Smiling on Sunday :: Four.

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This week has felt short and long in many respects, I'm quite pleased to be hanging on to the weekend with an extra day added to my bank holiday and it only being Sunday.

There has been quite a bit to be pleased about this week, even if a lot of it has involved making grown up decisions that no one is able to make for me - a small part of me misses the time when I was always told what to do.

IRL:

• I got a new job! - After the uncertain feeling from last week, things seem to have turned around a bit, as I've noticed it seems to since doing these round-ups, maybe nothing is really worth the dramz. But yes, pending contracts and the like, I'll be a Digital Marketing Executive come the middle of September. It all marks the beginning of exciting (and scary) things
• Cups of tea post-dinner - This week I've been getting into the habit of making myself a nice cup of tea after dinner, not only that but I've managed to catch it at the perfect temperature when I come to drink it too. This is something that I tend to do more once it gets cooler but given that I've spent more nights this week with a blanket wrapped around me than not, I think it's justified
• Having the bed to myself for a few minutes each morning - What this really means is that Moon is having to get up earlier to beat traffic and coming home super-sleepy in the evenings because of it but there's something really good about starfishing out for an extra 10 minutes before it's time to make myself presentable

Must-Try Recipes:

• 21 Energy Boosting Breakfast Toasts - I think breakfast is my favourite meal of the day but I do still find my tummy rumbling at work come 11am, not good. Toast is usually what I go for but after seeing these, I recognise that what I'm putting on it might not make for the most nutritional breakfast. Definitely willing to give some of these a try, may avoid the ones with cottage cheese though
• Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup - I know it seems silly for it to be August and to be talking about soups but it's been so chilly around these parts, plus it's such a bright colour you could say it's summery. I made a stew at the beginning of the week, while I hope the weather does warm up, I do miss my staple one-pot dishes a little bit
• Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps - This is what I feel like we should be having, and on a warmer afternoon at the beginning of the month we had something very similar at my mum's. I always forget it exists, I think because I don't care for iceberg lettuce very much but as a wrap, it's a wonderful way to make a dish more refreshing

Lovely Links:

The birthday dinner party Ally from Now That's Pretty threw for her boyfriend looks wonderful. She's given some great tips for throwing your own big dinner party too, makes me wish our friends lived nearer to us so we could pull one of these out 'just because' rather than for a special occasion.

Lyzi's photographs from her Bucket List Balloon Ride are truly awesome. Going up in an air balloon is something I've always wanted to do, it looks so fun and peaceful.

Charlotte's post from her trip to Dublin had me quite excited to take a trip to Southern Ireland. With the Irish side of my family being from Belfast, most holidays to Ireland have been in Northern Ireland or more to the west. I think I've only been to Dublin once and I spent the day grumpy (because I am grumpy, not because of Dublin) and I think it's only fair to give it another go.

Next Week's Motto: 'You get out what you put in...'
What's made you smile this week?

Feel to Follow.

All these recent posts going around about how the end of GFC is nearing has kind of put the scarers on me. Since the first few started coming out I started using Bloglovin' a lot more, and it's actually pretty decent, especially since Blogger started making it so you can only look at one blog at a time and I'm a big fan of queuing things up in my tavs. Bloglovin' allows you to preview posts, like and archive them and categorise the blogs you follow however you like. I'm pretty happy to make the move over, but obviously, I'm not so happy that (for seemingly no reason) Google Friend Connect is being completely phased out, so I just thought I'd let you know there are a few other ways to follow me and stay up to date.

Bloglovin' – This is the main platform I use and check up on, it's great for finding new blogs and has a really user-friendly, attractive layout.

Twitter – I usually update my Twitter as soon as a put up a new post. It's also a good place to start if you fancy a general chit chat and don't mind unnecessary updates on my day-to-day life.

Instagram – If you like pictures of white cats and food, this is probably the perfect Instagram account for you! I don't tend update it with info about my blog that often (because I'm lazy), but sometimes I do, and there is a link in my profile if you're just a casual reader.

So there you have it, I hope we stay friends after 'the big switch', I'd love to be able to hear from you.

The Liebster Blog Award.

Awh, it was nice to wake up this morning to being nominated for an award. Lovely Charlotte from Suitcase Packer has nominated me for The Liebster Award, so thank you very much! I'm pleased anyway, but I just love this kind of thing.

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The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs!

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Here are my 11 things about myself:

1. I need to start driving again.
2. There are two reasons I haven't cut my hair in the last year; I'm indecisive about the style and I can't choose which hairdresser to go to.
3. I often feel terribly nervous.
4. I'm so excited about my first proper grown-up holiday with Moon that I could burst!
5. Since starting work with Vue, I haven't been interviewed for a job that seems like more fun than working at Vue, even if it's a low-skilled job compared to my skillset and overall ambition.
6. I'm such a neat-freak.
7. I owe my love and knowledge of animals to David Attenborough and visits to The Natural History Museum and London Zoo.
8. I love making lists - I like to know what I've got to do by when and what I've done and when.
9. I kind of regret my degree discipline because I think I would have been capable of something more academic; although that's the only reason why, I loved University.
10. I wish I could spend afternoons drawing, the way I used to.
11. I cannot fathom how to plait hair.

Charlotte's questions:

1. Sweet or savoury? I'm a fan of both but I think savoury wins overall.
2. Three things that irritate you? Starting things halfway through, when pettiness is given ruling over common sense and unnecessary loud noises.
3. When are you at your happiest? When I'm not worrying/ when I'm eating.
4. Proudest moment/achievement to date? It's a toss-up between getting my degree and moving out.
5. Something you wear everyday. My watch.
6. Describe your style in three words. Colourful, quirky, high-street.
7. Are you a tea drinker or a coffee drinker? Tea, but I do love a good cup of coffee.
8. What would you most like to do if money weren't a problem? Travel the world, buy a few houses, get a Panasonic GF3, sort out driving - I can't really think of anything else I want at the moment.
9. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Lately, I've been hiding from the cat.
10. What is the last thing you do at night? Read.
11. What was the last film you watched? The Boondock Saints - which I didn't really like.

My questions:

1. What made you start blogging?
2. What do you like to do in your spare time?
3. What is your favourite TV show?
4. What was the last book you read?
5. What did you want to be when you younger?
6. What is your favourite item of clothing?
7. What is your favourite song at the moment?
8. Describe your style.
9. Last awkward moment?
10. If you were given £1,000,000 right now, what would you spend it on?
11. Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

My nominations:

Hannah Curson

Rachel T Beauty

Vanity Frills

Goodnight Prudence

Neeny's Wishlist

A Scholar Life

Jenni ~ My Style

All The Pretty Things

The Weekender Trender

When Flowers Fall

Chelle's Beauty

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Tuesday Tabs #22

Hello, Everyone!
I'm genuinely kind of sad about being such a lazy blogger recently, but I've been so busy with work and the weather has been so crappy that even when I haven't been doing anything, I've just been snuggling up and eating (a lot), so I'm afraid I've not really had much to say. I have some nice things to show you this week though, and I want to get things back on track and re-assess things before I start work tomorrow evening.

Life is bloody hard, I have to start thinking about in-goings and outgoings, which was kind of horrible as I had to make a small stopover at the Bank of Mum, despite having a full-time job. I guess I understand why so many people are still living at home, it's much easier. It's not that I'm struggling, I'm just full of worry all the time, but I guess you can tell that that's quietly my general disposition anyway.

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(via Stars Stripes Skulls Lights)

My favourite Jenna Marbles moment, Kermit is one of the best dogs. ♥


Half Full/Half Empty Tote Bag, £8.50, Lazy Oaf
It's been a little while since I've found myself on the Lazy Oaf website, not for any particular reason, I guess just because I haven't had the time. While I have no need for any more tote bags, and am already the proud owner of another Lazy Oaf tote that I picked up at their Christmas pop-up shop, but I really love the design of this one. Basically I just really love Lazy Oaf.


Frenchie Dog Ring, £24, Lazy Oaf


Stig Lindberg - Swedish Tea Time A3 Print, £12.45, Re Style Shop
This would sit beautifully next to our Pie & Vinyl print, it's so vibrant.


You And Me And The Cat Print, £24.41, Ashley G
I'm not sure if I've blogged about this before or not, but I adore this print from Ashley G, in fact, there are a few of her pieces that I've love to own. This would look lovely in our study, although as it's a bit cat-centric I don't think Moon would go for it. Maybe when we get a dog, he'll go for the dog alternative.


Vintage Cat & Stripe Dress, £47.19, Rusty Cuts
This dress is too good (for obvious reasons), I don't think I can handle it.


Lord Pug Necklace, £18, Cheap Frills
I haven't bought any new jewellery in quite a long time. This is adorable and suits my general 'I love Animals'-themed wardrobe ♥.


I'm on a major scout-out for a summer handbag. Although my mum has been lovely and picked me up one of my cousin's handbags while she was over in Hong Kong, I've no idea when I'll be home again yet so it's currently a toss-up between these two. It's so hard, I love the pink one's shape but I like the colours of the other one. See how hard life can be?!
Left: River Island Fluro Messenger Bag, £25, ASOS
Right: ASOS Colour Block Nylon Hobo Bag, £35, ASOS

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Link Love: ♥

Andy Hope's 'Being Brave' — Portrait series by photographer, Andy Hope documenting children going in for dental procedures at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Goodnight Little Spoon - Weekly List 17 — Goodnight Little Spoon is one of my favourite blogs for inspiration, it's list-heaven! Bianca posts so many great lists, in so many forms, from things she's done to things she wants to do. She's also big on Keri Smith's 100 Ideas and I love the way she interprets them.

Street-art from Austrian artist, Meersau — Sometimes I forget how good 'good' street art can be.

Emmerlie Jay's 'She Said' Beauty Box Review — These seem like a more youthful alternative to Glossybox, and it's slightly cheaper so may be worth a trial run.

Teal Vintage French Telephone — This is one of the nicest telephones I've ever seen, but we don't need two telephones :(

How to Make Your Own Nail Polish in Any Colour — Nail varnish is definitely one thing that I don't need extra, but this is a pretty simple tutorial to make your own custom colours using just eyeshadow, clear nail varnish and a toothpick.

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Today is full of housework, accounts and cooking. I'm also jumping back on the 'proper job hunt' wagon as that's another thing that's been seriously neglected in the last few weeks. I've done the productive thing of moving my laptop back to the study so I'm going to try and keep it like that. Honestly, I was pretty happy with keeping it in here, but Moon gets lonely if I go 'interneting' in the evening, as he often just sits in front of the telly with his laptop, nuisance, it isn't as though the flat is huge.

Thanks for reading, I'm off to sort my life out.

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Currently Listening To: Shallow Bed - Dry The River

Sunshine on my shoulders.

So, in leu of today's 'surprise' terrible weather I've given my blog a bright facelift. I'm still umming and ahhing over it and I'm considering tableting up myself a custom header but this will do for now. On a sun-related note, I've been tagged by lovely NUJ buddy, Megan, for the 'Sunshine award', which is quite exciting, so here it goes!

Megan is currently documenting her year in a Project 365, you can check out her blog, 'Megan's Musings', here.

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So, the way this works, is you get nominated and then you pass it on to others. ♥

Instructions:

Include the Award’s logo in a post on your blog

Answer 10 questions about yourself

Nominate 10 other bloggers

Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know they have been nominated

Share the love and link the person who nominated you

10 questions

1. My favorite colour: Teal
2. My favorite animal: I like all or at least most animals, but my favourite is cats.
3. My favorite number: 8
4. My favorite drink: Coca-cola
5. Facebook or twitter: Facebook
6. My passion: Photography
7. Prefer giving or getting presents: Probably getting, but surprises are nice.
8. My favourite pattern: Something chintzy.
9. My favorite day of the week: Sunday
10. My favourite flower: Sunflower

I would like to nominate these blogs for the “Sunshine Award”:

1. Attempted Illustration
2. Hannah Curson
3. Suitcase Packer
4. Goodnight Little Spoon
5. The Cookie Button
6. A Beautiful Mess
7. Sophie Etc
8. The Dainty Squid
9. Goodnight Prudence
10. The Chatttt Along Blog

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Thanks for nominating me, Megan, it's very much appreciated, brings me back to Myspace days. :)

Bonjour, Avril.

Today was an incredibly uneventful way to see in a new month. Scarily seeing in a new month really, what am I going to do? I sure hope I don't see in another month jobless, this is all getting very uncool. I still don't think I've caught up on all my lost sleep from this week as I still feel exhausted, but I'm beginning to think it's probably more down to the general stress rather than just not sleeping enough.

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I did this on Friday morning, but I figured that now was as good a time as any to share them with you. Because it was so cold yesterday I still haven't got around to finishing off upcycling my chest, but expect to see things in the next few days.

I used Gem Fatale's fool-proof tutorial and I'm super-happy with the result. I picked these jeans up for £13 from Primark, and they'll do as a good stand-in for the Republic daisy-print trousers I've had a hankering for. Although polka-dots do add something different to these jeans already, I think they needed a little extra. They were too long for me anyway so needed taking up, but having kitties on the pockets is the best bonus. I don't think I did a too bad job considering I was lacking hair straighteners which look as though they would definitely make the job a thousand times easier. Now I know it's this easy, I definitely think I'll give it go again in future.

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While I remember I also thought I would share these neat tropical-print shoes I picked up from ASOS for just £11. I'm currently not that happy with them as after a first serious wear they've left me with some very sore blisters. I'm willing to push on forward though because overall they're pretty solid and feel like they might last quite long, plus the pattern is pretty...


Have you bought anything fun lately to fully embrace the brilliant weather, may as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Today's the day I start FatMumSlim's April Photo A Day Challenge, which, due to how this post has turned out, I'll slip into a new post. There's still a lot of the 1st of April left, so it's not to late to join in.

Happy April Fools Day!

Spring Mint.

Apparently the football is on, so I thought I'd take some time to give you a quick update.

I have an interview for a Media Researcher position with BSkyB tomorrow, which I think is a pretty big deal. It is a little bit daunting thinking of all the people who must have applied for the role but it's great to have even been considered for an interview. I'm still going to go in faking confidence though, as I feel like it's similar to the kind of role I've taken on as an intern so I should be able to do it.

I'm posting today to share with you an outfit I wore the other day, I think it really sums up how the weather has been at the moment, how amazing was it today? Saying that, I did make the mistake of not bringing a cardigan down to Moon's for this evening and am currently slobbing it up in one of his massive man hoodies. Hopefully you'll see this as a slightly more flattering outfit.


Cardigan: H&M
Dress: TK Maxx
Necklaces: Primark, H&M
Tights: Dorothy Perkins
Socks: New Look
Boots: River Island


These a little bit worse for wear at the moment as I haven't cleaned them since Moon and I went to Richmond Park a few weeks ago. They're still really comfortable, but much less structured than they were, I'm going to go on a hunt for tips on how to fix this/see if I can even fix it.


Topshop


I picked up that dress in TK Maxx a couple of weeks ago, while in a 'it needs to be Spring now' kind of mood. I love it but was given a challenge by Moon who claimed I would be unable to pull it off. It's a slightly different length to the dresses that I usually wear but I love how floaty and girly it makes me feel, was an instant mood-lifter after the lame-fest that was attending the Job Centre on Monday.

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I've been wearing the Lancôme mascara that I got in my Glossybox instead of my usual, and I actually can't say that I really notice that much difference. In the picture below I even have one on one eye and the other on the other. I mean it's a nice mascara, don't get me wrong, but I'm pretty high-street and I couldn't justify it being almost 4 times the price of my usual when I don't feel that it's that amazing. I guess I did catch my Rimmel mascara on a good day, but I don't mind waiting for a good day, especially when 'bad days' aren't actually that bad.

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So, I mentioned that I had a bit of an Etsy-fest last week, I did restrain myself, but also picked up a couple of things, one I'm still waiting for, but these delights popped through the letterbox this morning, amazing. I'm not sure why I got them but they're so adorable and different from anything I've ever really seen before. I got them from Flapper Girl and they arrived pretty quickly, I can't wait to try them out.

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Here is how my nails look today, I was inspired by Kaylah over at The Dainty Squid when she modelled her robin's egg polka dot nails. I basically worked with what I had, putting my trusty eBay nail-art pen to work, I think it makes a bit of a change from my standard flowers and leopard print.

Base: Models Own, Jade Stone
Glitter: Rimmel, Disco Ball
Top coat: BeautyUK Matte Top Coat

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I finally caved today and picked up a new perfume, despite what I said when I reviewed my Glossbybox. Most perfume is currently 10% off at Superdrug and I've been lusting after Lacoste 'Touch of Pink' since forever. It's a bit fruity but also so fresh, I usually get bought perfume so it was quite liberating to be able to make my own choice over how I should smell (lolz).

700.

Wow, this is a bit awkward, I appear to have reached my 700th post, and apparently this is my fourth year of blogging here, wow. I guess I'll just share some pretty internet things with you because my tabs bar is pretty full.

Today was very uneventful, other than applying for four picture editing jobs today and getting no response as of yet. I also hung out with my kitten, she's pretty neat but quite dumb. She kept going downstairs and forgetting I was still here so she would call out, then I would shout down to her and she would come running up chirping at me, adorable but a bit stupid.

(via The Black Apple)

These have been floating around Tumblr and all kind of other blogs, they're so cute, if only they weren't so much and so far away.

Both: Me & Zena
'Bobby Dazzler' Pill Box Ring, £29
'Write On' Pencil Bangle, £44

Me & Zena have been posting the best jewellery on their Facebook this week, these are definitely the two that I'm most tempted by for when I have a few more pennies, and they have the cutest names too!

(via HellYeahTheMaccabees)

I'm so super-psyched that The Maccabees' new album is dropping on Monday, there are far too many 'Given to the Wild' teasers around. I just want the thrill of listening to all-new songs on an all-new album. If you happen to be a Maccabees fan, they'll be doing Channel 4's 360 Sessions on Thursday 12th January at 12:50am.

(via Hannah Curson)

This week, you should totally check out Hannah Curson's blog about the 'Frame Wall' she's currently working on , she's posted some neat craft ideas and has even given me inspiration to start my own similar collection. Who knew that a bunch of mismatched frames could still look so stylish?

(via FuckYeahNailArt)

I suppose that now I'm living with a cat fulltime again I have a right to go a bit 'cat lady'. This looks like so much fun and could be a great way to put my nail art pens to use
A tutorial for this manicure can be found on Polish You Pretty.

(via The Daily What)

Artist, Yayoi Kasuma let a whole bunch of kids loose with coloured stickers on her 'domestic installation' at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.

Link Love:

The Dainty Squid's Friday Favourites — This is my favourite feature on this blog and she's posted the most awesome things this week, even though I have enough mugs, I think I need the one featured in this post. And that noticeboard has provided so many possibilities for my someday home.

My CreativePool profile — So, I did a bit on this today, I do feel a bit like the website is a bit beyond my reach but I'm sure it won't hurt to have it properly there and maybe something will come from it.

Erin Hanson's latest Want/Need Image — So true.

In Order — Great Etsy shop featured in the latest Dainty Squid Friday Favourite, it sells awesome chalk boards with storage. God I love storage, perhaps one of the main thing I'm looking forward to when I finally move out is the shelves I'm going to get myself.

100 Greatest Simpsons Movie References

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I think I'm going to start this 30 Day Challenge from Monday, I love doing these, they can be quite fun and this is a bit different from ones I've seen/done before. ♥.
Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favourite show
Day 04 - A picture of one of your favourite memories from 2011
Day 05 - A picture of your favourite memory of all time
Day 06 - A person who always cheers you up
Day 07 - A person you would trade places with for the day
Day 08 - A picture of you and one of your best friends
Day 09 - A picture of you and the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of you and the person you do the most silly things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favourite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of you and someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture of your guilty pleasure
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of you and someone who ALWAYS makes you laugh
Day 22 - A picture of you and someone who you could talk for hours with
Day 23 - A picture of your favourite book
Day 24 - A picture of the funnest thing you've ever done :)
Day 25 - A picture of you when you were little
Day 26 - A picture of your all time favourite food
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss