RECENT NON-BEAUTY FAVS

I've been loving a lot of non-beauty related things lately, so I thought I'd share some of my recent favorites with ya'll.

1. The Following and Stalker

I have always been a huge fan of the TV show The Following. When Season 3 finally started I was so excited, and I'm happy to say it's been great so far. However, with only one episode coming out each week it definitely didn't satisfy my crime/thriller/drama bug so I decided to start a new show as per the recommendation of my sister.
Stalker has one season out with 17 episodes. I started it exactly a week ago and I'm already almost done (oops). Each episode brings an creepy new case but still develops the back story in a very interesting way. I won't mention anything else as to not accidentally spoil anything, but for sure it's worth checking out.

2. Cinderella

I have never been a HUGE Cinderella fan. Yes, I watched it loads of times when I was little, but she was never my favorite disney princess. That being said, when I saw the trailer for the new live action Cinderella I may have gotten a little emotional so I knew I had to watch it. My best friend and I went earlier this week and I'm pretty sure we were more excited than all of the kids there - for the movie AND the little Frozen feature thing at the beginning. I thought Lily James did a lovely job as Cinderella. I wasn't sure about Richard Madden as the Prince first, but he definitely won me over as the movie went on, and the chemistry between them both was great. I also thought the evil step sisters did a great job and were hilarious. The one thing I didn't like though was how tight their corsets were. The moment I noticed I couldn't unsee it, they all looked so uncomfortable breathing and I'm sure the movie wouldn't have suffered if they just loosened them a bit.

3. Monument

I have a love hate issue with this app. The graphics are gorgeous and the little puzzle worlds are great, but it's over way (way way) too fast. I could've easily finished it in one sitting so it was a bit disappointing given that it's a paid app. I really hope they release some new levels (for free) soon as it really is beautiful and I'd really like to play some more.

4. Playing the piano and Singing (Separately)

Ever since I've devoted more time to music I've basically become addicted and can't not practice, play or sing something at least once a day. I always used to play around on the piano before but I never took lessons until this semester. Although it's only been a few weeks I can definitely see a huge improvement in my skills and sight reading, which of course I'm very happy about.
I also decided to step out of my comfort zone and taking private voice lessons this semester. It is very scary and different for me but I'm so glad I did. I've been in love with being part of a choir for the past year and a bit, but didn't think I had it in me to go for solo lessons. Although it's hard and definitely takes practice, I'm giving it all I have and hopefully I'll be more confident with it after a few more months.

This post was a little ramblier than I anticipated but I hope you guys found it somewhat interesting. I'd love to know things you've been loving lately, anything from shows to moments, let me know down below!

LOVE: JO MALONE WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, £40.00 30ml

I am not an adventurous perfume person. I have discovered a few perfumes that I love, and have never really felt the need to branch out from there. That being said, when the new Jo Malone perfume came out I was very intrigued. After seeing it all around the blogosphere I decided to give it a sniff the next time I was out, and boy was I happy I did. Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt fragrance is one of the most interesting perfumes I own, and possibly ever sniffed. It smells exactly like you'd expect - a salty breeze on a cool beach day. Something about the warm earthy tones of the perfume feels very nostalgic to me, and it makes me happy every time I spritz it on. If you think that this is a scent you'd like, I definitely recommend going in store to check it out, or maybe even some of their other fragrances as they have a huge selection to suit anyone's taste. It's also perfect to put on a christmas or birthday list f it's a little out of your price range. I'm definitely going to repurchase it in a larger size once I run out of this one.

THE ME-TIME TAG

When Estee and Amelia first put up this tag i thought it was such a cute idea. I'm all about me-time, and so i knew i would one day answer these questions myself. I've also never done a tag or 'get to know me' kind of post, so this is a good way to start.

What do you watch or read during me-time?

The question is, what do I NOT watch? I follow way too many shows for anyone's own good, but i'm currently super into House of Cards, The 100, Grey's Anatomy, and Arrow. Also not so patiently waiting for How to Get Away With Murder to start up again.

What do you wear during me-time?

99% of the time it's PJs from Aerie, Primark, or Oysho, a comfy hoodie, and of course #nobra.

What are your me-time beauty products?

Usually just lots and lots of lipbalm. If i feel like pampering myself i might put on a face mask - you can check out some of my favorites here

Current favourite nail polish?

I'm usually all about the super pastel or super dark colors. Currently i'm loving Essie's After School-boy Blazer which is a gorgeous almost black navy blue, and Angora Cardie which is a brown, pink and purple.

What do you eat/drink during me-time?

This one is hard because it usually depends on my mood. Most likely i'd have a cup of tea or some water to drink. As for food it can be anywhere from carrots, to chips (mmm, flaming hot cheetos), to popcorn.

Current favourite candle?

Bath and Body Works' autumn candles are my absolute favorite. I know it's almost winter now (not so much here, but we like to pretend), but i'm still obsessed with Flannel. Vanilla Chai was also delicious smelling, i hope they still stock it so i can pick up another.

Do you ever have outdoor me-time?

Not really. I usually like to relax in bed during me-time.

Would you ever go see a movie alone?

I have many times so yes. I don't know why some people think this is a big deal, I really don't mind going to movies alone.

Favourite online shop?

Shopbop, Baublebar and Asos. I shop online so frequently i know my credit card details off by heart #noshame.

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

I love to play/listen to music during me-time. I find it really easy to get lost in and it's such a stress reliever.

I hope you enjoyed learning something new about me. I tag Nueyork, and of course anybody else who wants to do this. Link it to me below so i can check it out :)

RUNNING

I have a love/hate relationship with running. When I get a routine going and do it semi-regularly it isn't too bad, but if I stop for a few months, coming back to it is absolute hell and I end up wondering why I would inflict such torture upon myself. That being said, I've been pretty good about it since September, and through the motivation of my sister I signed up for my first ever race which took place yesterday. It was a 4.5km race (no idea why they didn't bump it up to 5k, but oh well) and although I didn't get an amazing time, I was happy that i achieved my goal of under 30mins - I did it in 29:36 (Pace of 6:47/km). Two quick lessons/things that would've been nice to hear before the race:

1. IGNORE THE PEOPLE. Seriously. It does you no good trying to keep up with someone or worrying about the amount of people that pass you. Yes, it's a bit weird and stressful if you're used to running alone, but know your pace and stick to it. Especially at the beginning. You don't want to burn out too soon and end up injuring yourself.

2. Breathe and keep going. You are doing this for you, not anyone else. If you need to walk, that's absolutely fine, just keep going and don't stop. You got this!

The only thing that got me through and helped my push was my music as i can NOT run listening to my panting. If you need some motivation or ideas, here's a look at my playlist:

My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark - Fall Out Boy
Harder To Breathe - Maroon 5
Sex - The 1975
Animal - Neon Trees
Secret Valentine - We The Kings
Rusty Halo - The Script
The Great Escape - Boys Like Girls
Check Yes Juliet - We The Kings
The Dog Days Are Over - Florence and The Machine
Let It Go - The Neighbourhood
The Mighty Fall (Feat. Big Sean) - Fall Out Boy
Don't Speak - No Doubt
The Last Something That Meant Anything - Mayday Parade
Wish You Away - There For Tomorrow
Already Gone - Kelly Clarkson
Shake It - Metro Station
The Reckless And The Brave - All Time Low
Moving In the Dark - Neon Trees
Car Underwater - Armor For Sleep
Mad Love - Neon Trees
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
Life After You - Daughtry
Love Drunk - Boys Like Girls
Trojans - Atlas Genius

I realize that some of the choices may seem a bit weird, but I need the beat of my music to match the pace i'm running at, so with the help of jog.fm I've compiled this list. If you have any suggestions of songs you think I'd like, or some of your favorite workout music, I'd love to hear it!

MUSIC MADNESS #1: THE FRANKLIN ELECTRIC

My very first non-beauty post is dedicated to my love of music. I am always on the hunt for a new band or artist to listen to with something new or unique to offer, and man did i find a gem this time. Spotify has been great for me to find new artists, or ones i haven't heard of before, and that's how i stumbled across The Franklin Electric. They are an alternative folk-pop band from Montreal, who were brought into the spotlight when their song 'Old Piano' won first place in the Nashville Songwriting competition song in 2012.

What i absolutely love about them is their incorporation of brass instruments (mainly a trumpet, played by the lead singer Jon Matte) into their music. It doesn't seem like the most likely combination, but it works so well, and he plays it so beautifully i just fall in love every time i listen to the album. They remind me of Mumford and Sons mixed with a jazzy edge, making them just so freakin' cool.

'This Is How I Let You Down' contains an array of songs that i can easily listen to on repeat when driving or just relaxing on my bed. I also absolutely love the orchestral remixes. Being a violin player myself (albeit not a very goof one, but still), I am so happy when strings and other classical instruments are mixed in with modern music to form beautiful sounds. I love every song on the album, but if i had to choose my top 3 they would be: Uninvited (Storm), This Is How I Let You Down (Orchestral Remix), and Running. Even if this doesn't seem like your thing, i urge you to check them out and give them some love. I'm sure they're going to be big soon.

Listen to the album 'This Is How I Let You Down' on youtube

Buy the album 'This Is How I Let You Down'

Check out their site

Like them on Facebook