All posts by Gem Camille : BLACKBIRD

RITUALS | Skin Care Routine

23.07.15

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I often get emails asking me what I do for my skin care routine, and until now I havent really thought it was worth sharing, but on the approach to the big 30 this year, there has been even more of a focus on my own regime, and therefore something that may be worth sharing.

I have always tried to look after my skin, always wash my make up off – even if it meant using gallon bottle water, behind the tour van, somewhere between Salt Lake and Sacramento. I now try to wear sunscreen on my face any time I step outside the door ( Dear skin, Please forgive me for the summer I thought it was a great idea to lie in the sun covered in baby oil. ) But sometimes you just have to do a little extra to give yourself a fighting chance at growing old gracefully.

So here is what I do,

Every morning I steam my face and wipe with a knitted cloth, got mine from Father Rabbit . It’s such a great way to wake up your face and clean off that sleepy feeling. I then spritz with a Rose Water Toner, I have mixed up my own, but am busting to try Petal Head’s Face Mist. Then comes the magic. Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum. Oh man does this stuff work. Serious anti ageing miracle worker. If I am headed out the sunscreen I use is Coola Organic Suncare, with it’s amazing matte finish.

My night regime varies. But mostly I use Burt’s Bee’s Cream Cleanser, Although they have recently changed something in their recipe and I am not loving it as much, so on the hunt for a new one. Recommendations welcome. Then I lather on Health Yeah’s oil recipe and maybe another bit of that magic serum. In winter I have also been using Coconut Oil to combat that dry winter skin or Millstream Gardens Galens Cold Cream ( these guys also do all the most amazing salves and natural remedies ) Finishing off with Petal Head Spice Rose Lip Balm.

Once a week I like to do a mask ( Welcome to my exciting Friday night ritual, face mask, nail painting and netflix. ) For this I love May Lindstrom Honey Mud, I also use this or my cleanser twice a week, mixed with a little sugar as an exfoliant. And once every few months I treat myself to a Holistic facial at Tonic Room.

I am of the belief that skin care is one of the things worth saving your pennies for and investing in. You have to live with and see that face everyday! …Also, sometimes it is just nice to treat yo self.

Care to share your favourite products or routines?

Until next time.

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Get-away

01.07.15

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Some days you just want to pack up and leave, no matter how great life can be. Maybe it was a case of winter blues, but Saturday was one of those days. So we that is just what we did. Packed us and the pup into the car and headed for the coast. Best idea ever.

Kairakau is by far one of my favourite spots around Hawkes Bay, rugged and raw with the most beautiful escarpment keeping watch over the sleepy little place. The combination of that, the sweetest little Bach and 24 hours of fresh air and no cell phone coverage, it is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Until next time.

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Indoor Plant Guide

16.06.15

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I think one of my first ever plants was a tiny cactus my mum bought me, probably a lesson in looking after something, and I probably killed it. But a few years back I rediscovered my love for indoor plants, and learnt swiftly that they aren’t as easy to look after as that little cactus ( and even that I managed to wipe out )

So here is a crash course using my green thumb knowledge aka having to learn as the husband refused to buy more plants that I would eventually end up having to dispose of.

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The Cactus | This particular little guy is part of the Opuntia family, or paddle cactus. He likes the light, but not harsh sun, Cacti can burn. And water, once a month is fine. Make sure you use Cacti soil, which is well draining, usually a pumice mix.

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The Rubber Tree | The Rubber tree is part of the Ficus family. With is broad glossy leaves is a real beaut. Keep near a window for bright, filtered light. Away from a draughty door, and make sure you let it dry out a little between waters. I also tend to use a damp cloth to wipe any dust off the leaves every few months.

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The Split Leaf Philodendron | I love the Philodendron family, they are one of my favs. This Monsteria Deliciosa is super easy care and looks stunning! They need medium to bright light, but not direct sun. Keep the soil a little damp, but not soggy.

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The Heart Leaf Philodendron | Another Philodendron, and this was the first plant I bought back in 2010! She has made the eight house moves with us over the last 5 years, and still going strong. They are hardy and can tolerate low light, but prefer moderate to bright, but never direct sun. Keep the soil damp, but in winter allow to dry out between watering. Every six months I like to chuck mine in the shower and hose her off.

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The Hoya | Otherwise known as a wax plant. I remember my grandmother having these growing up, they have the most beautiful cluster of pink flowers. They like it by a north facing window with filtered light, and they love a little mist! Keep the soil damp, and allow to dry out a little between waters in winter. I have mine in the bathroom and it is loving it there!

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The Peace Lily | The most common issue for these guys is over watering. They vary in how much water they need so the best way to tell is touch the soil once a week and only water if it’s dry. They tolerate under-watering more than over-watering. They prefer low to medium light. As they have beautiful broad leaves, they can do with a wipe every now and then to get rid of the dust.

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The Succulent | This Burros tail or Sedum morganianum. They like bright light and occasional watering. Pretty low care and easy to propagate. But be careful when you move them as they are fragile!

There you go, a little lesson 101 on Indoor plant care! All my plants are from local gardening stores, so go have a look! If they don’t have them, a lot of the time they can order in for you!

For a chance to win the beautiful ‘ Blue Water’ Print by Penney + Bennett, head over to Facebook to see how!

Until next time, Happy gardening!

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Lounge | Before & After, and finding the perfect standing lamp

09.06.15

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That beautiful capture of the pooch Frankie Blossom and I was snapped by the ever incredible photographer and gal pal Heather Liddell. All other photos by Blackbird.

Nearly one year on, and it is incredible to stand back and see how much we have done, and how far we have come. With most of the major projects done, we have the hallway and spare room to go. Can you imagine, a finished house!?! Amazing.

So here it is, in all her white on white glory ( Sorry to all the unpainted wood fanatics, she was a mess under there ) . We adore living in this space, even with a dirty pawed dog. The floors are in Resene white in Enamacryll gloss, which wipes up in no time. And the walls in my favourite Resene Black White. White on white really gives the most amazing canvas to display all your treasures on.

Now for that lamp. After searching high and low and finding others too modern, too vintage, too small or big, I found her. Rubi, the standing lamp by leitmotiv from Let Liv. The perfect clean lines with a nod to mid century. Perfection. Tying in nicely with our absolute find of the year, the 5th Avenue couch in leather from Big Save.

Yep, we are pretty chuffed with how she turned out, and we must’ve done something right cause we made the cover!

You can read more about our lounge by grabbing a copy of the latest Homestyle Magazine

Until Next time

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