NUA: TERM ONE

As mentioned in my previous post I am now attending NUA: Norwich University of the Arts studying a BA Degree in Fine Art (much the opposite to beauty and fashion). I have just finished my first term and though I would reflect on how it went. There is one thing I want to point out first though:

An art degree is not a doss. There is a lot of work behind it and a lot of the time coming up with new theories and idea's can be a bit too much on the brain. We don't just produce art, we produce essays, research files, sketchbooks, and reflective journals as-well. Now that's over with...

There were many points in this term where I thought: What the hell am I doing with my life? (mainly when our task was to draw weeds).

Nothing is as good as my mum's home cooking (mainly her mini lasagne's she brings down when she visits).

Its okay to not be homesick. Yes I miss my parents especially my mum (who I used to live with) but why let that stop or distract you from enjoying your time at university?

It is also okay not to go out every night or every week, not everyone can be a party animal, myself included (much prefer a pizza while watching Lord of the Rings)

Here's a couple of pictures taken around my university building, it's so pretty!
Hope you enjoy.

THE #CHRISTMASTAG

It's finally December!

(Photo Source)

I have a weird obsession with Christmas from the songs (which I play all year round) to decorating my house top to toe with christmas bling. However this year I have decided to attempt #Blogmas ( already failing as I missed the 1st of December), to start off I have decided to have a go at the Christmas Tag.
 So here is my first post from many to come this month:

1. What is your favourite Christmas film?

I have a lot of favourites including Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, Frozen, Love Actually and Polar Express (that one always makes me well up) but my absolute favourite would have to be The Muppet Christmas Carol, not only because its an amazing movie that makes me cry (happy tears) but also because it has been a family traditional to watch this on Christmas Eve every year.

2. Have you ever had a White Christmas?

Never. Or at least that I could remember? I live in the South East of the UK which is the part of the country that is "blessed" with warmer and kinder weather....however I would much rather have snow any day.

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

At home with my Mum as i've never had a christmas without my family. However until Christmas Eve night I shall be staying in my university apartment due to working.

Sad Times.

4. What is your favourite Christmas song?

Probably Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade if I had a couple of other choices I would also pick All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey and Baby Please Come Home by Darlene 

5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

Never although I still wake up at 3-4am to open stocking presents!

6. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and of course Rudolf.

7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?

Mainly the Muppets Christmas Carol one I mentioned earlier, also my mum taking ages to eat breakfast when all I want to do is open presents! (I hate it but it is also an essential tradition for me).

8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Real. Don't even mention fake christmas tree's to me unless they are for your bedroom.

9. What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?

Ooo Festive Friends! They are made by Cadbury's and are half biscuit and half chocolate and are only sold at Christmas. Unfortunately they aren't sold many places anymore by I know Wilko's do sell them! That is how i'm going to keep my supply cupboard full this year.

10. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

In all honesty, I couldn’t tell you. As always, I look forward to the gifts that people are getting me this year (and maybe some have looked at my Christmas list hopefully!). However, now that I’ve done my Christmas shopping, I’m really excited to see everyone’s faces after they open them. Both actions make me ecstatic! 

11. What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?

I'm not sure if I could pick one but probably getting a Computer or Camera as I always use them constantly. Also I love thoughtful gifts where someone has thought really hard or listened to your ramblings to find your perfect present.

12. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

 Anywhere that snows at Christmas. I don't really mind where I go as long as i'm with the people I love and care for.

13. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

I am awful. However I am picking things up with age, I used to wrap weirdly shaped objects in a cracker like shape and try and sellotape it in place.

14. Most memorable Holiday moment?

One would have to be my first Nativity play when I was 4/5, I still know the words off by heart! The other would be when my grandparents were alive and we had Christmas in our old house, as the house would be bustling and there would be an open fire in sitting room whilst opening presents...oh so cosy.

15. What made you realise the truth about Santa?

I believed fully in Santa until I was 14 years old when my peers at school started making fun of my believing, I then proceeded to ask my mum about it for a while and of course she would tell me Santa was real (she wanted to keep the magic alive for as long as possible) however the teasing and making fun of me got so much that she finally told me the truth. Now as a 19 year old I try to believe in Santa as much as possible as it just doesn't feel the same without that magic belief.

16. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?

I do I do. For about 10 years I had a resolution of eating a piece of pie and becoming organised; However I am nearly 20, have never ate a piece of pie and my school/college/university reports still say I am disorganised...*sigh*.

17. What makes the holidays special for you?

I love how everything magical just seems to happen at Christmas, from Christmas lights to advent calendars to new hot drinks that make you want to drool. Everything is just better at Christmas. Although my special thing to do is be relaxing on my sofa all snuggled up in a blanket watching all the Christmas film's the TV bombards us with in the Christmas holidays...paradise.

All Done! I hope that got you guy's in a bit of a Christmassy mood as-well :) If you want to answer them too, either reply in the comments OR if you have your own blog, post them and put the link in the comments OR if you are on YouTube, post a video and put the link in the comments. I want to know more about you!

Anna xoxo

Personal Style #3

MINIMAL MAKEUP:

THE BODY SHOP ALL IN ONE BB CREAM IN LIGHT  

MAYBELLINE DREAM TOUCH BLUSH in BERRY 

BENEFIT THEIR REAL MASCARA 

WHAT IM WEARING: 
PRIMARK HOUNDS TOOTH DRESS. 
ACCESORIZE OLIVIA TEXTURED DOME BAG

Happy Reading! 

Moving On Up

As you may have noticed I haven't been posting much lately (as per usual) this is because I have made the big move to University!

I have been at university for nearly 2 months now and I have to say its got its up and downs; mainly up's. I will be doing quite a few university themed posts from now on so I felt I needed to warn you before I start posting a "Beans on Toast Recipe" post.

If you recognised the location below, top hat off to you. However If you didn't realise already my university is in the centre of Norwich - a town Ive always loved and admired. I've got some Norwich based posts coming up as well; from the best places to go for a drink, to getting your money's worth with student discount. But until I've finished these posts here's a few sneak peeks at what's to come:

Hope your as excited as I am! See you soon for the next "Norwich Instalment".

Anna xoxo

HOBBS A/W14 Collection Preview

Whilst I am still awaiting my college grade results, I decided to go on a little trip to London where I was lucky enough to be invited to view the Hobbs AW14 Collection and it certainly lived up to it's name. We were let loose in the press room where delightful cakes and Prosecco awaited our arrival.

Ruby from Modus and Hobbs chief designer Jason talked us through the 3 collections and their inspiration. First was the Invitation collection which was probably my favourite, full of detailed and elegant evening wear. There was a lot on emphasis on how these fine evening pieces could be transformed into daywear by adding a textured knit to the equation. Latest Exclusive: Hobbs have now teamed up with the Royal Palaces to allow them access to their archives, which is the root of their inspiration for A/W Invitation collection however its all very hush hush, but once more is revealed, you will be the first to know!

MY FAVOURITES OF THE INVITATION COLLECTION

The Hobbs London Collection; tailored and polished to perfection, this collection was  full of camel, navy and granite coloured tweed jackets, thick pencil dresses and skirts. Perfect for a winter work wardrobe, although styled with a casual tee or some converse and these pieces can easily be put to everyday casual use as-well.

MY FAVOURITES FROM THE LONDON COLLECTION

NW3 is much more playful and casual than the other two collections, mainly for its use of colour. To be honest I was very intrigued by this collection as previously my only thoughts of Hobbs were "classic everyday workwear and elegant evening outfits made for a more mature generation" however NW3 completely smashed through this pre-misconception and showed me that Hobbs also caters for the more "relaxed at home" type of person and for a younger audience as-well.  NW3 was filled with similar styles and trends that you would see in favourite high street stores such as Topshop, Zara, River Island and New Look however you can tell that the clothes at Hobbs are made to a much higher standard.

MY FAVOURITES OF THE NW3 COLLECTION

One of my favourite parts of press gatherings is meeting new people/bloggers!

Here are some of the lovelies I met that day:

Bessie from FashionNoodle

Justine from FashionMixBag

Banke from A Style Diary

Jasmin from What Defines Us

Cristina from ChrissaBella

Tricia from Thread and Mirror

Tolu from FashinateMe

Thank you so much to Hobbs for inviting me to the event! and also a big thanks to all the team at Hobbs HQ for putting on an hosting such an amazing preview! Go check out the Hobbs Site HERE as they have a big sale on right now, and some of their A/W pieces have already started to be released. Go! Go! Go!

(P.S. I uploaded some more pictures from the event up on my Facebook Page for you guys to marvel over as-well so go have a look HERE if you're interested)

LUSH "The Comforter" Review

(image from weheartit.com)

To be honest I used to hate baths. I don't own one and I never saw the benefit of one until I found "The Comforter" in my Local LUSH store. I had to head over to my boyfriends house to use this as none of my family own a bath!

"The Comforter" is a bubble bar made from Cassis Absolute (a fruit that smells very similar to blackberry) and Bergamot Oil.

Firstly it's a long lasting product as you only have to use about a 1/5 of it to get lots of bubbles.

Secondly it's easy to use as all you have to do is crumble the bar under your tap and voila! Instant fuchsia bubble bath.

Another thing to note is that its one of LUSH's best scents, it's quite a fruity smell (similar to  blackcurrant)and it's my personal favourite scent.

Would I repurchase?

Definitely, as it's my favourite product from LUSH so far.

Score: 5/5

You can buy it from LUSH here at £4.50 a bar.

Go give it a try and tell me what you think in the comments! Also I was thinking of videoing bath bombs, bubble bars etc on my Instagram so you can see what it looks like before you buy, do you guy's like this idea? or am I mad?

LUSH Ocean Salt Review

(image from wehearit.com)

As I am rather poor at the moment i've resorted to collecting samples from my new favourite shops, LUSH. Recently I picked up a sample of Ocean Salt as I had heard some rave reviews about it and wanted to try out new products. Ocean Salt is an exfoliator made with lime, sea salt, and vodka meaning it's especially beneficially for spot-prone skin! I would only use this exfoliator once a week as the sea salt can become quite harsh on the skin and irritate it. 

Would I repurchase?

No because it is a little too harsh on my skin, but if I had a massive breakout this would be my go-to exfoliator. 

Score: 3/5

Give it a go and see if it works for your skin. You can buy it from your local LUSH store at £13.25 a pot. Leave me a comment on your opinion on Ocean Salt and recommend some LUSH  products I should review as Im still quite new to the franchise.

New Look Autumn/Winter Collection 2014 #NLAW14

Yesterday after college I headed down to London to visit the #NLAW14 (New Look Autumn/Winter 14) collection event. As im reletively new to the blogging scene being invited to event like this was a major suprise for me (also the fact that im ot exactly a fashion blogger)and I started planning my outfit straight away!

I was decked out head to toe in Primark, wearing a bright printed lime green dress and glitter jelly sandals (not my best choice of footwear for walking) paired with a Topshop leather jacket.

When I got to the event it was like wonderland! There were rows and rows of selectively styled mannequins, cocktails, hangers showing off gorgeous garments and accesories, not to mention a nail bar! Straight away I headed over to get my nails done. They were doing 6 different types of nail art along with a base colour of yor choice. Here's mine:

The ladies were lovely to chat to and I was really impressed with how she did the small litlle flowers so thankyou @effy_nails and @clairek_nails!

After my nails were done I managed to pop around the showroom and takes some pictures for you guy's (featuring some of my favourites from the collection)

This is the new "mermaid" trend, they've combined both pastel colours with translucent sequins giving off the effect of a mermaids shimmering tail. This is definately going to be one of the staple trends of A/W14 I feel.

There were also some much bolder sequined pieces including this gorgeous fuschia dress. Elle Woods would be jealous!

Velvet seem's to be really popular as-well for next season as it was an ever-present texture mainly in the darker tones. As a long time lover of velvet im really looking forward to seeing this in stores!

Oriental patterns isnt just for kimono's! The intricate pattern is now being seen on skirt's and dresses galore. I have a real love of japanese culture so the idea of bring this to UK stores really excites me!

After looking round a bit more, I grabbed a cookie and a goodie bag and jetted off to Primark. Everything I bought will be up in a video/blog post soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Whilst on the train home I took the time to check out my goodie bag from the event. I got a lovely thick woollen scarf (pictured above) which I loved so much I wore it on the train; even though it was hot and sunny...and I also got a £50 gift card for New Look which will probably last just under a day. I thoroughly enjoyed my first fashion event and look forward to attending some more in the future (invite me please?).

Leave me a comment in the box below telling me what's caught your eye in your local New Look store recently or alternatively check out their website here :)

Emma Stone/Gwen Stacy Inspired Makeup Look

Last Friday I was treated to a night at the cinema to watch The Amazing SpiderMan 2, and may I just say it was spectacular! Although I'd say it was a Rom-Com/Action movie (focusing a lot on Peter and Gwen's relationship and it's natural quirks) it was still filled with plenty of full-on action scenes. 

     

I particularly loved Gwen Stacy's minimal makeup, so I wanted to recreate her effortless look using affordable drugstore products.

So here are the products I used:

Collection Smokey Eye Palette in Purple || Bourjois LRP in Healthy Mix 41 || LOLA Smudger Brush || LOLA Pen Eyeliner || LOLA Mascara || Garnier BB Cream in Light || Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light || Revlon LipButter in Peach Parfait and Tutti Frutti

I first applied my Garnier BB Cream (giving my face an even and healthy glow) and covered any spots,redness or dark circles with Collection Concealer (concealer is not necessary). For blush I lightly dusted Bourjois LRP over my cheeks to make it look very natural. On my lids I first used LOLA Eye Primer, then applied the Collection Smokey Eye Palette's highlight to my lid and used the LOLA Smudger Brush to add a dark blue shadow to my crease from the same palette. I finished off my eyes with LOLA Pen Eyeliner creating a small/thin cat eye and LOLA Mascara on my top and bottom lashes. Lastly I used a combination of Revlon Lip Butters to keep my lips looking natural and healthy.

That's the look! I hope I did it justice although my blusher doesn't really show in these pictures (it's a coral colour in real-life). I hope you enjoyed this mini tutorial/make up look, I really enjoyed researching and doing it!

Leave a comment below!

My LUSH Recruitment Evening

A couple of days ago I spotted an advert for a retail assistant in my local LUSH window and popped in to apply straight away! The girl I spoke to was lovely however she did "grill" me a little, asking my age, availability (apparently I wasn't likely to get the job because I couldn't put down "full availability" as I go to college 2 & 1/2 days a week) and finally she asked me to sell a product to her right on the spot. Even though I haven't done much in the way of selling before I blitzed this stage by reciting all the ingredients and pro's of the product (impressed her quite a bit apparently). She then finally invited me to a LUSH recruitment evening!

I swear I researched half the internet in preparation for the evening because I was so nervous, however I managed to pile key information down so I could remember it all. We were also told to bring an item that represented us in some way (I'm guessing to show what kind of person we are). 

I headed off to LUSH, and arrived about 20 minutes early and already there was a line forming. Over 40 people turned up for one job! I was quite surprised by this considering it was such a small shop. We bundled in and were given a form to fill out with our details; the sheet also had an random question, mine was "If you could have any actor/actress play you in a movie, who would it be?". I hate this question so much, it makes me want to scream every time I see it! I have no idea who would play me, so I scribbled down a quick answer "Anna Paquin" and handed it in without a second thought. 

The group was then separated into half to introduce themselves and their "item", I have to say there were some interesting one's! I brought a picture of my edge walk experience (see my post here) and that seemed to be "individual" enough.

The second activity split us up into group of 4's and 5's, we were then oven a scenario and were told we could ask two question's to help us find the perfect gift for this scenario. My group did well on this activity and I was allowed to impart some of my LUSH product knowledge. However when it came to presenting our gift I could hardly get a word in edgeways, which really annoyed me as the staff didn't really notice me because of it.However all of them were lovely and really hospitable and it was a very relaxing atmosphere.

That was the end of the evening! It was really fun and different, and even though I was anxious I really enjoyed it. However I personally think they should of conducted 1 to 1 interviews as well  because a lot of the girls there (myself included) couldn't really get their view's or knowledge of lush across in simple group exercises. I had spent 5 whole day's revising my butt off learning about the company and the products and how to sell, but the staff never got to see any of it which I think was a real shame. I'm still waiting for a phone call so you never know!

 I do however have some tips for you all who plan to get a job at LUSH one day! 

Be outgoing/confident - You can't be shy in these kind of things! From experience I can say, the people who were noticed were the one's who talked whenever there was an opportunity.

Be humorous - Don't be afraid to slip a joke into conversation, it will give off the image that you're relaxed (even if you're really not!)

Lush Knowledge - Wherever you can slip in your knowledge of the LUSH company, it's ethics, the ingredients they use, as staff love to see someone who is passionate for the company (a little LUSH can go a long way).

and last but not least

Be individual - Whether it's your clothes, hair colour or personality, do whatever you can to stand out and be noticed (in a good way!)

HAPPY LUSHING!

p.s. all stores will be different in the way they conduct recruitment evenings as Lush is a franchise not a company! 

FOTD: Bird's of a Feather

Hello there lovelies! Recently I got sent a big package from LOLA by perse with lot's of goodies inside for me to try; including some bright eyeshadow from their new spirited away collection. Im not one for bright's myself preferring nude's but I thought I'd give it a go!

I started off with my daily base: 

LOLA Illuminating Base || Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation || Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer || Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer || Nars Orgasm 

I then primed my lids with LOLA Eye Base and applied LOLA Eyeshadow in 035 (blue) to the inner corners of my eyelid. Using the LOLA Smudger Brush I lightly dusted LOLA Eyeshadow in 045 (Peach) to my crease line and outer corners, I used the brush to make the line less harsh (but you can use your fingers too!)I even added a little dash of yellow in the middle to help the two colours blend.

There it is, my first "Brights" FOTD! Its not brilliant but hopefully with a little bit of practise one day I can bring you something "exotic"! ;)

Why don't you try something new with your makeup today?

Tweet me your looks at @anniemacblog

A Walk in the Countryside

Normally I only visit my dad's house twice a year (even though it is only a half an hour car ride away) as he lives I'm my old hometown where I spent the majority (16 years) of my life growing up. However since my boyfriend had two days off work I thought it would be a brilliant opportunity for him to "get to know" my dad a little better.

We arrived on Friday evening where we were treated to some food at the local pub. I opted for a vegetarian lasagne whilst the boy's went for the Scampi and  Chips deal. It was a lovely evening to just have a chat and a catchup, dad and Ben even had a mutual friend in common...weird!

The next day we woke up bright and early for once (9AM) and munched on our peanut butter and Nutella covered crumpets in front of The Amazing Spiderman.

Here was my outfit for the day:

Jacket - Topshop || Top - Forever21 || Jeans - Forever21 || Pandora Bracelet || Brown Ankle Boots

After breakfast we headed out a walk to a nearby reservoir (popping into the corner shop for some sweeties on the way). We then walked to the nearby park, taking time to stroll past my old house where I spent the first 16 years of my life!

We then walked down to the near-by park where we spent a good few hours playing on the swings, the monkey bars and all-sorts! Seeing that the toddler park was deserted we took over and made good use of the seahorses. However I made the bad decision of boasting that I was small enough to fit in a children's swing; I successfully managed to fit in one but then got stuck, so poor Ben had the struggle of pulling me out (much to my embarrassment).

The big dome swing was my favourite though, as we both laid in the dome enjoying the sunshine and a small breeze; it was like paradise! We stayed in that position for a good hour or so...

We then took ANOTHER walk (see a theme forming here?) to the beach/deserted sand mines where my shoes got ruined by the mud! Although I found a cute two-part seashell and i'm planning to create a necklace from it (blog post coming soon!) 

To end the weekend we drove down to the nearest town with the roof back to make the most of the sunshine, and all three of us (Dad, Ben and I) had an ice cream with a flake. Although we made a quick get away when the swans started chasing us!

Overall It was a beautiful, relaxing and fun weekend that I think ill never forget. Hopefully we'll go back there soon when its hot and go to a proper beach!

How have you been enjoying the April Sunshine?