Happy New Year to you all!
Hope you have a fantastic night!
I wish you all the best for 2015
I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that follows me, has read my work, commented and liked my posts! Keep your eyes peeled for exciting things which are to be revealed in 2015!
Sophie Chekruga xox
Hey guys! I thought I would write an article on what my perfect living room would look like using Modani furniture with a few accessories from John Lewis. I love interior design, it is something that really interests me. I believe that furniture and accessories should be put together carefully exactly like an outfit! What’s so good about interior design is that there are so many different combinations of items from many stores! Many people decide on a particular theme of a room or a set colour scheme. I am really into vintage/chic style. I want the living room to be homey and cosy – somewhere where your friends and family can come relax with you and not feel worried they’ll dirty something! I am also a huge fan of additional accessories – I don’t want my living room to be bare, (I feel there is a difference between bare and basic) I am into rugs, magazines spread over the coffee table, ornaments and lamps – things like that!
Before I reveal to you my collage I want to tell you guys a bit about Modani as a company. They specialise in modern and contemporary furniture. High fashion and modern items can often be expensive but Modani make affordable and high quality items at the same time. These are the cutting-edge collections Modani has designed – Minimalist, Contemporary, Baroque, Indian, Eclectic and Zen – so keep a look out for those! Modani also has The Baroque Collection which is ‘a fuse between past and present’. This collection is full of rich fabrics and materials and represents the British boudoir glamour look! Their website and social media sites are listed below!
https://www.facebook.com/modanistore
@ModaniFurniture
Without further ado here is my collage!
Black Modani Leather Chair and Sofa
These are so classic. I love the metal frame – so simplistic yet stylish.
I believe that the sofa is the most crucial piece in the living room. Check out their modern sofas on the Modani website as they have some beautiful trendy sofas!
Beautiful Modani Pillows
As the sofas and chairs are dark I thought I would add some lighter pillows. I love having lots of pillows and cushions as I think it looks and is really cosy. I didn’t want any crazy patterns or writing because I wanted to keep simplistic.
Black Modani Lamp
I would invest in two or three of these and have them in between/next to the sofas and chairs on a mini coffee table. It goes well with the chairs and keeps with the overall theme.
Modani White Mirror
I saw this mirror and instantly loved it! I would have it on its side above the fireplace. What I love about this mirror is the vintage detail around the outside.
Modani Glass Coffee Table
I would have this in front of the sofa with a selection of magazines fanned out – fashion magazines such as Vogue and Interior Design Magazines. Also a bowl of fruit.
Modani Lamp Shade
What I absolutely love about this is the unique pretty pattern. This would be on all the living room main lights.
Modani Cosy Rug
I would put this near the chairs and sofas. Having a rug makes the room look so much warmer.
Silver Vase from Modani
I would put this in the window or little table next to the sofa (not the main coffee table). I would have Orchids or a bunch of colourful flowers from the local market in.
Other Accessories
Side Tables
This is from John Lewis = Greenapple Side Table £550.00
Artwork
John Lewis = Macneil Studio – Afternoon Stroll Framed Print, 73.5 x 113.5cm £150.00
WOOOO HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all my followers!
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, I hope you have an amazing day wherever you are, whatever you are doing and whoever you are with! Eat lots of gorgeous food, drink lots of mulled wine and enjoy spending time with those who mean the most!
Hope you enjoyed my festive posts leading up to Christmas.
Sophie Chekruga xox
Arghh Christmas is almost here! I’m super excited because tomorrow I’m going ice-skating and Christmas marketing in Liverpool (call me crazy I know it will be so so packed). Christmas markets are growing in popularity. Last year we went to the one in Manchester and it was amazing!
I’ really want to make a gingerbread house like the picture below!
Only kidding it will probably end up looking like this one…
I thought this post (apart from my gingerbread house excitement) could be an overview of 2014. 2014 on the whole has been such a great year for me. Here is what I have done…
– Went to Vienna!
– Went to Holi One festival!
– Turned 21!
– Visited Edinburgh
– Had a surprise weekend away to Liverpool
– Passed my driving test!
– Got a 2:1 for my second year of university
– Signed up for a skydive
– Did work experience at The Independent newspaper!
– Was asked to be a bridesmaid for one of my childhood friends
– Visited Carlisle
– My blog won an award and was nominated for two more!
– Went to see the production of WICKED!
– Lots of night outs/ meals out/ pub quizzes/ cinema times with friends
– I have a new found love for yoga (spinning not so much)
– Cooked a lot of new things
– Christmas lights switch on in London!
– Went to two zoos!
Things I Have Learnt
– Try new things – take up new hobbies. You never know you might enjoy them!
– Take risks – if you never ask you never get. Grasp all opportunities you can.
– Don’t give up. If you put your mind to something you really can achieve what you want.
– Work at things. Nothing worth having comes easy. If you try and put in the effort it will be worth it in the end.
– Have your own mind. People will try and tell you to go in different directions to what you feel in your gut, but stick with what you believe.
– People aren’t always what they seem. Not everyone is who you think they are. Surround yourself with only positive people and get rid of the negative ones – your life will be so much happier.
– You never know what your support means to someone. Just a text or small gesture can go so far. Let the people you love know you appreciate them.
– When you need people to help you they will be there. Family, true friends and your other half will always be there for you no matter what!
For today’s Blogmas I thought I would answer some questions about fashion and beauty so you guys would know a little more about me!
How did you get interested in fashion and beauty?
I have always had an interest in make up and fashion. When I was younger I used to flick through fashion magazines and experiment with make up. I remember experimenting with an eye liner that came free with a magazine when I was a lot younger – I had no idea what to do with it and ended up looking like a panda! Safe to say my mom told me to wash my face! When I started my blog it wasn’t with the intention of it being a fashion and beauty blog, it kind of happened as it developed!
What are your favourite make-up brands?
My favourite make up brands are MAC, Dior, Clinique, Rimmel, Maybelline and Barry M.
What are you favourite clothes shops?
I absolutely love Topshop, River Island, Urban Outfitters, Pink – from Victoria’s Secret – they do some amazing sportswear!
What are you into the most, if you HAD to choose one..Jewellery, Makeup, Shoes, Clothes?
Hmm I would choose clothes because I am definitely a clothes hoarder! I have 2 rails, a wardrobe and 2 sets of draws full! The problem is I haven’t grown since I was about 14 so I literally have 7 years worth of clothes just chilling in my room. I refuse to get rid of any because you never know when you might want to wear it again! Also my sister has an amazing wardrobe and we are exactly the same size so it’s like having two times the amount!
What is your worst shopping habit?
If I see something I love I really can’t part with it. Also I have a habit of going to the sales and not buying things from the sales but the full price clothes!
What is your best shopping tip?
Try everything on because what looks good on a hanger might not fit right. In some places I’m a 6 and in some I’m a 10. Also I like to take my time and not be rushed so I hate sales. I hate riffling through and being pushed about. I feel like at sales you end up buying things just because they are reduced. So my point is really think about if you would have bought the product if it wasn’t in the sale.
What are some of your best make up tips?
– Always always always take your make up off before bed.
– Cleanse, tone and moisturising goes a loooong way!
– Use moisturiser all over your body after you have had a bath or a shower (I also try and use bio-oil once a week instead of moisturiser).
– Wet an ear bud and use it to get off mascara smudges on your eyelid/ liquid eyeliner smudges instead of face wipes.
– Use two pairs of socks to apply fake tan instead of buying yourself a mit!
Where did you learn about fashion and beauty?
I read a lot of tips in magazines. If I don’t know how to apply something or how to do a certain style Youtube tutorials are the best! I also ask people – whenever I’m in MAC I ask their advice/how to apply things/what they would recommend. They are there to help you so if you are unsure always ask whether you are in boots, superdrug, body shop or MAC.
How would you describe your style?
My style varies. It’s quite unique in the fact that if I see something I love I’ll buy it. I’d say my style is quite ‘chique’ and feminine.
Do you have a signature scent?
Ever since I was 16 I have worn – Britney Spears ‘Fantasy’. It comes in a little pink bottle and comes with body lotion and shower gel. It is gorgeous. I think when you find a scent you really love you don’t want to bother trying more!
How do you take care of your hair?
I try use heat protection spray before I straighten/curl. I rarely curl or straighten it though. I also try let my hair dry naturally when I can. Soap and Glory do an amazing hair mask which replenishes your hair.
Prefer lip gloss or lipstick – and what brands?
Lipstick definitely! My favourite brand is definitely MAC. It might be a little bit more expensive but you don’t have to reapply it as much as a cheaper lipstick so when it comes down to it you spend the same amount really. The MAC lipsticks always smell beautiful as well!
What is your current fashion obsession?
I love jumpers! I have so many but at the moment there are some really gorgeous ones, especially at Next. Also jackets – I have seen a gorgeous khaki bomber jacket in Topshop!
What is your current makeup obsession?
Contouring. Using concealer and eye shadows to shape your face!
Hey Guys! Today is going to be a random diary-type blogmas! Basically I have had such a lazy weekend. My family and I had a movie marathon in my new Christmas jumper watching Harry Potter, Home Alone 1 AND 2, a few chick flicks then I went to the cinema to see the new Hunger Games film! I have wanted to see this film for absolutely aaaaages!
The film was really good. You definitely have to see the previous two though/read the books to understand what is going on because this one is basically picking up straight where the last one finished. It is a tad depressing buuuut that’s part of the whole dystopian story line. I really enjoyed it though. The last film is split into two parts (like Harry Potter and Twilight) so the last last one is probably coming out next year. If any of you guys have seen the part one, feel free to comment below and let me know what you thought of it!
I also had lots of lovely food! I went to this gorgeous restaurant where one of my really good friends works and had the best calamari. For anyone who doesn’t really know what calamari is it’s basically squid (calamari is the Italian name for it). Kind of like an onion ring or scampi where it’s coated with the meat inside. You usually have it with a dip and lemon. It was so yummy!
Wow day 20 already with Christmas not far away! My sister and I went shopping the other day and we had a good shop, goss and a flavoured winter coffee from Costa! When we were shopping I noticed some gorgeous clothes and shoes so I thought I would blog about them (and pray that they will be in the boxing day sales!).
High Necked Jumpers
My sister has bought me a high necked black crop top for Christmas and I love them! They go great with skirts and high waisted jeans! This is from River Island.
Beautiful Dresses
Perfect for Christmas Work Dos or Christmas Day! This dress is from River Island.
Chunky Heeled Boots
My pair from Topshop are still going strong! They are so comfy and are sold pretty much anywhere at the moment!
Khaki Bomber Jackets
This one from Topshop is on my wish list at the moment!
Ankle Ugg Boots
These are the cosiest things ever!
Bardot Tops
This one is from River Island – retro glam!
On My Wish List
This beautiful fedora hat from River Island.
This gorgeous faux leather top from Kardashian Kollection at Lipsy
So on Blogmas Day 13 I did a Youtube video tutorial on how to do a top knot bun without using a donut (link below). I thought I would also do a written tutorial 🙂
What you will need
– One bobble / hair tie
– clips / curvy grips / bobby pins (about 7)
– brush / comb/ back combing brush
– hair spray / moose (I often find the cheaper brands work better – I use Morrison’s own)
Let’s Get Started!
1) Scrape your hair into a pony tail on the top of your head (not too far forward because this is where the bun will be). Use either your fingers (for a messy casual look like mine) or with a brush (if you are going for a neat look).
2) Lightly back comb the pony tail (brush the opposite way) to give your hair a bit more texture.
3) Part your hair where you want your bun to be (find the middle in your hair).
4) Grab a section of your hair – at the front is best so you can work your way around.
5) Back comb that.
6) Then take the section by the end and roll it until you have a loop.
7) Secure that with a bobby pin (or two if it needs it).
8) Work your way around your hair. It doesn’t matter if there are any gaps / lumps or bumps.
9) Once you are done – any bits that hang down just take extra bobby pins and clip them.
10) I usually run my fingers through the front of my hair to get hair loose so it falls around my face.
11) Spray or moose so it stays in place for longer.
Any questions just drop me a comment and I will answer them for you! If you want to see this being done I have posted a link to my video above! xo
This post was inspired by the famous blogger Zoella. Her and her boyfriend Alfie did a Youtube video on how to bake quick easy Christmas snacks and I have tried to recreate one of the snacks myself!
Melted snowmen biscuits and cake!
All you will need are-
-Marshmallows
– biscuits/cake (I cheated and bought mine!)
– icing sugar (+ a jug of hot water)
– writing icing
How to…
1) Mix the icing sugar – pour the icing sugar into a bowl and gradually pour in your warm water. Mix until you have no lumps. Do not put too much water in or it will go really runny.
2) With a spoon put the icing (which should now be liquid) on top of your biscuits/cake.
3) Pop a marshmallow to the side of the icing.
4) Draw on the icing (after letting it dry for a few minutes). Draw the buttons, arms and face.
5) Taaaa Daaaa it’s finished (now eat them ha ha!).
Hey guys today I’m going to be sharing with you my skin care routine for winter. Winter is a season where you are more prone to dry skin and chapped lips so I’ll be giving you some tips on how to avoid that!
For Lips
I always try to keep some chap stick or lip balm on me. The best one I have ever come across is Vaseline. Vaseline is super cheap and you can buy it in all good cosmetic stores. Also Blistex is amazing for chapped lips!
For Skin
Face Wash
Cleanser
Toner – when you apply the toner make sure to use soft pads. Getting the cheapest at Tescos might save you money but can be rough on your skin.
I would continue cleanse, tone and moisturising. However maybe switch to a lighter cleanser if your skin is dry or chapped because you don’t want to strip your skin of natural protection. The products I use are all ‘Simple’. I try and use a Simple face wash as well.
For Hands
Your hands are prone to getting dry and chapped. The best hand cream I have come across is Soap and Glory Hand Food (which also smells lush) or Nivea.
For Your Body
After you have had a bath or shower or if your skin is feeling dry in general, you should moisturise to make it all soft! My favourites to use are the Elle MacPherson body butter or Super Drug’s Mango and Papaya scrub which is cheap and smells gorgeous!
Sophie Chekruga 