Graduation!

On Thursday I graduated from the University of Leeds, and I got a 2.1 in BSc Psychology!

I am so happy and relieved that my degree is over and that I successfully survived the whole experience! University is without a doubt one of the most stressful experiences I have ever endured. That being said, I am definitely sad that it is over! It's just so scary going from knowing exactly where you are going to next in life; from school to college, from college to university, to then not being exactly sure what the next step is. I am hoping to go back to university do a masters one day, however I feel that I need a slight break from education. But I am definitely going to miss being in education, and learning new knowledge; thus I have to keep reading and learning new things.  

On Thursday my graduation was at 3.45pm which is fairly late for a graduation, but we set off from Preston at 12ish to get to Leeds in plenty of time. Once we got to Leeds we parked up and went to sort my tickets, gown and photos. Nobody had informed me of how heavy the gowns actually are, and on Thursday it was one of the hottest days of the year so I was melting in the gown. Hopefully my makeup hadn't melted off too much in the photos either! I had professional photos done too, which was alright, but I just found the guy doing the photos to be a little bit creepy and awkward, and they were done so quickly, I even had to ask him if I could see the photo before I left. I asked my boyfriend to take photos throughout the day too and they turned out pretty well. 

The whole graduation ceremony was over so quickly, before I knew it the speeches had been done and all the names had been called out. If I could do it all over again I definitely would. I also managed to not trip or fall over when I went to get my certificate thankfully! Also my university did not allow us to rent or wear the graduation caps which is a shame, but in my professional photos I was wearing the cap. The ceremony was done around 5pm and we returned home, with a side detour to a pub for some tea and a drink. 

On the Friday night I celebrated again with family in Preston, by going for a meal at Angelos in Preston city centre, which was really good fun and it was great to see my two Aunts, as one of my aunties came down from Sandbach to come for the meal. The food was really great at the restaurant and I really did enjoy myself. We then went for a drink and a friend joined us to go out for a short while. 

I am really glad that I have completed my degree and that it is over, but at the same time I do wish I could do it all again and have a different experience. I did love my time at university but I do wish that I had spent more time in Leeds or explored the city more whilst I lived there. But isn't hindsight a wonderful thing... Maybe one day I will return to Leeds and live there again in the future. 

This is the outfit my giant gown was covering when I graduated. 

Has anyone else graduated recently? 

Anyone got any advice for graduates? 

Soft Soft Soft!

Here's another beauty product review about the recent moisturising products I've purchased or that I'm using at the moment.

I recently bought the Garnier Body Intensive 7 day softening nourishing lotion and figured I should do a review of the product. The lotion is 250ml and was on offer from Boots when I bought the product for just under £2, whereas it is usually a bit more expensive, and there is also a larger bottle available. The product is said to be fast absorbing, which it definitely is, I hate waiting around for any moisturisers to absorb into the skin, and I often hate the feeling of moisturisers on my skin. But this product is perfect because it really does absorb into the skin quickly, leaving a silky feel and a gorgeous sweet almond fragrance, it also doesn't leave a sticky or dense feeling on the skin either but a light feeling effect. I am a sucker for anything almond no matter what the product is, so this lotion is spot on for me. The garner lotion range also contains various other fragrances such as Shea butter (which is also a great product!), mango oil and Aloe Vera, just to name a few. The product has definitely softened my skin; I have definitely noticed a difference on my arms and hands. Unfortunately I have a couple of insect bites on my legs at the moment so have been avoiding using too many lotions on my legs, but I'm sure the lotion will work excellently on my legs too. This lotion is definitely recommended! However, if you do suffer from really dry skin this product may not be for you, I thankfully don't have dry skin really so I don't need to apply too much moisturiser, so people with dry skin may want to try a thicker more intense moisturiser. Also, next time I think I will also try the Intensive 7 day Hand Cream by Garnier.

I thought it would also be a good idea to review one of my all time favourite moisturisers; Nivea Soft. I swear by this product and wear it every day, especially before applying my makeup. It is perfect for every day use but I also use it when my skin is feeling extra dry (I just apply it more liberally). Also when my lips are feeling slightly chapped I apply the moisturiser around the area of my mouth and it really does help. I also use this product when on holiday when I have sunburn as I really trust this product to soften my skin no matter what. It isn't too dense or heavy on the skin so I have never had any spots or oily skin from using this product. This product can also be used on basically anywhere on the body; face, hands and body. Also what is great about this product is that you can virtually get it from any shop, it is sold in Boots and Superdrug, but I have also been able to buy this product from the pound shop, £1 for a moisturiser that lasts for a while and that I really do trust is definitely a bonus! I have even got my mother using this product when usually she buys clinique and other expensive creams. I definitely recommend that everyone gives this product a try, at £1 a bottle it is hard to say no. 

I have also started to use the Sally Hanson Cuticle Massage Cream. I really love this product because I have definitely noticed a substantial improvement in my cuticles since using it, and also the smell of the product is just divine, it has a fruity tropical smell. The product is really quick and easy to use, and seems like it will last for ages as you don't need to apply a lot. It is supposed to be used every day, just by rubbing a small amount into the area around the nails, I have been using it before bedtime as that's the best time I find to apply moisturisers. I'm unsure how much this product is as I got it for Christmas, and shamefully it has been at the bottom of my nail varnish bag(s) since. 

Have you tried any of these products? What moisturisers would you recommend? 

Homemade Delicious Banoffee Pie! (Recipe with Photos)

The other day I made a scrumptious homemade banoffee pie, and thought it would be great to share the recipe with everyone! I love making this dessert as it really is so simple and easy to make! It also lasts a couple of days after making it which is a bonus because I usually make so much that it still needs eating a few days later. But this also means the recipe is great to make for parties/BBQs etc. However, if you don't wish to make one so big it is really easy to just half the ingredients being used to make a smaller version. Also the pie doesn't cost too much to make, as I sometimes find that it costs so much to make your own desserts as opposed to buying them, but this isn't the case with the banoffee pie recipe; the recipe doesn't have too many ingredients. 

Ingredients;

For the biscuit base:

400g digestive biscuits

200g butter (unsalted)

For the middle:

6 bananas (I like lots of bananas! It's up to you whether you want to add more or less)

397g tin of Carnation Caramel

For the topping:

300ml double cream (or whipping cream)

A few chunks of dark chocolate (grated)

Start making the buttery biscuit base by crushing the digestive biscuits into smaller crumbs. I find it best to put the biscuits into a plastic bag then use a rolling pin to crush the biscuits (great for stress relief too...), turning them into small biscuit crumbs. If the bag splits (which it often does when being bashed with a rolling pin) then place the biscuits into a mixing bowl and continue to crush the biscuits into small crumbs. 

Measure out the butter and melt it, I tend to do this by just putting it into a microwavable bowl and putting it in the microwave, I find this easier then using the hob. Then stir the melted butter with the biscuit crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Keep mixing until the butter is evenly distributed and the biscuits are all buttery and moist. 

Pour the buttery biscuit base into a large flat dish. Even out the biscuit base using a flat wooden spoon to cover the whole of the dish base. Flatten down the biscuit base by pressing down using the flat side of the wooden spoon. Chill the biscuit base in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. 

Whilst the biscuit base is chilling prepare the caramel filling and the chopped bananas. Chop the bananas into small chunks. As I stated in the ingredients; I like lots of bananas in my banoffee pie, but it is up to you how many bananas you choose to use. Just ensure there is enough bananas to cover the caramel layer.

Take the chilled biscuit base out of the fridge and pour/spoon out the caramel filling from the tin. Spread the caramel all over the biscuit base, making sure the caramel is evenly distributed. 

Place the banana chunks all over the caramel, again trying to evenly distribute them.

Then pour your double cream into a large mixing bowl and using an electric whisk (if you are fortunate enough to own one, but a normal whisk will do; they just take longer) begin to whisk the cream until it resembles whipped cream. 

Then spoon out the whipped cream on top of the layer of banana. It is up to you how you decorate the top of the pie but I always go for a simple topping just evenly spreading out the cream. 

Then once all the cream is on, begin to grate the dark chocolate on top of the cream, forming a thin layer of sprinkled chocolate.

Chill until ready to serve (or devour...).  

Graduation Outfit Wishlist!

So I'm graduating tomorrow from the University of Leeds for my Psychology degree so thought I would try to do a blogpost about my graduation outfit wish list. I do have a lovely outfit already picked out and sorted for tomorrow, but of course my outfit does not contain £110 Carvela heels, if only! 

I'm really loving the colour blue at the moment so the dress I've picked out is a pastel blue, as is the lovely OPI nail varnish I picked out. I thought that this colour of blue is perfect for summer, and is a colour I would feel comfortable in too. Also I think the colour compliments my pale skin and brown hair. My university colours are black and emerald green so I also thought that this blue would go with the robe that I"ll be wearing when I graduate. This dress is from Oasis and is £50, I also really like the simple floral design on the dress too, as I didn't want a dress too detailed or a sheer material because as I'll be wearing a gown it will be covering the dress and will also need to be pinned to the dress too. I also really like the simplistic white blazer from Vero Moda for £40 too incase the gown material is itchy or if the weather goes colder. 

Hopefully soon I will be able to treat myself to an item off this wish list, either the benefit Hydra Lip Colour or the cute daisy Pandora ring. Then eventually one day I may be able to treat myself to some Carvela heels! I'll keep wishing... 


Would you wear this outfit for your graduation? 

Leibster Award - my first nomination.

Hey! I’m very new to blogging but I recently got told by a fellow blogger (Beauty Full Sparx) that they had nominated me for a Leibster Award, so thank you for that! Here are the questions I was asked and my answers:

1) What is your most treasured beauty product that you repurchase over and over again?

I adore my Ghost Deep Night perfume, it is definitely one of my favourite perfumes and I always replace it when it runs out. It’s not too expensive and seems to last me ages so it is perfect really.

2) How did you get into beauty blogging?

I’m not really sure that I am a beauty blogger, I blog a few posts reviewing beauty products but I mainly do life blogging and such. But I have a friend who does beauty blogging and this definitely influenced me to do more blogging. She is also nominated for the Cosmo Blog Awards for Best Established Beauty Award – so everyone should go check out her blog over at http://kemples.blogspot.co.uk

3) What beauty bloggers are the biggest inspiration to you?

My good friend Abi! (Kemples)

4) What do you find to be the most difficult thing about blogging?

Finding the time to sit down and write a post! Now that I have more free time though its not too bad, but whilst I was doing university work and exams I struggled, and I am hopefully starting work full-time soon so I’m sure I will struggle a bit then too.

5) Which make-up brand, if you had to pick just one, is your stand out favourite? (high-end or high street)

I love Maxfactor! Their mascaras are definitely my favourite, which is definitely my go to product whenever I wear makeup. I also love Benefit but their makeup can be a bit out of my price range sometimes, but hopefully when I'm working I will be able to purchase more of their products!

6) If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you spent money on?

A gorgeous apartment to live in with my boyfriend, either that or a brand new car! Or maybe a horse... haha. Or perhaps tickets to travel across America... too many choices! 

7) What would be your ideal job? Are you already doing it?

I would love to be a Forensic Psychologist, or a Clinical Psychologist! I have recently just finished my psychology degree and I am having some time away from studying but I will return to university in the coming years and do my mastrs and PhDs! (Hopefully…)

8) What is your earliest memory?

Probably anything to do with dancing as I used to dance so much when I was younger, I remember going to Pontins down in Wales and winning the Rock n Roll European championship when I was about 7/8.

9) What was the last book you read?

A book by Cecelia Ahern called How to Fall in Love. Definitely recommend it for a light read! Made a change from my usual books like Hannibal…

10) Do you have a fitness routine? If so, what does it involve?

Not at all! I walk my dog a lot, as she is a crazy spaniel who needs to go out like 4 times a day! But other than that not really, I really should do more!

11) What is your guilty pleasure?

Food!

The questions for my nominees are:

1. Which person do you admire the most?

2. What was the first beauty product you ever purchased?

3. How would you describe your beauty style? 

4. What is your favourite item of clothing to wear? 

5.  If you could select 5 new items for your wardrobe and money wouldn’t be an issue, what would you choose?

6. What is your favourite film? 

7. What was the last book you read and really enjoyed?

8. Any advice for new bloggers? 

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world and not have to worry about the cost, where would you go? 

10. What is the next beauty product you wish to purchase? 

11. What made you get into blogging? 

My nominees are:

1. Abi Kempen at http://kemples.blogspot.co.uk

2. Laura Creeney at http://www.loulabeth.co.uk

3. Kristina Ross at http://notyourcupoftee.blogspot.co.uk

4. Niviis Diary at http://niviisdiary.blogspot.co.uk

5. Kate Mary http://makeuparcade.blogspot.com.au

I'm sorry there aren't many nominees! But being so new to blogging I am still finding blogs to follow! But this was definitely a great excuse to go out and find new blogs to follow! 

July Beauty Product Favourites!

It's crazy how fast this year is going, it feels like I finished university months ago now when in reality it was only a month or so ago, but I thought I would do a post about some of my favourite beauty products that I love at the moment, and products which are perfect for the Summer season.

No 7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Duck Egg Blue: I received this nail varnish free when I bought two other No 7 products from Boots. I got the nail varnish just before I went away on holiday, and the colour is just so gorgeous, and such a perfect summer colour. It was the only nail varnish I used on holiday, on both my fingernails and my toenails. I’m usually a sucker for red nail varnish for my toes, but I’m really enjoying the pastel blue on my toes at the moment as a change for summer. Pastel nail colours are in at the moment and so this pale blue is perfect and in fashion at the moment. I usually wear a lot of blues too so this nail varnish is perfect and suits most my outfits. What is also great about this nail varnish is how fast it dries, I’m really impatient when it comes to waiting, especially for nails to dry. Yet this product is fast drying and doesn’t smudge easily. I don’t have too much experience with No 7 products, but after trying this nail varnish I will definitely be purchasing more in future.

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Rose Glow: Another excellent product I absolutely love at the moment is the Revlon highlighting Palette. This product is perfect for both daytime and also night time. I use this product instead of a blusher, and apply it to my cheeks. It gives a slight shimmer, but is not too intense and provides a natural highlight for a soft healthy sun-kissed glow. It can be applied to other areas, which you may wish to highlight, such as your brow, but I tend to just apply the product to my cheeks. This product is perfect for pale skin like mine, and I’ve found it really compliments my freckled skin and blue eyes. Another great factor with this product is that if you are a fan of the natural make up look, or don’t like wearing loads of make-up then this product is perfect, in fact someone complimented my natural glow today when in fact I was wearing this product. This product is not badly priced, and can be bought in conjunction with other offers at Boots, also the palette comes in a different darker colour (Bronze Glow). This product is definitely a must for Spring/Summer.

Body Shop Mango Body Scrub: At the moment I love using this body scrub from Body Shop. I used to do the home parties for body shop a few years ago so I have used many body shop products and definitely recommend all their body scrubs and body butters. But at the moment I am using the Mango collection, which is a perfect summer scent. I mango scent is really sweet and tropical, and the body scrub contains real mango seed oil. The scrub efficiently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling really soft and smooth. The scrub isn’t too intense, nor does it irritate the skin so is perfect for very dry skin. The scrub is perfect for the summer months, as exfoliating helps maintain a healthy tan, but also has a lovely exotic smell. The tub is also huge and lasts for ages, which is also a plus. Another reason I love buying Body Shop products is because I really trust all their products, I don’t find them too harsh or too strong smelling, unlike other companies. Also Body Shop are against animal testing, and as a vegetarian this is a great reason to buy their products, and also Body Shop support community fair trades, both of which are important causes.    

L’Oreal Paris UK Collection Exclusive by Colour Riche in Doutzen’s Nude (Barely Pink): I don’t tend to use lots of lipsticks but at the moment I really love this exlusive lipstick in a nude/pale pink colour from L’Oreal Paris. It is perfect for pale skin, and it is a really subtle colour, which is perfect for those of us which don’t feel too confident with lipstick. It says the colour is perfect for blondes, however I have light brown hair and very fair skin so this colour is perfect for me too. The product also has a slight shimmer to it too, so it is great to use in the daytime as well as at the night time. It also doesn’t make me feel too dolled up so is also good to use when creating a natural make-up look too. As you can see from the photos I use this lipstick a lot, and I will definitely be buying another before the exclusive collection finishes.

If anyone can recommend any of their favourite products at the moment that would be fantastic, or if anyone has used similar products and would care to share them with me, that would be appreciated too.

            

Happy Holidays!

I thought I would do a quick post about my holiday to Menorca. As I got treated to a free holiday thanks to my boyfriend's lovely mother! We went away for a week, flying from Blackpool, which was a long enough time to go away for to Menorca. 

Ultimately the holiday was a beach/pool holiday to just relax and chill, especially relaxing seeing as I have recently finished my degree; so a week of relaxing and not doing much after many deadlines and exams was definitely needed. 

We stopped in S'Algar in Menorca, which was about a 20 minute bus journey from the capital Mahon, and where the airport was. The flight was only 2hr 30 minutes which is a bonus, and thankfully we had really good flight times. We got 7 nights and 7 days in total in Menorca, and it was just the right amount of time to go away for. 

The apartments were really lovely, really nice and spacious and also clean. Our apartment was on the second floor (the apartments were either first or second floors), so we had a lovely view of the town and sea from our apartment. Most days the weather was lovely and hot, but not overbearingly hot thankfully. I think the warm weather we had been having in the UK had slightly prepared us for the heat. A couple of days were more overcast/cloudy but it was still very warm and we had not rain, woo! 

Most days we just walked around taking in our surroundings and the town, a couple of days we stayed by the pool and a couple of days we went into the Capital Mahon. Although we had a really lovely time, there was not really too much to do, hence why 7 days was long enough. We walked to the neighbouring towns a couple of times, but with the heat and also the fact that there was not much in those towns either, it was not worthwhile walking to them too much. 

The city of Mahon was truly lovely, and a definite must if you are going to Menorca. It was refreshing to have a change of scenery and also to have the options of different shops and bars. We mainly walked around all the shops and streets, and also round the harbour. We went on a glass bottom boat, but that day the weather was really windy, leaving us both feeling motion sickness! I suffer quite badly from motion sickness and don't advise anybody to get on a boat when the weather is windy! On the Saturday we sat in a cafe next to the main church in the city, there was a wedding on so it was lovely to watch all the dressed up people going into the church. The wedding party also hired a DJ who was fortunately playing all the kind of music my boyfriend and I love. Sitting by the church, drinking a small beer and listening to the music was definitely one of my highlights of the holiday. 

I didn't really spend much on our holiday as I always tend to go for the cheaper food options (habit of being a poor student!), and also recently bought lots of clothes that I didn't need to buy anything. The only thing I bought was a bookmark from a local art gallery! And my boyfriend treated me to a new cute make up bag from one of the shops in the capital. 

Overall I had a really lovely time and it was so nice to just get away with my boyfriend and experience our first real holiday together. We have been to London together, but this was our first holiday abroad. Ive come back slightly browner, and way more freckly, and unfortunately with a few bites from the mosquitos. I got bitten 3/4 times and my boyfriend didn't get bitten once! Typical. I think in future we will stick to more city breaks :)