10 MORE unanswered questions about Thirteen Reasons Why

I'm continuing from yesterday because I have so many more questions that I have been pondering on all night. If you haven't seen yesterdays post, just scroll down or go to the home page and this will help get a sense of where I am coming from with these questions and my predictions.

1. Does Skye have a history with Clay? - I feel as though sometime, Clay and Skye may have been an item or had one of those primary school crushes. If there is a second season, I think this relationship will be a main focus.
2. What is Skye's history? - I feel as though Skye is the character we know least about other than minor characters. It was shown that she cuts herself but never explored why. Whilst I do not have the reasons why, I do believe she and Hannah may have crossed paths and potentially her cutting may have increased when she died. 
3. Will tapes be involved in any future series? - I don't think so. It has been a main part of the first series but I think the second series, if there is one, will take a different spin. If tapes do make a come back, I can feel it going down the Pretty Little Liars route. I don't know how, I just do. Tapes could be alluded to but I don't think they should be brought into the series again as it was Hannah's unique way of sharing her story.
4. Did Hannah know the impact this would have on Clay? - I don't think she knew the impact these tapes would have on anyone and while some people are calling her a 'bitch' for what she did and put people through, I honestly don't think she realised how much she was loved.
5. In the final scene, where are Clay, Toby, his boyfriend and Skye driving off to? - If you've read yesterday's post, I think it is one of the first 3 characters listed that is in the back of the ambulance and not Alex or Tyler. If not, where are they actually driving too? I think there's possibly some final information that Toby knows about and that's where he's taking Clay and Skye which would be the start of season 2.
6. What will come of Jessica? - She has just learned that she was raped at a party where Hannah viewed this and did not tell anyone but did tell people through tapes when she died. Her boyfriend, Justin, also knew this and whilst he did attempt to get Bryce off her, he then waited outside. I feel as though Jessica is an extremely strong person but such a traumatic event will cause problems amongst those on the tapes. Potentially with her telling the police everything about Justin and Bryce. 
7. Did Zach deserve to be on the tapes? - Honestly, I think not. Some people on the tapes carried out disgusting acts. He did however, take away her anonymous notes in communication class which helped with her confidence. I feel as though he was one of the nicest out of the 'jocks' and could have potentially helped Hannah in an unbiased view more than anyone on the tapes. 
8. What will Hannah's parents do with the tapes? - I hope, as adults, they would do the right thing but like I said before, I think Toby knows more than we think he knows which would link to Hannah's parents and by handing over the tapes to the police could cause serious consequences.
9. Did Hannah's parents have more of an impact on her committing suicide than what it is perceived? I do think so. Even though Hannah did lose their money which we saw, both the Mam and Dad come across as very loving individuals. Again, this is a question everyone could view differently but instead of going to see Mr Porter, why did she feel the need to not at least tell her parent's what was going on in school? Was something other than being her parents, holding her back?
10. Do any of the minor characters know more than what they let on? - I think Skye, Toby's boyfriend and maybe the person who works behind the counter at the newsagents know a lot more information than it's perceived they do as they aren't on the tapes but I believe they are the source to tie everything together?

I could only think of 10, damn it! If there are any more, I will make another post as I love exploring this series. I hope you've enjoyed reading these and exploring your own answers. I'll be back with one more post tomorrow!

Like I have said in yesterday's post, I am not a health professional. If you have any concerns about yourself or others, please contact your national helpline. Go onto the Thirteen Reasons Why website, select your country and find the information of those you can contact. Within the UK, this is Samaritans. 

Disclaimer - By no way do any of these answers express my opinions on what is right or wrong on any situation depicted through the questions but rather the way I see the direction of this show going. 

Amyleigh x

13 unanswered questions I have about Thirteen Reasons Why and predictions

Spoiler alert! If you have not watched Thirteen Reasons Why and are planning on doing so soon, do not read ahead as there will be many spoilers. However, if you have watched then please carry on reading and ponder on the questions :)

1. Who is in the back of the ambulance? - it is suggested that it is Alex in the back of the ambulance, however, the person in the ambulance has dark brown hair.. I personally think it's one of the characters from the final scene, possibly from a car crash as the final scene includes Clay, Tony, Tony's boyfriend and Skye driving off in Tony's Mustang. 
2. Why does Tyler have so many guns? - people think that Tyler may have shot Alex because he takes his photo down from the 'red room' and it is suggested that Alex is in the back of the ambulance. Some people also suggest that he is going to cause a mass shooting but removed Alex's photo because Alex had been kind to him when he was pinned up against the locker. I don't think there's anything sinister in it, but rather for our minds to play in overdrive. Or perhaps its a hobby at a shooting range? I mean, parents go into their children's rooms often and it would be a bit odd for the Mam not to have seen a massive black container..
3. If it is Alex in the ambulance, did he try to kill himself and why? - some people think that Alex is in the ambulance because he felt guilty as to what happened with Hannah and he is seen cleaning his room, something which Hannah done before committing suicide. If it is Alex in the ambulance though, I think it would be for a different reason which we don't know about yet.
4. Will Mr Porter listen to the tapes? - I don't think he will and there will be consequences for those on the tapes. I think Tony knows more than what we think he knows.
5. Will Bryce be sentenced? - Bryce is on the tapes for rape and this is obviously an offence. With him committing this crime, will he be sentenced or will nobody tell the authorities? I think he will be sentenced, I mean come on! What an injustice it would bring. 
6. If they don't tell the authorities, why? - I think honestly, the authorities will be told. Especially not that Hannah's parents have the tapes.
7. Will the other people on the tapes be prosecuted for withholding information? - I don't think so. But honestly, they should. 
8. What will Justin do with the gun? - some people think it is Justin in the ambulance. However, I think Justin may kill his mother's boyfriend and flee with the money and start a new life. But, a lot of people do want Justin's character to return so this may not be the route the producers go down
9. On that note, will there be a second season? - I honestly do think so but the producers need to do it in such a careful way and not to take away from the seriousness of the first series. There are rumours about the second season being the reaction of those on the tapes receiving them but also rumours about following the characters one year on.. I feel the latter the best option.
10. Why did Hannah trust Toby? - Like I've said before, I think Toby knows a lot more than he makes off and I think this would be something for producers to explore if there was another season. We only really see Hannah interacting with Toby at school and after the school dance. I think that Toby was the one person she had least interaction and history with and saw a gentle personality, entrusting Toby with a lot of information. Others may have tried to listen to the tapes and stop her.
11. Why didn't she give others the option to stop her? - Hannah went to Mr Porter and said in the tapes she hoped he would try to stop her or talk her down from what she was feeling but never. Obviously this question would be extremely debatable but if she expressed that she wanted someone to talk her out of it, why didn't she go to Clay or her parents? I think Hannah thought Mr Porter would give her good advice from a 'stranger' rather than coming from people she knew loved her and would try and stop her and potentially 'baby' her thereafter. 
12. Why didn't Sheri ring the police after she heard the tapes? - It took Clay to talk to her in order for her to ring the police about crashing her car into the stop sign and causing death and destruction. She knew the tapes were being passed around to other people so why didn't she see fit to speak to the police about what she had done as it didn't directly link to the tapes? I think Sheri thought everyone would keep her secret like she had with everyone elses but with her kind personality, I question if there was another reason (other than causing death and not wanting to tell her Dad) that she didn't want to ring the police.
13. What will Clay do with all this information? - I was very surprised that it was Toby who passed the tapes on to Hannah's parents and not Clay. He passed the tapes onto Mr Porter but he still has knowledge about everything, like everyone else. Will he force the others to speak out about what they have done, even if that means another beating up from Bryce or will he tell the authorities? I believe Clay has a good head on his shoulders and he will end up telling the police a lot of details about crimes committed but I believe he will not go into detail about Jessica and Alex being boyfriend and girlfriend and leaving out Hannah, Jessica hitting Hannah.. things not deemed 'criminal' unless you deem a slap criminal? I also believe he will go out of his way to protect Sheri. 

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them! I have 2 more of these posts relating to Thirteen Reasons Why in the next 2 days so I hope you enjoy them.

Amyleigh x

Thirteen Reasons Why people are talking about Thirteen Reasons Why

I got this idea in my head to start doing a chain of 'Thirteen Reasons Why' posts starting on a Thursday because it started with the same sound.. odd, yes. However, it means 4 blog posts in 1 week!

I'm currently in the middle of writing my dissertation but my brain needed to jump on the Thirteen Reasons Why bandwagon and see what all the fuss was about.. I'm glad I did!

1. You can binge watch the whole show! - Yes, that's right. The show is on my beloved Netflix and whilst it's 13 episodes long, it is easy to go through the whole thing in one sitting.
2. It looks at sensitive issues from a different perspective - The Thirteen Reasons Why series has a lot of different issues intertwined between the story lines and whilst some people argue that it makes some issues look inferior to others in the way it plays out, I think that it helps others, especially younger viewers, to know the difference between what is considered 'overstepping the mark'. I do not want to create any spoilers in this post but if you have watched it, you probably will know what I mean. If not, when you watch the programme you will realise what I'm talking about. 
3. It raises awareness - The show itself is great and therefore, the reaction from viewers has been incredible. By googling Thirteen Reasons Why, the website is actually a source of helplines for anyone having any issues raised in the programme (or for other reasons). It also gives people signs on what to look out for if somebody may need help or support.
4. It gets people talking - Not only does it raise awareness, it gets people talking. Whether this be in forums to voice their opinions, to people actually going to get help and support which is wonderful. This point kinda relates to point 4 but it is so much different. It enables people to talk about problems in such a way that a helpline or support group can't do. It also paves the way to get into conversations about alternative endings..
5. The suspense - My gosh does it leave you on a cliff hanger and so many unanswered questions! I hope there is a season 2, if not I understand due to the complexities of issues people may have about delving deeper but honestly, if it turns out to be a pile of poop (which I really do not think it will be) along as it saves one person's life then it is so worth it. 
6. Everyone has their own perspective - You learn through the series that everyone has a different take on certain scenarios and makes you empathise with certain characters. The show could have been made to make everyone look evil but it explores their own demons which enables the viewer to see that not everyone looks at a situation in the same way and we need to be careful in what is said or done or to apologise, make amends as soon as possible and to not let the story 'get ugly'.
7. It's unlike anything we've ever seen before - Unless I've been living under a rock, I've never seen anything like this in my life. The way it is set up, the storyline, characters.. everything. It is pure genius and shares such a special message. 
8. It has a book! - If you're not a Netflix junkie like me or just prefer to books, it is based on a novel by Jay Asher. Whilst I have not read it, I have seen many reviews to say it is just as good as the Netflix series, if not better.
9. Anyone can enjoy it - It's one of those series where you don't have to be of a set demographic. Anybody from any age, race, culture, any sort of background can either relate or enjoy the show. Just because the main actors and actresses are young, does not mean it's for a teenage audience.
10. Cyber bullying - In this age, there are new ways to taunt and bully people, especially through the use of technology. Numerous photos are sent around of different characters and whilst this is the first series I've seen on cyberbullying, 'Cyberbully' was the first film I had ever seen. It shows how one photo can change a person's life and allows the viewer to explore a different side to bullying.

Obviously, there are some down sides to this programme which I do not want to go into detail as over text, it is very easy to insult someone which I do not want to come across as if I am doing. There are some things in the series which I'm like 'AAAAH, WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THIS?!' or 'WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT?!' but it made me a lot more aware of people's perceptions and individuals ideas of right and wrong.

If you are reading this for advice, as much as I would love to help, I am not a professional. If you need help, please go online to the Thirteen Reasons Why website and select your country to get information on who to contact.

I quit my job!

Yes, as the title shows.. I quit my job! and I wish I had done it sooner. I will not go into the reasons that I quit as I don't want to shun the company, but let's just say, I'm glad I got out of there. -angry face-

So what am I doing now? I actually quit my job about 4 weeks ago and I'm massively surprised that I haven't been on here to do an update. Considering I have university commitments and a dissertation to write, I feel as though all of my time has been obsessing over new shows on Netflix. If I could be employed by Netflix to be chief watcher of their shows, I would.. I mean if that were a real thing..

When I left my job, I decided that I didn't want another job and I wanted to put all of my energy into making my dissertation great and coming out with a good degree but honestly.. I'm starting to get bored. Yes, my self employed title as Chief Watcher of Netflix does get slightly tedious at times and I have to come out of my bedroom to get some fresh air. So, I've been applying for jobs. I have attended 2 interviews so far. I attended one job interview and coming out of it, I knew it wasn't the right place for me and whilst I was offered the job, I kindly declined. Now, I've had many other job interview opportunities but I just seem to keep turning them away by finding random things more important to do that attend a job interview.. what is going on? I think I know deep down, they probably aren't the right thing for me. However, most of the jobs that I have applied for have false advertising, like please don't advertise your jobs as certain hours and then change them when arranging an interview over the phone.. this brings me on to my next interview. 

The company were hiring for a 40 hour manager and a 8 hour sales assistant. When I went into the shop to hand in my CV, I explicitly said that I was applying for a sales assistant role, as I had previous managerial roles on my CV. 2 days later, I was called to an interview and I was so excited because it involved products that I really enjoyed, however when I got there, there were 3 people on a long table there to interview me which I thought was strange. From the get go, I knew something wasn't quite right. The first person who greeted me on the shop floor was the manager and she took her seat and introduced me to the assistant manager and also the Regional Director of the company.. rather strange for a 8 hour sales assistant position?.. First question: "Why would you like to be the manager of ****?" ALARM BELLS. I was so cross, like, really cross. I remained calm and rather than answer why I would like to be a manager, I thought I would answer why I would like to work for the company, thinking the interview could just switch over to the sales assistant role. I then ended my little speech with asking whether the role that this interview was for was for a manager or sales assistant, as you probably guessed, they picked me for a managerial job. Considering I'm at University which is stated on my CV, you would some eyebrows would be raised at me going in for a job interview for a 40 hour a week Managers position? The Regional Director looked absolutely distraught and asked me if I would like the sales assistant position right off the bat, I think to try and salvage the already tarnished interview, and before I could even accept, it turns out they had given the sales assistant position to somebody else, the day previous.. livid was not the word. The company said they would keep me on file and if the next position suits my availability, I would be hired.. but I mean, the carelessness that was undertaken in a JOB INTERVIEW was so unprofessional, I just wonder if thats what the management is like at that store.

Anyway, on the plus side, I'm thinking I want to leave my next job interviews for the main career ones, not something part time to help me and my big Primark addiction get through University. Who knows, my next update could be that I have a job.. or another horrendous job interview. I hope that if you're out there looking for jobs and going on interviews, you will have a better experience than me!

Amyleigh x

40 Questions tag - Skincare and Make-Up

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily? - Once on a morning, then I use cleanser and toner on a night.
-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo) - Used to be very dry but now combination
-What is your current facial wash? - Biore Charcoal / The Body Shop Tea Tree face wash
-Do you exfoliate? - Just my T-Zone
-What brand do you use? - Soap and Glory
-What moisturizer do you use? - The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet
-Do you have freckles? - Yes
-Do you use eye cream? - Yes, No7 eye cream is an absolute dream
-Do you or did you have acne prone skin? - I have had acne prone skin since I was 13
-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? - I have used it in the past but caused the scar under my eye to irritate

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use? - Estee Lauder Double Wear in Shell
-How about concealer? - Collection 2000 concealer in 1
-Do you know your undertone colour? - My face is pink and my neck is yellow.. annoying
-What do you think of fake eyelashes? - Always huge for my eyes. I need to buy mini ones or 'demi wispies'. I only ever wear them for a special occasion
-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months? - Yes, but I rarely do..
-What brand of mascara do you use? - Soap and Glory and No7
-Sephora or MAC? - MAC
-Do you have a MAC Pro-card? - No
-What makeup tools do you use in make up application? - Beauty blender, oval brushes, setting brush, angled brush, spoolie, blush brush, domed shadow brush and crease brush
-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? - Yes
-For the face? - Yes
-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)? - I prefer warm colours, usually a nude/brown.
-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? - Liquid
-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? - Very rarely use it
-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? - Love love love
-Do you use mineral makeup? - Yes, Bare Minerals is amazing
-What is your favorite lipstick? - I'm all for the liquid lipstick trend at the moment. I'm currently on the Candy K Kylie bandwagon
-How about lipgloss? - Rarely used but I love Loreal lipgloss in Dazzle
-What is your favorite blush to use? - Rockateur or Sugarbomb by Benefit
-Do you buy your makeup on ebay? No
-Do you like drugstore makeup? Love it
-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets) - Not the specific company outlets, but I do go to outlets that sell make up
-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? - I did once and then I saw the price
-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup? - I used to be, I think I'm slightly better now though. I'm more clumsy at tweezing, shaving and waxing.
-Name a makeup crime that you hate? - When you can see a block of highlighter from the front
-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? - Neutral
-Which celebrity always has great make up? - Emma Stone and Hailee Steinfeld 
-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use? - Mascara
-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on? - Yes
-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? - Nope

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line? - Hard one, but if I needed to pick a good all rounder it would have to be Rimmel or Soap and Glory
-What do you think of Makeup? - Love it, but please don't wear too much too young, it hides natural beauty

New Netflix Programmes/Films

I feel as though there have been a few new Netflix programmes and films added recently so I thought I would go through them and make a list of the ones I fancy watching in the near future. Only a quick one today as I'm in the middle of a mountain of University work.. you're probably wondering 'well what the hell are you doing making a blog post?' and you're right, I have absolutely no idea.. other than I'm procrastinating. Send help!

• Santa Clarita Diet - "Mom craves human flesh. Dad wants a normal life. A good marriage is all about the compromise". 
• One Day At A Time - "Two kids, a single Mom and a feisty Grandma. Three generations under one rood. Their home: hectic. Their hearts: huge".
• Schitt's Creek - "When a wealthy family is forced to find out how to other half live, the adjustment isn't exactly a smooth one".
• Friends With Better Lives - "Single, engaged, married with kids.. they all think they have it the worst. They're all correct". 

Amyleigh x

Top Netflix Picks No.2

For someone that is a Netflix-aholic, it would be assumed I watch more films than TV shows.. wrong! I have no idea why but I find it so hard to be fully invested in a film but there are a few I have seen in the past that have popped up on Netflix, or I have discovered recently which I want to share. If you want to see my blog post about my favourite Netflix TV shows then click here, otherwise let's begin!

• What To Expect When You're Expecting - Comedy film staring a number of stars: Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Chris Rock.. yeah, it's amazing.
• Coin Heist - Netflix Original adventure film staring Sasha Pieterse (Alison from Pretty Little Liars)
• The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 -  Obviously if you haven't seen the previous ones then go and watch them, but this is seriously the best one out of all of them and highly recommend this series.
• Ella Enchanted - A comedy for all of the family staring Anne Hathaway. 
• Annie - Nope, not the 1982 version. This is the remake of Annie in the 21st century. If you love classics and absolutely detest remakes then you need to stay away from this film, it is very different. However, the basic storyline is relatively the same but with new songs to tap your foot along to. Staring Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne and Jamie Foxx. Can you even believe Jamie Foxx is this guy though?

 Gets me everytime.

• Dirty Grandpa - This film had me in stitches. If you love a bit of rude humour you will love this. I did not have to force myself one bit to watch this when I found out Zac Efron was in it.. An absolutely hilarious film for both genders.. however not for all ages. 16+ kids! (If you like this, I think you will love Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.. unfortunately, not on Netflix)
• Grease Live - The best live version of a musical, EVER. If you liked Hairspray Live at Christmas, you will adore this even more. Hairspray is hands down my favourite film but Grease Live is like a work of art, sheer genius and the original songs are great. Staring Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepson, Joe Jonas and Julianne Hough.
• Never Been Kissed - Classic 90's romcom staring Drew Barrymore. I had no idea this was on Netflix until I started watching Santa Clarita Diet (New Netflix Original staring Drew Barrymore) and I am more than overjoyed it is on Netflix. After this blog post, you know where to find me!
• Gnomeo and Juliet - Yes, my inner child is out but I think this is possibly one of the best cartoon films ever! If you haven't guessed by the title it is basically a remake of Romeo and Juliet involving garden gnomes from rival gardens.. haven't I sold this well? Honestly, if you love cartoons, children's films and wanting to find a new film for all of the family.. this is it!
• Madeline - Oh my God. I just went and logged onto my Facebook to see if I was missing any and yes I certainly was! What a film. Perfect family favourite with a beautiful message of love and support. On a side note, if anyone mentions having chicken for tea, I can't help myself saying 'chicken helene, chicken chicken!'. If you have seen this film, you know, you most certainly know. 
• Chalet Girl - One of the greatest British Comedy films ever. I really need to write a post about the best coming of age teen films, however I digress. Humour, lessons about life and love, following your dreams.. what more could you want?! Staring Felicity Jones and Ed Westwick.
• What Happens in Vegas - A firm favourite about Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher's characters getting married in Vegas when drunk and winning a huge amount of money. They are told by a judge in court they cannot get their marriage annulled and have to try and get along, the sneaky buggers try and get each other to basically go rogue.. first time I've explained a plot so far... not very well... oh well! However, it's bloody fab. 
• The Other Woman - One of my favourite films ever. Staring Kate Upton, Leslie Mann and Cameron Diaz (I see a Cameron Diaz pattern here). Watch 3 women team up to make a man's life a living hell after cheating on them all, with each other! A huge recommendation if you or someone you know has just had a shitty breakup. Shows that friendship lasts the test of time.

Other favourites include:

• Zapped - Disney Original staring Zendaya, family film)
• Clueless - Come on, everyone knows Clueless
• Eddie The Eagle - Based on a true story of a young boy's dream to become an Olympian
• Footloose - Another remake I'm sorry, but it is a really good one. Staring Julianne Hough from Dancing With The Stars 
• Drop Dead Fred - One of my boyfriend's all time faves so thought I would include it
• Harvest Moon - I believe it's one of Hallmark Channel's Original Movies, if you're from the UK it's basically the type of film Channel 5 would play over and over again in the day time, however, it's pretty good!
• Bride Wars - Such a good film to watch on a girly night with a take away!

And thats it! I hope you have enjoyed and will watch some of my recommendations. I have 2 more planned Netflix lists coming in the next week or 2 so be sure to check back. I hope you have a lovely weekend (.. spending time, in the house, with your S/O or friends, eating crap.. watching Netflix) 😏😏 

Amyleigh x

Make It Your Best Sunday

For most people, Sundays are a time for people to relax, catch up on Netflix and go through Pinterest. Oh no, not for me, I go to work. Not that I'm complaining but I'm a retail worker and Sundays are one of my shifts unfortunately. All I want to do is stay in bed but no, I've got a 6 hour shift to work on my own!

I work in a bath bomb shop, known by many in the North East, which sells candles, soaps, burners etc all sorts. It starts with a 7am wake up call as the park and ride buses don't run on a Sunday which means my boyfriend needs to take me to work because parking is really expensive in Durham. I then get to my shift and spend my 6 hours working. My boyfriend picks me up around 4 and I'll probably get home just before half 4 depending on traffic leaving Durham. NOW it's time to relax. No matter what the season, it's chill time. Unless I coax my boyfriend into going to the cinema, which I'm doing tonight.

I think for everyone, the best thing to do to make it your best Sunday is to embrace your relationship status. Whether you're single or in a relationship. If you're in a relationship, be with the one you love, if you're single, have a bit of you time and binge watch your favourite show with your favourite snacks. Just remember, nobody can pinch those Haribos from you! Netflix, Netflix, Netflix. I say this about every single day of the week, not just a Sunday, but this is the time to binge watch your favourite show. Currently I'm watching The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and I'm going to attempt to watch Pretty Little Liars from the beginning before the new episodes come out for the final season.

My friend asked me once what I think about Sundays and before I used to work them, I used to say it's just another day except you can be lazy which I think everyone is entitled too. So I'm going to be lazy tonight, well after the cinema anyway. I'm going to come back home, run a hot bath and put my Macbook on the toilet so I can watch it from the bath (ultimate laziness goal achieved), put on my favourite snuggly pyjamas, order a takeaway (I may be on Slimming World, but I'm entitled to a treat once a week, right?!) and continue binge watching a series. I may even throw in a peppermint vodka hot chocolate. Just remember, you've got to make good use of your Sundays as you have to wait 7 days for another. Make it your best Sunday!

"This is a Sunday evening reminder that you can handle anything this week throws at you". - Courtesy of Pinterest.

Amyleigh x

The Body Shop's Tea Tree range

As someone who battles with quite bad acne, I have never found a skincare routine that works for me apart from one wonder brand who I will mention in another post. However, I have tried items in The Body Shop's tea tree range in the past and have loved them as a quick fix, so I have decided to invest in just about the whole range (except from the body wash, BB cream and daily solution). I did want to try the daily solution but unfortunately, it wasn't available. All of the products mentioned below were bought in a 40% off sale so if you can catch the sales, I would highly recommend! All of the prices listed are their normal retail prices. 

Tea Tree Oil:
On The Body Shop website it states "Tea tree essential oil is renowned for its powerful, purifying properties. We sustainably hand-harvest our Community Trade organic tea tree leaves within 12 hours, so we can bottle our purest, most potent oil. Our iconic Tea Tree Oil is a cult classic, and is great for on the spot application.

• Our iconic purest concentration Tea Tree Oil
• With purifying tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya
• Use on targeted areas of concern
• Reduces blemishes
• A cult classic"

And also expresses that it is for young and oily skin. I would say I have quite youthful skin as I am 21 and still getting acne, but not oily skin. If I had to stretch anywhere near oily I would say I had combination skin. 

It is honestly quite pricey at £8.50 for 20ml but honestly, you need the tiniest bit for a spot and it honestly works miracles. I like to use this when I feel a spot coming through because it really does stop it from getting bigger, if anything, it might remain the same size for a day or so and then reduce in size. The best use I find for this tea tree oil is that it helps to eliminate acne scars!

Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub:

The Body Shop Website states "Infused with pure, organic tea tree oil, our Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub is a daily facial exfoliator perfect for blemished skin. Biodegradable bursting micro-beads gently buff the skin surface, removing impurities and dead skin cells for skin that feels smooth and appears more clear and shine-free.

• With purifying tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya
• With biodegradable exfoliators
• Gently foaming
• Skin feels smoother
• Skin looks clearer, pores appear unclogged"

Personally, I do not use this everyday only because of the amount of tea tree products I do have and I don't want certain areas on my face to become even more dry. Usually, I only use scrub on my T zone as thats where I get quite dry patches but thought I needed to give this a go. My dry patches have visibly reduced and the texture of my face feels amazing once I have used this. I understand that this product is probably designed as a light scrub with it being for every day use but I really hope they bring out the same formula but with bigger granules, then this thing would be perfect for me! However, if you're a light scrub exfoliating Queen then this would be great! For £7.50 for 100ml, you can't go wrong! 

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash:

This product is probably my favourite in the range. "This Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash infused with potent tea tree oil, cleanses blemished skin with each use. A cooling lather removes impurities and excess oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed and purified. Use daily for shine-free, visibly clearer results.

• Daily facial wash
• With purifying tea tree oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya
• Deeply cleanses blemished skin
• Cooling and refreshing on skin
• Skin appears visibly clearer
• Reduces oiliness and shine"

Again, I do not use this everyday and only tend to use this if I haven't wore make up through-out the day and when I wash my face at night. The feel of my skin when I use this is amazing and I don't believe the smell is so potent it would make your eyes water but it still is really a strong smell. It feels as though you can smell it working, is that weird? I believe if you were to buy any 2 products from this range it would be this and the tea tree oil to work in combination with each other. Also, it works well even on my dry areas.

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask:

This was the first product I ever tried from the tea tree range. I actually have a friend who works in The Body Shop and went in for some advice on what I could do for my acne and she was the one who got me hooked onto this range. Thanks Alison! "Cool and deeply cleanse your skin with our Tea Tree infused clay mask. Perfect for blemished complexions, the instantly cooling sensation refreshes skin, without over drying. This mask will help to clear impurities whilst absorbing excess sebum, leaving skin feeling smoother and clearer looking.

• Rinse-off cleansing clay mask for blemished skin
• With purifying tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya
• Deeply cleanse to remove impurities
• Soothes and calms skin
• Helps to promote clearer looking skin"

I use this once a week and apply with a cheapish make up brush instead of getting clay mask stuck behind my finger nails. The make up brush also allows for a smooth and even application. I don't apply this to my T-Zone only because I am afraid that it may dry out my skin but I may have to try it out some time. I'm one of those people that hates waiting for their masks to try so always sit in front of a fan or waft myself with a book in order for it to dry. No joke, you can feel it working. The first time I ever used it, I could feel it tingling my spots. It didn't hurt or was stinging, it was the weirdest sensation. Thankfully my acne has diminished since using these products and I only get a cluster when mother nature calls (TMI, I am sorry) but this stuff works miracles. I apply this to my face when I feel the spots coming in. If a pesky few do manage to get through, I use this clearing mask, rinse off and then apply some tea tree oil before bed. 

As mentioned above, I do have combo/dry skin and a lot of tea tree products are tailored to oily skin. I like to finish all of my routine's off with The Body Shop's Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet. 
*All photos from The Body Shop Here. 

Amyleigh x

'So what will you be doing after University?'

Like many of you reading this, you will have experienced or will be experiencing the hell that is third year. Along with the horrendous assignments and exams, you have the dreaded 'So what will you be doing after University?'. I do not know. To put it short and sweet, I literally have not got a clue. You have possibly seen that I am a Criminology student and as many of you may know, it is classed as one of those jobs which people take for the fun of it because it sounds interesting. However, I decided to study Criminology as I wanted to become a tutor or teacher in the prison sector, not an easy gig especially when I realised half way through second year, I did not want to do post graduate study in order to become a teacher. Honestly, I never thought I would say this but I am sick of education. I just know I'm going to come back to this in a few years time and will have picked to do a postgraduate degree, I just know it.

In my mind there are 6 possible things that I can do after university:

1. Postgraduate study - As mentioned above, there is a chance there to do post graduate study as I predict myself a 2:1. My problem is, what would I do postgraduate study in? Would it be stick to what I wanted to do when I decided to study Criminology and go into post compulsory education training? Or do I go into something like Primary Education (something I have always wanted to do, alongside Midwifery but this will be a completely different post) or Social Work? Do I go with what my heart says now and study statistics, something which I despised in school but absolutely love now? 
2. Postgraduate jobs - The competition for postgraduate jobs are like no other. Most of the country who do not know what they want to do in life will more than likely be applying for the same graduate jobs and schemes and will not be able to get past the online assessments, because they're that bloody daft! I'm not being funny but giving me a 4 statements in a scenario or to best suit my personality but giving the teeniest tiniest most background information to the scenario is bizarre, I'd do different things in certain situations! Surely, the main aim of a candidate is to know there are differing situations in the world and all answers are not concrete and static in nature? When I see these types of candidate sorting, I think may fortune favour the brave because I am not brave and I am out. Those tests eat me alive, especially when you get the rejection letter. I'm not scared of rejection, I'm really not. If anything, I build upon it but I much prefer to go into a job where the employees can see me for who I am rather than choosing one statement out of 4 (most of which I wouldn't even do in the first place) in extremely basic situations.
3. Job - Get a job! Simple as that. Whether it's carry on the job you are doing and increasing your hours or going for a promotion, it seems the easiest way to get a job. Whilst I love the place I work, I do hope that I can put my degree to some use and go out into the field. I'm currently in the middle of several applications for jobs within the Government, so hopefully all goes well. To be frank, and some people might question, yes some of these job applications do include those dreaded statements as mentioned above but I find you are more likely to be called to interview as there is a smaller influx of potential employees!
4. Volunteer - If you know the area you are wanting to work in, go and volunteer or get some vital experience. Doing something like this gives you time to do something you love doing, or seeing whether you love the job and potentially apply for some jobs. It also takes away some of the heartbreak of applying to jobs and either not hearing back or getting rejected as you are able to apply when there are less of an influx of prospective candidates. If I was sure in the direction I wanted to go, this would definitely be my step!
5. Take time off - Why not?! Most people who are finishing university have never had a break from education since they were 4 (oh wow, that is a long time..) and deserve time to find themselves, especially after being divulged in all of those books, and taking time to find out where you want to go in life. Go travelling, spend time with family, the world is your oyster.
6. Be Your Own Boss - If I had the money to do this and an idea, this would be a winner. Many times I have thought about starting my own market stall or online store after I finish university but then I think, have I wasted my 3 years at university? In a nutshell yes but also no. 

In regards to being your own boss and whether you have wasted your time at university of your degree, you have to remember, at university you gain a valuable insight to your course and all it has to offer in order to get you ready for the world of work.. BUT it also allows you to learn new skills, skills that if you had never took the course, you would never have experienced. Criminology has made me a lot more open and understanding of why people do certain things and also my knowledge of theory and history has grown. I hated history in secondary school and wanted nothing to do with it past GCSE, however through Criminology I have learnt to love something I really despised learning about and taught me about second chances in a very sneaky and small way.. life can be like that sometimes. You really do grow up during your degree and learn vital lessons and skills, so not using your degree in your life is not a dumb thing to do.

If you're going through university hell right now, just know I'm there with you! If you're about to go into third year, start your dissertation plans now because life catches up with you pretty quickly and you will be left in the lurch, a lot like I am. I have loads of things I wish I could say but will keep it for another day, another vlog. Happy studying,

Amyleigh x

Disneyland Debate

Just a quick one today, although it might be long as I feel a huge ramble coming on in a short space of time. I'm currently getting ready to go to one of my good friends 21st birthday celebrations but needed to check in. A check in about the ongoing Disney Debate going on in my relationship!

 Having previously been to Disneyland Paris on numerous occasions, I'm now questioning, should I go back?! Disneyland Paris has been a much loved holiday destination of mine and it was and still is mine and my boyfriend's favourite place to go. If my boyfriend got his way, we would be at Disneyland Paris or Disneyworld tomorrow but for me, I'm just not so sure.

Do we save up to go to Disneyworld? The only downside to this is that it is around £1500 each to go to Disneyworld for 10 days. The major catch is that you have to pay extra for food, none of this all inclusive lifestyle that I love to lead on holidays! I find £1500 is a massive chunk of money to just spend on flights and a hotel as this price doesn't even include of tickets! I would do this, I'm not going to kid you, I really would do this. Save up loads of money and splash out for an amazing experience but as a university student and someone who is working weekends, looking for a house and saving money for a mortgage, I simply can't afford it!

Do we go to Disneyland Paris? Me and my boyfriend love it there, we really do. I have been there 5 or 6 times, and we have been there once together. Instead of going again why not save up and go to Disneyworld? Then it raises the questions above! It's like a never ending circle. Then we thought, why not go all out, go to Disneyland Paris but pay to have breakfast with the characters, go to a more expensive hotel but then it's the question of, that money could be going towards America!

Do we just not do Disney? We have only ever been to Disneyland once as a couple but have been on 6 abroad holidays and we love the sunshine. We went to Disneyland the week before Christmas and it was magical but couldn't imagine the place in the summer when it was hot, the queues are long and there are too many people. However in other places like Salou, Tenerife, Cape Verde, the holidays and quiet and tranquil and you can soak up every last drop of sunshine for a fraction of the cost and go all inclusive!

Don't get me wrong, we found an amazing Disneyworld deal. Return flights from London in September (would be there for my birthday!), 7 nights in one of the All Stars hotels then a 3 days Disney Cruise around the Bahamas for £1400 a person, inclusive of park tickets and free food on the cruise! Now that is an absolute bargain but I just can't seem to push myself to go and I'm questioning myself why. Does it seem selfish that I want a house instead of experiences? Houses can wait, experiences can't! But then I think, in the future we could go with children and properly experience the magic.

I always have too many thoughts racing around my head, not knowing which way to turn and find it hard to make a decision when it's this big. Feeling a bit like Nelly and having a dilema! I'm sure a solution will be found and hopefully, whatever the result of the Disney Debate you will see a blog post about it soon!

Amyleigh x

Top Netflix Picks No.1

It goes without saying, I am a Netflix-aholic. You will either find me on Netflix or Youtube rather than dealing with anything in life and rather submerging myself into programmes about finding out who Uber A is or as to why Nostradarmus is hidden in somebody's basement.. I lie, you may also find me on Disney Life. If you do not have a Disney Life account, I highly recommend. Someone I know went on a huge Cheetah Girls binge last weeks, naming no names.. The following are my top 10 TV programmes available on UK Netflix (films to come next week):

*I would like to point out that I feel as though I am not doing any of these TV programmes any justice but trust me, they are go to staples on Netflix. A few of them, you need to have a comedic heart. However 7 and 9 is not for the faint hearted!

TV programmes:

1. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - Oh does this bring me back to my childhood! I believe this series ended when I was born but the amount of re-runs on channel 4 I believe, was insane! If you're from the UK, you will more than likely know the theme tune yourself or somebody that does. It is a regular song to play at a party or a night out. Moving away from the song, this show is about Will (Will Smith), a man from Philadelphia, USA who has been sent away from his home to live with his rich Aunt and Uncle in Bel Air (as the song goes, literally..). The comedy still rings through today and with the complete series available, this is my current top pick!
2. Pretty Little Liars - How could I not include this mind-rambling show? I was quite late to this show. I am someone who does not 'jump on the bandwagon' in terms of being up to date with the new TV shows (if you expect Orange Is The New Black on this list then I'm sorry, I haven't seen a single episode!). There are so many storylines involved in PLL that I don't know what information to include without giving away any spoilers, however, the main jist of the show is that a popular girl named Alison suddenly goes missing and is assumed dead, all whilst her 4 friends are tormented by a unknown person named 'A'. We are now however onto Uber A. I started watching this show when it first came onto Netflix and I believe 4 seasons were on. I am absolutely hooked and have rewatched a good 4/5 times. Now there are 7 seasons, with 10 episodes left until the series finale. If you can hold out until April and binge watch the series, I would recommend waiting. The suspense is killing me!
3. Full House - What a classic. I remember being obsessed with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen as a child and had every single one of their films on tape and CD's, yes they released music (Dog, he ate my homework being a personal favourite). One day I decided to Youtube Mary Kate and Ashley and a video called 'Michelle and Uncle Jessie' appeared. This is where my love of full house began. Not that I can recall much from my youth but I'm very certain Full House wasn't aired in the UK by the time I was born, as I said I could be wrong. Full House follows the story of Danny Tanner and his 3 daughters DJ, Stephanie and Michelle who have very sadly lost their wife/mother. Danny then takes it upon himself to move his best friend Joey and brother-in-law Jesse into their home. This light hearted comedy in short 20 minute episodes will show you the true meaning of family.
4. Fuller House - What's that? Have I mis-typed Full House? Wrong! Fuller House is the new up to date version of Full House and a Netflix Original, following the lives of DJ and Stephanie (Mary Kate and Ashley played Michelle and are "running their fashion empire" -quoted from the show). Life has gone full circle and DJ Tanner is living with her 3 sons Jackson, Max and Tommy after their husband/Dad lost his life being a firefighter. Her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy decide to move in and the story line goes on, extremely similar story lines but with current comedic humour! 
5. Pramface - One of my favourites and definitely only available to those in the UK. This BBC Three season was by far one of the best ones they have created. It follows Laura and Jamie, 2 soon to be parents floating through lives after a one night stand. They are from 2 different classes and backgrounds and is addressed through good old British humour. Definitely a one to watch with a nice glass of wine!
6. Gavin and Stacey - My favourite programme ever. Hands down, no competing. I make Gavin and Stacey references in my daily life and I'm not ashamed. Many people will know about Gavin and Stacey in the UK but as will followers of The Late Late Show with James Corden as he played Smithy, Gavin's best friend, best character in the show. He is also the producer and writer of the show. It focuses on two main characters Gavin and Stacey, Gavin being from Essex in England and Stacey from Barry in Wales. It follows of their lives of a quick relationship and also the lives of Nessa (Stacey's best friend) and Smithy after Nessa finds out she is expecting a baby with Smithy. They outwardly detest each other but secretly they are the perfect match. This show can easily be watched in a binge as it is only 3 episodes. If I could only recommend one UK sitcom, it would be this one.
7. Reign - Taking a different direction for a moment, I never would have put myself to be a lover of a show like this. It follows the life of Mary Queen of Scots and having to protect her beloved Scotland whilst also taking care of France, where she resides with Prince Francis who is to marry her. There are multiple story lines running through this series and definitely a one to go back and watch to see if there's any bits you missed. When writing this, Reign has been cancelled which I'm extremely sad about but at least it is coming to an end because the show has me in so many emotions I feel as though I need to sing in the shower to emotional ballads. Even though it has been cancelled, I feel as though it is more on the basis of Mary Queens of Scot's life. The story of her life is long winded and already there have been a few seasons and they have only just introduced Queen Elizabeth, her cousin and who can take her throne. If you know the story of Mary Queen of Scots, you will know how this should end, however I feel as though it may be different as there has been some discrepencies through-out this show. (If you did not understand my Nostradarmus reference at the beginning of this post, this is the show in which he appears.. many a storyline my friends!). If you love history and a bit of mystery, this is one for you!
8. Bad Education - My favourite comedian Jack Whitehall is the main teacher in this series and by God was I excited when I found this was on Netflix. It follows Alfie, a teacher, and his class and the mischief they get up to. He's honestly a horrendous teacher and more like a friend to the class but this show covers bullying, romance, transgender and youth culture in such a way that it is comical but you actually learn a lesson from it. It truly is a hilarious watch, however if you do not understand British humour I would stay away from this one as you might find it a tad offensive!
9. Making a Murderer - As you may know, I am a Criminology student and anything like this interests me. This is a factual and true life story of Steven Avery who has been put in prison, along with his nephew (who I now believe to be released from prison) for the murder of Teresa Halbach. The documentary is filmed in the point of view against the county police department but watching the documentary, you can't help question why things like this is allowed to happen. I mentioned above about 'jumping on the bandwagon', maybe I did with this one but I swear I watched this before most people and I was begging people to watch it to discuss it with me. I believe this is a watch for anyone interested in documentaries or the penal system or just to be divulged into a series. Currently, there is an ongoing trial to get Steven Avery out of prison as evidence has been found to suggest he is not the murderer of late Teresa Halbach.
10. Jane The Virgin - I binged watched this like no other! I watched this series on Netflix and it turned out that Netflix had more episodes available than what were released on the TV in the UK so I binged watched and have been suffering with a lack of episodes for what feels like an eternity. I am making it my mission after this blog post that I see if channel 4 have aired any extra episodes to what Netflix have available! A bit of a tangent, I digress.. Jane The Virgin follows the life of Jane who is artificially inseminated with her boss' sperm. There are many relationship triangles in this story as she is madly in love with her boyfriend Michael but then falls for her baby daddy. However, things have took a slight change.. there's new relationships, twin sisters, murderers, secret tunnels etc etc. You have to watch it to understand the storyline, I promise I am not doing this TV programme justice. Binge watch it, that's what I did and now every time you go to the Doctors, you hope that aren't going to be artificially inseminated or injected with a random medication which isn't yours.. 

Other watches:
How I Met Your Mother, Dexter, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, A Series of Unfortunate Events, One Day At A Time, Dance Academy, Black Mirror, Line of Duty, That 70's Show, Outnumbered and Prison Break (If I didn't say this, my boyfriend would not be happy!)



I hate having these programmes in my 'others' list as some of them really would make it into my personal top 10 but I believe anyone starting out with Netflix, the list above should be the main ones you watch!

Amyleigh x