12 Lists // Number 1 - January

  So this is basically a fun New Year project/series that I actually saw on Mini Penny Blog, but first started at Clear the Way and Chez Gillian. It's super simple - there will be one list each month and you just simply write your own personal list according to the topic. I'm going to try and keep this up every month because it's a fun project that doesn't take up loads of time and let's you get to know the person behind the blog better! January's list: favourite smells.

Surviving Winter: Only 3 coats I need

  When I first arrived to the UK, I made two mistakes:

a) Buying wayyy too many coats simply because each one was slightly different to the other. But in my defense, it was my first time getting the chance to buy any sort of outerwear so I naturally employed the 'gotta catch 'em all' attitude...

Esty Lingerie: Accessorizing Under-garments

  Gone are the days when lingerie are only meant to be worn and not seen. Starting from peeks of lacy bralets under low drop arm hole tops, the whole 'undergarments as outerwear' trend is gradually taking the world by storm...

Signature Fragrances*

  Besides a LBD and a statement lippie, what a girl also needs is a signature scent - their signature scent. A scent that appeals to them and compliments their personality. This is where Signature Fragrances comes in. They produce luxurious high quality perfume with 'Pure Parfum' strength and every fragrance contains little or no alcohol

"Signature Fragrance London is a contemporary fragrance house that is inspired by perfumery's beguiling past: when fragrances were crafted to leave long lasting impacts. We provide a selection of robust fragrance oils suited to passionate perfume lovers. With an array of unique scents, we aim to restore your personal identity through the sense of smell."

  With a wide range of scents - from floral to sweet, fresh to oriental woods, there is something for everyone, and every occasion, no matter day or night. Also, guess what - they have a men's range for those guys out there too. I was privileged to be able to try 2 of their samples below:

Boohoo Sales Haul

  Boohoo for me can be either a hit or a miss. Sometimes you can find such gorgeous items at bargain prices but sometimes, I feel that the quality can be compromised. Nevertheless, here are some of the things that I ordered and have kept! All these were bought during the Christmas sale period, although you can still get almost all of these items and Boohoo still has a massive sale section with up to 75% off and 20% student discount for a limited time! You will never know what you can find. Also, they do free returns which is just awesome.

Review // *Zuzka Natural Lipstick in 'Toffee Apple'

  In this day and age where more and more chemicals are being invented and with very few people reading or actually knowing what is on the cosmetic product's ingredients list, it's good to know what the products you use are made of - especially those that you put on your face, eyes and lips. The more natural the better.

  Zuzka was a brand that was previously unknown to me. But when given the chance to review their items from the creator Susan Kohutova herself, I researched a bit about the company and was intrigued by their 'pure, fresh, handmade cosmetics' claim. From the website itself, all of Zuzka cosmetics are manufactured from certified organic herbs, plants and flowers free from pesticides and chemicals.

  Anyway, I received one of their Natural Lipsticks in the shade 'Toffee Apple'* to review for you guys today. I must tell you that each of their Natural Lipsticks also has a Natural Lip gloss in the same shade for those that prefer glosses.

A rather big ASOS haul

  

Okay, despite vowing that I shall spend no more £££ on clothes, I have a few excuses reasons to justify this rather big haul!

a) I didn't buy all of this in one go...stuff here is all the way from November-ish

b) There was a sale going on...and we both know how I simply can't resist them. Oh and, they had a 10% off sale last week which meant more damage...oops

c) I'm just wishing for summer & warmer weather - you'll see the pattern

Top 5 senses: December

  

I know we are in the middle of January now and I know that the last time I did a post like this was wayyy back in October...but hey, better late than never? December was a time when the weather got harsher and colder which means tons of layering, dark colours and of course, Christmassssss!

Insta Snaps #19

  It's been a while since I've last shared my 'Insta-Snaps' with you guys and over the Christmas break, I have accumulated quite a bit... Instead of going back home this Christmas, I actually went around the UK and did some pretty amazing things.   First, I went to London and went to the place of my dreams - The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios Tour. To say it was incredible is an understatement! I loved every single bit of it and found out a few little secrets - so cool. Definitely recommend for any Potterheads around. I went to the coveted Laduree for afternoon tea, went to Camden and sampled some amazing food, toured the Emirates Stadium (courtesy of the boyfriend of course), went to more Primarks than I can count, walked along Oxford Street numerous times and another highlight, the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It was my first time ever to go to any carnival thing of that sort and I loved every bit of it. The atmosphere was amazing, the food (mainly German sausages, churros, waffles, pancakes) was delicious, the games were really fun to watch and the rides were insane. I wanted to do everything. Seriously, no amount of adjectives can describe Winter Wonderland and needless to say, I had a load of fun.   Later on, I went to Durham to meet up with a few friends and spent a rather low-key and quiet Christmas Day with them before heading to Edinburgh for New Year's Eve! Edinburgh is a gorgeous city. The architecture is beautiful. I climbed Arthur's Seat (well, part way), went to Edinburgh Castle and climbed all the way to Calton Hill to see the fireworks, which was just behind us so we got front row seats! Loved my time there.   My touring the UK adventures definitely ain't stopping anytime soon. Follow me on Instagram (@infamoushearts)

Birmingham German Christmas Market was the bomb diggity // Never seen so many nutcrackers in one place before // There is never an excuse to not be a kid for a while

*heart eye emojis* // Officially the 1st of December! // These smell & look amazing

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... // This is why England amazes me // Now which Christmassy top to wear...

Ear candy // Thank you to Sommy for being a great host! // Motorbike seats at Camden

First time having Chinese food in the UK // Oxford Street in all its Christmassy glory // Harry Potter Studios Tour was beyond amazing

A selfie in the Mirror of Erised? // Hogwarts, you're too fine // Emirates Stadium is so fancy

You don't realise how small you are until you're actually in the stadium // Winter Wonderland from afar // The view from below

*insert flower & car emojis* // Finally. // Missing Sommy's hot chocolate with mini marshmallows

Little present for the fambam 6,308 miles away // Celebrating Christmas Eve Tesco style // Shirt says it all - Merry Christmas!

Smiley, smiley // A plate of sweet, crispy heaven // Too cosy - I ain't getting out

View of Edinburgh from Arthur's seat // Blackcurrant & Vanilla tea smells & tastes heavenly // Japanese for NYE lunch

Here's to an amazing 2015 // New year, new sports gear (mini review here) // Shoes: New Look *insert heart eyes emojis*

Boxing Day Haul - New Look & Forever 21

  This was meant to be posted 2 days ago, but I was rushing to finish a Philosophy essay because I'm an amazing procrastinator and haven't yet lost my touch. As usual, I could not resist the temptation of a good Boxing Day sale and hence, did just a little bit of damage at New Look :P In fact, the sale is still going on and I think you can still get some of these pieces! Also, I ordered some pieces from Forever 21 a long while ago so I thought I would show that too because I love a good haul, and I hope you do too!

2014: Personal Style Roundup

Radiant Orchid // Clarity // Wingardium Leviosa // Roses are Red

X's and O's // Moulin Rouge // Somewhere only we know // Ethereal

Wake Me Up // That oh illusive piece of mind // Earth Hour // Denim Days

Palindrome // Wallflower // Beating Heart // Pocketful of Sunshine

Build A Lego House // Make Me Your Aphrodite // Kyoto // Osaka

Hokkaido // Lavender Farms // Youth is wasted on the young

  It seems not so long ago when I was putting together my outfit posts of 2013...I would say that style-wise, my taste has kinda changed drastically since 2013 (some are so cringe-worthy), but throughout this year, it has remained relatively similar although I ventured out of my little zone a bit and tried some new and different pairings/trends. 

  This year, I have only posted 22 outfit posts which seriously isn't a lot (although I do have a backlog of outfit posts to be posted...just got to get round doing that). I guess with major exams, trips and most of all, trying to work out how and where to take outfit pictures in my tiny room at Uni (I am bound to get questions if I start taking them outdoors)...it's gotten kind of hard and I am still trying to figure that out to be honest. Anyway, here are all of my looks and links to them for any outfit details you may want to know!

Which look is your favourite?

2015: A New Year, A Fresh Start

Wow, it feels weird being back on Blogger, typing my thoughts out on the keyboard after being gone for so long... the main reason was trying to manage my time and get to grips with everything at my first year in University whilst fitting blogging in at the same time. Although I am more active on Instagram, I pushed aside the planning, writing and photographing process that is blogging. I will admit, it was hard. Procrastination has always been my enemy and time management was never my forté. There were times when I did think about quitting blogging for good because a) I couldn't find the time b) it was difficult trying to figure out how to take product pictures or outfit posts with the much smaller space I have (university accommodation ain't the biggest). So yea, this explains my sporadic absence...but I am determine to change that this year!

  But first, reflecting back on 2014, I would definitely classify it as a year of change. I made some amazing memories that I will cherish forever, went through some not so good times that changed my outlook on life a little and well, I also moved to the other side of the world...on my own. In 2014, not only was I pushed to my stress limits  during the end of year exams - the IB (International Baccalaureate - a high school qualification, equivalent to A-levels) is no joke, but I achieved results that were better than I expected. I graduated with some of the best people (#classof2014) that I have became incredibly close with and will no doubt stay good friends for life. I made some amazing memories and had one of the best times of my life during the Graduation trip. And on top of that, I was accepted into my first choice university. 

  Speaking of university, that was another huge change of 2014 as it was the first time that I truly left the comfort of home to go to a foreign country (England) that was literally on the other side of the world. From there, I was thrown out of my comfort zone and had to learn to be independent. To travel alone, budget my finance, cook, be out in the real world and of course, cope with the workload that the University throws at us. But I also made loads of new friends, got to travel and discover new places and even paid my first ever 'big' deposit - the house that I will be living in next academic year with 5 of my current flatmates, how exciting!

  Blogging-wise, there wasn't much excitement...which is not really surprising as it hasn't been my top priority and has taken a back seat lately. But I will be putting more effort into this little space of mine and hopefully, there will be loads of exciting things coming your way!

  Anyway, putting the whole 'new year, new me' cliché aside, I do have a few New Year resolutions. In previous years, I was never that bothered about things like these because come on, who actually manages to keep them for the entire year. But this time, I am determined to stick to them! When it comes to setting goals and targets, I find it's best to keep them measurable and realistic. That way,  you're more likely to stick with it!

1) Exercise at least 4 times a week This year, I want to get my fitness level up. I join the university's athletics and swim team so I just have to go to training sessions regularly! Also, I am determined to complete the 30 Days Challenge which I have previously started many times, but never actually finished...but it's okay, I've got them all pinned.

2) Blog consistently  I'm aiming for every other day and have an actual blogging schedule planned out.

3) Spend more time on Uni work Dedicate at least 2-3 hours a night for either note-making, reading or revising. After all, it's what you're here for

4) Healthy eating More fruits and vegetables and less 'treats' for that sweet tooth of mine. No food after 9pm - trying to cut down on my late night snacking

5) Sleep more, wake up early As of now, I am going to try to be in bed before midnight and be up by 8am

6) Less is more Stop hoarding things and online shopping - you don't need all that cute things you think you do. Even though this is very hard when various brands constantly have sales...I need to start saving more and declutter. Speaking of which, I'm selling a bunch of stuff on my Depop

7) Drink more water I so bad at this one that I often convince myself that I'm a camel. Going to try to drink one glass of water as soon as I get up to detox.

8) Step out of my comfort zone more and meet new people I am the kind of person that is completely fine with being alone and tend to not talk to anyone unless they start the conversation. But this year, I think I need to start getting to know more people better.


  Hope you enjoy this relatively long-ish post to start off 2015! What are your resolutions this year - are they similar?