Monday 26 August 2013

My University Experience and Tips!

I've decided to write this post as although I'm still technically at university (I should have graduated this summer but ill health managed to mess that up!) I am virtually at the end of my course. I only have one semester to complete and as I will be spending that time on placement, I won't be spending much time at uni at all. I really enjoyed my time at university and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I was very unhappy in a full-time job in the year prior to applying. So, you could say that going to university was almost like an escape for me!

Gap Year



The main reason I decided to take a gap yeah before going to uni was because I was clueless about what I wanted to do! I did actually apply for a degree course whilst I was still in college (I took the A-Level route) and I got accepted into virtually all the uni's I applied for. But if anything that put me off! It was almost too easy. It made me take a step back and think about what the actual course would lead to and through doing this I realised it wouldn't really lead to anything in particular, plus I was sure that I would be one of many with the same sort of degree. It all just seemed like a waste of time and money!

...Full time Student Worker



So, I decided to try the world of work. I carried on working part-time until I moved jobs when I was lucky enough to get a full-time position in basically the same street but a totally different sector (I know I'm not going into much detail, but I like to be careful that I'm not putting too much of my life online). This job had lots of training opportunities and although I definitely could have worked my way 'up the ladder' (that particular company even offered a degree opportunity), it just wasn't for me. I didn't really enjoy my time there at all, there was a mixture of factors that contributed to my decision, but the main reason was that I just wasn't that interested in that particular line of work. FYI - I didn't leave this job when I started university, I just went part-time.

Becoming a Student Again



This time when I was applying to go to university I was determined to pick a course that I knew would qualify me in a particular profession. My course also included a placement each year, which is something that I would advise all potential students to think about! Experience is usually essential when trying to get a job after all. It was also very difficult to get onto this course which was the total opposite to the course I had applied for previously. However, this also meant that I had to ensure that I completed lots of research, voluntary work and that I was prepared to be interviewed.

The interview From Hell!



Even though I felt that I had prepared sufficiently, one interview went terribly. I can hand on heart say that it was possibly the worst interview that I have ever experienced and even though that sounds dramatic due to my young age, I have experienced a fair few interviews in my time. I'm not going to go into much detail about it but they basically did not think I was suitable for the course. However, they had clearly made their minds up prior to even meeting me. Why I was offered an interview I'll never know?! Anyway, I'm the type of person that likes to make the most out of negative situations and therefore this only made me try harder to fight for a place at the next uni interview - And I got it! *HA*

Keeping Costs Down



As my university is a short train ride from my house, I decided to stay at home. Some people would argue that I haven't had the 'true' university experience, but I don't regret it one bit! It's each to their own I suppose. I had the luxury of partying whilst also having my home comforts. It worked for me and I still made good friends. As I also worked part-time to ensure that I always had spare cash for whatever I needed, if I had moved into the city centre then I would have had to leave this job, so it just didn't seem economical. Getting a part-time job can also be hard work when there are over three universities in one city!

Tips!



My main tip would be enjoy it, three/four years fly's by and before you know it you'll be graduated and hunting for your 'grown-up' job. Apart from that I would also advise you to...

*Use your university library to your advantage.
*Don't leave your essays to last minute if you can't cope with writing a 3000 word essay under pressure/usually during the night before it's due - I can't!
*Don't be afraid to ask your tutor for help if your struggling.
*If you fail an assignment, reflect upon where you have gone wrong and learn from it.
*If you go on placement, try to get as much learning out of it as you can.
*Ask your friends for help! My course year had our own private Facebook page - so handy!
*If your unhappy with the course/essays/tutors or anything to doing with your university experience - Tell your course rep (who is usually a nominated student and therefore easy to confide in).
*Remember that all this hard work is to better yourself in life, try not to get too stressed.

and finally....enjoy all the time off that you well and truly deserve! and make sure you take advantage of your student discount, I definitely did :-)

I hope you liked this post, I may do a 'placement survival' post soon as I think that it would be very handy if you are thinking about or about to start a course that involves placements. They can be very challenging yet rewarding at time!

Quick Post!

Hope all my readers are having a lovely bank holiday! I've been relaxing whilst enjoying this beautiful weather and now were going to have a barbeque - Perfection! New posts should be live soon :-)

Friday 16 August 2013

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons


So after a few days of feeling sorry for myself (I managed to get shingles...not a pleasant experience I must say!) I am now feeling a bit better and ready to commence the blogging. After flicking through my latest posts I noticed that there hasn't been much beauty related chit chat and as I'm a fully fledged beauty addict, I decided that this can go on no more! so for that reason I proudly introduce you to my current pride and joys...

The Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons! I love them. Actual love. This is no over exaggeration, they are just...well, amazing. I haven't actually tried any other brand of lip crayon as I just genuinely didn't think I'd like them. However, I couldn't have been so wrong. I expected lip crayons as a whole to be matte, drying and difficult to apply but Bourjois offerings are extremely hydrating, glossy and idiot fool-proof. I purchased the shades, 'Peach on the Beach', 'Orange Punch' and 'Fuchsia Libre' on the 3 for 2 offer that Superdrug is currently running. However, I will also be purchasing the fourth crayon 'Red Sunrise' pronto. I'm not going to go into too much detail about the colour of each crayon as the names pretty much do all the explaining however, I will say that they are extremely pigmented and luminous.

 
Bourjois markets their lip crayons as 'bringing comfort and hydration to your lips for 10 hours', although they are certainly long lasting, I'm not sure that 10 hours is a justifiable claim. However, I do agree with statement that the lip crayons are both practical as well as beautiful and this is largely due to the incorporation of a SPF 15. If I'm honest though, I would have to say that my favourite feature is the smell, they smell delicious, almost edible (Until you remember that they are cosmetic products and not food of course...). They also really remind me of the Maybelline Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter's, which is a plus as I also love them! The only negative that I can say about the lip crayon range is that I would like more shade options, particularly as the Autumn/Winter season is fast approaching. At the moment the shades are very summery which is great, but I would love a deep burgundy and plum to add to my collection.

Overall, I am very pleased with my new lip products, I have worn them virtually everyday since I got them. Congrats Bourjois, your lip crayons have well and truly won me over!
 
 
 
(Me wearing 'Fuchsia Libre' - Sorry about the awful quality photo!)
 

Sunday 11 August 2013

Designer Inspired Roll Clutch Dupe

    

I love this Chloe/Celine inspired roll clutch/handbag (it comes with a detachable strap). I recently purchased this from the Zara website and although I wasn't too impressed with the quality, I decided to keep it as it's just so chic! It's a really eye catching piece and I've already had lots of compliments about its unusual design. In terms of practicality, although the bag isn't very structured, it can still hold a generous amount . In other words it's perfect for us girls who like to carry around all the 'you never know when you'll need them' essentials. Yes, they never get used... but at least were prepared ;-)

Overall, it's the perfect go-to bag which completes any outfit and with a sleek magnetic fastening, it's fuss-free and fabulous!

Saturday 10 August 2013

Petite Girl Problems

I am what many people would refer to as 'pocket sized'. At 5'2 tall I'm down there with the likes of the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie and Missy Elliot, who proudly declared her near dwarfism in the 1,2 Step song, *sings* '... Because I'm 5'2, just wanna dance wiv you ..' why that makes her want to dance I'm unsure... Anyways, I digress.

Being 'petite' (under 5'3 for reference) has many benefits, for example it's very likely I'll always look a decade younger than my real age, I could possibly still make the height restrictions for any under 14 activities and at a squeeze I'm pretty sure I still might be able to fit into the children's swings at the park, lucky me! However, it also has many disadvantages, particularly when it comes to fashion! For me its anything to do with trouser shopping. I'm talking jeans, leggings, jeggings, jogging pants, jumpsuits etc., you get the picture.

Trying on the wrong pair of 'too long' trousers can literally send into floods of tear due to sheer frustration and for this reason 'trouser shopping' is always restricted to the last hour of any shopping spree. It also explains why I have a ridiculous amount of clothes, yet trousers count for only 20%.

YES, I have tried the 'petite' range in many shops, I'm talkin' Topshop, ASOS, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, New Look, Next and the list goes on...but still nothing fits perfectly. I can't be the only petite girl out there with this problem, right?

Thursday 8 August 2013

The Nail Miracle Product - OPI

If you're an avid nail polish addict, then it is likely that you would have heard of the OPI Nail Envy nail strengthener. Well if you haven't tried it then get your purses at the ready...this product is AMAZING! I cannot stress just how good it is. Although I have been blessed with good nails, the last year or so they have been driving me crazy with constant breaking, flaking and general weakness. A very frustrating and painful experience.

I first purchased the OPI Nail Envy last year on 'Buyapowa' however, I'm pretty certain I got it even cheaper off Amazon at £8.89. I purchased it from a shop on there called, 'Best-Beauty Products' which turned out to be in America (explains the looooong delivery wait - 2/3 weeks unfortunately), however it was free delivery and for about £10 cheaper than in most retail stores/websites, you can't really complain.

I would definitely call this my nail miracle product as it does just that, they are completely restored even after only one coat. I am continually impressed and would rate this product 9/10. I would give it 10, but unfortunately I found that my first bottle went a little gloppy towards to end. It wasn't a big deal though and it may have been due to how I stored it.

If your nails are in serious need of a revamp, then this is the product for you!

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Wishlist!


1. Mac Candy Yum Yum or any bright pink lipstick for that matter!
2. Mulberry Double Zip Tote...*drools* Need I say more?!
3. Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm - On my ever expanding 'to buy list'
4. Zara Floral Necklace - So pretty yet edgy.
5. H&M Beige Trench Coat. Timeless
6. Zara Lace Heels. WOW!
7. H&M Black Bowler Hat, Blair Waldorf anyone?

Tuesday 6 August 2013

The Perfect Tea Dress




Okay, so the suns seems to have 'disappeared' lately...however, it's now August and the middle of our ridiculously short summer, so if you can't wear a tea dress now then when can you?! I recently spotted this gorgeous dress and I knew that it had to be mine. I've really gone crazy for dresses this summer and this one is definitely up my street. Its made out of a gorgeous floaty material whilst still looking structured when on. If anything, it was the pattern that stood out the most for me. I love the contrast of the white circles on top of the green base colour and I think that it would look perfect teamed with either gold or tan accessories. Its also not too long or too short (roughly about knee length on a shorty like me) and it looks really pretty whilst also chic when on. The only negative I have to say about it is that I had to go up a size which is usual, but maybe that's just because of the style of this dress in particular... I hope ha! Just keep that in mind if you going looking hunting (it is Primark after all) for it.

Monday 5 August 2013

The Best Things In Life Are Free

So, the best things in life are free? YES they are and for us beauty fanatics, they come in the form of... magazine freebies.

I'm not one to buy a magazine purely for the free product they have on offer unless its something that I think will A: benefit me in some way B: is a product that I have been lusting after. These boxes had been well and truly ticked and so Glamour x2 and Elle magazine became mine. The products I am babbling on about? let me introduce you to Benefit 'They're Real' mascara, Balance Me 'Super toning body wash' and Balance Me 'Moisture-Rich face cream'. (First time I've bought the same magazine twice purely for a product, I am now ruthless).

First up the mascara. Now I'm aware this came free with Elle quite a few months ago so I apologise for the late timing. However, seems that I had a little issue with my eyelashes...a review was somewhat delayed. This mascara has the strangest wand ever, but I kind of like it. It does a brilliant job at extending and thickening the eyelashes without a clump in sight and for that I am ever so grateful.

Balance Me Body Wash? Absolutely gorgeous! If anything I think I've fallen in love with the scent alone, which according to the ingredients is due to juniper, bergamot, geranium and lavender. Okay so I'd only ever heard of the last two, but they sound so good. This body wash also lathers up really well and a little really does go a long way.

The Balance Me Face Cream is another incredible smelling product. I'm not sure its made that much difference to my skin but that could be because its aimed at dry mature skin (I'm combination and still quite youthful at the ripe ol' age of 22). Either way I love the fact that Balance Me products are so natural, both 99% in this case.

No hidden nasties? Balance Me you deserve a gold star!
 

Friday 2 August 2013

Zara Heels Dupes

Zara is my favourite shop, that's a given. However, keeping up with there prices whilst on a student budget. Not so good... If I had a money tree then I would definitely live shop there 24/7. But as those trees are in short supply, I don't. This is were Primark gets very interesting...there is a GOD! and ladies he comes in the form of Zara heel dupes *praise the lord*. Yes they are not as good quality but on the style stakes, I think there pretty much equal partners.

Expensive looking ✓

Ridiculously Chic ✓

Thin feminine straps ✓

Not toooo uncomfortable (no pain no gain n' all) ✓

Low price (£12 to be exact!) ✓

They tick all the boxes. I for one am converted.


Thursday 1 August 2013

Nail Envy - Barry M Hi-Shine Gel Effect

Painting my nails is one of my favourite things to do when relaxing. Its almost like therapy for me and for this reason I like to indulge in a regular nail 'session'. Although I would love to splurge on regular salon manicures, it just isn't practical and to be honest it would be a waste of money. Especially as the quality of the majority of high street nail polishes is so spot on, Barry M is particularly bringin' it at the moment.

I love the new Hi Shine Gel Effect range and I admit, I do own a fair few. They are so long lasting and give a shellac looking finish, which I just can't get enough off. My favourite colours so far have to be 'Blood Orange' which I would describe as more of a red than a true orange, 'Prickly Pear' which is a perfect pastel lilac, Blue Grape which is the best Nails Inc. 'Baker Street' dupe I've come across and 'Satsuma' which is a bright orange that just completes an outfit and would look incredible with a tan.

I want have to purchase some more... Blueberry, Passion Fruit, Plum and Mango, you're up next!