Lockdown Life

Hello, it’s me! (Chanelle, Adele – they sound similar right?!)

I haven’t posted for a few weeks and to be honest I was enjoying downtime when I could get it. The past couple of weeks I have been quite busy with work and preparing for my return to the workplace. I did want to write this post to check in and share what I’ve been up to throughout lockdown. New Zealand is no longer in strict lockdown and on Thursday, May 14th the majority of businesses and sectors started back at work in the workplace (including me).

I’m not going to lie, I relished lockdown life! I am quite a homebody so didn’t find the staying at home difficult. I didn’t find my productivity suffered and I found I probably had more of a work-life balance. I was less stressed, I was eating less often but better and I got to spend time with my loved ones (mum and Halo). I also kept myself distracted with the following:

Reading

It’s natural that as a librarian I enjoy reading and I got through a good chunk of books! I would sit at the table and read as I was waiting for email replies, on my lunch breaks etc. Over the past seven weeks I managed to get through eight books and I’m currently 48% of the way through my Goodreads goal for the year.

I finished:

1. Twas the Nighshift Before Christmas – Adam Kay
2. The Longest Holiday – Paige Toon
3. The Hunting Party – Lucy Foley
4. If I Never Met You – Mhairi McFarlane
5. I Dare You – Sam Carrington
6. The Guest List – Lucy Foley
7. She Lies In Wait – Gytha Lodge
8. Our Stop – Laura Williams

Working

I was able to work from home and it was good to have a routine of sorts and a bit of distraction and something to focus on. I was able to do all the admin parts of my role including payroll, raising and receipting purchase orders, answering customer emails and phone calls and attending Zoom meetings as required. There’s lots of other little elements to my role as well and it keeps me busy.

Online shopping

I have possibly been more spendy than I should have during lockdown and I will share everything I purchased when it arrives in a separate post. Prepare for quite a few beauty bits!

Exercise

Along with eating less and eating better I was also able to start exercising regularly again. I’m probably not as ‘fit’ as I was a couple of years ago and my stomach and legs are certainly not as toned but I loved getting back on the exercycle and I will try to keep it up. Exercise helps stamp out any bad feelings and makes me feel more positive.

Singing

People most likely wouldn’t think of singing as exercise but it can help greatly if you’re asthmatic as it teaches you to breathe in different ways and gives you techniques that help with inhaling and exhaling. Singing has so many good benefits; it relieves anxiety, helps oxygen move and circulate around the body and teaches muscle memory when it comes to hitting the notes. I found during lockdown my voice was sounding better than it has for a while which I think is due to being less stressed which allowed the vocal chords to open up and created less constriction. I also like to sing whilst using the exercycle, proper little multitasker!

Playing with makeup

I didn’t wear makeup as often as I usually would but I did enjoy applying it and making myself look nice for Zoom meetings. I took some great selfies during lockdown too. (Shameless I know!) It was nice to take a bit of extra time to play with colours and products I felt like using on the day and apply my makeup in daylight again (usually I apply my makeup at 6am before sunrise).

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I hope you enjoyed catching up with what I’ve been doing. I was actively reading blog posts and leaving comments the whole time as well as being around on social media.

Leave a comment and let me know if you’re still in lockdown, how you’re going and what you’re most looking forward to when it’s over!

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Chatty March Update

The first quarter of 2019 is almost over. I wanted to do a catch up post and check in with you all and update you on how things have been going. I figured the easiest way is to divide the post into categories and write a few points under each. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Work

• I started my admin job in November 2018 and I’m four months in now. I am definitely a lot busier than I was before but I am starting to finetune my routine and get to grips with everything. I have been tired lately but I put that down to a combination of working hard, starting a new job right before summer and this summer being so warm. I am here for the cooler weather!
• I’ve got my first proper lot of time off since October coming up in April around Easter which I’m excited for. I plan on taking it easy, catching up on my Goodreads target and going through my wardrobe and clearing out clothes I don’t wear.

Blogging/Social Media

• At the start of year I mentioned I would be blogging less. I have still been keeping active by commenting on other people’s posts and reading blogs and I’m finding one post a week is working at the moment. It’s enough to keep me inspired without feeling pressured to churn out content.
• Instagram is my favourite social media and it’s where I’m the most me. I was thinking about my habits recently and how I tend to use the platform. I post a few pictures a week and I tend to gravitate more towards posting on my feed than uploading to my stories. I use stories for quick in the moment pictures I can still look back on as well as polls and sharing any thoughts I want to get out.
• In my bullet journal I am tracking my Instagram followers to see how much they increase throughout 2019. I don’t have a goal or get obsessed with numbers but I’m curious to see the change.

Beauty

• My lipstick ban is going well, I haven’t been tempted to buy any new shades at all and it’s surprisingly easy. I am enjoying using what I’ve already got.
• The makeup low buy is also going well. This year I have bought a MAC pigment in Melon, some eyeshadows from Colourpop, a Zoeva makeup brush and Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder in Light – I’ve been wanting to try contouring for a while now and know this powder is well loved.

Personal

• I’m not feeling great with the way I look lately, I don’t know whether it’s the heat making me feel sluggish or having more of a sit down job but I feel the heaviest I have in a while. I nearly always take my own lunch to work instead of buying it but I’m not walking around as much as I was.
• I stopped taking the contraceptive pill in December 2018. I have been keeping notes over the past few months and seeing if there are any noticeable changes in case I decide to write a post about my experience taking it and coming off. I’m not adverse to going back on the pill in future and I stopped taking it because I’m single, not for health reasons.
• I have been in a pretty good place so far in 2019. I have a mood tracker in my bullet journal and the amount of days I’ve had that have been difficult or I’ve felt nervous/anxious, sad or angry have been outweighed by good days. I still write down one positive thing about each day and keep monthly gratitude pages in my journal as well.

Exercise/Diet

• I want to take the stairs more at work if I don’t have anything to carry instead of using the lift. 90% of the time I walk down the stairs but going up is harder. Over time it will get easier and be beneficial.
• I aim to use the exercycle to cycle 10km three times a week and I would like to get back into yoga. Yoga always makes me feel calm and is good exercise that doesn’t make you sweat but you can see the benefits if you keep up with it. I will try and aim to do yoga once at the weekend in addition to the cycling.
• Beginning April 1st I want to consume less sugary treats. Over summer I had more sugary drinks than usual and I want to cut them out too.

2019 Goals Progress

• The lipstick ban is going well.
• I haven’t made any recipes from my cookbooks but I have made a list of ones I’d be interested in making – maybe I’ll get to one during my time off.
• I am a few books behind on my Goodreads goal but it’s still doable.
• I have only driven once this year and my goal is to drive at least twice a month. I’m still finding it hard to feel comfortable and pick things up.

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Thank you for reading – I hope you are all keeping well! Let me know you’re doing and how you’re finding 2019!

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Life Changing Experiences

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie or a thrill seeker it’s easy to get labelled as boring or an introvert. While the majority of the time I would describe myself as the latter two, there have been moments I’ve surprised myself and made ‘big’ decisions. We all have experiences that shape us into who we are, they may not always be good but they all teach us a lesson. If you want to learn about some of the things that have changed me, keep reading!

1. Growing up without my dad

Unconsciously I think living without my dad influences so much of what I do and the decisions I make. I didn’t have experience with boys and relationships with them growing up and that includes my dad. I wonder if that sense of not being important and not feeling wanted stems from this. Whenever I think of my dad I get emotional. When he left I was heartbroken but as time went on I learned to live without him and now I know life was better without him. I’m not a bitter person but I don’t know if I can forgive him for the upset and the emotional damage. My dad doesn’t know my hobbies, my favourite colour, how I did at school or most things about my life. I’m independent and I’m tough and that’s because of him and I’m proud of that. The line in Grease about the only man a girl can depend on is her daddy isn’t always true.

2. Meeting my boyfriend

As a child and at school I was always inexperienced with the male sex. I grew up with my brother but I didn’t have friends that were boys and I had no clue how to talk to them. I hoped one day I would meet someone and I am glad I didn’t put any pressure on myself and it happened naturally. A couple of days before writing this post my boyfriend was talking about fate and I still find it amusing that out of all the people I could have met I met a Brit! I feel like no one gets us except us and we have this beautiful understanding of each other. I don’t feel pressured to be a certain way and whenever I see him I feel free and at ease. Meeting him has given me more confidence, I’m not sure if it’s a sense of belonging and ‘fitting in’ or just experiencing new things and having someone to get to know.

3. Jobs and work

Work can be a tough topic to talk about. I think it’s fair to say we all have an idea what our dream job would be but for some of us we aren’t in that dream job. When I got my first job as a pharmacy assistant I was so proud to have landed a position after job searching for 18 months following my Communications course. I had that job for roughly a year before the pharmacy ownership changed hands and I was let go. At the time I was upset and distraught as I hadn’t done anything wrong and it came unexpectedly out of the blue. My attitude actually became more positive and during the few months that followed leaving the pharmacy I was happy and I found my second job. I made the decision to leave my second job in August 2017 because my head wasn’t in the best place and I had been experiencing anxiety. I am pleased to say I haven’t experienced anxiety again on that level and I am in a better place. I still have down days but not as many. I know what to look for now and I wouldn’t put myself through that again.

4. Singing at a school talent quest

People know I sing and I enjoy it but I don’t actually do it in front of people often. (My mum and cat are privileged as they get private concerts 😛 ) When I was 14 I took the plunge and entered a school talent quest. Some of the school students knew I could sing and they encouraged me to do it. I sang ‘Issues’ by The Saturdays and I surprised myself with how un-nervous I was. Singing for people you don’t know is easier than singing for those you know well because their opinions matter more. By doing that talent quest I proved to myself I’m more than just a girl who sits in her bedroom singing.

5. Going to my first concert

If you know me well you know music is my biggest love. It’s comforting to know it’s always there and it helps and brings pleasure to so many people. I attended my first proper concert when I was 19 (I saw Ellie Goulding) and I still remember how excited I was and how elated I was the whole night. That feeling doesn’t happen for me very often it’s not one I ever want to forget. For those two hours I was in another place full of happiness and no one can take that away from me or ruin it. I want to be a singer one day and it would bring me joy to know I could be that escape for someone too.

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What has impacted/changed your life – good or bad?

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Redhead Rambles #6

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 weekend the newly refurbished Library building opened it’s doors. I went to the official opening on Friday morning and worked my first official Sunday on February 4th. The Sunday felt nice and relaxed.
• The other days I have worked this week have been manic, the library has been busy with everyone wanting to check out the new building.
• Tuesday was Waitangi Day in NZ so I got another day off work. I chilled at home and went to the supermarket in the afternoon.
• I wore MAC’s Silver pigment for the first time.
• I posted to Instagram stories saying I feel like I’m in a rut with foundation. My skin seems dry lately and I think it’s to do with the heat and summer. Any moisturiser I apply seems to get sweated off. I must remember to take note of how my skin compares in winter, from memory I think it fares better.
• There have been two Shania Twain pre-sales. I haven’t managed to secure any tickets I want in either of the pre-sales but general sale starts February 9th.
• I haven’t been in a great mood this week and I’ve felt tired.
• To read an interesting article about handwriting and what it says about you CLICK HERE. It relates to a blog post coming next week 😉
• I finally got around to washing my makeup brushes. I haven’t been wearing much makeup over the past couple of weeks and I’ve been applying foundation with my fingers when I have.
• I enrolled with a new medical centre as I have been unhappy with the surgery I was enrolled at. My doctor left last year and thankfully, I haven’t needed to see a doctor for anything serious. I hate going to doctors but I was comfortable with my old doctor and I need to find someone like that again.
• Our new kitten has a name; Halo.

What I’ve been listening to:

Jessica Agombar – I have been a fan of Jessica since her Parade days (Parade was a girlband Jessica was in). Over the past few years she has released numerous tracks and I have been spinning both Bullet For Your Love EPs this week.

It’s been a quiet week on the music front. Most times I’ve played music this past week it’s been on shuffle.

What I’ve been watching:

Innocent – Innocent is a British mini series about a man who was charged for the murder of his wife and after spending seven years in jail he is released. He is determined to prove his innocence and get his children and life back on track. I won’t spoil the ending for you but I guessed who the real culprit is early on and was correct.

Liar – Another British series. Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) stars as Laura Nielson who claims she was raped by surgeon Andrew Earlham on their first date. The story also follows the couple’s friends and family as secrets and lies are revealed. I’m only two episodes into this series but it is gripping and I can’t wait to find out what really happened and which characters are telling the truth.

How was your week?

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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?

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Redhead Rambles #2

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.

• It’s been a sad week. My cat had to be put down. I dedicated a post to Tango and explain more HERE.
• Mum and I have reminisced a lot about Tango. We are in the process of deciding whether we will get another cat. We visited the SPCA but they said they don’t have a lot of cats and kittens at the moment. Another option would be to get another Birman from the breeder we purchased Tango from.
• Rachael gave us a heads up on beauty products she was disappointed by in 2017. Click her name to read what she wasn’t a fan of.
• There was a double episode of Pretty Little Liars which made me happy.
• The weather is back to hot – not a fan.
• Work is busy.
• Pointless Blog uploaded his first vlog of 2018.
• Understandably, my mood has been low.
• I started a book but stopped reading it after 50 pages because it wasn’t hitting the spot. You’ll see which one in my What I’ve Been Reading – Summer roundup.
• I am attempting to cut down on sugar and make better food choices.
• I want to start yoga again.

What I’ve been listening to:

Rita Ora & Liam Payne – For You – I have been a fan of Rita Ora since she released ORA in 2012. This song is the lead single for the final movie in the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. I have watched the first two movies and I intend to watch the third.

Vanessa White – Chapter Two – Vanessa released her second EP in 2017 and the songs are SO GOOD! A couple of songs came up on shuffle this week and reminded me how much I love the EP.

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #1

Hello everyone and welcome to the first post of my new series ‘Redhead Rambles’. The series will do what it says on the tin, it will be a redhead (me) who rambles about her week. Ramble means I will be sharing what I’ve been up to that week, how I’ve been feeling and what I’ve been listening to or watching. Occasionally I will share favourite blog posts from fellow bloggers and articles I’ve found useful or interesting.

• Last week I had a few headaches and felt a little nauseous and I wonder if it was a result of the extra sugar and chocolate I’d been eating over Christmas. I have felt better this week.
• I watched a film with my boyfriend on New Year’s Eve called Our Kind of Traitor and it was excellent! A couple find themselves lured into a Russian oligarch’s plans to defect. They are positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service, neither of whom they can trust. It’s not the usual type of film I go for but it was really interesting and one I’d watch again.
• I welcomed 2018 in by watching fireworks. Did you do anything to celebrate?
• The Royal Variety Performance for 2017 left me disappointed. I don’t find Miranda Hart funny and the lineup wasn’t as good as other years.
• On New Year’s Day I stumbled across a post on The Anna Edit about her Bullet Journal and planning tips. I’d watched Lily Pebbles’ video about her Bullet Journal a few weeks earlier and thought the concept seemed fun. I have a planner where I write appointments and things I’ve got to do but it’s not a place where I can keep organised lists and have structure without being confined to a weekly layout.
• On Tuesday I went out and purchased my own Bullet Journal! I spent most of the afternoon researching layouts, watching YouTube videos and journalling. I’m thinking of doing a blog post about my Bullet Journal in the coming weeks so you can see what I’m using it for and the journal and stationery I’ll be using. Most of this week has been spent obsessing over my Bullet Journal to be honest.
• Wednesday was my first day back at work for 2018 and it was SUPER BUSY! It was the library’s equivalent of Boxing Day sales.
• The Christmas tree came down.
• I got my fringe cut. I can’t wait to get a proper haircut but I have to wait for the shortest layer to grow. I want to go back to my hair being all the same length, I’m over layers.
• The weather has been rainy and dull this week which I really enjoy. Everything feels cosier.

What I’ve been listening to:

Steps – Tears On the Dancefloor – My favourite album of 2017 and my favourite band. It seemed only right to play it on New Year’s Day.

The Wanted – Word of Mouth – I don’t listen to as many boybands as girlbands but I felt like playing this album this week. It has some great pop tracks and uptempo songs.

ABBA – Gold – I was introduced to ABBA as a child by my mum and I have loved them ever since. This album is a classic and every so often I’m in the mood to listen to it.

How was your week?

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Seventeen of ’17

Previously I have written Sixteen of ’16 and Fifteen of ’15 so it only seemed right to continue this theme! There have been some extremely special moments throughout 2017 and also moments that have been difficult but this post focuses on the positives and sees me discuss what defined my year.

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#1. Steps reform + release new album

Steps are my favourite band and on January 1st 2017 they announced they were back. The band originally split up in 2001 and got back together briefly in 2012 for a #1 Greatest Hits album, a Christmas album and two tours. In March 2017 the band announced new music and their long awaited fourth studio album Tears On the Dancefloor was released the following month. The album was re-released in October. I have had the album on repeat since April and it is my favourite album of 2017!

#2. My 22nd birthday!

22 isn’t a milestone birthday but it was special for me as I got to celebrate my first birthday with my boyfriend. I had a massage in the morning as a gift from my mum and in the afternoon my boyfriend picked me up and we went for a walk. We ate pizza for dinner down at the lakefront before he took me on a drive. It was a lovely, relaxing day.

Related post: My 22nd Birthday!

#3. Winning Stash Matters giveaway

I was over the moon when I saw I had won this giveaway! There were so many brands and products I had never tried before and I still use lots of the products on a daily/weekly basis. (I will admit I haven’t tried the eyelash curlers yet though, sorry Stashy!)

Related post: Stashy’s Giveaway Prize + First Impressions

#4. First Valentines Day

This was another super special day as it was the first Valentines Day with my boyfriend and the first time I’ve ever had a valentine. We gave each other soft toys as presents – great minds think alike – and the card he gave me was so sweet. We went for another walk, this time around a lake and I can still remember how beautiful the sky was afterwards.

#5. Winning a polaroid signed by Vanessa White

Vanessa White is one fifth of British girlband The Saturdays (my favourite band after Steps) and on Valentines Day she held a Twitter competition where she was giving away signed polaroid pictures. I was lucky enough to win one of 40 I think it was. A signed Post It also arrived with the picture.

#6. Fit Bit Zip in Magenta

I found my Fit Bit on sale for $29 in March and I have been wearing it most days since it arrived. It is interesting to see how many steps I walk each day and how that equates into distance and calories. My Fit Bit is basic and doesn’t have a sleep tracker or heart rate monitor but I like that I can clip it on and don’t have to wear it like a watch. I’ve heard so many stories about the bands snapping and having to be replaced. The battery life is good too, I’ve replaced the battery once in nine months.

#7. Going to the cinema

Up until this year I hadn’t been to the cinema since about 2007. It got expensive and most movies end up on TV anyway. I have been twice this year and I really enjoyed the experience both times; I saw Logan and IT. Maybe I should go more often?

#8. Saying ‘I love you’ for the first time

I was the one to say ‘I love you’ first and I felt so brave when I did it. Technically it was written not said aloud but I meant it. I didn’t know if my feelings were those of love as I had never felt that way before but I have said those three words countless times since!

#9. 3 years of blogging

In June I celebrated my third blogging anniversary. Three is my favourite number so it felt even more legendary.

Related post: My Three Year Blogversary!

#10. Trip to the MAC counter

I don’t have a MAC counter in my city but ended up at one unexpectedly in July. I got two items, a lipstick in the shade Show Orchid and a travel sized Studio Moisture Cream. I actually didn’t end up paying a cent as I had gift cards and my boyfriend paid for the rest.

#11. Buying a DSLR

Also in July I took the plunge and purchased a DSLR camera. I settled on the Canon 700D as it has a flip out screen so if I ever wanted to try videos or use the screen for difficult, hard to reach angles I can. I love practicing with the settings and using my camera when I can. I’d love to snap some festive, Christmas photos and share them after December 25th.

#12. Essie Glow Your Own Way

This nail polish is one of the most photogenic products I have worked with. I bought it on a whim back in August and it is subtle and glamorous at the same time. It’s easy to apply (a pain to remove) but that doesn’t detract from how nice it looks on. Essie polishes are some of my favourites!

Related post: Essie Nail Polish in Glow Your Own Way

#13. Job at the library

In August I changed jobs. I’ve loved reading and going to the library since I was a child so it’s nice that I am able to work in a place that makes me happy. I am part of the customer services team and believe or not the majority of my days are not spent putting books away. Since I started this job I have been in a much more positive place.

#14. One year anniversary with my boyfriend

Quite a few of these highlights are about me and my boyfriend but they are truly some of my most memorable and happy moments of 2017. At the beginning of September it was one year since we first met in person. We didn’t spend the day together but I did receive a cute text message.

#15. Boyfriend’s 25th birthday

I think I was more excited about my boyfriend’s birthday than my own! I jokingly thought about doing 25 presents as he turned 25 and then as I began coming up with gifts I realised it wasn’t actually a stupid idea. He didn’t know what I had planned and I had a lot of fun buying all the gifts, wrapping them and revealing the surprise.

Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

#16. NYX Cosmic Metals – Fuchsia Fusion

Hands down this is the prettiest lip colour I own! I have a few fuchsias but this takes the crown. Pink – check, sparkles – check. This is so sparkly and pretty without looking unnatural. The formula is not sticky and comfortable to wear. The pigment is outstanding!

I love this photo and it shows the colour/sparkle.

#17. Music

2017 has been a whole lot better for me music wise than 2016. There were some musical comebacks from 90s artists: Steps, Martine McCutcheon and Shania Twain as well as great original material from Una Healy, Dua Lipa and Vanessa White. The majority of artists I listen to are female but a special mention goes to Shane Filan who released his third album in 2017. His voice is beautiful and so easy to listen to.

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What have been your favourite moments of 2017?

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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.

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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.

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