Tania Michele: August 2018

Friday, 31 August 2018

August 2018 Faves

Oh man. That heatwave went on for about 1000 years, and now it's become the Ice Age with downpours. Good ole England! It's payday today, so I'm getting some essentials before my late shift, and then tomorrow I am treating myself to a Subway and some shopping - on the count it doesn't decided to rain down a monsoon on me.

Anyway, hope you're all well, and here are my monthly faves!

Song
I really don't know how I didn't hear Troye's song sooner, but this is a bloody brilliant song, which I blare, en route to works on the early shifts! This video is amazing too and made me buy Troye's new album Bloom.

TV Show
I am finally catching up on my TV show 'to watch' list, and I finally got around to watching Marlon. Season 2 came to Netflix on August 22nd and I binged it over the weekend! it made me laugh out loud, and I'm going to be re-watching it soon.

Film
I haven't seen many films this month, but I'm mid-way through my Marvel marathon - it's taking a while though! Just got to Ant-Man, so I can re-watch that before I go and see Ant-Man and The Wasp... as I've still not seen the new one! Paul Rudd makes me laugh so much, so it was nice to see him do some of this seriously!

Picture
Fave picture of the month is this one of me! Yes, I know - so vain, haha! I've not worn anything but shorts for MONTHS due to the heatwave, so this was the first time I was covered up in ages! This was for a little town trip with the family, so was feeling pretty happy with myself.

How has your August been, and what are your faves from the categories above? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

Wednesday, 29 August 2018

August Wishlist

Phew, this month is going as quick as Dash from the Incredibles, isn't it?! We had the ending of the heatwave here it seems, and have been having a lot more rain and cold chills now.!

While it's been too hot to leave my desk fan, or too cold to venture outside - I mean, seriously, what is going on with the weather right now!? - here's a bunch of things I really want to get come payday this week.

And, seeing as it's my birthday next month, I've been lusting over birthstone goodies! What's on your wishlist for August, and have you picked up any bargains recently? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Monday, 27 August 2018

'Damn Regret'

'Damn regret

I'll try to forget

Don't worry about me 'cause I'll be fine

Cast my line

To see what's behind

Did you think you'd persuade me to let you go?'

-The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

I have this song on my iTunes, so it appears on my shuffle quite a lot, and every time, it makes me think about things that happened in my life that I regret. Maybe regret isn't the right word - more, 'what I wish I did differently'. Here are a few things I wish I could redo!

Work
I wish I had got a job sooner than I did. I got my first job not long before I was 19, and I'm still there to this day. I wish I had tried a few summer/Christmas jobs when I was at school to get some experience, instead of waiting until school was over and I was job hunting in a frenzy!

Money
Oh, how I wish I had started saving way sooner in life. I had worked for about 2-3 years before even considering a savings account. I just spent everything I earned and it never amounted to anything. And then I got my car, and became more independent so I could go do things... But, alas, no cash. It wasn't until I wanted to go to Florida at the age of 21 that I realised a savings account was a good idea.

Driving
I didn't learn to drive until late 2011, at the age of 20. I passed just a week before my 21st birthday! I wish I had taken it up sooner, so I could have got about easier without having to rely on my parents and my grandad.

Adult Stuff
This is the section I have issues with. Such as settling down, marriage, babies, etc. I do want all of this, and part of me wishes I had done all of this back at 21-23... Not the case for me. In a way I'm happy with the fact I'm a single pringle at almost 26 years old, but there is still a teeny bit of me that regrets not finding 'the one' back when I was a bit younger. I'm too set in my ways now!

Travelling
By this, I mean visiting more of America. I'm not currently interested in anywhere else just yet - I want to tackle this first! I've only seen Orlando in Florida, but I would love to get to visit other places. Maybe if I'd worked earlier and saved up quicker, this would have been a reality.

Health
Boy, oh boy. This is for both mental and physical.
I regret ever thinking I was 'chunky' back when I was a size 12. I'm bigger now! I was, and always have been, happy with how I am - but I regret not trying to keep in shape and tone up when I was in my late teens. This would probably have helped with a few ailments I have now, but it's something I am working on. As for my mental health, I wish I had taken up the offer of a counselor from my Dr when I was 14/15. I think that would have been better than using my little sister as my therapist!

What things in your life do you regret, or wish you had done differently? Let me know, as I'm super curious! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Friday, 17 August 2018

Current Netflix Loves

Ah, Netflix.

I don't think there has been a day in the last year, where I've not watched an episode - or season - on the streaming site. I've found some amazing gems on there, and had the fun of re-watching a load of my favorites. There are shows for everyone. Documentaries, comedies, horrors, and even the amazing Netflix originals. Here are the shows that have recently caught my attention.

GLOW
This original show for Netflix, first started last year, and I was hooked. I love the idea, the storylines, and the cast are amazing. I've love Alison Brie, since she was in Community - so I had a feeling this show would be good too. I've loved the 80's vibes and music through this, and the latest season was so good... I watched the whole thing on a Saturday off work!

Marlon
I adore the Wayans family, so seeing that Marlon had his own, self-titled comedy show, I had to try it out. I was laughing aloud through the entire first season! Season 2 is due to come to the streaming site on August 22nd, which I can't wait for. It's a great family show, so can be watched with kids and adults alike.

Brooklyn 99
Hilarious show. I had seen season one, back when it originally aired, but then never got round to watching the other seasons. How foolish of me! I haven't had a show make me laugh this much, organically, in years. The openings are hysterical - I mean, who can't love the line up singing 'I want it that way'? I'm currently on my 3rd go of watching the whole series.

Penn & Teller: Fool Us
I loved this when it was on TV, and I am obsessed with magic acts. I love being stumped, amazed, confused, and in awe of them all. I've watched most of the season already, and it's become my show of choice, when I'm tucked up in bed.

Planet Earth 2
Another one I never watched when it was on TV, but have come to enjoy on Netflix. I'm not a huge animal lover, however, this show is filmed and documented so beautifully, that I've been sat on the end of my bed, hoping the prey get to safety - but also that the predators can eat. Catch 22! It's so amazing to see all these wild animals in their habitats.

What are your fave shows to binge watch on Netflix? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Wednesday, 15 August 2018

20 Things I've Learned About Blogging

October this year, will be my 5th birthday of this lil slice of internet that I call mine. I was looking back at some of my old posts the other day and came across this blog post about some things I had learned about the world of blogging. It's been a few years since then, so I thought I would do an updated one. Here are 20 more things I've learned about blogging.

A lot of companies that want to collaboration with you, will never reply back to your response
You are allowed to take a break from blogging if you need it
Stats aren't everything
Your life will not be over if you miss a few days of posts because you've done a 40 hour week at your full time job
Getting paid for a collaboration is amazing
Freebies are not common for 'lower' bloggers
You will become more tech savvy
You will end up with a playlist of songs to help you write!
Series or regular themed posts are great! Series such as holiday diaries, or regulars like monthly playlists
You will end up with a dozen planners and notebooks to help you keep on top of things!
China wedding dress companies will contact you relentlessly
As will companies who want to help grow your Instagram following
Bots are everywhere
It's fine to take inspiration from someone else's post - and it's always polite to ask them first, and tag them in your post to help spread some blogger love
A blog schedule doesn't mean you have to post something that day if you've not been able to get a post sorted
Bulk writing is either welcomed with open arms, or resented for the day!
Treat other bloggers as friends, and not your competition
Don't copy verbatim, someone's blog post.
It is so therapeutic to get things typed up
Write for yourself - not the mass media

Can you relate to any of these things? I've been wanting to do this new version for ages - and it feels great to have finally typed it all out! What things have you discovered about blogging? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

Monday, 13 August 2018

August Playlist

I've been listening to a lot of music over the past month so thought I would create this little list off all the songs I am loving right now! Click any of the titles to get taken to a YouTube video, so you can check them out for yourself. Hope you like them!

Troye Sivan - My My My
Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling
Ariana Grande - Greedy
Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande - Dance To This
The Sweet - Fox On The Run
Florida Georgia Line - Dirt
The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar - Pray For Me
Mamma Mia! 2 - Why Did It Have To Be Me?
Troye Sivan - Bloom
Florida Georgia Line - Heatwave

Had another month of being obsessed with all of these songs!! Like any of the songs above? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

Friday, 10 August 2018

Super Geeky But Insanely Fun Games To Play This Summer*

Pexels

Video games are in their absolute prime this year. If E3 wasn’t enough, it’s amazing to see just how crazy the next few months of releases are going to be. This autumn and winter is set to become one of the most cozy and relaxing video gaming eras in recent memory, with some excellent and high quality titles on their way.

Of course, not all gaming opportunities should be through a console format. Perhaps brushing up your mental skills with creative puzzles or perhaps even casino tuition found here https://casinoseniors.com can help you establish your critical thinking - which only helps inform your skill levels in the upcoming release schedule.

Thankfully, this guide is here to help you play only the best that you deserve:

Monster Hunter World (PC, Xbox One, PS4)

Monster Hunter World, released on most consoles and the PC on the 9th of August, is the culmination of a long and storied series of video games stretching back to the early PSP. Famous in Japan and starting to get more and more of a Western fanbase, Monster Hunter is perhaps one of the most enticing games you can pick up in the modern generation. It’s important to understand why. Monster Hunter is an absolute treat to play in many respects, as you head out and must contend with a living ecosystem of excellent, incredibly strange monsters and hunt them for their resources. The game has fantastical elements, a deeply complex crafting system, many fighting varieties and also a lighthearted story to experience. Monster Hunter world is a game of extreme fun, and can last for at least two hundred hours easily, perfect for a slow march of fun this summer!

Spider-Man (PS4)

For fans of Marvel and especially our friendly neighborhood Spiderman, there couldn’t be a better time. A triple A Playstation 4 releases developed by Insomnia Games is coming out early September, and from the gameplay alone looks absolutely marvellous (pun intended.) Featuring the largest city ever to be developed for a Marvel video game, and using the full scope of Spiderman’s abilities in both fluid combat, movement and stealth mechanics, this game looks like one to watch for us who require a superhero story to put a smile on our face.

Life is Strange 2 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Fans of the early Life is Strange game are sure to rejoice in late September, as a new title in the series is set to be released, featuring entirely new characters and a supporting cast. If you’ve played the recently released and surprisingly free ‘The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit,’’ you’ve likely found just how much work the developers Don’t Nod entertainment have placed in modernizing their systems. The story, while not set to follow the narrative of Max and Chloe from the originally, still seems focused on providing a deeply human narrative, perhaps with a degree of supernatural exploration. We can hardly wait.

With these suggestions, you are sure to enjoy a wonderful summer of gaming. Just don’t forget to head out in the sun despite all this excellence.

Wednesday, 8 August 2018

Disney Rings

When I went to Disney World last year, I bought way too many goodies, but one thing I picked up a few of, were rings. I love rings - they're one of my fave jewellery items, and what better way to show off some Disney love?

They're all simple silver ones, that all have some Disney reference. Even the Star Wars one, which Disney now own!

These are the four I picked up during my holiday.

Princess Tiara
September Birthstone
Mickey Mouse Diamond
Star Wars: May The Force Be With You, rotating band

My fave is the fake diamond Mickey Mouse ring. It's pretty huge, and sooo sparkly! My sister has the same one, but the smaller version. Plus, the Star Wars ring rotates, so you can spin the quote around. I wear it as a thumb ring - which has been a blessing in an anxiety attack. Honestly, I could have spend all my savings buying the variety of the rings they had on offer.

What ring of the above is your favourite? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Monday, 6 August 2018

Artists I'm Currently Loving | Part 1

This weather is perfect for listening to song while getting on with tasks, or just relaxing. I've been hooked on the same artists and songs for the last month or so, and these are ones I listen to each day. Without fail!

Florida Georgia Line
Country music has always held a certain part of my soul. Granted these guys are a country-pop mix, the songs they've had are some of my faves. I'm currently hooked on Heatwave, Simple, Dirt, and May We All. Their new album is due to come out sometime this year, so I can't wait to hear some new songs from them.

RuPaul
Mama Ru! I've been loving these songs since last year, but since we've had 6 months of Drag Race this year, it just meant my love for the songs grew. I am obsessed with Call Me Mother, American, and Kitty Girl right now. Plus, the Kitty Girl Remix with the All Stars 3 girls!

Mamma Mia! 2 Cast
Okay, technically not an artist exactly, but they've put an album out so I'm counting it. I loved the movie, and the songs were so good. My faves are Why Did It Have To Be Me, and When I Kissed The Teacher.

Ariana Grande
I've always loved Ariana, even if I was a year late to the party when she got big! Her new single, Sweetner, is coming out this month and I'm super excited for it. We've had No Tears Left To Cry, and the recent God Is a Woman, to get us excited. I also still love One Last Time, which holds a special place in my heart since the Manchester Area attack.

Harry Styles
Even though we haven't had any new songs since his solo debut album last year, I keep going back to this album weekly. I still love Ever Since New York, Kiwi, and Carolina. I really hope there is a new song or two coming by the end of this year!

There are a handful of other that are just a song here and there from them, but the above are all ones who I've been enjoy their albums. Which artists and songs are you loving right now? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Friday, 3 August 2018

Fave Etsy Stores

Etsy has become somewhat of an obsession this year. Since I started journalling again, I've been buying copious amounts of stickers off the site, just to make my planner pages look pretty! There are dozens of shop on the site, which means plenty of small business to support. In lieu of shedding a light on the wonderful creators of the shops, here are my current fave stores from Etsy.

Saphira Planner
A lovely sticker shop, where you can get plenty of goodies for your journals. I have bought a few items off here over this year, and I'm really wanting these Girls night stickers, so I can track when I go out with Nicola and Lauren!

The Sticker Party
Ran by the lovely Erica, this store is located in Canada - and is the one shop I have been buying from for over a year. I was even there when the re-brand happened! I usually get new stickers from here once, or twice a month. It's a small fee to get it shipped into the UK, but it's so wroth it! When Drag Race was on, I tracked it with this set, but I'm currently after these classic Disney movie stickers, so I can see what classics I need to catch up on!

Through Creation
This shop is perfect for unique handmade gifts, wedding bits and pieces, and some beautiful shadowbox art. I adore this Arrow & Black Canary shadowbox - it's perfect for a geeky couple in their home.

Geeky Planner
This store has had so much of my money - it's another one I go to religious each payday, so I can see the new arrivals. I tend to get tracker stickers from here, or full page sets, such as this Horror set - which I think is perfectly creepy for Halloween.

Pretty Sheepy
This store is located in Florida, so to get the items shipped to the UK is a little pricey, but it's so worth it as these stickers are high quality - and perfect for any Disney addicts like me! I am after these Walt Disney World planning stickers for next year, when we go back!

ImagineEarsUK
This is a new shop I found recently, and haven't actually bought anything off them just yet - BUT, I've been eyeing a lot of them up for my next Disney trip next year, but I might treat myself to some this week coming as it's payday! They have loads of beautifully designed 'Mickey Ears', and these Incredibles Ears one are perfect for the park right now!

What stores do you love on Etsy? If you have one of your own, please let me know so I can check it out! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Wednesday, 1 August 2018

Orlando Holiday Diaries Round Up!

Now that all of my Holiday Diary blog post from my Florida holiday have gone up, I wanted to do a round up post of all of them. This way you can easily pick a day, a park that interests you, or this can act as the index for you to locate them all from!

It was such a fun holiday!

I really wish I had started and finished the posts a lot sooner, and closer to when we actually came home - and not finishing this all 10 months after it was all over! Hope this helps you find what post interests you, and hope you enjoy them all.

If you're interested, here are all the other posts related to Florida/Orlando that you might find helpful if you're looking to take a holiday there, or you wanted to check out some of the hauls I shared.

If I do any more in relation to the holiday, I'll update this list when the time comes.

What day/post is your favourite? And which park is the one you're most interested in visiting for yourself? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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