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