University worries

Honestly, calling myself a "fresher" feels so weird. But it's that time of year when I can officially consider myself a fresher. I'm moving to the UK ( and I will be going to University of Leeds and doing Human Resource Management) in exactly 10 days' time and I still can't wrap my head around it, not even a little bit. It all feels a bit unreal, but it's happening whether I like it or not. So I thought why not write up a little post about it all, because the frustration is reaching critial levels, haha. Here's what I'm worried about, and how I'm trying to cope with all those things. Hope it helps some ofyou who are going through the same.

What to pack? It might sound silly but when you're moving abroad, or even cross country it's so hard trying to figure out what to pack. I'm packing right now and I can tell you - it sucks. I have to fit all my stuff in a suitcase, and I only have 21kg plus hand luggage. Basically, that covers the essentials and a few extra bits and bobs. I would advice taking sheets and a pillowcase with you, and ordering a duvet and a pillow online, so that they can be ready and waiting for you in your room when you arrive. I'll probably order mine from click2campus. Also, use vacuum bags for your clothes. Loads of them. This will save you LOADS of space and it keeps things somewhat organised.

Am I going to fit in? This is something everyone's worried about, I think. When you're moving to a new place, and especially when you move to another country it can be such a frustrating and depressing thought. But remember, we're all in the same boat here. I'll try and go to as many parties as possible for fresher's week. It's a great way to meet new people, and hey, if you're not a party person, I'm sure you'll find someone exactly like you, and you can bitch about how boring it is together (yeah, that'll probably be me). You could get a wristband to get into all the events which make is a lot easier. Also, the first few days after moving in, leave your door open so that you can meet your flatmates.

Did I choose the right course? I'm so worried about this right now. But I mean which 19 year old person knows exactly what they're going to do with their life? I know I don't. My decision was well thought-out, I spent endless hours on the Leeds university website (and probably you have, too) researching, getting familiarized with the course and modules, pitying myself for choosing a course with Economics in it. But in the end, all that matters is that I can change my decision at any time, and that a degree in Management doesn't necessarily mean a career in management. What I want to do is enjoy myself, get the best out of my university experience, and mostly, build new relationshpis and connections.

Hope I didn't bore you to death with this rant, but I had to get it off my chest. How was your university experience, and if you're starting this year like me, are you worried, too?

5 Lessons Beauty-blogging Has Taught Me

Image credit: Pinterest

This month marks my blog's first birthday! Misty's stuff is turning one! I never thought I'd stick to blogging that long, but there you go - I'm celebrating my frst blogiversary. And that being said, I decided to write a more personal-ish post and share the lessons that beauty blogging has taught me throughout this year.

1. To always ask myself "Do I really NEED this". Because, yes, at the time, spending $40 for an Hourglass powder may have seemed like a smart move, but trust me, in the longterm, it's probably not. My drawers are full of things that I've bought just because they were hyped up or, well, because they looked pretty. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to treat yourself to something nice, but always think about it first, especially if you can spend these $40 on 5 different things onstead of on one.

2. To take good care of my skin. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson of them all. I didn't really put much effort into skincare before, but I came to realize that in 10-20 years I would regret that. Putting sunscreen on, or using products with SPF in them, or spending $10 more on a great skincare product WILL pay off. Trust me, your skin will thank you. 

P.S.: Don't forget that "skin" doesn't just mean your face. Body scrubs and lotions are something that I usually neglect, but will try not to in the future.

3. To remember to never go overboard: With both make up and skincare. The more natural your make up looks, the better. If you're rocking a bold lip, try to keep it more natural on the eyes. Of course, I leave room for the unknown - different combinations may work for different people. The same goes for skincare - a minimal beauty regime that doesn't overwhelm the skin is way better. Less is almost always more.

4. To always do my research on what I'm about to buy. This is a very imposrant lesson, as it applies for not just beauty products, but generally any product you're considering purchasing. Really, I've had horrible experience with this - I spent $20 on a Deborah Millano eyeliner that I hadn't researched, and then BAM - smudgy liner, itchy eyes and an emptier bank account. Then I googled it and found the bad reviews. So try and learn from my mistake and always do your research.

5. Cheaper alternatives are sometimes better: Just because a product is expensive, doesn't mean it's better than a cheaper alternative. Sleek and Nars blushes, Bioderma and the L'Oreal Micellar Sollution (though I love the Bioderma) etc. If you're on a budget, there's always a cheaper alternative that might even turn out to be better than the expencive (and often extremely overpriced) version.

6. (ok, I cheated): DON'T neglect the brows.This is a step I always used to omit for some reason. Whether you have thinner or fuller brows, adding some definition and filling up the gaps is always a good thing to do. And whatever you do, don't overpluck them, you'll want them back and lord knows whether they'll grow back normal or not!

What has beauty-bloging taught you?