Gratitude: December 2018

December 31, 2018December 30, 201815 Comments

I almost can’t believe how quickly 2018 is ending. I remember at the end of 2017 I was looking forward to the new year and very quickly (five days into January 2018 in fact) that all changed. Age 23 will be memorable (not always for good reasons) but I am ending the year in a positive mindset. I go into 2019 with the hope it will be ok and I won’t be tested so much. December has very much been the month to tie up loose ends and wind down after the year that has been.

Here’s what made me smile:

December 1: The food at the work Christmas dinner was amazing!

December 2: Spent the afternoon at a quiz with a few work colleagues.

December 3: Bookshops make me happy.

December 4: Mum bought apple turnovers from the supermarket.

December 5: Wore Patina by Stila and got complimented.

December 6: I did the daily banking at work for the first time by myself!

December 7: Garlic bread in the style of a Vienna loaf.

December 8: Sang along to The Saturdays on a Saturday 😛

December 9: Mowed the lawns. Good job done but it was a mission!

December 10: Bought a new conditioner from Schwarzkopf to try, my OGX one is almost empty.

December 11: Dropped my gift in the box at work for Secret Santa.

December 12: Chocolate sponge cake as part of a work morning tea.

December 13: Got my little car fixed, luckily it was something minor.

December 14: My watch and cuff set from Daniel Wellington arrived – it is perfect!

December 15: Did a makeup run through for the Shania Twain concert and went into town.

December 16: Chill day catching up on YouTube videos and painted my nails.

December 17: Last Monday at work for 2018.

December 18: Went to the Shania Twain concert and had her touch my hand as she made her way onstage.

December 19: Halo was pleased to see us when we got home.

December 20: Took some leftover hot chips to work for lunch.

December 21: The staff Christmas breakfast was a success! We also got to wear non-uniform clothes and I put tinsel in my plait to be festive.

December 22: Loved the orange-bronze eye makeup I tried.

December 23: Nice temperature, not too hot.

December 24: Wore my Shania Twain jumper.

December 25: Bullet journalled and listened to Ariana Grande after Christmas day lunch.

December 26: Restful afternoon nap.

December 27: Icecream after work.

December 28: My signed copy of The Anna Edit’s book, An Edited Life, arrived.

December 29: Morning Vanilla Latte in one of my kikki.K cups.

December 30: Potato chips and dip.

December 31: Last day of 2018, bring on 2019!

What were you grateful for in December?

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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 #41

November 9, 2018November 8, 201839 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.

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?

How was your week?

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Gratitude: September 2018

October 1, 2018September 30, 201825 Comments

September has been a month of online orders, driving practice and the usual singing and reading. I’ve been really loving applying makeup this month, I genuinely always enjoy coming up with looks and combinations and seeing how it turns out each time. My mood has mostly been ok, I had a dip around the middle of the month but I came back strong in the last week or so.

Here’s what made me smile:

September 1: Found a new driving spot.

September 2: Helpful driving tips from a work mate.

September 3: After work treats.

September 4: ASOS order shipped.

September 5: NYX’s Fuchsia Fusion Cosmic Metal is the prettiest lip colour ever! (I know I’ve said it before).

September 6: Joined Goodreads.

September 7: Saw the new Poirot mystery at work.

September 8: Final of Unforgotten series two.

September 9: Annual leave for the end of October approved.

September 10: Placed MECCA order.

September 11: Bought a chocolate donut at the supermarket.

September 12: MECCA order arrived.

September 13: Tried new makeup and wore new ASOS scarf.

September 14: Finished one book and started another.

September 15: Didn’t panic on my drive.

September 16: Makeup nice, wore a bright orange lip.

September 17: Enjoy doing cryptic crosswords with mum.

September 18: Yummy cheesecake for dessert!

September 19: Good cooked breakfast to start the day.

September 20: Warm weather.

September 21: Pyjama day.

September 22: Good episode of Silent Witness.

September 23: Placed kikki.K order.

September 24: Reached 1,000 blog followers!

September 25: Ordered two Makeup Revolution palettes.

September 26: MAC’s Silver pigment looks so pretty with Urban Decay’s Primer Potion underneath.

September 27: Mum made pikelets.

September 28: Caught up with an old friend and had donuts!

September 29: Didn’t expect to finish my book but I did.

September 30: Dominos after work – cheesy garlic goodness!

What were you grateful for in September?

P.S. Don’t forget I’m running a beauty and lifestyle giveaway. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Redhead Rambles #32

September 7, 2018September 6, 201820 Comments

The weather last Friday was absolutely stunning!
I tidied my room, rearranged my desk and got rid of some clutter.
Saturday marked the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and I created a simple, pretty makeup look which I shared on Instagram.
On Saturday afternoon mum and I went into town. I had a craving for Burger King and then we looked in a couple of shops. I bought a pair of pyjama pants, a shirt and some earrings.
After being in town I went for a drive in a new spot that enables me to go straight for a decent amount of time and there’s also a couple of roundabouts which is good to start getting used to those. I drove my car and I didn’t panic this time.
I was very tired on Saturday night and Sunday night. (Not sure why).
My nail split at work on Monday and I had to pull a chunk of it off. Luckily it wasn’t too far down and didn’t hurt.
Mum cut my fringe and it always takes a week or so after it’s cut before I like how it looks again.
On Monday evening I ordered two things from ASOS – this dress and this scarf. I saw the dress in one of Fleur De Force’s recent videos and I commented on a photo of her wearing it on Instagram saying how pretty it looked. The scarf was a bit of an impulse buy but I really like the red-pink colour of it. A couple of my other scarves are dark so the colour will pop against black clothing. Coincidentally both items are from Miss Selfridge which is a brand I have never purchased from before.
On Tuesday I texted a school friend for her birthday and we both agreed to catch up soon.
I entered Rachael’s 500K Views Giveaway. Rachael is one of my favourite bloggers, not only is she beautiful and creates stunning makeup looks, she is a machine at finishing up products and is one of the hardest working bloggers.
On Wednesday I felt like sparkle so I wore Fuchsia Fusion by NYX from their Cosmic Metals range on my lips. I’m still adamant this is the prettiest lip colour I’ve ever seen!
I sang along to some of my favourite Delta Goodrem tracks and caught up with YouTube videos on Wednesday evening.
Thursday I spent chilling, and most of the day consisted of reading. I finished an eBook and started my next novel.
I joined Goodreads. My challenge to read 50 books in a year ended last Friday (I managed 45 books btw) and I want to try recording what I read on the site so myself and others can see what I enjoy or what I don’t finish. It’ll take a bit of learning to get used to how the site works but it’s an easy way to track things.
Thursday’s dinner was Chicken Kiev with boiled potatoes. I don’t have Chicken Kiev very often but I do enjoy garlic and felt like one when I saw them in the supermarket a couple of days earlier.

What I’ve been listening to:

My ‘good vibes :)’ playlist on iTunes – This playlist contains songs that I never get tired of listening to and songs that always make me happy.

How was your week?

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Gratitude: August 2018

September 3, 2018September 2, 201812 Comments

August felt like a busy month and it was nice to be distracted. I bought some new makeup from MAC and xoBeauty. I picked up my glasses and got them readjusted and they are now sitting comfortably. I’ve been a little naughty and had some fast food but I don’t often buy my lunch, I always take food to work and I tend to prefer takeaways for dinner. I’ve been reading and singing and practicing my driving too.

Here’s what made me smile:

August 1: Didn’t think I was going to make my bus on time but I did.

August 2: MAC goodies arrived!

August 3: Leftover Dominos pizza.

August 4: Days where I can read a lot are some of my favourites.

August 5: Love trying new makeup!

August 6: Three Pepper Chicken is my new favourite from Subway.

August 7: Finished Still Me.

August 8: Brainstormed new page ideas for my Bullet Journal.

August 9: Picked up my new glasses!

August 10: Did all my cleaning jobs.

August 11: Made my second xoBeauty order.

August 12: Good makeup day and nice weather.

August 13: Seems I’m not the only one who likes my bold lip colours, people tend to notice when I don’t wear one.

August 14: Love trying on lipstick for the first time!

August 15: Got my glasses readjusted and they fit so much better now.

August 16: Found new books for my TBR list.

August 17: New Ariana music.

August 18: Garlic bread for lunch.

August 19: Hot chocolate and donuts with a friend.

August 20: Peachy, shimmery makeup look.

August 21: Wore my black glasses to work for the first time and got told they suited me.

August 22: Strangely satisfying removing chipped nail polish.

August 23: Fish and chips for dinner.

August 24: Felt comfortable driving mum’s car today.

August 25: Watched Unforgotten for the first time. Hooked already!

August 26: Toasted sandwich with cheese, spaghetti and potato – yum.

August 27: Halo looked extra cute today.

August 28: Hug Me is such a cute name for a lipstick!

August 29: First evening sing-a-long of the week. My singer dream will never die.

August 30: Binge watched series one of Unforgotten. Only took 4 hours and 20 minutes.

August 31: Tidied my bedroom.

What were you grateful for in August?

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Day (or Two) In the Life

August 22, 2018August 21, 201815 Comments

Last week on Instagram stories I asked what posts followers would like to see on the blog and I got this suggestion from Dannii (A Beautiful Thing). I have written similar posts before – What I Do In a Day – but this time I decided to share what I got up to during my days off from work and actually share two days rather than one. Nothing overly exciting happened, I am mostly a homebody but it is an accurate representation of how I spend some of my time.

Friday 17/08/18:

7:02 am: Wake up and first scroll through social media.

7:47 am: Feed Halo and take daily medication.

8:00 am: Back to bed.

10:00 am: Get up, brush teeth and moisturise face.

10:23 am: Breakfast; Toffee Nut Latte (in my favourite cat cup) and a banana.

10:30 am: Second scroll through social media, catching up on Instagram stories this time.

11:06 am: Empty dishwasher.

11:30 am: Get dressed. OOTD is a cream jumper and black leggings.

11:38 am: Trying to figure out whether Deja Vu by xoBeauty is too beige for my skin tone. (I decided to keep the lipstick).

1:15 pm: Driving practice. Got very anxious and upset on today’s drive.

3:16 pm: Watch YouTube videos and prep blog posts.

4:58 pm: Listened to Sweetener by Ariana Grande on Spotify.

7:10 pm: Dinner; pork chop, vegetables and gravy.

7:30 pm: Watch The Chase.

8:43 pm: Laptop time. Spent a while browsing the Feel Unique website and watched a few more YouTube videos.

11:20 pm: Daily bullet journal entry and added some things in my Filofax for this week.

11:42 pm: Read then sleep.

Saturday 18/08/18:

7:44 am: Feed Halo and take morning medications.

7:55 am: Back to sleep.

9:30 am: Alarm goes off and scroll through social media.

10:12 am: Get up and brush teeth.

10:17 am: Texted a friend about meeting up for hot chocolate.

10:21 am: Breakfast; yoghurt.

10:53 am: Post image to Instagram.

11:50 am: Read blog posts on WordPress reader.

1:09 pm: Vacuum.

2:55 pm: Garlic bread for lunch.

3:20 pm: Cut mum’s fringe.

3:39 pm: Shower.

4:33 pm: Read on the couch.

7:00 pm: Watch The Chase and Silent Witness.

9:05 pm: Watch YouTube videos and browse the internet. I looked at the Target Australia website and another website for handbags.

10:40 pm: Final scroll through Instagram for the day and read.

11:38 pm: Lights out, time for sleep.

How do you like to spend your days off? Do you plan things or catch up on chores or a mixture of both?

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Gratitude: July 2018

August 1, 2018July 31, 201811 Comments

Two months of winter down and only one left to go! The weather hasn’t actually been that bad, there’s been sunny and rainy days. July has seen some changes, I bought a car and started learning to drive, I’m getting new glasses, and I feel like there has been a shift in my mood and personality. In some ways I am more guarded and I’m very cautious but then there is another part of me that shouldn’t feel ashamed for what happened and be okay with moving on. They say time is a healer and I hope that’s true!