Happy Belated New Year + Hello 2022!

Hello and happy 2022! I know I’m a little late considering we’re halfway through January already but let’s not dwell on that. I hope the year has started off well for you and 2022 overall will be a bit easier.

Since my last post in November – Where I’ve Been… – I’ve felt out of the loop with blogging and haven’t had much motivation at all. New Zealand is in full on summer at the moment, getting up to nearly 30 degrees some days and the heat zaps and drains my energy which doesn’t make me feel like doing much at all. I cannot wait for it to start cooling down as I much prefer the cold.

In my last post I talked about some health troubles I’d had, high white blood cell counts and generally feeling lethargic. In early December I started feeling breathless, had sore chest muscles and pain swallowing occasionally. I went to the doctor and we concluded I strained muscles in my upper chest when overseeing a bar fridge delivery at work. I was prescribed some pills to help heal the muscles and some muscle relaxants. I feel fine now but it was an uncomfortable week or two.

I won’t lie, early in January I toyed with the idea of stopping blogging. Most weeks I don’t have the spare time I used to, I always feel ‘busy’ and since my mum got sick in 2020 our roles within the household have changed. It’s not something I’ve talked about before as most people don’t understand our situation and we’re both the kind that just get on with things and do things because we have to, there’s no one else to help us. Over the past week or so I did realise I want to keep this blog, it’s always somewhere I can come to and express what I’m thinking and the connections and friendships it has brought me over the years are very special. I also think my blogging mojo has been relatively non-existent since I’m not wearing makeup. With mandatory mask use when you leave the house there’s no point doing my face for work everyday and making a mess of my masks and making my skin feel more clammy and sticky. I do have some time off coming at the start of February so I will try and get my plan on and get some posts created and written so there’s not so much of a gap between content. If you’ve got any ideas of posts you’d like to see, feel free to leave a comment below!

In terms of goals for 2022, I’ve got a couple:

1. Read 45 books (I managed 43 in 2021)
2. Start driving lessons
3. Get back into exercycling regularly

I’ve also set up pages for the year in my bullet journal. That was something that fell by the wayside last year and when I keep up with it I feel more on top of things and like I’m able to let go of the events of the day more easily and have a clearer head. I want 2022 to be happy and good and I’m starting the year off on a positive note in the hope it translates throughout everything else.

Here’s to 2022 and the year I’ll (hopefully) make a blogging comeback!

Share any goals you’ve got for the year as well as one good thing that’s happened to you recently!

If you’re still here after all these years, thanks for reading!

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Hello 2019!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope the first few days of 2019 have treated you well. Let me know how you celebrated in the comments – did you go out or stay in?

I always think it’s important to write a post like this at the start of the year so I can prepare my readers for what’s to come and run through any changes for the year ahead. Throughout December 2018 I started thinking about the direction for the blog and I knew I still want to write and share posts but I’m not sure how frequently that’s going to be. For the first month or so of 2019 I will be having a very relaxed posting schedule and mostly sharing when I feel like it. I want to have some time to immerse myself in the new year and get into the swing of things without having a strict three post a week promise to myself.

I still have a few post ideas in the pipeline and I will be creating a list of future ideas in my bullet journal. When I do post I will likely still be posting on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, I find those days work well for me. I won’t be writing a Redhead Rambles update every week and I am unsure whether I will still share my daily highlights at the end of each month. Perhaps I could do a combination of the two and share any significant highlights and things that have happened at the end of each month or every two months. I am not unhappy with my past posts but I want to write quality rather than quantity. If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram (links at the bottom of the post) you will be able to keep up with me more regularly and see what I’m up to!

I was curious to see what my most popular posts from 2018 are, not only as a source of inspiration for 2019 content but to look back and reminisce.

1. Rimmel Match Perfection Two Years On – I am a little surprised this was the most popular but it shows beauty/makeup is what a lot of my readers are here for.

2. The Breakup 💔 – I am so proud of this post! I’m not bashing my ex or being disrespectful, I simply recounted what happened. Everyone left such thoughtful comments and I really felt the support.

3. 1,000 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY! – Following closely behind is the giveaway I ran at the end of September for (finally) reaching 1,000 followers. Nadine was the lucky winner!

4. GRWM: Trying New Makeup – I loved this neutral look I created back in August. I used a MAC lipstick with possibly the cutest shade name ever, Hug Me.

5. 30 By 30 – A list of things I want to accomplish before turning 30. I’ve got just over 7 years left!

6. First Peek Inside My Bullet Journal – I fell in love with my bullet journal in 2018. In this post I share some of the first pages I created. The post also features a flick through YouTube video.

7. Blogger Cliches – This is not poking fun at bloggers, I share what the majority of us seem to do and love.

8. Current Thoughts & Feelings: Dating/Relationships – Personal, honest posts tend to do well and this post follows my mindset after the breakup.

9. Remembering Tango – It’s highly appropriate this post was the ninth most popular, Tango would have turned nine in October 2018. I’m glad she features as in a few days it will be one year since we lost her.

10. Decluttering My Beauty Drawer – I got rid of beauty products I didn’t like or use very often.

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It’s important to look back but it’s also important to look forward and not stay in the past. I have four goals for 2019 and I thought I’d share them with you.

1. Try not to buy any lipstick – This will be tough as lipstick is my favourite makeup product but I’d love to be able to say I did it!
2. Make recipes from my Kmart cookbooks – I bought two cookbooks last year and haven’t made anything from them yet, I hope this changes.
3. Read 50 books – I read 48 in 2018 so I don’t think this is impossible! I’m also taking into account I work slightly more hours now.
4. Drive at least twice a month – During the last couple of months of 2018 my driving practice fell by the wayside so I’m hoping to get back into practising more regularly.

Over the coming weeks I may think of more goals but they are what I have for now.

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I hope 2019 brings everyone lots of love, laughter and happiness! Cheers to the year ahead!

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Redhead Rambles: 2018 Round Up

In the past my end of year round ups have consisted of a number of highlights relating to that year, Fifteen of ’15, Sixteen of ’16 etc. This year I decided to switch things up because I wanted to be a little more reflective and talk about the goals I set at the beginning of 2018.

I’m not going to lie, 2018 was fucking difficult at times. I don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about the negatives but it’s easy to see how people get bogged down. I look back at myself and all the different emotions I’ve felt throughout this year and part of me can’t believe it happened. I see myself as someone who just keeps going because I have to. I’m strong and I always hope the next day will be better. I may be accused of being a pessimist and sure I have moments of pessimism but I actually see myself as a realist and I have plenty of moments of optimism. I don’t take things for granted and I note down something good about every day even if the day itself is not good.

The undercurrent of 2018 was change. I’m not going to let the breakdown of my relationship define the year but when you’re betrayed you’re not the person you were before. I became harder. I’m even more hyper aware of how people act and what they say. I’m smarter now, I’m extra cautious and I will not give my trust easily. If someone doesn’t respect you and can’t match your effort, don’t be around them. I will never stop being kind but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let people take my kindness for granted and walk all over me. I’m going into 2019 stronger and more resilient. If people don’t want to be in my life, they know where the door is! Being on my own for the past eight months has helped me focus on myself again and my priority is looking after my happiness, my mum’s and Halo’s.

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At the start of 2018 I set eight goals. Here’s how I got on:

1. Journal everyday – Complete.

2. Improve my photography – My pictures have improved. I continue to use manual mode on my DSLR. I would like to get out more with my camera and try outdoor/scenery shots.

3. Read 50 books by September – I came close, I read 45.

4. Watch 20 movies – I watched 27 movies in 2018: The House At the End of the Street, Steve Jobs, Poison Ivy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Post, Oblivion, Murder On the Orient Express, Crooked House, Cellular, Money Monster, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Don’t Breathe, The Intern, Dark Places, The Tall Man, Avengers: Infinity War, The Next Three Days, Fracture, Arbitrage, Assumed Killer, Seeking Justice, Panic Room, Passengers, The Resident, Mothman Prophecies, Jack Reacher and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.

5. Declutter – I had a few makeup declutters and did a project pan. I also cleaned out my wardrobe.

6. Lose weight – After the breakup I didn’t have to try but I’ve put some of the weight back on.

7. Don’t spend unnecessarily – I think I could have done better with this but I don’t buy just for the sake of it, I research and consider my purchases. A girl’s allowed to treat herself sometimes!

8. Do one new thing each month – Complete. I left this goal until the end because I knew it would take up the most room. Below is a list of new things I did each month.

January

• Started bullet journalling
• Uploaded my first YouTube video

February

• Got a new Birman kitten
• Played mini golf

March

• Tried L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise mascara
• Downloaded my first eBook

April

• Burnt my Ecoya candle
• Purchased hot chocolate sachets from the supermarket

May:

• Purchased a Dannii For Target coat

June:

• Bought my Shaaanxo eyeshadow palette
• Started watching Instinct (TV show)
• Wore blue highlighter

July:

• Bought a car
• Tried a new Indian restaurant
• First time using facial oil – love it!

August:

• New glasses
• First order with White Fox Boutique

September

• Joined Goodreads
• Bought some goodies from MECCA
• Reached 1,000 blog followers!

October

• Makeup Revolution launched in New Zealand
• Tried an apple turnover

November

• Got a promotion at work

December

• Saw Shania Twain in concert
• Tried sushi for the first time (not a fan)

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Did you achieve your goals this year? How do you feel 2018 was for you?

I want to say a huge thank you for all the support this year! I feel lucky to have such lovely blogging friends and to be able to continue getting to know you better. Wishing you all love and happiness for 2019! ❤

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2018 Goals: 6 Months On

I think making goals at the start of a year and calling them goals rather than resolutions doesn’t make you feel as bad if you aren’t successful. Goals normally have more of a measurable outcome and can be assessed and tracked throughout the year. In my first post of 2018 I stated I didn’t have any real goals, I just wanted to be happy, but a couple of days into January I did come up with some. Overall, I am on track with the majority of the eight goals I set for myself.

1. Do one new thing each month – I have been succeeding with this goal. Each month of 2018 so far I have managed to do at least one new thing whether that’s trying a new product or there’s been a new experience I’ve had. I have a page ruled up in my Bullet Journal where I can jot down what’s new each month and at the end of the year I may do a post sharing all of them.

2. Journal everyday – For the most part I have stuck to this. There was the odd day I’d miss here and there when I would stay with my boyfriend as I didn’t take my journal but I am looking forward to having something written down about each day of 2018 and being able to look back at the year in depth.

3. Improve my photography – I am doing okay with this goal but I would like to practice and get out with my camera more in the second half of the year. I definitely think my blog photos have improved since I first got my DSLR a year ago and I’m so glad I switched to manual mode almost straight away – I have a much better understanding of aperture, shutter speed etc. I want to get out in nature and just walk around with my camera or take it with me if I visit somewhere for the day.

4. Read 50 books by September – Technically I started this goal in September 2017 and I am proud of the progress I have achieved. I’m going to be honest and say I don’t think I’ll be at 50 by September 2018 but I’ll be near.

5. Watch 20 movies – I have achieved this goal already! I didn’t want to set an unrealistic target but I do enjoy watching a good movie. I only had one rule, the 20 movies had to be ones I hadn’t already seen before. Now I’ll be seeing how many I can get to by the end of the year.

6. Declutter – I have been successful with this goal too. In January/February I had a small makeup declutter and last month I cleared out some clothing from my drawers and wardrobe. By declutter I don’t just mean get rid of things but I want to use up what I have and not buy things for the sake of it. Decluttering also relates to cleaning and simplifying.

7. Lose weight – I don’t go by the number on a scale, I go by how clothes look and feel. Over the past few months I have been sick numerous time so I haven’t been able to exercise as much as I would like but I did lose a little bit of weight after the breakup and I have had a few comments saying I look like I’ve lost weight from mum and a work colleague. I accept I’m never going to be a size 8 but getting back into a regular exercise routine for the rest of the year and being able to keep up with it would satisfy me.

8. Don’t spend unnecessarily – I go through stages of spending and then not spending for a little while. I do save most of my money and am generally pretty good. Probably the most expensive thing I’ve purchased so far this year is Shania Twain concert tickets! This goal kind of goes along with #6 – use up what I have before buying more and research and look into things before buying them on a whim.

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Did you set any goals for 2018? How are you progressing?

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Hello 2018!

Happy New Year! I hope the first day of 2018 is good to you and the other 364 days follow suit!

Generally my first post of the New Year is to wish my readers and fellow bloggers well and discuss what’s to come in the next 12 months. The second half of 2017 made me really enjoy blogging again after losing my way at the beginning of 2017 due to unforeseen circumstances. The past few months got me thinking of changes I can make without losing the essence of my blog and here is a small list I’ve come up with:

1. I purchased a DSLR camera in July 2017 and improving and getting better at blog photography is the first thing on my list. I have been using my DSLR for the majority of blog photos since July 2017 and have had a head start but practice makes perfect!
2. I will be publishing three posts per week. My old Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule will resume. In December 2017 I started posting at 8am (NZ time) and will trial that time slot for another couple of months.
3. Fridays will be dedicated to a new weekly series, Redhead Rambles. The first post will be up on January 5th.
4. #PinterestThoughtTuesday will continue on Instagram. (Follow me @chanellehayley_).
5. Would you still like to see my Gratitude Journal/Happiness Highlights posts at the end of each month? There aren’t my most popular but if you enjoy them they will stay!

Now onto the personal side of things:

In 2017 I set five main goals and I’m proud to say I succeeded with four of them; exercise regularly, take each day as it comes, don’t stress about blogging and cut down on social media. The only goal I didn’t work on as much as the others was to drive. Driving makes me very nervous and I accept it will take time for me to get comfortable and that’s okay, I will get there.

Honestly, I don’t have any major goals for 2018. There are a few areas I want to focus on (lose weight, get better with my DSLR, read 50 books by the start of September) but mainly I want to live life and see what happens – I’m open to possibilities. Throughout the year I may set some goals but currently the only thing I want is to be happy.

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I wish you all an amazing 2018 and I hope it brings everything you want! Spread love and positivity but don’t forget to look after yourself!

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Life Lately #3

Hello everyone! Hope you’re well! I began these ‘Life Lately’ posts in April as a way to round up what I’ve been up to and document where my head and I have been. I break the post down into categories and update you on each one. This will be the last Life Lately post as I am toying with a new segment for 2018 which will include more regular updates, possibly posted weekly. (Some of you may know three is my favourite number so it’s fitting I’m ending this mini-series after the third installment).

Blogging

I have been super consistent with my posting schedule and I have been getting posts written in advance. I am still learning about my camera and getting to grips with the settings to try and make sure my blog photos are acceptable. If you have any tips or feedback on my photos, please feel free to share! I have been thinking about the blog in the near future and as I mentioned in the intro my two posts a week may be going back up to three. I conducted a survey a couple of months back so I will re-read the answers and make sure I’m incorporating what my readers said they want as much as I can.

Work

In the last Life Lately update I had left my job and was getting ready to start at the library. I have been at the library for almost three months now and the difference in my mindset is very noticeable. I have more time and freedom and more of a work/life balance. I’m not stressed and I generally feel happier.

Personal

Everything on the relationship front is still going really well. It was my boyfriend’s 25th birthday in September and I surprised him with 25 presents. Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

I have been reading a lot and shopping a lot it seems too. I’ve picked up some bargains and purchased new products that I have slowly been trying/using/wearing. (Most items are beauty/makeup related, good beauty blogger). Related posts: My Recent Purchases and My Recent Purchases #2.

I have also done the majority of my Christmas shopping and wrapped the presents I’ve bought. I’m not a big fan of Christmas but I do like giving gifts and wrapping them.

In October I got my hair cut. I don’t know why but I don’t feel satisfied with my hair 90% of the time I get it cut. I like the way it looks when the hairdresser styles it but a couple of days later it’s thick again. I like to keep my hair routine easy and I don’t use styling tools often. I’m still trying to decide if I prefer my hair all one length or with longer layers.

Music

I ordered an album package from Shania Twain’s store and I’m still waiting for it to arrive! I ordered it over two months ago and have sent numerous emails to the help team. At first the item was out of stock and now there’s a problem with the delivery partner. I honestly wish I had physically gone to a store and bought the album and not got all the extras. I’m only seeing the order through because my money has been taken and the order can’t be cancelled.

Steps re-released Tears On the Dancefloor this month (with new tracks) and I ordered a copy signed by my favourite band member, Lisa. My CD arrived this week. I have had the album on repeat since April!

2017 Goals Progress

Related Post: Hello 2017!

I have been exercising pretty regularly. I want to find some leg yoga to try and tone my legs up for summer so I’ll feel more comfortable in shorts. I am going with the flow more and definitely haven’t been stressing about blogging. I’ve got a social media routine and try to keep my time using it to a minimum – I check it in the morning and in the evening. I tend to check Instagram more if I’ve posted that day. I’m sad to say I haven’t done any more driving and I want to make that a priority in 2018.

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What have you been up to recently?

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Life Lately #2

Hi everybody! Hope you’re well! In April I wrote a post called Life Lately #1 rounding up what’s been happening and what’s going on. There have been some changes recently and I wanted to keep you all in the loop.

Blogging

Since I started my two posts a week routine on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have been sticking with it and manage to get two posts up nearly every week. I purchased a Canon 700D DSLR in July and purchasing that was an investment that got me excited to blog again. I have been experimenting with the camera and taking photos which have featured in posts on the blog.

Here are a couple I’m particularly proud of:

Work

In July I applied for a job at the city library. I was selected for an interview and offered a position a few weeks later. Things had been building up at my current job for a while and I felt some personal issues were getting in the way of my work. I was doing long hours (two 10 hour days) plus both weekend days and honestly I felt stuck in a rut. The library job was an easy decision for me, I’ve always loved books and reading and I even read at work. My last day of work was August 20 and I started at the library a couple of days later on August 23 – the day this post goes up! It was sad to say goodbye to the friends I made but I will go back to say hello and don’t want to forget them. I am excited for my new job and I hope it brings relief and less pressure/stress.

Personal

My boyfriend and I are still going strong and in September we celebrate our one year anniversary! I can’t believe how quickly that time has gone but I feel so lucky to have met him and had his support and presence the past 12 months. It’s also his birthday at the end of September and I have got something super special planned. (I am still debating whether it will get a blog post or not…)

Health wise I haven’t been as strict with my eating as I would like, some days I reach for the chocolate when I know I shouldn’t. I’ve felt self conscious of my weight, particularly around my neck. I have been monitoring my medication and stopped my antihistamine nasal spray as it contains steroids and that could contribute to the weight gain and affect my appetite making me want to eat more. My exercise routine has been haphazard but I’m hoping the new job will fix that and I’ll be able to get into a better routine and get back into a positive mindset.

Music

Two of my absolute favourite musicians are releasing albums in September; Shane Filan and Shania Twain. Both are huge inspirations to me and I always look forward to hearing new music from them. This is Shania’s first music in 15 years and Shane’s third studio album since Westlife split up in 2012.

Martine McCutcheon also released her first album in 15 years. Martine is a British singer/actress who you may recognise as Natalie from Love Actually – her most famous role. Martine had a string of top 10 singles in the 90s/00s and returned to the music scene this year with her album Lost and Found, written alongside her husband. The album has uptempo, rocky tracks mixed in with heartfelt ballads. I’m particularly loving the debut single, Say I’m Not Alone.

2017 Goals Progress

Related post: Hello 2017!

I briefly mentioned my exercise routine which I am hoping to get back into properly in the coming weeks. I continue to work on taking each day as it comes and this is one thing that requires a lot of effort – I am a constant worrier and always like to have things planned but I’m trying to get better! I haven’t been stressing about blogging and I don’t use social media a lot. I’d say I spend 1 hour at the most each day on social media (not including blog post writing). I have made a small amount of progress with driving. I reversed the car out of the garage and drove it back in twice. I will have more spare time with my new job so I want to put more effort into driving.

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What’s been happening in your life recently?

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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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Reverse Bucket List

Hi everyone! A while back on the blog I wrote a post called 25 Things I’d Like To Do which is essentially a bucket list. I was browsing online recently and came across the idea of a ‘Reverse Bucket List’ where you create a list of the interesting things you’ve already done. I have come up with 22 seeing as that’s my age. Enjoy!

1. Join a choir – I was part of two during my school years.

2. Take part in a spelling bee – I came third. The word that undid me was battalion. I still have the word list and jar of Vegemite as memories.

3. Sing in a school talent quest – I was 14 and sang Issues by The Saturdays.

4. Place first in school subjects – Subjects include French, Accounting, Media Studies and Health.

5. Speak French – I’m not fluent but I can hold basic conversations and translate phrases.

6. Get followed by Britney Spears on Twitter – It was around the release of Femme Fatale. I tweeted her about the album and next thing I know she followed me.

7. Own a MAC lipstick – I’ve got 9 to be precise.

8. Pass my learner licence test – I passed on July 5 2016!

9. Have my first kiss.

10. Tell someone special I love them.

11. See Ellie Goulding in concert – I’ve seen Ellie twice (2014 and 2016) and she is amazing!

12. Start a blog – Chanelle Hayley is 3 years old next month!

13. Fly on a plane by myself – It was only a short journey but a few years ago I probably wouldn’t have done it.

14. Win money in a casino.

15. Receive a birthday tweet from Shane Filan – It was for my 17th birthday in 2012.

16. Buy an iPhone.

17. Upload me singing online – I have uploaded snippets to Instagram as well as full length videos to YouTube.

18. Never dye my hair – I’m proud that my hair colour is all natural.

19. Pass my Diploma in Communications (Applied) with straight A’s.

20. Have a makeup drawer – I did a makeup clear out at the start of 2016 and it’s nice to have a dedicated space for my makeup and to keep it all organised.

21. Discover my passion – Singing/music.

22. Open a savings account and contribute regularly – I have always been a saver rather than a spender and every payday I transfer money into my savings account. I get bonus interest at the end of each month which is also an incentive.

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I hope you liked this post! Feel free to share a few things you’re proud of or things you have crossed off your bucket list!

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 any questions to @chanellehayley_

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?