tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5033477492196383822024-03-12T23:59:17.798+00:00It's Victoria AnneWelcome to my newly revamped blog! Feel free to browse and read whatever you like whilst you're here - happy reading!
V A xVictoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-72001959356151035102019-08-28T20:00:00.000+01:002019-08-28T20:00:15.300+01:00A Guide to Final Year of UniversityIt's that time of year again where summer is unfortunately over and for some of you, final year of university is just a few weeks away. This time last year, I was dreading it to be honest because it was obviously my last year of university studies. I had no plans or intentions to go and do a Masters or continue my studies in another way, so knowing this was the final curtain for me was daunting.<br />
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Despite this, I tried to not let it distract me so much and just tried to make the last year of university for me count. But what I wanted to do was share my experience from my final year in the form of advice, so that if any of you are feeling exactly how I felt or know of anyone who is feeling the same way, this advice can be shared.<br />
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What you are about to read are my top 5 tips to get through the final year of university, starting with:<br />
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<u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tip #1: Don't let the phrase <i>"Final Year"</i> get on top of you</span></u></h3>
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Now I know this is easier said than done, but from my experience, you really don't want this to overcome you and your studies. <b>Final year is important</b> in you getting the outcome you want. You do want to work hard and to the best of your ability; however, just treat each day you are in university and doing work outside of class as <b>normal.</b> Plan what work you're wanting to achieve for the day and what goals you want reached by the end of the week. As I was enjoying the work I was doing, I didn't feel like it was a massive task that had to be done (if that makes any sense?) Of course I knew how much the work would mean to my final grade and for a future portfolio, but I just threw myself into my work as I had done for the previous years of my university studies. <b>Don't let the pressure completely overcome you</b> and if you feel it does, read...<br />
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<u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tip #2: Have some <i>"you"</i> time</span></u></h3>
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This is so vital to getting through final year. I honestly thought it would just be <i>work work work</i> every day which, don't get me wrong, it was...! HOWEVER, not every day required me to be sitting at a desk or going into uni sewing for about 8 hours or more. <b>You have the time to take an hour out of the day and just switch off, go into your relaxing, happy place.</b> For me, I went to the gym to release the stress in my sweat and it massively helped. If I felt like being lazy, then I was lazy. I would stay in my pjs and binge-watch YouTube or Friends (literally Friends was the go-to series for me when it was nearing deadlines). Going on walks or even going out to get my food shop for the week was a relief from uni work because <b>it was my time to switch off</b>. On the weekends when George would come to mine or I went to his, I would feel massively guilty for having to do uni work, but we still scheduled in the time to go to the cinema, go out for food, or just chill inside watching the footy. <b>Always have some you time.</b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tip #3: Talk to people when it gets too much</span></u></h3>
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I'm a natural stresshead, so I had the odd one (or 100) breakdowns during my final year, and the one thing that got me through it was<b> talking to people and just letting it all out.</b> My boyfriend, family, friends at uni and back home, they listened to me and advised me where they could and comforted me. Literally the one thing I miss right now is being so close to George because there are days where I need his cuddles so badly! Even writing it down in a diary or a blog post if you have a blog yourself just to get it all out, <b>you are definitely not going to be experiencing the same thoughts yourself. </b>People will relate and be able to talk to you about it as well. Do not keep your feelings bottled up and <b>just talk. </b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tip #4: Make the most of the uni lifestyle</span></u></h3>
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Now for me, I don't know if I did make the most of the uni life but I've never been one for going out on the night anyways. I mean definitely do not prioritise this over your studies for sure, <b>but don't dismiss enjoying yourself to let your hair down!</b> Going to union events, popping round your friend's flat next door, having games nights or TV nights (me and my friends had Apprentice nights, Sewing Bee nights, a lot) are times that you want to make the most of if you're all moving back home after uni is over. I've made close friends from uni and we still keep in touch now despite the distance. Having study sessions together helped enormously for me during final year as <b>we all kept each other motivated when we needed it,</b> so I would highly recommend this for sure. Your last year of uni is one where effectively, you have that bit of freedom before graduating into the adult world so <b>make it one to remember</b>, which leads me onto...<br />
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<u><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tip #5: Prepare for life after graduation</span></u></h3>
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It's a tip which we all unfortunately have to consider and <b>we can't avoid</b> because for me, final year just flew by. By the end of second year, I had an idea of what I wanted to do after my studies and in final year, we had the opportunity of looking at how to get into what we wanted to do and really think about it. It's definitely not easy planning the rest of your life away when you're just trying to plan out what work you want to achieve each day, so <b>don't think of it like that</b>. Think of it as <i>"okay so this is what I want to do or have done or be in 5 years time"</i>. I wish I did more of this and made a 5-year plan, but I knew I wanted to have a job within the average 6 months of graduating in the field I wanted to embark - and I have. I knew I would have to move back home because of finances, which is what I have done; however, my plan is to move in with George back up north because I love the north. I wanted to order my provisional driving license and look into learning how to drive, which is still on the cards for me as soon as I've got a decent bit of money in my pocket. <b>Little achievements at a time</b> help you deal with the jump from student to full-time adult and whilst it is challenging to adjust to, <b>you will get there without a doubt.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I apologise for this essay of a blog post but I felt it all had to be written for all you final year students out there. I hope it has been of help to you and a worthy read and I wish you all the best of luck for your studies and for whatever you decide to do once you've finished. <b>You will smash it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-27068820820014556222019-08-06T07:44:00.000+01:002019-08-06T07:44:16.068+01:00Life After GraduatingSo again, it has been a long time since I last had a post for you all to read because of how hectic university was - again. Now that my uni days are finally over (I graduated with a 2:1 yay), the adult life has really and truly begun - and<i> boy </i>has the change been noticed.<br />
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I moved back home now about a month ago and in that time, I have unpacked and completely sorted through my room as it felt the perfect time to have a sort out; but the first couple of weeks before going on holiday with my boyfriend and his family were tough.<br />
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<b>I've always been that type of person who bottles their feelings up,</b> doesn't want to bother others with how I'm really feeling because, unless I really can't, I tend to keep the feelings to myself - it's how I have always been. Yet, life after university really does mess with your mentality because now the adult life has hit you, even though you knew it was going to happen anyway, you still don't realise it now has happened: and it takes time for the reality to set in.<br />
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<b>I was applying for jobs I'd say a good month and a half before I graduated</b> and moved back home, some related to what I want to do and some not. I was hating applying to jobs I just knew I wouldn't enjoy because the fact is <b>I would have to start earning my pocket to get by</b>. Declines were inevitable because I'm not a perfect candidate ready for anything in the working world (I mean, who is?) Nevertheless, I had some phone interviews that turned into face-to-face interviews which then turned into me having 2 job offers and <b>I am happy to say I will be starting my new job</b> next week in Birmingham.<br />
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For a student who had recently graduated to be in that position, well I just felt <b>privileged, relived and proud</b>; yet, being at home with nothing really to do was horrible. I really did have a few down days which is normal for sure; but I feel this is the one thing that universities don't really teach you. Of course we know it is going to be difficult if we can't find something straight away and universities are honest in saying that it will be difficult; but what they don't teach us is <b>how mentally we can prepare for that change</b>.<br />
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<b>All I have known really since nursery all those years ago is just education, education, education. </b>I didn't take a gap year because I knew that if I did, my desire to go to university would vanish and I wouldn't look back. I've not known anything different which influenced the days where I just didn't really want to get out of bed. With my friends at home being in full-time jobs and my boyfriend now back to being 3 hours away, I just wasn't in a great mental state. I mean for all I know, <i>it could've just been my hormones that were affecting me </i>(I would not be surprised), but they wouldn't have been a massive factor into how I was feeling.<br />
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Am I glad I had these thoughts? <b>Heck no. </b>It is a big reality check finishing university for sure. Am I glad to be a full-time adult now? <b>Oh boy yes</b>. I can start looking forward to learning to drive, I can finally earn my own way in a job that's related to what I want to do (I'm so lucky), I can start saving money again and look forward to the near future of eventually living with my boyfriend.<br />
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<b>Life after graduating is scary, but right now, it's good scary. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If any of you are feeling how I felt, stay positive. <b>Talk to the ones you love</b> most and can confide in. <b>Don't give up.</b> You will get what you want and all we've gotta do is work hard but enjoy the freedom we now have of being an adult. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The world is your oyster.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-62854945460548063952018-10-03T19:30:00.000+01:002018-10-03T19:30:05.830+01:00My Uni Room Set-upThis is a first for me writing an interior post, but I've seen soo many other bloggers writing this and I thought <b><i>why not</i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">? </b>It may have either too many photos or not enough and my room may not look as exciting or anything like that in comparison to other uni rooms you've seen but it's my home away from home and I love it! So without further ado:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">WELCOME TO...</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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<u>The Overview</u></h3>
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It's probably best to start off with an overview of the size of the room. Now I chose this room last year because of the space it has, and as an art university student, you want to be happy with the space you can work in. As you first walk through the door, you are greeted by the large window and there is a large full-length mirror situated behind the door to the right. To the left is where my wardrobe and chest of draws are. Surprisingly my wardrobe and draws are not as full as what they could have been because I left half my wardrobe at home <i>(you have to prioritise)</i>. As you continue looking further round to the left, I have my desk. I love the size of the desk because, as you can see below, I can fit my printer, all my library books, radio, lamp and jewellery stand on there: and there is still enough room for myself to work at the desk. There's also my little drawer unit underneath for extra storage, my fabric box and my suitcase all fitting underneath the desk to leave a perfect space for the chair to tuck into. <b>Study area sorted.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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As you head further into the room and look to the right of the window, there you will see the double bed. I cannot tell you how excited I was to have a double bed in my room again because <i>oh.my.god </i>waking up on those winter mornings when I'm needing to go to uni are going to be much more bearable when I'm waking up feeling toasty under the double duvet. I mean I'm still going to not want to move anyways but I'm just grateful for it.<i> </i>Next to the bed is my bedside unit which on top, is finished with another lamp, the daily essentials and a few personal items <b>which make me feel more cosy when I'm lying in bed: the happy reminders x</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE14jGteBKsZuJRxNP8XsrFPoXnSnBfVUzr0h0ej8TXh7O0SZibsDmBaqpyHMvb4ckSnsBrVDT2rx36A_X5yiiddYJUVXvYzC03sC0hsV5YL6oU2RZSTPbErolbz_Ouzb1e4QZIuNty7MI/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE14jGteBKsZuJRxNP8XsrFPoXnSnBfVUzr0h0ej8TXh7O0SZibsDmBaqpyHMvb4ckSnsBrVDT2rx36A_X5yiiddYJUVXvYzC03sC0hsV5YL6oU2RZSTPbErolbz_Ouzb1e4QZIuNty7MI/s640/IMG_1994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C5GW_Bginre-CnYYYnpkDsryXKV-L5KtRswM2lay1H3o_hIWFdaWeN7mvtK5QAzb1KYcJ0Gv3dSjo4tQB7bAeZ3bSJpytmPrB5yKAabChpDVYCXbchtUkdnlO0P1ar3dzebom8peWde0/s1600/VB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C5GW_Bginre-CnYYYnpkDsryXKV-L5KtRswM2lay1H3o_hIWFdaWeN7mvtK5QAzb1KYcJ0Gv3dSjo4tQB7bAeZ3bSJpytmPrB5yKAabChpDVYCXbchtUkdnlO0P1ar3dzebom8peWde0/s640/VB3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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My view when I either wake up in the morning or just chilling in bed at night is the pin board of memories and important dates. Some of the things on the board include my personalised calendar from George and quite a few football tickets of matches I've been to since studying in Hartlepool. Pin boards are literally one of THE student essentials because they <b>remind us of the important things we miss from back home</b>, as well as <b>new memories made during our university lives</b>. If you didn't notice the <u>OTHER</u> student essential around the board: fairy lights. I didn't have them at my previous accommodation so I felt this year I had to get them: now I question why I did not get tempted <u>ONCE</u> to buy them last year <i>(what was I thinking?)</i> It's amazing how simply having just the fairy lights on in the room makes me feel much more relaxed when I need to zone out from the stress. <b>Fairy lights on, music on and the relaxation begins. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfd8HjDuOl-X5e4KT5RGj1tmqDS4SlaenmF6akR0cD42LoZxS8QhB8l_3ORNjMpQ6PnP39bjxtuEdRboffWQ-O5YUR6KK6mIcys3_zbml23Dznsv4ttdyuMLEE0Qqb2WEHSUwaGn2msOu/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfd8HjDuOl-X5e4KT5RGj1tmqDS4SlaenmF6akR0cD42LoZxS8QhB8l_3ORNjMpQ6PnP39bjxtuEdRboffWQ-O5YUR6KK6mIcys3_zbml23Dznsv4ttdyuMLEE0Qqb2WEHSUwaGn2msOu/s640/IMG_1998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gAKZ0XECDGElsXAVa_4w9S4ZaWBY1CbGX2ohEUc2GTeqZ1xKvnrfzQN4MxNLtxUKMLqi5xvV5pAWaTPDnVM1vyPQ70IZ4GEIIISpWKRVBsjKd2RPI6jFZ6DfcBo2v1QrD0cEFAXlRp4Q/s1600/VB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gAKZ0XECDGElsXAVa_4w9S4ZaWBY1CbGX2ohEUc2GTeqZ1xKvnrfzQN4MxNLtxUKMLqi5xvV5pAWaTPDnVM1vyPQ70IZ4GEIIISpWKRVBsjKd2RPI6jFZ6DfcBo2v1QrD0cEFAXlRp4Q/s640/VB9.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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<h3>
<u>The Details</u></h3>
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If you noticed at the very beginning of this post, I have a light box. That's also a new addition to last year because I think they're cool and pretty, but I've been putting motivational sayings on there recently to remind myself that I can do well in my final year because I need to and I want to. ATM I have it saying <i>You Got This</i>. Cheesy or cringey, it's motivation I need! The smaller, decorative features of the room is what reminds me I've made it my home away from home: little figurines, photos, cuddlies and other items make me feel more relaxed and last year when I experienced a bit of homesickness, they also helped me through that. <b>It's incredible how they work like that but it's something to be grateful for. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg879U7wb5T5pGv1ArYf6qHl5N3D1KD3Gqd6QprprL0jGS1TW8jQu7aItcTKPIERTP04NRDHpf2U-C7IvNY915AanIruwrkjH17XTw_6tT2EJPPF5c2sVNtuZTOVrn7YIdaY8ME-pYTFL/s1600/VB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg879U7wb5T5pGv1ArYf6qHl5N3D1KD3Gqd6QprprL0jGS1TW8jQu7aItcTKPIERTP04NRDHpf2U-C7IvNY915AanIruwrkjH17XTw_6tT2EJPPF5c2sVNtuZTOVrn7YIdaY8ME-pYTFL/s640/VB7.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDDMBz0kfpQxUjf51yKKN6OYCExF0bhtZfBSKICt-gu32mLJu5IKrJLl5iYLBPfGLECA6mAGp7b4KJuEDCT6jDcjIbLQdZ6feSsGJZL8FF1KnpgnlodoDugVGIynFS-0SM1_W8nN9ZMnk/s1600/VB11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDDMBz0kfpQxUjf51yKKN6OYCExF0bhtZfBSKICt-gu32mLJu5IKrJLl5iYLBPfGLECA6mAGp7b4KJuEDCT6jDcjIbLQdZ6feSsGJZL8FF1KnpgnlodoDugVGIynFS-0SM1_W8nN9ZMnk/s640/VB11.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photographer: April Johnson</i></td></tr>
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<b>And that ladies and gentlemen is my room tour at university. This was a completely different topic for me to write about but honestly, I've loved writing this! As I'm sat chilling on my bed with my homely reminders surrounding me, fairy lights on and music playing, I know for a fact that I will be very happy here. I could not have chosen a better place to live out my last year of university.</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">V A x</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;">
<b>Photographer: </b>April Johnson</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;">
<b>Find her here! >></b> https://www.instagram.com/johnsonphotograph/</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;">
https://www.facebook.com/Johnson-Photography-1694301750785713/</div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-33461389337042594292018-09-24T19:00:00.000+01:002018-09-24T19:00:01.833+01:00My First Proper Bloggershoot: The Experience<div>
I always admire bloggers who get up so early in the mornings, be ready for 6am with their photographer to capture the perfect shots within a city before it wakes up. If I had that drive and a consistent good night's sleep, I would as well; but any opportunity to have a bloggershoot <i>is worth it </i>and is just as exciting whatever time it is done.</div>
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A couple of weeks ago, myself and Megan headed to Birmingham after a 6am wake-up call to prep my make-up and hair (outfits sorted the night before through a natural yet professional Skype call). Shattered was not the word to describe how we both felt early on that morning but a quick trip to Starbucks and 1 chai latte later and<b> I was ready</b> for the day ahead.<br />
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I genuinely thought I would feel I was being judged by those around us when I was posing for the photos like I sometimes have before; yet I remembered that this is completely normal in our day and age and because the photographer was my friend of forever, it was natural: I posed. I acted normal. I treated it seriously yet pretended like I was an actual model (it sounds serious but not at the same time?) Switching between different locations and different outfits throughout the morning was so worth it because <i>Oh. My. God. The photos turned out <b>amazing. </b></i>Megan throughout the locations knew what angles to work with, how she wanted me to stand/sit/my face to look because she knows what I want for my Instagram and my blog whilst keeping in mind her outlook for the urban, edgy city photoshoot that she could use within her portfolio.<br />
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But there's more to just standing (or sitting) in front of a camera wearing an outfit in a location that matches the vibe of the clothes you wear. I wasn't expecting to realise more than I did:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Professionalism:</b> My Instagram is what turned me to the world of blogging in the first place, and so my first official bloggershoot, <b>I wanted to get it right. </b></li>
<li><b>Commitment:</b> Waking up early to carry around quite a few different pair of boots and other outfits to carry to different shoot locations may not sound that much a struggle, but it can be. If it's worth it for those few epic photos, <b>you forget all that.</b></li>
<li><b>Confidence:</b> Every person at some point in their lives has posed like a model in the mirror when no-one is around, so I just put myself in that mindset and treated it like it would be the first and only chance I could be a model, if that. To look back at the photos and see myself as I am has boosted my confidence for future photoshoots that <b>I never thought I could have.</b></li>
<li><b>Understanding:</b> How much the final edits can influence not just yourself, but others around within the blogging and social media world, or just in general. Your one daily outfit can inspire others to wear almost the same. How you are captured in the photo can speak so much about who you are as a person to those who haven't met you in person before. I understood how social media sites like Instagram and blogging have become <i>more</i> than images and words online: like I said, <b>they can inspire others.</b></li>
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I mean these thoughts of the photoshoot only really came to mind as I was writing this post <i>buuuut</i> everything I said above is true. Bloggershoots mean more to those involved and if you already have a good partnership with whoever is taking your photo etc, you know it's going to be a good one. More photoshoots are planned in the very, very near future. In the meantime, enjoy a few of the final edits (if you haven't seem some on my Instagram already!)</div>
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<h3>
<u>Custard Factory</u></h3>
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<h3>
<u>Brindley Place</u></h3>
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<u>Victoria Square</u></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until the next blog post everyone...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<b>Photographer: </b>Megan Rhodes</div>
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<b>Find her here! >></b> http://megzbox.tumblr.com/ </div>
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https://www.instagram.com/megzbox/</div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-59615497575336421932018-09-17T19:00:00.000+01:002018-10-03T17:20:36.655+01:00It Was Time For A ChangeI<b>'ve been umming and ahhing about my blog style</b> for quite a bit of time now and <u>FINALLY</u> last week on a spontaneous chilled evening at home, I updated it...and I love it!<br />
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Now I know it probably doesn't look that spectacular or anything because website design, coding and all that lot <b>does not compute</b><i> </i>with me: I wouldn't know where to start and I was slightly struggling with this in all honesty. I was looking at all the template layouts already provided by Blogger but eventually, this was the style I was set on: it wasn't over the top like my previous one was and what really drew me to it was the cover photo setting. It felt more personal and much more modern for the blogging world of today...<b>and I loved it</b>. <i>(BIG thanks to Megan for designing my cover photo for me, massive hugs to you!!)</i></div>
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Originally, I didn't want to stray away too much from what my blog used to look like when it first started, but a new change can be good for you which I believe is what this blog's layout now is! I still wanted little reminders of how it began though so there are elements of purple around the blog, such as the sidebar, but the purple is subtle and contemporary when combined with the monochrome look. Edgy, modern yet somehow traditional I could say?</div>
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<b>But why have I waited until now to revamp my blog?</b> Well, with me going into <a href="https://itsvictoriaanne.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-final-year-thoughts.html?m=1" target="_blank">final year of university</a>, we're expected to create business cards, portfolios and anything else that we feel will show who we are as someone to work with in the future. Now I still want to pursue with my blog, even if it will be on a separate online platform from what my future website will be or if I can figure out how to merge the two <i>(it's probably so easy but I have no clue)</i> into one. <b>There is time to plan all this out</b>; but with that in mind, I want future employers to come across my blog, read my content and to view it so they can see what I am like as a person. I love writing my thoughts down to share with you all because yes, even though I make this content available for <u>anyone</u> to read, I know others out there have the same thoughts on the topic or have different opinions but still like to discuss them, and <b>that's what drew me into blogging in the first place and what still drives me to carry on with it now</b>. I wanted my blog to show I can be professional yet a genuine person for others to potentially work with, whatever it is that I will be doing come post-graduate life, and I felt my blog was the first place to start to show this, <b>to show who I am.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I hope that you all enjoy the new style and can still join me on my blogging journey, however long that may be for!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
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<b>Photographer: </b>Megan Rhodes</div>
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<b>Find her here! >></b> http://megzbox.tumblr.com/ </div>
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https://www.instagram.com/megzbox/</div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-63338916201576879412018-09-12T19:30:00.000+01:002018-09-12T19:30:00.215+01:00My Final Year ThoughtsI'm finding it really hard to believe that my time at university is so close to finishing now I'm basically at the final hurdle. It's going to be one looooong jump (no pun intended) until I can say I'm a graduate and if anyone knows of a way to speed it along, <b>hmu in the comment section.</b><br />
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I know it's going to be difficult and I know a lot of people have said <i>oh it's the year that determines your future</i> (yeah thanks like I NEED that added pressure) but how do I truly feel about becoming a final year student? Well, a few of you asked me some questions in response to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/va_victoriaanne/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> story for this blog post and now you can - as well as myself - understand my thoughts on entering this milestone of my studies!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Is it weird </span><span style="font-size: large;">knowing that this is your final year at university?</span></b><br />
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Ohhhhh it's so so so weird!!! To think this time next year I will have fully graduated, moved back home or in a new place with my boyfriend, in a job (hopefully full-time) and that's it: <b>I will be an adult.</b> I honestly have no idea what I will be like without studying because that's all I've known since primary school! I've never taken a break from studying (except summer holidays...but only a few) and yeah sure I've had a few jobs along the road but nothing where it's all day, everyday! Adjusting to this new part of life is really going to be weird. </div>
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I have actually yeah! Is it any good though?<b> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH no</b>. It is not good. At all. Just....nope. If my tutors at uni just so happen to read this post, I can only apologise for my lack of confidence, logic and the whole dissertation making sense really. <i><u>I'm Sorry.</u></i></div>
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See? DEFINITELY not ready for 3rd year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. What are you going to miss most when you go back to uni?</b></span></div>
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<b>Being at home</b>. Seeing family everyday and being within walking distance of my friend's house to just go <i>Hey! Wanna meet up in 10? </i>The ease of getting around home, knowing exactly where everything is when I need it. The football, seeing Wolves playing the big boys of the Premier League at home. My cat, having her on my bed when I wake up in the morning with her fluffy head sleeping on my head (it's too adorable). Oh yeah and one of the big things I'll miss? <u><b>NOT HAVING THE STRESS OF DOING UNI WORK EVERYDAY!</b></u> I mean I was still stressing about that at home but at least it wasn't as bad as what it will be in a few days.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. What are you most excited about?</b></span></div>
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To be honest, I am excited to see what work I produce over the next year because <b>final year really allows you to focus on yourself.</b> It allows you to focus on what you possibly what to continue with after graduation. It allows you to develop yourself as a future employee to someone what with the business cards we create, the degree show we host at the end of the academic year and the professional portfolios we create for interviews and what have you. I know I've said it's going to be hard work and very stressful, but if I finish university feeling accomplished and pleased with myself, then I know I have done something right and I KNOW the blood, sweat and tears will have been worth it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. What are you worried about the most?</b></span></div>
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<b>The fact that if I don't do something right or nothing works how I want it to work, then I will <i>most likely have a breakdown.</i> </b>Being a perfectionist and a stressful student are the two traits that will <u>never ever work together</u> and I have them woo(!) I'm also worried about the work I produce because we do not find out our marks for each module until the end of the year, so that will constantly be on my mind. Again, woo(!)<i> </i>I'll be frequently questioning if my work is good enough, whether my tutors will like it and whether others will when the public view it at the End-of-Year Degree Show. Honestly there are sooo many things I am worried about but that's not the purpose of the blog post is it?</div>
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Oh yeah and I'm also worried about money but that's second nature with me so nothing new there...!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. What is the goal for after you've finished uni? Where do you want to be 1 year today?</b></span></div>
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Okay I know this will sound so typical and all that, but <b>I just want to be happy 1 year from today!</b> After 4 years of university study and breakdowns I think I deserve it!! I want to be working in an area I loved at uni, which is tailoring, and feel satisfied that I made the right choice. I mean being in a job after graduating will be fantastic anyways because this day and age is our generation's arch nemesis and it's not easy landing on your feet from the word GO, but to be working in something I loved studying is the ultimate goal. Another goal as well may I add is for this blog to have gone places! It will be challenging balancing the workload with blogging but I enjoy writing on here! I know it can be done because I follow others who have successfully balanced both so it can be done, and therefore, I have no excuse!</div>
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So there you go! That's how I feel about the final year of university I am about to embark upon and I can probably assume many of you, if you are also in the same position as me, can relate to this. As I said earlier, I know it will be a nightmare and I've signed myself up for it, but I wouldn't have done if I knew it wasn't going to be worth it: <b>and so far, it has been.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you're entering final year of university, how are you feeling yourself? Are you feeling the same as me or are you completely 100% ready to take it on? Let me know in the comments section below!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Much Love</b></span></div>
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<b>Photographer: </b>Megan Rhodes</div>
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<b>Find her here! >></b> http://megzbox.tumblr.com/ </div>
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https://www.instagram.com/megzbox/ </div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-88742082535919127662018-08-15T19:00:00.000+01:002018-08-15T19:00:03.249+01:00Why The Insta Challenge?If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have noticed my daily uploads as a visual way of counting down to my 21st birthday. I've liked the challenge and it's been great to upload photos without having any significance to what I'd done that day or any relation to the caption.<br />
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But despite this, what I've noticed is that by not planning out my photos for the next day or even the next week and not uploading them the first thing in the morning, my likes are barely hitting what they used to. If anything, I feel lucky to even hit 30-40 likes on 1 post now which, when I have just over 550 followers, I don't like. It makes me feel like my feed is well, useless? I wouldn't say that's the right word but you know what I mean: it doesn't make me feel great when after being logged out of it for a good 2 or 3 hours, I only achieve 7 more likes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Only 27 likes on this post, all of which I appreciate very much.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Recent millinery designs for my minor project</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My current Insta feed</i></td></tr>
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<br />Okay fair enough, the small number of likes may be down to when I upload the photos. I mean, many of my followers/users may not be active at half 3 in the afternoon when I want to upload that photo. Yet what this made me realise is how Instagram has changed from being a carefree social media platform to one where likes <i><u>mean</u></i> something. Sometimes I don't care if I only hit 20 likes on a post because I'm documenting the build-up to a special birthday, but when it comes to uploading images of my university work where I would highly appreciate feedback/love, it's very scarce. <b>And that knocks my confidence.</b></div>
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As I say, the lack of likes and comments may be a result of my poor engagement on the app in recent months and also my blog which I had to push aside because I was too involved and focused on finishing my uni work that I forgot I had set the aim of blogging more often (but that's for another rant on a separate blog post). I scroll through Instagram more now and engage with others on their posts where I want to/can and hashtag plenty on my posts to try and bring the engagement in, but <b>not a lot appears to happen</b>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Search and follow me on Instagram!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let's see if I can achieve the 1000 followers mark!</i></span></td></tr>
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I would <i>love</i> to hit <b><u>1000 followers</u> </b>on my account before the end of the year as I feel the amount has been hovering around the 550 mark forever. I'm not saying this isn't great because it is and I am very grateful to those who have followed my account since the start and continue to do so now. Yet with entering my final year and thinking about my career once I've graduated, I want this following to grow. So that means more Insta use, more blogging but most importantly, more uploading for myself to document the year to come.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-26205366035292635842018-01-31T20:00:00.000+00:002018-01-31T20:00:50.999+00:00A Little UpdateI'm pretty sure I've been down this road already on my blog, yet here I am again explaining to you all why I've been absent from blogging the past couple of months. I'm annoyed at myself that I've let myself get to this position. <i>Again.</i> Yet, it's happened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXANrjf4iE6L11OkAgDEthbXOCPaRPdFfVNsDJf88hNt_8zRjYCgSlfni85dKkeCZ8OaskdVEfpqshoK62wS8QXlXcYLVpBPCyI0Q2FVuz5MQSSr4rBbwBvQCi-XaCRN_Q-ZIa-4RbfDd/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="720" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXANrjf4iE6L11OkAgDEthbXOCPaRPdFfVNsDJf88hNt_8zRjYCgSlfni85dKkeCZ8OaskdVEfpqshoK62wS8QXlXcYLVpBPCyI0Q2FVuz5MQSSr4rBbwBvQCi-XaCRN_Q-ZIa-4RbfDd/s640/IMG_1310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Basically, university kind of put me on temporarily hold from blogging. With my deadlines being last month and so much work needed for them, I felt I couldn't find the free time really to think of new content and write so much about it like I did in the summer where my blogging was at its best. Don't get me wrong, majority of the uni work I did I really did enjoy doing, such as my designing and millinery, quite a bit I posted about on my Instagram. I wanted to write new stuff yet the mindset just wasn't there. I felt I was organised enough with my studies for my first set of deadlines this year, but it was a case of I achieved one small part, then another big section was waiting to be completed.<br />
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I suppose it wasn't just my studies either that got in the way: it was also the fact that I had hit a wall with what I could have written on my blog. I always overthink what I want to publish on my blog which will be enjoyable to read, something you could relate to and also something that I myself had enjoyed writing. I've always been someone who overthinks everything and it explains why I get stressed so easily: I always want everything to be perfect and, even though I know nothing is ever going to be 100% spot-free perfect, I struggle to accept that I make mistakes. I take mistakes as a positive because that's how I learn, it's how we all learn: so maybe neglecting my blog for the past months was a mistake.<br />
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I write this blog as something to do in my down-time. It's a source of relaxation and even know as I'm typing this, I'm writing it so easily because I feel that writing about my own thoughts and opinions is something that comes so naturally to me, and it feels just lovely to do.<br />
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That being said, I am fully determined to make the most of what I can do with blogging. I really want to pursue it further this year and take it to a place where I know it'll be worth the hour I took away from uni studies because I am allowed to relax! I'm slowly starting to accept that an hour away from uni studies is allowed and I am allowed to put it to one side and just focus on what goes on outside of uni: my boyfriend, my family, my friends and anything else that does not require stress and study mode to be switched on.<br />
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So even though this was titled to be a little update, I rather think it has turned into a unleashing-my-feelings-type post. But I hope it was worth the read, and I look forward to continuing to write my blog as much as possible in 2018 x<br />
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-49562414881608584492017-10-23T18:00:00.000+01:002017-10-23T18:00:21.717+01:00I'm a Direct Entry Student<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>I'm a Direct Entry Student</u></span></td></tr>
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So for those of you who don't or didn't already know, I've moved away for my final two years of university. It's been a mixed journey so far: I've felt homesick but then I've been really enjoying the independence and I'm slowly adjusting to the sudden realisation of what proper adult life will be like.<br />
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Budgeting, cooking and all that jazz is NOT fun.<br />
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With me already having completed 2 out of the 4 student funded years at Staffordshire University means that right now, I am a direct entry student into Second Year of my costume design course. Direct entry basically means you can join a university course in any year without having to complete the first or second year, depending on which point of the course you join into. It's a very good option that universities have here and I'm very grateful the uni I'm at now thought I was good enough to go straight into second year.<br />
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How am I finding it though? Erm, a <i>little bit of everything really.</i><br />
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You might agree with this, but the first thing I worried about when I moved to uni and settled in with my flatmates <u>(love these guys btw)</u> was, <i>"Am I going to fit in with these costume students? They've already got their little friendship groups, so does that mean I'm literally going to be the odd one out? Will they include me?"</i> etc, etc....This was going round my head sooo much. For freshers, I was learning about the university and the course and the local area and joining in with the activities with costume students who would be in the year below. I loved this week a lot because I actually got on well with a small number of these girls and when I see them around uni, we have a little bit of a catch-up which is lovely, but again, all I kept thinking was, <i>"Are the second years going to be this sociable to me? Will I be able to be really sociable with them or <b>am</b> <b>I just going to be an awkward m***** f*****?"</b></i> Yeah...<i>I worried a lot about this.</i><br />
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Another thing that went round my head was my sewing skills and knowledge of the costume industry. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have been let onto the course if I didn't have the skills and style of work they would want me to have here, but sewing and making costumes is a <i>whole different ball game from just designing them on paper. </i>I worried that my new class would already have a better understanding of what was in store for them after summer. <b>And they did</b>: they had a presentation on a summer project they all did about what research to do for millinery. So the week before the first lesson did I find out THEN that I should have a theme chosen along with what hats I want to accurately make. Literally? <i><b>Shortest. Presentation. Ever</b></i>. But I did what I could over the summer and in that short space of a week to tell the class what I want to make. I know my garments I made in my previous two years of study were costumes, but this was on a FASHION course where the costume element wasn't really there. The jump from fashion to costume is <b>big</b>. Costume is more in-depth and I was worried that the others already had that first year advantage over me.<br />
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Their methods of work is also so different to what I did before. Where I would print out, photocopy and annotate all my research in an A4 lever arch file, they all complete their research on a PowerPoint. Already in the first week was I finding this difficult to adjust to but, in all fairness, I prefer their way of work. It's so much easier, less hassle, and less money spent on printing credit. Plus I get my own little desk!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own little desk!</td></tr>
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<br />Basically, the past month has been a case of adjusting to a new step in what will hopefully be my future costume career. And to be fair, I've felt I have been alright within the last 2 weeks as I've been chatting to more people in my class and getting on with them which is lovely. I've even signed up to pole fitness with my first session being in an hour tonight funnily enough - can't wait!<br />
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I wasn't expecting the jump to be easy but I wasn't expecting it to be as tough as it has been at the moment. But that is university for you, and I am going to make sure I make these last 2 years count so much. That being said, this blog will still continue and I will try my very best to post great content for you all to enjoy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I hope you all can stay along for the journey x</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<br />Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-17428332634484137492017-09-01T19:00:00.000+01:002017-09-01T19:00:10.665+01:00Adding Something NewHello you lovely lot! Sorry I've been a bit AWOL at the moment, but I've been busy with sorting uni things out and other stuff in my life...plus I haven't really had the motivation to blog, I won't lie about that.<br />
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During the time since my last blog post, I have been thinking of new ideas to aid the development of my blog. It's more to do with the actual content I post rather than the technical side of how it looks because I haven't the faintest idea what I'm doing, but yeah, <b>I have an idea!</b> I want to know what you lot think because at the end of the day, you read my blog and I would love for you to feel more involved with Victoria Anne.<br />
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For those who follow me on Twitter, you may have already seen <a href="https://twitter.com/VA_VictoriaAnne/status/900617428845068288" target="_blank">this idea tweeted</a>, but I thought a short and simple blog post about it would be also good to gather opinions on. <i>Baaaasically,</i> the idea is this:<br />
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Every 2 weeks (see how it goes first), I am thinking of dedicating my weekly blog posts to something you would love me to write about. When I say something, it can be ANYTHING that you suggest to me as a potential topic for the next post. I love writing personal and opinionated posts, so I thought it would be interesting to see what matters to you right now and for me to share my opinions on the exact topic with you. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How can you suggest ideas to me you ask? Well, you can either:</span></div>
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<li><b>Comment on this blog post</b> or others belonging to this series (if it actually happens) </li>
<li>I will also upload on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/va_victoriaanne/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> where you can <b>comment with ideas</b> </li>
<li>On <a href="https://twitter.com/VA_VictoriaAnne" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, I will tweet this same thing and <b>pin it to my profile so you can also reply</b> to it with topics you feel would be good to read on my blog </li>
<li><b>Privately messaging me</b> will also be absolutely fine if it's something you do not want others to see you suggest</li>
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After a couple of days, I will choose someone's response based on whether I can see myself writing a suitable amount about it. I know choosing at random would be more fun, but if this series takes off, then I think this would soon happen!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, this is my idea at the moment of something new I want to add to my blog! I would love to know what you lovely readers think: do you think it's a good idea? Do you have any topics you would like me to talk about on my blog as part of this series already? Anything at all, leave a comment down below! </span></div>
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<i>I am away on holiday this Sunday and I leave for uni in a couple of weeks, so I shall respond to comments when I can and also try and upload on my blog x</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-75818888880787020112017-08-13T17:00:00.000+01:002017-08-13T17:00:15.064+01:00Reflecting On A Month Of BloggingSo I've been back blogging properly for about a month and a half now, and I will say the lessons I've learnt in that short space of time have been eye-opening and things I wish I knew from Day 1 of my blogging experience. The positives and negatives go hand-in-hand with blogging, as I am sure those who are reading this right now and are bloggers themselves can agree with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K6CMDmkbwY88uDL4ui0241pXW2nLBM_QA6OnU5yzAJtfek319ozGTbGFgAWet1OaoUCbonZieLSENIlWwSthbf0jkjLetCtGI0Hu_BShLJ4ICCWvZXsUuKtNsmtezpHzNtCcu0N1sNxd/s1600/IMG_9751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K6CMDmkbwY88uDL4ui0241pXW2nLBM_QA6OnU5yzAJtfek319ozGTbGFgAWet1OaoUCbonZieLSENIlWwSthbf0jkjLetCtGI0Hu_BShLJ4ICCWvZXsUuKtNsmtezpHzNtCcu0N1sNxd/s640/IMG_9751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Positives</span></i></u><br />
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<b>I bloody love blogging. </b>I class it as my online diary. I feel I have the confidence to talk about things which strangers will read and can easily relate to without us having met face-to-face. I love how supportive the blogging community is! We all get that it's hard to stick to a blogging schedule and whatever life throws at us, others will comment with their thoughts and I love it!<br />
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<b>My following has massively increased.</b> When I first began my blog and social media platforms for it last year, it was just a constant struggle to gain followers who were GENUINELY interested in me, not gain followers because I've been approached by a company who, for so much money, will promote me on their page - I class this as buying followers, don't know if anyone else does? Putting this to one side though, everyone understands this struggle and to literally see the figures in comparison to others that are high is depressing and makes you question what you're doing wrong; but, the amount of Twitter accounts out there that will RT a blog post of yours and will share your social media links is staggering! It just shows the support is there and will never weaken really. <i>(I hope to God it doesn't). </i>At the time of writing this, I've hit 400 Instagram followers for the first time EVER on my account. At the time of writing this, I am 79 followers away on Twitter from hitting 1000 followers EVER. It is just such a great thing to see that you're being noticed and recognised.<br />
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<b>More people are reading my content.</b> At the time of writing this, I still can't believe the following I have developed since coming back to blogging after a break. My pageviews on my blog posts keep increasing because I've learnt to schedule tweets on <a href="https://buffer.com/" target="_blank">Buffer </a>and try to promote my posts as much as I can. My photography on my Instagram has MASSIVELY improved because I ensure they are the best they can be and I have comments praising the quality, leaving their thoughts underneath of my latest post.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>I've developed connections to bloggers and brands</b>. I've engaged with brands and more bloggers than before. I won my first ever giveaway thanks to <i><a href="http://ds-london.com/" target="_blank">DS London HQ</a> </i>& <i><a href="https://www.phasesofrobyn.com/" target="_blank">Phases of Robyn </a></i>which I wouldn't have known about if it weren't for being more social on social media than before. I have been welcomed as a member with the gorgeous and meaningful jewellery brand<i> <a href="http://www.iamadoreduk.com/pages/tribe" target="_blank">Adored UK</a></i>, something I never thought would happen so soon since I've returned to blogging. The feeling to be recognised for my content and myself as a person is really humbling and it makes me feel I am doing something right.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tG1IHYMrrOtcPsr36fE0rstUwRCazfCYDS11WRm-D8CgmmuODQ_xtmGlvOtfjK9BvaQyxziQ0yDEe6rZMFR-HUPpLZRctgS8gMyJaBJ5qRQ6IEKOMDTM5UIydbfIZnuxVQAeE1wXetJs/s1600/IMG_9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tG1IHYMrrOtcPsr36fE0rstUwRCazfCYDS11WRm-D8CgmmuODQ_xtmGlvOtfjK9BvaQyxziQ0yDEe6rZMFR-HUPpLZRctgS8gMyJaBJ5qRQ6IEKOMDTM5UIydbfIZnuxVQAeE1wXetJs/s640/IMG_9536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My gorgeous personalised cosmetics bag from DS London x</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, there are always two sides to blogging.</span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Negatives</span></u></i><br />
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<b>The pressure. </b>I don't choose to feel pressured to blog and I don't feel like I'm obliged to have a new post up more than once a week - I class myself as an "Occasional Blogger" after all - but when you see others saying they've managed to schedule new posts for the next month or they have loads of ideas for future posts, I do sit there and think, "wow. I am doing a shit job here." I should use this as motivation and I do about 40% of the time: the other 60% is spent wishing I had the creativity that others do. I am my own hypocrite because I advise new bloggers not to compare themselves to others when I am doing nothing BUT that. Constantly feeling like I have to tweet everyday and Instagram everyday just so I am active online almost 24/7? I hate that.<br />
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<b>Thinking I have to have theme behind my content. </b>This is what put me off blogging for a while, hence the break away from it all. I follow many accounts on social media where their feed has a recognisable theme and/or they specialise in one area to focus on writing about. I can't do that. Why should we feel we have to limit ourselves to talking about just a couple of things where we in fact want to write about whatever we want? Instagram is also very guilty of this: I find a lot of favoured IG feeds have themes, but why go to all the trouble to maintain this idea of an IG theme where all you want to do is upload a picture because <i>you actually want to</i>?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGd7OofRd8E9RyZVQO-FYYWJsQ1COfOzpN9DkGeKbdLFvcqbI4AW6TIVxw8U1w_-ndBPh6PqCIbqP0fnnuR7ttVtkbwjAWkJ9CrfNxuyx2ZrNYT0XOxS_Zaa4E1F42Vfph_PBSuEX6EXI/s1600/IMG_9753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGd7OofRd8E9RyZVQO-FYYWJsQ1COfOzpN9DkGeKbdLFvcqbI4AW6TIVxw8U1w_-ndBPh6PqCIbqP0fnnuR7ttVtkbwjAWkJ9CrfNxuyx2ZrNYT0XOxS_Zaa4E1F42Vfph_PBSuEX6EXI/s640/IMG_9753.JPG" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I don't see the need to focus on developing an IG theme on my feed</i></span></td></tr>
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<b>The engagement is very hit-and-miss. </b>I only need to mention one word again: Instagram. They are the main culprit for this at the moment because of the whole shadowbanning situation which is a right pain. With this, I try to avoid posting every day but also because I don't have enough to post all the time and want my photos to be good enough and not to look like a last-minute-upload-because-I-forgot-to-post-something-on-my-feed. One day I can get 60 likes in 1 hour and the other I can get just under 30 in the first hour. We shouldn't have to worry about the best timing to upload photos - don;t get me wrong, it does help, but it's so annoying when you upload a new blog post or something on Instagram and the views/likes and below par.<br />
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<b>Always worrying if my content will be good enough to read. </b>I know I've said I write my content for myself and because I know others will read it, yet I always worry about this at the back of my mind. <i>What if people don't like it? What if it doesn't make sense? What if it is pointless content? </i>I cannot help but worry all the time. I still have a list of what I want to write about, but I look at the list and think <i>hmm, maybe this isn't needed</i> etc...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzV82OzlV23ZtuTdZobudF4rpqJVXo9Ivdq6qYBBqDR_i9R9S84AHakuyIgo6FsKlUiB-3Tntt679pBWEK1A1acAGr_1brzeLyomNFMIkeVUdTFAKseeuatHRzc2A80B1tXbMlVDboe6K/s1600/IMG_9701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1336" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzV82OzlV23ZtuTdZobudF4rpqJVXo9Ivdq6qYBBqDR_i9R9S84AHakuyIgo6FsKlUiB-3Tntt679pBWEK1A1acAGr_1brzeLyomNFMIkeVUdTFAKseeuatHRzc2A80B1tXbMlVDboe6K/s640/IMG_9701.JPG" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Blogging is tough, but I love it at the same time x</i></span></td></tr>
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Blogging is tougher than what others think. I credit full-time bloggers who organise their time to be involved photoshoots for their next post and are constantly engaging on social media, schedule their posts for the next month: this is why I refer to myself as an occasional blogger because I know for sure when I start back at uni next month, I won't be able to blog as much as I would like to. Nevertheless, I have loved how successful my blog has been up to this point, and I am very much looking forward to how it can progress in the months to come.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would love to hear how your blogging experience has been for however long you have been doing it! Do you agree with what I've said? Do you think there are other positives or negatives that I may have missed? Let me know down in the comments below as I always love to hear what you lovely lot have to say x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">V A x</span></div>
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<br />Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-43440269418292255482017-08-04T19:00:00.000+01:002017-08-04T19:00:13.340+01:00The Countdown To UniversityIf you follow my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/va_victoriaanne/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you'll have seen that my Foundation Degree in Fashion Studies at Staffordshire University was <i>officially</i> confirmed with a certificate stating my grade: <b>Distinction</b>. I was so surprised to get the email and see I had achieved this because my confidence was knocked a little bit when I had received my marks for my last two modules of the course. I was very nervous to find out what I would get as an overall grade but the joy was very much there when I opened the email and saw it was Distinction. It has given me such motivation now to do well and exceed further as I progress onto CCAD to study Costume Interpretation with Design (BAhons) for my final 2 years of higher education.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTcFFp5PB95PDtT-hu4iskfeI1SnyjLtoH1OLJ-6ywPA2D4klAmXI04qxFjKXXXMO0oljzJJd5dp69UMlQwRAWWPoJhflafl2rQQffEKu8Da0XKLU2W0HJc1uHm6aPvCyb_sMaotu9FPZ/s1600/IMG_9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTcFFp5PB95PDtT-hu4iskfeI1SnyjLtoH1OLJ-6ywPA2D4klAmXI04qxFjKXXXMO0oljzJJd5dp69UMlQwRAWWPoJhflafl2rQQffEKu8Da0XKLU2W0HJc1uHm6aPvCyb_sMaotu9FPZ/s640/IMG_9543.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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I had an unconditional offer from this course when I went for my interview which basically meant that I would have a place on the course whatever grade I got. It's nice to go in with a high grade as I can show others on the course what I'm capable of. I never thought I would go to study costume ever in my life. I was the girl who set out what she wanted to be in life since the age of 9, but things have changed and my decision has changed: I feel like I am better suited for costume than fashion. I love watching period drama and I am always fascinated with history and to be honest? Interpreting costume in an era I choose for a character I want to design for just appeals to me soo much more than fashion does. I love fashion don't get me wrong, but not enough to study it, especially with its constant changes and fast pace nature. I love thinking outside the box and I would my say my designs are not one for fashion: costume is going to be perfect for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPOJcE1vuT-MabIVB0W8j3EcoAqkU1tKgWCWmaGcn6NJkxyCYfPZi-FgDNs2RZRh63g4WMw5erOgXTKl_CYKYg5LCdbcQaYPshi_48q6vMUGvB8j2Ida3y7NQjx89qkypgEHnSUvOGPEp/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1328" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPOJcE1vuT-MabIVB0W8j3EcoAqkU1tKgWCWmaGcn6NJkxyCYfPZi-FgDNs2RZRh63g4WMw5erOgXTKl_CYKYg5LCdbcQaYPshi_48q6vMUGvB8j2Ida3y7NQjx89qkypgEHnSUvOGPEp/s640/IMG_9544.JPG" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Familiarising myself with my new course</td></tr>
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The course prospectus is outstanding and has amazing links within the costume industry, including the costume designer from Game of Thrones (totally impressive!) who comes in to give talks. I follow current students on the course on Instagram and have been completely gobsmacked by the gorgeous costumes they make and the opportunities they have to make a name for themselves in costume. I'll be learning millinery and tailoring and have the chance to work on live briefs during my study so honestly, I cannot wait to get started next month!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd0AF3xFY6ZMFJlzmOPfc_DOvGsunI8m4S01pmO1XgqzgfNgK7Ugz5UsLYmVphC3uwBV7c0AVR8zf8TP6QlgZuyAzqNFJ93NMTeRcJyI9cXBU4M_Rjlou7jc1lQgu0GXrwhshp0QZIzAU/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd0AF3xFY6ZMFJlzmOPfc_DOvGsunI8m4S01pmO1XgqzgfNgK7Ugz5UsLYmVphC3uwBV7c0AVR8zf8TP6QlgZuyAzqNFJ93NMTeRcJyI9cXBU4M_Rjlou7jc1lQgu0GXrwhshp0QZIzAU/s640/IMG_9542.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing work previous CCAD students have created</td></tr>
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But before I start next month, I have got to deal with the hectic rollercoaster of emotions I have right now. At the moment, I am fluctuating between being <i>really really</i> excited to move away and being <i>really really</i> emotional and mentally forcing myself not to sort through my things ready to pack to move away. I think now the reality is starting to kick in and with that, I am pushing all this to the back of my mind thinking I have nothing to do for it. Only today was I saying to myself that when I move to university, I won't be feeling this negativity anymore; yet I need to get through the next month in order for this to happen. I'm dreading leaving home. I'm dreading leaving my friends behind, my family, my mum, my dad: if George and his family were not an hour away from where I'll be living, I honestly don't think I would last half a term. I know I am ready to study elsewhere because the city I live in and the general region, well, I am sick of it and I need a change. I need a new area for my inspiration and creativity to thrive. It's a difficult decision but I know I have to do this: I will regret it if I don't.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn3K0oVDo4IAzbrFpsN1_TUcfgcWNtd9FtLwxzPbp-eQZrvBQxk8bU5B69RUDbPWjNtSQFJz5ZqX-xoMu3PS6s3UzrUdD1tKquFrRdy-siFOHZ13_CCjbWkEULwmyPqGCLwjtQurhs8Un/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1287" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn3K0oVDo4IAzbrFpsN1_TUcfgcWNtd9FtLwxzPbp-eQZrvBQxk8bU5B69RUDbPWjNtSQFJz5ZqX-xoMu3PS6s3UzrUdD1tKquFrRdy-siFOHZ13_CCjbWkEULwmyPqGCLwjtQurhs8Un/s640/IMG_9541.JPG" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More amazing work CCAD students have created</td></tr>
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I'm worried about starting in the second year of the course because I've come from a fashion course where I wasn't taught anything to do with costume. I wouldn't have been given an unconditional offer if they didn't think my work was good enough right? I'm worried students there already will be soo far ahead of me. I'm planning to jump into first year classes so I don't feel massively behind and it won't be classed as "homework" because I want to do the extra study. I feel like I am preparing well for this next step, but annoyingly as a person, I'm a <b>glass is half empty</b> kind of person. I'm trying not to think in a negative way but I do this so that I don't feel disappointed if it does turn out to be negative; however, I know deep down I am excited for this next step and all I am doing now is counting down the days until my moving in date and the first official lesson of this new part in my learning life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZZ0chhEnhEN599ecYAv4EzHuNYdmQa8984ZcTSxWDYYY_FwVy6aW4ALJTa6_NptM-BogscY9hY5DC0NtCY93VYhBJgJpXfG8aiso59S3ddwojAexZplkSELt_EudhLTh9RN1OhJpO67l/s1600/IMG_9545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZZ0chhEnhEN599ecYAv4EzHuNYdmQa8984ZcTSxWDYYY_FwVy6aW4ALJTa6_NptM-BogscY9hY5DC0NtCY93VYhBJgJpXfG8aiso59S3ddwojAexZplkSELt_EudhLTh9RN1OhJpO67l/s640/IMG_9545.JPG" width="513" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for moving away</td></tr>
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Sorry if this has sounded quite solemn or anything like that but I am being positive about it deep down! I will be doing constant updates about my uni life when it happens so keep an eye out for those! Plus the interior shopping is great and I may do a interior haul post, depending on how much stuff I get x Many trips to IKEA I think...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would love to know in the comments below if you are also at the stage of preparing to move away for university! What advice would you give me and others in this position? Have you already done this and if so, how was the experience for you? I would love to hear from you all x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-46202502841903026142017-07-28T19:00:00.000+01:002017-07-28T19:00:29.125+01:00My Birthday WishlistI wouldn't say I've necessarily had a birthday wishlist before for any of my birthday's. It's been more the case of when my family ask me what I want, I tend to say that I'm not really fussed with what I get. I know that may sound a bit anti-climatic (because it is) but it has been the case that over the past few years, I've never been hyped up for my birthday. I always want my birthday to just be relaxing so I can spend it with who I choose and not have to make a big deal out of it - okay, that goes against the point of it being my birthday and therefore, my special day...but still, I treat it as a normal day.<br />
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I turn 20 in just under a month (goodbye teenage years - you were eventful) and feel I want to make it a little more special than others because of it happening before I move away for university and all that. I have had people asking already what I want for my birthday and to be honest, I haven't really given it that much thought into what I want. Not that I do anyways because I don't, but if I WERE to have a birthday wishlist, it would probably look a little something like this:<br />
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<li><i><b>Makeup -</b></i> If I were to go back in time and tell my 13 year old self that I would be in love with makeup, I would think I was lying. There was a time where I would not wear lipstick: now I have 12. There was a time where I wouldn't wear colourful eyeshadow: now I can't get enough of it. Basically, if you struggle to think of what to get me for my birthday, get me makeup. I would suggest to people to get me makeup that I already use (examples in my flatlay below) but my friend has said she may purchase an Anastasia eye palette and, I have to admit, the pictures I see of bloggers or people I know with this brand's eye palette's has made me want one for quite some time. But, you know, money would not be my friend after it. If I had the money to splurge out on more luxurious brands, I would do. I feel like I wouldn't need to though because I am happy with Maybelline, NYX, Rimmel London and BarryM - I am prepared to experiment though with other brands...just saying.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><i><b>Books -</b></i> Now, for those who may not know me, my favoured type of book genre is well, I'll just say this: <i>50 Shades of Grey</i>. Don't judge me because I do love these books. I'm not weird or kinky but I can never put these books down. I was introduced to more a teenage romance series written by the magnificent author <a href="http://www.abbiglines.com/" target="_blank">Abbi Glines</a> and again, I could not put the books down. I only have 8 of the <a href="http://www.abbiglines.com/rosemary-beach-series/" target="_blank">Rosemary Beach series </a>and I know for sure there are others. I want to know what happens to the other characters and their love lives and the drama that comes with them wanting happy ever after (ugh such a cringe saying) but I want to know! The very first one of the series is "Fallen Too Far" and you see this kind of forbidden love that Rush and Blaire develop for each other. It's enticing, it's exciting and it's one you HAVE to read if you like these type of stories. Believe me when I say that when you start reading them, you will struggle to put the book down. When you have finished this book, you will find yourself buying the next one....and the next one...and the next one before you suddenly realise you are hooked on Rosemary Beach. The books are a fairly reasonable price so I know there is nothing stopping me from buying them now, but at the moment, with money being spent on bills and university items, I see buying books as a treat. If anyone wishes to buy me the next one in the series though, I shall not complain x<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><i><b>Clothes -</b></i> There are only a small group of people who know my style of fashion and what suits me best. I can see me writing a list of what clothes I want so that I'm not disappointed with something that I have to put on that pretend <i>"OMG I AM SO SURPRISED"</i> face when really I can't stand the sight of it. I wouldn't mind a pair of wide leg trousers, particularly these from <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/trousers/blue-floral-print-wide-leg-trousers_537235849" target="_blank">New Look</a>: I tried them on and I loved them, but I didn't buy them because it was either those of the flower bardot dress - I bought the dress. I would also <i>love</i> another wide brim floppy hat as they suit me so well. I feel like I've come from the 60's/70's when I'm wearing them and I really <i>really</i> like that factor. Shoes are always welcome (long as they are not open-toe shoes: they do not suit me) especially boots: I have an obsession with boots. I probably already have enough, but I know I don't. To be fair, most people I know tend not to buy me clothes because they know I like to choose something for myself and instead, buy me...</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Vouchers - </i>I can understand why people hate having vouchers as a birthday present but I always have asked for them, either for my birthday or Christmas. I've always asked for New Look vouchers because New Look is my go-to shop for fashion; yet, I also love Topshop, River Island and Forever21. It doesn't always have to be fashion retail vouchers either because my interest in things is so broad, that I have always been guaranteed to find something with whatever voucher I have as a birthday present. </li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Skincare - </i>I would say I have only began starting taking proper care of my skin for about a year - I bought toner for the first time only 2 weeks ago - and I never thought I would be buying so much. I now cleanse, tone and moisturise my face and neck every morning and evening: if I were to have a couple of these products in my draw as a way of stocking up, I would be very happy with that. I love the charcoal nose strips from <a href="http://www.boots.com/search/tea+tree+and+witch+hazel+charcoal" target="_blank">Boots in their Tea Tree and Witch Hazel range</a>, but I never have any in stock *hint hint* Face masks I tend to not use because of having sensitive skin, so if anyone could recommend some amazing ones in the comments down below, I shall pass it on to those who are asking what they can get me for my birthday x Body butters I <i>loooooove</i>, particularly those of the <a href="http://www.soapandglory.com/bath-body-care/moisturisers" target="_blank">Soap & Glory range</a> and from <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/body/body-butters/c/c00014" target="_blank">The Body Shop</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/hands/moisturisers/c/c00054" target="_blank">The Body Shop's hand creams</a>: I suffer from dry skin and so these products are literally skin savers and would highly recommend these to go on your birthday wishlist if you are thinking of having skincare pressies x<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT44hbmSUStBT501bXWv6QcUngLLNxIWpOvJFVlWEG-AeQvJHt4vAcqBJ5pFiMxpMNRPWHCBGL5GNxsVa-Wr-7vSVFKwiXXpD2mS6-eblCE5soIUKBQ9zVHTmiktkkdMHD5y4Ij0yvGDfU/s1600/IMG_9478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT44hbmSUStBT501bXWv6QcUngLLNxIWpOvJFVlWEG-AeQvJHt4vAcqBJ5pFiMxpMNRPWHCBGL5GNxsVa-Wr-7vSVFKwiXXpD2mS6-eblCE5soIUKBQ9zVHTmiktkkdMHD5y4Ij0yvGDfU/s640/IMG_9478.JPG" width="640" /></a></li>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;">Diffusers - </b>This may seem a bit of a random wish for my birthday, but there is a good explanation for this: when I move into my student accommodation, I am not allowed to have scented candles or incense sticks. Of course I understand why because of fire hazards and safety in my place of living, but I love my room to have a lovely scent and aroma; hence, diffusers. My friend said she would possibly get me one for my birthday, so if I have an extra 10 or so, then that will be my student accommodation aroma sorted for the year.</li>
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These are 6 general categories of birthday presents that I would be happy to have this year; but, I have never really done a birthday wishlist before so I apologise if it is terrible. I've always been grateful for whatever I have off family and friends. I never expect a present off everyone or expect presents at all because at the end of the day, I want to spend my birthday with family and friends, have a relaxing day and cherish how I have began the entry into my 21st year on this earth. </div>
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<b>*Hypothetically though, this would be my birthday wishlist IF I were to create one this year.*</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have enjoyed reading "My Birthday Wishlist" - I can't believe I'm turning 20 next month! I would love to know if you have created a birthday wishlist post - what have you wished for? If you've written a similar post, leave it linked below in your comment and I'll will happily read it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-46126706126316018972017-07-19T19:30:00.000+01:002017-08-15T11:12:31.256+01:00Long-Distance Relationships: My AdviceNowadays, LDR are now I think, a normal and more appreciated way of forming relationships with the person you love thanks to the easy forms of travelling and well, the main factor that is the internet. Dating apps and dating websites have replaced the traditional way of meeting someone when you're out and chatting to them in person instead of their cyber self on the phone. <br />
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So why am I writing about this on my blog? Well, my friend is going through a similar situation at the moment of being in a long-distance relationship and I thought writing down my experience and some advice for being in one could help her and anyone else who is involved in one. I asked her to ask me some questions I could address in this post.</div>
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But first, a bit of a background story to my relationship x</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><em>How did you meet the guy you're with?</em></span></u></div>
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My boyfriend and I have been together for over 3 years now and we've been in a long-distance relationship from day 1. We never thought we would be in a long-distance relationship with anyone, let alone each other because I will say, before I met George, I was the type of person who wouldn't seek a relationship as it was not a priority in life for me. I always felt that it would happen at the right time and for a good reason. And it did. </div>
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We both support Wolverhampton Wanderers and during the build-up to the Brentford v Wolves game in February 2014, he started tweeting me and messaging me. I won't lie (and he knows this) I thought he was a bit of a stalker at first...but I saw his picture and thought hmm...he's quite alright ;) And so we got to talking about the game and later that weekend, we exchanged numbers and Skype usernames. That following Monday night, we Skyped for the first time and we talked about football more and we were coming up with jokey names for a team that we hate. (Rivalry in football is so important believe me). And well, long story short, we talked every day after that. The day we decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend, we had still yet to meet in person. We were at college and sixth form, 3-4 hours away from each other, I wasn't earning at that time and even though he was, coach and train fares were impossible to afford; so, the last game of the season was when we first met in person and that day has stuck with me since. I couldn't believe that this wonderful guy was mine to cuddle, hold hands with and kiss. I just knew on that day that I loved him and well, more than 3 years down the line and we have made sure our LDR works. A lot of people thought it wouldn't last and we both had our doubts ourselves, yet we've fought through the tears and struggles and we have such a strong relationship, it is honestly amazing. </div>
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If any of you reading this are in LDR's then you will completely understand that the first day you see each other in person is one that stays with you forever. If any of you in LDR's are finding it difficult or are have recently committed to an LDR, here's some of my advice from personal experience which I hope will help you in your loving ways x<br />
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It was difficult at first to afford travel as I had to save up my pocket money or ask family if they could pay for my travel tickets and I would pay them when I was able to. At the start of the relationship, we only saw each other about once or twice between 4-6 weeks so I had the chance to save up. What really helped myself and George in the beginning was having a <a href="http://www.nationalexpress.com/offers/coachcards/young-persons-coachcard.aspx" target="_blank">Young Persons coachcard from National Express,</a> which saved us a third every time we travelled on the coaches to each other. It only costs £10 for 1 year for 16-26 year old's to have, so if you can travel to your partner's via a National Express coach, I would highly recommend purchasing this card. </div>
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Since being a university student, I have been able to afford the travel costs more and since early last year, we have been commuting to each other's on the trainlines. It is annoying how trains are more expensive, but we both prefer the availability of travel times and it's much quicker than the coach. Again, we both invested in a <a href="https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/" target="_blank">16-25 railcard provided by National Rail</a> which also gives us a third off our train fare. This card costs £30 for 1 year but with the price of return train fares in this day and age, the card cost is covered with just 1 journey for me. </div>
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My train fare costs just under £60 but I am lucky having my student finance and also working shifts at my local pub. I always make sure when we have planned to see each other that I set aside that travel money so I do not spend it. I understand that circumstances may be different in comparison to mine financially, so create a travel jar and stick the money in there. Even transferring money into your savings account so you know you have the travel fare is a great piece of advice I have learnt over the years. That is how I afford travel costs regularly: <strong>work, save and plan ahead financially so you know you are guaranteed to afford them.</strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>How do you cope when you want to see each other in person but can't?</i></u></span><br />
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<strong>Communication.</strong> It has played such a huge role in my relationship thanks to the technology we have nowadays. (Gosh I sound old saying that.) In the beginning, we Skyped every night because it was the closest we got to seeing each other when we couldn't in person. Yeah, it sucked sometimes because when all I wanted to do with cuddle up to him, I couldn't. It was only my pillow I could cuddle... We FaceTime now though because he bought me an iPhone couple of Xmas's ago and I prefer FaceTime because the quality of camera is soooo much better than Skype. But whatever suits you the most, <strong>make sure you video call each other during the week</strong> because it makes it all worthwhile and lands you in such a joyous mood in the build-up to actually seeing each other again in person.</div>
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When I miss George, <strong>I text him.</strong> Even if he is at work, I message him asking how his day is going and what he's up to, tagging him on a lot of videos on Facebook (which he has already watched) to show I'm thinking of him. <strong>Keep a memory box</strong> of your time together to look through when you're feeling down. <strong>Scrolling through photos</strong> on your phone will help you cope because you're reflecting on the lovely moments you two have built together in your relationship and gets you to think ahead about what you have planned next. </div>
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<strong>Talk about the next time you have planned to meet up.</strong> Plan what you want to do each day, where you want to go for lunch, what you two want to watch at the cinema: even if it's planning what you want for breakfast, these factors help me cope when I can't see George when I want to. </div>
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Ooh another thing I do is when I'm feeling blue and want of cuddle off my boo, <strong>I wear one of his shirts or his hoodies he gave me.</strong> It's the closest I can get to a proper comfort cuddle of him but it makes me feel so relaxed that it's amazing how you feel so relaxed just from wearing a normal shirt, but knowing it was George's makes it extra special. <em><u><br /></u></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Does it get easier to cope with?</u></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would say that it depends on the circumstances of your LDR. The beginning is tough and no-one who is in a LDR can disagree with this. Speaking from experience, it has been easier to cope with. We see each other almost every weekend now thanks to us being able to afford the travel fares easily in comparison to the very start of our relationship. Even if we don't see each other every weekend, we always communicate every day and even if it's the smallest of conversations we have, it's good because we are thinking of each other. At this moment in time, I am used to the travelling and being 3 hours away from each other because when we FaceTime, it is like being in the same room: he's on FIFA and I'm either doing uni work or something else which is what we tend to do anyway when we're spending time together. I am glad we have battled through the tough times because in September, I am moving away for university and George will only be an hour away on the motorway which means we have a better chance of actually going for a cinema date in the week instead of always on the weekend! This really matters in a LDR and <em>I really can't wait</em> for that Tuesday cinema date or the Thursday movie night. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, to answer the question: Does it get easier to cope </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">💖💖💖💖💖💖💚💚💚💚💚💚</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I do apologise if my advice on this post has been terrible, but I am never one for giving out good advice...That being said, if this advice does help you in your LDR, then I will be very happy for you and your partner and what is waiting for you two in the future! x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">💖💖💖💖💖💖💚💚💚💚💚💚</span></div>
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Are you currently in a LDR? Do you agree with what I have written on here? Please let me know what you think or ask any questions in the comments section down below. Also, if you want to speak to me directly about LDR or anything similar to this, please don't hesitate to contact me on my <a href="https://twitter.com/VA_VictoriaAnne" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/va_victoriaanne/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or my email: <a href="mailto:favictoriaanne@gmail.com">favictoriaanne@gmail.com</a></div>
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Until next time you wonderful readers...</div>
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Much Love</div>
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VA x</div>
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</span>Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-44464807496582622182017-07-11T18:30:00.000+01:002017-07-11T20:44:52.312+01:00Back To Blogging With New StationeryAs I have entered the world of blogging once more, I thought it would be a very sensible idea to find something which is purely for my blog ideas to write down when I am on the move or wake up at half 3 in the morning with a (potentially) great idea for my next blog post. So I found myself browsing for new stationery to make this happen and after searching a few brands and researching on other blogger's websites which brands they would go for, I found what I think is a perfect combination of brands for the style I like: <a href="https://www.chaseandwonder.com/" target="_blank">Chase and Wonder</a> and <a href="https://www.thefoxandstar.co.uk/" target="_blank">F</a><a href="https://www.thefoxandstar.co.uk/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">ox + Star</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJ5WqD3veFAlVlpbHgtBmh-fUHIhaRsG5n5m5gAqRtU6s3ub2GrmLo1MUrtyFIrWPsgakKTuty7VdwP6_Em0QchjJF26C7Rw4LHmyBe0jINhbxHHahtIP4f1ozCcK2lfBXgyXbsO4fUt/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJ5WqD3veFAlVlpbHgtBmh-fUHIhaRsG5n5m5gAqRtU6s3ub2GrmLo1MUrtyFIrWPsgakKTuty7VdwP6_Em0QchjJF26C7Rw4LHmyBe0jINhbxHHahtIP4f1ozCcK2lfBXgyXbsO4fUt/s640/IMG_9247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Notepad</span></u></span><br />
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I purchased this notepad off Chase and Wonder because after many searches, I spotted their <a href="https://www.chaseandwonder.com/collections/note-books" target="_blank">Art Deco</a> range and immediately I was drawn into the use of gold and geometric shapes the times of the 1920's are so lovingly associated with. Whenever I see Art Deco, I always think of <i>The Great Gatsby</i> and oh you would not believe how desperate I am to attend a 1920's themed party! But anyways, there were 3 I could have chosen from and this particular pad stood out the most for me with its brick decoration. It is a 60-page lined A5 notebook which is perfect for me because I can carry it around with me whenever I feel like brainstorming for my blog. Only the other day when I was commuting on the train to my boyfriend's and I began planning out more blog posts. I've been waking up in the morning and keeping it on my bedside unit is so perfect because I think of it as my blog literally being in arm's reach when I need it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP005AC_cjWSBKB94-dg9u0PCKV-HsEILTebspASEEvg9Cl335u2j6ayGgSlIHttIUgALECPpM6SMFj-mOLhdQE91ytYDo52F2Qn-IcxEMGrtaBQJaq3foEVja0rkFxK9jLHO8k_3QGNnu/s1600/IMG_9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP005AC_cjWSBKB94-dg9u0PCKV-HsEILTebspASEEvg9Cl335u2j6ayGgSlIHttIUgALECPpM6SMFj-mOLhdQE91ytYDo52F2Qn-IcxEMGrtaBQJaq3foEVja0rkFxK9jLHO8k_3QGNnu/s640/IMG_9249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The paper is so smooth and of amazing quality to write on. Like all books and notepads, it does have a delicate spine so if you are one of those who hate it being bent, I would treat this pad with the upmost care. The lines are for me, perfectly spaced out but that is only down to the fact I have small handwriting so they are big enough for me. Possibly if you feel your handwriting is too big for this pad, then it is entirely up to you to purchase this; but as you can see from my doodles, any size handwriting is welcomed by this lovely book. Overall, I paid £9.99 for this pad (£1.99 for delivery and £8 for the notepad). I never usually spend this much on this particular stationery item; however, the brand is absolutely gorgeous and its character and the essence of British craft is truly embedded into this pad, qualities which I do love when purchasing any item of any kind. The delivery was spot on as (if I can remember correctly), it arrived within the space of 2 days neatly packaged and no damage was on the pad: <i>a reliable brand and a worthy purchase if I do say so myself. </i></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">The Pen</span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTDurR3QpsQkBKoE6abmWUNJcUUp8zORkNb5GQO1OTSrrH_DZiUDKhIab714A6okF5-lefFZO_2jUUQmNMhfMyObC1Qa4XFXd1QNnbvKSQkLWHh0sjRkSJ2nRLvrObE85HwOQ_bcgUyPz/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTDurR3QpsQkBKoE6abmWUNJcUUp8zORkNb5GQO1OTSrrH_DZiUDKhIab714A6okF5-lefFZO_2jUUQmNMhfMyObC1Qa4XFXd1QNnbvKSQkLWHh0sjRkSJ2nRLvrObE85HwOQ_bcgUyPz/s640/IMG_9248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To match the blue/gold colour palette of my new pad, I sourced for a lovely writing pen and the perfect one was available on Fox + Star. This online stationery retailer sell a range of unique items created on a global scale and you can be spoilt for choice, but I spotted their range of <a href="https://www.thefoxandstar.co.uk/collections/pens/products/livework-gold-pattern-pens" target="_blank">Livework Gold Pattern Pens</a> and selected their gold chevron pen. This one I felt matched the brickwork of the Art Deco pad more because the chevrons are strong shapes and are arranged in a bold way to signify its amazing quality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof7YSxIAlSr_i-l_PqtvSewMqaYfx5JcLXr91de6Ks0H2dYV2lMxCaTMcZISEDecXdS05i5O9IMX6f0mJsBNuJSjYvbKvUc-GvGwS4hBE5nj-SJjapf5En4gbtce2y-ZDs00m9UeLHZ79/s1600/IMG_9317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof7YSxIAlSr_i-l_PqtvSewMqaYfx5JcLXr91de6Ks0H2dYV2lMxCaTMcZISEDecXdS05i5O9IMX6f0mJsBNuJSjYvbKvUc-GvGwS4hBE5nj-SJjapf5En4gbtce2y-ZDs00m9UeLHZ79/s640/IMG_9317.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This pen has a fine ballpoint nib which means you won't have a high chance of creating a small ball of ink gloop at the end like you do with some pens... It feels lovely to hold and oh the feel of when it is being written with is just heaven. The amount of pressure needed for this pen to write is minimal in comparison to standard ballpoint pens and when combined with the smooth paper in the notepad...well, it is simply a win win: a match made in stationery heaven. This pen (as with the others in this range) are £3.75 each with myself paying £3.00 for delivery: again, may seem too much for one pen, but the quality is what the brand describe it to be and it was dispatched and delivered under 2 days. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Yet another reliable brand and definitely worth the price.</i></div>
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I am so glad I stumbled upon these 2 brands! Their products are stunning and I believe they have a range for everyone. Besides pads and pens are other items such as stickers, pencil cases and other forms of stationery you need to make you feel more organised and look professional whilst writing your jottings. I will leave all links to Chase and Wonder and Fox + Star at the end of this blog so pay them a visit and a follow and all that jazz.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have loved reading this stationery review! What are your favourite stationery brands? Are you a stationery hoarder? Leave a comment down below as I love reading what you have to say! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until the next blog post...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">V A x</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Chase and Wonder</i></u></span></div>
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Website: <a href="https://www.chaseandwonder.com/">www.chaseandwonder.com/</a></div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chaseandwonder/">www.instagram.com/chaseandwonder/</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/chaseandwonder" target="_blank">twitter.com/chaseandwonder</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chaseandwonder">www.facebook.com/chaseandwonder</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Fox + Star</i></u></span></div>
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Website: <a href="https://www.thefoxandstar.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.thefoxandstar.co.uk/</a></div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foxandstar/">www.instagram.com/foxandstar/</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/thefoxandstar">twitter.com/thefoxandstar</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foxandstar">www.facebook.com/foxandstar</a></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-89583398544164970362017-07-05T17:30:00.000+01:002017-07-05T17:30:32.235+01:00Get To Know Me: The Liebster Blog Award!So my self-promotion on social media as a blogger has really improved this time around since I have revamped my blogging habits and yesterday, the wonderful <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><a href="http://elliewilson.net/2017/07/get-to-know-me-liebster-blog-award.html" target="_blank"><b>Ellie Wilson</b></a><span id="goog_1679762519"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1679762520"></span> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">nominated me and a number of other bloggers for the Liebster Blog Award which I was very surprised at but I felt it was a good opportunity for you lovely lot to know a little bit more about me, using the 11 questions that Ellie has nominated us to answer. At the end of this post, I will be revealing my 11 blogger nominations for this award and thinking of my own questions to ask them! No doubt they have probably already been nominated and some of my questions have already been used but as I have only recently picked up blogging again....I hope you can forgive me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>So here we go: 11 questions and 11 answers! Enjoy!</u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7E8P0Y6Nwy-YWQDa3_JE9wQPzN2LJ_RY1K85VOnq8yzlXTKlp8hl6cve3Gilkq59e6_CvOLZ_SItbzhpirrDTR1h-lQwfl2khsSf4G24cUNYoreLokSlXvn2xS7cn9LbQnnxlwcI4yaM/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7E8P0Y6Nwy-YWQDa3_JE9wQPzN2LJ_RY1K85VOnq8yzlXTKlp8hl6cve3Gilkq59e6_CvOLZ_SItbzhpirrDTR1h-lQwfl2khsSf4G24cUNYoreLokSlXvn2xS7cn9LbQnnxlwcI4yaM/s640/IMG_9268.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<li><b>What is your favourite colour? </b>Okay so this is something that I can be very indecisive over because I have a lot of favourite colours which can depend on the situation e.g: my favourite colour to wear is read because of my hair colour and the fact my pale skin can rock red....but I would have to say my favourite colour is purple. Yes it is generic, but all shades of purple I love. I don't really know why it is my favourite colour though? I think I just saw purple and was like <i>yep, I like you purple. You can be my favourite colour of all time.</i></li>
<li><b>Where do you get your inspiration for blogging from? </b>Erm, I would probably have to say from other bloggers really. I know that sounds a bit cliche but seeing the variety of content that is out there makes me realise that I can post similar content but it will still be unique because it is my opinion and it is me who is writing it, no-one else. </li>
<li><b>What is your favourite food? </b>CHEESE. CHEESE. CHEESE. If I could, I would have cheese on everything. But it HAS to be mature cheddar cheese: mild cheese now tastes like plastic to me. I love cheese that much that if I was to come back in my next life as a mouse, well let's just say I would be a great mouse.</li>
<li><b>Which blog post that you wrote are you most proud of? </b>Now luckily, I don't have many to choose from here so if I had to make the difficult decision of choosing one....it would be this one: <b><a href="http://itsvictoriaanne.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/whats-going-on.html?m=1" target="_blank">What's Going On?</a> </b>I had been unsure about my blog for a while before writing this post and it felt great to admit what was wrong with how I was going about writing my content and all that jazz. Since then though, I have felt much more at ease with my blog and the amount of support I had on this post was just lovely to read and know that what I did was a good thing to do.</li>
<li><b>Which blogger inspires you the most? </b> I won't lie, I find this question a bit difficult to answer at the moment because I'm still discovering new bloggers everyday and I find they are all inspiring in their own way. Only Monday though did I read a post written by<b> <a href="https://meganbethblogs.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Megan Beth</a> </b>about an experience of hers when she was younger which I can't even begin to imagine how she coped with it then and how it affects her now; but the courage she had to write about it, I cannot credit and praise her enough for how brave she is. It is bloggers like her that go through difficult times in their lives and publish it for others to understand that make blogging worthwhile and make it real and show that we are human.</li>
<li><b>How do you juggle blogging and other responsibilities? </b>When I first started it, I was attempting to continue blogging whilst studying hard in my final few modules of my Foundation Degree course and, well, blogging didn't matter to me then. Now I've come back with a fresh look on blogging life and because it's the summer, I'm finding I am wanting to write a blog post to relax. I do have a part-time job and because there's only me and my mum who live together, I do housework when she's at work. Plus, I'm trying to sort through my room and start to bundle things together for when I move away for study in September. So to answer the question? ATM, I am finding it okay; but I know come September, my weekly planner will be organised very well so I know when to write my blog, do uni work, socialise etc...</li>
<li><b>If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? </b>Greece. 100%. I have been fascinated with the country ever since I learnt about the Greeks in history way back in Year 2 of primary school. I love the history of the country, the culture, the scenery, the art so much that it is my dream destination of all time.</li>
<li><b>Why did you start blogging? </b>At first, I started blogging as a way to promote my FAV Instagram account at the time it was called that when I first started last year. I didn't feel I had to set up a blog because well, I didn't really. Recently though after getting back into blogging, I suppose the most likely reason for why I started this was because it is a fun hobby to do and blogging can take you anywhere which is very exciting.</li>
<li><b>What's your favourite hot drink? </b>Hot chocolate....but not just <i>any</i> hot chocolate oh no no no...my hot chocolate consists of toppings and treats for those days where you want to feel like luxury. I do the normal pouring hot water/milk into the chocolate mixture then stir first. Next, I sprinkle mini marshmallows into the drink before placing extra thick vanilla whipped cream on top...I then add more mini marshmallows and add more cream on top...next comes the Flakes: 2 normal Flakes placed into the top layer of whipped cream before crushing another one or two Flakes and sprinkling these on top...it's such a naughty treat but <i>Oh. My. Heavens. It is wooonderful.</i></li>
<li><b>What would your top tip be for new bloggers? </b>As a new blogger myself, I would simply say: be yourself. A false blog is no blog at all.</li>
<li><b>What are your favourite blog posts to read?</b> At the moment, I am liking posts about make-up as I struggle to find bargains in this area and it's amazing how many bargains there are out there! I'm finding myself spoilt for choice which is a good thing I think?</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>So there you go! 11 questions with 11 (long-winded) answers. Now, I have chosen to nominate:</u></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.modishrambling.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Millie Clinton</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cherylwonggg.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheryl Wong</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://naturalhazardsandmore.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Liz</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kirstyisabellaparkin.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Kirsty Isabella</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://imwithbeth.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm With Beth</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rosiefortune.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Rosie Fortune</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://outofteabags.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Em Jane</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://rebeccageeves.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Rebecca Geeves</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ivyroseknows.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Ivy Doyle</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thevioletblonde.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.thevioletblonde.com/" target="_blank">Kristy</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://hellolauraxo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Laura</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>And my 11 questions to you are:</u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: center;">What was your favourite holiday destination?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: center;">If you could be any superhero, who would you be?</span></div>
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What celebrity would play you in a film about yourself?</div>
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What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?</div>
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What do you find is annoying about blogging?</div>
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What is your favourite season of the year?</div>
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If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you do with your winnings?</div>
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What do you love about blogging?</div>
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KFC or Nandos?</div>
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What would you say has been your biggest moment in your blogging career so far?</div>
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Did you ever imagine you would be blogging?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do apologise for the amount of reading but these are a few things about me you know now which you probably didn't before. Writing this was a lot of fun so to those who I have nominated, I look forward to your responses and good luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until we meet again you lovely readers...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-1736823390435308452017-07-02T11:00:00.000+01:002017-07-02T11:00:08.616+01:00How Will I Be Spending My Summer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of what little we have over here in good ol'Blighty, it is now officially summer. I always presume a lot of people have their summers planned out down with holidays, days out, summer projects they want to achieve and all that gorgeous stuff. I wouldn't say my summer is extremely planned out, so to speak, but there's a few things I have planned. Seeing as the days begin to get shorter and the nights are drawing in, I best get a move on with this post of mine.<br />
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Well my summer will be spent....working! I work at a pub and I've been there for just shy of a year now. It's been a good job to have whilst I've been at university but I'm taking up the opportunity to earn a bit more money: I can speak for majority of students that a student loan can only last so long over the summer. I must admit, working at my local pub has really boosted my confidence and my backbone has strengthened quite a bit (my friends and family can back me up on this) because let's face it: you get some <i>"very happy"</i> people in this environment and well, I don't take any sh...ugar anymore. But yes, earning money is on the summer agenda until I leave a week before my birthday! I've met some lovely people at my place of work and as I plan to leave before my birthday and before I progress onto my future...leaving/birthday drinks will be called for!<br />
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Another way I will be spending my summer is getting back into my love for drawing. I'm going to be honest, I am pretty good at drawing but there are others who are INSANE at drawing and make me look like a novice. My boyfriend will know this but a while ago now, I started a greyscale tonal drawing of a selfie we had on our first holiday together in Turkey (ah the memories 💖) and it was special as we're in a LDR so the more time we have together, the more it's cherished (we annoy each other but we love each other all the same 💓 - I'll stop being soppy now.) With me being a perfectionist, I want to complete this drawing without any mistakes or any facial features being off by the slightest degree, hence why it would have taken so long for me to finish it. This is just a progress shot:<br />
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I've loved drawing since I was in Year 3 so any opportunity I have of diving into my relaxing hobby, I do it.<br />
This summer will be feeling probably a little bit more special than of recent times. Despite being able to spend more time with my boyfriend in the week seeing as uni is out for then, I will be moving away from home to finish off my university degree. I will be talking about this in another blog post so I'll stray away from the details for now, but basically, I want to cherish all the time I have left with my family and friends before time and distance makes it more difficult for me to see them on a daily basis. I love them all to bits and they know I love them to bits and they are all supporting me 100% on my decision to study away from home. It's going to be a special summer with them when the countdown is on but for now, I try to think about the time we will have together rather than the amount of days I have left with them. Before I move, me and my other half are hoping to spend a few days in Barcelona for a little getaway so that will finish the summer off perfectly.<br />
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Relating to the above, my summer will also be spent sorting through all my things I have ready to take with me when I move. Now, I feel I will find this a bit difficult because when I pack to go to my boyfriend's for the weekend, I pack more than I need to - and he will vouch for this - so it's going to be the case of I split what I have sorted out to pack into two lists: what I <b>REALLY</b> need and what I <b>FEEL</b> I will need because of those "what if I need it" scenarios. <i>Hopefully</i> this will leave me with the <b>NEEDED</b> items... I am good at packing, but sorting out what I need to pack tends to be a whole different kettle of fish. In other words? Help. Help. Please help.<br />
I feel like I have missed out some key things about how my summer is going to pan out but I know these are the main points - no, wait! Blogging as well! How could I forget that....oops.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer 2017 is going to be one that I make the most of at home and cherish and love and not waste sitting on my backside being bored. If this does happen, I will slap myself around the face and force myself to get out in the gorgeous sun (if we do have any) and just take a walk!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would love to know what you lovely readers are getting up to in your 2017 summers! Holidays? Summer projects? Whatever it is, I would love to read about it so drop a comment down below along with your blog links as I love reading new content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until we meet again....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much Love </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">V A x</span></div>
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<br />Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-47860729629718293752017-06-27T17:00:00.000+01:002017-06-27T17:00:00.661+01:00What's Going On?So it has been a while since I've published on my blog and there are a few reasons for it. It isn't that I haven't wanted to blog, but more because I have been struggling to think of good content.<br />
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I see and read a lot of good blogs and I keep thinking about how they continue to think of new ideas and what makes their blog so special, successful and just like them. I recently read a blog post about how to create a blog and the one piece of advice I read was "to be yourself." And that got me thinking: have I actually been myself on this blog? A part of me feels like I have but then I've been trying to keep up with my main content of fashion and art which, let's face it, has not been 100%. I still love fashion and I still love art, but from now on, my blog is going to be focused on what I simply want to write about. In other words, anything I want to voice my opinion on!<br />
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With this in mind, I will be making a few changes to my blog and other social media platforms that I am on. With regards to my social media - Twitter and Instagram - I will be changing the names of the accounts. I am still going to keep the #FAVikki because I will continue to blog about my favourite things in life and that was my sole purpose to begin with when I started all this last year, so that is NOT going to change in the slightest. Bios are always changing so I will just change that when needed and whenever I advertise a new blog post, this will be the link in my bio on Instagram and my pinned tweet on Twitter: simply so it's easier for you lot to access and read in your own time.<br />
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Turning to my blog, this is where I would say most of the changes will be made. My email (if any of you are interested in collaborating or anything like that) will still stay the same; however, over the next month or so is where I will be amending how my blog looks because if I don't experiment and update then I won't feel as if this blog is progressing anywhere. A big change for me is the name of this blog: FAV is still relevant to what I want my content to mainly be about, but I want you all to know who I am straightaway when you open my website. And so, the name of my blog will now be:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>It's Victoria Anne </i></span></div>
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I know it's not exactly a great name for my blog but this is basically my blog: the blog is about what I like, what I don't like and it's all my opinions by me: Victoria Anne. </div>
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So like I said, there will be a few changes over the next month or so but what I want to achieve from this blog now is to be happy with it, to know that my content is also making people happy and interested in what I write, but to also be truthful to myself and not put on a false persona which I felt I was doing up to this point.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you're all looking forward to the new me and my blog and well, my blog being active again! Have a good evening to your Tuesday and until we meet again...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much love - V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-34852368171741389602017-03-19T18:00:00.000+00:002017-03-19T18:00:45.237+00:00LONDONE: Day #2 in the CapitalIt was another early start on Day 2 in the capital city and a long day at that: that meant <i>no</i> to boots and <i>yes</i> to trainers. From Russell Square we took the tube to South Kensington to visit the grand Victoria and Albert Museum which I had been waiting soooooooooooooooooooo long to see! If I don't visit a museum which has my name in it then I am disappointed in myself so finally I could tick this off my endless list of attractions I want to see in my lifetime (Victoria Falls next please?)<br />
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When we arrived and walked into the museum, and I will be honest, I did not expect it to be massive inside. The decoration, the exhibits on display and just the feeling to be somewhere which is internationally famous made me feel peaceful and serene. The main reason for the visit was to see the underwear exhibition, seeing the history of what we dress ourselves in first thing during the day and being ever so close to designer wear, including pieces from Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen (my Queen and King of fashion - brb kinda fangirling!) Unfortunately, photography was off limits and I didn't have a little sketchpad with me, so I'll describe it for you here in <strike>three</strike> words: revealing, astounding, cheeky, beautiful, inspiring, gorgeous, #lingeriegoals<br />
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BUT BEFORE THAT, we killed the time walking around the quaint fashion exhibition there: past and present fashion is how I would best sum it up. I loved it because well 1) it's fashion and 2) good research for my fashion collection I'm working on at the mo. I'll stop talking and leave you to look at the piccies yourself (I know I blab on):<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE GALLERY</span></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lanvin - 1936. Yes please. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hips don't lie between 1755 - 1760 though</span></td></tr>
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What I love about going to fashion exhibitions like this is I can really understand why such a garment was the fashion of that time. What I also love about seeing old fashion is questioning why and how and what in the world was going through their heads?? Take the fashion of the 1750's for example: wide-hooped skirts are a bit of an understatement to describe these enormous hip-enhancing structures that would take about half an hour (maybe more) to sit down on the loo...If women weren't fashionably late back in this day I would LOVE to know how they were on time. In all seriousness though, it is inspiring. The detail, the intricacy and the artistic nature the garments have are sublime - all the more reason to love fashion more and more.<br />
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After the V & A and a little lunch break in South Kensington, it was time to become a little kid again and everything in the museum came to life like in <i>Night at the Museum, </i>but nothing happened, If the spiders came to life, you would see a Vikki-shaped hole in the walls. Anyway, the place was vast! The museum kept going and going and going and going but I love my history and love exploring new places. There was even an area where you could experience what a earthquake would be like in a supermarket...it was a tad scary but still educational enough! I mean, if you haven't been, you should definitely go and visit to see everything there. You walk in, and you go up an escalator into what I can only describe as a asteroid or something like that - TRUST me, it's cooler than it sounds if you're like me.<br />
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Back on the tube we go to Covent Garden for a cheeky Nandos and a wander around the infamous market. Honestly, the atmosphere was so friendly and it was obvious that people we're loving selling their trade. There was a 4-person violinist band really getting into the spirit of things and it really did make it a cheerful place to be, especially as I was getting tired at this point in the day. I bought a cute little cat bag for mum for her birthday (which was today and FYI it's safe to say it was a good spot by moi) and there were other things I would've easily purchased too but I was careful with my money.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Covent Garden you hide beautiful surprises</span></td></tr>
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So yes, we dined in Covent Garden before heading back to the hotel in Russell Square for a night in. The pain in our feet had doubled and frankly, my pyjamas were calling to me. The next and final day would prove to be another exploring day: a visit to the Tate Gallery and walk along the River Thames after travelling to Borough Market. Here's another little sneak peek for those of you who cannot wait:<br />
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All being well, Londone: Day #3 will be uploaded in a few days....but don't hold your breath just in case! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a lovely Sunday evening and much love! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">V A x</span></div>
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<br />Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-59279152952770633182017-03-15T18:00:00.000+00:002017-03-19T19:01:15.681+00:00LONDONE: Day #1 in the CapitalFebruary simply flew by as it always does, so when it was the morning of the first day of a 3-day visit to London, I was excited to say the least. Considering it took me about half an hour to choose the suitcase I was going to pack the night before and about 2 hours on-and-off of what outfits I would want to wear...then yes, I was excited.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED</span></u></div>
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<b>It was an early start</b>. 5.45am I woke up to finish packing, made sure I had that London look going on (I won't be heading to London anytime soon so wanted to make a lasting impression...) and set off to meet the rest of the London squad before our train left at around 8.45. Luckily, adrenaline was getting the better of me and I didn't feel THAT tired.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiS8Y_hkYxV_aOL7EGVBH0XUIf4lxGT1o1KTOGyQL8_-Tob3fSs_gatnREFt3ExuEQECzYcoxxR7jA2pxIy8mK5txOCCFwF6vmHVKgpbHkFERSchll_-MIJS_oYdQ8yO6vfKfTItwrqon/s1600/IMG_8083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiS8Y_hkYxV_aOL7EGVBH0XUIf4lxGT1o1KTOGyQL8_-Tob3fSs_gatnREFt3ExuEQECzYcoxxR7jA2pxIy8mK5txOCCFwF6vmHVKgpbHkFERSchll_-MIJS_oYdQ8yO6vfKfTItwrqon/s640/IMG_8083.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Trying to act nonchalant. Check end of this post for outfit details. <br />Photo credit to Hattie.</span></i></td></tr>
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We arrive just after 10 and the weather was that typical end-of-winter weather: sunny and cold. Walked to the hotel, leave our bags there and we went off to wander around Oxford Street and Berwick Street, dreaming about affording luxurious fabrics and <i>wishing for an endless</i> amount of money for an <i>endless</i> shopping spree. It was good to see a street full of fabric shops as being a fashion design student, fabric becomes part of the regular shopping list. I was able to purchase half a metre of silk organza and a few little haberdashery items for my collection I'm making ATM, yet I somehow didn't buy any new clothes (don't be disappointed guys) and simply absorbed the hectic nature of the London crowd surrounded by the infamous red busses and telephone boxes. Well, with the odd one decorated here and there... All of this made me realise that I would not be able to cope living in London. <b>I mean, I am a city girl, but I am not ready to be a capital city girl!</b> Just the odd visit will satisfy me. This was only my second visit in my whole life to London though so maybe after a few visits I could be ready to adapt to London life. <br />
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I'll keep dreaming, I think.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">If I could have this telephone box, I would.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tPoxWdXC3x_cS1ngEmxoHAC3kwU8eruYUCDhj8knR81vtu6E1jLyOTJQ-Ffixo1zDNyxAP-gDTpDT9rlYH1tXuUDSG4hz9-4KEUtbOxycR9ASrzjfdDMWlL6GZe48DePCZxte5hNhH2F/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tPoxWdXC3x_cS1ngEmxoHAC3kwU8eruYUCDhj8knR81vtu6E1jLyOTJQ-Ffixo1zDNyxAP-gDTpDT9rlYH1tXuUDSG4hz9-4KEUtbOxycR9ASrzjfdDMWlL6GZe48DePCZxte5hNhH2F/s640/IMG_7500.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I still dream of buying the gorgeous Alexander McQueen bag from here</i></span></td></tr>
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After a chill in Costa (and sorting out my other uni interview date) it was time to meet in Carnaby Street under the sparkly Union Jack sign and dine for the evening at...Frankie's and Benny's. Well when it was 2 courses for £14.95 we couldn't complain. I think it was fair to say I felt well fed on the day and ready to settle into bed for the night.<br />
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As you've read this, you've probably thought that it sounded boring or that I didn't do a lot but believe me, it was a tiring day! And my memory isn't serving me well so I'll blame this blog post on that. The next day was set to be even more tiring with a visit to the V & A planned in South Kensington and whatever else we felt like doing. Here's a sneak peak at the photography involved on <b>Londone Day #2:</b><br />
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And don't worry, I took a lot more photos on Day 2 and Day 3 so there will be more visuals as well. I know I am uploading this 2 weeks and a day after I was here but better late than never. Also, uni work has been getting on top of me but it's no excuse for my lack of posts really. HOWEVER, I am always uploading on my Instagram so click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fav_vikki/" target="_blank">heeeeeerrreeeeee</a> to follow me and keep yourself updated on my life!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> LONDONE: Day #2 will be uploaded same time tomorrow night so I shall see you then!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much love! V A x</span></div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/tops/white-tres-luxe-boyfriend-t-shirt_511756010?productFind=search" target="_blank">White Tres Luxe Boyfriend T-shirt</a>: £9.99 (New Look)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jewellery-and-hair-accessories/black-dark-marble-effect-dial-watch_381217001?productFind=search" target="_blank">Black Dark Marble Effect Watch</a>: £12.99 (New Look)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.forever21.com/UK/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_hat-floppy&ProductID=2000221403&VariantID=" target="_blank">Floppy Hat</a>: £16.00 (Forever21 - it's something similar to mine)</li>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-69023707575661664632017-02-07T08:00:00.000+00:002017-02-07T08:00:03.861+00:00Semester 1: The ResultsGood morning you lovely people. Hope all is well! Are you glad to see the back of January? I am, as you would understand if you read my previous post (<a href="http://vikkifav.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/wake-me-up-when-january-ends.html" target="_blank">click here to read</a>) but I don't think I could have asked for it to end on a better note as it did.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">January is horrible for students because we find out grades from the first semester and have exams and have deadlines. Exactly a week ago, I found out my 3 grades from 3 modules. And yes, I was bricking it...to put it in friendly terms. It's that moment where you want to know your grades so you can stop waiting, as well as the moment where you will either by very very happy or want the ground to eat you whole right at that moment. I am not going to lie, I wasn't <i style="text-align: left;">exactly</i><span style="text-align: left;"> dreading it because I knew I was much more organised compared to the first year. I slightly anticipated I wouldn't fail to say the least, but I knew there were things I could have done which could always make the difference between a fail and pass, pass and merit, merit and distinction. I walked into the classroom, shaking with nerves and anticipation and....</span></span></div>
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To summarise, I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE PLEASED!!!</div>
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<u style="font-size: xx-large;">Distinction. Distinction. Distinction.</u></div>
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The grades which made me squeal in happiness and jump up and down in joy and smile so much! The hard work paid off and it has provided me with a great amount of motivation as I pursue in the last part of my final year of my foundation degree. Maybe my first year was a practice year. Not that it should be, mind you.</div>
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Aaaaanywaaaay, the grades have given me such confidence for my second university interview I have got in two weeks today. If a few of you follow me on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fav_vikki/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, I had my first one a couple of weeks ago for progressing further into the costume world. Now I was quite <strike>massively</strike> nervous about that. I think that could have been down to the fact it was my first professional portfolio I had created and it would represent me as a potential costume student and myself as a creative individual.<br />
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It went better than I expected because I was given an <span style="font-size: large;"><b>UNCONDITIONAL OFFER EEK!!!!</b> </span>Again, I was not expecting that in the slightest!! I had the email come through just as me and my boyfriend were en route to Liverpool for the night so that really did start the ball rolling on what turned out to be (and was already) a wonderful few days.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*By the way, Liverpool is a <u>must-have-to-visit</u> destination. The Beatles Story was groovy asf, the TATE gallery was serene and the shopping was as it should be: <b>A - MA - ZING.</b> We also watched our beloved football team knock out Liverpool in the 4th round of the FA Cup and see us progress in the 5th round for the first time in 10 years 😉 * </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Nothing like a little romantic getaway 💕</u></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>I'm not lying when I say the Beatles Story is groovy. Definitely worth the visit!</u></span></td></tr>
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So yeah, this was a short <i>- and terrible - </i> little update on my university studies so far. I post a lot about it on social media so why not blog about it? It's going to be hectic over the next few weeks, what with other university interviews and beginning to make my costume collection and helping to organise the end-of-year catwalk and exhibition - which I will blog about so watch this space - but I will aim to keep FAV updated as much as possible with decent content for you lovely lot to read.<br />
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To be honest, I don't think I have realised exactly how much I am expecting myself to create in my costume collection. I'm not panicking on the outside; however, the inside is panicky/code red/help/SOS situation. It will be fine.....!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">On display at the TATE Gallery, Liverpool</span></u></td></tr>
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I would <i>love</i> to hear how you have been getting on in your studies! Did you get what you wanted? Are you enjoying your studies? Are you finding it a bit stressful? If so, I am more than happy to write a blog post about how I am currently coping with university stress or anything that could help. Additionally, I would <i>love</i> to hear what content you would like me to write about so leave me some suggestions in the comments below OR let me know either on my <a href="https://twitter.com/FAV_Vikki" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fav_vikki/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or even email me and I will respond!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a great week everyone! V A x</span></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-30866934994260644482017-01-23T19:00:00.000+00:002017-01-23T19:00:13.036+00:00Wake Me Up When January Ends!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>Goodbye 2016...Hello 2017</em></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's begin this post with a sincere apology for the lack of blog activity over the past month and a little bit. Truth be told, I have struggled for content ideas (and I had quite a busy Christmas period with university deadlines and spending time with loved ones and all that jazz). BUT, I am back on it now with a post about... the January blues. Well, sort of.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eANOW8owKD2MAXt6itMuywRy9zxYMcO5oP1DO-6HdZImrlp6sYE9Jy2HBDBfyX1yNZv_5huVUK2p2kKDKArYn5aRQtUVYI0_Ak6YOdV3x_9H2Y8w2UKyiOTX0dIPNYOlXgaqoJkNdKtx/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eANOW8owKD2MAXt6itMuywRy9zxYMcO5oP1DO-6HdZImrlp6sYE9Jy2HBDBfyX1yNZv_5huVUK2p2kKDKArYn5aRQtUVYI0_Ak6YOdV3x_9H2Y8w2UKyiOTX0dIPNYOlXgaqoJkNdKtx/s640/IMG_6999.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Winter walks in January</u></span></td></tr>
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We all have it. The first month of the new year and everyone hates it. The time of the year where all the "new year, new me" posts fill eeeeeeeeeeevery social media timeline to which I always wonder how long their new persona will last. It's a load of sugar if you ask me. Yes, ask me. I tried it one year. Didn't last for a week. HOWEVER! Let us not focus on the present: let us focus on the future!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And by the future, I mean February.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>It's all blue</u></span></td></tr>
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I am speaking generally here but January does have the association of being a blue month and so I am absolutely desperate for the second month of 2017 to arrive, hence the title of this post. I know February is only 9 days away (and I did plan to have this published about a week and a half ago) but the days are <strong>p a i n f u l l y d r a g g i n g. P a i n f u l l y.</strong> Let me analyse why the countdown to February 1st is dragging:<br />
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<strong>Number 1! It's Valentine's Day!</strong> (although this one will suck again because it's on a Tuesday and me and George won't be able to spend time together until the weekend :/...)<br />
<strong>Number 2! It's 3 years since George and I first got to know each other</strong> through the wonders of Twitter and our mutual love for our football team (love you George <3 P.S. Do not text me saying I'm cringe)<br />
<strong>Number 3! University interview at Huddersfield</strong> for costume and I am super excited and very very very nervous for it ahhhmygawwwd.<br />
<strong>Number 4! KAISER CHIEFS!</strong> It will be my second concert since seeing McFly ages ago and our first concert as bf and gf. Literally so cute.<br />
Aaand finally....<strong>Number 5! LONDON BABY!</strong> A 3 day getaway with my uni gals, arranged by the university might I add. I never skive my studies. It's going to be shopping and food and sightseeing and taking looooads of pictures for memories. Oh, and OOTD blog posts. My London wardrobe is currently in process. Bye bye money. It was nice knowing you.<br />
<strong>Number 5(a)! Pancake Day</strong>, and I will be in London as well so we shall be wandering the streets of the capital for some fancy pancakes.<br />
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This is why the countdown is dragging. February is going to be such an awesome month for me! Honestly, I never have such a socially busy month such as this so it really does make a great change. Of course it is going to be filled with the normal everyday university work but I am determined to not fall behind like last year...but I am also determined not to let it suck the joy out of what is going to be an fantabulous February. <br />
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This has been a bit of a short blog post because I am still a victim of the January blues. I think the lack of blog writing does not help in the slightest and I only have myself to blame for that and my lack of creativity. I think I need more inspiration and simply broaden the topics I usually focus on. But as February is only 9 days away and I have fantastic things planned for it, I think I can do no harm by writing a few lifestyle posts, an online diary possibly if that is what I can call it. I am thinking of writing one based on my university interviews (I have one this Thursday and need to add the finishing touches to my portfolio. Eeek.) and maybe have a post about how to get through interviews such as this? This calls for a blogging brainstorm, guys! If you have any ideas as what you want to see, let me know in the comments below and I'll see what I can magically type out.<br />
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I am looking forward to what 2017 brings me to be honest. It could potentially be filled with new changes and new opportunities: I will just simply take it as it comes. Who knows if this blog will progress into new opportunities? <br />
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For you reading this wherever you are, I would like to end with a quick thank you really. Whenever I publish a new post, I love seeing the amount of views it has had and where in the world it has been viewed. It's honestly so exciting for me to see that my name and my content is being read some place in the world I could only wish to travel to. Each post I have published, the views have increased and this really does provide me with the motivation I need to continue my blog. It is very early days for FAV but as I said, who knows what the future will bring?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">February will be the start of my 2017, and I hope it starts with a bang.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrQF4RisIUqfmrBaWJQGcfUXwSRNuCyTahYb5b06M3io_Bsm0xmMT-EZTUh-PX2hN5vmjO4xpCLEtp7Ckbf0V5Qj_6jLdWMtrwikdnc6FmnhVJy66RTCbBnq2BZcvqBVLm22PYylVvyLw/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrQF4RisIUqfmrBaWJQGcfUXwSRNuCyTahYb5b06M3io_Bsm0xmMT-EZTUh-PX2hN5vmjO4xpCLEtp7Ckbf0V5Qj_6jLdWMtrwikdnc6FmnhVJy66RTCbBnq2BZcvqBVLm22PYylVvyLw/s640/IMG_6805.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Time for this girl to get some sleep. Wake me up when January ends, will you?</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Much love to you all! V A x</em></span><br />
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<em>Photographs taken by George Turner and Megan Rhodes</em></div>
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<u>Outfit details:</u></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/black-zip-front-bowler-_387533401" target="_blank">Black Zip Front Bowler Bag: £25.99</a> (New Look)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/bags-accessories-1702216/hats-463/red-tonal-pom-beanie-hat-6184061?bi=0&ps=20" target="_blank">Red Tonal Pom Beanie Hat: £14</a> (Topshop)</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/playsuits-and-jumpsuits/black-denim-skinny-dungarees-_370460101?productFind=search" target="_blank">Black Denim Skinny Dunagrees:<strike> £29.99</strike> £11</a> (New Look)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.jdsports.co.uk/featured/womens+gazelle/" target="_blank">Adidas Originals Gazelles: £40 - £75</a> (JD Sports)</div>
</li>
</ul>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-59309808562230881422016-12-16T19:00:00.000+00:002016-12-16T19:00:01.395+00:00Embracing my Inner Geisha<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><em>The ideas, process and motive behind the creation of my Geisha costume at the end of my first year at university...</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEwrUMsr_C6si4y0WUSNbIejeS25gFyNTL6m-8ijuzAZdvT1C2gCP_tA_rwwAGM8qh5dmgLILSmcnbC45Tif1q4ocFZvVuSyJ6chNaD4bs8YsW3rzx-DAa1r9f2NBYyhwyq1_rwsovGFQ/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEwrUMsr_C6si4y0WUSNbIejeS25gFyNTL6m-8ijuzAZdvT1C2gCP_tA_rwwAGM8qh5dmgLILSmcnbC45Tif1q4ocFZvVuSyJ6chNaD4bs8YsW3rzx-DAa1r9f2NBYyhwyq1_rwsovGFQ/s640/IMG_5958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><em>A Geisha girl is someone who hides behind her beauty. The snow
white face and the rosy red lips create a fascination to identify the true
character behind the mask. Through my garment, I wanted to capture this idea of
fascination and the willing to know about the Geisha girl, who she really is.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">It stemmed from the theme of ‘Objects of Desire’, with the
intention to make a garment that was precious, fragile, detailed and desirable.
The garment had to include a corset our own design, choosing what fabric to use
and the type of corset; however, the colour themes given on the brief were
neutrals and pastels, something I found difficult to adhere to because of seeing
corsetry worn by burlesque stars such as Dita Von Teese, wearing seductive reds
and deep purples which, unfortunately, I would not be able to use in my
designs. After gathering a numerous amount of research based on corsetry from books
such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Extreme Beauty: The Body
Transformed (Harold Koda, 2001) </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Designing
Costume for Stage and Screen (Deidre Clancy, 2014), </i>I came across a black
and white picture of a Geisha girl and noticed the obi she (and others like
her) wear. This is where my decision for creating a Geisha costume was
finalised, as I thought that the corset could replace the obi, adding a modern
and desirable twist to the traditional Geisha dress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The garment is a split panel skirt, an asymmetric wrap top
with flared sleeves and an underbust corset. To capture the essence of a
desirable Geisha girl, the fabrics would have to be the perfect colour, have
the perfect pattern and have a minimal weight to it for the model to float down
the catwalk with grace. From fabric sourcing and creating colour boards, 20-25
different designs were drawn to decide what that graceful garment would be.
Some of the designs were supported by colour and fabric swatches in order to
understand how each component of the garment would work, if it all,
successfully. This aided me to select the colours of pastel blue and gold which
was then inputted into my final design. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The skirt and top were made from
polysilk, with the gold panels being an oriental cotton/satin, and the
underbust corset made from rosebud coutil with white cotton drill and metal
eyelets on the front before finishing it off with flossing on the boning
channels. These are colours which I would not associate with the idea of
seduction and desire; yet ‘Objects of Desire’ also meant producing something
that was precious like an antique, so I believed these two colours complimented
each other well for my costume to be a wearable antique. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><em>This was my first full garment designed, created and made by
myself with the support of my tutors, family and friends and I am very pleased with the result of
it. The photo-shoot outdoors added to the authenticity of a Geisha girl as I was
surrounded by nature: quiet and mysterious like a Geisha, hiding behind her
beauty.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><u>Photography by Kayleigh Anne Steel</u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">This may possibly be my last blog post before Christmas so I would love to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Year </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">VA x</span></span></em></div>
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Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-72930607645430332512016-12-07T20:00:00.000+00:002016-12-07T20:00:00.163+00:00It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strike>CHRISTMAS</strike>! DEADLINES! Every uni day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Take a look at the clock then </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Begin to stress about the days left </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until the dreaded deadline days are here!</span></div>
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If you couldn't already tell by the gazillions of tweets, Snapchat stories, endless posts by that one student Facebook page that is so true to life it is horrible, then December is the time of the year where the first instalment of a student's year can only mean one thing: DEADLINE DAY (or days if you're lucky.) I have three deadlines approaching thick and fast: one is next Thursday and the other two are for the first week back after Christmas which means no rest for the wicked! Personally, in comparison to this time a year ago, I feel muuuuuuuuch more relaxed but still a taaaaaaaaad stressed because the time has gone so quick since September and I do have a fair bit to do and I want to have it done but I want to celebrate Christmas and I want to catch up on 1000 hours of sleep and I want to socialise and I want to - <strong>BREATHE!!!!!</strong> <br />
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You may be reading this in the comfort of your own home and sane mind knowing those days of stressing are temporarily over but surely you can agree that December and university are not a match made in heaven. Leaving assignments until the last night sound familiar...? Currently in that position right now, are we....? Probably.<br />
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Let's face it: we are not robots that can work 24/7 on an energy saver battery. <strong>We need sleep and we need a break!</strong> At the weekend, I went Christmas shopping with my boyfriend and the day before, I said to him that I do not want a weekend at his where I am doing half an hour at least of work. I said I wanted a day away from university work completely to just unwind, focus on spending time with him and soak in the panic of last-minute (sort of) Christmas shopping in a busy shopping centre. Now, I am one of those people who, if I am away from work for even 5 minutes (no exaggeration), I have this stream of guilt running through me because those 5 minutes I could have spent cutting and gluing images into my book! If you know me then you can vouch for me; but if it is one thing that I have learnt from my first year of university, it is you <strong>MUST HAVE SOME YOU TIME</strong> because your body needs it and your brain needs it (and your family and friends need it too because they've been on the end of your stress rants - this is my public apology to those affected :/ ) Honestly if I did not have just one day away from it then I would have been worrying so much more than I am now. You can afford to have some time away from it...but just make sure you're not leaving your work to complete itself - it never works unfortunately. <br />
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Another thing which has helped me since September is being organised! Having a diary by the side of me has been a life-saver at university and in my personal life really. Each Sunday night before I go to sleep, I plan out the rest of my week, specifying what work I want to do and (hopefully) achieve by the end of that day. I can honestly say that about 60% of my work written down in my diary was not completed on that same day simply because I underestimated how long it would take. Being a perfectionist does not aid the situation in the slightest; but if I did not plan out each week, then I would be behind on my work and stress levels would reach volcano stage: ready to erupt into tears. <br />
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Fair enough, buying yourself a diary like mine may not be needed now with it being a week before we finish for Christmas; but I would not wait! If like me you have deadlines after Christmas, go out and buy one now and start planning out the weeks. Write down what work you want to do, add in your social life and some down time and <strong>TRUST ME</strong>, you will start to feel the side effect of relief. Plus, you'll have it ready for the next term! <u>See? Organised.</u><br />
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If the advice above has been tried, tested and failed, then there is one thing to do: talk. Talk to your friends, family, tutors, anyone that you think will help you feel better over the next week or so about your work. These people know you inside and out. They know how you work and they know the traits you adapt to your work, so together you can all come up with a solution on how to overcome the mountain of stress you may be feeling. Again, trust me when I say this, but do not keep all your problems to yourself because it really knocks the motivation out of you to do anything. Your tutors would have seen many other students go through this at this point of the year and may have witnessed students in worse positions than yourself, so they will know of ways to help. <strong>Talking helps guys!</strong><br />
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I know this has been a bit of a different blog post to what I would usually want to write, but I felt I couldn't not write about this as I and friends I have are in the same situation. I hope it has been of some relief to you and that you can take some of my advice on board; but if you don't want to scroll back through the blog, I will happily sum it up for you now:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HAVE SOME DOWN TIME AND CHILL!</strong> Having an hour away from work can refresh your mind and build up the focus and motivation you have. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>PLAN OUT YOUR WEEK BEFORE IT BEGINS!</strong> Buy yourself a diary like mine (<em>others are available</em>) and before the week starts, write down what is happening. Include your university work, social life, job hours and when you want to have a day off from it all.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>TALK!</strong> Talking is everything. If you feel you are becoming overwhelmed by your studies or anything really, talk to someone you know can help you. I am more than sure they will want to help you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP IS WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!</strong> Having a decent amount of sleep the night before can regulate your day. Take it from me, working on a deadline the night before it is due in and going in the next day with 2 hours sleep IS NOT HEALTHY. Having a warm drink before bed helps to relax me so maybe it can help you too. Just make sure you don't sleep until 10 in the morning when you should be at university so...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>SET AN ALARM TO WAKE YOU UP!</strong></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right then, time to get back to work!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good luck everyone! Look forward to Christmas and remember: the hard works pays off in the end!</span> </div>
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V A xVictoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-503347749219638382.post-39202193985821255932016-11-25T19:00:00.000+00:002016-12-01T10:03:21.145+00:00Fashion and Freedom<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to Manchester this week with university and visited Manchester Art Gallery for the <a href="https://www.fashionandfreedom.org/" target="_blank">Fashion and Freedom exhibition</a>. I knew there were going to be garments there but I was blown away by what I saw. More importantly, it was incredible to see how my gender has been affected by the occurrences in the world.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>"Fashion and Freedom explores new ways of understanding the powerful impacts of the First World War, highlighting how fashion is interwoven into the social and political history of Britain, by showcasing new creative works that echo these histories a century later."</strong></span></td></tr>
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As part of the UK's arts programme, 14-18 NOW, this commemorates 100 years since the beginning and end of the First World War, but focuses on how women in society have also changed from then to NOW.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>The contrast between contemporary and historical fashion for women</u></em></span></td></tr>
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The exhibition showcases historical garments worn in the Edwardian times to the decade of the Charleston and Art Deco: the 1920s. Ranging from the infamous corset to the elegant ball gowns, women had a number of costume changes for different occasions during the day and emphasis was placed on the silhouette of a woman; yet this all changed through the impact of the war as a more natural-looking figure began to take shape after the war as it was being recognised that functionality of clothing was more important than the form it created. Thinking back to the visit now, it makes so much sense to how they organised the exhibition space. When you first walk in, you see the introduction of what the purpose of the exhibition displayed next to a taster of what is to come... The next thing you notice is the historical element of the impact of pre and post world war...then as you walk around the space, you slowly begin to understand the development of fashion over time and, more importantly, the development of a woman in society through the contemporary pieces designed by such leading females Vivienne Westwood, Sadie Williams, Emilia Wickstead, Roksanda Illincic, Jackie JS Lee and Holly Fulton. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>Examples by the designers involved in the exhibition</u></em></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbFvOeFozAbyUpiMBKnFqX_m-dK1IOBey7-gJIN7r1G2DezN77EpPEZJOo7WIgkAlHWxA3etYCjVP_3ADwMBQoQItaQYlYEhNN69cDbdR9Akcvq4rlZiZ00y-ZoHFievtmeTPx_fh8zLr/s1600/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbFvOeFozAbyUpiMBKnFqX_m-dK1IOBey7-gJIN7r1G2DezN77EpPEZJOo7WIgkAlHWxA3etYCjVP_3ADwMBQoQItaQYlYEhNN69cDbdR9Akcvq4rlZiZ00y-ZoHFievtmeTPx_fh8zLr/s640/IMG_6356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What I found inspiring about walking around the space, looking at each piece and thinking about what aspect of society it portrays was that 14-18 NOW provided the chance for emerging fashion designers from universities to submit their visual opinion. They varied from Manchester School of Art to University of Westminster to come together for the concept of <em>Restriction/Release,</em> using techniques such as beading, embroidery, draping, pleating - anything that is possible really within the fashion design world. Some of the students were inspired by the Suffragette movement which is undoubtedly a key moment in time for women (Votes for Women!) One student in particular decided to embark on creating a garment that understood the risk women took on wearing items that were revealing: even if it was just the knees below that were on show, it was deemed daring to those who believed they should be hidden. How did she tackle this? Well look below and you will see the genius creation...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>Detailing the outstanding and intricate structure of the garments</u></em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><em>Right to left: works were made by Elizabeth Thomas (Manchester School of Art), Toni Martin (University of Salford), Rebecca Lawton (University of Salford), Wheiman Leong (University of Westminster)</em></u></span></td></tr>
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All credit is given to these students whose work is shown above. Being a fashion and costume student myself, I would not have the faintest idea on where to start creating these! (and I want to be a designer...pray for me) </div>
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From right to left, it shows the clear development of how dress affected the role of women, from the implication that women were a piece of art to the dress reform movement, allowing freedom in women's health and lifestyle. </div>
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With women working in factories during wartime, <em>Fashion and Freedom </em>highlights how women were taking the position of men, showing a counterbalance of gender. Playing football, learning martial arts and risking themselves to chemical exposure were what women faced and, if anything, continued the fight for women equality. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>Left to right: works were made by Sarah Curtis (University of Salford), Karin Human (University of Salford), Revekka Georgiadou (University of Salford)</u></em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><u>Headshot: work was made by Ben Lewis (Leeds College of Arts)</u></em></span></td></tr>
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Displays belonging to the exhibition are scattered around the rest of the art gallery and viewing art galleries are just a simple hobby of mine, so I loved exploring and finding new garments. As a women, it does inspire me how women before me have enabled me and you to have the life that we have. I have been writing about gender equality for a report in my module at university and only as I am writing this now do I truly understand how fashion has become such a vital part of expressing the battle and positive progression we have made. It really can affect you in ways you wouldn't think of but it also proves to others that speak less of fashion that it isn't always about how it looks: it is about the meaning behind the look that what counts. </div>
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I cannot stress enough how powerful this exhibition is and I only wish I went to see it sooner! So if any of you have the chance to go to Manchester this weekend or are travelling there or already live there, I would highly recommend you go and see the powerful work fashion has. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>The last day to explore this at <a href="http://manchesterartgallery.org/" target="_blank">Manchester Art Gallery</a> is Sunday 27th November 2016 and is free entry so what excuse do you have to not go and see???</u></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have already had a look at the gallery and seen what is on show, what did you think of it? Did it have the same effect on you as it did me, or was it completely different? What did you think of the designs and the ideas behind them? Let me know in the comment section below as I would love to hear from you! Did it teach you anything new? <strong>I learnt a thing or two from it, that is a definite.</strong></span></div>
Victoria Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923867515850306464noreply@blogger.com0