E is for Empties!

Hi internet!

You know when you have one of those moments when everything seems to be running out at the same time? Well that just happened! 

I love using things up so I can discover something new, and seeing as I don't get through makeup very quickly, this is a very exciting concept. Everything I've used up has fallen into 4 categories: base, eyes, hair and staying fresh! So stick around if you want to read about what I thought of these products!

Starting with the base...

Garnier Miracle Skin Protector B.B. Cream

I bought this when the B.B. Cream craze started a year or two ago, and finally(!!!) squeezed the last out of this tube. My first impressions on B.B. Creams initially was that they'd act like a tinted moisturiser and do something good for my skin. I'm not sure if this one did exactly that, even if it did claim to be an 8 in 1 miricle cream. Once applied, it left my skin with a dewy finish, which got shiny very quickly. It also didn't help that even though the shade was in 'light', it made me look orange! 

I'm sure the whole concept of B.B. creams has grown a lot since their craze began, C.C. creams taking over the make-up stands. What's next, D.D. creams?? But in all seriousness, I would be interested to try a more recent release of one to see how they've changed.  

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Sample Size)

I don't get the chance to try many foundations, seeing as I like to stick to one and use it up before buying another one, but since this one was sample size, I could enjoy something different without having to neglect my other makeup. This foundation blended nicely, stayed on the skin, and the slightly tan colour has been good for transitioning from spring to summer. The finish isn't dewy or isn't matte, but a perfect mix of both, much like natural skin. 

I'm really glad I got to use this product, and would buy the full size if it wasn't for already owning another foundation which is in line to be used next.

(Tip for getting free samples, check out brands' facebook pages. Usually you have to like the page before you can apply for the samples, but it's all really simple to do!)

To make the eyes pop...

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara

I bought this mascara instead of buying the Rocket, partly because I didn't want to join the Rocket band-waggon. To be honest, I do regret not buying the Rocket then, because this wasn't as amazing as I thought it would be. I think it was the colour of the packaging that persuaded me, and that intriguing brush. It started out to be a good mascara, the brush was doing its job, but there was a point where it stopped doing its job. I thought initially that it was the brush, because the fibres on the brush are very thin, and maybe they weren't coating the lashes. Then I noticed it was becoming quite clumpy and not holding a curl. The verdict - it had dried up! I bought this just before Christmas, so lasted 6 months, which I know is how often you're meant to change mascara, but lets face it, not many people have a budget to do that and have a couple open at once!

Would I recommend? No. But I did try the Rocket for the first time today and am very impressed, so Maybelline hasn't lost its touch!

Model Co. Fibre Lashxtend Mascara

You know what they say about big mascara wands, lots of volume. This mascara had a really thin wand, and couldn't do length, let alone volume. I got this mascara free with Company magazine in March, and wasn't very impressed with it from the get-go, so saved it for when I was working down the pub and didn't need the complete makeup look. 

Then came the time when I was sorting through my mascaras, and it had to be binned! I got some use out of it, but considering it was free with a magazine, I wasn't too bothered. 

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara 

Keeping it short and sweet - I loved this mascara! After having it for a year and a half though it wasn't doing its job anymore! To see a full review, with some amazing pictures of it in action, click here! 

For the hair...

Tresemme Instant Refresh Volumising Dry Shampoo

This did exactly what it said on the tin. I've tried the Batiste Dry Shampoo and found it wasn't absorbing the grease from my hair, so then tried a superdrug coloured one and found it the same. When I got to the point where I thought maybe dry shampoos weren't for me, I was watching Miss Glamorazzi on Youtube and she mentioned this one. Though she's also recommended the Batiste one, I was really willing to try a new one considering I was going into hospital and wanted to keep myself presentable.

I would definitely recommend this, not only as a dry shampoo but for its volumizing qualities as well. It doesn't keep hold like a hairspray would, but gives hair a bit of a lift, like freshly washed hair but with a bit more texture. 

Schwarzkopf Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protectant

Though I've stopped using heat on my hair so much now, I wanted to try another heat protectant other than the Tresemme one. This one was good, but I found that if I put it in my hair, then decided I didn't want to blow-dry it, it left a weird texture to my hair. Also, I didn't think it applied to dry hair very well before straightening, but then it's not meant to be sprayed onto dry hair in the first place!

For staying fresh...

Nivea Energy Fresh 48h Deodorant

I tried this because it was a pound in Poundland (featured in my Poundland Haul), but I really think there are much better deodorants. When I was at uni during term time and was having to walk to lectures, it really didn't do it's job. I've tried some of the other Nivea deodorants which worked fine for me, but there was something off about this one. It had to be finished, but I'll be moving onto fresher pastures!

The Body Shop's Love Etc. Perfume

Last but not last, a perfume by The Body Shop. I received this as a gift from my boyfriend, and wasn't disappointed. After reading the reviews on the Body Shop website, they said it smelled a bit like licorice, which had me really worried, seeing as I hate licorice. But it actually smelt quite nice. 

The Body Shop describes it as 'Our irresistible fragrance in a lasting eau de parfum: a heart-stopping fusion of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood notes.'

I can't smell much vanilla, but the jasmine and sandalwood definitely come through. And maybe a bit of licorice... The size was an added advantage. It lasted a year and a half, and was small enough to throw in a bag or washbag to travel with. Bonus!

So there you have it. If you were able to stick around for the whole thing, congratulations, because it felt like an awfully long post. If there are any quicker methods of doing this type of blog post out there, let me know! 

Thank you for reading my first empties of many to come! x 

7 Summer Boredom Remedies

Hi internet!

If you've read the title, you already know what this post is going to be about -summer time blues!

Summer leaves students with almost 4 months time on their hands, which if you compare to the academic year, is more than a semester! There's so much more to summer that slothing around, and if you're already lazing around the house, being told to get off the sofa, maybe this list is for you...

Spend more time outdoors
Unless you're a vampire and allergic to the sun, summer is the best time for the outdoors. If you're in the UK, The Lawn Tennis Association have free tennis lessons this weekend at particular gyms and leisure centres: to find out more click here!. Sports isn't the only reason to get outside - festivals, free or costly, are a great experience, and they don't always have to be camping either! I've been to Wireless Festival when it was hosted in Hyde Park, and stayed in an apartment at Earl's Court. 

Create a reading list
Another thing that can be done outside, or on a rainy day. I've got a pile of books next to my bed that I want to try and get through in the next 9 weeks; Game of Thrones, Insurgent and Pretty Little Liars #15. That being said, there are so many books out there I need to read; The Fault In Our Stars, We Were Liars, and the rest of the Game of Thrones series included! There are great book guides on Youtube if you think you've read all the books in the world.

Get a job

The title sounds harsh, but being the marmite option of the list, either people are actively looking for a job, or don't want one. Positives of getting a job: something to go on a CV, making new friends, MONEY! Negatives of getting a job: not having money. Starting to think the pros weigh out the cons here...

I know jobs are hard to find in some areas, but if you want one, you don't take no for an answer! From what I've seen, pubs are usually looking for employees. Though Waitrose may be a great place to work, their application process is vigorous, and they only hire a select few. Plus you know what they say: 'one door closes, another one opens'.

Catch up on a TV series

Game of Thrones

 Orange is the New Black

Pretty Little Liars

Glee

Gossip Girl

Ok, the last three are more girly TV shows, but there are so many out there to watch, online or boxset! Also, if you've been meaning to start watching Game of Thrones, or any TV show, and haven't watched it yet, there's no time like the present! 

Learn a new skill
Never had enough patience to learn nail art? Now's the time! With so many How To's on Youtube, it's hard to avoid not to learn something.

Have clear out
Scrap spring-cleaning, with more time on your hands you can dedicate time to putting things on e-Bay or having a swap with a friend. Recently I've been altering clothes which were too big for me. Everyone has those impulse buys which looked great in the shops, but a month later don't seem to be the same, and this is a great chance to make a wardrobe where you're happy to wear everything!

Weekend trips
The UK has so many great holiday destinations, my boyfriend and I got away to Weymouth for 2 days, and that was enough time to explore and relax whilst sitting by the pool. If that fails, be a tourist in your own town; go find a new little cafe, or spend an afternoon wandering around. Getting lost is the best way to find something new!

Sometimes these things just need a little push, but there's no reason why Summer 2014 can't be the summer of self-improvement!


Thanks for reading x

New season, new job!

Hi Internet!

My university broke up for summer 3 weeks ago, my brother finishes his GCSEs on Monday, and this can only mean that summer has officially arrived! For some people, summer is the opportunity to relax, and for others, it's a time to experience something new - in my case, a new job.

Doing architecture at uni, experience is emphasized greatly. Seeing how the business works and getting to know people is invaluable when finishing a degree. I had never done work experience before, unlike some other people on my course, and was really eager to get some before finishing my degree. In the current 'employment market' there are a lot of jobs out there, but not as many jobs as there are people, and this scared me a lot when putting myself out there in front of companies for possible rejection.

Since I wasn't sure how to go about applying for a job in the field, I'm hoping that by reading my story, it will reassure people who are in the same situation!

Employment background...

My first job was at my local pub almost 4 years ago, where I still do the occasional shift. I wasn't totally immersed in looking for a job at the time, but we drove past, and they had a sign outside, so my parents pushed me to take the opportunity. If I hadn't done that, I don't know how I would've began working. For 2 summers, whilst working at the pub, I also worked at the college I went to, so it was familiar territory. Starting work at 16 gave me the opportunity to build up references on my CV, and also gave me so much confidence!  

How did I go about applying?

I started applying to LOADS of architect firms around my area by emailing a normal CV, and found this wasn't working. I wanted to know why, so whilst loosing hope, I tried the employment and CV help at uni. This is where I found the power of a cover letter and an 'architecture CV'. I also got access to jobs advertised on the uni website, which seemed a lot less daunting than applying to those not advertised and e-mailing them out of the blue. 

The interview...

Bearing in mind I must have sent out my CV to 20 companies, I heard back from 1, with the chance to go to an interview at their office. I rang them straight away to accept this offer, despite having an operation a week earlier where my face was still a bit swollen! 

When I arrived at the interview, there were 6 other people to be interviewed at the same time, 5 of them graduating this summer with their Part 1 from Portsmouth, and one being a 5th year. Being the youngest made it slightly more daunting, but I think it's the confidence, and just being chatty that somehow worked. 

The questions they asked were picked out from my CV, where they picked out things to 'grill' me on, and I also showed them a collection of my work, like a 'mini portfolio' I brought in on an iPad. I made this up of 1st and 2nd year work, the narrative being how my skills have developed and how willing I am to try out new software (the company used Vectorworks, and I'd always worked on Revit). I got the chance to see the 3rd years' portfolios, and it was basically a smaller version of what we hand in at the end of the year, lacking a narrative. Even if nothing came out of the interview though, I got the chance to experience an interview at a firm, and also see portfolios from other students, so I could develop myself.

First day...

They let me know whether I was successful or not the morning after the interview, receiving an email, and then an official letter the day later.

Prior to my first day, I didn't feel like I needed to prepare myself, but just come with a notepad and pen ready to learn! I didn't however receive an email stating a time I had to show up on Monday, so I e-mailed and got a very swift response, showing I was eager to start!

I was introduced to everyone as soon as I arrived on Monday morning, and was sat in the middle of the office, where everyone was really friendly. I had the chance to talk to everyone as well, making it easier to integrate myself into the office, finding out I wasn't the only new one, 2 people having joined in the 2 weeks before me. 

2 weeks in...

I feel like I'm learning so much already. I've got the hang of Vectorworks by using Youtube tutorials and asking people questions in the office, and have worked on two residential projects doing fire strategies, finishes and bathroom tiling layouts. Even though it doesn't sound interesting, if I'm going to learn all of these things, I might as well learn them at the beginning of my career!

I'm working at this firm until the end of summer, getting in a solid 12 weeks of experience whilst getting paid. Though I was in a sea of doubt 6 months ago, waiting and persistence paid off, and finally I'm beginning my career.

If I can find a job a year away from graduating from my Part 1, there really is hope for anyone. Any opportunity that rises is worth something, it may take you half way around the world, or you may meet a person who plays an important part in your life. 

and this is mine!

Thanks for reading :)

Heat on the High Street: H&M

Hi Internet!

In following to my most recent Heat On The High Street featuring New Look, I have decided to choose H&M as my next victim! I went in the other day looking for a black skater skirt, but got a bit distracted. 

In my opinion, H&M are really great at doing everything, from simple pieces to lace detail and graphic designs.  As well as quality, I'm always out for a bargin (like any other girl!). I find shops like Miss Selfridge and River Island to be very fashion-forward, but not great on my purse. 

So in this quick post I scoured H&M to find my pick of the dresses ranging from £7.99 to £25, all different lengths and colours, that can be dressed up differently for summer with their amazing variety of shoes. All the images below link to Polyvore, and then H&M's website where you can find all of the items!

Happy Tuesday!

What To Do In Copenhagen: Day 3

Copenhagen Day 3!

Day 3 focussed on the harbour area opposite Ørestad, We began our day at Sydhavnstippen, walking through Sluseholmen Canal District. This residential development is built on 8 artificial islands seperated by dug-out canals. The varied cityscape is heavily influenced by Dutch cities, the masterplan's architect being Dutch. 

Going across the bridge from Sluseholmen, we end up in Teglholmen, featuring more developments. 

The view back onto Sluseholmen from Teglholmen. 

The view looking West from Teglholmen.

Some of the architecture in Teglholmen.

We then got on the 'boat tram', one of the forms of public transport. From the river we got to see the Opera House and the Play House.

Tourist sight seeing after getting off the boat.

A lamp post in Amerika Plads made to look like a dragon!

We then visited the Design Museum, featuring lots of furniture and some of the famous chairs designed by architects!

There was so much to see and sketch, we could've stayed there for hours! However, we moved on to the palace, and on the way there we came across this impressive cathedral!

One of the guards, not too different from the English ones.

Then coming out of the palace courtyard, we see this view. The Opera House sat across the river.

Design is everywhere in Copenhagen!

Lastly we needed food! We asked the people in Generator where they would recommend, because we wanted something good value for money, but where we hadn't tried before. We went to Dalle Valle, which though was a bit difficult to find, was amazing value! It's hidden away down a pedestrian street, but is massive, and the waiters seem to have fun with their job!

That was our last dinner in Copenhagen, we definitely saved the best until last!

After all the walking we'd done that day, it was time to go back to the hostel and have a well deserved drink!!