Wishlist (I'm back)

Dress, Bag 1, REN Face Mask, Playsuit, Nars Sheer Glow, Nike Roshe Run, Bag 2

Hello everyone!

Just a little wishlist post to ease myself back into blogging. A little update: I handed in an essay and my dissertation today, and have one essay left between me and the end of my undergraduate degree, kind of bittersweet really. Also I got a conditional offer to study a Masters course in English Studies, so if everything goes the way it should, I shall be a postgraduate student come September! I plan on using the time in between to reacquaint myself with my favourite books from my teenage years, just to put off growing up a little bit longer. 

Like most people, I got my student loan in today, however most of it has gone towards paying for previously mentioned MA course and rent. I long for the day I no longer have to pay rent (although I'll probably be eating my words in a couple of months). So this is a little wishlist for, hopefully, once I start earning a bit more money.

I saw the polka dot dress on Millie Mackintosh's style diary and saw how cheap it was, it looks stunning on - but I guess what wouldn't look gorgeous on Millie Mackintosh. The brown bag is a little different, I dress really simply, never any jewellery except a watch and only varying shades of black, white and grey. I love the detail on this bag and am in desperate need of a small one.

I love the style of the playsuit although it will never suit me as it practically matches my skin tone. I put the REN face mask and NARS foundation up because I just really want to try them, and the other clutch bag is to go with my dress for my end of year ball. If you have any suggestions please let me know!

I'm planning a few posts to publish next week once this final essay is done, let me know if there's anything you would like to see. I'm thinking book reviews, new skincare bits and some dissertation survival tips?

So, how did I do? Will you have me back blogger?

Thanks for reading :) xxxx

I'm Still Here!

Hello everyone!
Just a quick note to say I am still here! I'm currently finishing off my third year of my English and American Literature degree, so I'm also finishing off my dissertation. Which so far has been the best part of 12,000 words of serious hard work. 

I'm not going to make any empty promises about when I'll be back, but I will be back (in the least Schwarzenegger way possible). I have two more essays due in before the 23rd of April and then I'll be finished with my degree, so I'll back properly around then I hope.

I have also just applied to study an MA in English Studies, so if you could all keep your fingers and toes crossed for me I'd really appreciate it!

Thank you all for staying around :)

I'll be back soon
xxx

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello everyone!

I hope you've all had a lovely day :) Reece surprised me with a delivery of roses to my house in Manchester as I don't get to see him until Saturday. For someone who is rarely romantic, Reece really does know how to surprise me! I was floored. They are beautiful.

This is my very first Valentine's Day with someone so it's been a lovely change! Reece and I exchange gifts on Saturday, so I can't wait for that.

Hope you're all well,

Love and kisses to you all xxx

I'm Back!

Hello everyone! After almost a month I have decided to start blogging again. All assignments are in, and I have just submitted a first draft of the first part of my dissertation, so I have a little bit of extra time.

I can't promise I'll be blogging as regularly as before, as I have the other two parts of my dissertation to crack on with, but I will try to post whenever I can :)

Here's what I've been up to:

Online shopping as a coping mechanism, Final essay for the worst module ever, New tattoo #1

My boys, New tattoo #2, Payday treats,

Nandos and cinema date, Clean sheets, The beginnings of my dissertation.

I've been spending a lot of time with my boyfriend recently, as I haven't been in work and he's had some weekends off so we've mainly been lounging about in bed and eating a lot of crap. I've also been working hard at uni, I had deadlines right after Christmas and have pushed myself to complete the first 3,000 words of my dissertation.

As you can see I was also tattooed twice this month, once by the lovely Gre Hale from Rain City in Manchester, who did my lady in the moon. This one was a spur of the moment tattoo, Reece was getting a tattoo from Jemma Jones and Gre had some free space, so instead of waiting until March to get tattooed by him, I jumped at the chance. My mandala was done by Hexa from Precious Tattoo in Finland when he came to Manchester. After a bit of warped logic, I decided that getting tattooed by him whilst he was here and skinting myself for a bit, was a lot cheaper than a flight to Finland. I did say it was warped logic.

That is pretty much all I've been up to! I've been with my friends for food and drinks too, but most of the time I've been sat glued to my laptop with Uni work.

Thank you for sticking around so long! xxx

Hiatus

Hi everyone,

Just a quick post to say that I'll be taking a little hiatus for a couple of weeks as I am now back at uni and need to concentrate on my (dreaded) dissertation and other work, and instead of just posting weekly summary after weekly summary, I will try to blog, but not as often, with a bit of different, interesting content.

I'll still be around!

Thanks for reading, see you on the other side! xxx

January

(Apologies for the photo quality - I left my camera in Manchester and this was taken on my phone)

Rather than doing my highstreet picks for the monthly post, I thought I'd share with you the diaries I plan on filling throughout 2013.

I was gifted three journals for Christmas (L-R): My friend gave me this journal, which has a day-to-page layout, which makes it perfect for jotting down thoughts, lists and other things. I haven't ever managed to keep a journal for an entire year and I'm hoping that 2013 will be the year I change this.
I believe this journal was from Paperchase.

The middle diary is a planner that my boyfriend bought me (chose it all by himself too, it is absolutely stunning). This photo doesn't do it any justice, it is by Paperblanks - link here - and it called the Soul and Tears journal. I plan on using this as my day-to-day diary, to note down deadlines and appointments etc. I have already inputted all of my university deadlines and student loan dates; I can't seem to put it down! It also has monthly planners, a list of every single feast day/holiday, sections in the back for journey planning and notes, and even has a miniature address book. Possibly the best diary I have owned.

The last journal was a gift from my sister. It is a five year journal where you are given enough space to write one or two sentences to summarise each day. I thought it was a lovely way of documenting memories and will be lovely to read back in a few years time. I just hope I keep up to it! It is absolutely beautiful with the turquoise cover and gold edging to the pages, plus it is small enough to put in your handbag every day. It's a available on Amazon here.


December playlist:
Call Your Girlfriend - Erato
Your Nickel Ain't Worth My Dime - Sleeping with Sirens
An Honourable Reign - Bury Tomorrow
For Emma - Bon Iver

Au Revoir 2012!

Re-reading The Hobbit, Did Reece's hair, Christmas tree,

Early Christmas present from Mum, Cheeky Christmas Eve purchase, Spoilt rotten,

Christmas Dinner parts one, two and three,

Boxing Day roast chicken, Excited to start (and stick to) writing in these beauties, Best takeaway.

Hi guys! Long time no post right? I'm not sure what happened, I've just kind of lost all motivation for blogging, and most things in general - sorry Uni. Let's just say the Christmas break was much needed! Although I seriously do need to kick my arse into gear and get some work done this next week. Ugh.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and will have a lovely New Year's. I spent Christmas morning with my dad and sister, had Christmas Dinner, then spent the evening with my Mum at my cousin's house. It was different, but a welcome change.

I'm having the New Year's night in for the first time in about 3 years with my Dad and sister and lots of sweets. I will be pretty glad to see the back of 2012, it really hasn't been my year. There have been some brilliant times, but mainly not-so-good times. Things for next year are looking up though, so positive thinking and all that!

I only have four resolutions this year:

• To keep up with writing in my journals. I got given two for Christmas so I'm excited to really try
• Work as hard as I can to do my very best at University. This past term hasn't been great at all so I'm making more of a conscious effort both socially and academically
• Save money! It's the last lot of student loans this year and I plan on saving some of it. I'll be the first to admit I'm atrocious with money so I'm going to try my hardest to change that!
• To keep happy and positive. Most of this year has been a downer so hopefully a bit of a change in attitude will help 2013 be better

What are your Resolutions?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! AND THANK YOU FOR READING!

xxx

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas to my lovely followers, thank you for reading and commenting over the past few months! Sorry I have been AWOL the past month or so, but as all fellow third years will know, Uni is bloody hard this year!

Anyway, Merry Christmas and I hope Santa was kind to you all!
xxx

Weekly Summaries 43 and 44 (Bumper Edition)

Cute wrapping for Reece, Sleepy dog, Festive student house,

Essay work, Rain City Forbes, Tattoo Stencil on,

Finished product, BEST COFFEE CAKE, More essay work

OOTN for a house party, Essay woes, Fuel,

More essay woes, Dominos, Gift from Mum,

Lazy girls, Late night drive with the little monster, Re-reading the Hobbit and my new playbook :D

1. So sorry for the lack of post last weekend! But the past couple of weeks have been my final two weeks of the term, so lots of deadlines and revision and essay writing!
2. Not much has gone on really; it's all been revision and essays. I got tattooed again and also went to my friend's house party with Lydia, Charlotte and Bobby (promised I'd mention you ;D), and then to the film society Christmas meal which was really nice.
3. I came home for the holidays on Friday, worked this weekend and saw Reece for the first time in a fortnight tonight, which was lovely. 
4. Every year Ikea gives each of its coworkers a (very generous) Christmas present. This year they gave us a Blackberry Playbook. I set mine up last night and it is amazing. So impressed with it. It isn't too great on the app front, but I plan on using mine for storing all of my dissertation research on it. I find whenever I try and use my laptop for research it takes twice as long due to 'Tumblr breaks'. So this should hopefully work, as flipping between screens isn't as easy on the playbook. So excited.
5. I have almost a month off from uni, with an essay to write, but I also started my MoonProject internship on Friday. I haven't done too much as yet, but I can tell it's going to be a great experience.
6. We bought out Christmas tree today, and Colette and I are decorating it tomorrow, so we can finally put gifts under it! Can't wait!

I think that's basically everything! Thank you all for sticking around, and I promise to try and post more. Posts will be more sporadic between now and April, as dissertation work is really picking up :'(

Thanks for reading! xxx

December

Mango dress, Asos clutch, Girls Aloud eyelashes,

Topshop heels, Topshop necklace.

This is something I'd wear to a Christmas party. I've had to bail on my work's Christmas party due to lack of funds, but if I were going I'd wear this. I love velvet, and the simple cut of this is beautiful. I adore the shoes too; heels are one thing I will pay for from Topshop as they are always well made and fit well. 

November's Playlist:

Your Nickel Ain't Worth My Dime - Sleeping with Sirens

To a Friend - Alexisonfire

Young Cardinals - Alexisonfire 

Blue in the Face - Alkaline Trio

Call Your Girlfriend (cover) - Erato

Weekly Summary #42

Shopping, Best slipper socks, Packed for London,

Reece's bed with Charmed and snacks, Ready to leave for the Megabus, In London,

Alexisonfire KILLING IT, Set list, On the way home.

1. Sorry for the lateness of this post, but I've been at Reece's/in London for the entire weekend, without internet. I have two more posts coming up this week too.
2. Reece and I went to London to see Alexisonfire's Farewell Show at Brixton Academy. It was INCREDIBLE, easily the best gig I've ever been to. The venue was full to capacity too, there was such an amazing atmosphere I'm just gutted it's the first and last time I'll ever see them play.
3. The rest of the week was pretty dull, just lots of dissertation work and essay planning. Uni finishes on the 14th so it's deadline ahoy from here on in.

I hope you all had wonderful weeks,

Thanks for reading x

Christmas For Her

Benefit 'How to Look the Best at Everything' Set - £24

Paul and Joe Lip Balm and Skincare Set - £11

Sylvia Plath Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams - £8.46

Asos Pointed Backpack - £55

Chanel Eau Fraiche - £45

Make-up/skin care/fragrances are always a good pick for girls. Personally I never ever buy myself perfume as it is so expensive, so it's lovely to receive it as a gift. I've also been a little bit indulgent here and included a Sylvia Plath book. Woops. 

I also was very generously offered the chance to try out a Sanctuary set, which, when I received it (damn you Royal Mail) I thought would make an excellent gift for mums. 
  

The set arrived in this huge box, I was pretty taken aback by the sheer size of the thing! It contains seven items, I'm not sure if they are all full sized, but the body wash and body butter definitely are. The body butter is massive! 

Left to Right: Body Butter, Body Wash, Foaming Bath Soak, Illuminating Moisture Lotion SPF 15, Heel Balm, Purifying Face Wash and a Body Scrub.

Everything came beautifully packaged, and although I haven't had a chance to try out everything yet, the products I have tried are lovely. The SPF lotion is light on the skin and sinks in quickly, however it does smell a bit like sun cream. It is paraben free too.

The body scrub and body wash both smell like oranges, which is lovely and refreshing; it isn't over-powering or too synthetic smelling either.

The face wash is a clear gel-like consistency, which is light and doesn't leave the skin too dry-feeling. I do have a skin care routine I'm pretty happy with, so I don't know if this would replace my usual cleanser. It is a lovely size for travelling though, and I will definitely be taking it to London with me this weekend.

I'm unsure as to whether this whole set is available to buy as is, but I do know that Sanctuary gift sets (and individual products) are stocked in Boots, and are usually on 3 for 2. I tend to buy a Sanctuary gift set for my mum/grandma for Christmas, so I was pleased to be able to try out the products for myself.

I hope this has proven helpful! 

Thanks for reading x

Christmas For Him

Joules For Men Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes set - £14
Ted Baker Wallet and Cardholder set - £35
Clarks Desert Boots - £79
Ted Baker Socks Set - £22
Best of John Miles CD - £13.25

I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and post a couple of gift guides. I don't have many people to buy for at Christmas so I'll try and be as broad as possible in my choices. Alongside this one I plan on doing one for her, and then one for stocking fillers.

These are few things I've chosen for this year. I find men really difficult to buy for! Another couple of ideas are a watch - Casio is always pretty cheap on Asos, and smellies are always a good bet!

My Christmas Wishlist

Nars Cream Blush in Penny Lane, REN Combination Regime Kit, Carhartt Hike Dress,

New Balance 420s in Grey Suede, Dr Martens Nixon Boots,

Virginia Woolf's Selected Essays, Hutton's Library Scented Candle.

I am rubbish at thinking of things that I would like as gifts, as I fall into the trap of looking for things I need rather than want. 

I think that at Christmas it's nice to have something to open, rather than receiving money, so these are a few things I wouldn't mind seeing under the tree (not including the things I have asked my sister to get me - she bugged me for ages).

I have lusted after the 420s for months but they are never in stock in my size. I'm a massive Woolf fan so these selected essays would be lovely to read whilst burning the candle (which is also out of stock everywhere). I have asked my mum for the Nixon boots, as they're a bit different from the Clark's Desert boots, and cheaper, and new make up and skin care is always appreciated.

What's on your Christmas list?

Weekly Summary #41

OOTD, Dissertation work, I'm funny.

OOTD, BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER, Laptop background,

Lords of Dogtown, Charmed.

1. This week has been manic, therefore fewer photos and late posting. We're coming up to the final couple of weeks of term so expect fewer posts (ha I know one a week is hardly crazy blogging) and slightly frazzled everything.
2. I've actually began working on my dissertation. Nothing has been written yet, lets not go crazy, but my arse has been well and truly kicked into action. I'm stressy.
3. However, I have pretty much completed my Christmas shopping! Mum, Dad, sister and boyfriend all have their main presents bought so it's just little stocking fillers to buy. 
4. I'll also be posting three gift guides, and then my own Christmas wishlist over the next couple of weeks, just to give you all a few ideas; I'm busy compiling those right now!

Sorry this is so rushed but I have a chapter to read and then an episode of Charmed to watch. I've just started a whole rewatch and am superglued to Netflix!

Thanks for reading x

Stocking Fillers

O.P.I The Top Ten - £28.50
Owl Compact Mirror - £12
Topshop Gift Card
Lindt Lindor - £3.50
iPhone Case - £8.00
Rob Ryan Cup - £9.00

Looking at this selection, it is pretty much girl orientated, sorry about that. Although these items could easily be switched out for more male orientated picks. I put the O.P.I set in there because, although pricey for a stocking filler, it can be broken up and put in numerous stockings. Also, Lindor just scream Christmas for me. My sister and I always get a box at Christmas.

Weekly Summary #40

OOTD, Went to the David Shrigley exhibition, Red velvet cake,

OOTD, To do list, Lunch - day two of work experience,

Lunch - day three of work experience, 007 watching me work, Reece's hair is LONG,

Got paid in books, Taking up all the room, Good girls.

1. This week has been CRAZY busy. I didn't have a rest until Friday night when I stayed at Reece's. I was bad company and crashed out. Oops.
2. I did three days work experience at Manchester University Press and it was honestly the most helpful three days of my life. I have definitely decided that Publishing is the industry I want to work in. The staff I worked with were ready to answer any questions and give me tips on how to progress. I got told that the amount of work experience I've been doing is really good, and even got told by one of the editors that if I applied for an entry level position at MUP I would get an interview, which is definitely encouraging! I also got to choose a couple of books to take with me, which was extremely generous of them. I'm honestly so happy regarding my career right now. I have one more internship to do at the end of the year and then I think that may be it for work experience! I've worked so hard, it's time to concentrate fully on my dissertation!
3. I'm off to a post-grad fair on Wednesday to look in Masters courses, and how to get funding for them. I really want to continue studying, but the financial aspects is a major negative; if anyone has any tips it would be really helpful!

I don't have much else to say really, this week shouldn't be as busy, so I can get some serious work done! I have a couple of assignments coming up in December so I think I'll start trying to look into them! How exciting.

Thanks for reading :) xxx

Weekly Summary #39

Burrito, Rain City Tattoo, Reece's finished tattoo - Bill Murray from A Life Aquatic..

Dissertation reading (each post-it is colour themed), Lovely print by Gre Hale from Reece, New trainers,

And bag, More dissertation reading, Going home.

1. Last week was a busy one. Reece came to get tattooed in Manchester on Tuesday, so I accompanied him (and watched him squirm) as he got a portrait of Bill Murray tattooed on his leg by Matt Cooley - who, by the way, is the nicest guy ever. I also go treated to the lovely print in the fifth photo. It's two mice entwined, with banners reading 'To Be Alone With You'. The cutest thing ever.
2. My packages came this week, which was probably the most exciting thing to happen all week. Wild, I know. The trainers are so comfortable, and the bag is worth every single penny. I love them both.
3. I also got worried about my dissertation progress, or lack of, so started reading. I have on novel to read and one left to mark up and then I get to seriously get stuck in. Hopefully by the start of next week.
4. This coming week I am working every single day. I have 3 days work experience at Manchester University Press, which I am ridiculously excited about. I really want to get in to publishing once I finish my degree (dreams of doing a Masters will have to be put on hold) so these three days are going to be so helpful. I can't wait!
5. I also bagged myself a month-long editorial internship with Moonproject.co.uk where I'll be working from home, proof-reading and publishing articles onto the website. I start mid-December. I'm proud of the way I am a bit like a dog with a bone when it comes to getting work experience - I won't take no for an answer. My CV is filling up nicely, even though my social life may be dwindling.
6. I need to start Christmas shopping. Now. ARGH.

A busy week for me! And this one shows no sign of slowing down!

I hope you all had a nice week. Must dash, I have 50 pages to read before I can call it a night.

Thanks for reading xx

What I Wore Today #1

Mango coat, Usc dress - no longer available, Fossil watch, Carhartt bag,
Nike trainers, Primark snood - not online.

This is what I wore to uni today; the shoes and bag are both recent acquisitions, retail therapy was needed after a naff weekend last week. 

I'm in love with trainers at the moment and very rarely wear anything else; I've been reading Scandinavian fashion blogs a lot at the moment - my favourites are anywho.dk and feedmyego.net - where trainers are often the footwear of choice. The Scandinavian style is really interesting and inspiring. 

This Nike pair were a complete bargain, and also replace my black Vans which are dying a death. They're also super comfortable. 

I'm also getting more into street-wear brands, like Carhartt - the bag was a bargain at £35 from Zalando. I had initially seen the bag on Asos for £44, so £40 with student discount, but then found it on Zalando for £40, but if you sign up to their mailing list you get a £5 voucher to spend, reducing the price further.

Although Carhartt is pretty expensive full price, the quality belies it though, as it is a brand that started out as a durable work-wear brand so everything lasts ages.

In the end I did end up changing the dress to a big black jumper (from H&M years ago), belted at the waist, as it was way too cold for the dress, and of course wore tights and socks. 

I'm not an OOTD girl - I hate having my photo taken, but I like piecing together these collages, so let me know if you like them and I'll keep doing them :)

Thanks for reading x

A book review will be going up once I get back to Manchester; I forgot to take photos before I came home!

Weekly Summary #38

£50 Domino's, Coffee date, American sweeties,

Ootd, Again, Purchases,

Ootd, ALEXISONFIRE TICKETS ARRIVED, Buy one get one free gingerbread lattes

1. This week was my reading week from uni; safe to say absolutely no reading was done. I am actually starting to panic about how little dissertation work I've done to be honest. Kick up the arse is needed!
2. Reece stayed in Manchester this week, you can see what we got up to in this post :) It was lovely to have him here for longer than a day.
3. We came home on Wednesday evening and I have been working every day since - helpful for Christmas present-buying money, but a bit crap otherwise. 
4. I also managed to get into a huge fight with a taxi driver. He turned up 20 minutes late,  making me late for work, so I refused to pay. He tried to follow me into work and threatened to phone the police. Luckily, the lovely managers at work stuck up for me and got rid of him. Very hectic, and scary.
5. MY ALEXISONFIRE TICKETS CAME. Definitely one of the highlights of a rubbishy weekend; Reece and I are off to London the first weekend in December to attend the farewell gig. I can't wait!

Definitely a week of two halves, but some cheeky (and cheap) purchases have helped sooth the wounds of a crap weekend!

I hope you are all well!

Thanks for reading x