Halloween Games

On google's home page at the moment is a link to their new Halloween inspired game, the 2015 Global Candy Cup. After choosing which colour team you are on, you have to fly on your witch's broomstick and collect candy for your team, while trying to avoid the ghosts, crows and bats. Your points are added to the team's total along with player's points from all over the world. I am in yellow team, and they are winning at the moment. This game is a quick and easy way to get in the Halloween mood. I like the fact you are working together with people from all over the world.

Happy Halloween!

Jamie Lawson

Ed Sheeran (my favourite singer) has recently created his own record label, Gingerbread man records. The first person he signed was Jamie Lawson, an amazing folk singer. Although most people in England had never heard of him a month ago, he actually released his first album 12 years ago. He was really successful in Ireland but not in England. He met Ed Sheeran before he became famous but they hadn't spoken for years before he signed him up.

His current song, I Wasn't Expecting That was actually released 4 years ago in Ireland, but like his other music was never successful elsewhere until now. I love that song, I think it is really beautiful and clever even though it is so sad at the end. I am really looking forward to seeing what he releases in future. Do you like Jamie Lawson?

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are great this time of year. Warm, yet they look good. I bought a pair 2 weeks ago from New Look and I love them! These are my first pair below, before I have only had knee high boots.
I struggled to find a pair I liked as I wanted some that were very simple. Most of the pairs in New Look were too fussy, with tassels and laces or really high heels, but I loved these as soon as I put them on.

Although I didn't like many of the styles in New Look, we all wear different things, so I have included a variety of the non-freakish ones here.

 

 

           £27.99                          £29.99                          £24.99                           £24.99



Tracking Teens

There are many apps out at the moment that parents can use to track their teens. From apps to check our location by our phones, methods of seeing the websites we have accessed and even tools that let them read our texts. These all allow them to guarantee our safety. However, don't they give the impression that they don't trust us? Used in moderation, they are probably very helpful, but if our parents feel the need to check up on us every minute of the day, how can we ever learn to make responsible choices on our own? How can we have any privacy if they read every message we send and monitor every move we make.

My parents don't use anything like that, because they trust me to make sensible decisions. The need for safety and trust needs to be balanced to please both teens and their parents. I think these apps are not always bad, but they need to be used very carefully if you want to maintain this balance. Do your parents use anything like this? Would they tell you if they did? What do you think of it?

Halloween Costumes

If you are dressing up this weekend, it can be difficult to know what to wear as most of the best costumes are designed for younger kids. Here, I have compiled 2 affordable, grown up looks that combine normal clothes and Halloween pieces. Perfect for parties.

Look 1:Dress (New Look)- £22.99, Devil horns (Claire's) - £1.50,
Total: £24.49


Look 2: Tights (New Look) - £4.99, Skirt (New Look) - £3.99, Top (Peacocks)-£6, Cape (Claire's) £8, Hat (Peacocks) - £4
Total- £26.98

10 Things You Will Only Understand If Your Parents Work In a School

My mum is a teaching assistant, and is therefore VERY teacherfied. This can make a teens life difficult sometimes. Do either of your parents work in a school? If so, can you relate to these 10 things?

1. That homework comes before almost everything.

2. That you only get a day off school if you are actually dying. No skiving allowed.

3. That they feel the need to check up on you and your homework diary at regular intervals.

4. That their hi-light of the school year is exam results time.

5. That not revising is a major crime.

6. That they think taking kids out of school to go on holiday is crazy.

7. That they might consider asking for MORE homework on parents evening.

8. That they are always checking up on the teachers to make sure they are "challenging you" enough.

9. That they often secretly read your homework before you hand it in and leave little notes saying what they thought of it and any misspelt words.

10. That you can't tell them to stop doing any of this because they will say they are just being "involved"

Checked Shirts

Comfortable, warm shirts are perfect for Autumn as they are a bit more dressy than a jumper but still suitable for the weather. Here are my favourites from around the web. Wear them as a top or layer them up over T-shirts as a jacket.

This loose fitting shirt is perfect to wear casually with jeans.
New Look, £19.99

This one has a larger check. Fold up sleeves add detail.
New Look, £22.99

The lighter colour makes this shirt a little less wintery.
I like the pearlescent buttons.
Top Shop, £30

This is my favourite one.
I love the bright red colour and the tailored shape.
Peacocks, £19.99

200 Posts!

This post I am writing now is my 200th post! I have been writing this blog for over 8 months now (since the 1st of February). I am heading towards 5000 page views from all over the world! As I have had many new readers from school in the past couple of months, about 800 of these have been in October alone.

You can't have a blog without readers, so thank you for reading and recommending this blog. Please continue to do so. If you have any (sensible) suggestions about what you think I should write about, post them below. It is my last day at school tomorrow before half term (Yay! I can't believe the first half term of year 10 is over. It has gone so quickly!). This means I should be able to spend more time posting over the next couple of weeks, so now is a good time to give me your suggestions. Maybe I will try draw my life, we will see.

Christmas Is Coming - ARGOS

This is the second instalment in my Christmas gift guide, and this week I am looking at a ARGOS.

This cool nail art set could give a friend a
new Christmas look.
Was £19.99, now £12.99

This versatile present  could be given to any
female friend or relative.
£5.49

This cute trio of minis comes in a colourful tin.
£3.99

This frozen make-up set is perfect for a little sister or cousin.
£7.99

I love this mini pool table! Many people love playing,
but don't have room for a proper table. Now they can still practise.
£9.99

TFI Friday

The reason I am blogging quite late tonight is because I have been watching TFI Friday. Originally, it was a mad chat show in the 90s, presented by Chris Evans. However, it stopped suddenly when Chris walked out. A couple of months ago they came back for a 1 night special, and now they have a new series, starting tonight!

The episodes are set in a bar, where Chris interviews all his guests and they play mad games. There is also a stage where they have bands, this week Take That and U2. The whole show is fast paced, giving it an exciting Friday night feel. I love it. I think it is the perfect mix of interviews, music and silly stuff. A great way to end the week.

Strictly Come Dancing

Now, Bake Off is over, I am concentrating on Strictly. I have watched this programme with my mum since I was little and I LOVE IT! Celebrities doing (hopefully) fab dancing to great music wearing stunning costumes - the perfect combo. This year I am supporting Helen George (as her character Trixie is my favourite in Call the Midwife) and Jay after his
amazing pulp fiction routine last night. Watch his amazing Jive here.
However, the star of the show for me this year is Gleb. He is a new, hot Russian professional dancer. He is now famous for the unusual dance move he did last weekend, called the Gleb special. See it here.

Do you love Strictly?

Tanning creams

Several of my friends at school use fake tan, but I have never been brave enough to try it. There is so much that could go wrong. Also, I am so naturally pale that I think it would be really obvious what I had done if I suddenly changed colour overnight. Instead I use body lotion with a touch of self tan.

Having a little fake tan in your moisturiser is really useful. The colour is built up gradually so you are less likely to be patchy or suddenly go orange. This also means you do not go brown over night. As it is not so strong, your hands don't get stained. It is really quick and easy as well. If you struggle with fake tan or like me are too scared to use it, I recommend it. I use Dove, but there are lots out there.

While I am talking about beauty products, I am currently using Simple's eye make-up remover. It removes all my make up first time really easily and does not sting if you get a bit in your eye.

What are your favourite products at the moment? Make your recommendations in the comments.

Internet Life

On the internet, we do things we would never dream of doing in real life. Following strangers on twitter, liking random things and telling anyone who will listen everything about you. Watch this video and you will see what I mean.

 

Makes you think, doesn't it? I am not on any social media sites, but I can understand how when you are not physically talking to someone you can get carried way. Still, I find it a bit creepy. What do you make of this?



Science Trip Fun

Firstly, I am sooooooo happy that Nadia won the Great British Bake Off! Her bakes were all brilliant and she made a touching speech at the end. She reduced even Mary to tears. I think she definitely deserved the title, based on both her baking skills and the effort she puts in.

Today, I had a different form of excitement. The whole of year 10 went on a Science trip to Winchester Science Centre. As it is currently national space week, we had a planetarium session and went to a space workshop. However, it was when we were allowed free time to play with all the exhibits that things really got interesting. The boys found the children's soft play area much more fun than the science stuff and ended up burying each other in soft shapes and fighting with them. Us girls could not have joined in if we wanted to as we were on the floor laughing.

Overall, it was a fun trip. I have been there several times before but it is much more fun with a large group of rowdy teenagers. I was not originally going to blog about this, but a group of you asked and it turned out I had quite a lot to write about. This gave me an idea. You are the people who will be reading this, so I have created a poll so you can tell me the sort of blog posts you would like to see. You can also list your (sensible) suggestions below.

Bake Off Final!

It's the bake off final tonight! Me and my friend have talked about nothing else all week. I want Nadia to win. I love her as she is not afraid to spice things up a bit! I also think she's a really nice person and brilliant baker. I like Ian too, as I think he is very skilled at the construction side of things, which always makes everything more exciting. It is on at 8 O'clock tonight on BBC 1. Will you be watching? Who do you want to win?

How Not To Use A Sewing Machine...

I had never used a sewing machine before I started Textiles GCSE. I had always put off trying one, as they looked very complicated. Today, I used one for the second time. 20 minutes into the lesson and all I had succeeded in doing was re-threading the needle 10 times and doing 5 stitches. The highlight of the lesson, however, was when I managed to sew my piece of fabric to the machine! A piece of metal had found it's way in between my layers of fabric and I accidentally stitched them together through the middle of the metal hoop. It took me ages to unpick it. When I told my teacher what had happened, she just looked at me in disbelief.On the way home my Mum just burst out laughing. Very Supportive. Not!

I did, eventually, get the hang of it. I did more actual sewing in the last 10 minutes than the rest of the lesson put together and produced a good sample. Whether or not I will be able to do that again though is another matter. Do you have trouble with sewing machines? Tell me your funny stories below.

Christmas is Coming- AVON

October has snuck up on me this year. It seems only yesterday I was going back to school, and now it is time to start Christmas shopping! Every other weekend until Christmas, I will pick a shop and show you their Christmas gifts. This week, I am looking at AVON.

For Men and Boys:



This golf themed BBQ set would be a perfect present for a Dad or uncle. 
Was £20, now £15

This spider man watch is great for both teens and adults.
Was £25, now £20

For Women and Girls:

These snuggly socks are perfect as Winter is coming.
Was £9 now £6

This  hand cream gift set could be for a older family member or even teacher.
£4

I love this Christmas themed jewellery set!
Was £8 now £5

Great for giving a friend's nails a bit of festive sparkle.
£12

Eyeliner Application

As some of you are aware, I got a bit of a shock at school this week when halfway though my Physics presentation one of the boys called me Gemstar. I did not know whether to be pleased that I had new readers or go into major panic mode. As most of these new readers have been boys, I have been doing mostly unisex posts but I felt I needed to do something for my long term readers. As some of my friends have been asking me how I get my eyeliner so perfect (yay) I decided that this was the perfect topic. The whole idea of this blog is that everyone likes different things and will like different posts, so bear with me.

There are a few main things to remember with eyeliner (on the lid, not the inside), and if you keep these in mind you should be ok.

Find the one that is best for you.
Pencils, crayons, pens, liquids - there are lots of different types. Try them all out until you find one that you find relatively easy to apply.

Apply it bit by bit.
Don't think you have to do it in all one line. It is easier to do it slowly it stages.

Take your time.
Never apply eyeliner in a rush. Allow plenty of time, or leave it out.

Cover up your mistakes.
If you are really struggling, apply it on top of liquid eyeshadow. You can then go back over your mistakes with the eyeshadow.

Have you got any requests for new topics? Write them in the comments.

Dance Party Playlist

One of the reasons I liked SNAP was because they played lots of great dance tracks. So, I have compiled a list of my favourite songs to dance to at a party.

Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Last Night - The Vamps
Up Town Funk - Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars
Don't Stop - 5 Seconds of Summer
Cheerleader - OMI
Glad You Came - The Wanted
Can We Dance - The Vamps
Counting Stars - One Republic

What you think of my list? Why don't you add to it in the comments?