Tanya Burr Nails!

About a month ago you may know if you have read earlier blog my boyfriend and I celebrated our 3 years of being together! For this he took me out for dinner but also surprised me with a little present! This was 2 of the Tanya Burr Nail Varnishes!

I have followed Tanya's blog and YouTube channels for nearly a year now and I think she is just great and was so happy for her releasing her own nail and lip line earlier this year! So obviously I really wanted some and was really shocked Sam brought me two nail varnishes, just shows he actually listens to me.

The packaging for the nail varnishes is great they are square bottles with square lids but are slightly rounded! I thought this was a brilliant design and they are so nice to hold while painting my nails! They are all marked with Tanya signature design on the front and one of mine has a pink heart on the lid too. However I am unsure why only one has a heart? If any one know would be great to find out!

Little Duck + No7's Silver Glitter Top Coat

The actual nail varnishes go one very smooth which is great as I can often find them gloopy or lumpy! They are highly pigmented however I did find 2 coats was needed to get the full bright colour on your nail! They didn't stay completely chip free on my nails however I do a lot of writing and science practicals so my nails never stay perfect!

Mischief Managed

Overall I think Tanya has made a great line of nail varnishes and I would love to try more of them as well as some of her highly recommended lip glosses too! I would say don't hold back go and get some (you wont regret it!) you can so by ordering them offline at feelunique.com or go in to a Superdrug store where they will be stocking the whole range!

If you enjoyed reading this blog post or any others I've done, be sure to come and follow me on my Bloglovin' page so you never miss out! 

Katie xxx

The Twin Tag!!

Hi Guys, so as you may or may not know I am an identical twin to my sister Emily! Today we decided that today we would do the "Twin Tag"! This is where we will answer questions on about being a twin and the things we got up to! 

Emily (left) and Me (right) Aged, 3

So here we go...

1) Whats the "twin-iest" things you guys have ever done?
I know this may sound a tad geeky, however we all ways get the same in test! We have     done this in out Year 6 SATs, all the way to our GSCE's. Admittedly our AS levels varied but sometimes we got the same in some exams. Recently it was our identical scores in   Psychology mocks which wowed the teachers!

2) Do you have twin telepathy?
Well we are often asked this and fool people in to believing we do! Often Emily is           asked to think of a colour or a number and I "guess" what it is. We always choose the       same purple or 23, it fools them every time. All that said we do think very similar            most of the time so often say the same thing at the same time.

3) Do you plan on going to the same school?
We went to the same school from 4 years till we left in 2012 and proceeded to the           same sixth form. We do plan on splitting at the end of this year and going to separate       universities.

4) Do you have similar taste/interests (style, food, & people)
We do share the same style however buy different clothes. We do vary a lot in food         choices (eg. she loves eggs, and hates mushrooms and I'm not a big fan of eggs and love     mushrooms.) We do like the same people and often share friends which is great.               Although our taste in boys is different I love dark haired and eyed men, where and           Emily is in to "blonde pretty boys" shall we say. 

5) Do you ever match?
We used to alot, but not anymore unless its on purpose.

6) Who is older?
Emily by a whopping 1 minute (no it wasn't a natural birth)!

7) Do you call each other nicknames?
 She will hate me for saying this but i call her "Em-wee" she hates it! She is also known      as my "Womb buddy" which she hates too!

8) What is the dumbest twin question you have ever been asked?
"Whats it like being a twin?" sounds like a perfectly reasonable question, but really I          have no idea how to answer because I don't know what its like not to be a twin. 

9) Does it annoy you when you get called your twin's name?
Only when its by my Mum or Dad, but as long as people try to guess. What really annoys     me is being called "twinny" or "Marsden" because people haven't bothered to guess. 

10) What do I like most and the thing I like least about my sister?
Mostly I like the fact that when she is in a good mood I always have some one around to chat to, and also she loves make up as much as me but is a little better so she always does my eyes before we go out. The thing I like least is the fact that we are always together and so similar we seem to tread on each others toes quite a bit now were older, so I think going to different universities will really make us stand on our own two feet.

Emily (left) and me (right) at out 18th Meal

If you enjoyed reading this blogpost or any others I've done, be sure to come and follow me on my Bloglovin' page so you never miss out! 

If you would also like to go and look at my twin sister's blog you can find her's Here! 

Katie xxx

My Relax Playlist

Lately with all the difficult A-Level revision I have been doing, its not been too rare that I've been getting stressed. To keep me feeling a little more relaxed I've been listening to some calmer music. So I thought I would share some of these songs with you:


1) She Falls Asleep Part 1 - McFly
 

First its an old one, taken from their Wonderland album this might not be the original McFly you are all used to. This song is an orchestral instrumental of their song "She falls asleep" which you may know. I feel that all though its not a normal song I would choose to listen to, its beautiful and an interesting listen. 
Album cover: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonderland_(McFly_album)

2) "Say Something" - Luke Conard & Alyssa Poppin 

Luke is a You-tuber and musician who does many wonderful covers of great songs. This one is no different, in fact I think its better than the original. His cover of A Great Big World's "Say Something" is just gorgeous. Not only is it relaxing is also a great one to sing along too. However stay away if you're going through a break up, isn't the happiest song. 
To listen to Luke's amazing cover just click here!



3) "How Long Will I Love You?" - Ellie Goulding

The Charity single of Children in Need this year, this song is not only
very romantic and makes me smile every time I hear it, it is incredibly relaxing to listen to. I must say I'm not always a fan on Ellie's faster tracks but this is so different and her voice sounds so beautiful. So anyone looking for a love song sung but a gorgeous female voice I highly recommend this.
Single cover: http://www.josepvinaixa.com/blog/ellie-goulding-how-long-will-i-love-you-video-premiere-alternate/

                                                                                                         
4) "Lets Talk About It In The Morning" - Martyn Joseph

I was introduced to Marytn Joseph by my boyfriend Sam, who's blog is linked below. Marytn is a folk, rock, souls, folk funk and Americana singer/songwriter according to his own website. However I would have no clue how to explain his music as it is so wide and varied. I have decided that I would just pick one song which relaxes me the most and also has a very good message behind it. The song begins in the middle of an argument with a partner and explains how that they should just relax for now and talk about their issues in the morning. I believer this is a great piece of advice as every things seems better after sleeping on it too.

5) "Adore You" - Miley Cyrus

From one of the most controversial ladies in popular music, this song is gentle and relaxing unlike many of her other songs. I have been a fan on Miley since I was a small child watching Hannah Montana on Disney channel, and I have had her earlier albums all before her "change of ways." However I'm still a very big fan and this song is utterly delightful on the ears and is always one I cannot help to sing along to!                      
Single cover: http://mechanicaldummy.com/2013/12/miley-cyrus-adore/

And finally I have to say a massive sing-a-long to FROZEN! Is always a good way to de-stress and relax! Although I've never seen it which is awfully sad.

I would just like to say these are only recommendations on my taste in music and I know I'm no expert. I hope that you enjoy these songs as much as me and they help bring some calm in to your busy life if yours is anything like mine.

If you have enjoyed reading my blog so far and wanna see more from me follow me on Bloglovin.

Katie xxx

P.s. You can find Sam's blog if you click here. Where he talks about great things from cycling, to theater to, everyday life.  

Get to Know Me!

So a few weeks ago I was tagged by my lovely twin sister, Emily to do the "Get to Know Me" blog. This is where a ask a list of questions so you can just find out a bit more about moi!

So here we go....

1) How tall are you?

     5 ft 4

2) How old are you?

     18 years

3) What are you currently studying?

     Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Psychology A-Levels

4) Any tattoos or piercing?

      No tattoos and only ears pierced

5) Turn on?

     Nice smile, and a nice little bottom

6) Turn off?
     Long hair and too tall as I'm only small

   

7) Qualities you look for in a partner?
     Loyalty, understanding, funny and maybe a little cheeky

8) Favorite Food?
     Anything with pasta!

9) Fears?
     Gas Masks!! (Yes its Dr.Who's fault) Oh and wax work models that look too real, they          are freaky!

10) Greatest psychical achievement?
       Completing my Gold DofE!

11) Last time you hung out with anyone?
       Spent all of the day yesterday with the wonderful Sam! 

12) Favorite piece of jewellery?

       My nomination bracelet, and my ring I got from the 18th off my parents!

13) If you could only have one item of clothing what would it be?
       Concealer or mascara! (I know! Couldn't choose)

14) If you could only have one item of clothing what would it be?
      Skinny jeans! They may not be so comfy but they are a good staple in my wardrobe!

If you enjoyed reading my blog make sure you go follow me on Bloglovin!

And now I tag my lovely boyfriend Sam to go the "Get to know me tag" you can see his blog Here.

Katie xxx

3 Year Anniversary!

3 years ago today I agreed to be someone's girlfriend. He was sweet, romantic, caring and handsome although he probably wouldn't admit it in front of others! 

Prom - June 2012

However I've been a rubbish girlfriend this anniversary! Sam took me our yesterday for lunch at Cafe Rouge, I did plan on taking photos but I was so busy I forgot! I had the Confit De Canard, which to anyone who doesn't speak French like me is confit duck leg with cherry jus, peas and I has chips! And Sam being the manly man he is had a steak. I was so good I would of licked the plate clean if i wasn't in public! In addition to this he was so sweet and got me 2 Tanya Burr nail polishes (Little duck and Mischief managed) Which i am waiting to arrive!! Eeeek! So to say thank you for the last 3 years I thought I would write it down in a blog for him to read. 

We've through quite a lot in the last three years he has stuck by my side through thick and thin. Through both our 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th birthdays, Christmases, school trips, leaving school and prom, festivals in the summer, trips to Centre Parcs and recently our 18th birthdays! As well as all the bad from poorly members of the family, to the death of friends and other low points we've always supported one another!

Having Sam around is like a little ray on sunshine, from riding miles to bring me tea and chocolate when I'm having a hard day or just phone call me to make me smile he is selfless. He is on my mind all the time and I just want him to know how grateful I am to him for all he does for me. 

We always have fun going to the theater, theme parks, Centre Parcs, cinema or just to friends parties! He really makes my life so much happier! Overall he was been great and I hope you any readers are lucky to find a guy as brilliant as my Sam you should be very happy! 
  
I LOVE YOU SAM!!
If you enjoyed reading my blog follow me on Bloglovin! And you can find Sam's Bloglovin too!
Katie xxx

Finally I ask to anyone reading who has a long distance relationship due to university mainly or any other reason to leave any tips in the comments or a link to blog about it, as we will be doing the long distant thing soon and any advice would be great!  

Trip to Ikea!

Hi, earlier this week I went to Ikea with my Auntie, I didn't plan on buying anything but I thought you might be interested in what I picked up. So here's what I brought....  
I will link all of them below.

Plant & Pot!
When I was sitting in Ikea restaurant eating my customary Swedish meatballs, I noticed these flowers in the cutest pot. I couldn't decide if the flowers were real or not. However as soon as I went down to the market place I found them, they are fake but don't look plasticy at all! So surprise surprise I just had to get them. I'm not great with keeping flowers but I think they are 
a great way to brighten up any room! I also had to get this cute pot with the birds and flower design too. 

Makeup brush holder!
I have been looking for a make up brush pot since my Mum got me my Real Techniques make up brushes for Christmas! When I saw this pot I fell in love! Its metal, originally a plant pot I think, but with its lace like look I think it is beautiful. I have filled it with some jewel beads just so it holds my bushes upright and apart. I think it just looks really pretty and girly.

Candles!
So I've recently become a big fan of candles, but these Ikea candles have stolen my heart! I got the tropical fruits one with just smells like summer and holidays which gives off a fruity fresh sent. I also got the vanilla one too, which is a much warmer sent which is very relaxing. Not only do these candles smell great, they have gorgeous glass container, they were also only £0.95!!! I wasn't going to talk about how much things are but these are the best bargain its worth shouting about! So anyone who wants a great smelling and looking candle but don't want to break the bank... Get to Ikea!!

  

                                                            


Umbrella!
Ok this one is a little more random and doesn't really fit with the home wear feel of this blog post but it was another great bargain! As any of you who live in the UK know we've had awful weather lately and the wind has been so strong every umbrella I've used has broken. So I decided to get a better one and this Ikea Family umbrella is perfect! Its so strong and opens with the push of a button which is fun. It comes in a range of colours (navy, black/grey, orange & pink) all with the white circle design. This umbrella is exactly what I was looking for big enough to cover me and any bag I'm carrying and all of this just for £2!! Definitely worth it!
 

So that's all things I brought from Ikea, this post is just to show you what is out there and what I got just in case your interested! So I hope this gives you some ideas to brighten up your room or keep you dry in the rain!


If you enjoyed reading my blog follow me on Bloglovin!

Katie xxx


All of the items can be found on these links:

Plant
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/70234147/

Plant pot
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/10207646/

Makeup Brush Holder
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/20186101/

Candles
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/00135344/
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/10135348/

Umbrella
 http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/search/query=umbrella&_=1392801277435#/gb/en/catalog/products/art/50216998/

First Blog Post

Hi, its taken me quite a while to pull together the courage to get this blog online and start writing. A few of my friends and family had started one and their's are great so I've finally got it together and put my self out there. So to start of my blog I decided to let you know a bit about me and what I plan to be writing about.

Who am I?

I'm Katie, I'm an 18 year old who lives in England, UK. I'm an identical twin to my sister Emily, who was the inspiration for me to get this blog, as hers is really nice and to be honest I was a little jealous. I highly recommend you to check hers out! I'm currently studying for my final year of A-Levels at sixth form and am hopefully off to university in September.

Why have I started a blog and what will I blog about?

I have started a blog as a way of increasing my self confidence. I felt it was a way to write down all my thoughts, the exciting things I do and the useful advice I have learn. Through you reading this I hope to help any of you reading and also help my self to listen to my own advice. 
At the moment I am not entirely sure what the long term plan in for this blog, however for now I plan to fill it with lots of advice, thoughts, ideas and just things I think you would like to read. I plan to upload a new blog every weekend for you to enjoy.

Why "My Silver Linings"?

After a lot of deliberations I decided on the name "My Silver Linings". As you will know if you have read my sister's blog I have recently turned 18 and I've decided to make my outlook on life much more positive. As you will have worked out "My Silver Linings" comes from the old saying "Every cloud has a silver lining". I love this quote as it reminds me that even when things don't go right, you can always find positives within it. So this name is not only a theme for my blog it also is a constant reminder to me how to look at every challenge in my life. 

So hopefully you now know a little bit more about me, and if you want to here more from me be sure to follow my blog too. 

Katie xxx

Ps. If you are interested in my sisters blog you can find it here.