Spring/Summer Essentials Series: Accessories

THE STATEMENT NECKLACE

For a statement necklace lover like myself, this Miss Selfridge piece is the dream. The lilac and creamy nudes are two of my favourite shades, and I can see this see myself wearing this with THE perfect white summer dress.

THE SUNGLASSES

These sunglasses from Jeepers Peepers are literally everything I love in a pair of sunglasses, from leopard print to cat eye, the best thing is, they are super affordable, and I won't be taking them off this summer.

THE HEADPIECE

Whilst this isn't a new buy, head chains and pieces are always on the top of my summer accessory wish list. They're the perfect piece to transform any simple summer outfit, and this one I picked up from Topshop in the sale, will go with everything.

THE EXTRA LITTLE BITS & PIECES

After years of searching, last year I finally managed to get my hands on one of the YSL arty rings in the much coveted turquoise colour. This is the perfect summer statement ring, and the colour will also match this Hamsa chain bracelet. An impulse buy from a little market in Prague, I love thin bracelets that you can layer up if you're wearing a more simple outfit, and if they've got some colour in them, its a bonus.

This New Look ear cuff has made a few appearances in my outfit posts before, and I had to include it here too. For an ear cuff, its so easy and wearable, its silver nature and flower design mean it goes with anything, and with beach waves in the summer, its the perfect finishing touch.

I literally can't wait to wear all of these over the next coming months.

What are your favourite pieces for the s/s months?! 

x

Five Motivational Quotes On A Monday..

source 

Its grey, its wet, its a Monday and recently I've become even more obsessed with motivational quotes, especially those tumblr-esque super inspirational ones. I often see many Monday quotes floating around on Instagram, but more often than not they tend to be more negative than positive. So for a little mid Monday pick me up, here are five of my favourite quotes to brighten up your day...

'Nothing is impossible, the world itself says 'I'm possible'

-Audrey Hepburn

'Worrying won't stop the bad stuff from happening, it just stops you enjoying the good'

'When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top'

'See the glass half full, then fill it the rest of the way'

'One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day'

....

So there we have it, five quick quotes to spread the positivity and happy vibes for a Monday dinner time.. Read these aloud and start your week off right.

What are your favourite quotes to keep you happy and motivated? 

x

Spring/Summer Essentials Series: Beauty

Even though we aren't exactly blessed with great weather in the UK, yesterday was an unexpectedly warm day, and got me thinking all about summer and what I'll be wearing and using over these next coming (hopefully sunshiney) months. I thought I'd put together a few posts detailing all these essentials, ranging from fashion and beauty. Today I'm talking beauty, and as I rarely find products I reaally love, I can't wait to talk about them, so lets get started..

Scholl Express Pedi Velvet Smooth

I've had this for about a year now and despite worrying I might have to replace the little roller, I've had no such problem. Did I mention I'm super lazy? This really is the perfect product for that, and when it's not always convenient to get a pedicure, or you're making the transition from winter to summer, its so easy for transforming your feet ready for summer time.

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Scrub

ANY body scrub is usually on my summer essentials list simply because I love to have fresh, smooth skin before I get in the sun. I received this as a gift in a set for Christmas, and it hardly looks like I've touched it! I love the fresh, yet not overpowering scent, and the fact that it isn't harsh or abrasive like some body scrubs.

Essie-Mint Candy Apple Nail Varnish

I'm a huge fan of all things Essie, and this colour is no exception. My go to colour in the summer from any brand, is usually mint green, I literally can't get enough. This Essie one is perfect, lasts for ages and gives the most gorgeous glossy shine. It also looks extra pretty with a top coat of glitter.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

This is my number one essential all year round, its a necessity for me in summer just as much as it is in winter. The sun can sometimes dry my lips out, and this is the NUMBER 1 lip product that lasts forever, moisturises them and just works wonders. It's also great for general dry patches and little burns, perfect for the summer months.

EOS Lip Balms

For the days when I'm taking a super small bag, or clutch, my eight hour cream isn't the most practical, so when my lips are in pretty good condition, EOS lip balms are my go to. This 'Summer Fruit' one, smells just like that, a mixture between melon, fresh berries and fruity drinks. It smells yummy I almost want to eat it.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask.

I definitely suffer from the dreaded increase in oily skin over the hotter months, and whilst I try to control it by wearing minimal make up, cleansing well and exfoliating on a regular basis, I definitely need this deep cleansing mask to keep the problem at bay. Even just applying it to my t-zone only leaves my skin looking a lot clearer, fresher, and just more even, so this is definitely a summer staple for oily skin sufferers.

MAC Lustre Passion Charge Lipstick.

When the warmer weather hits, I'm definitely more of a balm and a gloss person, but if I had to choose a staple summer lipstick, it would be this. It came in my cute little 'All about coral' set I got for my birthday, with a similar matching gloss, and both of them are perfect for day time, giving just the right amount of colour, but nothing to matte and over the top.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser.

Another Liz Earle product perfect for the summer months and #oilyprobs. I love thick moisturisers, but come summer I like something a little more light that doesn't leave my skin feeling overly greasy. It's still important to moisturise so my skin doesn't produce even more oil, but I definitely prefer a lighter consistency like this one. 

I'm keeping these spring/summer series' coming over the next few weeks, make sure to check back for more of these, alongside regular posting again! 

What are your spring/summer beauty essentials?

X

P.S apologies for any blurry pictures, I think Blogger is having a few pic problems! x

Weekly Favourites..

Due to the end of year dread that consists of finishing all my uni work on time, blogging has taken a little bit of a back seat *slaps wrist* but armed with a new blog layout and some new favourites from this week, I couldn't wait to start writing again. The first product I've been loving is Benefit's 'They're Real' mascara. This definitely isn't a new product, and it's made its rounds among the blogosphere many a time, but after a slightly disappointing Dior mascara purchase, I wanted something different. I didn't want to opt for the new 'Roller Lash' just because of the mixed reviews, so I went for this one. Having never tried a Benefit mascara before, I'm seriously hooked, it gives volume AND length, and whilst it's a teeny bit hard to get off, it's nothing good old Bioderma can't fix...

Finishing a semester of Uni often results in me reading a lot more than I normally do, so I love including a book amongst my favourites at any time. 'Me Before You', by JoJo Moyes, has definitely proved why it's a bestseller and has warranted an upcoming film adaptation. For me, it was more of a slow burn than a hooked-straight-away type of read, but it was amazing nonetheless, and had me shedding just a few tears after it was over..

 Sometimes I find it disturbing just how lazy I am when it comes to beauty, and hair in general. I'm too lazy to want anything other than a quick fix, and this Macadamia Deep Repair Maque is definitely it. I'm in quite a desperate need of a hair cut, so this product is definitely getting me through this particularly difficult time until I accept defeat and go and get the ends chopped off. I've had this masque for a loooong time now, and I haven't even used a quarter of it. Even applying a generous amount to the ends and it doesn't even look like I've touched it. Throw the most heavenly smell, and it's a must have product, especially for long locks like mine. It's not the most affordable brand, but there's always a product or two lurking amongst the shelves at TK Maxx, which is where I initially picked this beauty up..

Did I mention I like quick fixes? This is another one for the lazy people out there like me. I used to lust over this product when I was younger, simply because I love Bliss products in general, as well as their quirky names. Lack of exercise and too much chocolate *guilty* isn't exactly kind to my thighs, neither is my super sensitive skin and eczema. I finally got this in a little set at Christmas, and since I've started body brushing again, when I apply this, I can definitely see a difference. I'm not saying it's a miracle cure for the dreaded c, but it definitely leaves my skin feeling smoother, softer, and diminishes the awful bumpy dry patches I tend to get, which is good enough for me.

This Lyn Harris perfume has been a firm favourite of mine for a while now. I think it's a little better suited to the Autumn/Winter seasons because it's quite a strong, deep scent with notes of tuberose, gardenia, musk, and my personal favourite, vanilla. I always get compliments on this scent and find that it has amazing staying power, I can still smell it the day after, (it lingers in my hair!) and I'm still going to be wearing it come summer, because the smell is so divine. I also own the candle too, which is just as amazing, as are sets of this brand available in M&S.

I can't wait to post my next weekly favourites.. What are some of yours?

 x

A Brunch Date With LA MODA..

Last week I was lucky enough to win an invite that meant I got to attend the LAMODA blogger brunch. Any Instagram fans will know the brand for their cute shoes, quirky accessories and love of all things 90s, which was clearly visible as soon as I walked through the door of Bill's in Manchester. Cute polaroids, pictures of their gorgeous models and ice cream bubble blowers were scattered amongst the table filled with some of their must-have accessories. The day was filled with all things girlie and gorgeous, from hair styling to glitter painting, to temporary tattoos, my 10 year old self was in heaven..

As soon as we arrived, the lovely LAMODA girls snapped a polaroid pic, and we grabbed a pink lemonade and sat down with the other bloggers to start decorating our frames to be judged in a competition. I definitely went for the 'less is more' look..

The talented Lou Dewar MUA, got to work on everyones faces, and sparkles and gems seemed to be the pick of the day. I went for a hamsa hand tattoo and silver gems, which I think might be the start of a new obsession of mine...

\

These amazing pink soda floats were handed round whilst we got to work on our picture frames..

  

Mini sausages, pots of fries, afternoon tea and endless amounts of pink lemonade were on offer for us to enjoy throughout the day, gotta keep up the strength to get that hair and makeup done..  

In terms of hair,  Keash braids were the ones to make it happen. Styling everyones locks all day, it was as simple as take your pick from 'The Menu' and adorn it with whatever you want, everything from hair rings to amazing indian inspired headpieces were on offer. I went for a simple side braid with a pink band and glitter, Britney style..

After the competition results, eating way too much food and having as many gems stuck on my face as possible, all that was left to do was enjoy a piece of this Home Sweet Home cake (seriously, the best EVER), grab a goodie bag and say my goodbyes. 

Thank you so much to the LAMODA team for having me, looking after everyone and infusing the day with sparkles and way too much sugar ;) xxxx

The Liebster Award

I've seen the Liebster award making the rounds of the blogosphere recently, and I think it's a great way for newbie bloggers to get to know each other, so thanks to Gemma for nominating me! I had so much fun answering the 11 questions she set out for me, so I've done the same for the other bloggers I've nominated.. Some people nominate others with under 200 followers, or just simply newbie bloggers, but I've just tried to do a mixture of the two, or simply people I've come across who haven't had their blog for very long :) 

The rules for this tag/award are: 

1. Thank & link the person who nominated you.

2. Answer the nominators 11 questions.

3. Nominate 11 of your favourite blogs - You should believe that the people you nominate deserve this award & include the link to their blog in your post.

4. Create 11 new questions for your nominees to answer & notify these nominees of the nomination via social media/blog. 

Here we go.. 

1.What made you start your blog?

I've always been a fan of reading other peoples blogs and had been for years, but I was always to nervous to put myself out there and start my own. It was getting to the point that I was reading blogs on a daily basis and I realised how much I missed writing, so I started the blog as a place to be creative, share my pictures, my writing and my thoughts. It's also another alternative to the tradition CV in my eyes, for future employers to look at. 

2. If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

If we are talking anything, it would be to travel to one of my favourite places in the world, probably be New York. If we are talking something big, I would be acting. 

 3. Where would you most like to travel to, but have never been?

I love visiting new places and there's an endless list of places I would most like to travel to, so I'll have to do top 3. At this point in time, I would have to say: India, Santorini and Australia are high on my bucket list. 

 4. What is a favourite memory of yours?

I have so many, but most of my favourite memories belong to when I was younger, doing simple childhood stuff in primary school, playing out, doing kid stuff, or are from recent years when I've travelled to some amazing places. I can't pick one!!

 5. What would your perfect day look like?

My perfect day would start with having a little lie in, but not too late so it could be long and productive! I'd get up, have a yummy breakfast in my pjs and maybe watch a little something on television. Then I would get ready, maybe go for lunch or shopping, afternoon tea if we are calling this PERFECT ;). I'd go for a walk to work off all the yummy food I ate, then the evening would involve just staying in in my pjs, having my favourite food and watching a film, possibly some form of Netflix. If we're staying out, it would be dinner and drinks all the way. 

6. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

What a hard question. Each year has something great, and something not so great as that's life. 2011, 2013 and 2014 were great years for me for many reasons, but I can still remember those in great detail so I'm going to say 1999, so I can relive the last year of the 90's. I'm so glad I'm a 90s baby. 

7. What makes you the happiest?

Little things make me the happiest. I'm happy when I'm doing something simple, like watching a film or my favourite tv shows. I'm even happier when I've just had an amazing acting experience, something that I know I'll learn from. I'm happiest when I'm just having a nice day with my friends or family. 

8. What is your proudest accomplishment?

There's lots of ones that I'm most proud of in the past few years, but without going into detail, at the moment I would say I'm most proud of what I am doing, and making certain things happen for myself and working for them :) 

9. What did you want to be when you were little?

I remember going through phases that changed daily, one day it was a teacher, then it was a dancer, then it was a vampire slayer, as you do. I remember always loving dancing and putting on plays, and that hasn't changed to this day, (apart from the dancing bit). I still love acting and being in plays/performances so it definitely makes sense as to why I loved it so much when I was younger. 

10. What is it that you enjoy the most about blogging?

I love the whole process, thinking of a post, photographing, writing the content and checking it over and over until you finally click publish :)..

 11. Where do you see yourself in 20 years time?

I (hope) to see myself with a cat first and foremost, yes I am a crazy cat lady and I need to seriously fulfil the dream of having my very own kitty kat. Anyhoo, I hope I am settled down at 41 (gulp) with a lovely cat, home and family, preferably in a place other than the town I am in now, no offence B-town, I love you, but I don't think we are meant to be together forever.. 

I would like to nominate these gals.. I've included their full blog link :) 

Sinead: http://belleblossombeauty.blogspot.co.uk

Soleil http://lesparklingsoleil.blogspot.co.uk

Becky  http://www.poppyandpickle.com

Mackenzie http://vanillalemons.blogspot.co.nz/p/about.html

Weronika Dali http://dalighted.com

Elisha http://leeshloves.com

Amy http://amyemarshment.blogspot.co.uk

I've only included 8, I'm sorry, but I wanted to get this post up as soon as I could :) 

Here are your questions..

1.Why did you start a blog?

2.Which blogs or bloggers inspire you?

3.What's your favourite and least favourite thing about the blogging world?

4.Three things you can't live without?

5. Favourite place you've travelled to?

6. Place you want to travel to the most?

7.What does your perfect day look like?

8. Pick three words that describe you best?

9.Favourite film of all time?

10. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

11. What's your main accomplishment for the future?

Happy answering! 

Love, Natasha x

Bedroom Bits..

Aside from the obligatory spring clean, a new season sometimes mean purchasing new bits, and when it comes to homeware pieces I cannot resist. Still living at home, these homeware pieces are more often than not for my bedroom, (although I sometimes sneak a Yankee Candle, or five.. down to the living room) so it's nice to want to make your little space, (even if it is just a little one) feel as homely as possible. These are all small touches that I think can make any room look more homely, be it everything from candles to glass jars, trinkets to new bedding and cushions. 

Wicker Basket - Sainsburys
Creativity Quote - Global Interiors
Heart jar & Simply home Yankee Candle - TK Maxx & Asda
Bedding - Asda
Heart shaped trinket boxes - Dunhelm

Weekly Favourites..

 Daughter book. Author: Jane Shemilt.

I couldn't wait to write about this first simply because I haven't been able to get it out of my head since reading it. Thrillers are probably my favourite genre in books AND film and this book was no exception. I found it was a thoroughly well written book with a point and an important message, rather than a typical thriller that sometimes uses gimmick, gore and suspense. This focused more on family secrets and problems, and I'm still thinking about the end even now. 

Embryolisse Hydra-Masque

Aside from using copious amounts of baby oil, another way to get baby soft skin is to use this little gem of a mask. If you're a fan of French beauty products or you've watched a pharmacy haul or two then you've probably seen this brand before. I almost wish my skin was dry more often so I could use this, (unfortunately its normal to combination/oily). There's no faff or complicated appliance with this, you simply squeeze some out and smooth it all over your skin. It goes on very smoothly with an oily consistency, and when you wash it off thoroughly after about 15 minutes, your skin will be hydrated in no time :)

  Prague souvenirs and trinkets 

When I think of souvenirs I'm usually the typical keyring and fridge magnet girl (which I still purchased from my trip to Prague) but these perfume bottles and detailed jewelled mirrors that could be found in all of the souvenir shops around the city were too cute not too purchase. They give off a really vintage vibe and I think they'll look impossibly cute on a dressing table. 

Lush 'Fluffy Egg' Bath Bomb

I am SO glad I've recently rediscovered Lush, I was such a fan when I was younger and an impromptu trip the other week led to me filling my basket with various goodies and treats. This was one of them, and like many of their other products smells amazing. If you're not a fan of sweet scents this might not be for you, but the mixture of candy floss and palma violets is perfect for me.

 MAC Cinderella Lipstick in 'Royal Ball'

Aaah, who doesn't love the packaging of a freshly bought MAC lipstick, especially when it's limited edition and part of the new Cinderella range, and lets face it, who doesn't love anything Disney princess related? This 'Royal Ball' colour is actually different than I imagined, it's more of a frosted nude pink with sparkle, so I think I'll be wearing this over another lipstick so I don't look too much like I'm going for the snow queen look, however I can't resist a bit of sparkle, so it's definitely a happy purchase :)

Travel Diary : Prague

 We are slowly approaching the end of March and I've been lucky enough to so far achieve my goal of travelling more in 2015! The year started with a trip to China, and last week I went on a little trip to Prague, Czech Republic. A big fan of city breaks and visiting beautiful cities in general, this was on my list of European cities to visit and it certainly didn't disappoint. I don't think I've ever really been let down by the various cities I have travelled to, but with Prague, I didn't really know what to expect, which made it all the more enjoyable whilst I was there. If you're a lover of history, beautiful architecture, good food, little streets, and perfect scenery then Prague is definitely for you. I wanted to share some of my pictures, and just like my Guangzhou, China post do a little list of things to do whilst your there. Whether you've never been to Prague and just want to get an insight into the things you might enjoy doing whilst there, or you've been before and want to remember the fun memories.. keep reading :) 

x

 The obligatory 'view from the plane' shot.. I never get tired of seeing these.. 

 1. Visit the old town.

Okay so it's pretty much a given, but aside from just seeing the clock tower and the other beautiful buildings surrounding the old town square, it's also nice to wander around a little. Side streets gave way to cute little shops and cafes which are always worth visiting, as well as the various street performers and lovely atmosphere. Cafe's and restaurants on the square are always going to be a little more pricey than your average place, but with Prague being quite a cheap place to visit, I still found the various places lining the square affordable, and promptly decided on 'Oliva Verde' a predominantly Italian place with heaters, blankets and simple but yummy food.

If you're there on the hour, make sure you see the little show, it's nothing impressive but there's some music and people peeping their little faces out of the clock :)

Then...     2. Wander over Charles Bridge and keep walking!!...

I am wearing     Hat-H&M   Scarf-H&M   Jacket-Zara   Trousers-Zara 

           Boots-Topshop   Bag-Marc by Marc Jacobs.

You might find my ultimate heaven.. a 'gingerbread' museum!! A must visit if you're a baking and gingerbread fan like me :) squee

3. You also need to visit Prague castle. 

This was thrown in on our bus tour, which we were lucky enough to get free with our package. However, city bus tours tend to be affordable and a must do if you're looking for an easy way to see the sights and hop off when you feel like it.  The castle is a beautiful place with the church, the architecture and the spectacular views all on offer here :)

Other things to do..

Visit the Gingerbread Museum.   Wander around the Jewish Quarter.  Visit restaurant 'Kogo' for amazing and affordable Italian food.   Munch on some 'Trdelnik' a Czech sweet pastry.