University Advice..

Hello! I posted pretty much this same essay a year ago but am sure it will still come in handy (I hope!) So here goes...grab a cuppa and some biccies and get ready for quite a bit of reading!

It comes to this time of year again when people disappear off to uni and start new beginnings, especially this weekend being the one before freshers! As I am someone that has had my three years at uni and going into my final year of another course (- forever a student!!), I thought what could be better than to tell people about my experience along with advice and what to expect!

The Beginning:

When I said I wanted to go to university I think everyone (especially my family) were quite shocked. I have alwaysss been someone that loves home, and although I enjoyed going to people's houses and on holidays with others etc, home is where I'm used to. I knew I wanted to do something different though and decided on uni. However, leading up to going to uni, I cried and cried and cried. I thought I had made a HUGE mistake in deciding to go and the weeks leading up to September everyone assumed I'd last just 5minutes and be on my way home again. Nevertheless, I did what I'd heard other people doing and what UCAS advised, and joined a site called yougofurther 

Through this site, I could search for people at my uni, in my halls etc and quite quickly found people. Do not get disheartened if you can't find many / any though as I now know lots didn't..I suppose I was just lucky. This is where I met my flatmate and now one of my best friends Zara. She was on my course and living in my flat, so felt like I had already made a friend before I started.

Once arriving in Leeds, I was sooo nervous! I am always so shy in front of new people but one thing I would advise is even if you're quiet, make sure you talk. People are feeling exactly the same as you, they just express it in different ways. I was quite surprised.. although I felt homesick, I didn't cry and sit in my room all of the time, and I am glad about that. I just thought what's the point...mum had told me to at least try it out until christmas else you'll never have a proper experience of it. This is true. I know people that quit way before christmas, within a month infact. People are still just getting to know one another then so there is no way you'll have a proper idea on if you'd like it or not. (Just my opinion.)

Decorating my room with photos of people at home and things that just brought a smile to my face definitely made me happier. Just make sure in the first few weeks, you keep yourself busy. That is key. No one wants to be friends with someone that just sits in their room with the door closed acting as though they don't want any friends. People can only do so much to help. A huge piece of advice I would give is stay strong. Just try to be confident even if you don't feel it inside. Prop your door open so that people can just pop their head in to say hi..this is how lots of friends were made in my halls! Chances are, people you have met will have met other people and this is how everyone generally gets introduced.

And if you listen to the Scott Mills show... a bottle of ketchup on the windowsill may get some of you talking as you've got something in common! ;)

My little room :)

This was my board getting more & more full of photos during uni..but I had quite a few there to begin with to smile at :)

Here it is broken down...


Freshers Week:

Is just like a holiday and will be the best week of your life if you just relax and enjoy it. Yes, you spend a lot of money, but you have fun! (Or at least make sure you do!) You will end up spending hours getting ready for nights out, pre-drinking and having fun and games, then going out, getting some food on the way back home, getting to bed about 3 at the earliest and sleeping for most of the next day...possibly fit some shopping in to the day time and some kind of fast food / takeaway (both of which I did far too much of!!)

I remember my brother going off to uni the year before last and him saying to me, "isn't it awkward introducing yourself though?!" Yes and no...obviously it's a bit forced as everyone is saying it, but you get very used to asking and hearing, "What's your name?", "Where do you come from?" "Where are you living?" "What are you studying?"... (If you follow me on twitter, you'll see me retweeting loads from the "Dear Freshers" and "What Students say" pages.. and that includes those familiar questions everyoneeee is being asked!)

The main advice I would give anyone about Freshers Week is just TALK. I tried my hardest not to be shy and to make friends although I felt so so nervous! These are the first couple of weeks that people are making their friends and will be the easiest weeks to do so as everyone is in the same position. 

Also in freshers week, make sure you go to the fresher's fair (especially as it's something new to do with your friends!) There are soooo many freebies to be had and lots of fun. This is the place that you can join any societies that take your fancy - another way to make new friends! For these first few weeks especially, just try do everything you can fit in to your schedule, keep a big smile on your face and you'll do great! :)

First year freshers tops we had made!
(L-R Zara my flatmate, Zainab, me, Kayla and Bev)

First year freshers (L-R) Oceana, School Girls fancy dress, Gatecrasher, Halo, Chilli Whites UV night, first night out ever in Leeds! (How young do I look?!) x

Relationships:

When I went to university, I began a long distance relationship. This lasted for the first year, but due to reasons not to do with me being at uni, it ended. I then began a new relationship which was also long distance with my current boyfriend, Liam. He was at home for a bit of the first few months together and then moved to Manchester to start uni for himself. Although Manchester is a lot closer to Leeds, it is still an hour away and still what I would class as a long distance relationship. Yes, we were lucky and saw each other a lot more than other couples I know, but it was still every weekend, or every other weekend we saw one another. 

Every relationship takes work, but these kinds of relationships take a lot more work. A lot of people say that long distance relationships don't last, they certainly do if you want them to and if you try hard enough. I am not at all saying that they're easy..infact, they're the opposite. It's very tough when the times you're free to call, they're busy, when they're making new friends and are out in evenings and you just want someone to chat to. You just need to communicate as frequently as possible, even if this means planning times when you're both free. Skype and MSN (as old school as it is) were my best friends! Trust plays a huge part in this too, if you don't 100% trust your partner, things are not going to go smoothly. But whatever you do, please do not worry. It is just the two of you important in your relationship and if you both want it to work, it will. Ignore what others say :)

Money:

As soon as you move out, money plays a huge part in your life. It sounds silly but I never realised quite how expensive things I took for granted cost in the long run. I certainly didn't realise how much Mum and Dad spend on what I think are pretty standard things for me and my brother! Going to uni I had a tiny bit of savings from my part time job that I was going to use towards treats for me..(shopping trips, alcohol, that kinda thing).

The main thing students need to do is budget. I know so many people, who as soon as their student loan came in, just went on a shopping spree and it disappeared. Yes, I shopped a lot, a little too much as I have recently realised, but I have never been in the position where I have spent it all and not had enough for essentials! (Even though I have completely been in my overdraft the whole time.. that's another story!) I know people who maxed that out and had to get a loan / credit card etc.. BAAAD idea!

Although in my overdraft now, (as the majority are when finishing uni), there are ways to stop this. Many people I know had a part time job at uni, but I didn't want this to get in the way of my social life and university work so I chose not to do this. Make sure you look out for any student offers, an NUS card was an essential for me as it gave soo many discounts and is only £11 a year! 16-25 Railcards were also a must have as it saves 1/3 off your travel, and only costs £28 (free with my Natwest student account!) Also, when doing fancy dress nights, Primark and charity shops become your best friend!!

University and work:

I was quite shocked how unlike college university was. You do not have someone telling you to do a piece of homework and bring it in the next day. You don't have people sat pretty much guiding you along. They let you get on with it. If you don't pass, you haven't worked hard enough. You will only get good marks if you work hard. My university course was an art one and so was a little different but for more academic subjects, I would suggest taking something to record the lecture, or if you type faster than you write, take in your laptop / notebook to make notes. Lecturers talk fast. Make sure you ask for help if you need it. Just remember although you are at uni to have fun, you are paying a lot of money for an education so you want to get something worth remembering out of it....a good grade as well as a good social life!! 

Main points of advice:

• Keep records - When you move in to your accommodation, take photos of any marks / anything broken etc - places will try to charge you for all they can when you move out as most will just pay it, so you will need proof it was like that to begin with.

• Make your room homely - This is where you are living for the next year so you want to make it pretty, full of things you love and not somewhere you don't enjoy being. - I had photos everywhere, as well as a heart rug and fairy lights as these are things that made me feel right at home!

• Get blankets and cushions for your bed - You want to be cosy and will spend a lot of time in your bed..and it will probably become your sofa in your new room!

• Buy storage bits - These can be found in places such as Wilkinsons, Primark, Home Bargains and B&M bargains. They are all pretty cheap and help to de-clutter your room. I was quite lucky as I had a few drawers built in, space under my bed and a wardrobe yet me being me needed more space, and ended up buying some portable drawers for more clothes and a 4 drawer slim set that fitted snugly into my bathroom. It is definitely easier to decide what storage bits you need and what size they can be once you're there though! No point buying and then realising they don't fit.

•  Buy quick to cook meals - For the first few weeks, make sure you have lots of ready meals, things that are easy to make (pot noodles!) but that fill you up. You want to be eating a good size meal so you don't end up being ill after drinking! but I promise you, you won't have time in the first few weeks to start going through the student cook books you have no doubt been given or bought whilst preparing for uni! So for this time, takeaways especially are your best friend (as well as the free domino's pizza we all get the voucher for from Fresher's fair!!)

Second Year at uni - (L-R)
Peter Andre at Evolution, group of friends, Sailor night out, Carnage Doctors & Nurses, Evo.

• Buy your alcohol before going out - This comes under budgeting! Although drinks at student events are dirt cheap, you will save a lot by pre-drinking with friends in someones flat. - It also helps you learn a lot about some people if you play drinking games such as 'I have never...!' (Just remember about the tidying the next day!)

• Stay smiley and friendly - Keep your bedroom door open when you want company / want to meet others. People will take the hint :)

• Meet anyone and everyone you can - You don't want to make friends with just 3 people then in two months down the line realise you don't actually get on with them as well as you thought you did...

• Go to Freshers Fairs - You get loads of free bits and bobs including Domino pizza offers as well as loads of others. This is somewhere you can normally sign up to a doctors surgery in case of any problems as well as a number of societies, another way of meeting new people.

• Actually go to lectures - You haven't paid thousands of pounds to get into debt and get nothing from it!

• As you can see in my photos, quite a few times we did something called 'Carnage.' Quite a few cities do it and basically, it's like a pub crawl. You pay for a t-shirt which is your ticket for the night..you can customise and cut it up however you like and then all you have to pay for are your drinks as all your entry fees to about 5 pubs and a club are paid for! It's a great way of meeting new people, and knowing that you only need money for drinks too!

• Make sure you wear flats if doing a pub crawl!

• Get used to taking naps!! Before uni, you think they are for old people. Whilst at uni, you realise you cannot live without them!

• Take loads of photos! You want to remember uni for the good reasons :) - memories and friendships made through uni are priceless.

• Lastly, have fun and just be yourself! - Honestly, everyone is feeling the exact same...some people just naturally hide it more than others!

Although my time at uni was tough with the actual uni course turning out to be a course I did not enjoy..health problems with my Dad back home.. massive fall outs in second year between friends and 3 of us having to move flats, I got through it! I especially enjoyed my first year, meeting such a huge variety of people and have some of the greatest friends now! Uni has definitely changed me for the better, and that I will always be glad of.

Year 3 (L-R) Pre-drinks in the flat, Kayla's LBD themed 21st, Pre-drinking before out for kay's 21st, out for birthday, Carnage PJ party, Carnage Beach babes xx

Just remember as much as you want to do well at university, don't spend every spare minute studying. I should have taken my own advice on this part in my last year rather than getting so so stressed and literally being in uni 8-8 then working all night, that everyone needs to cut loose once in a while. Always being surrounded by uni work can drain you, but don't forget that the studying is the main reason you are there!

If anyone wants any tips / advice at any time, just message me at ginab1989@hotmail.com or on twitter  and I will try to help out. I know exactly how you are feeling and just wish I had had something like this to tell me everything would be okay so am here if anyone needs me! And I hope a teeny bit of this may have helped you in some way. And congrats if you managed to get through all of that!!

I am so looking forward to doing freshers all over again next week for my final ever time! This also makes me sad.. it is so true what people say that 2nd and 3rd years look forward to it more than the actual freshers ;)

Lastly, HAVE FUN!!!

Sheffield Meet Up ♥

So after attempt 1 of this huge post, I managed to delete it all :( so here goes attempt number 2!

Warning: Text and photo heavy post!

For anyone who follows me on Instagram or Twitter, you will probably know that I went to Sheffield Meet Up last Saturday, which was hosted by Rachel, Caroline and Charlotte. Rachel asked me if I'd take some photos of it, which is the reason for so many photos on the blog today!

I met up with Caroline, Charlotte and Fran at Manchester Piccadilly, and we all caught the train together to see Rachel. Here, I was introduced to Claire and we all begun to help set up. Lots of companies had donated so many products and I just couldn't believe the amount that kept appearing out of nowhere to be added to the goody bags. Charlotte had also been very busy and spent hours hand making personalised name tags to attach to each of the bags.. as I am like a magpie, the glitter and hearts were amazing..!

The event was hosted at The Handmade Burger Co. in Meadowhall and they let us have a whole half of their restaurant! They were amazingly generous and provided us with a meal, of which I chose the cheese & bacon chicken burger. We also had a side each, but after the burger, Rachel and I could only manage to share our chips as the portions were so big! We even had bottomless soft drinks for the whole time we were there and I cannot wait until they come to Manchester (apparently in July - eek excited!) Thank you for an amazing meal!

Once we had finished our food and got rid of our food babies, it was time for yet more goodies in a giveaway. My name was drawn out of a hat bag and I was lucky enough to win a Pore Essential product from DHC worth £28! I was amazed as I never win anything! Charlotte won the Paul Mitchell hamper which I will admit, I'm sure along with everyone, I was a teeny bit jealous as it looked SO amazing!!

Some of the prizes and Charlotte's hamper

Giveaway time, bloggers, inside the bags

Other bloggers at the event

After delicious food, more goodies and chatting away to friends, old and new, it was time for us to split into smaller groups to visit the Lush store. As a newbie to Lush and only popping in when I've had to drag the boyfriend in (hence, spending hardly any time in there,) I'd always thought they just sold bath time products...how wrong I was! Each group had the chance of spending time looking at new products, interacting with them and testing them out. Our group consisted of: me, Claire, Rachel, Charlotte, Stacey and Kerys. The first product we had a play with was called 'FUN.' This is a play-dough like product, that can be used for bath bubbles, as soap or even shampoo and was in fact so much fun! (See what I did there?!) We are all such big kids and the toy element had us hooked! - Stacey more than some, as she kept playing with it the whole session we had in the Lush store!! ;) 

Next, we moved onto looking at their 'Emotional Brilliance' makeup range which I did not know even existed! Here, everyone could test out which products they were most suited to. They did this by closing their eyes and pointing to the three colours they were most drawn to. This equated to a colour and keyword, such as pink = passion, and a certain type of makeup: lipgloss, mascara etc. It was a great way to get involved and to see what type of a person you are!

To end the session, we had a little play with some ingredients that go into lots of the products and were given a wealth of information. After that, we were given yet another goody bag, with a few products to try out..including some makeup! I just want to say a huge thank you to Lush for having us, being so enthusiastic and teaching us so much about the products in the shop. I will definitely be back!

We all then went off in little groups to complete shopping lists, but Caroline, Charlotte, Rachel, Fran, Claire, Stacey and I all happened to meet back in Primark... However, we were all so zonked from the busy day that we didn't buy much..makes a change for me!! Here we gave Claire a little present for her wedding this weekend (eeeeek!) which so very nearly made her cry!.. and we said our goodbyes to everyone.

I had such a fantastic day and made so many true friendships that I just want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all those involved! I can't wait for the next meet up and to see everyone again :) 

(By the way, congrats if you managed to sift through all of this!)

(All photos are my own. Please do not use without asking for permission)

I am officially back to blogging...!

I have had a while off mainly as I have been concentrating on trying to get my photography business started up! I have photographed 3 weddings and lots of very cute babies and am currently editing all of the photos for those. But for now, I finally have a facebook page set up! - I'd appreciate anyone that wants to take a look by following this link and perhaps give it a little like if you like the look of it *(tongue twister and little plug there!!)*

Here are my plans for March - cannot believe February is over already, but hopefully that means summer will finally hurry up!

Friday 1st March - On Thursday I went to Liverpool to see two of my best friends from university. We hadn't seen each other since we graduated which is 16months ago! Zara flew over from Northern Ireland and we all had a great time catching up, involving a few cocktails and some yummy food! Can't wait for the next time!

Sunday 10th March - Mother's Day - I will probably be working at home, but at least I will be at home and hopefully spoiling my mum as much as possible!

Friday 15th March - Rachel and Charlotte are coming to Manchester and we are staying at a travelodge in town. We have a proper girly weekend planned involving shopping, sleepover, drinks, yummy food and I am sure lots of laughs.

Saturday 16th March - I cannot wait for this and am not ashamed to admit it.....Rachel and I are going to see ONE DIRECTION!!!! What's more, we are in Block A, 5th row back....so close to the front and I will actually be able to see Zayn from where I am...amazing! We have a huuuuuge thanks to say to Charlotte and her hubby to be Daz, as they got the tickets and I couldn't be more excited!

Sunday 17th March - I am very lucky, as it is all happening this weekend, but, on St. Patricks Day, my boyfriend Liam & I are off to see the Script at the MEN Arena. (Second visit of the weekend!) It should be a great night and I cannot wait.

Sunday 31st March - Easter! Looking forward to lots of yummy chocolate, although at the same time, I am trying to be good and watch what I eat sooo we will see how that goes!

I hope you all have a lovely month too..cannot wait for mine! I will soon be updating you on how my spending ban is going, and also what I've used the past couple months (as forgot to do my January one!) Have a good weekend x

Boxing Day...Another special day!

I don't know about anyone else, but in the past, Boxing Day used to be a day for just slobbing about, playing with new toys I'd got for Christmas, and trying to fit in any more food in the left over spaces that I could from the day before!

However, since being with Liam, Boxing Day has changed somewhat. I feel kinda bad as I haven't really been with my family on Boxing Day but as I spent Christmas Day at home this time, I didn't think they'd mind too much!

This year was a little different as Liam actually had to work for a couple of hours on Boxing Day morning in ASDA...However, as it was only for 3 hours, I thought I may as well have a look round the sales! And I did actually pick up quite a few things! 

My first stop just so happened to be ASDA, and as I went through Liam's till, I could tell he was like morreeeee clothes?! but he did say the eeyore jumper was cute..bonus!

I picked up this cosy jumper / cardigan for half price in the sale £18 reduced to £9. It gets so cold in the house in Manchester so this will be great!

Then I got this cute jumper reduced to only £3! (Sadly the fleece eeyore bottoms were only in a size 16-18 dammit!-Loved them!)

I also made a trip into Boots and River Island. I can't actually show anyone what I got from Boots as I made some fab purchases, some I know will be put towards birthday and / or christmas presents for people I am sure will be reading this!! ;)

In River Island I bought these two items - a gorgeous skater dress I'd seen full price a while back but couldn't justify the money as I am trying to save! However, at £15 I couldn't resist and may just dress it up and wear it for a wedding I have coming up! 
I also got this gorgeous skirt. I've seen loads of these around but not actually bought one myself. I love the colour and fit, and with a belt too it was such a bargain at just £10!! (I sound like a sales person right now!!-Either that or trying to convince myself I did well!)

I tried to make a trip into New Look to spend a voucher I'd been sent to review a couple of items, but seriously, it was awful in there so went back another day to purchase a few bits (post coming soon!)

After I'd spent enough in town, Liam and I went back to his Mum & Dad's house for Boxing Day dinner which consists of turkey, pork, mash or deep fried chips, and beans (with beetroot on the side) and it is lush!! I've had it now for the past 3 years and it has been amazing every year!

Like I said, this year was a little different, as after that we all went to Aston Villa to watch Spurs play!! I was very spoilt by his family this Christmas as they also treated me to a ticket to that andddd to the panto the next day! Although it was pouring with rain, we had great seats and Tottenham won 4-0 so that was a brilliant end to the day!

Me & Kel

Me & Liam

As you can see we were pretty close - if only I had my SLR camera!

The heart symbol that Gareth Bale does whenever he scores! 

After that, we went back to Liam's to watch the last of the Christmas TV. In the past, Liam's mum always found things on Boxing Day that she had forgotten to give people, so now they make it official by doing 'Boxing Day Presents.' They are only like 1 or 2 pound presents but it just makes it a little more special! These were my little bits from Liam, his sister, her boyfriend and Liam's parents...

As you can see I had a brilliant Christmas and Boxing Day and can't believe it's already over for another year!!

 

What did I get for Christmas? ♥

I love reading everyone's posts of what they got for Christmas (maybe because I'm nosy, but I'm sure other people are too!) - so here goes for mine! I was very spoilt this year so thank you everyone!! 

From my blogger girlies Rachel and Charlotte I got these lovely presents...They know me so well, bubbles, hearts, sparkles and One Direction!

From Liam I got the following, plus a jumper from one of my previous wishlist blogposts even though he said he wouldn't be getting me any clothes..sneaky sneaky! He even got me a poster of Zayn and One Direction's album (who I am seeing in March this year woohoo!!) I love how he always surprises me with presents and always manages a personal present...it might not mean anything to anyone else, but in 3 years we haven't been on a proper Costa Coffee 'date'...even though we've been saying for aaages we would! So he was lovely and got me a giftcard so that we have to go! Cutie! ♥

So...this was the selection of presents I was very kindly given, minus money from my Gran & Nan and a big photography bag from my parents to lug all my kit around! 

My One Direction goodies!

The cute Gingerbread man from Liam's sister that I don't want to eat!

All my jewellery - mostly heart bits - everyone knows exactly what I like!!

One of my favourite presents (I think I'd call it that), was an item I won in a competition in a blog giveaway!! My very own pair of GHDs! And they are amazing and came just in time for Christmas so I was very happy! Thanks to Corrie over at dizzybrunette3.com

As you can see, I was very spoilt and has been the perfect end to 2012! Send me your links of your christmas goodies so I can have a nosy ;)

                                                                      Gina xoxo

Weekly Ins and Outs...

Ins:

Have had a great time the past week enjoying the tiny bit of sun we have had and catching up with friends and my boyfriend. 

Gorgeous blue sky we get once in a long while!

On a walk with Liam in the village x

Tuesday night I went to my friends house for a BBQ with all of her family. She has a few older sisters all with young families so was nice to catch up with them all..and we took part in a little bit of face painting...maybe didn't help that they were the face painters so we just had splats of paint all over our faces! Nevertheless, it was a great evening and nice to see them all.

Wednesday after working 6am-12, Liam and I drove up to Manchester as we had tickets for the first group game of the GB Mens football at Old Trafford for Thursday night. I had such a lovely time away with Liam, was so nice to just be us for a change and everyone seemed to be so happy as the sun was out, lovely weather, but of course all cheering Great Britain on!

Ice Lolly in Picadilly Gardens before getting the tram, London2012 sign, Outside Old Trafford, Line up and crowd singing National Anthem

I didn't think I'd get so into it as I have been, but on Friday night I was at Liam's and we all watched the London 2012 opening Olympics ceremony. In my opinion, it was a great ceremony. Although I didn't really enjoy the beginning showing Britain in history, I know it all appealed to all different age groups. I loved the music, Mr Bean and the spoof with the Queen however, my Gran loved the bits I didn't so there was definitely something for everyone! It has been so exciting watching all different sports..especially the gymnastics today which was so exciting!

Outs:

Last week was a bit gutting...I have accepted my place on the course in Manchester to do a 2 year foundation degree. However, having rung student finance last week I then found out as I have already done a degree I get no funding whatsoever. Not one penny. Yet a man I spoke to the week before said I'd get max everything and even wrote on my notes that I would so some poor woman had to break it to me on the phone. I actually have no idea what to do at the moment.. am trying to save every penny I have and work out a way. But, I need to save £5,400 just for the first years fees let alone living costs...eek! So I will soon be having blog sales, many ebay sales, and also advertising spaces coming up..so let me know if you would like to be a part of it. - Details will come on a later post. Luckily this news came before going to Manchester, so at least I had a pick-me-up to look forward to!

Does anyone have any tips on how to save any money or earn money quickly, either with my blog or just in daily life?! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Have a good week! 

Gina xoxo

Very late birthday post!

So those of you who know me know how useless I am with getting photos up from my camera onto facebook...in fact, it was my birthday on the 10th June and I have only recently uploaded them..oops!

I had a great birthday, just want to say a very late thank you for all the messages, texts and tweets! I was a very lucky girlie and ended up having two birthdays! I went out the night before with Liam and all our friends for a curry and then for drinks in town and then spent the day of my birthday with Liam and family. 

Sorry for the awful quality but this is what I wore out

Dress - Primark

Wedges - New Look

Friends at the curry house just before going out to drink some more!

Me with my two friends who couldn't come to the meal x

Birthday girl! Dress - Jane Norman

So, onto the pics of presents! I have taken a selection of photos as was a very lucky girlie so didn't want to clog up the page! My mum and dad are treating me to a new lens for my camera which I am hopefully getting on Tuesday..soo excited about that!

 Liam spoilt me and as we'd just joined a gym in Manchester he bought me some Adidas trainers to make sure I carried on with my keep fit! (They obviously had to be pink!) I also got Sims3 on DS from him as I am a Sims geek but my laptop is too slow to run the PC game! I didn't want to do too much of a photo overload but he got me the Twilight Saga boxset and my fave present which I had been hinting at wanting / needing it for a long time... this gorgeous dress! He kept telling me I didn't need anymore clothes, which I don't, but he was obviously feeling lovely!

This can be found in other colours from the funkydivaa website here

I got a lovely surprise in the post from Charlotte from Confessions of a Small Town Girl and Rachel from Life of a Sweetaholic..thank you girlies! And have added in presents off a few other friends..as you can see I was well and truly spoilt! I love how Rachel added in the Yankee candles when I said I wanted to try them a while back...they smell amazing!! And Charlotte, thanks for all the heart things (that aren't pictured as I was wearing them haha!)...you know me too well ;)

Off one of my best friends I got a me2u keyring where the heart splits in half and you each keep half of it..so cute! And a voucher for a pamper day..cannot wait!

Again, sorry this is so late but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate everything!

Gina xoxo