The Handwriting Challenge

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:

  1. Write your name
  2. Write your blog’s name
  3. Write your favorite word and its definition
  4. Write something nice
  5. Write the name of your favorite song right now
  6. What are you writing with?
  7. Write a fun fact about yourself
  8. Write/draw your favorite emoticon
  9. Write a silly message
  10. 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?

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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What I Did With My Time Off

By the time you’re reading this I will have already been back at work a week. I took a week off at the start of June and it was a much needed break. It’s my first real time off in almost a year and it was bliss! Prior to my time off I made a list of what I wanted to achieve and I managed to complete all of it… almost. Hope you enjoy the post!

Haircut

The last time I had my hair cut was October 2016, so a tidy up was long overdue. The salon I normally go to hasn’t impressed me the past couple of times so I went back to a salon I’d tried a few years ago. I got layers put in rather than have my hair one length how it usually is. The hairdresser did a lovely job and although my hair seems short at the moment it will grow back soon enough, plus, I really like it. I did share my new hair on Instagram and I’ve attached an image in case you don’t follow me/haven’t seen it. My instagram name is chanellehayley_ – follow me and I might just follow you back! 😉

Tidy Up Loose Ends

I’d been meaning to clean windows for my mum for a little while and I wanted to do it on the very first day to get it over and done with. The weather was wet and gloomy and the rain provided a nice backdrop for the cleaning.

One of the items in my latest ASOS order was a wrong send so I had to pop to the post office and send it back. The return service is done online and it’s really easy. It’s also free which is even better! The parcel is tracked and you can view progress online so you know exactly where it is. I’m gutted I didn’t receive the correct jumper and my size is out of stock so I can’t re-order, perhaps it’s not meant to be?

The zip pouch in my handbag where I keep my phone has had a rip in it for months and I finally got around to fixing it. Now nothing can fall through.

Shopping

I only went shopping once during my time away from work and I didn’t splurge at all (I hardly ever do!) I was on the hunt for B vitamins as I have been feeling stressed/tired lately and so far they are working wonders! I bought shampoo and conditioner minis to keep at my boyfriend’s and they smell divine. I’ve wanted to try OGX’s shampoo/conditioner for ages but the big bottles are so expensive at the supermarket. I also bought some underwear and socks, (essentials right?!) and a couple of books to take to work to read.

Motion Entertainment Centre

Late last year an entertainment centre opened about 5 minutes from where I live and my boyfriend and I made plans to go along and try out a couple of activities. We did Escape Masters and ten pin bowling. Escape Masters involves being locked in a themed room and using clues and brainteasers to open locks and ultimately escape from the room. There is a time limit of 60 minutes. My boyfriend and I took 70 minutes but that was on medium difficulty and we wasted the first 10 minutes figuring out what to do. I was absolutely hopeless at ten pin bowling, I scored less than 50 points for the whole game but I did manage to get an 8 and a 2 in one round. We want to go back and try mini golf next.

trip to the snow (sort of)

My boyfriend’s parents thought it would be nice to take me on a trip to see some ‘proper’ snow. I was wrapped up in my puffa jacket and warm clothes, we set off early and the weather looked promising but on arrival mist and cloud had set in and there was no snow to be seen. Hopefully we’ll go again soon and be more successful.

Chill

As well as planning out the things I wanted to do I also took time to chill out and take it easy. I had a few sleeps ins and lazy days. I caught up on a bunch of YouTube videos in my ‘Watch Later’ list, started a jigsaw puzzle and sang/listened to music.

Overall, I had a wonderful time and the weather (apart from the snow day outing) was just as wonderful, there was lots of sunshine which made me happy.


Is there anything you like to do when you have extra time off work? How do you spend your days?

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50 More Things That Make Me Happy

I try to keep my blog a happy place and today’s post is the perfect example of that; a list of things that make me happy! In March 2016 I wrote the original 50 Things That Make Me Happy after seeing it on other blogs. I absolutely adore reading these posts and seeing what other people include in their lists!

  1. My boyfriend!
  2. Making monthly playlists on Spotify
  3. Watching fireworks
  4. Pizza
  5. Anything pink 💗
  6. Fluffy jumpers
  7. Completing everything on a to do list
  8. Curly hair
  9. Wearing my headband with cat ears
  10. Balloons
  11. New music from my favourite singers/bands
  12. Hot chocolates being made for me at work
  13. Pointless Blog’s vlogs
  14. Applying makeup
  15. My Instax camera
  16. kikki.K
  17. My ability to learn and retain song lyrics
  18. Watching Pretty Little Liars
  19. Traveling to places I’ve never been before
  20. Learning
  21. When people compliment my handwriting
  22. Sour Skittles
  23. Jigsaw puzzles
  24. Good morning text messages
  25. Cute mugs
  26. Having a name badge for my job
  27. Cuddles and hugs
  28. Getting told you smell nice
  29. Wrapping presents
  30. Curling up with a blanket when it’s cold
  31. Holding hands
  32. Ellie Goulding’s voice – raspy and angelic at the same time
  33. Skechers; stylish and comfortable
  34. Swing seats
  35. Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture – my favourite perfume
  36. Playing board games
  37. Feeling the sun on my face
  38. The smell of MAC lipsticks
  39. Receiving roses
  40. Being looked after when you don’t feel well
  41. Taste testing baking
  42. Kisses
  43. Cinnamon donuts
  44. Being creative
  45. Freshly mowed lawns
  46. Instagram 📷
  47. Fish and chips with crispy batter
  48. Massages
  49. Watching sunsets
  50. Little signs of affection

 Leave a comment and share something that makes you happy!

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The Miranda Sings Award

The Miranda Sings AwardHappy 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!

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Music Tag 🎵

Hi everyone! I saw this really fun music tag over on Allison’s blog last week and I left her a comment saying how cool it looked and that I was totally going to do it. Music is such a huge part of my life and one of my most favourite things so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity! Make sure you head on over and read Allison’s post too!

Rules:

  • List the first 10 songs that come on shuffle (no skipping, that’s cheating!)
  • Write your favourite lyric from each song
  • Tag your fellow blogging buddies

Music Tag

  1. The Saturdays – Ready To Rise: “I’m not that girl any longer, every minute I’m getting stronger”
  2. Britney Spears – Work B**ch: “Hold your head high/fingers to the sky/ they gon’ try to try ya”
  3. Hear’Say – Make It Happen: “Everybody’s out to get something, ain’t no compromise”
  4. Steps – Better the Devil You Know: “I’ll be here everyday waiting for your love to show”
  5. Girls Aloud – Girls Allowed: “If I want it, gonna get it, gonna take it, gonna make it this way”
  6. Dannii Minogue – Feel Like I Do: “Go some place not so crowded, somewhere we can talk about it”
  7. Cheryl – Waiting For Lightning: “Ignite the flame and set it off”
  8. Ellie Goulding – You, My Everything: “I know you don’t feel the same/you’re sensible but it doesn’t make sense” (This song is so clever lyrically).
  9. Sugababes – Caught In a Moment: “Your stare swallows me in and I can hardly breathe”
  10. Bianca – We Belong: “Whatever we deny or embrace” (Note: This is a cover of the Pat Benatar track).

Looking at that list it’s all very female oriented but I promise you I do listen to male musicians too.

Song lyrics always fascinate me because they can be interpreted in many different ways and everyone has their own personal reasons why a lyric is their favourite. Music reminds us of people, feelings and places and is something that connects us all. Music is a language we all speak which is why it’s so beautiful!

I nominate the lovely Claire (EclairsCares) to do this tag next, she’s one of my sweetest and most devoted readers and I know she also has a huge passion for music.

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25 Things I’d Like To Do

25 Things I'd Like To DoHi loves!

A couple of weeks ago the beautiful Claire over at EclairsCares nominated me to do her ’25 Things I’d Like To Do’ Tag which is sort of like a mini bucket list. I instantly saw her post and loved it and knew I wanted to give it a go! Who doesn’t love a good list?!

Here goes…

1. Visit/move to The UK.

2. Get married.

3. Be a contestant on The Chase.

4. Meet one of my idols – I have quite a few!

5. Make music for a living.

6. Stop feeling so anxious about learning to drive.

7. Live in my dream house.

8. Lose weight 😛

9. Get better at cooking.

10. Have a surprise party thrown for me.

11. Inspire someone and know I helped them.

12. Be the best version of myself (cheesy I know!)

13. See Kylie Minogue in concert.

14. Stop worrying so much.

15. Make a speech at my wedding. It’s not traditional and I hate public speaking but I’ve always wanted to do it.

16. Have a personalised number plate.

17. Own an Apple iMac, front and centre on a desk.

18. Go to a spa and get pampered.

19. Ride on the tube/go on a train.

20. Go to a dance class.

21. Design a fashion line and makeup range.

22. Go clubbing in Ibiza and dance the night away ❤

23. Get back into a regular exercise routine, I actually miss it!

24. Have a dressing table in my bedroom to do my makeup (ideally in #7’s dream house).

25. Experience a white Christmas.

So, that’s my list! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. I’d love to know what’s at the top of your bucket list!

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50 Random Facts About Me

50 Random Facts About MeHello everyone – hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

I’ve got another exciting post lined up for you today… I saw the gorgeous Karen over at Confetti and Curves do the ’50 Random Facts About Me’ tag and I enjoyed reading Karen’s post so much I decided to attempt coming up with 50 facts of my own.

1. I’ve never been out of New Zealand.

2. Shania Twain’s ‘From This Moment On’ is going to be wedding song. (Sorry future hubby if you’re not a fan!)

3. Three is my favourite number hence why I’ve included this as the third fact. 😉

4. When I was 5 years old I almost died from an asthma attack.

5. I rarely have hot drinks, I’m a water kinda girl.

6. I breathe through my mouth rather than my nose. I had an operation when I was 4 to get my adenoids removed but I’ve always breathed through my mouth.

7. My tongue can touch my nose.

8. My birthday is January 24th.

9. I get bad headaches and sometimes wake up with them.

10. I think Pinterest looks realllly confusing.

11. Rachel Stevens (from S Club 7) has replied to one of my Facebook messages.

12. I love trivia and quizzes and surprise myself with what I know!

13. I haven’t been to see a movie at the cinema since 2007. EDIT: As of 2017 I have been to the cinema again.

14. The last movie I saw at the cinema in 2007 was Nancy Drew.

15. British murder mystery shows are my favourites: Midsomer Murders, Lewis, Poirot, Marple etc.

16. I’m left-handed. 🙂

17. I’ve never learnt how to ride a bike.

18. I can touch my toes.

19. I’m shy until I get to know someone, then I’m loud, always talking and making jokes.

20. I sent a cringey piece of fanmail to Adam Rickitt when I was 12. *blushes*

21. I find dark hair more attractive than blonde.

22. I have a good memory. I’m good with names and people’s birthdays and find it easy to remember song lyrics.

23. My mum’s homemade vegetable soup is one of my winter highlights! #Yum

24. I played netball when I was 10 and despite being short I played GA or GS.

25. I’ve never dyed my hair.

26. I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t mind other people drinking, it just doesn’t interest me.

27. I joke that one day I’ll be a female rapper called Skittles (better watch out Eminem!)

28. I don’t really want to have children, I’m paranoid I’d be a bad mother.

29. I’m literally OBSESSED with Shane Filan. ❤

30. I hate talking on the telephone.

31. I was in a spelling bee when I was 13 and came third. The word that undid me was ‘battalion’.

32. I’ll have a green apple over a red any day.

33. I make the best cups of tea despite not drinking it myself. I have a collection of money my brother has given me for making his.

34. I’m more of a night owl than an early bird.

35. I find weekends incredibly boring and don’t look forward to them.

36. I hate brown clothes.

37. I have a Birman cat called Tango. My other cat Chase had to be put down in August 2014.

38. I don’t own a smartphone. EDIT: As of June 6th 2015 I do.

39. I think Cheryl Cole is one of the prettiest women in the world.

40. I enjoy doing crosswords, cryptic crosswords in particular.

41. I like to have everything planned but at the same time I’m very easygoing – if that makes sense.

42. Fish and chips is one of my favourite meals. 😀

43. Lips are my favourite part of my make-up routine.

44. It’s been nearly 10 years since I last saw my dad.

45. I love surprising people and making their day with a cute message!

46. I’d like to write a book about my life one day.

47. I’m a very sensitive person and get upset easily.

48. I hate having my photograph taken unless I can see how it’s going to look. Thank goodness for front cameras!

49. I never shut my bedroom door.

50. I have no idea how to fill in eyebrows and how they should look.


It was a lot of fun writing these facts up for you. I hope you enjoyed this post and learnt a thing or two about me. If you feel up to it why not attempt this challenge yourself. I’d love to have a nosy and get to know you a little bit better!

Thanks for reading!

Chanelle x