Sunday, 5 July 2015

I've finished University!




I can’t believe it. I’ve finished university. Words that I’ve been dreading for a long time. 

The last few years of my life have flown by; I’ve been at Uni concentrating and working desperately hard to earn my degree. Being a student is an odd lifestyle, and definitely a big contrast from living at home. Suddenly, no one is telling you where to be, to tell you be tidy, to do this, to do that but also no one to cook for you or do your washing. But having independence is something that has taught me many lessons and a lot about life. 

Going to University was never really fully planned it just happened; I know it was what I needed to become independent and was the perfect opportunity to study the subject I am so passionate about. However, the thought always was there, “What on earth am I going to do after uni?”

The questions began demanding answers and although I wanted to make decisions about post uni, but, to me, it made sense to concentrate on actually getting the degree first. So that’s what I did and without a plan I worked as hard as I could so I knew that I would feel I got what I deserved. 

 Since completing my degree I have spent two weeks in America, this included a couple of visits to the iconic New York City. It was the perfect break after numerous exams and the stress of completing my dissertation. 

But now, BOOM, suddenly it’s July! I still have no idea what I’m really doing. For now, I feel okay about this but I can feel the impatience growing. It’s a weird time finishing uni, they have been an amazing but very stressful three years of my life and now I’m ready for the next challenge… whatever that might be.

Have you recently finished university? What are you doing now? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons.

Hayley x 

Monday, 13 April 2015

Face B4 review*

"The UK's most effective daily cleansing foam & after-cleansing serum" 

 I'm always interested to try new skin care, especially products that claim they are going to banish my bad skin away and make my face spot free! However, I am always skeptical of the claims brands make and whether they actually work. Since my early teens I've suffered with spots and at the age of 21 although they're not as bad as they used to be I am still prone to a lot of break outs!

"A combined cleanser and toner which helps clean pores and reduce excess oil."

I tried out the Face B4 face wash and serum, the first thing that stood out to me is that these products are antibacterial! The thought that this would reduce the bacteria on my skin, possibly responsible for making my skin spotty, was extremely intriguing!

"FaceB4’s unique dual-action blending system contains a patented ultra biocidal complex including Salicylic Acid that helps to remove impurities, so spots, blemishes and redness are reduced."
  
To be honest I was not a fan of the cleanser. Supposedly fragrance free, I thought it had a weird smell about it! The foam also didn't have the nicest feeling on the skin and did cause stinginess, but do bare in mind my skin is slightly sensitive! I stuck at using this morning and evening, however, it seemed to have little effect.
On the other hand, the serum I enjoyed using a lot more! It definitely was fragrance free and I think it did help my skin. Not necessarily in reducing spots but on the whole making a difference to how it looks and its smoothness.


  These products didn't work for me and I didn't really enjoy using the products. Although I would love to be able to reduce my spots and breakouts I prefer skin care which is more pampering and relaxing. I much prefer the Liz Earle skin care which although isn't aimed at combination/oily skin I find calms my skin much more effectively and is around the same price!

I wouldn't say this product isn't worth the money and I wouldn't say don't try it just because I haven't enjoyed using it! It may be that my bad skin is due to stress whereas other bad skin is caused by bacteria which I can see these products doing wonders for due to their antibacterial ingredients. If you are interested in the concept, definitely check out reviews on their website!

 Anti bacterial Face Wash - £14.99 
Anti bacterial serum - £9.99

Do you suffer with bad skin? What products would your recommend? If you're interested in Face B4 check out their website for more information!

Hayley x

Friday, 20 March 2015

Hello Spring!

One minute it was January, then BOOM it's the middle March, how on earth did that happen?


It's safe to say this year is already flying by and University seems to be consuming all my time, but knowing it will soon be all over is allowing me to stay motivated.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

 I've been editing my dissertation over and over since I finished my first full draft a month ago and am determined to submit it knowing that I've made it the best it can be! I still don't have much of a plan for after University but instead of being nervous about this, I've been getting more excited as I feel I will no longer be restricted by being in education as I have been all these years. I don't regret not having a gap year before uni but after this degree it will be definitely be time to have a break and start a new chapter.

While it's been hard to stay positive during such a stressful period of my life, there has been a lot of little bits of happiness that have cheered me and kept me going!
 
Little bits of happiness:

♥ My dissertation is nearly finished, after months and months of dedication to one project I have something which I can be proud of and hopefully achieve a high grade in.

♥ It's my birthday on Sunday (eeeeek), I will be turning 21! Last big birthday for a while! I haven't got many plans but it will be nice just to have a day off to celebrate and then see my family when I go home for Easter (second birthday!)

♥ The change from winter to spring has made me feel so much more positive, being able to go out for little strolls around the park near my house in between lectures and doing my dissertation has been lovely.

♥ I managed to successfully bake something successfully! To relieve stress I've been baking, I've tried to make rainbow cupcakes a few times and completely failed but came across a cookie recipe which I found really easy and had amazing results. (Here's the link if you want to see the recipe!)

♥ This week I celebrated my 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend which makes me feel extremely happy and loved! 

I know from next week, after the celebrations of birthday, my dissertation being submitted and relief of the term being over, the revision blues are going to kick in and the panic over upcoming exams but I've got so much to look forward to! 

Hayley x