It's been a while.. But I'm blessed..

Hello Everyone!

So its been a fair while since my last blog post.. Its been nearly 5 months.. which is nearly a whole half of a year.. which is absolutely appalling.. I have no excuse. Other than summer, summer is an excuse right?
Oh summer, that whole week of sunshine we get here in sunny Scotland! All joking aside though, it's been a pretty incredible 4/5 months of glorious weather here this year, so I can't really complain! Aside from the fact that it's already back to those short grey gloomy days of nothing but clouds, drizzle, and that horrible chill that means there's no way we're leaving the house without a jacket now. Those horrible days that mean its dark by nine o'clock, which means it's back to walking home from work in the dark all over again!
But yes, where was I, summer, so while I haven't been writing blog posts, I have been a super busy bee! To list only a few of the things I've been up to in a few words.. Spain, Caravaning, Family nights, working, new tattoo, girly catchups, afternoon tea, spending money on things I don't need, working, spending, working, wedding, bought a kitten, lost a jacket, working, spending, sleeping yada yada yada.. You get the idea ;)
But this blogpost isn't going to be a negative one, despite the lousy weather and all the money I've spent (shall we not mention my beloved [favourite] topshop jacket..RIP).. the past few months I lost a few things important to me.. but despite that I also gained some new ones too! And all in all it has only made me feel so blessed and appreciative of those important things around me, and no, I'm not talking about our favourite Topshop jackets,, However much we love them. I'm talking about the people around us. Our friends and family.

I feel as though I've found myself in an awful habit of not reminding those who are of the most importance to me, just how much I do love them, and how much I appreciate them simply just being there. For if it weren't for their mere existence, my life could be far greater than the life I live today.
And sometimes, losing those who you had once thought the entire world of, can make you feel a little disorientated, like you lose faith in your judgement of those still hanging around you. But the truth is, they wouldn't still be hanging there if they didn't care now would they?
So here's to every single one of you lovely people I have met over the last 4/5 months. Those of you who I  had an acquaintance with, but never really knew. For those of you who I have met only the once, perhaps only for a second (while serving you at work), but who took a second of their time to just make a little conversation, smile, and who leave the conversation with a "thank you" and  "enjoy your evening" or "see you later". For those of you who I have met through friends or family, who have showered me in nothing but compliments. And finally to those of you, who I have known for a great deal of time, some longer than others, who still to this day continue to support me when I need you the most. You guys, this ones for you. You guys make me feel more and more blessed everyday, and your support will continue to inspire me to be a 'good person' with every day that you still stick by me. (Because to me, a good person is someone who takes time to appreciate the good people around them)Thank  you.

And Mum, I like to think this ones for you, because I still remember that conversation we had one lunchtime, about how we both like to think that even if we had nothing else, we know we have the best friends and family we could hope for. Love you Mum.

Special thanks to;Dad, Andrew, Leanne, Luke (and all his lovely family at the wedding), Victoria and Kat, Sian, Lisa, Hayley, Becca, Ellen.. And all my distant family who I don't see often enough, but who are often in my thoughts. 

Until next time guys,

appreciate those around you,

annnnd.. Stay Magical!

x

An Extra Big Something!

Hello everyone!

So firstly let me say that I am so so so so SO sorry for leaving my next blog post so late! It's been nearly a month I know! And I'm kicking myself in the bum for it! But never the less.. Nikki's back with a brand new post! Seen as I haven't done a weekly post in while I figured I should do one for the entire month! And give you the low down on what you've missed while I've been absent from the internet!

Something I'm loving..
So this month something which I have been loving is definitely the lead up the Christmas period! The red cups are back in Starbucks! (cue girly shriek!) And pumpkin spiced lattes (yaay!) I also cannot wait for the eggnog flavoured drinks to come back! Primark have got all those crazy ugly Christmas sweaters in stalk again! And I woke up to frost on the ground this morning! Its time to grab your hat and scarf and let the cold wind bite the tip of your nose again guys! Christmas is in the aaaair!

Something I'm hating..
Something I have been hating this month is the fact that Halloween is over with for another year! I did enjoy the fact that it seemed to last a good week this year though! I don't know what it is about the spooky holiday that had me brimming with excitement this year! Considering I've never really been one for doing much on Halloween! But this year I had two Halloween parties, which meant getting to try two different Halloween makeup looks! And yes mine did look a bit awful, but I still enjoyed looking awful on purpose rather than by accident! Another major regret was leaving getting a pumpkin till the day before.. that's right there were none left! But here's to you Halloween! Thanks for a good one! Scare you again next year!

Something I've been wearing..
Something you may hate me for (giving that it is only the beginning of November) is the fact that yes, today, I wore a Christmas tshirt to college! Judge me however you please! But I have no regrets! I mean just look at this beauty! Primarks finest..

Something I've been crushing on..
So someone I think EVERYONE should definitely check out this month is Daniel Docherty! This guy right here is Scottish.. and insaaaanely talented! With a real acoustic feel to his music! Daniel spends a lot of time busking on the streets of Scotland and you may have seen him on the streets of Glasgow, Dundee or even Aberdeen at one point! I first saw Daniel back in January of 2012 after a One Direction concert in Glasgow. I threw him a few pennies and he was genuinely so nice, after he stopped playing he came over to personally thank me and just have a chat. He even gave me a hug bless him! I think it's rare that you see people with as much talent as he has be so genuine and so thankful for everyone's support. I'm going to leave a few links below to some videos of him busking, and also the links to his facebook and twitter. If you get the chance, I cannot stress how much he is worth taking a couple of minutes to check out. He also recently left his management (you can find an article about his management story here in the evening times) and is looking for places across Scotland to gig, so if anyone knows anywhere or anyone that might be interested don't hesitate to contact him! He doesn't bite! But please.. enjoy his talent and good looks!

here are just a few of my favourite videos to check out!..

John Mayer Mash-Up

Blowin in the wind.. I feel wonderful..500 miles

She will be loved

here's a much more recent one!..

superstition

Something Elaine and I did..
So being that it is now November 6th (and the last landmark event until Christmas is now over!) of course we just had Guy Fawkes night or bonfire night if you prefer! And so cute little me and Elaine went together to keep each other warm! We stood in the freezing cold and watched in excitement as Aberdeen's night sky lit up in every possible colour. One thing that made this bonfire night different to any other was the couple standing behind us, having a rather loud conversation.. about their sex life. Now I am not going to repeat what they said, as I don't feel it would be appropriate. But it just made me wonder, if at times, people realise just how loud they are talking? Especially when it comes to their private lives! There were children around, and a whisper couldn't have gone a miss? So dear couple from the fireworks display, please take your conversation back to the bedroom next time yeah? Thanks, Elaine and Nikki.

Something magical..
Something magical for you all this month is the rather exciting development of the AVATAR LAND at Animal Kingdom in Florida! For those of you who don't know, Disney are building the land of Pandora from the James Cameron movie Avatar (which is absolutely brilliant! Check it out if you haven't already!) And the concept art sketches have officially been released! What makes me the most excited about these is the fact that my favourite part of the movie is at night when all the plants and animals light up, and judging by these sketches, Disney are set to do a fantastic job of representing this! Construction begins this year and the opening of the land is set to be in 2016! If this doesn't excite you then go re-evaluate your life! Only joking, it is super exciting though!

Something I am planning..
So guys, this month I have decided to plan something massive. (Well it's massive in the scale of my life anyway!). I am planning to do a charity sky dive as of next year! The plan is to raise as much money as I can for the children's charity Cash For Kids which is the charity for my local radio station Northsound Radio! I just feel really inspired both to do something for charity and to tick skydiving off of my bucket list! This has been a completely spontaneous decision, but it's one that has made me super excited and I want to start planning things as soon as I can! My friends and family have already been supportive of the decision and with everyone behind me I know I can raise lots for such a brilliant charity!

Something to inspire you..
And last but not least guys I shall leave you all, as per, with something to inspire you a little..

Until next time (and hopefully not a months time this time)

Stay Magical!

Nikki x

The Big Something!#3

Hello Everyone!

Something I've been loving..
This week I have been loving having my natural hair colour again!
I did dye it a couple of weeks ago now, but since I have dyed it, it has faded and become more and more natural again. And I am diggin' it! Apparently it even makes me look older (this being a massive compliment to someone who was once ID'd for an age 12 movie in Morrisons.. Yeah you heard me).

Something I've been hating..
Something I've been hating this week is the fact that I'm starting to feel my old routine slowly climbing back into my life again. Early mornings, late nights doing college revision and spending my weekends at work. Oh how I miss long lies, and being able to stay up without worrying about getting up the next morning!

Something I've been eating..
So to those of you who say that the crusts are the best part of the bread, you are clearly kidding yourself! Stop lying.. Nobody likes the crust, we only eat it because we have to. Which is why this week I have been loving 'Crusts Away' bread! Pop it in the toaster and slap some Nutella on there! Yes! Mmmm.

Something I've been drinking..
This week, I have been attempting (and kidding myself!) to try and eat and drink more healthily than normal. I've even been drinking massive bottles of water! (I was judged when I took one into college with me - Yes Sian, I'm talking about you!). So I attempted to make a banana milkshake, and it turned out - not to brag - surprisingly well. In fact I'd even go as far as to say delicious! Just pop a banana a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream and some milk in the blender and voila! You can thank me later!

Something Elaine and I did..
As many people may or may not know, I don't really know how to change a light bulb. *sigh* yes judge me all you like but it's a lot more difficult than it looks! So this week Elaine and I managed to successfully change one in the living room. However it was not without it's drama as it involved various phone calls to parents asking for help, and I may have accidently burnt my finger on a hot bulb! Oops! No idea why we decided to change a bulb with the light switch turned on! Rookie error right there! The end result is I am now sitting with an ice pack to soothe my pulsating fingertip! Ouch!
Lesson learned: next time just get dad to do it!

Something I bought that I didn't need..
This week at work, the Christmas stock went out to the stage floor! - And as we all know, this only spells disaster for Nikki and her bank account! So after my shift at work this week I may have thought it appropriate to treat myself! I bought a beautiful new Christmas cup! And a Sven! - Now for those of you who don't know who Sven is, read (and watch) my something Magical.. He's the reindeer from the new Frozen movie and he is absolutely fabulous! We're in love!

Something Hot..
So this week I'm going to pick a man of the week (and the boys reading this will probably hate me for it, but what the hey!).
This weeks man of the week is George Shelley! For those of you who have seen Union J's new music video for 'Beautiful Life' you will have seen how adorable his little face is! I swear he's secretly a tiny puppy! I screen shotted his adorable face for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!

Something Magical..
This week saw the release of the brand new trailer for Disney's newest movie Frozen! And you have no idea how excited I have been for this! And now I literally cannot wait for it to hit cinemas on December 6th! For those of you who get the chance you should definitely check it out! I'll leave the link to the trailer below!

FROZEN OFFICIAL TRAILER

Something To Inspire You..
And as always here is another inspiring picture to put a smile on your beautiful faces!

Until next time!

Stay Magical!

Nikki x

The Big Something!#2

Hello Everyone!

Sorry this weeks big something post is so late, I've been pretty busy with college, work (and freshers too ofcourse!) But better late than never!

Something I've been loving..
This week I have been absolutely loving the flavour/smell of mango! I mean, is it just me or is mango just the nicest fruit ever!? This week I've been wearing Barry M's gelly nail in 'mango', in the shower I've been using mango shower gel, I've been drinking orange and mango fruit juice, Fanta mango and mango sourz! I feel like I'm on mango overload, is it too much? Naaa..

Something I've been hating..
So I enjoy a nice bath now and again, but this has become war due to the fact that I have never been able to find the right plug for the bath in our flat! I mean I'm not even sure one exists! Saturday evening, I poured a bath and used what I thought was the correct bath plug, little did I know it would be more effort than it was worth. After a (for what its worth) very pleasant nice warm bath (which was much needed after sleeping in that morning and not having time to shower before work!). I then came to the realisation that the bath plug, was infact.. stuck! Yes, stuck! No matter how hard I tried, I could not move it! Eventually I had to use a jug to slowly take the water from the bath and pour it down the bathroom sink. It took the best of half an hour until the bath was pretty much empty and I was finally able to remove the plug! It's safe to say I won't be bathing for a long time at least not until we finally find the right plug!

Something I've been wearing..
So this week I decided I was just going to go out on a limb and buy a slightly larger slightly more 'winter appropriate' jacket and assume that the weather is only going to get colder! I fell in love with this one as soon as I seen it, it's from H+M and is grey 'tweed like' material with leather sleeves and collar detailing, the zip is also just slightly off centre which I think makes it a bit different! And although it doesn't look that thick the sleeves especially are quite padded and are super cosy! So winter.. Come at me!

Something I bought that I didn't need..
Beyoncé's new perfume! So I stumbled into superdrug this week, and as I was at the checkout I noticed Beyoncé's new perfume, The Mrs Carter World Tour, was half price for one week only (the big bottle too!) I just could not resist! It smells fabulous! Fruity but expensive! Another definite recommend from me!

Something I've been listening to..
Union J's new song, Beautiful life.
Album.. A guilty pleasure of mine this week (judge me now) has been The Hannah Montanna Movie Soundtrack.. a personal favourite of mine has been Crazier by Taylor Swift, yes I am a lover of country music. Please don't judge me! The Hannah Montanna fan in me will never die, even if Mileys old image has done!

Something I've been missing..
So being in my second year at Aberdeen College, I  am living in my own flat away from home and away from my family. Having lived in the countryside until I was 17, the past year has brought a lot of changes to my life and I do quite often find myself missing the tranquillity of my old farmhouse, and everyone who lived in it with me. Also, seen as my Grandpa has been quite ill these past couple of months with trips in and out of hospital and it being difficult for me to find the time to see him, it had got me thinking a lot about my childhood and how much he used to be around. My earliest memory of him is probably him teaching me how to tie my shoe laces, a simple task that I guess I do without even thinking about these days, I guess I really ought to thank him for the simple things like that! (And Grandpa if you're reading this, you better be writing my book!). But it's not just my Grandpa that I miss, as little as I admit it, my mothers company is missed more and more every day (and not just because yesterday I dyed my whites pink in the wash because she wasn't here to tell me otherwise! oops!). But more so because you don't even realise how much even just her presence means to you until your miles away from her! And my Dad, well, for those of you who don't know he is quite the clown. I sorely miss his childish capering, and when he used to attempt to tell me and my brother off, but instead just end up laughing! His silly dance moves would not go a miss right now! And my brother (whom I have to thank for the inspiration for this post), well I guess I never really tell him how much I miss having him around too, I remember when we were younger and we used to run around pretending we were twins! But he's growing up now and doing well in School, truth be told I'm quite the proud older sister! Stick in till you stick out bro bro!
And so, my dear family.. this ones for you! Love and miss you all! (And the cats!)

 

Something Elaine showed me..
Apparently I've turned up very late to the "dumb ways to die" club! But for those of you who don't know about it (like me, oops) you should definitely give that game a download! Very strange but strangely addictive!!

Something magical..
This week for my something magical I would like to share a video with you which I stumbled upon on YouTube. The video features a YouTube boyband and YouTuber Todrick Hall, singing a remix of some classical Disney songs! Disney Princes meets Boybands with a twist, don't be too quick to judge and check this one out! If anything it is damn catchy!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Something inspiring..
And for something to inspire you guys this week, here is a picture I bought in a little shop I can't quite remember the name of in St Andrews, my familys favourite holiday destination! (Ps. Dad if you're reading this, I'm still waiting for you to put it on my wall!) Anyway, it immediately stood out to me, and it genuinely sums up the motto which I live my life by!

You know the drill..

Stay Magical!

Nikki x

The Little Things..

Hello Everyone!

 

Is it just me or are the smallest most simple moments in life the best ones?

I don't know about you, but when I'm feeling pretty run down, or worried about anything I always find that the best remedy is just to spend an evening having a little 'me time' I guess you could say. My ideal is just to relax on my bed with new crisp, fresh bed sheets, a nice candle lit (personally my favourite at the moment is Yankee's "Fireside Treats", which pretty much just smells of toasted marshmallows! Yum!) fairy lights on beside your bed, and some chill out music! (For which I would definitely recommend a bit of Demi Lovato! For those of you who don't know she is like my ultimate in  girl crush! I genuinely think she has a stunning voice and is absolutely beautiful and a massive inspiration to me, but anyway enough fan girling!) In fact I will leave below my recommendations for songs to chillout to/inspire/provoke thought. *

There's just something so calming about night and it's in moments like these that I feel nothing short of inspired to go out and just do something! Chase all my dreams! I usually like to sit with a bit of pen and paper beside me, and even when I find myself struggling to actually put anything on the sheet of paper, I often just think to myself how I can make anything of that blank sheet of paper that I want to, I'm one of these great believers that thinks you can do anything if you just set your mind to it and work hard enough to get it. If you want something badly enough who's to say you can't have it? You will find away you just need to find the motivation to go out and grab it right?

So to sum up this post, I just want all my readers to feel inspired to do something they have always wanted to do! Whether it's something as small as perhaps starting a blog? Or something as big as to go out and make a difference in the world! I want you to go out and grab it! And if your struggling to find the motivation? Just do what I do, light a candle, switch on some fairy lights, grab a pen and paper and get into bed.. Go ahead.. That blank sheet of paper right there.. it can become anything you want it to be!

 

*song recommendations

Demi Lovato - Skyscraper and Catch Me

Ellie  Goulding - The Writer

Rudimental - Alien Bashment (this one is definitely a bit different, but give it a chance!)

From the Brave soundtrack (for all you proud Scottish Disney fans out there!) Touch The Sky and Learn Me Right (this one has Mumford and Sons and Birdie - truly beautiful!)

And finally, Chris Malinchak - So Good To Me (I have absolutely no idea why, but this one just makes me think of being in America in the sun! Ah some day!)

 

 

 

Did I inspire you?..

Until next time keep smiling and

Stay Magical!

Nikki x

The Big Something!

Hello everyone!

 

So here is my (highly anticipated..) first ever weekly blog!

The big something is a post I will (attempt) to write every week, to keep you guys updated on all things I've been loving, hating, wearing, discussing etc and every week I'll even leave a little 'something magical' and 'something inspiring' to inspire you, my readers!

 

So without further ado, lets begin!

Something I've been loving..
Something I have been loving this week is cats. Yes, cats! Kittens, kitty cats, pussycats, felines.. call them what you will I just cannot get enough of them! Cats in hats, cats in glasses, cats on tshirts (a favourite of mine!), cats on jewellery and cats on my screensaver! Who doesn't love a good cat? But anyway I'm getting beyond the point here.. (Although I'm not entirely sure what my point is.. other than that cats are just great!). If anyone would like to buy me a cat please do!? I think I'll call him Mr Whiskertons!

Something I've been hating..
So something that I have definitely been hating this week is the fact that it's time to accept that summer is over. The mornings are colder, the evenings are darker and my tan is officially 100% fake. (I suppose it could be argued that I never really had a real one in the first place!) Don't get me wrong I love winter and I'm looking forward to snow, and the whole Christmas atmosphere. But it's autumn, you know that awkward season in-between where you just feel like your in limbo between Christmas and summer? and you don't know whether to hope for a little more sun or embrace it and look forward to the festive period ahead.

Something I've been watching..
So this week I would like to add a massive thanks to (my best friend always, sister from another mister!) Elaine, for introducing me to New Girl. Which I'll admit I had been meaning to sit down and watch a whole episode of for a long time! And she finally made me and I quickly felt myself getting drawn in and falling in love with both the characters and the storyline! (Nick and Jess, so much love!- those of you who watch it will know what I'm talking about!) But unfortunately I chose to start watching it just as the second series came to an end! I was sad! But I'm super looking forward to series three already! And for those of you who haven't checked it out yet, get on it! You will  not regret it!

Something I've been listening to..
Band: Rudimental.. If you haven't already listened to their album yet, then what are you waiting for!? Do it right now! On a serious note, there is not one song of theirs that I do not love, and their music just never gets old! And there's just something new and different about some of their stuff. Their collaberations with Emeli Sande are also outstanding! A definite recommendation from me!

Song: The Peter Pan Soundtrack (2003) - Flying.. Living about a 10 minute walk from my work in Aberdeen, means I walk to work every week. Which means I do enjoy a good power walking song, you know one that gets your pulse racing and your feet working? The kind that makes you close your eyes and picture yourself in a music video? (No? just me? oh.) Well this is definitely one of those ones! It's always a personal favourite of mine for walking to work, and you can never go wrong with a good instrumental song right? For those of you who love a bit of magic, you'll adore this one!

Something I've been wearing..
This week, I've been trying out Rimmel London's brand new "Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation" (in the shade 200 Soft Beige). I had high hopes for this foundation when I bought it as there is nothing I like more when it comes to foundation than a nice matte mousse! It feels so nice on your skin and it always gives great coverage without feeling to heavy and liquidy! (Is that even a word? Liquidy?) But I have been more than impressed with this foundation! It ticks all the boxes and stays on most of the day too! I would definitely recommend it to those of you looking for a new foundation to try out! :)

Something someone has said..
This week I met my Nana for a catch up over lunch (or a fly cup as she likes to call it!), and as we were spending time together she gave me some rather wise words of advice, without even realising it! My Nana does like to get on at me to 'stick in' in school, and life in general really! And as a joke she had said to me, "Just you stick in until you stick out!" to which she just laughed. But I paused for a second and had a thought about what she had said. And her joke had made more sense than I think she had intended it to! What sensible advice I thought! Because all we ever do is stick in to become the best we can be, and once we become that we want to stand out from the crowd so people will notice us for the potential we have! And with that I leave you again with the wonderful advice of Jean Mearns, "Stick in until you stick out!"

Something Elaine and I have done..
Hell hit home (or the flat) this week as our wifi router exploded! So we have been struggling to find things to entertain ourselves without the world wide web at our fingertips. So we were thrown back into our childhood as I broke out my super collection of Play-doh! I think it's safe to say we were probably much more excited than we should have been! But hey, who doesn't love a bit of Play-doh right?

Something magical..
So here's a little something magical for you guys this week..

Did you know that the real Peter Pan and Wendy are happily married?
Andy Ducote (otherwise known as Peter Pan at Disneyworld) and Hali Ducote (who also played Wendy) met and fell in love while working together at Disneyworld, so much so that they are now married and living their very own happily ever after! If that's not cute then I really don't know what is anymore! So there you have it girls (and boys), you really can have your magical happy ending after all, there is hope! Neverland here we come!

Something inspiring..
For something to inspire you this week I thought I'd leave a picture to make you smile..

Did I succeed?..

 

Until next time guys..

Stay Magical!

Nikki x

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