Fashion Management, Year 2, First Term

Yet again it would appear as though I have died...I don't know how some bloggers crank out 2/3 posts a day; I simply do not have the time anymore.

As a rough guess I've been working 7 days a week now for the last 5 months. It's only in the last 2 weeks I've gotten actual days off (which feel bizarre but are much appreciated). Even stranger is that I have practically a whole 2 weeks off work and class for the Christmas Holidays. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I can't wait to lie in bed in a boojum like state...

Ok best to talk about college first I guess! Settling back into the rhythm hasn't been so bad surprisingly. Even though alot of things do feel like deja vu at times. Not all bad though routine is great to get into again. However, the morning struggle out of bed can be a gigantic task in itself. Winter mornings and myself personally do not agree!

It's going well sofar; surprisingly got a 2:1 in my quality and colour management exam (no idea how I pulled that one off but I won't complain). Handing in my design assignment tomorrow and I am pretty much prepared for it (horrendous quality of my CorelDraw capsule collections. No idea why they've turned out pixelated but hey-ho).

Compared to this time last year I'm a lot more organised; I haven't had one single all-nighter or even really late night. I guess I do a lot more at home at home. Plus, I usually sit by myself in class and find I am a lot less distracted. The only part I still struggle with is sewing; I'll never be a sewing magician. Handed my dress in earlier this week and I'm only starting the zip whereas others are finished/or finishing. Sigh.

The other assignments such as Patterns and Sewing are due in the new year after we come back from Christmas break and I have to admit I have barely looked at them/started them. However, having 2 weeks off will certainly boost productivity. Hoping my Sewing and Pattern Work will make up for my weaker practical abilities. Waiting on results from my Marketing assignment but don't think I'll get them until the second part of the hand-in. That's about it college-wise.

As for work itself it's great to be self-employed and work whatever hours I want to. Plus being great on a lot more than minimum wage. I have to say I really love my job though; I really enjoy working with children/teenagers. Yet again, organisation seems to be a vital key to make things run like clockwork. Over my time off I'm working very little and am going to enjoy some rest and relaxation (possibly with the duvet, Domino's Pizza and a film marathon).

A note on my dental treatment (which is still ongoing). I have had my braces off well over a year now and things are going good. I had my annual check-up and they same there's minimal movement in my lower jaw - stupidly and bizzarely lost my bottom retainer set over last Christmas and my teeth began to move slightly :(

I am considering getting braces on the lower jaw again because of this. May seem mad to a lot of people but if you know me I 'm really weird that way about my teeth. I've also ditched NHS treatment and have signed up with private dental treatment. All I can say is - WOW! I usually have an anxiety attack over the dentist but not no more; all the treatment I've received has been quite relatively pain free. I've had a few root canals, fillings and restorative work done over the past 6 months or less and it's pretty much all been plain sailing. My next appointment is to collect my at home teeth-whitening kit and I'm SO excited!

I've a few fun things planned for when I'm off - one is a beauty day at Bellaire and can't wait for it. I have also recently picked up some new thread (mostly from Liberty Blue). Yet still find it hard to find a pair of good fitting jeans that have longevity in them - any recommendations are welcome! Of course I plan t hit the sale like a speeding train to pick up some new necessities and key pieces. I've nearly all my Christmas presents got too (weirdly organised haha).

As for the gym I recently haven't went as much (cold weather really off puts me in general but my asthma always flares up badly this time of year too). I'm hoping to go daily when I'm off and keep the dreaded Christmas bulge off that can seem to appear out of nowhere.


I'll be keeping you all posted of my time off over Christmas and all the things I get upto!

Maze Restaurant Belfast

Had a great meal recently on Sunday 20th of July In Maze, Belfast. It is conveniently located on 11 Wellington Place, so has close parking at Castlecourt or Montgomery Street or a 5 minute Walk from the Europa bus and train station.

First impressions were great, we were warmly greeted and seated quickly. The interior is spacious yet also an intimate setting (would be great for a date or business meeting) and has gorgeous earthy tones accented by hints of bright orange. We had picked the steak dinner (as a special offer it was only £11 per person; but it was not highlighted alot that it was either which was a nice touch).

The deal itself is a 12oz rump steak with one side dish (we both chose mashed potato) and is garnished with a juicy beef tomato and perfectly crisp onion rings. TO DIE FOR. I'd recommend the

For dessert we shared a chocolate fondant with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce and sticky toffee pudding, honeycomb ice-cream and a toffee sauce. The fondant was perfect; oozy in the centre with a delightful sponge texture. I fell in love with the sticky toffee pudding; simply one of the best I've had in ages!


I can only fault a few things. One, that the main was served on cold plates and subsequently cooled our dinner quicker. Two, that my mashed potato was quite cool compared to the rest of the meal when serving. Three, a steak knife was not given with the main (therefore I proceeded to hack at it in vain attempt like a caveman and was afraid to would fling itself of my plate in my attempts). Nothing in major, just lacking a few practical touches.

Maze is one of the latest restaurants that gives the foodie a fantastic fusion experience (a combination of different food types which can somewhat be categorised to country or region).  The menu is extensive with: breakfast options, seafood, italian, indian, asian, thai. From personal experience I'd really recommend the steak for the carnivore inside. There is an extensive vegetarian menu also, if your not that way inclined. You simply have to try the dessert menu; I can't recommend it enough.

Onwards and Upwards

Back after quite (what seems) long break from writing. Most people probably think I've died or just given up like some many new bloggers do; not the case here!

I've had such an extremely busy time with everything. The biggest step was going back to university last Monday to begin repeating my second year after a rough start this time last year. However, much has improved then and I'm in such a better frame of mind; I even paid attention to Cliff's mad tangents he goes on about vultures and dear lord knows what else in Textiles and Business Class.

A year out and repeating was really the best decision for me and I'd say to anyone it's not the end of the world if you choose to do it! I find myself much more interested and attentive in class, extremely more organised in terms of both academically and in work and in general miles happier than what I was. Financially, I am so much more mature and can quite comfortably live just by myself with the two mad dogs.

Of course there are still the niggling worries but they seem dulled in comparison to what they were last year, such as 'how in blazes do you sew this dress together', Am so much happier in many aspects of my life and am even planning a holiday away (the first and only I'll have been on)!

Look after yourself and be selfish sometimes (to a degree) - you are the only person who will fully push themselves to there true potential.

June Update

I recently went to the churchs' first meeting of the month 'Momentum'. It's a more relaxed and informal service compared the typical Sunday Service. This months service was on prayer and what prayer means to each individual person. It got me thinking; I never have really prayed apart from the standards such as Grace and the Lord's Prayer. Where to start?

Usually, starting anything is the hardest part; be it a piece of coursework, redecorating a room or even a prayer. Although, after starting to write it became easier. Maybe I should pray more, but find it hard to...

As for work it's going strength to strength! I had thought at this time of year that it would have quietened down but it's quite the opposite. Not that I'm complaining; this is the opportune time for me to get some money together for upcoming events and projects.

For the previous week the sun has been shining and hasn't stopped. It's been great, sunshine like this can be a novelty for people in Northern Ireland. A good amount of people are sporting a dodgy lobster coloured sunburn. Although I am not; I tan easily without burning (thanks for those genes Daddy!). I don't sit out in the sun much either so it wouldn't effect me much.

May Update

May has been a crazy month. I am in the midst of home improvements and feel as if I'm finally getting somewhere. Moving a whole house around has been a big task. As the days turn lighter and the evenings stretch out it feels as if I get alot more done as well.

April Update

April has brought a great positive change to my life. I (finally) joined the gym. After months and months of putting it off I bit the bullet and joined a local DW Fitness. The first 2 weeks were painful and the hardest; I've been out of training for so long and my fitness level had pretty much disappeared.

Now I'm going at least 5 days a week at least, up to twice a day. So far the effects have been great! I sleep so much better, have more energy and am generally in a better mood. Physically, I've noticed small improvements such as being able to run for longer and quicker and am slowly building up on weight training also.

In conjunction to this I am also eating alot healthier. Earlier in the year my eating patterns had went from one extreme to the next. Now my fridge is packed with healthy vegetables and yoghurt instead of leftover takeaways and alcohol.

What a difference a month can make!

Tennent's Vital Line-Up - Day One

I have to say the past 2 years which I've attended T-Vital have been pretty great in respects to line-up and experience. Avicci was a wild set last year;  previous to that in 2012 Florence and the Machine belted out to a great crowd after a fantastic Day One from Foo Fighters, which electrified Boucher Road Playing Fields (apparently they could be heard in parts of a completely different County!).

This year sofar Day One has only been announced; The Killers with support from Bastille. This years event is returning to a 2-day event as normal.








I hotfooted it down to DV8 in town. Easily got two tickets for just shy of £100; well worth the money for a complete day out to see 2 great acts and probably a few extra surprise acts as well.

From Country To City

Moving from an extremely rural area to Belfast City Centre for university was a major culture shock, for many reasons. Having lived here for approximately 18 months has given me so many invaluable student life lessons.

1. The power of Wi-fi

Having previously come from a household that did not have internet connection this was one of the biggest changes. Now I'm hardly ever off it when in the house as I find it such an invaluable tool for everyday life; my job is largely based using advertising via the internet. 

2.  Independence

I have never been truly independent until I moved up and boy is it different. A balance definitely has to be found between work and play. I have found out that I personally become distracted very easily, and that Laverys will account largely for bouts of Amnesia on a Sunday morning. Independence has it's good and bad points; you can roll in drunk as anything at 4am from a Tuesday night out and not have to worry about getting a 2nd degree from the parentals. On the other hand, independence does incurr some level of responsibility. You will have to learn how to cook at some point. Even if it just is supernoodles. 

3. Wacky Weather 

Weather in Belfast can literally change by the minute. Can be horrible when you face a 30 minute minimum walk home and god forbid you've been to Primark and have a paper bag. It'll be a long walk home...

4. The Golden Mile of Temptation

Since I live just off the Lisburn Road there are many  a takeaway temptation to be had on a daily basis: KFC, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Dominoes, Chippy, Mexican, Bar Food, French and Italian to name just a few. Say goodbye to food preparation and hello to home delivery! Yet it can be a toss up between that
takeaway and 11p noodles from Tescos depending on the state of the student loan.

5. The Illusive Plug Socket

Let's face it we've all been there; the phone is dying quicker than your motivation on a Monday morning and your in town racking your brain to think of where you can plug your phone in. Best place is a Nero's or Starbucks. Or a library if you need to put in some extra cramming time...

March Update

March has been a month of closure. I have decided to take the remainder of my second year of my fashion management degree out and repeat second year in 2014/2015. There's been far too much going on in my personal life to try and scrape by and pass this year; I'm fully capable of doing so much better. Which is evident also in relation to the lack of blogging as well. I've been pretty much keeping to myself and spending time with friends.

Sometimes you just need to take a step back from things...

Since I am now living by myself I've went into overdrive on the home furnishing front. Never in my days would I thought I'd get excited over being a sofa; but there I was, giddy as a kid on skittles. Lordo, what have I become...And don't even get me started on Ikea (Belfast Store). Since I frequently am in the Holywood area I can't help but pop in. Come out armed with candles all the time..

As for my working life it's going great, loving what I do. Starting to see a silver lining.

Septum Piercing

Out of all the piercings I've wanted to get I was most unsure whether I'd suit a septum piercing or not. After hmming and haaing about it I finally decided to go for it; if I didn't suit it I could just take it out. When in Belfast there is only one place I would go (and highly recommend) to go for piercings - Skinworks.

James (their resident body piercer) is fantastic. Pretty chilled out demeanour he calms those adrenaline fuelled nerves and gives real good explanations and advice regarding piercings. He explained how a septum piercing worked and the jewellery type he'd recommend to use. Happy with things, he went and clamped me and triple checked things before piercing me.

Quite surprised at how painless it was, taking a deep breath helps. Completely painless when the jewellery was then placed. The first three days afterwards were strange, the cartilage seemed to stiffen and it was near enough impossible to turn the ring without wincing (all a part of the healing process). Since then it's been fine and I've had no problems whatsoever with this piercing; it was very fast healing.

The Single Girls Guide To A Happy Valentines Day

Let's face it, Valentine's Day can be a rough holiday if your single. From being bombarded to death on television by adverts and out and about in shops it can be a time when being single can be a tad crap. It's not all doom and gloom though; I've taken a completely different approach to things. Who said Valentines just has to be for couples?

This Valentine's I decided to show my best friend just how much I value her. Chloe's been there for me through alot; a real testament to her great character and kindness. I got her a few gifts as a surprise; a gift set, a pair of disney socks and a hilarious card (thanks to Clintons).

She even got few a few things; a big set of candles (for the pyromaniac tendencies I have), a card and a big dog teddy as I was getting a puppy later that weekend. To save the kitchen from disaster I ordered in a chinese from our favourite in Belfast - Nom Nom Noodles. Afterwards we went out to Lavery's for some mad dancing. All in all, a great night.

Tips To Survive Valentine's Day

1. Avoid scrolling through social media (especially Facebook) on the day. Will only cause a state of depression.
2. Do invest in snacks and ice-cream and have a duvet day. Easy way to avoid the day, vegetate and not leave the house. 
3. Spend time with friends;  friends will always cheer eachother up.
4. Head out with friends for drinks; alcohol always helps. 
5. Enjoy what you have in life, if your single your more than likely to be happy about it. 

Next Ava Vintage Fairs

Fast approaching in the month of March are the next Ava Vintage Fairs. The next fair will be in the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Belfast on the 9th of March. This fair will be focusing on antiques and will be a great spot to find some excellent paintings, porcelain, furniture, silver, tea sets, jewellery and vintage clothing.

The next fair will be held in the Slieve Donard Resort in Newcastle, County Down. This fair promises to be big with loads to choose from; in both antiques and vintage wares.

If your looking for something different for the house or even a unique present for someone else it's a great place to find that special something. Each venue has parking on site and great locations to make a day out for all the family.

Here are a few pictures from the 2013 fairs.

February

Sofar the month of February is shaping up nicely. Soon deadlines will be nothing but an unpleasant distant memory...until March at least. I am really looking forward to having a week off from college also. It means I can do the things I never get the chance to usually do. Like have a lie-in (if the builders next door do not rudely awaken me), get to spend time with family and friends and run those errands that seem to never get done...

I've forgotten how much Valentine's Day is advertised; getting to the point of being publicised and as a common a topic as what you wear as a Halloween costume or what you want for Christmas.

My week off has actually turned out into my busiest week; mainly due to buying a puppy. Have to say I never considered myself as 'the small dog' type but I have fell in love with my wee shihtzu...with a face like this who wouldn't?

Lord knows what I've let myself in for...

Piercings Update

I thought it would be good to include a fashion related aspect that many people have - piercings. The majority of people I know have piercings. Personally, I began experimenting with other body piercings when I was 14/15 years old.

Presently, I just have my tongue, 2 belly piercings and left side of nose done sofar. Piercings in my ears include the standard ear lobes and both left and right tragus.

I used to have many more. In the past I had quite a few in my ears (however these had to be taken out over time). Some of these included industrial and cartilage piercings. I have also had some dermals done; I had 2 in my bellybutton and one on the back of my neck. Other body piercings I have had include a Monroe.

Winter Blues

Feeling absolutely horrible today; I hate Tuesdays in general, but today was even worse than usual...By 1pm I'd started to fade; I feel exhausted and just generally achy with a good dose of crappyness as well for good measure. It's on days like this that cosy clothes don't even seem to do the trick.

Achieving a healthy work/study time/social balance is proving difficult. I always seem to spend more time on one factor and not enough on another. Looming deadlines prove a difficulty too...I don't know how some people do it - is it pro-plus? Highly caffeinated drinks drunk by the barrelful? Or simply being better organised?

Whatever it is I haven't found it yet....so to be somewhat pro-active I'm taking this afternoon and evening shift off from work and heading straight home and jumping into bed. Usually everything feels better after a sleep...

Braces at 20

Having braces at my age is something no-one really wants. But for me I didn't mind. I've never liked my teeth; they began to misalign when I was about eleven and gradually worsened over time.

I'm pretty old to get braces by UK standards; most people get them on around the age of 14 or even earlier. I didn't. I've had terrible experiences with dentists so wasn't overly fussed on the idea of braces.

Things changed though as I grew older. I guess the turning point for me getting braces was from my formal photos. Lovely photos, but all I could see was the smile I hated (especially in candid photos). I began smiling less and less and when I did it was a conscious smile, with no teeth. 

After the NHS being very slow and not referring me on multiple occasions I finally got my consultation when I was around 18, after 3 years of badgering them. The consultation itself consisted of getting photographs taken of my teeth in their state at the time and getting moulds made. I was told I had to have 4 teeth extracted due to overcrowding and that I would have braces for approximately 18 months.

It was over a year before all 4 teeth were extracted so that I could have my braces fitted. Not the best time-wise and I did have a terrible experience with one extraction done by an inexperienced dentist. 

Braces were finally fitted just before my 20th birthday. A strange experience in itself. Not sore, just a strange sensation of pressure. Wasn't great for the first few days having them. It was strange to eat and was uncomfortable when I did - chewing wasn't fun at all.

The uncomfortableness subsided though after the first few appointments and didn't happen much afterwards - just sometimes the odd niggle or tenderness. The gaps in my mouth were a problem due to the extracted teeth; the brace wire was easier to break at the back. I only broke the back of them twice, both times for mauling pizza.

Other than the aforementioned first 'teething problems' (terrible pun lol) I hardly knew they were there. I did get my tongue bar stuck one time but it was easy resolved though I did freak out at the time. I avoided bread for the first month I had them on; it is one of those foods that gets stuck everywhere, unfortunately...

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January Update!

January has been an extremely busy and somewhat unfortunate month...everything electrical seems to have broken - my phone, my curling wand and laptop to name a few. Beyond irritating  and expensive to replace all in one go...

In other news I may soon be living by myself! Which to some people may seem strange - living in a house/apartment with others is generally considered a social norm. However, to me it won't seem that strange to possibly live by myself. I've spent the majority of my life in my life in my own company so I won't find it strange...I am looking for another housemate although finding a 'normal' person to live with proves challenging...

As for the January sales, I think they have been fantastic; some real bargains are to be had. I invested in some great pieces of clothing, some fantastic houseware items and even a television. I don't get why some people go mad in December; January is definitely the time to invest...

So inbetween the madness that is moving (again) and the busy month itself, things are going generally well...stay tuned for more posts!

Hello 2014...

Sofar 2014 has been pretty good (touch wood). 2014 was greeted in with friends in one of my favourite bars to go in Belfast, Laverys (Official Site) .

Me and my friend Chloe started on the cocktails pretty early. It became apparent rather fast that I need to go shopping for actual houseware. Not a jug in sight; so I improvised with a vase (you know your a student when you do this). I had a great time attempting to tidy the house that morning after a fun night in Ollies, was surprisingly alright after a KFC (best hangover cure)...

I was in two minds about going out on New Years Eve; all I hear is complaints of places being too busy and no taxis available but this sounds like a standard night in Belfast to me so I wasn't that worried. Really glad about the choice of venue, I couldn't have had a more fun night. Nearly missed the countdown due to dancing about like a loon. Not chance of a taxi home so piggybacked/stumbled up the road home (thankfully not too far)...

For New Years Eve I wore a simple black dress from Zara (UK Site) and sparkly silver stilettos fromSchuh (UK Site) . The good thing about Lavery's is the dress code - you can pretty much go in anything...
I usually end up there due to the crowd it attracts - fun, down to earth people that are a bit eccentric.


















What did you do for New Years Eve?