Managing My Workload

Hey guys, this is a sad post, I'm afraid. I have barely any free time on my hands at the moment, and I have a feeling that in a couple of months, I will have even less. I am always studying and working, and it is sad to say that my blog is the thing that's getting neglected. However much I don't want this to happen, I know that I am not getting any sort of financial gain from this blog, or even that it is helping my studies.

This does not mean that I am going to stop blogging  by any means. I am simply going to work very hard at writing multiple blog posts at one time so that I'm able to publish them on a schedule. also, I am going to be dropping the amount of posts that I write down to about one-two a week. I know that this sounds really pitiful and like I'm not really trying, but this is the only solution that I could think of which enabled me to keep my blog.

I hope that you guys are OK with this, I just don't have the time to keep posting everyday, and for that I'm sorry.
Jennifer xx

2013 To-Do-List

I know that the thought of writing new years resolutions is one that scares some people. And, to be honest, it kinda scares me too! There is always so much pressure to achieve the certain goals that you set out, which I think is one of the reasons that so many people give up. However, I have come up with a solution; a new year's to-do-list. A to do list is such a great way to keep organized, and I just love writing them so that I get to experience that proud feeling when you can tick something off!

This fun little DIY project I made can 

be pinned up somewhere to inspire you all year round, and is totally personalized and custom to you. Here is how I made it;

Step 1; I wrote my list. This isn't my proper resolutions, but this list is just some fun things that I really want to do in 2013,e.g go to the zoo and (finally) buy a MAC lipstick!

Step 2; I wrote up my list on the computer. I used the programme Paint because I thought that it would be the easiest way to make the image. I used lots of bright colours and creative fonts, but you can really personalize your list here.

Step 3; Print out your list, and gather some coloured paper.

Step 4; You will need: picture frame, scissors, coloured backing paper, your list, a hock nailed into the wall.

Step 5; Assemble! Layer your coloured paper behing you cut-out list in the picture frame. Then hang the frame on the wall. Here is my finished project, and I'm sure that it will inspire me all year!

What would you like to do this year?

Jennifer xx

New Years Resolutions

The hype of setting New Years' Resolutions can be overwhelming around this time of year, but people have actually been setting them for thousands of years. Did you know that the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts; that the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named; that in the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

I have only three resolutions this year. They are much more simple than my past resolutions, and  I have also included one blog-o-lution, just as a little extra challenge.

I took this from the top deck of the Eiffel Tower in 2011, but I would love to go back.

To go to Paris. I have visited Paris 7 or 8 times before, but the last time I went was February 2011, and I miss it. Before when I've been to Paris I've always wanted to go to Disneyland or do touristy things, but this coming year I would love to really explore Paris. I would love to be dropped off somewhere in the city and wander around with some money and a camera and see what I discover. Also, I really feel that my beginner French could blossom with a long weekend?!

Eat Healthier. I know that this has probably made everyones list, but I really do want to eat healthier food in 2013. I eat rubbish and I know that it isn't benefiting my body or my already breakout prone skin. Some of my favourite foods are already fruits(um, watermelon, anyone?) and vegetables(see brussel sprouts and broccoli). I don't have a goal to lose weight or a plan to diet, but by eating healthier in the coming year, I hope to get my body to somewhere better than it currently is, like a fruit salad paradise.

Get moister! I know that this one sounds really weird, but my whole body has been feeling really dry lately, especially my face and hair. I don't know whether this is due to the fact that we are in Winter, or if my skin/hair has been dry for a while and I just haven't noticed. Anyhow, it has to stop. In 2013 I have made it a resolution to moisturise as often as possible and try and do a hair mask or a hot oil treatment at least once a week. However, as much work as this resolution sounds  I will have an excuse to try out as many hand and body creams as I like.

My Blog Resolution:
To take better swatch pictures. I really need to improve the quality of my swatches. Whenever I swatch on my hand and take a picture, it always ends up looking like a dodgy crippled hand, and the swatch is usually blurred or not visible, and not true to the product. I will be avidly googling and testing out different ways to take better swatch pictures for you guys, thus making it my Bog Resolution for 2013.

Have you made any resolutions for 2012?
Jennifer xx

2012, where did you go?

2012, where have you gone?   Literally filing a missing persons report.

I cannot fathom how fast 2012 went by. I can still remember what I was doing on certain days in 2011! But I must accept that the year is nearly over, so I thought that it would be great to document what I've been doing. Who knows, I might want to know this stuff in the future?!



I am going to share my favourite things about this year with you guys;
FAVOURITES
Beauty;
underdog beauty product of the year
Mua plumping gloss in 'Candy Pink'. These lip glosses are not really talked about a lot, but they really do plump your lips, and at £2 each, these are definitely an underdog that I've been loving.
favourite hair product discovered this year
GHD Obedience Cream for Frizz-Free Styling. I'm pretty sure that this product has been discontinued no, but I did buy it this year. I put it on my hair when it's damp, and it prevents my hair from going completely frizzy and spastic- total lifesaver!
best magazine freebie of the year
Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. This was such a bargain from a magazine, and it is the most beautiful coral tint for your cheeks. It stays for hours too!
overall favourite nail polish of the year
Nails Inc nail polish in St. James.

Life;
best thing you've done
Started this blog! I started this blog at the end of February, and wrote my first post on the 26th. I love writing on my blog soo much, and honestly don't know what I'd be like wihout it. Bored, probably.
what are you most proud of completing this year
In England, people from the ages of 14-25 have the opportunity of completing their Duke of Edinbourgh Award. This is basically an award which challenges yourself, and provides 'rewarding opportunities for personal development'. Some friends and I did our D of E in July, but we worked really hard at it for 9 months before then. It was really hard, but I'm glad I did it(looking back-I wasn't so happy during it!)
most proud of this year
In June I took some exams with my college, and I got result which I am sooo proud of. I worked hard, and I was thrilled when I finally got them and they were that good!
favourite trip
In July I went to the Warner Bros Studios to see the Harry Potter set with my family. Having visited the Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando in 2011, obviously the set tour couldn't compare. However, it was amazing to see how they filmed some of the scenes. I had a great time!

Pop Culture;
favourite tv show of the year(english)
Downton Abbey, Series 3. Call me an old bat, but this show has twice as much drama than about 10   episodes of Hollyoaks combined, and about a million times more class.
favourite tv show of the year(american)
90210. Aired in January, and I can't wait for the next season to start. Hunks and backstabbers are so entertaining, and Naomi is just hilarious.
film that you saw in the cinema that you liked the best
American Reunion. This film made me laugh soo hard! Hunger Games was a close second though.
best book you read this year
Divergent. This book is sheer brilliance; enough said.
favourite album released this year
Do I even need to say this? Red by Taylor Swift. Obviously.


And, just because good should be balanced by bad, I thought that I would include some of my 'hated' things about this year. Only a few though, so you don't get too depressed!
HATED
beauty product I spent lots on, then regretted buying
I paid about £10 on a Soap and Glory 'Thick and Fast' black mascara, but when I started using it, it was super clumpy and way too thick to use. I even tried heating the bottle with my hairdryer to make the mascara more fluid, but it was useless. I totally regret buying this product.
event that was way overrated this year
London Olympics. I am sick and tired of hearing about what heros all of the athletes are. Sports is not the only place where people can excell, you know.
tv programme 2012 would have been better without
Without question, X Factor. The hype and publicity around this show is completely out of control now. Whatever happened to people wanting to win because they were passionate about music?

How has your 2012 been? Tell me what your favourite thing about this year was in the comments!
Jenny xx

Midweek York Adventure

On Boxing Day I ventured up to the City of York to visit family that I had, unfortunately, not been able to see on Christmas Day. And while I was there, I obviously had to visit the sales in the city centre. For those who haven't been, York is an average sized city about 5 hours away from London. To be honest, the city is quite boring, but the architecture is amazing, and the shopping is just as good! When I walked to the main shopping streets, I had to pass thorough a huge Fenwicks(not dissimilar to Selfridges), and I was literally standing between a gorgeous collection of Mulberry Alexa bags and a massive MAC counter: heaven.

I thought that I would share some of my pictures of my visit with you guys;

 Have you ever been to York? What did you get in the Christmas sales?

Jennifer xx

Christmas Jumper Party

Hi guys! So, on Sunday I was invited to a birthday party with a 'Christmas jumper' theme!  I had a great time, and I wanted to share with you what I wore, clothes-wise, and beauty-wise.

FASHION;