Friday 23 May 2014

My colourful hair trip!

I used to have really healthy, long, naturally brunette hair until I stupidly decided to completely dye it bleach blonde 2 years ago and unfortunately my hair has never fully recovered.

This is me in 2011 with Megan, one of my best friends at University. I can't believe this was 3 years ago! Time really does fly by :(


My sister, Katie dyed my hair in the garden at my Mums house that summer. My Mum went absolutely mental and kicked us both out the house for some reason... I had soaking wet hair from where Katie had tried washing out the dye and we ended up in Spoons toilets drying my hair haha .. classy!

My stepmum whose a hairdresser had to then help make my hair look better by applying a full head of blonde highlights to my brunette hair. The result was this ...


My hair looks in pretty good condition considering it had been completely bleached from brunette to bleach blonde. However, as time passed I had to constantly have my roots done and consequently my hair started to fall out and become extremely thin and unhealthy. 


As you can start to notice from the pictures, my hair was starting to get worse and worse. I never really looked after it by applying deep conditioning masks or avoiding heated appliances, therefore it kept getting worse. 


I started missing my gorgeous long, healthy locks and decided to buy hair extensions to give me some volume and thickness. I wanted my brunette hair back again and stupidly dyed it brunette again. 


From this point, I knew I had to start sorting my hair out and looking after it more. From here onwards, I invested in so many different highstreet products that claimed to make your hair grow thicker. My favourite product was the L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology thickening shampoo and conditioner as well as the deep conditioning mask. I bought these products from Boots and was pleased with the results, so I will keep purchasing these until my hair is back to its normal, healthy thickness. 

My top tip is NEVER dye your hair... Jokes! But if you do make sure you always look after it otherwise you'll pay a massive price for the mistake and be left with thin, short, horrible, brittle hair and nobody wants that. 

What hair products do you use? 

Amy xx 






I'm back!

Hello everyone!

Today is such a miserable day, so I've decided to spend some time working on my blog and updating everyone with what's been going on recently. (Apologies for not blogging in a while, I have been extremely busy.)

Firstly, I can very happily say that I have completely finished my degree! Thank god! It has been a 3 year roller-coaster and I can only hope that it's all been worth the hard work, late nights and huge amounts of effort.

Since February, I have been working solidly on my FMP - dissertation so I have neglected my blog a lot but the good news is that now my degree is finally finished, I can blog all day, everyday!

MY FMP was a brand extension for Glamour magazine, called Glamour Interior. I came up with the concept of creating a unique magazine that would be useful for first time buyers that want glamorous interior, on a budget. I thought the magazine was so good and I'm not just saying that because I came up with the idea and then created the mag from scratch. I honestly think that many girls buying a house would purchase this magazine because if you think about it, what interior magazines are out there for our age group? Ermmm literally none, so I think this is a really good idea!

As you can imagine, creating a magazine from scratch and all by myself took MONTHS! Yes, months, quite literally! So, it's really nice to finally chill out and return back to my lovely blogging world.

I contacted the Editor of Glamour magazine and informed her of this interior magazine and she was very keen for me to come in and show it to her. I need to email her back but it's such a massive and scary thing... aggghh!

I've definitely decided that I want a break away from Journalism for a few years and chill out before starting my career. I mean, the thought of leaving my student lifestyle and going into a full time position just seems like absolute hell to me. Many of my Uni friends are going travelling and taking more time out to just do what they want. For many people who work full time already and haven't experienced the student way of life, would probably read this in absolute horror, but nowadays this is what so many people are doing and it seems to be perfectly accepted.

A way that I relax is by lying on a sunbed for about 10 mins, closing my eyes and imagining i'm in Barbados or somewhere exotic, so I've decided that instead of splashing more cash that I don't have on alcohol and travelling the world, I will hopefully secure a job as an air hostess. I mean, spending endless days in the sun definitely appeals to me!

Sorry again for not blogging for a while but hopefully now I will be back to regular postings. If you have any specific topics that you would like me to cover then please just hollaaaaa!

Amy xx  








Thursday 20 February 2014

Glamour interior


As many of you already know, I am in my final year studying magazine journalism and feature writing at southampton Solent Uni. For my final major project (dissertation) I have chosen to create a brand extension for one of my favourite magazines, glamour! I decided to blend my passion for interior into this magazine and hence the name glamour interior. It's basically a magazine for young/ first time buyers on different ways to style their house on a budget.

I have only just started this project - left it extremely late in doing so and am consequently spending my entire life in the library now dedicated to this. 

If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see in this magazine then please do let me know! 

Here's what it looks like so far ...

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Dreaming...


I've just had the best nights sleep ever and I've woke up remembering the lovely dream that I had, which is pretty unusual for me. 

Last night I had a nice hot, relaxing bath before sinking into my big double bed with fresh bed linen. It was heaven! 

I dreamt that I finished my degree and was thankfully able to wave goodbye to southampton and never return again. I was living in my own apartment and Glamour Interior - the brand extension magazine that I'm currently putting together for my FMP had taken off and Glamour had actually invested into it and I was obviously the editor. 

My life seemed bliss and what made my dream so good was that I jumped on a plane and headed to Australia. I've realised that my true happiness comes from doing the things I love, being in charge of my life and destiny as well as living in a baking hot climate. 

I saw this quote last night and thought it would fit nicely here 


You only live once so do what you want and have no limits! This little message really stood out for me and made me realise how I have been conforming to what's seen as normal and right in society. 


Start living today ....

Happy Tuesday everyone! 



Monday 17 February 2014

VO5 heat defence

If you haven't already tried the VO5 heat defence cream then I strongly recommend you purchase this on your next shopping trip.

You can lay your hands on this product from virtually any store so it's definitely worth keeping your eye out for it! 





I've been using this product on my hair for many years now and absolutely love how it makes my hair feel. 

After towel drying my hair, I squeeze a 20p sized amount of this cream onto my fingertips and run it through the tips of my hair. I then blowdry it straight and my hair looks, feels and smells amazing! 

If you're looking for a heat protection, then look no further, this is the one! 

Enjoy! 

Different approach ...


Today is all about positivity, hope and believing in yourself. 

As many of you are already aware, 6 months ago my heart was completely torn out by a person who I thought loved me more than anything in the entire world. We had a beautiful home together and I was blissfully unaware of what was going through his head. My ex partner dumped me over the phone and gave me no reason for the split, consequently we had to move out of our home and I was left to find Student accommodation just 1 week before I started my final year at university.

For 6 months I couldn't stop thinking why he had done this to me and taken away everything that we had together. I was torturing myself and crying practically every night, so after half a year apart I decided to go to his office which was a 3 hour walk from where I lived, but I did it. I got lost on the way so I asked a kind man working in a butchers for directions and he drew me a very helpful map. However, this map took me into a dual carriageway and by the time I realised where I was, I knew that there was no other way but to walk on this road. I felt like an absolute weirdo but I had been walking for such a long time at that point and I was only 5 minutes away so I just had to do it, even if that meant risking my life! 


I felt like singing that song: 'Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough, to keep from you!' But we're not even together and before you even think it, yes I'm fully aware of how sad, pathetic and humiliating I am haha.


Seeing Lloyd was really nice but I am now able to be free of my depressive self as I finally have closure on the situation that's been hanging over me for so long. I know that we will never be together again so it's time for me to move on. 


After feeling such a low, it makes you appreciate everything else in life so much more. This post is all about positivity and a bright future, and it all starts with a smile. 


Now it's time to take a different approach to my life and take the route of happiness! I'm never allowing a man to enter my life and make me feel so worthless and sad because it's not worth it one bit. I found two small messages that truly sum up how my ex felt about me and looking back, I'm glad it's over. 



Happy Monday everyone! 



Positivity


It's a Monday morning, and for many people, today is their least favourite day. For me, Mondays are a fresh new start, a day where we can begin the week positive and are able to leave last week behind us. 



This post is all about positivity - as you can tell! I've woke up feeling happy and content and wanted to share the love, so if you're currently sat on a train/ bus travelling to work and reading this, then smile and have hope that today you will achieve goals, work hard, but most of all do it happy because when you're happy, you can achieve so much more. 



I remember when I was at school and sat next to this guy I liked. I was so happy that my work truly reflected that. Now, I'm not saying that guys are the answer because I know they're not, but wherever you are, and whatever you're doing, do it with a smile today! 



Amy xxx 



Monday 10 February 2014

Reveal magazine - Work experience


Day 1 - I was so excited to begin my week with Reveal magazine but I was apprehensive of what to expect from the office environment. I kept thinking of the film, A Devil Wears Prada and I was hoping that the staff wouldn't be judgemental or have me make them endless cups of tea and fulfil all the mindless tasks. 

I dressed smartly, in a black and white fitted dress from River Island with tights and black flats. I made sure that I was up to speed with everything that had been published in the previous issues, as well as updating myself on the latest fashion trends, beauty products and showbiz. 

The assistant editor, Kathryn, collected me from the reception desk and she was really lovely. She asked me how my degree was going before introducing me to the staff and showing me my desk. 


My first job was handing out the post to everyone in the office. This was quite a daunting task as I had to make sure that the letters would be given to the correct people. I was given a map of the office but it was still quite difficult to locate everyone because I wasn't familiar with the office. As much as I didn't want to interrupt the busy journalists, I felt I had to because handing the post to wrong people would be disastrous! Also,the amount of post on the Monday morning was something I definitely wasn't expecting! I was given a massive green sack and I felt like Santa - distributing all the parcels and letters. 

My second task was to write a feature for the website. I was so excited that they asked me to start writing on my first day! I was worried that I would be landed with all the boring duties that weren't beneficial but already I was able to write! 

Kathryn came to my desk with The Sun newspaper and showed me a small nib about the Queen looking for a cleaner to dust and polish all her silver. I was asked to rewrite this story but in Reveals house style and then send it to Sarah - the feature writer who sat opposite me, for it to be subbed and then put online. Sarah subbed this story a fair amount so she took the credit and I didn't get a byline for this. 

I got given the new edition of Reveal magazine which had not yet been released, so this was exciting as I saw everything in the magazine before it hit the shelves. 

I was then asked to look through newspapers to find funny quotes from celebrities for the back page of the magazine. This was quite a tedious task but these things have to be researched and i definitely wasn't complaining because after all, looking for funny celebrity quotes isn't a luxury that many people have as part of their job description. 

After this, I was then given a few sheets of paper with addresses on and I was asked to write out the envelopes and slip the latest edition of the magazine inside. Addresses included: PR Topshop / River Island/ New Look, Capital FM, Kiss 100, etc 

A man came into the office with a tray filled with Mini Mars bar ice creams for the journalists to try and they tasted soooo good! I was excited to see what other freebies might enter the office whilst I was there!

Lunchtime! I was allowed an hours lunch break which suited me fine! I left at 1.30 and headed straight to Starbucks for a much needed meatball panini! Yum! I then browsed the shops in regents street, grabbed a latte and then headed back to the office for 2.30. 

The afternoon flew by so quickly and I was even allowed to leave a bit early, at 5.30 instead of 6. However, I got a bit lost on the underground because I was tired and I ended up taking the Southern line rather than the Northern and ending up in euston rather than Victoria, duhh!

Day 2

I began the day by sorting through newspapers. I had to organise the saturday and sunday into piles and then put the supplements back into the correct paper. I had to take papers from 3 weeks previous off the shelves and replace with the latest weekend newspapers, as they only keep 2 weeks worth. 

I then photocopied lots of papers with photographs and the price paid for the images. I then took the original copies to the finance department which was in a different building to where I was working. 

I then came back and handed out the post to everyone again but this time there wasn't as much post as before, thank godness. 

I then saw two twin models come into the office for a photoshoot. They headed straight for the beauty & fashion department and they were talking about how they landed in the UK a few days ago after shooting in America. 

Two of the feature writers sat opposite me literally chat non stop all day long and I remember one conversation was about their sex lives and orgasms ... Awkward🙊 

Kathryn was really helpful because she always emailed me work, so I was never sat there bored, twiddling my thumbs, not knowing what to do. I was set the task to browse Twitter and find quotes from celebrities for the Twitterati page. 

I then had to research and write up interview questions about Josie Gibson to prepare a journalist. I did a lot of research on her brother Harry as he was beaten up by a few drunken men on her birthday as he is deaf. I had to do the same for the Made in Chelsea star, Binky and her boyfriend Alex. I found out information about her relationship with him and wrote up 10 interview questions as preparation. 

Day 3

I finished up my research and the interview questions on Binky and Alex and then researched Daniella and her split from her husband. I was then fortunate enough to write up a story which was found in The Sun newspaper about a woman in Indiana who believed she had demons in her house. This story was published online and nothing was changed from this story, so I got my name in Reveal! YES!!!! Practice makes perfect! 👌

I then photocopied the sheets of paper with the prices paid for the images used and sent the original documents up to the finance department. After this, I then filed the photocopied papers into the correct boxes. 

I was then asked to file all the newspapers too - keeping only 2 weeks worth. Similarly, I did the same for the magazines but I had to keep 8 weeks worth for references. 

I noticed the weekly flat plan which was above the printers/ photocopiers. This was really cool and I noticed that as the week went by, more and more was added to the chart. 

Day 4

I handed the post around to the desks and by this point I had become very familiar with the office and writers names so I was able to complete this task relatively quickly. 

After this, Kathryn gave me a master copy of the previous issues and I had to write the prices of how much the images and features cost on the master. I was basically given copies of the magazine that had been scribbled on by other departments. I had to write everything on one copy and give it to the finance department. I did this for two issues and it took forever, however this task needs to be updated each week. 

A freebie delivery came in and it was 4 boxes of pies in 4 different flavours. However, these pies were frozen so I had to go to the co op and buy freezer bags! 

In the afternoon, I transcribed an interview with Mark Wright and it was so fun! I found out all the information about his brand new reality TV series and it was so cool listening to him and getting all the latest info! I found out that he went to Australia and swam with sharks! He also went to Canada, slept in a tent whilst bears were outside and then he visited Miami and dressed up as a drag Queen!!! I was laughing the whole way through that interview! 

The lifts in the office were so cool! 


Day 5 - unfortunately, I was so ill during the night, so I had to call in sick the next day which was such a shame because I loved my experience so much and was very disappointed that I couldn't go in for my last day - especially because they were having a little party with alcoholic drinks and fancy nibbles in the afternoon 😢

Overall, working for Reveal magazine was an absolutely amazing experience and definitely one that I won't forget. The people there were all so lovely and helpful . I learnt an awful lot and if anybody gets the opportunity to work for Reveal magazine then I would strongly recommend you go. 

xxx








Sunday 26 January 2014

KIKO - Milano Lipstick

Today, I went to London on a mission to find the office that I will be spending the next week taking part in work experience in. With my useless sense of direction, I decided to take the sensible option and find the office before starting work tomorrow. Surprisingly, I found the office without much difficulty which was a definitely plus as it was absolutely pouring it down and I was getting drenched. I had a quick sneaky peak through the glass windows of the office and all I can say is, 'I can't wait to start tomorrow!' I am working for REVEAL magazine which is published by Hearst Magazines. The building hosts: REVEAL, InsideSoap as well as BEST magazine, so its a fairly small office block which works in my favour as I'll be able to 'hopefully' make a few contacts and gain a real insight into the life of a journalist working on a weekly magazine. 

MY KIKO LIPSTICK   

As I was walking back down Regents Street, I just couldn't refuse not going into Kiko! This stylish yet affordable makeup brand from Italy had a handful of lovely makeup artists/ assistants providing helpful advice and the huge selection of gorgeous makeup sent me to heaven, quite literally... I had to stop myself from buying the whole store because I am seriously broke at the moment but that didn't stop me from purchasing a lovely lipstick. 

The lipstick I purchased is called 03 Glare Fuchsia. It cost me just £3.70 instead of £7.50 which I thought was a bargain and a MUST HAVE! It's called a 'Latez Like Lipstick' and its soft, smooth and creamy. It's available in 6 colours and it has been dermatologically tested, it's non-comedogenic and paraben-free. Check out the website fro more info! Happy makeup shopping girls! 

http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/lips/lipsticks/Latex-Like-Lipstick/p-KC02102011

This is my lovely KIKO lipstick product ... Mwaaah

This is what the product looks like!
I'd say it is definitely a perfect size for handbag/ clutch for a night out.
Ahhh look at that gorgeous fuschia colour! I can already tell that i'll be using this a lot come the SS14 because its so summery and fresh. 

If you want this lipstick, here's the number (03) You can buy online but hurry, it may sell out as this was a sale item!


This is what the colour looks like up against my skin tone! With a tan this will look fab! 



  

Saturday 25 January 2014

Swarvoski earrings

When I was younger, my sister and I were very close as there's only a 16 month age gap between us. We were both very entrepreneurial and after working out some overhead costs, we decided to set up our own little business in attempt to make a decent profit whilst taking part in one of our favourite creative hobbies.

We were designing, creating and selling handmade earrings with Swarvoski crystals and Swarvoski pearls.
We found a good online wholesaler, where we bought the swarvoski and overall, they were a massive success with our consumers. (All earrings came in a silver pouch and were all gift wrapped - making them perfect presents!)

Here are a few samples of the earrings that we made from scratch!

These were my favourite pair of earrings, as it involved a lot of skill and time. My sister called these the twislers and we sold a lot of this particular design because they can be worn on any occasion - casual/ formal and because the colour is neutral, people are able to wear these with any coloured outfit.  


These are the lovely pearl swarvoski earrings that are a basic yet classic and elegant design. Perfect with any outfit and occasson! 




My favourite colour is purple and I just absolutely love these earrings because they are glamourous but can be dressed down as well which is what I love about all these earrings. The multipurpose wear is why they were such a great success. 


These were also a good seller and very simple to make.


If you're a girly girl and love a splash of pink, then I'm sure these earrings would appeal to you because there's a hint of soft pink along with the gorgeous Swarovski pearls! 


I would love to take up this hobby again when I have some free time and lots of money to open up the business again and start making! If you are interested in any of the above earrings then please get in touch and I can see if I still have any left over. 

San Francisco


In 2009, my grandma, sister, step-mum and I visited San Francisco for a 4 day shopping trip. We flew upper class and there and back, as well as sitting in the upper class lounge at Gatwick airport before boarding the plane.
This is me in the upper class lounge. 

The journey was about 11 hours flying time from Gatwick to San Fran so I was so glad we were sat in Upper. 


Before going to San Francisco, my sister and I both worked together in a really nice coffee shop every Saturday. We both managed to save over £700, which we happily spent in just 4 days!  

I remember going to Abercrombie and Fitch out there and spending about £500 upfront. That was pretty fun but the amount of bags I had really killed my arms.  


I loved San Francisco so much and would most definitely go back there again.  


One breakfast time, we went to Lorries cafe and it was absolutely AMAZING!! 





The decor was stereotypically American and the food was delicious. I definitely left very full up as the potion sizes were just huge. 

Every lunchtime, we went to the Cheesecake Factory because they did the best cake ever! We sat on the rooftop and had a great view of the city, as well as catching a really good tan. We generally had a healthy salad along with a naughty but nice chocolate dessert.


 This was the view from the cheesecake factory rooftop! 


After much shopping, we decided that we had to see some sights, so we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge which was so fun and such a great experience. It also helped burn off all those calories from breakfast and lunch! As you can see from the picture, it was pretty cold and very windy on the bridge but that didn't stop us from having tons of fun and taking lots of crazy photos! 



I loved the city so much because the people were all so friendly and it felt like I was going to bump into Ann Hathaway because my favourite film was Princesses Dairies, and that was filmed here! 

We usually jumped on a tram to take us up and down the city as it was so steep and we always had tons of shopping bags in our hands.



Looking back at the photos and reminiscing on San Francisco just reminds me of what an amazing time I had out there. I will definitely be returning as soon as I've saved up lots more money. The houses down some of the lanes were incredible and I wouldn't think twice about moving out there in the future!