Masquerade by Panache 'Athena' Lingerie Review*

Panache lingerie* is a well known underwear brand famous for providing you those bigger sizes, without looking like you've borrowed something from your grannie's top drawer. As someone with a 30" back size I find it incredibly difficult to find underwear that is sexy and well fitting. More often than not in these cases, I have to choose one of the two (I'll leave you to ponder which). So when asked if I'd like to review some underwear from the new Autumn collection, I jumped at the chance.

Confessions of a So-Called Blogger

As much as I'd love for you all to believe practically perfect in every way, there are a few *cough* several skeletons lurking in my closet. I thought it would be fun to share some with you so here are five of my many confessions as a so called blogger.

My Favourite Christmas Adverts 2013

One thing that always interests me around this time of year is the effect that Christmas themed ads have on us. To the point where people will say 'It's not Christmas until the Coke adverts out' or 'It's not Christmas until the John Lewis advert is out'. Call me Scrooge but to me it's not Christmas until the night before.

 Despite this, I do enjoy the Christmas TV adverts so have decided to share my favourites of the year! And before the horrified gasps ensue - I didn't include John Lewis - bite me.

Chase and Status in The Granite City

Chase and Status are just one of those acts you can see time and time again and never get bored of. I first saw them a couple of years ago when I was volunteering at Kendal Calling and I can't even begin to describe it. The atmosphere was like nothing else and the fans are wild.

I remember their set finishing and my friend Ben being down one shoe with no recollection of even losing it. It's definitely an experience to say the least...

Happiness is 100 Things: Part Four

So here we have it - my penultimate list of the little things that I am thankful for and make life just that little bit more bright!

The Social Media Series: Pinterest

I realised the last post in my Social Media Series was ridiculously long so I've tried to condense this post a little and just highlight what I think are the key points!

Pinterest is like blogger heroin. We see a few pretty pictures and next thing you know we're remodelling our homes and have bloodshot eyes from staying up until the early hours of the morning groaning "Just one more pin".

Humans are visual beings, females especially. We're drawn to the pretty things in life and this is why Pinterest is an incredible (though oftentimes underrated) blog marketing tool and I'm going to help you crack the code.

Cooking for Dummies #4: One Dish Dinner

I recently had some time off work and decided to make myself something proper to eat. I'm ashamed to admit that recently more often than not I catch myself eating out, especially as I get a huge discount on food at work. Despite this, I really enjoy cooking when I have the time. I find it relaxing and fun (if you disinclude washing the dishes afterwards).

This dish literally came together as I was going along, but it worked surprisingly well which is why I've chosen to share it. It's ridiculously easy and tastes amazing!

Union Square Autumn Fashion Fix

Last weekend myself and some of the NEBE girlies were invited for a day of fun and pampering at Union Square's (one of my local shopping centres) 'Autumn Fashion Fix'. Those who know me well will know morning is not in my vocabulary, however I rocked up at 10:30am precisely (I'm really beginning to get this time thing down y'know) ready for the day ahead!

Always Be Fabulous

My blog is like my boyfriend. And I say this because we have a love hate relationship. It's not that I'm not incredibly passionate about my blog, because that's not the case at all. The truth is that I'm a person that likes to keep themselves busy, so much so that more often than not I overwhelm myself.

Happiness is 100 Things: Part Three

Part three of my Happiness is 100 Things Series! If you haven't already read them here are the links to read part one and part two of the series.

On the Road Again

image source

Recently I've said goodbye to my home for the past year. I know a year doesn't sound like a lot but when you're student it feels like you're forever moving house so to have somewhere to call home for a whole year is a pretty big deal, at least I think so!

Strawberry Basil Mojito

Okay so I actually planned this post for earlier in the summer, a lot earlier but it's alway cocktail o'clock right? One of my absolute favourite drinks these days is a good ol' Mojito, whatever the flavour you just can't go wrong.

A lot of recipe ideas I get are inspired by something I've tasted before in a restaurant or bar and then tweak and recreate in my own home. This drink is one of those concoctions. At a local bar I experienced for the first time basil in a Mojito and it was a concept so foreign to me that I just had to do it for myself. If you're a bit of a thrill seeker or a cocktail lover then this is the drink for you.

Three Reasons to Start Your Own Blog!

Last Thursday my little old blog turned one, can you believe it?  It sounds so cheesy but I am still humbled by every page view, comment and follower. I'm every bit as excited as I was on day one - some days ten times more!

During the past year I've noticed that a considerable amount of my friends/colleagues who have taken the plunge or are considering starting their own blog. And also several who have abandoned the idea completely because they don't think they're 'good enough'. Personally, I don't think there is such thing as being 'good enough' to blog, like everything else in life you learn as you go along!

 So if you're thinking about starting a blog or already have and are questioning your abilities - keep reading for my top three reasons to start your own blog!

The Social Media Series: Twitter

Social media is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get your blog noticed. Whether you're blogging with the intention of monetizing or just for personal gain you want someone to see your work. And just like any business you have to advertise otherwise no ones going to know you and your lovely blog exist!

Recently I've been focusing on setting blog goals for myself and I've seen a huge increase in my social media following as a result so thought I'd share some tips with you all! 

Venturing into the Unknown

Ooh the mystery! So I was blogging away when I realised I haven't yet mentioned that next month I am heading to Unknown Festival in Croatia!

Happiness is 100 things: Part Two

So incase you missed my last one, 'Happiness is 100 things' is a four part series I've decided to do detailing some of my favourite little things that make me happy. If you're interested here's part one of the series!

Bistro Verde

Bistro Verde is one of my favourite 'treat yourself' places to go of an evening. One - because the Sticky Toffee Pudding is to die for and two - I have a friend who works there so I get the added joy of terrorizing her while she rushes about trying to do her job.

Quote of the Week #8: Confidence is key

We come into this world with an inbuilt desire to impress and please other people. From that boy in the sandpit at nursery right up until your boss in your first big girl job. There is always somebody you want to acknowledge your greatness because otherwise what's the point right? Wrong.

I Am The Danger - Breaking Bad Final Season

Happiness is 100 Things: Part One

Happiness is one of those things that goes round in circles, much like a quicker version of the London Eye. There is no one person that exists who hasn't known sadness and who won't have sadness to come. However, that's not to say that life doesn't have it's beautiful moments and when those moments come along I think it's really important to cherish them.

I stumbled across Vicki's Happiness is 100 Things post one late night on Twitter and instantaneously decided to do one of my own featuring some of the little (and a few of the big) things that make me happy. I hope you enjoy it!

1. A great sleep

2. A rare steak

3. Spooning in bed

4. Capturing a great photo

5. Time spent with my weird and wonderful family

6. An unspoken bond

7. Music festivals

8. Hearing the voice of someone you've missed

9. Dancing like a fool

10. A productive day

11. Opening presents

12. Giving presents

13. Soup

14. Pinning my life away on Pinterest

15. Making new friends

16. Winning

17. Bradley Cooper's eyes

18. Surprising a friend

19. Watching kid's films

20. Kisses

Stay tuned for part two next week and if you've done your own posts please leave your links below!

Images all via weheartit

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Monsters University

Ninety Nine Bar and Kitchen

Quote of the Week #7: Life in the Deep End

Urban Decay Blogger Event

The Lady Boys of Bangkok

Quote of the Week #6: Free Your Mind

Picnic in the Park

Change Your Lifestyle, Not Your Diet!

An Open Letter to Cosmetics Companies

Image from weheartit

Spicy Rare Beef Salad

Quote of the Week #5: These Boots Were Made For Walking

Keglevich @ Rockness Festival*

Cooking for Dummies #3: Homemade Chips

Rockness: Day One

Quote of the Week #4: Happy is...

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Top Tips for Surviving Your First Festival

Quote of the Week #3: Never Fear

Review: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Quote of the Week #2: Do the Pants Dance

This makes me laugh but it is funny how much better your day feels when your underwear is matching or even better new. There are an alarming number of us out there who own 'lucky pants' so I know I'm not alone on this one!

You can find all the images I use for my QOTWs on my Words to Live by Pinterest board and all the lingerie I'm currently lusting over on my Style  - Lingerie Pinterest board.

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Christos Greek Taverna

So last week I went out for a meal with my sister and our good friend Maya to celebrate me getting a job for summer. My sister insisted we go somewhere out of the norm so after not being able to get a suitable reservation at Yatai (which I am still determined to go to!) we decided to go to Christos Greek Taverna which came highly recommended and also ranked #14 on Trip Advisor for Aberdeen restaurants.