Recreating Chloe’s Instagrams

A couple of weeks ago I responded to Chloe on Instagram after she reached out looking for fellow bloggers to collaborate with. She suggested we recreate a few of each other’s Instagram shots and I was totally on board with the idea! I’ve followed Chloe for a while now and I’ve seen her do a collab like this before and loved it. Check out Chloe’s blog and Chloe’s Instagram if you haven’t already – she’s a gorgeous girl!

Photo #1: The Head Tilt Selfie

Original:

My version:

I feel like I failed a little bit at this one with the whole head tilt action but trying to pose and hold the camera at the same time is hard! I did consider curling my hair but my hair has a slight wave to it anyway. I wore a black t-shirt and pendant necklace like Chloe to try and resurrect the image.

Photo #2: Contraceptive Pill

Original:

My version:

I used a neutral coloured background like Chloe’s. It seems Chloe and I take the same brand of contraceptive pill and it’s interesting to see how the packaging differs between countries. I personally take the 20mcg dose (which has a lower amount of hormones) but there is a 30mcg dose too.

Photo #3: Wristwatch

Original:

My version:

Being left handed I personally like to wear watches on my right wrist. For this photo I tried wearing the watch on my left wrist and it wasn’t comfortable so I had to wear it how I normally would. Recreating doesn’t mean copying exactly but taking inspiration from something. Both watches have a (rose) gold face and leather look strap.

Photo #4: Picture of a Polaroid

Original:

My version:

I sold my Instax camera last year but I did keep the polaroid pictures I took using it. This is the most nature inspired photo I have that was also taken outdoors. To try and be like Chloe I placed the polaroid in front of a neutral background and held the photo with my left thumb.

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What do you think of my recreations? Pop on over to Chloe’s post to see her interpretations of my images!

P.S. Don’t forget I’m running a giveaway that ends next week! CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Instax Lovin’

Instax instant cameras have become very popular in the last couple of years and owning one is pretty much every little girl’s dream (and mine!) I bought a pink Instax Mini 8 one late Saturday in November last year and I have been in love with it ever since!

Why I Bought the Camera

As with most of my purchases, I thought to myself, “do I really need this?” and justified it by classing myself as a casual photographer. I had been considering investing in a fancy DSLR but while photography is something I enjoy, I don’t do it often and I’m no expert. I didn’t want to invest a chunk of money in a gadget I might not use regularly. I like the instant element and slightly retro feel. You only get one chance to take each picture which makes you think about lighting, composition and how the picture is going to turn out. You can’t go back and edit, you can only take more pictures which uses up more film. You begin to get selective because you don’t want to use film unnecessarily. I use this camera to create memories and capture important moments. I don’t use it every day, I tend to use it to take photos on special occasions and things I want to be reminded of.

Using the Instax Mini 8

On the whole, the camera is simple to use. The camera takes two AA batteries and comes with these and a wrist strap in the box. There is a manual but in all honesty, it’s not the most useful.

• Lens: Where you look to take pictures.
• Flash: The flash always goes off; something to be mindful of when thinking of lighting.
• Picture Button: This button is molded to fit the shape of a finger.
• Brightness Dial: The cameras feature five positions:

1. Indoors, night
2. Cloudy, shade
3. Sunny, slightly cloudy
4. Sunny and bright
5. Hi-key

• Power Button: Located at the bottom of the brightness dial. When the camera is powered on the shutter pops out. To turn off the camera, gently push the shutter back in.

Tips & Tricks

1. Once a 10 pack of film has been inserted, don’t open the back of the camera as you will expose the unused film and you will be unable to use it.
2. To diffuse the flash and give pictures a softer effect try placing some yellow masking tape over the flash.
3. When taking a photo tilt the camera to the right slightly and up. The centre of the lens is not the centre of the image.
4. The brightness dial recommends which setting to use. The majority of the time it is correct. However if you want a brighter photo, use a darker setting and if you want a darker photo use a brighter setting.
5. Store any spare film out of sunlight to avoid overexposure.
6. Contrary to popular belief, don’t shake pictures to develop them faster.
7. Have fun!

Experience and My Photos

I am still learning how best to use the brightness dial myself but most of my photos have turned out okay. The photos aren’t blurry or pixelated. I have a few favourite pictures of the 10 I’ve taken so far:

My first picture, December 2016 – the Christmas tree.

Balloons for my 22nd birthday!

Valentine’s gifts for my boyfriend ft. my cat.

Stickers and Accessories

Since purchasing my camera I have also become the owner of some cute bits and bobs to store my photos and make them look pretty.

• I received a pink backpack from my boyfriend for Christmas. The backpack also contains a neck strap.
• I redeemed a free gift pack from Instax when I purchased the camera. The gift pack features a scrapbook, a sticker sheet, photo corners, washi tape, a photo board and a mount board.
• My work was selling accessories for 50% off so I picked up some stickers, 3D embellishment stickers and frame/border stickers.

I keep these in the backpack along with my spare film so I know where everything is and it’s all together.

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I hope you enjoyed this post and seeing how I use my Instax camera. Do you have any tips and tricks to share? Which colour camera is your favourite?

What I Got For Christmas 2016

It’s become an annual tradition to share what I got for Christmas. I’ve done a post for the previous two years and you all know how three is my favourite number so I had to continue the tradition! I feel like a very lucky girl this year, I received some lovely gifts and I got to have two present opening occasions. I opened presents with my boyfriend and his parents on Christmas Eve and opened presents with my family on Christmas day.

Brother

My brother and I both use and have a love of planners so he got me planner inserts from kikki.K for my Filofax. I prefer kikki.K to Filofax as they are lined and come with the monthly inserts as well. With Filofax you have to buy weekly and monthly inserts separately. I also suggested he buy me a hair curler – I always love getting my hair curled when I go to the hairdresser. I do have one but it’s 10 years old and has never held a curl all that well. I received a 25mm Ceramic Curler from Vidal Sassoon. It’s got a number of temperature settings to suit all hair types and I can’t wait to try it out this weekend!

Boyfriend

When my boyfriend and I first started discussing gifts for each other we were clueless. I didn’t want anything crazy or too expensive and I ended up suggesting a couple of ideas to him. I asked for a pink Instax backpack to match my camera and was even treated to a visit from him at work when he came to purchase it. (Yes, I did serve him myself). I’ve been meaning to try something from The Body Shop’s Cocoa Butter range (which is being discontinued) so I also asked for a Cocoa Butter body butter. When I opened the backpack I saw an extra present inside; a cat ear headband. It’s even got pink inside the ears!

Boyfriend’s parents

I was not expecting my boyfriend’s parents to get me anything at all so I was surprised when I saw a gorgeous pair of stud earrings all wrapped up in a little gift bag and box. The stones are different colours so they’ll go with just about everything. I also received some lollies (sweets) and a pink, fluffy pen.

Mum

I knew two things I was getting from mum and the rest were surprises. I’d asked for the new Britney Spears perfume, Private Show. It smells absolutely delightful and I’ve already received compliments when I’ve worn it. It’s quite a sweet scent but still sophisticated and feminine. Lindt’s Strawberries and Cream chocolates are a little treat and I’ve still got a couple left. I got a set of two cups and a little vase which I plan to keep any roses I get from my boyfriend in.

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What was your favourite Christmas present that you received?

Sixteen of ’16

At the end of 2015 I wrote a post called, Fifteen of ’15, sharing 15 of my personal highlights from the year. This year I have decided to do the same. Looking back over the past twelve months a lot has happened and in this post I’ll be sharing what I’ve loved about 2016, things I’ve achieved and experiences that have changed me.

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#1 – 21st birthday

My birthday is in January so my year got off to an exciting start. 21 is one of those special birthdays and that’s exactly how mine felt. I did a Birthday Body Shop Haul, created a 21 Songs In 21 Years playlist and shared 21 Things I’ve Learnt In 21 Years. On my actual birthday itself the house was decorated and the dining table was covered in presents unbeknownst to me. At the end of the month mum and I went on a little break away to celebrate.

#2 – Going to a casino

This relates to #1. On my break away I went to a casino for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I’m not a gambler but it was fun to have a go on a slot machine. I’m even more pleased to say I won a decent amount of money too! I put in $10 and won $143.

#3 – Dannii For Target clothing

When Dannii partnered with Target I knew I would love her clothing range, which is designed for petites. Petite doesn’t mean size zero, it’s about proportions and the length of a garment. Petites goes up to size 16 so it caters for the curvier market too. Throughout 2016 I have made a few different orders and I am so impressed with the quality – of course the items fit like a glove. I wear my petites items all the time and I always look forward to what Target and Dannii bring out next!

#4 – Zayn – Mind of Mine

One album I have been playing non-stop this year is Mind of Mine by Zayn. I’m not a One Direction fan but I have always loved Zayn’s voice. I was curious as to what his album would sound like and it’s a mixture of sexy pop/R&B. I love this album so much more than I thought I would.

Corresponding post: Album Review: Zayn – Mind of Mine

#5 – Happiness Highlights

At the end of every month since May I have been sharing my Happiness Highlights. On my phone I keep a list and write down one thing that makes me happy each day. I started this after seeing it on Adele’s blog and I feel like it has made a difference to my mood and positivity. I will continue this into the new year so let me know if you’d like me to keep sharing.

#6 – Chanelle Hayley Turns 2!

In June I celebrated my two year blogging anniversary! I ran a giveaway to mark the occasion and it was a lot of fun. I hadn’t done one before so thank you for all the support and entries I received.

Corresponding post: [Closed] EXCITING Blog Giveaway!!!

#7 – Losing my job

This might seem odd to include in this post but let me explain why I have. For those of you who don’t know I used to work in a pharmacy. A month or so prior to losing my job I felt a change in myself that I didn’t like. I started to become shy and would barely talk and I felt like I couldn’t do my ‘job’ properly anymore. I will point out it wasn’t my decision to leave but going through that changed my attitude and I started to feel more confident again. As a result I did things I probably wouldn’t have done before and I’m glad I’ve done them.

#8 – Delta Goodrem – Wings of the Wild

Delta Goodrem is a singer I have listened to since I was 8 or 9 years old. I have always loved her music and writing style and her fifth album, Wings of the Wild is incredible! The album was released in July and like Mind of Mine I have been playing it non-stop. The lyrics are very empowering and it’s what I needed just after losing my job.

#9 – Passed driving test

It was just over a month between losing my job at the pharmacy and finding the job I have now. I decided the time was right for me to sit my Learner’s Licence test. It’s not that I don’t understand road rules but I never felt ready before. I sat the test on July 5th and passed with 33 out of 35. I haven’t quite started driving and sitting behind the wheel of a car yet but that’s next!

#10 – Alan Carr – Yap, Yap, Yap!

The month after I passed my driving test I went up to stay with my brother for a few days and the highlight of that trip was seeing a show by stand up comedian Alan Carr. I have loved Alan for years and used to adore his show Chatty Man (the earlier seasons were better). Alan was very funny and I’m pleased I went to the show. I sat in Row R but I still had a good view.

#11 – Flying solo

This goes hand in hand with #10. I mentioned I went up to stay with my brother and it made sense to fly up. It’s only a 40 minute trip and I didn’t have lots of luggage and I can’t drive so it was the logical option. I had never flown on a plane by myself before and a year ago I don’t know that I could have done it.

#12 – Boyfriend

In September I had the first date with my boyfriend. We have been seeing each other for almost four months now and he’s just so lovely. I don’t share too much about our relationship because that’s for us but I have been very happy over the past few months.

#13 – Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This book is one of the best I have read in a long time! I purchased it a couple of months before I read it but I really enjoyed it and I can see myself re-reading this over again. I have also seen the film and read the follow up, After You.

#14 – Ellie Goulding Delirium World Tour

Without a doubt one of the best nights of my life! I saw Ellie on her Halcyon Days Tour in NZ in 2014 and that was my first ever concert which was super special! The show this time around was even more spectacular, the lights, dancers, staging and outfits were so well done. Ellie sounds magical live and she is such a natural performer.

#15 – Went shooting

This is less scary than it sounds I promise… my boyfriend and his dad have a keen interest in shooting and one day they took me out to the range they belong to. We were only shooting at targets and I’d never fired a gun before but I really enjoyed it. I didn’t know what to expect and once I got the hang of the different scopes I was fine. I did manage to hit the target a couple of times too. I also bought home a fragment of bullet as a keepsake.

#16 – Instax Camera

I only got this camera a month ago but I’m still in love with it! I’ve taken a couple of pictures now (one of which you may have seen on Instagram) and I still get excited thinking about using it. I bought this camera because while I enjoy and like taking photos I don’t want to invest in a fancy DSLR if I don’t end up using it often. With Instax you have to get the photo right the first time, there’s no editing or touch ups. For Christmas, I got a pink Instax backpack which matches my camera to keep my camera, film and accessories in. I can’t wait to capture memories in 2017!

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Thank you for reading as always and I hope 2016 was as beneficial for you as it was for me! Let me know some of your highlights!

Christmas Wish List 2016

With Christmas right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about gifts (or wrapping them if you’re organised). When it comes to receiving gifts I like surprises and I truly believe it is the thought that counts! I love to give gifts and love the feeling you get when you find something perfect for the person you’re buying for. I am not normally one to give or drop hints about the gifts I’d like but here’s what’s at the top of my list this year!

1. Canon EOS 700D

This DSLR camera has been on my radar for the past six months. Back in August when I did the Behind the Scenes Tag I mentioned I was thinking of buying a proper DSLR and this was the one I was leaning towards. I do want to improve my photography and have a nice camera to capture beautiful images with but part of me thinks, do I really need it? I don’t expect anyone would be generous enough to buy me this but I’d love to think I’m brave enough to take the plunge and splurge on it one day. I’m of the belief that photos = memories but I don’t want to part with several hundred dollars on a piece of equipment unless I’m sure it’s a worthy investment.

2. Britney Spears Private Show Perfume

I don’t claim to be the biggest Britney fan but I do listen to her music and I’ve grown up with her. She’s a popstar that has been around ever since I was a child and her songs are iconic. I’ve tried two of Britney’s perfumes in the past (one I’ve had for years) and I enjoy wearing her scents. Whenever a new scent of Britney’s comes out I always make sure I pop in store and give it a try. I’ve already done this with Private Show and it smells absolutely amazing! The scent is inspired by Britney’s favourites, including whipped crème coffee, clementine, juicy nectarine, dulche de leche, orange flower, jasmine sambac, luminous amber, and sensual musks.

3. IKEA MALM Drawers

I’m cheating a little as I ordered a set of 2 drawers a couple of weekends ago so I know I’m definitely getting them. I’ve been on the hunt for a new bedside table for ages and this is the only thing that has come close to fitting my criteria; I wanted something with a drawer and a gloss white finish. Currently, I just have a table with a glass top which has a clock sitting on it. I’m also looking forward to putting this together, I strangely enjoy putting furniture together and feel a sense of achievement once it’s done.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 – Pink

Two cameras in one post – what?! These Polaroid cameras have become pretty popular over the past couple of years and it’s funny how trends come back around. The colours of these cameras are so bright and fun (of course I want the pink one – pink is my favourite colour) and the photos from these types of cameras look candid which gives them a retro feel. You’ve got to be careful with each shot you take, you can’t go back and edit if the lighting isn’t quite right or something’s out of focus – the imperfections become the beauty. I love the idea of being able to write a small caption on each photo and keeping these photos in a box or putting them on a pinboard.

Edit: I purchased this camera for myself and I can’t wait to start snapping!

5. Mermaid Blanket

I’ve cheated again, I’ve ordered one of these blankets online and it should be here in the next couple of weeks. I first saw these in either one of Zoella or Pointless Blog’s videos and I’ve been obsessed ever since! You can move your legs with the blanket instead of moving your legs and having to readjust the blanket, so convenient. I chose a beautiful purple and I’m looking forward to curling up on the couch with this!

6. External Hard Drive

This kind of ties in with the Canon 700D camera. I figured if I’m going to invest in a proper camera, I want to have somewhere to store all my images, videos etc. One of these would also be handy for storing my music and backing up my iTunes library because I’ve had the whole thing delete on me and have to be re-imported before, not fun.

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What’s on your Christmas list this year?

November Favourites 2016

November seems to have been calmer than the past few months. I think that’s down to me taking a step back from blogging and having a break to enjoy life and catch up on a few things I’ve been meaning to do for a while. I explained the reason for the break in this month’s Hey, It’s Okay…, I’ve recently entered into a relationship and I want that to be the main focus. I want us to be able to spend time together without distractions (not that blogging is a distraction but it can be time consuming). Overall, I am very happy and I still try and get on here as much as possible to comment and read all of your posts!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Melbourne Cup – The Melbourne Cup is a famous Australian horse race run every year on the first Tuesday in November. Mum and I have a tradition where we each pick three horses and have a little competition to see how they do. We don’t bet any money but it’s a bit of fun and I really look forward to picking my horses and seeing who does better with their picks – neither of us did well this year though.

2. The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion – I purchased this body lotion back in July but I’ve only properly been using it daily for the past month or so. I love using The Body Shop’s body lotions as a daily moisturiser and I concentrate mostly on my arms and chest. I don’t use this on my legs as that skin is really sensitive and I have a huge tub of cream especially for that. I love that the scent lingers on my skin throughout the day and I really like the scent of the White Musk lotion later in the day as opposed to when it is first applied, it still smells good but the scent gets better as time goes on. The Shea Body Whip is one of my absolute favourite products from The Body Shop but one negative about it is the pump as opposed to the squeeze bottle on this body lotion. After this is finished I’d quite like to try the Black Musk or Cocoa Butter scents.

3. Revlon Highlighting Palette – Rose Glow – I received this highlighting palette as part of a Revlon gift set from my old work colleagues. I reviewed the gift set a few months ago and my opinion of this product has changed slightly. I still wouldn’t go out and pay the $32.99 (NZD) this retails for but I have used it a handful of times this past month. This gives a subtle highlighted effect which is nice for daily wear and doesn’t make you look too made up. I like to swirl my Real Techniques Blush brush into all the colours and sweep the product over my cheekbones.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera – Pink – At the weekend I went out and bought one of these polaroid cameras for myself. I bought the beautiful pastel pink as pink is my favourite colour along with a 50 pack of film. The film is expensive but I want to make each shot count and I know it should last me a decent amount of time. I haven’t turned the camera on or used it yet but I’ve taken everything out of the box and had a look and I’m so excited to start snapping away!

NB: For any NZ bloggers/readers, Instax are running a promotion until the 17th January 2017 where if you buy one of their cameras you can redeem a gift pack (including a scrapbook, stickers, photo corners, washi tape and a photo board) worth $45. Visit their website enter your details and a few details about your purchase and they’ll send it out to you!

5. Gone Girl – I watched Gone Girl a couple of weeks ago after hearing so much about it and I can honestly say it is the best film I have seen in a long time! It is based on a book by Gillian Flynn – I haven’t read it – and it lives up to the hype. I’m not going to spoil it for those who haven’t seen it but I do recommend you watch it if thrillers are your thing or you’ve been meaning to watch it. I haven’t seen many movies with Ben Affleck but there’s something about him in this which is really likeable and you can’t help not liking his character. There are talks of a potential sequel which would be very interesting and something I’d watch for sure!

November’s Spotify Playlist:

This playlist is a real mix. There’s R&B, country and of course my usual dose of pop. I say this a lot but this playlist is genuinely one of my favourites that I’ve made.