Final Year, Week 5

Monday

Today I'm feeling not too bad despite my lingering lurgy (this is relapse 3 since I've started back to uni). I came in early as usual and have been sitting in this class since 8.30am working away on several different things. In relation to my dissertation work, I'm getting on pretty well - at the moment I'm categorising my literature reviews sources. Undoubtedly makes my life alot easier.

We didn't do loads in our retail class; mostly it was working independently. Have to say my concentration completely wavered the last hour and I got next to nothing beneficial done.

Tuesday

My intentions of a morning gym session ended up non existent as I struggled to wedge myself out of bed. It just wasn't for happening. I really need to just go to bed earlier - I keep falling asleep on the sofa while watching tv which probably isn't helping....

In class near half a hour now and we still haven't started anything. Starting to annoy me...yet I get to write this and catch up on my own personal workload. I do have to say, overall I'm actually really enjoying my classes sofar this year - yes the workload is alot but as long as you keep up it's probably half the battle. Will need to do alot over half-term.

Thursday

Only a few classes before exam hand-in. Fuck my life.

Final Year, Week 4

Monday

Monday's are generally grim and this was definitely one of them. Woke up feeling like I'd barely slept after an extremely rough weekend out with the girls. After finally dragging myself out of bed, inevitably I could tell it just wasn't going to be my day. It's becoming more apparent that different areas of my life I certainly need to re-evaluate as they certainly aren't going to be of a beneficial outcome (such as nights out with friends. I drink and then am fit for nothing the next day).

I definitely need to focus on uni, work and my finances and get them in order. Otherwise no matter how much extra work I end up doing, it'll not be worth not doing as well in my degree, my career or workplace.

On a slightly more positive note, first class was replaced by a visit to InvestNI. Somewhat worthwhile to see the resources they have, yet I doubt it's overally relevant to my dissertation topic. Unluckily, am now stuck in the college communal library. Most unlike a library you can get. It's full of noise and people talking, feels as though you're trapped in a small realm of hell (for a better want of a description).  Yes, I am truly hating this Monday. Can't wait to get home and just switch off from being around people - I've had quite enough of my fill for the past while.

Am now in my Retail Management class and am finding it extremely difficult to focus and stay conscious - serves me right for going out yesterday. I plan to hopefully be home about 5pm and will try to get some rest.

Tuesday

Feeling alot brighter in comparison to yesterday. Terrible mood is gone, with the majority of the tiredness. Thank God. Couldn't cope if I had another rough day like yesterday. In our design class we started up our personal work blog on wordpress - very different from Blogger in term of technicality in use. Good to see that I could, for the most part, keep up and understand the processes when tinkering around with the settings and links. Cliffs class we somewhat discussed the assignment as it was fired out to us in Simons' class at the end. We all became pretty bewildered about it and we'll probably need told several times to as what the hell we're ment to be doing.

The last class was pretty useful, we're barreling ahead with a small chunk of this assignment. After the lesson content was discussed we went over Harvard referencing again (thank God). I'd completely blanked on how to do it, never mind trying to polish things up in my memory about referencing. Referencing has been a minefield for me ever since first year - always leaving it to the last moment being a key thing not to do this year or your more sunk than the Titanic...


Thursday

Cliffs class wasn't so bad - we didn't go into anything too mad as alot of our class appeared either late or didn't show up altogether. The class was fairly good, with quite interesting discussions.

Final Year, Week 3

Monday

Slightly more prepared this week (by a fraction). Still researching away on dissertation work, seems like its never bloody ending research wise. As for next week, we have a visit to InvestNI to see the resources we can possibly use for research. So no research next Monday, yay! Slowly fading in class, concentration in here has never been stellar. You'd think with wearing 3 layers yet it still being baltic cold in here you'd even your body temperature out, but alas, I'm still freezing. Eating my way through the vending machine too, temptation literally calls from it.

Spent most of my retail management class listening to a lecture then desperately trying to practice my photoshop watercolor skills.

Already looking forward to end of the week in class and it's only Monday...

Tuesday

Slightly knackered although I always seems to be these days. Since I start Tuesdays class at 10.30am, I got a few major errands done this morning. Finally got my student finance forms sent away (only 4 months late). Hahaha. I really hate paperwork so I literally have left it as late as possible.

In our design class I find that I am actually enjoying it this year, it seems alot less complicated compared to previous years, but I guess it actually helps to turn upto class and take notes. Today we worked on Coraldraw and did freehand illustrative drawing teamed with using colour, creating detail and shadows. Overall, quite enjoyable work, yet it will be time consuming when completing my final illustration. Cliffs class went quick as it's only a hour and I actually picked up on the techniques he was teaching us. Sugar in drinks goes a long way.

Marketing class was majorly independently lead, so I did some research into Dolce and Gabanna and their target market. Have about half of the main body of text down; just need to reference and research further when I'm in a more constructive frame of mind as I've found myself staring at a computer screen all damn day. Tired, and I've to teach for 2 hours after this.

Final Year, Week 2

Monday

First class of week 2 and my 'I'll be super prepared' attitude is already going down the drain. Fell asleep on the sofa last night and dragged myself to bed for around 11.30. Fast forward a few hours and my alarm is screaming me to get up at 6.30. Of course I knock the damn thing off, have no time to do my hair and end up dressing like it's my final week not just the 2nd. FYI I'm wearing light blue skinny jeans from Next, a dark blue oversized hoody that I've somehow managed to nab off a friend of mine (thanks Erin!) with a dark floral print top underneath. Not that I'm taking this hoody off, it's too damn cold in class...topped of with a pair of Vivienne Westwood nude cherub flats. Basically, I could definitely look better but as this moment in time I'm beyond caring as I sit in a 4 hour dissertation class.

I'm still debating if I'm still in a hungover slump due to the Jaeger and Vodka shots on Saturday; I truly do feel quite grim. Alas I'm stuck here until near 5pm before I can escape and am cursing the vending machine that's robbed me off my money and a Fanta Orange.

As for dissertation class myself I struggled initially, bit of a nightmare looking up journals and Google scholar. Grim start to a Monday morning. It's slow, tedious and mind numbing at times. Our objectives are required for next week, but they seem subject to change when doing the literature review...

As for the retail management class it was abit lighter in content. We've been given our assignment, due for the 12th December. Not the worst, totally approximately 2,000 words on retail strategy and targeting 3 different companies while discussing recents trends (such as Brexit, fashion bloggers etc). I've briefly started the research for it, so here's hoping it's a good start.

Tuesday

Woke up at 5am feeling pretty damn awful. Started to feel as though was getting a sore throat last night and unfortunately it didn't disappear overnight. On a plus I got up at a semi reasonable time and got a few of the morning chores done. Tried to throw a Lemsip drink into me but that tasted pretty awful (I hate lemoney drinks). Got to run to the drs this morning a grabbed some semi-healthy food for lunch to try to ward off this sickness. It'll teach me to burn the candle at both ends anyway...

Finally got all my login details to be able to start my watercolour work. My Lord I do truly suck at it, with it looking more splodgy than anything else. Time to work on it. Been advised to get a new laptop -the SurfacePro- will more than likely get it in next few weeks if am lucky...

Thursday

Last class of the week always seems to drag in (mostly due to its allotted time, who wants to start a class at 2pm. Ew.). I seemed to have shifted from a sore throat to a runny nose. The joys. Box of Kleenex and pen at the ready, the class went by pretty fast.

April 2016

This month seems to have sailed by and I don't even know where the time has went to, to be quite honest. Working hours in regards to teaching have picked up and for that I'm quite thankful. It felt as though it had stagnated quite a bit before and even after the Easter holidays. Like with most times of the year, it starts to get busier heading into summer.

Speaking of summer, it does not feel like one bit closer to summer at the moment - the weather feels truly awful and quite cold. I'm constantly trying to wrap myself in layers trying to keep warm and avoid anything even remotely resembling the sniffles. Time to be sick I do not have - as usual. It has been rather odd though - I felt as though I've permanently had a cold which just haven't shifted in so long - I don't know whether it is allergens, a low immune system taking a kicking or what. Hopefully over the worst of it now (fingers crossed!).

So in-between my hours at Cruise I'm beginning to teach more. Somewhat like a good habit, it can be difficult to get back into teaching. Life becomes extremely structured and organised to try to avoid chaos. I hope to get away again, but the question of when does loom somewhat - I hate taking time off when I know I'll be busy with work. I guess I'll just have to see what way things will go and go from there. And of course, if I can realistically afford to, of course. If I'm able to I'd love to get away for a real chilled out holiday -sun, sea and sand is what I have in mind.

I plan on finishing my placement at the end of this month as well. As part of my course we are required to spend 34 weeks in a placement in industry. I'm nearing the end of my millinery/retail placement and have found it an experience which is good to get you used to 'real-life' working situations. I started with Grainne when she first opened her business in July-August of last year and have pretty much been here since the doors opened. It was a good learning experience, should I ever want to open my own business in the future. I think it has been worthwhile as there are some of the skills and knowledge I have acquired I can already begin using in my working life and for when I begin the final year of my Fashion Management degree.

I think with the free time I'll acquire I can focus abit more on my teaching business and bettering myself - going to the gym more and reading more. I'll be glad to get some more free time just for myself so I can use it as some down time too. I'd really like to focus on getting into a better gym routine.  One of the PT's in DW keeps hounding me about starting a slot with him. Realistically, time is a big factor for me, so when he double booked and I was the one who got dumped for that session I wasn't the most impressed. I'd sorted most of my day to revolve around that session, for it to become a waste of time. Personally, I probably do have the motivation somewhere so doubt I'll need someone to prod at me to train hard when I'm there.

So inbetween all the usual craziness of work life it's hard to get some time to myself. My latest hobby has been to have naps while dunking in and out of Netflicks. Completely non-productive in some senses but I feel as though I need it.

Robinson Etterem, Varosligeti

Just in the midst off one of the citys' parks in Budapest (of Heroes' Square ) is a fantastic fine dining establishment 'Robinson Etterem'  that you simply have to go to if you're in Budapest. This was the last place we visited to eat on our trip to Budapest. The place itself is pretty much in the heart of the park - with the Szechenyi Thermal Baths and the Zoo only a few minutes walk from eachother.

It was the perfect place to finish the trip - the place, food and atmosphere were truly something else. We popped in for a late afternoon lunch after floating around in the Szechenyi thermal pools and were truly starving. First impressions were great - the decor is cleancut with dark, furnishings and lots of airy space. I loved how the building was situated directly on and overlooking the lake - it'd be lovely in the warmer months (after all, it was only March and there was a slight chill). Upstairs is something else - it has superb clear views of the park, lake and a palace in the background.

The décor of Robinson Etterem is truly enviable.
The dark wooden interior is consistent throughout
with a keen eye for detail. With an
earthy, natural modernistic approach to
décor
The view itself, even on a bad day is
a sight to behold - the view is quite spectacular
with the various surroundings and is a
great place to catch up with family, friends
or the other half in your life.

A truly remarkable restaurant, one not to miss out
when visiting Budapest!

Since it opened in 1989, the restaurant has went from strength to strength and has even had some famous names pass through it - such as Van Damme, Stallone and Arnold Swarzenegger.

In the actual restaurant, the kitchen itself is quite a focal point, based off the centre right as you walk in. Since it is fairly open plan, you can see a lot of food preparation and cooking taking place. One of the positives about this place, among many others I found.

The menu itself is not too extensive, but there is plenty of choice. The price range itself is quite reasonable and on average with the price of a meal in Belfast - around £100 for a meal for two which includes two courses (main and dessert) with drinks and coffee. In HUF (Hungararian Florents) this equates to roughly just under 30,000 HUF.


Robinson Etterem prides itself upon it's steak and it is a highly recommended choice - cooked and somehow seared quite different, to anything I've ever tasted. A dish that would truly not disappoint. I had the prawn linguine, which came in a flavourful, rich but not overpowering sauce.

The desserts like most in Budapest, are extremely light in texture and density but have a sugar kick that'll satisfy any sweet tooth. The caramel floating island was the perfect choice so dessert to end the meal. It had a texture thinner than custard, yet sweeter and somewhat more creamy.



Overall, a meal that was very filling in a great setting with friendly staff.

March 2016

March seemed like the fastest month in a long time - with all the travelling, preparation for travel and Easter holidays at the end of month, time seemed to slip by very fast (hence writing this post in the beginning of April).

Having never properly travelled much before, it was a real treat to get away twice in one month. First stop was Budapest for 6 days. I found it a lovely city; good weather when we were there (didn't really need any of the jumpers I ended up manically packing). Awful downpour when we arrived though; glad to have brought the Canada Goose along even though I only used it for 2 days of being there.

I always find packing a dreaded nightmare - I never know what to pack, never mind how much of. Beauty products and toiletries are always a nightmare; I always have a feeling I'll pack more than what's allowed and it'll be confiscated by airport security. Of course I didn't bring my hair tongs or straighteners so had to deal with 'fro hair the entire time I was away (fantastic....)

It was great to get away though - never realised how badly I needed a break until I actually was away - I live quite a fast paced life and free time is somewhat of a luxury these days. Consequently, the thermal baths in one of the city parks I never wanted to leave. It's funny how floating around in water can be so relaxing. The only reason I dragged myself out was because I got hungry after bobbing about in various waters for 5 hours.

About a week after being back from Budapest, I had a few days away in Edinburgh. I loved the history of this city. In particular, I'd recommend to do as many walking tours and tourist spots - such as the palace and the castle when you are there. There's simply so much to do you'd need to have at least a week there to enjoy it and for it not to be a complete mad rush around the city. Even though I didn't do any shopping while in Edinburgh, I can recommend it - there are plenty of stores to nosy around plus lots of quirky independent stores as well. Damage to be done to a bank balance for definite to be done if you're there for awhile!

Of course with being away so much I have the worst holiday blues ever - I'd love to get away over the summer but do not know how viable that would be at this point in time.

February 2016

To me February seems to have flew in so fast. I really can't wait to get away at the beginning and end of March to get some proper escape time. I haven't been away since Galway a few years ago. Even then, I still brought the dogs with me (so I still had some responsibilities in that sense). A nightmare in one sense when you get beyond lost in the car. This time they're being boarded in kennels as it's the only option - I don't want to burden family or friends with two mad little dogs that need a good amount of attention. It'll be odd not seeing them as I haven't been apart from them for more than a day at a time.

In preparation for them being in kennels I've got their shots done and now just need them both fully groomed (which is thankfully happening this weekend). The kennels are booked too so that's another weight off my mind. I eventually (and thankfully) got my passport sorted as well - nightmare as my parents don't fly, so I had to get extra documentation to put along with my application. Inconvenient, a nightmare, yet necessary.

So all in all I'm pretty much sorted to head off to Budapest next month. I'm just on the countdown now to head away.

In the meantime it's pretty much routine - placement Mondays and Tuesdays and working in Cruise most other days. I'm back to teaching as well now which is great - I didn't realise how much I missed it. That's mainly done in any afternoons and evenings which I have free. Weekends I don't really teach at the moment; I find people want to keep it to weekdays if possible.

January 2016

So it's January, and if your anything like the rest of the country, your deep in the pits of the January depression. Like a big, puffy cloud, it seems to have settled over everyone - the bitter, chilly weather and general lack of money common issues which most are facing at present. Not to add insult to injury, holiday adverts are being shown like there's no tomorrow.

Yes, January truly is awful.

Being off over the Christmas break myself was quite short. I got a few days off in the New Year and have a had a few days off also mid-January as well. It was good to get some time off as Christmas seemed quite manic, especially in work. I actually loved working in my workplace over the Christmas period - yes I may sound insane. What retail worker enjoys the festive period? I relished it; there were many customers who wanted opinions and advice for gifts (which I really enjoyed). There seemed to a very festive air in December - especially the two weeks before Christmas. It felt very productive with the everyday running of the store. Furthermore, I completed work auditing with a team as well, in my first audit.

Of course after the overindulgence over the holiday season, came the January resolution of eating healthier. Check out my previous blog post for further details. I can honestly say I am not going to the gym often and regular enough - so I must try to incorporate at least 3 weekly sessions so it is not a waste of my money in having a membership I don't use enough.

As for my bigger purchases in January I FINALLY got my Valentino bag. A customer bought it on Christmas Eve and I was gutted as I've had my eye on it forever. Miraculously, it appeared mid-January after it was returned. What a sign - definitely ment for me. Now it is happily sitting in my walk-in wardrobe next to a pair of Saint Laurent Tributes. I've a shopping issue, I know.

Tradition of the Bridal Garter

There is a vast history when it comes to the origin of bridal garters, their significance and purpose. Many wedding traditions stem from superstition - such as the bridal veil, having bridesmaids and throwing the bouquet.

Photography by Jenna Petersen - Jennaphoto.com

The use of a bridal garter can be traced back to the 13th century in Europe. It was considered having a piece of the brides clothing lucky - guests would literally rip at the brides dress to obtain a piece. In other similar practices, the guests would rush the bride down the aisle and try to catch and grab ahold and tear off pieces of the dress as well. In relation to this, in the Middle ages, the groomsmen would only rush at the bride and try to take her garter as a prize. To prevent this, the bride would begin throwing items (such as the garter) to the guests.

Nowadays, the practice of the removal of the garter is reserved for the groom alone and he will throw the garter to any bachelors at the wedding reception. This is done after the bride tosses the bouquet to any single women at the wedding reception. It is rooted in superstition that these two people will be next to marry! Many women will wear two garters on the right leg; one as a keepsake and the other will be the 'toss' garter.

The age old rhyme of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver sixpence in her shoe' still is used nowadays. Blue is still a colour associated with purity and has religious roots. Christians believe it to be a colour of fidelity and purity - it can be traced back to biblical times. In relation to this, in Ancient Rome, brides would have their bridal dress trimmed in a blue material.

The bridal garter is still a tradition still maintained by many brides today. Local lingerie designer Mary Murphy who owns Sioda Lingerie can be found at Sioda Lingerie. Mary's items are all handmade and can be bespoke 'made-to-order' as well. The word 'Sioda' is 'silk' in Irish and encompasses the brand itself perfectly - simple, feminine with a twist.

'Audrey' garter from Sioda Lingerie, available at 'The Vault', Spires Mall

The Vault in Spires Mall (Fisherwick Place, Belfast) is a stockist of Mary's Bridal garters. There are many various bridal garters - from plain and simple to extravagantly frill trimmed, with exquisite Swarovski pearls . The garters themselves are based upon names and each have their own distinctive design and there is a range to suit everyone - garters can be picked to fit in with the theme of your wedding, or the wedding dress itself. For example, the 'Daisy' garter is based upon Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. This essence has been encapsulated in the materials which are used for this garter. Silk satin (in either ivory, white or champagne) is gathered within a chiffon band and is decorated with a 'chandelier' of crystals.

Instagram: Shimmerandfade

In terms of price, garters can start at from £15 and can range from upto £100; so there is a price to suit everyone. There are a variety of materials that some of the garter collections are made from Nottingham Leavers lace, silk satin and chiffon. Garters can also be made bespokely for that extra special something. If a garter is to be bespokely made, it is noted that at least 2 weeks waiting time is required and to contact Mary herself directly.


Pop down to Spires Mall today to have a look at the garters we have in stock!

December 2015 Gym Log

21st December 2015: Somehow ended up in the gym after dragging myself out of the house this evening. Been roughly a 3 month break at the very least from the gym and was quite apprehensive about going back. The session itself was ok - concentrating mostly on back, arms and core as I think these are the areas in which I can notice myself were I've unfortunately put on weight. I did not lift as heavy as weights as I usually did and settled for 30kg and 25kg on machine weights. I'm also pathetic at doing sit ups again - back to the start again for me!

 I can fairly notice the 'gym burn' today with general soreness and stiffness in my shoulders, arms and thighs. My stomach area is the worst, with every laugh or cough being agony. Bad decision made late last night as I got a takeaway when home - I was simply starving later in  the night; ordered a 12 inch pizza which I pretty much demolished. I didn't sleep great due to this and was up roughly 4 hours in the early morning. I should really know better at this stage not to eat late at night...

Well at least it wasn't the standard 18 inch I guess...

13th January 2016: First proper gym session back of 2016. Dragged myself there due to bitter weather, but once there no issue in training. I started with back weights machine and worked from 30kg to 35kg. Could definitely feel the difference in weight but pushed myself well. Moved onto the leg press machine afterwards and worked on weights of 150kg but didn't go any further as I could feel the stretch and want to work on bringing the weights fully down, as my flexibility can be shocking on that machine at times. Next, I worked on the dreaded core. I did sit-ups. Boy, did I feel it right away - it felt as though something in my stomach muscles did physically rip. Still two days later I can feel the after-effects all too well. I did some rowing as well, for 8 minutes to help my body to cool down; but I probably should have stretched as well.

The next day I felt very stiff; it was like tin woman walking. Bloody awful for bending in work or laughing, but it's starting to die down.

I weighed myself and it appears I have thankfully lost my Christmas weight - I have not weighed myself for awhile and I was quite well over 11st. Now I am 10 st 13lbs, which I am happy with in the context I have only been dieting roughly 2 weeks sofar. I would say I've roughly lost half a stone which is mostly gained via my torso. I still have a good deal more I wish to lose.

My diet has consisted strictly of no carbs of any sort, with more eggs included in my diet. I've cut out the majority of my daily standard hot chocolate drinks and replaced with fresh orange juice or green tea. I include much more vegetables in my diet, yet still struggle to with fruit. Anything processed or in a sauce has been strictly forbidden. My diet has consisted mostly of fish - either ribber cobbler, haddock or salmon and has been a great dinner staple. Overall cravings are not existant, I just feel generally empty and alot less bloated than I was (swear I'm allergic to something still).

Fashion Vault: Jennifer Rothwell

In Grainne Mahers' Fashion Vault we have a selection of scarves by Irish-based designer, Jennifer Rothwell. They range from £65 to £135 respectively.

Jennifer, herself has an extensive background in the fashion industry. She graduated with honours in 1995 from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland. For her achievements, she was awarded with the 'Brown Thomas Designer Award' at Dublin Fashion week in 2007.

''New York born Dublin resident Jennifer Rothwell’s superb tailoring, innovative designs and beautifully cut feminine dresses caught the eye of Brown Thomas Buying Director Stephen Sealey and Head of Fashion Direction Shelly Corkery.”

— Brown Thomas, Dublin Fashion Week, 2007

Her designs themselves do not necessarily follow the trends, yet are beautiful and exquisite in rich colours.

Most recently her print collection inspired by Harry Clarke was featured in the Irish Times in 2015.

 

December 2015

Well it's that time of year again! December flies in and Belfast is ever busy for it with the Christmas holidays fast approaching! It feels as though all of Northern Ireland descends upon Belfast with the lure of the Christmas market, ever enticing people into the heart of the city. Traffic becomes a nightmare (particularly at weekends) so try to avoid at all costs if possible.

Late night shop openings I find are great as I work a 9 to 6 job currently. I loathe going out on my lunchbreak, as Victoria Square is just too crowded for my liking. As for Christmas itself, I'm pretty much sorted getting presents for everyone as I started ages ago in late September. Things that I may invest in are household decorations though - with my previous move in Easter buying decorations hasn't been the top of my list but I may start getting a few as I don't plan to move anytime in the near future.

Presents I found relatively easy to buy for this year. For my mum I got her a L'occitance Divine Gift Set. She always asks for testers of it and generally loves the brand, yet finds it hard to justify the amount of money it costs. For my dad, I got 2 big knitted jumpers. My dad is generally the most awkward to buy for - he never wants for anything really. I decided to get him clothes as it's the one thing he never buys for himself.

Many people say I'm hard to buy for - quite different to the contrary actually. Personally, I think I'm super easy to get for, as I'm quite girly so any of the staples would go down a treat - jewellery, perfume, spa gift sets, clothes, that kind of thing.

Being nostalgic, this year hasn't been so bad at all: I moved into a great house, got baptised, got a new job and booked a nice holiday away for next year. 2016 is shaping up nicely and it has not even started yet...

As for plans next year, I do intend to get a healthier work/life balance. Specifically, I want to become fitter by going to the gym a lot more regularly, training well and generally eating a lot better. So from the 1st of January I'm going to log it all in this blog (one way of trying to motivate myself and others is by focusing on it more this way via a public platform).

October/November 2015

This time of year is always a mad busy one in October and November, with a decline in one aspect of my working life at the end of November. In my ways I am glad to be finishing teaching on the 26th of November; time-wise it really is a struggle this year to get everything done with very little personal time. I find it's taking it's toll on some areas of my life and will be glad of a break (to say the least).

I had my birthday in mid-November. I'm a real big kid in some ways and always think I'll want a birthday cake no matter what age I'll be. This year instead of grabbing a quick, mediocre cake out of Tescos I decided to get one made personally by a baker who I couldn't recommend more! I got a lemon and raspberry cake slathered in pink buttercream, milk chocolate drip decorated with chocolate shards and gilded berries.

Long story short the cake didn't last long at all.



I find I'm settling more into my other workplace now and seem to finally be coming out of my shell. I always seem to find that a problem still; I'm quite quiet, shy and reserved in comparison to most people when I first meet new people. Most be an only child thing in some ways - I never had to vey for attention from my parents since I was the only child in the house. 'Shy, quiet, yet conscientious' were common phrases seen in school reports from an early age throughout my teenage years and even commented upon when I started my degree. Now, my job requires me to be outgoing, friendly and approachable. I'm getting there and find inner confidence is just going to be a work in progress for me.

Designer Handbags Over Highstreet

One thing that is a common factor when I work in retail is that my spending increases also. I guess many can relate to this problem and now that I'm in a luxury retail environment, I guess is a big factor to how I have changed my shopping habits.

Now I really see the investment and benefits of buying something designer instead of fast fashion. Everybody loves abit of shopping in Primark, New Look or H&M but now I've definitely cut down on what I will spend in stores such as those.

For example, I can outrightly say I will always go for a designer/higher end handbag now. The difference in quality is astounding. Sofar, this year I have invested in two Mulberry bags and one Alexander McQueen (hopefully will be adding Valentino to the list before the year is out, so definitely watch out on this space)! Granted, I give my current Italian-brand 'Coccinelle' handbag alot of abuse by overloading it and generally flinging it about; but I expected more of it when I purchased my second one. I was super careful with it on my first outing (as my other bag had ribbing that became damaged easily). Nevertheless, the ribbing came off completely at the bottom corners of the bag. Beyond horrified as the bag was around £250/300.

I've found the bags that I have purchased (which are designer) general wear and tear is not really an issue and that if treated well, should last for years to come. Granted, the price points are significantly higher but now I generally can justify it. I'd prefer if a bag which I rely heavily upon will last than having a disaster such as a strap to snap.

Most designer bags can be easily fixed when they are within warranty (always good to double check though as each designer/company differs with their policies).

August/September 2015

The past few months have been a regular rhythm of work interspersed with more work. It's all been good though and I feel as if I have settled into my retail job comfortably.

I started my degree placement mid-September with a local milliner and am enjoying putting my retail experience into practice with my degree placement. When deciding whether to do a degree placement or not I was somewhat torn - timewise and financially can it be worth it? I decided I thought it was after talking it through with several people. At the end of the day, experience in the work industry is expected and taking a whole year out to focus on that will help achieve that level of experience; alongside learning new skills.

Luckily, my placement is flexible timewise so I can work quite alot. Also, my placement is in Belfast City Centre (which I'm in every day) so is really helpful geographically. At the moment Grainne is still settling in to her new premise so even little tasks such as painting a piece of furntiture or sorting the stockroom can be a great help.

June/July 2015

It's been good to get a slight break off for a  few weeks since I've finished second year of my Fashion Management degree. I have only one unit to resit (sewing). I'm not overly surprised - I never really took to the subject and really struggled with remembering the steps and doing well with basic sewing techniques. Although I did not pass this unit; I'm happy with how I did. I did everything by myself and tried my best. I have a written piece I have to submit by mid-August so I have ample time to complete this task.

I took a jump career-wise and applied for a job more related to the field of my degree. Surprisingly, the day of my interview I got the call back with the offer of the job, which I have not accepted. It took about a month roughly to get the paperwork sorted with HR.

I had my first day two weeks ago and have been really enjoying it. It's been a good change as I've got to meet new people with similar interests and is a stable job with plenty of overtime. Plus there's other perks too such a staff discount etc...

I couldn't be happier at present as work seems to be really taking off and hard work is starting to pay off.

May/June 2015

Thankfully have finished second year of my fashion degree (for the most part) after my second go at it. This year academically was summed up by a great quote I found the other day 'a year in university is like a Boojum - it starts off promising, but by the end your just trying to keep it from falling apart'.

Practically, my fashion skills for this course (Pattern Making and Sewing) are my weaker areas compared to an academic piece of writing. Therefore I'll probably have to come in in my own time and try to salvage what I have done. That'll be interesting; when I work unsupervised it usually ends up a pure shambles. I could possibly salvage my top but would need to completely redo my skirt (it just is that bad.

I've decided to take advantage of a placement year; I don't think many others in my second year class are availing of this opportunity. Completely understandable too. Many placements are unpaid or may just cover travel. An obvious drawback for alot of people. However I've decided it's still a worthwhile opportunity - many jobs insist on a level or amount of experience and this is one way to gain it and hopefully get a great reference as well!

I think it will help give me time to prepare for final year as well - I seriously need to learn how to Harvard Reference with a dissertation looming in front of me...

April/May 2015

Finally all moved in what seems like a very long two/three weeks. I've said it once before, I'll say it again not moving again. Hahaha.

Of course moving with all intents and purposes was a nightmare. The van man was anything but pleasant and was beyond late. Wasn't impressed at all. Thankfully, all is moved now though I have no idea were anything is or could be.

My immune system is already kicking me when I am down with a throat/flu virus and with final assignments creeping up and roughly only 3 weeks to go before I finish second year it literally could't happen at a worse time. Although in saying that I can still function, just not talk much...

Struggling through by the skin of my teeth it seems but I'm getting a lot further than I got last year (I think so anyway). Wouldn't recommend anyone to move during Easter, it takes over everything and I got very little assignments done. Probably not going to get Stellar results due to this...

March/April 2015

With April fast approaching I'm wondering where this year has went. A lot of change is happening and I'm super excited to be beginning a new chapter. No I'm not pregnant or anything mad like that (I can barely look after myself never mind a child). I'm just moving.

Very spontaneous, granted but very exciting and somewhat terrifying at the same time. The new house is much bigger and offers a lot more compared to what I have at the moment. So it's car trip after car trip trying to lug my belongings over to the new place all the while trying to juggle redecorating (definitely needs a refresh and tidy up). All in all, we'll most likely be in Easter weekend.

As for work it's ebbing at the moment; I am very busy with some potential new clients to begin shortly. Have to admit with everyone being off for Easter break it can throw lessons in to some disarray which can be slightly irritating as I do need some time off for myself; especially with moving...

However I am taking Thursday off to see my family and go to the orthodontics which I'm really looking forward to. I haven't seen them in ages. I also have reduced work time this Saturday and all of Sunday and Monday off.