Happy New Year Everybody!

Hello blogosphere, and welcome to 2015! I hope everyone's Christmases were amazing (I know mine was), and that you weren't all too disappointed that someone *cough* me *cough* wasn't able to complete all 12 days of Blogmas. In my defence, the holidays can be a busy time, and what kind of person would I be if I wasn't able to watch both 'Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever', and 'Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh' before the 25th came around? So once again, I apologise for that, but let's face it, most of you probably didn't care. Anyway, a new year has rolled around since my last post, and as you know, that's kind of a big deal. So, in proper celebratory fashion, I've decided to list some of the most popular people, words and things to occur in 2014 to give the last 365 days before these a proper send off. Sound good? Let's hope it does, because it's happening. Without further ado, here's what went down last year . . .

Actors and Actresses

Top 6 Googled Actors of 2014

6. Ansel Elgort

5. Theo James

4. Chris Pratt

3. Macaulay Culkin

2. Matthew McConaughey

1. Jared Leto

Would I say I'm happy with this list? Yeah, pretty much. I mean, if it were totally up to me, of course it would just be jam packed with Glee stars and Broadway veterans, but unfortunately sometimes not everyone agrees with the world according to me (although they totally should). But on the plus side, there's no one I hate on here, and I'm proud to admit I've heard of every single one of these guys. Achievement! Stars of 'Divergent' (and in Ansel's case, 'TFIOS' as well) are on the list representing the teen fangirls of 2014, and I have to say, I'm pretty proud of who my generation have decided to obsess over. I mean, a major improvement on 'Twilight', the progress really is just unbelievable. And the others? They seem nice and all, so all is well. Plus, the fact that Macaulay Culkin made it on the list because of all the rumours surrounding his supposed death I find pretty funny. 

Top 6 Googled Actresses of 2014

6. Margot Robbie

5. Kim Novak

4. Ellen Page

3. Betty White

2. Renée Zellweger

1. Jennifer Lawrence

Once again, there aren't any complaints here. Of course, Lea Michele should definitely be on the list, but that's another issue. J-Law being number one is certainly awesome, because, you know, she's the bomb. And in case you don't already know, I actually love Betty White so much it's ridiculous! She is just the best person ever! So being number three really is a solid effort at 92. Just to be very clear, you haven't completely lost your eye sight, that is indeed Renée Zellweger in the 2nd last photo. The fact that she has a new face has assisted her in getting the number two spot, although I really feel like I can't judge, because no matter what she does, there'll always be Bridget Jones and Chicago, and that's all that matters. Ellen Page is also pretty cool in the 2 movies I've seen her in, and her awesomeness in 'Juno' shall forever live on in the minds of many. Number 5, no idea. Not even a clue. But for the final actress on the list, I have to get a little patriotic. Australia, we made it!

10 Most Popular Songs of 2014

10. All of Me - John Legend

9. Break Free - Ariana Grande feat. Zedd

8. The Monster - Eminem feat. Rihanna

7. Wrecking Ball  - Miley Cyrus

6. Happy - Pharrell Williams

5. Let It Go - Idina Menzel

4. Dark Horse - Katy Perry feat. Juicy J

3. Problem - Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

2. Fancy - Iggy Azalea feat. Charlie XCX

1. Bang Bang - Jessie J feat. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

Can I just say right off the bat, I am actually so happy Taylor Swift didn't make it on this list. Not even kidding, I'm feeling unbelievable relief. And guess what? I don't even hate anyone else who made it in the top 10, how crazy is that? Plus, I think for the first time in my entire life, I've actually listened to every one of these songs. How has that happened? I have absolutely no idea. So yeah, you could say I'm pretty happy with the outcome. The fact that Idina Menzel's 'Let It Go' is still going strong makes me all kinds of happy, and the fact that Ariana Grande, who's Broadway background has earned her my respect, was on the list a whopping three times is also a bonus. Iggy Azalea also made her way onto the list, once again representing Australia, which can really only be a good thing. The placement of 'Wrecking Ball' did surprise me a little considering it came out mid way through 2013, but who knows, maybe the controversy of the music video made the single have staying power. Overall, a pretty solid list.

Top 10 Words of 2014

10. Beatboxer

9. Legit

8. YASSSSS

7. Killin' It

6. Dat

5. Turn Up

4. Coolin' It

3. Deligious

2. Twerking

1. Vibing

I don't really know what to think about this list at all really. In fact, I don't even think I could define the majority of these slang terms. So I guess due to my lack of knowledge, I'm pretty impartial. However, I can honestly say I am super relieved 'swag' or 'fleek' or something else utterly ridiculous hasn't made it onto this list, so that's certainly a bonus. 

Anyway, that's pretty much the end of the post. I hope everyone's 2015 has started off well, and that you don't hate me too much for abandoning Blogmas. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

8th Day of Blogmas Vol 2: Fanciest Christmas Nail Art

Greetings readers! I don't even know how all this has happened so quickly, but we're already at the 8th Day of Blogmas. Sure, it's exciting that Christmas is rapidly approaching, but won't you all be terribly devastated once these Blogmas posts have come to an end?

That's what I thought. Moving along, today, I'm going to be once again getting everyone in a jolly mood and show you some super fancy and awesome Christmas themed nail art. Perhaps you can try and work this into your 25th celebrations, or may be they'll just be cool to look at, whatever you decide is best. Anyway, without further ado, let's get cracking . . .

1. 

You have to hand it to who ever did this, they've done some pretty intricate paint work right there. The snowman looks like it's been plucked straight from a winter wonderland, but what exactly screams Christmas about a teddy bear? I don't know, but it's wearing a santa hat, so just go with it. This must've taken so much time and effort that you can't help but appreciate the awesomeness of this pretty intense nail art. Whoever did this is certainly dedicated, and may I just say, their efforts payed off big time. 

2. 

Well, woah, I don't even know where to start. There's so much going on I don't know where to look first. All I can think is that the person who did this must have a lot of patience. They've pretty much managed to sum up Christmas in 5 nails - you've got some stars, a fabulous snowman, a reindeer (although admittedly one that looks a bit like satan at first glance), a Christmas stocking, and of course, Santa right there on the end. Wouldn't you just love to show these off on Christmas? That'd be majorly cool. However, having to paint all of that myself? That doesn't seem realistic. Or like anything I would like to do ever. 

3. 

Yes. 100% yes. Can you really beat a classic Christmas tree? I think not. Damn, don't these just look so cool? They've got little branches and ornaments, and to top it all off (literally), there's a little red light on top to just complete the tower of awesomeness. Do I think I could ever pull this off? No way. But boy, wouldn't they actually just be the best? They're so Christmassy I could die (jollily of course). If you have any artistic skills, I highly suggest you give this a go. 

4. 

What exactly makes Christmas as awesome as it is? Why the answer is obviously the one and only Santa Claus. You see him on TV, you see him on film, and in pretty much every depiction, he is just marvellous. So of course, no doubt about it, these nails are an obvious winner. Can we also all just take a second to appreciate how near that third nail is? Oh my gosh, the precision is just ridiculous! Even down to the perfectly round buttons through the centre. Recreating this and living up to the original is no easy task, but if you're brave enough, I advise that you give it your best shot, because the outcome will be totally worth it.

5. 

This nail art is actually amazing. Aside from the creepy talon like shape, I love everything about it. It seriously looks like art that could be on a stain glass window or something, but now, someone was able to paint this on fingernails. How can you even draw something so small yet so proportionate and accurate, all the while having it look like the best thing ever? I simply do not know. I'd advise that you attempt this at home, but let's get real, it looks ridiculously hard. I think it's just best to sit back and appreciate the awesomeness.

So that's now officially the end of my post. I hope you found this nail art to be as awesome as I did, and hopefully, you've found some Christmas polish inspiration. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

7th Day of Blogmas Vol 2: Ideal Christmas List

Hello once again blogosphere! It is now the 7th Day of Blogmas, and we're going to get into what is perhaps the most exciting part of Christmas - presents! Back in Day 3 I talked all about some cool secret Santa gift ideas for under $20, but now we can splurge a little bit. These presents are for you and you only. I understand that people are compiling their personal Christmas lists at the moment, so I thought I'd give you a helping hand and provide you with some awesome suggestions. Intro done and dusted, let's get moving . . .

Smartphone Projector

This is actually one of the coolest things ever. You know those times you and your friends are all gathering around to watch some youtube video or movie you've got stored on your phone, but only about two people can see what's actually going on and you're just awkwardly crouching around them with nothing to look out? Well my friends, those days are over. Low and behold, the smart phone projector. It simply works by slotting your phone in like you would with an iPod dock, clicking the on button, flicking off the lights, and off you go, instant home cinema! Doesn't that just sound amazing? It's handy, it's easy to use, and it's cost effective! Seriously, it comes in at just under $35. What a bargain. 

Smartphone Projector, $34.90

'The Geeks' Guide to World Domination: Be Afraid Beautiful People' 

Admittedly, this gift is pretty specific and may not cater to everyone, but if you're tolerating this blog, odds are you're probably just a little bit nerdy. I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a nerd and proud, and honestly world domination sounds pretty cool. That's pretty much the ultimate goal for an over-achiever like me. One day Broadway, the next day, the world. Plus, there's no doubting this book sounds pretty awesome. It's time for us geeks to fight back and take over, so why not read up on it over Christmas?

'The Geek' Guide to World Domination: Be Afraid Beautiful People', $10.90

Victoria's Secret Gift Pack

If you don't frequent 'Victoria's Secret' (which I, to be fair, only made my first purchase from today) then you probably think I'm suggesting you go out and buy a lingerie gift set. But don't worry, I haven't totally lost it. Believe it or not, the store known for its extensive array of underwear sells a wonderful collection of body lotions and perfumes. Not even kidding, the second you walk into the store your nose is overwhelmed with awesomeness. Everything looks so fancy and the bottles are just so pretty, there's no doubting you'll love any products you get from there. Plus, they're all of an excellent quality and will last you a while, which means you'll be smelling like a dream for months on end.

Buy 3 for $30 Deal, Victoria's Secret 'PINK' Range

6th Day of Blogmas Vol 2: Best Celebrity Christmas Outfits

Readers, welcome to another day of Blogmas! Circa Christmas 2013, I talked about some of the Yuletide traditions celebrities seem to have, and this year, I'm talking about their outfits. Everyone loves a bit of Christmas themed fashion, plus this will totally give you some outfit inspiration for the 25th. It's been fairly short, but I'm pretty sure this covers the intro. So, now we've got that over with, let's get cracking . . .

Selena Gomez

I don't know how anyone can even begin to try and replicate this, but it sure is awesome. Selena really knows how to Christmas (which of course, has now become a verb) in a fabulous way. It's colour appropriate, involves a whole lot of sparkle, and is figure-skater chic. Plus, the tutu's always a nice touch.

Katy Perry

Never one to make bland fashion choices is of course Katy Perry, who decided to dress as a Christmas tree. You have to admit, this is pretty much as good as Christmas outfits get. It's adorned with ornaments and everything! If you really want to go all out you can give making this dress a go, power to you if you decide to tackle it! After all, there's nothing better than a little extravagance.

Lacey Chabert, Rachel McAdams, Lindsey Lohan and Amanda Seyfried

I guess technically this may be cheating just a little bit because these celebrities didn't actually wear this in real life, but their characters in 'Mean Girls' did, so I feel like that counts. Everyone remembers this scene for both the risqué outfits and horrendously embarrassing performance of 'Jingle Bell Rock', so why don't you channel the plastics this Christmas and put your own spin on their festive outfits. Come on, you know it would be so fetch.

Lady Gaga

Also taking the Christmas tree approach was Lady Gaga with this definite fashion statement. Why not be daring and try out this red playsuit look complete with Christmas tree headwear and a dazzling gold star tree topper? I think it's pretty damn awesome, and will definitely kick Christmas up a notch. The green hair just makes it even better I think, and you can tell she really put in a lot of effort to complete this quirky look. 

NSYNC

This one's definitely a throwback, all the way to when JT still had frosted tips and we still thought they were cool. Damn, don't these guys just look so 90's it's ridiculous. This photo's really just the epitome of coolness. They just look so proud to be wearing all white and draped in Christmas lights. Maybe this year, you can be as fly as they are and steal their look. I know I'm pretty tempted. 

LL Cool J

Finally, we just have your classic Santa Claus to top off the list. I guess you can't give LL Cool J any points for creativity, but he certainly is jolly, which fits the character to a T. Plus, everyone loves a good Santa, so there's that in his favour also. I suggest you give this one a go, after all, there's nothing wrong with going for something more traditional. At least you know it won't be ho-ho-horriffic (see what I did there?). 

So that's it! This officially means we're half way through Blogmas. How exciting is that? Christmas is coming. Now, I've given you about as much awesome celebrity inspiration as I can find, and hopefully, you'll all be so festively dressed for Christmas this year it's sickening. Til' next time . . . 

Annabel xx