Tuesday 28 August 2012

The Cotswolds - A Holiday Writing Piece.


This is a piece I wrote for English about my Summer Holidays - it's a descriptive piece, enjoy!:)

Turning off the motorway to the junction that is leading me to my desolate destination is like entering another world, one that opposes the hustle and bustle of the busy city that I live in.
The road suddenly narrows, leaving space for only 1 car to fit through, and the car is being turned and twisted, mimicking the winding roads in the countryside.  The trees are bent over the road, creating a green ivy-like arch, the leaves dancing with the wind.  Sun streams through the gaps between the trees, revealing the floating specks of dust in the car.  The birds are singing with their angelic chirps, gracing the air with sweet sounds, and bouncing from branch to branch along the way.
Eventually you arrive at a small, quaint village.  Small, cosy cottages with thatched roofs and floral arches line the small road, and the occupants give us a polite, welcoming smile as we pass.  Flowers are everywhere; ruby red roses, powder pink pansies and lots of lilac lavender.  A waft of fresh baking comes from the family-owned bakery, along with cupcakes and coffee.
Gardeners are always working hard, making everything look beautiful and making sure this place looks like what it's known for.
The shops are almost always open, stacked from shelf to shelf with memoirs of the Cotswolds, sweets and small house-y trinkets.
Inside the cottage is just as you'd expect.  A large, open log fire is the first thing you see, and apart from the country-style kitchen and bathrooms, there isn't a room in the house without carpet.  Almost all of the furniture is made from wood, finished off with a light coat of ivory paint, and the chips of paint and wearing-away makes it look vintage.
Everything about the Cotswolds is very peaceful and cosy, definitely a place to retreat to!



Monday 27 August 2012

Music Monday!

I'm actually writing this on Sunday, but I've just scheduled it for this time, because right now, I'll be at school!  So, a lot of my posts will be scheduled from now on!

Here are my top 3 songs from last week!:D


We Could Be Amazing - Andy Grammer
Love this song!  I really like Andy's music, I just discovered him recently.  It's a really nice, relaxing song, that I can kind of relate to just now;)  Yeah, nuff said.



Fine By Me - Andy Grammer
I know, another song by Andy Grammer!  I've heard this so many times, but I never knew who the artist was!  This is such a fun singalong song, and the video is just too cute!



Taking Over Me - Lawson
Another fun love song!  Lawson have such a distinctive sound, and I think my mum loves this song more than I do!  I love their style as well:)


That's it for this week!  Feel free to recommend any songs for me to listen to!


Sunday 26 August 2012

Ask Nicola!



This is the first 'official' Ask Nicola post!  Unfortunately, I did not get any questions, and I think I know why...

Thank you to those of you that alerted me that I had not turned on the 'Anonymous' option!  I know, I know, go ahead and comment; 'silly Nicola!'  Well, I've changed that now, so you can click on it!  My apologies!

So, basically I'm just going to tell you how to ask a question etc.

You can ask a question by:
  • Commenting on one of the Ask Nicola posts
  • Emailing me at nicolasnotebook@hotmail.com
  • Tweeting me on Twitter @nicolasnotebook (link at the side!)

So, if you are going to ask a question, please start it off by saying 'Dear Nicola,' just so that I know you're asking a question for the feature!

If you want me to add your name at the bottom of the question when I put it in the post, then don't turn on 'Anonymous'!  However, if you want to remain anonymous, then feel free to do that:D

If you don't want your question to feature in the post, then just shoot me an e-mail, and I'll reply just to you!:)

You can ask questions about literally anything:
- Problems at school
- Friendship difficulties
- Anything that's worrying you
- Advice on present buying!
- Even something like 'Nicola, what did you have for breakfast today?'

SO, it can be advice questions, or perhaps something that you want to know about me!

I hope to hear from you soon!


Saturday 25 August 2012

Finding Me Again Update! 4/2

This is going to be a super quick update, because it's getting late!  So sorry that I haven't been able to post this yesterday, and all my posts are so inconsistent!  A regular pattern will soon develop, I'm just getting used to being back at school, so I do apologise!

I think I've been doing really well this week for exercise!  Here's what I did:

 - Did P.E. 3 times this week (1 = running relays and running up and down 90 stairs x 2! 2 = A walk around the streets. 3 = circuits)
 - walked home most days
- Zumba for 45 minutes yesterday
- went for a walk today!

I've also been eating really healthily, I'm hoping to post a few recipes of my own for some tasty snacks!

Thank you so much for voting on the poll - it's been so helpful!  Please keep voting! I have some posts planned, including:

Ask Nicola (still no questions:(!)
Music Monday!
The Cotswolds - A Holiday Writing Piece
Scrumptious Snacks!
Thoughtful Thursday
Finding Me Again Update! 1/3 (Get Your Grin On!)
How to Make Oat Bars

etc, etc.

So, thank you for reading, and I will be posting Ask Nicola tomorrow! (even though I don't have any questions)


Friday 24 August 2012

Quick Update & Competition?

Hiya lovelies, just a quick update to say that I'm not gone!  I've been incredibly busy recently with school starting back, so posts aren't quite as consistent any more:(

I know now is the time for the Finding Me Again Update, but it's getting late now, so I need to get to sleep!  I've been so tired this week, I was very close to falling asleep in chemistry!

I hope you liked the last couple of posts, I tried to fit it around what YOU want (according to the poll, you can still vote) and I am going to be trying to do a competition soon if I get to 25 followers!  Hopefully with REAL prizes as well!  So if you would like that, please get your friends to follow!

In the comments below, I would like you to suggest what type of competition you would like to see, how to enter, prize ideas etc, I want you to be a part of this blog!


Tuesday 21 August 2012

DIY - Origami Heart Corner Bookmarks!

I know how much my followers love to read, and it's not easy finding a pretty, original bookmark!  I have been loving making these cute bookmarks, they're so easy, too!  I did try to take pictures as steps to show you how to make them, but I figured I would just show you the video I learnt from, as she teaches you so well!  I like to make mine from patterned paper, so they look extra pretty:D

Here's how mine turned out!


Okay, so you will need:

Paper of your choice
A pencil

A ruler
A pair of scissors
Some glue

And some different paper for your heart (if you wish!)

And here is how you do it!



After this, you can trace around the heart on a contrasting piece of paper, cut it out, and glue it ton top!

Again, this is the finishing result!


OKay, well I hope you guys enjoyed this, this was one of the most requested topics to feature in the blog, so I hope I've made you happy!  There will definitely be more posts like this to come!


Monday 20 August 2012

Music Monday!

I've been so busy recently, it's hard to find time to blog!  I know you English peeps are still on holiday, while we're back at school here in Scotland!  Anyways, here are my 3 favourite songs of last week!


Sunset - Avalanche City
This is such a cute song!  One of my friends recommended it to me, and I've been listening to it ever since.  It's now my alarm song, because it's so happy and upbeat!



You Already Know - Bombay Bicycle Club
This is another really sweet one, great to listen to with rain in the background, and it's a really lovely peaceful song.



No Name - Ryan O'Shaughnessy
I fell in love with his music the first time I heard him on Britains Got Talent.  I cried, because I can relate to so much in this song.  He is such a talented songwriter, the way he uses words are magical, and his melodies are so sweet.


Well, that's it for today!  Expect a little DIY post tomorrow!  Don't forget to clickity-click what you want at the poll on the side, and remember to ask me a question for my 'Ask Nicola' feature - still no questions!:(


Saturday 18 August 2012

Autumn Knits.

I know, it's a bit early for Autumn, but I'm really excited!

I noticed on the poll that so far the favourites are 'Fashion/Beauty' and 'DIY/How-to'.  So, as I promised, I will deliver what you guys want!:D

Okay, so I have a thing for Autumn fashion.  Everything about it is so cosy and the colours are really lovely - kind of like the leaves on the trees!  Of course, these pictures ARE mine, so I didn't steal or take any!

Here are some of my favourite Autumn Knits, enjoy!

This is a burgundy knitted jumper, with a ribbed pattern down the middle and sides, and a cross-over pattern in between those.  The sleeves are rolled up at the bottom, but are still long enough to cover part of your hands, giving a very cute, cosy look.  This would look good with plain black leggings, and some burgundy high-tops/vans, or brown ankle boots.  From New Look - £12.99

This is a cream and burgundy striped crochet-knitted jumper (can you tell that I like burgundy?!).  It's very simple and not detailed.  The sleeves are 3/4 length, which gives it a lighter look and feel.  Pair it with some light blue or lilac jeans and some brown ankle boots and a brown satchel!  From H&M - £12.99

This is a cream knitted cardigan with brown elbow-patches and buttons, a hood and belt.  The sleeves are rolled up at the bottom, and it's very cosy!  I normally like to take the belt off this, or tie it in a bow behind my back.  It's up to you what you do wear with it - it's very versatile!  From H&M - £24.99

I love wearing these - they're warm and stylish!  I wear the blue beanie loosely, so the front sits where my fringe sits and slouches on the back of my head - it looks very laid-back.  The other hat and scarf are aztec-patterened, which I LOVE. I just drape the scarf round my neck, I don't knot it or anything:) Blue hat - H&M - £3.99 Others - a gift (New Look)
Well, I hope you enjoyed this post!  If you did, please let me know.  I want to know if you like this, and if so, I will continue to post things like this!

Reminders - clickity-click what you want to see on this blog with the poll at the side

- ask a question for my 'Ask Nicola' feature!  I've not had any yet!  you can either email me them or comment on the 'Ask Nicola' post:) pretty please??


Friday 17 August 2012

Finding Me Again Update! 3/2

Sorry there was no post yesterday, I was so busy with school starting and all!

Anyhoo, I have definitely improved from last week!

I have been walking home from school this week, and I've had P.E. twice and I went to my Zumba class today!

It takes me roughly 30 minutes to walk home from school, we do actual physical working in P.E. for 30 minutes, and the Zumba class every Friday is on for 45 minutes!  Ah, I'm so happy with how I've done:D  It's a massive improvement from last week, and I definitely feel a lot more alert and awake!

I've been having a lot more fruit as well, especially smoothies... mmm...

I would recommend doing exercises first thing in the morning, it's 3 times more effective than doing it in the afternoon, and it sets your metabolism as 'high' for the whole day, meaning you birn way more calories! Just a quick tip for ya;)

Just remember - poll at the left side of the blog! I promise some wonderful posts, it just helps with what you guys want to see so I don't disappoint!

I know this is random, but I'm being careful with
'copyright' images, and this is my own:) d'ya like?



Wednesday 15 August 2012

Contact Me!

I'm just letting you know that I now have a blog email address, which is:

nicolasnotebook@hotmail.com

Also, don't forget to follow me on twitter and Pinterest! (Buttons at the side)

I pin a lot on Pinterest, it kind of saves me posting all about pictures I like!

Feel free to shoot me an email, I'd love to hear from you!  You can ask me questions, perhaps an interview(?), or even if you just want to have a bit of a chat!

Hear from you soon<3!






P.S. Remember the poll at the left hand side!

Tuesday 14 August 2012

I'm an Agony Aunt?!


I've decided to introduce a new feature to the blog, which is called 


I am a natural advice-giver.  I've been through a lot, and I've decided to put my experience to good use. I'm forever telling my friends what they can do to sort situations out, and I'm even giving advice to people I hardly talk to!  I really listen to what people have to say, and I love cheering people up and helping them.

I can answer nearly all questions.  Like school (primary and secondary), bullying, friendship problems, boy trouble (though not quite 'dating' and 'first kiss' who knows, maybe soon;)! but I have been through a lot with 'crushes' and definitely when your friendship comes into your love life.), perhaps even what to get your mum for her birthday!  But I will say if I'm unable to answer questions (which probably wont happen)!

I have a new tab up at the top of the blog, and I'm basically going to have posts labelled 'Ask Nicola' go there, but it will come up on your feed!  If you want to ask a question (or a few!) then leave a comment there starting 'Dear Nicola,'.  I will then gather the questions for the week and answer them on a Sunday.  I know some questions can be personal, so please feel free to turn on the 'Anonymous' feature if that's the case.  If not, then I will put your name at the bottom of the question in the post!

So, ask away and I will post next Sunday! (26/8/12)

Monday 13 August 2012

Music Monday!

You know the drill.  My top 3 favourite songs of last week!  Here they are, be sure to listen to them!


Call It What You Want - Foster The People
Ah! Looove this:)  This is my kind of style of music, and it's a great upbeat, fun track to listen to:)  I've been listening to this so much!


Only Love - Ben Howard
This is such a lovely song, and he has a lovely voice to go along with it.  Such a serene, calm song and really nice to listen to:)


Brokenhearted - Karmin
This is such a fun dance-y track!  One thats great to listen to with your girlfriends, and a feel-good song to cheer you up when you're down.  Grab the hairbrush, and get dancing!:D

Just a quick reminder, that the poll is over at the left side of this blog for what future posts can feature.  I would really appreciate it if you could click a few options, just to give me a few pointers and ideas on what you want to see in the blog!  Thanks!<3


Sunday 12 August 2012

Adorable Blog Award & New Poll.

I have been awarded the Adorable Blog Award from Marian @ inkdropperr!  Here are the rules:

1. You must tag 3 other people when you have been nominated.
2. You must let the nominees know that you have nominated them.
3. Post 4 facts about yourself.
4. You can set 5 questions for your nominees if you want to or can be bothered to.
5. You must put up the icon for the award somewhere in your post and thank the person/peoples who nominated you.

I tag:

Amy
Erin
Shakira

Facts:)

1. I start school again on Wednesday... meh.
2. I am currently reading The Lovely Bones (amazing book)
3. I am obsessed with the Olympics
4. I am excited for Christmas already!

Marian's questions (and my answers;))

1. Who is the most famous person you've met?
   - I didn't meet them, but I was in the same restaurant (The Dorchester in London) as Sharon Osbourne and the manager of the England football team:) Sharon was at the table in front of us:)

2. Colour eyes?
   - Hmm... hard to explain:/ Kind of a clear blue-y grey with specks of green and brown at the pupil, with dark blue at the outside:)

3. What is the weather like as you type this?
   - Dry, kind of sunny, a wee bit cloudy though!

4. Favourite subject?
   - Hands down, Music.

5. Play any instruments?
   - Yep, I do!  I'm Grade 5 on Viola, drums, a teeny bit of guitar and flute, and I sing.  I can pick up instruments easily, I guess it's what I was born to do!;)

I can't think of any questions, sorry!

So, thank you so much Marian<3!



New Poll

Okay, I've just put a poll up at the left side of the blog, and I would really appreciate it if you just click on what you would like the posts to feature in the future!  I just don't know what you guys like, and  don't want to be posting pointless stuff!  I'll check it regularly, so I always have ideas:)  Thank you lovelies!



Friday 10 August 2012

Finding Me Again Update! 2/2

Month 2 Week 2.

:(  Why the sad face, you ask?

(I didn't do as well this week)

I was so happy about doing great last week, and then I thought, I can take a day off, can't I?  So I did.  And again and again and again.  I didn't even do the 100 calorie exercise!:O  Yesterday, though, we went hill walking which was good (and a bit exhausting!).

So, I think I'm going to do some more Just Dance on the Wii every night, the 100 calorie workout a few times a day and I start school again next Wednesday, so I'll be walking home from school everyday!  Oh, and also the dreaded P.E... :(

I love love LOVE Leah's idea of doing a journal and recording every exercise you do and what you eat.  It'll be great to plan what to do as well, so I always know what I need to do:)

Actually, I'm gonna start planning tomorrow already!

Oh, and I'm also receiving a little something from Leah for posting frequently!:D


Wednesday 8 August 2012

Versatile Blogger Award!

Okaydoke! 3rd award, and I've been awarded it twice!

A gigantic thank you to Mars from inkdropperr and Sunny from A Sunny Spot!

Here are the rules that go with being awarded:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging (blogging for less than 2 years).
2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you.
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.

I nominate:

1. Mars @ inkdropperr
2. Sunny @ A Sunny Spot
3. Leah @ Un Arc-en Vintage
4. Amy @ Life of an Awkward Donkey
5. Emily @ Emily's Chronicles
6. Rose @ Mad Roses and Oopsy Daisies
7. Neevie @ Totally Neevie
8. Jasmine @ Ebony Black Lines (I know you don't do them, but I wanted to!)
9. Nadia @ Journal of a Teen
10. Charli @ Life Through Rose-Tinted SunGlasses
11. Everyone! @ Blog for Joy
12. Orli @ What Orli Did
13. Sophie @ A Day Dreamers World
14. Ella @ Everything Ella
15. Erin @ Red Velvet Violets

Random Facts:

1. I'm from Scotland:)
2. I am STRONGLY against Scotland getting independence:(
3. I love Wagamama
4. I read too many books at once
5. I am forever browsing the aisles of stationery in WHSmith
6. I love the Olympics:)
7. I love getting blog awards! (except from doing facts:( )

Okay, done!  Thanks again Mars and Sunny!





Tuesday 7 August 2012

The Toujou Blogger Award!:)

Woop woop!  Award #2!

A huge thank you to the wonderful Mars over at inkdropperr for nominating me for this award!

It was created by Emily from Emily's Chronicles.  Toujou is a Haitian Creole word for always, so a toujou blogger is someone's blog that you always read!  There are a few rules one must follow;)

1. If tagged you must tag 5 others, giving each a quick sentence as to why you ALWAYS read their posts, and tell them that you've tagged them:)

2. If tagged you must post your 5 favourite words.

3. If and only if you want to/can be bothered to/have time to, you can put up to 5 questions for the people you've tagged.  If and only if you want to/can be bothered to/have time to you can ANSWER the 5 questions your tagger set.  If you want to answer questions but your tagger left none, answer your own questions:)

My 5 favourite words are:
1. pretty
2. seriously?!
3. aw (I know, weird one)
4. pink
5. cosy

Peeps I tag:

Emily @ Emily's Chronicles: I'M SORRY, OKAY?!  I really really wanted to tag you for the Belle Blog Award, and I could only pick 3:( So now's the time!  I love this blog because of it's beautiful floral background, and the way she writes is so amazingly magical that I have to pinch myself to see if I'm in a dream or not!

Leah @ Un Arc-en Vintage: I love the simplicity of this blog and it's always one that I go to read, kind of like the morning newspaper;)  Her style is so amazingly vintage-y, and I adore the use of the word 'tata'!:)

Mars @ inkdropperr: I know you tagged me, but it's kind of hard NOT to tag you back!  I love the way her posts are written, kind of like a journal, and it's so entertaining and funny!  Oh, and she introduced me to Oreo stuffed cookies...

Britishmystery @ Journal of a Teen: the title speaks for itself.  I can relate to so much, especially about the Summer Holidays (waking up at midday, haha!).  She is such a loyal follower of mine, comments on just about every post! *internet hug*

Amy @ Life of an Awkward Donkey: Ah, this is the place to get your daily laughs!  She is so witty and funny, and her blog is like a journal, too!  I especially like the post titled 'WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY???!!!';)

Now onto Mars' questions!

Favourite Flower? - Roses:) so typical, I know, but they're pretty!
Favourite Film? - THE HUNGER GAMES.
If there was one thing you could do... anything... absolutely anything? (like go to Hogwarts ;D)? - Go through school passing everything with A's galore and not having to do a single thing.  Oh, and not having to do P.E.;)
Team Jacob or Team Edward? - I hate you. (just kidding!) Lookswise, Jacob. I used to be team Edward, but now I think I'm team Jacob!:O
How often do you paint your nails? Everyday.  Na, I'm just kidding.  Very rarely.  I'm really weird when I paint my nails, I would paint a few coats, y'know, base coat, 2 coats of colour and a top coat.  If they don't dry within 10 minutes, I just take it off.  I'M SO IMPATIENT!

Okay, questions for you people:

Favourite school subject?
City or countryside?
Save money or spend?
Pens or pencils?
Early bird or night owl?

See, I made the questions short and sweet - you're welcome!  Thanks again Mars!<3







Monday 6 August 2012

Music Monday!

Ah.  I know.  So late!  I've been studying all day today:(  I start back at school next Wednesday, so I just want to get a bit ahead so I'm all organised for the year:)  Anyhoo, here are my top 3 favourite songs of last week!


Wings - Little Mix
I really love this song as it's upbeat and fun.  I've just started listening to Little Mix to be honest, but I'm glad they won the X Factor!:)


Middle of the Bed - Lucy Rose
I love Lucy Rose.  Not just because of her name, but also because of her style, her voice, and her instrumental talents!  This song is one of my favourites of hers.


Sleep Alone - Two Door Cinema Club
This is TDCC's new single, from their new album, Beacon (releasing next month).  Its got a great beat and is one to sing along to:)

I know these posts are quite short, but I have a couple of award posts coming up!:D


Sunday 5 August 2012

Sunday Snaps!

I snapped a few pictures today via Instagram, and I thought you would like to see them!:)










All these photos were taken by me, so if you would like to use any of them, just ask and let me know!;)



Saturday 4 August 2012

What's on my bookshelf?

I've decided to show you guys what my bookshelf looks like, and what I have on it!

Please bear in mind I have so many classics up in the loft:(, so this isn't quite all of it!:D

Oh, and sorry for the awkward angle of the full bookcase, my bed is right in front of it!


You might recognise a few things from the things I bought in England, and perhaps the Union Jack bag from my Instagram pictures?

On the top shelf I have my favourites.  Among these are some Twilight books, The House of Night novels, Inkheart, The Vampire Diaries, some Jacqueline Wilson favourites, Between Shades of Gray, Love Stargirl, Cathy Cassidy etc:)

On the Second shelf (I'll go from left to right), I have my scrapbook, my 'Guys and Dolls' script from when I played Nathan (the main character, and also a boy:/), my current books from the library (I know, too many! oh, and the Diary of Anne Frank is mine, I just couldn't fit it on the top shelf!)  Then I have The Wanted autobiography (gone off them a bit now, haha) and my Miley Cyrus autobiography (had this for a while now, I always seem to go back to read it again, it's a nice, easy book).

On the bottom shelf I have my pretty bag (I love this!), and it just has some speakers and wires in it, haha!

Do you like my wallpaper?:D  I might do a full room tour, if you want, I'm really happy with it!:D


Friday 3 August 2012

Finding Me Again Update! 2/1

Helloo my lovelies!  We are now on Month 2 Week 1.  This means that this month is focusing on exercise.  I'm really happy with how I've done this week!:D  I did an amount of exercise each day:)  Here are some of the things I did!


This was really good! Only 10 minutes as well:)

I did this really hard workout I saw online, the next 2 days I was aching!:O

Warm Up

March in place - 2 minutes
Step up - 2 minutes
Jump rope - 2 minutes
Stretch - hamstrings, quads, calves, inner thighs

Exercise

Jumping jacks - 2 minutes
Squats - 1 minute
Side lunges - 10 sets
Jump rope - 1 minute
Jump squats - 15 reps
March in place - 1 minute
Walking lunges - 10 sets
Squats - 1 minute
Jump rope - 1 minute
Jump squats - 15 reps
Jump rope - 1 minute
Step up - 2 minutes
March in place - 2 minutes
Push ups - 20
Ab work - 5 minutes
Tricep dips - 30

Yep, that was hard!

I also came across a picture on Pinterest (if you follow me you will see that I repinned it), and it is a quick workout (if you can even call it that!) that burns 100 calories in no time!


I like to do this 3 - 4 times throughout the day, so I burn 300-400 calories!:)

So, to be fair to say, I'm pretty happy so far!:D  Have a go at the quick 100 calories - it's easy!  If you're weak like me, do pushups against the wall instead of the floor;)