15 Facts About Me

 

I've probably already done at least two of these kind of posts on my blog in the past, but considering the 3 to 4 year hiatus I've taken, and how I've changed in that time, it's probably time for an updated version. So for those of you who are new to my blog, or who are seeing me pop up on their feed for the first time an a long while (hello again strangers, haha), here are fifteen fun facts about me!

1. I'm both feisty and outgoing, and super shy and awkward - and that's on being a Leo with crippling anxiety!

2. I'm a Leo sun, Capricorn Moon and Scorpio Rising. So you can just imagine the chaotic energy and internal conflict I've got going on!

3. I have three cats - technically two of my own, Jasmine who is 16 years old and Misty who is just over 9 months old - and Angel who is my mum's cat, Jasmine's daughter, and 12 years old. I honestly adore them, I'm a proud cat lady haha!

4. My favourite food is Italian and Japanese, always.

5. I love reading and writing, although sadly I haven't done much of either in a while. I've made a resolution to get back into it though, and I'm super excited about that!

6. I've been vegetarian over four years now - one of the best decisions I've made!

7. I would love to work for myself one day - possibly as a freelancer in writing/communications, owning my own business, who knows!

8. My favourite colours are pink, purple and black, and anything sparkly!

9. Seafood creeps me out - I'm vegetarian now anyway but I was always scared of most seafood, I've never had any crustaceans besides prawns (which had to be pre-peeled and I'd use napkins to pick it up and cover it's body in sauce to be able to eat it), and seeing a whole fish or octopus with the suction things still on disturbed me.

10. I love travelling and exploring new places - I've been to 10 countries so far (including Aus) and can't wait to explore more when we can travel again!

11. I was homeschooled for a year from year 6 to 7!

12. Some of my all-time favourite movies include Rocky Horror Picture Show, Grease, the Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Burlesque, Wild Child, and Mulan!

13. I'm about to start my final part-time semester of uni after a hiatus, so I'll have my degree by the end of the year!

14. I have 6 tattoos - a heart on one finger and a crescent moon on the other, the Leo symbol on my wrist, two hearts on either side of my collarbones, and a flame playboy bunny on the lower back of my arm.

15. I've always wanted to learn Tarot but been intimidated by it and stuck to oracle cards instead, but I've been slowly learning and can't wait to be able to do readings properly!

xx Chontelle

Turning 25 - The Quarter Life Crisis

 

Yep, you've heard about it, some of you may be experiencing it with me, some of you already have, and some of you still have a way to go before it hits you. It's often joked about, 'you're only turning 25, you're still so young there's nothing to be worried about'. And sure, that's true, but it sure doesn't feel that way. 

In my last month of being 24, I find myself stressing and worrying and overthinking about my life so far, my future, what I have and haven't achieved, what I should've by now, and comparing myself to everyone else. I'll be straight up with you - teenage me had two ideas of what life would be like at this age. The first, I didn't even know if I'd make it. The second, stable and successful in a career, graduated uni, proper relationship, my own place, the works.

Instead, I'm still confused about what I'm doing with my life, where I'm going with my future, how I'm gonna get there, never had a relationship, still working towards my degree, and living at home. I've had my setbacks, my anxiety was so bad I was scared of leaving the house or even ordering food myself for a few years, and while that's definitely improved my anxiety still takes a massive toll on me. I struggle with trusting people which effects my relationships, and I have a tendency to procrastinate and self-sabotage.

But it's not all bad. I've found looking back on the positive steps and progress I've made really helps me to see that it's important not to get caught up in an imaginary timeline on your life. Everyone does things at their own pace, when it's right for them. I've started to become more confident in myself. I got over my fear of driving last year and finally got my license and my first car. I got out of my comfort zone and started getting out more and made some amazing friends and memories. I'm no longer as anxious about talking to strangers or doing things by myself. I've got a good, stable job that I enjoy and I'm looking at moving out soon. And I'll finally have my degree at the end of the year. I have an idea of what I want to do with my life, and while I may not have achieved all of this by the time I wanted, I've done it nonetheless.

I guess the point of this post is really that while reaching my quarter century is honestly terrifying to me, I've got to look at the positives and realise how far I've come. Turning 25 is scary, but it's also exciting. And it's true, I am still young and I have so much time to achieve the things I want to achieve. Instead of stressing and freaking out about it, I need to relax and appreciate where I'm at now and look forward to the future and all it's got in store for me!

xx Chontelle

6 Places I Want to Visit After Covid-19

 

If there's one thing I've really missed since the global pandemic hit, it's been getting to travel and explore new places. With Covid-19 essentially shutting down the world for the time being, it's left me daydreaming about the places I want to explore (or re-visit) once we're finally allowed to travel again. 

From overseas sightseeing holidays, to more local trips I may be able to experience sooner, while there's certainly plenty more I'd like to see, here are six of the places I want to visit post-Covid!

1. New Orleans

This one has been on my list for a long time, and was always slated to be part of my next USA holiday. There's just something about this city - the quirky and picturesque architecture, the vibrant nightlife, dark and interesting history, and the spooky, witchy and spiritual side to the city is incredibly intriguing to me. It's definitely not the easiest or cheapest place to visit coming from Australia, but it's an absolute must for me.

2. South Africa

I've always wanted to visit South Africa. I'm half South African and would love to see the places my mum grew up and lived in, meet some of my family, and explore all of the stunning natural wonders the country has to offer. 

3. Los Angeles

So I've actually already been here with mum back in 2012 (how is that nearly a decade ago now?!?!), and I really enjoyed it. We went over Christmas and honestly nobody does Christmas better and more extravagantly than Americans so I'd definitely recommend visiting during that time. However, I'd really love to visit maybe late summer or in the fall, when it's a little warmer and has a proper Cali vibe to it. There's so many things to do that we just didn't get the chance to, and travel agents warned us off visiting places that were 'dodgy' like Downtown LA or Venice Beach, that I actually would've loved to experience. There's also quirky walls and beautiful scenery to get those insta pics, and it's super vegetarian/vegan friendly, plus I'll be 25 (aka old enough to rent a car so we can drive to all these great spots) so I'm really excited for a second visit. Of course, going back Disneyland is a massive bonus too!

4. Sydney or Melbourne

Again, two places I've been to before (having lived in Melbourne for a year even), but I'd really love to go back to either of these two. They're Brisbane's big sisters and definitely have a lot more to see and do than I've been able to, and would be a more affordable holiday I could probably take pretty soon considering interstate travel is generally allowed at the moment (although I may wait a bit longer due to restrictions/border closures being pretty unpredictable for the moment).

5. Phuket

I was actually wanting to make this one of my next trips before Covid struck, it's a little closer to home for a cheaper international holiday and I've never visited anywhere in Asia before (strange for an Australian traveller, right?) so I thought it would be a really cool first trip over there. The beaches/water and sea-mountains (is that even what they're called? you know the ones I'm talking about) and caves to swim in just look stunning. I would've loved to have done a Contiki tour there as I've only ever travelled with family, and I'm hoping those tours will be back when it's finally time!

6. Tokyo

Honestly, I think Tokyo would be the coolest place to visit. First of all, I love the food, so I'd be eating very well. I also find the culture super interesting, they're so advanced in many ways and it's a bustling city that I'm sure I'd have no trouble finding great things to do and see in. I'd definitely want to visit during their Spring and see the Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom, visit some traditional Japanese gardens, learn more about the culture, and of course, take a trip to Tokyo Disneyland!

Where are you looking forward to visiting once we're allowed to travel again?

xx Chontelle