My Life As Marina: 2016

FESTIVE FUN | What To Do This Christmas

Lifestyle 5:28:00 PM

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Irresistible Me Jade Straightening Brush Review

Reviews 6:30:00 AM

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NYX Butter Lipstick and Lip Liner

Beauty 8:00:00 AM

Hey everyone, and happy Monday! I feel like this month has flown by and we are getting so close to December, but I don't mind because the holiday season is my ultimate favorite! I am especially looking forward to decorating the house and watching all the vlogmas videos, and of course to all of the posts I will be doing throughout this month. But enough about my Christmas obsession just now and let's talk about my latest beauty obsession and that is my new NYX butter lipstick and lip liner. I have always been a fan of the NYX beauty, but I never managed to get a hold of them, so when I finally did I couldn't have been more excited and I just knew I had to share it with you. You've all probably heard of the NYX cosmetics as they are a very popular and quite affordable high street brand. As well as being very affordable they are quite high quality and lots of bloggers and vloggers have been raving about them for a long time.

The butter lipstick is in the shade Snow Cap and even the name is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. It gives a full coverage and it melts onto the lips and also adds a pop of colour to them as well. The shade is nude, slightly baby pink and it also a bit glossier so that makes it even more amazing for the holidays. Its formula is very lighweight and non sticky and it is quite long lasting, although if you plan on wearing it for a long period of time or the whole day, it will need to be reapplied at least once or twice. It applies directly on bare lips or over a lip liner for more pigmentation.

And to go with it I purchased the lip liner in the shade Peekaboo Neutral. It is a pale pink shade with neutral undertones and it goes amazingly together with the butter lipstick. Unlike the lipstick, it doesn't have shimmer and shine, it gives a matte finish.Once applied, it does stay put and also prolongs wear time of the lipstick. However, after meals, you might need to do a little touch up, but otherwise, it makes even a regular lipstick stay on the entire day.

Also, the packaging of both the lipstick and lipliner is simple yet very classy and pretty and I really like it. They are definitely worth the spend and they make amazing dupes for more expensive products, so if you are on a budget, I would definitely recommend checking out NYX cosmetics.

I am so happy with both of my purchases and will definitely be going out to get more shades and I am planning to get a few of their matte lipsticks as well. Let me know if you've tried NYX products and which is your favorite and also if you have tried out any of these ones, let me know what you thought of them. Until next time! Love, M xx

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Festive Blog Post Ideas

Advice 7:30:00 AM

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Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Lifestyle 8:00:00 AM

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Would You Rather: Beauty Edition

Beauty 12:32:00 PM

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All About Books

Lifestyle 12:00:00 PM

Bookworms of the world unite! Hey guys, today I am back with another installment of the All About series (you can read the other ones I did: All About Movies, All About Autumn and All About Converse)! This one is about one of my all time favorite topics and that is... books! '' A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, the man who never reads lives only one '' says a quote from my favorite TV and book series Game of Thrones and I couldn't agree more with it. I have always enjoyed reading, ever since I was a little girl and my mom would read fairytales to me before bedtime. I just love books, I love that moment when you open one and sink into it. You can escape from the world into a story that's way more interesting than yours will ever be. I believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book and as Stephen King says books are a uniquely portable magic. I love the fact that as we lose ourselves in books, we find ourselves in them too. I have always, as I've said, had a great love for books so I decided to share it with you. Picking out my favorites just wasn't doable so I split lots of the ones I love in a few categories, so I hope you'll find some you like and get inspired to read. Pick out an evening or whenever you have some free time and grab a book and a cup of tea or coffee or hot chocolate even and just let it take you into a whole new wonderful world.

Easy reads/Feel good books

First up I wanted to mention some of my favorite easy to read books which will make you feel good and happy once you've finished them and will leave you with a huge grin on your face. Here they are:

Girl Online and Girl Online On Tour by my favorite Zoella aka Zoe Sugg. When I first heard Zoe was releasing a book I couldn't have been more excited and happy for her and once she released a sequel it was even better. If you haven't already read them, which I highly doubt, you need to do it know. The way it is written is so beautiful and the main character Penny is very relatable and her story is so similar to many other teenager's. It also covers important topics such as anxiety, friendship, family dynamics and lots more. Even if you are not a fan of Zoe, I am sure you'll love Girl Online and Girl Online On Tour, because they tell the incredible and enjoyable coming of age story! These ones were incredible and I cannot wait for the third one Girl Online Going Solo which comes out in a few days and you be sure I'll be getting my hands on it!

Fangirl by Raindow Rowell is another book that had a lot of positive buzz around it, so I decided to check it out. When I started it, with the first few pages I already fell in love with it and I couldn't believe why I hadn't read it sooner. Fangirl charmed me with its relatable characters and interesting plot line. It is about two twin sisters Cath and Wren and them going off to college. But there is another add to the story line, Cath is an incredible writer and she is obsessed with the book series Simon Snow ( it is basically a spin on Harry Potter ) and she loves writing fanfiction. When they go off to college, Cath has a hard time letting go of her childhood love and since she is quite introverted and doesn't like going out that much, unlike her sister, she doesn't fit in very well there. That is until she meets Levi who helps her a lot with everything. I feel like this book has so many amazing and complex characters who represent all the highs and lows of life which make us exactly who we are. I could relate to Cath the most, because in a lot of ways we are pretty similar and in some of her words I could hear myself. Another great aspect of this book is that it deals with social anxiety. Also I feel this book would be good inspiration for young aspiring writers, because you can see Cath's writing process and get some advice from it. A must read for me!

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. I have been a fan of Sophie Kinsella, ever since the good old Shopoholic days, and when she released this book, which is her first young adult novel, I felt so happy and excited to read it.Audrey is a teenage girl who struggles with anxiety that was cause from the vicious bullies at school. I think this is a very special book that deals with anxiety properly and in the right way. At first I was a bit annoyed with the writing style, because Audrey would say something and then move on to say '' anyway, moving on. that's not important '' and I couldn't really follow up with the story, but it was later sorted out throughout the book and I ended up really enjoying the chatty style. I really liked Audrey and the way Sophie Kinsella portrayed her in this book. Overall, this is a very heartfelt book and I couldn't recommend it enough to you. It's easy, quick, very cute and educational as well. I cannot wait for more young adult books from Sophie.

As I've mentioned Sophie Kinsella there is also her '' The Secret Dreamworld of A Shopaholic '' which is an absolute feel good classic . It is the first book of the very popular book series and it is surely one of my faves. Funny, hilarious and awesome, this chick-flick novel tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood who is a shopaholic and isn't afraid to admit it! A perfect summer read and totally relatable story which will make you smile. Also check out other books of this series as they are also amazing!

Prepare the tissues!

If you plan to read any of these books, you better prepare tissues. Tear-jerking, heart-breaking and at the same time warming and sweet books which will not leave you feeling dissapointed

One of my absolute favorites which I am sure you have all heard of and loved is '' The Fault In Our Stars '' by the amazing John Green. Such a sad, heart-breaking book which will not leave you dry-eyed. It is about a girl called Hazel Grace who suffers with cancer and a boy Augustus Waters who is a cancer survivor. Their love will break you heart, but also make you feel warm inside while you read about two teenagers suffering from a terminal disease, but still love with all their hearts. The book is filled with beautiful quotes and a few of my favorites are: " The world is not a wish-granting factory '' and '' Some infinities are bigger than other infinities ''. I would a hundred percent recommend this book to you, but as I've said you'll be needing tissues!

- If you asked me what my favorite book of all time, my first instict response would be '' Perks of being a wallflower '' by Stephen Chbosky Heart-wrenching, tear-jerking and incredibly sad at the same time as being funny and relatable, it has everything I love in a book. It tells the story of Charlie who is a freshman in high school and whose best friend committed suicide. We learn a lot about Charlie through his letters which is the way the book is written and I couldn't love it more. I felt a lot like Charlie in many situations in my life and I have loved reading his stories and him meeting new friends and handling life in school. This is also a popular film which features, among other great actors, Emma Watson one of my favorite actresses. A must read for me!

Another book by John Green called '' Looking for Alaska '' is another ultimate cry worthy. When I first started reading it, I thought it was going to be an adventure book but it is so much more and deeper than that. The main character Q is a bit of a geek and is obsessed with last words of famous people and as he goes to college he meets Alaska a cool girl who is a bookworm but adventurous and fun as well. The ending shocked me and I was left in tears! I would suggest you read '' Looking for Alaska '' because I am sure you will love it just as much as I did.

And I have to include my current absolute favorite and that is All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. I had heard so many reviews about this book before I decided to read it, as everyone was raving about it and telling me how great it was, so I wanted to see what all the fuss is about. And oh my, I was left stunned by it. Every once in a while you read a book that not only makes you think, but changes the way you look at the world, and All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven has done that to me. This book is about two young adults, Violet Markley and Theodore Finch, who meet one day at the top of the bell tower of their school and they both want to jump of it. Violet used to be a popular girl in school and everything was going well for her, but after an unfortunate accident where she lost her older sister, her life changed. As for Theodore Finch, he's a bit of an outcast and everyone call him '' Freak '', because he's a bit different and is also struggling with a troubled past. That day at the tower,they meet and while talking save each other and after that become very close and as the summary says '' a story about a girl who learns how to live, from a boy who wants to die ''. It may sound a bit morbid when you first hear it, but it is actually so wonderful! The story is beautiful, heartbreaking and as powerful as it is sad. It is honestly one of the most remarkable books I've read in a long time! It's romantic but not a typical love story and it really makes you feel all types of emotion. Another amazing thing about it is that it deals with important issues such as anxiety and depression and friendship and family dynamics. Such an incredible read, but it's so heart-wrenching. To say I've cried when I finished it, would be an understatement! I loved every part and the quotes were so lovely, one of my favorites would be '' You are all the colours in one, at full brightness ''. I would highly recommend this to you, especially if you loved ''The Fault in Our Stars'', you'll adore this one as well!

Must reads!

And finally, because I've rambled for far too long, I give you my list of must reads. This is in no particular order, just lots of books that have had an impact on me and which I think you should really give a go (if you haven't already). Here they are:

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

2. Game of thrones series by George RR Martin

3. Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

6. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

7. The Cather in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

9. Me before you by JoJo Mojes

10. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

11. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

12. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

13. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

14. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

15. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

That's it! I hope you have enjoyed this post and I haven't bored you because it is a bit too long, I'll admit, but that's just my love for books. Let me know if you have read any of these or if you plan on reading them and what is your favorite book of all time? If you have any suggestions on what I should read next, please leave them in the comments, because I am always looking for a new book to read. Until next time! Lots of love, M xx

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Girl Struggles in Fall

Lifestyle 7:00:00 AM

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Rainy Days and Reflections

Lifestyle 8:00:00 AM

Hey everyone, how have you been? I've been so busy these past couple of weeks and I've had to put blogging on the side and I have really missed it. I only realized how much I love it, after I had to stop for a while, so the saying '' You don't appreciate what you have, until you lose it '' really is true. I've decided to do this post to update you on where I've been and some of the things I have been doing lately. I hope you enjoy!

The main reason why I've been away from blogging is because of school. I am a senior now and exams have taken over the most part of my days. I have put way too much pressure on myself as always, but things have worked out for the best and I am really satisfied with my results and now it is finally time for a break.

I am really excited because it has been quite rainy and drizzy outside and autumn is in full swing. I believe we have all broken out our cozy knits, sweaters, boots and scarves. And now as November is coming up, we get to break out the coats and even warmer sweaters and clothing. I have said this a million times, but fall fashion really is the best!

Also, November is almost here and you know what that means... Christmas time is near! Haha just kidding, although I think it is never too soon to start getting excited about Christmas because it is the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it? I know Halloween is first and I am excited about it too, but I am not as big of a fan of it, so that is the reason why I can't wait for November and Christmas time!

Another thing I have really enjoyed is watching the fall TV shows. Scream Queens season two is amazing as always and I think I like it a bit more than season 1 and that is telling you something. This season's storyline is so fun and thrilling, I just love it. Also, I have been enjoying Once Upon A Time and The Vampire Diaries, they are great as ever, and especially since this is the last season of TVD. Also, another guilty pleasure of mine has been Dance Moms, I just enjoy watching Abby Lee and the girls who are insanely talented and the drama is fun as well!

Also, I have been baking a lot and I will definitely be doing a few posts on some of my latest bakes, so let me know if you'd like to see that!

I've been watching some movies, of course (what else would you expect from me?). I've seen Miss Pelegrine's Home for peculiar children at the cinema and I've really liked it. It is a great Halloween movie for all of you who are a bit of scaredycats and don't like to watch too heavy horror films. Another classic I have rewatched for countless time is Hocus Pocus, it is just the best and perfect for this time of the year!

Here's a photo of an art exibition I have visited a few days back. I have really loved it, because there were all kinds of old school cameras and photography to see and I have enjoyed it immensely!

That's it for this post guys! I really hope you liked it and I am so excited to get back into blogging and you can expect lots of new and regular posts from now on. Let me know what have you been up to lately and what is the most exciting thing you have done and are you looking forward to anything in the near future? Lots of love, M xx

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Fall Spice Tag

Lifestyle 12:00:00 AM

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How To Have The Best Fall Cozy Night In

Lifestyle 8:00:00 AM

There's nothing better than cozying up on the sofa in the evening and having some down time, am I right? It is especially wonderful in fall time. so today I am bringing you some of my cozy night in essentials and my favorite ways of relaxing, to maybe give you some inspiration how to have the best fall cozy night in!

Things to do

First thing you'll need to do is to relax, take your make up off and get into comfy pjs! We all deserve some down time, especially if we've been feeling stressed out lately, so don't be afraid to let your hair down and just take time off!

Light candles! If lighting candles gets you in a better mood then you should definitely do it. I love lighting them, because they always make me feel more cozy and more relaxed. Especially the amazing fall scents that just fill up your room with lovely smells!

Run yourself a bath. Probably the best way to relax is to just run a bath, get into it and let your mind flow. You can even put on some relaxing music and enjoy it completely or maybe catch up on your favorite Tv shows or youtube videos.

Do a face mask! Another great way to relax and treat your skin at the same time is to do a face mask. There's so many lovely, different ones out there that will leave your skin feeling wonderful!

Essentials

Now as for some things you'll need:

Blankets! You can't really have a cozy night without a blanket. There's something about blankets that makes everyone feel safer and better, so whenever I am not feeling my best I just wrap myself in my blanket and instantly feel lots better. Also this one is purple and so soft on the inside, I adore it!

Chocolate! Cozy nights in are all about treating ourselves and what other way is there to do that, than by devouring a box of chocolates? This one is from Lindt and my best friend got them for me from Vienna, and they are one of the most delicious chocolates I have ever tasted. All gooey on the inside and filled with chocolate, it makes my stomach rumble just thinking about them! I didn't want to finish the box right away, because I was planning to savor them and enjoy in them more, but didn't really succeed in that, so they are all gone now haha! Oh well, there's nothing wrong with being a bit of a chocoholic.

Movies, movies, movies! If you know me, you know how much I love my movies! I've talked about them in way too many posts, but they are just the best. I love sitting down and focusing on a story, getting into the characters and just enjoying the plot. So the best way for me (and the most frequent one) to have a cozy night in is by watching movies. I've put some of my suggestions here, from my big collection, or you can check my All about movies post to see which ones I recommend.

Books! Same goes for books, I am a huge bookworm so the best way for me to wind down is to get a book out and zone out with it! Reading always helps me relax and forget about everything that's been getting me down.

Also, how much do you love this painting? My sister actually did it for me as a present and I just love it, so I had to include it in the post, and can't wait to hang it up!

Those would be all of my ways and essentials on how to have an amazing cozy night in, I hope you enjoyed them! Let me know what are your favorite ways of relaxing in the evening? Until next time.

Love, M xx

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All About Autumn Tag

Lifestyle 11:27:00 AM

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

10 Movies To See At Christmas

FESTIVE FUN | What To Do This Christmas

The Christmas Tag

Irresistible Me Jade Straightening Brush Review

My CHRISTMAS Playlist

Tis The Season To Be Jolly

NYX Butter Lipstick and Lip Liner

Festive Blog Post Ideas

Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Would You Rather: Beauty Edition

All About Books

Girl Struggles in Fall

Rainy Days and Reflections

Fall Spice Tag

How To Have The Best Fall Cozy Night In

All About Autumn Tag

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