The Intern Diaries Part 2

From all the movies I had ever watched, my perception of an internship wasn't glamourous. I expected to be making regular coffee trips, stressed and doing all the little jobs that the employees didn't want to do.

However, an internship at Studio Agency was far from this. It was an internship of a lifetime and the best experience that far exceeded my expectations.

I came into this as a way to hopefully cure my confusion about what I want to do with my life. Throughout this experience I never did any coffee runs, nor was I stressed and I was actually doing things that would help me in the future. The girls here are so supportive and regularly check in with you to see how you are going and ask you what you would like to learn. You do real tasks that help the business and learn from people who are so passionate about what they do.

This experience could not have been more inspiring and I could not recommend and internship at Studio enough! 

A Busy Gal's Guide To Indoor Plants

We have all seen those envious photos online of gorgeous bedrooms filled with lush potted plants. However, plants are not always as easy to look after as you'd think - especially if you're super busy!

Here at THG we love indoor plants. They can completely change the look and feel of a space, making you feel more at ease and added bonus - they help you breathe better too.

Therefore, we have put together a list of the perfect indoor plants for you busy gals out there who may not have time to give it all the TLC it needs but still want the vibe in your favourite space. 

String of Pearls 

String of pearls are also known as rosary string of beads and are actually considered a succulent. That means that they are ideal for busy gal's as succulents require such little care. We recommend hanging them to showcase the draping beads. 

Peace Lily 

As indoor plants go, peace lilies are some of the easiest to care for. They will immediately brighten any space and are well known for their ability to clean the air of the room they are in. 

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair ferns come in so many varieties and sizes that there is sure to be one to suit your space. They look beautiful in a range of pots or can be hung to let the foliage drape and add a bit of extra dimension. 

Snake Plant

Snake plants are super resilient as it can go weeks with neglect. Like the peace lily they are excellent at removing toxins from the air. Additionally, there are so many varieties and sizes so picking one to suit your space shouldn't be a problem.

How To Keep Your Makeup Looking & Feeling Fresh This Summer

The heat is back again for another year and with it comes the difficulty of keeping your makeup looking as perfect as when you first put it on this morning. Melting makeup, smeared eyeliner and sticky lipstick is never a good time so here are some tips to keeping your makeup looking fresh throughout summer. 

Invest In A Primer

Primers are a makeup essential during summer. This step takes only a few seconds to apply and does wonders for you all day long. Primers keep your makeup in place and there are so many on the market to choose from. Some can even double as a moisturiser so you have less layers to put on in the morning. 

Keep Things Light

Less is definitely more in so try to keep the layers as thin and as minimal as you can. Instead of using your normal full coverage foundation, opt for a CC or BB cream. These babies still offer great, buildable coverage but will feel much lighter on your face. Like primers, there are so many on the market now to suit every skin type and coverage need. Some even have sunscreen already added to them which is perfect for protecting your skin during the summer months. 

Have the Essentials On Hand

Carrying a little purse in your bag with a couple of touch up weapons can definitely help keep your makeup looking fresh. A few of our essentials are below. 

Oil Blotting Papers

Nothing is worse than having sweat and excess oil build up and settle into your skin for the rest of the day. These papers instantly remove any excess so you aren’t just applying more makeup over the top of dirty makeup. 

Powder

Once you have used some blotting paper to remove any excess oil, putting a bit of extra powder on can really help re-set your makeup back in place. We recommend using a matte powder that matches your skin tone. To keep the layer light, use a brush slightly smaller than your normal powder brush to target those problem areas. This will prevent your makeup from looking cakey. 

Cotton Buds

Cotton buds are perfect to remove any small imperfections. Use them to wipe off any smudged mascara or mistake you may have made whilst touching up. Never underestimate their power to fix a situation. 

Top Tips To Beat the Heat

Global warming is in full effect in Brisbane this week. Temperatures have soared into the 30s and we are all definitely feeling the heat… and it's only November!! Surviving this kind of humidity is certainly a skill so here our top 5 tips for beating the heat. 

Fruit Popsicles

A super quick and easy way to quickly cool yourself down is with a popsicle. These bad boys are so simple to make and there are endless combinations to suit your tastebuds. One of our favourite and super refreshing combos is watermelon, lime and ginger. See recipe below. 

You Will Need: 

• About 5 cups of chopped watermelon
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• Pinch of fine salt 
• Popsicle sticks 
• Popsicle moulds 

Directions: 

• Puree watermelon, sugar, lime juice, ginger and salt until smooth
• Pour mixture into moulds. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until firm 

Frosé

Dubbed the 'it' drink for the Aussie Summer, what better way to cool down and enjoy the weekend with your new favourite cocktail. See recipe below. 

You Will Need: 

• 750mL bottle of rosé
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Punnet of strawberries (250g)
• Juice of 2.5 limes

Directions: 

• Pour rosé into 33x23cm pan and freeze until almost solid.
• Meanwhile, bring sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan' cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Add strawberries, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to infuse syrup with strawberry flavour. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl (do not press on solids); cover and chill until cold, about 30 mins. 
• Scrape rosé into a blender. Add lemon juice, strawberry syrup and 1 cup crushed ice and purée until smooth. Transfer blender jar to freezer and freeze until frosé is thickened (aim for milkshake consistency), about 25-35 mins. 
• Blend again until frosé is slushy. Divide among glasses. 

Head to the beach

We are so lucky here in Brisbane as we have access to so many beautiful beaches. Go for the day or even the weekend and enjoy the cool water. 

Tallebudgera Creek - Palm Beach

Dress Appropriately 

Another way to beat the heat is to dress appropriately! Wearing the wrong clothing can make you agitated so here are some of our favourite THG outfits to keep you cool.

Dakota Crepe Set | $75

Bailey Ribbed Top & Shorts | $85

Maggie Collared Mini | $75

Roxy Frill Hem Dress | $75

Top Fashion Moments in Music Videos of 2016 (so far!)

When fashion meets music, it doesn't get any better than this. These two have always been the perfect pair for years, allowing artists to showcase the latest fashion trends, or push the envelope with artistic fusion. 

Music videos serve as the visual story-teller of the song, unearthing the imagination of artists of a life beyond our own. This past year so far has provided us with a stellar lineup of fashion-infused music videos giving us serious fashion envy!

We've scrolled through the internet and youtube to reveal some of our favourite fashion moments in music in 2016 so far:

(Which one is your favourite?)

Beyoncé - Hold Up

Solange - Cranes In The Sky

BØRNS - American Money

GRIMES - Kill V. Maim

Kiiara - Gold

Gwen Stefani - Misery

Crafternoon Inspiration

It’s a Sunday afternoon, the sun is out, and you’ve got a refreshing mojito in your hand, surrounded by a group of talented gal-pals. What a perfect setting for my favourite type of gathering, a crafternoon. Here are some foolproof ideas that would suit from a beginner to a seasoned crafternooner. 

1.     The super easy and super effective tassel garland!

This one is always a winner; all you need is assorted colours of crepe paper and metallic foil paper, scissors and some brown twine. Begin by cutting the paper into long strips that are about 2-3cm wide and as long as double the length of your desired tassel (i.e. 10cm tassel means 20cm strips). Lay all of your strips out in their own colours (or you can make multi coloured if you prefer) grab the half way point and wrap it around a long piece (total length you are after) of twine then fasten the strips by wrapping a small piece of twine around the head of your new tassel and knotting.

Easy as that, now continue making them until you reach your desired amount/combo of colours. Here are some pictures of how we would style ours. 

2.     Flower Framing

This project required a little foresight with the preparation but these pressed flowers are a beautiful way to preserve the magnificence of nature in your home. If you don’t have glass frames, this project is still very effective in a regular frame backed with white card. All you need to do is gather a bunch of wild flowers, or old flowers gifted to you (mustn’t be large blooms as they don’t press well, think small flowers and foliage), place flowers inside a heavy book and place a large weight on top of the book – leave for one to two weeks in a cool dry place.  Once dried, place flowers in your frames and voile – done! 

3.     Macrame plant hanger

You’ve all seen them, they look fab, now you can make one of your own! I have tried a few online tutorials for this project and this is the best video I found, it really takes you through step by step, it looks a little more complicated than some other versions, but trust me it pays off in the end. This DIY should take you about 1-2 hours to complete. All you need is a few bundles of rope, either in a neutral tone or multi colours, you can buy this is craft shops and hardware stores. You will also need assorted bolts/beads, D-ring and a hook, all of which are available at your local hardware store. Here is a picture of my finished product and some other (more) inspiring versions! 

TOP 5 DATE SPOTS ALONG THE BRISBANE RIVER

Summer is fast approaching and along with the amazing weather comes the perfect atmosphere for romantic dates beside our iconic river. You may be just starting to get to know someone or you may already be in a relationship. Regardless, these spots are perfect for spending time with that special someone.

1. New Farm Park

This park is huge so you will definitely not be short of places to have a romantic picnic. Grab some cheese and wine from one of the local stores and take a seat next to the river and enjoy the amazing sunset hues Brisbane has to offer. 

2. The Jazz Club 

Something a little bit different but definitely worth checking out! The Jazz Club sits right next to the Story Bridge offers the perfect atmosphere to kick back and listen to some amazing Brisbane talent. 

3. Cliffs Cafe 

If you are looking for something a little more casual, the Cliffs Café in Kangaroo Point is sure to be your thing. They offer amazing views of Brisbane and is the perfect place for a meal or a lazy afternoon drink. 

4. Alechmy Restaurant & Bar

This spot is perfect for that special occasion. Treat yourself to an evening of fine dining experience and one of the best views of the Story Bridge. 

5. Wheel of Brisbane 

Nothing says romantic like a Ferris wheel ride. Luckily for us, we have one in the heart of the city that offers panoramic views of the city. Take a quick ride after dinner in South Bank or better yet, hire a carriage out and have wine and cheese as you watch the world go by. 

Brisbane must-see events October

James Street RESORT

RESORT is back for its third installment from October 12 to 15. Take a hike through this year’s urban vacation as we travel headfirst into nature’s own utopia – the James Street National Park. This event celebrates James Street as a creative hub for fashion, lifestyle, art and design influenced by Queensland’s subtropical climate. Each beautiful store has individual offers running on the UP-LATE night (Thursday 13th) including generous discounts, champagne, live music, goodie bags and in-store designer visits. 

BN GIRLS Exhibition & Book Launch

Over the past 12 months, Birsbane babes Dani Marano and Hannah Roche have styled and photographed a series of 27 portraits celebrating creative women throughout Brisbane. Together they have produced a portrait book which features the talented beauties below:

• Phoebe Paradise
• Niqui Toldi
• Patience Hodgson
• Emily Devers
• Savannah Van Der Niet
• Vlada Edirippulige
• Rachel Burke
• Mairi Mackinnon
• Erin Lightfoot
• Eliza Rogers
• Jessie Webb
• Trina Massey
• Yaseera Moosa
• Jaala Alex
• 100% / Chloe Baxter, Grace Stevenson, Lena Molnar
• Bridie Gillman
• Bianca Mavrick
• Wendy Ma
• Kylie Newton
• Naomi Blacklock
• Kitty Danger
• FOREVR / Sam George-Allen, Kate Mackenzie
• Elisa Jane Carmichael
• Jolie Chatfield
• Laura Patterson
• Mariam Arcilla
• Swasthi Iyengar

They are celebrating the release of BNE GIRLS portrait book on the 21st of October at Junky Comics in West End (7-9pm) followed by celebratory drinks at The End bar.  

Valley Fiesta

Valley Fiesta, Brisbane’s free, all-ages festival for music, arts and food, will be held in Fortitude Valley over the weekend of the 28-30 October 2016. Brought to you by Brisbane City Council and now in its 20th year, Valley Fiesta will showcase all of the favourite music events that everyone knows it for.

This years Fiesta will be bigger than ever with more than 50 performers across three main stages, laneway parties, art displays, street parties, world music, food and band competitions.Acts include the likes of:

The Vines, KLP, UV Boi, Harts, Hey Geronimo, These Guy, Jess Kent and many more. 

TRENDING: OVERSIZED BUTTON SHIRTS

Fashion weeks never fail to provide us with the best street style and up and coming looks. The next big trend according to fashion influencers is the ‘Oversized Button Down’.

Grab your boyfriend’s button up or shop for your own, and you can easily update your wardrobe with this is new style this spring.

Whether you want to pair it with a floral skirt, wear it on its own; We have a few photos of the different ways you can wear it for some fashion inspo!

Wherever we go, we like to be prepared. From the office to the bar we have ourselves covered! Step inside our office and see what our top handbag essentials are. 

G:         I’ve always got some nude lipstick or balm in my bag and a compact face powder for touch ups during the day/after work if I’m heading out for a drink. 

J:          I always have some Carmex in my bag (I’m obsessed – my boyfriend even bought me bulk Carmex for my birthday) and my Miu Miu sunglasses – I love this style, I feel they work with almost any outfit and colour 

S:         I don’t leave the house without a tube of trusty Lucas Paw Paw ointment (the most versatile and soothing product ever) and of course my credit card – you never know what you’ll come across that you simply must have! 

Z:         I really don’t go anywhere without some business cards, they come everywhere with me – you never know when you’ll need one. I usually always have some tampons, even if they’re not for me, you never know when you’ll need to help a gal out. Also, my super handy mini sewing kit, were talking needle & thread, pins, bra strap, buttons etc. 

E:         Perfume is my handbag essential (GIVENCHY Very Irresistible is my favourite) and of course like the other girls, no one can stand dry lips - a Chap Stick. 

FITNESS CRAZE: BARRE CLASS

Working out can feel like a chore and we are always on the hunt for a new fitness trend to keep things fun whilst getting our summer bods ready!

I’ve always wanted to be a ballerina but never liked the idea of the feet-destroying slippers! Well, now we can have the best of both worlds where we can get fit, have fun and still be a wanna-be ballerina (without the tutu!).

We’ve recently discovered a group fitness class called “Barre Fitness” or “Dance Barre”, which is fast coming a fitness craze.

Barre is ballet-inspired workouts that use the ‘ballet barre’ (hence where the name is from), and is a dynamic mix of dance, Pilates and fitness. It will almost feel like you’re not even working out at all! Don't be worried if you've never done anything ballet, because the best thing about these classes is they are for all fitness levels!

Barre Dance with Katie Dickens (Albion)

If you’re looking to get lean, build your core, flexibility and tone your legs and bum, then this may tickle your fancy!

With this class now becoming higher in demand, we’ve found a few spots around Brisbane near you:

BARRE BRISBANE, WEST END

http://brisbanebarre.com.au

DANCE BARRE, ALBION

http://dancebarre.com.au

REVIVE STUDIO, ASHGROVE

http://revivestudio.com.au

BARRE BODY, CBD

http://barrebody.com.au

XTEND BARRE, STONES CORNER

https://www.xtendbarre.com/studio/stones-corner/

XTEND BARRE, ST LUCIA

https://www.xtendbarre.com/studio/st-lucia/

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: NYFW STREET STYLE

New York Fashion week is soon coming to an end and its safe to say we have some serious street-style envy: we saw a lot of beading, oversized button up shirts, feminine dresses paired with sneakers, and the new off shoulder trend that we saw grace the runway.

We’ve put a collection of fashion forward outfits we loved (and want) hot off the streets of New York!

Summer Ready Detox

With summer looming we are puling all the stops to ensure that summer body is looking better than ever. Along with regular exercise we have a few (delicious) secrets to help us on our way. Brewing your own infused waters and teas has many benefits from digestion to fat burning and immune defense properties – did we mention that there are also delicious!

Make yourself a large jug and sip on it throughout your day for a healthier alternative to regular juice/coffee/energy drinks.

Here are a few super easy recipes to get you started. 

Slimming tea fusion

2 x cups of chilled green tea

2 x cups of filtered water

1 x small handful of fresh mint leaves

1 x fresh lime sliced

2 x cups of Ice

Blood sugar & digestion

1 x kiwi fruit peeled and sliced

1 x handful of strawberries slices

½ x cucumber sliced

1 x small handful fresh mint leaves

4 x cups of filtered water

2 x cups of ice

Immune defense

1 x lime sliced

1 x lemon sliced

1 x orange sliced

1 x spring of rosemary

4 x cups of water

2 x cups of ice 

Brisbane’s Rooftop Bars to Check out (Hello, Spring!)

It’s the first day of spring and Brisbanenites everywhere are craving the return of sunshine. To kick start this coming spring season, what better way than a few casual drinks with friends at a cool rooftop bar?

ELEVEN Fortitude Valley

Situation on Wickham street, take the elevator 11 stories up to situate yourself amongst the valley skyline. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a drink and a meal in a private booth or luxe day bed. You'll need to dress up fancy though because they have a strict dress code.

ELIXIR Fortitude Valley

Sitting above X&Y and Rics Bar, hidden amongst ferns and fairy lights – you’ll forget you’re even in the valley in this little bar. Great vibe, great location and a great list of cocktails (yum!).

LENNON’S BAR @ NEXT HOTEL Brisbane CBD

Right in the heart of the CBD, who knew this bar existed? A new addition to the Brisbane bar scene and hidden amongst the Queen Street Mall high-rise buildings, Lennon’s bar is one to check out! Relax, grab an espresso martini and overlook the hustle and bustle of Queen Street Mall as you lounge around the pool.

SOLEIL POOL BAR South Brisbane

A Brisbane favourite situated in South Bank it’s a favourite hot spot to party from the afternoon into the night! Plenty of day beds, deck chairs and pool if you’re feeling like a dip!

EAGLE’S NEST Kangaroo Point
A new hot spot for a nice Sunday Session – if you’re over the valley and the city, Kangaroo Point might be the change for you! It opens from 3pm and has a great list of wines, ales and your cocktail favourites!

Your Cruelty Free Beauty Crash Course

So you have probably heard a lot about cruelty free beauty lately. You might have seen it online or have a friend that shops cruelty free. But what does that really mean? Not only is it important because we love animals but also so you can make informed decisions as a consumer when shopping for your beauty products. 

What you need to know first. Animal testing has been done for generations as a way to determine if products were safe for public use. Not only are final products tested but individual ingredients. Long story short testing of ingredients in no longer required for many reasons and here is why:

• There are thousands of ingredients available to cosmetic companies that have already been proven safe they can use to formulate their products. 
• With the continued development of new technologies there are alternative methods available that makes animal testing uanessacry. These include in-vitro testing and the ability to replicate human organs that can best used for testing. 
• There is a genetic differences between animals and humans meaning that although something could be determined safe for animals it doesn’t make it safe for humans. 
• many countries around the would have realised the many reasons animal testing is uanessacry and have taken action to ban animal testing on cosmetics. These include the European Union, India, Norway and more. Australia can soon add its name to this list after annoying in June that they are banning cosmetic testing on animals. You can read more about how awesome we are becoming here. 

The term Cruelty Free refers to testing on animals and the term vegan refers to products without animals by-products. In cosmetics these can be bees wax, Carmine, Lanolin and many more. 

The easiest way to think about it is their are many different things that can make your beauty products are home cruelty free or not. 

Do they consider themselves cruelty free? 

Whats important to know here is the term “Cruelty Free” is not regulated so it can be used by companies, when in fact they could be testing on animals. Where it can get a little confusing is that the final product (e.g. your cleanser) may not have been tested on animals so companies will state it is cruelty free however the ingredients inside your cleanser may have been tested. Just to add another factor into the mix, much of the time the products will be tested by a third party which is where we talk about selling in China. 

Do they sell in China?

When beauty brands enter the Chinese market and are selling their products in China they agree that their products can undergo animal testing before they can be sold. This is a requirement by the Chinese government. 

Note: Companies can manufacture products in China and still be considered cruelty free as it is only if they are selling in China they are required by law to test. 

Only tests on animals when required by law.

This section is important because it is a statement you will see on a lot of cosmetics websites. Many companies are cruelty free and do not test their products or ingredients on animals. However many of these same company sell in china making them not necessarily cruelty free. 

Are they owned by a parent company that tests on animals?

Some brands are owned by bigger cosmetics companies and many of these companies do test on animals. Because of this many people believe that companies that are owned by larger parent companies that do test are not consider cruelty free because the profits for the products go to the parent company. This is an issue that is not black and white and looked at differently by many people. 

So what now?

There is a lot of information out there on the topic. Its important for each individual to decide whats important to them and the educate themselves. Lucky for us their are many great beauty bloggers that have done all the hard work on this issue. Blogs such as Cruelty Free Kitty and Logical Harmony provide a wealth of knowledge and have developed their on “Cruelty free list” you can use as a reference. 

You also have many organisation that are dedicated to ending animal testing and have approved lists of companies that don’t test on animals. Your top three you can refer to are

Choose Cruelty Free // Leaping bunny // Peta

Have a look at the massive list of cruelty free beauty brands you can buy from. Cruelty Free Kitty is a good go to list.

x

Polaroid Camera Displays

We LOVE polaroid pictures here at Studio Agency and what we love even more is displaying them! We’ve put together some cool DIY ideas that you can do at home to spice up your bedroom or living room and create a beautiful memorable display.

No Place Like Home

After all, home is where the heart is. It is where we rest, love, grow and entertain – it is an environment that can shape and influence your outlook on life. For inspirational spaces we look at cozy, luxurious fabrics such as velvets, knits and faux fur for furniture/soft furnishings to give your space a warm inviting feel. We also love printed rugs, personal artworks and thrifted eclectic tables and chairs. Plants are also an amazing addition to your space, not only do they look great and create a more intimate environment but they purify the air, improve productivity and help keep illness at bay!

If you’re new to indoor plants we’ve got a list of the best and easiest species for beginners:

1.    Prayer plant: needs a bright but not directly sun lit room, regular water

2.    Mother in laws tongue: Likes a well lit spot, water when dry

3.    Philodendron (basically indestructible): Likes a well lit spot, water when dry 

4.    Devil’s Ivy: A climber that will grow in dull or light spaces, water when dry 

And Voila! Your space can be your dream home just like that.  

Calm your Cravings: Brisbane's Best Sweet Treats for the Young and Carefree

Nodo Donuts – These guy’s products have been lovingly prepared with nothing but good intentions, a focus on health and the best possible, naturally gluten free ingredients so you can spoil yourself guilt free. Who said    

Location: 1 Ella Street, Newstead

Chester Street Bakery – Voted Brisbane’s best place for desert! If you’ve got a tea party organised or a birthday coming up, then this is the place to come if you want to impress or surprise your guests! They’re SO good!

Location: 32A Chester Street, Newstead

Secrete Trees Coffee - This is a hidden gem, tucked away in the backstreets of Robertson, serving sweet treats, excellent espresso and out of the ordinary specialty drinks. Their specialty drink is fairy floss suspended over a cup of long black whilst dissolving into your cup! Their milkshakes are also served with a fairy floss top in flavours like lime, caramel, strawberry or vanilla raspberry. YUM!!

Location: 7/17 Barrett St, Robertson

Flourish Superfood Café: Decked out in a shipping container this amazing little place will fill you up with the best Acai Bowl in Brisbane! Nestled up James Street, serving nourishing eats like acai bowls, smoothies, juices and raw treats this has to be your go-to for a quick and easy healthy option on the go. 

Location: 76 James St, Fortitude Valley

Bella Hadid: Style File

Her signature bad-girl minimalism has taken the platforms on social media by storm. Her dreamy and strikingly beautiful looks are undoubtedly mesmerizing and it’s no wonder Dior Beauty wanted her as the face of their brand.

The 19-year-old sister of supermodel Gigi Hadid has become a modelling force in her own right, with high profile runway appearances in New York and Paris, as well as on the Grammys Red Carpet with boyfriend The Weekend. You can’t help but admire this gorgeous genetically blessed beauty and we are just loving her timeless style!

The Stylish Royals

Whilst Kate Middleton has been dubbed as one of the most fashionable members of the royal family, with pieces sported by the princess selling out within hours. However, she isn’t the only one known for her stylish and expensive taste.

Australia’s own Mary, who became Denmark’s Crown Princess has topped last year’s list as the trendiest royal. Her style can be described as modest, of course, but with a fashionable edge.

The world seems to love Queen Máxima of the Netherlands’ sense of quirk and bright colour palette. 

Queen Letizia of Spain has also been recognized for her classical ensembles with a modern flair and rounds out the top 4.