I’ve officially had Life of Angela for 2 years now. It’s been through quite a few changes over that time. Last year, I celebrated with a cupcake. This year, I celebrate with a cookie.
My first year of blogging was very exciting for me. I first jumped into this world and community, and I was always full of ideas and couldn’t wait to get to work on my next post. I blogged daily, read everyone’s posts daily, and devoted a large chunk of my time (outside my day job), planning and preparing future posts. I even went self-hosted a few months in. I viewed blogging as my second full time job really.
Throwback to celebrating my one year blogiversary
This past year had me going in and out of blogging more than I thought I would. The first few months, I was still blogging almost daily and always felt so creative. Then I took my first break from blogging, when we went to Japan in May. Taking that step back from the blogging world, I since found it hard to get back into it. I went on and off for a while. Then we found out we were expecting, and I continued to step back. I’ve now stepped all the way back into my old wordpress blog, rather than continuing my self-hosted one.
Coming into another year of blogging, I’m not sure what to expect. I’m hoping to come to a middle ground. I don’t think I’ll get back to that mindset of blogging full-time, but I would like to stay active in the blogging world. For now, I’m enjoying blogging once or twice a week and just catching up.
Thanks to everyone who has stuck around and hung out with me on this blog for the past two years. It’s nice to return to this online community and chat, discuss interests, and just see what everyone is up to all over the globe.
Hoo boy, I have been kind of ignoring these for a while. The last check in I did was in March. I will say that I don’t ever make New Years Resolutions, and now I can kind of see why. I think I work better in short term goals, I normally can push through with motivation, but it’s really hard trying to spread that over a year. I work better with short term goals, as I have a habit of always dropping and picking up new interests.
Okay, let’s get into it.
1) Try a new baking recipe at least once a month – I have two recipe books to choose from, so this seems very doable. Since I have lots of other hobbies I like to spend time on, aiming for at least one a month should be doable.
I didn’t do any new baking recipes during May, but we were on holiday so I think I can excuse that. Plus most months, I’ve been trying at least two new recipes. So I think I’m still on track for this goal.
2) (Re)Learn new songs on the piano – You may notice there’s no number here. My aim is to learn at least one, I really need to get my rusty piano skills back up to scratch.
3) (Re)Learn new songs on the ukulele – I actually learnt one new song in 2017, but I want to learn more. I really love playing the ukulele and singing along, as terrible as my singing voice is..
I’m stacking these two together because I have done nothing on either. I do love practising music and just messing around on both the piano and uke, but I don’t. Why? No real reason, I just feel like messing around with some of my many other hobbies. This is what I mean by I always pick up new hobbies. Right now, I’m really into crafts, so I’ve been ignoring music even more. I will leave these on my goals list, cause sometimes I do feel the urge to jam out.
4) Practice photography more – Again, just a vague goal. But I want to take more photos, maybe do more challenges. I want to continue learning more. I don’t doubt I will take more photos this year though.
I had so much fun with this in Japan! There were so much photo ops, and I do feel like I’m getting a better eye with this photo stuff. I would still love to do a photography course at some point.
5) Complete Duolingo course in Japanese – I’ve already started a few weeks back, and it’s been so much fun. Here’s hoping I don’t lose motivation over the year.
Oh dear. So both Rory and I have pretty much dropped this. To the point where I even uninstalled the app. It was fun, but after a while I just couldn’t/didn’t want to keep up with it. I may have to cross this off the list.
6) Do some sort of exercise at least twice a week – running, dance cardio, strength, yoga, just something damn it! Come on Angela, just do it!
So I did really fall off the wagon with this for at least two months there, but I’m getting back into it! I always really enjoy yoga, and I’ve been committing to the 30 Days practice with Adrienne. When I’m finished with it, I plan to try her other ones, or just do a video everyday. So going good with this one!
7) Learn more hairstyles than just a ponytail – I don’t do much with my hair, I just don’t know what to do with it. I need to try some of the many pins I have.
I can kind of do a french braid now, sometimes I throw my hair into a bun. Honestly, I’m fine with just doing that. So, I guess I’m good with this goal.
8) Continue trying more makeup looks – similar to my previous goal, I want to learn to do more with my makeup. Especially with my eyes. It’s fun to play with!
Funny enough, I’ve been heading back into minimal makeup looks. Mostly cause, 5 days a week, I’m getting up at 6 for work, and I can’t be bothered with makeup. On the weekends, I used to get more into it, but since Japan, I like sticking to minimal looks. Sometimes I do just sit in front of the mirror and play around. So I’d say I’m still on track.
9) Try more DIY’s, maybe make a scrapbook, or home decor – I did the travel wall last year, and I’d like to do more! Pinterest will be very helpful with this goal.
I have loved doing more DIYs! It’s been so much fun and I have so much cute little crafts and decor around because of it.
10) Go on holiday overseas – We have plans for Japan which seems like it’ll go through. If something happens though, I hope we still get to go overseas at least once this year.
Done and dusted! We went to Japan, had a great time, and there’s no way we can afford to go overseas again this year!
11) Go on holiday within New Zealand – I always like to say travel locally, so hopefully we can do more of that this year!
Possibly doable. Maybe near the end of the year as spring and summer roll around we can go on a weekend trip somewhere.
12) Keep my journals and planners up to date – I have quite a few journals. One to keep track of my budget, my daily thoughts journal, and my blogging planner. I want to continue to keep them up to date.
Hahaha, no. Even my blogging planner is getting ignored as all I do at home now is cross stitch or do my jigsaw puzzles. So, I want to get back on track with this.
13) Complete a colouring book – I have so many, and none are even close to being finished. Maybe I can finish my small one..
Again, my interests constantly move. At the beginning of the year I may have enjoyed colouring, but now it’s all about the crafts. I will keep this one though, as I may get back into it.
14) Read 30 books – My 2017 Reading challenge was set to 20 books, I finished that and more, so I think I can set my goal a little higher this year!
Another one I’m losing interest in. Last year, I looooved reading so many books. As I keep saying though, now I’m more passionately driven to other hobbies. I will keep trying though, hopefully I can match last year’s number. I’m only 2 books behind schedule according to Goodreads.
15) Watch 15 movies – I mean new ones, not rewatching ones I’ve seen before. 15 is already a lot, but it seems doable.
I’ve already finished this, actually! I watched quite a few movies on the plane ride to and from Japan, so that helped. Maybe I can double it, make it the same as my reading goal.
16) Continue blogging everyday – I love blogging, and having a post up everyday has been so much fun for me. Here’s hoping I can keep this up for 2018!
After my last catch up post, I scaled back a little. I post from Monday to Friday instead of everyday, which I have really been enjoying! It’s nice to give myself a break on the weekend. I have started considering going back further to just three times a week as well. With my interests spreading wider, I’ve found myself spending less time on my blog. I still love it, but I’m enjoying spending time offline as well. So I may adjust this to just continuing blogging.
17) Do more collaborations with fellow bloggers – I did a few collabs in 2017, and I’d love to do more?
Yes! I’ve been doing really well with this, I’ve done quite a few collabs this year. I’ve worked with Anni, Sarah, Rossy, Emily, Pamela, and Sara. I’m keen to do more if anyone wants to hit me up!
18) Reach 5000 followers! – I mean, I never thought I’d get over 2000 by the end of 2017, so why not aim high right? Even if I fall short, it’ll still be more followers than I would have imagined I’d get to!
Since taking my break to Japan and scaling back my crazy schedule, I have noticed the numbers slow down. I’m still growing slowly, which I’m still thrilled about. Numbers aren’t everything obviously, but it’s a nice feeling to know that people like my blog enough to follow. I’m sure many are bots, but I’m always meeting more fellow bloggers which is pretty awesome!
So there we go, I’m still on track for some, while others I ignore. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me too much. I have never made resolutions before, and this feels like something I will probably continue to do. I prefer working on short term goals, or maybe I’m just making excuses. Who knows? 🙂
What are your thoughts on new years resolutions and goals? Are you someone who still works on them consistently 6 months in?
I let these build up for around two months, and now I have a decent bunch of awards to catch up on!
5 Things I Like About Myself
Jirah nominated me for this award. It asks the nominees to name five things they like about themselves, with at least one being a physical attribute.
So, let’s see what I come up with.
My positivity – I’ve talked about this a lot before, but I’m a pretty happy, positive, upbeat person. It takes a lot to wear me down and I’m always trying to find that silver lining. I like trying to cheer people up, and I like to think that my blog is a really good outlet for that.
My kindness – This pretty much goes hand in hand with the previous one. As an upbeat and positive person, my default is to be kind and nice. I have been a doormat in the past with kindness, but I’ve since learnt how to balance that kindness with knowing when to be stern and hold my own.
My planning skills – Kind of a weird one, but bare with me. I’m pretty good at keeping myself organized. I’m not one to forget dates or anniversaries, and you can bet I’ll try get everywhere on time or even early. This has come in very handy for trips.
My willingness to learn – I love learning. I would love to go back to university some day and do postgraduate studies. It’s one of the reasons I love the internet. You can learn so much on there! I always like that I’m open to learning more skills, and that I can also admit when I don’t know something. So then I can learn all about it!
On to the physical attribute I suppose. My hands – I just always like my hands. They’re dainty and useful.
I love a lot of bloggers, but I never quite like limiting the numbers I write about! I’m always worried I’ll leave someone out. So if you want to know more about some incredible bloggers, do check out my Have You Met series! I’ll be bringing it back soon too! Mystery Blogger Award
Honestly, it was fine. Not great, but not bad. Just a regular day.
Who is your favourite ‘celebrity’ blogger? Why?
I guess I would say Marzia. Other than her, I don’t really follow any ‘celebrity’ bloggers. I’ve been following her since her early days on YouTube and I just consider her an inspiration. In terms of beauty, fashion, travel, DIY, and overall, I just really like her.
What’s your favourite music to listen to?
Either a lot of pop, or movie/broadway soundtracks. I still like to just put on the Hamilton soundtrack when I’m doing housework. It just makes it more fun.
What are you looking forward to in 2018?
It was definitely Japan, and now that we’re back…I don’t know. We’ll just see what happens!
What are your hobbies?
Reading, playing games, blogging (obviously), taking photos, baking, trying random DIYs and crafts…
What actor/actress would you want to play you in a film about your life?
None, cause why would my life become a movie haha!
You have just woken up from being cryogenically frozen. What is your first question?
“Who froze me?” Followed by “why?”
What type of movie would your life be? Romance? Drama? Comedy? Horror?
If I had to make my life into some kind of media, I’d want it to be a sitcom. Not a movie. Just a random chain of events packed into a 20 minute show, with random laughter. I love watching sitcoms.
What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should?
One for DIY. Like how we have food networks, where it’s people showing you recipes. I want one with easy DIY projects. Like what I see on Pinterest, but with actual people doing it and giving me tips on how to do it. I could just find this on YouTube though.
If you were famous, what would you want to be famous for?
I don’t think I have enough skills in any particular thing to be famous. If I could dream though, I’d like for my blog to grow to ‘famous’ heights. But I write too much about random and personal things, so it probably won’t happen.
As always, I like to share my favourite photos from Instagram over the past month. Here are my top photos from April!
Easter Selfie
This was posted on April 1. I don’t actually think I took this selfie during easter, but it’s when I shared it. I have a habit of walking around the house trying to find good lighting to take a selfie after I’ve done my makeup. My camera feed is filled with selfies, food, nature and clouds!
Letterman Jacket
This was posted on April 9. In connection with the Letterman OOTD, I had to share at least one of the pictures of me in the jacket on Insta. It’s so adorable and comfy! The colours are bright and playful, and it just looks good!
Carrot Cake Balls
This was posted on April 10. My only new baking creation I’ve tried this month! I saw the Carrot Cake Balls Ro made on Nerdy Nummies and knew I had to try it. They were so cute, and were the perfect snack!
Tarte Lip Paint in Epic
This was posted on April 12. This was my favourite Tarte Lip paint that I tried. It’s in the colour Epic, and I think it’s just that. For me, this was quite an adventurous colour, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the outcome!
Wanderlust Zine Page
This was posted on April 18. After making my little zine, I had fun trying to take themed photos of each page. Rory has a little pencil sharpener that’s shaped like an old fashioned plane, so I wanted to include it. It’s actually my favourite bit in this photo really!
That’s all for this post! What was your favourite photos from Instagram this month?
Georgia blogs over at Midnight Madness. She writes about fashion, beauty, travel, lifestyle, health/fitness and so much more! She really is a Girl Boss!
Here’s a snippet from Georgia’s About Me page:
This blog is a place for me to to collect my thoughts and document my memories. Also, it’s a place where I get to write about all the things I’m passionate about, such as fashion, beauty, self-improvement, success and happiness. Although my blog is mainly lifestyle, I also love to rant about all the super exciting travelling that I do, literally every time I get a chance. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I love writing about it.
I’ve always been super into writing and very outspoken so not too long ago I decided it’d be interesting to rant about life to strangers on the internet, in hopes that I can motivate and help others as much as I can.
I’ve been following Georgia for ages, she is such an inspiration
The first coffee catch up post I remember reading on WordPress was from Georgia! These are my favourite lifestyle posts to read as it’s nice to just catch up with what’s been going on lately.
Georgia often shares blogging and writing tips, and this is one of my favourites. She talks about four questions that you want to ask yourself before publishing a post.
Georgia shares three different outfits in this post. All in preparation for the change of season. I definitely recommend checking out her other outfits in the post as well!
I really recommend checking out Georgia’s blog if you haven’t already! She writes such an array of creative and inspiring posts!
I remember writing this original tag around a year ago and thinking how crazy it would be if I was still actively blogging in a year. Well 2017 Angela, you definitely still are! So, in this post, I’m going to reflect back on goals I made a year ago in this tag and see where I am with them.
So here are the goals I made a year ago, and how I’ve done on them.
Save up more money
What with our trip to Sydney, wedding, and then honeymoon, I spent a decent bit last year. I want to save a lot more, I won’t set an exact amount, but I do plan to have a strict(ish) budget so I can work on my savings!
Technically speaking, our savings is more or less in the same place as last year. Maybe less actually, but to be fair, we have bought a house. The point of saving more was to work towards a deposit though, so I kind of think this goal was accomplished!
Do more crafts in general
This goal may seem a bit odd, but I haven’t really done much DIY/crafts projects in ages. I used to really enjoy them, especially scrapbooking, cross stitches and puzzles. So by next year, hopefully I’ve done more.
I definitely think I’ve done this! Particularly these past few months, I’ve really dove into doing more little DIY projects I like. I even completed my 3000 piece puzzle last week. I still have more DIY projects I want to keep working on, so I definitely have done more crafty things which I’m enjoying.
Driver’s license
I want to get my full license. This is totally doable, I just have to keep driving often, and within a year, I should be ready to go for it!
I feel like I bring this up a lot, and I’m always in the same place with it. I drive on and off a lot. The longer I don’t drive, the more anxious I am to actually drive again so I put it off. It’s not the best cycle, and I’m trying to get out of it. Currently, I’m driving around once a week so my confidence is returning. It’s just a matter of keeping it up. I have five years before my license expires, so that’s my official deadline to get it.
This was fun to look back on! I always love going back and seeing old things I’ve written myself. Two out of three goals isn’t bad.
Elena blogs over at Out’n’About. She’s from Switzerland, but is currently on an overseas exchange programme in Canada. She blogs about her art, travel, photography and so much more!
Here are Elena’s own words about her blog:
I launched OUT N’ ABOUT January 1st, 2017 to use it as my creative space. My goal here is to share my love for art, literature and travel, as well as creating discussions about society, philosophy and whatever else crosses my mind!
Blogging is still something I am experimenting with, there will always be things to learn and figure out, but most importantly, it is something I absolutely enjoy doing! Hopefully I could have caught your interest and brim over some of my enthusiasm through this blog!
I’ve been following Elena since early in my days of blogging, I remember when she announced she was heading off to Canada! She’s always been so lovely and supportive, and I always love to read about what she gets up to!
Elena often shares some through-provoking posts, and this is one of my favourites. She shares her thoughts on responsibilities as a girl (and human) about feminism and equality. You should definitely give it a read, as I can’t give it enough justice!
Elena has shared her photography with us on numerous occasions, and I really liked this one! On a recent cold trip to the frozen river, Elena snapped away and got some amazing shots like the one above.
Another thought piece that is very relevant to all of us. Social media. We often showcase the best side of ourselves online, keeping some of the more not so picturesque moments to ourselves. I really enjoyed reading Elena’s thoughts about this, and she really brings up some great points.
Another photo series that I really loved! Elena edited her photos in a very unique way, focusing on the negative colours. They came out quite striking and different. I love how Elena is always experimenting with her photography!
I hope you guys do check out Elena’s blog! All of these posts I mentioned are amazing, but they’re just a small section of what you can find on Out’n’About!
It’s me again! Here’s the second part of the award catch up posts!
A-Z Playlist
Mel from The Bookish Wanderer created this little Playlist Tag which should be a bit of challenge. Mel blogs about video games, books, wanderlusting and writing. She’s pretty awesome!
Jamie nominated me for the Liebster Award! If you don’t know of Jamie of Don’t Give a Jam fame, then you need to check her out asap.
Jamie’s Questions
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
What is the best concert you’ve been to?
Ed Sheeran
Fruits or vegetables?
Fruits
What is your absolute favorite comfort food?
Chips
Appetizer or dessert?
Dessert
If you had to wear the same outfit everyday, what would it be?
Cardigan, singlet and jeans. I wear it most days anyway. It’s so comfy!
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
Does your morning skincare routine vary from nighttime?
I don’t really have a set daily morning/evening routine. I have products I use, but it varies a lot of the time.
TV shows or movies?
TV Shows
What do you pick out first when choosing an outfit?
A top or a bottom. Or a combination.
Breakfast or brunch?
Brunch.
Unique Blogger Award
The lovely Mimi from Blushy Darling recently did her own award catch-up post and was lovely enough to nominate me!! If you’re interested in beauty and makeup at all, you should definitely check her out!
What is your holy grail makeup product?
Bare Minerals Foundation
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
If you were to go back in time were would you go?
I’d choose not to really.
What Disney princess are you?
They all have their pros and cons. I’ll go with Moana cause reasons.
Moon or stars?
Both.
Night in or night out?
Night in.
If you can be part of a TV Show what would it be?
The Amazing Race.
Celebrity Crush?
Amy Poehler.
What is your favorite song?
Anything by Ed Sheeran.
Favourite flower?
Baby’s breath.
Nominations
As before, I wanted to nominate some bloggers I’ve been loving lately. Don’t feel any need to do it if you don’t do awards!
You know, sometimes I get no nominations for a whole month, and sometimes I get a whole bunch. This month, I got quite a few, so I’m breaking it into two posts as having them all in one post made this post veeeery long!
The Sunshine Blogger Award
The majestic Anni from Glücksgeist nominated me for the sunshine blogger award. She blogs about baking, Youtube, DIY, and honestly she’s a ball of sunshine herself.
What made you smile today?
Thinking about the fact that we’ll be off to Japan in a month!!
Do you prefer rain or sunshine?
It honestly depends. Sometimes I feel like sun, other times, rain is nice to listen to.
What was the last post you uploaded on your blog?
Yesterday I uploaded another little DIY project involving melting crayons to make art.
What’s your favourite board game?
Monopoly.
Last book you read?
Doing It! by Hannah Witton.
How often do you check your blog a day?
Constantly. If I’m at work, I check it every break. If I’m not at work, then whenever I check my phone, which is often.
When was the last time you laughed out loud?
At work. I love hanging out with my co-workers, as well as the little babies. We have a wee little boy at the moment (almost 4 months), and when you make eye contact with him, he just babbles and laughs for days. Which in turn makes me laugh. It’s like having a conversation, except I have no idea what he’s on about.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
Meant to Be. We sing it all the time.
What was the last beauty related item you bought?
I caved and bought some more Tarte products when they announced a sale. They’re all lip products and I’m pretty excited for them to arrive!
Do you like Mondays?
Sometimes.
Tell us something about the next blog post you’re uploading.
The second part of all these award posts!
The Beauty/Makeup Tag
The wonderful Maha from The Beyoutiful Gal nominated me for this new makeup related tag. Maha blogs about beauty, fashion lifestyle, and is such a lovely lady!
What do you love about makeup?
The variety. There is so much products to try, looks to try create, different formulas, shades, brands and things to explore!
How long does it take for you to do your makeup?
It ranges between 10-30 minutes depending on how much time I have, and if I’m in a rush or not.
Do you remember your first makeup item?
I am racking my brain so hard. I think it was a gifted eye/lip palette maybe from Avon? I don’t remember using it much though. As for the first item I bought on my own, I think it was foundation.
Will you leave the house without makeup?
Rarely nowadays. I like to put on light makeup even if I’m just going out for errands. It’s a fun part of my day putting on makeup.
Favourite lipstick
Tarte Lip Paint
Name a makeup crime that you hate?
I can’t think of any right now.
What product do you buy mostly?
Lately, it’s been eye products. Shadow palettes, liners, mascaras. I’ve been trying to learn more about it recently, so I’ve just been buying a range the past couple of months.
One makeup product that you cannot do without?
Concealer
Favourite makeup hack?
Using contact solution to get rid of mascara on the eyelid
Matte lip colour or lip gloss?
Matte. I don’t like having sticky or glossy lips too much.
Do you wear fake eyelashes?
Since I wear glasses all the time, I feel like it would just get in the way, so no.
What is your most cherished makeup beauty product?
Bare Minerals Foundation
Favourite makeup brand
Tarte.
What is your skin type?
I’m not really sure. It can sometimes get oily, other times day. So I guess combination?
How many times do you wash your face daily?
My skin gets quite oily if I wash my face daily. I wash it around 3 times a week, and then just rinse with water everyday.
Any acne story?
I had it when I was younger. It seems to have mostly backed off now.
Do you like trying out new skincare routines or do you stick to a routine?
I’ve only recently gotten a skincare routine, but I’m open to trying others.
Do you think you look good without makeup on?
I don’t look terrible.
Mystery Blogger Award
Kate from Ankhor You nominated me for this award. She blogs about fashion, coffee, travelling and life in general. She is always so bubbly and supportive!
3 Facts (Things I Don’t Like Edition)
Sudden loud sneezes scare me
Touching velvet clothing freaks me out
Mushrooms don’t taste good
5 Questions
What is your favorite season?
Autumn/Spring
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
Coffee
Favorite make-up brand?
Tarte
Where do you want to travel to next?
After Japan, I don’t know just yet.
Last TV show you watched?
The Amazing Race
Nominations
So here, I’m going to nominate a whole bunch of bloggers I’ve been loving lately. You don’t need to take part if you don’t do tags. If you do, then just choose one you want to do, or go crazy and do them all like I did.
lifeofangela 