Weekly Favourites..

When I started this blog it was with the intention of it being predominantly fashioned based, however there's nothing more I love than reading some lifestyle bits, travel posts and some yummy food rambles so that's what I want to do on here at least once a week, included amongst the outfit posts. There's always little things that make us smile whether it's once a day or once a week, and I want to turn this into a little weekly post to document the things that make me smile. They can be anything from a candle to a chocolate bar. I love reading other peoples, so here are mine...

'Hoppity Boppity' Lush Bath Bomb

Having been a lush fan for many years when I was younger, I find it quite shocking that I can't actually remember the last time I went in and purchased something. Having ended our little break with each other by going in today after a good few years, I was delighted to see all of the new Easter and spring treats, and picked up this little cute bunny bath bomb, among many others that I'm thinking of doing a detailed post on soon :)...

Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects book, by Gillian Flynn.

 Having read Gone Girl during that summer when it was EVERYWHERE, and seeing the film at the cinema (amazing) I'm well over due in reading Gillian Flynn's other book. I've just started her debut novel 'Sharp Objects' and I'm already hooked. Despite the flawed and usually troubled central female characters, I can't help but liking them, and as soon as the last page has been turned, I'm on to 'Dark Places'...

 Jo Malone- Sweet Almond and Macaroon Candle.

I've been a candle addict for a long time now, and despite always sniffing them in Selfridge's, this is the first Jo Malone one I own. I'm a fan of any scents, including spicy, floral, and especially sweet, which this one is. The almond scent really comes through but I don't find that it's too sickly or overpowering, which is always a bonus.

Dior Lip Glow & Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ

Having tried the famous 'Lip Voltage' lip gloss last summer, I vowed to purchase one and ultimately never did. Partly due to being lazy with make up and partly that I just err.. forgot. However, I had seen this on a couple of vlogs and decided to treat myself at the airport in January. The Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ is definitely worth the price and the hype, it gives a nice little minty tingle but that's it, no crazy stinging at all like lip voltage, and I love the look of this on my lips. The Lip Glow isn't anything spectacular and I don't find that it adds much colour to my lips, but if you're looking for a typical pinky nude/natural every day lip, it makes for a good base with the maximizer over the top.

Fuji Film Instax Mini

The fact I finally managed to get my hands on one of the cutest cameras ever made me smile, I was debating over yellow or pink when it came to it, but blue was the one I originally wanted to I decided to go for it. It's a lovely deep pastel shade, easy enough to use and I can't wait to print lots of memories instantly with this :) ...

A Little Bit Of Sparkle..

Emerald has and forever will be one of my favourites, if not my main favourite colour. I love jewelled, silky and sparkly fabric tones and this H&M top that I was given at Christmas time was definitely that. An iridescent piece, I was instantly attracted to the sparkle! (as previously mentioned, magpie) and it's the perfect top to compliment some equally fancy trousers when you're going out, the kind of throw on outfit that you don't want to be too much, but yet still appear fancy. Although it's February now I'll still be wearing this at any occasion and I'll be forever on the hunt for more emerald treasures..
Natasha x

Top-h&m   pants-zara  heels -river island -   ear cuff-newlook (similar here)

fluffy clutch -zara

I Don't Need a Valentine, But..

It's officially Valentines Day! Whether you're single or spending it with someone you love, there's always room to incorporate some romantic, v-day inspiration into your wardrobe! For me, this is the perfect piece that I'll be sporting this weekend. In The Style are fast becoming known for their cute and affordable slogan tee's, and this 'I Don't Need A Valentine, I Need Valentino' jumper is no exception. I opted for the classic black colour to pair with my new leathers from Zara (obsessed) Whatever the day, the season, the holiday, or whether you're spending the day with friends or your loved one, there's always room to get into the swing of things and give a nod to whichever day is happening, either wearing a red lip or a cute heart motif top!

jumper-inthestyle pants-zara
 flats-zara  hat-h&m

 

New Season Pieces..

We're fully into the swing of February now, and whilst I've tried to resist some of the new season pieces in the shops so far, I've definitely failed.. willpower needed.

Whilst they aren't exactly new or seasonal, some ripped jeans have been on my wishlist for a while to pair with chic separates a la Palermo (swoooon,she's my ultimate style crush). I've seen a lot of lilac and purple in the shops recently which works well for me as it happens to be one of my favourite colours. As I've said before, I'm a sucker for a floppy hat and was looking for one a little more spring appropriate, and whilst it appears dark on some pictures, in the light this Topshop one definitely gives off the pale grey/lilac vibe, perfect for the upcoming months.. 

I Wore.. Hat: Topshop. Top: Zara  Jeans: Topshop  Shoes: River Island (Similar, different colour way here)

                 

In Love With Oh My Love's LBD..

I have a sneaky confession to make.. I've never really been a big fan of the LBD. The little black dress has just never really been a wardrobe favourite of mine, mainly because I gravitate towards anything bright and colourful, or with some form of detail on. (magpieee) I've similarly never been a lover of lace, I think the majority of pieces can often look a little *whispers* dated, however this Oh My Love LBD that features a lace panel across the back is one of my favourite dresses I think I've worn. Instead of being bodycon or uncomfortably tight like lots of dresses, it was the softest and comfiest dress with lots of room to move in, and didn't cling in every single place. I'll definitely be frequenting their website more often, especially for more classic dresses like this one..

Natasha x

I loved wearing.. A dress by: Oh My Love
(Killer, literally *sobs*) Shoes from: River Island
My favourite ear cuff from: New Look. You can find similar prettiness here
A watch from: Michael Kors

A Day Out: Leeds

Among many things to do on a girly day out, buying floppy hats to add to my collection, and having a delicious lunch at The Alchemist, rank highly. During a day trip down to Leeds, I indulged in cocktails, the best waffles EVER, and treated myself to a few too many new season pieces..
I've always had an obsession with floppy hats but with new shades and colours on the high street, I found it hard to resist.
That doesn't really explain why I bought this new black floppy hat from H&M but my excuse is I needed a black one as I don't have one, and that.. black goes with everything *I promise*. If you're ever in Leeds for the day, have a wander in trinity, indulge at The Alchemist, and see what all the shops have to offer..

x

Halloumi & Red Pepper Wrap.. I didn't try this but it's a wrap.. at The Alchemist.. it must be good.

One of the best chilli's I have ever eaten.. if not just for the presentation! A good portion size came in cute little pots stacked up that you disassembled to reveal rice, chilli, sauces and nachos..

This is my weakness whenever I visit here.. Cinamon waffles with ice cream and sauce.. *drools*

What I Wore..

Hat: H&M

Necklace: Zara

Shirt: Primark

Skirt:Zara

Boots:H&M (Not online but available instore)

Travel Diary: Guangzhou, China.

I can't believe it's 2015. 2014, although amazing and busy, went by in a flash and I am feeling slightly guilty that I haven't updated my blog since December (sobs). I thought about doing a typical 2014 summary and a 2015 post with resolutions but realised I actually didn't make any! Instead, I have some goals I want to achieve (big and small), and I've already half completed one, which is to travel as much as I can.

That's usually on the list every year as I love nothing more than trying to visit at least one place in which I have never been before, and in January I was lucky enough to go to Guangzhou, China.

I was going to do a summary post, but while I was writing this one first I got carried away uploading the pictures and realised this list of Five Things To Do In Guangzhou, would be a good enough way to tie it all together, show some pictures, and also list some things I think you should do if you ever visit. Travel posts are one of the things I enjoy reading most on blogs, and as I'm trying to travel as much as possible this year, I'm going to try and post as much as possible, even if it's just about a little day trip somewhere.

Happy Reading.. And New Year!

x

1. Wander around Yuexiu Park 
Yuexiu Park is one of the largest parks in Guangzhou. Having visited here on the first day, I had no idea what to expect but was shocked at how big, beautiful and colourful it was for a park! From the bold flowers to the museum, the famous statue and boating lakes. Its definitely worth having a stroll around.

The park also has a museum, I can't remember how many floors but we wandered around for so long that I forgot I was even still in the park! When we got to the top floor we found ourselves on a balcony bit and stood looking out at some tall skyscrapers and an old football stadium..

2. Take A Trip Up Canton Tower.

Pretty much a given if you're in the city, going up the Canton Tower is a must do. We had booked tickets for 5.30, and after hopping into the lift, in a couple of minutes we were on a floor observing the amazing views of Guangzhou. Much like Blackpool Tower (maybe not everyone will know about the lovely Blackpool..) there's a glass bit which you can stand on, seeing right below you, which I decided to give a miss *gulp*. We climbed further to the very top and found ourselves at the very top, looking at the most amazing sunset, with music playing. I was a little scared because I'm not the biggest fan of heights, but when you reach the top you forget all about it, and I even braved the bubble cars, another must do! 

Tip: Visit when the sun is setting for the best experience, and watch the city slowly turn to darkness.

3. Wander Around Shamian Island.

If you're looking for a unique Chinese experience, this might not be the place for you, however I had to include it because this is one of my favourite places that I visited whilst I was in Guangzhou. As I was on a trip with the purpose being to recreate old photos, we visited here twice as some of them were located in this area. I actually felt more like I was in Europe strolling around here, because of the lovely buildings, architecture and gardens. It's the perfect place for an afternoon filled with little shops, places to eat, and if you're thirsty (and erm.. in need of a proper western toilet) the prettiest Starbucks I've ever seen.

 

4.Visit Baiyun Mountain

Another thing I would say is a must-do, althought I haven't completed the trip fully.. is to visit Baiyun Mountain. Not far from our hotel, we set off on our last day to take a visit to the top, however after a late night of KTV(Karaoke, the best EVER!) and multiple croissants for breakfast, we weren't really fit enough to climb the four hours it took to make it to the top, something we really should have found out before we set off. After that lovely shock, we decided to take a cable car up and down, however when we had been walking for forever (probably not, probably just the carbs slowing us down..) we were informed we were still another 9km away from the cable cars (cry). As we were short on time, we decided to just wander, and when we had had enough, set off back. This turned out to be just as beautiful and enjoyable, given that there's so much to see in the area and we stumbled across several lakes (one in which we fed some fish), paths and a place to sit and have ice cream! If you ever make it to the top, let me know how it is...

5. Walk and Take a Boat Ride Along The Pearl River.
Seeing the skyscrapers in Guangzhou,(especially in the new city) is a special thing to do anyway but taking a boat ride along the Pearl River, to see them close up, particularly at night, is a special thing to do. I'm not a fan of boats but when it's a river it's no problem, and it was nice to just sit and watch the sights and lights pass by as we were served little cups of tea and took photographs. From my side of the river when taking these pictures in the day, there were also lots of bars and restaurants if you're hungry. We had a drink early on in a place called Cafe 136, a little spot filled with football tables, comfy sofas and a mish mash of pictures on the wall, and decided to go and eat there again when we hopped off the boat! If you want a cosy atmosphere, music, free wifi, and are craving simple food, (Chinese or English, I shamefully had chicken strips and chips here in China, but what can I say, we were craving some simple western food at this point, and the fries were heavenly) I'd recommend here for a no fuss place to eat.

Have you ever visited Guangzhou, or anywhere else in China?

Let me know!!

xx