Happy New Year

So this is it the end of 2013 and what can I say about this year? Well it will always be the year that I took the plunge and started blogging and I can honestly say I am so glad I did. There have been many dark days when tapping my thoughts onto a screen have been the remedy I needed and the PS Blogging community is amazing and one I am very proud to be a part of.

There have been highs and lows this year, wearing a bikini for the first time in over 20 years was definitely a high and one of the best moments this year without a doubt had to be Plus North. I got to be on the catwalk, meet so many fabulous ladies (you all know who you are!!).

Also at the top of the list was being invited to meet Gok Wan which in turn meant I also finally got to meet Leah from Just Me Leah, I think it would be fair to say that between Plus North and meeting Gok my dirty laugh has now become legendary!! 

I celebrated my first year of marriage this year and it is also a huge thank you to my husband who ever since I wrote my very first blog post has been a constant source of support ever since (and who at times deserves a medal for living with me!!!). 

The biggest low came when I lost my beloved Aunt to cancer earlier this year but in a moving and very fitting tribute we all wore something purple to her funeral and I later dedicated a blog post to her as it was her favourite colour.

Overall this has been the year of self acceptance and body positivity and long may it continue and if my corner of the internet has inspired just one person to learn to love their body or try that one item of clothing they thought they could never wear then I am happy.

A big thank you to everyone who has read the blog, left comments on here, Twitter or elsewhere and to all the fabulous bloggers who have made me very welcome and always find the time to help, give support and just generally be awesome because without you I wouldn't still be blogging!

So lets hope that 2014 is the year we all make our dreams come true (or at least live life the best way we can) so Happy New Year you fabulous lot!!!

2013 the best of NattyNikki!

Hello and welcome to almost the end of another year and I have decided to do a quick round up of the best of my outfits from the last 9 months!

So here we go...

When I still had ginger hair!!

Who doesn't love a onesie?!

The amazing £10 Asda dress!

This just makes me laugh!

The Booty shot!

So happy to finally have this dress in my life!

So there you have it my favourites from 2013, have I missed any that or do you agree those were my best bits?!!

Thank you to everyone who has read my small corner of the internet since March of this year you know I love you all and can't wait to see what 2014 brings!!

M&CO OOTD

Last month I took part in a blogger challenge to Style a party outfit for M&Co and my entry was picked as the winner!!! (You can see the blog post here).

Part of my prize was £75 to spend online so here is what I chose....

Gorgeous jumper

Zig Zag Shawl Collar Coat

Evans Necklace reduced!!

I was lucky to be able to nab a lovely jumper and a coat (the coat was in the sale!!), I love the jumper you can't quite see on the pictures but it has sequins on it so it is cozy and glam all at the same time!!

The coat is fabulous as I already have a parka but I wanted something smarter that I can wear for work and going out in and this fits the bill perfectly!

Sadly since I bought the jumper I can no longer see it on their website but the coat is still available but in limited sizes.

So thank you to M&Co for picking me as the winner and I love my new jumper and coat!!

Silent Sunday

Boxing Day Delight

Hello and welcome to another quick OOTD this time featuring my Boxing Day dress!!

I have been very spoilt by my husband as I had yet another ASOS Curve swing dress for Christmas so without much further ado here it is...

Yes I know another swing dress but if you read my blog on a regular basis then you will know how much I love them by now!! This was perfect for Boxing day as we went to visit my husband's family and were treated to a lovely buffet and some serious chilling out on the sofa!!

My only gripe with this dress is that the arms are quite tight which is something I have never had before with any of these dresses but beyond that I love it!

If you want to nab one of these they are currently in the sale for £12.50 find it here!

Christmas Day OOTD

I hope you all had a lovely day yesterday and that Santa was good to you!!

I was very lucky to get some new dresses so here is the one I wore yesterday...

Peacocks Necklace

Hubby very kindly bought me a new swing dress from ASOS and it is another Alice and You dress, its so comfy and was perfect for Christmas day!

If you haven't yet tried a swing dress this one is still on the site ASOS Curve but not in the sale- boo!!

Stay tuned for more new dresses over the next few days!!

Merry Christmas

Just a quick post from me today as I wanted to say thank you to all you lovely people who have taken the time to read my blog since it started in March of this year. I have met some amazing people over the course of the year and I hope that next year will be just as much fun on the blogging front!

I hope you all have a fantastic time and see you soon!

So I leave you with one last quick Christmas Selfie and I will see you on the other side of Christmas (hopefully with some new dresses if I am lucky!!)

Glossybox December 2013

Hello and welcome to this months Glossybox review the last one for 2013!

So I was pleased to see that the packaging this month had a Christmas theme rather than just being the standard box that I normally receive.

I should add that I had already opened my box prior to doing this post but due to the time of year I have only just gotten round to writing up my post- which also means I have managed to misplace the information card that came with this one- doh!!

That is the outer and inner but what was in the box...

Not a bad box overall my only disappointment was the sample sachets as to me these are things I can pick up in stores for free!

Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara Smoky Black

This did actually come in some packaging but in my eagerness to try it out I forgot to take a photo first!! I have to admit I really like this mascara as I have been recently using No7 Stay Perfect but I think this may replace it as my current favorite. It has quite a decent brush and doesn't go clumpy when you apply it and does give my lashes some volume. So overall a winner! If you want to try this most high street stores have it for sale at £7.99.

Wilkinson Sword Intution Naturals 

 I must admit when I first saw I had a razor I was a bit disappointed but when I thought about it actually this is something I am keen to try as I only really wet shave my legs. The idea behind this razor is that you don't need to use a separate gel or foam as it has a built in soap around the blades that lathers and moisturizes as you shave. I shall be interested to see how it performs, if you fancy trying this it is £6.49.

Yin Yang Rich Skin Food

 These are the two samples that I was a bit disappointed to receive as to me I can pick something like this up on the high street for free. I have to admit this is not a brand I am familiar with but they can be bought from Holland and Barrett for £20.59 for a 50ml bottle. I haven't as yet tried these but I will give them a go over Christmas and see what they are like.

Seche Nail Varnish Iconic

I was pleased to receive this as this is a brand of nail polish that I have never tried and I look forward to giving it a go. The colour is called Iconic and it is darker than you see in the picture with a lovely shimmer in it. Having done a quick google search it would appear this retails for £9.99.

Beautiful Movements Cosmetics Company Lip Gloss

Again this is another brand I have never used and actually I had never heard of (bad blogger!). This is a lovely lip gloss in a nude colour and gave my lips a lovely sheen great for everyday use. This is just a 4ml sample but if you wanted to give one a whirl the full size version retails for £12.00.

Sadly I think my next Glossybox which is due in January will be my last for awhile as due to finances I need to start cutting back and that is one of the things that will have to go. I have enjoyed receiving the boxes as I love the thrill of never knowing what I might get and having the chance to discover new brands.

Thanks for reading!

Silent Sunday