Monday 28 October 2013

Half Term Holiday!

I'm away in Norwich this week! I haven't been on a family holiday since the summer before last so it's fantastic to be away properly again with my family! 
We got to the house Saturday afternoon and its so gorgeous; it's a thatched cottage with the main living area upstairs which is a bit different but works really well! The only problem is that the dog is scared of going up and down the stairs so its a bit difficult for him! 
I get a double bed in my room which is amazing, the room is gorgeous and perfect, I could happily have this room as my own at home!
I found the bookshelf as well and they have some really great books! I've found one that I've actually been looking at getting for a while - I'm looking forward to reading it over the week when I have time between my half term homework! 
My room is so pretty!

Such a good way to settle into the holiday!
I don't know when or if I will be able to post again until we get back on Saturday, you'll have to bear with me as we have no wifi at home! I'm currently sitting in McDonalds with Dad soaking up all of the internet I've missed in the last 2 days...there's been a lot!
Jess xx

Saturday 26 October 2013

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I've been nominated for the Sunshine award by Kate which I'm really happy and grateful for! I love her blog and she's a great person so I'm really happy with this!


"The whole idea of the Sunshine Award is that you nominate eleven bloggers who put a little sunshine in your day, who are positive, creative, and inspiring."






The Rules:



- You have to post a picture of the Sunshine award in the blog post. 

- Post 11 random facts about yourself.

- Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
- Nominate 11 wonderful bloggers.
- Write 11 questions for them to answer.
- Let the bloggers you nominated know you have nominated them.


11 facts:

- I'm a diabetic with a sweet tooth and a severe needle phobia. Oh, the irony.
- I own over 20 scarves and I still want more, they're my clothing obsession.
- I just hit 1,000 views this month and I couldn't be happier, thank you everyone!
- I wear skirts and dresses more in theAutumn/Winter than I do in Summer.
- I almost never wear tights, instead I wear leggings because they keep me warmer and mean that I don't have to worry about flashing as much!
- If I don't know what to wear in the morning, I do my make up first and decide on those colours, then build an outfit around that.
- I would love to work in a museum one day, artefacts absolutely fascinate me!
- If I don't end up following a career in Archaeology/Ancient History, I want to become a journalist or write in a magazine.
- I find people that think they know everything highly annoying.
- I'm a grammar and spelling freak. I correct everyone and everything. 
- I am basically connected to my phone, it keeps me in the loop with so many things and makes it so much easier to stay organised; the notes and reminders apps are by far the most used things on my phone!

Kate's questions for me:


- Best day of your life?

10th May 2012. Or Prom. It was amazing, and after prom was equally special. I have so many fantastic friends and it was great to hang out with them all and just have fun!
- Favourite flower?
I love all flowers, they always look so pretty together; I can't choose just one!
- Are your toenails currently painted?
Nope! I only ever paint my fingers.
- A quote to live by?
"Aerodynamically a bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway" - Mary Kay Ash
- Biggest problem in your life right now?
Stress. I stress over everything.
- What does your most recent text message say?
Night! :)
- 13th line on the 123rd page of your favourite book?
I don't have a favourite book! I have several!
- Do you read a newspaper?
I have a news email update every day which is great!
- What song is in your head right now?
Lose Yourself cover by Hudson Taylor and Orla Gartland.
- What will you be doing in 19 hours' time?
It will be 5am so I hope I will be asleep!
- Favourite website?
Blogger or Polyvore! Or tumblr, instagram, pinterest....there are a lot.

Nominees:
I nominated my favourite blogs for the Versatile Bloggers Award the other week! 
If you want to do this, then do! I love reading these and finding out about other bloggers!

I'll nominate Amy, Anna and Rosie though because I love these girls' blogs and they're lovely too!

My questions:


- Favourite part of your room?
- Favourite artist?
- Thing you own the most of?
- What is the one thing you wish you could do better?
- Favourite possession?
- Favourite smell?
- Something you're addicted to?
- Favourite TV show?
- Last holiday?

Hope you guys enjoyed this! I'm off on holiday this week so I will post if I find internet but I don't know if I will!
Jess xx

Monday 21 October 2013

Top 5 Winter Films


Not all of these are specifically set in the season but they're my favourite films to watch during this time as you can just curl up and enjoy watching them. These are also in my favourite film list - I've watched them all too many times to count! 

Love Actually


This is such a great Christmas film and will leave you smiling for ages afterwards. The beginning always makes me laugh until I cry - Bill Nighy is fantastic.
I haven't seen this as much as the other films but I love it equally. 

The Proposal

These two are the perfect pair. It may not be a Christmas film but it's so great to watch while snuggled in a duvet. It's so funny and adorable, it's fantastic!

The Holiday


 An actual Christmas film!Kind of... I don't think they could have picked a better cast; Jack Black, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz?! Yes please. Although I can't help but think of Princess Fiona when Cameron speaks...
It's such a feel-good film and it's so great for around Christmas time too!
 
Notting Hill 


I don't actually know how many times I've seen this film but I know it still isn't enough. I love it so much and it's so funny! When I went to Notting Hill a couple of moths back, I tried looking for where they filmed but I assume they filmed somewhere else as I couldn't find it anywhere along where the market is!
Aristocats 


Being me, I obviously couldn't have a list of films and not include a Disney film. Aristocats is my favourite Disney film by far, it's adorable and the songs are so catchy; when I played piano, I could actually play everybody wants to be a cat! 

I hope you guys enjoyed my list! If you haven't watched any of these films, I suggest you do, they're all fantastic!
Jess xx

Sunday 20 October 2013

Growing Up.


It's 5 months until my 18th birthday today. 5 months until I'm officially an adult in the eyes of the world. 
On Facebook, I keep seeing people's birthdays popping up, that some of my closest friends are turning 18, 19 or 20 and it's such an odd feeling because I don't feel that old and my friends don't seem that old and it's quite terrifying if I'm honest. I don't feel ready to become a proper adult. I don't feel ready to get a job, pay for everything myself, live by myself, own a house, get married or do any of the other things that seem to be the norm for adulthood these days. I still get nervous signing my own forms and prescriptions as I don't feel qualified. I feel like I need some sort of experience before I can be responsible for anything and it's a weird sensation where everything feels unreal and like I'm not meant to be at this stage yet, like I have so much more to learn. 
But I guess that's the point. 
Life IS a leaning experience and once you finish Uni, you have to learn in a completely new way; by experiencing life, not just learning the facts and taking an exam at the end. Life ends up becoming one big exam where you're constantly tested and assessed and you have to adapt to this whole new way of learning and living. 
I think that's why Uni seems like such a great and attractive concept to me as you're partially given that freedom you need to experience before you get into the real world properly. It's like the pre-school to life where you learn the basics of independent living which is both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Jess xx

Essay motivation trip!

I actually love going to places by myself. You can go where you want, spend as long or as little time as you want in each place and go home when you feel like it.
Yesterday I went to Guildford for a mini shopping trip to get some sweets for motivation to write my English essay that I planned yesterday morning and Friday. Even though it's fun, I really shouldn't be allowed in the American sweet shop by myself.

Best sweets ever!
As it's nearing Halloween, I couldn't resist having a look at what goodies they had, and I wasn't disappointed. They had Candy Corn (one of my all time favourites) and some things called Mellocremes which are made by the same company and taste quite similar but are different Halloween shapes like pumpkins and cats! No one else in my family likes them which means they're all for me! 
I also had to get some of my usuals and I've found out that Jolly Rancher do a Passion mix with all flavours I like which makes me happy. There's even a Peach flavour which is the best thing ever! Berries Sour Patch Kids are also amazing - the flavours are the best; I'm a berry and citrus girl so these packets are the best things! I also really don't like Watermelon so I successfully avoided it in both packets!
These should last me a good long while as I don't want to open them all at once or waste them by eating tonnes at a time!
If you've never tried these, find somewhere that does them and BUY THEM. I know I have an unhealthy addiction, especially for a Diabetic, but I love them so so much.
Jess xx

Saturday 19 October 2013

Recent Lipstick Buys

Over the past month or so, I've been going into Boots during some of my frees and when I've had the money, I've bought some too!
Left to Right: MUA lipstick in shade 10, Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in shade 107,
Natural Collection in Rose Bud and Natural Collection in Raspberry

Same as above.

MUA in 10
I've heard so many good things about the MUA lipsticks and for only £1, I couldn't resist! I will definitely be buying some more of this range when I stop by a Superdrug again! 
I'm really surprised at how much I like this lipstick, it's amazing quality for the price; it's really creamy and soft! It doesn't last very long but you can't expect it to as it's so cheap!

Rimmel Kate Matte in 107
I cracked and I bought it! I've had this for a few days and I've worn it pretty much every day; I love it! This is probably my favourite lipstick I've ever bought; it stays on for such a long time and it looks amazing! I love the colour so much and it's so perfect for Autumn and Winter. It's creamy and I love the matte look - most of my lipsticks have a shine so it's a nice change!

Natural Collection in Rose Bud
This is one of those 'lip colour but better' lipsticks. It's a really pretty shimmery pale pink which is so lovely. Natural Collection do the nicest formulas for lipsticks. They don't last too long but they're so moisturising and creamy, I love them!

Natural Collection in Raspberry
This has been talked about a lot by bloggers for a while so I decided to buy it and I wasn't disappointed! This colour is a gorgeous bright pink and it's another great Autumn/Winter shade. Natural Collection lipsticks are only £1.89 so it wasn't wholly surprising that it broke at the base a day after I got it, just disappointing! It's still usable though which is great! There are always lip brushes if worst comes to worst though!

The Natural Collection lipstick isn't online which I find really stupid but they're available in Boots!

Hope you guys liked reading about these! I love all of these colours and suggest all of them, none of them are expensive, the most expensive is the Rimmel one at £5.49!
Jess xx

Friday 18 October 2013

The University Chronicles: Personal Statement.

I am so close to finishing my personal statement now - I'm on to writing my fourth draft now and there's less to change each time! I just need to cut it down to the right word count and I'll be able to send my UCAS form off and hopefully start getting offers from Universities! 
It's one of the most exciting but stressful things to do. The actual writing isn't difficult, I actually like writing about what I like about my subjects and why I would be good for the course, it makes me feel good about how much I have achieved already! The stressful part is what writing the personal statement means; moving on and the unknown future. That the next three years of your life is decided for you by a form and a short piece of writing means that they're the most important pieces of paper (internet paper...) that you will ever write and fill out. I don't like the feeling of not being in control and having to hand over that decision to nameless, faceless people at higher institutions to criticise you through these papers is terrifying to me. I actually wish I was applying for places that asked for an interview as I quite enjoy them and then I would be able to talk to them face to face and they would be able to see what I am actually like instead of what I seem like on paper. 
Once I send off that form, my fate is in their hands so to speak and even though it's scary, I'm so excited to find out what happens and I'm working incredibly hard to make sure I don't let myself down or any of those university ghosts who actually give me offers...if any. 
Jess xx

Thursday 17 October 2013

Puppies are little balls of happiness.


I just remembered my walk to college yesterday. A friend and I saw a little sandy coloured puppy who was whining at everyone going past. We went up and started to stroke it and play with it for a bit and it looked so happy to have the attention, it jumped up and licked our hands and it was so soft and adorable! 
Little things in life like that make me smile a whole lot, make my day a tonne better and put me in a good mood for the rest of the day!
Jess xx

The Versatile Blogger Award!

I was originally nominated a couple of weeks ago by my real life awesome friend Kate and I found that I've also been nominated by the amazing Amy today so I figured that I should actually do this! I'm honestly so grateful to these girls as they both have great blogs and it's lovely to think that I do too! You should definitely check out both of their blogs, they're great!


The Rules:
1. Once you've been nominated, you must display the Versatile Blogger Award somewhere on your blog.
2. Make sure to thank your nominator and leave a link to their blog.
3. Write 7 facts about you so new readers and old followers get to learn a bit more about you as a person and not just 'the blogger'.
4. Nominate your favourite bloggers for the award too!

7 facts about me

I'm in my final year of sixth form studying Ancient History, Classical Civilisation and English Literature.

I want to study Archaeology and Ancient History at Uni and am applying this year, I'm hoping to go to Cardiff because it's such a lovely Uni and the course is fantastic!

Reading is my favourite hobby and even though I don't have much time on my hands, I always carry a book around with me incase I get a spare 10 minutes or have to wait for a train!

I have a very mixed music taste and most of my favourites are pretty unheard of. Orla Gartland, Hudson Taylor, Lauren Aquilina, Lewis Watson, Lisa Hannigan, Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson anyone? Passenger, Gabrielle Aplin and Paolo Nutini are other favourites of mine. I also like bands such as Madness, Johnny Get The Gun and The Wombats.

I have never dyed my hair and I don't want to. I have copper tones running through my hair already and I love the way it shines in the light! People always used to say I'd look good with black hair though...I disagree.

I have an unhealthy addiction to nail polish and lipstick. I own 22 of each and I love them all, I haven't worn all of the colours of nail polish yet though. My next product I'm looking at is a MAC lipstick though, I really want to say I own one!

I said this a couple of weeks ago but Autumn is my favourite season, October is probably my favourite month too. I just love the changing colour of the leaves, the fact that Christmas is just around the corner and that you get to wear cuddly scarves, jumpers and boots, my favourite pieces of clothing!

Writing this has been really fun and I hope you guys have learnt something new about me! It's hard to choose because there are so many amazing blogs out there, but I'm going to choose these bloggers as they're lovely and have a great writing style!:

Alexi

Rosie

Emily

Lauren

Caitlin

Barbs

I hope you check these girls out, they're all great!
Jess xx

Monday 14 October 2013

Things I've had my eye on recently!

I haven't had the money to buy anything recently but I've been keeping my eye on a few things that I really like!

Make Up

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107.
I love this lipstick, it's such an Autumn/Winter colour! I've heard really good things about this lipstick and when I found it in Boots, I tested the colour and it was a really deep pink-purple which looks amazing. It's £5.49 from Boots (link below).
Picture from here.
L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint.
I don't wear foundation much but I tested it at it's such a perfect match to my skin, I was so impressed! I have some nasty dry patches around my nose so I hope that this foundation doesn't stick to them like my current one!
I hope I can get this eventually!
Clothes

H! by Henry Holland Navy Belted Panda Dress.
I've had my eye on this dress pretty much since the current line was released. I need to save up so I can buy it because this dress is so me - animal print (actual animals, not things like leopard print!), navy and a skater style skirt! The long sleeves would also be great for winter as they add a little bit of warmth!
I love this dress so much.
H! by Henry Holland Navy Fox Knit Tunic Dress
Henry Holland is my favourite designer that is featured in Debenhams and I own a dress and a pair of shoes that are both gorgeous - this dress is amazing, who doesn't love a Fox?! I've seen this in the shops and it's such a soft material, I love it!
Who doesn't love a fox jumper?!
Books

Audrey the 60s
I found this book in the bookshop by college a few weeks ago and in my frees I sometimes go back to have a quick flick through it. It's a gorgeous big hardback with gorgeous pictures, some never seen before. I think this is a really great coffee table book and I really hope that I'll be able to own it one day!
I really want this book!
This is all I can think of at the moment and hopefully I can at least buy some of these over the next few months!
Jess xx

Friday 11 October 2013

Candle Wax.

Relationships are like candles. They burn bright and beautiful at the beginning, exuding a warm feeling and happiness. But candles burn out and the wick gets used up and eventually that candle that was once so bright and beautiful fizzles out into a mess of burnt wick and boiling hot wax that hurts to touch. 
Sadly, mine and Mark's wick has run out. We split up yesterday which I'm not taking particularly well, I have to admit. It was getting too difficult to continue what we had as we were in different parts of our lives and were both having to work a lot, meaning we could barely talk, let alone see each other. We always knew there would be a risk of this happening as we were long distance so seeing each other regularly wasn't going to happen but it still isn't nice to accept that it's finished.
I'm glad we didn't end on a bad note but it still hurts all the same. We were getting too distant for it to be much of a relationship so ending it felt like the best option we had. I'm still fond of him but some things are for the best. 
I know we'll still be friends because we've always got along so well and who knows, maybe when the time is right we'll relight another candle and put in in place of the old one. 
Jess xx 

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Autumn Rose.

Autumn Rose.


360 Sweater loose crochet sweater
$395 - julesb.co.uk


Skirt
$320 - colette.fr


Tight
modcloth.com


Cole Haan boots
colehaan.com




Silk by Bryony Cherry Cherry Silk Georgette Scarf
boticca.com




I love this look, the skirt is quite summery but looks great with this autumn/winter look! I just wish I could afford it! 
Jess xx

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Fears and communication.

I had a blood test done this morning...it didn't go well. I'm diabetic but I have a massive fear of needles. Ironic, I know. I get quite stressed out about having my blood taken but today my blood sugar went too low half way through and it ended up that I was shaking so much that the nurse had to stop half way through doing it because she physically couldn't get any more blood out...fun. I almost fainted and felt really sick so in the end she let me go with only half of it done. 
It stressed me out loads and I've not been feeling right the whole day. I feel so drained and tired and also quite sick so I've been curled up in my favourite comfy lounge trousers since I returned from college, looking for more blogs to follow. I've found some really gorgeous blogs and some really lovely people who have kindly followed me back and commented on posts which had cheered me up a lot.
I love finding new blogs and new people to talk to, you never know who you will meet with just a few lines on a post of theirs and a click of the 'publish' button! Talking to new people is one of my favourite things to do because 99% of the time, bloggers are the loveliest people you will meet and real life people are pretty nice most of the time too as long as you make the effort. 
I always make sure I talk to people that comment on my posts because I don't want to give the impression of being distant! The amount of bloggers that I see ignoring their commenters and followers confuse me, I don't understand why people wouldn't want to reply to someone that obviously decided to bridge the distance and attempt to communicate with them! Every time I've spoken to a blogger, it's always been great and I actually now have a great real-life friend from blogging so it works out well quite a lot of the time! 
Jess xx

Sunday 6 October 2013

The Wrong Direction.

All of my posts seem to be about my make up buys over the last month and I assume they're getting pretty boring! To be honest though, my life isn't particularly exciting either...
I'm very close to finishing my personal statement and I honestly don't understand how people are finding it so hard to write about why they want to do the subject; surely if you love it enough to want to do it at Uni then you should be able to write about it? I found it hard to start but once I got going, I managed to write the rest in under an hour and a half. When I gave it to my tutor, she gave me really good feedback and helped me structure and word it better for my next draft. It was quite a bit over the character limit but I'm so pleased with it! She also managed to find a way to fit my blog into my personal statement and make it sound like it's relevant for my course!
UCAS is a nightmare though. It takes so much effort to write in each grade you got for each module of each subject done since GCSE so trying to find the right course then the right version of the subject is nearly impossible. Luckily I'm almost finished which is great!

A few things that have been going through my head recently:
1. I need to work and revise more.
2. I'm so excited for Uni, but which to choose?
3. Cardiff do Journalism, English Lit, Creative Writing and Fashion and Beauty societies? Awesome. When can I start?
4. I miss London.
5. This song.
6. I need a job but too much college work.
7. I can't wait for Christmas.
8. I get distracted way too easily.
9. Also, this song!
10. I wish more people would find my blog, I love getting my voice out!
11. I wonder what doing YouTube videos would be like?
12. I want all of the Uni stuff out of the way so I can make my final two choices!
13. This year is going crazily fast, how is it almost Christmas already?! I'm so excited for next year though.
14. Sophie Ellis-Bextor is the best on Strictly Come Dancing, I don't care what anyone else says!
15. X Factor gets worse every year, why do we still watch it?!

 Hope you enjoyed this insight into my mind! And just to see how much of a workaholic I am as every other thought is related to work or Uni...
Jess xx

Saturday 5 October 2013

So 50s...

So 50s...

Vintage cocktail dress
$40 - myeveningdress.co.uk

Hobbs navy blue shrug
$88 - johnlewis.com

Debut red clutch
$16 - debenhams.com

Kate spade lipstick
katespade.com

Polyvore.

As you many have realised over the last few days, I have a new internet obsession...Polyvore. It's a website where you can create collages based on fashion, beauty, interior design or art. It's really quick and simple to make loads of collages which is quite dangerous for me as it's also quite addictive! I really love creating different outfits - mostly ones that I would love to own myself but could never afford! 
It might not seem like your thing but you should try it out, it's actually a lot of fun! 
Jess xx

Freebies!

My Grandma let me look through a clothing catalogue to choose some things that I like for Christmas - she's then choosing one out of them and I'm getting that one! I'm so lucky and excited because no matter which she chooses; they're gorgeous! The other great thing about this present is that with the first order, a free gift is included!
The other day, my Grandma gave me the free gift. It turned out to be three Elizabeth Arden lip products! I was so excited because I've never owned anything remotely high-end (I live out of Boots and Superdrug for make up..) so it's exciting to be able to try out products that are that bit more expensive and compare them to my usual £7 options! 
I was given a lipstick and two lip glosses but as I don't wear lip gloss much and every experience I've had with them have turned into a sticky nightmare, I wasn't 100% sure what to think. 
I love them. 


The packaging is nothing like I've had with any make up before and makes them look so sleek! It also makes it easier to find them when I want to wear any of them so yay!

The lipstick is Colour Intrigue Sheer Lipstick in Pink Blush Sheer and it's the most gorgeous shade of dark pink which is perfect for Autumn. Anyone else realising that as soon as I started talking about needing Autumn lip colours, they've been turning up out of the blue?!
I wore this a couple of days ago and it was a dream. It's creamy and felt so soft and smooth on my lips. When it wore away, it didn't leave a horrible line around the edge either so it was easier to just reapply when needed. Saying that, it lasted for a good three hours which is pretty darn good compared to my other lipsticks I have! Maybe not worth the £19.50 price tag but they're still pretty good!
In love with this colour.

Such a gorgeous pink!
The lip glosses were a new thing for me and I had no idea what to expect apart from that dreadful stickiness that often come with lip glosses but I was pleasantly surprised! They were relatively easy to apply and had a gorgeous shimmer which I really loved. There was no stickiness which made me extremely happy and they lasted for 2 hours or so which I thought was pretty good. 
The only downside is that the applicator is quite small which makes applying the lip gloss quite difficult sometimes. However, once you get the hang of it, it gets easier so no major bad points to report here!
Lip glosses!
The two colours that the company sent were Golden Pearl and Maple. Being glosses instead of lipsticks, the colours are more subtle and therefore more wearable. Golden Pearl is a light, peachy-pink colour. The flecks of gold shimmer give it a pearl effect (probably hence the name...) which I really love, it makes my lips shine more.

Golden Pearl.
Maple has the same shimmer effect but instead of giving off a pearly feel, it just makes my lips shine. It is a bronze-red colour that, again, seems to fit right into the season of changing leaves. This is my favourite colour of the three products and even though I'm quite pale, the colour seems to work and I love it! I wore it yesterday and I wasn't disappointed. Again, it lasted about 2 hours so not brilliant lasting time but not atrocious either. 

Maple.
Overall I'm really impressed with these products and I wish they were cheaper so I could buy some more! I'm really glad they came as a free gift and I'm excited for the Christmas present too!
Jess xx