MelChi profile image76

Melanie Chisnall (MelChi)

Joined 12 years ago from Cape Town, South Africa

  • 52
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    7 Lessons I Learned as an Introvert Freelance Writer

    2 years ago

    There's a lot more to being a freelance writer than blending catchy words and sentences together. When you're an introvert, it's about playing to your strengths and protecting your energy. Here are seven things that helped me find my rhythm as a freelancer while staying true to myself.

  • 101 Romance Ideas for Valentine's Day
    10

    101 Romance Ideas for Valentine's Day

    10 years ago

    Valentine's Day (or ANY romantic date - no matter what day!) doesn't need to be expensive... take a look at these 101 budget and creative ideas you can use to spoil the one you love!

  • 7

    10 Fun and Silly Things for Couples to do Together

    10 years ago

    Bring back the spark by getting a little silly with your partner and letting go of all your inhibitions . Feel like a kid again - with the one you love!

  • What Facebook Can Teach Us About Our Friends
    31

    What Facebook Can Teach Us About Our Friends

    10 years ago

    Did you ever think you knew your friends and family so well that nothing would surprise you, only to discover something that shocked you in their Facebook update?

  • 10 Easy Gluten Free Dinner Ideas
    30

    10 Easy Gluten Free Dinner Ideas

    11 years ago

    Choosing a gluten free diet for health or lifestyle reasons is becoming a food trend today. The good news is, you don't need to spend a fortune or a lot of time preparing food either!

  • Top Ten Romantic Comedy Movies For Valentine's Day or Date Night
    28

    Top Ten Romantic Comedy Movies For Valentine's Day or Date Night

    11 years ago

    A quiet night in, a weekly date night, or even on Valentine's Day - few things are more pleasurable than snuggling up to your significant other and taking in a romantic comedy. What do you think of these are Ten Romantic Comedy Movies?

  • Activities To Do as a Family: Playing Tourists at Home
    14

    Activities To Do as a Family: Playing Tourists at Home

    11 years ago

    It can be hard watching friends and co-workers planning exciting getaways to the coast, to a fun amusement park or to a fancy lodge; or packing to go camping out in the wild for a few days while you're stuck at home.That's rough...but that's life sometimes, isn't it? But, that doesn't mean that you...

  • H.O.W - Helping and Showing Kindness to the Elderly
    31

    H.O.W - Helping and Showing Kindness to the Elderly

    10 years ago

    Have you imagined yourself at 80 years old, ninety, or even a hundred? Being old and being forced to rely on other people for basic needs, entertainment or anything else can't be easy. Especially by those who are in a lot of pain at the same time. Yet, so few of us take the time to bring some sort...

  • 18

    10 Reasons to Attend Your Spouse's End of Year Party

    9 months ago

    Are you one of those who dread going to your spouse's year-end office party? Here are 10 reasons why you should go (AND enjoy yourself!) at your partner's office party, whether it be for Christmas or any other party thrown by their company.

  • Cooking for Two - Be Your Own MasterChef
    14

    Cooking for Two - Be Your Own MasterChef

    11 years ago

    Cooking for two is easier than cooking for an entire family, yes. But, it can become mundane and seem like a chore some days as well. This hub gives a few tips and ideas for spicing up your weekday meals during the week, and turning this kitchen "chore" into something fun and relaxing to look...

  • NaNoWriMo: Novel Writing for Procrastinators
    25

    NaNoWriMo: Novel Writing for Procrastinators

    10 years ago

    You must have come across more than one person who says that they're "going to write a novel". But, when exactly? And how hard is it to start? I'd been saying this for years and then along came NaNoWriMo. Maybe you don't need a contest to make you write, maybe you're just in need of a writing...

  • Shyness Is NOT a Curse - Learn to Embrace Who You Are
    35

    Shyness Is NOT a Curse - Learn to Embrace Who You Are

    10 years ago

    I'm going to let you in on a little secret... Do you know what that is? Being shy is GREAT! That's right. I said great. It's NOT a curse or something to wish away. If you think about it, shy people have the advantage. They can become a little more outspoken if they ever wanted to. Outspoken...

  • How to Create Inspiration Files
    18

    How to Create Inspiration Files

    11 years ago

    Creating your own inspiration files for your home is not only a lot of fun, but it's also a chance to unwind and to let those creative juices flow. These files are easy to make up. They can be made up on a variety of topics - whatever floats your boat, and they also make brilliant personalized...

  • Top 10 Vegetables to Grow at Home
    30

    Top 10 Vegetables to Grow at Home

    10 years ago

    Planting vegetables at home is one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. But, where do you start? What vegetables do you plant? This hub lists 10 of the most common vegetables to grow at home, and offers some advice for growing them, as well as a few fun facts on vegetables.

  • What it Means to Be a Wannabe Writer
    39

    What it Means to Be a Wannabe Writer

    11 years ago

    From all the writers out there, to everyone else who doesn't understand what being a writer means.

  • How to Make Chinese Food Takeout
    30

    How to Make Chinese Food Takeout

    11 years ago

    I really enjoyed making these Chinese takeout boxes filled with sweet and sour chicken! An idea for a date night, or even an outing for the whole family. Everyone can get involved in the fun of making up the take-out boxes and cooking the food!

  • Home Living: Fun and Easy Ways to Decorate A Room - A Creative Project for the Whole Family
    40

    Home Living: Fun and Easy Ways to Decorate A Room - A Creative Project for the Whole Family

    10 years ago

    Interior Decorating is often considered something of a luxury. Something that only wealthy people can afford to do. The truth is, with a few simple tricks and by following of some easy tips, you can decorate a room (or a few rooms!) in your house on a small to medium budget, and have fun doing it...

  • My Experience So Far on HubPages: A Diverse Writing Community - 7 Months On...
    53

    My Experience So Far on HubPages: A Diverse Writing Community - 7 Months On...

    11 years ago

    What an incredible journey I've had on HubPages over the past 7 months. Ups and downs, tricks and tips, friendships and criticism...there's nothing stagnant about this community or a limit to what I've learnt and am still taking in. Celebrating and highlighting my first 7 months on HubPages!

  • 28

    5 Movie Date Ideas for a Romantic Night In

    10 years ago

    Looking for a few ideas to spice up your date night with your partner at home? Instead of doing the usual movie night in, why not try something slightly different - an easy and fun movie night theme? Choose snacks and foods, movies and a few setting changes to give your movie night a twist to...

  • Uncovering CSI Las Vegas, Miami and New York
    16

    Uncovering CSI Las Vegas, Miami and New York

    11 years ago

    This phenomenal series was created and first aired in 2000. The first of the CSI trilogy series created was CSI: Las Vegas, followed shortly afterwards by spin-offs CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. This hub takes a brief look into all 3 shows, and offers some interesting facts that you might not know...

  • A Change of Season - Celebrating Food, Colour and Activities for All Four Seasons
    17

    A Change of Season - Celebrating Food, Colour and Activities for All Four Seasons

    10 years ago

    Changes of season are exciting, whatever the season - there's something beautiful to look forward to in each one. And we can celebrate each season by using simple things around us, changing up a few colours around the house, enjoying seasonal foods and exploring parts of nature that we're not...

  • 47

    The All-Time 7th Best-Selling Author: Top 5 Sidney Sheldon Books

    4 months ago

    Sidney Sheldon is the 7th best-selling author of all time. He has written over 200 scripts for TV series, but it is his 18 novels for which he is best known. I'd like to introduce you to five of my favourite Sidney Sheldon novels.

  • Discovering Ethiopia - Africa's Forgotten Land
    13

    Discovering Ethiopia - Africa's Forgotten Land

    10 years ago

    Ethiopia is a country rich in vast landscape including mountain ranges and volcanoes, wildlife, religion and traditional culture. It is also one of the world's largest producers of coffee. This hub takes you on a trip into Ethiopia - introducing you to facts and interesting pieces of information...

  • Finding Happiness: Leaving a Full Day Job to Become a Freelance Writer
    87

    Finding Happiness: Leaving a Full Day Job to Become a Freelance Writer

    10 years ago

    I did it! After months of research and planning, weighing out pros and cons, checking of finances, and most importantly - gaining the support of my husband - I found the courage to resign from my job at last, to become a full time Freelance Writer! I'm terrified and excited at the same time, but...

  • 3 Easy Ways to Cut Your Household Chores and Extend your Weekend
    20

    3 Easy Ways to Cut Your Household Chores and Extend your Weekend

    10 years ago

    How much time do you spend cleaning the house, doing the laundry and buying groceries over the weekend? The time that you could be spending with loved ones, or relaxing is cut short when you spend so much time doing household chores on these two days a week. I share three helpful hints that have...

  • In Death Book Series by Nora Roberts
    8

    In Death Book Series by Nora Roberts

    11 years ago

    Nora Roberts is one of today's best known authors. She also happens to be one of my favourtie authors, specifically for her "In Death" series, which depicts Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband, Roarke as they learn to let go of the demons of their past, and team up to crack the...

  • 29

    Animals Near Extinction, Abused and Neglected - Let's Be Their Voice!

    10 years ago

    Animals were put on earth to live alongside us. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of animals that are abused, neglected, used in experiments or hunted into the verge of extinction. How can we make a difference?

  • Ashley Judd - A Shining Hollywood  Star and Humanitarian
    8

    Ashley Judd - A Shining Hollywood Star and Humanitarian

    10 years ago

    Ashley Judd was destined to become a national country singer - to follow in the footsteps of her mother and sister. Instead, she chose the road to acting and soon became one of the world's leading actresses of today. She's best known for her sultry voice, big brown eyes and no-nonsense roles in...

  • Behind the Mask - How To Find The Person Who You Truly Are
    23

    Behind the Mask - How To Find The Person Who You Truly Are

    10 years ago

    We wake up, put on a mask (be it an imaginary one or one coupled together with a thick layer of make-up) and we prepare for the battle of the day ahead. We hide who we really are. Why do we do this? For protection? Because it's expected of us? This hub explores ways to find out or rediscover who...

  • Linkin Park - One of Today's Best Rock Bands
    52

    Linkin Park - One of Today's Best Rock Bands

    11 years ago

    Linkin Park is one of the greatest rock bands in music history. In what started out as a small high school band, quickly turned out to be what it is today - a world famous six-man rock band. A band that has literally changed the course of alternative music, and the way many of us think about rock...

  • Useful Things that Twitter and Facebook Have Taught Me in the Social Media World
    18

    Useful Things that Twitter and Facebook Have Taught Me in the Social Media World

    11 years ago

    What do you know about Twitter and Facebook? Five years ago, I wouldn't have known what you were talking about if you'd mentioned 'tweeting' or 'liking a status' to me. I'd have though that you were trying to be like a bird, or that you were looking up to someone in Royalty. Today, I can't imagine...

  • Angelina Jolie - Queen of Hearts
    17

    Angelina Jolie - Queen of Hearts

    11 years ago

    Whether you love her or you hate her, Angelina Jolie has captivated us on the big screen, she's won hearts with her continuous humanitarian missions, proved us wrong in her family life and been a sex symbol for over a decade. Here's paying tribute to an outstanding actress, and human being for all...

  • My Love Affair with Cape Town - Africa's Jewel Destination
    34

    My Love Affair with Cape Town - Africa's Jewel Destination

    10 years ago

    Cape Town was recently voted by CNNGo as one of the 10 Best loved cities in the world. I am so grateful to be living in this beautiful city, and this hub highlights a few reasons why tourists love the scenery and why celebrities are making their way here. Allow me to introduce my city to you.

  • How to Stay Positive around Negative People
    54

    How to Stay Positive around Negative People

    10 years ago

    How do you deal with negative people if you're generally a positive person? What about if you've recently decided to change your outlook on life, but still have to deal with people in your life that are bringing you down? This article takes a look at how to deal with negative people so that you can...

  • 45

    Denzel Washington - Hollywood's Treasure

    11 years ago

    This hub pays tribute to Denzel Washington, one of the world's most talented and renowned actors today.

  • How to Enjoy Planning your Wedding
    10

    How to Enjoy Planning your Wedding

    11 years ago

    Planning your wedding yourself is not easy. In fact, it's really quite stressful for most brides. You need to think about who to invite, what type of food to serve, how many bridesmaids you'll have, and so on and so on. It can all get a bit overwhelming. I like to think of planning your wedding as...

  • The Sims - A Game for Women
    11

    The Sims - A Game for Women

    11 years ago

    The Sims has come a long way since it was launched by Maxis back in 2000. This is a basic overview of the game, a game mostly enjoyed by women of all ages (and even a few men!). Why is it so popular? For the sheer pleasure and delight of building a millionaires mansion, decorating a house and...

  • The Beauty of Ballet
    12

    The Beauty of Ballet

    10 years ago

    Ballet is one of the most beautiful forms of dance. Ballet originated during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century and has become extremely popular over the last few centuries. Many ballet movies have been made recently, including the popular "Black Swan" starring Natalie Portman.

  • The Best Food and Places to See - Garden Route, South Africa
    15

    The Best Food and Places to See - Garden Route, South Africa

    10 years ago

    A trip to the Garden Route can be a soul searching retreat, or it can be a long awaited adventure trip. Or, it can be both! There are so many things to see, places to explore and food to taste - it's hard to know where to start. I explore 3 highly recommended places to eat, as well as a few 'must...

  • Modern Family - A Comedy TV Show Hit
    7

    Modern Family - A Comedy TV Show Hit

    11 years ago

    President Obama is reported to enjoy watching this show with his family. Modern Family is a comedy TV show, semi mockumentary in style that explores the lives and the day-to-day happenings of an unconventional extended family in California. Familiar faces include Ed O'Neill (Al Bundy from Married...

  • 8

    Why you Need to Visit the Garden Route - Paradise in Africa

    10 years ago

    There's a little piece of paradise in South Africa called the "Garden Route". It's a beautiful, scenic route that stretches between Heidelberg and the Storms River on the South Eastern part of South Africa. This is a glimpse into a few of the many activities to do while on holiday in the Garden...

  • Going on Holiday -  What to do With Your Pets
    7

    Going on Holiday - What to do With Your Pets

    11 years ago

    You've finally decided to take that long-overdue vacation. A holiday that's been in the works for the last few years; you've saved up, taken the time off work and you're ready to go! But, wait - what about the pets? This hub explores three options to consider when booking a vacation away from home.

  • How to Shop Like a Pro and Enjoy Shopping!
    14

    How to Shop Like a Pro and Enjoy Shopping!

    10 years ago

    How does one "shop like a pro" - or even enjoy shopping at malls nowadays? There are crowds and queues, trolley bashing and grumpy cashiers. What's to enjoy? This hub explores 11 easy tips to change your view and experience of shopping into what it should be - enjoyable and fun! No more dreading...

  • What To Do When You Receive Bad Customer Service
    10

    What To Do When You Receive Bad Customer Service

    10 years ago

    Everyone has their off days, and sure - you can't expect everyone to have the same amount of energy and enthusiasm. But, you can expect good service with a smile. What if you get the opposite of this - what if you get truly horrific customer service? We have the right to complain as paying...

  • How to Relax and Enjoy Meditating
    11

    How to Relax and Enjoy Meditating

    10 years ago

    Most people have the wrong impression of what meditation is all about. I'll admit that I too, was one of those people. I thought meditating was for the birds - for the wanna be hippies, yoga fanatics and people who had all the free time in the world. In this article, I explore a few tips and advice...

  • 9

    Desperate Housewives - Seasons 1 - 8 Recap

    11 years ago

    The series finale of Desperate Housewives is just around the corner. One of the best TV shows ever produced, I pay tribute to the show and the women of Wisteria Lane - Susan, Gabrielle, Lynette and Bree. Here are the some of the best highlights from all seven seasons so far - season 8 to be updated...

  • 8

    Gift Hampers - A Unique, Fun and Creative Gift Idea for ANY Occasion!

    10 years ago

    There are so many occasions in life worth celebrating. Instead of giving a store-bought gift, why not create your own gift hamper, gift basket or even a custom-made gift box? You can do this for ANY occasion, including: Christmas, birthdays, for promotions, romance or sexy hampers, 21st birthdays,...

  • 2

    Ways to Keep in Touch with Friends

    7 years ago

    Too busy to grab a coffee and catch up? Not enough hours in the day to find out what your friend's been up to? How do we still come up with these excuses when there is so much technology and means of keeping in touch? This hub lists the top 8 means of staying in contact with your friends - no more...

  • Working For Someone vs Being Your Own Boss
    17

    Working For Someone vs Being Your Own Boss

    10 years ago

    The dream to be your own boss and to answer only to yourself. The countdown to pay day at the end of every month. Which option would suit your lifestyle and financial situation the best? I explore the pros and cons of each, while throwing in a few tips I discovered while working from home.

  • Just How Real are Reality TV Shows?
    10

    Just How Real are Reality TV Shows?

    11 years ago

    Just when you thought reality shows were in fact 'real' - enter the scripted shows to prove us all wrong.

  • 26

    MasterChef Australia versus MasterChef US

    10 years ago

    Even with the likes of Gordon Ramsey hosting the show, I found that MasterChef US didn't come close to the entertainment factor, hosts or competitors that MasterChef Australia had. In my opinion, the Australian version wins hands down in every aspect.

  • Five TV Shows That Will Help you Get Out of a Bad Mood
    7

    Five TV Shows That Will Help you Get Out of a Bad Mood

    11 years ago

    I'm not promoting hours glued to the TV everyday - in fact I much prefer sweating it out and pounding the air when I've had a bad day, or sitting and meditating - but, there are THOSE rare days when even that doesn't help. I'm sure you've had them before - days when all you want to do is curl up on...

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