Shopping Haul

Yesterday I went on a shopping trip, and despite not looking for anything in particular, I ended up doing pretty well. 

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Hat - Dorothy Perkins 

Jumper - The Collection at Debenhams

Cosmetic bag - Next

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins 

Firstly, I adore my new pinafore dress and the turtle neck top to go underneath, I can't wait to have an opportunity to wear it! While shopping I noticed a lot of deep reds and burgundys - great colours for autumn/winter, and this dress fits in to the trend quite well. It's a retro-looking piece which is something I really like and it will definitely be able to see me through the last few weeks of summer and into the autumn months. 

I've been lusting after one of these hats for a while, so when I spotted one in Dorothy Perkins for £14 I just couldn't resist. I'm not sure how much I'll actually wear it, as hats are quite a daring look for me, but I'm sure that it will add a touch of cool to any outfit. 

Jumpers are my favourite thing about autumn/winter, and the only thing that gets me through the post-summer blues is snuggling in to some gorgeous new knits. As this jumper is quite thin it should make dressing for 9am lectures easy when I go back to university next month. 

My nail varnish collection is ever expanding despite the fact that I work with food and therefore cannot paint my nails, However, I decided that they now need a bag of their own, rather than taking up space in my also expanding make up bag (you can read about my new found love of make up here). I love the bold print on this bag and it is the perfect size for what I need. Now I might have to buy a few new colours to fill it up a little more...

Finally, the shoes! A pair of smart black ballet pumps are always a key piece, they are great for shopping, work experience and for those nights on the town when you simply cannot face wearing heels. The little bows on the heel are absolutely adorable and I am sure that I will get plenty of wear of them. 

As soon as I get an opportunity to wear my lovely new clothes I will be uploading an outfit post for you to see. 

Have you bought anything new lately? 

Getting in to Make Up

Recently I've been taking more of an interest in make-up. I've started slowly, and haven't been raiding the Mac or Benefit counters just yet, but I have started to move away from the products I've been using since the age of thirteen.

As someone who has battled with acne for over half my life, I think that whenever I saw someone with perfect skin I always assumed that it was simply because they actually did have perfect skin. But since watching beauty bloggers such as My Pale Skin Blog, I've realised that a lot of it actually comes down to some pretty incredible make up skills.

I think that the main reason I've always been reluctant to invest in make up is because it is quite difficult to try before you buy. A quick swatch on the back of your hand isn't always the best indicator of if the product will suit your skin tone, it also gives no idea of how long the product will last - especially in the hot conditions that I work in.

On a recent trip to Leeds I visited the Kiko Milano store. While I was there I bought two products: Soft Touch Blush in shade 107 and Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter in shade 100.

The products were towards the upper bracket of the drug store market, the blush was £7.50 and the highlighter was in their sale: reduced from £8.50 to £4.20.

I invested in Kiko because a friend recommended it to me, as a fellow acne sufferer, I do trust her judgement when it comes to make up.

Once I have given these products a thorough test drive I will be sure to write a review!

What are your favourite beauty products?

The Snake

- This story is 100% factual -

A girl I used to know had a pet snake from being around nine years old. It was a large snake, a boa constrictor or something like that, and it used to sleep at the bottom of her bed, rather like how other people might have a dog or cat sleep in their room.

When the girl was around sixteen, she suddenly noticed that the snake was no longer eating its food and was beginning to lose weight. Concerned, she took it to the vet to see what could be done to treat the animal.

After looking over the snake, the vet turned to the girl and said, "the snake is starving itself so that it can eat you."

Aisle Style

It's August, and the peak of summer means only one thing to many women: wedding season.

As a university student, I'm not exactly in the position to get married myself. However that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a little window shopping for wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and even table decorations. Just don't tell my boyfriend.

The website Aisle Style (which you can access here) is full of beautiful dresses appropriate for the bride, bridesmaids or even a sophisticated and glamorous ball.

Me and my close female friends have already made arrangements to be each other's bridesmaids and have rotated the maid of honour to ensure that we all take on the role for one of our best friends. Even though none of us are engaged and we aren't even all in relationships, it's important to get this stuff worked out early, right?

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the site.



£89.98 available here

I think this piece would be perfect for a masquerade ball, paired with silver sandals, clutch bag and a glittering mask, it's sophisticated without looking too over the top and is age appropriate for a 19 year old.



£64.99 available here

This is exactly what I would have the bridesmaids at my wedding wear. As my best friends, it's important that they are happy and comfortable, but it also doesn't break the bank! I think this colour would be perfect for a late summer-autumn wedding.



£229 available here

I love the idea of a vintage wedding dress, and this style encapsulates everything I want from my dress. The delicate sleeves and lace design is simply stunning and would hopefully keep all eyes on me if and when the big day occurs.

Potential bride-to-be or not, this is a wonderful website.

Camp Thailand

Today I got the amazing news that I have been accepted on to the Camp Thailand scheme, meaning that I will be spending around five weeks in Thailand next summer. 

Whilst I am there I will be working four mornings a week in a school, teaching Thai children English. In order to do this I will complete a TEFL qualification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) which is recognised worldwide. 

I will also be working one day a week in an elephant sanctuary, feeding and bathing the animals in the nearby lake. In addition I will be working one day a week in a local silk village. 

As well as these amazing opportunities I can fully immerse myself in the Thai culture, taking language and cooking lessons, as well as getting involved in Thai boxing, kayaking and raft building. The company also arranges a weekly BBQ bonfire party where everyone can get together. 

After my four week placement at the camp I intend to go on the island hopping tour, seeing the most beautiful and exciting beaches that Thailand has to offer, as well as a full moon party and snorkelling trip.  

Camp Thailand. Just 337 days to go. 
I. Can't. Wait. 

London Part 2: The Zoo

As part of my trip to London, we went to London Zoo. 

I've been to other zoos and wildlife parks before, but none were quite as extensive as London, which had a huge variety of animals including: penguins, meerkats, llamas, gorillas, tigers and monkeys. It was a fantastic day out and one that I would absolutely recommend. 

London

Last week me and my boyfriend visited London for the first time. It's quite appalling that I've lived in England my whole life and never been to the capital city, but this has been rectified and it's safe to say that I have fallen in love with the place. 

At first it was a pretty daunting place to be compared to my sleepy ex-mining hometown, with the tube and the huge buildings and the fact that everyone seems to be in a massive rush all of the time, but I think we got the hang of it even in the short time we were there. 

We did all of the standard tourist things, including watching The Changing of the Guards and going to see the major landmarks such as Tower Bridge. I always feel a little silly when doing the things that make it obvious that I'm a tourist, but it was still fun and definitely a part of visiting the city for the first time. 

However, we also did some less-standard things.  On the first evening we were doing a little exploring around South Bank, looking for somewhere to have dinner, when we were approached by a man who invited us to watch a TV show be filmed. We ended up on the second row of the audience for the new comedy roast series Safe Word. It was absolutely hilarious to watch live and I am sure that it will be just as funny on TV, one I definitely recommend. 

I plan on returning to London as soon as I can, do any of you have any recommendations for next time?