Reality cooking show takes the cake...

Miss Charlotte Cake photographed by Zandy J Photography

Glory Days contributor Miss Charlotte Cake stars on Come Dine with Me NZ  this week. Tune into TV3 at 7pm tonight to see the Auckland pinup cook a three-course meal that pays tribute to her love of the Southern States of America. 

Reality TV… something I never, ever thought I would get amongst. However when a good friend of mine told me I should apply for the upcoming Come Dine with Me NZ show I thought nothing of it and submitted my application. I am always up for a challenge, and I really like doing things that may seem a bit scary. So this was a perfect example of putting myself out there. When I applied I actually sent in my Miss Pinup New Zealand 2015 entry video of myself making the Very Vintage Victorian Sponge. I thought it was the perfect piece to showcase who I am and to accompany my entry form – baking + pinup style.

I got accepted onto the show the very next day! I was at the pet shop buying my cat, Binnie, some more cat toys when I got the call telling me I was in. I couldn’t believe the turn around and how fast I had received a response. Now I had to actually THINK about what I was going to cook for my guests.  Initially I was quite worried about the size of my house and fitting everyone in.  I was originally looking at hosting the dinner party at a family friend's home as she has a more spacious living area. Themes, decorations, what I would wear, I had so much planning to do...

Come Dine with Me NZ is exactly that: five random strangers from around New Zealand get together and dine at each other’s homes. Each night the host serves a three-course meal and puts on some entertainment for the guests. As the night closes in, each guest gives the host a secret score out of 10. At the end of the week one winner is picked based on their overall evening. I do love watching food reality shows and have always been into the My Kitchen Rules series as well as the UK version of Come Dine with Me– narrator John Lamb is  hilarious!

I think being a part of this show will help expose the pinup/vintage scene a little more to the general public. It wasn’t my original intention, but I just think the way I come across, my house, and what I like to wear being on TV will open viewers minds to another personal style and lifestyle.  My look was put together by yours truly- my hair, makeup, my outfits were all just done in the morning before I left for work, then touched up before dinner. I’m just being myself on screen and I think people really like that truth and honesty. I also don’t like to take myself too seriously and love poking fun at myself so it’s been a lot of fun. 

You may have noticed (my boyfriend) Carl's photo on the mantlepiece in the background and that wasn’t actually set up! It sits in that spot normally, and on the other side is a photo of me. They were gifts from Zandy J Photography. My cooking style as you’ll see tonight is all about my love for the Southern States of America. I don’t want to give any more details away so you'll have to tune into TV3 at 7pm tonight to see how the evening pans out!

Carl putting the man in mantlepiece

I feel really lucky to have been chosen as a contestant. Although I haven’t been recognised by any random strangers in the street, lots of people I interact with on a daily basis around Britomart have recognised me, which I think is cute. I don’t really think TV is for me… while it was a great experience and good to get out of my comfort zone; I might just stick with photo shoots where I feel more at home..

 The highlight of the experience has definitely been making new friends with my fellow contestants. They are all such lovely people and it’s been a really pleasant experience all round. I will definitely be keeping in touch with them after the show has finished!

I hope everyone’s enjoying the show so far; make sure you tune in this evening to watch my hosting night and also tomorrow on Friday evening. You’ll get to see who takes home the prize money for the best night! 

Come Dine With Me is on TV3 from Monday to Friday at 7pm. Click here for all the details.