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.