12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 12

It is my last post for this challenge and I would like to start it by thanking all of you who read my posts. I did it! I posted twelve days worth of posts, this has to be the most consistent I have ever been! Along the way I gained a new follower on Bloglovin and had forty page views in one day, which for me is a lot!

For the time being I'll leave you with these popular and emotional Christmas adverts along with my two favourite songs from Rend Collective's new album 'The Art of Celebration,' 'Finally Free' and 'Simplicity.'

Once again thank you!

I'll see you soon!

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 11

Three Things I am Loving at the Moment

1. Rend Collective - they are a Christian worship band and are awesome, I had not really heard of them up until recently, but on Saturday I had the honour of going to see them live and I haven't stopped listening to their new album 'The Art of Celebration'  on Youtube since. Go and have listen!! 

2. Fringe - I'm hooked, I started season one years ago but never got round to watching the rest so I'm currently making the most of a Netflix account and catching up. 

3. You!  I checked my page views the other day and discovered I'd had forty in one day! That is the most I have ever had considering I do not post as often as I should. Thank You! 

See you tomorrow!
Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 10

A Day in Life of Me!! 

Sunday

Well usually on a Sunday I wake up around 9am to give me enough time to get ready for the 10am bus which takes me to town, from there I walk to Church. However  yesterday morning my alarm didn't go off and so I ended up waking up 10am evidently missing that bus, thankfully my church doesn't start till 11.15am so I am usually early. This gave me the opportunity to catch the 11am bus. Was I late? Yes, but on;y by 15 or  20 minutes. The funny thing was I had messaged a friend of mine earlier informing her I was going to be late and asking her to save me a seat, unbeknownst to me (due to the lack of signal at my accommodation) she had messaged me the exact same thing and so we were late together. After Church me and a few others decided to go to Wetherspoons for lunch, that was nice and pretty cheap as well (affordable prices for students! Yay!).

Unfortunately during the evening I was told some news that left me feeling upset and angry for the rest of the evening, so I ended up spending the rest of the evening and early hours of the morning watching back to back episodes of  Fringe on Netflix trying to distract myself.

I hope you all had a nice Sunday.
Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 9

I've been racking my brain for days trying to think of a tutorial. Could I come up with anything? Nope! However I saw this whilst watching Fringe and thought why not learn to do this. 

Good Luck! 
Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 8

My Home Decor wishlist

So I'm just going to redirect you to my pinterest page where you can take a look at my board titled dream home.  All you have to do is click on the photo below. 

See you tomorrow! 
Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 7

I apologise again for another late post, but on the bright side at least I'm still posting, so the topic for yesterdays post was a seasonal post and I chose Winter. 

Three Things I love about Winter

1. The clothes - there is nothing better than wearing an oversized jumper!
   
2. Hot Chocolate - Even though I drink hot chocolate all year round, I still enjoy drinking it on a cold winter's day curled up in bed with a book or watching a film or TV show.
   
3. CHRISTMAS!! The run up to Christmas is the best, I enjoy watching all the Christmas films and listening to Christmas songs!

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 6

I'm Currently Reading Elle -The Feminism Issue!

Did you hear about the HeforShe campaign? If not I advise you to watch the video below.

Emma Watson (Most famous for role as (Hermione Granger in Harry Potter) is the 'the fresh face of feminism.'  The December issue of Elle discusses in an interview with Watson herself the events that occurred on the day she gave her UN speech (above)

Image from Google image.

See you tomorrow!
Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 5

Most loved possessions 

1. My bible, it's great to have God's word always with me. 

2. Matilda on DVD, so even though I have recently bought the DVD due to no longer having a video player it is still one of my most loved possessions as it is a part of my child hood. 

3. My iPod it holds all my music and I couldn't imagine my life without music.

4. Photos, whether they are on my computer, iPod or in a photo album as they hold so many memories. 

5. Books I can't say which ones specifically, I just love escaping into a book. 

I apologise for this being a day late, I had it written out but never got round to posting it. 

Lots of love, 

Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 4

Top 5 films of 2014 so far 

1. The Fault in Our Stars
2. X-men Days of Future Past
3. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
4. Gone Girl
5. Divergent 

That's day 4 everyone, see you tomorrow

Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

P.S If you have a different order for these films, leave me a comment and let me know what it is. :)

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 3

Quote of the Day

 

This happens to fall on scripture Sunday so I'll be posting a scripture. 

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto hum with psalms."

                                                                                                                 Psalms chapter 35 verses 1-2

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone see you tomorrow! 

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 2

Review a product, service or brand. 

Okay so this is going to be brief as I have been quite busy today, but I am determined to complete this challenge. 

*Sits there dancing to Mika when she should be typing* 

Simple products 

If you have sensitive skin like I do then Simple is the perfect brand for you, (it rhymes) I own their foaming cleanser, cleansing lotion and facial toner. I don't really use the facial toner or cleansing lotion that often as it does not really make much of difference, however I do use the foaming cleanser and I can say it is great, it doesn't dry out my skin nor is it too oily and best of all it doesn't give my skin an allergic reaction!

If you don't use Simple then I would advise you to give it ago, check out their link below 

http://www.simple.co.uk/

I apologise for the randomness above, I'm in that sort of mood today. 

See you tomorrow!

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

12 Day Blogger Challenge - Day 1

Hey everyone, so it's been a while since I've posted, I know I'm not the most consistent poster ever but wow it feels like forever since I have been on here. Lets catch you up, well at the very last minute I decided not to take a gap year but to apply to university instead, this last minute decision meant I was extremely busy organising  things. I had to write and submit an application for UCAS, ring round universities I liked to see which ones would take me, submit a student finance form and last but not least start shopping for Uni! It was all a bit crazy and last minute but I'm here now, if your wondering where here is, it's The University of Huddersfield studying Photography. 

Over the next 12 days I'll be participating in the 12 day blogger challenge, I saw it over at Hollie Garner's blog http://holliegarner44.blogspot.co.uk/ and thought it would be a nice way to get me blogging again. So thanks to the original creator Amy from http://stylestorms.blogspot.co.uk/ for creating an awesome challenge. 

Lets begin, day 1 

Why do you blog? 

I started my blog to try something different and to be more creative, blogging for me is a way to receive different opinions on your own interests and hobbies. I may not blog often but I do enjoy blogging, My aim is to blog regularly. 

5 Random Facts About Me:

1. I love owls, I own owl earrings, two owl tops,  an owl necklace and an owl cushion.

2. According to Pottermore I am in Hufflepuff.

3.  I am a Christian.

4. I am a Photography Student.

5. I love the colour purple.

Below is the 12 day blogger challenge, why not take part? If you do let me know I would love to read your posts. 

It is good to be back, see you tomorrow! 

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

No7

So after searching through all my make-up to help complete this post  I have learned that I own a various amount of stuff from the brand No7. In all fairness I am sure other people do to, they are a good brand, their mascara is not clumpy and is therefore easy to apply, I love the colours of their lipstick (the lipsticks shown below are in fact different colours the one on the left is 'fabulous red' and the one on the right is 'moisture drench') and as for their nail varnishes, once again they are easy to apply and they don't chip as easily as others do leaving your nails looking fabulous for longer. What's not to love!

Lots of love,

Dayna

xxx

3 things I couldn't live without

Recently I have joined teen bloggers unite a project set up by Chole and Lauren, I will leave their details at the bottom of this post, their aim is to promote teen bloggers as they know how hard it is to get your blog recognized on the world wide web.

1. My iPod touch as I love listening to music.

         

 "But are we all lost stars trying to light up the dark"

  (Lost Stars by Adam Levine)

2. The Bible as it is something that offers guidance.

          

"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 11:13)

3. A camera, as a huge fan of photography a camera is something I definitely could not live without. 

Lauren's blog: http://cupcakesandcandyflossblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Lauren's twitter:@laurenamyblog

Chole's blog: http://www.chloesfloralworld.blogspot.co.uk/

Choles twitter: @versacelana

It is not to late to join, if you want to know more click on the link below.

http://cupcakesandcandyflossblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/teen-blogs-unite-teenblogsunite.html

Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

 

'Divergent Series'

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's books

Published: 'Divergent'- February 2011, 'Insurgent'- May 2012, 'Allegiant'- October 2013

Pages: 'Divergent' - 487, 'Insurgent'- 525, 'Allegiant'- 526

Genre: Science fiction, dystopia, young-adult fiction

Source: Bought

I remember seeing the first book in the 'Divergent series' at my local Waterstones, captured by the front cover I remember picking it up and reading the blurb, it was not a book I would usually read but I thought it sounded interesting and decided to add it to my birthday list (which was only a couple of weeks later.) Hooked from the very beginning it took me all of two days to read the four hundred and eighty-seven pages that make up the first book. When I heard Veronica Roth was writing a second book I was so excited and eager which soon turned into impatience, the problem was that I read 'Divergent' not long after it was released which meant I was in for a long wait when it came to a sequel, this involved me visiting my local Waterstones whenever I was free to try and obtain a release date. 

As for the second book 'Insurgent' I can barley remember buying it let alone reading it, it all happened so fast. However, this time I knew there was going to be another book, which in turn was her final book in the series 'Allegiant' and as soon as I could I pre-ordered it on Amazon to ensure I had a copy the second it came out, which of course I did. Unfortunately I only managed to read two hundred and forty-one pages before the final year of A levels distracted me, causing the book to be left untouched until a couple of days ago when I finally picked it up to finish it. I ended up reading the final three hundred or so pages that afternoon not knowing what to do with myself when I finished it. 

However, I loved the ending to the series and without giving it away I would just like to thank Veronica Roth for a gripping series and for the realistic ending. It is an ending that I am sure some people may disagree with and may not like, but for me Veronica Roth has done something that most fiction authors and in all honesty you could even say scriptwriters fail to do and that is incorporate a realistic element within the story and then show the aftermath of this element. Whereas, there will be authors out there who would have done the exact same thing but would have just ended it there and not shown the aftermath. I for one know that I always reach the end of a book and although everything has been summed up and the story has finished a part of me wants to know what the characters life's are like after what has ever happened. Do you ever feel that way or is it just me? I'm apologize if this last bit sounds confusing, I am just trying to express my feelings without ruining the ending for those of you who have not read the book. 

Favourite Quote:

"There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater. But sometimes it doesn't.Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of everyday, the slow walk toward a better life."                                           'Allegiant'

Rating: 5 stars

You can find the talented Veronica Roth on twitter: https://twitter.com/VeronicaRoth
Check out her website: http://www.veronicarothbooks.com/

So here's to the end of a great series! 
"I'll say it one last time: Be brave."

Lots of love, 
Dayna
xxx

Scripture Sunday!!

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

My 18th Birthday!

This time last week I turned 18, 18 on the 18th of July (my poor attempt at a joke) and thanks to family and friends I had a wonderful 18th birthday. So, I'm now an adult, I don't really know what else to say, I don't feel different, but I'm now old enough to drink (I don't really drink much) and to buy 'The Walking Dead!' As well as the gifts below I also received quiet a lot money to buy what I please, I shall write a post on some of things I bought at some point in the near future.

Lots of love,
Dayna xxx

I'm hooked...

Since my exams have finished I have been catching up on popular TV shows that I never had the chance to watch because of exams. One of those shows is 'The Walking Dead' and as the title of this post says I am hooked, from the very first episode there has been non stop action and each episode leaves you wanting more. If you do not already watch it then I would highly recommend it as longs as you can  can deal with violence and gore.

The show is based on a comic written by Robert Kirkman which follows protagonist Rick Grimes as he wakes from a coma to find the world has practically come to end and the dead are now walking, it continues as he attempts to find his family and survive in this new world.

Image from Google images

Lots of love,

Dayna xxx

Scripture Sunday!

'I pray that your love will grow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.'

                                                Philippians Chapter 1 v 9

Piano Covers

The other evening I was on Youtube watching piano covers as you do and I came across the incredible pianist Jonny May, whilst watching his videos I was speechless, if I can become half the piano player he is then I would be happy. Below I have posted a couple of my favourites, check out his Mary Poppins piano Medley as well as his Disney one and let me know what you think and which one your favourite is. Personally I love the Mary Poppins piano Medley! I also came across the pianist Jarrod Radnich and his Harry Potter and the Pirates of the Caribbean solos, being a huge Harry Potter fan I would have to say my favourite solo is of course his Harry Potter one as he manages to capture the magic within his playing! although the Pirates of the Caribbean solo is still amazing. 

Lots of Love

Dayna xxx

Scripture Sunday!

Matte Nail Varnish Review

This is the first and only Matte nail varnish I own, I was given it as a Christmas present last year and to be completely honest was not very keen with how it looked on due to it not having a shiny finish. However, I have grown to like the finishing look as it not having a shiny finish means it does not draw too much attention to your nails thus creating a subtle look that is suitable for day and night. The nail varnish is easy to apply and fast drying which is great for when you are in a rush. It does not chip easily either. 

The nail varnish I have is from Topshop, the colour is red and it is called dress up, unfortunately they do not sell it on the website but you can find other colours here and should be able to find it at your local shop. It costs £6.00 which I think is a fair price and they currently have a special offer online where you can buy two for £9.

Lots of Love,
Dayna xxx

Scripture Sunday

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
  Point out anything in me that offends you,
          and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
                                          Psalm 139 v 23-24 

It's been a while...

Well what can I say other than it's been a while, three months to be exact and for that I apologise. I have been so busy with college work and then exams over these past few months that I just have not had the time, thankfully though I've finished my A levels and now I have a long summer ahead of me of to catch up on some TV (I've currently started watching 'The Walking Dead' and I am hooked) as well as reading for pleasure!! (I'm currently reading 'Paper Towns' by John Green and then I plan on reading 'Looking For Alaska'). 'The Fault in Our Stars' is coming out next week, I'm so excited!

Here is what I have been up to over the past few months. 

My Photography work

From left to right McBusted, Last day of college, 'The Great Gatsby' afternoon, Charity Football match,
revision session with lots of chocolate, and revision for my last exam. 

McBusted 
On May 3rd a friend and I travelled to the NEC in Birmingham to see McBusted, and they were incredible, I got the tickets late last year whilst in college, thanks to O2 priority moments and their 48 early ticket sale.

Last day at College 
My outfit for my very last day at college, I'm no longer a college student any more, I have to say it is weird, but we all have to grow up someday.
My top is from a shop called Select, and my skirt is from Topshop.

'The Great Gatsby' afternoon
English Literature was one of the subjects I studied at A level, and one of the books I had to chosen to use as my wider reading for the exam was 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. So as part of my revision I decided to put the movie on in the background. Who said revision couldn't be fun? :)

Charity Football Match 
On bank holiday Monday, I attended the Charity Football match Nial Horan was hosting in Leicester, it was his team vs Piers Morgan. Unfortunately his team lost, during penalties but it was still a great game.

Revision session with chocolate 
It is self explanatory really, we had to have something to keep us going through all that revision.

My revision notes for my last exam
On June 11th I sat my very A level exam, Psychology, and this was a picture I posted on Instagram with the following hashtags to keep me motivated #psychology #lastexam #icandothis #willbedonethistimetommorow #nearlythere


Lots of Love ,
Dayna xxx

Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

 

This is the first novel I have read by author Paige Toon and thought it was remarkable, I'm do not normally read chick-lit books, but after reading this one realised I have definitely been missing out. Normally I would post a picture of my own copy of the book, however I read this one on my iPod so unfortunately I do not own a paper copy.

‘Will you marry me?’

I think of you, then. I think of you every day. But usually in the quietest part of the morning, or the darkest part of the night. Not when my boyfriend of two years has just proposed.

I look up at Richard with his hopeful eyes.

‘Lily?’ he prompts.

It’s been ten years, but it feels like only yesterday that you left. How can I say yes to Richard with all my heart when most of it has always belonged to you? I take a deep breath and will myself to speak…

Ten years ago when Lily was just sixteen, she fell in love with someone she really shouldn’t have fallen in love with. Now, living in Sydney and engaged to another man, she can’t forget the one that got away. Then her past comes back to haunt her, and she has to make a decision that will break her heart – and the heart of at least one of the men who love her

As a book I got free on my iPod, I was unsure as to whether or not I would like it, not because it was free but because I do not usually read books like this, however I'm glad I downloaded it as I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the moment I picked up this book I was hooked, it is sweet, heart-breaking and heart-warming, Paige Toon deserves more recognition as she is great writer who in this novel conveyed a convincing character and presented a beautiful and simple love story.   
The book is split into two parts one where the main character Lily is sixteen and the other tens years later making her twenty-six. At the age of sixteen Lily is forced to move to Australia, in order for her Mum to meet a man she began dating online. The story presents Lily coming to terms with being on the other side of the world and struggling with her feelings for Ben a man who society would say is far too old for her. 


Favourite Quote:
“And just like that, I make my first friend in Australia. A friend called Ben. I reckon Michael Jackson would have approved.”

Rating: 5 stars


Follow Paige here https://twitter.com/PaigeToonAuthor and keep up to date on her latest book Thirteen Weddings, released on 22nd May.
Check out her website http://www.paigetoon.com/ for other upcoming releases and to check out her other books.

Lots of Love,
Dayna xxx

February Summary

I'm actually glad to see the end of February, as it was one long and stressful month due the  5000 word essay deadline I had. The deadline has come and it is finally over! Hooray!! So here is what I have been up over the past month.

I discovered the Divergent trailer a must see film this year, especially if your are like me and have read the book. 

I read Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon, it is the first book I have read by the author and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. A review will be up shortly.

I went to London for the day to take photos and visit The Photographers Gallery as well as The National Portrait Gallery. 

I hope your February was much better than mine.

Lots of Love 

Dayna xxx

January Summary

So I know that it is now the 2nd of February and I did not manage to post as much as much as I had planned to last month but I thought I would share my favourite moments of January and what I got up to.

I watched a live performance of Coriolanus William Shakespeare with some friends, I had never heard of the play before I booked to go as it is one of Shakespeare's underrated plays. It was amazing, absolutely amazing, it's a tragedy as most of his plays are, expressing the themes of war, conflict and politics.



I read Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, it is mad there is no other way to describe it, however it is also brilliant, and a play I would highly recommend.

    

I completed my photography in time for the deadline! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Below are two of my  final images inspired by Snow White. 

And The Fault in Our Stars trailer was released!! I'm so excited! I was tearing up at the trailer so who knows what state I will be in at the end of the film. Unfortunately it comes out right in the middle of my exams so it might have to wait, however it is something to look forward to. 

   
I hope you all had fab January, here's to February!

Lots of Love,
Dayna xxx

My very first book review: The Color Purple by Alice Walker

 I have decided to write book reviews on my blog as I love to read and through studying English Literature at A level, I have come across some really good books. One of those happens to be the book I shall be reviewing today. There is one thing you should know before I begin and that is, I am obsessed with quotes whether it is from a book, a film or a song. 

The Color Purple

Author: Alice Walker | Publisher: Women's Press | Pages: 304

Amazon| Goodreads

Celie is a poor black woman whose letters tell the story of 20 years of her life, beginning at age 14 when she is being abused and raped by her father and attempting to protect her sister from the same fate, and continuing over the course of her marriage to “Mister,” a brutal man who terrorizes her. Celie eventually learns that her abusive husband has been keeping her sister’s letters from her and the rage she feels, combined with an example of love and independence provided by her close friend Shug, pushes her finally toward an awakening of her creative and loving self.

My Views:  

When I first began to read 'The Color Purple' I was slightly worried as to what I had gotten myself into. However as I continued to read, I felt myself sympathize with Celie as she finds her inner strength and learns to stick up for herself.  I also admired her for, her patience and faith.  Her story teaches you to make the most of what you have and to never give up. 

If I was to describe this book in one word I would say

Remarkable 

Favorite Quotes:

“I am an expression of the divine, just like a peach is, just like a fish is. I have a right to be this way...I can't apologize for that, nor can I change it, nor do I want to... We will never have to be other than who we are in order to be successful...We realize that we are as ourselves unlimited and our experiences valid. It is for the rest of the world to recognize this, if they choose.” 

My Goodreads rating: 
5 stars 


Lots of Love,
Dayna xxx

Healthy Living

I have decided to take up a new healthy living regime, this includes watching what I eat, eating more healthily and exercising more, as I don't really exercise at all. I have heard the best and fastest way to loose weight is through running. So today I went running for the first time!! Oh my goodness!! It was horrendous, I did not realise how unfit I was. I went running with a friend and she persuade me to run up this steep hill, I was so tired when I made it to the top but was thankful she made me do it. 

  This is a photo of the hill I ran up, for some people it may not look very steep, however for my very first attempt at running I see it as an achievement. Next week I shall be attending my college's girls running club. Wish me luck!

Lots of Love
Dayna xxx

Happy New Year! My New years resolutions

Happy New Year! I hope it is a good one for all of you. Have you made any new years resolutions? I make them every year but never stick to them. This year  I thought if I posted them up on here and kept you all up to date, I might actually stick to them.

1. Write a post once a week
2. Write a book review once a month
3. Update my blog regularly
4. Read all the books on my reading list 
5. Practice on the piano more often 
6. Learn to play songs other than the ones for my exam. 

Lots of love, 

Dayna 

Xxx