2014.

My photography skills have improved! 

Poppies in London. 

London. February. 

The Summertime Ball 

Tate Modern Art Gallery 

My Summertime Ball Ticket

My Cousin's Dog - Harvest

 Corfu

Corfu

2014.

It's been such a whirlwind year. Ups, downs, positives, negatives.

Change.

I've grown as a person, grown in confidence, become more independent. I've learnt so much. 

I turned 16.

Here are some of my highlights

1. Visiting Corfu, Germany, Belgium and France

2. Visiting London more often.

3. Going to Galleries

4. Exercising More

5. Going to the Summertime Ball (Ed Sheeran and 21 more acts!)

6. Growing as a person

7. Spending more time with friends and family.

8. Making this blog!

How has you're 2014 been? Ups? Downs? Positives? Negatives? Now it's over, take a moment to reflect on this year. Surround yourself with positivity, go outside of your comfort zone once in a while. 

Don't bother making new year's resolutions, just promise to yourself that you can make 2015 the best year yet.

I know I will. I'll try to.

Merry Christmas and hope you have a fantastic 2015.

Naomi x

(^-^)

Blogmas #15 ❄ Appreciation & Feeling Grateful | Advice

If you're reading this, yes you, you're super lucky. I guarantee. No matter what level of luck you have, sometimes it's hard to acknowledge it. I would know, I take EVERYTHING for granted.

I mean, I don't want to damage the Christmas spirit and all that, but we all need to remember how lucky we all are.

It's always an uncomfortable situation, acknowledging that there are people worse off than us, but we need to remember it. 

So, this Christmas, (even though I know its passed), i want you to make a difference. Whether it's giving a present to someone, or even going to the salvation army for a day. Everyone needs to appreciate what they have, and that not everyone has it as good as them.

Maybe buy someone a coffee, spread the Christmas cheer and feel sprightly by all means. But don't isolate yourself in the modernised and commercialized version of Christmas we all know today. Take a moment and remember how lucky you are.

Hope you've all enjoyed Blogmas 2014, and had an amazing Christmas. See you in 2015, have a happy new year, hope for more regular blogposts to come.

Happy New Year.

(^-^) x

Blogmas #14 ❄ Winter 'Roomspiration' from Tumblr

Christmas is over, penultimate post to the end of blogmas, it's nearly the new year, i've done some feng shui around my room, but as it's not done yet, here's some tumblr style photography (all source goes to tumblr!) Hope you've enjoyed my blog this year! See you in two days for the last blogmas of 2014.

(^-^)

Blogmas #13 ❄ Two Makeup Gifts

1. The Body Shop 'Colour Crush' Collection - This product is so wonderful! Three matte shades with a great brush and even a black eyeliner. A bit pricey for the Body Shop at £20 for one palette, but as a gift it's worth it. My parents gave it to me for Christmas, and it's great. Definetly one for the trolley.

2. Nails Inc London 'Shimmer' set - No, i'm not usually one for shimmer colours, however I wore the purple one (first on the left) and it gives the nicest ombre effect. Not sure how much these cost as they were a gift from my Aunty and Uncle, but they're amazing!

Hope you had a FAB christmas! 

(^-^)

Blogmas #12 ❄ Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Hope you're having a fabulous Christmas morning, hope you aren't too tired. Make sure you spend the day with loved ones, and don't have too much to drink! (I've written this post in advance, i'm going to stay off the internet for one day!)

Anyways, I thought to celebrate Christmas in true style, I'd post a super yummy DIY hot chocolate Blogpost in honour of Christmas day!

Enjoy!

What you need:

Mug

Hot Chocolate Powder

Marshmallows

Candy Canes/Chocolate or any other decoration

Milk

Hot Water

Blogmas #11 ❄ Music...Tuesday?

Not a Music Monday today, a music...Tuesday. I'm going to tell you my three favourite modern christmas songs. (Probably not what you would expect) Click the link and go to the song.

1. Christmas Lights - Coldplay. I heard this song randomly whilst shopping with my best friend. It was amazing. I instantly stopped what I was doing and I had to shazam it. It's so weird, i'm the BIGGEST fan of Coldplay, and I find it hard to understand how I didn't already know this song existed! I definitely recommend.

2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Michael Buble. Most definetly the best voice for this song. His voice, *swoon*. 

3. Do they know it's christmas - BandAid30. Buy the song. Stop the Virus.

Blogmas #10 ❄Budget Beauty Brands

Hey, here are some brands that you might not expect to like! 

1. Maybelline - Absolutely LOVE my 'FitMe' foundation from Maybelline, but unfortunately I can't find a concealer in my shade!

2. Makeup Revolution - Not the Biggest Fan of their foundation, but the concealer is JUST fabulous!

3. Barry M - You've all seen my 'Starry Eyed' Palette which I just love.

4. Collection - For Budget Eye Products, this brand is the ONE. Perfect liquid eyeliner for a winged look, and a great voluminous mascara.

5. The Body Shop - My All time favourite brand for bath products. Not the biggest fan of lush (a bit controversial i know, but it makes me feel a bit sick). The Body shop is the one for me.

(^-^)

Blogmas #9 ❄ DIY Christmas Gifts (10 Steps)

What You Need

Jars ( A Range of Sizes ) 

Ribbon, Christmas Labels

Chocolate

Small Candy Canes

Sweets

Marshmallows

Bath Bombs

Tea Lights

+Any other things you want to add.

 1. Find your jar, and choose the size you want.

2. If you want the larger jar, decorate it and add some ribbons and/or a label.

3. Fill the jar with all the goodies you want!!

4. Like santa chocolates...

5. ...Or Marshmallows...

6. Tealights?

7. Bath Bombs?

8. Sweets...

9. Lip Balm?

10. Here's the final product, hope you enjoy!

(^-^)

Blogmas #8 ❄ Feeling Down?

*This post is a little break from blogmas*

We all have those days don't we, where everything just keeps going wrong. I get a few questions now and then on tumblr and twitter, asking for advice. I'm probably not the best person to go to for advice, but I do like to think that I can help.

Christmas isn't the most fun time for everyone. I know. Not everyone get's on well with their family, not everyone likes to party.

If you're feeling down in any way, make sure you tell someone you trust as soon as possible.

I hope you have an amazing week and weekend, and enjoy christmas next week!

(^-^) x

Blogmas #7 ❄ 'Black n' Red' Polyvore

Have you seen my first polyvore of blogmas? If not, scroll down. 

I personally would feel far more in my comfort zone with this outfit. I love the platform boots paired with a leather skirt. So chic!

See you in two days! 12pm sharp!

(^-^)

Blogmas #6 ❄ DIY Christmas Cookies (5 steps)

I promised a cookie recipe, and here it is! Made these 'smarties' cookies about two weeks ago, and let me tell you, they were delicious!

What you need:

Smarties or small chocolate drops - two handfuls

Flour - 300g

Sugar - 250g

Butter - 250g

2 Eggs

Drop of Vanilla Essence

Bicarbonate of Soda - 1 tsp

A pinch of salt

(Makes 20 small, 15 large)

Turn on the oven - Gas Mark 5 | Grease the baking tray

1. Put all the wet ingredients (butter, eggs, sugar) into a food processor or use an electric whisk until the texture is light and fluffy

2. Cream in the flour (that has been sifted)

3. Add the Bicarbonate of Soda and salt, mix it all together

4. Split the mixture evenly on the baking tray depending on what size you want.

5. Leave the mixture in the oven for 20 mins

(So sorry, but i forgot to take a before and after photo)

Enjoy, 

(^-^)

Blogmas #5 ❄ 15 Reasons Why I Love | Winter/Christmas

Image Source - Tumblr

Here we are again, another part to my '15 Reasons Why I Love' series. To see part one, click here.

Winter is one of my favourite seasons, for many reasons. The cold brisk mornings, hot chocolate and many more. (No particular order)

1. Hot Chocolate - Belgian, Mint, White, Dark, you name it. I will be posting a tutorial on my secret hot chocolate recipe.

2. Dark Mornings and Nights - Most people complain about the darker nights, but I have such fond memories going for runs with my mum under the stars last year, fab.

3. Fires - despite the fact we have an electric fire, I love cosying up by the TV every weekend.

4. Vlogmas/Blogmas - I mean what internet obsessed crazy person doesn't compulsively scroll down their subscription box for vlogs everyday? (hope that's not just me!)

5. Snow - Although we live in england, we do see snow now and then, just not on a regular basis.

6. Autumnal Leaves - Undoubtedly my favourite thing about fall/winter time.

7. Films/TV Shows - Looking forward to Christmas day, watching Elf or Home Alone!

8. Winter Boots - Not really the biggest fan of Uggs anymore, but I sure do love my ankle boots, whatever the weather.

9. Cosy Jumpers/ Sweaters - Christmas time is the perfect time for cheesy/ vintage jumpers.

10. Coffee Shops - Starbucks, Pret, Costa, Cafe Nero, whatever floats your boat.

11. Christmas Decorations - Every year, without fail, me and my family make an effort to visit a street near where we live, and view the mighty (sometimes cheesy) Christmas lights

12. Socks - Ankle socks, knee high socks, whatever.

13. Smokey Eyes - If winter time isnt the time to go all out on a smokey eye, I don't know when is.

14. Bold Lips - As you've seen in a previous blogpost, i've been trying out new lip colours, will be doing a makeup routine soon (actually featuring my face!)

15. Finally, the atmosphere - whether you're at the shops, or just walking along, christmas is the perfect time for togetherness and feeling grateful. 

(^-^) x

Blogmas #4 ❄ My Pamper Evening Essentials

1. 'Space Girl' Bath bomb 

2. Bath Scrubber - Champneys

3. 'Oceanic' Bath Bomb with Shea Butter

4. 'Berrylicious' - Bomb cosmetics 

Who doesn't love a good old bath in the winter time? Here are my four favourite pamper products, which i use when i'm feelin a lil' stressed.

Let me know your favourites!

(^-^) x

Blogmas #3 ❄ Winter Dark Lipstick Shades

Hello! Two shades that are completely out of my comfort zone, but as christmas time is approaching, I'm liking the dark shades now, they're growing on me !

Shade 1 - Vamp - A deep purple that goes perfectly with my tartan scarf! My favourite of the two!

Shade 2 - Reckless - A deep red shade, that compliments every autumnal outfit, I'm generally not too fond of dark red lips, however this is perfect for all skin tones !

See you in two days for Blogmas #4! x

(^-^)

Blogmas #2 ❄ A Classy Christmas Polyvore.

Something a bit out of my comfort zone, but soon i'll be going to a christmassy wedding/ renewal of vows, I'll be wearing something similar to this. Matte brown eyes with some shimmer in the crease, dark lips and some black heels. 

So in this Polyvore we have

Dress- Vero Moda £36

Watch- Marc by Marc Jacobs £145

Shoes- New Look £29

Lipstick - Nars 'Audacious' £24

Michael Kors Wallet - £96

I've got an alternate cheaper set to this, which me and my mum ventured out to buy. (I'll upload pics soon)

Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £14

Watch - Ice Watch - £54

Heels - New Look - £22.99

Lipstick - Barry M - £4.99

Wallet - Select - £7

Blogmas #1 ❄ Starry Eyed Shadow & Blush Palette Barry M.

Ooh a review, and guess what it's a makeup one! Here's a good one. This palette cost £6.99! Bargain! Aside from the useless applicators every brand gives, this is SO good! It's great for smokey eyes, and amazing for just individual shades. I love to use the blue shade with the matte brown which is fabulous. This look is perfect for a night out or just a day out. 

It's perfect for autumn/fall, with three dark reddish shades. I love the fact that there are an equal number of matte and shimmer shades which is great!

(^-^)

Blogmas ??? ❄

So I've decided to do blogmas this year, but instead of daily blogposts, I've decided to do a blogpost every two or three days, so around 10 blogposts, maybe more, maybe less.

Basically look forward to a new post every two days, and here are some ideas I may use. Or if you need some inspiration, here are some ideas!

1. Christmas Outfit Ideas

2. DIY Room Decor

3. Wintery Makeup

4. Fall/Winter Morning Routine

5. Pamper Essentials/ Evening Routine

6. How to style: The Tartan scarf

7. Candle Scents and Winter Fragrances

8. Outfit of the Day/ Outfit of the Night

9. Polyvores

10. DIY sweets and treats

11. Christmas Photography

12. Feeling the Christmas Spirit

13. Appreciation/ Feeling Grateful

14: 15 Reasons why I love: Christmas

15. 2014: Summing Up

The 1st Corfu Photobook

Hey guys! How have you been? Recently me and my family went on an incredible getaway to the Mediterranean island of Corfu. I've been to cyprus before, but I've never been to an island as small as this. Corfu is a greek island, near albania and italy. It's just absolutely wonderful. Although the holiday didn't get off to the best start (annoying car dealers and early morning flights), the holiday was absolutely incredible. 

Greek food and culture is amazing, every encounter we had was enlightening and satisfying, amazing. With a beach and taverna round every corner, Corfu is everything you could ever ask for.

Anyway I don't want to give too much away, because there are two more parts (in the new year !) to this miniseries, with more photos to come. 

1. The amazing sunset view from our villa

2. Kassiopi Beach

3. Me swimming in the sea

4. My sister and my feet in the water

5. The cutest cat that was always on our doorstep

6. Some bohemian houses in the village of Nissaki

7. Palm trees

8. The incredible sea, with Albania in the background

See you soon! x

(^-^)