Lets Enter 2014 With A Bang

Hello everyone!

It makes me extremely sad to think that this year is over, and it makes me even more sad that I am working New Years Eve night! As I work in a pub, I have been roped into 'glass collecting' and serving the buffet, for all of the individuals who will be a little bit too merry, and may find it difficult to stand on two feet. 

Image From Pinterest 

I always find New Years Eve special, as I find it the end of an era; like closing a book in a series and beginning to read the sequel. I love the fact that New Years Day is a fresh day of a completely new year, which is the door to so many more opportunities and amazing adventures for us all to take part in. 

So, whilst I am shuffling through the busy crowds of people, collecting glasses and feeling sorry for myself, I hope you all have an AMAZING New Years Eve, and get super super merry either by drinking too much alcohol, or eating too much food (if you are underage). 

What do you like to do on New Years Eve?

Lush | Dragon's Egg Review

Hello my little buttercups, I bring you a review! Yes you read that right, a review. Something which I haven't done in a while, and something that needs to be improved upon! 

For Christmas I received a few products from Lush, as I had always wanted to try them out. Seeing as though I had been at work all day, I thought that I would treat myself to some 'pamper' time and use one of my bath bombs!

Image taken from Lush 

After running myself a lovely hot bath, I popped the bath bomb into the tub and the first thing I noticed was the smell. Oh my goodness. Words cannot describe how amazing the smell is. The smell description of the Dragon's Egg claims to be 'jasmine and lemon', and my gosh did it smell like that! The whole bathroom was full of the smell and I was definitely in my element.

Secondly, I just expected the colour of my bath to stay the same but appear a little musky, but when I wasn't looking, the bath bomb must have opened and my water was ORANGE. It also had tiny flecks of gold in the water as well, which made me super excited to get into the bath.

Some people may think that bath bombs cause some irritation on the skin, and because my skin is sensitive I thought that this may happen. Actually, my skin feels amazing and smells just like my bathroom did! I also didn't need to apply a body lotion as the bath bomb was full of moisture after I had used it.

If you haven't tried this bath bomb, I seriously recommend that you do, and as a first time 'Lusher' I am definitely hooked!

What Lush products do you recommend?  

New Laptop

Hello everyone!

I am finally back after being away from the blogging world for what seems forever, but I promise that I will never be away for that amount of time again as I have a new laptop!

Today I ventured to Manchester with my gran, and I purchased a Macbook Pro. I am so so happy at the fact that I can continue to blog as often as a please, and that I will never be away from you guys for so long again. Seriously, it feels as though I have had a blogging shaped hole in my heart since I haven't had a laptop, but everything is changing.

I promise to post more and more, and I may even be featuring a 'giveaway' for you guys in the near future so keep your eyes peeled!

Reflecting On Life

Tonight I have a bit of a reflective post for you guys. This is because it is coming to the end of an amazing year, and I have done so much stuff which I feel as though I need to reflect upon. 

Image from Pinterest 

Launch of 'Jessie'

The launch of 'Jessie' was made this year, and I honestly can't see my life without writing my blog. I love writing things which may be useful to you guys, or just to inform you what I have been up to recently and the places that I have visited.

I Attended My First Festival

I attended Kendal Calling with all of my friends this year, giving me some independence. I loved that weekend so so much even though the weather was a bit meh :(. The atmosphere was unimaginable and I definitely will be attending next years festival in the fields!

Last Family Holiday of The Year

Seeing as though I am going to university next September, and my school will not let me take any time off during term time, my family decided to venture to Turkey for our last family holiday for a while. The weather was so hot, and it really was memorable. It was lovely to have us all together away from our home town, and experience something we never have before. 

I Made It Into My Second Year of Sixth Form

Unlike a few people in my year, I was one of the lucky individuals who passed their AS exams and made it into my second year of sixth form. I couldn't imagine what I would do if I had been asked to leave, as my whole future is depending on my school studies, and I would be completely lost.

I Became A Senior Student

In your last year of sixth form, your fellow peers and teachers nominate who they believe will be good role models for the schools, and I was lucky enough to be nominated. I love the job of being a senior student, as I get to participate in making the school a better place, and making decisions for the sixth form as a whole. I also get to do fun stuff like arranging the ball and trips for us all to go on.

I Received Prizes At School

At or annual Prizegiving, I received 2 prizes. One for my work and one for overall attainment at school. This was a hug achievement for me, as I never feel as though I am recognised for my work etc. and this just proved that everyone is recognised in their own way.

I Found New Interests

I also found new interests this year, such as blogging and getting back into playing my flute. I really wish I hadn't given up playing the flute last year, as I completely forgot how much I loved playing it. I am also glad that I found blogging, and I wouldn't give up my blog for the world.

I Became Closer To Some Amazing People

Me and my mum have always had our rough patches, but this year has proven how close a mother and daughter bond can be. We truly are inseparable! I have also become closer to some people wgho have blogs of their own such as Linsey from Red Velvet Kiss, Amee from Amee and Lauren from Destroy After Reading. These people have shown me how fun life is, and have made me look at life from a different view point. 

Everything Started To Get Better

I don't want to get into it too much, but after having a pretty rough few years, everything started to get better. Being around great people and my family have made it so much easier to overcome those years, and to start looking forward rather than backwards.

I Got Offers From My Top Universities

This bit is sooooooo exciting! I got offers back from the universities that I most wanted to go to, with great entry requirements too! I have never been so happy receiving an email before. 

So there we have it guys, my highlights from this past year. I know that the post is pretty long, but I couldn't not share these with you guys.

What have been your highlights this year? If you do a post, please make sure to tag me in it so that I can have a cheeky little nosy!

Sentimental Christmas Gift Ideas

Hello everyone, I hope that you are all well. I recently stumbled across a website called 'NotOnTheHighstreet', and it is full of cute little sentimental gifts that you can get loved ones if you are struggling for ideas.

I think that these are such beautiful gifts, that anybody would be pleased with if they received this. The prices are not too badly priced either, ranging from £10+. There are so many different ones to choose from and they all seem amazing!

What ideas do you guys have?

Christmas Wishlist

Hello everyone. 

This must be a miracle. I am keeping up with my blogging! I promise you though, as soon as my new laptop arrives I will be able to blog more often, maybe near enough every day. Exciting!

So I bring with me today a Christmas Wishlist. I haven't done one of these before, so I thought that I would give it a go and show you all what I am dreaaaaming of this year for Christmas. Whether I receive them or not is a different story, but it is always nice to wish!

From left to right

1. Ted Baker Large Bow Washbag £29.00

2. MAC Lipstick in 'Rebel' £15.00

3. Marc Jacobs Honey £39.50

4. Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set £21.99

I know my wishlist is limited, but right now I can't think of anything else that I would like! I am pretty sure that there are other things, and they will probably spring to mind during the day but that is all for now!

What is your Christmas Wishlist?

Things To Do Before Christmas Day Arrives

Hello lovely readers. I am back, and I bring along with me a useful blogpost of things to do in the running up to Christmas. Do I find these things useful? Yes I do!

Image from Pinterest

So basically, in the running up to Christmas, my family go absolutely bonkers for sorting out the house, and making sure that there is enough room for all of the new encounters on Christmas Day. Here are the things that I and my family do before Christmas Day, and hopefully you may find them useful as well.

Making A List

Making a list is probably one of the best things to do before beginning the task. Why, you may ask? Because this includes everything that you need to complete, and so that you don't need to try and remember anything during the process. Included in the list should be the steps that you are going to take, your aims and when you will do this. 

Deciding What You Will Buy For Everyone's Christmas Presents

This makes a heck of a lot of difference. Trust me. I used to spend the majority of my time dawdling around in shops, hopelessly looking for presents for my family and friends. Ever since I decided to think of what I was going to purchase before the time is right, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. No more dawdling around shops, ohhh no, straight to the right section and BAM! The present has been purchased.

Have A Massive Clear Out

Go on. Have a massive clear out before you gain extra bits and bobs that will fill up space that has previously been filled up 4 years before. Dig right on under your bed and pull out the old knitted sweaters that you never liked, or full notepads that are from when you were in year 7 with, "I <3 ??" written allover the front. It is time for a clear out and this will do you the world of good. You will have extra space that you didn't know existed, and I bet you find things you never knew you had! 

Do Some Rearranging

I bet you, that you have lipsticks in different handbags, perfumes in different drawers and clothes on your bedroom floor. Do some rearranging! Organise your lipsticks into a pot, tidy up your wardrobe and put your perfumes on a shelf for you to easily grab. When it comes to Christmas Day and your about to put away all of your presents, you want to be able to put them away without thinking where to put them. 

Get Your Wrapping Over And Done With

Once you have bought all of your presents, it is best to get them wrapped before the massive rush. There is nothing worse than going to work on Christmas eve, coming back and trying to wrap your presents whilst dodging the turkey and brussell sprouts, just to get your jobs done! Once they're done, they're done!

There we are guys. Here are a few useful tips to carry out before Christmas Day arrives. I hope you find them useful!

What do you do before Christmas Day arrives?

Christmas Present Idea's For Girly Friends

Hello everyone. 

Seeing as though everyone will be buying their friends Christmas presents around about now, I thought I would give you an insight to the items that I would buy for my friends. I know that buying for friends can be extremely difficult considering you may feel as though you have to find the perfect present, so here are a few ideas. 

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss

I have been meaning to purchase this lipgloss for a while, and I sure would love it if someone bought me this for Christmas! Every girl loves a good lipgloss and  at £6.00 I feel as though this is a perfect gift, and you can purchase this HERE if you like this idea. 

EOS Sphere Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

A good lipbalm will keep your lips hydrated and nourished for when you want to apply your lipstick or gloss. Personally, I think that a lipbalm is essential for cold months, as the cold winds and weather chap your lips. If you bought your friend one of these for Christmas they will be forever in your debt, and it is a bargain at £4.99. You can purchase that HERE. 

LUSH- Bubble Bar in Candy Mountain

Everyone likes to pamper themselves every now and then, and LUSH products do just that! They all have amazing scents and qualities within them to pamper the skin and they will make you feel amazing. I personally love this product for the smell and the oils it releases into your skin. £2.65 is a good price for something that will do your skin good. Also, you don't have to purchase just this from LUSH. There are all sorts of different products that are waiting to be purchased all for great prices. You can find this HERE.

NARS Blusher in Orgasm

Every girl loves a good colour on their cheeks, and NARS have super pigmented ones which will last for hours. Even though it costs £21.50, it may be classes as a special kind of present. You can find this product HERE. 

Illamasqua Lipstick

I couldn't choose a specific colour as I love them all, but these lipsticks are so creamy and they last forever. I have been wanting the colour 'Shard' for a while now, and I certainly would be made up if a received one of these for Christmas. These cost £16.50 and you can find them HERE. 

Essie Nail Polish

I love to paint my nails, and i'm sure I would be wrong by saying that noone else does. Essie nail polishes are lovely to paint on to your nails, and they come in an assortment of colours, suitable for everyone. These come at a cost of £7.99 and can be found HERE. 

Cath Kidston Zip Purse

I love receiving a new purse every now and then to give my bag a little bit of 'sprucing up', and I think that Cath Kidston do amazing designs which are applied to amazing products. As this present may be given for Christmas, it will give your friend somewhere to keep their vouchers and Christmas spending money ready to hit the sales. Even though it is a pretty hefty price at £28.00, it is a present which will do on it's own, and you don't have to worry about buying little extra gifts to make the present seem more special. This can be found HERE.

Cath Kidston Umbrella

Everyone needs an umbrella. It's a fact. Especially where I live, it rains practically every day so an umbrella is essential. I go through so many umbrellas because I result in buying cheap ones which just end up breaking. Cath Kidston do lovely umbrellas, and because they are a tad more expensive than your average umbrella, but this means that it will last longer! Again, it may be expensive at £22.00 but it is a lovely gift and can be found HERE.

Ted Baker Wash Bag/ Make-up Bag

This is probably the most expensive gift that I placed in these ideas, but it is sooooo pretty! Every girl needs and amazing looking make-up/wash bag to stash their beauty products, and Ted Baker do absolutely amazing ones. Yes the price is very hefty at £29.00, but you can guarantee that your friend will love it. You can find this HERE.

So there are my Christmas present ideas guys! I know that the prices range a hell of a lot, but they are amazing gifts that I'm sure your friends will love. Also, you don't need to go buy what I have suggested, as these may just give you an idea of something else which your friends may love!

What Christmas present ideas do you have?

Dream Lipstick

Hello again guys.

Luck you lot eh. Another blogpost from me. Two in one day. I must be feeling like keeping on top of things. Mind you, I do owe you all a few blogpost's seeing as though I have been lacking the past week or so *major sad face*.

This post is about the Illamasqua Lipstick in Shard. 

This lipstick is a red/violet colour with a matt finish. Santa will definitely be getting asked for this, this year. I have been eyeing up this lip colour for a while, and whenever I get paid or I am on the internet, I always find myself on the Illamasqua website eyeing up this lipstick deciding between whether I should purchase it or not. Can I really justify £16.50 for a lipstick? At the moment I am being a good daughter, granddaughter, friend and niece by buying everybody their Christmas presents so that I get it all out of they way. 

I you guys would like to purchase this lipstick before me, which would result in utter jealousy, then click HERE to be taken there. There are also many other colours too which are just as amazing but this is the one that caught my eye!

What lipsticks are you guys dreaming about at the minute?

Guess Who's Back

Hello everyone!

Firstly I would like to apologise for my lack of blogging over the past week or so. My laptop decided to full on shut down on me, so blogging is proving to be very difficult! Anyway I AM BACK. 

One of the main reasons that I am posting today is because a good friend of mine Amee, who's blog you can find HERE has just joined the blogging world and has begun to share her life with the universe. 

I really do recommend that you visit Amee's blog, as her post ideas are amazing and she is new to this world!

Hope your all having a good week so far. 

Feeling Overwhelmed

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share with you all, what I think is the most exciting thing happening in my life so far.

So my year are going through the UCAS applying situations. And yes. It is extremely painful, and long, and tiring, and boring, but once you have sent off your UCAS application it is the best feeling ever and well worth the wait!

So I sent my UCAS application off a few weeks ago, and I would just like to share with you all my excitement about the fact I have heard back from all of my university choices! Eeeep!

I have received offers from Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Leeds and UCLAN, and I have also been offered an interview at Edge Hill University. I'm super, super happy.

I hope you are all having a great week, and I promise to write a big post soon as I have been slacking!

Inspirational Quote Of The Week | #2

Hi guys.

So it has hit that time of the week again where it is time for another inspirational quote. The quote that I have been loving is...

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

                   - Wayne Gretzky

This quote basically means that if you never try, then you will never succeed. You have to give something a go, because if you don't then you could me missing out on an amazing opportunity.

I hope you have all had a lovely and exciting week. 

Costa- White Hot Chocolate

Hello everyone!

So it has hit that time of year again where Costa have put away their summery drinks, and opened a whole new box with their Christmas drinks. I mentioned in my Autumn Tag that I am a lover of the Honeycomb Hot Chocolate, but this year I have found something else.

I took a trip to Costa on Monday morning with Linsey from Red Velvet Kiss, and I found that Costa had added the 'White Hot Chocolate' to their Christmas menu. Seeing as though I am a lover of white chocolate, I jumped at the opportunity and invested in a large one. 

This picture can be found HERE

I have immediately fallen in love with this hot chocolate, and I'm sorry Honeycomb hot chocolate but I have found a new favourite. 

The hot chocolate comes with gold sprinkles in the shape of stars, and a cherry sauce on top which completely finishes off the hot chocolate. I just love this stuff too much! I definitely recommend this, as it is absolutely amazing.

What is your favourite hot drink of this time of year?

Inspirational Quote Of The Week | #1

Hello everyone.

So I have decided to post an 'Inspirational Quote of the Week' right up until Christmas time. I just thought that this was a nice little 'pick-me-up' if your ever feeling down. I will be posting on a Saturday purely because I work on a Sunday *boo*. So here is the quote for the week!

"Don't give up what you want most, for what you want now."

A little story behind this quote for you- I have always wanted to be a Philosophy Teacher and then one day I thought I wanted to change to become a Primary School Teacher because of some Work Experience I had done. Moral of the story, if I had given up my dream of becoming a Philosophy Teacher and taken up Primary School teaching, then I know I wouldn't be happy as Philosophy will always be a part of me. 

What are your most inspirational quotes?

Remember Remember 5th November

Hello everyone!

I know that this post is a day late but as you know, yesterday was the 5th of November- Bonfire Night! I always look forward to this time of year as I think fireworks and sparklers are so so pretty. Also, there is a local firework display which takes place up Kendal Castle which is near enough in the middle of the town. Most people venture up the castle to watch the display, but because you can see the castle from my house, we chose to let some fireworks off in our garden, then watch the display from there. 

These are some of the fireworks that were set off in our garden. I couldn't catch a photograph of the rockets but here are the ones that explode out of the box. I must warn though, even though the colours were amazing, they weren't very good as a whole. 

Me and my little sister... My little brother refused to have his photo taken.

The next lot of photos are from the display up the castle.

This firework was one of my favourites.

On this photograph you can see the trees around the castle being lit up by the firework.

Part of the finale.

So there was my bonfire night! My mum also made us tomato soup and jacket potatoes whilst we watched the fireworks. My brother and sister also loved watching the fireworks too.

What did you do on your bonfire night?

Looking Forward

Goodmorning everyone.

Today is one of those days where I feel as though it is time to look forward and not look back. Lately I haven't been feeling myself, so I thought 'come on Jess, let's look forward'. 

This is just a post to 'pick you up' if your feeling down, so if you are not feeling yourself, remember that life is a beautiful thing and there are so many different things to look forward to in the future. 

The 2013 Christmas Tag

Picture courtesy of Georgina at Makeup-Pixi3

Hello everyone!

I can't stop thinking about Christmas and how excited I am! It's only a month away so I am going to have to start my shopping pretty soon. Even though I have another month to wait, I saw this as an opportunity to put together the Christmas tag, and if your reading this... your nominated for this too!

Do You Prefer A Real Christmas Tree Or Synthetic?

In our house we have always had a synthetic Christmas tree. Even though I think that real Christmas tree's are lovely, I prefer synthetic tree's as they have a little bit more of structure to them and they don't make mess.

You're In A Coffee Shop, It's December, What Do You Pick?

My all time favourite Christmas drink is from Costa and it is the Honeycomb Hot Chocolate. I mentioned this in my Autumn Tag post which you can find HERE. I love this Hot Chocolate because it is very tasty and makes you all warm inside. It adds that little bit of extra spirit to Christmas.

What's Your Favourite Colour Scheme For Decorating The Tree?

My Christmas tree has always had a colour scheme of silvers and glass ornaments. I love this color scheme as it looks classy and goes with the colour scheme of my sitting room too.

Giving Or Receiving?

Yes, opening presents is very nice on Christmas day but I love giving Christmas presents. This is because I love to buy presents for my friends and family and watching them open them makes Christmas special.

To Mince Pie Or Not To?

I personally do not like the taste of mince pies. I prefer to dip into the chocolate tin which lies underneath the Christmas tree.

What Is Your Traditional Christmas Dinner?

My Christmas dinner consists of a prawn cocktail/egg mayonnaise followed by tomato soup and croutons. I then have my Christmas dinner. This is turkey, yorkshire pudding, stuffing, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, carrot and swede and gravy.

Christmas Day Fashion

Our family has always dressed up quite smart for Christmas day and this is how the tradition lies. We always make an effort on Christmas day, even if we are not seeing a lot of the family. 

What Is Your Favourite Christmas Song?

My allllll time favourite Christmas day song is The Pogues - Fairytail of New York. My whole family love this song, and we sing it in unison when it is on.

What Is Your Favourite Christmas Film?

My favourite Christmas film is the Grinch. I love love love this film and could watch it all day long, all year round.

Open Presents Before Or After Lunch?

My family always gets up at the crack of dawn to open our Christmas presents. I don't think that I could hold on until after lunch!

So there we have it, the Christmas Tag! Remember you're all tagged so get blogging!

Getting Excited

It has just fallen upon me that today is actually the 2nd November. I can't help but think that Christmas is nearing, even though some people think that it is ridiculous to be even thinking about it even at this time of year. 

I took a trip to ASDA last night and I noticed their 'Christmas Aisle'. They had so many cute presents that I can't wait to purchase and give to my family and friends. 

I have also been loving the 'Lush' website, and I can guarantee that this website will be getting a whole lotta' lovin' when it's payday. 

Even though I have got some Christmas present ideas in mind, I am struggling for my brother and sister. Buying for 11 year old definitely isn't an easy task! Do you guys have any ideas of presents that I could buy them? 

What present ideas do you have in mind? 

Day In The Countryside

Hello everyone.

Today I went to spend the day at my Grandparents' house, and I wanted to share with you some pictures of my day.

My Grandparent's have a beautiful garden which is kept up to scratch because my Granddad is a gardner. Next year, his garden is being opened up to the public so that they can visit his grounds and have tea/coffee whilst walking through the gardens. 

Front garden

Working progress onto another entrance to the garden

Wood from tree's that my Granddad grew

Back entrance to the garden

So there was my amazing day. Where do you guys like to go to relax and spend some time with your loved ones?