Redhead Rambles #29

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.

• My practice drive last Friday panicked me. I didn’t feel as comfortable this time and couldn’t find my flow. The carpark I’ve been going to doesn’t give me a chance to drive in a straight line for very long so I can’t get up much speed and I have to turn a lot which is making me feel disjointed. Next time I’m going to try driving down and around my street.
• I cleaned during my days off. I washed makeup brushes, changed my sheets, vacuumed half the house and also did some personal grooming; plucked my eyebrows and shaved my legs.
• I placed my second xoBeauty order. If you didn’t know xoBeauty is New Zealand YouTuber Shaaanxo’s brand. My order shipped on Monday and arrived Tuesday, which is awesome service! Because I spent over $50 I got free shipping. I purchased an eye brush, a face brush, and three lip colours. If you want to see what I got let me know and let me know whether you’d prefer a blog post or Instagram image/Instagram story.
• The internet has been much better this week which convinces me even more it was the bad weather that made it play up.
• In last week’s Redhead Rambles I mentioned I had some new page ideas for my bullet journal. I have made a page for my car with important dates relating to insurance and registration and also a petrol tracker to see how often I buy petrol and how much I spend. The other page is for orders I make online. I write the date I placed the order, what the item is and there’s a column I tick when the item is sent and another column I tick when I receive the order. I decorated with a little bit of washi tape which I want to start using more in my journal. Question for other journallers out there, does the acid from washi tape leave marks on pages?
• I made two trips back to the optician to get the earpieces on my glasses readjusted. After wearing them for a couple of days I noticed they were slipping down and I had to keep pushing them up. I’m still wearing the new pairs for half of the day and wearing my old pair at work until I’m properly used to the new lenses.
• I tried MAC’s See Sheer and like Hug Me it applies more pigmented on me than it appears in swatches online.
• On Wednesday it marked 8 years since I joined Twitter. One of my very first tweets was from Dannii Minogue. I tweeted her an image of that tweet and she liked the image and replied. Love her!
• I got called into work on Thursday.
• I researched a whole bunch of books for my to be read list. I’ve nearly crossed them all off my current list and I’m excited to add new authors to the list as well.
• My favourite YouTube videos this week include a Zara and ASOS Haul from In the Frow and What’s In My Suitcase from Lily Pebbles.

How was your week?

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December Favourites 2017

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all had a lovely day and got spoiled with lots of presents. Best wishes for the rest of the holiday season!

It’s time for the last monthly favourites of 2017! December and 2017 have zoomed by and I can’t believe we are at the end of another year already. December’s favourites are more of a mixed bag than November’s; I’ve got beauty, skincare, fashion and music.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Dua Lipa – I can’t recall where I first heard of Dua and listened to her music but I have been listening to her songs since 2016 before she released her album. On first listen I wasn’t a big fan of the album apart from the singles but I decided to listen to it again a few months ago and something just clicked. Dua’s voice is deep and gravelly and very distinct. I started listening to the album more and more and purchased a physical copy at the end of November. Her songs are catchy and make you want to sing along – one of my top albums of 2017. Standout Tracks: Genesis, Hotter Than Hell, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), New Rules, Begging, Homesick and Last Dance.

2. Dannii For Target Tank Top – I bought this top in 2016 and have been wearing it more recently with the hotter temperatures. It’s a gorgeous mint green colour perfect for summer and the top is nice and flowy. The holes for the arms are quite low cut so I tend to layer a light cardigan type garment over the top to conceal that.

3. The Body Shop Honey and Oat 3 in 1 Face Mask – I bought this face mask all the way back in January in a Body Shop haul. In my Spring Beauty Edit I mentioned I wanted to start using this product more and I’m pleased to say I have been. I alternate between this and a Natio face mask. What I love about this mask is not only how good it smells but how easy and gentle it is. A little goes a long way and you only have to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. It’s simple to remove and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

4. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – I have had this primer for over a year but rediscovered it a few weeks ago. When I first purchased it I didn’t notice its benefits and it sat unused. A couple of weeks ago I tried it again to see if it would make my makeup last longer in the heat. I have been using this nearly every time I’ve applied makeup in December and it makes my foundation apply smoother. It’s a silicone based primer and I have been using it with different foundations – it works in conjunction with all of them.

5. Australia – Gangsta Rap – This was one of the first lipsticks I ever bought when I started properly getting into makeup and it is one of my holy grail colours. I would describe Gangsta Rap (awesome name btw) as a magenta-violet similar to MAC’s Violetta. I haven’t tried Violetta but it’s in that bright pinky purple vein. The formula of this lipstick is lovely and creamy and contains Kakadu plum and vitamin C. The lipstick applies evenly and has outstanding pigmentation.

6. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector – Opal (Mini) – I cannot believe I haven’t mentioned this until now! I have had Opal since February and it is one of my favourite highlighters to wear. The smallest amount of product is all you need and I can see this mini size lasting a while. The gold colour isn’t stark against pale skin and would suit a range of skin tones.

Best of 2017 playlist:

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What were your favourite things in December?

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December Favourites 2016

I know it’s not quite the end of December yet but I’ve got my posts all lined up for the end of the month so I figured I would share my monthly favourites a little earlier. I cannot believe how fast this year and this month in particular have gone. I started the month off with my Christmas shopping, the majority of which I smashed out in one day and I’ve been busy wrapping presents and getting the final bits and pieces for my recipients. I’ve also been pretty busy at work with filling in and late night finishes but it’s all worth it!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Mermaid Blanket – At the end of November I ordered a mermaid blanket from Ali Express. I selected a beautiful purple colour with flecks of light pink thread (which you can see in the image above). The shipping was free and the blanket only took two weeks to arrive from China. Being summer, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to use this for a while but I have got it out on a few occasions already. I’ve been wearing summer pyjamas but find I need something to take the chill off my legs in the evenings before bed. I’ve loved getting cosy on the couch with this and it’s so warm!

2. Dannii Minogue – My Story – I have owned this book for a couple of years now and I’ve read it multiple times. I like to take books to work to read when it’s quiet and I haven’t been to the library in a long time so My Story it was! By now you probably know how much I love Dannii and every time I read this book I learn something new and I’m reminded how amazing she is. Dannii literally tells her story from her childhood, to the breakdown of her marriage to her musical successes. Even if you’re not a fan of Dannii, I think you would enjoy this book because it’s humorous, honest and relatable. Dannii talks about personal struggles but she is able to talk about them with a sense of positivity and explains the growth they have given her. Overall, a great read!

3. Revlon – Sugar Plum – You also probably know about my love for Revlon’s lip butters too! I have picked up eight different shades over the past year and I cannot rave enough about their formula and colour payoff. I paid less than $10 (NZD) for all of these and they are worth it! If you saw Monday’s post, Christmas Makeup, you’ll know I plan on wearing Sugar Plum for Christmas this year. One afternoon I was applying this shade and I thought it would make such a lovely Christmas lip colour.

4. The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Hand Cream – During Project Pan I finished up The Body Shop’s Wild Argan Oil hand cream and a couple of weeks ago I popped into The Body Shop to take a look at the Christmas scents and Vanilla Chai is the one I was most drawn to. I love Vanilla in general and instantly knew I had to buy this hand cream. This hand cream has quite a spicy Vanilla scent to it which isn’t my favourite Vanilla scent but it’s pleasant enough for me to keep using. I probably wouldn’t purchase anything else from the Vanilla Chai range but I’m happy I tried the hand cream. As with all other hand creams I’ve tried from The Body Shop, this one is very moisturising, a little goes a long way and the scent doesn’t instantly disappear.

December’s Spotify Playlist:

This month is a cross between pop tracks and Christmas songs.

WARNING: The playlist is very Minogue heavy!

Online Shopping Haul

Hello, hello! Hope your week is going well so far! Towards the end of last week I placed two cheeky online orders: one with ASOS and one with Target Australia. I’m really excited about the two ASOS items and I’m sure you all know by now how obsessed I am with Dannii Minogue’s petite clothing range. I haven’t done a haul post in a little while so I hope you enjoy this one. Let’s get into it!

Starting with ASOS:

ASOS Textured Striped Dial Watch – I have been on the hunt for a watch for the past couple of months and I decided to take a chance on this one from ASOS. I spotted this watch when I made my very first ASOS order in July but this time it was $20 cheaper. I wanted a watch with rose gold and I like the combination of the rose gold face with the material strap. My wrists are tiny so I figure a strap like this will be better than a metal strap or a bracelet type strap that can’t be adjusted. When I was in Auckland a couple of weeks ago I actually bought a watch but even on the smallest loop it was too big. Fingers crossed this one is perfect!

Rimmel London Good To Glow Highlighter in 003 Soho Glow – I needed something else to qualify for free shipping and I got browsing the makeup section of the site. I love Rimmel and I love the sound of this cream/gel highlighter so it was a no brainer – in my cart it went! I went for the shade Soho Glow which is a bronze-gold shade and totally different to the other highlighter I own from Makeup Revolution. This can be worn on it’s own, under or over the top of foundation.

Dannii For Target:

 

Blanket Knitted Wrap – Even though it’s currently Spring in New Zealand the weather has been pretty nasty and there hasn’t been much sun. I like cardigans but they don’t suit me at all and I thought this would be a good alternative for the unpredictable weather. I can throw this on if I’m cold and take it off if I warm up. I like the look of this on the model and it doesn’t look too long which is what I don’t like about cardigans. The black and white pattern looks funky too.

Chambray Shirt – I don’t have any casual long sleeve shirts and I’ve had my eye on this shirt since it came out. This shirt will look cool with black leggings, particularly my Dannii For Target coated leggings if I want more of a glam look.

Halo Tank – This tank top is another piece I have loved since I first saw it. It is a gorgeous mint colour which will look so nice and fresh during the summer. Again, I don’t really have a lot of tank top style items so I wanted to pick this one up in case I’m feeling brave enough in the summer to get my arms/shoulders out. The back strap detail (image here) is different from normal tank tops and looks stunning.

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Those are all of the items I picked up! What do you think of them? Have you done any online shopping recently?

August Favourites 2016

Howdy everyone! Month number eight done and dusted! August has flown by super fast and I’ve been crazy busy (but a good busy) with travel, loads of new experiences and starting a new job. I’ve still found the time to round up my favourite things from August and I hope you enjoy!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Alan Carr – Yap, Yap, Yap! – The whole reason I went up to stay with my brother in the first place was to see Alan Carr live. I have loved and watched Chatty Man for years (though I don’t think it’s as good as it used to be) and I’m so glad I got to see him in person. He was very funny and even though I was in Row R, I still had a great view of him and the stage. There was lots of audience interaction and he was so appreciative that everyone had come to see him. I would definitely go to see him again!

2. Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara – I purchased this mascara back in March but I didn’t start wearing it until July. I’ve been using it for almost two months now and for $10, it’s pretty good! Rimmel mascaras are my favourite anyway because the wands have proper bristles instead of plastic, silicone ones. I like the packaging of this mascara, it’s sleek and the bright pink means it won’t get lost in your makeup bag. For daytime, I’ve really been enjoying wearing two coats of just the length mascara, the wand is quite small but it’s perfect for getting into the bottom lashes. If I want volume as well, I will use both formulas but sometimes the lashes can stick together if I haven’t let them dry long enough between coats. To combat this I go in with the volume first because it is a thicker formula. I still prefer Scandaleyes Lycra Flex over this but it is a decent mascara and I wouldn’t rule out buying it again.

3. Iconic 2 Eyeshadow Palette – I ordered this palette in May as part of my Feel Unique & Makeup Revolution Haul and it took me almost two months to start using it, terrible I know! I got it around the time I lost my job at the pharmacy and I wasn’t wearing a lot of makeup for about a month so it sat there for a little while. When I did delve into this palette and start using it I was super impressed! This palette is predominantly shimmers which I like because I don’t have many of them already and I do like a sparkly eye! The pigmentation is really nice, fallout is minimal and the colours are gorgeous. If you’re undecided about getting the Naked 2 palette, give this dupe a go because I’m sure you will love it!

4. Derma V10 Strawberry Body Sorbet – This is another product I purchased back in March which I have been using since finishing up The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut body butter. The packaging reminds me of a yoghurt pot which is so cute and this smells absolutely divine! It’s a sweet strawberry but it’s not too sweet or overpowering, it’s subtle and blends into the skin nicely. The formula of this product is not what you’d expect, it’s light and almost feels whipped like a mousse. Application is easy, a little bit goes a long way and this doesn’t leave you feeling greasy or sticky while you’re waiting for it to soak in. A very well spent $3 in my opinion!

5. Dannii For Target Coated Leggings – Earlier this month I shared a clothing haul and these leggings were one of the items featured. The very first time I tried them on they felt incredibly comfortable, almost like a second skin. The length is perfect and the coated texture gives them wow factor and sets them apart from normal leggings. I have worn these a couple of times now and I’m a huge fan! They can be worn casually with a t-shirt and jumper or more dressed up if you’re going out. I’ve christened these my rock chick pants!

6. Revlon Lip Butter – Sweet Tart – I was meant to be being good and not buy lip products for a while but I just couldn’t resist! I spotted this lip butter and had to take it home with me. Sweet Tart is such an adorable and appropriate name for this Barbie pink shade. Barbie pink may sound scary but it’s really not. Sweet Tart is bright without being in your face and adds a pretty warmth to the lips. It has reignited my love for the lip butters and made me want three more… Oops!

August’s Spotify Playlist:

This month celebrates one year since I started making these playlists and posting them alongside my favourites. This playlist features some of my favourite artists of new and old.

Clothing Haul: ASOS & Dannii For Target

Hello and welcome to a new week, I hope you all had a lovely weekend! This year I have really been getting into my fashion and I’ve bought more items of clothing than I normally would. I really do believe it is true what they say, confidence comes with age and I’ve learnt about my own personal style and I’ve become a lot more comfortable with myself and what I’m wearing. When you’re wearing clothes that fit you well and make you feel good, it’s a huge confidence booster! Recently I made my very first ASOS order and another Dannii For Target order (my third since March) and of course I wanted to share my purchases with you!

ASOS

1. ASOS Petite High Neck Empire Dress – $26.07

This dress is unlike anything I own and this time last year I had approximately two dresses in my wardrobe so that’s how far I’ve come. I am loving high neck pieces at the moment and the red is bright and vibrant. Red is not a colour I wear a lot but I loved this dress when I saw it. The dress is made by ASOS’ own brand and is a petite fit. The length is not too long or too short and this will be nice when the weather warms up. One thing I would advise with this dress is to think about what you’re wearing underneath, if you’re wearing a lace bra, it will show the outline.

2. New Look Jersey Tie Waist Playsuit – $24.80

I have always loved the look of playsuits and I’ve always thought they looked so cute on. I couldn’t quite believe it when I saw this playsuit and at that price. A lot of others I’ve seen have been skimpy and fitted but this one is looser and slightly floaty. The material is nice and light but not see through and the bottom half of the playsuit isn’t short and covers most of my thighs. I’m self conscious of my legs and it’s not often I get them out. The playsuit has pockets, adjustable straps and the waist is elasticated which gives it that floaty look. This will look cute on it’s own or with a t-shirt underneath.

Dannii For Target

1. Coated Leggings – Animal – $21.10

Leggings are one of my favourite things in the world and these are a bit more stylish than your average pair. These leggings have a coated sheen to them and an animal print effect. The elastic waist adds to the comfort and when I tried these on it didn’t feel like I was wearing anything they are that comfortable! I was a little worried these would be leather-like and skin tight and difficult to get on and off but they’re not. The material itself is coated so it is still soft and has a bit of stretch. These are definitely coming with me to Auckland next week!

2. Long Sleeve T-Shirt – Black/White – $15.90

Another thing I am loving lately is stripes! Stripes are a simple way to incorporate colour and pattern into an outfit. The material of this top feels thicker than a t-shirt which makes it the perfect layering companion. The top could be worn on it’s own in the transitional months and underneath tops and jackets in winter. The round neck of this top is actually really pleasant, it’s not too low cut and it sits nicely against the neck and chest.

3. 7/8 Ripped Jeans – Grey – $21.10

I already own a pair of these in Indigo which I adore and for that price how could I resist this pair? The main reason for buying these is incase my grey jeggings rip or something happens to them. It’s hard to find a nice pair of grey pants and I know the fit of these jeans is perfect. The distressed knees give them a point of difference from my jeggings and surprisingly, they don’t make you any colder. They also make the jeans look more high end. A feature I love about all of Dannii’s pieces are the little embellishments. These jeans feature a matte black button with DM etched into it, say Dannii Minogue on the inside waistband and feature a black label sewn onto the back of the jeans.

I am really pleased with everything I purchased and I didn’t end up spending a lot of money at all. What do you think of these pieces? Which is your favourite?

My Weekend In Pictures

Happy Monday! I am officially on my week off from work and I had such a lovely day on Saturday that I wanted to share what I got up to. Sunday however, I spent most of the day in bed as it felt like a cold was coming on. *boo* I didn’t want that to get me down as I did have such a lovely day on Saturday; I got my hair done and treated myself to some new bits from The Body Shop.

I last got my hair cut in December so it’s been a wee while coming and I was super excited to get it done on Saturday! For the past few years my hair has been all one length and the past couple of cuts I’ve asked for some face framing. This time though, I wanted something a bit different and decided to add a second layer to my hair. I still wanted it quite long as I tie my hair up for work. I got my hair thinned out as always, got my fringe trimmed and I asked the stylist to put some waves in.

Hair Inspiration

These two pictures really inspired me. I love the long, wavy layers which is exactly what I was after. (Obviously, I didn’t dye my hair blonde though).

Both the hairdresser and hair stylist said my hair was in good condition which is always a bonus! I keep my hair routine really simple, I wash it every second or third day, let it dry naturally 99% of the time and don’t use heat styling tools very often.

The Finished Look:

After my hair was done I headed into town. I had a few things I wanted to do; I wanted to go to The Body Shop to spend my 20% off voucher and go to the library which I hadn’t done for ages.

At the library I was after Tanya Burr’s book Love, Tanya and I ended up getting Fleur De Force’s book The Glam Guide as well. Both of these look right up my street and are packed full of useful tips. I started reading Love, Tanya on Sunday in bed and have just about finished it already. The parts about her and Jim are so sweet!

I made my mind up that I wanted to purchase the Vitamin E Night Cream from The Body Shop after seeing Rachel mention it on her blog a few times. Normally I just apply my moisturiser morning and night but since we are heading into winter and my skin can get dry I wanted to try something more nourishing and keep my skin looking nice and healthy. I also picked up two soaps for my mum, we’ve used the Shea one before which is absolutely divine and I also picked up the Moringa which is a lovely, light floral scent. On a complete whim I also picked up the  Black Musk Eau De Toilette. I sprayed it on my arm and I instantly loved the warm, sensual, musk-ness of the scent. I am nearing the end of two of my other perfumes so I figured why not purchase a replacement?!

I am a bit of a social butterfly and don’t like to brag but it still never fails to excite me when I get a tweet off one of my favourite people and another one likes one of your Instagram photos. On Sunday morning, I woke up to see Adam Rickitt had liked and replied to my tweet wishing him happy birthday and later on Sunday afternoon I check Instagram to see Dannii Minogue liked a photo I posted of her.

What did you get up to at the weekend?

New In: My Wardrobe

Happy Friday lovelies! As you can probably guess from the title of today’s post I’m going to be talking about some new pieces of clothing I’ve purchased in the last month. I am someone who believes you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice clothes and I always try and buy when there’s a sale on – I am a huge bargain hunter! These items are all practical, key pieces every girl needs in her wardrobe. (That’s what I tell myself anyway!) Let’s get started!

1. Bella Beanie – Navy | $8.36

My Winter Beauty Wishlist shows a picture of a black beanie I had settled on after having no luck in the navy blue department. I originally wanted a navy blue one as I could pair it with a navy blue jumper and a pair of black leggings or a nice pair of blue jeans, a jacket and some boots. I saw this ‘Bella’ beanie from Cotton On and instantly fell in love! I like that it’s quite fitted but still slouchy and the pom pom on top isn’t too big and doesn’t take over. I can’t wait to wear this out and about!

2. Sara Suedette Biker Jacket | $62.30

One thing I didn’t have in my wardrobe was a smart jacket. I have a parka, a puffa jacket, a semi-casual button up jacket, a blazer and a bright raspberry trench coat but no smart jacket. The biker style is something I’ve never tried before either but I must admit I do like the way it looks. It’s casual but semi-formal and fitted all at the same time. Being suedette, the material is velvety soft and I chose this lovely grey colour. This jacket can be done up or worn unzipped but personally I think it looks cool unzipped.

3. Grey Jeggings | $15

The pair of jeggings on the left are the pair I purchased and the pair of jeans on the right are the inspiration behind the purchase. The jeans on the right hand side are from Dannii Minogue’s Petites clothing range and while they are stunning, I’m never one to turn down a bargain! I actually prefer the elastic waist and the style of jeggings as leggings are one of my favourite things to wear and are so comfortable. I also managed to save myself 50 bucks! I’ve worn these jeggings a few times already and the picture doesn’t do justice to how lovely they look on.

4. Dannii For Target Active Mesh Tank – Black | $14.10

One of my favourite things about exercise is buying workout gear! I only own one other tank top and it was hard not to be tempted by this one when Dannii Minogue and the fact it’s for petites is involved. I love how it’s not your ordinary black tank top (black’s meant to look slimming right?) It also features mesh panels and a reflective animal print back panel – hence the picture on the right. Working out in style here I come!

5. Dannii For Target Frock & Roll T-Shirt | $11.20

How cute is the slogan on this tee? When I first saw this tee I loved the simple but cute message and I’m so pleased I was able to pick this up; for a great price too! This is the kind of piece that can be styled casually or dressed up with a skirt and pair of heels. Over the past couple of years I’ve incorporated a fair bit of grey into my wardrobe and I’ve really come to appreciate how good it looks. The rolled up cuffs are also a nice added touch.

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What’s the latest addition to your wardrobe?

Disclaimer: All items are in New Zealand dollars and were purchased by me. Prices include discounts which may no longer be valid.

Dannii For Target Haul

Hellooo! A very exciting parcel arrived at my door on Friday morning and what else was I going do but share the contents with you. Being short it can be difficult to find clothes that flatter and fit properly. Ever since Dannii Minogue teamed up with Target Australia in 2014 I have been dying to get my hands on pieces from her Petites collection. I purchased two dresses last year and I am extremely impressed with the quality and how perfectly they fit.

“Petites is perfectly proportioned for smaller frames. With shorter hem lengths, narrow shoulders and fitted collars, every style fits just right.” – Target.com.au

What I love about Dannii’s range is that she always reinforces petite relates to height not weight. The range is available in sizes 4-16  and is designed for women 5’3″ and under.  Even if it wasn’t Dannii collaborating with Target I would still love the clothes because there is a gap in the market for petites clothing. Target’s pieces are stylish and on trend whilst still being affordable.

On with the haul!

1. Active Trackpants – Grey

One of the most important things for me when it comes to clothing is comfort. I’m sure we all have those items of clothing we wear around the house and make us feel comfortable. That was my first thought when I saw these pants. They are made from slub fleece and are the comfiest things ever! I have not taken them off all weekend! These are the perfect thickness to keep you warm but still feel light to wear. These can be worn if you’re lounging around or being active, I imagine these would be amazing to wear in the gym.

2. 7/8 Ripped Jeans – Indigo

I remember shortly after the Petites range launched I compiled a list of My Top Picks and a pair of jeans very similar to this featured on that list. That pair was also Indigo but instead of having ripped knees the jeans had zips at the ankles. These are skinny jeans but they’re not too tight and still feel comfortable around my waist and hips and when I sit down. This is the probably the first ever pair of jeans I’ve owned that doesn’t gather at the ankles. Previously I thought the distressed knee look wouldn’t suit me but I like how it makes the jeans look more lived in. (It’s funny how our tastes change). These can be styled casually for a more relaxed look but can also be dressed up.

3. High Neck Knit Top – White

A few years ago I would have said no to knitwear but I have come to accept the fact that certain pieces do look nice. I’m really liking the high neck style especially heading into the colder months. This top is sleeveless and can be worn on it’s own (it would look super cool with the jeans above) or layered up for winter. I also like how the hi-low hem is not overly long at the back which means I won’t end up pulling on it every time I sit down. The little black embellishment on the hemline featuring a hummingbird and the DM logo is a cute addition.

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I only purchased three items this time around but I can see myself quickly becoming addicted to shopping for petite clothing! New pieces are released every few months so it could turn into an expensive hobby. One thing’s for sure, I definitely don’t have to worry about whether it’s going to fit or not.

What do you think of the pieces I purchased?

Playlist: 21 Songs In 21 Years

Hey everyone – welcome to the second of my special birthday posts! Music is such a big part of my everyday life and I came up with the idea to compile a list of 21 songs into a playlist, each one representing a year I’ve been alive. These are all songs that I have loved since I was little and songs that are special to me. The playlist will be broken down step by step and I’ll explain why I chose each track.

Rules: In order to be considered, each song had to be released as a single or feature on an album in the year it corresponds to.

#1. 1995: Shania Twain – (If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!

I chose this song as the first track as it is a great way to kick off the playlist and 1995 was the year big things started happening for Shania. The album this track is from was released just two weeks after I was born. Shania is a huge inspiration to me and her music has always stayed with me throughout the years.

#2. 1996: Spice Girls – Wannabe

Who doesn’t love a bit of girl power? Wannabe is a song that makes me happy whenever I hear it and is the essence of fun. I also know Mel B’s rap word perfect!

#3. 1997: Shania Twain – From This Moment On

I know I shouldn’t be biased but From This Moment On is one of my favourite songs from the entire playlist. This is the song that made me buy Come On Over and fall in love with the album. To this day it is still my favourite album and one of my most played albums of all time. I also want this song to be my wedding song.

#4. 1998: Jennifer Paige – Crush

I’m not going to lie, 1998 was a hard year to choose a song for but I did it. The beat to this song is so poppy and up my street and I always sing along whenever I hear this on the radio. In my opinion this song has aged well, it doesn’t sound nearly 20 years old at all.

#5. 1999: Steps – Better the Devil You Know

This song (a cover of the Kylie hit) is what ignited my love for Steps in the first place. Steps hold such a special place in my heart as their music made me realise that I want to be a singer too. I have an old video tape of Steps performing this song that I used to play over and over.

#6. 2000: Kylie Minogue – Spinning Around

Spinning Around is my favourite Kylie song and always brings a smile to my face when I hear it. This song brings back childhood memories of me dancing round the living room when I was five or six years old. Spinning Around was track #1 on a cassette tape and I played that cassette tape to death. I’ve still got the cassette and played it a few years ago – it’s still a cracker!

#7. 2001: Enrique Iglesias – Hero

This is another one of those songs that doesn’t seem it’s age. By 2001 Enrique was a worldwide success and Hero further cemented that. The lyrics of this ballad are so beautiful and almost bring me to tears. This song is special because we all need someone to look after us and be a hero in our lives.

#8. 2002: Dannii Minogue – Put the Needle On It

You can’t include one Minogue without the other. Put the Needle On It is one of Dannii’s classics and helped her 2003 album Neon Nights to become her most successful. Everything about this track is slick and sexy, the beat, the lyrics and the music video.

#9. 2003: Lisa Scott-Lee – Too Far Gone

Words probably cannot explain the obsession I have with Lisa Scott-Lee. She has always been my favourite member of Steps and her solo music is right up my street and the type of music I’d like to make. Too Far Gone was Lisa’s second solo single after Steps split and is a perfect groove for the dancefloor!

#10. 2004: Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved

My mum is a fan of Maroon 5 so in a lot of ways this choice reminds me of her. The poignant lyrics of this song have always struck a chord with me – the words are sad but beautiful.

#11. 2005: Sugababes – Push the Button

Again, this choice reminds me of my mum – she used to have this song as her ringtone. Push the Button also reminds me of my 11th birthday. I had my first ever birthday party and my friends and I were talking about how much we loved this song.

#12. 2006: Cascada – Everytime We Touch

One of the biggest things that draws me into a song is the beat. While I do love a good, slushy ballad, up tempo music is where it’s at! This track is proper Eurodance and has the most amazing beat that just makes me want to sing along and dance.

#13. 2007 – Westlife – Something Right

Something Right is up there with My Love as my all-time favourite Westlife track. When I first heard this song it reminded me what I loved so much about Westlife when I was a kid – beautiful voices making good pop music. This track really reignited my love for Westlife, for a few years they had slipped under my radar but they were back!

#14. 2008: The Saturdays – If This Is Love

I cannot begin to explain how special these five ladies are to me, what did I even do before The Saturdays? I feel like The Saturdays are one of the first bands I have followed right from the very beginning and all of the memories and friends I have made because of them I will treasure forever. It’s only fitting I picked their debut single as it’s where everything began.

#15. 2009: Natalie Bassingthwaighte – Someday Soon

This song gives me goosebumps because the lyrics are very personal to me. The lyrics are all about chasing your dreams and being successful in what you do. The lyrics could apply to a number of situations but the line, “someday soon, they’re gonna write your name in the sky” makes me imagine what it would be like to make it as a singer and inspire people which is my biggest dream. Also the line, “You know you’re my hero, you’re gonna be a star tonight” makes me think of being on a stage and hearing people sing your lyrics back to you, that’s when you know you’ve made it.

#16. 2010: The Saturdays – Higher

This is hands down my favourite Saturdays song! I prefer the album version with Una’s middle-eight over the single version which features Flo Rida but New Zealand Spotify only had the rap version so you’re stuck with it.

#17. 2011: Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Not Giving Up On Love

I have been a fan of Sophie since the ‘Murder On the Dancefloor’ days and this tune from 2011 is one of her best! She teamed up with Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren and Australian sisters Nervo to deliver a track full of euphoric synths and pulsating beats. I am so glad I’ve been able to showcase a few of my favourite Euro/trance tracks with this playlist.

#18. 2012: Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen

The title Anything Could Happen just makes me happy and fills me with positivity. It could have negative connotations but for me it doesn’t. Anything Could Happen is about releasing and letting go of everything and moving forward with the mindset that good things will come to you. This song was also a turning point in the show when I saw Ellie in concert, the whole room felt electric and everyone was singing along.

#19. 2013: The Saturdays – What About Us

This is the last Saturdays track I promise! What About Us is very special to me as it was the band’s first #1 in The UK and it was the first time I heard The Saturdays played regularly on New Zealand radio. Before that I felt like I was one of few people who knew about them and the fact What About Us charted at #27 in New Zealand means the world to me. Enough people bought and liked the song despite not knowing a lot about who was singing it.

#20. 2014: Da Buzz – Touch My Soul

I have listened to Da Buzz for years and I truly believe Swedes make some of the best music in the world, the singers, writers, producers etc. I really don’t know what to say about this song apart from it’s a bloody corker! It is in that Eurodance vein but with Da Buzz it is about the lyrics and vocals just as much as the beat. It’s not just a few lines layered over top of a sick beat and repeated for 3 minutes.

#21. 2015: Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do

Love Me Like You Do is my absolute favourite track from 2015 and I think it really did a lot for Ellie. It opened up her voice and music to so many more people and has bought her a lot of success in the process. This song even made my brother a fan of Ellie.

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Honourable Mentions: There were a few tough choices and that meant some of my most played tracks didn’t make the cut. These songs are also very special to me and I wanted to mention them: 2008: Girls Aloud – The Promise, 2011: Pixie Lott – All About Tonight, 2013: Shane Filan – Everything To Me and 2015: Delta Goodrem – Wings.

Thanks for reading, I know this was a monster of a post!