Lockdown Life

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

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

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

Reading

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

I finished:

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

Working

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

Online shopping

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

Exercise

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

Singing

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

Playing with makeup

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

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

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

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Redhead Rambles #7

Hello everyone and welcome to ‘Redhead Rambles’. The series does what it says on the tin, it is a redhead (me) rambling about her week. I share what I’ve been up to each week, how I’ve been feeling and what I’ve been listening to or watching. Occasionally I will my share favourite blog posts and links I’ve found useful or interesting.

• I GOT SHANIA TWAIN TICKETS! General sale for Shania’s NZ shows took place last Friday and after being unsuccesful in the pre-sales, I managed to snag decent tickets! I will be sitting in Row 15 which means there’s only 14 rows of people between me and Shania. (I previously had Row 8 which would have been even closer but I accidentally clicked and lost those tickets).
• I even wore my Shania t-shirt to buy the tickets 😛
• It was a very wet weekend.
• I watched the final of Pretty Little Liars. The final was not what I expected and it has still left me questioning who A really is and if the character they’re suggesting is A or not. I am sad it’s over, it has been one of my favourite shows for the past six years.
• I’ve been loving Morphe’s Copper Spice palette this week and it is pretty much all I’ve used on my eyes.
• I am trying to make even healthier food choices and picked up some different things in the weekly shop. I picked up some cashews, and ingredients to make smoothies.
• I have been incorporating more exercise into my day; 50 squats, 20 lunges, 20 toe touches, 30 second plank, 20 leg lifts (10 each side) and 20 butt kicks.
• My skin hasn’t been as dry because the weather hasn’t been as hot.
• I painted my nails using Revlon’s Mon Cherry. I chose red for Valentine’s Day.
• I’ve always wanted to try mini golf so I suggested to my boyfriend that we have a game as part of our Valentine’s celebrations.
• My ASOS order arrived. I purchased a denim jacket and a grey, fluffy twosie. (I have linked the denim jacket but the twosie is out of stock). The twosie is cuddly and soft and designed as loungewear. The jacket fits well around my waist but is slightly big in the shoulders and arms. Once I get layers under the jacket it should be fine and if I ordered a smaller size the arms would fit but then it may not fit as well around the waist.

What I’ve been listening to:

Shania Twain – Still the One: Live From Vegas – In celebration of getting tickets to see Shania I sang along to her live album from when she did her Las Vegas residency. I’ve dreamt about seeing Shania in concert for years and this will be a dream come true.

Best of Kylie – Kylie Minogue is hands down one of my all time favourite pop stars. Her career has spanned three decades and this playlist incorporates all her best tracks and sing-a-long hits!

How was your week?

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Redhead Rambles #3

Hello everyone and welcome to ‘Redhead Rambles’. The series does what it says on the tin, it is a redhead (me) rambling about her week. I share what I’ve been up to each week, how I’ve been feeling and what I’ve been listening to or watching. Occasionally I will my share favourite blog posts and links I’ve found useful or interesting.

• Last Sunday I got out of bed at 2pm. I haven’t been sleeping well some nights with the heat and I am someone who needs her sleep.
• I have committed to a Project Pan type exercise and named 18 products I want to finish in 2018. Read about the products I selected HERE. Aside from this I want to have a makeup declutter to get rid of items I never use and products I no longer like.
• Tuesday’s makeup look was classic, old school Chanelle – silver eyeshadow and a fuschia lip.
• I loved nerding out reading Stash Matters trash stash summary for 2017!
• Making healthier food choices has been happening. I haven’t had chocolate for a week and haven’t had a lot of sugar either.
• I uploaded a video to YouTube giving you a glimpse inside my Bullet Journal. Click here to watch the video. Fun fact, I filmed the video on my iPad.
• Thank you to my kind blogger friends for mentioning me and tagging me in your Instagram stories this week.
• I got my work uniform and had a tour of the library building we will be moving back to. The library has been in a temporary space for the past 18 months while the original building has been earthquake strengthened and modernised.
• Started a jigsaw.
• Don’t forget I will be running a giveaway when I hit 1,000 blog followers – we are close!

What I’ve been listening to:

Troye Sivan – My My My! – I stumbled upon this song randomly on Twitter last week and I have played it a handful of times since. I haven’t listened to Troye before. This song has an electropop feel similar to Years & Years.

What I’ve watched:

Pretty Little Liars – I have watched this show since season two and I am episodes away from the finale and finding out who A is. I haven’t read any spoilers and I can’t wait to see how the final episodes play out.

Steve Jobs (movie) – This movie is based on the biography of the same name by Walter Isaacson. The movie is split into three parts, each part taking place as Steve Jobs prepares to launch three products which defined his career. The movie was simple but an interesting watch.

How was your week?

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Seventeen of ’17

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

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#1. Steps reform + release new album

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

#2. My 22nd birthday!

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

Related post: My 22nd Birthday!

#3. Winning Stash Matters giveaway

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

Related post: Stashy’s Giveaway Prize + First Impressions

#4. First Valentines Day

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

#5. Winning a polaroid signed by Vanessa White

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

#6. Fit Bit Zip in Magenta

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

#7. Going to the cinema

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

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

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

#9. 3 years of blogging

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

Related post: My Three Year Blogversary!

#10. Trip to the MAC counter

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

#11. Buying a DSLR

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

#12. Essie Glow Your Own Way

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

Related post: Essie Nail Polish in Glow Your Own Way

#13. Job at the library

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

#14. One year anniversary with my boyfriend

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

#15. Boyfriend’s 25th birthday

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

Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

#16. NYX Cosmic Metals – Fuchsia Fusion

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

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

#17. Music

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

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What have been your favourite moments of 2017?

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2017 Goals: Mid-Year Progress

We are well and truly over halfway through 2017. In the very first post on Chanelle Hayley for 2017 I set myself five main goals for the year. I wanted to take stock of where I am personally six months in and I thought it might be nice to share how I’m getting on with you as well. Hope you enjoy!

Goal #1: Get back into exercising regularly

Over the past few months I have been using my Exercycle more. When I first got it I would use it nearly every single day but I have been really busy the past 12 months and haven’t found as much time for it as I would like. Currently, I try to cycle four times a week. Last week I did yoga for the first time in ages but I was on my back a lot which isn’t the best for me. If I do get back into yoga I will do more sitting/standing routines so I don’t strain my back or neck. Kaily from Hello Kaily has inspired me to start doing squats again. I did a 30 day squat challenge a couple of years ago and I loved it! My aim is 50 a day on top of exercycling or yoga.

Goal #2: Take each day as it comes

This is literally one of the hardest things for me. I get anxious and worry about things easily and some days I find it difficult to relax and let go. At times the feelings are overwhelming. I hope to try and do better in the second half of 2017.

Goal #3: Don’t stress about blogging

At the beginning of the year my blogging routine was pretty sporadic. I have gotten into a better routine and I take extra time to plan posts. I have cut down to two posts a week and it is more manageable. My content has been less beauty based this year but I haven’t been purchasing a lot of makeup. I’m happy with the direction of the blog and I am positive about the near future.

Goal #4: Cut down on social media

If you saw last Thursday’s post you will know I’ve had a reshuffle of my social media. I deleted Bloglovin’ and the blog Facebook page as the audience I was reaching was tiny and most people who liked the page follow me elsewhere on social media – they won’t miss out on anything! I also changed my Twitter username and made the decision to use Pinterest for personal, creative purposes. Pinterest and Facebook weren’t growing the blog and I’d rather use social media I enjoy the most.

Goal #5: Drive

It’s already been one year since I passed my driving test and got my Learner License. It still makes me nervous when I sit in the driver’s seat and as a result I have only moved a car on two occasions. If/when I get more time I think the best thing is to get a few lessons either with my mum or an instructor. I don’t know if I’ll be ready to sit my Restricted License test by the end of the year but driving is something that I have to focus on and eventually I’ll get there.

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Did you set any goals for 2017? How are you progressing?

P.S. Have you taken my blog survey yet? *CLICK HERE* to do so.

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Life Lately #1

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well!

I have seen these ‘Life Lately’ segments on other blogs and I always think they’re a nice way to round up what’s happening/what’s currently going on. I haven’t abandoned my blog but I’m not blogging regularly. I want to share what’s going on with me in different areas of my life and just have a bit of chat. Who knows, this could even turn into a little series?!

Blogging

I haven’t been blogging as much as I would have liked over the past little while. In November 2016 I wrote this post about motivation which explains the reasons why. These still apply (minus travel) but also there were family related incidents that cropped up in January and February. In March I feel like I got back into more of a routine with blogging and in general and over the next couple of months that will improve. Post ideas haven’t been jumping out at me so I want to make sure I have plenty up my sleeve and don’t run out. I don’t like posting for the sake of it.

Work

As you may know I started my current job in August 2016. I have been there nearly eight months now and in February my hours increased a significant amount. I haven’t had as much time to blog as a result but as I said I am getting into a better, more constant routine and naturally that spark will come back.

Personal

Relationship wise, everything with my boyfriend is good. It’s been seven months since we first met and I love spending time with him now just as much as I did at the beginning. We always make time for each other and I’m always thinking about him. We message each other every day and I love just being able to relax and chill out when I’m at his house.

I’m a person who can get frustrated and stressed very easily. I’m sensitive and can get upset over small, trivial details. A couple of times over the past few weeks I have worked myself into a mood and felt like I’ve been crying more. I don’t know if it’s because I’m tired or if it’s just the fact I’ve never been a go with the flow person and like to have things planned and organised. I’m still working on learning to care less and it’s something I’ve been trying to do for a number of years. Thankfully, I’ve got a lovely boyfriend on hand that I know I can share things with.

Music

I didn’t feel 2016 was a standout music wise but this year is shaping up to be so far! Two members of The Saturdays have released solo material. The styles of music are completely different but I’m a fan of both Una’s folky-country pop and Vanessa’s smooth R&B. I’m pretty sure Shania Twain is releasing new material this year, her first in over 10 years so I can’t wait to hear it! 90s/00s pop super-group Steps are also releasing an album of original tracks on April 21st – less than two weeks away! They released a new single last month and are touring The UK in November and December.

2017 Goals Progress

In my Hello 2017! post I set five goals for myself for the year. I am doing well with the majority of them. I have gotten back into using my Exercycle and I try to ride 10kms three-four times a week. I work weekends and evenings so I try to squeeze it in around that. I don’t mind that that is my main form of exercise. I haven’t done yoga for a long time and I can Exercycle while I’m watching TV and multitask. I haven’t been stressing about blogging, I’ve been getting posts up as often as I can. I have cut down on the amount of time I spend on social media. I check my accounts two or three times a day and if I have notifications I respond. It’s about quality rather than quantity, if I don’t have something worthwhile to share I won’t. I haven’t progressed much with my driving although I did drive my boyfriend’s car (which is a manual) about 5 metres and I didn’t stall it! That was my very first time controlling/moving a car.

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At times lately it feels like my life is eat, sleep, work, and repeat. I’m trying to find a balance and get back into what I enjoy.

What’s been happening in your life recently?

Hello 2017! + Resolutions

Hello and Happy New Year! Welcome to 2017!

I’m writing this post on Monday 2 December 2017 as I listen to Steps – Gold. I felt this was significant to note because Steps always make me happy and there has been confirmation Steps are planning to mark 20 years since they formed this year. I was listening to the album to celebrate. You know when you have something (or someone) that makes you so happy and you just want to burst – that’s what Steps are for me, they are more than just a band. It’s a feeling of pure happiness and it makes you smile like crazy. I want the rest of my year to be like that.

I’m a very reflective person and often I find myself going over things that have happened instead of letting them be. It’s a blessing and a curse. On one hand you’re remembering what it taught you and how it was beneficial but on the other hand you spend so much time analysing instead of being present. It’s part of my nature to worry and overthink but one thing 2016 taught me is to care less. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I started to focus more on myself instead of everyone else. It doesn’t make you a bad person to spend time on yourself, you learn a lot and it teaches you independence. If nothing else this year, take time for you.

I also wanted to share a few of my resolutions:

1. Get back into exercising regularly.

I could count the number of days on one hand I didn’t Exercycle in 2015. The past couple of months have been so busy that any sort of routine has gone out the window.

Aim: Exercise 5 times a week. Exercycle twice a week and do yoga 1-2 times a week. For the remaining days, YouTube or a short workout – I’ve got a Fitness board with ideas on Pinterest.

2. Take each day as it comes.

Not everything can be planned. I am an organised person by nature so I definitely won’t be letting that slip but sometimes things crop up you aren’t prepared for and I’d like to get better at taking that in my stride. I want to be more flexible and open to change.

3. Don’t stress about blogging.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my blog lately and where it’s going. I still love makeup and don’t want to stop blogging but some days my motivation isn’t there. For example, I don’t have any upcoming posts planned and I kind of want to see where the month takes me. There are a few content questions I have: Would two posts a week be better? Can I come up with another 12 topics for Hey, It’s Okay…? Do people still read my blog? I’ve never blogged for popularity but it seems more competitive lately. Over the next few weeks I’m hoping the answers will fall into place.

4. Cut down on social media.

I’m not going to stop using social media but I don’t need to be on every platform. I am seriously considering getting rid of my Bloglovin’ account (I never use it) and the Chanelle Hayley Blog page on Facebook. People who like the page read my posts through WordPress and if you follow me on Instagram you’ll see my pictures. It’s the social media of mine with the smallest audience.

Also, let me know if you’d like #PinterestThoughtTuesday (where I share an inspirational quote I’ve found on Pinterest on Instagram) to return this year!

5. Drive

Driving makes me nervous and it’s something I’ve learnt not to force myself to do until I’m ready. It’s not knowing the road rules that worries me it’s just never having sat in the driver’s seat and being the one to make the car move. I don’t know what some parts of a car do and I’d like to improve my knowledge and work up the courage to sit my Restricted Licence test during 2017.

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I’m looking forward to what 2017 will bring and I wish you all a wonderful year! What are your resolutions?

First Impressions: Skechers Flex Appeal

Hi everyone, hope you had a good weekend! It’s not often you see a first impressions post about a pair of shoes so I’m switching things up a bit and writing one for you. I purchased these shoes over the long Easter weekend and I got a pretty good deal – they were 40% off! I finally had the chance to wear them last weekend and gather my thoughts to share with you.

What inspired the purchase?

Trainers to me are one of the comfiest styles of shoes to wear because they are so versatile. You can wear them with casual outfits, to the gym, on long walks or simply running errands. Over the past few years I haven’t needed to wear trainers (except for mowing lawns but I have a cheap pair for that) as I didn’t wear them to school and don’t wear them to work. I got to thinking and came to the conclusion it would be nice to have a proper pair that I could wear on weekends for shopping or hanging out with friends. The weather is cooling down and it’s time to put away the sandals and summer shoes and start thinking about covered in shoes for those rainy days.

Style and Colour

I was drawn to this particular pair as I like how sleek they look. The shoes themselves don’t look heavy and bulky – I like something that is light to wear. The Flex Appeal line comes in a range of colours but I opted for a black and white pair as I think they look really cute and chic and it makes a change from having solid black shoes. My mum actually has a pair of Skechers almost identical to this and instead of white soles hers are multicoloured. All the colours look really cool but I didn’t want to be quite that adventurous. The shoe features a Skech-knit mesh fabric upper and comes with two pairs of laces (black and white) so you can alternate or keep one as a spare.

Size

I purchased these in a US Size 8 and I knew this was the right size as my mum’s pair are the same size. I’ve worn hers before and they fit perfectly. One good thing about Skechers is that they have 1/2 sizes so if you’re between two sizes chances are the 1/2 size will be right one. I like the fit of my trainers to be quite snug so I know they won’t fall off.

Memory Foam

I have always found it somewhat difficult to find comfortable shoes for my feet as when I am standing still my feet are quite wide and when I walk my ankles roll in which is called pronation. Skechers feature an insole made of memory foam which adds to the comfort and makes it feel like you’re walking on air, meaning your feet get less sore over long periods of time. The memory foam moulds to your foot but bounces back as soon as you remove the shoes.

Price

I mentioned earlier I got these for 40% off meaning I paid $77.99 NZD. I don’t buy shoes very often and what I’ve learnt is that in the long run it does pay to spend a bit more and make sure what you’re getting is a good fit and feels comfortable. I know these shoes will get plenty of wear and are so versatile and will go with pretty much anything. Would I pay the full price of $129.99 if they weren’t on sale? Honestly, I’m not sure. I have only worn the shoes once so I’m not ruling out that I wouldn’t but I need to wear the shoes a few more times before I could say.

Overall Verdict

I’d recommend these shoes if you’re in the market for a stylish, reasonably priced pair of trainers. There’s a huge variety of colours and styles and something that would suit everybody. These shoes are lightweight and comfortable to wear; perfect if you’re on the go and for everyday wear. Rating: 9/10.

What was the last pair of shoes you purchased?

What I Do In a Day #1

Hey there! A couple of weeks ago the lovely Kaily left a comment on my What I Eat In a Week post and said I should write a “What I Do In a Day” one as well. I took her suggestion on board and basically this post will be me showing you what I get up to on a daily basis and what my normal routine is. I have included pictures as visual aids but mostly for Kaily’s benefit!  😉

Note: The day featured is Monday, March 28 2016. Due to Easter I had the day off work and this is not how I spend every Monday. Times and activities may vary.

11:20am – Wake up

11:25am  – Water, vitamins, antihistamine

11:33am – Exercycle – 10km

12:07pm – (Late) breakfast – crumpets with butter

12:16pm – Shower

1:00pm – Dry and straighten hair

2:15pm – FOTD, apply makeup

3:00pm – Went into town

4:30pm – Purchased suitcase

5:20pm – Weekly organising and blog planning

5:50pm – Listened to Mind of Mine on Spotify

7:00pm – Eat dinner and watch TV

8:50pm – Online shopping – biker jacket and beanie

9:37pm – Paint nails – Essie ‘Ladylike’

10:00pm – Computer/catch up on vlogs

11:57pm – Bed

I realise lunch is missing from that list but that’s because I didn’t have any and had a late breakfast. Also missing from the list is my nightly ritual of applying hand cream before I go to bed. I didn’t apply any on Monday night as I didn’t want to ruin my nails. #priorities

I hope you enjoyed this post and let me know if you found it interesting or would like me to turn it into a series!

Workout Playlist

Hello, hello! I have had this post in the works for the last month or so and I’m finally getting to share it with you. Ever since I finished school and studying, exercise and eating healthy became a big part of my daily routine. I was given an Exercycle for my 19th birthday in 2014 and I’ve lost count of just how many kilometres I’ve cycled since then. There were times I would cycle 10km a day in conjunction with a 30 day squat challenge or a 30 day sit up challenge. I really like the control and routine exercise gives me.

I’m not going to lie, since I started my job in 2015 I haven’t been as consistent with exercise as I would like. Most of the time I try to squeeze my 10km in before work but when I’m busy or sick (which I have been more than usual in the past year) it gets pushed to the wayside. Being an asthmatic I know not to push myself and wait until I am feeling up to it before exercising again. I control my asthma really well and it never bothers me unless I get sick.

When I made the choice to do Yoga With Adriene’s #YogaCamp I made the choice not to cycle every day on top of yoga. Some of the practices were 40+ minutes and I just couldn’t manage to fit both into my day. Once I finished #YogaCamp I was itching to cycle to the Workout Playlist I had created!

The playlist itself contains 10 songs and is 40 minutes long. As mentioned, I normally cycle 10km which takes me around 27 minutes and upon implementing this playlist I manage to cycle 13.5km in 40 minutes. For my playlist I wanted a mixture of fast and slow tracks. The first three tracks are mid-uptempo and act as a warm up. The middle four are entirely uptempo and the last three are perfect to wind down and cool down the body. This playlist could be used for a variety of workouts: walking, running or a gym session.

 

Let me know what you think of this playlist and which songs you like to workout to!