July Challenges: Dark Passion

Tick something off your list. Everyone has a list of little things that they say they’ll get around to doing “one day.” Whether it is going for a much needed checkup at the dentist, washing the car or getting your shoes repaired, July is the month to get it out of the way!

The lady is a vamp!
The vamp look is in this winter – think pale skin and blood red lips or nails. Embrace your dark side by forgoing the fake tan and wearing a daring shade of lippie or midnight-black nail polish. Take inspiration from the gorgeous Dita Von Teese - gothic is the new romantic, so go out and show your sultry side!

Knit the cold away. What better way to pass the cold winter
evenings than by knitting your own scarf? It may seem daunting for the newbie-knitter, so try to get a friend or family
member to show you how. Even better, get a group together!

Be a little selfish. Sometimes in our efforts to keep everyone else happy, we can forget about number one.
This month don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s help if you feel you need it, or take some much needed time out for yourself.

INTERMEDIATE
Transform your bedroom into a boudoir. Why not inject
a little bit of passion into your life by giving your bedroom a
makeover? Think antique details, velvet cushions, and mood lighting. With a little bit of bargain-hunting and creativity you can turn your bedroom into a beautiful boudoir at little cost.
Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you the ultimate nzgirl guide to vamp-ifying your room!

Throw a Mid Winter Christmas. Make the most of the cold weather by throwing a cosy Mid Winter Christmas for friends or family. It’s a great opportunity for some good old home-cooking, so dig up some gorgeous wintery recipes for mulled wine, hot soups and gooey puddings, and try them out!

Let go and forgive. Forgiving someone and letting go of the past can take a huge weight off your shoulders. If you’re
carrying around resentment and sadness from bad past experiences, it may be time to let go and forgive before you let it get you down.

Sink your teeth into Dracula. If you’re looking for a real tale
of dark passion, make it your challenge to read the original Dracula novel by Bram Stoker. Written in 1897 and filled with
gothic horror, it’s intense but juicy reading for the real vampire fan.

Take a leap. When faced with an opportunity, there’s always a reason to hold back. It’s time to let go of excuses and take a leap of faith – whether it be in your relationship, career or lifestyle. As they say, just do it!

Become an activist. It may be the environment, human rights, gender equality in the workforce, or the anti-smacking law, but everyone has to believe in something.

Do some research and find a cause that you think is worth fighting for, then get out there and make a stand!