Hello beautiful people! Is it just me or does the thought of another year about to begin suddenly make you reflect on the one that’s been? Yesterday’s post saw me talking about my favourite things in 2015 beauty wise, but today I will be sharing with you fifteen of my personal highlights from the past year. Prepare yourselves, this one gets a bit wordy…
#1 – Followed by Lisa Scott-Lee and Faye Tozer on Twitter
If you know me well, you’ll know pop music is my absolute favourite thing in the whole wide world! I could talk about it for days and my head is filled with plenty of pop facts other people would deem ‘useless.’
Lisa and Faye are members of British pop group Steps who are one my favourite bands of all time. On New Year’s Eve 2014, Lisa followed me on Twitter. I didn’t ask her to (though I had in the past) and it was an incredible way to begin the new year. A month later at the end of January, Faye did the same. I have always counted myself lucky to have been tweeted by all of Steps numerous times but to have your idols follow you is a special feeling.
#2 – First time clubbing
In January I turned 20 and celebrated by going out to dinner and then going out clubbing. In New Zealand you can go clubbing once you turn 18 and almost everyone else I know had been but I wanted my first time to be special and worth it. I enjoyed myself a lot and I think that was down to my love for music, I wasn’t self conscious dancing in front of people and I could’ve kept going all night (which I did at a few 21st’s this year!) I haven’t actually been clubbing again but when I do go I know I’ll enjoy it.
#3 – Interviewed by Karen and Kimberley
This year I had the opportunity to feature on the blogs of two of my best blogging buddies. In February, I featured in Karen’s Behind The Blog series and in June I was featured as an Inspirational Blogger on Kimberley’s blog.
#4 – Purchased my first MAC lipstick
In April I made my first visit to the MAC counter and ended up purchasing my first lipstick; Syrup. I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase and still reach for this shade a lot. This is a lovely, girly, neutral shade and definitely worth a swatch next time you’re at the MAC counter!
#5 – Yoga With Adriene
Looking back, April was a very good month. I decided to take on Yoga With Adriene’s 30 Days of Yoga challenge and I blimmin’ loved it! I was a complete newbie to yoga but I didn’t find the positions too challenging. I like how calm yoga made me feel and I enjoyed taking time out for myself every day.
#6 – Getting my first job!
In May I had my first day of paid work and it was such a good feeling to finally have a job. Prior to starting my job I had been to numerous interviews and had been job searching for 18 months.
#7 – Buying my iPhone
In June I made my first big purchase since beginning my job and got an iPhone. I’d had my previous phone for three or so years and it was a basic phone I only used for texting. I worried I wouldn’t use an iPhone very much but I am so glad I bought it and it’s super handy if I need to take pictures when I’m out or want to play a game when I’m bored.
Corresponding post: My New iPhone!
#8 – Winning #Disco25
Dannii Minogue celebrated the 25th anniversary of her debut single Love & Kisses this year and launched an Instagram competition to mark the occasion. I entered and recorded a video of me singing along and was chosen as one of the winners. I received a signed Love & Kisses vinyl record and hand written note.
Corresponding post: #Disco25
#9 – Shane Filan – Right Here
I have been a Shane Filan fangirl for the longest time and he released his second solo album ‘Right Here’ in September. I still get excited whenever I listen to Shane’s music. His voice is undoubtedly my favourite to listen to over anyone else – it’s so smooth and clear and he has the most beautiful tone. Shane also co-writes most of his solo material. Personally, I prefer Shane’s debut album as it’s really special to me and brings back so many good memories of 2013; hearing Shane’s solo music for the first time and Shane replying to my questions in Q&A’s.
#10 – Reaching 500 followers!
Also in September I hit a blogging milestone, I reached 500 followers! That was a big achievement for me and a goal I had my eye on since starting my blog. I’m not someone who worries about numbers and tries to be in competition but 500 was a big deal and it made me realise people out there enjoy reading my blog.
#11 – Starbucks French Vanilla Frappucinos
I’m not a coffee drinker and don’t go to Starbucks all that often but when Starbucks had their French Vanilla Frappucinos out I loved them! They’re so tasty and refreshing and I’m gutted they’re not part of the permanent menu. Fingers crossed Starbucks bring them back.
#12 – 44 Ways You Know You’re a Dannii Minogue Fan
October is Dannii Minogue’s birthday month and I decided I wanted to make something for her. In 2014 I sent a parcel to Australia but I wanted to do something different. Originally I came up with the video idea ’44 Reasons I Love Dannii Minogue’ which evolved into ’44 Ways You Know You’re a Dannii Minogue Fan’ so other Minogue fans could relate. Dannii tweeted me to say she saw the video and loved it which absolutely made my day!
To watch the video yourself, click here.
#13 – All Blacks win Rugby World Cup
Most people wouldn’t expect me to like sport but when it comes to rugby I turn into a proud Kiwi. My mum had no doubt the All Blacks would win and getting up early to watch the final game between New Zealand and Australia was thrilling. The match was entertaining and the All Blacks made history by being the first country to win back to back rugby world cups and being the first country to win the rugby world cup three times.
#14 – Ellie Goulding – Delirium
‘Delirium’ has been named one of 2015’s Best Pop Albums and with good reason! Call me biased but I believe anything Ellie touches turns to gold. I never get sick of listening to Ellie’s music and could listen to her on repeat all day, there’s not many artists I can say that about. I have been listening to Delirium since it’s release and honestly, it gets better with each listen.
#15 – Confidence
In many ways I have saved the best for last. I remember being nominated for the #TakeBackWhatsYours campaign at the beginning of the year and I am pleased to say I rose to the challenge. Over the past 12 months I have changed a lot (for the better) and felt myself grow in confidence. Now I don’t think twice about sharing images of myself on my blog and being open and honest. I’ve learnt to make myself a priority and do what makes me happy. I’ve also become more confident with my writing and the direction I want my blog to go in.
Corresponding post: #TakeBackWhatsYours Campaign
Thank you to everyone for all your support over the past year! Wishing you the very best for 2016 and sending all my love!
Chanelle Hayley 