Author Archives: Joanna Malefaki

How to use mugs and jewelry boxes to get your stationery organised

Posted in Planning by

Hi!!

Today I am going to show you a happy place on my desk and give you ideas on how to store your pens and all your stationery. I will also show you a few things on my amazon wish list and maybe inspire you (please keep in mind that I use amazon affiliate links, so if you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission. You do not pay extra though). So, without further ado, here is how I keep my desk… a bit organised.

=storage.jpg

 

Mugs to keep your pens and pencils

I think mugs are so pretty and I have two in which I put pens and pencils. I am going through a stationery addiction at the moment and buying all these pretty little pens. I am trying to have more white and soft colours instead of black. I have a transparent glass mug with flowers and a white mug with zigzags. As I wanted it to be a bit more pretty I put some small flowers bouquets in the mugs.

 

 

Jewelry box

You know that nowadays you can find loads of jewelry boxes with draws. I got one with roses and polka dots. In the drawers I store little bits and bobs I need.

jewelry box

 

One drawer erasers, liquid paper, paper clips etc. I have another draw for chewies, pills I need to take everyday and a lighter. I have a drawer with hair ties, elastic bands etc, and my final drawer has all my usb sticks (FYI: I am an online teacher and well, a face to face teacher , so I need all this stuff lying around on my desk. I also have a few small notebooks next to the jewelery box/stationery organiser and of course my lovely Kawai erasers.

My wish list

Pretty mugs

Royal Albert China New Country Roses Cheeky Modern Mug, White/Pink . You can find it here.

Roayl albert mug.png

Paperproducts Design Gold Rose 11-Ounce Porcelain Mug, Set of 2 . You can get this here. I like how this has 2 mugs and it comes with a case which you can use to store envelopes, bills, notebooks etc.Mug set.png

Jewelry box

Jewelry Accessories Box – Colorful Flowers With Drawers. You can get it here.

jewelry box.png

Cute pens

Rbenxia Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens Plastic Cartoon Pin Type Office Students Pen Pack of 10pcs  You can get them here.

pens.png

Amazon screenshot

 

Cute erasers

Sweet Treat Erasers Bakery 4 Pack . You can get them here.

erasers.png

Amazon screenshot

 

 

These are some of the things I like. You can go and check out similar things on Amazon or Etsy stores or your local stores.

stationery pin.jpg

Don’t forget to ‘pin’ this 😀

 

 

This is the part where I beg for followers 🙂. Subscribe to my blog if you like what I have to say. If you don’t, gimme another chance. Check out this post.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  Remember the comments section is all yours.

Thanks for reading!

Birthday Stationery and Planner Goodies Winners

Posted in Planning by

Congratulations

PicMonkey Collage

The winners are:

Lizzy Cooper (UK): Stationery

Jules Elley (UK): Planner goodies

I will be contacting these ladies via mail, so please check your email ladies. For the rest of you who left a comment and followed my blog in various way, I have more giveaways planned next month so stay tuned.

Happy Sunday everyone!!! 🙂

 

Product review: One Minute Wonder Ampoule Pantene

Posted in Beauty by

PicmonkeyToday we are going to look at hair products that promise to make your hair feel soft and shiny. I will be giving a short and sweet review of the Pantene One Minute Wonder Ampoule.

What is it?

A hair ampoule (capsule) that ‘brings life’ back to damaged hair.

Who is this for?

According to the Pantene website,

For those who have damaged, stressed, and overworked hair.

How often can it be used?

As often as you want and it only takes one minute.

My opinion

Did it make my hair softer/shinier?

Yes. After using it my hair was not as tangled as it normally is. It felt soft but not greasy. Don’t know about the shine.

Does it weigh down your hair?

No.I didn’t have to wash my hair for a good 3 /4 days because it didn’t make my hair greasy. Very happy with this. Also, my hair did feel nice and clean after using it.

Would I repurchase?

Already did!

Pantene

Price

I paid 5 euro and got 2 (then again, I am in Greece, so lots of companies have dropped prices and are holding offers).

So, there you have it a mini review. Do try it out. It’s good.  This is the part where I beg for followers 🙂. Subscribe to my blog if you like what I have to say. If you don’t, gimme another chance. Check out this post.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  Remember the comments section is all yours.Have you tried any other Pantene products you would like to recommend?

Thanks for reading!

 

You look too pretty to be good at …..anything

Posted in Beauty, Thoughts by

So, before we start, let me just say that this post is not about me saying how hot I am (which I ain’t by the way). It is more about assumptions about women… made by women. Yeap!!

I mean being underestimated by a woman stinks. Especially if there is a connection between looks and effectiveness. Don’t girls know we gotta stick together? I mean c’mon! So, here is my story.

Some background info

I am a teacher and teachers get observed. That means someone comes into your classroom, watches you teach and makes suggestions on how to improve.

The pretty teacher

I am a normal looking teacher/woman. Nothing special, and if you ask me (and others) I could lose a bit of kilos here and there. But, I manage, and at 40,I feel fine about the way I look. Now, the next thing I want to ask is, “why do some people (in my line of work and other professions of course) assume that if you want to look decent/good, you probably focus more on your looks and less on your job (teaching)?” My answer to that is, ” OM freakin G”.

Now, I am going to tell you a little story. I like girlie stuff (Really? You couldn’t have the guessed that now, could you?). I do not go to extremes, but I like a bit of makeup, my comfy heels and my nice perfumes. When I go to class, I do pay attention to the way I look. is it the most important thing? Nope. Does it matter? Sure, why not?

I was going to get observed and it was a Friday. Friday at work in the UK also means going to dinner or the pub  (Yeah, if I am going to go out, I will put in extra effort to look presentable. Sue me :p). So, I spent 5 mins using a curling iron, I put on a bit of makeup on, perfume and went to work. I looked  OK.  When I walked into the office, I got a few compliments. A nice ambient atmosphere. We also talked shop. ” What are you going to teach? Can I see your lesson plan… yada, yada, yada”. And then, this. One of my (female) colleagues said, ” So, X will observe me. He doesn’t care about whether I look good or not. He will focus on my teaching”. Me , “…..” .

edited photo

Excuse me? Should I have gone to work with a paper bag on my head, a wrinkly shirt, and smell of a cheapo deo spray? So, if I am blonde (fake blonde), wear makeup, and nice clothes, will someone automatically think that I won’t be good at my job? That I cannot teach? My co-worker made the assumption that I put effort into my looks because I was lacking as a teacher! And this was a woman! Tstststs (that’s the Greek sound of disapproval).

I wonder. Do looks really matter? Will you automatically think that if someone looks horrible, they are better at their job? I guess you won’t. So why is the opposite so easy to assume? And why would a woman be the one to say that to me? Mind boggling!!Sad even!

FYI: my observation went great!

Have you ever faced these kind of prejudice/bias? Feel free to comment below. This is the part where I beg for followers :). Subscribe to my blog if you like what I have to say. If you don’t, gimme another chance. Check out this post.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  Remember the comments section is all yours. This post was first published on my edublog. I have adapted it here. Thanks for reading!

Makeup (2).jpg

xx

Birthday plan with me & HUGE giveaway

Posted in In your 40s, Planning by

Giveaway Closed. Winner to be announced.

Hi lovelies!

On Friday it’s my birthday so I though I’d share with you my birthday spread and do a stationery giveaway. I will be giving away an extra set of the Birthday kit, some extra planner stickers and lots of stationery cause we ❤ our stationery (for details on how to take part, please read till the end).

Turning 40-my spread

My birthday spread

So, Birthday plan with me. It’s my big 40 people!!

How did I plan? What did I use?

I wrote down all my weekly chores on the top boxes in the 1st 3 columns and I also included my work schedule whenever I had work. The side bar and some of “Monday column” were dedicated to my Birthday.The sidebar is for who is invited and RSVPed and ‘Monday’ is my To Dos.

The kit which I used and will be giving away (a new one of course) is from Lilly Top stickers (Etsy store link can be found here). It’s bright, very colourful. Just right for a birthday.

The giveaway

There are 2 prizes so there will be two winners. One is stationery, the other is more planner-related. If you take part in the giveaway, you will be included in both draws (keep reading for details.

What’s included?

Prize 1

Birthday spread full

Prize 1

Planner-related

You will get the Birthday kit (2 sheets) which I purchased from Lilly Top and the two extras (nail polish/cleaning icons) which she kindly added to this giveaway (thanks Jules). 2 birthday bookmarks and a bigger bday card, some sticky notes, a paperclip, a little paper-cutter (cuts cupid shapes) and the an eraser that is useless but looks like a present (so cute!). The kit is for the ECLP, but I used washi and it was fine!! No planner included just planner kits.

Prize 2

stationery

Prize 2

Stationery

So you get 4 pens that smell like fruit, 3 mini notepads, 3 paperclips, butterfly stickers, a paper-cutter (flower shapes) and again a useless but really cute eraser that looks like… flip-flops!!!

How to enter the giveaway

You must do 2 things:

  • Follow this blog via email subscription (first option on the sidebar)
  • Leave a comment below saying whatever you want, but mentioning your preference. Say for example you prefer the planner stuff first, then the stationery or vice versa.

In order to take part you must do both!If you are already following my blog via email, please mention it in your comment!Don’t worry if your comment does not show up straight away. Some require moderation and I will approve them the moment I see them!!

Extra info regarding the giveaway

It starts today 4th of January and will end on the 10th at 12 o’clock CET (central european). The first person drawn will get the prizes based on his/her preference. The second person will get the remaining prize. Winners will be chosen via rafflecopter. This giveaway is open internationally (yeap, yeap) and I will be sending the goodies via registered mail. The winner will be contacted via email and in a blog post.Only the items included in pictures with the caption prize 1/prize 2 are in the giveaway.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and comment if you want to enter the giveaway! ❤  ❤

I am also doing a skin care giveaway which you may want to check out here (different requirements).

PicMonkey Collage

If you are looking to buy an Eric Condren planner, I have a $10 off offer for you guys if you purchase the planner by pressing the words $10 off my ELCP below (this is a referral link).

$10 off my ECLP

*If you want a Happy Planner and are not in the US (that’s what I am using and I love it), you can buy the same one as mine by pressing here.

Check out my planner category for loads of planner-related topics, coupon codes and printables. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  Comments section is all yours. Thanks for reading. Good luck everyone!!! And of couse… happy planning!!!!!!! Remember for the giveaway you must also subscribe via mail to my blog 🙂

Talk soon

xx
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

 

Ever used Greek skincare? Enter this giveaway and give it a try!

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s by

GIVEAWAY CLOSED Winner: Lynsey Buchanan

Hi everyone!!

On Friday, it’s my birthday. I am turning forty and I thought I’d do a couple of giveaways to celebrate!  So, here is the first one. It has to do with skincare. I use and love these products. They are from two of the most popular Greek brands: Apivita and Korres. Both companies choose highly concentrated natural ingredients. I am very happy with all the masks and they do moisturise and brighten the skin.

skin care giveaway

What is in the Giveaway?

Korres

Travel size natural clay deep cleansing mask

Travel size cranberry instant lifting facial mask

Apivita

Express gold prickly pear mask (moisturising and revitalising)

Express Beauty with cucumber (instant hydration)

Express beauty with pomegranate (revitalising and radiance)

Express beauty with aloe (moisturising masks)

These products are for all skin types.

One winner will win all these products (see pictures).

What do I have to do to enter?

  1. Leave a comment below saying ‘hello’ or anything else you want to share :). Don’t worry if the comment doesn’t show up immediately. First time comments need moderation but they do eventually show up.
  2.  Follow this blog via email subscription  (first tab on the sidebar). If you have already subscribed, you don’t have to subscribe again.
  3. Follow me on  Twitter OR  Instagram. (@mypinkrambles on both accounts).

Please make sure you fulfill ALL 3 requirements 😀

This giveaway is open internationally. The winner will receive the pressie via register mail (unfortunately, I cannot be held accountable for postal damage if it occurs).

Duration of the giveaway is from today 3rd of January till the 16th of January. The winner will be announced here and tagged on Instagram or Twitter. So, subscribe via mail, comment, and follow on Twitter or Instagram. Please make sure you fulfill ALL 3 requirements 😀 in order to take part in the giveaway.

skin care giveaway.jpg

The winner will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter. So, that’s all lovelies. Good luck!!! GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Winner to be announced.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

On the brink of 40? Oh man!!10 overgeneralisations to think about.

Posted in In your 40s, Thoughts by

So, there are numerous urban myths and loads of overgeneralization about  when a woman turns 40. What she can or cannot do. What has/ will happen to her. Let’s see a few, let’s have a laugh, and let me, the almost 40-year-old, tell you what I think.

Overgeneralisations

 #1

Things start falling apart (healthwise). Hmmm. Not sure how I feel about that. Unfortunately, there is some truth in that one though. I do know that I already have back and knee pains but I think that’s cause I am fat, not 40. You do need to start being even more serious about your gyno and other health-related issues though.

 #2

You need to invest in your skin care. No more creams labeled ‘first signs of aging’ for you gal. Nope. You actually gotta kick it up a notch. Get grown up skin care. But do you? I mean, for me, the best skin care breaks down to 5 things:

  • Good genes
  • Sleeping
  • Relaxing
  • Not stressing
  • Drinking loads of water (mental note to self: drinking coffee does not count as water!).

Me glasses

#3

You can’t lose weight the way you used to. Yeah. It is harder, but not impossible. Cutting down on the chips does help (mental note to myself. Stop eating junk food).

#4

Your biological clock is ticking like crazy. Ummm. Nope. Mine isn’t. I love kids, but I don’t look at them with envy. I do not worry about not having children. I actually think that this is cause I am around kids all the time (I am a teacher) and I have a good relationship with my ‘kids’ (students).

#5

Single? Not married? Something is wrong with you. If you are not married by 40, you probably never will be. Or you will probably find another poor soul who has something wrong with him (:p).Oh and what’s worse? You may now be called a freakin….. ‘spinster’. Really? Nope. It just means that you were:

  • In the wrong place at the wrong time (the ‘one’ wasn’t there with ya).
  • You have been busy with other stuff.
  • You have had relationships but you didn’t wanna marry those dudes.
  • You are at an age where compromising is really, really hard.
  • You were just unlucky.

OR

  • You just don’t wanna get married!

daisy

#6

You can afford big girl stuff. Hmm. I guess you can. I see 20 year olds wearing designer bags and I am still buying from Zara? Well, yeah.While I would love a Chanel or Mulberry, there is no way I am gonna spend a fortune on them. I prefer to travel. And anyways, I am a teacher for God’s sake. We are underpaid!

#7

Your going out stamina is the same as when you were 20. Yeah…. Ummm…. Nope. I, for one, need a whole day to recover from a hang over. I sleep all day after a night out late.

Pins 40s

#8

You’re 40, you can’t like girlie stuff. You are mature. Yeah right! I like stickers, fluffy stuff, pink. I draw a line here. If all the other overgeneralization may/do have some truth in them,this one doesn’t!! It can’t!!

#9

You start freaking out about your age when you turn 40. Hell yeah!!! Haha. This one is (this one as in….. me).

#10

You are more wise. You have your crap sorted out. Yeah……. Nah……

BUT

Oh! Just forget about the overgeneralizations. Life is short. 40 is just a number. Have fun. I know I am.

Christmas pic 1

This was written on the 2nd of January. The 8th of January is my big 4/0. I’ll let you know how I feel then :). Check out my latest post on how to glow and look natural at …. 40  (I know. I know. It’s just a number).

Now, this is the part where I beg for subscribers and followers etc. etc. But anyhow, here goes. Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  The comments section is all yours. Thanks for reading.

Happy Bday to all the other cappies out there!

xxx

 

(In your 40s) looking for a natural glow? My New Year’s Eve makeup look

Posted in Beauty by

Hi lovelies!

Happy 2016. I hope all of you had a lovely time and feel energised about new beginnings!!This is a new year. Let’s have some fun. Let’s talk about makeup up that looks natural, doesn’t budge and stuff I luv.

So, let me start by saying that I am not a makeup artist. I am a teacher and I like (understatement of the century) makeup. I keep things simple because I cannot see that well and cause I am colourblind. I was really happy with my New Year’s Eve makeup look and I thought I’d share what I used with you guys. This is not a makeup tutorial. It’s more like a New Year’s Eve favourites/going out look. So here goes.

vintage makeup.jpg

What did I use?

I was having a bit of a breakout which is why I needed coverage. It was New Year’s Eve which is why I wanted something to stick! I started off with priming. I put on some illuminating moisture lotion SPF 15 from Sanctuary Spa (I love this brand!). Then I put on Estee Lauder Matte perfecting Primer. Afterwards I moved on to concealers. I used the Max factor  Master touch under eye concealer and Erre Due Miracle Concealer (Greek Brand). I actually used the under eye concealer on some spots as well ( I am sure the makeup gurus are rolling their eyes at the moment).
For makeup I used my favourite. Estee Lauder Double wear (seriously this makeup does not budge-eva!). On top of that my Chanel health Glow Sheer Powder. I then sprayed my face with Vitamin E face mist (Body shop) which I use as a makeup setter.I waited for a bit. I then did a bit of contouring ArtDeco Bronzing Powder (limited edition). For blush, Benefit Rockateur and on top on that Erre Due Sparkling Powder for face and body (number 406) I put that on with a little fan brush. I then used a highlighter. Makeup Academy Undress your skin shimmer highlighter in iridescent gold. I put a bit of that in the corner of my eyes as well.

I moved on to eye shadow. Chanel 847 Envol (illusion d’ombre). Just on my eyelids. For mascara, of course, L’oreal and this time Mega volume Miss Magna. After the mascara the natural brow shaper in the colour rich brown by Bobbi Brown. My lipstick is H&M in the shade Fareham Brick. Finally, I used Charles Worthington London Shine Booster on my hair (love, love, love).

Close up.jpg

My look in pics

Do ignore the diabolical smile and the glaring eyes :p. I am not used to selfie taking and I dunno how to touch up stuff……

And

Just so you know. I am 40 years old and my skin is in good condition. So, there you have it. All that makeup and it looks like I was wearing no makeup :). This is the first time  I have written a post that focuses so heavily on makeup, so any feedback will be highly appreciated.

Now, this is the part where I beg for subscribers and followers etc. etc. But anyhow, here goes. Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC?  Comments section is all yours. Thanks for reading.

Have a lovely day/night!

 

Season Greetings

Posted in Uncategorized by

Happy New Year everyone!I wish you all the best. Good times. Better times. Lots of love, joy and healthy moments.

Remember when you’ve tried and it’s not working, let it go. Shoot for the stars. Take risks and don’t worry about flops! Stay safe everyone.

2016 hugs coming your way!

xxx   ❤

daisy

“I have no goals miss” said the Greek kid

Posted in Thoughts by

I am an English language teacher (EFL) and I teach kids/teenagers and adults how to speak and write (communicate) in English. On the last day of school, and since I am really into planning and micro-goal setting, I thought I’d ask my students (teenagers) to write an essay about their goals for 2016 and what they are going to do to make them happen. I thought it was a great idea. “Think of something you want to achieve and say how you are going to make it happen”. Ummmm. Nope. My students hated the idea, and me being a stubborn/bad teacher, I insisted. I said, ” You must want to achieve something! Even if it’s going to a higher level of LOL (League of Legends=video game). I want you to tell me how you will become better at playing your game!” Their response, ” But that’s not a goal miss!” Slap in the face, but there is hope. So, again I said, “Anything! Have a little/big goal and tell me how you will make it happen”. Total distress!!On ALL sides. My students insisted.” What goals miss! I have no goals!”

From a teacher’s perspective this made me wonder about my teaching. I mean, OK, maybe I shouldn’t have set this as homework. Maybe the essay preparation wasn’t enough.

But

when thinking about my kids, this, the ‘no goals’ was bad for many, many reasons.

Lousakies

Scenario 1

My kids are not mature enough to have, say, big goals. But they must have some!! What kind of world is this where teenagers say, ” I don’t have any goals miss!”? It’s sad. It’s scary!!

Scenario 2

Living in a material world. If you get everything served on a silver platter, why, oh why, would you have goals? If you get anything you want, as in material (and since we live in a material world), what would you want to achieve that is not material? What goals would you have? Just a thought people….

Scenario 3

It’s because they are Greek kids living in the days of recession where money is tight, there is a lot of depression, and the news are just bombarding us with everything that is not working. Do my kids have no hope, hence, no goals? That’s so sad. That makes me feel sad. Is this generation becoming a generation of kids with no hopes for the future?

I love my country. I have suffered because of the recession, but I am OK. I have hope. I think things are getting better, but there are moments like the one I just described that REALLY make me wonder if I am living in a little bubble. My LaLa land.

This post was originally posted on my edu blog, but I am looking at the bigger/non educational picture here.

Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybeeven give my Facebook page some TLC?  Comments section is all yours. Thanks for reading.

xx

Jo