Blogmas?!

I'm high on Christmas and I can't deny.

As December gets closer, my mind inevitably returns to the marvelous times of my childhood, which although were years far from perfection, have merged into the symbol of safety, hope, love and innocent dreams.

As a winter-born girl, I can't help getting romantic when I think of this season. Truth be told, I enjoy each and every part of this month. I love the chain of events, Santa, the reindeers, the stories, the glitter, the coziness, the tinsel, the cinnamon-scented candles, the childish crawling for presents and gift-shopping sessions, the wrapping, the carols, the snow, the low temperatures, the stiffness given by infinite layers of clothing, the ice rinks, eating all day long, the movie marathons, the oranges... and who remains indifferent to the tree that occupies half of the room around Christmas?

Why Blogmas?

I want to capture every side of this period, inspire, and share with you the magic and enthusiam that come along with this month, by posting as often as I can!

Love, Bianca xx

#hear 22 Addictive Songs

Addicted. Obsessed. In Love. Dreamy. Dazed. Indecisive. 

These would descride best my current feelings, which I feed with the following gloomy, atmospheric and bittersweet songs!

Note:

I don't know about you, but I just love having a playlist to listen to each and every day! I feel that summer wouldn't be complete without the perfect soundtrack. 

The most fascinating part is when you associate an intense period of your life with some music, and then you can make it all come back (laughs, tears, impatience, freedom) just by pressing "Play".

Enjoy.

Hozier

1. Take Me to Church

30 Seconds To Mars

2. Up In the Air

3. Do or Die

4. Hurricane

Fink

5. Perfect Darkness

Kings Of Leon
6. 17

7. Supersoaker

8. Rockcity

9. Revelry

10. Closer

Depeche Mode

11. Dream On

Lana del rey

12. Money Power Glory

13. Sad Girl

14. Florida Kilos

15. Brooklyn Baby

Muse

16. Resistance

17. Undisclosed Desires

The National

18. Sea of Love

Whitesnake

19. Is this Love

Chet Faker

20. I'm Into You

Foster The People

21. Pumped up Kicks

Kaiser Chiefs

22. Ruby

Tinder! Girly Review

Well, it is said that "tinder" has become a verb... It spread everywhere, but putting it brief, it's just an Android/ Iphone dating application that allows you to choose people that you find "hot", based on a few pictures and a short optional description. Moreover, regardless you consider someone "hot or not", they will never know. Only when they like you back, a "match" is created and so you can start a conversation...

WARNING: swiping is addictive!

Yes, I do have installed it, and it's fun, so I just felt like sharing my 2-week Tinder experience with you, although you might find it completely off-topic:)

Everything started on a Thursday school morning when I saw a friend swiping left and right, making the selection process so interesting, that an hour later I had it on my phone...

Tinder Facts

• You have to connect with your Facebook account in order to prove you're a real person
• You can only upload pictures you posted on Facebook
• Tinder is a location-based application, so it will only show you people within an established range (maximum 100 km, but it goes a bit farther than that)
• You can't go back once you liked or disliked someone
• You can block but can't unblock a person

Swiping Technique

Well, this is the most pleasant part of everything and I tried numerous methods of selection: age-based, picture-based, even description-based. The first picture is probably the most important one, at least for me, I always wonder what kind of person would use that as a Facebook profile photo.

I'm pretty selective most of the time, but I once got bored and made a stupid algorythm- one to the left, one to the right- not a brilliant idea, to be honest =).

Advantages

Boosts your self-esteem: the users know the satisfaction you get when the little flame appears on the notification bar, and a new match pops up.

Want to socialize? It's here that you can find people you would probably not dare to talk to in other circumstances. So, if boredom ever strikes, consider this option.

Travelling alone? Not my case, of course, however, if you were a newbie and felt like going out, but had no company, Tinder could solve that. I know that it can be really risky and it takes a while to get someone's trust, but if everything goes right, the experience must be pretty awesome.

Come out of your shell? Seeing that people you like might have the same feelings about you could really help you change your opinion about yourself. And in addition to that, you definitely learn a lot of small-talk techniques:)

Fun and pressure-less! Talk, get annoyed, block, that simple...

Downsides

No long-lasting conversations: Well, this is the purpose of the app, you have to continuously swipe in order to create new matches. The main reason you installed it is boredom or curiosity, so there's little chance you'll stop swiping just because you found an interesting person. I noticed that some discussion tend to lag, especially when the probability of meeting is low...

Trapped by appearences: Of course I'm not talking about actually meeting a match in person and being disappointed, because I'm keeping things safe. But simply discovering a Facebook profile might not live up to your expectations, and then comes a rapid turn-off.

Unanswered messages! As much as I'd like to consider myself impossible to ignore, I have to admit that this happened to me. Saturday night, not having so much fun at this dull party, so I decided to say hello to all my silent matches- probably my "Aloha" or "Ahoy marinero"+ the weird hour scared them a bit, but it's clear that only half of them replied- a bit annoying! I sometimes ignore people too, so it's probably just karma...

Match-less? I get a like back from most of the people I like, however, I never try too much to memorize them, so I probably don't notice when I don't receive a response... It;s better this way, I suppose:)

Did I mention the addictive part? Well, once you've installed it, you'll probably feel like using it constantly; at least, I always wonder why would I stop, it doesn't affect me in any way...

Superficial?! Hmm, probably needed mentioning earlier. You don't give anybody a chance if their picture doesn't convice you and I'm sure there were a lot of interesting people I rejected in less than 5 seconds. 

PS: I know I haven't posted in a while, but it was a really weird and tense month- lots of final exams, Cambridge (totally exhausting) and a serious lack of inspiration... hopefully I will soon get back on track

Easter Scrapbook

Flowers, delicate perfumes, pastels. 

Colours, painted eggs, traditional sponge cake (cozonac).

Loads of food, desserts, chocolate bunnies. 

Family reunion, trips, fun and light.

Ginger Tea Breakfast | Recipe

 Last week I was a bit ill due to the sudden weather changes which happen during spring... However, I didn't postpone my duties and I went to my English teacher. It's nice that she always prepares snacks for me so that I can always taste fruits or sweets during the written tasks. 

   My voice was also affected by the mild cold, so she asked whether I wanted her to prepare me a cup of Ginger Tea... She says that it's miraculous and that my cold would fly away as soon as I take a sip.

Why not?

The Business Fair | Confectionery Store

    This week school was supposed to take place out of the school building and the usual lessons to be replaced by entertaining activities.

    Of course, it didn't work as planned, we only had a few activities, and the rest of the week remained uncertain- between school and spring break...

Taxi Ride & No Money

Well, the story is short and insignificant but it made me feel so optimistic!

DIY | The Cork Board Project

Pinterest-y? I always find myself taking notes and making sketches, but after a while all these little pieces of paper disappear unnoticed and are never to be found... Not sure what that implies, but I wanted to keep all of my notes& thoughts at sight, gathered, along with inspiring images and my favorite quotes- and what would've been better than starting a Cork Board Project?

Space Dust Manicure

This year has been filled with 18th birthday parties and I can't exactly say I dislike that... Sparkly nails are, for this reason, a must when it comes to completing an outfit! Yesterday I went to a friend's party and wore Rimmel Space Dust nail polish, black with a noticeable layer of green-silvery sparkle, which reminds of the clear night skies. I didn't apply it on its own, though, but overneath an olive polish, as it seems to look more pigmented this way.

Liebster Award (x2)

It took a while, but i eventually decided to do my own Liebster Award! I was nominated like a month ago by Emma, but I just weren't adjusted to the blogging thing and indeed, didn't know enough bloggers to tag back.

Then, Laura nominated me again,  and it was a wake up call!

So, this is basically the reason why I will be answering so many sets of questions, thank you a lot for nominating me:)

 The Rules *:

1.                  Each nominee must mention and link back the person who nominated them.

2.                 Answer the 11 questions given to you by the nominator.

3.                 List 11 random facts about yourself.

4.                 Nominate 11 blogs who have less than 300 followers for this award.

5.                 Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

6.                 Inform your nominees that you have nominated them.

7 Days to Skinny Jeans

The losing weight plans simply don't work for you? I just know that this is the case for me:  I begin my very personal schedule enthusiastically and after a few days I decide  that there's no point in struggling to be slimmer, that I'm not fat and I should be happy with how I look...  But then I feel so guily: if at some point I felt it was necessary to become a bit fitter, why not stick to the plan?!

Of course, everybody is happier when they exercise and respect a healthy eating schedule, but how does this work for us, the lazy and unmotivated?

12 Links I Love

Are you lacking inspiration? In desperate need of suggestions and honest advice? The Internet ocean is so deep and sometimes it's hard not to get drowned in the variety of content and articles... Here are some sites that I recently discovered, explored and decided to pass on: it's definitely a worthwhile activity!

A couple days ago I saw a few "Links That I Love" posts created by some of my favorite bloggers, and immediately fell for this idea. I had such an interesting experience discovering original and utterly amazing sites, that provide unique ideas and high-quality content! 

From astonishing blogs and sites that made my eyeballs happy, to music and news networks, or very unconventional topics, I read lots of wonderful articles and marvelled at unbelievable photographs. 

Spring Outfit of the Day

I did it!

After several attempts to create an Outfit of the Day post, I succeeded in taking a few hasty pictures of the items I wore today. I usually get up at 7 o'clock and until 7:45 I run against the clock; today was an exception, nonetheless, as we started at 10. So, I put togheter a quick outfit and took these snaps. I am still working on the folding techniques and I am having serious trouble in photographing myself actually wearing the outfit... However, I hope you can overlook these pretty little issues and wait until I figure out how to improve this kind of post...

Weekend & Cupcakes

These days I am so dazed&confused... It's mid March and I'm so undecided and unsure. School is pretty deserted for some reason, and the whole life seems to lead to an unknown path.
Yesterday. 

Would you rather Beauty Edition

I found this tag on Emma's Blog and loved so much reading it so I decided to do it as well. All the questions are beauty-related (miss obvious), fun and very easy to answer:)

What's on my desk?

MESSY OR NOT? 

    I figured it would be more interesting to keep things natural, and show the unaltered look of my desk. For some reason, as I sit and do things, I get so absorbed into my work that I don't even notice how the stuff floats around me. When I finally open my eyes and look around, though, I see that the situation went crazy and the desk is more cluttered than ever before.

    However, to be honest, this helps me at times, because I feel like I am bathing in all the things that I like. On the other hand, sometimes I get so stressed out and annoyed, that I have to quickly tidy up.

Party Nail Combo!

    Even though this nail kit was meant to be a wintery one, I decided to break the rules and paint my nails with these for tonight's party even though it's springtime fever. 

    Of course, I received this from Secret Santa... and it was probably one of the most inspired choices. I wore it at my birthday, but also at Christmas and New Year's. What I like most about it is that you can combine the 4 polishes in so many ways and give the impression of radical change, although you just applied some sparkle.

    So, what you need to know about this kit is that it's from Sephora's Nail Wand. I suppose it was a Christmas Edition or something. Moreover, these were really affordable even before sales.

    And the names are so cute: Red Berries Smoothie, Silver Glitter, Electroshot, Mirror Mirror.

      Here is the official description: Create dazzling, trendy looks with this set of three nail lacquers and one extra-glittery topcoat. Sport a subtle day look or add some shimmer for a glamorous evening look. The wand component makes it easy to take only the colors you want or click them all together for a collection that travels in a snap.

http://www.sephora.com/nail-wand-P376163

Now you can take a look at my Red Berries Smoothie mani; hopefully it will match my outfit :D

The magical spell of Moonrise Kingdom?!

Yes, I may be a late boomer, but it's just my way of showing how much I care for those of you who haven't seen this Marvelous flick! I've been waiting to watch this movie for a few long months, as I was always too busy or not in the required mood... So, I can  proudly tell you that I finally accomplished this task! 

Long story short?

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to haunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore; and the peaceful island community is turned upside down...

Imagine Life Without Mirrors?!

   "I didn't have to care what I look like because I didn't know what I look like. All the imperfection were «gone» because I just felt like I didn't have any. I felt like being me more."

    "I'm not convinced that we would become more confident without mirrors. If you think about it, mirrors can reassure someone that they look good. Without a mirror, we're always uneasy about how we look. We would be worrying about how we look more because we can't see it. Not to forget about traffic mirrors."

    "If there were no mirrors and we didn't care about our physical appearance, well, that would mean no need for makeup companies. There wouldn't need to be a modeling industry. Magazines targeting women to do almost anything to look different would be out of existence. "

Nail Art Ideas + Nail Polish Brands

     For me it's so hard to create and mentain fancy nail designs during school, as I have little time, or I'm too tired to care enough for the way they look...However, I can't help marvelling at amazing nail art and hoping that some day I'll be in the right disposition to draw complicated stuff. 

     Here are a few ideas for both quick and more requiring models, along with a list of best nail polish brands.

     Hope you enjoy the little gallery and get inspired!

My Own 101 Things to do Before You Die

       A 101-something list seems to be the quickest post for a busy Wednesday but it turned out to require a more elaborate brainstorming process... After skimming a few other lists I noticed how provoking would it be to create one of your own and try to accomplish all of the goals. Some of them are funny, some very striking and some really simple to do; but I feel that reviewing these points at times would really motivate and cheer me up :D

Bohemian Daydream

Just enjoy the ride.

The Happy-Meter.

- or "The diary of a self-conscious girl"

Before reading the article below take a minute and think about whether you're happy or not with yourself.

...

...

The answer may not come so easily, but you've definitely contoured a general impression. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn't just happen, it centres on the conscience of being happy.

A week ago I realised I was happy! 

Healthy Wednesday: Remedies for sleepless nights

    You've certainly had those frustrating nights when you felt like The Princess and the Pea... There was nothing that would have helped you fall asleep. But if these turn into habits, you are in desperate need of help. 

    Here are some simple tricks that will bring you back to a normal sleeping schedule and will allow you to return to your everyday activities.

Monday Morning

    I kind of like Monday mornings, to be honest...

Top 25 Films You Must See

I just took a look at my IMDb Watchlist and realised that some of those movies are an absolutely MUST! They are lifechanging and definitely worth seeing. So if you haven't seen  them, don't waste any more time. Skipping the boring introduction,  there you go:

1.    The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

 Crime | Drama | Thriller

The main reason I like this one is the incredible sensation of tension and mystery. A young F.B.I. cadet has to discuss with an incarcerated dangerous killer in order to get information about another serial killer, who made a habit of skinning his victims... 

The 90s atmosphere is superb, and the cast completes beautifully the amazing script. Anthony Hopkins is so credible in the role of doctor Hannibal Lecter, making an interesting contrast with apparently innocent Jodie Foster, who plays Clarice Starling.

     2.  American Beauty (1999)

 Drama

Although some people find it extreme and going in the wrong direction (at least that was my friend's reaction, don't judge her) , "American Beauty" has not only a dreamy, eye catching title, but also a disturbing story. Everything centres on Lester Burnham's depression, a mid-aged man who lives a personal crisis. Hence, he develops a weird obsession for his daughter's attractive friend, the thing that will bring about further consequences.

    3. The Breakfast Club (1985)

 Comedy | Drama

      Continuing with the 90s movies (even though this is 5 years earlier), I could not forget about Breakfast Club. It presents the very captivating adventures of 5 high school students who meet by chance in detention. Although the atmosphere at the beginning seems boring, static and so on, gradually you discover the interesting mixture of characters, so different but yet essentially similar. Detention is not a very appealing way of spending the weekend morning, but these teenagers break through the boundaries, making you laugh out loud. 

      Not to mention the unavoidable love stories, and Andrew Clark, for whom I had fallen...

            4. Blue Valentine (2010)

 Drama | Romance

      This modern couple was a thrill to me! Fascinating and heart-breaking, sweet and dark at the same time. So basically the movie follows the evolution of a young married couple, highlighting the causes and consequences of their actions. My favorite part is the beginning of their relationships, so authentic and intense. I have to confess, the end made me silently cry my heart out in the middle of the night...

    If the description wasn't convincing, you have to know that Ryan Gosling is the main character!

            5. Lolita (1962)

 Drama | Romance

     Kubrik's version of Nabokov's tale of a middle-aged professor's (James Mason as Prof. Humbert Humbert) self-destructive obsession with a young schoolgirl (Sue Lyon as Lolita). Making a film that dealt with underage sex was considered impossible in 1962 due to the strict censorship regulations, but Kubrik managed to get round this, with the aid of subtle wordplay and symbolism. A riveting transposition from page to screen, which will fascinate you due to the black and white color scheme, controversial topic, an surprising appearences!

6. Black Swan (2010)

Drama | Mystery |Thriller

A ballet dancer whose self-discovery is shown in an unusual, bewitching manner. The performances of Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and French Vincent Cassel are the recipe to success.

7.Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

 Drama | Romance 

The warm, bohemian and vivid atmosphere of the Spanish city, Barcelona. Summer holiday and a complicated love twist. Totally worth seeing.

8. Vertigo (1958)

Mystery | Romance | Thriller 

A retired San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her. Hitchcock is a genius!

9. Scent of a Woman (1992)

 Drama

A prep school student needing money agrees to "babysit" a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated. Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell are a bonus pack.

10.Strangers on  a Train (1951)

 Crime | Film-Noir | Thriller

Oh how I love this movie, one of my first immersions in the world of film-noir. Exactly the type of movie you'd like to see if you want something attractive, twisted, based on a very intelligent script.

11.Psycho (1960)

 Horror | Mystery | Thriller 

Nominated for numerous awards, "Psycho" is probably Hitchcock's best movie. The major  difference from the others consists of the horror side, which keeps you on the edge of your seat...

12.Hannibal (2001)

 Crime | Drama | Thriller

The movie following "The Silence of the Lambs". Hannibal returns to America and attempts to make contact with disgraced Agent Starling and survive a vengeful victim's plan.

13.Red Dragon (2002)

 Crime | Thriller

The 3rd film of Hannibal Lecter's series, when a retired FBI agent with psychological gifts is assigned to help track down "The Tooth Fairy", a mysterious serial killer;  everything, with Hannibal's help, of course.

14. Despicable me 1&2 (2010&2013)

 Animation | Comedy | Crime 

One of the best animations I could say! Despite my initial reticence, I fell in love with the minions, with funny Gru and the three little girls - the movies got me completely absorbed in the gripping plot.

15. Rear Window (1954)

 Mystery | Thriller

Starring  James Stewart and Grace Kelly, the movie could be nothing else but a total success. Although everything happens in an appartment room, it has a little bit of everything. A fine suspense story combined with romantic tension in the main plot,  numerous sub-plots, some humorous and some moving, all with many psychological overtones.

16. Requirem for a Dream (2000)

Drama

Drugs. They consume mind, body and soul. Once you're hooked, you're hooked. Four lives. Four addicts. Four failures. To my mind, the most striking part is Sara Goldfarb's transition, who becomes almost unconsciously caught up in the fatal trap.

17. American Psycho (2000)

 Crime | Drama

Patrick is a troubled guy. On the surface, he appears to be normal – he's a Wall Street broker with a secretary, an expensive apartment suite, his own limo and a fancy business card. But on the inside, he's a monster – complete with an insatiable blood lust and lack of empathy for fellow human beings.

The rest is mystery.

18. The Machinist (2004)

Drama | Thriller 

A man who hasn't slept in a year starts to question his own sanity, blurring the lines between reality and dream.

19. The Dreamers (2003)

 Drama | Romance

One of the most fascinating and bizarre distillation of the 60s mentality, with three bold, venturesome teenagers and a suitable background- beautiful Paris.

20. Shutter Island (2010)

 Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Shutter Island. A film that will leave many upset, and hating it. A movie that messes with you. And no one likes to be messed with. And that is exactly where it exceeds. Think I'm contradicting myself? 

21. The Shining (1980)

 Horror | Mystery

Ok, maybe I developed a strong liking for this kind of movies. But seriously, how could you resist the story of an isolated family during winter, in a hotel that proves to be haunted by evil and spiritual presences?

One of the creepiest parts about the movie is the feeling of isolation that Kubrick makes. The hotel is very silent, and the rooms are huge, yet always empty.

22.  It's a wonderful life (1946)

 Drama | Family | Fantasy

This film has become a Christmas tradition for me. I watch it every year and never tire of it. Frank Capra is a master of creating films with a message that reinforce strong values. This is probably his greatest film in that regard. Both he and Stewart have publicly stated that this is their favorite film.

23. The Book Thief (2013)

 Drama | War 

This is without a doubt one of the most riveting, thought-provoking, and utterly powerful movies for young people (or any people, for that matter), as it promotes such qualities as self-sacrifice, courage in the face of unspeakable difficulties, and using your life to make a difference for others.

24.  Tangled (2010)

 Animation | Comedy | Family

One of the few movies that I watched with my whole family. We were all charmed by dainty Pascal and the royal horse, but also compelled by Rapunzel and funny Flinn Ryder.

25. The Wold of Wall Street (2013)

Biography | Comedy | Crime

I postponed as much as I could seeing this, probably because of the 180 minutes that scared me. Surprisingly, the movie proved to be more than a plain, stupid comedy, as it containded a very large pallette of characters, events and turnarounds. Leo, you did well! 


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