Graduation | Part 2 Getting My Diploma (Better Late Then Never)

Hi everyone! A little extra for all of you... It's a post that should have been posted a long time ago, but I kept putting it off resulting in uploading this 6 months late...... So here you go and I hope you enjoy this little peek in my life!!



On the 27th of June, from 7.30PM till 10PM, there were speeches being held, some tears shed and a lot of smiles.
I started the day getting ready to go to my grandma's birthday, she turned 83 on the same day. We stayed there for the rest of the morning, and after lunch me and my dad went to town to shop for gifts for my mentors.

When I got back home, I started getting ready for graduation! Shower, blow drying my hair, straightening it, etc...

After dinner I finished getting ready and we picked up my other grandma and drove to my (now old) school.

I had to sign my diploma with my mentor class. This was the moment were 'the most important part' was happening, because signing it means it's official!

We had to wait a few minutes until we got to stand in line and walked out in front of all the parents, teachers and others that were present. There were seats reserved for all the graduates, so we got to sit in the very front :)

Every teacher was given twenty minutes to speech about their class. I had so much fun listening to all the other teachers, who were all very nervous to stand there, but also very proud off their students.

My first mentor, sadly, wasn't there yesterday :( In the middle of the year, she wasn't allowed to teach anymore and we didn't know when she was going to be returning. She was also my teacher for two subjects I would have to make exams for.
So, my second mentor held a speech, and he did a very good job! He was really nervous because he had never held a speech before. I think he did an amazing job and, with the help of my first mentor, he made a great speech for every student!

All graduates didn't get their diploma's until the end, and we also got a yearbook (which turned out great if i may say so myself!) and flowers from school!

With some friends, we took pictures and spoke to some teachers for the very last time.
I had an amazing night, but I am also really happy that this chapter is done and I can start focusing on what's next. (Read A Gap Year here).

I am so sorry it took so long for me to post this, I hadn't gotten around to it after I made the text and have been waiting for the pictures for too long (This is my own fault as I have been putting it off for WAY too long!)

Also, I had hoped to be able to put up a lot more pictures... This was the only picture that we all looked 'normal' in (especially myself, as make crazy faces on others.....)

Monthly Favourites | August

This month I have been using a lot of different products, and I've liked a few more than others! I also put a bit of summer in this now that September has come and the cold weather is approaching. So let's take a look at some of my favourites from this past month :)

WELLA flex hairspray #3.

 I've found this hairspray again. I had been using it a lot before I donated my hair last year September but stopped using it after. Now that my hair is becoming longer, I find myself using it a lot more often again!! I like that you can spray as much as you want in your hair, I spray it on my arm from about 25 cm, it doesn't get really hard. It holds, but it's not visible. At the end of the day, I comb it out and shape it back the next day without adding more hairspray. I use this spray when I curled my hair or to hide fly-away's on the top of my head.

Nivea Hydrating and Cleaning Mask for dry or sensitive skin.

I use this as my third step when I take my make-up off. I put on this mask 3 times or week, and let it sit for 10 minutes. The packing says 5 minutes, but I've found that leaving it on for longer makes my skin feel really soft in the morning. The creamy texture with tiny scrub-balls feels very nice and it's easy to cover your skin. I personally like to use a lot when I put it on, but two or three fingertips is enough for a normal skin type. 

It's never been tested what kind of type my skin is, I just prefer products (in some cases) for dry skin because it's more gentle in use. (And you can skip a few days if you're not feeling like sticking to your daily routine!!) I would not recommend using the product if you have little wounds in your face, because it will itch and feel like your face is on fire. (Zits or spots are not a problem! It may calm your skin, preventing new ones to pop out.)

Dove Original Deodorant Spray.

I've been absolutely loving my spray's on hot days. (I've read that it's not very good for your health breathing them in :( ) On holiday there were a few days where we were walking or going somewhere, and there was no stopping in sweating. I've been carrying a travel-sized deodorant with me in my backpack, and I've felt fresher instantly! This one smells really fresh, and has Vitamin E, making my skin feel extremely soft. The travel-sized one sadly is still somewhere between France and Italy, but as soon as I got back home I purchased a bigger bottle!

Dove nourishing hand cream.

Another product by Dove I've enjoyed this month. I've used this hand cream whilst I was on the train to France (dry air is not the best way to leave your hands in for four hours), and on the trains (a total of 10 hours of traveling) and plane home. My hand have never been the most moisturized, and being in situations with dry air sometimes makes my hands feel like they are about to break. Putting on a little bit of this (intense) nourishing cream has helped a lot whilst traveling this summer. I've also found that my hands have been warmer and have gotten less paper cuts or other cuts when I was using the hand cream.

Vape Derm Herbal: After Bite Stick.

This Italian product has 'saved' my life. The night before leaving France, I was stung by mosquitoes. Not just a few, say... 36 times. My legs were covered and it would not stop itching and burning (allergic reaction). As soon as we arrived in Italy we found a store and bought this stick. It instantly calmed down my skin and the itch was getting less and less by day. No more red bumps covering my legs :) !!! I've used this for a total of 7 days before my legs were not itching anymore, which to me is a short period of time thinking about all the bumps I've had.

OPIA Vanilla Pod Candle from Primark.

When I got home, I came home in an empty house. Not the most happy and comfortable setting to face, but before leaving I got my hands on some scented candles from Primark. One of them turned out to be amazing (I once fell asleep with it because of the relaxation (or exhaustion...))!! The first Vanilla candle is coming to an end, lasting me for over 4 weeks of every night scents, and that for a Primark product and price!! (nothing bad on Primark products!!) I've been using this in my bedroom or the living room, and after blowing the candle out, the room is left with a nice vanilla scent :)

Local Market Bracelets.

Our campsite held a market for locals every Monday and Thursday. On this market were salesman from the area, selling their fruits and vegetables. And of course, for the tourists mostly, their figurines, necklaces, rings and bracelets. I am quite the bracelet person, wearing them with as much as possible and all together on one arm. My friend and I wanted to get something as a memory of this summer, and we both bought the purple one (she got it in red, but the same design). The other two I purchased at the same market, but a few days later. They had caught my eye, but I was not planning on buying them. Until the next day... I waited for Thursday and they were still available :)

I hope you liked this months favourites!! Leave a comment below telling me your favourites from August, I always love reading them and am always up for trying new products!!

Love, Danielle 

Summer 2013 | Holiday

This summer vacation was one of many firsts. First new thing: I was not only going to France to stay with my friend and her parents for a week, I was going there by myself. By train. My parents said goodbye to me in Brussels, Belgium, and as my train left the station, I was on my own for the next four hours.
After being lost in my book for most of the train journey, Louise and her parents were waiting for me in Lyon and picked me up.

The first day was clouded, to say the least. It was raining, and thunder and lightning strikes filled the sky. (At one point that night, Louise, her dad and I were lined up outside trying to capture some of the weather)
The next day the sun was out, but had a hard time shining through the clouds. We packed up and spent the day in the car, driving to Aubres, where we would be staying for three nights.
After three nights of relaxing by the river and listening to the sound of crickets, we drove further south to our final campsite in France. We headed to the beach close to Nice, and spent the day there. After two nights spent on the most 'nature oriented' campsite I've ever been, Louise and I packed our stuff and broke down our tent. Our week in France was over, and before we knew it we were driving to Ventemiglia, Italy to get on the train that would eventually bring us in Pisa.

Italy was where we would be spending our second and last week of vacation, on a big campsite (it was almost a complete village) with my parents.
After arriving in Pisa, we had to drive for another 2 hours before we arrived at the campsite. The first few days were spent by the 5 pools (!!!) because of the extreme temperature. On Tuesday we woke up early and got our tourist on, by going to Pisa. Of course, the most touristy pictures were taken by the tower. In the afternoon we drove to Lucca, and visited some churches. The rest of the week we went to the beach and to a market a couple villages away. Before we knew it, the second week was almost over and it was time to pack our bags again.
On Friday, my parents drove us to Pisa Airport, and vacation came to an end.

I've had the best two weeks away from home, and learned a lot!

Love, Danielle

Monthly Favourites | July

This will be a very short monthly favourites, as I have been working a lot and have not been trying a lot new products that I ended up loving. I also want to apologize for posting it this late, as it's already two weeks into August, I just got back from vacation :)

First one: I picked up at Etos in Sale (etos is a drugstore). It's a body scrub by Greenland, a brand that uses natural products. I got it for € 4,-, the normal price is € 8,95. I really like that it's not a cream, but just the salt. I like the more rough scrubs better than the softer ones, and this scrub is rough. I use it whilst in the shower, and wet skin and wash it off. My legs feel very soft after drying off, and they smell great! Greenland has more scrubs, all in different scents. Click here if you're looking for it. (The ones in normal packing are softer scrubs, the products similar to this one are just the salts)

I don't know the price of it, since I ordered it with a huge discount and shipping costs were messed up. If you go to LaurenConrad.com, you can find it in the right bar, which should link you to the right website. 

I always use Summer as an excuse to read. I love reading, but I can't seem to enjoy it when it's cold outside or when I have other things to do. All year I wait for Summer, just to go in bookstores and buy A LOT. (6 this year). One of my current favourite is 'Startstruck' by Lauren Conrad. It's from her second series called 'The Fame Game'. 

I have always looked up to her and would watch reruns of 'The Hills' and 'Laguna Beach' whenever it wasn't on. I loved her first series (L.A. Candy), and this series shows a different perspective from one of the characters. I read the article in Marie Claire last week, and I think it's great she found that writing was her way of explaining the real  story. 

I love how the books show that there is always more to a story than people think, and it's not always good and amazing. 

The book says that it is a fictional book, based on some real experiences. And, being the dedicated TV watcher I was, I sometimes wonder if some parts of the book are things that happened in her own life. We'll never know ;)

Last thing of this months favourites, my new BACKPACK!

I have wanted a real Dakine for a few years now, and having to go on the trains a lot and flying back home was the perfect moment to purchase one. I also bought it because it might be easier than my tote bags or laptop bag by ZARA to take with me to Australia. This bag is a 15L, and everything I wanted to keep with me whilst traveling fitted (and the zipper closed and it wasn't exploding)! Usually, my bags are filled with stuff I never use, and this bag holds it all! It has one main pocket, and a smaller one on the top. I used the smaller one for my phone, iPod and ID. The smaller pocket does take up space in the main compartment, on the top, but if you're carrying A4 papers, you can put them under and they'll stay up straight (and not wrinkled). Another thing I love about this bag is that the back of the bag is filled, so you don't feel the sharp corners (from notebooks) you keep in your bag. 

Hope you enjoyed this little favourites, I promise next months will be a lot better! 

Love, Danielle

What's in my bag? | Holiday Edition

I want to start doing more tags on my blog, starting today!

Let's start of with my bag :) I bought a new one for this holiday since I will be going on and off trains a lot. This is the second backpack I own, I am more of a one-shoulder person. (I did read this can affect your back and posture, so I am trying to us this one more. 

It's by Dakine, and hold 15L. 

The next things in my bag are magazines, a book and a notebook. This is not only for when I am on the train, but also for when on holiday and for the flight back home. I always take a notebook with me, just in case or if I need to write down something. (Or make lists, LOVE doing that) I don't really take a lot with me when it comes to reading, because we always do a lot during the day, so it's nice to be able to relax when you're home. 

Another thing I enjoy, food :D There is not really a lot to say about food, besides that you need to eat and on a four hour train journey, you may need a lot! My train is leaving around lunchtime, so I will be making lunch and taking  it with me. A bottle of water, and some mints are always in my bag, no matter where I go. I have been trying to drink more water, and with a 0,75ML bottle it makes it a bit easier. (you don't have to refill it so much)

 Lastly, a pocket mirror, my glasses, a few pens, my ID and Health Service Card, tissues and a little make-up bag filled with mascara, consealer, eye lash curler, chaptstick, hair grips and hair bands.

Packing Tips

When packing my bags for summer holiday, which I tend to do weeks before actually leaving, I always over-pack. This summer, for a change, there is no option for me to over-pack... I will be going on the train from Brussels to Lyon, carrying my own bags, and will be spending my first week camping with my friend and her parents. After camping my friend and I are taking a train to Italy to spent a week there with my parents. After a pizza eating filled week, we will be flying back home, AKA: checking in luggage and all.
As I am starting my vacation solo, there is no possibility for me to over-pack.

SO: Google became my best friend last week and helped me (along with the book 'Style' by Lauren Conrad) to make a check list of the things I would be needing. And most importantly, what not. 

I decided to share my favourite tips with you and add a little bit of my own experiences as we go :)

Tip #1: Roll up your clothing
This will not only save space, it also leaves your clothing less wrinkly. Beware: this tip does take some practice. I have tried rolling my clothes for this summer holiday, but I have found it to be very frustrating because not all clothes are fit for rolling. I recommend trying it a few times before actually having to pack to see if it works for you. Another tip: Roll your clothes separately. (I first rolled up all my tops as one big roll, I found this to be a, let's say, not so useful way to try and keep my bag organized.)

Not this way, but roll up each shirt on it's own. (This will save you more space and will help with keeping your bag organized.)

Tip #2: Create your outfits before leaving.
This way, you will not pack things you will not be able to wear and will show that you can make a lot of different outfits with a few basic pieces. I read that taking pictures of the outfits also helps because you can check if you have used all the items you plan on taking with you. If you didn't, and you are happy with the outfits that you've created, you can leave the other things behind.

Like so. You can also wear the outfit and take a picture of it. 

Tip #3: A zip-lock bag around your washcloth

Putting a zip-lock bag around towels or your washcloth is to protect the other clothes or products that you carry around in the same bag. You might have a afternoon-flight, but want to wash your wash after you wake up. The washcloth takes time to dry, but by putting it in a zip-lock, it keeps the water in there and will not spill on your other clothes. Using a normal plastic bag can lead to leaking. You can also use disposable cloths, but I find my skin getting red and irritated when I do.

The bag prevents leaking water on other clothes you carry in the same compartment.

Tip #4: Hair grips on the package
I never thought off keeping the packaging of new products. Until I needed a box to put my make-up in for when I was travelling, and I had just bought a new cream. I used the box to store my make-up, and still use it today! I keep the 'package' of my hair grips because it prevents me from losing my hair grips (I still lose them, but not in a few weeks time). I find this easy to use to put in my handbag or my make-up bag, because it doesn't take up much space and you still get to take all your hair grips with you. And most importantly: It prevents the grips from getting lost in your bag.


Tip #5: Take a few 'summer' nail polishes with you
I am a big believer of completing an outfit with nail polish. If I have the time, I change my nail polish every day or every other day. This summer, I wanted to get a lot of pastels, but couldn't find the right colours... I did pick up the blue one (pictured below). Other than two pastel colours (purple and blue) I always take one neutral color with me (in this case, white) and a bright one (pink).  For my toes I use a dark blue with a light shimmer. It lasts me all summer, so I put it on the day before I leave and don't take it with me. IF it does chip, I take it off and leave my nails or put on the neutral colour.

Sephora Pink #19 - W.I.C by Herome #149 Rabat - Essie #1 Blanc - Maybelline Color Show #651 Cool Blue

Tip #6: Put big packaged products together. Do the same with small products.
I always lose my mascara when I put it in the same bag as my body lotion. I put my hair products, make-up removers, body lotions and scrubs in a big bag. Then use another, smaller bag for my make-up products like mascara and concealer (I put my hairgrips in this bag as well). I spent less time searching through my bags and more time enjoying the sun!! I also put my bigger bag in my normal bag, and my smaller one in my handbag.

Tip #7: Empty toilet rolls for chargers
My bag has no side pockets, so I have no 'special' place to stall my chargers. I was scrolling trough Pintrest when I saw this as a storage idea. Of course, the rolls on Pintrest were pretty and creative, mine are not. You roll up your charger and pull it trough the roll. Your wire will not knot itself, and you can even use your charger when it's still rolled in the toilet roll.

If you have all black wires, you can use a black water proof maker to write down what the charger is for. 

Tip #8: If you are taking your 'professional' camera with you, pack all belongings together.
I am only taking my Lumix camera with me this year. I also have a smaller Fujifilm camera, but the pictures are becoming blurry and it's running out of battery really fast... As I got this for my birthday/graduation, I got accessories, a second lens and super charger (it charges twice as fast, if we must believe the packaging). I have put all my camera belongings together in my camera bag, honestly, because I am too scared to lose anything! If you do have a special bag, I recommend taking full advantage because you have all your camera-stuff together!

Hope you enjoyed the tips! I found them via Pintrest on 'Her Packing List' the have loads of pins and boards for traveling :)
Credit: http://travelfashiongirl.com/60-travel-packing-tips-from-the-experts/

Love, Danielle

Summer 2013 | Lookbook

Another summer post! As this blog is about fashion and beauty, let's stick with that for this post :)
Last week, I took advantage of the amazing weather and shot a few looks I am wearing this summer. Enjoy!

Shirt - Primark & Short - Forever 21. As you can see in the picture,
the short folds very quickly, ironing only works on a high temperature. 

Top - HEMA & Skirt - Forever 21. I would wear this for anything.
The skirt is a thin fabric and flows very nicely in the wind. I wear this with a nice cardigan
or blazer. I tend to wear long necklaces with it, ending just above the skirt. 

Top - TopShop & Short - GAP. I like wearing crop tops they tend to be very thin,
which is nice in summer and are (most of the time) long enough to still look decent ;)

I would wear this to dinner, a nice top but not too hot. I also close all buttons and put on a necklace,
making the look a bit more fancy. Wearing a big, catchy ring will give it an extra 'fancy boost'

Sweater - H&M & Short - GAP. This is an outfit to wear later on the day, when it's a little colder.
The sweater is not very thick which makes it good for evening wear.

Dress - Forever 21. I like to wear this dress later on the day or when I'm going to the beach.
You can dress it up or just wear it like pictured. I like to wear this with a big short necklace and a
lot of bracelets. For daytime I pair it with sandals, at night with high heels.

Summer 2013 | Playlist

Hello everyone!!!
Since the summer has started and beaches have been filled again, it is time to turn up the radio and blast your favourite songs! I like my albums, but when it comes to summer I can't decide and make a bunch of playlists to listen to during the day.

Listed below is my 'Up beat summer tunes' playlist, Enjoy!!! Let me know in the comments below what artists and music you listen to in summer, I'm always looking for more music :)

McFly- It's All About You
5 Seconds of Summer - Try Hard
Bastille - Things We Lost In The Fire
All Time Low - The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver
The Script - Millionares
Simple Plan - Summer Paradise
Ben Howard - Old Pine
Andy Grammar - Fine By Me
Handsome Poets - Sky on Fire (this was our countries 'song' during the Olympics)
Little Mix - How Ya Doin'
Megan & Liz - Release You
One Direction - Live While We're Young
The Summer Set - Lightning In A Bottle
5 Seconds of Summer - Unpredictable
Avicii - Wake Me Up
Naughty Boy - La La La
Stromae - Papaoutai
Gavin DeGraw - Best I Ever Had
Jessie J - WILD
Will.I.Am - Bang Bang (UK version with Leah McFall)

Hope you like it and don't forget to comment below :)

Bye xxx :)

Birthday!!!

Summer has started, and my birthday was coming faster and faster!

There was cake, music, and family. I got to test my new toy (a brand new Panasonic Lumix G5) which I got earlier that morning.
We ordered my cake a few days before, and told the bakery to 'do something fun'. They did an amazing job and the cake was delicious! 

I also had a good time seeing most of my family again, seen as some were on a holiday, and catching up with them after being busy with school and graduation.  

Below are some pictures I took with my new camera! (all the filters are on the camera, no Photoshop was used for this post)

As if one party wasn't enough, I  hosted another 'get together' for my friends the day after my actual birthday (with a delicious birthday dinner).

A great way to celebrate!!!

Outfit: Shirt - C&A / Short - GAP

family

CAKE

the restaurant was close to the beach and pier

birthday dinner with my parents and grandmother :)