April Favourites + Highlights 2020

April 29, 2020April 26, 202029 Comments

Let me start by asking how everyone’s quarantine/lockdown/isolaton life is going? Whilst each country has different measures and restrictions in place we are all in this together. As mentioned in my March Favourites, I’m here if anyone would like a chat!

Over the past month I have adapted well to working from home, I am pretty much able to do my job as usual which keeps me in a good routine. Like so many other people I am using Zoom to connect with work colleagues and I’m really enjoying doing my makeup on the days there’s video calls and making myself that little bit more glam. I am also proud to say I haven’t worked in my pyjamas once (no shame if you do) and have gotten dressed each work day. This month has been relatively quiet but I have enjoyed the calm peacefulness. I am eating less than I would if I was going to work and I’m back into an exercise routine. I feel like I’ve been singing better as a result too and I’m not as stressed which is huge!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia – I have been a fan of Dua for a while now and ever since she released Don’t Start Now as the first single from this album I was excited! The vibe, the beats and the lyrics really stood out to me and it’s probably my favourite track Dua has released to date. Dua puts so much personality into her music and I love the deep, raspy element to her voice. The songs on this album are personal but still radio friendly and whilst she’s undoubtedly pop she adds in her own unique touches. This album is very cohesive and by the time it’s over you want to go right back to the start and press play again. Standout Tracks: Don’t Start Now, Physical, Levitating, Hallucinate and Break My Heart.

2. MAC Viva Glam III Lipstick – I purchased this alongside another MAC lipstick in March and over the past month I have already worn it a handful of times. I saw pictures of this shade online and was unsure whether it would suit me and be too dark but I really don’t have anything like this in my collection. Viva Glam III is described as a muted brownish-plum and is a matte finish. This lipstick has a very comfortable matte finish that doesn’t dry out the lips and despite the dark shade I don’t need to wear a lip liner with this. I wore Viva Glam III when I tried false lashes for the first time – CLICK HERE to see.

3. The Guest List by Lucy Foley – I have been smashing my Goodreads target during lockdown and I finished this particular book last week. It is one of my favourite reads of 2020 so far and the second book I’ve read by Lucy Foley in a matter of weeks. Set on a remote island off the Irish coast, guests are invited to the glamorous wedding between Will and Jules. Lives unravel whilst on the island and secrets from the past are revealed. Everything comes to a head when someone is murdered on the night of the wedding. I won’t spoil who is murdered as we don’t find out until the last quarter of the book but it was obvious to me who the victim would be and I was right. The reveal of the murderer wasn’t as easy to guess but it definitely makes sense. If you’re an Agatha Christie fan or enjoy reading books with plenty of twists you will enjoy this!

4. Glassons Cropped Stretch Skinny Jean – I picked up these jeans in a mid blue wash at the beginning of March when I was out shopping with a friend. This is the fourth pair of these jeans I have bought as the cropped length is the perfect full length on me. I also have these jeans in white, black and a light blue wash. The jeans are comfortable, have a slight stretch to them so they are the good kind of tight and won’t lose their shape but still allow you to move. These are probably my favourite pair as they are that classic blue denim and don’t attract cat hairs like my black pair.

April Highlights

I have completed a few jigsaw puzzles this month.
I treated myself to a couple of luxury lockdown purchases: YSL Black Opium perfume and Hourglass Veil Mineral face primer. I have sampled both of these in the past and loved them!
My Future Nostalgia CD arrived in the post.

April’s Spotify Playlist

How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Redhead Rambles #39

October 26, 2018October 25, 201819 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.

Last Friday I drew my giveaway winner for Monday’s announcement post. If you aren’t already aware, the winner is Nadine!
Late on Friday night I placed an xoBeauty order. I ordered one of the Radiant Glow Highlight Powders and a Detail Fibre Brush. I have heard Shannon mention this brush is particularly good for blush which is what I intend to use it for. As Monday was a public holiday in New Zealand the items shipped on Tuesday and arrived the next day.
I was very tired on Saturday but luckily perked for work on Sunday.
On Sunday I ordered Dominos pizza online and there was a mix up, I ended up with two deliveries at my door. I went to pay with my card online and it said the transaction could not be processed and it timed out and directed me back to the home page. I started my order again and selected a different payment method this time. Luckily I did because it turns out the first payment and order had gone through and after the first order had been delivered a second one turned up. I explained the mix up and realised I should have phoned the store. I felt bad so I Facebook messaged the company and they told me not to worry, I wouldn’t get in trouble for sending the second delivery man away.
On Monday I didn’t sleep in but I was tired again so I had an afternoon nap.
Tuesday was very hot and I had a few errands to run after work; go to the chemist and get a few bits from the supermarket. At the supermarket I bought a pain au chocolat for morning tea on Wednesday and it was delicious!
Wednesday was also my last day of work for a little while, my annual leave started on Thursday.
No sleep in again on Thursday so I got up and made a mocha and an omelette for breakfast.
I wrote a list of what I want to get done during my time off and I managed to cross off pluck eyebrows and shave legs within the first day.
I bubble wrapped the giveaway items and found a box to send them in to keep them secure.
I tried The Body Shop’s Virgin Mojito body butter for the first time and it smells so fresh. The formula is soft and creamy and it’s a gorgeous lime green colour.

What I’ve been listening to:

Ellie Goulding – Ellie released a new track called Close To Me this week and I also played Delirium.

Dua Lipa – Dua re-released her debut album with new tracks.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #20

June 15, 2018June 14, 20182 Comments

This past week I have had time off from work and it has been nice to relax and complete tasks from my to do list. I’ve slept in pretty much every day and I’ve loved it!
I painted my nails using Two-Timing the Zones (the second OPI polish I purchased in my Discount Beauty Haul). I needed three coats of polish.
Mum cut my fringe.
On Saturday night I ordered curry and there was so much food! I had butter chicken, pakora, fries, cheese and garlic naan and pappadum. I had to save some for the following day.
On Sunday I went into town and did some shopping, I purchased two blouses and a new bra. Bras are difficult to buy, I’ve got narrow shoulders so the straps have to be in the right place, I like the cups to cover my boobs a decent amount and I don’t like a lot of lace. Bras are either pretty but impractical or they don’t suit my personality.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching *THIS VIDEO* of The Anna Edit decluttering her makeup.
On Monday I woke up with a stuffy nose and thought I was getting sick again. My nose feels better now thanks to sinus rinses.
I cleared out my drawers and wardrobe and will donate old clothes and pieces I don’t wear anymore.
My mum made homemade vegetable soup which is one of my winter highlights.
Tuesday was a windy, dull, grey day so I stayed inside and didn’t do hardly anything. The internet was cutting in and out too which was annoying.
I placed an online clothing order on Tuesday night, it only makes sense when you clean out your wardrobe right?!
I took a bracelet into a jeweller as I want some links taken out. The bracelet has always been big on my wrist and I hope in getting some links taken out I’ll wear it more. The bracelet is beautiful and it was a graduation present from my mum back in 2014.
Wednesday was another takeaway night, this time fish and chips which I haven’t had for ages.
I watched *THIS TV SPECIAL* of Delta Goodrem’s Wings of the Wild Tour. Delta has such a beautiful soul and is one of the most talented musicians.
The clothes I ordered online arrived on Thursday afternoon. A post will be up on Monday showing what I got.

What I’ve been listening to:

Two of my favourite albums from 2017 that I still listen to all the time:

Steps – Tears On the Dancefloor
Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #17

April 27, 2018April 26, 20188 Comments

I was in two minds about doing a Redhead Rambles post this week. I haven’t had a very good week.
This post will probably be shorter in comparison to others.
I have had some personal issues and I’m not ready to share them. I am still figuring things out and where my head’s at. I’ve been emotional and my mind has been all over the place.
I haven’t been sleeping well. Normally I enjoy my sleep and love the chance to sleep in but I’ve been waking up early and have been unable to go back to sleep.
I have spoken to a few people about where my head is and what’s going on and I appreciate their support and kindness. I always try to offer a kind word when someone is in need. Kindness is free and the person hurting is very grateful.
I applied for leave to take some time off work in June. That time off will mark one year since my last lot of leave. (The leave was applied for before my meltdown).
I haven’t read much or felt like singing.
A couple of weeks ago before all the personal stuff I made the decision to go on a blogging break. It will be for most of May at least, possibly longer. There may still be the odd post now and again.
There was an internet outage on Thursday afternoon. I spent that time reading and finishing a cryptic crossword with mum.
I finally got around to burning my Ecoya Guava & Lychee Sorbet candle for the first time. The scent was not overpowering and I didn’t get a headache.
A quick reminder that when I hit 1,000 followers I will be hosting a giveaway! I’m roughly 40 followers away.

What I’ve been listening to:

Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa – This is one of my favourite albums of 2017. I still play it regularly.

Lawson – Chapman Square – The pop/rock vibes on this album are so cool! Lead singer Andy’s voice is so beautiful and emotional as well.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #15

April 13, 2018April 12, 20187 Comments

To be honest I had a lazy weekend. I read, napped and ate pretty much.
On Sunday I tried to purchase a copy of Kylie Minogue’s new album ‘Golden’ but the store only had the regular edition and I wanted the deluxe! I ordered a deluxe copy online and it arrived on Wednesday. It would have been Tuesday but no one was home when the courier attempted delivery.
I tested Rimmel’s Match Perfection foundation with MAC’s StudioFinish concealer again and it didn’t crease and sink into fine lines. I only wore moisturiser and no primer – maybe that’s the key.
On Tuesday I came home from work with a headache. I had some mini cinnamon donuts and lay down until I felt better.
The Commonwealth Games are on TV and normal programming is on a break so mum and I have been getting through a number of movies this week. They all count towards my goal to watch 20 new movies in 2018.
On Thursday I got my hair cut. I wanted to get it done before schools break up for two weeks and I had been looking forward to it for a while. It’s so nice to have thin, lighter hair. I decided to keep the layers but only have two instead of three and get a lot of the heaviness taken out. I got my fringe trimmed as well. I never get dye or colour put in. Check out my Instagram @chanellehayley_ to see a pic!
I’ve been listening to music a lot this week and it reminds me how much I adore it. Music will always be the most important thing to me and it makes me think of days I would come home from school and sing for hours.
I cleaned my foundation makeup brushes, they get the most use and need cleaning more frequently than the others.
I mentioned last week the weather was still warm but that’s certainly changed, there’s been a cold snap this week and even though I prefer being cold to being hot it does make me appreciate the mild, in between months.

What I’ve been listening to:

Calvin Harris – One Kiss (with Dua Lipa) – I adore the tone of Dua Lipa’s voice, it is strong and kind of deep but her tracks are always catchy and she’s one of the ‘popular’ artists I like.

Shane Filan – Back To You – Shane is one of my absolute favourite artists! As always his voice sounds beautiful and I love when he drops new music without warning.

Andy Brown – Put That Record On – A singer whose voice gives me tingles when I listen to it. I’m so excited for Andy’s country/pop album in June!

What I’ve Been Watching:

Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated – I’m not a fan of Demi Lovato but I thought her YouTube original documentary would be a gripping watch and I wasn’t wrong. I like how honest Demi and everyone was and seeing behind the scenes of Demi in the recording studio. If you’re a fan or you enjoy music, I urge you to watch this.

How was your week?

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December Favourites 2017

December 26, 2017December 23, 201715 Comments

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:

What were your favourite things in December?

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