The Harry Potter Tag

Hey cuties.

Feeling mega nerd/bookworm inspired after watching my bestie Becca's Harry Potter Tag (find it HERE!) so I wanted to do it too! 

Hers will 100% be better because it's a video and I'm just typing but my inner nerd is still here and present, just hiding behind my laptop screen!

Wingardium leviosa, let's go.

1. Favourite Book?

Order of the Phoenix. I just love the idea of a secret house being hidden in the middle of a normal terraced street. I love to hate Dolores Umbridge, and she's just such a huge part of that book. I imagine that's what I'll dress like when I'm like 70 - all in pink and tweed skirt suits, mind you I'm not aiming to be such a bitch! The way she's talked in a book is exactly in my mind how she should have looked in the movie so I was thrilled with that!

2. Favourite movie?

The Deathly Hallows - Can I have part one and two?! I can't split them in my brain because in theory they are the same book... But if I had to chose it would be part 1. I love when Ron comes back and saves Harry from drowning in the lake.. Plus the bit when Harry and Hermione kind of get it on in some weird holographic format is just so perfect. Not in a sexual way obvs because that is eh like majah weird, but the way that it winds Ron up is just filmed so brilliantly. *inserts clappy hands emoji*

3. Least favourite book?

Same as Becca on this one - The Prisoner of Azkaban.. Just doesn't really do it for me that much! I didn't like the movie either, nothing particularly important/life-changing/drastic happens in it so it's definitely more of a snoozefest than the rest!

4. Parts of the books/movies that made you cry?

Right, so I'm an emotional mess when it comes to films, so a lot of it made me cry... Sirius dying/Dobby dying/Dumbledore dying/Snape turning out to be a good guy/Harry and Hermione at Harry's parents grave on Christmas eve/When they're all grown up/When any characters die/When anything at all happens in the book and or movie/When I breathe. K. 

5. If you could hook up with any character, who would it be?

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM AKA MATTHEW LEWIS. 

Lets all just take a moment and look below.

 

That is all.

6. Favourite character?

Hermione Granger. It has to be really. She is the epitome of girl power, she's educated, she's hilarious, she's sarcastic, she's got one hell of a right hook (i.e. when she lamps Draco one) aaaaand she turns into one helluva woman crush wednesday by the end of the 8th movie. Queen.

7. What would your Patronus be?

Easy, an owl. If it was anything else I wouldn't want to be a wizard.

Okay I probably would, but I'd be pretty gutted if it wasn't an owl.

8. If you could have the resurrection stone, the invisibility cloak or the elder wand, what would you choose?

I think I'd want the invisibility cloak... I love being nosey, I can't deny that. So it's probably my dream to be able to sit in a room and listen to other peoples conversations and business without them knowing I was there. Sneaky sneaky.

9. What house would you be in?

I've done the Pottermore test, and not even specifically for this tag. I done it agessss ago, I was one of those people that maybe registered for early access to Pottermore, but anyway... And I have some bad news guys.

I'm in Hufflepuff.

I'm so disappointed, I thought I was a Gryffindor through and through.. But alas.

Hufflepuffs are said to be "patient and unafraid of toil" which I suppose does kind of sum me up. I'm not afraid of working hard, so I guess it's a fair representation. But I think deep down, everyone wants to be a Gryffindor.

10. If you could meet any member of the cast, who would it be?

Daniel Radcliffe, to me he's so interesting and funny. He'd have some amazing and probably scary stories to tell after his substance abuse problems but I'd love to meet him to hear all about it from his own mouth, rather than what you read online & in the news.

11. Have you played any of the video games?

Oh yes. For my Nintendo, my Playstation and my Wii. I had games for them all. Loved them. Was shit at spells though, Flitwick hated me. Wingardium Leviosaaaaaah. 

12. If you were on the Quidditch team, what position would you play?

I'm like the most unsporty person to have ever graced the planet. The only position I ever played in football/netball/hockey was goalie so I guess I'd have to be the Keeper! I'd probably get hit on the head with by a bludger, fall off my broom, get stuck in a hoop and die up there though. 

13. Where you happy with the ending?

YES! I know I said I cried up there ^^^ but it was tears of happiness and relief. I don't think I could have coped if Harry had died, I think it would have ruined everything for me! And I love the bit when they go back and they're all grown up. ALL THE TEARS. 

14. How much does Harry Potter mean to you?

I honestly love it so much, it's my favourite set of books, my favourite set of films, favourite cast of a movie, favourite special effects of a movie. I'm not obsessed with it as in I feel like I need to watch the movies at least once a month etc.. But I have read like the first 5 books 8 times each or something, and watched the films countless times. It was the first thing I ever really 'got in to' when I was growing up so it holds a very happy place in my heart. And like Becca I will be forcing Harry Potter upon my children whether they like it or not!

Hope you've enjoyed this slightly nerdier side of me!

I'm sure this hasn't appealed to everyone but it's satisfied my nerd cravings for now!

I tag anyone who's even mildly interested in Harry Potter to do the tag and send me your links!

But for now my friends...xxx

2014 Favourites.

Hey guys.

2014 was a year of big change in my life - finishing the easy years of my degree (year 1 and 2 ... what a breeeeeze), breaking up (officially forevz) with a serious long term boyfriend, moving to LANDAN (or the outskirts anyways), getting a grown up job, having real life responsibilities, not having a lot of time for friends, and just general change.

Change doesn't freak me out, some people get real anxiety over it, but thankfully I'm not one of those people.

All the changes have resulted in me discovering a lot of new things and things I have fallen in love with. 

So I'm gonna do a quick post, nearly like I'm making up my own blog tag of things I've discovered in 2014 and became obsessed with and are now my 'favourites'.

Favourite food?

CHICKEN KATSU CURRY FROM WAGAMAMAS. 

Like until about February the only thing I'd ever really tried from a Chinese restaurant was chicken balls with fried rice & chips, and then smothered it in ketchup. So katsu curry is a big step for me. Becca's still pretty shocked I liked it. We went to Wagamamas twice over Christmas (err, oops), and the first time I got ramen and she got pad thai. Don't stray from katsu, that's all I'm telling ya. 

Chicken katsu is bae. 

Honestly, I'm drooling at that.

Favourite pasttime?

RELAXING. Oh my god. What a dream a lie-in at the weekend is. It's made of heavenly things. Don't take 'me-time' for granted. You need it for your health. Swear down.

Favourite book?

This is an odd one but one from work - McCance and Widdowson's The Composition of Food. I use this book every day. It's my holy grail. Anyone who's working in the world of nutrition or has ever ventured into the world of recipe analysis will have heard of this book. It's my Bible.

Favourite drink?

I've discovered I'm now officially old and like red wine. Also I now like cheese. And I like red wine and cheese together a lot.

Favourite clothes shop?

Monki! I ventured in for the first time the day of my Nestle assessment centre in April and I've been falling head over heels ever since. It's perfect, when I heard Estee (aka essiebutton) raving about it all dem years ago on Youtube, I presumed it was a skinny girls shop. Now, just incase anyone hadn't picked up on it but I'm not a size 8. But Monki actually go up to a size 18 and their sizes are SO generous (mostly, obvs there's a few twig bitch items in there to keep us on our toes). I also love that you can order from them on ASOS - aka resulting in free delivery, free returns and student discount. Amazeballs.

This Monki blouse is a particular favourite.

Next is also a close follow up - I'm in love with their jeggings and their work stuff is great, and relatively 'stylish'. It can be awks when a 60 year old woman is rocking the same top as you in the office though - majah downside.

Favourite shoe?

Heels wise, it's all about a court. I need a pointy toe in my life. So much classier than a rounded toe, it automatically just steps your outfit up so much.

Trainers - Nike Roshe Runs. Comfiest trainers I've ever owned, and loved my first pair so much I've just had a second delivered from ASOS. (these ones if you wanna nosey!)

Boots - Chelsea boots all the way. This is an obsession that literally happened me on Christmas day, my mum got me some grey Miss KG boots, and then I loved them so much I rushed out to buy some black ones from Dorothy Perkins too. So comfortable, dress 'em up, dress 'em down, wear 'em to work, wear 'em to town. Whatevz, they're perf. 

Favourite make-up product?

Illamasquas 'Vernau' powder eyeshadow or the MAC holiday pigment and glitter set. Both worn to death, and both always look great either casual or full blown night out makeup.

Favourite film?

Latecomer to the party, but I watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off in November after quite a bit of niggling from someone to watch it. It was great, so good that we recreated it and had our own day off in the Lake District and went hill walking (meh, but I actually really enjoyed it when we got to the top) and to a zoo where I got to feed a giraffe. SCORE. *inserts hearty eyes emoji*.

Favourite hair thing? 

BEING ABLE TO TIE IT UP AGAIN.

It was actually at my shoulders!

Then I got pissed off with how thick it was and chopped it back into a bob. 

Vicious circle begins again.

Favourite quote of the year?

I've always been quite a people pleaser, I did things to stay friends with people that probably now when you look back on it didn't want to be your friend anymore. But I've learnt to focus on numero uno now. I don't need other people's shit. I've got enough going on in this head of mine. Rid yourself of negative people and negative attitudes, they don't do anything to improve your life! Trust me.

Favourite memory of 2014?

Parklife! Standing in a field with some of my favourite people I've ever met in my life, dancing to Disclosure in the middle of a field is and was my best memory! Cannot wait to repeat this summer! Amazing! 

Hope you enjoyed finding out about what some of my highlights/faves of the year were. 

I really enjoyed writing this kind of mini/semi-tag. 

I'd love it if you would do it too and send me links to read what your favourites were!

Until next time, much loves.

xxx

The man who stole a leopard.

Happy New Year!

It's officially 2015!

Hope you all had an amazing Christmas and a lovely New Year, and that there weren't too many sore heads on the first of January!

I was spoilt by everyone I know for Christmas, as per usual! 

I might do a quick post on what I got, but then again it's not really what I want to do!

I'm 22 now, and Christmas really isn't about what I got anymore, it's about spending time with your family, eating so much that you resemble a potato and basically getting drunk as much as possible during the day!

So we'll see how inspired I feel for a post like that over the next few weeks!

I haven't done any New Years Resolutions, because basically they don't last!

But one thing I have thought about is that I'd like to do a few more outfit based posts on here!

I love shopping/clothes/fashion and I think I have good style and know how to dress myself relatively well, so I'd like to document it a bit more!

It will be difficult to get regular 'outfit' shots when it's not a mirror reflection because I basically live alone and I don't have a proper camera! But when I do, I'll try and bully friends and family into taking a few pictures for me!

So here we go, first outfit of the day post of 2015!

My brother wasn't the happiest about taking these pictures so excuse the potential poor quality!

This was an easy look for running my brother around town and doing errands and doing family visits! It's an mix of Christmas presents, Christmas sale shopping and things that have been in my wardrobe for a long time!

Leather jacket - Dorothy Perkins - £49.00 - £39.20

Leopard Print Top - Zara - £29.99 - £19.99

Skirt - River Island - Old stock (not online anymore! sob - I want a new one)

Tights - Primark - (probably about 3 years old lets be honest who buys new tights)

Ankle boots - Dorothy Perkins - £35.00 - £25.00

Handbag - Jaeger - £59.00 (mine is last year's version of the one in the link, hence why it's a different price than what's online! I got mine at a Jaeger Outlet!)

Rings - August Woods at Argento - £15.00

Do you like outfit posts?

What would you like to see more/less of?

Let me know and I can try my best to satisfy your needs!

Until next time!

Rachel

xxx

Basics Wishlist.

Hello!

OMG CHRISTMAS IS SO SOON.

Okay, that's out of the way.. Needed to get that off my chest.

So, basically I am a shopping fiend (just incase anyone is new here and didn't know that)... But I'm obsessed with it. I'm not particularly skinny, but I do love clothes. And regardless of what people think, I think I dress myself 'quite' well for my shape.

I'm going to do 2 wishlists of things that I would like - a basics and a 'going out'/glitzy as it is the season afterall.

Let's go.

1. Animal Print Top - £25.99. 2. Nike Cuffed Beanie - £25.00 £17.50. 3. FOMO T-Shirt - £12.99.

4. Black Snake Print Pom Pom Shoes - £28.00. 5. Turtle Neck Sweater - £12.99.

6. Mix Knit Ankle Socks - £4.00. 7. Bibi Knitted Cardigan - £40.00 £18.00.

What do you think of these basics?

I'm ALL about a monochrome wardrobe at the minute.

I want all of my clothes to be black/white/grey at the minute.

WARDROBE GOALS.

Stay tuned for my Glitzy/Glamour wishlist.

xxx

Glamourous Wishlist

Hello again!

I'm back with the glamourous and more luxurious wishlist of the pieces I would like to receive and wear this Christmas!

Hope you enjoyed my previous basics post! 

1. Mesh Panel Jumper - £42.00. 2. Anna Snakeskin Plunge Bodysuit - £12.00. 

3. Macy Hand Embellished Chiffon Playsuit - £30.00. 4. Carrie Glitter Heeled Court Shoes - £75.00.

5. Black Hard Clutch Bag - £28.00. 6. Apogee Gunmetal & Gemstone Point Choker - £26.00

7. Brilliant Legacy Ring- £90.00.

What do you think of the pieces I've chosen?

Have you sorted out your New Years Eve outfit yet?

It's my best friends birthday on New Years so I always feel the outfit pressure!!

Thanks for reading! xxx 

The Wanderlust Tag

Hey ladies and gents (if there's gents reading this - you truely are gents, cuties!)

Everywhere I turn now I'm hearing the phrase 'wanderlust'.

My manager is Australian and says that Australians are born with 'wanderlust'

I'm just sitting there like 'wander-whut?'

So it's the strong desire to wander/explore the world.

I get it!

This is something I'm definitely growing into.

For quite a long time I had serious issues with flying - panic attacks, projectile vomiting, hysteria. You know, casual symptoms of fear?!

But when I moved to Manchester I had to get over it, I had to fly alone.
And guess what? I'm okay with it now!

I have the biggest urge and desire to travel, and hopefully one day (when I win the lottery/find rich travelling partner/somehow manage to get my finances in check) will get the opportunity.. 

So I thought I'd do this tag and get thinking about where I want to go and explore...

LET'S GO.

Where was your first plane to?

The lovely isle of Jersey. I think I was three? I don't remember much from that holiday except that in the zoo in Jersey my pram was hi-jacked by monkeys. True story.

Where have you travelled to that you would love to visit again?

Easy - California/Nevada! I was ten when I journeyed across to the West Coast of America. Being ten in America in 2002ish doesn't get you much, yes you get to go to Disney and Seaworld and Legoland, and every souvenir you brought back was adorned with The Powerpuff Girls (I swear, I'm talking clothes, books, CD case, backpack). But now I'm 22, and obviously of the legal drinking age in America (WOOHOO, official sign you're an adult) I want to go back to Las Vegas and have a proper blow out. Also I want to go back to Los Angeles and stalk Kim Kardashian and her family. WHAT A GIRL GOTTA DO TO GET ACCEPTED INTO THAT FAMILY.

You're leaving tomorrow, money is no object, where are you going?

The Caribbean. All my friends, all my family, maybe invite Rihanna along. WE GON' HAVE A CARNIVAL. It's heaven on Earth, from the photos I've seen anyway!

Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or car?

Am I weird that I love trains? Like I mean decent trains. I'm talking first class from Manchester Piccadilly to Euston type situations here. And if they were faster. You get to see SO much more on a train. I was in Switzerland in October and the train we took to Vevey went the whole way around Lake Geneva. It was increds.

Favorite travel website?

I can't lie, it's not exciting. It's Easyjet. Can't get enough of those big sexy orange planes that fly me to the homeland and back. It's not my favourite out of choice, but it's definitely my most used. 

Where would you travel to just to eat the food?

I am such a foodie - mentally. I LOVE cooking programmes and food. In reality I'm a chicken when it comes to trying things, but in my head I'd love it. I'd probably say Australia? Some of the dishes they create on Masterchef Australia BLOW ME AWAY. They have so many inspirations from across the globe in their cuisine, that I just want to try it. 

Is there a place you would never go again?

I've never had a holiday that was so bad that I would never go again... Benidorm maybe if I had to choose? I think it's one of those places you need to go to once, experience it, come home, wash yourself clean and then never relive it again.



Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked?
I'm quite weird, and can remember numbers/postcodes/addresses/random shit quite easily. But I don't fly on my passport that regularly, as I live in Northern Ireland and usually fly domestically (i.e to England) I fly on my driving licence! So I can repeat that number, but not my passport number!

Do you prefer the window, aisle or middle seat?
Definitely the aisle, I love being able to stretch my legs out, even though I've got relatively short legs it's really satisfying! I hate the middle seat, I always get into elbow wars with the people on either side of me!



How do you pass the time on an airplane?
Always a magazine, buy it at the airport, read it on the plane, and give it to the air hostesses as I'm getting off. It's turned into a bit of a tradition! If I'm knackered though I will sleep and probably drool on someones shoulder (sexy); and then nearly have a heartattack when the plane touches down and we hit the runway. I've screamed before it scared me that much when I woke up. Awkward.

After doing that tag I'm now desperate for a holiday somewhere exciting...
If only I could win the lottery and be able to satisfy my travelling cravings!

Hope you all enjoyed this tag!
Is there anyone you've been that you would recommend?
Or anywhere you would love to go?!
Let me know in the comments! xx

26 thoughts every 20-something has at Christmas time.

1. YES. Christmas! Time to go home and spend lovely relaxing time with my family.

2. God Almighty - these people, I remember why I moved away from home for University.

3. It's Christmas - that means it's okay to drink alcohol before lunch, yes?

4. Shit! Forgot to get Auntie Suz a present, off to the shops again to spend more money I don't have. 

5. It's 10pm at night and I'm shopping, but Starbucks drinks are still in the red cups, so.. Coffee?

6. HAHA SO GLAD I DON'T WORK IN RETAIL ANYMORE.

7. I pity those Sales Assistants, just a little bit. It's a life experience, they'll be stronger at the other side.

8. Mulled wine is so good, they should sell it all year round.

9. How weird is the concept of warm wine? So wrong, but so right.

10. Going to dress my dog up in a Christmas jumper, not animal cruelty at all.

11. Lindt chocolate, because Christmas. 

12. Does anyone actually like Brussel sprouts? 

13. EVERYWHERE IS SO FUCKING BUSY. JEEZ.

14. Wish I could actually park my car - it's so busy I've parked 10 miles away from the shopping centre so I don't risk crashing into anyone's car.

15. I hope my granny will do vodka shots with me on Christmas day. 

16. Then I'll ask her is she a pheasant plucker. NEVER. GETS. OLD. 

17. Wow, I have spent a LOT of money this month.

18. OVERDRAFT.

19. Next month, I'll start to save. I still have time to save before I go back to Uni.

20. Christmas Day is long - I am *this* close from passing out asleep/drunk in the nearest corner of my auntie's house.

21. Christmas songs are only fun until Christmas Day. Not afterwards. 

22. BOXING DAY SALES.

23. I'm bankrupt. 

24. I hate New Years Eve, everyone is so hopeful for a great new year. 

25. We all know it's going to be same shit, different year.

26. New Years Resolutions.. I'll just re-use last years.