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.

Monochrome Magic..

 It's no secret that monochrome is one of the most classic looks of all time in the fashion world, and that's definitely evident from all of the looks seen on the runways, black and white has definitely been given a makeover and it's everywhere at the moment. Whilst this look is mostly made up of monochrome accessories and pieces, the pants are actually blue and white, another pair that I couldn't resit from Zara..

What I Wore..

Hat - H&M     Shirt- Zara    Trousers-Zara   Coat-Zara (Similar here and here)

Flats- Zara (past season)  Bag-Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here)

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