December Favourites 2018

December has been another fast paced month! I’m settling in to my job and I have been able to read a little bit more. I get a one hour lunch break so I take my book and get to read it most days. We’re keeping Christmas lowkey this year and it’s nice not to have to worry and enjoy the time off I get. December has had some really special moments and I’m ending the year on a high. I feel a lot better mentally and I’m hoping 2019 will bring more joy!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Rita Ora – Phoenix – I have listened to Rita’s music for a number of years and I was happy to get my hands on her long awaited second album last week. I tried to pick up the album earlier but there’s only one shop that sells CDs in my city and they didn’t have it so I had to wait until I went to Auckland for the Shania Twain concert. This album is catchy pop with an emotional R&B edge. Phoenix sounds current and the majority of tracks would not be out of place on radio. Standout Tracks: Anywhere, Lonely Together, Only Want You, For You and Cashmere.

2. Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch + Cuff Set – Whilst I love having small wrists it makes buying watches difficult. The best thing about this watch is that the clasp can be moved to suit a range of wrist sizes. It’s also useful if your wrist size fluctuates. I was drawn to the Petite Melrose because of the rose gold colour and how dainty and elegant the watch looked. The watch face comes in two different sizes (28mm and 32mm – for reference I got the 28mm) and you can also choose the colour of the face: white or black. The black looks striking but I chose white as it looks more classic. The watch straps can also be swapped out so if you don’t want to have more than one watch you can change the strap for a different look. If you don’t want to order a cuff with your watch you can order a second strap or simply buy the watch on it’s own. This is the nicest watch I have ever owned – it’s the perfect fit and so lightweight to wear.

3. Shania Twain concert – December 18th 2018 is a day I’ll never forget; the day I got to see Shania Twain in concert. I have been a fan since 1998 and I never thought all these years later I would get to see her live, let alone have her touch my hand as she made her way to the stage. Shania is one of my biggest inspirations, her life story is so interesting and she’s had her share of ups and downs. The show itself was spectacular, the band are talented and Shania is such a professional, she knows how to work the stage and the crowd and treats her songs with respect. She doesn’t oversing or try and create new versions of the hits she’s known for. I was up singing and dancing all night and I feel blessed to have been in the same room as her.

4. Rimmel 107 Lipstick – I wore this to the Shania Twain concert and my love for this shade has been reignited. This lipstick has been in my collection for a few years now and I really should wear it more. The lipstick is pigmented, easy to apply and lasts well throughout the day. 107 is a gorgeous berry red and one of the best reds I own. This lipstick is lovely all year round but it’s especially beautiful around Christmas!

December’s Spotify Playlist:

---

What were your favourite things in December?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Shania Twain Concert Makeup

Today is the day I get to see Shania Twain in concert, and not only that but it’s her FIRST EVER concert in New Zealand! I became a fan when I was three years old and heard ‘From This Moment On.’ To be able to say I’ve seen Shania will be an absolute dream come true. Not only does she have a beautiful voice and incredible song writing ability, her story is one of strength and grace. Her life hasn’t always been easy but she refuses to give up and she continues to succeed.

Choosing an outfit for the concert was easy. I opted for my Shania Now album cover t-shirt with a pair of black leggings. Casual and comfy but concert appropriate.

Makeup wise I wanted to do a Shania-esque look so I drew inspiration from two of her music videos. I incorporated a berry red lip from ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ and a dark smoky eye from ‘I’m Gonna Getcha Good.’

Products listed in order:

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive – This moisturiser works really well with my current primer and skincare routine. It soaks in quickly without leaving my skin dry or greasy.

2. Too Faced Hangover Primer – I like this primer and ever since I started using it my makeup has looked really nice.

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Even with this being as small as it is it still applies how it always has.

4. Max Factor Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 Fair – When I want a flawless finish and good coverage this is my foundation of choice! I previously used this in 101 Ivory Beige, but think this shade is the better match out of the two.

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion – I want my eye makeup to last the night so this was a no brainer.

6. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – I used this concealer rather my MAC one as it’s easier to reapply without ruining the base underneath.

7. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte – I like to use a light dusting of bronzer to act sort of like a setting powder and take off any major shine. I apply bronzer to the tops of my cheeks, my chin, my temples and in a ‘w’ shape over my cheeks and nose.

8. Makeup Revolution Iconic 1 Palette – I did a makeup trial the Saturday before the concert using my Zoeva Cocoa Blend Voyager Palette and the black shade from my Shaaanxo palette but the eyes weren’t intense and dark enough for my liking. I loved the Halloween eye makeup I did *HERE* so I decided to recreate that look on concert night.

9. MAC Silver Pigment – I used a short shadow brush to place the pigment on the inner corner of the eyes. I just wanted a small pop of shimmer so the dark, smokiness could shine through.

10. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – My holy grail mascara! The large wand on this mascara means more lashes get coated at a time and the wand is really good for bottom lashes. One coat on the bottom lashes is enough otherwise I find they detract from the top lashes.

11. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – This blush goes with any look and the highlighting shade in the duo is the perfect accompaniment. I chose this product as it’s easy to travel with and contains blush and highlighter rather than having to pack two separate products.

12. Rimmel 107 Lipstick – A red lip is always a good idea and this one from Rimmel is not only similar to the colour Shania wears in the video for ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ but it’s also festive and looks great with leggings and a white tee!

The Finished Look:

---

Who is one artist you’d love to see in concert?

What do you think of my concert makeup?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Redhead Rambles #25

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.

• On Friday my brother and I went into town in my car. He likes the car and enjoyed his drive.
• I went into Specsavers to try on some of the glasses from Kylie Minogue’s range. Most of the frames didn’t suit me but I had fun.
• On Friday after being in town my brother and I had curry for lunch, it’s one of our traditions. I had butter chicken and a cheese and garlic naan – the naan was especially tasty!
• I was tired on Friday afternoon but I didn’t have a nap. I read and cleaned some of my makeup brushes.
• My brother went home on Saturday and I wasn’t in the best mood. Again I felt tired and just wanted to keep to myself.
• I started reading Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. I finished the book on Wednesday.
• I purchased a mini Vanilla pigment from MAC for $10. Vanilla is a shade I’ve had my eye on for a while and at that price it’s a steal. It’s second hand but barely used.
• I also made my very first Beauty Bay order. I’ve heard other bloggers mention the site before and I’ve browsed it myself but nothing caught my eye until this week. I am keeping the items a secret as I bought them for the upcoming blog giveaway for when I hit 1,000 followers.
• I watched *THIS* video by Jim Chapman about mental health. I’m sharing in case it helps someone. There are useful links in the description box too.
• On Wednesday I put petrol in my car for the first time.
• On Thursday I went back to Specsavers. I even curled my hair and did nice makeup for the second visit! This time my focus was on black frames. I’ve worn purple for years and while I love them there’s something about black that looks sophisticated. There’s two frames I like the look of, the top pair is Kylie Minogue and the bottom pair is by Alex Perry.

What I’ve been listening to:

Kylie Minogue – Golden – I’m always in a Kylie mood!

Shania Twain – Come On Over and Now – It’s less than 5 months until I get to see Shania and I’m so excited! My brother and I played my old Come On Over cassette in my car when we were in town and I got ready to Now on Thursday.

How was your week?

Follow me:

Twitter| Instagram | Pinterest

February Favourites 2018

February’s favourites are representative of the things I enjoy most in life, beauty/makeup and music. I have been putting Morphe’s 25A Copper Spice palette through it’s paces and the heat/skin rash on my arms seems to have cleared up so I am now able to apply lotions and moisturisers again. February has been all about Shania, tickets for her NZ concerts went on sale and I have been singing along to her music a lot!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Revlon Fire & Ice Rollerball  – I got this rollerball in a Revlon set a couple of Christmases ago and only recently began to discover how much of a gem it is. In the same set there was a bottle of Fire & Ice perfume (long finished) but the rollerball scent is nicer and lasts all day. I spray body mist all over and apply the rollerball directly to my neck for an added layer of scent. This is travel friendly too which is great.

2. Morphe 25A Copper Spice Palette – This eyeshadow palette was a Christmas present from my brother and I had used it a few times but not properly tried more than a handful of shades. I was a little intimidated having 25 shades to choose from, I’m used to 12 or less. This palette is pretty much all I’ve been reaching for in February and it is great for everyday, work looks. The fourth row of shimmers are beautiful! My go to is to apply one of the lighter shades as a base, one of the many browns up into the crease and use my finger to apply one of the shimmers over top. The shades blend well and I can’t see myself getting sick of using this anytime soon.

3. Shania Twain T-shirt – I got this shirt as part of the Now album bundle I ordered last year and the quality of this t-shirt is lovely. The material is super soft and the sleeve length and the way this sits on me is perfect. I was missing a nice white t-shirt and this filled the gap. I also wore this when I bought Shania concert tickets earlier in the month!

4. The Body Shop English Dawn Gardenia Body Cream – The heat in summer makes my skin hot and itchy and for a while I couldn’t use anything on my arms after a shower because it would irritate the already dry skin. I am glad there has been some cooler weather lately and I can get back into my after shower routine. I purchased this body cream around Boxing Day and it is creamier than The Body Shop’s normal body butters – it feels velvety soft. The scent is floral and gorgeous and lingers for a long time (in a good way).

5. Mini golf – To celebrate Valentine’s Day my boyfriend and I played a game of mini golf. I had never played before but had always wanted to. I found a place that is open in the evening and we went after 8pm so the golf course was lit up with fairy lights and it looked so pretty. There were also bunnies hopping around throughout the game and they were adorable! Despite never having played before it was a close game, at the halfway point we were tied but in the end my boyfriend won by five points.

February’s Spotify Playlist:

---

What were your favourite things in February?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Redhead Rambles #8

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 Valentine’s celebrations took place late last Thursday night/last Friday. I got a very sweet card with a badge that says No. 1 Valentine. My boyfriend and I bought each other a bag of sour Skittles without the other knowing – it was hilarious. Great minds think alike!
• On Friday night we went to play mini golf and I really enjoyed it. There were fairy lights and rather large bunnies. The game was a close one too.
• I tried a new flavour at Subway – three pepper chicken – and it was delicious!
• When I mowed the lawns on Sunday I hit the side of my head on a tree. It didn’t bleed but it did hurt a little.
• I have had a productive week blog wise, taking photographs and prepping posts for the coming weeks.
• I gave up on a book as part of my challenge to read 50 by the beginning of September. I skipped through to the end and that was just as dull as the rest of the story. Note to self: don’t persist with books if they don’t grip me within the first 100 pages.
• I have been wearing the grey jumper from my fluffy twosie I ordered on ASOS and I love it! It’s so comfy and soft and even though it’s summer I still get cold easily.
• THIS fitness post from Candice is worth a read! It’s inspiring and honest and real.
• I got some Rocky Road Lattes at the supermarket and there are even mini marshmallows in the box too. The coffee taste isn’t very strong and it does taste like Rocky Road. I prefer the Nescafé sachets but when I finish the Rocky Road Lattes I won’t be getting more coffee. I’m trying to be healthier and I don’t need the extra sugar.
• Cheese on toast for dinner on Tuesday night was delicious!
• I painted my nails silver using an Orly 3D Colour Blast polish.

What I’ve been listening to:

Delta Goodrem – Think About You – Delta is an Australian singer-songwriter with a wonderful storytelling ability. I have listened to Delta since her first album was released in 2003. Think About You is described as a ‘raunchy banger’.

Britney Spears – Glory – When Glory was first released I wasn’t feeling it so I decided to re-listen and reacquaint myself with the tracks. There are a few good bops but not my favourite material from Britney.

Shania Twain – Now – I’m still hyped about getting concert tickets and I’ve got to learn all the words to the album by December.

How was your week?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Redhead Rambles #7

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.

• I GOT SHANIA TWAIN TICKETS! General sale for Shania’s NZ shows took place last Friday and after being unsuccesful in the pre-sales, I managed to snag decent tickets! I will be sitting in Row 15 which means there’s only 14 rows of people between me and Shania. (I previously had Row 8 which would have been even closer but I accidentally clicked and lost those tickets).
• I even wore my Shania t-shirt to buy the tickets 😛
• It was a very wet weekend.
• I watched the final of Pretty Little Liars. The final was not what I expected and it has still left me questioning who A really is and if the character they’re suggesting is A or not. I am sad it’s over, it has been one of my favourite shows for the past six years.
• I’ve been loving Morphe’s Copper Spice palette this week and it is pretty much all I’ve used on my eyes.
• I am trying to make even healthier food choices and picked up some different things in the weekly shop. I picked up some cashews, and ingredients to make smoothies.
• I have been incorporating more exercise into my day; 50 squats, 20 lunges, 20 toe touches, 30 second plank, 20 leg lifts (10 each side) and 20 butt kicks.
• My skin hasn’t been as dry because the weather hasn’t been as hot.
• I painted my nails using Revlon’s Mon Cherry. I chose red for Valentine’s Day.
• I’ve always wanted to try mini golf so I suggested to my boyfriend that we have a game as part of our Valentine’s celebrations.
• My ASOS order arrived. I purchased a denim jacket and a grey, fluffy twosie. (I have linked the denim jacket but the twosie is out of stock). The twosie is cuddly and soft and designed as loungewear. The jacket fits well around my waist but is slightly big in the shoulders and arms. Once I get layers under the jacket it should be fine and if I ordered a smaller size the arms would fit but then it may not fit as well around the waist.

What I’ve been listening to:

Shania Twain – Still the One: Live From Vegas – In celebration of getting tickets to see Shania I sang along to her live album from when she did her Las Vegas residency. I’ve dreamt about seeing Shania in concert for years and this will be a dream come true.

Best of Kylie – Kylie Minogue is hands down one of my all time favourite pop stars. Her career has spanned three decades and this playlist incorporates all her best tracks and sing-a-long hits!

How was your week?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Redhead Rambles #5

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.

• I got to go and see a bunch of kittens 20 minutes out of town but decided none of them were right for me.
• My boyfriend and I went to the cinema to see The Post last Friday and afterwards we got Dominos.
• I had my first Saturday off from work in a while and it was mum’s birthday.
• Dannii shared a tonne of lovely bits she picked up in her New York Haul.
• I worked my first Sunday at the new library building. We were closed this week for the move but everyone was busy getting books onto shelves and getting everything into place.
• Monday was Auckland Anniversary day so I got the day off work.
• I filmed and uploaded my second YouTube video; What I Got For My Birthday. Click here to watch.
• Mum was contacted by the Birman cat breeder we got Tango from and she had kittens available. We bought a little sealpoint girl (the same colouring as Tango) on Wednesday.
• The kitten was flown to us and arrived at the airport on Thursday afternoon. We haven’t decided on a name yet. We have a list but want to make sure we pick the right one.
• I finished the London jigsaw puzzle!
• The weather has been a real mixed bag: scorching sun, cloud, rain and fog.
• I have had a makeup free week (except for Monday when I filmed the YouTube video) due to the library move and construction work. There have also been a fair few trips up and down stairs.
• Shania Twain announced New Zealand tour dates and I want to go!

What I’ve been listening to:

Lawson – Perspective – Since lead singer of Lawson, Andy Brown premiered his solo single Talk of the Town I have been on a real Lawson buzz. I have always admired Andy’s voice and songwriting ability.

Justin Timberlake – I’m not a JT fan but there’s been some hype around his new music so I wanted to take a listen. Not my thing.

How was your week?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Life Lately #3

Hello everyone! Hope you’re well! I began these ‘Life Lately’ posts in April as a way to round up what I’ve been up to and document where my head and I have been. I break the post down into categories and update you on each one. This will be the last Life Lately post as I am toying with a new segment for 2018 which will include more regular updates, possibly posted weekly. (Some of you may know three is my favourite number so it’s fitting I’m ending this mini-series after the third installment).

Blogging

I have been super consistent with my posting schedule and I have been getting posts written in advance. I am still learning about my camera and getting to grips with the settings to try and make sure my blog photos are acceptable. If you have any tips or feedback on my photos, please feel free to share! I have been thinking about the blog in the near future and as I mentioned in the intro my two posts a week may be going back up to three. I conducted a survey a couple of months back so I will re-read the answers and make sure I’m incorporating what my readers said they want as much as I can.

Work

In the last Life Lately update I had left my job and was getting ready to start at the library. I have been at the library for almost three months now and the difference in my mindset is very noticeable. I have more time and freedom and more of a work/life balance. I’m not stressed and I generally feel happier.

Personal

Everything on the relationship front is still going really well. It was my boyfriend’s 25th birthday in September and I surprised him with 25 presents. Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

I have been reading a lot and shopping a lot it seems too. I’ve picked up some bargains and purchased new products that I have slowly been trying/using/wearing. (Most items are beauty/makeup related, good beauty blogger). Related posts: My Recent Purchases and My Recent Purchases #2.

I have also done the majority of my Christmas shopping and wrapped the presents I’ve bought. I’m not a big fan of Christmas but I do like giving gifts and wrapping them.

In October I got my hair cut. I don’t know why but I don’t feel satisfied with my hair 90% of the time I get it cut. I like the way it looks when the hairdresser styles it but a couple of days later it’s thick again. I like to keep my hair routine easy and I don’t use styling tools often. I’m still trying to decide if I prefer my hair all one length or with longer layers.

Music

I ordered an album package from Shania Twain’s store and I’m still waiting for it to arrive! I ordered it over two months ago and have sent numerous emails to the help team. At first the item was out of stock and now there’s a problem with the delivery partner. I honestly wish I had physically gone to a store and bought the album and not got all the extras. I’m only seeing the order through because my money has been taken and the order can’t be cancelled.

Steps re-released Tears On the Dancefloor this month (with new tracks) and I ordered a copy signed by my favourite band member, Lisa. My CD arrived this week. I have had the album on repeat since April!

2017 Goals Progress

Related Post: Hello 2017!

I have been exercising pretty regularly. I want to find some leg yoga to try and tone my legs up for summer so I’ll feel more comfortable in shorts. I am going with the flow more and definitely haven’t been stressing about blogging. I’ve got a social media routine and try to keep my time using it to a minimum – I check it in the morning and in the evening. I tend to check Instagram more if I’ve posted that day. I’m sad to say I haven’t done any more driving and I want to make that a priority in 2018.

---

What have you been up to recently?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

My Recent Purchases

I thought it would be fun to do a haul post and show you what I’ve bought recently. I haven’t done a haul post for a while and they are some of my favourites to read and write! I tend to go through phases where I’m good and don’t buy anything for ages then end up buying in a cluster. I’ve got music, makeup and beauty bits to share. Enjoy!

 

1. Shania Twain – Now (Life’s About To Get Good Package)

Shania has been one of my favourite artists since childhood. Now is Shania’s first studio album in 15 years and to celebrate I ordered one of the special packages available on her website. I chose the Life’s About To Get Good package which contains the deluxe version of Now, t-shirt, journal and pen, poster and a patch set. I love band t-shirts, I always feel inspired when I wear them and I love sharing my musical tastes.

2. Steps – Tears On the Dancefloor (Signed “Lisa” Edition)

Steps released their first album of new material in April 2017 and I have had it on repeat ever since! A Twitter friend has planned to get me a signed copy of the album and post it over. The album is getting a re-release with extra tracks in October and the band are releasing covers signed by each individual member. Lisa has always been my favourite so I ordered a copy signed by her.

3. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10

Whilst I do love Collection’s Lasting Perfection concealer I’ve wanted to branch out and try this concealer from MAC for a little while. All I’ve ever tried from MAC previously are their lipsticks and if the rest of their makeup is as good it’s money well spent. I went in store to get colour matched and it was between W10 and NW10. I went with NW10 as it blended into my skin quicker and I am starting to think my skin tone has neutral tones to it. I hope this lives up to Collection!

4. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara

This is my holy grail mascara! I love the volume and length it gives my lashes and how beautiful and fluttery they look. I like the size of the brush, it’s not overly big but still gets into the corners and coats those lashes too. Bristles rather than a silicone wand work well for me and are my preference when buying mascaras. I normally buy this mascara in Extreme Black but the store I was in only had Black.

5. The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter 50ml

Strawberry is the range from The Body Shop I have tried the most from. It’s a popular line and I’ve heard good things about this body butter – I hadn’t tried it but I always wanted to. The 50ml travel sizes are cheaper compared to a couple of years ago and I love being able to take one to my boyfriend’s. I’ve got a few uses of my Shea one left but I will be starting this straight after.

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT 30ml

I am extremely close to finishing up my Strawberry EDT and wanted to pick up a back up. I also like to take these when I stay with my boyfriend as the bottles are travel friendly and fit perfectly in my handbag. I wanted something spring-y and the floral Moringa scent hit the spot. The floral scent is light and feminine.

7. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture 100ml

This fragrance is the original one by Juicy Couture and was first introduced in 2006. Out of the three Juicy Couture perfumes I purchased this is the strongest and the least sweet. I hadn’t smelt this scent prior to buying it and when I first sprayed the perfume I found it very strong. I did do the first spray on my wrist and it does smell better on the neck. It’s different to my other perfumes and I like that. Viva la Juicy is still my favourite but Juicy Couture is a nice everyday perfume if you’re wanting one that lasts and something bold.

“Juicy Couture begins with sweet fruit notes of watermelon, mandarin, and passion fruit over a floral bouquet of gardenia, hyacinth, marigold, lily, and tuberose. Juicy Couture finishes on warm, sweet base notes of caramel, crème brulee, vanilla, patchouli and woods.”

8. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy 100ml

I purchased my first bottle of Viva la Juicy in 2015. I was nearly out and wanted to repurchase so I hopped online to see where I could find the perfume for a good price. I discovered I could get three 100ml perfumes for the price of one 100ml Viva la Juicy in store! I class Viva la Juicy as my signature scent, I love wearing it and it is my favourite perfume. It is the only fragrance I’ve ever repurchased which says a lot.

“Viva la Juicy opens with notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin. The heart encompasses a floral blend of honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine, while the base notes await us with a gourmet rhapsody of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood and pralines.”

9. Juicy Couture – I Love Juicy Couture 100ml

I purchased this bottle of perfume after Rachael mentioned it in the comments of my Fragrance Collection post. This perfume is quite a recent addition to the Juicy line, released in 2016. I tested this in store before I made the perfume order and instantly loved it. It’s a little lighter than the previous two but it’s lovely and fresh and will be nice for spring/summer. The bottle is stunning, especially the leopard printed glass. I’m very thankful to Rachael for letting me know about this!

“This fruity and vanilla oriental scent will have every Juicy Couture girl radiating confidence. The fragrance opens with an irresistible combination of taffy apple, lively red currant and sparkling mandarin. The heart is bright with beautiful jasmine petals and pink honeysuckle. It finishes with smooth, addictive notes of patchouli and captive musks.”

All three perfumes contain some of the same notes but they all smell different. The quality and lasting power of each is spectacular!

---

What was the last thing you purchased?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Life Lately #2

Hi everybody! Hope you’re well! In April I wrote a post called Life Lately #1 rounding up what’s been happening and what’s going on. There have been some changes recently and I wanted to keep you all in the loop.

Blogging

Since I started my two posts a week routine on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have been sticking with it and manage to get two posts up nearly every week. I purchased a Canon 700D DSLR in July and purchasing that was an investment that got me excited to blog again. I have been experimenting with the camera and taking photos which have featured in posts on the blog.

Here are a couple I’m particularly proud of:

Work

In July I applied for a job at the city library. I was selected for an interview and offered a position a few weeks later. Things had been building up at my current job for a while and I felt some personal issues were getting in the way of my work. I was doing long hours (two 10 hour days) plus both weekend days and honestly I felt stuck in a rut. The library job was an easy decision for me, I’ve always loved books and reading and I even read at work. My last day of work was August 20 and I started at the library a couple of days later on August 23 – the day this post goes up! It was sad to say goodbye to the friends I made but I will go back to say hello and don’t want to forget them. I am excited for my new job and I hope it brings relief and less pressure/stress.

Personal

My boyfriend and I are still going strong and in September we celebrate our one year anniversary! I can’t believe how quickly that time has gone but I feel so lucky to have met him and had his support and presence the past 12 months. It’s also his birthday at the end of September and I have got something super special planned. (I am still debating whether it will get a blog post or not…)

Health wise I haven’t been as strict with my eating as I would like, some days I reach for the chocolate when I know I shouldn’t. I’ve felt self conscious of my weight, particularly around my neck. I have been monitoring my medication and stopped my antihistamine nasal spray as it contains steroids and that could contribute to the weight gain and affect my appetite making me want to eat more. My exercise routine has been haphazard but I’m hoping the new job will fix that and I’ll be able to get into a better routine and get back into a positive mindset.

Music

Two of my absolute favourite musicians are releasing albums in September; Shane Filan and Shania Twain. Both are huge inspirations to me and I always look forward to hearing new music from them. This is Shania’s first music in 15 years and Shane’s third studio album since Westlife split up in 2012.

Martine McCutcheon also released her first album in 15 years. Martine is a British singer/actress who you may recognise as Natalie from Love Actually – her most famous role. Martine had a string of top 10 singles in the 90s/00s and returned to the music scene this year with her album Lost and Found, written alongside her husband. The album has uptempo, rocky tracks mixed in with heartfelt ballads. I’m particularly loving the debut single, Say I’m Not Alone.

2017 Goals Progress

Related post: Hello 2017!

I briefly mentioned my exercise routine which I am hoping to get back into properly in the coming weeks. I continue to work on taking each day as it comes and this is one thing that requires a lot of effort – I am a constant worrier and always like to have things planned but I’m trying to get better! I haven’t been stressing about blogging and I don’t use social media a lot. I’d say I spend 1 hour at the most each day on social media (not including blog post writing). I have made a small amount of progress with driving. I reversed the car out of the garage and drove it back in twice. I will have more spare time with my new job so I want to put more effort into driving.

---

What’s been happening in your life recently?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest