OOTD_Time For Dinner

It's really starting to get cold in Adelaide at the moment. A lot of the blogs I'm reading are going into summer and embracing the warm weather and here I am all rugged up. Today I was off to meet up with my mum for dinner and then hang backstage at her theatre production. 

Leggings_Kmart, Jumper_Gifted, Scarf_Sportsgirl, Boots_Kmart, Backpack_Myer, Lipcolour_Australis Velourlips in Tok-I-O

I though I'd try something different with my hair, I usually always wear it straight or up but I'm very very envious of those girls with natural curl. It didn't turn out exactly as I wanted as my hair had been freshly washed so didn't have much grip to it but it's given me motivation to try it again. I'm so glad I got this backpack out again. It's super spacious so it holds everything I need, including my ipad, camera and a good helping of fashion magazines. I needed to throw on a coat with this that I unfortunately didn't get to photograph because it was just that cold. Today's rain also made me realise I'm going to have to look for some more winter boots as my current shoe situation just won't cut it.

Anyone have any favourite boots at the moment that I should check out? 

Amy xx

OOTD_Down Time

Last week I had to go out for an appointment and to run some errands. I was still holding onto that last shred of warm weather so decided to pair a sleeveless blouse with my fave comfy shoes.

Top_City Chic, Pants_Target, Shoes_Vans, Lip Colour_Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain in 410

I pretty much live in these pants. They are just so incredibly comfortable but thicker than leggings. Same with these shoes; I've had them for about 6 years now and they are my go to shoe when I want something comfortable with a pop of colour. They did have a pretty brutal wearing in phase however; I actually stopped wearing them for a while as I thought they were the wrong size. I'm so glad I came back to them because now they're the most comfortable shoes I own! I actually bought this top last week in the mid week sales. I had been eyeing it off when it was full price and actually tried it on but it gaped a little around the waist area. fast forward 2 months and I see it on special for less than half price and I just had to try it on again. talking to the shop assistant I realised the problem was actually that the buttons had been placed awkwardly and all it needed was a well placed safety pin. I'm so glad I decided to get it; it's such a perfect shade and can be dressed up or down. 

As much as I love winter I'm not really looking forward to hiding under layers of coats and scarves. 

Amy xx

Friday Favourites_My Fur Baby

Today my Friday favourite is my fur baby Toby. He is a purebred toy poodle and he is absolutely gorgeous (although I am a little biased). He's about 4 and half now but still acts like a tiny puppy.

(The only way I could get him to sit still for these pictures was by holding his favourite toy near the camera)

He's really special to me as he's the first pet that I bought on my own. I had just started my first job and we walked past him at the shop and I fell in love. I had actually been paid for my first 2 weeks in one payment where I had worked pretty much every day and mum was open to it (she had fallen in love with him too) so we decided that he needed to be a part of our family and put down a deposit. Unfortunately it was a really hot day so we weren't allowed to take him home until the temperature was under 35 and had to wait until the next day to take him home, which in a way was a good thing as it gave us time to prepare. He has the kindest eyes and always knows when I'm not feeling my best and will come give me cuddles. Although most of the time he's absolutely full of energy and ALWAYS wants to play. Like literally all the time, he's obsessed with playing fetch. I love how he's such a little character, Mr. and I couldn't imagine our lives without him, he really is such a big part of the family.

Hopefully I'll be able to get Mr. in front of the camera sometime soon to include him in my Friday Favourites. 

Amy xx

OOTD_Job Interview (again)

I'm still looking for a job at the moment. I'm in a really frustrating position where I'm technically a qualified hairdresser but because I haven't worked in a salon before it's really hard for an employer to take me on without having to spend time working on my technique, timing etc. Anyway, last week I had another interview with a really nice salon located just out of the city.

Lace Top_Big W, Sheer Blouse_Supre, Pants_Target, Flatforms_Target, Watch_MarcbyMarcJacobs, Lip Colour_Sportsgirl Pout About It in Orange Crush

I felt really confident with the outfit I chose, which always helps when going for an interview. When I'm going for a hairdressing job I always wear black and white as it comes across professionally and most salon dress codes are plain black or black and white. The boss even commented that I dressed really well which was a lovely compliment. I really hope I get this job; it was such a nice salon and everyone was so friendly.

Amy xx

101 in 1001

I've seen a lot of these types of posts lately and have decided to do my own. I'm really bad at sticking to goals so I'm hoping that by giving myself a deadline and combining some easy goals with some not so easy goals I will achieve more in my day to day life. I've also added some of the tasks as motivation to do things when I'm bored instead of watching TV.

The premise is simple; 

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Rules_Tasks must be specific (i.e., no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e., represent some amount of work on my part).

Start date_21/5/2014

End Date_15/2/2017

Career
1. Get a job
2. Enter a hairdressing competition
3. Take a makeup course
4. Style a photoshoot
5. Attend hair expo
6. Get my own business cards
7. Get paid to do something I love

Relationships

8. Move out with Mr.

9. Celebrate 10 years with Mr.

10. Furnish our home
11. Create a secret handshake
12. Have a candle lit dinner
13. Visit my interstate grandparents
14. Take cute photo booth pics with Mr.
15. Build a blanket fort for movie night
16. Help Mr. do something he loves

Purchases
17. Buy my first car
18. Upgrade to a better camera
19. Buy a PC
20. Get some Doc Martins
21. Get a magazine subscription
22. Find the perfect winter coat
23. Buy a bikini
24. Buy Karen Walker sunglasses
25. Get a full length mirror
26. Thrift something amazing
27. Buy a planner and keep it updated for 6 months
28. Upgrade my straightener

Giving
29. Donate to charity
30. Suspend a coffee
31. Plant a tree
32. Give blood
33. Do the million paws walk
34. Plan a surprise for someone
35. Get Christmas presents for my family (I haven't had a job for a while so I haven't been able to do this)

Health
36. Climb Mt. Lofty
37. Go meat free for a week
38. Join a gym
39. Find out my blood type
40. Stretch at least twice a week for a month
41. Keep a food journal for a week
42. Taste a new vegetable
43. Lose 5 kgs

Create
44. Master cable knitting
45. Crochet a soft toy
46. Finish my mood board book
47. Cook something new
48. Start a recipe collection with at least 20 recipes
49. Complete a craft gawker project
50. Write a story
51. Redesign my blog
52. Finish all current crochet projects
53. Take a picture for each letter of the alphabet
54. Finish my cross-stitch

Been There Done That
55. Travel interstate
56. Go to the zoo
57. Go wine tasting
58. Attend a fashion show
59. Go on a picnic
60. Dance in the rain
61. Take a day trip
62. Go to the drive in
63. Go to a costume party
64. Go bowling
65. Go to a music festival
66. Go ice skating
67. Go on a Ferris wheel
68. Try a new restaurant once a week for a month
69. Have a dinner party
70. Clean my room
71. Drink a beer
72. Take a shot of something new
73. Try lobster
74. Try a martini

For My Mind
75. Keep my journal going for a year
76. Write to my future self
77. Meditate for 30 minutes
78. List 100 things that make me happy

Just Because
79. Get my learners permit
80. Get my p plates
81. Go blonde
82. Take myself on a date
83. See sunrise and sunset of the same day
84. Stay out till dawn
85. Watch every episode of SATC
86. Watch every episode of friends
87. Wear something outrageous
88. Go vintage for a day
89. Try pink eyeshadow
90. Get brows professionally shaped
91. Celebrate my blog's one year
92. Read something new
93. Learn long division
94. Get my makeup professionally done
95. Get a pedicure
96. Buy myself flowers
97. Go acrylic nail free for a month
98. Wear every piece of clothing I own (not all at the same time)
99. Get tattoos touched up
100. Save $500
101. Celebrate my quarter century

Sorry it was such a long post. I will attempt to update my endeavors fortnightly if I've completed enough tasks if not maybe monthly. I'm also going to attempt to photograph as many of these as I can as a marker of having completed them.

Wish me luck!

Amy xx

(Belated) Makeup Monday_To the Theatre

I planned to post this last night but I got home fairly late so I thought I'd post today instead. My mum is in a local theatre production and last night was family and friends night so Mr. and I went along to show our support. It was a really nice night (except for some people talking during the performance and some lady making a rude comment about me being on my phone before the show), everyone did so well considering it was the first time performed in front of an audience. I've been feeling a bit bored with my makeup lately so I decided to step up my game a bit with a dark purple lip.

Lipstick_She Australia in Black Orchid

This is one of my favourite lipsticks for winter. It's such a rich deep purple and it smells like essential oils which is great as I'm not really a fan of the typical lipstick smell. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't have great wearability. It's quite a sheer formula so I find it takes a few layers to get the intensity I want and even then I find I have to reapply fairly often. It's worth it for me though as I truly adore the colour. I'm really looking forward to winter and starting to wear a darker colour palette.

I can finally braid my hair again! Even though it still takes a thousand pins to secure progress is progress!

Amy xx

OOTD_Date Time

Today Mr. and I went on a mini date. Lots of people ask us how we've been together so long when we're only young (we've been together 9 years!) and I often tell them it's because we still take the time to go on dates. Just taking a bit of time out to enjoy each other's company really helps you remember why you got together in the first place. Anyway onto the outfit!

(Sorry the photos are getting worse! I need to get new batteries for my camera)

Top_Kmart, Skirt_Thrifted (Savers), Jelly Sandals_Rubi, Watch_MarcbyMarcJacobs

Head Chain_Factorie, Lip Colour_True Touch in Raisin (from their tester palette)

Adelaide still seems to be holding onto the warmer weather just a little bit longer, and after the little taster of cold we got a couple of weeks ago I really can't wait until the cold sets in for good. This skirt was perfect for the weather, and I absolutely loved wearing it! It felt so floaty on and I decided to pair it with a head chain to give it a bit of a boho vibe. I REALLY like this lip colour. I was gifted the tester palette a while ago and had completely forgot about it, but dug it out when I was looking for a colour to go with the skirt. Lately I've been wearing a lot of full coverage, matte, bright or pastel lip colours so this was something a little different for me. It was a bit more sheer than I'm used to but the wearability was ridiculous. I didn't have to reapply the whole time I was out which included lunch. 

I'm finally happy with my hair length again. It's taken me almost a year to grow out my pixie crop. I still have a little way to go growing out the undercut but I'm so glad it's finally long enough to style. Maybe I'll include a sneaky flashback of my short hair soon,

Amy xx

DIY_Knitted Headwrap

I always start knitting and crocheting again when the cold weather starts to set in. I'd like to do it all year round but I find the onset of cold weather really motivates me to work with yarn. I've been looking through craftgawker for cute head wrap/ear warmer ideas and I really liked the look of braided and twisted ones so I decided to make one myself.

(Please excuse the quality of the photos, they were taken on my phone and I was in a hurry)

I decided to use 2 strands of 8ply acrylic as I wanted a thick knit and only had 5mm needles available. I chose a sky blue and a lavender but any combo of colours would work. To start I casted on 11 stitches then worked in stocking stitch until the length fit around my head. I then casted off and repeated this 2 more times. As stocking stitch has a tendency to curl on itself I ended up with 3 rope like lengths which I braided together and pinned at the ends. I pinned and sewed each end individually so that the braid flowed seamlessly around my head.

I'm really happy with the result. Next time I could definitely get away with only using one strand of yarn if I wanted a less chunky look. I did lose some length when I braided the lengths together so it does fit snugly on my head but I would prefer that than being too loose. I wore it to Mr.'s football game tonight and while it wasn't really cold, it managed to keep my head warm. I'd be interested to see how it went on a really cold day/night.

I really want to try a twisted style next, at this rate my ears will stay toasty all winter!

Amy xx

OOTD_In Bloom

Today was the most beautiful day, the weather was great! Mr. and I had to pop to the shops for a bit so I thought I'd celebrate probably the last of the warm weather we are going to get with some summer brights.

Tshirt_Big W, Sheer Top_Supre, Leggings_Best & Less, Sandals_Factorie, Necklace_Gifted

I really love these leggings. I've worn them a couple of times now and they are so incredibly comfy. I'm looking forward to being able to dress them up with heels for maybe a dinner or something. Over the last 2 summers I have pretty much lived in jelly sandals. I find them so comfortable, especially when I'm on my feet all day hairdressing. While these ones are probably the least worn of my collection I really love the colour of them, they are such a perfect translucent pink. I originally bought this sheer top for a job trial, and while it isn't the most practical thing to wear while working I think it will become a staple of my wardrobe. It's so floaty and and will make a great coverup for casual and dressy outfits. Excuse my terrible almost makeup-less face, I was really excited to shoot this outfit but not so excited about applying my usual daily makeup. Maybe ill be able to find a compromise between looking like I'm wearing no makeup or streamlining my daily makeup routine so it doesn't take as long. 

Amy xx

Recent Purchases

I've been doing a lot more shopping than I should recently. I really should be saving money to eventually move out of home with my Mr. but I've needed to update a few things and found some good bargains lately.

Ipad Case_Big W, Phone Case_Ebay

I've recently upgraded my phone as my old one decided to not work anymore so obviously I needed a pretty new case to go with it. I picked this one up from Head Case Designs on Ebay and I love it! It's really heavy duty and fits really well. My Ipad case was also falling apart as I had had it for a few years. Unfortunately because I have an Ipad one I was finding it really hard to find nice patterned covers. Until I found this one at Big W. It fits perfectly and I really love the geometric pattern on it.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush_Priceline, Lipstick_Sportsgirl, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water_Coles, Elf Primer_Kmart

I have a big weakness for beauty products. I was in need of a new foudation brush and wanted to make the change to a stippling brush from a standard foundation brush. I picked this one up from Proceline because I had a $12 voucher so I only had to pay $10! It's really fantastic to use so far, and I'm planning on doing a full review on all these products in the future. I also got another Sportsgirl lipstick to add to my collection, this one is called orange crush. I got the primer while out shopping with my mum. I had heard about Elf products but never tried them so I thought I'd grab the primer as I needed to buy one anyway. I've recently been seeing reviews for micellar water everywhere! So when I found this one on sale at Coles (half price!) I knew I had to buy it.

Heels_Target

I bought these because I had a job interview that required full business attire. I had been looking for heels like this anyway so it seemed like a good justification for finally buying some (plus they're real leather) I got them in an 8 which I am usually but I found I needed heel grips for a better fit. 

Leggings_Best & Less

This was another purchase while out with my mum. As I wear leggings pretty much all the time, I'm always looking for something a bit different. I absolutely fell in love with these when I saw them, and they were 30% off! In the end they cost me under $10 and they are so warm and comfy. 

Dress and Skirt_Savers

Yesterday I checked out Savers with Mr. and found these 2 gems. It was the first time since I'd been able to really have a good look through the aisles and I wasn't dissapointed. The skirt is mainly sheer with a short shift underneath, I had been looking for a skirt like this in my size for ages. The dress in kind of a stretchy material, I just loved the long sleeves and how much it flares at the bottom.

I'd like to say that I plan on saving money in the future but I know that is probably a lie. There's still a few more things I want to buy and and need to upgrade so I'll hopefully be able to post them soon,

Amy xx

Friday Favourites

Welcome to my first Friday Favourites! A place where I intend to share things I'm lusting after, things I can't live without and maybe some special people in my life too (if I can get them in front of the camera!) This Friday I want to share my favourite perfume; Lady Gaga Fame.

Picture from ladygaga.wikia.com

This has been my absolute favourite scent for a while now, I currently own the 50ml EDP. I'm usually not a big fan of celebrity perfumes, but this one ticks all the boxes for me. It's quite sweet and fruity, which I enjoy although may be too much for some. It also has really good staying power, I can wear it all day without trouble. I was a little unsettled by the black fluid at first, not sure if it would actually be clear once sprayed but it is! I usually change my tastes fairly regularly but this one has stood the test of time and I have been wearing it for over a year now. 

I have a job trial tomorrow which I'm so nervous for, I really want this job!

Amy xx

OOTD_Job Interview

Singlet_Kmart, Top_Target, Blazer_Best & Less, Pants_Target, Boots_Hush Puppies from Harris Scarf, Sunglasses_Rubi, Watch_MarcbyMarcJacobs, Necklace_Diva

I had a job interview for a hair salon in the city today and they've asked me to come in for a trial on Saturday! I really hope I get it; while I love working freelance it just doesn't pay the same and there isn't the same stability. This is pretty much my go to outfit for job interviews but I'll style it differently depending on what job I'm going for. These pants are amazingly comfortable; they're high waisted and are the perfect length, although I prefer to wear them cuffed most of the time. My boots have been worn to death since I got them from my mum as they didn't fit her. Because they're hush puppies they're super comfortable and I can also wear really thick socks without the being too tight. I have another interview tomorrow for a retail job so I'll probably wear something similar but with heels as it's meant to be full business wear. I got some great leather heels from target for $49 today so hopefully I can get some good pics of them tomorrow if the lighting is right. Hopefully I will get a job soon, I'm so over job hunting,

Amy xx

DIY_Homemade Sugar Scrub

I've never really had any problems with my skin. My knees and elbows will get dry occasionally but that's about it - until this week. We're just getting the cold weather here and my skin has really protested by becoming dry and itchy. I had some leftover coconut oil which I originally bought for my hair and I've been researching body scrubs on craftgawker and decided to give one a go.

What you will need (makes about a cup of scrub)

- 2/3 cup white sugar

- 1/3 cup coconut oil

- approx. 20ml vanilla essence

Stir liquid ingredients together and add to sugar, stir through and place in a pretty jar with a lid. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make!

I tested it out after I made it and it was amazing! I massaged it in before I got in the shower (although I would recommend doing so in the shower as it can get a little messy) and rinsed the sugar off under hot water. I was really worried that my skin would be sticky but it wasn't at all. I went about my shower as normal and washed with my usual body wash which removed most of the oily residue left by the coconut oil. It was only when I got out of the shower when I realised how successful it had been. My skin is so incredibly smooth even hours later and I feel pampered and relaxed. I'm really excited to try out other scrubs as well such as a pink sea salt one I saw and also coffee scrubs which are really popular at the moment.

Amy xx

Makeup Monday_Everyday Makeup

I'm really lazy when it comes to wearing makeup. I'll usually only wear it to trade school, when I'm working or when I go out. I'm also not very adventurous when it comes to my makeup choices; I'll wear the same eyeshadow with a different lipstick and that's about it. I'm hoping that by posting a new makeup look every Monday that I can break out of the monotony and try something different. That being said today's look is my everyday makeup. 

This is the look I wear pretty much all the time except for when I go out when I step it up a little. I like a really matte finish as my base and have recently changed over to MAC products for my foundation and powder.

Foundation_MAC Pro Longwear in N18, Powder_MAC Studio Fix in NW20

These products have changed my life makeup wise. In the past I have found it really hard to find a good coverage and long wearing foundation and this one is perfect. It manages to cover the redness in the my cheeks without making me look too yellow based which is a problem I've had in the past and the wearability is ridiculous! Even after a full day hairdressing and running around I still have flawless makeup which is a big plus for me. This powder is gorgeous, it's so easy to apply and sets my foundation for the rest of the day. 

Eyeshadow_Australis 82303 In the Jungle, Brows_Essence Eyebrow Stylist Set, Eyeliner_Australis Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Mascara_Rimmel Sexy Curves in Black

If I'm wearing makeup I have to wear liquid eyeliner, my face feels naked and my eyes look tiny if I don't. I find this one great as it goes on really well and lasts all day. The mascara was gifted to me and I wasn't sold on it at first but now I love it! I have naturally really long eyelashes so most mascaras work well for me but this one defines every lash and thickens my lashes really well. Another must for me is a dark, defined brow or a 'wow brow'. I used to be really self conscious of my pointy eyebrows and I'm so glad they're back in fashion again and I can embrace what I have. This brow palette was really cheap and is actually really good! I use a small angled brush (shown later) to apply the darker powder which I find is a better shade against my hair colour and skin tone. 

Blush_Benefit Posie Tint

This blush was also gifted and I was so surprised that the applicator was like nail polish but I've come to love it. It gives me the perfect rosie glow and it gives a sheer and natural finish which is what I want from a blush. 

LIpstick_Sportsgirl Pout About It in Daydreamer

This is my favourite lipstick at the moment, it's the perfect pastel shade of pink and I can wear it all day. It gives a great matte finish without being too drying which is a big concern with matte lip colour. 

Blush, Foundation and Eyeshadow Brushes_Eco Tools, Angled Brush_Natio

I've been using Eco Tools brushed for a while now and I've had good success with them. Even though they are a cheaper option and made of natural fibres as opposed to animal hair I find them really effective in applying my makeup. I'm thinking of upgrading soon only because I've had these for so long and I have more money to spend at the moment. 

My daily routine takes me about 20 minutes depending on how confident I'm feeling in doing my liquid eyeliner. It's probably a lot more 'made up' than many everyday looks but because I don't wear makeup all the time I want to look like I'm wearing makeup. I hope you enjoyed the little insight into my everyday makeup look, hopefully next week I'll attempt something a little more adventurous. 

Amy xx

*Sorry about the quality of a couple of the photos, I'm having a little trouble when transferring them and hopefully will have it fixed soon.

First

Hey!
I'm a 23 year old hairdresser from Adelaide, Australia.
I love hair and beauty, fashion and DIY.
I hope to use this blog for outfit inspiration, hair and makeup tutorials and a little look into my life.
I hope you enjoy it,
Amy.