SUMMER

.

Evening guys and gals, this is simply a Summer appreciation Blog post (!) since today was officially my first day of my 6 week summer break. 6 weeks does't sound anywhere near as long as it used to when I was younger!! It's going to absolutely fly by and before I know it I'll be back at Sixth form for my final year (Arghh!). So I've decided and agreed (with myself) that I'm going to make the most out of this Summer! I won't let a day go past without doing something productive, even if that means hitting the gym or (cry) doing homework.

Today was such a nice start to my Summer! Me and my gallies headed down to our local park for a cute picnic/ sunbathe. We ended up spending about 6 hours in the same spot enjoying soaking up the sun and chatting about everything! Despite me putting sun cream on though I still managed to burn my poor back, oopsie.

And now I'm none stop for the next four days before we go on our family holiday to Orlando, Florida - cannot wait for that!! Don't worry, I'm gonna be a full on tourist taking snaps and I'll do PLENTY of posts. So just a quick run down of my busy schedule, not to bore you;
Saturday - Thorpe Park then a party
Sunday - Shopping with my brother Zach, then a BBQ
Monday - Shopping with friend Molly, driving lesson and take out night with friends
Tuesday - Gym then PACKING
Wednesday - HOLIDAY!

So I hope you've got plenty of good plans for the summer too

Alton Alton Towers Baby

If you hadn't guessed from the title, Yep! Yesterday I went to Alton Towers Resort AND had a bloody amazing time!

Just arrived and raring to go! (I'm 5th in from the right btw)

For our Year 12 end of year rewards trip, we all voted to be at school for 5am and do a four hour coach trip to get to Alton Towers. Call us crazy! It was an absolutely axhausting day but despite the VERY early wake up call and the long journey, it most definitely was worth it. Being not officially the school summer holiday period yet meant it wasn't overwhelmingly busy so we managed to get on so many of the crazy rides and really get to enjoy the day.

You know what they say, 'Suns out, Guns out' and we all definitely made the most of the weather. It felt so hot yesterday, almost as if we were in a foreign country! But we certainly weren't complaining - the sun only added to our already fab day out! And with our legs out walking around in the sunshine for hours we all managed to catch a bit of a tan too! Hoorah!

We are all hanging up there somewhere!

We headed straight to AIR as soon as we got there and had no queue at all - such a great way to start. I've always loved air, the unique rollercoaster is such a thrill, you feel like you're flying (well I do anyway). We then made our way round the park, doing all the big rollercaoster and also some of the smaller - but not any less scary - rides too! My favourite of the day is Alton Towers new ride for 2013; The Smiler. We queued for about an hour so were all hoping it would be worth it. And Yes it was! The Smiler is the longest ride in the park, almost 3 minutes long. It has soo many loops and you spend the majority of the ride upside down or VERY high up from the ground!

After consuming my own body weight in junk food and allowing the blood to rush to my head many times throughout the day, it was 6pm and time to all head back to the bus! Just enough time for one last photo!

Tanned but shattered after a long day out!

If you haven't been to Alton Towers before then start saving and definitely put it on your bucket list, such a good theme park with so much to do, even if you're not a huge fun of giant rollercoasters!
Four more days of school and then my summer can really start! This was another great pre-summer outing though! And definitely a good one to give me a flavour of what Disney World will be like in a few weeks time! Ahhh!

Have you been to Alton Towers or Disney World? What did you think?

It's a blacked-out blur!

I'm back guys! Hope you haven't felt too deprived from my blog posts!

I've been crazy busy recently and just had THE best weekend in such a long time!
Friday started off fabulously with an extra long lay in bed as 4/5 of my lessons had been cancelled, meaning I didn't have to be in school until about half 1. Then friday night! My best friend Tori had a hot tub gathering with around 20 people. Drinks were flowing rather quickly and lets just say the rest of the night is my inspiration for today blog title...

Here's a dodgy selfie of what I wore.

Bikini - New Look

Jumper - Joe Browns(old)

Denim shorts - MOTO Topshop

What I do remember was hilarious and such good fun! Good job I had no plans for Saturday though. I spent the majority of the day recovering on the sofa watching a marathon of Keeping up with the Kardashians! Sadly there aren't any photos from Friday night though :( well, none appropriate for my blog anyway!

Then Saturday evening was time for round 2 as I had another party to attend. My good old pal Taylor had a little celebration for Summer - what a great excuse for a party! The weather had warmed up so out came the summer clothes too. Although a little drama, overall another very good night (considerably more sober too).

Em, Amelia, Tay and Me!

*What I'm wearing*

Crop top - Boohoo

Skirt - Topshop

Belt - New Look

Necklace - New Look(old)

Then to top of this weekend, Sunday's weather was b-e-a-utiful! 26 degrees and sunny in fact. I headed up to a local boutique called Lauren Cole. My friend Amelia (photoed above) works in there and she was holding a summer/blog party with 10% all stock. She asked people to model the stores clothes for her blog, here's what she put me in.

What do you think?

So not too bad for your average weekend. I just cannot wait for summer even more now! 14 more days of school left, and counting...

What I'd wear to a FESTIVAL 

So festival season is finally upon us, is anyone else as excited as I am?!

Well to let out some of my excitement, bearing in mind I still have 57 days until I pack my tent and head to my local V festival, I've decided to start outfit planning. Maybe a little early? But I'd rather be an eager beaver than running round the day before trying to find my festival outfit (that's what happened last year!). 

So in August I will be heading to Chelmsford's V Festival for a weekend packed of camping (Red camp of course!), drinking, partying and music! This four day party will need some clothes to go with it so below are some outfits I have put together which I love and would feel comfortable wearing to a festival.

Outfit 1. This top is from Topshop and is a beautiful cream lace crop top. Great price and great quality and looks great worn with these dungarees from Boohoo. I searched around before purchasing these because there are many slightly different styles/ patterns of dungaree. These came up on top and I particularly like the minor detail along the pocket. It took me awhile to come round but now I love jelly shoes. I think they are a great alternative summer shoe and worn with these cute frilly socks from Topshop definitely benefit this look. Jelly shoes are on my 'Next to buy list'. Ray Bans are great but aren't the most logical to take with you to a festival. My bargain shades from Boohoo will do me fine - mentioned in a previous blog here. To complete this outfit and to add a sprig of colour wear this floral headband from Topshop.

From last years experience I learnt that Friday was a very long (but good) day! I left home about 7am in order to get to Hylands park and get a good tent pitch. By 6/7pm everyone starts heading into the arena for the DJ set. Last year I couldn't but this year I'll be able to get changed and freshen up slightly (with plenty of wet wipes and deodorant) before partying into the night!

Outfit 2. I already own this complete look although sadly my wellies are not Hunters. I wish they were but I couldn't quite bring myself to fork out that much money for a pair of wellingtons. However, Hunter do currently have a 30% off sale so I may have to take a look! I got my knee high socks from Primark last summer just in case I ruined or lost them. Luckily neither happened so they'll be coming with me again. This top is a tad pricey but beautiful and from Miss Selfridge. You may be thinking it's not exactly festival wear but you can't blame a girl for liking a bit of glam! For the Friday evening I think this'll be just about acceptable haha. Black chiffon shorts you can find in many shops, I got mine from Forever 21 and they're so comfortable and flattering. They are high waisted too so will go perfectly with this beaded crop top.

Outfit 3. Hungover from the night before, throw on some shorts, a top and your wellies and you're pretty much good to go! These shorts are my new babies and are from the MOTO range at Topshop. This tops is also Topshop and it's fluorescent colour will give you that well needed lease of life. This gold bangle again from Topshop and will add just the right amount of accessories without getting irritating. Headband , wellies and socks the same as before. 

Outfit 4. The most girly outfit and pretty much all from Topshop (can anyone guess my favourite shop?). I have this skirt and it's so lovely and summery. Team it with this White crop top and statement necklace. To add a tad more colour purchase a bunny scrunchy (Ebay) which will allow you to rock the pony tail - by Sunday your hair won't be in the nicest state so probably best to tie it up and out of the way. Complete the outfit with the frilly socks and jelly shoes again or if the weather hasn't been too pleasant maybe bring out the wellies for another showing.

Outfit 5. The sexiest outfit don't you think? Monday morning feeling rough as ever and probably not looking your best either. Throw on some jogging bottoms and a comfy hoodie (which will also come in handy when it's chilly in the evenings). Slip on a pair of flip flops and hide away behind your sunnies ready to head home. These flip flops are from Havaianas, loungewear from Topshop and Sunglasses as above.

So I hope I've inspired you to start thinking about what you're going to wear to a festival or maybe just this summer. I've failed my objective and actually just made myself even more excited to go to V!

Are you going to a festival this summer?

xx Natalie

Heating up

Today's or should I say this afternoon/ evenings weather has been beautiful. The sun has (finally) made a reappearance in England. And in Billericay we had highs of 27 degrees Celsius, believe it or not!

As nice as this is I no longer wish for it to stay because nine times out of ten England is unable to fulfil this. Very sad I know, but I'd rather face the facts then be disappointed! So this rarity of the sun shining has made my mind travel to faraway places where the sun is much more guaranteed and they do actually experience this season known as Summer! Wouldn't that be nice?

First on my list is the stunning Caribbean island, Cuba. Mainly because my Mum has a friend who originated from there and she has mentioned that she'd love for us to go there with her one day. This means there is actually a slight possibility that I will get to visit this beautiful island. What a dream that'd be!

 The next place which sprung to mind was Sardinia. Another island but this particular one is just off of the Italian mainland, so not too far away from us, a 3 hour flight I would imagine? I've been to Italy before and I loved it. The language, the culture, the food! Everything was fabulous and I can imagine Sardinia being pretty similar but with some more spectacular beaches since it's an island. Not sure if that's true but definitely what I imagine it to be.

Malaysia seems rather amazing too right? Look how clear the sea is. This photo does make me think of Madagascar 1 though, when they all first arrive on the island, just me? hahaa

Finally, Bora Bora. This picture is just... WOW! Definitely a place on my wish list to visit. I reckon it'd be the most perfect honeymoon destination. It looks so peaceful and the idea of staying in one of those huts in the sea makes me want to pack my bag and go right away!

So I hope I haven't made you too depressed when you read this whilst sitting in your bedroom. You're not the only one who wishes they were on holiday right now!

Would you like to go to any of these places?

Time for me to head back to the world of UCAS and Uni applications now, not as exciting as it first seems I can assure you!

xx Natalie

HELP!

Afternoon blogosphere!

Very very quick post as I need to get ready because we're going out for dinner for fathers day.
Buttttt Blogger is driving me crazy today! Recently I've been commenting on and receiving more comments than previously but I wanted to know if there was a quick way to view comments without having to troll through each post/ return to blogs I commented on to check for a response (currently what I'm doing!). It's so inconvenient and I wondered if any of you lovely people know if there's a facebook/twitter type notification thing? Me being slightly incompetent when it comes to IT and blogging in particular, I seriously need you brainboxes to help!

Let me know asap if you can help me or just comment to share your pain. If there is no way of doing it I won't be too happy - I won't blame you of course! I will put full blame on the creator of Google Blogger! And hope that they soon fix my issue!

Thanks guys and gals

xx Natalie

Liebster Award

Horah! I've been nominated for the Liebster award by not one but by two lovely bloggers!
I've seen the Liebster award popping up on many different blogs recently and it feels so lovely to have been nominated to be a part of it myself. I'm still classing myself as new/rubbish at blogging but having the chance to do this makes me feel officially a part of the blogging community. I'm not sure what exactly the rules are but since I don't know I'm going to respond to both. Teresa and Emma are the two beautiful bloggers who nominated me - both their blogs are fab so head on over and check them out!

Also I've got a serious case of bloggers block today so this came at a perfect time!

There are some rules which I do know about which are;
*Answer the 11 questions set by the blogger who nominated you
*Select 11 blogs with under 200 followers, to answer your 11 questions
*Let your chosen bloggers know you nominated them
*Don't forget to link your nominator in your blog post!

Questions set by Teresa:

1)Long or short hair?

   Personally I have quite long hair. I love it but I do slightly envy girls who are brave enough and can pull of short styles.

2)Do you go shopping or buy clothes on the internet?
   Both! You can't beat a good day/evening out with your friends shopping but then the internet is so convenient sometimes. Especially with sales, you can find so many more bargains when shopping online!
3)Usual makeup?
 I'm not really the make-up type if I'm honest so normally I just go for the basics. Garnier BB cream, Body Shop brown eyebrow pencil and Benefit They're real mascara.
4)Have you ever died your hair? 
Yes twice but neither worked particularly well. Once I tried to go auburney red and the second attempt was to go plum. I have such thick dark hair so it's very hard to colour it without bleach which I DO NOT want to do since it isn't good for your hair. So rather than a new colour I always just get a slight coloured tint.
5)Are you a day or night person?
   I'm such a mixed bag! It really depends on what we're doing and the weather as well! Living in England means nights are never warm but then I love a good night out to a party!
6)Favourite place?
My kitchen? is that acceptable? For a number of reasons - firstly because it's my source of food but also because it's where my family as a whole spend most our time together. family meals and afternoon tea are lovely to catch up with the other three busy members of my family. If we're talking exotic/abroad though it would have to be Menorca purely because I've had so many good memories there.
7)Any piercing or tattoo?
   The most normal piercing in the world - just one in each earlobe. I do really want my belly button pierced though and would love a small tattoo of some kind when I'm older!
8)Tea or coffee?
   Neither! Simply because I don't like the taste. 
9)Favourite colour for clothes?
  Probably Coral and whites, with a good denim pant of some sort.
10)Handbag or rucksack?
 Gosh I'm so indecisive! It depends - Day probably rucksack, Night a handbag.
11)Latest adquisition?

     I'm assuming this means acquisition? I went yesterday and friday night oops! so the last item I bought was a top from Monsoon for my mum's birthday.

Questions from Emma:
1) What inspired your blogs name?
    My blog is mainly lifestyle and what I've been doing so it makes sense to name it next chapter, the next things happening in my life. Plus I'm sucker for some alliteration so couldn't resist!
2) Why did you start your blog?
    I've always loved writing and I would love to become a journalist. Media and blogging are such a big part of it these days so thought I should probably start to get my head round it.
3)How young were you when you started wearing makeup?
   I always loved to play with eyeshadows and lip glosses since I was about 5/6 but proper make up not until about 12 years old. Think that's when I got my first foundation.
4)What's your favourite high-street brands?
    Topshop 100% but then New look are normally good if on a tighter budget. and Miss Selfridge are beautiful for a nice evening outfit.
5)How much do you reckon you spend a month on makeup?
   This is quite embarrassing for a girl. I rarely buy it as I'm not one to experiment, probably £5-10 max.
6)What's your favourite hair style to wear daily?
    Just straightened.
7)I am a  organised aholic
   Yep I'm sad, I hate things untidy.
8)Hate or love primark?
   I hate that I love it! Shopping there pains me when it's so busy and the queue is so long but you can't beat the bargains!
9)Fake lashes or real lashes?
   I wish I could say real but I have such stumpy pathetic lashes so for a night out I prefer having falsies on.
10)Do you wear makeup everyday?
     If I'm going out for the day then yes but otherwise no I don't see the point.
11)A funny secret...
    Without a doubt the hardest question! I'm not a very secretive person and don't have the best memory either. I'll just share with you that I have a huuuuuge crush on Zayn Malik from one direction. I think he's beautiful and if he'd like to marry me then I am all for it!
   
Nominees: (sorry for only doing 9)
Mariella: http://fashmovement.blogspot.co.uk/
Ashley: http://jerseygirl1216.blogspot.co.uk/
Emily: http://beautyandthebudgetsblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Rowanne: http://itsrowanneslife.blogspot.co.uk/
Irmute: http://somethingvaiin.blogspot.co.uk/
Megan: http://mynameis-megan.blogspot.co.uk/
Roslyn: http://roslynknight.blogspot.co.uk/
Gracie: http://graciepooblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate: http://kateexo.blogspot.com.au/

My questions
1. Is your blog themed - If so why did you choose it?
2. Which type of blog post do you enjoy reading the most?
3. Why do you blog?
4. What is your all time favourite book?
5. Do you prefer going to parties or a chilled night with your best friends?
6. Which pizza topping is your favourite?
7. Which singer/band is your guilty pleasure?
8. how many gigs have you been to and which ones?
9. Could you rough it camping at a festival or would you rather your own bed and duvet?
10. Do you play any instruments?
11. Which has been your favourite holiday destination?

Sorry if this post has dragged on a tad! But thanks again to Teresa and Emma for nominating me and I hope my nominees enjoy answering my questions!

xx Natalie

Go Ape!

Had THE best day yesterday with my most favourite girls in the world! Cringin'ell but I do have the bestest friends I could ask for.

To celebrate my birthday in pure style I took my friends to Go Ape! High ropes and Zip wires 20 metres high in the trees. Definitely scary at times but we had such a laugh and was so fun to spend the day doing something active with my girls.

 All harnessed up and ready to hit the high ropes! We're all looking gorgeous with our hair up preparing to dangle from the trees...

 So only a little high! This isn't even the highest point and I could already feel butterfly's in my stomach!

 Awh cringey/cute group photo whilst up on the platforms. New advertisment photo for the Go Ape! website??!!

 Doing it Tarzan style - launching ourselves towards a wall of rope!

 We finally made it! Felt quite nice to have our feet on solid ground after all that.

Cheeseeeeeee!

So all in all a fab day out! I would definitely recommend doing Go Ape! if you haven't before - maybe not if you don't like heights though.

xx Natalie

Build me up buttercup

Hooray fellow bloggers! My exams are well and truly officially finished, for this year at least!!! Couldn't be happier today - being able to relax plus this beautiful weather is just so so perfect!

Just realised I haven't done a birthday related post! So thought I'd give you a brief rundown now. Not quite as nice as today but the weather certainly wasn't anything to complain about last Friday. The sun was shining for me, so me and my beautiful mum took my favourite bundle of fluff over to our local meadow. Look at all those pretty buttercups, the dog was definitely enjoying herself! Dog walking, driving lesson and a night out; a pretty decent birthday if I may say so myself.

Now back to today! 21 degrees Celsius calls for a sleeveless cropped shirt and some new sunnies I think. Black wayfarer style sunglasses - everyones go to pair of shades. Mine are from Boohoo.com for only £5! Only a smidgen of the Ray Ban price tag but from a distance look just as good! Well good enough aha!

My shirt is from Newlook.com and was one of my birthday presents so I'm not too sure on the price. New Look are never that pricey so I imagine for the quality of the item it was pretty reasonable! Denim style but light and summer since it's actually cotton and the cute white dots give it that girly edge. 

We are still in England so I wasn't quite ready to brave shorts quite yet so I teamed my shirt with cropped white jeans. These ones are from dorothyperkins.co.uk which I got in the sale a few years a go. So comfy though, I'd definitely recommend jeans from there!

lots of love

xx Natalie

Minnie Mini

Guess who's got a their own car?!?!

That's right, ME! Gosh I still can't quite believe it. My all time dream car as well. A super cute Mini One, not to mention her being bang on trend with her monochrome look hahaa.

I've been super busy over the past few days; my birthday, driving lessons, exams, I've finally found some down time to write my latest blog! I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms!

So here she is - my absolute pride and joy! Everyone meet my baby, Minnie the Mini. She's so beautiful and now I'm even more desperate than before to get driving lessons under my belt and pass my driving test. Freedom to drive for the summer would be absolutely perfect! (Get real though Nat! I've only had 2 lessons so far). I do seem to be getting the hang of it though so fingers crossed it won't take me too long!

Are any of you learning to drive at the moment?

xx Natalie

Little bit of Sunshine

This weekend the sun has been shining! Makes a change after all the rain we've had recently and especially nice since it's bank holiday weekend! I decided to make the most of the morning sun and sat outside whilst I devoured my bowl of Rice Krispies. I couldn't resist taking a shot of the sun to share with you guys!

Yesterday I had a lovely day with my family. My grandparents and Aunt and Uncle all came over to celebrate my lovely Nan's 79th Birthday! We went to the Royal Tiger in South Hanningfield to enjoy a served buffet of Indian and Thai food. I definitely had myself a food baby once we'd finished our meal!

This is what I wore; Missguided Acid wash Skater dress (Shown in a previous blog here)
                                        New Look Flower Necklace
                                        Sandals purchased in Australia - similar here
I also curled my hair using GHD straighteners and wore slightly more make-up then usual. In particular, Bright Pink lip stick and Liquid Black eye-liner.

Hope you're enjoying the sun - What have you got up to this Bank holiday weekend?

xx Natalie

Half term Happiness

I am so so happy that my Sixth Form have broken up for a week off!
Ok so technically I haven't been at school for the past two weeks anyway but that's besides the point! A week break off school means a week break from exams! I have taken six AS exams in the past fortnight - so ready to be able to relax, at least for a little while.

So my plans for the week are mainly to relax and revise every now and then, just so I don't forget absolutely everything! But there are gonna be some fun and games. Under a week now until my birthday!!!! Woooo

Some of you may not regard it as fun but I plan to head down to my gym every other day and workout! I'm slightly disgusted with myself as I don't even remember the last time I went! Haven't done any proper exercise in ages. That as well as revision snacking does not go well together!

Friday the 31st May - FINALLY I turn 17! And I cannot wait. I intend to have a rather relaxed morning and then I've got my first two hour driving lesson booked between 1-3pm. That will be exciting hitting the road for the first time! Later on that evening I am going to work! Not to actually do work though don't worry - I'm not that sad to work on my birthday haha. I work at a wedding venue as a waitress and the boss and chef are getting married on this day. All staff are invited so we're all going to get dressed up and go to the wedding party. Free bar - I hear birthday shots calling my name!

I plan to wear my favourite LBD from Topshop. It's skater style but over the collar bone area there's mesh insert with beading draping the shoulders. My explanation is absolutely rubbish but here is a similar dress without the beading but with long sleeves and mesh middle.
To brighten it up I'm going to use my coral clutch bag - similar here on Ebay and at the moment I'll wear my trusty suede black heels but if I can find myself some matching coral heels then result! Let me know if you've seen any nice coral heels recently please!

xx Natalie

SOTD

Evening bloggers!

Just a very quick post from me before my head hits the pillow! I've felt exhausted all day and spent the majority of it in bed doing revision for my AS unit 1 Biology exam which is on Tuesday eeek!

To help get me through hours of painful revision I called upon my babe Miss T. Swift. I love me some Taylor and her latest album RED is A-MA-ZING. I downloaded the deluxe edition the day it hit the iTunes store and is without a doubt my go-to album.

My particular favourite for today which I must've played a hundred times over was 'girl at home' - apologies to everyone in my household!
This is a great, catchy song and I especially love the lyrics as they really do mean something to me. Lets just say I know how Swifty was feeling when she wrote this...

So this was mine - do you ever have a 'Song Of The Day'?

xx Natalie

Summer Dream

 In my ideal world Summer here in England definitely would have started by now! And it would be warm and sunny the whole time with never the need to carry an umbrella or a jacket with you in May - just in case. 

Here is a selection of summer clothes and accessories I've chosen from Topshop. If I was rich then these items would most definitely already be in my wardrobe! And I would be wearing them everyday in our lovely weather.

Keep Dreaming - Although I am going to Florida in July for 18 days so maybe I will splash out and buy a few of the pieces shown below to wear whilst I'm away!

All items can be found on the Topshop website.

Happy Summer shopping!

xx Natalie

The perks of having Study leave

   

I've mentioned it enough that I'm currently doing exams but along with that comes study leave! Four glorious weeks of not having to attend lessons at school. So yes the majority of it does/ should be spent revising but I can afford to have some time with my head outside a text book! This afternoon has been one of the relaxing occurrences.

Especially as we are experiencing a typical English summer - rain - I chose to spend this groggy afternoon watching a film with my mum. How cute! Don't laugh, we watch The Lizzie McGuire Movie, one of my childhood favourites. When I was younger Hilary Duff was without a doubt my idol! I wished (and secretly still do) to be as cool as her. Especially in this film as Lizzie. Most people know the words to the legendary 'Hey Now' song featured in this film. Well I know the dance moves and can pretty much quote the film the entire way through. Many hours of my childhood, and embarrassingly my teens years too, have been spent watching this movie. It'll be much easier to get away with if you have a younger sister, show her this movie and you'll probably love it more than her!

I also took some time today with my mum to organise my upcoming birthday. Despite turning 17 I'm being very uncool - like always - and taking my friends to Go Ape! I've done it once before and if you love heights then it is fabulous! High ropes, zip wires and Tarzan swings, relying on rope, a harness and a few carabina clips to dangle yourself many metres above ground. Not every-ones cup of tea but it is certainly mine! I'm so excited! Just praying that the weather is not like today so we don't get drenched whilst suspended in mid air.

One good thing that the English rain has brought is the brilliantly titled debut Album from Gabrielle Aplin which was released yesterday. I love Gabrielle and have loved each single she has released so far. I'm yet to listen to her album but is exactly what I plan to do right now! Check it out now!

xx Natalie

It's such a good feeling!

                            

Such a good Feeling! 1 down and 7 to go... oh sweet A levels, I hate you!

It's weird that I have just got home from completing my First As level exam. In some ways I feel so much older than 16 but in other ways I almost don't feel old enough to already be sitting my AS examinations.

I remember this time last year when I was doing my GCSE's and looking up at the current year 12's and thinking how much older they seemed, bizarre that that's now me!

There's quite a lot of pressure riding on these exams. I sat two modules in January and they didn't exactly go to plan. I'm re-sitting both of them and really hope to do well in all my exams. I'd love to go to University but of course which one I go to is dependant on my grades - plenty of revision and keeping my fingers crossed!

So today was History 1 and was the exam I was dreading most out of my lovely list of 8! The feeling of relief when an exam goes to plan and you can cross it off your list. Such a sweet feeling - one step closer to summer! Not that I'm counting down or anything...

I sacrificed watching last nights episode of MIC (Made in Chelsea) for some extra revision so that is what I'm going to do now. Cannot wait to see how Lucy and Spencer's date to Paris goes ahhh!

Good Luck to everyone else doing exams atm! 

xx Natalie - also just realised my full name is on my exam sheet in the photo above! haha uh oh

So what you gonna do...

...When the world don't orbit around you?

*taken from Google - I do not own*
Also just saying Hayley Williams is possibly the coolest women alive!

Some wise words from Paramore today inspiring me to do this post.
Paramore – Paramore Listen through (the amazing) Spotify to their new album here!

I've mentioned previously in my wish list post my love for Paramore and also how good their new album is. If you haven't checked it out yet then I highly suggest you do. Even if you've never listened to Paramore before and think you won't like their style of music, I'm pretty sure there'll be at least one song on there that you'll love! My current favourite is 'Ain't it fun' (which I realise now I named ain't no fun in my previous post - oops). The title of this post being taken from the lyrics to the bridge and this song.

Here is a link to this song on YouTube to get you started. Paramore haven't released this song as a single and so don't have a video for it - they hopefully will in the future. But this link is to a lyric video so if like me you like to sing then enjoy! If not, at least read the lyrics as this song has got a lot of messages which many of you can probably relate to. I certainly can! Also just an interesting fact - I'm not the only person loving this song because despite it not having been released it still managed to reach #24 on UK Rock.

Enjoy! I'm going back to the world of revision now...

xx Natalie

I haven't posted in a few days so a quick apology from me! I've been bombarded with school work as I now have under a week until my first exam! *freak out*

But I thought I'd have a quick look on my blog, just to see how things were - not that I was expecting anything. But horray I was pleasantly surprised. I have gained my first follower! I realise how sad this is but for me I'm very excited. There is at least one person out there reading and (shockingly) liking my posts! Thank you!!!

Also tonight I finally made a full revision timetable and don't worry I have allowed myself a fair share of revision breaks. And I will use them wisely by updating my blog with new posts. I can't promise they'll be any good since my brain will be mashed full of revision but I will try my best.

With all this nice weather we've been having lately it's made me think about summer! So I intend to do a post dedicated to Summer and also a Festival post.

xx Natalie

Bloglovin'

I've just joined Bloglovin' so please follow me on there and bear with me while I sort out the Bloglovin' page at the top. Doesn't want to work for me atm!

xx Natalie

*Update*
Ok, scrap that guys, I've decided to use the follow button instead of a page link. So click on the artist Bloglovin' icon to the right and follow/like through there.
Thank you!

xx Natalie

Wish list

It's 11.20 Saturday morning and I'm still in bed! Relaxing whilst I can because I know all my day will consist of is revision!

I'm also catching up on my beauty sleep after having a very unexpected late night last night. Me and my friend Amelia set out for a jog about half 7 last night. We decided to 'pop' round to our friend Molly's to say hi - 4 and a half hours later we were still there! We had such a laugh together acting half our age. We each wrote down predictions for each other of what we think will happen between us and boys between now and summer! We agreed not to read each others until the Monday morning after V Festival, which we are all going to and camping at! Woooo

But as I've mentioned before my birthday is on it's way and this morning I've really started thinking about possible thinks I may ask for! I'm not expecting much this year because I've been bought a car already and will most probably get driving lessons paid for as a present from my parents.

But this hasn't stopped me from creating a wish!

Top of my list is the new album by Paramore. I've loved them for years now and even went to see them live in 2010 when they played at the O2. I've been listening to this a bit on spotify already and although it's different to their previous sound I still absolutely love it! 'Still into you' and 'ain't not fun' currently my favourites.

I'm really into music at the moment so albums is mainly what my list consists of. Bastille - Bad Blood I'm seriously in love with. First heard 'Pompeii' on radio one a few months ago and I soon became addicted to it! I'd never heard of Bastille before then so I checked them out on good old spotify and they really are fab! I've even started to learn 'Pompeii' on my acoustic guitar.

Don Brocco - I don't really know anything about them apart from they're a band who have a great new album called Prioritise. They're single 'whole truth' is so catchy and has great lyrics. This song made me want their album so hopefully it'll be just as good.

Here are a few other albums I would like!

                  

If you haven't yet seen Pitch Perfect I urge you too immediately! It stars Rebel Wilson who is my new queen of funny! She's so great and in this film has you laughing from start to finish. This film is quite girly too so if you're in the mood for a chick flick then this is what I suggest! I also think it's recently been added to sky on demand so check that out if you're unsure whether to buy it or not.

Only a few more things I promise!


I'm beyond useless with headphones, they always seem to slowly but surely break and stop working. I use them quite a lot I guess but still it's highly annoying! So I think it's time to invest in a new pair. But I've decided to go for ones like these to the right - Sports headphones which clip round your ear. I go to the gym quite regularly and have also started going for jogs as well so these will be perfect to use for that - save me having to poke my earphones back into my ear every ten seconds!

I discovered 'GlossyBox' a little while a go now when I first started reading peoples blogs and tumblr posts. The majority of people were raving about it saying that it was really great value for money and it being really fun waiting for each months box to arrive to find out which samples you would have to try out. So for those of you who don't know, it's a beauty box subscription. Each month you receive a box full of samples of new beauty products; make-up, perfume, hair products. It sounds really good and if I don't get a subscription as a birthday present I may just treat myself to it anyway!



These brushes have burst onto the beauty market and headed straight to the top of everyone's lists. I haven't had the chance to try them out but I know so many people who have and I haven't heard a single bad comment against them. This core collection kit seems really good value for money. On Amazon you can get it for just under £ 20 for the four brushes and this case/stand. I do already have a foundation brush from QVC which I think is great but a girl can never have too many beauty products so hopefully these will be worth getting!






Finally, some clothes! There are plenty of items that i would love but i wanted to be realistic and also not go on for ever with this blogpost, it's pretty long as it is!


I headed to the queen of all fashion shops - the beloved Topshop. This skirt caught my eye straight away and here on this model it looks lovely! The colour is right up my street - I love a bit of pink and this is so summery and ideal for me to wear to school on the warmer days and also in the height of summer to BBQ's and gatherings and I'm sure it'll make its way into my suitcase to Florida as well.







This Bikini is also Topshop and its tie dye print makes in very in fashion and striking. On the beach on a sunny day I think this would look lovely and if I remember correctly it was only £30 too! Very good value for money I thought! This probably won't make its way onto my birthday list but I'm definitely saving it for later on my Topshop online account and will hopefully buy it in time for summer.

I hope I haven't bored you too much and if you are looking for a new film of some new music to listen too, check out Pitch Perfect and Paramore!

xx Natalie