September Favourites.

Throughout September, I have been trying to focus on being organised for my first year in University. These are my monthly favourites because they have inspired the beginning of my first semester at University.

'Graphic Design The New Basics' book.

'Accessorize' Tablet Case.

'Skullcandy' Headphones.

Red Handbag.

Plum 'Technic' Nail Varnish and 

'Gothic Glam, Revenge' Lipstick.

'Identity London' Watch.

'Henry Holland' Shoes.

'Lost Girl' Tv Series. (Source).

L'Oreal Paris Haul.

This week I spent a lovely day shopping with my sister. She suggested I went to a make-up counter as I was in need of some new make-up. A make-up artist helped me to choose what products would be the best for my skin type; I prefer make-up to look natural and so I only selected the basics. 

'L'Oreal Paris, Smoothing Resurfacing Primer

L'Oreal Paris, True Match Foundation

L'Oreal Paris, True Match Minerals

L'Oreal Paris, Anti-fatigue Illuminating Concealer

L'Oreal Paris, Volume Million Lashes Mascara - Black Diamantissime

L'Oreal Paris, Lipstick - Cassis Passion

I am very pleased with the result; the quality is more defined and it lasts so much longer! 

All The Stuff I Need.

Tomorrow is my first official day on my 'Graphic Arts and Design' course at University. I am in one of those moods where I am paranoid; thinking that I am missing something and will completely forget something very important!

These are some of the things I have decided are essential for this week. I am using the wash bag from 'Joy' as a pencil case as I think it's a bold and appropriate statement to use and I think the black and white design is both classy and cute; my tablet for reading novels and magazines, watching films, listening to music, writing notes and keeping organised with a to do list and calendar; and a guide from the University.

Of course a pen and a notepad is essential but I am especially in love with this pen as it was a gift from my boyfriend. He gave it to me as a 'University present' and thought it would benefit my journalism aspirations too. Thankyou Oli!  

This is the new bag I purchased to use especially to take to classes. I love dark colours and I adore the rose gold detail on this shade of purple and black. I have suggested my adoration for these colours and bags in the post, 'The Little Black Satchel'.

Comfy clothes is a must too! I bought some new shoes and wore them the first day of freshers week without wearing them in; my feet are still in pain! This is a hoodie I received from the University, it is so warm and comfortable! I think sweatshirts and hoodies are essential for Autumn and Winter. 

Tea Rooms and A Wishing Well.

I love places that hold cute pastel buildings, cottages and cobble stone pavements. They always seem so peaceful and so pretty with the rivers or streams and flower decor. Yesterday. I travelled for a few hours toward Harrogate and Knaresborough; somewhere I have never been before but I have been interested in visiting. In a lot of ways I found it similar to York, ('My Birthday in York').

 Cream Scones with Strawberries.

Coffee, Mocha,

Marigold, Tea Room.

Marigold, Boat Hire.

Mother Shipton's Cave, Entrance.

Mother Shipton's Cave.

Guide Book.

Mother Shipton Tea Room.

As I have said in my 'Winter Wonderland' post, I am a sucker for anything fairy-tale-like so this aspect really stood out to me. I loved the walk in the woods!

Side of the Pathway.

On the Pathway. 

Entrance to the Petrifying Well. 

(Next To) the Petrifying Well.

Wishing Well, Entrance. 

Wishing Well.

Cute Buildings On The Way!

The Brew, Tea Room.

The Brew, Tea Room.

I would love to go to more places like this!

My Motivation.

Over the past week I have been needing a little more motivation for when I have been at the gym or running in the park. Everyone knows music can influence a persons mood so I decided to update my playlist with songs that put me in a good mood and ones that I believe will motivate me to move! These are my top ten at the moment and although I mostly like indie and rock, I have included a few other genres too that I think will suit most people.

Warm Up!

1. Come With Me Now - KONGOS

2. Miss Jackson - Panic! at the Disco

Cardio!

3. Still Into You - Paramore

4. Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

5. Messed Up World - The Pretty Reckless

6. S.E.X and Animals - Nickelback

7. Personal Jesus - Marilyn Manson

8. Wild Child - Juliet Simms

Cool Down!

9. My Heroine - The Maine

10. Rude - MAGIC!

Keeping motivated!

Reading and Lily Flame Candles.

I have noticed 'the reading habits tag' a few times over the past month and I have been eager to do it myself as I love reading! After coming across a similar post on Natalie's blog, 'youralmostalice', I have been inspired to finally write my own response.

'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' by Suzanne Collins

1. Do you have a certain place for reading at home?

I like to light a candle and sit in my chair in the corner of my room. 'Fairy Dust' by 'Lily Flame' is my favourite candle to use when I need to relax.

2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?

I think I need a bookmark; I usually end up folding the corner of the page, oops!

3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter or certain number of pages?

I have to stop reading at the end of a chapter, otherwise I am lost and I have to read the whole thing again.

4. Do you eat or drink when reading?

No, not unless there is a box of maltesers or a cup of coffee nearby?

5. Do you watch TV or listen to music when reading?

I can't do either of them whilst reading, I like to be completely absorbed in the book I am reading.

6. One book at a time or several at once?

I prefer to read one at a time. I think the story or characters can be followed and understood better that way.

7. Reading at home or everywhere?

Everywhere. Especially outdoor places including the park, near a waterfall or on the beach.

8. Reading out loud or silently in your head?

Silently! I don't think I could concentrate if I read out loud.

9. Do you ever read ahead or skip pages?

Sometimes, if I get really emotional about a story, I will skip to the end to take a peek, hoping the ending works out okay. I think I have skipped a few pages for these reasons too.

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it new?

I try preserve them but I find it so hard when I need to travel a lot or read them over and over again. I suppose a worn out cover means a well loved story? 

11. Do you write in your books? 

Never!

12. What are you currently reading?

Fifty Shades Freed by E L James. 

I have a 'Goodreads' account too, find me on this link.

The Edge of Love.

In my previous post 'Cinema and Chocolat' I wrote that 'I think [films] are essential for both entertainment and for identifying yourself within the story; whether it is with a character, a plot or expressing an interest'.  I love historical drama and romance films and I suggested my interest for this genre in my post, 'The Classics'. So in this post I am going to list a few films that follow on from the list I made before.

(From Top to Bottom) The Edge of Love, Mary Antoinette, Casanova, The Other Boleyn Girl, 

Atonement, Pride & Prejudice, The Duchess.

I have spent money, again, on films. Oops! This time I bought seven and therefore, for the next seven days from Monday to Sunday, I plan to watch one a day. I have seen some of them before and I do recommend watching all of them if you are a fan of literature, historic events and different time periods, as well as romance, drama and pretty dresses detailed with frills, lace and ribbons. After watching 'The Edge of Love', I am sure I won't be able to put red lipstick down for weeks. Most of these films star Keira Knightley, (my boyfriend has told me he thinks she is my girl crush), but I do honestly think she portrays her characters very well.

It is my final week before I start my first year at University so I think doing things that allow me to focus on myself and clear my mind is essential; this includes switching off my phone, cuddling up in blankets and watching a film.

Floral and Lace.

It is coming to the end of Summer and so last week I went a little spending crazy and bought some clothing items that would be appropriate for the upcoming Autumn and Winter months. Although I am in love with my new purchases, it sadly means that I need to say goodbye to my favourite Summer dresses for a while.

The black Henry Holland heels are incredibly versatile and go with pretty much everything. I really enjoy wearing them with plain black skinny jeans but during the Summer they have looked adorable with dresses, especially this coral, floral dress that I purchased from New Look. They both look gorgeous paired with a bola hat!

I love the detail of this navy dress I purchased from 'Joy' for my sisters birthday meal. I love lace and the little lace detail on the sleeves is what stood out to me the most. It is very flattering as it pulls in at the waist, drops to just above the knees and smoothly falls over the shoulders. I have owned the heels for a while and struggle to pair them with some of my outfits, however, I think they are the perfect shoe for this dress and they are a great combination with the length and the colour of the dress. I am looking forward to wearing these boots in Autumn though!

The Little Black Satchel.

When I first started blogging, I listed quite a few things I wanted to talk about. One of those things included beauty and fashion, however, I feel as though I have neglected this area a bit. Therefore, I thought I would start with a post about my top three bags at the moment. A bag is both a useful and decorative accessory that is used by most girls, most days and so I think it is a relevant topic to give a sense of my fashion personality and style.

The clutch was a bag I bought in December last year for Christmas events, although I have used it most times on nights out or other events because it is simple and works well with almost everything. In my 'August Favourites' post, I mentioned that I have recently become a fan of rose gold; I love the rose gold details on this bag and I think it creates a simple yet bold feature.

The handbag was given to me as a present for my nineteenth birthday and has been used for special occassions. I like how the bow produces a dramatic statement. I think it looks very cute and pretty yet the colour scheme of black and cream suggests a more sophisticated style. The boldness of it's aspects and the cream on faded black makes it difficult to wear with other items and colours but I do love the style of the bag on its own.

I love the satchel as it is a smaller and classier alternative to an ordinary messenger or shoulder bag. It was bought for my eighteenth birthday and I have had lots of use out of it. It is a bag I am using every day at the moment and I have found it works well for most every day things including going shopping, cinema dates, restaurants, college, interviews and so on. My most favourite staple piece! It was designed by one of my favourite designers, Henry Holland, who originally studied graphic design but who now works in fashion. He is one of my artist inspirations.

I have included three different types of bags that can be used for both the everyday and night time look. The grounds have been created using magazines and a mood board I produced to inspire my graphic design work.

The Liebster Award. My Second Nomination.

I have very kindly been nominated for a second time by Katie for The Liebster Award. Thankyou so much  Katie! I suggest reading her blog too!

As I said in my first 'Liebster Award' post, this award is a way to help new bloggers promote each other and become more well known. I only recently began blogging over the Summer as something to keep me busy and so knowing that I have readers is beyond amazing. I am so thankful to everyone who has recently followed me!

The Rules

1. Thank the person who nominated you by linking their blog.

2. Answer 11 questions the nominator gave to you.

3. Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

4. Create 11 questions for your nominees.

5. Let the nominees know they have been nominated by contacting them.

Katie's Questions:

1. If you could only shop in one high street shop for the rest of your life, where would you shop?

Joy.

2. Would you rather stay in a small apartment in the city or a huge house in the country?

Ooh, either sounds good! Right now though I think I would prefer the apartment in the city.

3. If you were an animal, what do you think you would be... and why?

A butterfly. I like the idea of change and I don't like staying still; I have to do something!

4. Would you rather have constant cheesy puff fingers or constantly have a popcorn kernel stuck in the back of your throat?

Hmm, popcorn?

5. When and why did you start blogging?

July this year. I enjoy writing and photography and I wanted to create something that would inspire my work, style and life.

6. What would be the theme tune to your life at the moment?

I was thinking about this Friday night when the song started playing in the bar I was in.The Middle by Jimmy Eat World.

7. What is one embarrassing thing you have done that makes you die a little inside whenever you remember it?

I can't remember! If I do, I promise I will post it in the comments below.

8. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

Be yourself and ignore the negativity from others.

9. What is your pet hate?

Stubbornness.

10. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Fruit and nut mini weetabix, an apple and a lemon Greek style yogurt.

11. Tell us a random fact about yourself?

I am a bit of a nerd and obsessed with gaming, comics and merchandise that you can find in places such as Forbidden Planet.

My Nominations:
I have already nominated eleven people in my first Liebstar Award post and so I will only nominate a few in this post as at the moment I don't have many more to nominate who are under 200 followers.
1. Chelsie - Pink Rose Beauty.x
2. Dyanne David - Dyanne David
3. Sophie Spaldin - sophiespaldin
4. Eleanor Humphries - eleanor's adventures.
5. Nicole Findlay - Coco made her do it

My Questions:
1. What is your favourite quote?
2. What is the story behind your blog name?
3. Do you have a celebrity that inspires your style? If so, who?
4. How would you describe your style?
5. Do you have any blogging tips?
6. What is your dream career?
7. Day or Night? Summer or Winter?
8. What has been your proudest moment?
9. What is your favourite book/magazine?
10. If you could be a character from a film or TV series, who would you be and why?
11. What is your favourite place to go and your favourite thing to do to relax?

Have fun!

x