Lifestyle: I'M BACK!!! and my year in review

First things first, i'm sorry for the 2 month break since my last post! Due to technical difficulties with my blog I was unable to post to it at all - however now they have been resolved I can finally get back to blogging again!!! I also want to create a new schedule so that  you all know when I'm uploading and I can have something to work for. I will be uploading posts on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday every week starting in the new year! Now, I thought the best way to start the new year would be to have a look back over the last 12 months and all the amazing things I've had the chance to do!

January
In January 2015 I began the Pathways to Law programme - a course ran by the Sutton Trust that runs workshops over a two year period for students wanting to go to university to study law or a similar field. Starting this programme is a special memory for me as I got to meet so many like minded and amazing people that I have became good friends with over the last year! 

February
In February I was given the opportunity to go to a village a few hours from Marrakesh in Morocco for 10 days and help in the village; hike in the mountains; and explore the city of Marrakesh! It was incredible and humbling to see how the locals lived such a simple yet happy life. It was also fantastic to experience such a contrasting culture and explore the villages in near the Atlas Mountains - somewhere I would have never had the pleasure of going without this trip!

March
In March two college friends and I made it to the regional semi-finals of Youth Speaks, a public speaking competition ran by the Rotary Club. We got to not only experience a fantastic event by not only speaking ourselves but listening to others speak on a variety of topics. It was a pleasure to speak on a topic I am passionate about and try to make an impression on a fantastic group of people. 

April
In April I took part in my penultimate charity show with my dance group - the Julia McDonald Dance Company. I had such a fantastic time with a group of people who I have became very close to over the last 15 years and we put on such a fantastic show that not only entertained many but raise a lot of money for charity!

May
In may half term I not only got the chance to visit museums and universities on a fantastic college trip to London, but I had the chance to go to Harry Potter studios in Watford with my family and it was so much fun!!! We got to see all the props and walk through the great hall, have photos with the replica of the castle and best of all - see the Hogwart's express!!!

    

June
In June I got to celebrate a couple of things - first was my birthday and I got to have a lovely meal out with my family and had a great day (despite also having 2 exams!). Second was finishing my first year at college and my AS level exams. I got to have a night out with my friends at a great party where Chris Stark was DJ and everyone had a fantastic time!!!

July
July I think was the biggest month of the year for me as I got to go to summer school at Warwick Uni for pathways to law which was brilliant as we got to spend time in fascinating workshops, yet still have fun socialising and bonding with our cohort (which for myself involved late nights eating snacks and playing cards against humanity!).

However, what made it really special was summer school at Bristol Uni which was the best time of my life. I got to experience life at uni and meet lots of new people who I would never otherwise had got to meet. I was able to explore areas of Bristol I had never been to and had a fantastic time! However, above all else I met my group of best friends who mean everything to me - and despite living all over the country we are always speaking everyday and giving each other advice - so thank you Joe, Will, Hugo, Mia, Abbie, Lizzy, Tamzin, Emily, EJ, Amber, Emily, Kaisha, Molly, Shannon and Shibby for making July the Best! 

August
In August I got to reunite in person with some of my summer school friends on a great day out in London seeing the dinosaurs at the natural history museum, shopping on Oxford Street, exploring Selfridge's and eating McDonalds on the floor of bond street station! It was so nice to spend time with some of my favourite people and despite it taking 3 hours on a cramped coach to get there - it was well worth it!!!

September
In September one of the most significant things for me was starting this Blog! For me it is an outlet where I can be myself through something I enjoy (fashion, music, films and beauty) and hopefully help others to do the same!

   

October

In October I took part in my last ever Carnival Concerts with my dance group. I have been in the 2 week show every year since 2001 and have enjoyed every single one of the 195 Carnival Concert shows I have done over that time! I will miss it next year but will have so many good memories and am glad we went out on such a high with a win.

    

November
In November I got to go and see my mum graduate from university. I was so proud as I have seen how hard she has worked over the last 4 or 5 years to get to where she is now and I couldn't be more happy for her! Also in regards to uni, I got all 5 offers from the universities I applied to and have chosen studying Criminology at Sussex University as my firm choice and studying Criminology and Police Investigation at De Montfort University as my insurance! Which is very exciting as I now have something to aim for!

    

December
Finally in December, I got to spend some time relaxing with my family and celebrating over Christmas. I had a fantastic day opening presents, eating dinner and playing board games with the people closest to me. I absolutley loved spending a few days with no worries and just enjoying such awesome company. 

        

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into my year and that it has inspired you to reflect on what you have loved about 2015!!! I would love to hear from you what you got up to this year so please leave a comment! If you want to know when I post then follow me here on blogspot and my social media (see side bar) - but for now, I'll see you later!

"Take care of all your memories,

for you cannot relive them".

- Bob Dylan.

Lifestyle: 28 Home-made Halloween Costumes!

Today I have created a selection of Halloween costumes that can be created from items you might already have at home or can get easily. I hope this is ready in time for all your Halloween parties and trick or treating! My best friend Amber requested this and I thought it could be useful to everyone who reads my blog!

Outfit 1 - Kim Possible

For this outfit, all you need is a black long sleeve crop top, khaki combat style trousers, black hi tops or ankle boots, black fingerless gloves and a brown belt. If you want you can add ginger long wig for Kim's hair.

Outfit 2 - Scarecrow
For this outfit, you'll need a pair of dungarees, a plaid shirt, a pair of brown boots, a straw hat and some straw to tuck in the costume that you can find at any supermarket or pet shop!

Outfit 3 - Creepy Doll
For this one you just need either a pretty dress or a white shirt with a pinafore dress, knee high white socks and a pair of Mary Jane shoes . To finish it off, add a load of fake blood, a plastic knife and a creepy doll makeup look with a black messy wig or wear your hair in pigtails.

Outfit 4 - Marathon Runner
This one is really simple! You just need a pair of running shorts, a vest or sports bra, a hoodie or gilet with sports socks, trainers and sweatbands. If you want to add a fun extra touch, make a running number and tape it onto the vest!

Outfit 5 - Geek
This outfit is really simple and all you need is a button up shirt, braces, either long shorts or a skirt, long socks and black shoes. Then to finish it off you can just wear a pair of geek glasses, hair bows and a text book.

Outfit 6 - Baby
This is probably the most simple of the outfits - all you need is a onesie, slippers and a teddy bear. To finish it off just tie your hair in pigtails and get a dummy (if you don't want to use a real one just buy a candy one!).

Outfit 7 - Sandy (from Grease)
For this iconic outfit wear an off the shoulder black top, high waisted black leather-look or disco trousers, red heels and (if it is cold) a black leather jacket. Then to finish the look either curl your hair in tightly or wear a curly blonde wig. 

Outfit 8 - Black Cat
To create this cute and fun cat look, wear a long sleeve black t-shirt and a black skirt, shorts or jeans with long black boots, a fur black gilet, black gloves, ears and a tail. If you want you can paint on a nose and whiskers. 

Outfit 9 - Biker 
This outfit is really easy to put together as it is just a band tee, denim shorts, a leather jacket and biker boots. Then to finish the look off you can just add biker gloves and a bandanna. 

Outfit 10 - Witch
For a witch costume, you can pair together a black t shirt and skirt or a black dress; a cape; a black witch's hat and black heeled boots. 

Outfit 11 - Where's Wally?
For this costume all you need is blue jeans, a red and white stripe top and a matching beanie, round black glasses and a pair of boots to finish it off. 

Outfit 12 - Minion
For this outfit, you need a pair of dungarees, a long sleeve yellow t shirt and black boots. For accessories to finish it off, wear silver round glasses and a yellow beanie (or a minion one if you have one!).

Outfit 13 - Robber
For this outfit wear black jeans, black boots, a black hoodie and a black & white stripe t shirt. Then add black gloves, a black beanie and a swag bag (which can be made by drawing a dollar sign and writing "SWAG" on it!).

Outfit 14 - 80s girl
For this outfit all you need is to wear a leotard, hoodie, leggings, leg warmers and sweatbands all in bright and neon colours. Then wear bright eyeshadow and lipstick; and a pair of hi top trainers.

Outfit 15 - Cowboy
For the cowboy costume, wear a pair of light coloured skinny jeans, a denim shirt and a tan suede vest with cowboy boots, a Stetson and a bandana round your neck.

Outfit 16 - Minnie Mouse 
For this costume, wear a red and white polka dot dress with black or white gloves, black heels and a pair of Minnie ears. You can also paint on a nose and whiskers if you want too!

Outfit 17 - Wednesday Adams
For this costume you just need a black dress with a white collar or a black dress layered over a white shirt, white long socks and black shoes. Then (if your hair isn't black) a black wig in two braids. 

Outfit 18 - Leopard
This one is really simple as all you need is all leopard print clothing, black shoes and leopard print ears. Then (if you want) you can add sharp claw nails with black fingerless gloves and painted on black whiskers and a nose to finish it off.

Outfit 19 - Doctor Who
For this 10th doctor costume you need a navy skirt or shorts, white shirt, tweed or brown blazer, knee high socks and brown boots. To finish it off in classic style add a red bow tie, sonic screwdriver and a fez.

Outfit 20 - Zombie
This one is really simple as all you have to do is wear any old clothes you don't want and cover it in rips and fake blood. Then, just add some scary zombie makeup and mess up your hair!!!

Outfit 21 - Powerpuff Girl 
This outfit is just a dress with a matching bow, black wristbands, white tights, a black belt and black heels. You can do this outfit in green, blue or pink depending which you want to be (or you could do it as a group costume and do all three!).

Outfit 22 - Hippie
For this you need a pair of patterned flares, a baggy top, a suede or denim vest, a headband or flower crown, a pair of tan boots, sandals or heels and a pair of round sunglasses. You can also add flowers and beads to finish off the look.

Outfit 23 - School girl
This is simply just a white shirt, black skirt, black tights or long socks, black shoes and a tie. You can then add a pair of geek glasses, a hair bow and backpack if you want too.

Outfit 24 - Barbie
This outfit is simply a pink dress, pink bag and pink heels with either an oversized faux-fur coat or a long mac and a pair of oversized sunglasses. If you wanted to go all out you could also make a Barbie doll box to walk around in.

Outfit 25 - Tourist
This is a funny and simple outfit consisting of a Hawaiian shirt, long shorts, a bucket hat, sunglasses and the most important part - socks and sandals! You can also finish it off by carrying around a camera also.

Outfit 26 - Vampire
This is a simple outfit consisting of an LBD with tights and heeled boots, a cape and a pair of false fangs. You can also add a scary Halloween touch with painting on bite marks and fake blood.

Outfit 27 - Ninja
All you need to do for this outfit is dress all in back with a pair of black combat boots, a red belt, a red headband and a balaclava or black eye mask to hide your face.

Outfit 28 - Miss World
For this outfit you need a long prom style or maxi dress, a pair of heels and a clutch. Then you can simply add the biggest tiara or crown you can find and make yourself a miss world sash.

I hope you enjoyed all of these ideas and have seen something you could use for a costume if you didn't have one already! And if you have one, let me know what it is in the comments!

"It's just as fun to 

scare as it is to be scared".

- Vincent Price.

Fashion: OOTD - Day 25 - Comfy and Casual

This was an OOTD that I wrote on Friday last week (but didn't have time to upload) until today. Also, There won't be a Monday OOTD as I didn't go anywhere an just worked from home; but the Tuesday one will be up later today!!!

Today I have a lot of walking around to do as I have to go back and forward to college multiple times. Therefore, I wanted an outfit that was simple but cute and kept me warm whilst walking - so I went for a classic sweater, skinny jeans and daps combo.

I started with my favourite sweatshirt - this grey one from Bristol University (gift) and paired it with white skinny jeans (H&M, £10 on sale). Then to finish it off, I added these tropical print slip on daps to add a fun twist (Primark, £4).

Then for jewellery, I wore my usual fatima  hand necklace and I ties back my fringe to keep it out the face and left it in my curls for dancing. For makeup, I wore a nude shimmery eyeshadow (Urban Decay sidecar from the Naked 1 palette) and black winged liner. To finish it off, I wore a statement matte dark red lip (Rimmel Apocalips velvet matte in Meteoric).

This outfit was so comfy and for me the fact was that it is simple but cute and therefore is great for wearing to walk around college and run errands all day!

"Good clothes are like a 

good meal, a good movie 

or a good piece of music".

- Michael Kors.