sponsored

The Perfect Movie Night

25 October 2015

There's nothing greater that to stay in and get cosy during Autumn. It's the perfect season to storm through your Netflix list or catch up on your favourite DVDs. An intimate night in is the perfect weekend idea and the best way to get together with friends and family for light-hearted fun. There are are a few essentials needed to make a movie night perfect:
The perfect TV
For a film night to be complete, you need something to watch the films on! The Panasonic Viera has recently caught my eye, mainly for the amazing 4K quality. I'm not as tech-savvy as I like to think, but when finding out about this 4K television, I knew it had the be included in my essentials. 4K resolution is a much higher quality than the standard HD most people settle with; plus, the idea of my future husband (Chris Evans) on a bigger and better screen is a win-win situation!
Snacks, snacks and more snacks
I couldn't imagine a movie night without a gallon of popcorn and a never-ending supply of sweets. Hot food is also a bonus for a great night in, the unhealthier the better. Pizzas and takeaways are the cheapest and quickest way to go without making too much of a mess. Autumn is the season for hot chocolate, and hundreds of mini marshmallows!
Little lights
As it gets a lot darker during this time of year, I always like to add a little splash of light the lift the mood during a film night. Fairy lights are ideal as they won't take away from the picture shown on the screen and will still create a great vibe and ambience in the room. I also adore candles (they're all I ever seem to talk about), so whenever I get an opportunity to light some Yankee Candles around the home, I jump at the chance. They'll also hide the greasy pizza scent that usually films the room.
Blankets and cosy cushions
For a cosy night in, the more blankets the better - bring a duvet if necessary. While the crazy cold breeze continues outside, a movie evening brings in the best warmth and any excuse to cuddle up in some faux fur. I love using massive cushions or beanbags to melt into and snuggle up in. They help to create a great atmosphere which is fundamental for a marathon of movies. 
Plenty of options
Sometimes it can be really difficult to find one film to watch that will satisfy everyone, that's why I always have a few alternatives up my sleeve or go for the all-out movie marathon. My little sister and I often plan ahead for what we'll watch. For a super girly night in, the classics are essential. However, no one ever says no to a little Disney all-nighter. Or if no one can decide, I'm perfectly happy to watch every Chris Evans film for the night.
Sunday evening is one of the best times to have a movie night before the big week of work ahead - let me know if you try it out at @itsanikamay
This post is in collaboration with Panasonic.

Why I Want to Travel the World

19 October 2015

There are plenty of people who dream of travelling from city to experience the most each has to offer; I am one of those people. After visiting Oslo earlier in the year, I've come to realise how much I have the "wanderlust fever" and have embraced a large need to explore.

There's just so much to see.

Every step of a journey is one I enjoy. From packing, to the ride to the airport - it's all extremely exiting. In 2013, I went to Paris on the Eurostar and would love to do it again before the end of the year. Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world and like New York City, manages to satisfy all my interests. They're fashion filled and contain plenty of amazing sites. Paris and New York are easily two of the most photogenic cities in the world, alongside Sydney, Marrakesh, Tokyo and Florence.

The list of places I wish to visit endless, and putting together a list of importance seems impossible. However, the reason I want to explore remains the same: to learn and to experience. Working in a busy city five days each week means I see the same scenes all the time. To look at something new or live in a different way, even for a short while, is stimulating and always impressive. 

Fashion has always been on of my biggest interests, so another reason to visit a new area is to take in the different kinds of street and designer style around the world. I love the idea of a new piece to my wardrobe, from a different culture or country to store as a cherished memory. A new favourite of mine is this Tokyo inspired Spiral rucksack*, kindly sent to me buy stylefruits.co.uk after I won their Insider's Tip competition back in September. The graphic print mimics the bright lights of Tokyo - one of the cities towards the top of my list. It's bright and colourful and makes the perfect carry-on.

There are hauls of items and accessories I couldn't live without while travelling; from my iPad (and Spotify) to my growing collection of notebooks and diaries. Bringing in another reason I want to travel the world: I get to buy stuff. Shopping is the best friend that never says no and I love shopping around in unfamiliar cities.

My plans to travel are in motion, which means saving every ounce of my wage and adding plenty to my Pinterest boards and Tumblr blog. What do you love about travelling?

The Effortlessly Original Accessory

8 June 2015

I'm always on the lookout for new brands and stores to follow and adore. For me, the more unique the better. There are a lot of high street stores that sell pieces that look similar and originality seems to be lacking in that area of the market. I recently came across Wattney Kay, an online jewellery store that promotes the idea of being different by creating unique pieces of hand-crafted jewellery.
The Dutchess* is my favourite piece from their Spring/Summer 2015 line and can easily been worn throughout the year. The best thing about this brand is that it doesn't give in to the pressure of becoming mainstream and has maintain it's boldness and brilliance in every piece, promoting individuality and a little rebellion. All the collections are handcrafted in Toronto, Canada and made of mixed metal and natural stones. My favourite thing about the pieces at Wattney Kay is the edgy bohemian quality each piece has. They're unique and bring out the greatness in each outfit. I use Duchess to spice up my simple outfits during the day and even add a touch of rock 'n' roll to my evening looks, the eye-catching piece is stunning and extremely striking.
You can take a look at Duchess here, and take a look at Wattney Kay's SS15 line here.
Copyright © Anika May | UK Life and Style Blog.
Design by Fearne