I’d like it to be. I organise and plan exactly what I want to do on the day (or throughout the month … see above re Gemini behaviour!). By taking matters into my own hands, I’m never disappointed with how the day unfolds.
I feel, as women, we put so much time and effort into celebrating others in our lives but we don’t apply the same energy to celebrating ourselves. I get it. You’re probably thinking why don’t the people you put so much time and effort into celebrating reciprocate the sentiment when it’s your birthday. And yes, in a perfect unicorn type of world that would happen.
But the reality is, every day - not just your birthday - we’re responsible for our own happiness. No-one else can can take on that job for us. It took me a big chunk of my life to realise this but when I “got” it, it was like someone flicked a switch in my brain.
Am I happy every minute of every day? NO. But I no longer look externally for others to make me happy. I sit (often uncomfortably) with my own thoughts and take charge of doing things that can make me happy.
On a superficial but significant level, I’m happy that’s it’s officially the season of Jeans and Soft Pants … even here in Queensland. It’s so comforting and soothing to be able to layer and not sweat. HAH.
Nikki
PS. Keep reading to check out news from some of my sponsors. I only ever work with brands I know and love and think you will love. Your support of those brands means so much. Thank you.
This has been a game changer!
If you like to tuck but don’t like fabric bunching up under your skirt or pants, you need a Basic Band. Not sponsored, just couldn’t not share. Shop HERE.
What’s new on my face
Watch HERE to see how I’ve “sandwiched” Go To’s new Very Amazing Retinal into my skincare routine.
I turn 57 next week and my love of a gentle but effective skincare routine is never going to stop. However, I’ve long shared how tricky it’s been for me to introduce new active skincare products into my routine as my skin has aged. In the past 12 months, I’ve been able to achieve amazing results with my skin using Go-To products. Each new product introduced has been done so with caution but with seriously wonderful results.
Find out more about Very Amazing Rentinal HERE and consider adding it to your routine.
But don’t just take my word for it, Very Amazing Retinal is clinically* proven to:
visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles up to 40%
reduce pigmentation up to 70%
increase skin firmness by up to 15%
increase skin elasticity up to 15%
*based on a 12-week clinical study of 33 participants
(Retinoid use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your GP to determine exactly what your skin needs during this period.)
(sponsored)
Lunch to lounge. Work to weekend.
Goondiwindi Cotton is taking us into the cooler months with pieces that will take you from lunch, to the lounge, to work and the weekend. The hero print is the new navy-based Paradise print. Wear separates together or work back with block colours for a beautiful transition into winter.
Shop my picks of the new collection HERE.
(sponsored)
I’m obsessed with these products
I really resist using the word busy. It’s not something to boast about. But as a small solo business owner, the days are FULL. I have to work hard to get sh*&t done but also to keep myself calm.
I’ve long been a fan of essential oils and was excited to incorporate the new Lula Eye Mask aromatherapy collection into my day.
Yes! Lula, the brand that brought us the self-warming eye masks that I swear by to help with menopausal dry eyes and headaches, has released four essential oil blends - calm, focus, happy and sleep.
The oil blends are created to help you feel better throughout your day (and night) and in a genius move by Lula, you get to decide how you’d best like to incorporate them - via oil, balm, mist or roll-on.
- Australian made
- certified natural
- sustainably sourced
- cruelty free
SHOP HERE (buy 3 or more and automatically get 15% off at checkout)
(sponsored)
These sports crops and pants are my go-tos
Did you know that Bohemian Traders do activewear?
I’ve been wearing this pant and bra style since they were launched a few years ago. Both tick the support plus comfort factor I need for walking and yoga. Yes, you might need something stronger to support your bust if you’re a runner but, for me, this bra works.
(affiliate, gifted product)
Come fly with me …
… well come with me while I try and test different in-flight carry-on bag combinations that might be perfect for your next travel adventure. Yes! We have a big, exciting trip coming up in a few months. Strap yourself in for ALL the packing and travel content.
Bon Maxie knows where it’s at when it comes to bags that not only look good but are built to help you stay organised
What do you think of these two (watch video below)? I’m quite impressed and think they would work as a great carry-on combination. I will also be taking a carry-on wheelie suitcase - my laptop will be in there.
Discount for you: use STYLINGYOU10 at checkout to save site-wide on orders over $60 at Bon Maxie.
(gifted, affiliate partner)
I love this UK luxury high street label
I started dabbling in shopping with UK label Me & Em about two years ago. I love its quality, classic with a twist aesthetic. The shipping is super quick and returns are easy. Looking forward to heading into an actual store later this year. Below are two looks I’ve loved wearing lately.
Shop the looks HERE
Shop the blazer HERE
(gifted, affiliate partner)
5 ways to wear our coated leather-look pants
Styling You The Label has taken the coated bengaline fabric you know and love - the fabric that looks like leather but is stretchy and breathable and doesn’t have the same price tag - and designed a cropped pant that will work with so much in your autumn-winter wardrobe.
Shop the pants HERE (stock is limited - already sold out in two sizes)
Happy birthday Nikki! I love your content, so honest and relatable. You look amazing and such an inspiration for women. Fiona x
Great newsletter Nikki. You are looking absolutely fabulous. Whatever you're doing is working! I'm still trying to find the right balance of nutrition and exercise for this bumpy menopausal body :)
Quick question... do you prefer Go-To over Trinny for your skin at this age?
Mx