Interview Nerves...

I have a real life job interview tomorrow so thought I'd share my pangs of nervousness/excitement with you briefly in this update. Have to do a presentation so currently writing that and researching the company lots. AAAAARGHHH!My current camera is comparable to this one - not very easy to upload the photos to my laptop. But, excitingly, I'm in the process of buying a new camera so expect a new-look blog complete with photographic evidence coming SOON! I've got lots to blog about and can't wait to share it all with you.

Dissertation is finally finished and I'm waiting for my results. Fingers crossed!

Laura Jane xxx

Update and Wishlist

Hello there! Thank you to my new followers for your support! I'm up to 7 now which I reckon isn't too shabby considering I haven't blogged much. Just thought I'd give you a quick update on my life right now.

As it says in my profile I'm currently an MA student and have been for the past year. However, this will very soon be coming to an end as my dissertation deadline is NEXT WEEK! Luckily I have been a huge geek and I've almost finished. Today I'm writing up my conclusion, tomorrow I can hopefully bash out a decent introduction and then ALL DONE! Woopwoop! It's been a very long summer sat at my desk writing 15000 or so words and I can't wait to get back down to Bristol for a few days to finally hand it in and celebrate with a glass of bubbly.

As a reward for my hard work and sacrificed social life my Mum and Dad said they'd club together and get me a congratulations gift. My Mum suggested jewellery but later retracted the offer after realising I don't really wear jewellery and I'm so flippant with what I like and don't like that it wouldn't be worth it. So, for the past few weeks I've been racking my brain for something I really want/need and today I received a sign from the gods. Ahem. Ok, a sign from Topshop online!

How gorgeous are these??! They're £150 (Topshop boutique) so I might have to donate a little something towards them but they are everything I've been looking for: black, suede, studded ankle boots with that 'x factor' (check out the quirky angular heel on the website). Oh! It's so sad that shoes make me so deliriously happy. I think the dissertation has had an effect on my sanity...!

Yours cheerily, Laura Jane xxx

This week I will be mostly listening to... FLEETWOOD MAC!

Myself and two guy friends have just formed a band and got together the other night to practise. This is all very new and we're just starting to get used to each other's skills (in my case - lack of ANY skills), likes, dislikes, sound, etc so we just tried a couple of covers as a bit of an experiment.

And I came across this band in my Dad's record collection. Yes, of course I've heard of them before, but my parents are massive F.M. fans and so, unsurprisingly, I wasn't going to be naturally enthusiastic about them! But they really are incredible. Inspired lyrics, really catchy riffs and an original style helped to make the band the success they were and still are today. Check out Stevie Nicks's hair in this video...it is almost as impressive as the song! Enjoy!

What I am using right now tag

I'm trying to limit my blogging because I have an awful lot of work to do at the moment but thought I would do this quick tag as an essay-writing break!

Shampoo: TRESemme Colour Thrive for blonde hair Shampoo. It was on offer in Boots MONTHS ago and I'm still on the same bottle!

Conditioner: (Somewhat predictively) TRESemme Colour Thrive for blonde hair Conditioner. Part of the same Boots offer. I find this brand to be really good value for money. My hair tends to go a bit dull at home because we have really hard water, but these products help to boost my colour and give me shine.

Styling Products: Label.m Sea Salt Spray. Easy! Just spray through your hair as you finish of your blow drying for a bed-head/day-at-the-beach look.

Shower Gel: Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash. Usually, I just use Radox or Imperial Leather but I got given this as a gift and it smells gorgeous!

Body Moisturiser: Because it's summer but the sun is lacking I'm using Garnier's Summer Body Moisturising Lotion. I am quite fair but find the light glow colour ineffective so I've recently opted for the 'Deep Sun-kissed Look' - I just don't put too much on.

Deodorant: Dove or Sure roll-on - as long as it does the job and smells nice I'm really not fussy!

Fake Tan: If I want more of a tan than the tinted body moisturiser gives me, I use the St Moriz mousse. I saw Lollipop26's blog about it and wanted to try it. Gloves are a MUST but I love it! Just as good as St Tropez but without the hefty price tag.

Cleanser: Liz Earle Cleanser with the muslin cloth to polish. See previous blog post for a review. I have been following the Liz Earle facial routine for about a month and I am still mightily impressed. Finally! A skincare routine which does not make me break out!

Exfoliator: Usually St Ives Apricot Scrub but on my last trip to get some they'd ran out so I opted for Aapri which is almost exactly the same, if not a little bit more grainy.

Primer: I don't use primer! Only an eye make-up primer which i only ever use if I've put foundation on (which isn't very often!) and it's the eye shadow base by GOSH.

Foundation Brush: Why use a brush when you have perfectly good working fingers! I find it much easier to blend properly using my hands. My foundation is Revlon Colorstay. It does what it says on the tin, all day. Amazing.

Concealer: Rimmel Blemish Stick for...blemishes (haha shock horror). I also found a really good alternative for Touche Eclare by Maxfactor called Master Touch. It's much cheaper and, despite the silly foam applicator, is a pretty good replacement.

Powder: There's a Maxfactor pressed powder on my shopping list right now!

Blusher: One of my FAVOURITE EVER products is Ruby and Millie's Face Gloss in the colour 'fire'. If ever I'm in too much of a rush to put on foundation, powder, blush, etc I just wack on some mascara and glide this product across my cheeks. It instantly brightens up your face giving you a really natural glow. Cheeky tip: Those £5 No7 colour cosmetic vouchers that you sometimes get given from Boots can be exchanged for Ruby and Millie discount - I always get a fresh glow stick with one of these!

Bronzer: Nothing I've tried ever comes close to Benefit's Hoola. Benefit knows this, hence the price tag... GRR!

Highlighter: I don't use one...probably should.

Eyeshadow Base: On top of my GOSH primer I usually put something really neutral on like the beige colour from my GOSH Fudge trio palette.

Eyeshadows: Usually I do a smoky eye with my Fudge trio, along with GOSH gold in the inner corner. For a more vampy look I'll use the shimmery glittery Bourjois 92 Gris Paillettes.

Eyeliner: I am an eyeliner addict. Usually I'll use Bourjois's Contour kohl in black on the bottom, smudged slightly and a thin, precise line of Rimmel's Exaggerate liquid eye liner in black on the top. I also love applying just mascara and a shocking line of Mac's LiquidLast Liner in 'aqualine' under the bottom lashes.

Curler: Nothing special. Just your run of the mill metal curler.

Mascara: For a daylook I use Revlon's Beyond Natural Mascara in Black Brown which separates and lengthens. Night out: Bourjois's Volume Clubbing Mascara in Ultra Black which makes your eyes look HUGE! For a bit of a fun look I'll use Rimmel's Extra Super Lash Mascara in Electric Blue. I get loads of compliments wearing this one.

Lipstick: Never!!

Lipgloss: In the day I use Vaseline. At night, a Lipgloss Tube by No7 (the name has rubbed off - it's lasted so long!!) - I think the colour is something like Candy. It stays on for longer than any other gloss I've ever tried. I'll find out the name as I would highly recommend!

Nail Colour: Two favourites at the moment. 'Black Taxi' by Nails Inc - unfortunately has gone a little gloopy so I add a bit of polish remover to it before I use it. Natural Collection's 'Antique Coral' (i THINK this is the name - why do all the labels rub off?!). This is amazing value for money! Such a pretty colour and long-lasting!

Everything Is New...

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense.
NO CHEATING!

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Imagine

WHAT'S YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked (!)

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK OF YOU?
Once Upon A Dream

WHAT DO STRANGERS THINK OF YOU?
Love Shack

WHAT DO YOUR EXES THINK OF YOU?
Living For The Weekend

HOW IS YOUR LOVE LIFE?
One Day I'll Fly Away

HOW WILL YOUR LOVE LIFE BE IN THE FUTURE?
Needin' You

WILL YOU HAVE KIDS?
Violet Hill

ARE YOU GOOD AT SCHOOL?
Whistle For The Choir

WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE?
No One Knows

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Wake Up America

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Hold Thight London

THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE?
Nothing Compares to U (how depressing!)

YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND ARE?
Get Busy

HAPPY TIMES:
Ring Of Fire

SAD TIMES:
Flathead

EVERY DAY:
(Don't) Give Hate A Chance

FOR TOMORROW:
Wearing My Rolex

FOR YOU:
A Foggy Day (In London Town)

WHAT DOES NEXT YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR ME?
Sitting Waiting Wishing

WHAT DO I SAY WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HARD?
You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want (When You're Making Love) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT SONG WILL I DANCE TO AT MY WEDDING?
Under The Sea

WHAT DO YOU WANT AS A CAREER?
London Calling

YOUR FAVOURITE SAYING?
Take What You Take

HOW WILL I DIE?
In My Arms

THE SONG THAT YOU'LL PUT AS YOUR SUBJECT?
Everything Is New

Laura Marling

Sometimes I can work to music and sometimes I have to have total silence. Nevertheless, even if I am in the latter mood, I can still work happily to Laura Marling.

I was introduced to her album 'Alas I cannot swim' last year by my (much cooler) friend and co-host of our student radio show and I was immediately mesmerized. Every single song is beautifully composed with what I can only describe as a chilling edge. She has the ability to make a really complex chord pattern sound so simple. Her voice is uniquely wonderful.

This morning, I woke up singing the chorus to this song and I knew I'd have to listen to her album during this morning's writing session. Enjoy! xxx

Friday is Baking Day!!!

Every day would be baking day if I had my way but sadly I would have to spend every other minute of the day at the gym burning off the calories!

Today I made......

BRAN MUFFINS!!

Yummy! Sadly, having trouble loading the photos but you can actually see them being made on iPlayer, as I saw them on Economy Gastronomy (Wednesday at 8 on BBC 2). The recipe is on this website http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/carolsbranmuffins_91964.shtml

They're a lovely consistency and go very well with a cup of tea. But, as usual, I'm not totally happy with them (I am a bit of a perfectionist), so here are some modifications I would suggest:

1) More bananas!! The recipe says 2 but I reckon 3 or even 4 would be better, as they're just a little bit bland and you can't taste the bananas at all. They need a bit more just to give it that sugar hit.

2) More filling!! I only put sultanas in but I reckon walnuts (yummy) or/and even chocolate chips (super yummy) would make them even better.


3) I would actually suggest cutting the measurements in half. This recipe makes around 25 muffins, but muffins are bigger than cupcakes (not quite as big as this one thank goodness) and I have a LOT to get through... I'm sure I'll cope though!

......I have just been to the gym to balance it all out!!

Liz Earle Skincare Routine

Ok, I know, I'm still banging on about LK Bennett... but this post is only loosely connected! As a thank you gift for working for free last week and being super tidier and general dogsbody, the lovely Press Office people gave me a gift bag packed with Liz Earle goodies!! They're good size bottles too (as opposed to minatures you usually get with sample packs), so tonight saw the debut of my daily skincare routine for the next few weeks! If they really impress me, I may invest in some more products when they run out...

1) Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (came with muslin cloth)

By far, my favourite of the three products. This really appealed to me because I prefer cleansers that are applied to dry skin - you can do it civilised in front of a mirror without getting water all over your clothes! This product felt very soft on my skin. Will be interesting to see whether it actually removes makeup as it says it does (I wasn't wearing any today). You don't need a lot of it either so hopefully it'll last for a while!

2) Instant Boost Skin Tonic

That's a toner to me and you. I don't really believe in toners, but this was fine. Simply apply to cotton bud and sweep over face and neck after cleansing. My skin didn't feel tight afterwards, it dried quickly and it was light on my skin. Tick, tick, tick.

3) Skin Repair Moisturiser

Again, a little bit of this went a long way and it feels light on my skin. I am in the middle of a break-out at the moment but this hasn't caused any irritation and I feel that my skin is breathing and recovering (fingers crossed!!).

So there we are! Only time will tell whether this routine will work for my skin, but I'm impressed so far. After looking at the Liz Earle website (http://uk.lizearle.com/ - all photos in this post from this URL) it seems that the range is not as pricey as I originally thought. Also, all the ingredients are high quality and mostly natural. They have vitamins packed into every little bottle and no perfumes or additives. Simple, gentle products. I like! :D

Guilty Pleasure Song of the Week

I hated them on the X Factor, but this song is so infectious. I can't get it out of my head. The video is just terrible! Reminds me of 5ive or HearSay or someone. Terrible video, terrible song... SO WHY DO I LIKE IT?! Answers on a postcard.

Song of the week...

I've been humming this for the last few days. Ultimate getting-ready-to-go-out song of the summer!

LK Bennett Bargain Buys!

After 5 days surrounded by luxurious LK Bennett clothes, shoes and accessories I really couldn't come home empty-handed! Here are the gorgeous goodies that I managed to squeeze into my suitcase - the squeezing into the suitcase is the reason for the horrendous creasing. My apologies! I need to check the labels for ironing guidelines before I get this sorted!

NB: Most of these garments are SS09 pieces, which can be bought in the sale section of stores around the country (hurry though, this is ending very soon). Otherwise, you will be able to purchase these items in LK Bennett outlet stores. For details visit http://www.lkbennett.co.uk/

1) Grey Sequined Cardi
Sequins are set to be huge next season. This piece will be perfect for jazzing up a plain black dress or a basic pair of jeans.

2) LBD
Again - my apologies for the terrible creasing on this! Here is an exception to the rule, this is unavailable to buy in the shops. Sorry! It's actually a sample made at Head Office last autumn as a prototype for an AW09 dress design. I'm not sure whether they actually made it in the end, but if they did it probably won't be exactly like this one. I don't have a classic LBD, so I thought I'd get it and take it to the tailors to get it fitting me perfectly. Best investment buy of the week. Very Audrey sophist!

3) The Occasion Maxi
This beautiful dress also comes in a peach colour in a maxi version. Also, there is a shorter dress in the same style in this turquoise or a canary yellow. All four are absolutely stunning, but this is the one I went for. Blue is always a flattering option for my hair and skin tone and I've wanted a maxi dress for ages.

4) Black Patent Waist Belt

A staple piece which will match black patent shoes and handbags in my collection already. Simple, sophisticated and 100% leather - a great investment piece once again.

5) Gold Metallic Waist Belt (leather)

This was actually given to me as a gift (along with a goodie bag of Liz Earle skincare products) by the lovely Press Team. I always think lightweight glam pieces like this are really useful to pop in your bag for an easy day to evening transition.

6) Nude Snakeskin Leather Clutch

This bag is just FAB! I'm very into simple, nude accessories this season and from my sneaky visit to the SS10 shoe preview room at LK Head Office it looks as though they'll be sticking around for a while!

7) Bargain Ballet Pumps

Ok, so they're not LK Bennett shoes, but I did buy these during my own London Fashion Week! They are actually only £16 from Topshop. Amazing value and incredibly comfortable. I think they look just like French Sole. They look stunning with a simple pair of jeans and a pretty top.

My week in the Big Smoke

For the past week I have been in London doing an internship in the LK Bennett Press Office. Total shoe heaven! I should have taken some photos of the press room. Shelves upon shelves of beautiful shoes, bags, belts and then rails of their elegant AW09 collection.

I was in an office with only two others, sorting out press samples; sending off items from the collection to magazines and newspapers to use in shoots and making sure everything was correct on the system. Not very taxing, but was a lovely environment to work in and the people at Head Office are really wonderful people. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I've heard the fashion industry can be very cut-throat - I think I've been watching too much Ugly Betty!

Although it was a great experience and I was looked after very well (I even managed to bag myself some very good bargains using the last of my staff discount) I don't think I'll be pursuing a career in the fashion industry. I'm going to keep fashion as a hobby/obsession!

My first post...

Well, here goes nothing...

I have been introduced to the world of blogging by my good friend Cat, who is addicted to the wonderful Lollipop26. I thought I would start this little blog of my own and see what all the fuss is about.

Cheerily,

Laura Jane xxx

- do I put kisses? Who knows. I just did.