Meet and Greet : Jackie from Jackie Jean

Haha! Fooled you! There is one last addition to my Meet and Greet series. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my friends. I reckon they are a pretty neat bunch. Last up, we have Jackie. She's my cousins wonderful fiancee and has recently started a beauty blog. Here we go!

Right, let's start with an easy one. What is the name of your blog?

Jackie Jean

And what do you do when you aren't blogging?

Apparently, not blogging is where it's at right now. I'm in my final year of my nursing degree and it is already hectic. Unlike most students I went back to university mid-January, and am already in my 4th week of shift work at Auckland hospital. So right now my life is totally summed up by either free labour at the hospital, time at university and then paid employment in the gaps. Occasionally I do get to see my cats and fiancé, although quite often it's when they're sleeping.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I'm a total YouTube addict, and a long with most of their channels comes accompanying blogs, which I also read religiously. Also, a lot of people in my life don't care so much about my new lipstick, or about a crazy idea I had that day, and I’m not much for a journal so I decided to put it all online.

If you had to describe yourself in only three words, which words would you use?

Determined, Loyal and Passionate - I know it's cheating but could control-freak be counted as one word? 

Name 5 things that you would like to achieve this year.

My goals are pretty straightforward this year:

1. GRADUATE - Gosh darn it, has it been a long time coming, I want an income again!

2. Get to the USofA - We have a 5-week trip planned over December and January as kind of a graduation present. Unfortunately, a low income and a 20k holiday go together like chalk and cheese.

3. Exercise - Shocker right? Although, I’m not talking about joining the gym and getting ripped, I just wanted to get into some kind of regular activity, walking around the block, a dance class, anything that's not totally un-enjoyable.

4. Read books that aren't magazines or text books! I love to read so much and really want to make the time. Maybe I need an audio one for the car? But even still it would be nice to unplug from reality and from technology just for a half hour a day. (Also I have this dream that one day I’ll have a floor to ceiling book case full to the brim, and all with books I have actually read).

5. Take more photos – I’m already an instagram addict. But I mean photos other than of my food or my outfit. Photos that really do become beautiful memories.

Okay, just for fun... What song currently sums up your life right now?

Life Happens by Leah and Brandon. It's beautiful and the song makes so many wonderful points about how sh*t happens whether you like it or not. So just get on with it and do the things you want to do.

What TV show are you digging at the moment?

I'm such a TV (online) junkie. I could never pick just one. Probably Teen Wolf and the Originals. I’m a Vampire Diaries addict but I think The Originals is even better! Or maybe it's just because I’m totally in love with Klaus.

Tonight is your last meal. Just kidding! But for the sake of the question, what would you want to eat as your last meal?

Probably guacamole, I’m just obsessed with avocado at the moment, either that or something with Feta. And seeing as it's a meal there is dessert too right?! So of course anything chocolate will do just fine.

Let's say, hypothetically, that you could travel to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and why? 

There is absolutely no one answer for that except EVERYWHERE. I don’t like being stationary for too long and I love a good adventure. It’s literally like going to a whole new world when you go somewhere new. Different cultures and ways of life totally change you’re perspective. I think we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget how much else there really is out there.

Looking waaay into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Married, well travelled, my nursing career should be on track and 10 years from now should be about the time for some baby making. Also rich and famous would be terrific BUT I’ll keep that as plan B for now.

How did you and Kate meet?

She is my wonderful fiancés, beautiful cousin. And it 24 months will be family x

Although J A C K I E and I aren't super close, I can't wait for her to become an "official" part of our family! Thank you for sharing a little about yourself with us!

You can find her on instagram / pinterest 

Meet and Greet : Zenica from Make.Like.Zen

Here is our final addition to my Meet and Greet section - where you get to meet the awesome girls on my F R I E N D S list in the side bar of my blog. I've known Zeni for about 11-12 years now and I'm so glad we've managed to stay friends after all these years. Her blog is fairly new but it's full of delicious recipes and sweet photography.

Right, let's start with an easy one. What is the name of your blog?

Make Like Zen

And what do you do when you aren't blogging?

I have a boutique catering business, Delízen Catering Ltd. And I play a lot of football.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

It's kind of the next step for me with my business. I've had it for nearly 2 years now, and this is one way in which I wish to expand it. Also, I think one of best things you can do with things you know a lot about is to share them with others, because other people's enthusiasm for their passions can be quite contagious, and uplifting. I LOVE food and my favourite thing to do is to share experiences with people revolving around food, and having a (somewhat) presence on the interwebs is the perfect way for me to share what I'm passionate about

If you had to describe yourself in only three words, which words would you use?

Passionate, contemplative... resourceful?

Name 5 things that you would like to achieve this year.

Goals are tricky for me to vocalise. But let's start small 

1. I'd like to learn/practice absorbing and retaining information better. For example, I get fed a lot of interesting knowledge by my friends in the wine industry, I just have trouble remembering it because I have nothing visual to pair it with in my mind. So perhaps a diary where I can draw my thoughts and information would help there... My study notes were always in the form of sketches and pictures. And I studied science!

2. I'm going to get good at juggling. With a football that is. Practice practice practice

3. I'd love to practice speaking Dutch this year, with the hope of being able to communicate to (or understand at least) all my family-in-law in Holland

4. I'm going to jump off a bridge at some stage

5. And finally, I want to practice recording my thoughts a little better. If it's not helpful to me, maybe one day at least it could be helpful to somebody else

Okay, just for fun... What song currently sums up your life right now?

Drunk in Love - Beyonce. No just kidding. Maybe... Pigs on the Wing (parts I & II) by Pink Floyd, from their original 1977 album Animals. In so many words, it's a 2 part song about companionship that encompass an album about the critique of society at that time, yet I still find it relevant for today. 

Sorry that wasn't fun really was it, but it's lovely when you sort of look at it in the way that all you need is your love, and the problems of the world will become less directly relevant to you

What TV show are you digging at the moment?

How I Met Your Mother! Or HIMYM as it's called by the people of the internet, so my husband and I call it hi-mimya, in an attempt to say it phonetically. Anyway, watching a bit of light-hearted tv is something I love to do with him, but we have to actually set aside time to sit down and watch tv together, so we try squeeze that in once a week to relax and chill

Tonight is your last meal. Just kidding! But for the sake of the question, what would you want to eat as your last meal?

A hand-made burger on a soft ciabatta bun, stacked in this order: Bun, truffle oil aioli, sweet, mustardy caramelised onions, charcoal barbequed pattie, melted vintage cheddar on top, PICKLES, a homemade tomato relish, crispy cos lettuce, more truffle oil aioli, bun. With a side of crispy squished roasted baby potatoes (roasted in duck fat = essential)

Let's say, hypothetically, that you could travel to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and why?

Somewhere in the Tuscan region of Italy. I think I belong there.

Looking waaay into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Surrounded by lots and lots of love, light and laughter with family and friends.

How did you and Kate meet?

Math class, age 10/11. She was just as incredibly creative back then, I remember her getting top points in the class for our house plans we had to design. Mine was cool, it was big and structured and probably copied from an existing house; her's was amazing, with indoor fountains and archways and views out the window and such. It was a pure product of her imagination, and I'm so proud that she's using every bit of it still today.

Z E N I, thanks so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us. I'm so lucky to have you around!

You can find her on instagram / pinterest 

Meet and Greet : Dawn from Divine-Limits

We are about half way through our introductions to our wonderful girls who are on my F R I E N D S list on my side bar. Next up we have this awesome girl called Dawn. We met while studying at the same design school and have luckily remained friends ever since.

Right, let's start with an easy one. What is the name of your blog?

Divinelimits. Something that I made up when…. I can't recall exactly, but remember liking the idea of it being prophetic to my future. (ooo big words :P). 

And what do you do when you aren't blogging?

Procrastinating. Either out in the sun, eating, at the gym or on the internet.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

Well, why not? Everyone else has one, so I kinda wanted one too (yes, i'm I that kinda person). Plus I wanted a place that was dedicated to me where I can post photos and just general ranting and raving about anything and everyone. I like the fact that you can write whatever you want, and people follow and read your post - not because they know you (as such) but because what you produce is interesting to them. Comforting to know your not the only weirdo around town! hahahaha

If you had to describe yourself in only three words, which words would you use?

Am. Always. Right (in that order) I jest, I jest…. Ummm - Optimistic, Open-minded aaaaaaaaand….. Awesome ;P

Name 5 things that you would like to achieve this year.

1 - Have a healthier life style. Which includes not only exercising but making  better decisions on what goes in my body. 

2 - Expand my cooking repertoire. Which currently includes stir-fry and scrambled eggs. (note: Anyone that's had my scrambled eggs, knows its the bomb-diggity.) While I'm here, I may as well tell you that I have a habit of burning pizza. It's way to easy to pop it in the over and forget about it.

3 - Design more. May as well put that 30k student loan to good use, right?!

4 - Travel. Anywhere warm. 

5 - Achieve my 4 things to achieve. 

Okay, just for fun... What song currently sums up your life right now?

Work - Britney Spears. 

What TV show are you digging at the moment?

Revenge. At the moment I'm trying to wait patiently for it to restart in March as it's on a TWO MONTH hiatus. And naturally, it's the middle of the season. Just imagine Ryan Secrest on American Idol… but then you never know who wins. For two months. It's ridiculous. so painful.

Tonight is your last meal. Just kidding! But for the sake of the question, what would you want to eat as your last meal?

Last meal huh? That's a toughy! I would go with…. my friends mum Lyn, her Curried Sausages w/ mashed potatoes. Please and Thank you.

Let's say, hypothetically, that you could travel to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and why?

I have an issue with the cold, where I'm pretty sensitive to it - but i can with stand the heat.. So It definitely have to be a warm one…. Oh! I've always wanted to go to Greece <3 Ahhhh 

Looking waaay into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

I don't know if my eye sight can see that far! But I think I can make out a small design studio with mustaches on mugs filled with tea, a passport full of visa stamps, my Mr by my side, one or two little people aaaaand a few grey hairs.

How did you and Kate meet?

This is a funny story. I was driving down Howick when I saw this girl trying to dance and she was absolutely rubbish at it. So, feeling sorry for her - I pulled over and gave her a few tips to help improve her technique. Long story short, I also taught her how to sing, play violin and how to use photoshop…. So basically she owes her entire career to moi. *hair flip*

Hahaha KIDDING.

I met Kate at my first year at Yoobee (nee Natcoll) and we used to catch the bus together. I guess we really bonded over our uncanny ability of interpretive dance. Plus we're both Niuean, so we practice our 'brown' lingo with each other. Us brownies gotta stick togeva ay gee.

Haha, like that actually happened D A W N! That story reminds me of all the bus rides too and from design school, where we would talk nonsense and make up stories. Thanks so much for sharing a little more about yourself!

You can find Dawn here : twitter / instagram / pinterest 

Meet and Greet : Tillie from Hello Tillie

Alright, onto the next gem from my F R I E N D S list. Tillie has been on the blogging scene for awhile but only really started to get into it seriously over the last six months. She's currently taking Melbourne by storm and is working towards a healthier lifestyle. She's also super talented and I'm so lucky to know her.

Right, let's start with an easy one. What is the name of your blog? 

Hello Tillie. Original right? I suppose it came from the idea that this space was going to be about journey and discovery, and it was more about me learning who I was, and saying a big ol' Hello to myself. 

And what do you do when you aren't blogging?

I like to keep myself busy doing all sorts of fun little bits and pieces. I run a little Photography and Design business called The Poppy Creative, I doodle in notebooks, I collect nail polish and Frankie magazines, I make lists, I wear red lipstick, I hold hands with a cute boy named Greg and I like to listen to all sorts of music. 

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I started Hello Tillie as a place to keep myself motivated, and keep a journal of the progress I made as I began my journey to health for about the hundredth time. For me, it is a place to keep a track, but it since I started the blog in June it has turned into even more than that. Its a place to share recipes, information and find community with like minded awesome folk who are also on the same kinda journey, or maybe looking to start. It also is home to a whole lot of other stuff, that makes me smile and inspired. It is sort of an eclectic space, so it feels like home. 

If you had to describe yourself in only three words, which words would you use?

If you know me, This is hard. I like to talk. Three words, lets see. I'm going with... Passionate. Creative. Determined.

Name 5 things that you would like to achieve this year.

I have heaps of goals this year. {you can read about most of them here and here.} But let's see. 

1. Lose 28 Kilos through healthy eating and focused exercise. 

2. Launch Jewellery Line and sell some of that work. 

3. Be tattooed at least 2 more times. 

4. Read 10 more books. 

5. Explore Melbourne and Australia more, with the love of my life. 

Okay, just for fun... What song currently sums up your life right now?

For someone who loves music, this is like torture. Uh! Seriously, this is hard. I listen to so much music, and have so many little connections with so many different artists. I guess right now I would say that "Big Jet Plane" by Angus and Julia Stone. It talks about falling in love and going on a big adventure. That's right about where I am right now. I am also listening to a lot of really radical music by some great bands like, Kodaline, James Vincent McMorrow, Daughter, Bear's Den and City and Colour. *Swoon*

What TV show are you digging at the moment?

Man, there are a bunch. I am obsessed with Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. If you haven't already, go and watch. I mean hello, firemen and police... Yes thank you. I am also really digging The Walking Dead, Nashville, The Blacklist, Suits, American Horror Story and I am not afraid to admit it, The Vampire Diaries gets weekly viewing time as each new episode airs.  

Tonight is your last meal. Just kidding! But for the sake of the question, what would you want to eat as your last meal? 

Phew! You had me worried. I love food, I mean seriously have you seen my instagram? I think it would be something mexican. I freaking love mexican. Failing that, I make a pretty amazing paleo-friendly dish, Chicken wrapped bacon rolls with kumara chips and a beautiful fresh salad with a garlic and olive oil vinaigrette. 

Let's say, hypothetically, that you could travel to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and why?

This is almost as difficult as the music one. Um. Egypt. No wait, Paris. Italy? Um! Haha, Lets just say I would book a round the world trip, get off at every stop, spend 48 hours running around the city I was in, photographing the locals and the cute little stores, and then sleep on the plane as we headed to the next destination. Now that, that sounds like a dream. 

Looking waaay into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

First of all can I say, that in ten years time I will nearly be 35. What?! I suppose the dream is owning a little shop. A studio out the back, somewhere I can photograph my amazing clients and a dedicated space for editing and viewings. A place where I can be creative and design. Out the front, a little shop full of beautiful hand made and well designed giftwares, perhaps jewellery and other neat stuff like that. I reckon there might be a cute husband with a ginger beard, and maybe a little one, or two running around as well. 

How did you and Kate meet?

I met this super babe at Design School a few years back, it seems like a world ago, but it really wasn't. I moved from Auckland to Wellington to be closer to my family, and thankfully we kept contact. We have started little projects together, and now we are right in the midst of the 365 miles over days challenge. She is rad and I am stoked to call her my pal. 

T I L L I E, it's been so good getting to know you a little better. She's a super talented designer and photographer as well so make sure you check out her work. Plus, her blog is full of awesome photos and tasty recipes to don't be shy. Go and say hello.

You can find her on facebook / instagram / pinterest / the poppy creative

Meet and Greet : Laura from The Dizain Collective

I thought it was about time that I introduced the lovely ladies that are currently in my "F R I E N D S" list on my side bar. When I decided to turn my blog into more of a blog, I thought being part of a community was a great way to improve my online presence, find great bloggers and also to share some awesome girls with you. 

First up, let's meet Laura.

Right. Let's start with an easy one. What is the name of your blog?
The Dizain Collective

And what do you do when you aren't blogging?

Spending time with my husband and cat, Sydney. Reading and writing and dabbling in a bit of Photography. 

I love cooking and trying to create recipes too.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I wanted a creative outlet as I found myself in a little bit of a rut. I wanted a place where I could show off what inspires me, in hopes of inspiring others - So far so good! 

If you had to describe yourself in only three words, which words would you use?

Crazy cat lady haha!

Name five things that you would like to achieve this year.

- Continue to learn new things constantly, whether at work of personal skills.
- Start writing a recipe book (!! eeeep I said it out loud now I have to do it)

- Keep blogging

- Travel

- Volunteer somewhere, I'm thinking SPCA.

Okay, just for fun... What song currently sums up your life right now?

"In the Stars" by Icona Pop.

This song is SO much fun. It's super catchy, and the lyrics are uplifting. To me, it's all about enjoying yourself, finding yourself and loving life. Running when you should be walking, laughing when you should be being quiet. Being a bit of a rebel because you can.

What TV show are you digging at the moment?

Really digging The Blacklist, The Fosters and Reign. I love a bit of crime and definitely love easy-to-watch-full-of-drama-its-so-bad-its-good TV. If you're after some trashy TV suggestions - let's talk - i've got a whole bunch under my belt.

Tonight is your last meal. Just kidding! But for the sake of the question, what would you want to eat as your last meal?

Probably a three course Thai meal. It's my favourite. Curry puffs, money bags, curries, stir fries, gosh, what's not to love!

Let's say, hypothetically, that you could travel to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, and why?

EGYPT. I've wanted to go since I was a little girl, and with all the bad things going on there at the moment I don't think I'll be able to go there any time soon. It's one of my dream destinations... one day!

Looking waaay into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Working for my own company, having at least 3 more cats and getting wined and dined by hubby.

How did you and Kate meet?

Kate and I used to work together! We both had just finished studying at Natcoll, now Yoobee in Auckland, and we ending up working for the same company. I like to think we were great friends by the end of the first day, and the friendship has blossomed from there.

L A U R A, it was so great to find out a little bit more about you! Make sure you check out Laura's blog. It's full of such wonderful moodboards, DIYS, recipes and all sorts of other cute things!

You can find her on facebook / instagram / pinterest