Redhead Rambles #47

December 21, 2018December 20, 201810 Comments

Hello everyone and welcome to ‘Redhead Rambles’. The series does what it says on the tin, it is a redhead (me) rambling about her week. I share what I’ve been up to each week, how I’ve been feeling and what I’ve been listening to or watching. Occasionally I will my share favourite blog posts and links I’ve found useful or interesting.

At work on Friday we had our Secret Santa gift exchange and I got a pretty stationery set. I missed everyone else getting to open their presents though!
My watch and cuff set from Daniel Wellington arrived and it is beautiful! The fit is perfect and the watch is so lightweight to wear. My mum loves how dainty the petite face looks too.
I did a trial run of my Shania Twain concert makeup over the weekend and straight away knew that I needed smokier eyes on the night. I took inspiration from two of her music videos and was happy with how the look turned out.
After my makeup was done I went into town and looked round a couple of shops. I bought a bottle of Daisy perfume by Marc Jacobs and some chocolates.
Sunday was more of a relaxed day. I didn’t get dressed, I stayed in my pyjamas, caught up on YouTube videos, painted my nails, washed a couple of makeup brushes and changed my sheets.
Monday was my last day of work before the concert. I got up early on Tuesday morning, showered and had breakfast before leaving to head up to Auckland for the night. When we got to Auckland we met my brother and he and I had butter chicken for lunch. I started getting ready around 4pm and my brother dropped mum and I off to catch a train into the city shortly afterwards.
Mum and I went to McDonalds to eat then made our way to the arena for the concert. I checked out the merchandise stand and bought a Shania keyring and black jumper. No doubt you’ll see the jumper on Instagram at some point.
The concert started at 8:30pm and as Shania entered the arena and made her way to the stage she walked past my row and I got to touch her hand! It was a surreal moment and one I’ll treasure forever! The concert lasted two hours and I had such a good time, I was singing and up dancing and wished it could have kept going.
The next day mum and I went back to the mall we met my brother at the previous day and did a bit of shopping. I bought a CD, a calendar for 2019 and a pair of Skechers sandals.
I was announced as one of the winners of The Anna Edit’s Instagram competition to win a signed copy of her book, An Edited Life.
Halo was pleased to see us when we arrived home.
I opened a parcel to see it was a surprise goodie box from Dannii. I have already eaten the chocolates and started on the shortbread. I can’t wait to try the beauty products too!
I told a few people at work about my concert experience when I returned on Thursday.
The battery in my FitBit needed changing but it only needs doing every seven months or so which is pretty good.

What I’ve been listening to:

Shania Twain Now and Greatest Hits – With my Shania concert this week it seemed only right!

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #46

December 14, 2018December 13, 201819 Comments

After work on Friday I went to the post shop to return a pair of shoes. I ordered two pairs to make sure I got the best size. I went to the supermarket after that. I got a loaf of garlic bread for dinner and it was delicious. I had some leftover for lunch on Saturday.
On Saturday I ordered a watch and cuff set from Daniel Wellington. I have tiny wrists, 15cm in circumference and the standard bracelet size is 19-20cm which is quite a difference. I looked at petite watches on the site and it says they will fit wrists a similar size to mine. I ordered the Classic Petite Melrose + Small Cuff set. I got the rose gold watch (it also comes in sterling silver) with a white 28mm face. You can select a black face but I felt white looked more classic. Normally I am unable to wear watches that have a metal strap but this clasp can be moved to suit each individual. For Christmas/my birthday coming up in January I thought it would be nice to spoil myself!

During the weekend I had some chores to do. I washed a few makeup brushes, prepped blog posts and did a few outside jobs like mowing lawns and trimming a tree. The weather was so warm on Sunday which I didn’t enjoy!
On Monday a kikki.K order arrived. The order was delayed due to an influx of orders around Black Friday and I was worried my items wouldn’t arrive in time for the Secret Santa at work but they did!
I purchased a new conditioner to try from Schwarzkopf as my current OGX one is almost finished.
Work has been busy not only with different things to do but this week there have been two morning teas. One was a thank you from the wider part of council for all the library does and the other was with staff from the hospital that share our building.
I tried sushi for the first time and I didn’t enjoy it. I had chicken teriyaki and it wasn’t the texture of the rice and seaweed or the taste, it was the smell of the chicken that put me off. If it had been vegetable sushi I might have enjoyed it more.
I got my car fixed! I haven’t driven for a couple of months and the car wouldn’t start last week. Mum thought it could be the battery or the alternator but it turns out one of the fuse links was completely fried. So glad it wasn’t anything major and costly.

What I’ve been listening to:

The Saturdays – Living For the Weekend and Chasing Lights – I felt in a girly pop mood on Saturday evening and played two albums from one of my favourite bands.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #45

December 7, 2018December 6, 20188 Comments

For morning tea last Friday I had a latte and a piece of caramel slice, we have a coffee cart in the library. The coffee was free as it was prepaid by a customer but I found the coffee strong, even with sugar. The caramel slice was delicious!
THIS VIDEO is the cutest! Alfie surprises his girlfriend with fireworks as they haven’t been able to celebrate November 5th for the past couple of years and he knows fireworks are one of her favourite things.
On Saturday it was the staff Christmas party and one of the team leaders offered her house as the location. I was so close to not going as I couldn’t find anything to wear and had a panic attack right before I needed to leave and was worried I was ruining my makeup through the tears but I soldiered on. I went with four others I work with and it was a pot luck dinner meaning everyone bought along a plate of food. I took sausage rolls as they’re always a crowd favourite and all the food was delicious – I even got to bring some leftovers home!
During the Christmas party we were playing a trivia game and I got roped in to being part of the team going to a library quiz the following day. The quiz was a lot of fun but because there were only a small number of people, we got split into pairs. My quiz partner and I came third.
On Monday one of my work tasks was to pick up gift vouchers from a bookshop and I saw an array of Bullet Journals. I briefly stopped to look at them and fell in love with the bronze colour. I’ve still got plenty of pages left in my current journal so won’t be needing one for a while.
On Tuesday a pair of shoes I ordered online arrived. I ordered a size 5 after ordering a size 6 the previous week to compare which fitted better. I ended up sticking with the size 6 so I went to the post office to return the other pair on Friday after work. The shoes I ordered will feature in Monday’s post.
Mum bought some apple turnovers at the supermarket as a treat and they were SO GOOD!
I wore Patina by Stila for the first time on Wednesday and got a few comments. I feel like the shade shows up darker on me than it’s described but it’s still nice.
I collected a bunch of flowers on Wednesday morning for a work colleague as it was her 30th anniversary of working at the library. The flowers were gorgeous.
I nearly fell asleep during my lunch break on Thursday. I was reading my book and just about nodded off. I’ve been extra tired this week.
I locked in a place for the staff Christmas breakfast in a couple of weeks. It will be a buffet breakfast with continental and hot selections and everyone is really looking forward to it. I am proud of myself for organising it and how it’s coming together.
I do feel like I’m neglecting Instagram a little lately but I don’t like to post for the sake of it. I haven’t had a lot to share.
I’m aware this week seems to have been very work related but there has been rain every day and I haven’t been doing much.

What I’ve been listening to:

Ariana Grande – Thank U, Next – This song wasn’t love at first listen but the more I hear it and listen to the lyrics I like it. Ariana’s voice is so pretty, if you know what I mean. I’d love to open my mouth and be able to belt like that.

How was your week?

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Gratitude: November 2018

December 3, 2018December 2, 201831 Comments

Overall November was a pretty good month. I’ve been singing and had lots of music to listen to, I started my new job, Halo turned one and I’ve been buying a few different things. I purchased some beauty gifts sets with minis of brands/products I want to try and I purchased some new clothing pieces as well as a gift for Secret Santa at work. November being busy meant I didn’t have a lot of spare time to be worrying or overthinking.

Here’s what made me smile:

November 1: Straightened my hair.

November 2: Halo was extra cute today.

November 3: Got some chores done.

November 4: Chatty first day back at work after my time off.

November 5: Offered new admin role.

November 6: My horse for the Melbourne Cup sweepstake came second.

November 7: Fish and chips for dinner.

November 8: First time going to Subway in a while, it was a good sandwich.

November 9: Finally got my fringe cut.

November 10: Day off.

November 11: Freshly mowed lawns.

November 12: Leftover homemade pizza.

November 13: Intended to have Burger King for dinner but didn’t feel well. I got to have it the next day instead.

November 14: My copy of The New Fashion Rules arrived.

November 15: Made a weekend to do list.

November 16: Late night makeup order.

November 17: First time I went shopping properly for ages.

November 18: Last work shift as part of the customer service team.

November 19: Halo turned one!

November 20: Started my new job. Chocolates and a card were waiting for me on my desk at work.

November 21: Tried one of Stila’s Magnificent Metals.

November 22: Only more episode left of The Cry.

November 23: Love how my blush looked.

November 24: Lazy, chill, catch up day.

November 25: Pretty makeup for catching up with a friend.

November 26: My online orders were both dispatched.

November 27: BBQ Rodeo Burgers from Burger King.

November 28: Tried a new highlighter and it’s so pretty!

November 29: Cosy, fluffy jumpers are my fave!

November 30: Caramel slice for morning tea.

What were you grateful for in November?

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Redhead Rambles #44

November 30, 2018November 29, 20187 Comments

I used the berry shade in the Revolution Blush Queen palette I reviewed recently (*HERE*) and applied it using the Detail Fibre Brush from xoBeauty. This brush ensures even, subtle application and the blush looked so beautiful.
Friday saw me complete my first week in my new job and I was very tired on Friday night, I fell asleep whilst watching The Chase.
I had good intentions to spend the weekend reading but on Saturday I didn’t even bother getting dressed and spent a while catching up on YouTube videos and blog posts (writing, reading etc.)
On Saturday I also had a small lipstick declutter. I started with around 50 and found six to either sell or pass along.
I caved on Saturday night and ended up placing two online orders for the Black Friday sales. The dangerous thing is when the sales continue over the weekend. There will most likely be a haul post in the next week or so. Both orders were shipped on Monday. One arrived on Tuesday as it’s from New Zealand and the other arrived on Thursday.
On Sunday I met up with a friend I met at my previous job before I started at the library and it was so nice to see her. We always laugh and have a good talk and I know I can say anything around her and she won’t judge. We had a Dunkin’ Donuts date.
I tried one of the Stila matte liquid lipstick minis from Monday’s haul post and it lasted all day and felt comfortable to wear. I could get into matte liquid lipsticks if they all had this formula but I still prefer bullet lipsticks.
On Tuesday I finished work an hour late after waiting around for some carpet cleaners.
The second half of the week has seen me trying to organise a staff Christmas breakfast at work. I have been researching places to go and phoning around to see what prices I can get.
It has rained at some point doing each day this week which I don’t mind. I like cosy, grey weather when I don’t have any plans or I’m inside.

What I’ve been listening to:

Andy Brown – Cedarmont – I mentioned this album in my November Favourites. I truly adore Andy’s voice and this is a great country/pop album.
Rita Ora – Phoenix – I’ve listened to Rita ever since her first album and after six years the follow up has been released.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #43

November 23, 2018November 22, 201826 Comments

My brother came down last Friday and went home on Tuesday morning.
I made a late night order with MECCA on Friday. I purchased two Stila three piece sets and a Clinique set. The order arrived on Tuesday. A haul post featuring these will be up on Monday.
On Saturday my brother and I went into town. I went to The Body Shop, Glassons and purchased some new stationery for my desk/my new job. We also went to Starbucks and I tried an Iced Toffee Nut Latte. The coffee shot was very strong!
I worked my last regular Sunday and last official ‘customer support’ shift. It was a relatively quiet day.
Sunday marked one month until I get to see Shania Twain. It’s crazy to think it’s been nine months since I purchased my tickets on a rainy Friday afternoon.
On Monday I was given the day off before starting my new role. I had a productive day finishing course modules, got butter chicken for lunch, painted my nails and listened to a new CD… twice.
Monday was Halo’s 1st birthday! She got two cards and an enamel cat pin from kikki.K – she was spoilt.
I officially started my new admin role on Tuesday. A card and some chocolates were sitting on my desk when I went in on Tuesday morning which was a lovely surprise!
Tuesday evening was the final class for my customer service course. I’m excited to get my marks back for the assessment and see how I did.
I felt tired on Thursday morning, I didn’t want to get out of bed. I think the six day weeks and longer hours are catching up with me. Can’t wait to not have to get up at 5:30am on Saturday and to have two days off in a row. I’m secretly hoping for crappy weather so I can read and not feel guilty if I want to stay in bed.
The weather turned cold again this week. The mornings have been almost back to winter temperatures but I do prefer that to being hot.

What I’ve been listening to:

Cheryl – Love Made Me Do It – The lyrics are so good and the song gets catchier with each listen.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #42

November 16, 2018November 15, 201820 Comments

I rocked a sparkly, fuchsia lip last Friday! As I’m sure you know, fuchsia is my favourite lip colour to wear.
One of my work colleagues didn’t feel well so I tried to look after her. I gave her painkillers and a glass of water and made sure she had someone to collect her from work.
I got my fringe cut. I always get my mum to do it in between haircuts.
I vacuumed the other half of the house on Saturday.
I watched Me Before You for the second time on Saturday night and cried. I didn’t cry watching the movie the first time or reading the book but it’s such a good movie and you can’t help but feel for Louisa.
It was my second to last regular Sunday at work, I’m going to miss the Sunday crew. With my new role I will only be working one weekend day once a month or so. I’ve worked during the weekend for more than two years so it will be a little odd to get used to at first.
On Monday I woke up with a sore stomach and stomach pains but they had settled down by the time I got to work.
I enjoyed reading Cleia’s review of the Brown Sugar palette from Colourpop. She always writes great reviews and includes swatches and looks she creates with each palette.
On Tuesday I had a headache which turned to a migraine in the evening. After I got home from my customer service course that evening I felt delirious and sick and ended up vomiting from the pain. I didn’t have dinner and went to bed.
I woke up with the headache slightly still there on Wednesday morning but thankfully it cleared by lunchtime.
My copy of The New Fashion Rules by Victoria Magrath (In the Frow) arrived on Wednesday. I can’t wait to read it!
On Thursday I wasn’t sure whether I was doing half a day at work or a full day so I made the decision to buy my lunch. I had Subway but I regret getting the footlong, it was too much sandwich. I did have a coupon for a free drink though.
After work on Thursday I did a little bit of blog post prep for next week and made a to do list for my days off.
It has been very warm this week. I miss sweater weather.

What I’ve been listening to:

Andy Brown – Keeper – I have adored Andy’s voice for years and this mid-tempo love song is one of my favourites from him so far!

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #41

November 9, 2018November 8, 201839 Comments

Over the past couple of weeks I have been spending barely any time on Facebook and I have really enjoyed it. Facebook is my least favourite social media (sometimes I don’t quite know why) and I’ve only been popping on once a day to check for any notifications.
I had a date last Friday and long story short it wasn’t the best. I didn’t feel comfortable and I found it hard to make conversation. He had ordered for himself before I arrived, he got his phone out and was using it when I was talking and laughed at me on two separate occasions for being short and liking Kylie Minogue. When it comes to dating I feel old before my time. I want someone respectful, not selfish and someone that can actually hold a conversation. (Hope you don’t mind my dating rants!)
I purchased a copy of The New Fashion Rules by Victoria Magrath (In the Frow). My book was shipped on Monday so it should arrive in the next week or two.
Sunday marked my first day back at work after my time off and it was nice to see everyone and catch up. I felt chatty and it was a good day.
On Monday I was offered and accepted a new job. It is still at the library but I will be working more on the administration side of things. I applied last month and was told I wasn’t successful but the other candidate is taking another job so it was offered to me.
As a result of the new job I will be working more hours so until I get into a routine and figure out everything there won’t be three posts per week. I am aiming for one plus Redhead Rambles.
On Tuesday I started doing some tasks for my new role. I am working my current job and doing training for my new job.
I won $30 at work as part of a Melbourne Cup sweepstake, the horse I had came 2nd.
On Thursday a customer at work gave myself and two colleagues cards for a free coffee to thank us for our help over the past few months.
I had Subway for lunch on Thursday and had a coupon for free bacon on my sandwich! It was delicious.
I haven’t been able to read very much this week as it has been full on.

How was your week?

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Gratitude: October 2018

November 5, 2018October 31, 201812 Comments

Compared to last month October hasn’t been a month of driving practice and reading. I haven’t been on a drive for a number of weeks due to different things getting in the way and I haven’t been hitting my usual target of one book a week. I feel like I have been listening to music a lot and quarter four always brings new releases. October felt busy and I almost can’t believe all of these memories are part of the same month.

Here’s what made me smile:

October 1: My Makeup Revolution blush palette arrived!

October 2: Tried an apple turnover for the first time.

October 3: Rainbow dance party at work.

October 4: Got bits for quiz night.

October 5: Quiz night makeup turned out nice.

October 6: Blog post preppin’ for the week ahead.

October 7: Smoky eye and pink cheeks and lips.

October 8: Online retail therapy courtesy of White Fox Boutique.

October 9: Kind people commenting on my lipstick (Show Orchid by MAC).

October 10: Soft, pink makeup.

October 11: Burger King lunch.

October 12: The rain was nice.

October 13: Mum always reassures me that things will be ok.

October 14: Bakery treats.

October 15: Homemade pizza is the best!

October 16: Customer service course was better than expected.

October 17: Last day of the blog giveaway!

October 18: My order from White Fox Boutique arrived.

October 19: Drew the blog giveaway winner.

October 20: Leftover butter chicken.

October 21: Simple, quiet day at work.

October 22: Afternoon nap – haven’t had one of those in a long time.

October 23: Got everything done after work that I needed to.

October 24: Yummy pain au chocolat for morning tea.

October 25: New Ellie Goulding music!

October 26: Loved my eye makeup!

October 27: My brother came down to help look after mum.

October 28: Productive blog photo day.

October 29: Tried Texas Chicken, much tastier than my last KFC experience!

October 30: Bubblegum Frappucino from Starbucks, it was bright pink.

October 31: Harry and Meghan visited my city in New Zealand.

What were you grateful for in October?

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Redhead Rambles #40

November 2, 2018November 1, 201830 Comments

On Friday I had a few things I needed to do in town. I felt like doing really nice makeup and I absolutely love how it came out. (It’s the second to last most recent selfie where I’m a wearing a black top and light pink lip colour).
On Saturday my mum went to hospital. She hasn’t been well for the past two weeks and she gets bad asthma. She’d been to a doctor and was prescribed antibiotics but she still wasn’t well. As a child I have witnessed a flare up of her asthma numerous times and almost every time I am the one that looks after her. 90% of the time I manage to keep her calm and she doesn’t have to go to hospital but last weekend I felt like I failed her. If I hadn’t been sick myself she either wouldn’t have got sick or I would have been able to care for her better.
Long story short, she discharged herself on Saturday night. The antibiotic changed and she felt better. I was thankful to my brother who drove down to be with us. On Sunday she woke up and the change in how she felt and acted was clear to see. She is still coming right and it’s a slow process but I am glad I have been off work this week to help her.
On Sunday my brother and I got our traditional curry and I also introduced him to those yummy donuts!
I got photos done for upcoming blog posts on Sunday and sang and it felt like the first calm day in a while.
On Monday I went to the post office and spent the afternoon doing a couple of modules for a customer service course I am doing at work.
We had Texas Chicken for dinner on Monday night (it opened recently and it’s sort of like KFC) and I really enjoyed it!
On Tuesday I tried a Bubblegum Frappucino from Starbucks to celebrate their 20th Anniversary in New Zealand. It was nice but my favourites are the Toffee Nut or the French Vanilla they had a few years ago but have never brought back.
Tuesday afternoon I was so tired (I haven’t slept much these past few weeks) so I curled up in bed and caught up on a bunch of YouTube videos.
I haven’t read hardly at all since my time off started which makes me sad but I started an ebook on Tuesday night – a Vera Stanhope mystery by Ann Cleeves.
My brother went home on Wednesday. I had a lazy day and my first sleep in in a while.
I finally got around to watching Faye & Giovanni’s dance from Saturday’s episode of Strictly. Faye is doing so well and I’d love to see her win!
On Thursday I slept in again and had another easy day. I showered, painted my nails, washed a few makeup brushes, read and blogged.
I haven’t eaten very well this week, there’s been more fast food than usual but I still wouldn’t say I’ve eaten excessive amounts. Do you notice when you’re busy or unexpected things crop up plans and routines go out the window?