Leibster Award

 

It genuinely upsets me that I haven't felt inspired or motivated enough to blog for about a month now. I was so proud that I managed to post 21 times in January, and it disheartens me that I've let stress prevent me from doing something I really enjoy. What with coursework deadlines and travelling to and from France, I just felt so anxious that there wasn't any storage space left in my brain for anything other than worry. But now that I'm feeling back to my usual self I thought I would ease myself back into the world of blogging with a tag style post.

I was nominated for the Liebster Award ages ago by Chloe but completely forgot to do it and since then I was also tagged by Becky, Manpreet, Laura and Anna. So thank you so much for the nominations and sorry it has taken me so long! As to not bore you with me rambling on about my self for 55 questions, I thought I would just take a few from each:

RULES

 

Link the person/people that have nominated you

Answer the 11 questions given by the nominator/s

Nominate 11 blogs with less than 500 followers

Create 11 new questions for nominees to answer

Notify the nominees on their social media

ANSWERS

 

1. If you could give one piece of advice about blogging, what would it be?

 

I don't think I'm really the best person to give out advice about anything really, but when it comes to blogging I would say that the best thing to do is to create posts that you would like to read yourself, rather than just copying other people because that's how you think a blog is 'supposed' to be. How can you expect anyone to enjoy your content if your not even interested?

2. Favourite quote?

 

It sounds unbelievably cheesy, but I think the quote that has had the most effect on me and my perspective on life, is 'tomorrow could be the best day of your life'. It's so simple but until I saw it down in writing for the first time, it had never even crossed my mind. As I briefly mentioned in my reflecting on 2014 post, I've had a few shitty (there's no better word to describe it) years recently, and just reminding myself that everyday is a new chance at happiness, has kept me so much stronger than I even thought was possible for my usually weak-willed self. It made me think, why give up now when I could be so close?   

 

3. What is your biggest concern when going out, your makeup or outfit?

 

Probably my makeup. I think generally your face is what other people notice, and if your face is looking its best then you can make practically any outfit look good. I tend to spend about 40 minutes doing my makeup and only 1 minute deciding what to wear.

 

4. What do you feel most proud of in your life?

 

My first reaction was to say my GCSE results, but in all honesty, school work and grades don't actually mean an awful lot to me. I think I am most proud of all those little steps that I've made over the past year, towards building my independence and confidence. It's all those first time things like flying by myself, booking myself a hairdressers appointment, or getting on the right train by myself. All those things that sound ridiculous but made me sick to the stomach with nerves. All those things that I can now do.

 

5. If you could have the wardrobe of any celebrity who would you choose and why?

 

aahh that's such a hard question. I reckon if you asked me again in a months time my answer would be completely different, but right now I am completely obsessed with Rihanna and her undisputable style. Besides maybe a certain risqué, yet still kind of beautiful, dress (can you even call it a dress?), I would very very happily wear any of her outfits from the past year or so.

 

6. Where is your ideal holiday?

 

I have always wanted to go to Greece (mainly just to take photos ngl), but generally, visiting big cities is one of my all time favourite things to do. I would love to go inter-railing in Europe at some point to see a load of new cities in one go, and although it's a bit of a cliché, New York is definitely also on the list.

 

7. What is your favourite item of clothing right now? (You can add a picture if you want to)

 

Being the lazy sod that I am, of course it had to be pyjamas. These are the comfiest, cosiest, cutest, clothes I have ever owned; how could they not be my favourite?  

 

8. What's your favourite part about blogging?

 

I love the freedom of blogging. It allows me to be creative whenever I want and with whatever I want. In life we have very little control, so I find that it is almost therapeutic to have that small part of the internet that is mine and mine alone, where responsibilities and pressures are either non-existent or self inflicted. Unless you include playing candy crush, there isn't actually much in my life anymore that I do solely for my own enjoyment, so as silly and insignificant as it sounds, blogging really is important to me.      

 

9. What is your song of the week?

 

Definitely Four Five Seconds by Rihanna, Kanye West, Paul McCartney. No doubt about it.

 

10. What's your favourite place you've ever visited?

 

I've been to Barcelona a few times now and I would still love to go back again, it's such a lovely place. I also remember Ljubljana being a really beautiful city. Oh and of course London.

 

11. How would you describe your music taste and who is your favourite artist?

 

I don't actually know how to describe my music taste because I even surprise myself sometimes with the songs I like, but here are some of my favourite artists:

Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Portugal. The Man, The neighbourhood, Frank Ocean, Amber Run, Arctic Monkeys, Maroon 5, Jessie Ware, Beyoncé, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams, Years and Years, Catfish and the Bottlemen, One Direction, Rizzle Kicks, The Beatles, Lorde, James Arthur, Disclosure...

oops sorry got a bit carried away with that list

QUESTIONS

1. What was the last thing you bought?
2. Best moment of 2015 so far?
3. What film would you recommend?
4. Which language do you wish you could speak fluently?
5. Heels or trainers?
6. Do you have a music guilty pleasure?
7. Do you plan on getting a tattoo?
8. Do you have any pets? (if yes post a photo!)
9. Which blog post are you most proud of?
10. What is you favourite nail varnish shade?
11. What is the most expensive fashion item you own

NOMINEES

Sorry if any of you have already done it, but I nominate:
http://emandhanxo.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.lucyjlove.blogspot.com
http://aikateriniblog.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.asocalledbeautyblog.com/
http://petalsofperfection.blogspot.co.uk/
http://missannabellasrambles.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.littleelliemae.co.uk/
http://sophieroseblogs.com/
http://labelsandlipstick1.blogspot.co.uk/
http://asouthwalesblog.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.hailandharmony.blogspot.ie/

The Christmas Time Tag!

It's nearly Christmas! And 2 Christmas themed posts on my blog didn't seem enough, so me and Gemma from touch of belle decided to create a new Christmas tag! I love Gemma's blog and I'm sure you will too so go have a look!
I'm going to tag a few people to answer the 10 questions at the end, but I would love for anyone reading this to do it too. If you do, tag me or leave me a link in the comments and I'll have a look!

The rules are of the tag are:

-       You must tag back to the person who tagged you

-       Tag 5 other bloggers to do the tag

-       Have fun!

 

1. Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Me, my brother and my sister have always had a stocking that we wake up to at the end of our beds, and still do! We all wake up ridiculously early to open them up together. It might sound childish but it still makes me happy and excited, no matter how old I am.

 

2. What is your favourite Christmas film? 

I think most people would agree with me that Elf has to be up there with the best. Its so funny and adorable and writing this has really made me want to watch it now! I also love How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Maybe that's because the Grinch is such a relatable character...




... but seriously though, It's such a cute film and so different to anything I've ever seen. If you haven't seen it WATCH IT.
 

3. Do you have any Christmas wishes?

I just wish that everything in my life continues to get better and that I keep getting happier.

 

4. What is your favourite part of Christmas? 

Its a bit of a cliché but I really love watching other people opening their presents and just generally seeing people happy.  

 

5. When do you usually put your Christmas decorations up?
Usually about a week or two before. As much as they love Christmas, my parents have always been strangely strict about not putting them up too early. I do think they're right though because otherwise you'll get too used to the decorations and they won't be as exciting!  

6. What Christmas Food do you spend the whole year looking forward to?
I'm not actually that fussed about the whole Christmas dinner thing because some of my favourite meals are the simple things like beans on toast or pasta, but I love Mince pies so so much! The first mince pie of the year is always pretty special.

7. When do you think is acceptable to start getting into the Christmas spirit? (listening to Christmas songs, decorating...)
I do think that this time of year goes by way to quickly so you might as well make the most of it, however saying that, I cant stand those people who put their Christmas tree up like 2 months in advance. Like I said before, it kind of takes away from the excitement and specialness (is that even a word) of it all. I would say that around the beginning of December is a good compromise.

8. Top 3 songs for Christmas time?
When it comes to Christmas songs, I love anything Michael Buble, so I would have to say the Michael Buble versions of:

• It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
• Have yourself a merry little Christmas
• Blue Christmas

I'm actually thinking about doing a Christmas playlist so keep an eye out for that!

9. What's your favourite shop for buying Christmas presents?
I'm tempted to say Primark because of the prices, but really it has to be Urban Outfitters. Not only do they have amazing clothes, but they also have a big selection of really cute presents for women and men. I think that if I was a bit richer, I would buy all my gifts from there!

10. Insert a photo from a past Christmas that makes you smile!

The people I tag to answer the questions are :

intheeyeof-this.blogspot.co.uk/  +Alice Wright
afrugalofperfection.blogspot.co.uk/ +Jenny G
lovehannahxoxo.blogspot.co.uk/ +Emily Hannah
littlefickleblog.blogspot.co.uk/ +Sam Smethurst
chloexlogan.blogspot.co.uk/ +chloe logan
missannabellasrambles.blogspot.co.uk/

Feel free to use the Christmas Time Tag picture!