Friday 21 December 2012

Coffee Talk #15 - Random Stuff

Hello! Merry 4 days before Christmas!
I'm so excited. But not that excited to do any christmas shopping. I just got back from trying to find a present for my mum, and wanted to punch everyone in the face. I know its a nice summer day and all, but you don't have to walk at snails pace and take up all the footpath.

Okay rant over. I actually do really like christmas. Promise.

It's time for coffee talk again! As per usual, link up with Nat to join in.





1. What type of phone do you have?
I have a Nokia C3 something something. I can't actually be bothered getting up to go find my phone and look at its exact model. Its a pretty good phone - and also a nokia so you can drop it a million times and it pretty much will never break. 

2. Look to your right. What do you see?
A giant super-pump water bottle. Standard for these crazy-hot summer days in NZ. I actually think I'm melting right now. 

3. List 5 random facts about yourself...
Alright....
1. Broccoli is my favourite vegetable. 
2. The only song I can play on the guitar is the Harry Potter theme music.
3. I am terrified of moths. Especially those massive furry ones. 
4. Watching 'Victorious' on Nickelodeon is my guilty pleasure.
5. I love playing Monopoly. But no one ever wants to play it with me. Forever alone. 

4. What is that one talent you wish you were great at?
So easy! To be a good singer. Or to be able to play an instrument really well. I have tried to play the guitar and the piano and it just hasn't worked out for me. 

5. 5. Go to Wikipedia.org and hit random article. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band. Go to quotationspage.com and click random quotes. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first ...album. Go to weheartit.com and click on “explore”. Seventh picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover. Use picmonkey.com to put it all together. Now show us your album :)

This is actually hilarious....


If I ever start a band, I reckon I've got my new band name! Hahaha

That's it for now. Might be back before Xmas, might not. If not, have a very merry christmas!

x0x0 Rach.

Friday 14 December 2012

Coffee Talk Installment 14

Hello there. It's been a while. I have been having a major blogging mindblank of late (or lifeblank, that's probably more accurate). Sorry bout that. BUT...I'm back for Coffee Talk! Head on over to Nat's newly-revamped blog to join in!




1. What are your winter 'must-haves'?
Anything warm. Winter here in New Zealand gets rather chilly, seeing as we're at the bottom of the world and all. So think big woolly blankets, socks, scarves. Scarves are very important. Hot chocolate, or any chocolatey beverage is always good.  Also a good strong umbrella - as it rains A LOT here in winter. I have parted with many many umbrellas unceremoniously in the wind. 
This has happened to 99% of my umbrellas. 

2. What is on your Christmas wishlist this year?
Oh so many things that I won't receive. An iPhone mainly. Defs wont be getting that. I'm not really expecting much to be honest, as the fam and I are only having a very small Christmas this year. I pretty much would be very appreciative of any sum of money. I desperately need to save for my year away in Florida next year. 

3. What is your favourite holiday coffee/tea/alcoholic beverage?
Anything that's available. Sounds really boring but I'm being honest. Except wine or beer - they're gross. I have been reading on other blogs all about these yummy sounding Starbucks drinks. They sound sooo good! C'mon NZ Starbucks, keep up with your motherland!

4. Top 3 must-have holiday desserts?
1. Cheesecake. My mum makes this ah-mah-zing berry and dark chocolate cheesecake sometimes. It's so sweet that one slice gives you diabetes, but its soooooooo good! Looks a little something like this...

For numbers 2 &3, see above.

5. What time do you get up to open presents with your family? Do you clean up right away or do you leave it there in a pile until right before trash day?
I used to lie awake in bed when I was little and try to catch Santa (more like Dad) sneaking in and putting my presents on the end of my bed. Nowadays, Christmas morning is way more laid-back. In my family, Christmas Eve is actually when all the shenanigans go down - we always play some kind of interactive game, like cranium etc while having a few drinks - and then Christmas Day we have a big breakfast or lunch and just relax and do nothing for the rest of the day. 

6. What is your new years resolution?
I've only ever made one new years resolution, and that was to get my drivers license. I'm one for one! This year it is to get into shape for my trip to America. It's going to be really difficult, especially since I am literally the laziest person ever. But I'll be so mad at myself if I don't, so, wish me luck!

That's it for coffee talk this week! Hope you all have fantastic Christmases! 

- xoxo Rach. 

Tuesday 27 November 2012

How Did I Forget To Do This???



I'm still wondering how on earth I forgot to link up, over a week ago, to installment 11 of Coffee Talk! How slack of me! This week it's all about drinking.
Alas, I'm doing it now. If you feel like also being a week-late for a link up, head on over to Natalie's blog to join in. 




Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair


1. What is your favorite drink called? What are the ingredients in it?
I have no idea what the drink is called, but it is my fave drink when I can afford all the separate ingredients for it. The drink has three important components, the first being vodka. Secondly, add cranberry juice, and then some redbull. Finally, add a quick squeeze of lime, and viola! A super-tasty drink for you to enjoy. 


Looks a little something like this. I always use Smirnoff Vodka  as well.  It's the best in my opinion.

2. How old were you when you first got drunk?
Hmmm, I think I was 16? 

3. Name an embarrasing moment about you or your friends that occured while drinking.
Oh god, so many. The main ones would have to be drinking too much peach-flavoured vodka (I still shiver at the sight of it), and ending up in my recycling bin. My two friends (bless them) managed to get me to bed, but not before I'd named my spew-bucket 'Gandalf'. This story will no doubt make an appearance at my 21st coming up in April.

4. What is your favorite party drinking game?
I'm quite a fan of circle of death. I also enjoy a good game of 'Up the River'- but do not play this unless you intend to get very very messy.


Here's me after losing Circle of Death. In the jug is a mix of Midori, Bourbon and Bacardi Rum. It actually wasn't that bad!

5. Are you a happy drunk? Sad drunk? Sleepy drunk? Paranoid drunk? or other?
Definitely a happy drunk. My friends constantly remind me of how much I like to hug people and tell them I love them. 

6. Are you a hard drinker (straight liquor, shots, etc.)? Fruity drinker (daiquiris, mixers, etc)? not a drinker at all? or Other?
I don't like drinking beer or wine. I think they taste gross. I also don't like Gin. But pretty much anything else I will drink. Also, if I can avoid Tequila, I will. 

This was in perfect timing for a 21st I am heading to this weekend! I will be making myself the drink featured in number 1. Hope you all have a great week!

-xoxo Rach.


Friday 16 November 2012

Coffee Talk!

It's time for Coffee Talk! Yuss! This is one link-up that I absolutely adore. If you want to join in, head on over to Ohemgee...the blog to link up! This week's questions are all about habits and pet peeves.

Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair

1. What is your worst habit?
Definitely biting my fingernails. It's really gross and I'm currently trying to stop for the 1,345,567th time. 

2. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Oh God, so so many. Let us begin....
-Talking in the movie theatre. Seriously, you're not even TRYING to whisper! All good if its an outrageously funny comedy (a la bridesmaids), but not when it's the fifth movie in a very dramatic series (harry potter) and you're asking the person next to you who all the characters are! 
- People who follow too close/don't indicate while driving. People do not know where you're going!!! Also, if you love my car that much, i'll happily attach a tow-rope.
- Snoring. I can't freaking sleep! Move rooms. 
- Bad grammar. If you don't know the difference between they're, their and there, just give up on life now. 

3. What is annoying you right this very minute?
My computer is currently installing some windows updates, in turn making my computer run extremely slow. I have zero patience when it comes to technology.

4. How do you relieve stress?
Food mainly. Think everything that is bad for you in heinous quantities. Chocolate mainly. 

5. What TRULY makes you happy?
The internet? My computer stopped working once for half a day and I didn't know what to do with myself. That's all I can think of haha. I seriously have no life.
Oh, and I suppose my family and friends. They're a bit of alright. 

I'll be back next time answering questions about drinking. I have plenty of answers to share about that! 

x0x0 Rach

Sunday 4 November 2012

Sunday Social!!

It's that time again! The time where I should be studying for my last ever exam tomorrow, but have decided to do bloggy stuff instead. I'm awesome at procrastination. Fo' reals - I should get an award.....

Sunday Social


What is currently on your wish list? 
Basically everything on Modcloth. Also, many technological things. An iPhone mainly. And a new iPod as mine is slowly dying. Die fast iPod so I can replace you!

Share a new iPhone app you have recently discovered that we all need:
Sadly, I do not own an iPhone. *cries inside* 

What is a new fall TV show you have added to your DVR?
New Zealand is always WAAAAY behind on tv shows and it's the most annoying thing ever. First world problems. So, I tend to watch everything online. Right now I'm loving Revolution and Arrow. Damaged but sexy dude with spartan-like abs? Yes!

Share your social media links for us to follow you on & tell us which your fave and why:
Twitter!  Pinterest!  Would love to have an Instagram but I don't really see the point as I don't own an iPhone. I also don't have a Facebook for my blog yet - but here's the link for my personal Facebook! Although you won't find out much about me, I have all the privacy settings on. My fav would probably be Twitter, I'm only just starting to use it actively though. 

What is a TV series/movie/song you could watch or listen to over and over and never get tired of?
Songs: I have a few - 'Poison & Wine' by The Civil Wars, 'Six Degrees of Separation' by The Script, 'Boston' by Augustana, and many many more.
T.V Shows: Supernatural (I own most of the seasons on dvd), Parks & Recreation, Happy Endings.
Movies: Anchorman and Mean Girls. Can pretty much quote them both. 

Well, that's it for this week! Hope all of you lovely readers had an awesome week!

xoxo Rach


Friday 2 November 2012

Coffee Talk!



...But first, a bit of an update.
I've finally received my new passport and sent it off to the Disney people. Sidenote, my new photo doesn't look like a criminal's bail photo! Yusss!

Anyway, onto Coffee Talk for this week. Today's questions are coming from Shannon over at Mehspace!

Natalie reckons we all should do vlogs this week.....i'm being shy and opting out - I think I sound a little bit manly on tape. It's also 11.57p.m in NZ at the moment and I'm in my pyjamas.

1. If you could punch ANY celebrity in the face, who would it be and why?
Oh, so easy! Hands down it's gotta be Lindsay Lohan. She's so annoying.
Oooh, just thought of another! Kristen Stewart!  "I love when actresses show no emotion throughout the whole movie" said no one ever.


2. If you could go streaking anywhere and get away with it, where would you do it?
I don't really fancy streaking anywhere, but I'll answer just to humour all of you. Here in NZ, if you streak at any sporting events, about 5 massive dudes appear from nowhere and chase you down, and it's hilarious to watch on t.v. So getting away with that would be a great accomplishment for the avid NZ streaker haha.

3. What's more important to a relationship: Common values or commonalities? 
Definitely common values. But then again, you don't want to date someone you have nothing in common with. Isn't having common values a commonality though?? Ooooh gotcha on that one!

4. Would you rather be insane in a functional society, or be one of the people running a dysfunctional society?
Definitely running a dysfunctional society. I feel like this would have better outcomes in the long term. I'm thinking Hunger Games here....but not book 3.....that's when it becomes bad to be in charge.

5. What's your favourite type of pickle? Dill, Bread 'n' Butter, Spicy...?
None? Is a pickle just a bigger form of a gherkin? All I know about pickles is that Snooki loves them...

That's it for this week's coffee talk. I look forward to next time. Maybe I'll do a vlog then!

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Blogger Book Club!

Hey all!

I'm once again doing a new link-up, Blogger Book Club!





This month's book is The Perks of Being a Wallflower 

Contrary to what most of the reviews have been, I actually really liked this book! I originally wanted to read it after seeing the trailer for the movie, which looked really good. I'm definitely a person who likes to read the books before movies, so I purchased the book online. The photo above is my own copy :)

First off, I think the characters in the book are really well-developed. The main character Charlie is so observant, and the things he does for his friends are super-sweet. I got a bit teary at one particular moment when they all exchange christmas gifts. There are moments where you find yourself wanting to jump into the pages and slap him, but for the most part I liked that he was so caring and loyal to his friends, and to his family. I do agree that the ending was a little bit lacking though, considering Charlie's development throughout the story. 

A lot of the reviews I have read are quite negative about the book's subject matter. It does deal with some pretty heavy topics like abortion and sexual abuse - but in my opinion, I think it is good that the author isn't afraid to write about such things. I also don't have a problem with the book being aimed at young adults - I think teenagers need to learn that horrible things do happen to some people and that the world isn't always a happy place. 

Overall, I loved this book, and I am glad that I own my own copy. I will probably end up reading it again. My final grade is an A! :)

Excited to find out what next month's book will be! 

xoxo Rach

Friday 26 October 2012

Coffee Talk

Today I am doing another link up for the first time: Coffee Talk with Natalie



Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair

1. What is in your playlist?
Soooo many songs. But I have specific playlists that I listen to when doing certain things. For example:

Study - all my slow songs that aren't too distracting. Artists like Sia, The Civil Wars, Jack's Mannequin.

Exercise - All my upbeat, clubby songs. Jason Derulo frequents this playlist quite often haha

I also have a 'Sad' playlist for when I'm in sad moods. Sometimes you just need to cry it out. 

2. What is the funniest YouTube video you always go to when you need a laugh (or if you just wanna watch it)?There are a lot of youtube videos that I find high-larious, but this one featuring Chris Evans (my fav) in drag is pretty brilliant. I don't think it's fair that he looks better as a girl than I do! 


3. Favorite song in the whole wide world that you never get sick of and it's on repeat.
I normally go through phases of listening to certain songs over and over, then I'll get sick of them and move on to some new songs. I've recently gotten into The Civil Wars though, and their song 'Poison & Wine' is so beautiful! Really sad, but  their voices are amazing together and the harmonies are insanely good! 


4. Do you have any embarrassing songs/singers/bands that you like?
One Direction haha. Actually, I'm not as embarrased about this as I am about liking 2 Justin Bieber songs. It's only 2, promise!

5. What's that ONE song that ALWAYS makes you cry?
Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel. It's also featured on one of the most terrifying movies of my childhood - Watership Down. Actual! That movie is horrific.

6. What song have you recently heard, that you can't seem to get out of your head?
I watched the most recent episode of Supernatural last night, and the song that was featured in the episode was really cool! I cannot for the life of me find out what it was though! If anyone knows, do tell. It will be very appreciated. 

*UPDATE*
I have found the song! Its called 'What's the matter?' by Milo Greene. 


Thursday 25 October 2012

That time I went to prison...

Just a quick update for today.

Did the title grab your attention?? We'll, just to clarify, I'm not a criminal...I just study them :)

As the title states, I did in fact go to prison. I actually went today as part of a field trip for my criminology class at Uni. It was super interesting to see how a real prison operates and what they actually look like in real life in NZ. I've watched too much of 'America's Hardest Prisons' and my view is slightly biased. Turns out our prisons here in NZ are a teeny bit nicer. They get dinner at 4.30 in the afternoon! They'd be so hungry for the rest of the night! But then again, prison isn't supposed to be enjoyable...

We started by looking at the youth unit of the prison where they rehabilitate offenders under the age of 17. As far as prisons go, it was pretty nice.
We then moved to the maximum security part of the prison, where we (a group of mostly girls) were greeted by some yells and whistles by the male inmates. They are so eloquent with their words. Not.
We then got shown around one of the cell blocks, which we initially thought was uninhabited. Turns out it wasn't. Us girls were sufficiently creeped out once we started seeing eyeballs appear at the little cell door windows.....
One guy thought that yelling at us and banging on his door would give us a fright. It did, and he thought it was hilarious.

We weren't allowed to see the rec yards, as the prisoners were all out exercising, and we wanted to make it out alive.

Our last stop was the special treatment unit, where they treat people who have drug addictions and other addictions I don't really want to mention. We were surprised to see that when we arrived for our tour, the prisoners were all out in the yard, and we were taken for a tour among all of them. They were a lot nicer than the maximum security ones though, some even said hello and asked how our days were going.

All in all, it was a pretty fun and interesting day. First and only time in prison though! :)


Sunday 14 October 2012

Sunday Social: Fictional Favourites!

Hey Everyone!
Once again, I'm linking up for Sunday Social! This weeks questions are all about books!

Sunday Social


What is your favourite childhood book?
I read a lot of books when I was little, but I would definitely have to say 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak. I loved it, and still do now! A little disappointed with the movie version though. :(


2. What is your favourite book lately?
I just read 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. Loved It! Super excited to watch the movie!

3. What is the book you wish you could live in?
Harry Potter. Without a doubt. 

4. If you could be any character from a book, who would it be and why?
Hmmm, this one is tough. Maybe Katniss from the Hunger Games. I wouldn't really enjoy the whole fight to the death bit, but she's pretty badass and survives all 3 books, so that's a bonus

5. What is your favourite book turned movie?
I'm a pretty firm believer of books are always better, BUT, Harry Potter is the ultimate. They owned those movies. Also, I was very impressed with The Hunger Games, hopefully they can keep it up with the next ones. 

Thursday 4 October 2012

New Reads! Yuss!

My Dad reckons that because of all the technology these days, books will eventually go out of fashion. I call bull on that one!
When I have children, I will make them read actual books. None of this e-reader shiz.

Speaking of books, I have a new addition to my paperback family.

After spending forever trying to find it in the library and in bookstores, I found it online from this great website: Fishpond
Its pretty much got every book you've ever heard of and more. Also, Rachel "I love free shipping" McDonald was very happy that the site does in fact have free shipping! Bonus!

I now finally own The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I've wanted to read this for so long! Especially as the movie is coming out soon (hopefully it will make it to the cinemas in NZ) and I like to read books before I see the movie versions. From what I've read online though, the movie is pretty good and follows the book really well. Good to hear. :)

The next book I plan to buy from fishpond is 'The Book Thief'. My friend raves about it all the time and says its the best book she's ever read. And she reads a lot.

What are your favourite books? I'm always looking to read new and exciting things and I'd love to hear some suggestions.

-xoxo Rach

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Is This Real Life?!?!





Holy Freaking Moly!
I just got the best news ever! 
I got accepted into the Disney Internship Program!!!!!!!!!!
Next year, for a whole year, I will be working at the happiest place on earth!
Disney World in Florida!


I get to work half the year in Quick Service Food and Beverage, and the other half in Merchandise.
I was so sure that my interview went terribly, and I was preparing myself for the worst.
But this is THE BEST!
Someone could punch me right now, and I'd still be happy.

I hope all you lovely readers are having as great a day as me! 
I'll be doing this for the rest of the day:

happy dance Pictures, Images and Photos

xoxo - Rach





Sunday 23 September 2012

The Week That Was

As I sat here today and wrote my Sunday Social post, I realised I hadn't actually done a normal post since the last Sunday Social. Oops. I'm still pretty terrible at regularly blogging.
This week, I've actually had a few exciting things happen! It's quite rare for me to have more than one exciting thing per week, so here's an update for ya'll:

Monday:
Monday is my one each week that I don't have Uni! Yay! However, I did have some Uni work to do. Spent a whole half hour on that, then decided that a trip to the supermarket for sour gummy worms was in order. Sinead accompanied me there, and I ended up feeding her a very exciting dinner of chicken pasta. She provided cheesecake for dessert! While at the supermarket, I found this.......

The best marketing campaign ever. Well done Coca Cola. 
Tuesday:
Woke up feeling ill. Was I actually sick, or just really hungry? Oh wait, that's why! I'm interviewing for Disney tonight! Spent the rest of the day freaking out about it.
I did buy a new CD though. Listening to my future Irish husband always makes things better.
Such an amazing album! Go buy it!


Wednesday:
Just realised nothing happened this day. Let's move on.

Thursday:
Wen't to Bokwa for the second time. For those of you who are scratching your heads right now, Bokwa is a form of exercise combining dancing and boxing. We dance in the shape of letters as well, so it's easy to get the hang of. My flatmates and I have decided we wan't to get fit, so we are going every week! It's such a good workout!

Friday:
The parental unit was over for a visit. We went out to lunch. Free food for me. Excellent.

Saturday + Sunday:
We've come full circle. Pretty much sat on my butt at home all weekend. I'm going out to visit my Aunty tomorrow to see about a potential job once I finish Uni, which is great because I'm poor. :)

Hope all of you lovely readers had a fantastic week!
xoxo - Rach

Sunday Social!

Alright, it's Sunday Social time again! Let's go!
Sunday Social


1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of?
Go diving in a shark tank! I think this would be super fun, and you'd probably get a mean adrenaline rush while you're submerged with a bloodthirsty killer fish. Discovery Channel tells me that sharks are the most misunderstood sea creatures. Really? I'm pretty sure Jaws fully planned to eat everything that moved. 

Yeah, he looks real friendly.
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'm not actually one to plan in advance, for anything haha. But I would like to think that in five years I'll be living somewhere nice, with a steady job that pays well.

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012?
Finding out if I got accepted into the Disney ICP or not. If I don't get in, well, I probably won't be excited about much. 

4. What are your hopes for your blog?
Obvs, get more followers and make some new friends. However, I fully acknowledge that this is partially my fault,  as I don't spend a great deal of time actually commenting on other people's blogs.
Also, I hope that my blog becomes a bit more interesting. But that is my life's fault, not mine. :)

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?
No. My hometown is basically a retirement village, and my current town is the definition of thug life. I actually see myself moving country.

6. What is your morning routine
Wake up suddenly from my deep slumber, cursing at the fact that I have to get up from my cozy bed. Then, have shower, eat breakfast, brush teeth, tame the wild lions mane that is my hair, stare at self in mirror and decide if I can be bothered looking pretty for Uni, then go to class. 


I just HAD to put this one in. I practically peed myself laughing.

Sunday 16 September 2012

Sunday Social!

This week I'm linking up for the first time with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social. :)

Sunday Social


1. Five items you can't live without on a daily basis? (water, food, shelter and clothes don't count)
 - My phone
- My eftpos card (for those hunger attacks while at uni)
- My laptop (got to keep up to date with my overseas shows)
- Peanut Butter (PB on toast is the best snack at the end of a long day)
- Deodorant. Can't be smelling nasty.

2. Your all-time favourite book?
Oooh this is a hard one! I would probably say 'Losing Gemma' by Katy Gardner. Its got a really interesting plot, with really good characters. It also has one of the best twisty endings I've ever come across.

3. Something you'd like to accomplish by the end of 2012?
Get a job. Uni is ending and I need to live.

4. If you could go back and re-live any year of your life, which year would it be?
Probably my first year of Uni, which would be 2010. I don't feel like I had that complete Uni experience.

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?
Spelling my name r-a-c-h-e-l! People always write it r-a-c-h-a-e-l, and it peeves me off.

This was fun! I'll for sure try to link up each week :)
xoxo Rach

Saturday 15 September 2012

A Bundle of Nerves!

Something exciting is happening in 3 days time! Myself and two of my besties are taking a trip to Auckland to interview for an internship at Disneyworld in Florida! The understatement of the year would be to say I'm just a little bit nervous. It's such a massive opportunity, and will pretty much decide what direction my life will head in once I finish university. There's a lot riding on this.

But first, a little backstory.

I first started planning this with my friend Abbie, and we had found out from a girl we went to high school with who had already done the internship the previous year. After checking out the website, we were certain that this would be pretty much the best thing ever. 
We went to Auckland for the first recruitment evening earlier in the year, where Abbie interviewed. Me and my other two friends decided that we would regret missing our graduations from Uni, so we decided to wait and interview again in September for the August 2013 program. 

Abbie got accepted for her program and she leaves in January next year. Check out her blog here. I'm sooo excited for her! Which leads us to this moment right now.

One half of me totally believes this is a possibility, and I'll for sure get accepted. If Abbie can do it, I can do it right? The other half of me is an extreme pessimist and strongly believes I'll get my hopes up, try really hard, and be disappointed. Again. 
I'm terrified that come interview time, I'll do one of three things. 
1. Freeze up and look like an idiot.
2. Get a crazy case of "talk really fast and no one knows what your saying", and look like an idiot.
3. Accidentally swear and ruin everything. (I have a bit of a sailor's mouth)
Another worry of mine is that I'm naturally a really shy person. I don't really make new friends very often, as i'm constantly aware of what others think of me. So, I'm really worried that my personality won't be as outwardly bubbly and in-your-face-happy as Disney employees are. 

I think I've psyched myelf out pretty sufficiantly. Oh dear.

I'll have an update on Wednesday all about the meeting. 

Byeee! 
-Love Rach. 




Sunday 9 September 2012

The Places You'll Go....

Tonight I added a bucket list to my blog. Another way for everyone out there in the blogosphere to get to know me just that little bit more. :) Obviously, the point of any bucket list is to take note of all the things that you hope to do in your life before you go. As I listed places and activities I one day hope to see and do, I realised that in my short life so far, I've actually done some awesome things that some people can only dream of doing.

I thought I'd share with you all some of those really cool things I've done.

I've been to England. This may not seem all that special, but when you come from New Zealand, this is pretty huge. In 2008, I was lucky enough to be a part of a drama trip that wen't to England for 3 weeks. We started by travelling around smaller towns, seeing all the sights. The last week we spent in London, seeing West End musicals, and again, seeing the sights.
This trip was amazing, and I hope to one day go back to do all the things we didn't get to do the first time around.

Here's me at Stonehenge. Contrary to popular belief, it's not that exciting.

On the London Eye. Big Ben in the background

Outside Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. 
I've also been to Fiji and Australia. I'm 99% sure I'll go back to Aussie within the next 2 years.
The last photo is my favourite encounter with members of the animal kingdom, and one of the coolest things I've ever done. I've also fed a giraffe, but I'm yet to receive the photographic evidence from my friend.

Swimming with Dolphins!! Look in the bottom right corner and you'll see the little guy :)
That's all for now! 
Love you all !
-Rach

Tuesday 4 September 2012

On Your Screen

This week, the theme is 'Shows you love to hate'.

My pick isn't a show I love to hate, its just a show I straight-up hate. I tried watching it back in the day. It disagreed with me.

Gilmore Girls.



Ugh! You know how there's always that one show that you find incredibly annoying, but you can't really explain why. This is that show for me. Here are a few things about it that I despise.

1. The theme song. So annoying! Made even more annoying by my flatmates last year, who decided to watch all 7 seasons, and leave the menu on pause for an eternity - resulting in me having to hear that horrendous song over and over again. This is the song that will be playing in hell.

2. It is the cheesiest show I've ever encountered.

3. Everything else about it.

Ooh, one last thing that is related to this show that really grinds my gears? When my friends who love it try to tell me that I secretly do love the show, and am just pretending to hate it.
Wrong.
It's terrible and I actually do hate it, so stop trying to tell me otherwise. Cheers.

xoxo - Rach



Monday 3 September 2012

Not-So-Happy Hens.

Okay, so I mentioned a while back that I was in the process of doing some lab experiments involving chickens. Some of you may be thinking "how the hell do chickens relate to psychology?". Well...prepare yourselves...I'm about to drop some knowledge.

By putting hens in a chamber (which contains a feeder and a lit-up button), we can learn about shaping behaviour through the use of rewards. Basically, we have to teach the hen to peck the button in return for some food. The hen eventually comes to peck the button pretty reliably, as it has learnt that it will get food when it pecks. Happy Hens all round. Or so we thought. Turns out our hen is a bit of a diva, and DOES NOT like being picked up and put in a box. There were a few occasions where we had to chase her around the room after she refused to be weighed.

I promised that I would snap a picture of me and my hen. We got to name her as well, eventually settling on Florence. Flo for short. We then had a massive LOL when we realised that our experiments involved putting her in a machine. Hahaha! Still makes me laugh.

Here is the photo of myself and Florence the Hen! I apologize for it only being my arms in the photo. I had to crop it - it was from a bad angle and I may have had more than one chin.....

As you can see, she looks real happy.....

We've finally finished all of the experiments, so no more hanging out at the smelly animal lab :)

I'll be back tomorrow with my latest 'On your screen' link up.

xoxo - Rach


Sunday 2 September 2012

The Hottest Guy Ever!

I'm house-sitting for the olds this week - they're in Australia for 10 days. They didn't even offer to take me. How rude.
Being home alone is boring me out of my mind! To make it worse, I had to drive back to Hamilton for one night to do my last lab experiment with my chicken. Turns out that everyone at my flat has gone home too, so my boredom continues.

What to do when I'm home all on my lonesome? Stare at hot dudes. Yes! Good plan Rachel!

So, did I just watch 3 Chris Evans movies in a row. Of course.

Chris Evans - setting the bar high for men since 1981. Captain America never gets old, even after having seen it 7 times. I mean, who doesn't want to see this over and over again.....

Also watched What's Your Number, as well as The Nanny Diaries. I feel like watching another. I don't own The Avengers on DVD yet (not everyone owns a blu-ray player! why did you put all the special features on the blu-ray!), so maybe I'll watch Sunshine, even though it does creep me out slightly.

Hopefully you all aren't as bored as me. If you are, just watch a Chris Evans movie. It'll cheer you up.

xoxo - Rach


Tuesday 21 August 2012

On Your Screen Link-up! 90s T.V shows!


It's that time again!



This week, the theme is favourite 90's T.V shows.

I had HEAPS of trouble trying to find my favourite show from the 90's. I was born in 1992, so that gives me 8 years of 90s T.V show experience. A lot of shows to decided from. I thought to myself, I could go with the obvious choices - Friends, Full House etc. Or, I could name some of the cartoons that I grew up watching - Hey Arnold, Dexter's Lab, The Pinky and The Brain, Captain Planet...
But no, I thought I'd go with a show I've actually only started watching this year. Sadly, this show only went for one season from late 1999 to early 2000. 
Drum roll.....

Freaks & Geeks!


I wish this had more than one season. It's a show set in high school during the 80's, and revolves around two groups of students - The Freaks and The Geeks. Lindsay (played by Linda Cardellini of ER fame) decides, much to her brothers dismay, to start hanging out with the 'Freaks' - a group of deadbeats that aren't viewed so favourably by the rest of the school. Her brother and his friends make up the 'Geeks'. The show follows both groups as they deal with the pressures of high school, things like bullying, peer pressure, drugs/alcohol and relationships.

The cast is really cool, and is comprised of actors that are very successful today. James Franco, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen and Busy Phillips are the 'Freaks'. It's really cool to see them back in the day, and to see that they are still friends today. Jason Segel hasn't really changed at all.

If you've never watched this, definitely check it out. 

Monday 13 August 2012

New Addictions. Oh Dear!

I've been a bit slack as of late - things got crazy this weekend. Actually crazy. My flatmate had her 21st at our house. Let's just say her friends were 'interesting'. Interpret how you wish. They managed to break all of our beer pong cups (a tragedy), and just generally create a whole heap of unnecessary mess. Thanks randoms! Please don't return. Ever.

A special thanks this week (not really) to another one of my flatmates, who has gotten me addicted to online pool. I played it once, promptly lost to someone who's probably 10 years old, and then had to play again. And again. And again.
As per usual, this addiction has kicked in just as I have fifty million things to do for uni. Is there a rehab for online game addiction? Maybe some kind of web therapy? Like that show....except it won't be Phoebe from friends giving me advice. That would be awesome. However, that would probably result in a cure for the pool addiction, but then an overbearing need to watch all ten seasons of Friends. It's a lose/lose situation really.

Good news/things to look forward to this week:
1. FINALLY decided on my topic for the stupid social psychology essay. I have 11 days left to write it. I can do this!
2. Another 21st. Yay
3. A catch up with all my besties from high school. It should be a good night of old stories & laughs, plenty of junk food, and minimal sleep.
4. Mid semester break in 2 weeks. It can't come soon enough.

Have a good week everyone!


Friday 10 August 2012

Spontaneous Road Trip Anyone?

Today was a great day. Why, you may ask? We'll ...it was actually sunny in Hamilton! This rarely happens.

The parents were in town today, and they took me out for some lunch at a cute little Turkish restaurant. It was super yum! I had a grilled chicken iskender - which is basically a kebab on a plate instead of wrapped in a bread.

I got back from lunch, and then my flatmates invited me on their spontaneous road trip to Raglan.
(For those who have never been to Raglan, or to New Zealand for that matter; Raglan is a small surfing town about 40 minutes out of Hamilton, and it's really pretty.)

I've lived in Hamilton for three years now, and I've never actually been to Raglan. So, I quickly tossed a few things in a bag and headed off to the beach.

Now, I don't want to brag, but I really do live in a beautiful country. I took a few scenic shots when we arrived at our destination:

The beach view from where we ended up settling for the afternoon.

Looking out over the Tasman Sea

My flatties were well prepared for our afternoon of relaxation - magazines, fruit and even some wine. We didn't really do anything at all, we just sat on the grass, looking down upon the surfers, reading our books and chatting. We made a collective decision to get out more and do some more outdoorsey activities - so in a couple of weeks I think we might head to Rotorua and walk through the redwood forest, or around the lakes.

Here's me in our little spot up on the cliff.

We wanted to stay and watch the sun set, but then realised we would actually get locked in the car park if we stayed past dusk. So it was off home for us.

Have any of you guys been somewhere new this week?

Tuesday 7 August 2012

On Your Screen Link-Up: My Favourite Movie(s).

Finally, I've got my a into g and done a link-up!


This week is all about my all time favourite movie. Or movies. Because I watch a lot. I've had to think long and hard about this one, and I think I've finally found two that I could watch over and over again and never grow tired of. 

Drum roll please...........

1 = Anchorman!


I've watched this movie so many times, I've actually lost count. I'll probably watch it again after finishing this post. If you haven't seen Anchorman (insert shocked face here), it is the story of news anchor Ron Burgundy, who along with his news team, are the most popular news team in San Diego. Until, a woman named Veronica arrives on the scene, and becomes co-anchor. This shakes up Ron's world, and he must suddenly adjust to sharing the limelight with a woman. Many hi jinks ensue, including hilarious attempts from Ron and the boys to get her to quit.

The cast of this movie is excellent. It's comprised of many familiar faces of the comedy world, and features cameos from other well known comic actors. Steve Carrell is hilarious as super-dumb weatherman Brick Tamland, and I love anything with Paul Rudd involved. Seriously, go watch it right now if you haven't seen it.

I'm so excited for the sequel!

2 = Mean Girls!

This movie is excellent. I don't even know how to describe how good it is. It's written by Tina Fey, who is super funny, so this pretty much explains it. It stars Lindsay Lohan when she was still a good actress and wasn't crazy. It was the movie that made Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried well-known. It has the best quotes. I can have conversations with my flatmates using only mean girls quotes - that's how many time I've seen it. 

Anyway, here's a quick synopsis, even though I'm 99.99% sure everyone has seen this movie.

Cady (Lindsay Lohan) has spent most of her life being home schooled in Africa. She moves back to America and must learn to adapt to the rules of high school. She makes friends with two outcasts, who devise a plan to ruin the life of the most popular girl in school - Regina George (Rachel McAdams). Cady becomes friends with Regina and her group in order to execute their plan, but she starts to see that the girl world is pretty brutal and starts becoming someone that she doesn't really want to be.

Give it a watch, or re-watch it. It will improve your day.

I leave you now with a short clip from Anchorman, just after Ron has lost his beloved dog Baxter.











Sunday 5 August 2012

Party Rock!

"Party rock is the house tonight, everybody just have a good time..."

...And we did!

It was my friend's 21st birthday party last night, and it was LMFAO themed. I trekked home to Tauranga for the weekend, with my flatmate Sarah, and Sinead, in tow. Sarah and I spent all of Saturday morning shopping for appropriate party clothes - so pretty much anything bright or animal print. We found some pretty cheap stuff in the end, and if I may say so myself, we looked pretty awesome.
Here we are with Shuffle-Bot. That's me in the purple and my flatmate Sarah on the right.

 The party set-up was pretty great. There was a gazebo off the garage, which was filled with lots of graffiti paintings, heaps of balloons and complete with a giant disco ball.

This one is a little blurry, but here I am with three of my besties!

And here I am with the birthday girl, she's the one in the pink tights :)
I was a busy bee last night, as this wasn't the only party I had to attend! Another friend also had her birthday party that night, so at about 10.30 we left this party and headed over there. It was a much more relaxed affair, but still super fun, and it was great to see some people I hadn't seen in a while.

Next weekend I have two more 21st parties to attend, the first of which is at my house and apocalypse themed. My house will be overrun with zombies.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

xoxo Rach

Friday 3 August 2012

Mail Time! Mail Time! Mail Time!

I love getting mail, especially when the parcels contain new clothes!!

I recently ordered some clothes from two online stores; ASOS and Boohoo.com. I only ordered them just under two weeks ago, and they've arrived really quickly! New clothes are the best. Now I own a cute new skirt, and an awesome blue dress. I'm now waiting on just one more shipment from ModCloth, which is my friends 21st birthday present.

If you haven't shopped from ASOS or Boohoo before, you should definitely go online and check them out. They have some really awesome clothes, as well as shoes and accessories - with some really good sale discounts. The extra bonus is that both sites have FREE shipping!

Here's some photos of the new additions to my wardrobe...


I even got a little magazine showing the latest trends.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. I'm off to a 21st on Saturday that is LMFAO themed - I have to go shopping soon and find something neon or animal print to wear. :)

That's all for now!
-Rach xo

Sunday 29 July 2012

Your Daily Dose of Cuteness!

I'm currently sitting in front of the TV, not doing my assignment. Woops. But, I can be forgiven.....because the gymnastics is on! Gymnastics is by far my favourite thing to watch at the Olympics. I'm always in sheer amazement over the things they do. And some of the guys aren't bad to look at ;)

Anyway, onto the real reason for this post. Anyone who knows me will know that I love cute animal videos. Cat videos are the ultimate. Last night, while watching a particularly boring olympic swimming race, my flatmate and I looked up some seriously cute youtube videos. I thought I'd share a few featuring some sneezing baby animals.

This one is a baby elephant that gets scared by its sneeze. Too cute! The next one is a baby bear who can't stop sneezing.
Finally, keeping with the sneezing theme...sneezing baby panda.

I hope you all get a few smiles from these videos. 

-Rach xo

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Oh Uni, how I loathe thee.

That awkward moment when your friends ask you how your assignment is going. What assignment?!

It's only the second week back at Uni and I'm already behind. Typical me.
I figured I should write down when all my assignments and such are due, and now the months of August, September and October on my calendar look horrid. Thanks Uni. Sometimes I think that the lecturers all get together and have a grand old time making sure all the assignments are due within days of each other. In addition to all my work, it's officially 21st season - I have so many birthdays to attend. I really hope I can make it to all of them!

So, it looks like the next few months are going to be pretty busy for me. I do get to train a chicken though! We also get to name it. Hopefully I'll be allowed to take photos at the animal lab so everyone can see our new feathered friend. 

In better news, I watched the Dark Knight Rises last night. Overall, I thought it was pretty excellent. I still liked the Dark Knight better though.

I hope everyone's week has been super so far!

Until next time...
Rach. xo

A Brief History...

Hi there everyone!
I've been trying to think of something to write for a couple of days now - I must admit, this whole 'first ever post' thing is a bit nerve wracking. It's people's first opinion of me! Eeek! After much pondering, I've decided that I'll start by sharing a few facts about myself - some are boring, some are a little strange - but I don't want to be insincere with this blog.
Well, here goes...

- My name is Rachel and I live and study in New Zealand. 
- I am 20 years old
- I study Psychology at University and I'm about to complete my final year. I still have no idea what I want to do after Uni. This is a little scary.
- I'm a major geek/nerd/whatever you're desired label. I LOVE movies (especially comic book ones), and I watch way too much TV. So much in fact that sometimes I forget that the characters are fictitious, and half expect to see them walking around in everyday life.
- Trashy reality TV is my guilty pleasure. Anything Jersey Shore related, including its British (and better in my opinion) equivalent. The obsession has not reached Real Housewives lows yet...
- I'm a master at procrastination. Seriously, if it was a sport, I'd be an Olympian.
- I will never ever put my arms or legs out of bed at night. 
- I'm terrified of Bees and Moths. 
- My favourite colour is yellow, but I rarely wear it. 
- If I could have one wish, I'd want to be able to sing. Right now, I could probably break some wine glasses with my attempts.
- I can't eat cheese cold. But I'll eat it melted. Strange, I know.
- I love cats. Especially giant fluffy ones.
- The only bone I've ever broken is my toe. Not as major as a leg or arm, but still painful!
- I'd love to travel the world someday. So far I've made it to Australia, Fiji and England. I hope to add America to this list very soon!

Well, that is all I can think of right now. I just want to finish my first ever post by saying: My life is in no way interesting, it's actually quite average. I'm using this as a way to document the little things in my life that make me smile. Hopefully, they can make you smile as well. 

p.s. I must say a MASSIVE thank you to my bestie Sinead, who designed everything you see on this blog. I have zero designing skills. I haven't worked out how to add links to this yet, so check out her blog called 'Sinead in the Sun'. 

p.p.s. apologies if there are any horrendous spelling mistakes. I wrote this really late at night.