Monday was my first day of university; how scary is that.

It bloody was scary, I'd spent the 2 weeks before hand in tears, stressing about this and that, so Dan being lovely said he'd come with me on my first day. Remember how I said that Dan and I were planning to move to Preston before I started uni (my university is the University of Central Lancashire, so it's based in Preston), well that didn't happen, so I got a rather expensive bus pass to get me to and from uni, and the bus pass being all expensive and posh meant I accidentally got on a bus that took me to the middle of nowhere, can't say I enjoyed that little adventure (I've had a massive bar of maltesers teasers bar to calm me down). When I get on the right bus the journey isn't that bad, it only takes 30-40 minutes and then my building is only about a 12 minute walk away, although that is still enjoy time for my feet/shoes and hair to get completely soaked when it rains, like it has everyday that I've had to be in this week.

Although Freshers Week is meant to be all about getting an introduction to your course and partying like there is no tomorrow, I feel slightly out of it, I can't go out, because one I'd have no way of getting home, but even if I did, I don't have any money to go out with. Which brings me to my second point; why so far I'm finding my course very frustrating! Before term started we were sent a long and extensive list of all the equipment and books we had to buy and now that we've started they've decided to add more things to the list, or decided they weren't going to be specific on the list, so people end up buying the wrong thing! I have pretty much officially run out of money, so I can't be buying all this extra stuff, believe it or not but I need money to buy food, I may not be the skinniest person in the world, but starving myself because I've had to buy more equipment doesn't really seem fair to me. Also because Student Finance are idiots, they messed up my grant and stuff, so I was waiting to be sent a new declaration, but now that my Dad has phoned up they said just sent off the one you already have and we'll send you a new one for your grant, well thank you, that's really helpful, I'll just be penniless for a little but longer than shall I?

However, today we were given our introduction to our first ever proper project (we had to make a "hat" over the summer holiday), so that should be exciting, it's entitled "Fashion Synthesis", which is mostly teaching us the process of design, taking inspiration and merging ideas, so this project is based in our sketchbooks and on mount boards, we don't actually get to make anything, but we are attending pattern cutting, photoshop, illustration and sewing classes as well. As well as Design History lectures, which I'm quite looking forward to.

But putting all the present frustrations aside I just need to remember that:

I am officially a Fashion Design Student!

yay!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

A couple of weeks ago I went camping with some of my family members, it was pretty much a girls holiday except for my little brother and the dogs.

So I thought I'd share some photos and tell you a bit about it.

When we first got there it was raining...a lot, so I might have stayed in the car a little longer than I should have done, it was rather lucky that my Auntie had already put up one of the tents. And when it came time to put up the awning I showed great knowledge and expertise, although I hate caravaning! But anyway, the next day the weather was somewhat nicer, so we decided to go to the cute little town of Bakewell, where, guess what, they make really good Bakewell Tarts and Bakewell Puddings. There were lots of cute shops, my favourite one that I found was called Elliot Rose, which is where I found that cute Poppy covered Candle Holder, however it was £10 and I couldn't afford that, I'm not sure where we would have put it in the house anyway, maybe on my desk, if I ever find one that doesn't cost a bomb!

The next day we went to Poole's Cavern, and oh my god, it was very cold inside, and me being me, stupidly left my jacket in the car; it is a constant 7 degrees C as it's underground, which means in the "olden days" people would come live in the caves during the winter because it was warmer than outside. The cavern is named after John Poole, an old age criminal, who was to be arrested for flashing; not flashing as it's known today, flashing was taking bits of silver off coins to form a new coin, I'm pretty sure it was punishable by death, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, he ran away, taking refuge in the caves, they found 4 flashed coins on him when they found the body, and today they have his "grave" marked.

On one of the days we took the dogs for a walk in the grounds of Chatsworth Manor, it was really beautiful, but I was shattered by the end of it. I swear that Chatsworth Manor was used in the new Pride and Prejudice movie, but I haven't watched recently, so who knows? 

(Those two little figures you can see in the photo of the old mill, the one of the left is my little brother).

In general I had a nice time, although I definitely wasn't a fan of the weather, we had at least 2 thunder and lightening storms and I really really hate them, everyone kept asking me if I was okay, and I just nodded, trying to fight away any tears that might have given me away. It was especially horrible because Dan usually hugs me during storms and he wasn't there, because it's not like I already missed him or anything. 

I missed him like crazy.

But I made sure I got him a couple of little presents. And then he has to go and outshine me, by buying me three presents while I was away; a mars bar (I'd been craving them), a bunch of flowers (they were lovely, one carnation is still alive) and the entire Harry Potter Film Series; so I was completely outshone!

(As I'm trying to write this, he keeps trying to lick my face! We have a dog, I don't need him doing it too!)

I have decided that after camping, I really don't like camping, so if I got to Bakewell again, which I'd quite like to, I will be staying in a B&B or something!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

 I realised I haven't blogged in a very long time! Like, a very long time, but guess what? My laptop has broken again; wooo! And Dan uses his for work and then in the evening we want to spend time together, so I don't get too much access to his laptop. But I've stolen it for a few minutes while he's reading!

I would like to share with you all, the climax of my Foundation year. On the 10th June, we had our final show exhibition, where we have our own display space to display your final outcomes a long with any other bits of work that are appropriate.

My final major project was on Natural Phenomenon, you can read through all my processes and stuff; including my statement of intent, reflective journal, contextual influences essay and evaluation....here! If you're interested you're very welcome to read it, if not I won't be offended...probably!

For my final outcome I created two dresses both inspired by the Northern Lights, and although they look very similar, there is a slight difference in the colours, one has green and yellow highlights to represent the more common Aurora Borealis, and the other green and purple, which is less common. I also did a photoshoot of the two dresses on a couple of my friends, Lauren and Rokiah ended up being quite a few peoples models. I decided to add light trails to the back of my final photograph to make it more visually interesting and because I had experimented with light trail photographs earlier in my project and some were so beautiful, I didn't want to waste them, I'm so proud of my final photo that it will be going up in mine and Dan's house at some point! I also included some of the samples I had some throughout my project in my exhibition space, because my tutors felt they were two strong not to include them.

I had a lovely evening at the private view of the exhibition, getting all dressed up, and Dan coming with me, we also met, my Dad, Mum and Kerry there, and we walked around the exhibition, drank wine and had a great time, and there was an after party afterwards; woo!

A couple of days after that I got my mark, which was all very quick, as I thought I'd have to wait a couple of weeks, but it turns out I got a MERIT; YAY!

In fact, it's taken me so long to write about all of this, that yesterday my place at university was confirmed! I am officially going to UNIVERSITY; aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!

So now that I officially have a place, finding somewhere to live is slightly more crucial! But it's going to be amazing!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

Basically, my boyfriend and I have been arguing a little bit lately, and I just wanted to remind him how much I love him (which is a lot, by the way, in case you haven't gathered) and I came across this tutorial on  Pinterest. I just thought it would be a nice little present. And as he has been in America this past week, I could actually make it without having to be sneaky, unlike any other gift that I may want to make... However that also means this post is scheduled for about half an hour after he gets home, so he won't have seen this before he gets his present...oh yeah, I'm clever and logical like that.

This project actually has it's own website...

 1.

Start by cutting out all of your little cut outs, these are easy enough to make yourself, I did them on Picmonkey, editting an image called "Blank Canvas" (it comes in very handy).

2.

You then need to hole punch your cards, this can take quite a while, especially if you're using a little hole punch, make sure to try and get the holes in the same place.

3.

Then go around the edges of your little cut outs with double sided sticky tape. If you're using PVA glue, paint the back of the cut out with the glue and then stick it on your cards.

4.

If you're using double sided sticky tape, take off over layer of the tape (this can be a little tricky sometimes) and stick the cutouts to the cards. They should then look like this.

5.

Then you simply start writing out your list.

6.

Then thread your ribbon through the holes.

Originally I wanted to use ring binders to put them together, however I couldn't find any when I went shopping for them, I then had my dad bring over some wire, but that didn't look as good, and actually I think the ribbon looks really sweet.

And voila, you are done.

(I've made a little box for mine out of black card, which was easy enough, just make sure you still have some doubled sided sticky tape left.)

I'm really proud of this, I hope Dan likes it. 

(I told him I was making him a present, and he was trying to get me to tell him what it is, but that would just ruin it!)

But anyway, my boyfriend is now back from America, so I'm busy having a very big cuddle and probably crying into his shoulder because I've missed him so much!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

Ever since a little trip my Mum and I had to IKEA and I spotted some lovely Toile De Jouy bed sheets, I have been in love with the design. So she bought me a single cover for when I go to Uni. However, because I've moved in with my boyfriend, there isn't much need for a single sheet, but he did say that once I moved in I could have some pretty toile de jouy sheets for our bed, isn't he lovely, he's letting me make it all girly!

I love the design so much that I thought I would search the Pinterst world and find some gorgeous inspiration photos.

So enjoy...

Awwww,

I just love them.

I can't wait to make it all pretty.

Luckily quite a few shops are now doing that design for bedsheets, because neither of us drive and we can't exactly walk to our "local" IKEA. They just do them cheapest, as far as I've seen anyway.

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

This is a DIY that I did last summer, but shortly after putting the photos on to my laptop and deleting them off of my camera, my laptop decided to die, so yeah... But nearly a year later I am finally posting it, hurray!

Now as some of you have probably gathered I like jewellery, really like jewellery, which is sad when my random little cute earrings get lost, but over time I have collected some rather lovely dangley earrings, so why not display them? Also it makes it a lot easier to just grab a pair in the morning when I'm in a rush!

So here is my:

Earring Holder D.I.Y

Before you start you will have to remove the glass and the backing panel (you aren't going to need them).

1.

Start by painting your frame, it doesn't have to be white, but I thought it would be a nice contrast to my black lace (it took me ages to find a frame like this that wasn't stupidly expensive)!

2.

You'll probably have to give it a couple of coats of paint to make sure it is completely white and to hide any brush marks (they are more obvious on the lower levels).

3.

Once it's all painted and dried, turn it over and place your lace over the top and cut it to the right size, make sure you leave enough lace at the edge of the open space to stick down the lace.

4.

Put a line of super glue/double sided sticky tape around the entire frame, making sure the lace will reach it when it's stuck down. (I used double sided sticky tape at first, and I would recommend the super glue; it will hold it a lot better, the tape may give way under the weight of the earrings, just be careful not to get the glue on your fingers).

5.

Let the glue dry and voila! You are done! 

Doesn't it look pretty?!

(Yes, that is a beer bottle- I like bottles).

This is obviously a rather easy D.I.Y, but it can take a while, mostly because you are literally waiting for paint to dry! You could always sit out in the garden on a nice sunny day and do it, it might speed up the process a little.

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

While I was sat at my sewing machine last night, sewing together parts of my one of my bodices for my final outcomes of my final major project, I was taking pins out as I sewed along and I was just putting them at the side of my on the table in a pile. Which obviously isn't safe; imagine if we had an earthquake, they'd just go everywhere, not that we really get earthquakes here, but people still sew and use pins in countries that are unfortunate enough to suffer from earthquakes. So anyway, this all got me thinking that I seriously need a pin cushion! I don't know how I've survived so long without one, I guess I haven't really had time to make one, and when I've tried to buy them they only ones I could find were the ones that look like a tomato, and I'm sorry but I don't want a tomato pin cushion, I want cute as well as practicality and a tomato just does not cut it!

So I went exploring on Pinterest, yay! And found a couple of cute DIYs to share with the world!

I think they are all adorable, I especially like the embroidery hoop one, but that means I have to buy another embroidery hoop and I am somewhat lacking money (especially as I still need to make regular cushions!).

If you have any cute DIYs for pin cushions, or regular cushions, or just anything cute, please feel free to leave a link in the comments.

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

I have realised that it may be a little silly trying to decide what cushions I want when the living room doesn't really have a proper colour scheme and I can't really decided on one, because again it wouldn't be fair if it was ultra feminine.

But we were told about a marvelous website the other day called Design Seeds, which has loads of images with colour palettes attached. There are some really beautiful photos.

Because the sofa is brown I've had to try and find ones that I like that include brown, however lots of these had blues in, which is the colours I'd rather have for the bedroom, so I'm not sure if I'd want two blue rooms. I especially like fading tones, purr tones and berry blues

Ahhh, need some help!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

So for those of you who read my post yesterday, you will know I have moved in with my boyfriend and I am very excited about CUSHIONS!

But I can't quite decide what kind I want for the living room, so I've been looking all over the blog world for some lovely DIYs and I have found a few. 

If I don't use these for the living room there is definitely a couple I want to use for the bedroom (when I'm bought a new duvet set, which I have been promised...hint hint...nudge nudge!).

So when I can afford some fabric, and have convinced my boyfriend to let me have girly cushions I shall hopefully get started on home sewing projects, that I can share with you all if you want a new DIY.

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

So blog world, I have some exciting news... I've moved in with my boyfriend...well...pretty much, everything of mine that was at my Mum's is now at my boyfriends, as she's moving soon and it's far easier for me to live with my boyfriend...I feel like such a grown up. The dining room is currently a mess, we just plopped everything down when Mum brought it round and we've not had a chance to unpack properly! Argh, which I will have to do, because my sewing machine is currently living in the dining room and I can't be surrounded by mess when I'm sewing!

One of the very exciting things about moving in, besides the fact that I'm living with my lovely boyfriend, is that I'm actually allowed to decorate now! Yay!

One thing that I've wanted to do for ages is get cushions for the living room! Obviously they can't be too feminine as that isn't fair, but they must still be nice!

So I've been looking for some cushion inspiration on Pinterest!

Okay, most of these cushions are a little feminine, but I was just looking for some different styles that I like the look of, if anyone has any ideas or photos please let me know!

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

On the 7th March, Esther and I went for a workshop at the Tate Liverpool with Jennifer Collier.

We started off the morning by looking through her portfolio, most of which I had seen before as I have researched her for previous projects, which made the whole experience very exciting for me; meeting an artist who's work I like so much.

We then did a couple of techniques that she uses in her work, most of which I had used before, like trapping things in teabags and using wax.

All of the little samples we made went towards making a little "sketchbook", made in the style of her work.

We then went to have a look at the Glam exhibition as that is what our afternoons work would be based on, however we didn't have much time to look around, so I couldn't find much inspiration for my FMP, but we were given an open ticket to the exhibition so I will definitely be going again to have a good look around and hopefully I shall find something relevant or inspirational.

Although I don't think any of the techniques will be relevant in my project it was still a wonderful opportunity and a great experience; working with a current and contemporary artists.

(I was so amazing starstruck, originally I couldn't go to the workshop, but then plans changed and I was available, so I could go, yay).

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥

Right, it is no secret that I'm not exactly skinny, and since I pay £24 a month for the gym I am determined to lose some proper weight this time...and keep it off. When I first started at the gym I went every single day for about 2 weeks, I lost 7 pounds in the first week, but surprise surprise that all came back on when I actually ate a normal amount of food, and couldn't go to the gym as much. I think I was only eating about 800 calories a day, which obviously isn't good for your.

But now I am doing it properly, I am having a proper breakfast (usually Special K, it's nommy, and it means I get some calcium) and making sure I eat lots of fruit and have vegetables instead of chips with my tea.

I've even had a proper program made at the gym, that is how determined I am.

My program consists of:

(warm up)

Ten minutes on the cross trainer, levels 1-5 and back down to 1.

(main cardio)

10 minutes on a bike, alternating between 80RPM and 100RPM

(other cardio)

5 minutes on the rowing machine, at level 1-4, staying at at least 35m/s

(resistant work)

Chest Press, 5kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

Leg Press, 25kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

Sitting Rower (rear deltoids), 5 kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

Abdominal Crunch Machine, 25kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

Backwards Leg Extension Machine, 20kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

Tricep Dip, 15kg, 12 reps, 3 sets

Abdominal Twist, 25kg, 15 reps, 3 sets

(cool down)

Ten minutes on a bike (with back support), levels 1-5 and back down to 1, keeping a steady pace.

Overall this takes me just over an hour, depending on how often I need to go get a drink of water from the fountain.

I've not been measuring my individual body parts which I probably should be doing, but in the past 5 days, I've lost about a kilogram, which is what, about 2 pounds? So that's okay I guess, although I have been to the gym 4 days in a row in the last 5 days (I didn't go today, my legs hurt too much).  Also I'm pretty sure my bum has already gotten a little smaller/m,ore toned, as I nearly got back into size 10 (US size6) jeans, but my bum is still a little too big, so I had to get the bigger size; the waistband is massive! I'll just have to wear a belt, *sigh*.

 I would also just like to point out, it's a 2 mile walk from my boyfriends house to the gym, and just under a mile from college, so I put a fair amount of effort in just getting there.

I've also been told that swimming is really good for weight loss? Would someone like to verify that for me?

So wish me luck on my weight loss journey.

So remember, each day, live a little, laugh a little and love a little. ♥