#MENTALHEALTHAWARENESSWEEK Anxiety and I

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Urban Villa Sleepover

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Much Needed Moments

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Ramblings and Such...

Sometimes I log into Blogger and I know exactly what I want to write about, other times, I have nothing planned and I guess I just want to type.

This is one of those times.

 So let's talk!

Well, what's been happening?

A lot and not a lot at the same time.

I turned 26 last month!

Who would have thought?

It was a great birthday though, normally I don't get too spoilt on birthdays but this year I was spoilt by my family and friends.

I really love birthdays, it's the one time where all my loved ones are happy and together in one place. 

It's a great feeling!

I'm still working full time whilst juggling beauty blogging too. 

It can be difficult to do the two but I realise it's all about planning.

I need to be more organised.

I'm the messy sort of creative type, I've never been organised but I find not being organised gets you nowhere...literally...you do not move!

I need to be more organised to move forward and progress.

Does anyone feel the same?

Nevertheless I have a tonne of posts lined up including my bronzer collection, foundation collection and some product reviews. 

I am also aiming to get back into filming as the days are getting longer.

To keep up with what posts will be appearing on DOS you can visit my Upcoming Posts page, you can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for my videos.

The DOS Fit Files have taken a break, due to laziness and my lack or organisation (see above) but it WILL return!!

 Really need to pull my finger out and shape up so stayed tuned.

I will be starting a new fitness programme very soon and updating you guys with my progress as I go, I'm very excited!

For the 15th thousandth time I have changed my hair again. 

This was a necessity after shaving a majority of my head for my short cut.

 I had managed to avoid having braids for 4 years but with uneven hair and a head that just doesn't like weave, braids were the only option.

I opted for Senegalese twists as I have never had them before, I was a bit hesitant but I think they turned out great!

My hairdresser is fabulous! 

She really takes her time and makes sure the hair is perfect! 

7 hours later I had gorgeous (just above waist length) twists!

If you would like to book her send me an email (my address can be found via the Contact Me page) and I will pass on her number, I definitely recommend her!

I am currently on a make up ban...again!

This time for religious purposes I guess.

So far, it's been a bit difficult but manageable, I find myself wanting to buy EVERY product out right now, but to keep myself sane I am shopping my stash instead!

I have so many products to show on DOS the ban will definitely not hinder the blog at all! 

The things we deem as stressful!

I really feel like I'm rambling now so I'm going to stop!

If you have any questions or suggestions for beauty products feel free to leave me a comment or shoot me an email.

I'm always looking for recommendations as well as opinions on the latest beauty products out there.

Oo and as I've said before I can see I'm at 300+ subscribers, I'm collecting goodies for a big beauty giveaway that should launch in summer so keep an eye out!!

Thanks for reading my ramblings and sticking with DOS guys!

It really does mean a whole lot!

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Let's Catch Right Up!

*inhales*

Well hello there!

It has been a WHILE! 

Just under a month since I last blogged but it feels like YEARS!

I decided to take some time out as I felt myself losing my 'blogging mojo', I find it's always better to give yourself time to get back to blogging naturally instead of forcing it.

So what have I been up to?

To be honest, not much. 

I find when Summer ends I go back into my shell to hibernate, stocking up on woolly clothing, coffee and most importantly food.

Talking about food I've meaning to shift these last few pounds, my weight loss over the past few years has been great but it's getting tiring, I've been dragging out the last stone and a bit which I want to be rid of before the end of this year, let's hope I make it! I'll let you guys know how I get on, I've been meaning to create a post on my weight loss journey which I'll be doing soonish.

In other news, my make up ban lasted all of a month...I don't even know what to say really!

A month is a long time for me, a reaaaaallly long time.

I've been trying to make more use of the products I currently own so I've been shopping my stash more often, discovering new products and testing out more advance (for myself anyway) looks, I've even been applying lashes which is something I have the most trouble with, yeah I'm still glueing my eyelids to my face, but hey, at least the lashes are on!

If you follow me on Instagram you would've seen me upload a few looks during my hiatus which include the following below:

Look 1. 

Iridescent eyeshadow look using Makeup Geek eyeshadows and a bold red lip using Limecrime's gorgeous Velvetine in Red Velvet.

Look 2. 

Same eyeshadow look as before. Lip colour is Coloured Raine's Dragenista lipstick.

Look 3. 

Nude and Neutral look with Barry M's Dazzle Dust in No.53 on the lid, Sleek Pout Paint in Mink on the lips with NYX's lipgloss in Miami Babe (my favvv lipgloss ever) over that.

Look 4. 

Wearing Ellis Faas Milky Lips in L202 (review coming soon) and an Inglot blush in No.41

Which one is your favourite?

If you would like to see a post/review or video on any of the products used or mentioned above feel free to let me know in the comments below. I'm working on getting more videos out on my YouTube channel which you can subscribe to for make up looks and hauls.

You guys have probably already noticed by now but I have also cut my hurrrr again. I didn't really think about it, I just went in and told the lovely Andree Marie to cut it all orfffff! 
It has taken me a LOOOONG while to get used to it but I think I'm finally almost there, definitely saves fixing a closure in the morning!

If you look to your right you'll also see that I recently hit 300 subscribers! AMAZING or what?!

Thank you to all of you who have subbed, who comment and interact with me, I know I say this ALLL the time but I really am grateful! 
Blogging has brought so many positives into my life I can't even begin to know where to start to let you guys know how much it has helped me... but anyway...let's save all that good stuff for another post.

New milestones mean new giveaways so I will be launching my 300 subscriber giveaway in the next few weeks including loadsa fab beauty goods so stay tuned, you may be winning some make up goodies for Christmas! ;)

*exhales*

Well, this was a long one but I've never been one to keep things short and sweet and to be honest I just felt like typing and catching up with you guys!

Hope your all well and stay tuned for more posts coming up in the next few weeks 
(for a sneak peek of what click HERE)

Hugs and Kisses! 

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Instagram Living Pt 8

Makeup Geek Ultimate Palette (check out my giveaway for a chance to win some pans!)/OCC Lip Tar in Black Dhalia/Holiday memories/
Topshop Straight Ace Lipstick/ Joni Jeans and eBay crop top/Me and Jules TBT/
Sleek Lip4 Palette Haul...love these/Check me out on Pinterest/Riri Woo...check out my giveaway for a chance to win this too!

@NatalieKayO

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Instagram Living Pt 7

Saturday Night OOTN/ TBT- Baby Miss DOS/ My 25th Birthday Face/
Craving!/Hummingbird Red Velvets...YUM/Sasha/
My brother from another mother/Base Face/TBT - My P.I.C

@NatalieKayO

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Instagram Living Pt 6

Birthday Drinks/TBT My First Ever Radio Award/Graduation/
DOS 2nd Birthday/Exxxagerate/New Buys/
NYX Shocking Pink/Wise words from Mr T.D Jakes/Double Trouble ;)

@NatalieKayo



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25 Facts...

1. I was named after the actress Natalie Wood

2. My dad wanted to call me Belinda, his suggestion was swiftly ignored by my mother.

3. I am 100% Ghanaian however I cannot speak any of the Ghanaian languages.

4. I was born in Essex. (Insert TOWIE joke here.)

5. I own a dog.  He is a cute, chubby lil corgi called Dexter.

6. 4 years ago I weighed 17 stone.

7. I swear...quite a lot, what can you do eh? London is a difficult place.

8. I've been to 4 universities.

9. I have one older brother and one half brother whom I have never met

10. I am  developing a strong desire to be a train driver.

11. I have never had a boyfriend

12. I am 5ft 2 and a half . I like being short.

13. I cannot talk to males that I find attractive, which would probably tie in with fact 11.

14. I've been to three concerts, albeit intimate venues, on my own.

15. I am very opinionated. It's a hinderance.

16. I cannot drive...my oyster card is my best and most expensive friend.

17. Although I love my friends and family to death I am an avid lover of my own company.

18. When I was younger I was given a snowman pyjama holder, (which doubled as my comforter.) I named him Kevin. He stayed with me for a long ass time until I accidentally left him at my dad's house and he went missing. I mourn him almost daily. *solitary tear*

19. Ginuwine once serenaded me with a verse from In Those Jeans. I fell in love INSTANTLY.

20. I am sometimes convinced that when I am on the train the person sitting opposite me can read my mind.

21. I make, what can only be called, rash decisions in life on a daily basis. I am not one of those think about it for days types. I'm ashamed to say it but I sometimes live the YOLO lifestyle :(

22. I collect make up.  Just because. I think this is what people call an 'addiction.'

23. I  love romance. THERE! I SAID IT! AND WHAT? *hard face*

24. I used to have a solid creative streak in my teen years. I went through an art phase as well as a literature phase. Both have now abandoned me. :'(

25. Discoveries Of Self  is now officially 2 years old!  I am truly grateful to everybody who has supported DOS by subbing, reading, commenting, nominating for blogger awards and adding to favourites. The response from my blog is something that always bowls me over. I feel overly privileged to be a part of the blogging community! Thank you to everyone who gave DOS a chance! I'm very blessed!

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Graduation

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen what I got up to this Tuesday.

I attended my graduation ceremony!

I passed my course in July however I missed the summer graduation so went to the January ceremony instead.

IT. WAS. COLD!!!!

But mama was proud and that was the main thing!

All in all the day was slightly stressful, travelling by train to Leicester and back again with your family whilst trying to get to places on time is not the most enjoyable task in the world.

I can't deny it though, I did feel a sense of pride. I had finally completed something even if it was 3 years later than the rest of my friends.

University was perhaps one of the most challenging part of my life to date.

I found it hard being away from my friends, being over 21 and not making the same choices in life that my friends were, essentially I still felt like a child whilst being at university, a trapped child.

But I knew I had to persevere and with the help of my immediate family and close friends (aka extended family) 

I made it and I am VERY happy!

I want to take another moment to announce another small victory. My graduation dress was a size 10! 

For someone who used to wear a size 22, I feel as though I am winning this year!

I am truly blessed!

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Change

This week has been an absolute whirlwind, I have barely had time to catch my breath.

2012 seems to be a year of huge changes.

I've never been too good with change so I'm finding it slightly difficult to cope but I am trying hard, I've felt so blessed this year, it has been unbelievable! 

In my last post I was feeling sorry for myself, my job was coming to an end and I had nothing to look forward to except weeks/months of unemployment.

In the space of 24 hours that all changed,

to cut a long story short, I am on my way to getting a full time job and I am now back on radio with my own show!

I'm not going to lie, I am scared shitless...the responsibility is HUGE, I have contemplated just giving it all up on various occasions but that would be way too easy.

So I am just taking each day as it comes in life.

This week I felt as though I had taken a few steps back with my life by engaging with people who are not good for me spiritually or mentally but God always has your lessons lined up for you, I've learnt, and I now know that I must close the door on them and look forward.

I'm excited and nervous and scared all at the same time about everything, lol, but I know I am blessed so I can't go wrong.

One of my friends posted this quote by Lao Tzu on Instagram which I thought was quite fitting:

"If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present."

I totally agree!

In other news if you are a regular reader of DOS you would have noticed the change to my layout which was done by the gorgeous Gillian of Elevator Musik.

I'm absolutely loving it, it makes my blog an easier read, that paired with my new cam means that posts will be a lil bit more effective visually.

You will also see that I am creating more beauty based posts, this blog was not intentionally made for beauty but it is something that I am beginning to develop an interest in and it feels comfortable to me so please stay tuned for more beauty posts! 

Anything you want to suggest that I review or try out please feel free to leave a comment below or email me: 

discoveriesofself@gmail.com

I have some posts coming up on new buys and hopefully another video! 

I am now on YouTube, you can find my channel HERE

In the mean time I wanted to show a sneak peek of my new buys!

This gorgeous head chain and M.A.C Runaway Red Lipstick! 

(The nose ring is fake, mama would kill me if it was real!!!)

Can we also all take a moment to just droool over the amazingness of Solange's new song, the video, the fashion, the song, her dancing, EVERYTHING IS GIVING ME LIFE!!!

It's been on repeat for literally EVER today!!!

Before I sign off for another post,  I wanted to say thank you and hello to new subbies and old and thanks to every one who has commented! I read everyone and respond to them all. Your support and interaction means a lot to me! :) xxx

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