Sunshine Blogger Award #2

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:

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

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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.

Follow me:

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Mystery Blogger Award

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:

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

Three Things About Me:

1. I feel the cold very easily but my skin always feels warm and radiates heat – odd.
2. I like jewellery but I don’t wear it often.
3. 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?

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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!

Follow me:

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Sunshine Blogger Award

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:

• Caitlin
• Reeva
• Gwawr
• Ella
• Amy
• Britney
• Chloe
• Rachel
• Sangeetha
• Sophie
• You!

My Questions:

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

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

Follow me:

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The Liebster Award #5

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:

• A Beautiful Thing
• Closing Winter
• Thoughtful Pigeon
• Chocolate Frosst
• Polished By Amy
• Five Zero
• Makeup and Cosmetics
• Eclairs Cares
• Stash Matters
• Curly Spring Blossom
• Kate’s Vanity

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?

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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.

The Mystery Blogger Award

I haven’t done an award post for a while despite being nominated for a few lately! I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to those of you who have nominated me but it’s because I’ve accepted the award previously. I do want to take this opportunity to mention and thank you all though.

In no particular order:

• Blush Off the Haters
• Minats
• Ella May Garrett
• Blossom Bahar

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Last week I was nominated for The Mystery Blogger Award by Faded Rouge – thanks a bunch for thinking of me!

Rules:

• Put the award logo/image on your blog.
• List the rules.
• Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
• Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
• You have to nominate 10 – 20 people.
• Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.
• Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question.
• Share a link to your best post(s).

“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.”

– Okoto Enigma

3 Things About Myself:

1. I have thought about starting a YouTube channel but I don’t know where I’d find the time. Plus, I’d be super camera shy!
2. I prefer buying physical copies of CDs rather than buying music digitally.
3. I enjoy seeing the reaction on people’s faces when I’ve done something nice for them.

My Best Posts:

1. Review: MAC Patisserie Lipstick
2. 30 Day Squat Challenge
3. Rimmel Match Perfection: Old vs. New

Questions I Was Asked:

1. Winter or Summer? Winter, I hate not being able to cool down.
2. Hot chocolate or tea? I don’t drink hot drinks very often but hot chocolate.
3. Earphones or headphones? I have quite a small head so I prefer earphones, the Apple ones are the best for my small ears.
4. 3 things you would take to a deserted island. (A person does not count!) Music, clothes and tools so I could keep myself occupied, warm and build things.
5. Short or long hair? On myself, long hair. Always.

I’m going to cheat and nominate anyone who wants to do this tag! I’d like you to answer the same questions I was asked.

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Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post!

The Beauty Blogger Tag 2

A couple of weeks ago I was nominated for this award by Dannii from A Beautiful Thing. I am ever so grateful to be nominated and to Dannii for thinking of me. Make sure you go over and follow Dannii if you’re not already because she is super lovely!

The Rules:

• Tag the blogger that nominated you.
• Answer the questions you were given.
• Nominate 5-10 bloggers whose blog is about beauty/lifestyle/fashion.
• Write 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

Dannii’s Questions:

1. What is your favourite nail polish at the moment? (Brand and shade).

I like to paint my nails regularly but I haven’t done so for a week or two now. I will go with Bubblebath by OPI as I have worn that a lot lately.

2. What is your favourite eyeshadow palette?

‘The Nudes’ by Maybelline.

3. If you could only use three makeup items, what would they be?

Concealer, mascara and lipstick.

4. What makeup or beauty release are you most excited about?

I don’t think I’ve been excited for anything since MAC announced their collaboration with Ellie Goulding. New Zealand doesn’t end up getting lots of beauty releases or gets them after everyone else.

5. Your favourite YouTuber?

I have two: Lily Pebbles and Marcus Butler.

6. Where in the world would you like to live, if you could choose anywhere?

I say this so much, England! If I couldn’t live in England, I would happily stay in New Zealand though, it’s pretty cool!

7. What are you most looking forward to this month? (Can be a holiday, beauty, anything).

The shortest day of the year because it’s a work day 😛 I am also excited about my first blog giveaway which launched last week. I had been planning one for a while and it seemed right to doing one to celebrate two years of blogging.

8. What beauty products have you recently found disappointing?

• Garnier Micellar Water – I loved this when I first got it but I have always been on the fence ever since. It removes makeup fine but I don’t find it the most beneficial for my skin. Maybe that’s down to the six month expiry, I’ve had my bottle for more than a year and am just over half way through. I’m convinced the other bloggers who use up one of these every few months drink it.
• Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash – I got this back in January and have only used it a handful of times. I found it didn’t do much for my skin and I just don’t reach for this product. Unfortunately, I think this will be going in the bin.

9. Favourite song at the moment?

Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop the Feeling. This song is so happy and full of good vibes. It makes me want to smile and dance around.

10. What one beauty or makeup item would you recommend?

Max Factor’s Excess Shimmer eyeshadow pot in the shade Copper. I have not stopped using this since I purchased it and it is a shade which I think will suit almost everybody. It’s not too shimmery for an everyday eye look and it’s so easy to wear. Normally I swipe this across my eyelids with my ring finger and I’m done. It also looks nice layered over top of brown/taupe eyeshadows (particularly from ‘The Nudes’ by Maybelline) to create a more intense look.

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I know the rules say to nominate 5-10 bloggers but I’m going to be lazy and leave this tag open to anyone who would like to do it or anyone who hasn’t done it before. I’d like you to answer the same questions I did and be sure to leave me a comment if you do this tag!

P.S. Have you entered my GIVEAWAY? CLICK HERE for info!

The Miranda Sings Award

Happy Wednesday! I’m aware this month has been very award heavy but I promise this is the last award post for April and again I’d like to thank all of the lovely bloggers who have been kind enough to nominate me. Rhiannon from Smile Sweetie nominated me for The Miranda Sings Award and I really like the message behind it. It’s all about spreading positivity by listing seven things you love about yourself and then passing that onto other bloggers so they can continue the chain.

Here goes!

1. My hair! I know that it’s such a unique colour and only 2% of the world’s population have it which is pretty special.
2. My kind heart. I genuinely never want to hurt anyone and I take pride in being sweet to everybody, even if it means putting myself second.
3. My focus and determination. Whether it was at school or now at work I know what needs to be done and I just get on and do it. I’m not afraid of hard work.
4. I make the best cups of tea!
5. I am pretty awesome at bargain hunting. If you want to buy something, come shopping with me and you’ll probably get it for half off.
6. I’m an individual. I’m not like most girls and I don’t follow the crowd. I have my own interests and strong opinions and morals. I quite enjoy spending time by myself and don’t need to constantly be surrounded by other people.
7. My mind! The way I think is pretty unique and creative and not to blow my own trumpet, I am also intelligent; I did well at school. I’ve got a good memory and find it easy to retain information.

Thanks again to Rhiannon for tagging me. This is such a lovely award and I want to spread as much positivity as possible so I’m tagging EVERYBODY! ❤ Leave a link to your post in the comments!

The Liebster Award

Over the past week or so I have been nominated for a few different tags and awards by my fellow bloggers and I am always incredibly grateful for any nominations I receive. Over the next two weeks I will get round to accepting all of them. I have been nominated for a few Liebster Awards in the past (1), (2), (3), (4) and I have linked them all if you’d like to have a read. Thank you so much to Dannii for nominating me for this one!

Dannii’s Questions:

1. What city or town do you currently live in?

I’m pretty sure I’ve never answered this question before because I don’t think any of you would have heard of it. I live in a city called Rotorua in New Zealand.

2. How old are you?

I turned 21 in January.

3. What is currently your favourite makeup or beauty item?

Either The Body Shop’s Shea Body Whip which I apply before I get dressed, Asia lipstick by Rimmel or Max Factor’s Excess Shimmer in Copper.

4. What has been your highlight of 2016 so far?

Probably my birthday! It was such a special day and my mum really surprised me by covering the table and lounge with presents and balloons.

5. What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I have never been out of New Zealand before so I don’t have one. I want to go to The UK but apart from that I don’t really have anywhere else on my list at the moment.

6. Name 5 things on your bucket list?

1. Visit The UK (I’m obsessed)
2. See Kylie Minogue in concert
3. Get my license
4. Be a contestant on The Chase
5. Record an album

7. What would be your dream job?

Easy, singer! I’ve wanted to be a singer since I was 10 years old. I know so many people say that when they’re young but I genuinely have this love and passion for music that I don’t have for anything else. It’s silly, but I get emotional thinking about it. Getting to sing for a living would be a dream come true! I used to want to be an accountant, a hairdresser and even a makeup artist at one point.

8. Name your 3 favourite songs at the moment?

1. Zayn – Pillowtalk
2. Jessica Agombar – Cookie Cutter
3. Delta Goodrem – Wings (it’s still a tune!)

9. What is your favourite food?

Chips… fries or potato chips I don’t mind. I don’t like them as much as I used to though but I don’t have any other favourites.

10. If you won a large amount of money, what would you spend it on?

I’d be very sensible and save most of it. In saying that I would hop straight on a plane to England and start exploring. A lot of it would probably be spent on concerts and gigs and makeup too. Oops.

I really enjoyed answering these questions and I hope you learnt something new about me. I’m going to nominate three people and I’d like to see them answer the same questions I did.

I nominate:

• Ladies and Lace
• Drifting Lexi
• Earth To Emma

The Beauty Blogger Award

Hi everyone! The gorgeous Claire nominated me for The Beauty Blogger Award last week and today I will be answering the questions she set for me. I was nominated for this award a few months ago – click here if you’d like to read that post as well, after you’ve read this one of course!

The Rules:

1. State the name of the blogger that nominated you.
2. Answer the questions you were given.
3. Nominate 10 people whose blog is about beauty or fashion.
4. Make 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
5. Let the bloggers know that you nominated them.

My Questions:

1. What’s your number one holy grail high street or ‘drugstore’ product?

Starting off difficult haha. I will say my MAC lipstick in Syrup – I use this on days when I don’t know what to put on my lips and it never fails to disappoint. It has had so much use compared to other lipsticks I’ve had for longer. I can definitely see myself repurchasing this when it runs out.

2. Which product is currently on the top of your wishlist?

Maybelline’s The Nudes eyeshadow palette or some of the Real Techniques makeup brushes.

3. How long have you been blogging for?

1 year and 4 months, I started blogging in June 2014.

4. What’s your favourite item of clothing for the cooler months?

A scarf: helps keep you warm and is light enough and easy enough to pop in your bag.

5. What inspired you to start your blog?

I had finished my Communications course 6 months earlier and was looking for a job. I started my blog as a way to fill up my free time.

6. The favourite part of your makeup routine?

Lips!

7. What’s your favourite brand of makeup?

I’ll go with Rimmel. I’ve used quite a number of Rimmel products as well as owning quite a few and I’ve never been disappointed. The prices are reasonable and not too expensive like other drugstore brands in New Zealand can be.

8. What’s one product you think everyone should own?

A good moisturiser. It’s important to find one that works for your skin type.

9. What is your favourite skin care product that you feel has made the most difference in your skin?

Recently I purchased a face mask from Natio and it is working wonders. It helps to tighten pores and make them less visible as well as combating redness and making skin soft and smooth. Since I’ve had the face mask, I don’t think I’ve had a spot.

10. If you could have any celebrities hair, whose would it be?

Call this arrogant but I don’t think I’d swap my hair for a celebrity’s. The colour of my hair doesn’t come out of a bottle and is one of my favourite things about myself.

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I won’t be nominating 10 particular bloggers to accept the award but I nominate everyone who hasn’t done it and wants to give it a go. If you decide to accept, I’d love to see you answer the same questions I did.

Thanks again Claire! ❤

500 Followers + Blogger Recognition Award

Hello lovelies! Happy Friday!

This post is a very special one for me as I am celebrating a blogging milestone – reaching 500 Followers! Only a few weeks ago I mentioned how much I’d love to reach 500 when I accepted The Fashionista Award. It’s crazy to think that many people follow my blog and I know there are blogs out there with a lot more followers but when I started I never had a set number in mind and I genuinely appreciate every single one of you that has clicked the Follow button.

It’s very humbling to know that people enjoy what I’m writing and take time out of their day to read, like or comment on my posts. I try to reply to every single comment and comment on your posts to repay the favour. Although I may not be the best at showing it, I’m a very grateful person and cannot stress enough how special you as readers are to my blog. The support and encouragement I’ve witnessed not just towards me but among bloggers in general is amazing! It’s an honour to be part of this little community!

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I also wanted to use this post as a chance to accept ‘The ‘Blogger Recognition Award.’ I was kindly nominated for this award by the lovely Kimmy from Kimmy Keep Real.

The Rules:

• Nominate 5 other people (put a link to their blog!) and write a post to show off your award!
• Give a brief story about how you started blogging or two pieces of advice for other bloggers.

Advice For Other Bloggers:

1. Don’t be confined by ‘blogging norms’. Post whatever you wish. You want to write a beauty/fashion/food/travel blog (insert and delete as appropriate) but have no idea where to start or you’re intimidated by others out there, don’t be. We don’t all see things the same and have differing opinions so chances are there’s something new you can bring to the table. The beauty of blogging is its versatility, you can make a post out of just about anything. Use creativity to your advantage.
2. Research is your friend! If you want to learn about a product or can’t quite grasp the technical side of blogging (themes, coding etc.) chances are you can find out about it online. I always look for reviews and swatches before I buy a product, I want to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth! There are so many tutorials and helpful hints that you can adapt to work for you.

I’d like to nominate: Amber, Claire, Cos, Fiona & Lauren.

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Thank you all once again! I am trying to think of some way to show my appreciation properly, I am not sure if it will be a giveaway or what. I don’t even know how to run a giveaway so I’ll have a think and keep you informed.