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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Welcome 2021!

By now on the blog it’s tradition that the first post of the year will be wishing everyone a Happy New Year and sharing some words of wisdom.

Nobody knows what 2021 will hold but we want it to be ‘better’. I don’t have any expectations so that way I can’t be disappointed. 2020 was challenging for a lot of people (myself included) but there were also good moments. I try not to focus on the bad but realistically it’s not always easy. I applaud myself for getting back up each time something goes wrong and the idealist in me never loses hope that one day everything will be okay and it will all make sense. I don’t want this year to start off on a negative note so, goodbye 2020, I’m not sad to see you go and let’s move on!

The past 12 months were relatively quiet on the blog and initially I feel 2021 will follow a similar pattern. I have post ideas in the pipeline and will write when I get time and feel inspired but gone are the days when I would churn out new posts each week. I turn 26 at the end of the month and I will have been blogging seven (!!!) years in June – it’s understandable that over that length of time circumstances change. Blogging doesn’t hold the place in my heart that it used to but I still enjoy it and don’t want to stop.

For 2021 I need to be more selfish with my time and do what helps me to be happy and stay relaxed and as less stressed as possible. I’m getting better at being assertive and saying no and not feeling guilty for it. Often I feel like I’m letting people down but at the end of the day that person is me 90% of the time. This is me saying I’m done and I don’t want that any more.

Keeping a bullet journal is one thing that fell by the wayside in 2020 and when I’m able to clear my head and have a place to organise my thoughts it helps a lot. I didn’t have many pages left in my current bullet journal so I purchased a new one to begin 2021 and I can’t wait to spend time setting it up. Exercise is another thing that helps me feel good within myself. I got back into a routine during April/May last year and over the past 10 days I’ve started using the exercycle again. I’m going to try hard to keep it up!

2021 is the year I wish to welcome proper happiness. I want to let go of some of the fear I carry with me daily and embrace new things and experiences with people… who knows what the next 365 days will bring!

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What are you excited for this year? Do you have any goals for 2021?

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Hello 2020!

Happy New Year lovely readers! I hope you all had a relaxing holiday season and have enjoyed the first days of January so far.

I had a quiet Christmas which I don’t mind as the day feels peaceful and relaxing. I don’t have a big immediate family so there’s nowhere to travel and there aren’t people to visit but my brother came to stay with mum and I for a week. On Christmas Day we all had a nice meal and I spent the afternoon watching a documentary about Michael Hutchence – I find music documentaries fascinating and this one was poignant and touching. The next day I went shopping and picked up everything on my list. Shops weren’t as busy as I expected either which was a nice surprise. As I have been working through the Christmas/New Year period I’m hoping to take some leave at the end of January around my birthday and have a break then.

I’m coming in to 2020 excited about blogging. I’ve got a few post ideas up my sleeve and I’m going to adopt a similar posting style to last year, posting and writing when I’m in the mood and inspiration strikes. Looking back over the most popular posts from 2019 the clear winners are haul posts and monthly favourites. There won’t be any major changes to the blog overall and I’m enjoying a more relaxed approach.

I’m not sure what 2020 will bring but there’s something refreshing about that and being able to let things happen as they come and be in the moment. I’m hoping this will be the year I get back into a better exercise routine, it’s something I’ve been trying to do for months but things keep cropping up. I’m excited that I’ll be seeing my favourite band, Steps, live in May as I never dreamed that would happen and it still feels surreal at the moment. Slowly I’m becoming more assertive and learning to stand up for myself and look after my needs without feeling guilty and worrying I’m putting other people out. Sure we all want to be liked and respected but constantly pleasing others is detrimental to yourself. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of and don’t be afraid to speak up and let your thoughts be heard. That doesn’t mean being defensive and being nasty towards others, it’s about knowing your worth. I’ve realised that when it comes to dating and I’m not going to be with just anyone. There’s nothing wrong with having a standard and I’d rather wait for something meaningful than be with someone for the sake of having someone. I’ve always been independent and I need a man that can handle that and doesn’t question why I do or like certain things – you should be accepted for who you are. Work hard, don’t settle and persistence and determination will pay off.

I wish everyone a fabulous year and I look forward to interacting with you in the comments and online!

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Let me know what you’re excited for in 2020 and if you have any goals you’d like to achieve.

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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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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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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?

Happy New Year + Blog Updates

Happy New Year readers! How did you bring 2016 in? Were you partying the night away, sipping on champagne or perhaps tucked up at home like I was? However you celebrated be sure to let us know in the comments!

2015 was my first full year blogging and I can’t really justify saying it was my best year yet (although it was stats and numbers wise) but if it’s a sign of what’s to come this year I’m really excited! I like routine and having everything planned out but occasionally I like to switch things up and feel like a change.

Hey It’s Okay…

I’m always thinking of ways to improve my blog and potential segments I could write. While I adore beauty and writing about it, I also enjoy reading more personal posts and I’ve come up with a way to incorporate that for the next year. I will be running a monthly segment, Hey It’s Okay… which will talk about “issues” and things that shape me and my personality ranging from insecurities to life decisions I have made. I don’t want to spoil it by revealing too much but the first post in the series will be up on January 11th and you will get the gist once you see it. I aim to post Hey It’s Okay… towards the beginning of the month and I hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am.

Meet the Blogger – Should It Stay?

Without a doubt, my ‘Meet the Blogger’ posts are some of the most successful but for the past few months I’ve been undecided if I want to continue doing them. It’s not that I don’t want to or don’t enjoy them but I feel like I wouldn’t be doing them for the right reasons. There’s been occasions where people want to get their name out there and you have no clue who they are. They have never visited your blog and it feels like you’re doing them a favour by featuring them. I can genuinely say 99.9% of bloggers I have featured I follow. If I don’t ‘know’ the blogger being interviewed to me that’s not honest and I don’t think it’s fair just for the sake of having a post. When I first started the segment I wanted people to find and connect with other bloggers and it has done that so please don’t think I’m being negative or bitchy. You sometimes get to a point where you have to stop giving and I feel like I’m at that point. What do you think, do you want ‘Meet the Blogger’ to stay?

Posting Schedule

Following on from that, if I didn’t do ‘Meet the Blogger’ anymore would you rather I went down to two posts a week and changed the days or still posted three days a week? Please do let me know your preferences for days and times as I want you to be able to read when it suits you.

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I’d love to hear any other thoughts or suggestions you may have in the comments below, don’t be shy!

Happy New Year!

It’s officially 2015! Wishing you all a year full of joy, health and happiness!

Last night was a pretty quiet one in my household so I took some time to come up with a list of goals I’d like to achieve this year. I will add to the list as the year goes on and I’ve also decided to write good things down on journal cards as they happen and place them in a box alongside the list. At the end of 2015 I’ll be able to look back and remember all the positive things that happened throughout the year.

Here is the box the journal cards will be placed in and my list of goals. I used a piece of paper from my kikki.K notepad with an adorable nature inspired design!

I’ve already placed one journal card in the box after Lisa Scott-Lee followed me on Twitter last night. (Technically it’s a 2014 memory but I’m including it anyway). Lisa is one of my biggest idols and I’m still coming to terms with the fact she followed me. The lovely part is she did it off her own back, I didn’t have to ask (although I have in the past). I sent her a direct message saying thank you to which she replied so I’m feeling like an incredibly lucky girl! I love that Twitter gives people the chance to interact with their idols aside from actually having the opportunity to meet them. Being an international fan is hard work sometimes but occasions like this make it all worthwhile.

A new year can mean new changes and as a result I’m in a bit of a dilemma over what to do regarding a few sections of the blog. I am unsure whether I should leave the 30 Days To Love and Week In Review segments as they are, try to combine them into a monthly review type segment or do away with them all together.

Let me know your thoughts on the proposed blog changes and be sure to leave a comment below telling me how you celebrated the New Year and if you have any New Year’s resolutions. Always love hearing from you 🙂

Chanelle x