Barcelona Photo Diary 1

The Harry Potter Shop in Kings Cross Station

Crepes at Creps Barcelona in the port area

The stunning view from our hotel room ;)

During the half term holidays I spent my time in Barcelona, it was really nice and I'd never been before so it was a new experience for me, which I loved.

The city is really artsy and has some interesting history behind everything. These photos are from the first part of the trip which we spent around the port area and at the aquarium which was so pretty and filled with exotic fish that we don't seem to be able to see at all in any of the UK aquariums. Being February, the weather wasn't spectacular but it was lovely later on in the week, at some moments it felt like being in LA or the closest someone could feel to being in LA without having actually been.

More photos to come!

Nat xx

When In Duty Free...

I recently went on a trip to Barcelona and while I was there I splashed some of my cash, whoops! :s 

Firstly, at kings cross station I went to the new Harry Potter shop and bought a T-Shirt but it's in the wash and I'm a little embarrassed hehe. Next door there's a fancy book shop and being the book worm that I am, I had to go in. Originally I was looking for An Abundance of Katherines by John Green because I wanted to read more of his work, but this book Why We Broke Up was next to it in the shelf. With a little flick through, I immediately wanted to purchase it. Such beautiful illustrations are splashed throughout the book pertaining to each chapter and each reason as to why this couple broke up. I'll do a review as soon as I finish it. 

Why We Broke Up - Daniel Handler - £8.99

When I arrived at Heathrow, I was really looking forward to checking out Terminal 5's Duty Free. I wasn't let down, it's like a bloomin' shopping centre in there! They even have an Art Gallery. I sped over to the beauty section where I browsed the makeup and cosmetics area which was huge. I have mentioned before that I love Stella by Stella McCartney and it was being sold at £53.00! RRP £63.00 that's a huge difference! It was a sign that it was meant for me. While I was there I also spotted this lovely shade from O.P.I called Tickle My France-y at around £9.00 which was a good deal considering it's sold at £11.00 on the website.

Stella by Stella McCartney - £63.00

O.P.I Tickle My France-y - £11.00

In Barcelona, there's a Sephora. Whenever I hear the words Sephora I always feel happy because there are none in the UK and they have their own brand of makeup. Well I went in thinking I would find some of Sephora's own makeup but what did I buy? NARS and Urban Decay. Typical. 

NARS Laguna Bronzer - £26.00

Urban Decay Theodora Palette - £35.00

Let me know if you have tried any of the products or read the book,

I'd love to hear what you think! 

Love, Nat xxx

I finally got round to reading it - The Fault In Our Stars Review

The Fault In Our Stars - John Green *****

Probably one of the most talked about books in 2012, John Green writes, in my opinion, a masterpiece. 

""I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once."Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten"

I first picked up this book after watching Carrie talk about it in one of her videos. What I have to say is this: The Fault In Our Stars is expertly written, and encapsulates what I believe to be a 'good read'.

While I was reading the first chapters of the book I decided that I would write down my initial thoughts., mainly adjectives to describe the book.

Deep, blunt, insightful, and philosophical, TFIOS is a no messing around novel that gets straight to the point. The characters are written so professionally, Green really captures the thoughts of a teenager, not only in Hazel, but also he knows what we, as teenagers or adults, would want to read. Green makes references to other pieces of literature that I actually understood! I fell in love with Gus and not only because he's described as being 'handsome' and well-built, although that is nice, no I love the character because he is so direct. He's a no nonsense kinda guy, spontaneous, and well spoken. 

Despite Hazel being terminal, you don't get the classical cancer kid book, it's depressing, but "that's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt". Yep that's an actual quote from the book. It's pretty perfect in the way that it's just so accurate, and genuinely makes you believe in this relationship that entails, gives some hope that maybe they can survive together.

I rate this book with 5 stars and an all-round favourite of mine.
What do you think? Have you read it?

Nat xx

More Soap and Glory - I just can't help it!

I know, I know, not another Soap and Glory review, but I can honestly say that this product isn't for me. I usually love Soap and Glory products but this was a disappointment. For my birthday I received 'the best of all' bag and I'm slowly working my way through it. This was one of the first things I tried as I hadn't tried any of the Soap and Glory makeup products. The things that I look for in a mascara are usually that they're lengthening and add volume, but most of all I like an evening brush (in terms of fanning out the lashes).

So onto this mascara, I'm not a fan. The reason why is because it doesn't add enough product onto the lashes. My face looked bare, and it clumps the lashes together. Also, with the large brush, it's difficult to reach the corners and I ended up getting it all over my lid (you can see it in the picture). It wasn't what I wanted from a mascara, and generally I think it would be good for someone else, someone who likes to wear very very little makeup, which isn't me.

Anyway, I think someone's appreciation of this product depends on how much makeup you like to wear.

Hope you've had a good week! Love, Nat xx

eighteen

Thursday the 7th of February was the day I turned 18, and to celebrate, I went out with my best friends to Banyan. In the UK, the legal age is 18 for most things so I had my first legal alcoholic drink, and there were a fair few to follow later...

I had a really nice night, initially I invited about 15 people to come out with me but almost everyone cancelled so I was lucky that my two besties came with me.

I had a cosmo - sex and the city style, love!

Love Nat xx