November Link Love ♥

Heya guys!

How are you all? Having a great weekend? ♥

Today's post is another listing of my monthly favorites (or well, blogs I'd recommend any time, but these are my picks this month). I hope these are interesting to you as well - I mean, these girls are great bloggers, of course you will like them - because I really thought they all deserved a mention. ♥


The author of this blog, Adeola, is one of my best friends I have in the blogging world. She is very kind and lovely, and she has an amazing eye for style. She's also quite a sportswoman, which is way cool! Her blog is mostly about girly things like fashion, style and beauty, but there's also lifestyle stuff in there. Absolutely worth checking out and following!


Those of you who love nail art and that sort of stuff, you need to go see Janita's blog that is all about fun, well done nail art. She is so talented and a lovely person as well. She also posts some tutorials, which are (in my opinion very easy to follow, and helpful as well. :)


A blog about fashion, music and lifestyle, written by the lovely Sherin who's one of my favorite bloggers out there. Her style is effortlessly chic and easy to relate to, and she always has the coolest adventures in fun places and she has such a great taste in music. I absolutely love this girl and her blog, just hoping that we can meet up someday. :)


Fashion blog by the drop dead gorgeous Stephanie. Full of beautiful outfits, nice inspiration posts and great attitude. This must be one of the most inspiring blogs on my blogroll at the moment, I always love seeing new posts from her. Also, take a look at her stunning hair, I mean, being a thin-haired blonde, her thick, healthy dark locks look so amazing to me. ;)


Also a blog that's very dear to me, as the author is someone I like as a person. Laura and I have many things in common, and I would love to meet this girl one day! I love her personal style, that is so cool with the cute details and colors, and I very much appreciate her "nerdy" side that loves books and video games and such. Also, her writing style is so witty and funny that I always end up smiling when I read her posts.

So here are my Link Loves for November, tune in for more next month. If you wish to get a mention here, just connect with me on any of the platforms that are linked on the right side of the blog, and I just might choose yours for the next Link Love post. I love discovering new blogs and vlogs to follow, and I also love sharing my favorites with people because good work always deserves a credit. ♥

Now, I'm off to catch up on my weekly TV shows, paint my nails and other stuff. Tomorrow there will be another little post for you, so stay tuned!

Have a lovely day, my dolls!

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Blue ♥

Hi there everyone!

How are you all? ♥

I've been missing the writing a lot this week, but truthfully haven't had enough time to do it properly. Hence, not that many posts. It's always too bad to not to have the time to write, because many times it also means missing the posts from my favorite bloggers as well. I actually have a ton of things to post for you, and will be photographing more during the weekend (this means a new daily life post, too ;)). I just planned an outfit I really want to show you guys, I have a November Link Love up tomorrow, there's a big shoe haul post and all sorts of fun things. I literally can't wait to get the posts done and up for you to see.

Today, I really wanted to show you this outfit I wore the last time we visited my parents and other loved ones in the north. I really liked wearing something girly compared to the previous outfit, which was more of the edgy kind.

Those of you who read my blog more might know that I don't wear that much blue, but this time, I was bold and tried it out.

 photo DSC05667Large.jpg


 photo DSC05670Large.jpg

 photo DSC05664Large.jpg

 photo DSC05672Large.jpg

 photo DSC05650Large.jpg

Dress: Boohoo Boots: SpiritStore Coat: Mango Scarf: Mango Bag: Boohoo Necklace: Gina Tricot

I don't know if I've stated this enough but I'm seriously obsessed with bright lips right now. I love that red lipstick (which costed £1, can you imagine?) and could wear it everywhere. That actually made me buy a bright pink one which you will probably see in the pictures taken the coming weekend. ;)

Anyway, what I can say about the look is that it's maybe more a bit sophisticated than my usual looks, as it has heels, pretty dress and some other coat than the leather jacket I'm very keen on wearing. And don't worry if I look super pale here, I'm always like that in the winter, no color whatsoever on my skin. Not sick or anything, it's just my freaky skin tone. :D

What do you guys think about this look? ♥

I need to go now, to get ready for my late night shift - tomorrow we will put up our Christmas tree and other nice things, but more about them in another post later this weekend!

Have a fabulous weekend! ♥

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Plaid and such

Hi everyone!

How are you all doing? ♥

I can't believe how quickly the days go by, I seem to have no extra time for anything! But luckily today, I finally found a whole hour just for typing. I'm just getting the hang of how to arrange my days so that I get everything done efficiently and so that I also have enough energy and concentration for everything I do. Yay!

I don't usually like blabbering about the weather, but I must say that today is coldest in a long time (-10 degrees Celsius, but getting warmer), and I'm officially decided to pack my summer shoes and clothes in to the back of the closets, and take out the winter stuff. Of course, they say the weather will get warmer in couple of days, but who knows, right?

Anyone else finding the weather terribly cold now? Anyone?

Anyway, today's photos were taken couple of weeks ago when it was a bit warmer than now, and I could actually pose without a jacket. We shall see how I arrange this kind of photos during the winter, I guess I need to try and create a mini studio or something, haha.

Here's also some music for you to turn to play in the background from one of my favorite female singers:


Avril Lavigne - Rock N Roll

 photo DSC05525Large.jpg

With this look, I was kind of playing with the grunge trend, not going full grunge, but still. I don't (yet) own a pair combat boots, and didn't feel like sneakers, so I went for biker boots. And naturally, some leather, plaid and ripped jeans just had to be combined.

 photo DSC05588Large.jpg

 photo DSC05530Large.jpg

Jacket: H&M Scarf: Gina Tricot Bag: Boohoo

 photo DSC05582Large.jpg

 photo DSC05550Large.jpg

 photo DSC05594Large.jpg

 photo DSC05561Large.jpg


 photo DSC05599Large.jpg

 photo DSC05567Large.jpg

Plaid shirt: second hand T-shirt: from a Linkin Park gig Jeans: Gina Tricot/DIY Biker boots: eBay Necklace: Gina Tricot Belt: Gina Tricot Stud bracelet: Europehouse The other bracelet: Gina Tricot Earrings: Bik Bok

So that kind of look today. One of my personal favorites this year, and definitely something I'd like to wear more.The jeans are the best part of it for me, I get that for some, they look trashy, but I personally like them all ripped up (lol) for this kind of outfit. And again, my bright red lipstick makes an appearance.

What do you guys think about this look? ♥

Well, I better be off now to photo some stuff and also to get some closet rearranging done. But I'll be back as soon as I can, I have loads to post to you!

Have a lovely day, sweeties!

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Skulls vs. Plaid ♥

Hey honeys!

How are you all today? ♥

Sorry for the couple days' silence, I've been way too busy to bother to open the laptop - as I wouldn't have had the time to compose a proper post, I rather write less but well than loads but not with any thought. I hope you understand.

However, today I really wanted to share two new nail designs with you. Some of you might have seen these already in Facebook or moreover on Instagram, but as many of you are probably not familiar with these already, here you go:

 photo DSC05401Large.jpg

I didn't really dress up for Halloween this year, but as I got the new stamping plates earlier this autumn, I really wanted to do these sort of pirate themed nails.

 photo DSC05403Large.jpg

I used China Glaze White On White as a base, and stamped the skull things on thumbs and ring fingers with black Konad special polish. The rosary print was done by a small dotting tool and the color used was Essie Licorice. The little cross on the end of it was painted with a thin brush. The bigger crosses on pinkies were simply done with striping tape, and then I added two black rhinestones to the index fingers.

 photo DSC05405Large.jpg

The funny thing about these nails is that they really show how rusty my stamping skills are. Of course I could've done this so many times that I finally got the stamp straight, but I hate wasting polish so I figured it's good enough. I promise I will learn that skill again, though!

 photo DSC05408Large.jpg

Personally I liked this mani a lot, surely mostly because I'm such a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (I mean, who doesn't love Jack Sparrow?). And as I didn't have a costume, I was happy that at least my nails did have. ;)

 photo DSC05411Large.jpg

 photo DSC05601Large.jpg

The other mani is more colorful, this one was inspired by the plaid trend that's been going on this autumn. I don't have that much plaid in my closet, so again, I let my nails have fun instead. (You know, like they actually had feelings and seriously wanted to be trendy. lol.)

 photo DSC05603Large.jpg

The polishes used were China Glaze Roguish Red, China Glaze Crimson and Kiss nail art pen on white. The black isn't actually black as my fellow nail enthusiasts might realize, but instead it is a super dark red. I thought it's nicer for this design than an actual black polish.

 photo DSC05605Large.jpg

I do realize that many might have done this perfect and smooth and all, but taken that the inspiration was actually mostly the plaid shirts my fiance has in his closet, I thought that it would be totally cool even if there were "flaws" within the design. Though I also get it if it just makes them look sloppy to you, it really depends what you like.

 photo DSC05610Large.jpg

Definitely not on my own personal favorites list, but they were fun to make and they can sort of be an inspiration (hey, someone out there might actually make the perfect ones after seeing these!) so I thought that they were worth sharing. This is also what happens even to me when I use a technique or draw/paint something I haven't practiced much/at all. This was done with the help of a striping tape, but with lacking the patience a bit and having somewhat bad light. Anyways, no excuses, I just didn't bring my a-game while doing these. I might have to give these another shot later.

 photo DSC05613Large.jpg

So here are the two manis today, both very different from the other but with not that different color palette.

What do you think about these designs? And, what are you wearing on your nails today? ♥

I'm off now to get some sleep, I have planned much of blog prepping for tomorrow so I really hope I can get up pretty early to get things done before work!

Have a fabulous day! ♥

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Foodie Post: Pumpkin Spice Latte ♥

Hello my lovelies!

How are you all? ♥

Today I was planning not to open my laptop at all, but I got something I couldn't resist sharing with you. With the holiday season just around the corner, and the Autumn already behind, I've noticed so many people posting about the American classic, Pumpkin Spice Latte. Even though there are already the whooping amount of two Starbucks coffee shops in the whole Finland, I haven't had the pleasure to test out the infamous tasty treat.

So, what's a girl to do when there's no proper place to buy a food/drink, but there's the growing anxiety to try it out anyway? Well, the girl finds a recipe and makes some at home. (and if you actually can get this from Tampere, Finland, please correct my ignorance and point me to the right direction!)

So, for those of you who also want to try this out - or maybe wanna save some money for more Christmas shopping - here is an affordable (nearly fool proof) recipe you can whip up with very basic ingredients:

 photo DSC05869Large.jpg
I found the recipe here!
BrokeAss Gourmet's Pumpkin Spice Latte

3 tablespoons strong ground coffee
2/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
2/3 cup milk

And, if you are like me, and live in a culture where we don't have pumpkin pie spice regularly in our spice rack, here's how you can make your own:

 photo DSC05859Large.jpg

Pumpkin Pie Spice (found here)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix the spices in a small bowl, and store in an airtight container.

Simple enough, right? Now that this is done, back to making the latte, shall we?

 photo DSC05861Large.jpg

 photo DSC05862Large.jpg

1. Brew the coffee with the water in a regular coffee maker, French press or drip cone.

2. While the coffee brews, stir the pumpkin pie spice into the honey or agave nectar until completely blended. Set aside.

 photo DSC05864Large.jpg

3. Pour the cold milk into a microwave-safe bowl, the edges of which should come up a bit higher than the milk.

4. Keep the bowl slightly tilted to the side, so that the milk is gathered more towards one side. Using a wire whisk, quickly and vigorously whisk the milk in the bowl for about 2-2 1/2 minutes. If milk is not frothy after 2 1/2 minutes, continue whisking an additional 30-60 seconds. The milk should be very frothy at this point.

Note: this is the point where I personally screwed up. I didn't get the milk foamy enough, so it just got back to liquid when I put it on a microwave. I found this step easier with a clean (microwave proof) glass jar with a lid. Put the milk in the jar, close the lid tightly and shake it heavily for 30 seconds or more, just to get it thick enough. Then, take off the lid and and continue following the instructions.

5. Microwave the milk in the bowl on high for 8-10 seconds. It should puff into a high foam immediately.

 photo DSC05866Large.jpg

6. To serve the latte, pour the hot coffee into a mug and stir in the honey/agave-spice mixture until completely dissolved. Top with the hot milk, spooning the thick foam on top. A dash of additional pumpkin pie spice or some ground cinnamon on top is a nice touch. Serve immediately.

Or do as I did and add a ridiculous amount of whipped cream and cover the not-so-successful milk foam to have more of a coffee shop kind of experience with it.

 photo DSC05872Large.jpg

Last night I baked some brownies, so what better way to enjoy the latte than with a piece of brownie and an episode of one of my favorite TV series, Desperate Housewives. ♥

So, I hope you found this post helpful or fun, I have been wanting to taste this for years but only last night realized I could actually make my own. The best part: this doesn't contain the high fructose corn syrup that some claim is pretty bad for you, and those who know me, know that when I can, I at least try to pick the option with less artificial things in it.

The verdict: This was good enough to make another time, I loved the taste of it a lot. Is it even close to the infamous Starbucks one? I have no idea. What I can say that it smells heavenly, and brewing this baby can make your whole home smell adorable. I warmly recommend trying this out if you like coffee.

Have you tried making your own pumpkin spice latte? And, would you like to see more this kind of posts where I try to find easy, kind of healthy options for other classic treats? Let me know below in the comments ♥

Now, I'm off to try and wear off my caffeine rush by completing some DIY projects and washing the dishes and so (yes, I've found the right drug for the lack of energy it seems, haha).

Have a lovely day!

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Glitter Goodies ♥

Hello lovelies!

How are you all today? ♥

I'm enjoying my weekend by doing all the little things I didn't have time for during the week, like reading blogs and finishing DIY projects, but also I'm planning nice meals and desserts that I can cook for us. I know, sounds pretty boring, huh? :D I guess I could use some vitamins so that I'd have more energy for everything, haha.

Anyway, today I really wanted to show you these awesome polishes I ordered recently.

 photo DSC05718Large.jpg

...and yes, I went crazy with China Glaze glitters again. Oops.

 photo DSC05703Large.jpg

First polish I'm showing you, is Your Present Required from the new Happy Holi Glaze collection. It has bright blue, purple, white, gold, silver, bronze and even a little green and pink. So it is super colorful, like I had seen in swatches around the web, and I knew this one would be a must-have.

 photo DSC05724Large.jpg

The swatches will be little different this time as I ran out of swatch sticks, lol. So bare with me and my quick paintings... I decided that instead of painting all my nails with the color and practically wasting a lot of polish, I'd just paint 3 nails, one with just the polish in question, one with a white base and one with a black base. Just so you could have an idea how the polish behaves.

I love this one just because it looks so different with a different base. Naturally, different colors pop up depending what is the base, which makes the product so much more interesting, as it can be used in many ways. I would totally recommend this if you are into glitter bombs. The best part about this is that it is not like the holiday polishes usually, full of red and green and gold.

 photo DSC05706Large.jpg

Next one is Be Merry, Be Bright. It's also from the Happy Holi Glaze collection, and this one, too, is pretty unusual for a holiday polish. It has pink/magenta and purple glitters in different colors in it and it just looks super pretty to me.

 photo DSC05740Large.jpg

Even though this one looks amazing no matter how you wear it, I think it really comes alive when paired with darker polishes. I'm sure this would look amazing especially with purples, reds and pinks, but with the right blue it might also be stunning.

 photo DSC05708Large.jpg

This one is a little more old one, from the 2011 holiday collection called Let It Snow! The polish is called Twinkle Lights and this one is such a cliche color-wise, but I figured that as I don't have one quite like it, what the hell. I'm sure I'll be doing some Christmas manis already before this month is over, so it's just appropriate to have more traditional colors, too.

 photo DSC05734Large.jpg

As you can see, this has little glitters in red, green and gold, and it kinda looks like Christmas decorations exploded on your nails. I actually like this more than I imagined. Just looking at it - especially in the bottle - reminds me so much of Christmas. This one, too, looks the best to me over dark polish, but I'm sure that it would also work with a nice neutral base.

 photo DSC05709Large.jpg

Next up, a different little one from the Happy Holi Glaze collection, called There's Snow One Like You. This is a textured polish with a little bit of glitter in it. It really looks like fake snow, and after seeing this on many nail blogs I just knew I had to have it.

 photo DSC05753Large.jpg

Now, I get this texture is not for everyone, but I certainly like it. Like pretty much all nail bloggers say, this is quite difficult to work with as it is pretty chunky and all. But I love it, especially over the white polish. It is a pretty rugged texture and might actually even get little stuck on fine fabrics, so heads up for that. But, like I said, I really love it and plan on wearing this quite much over the winter. I love the fact you can have snow on your nails that won't melt away. ;)

 photo DSC05713Large.jpg

Next up, Snow Globe. This one, just like Twinkle Lights, is from the Let It Snow! collection. This is a lovely polish for adding some snow-like glitter to your winter (or any other, for that matter) mani. I love the way this has a little bit of holographic side to it.

 photo DSC05726Large.jpg

And here's some swatching. What's interesting about this one is that it has almost pearl-like little glitter there along others. I absolutely love the way this one looks over the black, it totally brings out the different colors. But yet this one is also stunning over white, and, like There's Snow One Like You, this too can create a nice snow effect on your nails - but without the ruff texture.

 photo DSC05717Large.jpg

Last but not least is Mosaic Madness, that is part of the Glitz Bitz'n Pieces collection. I already have two polishes from this collection, but they are more neutral ones than this gorgeous blue and black mix. This one is a mixture of different shapes and sizes, and it works well with so many colors if the nail blogs are anything to go by.

 photo DSC05748Large.jpg

This, I would use with something else than black, as the black glitter doesn't really show against it. But, it looks gorgeous with anything nevertheless. ;) I think this would be a great polish for New Years Eve or other parties that "require" a little bit of extra glam.

So, these are my latest polish buys - and I seriously try not to buy any more polishes this year as I have so many. (Yeah, like that's gonna happen...)

But hey guys, what do you think about these polishes? ♥

Now, I'm off to relax without my laptop for a while, but I'll be back soon with new posts.

Have a fabulous weekend ♥

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna

Monochrome ♥

Heya guys!

How are you all today? ♥

I've been busy as usual, first with life, then with the job. Starting next week, I'll be working every night instead of 3 night per week, so be prepared for less posts. I try to keep up with my rhythm of posting but you know, life can get crazy.

Anyway, today, I wanted to share this outfit today with you. I'm actually totally having a writer's block, so why don't we just see the pictures?

 photo DSC05341Large.jpg

Another black and white look - I know there's much of them, and I'm sorry if it's boring, but I absolutely love wearing those simple, always-in-fashion colors.

 photo DSC05363Large.jpg

 photo DSC05344Large.jpg

Jacket: Boohoo Knit: Cubus Scarf: Gina Tricot Leopard print jeans: H&M Boots: KooKenkä Bag: Boohoo Beanie: DIY

...and yeah, it's probably too much print and texture to it but I nevertheless loved wearing this look. And the red lips, I've been all about red lips lately.

 photo DSC05366Large.jpg

 photo DSC05349Large.jpg

 photo DSC05375Large.jpg

Beanie. Love. ♥

 photo DSC05354Large.jpg

So, that's what I have for you today. I'm sorry it's such a short post, I really need to prepare stuff for you during the weekend so you don't have to deal with this kind of comatose posts (writing-wise) as this is, haha. :D

What do you guys think about this look? ♥

Now, I will get to bed, watch an episode of Desperate Housewives (re-running it with myself for about 20th time, lol) and drink some hot chocolate with marshmallows. Love that.

Have a fabulous day!

Blog ya later,

xoxo

Johanna