Blogmas Day 12: Getting Ready For My Christmas Ball

Hey Guys!

⭐Welcome to Day Twelve of Blogmas ⭐

Before leaving uni for the Christmas holidays our Media Society at Newcastle University held a Christmas Ball for us to have fun, drink some wine, eat lots of food and see everyone before we all go home.

We went to a lovely place called As You Like It in Jesmond, had canapes, the best tempura prawns I've ever had and lots of wine. Getting to see everyone and catch up was lovely especially as we hadn't seen each other much with all of our assignments and deadlines!

I decided to go for a simple look for the ball, a simple outfit but then dress it up with earrings and shoes. So, I chose an outfit that wasn't very dressy and then chose big statement earrings and bright matching shoes to make it more fancy for the evening ❤

Make Up 

Moisturiser: Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

Lip Balm: Vaseline Cocoa Butter

Primer: Rimmel London Fix & Protect Primer 

Foundation: Boujois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation | 52 Vanilla

Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer | Fair Shade 1

Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder | 002 Pink Blossom

Eye Brow Pomade: NYX Professional Makeup Tame & Frame Tinted Eyebrow Gel Pomade | Brunette

Eye Shadow: Models Own Duo Eye Shadow both the light and dark shade

Eye Liner: Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner | Black

Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara | Very Black

Bronzer: Bourjois Bronzing Powder | Medium 51

Blush: Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher Powder | Rose D'Or

Cheek Highlighter: I use an eyeshadow to highlight my brow and cheeks to I use the Models Own Duo Eyeshadow that I used on my eyes. 

Lip Colour: N7 High Shine Lip Gloss | Glazed Plum

Hair

To get my hair curly I used the Remington C152WO Curl Create Ceramic Hair Curling Wand and then sectioned my hair off with a clip bit by bit. Starting with the underlayer of my hair and doing tight curls and then moving on to the top layer of my hair last. But unfortunately, I didn't have any hairspray and nobody had any I could borrow so, unfortunately, my hair dropped and didn't stay very curly. So, next time I need to make sure I have bought hairspray before an event so I can ensure my hair stays how I want. 

Outfit

Dress - New Look (£13)

Earrings - H&M (originally for £8.99 and I got them for £3!) 

Shoes - Primark (£12.99)

Unfortunately, you can't see my shoes in this OOTN picture, and I can't find one properly showing my shoes so I'll include a group photo and you'll get an idea of what they are like haha!

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Have you got any Christmas events coming up this month? Let me know in the comments below!

See you tomorrow for Day Thirteen of Blogmas ❤

Amy x 

Blogmas Day 7: My Christmas Bucket List

Hey Guys!

⭐Welcome to Day Seven of Blogmas ⭐

Can you believe it is only 18 days left till Christmas! 18 days! I can't believe how quickly this month is going, one week tomorrow and I'll be on a train heading back home for Christmas with my family  ❤

I took this blog idea from the lovely Katy from @KatyMackenzie19 on Twitter and her blog www.somethingdifferent1998.com as she did it on Blogmas Day Two and after reading it I thought it was a lovely idea! Especially as I have a long list of things I want to do this Christmas now I'm spending it in England (I used to go abroad for Christmas) so I thought I'd share this list with you all and maybe you can get some inspiration for your own Christmas plans ❄

See Katy's post here.

Photo Credit: yvettefang0604 on Pixabay.com

Hopefully, I'll get to complete everything on the list!

#1 Christmas Markets

 I want to go to as many Christmas markets as I can! I really want to properly go around the Newcastle Christmas Market again, as the first time I went I didn't have a lot of time. I'd also love to go to the Winter Wonderland in Nottingham and their Christmas market, especially as it is so close to my hometown. If I could I would also love to go around the Edinburgh Christmas Market but it is quite far away and I won't have a chance before travelling back to my hometown, so hopefully I'll get the chance to visit next year. There are also a few Christmas markets around where my family live so hopefully we'll get to have a day out and go around the Christmas stalls and get some treats ❤

#2 Friends & Mulled Wine

When I'm back in my hometown and all my friends are also back from university I want to have a huge catch-up and drink mulled wine in our local pub. I don't get to see my friends back home very often as I'm in Newcastle most of the year so when I get the chance I like to make sure I make time to see them, have a catch-up and fill each other in on what we've missed in the months we haven't seen each other!

#3 Christmas Movies

I've watched quite a few Christmas movies already even before the countdown to Christmas began but I've still got a lot of movies I haven't watched yet such as Love Actually, The Christmas Chronicles, The Muppets Christmas Carol, and Elf. I'm keeping some of the best Chrismas movies to watch on the last couple of days before Christmas Day! If you suggest any fun Christmas movies to add to my list let me know in the comments section below! 

#4 Christmas Eve/ Boxing Day Walk

Since I'm back in England for Christmas this year I really want to take the dog on either a Christmas Eve or Boxing Day walk with the family. Even though it will be absolutely freezing, I love the idea of getting all dressed up in layer on layer of coats and having a nice Winter walk ❄

#5 Make a Gingerbread House and Snowmen

My dad is quite the baker but normally we don't really do any baking at Christmas but this year my dad and I have made the decision to attempt to make a gingerbread house and snowmen! He has brought all the tools we need so once I'm home the challenge to build the best gingerbread house will begin! (We are going to buy a spare one in case our gingerbread house doesn't go to plan and falls apart haha!)

#6 Get More Christmas Jumpers For The Dog

The dog Billy already has four Christmas jumpers to keep him looking cute and warm but I personally think he needs more haha! When I was in H&M the other day there was a Christmas tree dog jumper and it is adorable! He needs to look like a dog Christmas tree so I think he needs more Christmas jumpers for his present!

#7 Celebrate Christmas With Sammy

Normally my best friend Sam and I swap presents at Christmas but this year we decided that instead of spending money buying each other gifts we are going to spend the money doing something together instead. We haven't decided what to do, but we are excited to get to spend some quality time together and make the most of Christmas, especially as we hardly see each other living 3 hours apart from each other ❤

#7 See All Of The Family

Christmas is a very family-orientated time of year and I've been in Newcastle since September without visiting my hometown so I want to make sure I see everyone when I'm back home and make the most of seeing my loved ones before I have to go back to uni in January. I  love spending Christmas seeing all my family!

#8 Read My Christmas Books 

If you read my Blogmas Day One post you'll know that I've got a few books I want to read over Christmas while I've got the break from uni. The aim is to read as much as I can while relaxing back home in the warm drinking hot chocolate. The perfect way to relax after having a stressful few months.

#9 Complete Blogmas 

This is my first year doing Blogmas, so I'm determined to finish it. It has been fun getting to write Christmas themed posts every day and it has got me really motivated for writing more content for my blog! I didn't create a lot of content before Blogmas so now I've committed myself to writing a post for every day I'm determined to write more in the new year ❣

What is on your bucket list this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below ❄

See you tomorrow for Day Eight of Blogmas!

Amy x  

Enjoy a picture of Billy in the snow ❄

Blogmas Day 1: Christmas Reading List

Hey Guys!

⭐ Welcome to Day One of Blogmas 2018 ⭐

Christmas is a great time of year for sitting in front of the fire with a cup of tea reading a book, especially when it is freezing cold outside! So, to kick off Blogmas I wanted to talk about three books that are on my Christmas reading list. Other than all the Christmas specials and movies to watch there are plenty of books to read as well ❣

If there are any books that you guys recommend for some Christmas reading let me know, I'd love to add them to my list ❤

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Girls Made of Snow and Glass was sent to me back in October and I was so thrilled to finally get to read it. This is the book I'm currently reading, but unfortunately due to deadlines at university and getting all my work completed before the Christmas break I haven't had a chance to read it a lot, which is why I plan on finishing it over the Christmas break while I'm relaxing back home with a mug of hot chocolate sat with the dog. 

Plot

At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone --- has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do --- and who to be --- to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all.

Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present, GIRLS MADE OF SNOW AND GLASS traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything --- unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story.

So far the book has been so good! The type of book I really enjoy and only takes me a short amount of time to read. It's a shame I haven't had the chance to properly sit down and read it while not stressing about uni work. So, I look forward to finally getting the time to enjoy it. 

Amy Snow by Tracey Rees

I received Amy Snow quite a few years ago, started it and then never got past the first 20 pages so this Christmas I want to finally tackle the book (it's quite a big book compared to the other two) and finally have it on the completed pile. Especially as from the first few pages it was so gripping, I just didn't have the time to finish it. 

Plot

Left to perish on a bank of snow as a baby, Amy has never known love, never known family.

Reluctantly given shelter at nearby Hatville Court, she is despised by the masters and servants alike.

The beautiful Hatville heiress, Aurelia Vennaway, is Amy's only advocate - she becomes the light of Amy's life, and the centre of her existence.

So when Aurelia dies young, Amy's world collapses. But Aurelia leaves Amy with one last gift.

A bundle of letters with a coded key. A treasure hunt that only Amy can unlock.

A life-changing secret awaits... if only she can reach it.

Books like these are always great when wanting to relax for a few hours in the cosy living room where you can just dive right in!

A Nightingale Christmas Wish by Donna Douglas 

I've had this book on my reading pile for years, and by years I mean years! I brought it from Tesco when I was still living back home way before moving to university and I still never got the chance to read it. I always ended up putting it to the side to read something else. So, this Christmas I'm dedicating myself to finally getting round to picking it up and enjoy a Christmas read.

Plot

As Christmas 1938 approaches, the staff at the Nightingale Hospital have their own wishes for the festive season.

Ward sister Frannie Wallace is hoping she won’t have to live through another war like the one that claimed her beloved fiance. But with bomb defences going up all around London, it seems as if her hopes are in vain.

Staff Nurse Helen Dawson wants to find happiness again after the death of her husband Charlie. A handsome stranger seems to offer the chance she wants. But is she looking for love in the wrong place?

Matron Kathleen Fox struggles to keep up morale amongst her nurses as the hospital faces the threat of evacuation. But while everyone else worries about the future of the Nightingale, it’s for her own future that Kathleen truly fears.

As the country prepares itself for war, one thing is for sure – by the time next Christmas comes, nothing at the Nightingale Hospital will be the same again…

This book may sound a bit sat for a Christmas read, but I enjoy reading books like these! Especially when it includes more than one storyline ❤

What is on your reading list for this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!

See you guys tomorrow for Day Two of Blogmas ❄

Amy x 

University // My Thoughts On Going into Third Year

Hey Guys!

Fresher's Week is over and I've had my first official week back at university. Now that everything has settled back down I've been reflecting on the last two years I've had here at Newcastle University and what I'm to expect in my third and final year ❤

Moving back up to Newcastle after a long three-month summer wasn't as stressful this time around (probably because we are staying in the same student house as last year, so all of my belongings were in the room I had in second year). Not having as many possessions to take and knowing I was going to the same house I've already lived in for a year was reassuring as I didn't have to settle in to somewhere new like we all had to do in the first and second year. One thing that has changed this year is that I feel old! I know that sounds ridiculous as I'm only 20 years old, but seeing first years arriving and embarking on a new adventure makes me look back at when I first moved to Newcastle and started university, it makes me feel so old! Also, don't even mention the hangovers now that I'm a year older. You'd think after all this time I'd be able to hack all the nights out and I'd be making the most of Fresher's Week but the hangovers last about two days and I can't deal with it. I just want to sit on the sofa every night and watch The Cry and Goggle Box with a cup of tea haha! 

My Dissertation

This year I am to write a 10,000-word dissertation, along with completing four modules. For my dissertation, I've decided to research and conduct a study on the sexualisation of women in contemporary music videos comparing western music videos to South Korean music videos, exploring why women are sexualised and whether it was their choice. I'm excited to research this area and write up everything but doing a dissertation is so daunting! Especially as it has such a high weighting on my final grade. Third year is going to be stressful! I might as well move into the library now! If any of you have written a dissertation I'd love some advice on how to stay productive and get the most out of my third year!

After Graduation

There are so many things I'm considering to do when I finish and graduate but it's deciding what is the right move to make.  I might stay and do my masters up here in Newcastle, but I'm also contemplating getting into the field and getting some experience, or to go abroad and teach English for a year, or even try something different. There are so many different options after I graduate, but at the moment I'm taking one day at a time. 

I'm sad to be in my last year of university! I'm not ready to leave yet. Going to university has been the best decision I've ever made and I'm sad to leave, my time here has gone by so quick! I've made so many great memories and moving away has helped me become a lot more independent and appreciative. I don't want the experience to be over just yet, so I'll definitely be making the most of it this year ❤

You'll be seeing a lot more university-related content on here this year so look out for that! 

What year are you in now? Or have you already graduated? Let me know in the comments below ❤

See you soon! 

Amy x

*Disclaimer: All photos are my own. 

Monthly Playlist // February and March

Hey Guys!

I've done a few of these playlist posts now, so I want to start doing a post once a month on my monthly music playlist to share my favourite tunes and what songs I've discovered recently. I go out quite a bit in Newcastle so there is always tons of great music being played at our favourite places! 

If you hadn't guessed by now I'm into a lot of Korean music and chart hits from the UK and United States, so if there are any songs you recommend let me know ♡ 

1. To Do List by Hyolyn

2. Starry Night by Mamamoo

3. Por Favor by Pitbull & Fifth Harmony

4. I Promise You (I.P.U.) by Wanna One

5. Magic by Craig David

6. Dive by Joo Young

7. Bad Boy by Red Velvet

8. Forget About Tomorrow by Jay Park

9. Notorious by TRAX & LIP2SHOT feat. Sophiya

10. Black Dress by CLC

11. One Shot, Two Shot by BoA

12. Friends by Marshmello & Anne-Marie

13. All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar

14. Bad Vibe by M.O, Lotto Boyzz & Mr Eazi

15. Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 by Stormzy feat. MNEK

16. Him & I by G-Eazy and Halsey

17. Holiday by Suzy feat. DPR LIVE

18. IDGAF by Dua Lipa

19. Love Scenario by iKON

20. Pray For Me by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar

21. River by Eminem feat. Ed Sheeran

22. Thanks by SEVENTEEN

23. Zero For Conduct by Block B - BASTARZ

24. Daydream by j-hope (BTS)

25. 17 by MK

26. Bouff Daddy by J Hus

27. Sober by Suzy

28. Alors On Danse by Stromae

What is your favourite song this month? Let me know in the comments below!

See you next Sunday my lovelies! ❤ 

Amy xx 

University // Why I'm So Grateful To Be Here

Hey Guys!

It has been a while since I've wrote anything on here. After I got back to university in January I had finals and assignments to complete all in the space of two weeks and then the new semester started at the beginning of February so I wanted to concentrate on my new modules and keep on top of all the work. So, I took a hiatus from writing and prioritised my school work. But now I'm back and trying to fit more time in my week to write blog posts again ❤

I'm constantly trying to focus on things I'm grateful for, especially when I'm having a bad day. So, one thing I'm constantly grateful for is getting the opportunity to go to university. I always think about what my life would be like right now if I didn't go to university or even more specifically Newcastle University, so I wanted to express how grateful I am having access to education and being able to go to a great university ♡

1. Friends: I have met the most amazing people while I have been here in Newcastle. My housemates, course mates and those I've met through mutual friends have made my time at university so much better than my expectations! Living with some of my favourite people has been such a blessing, having people around who are so supportive, always having something to joke about and the nights out has made my time in Newcastle for the past two years so fun! 

2. Being a student: I love going to university! I'm so sad that I've nearly finished my second year already. The time here at university flies by so quick, it felt like only a minute ago I started my second year and moving into our house. My course is perfect for me, it is everything I hoped for and more, so the fact I'll have to graduate next year makes me so sad. I love learning new things, I love being able to sit and learn about something new all the time, which is why I'm so grateful that here in the UK I got the opportunity to attend such a great university and take a course that is exactly what I wanted to do. It is just so sad that July next year I will have graduated and will have to move on to other things. 

3. Opportunities: I have had so many great opportunities since coming to university, especially in my second year. When I started second year I knew that I needed to start building up my CV and gaining experience. So I explored and looked into it and now I'm writing for The Tab, I work for the university's marketing department as a content creator writing blog posts and I've been able to network with people in the media and creative industry. I'm grateful that I'm able to have these opportunities through uni and gain more experience in the industry I want a career in.

4. Learning to become independent: One thing I learnt from moving away from home and moving to a new city is how to be independent and how to look after myself. I was always quite independent when I was back home and living with my parents, but I never had to do my washing, cook for myself everyday and if I was unsure about something my parents were always there. Whereas, since moving to Newcastle I had to learn how to do everything on my own, make my own decisions and look after my money (including earning my own money). I can confidently say now that I'm able to do everything on my own (unless I'm really stuck and I ring my mum and dad haha!).

There are so many more reasons why I'm grateful for getting the opportunity to go to Newcastle University, but they can wait for another time  💕

See you on Wednesday my lovelies!

Amy xx

Would You Rather Christmas Tag

Hey Guys!

I've been scrolling through Twitter trying to get some ideas and inspiration for more Christmas related blog posts when I came across the 'Would You Rather Christmas Tag' so after doing the normal 'Christmas Tag' I thought I would give this a go as well. This year I'm so excited for Christmas, more than I have been for the past few years so I'm trying to share this festive spirit as much as a can! Last night my housemates and I cooked a Christmas dinner for ourselves and then played Game of Thrones Monopoly and for that I was way too excited - to the point that I was jumping up and down in our kitchen waiting for the pigs and blankets and stuffed chicken to come out of the oven! I think having our Christmas in our house this year has made it a lot more special compared to last year when we lived in university accommodation :)

I got the inspiration for this 'Would You Rather' from the lovely Lauren from Bournemouth Girl, after reading her Blogmas post I decided this was one I was going to have to try for my own blog. Go check out her version here.

Lets Go!

Giving presents or receiving presents?

I'd say giving presents. I always love buying presents for other people and finding things that I know they would love, especially for my family members and best friend. When it comes to giving them their presents I love seeing them open it and their reactions, it is the best feeling ❤ 

2. Christmas pudding or trifle?

I don't really like either, they aren't my favourite choices for dessert. But out of the two I'd probably choose Christmas pudding as I don't mind it if it's with custard. On it's own it really doesn't taste that appealing. For our Christmas dessert yesterday my housemates created their own Christmas chocolate brownie mix with marshmallows and oreos, it tasted so good!

3. “Home Alone” or “Christmas Carol”? 

I would say 'Home Alone' as its such a funny Christmas movie! I do like the story of the 'Christmas Carol' but I'd choose 'Home Alone' as I'd prefer something funny. They are both classic Christmas movies though :)

4. Spend Christmas abroad or stay at home? 

I already spend my Christmas abroad with my parents, auntie, uncle and two cousins so I guess I'd choose abroad as that is our new tradition as a family. The holidays we have had away have been so relaxed and fun! We have created so many memories and it is such a nice break for all of us. There are a few things I miss about being home for Christmas but that is because there are a lot of Christmas memories in my family home too. But I would still choose to go abroad, it's special! 

5. One expensive present or several not so expensive presents? 

I do love the little presents I receive, for example this year we did secret Santa at my uni home with a budget of £5 and I received an adorable Santa mug with chocolates and sweets all inside which I loved! I've been wanting a Christmas themed mug for my uni home as I have one at my parents house as well and after hearing me talk about it my secret Santa went and got me one for my present :) It is something small and thoughtful and to me these presents are my favourite ❤  

My Questions

1. 'Last Christmas' By Wham or 'All I Want For Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey?
2. Christmas games or Christmas movies?
3. Pigs in blankets or turkey?
4. Christmas pyjamas or Christmas jumpers? 
5. Mince pies or cheese and crackers? 

Who I Tag

Beth from Steal The Beauty
Emily from Drained Beauty
Rebecca from Rebecca Louise Blogs
Holly from The Chronicles of Holly
Shona from What Shona Says 

After you've finished this tag come up with 5 'Would You Rather' questions of your own and tag 5 other people to continue with the tag ♡ 

See you on Sunday my lovelies!

Amy xx

My DIY Halloween Outfit and Make Up

Hey Guys!

As I'm a university student we are expected to dress up for a lot of occasions and one of those occasions does happen to be Halloween. Last year I wasn't really bothered about going out or really celebrating Halloween, but this year I'm trying to make the most of the festive occasion! Halloween is very soon and I got invited to a Halloween birthday themed party: SPOOKFEST! So, I wanted to share with you guys a simple DIY Halloween outfit that you can put together with clothes and accessories from your own wardrobe and also a very simple make up look. I'm no make up artist and pretty terrible with make up so I went for something very easy and simple!

Outfit

Crop Top: Primark

Skirt: BHS

Socks: Primark

Boots: River Island

Choker: Primark

Hoop Earrings: Borrowed

I went as a classic vampire for this Halloween themed birthday party as I didn't have time to go out and buy a costume, also being a student means funds can be quite limited as well so you have to end up working with what you've already got. I could of easily been Veronica from Riverdale as well so these pieces can easily be mixed with other items to appear as another character. All the items I wore were from my wardrobe and I only needed to borrow some silver hoop earrings from my friend and my outfit was complete. If you don't have any of these pieces you can always go to Primark or a thrift shop. There are so many characters and people you can dress up as for Halloween, people at the party were Bananas in Pyjamas, Batman, Ned Flanders, a mermaid, a nurse etc! 

Make Up

Primer: Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Multi Action Make Up Primer | 002

Foundation: Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Fond De Teint Anti-Fatigue Foundation | No. 52 Vanilla

Concealer: Rimmel London Wake Me Up Anti Fatigue Effect + Radiant Glow Concealer | 020 True Ivory

Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder | 003 Peach Glow 

Eyebrow Pencil: Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil | 002 Hazel

Eye Shadow: SEVENTEEN Easy On The Eye | The Big Smoke

 For my eye shadow I wanted to create a very dark bold eye to compliment the bold red lips. I put Warm Ivory all over my eye lids to create a plain base, I then took Slate Grey and placed it around the inner crease of my eye and on 2/3 of my eyelid as a base to put my creme silver eye shadow on the top. I then took Wild Khaki and with a small angled brush I placed it in the outer corner of my eye and swept it inwards towards where I'd placed Slate Grey. Getting a blending brush I then buffed it out as it is quite a dark shade and buffed it towards my brow bone and outwards where I would later apply my eyeliner wing. After buffing it out and both Slate Grey and Wild Khaki were combined I then took Cool Aluminium, a very silver creme eye shadow, and with my middle finger I dabbed it on top of Slate Grey all the way towards the inner crease of my eye, avoiding my outer crease where I had just buffed out Wild Khaki. Getting a small eye shadow brush that comes in the palette I then took some more of Cool Aluminium and  tapped some more around the middle of my eye and the corners. I then placed some of Wild Khaki on my water line, joining it with some Cool Aluminium so it reflected my actual eye lid. Then I applied my eyeliner. 

Eyeliner: Natural Collection Eye Liner 

Mascara: Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Reloaded | 001 Black 

Contour/Bronze: Maybelline New York Contour Palette | 01 Light Medium

Blush: Bourjois Paris Blush | 33 Golden Lilac

Lip Stick: Rimmel London Moisture Renew | 500 Diva Red

Highlighter: Soap & Glory The Perfect Ten Shadow Palette | Gold Coast 

I actually used an eye shadow for highlighter as it works better and is really pigmented, great for the cheekbones. 

Hair

I decided to leave my hair pretty simple so I just used my Remington Straightener 210 along with some dry hair shampoo in my roots for a little more volume so my hair didn't appear so limp :)

Who are you going as this Halloween? Let me know in the comments below!

See you on Wednesday my lovelies! ❤ 

Amy xx

Honest Truths About University

Hey Guys!

University has been honestly the best decision I have ever made and I'm enjoying every minute of it! Uni has both good and bad parts throughout your experience but there are also some honest truths that you should know! Here are six honest truths for university students ♡ 

#1 You Have To Make Effort To Make Friends 

When your in secondary school and further education a lot of the time you already know the majority of people because you have moved up with them and they have always been there through your lower education, however when you get to university you won't know anybody and everyone will be from other parts of the UK or international students, so you have to make effort to get to know people and talk to people. Even if it is just introducing yourself to people in your accommodation or while your around university, once you start to make the effort to meet people you'll make friends. Also, university is the perfect opportunity to not just make friends within your accommodation but also with people who have the same interests as you through societies! 

#2 You Don't Need To Buy a 100 Books For Your Course

You might get carried away when you go to the uni book shop and end up buying book after book when in reality you wont need 75% of them! For my course I don't buy any books whatsoever! All of the teaching materials I have to read are online or in the library! I'm sure your university library will have the majority of books you need for your modules and if not a lot of libraries have the ability to order them in if they are requested enough. In reality all those books you buy you will not use and will be put in a pile of unwanted books. Instead research what materials you can read online and what you can get from your university's library! 

#3 You Will Always Be Tired 

I always wonder how I coped going to secondary school and sixth-form because I go to a two hour lecture now and I'm already exhausted and feel like I need a nap! I don't know whether its because of the amount of information you have to retain or if I'm unable to function for long periods of time but I honestly find it hard to stay awake after half a day of university. You will honestly nap so much, especially if you know your going out that night and have been at uni since 9am! I'd say about three of my housemates and myself always nap, whether its been a long day or not! A night out also messes your sleep pattern up loads so you'll always be catching up on sleep!

#4 You Will Not Dress Glamorous For a 9am Lecture 

The first couple of months you try to make effort to look good when you go to your lectures; you'll dress nicely, wear make up, do your hair, but by semester 2 that will not be happening! You'll turn up to your 9am with last nights hair, a bare face and in your most comfiest clothes. It is such an achievement even getting out of bed that when it comes to getting ready there is minimal effort so just put on your comfiest and effortless clothes and head to uni!

#5 You Will End Up Getting An Overdraft

You will 100% run out of money, whether its because of buying too many takeaways, too many nights out or just buying pointless crap your bank balance will become negative, so you will end up getting an overdraft to help pay for your necessities like food to survive and toilet roll. I'm so far into my overdraft that I doubt I'll ever have a positive bank balance again! But in all honesty it does help you out loads to cover costs, but don't just go with any bank look around first to see what they can give you and what deals there are for students! 

#6 You Don't Need To Read Absolutely Everything 

The reading list will look huge and there will be so many chapters of so many books that will be listed, but you don't need to read absolutely everything on the reading list! Most of the time each of your modules will have an essential readings section and then the rest will just be readings that will help you out with essays and for further understanding. I'd suggest definetley reading your essential reading as they tend to outline everything and give you the best understanding of your subject, but if the essential reading is ten articles and a novel of 300 pages don't feel stressed or overwhelmed! Pick at least a few different ones to read and write down the most important points! If you attempt to read every single reading you'll be there are ages and won't get any other work done for any of your other modules. It is all about choosing specific readings and learning to scan read for the most important points. 

If there are any honest truths about university you can think of comment below!

See you soon! ♡ 

Amy xx