• Cocktails & Tacos •

The end of the summer holidays means, at least for me, cramming in as many date nights, days out and Netflix as I can handle. 

So, naturally, I tend to turn to Cambridge for a good meal out. Cue, The Snug; a beautifully decorated, cosy, cocktail bar/restaurant where we drank and ate the night away one Thursday evening.

To start, I had the Black Bean Tacos whilst Josh had the Mozzarella Chunks - both amazing, but I would totally have the Tacos again. I've honestly been banging on about these Tacos for a week and I've even gone to the effort of finding a similar recipe and buying the ingredients ready to make one night next week - and anyone that knows me knows that, although I'm a massive foodie, my dinners normally consist of tapas (a bit of this, a bit of that) so to go to the effort of making a meal I've had whilst out for dinner... that's somewhat unheard of. I'd even have this starter as a main, and I might if ask if they can do that for me next time.

I then had the Roast Veg and Halloumi burger which was divine. Packed full of fillings, it was so satisfying and, for someone who loves halloumi, I was impressed with how much there was. The slaw and chips were good too (I swapped normal chips for sweet potato fries - I'd definitely recommend doing this, they were delicious). Josh had bourbon-battered fish and handcut chips which were also amazing - which I can vouch for, since there's rarely a meal where I don't steal some of his food... #sorrynotsorry.

We were full to the brim after this so we didn't grab any dessert, although they looked gorgeous (I would've gone for the Oreo Sundae - I saw someone else have it and it looked like biscuit heaven). We did, however, have room for some drinks and the cocktails looked just too good to miss. I love the artwork and the way they were presented on the menu, alongside the variety available - anything from an ice cream cocktail to a Vesper martini!

 

From the extensive range of colourful cocktails (I don't even drink, but I was loving life with a Singapore Sling), delicious food and homely feel, I will definitely be recommending (and re-visiting) The Snug again.

Have you ever visited The Snug before?

Are there any other restaurants in Cambridge you'd recommend?

Daniela xo

*I was invited to this restaurant for a review but I will always be 100% honest on my blog... after all, food's kind of a big deal and I'd only want you to have the best of it!

• Date Night at Jamie's Pizzeria •

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love food. 

Being Italian, I've grown up around food, particularly pizza and pasta. So when I was invited to review Jamie's Pizzeria in Cambridge, I had high hopes and high expectations. And I got exactly what I hoped for.

Attention to detail is key in every good restaurant. Everything from the ambience, to the attentive staff, to the selection of vegetarian pizzas on the menu (win), I knew my review was going to be a good one. We rocked up to the beautiful restaurant at 5.30 on a Sunday evening and we were immediately impressed by the classic Jamie Oliver, rustic and cosy decor. We were served by an accommodating (I had so many extra toppings) and lovely waitress who looked after us for the evening and she knew lots about the pizzas and also the wine.

We started with garlic bread and ricotta with lemon. Well, let's just say they don't do things by halves... this is my kind of portion. This starter was gorgeous and carby and basically everything you'd ever want for a pizzeria. Heavenly!

Our pizza's came and they were delicious. I had the Fungi Misti and Josh had the Chilli Freak (of course he did). We both added an egg, anchovies, olives and some chilli oil and the thin base, amazing tomato sauce and the right amount of mozzarella (loads) was perfect.

Of course though, naturally, we had to share a dessert. We went for the Epic Chocolate Brownie with salted caramel ice cream, which we had to share due to the humungous pizza's we'd just devoured. It was incredible. I'm a massive sucker for a brownie at the best of times, but when it comes with my favourite ice cream, I'm there.

Truly, a gorgeous evening. Lots of food, wine and chat in one of my favourite cities - my favourite being Rome, but the pizza's were so good and the weather was so warm that you could almost close your eyes and you were there!

If you're around Cambridge and have a pizza-craving, I'd definitely recommend Jamie's. The pricing is spot on and they are as close to classic Italian pizzas as you can get - a nice thin base, simple yet delicious sauce and an uneven shape.

Have you been to Jamie's Pizzeria yet?
Where's your favourite place in Cambridge to grab a bite?
Leave a comment below with your recommendations - we love exploring new restaurants!
Daniela xo

• Why I've stopped eating meat •

I grew up eating chicken in breadcrumbs, spaghetti bolognese, salami, prosciutto, chicken livers, steaks, all of the cold meats on the deli counter; I'd have laughed if you'd have said I'd quit eating meat at the age of 23.

Which is why, looking back, I find it crazy to think I'd never bothered to look into how the chorizo in my pasta was made, what was in it, the process it took to get it from animal to shop. And that's ignorant. Totally, ridiculously ignorant. And another confession is; I never really cared. Now I can already see how that makes me sound extremely heartless, but my opinion was always that animals were there to be bred and killed for our food. That thought now makes me a little sick to my stomach.

1. Animals.

A few years ago, my boyfriend showed me a video on YouTube on how cows were kept and killed for meat. I was shocked at how disgusting the living conditions were and even more shocked at how us, as consumers, are not made totally aware of this. I continued to eat meat but it was always at the back of my mind, and I started to enjoy meat less and less. I then researched into factory farming and slaughter houses, and both left a bad taste in my mouth. I do recognise that some farms rear and kill their animals ethically, but after reading and watching so much online, I couldn't unsee the things I saw and this, added to the other reasons I am about to list, resulted in me giving up meat.

2. Health.

This later led to watching Cowspiracy, a documentary detailing the meat industry and the effects it has on our health and the environment. Now this documentary struck a chord, and I found myself googling research on how the meat is produced and basically, what happens when it is inside of us. I started picturing a dead animal inside of me, and imagined an animal carcass rotting in my belly, waiting to be digested. Not something you want to think about when you're browsing the meat aisles in a supermarket. It also worries me that animals are pumped with antibiotics and all sorts of rubbish that, quite frankly, I'd rather not put in my body.

I also read an article which detailed detriments to health caused by meat and later I googled research stating that red meat probably causes cancer and there is evidence supporting a strong carcinogenic effect (World Health Organisation, 2015). If that wasn't enough to make me stop eating meat, nothing was. Aside from this all, after I stopped eating meat I felt so much better; I have from mild IBS which is spurred on by bad eating habits and stress, and I can honestly say that since not eating meat (for 6 months) I have had no belly cramps, bloating or unusual digestion problems. My meals now also feel lighter and less heavy, making me feel sufficiently full instead of 'food coma' full. *I must add here that I do eat fish, but sustainably sourced fish, and if you'd like me to write post about why, then please let me know.

3. Environment.

Delving deeper into the effect meat has on the population has shown a different side to things that many people I've spoken to do not know about; the effect that the greenhouse gas emissions has and the devastating fact that our beautiful rainforests are being used for animals to graze on, to then be killed... for our enjoyment. What on earth?! This makes no sense to me! We are supposedly making an effort to somehow restore the damage we have done to our environment, yet we still eat meat. I had to give it up when I learned this.

Something has stuck with me ever since I heard it; we could reduce our carbon footprint not by driving our cars less, but by stopping eating red meat. Imagine that! We are told over and over that we are killing the environment by the pollution given off from our cars, but experts say that this is not true - it's cattle rearing that is causing the most pollution. The Guardian posted this article which links to studies (and it's all formatted much better than I could have done in this post!) along with quotes from experts, so I'd recommend giving that a read.

4. Resources.

There are unfortunately so many hungry, thirsty people in this world, yet we use many of our resources to rear animals. Lets take water for example: water is needed to grow the crops for the animals to eat, it is used to clean the factories and farms, and it is also needed for the cows to drink. Cows can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day alone. It takes a staggering 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef - just one pound - when that water could be better used elsewhere. There are people in this world who are desperate for clean water, and we use it to rear a cow that will then be eaten by us... that seems incredibly strange to me. There is tons of research online on the resources needed to raise animals, but Peta is a start.

There are more reasons as to why I no longer eat meat, but I didn't want to ramble, and these are the four main ones. I read recently that as you grow up, you change and you grow mentally and spiritually an incredible amount, and that is so true. Compared to my 18 year old self, my political views have changed, my views on animal welfare have changed, I'm questioning things more and more. No matter what age you are, it's good to learn and it's good to base your opinions on real research and evidence. If there is one thing I'd love you to take from this post, it's just that: to do your research. Even if you go away now and have a beef burger, that's absolutely fine - hey, enjoy it - just do your research first. So often in life, we are told this and that, and we are just expected to believe it. That was me 5 years ago. But now, probably following lead from my boyfriend who is constantly reading and watching documentaries, I'm questioning everything. And that's healthy.

Please note, I'm always telling people to not believe everything they read, so if possible, please research evidence conducted by scientists and reputable organisations. This is a quick post telling you my personal reasons for giving up meat. If you are 16 or under, I would advise discussing things with your parents and conducting even more research into where your food comes from - don't take this post as gospel, as these are just my reasons and I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do.

Wow, it feels good to actually write a blog post again!

I hope you enjoyed reading this. I'd love to hear your views on this and

what you think of giving up meat. Leave a comment down below or email me :)

Daniela xo

*photo source

• How I Stay Calm in Anxiety-Inducing Situations •

After a few years of dealing with anxiety (which I'm sure most people have at least some point in their lives), I've worked out ways to 

cope in anxiety-inducing situations.

These tips have helped me, and I'm not saying that they will be good for everyone, but I have recommended them to some of my friends with anxiety and they've said they they have helped. Coming from a psychology background (which is what I did my degree in), anxiety is definitely a 'mind over matter' situation - it's just about controlling your thoughts in a positive way, instead of letting them ruin experiences and opportunities. There is the common theme of distraction in these tips as I've found that's what has helped me, and others, the most. I wish that when I was in the thick of it, I was given practical tips; so here you go, I hope these help you as they did me. *I must say now that I am in no way an expert, these are just personal tips that have helped me. 

1. Focus on a material object

I've realised that if I look at something and focus really hard on it, such as it's colour, shape or it's uses, it takes my mind off the rising feeling of anxiety and gives me something else to concentrate on. I've done this so many times and there will always inevitably be some sort of object around you such as a book, a purse or even a gear stick! Really focus on the details until your anxiety reduces and you feel more calm.

2. Move a part of your body in a rhythmic, repetitive way

What I like to do is cross my legs and bob my right leg (the one that is on top of my left) up and down. This encourages me to focus on keeping a rhythm going in another part of my body and basically gives me something to do. It distracts me from what is really going on (a racing heartbeat, sweaty hands and finding it difficult to breath) and I've found that this works really well - I've been doing this for years; in lectures, at meals when I'm with unfamiliar people, even on the bus on the way to somewhere. I sometimes also rub my left thumb with my right thumb over and over and that helps to take my mind off things, too.

3. Remember - I'm okay

Panic is just our body's way of saying 'shit, I'm in danger here'. It dates back to years and years ago, where we would come across a threat (eg. a tiger) and would have to fight or flight. Some of us channel that adrenaline in a positive way, and some of us fear it. I, for one, fear it, therefore anxiety creeps up on me. I then have to keep telling myself, in mantra form, 'I'm okay, I'm fine, nothing is going to hurt me, I'm safe'. I've found that when I tell myself this, I start to relax and the anxiety dissipates.

4. Be mindful of your surroundings

It's amazing how much us anxiety-sufferers live in the mind. I've been told so many times by my boyfriend to try and not catastrophise and to realise what is really happening right now. And it's true. We forget to look around us and focus on the things around us so much because we are too busy imagining the worst possible thing that can happen to us. So my tip is to look around you, live in the moment and recognise that there is no danger. It might help to try and listen in on a conversation or to smell something familiar (eg. I have a 'This Works Stress Less Rollerball' which I sniff every time I'm anxious - I never travel without it).

5. Make sure someone you're with knows how you get in stressful situations

It's so important to talk to other people about your feelings, which is obvious I know, but even more so when dealing with anxiety. I can't tell you the amazing feeling of a weight being lifted off my shoulders when I started telling people about how I 'get' when in certain situations. The more people are aware, the less pent up anxiety there is, as I think to myself 'well, since they know how I get, there isn't the added anxiety of 'oh crap, they're going to wonder what's going on with me when I'm freaking out''. 

6. Look at the sky

This is a very personal one and may not work for everyone, but looking at the sky (where possible) really helps me as it makes me feel free. I can imagine myself as a very small being in a big world and that there are bigger problems than my current situation, and this really helps me so much. It's more a perspective thing and makes me realise that my current state is only temporary. I also just think the sky is pretty beautiful and I've associated it with feeling calm. That's actually another tip; find something that you associate with relaxation and try to ensure it's something you will always have at hand.

7. Remember past victories

I've overcome so many stressful situations that I would never have thought I'd be able to do! An example of this is that 4 years ago, me sitting in a cinema would have caused a ridiculous amount of anxiety, whereas now I don't even think about it. Now this is because I've practised these tips and also because I constantly remind myself that I have done this before and can therefore do it again. Remembering past victories and successes is so important at giving things another shot and being able to do them again.

8. Meditate

I found an amazing book a few years ago called 'The Little Book of Mindfulness' and it was the first book that ever gave me the idea and the confidence to practise meditation. It makes it seem so easy and also includes lots of other tips for staying calm. Meditation is extremely important for calming the mind. Sometimes we forget to take care of our mind as we're too busy with our lives - or even too busy exercising our bodies - but our wellbeing is equally, if not more, important. I was always so sceptical of meditating but I do it the night/morning before I know I have a stressful or anxiety-inducing situation coming up, and it really helps to clear the mind and focus on positive things. Many people don't realise that you can also meditate on a bus, on a bench, anywhere really (obviously not when driving etc!) but you don't need to be in your living room to do it. Meditation can also be from anywhere between 5 minutes to 5 hours (and more) - you just need to be willing to give it a go.

9. Try not to use the term 'panic attack'

One of the worst things I ever did was dub myself as having 'panic attacks'. The term itself is just bloody scary. The term 'panic' already makes my heart go, and the term 'attack' is completely irrelevant as there is nothing attacking you when you're feeling anxious! So putting those two words together was a match made in anxiety heaven as they induce so many negative feelings. Try to think of yourself as having an overreactive system - one that feels emotions strongly and reacts to them unwillingly, but a system that you can control.

10. Control your breathing

And finally, the most important tip (in my opinion) is to control your breathing. This means listening to your breathing, recognising that it is going too fast, slowing it down by taking long, deep breaths in and out, and recognising the slowing of your heartbeat and relaxation that then follows. It honestly feels amazing. Something so simple as this can virtually make my anxiety disappear within a few minutes. The reason we feel anxiety is because when we begin to panic, our heart rate speeds up as we feel as though we're in danger. This then makes us worry even more as we feel as though we are in danger due to our fast heart beat! It's a viscious circle that unfortunately only the anxiety sufferer can break - but what an incredible thought it is to think that we have the power to control this with a simple breathing technique.

Please let me know if any of these tips help you, or even if you have any tips of your own. If you'd prefer not to comment, then email me at dannidiraimo@gmail.com as I'd like to hear of your experiences.
As I said before, I'm no expert, but these tips do help me.

You're in control, your anxiety does not control you.

Daniela xo

• HELLO! •

HELLO...

(Anyone else just sing that to the tune of Adele's new song?... it can't have just been me)

So... my first blog post since June. JUNE! And to think that since 2013 I'd been writing, scheduling and photographing for blog posts at least twice a week. And now I'm sat here on a Sunday morning, casually painting my nails and feeling like I should just grab my laptop and write. Something I didn't often use to do. Let me explain.

I've had lots of emails from people who are subscribed to my blog asking me where I've been - and to those of you that have emailed me, thank you so much, thank you for taking the time to email me, thank you for wondering how I am and how teaching is going, and thank you for the two of you who emailed asking me for liquid lipstick recommendations! To know that I'm in some of your thoughts and to know that you still search for danielascribbles.co.uk really does mean the world to me, and is one of the reasons I'm writing this post.

Basically, back when I started this blog, I started it as a random way to express my thoughts and interests. I was in a weird place. I was at the start of a university course and finding things extremely tough, and to be honest, I wanted an outlet and a way to forget about work and studying. I've always absolutely loved make up and have been fascinated at how one day I can decide to look completely natural, and other days I can go out with an orange lip and and a smokey eye - and in both instances, feel completely comfortable. Then things started to get crazy. 

I gained followers (again, thank you - I love you!) and brands started to notice me, I was being sent products and, should I so wish, I would write about them. I would set up my camera and photograph really early on a Saturday morning to catch the natural light (before I bought my soft box) and I would spend my Sunday afternoon writing at least two blog posts for the week. I bloody loved it. But, as with many things I do, I put so much pressure on myself. If I didn't reply to comments, or chat in the weekly #bbloggers chat on Twitter, or reply to a PR email, I would stress out. Now I should mention that this was happening right at the beginning of starting my career as a teacher. I obviously had to work very hard for my job and I also felt like I didn't want to fail my blog. Something had to give.

One morning I woke up late on a Saturday by accident (I'd missed my alarm) and I ran out of bed to go and grab my camera and tripod. I was so stressed about taking photos before the light went down that I ended up dropping my camera and falling over my tripod. I managed to miss the light (which annoyed me even more) and was in a bad mood for the rest of the day. Now, I know that compared to most bloggers, my blog was very small with around 1300 followers so there would be no need to stress, but to me, I'd still want my photography to be perfect even if I had just 1 follower. I honestly was so annoyed with myself that the next morning I woke up at about 6am on a SUNDAY just to get all of my photos taken in time for Monday's post! That's when I decided I needed to stop blogging for a little bit.

I think I've realised the direction I want to take my blog in. Now that I'm 'back' (I sound like a boyband that's had a few years off...) I have some ideas for blog posts planned. I want to take my blog in any direction that I see fit. If I want to write about an eyeshadow palette, I will. If I want to talk about teaching, I will. If I want to show my Yoga routine, I will. I won't, however, feel pressured and stressed like I did back at the beginning of 2015, because that wasn't healthy. I won't be buying make up for the sake of it just so I can post a haul and review lots of new stuff - I still buy make up, of course I do, but not at the alarming rate that I was buying it in 2014. I realised one month that I spent £240 on make up. £240!!! Now that I'm saving for a house and some travelling next year, I understand how far £240 can go.

I love writing, I really do. I keep a journal on my bedside table and I write in it when I'm stressed or had a bad day, and I also write what I'm grateful for. I do this maybe a few nights a week. And it feels good! It makes me feel like I did when I first started my blog - free, and creative, and a way to express myself. And that's where I want to get back to.

So I've written this post in 20 minutes with a cup of tea and a Wispa. It hasn't taken me hours on end fiddling with lighting, F stop, witty comments. I've just written from the heart with no edits, no nothing. And I feel perfectly happy to put this up.

I want to again say a huge thank you to those of you that still read this blog and have emailed me. It genuinely makes me so so happy to log into my emails and see that some of you are still commenting on posts that I wrote in 2013! I'm also extremely grateful to those of you that have emailed me asking how I am, telling me how much you miss my posts, and that you've recreated my 'get ready with me's'. That brightens up my day no end (and I always chew my boyfriends ear off about how lovely you all are!!)

Posts won't be scheduled like they used to be and they may not always have a specific theme (eg. beauty and fashion) but I really hope you enjoy them nonetheless. I've changed so much since I started this blog and I want that to also come across in my blog. We're changing all of the time, growing into different people and forming new opinions, and I have so much more to talk about now than I did a few years ago. I personally cannot wait to get back into blogging - but I'll be doing it in a much more relaxed way this time.

Daniela xo

• Life Rants & Raves •

I guess you could say I'm quite an extreme type of person...

In the sense that I either really love something or really hate it. It's not often that I'll go 'meh' to something as I have very strong opinions on things that I like - and things that I don't like. Which brings me onto this new 'series' that I feel like doing. This is how it'll go; I'll basically rant about things that I'm not loving then I'll rave about things that I'm obsessed with. Simples. I'm not sure how often I'll post my rants & raves, all I know is that I'm already planning a beauty rants & raves for a few weeks time - watch this space.

Rant #1 is the price of healthy food. I picked up Deliciously Ella a few months ago and I've been post-it-noting recipes that have caught my eye, then when I've gone to order the food online, I've realised how ridiculously expensive the ingredients are. Quinoa, cacao powder, medjool dates are a few of the things I have to pick up at Holland and Barrett - and if you've ever shopped at H&B, you'll know how hard it is to walk out without spending £60+. I have been buying the ingredients as I'm really determined to eat healthier and try out some plant-based recipes, it's just annoying that you can spend the same amount of money on a small jar of almond butter as a whole pizza from the frozen section of Tesco.

Rant #2 is people trying to tell you what's fun and what isn't fun. I was recently told by a friend of mine that I should go travelling at my age instead of buying a house. I was later told by a different friend that I should go out drinking and clubbing instead of snuggling on down to some Nexflix with a tub of Ben and Jerrys. Basically; wtf?! If I enjoy going home decor shopping or catching up with Pretty Little Liars, I should damn well be able to. Just because I don't drink alcohol or have a need to visit every country at this point in my life, doesn't mean I'm not as fun as everyone else - (in my opinion, anyway). I have really strong opinions about this one - can you tell? - because I've been made to feel 'different' in the past about my past-times and hobbies. If I'm happy doing what I'm doing, then I shall just carry on.

Rant #3 is (and please don't kill me for saying this) - The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. It's the slowest and most boring book I think I've ever read, and it kills me to say that because it was so hyped up and the reviews were so good; I had really high hopes for this. After talking to a few of my book-fanatic friends, they were equally as disappointed as I am. The book just goes nowhere. I'm about 75% in and nothing much has really happened, but I always have to finish a book, no matter how bad it is. I'm just trying to speed read it now so I can make a start on Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

Rave #1 is definitely the looming summer holidays! I cannot believe how quickly this school year has gone and that we're nearly in July. I've got some really exciting trips planned in summer so I'm getting myself ready for those (including one too many trips to Primark - a girl can never have enough pairs of brown sandals)! All that's left for me is five and a half weeks left of teaching then it's lazy trips to the market and dinner in the garden for a few months!

Rave #2 obviously has to be Game of Thrones. Obsessed isn't even the word. I have to mentally prepare myself for every episode and make sure I have all of my snacks around me so I don't have to get up for the whole hour. This season, along with the others, has been incredible and I'm loving Monday evenings now! There are so many twists and turns and I'm loving the fact that no-one is safe - as soon as I start to think I know what's going to happen, someone gets killed off or captured. Amazing!

Rave #3 is my hamster, Brody. I can't even tell you how cute my hamster is. I love little furries in general as I have two gorgeous bunnies, and Brody is such an affectionate little thing. He will walk up to the entrance of his cage when we walk into the room and will just wait to be picked up. He's also in the habit of eating his dinner out of the palm of my hand; too cute!

Rave #4 is Canada. I miss Canada so much; I went in December/January and absolutely loved it. The people, the food, the scenery, the fact that there are one million things to do at any time of the day; all of it. Photographed above is my boyfriend and I at Niagara Falls and it's one of my favourite photos of all time. I can't wait to get back to Canada and we'll hopefully be making another trip there next year.

What are your lifestyle rants & raves?

Daniela xo 

• Sisterhood of the World Tag •

When the beautiful Faye from I Wish I Could Wink tagged me to do the Sisterhood of the World Tag, I was instantly excited as I for one love nosing on people's blogs and finding out about them, so I was looking forward to sharing some (hopefully interesting) things about me!

1. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Sorry to curse but 'f*ck it' from none other than my wonderful grandmother! She always tells me that the world won't end and life will still go on even if something doesn't go the way it should, and it's taken me a while to realise this but she's right. This little pearl of wisdom is definitely something I now try to live by because, as I'm a natural control-freak, I need to remember to chill.

2. What's the most played song on your iPod?

Hello chiche! But my most played song is Ed Sheeran 'Thinking out Loud'. My second most played is Years and Years 'King' - still loving this song.

3. Which beauty product makes you feel the most confident?

Probably my base, however I wouldn't say that I wear make up for confidence; I wear it because I enjoy applying it and feel put together throughout the day.

4. Kanye West - genius or douchebag?

Neither. The word 'twat' would suffice.

5. What's the first blog you started reading?

Suzie's blog from Hello October and I remember where I was when I started reading it - at the library when I should have been revising for exams in my second year of university! I typed 'October' into Google for some reason and then it came up with Suzie's blog... safe to say I spent the rest of the afternoon reading all of her recent posts and then found her youtube channel.

6. If you woke up and you were Beyonce how would you spend your day?

Probably in front of a mirror twerking! That woman, that booty... she is the Queen of life. Oh and I'd also walk down the street in my tiny little Cambridgeshire town just to see people's reactions! Then go to hospitals to see my fans and make their day. [I think I'm getting a little too into this fantasy...]

7. Who makes you laugh the most?

I'd have to say my boyfriend. He is genuinely the funniest person I've ever met and makes me laugh daily. He's the wittiest person, on the brink of being massively sarcastic, but hilarious at the same time.

8. Which book could you read over and over again?

Oh God, so many books! The book I've read about 15 times is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. It's about a little girl during the war and is written so eerily beautifully that I recommend it to everyone. This is also a little sad but I have a perfect copy which stays on my bookshelf and a semi-tatty copy which is reserved only for letting people borrow it. Is that weird? It's probably weird. But I actually have a list of people wanting to borrow it, it's so good!

9. What's on your phone background?

Some pretty lilac tulips, taken from my instagram!

10. Do you think blogging is becoming too commercialised?

[I've written and deleted the answer to this question 3 or 4 times now] I genuinely cannot answer this question. My opinion on this changes almost weekly and sometimes I find myself getting annoyed at the sponsored and quite obvious 'Ad' content, but then I have to remind myself that these big bloggers and vloggers need to make a living, too. I believe that all reviews should be honest no matter how much you are being paid because ultimately you're providing your opinion on something that readers are unsure of, so you shouldn't write crap and let them waste their money.

Woah, that got a little deep there didn't it! Thank you Faye for tagging me - I do love a good tag!

I tag:
Tiffany - Hello Pineapple Juice
Jasmine - Magpie Jasmine
Ellis - Ellis Tuesday
Estelle - Let Me Go xo
Aashfaria - Aash's Little Talks

My questions are:

1. One piece of advice you'd give to new bloggers
2. Where in the world would you like to visit most and why?
3. Three of your favourite blogs and why.
4. Which social media platform is your favourite and why?
5. Five people you'd invite to a dinner party, dead or alive.
6. Which three products would you take on a desert island?
7. Best instagram editing app?
8. What do you enjoy the most about blogging?
9. Full on face or natural beauty?
10. Would you ever be a full-time blogger?

Obviously anyone can do the tag - I'd love to read your answers! :)

Daniela xo

• Free Advertising on Daniela Scribbles •

I thought it was time I offered an advertising space for 
new bloggers on Daniela Scribbles.

When I first started my blog in 2013, I paid to be advertised on a beauty blog and it helped tremendously to get my blog noticed and recognised. I then started to gain followers as they liked what they saw, but I don't think they would have found me if I hadn't been advertised.

So I know how hard it is to get your blog 'out there', and I thought it might be quite nice to offer a free advertising space for 5 bloggers every month. Parting with hard earned cash over something that starts as just a hobby can feel counter-intuitive, so I'm not asking for any money - just a blog header, a short paragraph about your blog and all social media links, so that at the beginning of each month I can write a post with all of your information.

Please let me know if you'd be interested in this; I'm a big believer in helping other bloggers as I was in the position where I was the only one writing and reading my posts for a while - and there's nothing wrong with that (you do you!) - but it's equally as lovely for other people to enjoy and appreciate your work.

Email me on dannidiraimo@gmail.com with your details

and we can go from there :)

Daniela xo

• 5 Blogs You Should Be Reading •

I'm a big believer in supporting each other as bloggers, so I thought I'd share with you my top 5 favourite blogs, the ones I spend hours reading and the ones I always go back to.

Everything from the layout to the photos makes me swoon over this blog. Lauren has created a real gem with Cautivar and I'm so happy I found her blog not long ago, as I've spent many an afternoon reading through her most recent and her older posts. Cautivar is professional-looking, easy to navigate and just reminds me of a real up-market online magazine. I really love this blog and I love the motto just as much - 'become the best version of yourself'.

Tiffany has been blogging since 2008 and not only was she friends with the likes of Zoella (!!!) she's a well established blogger who I trust for product reviews wholeheartedly. Her writing style is friendly and casual, as if she's having a conversation with you, and I love her honesty when reviewing a product, particularly the ones that she doesn't recommend - she's saved me some monies since I've been reading her blog! Tiffany is beautiful inside and out, is an amazing make up artist and has real talent (of which I'm enviable). I'm excited for her to paint my face as I know she'll do a much better job than me; photographs to come!

For an all-rounder, I turn to Jasmine's blog. From tags to hauls to interview advice, everything you need is right here. I have to say that the post that made me fall totally in love with Magpie Jasmine is the 26 Easy Blog Post Photo Background and Prop Ideas post. It honestly gave me so much inspiration and made me realise how easy it can be to style photos! As with all of the other fantastic blogs I've mentioned, I love Jasmine's photos - this is a massive thing for me, as I'll instantly be turned off a blog if the photos are rubbish - and I love her swatch photos as they are true to colour.

As well as beautiful photography, a decent layout and navigation is so important to me, and Farzana has absolutely nailed this. The reason I click on post after post on Aspiring Londoner is because its just so easy! I read a post, see another post I like, and within a matter of minutes I've just read 6 posts in a row! Farzana is keen to help other bloggers - something else that's important to me - and I love her tips when it comes to SEO, something I was completely and utterly clueless of until I read her post.

Navigation, layout... am I a stuck record here? Sorry, but Charlotte has also nailed this and I can spend hours reading her posts, and often do. Every in May's design is absolutely gorgeous, really clean looking but still approachable and pretty. Charlotte's writing style is quite similar to mine, chatty and friendly, and I feel like she's just having a chat with one of her friends about beauty; there's something really inviting and underrated about that, as I love writing styles that aren't too formal - things are much more personal in my opinion. So if you want to talk beauty with a friend, head to Ever in May.

I hope you enjoyed this post and visit these wonderful blogs!

I'm always looking for new blogs to read so please leave your links down below.

Are there any other blogs you'd recommend?

Daniela xo

• On Fridays We Wear Pink... •

I'm not really a 'pink person', so when Elite99 contacted me
 to choose an item from their range, I decided to branch 
out from my comfort zone.

I went for the Casual Long Sleeve Bow Deer Print Sweatshirt*, a gorgeous fleecy jumper which honestly is probably the most comfortable item of clothing I currently own. Worn with jeans or leggings, it's been a bit of a life-saver for those 'its-sunny-now-but-likely-to-rain-in-a-few-minutes' kinds of days. It's so soft, feels lovely on the skin and most importantly, washes well - there's nothing worse than washing a piece of clothing to find it ruined! I love the little deer on the front and the fact that she has her own actual bow, and overall I'm really impressed with the quality of this item. What astounded me the most, though, was the price - £10.99! Cheaper than other high street brands, I feel like this is a real bargain. Sometimes more affordable items of clothing can feel cheap, but this piece honestly feel so lovely and performs just as well as my other more expensive clothing. I'm in love with this and will definitely be browsing the Elite99 website to see if I can nab myself any bargains!

Have you ever ordered anything from Elite99?

Daniela xo

• My life through a lens #4 •

1. miss you Tim Hortons;

2. blush swatching the Tarte Blush Palette;

3. the cutest snowman!;

4. february favourites.

5. a cheeky lil boots haul;

6. i've found a quote that sums up my life;

7. before & after shots of my new fave mascara;

8. just a little make up i bought in canada...

9. photographing my bath and body works candle post;

10. niagara falls with my man;

11. simple products for a simple saturday;

12. pink, sparkly and kate spade.

13. a healthy start to the day!;

14. we stayed in a shepherds hut;

15. these brushes are my life;

16. a little drink before boarding the plane!

A peak into what I've been instagramming lately

over on danielascribbs :)

Daniela xo

• Have we gone Social-Media-mad? •

I was inspired to write this post when, yesterday, I was out for lunch and a couple came and sat down next to us. 

They both whipped out their phones and went straight onto Facebook, as if this were normal. And they didn't put their phones away. I was confused; I thought, 'but this is wrong'. They literally sat there, phones in hand, for the duration of their meal. Not only did they seem rude to the waitress, whom they were ignoring, but the only words they uttered were 'we'll split the bill' at the end of the meal. And I can remember thinking, 'what the hell has happened to us?!'

Social media has taken over our lives. I'll be the first to put my hands up and admit that in 2014, I would snap a picture for instagram instead of just enjoying the moment; I would tweet every few hours to ensure my followers knew I was still there; I would check my Facebook to have a nosey at everyone else lives. It's sad, but true; we really have become obsessed with social media and we become stressed when we're not on it. Maybe it's the easy, instant access to the internet that has caused this? Maybe it's because cafes and restaurants now usually have free wifi? Which brings me to my next point - why do we need free wifi in a restaurant? I can understand a cafe; it's quite nice to sit there with a coffee and do work. But doesn't wifi in a restaurant make it easier for couples/friends to just sit there on their phones instead of actually conversing with one another?

In a world where technology is developing and it's becoming easier to instagram our dinners or tweet our blog links, I think we need to establish a line that should never be crossed. I'm still at a point where I say 'excuse me, I'm so sorry' when my phone rings and I'm eating with another person. I still feel embarrassed when I get a text mid-conversation and I automatically look down to catch a glimpse of it. In my Psychology degree, I learnt that the number one reason for the end of relationships, be that with a partner or friend, is the loss of manners. A simple please, a quick thank you, and the effort to have a conversation with someone is so important for us human beings. Yet, we turn to a piece of metal to make us feel appreciated.

I'm proposing black-out Sunday at our place, and that means no laptops, no phones, no technology, no nothing, all day long (except to set our alarms for the next day - that's a necessity). I want to see if we can actually do it. I don't ever want to turn into that person that makes people feel awkward because a phone is always in their hand - I used to have a friend that did this, and it still makes me cringe now. I want to continue to be a good conversationalist, and never lose touch of what that really means.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this; please leave them in a comment.

Do you agree with me? Or disagree?

Daniela xo

• Huge Bath and Body Works Haul •

So things got a little crazy on the candle front...

When you spend a few years watching YouTube and reading blogs, I think it's safe to say that you begin to get a little bit obsessed with Bath and Body Works. Particularly their candles. Particularly when they are unavailable in the UK. So I made my way there not one, not two, but six times. Yes, I was on a mission to go to as many BABW as I could whilst on holiday in Canada. I picked up nine candles and three hand soaps; they should satisfy my craving until my next trip to Canada (which will be soon, I hope). I also bought a ridiculous amount of make up and skincare whilst out there - seriously, my suitcase was bulging - so there will be a post full of Sephora and Target goodness coming your way very soon!

Papaya Sunrise - Hot Buttered Rum

Fireside - Japanese Cherry Blossom

Ocean Driftwood - Endless Weekend

Heirloom Pumpkin - Warm Caramel Cider

Kitchen Lemon Hand Soap - Perfect Beach Day Foaming Hand Soap - Pacific Cool Breeze Foaming Hand Soap

If you live in Canada or the States, or if you're planning on a trip there soon, I'm not sure if all of these products will still be in the stores as they may just be Christmas products, but if they are around, I really recommend you smell them. My favourites are Ocean Driftwood (smells just like Abercrombie and Fitch) and Hot Buttered Rum (says it all).

Has BABW stolen your heart, as it has mine?

What are your favourite scents?

Don't forget to...

ENTER MY URBAN DECAY GIVEAWAY HERE!

Daniela xo

• 14 Reasons Why I Loved 2014 •

1. I qualified as a teacher and landed my dream job;

2. I made happy memories with happy people in lots of restaurants;

3. I moved into my own lovely little place with my boyfriend;

4. I finally made it to Sephora (it's been my dream for years);

5. I had a big hair chop and spontaneously went for ombre/balayage;

6. My blog reached 750 followers!;

7. I became a hamster owner;

8. I reconnected with some of my friends from years ago;

9. I bought my first DSLR (Canon 600D) and have been challenging myself with the manual setting;

10. I ate 'all you can eat sushi' and pigged out massively;

11. I reached many personal goals by stepping/tiptoeing out of my comfort zone;

12. I stopped going on Facebook so much;

13.  I attended blogger events and met so many amazing people;

14. I went to Canada and the USA, and loved it!

I hope you've all had an amazing year!

I'm not one to preach but; every year we get older, every year we get wiser, we should be lucky that we're around to see the calendar year change, so we must make the most of it and think
'screw it; will this decision really affect my life in 10 years time?'

Happy new year!

Daniela xo
PS. ENTER MY URBAN DECAY GIVEAWAY HERE!