Happy Saturday!

Happy weekend to you, mateys {yaaar?}.
I had a heck of a busy day today, this is the first time I've got to just sit and relax today!
This morning, my boyfriend's sister Ash and I went out and got our nails done {acrylics, love}
and I am having a super hard time typing this now with these long nails.
Then we went out for lunch at this not super nice looking cafe but the place had
delicious food, it was great. We had pumpkin soup.. I so want to try making it!
Anyone have any awesome pumpkin soup recipes?

Mmmm pumpkin soup.

After lunch, we went into the mall and did some shopping.
I came out with a pair of black cropped leggings and a pair of high-waisted
dark pink pants.. they are the comfiest ever.
I also stocked up on two new nail polishes for my collection {yes, I collect
nail polish. You can never go wrong with too many nail polishes!},
a light pink and a bright, nearly neon-ish pink.

Check out the new pants! And see that BEAUTIFUL bun?! I perfected the sock bun last night.
I am loving it. SO easy. New every bad-hair-day hair? I think so.
{ PS - I just looked at this photo once I posted this and realized it totally looks like I'm wearing
socks with my flats. Unfortunately, that is just how pale I am. I've learned to deal with it. Hahah!! }

Once done shopping, we drove home and then I headed out again with my boyfriend,
off to his friend Ethan's soccer game. Ethan plays for team Wellington and it was a pretty good game.
Unfortunately they lost, but it was pretty cool still because it was the first soccer game I've ever been to.

Myself, Ethan and my friend Laura. He was so sweaty we both burst out laughing.

I am yawning non-stop, so I need to get to bed.
Anyways, goodnight world!

Photo Challenge

Well, ladies and gentlemen {probably no men read this blog},
I got my Sony NEX-5 in the mail today.
It was so exciting.
So exciting that my boyfriend took a thousand pictures of himself.
He is actually ridiculous.
He's fine taking picture after picture of himself making the most hideous faces,
but it's this huge struggle to get him to take a nice picture with me! It's so annoying!

Dang, we are good looking.

Fact: I get jealous when I see cute couple photos.
My boyfriend would never do a photo-shoot with me!
Maybe if we get married someday I can use that as a "but you have to!!!" excuse.
Until then, I am stuck with ridiculous-faced Cole.
Ah well, I love him anyways.

Click on it to open it up to big-size.
Sorry if you hate snakes, but you have to admit.. he's kind of cute here!

Unfortunately, I haven't got to take any pictures because it's been dark since I got home.
However - tomorrow is the weekend.
Prime picture taking time! {rhymes, clever girl}
I am participating in Our Reflection's photo challenge this week.
I know it's encouraged that you don't use a photo you took prior to the competition in
order to flex your photography skills a bit and challenge yourself,
but I just have to because this one is so perfect for the competition and it's
probably my most favorite picture I've ever taken.
I was literally crawling on the dirty ground in front of this thing trying to get good photos of it.
He was actually being quite a good participant in it all!
I was so scared if I got too close he'd jump at me ahah.

Cuppa Joe

I love coffee - but I'm no expert.
"I'll have a cappuccino made with skim milk and two sugars please."
That is the extent of my coffee language.

My drink of choice: Java Mint Chocolate Chip Frappe (no whip).
Try it. Trust me. Heaven in a cup..blended with ice.

Have you ever been in Starbucks when those coffee-crazy women come in and order a trimcappuccinoextrafoamthreeSplendasheatedto{insertnumberhere}degrees, please?
I have encountered these kinds of people more than once, and every time I do I can't help but wonder "how in the world do you know that you like that?"
Personally, it has never occurred to me that I should experiment with the specifics of my drink temperatures, or ask for more foam. I don't even like the foam in the first place!

Puppy again...just because he's so ridiculously cute. And because I have no
other relevant pictures to this post haha.

Anyway- the whole point of this post was to tell you that the wonderful Laura from Our Reflection is hosting a little Mother's day store on her amazing blog, so all you crafty ones that have Etsy shops and the like, head on over and send her an email.

By the way, because you were all probably wondering {sarcasm} my camera is ready to pick up!! I get it tomorrow!!! Oh my goodness, I cannot wait.
Happy Thursday friends! {one step closer to Friday..!}

One Week From Today...

I will be turning 21.
On Tuesday.
So scary!!
That means I'm a legitimate adult - like, all over the world.
That means I have to be responsible.
No I'm just kidding - I am not that scared.

We went for coffee with friends this afternoon, and our friend brought
this super cute puppy! Ugh, I can't even handle his cuteness.

21 is a big deal though.
I feel like your twenties are the most defining years of your life.
You're preparing yourself for the rest of your life!
You have to finish school, find something you want to spend the rest of your life doing,
maybe even find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.
It's such an intense few years!

What I wore today... plus these really cute short black booties with a chunky heel.
Excuse the sockie-feet.

And I am totally excited.
I can't wait to move forward with my life.
I can't wait to move forward with my boyfriend, for us to finally move back into our
own place {we are living in New Zealand at the moment with Cole's parents because
we are only here for a year, then back to Vancouver}. I can't wait to get started with
my career as well! I have done a couple years of school {aimlessly} and I've finally
decided that I want to do web design. So once we get back to Van I am going to enroll
in a college that offers a really awesome sounding program for that. I'm excited!

I saw this hilarious cat today when we were leaving the cafe. It had a nametag "Lulu"
(it seemed fitting) and she seemed super distressed. She was too funny.

I love being excited.
It happens on a regular basis for me.
I don't know why I just said that....
but anyway - my twenties. Bring it on.

Monday's Contemplations

Contemplation #1: Does anyone ever actually complete the hard Sudokus? 

Don't even get me started on "very hard".

I play Sudoku everyday on the train to and from work, and I can never finish a hard one. 

It's so frustrating.

It's like you need a sixth {seventh?} sense to know where to stick numbers..

I just don't get how you're supposed to finish them.

If anyone has some crazy Sudoku strategies..PLEASE SHARE.

I'm desperate.

My boyfriend's dog is pretty jazzy.

Contemplation #2: Those annoying sideburn hairs.

Put your hands up if you have them.

You know, those short little hairs by your ears that never seem to get any longer.

Those hairs that stick out when you have your hair up, no matter how many times

you try to tuck your hair behind your ears.

Do they ever grow? I don't understand.

How can those sideburn hairs stay sideburn hairs forever?

Why do they just stop growing once they get to awkward sideburn length?

How many times can I say sideburn in one paragraph?

Contemplation #3: I BOUGHT A NEW CAMERA.

So this isn't really a contemplation. More of a "I'm so excited and want to 

yell it from the rooftops" sort of thing.

I bought the Sony NEX-5 (well actually, won it on a bidding website) which I 

was talking about in this post. The best part is, I won it for at least $300 cheaper

than I expected I was going to have to pay to win the bidding.

And the other best part is that it comes with two totally different lenses and all

of these other great photographer goodies.

I can't wait to get it...it should come in the mail in the next couple days.

When it comes, expect massive picture overload.

Life's a Beach

As I write this post, I am currently sitting on a little rock watching my boyfriend snorkel around Goat Island (just outside Auckland) on a beautiful, sunny day. We're going on a glass bottom boat tour in a bit. He just gave me the thumbs up that he found some big fish.

Cole looking pretty cool in his wetsuit and snorkel gear. What a cutie.

Why aren't you snorkeling, you may ask. I highly dislike fish. It's as easy as that. I am terrified of the ocean. You could classify me as a legitimate thalassophobic {fear of the ocean}.

A big cave the boat driver took us into.
According to Maori legend, there is a dragon in there that eats people.
People actually go diving in there...crazies.

I have only recently overcome my fear of the aquarium. I'm all good looking at the little Dorys and Nemos, but as soon as I know the shark tank or massive bass tank is near I start feeling nauseous. You're thinking, weirdo, right? Try this one: up until the last few years I couldn't watch the Discovery channel because it made me nervous when I saw underwater shots. In my biology class in highschool, we went and saw a whale and dolphin show at IMAX which is in 3D. I had my glasses off, eyes shut and ears plugged {I hate the sound of whales and all that..it's so creepy} I have issues... I know! The funniest part, my job for the last couple years has been a kids sea kayaking instructor. Go figure.

The actual fishies you could see through the bottom of the boat!
I was amazed how clear the water was.
I think these are snapper. Yum. 

Since I've been with my Kiwi ocean-loving boyfriend, I've totally conquered some of my huge ocean fears. Overcoming things that have been such a significant part of your life is the best feeling. I visit aquariums {I even look at the shark/big fish tanks! I just don't stand too close...}, I watch the Discovery channel {even shark week}, and I swam in the ocean in Barcelona and Nice {after a minor freak out in regards to the possibility of sting rays hiding under the sand and sending barbs through my feet}. I'm crazy, I know, but I'm working on it.

Where I basked in the sun while Cole snorkeled. Not too shabby!

For now, I am perfectly content to sit on my little rock and enjoy the beauty of my surroundings and the fact that I'm not in freezing cold water {being hunted down by sharks}.

2 Year Anniversary

I love being in love.
I love that I have found someone that I love more than myself (other than family, of course).
That sounds weird and like I used to be super selfish or something, but that's not how I meant it.

I am sure tons of you can relate.
I mean, before I met Cole, my life was entirely dedicated to me.
Again, not meant in a selfish way.
But I was a typical teenager.
My thoughts revolved around how things affected me. Me me me.
I love being in love.
And I love that I have found someone that I love more than myself.
Maybe it's as simple as that. I don't know if I can explain it anymore.
But loving someone who loves you that much back.... it's such a great feeling.

The Auckland Sky Tower just outside where we had dinner

So happy two years Cole, you mean the world to me.
We're in it for the long haul now... I'm in it to win it!
Winner winner chicken dinner.
Speaking of chicken dinner, we went out for dinner and it was so yum!
We went to this restaurant that I had got two vouchers for on one of those Groupon
websites ($15 for $35 to spend at the restaurant, so $70 all up) and we had a FEAST.

The only part of our meal I got a photo of before we ate it all, haha oops.

Yam fries and breads and dip for starters,
greek salad for me and a chicken burger for Cole's main,
passionfruit and peach cheesecake for dessert.
Needless to say, had I been wearing pants, the buttons would not have been done up.
Thank you creator of stretchy leggings!

I have blabbed long enough. Happy Wednesday... only two more days until the weekend!

Early Morning Ponderings

So it's 7:17am on Tuesday morning.

I'm up bright and early getting ready for work.

I've packed my lunch, made my coffee and am just putting on my makeup,

dreaming about the Sony NEX-5 camera that I want to/am going to buy...

when I have this thought. 

Why is it that when we decide we want something or we are going to buy something

that we want, something that we have lived our whole lives perfectly fine without,

all of a sudden it feels like we need it as soon as possible?

It's not like I don't have a camera already. I have a very nice one in fact.

But the idea of having something new, that's when I want it and I want it now.

source
Ok so maybe it's not the prettiest camera in the world. But look at that big,
beautiful lens on the little compact camera! Best of both worlds, no?

I know I need to be less materialistic. I find it hard sometimes when there's so many

cool electronics and pretty little things in life. When I'm saving for something important

I am usually quite good at not having my money burn a hole in my pocket.

But the world is so hugely materialistic now that I find give in to temptation so easily.

On a happier note...I'm gonna get a new camera! The Sony NEX-5 is like a DSLR

but in a point and shoot compactness. I have a Canon Rebel T1i currently but I can

never take those spontaneous photos because I have to plan when I'm going to take

my camera out... it's not fun when you're not a professional photographer. So 

downsizing I go. Thanks to Erin at Living In Yellow for answering my billion questions

about her camera (I saw how gorgeous her photos were and wanted the camera that

took them!) I really appreciate it! Go over and check her out - her blog is my fave.

Cooking Class

I was a chef today! My work paid for all us ladies in the call center to go to a cooking class at the Auckland fish markets this morning. We made such good (and professional looking) food and it was a nice time to bond with some of the girls outside of work. First we watched the chef make all the food in this classroom setting, and then we moved into the kitchen area which was like ten different little work-spaces with their own fridges, counters, sinks, stove, everything basically.

The cute little fish market restaurant area

We made mussell and watercress (mine were without mussells because I don't like them) fritters, they were really yum and so easy. If anyone wants a recipe, just ask. We also made salmon fillets wrapped in prosciutto on top of a seared portabella mushroom with sun-dried tomato aioli.

Complete with wine and vanilla bean ice cream for dessert..mmm

It was honestly the most chefly experience of my life..I was feeling on top of the world about my new skills! I feel so inspired to try to cook new things now haha - I honestly couldn't believe afterwards that I had made this. I definitely want to take more cooking classes. Hope you all had a lovely weekend x

A Little Self Indulgence

I had such a nice day today! Since having my grandma visit me for a couple weeks, I hadn't had any friend time for quite a while. My friend Laura and I went out for facials this afternoon. It was my first facial ever and oh, let me tell you. Agh, it was so indescribably nice! My skin feels so fresh and clean and moisturized now. If you hadn't had a facial before, you should definitely get one. Anyone in the Auckland area should check out Ageless Beauty, the ladies there were excellent. If the price holds you back, sign up for websites like Groupon as they daily offer tons of deals like this. We got our 45 minute facials (with brow and lash tint) for $30 on Groupon! Can't go wrong there.

Glowing and fresh-faced after our facials, haha

 After our facials we wandered around the Albany mall for a while. I only came out with a new headband and nailpolish. Oh, and cute bras and undies (2 bras at Kmart for $9.00!). We were supposed to go out to our friend's place tonight for drinks but when Laura and I got back to my house the boyfriends had decided they didn't feel like going anywhere. So we had a big steak dinner instead, yum.

This is how I had my hair done today! I think the bow is so cute :)

Nothing else too exciting happened, but it was a nice, self-indulging day (which has been much needed with all my school exam stress!). Going to have a relaxed evening, maybe watch a movie with the boyfriend. Oh by the way, I am getting my hair done next week as it is in desperate need of a trim (and because I got a really good Groupon deal for a hairdresser near me, haha). The deal includes a cut, half head of foils and straightening ($69, so cheap!), so I am hoping I can get some suggestions on what color I should use with the half head foils. I am thinking maybe a blonde... but would love some ideas! Have a good weekend everyone x

Easter Weekend

It has been a great Easter weekend. My grandma had flown in from Canada a couple weeks ago to visit me and so I got to spend it with her. We've done lots of cool stuff, I've finally got to be a bit touristy around Auckland as well! We've seen penguins and sharks, gone on a harbor cruise, gone to the Auckland zoo, had many a cappuccino at cute outdoor cafes and of course have done plenty of shopping. It has been so nice to have family here.

Today I splurged on a pair of black leather high-top Converse (all the girls wear them to go out here! yay for not having sore feet..) on sale, 25% off! A steal if you ask me. I also got a pair of short black lace-up boots with a thick heel, a sheer teal colored button down top and a beige chunky knit sweater that is pretty long so I can wear with leggings. It was some quite successful shopping! Now we just need some cooler weather so I can wear it all.

Boyfriend and I saw 21 Jump Street last night, what a hilarious movie! If you're thinking about seeing it - definitely do. I would love to watch it again. And finally, after nearly a whole week's break, I am off to work tomorrow. Back to the daily grind (oh well, at least I can wear my new shoes). Hope everyone's Easter weekend was as good as mine! x

First Post!

How exciting...my first blog post on Yours Truly! It has taken me a while between school and work to find time to get everything put together for this blog but I am very pleased with the final result. I have been thinking of what to write about for my first blog post, and it seems appropriate to use this opportunity to introduce myself to my soon to be (hopefully!) followers. My name is Chelsea, I am 20 years old and I am living in New Zealand for a year with my Kiwi boyfriend but I am originally - and proudly - from Vancouver, Canada.

my friend Nikita and myself at NZ Beer Fest!

I am in school right now under a Computer Information Systems degree however I am changing schools when Cole (boyfriend) and I move back to Vancouver in late October this year. I am planning to end up working in web design, a love that I have had since the ripe age of eight!

My favorite things are sunny days, edamame (soy beans), cats (I am a bit of a crazy cat lady although don't currently have any kitties of my own), anything Hello Kitty, my wonderful boyfriend and family, my weird friends, DIY projects, good books, being hopeful and not littering.

I am hoping to attract some really awesome followers to join me on my wild adventures as I try to make my way through this crazy, wonderful life. I would love to chat to each and every one of you, so please feel free to comment. x