I'm back!

 

So I'm back from an amazing holiday to Kenya! It was an amazing experience that will be exceedingly hard to top. I managed to stroke both a male lion and a cheetah and saw an animal called a 'zedonk' (yes he was part zebra part donkey) and I got to see some of my amazing family after over ten years being apart. I was a lil' naughty at duty free and treated myself to a new Canon  IXUS 230 HS and to some cheeky Raybans as a birthday present. It was so worth it, the camera is incredibly clear with an 8x optical zoom and came in a deal with an 8gb SD card. I promised myself I need to make the most of it to justify buying a new camera when I still had a perfectly good camera I could have used (this was generously given to my brother along with a three year insurance plan because he really isn't the best at looking after expensive gifts).

 

Now it's time to get back to the realities of life like my law degree, job and room renovations (can I go back please?) but I've already been planning my next long haul holiday! Luckily I still have another holiday at the end of the year skiing in Bulgaria to look forward to so all is not lost ;) and I still have a student loan to blow through (counting down the days til I get my hands on my sparkly new iPad). 

Hope you all had an amazing summer...only 93 days until Christmas!

 

xoxo

It's all gone Pete Tong!

Okay, I'm sorry I've been rather busy lately and have neglected my lovely blog for a little too long! I had hoped to have put a volumising hair tutorial up however, this stupid laptop had different ideas, namely not wanting to import any iPhone photos. Partly my fault as my camera would be best but silly Roisin gave that away without buying a replacement so it looks like it may have to wait a little while longer! So instead, this post is just going to turn into another update until I invest in a new camera and editing software (so please bear with me). 

...10 days until Kenya! Soo excited to finally get outta the country and to leave some aggro behind. Sadly, I'm missing the Paraolympics but knowing my family we won't be missing it. Still to pick up some goodies before we go but surely that's what duty free is for right? 

That's not to say I haven't been working my tush off this summer! My driving test is this time next week so fingers crossed that goes well. Three weeks of work experience which was so much better than I expected week on week. Been working all month and been a very sickly pup, currently suffering with laryngitis (the strangest virus in the world). It feels weird that my throat isn't on fire yet I physically cannot speak, but I would love the other symptoms to bore off now.

And now we have September to look forward to, all in all I've really missed uni and I'm excited to see what my second year will bring. I'd like to see the end of this year if I'm being honest...I've had better and I'm hoping driving will help make things a little better.

Let me know how your summer has gone! Any good stories?

xoxo   

Results Day: First Year

...okay, it was yesterday but it was all a little hectic! This is just a little post to say well done to everyone who passed their first year at university, keep going for the second years and congratulations for every third year who is graduating this year. Hard work pays dividends in the future, as much as it doesn't feel like it now, it all gets easier.

For those who have resits this summer, you're not alone. I've still got alot of work to catch up on this summer from last term so you can join me in rants and tears. Just bear in mind what the end result is. That is whats keeping me going. WE CAN DO THIS :)

Those who were maybe not so successful or who have decided to drop out: this was not your path to take. You will get to where you want to be in life eventually if you work hard enough for it. Have faith in yourself. The prize will be ever so sweeter at the end of the tunnel.

To all of my friends and family finding out their exam results now or soon (A levels and GCSEs) I am very proud of you regardless of the results. The few who already have their results worked their arses off and got the mark they rightfully deserve which I am so happy for you. I'm a lucky girl to have such smart people surrounding me. 

Hopefully this is a positive and uplifting post to you all. Although many emotions must be going through everyones heads, I thought this would be a sign of support to you all. Keep smiling!

xoxo

July's Wish List

weheartit

What's occurring bloggieees?! So as a student, I'm so damn poor right now until pay day (end of the month) so I thought to further torment myself, I would make a wish list each month and see what people think and whether I can justify their cost. This month's theme is based on the amaaazing reviews I have heard on other blogs about these products. Lemme know if you've tried any of these and what you thought so I can further justify these purchases:

BIRTHDAY DRESS!

Let's see how I get on shall we?

xoxo

General Update

Image: weheartit

Happy Friday Everyone! Now if you can remember back to the beginning of the year I did a post about my New Years resolutions. One of the most important ones I forgot to add was my need to drive (six months too late)! Obviously living in Central London meant that there was no point in learning until I got home to rural East Bergholt, stuck with a lack of public transport and a little too much reliance on my driving friends. And so today began the start of my driving journey (cheese line, I'm sorry I had to do it). I had some lessons on and off over the past few years but this time, my lessons are relatively intensive until I pass. I've yet to pass my theory (attempt.....) so it's booked in good time for me to revise for it and my instructor seems to think I could pass my practical faster than I first realised...SCORE! My current aim is to be passed by August or at least the beginning part of the month. I'll keep you posted on my progress, fingers crossed for a first time pass!

Monday saw me taking my lovely friend Della to court for the first time. No she wasn't on trial, but she had not been locally to court before so we went to Ipswich Crown Court to watch a couple cases and boy were we lucky. We could choose between a double murder, class A drug smuggling or a brothel raid run by some Polish immigrants. Who would have thought Suffolk would have so much going on?! 

For anyone interested in watching court cases, all courts have a public gallery for individuals to watch although there may be restrictions on what you can see (usually family cases) but you can always ask at the desk and they're usually more than happy to help. If you're a Law student, I highly recommend going to court as often as you can to catch a glimpse of the sort out work you will be carrying out when you're fully qualified.

Quick tip: If you wanted to watch a juicy case (not to be too crude, remembering these are peoples lives and should be respected) then you are better off going to your local Crown Court over a Magistrates Court as indictable offences are first heard in the Crown Court. If you are able to get to London, definitely go to the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey for the high profile cases. Remember to treat the courts with the respect they deserves which means dressing appropriately (doesn't need to be smart just don't keep flesh to a minimum). You can also see Court listings for the Royal Courts of Justice online before you go.  

We decided on the double murder case which we watched all day until the court adjourned. Please bear in mind court isn't exactly how television depicts it. The beginning of a case is usually just statements read out and the foundation being laid out for the jury to understand the case better. Don't expect fireworks every time you walk in.

Afterwards, we went to Zumba, my first time; shocker for a dancer I know, but I really enjoyed it! The class was packed but it was a brilliant workout, I was sweating afterwards which is always a good sign. My gym offers zumba without having to pay an extra fee but I'm enjoying it locally and with one of my best friends so I think I'll stick to spin, pilates and a standard workout at my gym. It sounds like a lot but I'm missing Cheer much more than I thought I would and I need to lose the stone and a half I put on at uni (lost half a stone so far, one more to go!). Activities such as pilates also aids flexibility which I want to work out and I need a little more strength for stunts. I wanna fit in a tumbling class at some point but we'll see how much time driving lessons and work take up before I start anything else new.

And so we are up to date with my ever so exciting life...pun intended. I've got Hackney Weekend to look forward to on Sunday and I've got a weeks worth of work experience at 1 Hare Court starting the 25th so I'll keep you posted on how those go. That's not to mention my work experience at Birkett Long the week after, Wireless Festival and the dreaded lead up to exam results. Hopefully I'll have good news to give you on all fronts but still, I'll keep shtum until then...

xoxo



FOTD & Hair Update

I'm a very lucky girlfriend! I was having a hard time and to cheer me up, Sam took me shopping around Colchester. You know if a girl is very upset if she doesn't see anything she wants to buy (he was genuinely shocked). We got to Williams & Griffiths and I had a look around the MAC counter for some eyeshadows. After some advice from the lovely counter girl, Sam told me whatever I want, he'll get if it puts a smile back on my face...and it did the job! The three pots are used above along with a light line of black gel eyeliner. As much as I love the colours, I think I may need to invest in a couple more good quality eye brushes as I don't think the ones I have really did the colours justice. I'm a very happy bunny to have such a lovely boyfriend.   

FACE.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW25

Benefit POREfessional Primer, especially around the nose & mouth

Benefit High Beam, under the brow, along the nose & cheekbones

CHEEKS.

L'Oreal Paris GlamBronze Duo in Brunette Harmony

Look Beauty Make Me Blush in Flush

EYES.

MAC Eyeshadow in Arena Satin, in the inner corners and as a base

MAC Eyeshadow in Amber Lights Frost, on the lids

MAC Eyeshadow in Bronze Frost, in the crease, outer corners & under the eye 

Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 001 Dark Brown

Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in 01 Black

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara in Black

LIPS.

Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti

HAIR.

So I went to my hairdressers yesterday to sort out the state I call my hair! I have been very naughty and haven't been looking after it as well as I needed to therefore I have made a conscience decision to work on my hair. I've been dying for longer hair so I have created and decided to take on the hair challenge! From now on, there are some hair commandments I shall keep without fail to attempt to get the luscious locks I have long desired for.

1. I will keep a weekly record of my progress.

2. I will keep getting six-weekly trims.

3. I will not use heat on my hair more than 3 times a week.

4. When using heat, I will always use heat protection.

5. I will use hair mayonnaise once a week under a hair hood for 20 minutes.

6. I will only brush my hair once in the morning & once at night with a natural bristle brush.  

7. I will drink more water, take vitamins and ensure I have had my 5 a day to promote hair growth.

8. In the sun, I will put appropriate hair protection in my hair.

  9. I will loosely tie my hair back when I go to bed at night

10. Whenever I wear my hair up, I will not tie it too tight or comb it too roughly.

After three months, I will comment on whether any or all of these commandments have improved the health and aesthetics of my hair.

Week One:

Hair Length 33cm

Hair mayo applied.

Trim given.

Straightened twice, heat protection applied twice.  

I tag you to undertake this challenge and see how much healthier your hair looks and feels.

xoxo

FOTD: Lazy Monday

Where did the summer go?! I had a list as long as my arm of chores I needed to do today but the current rain has left me looking longingly outside. My hair is starting to look very abused and tired so I think a trip to the hairdressers is well overdue. I know for a fact my hairdresser is going to take one look at my home dyed hair and tell me off for going too light (sorry, sorry!) which I deserve as my hair has been feeling a lil' dry recently. Currently trialing out this product which is suppose to make my hair healthier and help it grow faster so what this space for the results! Debating whether to cut my fringe short or keep it long, thoughts?

FACE.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW25

Benefit POREfessional Primer, especially around the nose & mouth

Benefit High Beam, under the brow, along the nose & cheekbones

CHEEKS.

Maybelline Expertwear Blush in 77 Rose

L'oreal Paris GlamBronze Duo in Brunette Harmony

EYES.

MUA Eyeshadow Palette in Heaven and Earth, lightest shade in corners & base

MUA Eyeshadow in Shade 20 Matt Black

MUA Intense Colour Eye Liner in Jet Black, in the water line & outer corners

Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 001 Dark Brown

Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in 01 Black

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara in Black

LIPS.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in 150 Peach

xoxo

SEE YOU LATER FIRST YEAR...hello resits!

So I've finally finished my first year of uni! It was much better than I thought it would be. I've made a really good group of friends since going there, especially the people on my course and my lovely Mermaids with a sprinkle of extra lovelies to include! What makes it even better is that we still have another two years to go! There have been good times and some less than good times, but let's hope for less of the latter this following year. Celebratory drinks seemed to span well over three days (but why count my happiness in numerical form?) but they were well deserved.

I know for a fact I will have a few resits to look forward to in August due to missing so much last year (no freakin' way am I retaking the year!) but I'm hoping that my friends who I know have worked their arses off sail through this year comfortably...if not, I'll be annoying you with my endless pleas for help!

To all my friends and family at home, I'm soooo excited to see you all and spend the summer making cocktails in the sun (a girl can hope) and celebrating the many birthdays coming up!

I wish everyone the good results they deserve and hope you all have a great summer, I know I will!

Heres some select few photos from the past few days...no apologies, they're gold!





xoxo

Eurovision 2012: Annual Treasure or All Politics?

Courtesy of Eurovision 2012 website 

This post is pretty late considering the Eurovision Song Contest was on the 26th May but I was in the middle of exams so please excuse the lateness! Eurovision is literally my favourite time of year, I get more excited about than I do for my own birthday and Christmas. I enjoy it due to the diverse music and cultural show you're given as well as those absolute classics you know will never win (Dustin the Turkey anyone?). However, due to the disappointing placing of the United Kingdom this year, there has been much debate whether we should continue entering and funding this competition. Quite frankly, the day that happens is the day I'll stop paying the License Fee. There is much more to the contest than people give it credit for.

One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that the Eurovision Song Contest is purely political and the UK's lack of a win is Europe's way of punishing us. How much more narcissistic do you want to be? It's not political, it's cultural. Countries vote for the song's which they enjoyed the most. Wanna know why the Eastern block always vote for each other? Their chart music is the same, if not very similar - of course they're gonna vote favourably! Why do you think we voted Jedward so favourably? WE FOUND THEM!

Russia has been very successful the past few years, with much support from neighbouring countries. These countries used to be under Soviet Russian control, desperate for their independence. If this was about politics, do you REALLY think Russia would be gaining those votes? Of course not!

Germany are another country that have had a hard time politically over the years with the World Wars and the Cold War. They won the competition in 2010. No gimmicks. No fireworks. Simple song with a good singer. They're also one of the big five countries who fund the show.

The Eastern block previously had their own version of Eurovision which was just as glitzy but they chose to join the 1956 established show because they respected it. If they wanted their own contest, they'd have it.  

Do you want to know the secret behind the UK's abysmal results. We do not show off the true talent our country has. Bringing singers out of retirement (Englebert and Blue to name a few) and allowing has been song writers (Pete Waterman: never again) free reign isn't going to get us in the top spots.

In recent years, our best position was 5th due to the efforts of the remarkably talented Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jade Ewen. Why we didn't continue down that train of thought astounds me. It's not always possible for our best well-established performers like Jessie J and Professor Green purely because they are the best - they have tour dates, albums to record, multi-million pound deals they have committed to. To dedicate the time required for a great song and performance may put those at risk. Quite frankly, the money and passion for the contest must be prevalent for them to even consider the gig. I for one do not want one of our best singers to give a half arsed performance. Gimme someone who loves the contest and their country and wants to do well. 

Whereas other countries have their best current performers to represent them (Dima Bilan for Russia and Loreen this years winner) which has led to their first place placing. I'm not saying we have to force Rizzle Kicks or Ed Sheeran onto stage, but if we're going to give a relatively new singer the opportunity, make it an amazing song which represents the UK and choreograph your stage accordingly.  

It always aggravates me each year when people bad mouth Eurovision. I know they do have some quite frankly terrible and cheesy performances some years, but some of these countries have invested real money and real time on their performances and it shows. I've yet to watch a show and not fall head over heels in love with at least one song and play it continuously.

If the BBC wants results then give us some credible acts to show off! We know we have it, we see enough of these talented and eager singers on television enough to know we have the ability. Just get your finger out and do something about it!

And hurry up...I'd like to see us hosting the competition at least once in my lifetime!

xoxo 

Stylistpick Review

Having been a member of StylistPick for a few months now, I thought I would finally take the plunge and order a pair of shoes. How the website works is you sign up for free, answer some questions on your personal style and they use your results to give you some options (shoes, bags & jewellery) tailored to your taste, shown in your 'Showroom'. Each item (excl. Cheryl Cole range) costs £39.95 and you have the option to pay as you go or to be sent shoes each month. Simples!

Luckily they had an offer: Any pair of shoes (excl. Cheryl Cole range) for £20. So I ordered a pair of Hutton wedges in a size 5 from the Louise Roe collection. The beautiful navy shoe with a wooden wedge looked elegant in the photos and I thought they would suit jeans as well as with a dress. As I ordered after 2pm I couldn't get the free next day delivery but I received them within 48 hours for free which was impressive when you consider the horrendous delivery options you sometimes get (no way am I going to spend more than £3 delivery for one item, take note stores). However the most impressive thing about the order was the effort that went into the packaging:

Impressive isn't it? Inside the bag included a sticky photo label of the shoes (perfect if you have lots of shoe boxes) and a thank you note for ordering with them.

When I opened the box and saw my neatly wrapped up wedges, I did a lil' happy dance at the thought of wearing them finally. However, I was disappointed at how narrow they were. I could barely fit my feet into them and had that horrible issue of the bottom of your toes showing (pet hate with shoes). I don't have particularly wide feet, if anything they're relatively narrow, however they were painful to walk in and didn't want to risk buying a size 6 and them being too wide and rubbing on a night out.

I also didn't like the sticky label placed inside the shoe stating it was part of the Louise Roe Collection. I could image on a night out the label coming lose & making a mischief in the shoe. A sewn label would've been better but overall the shoe itself looked exactly like the photo on the website.

And so I return the beautiful shoes from StylistPick. I haven't tried any other shoes from the company so my opinion is purely based on this purchase. Sadly, I wasn't entirely impressed. I wish there was a review item option so that previous customers could give their opinions before I bought them. However, for the money I paid, I was impressed by the quality of the shoe and the packaging it came in. Therefore I would say try them out! See what styles suit you, and have a go!

Visit www.stylistpick.com and try for yourself.

xoxo

Dear 16 Year Old Me

I am aware I haven't blogged in a long time with exams at the moment so please bear with me, I will be up to my blogging self soon! However, I saw this tag on BubzBeauty blog and she was so refreshingly honest that I thought I would do the same.

Dear 16 year old me,

Well you've gone and fucked up your knee again! This is a common reoccurance throughout your life, don't worry so much about it though, you do rugby (yes, full contact) at sixth form and start cheerleading at university so don't let it hold you back now. Although I will admit, the full leg cast they put on you is horrendous to wear and you'll go around school in a wheelchair (note: do not let anyone push you on it!)

Don't fret about having a boyfriend now. I know the comments that a certain person made a year previously still runs around your head but it's not true. Instead, she ends up doing everything she told you not to do and you have a perfectly intact reputation in that sense. Keep it up. Keep spending time with ALL your friends,  believe it or not, you will keep in contact with a good chunk of them even whilst you're all on separate sides of the country. You will need them and they will come with arms wide open. Cherish that. Ohh, and that slimey ex of yours will falsify something that happened at a party with you. He subsequently falls of the face of the social earth so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Prom will be the most amazing night of your 16 year old life. No, you never find that red dress you were after, but instead find the most flawless blue dress that you fall in love with instantly and makes your Dad emotional even looking at you in it. The photos with all your friends are gorgeous and you dance the night away into the early hours. You become very emotional at the thought of leaving your friends, theres no need, you've still got the important ones.

Your fear of exams will continue to haunt you. Revise more during your GCSEs PLEASE! You were so lazy and although you got good grades, you know you could have done better. Same goes for your A levels. The internet can be a cruel mistress!

Stop buying cheap make up. Save up your money and buy decent foundation. You start to do this during the end of your year but it'll save you the freak out you had with your Mum about your skin.

Stop dicking about with your hair. Go to the hairdressers and KEEP going! Mess with your fringe anymore and you'll look stupid.

You would kill for the legs and abs you had at 16. Love them & your awesome back off!

Keep dancing, in fact never stop. You love it and it's a good release for you.

You have an boyfriend in your second year of college, he's a dick and breaks your heart. It's the best thing that could've happened to you. You learn your true self worth. Never lose that. Your boyfriend now treats you like a princess regardless of how bitchy and ratty you are.

Stop giving your Mum & Dad a hard time. They're trying their best, they aren't perfect but they love you unconditionally and would do anything for you. Same goes for Ben. You're lucky to have them.

You will always hate being told off. Won't ever change you goody two shoes.

You hate that girl now, she fucks off back to wherever she came from after school. You never hear from her again. Don't hate another person again. It's tiresome and bad to hold grudges.

Tim & Phoebe remain big parts of your life. You couldn't image not having them in your life. Don't ever take their friendship for granted. When I say they are there for you, they literally are 100%. You will never be able to repay their friendship.

Same goes for Alice, she stays as a very good friend to you throughout. Keep her. She's a rock to you.

Stop being scared to do things on your own. You thrive in those situations, it's just that initial fear that puts you off. Keep going. You'll be fine.

You're a good person 16 year old me but you make mistakes. Learn from them, don't beat yourself up.

Keep going, you're doing okay!

Love the 20 year old me

xoxo

New hair for the summer

As much as I have loved my red hair, I really need a new change for the spring/summer (red hairdye on my pillow is getting tiresome). I'm thinking about going brunette again but less of the chocolate and more of the light/highlighted colouring and before you ask, no I will not go blonde, it just wouldn't suit me at all. Lighter hair would suit a tan much more and it would be good to see what I'd look like without my darker locks. Heres a couple lil' hair inspirations I've picked up along the way...

What do you think?

xoxo

Multiculturalism and the UK

I feel like this is something I need to address considering how popular this topic has been on Channel 4 recently. It is clear that we are a multicultural country yet racism and prejudice is still rife. The degree of segregation and integration is highly controversial and debatable. However, in the 21st Century this sort of behaviour should have been eradicated years ago. However it is clear we still have a long fight ahead of us.

I have an African mother and Irish father yet I was born and grew up in England, along with my younger brother. How I identify myself hasn't changed from the moment I was born. On forms I consider myself Mixed African-Irish and I am proud of my heritage. However, I am incredibly integrated in the British way of life and I never deny being classed as British because I was brought up in this country and I have active involvement in my community. My family have been very lucky that we have never had an issue of feeling segregated from the wider community and I have a wide variety of friends from different cultures and creeds which has left me with a great tolerance and interest in them. I have often referred to myself as the United Nations! I have fallen victim to racism in the past by uneducated young boys at school however, I am proud of my colouring and my heritage and I have never let it affect my confidence or self worth. I was brought up to be a strong individual who will fight for my right to be equal in every element of my life. It has played a great part in my choice to read law at university and has let me embrace my right to be heard (just don't get me in a political debate because I won't back down and it'll be a looong day for all involved!).

However, there are some individuals who don't share my pride or confidence, as well as individuals who feel they have the right to make others feel inadequate in comparison. Clearly the latter are wrong in doing this, however they do have a right to voice their opinion, even if I don't agree with it. Personally I believe anyone who treats another in a derogatory manner because of their race or religion should be treated with the utter contempt they deserve. If you don't agree, ask yourself whether you would appreciate being treated like that? How would you feel if someone spat on you as you walked passed them purely because of the way you look? You wouldn't take that sort of disrespect would you? So why show that to any other human being?    

To define what is 'British' has been under much debate for years so until the day comes that we have a universally agreed upon definition, noone has the right to declare another not British. As long as they contribute to society just as much as everyone else, they are well within their rights to refer to themselves as British.

RANT OVER.

xoxo

Bad Roisin...too long between posts!

I apologise profusely for my utter ineptitude at by not blogging at least ONCE last month! Please except my sincere apology....NOW WE HAVE THAT OUT OF THE WAY!

It's been a busy month in my defence...I have FINALLY caught up on all the work I missed last term (go me!) which has left me exhausted and an unsociable newt. I went out once last month for a Take Me Out night at our SU a few of my friends organised which turned out to be a really good night...here's a couple of photos from the night:

I also went to PARIS with my lovely boyfriend for our anniversary. He was a lil' overzealous with the planning (he made an itinerary for the two days we were there) which ended in sore legs and tired travellers (note to anyone wanting to be romantic in February IT'S FREAKING COLD). However, we did everything on the list (bar Notre Dame sob sob!) and we have some amazing memories...

Valentines day was taken over by cheerleading practice but I came home to the most romantic homemade meal waiting for me ♥

Following this, I had my first cheer competition! Compared to the other teams, I'm proud of the quality of our uniform and I was proud of our first attempt at competing, a good showcase for the Greenwich Mermaids:

So now you're up to date with what I've was up to last month. I promise this month I'll update more often but here is a quick recap for you all to enjoy :) I also promise to take more photos this month because I'm disappointed in my lack of photos! Until next time...

xoxo