Adventures of Natasha Louise

just to a short message..

2012-03-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

..to say I'm still alive and that I've made my very first song!
Sorry again for my lack of being in the blogging world, but thank you for all understanding.
I will update you all soon on things I promise and I hope you are all well.
I thought I would share something I've been working on these past couple of days.. For the first time ever, I wrote a song! My first real song, there's still room for improvement with it of course, this was only my first go, so go check it out on my YouTube channel - link in side bar. >>
It might not be perfect, but I'm pretty happy with it. It's just a little song, nothing major and I know the birds weren't just luck, they were a blessing and a half!

..Doing this as well as Kaylem's Phineas and Ferb memory video made me think ahead so much.
Music as a little family, when that comes along for me always crosses my mind. Cutesy little silly playful songs accompanied with home video medley's as we all grow together.
Who cares about being famous when you can have that? hehe.
I know... dreamer.

I want to say, A big Thank you for all of you who write me cute emails,
I really appreciate the smiles you put on my face! Thank you so much for your kindness and thoughts.
I Love You all,

simplicity.

2012-02-20T07:00:00.004-08:00

Hello everyone. Just want to give you all a heads up, I may seem like I've disappeared for a while, not just from blogging, but from the whole internet world. I think it's probably obvious I've been having a really hard time recently and this past weekend I really limited my internet use right down to minimum - with it I realised that what I need right now is simplicity. I don't know if this makes any sense, but I really just need to focus on Heavenly Father and slowing down and concentrating on the projects that allow my head to have more space.
- I'm not saying I'm stopping blogging altogether, I will still blog when I feel inspired just there might not be so many posts so often and I love your blogs, but just need the time to breath, so sorry if there is lack of comments. I will be checking my emails at least once a day though, so don't hesitate to contact me if you want to, still here if you need me, but if you know me personally it's probably best to call me. Overall just giving you a warning for being a little bit missing in action for a while if it appears that way, but I promise it's just a bit of space to breath for a while. Hopefully this makes sense.
- but on a better note, I made this memory video for my little brother and covered the Phineas and Ferb theme, hehe... I can't wait to be doing things like this for my own kiddies, fast forward button anyone? haha

OH! and the Book that won (Don't worry blogger book club still on!!)
Update - Please check my blogger's book club page for regular updates, if anything changes etc. (here)

So go get it! You've got until end of March to read it!
Have a great week,

2012-02-17T13:37:00.002-08:00

I feel like I do a lot of these posts, but so often in recent months I have felt so overcome with the Spirit that I can't help but share some of these simple yet amazingly inspiring treasures with more than just my LDS pinterest board .. Some people are just so strong, I watched this message a few times over today and through the heart felt tears, I just knew it was yet another reminder and assurance of a loving Heavenly Father who does and will never stop watching over me - Over each and every one of us. That everything we face, does have a purpose. For learning, progressing and being made truly humble. In facing trial with faith and trust and keeping to what we know and have felt true through even the hardest of times.
- Other things I love and know I needed - this talk. I love this parable here, and the whole Holy Spirit playlist, I think is awesome here..

On another note - 5 weeks until the Hunger Games! If you didn't see the second trailer yet watch it here. and if you haven't seen the music video for Safe and Sound yet go here ..So exciting!!!
oh and I jazzed up my about me if you want to read that too. :)

Saturday Adventures continued...

2012-02-16T16:14:00.002-08:00

After our adventures with the Doctor, we decided to go and explore.
We ate pizza on the tube, cause we're cool like that and made our way to the Queen's house...

Remember, 'cause sherlock refused to wear clothes that one time.
oh Sherlock Holmes you.

When we realised it was way to cold to be outside for too long, we decided we would pretend to be rich and make our way to Harrods to look at all the posh food.
I have no idea why this fascinates me so much.

When we got bored of the free perfume in the bathroom,

it was time for some window shopping in Oxford street...

after the random guy compliment scenario, we passed a window and I had to picture this cuteness...

I know typical girl, random baby hunger moment, but one day, if I have a little boy, he's gonna be stylin'
- totally wearing a little outfit like this to church! hehe

...Then my sisters polyjuice potion started wearing off... ooops

So she quickly put her ear muffs back on because we were amongst muggles and all that,
and it was time to make our way back to Hogwarts... hehehehehe

Hope.

2012-02-15T14:48:00.002-08:00

Sometimes you just know things are given to you or placed in your way as little blessings and reminders.
Hope.
Today I won a giveaway and it made my heart smile, not just because I won it and I rarely win anything,
but because it came with that simple message that I needed.
Unlike the Doctor.. (oh don't you just love Pinterest and all of it's awesome finds)
..although I am actually someone who hopes, dreams and tries to be positive,
I am still humany wumany and when life gets really rocky and confusing, I admit, it's not always so easy to keep that hope you need in your heart. For me, at this time, I know this was a true blessing.

I just know it.

On another completely random note,
just because I love my Mum and she made my heart smile too with this little bit of nerdy quirkyness...

Me: "Dad, when is The Walking Dead back on...?"
Dad: "...errrm"
Mum: (rushed like it was a race)
"17th Feb, 10pm"
Dad: ":O"
Me: "haaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha Mum you nerd, I love you!"

okay.. you had to be there.
but seriously nerdy Mother moment of the year.

Another one is that my baby brother informed me also that he doesn't eat spicy food because he has sensible taste bumps...
Oh and he wants me to take him to see 'The Muffets' but he couldn't promise he would sit still the whole time...

Oh the little things in life.

Don't forget to get your book votes in :)

Valentine's book vote.

2012-02-14T06:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's day everyone.
I hope everyone is having an amazing time with the person they love and if not, I hope you know that you are still special. Even though I originally had special ideas for this Valentine's day, this year instead I am still blessed with a 5 year old who gave me his favourite chocolates and coloured me a picture, not quite the same but still special. I'm really going to miss his cuteness if he ever has to leave us :(, bless his little heart. As a special valentine's treat, we're building a den, playing Mario Karts and watching a disney movie.
He's also going to get his Mamma Mia on and cook me dinner, well 'think' he's cooking dinner ;)
- My sister ended up getting a 'secret special delivery', a rose and chocolates.
Also the other day, she got her Hogwarts acceptance letter! ;)
(her friend made her one, it's the coolest thing)
With it I also found out I was accepted to teach there... hehe..
I think it's so awesome when people make and send little geeky loves like that.
My Mum got my Dad a sound effect R2-D2 for Valentine's. We spent the morning playing with it, it's so cool and then I sent them on their way to enjoy the day together while I take care of everything at home. :)
I hope everyone feels the love this Valentine's even if not the romantic type because..

in the words of Josh Groban... You are loved.

Don't forget it.

Anyway, it's time for a book vote for our March Blogger Book club read.
I think the book selection definitely shows a bunch of girls ;)...
Each book is linked to amazon, so you can read each synopsis.

For all the girls interested in partaking in the book club, be sure to put your name on the list, even if you can't join in every month... just so I can keep up with you all! :) Also I really appreciate all those who shared the news about my book club and for all those that will continue to do so! :)

Votes can be done via comments or the contact form.

Happy V-day,

2012-02-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure whether to post these or not, because I know I could do better...
my Ellie Goulding was about the millionth attempt, I had recorded it perfectly a kazillion times with no missed notes unlike this one, but in all of them you can hear (and not just faintly) the boys/men (yes men) in my house having a nerf war, running and shouting everywhere.. they were seriously loud haha.. so I rushed this while they ran downstairs and had cheesecake and my Coldplay, oh I don't know... I kept missing my chords, oh well... but figures, it's not like I'm trying to be a superstar or anything, so it doesn't matter.
Anyway actually, the main reason for my post is, if anyone has anymore book suggestions,
please let me know today!!!

I think I may dress like the Doctor everyday.

2012-02-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

You remember Friday when I admitted I haven't been feeling too good in the old heart ache department and that I wasn't looking forward to that empty day, but then Heavenly Father filled it and my heart felt comforted.

Well... Even though yesterday was a full day of fun, I know that things were put in my way to remind me I'm not forgotten and I am in fact noticed.

It may have had something to do with the fact I did an '11th Doctor inspired Fashion'
..complete with a handmade (by me) bowtie necklace, fitted tweed blazer with elbow patches, dusty pink peter pan shirt, skinny faded charcoal jeggings and vintage boots.
(I planned on brogues but it was too cold my feet would have frozen, I needed wooly socks and boots)
but...

I received so many compliments that I felt so overwhelmed, almost everywhere I turned someone said something, that healed even a little bit of the hurt in my heart...

The one that stuck out the most was this one guy..
''You look better than Matt Smith in that jacket by the way..''
the way he said it, oh my gosh, was the ultimate nerdy chat up line.
I laughed and laughed and smiled, in a good way and then he gave me a free bag.
(he worked in the Doctor Who gift shop)

As a 'Docteress' we got front of the line before entering the experience.
Other than my sister and I, there were 2 other people dressed properly for the occasion.
The two cutest kids you ever saw, a 5 year old doctor and his sister dressed as Amy Pond,

I secretly wished they were my kids.

We weren't actually allowed to take pictures in the experience, but I will say, it was definitely an experience.
We got to fly the Tardis and we were under attack by the Daleks, saved by the doctor, after we got him out of the Pandorica of course. It was crazy cool.
oh that wittyness, I don't think I'll ever not be attracted to that kind of wit the doctor always seems to possess.
Humour, gets me every time, I'd run away with the Doctor tomorrow if I could.

even if it involved running from Cybermen.

or facing this, this episode got me so scared when Christopher Eccleston was the Doctor.
I set my message tone to ''Are you my Mummy?'' the other week and had to change it because it freaked me out when I got a text hahaha.

After the experience, if it isn't obvious already, we went round the exhibition and had fun taking pictures
(there are so much more than I have posted.

We also got chance to have a mini lesson with the Doctor who choreographer...
funniest thing ever, learning to walk like a cyberman or a scarecrow.
She was awesome.

But I did nearly get touched by the Abzorbaloff... luckily I dodged it in time...

After leaving the experience we went on some other adventures..

- post to come.

But going on with other things I knew were blessings...
People always tell me how much I am noticed etc etc. and I never see it, I don't know if it's because I'm simply not observant enough or too modest and brush off things as coincidence...

but whilst walking down busy busy Oxford street doing a little bit of window shopping,

I'm stopped in my tracks by a random guy.

I instantly panic inside thinking he's going to mug me or something,

not that he looked like a mugger it was just a shock..

but the words that came out of his mouth were this..

''I don't mean to be rude or sound stalkerish, but you are seriously cute.''

I stood there for about 5 seconds wondering what to say, at this point with all the attention I thought I had been set up or something.

I then said thank you! hahaha.. what else could I have said...

I walked off smiling that someone had taken their time to come right over to me, mid walking, mid shopping in a busy busy street where there are way too many faces to look at, and compliment me.

All in all, it was an incredibly awesome nerdy day and I was in my element.

After such a great day... we faced a bunch of football crazed up fans (not a good thing here) in our train carriage. This is how I knew Heavenly Father had his hand in the whole day. With all the shouting and drinking and singing, My sister and I did not feel great about having to sit there for the next hour and a half home.

I said a prayer we'd be kept safe and then out of nowhere, even though there were many more people who weren't involved in the footballness, the train director came straight to our seats (in the middle of the carriage)

and told us to head on down to first class.

We were the only ones, save this group of elderly who complained.

It's hard to say I'm not blessed in times like that.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend, with much fun..

Thanks for all of you who read my blog,

I love you all,

Sometimes...

2012-02-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

..you have one of those days where you have zero to do, except maybe some mundane activities like picking your little brother up from school and cleaning up here and there. Everyone goes out and you spend majority of the day on your lonesome.
This is not something that bothers me in the slightest usually, but lately with how my hearts been feeling I was a little :/ about it this morning..

However.. as is usually the case when you know you have a Heavenly Father who loves you,
you know that you are not, Alone, that is and even though your day was filled with nothing but angst and no idea what to do when you first sat down this morning and looked ahead,
somehow he fills in the gaps when you let him and you end up finding things you didn't know you needed.

You watch the Joseph Smith restoration movie and have a really good cry (who can help it..)

Then you find something that makes you laugh because of it's super sillyness
yet complete and utter brilliance..

and it reminds you that there are good times ahead.
Only one more sleeps ahead actually
and so your excited because it's going to be awesome and what you are going to be wearing is awesome.

Yes, I blurred the times I'll be there, sorry real life stalkers.
(warning, my blog will no doubt be doctor whoified this weekend)

Then, you bake some more cookies for when everyone gets home, because what's better than putting smiles on people's faces that you love.

Then... you are doing your daily blog reads and someone awards you and writes the sweetest things about. Thank you Jennie!!
- You are one of the funniest most awkward awesome bloggers (don't worry she's all about the awkward and it's a good thing, minus the fire incident (hehe)) plus I know you genuinely care.
Although we've never met, but I think it shows a persons heart when they can genuinely care about someone they haven't even met!! Go check her out , maybe you'll love her as much as I do.

Oh and then not forgetting, someone (yesterday) posts something on Facebook to do with your blog and you have no idea who or what it is, but you get a TON of traffic and you feel automatically loved...
unless of course it's a mean comment, but I'd like to go with the positiveness,
Oh the joys of not having Facebook.
So thank you, whoever you are! :)

So turns out an empty day isn't so empty when you look up.

Blogger's Book Club.

2012-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Click for more details and to join.

"If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colourful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads." - Robert Pattinson

So the other day I got inspiration during a post to start a Blogger's Book club and just at the mention of the idea I seem to have had people interested in joining if I were to do it. Then I saw this quote (which is oh so true about us girly readers ;))and I decided to do it. SO, here I am making that idea happen, hopefully!!

I've had quite a few ideas on how this will work, but I was thinking one book a month?

I'm hoping that's enough time for people to read?
We obviously all read the same book ;)
How the book is chosen is through suggestions, by you of course ;)

The ones suggested I will post about and then we'll have a vote of what we'll read 'next month'
Each assigned book will be agreed in advance giving every one chance to get hold of the book from their local library or to purchase, how you get it is up to you.
Then of course, we all have One month to read the book.
On the last day of every month, we all write a post, sharing our thoughts on the book we've read.
(I'll do link up posts in my own posts each month for us all to share our posts)
We can all read each others thoughts and compare.
Emotions, favourite characters, any thought that crosses your mind within the book. Share your imagination, anything and everything about the book you felt, you loved, you didn't like, in relation to you if it does.
It's up to you!

Official start month is March 2012, Suggestions for the book will be taken up until the 13th February. Voting will then be taken and the book will be assigned on 20th February.
(this month works a little different as I started this a week already into February.
Please check out full details on the Bloggers book club link up page
(button up top or in my side bar)
I've explained way better on there how it's gonna roll! :)

I'm really excited for this, I know it would make me feel a lot closer to all of my readers and we can all make new blog friends, so please join the club via the Blogger's book club page, by linking up your blog. I really think this will bring the blogging community that little bit closer together!
so get those book suggestions in ;)
I'll be going to the library tomorrow and seeing what catches my eye! :)
and if you would be so kind as to spread the word on your blog I would love you forever!!

Snow white.

2012-02-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Our first proper snow this winter.

"We become what we want to be

by consistently being what we want to become

each day."

Richard G. Scott

Happy Sunday!

Valentines Random acts of Love.

2012-02-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

So it's February and in 10 days it will be valentines day.
I'm not sure I'll get any Valentine's this year, just being honest, but like a lot of people, although I celebrate Valentine's day with the person I love when they are around, I do believe Love shouldn't just be celebrated one day a year, but every day forever.
I saw something that inspired me to approach Valentine's differently this year.
I thought about what love meant and
Love means charity,

it means being kind and always putting others before your self.
It means sacrifice and patience and loving no matter what.
-it means Selfless
It means giving and random acts of loving kindness for no reason at all.
Basically it means loving as Christ does.
Not just for those you love with all your heart who are close to you, but for everyone always.

This is my approach this year, not just for the 14th but for the whole month of February,

my own way of celebrating Love.

Through as many completely random acts of loving kindness towards others as I can do, even the complete strangers.

I will be blogging about my planned acts and even the opportunities that arise and will never let go, so watch this space.

No.1
Today I baked a fresh batch of cookies and took them round to the neighbours.

I'm also taking care of their kids tonight as they go out together.
These particular neighbours have always took an interest in my life and cared to ask.
They deserve it.

Anyone is free to join in with me this month, in fact thats one of the reasons I'm blogging this, I think we should all do it!
and be sure to leave comments if you do!

For those that have their Best friends forever to spoil too,
Make sure you never forget to let them know how special they are :) and you spoil them the most with random acts.

Happy Valentine's Month, everyone,
Love always,

2012-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Lazy day.
Painting your nails lollipop stripes

(my little bit of creative for the day)
Reading books that help your heart, help your head and make you smile.
(^^my current books I switch between depending on my mood, maybe I'll start doing book reviews or something,

or hey! This literally JUST popped in my head this second, Bloggers Book club?? If I started one would anyone be interested?? Wow 1 second inspiration right there... I may do this!!! Let me know your thoughts)
..And then snuggles and a bedtime movie with the little monster.

Sooooooooo... Alyx may or may not have inspired me to do a vlog.

You have all heard me sing, but how do you imagine I sound? Some of you know of course.. but if you don't, then in future you can read my posts with the English Natasha Louise voice in your head? deal?
It'll most probably be awkward though haha, just sayin. :)
Anyway, so a little idea for it, I was thinking question time with Natasha?
I forget to answer questions sometimes, so this is a good chance for me to answer my followers..

I'll write them down blah blah blah you get it, so please give me questions to answer,

they can be completely random, silly, what ever you like??

and whenever it is I decide I've got my vlogging head on, it'll be a surprise. So if you have questions, or want to think up some, leave a comment, contact me whenever :)
Hope everyone is enjoying their Friday!
Happy weekend.
Love always,

Remember.

2012-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

I want to Thank everyone who has kept my little brother in their prayers recently.
Things are looking up, not quite over, but looking up.
Something that always keeps me going and a lesson I learn over and over whenever hard times arise is to just 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding'

-How many times have you heard that one right? But it is true.

Recently Cowboy Kaylem, Mum and I were at a new Horse arena very close to us
One of Kaylem's little friend's Dad was ranked 1st in Britain for professional horse reining and 11th worldwide. That's good right? I was impressed although I don't really know much about the horsey world,

I just know we got a free show ;)

While I was there, I felt not that I had forgotten about the worries in me, but almost like I was living just for right then, in the moment and I felt a peace in that.
The truth of it is, it was just something simple..

But it made me want to do a to-do of things to look forward too and enjoy
They aren't huge events, but mini things that hold no real significance for forever,

just in the moment joys?
Maybe I'm making no sense at all, but here are some of the things I've planned so far.

Everyone should know on here I love a good craft or refashion and I promise I have a few coming up.
But the other day I saw this on Pinterest...

I've always been obsessed with elbow patches, maybe it's just my geeky ways but I just love them.
And only have 2 pieces of clothing of mine have them, okay maybe that's more than average still I don't know? BUT when I get the stuff, all of my old plain jumpers are gonna be transformed with these cutesy love hearts on the elbows. They are going to look so awesome with a plaid shirt underneath. See how my mind works with clothes, already picturing it, typical girl. I'm excited for this, don't even care if I sound like I have no life ;)

For months I have been going on about this and watching the clock tick down before the Tardis leaves.
I don't know how many of you love this show, have even watched it or have ever even heard of it, so sorry if you don't get it,

''All of time and space, everywhere and anywhere, every star that ever was. Where do you want to start?''
Well, I'm starting here, in just over a week!!!!!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!! I may or may not be doing an amazing outfit post after this...
it's a surprise ;)
Please if you have no idea what I'm on about, get your nerd on an research ;)

March 23rd

No words.

This is a Friday night joy!
I laugh and I laugh and I laugh some more.

I would wear her entire wardrobe, it has me written all over only modestified.
One time I wore Red and white polka dot suspenders/braces to a party, it wasn't some trend, I wasn't trying to be cool, they belonged to one of our neighbours who wore them in the 50s.
I just do things like that sometimes, I don't even have the answers myself but I remembered this with the teeth at the wedding.
I don't have easy ability to say rude words,
I have so many made up words and names it's ridinkydonk.
I had hair JUST like that one time serious exactness.
If I needed glasses, oh you know it.
Cereal is the best ever.
I sing to myself a lot.
I'm a dork, I always have been.
I can be really awkward, sometimes I'm normal, but mostly awkward.
My husband will get the sexy pillow dance.

There are just too many ways to relate to to this show, I love it...

Hope you've all got some little funtimes coming up,
Love

A real change of heart inspired by Alyx.

2012-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
First off I want to say I'm sorry my blog posts have taken a dramatic slow these past few weeks.
I'll try my best from now on, but if its a little bit up and down I apoligise for that too.

Quite a lot has pulled me down it seems recently, things I can't control nor change and it's a time of struggle I admit, I'm trying to not let the sting of inadequacy I've been feeling over power and I'm sure I'll cope better when I'm not in the thick of it all but that's just real life, right now.. so my posts have lacked, but this one should definitely make up for it. Prepare yourself for a lengthy, full of deep thought from the heart of Miss Natasha Louise piece of writing ;) hahaha..
I've actually read a lot of posts recently about bloggers being 'real' and I really wanted to add to this and blog about it. I Loved these posts because with it was like a little light shining to remind not just me, but us all, that not everything is perfect all of the time like it may appear with others who portray that and to remember that there isn't actually a single one of us who doesn't have to go through some struggle of some kind at some point.
A few months ago I left Facebook, because (& maybe it was just in my fb world I can't be sure) it always seemed like people were competing at the 'perfect life' image, or in some cases the complete opposite, competing for the most attention and sympathy votes or details into things that should really be kept personal and private, rather than displayed in public conversations on walls and status updates.
Then, there was the painful gossiping about others you'd see and the slating of one another etc etc.
..As well as the fact of it taking over your life in a non-productive way ;)
I realise it maybe isn't like that for everyone, but I just felt my life was intruded in a way I didn't want it to be,
as well as I felt I was intruding accidentally into details I shouldn't know about others.
So I quit Facebook and in all honesty I felt a void for a while, but that showed me it wasn't healthy and after a few weeks I got over that and I've had no regrets since.
You're probably asking now about why I blog then, or read blogs?
It's as simple as this.
I Like to write. I like blogging about my creative attempts and achievements.
Also my experiences, I like to think I've always been real about myself and about my life whether it be some achievement I'm proud of, event of happiness and simply not being afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to admit the hard times (without excruciating inappropriate detail) that I really hope can help others even if just one person in this world with similar experiences and even to help myself admittingly to gain and keep a more positive perspective of coping through struggle and keeping on moving despite those painful experiences.
As for the blogs I read, I get to choose! Many blogs have a purpose whether it be a life blog about uplifting moments and blessings, something I can relate too, a baby log for future babyness because I just have to say, is it me or is everyone pregnant or just had a baby, those stinkin cute ones some of you have make me a mushy girl who wants to fast forward so bad and get me one of those, sigh.. refashionistas, you name it, in some way, it inspires me to be a better person and strive to reach the goals I want because most have genuine meaning to me rather than the above I faced on Facebook.. although I really thought I would face them sometimes I'm actually yet to come across a blog post from any blogs I follow that dulls the spirit.
Does that make any sense? I hope so.
So with the definition and hopes of portraying the real person I most definitely want to show, here is me, in all my makeup-less frizzy haired morning glory. Feel lucky there are no puffy eyes and you all got half cracked smile! It's progression though ;)

Last week, one of my dear blog friends who always gives me her thoughts and I'm so grateful for blogged about the change she has been through in her life and I thought it was really admirable of her. She really inspired the thoughts I wanted to share today.
Change really is possible.

As it is probably completely completely obvious, I am LDS, like a lot of you are also, but I know I have followers who aren't too. I just want to stress that these are simply my beliefs, as Alyx said I'm not here to judge anyone or affend anyone, it's simply what I believe and everyone is entitled to believe also or not, either way there's never any judgement from me, I accept all types of people and actually love to hear others views, so please just remember that this is simply my own thoughts and experiences and I hope all who read can respect my beliefs. I'm not trying to preach, just speaking from my heart about something I felt inspired to write about.

Lately I have been doing a lot reading of Church books and doing scripture study, trying to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge for myself, Yesterday I was reading in 1 Nephi Chapter 12 and v.17 really stuck out to me. From my own experiences, my own mistakes and my own 'blindness' as well as observing similar things in some of the people I love with all my heart, verse 17 really spoke a deep saddening truth to me and explains what I think is actually really hard for people looking in on those struggling, to understand why it seems so difficult for them to realise that where they are isn't where true happiness is or will ever be.
These are the notes I wrote after reading that verse and also a study help that went with it.

''Note for life:- Satan attempts to 'blind our eyes' so that we can't see the danger nor understand spiritual truths or perspectives. He takes away wisdom and respect for those that have true wisdom and he does sadly succeed in most of us, at times, even if for only a short time with 'blinding' us from even the simple truths and even truths the spirit gave us great knowledge, guidance and peace in previously. As well as blinding, he will try to harden our hearts - creating a lack of feeling and a lack of concern for the rights and needs of others. (lacking any Christlike qualities) He attempts to lead us into 'broad roads.' away from the path we should follow or we were following before. It seems appealing because the strait and narrow seems restricting, with commandments, rules and guidelines etc. Whereas, the broad road is wide, with no limits or rules to follow, which seems appealing, yet ultimately leads to loss of freedom in the end, it is the strait that leads to true happiness and to be among the most freest of people''

As someone who has walked in the wrong direction at times and made mistakes out of pain and insecurity I can honestly say that for me this has been 100% true to life.
A lot of trouble I used to have was with anger and bitterness of the trials life has given me that are completely out of my control and not really my fault. At those times in the past, I have been blind and purposely turned my back from what I believed was right, because I didn't understand the pain I had to face. True to the blindness in v.17 I never realised it in the slightest during this time how blind I really was, I thought I knew what I was doing, didn't realise the severity, I thought I could see and simply could not even remember the comforts and guidance I used to feel from the spirit.
I've always had a testimony and it's never been a case of not believing, yet in these times I struggled to see even some of the most obvious spiritual truths, it still amazes me looking back to this day. People around me could try their hardest to explain but because of that loss of Spirit, and the anger in my heart I never saw the guidance, only my own self pity and selfish desires.
Just like Alyx, I began to realise that not only was I not happy and always angry, but I was also not doing anything to achieve happiness or taking notice of the peace I had actually felt in direction and guidance from the spirit I once felt, before I allowed myself to stoop, therefore stopping my ability to be made stronger through trial rather than weaker.
With a million prayers for forgiveness, crazy amounts of tears and pain.
I eventually found my way back again.

The process of true sincere repentance is never easy, takes time and is one of the hardest things to do,
but completely, just to support what Alyx said,
changes you.
It is the whole purpose of Christ's atonement.
He gave us the chance to be able to Change.
I am who I am and have the testimony I have, ironically because of this painful experience.
I'm not perfect and sometimes forget to try harder because I'm always learning, but
Change is most definitely possible.

I think what I'm really trying to say is and get across is, instead of judging, we should help one another and definitely not belittle anyone.

Thank you Alyx for touching my heart with your post and reminding us all about being real and true to who we are.
click to read Alyx's post.

If anyone read all the way down to the bottom, I congratulate you!! hehe..
Much Love, always,

Prayers for Kaylem.

2012-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I wanted to post a request for prayers for my little sweet brother Kaylem.
I wasn't sure whether to do this for legal reasons, so I can't and won't go into detail about the case.
I'm sure I've mentioned before that my parents are full time carers, for children who need families.
Kaylem has blessed our lives extremely since being with us, but sometimes we just have no control over decisions made for the child and sometimes it is just heart breaking.
We need prayers for this little boy that the outcome is for him having the best life he can with the best opportunities, whether that be with us or with others in the long term.
As a tiny 5 year old, it's hard for him to be heard and we just want the best for him, like any child deserves, with all the love and happiness in the world.
I, my whole family and especially he would be so grateful for any prayers.

hehe.. he heard this at school and has loved this song ever since.
I just asked if he wanted to give a message and he demanded I show this..

;) Bless his heart haha...

Thank you everyone,
I'm seriously dying for a decent nights sleep
and I'm sure I'll sleep much better knowing there are people praying for him. :)
Tiredness = feeling more stressed, sensitive about anything and everything, and also gives an unclear mind which most definitely do not help, so even though it's not about anyone but Kaylem, big fat thank yous for the help, even if its just through a little prayer! :)

Today's blessings/disney recipe :)

2012-01-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

Things I pin on pinterest sometimes give me the biggest smiles!
I don't even realise I'm gonna need some of the things I pin until I come back to them.
I really should remember my own advice
hehehe...

A nice warm bath and a good book.
No doubt about it.

Self Discipline.
I'm going to be honest, as the imperfect human I am, when things get too much..
I can be really stubborn.
It doesn't last that long, I get over it pretty quickly and then feel foolish instead,

but I really need to not do it,

at all.
Simply rationalizing before reacting,
Whether you are right or wrong, the problem is big or small.
Once you react negatively and start that fire burning,

the fire continues to grow and putting it out with swallowing that pride and

rational thought becomes harder and harder,

then when you finally do, giving you didn't self destruct,
your left feeling like a fool covered in black ash.

Always remind yourself that giving up, not having faith or courage,

being stubborn and all those other things we need to try harder on,
will not get us to where we need to be, won't help ourselves or others

and most certainly won't make you happy.

After my self discipline in the mirror,
sigh haaha
I sat myself down and listened to President Boyd K. Packer speak to the Youth,
even if I'm no longer one, I figured why not?
''..Do not fear the future. Do not fear what is ahead. Go forward with hope and faith. Remember that supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. Learn to be taught by it. Learn to seek it. Learn to live by it. Learn to pray always in the name of Jesus Christ. The spirit of the Lord will attend you and you will be blessed...''
There is always something if you choose to listen, even if it wasn't meant for you :)

Reading with Kaylem-
1-2-3-4
This is what we've waited for
and then his request for a bible story for bedtime.

& a disney recipe.

Ingredients.
6oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine.
6 eggs, seperated.
8oz heavy cream, cold.
2 tbs sugar.
1tsp vanilla extract.
1/4 tsp salt.
1tbs orange zest
1 tsp orange flavouring.

Beat egg whites until stiff, then refigerate.
In another bowl beat cream, sugar, vanilla, salt and orange zest until stiff (cream whipped)
Fold egg whites and cream together gently.
In another bowl melt chocolate over hot water on the stove or in a microwave, stiring every 20 seconds until smooth.
One melted add egg yolks one at a time to chocolate, beating between each egg added.
(don't forget this part if you want tigger stripes my arms took over my head while I was reading hahaha)
Take 1/4 of the cream mixture aside.
Fold in chocolate to remaining mixture.
Layer chocolate and orange mousse into parfait glasses like tiger stripes.
(garrrgggh...)
then place in the freezer.

May be prepared several days in advance.
Once frozen wrap each glass with platic wrap to prevent freezer odours.
Remove 10 minutes before serving.
:)

Power of the Holy Spirit.

2012-01-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

I don't even know what to say. It's just been one of those weeks where everything has just been added to the pile. You know those weeks right? sigh.. life and it's bumps.
I wasn't going to share that but then this message was sent direct to my email..
(along with this message and this message
also amazing)

maybe just a coincidence,

yet it was exactly the reminder I needed

I felt I had to share.

"..Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27

- finally got around to updating that 'about me' though! :)

Tag you're it!

2012-01-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last week I was tagged in this and I've only just had the time to do it.

The Rules:
1. Post the rules.
2. Post 11 things about you.
I still need to write an actual about me section... Sorry about that! haha
3. Answer the questions the tagger asked you.
4. Write 11 new questions for those you tag

11 things about me.
After posting my paintings the other day I had so many amazing compliments from some of you, about all the things I like to do. I was so overwhelmed, I just want to say Thank you so so much. It's taken me this long to do this post because I simply just haven't known what to say! But it is one thing about me I cannot hide so I thought I would open with this.
I love trying everything creative, art, music, dance, crafts, clothes, makeup, cooking, writing.
I'm going to be honest, I've never been the brightest of people. Intellect, intelligence have never really been my forte, but I feel like I belong when it comes to the creative things and looking after kiddies and I think they go great together.
I'm going to be even more honest now, I push myself. For a long time I struggled with a chronic illness and felt so restricted and even though I still have it, I didn't want it to defeat me anymore. In a weird way I'm grateful because I've learned to appreciate all the things I can do and excel in the areas I can. :) Thank you all so much for the compliments, seriously!

Another one that should be obvious, but I have no idea if it is to new followers or not, haha, so here it is,
I'm English.
It's my fault for not having an about me, if you didn't know that, haha..
I've lived in a little city called Lincoln most of my life...
This is it..

Okay, onto some randoms now..

I'm going to copy Alyx and state something exactly OPPOSITE to hers hehe!

I used to have really long brown hair..

..with a bit of a phobia of cutting it, despite the fact my Mum is a hairdresser.

I took the step though, thinking it was time to move into adulthood a little bit,

it still wasn't right though haha..

but after growing it a bit, getting natural lights, I LOVE my hair now.

I'm listening to Coldplay right now,

I've always loved Coldplay, and I always wanted to be a dancer when I was young.

At the age of 10 I made a ballet rendition to this song, I was in my element.

I don't really care for 'celebrity' status and blah blah.

but for years this one has haunted me a little bit ;)

hehe... dreammmmmmmmmmmm.

My favourite Disney Princess is Belle! Hands down, she is the ultimate princess...

I absolutely hate that in the US Beauty and the Beast 3D is at the Cinema,

because I'm stuck here where it isn't.

I like to be spontaneous and just go do something, those times are the best.

BUT, when I NEED things doing, I need a schedule and I like to do To-do lists.

-adding to that, these kinda feel like they should be part of Alyx's Sunday Confessions..

I get random clean freak modes. Sometimes it's just normal clean and tidy and then all of a sudden... it strikes, I clean everything insight, reorganize and do all my laundry all at once.

I'm small, but actually I'm just petite and not that much under average.

Does that make any sense?

I'm 5'2.5, you decide.. either way, I'm happy with it.

One thing I do have though, is tiny feet.

There have been times, when I have literally been pulling my hair out at the fact in the pair of shoes I want,

the smallest size is too big!

It is so frustrating.

But on the up side for both things,

Really styling kids clothes and shoes are so much cheaper...

It is the best when they have the same thing in the adults too and I got it so much cheaper, I love that.

I only need to put the picture, I have quite a big hello kitty collection of stuffs.

I know, such a girl.

I AM THE BEST AT MARIO KART'S.

seriously, I'm unbeatable, not afraid to admit it and be a big head.

Alyx's questions-

1. How old were you when you got your first kiss?

A boy kissed me in the nursery school playground when I was 4, his name was Richard, I remember because I was trying to avoid it, by standing in the corner, don't diss my 4 year old logic hehe and I had a few close encounters growing up, some wanted, some I literally ran from.
I was nearly 16 before I was ever kissed 'properly', but I don't want to count that, urrghh haha.
I was 16 when it meant something. But my First, best most real kiss was age 19.
Confused? Me too!

2. What is your favorite sport?
I'm awesome at sports on the kinect?? hahaha
I'm going to be honest, I am not a sports girl, but of course will always support my friends, and really don't mind watching the guys play ;) as for me, If Dance comes under sport?? or Mario Karts? oh or a tickle fight? hehe...

3. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?
I can honestly say I have never counted, BUT as an English person, it is at least something to say you have had tootsie pops, yes?

4. What is your favorite board game?
I actually love playing board games.. I ALWAYS wanted to play Mouse Trap when I was little, but some of my best board game memories are when I used to go and play Scrabble with the old lady next door to keep her company as she lived alone. I knew she appreciated it and she ended up leaving her cat to us when she passed, so I'll never forget those times.

5. What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
What type of crazy are we talking... lol.
it's a secret.

6. Do you have a bucket list?
the most important ones I want to cross off are:-
Get Married in the temple and Be the best Wife and Mum I can be.
- Taking care of people I love is my favourite and what I want so much.

A little less important but still important hehehe..
Go to every single Disney park.
I have Disneyland Paris, and Disneyworld crossed off,
so only California, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai (opening scheduled in 2016) to go haha.
Yes I am a Disney Freak.

7. Would you rather pick your nose and eat your boogers or touch your poop?
Ewww.. but definitely the bogeys.

8. Have you ever played DDR?
Have I played DDR!!!!? No one could beat my sister and I ;)
It was like Mario Karts for me back then,
best ever, I miss dance mat!!

9. What's your favorite movie?I just can't even answer this question!!

10. Would you rather smell fish every day for the rest of your life, or eat fish every day for the rest of your life?
Alyx, seriously intrigued about what goes on in that head of yours ;) I'm not a fish lover, but I'm still thinking eat it over smell it.

11. Grossest thing you've ever eaten?

I hate eggplant and pineapple and celery make me wanna die.

Questions I'm asking you...

- If you could be any disney character, who would you be??

- Why? ;)

- What's the weirdest dream you ever had?

- Place you want to visit the most in the world?

- The best thing you ever ate (best food memory)?

- Play an instrument?

- Favourite icecream flavour?

- If you could meet one person, alive or dead, that you have never met who would it be?

- If you could have any super power what would it be?

- If you had one wish?

- Why is a raven like a writing desk?

I'm tagging you all, cause I'm lazy like that,

plus I like to give everyone a chance.

If you only want to answer my questions that's okay,

it's alright to break the rules sometimes ;)

but if you do, post a link so I can read!!!

Sorry this has taken me a while to post.

Been one of those weeks!

Secret Life : Paint.

2012-01-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

A few posts back I mentioned about my love of painting and yet the lack of painting I've done recently.

- in fact not just recently, the past few years.
Having given myself that push back into the painting world, it's weird to think it was that long that I went without picking up a paintbrush to paint whatever I wanted.

In my defense though time has flown, so much has kept me busy elsewhere on the creative front and life's bump's I guess covered over my original creative habit of plain old painting a picture.

In the past week, since reorganizing and finding canvases I had yet to paint, although I was a little rusty,

this is what I accomplished:

I wish I had a good camera to give them proper justice!

My first painting, I sat there completely uninspired.
As it had been so long,
dipping my big toe into creative painting inspiration seemed like a huge jump and in the end I gave up and decided to paint a lily, which I realised after was an odd choice for me. I Love flowers of course because I'm a girl..how stereotypical. ;)
However, as pretty as Lily's are, My favourite flowers have to be some of the most simple yet beautiful
[to me] ~ Magnolia's and Cherry Blossoms.
I can't put my finger on what inspired a lily, but there you have it.

My next painting, I let my hand do the talking at expressing whatever was inside me at the time.
[which I'm sure was a complete mixture of things.]

It started out as a girl looking out into the distance.
Looking out in wonder, into the nothing never ending ness of the sea.
Almost lost, empty.
She let the wind blow and pound against her,
and the waves Crash around her

with a blank expression,
like she had given up.

But as I painted more and more, her expression changed.
Hope appeared with a nearing freedom in her eyes.
Calm, in the middle of a storm,
like it was full of grace as well as uncontrollable power,
but she was just happy to feel.

and I named it
'Everything's not lost.'

Deep, huh?
or you could go down the 5 year old point of view,
- aww it's a beautiful mermaid,

complete with espcaping from the evil sea hag on Popeye..
On popeye!.. haha, Love that kid so much,
even if he thought being ill off school today consisted of,
running around and playing.

So yeah, Painting is officially back in my life and sticking around.
I really want to improve on it.
Plus, I forgot how satisfying it is. It's true when they say that art is therapy.
You let out so much you sometimes don't even realise you are holding in.

Do you paint, I'd love to see your work if you do!

Sunday Confessions.

2012-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yay for Alyx's Sunday Confessions party,
a chance to copy because I think it's great!!
I'm going to base this week on confessions that are pretty routine daily in my world.

I talk to myself frequently.
And I have those
'what I want to say to you but you aren't here right now'
conversations

...Usually when I'm angry...

just all that stuff I want to get out comes out

pretty much daily in front of the mirror when I put my makeup on.

I do what everyone does, I blast out my music and dance round the room in my underwear
(because it's normally when I'm getting ready)
but my favourite is when I'm getting my disney music on,
or some sort of Musical, probably Wicked and I sing super loud and imagine I'm the character..
(Alyx - Little Town from Beauty and the Beast and I won't say I'm in love from Hercules, two of MY FAV'S hehe)

My most recent ones I love though, because they are TOTALLY relateable to my life at the moment it seems are these...

LOVE Tangled!!

If it's not obvious, I'm obsessed with Disney.

That word has to come out of my mouth daily and more than once.
It's becoming more aware as I get older that I'll probably never fully grow up.

During these times of waffling my thoughts out loud or pretending I'm a Disney Character,
I occasionally have that sudden

'Oh my Gosh, I am such a weirdo'

thought, well actually, I usually say that out loud too.
Then I imagine what anyone watching over me would think...
then I laugh and try and act normal..

I have a Prince of Persia poster on the inside on my wardrobe door,
every time I go in there, I go, ooo hello or How you doin'
haha.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this,
I'll walk in the kitchen, open the fridge,

have a look, smile and nod, shut the fridge, walk out.
No reason for it...
I could understand it more if this was my fridge..

I'd constantly be checking for the Doctor,
however.. yeah.
hehe.

I smell my glass before I drink from it.
- what is wrong with me.

I have a strict bedtime routine!

I cannot sleep unless,
I have completely removed my makeup and washed my face.
Moisturized.
Brushed my teeth.
Made sure my bed is free from anything that should not be on a bed.
Pinned my hair out of my face.
Have a glass of water by my bedside.
Said my prayers.
oh! and I can't do socks or PJ bottoms in bed, unless it's freezing cold,

and even then I normally wake up with them gone.
haha.

The first channel I put on in the daytime when I switch the TV on is Food Network.
I can't help it.

So there you have it, my Sunday Confessions and probably what should be complete embarrassment,

but nevermind.

Secret Life : I still remember..

2012-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

Things that happen when you buy your sister a Ukulele for Christmas:

Your tuner disappears and becomes 'lost' for a while.
Your sister still plays your Ukulele just to be annoying.

But when you finally find the tuner and lock yourself in the bathroom
(I know, Bathroom, but it has the best acoustics) anyway, this is what happens..

It's not perfect, in fact, I managed to get a few words wrong, miss a bit out and get a few awkward faces in. ;).. I did think about re-recording but then I figured there was no shame in a few awkward imperfections
- they give character hehe!

I love Bloc Party and I have been a huge fan since Silent alarm, so I had to cover them and this is my take on 'I still remember' from their 2nd album 'A weekend in the City.'
It's quite different from the original, but I like that.

Dedicated to all who keep asking me to do more singing posts!
Happy Weekend everyone.

p.s I've just been told my strumming looks funny - it's the way I'm sat, haha! ;)

Little loves.

2012-01-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't done one of these posts for what seems forever...
I really should start doing them again weekly, reflecting on those little things that make you smile.

The little things that made my world lately.

The view from my window, when day turns to night.
All the colours and clouds and just the gradual change.
When you slow down and watch the sky at this time of day, you wonder why you don't do it daily.

Photos never seem to give justice to the actual thing, but it is perfect.
Last night I took some time to myself to ponder on life, not always a good thing,

but as I lay there on my bed gazing out of my window, it was so peaceful and it made me remember that sometimes slowing yourself down and watching the world makes you remember what's important.

One thing I'm not sure I've ever mentioned on here,
plainly because I'm always busying myself so much with so many other creative things,

that I forget about my joy of painting.
(post to come soon along with my answers to a recent questions, so if anyone has any more, feel free to ask.)
The other day I reorganised just about all of my possessions and I pulled out canvases I had bought a while back ready to paint and forgotten about, I realised how much I missed the simplicity of sitting down with paintbrush in hand and painting whatever you feel inspired too, so I did and it was so great.

I can't even describe how cute it is to hear a 5 year old's prayers before bed.
For him to not only thank Heavenly Father and say that he loves him but to kindly ask if he can please have Lasagne for dinner tomorrow and see a police car go nee-nar.

-speaking of prayers, if it's not too much to ask, we could use a few, we'd be so grateful, Thank you.

Sharing Jelly beans with my Mum. We chattered our way through the whole packet without realising just how much we were consuming. But they were so yummy.

Quotes that make you think.
My most recent one is from a book I'm reading:-

''The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing the environment. Christ changes men, who then change the environment. The world would shape human behaviour, but Christ can change human nature..'' - Ezra Taft Benson.

I thought that was really interesting and really made me think.

This Song.. Today I felt oddly impressed to put on a CD on from my childhood
A NOW CD from 1999 to be exact. I was probably 10 years old.
The first song that played is a song that had made a big impression on me, even at that age.
I think it may even have influenced the beginning of the way I try to think and look at life now.
I definitely know it stuck out, because I even have a copy of the book by Mary Schmich.
Maybe I was an odd child, My Mum just agreed (haha) but you have to admit, some of those words are definitely good ones.

With hearing it this morning, it was my 10 year old self that calmed my current worries...
it was my 10 year old self that reminded me that 'worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.'

The man, who we seem to see often grocery shopping, who is always shocked at the youthfulness of my Mother and I and is sure we have some sort of secret. It's always nice to have compliments, especially from strangers in passing.

Being silly with someone you love.
Encouragement. Someone you can tell anything too in the whole wide world.
Simply that complete and utter comfortable feeling.

What little loves have you had this week??

Goodness.

2012-01-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

I Love unexpectedly coming across things that you need to read or hear or see,
even if you had no idea that was the case.

''Life is for living..''
-something I'm sure we all hear a lot,
With my belief's I know that there is more than this life,

but I do agree, life most definitely is for living,
but that meaning sometimes becomes tangled in with actions and what you are doing

rather than,
feelings and how you are thinking.

The truth is, we can choose to do what we please in this life,
To a certain point, We can go wherever we want to,

do what we want to do, look the way we want to,

the list could go on and on.

But what I've learned is that, no matter how great an adventure,
how many exciting things your life is full of, no matter how beautiful or admired or impressive or wealthy etc.
Without a few simple things in your heart,
Life may not feel well lived at all.

Yesterday reading an article from Thomas S. Monson,
I was reminded of this simple truth of filling your life with the joys of feeling,

the basis for a happier more accomplished life.

Have a positive attitude.

-I say this often. I'm a firm believer in being positive.
I'm not super human and I do fail at it sometimes, but from experience I can honestly say, a positive mind makes for a more positive life..
with positivity we'll keep moving forward, taking the chances and facing the challenges we need to,
with more strength than if we were negative.

Believe in yourself
..and all that you are.
I think I'm not the only one when I say, I sometimes spend my time comparing myself with others.
My achievements, my looks, 'my whole life'
... but when we do this, we will always come up short.
The saying is true in that when we compare ourselves with others, we are actually comparing our weaknesses with their strengths.
Believing in who you are, helps us to not only achieve more and push us to progress in areas that we need to, but to love ourselves,
even for our efforts alone.
Believing is the basis for so much in this life. For me, with my faith, believing is the ultimate basis for this life,
so surely believing in yourself is essential too.

Face Challenges with Courage.

In this life we are all faced with many, many challenges.

Challenges that cause us to fear and doubt and make life seem unfair and unmanageable at times.

If there is one thing I have learned from challenge though, it is that although the road can be scarey and unpleasant, those hurdles I have been given have helped me progress, improve and learn a lot of lessons essential for the future. I haven't always seen it that way in the thick of it, but looking back I can't deny.

Things are sometimes given to us, to help us. Having courage and enduring, gets us where we need to be in allowing these challenges that we need.

..Read 'Living the Abundant life' here.

-Just thought I would share my thoughts, because whether you are part of my faith or not,

this is some good advice for anyone's life and maybe I wasn't the only one who needed it.

I also want to share to giveaways.

One over at Alyx's blog Everyday is an adventure

and the other over at Christi Bee

Go check them out!

If it never rained there would be no rainbows.

2012-01-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this last week, it has been such a hectic first week of 2012!
But even with the rush, the slow realisation to me of a whole new year made me have a real deep think about everything in my life. My blog being one of those thoughts.
The past few months of 2011 were a pretty rocky road. Sometimes I haven't known whether I'm coming or going and life has been so confusing. That's really okay though.. we all have those times and I actually feel looking back on all of them throughout my life that they've been needed and I'm grateful for the lessons and guidance I've had through some of them!

With the past few months though, because of my emotional yo-yoing I've sort of refrained myself from blogging about anything other than what I've been doing. I steered clear of my thoughts and concentrated solely on keeping busy and blogging about my activities - which was a good move. My head needed space and displaying my confusion would surely only suggest a crazy lady in the making - haha.
With 2012, I've decided, I'm putting my feet back on the ground, it's time now. My head is a lot clearer than before, not only that but I've been reorganizing my little space at home, reorganizing my life pretty much and even fixed up my blog a little more to roll with all of this.
I've realised so many things recently and I'm going to work and try my best to not only make things better, but to always be myself with it, keep positive and remember when things get tough that 'if it never rained there would be no rainbows.'

- Thanks to Gentri, who said she missed my refashion posts, I realised that I've not only just been focussing on blogging about crafts and things I've done, but that I haven't been focussing on me at all, not in the blog world or in real life, so to start off putting MY feet back on the ground, I decided to show a simple refashion I managed to squeeze into my hectic week.
Dedicated to Gentri of course.

I got this top when I was in Utah in the Summer. I thrifted it for $1 and Jenna and I had some good laughs, it came complete with shoulder pads and was akazillion sizes too big, I couldn't resist buying it at that price when I had clear visions of how easy it would be to fix.

It was so simple, first of all I got rid of those huge shoulder pads. hehe..
V neck just wasn't working for me, so I reshaped into a wide round neck, much more up to date.
It's not really clear in the pictures, but my next move was roll up sleeves. Had I not been so small and had longer arms I probably could have gotten away with not bothering with making into permanent roll ups, but still roll ups are cute.
I then teamed this now 'oversized' cute floral top with my current favourite pair of faded high waisted rose pink skinnies. It can be tucked, or belted.
Not bad for $1?

If anyone has any suggestions or wants to remind me of blog posts they miss or think I should do, Please let me know! Any questions, anything, contact me or leave a comment. Also, I'm always looking for new blogs to read, if I'm not following yours, let me know yours, I want to know all of my readers!
Thanks Everyone,

Top 5 Favourites for a year of blogging!

2012-01-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Okay I just saw this over On Gentri's blog and I couldn't not copy such a great idea and a great way to look back over the first year of my hand in the blogging world.

Here are your top 5 favourite most viewed posts throughout the year.

Number 5. (Click.)

I'm not sure why this is Number 5, but it is! I guess at the time of writing a lot of people could relate, which is stating the obvious as most of my followers are bloggers themselves, so it's quite obvious we all love to write.
Writing actual penned letters comes into that for many too.
A letter full of love and imagination that someone has taken their time and hand written is special. I know I'm not the only one who still wants to live in a world of love letters and snail mail from time to time, even if I was, I'm not ashamed to say it.
There is something so exciting and lovely about receiving a letter that was waited upon, it's even better when one arrives by surprise. Each one says much more than the words written - You know someone somewhere took their time to let you know their thoughts and not only that, to let you know even if they don't say it, that you crossed their mind enough for them to pick up a pen and write.
There is something beautiful about hand written letters to each other, I don't care if I sound like a hopeless romantic, My Future husband will get surprises and little notes even though I will see him on a daily basis.
To me, it's a little thing that I love.
Letters.

Number Four (Click.)
Boho Vintage restyle Part one.

I'm going to be honest, this is my most favourite change up of a piece of clothing I ever did.
I love this dress and have had many many compliments on it when I have worn it.
People are often amazed when I show them that I made it from an old huge ugly dress,
but I stand by the fact that it was so easy and could be manageable by most who can work a sewing machine. Love this little dress!

Number Three. (Click)
Ugly Bug Wednesday.

I have to say that this is one of my favourite posts to reflect on, because it's my own life.
I look at that post now and realise how far I have come. My comments earlier of how I changed my perspective of life this year are true. It's not perfect and I don't manage it all of the time, but that change has definitely occurred. Maybe I'm still perceived as an Ugly Bug by some but too me it's all about being happy in my own skin and we all should be.
We need to remember that people will always be people.
But I can only be me.
You can only be you.
So if others think unkindly,
just don't let that be you or let it be true.
You have that control.
Be happy in your own skin.

Number Two (Click)

Somehow, even though I only posted this the other week, this has made it to Number 2.
As all my blog followers should know by now, I love my crafts. In fact, I love being creative and trying out new things, it's just who I am. It does make me happy that others appreciate that. I never would have thought any tutorials of mine would have been popular enough for pinterest, so thanks guys!

Number one. (click)

- My Sock Monkey giveaway. I can't actually believe the views I got on this, it's insane and what's even more insane is that it was half a year ago. I'm not sure what to say because it's just a giveaway, but I may let out a secret and that is that when I reach 200 followers I am planning a new one, so watch this space ;)

So there you have it, as a little extra this New Years Day and a celebration to a Year of blogging,
5 favourite posts on Adventures of Natasha Louise.
:D

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
and Happy 1st birthday to my blog!!

This year I was appointed the job of New Years Babysitter for the neighbours and my little brother.
Of course I could have chosen otherwise, I had the chance to go party, but I really didn't feel like mingling with people I barely knew or getting hit on by a bunch of drunk guys.
- plus I couldn't let the little ones down on New Years, so I threw them a New Years Pyjama Party and we had an awesome time.

We played games, although the second picture was before the little party, I just had to upload because this was me in genuine shock of coming 2nd in Crash Nitro Karts or whatever it is called, haha I'm not good at losing.

We ate yummy food. Jammie Dodgers, hula hoops and I baked whoopie pies for the first time in my life, but I think I did good!
We then had a little boogie before calming down and watching Beauty and the Beast,
and right before bed we were lucky enough to watch Fireworks from the window.
New Years Eve, although it wasn't my average, I really enjoyed this year with the kiddos.

And my favourite part, was that because of my hair, I was nick named Minnie Mouse all day. hehe.

2011 for me has been a rollercoaster ride and very different from what I expected.
This past year has held so much joy and so much pain and I'm glad the year has passed, but I'm also grateful for it. I learned a lot this year. I grew in Spirit, in Faith and also in Health. I gained a whole new perspective of my life. I realised just how important certain things are to me.
I learned who I want to be, what I need to work towards and what I need to change to become that person.
Most of all, I learned that just because things don't seem perfect right now, doesn't mean things aren't working that way so that they can be. I think that even though I could easily look at 2011 negatively and a year to forget, I actually believe there was so much positive about it and that's the light I'm choosing to shine on it.

I will admit, I'm not really one for New Years Resolutions even though this blog was one last year and I think I did well if you skip the few months blip in the middle. haha.
But one thing I hope for in myself for 2012,
is to always remember who I am and be myself, but just better.
'Be grateful. Be smart. Be clean. Be true. Be Humble. Be prayerful. Be Positive. Be still. Be involved.'
Most of all, Love more, others
and myself.

I hope everyone is enjoying their New Years weekend.
Happy New Year everyone.

Christmas 2011.

2011-12-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, although I'm sure we are all the same boat here and have been busy enjoying being with family and friends this Christmas. Here are a few, when I say few I mean an extremely small amount of the highlights from my Christmas 2011.

My Christmas Pinterested nails. Yay for ideas from Pinterest.
2. Christmas Morning snuggles with my favourite Mickey teddy ever, Kaylem came and joined us a while as we waited patiently for the rest of the house to wake up hehe
3. We left these out on Christmas eve for Santa's elves as a big Thankyou for helping Santa. Elf donuts - chocolate and sprinkled glazed, Gingerbread hearts and chocolate chip cookies ;);) Kaylem and I had so much fun making these.
4. Christmas Eve excitement, wanted to be Ironman all day, with gun and Ben10 socks, awesome.
5. On Christmas eve, we all get new pjs, this year it was all about the onesies, Kaylem as the youngest got the privilege of opening up our Christmas Eve bedtime story.
6. Twas the night before Christmas...
7. Reverently, quietly, while I read the story.
8. It doesn't look so funny in the picture, but our cat is getting old and sometimes she forgets her tongue is hanging out, it's so cute, hehe.
9. Apparantly this is what Santa likes to have at our house? haha
10. A very exciteable boy Christmas morning when he discovered Santa forgave him for his mischievous ways and left him a whole sack full of presents.
11. My new Jim Shore disney Christmas decorations for my own future Christmas tree :D
- A gift from my parents, I love them as I do the whole Jim Shore Disney collection.
12. I took over my brothers Lego that was in his Christmas Cracker at dinner haha - not that I didn't LOVE the silver locket my Mum put in mine! :D
13. Boxing day - waiting for more presents at my Nanny Glorys! hehehe.
14. - She makes the best banoffee pie!
15. My sister ;)
16. I got this book as a gift from my Mother, she wrote such a touching message in it, but I'll keep that personal. 'If life were easy it wouldn't be hard' by the LDS author Sheri Dew. I've only read 2 chapters but I seriously recommend it, such a great read for a better perspective at life! Go read it.
17. Kaylem with his presents from me, I got him a JCB toy crane set that came with a digger too, just like he wanted and then I found the cutest children's bible story books for bedtime stories.
18. Nerf warrrrrrrrr! This was me getting revenge, after being completely attacked. Such a lovely surprise it was.
19. Gift from my Nanny - Heart measuring cups and the new humming bird bakery recipe book, it's so gooooooood! I'm excited to bake from it!
20. Inside joke of the way Kaylem does his thumbs up. We love that kid and all his quirks.

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and is still having mucho fun! :)

Spirit of Christmas.

2011-12-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

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Happy Christmas Eve everyone.
A day to finish Christmas preparations.
- The food, the presents, the wrapping.
Spend time with family.
Blast out Christmas songs.
Leave a treat for Santa,
as well as a stocking to fill ;)

Carrots for Rudolph,

We're even leaving a treat for the elves this year ;)
A time to Smile and be happy

and be grateful for each other and the season,

But most of all a time to remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Christ.
After opening our Christmas Pjs,

we all know what bedtime story we'll have tonight.
Merry Christmas everyone.

!!!!

2011-12-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

dfvbdkjbdsikfsib!!! 2 things I LOVE TOGETHERhehehehehe

Homemade Mittens.

2011-12-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

Remember the project I said I had planned for the leftover material from the Christmas stocking, here it is :).. I made mittens.
Here's how I did it :-
I made a template by using the size of my hand as a guide. I used the sleeves of the jumper I had thrifted as they were large enough for my little hands. The cuffs of the mittens are in fact the cuffs of the jumper. I simply turned the sleeves insideout, drew around my template with fabric marker and sewed! Cut out mitten, not to close to seams but close enough your hand fits in the mitten. Turn rightway out and that's it if you don't want them lined. If you do, I used an old tshirt, turned inside out and drew around my temple again, but this time only the 'hand' part of the template, sewed, cut out and instead of turning rightway out, keep inside out, put on your hand, put the ready made mitten on, pull out your hand and hand sew on the inside being sure not to come through to the otherside that will be visible, so just a light sew/tack. After that, add whatever you like, I added bows, but its up to you. :) Contact me with any questions I don't mind.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve, everyone! :)
Yay, Christmas!

He's making a list and checking it twice...

2011-12-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

Gonna find out who's naughty and nice...

Santa Claus is comin' to town!

(so proud of our homemade gingerbread house;))
And someone really wants to be on the nice list.

Helping cook dinner with me and then washing up!

...as well as being happy about it,
out of nowhere whilst stirring the bolognese...

Funniest thing ever, no idea where he got it from.

Hope everyone enjoys the week leading up to Christmas.
5 days to go!

Homemade 'Old jumper' Christmas Stockings.

2011-12-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

These are so easy to make, not only that but they are affordable and super super cute.
Last year I ended up making the smaller one out of a jumper I never wore..

I wish I had the jumper now, but oh well ;)
I'm pretty sure the idea for making Christmas stockings out of old jumpers is something that people do a lot, but I felt like a genius that I had found it out all by myself haha.
This year I decided to make more.
I went to a second hand store and went straight to the plus size jumpers, so that there was lots of room for maybe more than one stocking or a different project altogether.

Because these are so simple and cheap, I don't think I will ever buy stockings again.

I can't wait to be making and personalising them for my children. Adorable.

What you need.
Old jumper, one of your own or one thrifted.
Stockings template (I made my own, but I think you can get them online to print.)
Sewing machine, although you could sew by hand but it would take dramatically longer.
Buttons to decorate.

Ribbon to hang, I used yarn.

Scissors.

Fabric markers, or chalk.

Instructions.
I was going to include pictures, but it's so simple and quick that I don't think there is a need for a pictured explanation. If anyone has any questions or confusion, just contact me I don't mind.

- Take you jumper and turn inside out.
- Take your stocking template and place top/opening of stocking on the bottom edge of jumper.
(I did mine right into the corner, giving it less sewing as the sides of the jumper are already sewn up.
- Using your fabric chalk draw around the temple
(make sure it stays in place and that your jumper is laying completely flat.)
- Sew along stocking outline.
- Cut out. (about an inch from seam.)

- Turn inside out.
- Sew on buttons.

- Create a loop in ribbon by tying a double knot or a bow.
(This simply loops around top button and wherever you decide to hang your stocking.

- Add presents ;)

Basically, these can be decorated and personalised how you like.
I kept them simple, but it's really up to you.
They can of course be lined too, but I used thick enough material that it didn't need that.

My version took me around 10 minutes tops.
Simple, quick, adorable.
(and I have tons of the jumper left for another project coming up..!)

Wise men still seek him.

2011-12-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

Such a beautiful and inspiring Christmas Message, that not only helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas, but how we can serve him and others now and always.

Wise men, definitely do still seek him.

Only One week until Christmas!

Love Always,

London Christmas break.

2011-12-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

The past few days I have been absolutely spoilt.
I'm going to let some of the pictures taken do the talking..

Does this need an explanation?? Strawberry icecream, strawberry compote, fresh strawberries, fresh cream, meringue. It was so yummy!

My Mummy and I.

My sister waiting for the tube on our way to Madame Tussauds. :)

Me and Freddie singing ;) Me giving Shrek a snuggle. Me and Tink :) Me getting my wolverine on.

Me and the Hulk bonding ;)

I would explain these pictures, but I would rather explain the crazy story that goes with them. Some crazy stalker guy has around a million photo's of me. He was at Madame Tussauds by himself, holding his camera up and taking face shots with all the wax celebs with a big grin. I have a feeling he's hoping they look real and he'll say he met them. I asked him at the start if he wanted me to take a picture and he said no, so I was like hmmmm weird hahaha. Next thing you know, he is everywhere, taking pictures 'secretly' and I mean in the way of he's pretending he's not by holding his camera weird and down like no one can notice but everytime, directed towards me and then he sat right behind me in the Marvel 4D experience. He was so creepy and I may have pulled 'the face' numerous times. hahahaha.

Just before going into the Marvel Heroes 4D.

I love Covent Garden Market, especially at Christmas.

1. mmmmmm cake. 2. This was Covent Garden Christmas tree. 3. I wanted all these soaps, they were so pretty and would look gorgeous in any bathroom. I just love homemadey things like this. 4. Moomins!! Who doesn't love Moomins.

Cute.

Oxford Street Christmas lights. I thought this pictured London quite well, 3 red double deckers and a black taxi, haha. This photo was unintentional though.

We're off to see the Wizard, west end style. (My sister is Dorothy in her school production so it was to help her too.) AMAZING!

Anyone who knows me, knows I love Hello Kitty hehe and I love Pez!
Everytime I stay at hotels I can't resist these little Marmite hearts, they are so cute, if you love Marmite of course, which I do! :D

I thought these little London souvenirs were cute.
and 'All you need is Love'
It's true.

I had a lovely few days.
and I'm so excited for Christmas hehehehe.

Fearless.

2011-12-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today I watched my little brother play a sheep in the school Nativity.. he was most definitely more like a lamb bless him, so little. We got the first pic, whilst the play was going on, awesome zoom shot I think, perfect timing for that big grin, what a cutie.
I love watching children's Nativities, they are so adorable.
In this Nativity, there was Scooby Doo and a big big fluffy chicken, it was great, hahaha!
Bless...
The other 2 pictures were taken afterwards, they were the only 2 he really sat still for,
This 5 year old is most definitely feeling the Christmas excitement :)

Well, the nativity was great, I also learned that my little brother's P.E teacher is my old Gymnastics teacher, it was one of those crazy, I really recognise you games, but I have no clue who you are. Then all of a sudden my Mum runs over to embarrass me, because of course without me even opening my mouth to ask, she knows exactly who it is... Luckily she never noticed my old Science teacher from high school, blahhhh..
hahaha..

On another note, this past weekend I picked up and played guitar for the first time properly in about 6 - 7 years. When I was 14 I started learning and gave up after about a year of not doing so well with it,
but I think I learned more this weekend than I did in a year of learning back then, so facing that little bit of fear about failing again was worth it and this is what I came up in the 2 days of having a guitar that our friend so kindly let us keep over the weekend... it was brand new too, we felt honoured haha.

I realise the guitar playing isn't perfect, but I'm pretty proud for one weekend and the vocals arent that brill, I'm off key all over the place, haha, but oh well and I didn't make a video, although I should have shown you all how hilarious I look with a full size guitar and bed head, it really makes you realise how small I really am and how unmanagable my hair can be at times. but whatevs the main reason is because I finally played a song on guitar! After all these years... and I'm bored.

So, I go to London this week, I cannot wait.
I need a break... too much going on in my head, doing too much...
My Mum told me that today, then I sat down to think about it and I think she may be right.
because maybe theres a limit on keeping busy and actual insanity, haha.

sighhhh...
Life.

11 days til Christmas!!!!!!!! :)

2011-12-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share this because I just love the message, it warmed my heart and I Loved when he bombed into the snow, that snow was crazy deep, hehe!!

'Homemade' Startopped Mince Pies

2011-12-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I baked a fresh batch of Mince Pies (I realise many people might be gagging reading this if you don't like them.)
In England Mince Pies are a huge tradition at Christmas time. Whether you love them or hate them (because they are most definitely a 'you either love it or you hate it' treat) there is pretty much no way to avoid them! haha! I am, however, a lover of Mince Pies and a lover of baking them rather than buying them ready made. It makes me feel all Christmassy baking batches of these and the satisfaction of eating one warm not long out the oven, with a big dollop of fresh cream!
I just love it... in fact, that was my breakfast this morning! ;)
Here, in the UK. It is so easy to cheat a little as just about everywhere that sells food will sell jars of ready made mincemeat (If you've never had Mince pies I assure you there is no meat in them ;))

A few years ago I decided to homemake the mincemeat and it ended up tasting exactly the same, so I always just buy a jar now as it's so much easier with all the other things to prepare for Christmas.

..I'm not sure if Mince Pies are too popular in other places of the world, but if you love that 'allspice' 'tangy fruity' taste and fancy making Mince Pies, then here is a simple recipe by Nigella Lawson I thought I would share... (I've linked the image of my mince pies to the full recipe.)
This recipe is actually slightly different, She has given a recipe for 'Cranberry studded Mincemeat' (which I'm really interested to make and try at some point) but if you are wanting to make something a little more traditional, google Mince Pie Mincemeat recipes and there are many to choose from that are more traditional without Cranberries.
Most recipes call for alcohol, but it's not necessary.
If you want to take the easy route like I did with the Mincemeat, although I have no idea if ready made jars of Mincemeat are available in other places, be sure to check ingredients if you don't drink alcohol as some will have it in...

Happy Christmas baking everyone!

Homemade Christmas Crackers

2011-12-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

This week has flown, can't believe it's Thursday!
Today for another Christmassy post, I thought I would do a tutorial to make Homemade Christmas Crackers. These are a tradition in our home. We got so bored of the shop bought kind with the same old surprises inside, it just wasn't so exciting to get nail clippers anymore.. actually was it ever? haha! Plus we pretty much knew all the jokes off by heart and the hats never fit! AND (big and) they are so expensive for the good looking ones! ..so eventually we started making our own. Christmas dinner is so much better with these personalised homemade Crackers. They are inexpensive to make, you pick what goes inside and you can design them exactly to your taste :)

What you need per Cracker.
Loo Roll tube. ;)
Cracker snap.
Wrapping paper of choice.
Ribbons to tie sides.
Ruler.
Pencil.
Scissors.
A4 sheet of paper.
Double sided and normal sticky tape.
Treats to go inside..
(I used chocolate and a mini lego set in this cracker made for my little brother..
in fact all the guys in our house got lego, We are Lego enthusiasts in this house haha.)
A Joke.

Instructions.

First thing to do is take your A4 sheet of paper and trace outline onto back of wrapping paper.
Cut out or use a guillotine to cut across the lines giving you an A4 sized piece of wrapping paper.

Measure length of toilet roll tube and add 3cm to that length.
Minus amount from A4 length (29.7cm)
Divide the answer by two.
(You can use a Calculator if you are atrocious at Math like I am, it's not a test as much as it's sounding like it right now ;))
Place your piece of A4 landscape, measure inwards from each side and mark, drawing 2 vertical lines top to bottom so it looks like this.

Once those lines are drawn, draw 2 more lines 1.5cm from either side of each line already drawn.
Using double sided sticky tape, stick the A4 sized wrapping paper to the A4 piece of paper.
(make sure to stick the wrapping paper and A4 sheet back to back, so that when stuck one side has the pattern and the other plain A4 with lines drawn.
Next you Fold across each line drawn, getting a good crease in the paper.
Take your scissors and cut small lines around a cm apart across the middle line folded like so..
(The lines I already cut didn't show in the photo so I placed dots to highlight where has been cut)

Repeat step on other side.

Gather treats to go inside and a cracker snap.
I homemade my Christmas hats.

They are easy, a strip of wrapping paper measuring roughly the size of around someone's head,

zig zag cut across the top and sticky tape ends together.

Place items inside toilet roll tube.
(I will admit it was a bit of a squeeze with the lego, but he's gonna love that little fire engine ;))

Place your filled tube at the edge between the lines on plain side of paper.
It should be a perfect fit with the measurements from earlier...

Tape edge of paper to toilet tube so it stays securely in place and roll, so you have this..

Take a small piece of tape, making sure it's wrapped nice and tight, tape in the middle.
I then tape the sides, keeping the wrap a little looser so it kind of flairs out a little at either side if that makes sense.
Next is the ribbons.

With the creases and cuts made earlier, tying the ribbons on is an easy job, but you still need to be gentle as not to tear the paper. I used curling ribbons on mine, but any ribbon could be used, the design is really up to you.

Once both ends are tied, if you want to add extras like nametags etc that's up to you,
make it as extravagent or as simple as you like and voila, there you have it, a homemade personalised Christmas Cracker, perfect for your Christmas dinner table.

A Christmas 'card' to all my lovely readers.

2011-12-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

Recently I wrote out and sent all my Christmas cards to all of my loved ones.
I didn't forget you all though, I 'wrote' you all a Christmas 'card' and sang a Christmas song too!
...Yes, I created this delightsome, awkward video all by myself ,
I am dueting Baby it's cold outside, with myself,

and the still, well that kinda says it all!! ;)

LOL.. it's okay that I'm weird.
'I like being weird. Weird's all I got, that and my sweet style!!'
hehe. Okay most of you probably didn't get that quote, oh well.
Here goes, this is one of my all time fav Christmas songs..
I'm a HUGE fan of the oldies, This and White Christmas never fail at getting me in the Christmas mood.
Happy CHRISTMAS! :)

The past few days our wifi has gone CRAZAY, so I haven't been able to post until now or get through all the blog posts I missed, so I want to apologise for that, but lets hope I manage to get this done and post it today!!

I've seen these questions flying all over the place, figured I might as well join in and fill you all in on a few random things you most probably don't know about me!!

1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?

I have a few... 1) Sha-sha - you probably didn't pronounce it right ;) but that one is because when my cousin was really little he could never say Tasha so that cuteness kinda stuck around forever. 2) Fairy - it's pretty self explanatory, I've always loved fairys and I'm small! haha. 3.) Donk - you know what? I have no clue! haha, it's a nickname my sisters and I call each other, its not specifically just mine, weird eh. 4.) Boops - Another one just like Donk, but it's what my Mum calls my sisters and I sometimes... actually we have a ton of nicknames, but I will leave it as those. haha

2. What's a weird habit of yours?

My Dad says that sometimes I overly check behind me and sneakily give the back of my feet a look when I walk? He's the only one who's ever noticed it, but whenever it happens he'll be sure to point it out and I'll feel like I've been caught red handed, yet I still deny this even exists, haha.

3. Do you have any weird phobias?

I hate the feel of cotton wool when you pull it apart, makes me cringe! I also can't stand when people squeak felt tip pens by pressing too hard, oh my gosh can't even think about it! Pineapples and Celery, urrrghhh that stringy texture!!!!!!! OH and I'm still scared of the dark, yay!

4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?

Secretly?? haha oh I'm never ashamed to blast something out and belt it out. I have way too many that maybe I should keep secret though, to name a few hmm... I occasionally pull out Britney Spear's first album and blast out Baby one more time, or wait there is Teenage Dirtbag, oh yeah that's a goodun, errrrm the other day although maybe no one has a clue what this song is, I was Oh oh oh oh ohing crazily to Futureheads - Hounds of Love, I know that would have been an embarrassing sight. I could name too many, however if I had a favourite to BLAST it would be Sweet child o' mine all the way.. My sister and I blast and belt together on that one.

5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

When people dirty my freshly clean bathroom or when I notice someone didn't wash their hands after going... ewww. Basically when people dirty anything I just cleaned.

6. What's one of your nervous habits?

Fidgetting and overthinking, I annoy myself more than anyone else when I'm nervous.

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

I sleep on the left, furthest from the door... My Mickey teddy next to me can protect me from intruders. Lol.

8. What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?

First?? Hmm I don't know which was my first I had SOOOO MANY! One that I remember being named was 'Sunshine Sam' but One of my favourite teddies when I was really small was a monster teddy that probably would have scared most children now I look at it! haha.

9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?

I can't afford Starbucks and think it's a bit of a waste of money anyway, but if you're paying I'll have a Hazelnut Hot chocolate or a Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino :) Thanks.

10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?

Beauty rule I preach, not sure I preach any, especially if I don't follow.
Tell yourself you are beautiful everyday- that's a rule you should follow and I need to work on!

11. Which way do you face in the shower?
I like to dance in the shower, so on those occasions, who knows, every way.
OR I sit down facing away, or stand up facing away drawing pictures on the shower door.

12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?

My right big toe is double jointed! Yeaaaaaaaaaaah boi!

13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?

errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmm...to pick one, Haargen Dazs cookies and cream icecream.
I've eaten the whole thing on more than one occasion.

14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?

I go through phases with phrases (hehe tongue twister), make up silly words and phrases all the time and do it without even thinking, this question is probably best asked to the people in my life haha.. but I'm sure I say everything is the bombdiggs right now.
On a side note - One word that never dies in my house is 'Wickstix' We all say that one, I guess the definition would be 'wicked cool.'

15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

baggy Tshirt and panties. I hate sleeping in PJ bottoms.

...Now it's your turn if you haven't done this already!!!
I tag you all. :)

Music in your soup..

2011-12-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas lists, for a child, writing to Santa is one of the most exciting things!
I still write them to him now hehehe! It's okay though, I'm still a child!.. The other day when I was shopping during school hours with my Mum, I had an old guy tell me I should be in school. He winked at me like my Mum had given me the day off sneakily.. I laughed and went along with it. Trust me you get bored correcting people sometimes, plus maybe I'm just to polite to embarrass him with my actual age as he was so nice. Over here you leave school at 16, so he of course thought I was younger, making him about 6-8 years off my actual age. haha. You gotta love it.

Dear Santa...

Check some of the stuff on their, Lamborghini Murcielago? HAHAHAHAHA.
I Love it. Cutest ever.

I hearted the Cadbury's Chocolate Money bank because as a child I always wrote that too!
I would save all my 2 pence pieces in preperation to get out a chocolate.

Wonder if Santa will keep up with this tradition? ;)

With the cold weather it's always nice to have something warm and wholesome to fill your belly, well I think so. I came across a disney recipe perfect for the cold days leading up to Christmas, or even for afterwards with those vegetables not used.

I love vegetables and I love Snow White, so this basic soup I thought was great and I imagined being Snow White while I was making it, cooking for all of my dwarves (my siblings hehe)
But I can't take all the credit, I had a little helper, who is probably all of the Seven Dwarves rolled into one. :)

This recipe is a really simple, basic Chunky Vegetable soup,
would make a great lunch on a cold day with a nice warm buttered bread roll.
I think it could be adapted slightly with other vegetables if you like and personally I would use stock over water, but I enjoyed making this with Kaylem ;)

(I completely forgot to take a picture of the finished product,
it looks just like your average bowl of chunky veg soup. hehe)

Ingredients.
1 quart water (It says water, but I would recommend Chicken or Vegetable stock)
1 lb carrots, peeled, coursely chopped.
8 oz parsnips, peeled, coursely chopped.
8 oz potatoes, peeled, coursely chopped.
4 oz onion, peeled, coursely chopped ;)
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Combine all ingredients in a stockpot, bring to boil, and reduce to a simmer, stirring now and then until the vegetables begin to break down. After about 1 hour, soup should have the consistency of porridge.

Salt to taste and sere wish fresh ground pepper.

Homemade Scented Wreath.

2011-12-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

..Following on from my post from earlier....Yay I got time to put this up. :)

This year I thought I would have a go at making a wreath. I've never made one before, so this is my first one! I got the idea from good ole Pinterest. I saw this amazing idea of using an old wire hanger to make a bauble wreath, but being me I had to change it up a bit and do it a little differently.

In our house, My Mum likes to keep things very traditional looking and to keep with the flow of the rest of our home, the wreath had to have that traditional Christmas feel too. So sticking with the reds, golds and greens of Christmas.

Originally, I was going to follow and go with just the 'bauble' look I saw on Pinterest, Some of them are truely amazing, but as I was looking at baubles I was struggling to pick whether to just go with full gold, gold and red, or Gold, green and red. I just didn't know and the Super lovely baubles I would have liked to have used, that had these really traditional pictures on, were out of my price range. I decided to browse round the rest of the Christmassy things while I thought about it and I ended up picking up a bag of Red Pot Pourri, which smelt divine, it was Red Berry and so Christmassy smelling and looking, Red yarned balls, pine cones, stars, it was like a ping lightbulb moment! And now not only does this wreath look pretty and is affordable, but it makes everything smell christmassy too and on top of that, it was fun to make.

What I used.

Christmas Pot pourri.

Baubles - different sizes and shades.

Old wire hanger, reshaped into a circle.

Hot Glue gun.

Yarn

Dried Flowers

Ribbon for bow.

2x Small festive berry/branch bunches.

First thing you do is shape the wire hanger into a circle. Don't bend the top hook, this will be used to hang your wreath.

Once you have your circle you need to seperate the wire so you are able to thread the baubles on, My hanger was easily unfastenable having just a little bit of wire wrapped around the top hook, if it's not quite as easy as mine was, wire cutters may have to be used.

If you are just wanting to use baubles, thread the baubles in the pattern you want and glue them together in place so they lay flat and don't move around when the wreath is moved.

As you can see with my wreath, not everything is threadable nor attached to the wire. In this case I used the threaded baubles as a base and glued other things on using them to help keep with the flow of the circle.

I never really had a set pattern I just tried to keep everything even, keeping the same width all the way around, which wasn't too easy as everything was different sizes and shapes.

All I can say for this bit is get creative, move things around see what looks good and when you like it, glue it!

When I did mine, I worked all the way around the circle but leaving a space on each side at the top which I had left for 2 decorative berry, branch pieces I had planned to stick there.

Before placing these I refastened the wire, making the circle whole again, which was easy for me just re-wrapping it around the hook, but for some it may require hot glue.

I then decided to wrap yarn around the top hook, giving it a nicer look. Glued down the mini decorations and added a Red Gingham bow in the middle for extra umpth. hehe.

Hopefully that all made sense, if you want to make one and have any questions, I don't mind answering.

But there you have it, Homemade Christmas Wreath that makes your house smell amazing! :)

It's December!

2011-12-01T13:13:00.001-08:00

(December 1st)
A few years ago I read somewhere that when times get hard and you feel like everything feels
blahhhhhh askdefbauiegbfaiweugb!!!!**** :(:( oh snapppppppp!! arrrrggggghhhhh
Do.
- okay it wasn't phrased like that, but hopefully you know what I mean.
..Do something. Something you love doing, Something new or even something that needs doing.
Just don't do 'nothing' as much as that can sometimes seem like the only option when you are struggling. The truth is, sometimes life is just hard and you can't change that, but you can choose or change the way you deal with it. Lately it's just been one of those times of struggle for me, but this piece of advice of getting up and 'doing' something, I've been determined to follow, rather than focusing on any pain too much. I can honestly say, it helps. It's not magic, it doesn't fix everything, it doesn't necessarily ease pain completely, but it definitely helps to focus on more positive things and putting yourself to work.

Remember this post? I hope so, because I didn't forget. Christmas has been a big focus for me and now It's December and I have lots of christmassy things prepared just as promised. Today has been such a busy day and I am so tired.

(December 2nd)
..... Wow
I really was tired, because I fell asleep! After writing 'I am so tired'.. I decided to shut my eyes for 5, which turned into bedtime. haha. I so wanted to post this December 1st so it will be marked that way :) I really have been doing a lot so I'll let myself off this time. ;)
Yesterday I got up, went and did a ton of Christmas shopping, Danced around to Christmas songs in excitement for it being December and indulged in a bottle of D&B (Dandelion and Burdock- for my American readers in case you are wondering, it's a traditional British soft drink - the bombdiggity) and a bag of Lebkuchen - this stuff gets me excited for Christmas every year. Yum Yum Yum.

My days have been filled with 'doing' - preparing for Christmas and focusing on those little things that brighten up your days.

To start I thought I would share a great day of 'doing' the other day.
As someone who has a disability, my ability has really impressed me recently. I just know I have been blessed to get through at this time and without wanting to jinx anything seem to have been improving rather than the opposite which worries me in times of stress.

The other day, it rained and rained and rained. Something we English folk know all to well, so it's no biggy.
Having a little 5 year old around the place calls for great opportunities to be silly. And who doesn't love being silly? ...Tickle fights, pretending to lose at mario karts ;) jumping on the bed, watching as many kids movies as you want, mini bake sessions that involve cake batter all over your face.. the list could go on and on.

With the rain the other day... we put on our wellies and decided to jump in the puddles.
It was the best... Anyone having a stressful time, I assure you, Go jump in some puddles.
Be a kid again.

Afterwards we came in and the sense of warmth and christmassy smells already about our house, made me want to bake. (I know, where did the energy come from? no idea. I'm amazed.) I put on my apron and spent the next few hours making a huge 'I heart Christmas (tree haha)' Chicken pie for all of my family and Jam Roly Poly's.- I realise that cooking maybe isn't many people's idea of fun and to be honest I don't find it so much 'fun'.. More than anything I personally find it therapeutic...
It was a good day. :)

On another note as a little taster of whats to come, the wreath on the door... Yes, I made it :) That will be a post to come later...today hopefully.
Please forgive me if my posts are slow over the next day or so, I've got to be 'Mum' for the next few days,
but I'll try my best.

Love you all, 23 days until Christmas!!

Happy Birthday to my little 'big' sister, Lauren.

2011-11-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

[Red 'heart' Velvet cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting.]

Dear Lauren, loops, loo, lozziz, loles, loodles.
... I love you that much that I baked hearts into your birthday cupcakes.
Thank you for being such a great sister, even when you are a pain in the bum.
We have 16 years of many many amazing memories,

but I think back now to one that sticks out to me today as I realise you aren't so little anymore...
Remember years ago, when there was a huge thunder storm in the early hours of the morning that woke us? You must have been about 7 years old and I was barely a teenager. I woke up in panic and my first instinct was to rush into your room, crawl into bed with you and snuggle you back to sleep :)
I can't believe you are 16 years old today. You're my baby sister, but you aren't a baby anymore. I know sometimes I forget you no longer need so much protection, that you growing up and spreading your own wings and I am so proud of you, but no matter what I'll always be your big 'little' sister and one of your best friends. Happy Birthday, My beautiful baby sister.

xoxox

Dear bloggers,
As you've probably noticed I have resdesigned my blog (again hehe)
I thought my blog was looking a little untidy... but maybe I just got bored of looking at it just needed a change, haha, but let me know what you think. :)

- if you love Marshmallow fluff you will love this frosting recipe I found on the glorious Pinterest..

Ingredients.

4 large egg whites

1 Cup ordinary sugar (white or brown)

1 pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

Place all ingredients except the vanilla essence into a bowl which you can place over a pot of simmering water.

Whisk the egg white mixture constantly over simmering water until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch.
{It takes around 5 minutes}.

Pour the mixture into a bigger bowl and beat with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes.
{Add the vanilla while beating}.
After about 3 minutes, the mixture will be lovely and fluffy.
- It took me a little while longer than 3 minutes, but it does thicken when done properly and is super yummy!

wicked...

2011-11-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

oh you know I'm there!!!!SO EXCITED! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Not too long nowwwww, just a few more months. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Happy weekend everyone

When I was 5..

2011-11-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, My little brother turned 5.

and is officially the coolest 5 year old ever- tshirt courtesy of Miss Natasha. ;)

This is his 'cool' pose. (haha)

Oh yeah, the bowling pro leg flick.

..and he's now apparently too big for huggles, but we caught him out. haha

Isn't he the coolest? Yes.. I think so.

5 years old got me wondering about myself at 5
and so I decided to post a few random facts I dug out of my parents.

When I was 5...
I wish I could post a picture but none of the old ones to hand are of 5 years old, they are typically in the attic, sigh.

A memory?
I loved fireworks and thought they were like fairies in the sky. One day I found a box of 'fireworks' and decided to go and plant them in the garden. So desperate for night to come so we could set them off, I went and got my Mum and asked her when it would be night time to light the 'fireworks' that I had so kindly set ready in the garden. In a panic my Mum rushes outside...
yes I had planted every single one of her tampons. :)
haha.
That was the day My Mum promised me she would take me to Disneyland one day to see the Disney fireworks and see tinkerbell fly through the sky.
(Still one of my favourite things to do!!)

What was I like?
I was very girly and had a huge imagination, everything had to be disney, fairys, care bears, things like that... I liked to do things by myself and was very independant even at that age. Would talk to myself for hours! (that hasn't changed haha) but otherwise quite a quiet little girl.
My Mum says I was like a mini Mum. ''Always have been and still am.'' she said, haha.
I enjoyed hoovering the house with my mini hoover, pretending to go shopping with my mini trolley and cooking in my pretend kitchen or baking with Mum for real. Throwing tea party's for all my teddy bears and taking very good care of my babies, pushing them around in the pushchair, even telling them off when they were naughty.
I apparently loved to help, or try to (haha) LOVED the park (I still love the swings.) I HATED going to school, (that never changed haha.) LOVED dancing, dressing up whenever I could, didn't move whenever a disney video was put on until it was finished and was always so determined to stay between the lines when I coloured.

My appearance?
Apparantly I was very particular about what I wore, huge on flowery and pink, but would dress up as a fairy/ballerina or a princess whenever I could. Wanted my hair in pigtails or a ponytail all the time, but would always like to have little ringlets hanging down. I was tiny and dainty and had the smallest feet and hands. Definitely preferred wearing clothes and total confusion at my sisters love of ridding herself of clothes whenever she could.
HATED being dirty, liked everything to be clean and in order. (haha OCD child)
Always have had big blue eyes and have been beautiful (Thanks Mum haha)

Food likes and dislikes?
HATED chips/fries and most junk food haha, is everyone shocked?
Always wanted Spaghetti bolognese for tea, or Roast Chicken.
Is that odd for a 5 year old? haa
Loved Marmite sandwiches
Favourite sweeties were Jelly tots.
Always loved bananas and yoghurts from the time I could eat them.
oh and Icecream :)

One of my own memories.
5, nearly 6 I think, my first marriage proposal and a kiss!
Supporting my Mother's comment about dressing up, one school day I decided it was absolutely a must to go to school dressed as a princess, there was no doubt about it, I was going to school as a princess,
full flowery netted dress with the totally amazing poof sleeves.
awesome! Haha
In the playground, I remember playing with these 2 boys, why boys, I have no clue? Me with my Sindy doll and them both with their Action men.
Next thing you know it's time to go inside because it's starting to rain.
One of the boys then, picked me up, spun me around, kissed me on the cheek,
and said
''One day, I'm going to marry you..''
Romantic right??
...I was horrified, lol
- and the other guy, got so upset because he wanted to marry me one day too.
Wow..
hahaha.

Faith.

2011-11-24T04:13:00.000-08:00

This message went straight to my heart. Sometimes, you just need those little reminders and encouragements of having faith. To me, this Gospel is everything and it really does build that strength in me. When times are hard, it's not easy to not be afraid, it's not easy to stay strong, but it's true that as we all go through heart breaking times, those times especially are the times we need to rely on the Lord.

I wasn't going to share this story, I'm not sure why other than I guess I didn't want people to worry too much.
However the other day, I had one of those experience where your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Picking up my brother from school, a huge branch decided to fall from an old oak tree, bringing down a few other branches with it, coincidentally the very moment we happened to drive past, crashing down right on top of us. For a second I was so sure it was the end of my life, but it was my reaction that shocked me the most and that's why I felt I wanted to share now, just like Elder Russell M. Nelson,
Calm.
With this experience, I realized even more, just how much I know this church is true and how much faith I have in that knowledge. I'm so grateful for the gospel and although I knew, I guess I never realized how much I knew, I knew. If that makes any sense at all.

Obviously, I'm absolutely okay and my brother is okay, we're all okay -

on a funny note, for about an hour all he kept saying was we need to take the car to the car wash now.
Bless his 5 year old soul (it's his birthday today, Happy Birthday Kaylem)
We still can't believe, that, that one old rotten branch decided to fall just as we passed out of all the many years it will have been up there, but I guess it's just one of those things eh?
But in honour of Thanksgiving, even though I'm English,
I thought I would express how thankful I am for Faith.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans reading my blog, Hope you have a great day.

There may be something there that wasn't there before.

2011-11-23T05:29:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up hoping this cold would have budged, but nope, still going strong.. sigh.

For breakfast I wanted something warm and comforting and I remembered seeing a recipe in my Disney recipes. Beauty and the beast is my ALL TIME favourite Disney movie
(- next to Fantasia, haha, I was an odd child. hehe)

Who doesn't love Beauty and the beast right?
(if you don't then I wouldn't risk letting me know, trust me haha, jokin ;))
I'm sure I'm not the only one who pretty much knows the movie word for word and sings the songs all the time. For me, it's been a fabulous 20 year love from the first time I watched, it just never gets old!

I also have the movie soundtrack and the London cast soundtrack (oh how I wish they would do Beauty and the beast the show again. However, I did see the show in Disneyworld and that was awesome!)

Beauty and the beast.
What I love about this movie more than anything is the message behind it.
- To always look deeper than looks and see the good over the bad.
For me this has quite a few different meanings.
This message to me, runs a lot deeper than just judging people by the way they look,
it's about actions, thoughts, looks, failures, everything.
Everything and anything about ourselves or another person that can be judged wrongfully and make a person be perceived differently.

Like most, I'm a common culprit of doing it to myself.
Sometimes, I look in the mirror and instead of looking at the features I like, something I dislike even in the slightest seems to stick out further, I guess you could say, seems exaggerated.
Sometimes, I say stupid things without thinking and I think to myself, well you've ruined everything now.
Sometimes, my thoughts aren't what they should be, whether it be unkind to myself or another.
Sometimes, I don't see the good over the bad and I forget that it's okay not to be perfect.
Sometimes, I just plain, get it wrong.

In the story, Belle and the Beast fall in love, against judgements they had of each other at first and others had of them.
He at first, was selfish, unkind towards her and everyone else and he lived up to what the enchantress cursed him to be - a beast, in looks and actions.
Belle is a beautiful, beautiful girl, who sacrificed her whole life for her Father.
In the village she lived in she was noticed for her looks, but because she was different in the way she was and what she liked to do, she was seen as odd and peculiar. At first, she hated the beast for all he had done.

In this world, it's a sad reality that unfortunately, it's sometimes the same.
People forget that everyone is different and judge people when they don't understand something.
People do judge people by appearances sometimes.
People forget that it's okay not to be perfect and on occasion judge others as a whole person due to one mistake.
People forget to look past imperfection, sometimes and look for the good instead,
which in most cases is greatly larger than any quality not quite so good.

As Belle was the beast's prisoner, they had no choice but to spend time together.
Through this, they learnt that there was more to each other than they had originally judged.
Their love grew even in horrific circumstances.
The beast learnt to love another and be selfless even though his whole life he never knew the importance of this and had only cared about himself.
Belle, learnt that the Beast was more than the 'beast' he appeared to be. His looks were skin deep and she saw the good in him, despite all he had done to her. She forgave him and chose to help him.
Belle loved the Beast even with the hardship he had placed on her and the Beast loved Belle, even though that meant learning to sacrifice and be selfless which he had never done before.

Beauty and the Beast is a classic story involving true love conquering trial, testing and judgment.
But the message, we should all remember, not just for 'true love',
but for ourselves, for our families, for our friends and even for strangers.

We're all imperfect and at times need forgiving.
We all just plain mess up and get it wrong sometimes.
We all have individual characters, looks, likes and dislikes,
We're all different and there is nothing wrong with that.
And sometimes we all need to look deeper than the surface with each other.

After all..
''..there may be something there that wasn't there before.''

Yep, in case you haven't figured it out, the recipe I am going to be sharing, is the porridge from the breakfast scene.

''In one of the most enchanting sequences from Beauty and the Beast, the two main characters have breakfast together in a cheery chamber suddenly bathed in sunlight after years of darkness. The beast feels uncomfortable having to use a knife, spoon and fork as opposed to eating with his hands, so to ease his mind, Belle picks up her bowl and brings it to her lips - to great delight of her host.''

''That was a very brave thing you did, My dear. Cheer up, child. It'll turn out all right in the end. You'll see. Oh, listen to me.. jabberin' on while there's a supper to get on the table!''

Ingredients. (Serves 4)
6oz oats (steel cut - I have no idea what steel cut is I just used rolled oats.)
1 pinch salt.

1 quart water

2tbs finely chopped candied ginger (I just used 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
3oz dried apples or dried fruit of choice ( I used raisins)
1/4 tsp cinnamon.

Light cream to taste ( I used milk)
Honey to taste.

How to make it-
Place oats in a large saucepan over high heat, stirring well until they smell nutty and take on a golden colour.
Add salt and water, bring to boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.
Cook, covered until oats are soft yet chewy, about 30 minutes.
Add candied ginger, dried fruit and cinnamon, remove from heat, and allow to rest no more than 10 minutes before serving.
Honey and light cream to taste by each person.

On another note - I know it's not Beauty and the beast, but check out my cute Hello Kitty bowl.
haha. I know, I'm a 22 year old child :)

Operation Christmas Child - shoebox world.

2011-11-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post. Operation CC is something I do yearly and I guess this year I only remembered on the day of submitting with nothing to submit!! What a wally! If like me you've been a bit frazzled and your mind has been elsewhere or you simply would like to take part in making up a shoebox for a child who might otherwise not receive anything this Christmas, they are now doing an online shoebox service.
- I was so relieved.
Warm a child's heart this Christmas, Here are the links.

UK

US

On another note, Today is my Mother's birthday.
Love my Mummy :)

What have I been wearing recently?

2011-11-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts these past few days. I unfortunately managed to pick up a cold, which in my case means pjs and keeping warm for a few days in bed, eating oranges and sipping hot chocolate. I still have it and probably will a while with my immune system, but I refuse to let it defeat me further so today I got up, wrapped up snug as a bug and went to a near by garden centre pretty much next door to my house and admired all the amazing pretty decorated christmas trees and now, here I am blogging... :)

The other week I was flicking through my blog and you know what I realised?

Yep, NO fashion posts since May! MAY... that was 6 months ago.. I have been a slacker and must start blogging my restyles and budget fashion finds again.

So exactly what have I been wearing and loving recently. Well it's began to get really cold, which means winter clothing and wrapping up.. Winter and I, we sort of have a love/hate relationship.
I hate being cold, but wrapping up in cute layers is fun and it is the best to snuggle up in a blanket sipping hot choccy in your jims while it either rains or snows outside.
I Love that feeling.

In this cold weather, I've fallen in love with quite a few colours. I'm loving burgandy, browns, creams, greys, navy and dark greens. - Not all at once haha. Then again, I tend to wear what I like rather than wear something simply because it's a current trend, who knows, it wouldn't be the first time I broke a fashion rule by wearing all those colours at once (haha)

I've done - hate to admit it - quite a bit of retail therapy these past few months, which as we all know is a temporary high and well, when you look good, you feel good, so what's the harm every once in a while to splurge a bit.

One thing I never had to splurge on was my burgandy skinny's as they were a birthday gift. I LOVE them, they are perfect for that bit of edge on a winter wardrobe.

I am loving cable knits,

(Loving that Grandad look haha)

I always, always love my wooly scarves in the winter.
(trust me, you should see my collection.)

My feet have been sporting brogues again this year, (grandad look again haha)
The brogue look, still a good one in my eyes,
but this year I have treated myself to a nice new pair of suede tan lace up wedge's.
They are so cute, not so high that I feel like I just can't be bothered to wear them, but they also give my petite self that little bit of height. ;)

Sunday dress - this is where my mega bargain/restyle comes in.
First Sunday outfit - rusty orange cardy and floral dress. That dress was a total of £2. You can't see very well from the picture, but it is such a cute dress. Vintagey Gold metal buttoned top, tight waist and quite a full skirt. Very 50's (an era of fashion I adore anyway) This wasn't refashioned either, perfect fit, it was an amazing buy. My next Sunday outfit has to be my favourite one this month. I got the skirt on sale at just £5, it had nasty gold shiney buttons, so it was just a simple restyle of just changing the buttons giving it a more classy edge. I love the shirt, polka dot and peter pan collar. I had to restyle this to fit me as the smallest size was too big though. Love this outfit, very me.
-Don't worry, tights are still extreme loves in my eyes even though it appears I've gone plain recently.
I bought some super cute thick grey wooly tights the other day, and of course I still love my patterned tights.

My hair, well it's got to Winter and my hair never tends to stay straight but I've been straightening as always anyway, but I think pretty soon it's going to get to the point theres not much point anymore. Anyone who knows me will know I love my braids. My hair is super curly naturally and not easy to manage, I love braiding my hair all the way round and wearing it in a side messy bun when I can't do much else.
It's one of my favourite hairstyles.
However, I'm in desperate need of a trim though and having my roots done...
Mum, if your reading ;) hehe, Love you.

So that was my quick update of my recent wardrobe and style.
Sorry it's been so long!!
Hope everyone is having a fantastic day and had a great weekend,
Much Love,

...awesome

2011-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

Click Click to read!

Why didn't I think of this!!!?
I totally could have done this..!
haha, Clever, clever!
Love it,

oh how I wish it was published and available to buy,
definately one I'd be reading my kids at bedtime one day.

FREAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKIN OUT

2011-11-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CAN'T EVEN CONTAIN MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To answer everyone's questions

2011-11-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, I've had a few of my older readers and friends contact me concerned asking how I am and about Josh and I. First thing I want to say is, this isn't easy for me to write, but admittance is a step to acceptance. Acceptance is a step to positivity and positivity is essential in this life if you want to get anywhere. I didn't really want to do this. I think inside of me I thought I could let it slip and hoped it would go unnoticed but it's got to the point where it seems it's become rather obvious to those that have been reading my blog a long time - as this blog held so much of him and I after all, so really leading me to do this post because of everyone's confusion.
However, I promise there is something much happier at the end, feel free to skip to that if you are having a really nice day and would much rather something more uplifting. :)

For everyone who asked and anyone wondering.. Josh, He isn't with me any longer. It's does breaks my heart to say and I have had no clue how to say it for that reason, but we're not engaged anymore, in a relationship, or even friends for the time being. I can only speak for myself of course, because I only have that ability, but for me there is no anger, no hatred or any kind of dislike on any level that usually happens after break ups. It may appear that way due to how it is now, but always any anger I have is generally just an initial reaction to pain as is anyone's and is always short lived, even when I don't want it to be, because as we all know sometimes it's easier to be angry rather than deal with the pain. In reality I only have heart ache and sorrow for the whole situation, I still love him with everything I have and he still takes up a huge part of my heart. The love we shared, was very real. Feelings like that, they can't and they don't just disappear. As a lot of you will know I happily waited over 2 years for him, we have so much history and we both over a long period of time planned a whole life together. Of course we couldn't have done that without being in love and believing in those right feelings through a lot of prayer. I don't want to appear like a girl who waited on a whim, because even though I am optimistic about life, I don't take it too lightly or I would have been married and it not have been right a long time ago. He was/is the best friend I ever had. That still stands, he was amazing to me and supported me through so much, a lot of you saw that too and I will always love him for that, So I am very heart broken, naturally that things are like they are now. How could I not be?

More than anything I want to say it was just the distance, but by giving that simple answer I would feel like I wasn't being honest and that it would be hypocritical. Of course 5000 miles did not help and played a big role and I guess was the root to the problem, but it was a hurdle I know I could jump and I wanted too and by giving that answer, well that would completely contradict how our relationship got so far and lasted so long with the distance and time apart we have already faced. I had already made so many sacrifices, was always aware of the distance and the sacrifices I would still need to make and I wanted too, not just for him, but for me too. Distance, was something that although it caused heart ache and I hated it so much, I didn't want to let that stand in the way of gaining an eternal companion, one I felt so right when I prayed about it, so how could I truthfully give an answer of distance alone without more questions being raised. I couldn't.
The truth is, is that as we all know with life for anyone, problems come up unexpectedly, that are out of our control and are no body's fault. 5000 miles played a role in that it didn't make things very easy to deal with, let alone comfort one another and fully understand completely what the other is going through leading to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Things in turn escalate easily and a lot more than they would without it and if you had the chance to sit down in person. (I have a whole new disliking for email, text messaging and Facebook) And more painfully, with distance and without it meaning too, there is no easy option. Each decision, option and what appears to be a solution, affects not only ourselves, but others we love with all our hearts and care about too, even though it's never an intention to hurt anyone.
I remember reading this in a church manual one time :-

'My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds.'
I never really understood it, but now I do. It's true, It really can't, but it's not easy. We did and do love each other, but because of all we had to face, we took a step back and observed everything ahead. I was ready to run and jump head first, prepared to fight to keep what we have and sacrifice and do all I could. To me it was worth it, but I've learnt that you can't expect others to feel the same and see things the way you do, because everyone is different and feels differently in situations and that's okay and their right as their own person. I fully understand the adversary when two people choose and feel it right through prayer to marry in the temple, But even though we love each other and we had those feelings, when everything just ahead seems daunting and painful, just to be together, and even if that wasn't the case you can't force someone to take your hand and carry on walking with you, even if you know and feel that just around the corner lies a huge pot of gold and eternal happiness. They have to still feel and want to carry on themselves. Josh is a good person, but we had a lot to face and as much as it hurts I can't blame him for having caution to go through all we had to, to be together, because who wouldn't be afraid and want to avoid that.

I do have a feeling that without the distance things would have been different, but that is something I may never know. Things to me, they don't really make an awful lot of sense. As the saying is, I haven't walked in his shoes and he hasn't walked in mine. It's difficult to see from anothers point of view when you haven't lived or had the experiences they have that have made them who they are and why or how they deal with things the way they do. Do I miss him? - Of course I do, I miss him more than I can say, every single day.

He was a super amazing awesome big part of my life for such a long time and I planned to spend forever with him, how could I not miss him? I do wish more than anything that things weren't like this, that the sea would vanish, that the problems it caused and how things went with it being there would disappear and that no one had to get hurt because of it, or that we could at the very least be friends (more than just in spirit) and that be painless...but for now it's the classic situation of once there has been love and those feelings are still there like they are for me, sadly it only causes more pain and heart break than happiness and I want to at least try not to remember or think of him in such a painful way. Only for the great qualities he has and the amazing memories we shared.

It wouldn't be me, nor be right to pin blame and remember him for faults he has and problems, because we all have our faults. We all could deal with things better sometimes, avoid certain situations, be more compassionate and empathetic towards others and realise and understand that others deal with pain and heart ache and well everything differently. Not one of us on this Earth is perfect, we all make mistakes, we all need to try harder in certain areas of our personalities, we all say things in upset and all relationships of all kinds have their problems and times of upset, that's normal and completely essential for learning and growing. All of what we go through is essential for learning and growing and recognising where we go wrong and improving. It's why we are here. Overall we had a good relationship that had so much more goodness and uplift than anything negative. In fact it was more than a good relationship, it was an amazing one so I'm not interested in throwing about accusations and the slating each other that happens so often with break ups. I wouldn't be interested in that whatever happened.
'Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly?'
We are all equal and at the end of the day should help each other and forgive one another rather than judge.

It does break my heart that he changed his mind, but it's something I have no other choice but to accept. We all have agency and have the right to change our minds. I've been there. I've been the person who isn't where the other person is, I've been the person who had to break a heart, it's not fun for them either, nor easy and I can't change what has happened or change the way he feels now and vice versa. I have to accept that I'm just not what he wants or feels he needs right now, as much as it breaks me inside.

I'm grateful for those that have contacted me, for those that will and most of all I'm grateful for my faith.
I know I wouldn't and won't get too far without it. Heavenly Father, he loves me. He will never give up on me, on any of us and there will always be something ahead no matter what. Overall, I still strongly believe in positiveness and not giving up on something you feel right when things get painful and hard, I still stand by that. It's been hard to remember that all the time through the pain and the trying to make sense of things in my head, but after all I am only human, like all of us, I still have a lot to learn and everyone experiences pain and heart ache. In that I am not alone and I have been blessed with people that love me who remind me well and even people that barely know me remind me also. I know that I will have many opportunities in life and will still go far. Right now I have no idea what the future holds or where I'm heading now, I'm not going to lie I was so sure about the life I was leading that I'm left baffled, but I do know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and I'll be guided to where I need to be as long as I try my best to be the person he needs me to be.

That's always the key, doing all you can to be better, righting your wrongs and doing the things you should be doing instead.

For those who read my blog who know me personally, Please.. no blind dates, or any sort of date set ups are necessary. I've had interest there if I wanted to take it, but I just don't think it's right for now, appropriate yet or that I'm ready for anything like that. Especially after I just got out of such a serious relationship.
I was preparing to get married after all. I think, right now I just need to focus on myself, doing things I love and building myself back up before rushing out on any dates, even if just for fun. But Thanks for anyone trying to help. Next year possibly, I'm not sure yet.

I hope I answered everyone's questions okay, I am an open person and I do like to be honest, so I won't lie when questions are asked and hopefully this prevents more questions about this. If anyone has any questions they want to ask about anything about me, I don't mind being contacted, but I'd just rather not go over this one too much if that's okay. I don't mind support or friendly advice, only silly people would turn those down, :) (not that I'm writing this for any sympathy, I'm actually more embarrassed than anything trust me.)

but I mean, Josh and I, Our relationship, it's personal to just the both of us as it should be and I don't think I need to say much more about it than I have. Josh is an amazing person and I do love him very much and all I want for him, is happiness and to follow what makes him happy. I don't regret waiting for him, I do believe people are in our lives for a reason and I prayed and felt it all right and I trust in my Father in heaven and the feelings I feel through the Holy ghost. In all honesty, I'm still completely confused right now at what the reasons are for all this now, but I'm sure I'll know when the clouds clear one day. Break ups are really hard, especially when you are in love, but I'm sure with every heart ache there is always something to learn. And who knows what's ahead?

As Gordon B. Hinckley always said ''it will all work out..''

Positiveness, will get you far.

Wow that was long, but I really do hope I cleared up confusion.

On a much, much happier and more uplifting note, I've noticed something about my readers and that is that there seem to be a few Mindy Gledhill lovers. I think a week or 2 ago I mentioned that I bought a Ukulele with my Birthday money. Now before you watch, please be aware I've only actually been playing and learning for 2 days, as it only arrived Saturday! I'm a little rough round the edges, and need a little more practice and most probably screwed the words up but I tried my best and covered you all
'I do adore.'
Yes I'm aware I missed a little bit, but oh well, and I know, such an attractive still before you press play, Love it haha!
And Yes my Uke is green and awesome, but I plan on getting better strings put on it.
But still.. here you go.

Daisy Duck's Orange- Flavoured Brownies

2011-11-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

There is no real reason I am posting this video, other than the fact I woke up singing this, this morning.
As soon as I was done, I laid there in confusion at the randomness of my own wake up call.
I have absolutely no clue why or how this was my first thought of the day.

I also dropped an egg on the floor today, then got fizzy lemonade straight up my nose, don't ask.

(It was one of the worst/funniest experiences of my life.)

I learnt a fun way to wash up is to pretend you are Nicki Minaj.

In no way does this mean rapping is in anyway an ability of mine, but I do scarily know a lot of the words.
Although fun, not really practical when you forget you are washing up,

start dancing along with your silly ridiculous rapping and drop a big saucepan in the water,

creating a tsunami in the sink

...drenching your freshly straightened hair, a whole tshirt

and of course the front of your trousers so it looks like you wet your pants

and the floor.

I cooked way too many carrots at dinner, I have no idea how it happened but
everyone may be orange tomorrow.

Today I was officially 'awkward', with just about everything I did.
Luckily though, all in the comfort of my own home and no cameras in sight.

Then again, I probably could have made some money.

I am indirectly blaming Flight of the Conchords.

However, I did manage without so much awkwardness minus the egg,

to bake a batch of Brownies using a Disney recipe.
I haven't baked in a while, so thought I would start on a bakey one, as well as the fact
my Dad kindly sorted me a drawer the other day, especially for my baking needs.
hehe.

''Time and time again Daisy Duck has to put up with her beloved Donald's shenanigans (though on occasion she can be just as fickle), so what better way to sweeten him up a bit than with an exquisite dessert?''

Ingredients :

8tbs unsalted butter, room temperature.

8oz sugar

8tbs cocoa powder

1tsp grated orange zest

3 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup water

5oz flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan well and line bottom with parchment paper.
Melt butter until liquid but not seperated, then mix with sugar, cocoa, vanilla and orange rind, and allow to cool.
Add eggs and water to mixture, blending well.

In a seperate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder, and then add to wet mixture.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan and smooth out top.

Bake in preheated oven for approx 30 mins.
(until toothpick test)
Cool in pan for about 15 mins. Run knife along side of pan to loosen.
Invert onto a flat tray or plate, remove paper.
Cut when cooled.

These brownies to me, were more like cake if that makes sense.

They turned out great, but were more of the cakey texture, rather than the gooey chewy brownies I'm used too. Well sort of an inbetweenish.

I'm a huge fan of Chocolate Orange so they were still yummy.
(Did I ever post my Chocolate orange icecream recipe?)
I followed the recipe exactly, but I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with the recipe needing to be adapted to where I live or the oven time or something like that, I'm not really sure, just guessing.
But with a bit of trial and error, I'll work it out.

Disney Variations, which I will try out :-

Cut brownies into squares and freeze; when firm, split in half, Stuff with softened icecream and refreeze.
They can also be made into brownie drop cookies by dropping teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet - bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until puttylike in consistency.
Try the Rocky Road style: substitute orange rind with walnuts and mini marshmallows.

p.s in follow up to my post yesterday, My Mum came home and smiled, handing me one of these today! ;)

Just believe.

2011-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday as I was doing my daily blog stalk, I read over at Half&half about the 'magick' of Christmas songs.
So you can pretty much guess what I've been doing since and that is of course,

Christmas songing it up. hehe. Thanks Brissa.
I Love all the usual fav's of course. The ones that everyone loves. Even if they are saying they don't, they are secretly singing or humming them and dancing around to them in secret too ;)
But Josh Groban - Believe, is such an uplifting one from The Polar Express.
Lately I've been having a pretty rough time.
I seem to have hit a crossroads that I never expected nor prepared for and have no idea which direction to go in right now. We've all been here, right? It's not really fun is it.
But with Christmas just around the corner, I'm looking forward to the next best thing and I feel lucky that it's nearly that time again because what's more uplifting and warming, than Christmas Spirit.

Oh Josh Groban, you. Just Believe.

Over the next few weeks building up to Christmas, I will be getting to work on homemaking and preparing for Christmas. So look out for my crafty, bakey and just in general homemade Christmasy posts to come. (Maybe I will post a lot of those in December though??)
Homemade is something I am passionate about, in case that wasn't clear already.

I just think everything is so much more special when it has a personal touch.
And Christmas this year, will have a lot. I'm going to make sure of it.

Just believe.

November CES devotional, Boyd K. Packer.

2011-11-07T02:35:00.000-08:00

[linked to Devotional]

First thing I did this morning was watch last night's CES devotional by Boyd K. Packer.
(You know with time difference and all, I would have been half dead watching it Live.)
-Perfect start to my day.

When I was younger, I used to sit there bored listening to speakers

or try my best to listen but my mind would always wander and

be day dreaming about something or other.

These days however, I look forward to them and love listening.
I can't even express my appreciation for being blessed with the guidance, help and comfort like we are.

I Love my faith.

One line that stood out to me most because it is so true and has been in my life, was this:-

''I promise that the brilliant morning of forgiveness can come, then the peace of God which surpasseth all understanding comes into your life once again, something like a sunrise and you and he will remember your sins no more.''

Great, great words and a perfect talk full of much wisdom.
I had to share.

P.S. On a silly note, did anyone elses minds wander and think of Prince of Persia a little when he said

'Sands of time' haha ;)

Baby you're a fiiiirrrrrrrrrrework.

2011-11-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot...

EXPELLIARMUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check my Mum in the door, she's just too cool sometimes.

Dad in my little brother's hat. hehe

In England we celebrate something called
Guy Fawkes night, maybe you knew that, maybe you didn't.
Anyway, best one for a long time.

Queen full blast, Harry potter quotes, Charades
(I'm too good at charades, no lie)
Fireworks,
Sparklers,
Mushy peas and mint sauce,
hot chocolate,
tons and tons of yummy food,
Dandelion and Burd'
(my Mums way of saying it)
Sitting round the fire
welly boots,
wooly scarf,
Cuddles
Family.

2011-11-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

The new perminent resident/hogger of my Laptop.
Any future blog posts containing Phineus and Ferb, Ben 10, basically anything Disney XD, Cbeebies or Cartoon network are not me.
This is one smart kid, you have been warned!!

Proud moment yesterday though, watching Dieeeeeeeeeeeego -

''Errrrrrrm, lets watch Doctor who instead.''
Wise, wise child.

Today I bought a Ukulele with my birthday money, haha, 22 has made me crazy.
I'm also going to learn a language. Which, which should I learn?
First though it's time for Fireworks, mushy peas and wrapping up in a super cute wooly scarf..
Post to come later.

You know you're awesome when you watch David Attenborough shows.

2011-11-03T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's just what you need.
Haha... Penguins.
Cheeky.

A little blessing.

2011-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to put on that brave face.
Even the little ones see through it.
Two little hands grabbed my face today, pulled me in and gave me the sweetest Eskimo kiss.
It was a little blessing that took up a took up a big part of my heart.

2011-11-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is wondering who I was yesterday, watch this...

That's right, I was Amy Pond in the Day of the Moon episode from Doctor Who.

Anyone who doesn't watch Doctor Who or has never seen it should go watch it now. I'm seriously serious. If your awesome you'll start from Series 1, if you just want the latest juice, start at Series 5.

And if anyone did know who I was, then I'm serious we should be friends.

Speaking of cute red heads, I am in love with this song.

Yes because of the song, but more because the video...

Oh Rupert Grint, you did have me fooled for a second there.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows who I am, you are a legend and we should be really good friends! ;)
One girl knew exactly who I was when she opened the door, she gave me extra sweets.

I took this little pirate trick or treating.

We got TONS of goodies!

and we saw this wicked awesome tree house, which we really wish we had so we could pretend we ran away to Neverland and never grow up :)

Surprise!

2011-10-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Remember my new 'Secret life' project?
Well you should because it was only the other day.
Here is a little somethin'
I LOVE this song, it's a goodun and I wanted to keep it real simple.
Please be aware if I'm looking tired, this has all be done in one night and I just recorded this video.
haha, I'm ready for bed.

Who wants to buy me a snazzy mic? haha jokin, I'm no pro.

Goodnight!
I'm off to watch old Scooby Doo episodes in bed,
On video, yep, video.. haha

Paradise.

2011-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today was just an average Joe day really.
Doctor's appointment, Grocery shopping, Cleaning up, cooking dinner,
writing,
being a dork,

the usual.

But something happened at the start of my day that left me smiling.
Dreaming.
A heart melting moment that you could relive over and over.
A moment that makes all your worries and troubles disappear even if just for a small amount of time.
Paradise.

All week I've been listening to Coldplay's new album (Mylo Xyloto)
This morning in the car we were listening to the most perfect bit of radio your ears could possibly listen to right now -
Coldplay in Radio 1's live lounge yesterday as part of the Student tour.
But this is more than about Coldplay and their super wicked cool amazing awesome music.
This is about about a moment that made listening perfect.
You know how it is, Radio full blast in the car.
Singing so loud and completely lost in the music, like no one is watching or you don't even care if anyone is.
And there was my tiny little baby brother
just as lost and singing just as loudly in the wonder that is Coldplay with me.
In that moment, it felt like they were playing just for us.

Moments like that are what life is about.
They are perfect and yet so small.
The best most blissful moments that pull on those heart strings.
I was definately left dreaming of paradise,
when I realised I wanted EXACTLY
that with my own little children one day.
I can't even imagine, but I know it will be an incredible feeling already.
I've linked the image, Coldplay in the Live Lounge. Amazing.
Go listen.

Birthday Highlights

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

You know people know you well when they bring you flowers in a Toy Story cup.
When everything is wrapped in fairy princess gift wrap,
& your birthday cards consist of being a princess, having an enchanting day where your wishes come true at the same time as being awesome and saving the universe.
When you are bought a whole new supply of sweets and chocolate to fill up your 'secret' stash.
Disney,
Disney,
Disney.
When you don't even need to order your own meal or dessert going out for dinner.
When you aren't alone jumping on the bed, or singing to REALLY REALLY LOUD music,
When you're made a raspberry milkshake bubble bath.
''Imagine,'' said the wise man, ''that the moon was made of raspberry. Would all socks be pink and all flowers meringue? Perhaps.. and when evening falls shall we slide down the crescent laughing as we splash into warm waters of sweet milk, how enchanting would that be?''
haha....
I wish I was being literal, that's stuff dreams are made of.
ICECREAM.

Today I decided to start something.
I get so many ambitions and ideas fly around my head.
Art, Photography, Baking, making things, writing.
I know if I pushed myself and paced things in my own time,
I can achieve
and find success
even if not in the world's eyes.

There's no maybe now or I would love to one day anymore.
I'm doing it now.
First on the list, Write a book.
It's contents are top secret, but I'm officially doing it.
Put this overactive imagination to good use.
I just thought I would let the world know.
Natasha Louise, is officially pushing those limits instead of sitting back and daydreaming about them.

My secret Life

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I did something crazy.

The other day, we were watching Xfactor, which this year here in the UK it is seriously not that great.
It was more entertating watching my dad refer them to weird creatures in Doctor Who

and seeing him hide behind his pillow in embarrassment for some of them,
He does it everytime, it is so funny.

Every single day, My sister and I sing and play our faces off at the piano.
It's not so much of a secret for her, but well for me, it's pretty much a secret life and the other day I was challenged/dared to let that life just a little out of the box.
Who cares if I'm not the best.
People would criticize even if I was.
Here I am singing one of my all time fav Killers songs, Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll,
you can laugh if you like, I really don't mind.

But this is my new project as well as disney recipes,

My secret Life.
Who knows if I'll include more than songs, but whatevs. :)
Right well I must be off, I have a hot date with...
Tin tin, haha ;)

P.s yes my webcam makes me look super pale.
Oh and Happy Birthday to my sis!

One year older and wiser too??

2011-10-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I turned 22 years old.

I'm going to be honest, I imagined my life would be so different at this age as a child.

Life has brought me so much. So many good memories, So many bad ones.

So many lessons learnt and so many experiences that have really shaped me as who I am today.

I read once that,

'It takes a lot of courage to grow up and become who you really are.'

Well.. I'm Natasha.

I'm 22 years old, a fully responsible capable adult,

as ready as I can be for the challenges and blessings of adulthood,

Settling down, getting married, having a family and all the bits in between.

But at the same time, I'm super young at heart.

I'm still a princess.

I still believe that life can be magical and happily ever afters are real.
I still believe in superheroes that come to the rescue eventually.

I still wake up super early on Christmas day, with the same excitement as when I was 5.

And I still don't believe you need to fully 'grow up'

I'm aware that I'm less than some people prefer me to be.

But most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.

I am who I am, and I'm wonderful.

For my birthday I received a Disney recipe book from someone I Love that was perfect for me.

I say this in a sense of this book is young at heart, yet is a 'grown up' recipe book.

Each recipe relates to a disney character or a part in a movie.

Yet are recipes created for adults, it's cute and clever.

'From animation to Inspiration'

Anyway, It's inspired me to do a project on here!

What other perfect way to motivate to me to try out these recipes.

So every once in a while, I will be blogging this recipe book.

Thank you every one for the birthday wishes, I am really grateful!

Yes... this is me in my new Hello Kitty all in one Pjs!

Hehe and I had to include my little brother ;)

His cute quote of the day today:-

In the middle of saying morning prayers together, the lamp suddenly flicks on.

I open my eyes and he whispers..

''So Jesus can see''

haha it made my day!

It's ma burfdayyyyyyyyyyyy

2011-10-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Little Loves of the little man in my life.

2011-10-22T12:56:00.000-07:00


His first ride - The Ben 10 kiddies rollercoaster, look at his little face haha I had to share.

Today I have had the best company of my cutie little brother!

Playing ''Bows and arrows'' haha.
Cooking dinner consisting of chasing each other around the kitchen, giggling.
Airplanes.
Spilling yoghurt all over the floor, joy.
Cutie star wars pyjamas.
Watching Enchanted for a bedtime movie.
Singing along, the bongo guys in 'Thats how you know' are so funny [click]
Grabbing my hand, giving it a kiss and telling me he's going to marry me.

(haha)
So kindly covering me with his Thomas the tank engine blanket.
'Is that comfay? You can have it all cause I'll let ya.'
The hot dog dance.
Watching kids shows.
Charlie and Lola = perfect start to the day.
Funky Phineas and Ferb dancing.
Snuggles.

Belly raspberries.
Lego.
Space Invaders and Pacman.

Musical toothbrush.
Tickle fights.
- even the naughty step.

Today was a good day :)
Makes me wish I never had to grow up.

''If you can hold on, If you can hold on. Hold on!''

2011-10-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

[Link to ''Opposition, Joy and the nice life.'' Lds.org.]

Isn't Harry Potter amazing? Not only that, but also extremely insightful!

Another good one is :-

''It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities''

-Albus Dumbledore.

I woke up ill today.
I started feeling ill yesterday and today I have woken up full blown full of sickness and that urggh feeling that makes your whole world seem just that little more stressful.

I can't help but laugh though.

This is the third time I have been ill in the past month and a half. I have to admit I never felt this bad previously, but it's just another thing to add to the pile of those fiery arrows shot at me.
Many people will say it's just coincidence, but I know it's not.
The truth is and it hit me so hard because I forgot to expect it,
is that for the past couple of months things have been changing around me. I feel like I've faced so much joy and yet so much anti in many ways.
A million and one good and wise choices were and have been made, not just by me, but by some of the people that I love with everything I have. Choices that can only improve our lives and are essential for things to be better.
Right? Yes... but there is and will always be opposition that comes with making those choices.
I'm no fool to opposition, I know it exists and I know that things are placed before us not only so we are tested to make the right choice, but because some choices are so important and we need to realise that and learn to have faith, improve ourselves and stand steadfast in that choice.
Many people see opposition as a means to it not being right but the truth is, it is in fact the opposite.
The more things that seem to go wrong and fight against the right choice.
The heavier the opposition that seems to be placed on our backs trying to stop us moving forward.
The more our heads and hearts hurt and doubt and fear want to sink their teeth in and control us.
Think about it.
With all these arrows thrown, as much as the natural instinct is to run, to never look back and instead find something easier.
When you really look, You'll realise that all these things are happening because the choices made were so incredibly true and good.
Why else would their be so much opposition in those right choices, so much pull to a different path which seems easier, but actually doesn't get you to where you need to be?
That realization is like 'turning on the light', seeing and remembering after the blindness and 'darkness' that opposition can cause.
(even after strong enlightenment from prayer in a righteous decision.)

So why is it our choices that show who we are far more than our abilities?
Albus is right.. Our choices shape who we are, they make us who we become and lead us to where we go.
It is our choices that are so important, because choices and especially making the right one,

take incredible amounts of courage, for you will always be faced with the opposition.

Our choices far outweigh our abilities, because it is our choices that shape the path by which our abilities are going to be used.

So next time you are facing challenges after making a good and right choice.
Look carefully and a little deeper than the surface hurt, there is so much more to it than pain and confusion.
How can we choose the right without being faced with the opposition?
Don't concentrate on the present hurt, remember where your choice will get you in the long run
and who you'll be for it.
Hold on to the good choice, don't turn from it, let the opposition teach you and strengthen you instead.
Turn on the light.
Hold on.

''You can't buy happiness, but you can buy Icecream and that's kind of the same thing.''

2011-10-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

(or make it in this sense.)

Nutella Icecream.

(Click to view recipe)

Today I thought I would share a recipe for a feel good bowl of icecream.
(no icecream maker required.)
A month or 2 ago I officially became addicted to pinterest. Whoever made pinterest is an absolute genius and I applaud them. It is full of inspiration of so many different kinds. It's like a magical world of inspiring ideas and all things lovely. For someone who loves to get creative and try out cute and cool ideas, it's amazing. What I really love is that unlike before I would find something that would inspire me and I would want to try it out, but then lose whatever it was when the time came that I could do it or I would simply forget. In the world of pinterest, you can pin anything you love and come back to it later! It's like a scrapbook of wonder and ideas you know won't go missing and won't be forgotten!

Nutella Icecream is one of the many recipes that caught my eye on pinterest.

Nutella for me is something I would be happy with eating straight from the jar with a spoon,
But sometimes you have to branch out a bit and try something new.
This recipe makes a super rich yet yummy icecream.
Over the past few years, I've tried out numerous homemade icecreams that don't need an icecream maker.
(oh how I wish I had an icecream maker)
But I have to say that this is one of my favourites so far. It must be because of my love for that hazelnut chocolately taste. Delicious.

The recipe I used added a few extras into the recipe, but what I made was straight and simple nutella icecream.

I'm not going to lie this icecream probably isn't too healthy ;).
But it really is true.. when all else fails,
Icecream is that little bit of happiness in a bowl.

P.S.. My next Nutella experiment will be Nutella Hot chocolate, wish me luck! ;)

New blog look and official start of my new focus.

2011-10-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

So here we are, It's Wednesday which was my orginal day for 'little loves'..so all in all a perfect day to start my blog focusing fully on just that.
For those regular readers, you will have noticed a change of scenery! ;) I thought I'd have a little change around here in honour of my new blog focus being the little things in life. Plus, it was mucho fun getting creative in photoshop and well, who wouldn't love to stare at my face in many forms, haha just kidding. Hope you all love it.

Over the past few weeks I've sort of locked myself off from the rest of the world and my life has pretty much consisted of normal day to day things that need to be done, heavy amounts of studying the scriptures, prayer etc. and listening to music I love that uplifts me.
It's amazing how sometimes things throw your life into perspective and you realise what it is you rely on to help you feel good and remember what is important.
To me, these things have been my faith and uplifting music and although these things have always been there, they are possibly things I sometimes have taken for granted and occasionally haven't realised how much I really do need them.
I know we all have different things that make up our lives, uplift us and have different things to turn to when it is just us in our own little world and we don't want to let anyone else in, but for me although I have a love for a lot of things.. when I can no longer concentrate on anything else, I've realised these are the things I turn to. These are the things I should always turn to, especially my faith, the ultimate help, guidance and uplift for my entire life.

I thought I would share a video from a band I seem to have become completely addicted too. I don't know if they are everyone's taste but I thought I would share anyway. As well as loving their music, I also love this video. What I love is the girls dance routine, believe it or not. It's not your average girls dancing music vid, it reminds me a lot of the dance routines I made up as a child, so fun and childish. I couldn't help but love it and smile at those memories.

What I'm really trying to say is, Don't take for granted the things that are special but are always there.
Enjoy them, and not only when you need them.

Never, Never, Never give up.

2011-10-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today I read something that really spoke to me and gave me a push I needed. It was a talk given by Mary N. Cook to the young women, but I think it could apply to all situations and to all people, not just LDS. (Click image to read) ...So here I am again, writing again and this time I'm forcing myself to do it and I have a few things to say. The first one, is sorry for being an emotional yo-yo, it's exactly what I wanted to avoid showing to everyone, but hey! here I am, coming back, leaving, and hey, yep, there she is again.

*round of applause for me*

With all the emails I've been so confused whether it was in fact a good step or not, because my head has been all over the place, in case it wasn't obvious already (haha) It's exactly the thing I've been struggling to admit. The last thing I wanted to admit to the world was that I wasn't my best. But the past few days especially I have realised or should I say remembered that hard times are mostly for good reasons and I shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed that I've been on on a bit of a rollercoaster and haven't coped my best, because I am far from alone. Sometimes we all seem to have our paths blocked by a huge brick wall and problems and challenges occur that make it seem like it's too difficult to keep following the same path. The natural reaction is to give up, retreat, run away,turn back walk the opposite direction, make a new path, hide and even pretend like it's not happening. That's exactly what I wanted to do here, it was much easier for me not to face up to that fact it's not been easy and let people know that things aren't going particularly brilliant, instead of remembering I'm not the only one who has to face these brick walls standing in the way sometimes. In fact it's completely normal.

The truth is, I miss blogging. I miss letting my thoughts out and waffling about whatever my head is full of at the time. The thing that embarrassed me is the thought of people reading my posts and thinking I've gone a bit loopy because things are a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment, but really, does it even matter? No.. The thing I always forget and should constantly remind myself is that, people will be people. No matter what I do and it could be completely amazing, someone somewhere is going to point the finger, question it, have a different opinion and maybe not be nice about it. It's been hard to accept and admit that this time in my life isn't easy, but it's also not something I necessarily need to blab to the world about in detail either. I should just be me, carry on doing the things I love, carry on hoping and realise that brick walls are there to climb over, be knocked down, or simply walked around. Whatever the brick wall, Don't let it stop you from achieving a good thing. Just Never, never, never give up.

From now on, I will be dedicating my blog posts to the little beautiful things in life I notice. The uplifting, the inspiring, things that made me smile and even things that go unnoticed but should really be appreciated.

After all as I always say, it's the little things in life that are more important.

As for me and these brick walls that seem to be around me. Well, it's personal, but.. I'm a fighter... in a good way and I'm not giving up :)

Who am I?

2011-10-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering what to come back into the blogging world with and then I realised,
Why not just come back with myself?
I've been gone and on and off for quite a few months now in the blogging world and although many of you have so kindly let me know I am remembered and thought off (Thank you again) maybe it is time for a reintroduction, a good one. Not just for all of you, but for me too.

So who am I anyway?

I'm just a girl,

I'm no one special or extraordinary, in the eyes of the world I'm just an average girl.
My name is Natasha Louise.

Natasha being my first name and Louise being my middle name, together I just think they have a nice ring -Not that many people call me both in reality though.
People generally just call me Natasha. Some shorten it but overall I don't mind.
I'm 5 feet 2 and a half inches in height and not many believe my age at first.
On the 24th of this month I will turn 22 years old.
Most, take a wild guess at about 15-18. I haven't always seen this as a blessing, but as I've been told over and over again, in later years I will be so grateful for looking youthful.

(Lets hope that's true)
I have blue eyes and mousey hair with a little blonde in it, natural curls, small feet and hands and a chip in my front tooth..
- always a reminder of being overly adventurous as a child.
I have a very large imagination, which isn't always a good thing, but I wouldn't change it for anything.
Many people who truly know me,
tell me that I have experienced a lot even though I am young and that I am wise beyond my years yet still extremely young at heart.
They also say that not many people really know me at all and that even they learn new things about me all the time.
I have to say this is true, even for myself.
I believe in dreaming. I believe in exploring talents. I believe in creativity.
I believe in being me.
I believe in having true friends, 1 true friend is worth far more than a million friends who aren't.
I love to cook, draw, paint, write, sew, sing, read, play piano...

This list could go on and on..
I wouldn't say I was the best at any of them, but that doesn't always matter, it makes me happy anyway.
I love Music. I can't imagine a world without song, without dancing or singing.
I think music is just an essential part of life and I wish I could play instruments better.
Piano is definitely my instrument even though I'm nowhere near brilliant,
but I would love to play guitar... I tried it once but I didn't get too far even though I learnt for a while.
Music truly is what feelings sound like and I imagine it will be very much a part of my home in the future.
I hope anyway.
I'm definitely a girl who loves little thoughtful deeds over big gestures.
I love to snuggle and be silly.
I label these essential when it comes to love and family.
If I could escape to anywhere on the Earth, I would probably choose Disneyworld everytime.
Well, as well as being in the arms of the person I love.
But anything Disney and I'm just one big smile.
Disney and the people I love,
lets just say I've daydreamed plenty about going with my own family in the future.
I come from a family that is far from average, yet in my world completely normal and I love them.

I'm the oldest child in my family and I love taking care of them all just as much as they do me,
We all can be pains in the bum sometimes, but we know its all part of the package.
My parents are Foster parents and I've had so many brothers and sisters that when people ask,
I nearly always forget the answer.
Throughout my life having new brothers and sisters, getting to know them and loving them like they were always there is something I learnt to do at a young age and something I love to do.
I'm so grateful for how it is in my family,
because it's taught me so much and given me such an outlook on not only my life, but others too.
Having so many people to love, helped me to understand differences, realise that we all go through separate experiences and the importance of never judging, but loving,
accepting and helping even the people we don't know and before weren't part of our lives.
I'm also so thankful that because of it, I have gained much knowledge and experience preparing me for when I become a Mother.
In fact because of that, I cannot wait until the day when I can have my own children for I already know of the blessings children bring to life and I can't wait to give and sacrifice all I can for their happiness, there is nothing I would love more than a little face that looks up and aspires to be like me.
I love my family, even the ones that aren't here yet.

Life's thrown a few things at me, but sometimes I think it's all about what you can learn.

I have a disability known as M.E/CFS, not every person is fully aware of it or understands,
but I've had it since I was aged 12 and I did struggle for a long time.
For the past few years after much help I've learnt to cope in such a way that I know that it will never stop me from achieving the things I need to and I will be blessed at those times.

I've learnt that it's not the end of my life and it doesn't have to be a burden.
I have such faith and I believe with my whole heart that I can still be me, with or without M.E.
It's just another one of those things I've been given to overcome.
But it will never stand in my way,
especially when I am faithful.

...I am a Mormon.
I know my Heavenly Father loves me with an infinite love.
I'm not perfect. I'm not always right. I make mistakes and I'm aware of my weaknesses.
But I believe in me, because he does.

I believe in trying to be a better and striving to follow what I feel guided, no matter how hard.
I believe that sometimes overcoming things and jumping the hurdles that seem so difficult actually help us to learn what we need to and get us to where we need to be.
I believe in forgiveness and compassion towards all.

Second chances and never giving up even when things seem unbearable and confusing.

I believe in learning and improving and experience, trying and trying again.
I believe in courage and having faith.
I believe in love and respect and remembering to be kind, for everyone else too is fighting a hard battle,
whether it be visible or not.
I love my faith and I can't express more the blessings and the love that come from knowing the gospel.
To me, it is the most wonderful thing on the planet and I'm so grateful to know of it's truth.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eternal marriage and family are the main and deepest wants of my heart and I can't wait for that time.
(Click here to read my daily spiritual thoughts)

These are the things I believe and are the things that help shape my life and want to be better.
I can't help but express my love for it.

So this is some of me, not even scratching the surface.
I think I may be finding myself, for the rest of my life.
But I'll always be me and that'll never change.

Thank you for all the emails.

2011-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Its Me, Natasha.
I've recently had many emails from many of you asking me where I've gotten to and telling me you miss my blog posts. I can honestly say everyone of the people who have emailed me concerned, have touched my heart and it's brought a smile to my face each time. I'm so grateful to have people notice and care.
Thank you. I love you all and just for you all I will try my best to start writing again, maybe it might just do me some good, we will see.
Recently I've not been having the most fun time, in fact it's been a bit of a difficult patch,
I'm trying to keep positive and keep that hope and faith I know is essential, but it's just been a big factor in why I haven't blogged as well as being very busy.
But after receiving emails and then looking back on my blog, I actually helped myself with looking through my love for the little things in life. If anything else, I'm going to try and keep this up weekly again.
After all, it will probably only do me the world of good and help me to remember the beauty in the little things all around me.
I'm also about a million years behind in reading blogs, please forgive me, but in my own time I'll be browsing through again.

I just really, in this blog post, wanted to Thank the people who got in touch.

Today I found such a beautiful version of 'Be still my soul' by Mindy Gledhill.
I love it and thought I would share!

Again, Thanks so much for the encouragement, I'll try my best.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Again&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

P.S. I am officially a Pinterest addict :- http://pinterest.com/natashalouisee/

Highlight

2011-07-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hello all my lovely people!!

As you all know or can guess or whatever I have been super busy, but I'm still here! Still back to blogging, just been thinking about how to go about this so you can all hear about what I've been up too without giving anyone a complete overload of thoughts, emotions, activities, Loves

..It all basically!

I've come to the conclusion that for the next few blog posts I do each will have a highlight from my time here, not in any particular order, just random events etc.
At the moment I am half way through my time here in Utah!
I am so scared to leave my man already, I was on Day 1, but yeah its creeping up on me and I hate it.

Lets not focus on that right now though!

Adventure number 1!
Lets start with the obvious of Utah must do's.

Temple Square!

This is my first time to Utah, so obviously my first time to Temple Square!
I have to say it was quite overwhelming actually being there! Being LDS you see it so much in LDS media, that the only way I can describe how I felt was that although it was my first time I felt like I had already been there!!
I Loved it and most of all I love that Josh and I got to go on a date there!!
Not the usual date for 2 English people, in a way it made me kind of grateful for our situation with seperation, getting to go on big adventures like that!! :)

I'm alive!!!

2011-07-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hello!
- you all seriously deserve a big hello after how long I have been gone and so much has happened I don't even really know where to begin, but I'm thinking this is it for my break now and it was a much needed break!
Please forgive me, I just needed time to get my head properly around the fact that Josh and I have A LOT to face to be together, I knew all along, but once he was home from his mission I kind of felt like I was hit really hard by it all and became completely overwhelmed, so thank you all for your patience on waiting for my return ;)

SO what's new!?
As most of you will know, I am now in Utah, visiting my man!
IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE HIM...
After 28 months of being apart, on June 27th after being awake way over a day and delayed flights, I got off the plane and got to finally be in his arms and may I add I had a kiss within the first minute! Yep, thats right! hehe!
The first week the jet lag hit me pretty hard, but just being with him was enough!
28 months feels like it never existed. I can't explain the feeling of it, but all the worry and tears I shed in missing him were all worth it. I know we still have more wait to do, but I know for definate now we are strong enough to handle it all!
Time with him has been perfect. I don't mean to sound soppy but I couldn't have been blessed more. Everything we have to go through to be together is going to be 100% worth it.
I'm seriously so happy with him by my side!
I don't even care how sloppy this all sounds!
I Love him so much!

Also another person I would like to mention is Jenna!
JENNA is my American sister!
I Love her so much!
Jenna, if you are reading this,
LOVE YOU!

I will blog more soon, but for now please know I love you all and
I'M BACK! :D

2011-06-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

We can “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power,”

confident that the Savior’s power and love will see us through.

I know, I know... I'm having a little break.
However this stuck out to me today and I wanted to share it.
You're all great! :)

Just a little break.

2011-06-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I know I've been a rubbish blogger.
Blahh!
I just need a little break, got soooo much going on in my head.

Just need a little time... to breath I guess.

I Love you all!

3 MORE WEEKS!

2011-06-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

The last picture is what happens when you get caught taking sneaky silly pictures without him knowing...
HAHAHA

Don't worry he will still love me after posting these pictures...

Having my man back, even though he is 5000 miles away, is complete bliss.

SO sorry I haven't blogged so much!

I think I am still a little overwhelmed I can even talk to him!
He makes me laugh so much and I just love him!
We skyped for hours today...

It was amazing!
3 MORE WEEKS!

Oooooooooooooooooops/ Part 2 :)

2011-06-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the Part 2 I promised from restyling the old vintage dress!
Just like I said, I wanted to make a scarf out of the leftover fabric!!
And I did, hence the pictures ;)

... Well it appears I was so excited yesterday that I completely forgot to do my Little loves!
So here they are!

I Love that the past 2 days my family have been determined to keep me busy, instead of me having all of this excitement and nothing to do with it...
Alton Towers, shopping spree's, watching movies, going out for dinner.
- I Love them for caring enough about me to keep me occupied and make the time go quicker.
I Love the cute little ducklings we saw following their mummy around.
- How at one point the ducklings couldnt get up some steps and the mummy thought she had lost them, but then she found them again and took them on a different route. It just warmed my heart watching it.
I Love Burger King's Strawberry milkshake, it is definately the best thing on their menu.
I Love the autistic boy next to me on a ride who shouted in excitement the whole way through.
I Love that me and my sister joined in and it made his day!
I Love the smell of freshly cut grass after my dad has been out there doing it.
I Love that when my cat is outside, every single time I look out the window to her she will meow, even if I look every few seconds.
I Love that I can finally say,
I waited for my missionary!
I Love that he is home!
He's home!
Yay!
Joshua Wilsher, is home!
HOME!
Did I mention that my boyfriend came home yesterday?
oh, just in case I didn't, guess what?
Yep, my boy, is now a returned missionary!
I Love that I haven't even got to speak to him yet, yet I am still smiling!
I Love that I only have 3 and a half weeks until I see him.
IN PERSON!

:) haha! Yay!

IT'S JUNE 1ST - Monkey Socks Winner!!!!!

2011-06-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Yay! IT IS JUNE 1ST and that means it is time to announce the winner to

The Monkey Sock Drawer giveaway.
IT also mean that my man goes home today!
I am so excited to say that pretty soon, I will have a returned missionary!

AHHHHH...

Anyway first things first. I added all entries into a random generator,

The winner was chosen at random.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

And the winner is.....

Emilie, please contact me with your sock monkey of choice and your address.
Wahoooo! You won!

I'd like to thank everyone who took part and entered and for all the lovely compliments on my monkeys.
If you want a sock monkey, you know where I am ;)

Anyway on other news, My MAN goes home today.
I'm sad I can't be there still, but I will be there in just over 3 weeks!
The sad thing though is that his sister will be in hospital and can't go to the airport, she's been in a lot of pain with what they think is gallstones.
I'm sure there would be a lot of appreciation if she can be kept in people's prayers for a speedy recovery :)
Thanks everyone!

Love you all!

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Click for direct link to giveaway.

Okay people all entries for the giveaway must be made my tonight at midnight!
If you haven't entered yet or know anyone who would love to enter as anyone can,
go do it or spread the word now, as this is your last chance.

I will announce the winner tomorrow so keep a look out!

- SAME DAY AS MY MAN RETURNS FROM HIS MISSION!
YAYYYYYY!!!

Boho vintage dress restyle part one.

2011-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Finally a restyle worth blogging about! Okay! So I got this ugly vintage granny dress for just £3.
A lot of people would look at it and not see it's potential but not me, I love a challenge!

It was around 4 sizes too big and was around midi length, without restyling it was not a pretty dress...

I bought it as a project but haven't had the time to tackle it until now and I'm really pleased with the outcome!
Like, really really pleased!

oh how I wish I was good at photography or had a good camera!
Okay so you can't tell in the photo but around the waist is a tie bow, it's super super cute, pulls in the waist and gives it a girly edge. I altered the sleeves by taking them in and reshaping them and then cut off the bottom panel of the dress and hemmed it. Obviously as you can tell I got rid of all the nasty lacey frilly bits. I actually like lacey frilly bits on occasion but on this dress it was a no-no.
The whole thing was a lot easier and didn't take as long as I thought it would!
I love it and with the left over fabric, I'm going to make a summery scarf so look out for that one!

Hmmm, what news do I have to spread?
OH! thats right, my man goes home this Wednesday!!
haha!

Also, if you haven't yet entered my giveaway (Link in side bar)
GO DO IT! All entries must be made before Midnight tomorrow (Tues 31st)
Wednesday 1st June, I will announce the winner.
Exciting!! :)

Amanda Guest Post :)

2011-05-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, today I have a guest post from the cute Amanda at

'The Moon Loves the Sun'
She is my Twin, it doesn't matter we don't physically no each other and live in completely seperate countries, we have too many similarities not to be distant twins! ;)

Enjoy! Oh! and go check me out over on her blog too!

.....................................................

Question 1 : Tell us a little bit about yourself!? (Name, where you live, age, hobbies etc. Anything of interest that defines 'YOU' as a person.

Hi lovely readers of Adventures of Natasha Louise,
First, let me tell you how amazingly wonderful Natasha is. (As if you didn’t already know) My name is Amanda Brooke. I’m a 19 year old college student in the great state of Louisiana in the U S of A. My life is fueled by sunshine and laughter. I love to create. Whether I’m creating food, art, or memories; I’m happy. I believe in magic and all things wonderful. I live by the quote “nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.”

Question 2: About your blog.. Why did you start your blog, what is your inspiration and what do you like to write about?

My blog is formally known as The Moon Loves the Sun. I use my blog to tell stories. One of the reasons I started my blog was to share my stories from the past and present. I wish to remember. Remember lessons learned, adventures, and happiness. I love to remember my childhood as well. Most of my inspiration derives from the beautiful women who have come before me. My grandmothers (who have both passed on to the next life) and my mother inspire me daily to be the best woman I can be. I hope to capture my journey through my blog.

Question 3: What is happening in your life right now? What's exciting you and what are you looking forward too?

Currently a lot of exciting things are happening in my life. I recently just scored my first job, finished my sophomore year of college, and am waiting for my boyfriend who is currently serving a mission. Yes, I have a missionary as well. AND..his name is Josh too. He comes home August of this year. I think Natasha can agree that we are both very excited about the next chapter in our lifes.

Question 4: Things you love! What are you favorite things?

I try my best to fill my life with beautiful things. I love nature. There is nothing better than sitting outside enjoying God’s creation. I could spend my entire life barefoot reading in a field…or fishing in a lake…or eating popsicles on a pier. I also love to dance. There is something so beautiful about moving freely to inspirational music. Overall, I love anything that allows me to express myself.

Question 5: Where is your favorite place to be, your happy place shall we say?

My happy place. I have several places that I go to relax, think, or “hide”. One of my secret hiding places is the bathtub. Whenever I need to be alone with my thoughts I go and sit in the tub. Sometimes I read..sometimes I draw. Another favorite place of mine is the bench beside my mom’s flower garden. Whenever I’m there I feel like a fairy.. A fairy that can dream and explore as she wishes. Who wouldn’t want that?

Question 6: If you could give any advice what would it be?

If I could give readers any advice it would be this: Be where your feet are.. In other words live in the moment and make it the best you can. It doesn’t matter where you could be; it’s where you are. Life is so beautiful. Spend every last second soaking it up. When rainy sad days come around, count your blessing. They will be your umbrella every time.

Stay Beautiful,
Amanda Brooke

Templecloud.

2011-05-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I get completely obsessed with a song and listen to it over and over.
Right now I can't I cannot stop listening to this cover of 'One big family'
I heard it on the KFC advert a while back..

that was it, glued.

What songs are you glued to right now?

On a side note, my boy has 4 days left of being a missionary.
Life is so great right now, ahhh!

and I'm happy and so excited, yet I just feel like balling my eyes out!

What's with that, too much emotion, I don't know?

Please tell me it's normal!

Wednesday, little loves :)

2011-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

♥A good read.
I Love losing myself in a book that makes the hours pass by without you even realising.
Imagining, feeling the story. Smiling, laughing, crying and feeling every bit of emotion.

I've only just got around to reading Flipped and it is so 'flippin' cute!

Go read it if you haven't.

♥ I Love it when I wake up in the morning after having a great sleep and just lay there for a while thinking of nothing in particular, just smiling and feeling happy.
♥ I Love sitting around the table eating with my family, even if all of us are tired or too hungry to talk.

-I just Love that we sit together and don't need to talk, but can just be happy in each others company.

♥ I Love that I am still super giddy from Monday's email and that in just 6 days, I will have contact daily with the most handsome guy in the world.

♥ I Love time. It's tough, but because of time, I have learnt so much about Patience and patience has taught me so much about myself.

♥ I Love how much sewing I have been doing lately! I realise that I haven't uploaded any restyles in a while but that would be because all I have been doing is taking things in slightly for a better fit!

Don't worry I will get some more up on here soon!

♥ - I Love how grateful I am now for old clothes to play with!

♥ I Love how I am addicted to Mint Chocolate Penguins this week. They are so yummy, all thoughts of being a fatty leave your mind when you put one of those in your mouth, haha.

♥ I Love how it has became sort of routine to walk to the post box in my pyjamas and watch people give me the funniest looks.

♥ I Love how 4 nights a week we watch Soaps together as a family with lots of cuddles and get so caught up in all the drama.

♥ - I Love how things aren't quite the same if we don't do that... Soapaholics.

♥ I Love how my Dad sneaks off to Mcdonalds to surprise us with icecreams.

♥ I Love how my Special needs brother says I am beautiful and his most bestest sister daily.

It's nice to feel appreciated :)

♥ I Love being all snuggly inside when it is raining outside.

♥ I Love it when you are cleaning your room and you find something that brings back the best of memories.

♥ I Love joking around with my sister, singing silly songs and doing silly dances.

♥ I Love my Mother's washing up dance, haha.

♥ I Love how my cat, Sherbet, forgets to stick her tongue back in after she has been cleaning herself sometimes, it's so incredibly cute.

♥ I LOVE all the kind emails I have been getting from people telling me my Sock Monkeys are so adorable. I don't think I have ever felt so grateful for starting this blog or opening up that little shop, even if it was just for the comments that brighten my life up.
Thank you :)

p.s If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, Go do it! All entries must be made before next Tuesday at midnight! :)