NEW BLOG

Hi guys! Firstly just wanted to apologise for being gone for so long! I have been very busy with university and working so haven't had a lot of time on my hands. I did however finish my second year with a 2:1 and managed to secure my 3rd placement in industry so I'm so happy! As well as that, I have also been working on my own little project and created a new website for my blog. I am the type of person that always likes change and is constantly changing up my blog layout. However this time, I have moved it to a completely new platform.  

I have never been completely happy with using blogger and I wanted to create something that was slightly more than just a "blog". I wanted my own personal space and here it is! Jessica | Lifestyle and Beauty. I am so happy with it and I would love it if you guys would check it out! I changed the name but have kept some of the same posts I used on here just to set it off. However I am planning to post more lifestyle related posts from now on.

It's currently under the url http://jessica243.wix.com/jessica, however I am hoping to change this soon so this is just temporary. I have also changed all my social networks to the username @myblogjessica. I know this is a massive pain but changing to a new platform always is. I am still on Bloglovin' so I am still easy to find, I just won't be posting on this blog anymore. I hope that you will all continue to follow me over at Jessica and like my new site as much as I do!

GETTING READY FOR 2015

Now christmas is over, it's time to buckle down and get ready for 2015. I have lots of uni work to do before then so I am starting to get organised from now. 2014 has been a great year for me, but I plan on 2015 to be even better. I want to get more organised with all aspects such as blogging, uni work, money and general day to day life. I was given this really cute diary for christmas which I am going to use throughout 2015 as I usually just use my phone!

I don't really have any New Years Resolutions this year but there are some things I do want to continue to do and get more organised with. Here are my list of "New year resolutions" type thing: 

Blog regularly - 2014 was the best year for my blog as I abandoned it for a while. This year I really want to blog on regular basis and really build up my blog and find my niche. In January I have lots of exams and assignments so that might not start off well but after that I will have a lot more free time and will be able to blog and write more!

Be more organised - Like I mentioned, I want to actually try keep a diary and stay organised for the whole year! I always start writing a diary and keep on top of things but that always dies out mid January. This year is an important year for me at university and the last thing I want to do is to get really stressed! I think this will help me stay organised and chilled. I also think it is nice to look back and see exactly what you did over that year. 

Stop biting my lip - This might seem like a strange one but I have a really bad habit of biting my lip. It is so bad and it leaves my lips looking so ugly but I can't stop. It's just so satisfying you know? I do really try break the habit!

Drink more water/wear my glasses - I have recently be getting really bad headaches recently and it is definitely because I don't drink enough water throughout the day and I really should be wearing my glasses when I am staring at a computer screen for a long period of a time. I think it is important to drink lots of water and I think this will help with my headaches. That, and a decent night sleep! I also want to get into the routine of getting up early everyday. I am alright if I have a reason to be up but if I don't I would happily sleep in until 10:30am! Such a waste of the day!

CHRISTMAS DAY

Hi everyone, hope you all had an amazing Christmas and boxing day! I had a lovely day spending it in Devon with my family, Grandparents and cousins. In the morning we opened our stockings and then headed to the local church for a morning Christmas service. It has always been a tradition to go to church on Christmas and it was a lovely start to the day. After that, we came back and helped prepare for Christmas Lunch along with a glass of bubbly or two! 

For lunch, we had a cheese souffle to start, followed by roast turkey for main! We then finished off with Christmas cake and chocolate log! We are one of the few families that open all our main tree presents until after lunch, so after we had tied up we went for a quick walk around the village and then opened our presents in front of the fire! I was so lucky this year and was given lots of nice things! Some of them included some Nike Free Run Trainers a faux fur purse for Topshop. This amazing H&M shoulder bag with tassels and a fur winter head band from F+F. After that we all had our mid-afternoon christmas nap and played lots of games!  Of course, this then followed with more food and more games!

On boxing day we then went to visit my Dad's family for Christmas number two with lunch and a few extra presents! I had a lovely couple of days and am so thankful and grateful for everything! Now it's back to reality, as I back home and my few days just consist of work and assignments. Hope you all have had a lovely christmas and I would love to read any of your Christmas posts so feel free to leave links to them in the comment bar below! Happy new Year! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE AN AMAZING DAY

LOVE FROM 

Photo source - Vector

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Happy birthday to me! Yesterday was my 20th birthday and I had the loveliest day and was given so many lovely gifts! I thought I would do a post showing you what I got and what I got up too in the day. I was extremely lucky this year to receive this amazing Olivia Burton watch from my parents. It has a beautiful rose gold face and white straps. I absolutely love it! It's a really good size as it's not too big and I am looking forward to wearing it everyday! 

I I also received this beautiful faux fur scarf and amazing red heels from Miss Selfridge. I was so grateful for all my presents and how thoughtful they all were. I spend the day with family and we went for a special birthday pub lunch in a beautiful little pub in Cirencester. I had a steak (see below) and was even treated to a glass of Prosecco! After that we went for a little walk about the village and had a look at all the Christmas things in the local Garden centre (twenties have hit me hard - Garden Centres really excite me!). It was a really lovely afternoon and it was a proper winters day with a crispy air and blue skies! I then went to my Gran's house for a cup of tea and some birthday cake which was lovely! You can have a look at some of my Instagram pictures I took though out the day HERE. 

In the evening, I went out with a group of friends into Bath for a few drinks and a night out! It was a joint birthday event so there was lots of people here. It was lovely to see everyone after not seeing most of them for so long because of Uni. I wore my new dress and heels which again you can see on my Instagram page. It was all in all a lovely day and I have been spoilt rotten! The birthday blues and now kicking in but the excitement of Christmas day approaching is well and truly here! I hope you have enjoyed this slightly different 'day in the life' post!

HAVING A CHILLED ONE

I have now finished my exams and am ready to enjoy my summer! May has been a roller coaster of emotions so it's so nice to finally relax and have some free time through June. I have now come home to enjoy the company with family and friends over the summer. The weather at the moment is amazing too which is an added bonus! This is my current set up, enjoying a good magazine and reading over comments and old blog posts on my blog. 

I'm sorry (again) that I haven't posted regularly but I have a line of posts that I have scheduled for the next month. I have a few fashion posts planned as I have been shopping and I am going to show you some of the products I have been loving recently. One product that I had forgotten about is the Soap & Glory Hand Food. I love how smooth and moisturised it leaves your hands & I love the smell. I'm so glad I rediscovered it in my collection. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer so far and I'm excited to get reading and writing blogs again! 

FEBRUARY ROUNDOFF

February has been a lot calmer month compared to January in terms of stress. I haven't had any main deadlines or exams which has been lovely. I got my grades back for my January exams and was so pleased to come out with two 2:1 and a 2:2. All the hard work definitely paid off! I can't believe how quickly this month has gone. It's so scary how fast this year is going already. February has been a great month for Caramella. It reached 250 followers which I am so chuffed about and I have a giveaway HERE to say thank you. Also this month, I haven't been going out as much and have been on an alcohol detox to give my liver a break. I haven't really had the urge to go out and the thought of getting drunk hasn't really interested me. I've enjoyed staying in and just watching films etc. I'm sure that won't last long! I have also joined the gym. I have ever really been a "fitness freak" but I have really enjoyed going. I'm not hoping to lose any weight I just want to get more healthy (as I did no exercise prior) and to tone my stomach for summer! In march, I am looking forward to going home for a week as it is my Dad's birthday, going to see family friends and seeing Miranda Hart in standup. Hope February treated you well!

JANUARY ROUNDOFF

January is never anyones favourite month with the lack in money, weight gain over christmas, cold rainy weather and going back to work. For me, January has been not the greatest starts to the year but because that is only due to a lot of exams and deadlines I've had over the last couple of week, I can't really complain. It's just been a lot of hard work and dedication. I am looking forward to doing absolutely nothing for the weekend and not having to worry about anything... apart from how to cure my hangover. A celebratory night out has been a long time coming! One plus side to this month is that I "started" this blog. I didn't actually, but this month is when I've really got back into blogging and deciding what route to take with it. I have been enjoying reading new blogs and creating new products and designing my own space again. I am definitely going to keep it up throughout the year. Another plus about this month is that we have finally found our house for our second year at uni! That was another thing that added to my stress this month but now it's sorted, it is something to tick of the list. In February, I am looking forward to living the "student" life a bit more again and enjoy not having many deadlines at uni. I am also going back home next weekend which I can't wait for. I am also looking forward to trying out new products and continuing to write this blog. Hope everyone has had a lovely January and a good start to the year!

BOURNEMOUTH BEACH

It is so nice living close to the sea now that I am at uni as I have just come down and experience the view and surroundings whenever I want too. A few of us had to take some photos as part as a uni project so we all headed down to the beach. The weather is so nice, it was the perfect day to get up early and enjoy the day. The sun was shining and there was clear sky. I hadn't taken many photos outside since being at uni so it was nice to get my camera out again, and what better place to do it then the beautiful beach. I love the colours in this one below.

  

  

Coat - Zara

Scarf - Zara

Disco pants - Missguided 

Boots - George at Asda

I really love this quilted coat I got from Zara coat I got last year. It was was quite an expensive buy at the time but I have got a lot of use out of it. It has brown detailing on the shoulders and it is medium length. It is very warm although with the weather we had, I didn't really need a wear it. I paired it with my new scarf which I also got from Zara - I wore it in this outfit too. I also wore my black sued boots which I talked about in this post. The are so comfy although as I soon discovered they are not the most suitable to wear to the beach as it is pretty damp and sandy! 

TWENTY FOURTEEN

Hi, long time no speak! I have completely abandoned this blog since the summer as I have been extremely busy over the last 6 months with working and starting uni etc. I Haven't had a chance to put all my attention into developing this blog. However, with it being the new year and everything I thought I would try and get into it again. I had forgotten how much I have missed just browsing at other peoples blogs and creating my own personal space. I want to start regularly blogging at least once a week to get into the swing of things. I have a lot more time on my hands so this seems like a reasonable goal. Like I said, I have now started university and developing a blog will also help with my degree (BA Hons Advertising) as social networking and marketing plays is a big part in that industry. This will hopefully give me a head start into getting a career in that industry. 2013 was a great year for me and I hope that 2014 will be just as good! Hope everyone is having a great start to the year! Happy 2014!

Photograph - Tumblr (source)

HOLIDAY INSTAGRAM: CORFU

In June, me and 12 of my close friends booked a holiday to Kavos, Corfu for 10 days. Kavos is known for being a "party place" and although we did go out and experience the crazy nightlife we did also get to see some of the really lovely places in Corfu. I thought I would show you some of my favourite Instagram photos that I took. Kavos itself really isn't as bad as it is made out to be (What Happens in Kavos) and we all had a really good time.

Beachview | Boat trip around Corfu | Boats at Paxos Beach

We went on the "Black Pearl" boat trip around Corfu and we got to visit Paxos Beach and big caves and Lagoons were we able to jump of the boat and have a swim. We also were able to go snorkeling at the beach which was so much fun. The whole trip lasted for around 4 hours and it was probably my favourite day out. Below is a picture of Paxo Beach. The sea water was so blue and so pretty. It was actually surprisingly warm too which was nice too. 

 View of our hotel | Water sports | Paxo Beach

Our hotel we stayed in was really nice. The staff were so friendly and the room were surprisingly big. The pool was a nice size and it was just a nice place to relax in the day (and sleep off our hangovers). We also did some water sports which was based right outside our hotel. I did the "sofa" (shown above) a couple of times which was good fun. Below is a picture of some of us before a night out and the other two are some more of our boat trip. 

 Ready for a night out | Cute BBQ restaurant on the beach | Blue Lagoon Cave 

Overall I had the best 10 days with all the girls. We had some highs and lows but it was still a memorable holiday. It was cheap and cheerful! I actually really like Kavos and personally I don't think it is bad as it's made out to be. If you are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday when Kavos probably isn't for you but there are some other beautiful places in Corfu and I wish we'd spent longer going to other places. Want to go back now the heatwave is over!  

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20 FACTS ABOUT ME

I have seen this "tag" going around at the moment over many blogs and being the nosey sod that I am, I love reading them and finding out about peoples lives. I thought I would give it a whirl and think up 20 fun facts about my life. This literally took me so long! Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave responses to your twenty facts below.

1. I have lived in a flat which Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles has also stayed in

2. I don't know how to burp  

3. I have never died my hair  

4. I have met the Cheeky Girls  

5. My 18th birthday was on 2012 2012  

6. My family used to own a hotel and we lived in the apartment downstairs  

7. Potato is my favourite food  

8. My nickname is 'penguin' (long story)  

9. I have saved someone's life  

10. I've never broken a bone in my body (touch wood)  

11. I have seen over thirty five artists live (including Rihanna twice, Jessie J and Tinie Tempah)  

12. I have stood in the crater of a volcano in Italy  

13. 11 is my lucky number  

14. I used to hate any sort of "fizzy" drink  

15. My mum has performed in a circus  

16. I have a fear of baby wipes (don't ask)  

17. I once phoned the police whilst sleep walking  

18. I have taken part in a French exchange  

19. I once knocked out a tooth whilst on a climbing frame when I was a child  

20. I have never watched or read any of the or Twilight saga or Lord of the Rings

ON BUDGET

I am now officially on budget. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I now have very little money from a lack in work shifts and having to pay for a holiday. I have always been one of those people who haven't really had too worry about money as I am good at saving it and putting it away to collect dust. However lately, I have had to use my card sooo much on birthdays, petrol, christmas present and going out and my bank account as quickly deteriorating and I now have next to nothing :( That's why from now one, I am going on a spending ban. I am only going to go out if it is a proper occasion (such as a birthday), I'm not going to buy any unnecessary things and I am going to stop spending money on food. I have managed to get alot more shifts at work so I am going to prioritize that over going out. It's going to be hard but I do need the money not only for my holiday but uni too.

photograph source - Tumblr (samstapley)

I'VE BEEN LIVING OFF...

Being the new year and all that, I am ready to again start my health kick! Last January I lost just over a stone and managed to keep it off throughout the whole of 2012. However in December of 2012 with"christmas" eating and everything I did put back on a few pounds! I am determined to lose it again this year as I have many events coming up in which I want to feel 'good' in my body including holidays, year 13 prom and starting university. 

I wouldn't say I overeat at all and I am not overweight at all so I have never really one to probably 'diet'. However I do want to start eating alot more healthier. Lately, I haven't been eating as healthily as I could do with a cheeky Mcdonalds here and there and I need to stop snacking! Therefore, to help me lose weight I have decided to cut out any unnecessary eating and unhealthy snacking. So if I get hungry during the day, this is what I live on! I have always been a tea drinker and that will never stop, but my new addiction is cherries! The are so yummy and one of your five a day so it is the best of both worlds. Obviously, I don't just eat and drink this. I do have a balanced meals throughout the day. I never skip breakfast, I believe in it being 'the most important meal of the day'.

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KAVOS 2013

Yay! Finally booked our girls holiday! After months of deliberation and alot of stress, we have finally actually booked our holiday for Kavos, Corfu for 10 days, later this year. It has taken us so long to agree on a place to go and find a suitable package deal! I think I forgot to mention... it is for 12 girls (!). However, now that it is all booked, I am raring to go! Everyone is leaving for Uni in September so it will be lovely to have one last big event before we all go off in different directions (cry!). After watching What happens in Kavos and Magaluf Weekender, it has given me a extra buzz (and slight apprehension) to go out and have a wild time with the girls! SO EXCITED. I found this on the internet and thought it was highly appropriate! Let the count down begin, only six months to go!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is one of my biggest passions in life. I love the idea of being able to go out and capture a moment which you can keep forever as visual memories. Everywhere I go, I take my camera out with me to ensure I take as many photographs as I can and capture beautiful moments and landscape. I mainly enjoy landscape photograph however recently I have been interested in portraiture and taking pictures of people like my family.I currently take A-Level photography. I really enjoy the aspects of the course and would recommend it if you were thinking of choosing it for AS. I was so pleased to receive an 'A' last year and I hope to keep this grade up through this year for my final year. The topic I chose for my is "portraiture". I was slightly apprehensive about choosing this to start with as I hadn't done that much of it before, however now I am really glad I picked it. 

Above a few photographs I took for my coursework. I have really enjoyed being creative with my work and have loved experimenting on Photoshop to edit my pictures. I think choosing portraiture as my topic as taught me to be more creative with my work and to create something which has a meaning and being unique. I think that using family members and some of my friends in alot of my photographs gives a more personal touch to my project. 

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LISTENING, READING, WATCHING

Hello! Today I thought I would start a series of posts called 'Listening, Reading, Watching.' where I will share with you what I have enjoyed watching, reading and listening too for that particular week/month. I have seen this done on a couple of blogs and I really enjoy reading them so I thought I would start doing the same. Also I thought it would be fun to see what I enjoyed when looking back through my blog in months and even years to come!

Frank Ocean Thinking about you | Susan Lewis Losing you | Miranda series 3

My first love this month has been for Frank Ocean! I never really been that much of a fan of him before but since listening to his album I have fallen in love! My favourite is Thinking about you, can't stop singing it! My current read at the moment is Susan Lewis' Losing you. I only just started it so I don't really know much about it yet. However, I have read many of Susan Lewis' books and I love her, so I am sure this will be a cracker! Who else is loving the new series of Miranda? Me and my sister are the biggest fan ever and we just love the new episodes! 

SETTING THE ALARM

I have found it so hard getting back into the swing of things in terms of getting motivated for school. This is probably due to the fact that I had such a hectic Christmas holidays with it being my birthday and everything. I hate having to set my alarm for 6:45am and forcing my way in to school. Luckily for me, I only had one exam in January so I haven't had too much stress. Even so, I have literally no motivation to do any work at the moment! 

thesoftanonymous.com (credit Beth Phillips)

I really need to get my self more organised and start getting my school work to prioritise my social life. I really feel for those who have lots of exams in January. My main motivation for working hard this year is University. I know what I need to get (grade wise) and I know that I really can't wait to go which gives me the motivation to get my ass in gear! I wouldn't say that I am not a hard working person, I just know that I could put a little bit more effort into some of my work and I could prioritise my life better. So over the next couple of months I am really going to focus on my school work as after all, I don't have long left! If you've still got exams, gooood luck!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

Hello! Today I thought I would start off with a little "get to know me session". First off, I am now officially an adult. I turned 18 last year in December. I am currently taking my A Levels studying English Language, Media Studies and Photography at my sixth form in South West England. I am hoping to go to university in September to study 'Advertising and Marketing' at either Bournemouth or Plymouth uni, which I literally can not wait for! I have had a full drivers licence since May and I live with my mama, dad, younger sister and our little puppy dog, Tilly!

My Dad and I on holiday when I was 5 years old (t.left) | Baby me! (Right) | Me and my friend (b.left)

Above are some photos from when I was a child to now. I haven't always lived where I do now. I grew up in Devon, where most of my family still live. I went to primary school there and spent a lot of my time with my friends and family. When I was in Year 4 we moved up to where we are now and I continued my eduction here. I enjoy art photography dance and spending time with my friends. I am sucker for a good night out of party! I absolutely love Christmas and New year and hope that 2013 will be just as great at 2012 was for me. Hope you have enjoyed getting to know a bit about me and my life and enjoyed seeing my cheeky baby photographs! 

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