Feeling inspired!

Heeeey guys!

This is going to be a rambly post so feel free to grab a cuppa.

I've just been sat reading Girl Online: Going Solo by Zoe Sugg, as summer is over and I have nothing left to do apart from read. So I may as well finish this book series. I'm six chapters in and if you don't know - the main character Penny has a blog. Reading this has made me want to start mine up again.

I wanted to starter YouTube vids again but my confidence isn't quite there yet (although i'm thinking of maybe starting weekly vlogs).

So i've decided to return again for the 500th time. I write weekly in Hartlepool Life doing articles and my column Amie's World, but I thought why not go back to the original place where it all started. So hey!

I don't know whether to rename this blog Amie's World, like my column in the paper - we shall see in the future. 

I've just cleaned out my twitter so that I can use it as a clean platform for my blog updates and getting involved with the online world again - as I follow so many blogs, I just never give myself a chance to reply and join in the blogging community, i'll be giving that a go. 

I'm also excited to have stuff to write about on here because I go back to uni soon! I move into my new shared house with a couple of friends at the end of this month - which i'm super excited about. I'm so ready for Fresher's Week, bloody BASSHUNTER is going to perform! I'm being joined by Tyler and squad for that night which will be crazy.

I don't really know where I'm going with this, i'm just checking in to say HEY i'm back, I'll be uploading a lot more frequently about university, moving out, hauls - you name it.

Love you guys, thanks for everything.

May Favourites 2017!

Hey!

I spent a lot of May comfort-buying everything from make-up to clothing, and I even treated myself to a trip to York. So here's a couple of the things I enjoyed throughout May.

Makeup. 

Rimmel Match Perfection - (100) Ivory. 

I have been using my L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation a lot, which I have grown to love and gives an amazing matte finish. But with the weather finally transitioning into summer I figured it's nice to look a little dewy in when the suns out. Matte is more of a winter-skin look.

I went back to my good old favourite Rimmel Match Perfection which I swear by! It's great coverage and gives a nice dewy look on the skin. Even though I find my skin has been quite oily lately, it's made my skin look healthy. I tried applying with a brush but I found it worked better on my face when I used a beauty blender.

L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Doll mascara.

I seen everyone and their dog raving on about this mascara. I have so many mascaras including my favourites - Maybelline Lash Sensational and Benefit Roller Lash. So I really didn't need anymore, but I put it down to peer pressure. It looked so good on Sophdoesnails and Sophie Foster and they weren't using a lash curler either - which I always do before applying mascara. 

So I invested! and wow it was worth it.

I don't curl my lashes before applying and it still makes my eyelashes look so voluminous. I dread to imagine how good my lashes will look if I did use my curlers!

It's the little things that I love too - like how when you twist the lid back on it clicks, so you know the lid is definitely on and it won't dry out.

            

 

Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick - (56) Boho Nude.

I'm completely obsessed with Rimmel lipsticks to start with. I swear by them and have so many of them. I remember seeing this one in Savers I think? And I picked it up because of the gorgeous rose gold packaging which was different from the rest that were the original black packaging.

I remember swatching it on my hand and falling in love. I'm no good with describing colours but i'd say it's a gorgeous pink/orange nude. It's super creamy and glides on your lips so so well. It's definitely been my go-to lipstick as it goes with everything you wear. And the fact it's in gorgeous packaging meant I had to buy it.

Benefit Gimme Brow - 3.

I bought this when I had my make-up done at Benefit for my birthday. I'd heard people rave about it and I have been looking for something to set my brows for quite a while. I got a smaller tester bottle out of a magazine a few months back and was obsessed with it so whilst I was at Benefit I thought I may as well. I got the newer shade, shade 3, which the beautician said would match my brow colour best. 

I'm completely obsessed with it, the small fibres in it give my brows such volume and keep them in place all day - I think I actually need a new one already.

It's also really good for when you're having one of those days were you can't really be bothered to do a full face of makeup. Using just this on your brows adds colour and makes them look a little thicker for just an everyday look.

It's a little pricey and there's no doubt other brow products that do the same for cheaper - but if you have a higher budget I definitely recommend it.

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics.

This palette is to die for!

I bought it a few month back when I had vouchers for House of Fraser and I had to have it. I already have the Naked 3 palette and none of the others have shades in that I would regularly use. But when I seen this one I was instantly drawn in. 

Firstly, the packaging is beautiful. It's got really heavy gold casing with lovely detail. 

Inside there's 12 shades, some are nude and some are a little darker. Still they can all be used with several looks. They are so easy to throw on if you're having a minimal makeup day and just fancy a little bit of colour. It also comes with a little brush which is great quality - which you always expect with Urban Decay anyway.

It's not like one of them little crappy sponge brushes you used to get in sets as a young girl.

Also it has a huge mirror with is which is amazing for when you're doing your makeup, it would be great for travelling so I'll definitely be taking it on holiday when I go.

I find myself always using the shades commando, tempted, lockout and faith.

          

 

Random favourites!

TV favourites.

Well I haven't really been watching a lot of TV but I have spent May procrastinating and watching a lot of Netflix.

One thing that I've fallen love with is The Vampire Diaries.

I can't even tell you how many times I've cried my eyes out. I think I'm into series 7 now. Not too sure. But it's mind blowing. Not too sure if i'm team Stefan or Damon because they're both gorgeous. I think I'm loving Stefan a little bit more but then I also love Damon. I'll just take both?

It's so gripping like you can't just sit and watch one episode. I'm so upset that no more will be coming out, that's why I've been trying (and failing) to pace myself when watching. I mean I currently have it on as I write this.

But at least once I finish The Vampire Diaries I can start on The Originals which is a spin off. So I won't have to go cold turkey. But once I've finished I will definitely be re-watching and re-crying alllllll over again.

Another thing I've been watching and loving is Pretty Little Liars.

I've been following this for quite a few years now and I've always been obsessed. I'm so upset that it's also coming to and end.

Why are all the good shows ending!!!

It's so close to the end and I hope that I'm satisfied with the ending - although I don't really know how I want it to end. 

Youtubers

In all honesty I lost a lot of interest with YouTube. There was only a small handful that I would watch and there's so many that I used to watch that I don't anymore.

But i've been changing the type of videos I watch and I've been loving travel vloggers/weekly vloggers and also some new YouTubers who aren't fussing over lighting and editing and crap.

One of my favourites is Brogan Tate. She's an amazing vlogger who I see myself watching the full of her weekly vlogs and her travel vlogs, without getting bored and clicking something that's suggested down the side of the screen. She's very down to earth and real. Her videos are right up my street and I look forward to them every week. 

Another favourite of mine is Anna Miller. She's my friend's cousin so I was excited to see what she filmed, and I fell in love with her videos. She specialises in beauty and does crazy good makeup looks. Her accent is amazing (I'm glad I can understand what she says because I have no idea what her cousin says half the time - sorry Chrissie).

I highly recommend her videos and she's doing amazing for a new budding YouTuber so go and give her some love!

Happenings

Some crazy amazing stuff happened to me this month so I have to include them!

First of all: I finished my second year of university!

I never thought i'd make it - but I did. With my closest friends by my side we finished our final exams of the year and left uni until September without looking back. That's one huge thing to celebrate and now we just have to wait for our results...

Speaking of uni, me and my gorgeous uni girls took a trip to York to celebrate surviving the year together. We had an amazing time and stayed in an awesome apartment that was super cheap! It worked out at about £20 a night each - which we were all surprised at especially considering the quality of the hotel. 

We went to our favourite - Revolution, where we had way too many cocktails and spent a lot of money on food, but it was worth it!

I loved spending time with the girls that keep me going through uni - shout out to you Plamedie, Alex and Rach!

        

 

The last and most favourite thing that happened to me in May was - I got a job in journalism!! 

Not even a placement, like an actual job in a real newspaper. I still cannot believe it. I've been there three weeks and already I've made front page and been given my own column called Amie's World. 

People work for years to get in this position and I've been privileged enough to have it happen to me.

For this I'm so very thankful and excited for the future. Who I work with are so friendly and I feel so comfortable with them all, i'm happy to be part of their team.

As one door closes...

Hey!

So you lot can thank the ever-so-pleasant exam period for my lack of writing. Writing thousands of words on topics I hate and revising endless crap (in my opinion anyway) means that I don't come home and feel like talking to my blog.

But, never the less, i'm here now!

And some crazy stuff is happening now.

I've just finished second year at uni. Which was no doubt the worst academic year of my life. The stress was surreal and deadlines were the most daunting they have ever been. But with the amazing support from my friends and famalam, I conquered.

One year left and i'll have a degree in magazine journalism (providing i've passed this year of course and next year goes well...)

Last week I had a job interview with a local newspaper called Hartlepool Life - in which I successfully got the job! I'm officially a writer for them and i'm super excited to get stuck in. I've had two days working there so far and I love it! The guys who I work with are so welcoming and lovely. I was terrified to be the only girl in there at first, but not I actually enjoy working with all men. The banter is hilarious! 
If you're local and can pick up a copy of Hartlepool Life then go ahead. They're out every Wednesday and they're free.

So yeah, I don't really know what else to say apart from i'll be doing a little more writing on here - probably reviews and catch up's with what's going on with me!
I'm going to Salou in a week so i'll definitely do a post on that.
I'd love to do a vlog on this but I'm not brave enough and my IPhone storage is poop.


So, See you all later! 

Amie :)

Approaching the adult decisions

The only way I can think of clearing my head lately is to write. So are you ready for another rant post? 

Okay i've hit a metaphorical brick wall. As well as being a small amount of stress away from actually hitting my head off a wall.


I'm well into my second year of university now and it's made me think - do I even want to be doing this as a career?
I don't know if I want to pursue journalism anymore and can't think of anything that I want to start up when I finish my degree. I'm literally just carrying on my degree now because otherwise it has been a complete waste of money and unnecessary debt. So many of my family have high expectations of me now and i'm not okay with the idea of letting them down.
I'll carry it on. I'm trying my best and I will get my degree. Besides I really want to throw my cap in the air and shout "thank God that's over!"

On the same topic of university - I'm stuck on what I want to do with my living arrangements next year.
Do I stay at home? 
It's the cheaper option definitely. It means I get to see my family so I don't get FOMO (fear of missing out), I can be comfortable in a clean environment and I also get to see my Hartlepool friends. 
Although - i'm sick of getting up sooooo early to get to uni when if I lived in Sunderland i'd just be down the road. That's important especially when it's the year of my dissertation and i'm going to be spending lots of time crying in a library. I would also get my independence back and be able to see my Sunderland friends more. I guess I could learn to cope with uncleanliness again? 
My friends in Hartlepool have their own lives and I don't really have a 'friendship circle' anymore since they're all working, have partners and at uni. Then there's just me on the side lines with the occasional bitching in an inbox and offering plans that are near always declined. 

Everyone has a life now apart from me...

Oh my God - I'm Bridget Jones.

But moving away means a year later I need to come back. And i'd be coming back with all furniture from a double bedroom, en suite and kitchen - to a box bedroom, since my sister would get the bigger room from me moving away. I ain't up for that Harry Potter life.
And I definitely won't be staying at uni to do a masters since I haven't a monkeys what i'm doing with myself.

This leads me onto the "what next?" phase which is currently hurting my brain to think about.
When I leave uni and am stuck at home - what then?
I need money.

I was considering just getting a full-time job in whatever is going and save up plenty. Since i'm getting driving lessons and hopefully passing my tests by 2018 - I can put my money towards that. But then I want to move out!
What do I choose? I can put my money to lessons and driving - but not get a car and just have a license to be proud of and save to move out? Or I get a car and pay the extortionate insurance etc - and live at home, continue to feel stressed and still 15 years old.

Even if I considered moving out and just having a license - moving out and finding a house costs sooooo damn much! But I really do want my own space.

I'm really having a meltdown and I feel like no one is actually listening when I tell them and they think i'm just having a moan. I'M NOT!

Everyone knows what they want to do(or have some idea), and most have an income and are working when they can. Honestly if I had a job that took up my time I wouldn't be able to do any uni work and would probably cry - a lot. 
Majority of my friends are now all loved up. They're all moved in with partners and starting to move on with life and I am sat completely left out and spend my nights with Gossip Girl and shorthand revision.

Basically guys I just needed a rant. I'm stressed and I need a good cry and someone to sit and tell me what I'm going to do with my life. I can't do this independent thinking crap.

I'm almost 20 and I need a plan!!

Off to find a comfy pillow to cry into now - bye.

Welcome a new Amie

I came up with this post when I was laid in the bath and over thinking about my life. I was laid thinking "what am I actually doing for me?"

I stopped my YouTube channel and put my videos on private because I couldn't stand the thought that people were watching them to mock me. And I knew names of people that were.
I write (when I can) for Vlogger Gossip but that's still not for me.
I'm going to University to do a journalism degree - but I'm not even sure if I want to do journalism after I graduate. 

The only thing I have left that I let go of - is my blog. So I've returned.

I've redesigned my blog to not what I think people like to look at - but what I like to look at. Since it should be based around the writer not the audience. I'm not getting paid for this! So I hope that you guys like the new layout but if you don't - sorry but I'm not really bothered anymore!

p.s This post is going to be a long one, so go and grab a cuppa if you want to keep reading without getting bored.

Anyway...
I'm sat with a tab open on Chrome ready to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas - since it's November so I'm allowed to do such a thing. But oddly the title The Nightmare Before Christmas is starting to sound like a description of my life right now. 

I thought I'd give you nosy lot an insider into my life so you can have a laugh or you can relate to me if the same crap is happening to you. Also it's kind of like a diary entry for me to look back on next year and laugh at myself for being so naive. 

What's actually happened this year to make me reconsider everything? Well lets start with the nitty gritty (literally)...

I broke up with my now ex-boyfriend in May. Although this never really hurt me doing it - it seems like lately he's only just realised that I actually did break up with him and i'm not going back there. So i've had hell rain down on me and been called every name under the sun by said 'ex'. I laugh that off, because I know it's all bull. If I'm that much of a bad person pal - why did you sit outside my house in your car? Or make a 'work' instagram to contact me to unblock you? Lol go away.
I could go into the deep depths of why I did what I did and why he's such a tool - but I'm not going to give him or his mates the satisfaction. But hey lads if you're reading! Thanks for the view!

Enough with that disaster - here's another.

I thought I liked a lad. Yes that seems normal but with being in a 4 year relationship and then being able to speak to who I want again - it's pretty terrifying! I was very naive and pushed it away for a long time and never pictured myself liking anyone for a while. Yes I took the Bridget Jones idea of being a strong independent woman. But my stupid heart wanted to do otherwise. (p.s - remind self to always go with the brain over heart next time).
So yeah I thought I liked a lad, I thought he liked me too. Turned out he was the type of lad that you see all the Tumblr posts about and vow never to let yourself to be intrigued by them - oops!
This week (i'll explain why shortly) has been a huge eye opener and I've realised that "if you don't want to be in my life, then go, because I don't need you". I've turned back to my mother's stubbornness - Hi mam!
So that chapter is over, lets just rip it out the book, burn it and pretend that small period of my year did not take place. 

Another thing I discovered this year (& if the shoe fits, you can sure as hell tie up them laces) is that the whole idea of needing both parents to have a good life - is a load of crap. Apart from my Dad *grimace*, buying me and my sister Justin Bieber tickets, that's all we've had or heard of him for a year. Literally a year on the 2nd of December. And we've just found out it's going to be at least another year before he considers coming to see his kids. I mean i'd understand if we were bad kids - but we aren't. But I guess we aren't bad kids because our mam has given us the best up bringing we could have asked for and out of all the dark moments over the past 6 years - she has been our shining star. Love you mammy.
As for the other one, with my stubbornness that has set in, if he thinks he can show up November 2017 after 2 years of not seeing us: it will be a case of 'sorry but I'm not allowed to speak to strangers'.

SO.... After the rant of many men letting me down this year. What's actually been good?

Well this year I was blessed with finding who my true friends are. 
I have many little circles of friends in different places - but one of them circles is who I count as my sisters.
Zhiyin, Vicky and Tyler - hey lasses! But shout out to the girls who give me support in anything and back up my corner no matter the argument. 
Tyler is my little gem especially. It's funny that we weren't close at all in school and it was all just a smile in the corridors. But now she's my best friend. The type of best friend that tags you in every relevant post on Facebook to make you laugh. The type of best friend who throws plans at you and never lets you down. She also blessed me with asking me to be a god-mother to her beautiful little girl Harley (who I consider myself to be the baby Daddy anyway...). So shout out to my girls, my Tyler and little Harley *inserts heart emoji*.

Also shout out to Flat 90 (You know who you are), you're my homies and I look forward to driving you all mad with my cleaning again next summer. I can't wait to sit with Lauren late at night talking crap and watching strange videos - you know what I mean Gilbey! Miss you sister!

Of course this year I travelled a lot. To Benidorm to Turkey which I'm so grateful for both experiences and I loved them both. It's made me more confident that I want to go travelling (even if I get such travel sickness on planes!) 

Oh, and I seen Justin Bieber again! Oh MY WORD he was outstanding as always. After 3.5 years of seeing him for Believe Tour in Manchester, I got the chance to see him for Purpose Tour in Sheffield. Almost two weeks ago now and i'm still not over it - I don't think I ever will be. If I could afford tickets to other shows of he's I'd definitely be flying all over to see his pretty face again.

The point of this post?
Well done if you made it this far. The point is - i'm no longer taking crap off anyone. I'm entering the 'bitch' faze of my life, if you will. But i'm also returning to my blog. But it's not going to be about what my 'routines' are, because of uni I no longer have any routines. I use the same moisturiser and I paint my nails with whatever colour I find close to where i'm sat.

I hope you're ready for posts about my hangovers, about how big of a melt down i'm having over University and which person has annoyed me each week.

Bye guys, love yas x

New Starts Scare Me!

How is it September already? and how am I going into second year of uni already?!

It's scary how fast time is going and how events in my life are flying past me without me realising.

I'm excited to start my second year of university and carry on pursuing my dream. Apart for writing lots for Vlogger Gossip, I haven't really done anything in these holidays that's productive - so i'm happy to get the ball rolling again.
I need these 7am wake ups and library trips in my life again I need some order!

Although the new year terrifies me too. The hard work cranks up a notch and I know i'm going to struggle - but this year i'll have less distractions around me with living at home, so i'll be able to do what I know I can and that's work hard.

I find nothing more relaxing that to sit in a library or quiet cafe with my earphones and notepad and doing my work - so thank god my routine will get back and feel better! Also this is the year of placements and building a portfolio which i'm so excited for.

With a new university year comes many new introductions as well as seeing old faces - I've missed my pals so much! 

It's okay though - I have bought plenty of new stationary to help me through the difficult essays i'm going to get thrown at me. Hello short hand and media law!

But this year i'm going to jump straight in and perhaps go on more adventures. Since spending a lot of time behind a computer means i'm looking at pretty views and amazing things happening on a screen instead of through my own eyes. And I need to gain the confidence to allow my converse to get dirty every now and again. 

Holiday to Benidorm!

Hey everyone, hope you're all okay :) 

So last week I went on a trip to Benidorm for a week with my family. I thought i'd let you all know what went down...

I think the coldest it was for the week was probably 27 degrees and that was on a night! It was so hot - but with me going to Turkey not so long before the trip, I was used to the heat. And we had air con so it was all good.

We stayed at the Presidente which was okay. The pool area was lovely and we couldn't fault the food - but the hotel room itself was very basic. We just had three single beds, a bedside, a wardrobe and a bathroom. There wasn't really much room for storage and we were quite dissapointed with the lack of kettle (But don't worry - we went out and bought a kettle for 10 euros and it saved our lives haha!
But the food was lovely - and one night they served a beef dinner which I was so happy with. Nothing better than some beef, gravy and yorkshire puddings :)


We were in the centre really so we were right next door to a venue called Jokers. This was very loud on a night and our bedroom/balcony was right on the edge so when it came to peak alcohol time - we had to learn to block out the noise. We did get used to it further on in the week though.

One place I loved to visit was the 'Why Not?' it was really fun! It was a small family bar which had karaoke and cheap alcohol (which is always a bonus). I don't really know how to describe this place as it was basic but such a lovely atmosphere and great staff. I recommend it if you're looking for a quiet night.

Another day we took a trip to the beach. But this happened to be on the hottest day of the week and we only stayed 40 minutes because the sun was that hot you could feel yourself burning. Plus you had to pay for sun beds and parasols - no thank you! 
But I did go and swim in the sea and it was so refreshing. It was crazy with the water being so clear and when I had goggles on to look under the water you could see fish swimming around your feet - so surreal!

Another amazing thing we visited on the trip was Aqualandia. This place was crazy! Apart from the huge hill we had to walk up in the blazing heat - the rest of the day was great! We got in and got sunbeds to sit on to dry off and sun bathe. But the rest of the time was spent in the pools. 

I especially enjoyed a certain pool that went round in a circle that you could walk round to cool down. We kept nipping in that to cool off as it was so warm. 

I'm not big on rides but one I did go on was the rapids. They were so funny - although you do get packed on the ride with loads of other people so when you're waiting to go down to next level, there's about 10 people floating and you get packed like sardines. It was very funny though and I enjoyed being in the large rubber ring haha! I didn't take my phone on that trip though because it would be my luck to drop it with being surrounded by water :(

Also I'd like to thank Aqualandia for employing some beautiful life guards. They made the trip a lot better...

One night we went out to go see the comedian Crissy Rock and she had me almost crying with laughter. She was absolutely hilarious and said lots of jokes that you could relate too - which really helps so you aren't sat clueless! I would definitely recommend going to see her if she is ever in a place that you are or if you go to Benidorm.

I'm very pleased with myself for capturing a photo just as she looked over at us!

One of the days we went to the market where there was lots of stalls selling many items. Obviously the bags and purses weren't real - but we bought them anyway because they're cheap and who is going to see the different really unless someone approaches you and wants to check out the stitching...
We did compare the market to Scooby-Doo as once you've walked down a couple of isles the stalls begin to repeat themselves and you seem to have a lot of deja-vu. 
Here my mam kindly bought me a Michael Kors (but no Michael Kors) purse in blue and navy.
I didn't really see much else on the market so later on in the week I also got some pretty sandals and a bag to match my MK purse.

The final day we needed to kill some time so we decided to walk a lot of miles to go and visit Old Town. This place blew my mind with how beautiful it was!

It was old but looked gorgeous like something you see in a movie. And it was surrounded by beaches and the sea around it had people snorkling. It just blew my mind.

It was an amazing trip and I love my family to pieces - I love Benidorm it's so beautiful.

Here's some random pictures that I got randomly :)

Me and my uncle Col :)

Who loves a good snapchat banner by the pool? Me!

We got our feet eaten by fish! Such a crazy feeling - but surprisingly nice?

Drunken antics with my auntie and mama <3