The Treat Kitchen

For all those out there who are anything like me, you can't resist a sweetie or three. You can imagine my excitement when a brand new sweet shop opened not only in my city, but a two minute walk from work! Goodbye tips from work!

The sweets are actually handmade by the owners Dad, who is a grand 85 years old- which is amazing! The rock sweets are made in Nottingham, which is brilliant for local traders. They even make thier own rock!

This place is perfect for any sort of present, I'm thinking Secret Santa's? Also along the Christmas theme (don't shout at me for talking about Christmas in September!) it would be so lovely to receive these as a stocking filler or regular present. Birthdays too! 

It's not even that expensive for what it is either. I paid £1.95 for a pack of jelly beans, orange flavour of course, but for the homemade sweets- really good value!

The service was so great too, the guy who served us was so fabby it's unreal! He even gave my friend and I a cheeky freebie to try a new sweet- a rhubarb crumble boiled sweet, definitely a new favourite! 

If you are ever in Nottingham, or are lucky enough as I am to live here, give The Treat Kitchen a visit and see what sweet treats you can find!

University packing list

I've recently been accepted to study Law and Criminology at Nottingham Trent University, starting in September- all the hard work does pay off, I promise!

As I'm moving into halls of residence, not a lot is provided, so I have come up with am extensive list of things you may want to consider whilst packing to move away to Uni, or just moving out in general. As I'm staying in the city I live in (my halls and university is approximately 25mins away from my house) I won't be taking everything as I can easily nip home to get anything I need- but for people moving far away, you can add anything you want onto the list!

◾ Duvet
◾ Pillows
◾ Blanket
◾ Desk lamp (if not already provided)
◾ Cooking utensils
◾ Cooking pots and pans
◾ Chopping boards
◾ Set of knives
◾ Plates
◾ Bowls
◾ Mugs
◾ Cups
◾ Cutlery
◾ Coat hangers
◾ Clothes horse to dry clothes cheaply
◾ Alarm clock
◾ Laptop
◾ Printer
◾ Stapler
◾ Hole punch
◾ Ink cartridges
◾ Folders
◾ Stationary
◾ Course books
◾ Door wedge to be more social at freshers
◾ Photo frames
◾ Posters
◾ Mirror
◾ Extra storage for little bits
◾ Scatter cushions
◾ Childhood teddy bear (I'm taking mine...)
◾ Any nicknacks from home

I hope this helps with any packing problems, and I hope you have an amazing time at University or moving out!

If you're going to uni, where are you going and what course are you doing?

Festival Checklist

I'm going to V-festival this year, and I have complied an extensive list of things you will need to survive a festival!

Essentials

Rucksack- A good rucksack, perhaps a DofE style rucksack, is perfect for festivals as you don't want to take anything impractical for walking along potentially wet muddy fields- which rules out a suitcase altogether!

Roll mat- Sleeping on the cold hard ground is NOT comfortable at all. Try and find an insulated one, similar to the ones in Wilko. These will keep you warm and comfortable after a hard day of dancing and walking around!

Sleeping bag- A 2-3 season sleeping bag is essential, as duvets and blankets are impractical and take up so much room in your backpack. It gets very cold in England, as you know, and even in the hottest weather, it can get very cold at night- and as most festivals are far away from civilisation, it is not easy to get a B&B.

Tent - Tents are the most important thing to take with you on a festival trip. If a large group are going try and use the "cowboy method". Place the tents in a circle, with all the doors facing in. This will create a safe area to sleep, and if its raining you can all sit in your tents and chat without getting wet! Also, as the rucksacks are large and you have a lot of stuff with you, it would be an idea to get a larger tent than you need, for example if there are two people in a tent get a three person tent so there is enough room for your things.

Waterproof jacket- This is England. Enough said.

Torch- In the campsites, they are often lit but it is helpful to have a torch to navigate the guy ropes and pathways in the dead of night when you need to make the three mile round trip to use the toilet. I would suggest getting a wind up torch, you can buy them here.

ID- If you are over 18 and planning on buying alcohol there, take a form of ID as most places operate Challenge 21 or Challenge 25, meaning if you look under the age of 21 or 25 you will be asked for ID.

Duct tape- Imagine this. It is chucking it down with rain, your tent has a hole in and you and your stuff are getting wet. What can we do about this hole? Stick it together with duct tape. It can be used to patch up your tent, you can use it to stick your wellies to your legs to stop rain and mud from getting in the tops, it can be used for everything!

Phone- If you are going with your friends, it would be a good idea to take your phone. I am taking an old one so I won't be upset if it gets lost or stolen. This is because if someone gets lost, you will be able to arrange a meeting point. 

Camera- This is optional if you have a camera phone, however you may want to take a camera incase you want to take some photos. However, don't take too many fancy electronics as they are a target for thieves and can be easily lost or damaged.

Portable charger- As 99% of the teenage population cannot live without facebook/instagram/twitter/tumblr for more than three hours, you may want to take a solar powered phone charger. Don't tell anyone apart from your friends you have one though, it may become a target for thieves!

Ear plugs- Although we are there to see the music acts, the music is so loud it may damage your ears. Many DJs use earplugs to protect their ears but they can still hear the music. Also, you may want to sleep at some point, and the music may still be on or people nearby may be loud, so earplugs may be a good idea...

Water bottle- Hydration is key! Most festivals have free water points, so take advantage and use them- especially in this weather we are having!

Plastic carrier bags- These are useful for many things. You can keep your wet and dry clothes separate from each other, which is useful if you are away for a few days. You can also use them to put your rubbish in, as it is always helpful to take away any rubbish you make so the cleanup is a lot easier.

Towel- If you dare to take a shower, it may be a good idea to take a microfibre towel, such as these ones. They dry super quick and are very compact, so will fit into your backpack a lot easier!

Clothing

Thick socks- Thick socks are the most comfortable thing to wear with wellies, as they keep your feet warm and the boots won't rub. Also, aren't they the most comfy things ever?

Thick hoody- It will get cold in the night, so if you are a cold sleeper it may be a good idea to take a thick hoody to sleep in. Even if you aren't particularly that worried about the cold, take one anyway as you may need an extra layer!

As many sets of clothes as you need- You want to look nice, right? Take the "festival essentials"- shorts, crop top, floral headband, lacey items, you know the score? Have a look at the ASOS lookbooks for Festival Fashion 2014.

Spare clothes- As I said earlier, it is England, it will probably rain, and you will probably get wet and muddy. So take spare clothes.

PJs- Unless you want to sleep in your cute denim shorts and laced crop top, take jammies. Do NOT take a onesie, festival loos are disgusting as it is, do you want to be in there for longer than you need to be, as you need to climb out your onesie? Nah I didn't think so either!

Sunglasses- As it will be sunny, protect them peepers! Get some cute sunnies that will match your looks for the whole festival. But don't take expensive ones, you will more than likely forget they are in your back pocket and sit on them! Get some from Primark, you won't be upset if they break!

Wellies- Mud. Wet. Cold. You will need wellies. Don't bother with the jelly shoes that are embracing our high street, as they will more than likely make your feet sore and are not waterproof. They don't have to be boring though, they can have loads of nice patterns on them, just have a look around!

Spare shoes- I personally do not want to travel in my wellies, so I will be taking some old pumps to travel in, and I will probably put them on when I'm sat near my tent or whatever. Like I said, they are old so I won't be upset if they get ruined!

Toiletries

Toilet roll- You've waited an hour for a wee, and you find there is no loo roll. This is a common problem at festivals, so be prepared! 

Suncream- We don't want to be sore and burnt on our festival trip, as it ruins the experience and is unhealthy for your skin. Take a high SPF and make sure you apply it every so often.

Makeup- Just the bare essentials, making sure any base products have an SPF in them! 

Toothbrush and toothpaste- Kind of standard, right?

Hairbrush and a spare bobble

Deodorant- Need I say more? Don't be that person who has the massive sweat patches and smells bad....

Cooling spray- This is a blessing in disguise. It keeps you feeling cool and isn't that expensive. Just a couple of sprays and you're good to go.

Hand sanitiser- I know we aren't in the most hygienic situation here, but no belly bugs please! Quick tip- wash your hands with a wet wipe or water before using hand sanitiser as you get all the dirt off before the bacteria!

Wet wipes- The showers are grim, so if you're going for a couple of days just use wet wipes to have a wash. If you're going to a longer festival, good luck with the showers...

Dry shampoo- Similarly, dry shampoo will be less bulky than normal shampoo and conditioner, gives volume and is cheap!

Exam tips

In the light of the Scottish Highers results being released and A-Level results to be published next week, I thought I would share my tips on how to manage exam related stress and the exams themselves- regardless of whether they are GCSE/AS/A2 level! First of all, I would like to say I am in no way an A* pupil, far from it in fact! These tips work for me and managed to come out of exam season with all my hair and no wrinkles!

The first tip is a generic one, one your teachers and older family members and friends say, but make a timetable! I always did an hour of each subject in the morning and an hour of each in the afternoon, so a total of 6 hours a day. I always kept the afternoon or morning before an exam to revise that specific module and exam, just time for cramming!

For me, revision was a prime snacking time. Naughty I know! I used to snack on sweets and crisps but this season I snacked on grapes and cashew nuts- my new favourite! As I often went to the library to revise I always went to the greengrocer to buy from a local business, which helps them out too. I mainly drank water as you learn better when you're hydrated. If normal water is too boring, read my previous blog post on how to keep healthy on a budget, which has a fruit water recipie in!

If you are easily stressed then take some time out for your friends and family. Often there is a week or so between one exam and the next, so take a day off and go shopping, have an xbox marathon, go for a drink. Do whatever relaxes you and have fun doing it. Personally for me it was going to the pub with my friends and having a laugh, as I was lucky to have my exams spaced quite apart.

On the exam day, I have a good brekkie and don't drink too much water beforehand. I needed the loo in the middle of a two and a half hour exam, and it's really awkward when a teacher has to watch you have a wee! Revision-wise try not to cram too much as it can stress you out. If you don't know something 5 minutes before the exam you won't learn it!

When it comes to note writing, I always used my specification. If your teacher doesn't give you one, get one online. They are super handy to use and can help you make notes that are precise and short, which is very helpful as you don't need to learn frilly bits that aren't on the specification. Waste of brain space! To reinforce learning, use past papers and mark them yourself. It gives you exam practice and shoes you areas you need to work on. Mark schemes are also a very good revision tool as if an answer is a nonspecific one it can give you a good summary of the topic.

I hope these tips help you out in your exams and in your revision period!

What's in my travel bag?

My makeup bag is actually a cheeky steal from my Mum (sorry mummybear), but it's from Clinique as a freebie, and it is so roomy and can fit loads in it, ideal for travelling. The cute summery pattern is perfect for summer! I keep everything all in one place, as I don't take my whole makeup collection around with me- that includes makeup, skincare and any other toiletries!

I only take the bare essentials, which for skincare is all I use anyway. I know all the beauty gurus say makeup wipes are naughty, but I can't take my cleanser, toner and mask with me everywhere, can I? So I take some Primark makeup wipes which are actually really lovely to use. I buy the exfoliating wipes so it doubles as an exfoliater (duh) when I am away. 

I also take my day-to-night spot wand, in case of skin emergencies, along with my Body Shop Vitamin A Aqua Boost Sorbet (you can read my review on my earlier post!).

Brush-wise I try and stay to basics. I take an eyeshadow brush, powder brush and then a brush for any bronzer or blush I apply. The powder brush pictured is from the Body Shop and I think they are the most incredible brushes going. They are very soft, wash perfectly and apply makeup smoothly. I haven't tried any RealTechnique brushes, but I'm in no rush to try them as my Body Shop brushes are perfect for me. I have some Jessop brushed off eBay,  you know the kind @velvetgh0st recommend? I honestly agree with her, they wash nicely and apply product with such a lovely finish. I have both sets, the eye and face set. 

My "on the go" eye makeup consists of a simple-to-use-but-effective cream eyeshadow base, my Maybelline ColourTattoo in Pink gold. I love how easy it is to apply and the size of it means I can chuck it into my travel bag! I also have my Revlon Lash Potion mascara, which isn't always in my makeup bag, I just chucked it in there because I needed a mascara. I also bring two eyeliners with me, L'Oréal Colour Riche Kohl,  which is a beautiful eyeliner- creamy, pigmented, what more can you ask for? Onto my last eye item,  Collection 2000 Fast Stroke liner. I heart it. Inky black, long lasting and budget friendly, just a perfect product. 

As it's summer, a high coverage foundation isn't ideal. I know you may think "oh gosh Jess, what are you doing?" but the CC cream pictured is from Poundland, and is really good! It goes on rather pinky toned however once it has blended into your skin it is a perfect colour match and has a lovely light coverage. I also think the Maybelline CoverSTICK is really nice for a light coverage concealer. I agree with EssieButton, some under eye dark circles can look natural, and this does the job.  I'm not s big fan of the smell though, it reminds me of the lipsticks you used to get free in magazines as a kiddo... You know my love for the Body Shop Honey Bronzer, so I won't even go there! I always take this with me, such a lovely product. Finally my Rimmel powder never leaves me! I always take this on the go as I find the regular StayMatte powder can start to look cakey after a couple of applications in the day whereas this doesn't at all look cakey. 

As you saw in my last post "What's in my bag", you'll see many lip products are featured! I always have them on me so they are usually samey. However I take my Benetint as a blush and sometimes a lip tint.

Lip addict tag

1. Best balm or treatment

This has to be the Body Shop lip butter in Grapefruit. It smells amazing, tastes a little bit of Grapefruit (but who eats lip balm?) and applies so creamy! As it is slightly pink, it can leave a slight pink tint on your lips, which I think is very pretty if you aren't wearing a lip colour!  This retails at £4 so it's a little bit expensive but it is soo worth it!

2. Best eye catching red.

My favourite red lipstick is Rimmel Moisture Renew in "Mayfair Red Lady". This was a close winner between MAC Russian Red, but this won purely because it is so creamy and moisturising as the name suggests! The colour is a perfect pillar box red and looks amazing on. This does need a lipliner as it does bleed and it also needs topping up a couple of times but who cares when it's a beauts colour and formula!

3. Best luxury and best drugstore?

YSL. YSL. What a beautiful brand. Thier lip products are top quality and have perfect everything. I got a Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in the shade 13 for Christmas. This was actually a mistake as I asked for the Rouge Volupture lipstick but blimey I don't care. It I'd a lovely reddy-orange and smells so high end it hurts. The pigmentation is just to die for and the packaging is so slick and fancy. Definite love for you Yves♡

My favourite drugstore has to be the Revlon Matte balm in "elusive". The product is very moisturising which is surprising as it is matte (Rubywoo comes to mind when I think of matte lipsticks and we all know about how drying it is!) and the colour payoff is lovely. I bought "audacious" as well but gave that away as I found the colour to be a lot brighter than in the packaging, so I was very upset, however Elusive looks exactly the same in the tube an on your lips!

4. Best MAC lipstick. 

"Peach Blossom" was my first MAC lipstick and has been my favourite since day 1. It's a cremesheen formula so is super glossy and moisturising so is perfect for spring and summer. It's a lovely pinky-nude which makes it super wearable for any age or skin tone. It smells amazing, as do all MAC lipsticks, and applies so smoothly. It's staying power is top notch and I just love it so much! 

5. Most disappointing.

If you have read my previous posts you will realise I really don't like the Nivea Lip Butter. 

It goes on the lips in a white pastey consistency and it is sticky I find. I find it dehydrating to an extent because of all the sugars in it from the scent, which is actually really lovely! Not the best product Nivea have produced...

6. Liner- yes or no?

 If I'm wearing a red lip, which is fairly often, I find a lipliner very useful. However on a day to day basis when I wear more of a neutral lip I tend to let lipliner go. I struggle to find a nice nude lipliner which will complement all my lipsticks so I don't really bother. I need to find one of these invisible lipliners,  which would be perfect!

7. Anything else?

I've only had "Benetint" for a few weeks now and as with most lip and cheek products it works better on one or the other. I find this leaves an odd looking smudge on the cheek but a beautiful healthy colour on the lip. As this retails at £22, I would recommend picking up a tester beforehand.

How to... Get a job!

Times are hard, we all know that! So it's always nice to have a part time job to buy those bits we keep having to nag our parents for- for example I spend my money on clothes, makeup and going out with my friends.

To get a job you have to have a fabby CV. A CV is a list of your achievements, hobbies, skills and interests as well as references. To make a CV pop you have to stand out from the crowd. My main achievement outside of school is fundraising and going traveling in India with my friends, so I always write what that taught me- leadership, teamwork, social skills etc...

To get noticed you must hand your CV out personally rather than getting your Mum to hand them out or emailing them to the employer. It shows initiative and the fact you are dedicated to getting a job! Always ask for the manager, assistant manager or supervisor and give your CV to them rather than the grumpy sales assistant, as you may well be replacing them! I would advise looking at independent businesses as they are often overlooked in the job market, and aren't as fussy when it comes to experience. My manager employs young people as she realises it's hard for young people to get jobs in today's economy, which is the attitude many independent business owners have!

The timing of your CV-handing out mission is crucial. I got my job straight after A-Level results day, which is the 14th August this year (ahhhhhh!!!). I say this as many students will be off to another city, perhaps the other end of the country, so will be leaving thier job open to new applicants. Good thinking eh!

If you're lucky enough to get an interview or trial shift, research the company and look at model answers. Here is a common list of interview questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.
Don't be boring and say "I'm Jess, 18 years old blah blah blah" be funny- "I'm an 18 year old who has an obsession with lipstick and netflix". This will make you stick in the interviewers mind, which is always a good thing!

2. What do you know about *business name*
Depending on where you have applied, this will vary. Just make sure you know three key points about the business so you can reel them off instantly- but don't sound monotonous!

3. Describe your current situation.
That doesn't mean "well I'm sat in a back office" is means (for example) "I've just finished my GCSEs/A-Levels and I'm currently having a nice summer relaxing before starting College/Uni and looking for a part time job to help me save for the future".

4. How would your reference describe you?
My reference would describe me as a right gobby mare with a sassy attitude, but I wouldn't say that. I would say my reference would describe me as confident, vocal and headstrong. Sounds much better doesn't it?