Dear 15 Year Old Me

October 16, 2020October 15, 20207 Comments

Back in July the lovely Jennie nominated me to do the ‘Dear 15 Year Old Me’ tag. The idea is you think of an answer for each of the five prompts that your 15 year old self would appreciate and give advice you wish you had heard when you were younger. The tag was originally started by Everyday Magic With Jubilee and Mom Life With Chiari.

Rules:

Post the tag and image above
Mention the creators of the tag and link back to their blog
Thank whoever nominated you and link back to their blog
Nominate 5 other bloggers that you love and notify them by commenting on their latest post

1. Don’t be hard on yourself because…

You’re your own biggest critic. We are toughest on ourselves when we often don’t need that pressure. If something is not going to matter in five minutes or a month from now don’t spend time worrying and stressing about it. Those who are closest to you appreciate you for who you are.

2. The relationship you’re in…

You won’t be in relationship for a few years yet but don’t settle and worry too much, things will happen when they happen. Waiting to get into a relationship rather than forcing anything or being in a relationship for the sake of it makes you realise what you actually want and teaches you how look after yourself and treat other people. When it finally happens you will feel more grateful and it will be special.

3. You will get through this because…

You are stronger than you know! Music will always be there after a hard day too.

4. Don’t get caught up in thinking…

School life is how things will be once you have finished and left school. If you don’t feel like you fit in or you don’t enjoy each part of your day that is okay. Being independent, doing things for yourself, staying motivated and working hard will take you far.

5. These experiences will help you learn…

You are going through one of the most unpredictable times of life. Feelings change constantly, emotions are high and you’re still discovering and learning about yourself. Have hope that everything will work out how it’s supposed to. Take time, enjoy the small things, be kind to yourself and keep going.

I tag:

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

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The Christmas Tag 🎄

December 12, 2018December 8, 201817 Comments

Last week the lovely Sage nominated me to do The Christmas Tag! I had a look at my past posts and was pleased to see I hadn’t done this tag before. This year for Christmas I am keeping things relaxed but still wanted to do something a little festive.

1. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Home Alone and Home Alone 2 always make me laugh and never get old! They are some of the only Christmas movies I can watch repeatedly without getting tired of them.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Christmas morning. Christmas Eve technically isn’t Christmas yet 😛 When my brother and I were children we never opened presents early.

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

In 2002 we moved to the city I still live in now and the first Christmas we stayed with one of my aunts. I remember on Christmas Day itself everyone was awake before me and my brother and my mum were bringing in presents to me while I was still in bed. My brother and I got a Playstation One (which I still have) and another thing I got was a sparkly pink and lime green Barbie vespa. I absolutely loved Barbie!

4. Favorite festive food?

Pavlova for sure! I don’t know why it is associated with Christmas as they can still be bought throughout the year but most people tend to eat it at Christmas. A big slice of pavlova with whipped cream and strawberries and vanilla custard is one of the highlights of my day! Scorched Almonds from Nestle are another favourite; it is literally an almond covered in milk chocolate but so delicious.

5. Favourite Christmas gift?

I must have been about four years old and all year I’d been wanting a Barbie folding pretty house (as it was called) – basically a dollhouse for my Barbie dolls – and I was so excited when I got it. My dad gave it to me and I think that was the first Christmas after he left.

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

Pork crackling. We usually have a roast pork dinner with my mum’s homemade gravy and vegetables but the crackling is my favourite bit! Again, roast pork is available to buy year round but we don’t have it often.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

When I was a kid I always used to leave a drink and food out for Santa; either a couple of biscuits or a carrot. My brother and I would also stick name tags at opposite ends of the couch where our presents would go.

8. What tops your tree?

A glittery silver star.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

As a kid I didn’t really ask for presents, I got what I was given and appreciated it. I don’t think there is anything I desperately wanted but never got.

10. What’s the best part about Christmas for you?

The food. Almost every family has a big meal and has food they don’t usually eat throughout the year and buys treats especially for Christmas time. Also, I like not being on a time limit and being able to relax and sleep in and just plod through the day at an easy pace.

How do you usually celebrate Christmas? Do you have any special plans this year?

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Sunshine Blogger Award #2

September 19, 2018September 16, 201814 Comments

Last week I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by the lovely Hunida – (thank you for the nomination!) Make sure you check out her blog if you haven’t already! Enjoy this post!

Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the 11 questions asked.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
4. List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post.

Hunida’s Questions:

1. Are you okay with setting your alarm to a time not ending in five or zero?

I think I would be ok with it but I prefer the time to end in a five or a zero, it feels more satisfying.

2. What do you regret spending your money on the most?

I’m quite frugal with money but probably makeup and clothes that I haven’t worn much.

3. How many shots of tequila (or your alcohol of choice) does it take to get you super, super drunk?

I’ve never been drunk and I don’t drink alcohol so I have no idea!

4. Do you like reality shows or do you hate them? If you like them, which one is your all-time favorite?

I’m indifferent, some I like, some I don’t. I used to really love the British version of The X Factor before it became scandalous and over sensationalised. Now I don’t watch very many reality shows but I do enjoy Britain’s Got Talent, The Block NZ (a renovation show), My Kitchen Rules Australia and I watch Strictly Come Dancing if there’s one of my favourite celebrities on it.

5. If any, what superstitions do you believe in?

If you break a mirror you get seven years bad luck.

6. On your birthday, what kind of cake do you usually request?

I don’t have cake every year, there’s probably been more years I haven’t had cake than years I have. I love Victoria Sponge though, the combination of the jam and whipped cream with the soft vanilla sponge is a classic!

7. Do you still blow out candles on your birthday?

I don’t tend to have cake but if I do I like candles.

8. How old did you turn and what did you do for your most favorite birthday celebration?

My 21st birthday was happy and memorable. I went out for dinner with some friends and family and went clubbing afterwards. When I came home from clubbing my mum had decorated the table and living room with balloons and a banner and presents were all over the table. I wrote a blog post about it *HERE*.

9. What is your favourite online store to shop on?

ASOS because they have free returns or Glassons because they have super fast delivery.

10. Do you ever eat raw ramen noodles as a snack?

I’ve never tried ramen noodles before.

11. What is your absolute favorite candle scent?

I like scents that aren’t too strong and I’m not the most adventurous. Can’t go wrong with a simple vanilla!

Nominees:

Dannii
Angela
Rachael
Sophie
Galit
Huda
Cleia
Jamie
Rebecca
Pamela
YOU!

My Questions:

What is your favourite online store to shop on?
What is your favourite social media platform and why?
What does love mean to you?
What country do you want to visit that you haven’t before?
Tea or coffee? How do you take it?
What camera do you use for blog photos?
Favourite part of your makeup routine?
One style trend you hate?
Hardest part about running a blog?
What topping is usually on your pizza?
What makes you feel better when you’re sad?

There’s no pressure to accept but I’d love to see your answers to my questions! Hope you liked this post and learnt something new about me.

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Mystery Blogger Award

April 23, 2018April 19, 201825 Comments

Last month Brianna from Brianna Marie Lifestyle nominated me for The Mystery Blogger Award. I had a quick check back on the blog and I have accepted this award before but it’s always fun to let you get to know me better. It’s very sweet whenever someone nominates me, thank you ever so much Brianna!

The Rules for the Mystery Blogger Award:

Put the award’s logo/image in your post
List the rules
Thank whoever nominated you and include link to their blog
Tell your readers three things about yourself
Nominate 10-20 bloggers you feel deserve the award
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice

Three Things About Me:

I feel the cold very easily but my skin always feels warm and radiates heat – odd.
I like jewellery but I don’t wear it often.
I’m sick of hearing everyone say or caption things with “living my best life” – most people try to live their best life everyday, it’s already implied.

My Answers:

1. Do you have any pet peeves?

I sure do! I wrote a post about 10 of them *HERE*. My biggest pet peeves are poor spelling and grammar and when people call me Chantelle instead of Chanelle.

2. What is your favorite food?

Probably pizza.

3. Number one place you want to travel to?

England! If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know how obsessed I am!

4. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m definitely a homebody and I love to read and listen to music/sing. I also enjoy watching TV, movies and YouTube videos, doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles and playing with my cat.

5. Do you have any animals? If so share pictures 🙂

I currently have one cat, a Birman called Halo. My other Birman, Tango sadly passed away in January.

I nominate:

Angela
Holly
Dannii
Nadine
Gluecksgeist
AND YOU! Yes, you reading this post!

Your Questions:

1. How was your day? Be honest.

2. Who is your favourite ‘celebrity’ blogger? Why?

3. What’s your favourite music to listen to?

4. What are you looking forward to in 2018?

5. What are your hobbies?

Today’s post was short and sweet but I hope you enjoyed it!

I look forward to seeing your answers and reading your post. As always, don’t feel obliged to accept, only if you want to!

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Sunshine Blogger Award

March 14, 2018March 6, 201820 Comments

Hi everyone! Last month the lovely Pamela over at Starring Pamela tagged me to do the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thinking back briefly over my four years of blogging, I don’t think I’ve done this one before which is exciting! Make sure you visit Pamela’s blog if you haven’t already and I hope you enjoy this post!

Rules:

1. Thank blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.

2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

3. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Pamela’s Questions:

1. What is your main goal of 2018?

To read 50 books in a year. I started in September 2017 and I’ve got until September 2018 to achieve it. I think it will be close but I might not hit 50.

2. Do you believe in any conspiracy theories?

No but I find some of them interesting.

3. What is your favorite organizational style?

Minimalistic.

4. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can sing. I did a talent quest at school and sang in front of strangers so it’s not just my mum who’s told me I’m good.

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

England/The UK; until I have visited this answer won’t change!

6. What is one touristy thing in your hometown that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t?

Relax in the hot pools. I live in a very geothermic city with geysers and lots of natural hot springs.

7. Do you have any surprising hobbies?

I like to watch ODI cricket when NZ play and it’s on free to air television.

8. Favorite type of socks?

Ankle socks.

9. Do you have one go-to handbag or change them up often?

I tend to stick with the same handbag unless I need a bigger one for a certain day or want my bag to match my outfit.

10. What is something you’re looking forward to this week?

Seeing my boyfriend, I look forward to that every week 😛

11. What is the most recent song you’ve listened to?

Natalie Bassingthwaighte – Alive (at the time of writing this post).

My Nominees:

My Questions:

What is the most recent song you’ve listened to?
Summer or winter? Why?
Do you have any pets?
What’s your favourite comfort food?
Apple or Samsung?
Why did you start blogging?
Is there something you haven’t done before but would like to?
What are your most visited websites?
Do you believe in soulmates?
Best piece of life advice you’ve received?
What was the last book you read?

If you do participate I can’t wait to read your answers!

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The Handwriting Challenge

February 14, 2018February 15, 201826 Comments

Before I get into today’s post, Happy Valentine’s Day lovely readers! Hope you have an enjoyable day whether you are celebrating or not! ❤

At the end of January I was tagged by Galit over at Coffee n’ Notes to do The Handwriting Challenge.

Instead of answering the questions and typing them up, bloggers write down their answers on a piece of paper, take a photo of the piece of paper and share the photo in the blog post. Is it strange I like seeing what other people’s handwriting looks like? People always tell me mine is so neat and straight but in my opinion it’s all down to the pen. Some pens are more steady to write with and those are the ones I prefer. Hope you enjoy the post!

The Questions I Answered:

Write your name
Write your blog’s name
Write your favorite word and its definition
Write something nice
Write the name of your favorite song right now
What are you writing with?
Write a fun fact about yourself
Write/draw your favorite emoticon
Write a silly message
Write who you’re tagging

My Answers:

I nominate:

Please don’t feel obliged to do the tag, just if you want to! If I didn’t tag you also feel free to take part and let me know if you do so I can check out your post!

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Would You Rather?

October 10, 2017October 9, 201715 Comments

I first came across this tag on Angela’s blog and commented saying how fun these questions seemed to answer. Angela is a fellow New Zealand blogger and her writing style is quirky and unique. She’s branched out into videos which I also enjoy watching. Things have felt serious lately (not blog wise) and I wanted some light hearted amusement. If you want to do this tag, feel free to leave a link in the comments so we can all see your answers!

Would you rather…

1. Pick the year your die or pick the way you die?

The way I die. I’d pick something peaceful and painless. I wouldn’t like to know when I’d die because there would be no spontaneity and I would anticipate when it would happen which, ironically, would stop me living life.

2. Have a sport stadium named after you or have a university named after you?

I’m not very sporty so university!

3. Have free Apple products forever or have free Wi-Fi wherever you go?

Free Wi-Fi, the money I would save on mobile data and internet could pay for the Apple products.

4. Fulfill your biggest wish or resolve your biggest regret?

I don’t think there’s anything major I regret so fulfill my biggest wish. I don’t know what the wish would be though.

5. Have your own private island or have your own private jet?

Private island. It would be nice to have somewhere to get away and relax and I could let close friends and family visit for free too so I wouldn’t get lonely.

6. Be able to read minds or be able to travel at light speed?

Travel at light speed, it would save so much time sitting in traffic. I’d hate to know what everyone else is thinking all the time. There are circumstances it would be useful but it could also cause a lot of pain.

7. Have $1 million in Amazon gift cards or have $100,000 in real money?

$100,000 in real money. I’m a saver and don’t shop much on Amazon anyway.

8. Be best friends forever with your favourite celebrity or date your celebrity crush for only 2 years?

Be best friends with my favourite celebrity.

9. Have free gas for 25 years or have your dream car?

Free gas for 25 years. Similar to question three, with all the money I’d save on gas I could buy my dream car.

10. Be a ninja or be a pirate?

Ninja. I don’t want to get seasick.

11. Continue on with your life or restart your life?

Continue on. My life wouldn’t be how it is now and I wouldn’t be the person I am if I hadn’t gone through what I’ve experienced. Life isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making the best of what you’ve got.

12. Live the life of fame and wealth or live in Harry Potter’s world?

Harry Potter’s world. I look a bit like Hermione/Ginny already!

13. Have the ability to read minds or have the ability to see the future?

See into the future but only for good and when required. I wouldn’t look into the future all the time, only if I had to make a big decision and needed confirmation I was making the right choice.

Do you agree with my answers?

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for reading!

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Love the Skin You’re In Tag!

August 10, 2017August 10, 201726 Comments

I wasn’t specifically nominated for this tag but I haven’t done a tag post in a while and I really liked the prompts! I saw this this tag on Angela’s and Ella’s blogs (which you should check out because they are both lovely) and I was intrigued. Hope you enjoy!

RULES:

Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog in your post.
Display the “love the skin you’re in” image.
Be truthful when answering the questions and don’t judge what other people have answered in their posts.
If you want to add any questions to this tag related to body positivity feel free to.
Try to nominate as many people as you can, if not everyone.

Questions:

1. One feature you love about yourself?

I really like my lips. I love putting my lipstick on and wearing bright colours. My lips have a nice fullness to them and they are the same size as each other, one isn’t bigger or smaller.

2. One feature you wish/wished you could change that you are trying to accept or have accepted?

I am self conscious of my mid-section from my tummy to my thighs. That’s where I’m curviest and those parts of my body I am nervous to show. I have short legs and it wasn’t until the past summer I bought shorts and started to get used to wearing them and not always having my legs covered up.

3. Have you ever thought of getting surgery to change you imperfections?

No. I’m not unhappy enough that I would consider surgery.

4. One of your main role models for body positivity?

Marilyn Monroe. She is regarded as one of the most beautiful women ever. She had curves and always looked well put together.

5. Has a family member or friend ever put you down about your physical appearance? If so what for?

Yes. My mum used to always tell me I had a big bum and big legs. Apparently, I get that from my dad. My mum didn’t say it was a bad thing as such but I did used to be self conscious. Now I just accept that my bum is always going to stick out. I have a swing back which makes it more prominent.

6. Something you love about your fashion sense or style?

I have a natural ability for creating outfits from many different pieces of clothing. I can buy a top and picture several outfits it will go with. My fashion sense is a mixture of fun, trendy and practicality. I have a good idea which clothes should be worn in different situations and how to dress to a particular style.

7. Why is your body a great place to be?

Because I have been through a lot in life and I always have a determination to better myself and keep going. My relationship with my body and my feelings about it aren’t as negative as they once were and I’m learning to accept myself more everyday.

I Tag:

Any one who wants to do this tag!

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The Liebster Award #5

May 23, 2017June 30, 201716 Comments

This is the fifth time I have been nominated for a Liebster Award – thank you so much to Ella for nominating me! My last Liebster Award post was April 2016 (linked HERE) and also features links to all of my previous Liebster posts. I hope you enjoy this post and thanks again to Ella! Check out her blog if you haven’t already.

Rules:

You must acknowledge who has nominated you and also share their links
Share 11 facts about yourself
Answer the 11 questions that you have been asked
Nominate 11 more bloggers whose blog you would recommend
Ask 11 questions that you would like those bloggers to answer
Let the bloggers you have nominated know that they’ve been nominated.

Facts About Me

Instead of sharing 11 new facts, I am linking to my 50 Random Facts About Me post so you can hopefully learn a ton of things you didn’t already know!

Ella’s Questions:

1.What job did you want to do when you were younger?

I wanted to be a hairdresser, an accountant and a singer at different points. I still want to be a singer now.

2. Where would your dream holiday be?

A cross between relaxing and planned activities. I like knowing what I’m doing but I also like flexibility. Ideally somewhere not too hot as I’m not the biggest fan of heat. I’ve never been out of New Zealand so I don’t have much to go on and know where the best holiday spots are.

3. Do you believe in soul mates?

Yes and no. I don’t necessarily believe there is only one perfect person for everyone but I believe everything happens for a reason and sometimes when you meet a person it feels like the two of you are meant to be and everything clicks and you feel incredibly comfortable around them.

4. What would your superhero name be?

A play on my name, perhaps Coco Chanelle or Chanelle No. 5. I could have a huge ‘5’ on my cape!

5. If you could only use one makeup product what would it be?

Definitely lipstick! I love my bold, bright colours and couldn’t give them up.

6. What is your favourite film?

I don’t have a favourite that I always quote or re-watch constantly but Grease and Titanic stand out.

7. What shoe size are you?

Normally around a NZ size 8 which is the equivalent of a UK 6 or a European 38/39. My feet are short but they wide which makes shoe shopping difficult.

8. How do you feel right now, in this moment?

Confused. Tired. Stressed. In that order.

9. Favourite pizza topping?

Pepperoni.

10. What age were you when you knew Santa wasn’t real?

I always thought Santa was real and thought he stopped coming once you were a teenager. I like to think he is anyway, a little part of me wants him to be.

11. Can you dance?

I can. I’ve got good rhythm and can spend all night dancing. Professionally no, but made up moves – totally!

Nominees:

My Questions?

1. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

2. Do you believe in soul mates?

3. What’s your dream job?

4. Favourite song from your childhood?

5. What’s your favourite fashion trend currently?

6. What’s your middle name?

7. What’s your favorite TV show?

8. What is your go-to drink when you’re out?

9. Do you drink alcohol?

10. What is something about you people might not expect? Any hobbies, talents etc.

11. What question do you hate being asked?

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Don’t forget to leave any questions in the comments section of *THIS POST* for my upcoming blog Q&A! Alternatively you can tweet me any questions.

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The Blue Sky Tag

April 5, 2017June 30, 201719 Comments

Last week the lovely Ella from Ella May Garrett tagged me to do The Blue Sky Tag. I am always so appreciative when fellow bloggers nominate me. I enjoy reading these tags and following up on the nomination and sharing my answers. I hope you learn something new about me from this post!

Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions.
Tag 11 people.
Give them 11 questions to answer.

Ella’s Questions:

1. What are your top 5 favourite blogs?

I’m going to pick 5 blogs I read the most and people’s whose blog posts I always look forward to reading.

2. Favourite place you have ever visited?

I haven’t visited there yet but I’m going to go out on a limb and say England!

I’ve never been out of New Zealand and don’t have one particular spot I connect with or call my own.

3. If you could relive any moment of your life what would it be?

Ooh, this is a tough one! Possibly the day I met my boyfriend because that was a pretty awesome day or either of the times I saw Ellie Goulding in concert.

4. What cheers you up?

Music and singing. Also anything to distract me from feeling angry or sad.

5. Do you have any pets?

I have one Birman cat called Tango.

6. What is your holy grail skincare, haircare or makeup product?

Fuchsia lipstick – if in doubt, fuchsia it out!

7. What is a life or beauty hack that you swear by? (e.g. castor oil is supposed to help grow your eyebrows?!)

Bend over and drink from the opposite side of the glass when you have hiccups.

8. Are you left or right handed… or both?

I refer to myself as left handed because that’s the one I write with. I actually use both of my hands. I write with my left but do everything else with my right; cut, hold a tennis racquet/cricket bat and play guitar. (I don’t play guitar anymore but when I did at school I would strum with my right hand).

9. Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

I don’t have any tattoos. I have each of my ears pierced once.

10. Who is your favourite actor?

I don’t have one. I don’t watch a lot of movies and there’s no one I particularly like. There are people I think are good actors like Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock but they’re not my favourites.

11. What is your zodiac sign?

Aquarius – the water carrier.

My 11 Nominees: