To Be Read: Winter Edition!

I made a pact with myself to read twelve books this year. It's November and I'm half way through my tenth book, so for the first time in my whole existence I think (touch wood!) I may succeed in a New Years resolution (get in!). I know it's not book blogger status, with most reading twelve books in a month or three. But it's a personal achievement, and I'm pretty chuffed with myself (pats on back, and cracks open the chocolate to celebrate). Nevertheless, we aren't quite there yet, if my maths serves me correctly I need two more books to reach my target, and these are my possible and probable yet not definite choices for the final reads of the year: 

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. I'm sure you are all aware of Malala; the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, who chose to fight for her right to education, resulting in her being shot in the head. Her story, is incredibly recent, and incredibly important, so I wish to educate myself on the matter, and learn more from her inspiring story. 

Ayoade On Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey by Richard Ayoade. On a much lighter note, I think Richard Ayoade is a fascinating and hilarious individual. I love his comedic style and timing. On that note I hope for lots of laughs from this one. I believe it is produced in interview style... with himself. It sounds very amusing, let's hope it doesn't disappoint. 

A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride. This work of fiction sits on the more serious end of the spectrum once more. You are thrown into the narrator's head, and experience life as she does; immersed within her upbringing, and the influence of her challenging relationship with her brother, who suffered a brain tumor as a child. I think this will be the most mentally demanding read of the three, although I'm happy to test myself with this one. It won the Women's Prize For Fiction in 2014, so it must be pretty darn good right? 

Please let me know any of the books you plan on reading this Autumn/Winter in the comments below, I would love to check them out. x

Autumn & Winter Nails!

Whether you enjoy a sophisticated deep red, prefer a fun n' fabulous glitter & sequined look, or dare to play with textures and finishes this season; velvet or matte... I've got your nails covered. Here are my top five nail polish choices for this currently chilly climate, and the festive period afoot. 

I adore the name first and foremost. I also think this is the prettiest polish by far in my entire collection; the glitter is stunning with the three shades within creating a gorgeous multi dimensional appearance on the nail. If ever I was to call a nail polish captivating this would be it. Not sure if I'm there quite yet...but yeah it really is.

This is the most understated, yet appropriate for the time of year. It's red but not your bright garish stereotypical red. It's demure and sophisticated. A tad more unusual than most reds on the market too, in my opinion.

This is just some fun, every Christmas (eek can I mention the C-word yet!?) party needs a little sequin number, and this is just the one. Each application offers something different. In terms of how many sequins the brush applies to the nail, and what colour range comes from the bottle is purely luck of the draw though! 

This deep navy matte polish is sleek and stylish, not as harsh as a black nail, but just as daring yet delightful. Trés Chic. 

However I do love black nails, now the early nights have set in, I feel black is quite apt! The velvet texture is a fun gimmick to play around with too. 

Those are my five favourites for the season upon us. Please let me know in the comments below if I should check out any others. My nail polish collection is forever growing, I just can't help myself! x 

Current Favourites!

Hello you beautiful human beings! I am well and truly back into my university routine, being in my third and final year now (of my Sociology degree at least!), it's the beginning of the end..eek. So now I'm back to my stash of all things beauty and otherwise, I thought I should sit down and tell you about my current favourites. Since my last favourites was an ENTIRE year ago (whoopsy daisy), now might be a good time to update you. Right let's get down to the nitty gritty shall we... 

Make Up

My lipstick and gloss combo recently has been the Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in 'Grace' (£22 for full size) which is a pale beige nude. I will say on it's own it doesn't suit my skin tone that well, due to my pale complexion, it can wash me out. However with my sheer baby pink Laura Mercier lip glacé in 'Bare Baby' (£19 for full size) on top, it is a perfect union, for natural everyday make up. Both products wear well, and sit comfortably on the lips too (especially the Hourglass lipstick; velvety smooth...oh la la). 

Nails

It is well and truly Autumn edging closer to Winter every single day. Although I must say the Autumn weather has been so mild this year, it's refreshingly odd, not complaining though. I've probably completely jinxed us UK humans saying that...sorry. That was a tangent, if I ever saw one. Anywhoo as I was saying the colder months are upon us, and so the darker shades make their appearance once more. OPI's deep purple named "I Carol About You" (£8.95) from the 2014 holiday collection has resurfaced from the depths of my nail varnish collection, and I really love it. OPI varnishes are great, they last well (with a top coat) I only retouch them every 3-4 days, which is actually quite an accomplishment for me and my nails. 

Scent

Mac's "Turquatic" perfume (£23 for 20ml) is super duper lovely in my humble opinion. Firstly the bottle is unique with it's floral and grass theme, which looks cool on my dressing table. However it's like a weapon, the edges are extremely sharp (keep away from children..and me. Just kiddin' kids it's not that bad). The scent notes include anemone, lotus, orris and Corsican blue cedar (honestly I don't know what half that stuff is, but it smells good all together!). To me the scent is quite a strong slightly muskier scent, with a hint of licorice, which sounds insane to me, I hate licorice to taste but I guess I don't mind it as a scent? How bizarre.

Hair

Co Lab's Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo in the Rio tropical scent (£4) is wonderful at making your hair last between washes, it absorbs oils and doesn't leave a white cast in the hair. The extreme volume version is great at adding that bit of oomph! to my limp fine hair, which is just smashing. 

Skincare

Sheet masks are such a fun pampering pick me up, they make you look like a scary ghost or serial killer, which is great for snapchatting (SUCH FUN!). I got my masks from China this summer, from Etude House (80p each), but there are many variations on the market. In terms of logistics I just pop the slimy sheet of skincare goodness onto my face for twenty minutes, and immediately after my skin feels so much softer and looks more plump with a renewed glow. 

In addition I just want to mention my Pink Grapefruit Hand Cream from The Body Shop (£4). It's a hand cream filled with moisturising oils, which make your hands feel beautifully soft. Really it's the pink grapefruit scent that makes this one my fave though. It smells delicious. 

Fashion

These shoes (£45) are a love/hate item. Clearly I love them. They're from Next, which is a tad unusual for me, as I never shop in Next, but I went in with a friend, and haven't looked back since! haha. I love the sophisticated school girl vibe the shoes give off. They are black lace ups (very past Natalie aged 10) but with a 3/4 inch heel (very present Natalie aged 20). They're comfortable enough to wear with skinny jeans on a daily basis, but look great with a skirt or shorts too for a dressed up look. 

Book

I am currently reading 'After You' (£12.99) the sequel to Jojo Moyes 'Me Before You'. I really enjoyed the first, a chick-lit filled with tears and laughter, and the second seems to be following suit. I highly recommend it, if you're into your light contemporary reads, with a bit of heart, and relatability thrown into the mix.

Food

If you are eating healthy look away now. You have been warned. Now don't judge me. This is a safe place; no T, no shade, no pink lemonade. Lotus Biscoff Crunchy Biscuit Spread (£2.25) is heaven in a jar. Grab a spoon and dig in. You're welcome. 

Item

My Primark 'Hello' lidded plastic glass. Perfect for on the go, but for me it is a big "HELLO! I'm a big glass of water, drink me, so you are the slightest bit healthier and stay hydrated!". Just a subtle hint to myself there. Plus it's super cute. 

TV

I am a decade late to the party but Prison Break is just brilliant. It has everything; suspense, humour, heart, as well as great plot line, script and acting. I'm obsessed, although still on season one so no spoilers! For anyone who has been under a rock, like me for the past ten years, Prison Break is exactly as it sounds, men with a plan to break out of prison. To me, it's like a testosterone filled Orange is the New Black. Just splendid. 

On the reality end of the spectrum I am relishing in the ridiculousness and trashiness of Are You The One? season three, which is airing now. Some of the girls are nutcases and some of the boys are poo-heads (pardon my French), but that makes it all the more enjoyable to watch. There is also a part of me who is like get me in that house, and let me meet my perfect match! Basically it is a dating show, where ten guys, and ten girls live together, and with in the group each have been matchmake'd with their perfect romantic partner. However they don't know who their perfect match is. They must try to work it out with their hearts (and their heads) to win the grand prize fund; but with twists and turns and make ups and break ups, it gets pretty cray cray. 

...and there we have it, all my current favourites, this was fun, let's do it again sometime soon. Please let me know if you have any recommendations, in the comments below, as I am always on the hunt for worthy products/time consumers. xx