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Provoke Touch Of Silver - New Range Review
The Pre-Toning Primer can be used before dying your hair blonde or used as a leave-in conditioner which is what I use it for. My hair feels a lot softer since I began using it after every wash whilst my hair was damp. It doesn't come out purple or stain the hair in case it looks like it would. The Ultra Firm Hairspray with UV Absorber is a really strong hair spray that is perfect for curling your hair. It stays in that well that the extensions that I curled but didn't use for graduation still look exactly the same! The Revitalisng Dry Shampoo with UV Absorber is used to refresh your hair inbetween washes and to add a bit of volume. I only spritz this into the roots as my hair is thick and frizzy and definitely doesn't need any more volume. The Instant Shin Dry Conditioner is great for those who want to refresh between washes but don't want the obvious "I've used talc in my hair" look as it doesn't give the same effect in my opinion. The only days I wouldn't use this on is if I really couldn't get away with using dry shampoo on greasy hair as it would add shine where it wasn't desired.
I've worked in a salon and these little beauties were compared to "Botox for hair". In salons you use this with a syringe (without needle) to 'inject' the product into the roots and to massage it through the length of the hair to give it an 'oomph' whilst making it slightly thicker. I don't use a syringe for both the Intensive Shine Treatment Shots & Intensive Keratin Treatment Shots but follow instructions and they work every time. I have had Keratin treatments before but the aftercare products smell like bananas which I can't stand - so these are a great alternative.
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My University Bucket List
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The List
1. Join the uni gym
2. Get to grips with the new place
3. Make friends
4. Get a 2:1 in some assignments
5. Do something I would have never agreed to before
6. Go to a lecture alone
7. Expand my cooking skills
8. Go out in fancy dress
9. Go out in a different city
10. Start off a new life
11. Have an amazing night out
12. Complete a dissertation
13. Go to the SU
14. Get a job
15. Get out of my comfort zone
16. Travel further outside of Newcastle
17. Develop career skills
18. Expand my love of writing
19. Get to know myself a little better
20. Figure out my future
Why I Love Blogging
Writing until my heart is content
Taking photos
Meeting people
Working with brands
A Pretty Home Needs A Pretty Garden | ad
1. Keeping it comfortable
It’s not true that outdoor furnishings have to be hard and impermeable. Of course, they can be if that’s what you need, but there’s are also so many gorgeous outdoor products that are both weather proof and comfortable. There's nothing worse than going out to enjoy the sun and sitting on a hard seat. The more inviting your outdoor space, the better. Especially if you’re going to use the area for entertaining and relaxing (or a get together!). Padded cushions, lounge seating, tons of pillows and alternative seating options will make the area perfect for spending long afternoons and late evening in your new favourite spot.
2. Envisaging the colours
Colour is a fundamental element of your patio and garden design. Be sure to choose a palette that makes sense and compliments your outdoor space. If you have a concrete jungle out back, try to incorporate a luscious green look to give a more natural vibe to your area. If you have a lot of plants already, consider the colour of your foliage and pick something that compliments them. Blue and white is a classic summer theme, and teaming it with some magenta border flowers is a sure fire hit. However, you’re never restricted or stuck with your scheme, you can change it in line with the seasons, if you so please. For me, sticking with neutral colours such as grey and white then adding a pop of colour (or two) makes the world of difference!
3. Plan, plan, plan
You can't get the perfect outdoor space without putting some thinking time into it. Your patio might be outside, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be functional as well as enjoyable. It’s ideal if you approach the area like you would any other living space. Having a plan is essential; treat it like an extension, or approach it how you would any other room. Plan a place to sit, to eat, to lounge and whatever else you have in mind for your garden area.
4. An extension to your living space
Yes it’s outdoors, but it doesn’t have to feel like it’s separate from everything inside. The perfect patio is just an extension of your internal space, adding to it’s ambiance and functionality. The patio can even be a visual compliment for your living room or kitchen area. Seeing your garden from indoors will make add to the quality of your home without the huge expense. For me, it will make me want to go outside even more. Adding bifold doors leading off from the adjoining room is an ideal way to make the space fluid and to create a truly perfect space for entertaining.
Photo: Creative Doors Direct
5. Extra life
Adding plants and flowers are a beautiful way to accentuate your garden. They make the space feel more alive and add that fresh, natural pop of colour. If you’re still developing your green thumb, succulents and cacti are great beginner plants as they live off very little water and are pretty indestructible! They look adorable in white pots too! Potted fruit trees, blooming bushes, and flower-pots take more effort and patience, so only take them on if you can devote a little extra time and love to nurture their development. If you plan a set area for your flowers and plants to grow in if you don't have the time can make managing them a lot easier.
6. Look around you
It might not be as obvious as what’s around you, but what’s underfoot is also very important to the feel of your space. Traditional floorings are usually wooden decking, slate or concrete slabs and gravel. Wooden decking and slate is great for those who want to clean quick without the fuss but keeping your garden looking gorgeous. If you do want to add an extra touch of style to your floor, how about adding a rug. They’re great ways to bring colour and design to the area, and don’t require too much maintenance. Whacking them to get the dirt off and releasing any pent up frustration can be pretty satisfying, too! Just make sure to bring it in if it rains!
7. Look up
Just as what you see underfoot is important, what you’re visually greeted by when you look up
can make or break the ambience and overall feel of your precious space. Fairy lights are a sweet touch to gazebos or umbrellas as they twinkle when the sun comes down. Pergolas offer a great way to hang accessories and plants, or you could try some hanging flower pots around the doorways, and even some wind chimes.
8. Light it up
Of course you want to make the most of the daylight, but you may also desire to use the space during the later hours, too. We’re lucky to have long evening for a few of months of the year, but who wants to restrict evening use to just this time frame. You could incorporate floor lighting into your decking, have some freestanding lamps. or even some hanging bulbs. Outdoor candle holders add a personal touch too!
9. Add some shade
Pergolas had a brief mention before, as did hanging plants, both of which are also excellent ways of creating shade alongside their aesthetic beauty value. Purchasing, or making your own canopy or roof top tent is also a fantastic way to increase the shaded areas in your new space, both of which are removable and not as permanent a feature as the pergola. You can add bunting or lights to add to your design to match your colour palette. They’re also great for entertaining and making sure your guests have somewhere to take refuge under if the heavens do unexpectedly open at the most inconvenient of times.
10. Making a statement
It can seem like a pretty large project to take on, but you mustn't be dismayed and feel like it all has to be done at once. The basic patio can take shape pretty easily and quickly, however, you can take your time in developing and adding to it as time goes on. A great way to get your patio project off the ground is to choose a large statement piece and then build around it. Pick something you won’t get bored of after a couple of months, or something that you can update, change and add to as and when necessary, allowing you freedom to be creative and to have a fluid, changeable outdoor space. Pick your base colours and add pops of colour in items like cushions so you can switch them up when you're bored. The item could be a sofa, or table and chairs, a pergola or other structure that focuses the attention and gets your creative ideas flowing.
Do you have the perfect outdoor space?
I'm A Graduate!
On Wednesday my family came around for dinner in mine and Andy's flat before going to their hotel (my nan stayed over with us) and we were tired from making sure the flat and ourselves were presentable. On Thursday I was up at 6am to start my hair and makeup. I originally planned on wearing my Hair Trade Extensions but it would have been too much messing around and went for straight hair. It was a small hassle to say the least when you have no idea where to collect your robes from, where you have to get your photo taken and which entrance you have to go through to graduate. My little sister has broken her leg too so we had to make sure my family had disabled access as she is in a wheelchair. Eventually, I graduated - I'm officially Laura Hadley LLB (Hons)!
After a quiet celebration with my family and Andy, we had to have an early night because it was his graduation on Friday. Luckily we weren't up as early as he had an afternoon graduation and we now knew exactly where to go to find his robes etc. At about 2:15 Andy graduated and is now Andrew Mark Smith BSc (Hons)! I'm so proud of both of us for getting our way through uni whilst dealing with some personal things at the same time.
Now for the next chapter of our lives. For now, we're both moving in with my family in Liverpool and will begin the job hunt from there. Andy knows what he wants from a career and will be utilizing his degree whereas I want nothing to do with Law as far as a job is concerned. Once we have saved enough we will be renting a house together and after that, another chapter will begin! We aren't those typical advertisements of graduates who can jump straight into a job and apartment straight from the university because these days that is a difficult job. We know that we both would love to work in the North West with dreams to tour America one day. We know exactly what we want from life and have done since the day we became a couple. Whilst we're open to suggestions it's safe to say we have it sussed. The summer will be spent enjoying a break from exams and dissertations and with a supportive family, we can slowly ease ourselves into graduate employment without the stress that really isn't needed.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. It feels like I've been Andy's girlfriend for eternity and as soppy as it sounds, I'm loving every minute. It's not often these days you can genuinely not fault your other half. I didn't come to uni to find a boyfriend. I originally came to uni to train to be a solicitor and gain a Masters in Law. I dropped a year off so I gained the traditional Bachelors of Laws and I no longer want to go into that field. The best thing I gained from uni was my boyfriend and I'm thoroughly looking forward for us to continue our lives together.
Good luck to anyone graduating or receiving results this summer!
Saving My Skin - Dermatique Recuperating Cream Review
Product Testing - Makeup Revolution Contour Brush
Add A Little Music To Your Summer*
Festival
Holiday
Old School
Rock
Top 40
A Disappointing Product - Veet Facial Precision Wax & Care
Let me put this out there before we get onto the nitty gritty - I am a major wuss with my eyebrows. I was using a Nair hair remover that dissolved the hair which worked fine until it went out of date. I've had my eyebrows waxed before and it gives the longest lasting result in comparison to plucking or removing the hairs with a cream. I can't sit there and pluck my eyebrows though, it makes my eyes stream and with a lot of eyebrow hair I just can't do it. I bought this Veet Precision Wax & Care from my local Tesco last month to try out before taking some outfit photos so my eyebrows were defined and neat.
