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