Back again, new job and new year...

Back again :)
I think my last post was September time ish? 

Have been trying to keep on top of things in life as it tends to run away with you and there has been quite a lot going on!

I have started a new job as an estate agent which I am LOVING. I work with some lovely people and the job itself is something I have always wanted to try and after giving it a go only for a month, I've decided I would love a career in real estate.

Meanwhile I have been doing my online Masters Degree in Psychology which will enable me to become a forensic psychologist further down the career line which is very exciting! If you have been looking into doing a Masters Degree but aren't sure you want to actually be back at University, an online degree is so worth it! It means you can still work and the online systems are so easy to use. I have been doing mine with the University of Liverpool and it's such an interesting course and they offer a lot of support too. 

IN OTHER NEWS. Nothing much has been happening in the AmySphere, I had a look last weekend at a beautiful wedding venue which I think might be THE ONE. It's called Cain Manor and is located in Hampshire. I have put the link below.

https://bijouweddingvenues.co.uk/cain-manor-wedding-venue-surrey/about-the-venue

It has a sort of witchy vibe (which I love) and is gorgeous inside with so much light, large gardens and has rooms included, meaning your guests can stay close. Each room is quirky and different from the next. Anyone looking to get married in the Hampshire/Surrey area should definitely book in to view this venue. The staff go through an online planner during your appointment which they send to you via email. This gives you an accurate quote and you can modify the details and see how they affect the price. Very handy if like to be organised.

I will be adding some posts soon about plans for 2018!

Amy x

DIY Halloween Decor Ideas

I don't want to mention my Halloween costume for this year yet as I will do a post about this on Halloween. However, I thought that I could share some of the ideas that I thought looked great. We have a Halloween party each year so I'm also going to talk about the Halloween decorations that we are looking to make for this year's party. These photos/decorations are not mine but I will show your our version on Halloween. OOOOO exciting.

So my Auntie (Lady Westwood) happens to be a whizz with Paper mache. Which is very very helpful around Halloween. We add to our collection of decorations each year and were taking a look together at the possible additions this year. 

I will be posting the whole of our outdoor and indoor decorations on Halloween.

We have a tree in our front garden and thought this would be great if we could make the hands out of paper mache and attach them around the tree as above. Another option would be to put our hands into a mould and let that set, I have a construction friend who has said he could help me out with this very easily. After either one of those options we can paint them to look like dead hands. Dead hands everywhere. Maybe I should throw some doing the toilet to freak some party guests out too. We shall see. 

Right, I'm not too sure how Auntie Dee is planning on doing this one, but she has told me its possible. We are currently looking at different ways to make the body shape, I have seen this done before with pipes that create a human-like frame. Then we are going to hang dust sheets over it and cut those into shape. I think. 

This could go terribly wrong but hey its Halloween, the worse it looks, the better.

Next up is Good'ol Jack. 

Cardboard, paint and a hideous paper mache face.  

For the spring we will use a pole and wrap a slinky around it, which probably won't look as good as the picture above. But HEY its DIY.

The letters on the outside of the box can be B.O.O

I'm cool like that. 

For this young lady, we were planning on using mesh to make the figure. It's easily bendable material that we could mould how we'd like. A standard wig and a night dress can be placed on top so that it resembles a girl (as people like me find the film 'the ring' scary). We may decide that we want to just leave it as a mesh figure and put the transparent sheet over the top to create more of a ghost effect. 

So this creepy guy seems like a great addition to the Halloween family. I will be looking for the clothes at a local charity shop, any long coat will do as I think this creates a scarier effect than just a check shirt etc. 

I'm going to be finding some burlap (hessian material) - basically a sack. This will be then covered with water. I'll then get rid of the excess water and stretch the material over a face/toy face. The material will then hold this shape. I am most likely going to add some PVA glue to this depending on how well it holds. If you were planning on making this type of thing for a mask, then the glue is a big no no. You don't want to be inhaling glue all night so just stick to the water. I'm going to also add some black paint around the eye sockets but nothing around the mouth.

So this is the one I'm look forward to trying out. It might look terrible but it's worth a try. We will be using a palette and already have some of the chains which are easily available and cheap from Asda or Wilkos in the Halloween section. We have some of the body parts already from previous years but these are also cheap from those stores. Those will be poked out various parts of the palette, I've also been thinking that we could add some masks in there for extra spookiness. I've seen some photos of it being done with lights too, by placing them underneath the palette. I think red ones will work best but we shall see.

Looking forward to trying them all out and to HALLOWEEN in general.

Any recommendations are welcome. We love a challenge and I will have a Halloween post up soon to show you how we did!

More Weddings...

I was recently in a bad car accident with my boyfriend on our holiday to turkey this year (we were hit from behind while we sat at a red light in a taxi at about 70mph). Although it was horrendous, that evening my wonderful boyfriend proposed to me.

I can't wait to walk down the aisle and see him waiting for me. If he shows up of course. Plus after walking down the aisle as a bridesmaid I realised how terrifying it is so maybe I will just sprint down it. I am a very lucky girl and of course the beautiful Immy will be one of my bridesmaids.

Again, if he shows up.

I thought I would share a photo of us as friends from years ago, mainly just so I can show everyone his hair in this photo...

Updates to come as we start the planning process...

THANKSSSSSS

Amy x

Lord & Lady Westwood

I love weddings. Weddings, weddings weddings.

My Auntie Diane recently got married to the love of her life David Westwood. It was a beautiful wedding and she looked absolutely stunning. I had the role of head bridesmaid in this wedding, which I didn't actually know until the speeches, I loved every part of the planning and the actual day (until I walked down the aisle which was terrifying).

I wanted to share some photos of the day, we decided on a beige/brown and purple theme which really came together. The ceremony was held at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook, and the Reception at a family home in a marquee. The rustic theme worked perfectly with the large gardens, my Auntie is very creative and saved a lot of money making the decorations all herself. The cake was made by my talented cousin who was also a bridesmaid.

The hen party was great fun, no strippers though - all booked up. We held a close family/friend part to the hen do which was also held at Old Thorns. This was a 'Pod spa break' and was adorable little huts on the grounds, this included a 25 minute treatment and 2 course dinner. We spent the day lounging at the pool and in the spa, it was wonderful and very much needed because I have recently found out weddings are stressful. (I used to work at Old Thorns and I highly recommend it).

The second day was full of family and friends at afternoon tea, held at the Chocolate frog tea rooms, this was lovely too and so much fun. We went for the classic hen party games (making a wedding dress with toilet roll, lots of spinning, not good if you're drunk) and she seemed to have a great time. I'd like to add that the Chocolate frog tearooms, as well as being very cute and quirky, have amazing gluten free afternoon tea. The best gluten free bread and scones/cakes I have ever had.

An on-going joke has been that Lady Westwood sounds incredibly posh because that surname is a winner. So for a wedding gift her best friends bought them some land so that they are now officially Lord and Lady Westwood.

I have put the links below for everything mentioned. I have also added the link for her wonderful dress which was made from scratch.

OOOOOOOOOO Weddings.

https://www.oldthorns.com/

http://www.chocolatefrogcompany.co.uk/chocolate-frog-tearooms-lilypad-bar

Wedding dress: https://www.thefarnhamboutique.com/

Wedding Makeup: Charlette Murray

Wedding Hair: Sara-Jane Murray

Book Club: Issue 1

I've been trying to read a lot more recently, I used to read every night but as your life gets busier it just leaves so little time after work or hobbies or trying to go to the gym which I still am failing at.

I've set myself the target of starting a new book every 2 weeks. So far so good and I am really enjoying it. It has also been helping me sleep as it means I'm no longer looking at TV or phone screens so close to going to bed. I thought that a good way to help me keep reading would be to share some reviews and if anyone has any recommendations for books to try, please let me know! I have put my favourites from the past two months below...

The Couple Next Door

I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. The story is about a couple who go to a dinner party at the house next door, they leave the baby in her crib whilst taking the baby monitor with them and deciding to check on the baby every 30 minutes. They both get drunk, go home and the front door is open and the baby missing. 

Such a page turner, although I found the 2nd third slightly slow. I had to know the truth and I found myself guessing the ending over and over, when I shouldn't have actually bothered. I didn't see the ending coming at all and I think the twists leading up to the end keep you on your toes. I loved the suspense and how gripping it was, I would definitely recommend it and read it again myself!

The Roanoke Girls

Fifteen year old Lane's mother commits suicide, leading her to her new home in Kansas with her Grandparents and Cousin Allegra. She has never been told much about her family and she quickly embraces life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran fast and far away. Each Roanoke girl either dies or goes missing.

Eleven years later, Lane is living in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. It also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be able to run away from again.

This story is so well written, it weaves between then and now, shocking you along the way. I think that for certain readers the story might not be for them as its very twisted. I however, LOVED it, it's become one of my favourite books of all time. 

Last Seen Alive

Libby Hall needs to hide, to escape from everything for a while. Which is why the house swap is a godsend. The chance for Libby and her husband Jamie to exchange their tiny Bath flat for a beautiful haven on the wild Cornish coast. But she can't hide.

Before they can begin to heal their fragile marriage, Libby makes some disturbing discoveries about the house. And soon the peace and isolation begin to feel threatening. How alone are they? Why does she feel watched?

I thought this was a great read especially if you want a break from the really heavy reads. It's a great book for picking up whenever you get a spare moment and is easy to pick up from where you left off. It has a lot of twists which I didn't see coming, I found myself shouting 'nooooo' at the book a lot and sitting there with an open mouth! There is everything you could hope for in a thriller, deceit, twists, turns, I bloody loved it. There were moments in-between reading where I actually found myself a little on edge when I was alone and waking up looking around the room (that's a good thriller for you). Which can only mean that Claire Douglas the Author achieved what she set out to do.

Let's see what the next three have to offer. Recommendations always welcome. Have a good weekend everyone - and if you're thinking of doing a house swap, don't.

Thailand, Amsterdam and Mykonos

Thailand:
Last March I was lucky enough to take a trip to Phuket in Thailand. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been. We stayed in the JW Marriott Phuket Resort which is the most amazing hotel I have ever stayed. So all in all a great Holiday.

Maya Bay - Phi Phi Island

If you have seen the film 'The beach', which you should have (go now, do it now) you'll know that its set on an island that has a beach resembling paradise. This is filmed in Thailand on an island called Phi Phi Island, the beach is named Maya Bay and is absolutely beautiful. Its on my bucket list to visit this beach so I was so excited, I had a wonderful day going round the islands on a boat, stopping for lunch and swimming with fish (including jellyfish - which I held). I've heard from friends that this beach can get really busy with tourists, it wasn't too bad on the day we visited but I would advise a day boat trip so you can see some of the quiet islands too to avoid disappointment. But I loved it, I put my headphones in, listened to my favourite song which happens to be from the film, and just loved it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVNdTXEJv1A - All Saints - Pure Shores

Maya Bay





Other trips in Thailand included a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary, I wanted to make sure if I went on an Elephant ride that it was somewhere where the elephants were treated well and cared for. The sanctuary was perfect, they teach you about the elephants before hand and it was a great day out. The sanctuary is called Siam Safari.

Siam Safari

For the rest of the two weeks I lounged and ate, then ate and lounged. The hotel was beautiful and I cannot recommend it enough, it was like a village, the people were so friendly/do everything for you and the beaches are like nothing I've ever seen before. 

JW Marriott Phuket Resort

 

One of the pool areas

Hotel beach

Amsterdam:
This holiday was great, I had so much fun and it was filled with laughter. My aim of the trip was to get on top of the Amsterdam sign and its safe to say I failed at this task, BUT I look so damn happy trying that its one of my favourite photos.


Places you need to go in Amsterdam...

Red Light District: It isn't for everyone, but it's a very surreal experience that I believe everyone to should have whilst visiting Amsterdam. It's an odd place and might make you feel slightly weird but I found it so interesting and its full of museums that give you the history of the trade and how it became that way. I also went to a peep show, yes, a peep show. There is a show you go into, you stand in a tiny cupboard-like booth that has a misty window inside. You pop 2 euros into the coin taker and the window becomes clear for 2 minutes. Reality becomes a blur. Ha, in all seriousness it was such a fun experience, very odd seeing all the people in the other booths watching the 'show' but I would really say its something that should be done, to get the real feel of Amsterdam. The Museum of Prostitution was a really good museum and had so much information about how it all started and what its like from there perspective, a real eye opener.

The Fault in our Stars Bench:
This is a must, if you've seen the film of course. Yes its just a bench, but its THE bench. There are so many notes and quotes written on this bench that its really cute to go and have a sit to take in the surroundings. The main reason I would send you here is that the area you end up in was one of the prettiest parts of Amsterdam for me. The canals were beautiful and the little shops/lights were just ideal. 

The bench

Nightlife:
There are a lot of bars and clubs in Amsterdam, a lot of the hostels also have clubs next to them so if you're wanting to sleep at a reasonable hour I would suggest staying a bit further out of the main town. You can get a tram to practically anywhere, if you buy a day pass or two day pass it works out so cheap to get around. If I'm perfectly honest I do not remember most of the club names, but I had a blast. Be safe because it can be a dangerous place if you aren't sensible.





 

Anne Frank Museum:
I walked up to the museum and the queue went on down the road for as far as I could see. I would recommend getting up early to do this as I ended up not going - so it's on my list for next time!



Walks:

My biggest piece of advice for Amsterdam would be to explore, there are so many walkways and paths with artistic drawings on the floor and walls.
 



 

So many cafes and places to see, I would get a bike and have a ride around as I can't really explain how pretty it is I think you need to get on over there for an adventure.





Mykonos:
This is a beautiful place in Greece. As in breath-taking. I visited Mykonos in September and the days were so hot, it cooled down drastically at night time but I was really lucky with the weather.

Adelmar Hotel & Suites - Mykonos Greece

I would recommend this hotel over and over again it was so lovely, the hotel was called Adelmar Hotel & Suites and was in Platys Gialos.
 



 

It was the most relaxed I've been since Thailand, with an infinity pool and views over the ocean. The food in the hotel was amazing, although you can get to Mykonos town for just under 2 Euros where there are so many bars, restaurants, crepes shops etc. Its the most beautiful town I could have walked around it for days. I think I did. I really didn't do much else this holiday, its a great place for a girly getaway or some chilled out time off.
 



Mykonos Town



 

Two Years Later...

So...
It's been two years.

A lot has happened over the past two years, I am back from New Zealand, Immy has a new job, we both have new boyfriends. The list is long so I thought I'd jump straight back into it with some photos of the past two years then we can kick off with getting back to our regular rambling...

Halloween has just been, along with my 25th Birthday and I thought that I would take the chance to start over, looking forward to my next 25 years rather than backwards. So this post is going to be quite short, just to show what can happen in two years, and then plans for what's I'm planning soon.


Halloween: This year I decided to go as the Joker (Heath Ledger style), I used the usual liquid latex affect I go for to 'cut' my face and then just painted this with white, black and red paint. For once, no fake blood was uses whatsoever which made a nice change from my hair being constantly stuck to my face or neck. For my hair I poured on some Gel and slicked this back with a comb whilst trying to make it look effortless and messy then I sprayed this with green hair colour spray. The spray was ultra-violet hair spray which actually worked better than expected. I found out that UV hair paint doesn't actually come out illuminous, but instead the 'UV' part of it just makes it still visible when you're I the dark.

The Joker

The year before I dressed up as Mystique from X-Men, I painted myself blue down to my neck for this- the rest was a blue morphsuit. For my face (which didn't take as long as I thought) I used special FX wax. Yes, I made individual triangles to attach to my face with liquid latex, these were then painted blue and then I painted details onto this with black/white paint and a fine brush. Hair colour spray to make the hair orange.


25th Birthday: This year was a quiet one, dinner at Prezzo with the family. I have some pictures below to show how different I look after 2 years (especially 2 years of working in sales). The main takeaway from this birthday is that I want to make some changes - Kind of like a bucket list/aims for each year at a time. Below I have listed what I would like to get started on before New Years Eve.
The first point on the list was to get back to blogging, hence the random post outta nowhere WOOO.

Turning 25

• Start blogging.
• Take up a new hobby (I start Taekwondo tonight)
• Go to the gym every weekday
• Qualify in dance for Blackpool nationals (Qualified last week)
• Start learning Italian.
• Start aerial training or pole dancing. (This is meant to be really good for fitness, I do not want to become a stripper, I'm sure its a lovely profession, just not for me at this time. Who knows, maybe I was made for it - We will soon find out...)

The other stuff:
I don't have a car currently, any recommendations that don't involve a car wheel potentially coming off are welcome. I work in Sales, I'm not going to say which company but I'm an account manager and its hectic but very rewarding. My new boyfriends name is Nick, he has been my best friend for 4 years which developed into something more earlier this year. It's true that when you stop searching you find what you're looking for right in front of your eyes. I qualified for Latin and Ballroom qualifiers last year, its always been an aim for me to get to Blackpool so I was very very happy with that, last week I qualified again for this year. Which means off to Blackpool in April. I'm godmother to a beautiful little girl named Lily, she is my childhood best friends Daughter and that territory is all new to me but I'm enjoying it. My other close girlfriend revealed her pregnancy last week so all very exciting and lots of growing up to do.

Apart from me, I am Peter Pan.

Blackpool 2015 Latin

Blackpool 2015 Ballroom

The Lovely Lily

So plans moving forward, I'm currently writing a post including the places I've been over the past 2 years and some recommendations. Regular posts will be on the way with Christmas ideas and presents. Lots of shopping to do. Immy will be joining you soon YAY we are back.

Halloween 2014: The Skeleton!

This year I had been looking at pictures of people dressed as skeletons, and thought some of the makeup was amazing. I decided I would like to try and give it a go and base it around the makeup used in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' music video.

My Finished Skeleton Makeup

A Guide To Show The Key Features

I found this picture to use as a guide, when drawing on the main parts of the makeup. I used just a black liquid eyeliner to outline the shapes, then a black eyeshadow with my Sephora brush to fill in each part. After this I used my small angled brush to go into more detail and add shading to create the Skeleton/bone feel to it.

A Different Angle

The Finished Look

This was one of my favourite Halloween looks that I've done and it was really fun to do and very cheap. I wore a black strappy jumpsuit from Missguided, but you could wear a skeleton costume or dress etc. There are lots of tutorials that show the general idea of how to achieve the makeup, but most are quick versions so I would pause them as you go and take time to perfect each part as its worth the time.You'll get some funny looks out on Halloween and hopefully lots of compliments!