My last five months on Instagram! July - November 2015

So after over five months of not blogging I have decided I really want to get back into it. I can't believe its been that long I have just been so busy with the student placement I am doing at the moment that I just haven't had the time! Also I didn't have the best summer and was not feeling myself. I feel better now but to be honest I just want this year to be over and I am looking forward to the start of a new year!

Today I thought I would share some photos from my Instagram from the past five months. I love Instagram and I have done these types of posts before but as I have said before I like to look back on the photos I take...

It is just a selection of photos because I had 27! From left to right and top to bottom...

1. From my brother's graduation in July.

2. The new bikini and necklace I bought in the Asos sale for my holiday.

3.The Moroccan chickpea soup I made when my friend came to see me.

4. Me and my friend from uni who came to visit as she has now graduated and I don't see her as often as I would like.

5. The amazing lunch I had at a place called The Kitchen in Howden. It was so nice and the crisps came in a mini plant pot which was so cute.

6. Me and my best friend Abbie, really love this photo which was took when we went to see our other best friend in Newcastle in October.

7 and 8. A few arty shots of the cocktails we had in Newcastle at Lola Jeans. Would recommend for cocktails they are so good!

9. Back in Hudds where me and my uni friends when to try Turtle Bay which has opened recently.

10. A new nail Essie nail varnish I bought, I kept seeing it on Instagram and I had to have it. Its called Leggy Legend and is such a pretty colour!

11. I recently had some time off and I went on holiday to Tenerife with my parents. It was just what I needed and the hotel and the views were amazing. I loved every minute and didn't want to come home!

12. Took advantage of duty free and treated myself to the Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume it was still £44 but I saved about £25!

If you want to follow me on instagram it is

@soph0222

This has been my June 2015

I have done this type of post a few times before and I really like them as its nice to look back on the photos of the month. This past month I haven't been up to much other than relaxing before I start my work placement next Monday. I think I am a bit addicted to instagram as I have nearly 500 photos but anyway here are my photos from the month of June...

(from left to right and top to bottom)

1. It was one of my friend's birthday's so I made her a cake, it was chocolate marble cake.

2. I painted my nails a pretty lilac colour (Rita Ora for Rimmel Wild-er-ness) with silver tips.

3. I had a night in with my besties which I really enjoyed especially the prosecco!

4. Me and my two best friends had a Costa in the sun, we had to make the most of it since we don't get many sunny day in the UK. Also if you are a fan of their fruit cooler the new strawberry and watermelon one is so good!

5. After our drinks at Costa we sunbathed and took some photos (see more of them on my OOTD post here)

6. I painted my nails with a nail varnish my Nanna gave me, it is an Avon Mineral Crush one in Amethyst (review coming soon)

7. Me and my bestie Abbie had a baking day which was a success, my favourite thing were the brownies.

8. One of the photos me and my mum had done. it was her mother's day present which she really enjoyed.

9. More photos of me from the photo shoot, I think the black and white ones look amazing!

10. A selfie from the other night when I went out with my family to celebrate my brother's 1st class masters degree! I am very proud of him.

11. A kimono I made to wear in summer, I made use of my sewing skills and it means I have one that is a one of kind!

Even though I haven't done much I have enjoyed spending time with friends and chilling out at home. If you want to follow me on instagram it is

@soph0222

My 100th post - The 5 things I love about blogging

I can't believe that today my blog is 1 year old and it is also my 100th post! I started my blog as something to do in my spare time and also a place to put all of my fashion, hair, nails art, make up ideas and other life events.

For my 100th post I am going to right about the 5 things I love about blogging, hope you enjoy and here is to many more years of The Beauty Bouquet!

1. That it is creative, I enjoy playing around with layouts and editing photos.

2. That it allows me to forget about everything for a while and concentrate on writing.

3. I get to write about things that I love, especially make up!

4. It has got me more into reading different blogs because I now have Bloglovin.

5. Thinking of new ideas for blog posts and taking photos.

If you would like to follow my blog on Bloglovin click the link below:

www.bloglovin.com/blogs/beauty-bouquet-12410665

This has been my May 2015

I have had quite a busy month this month from finishing my second year of university and moving back home, to my weekend away in Newcastle and also baking and catching up with friends. So on my blog today thought I would share my Instagram photos from the month of May... 

(From left to right and top to bottom)
1. Starbucks with my university friend  Donna, we have one in my university which is great!
2 .I spent the weekend in Newcastle at my Anna's who goes to university there and she made me chicken teriyaki one night which was really nice.
3. My friend Abbie also came and one day we went out for lunch at a place called Quay Ingredient.
4. On the saturday night we went to a plae called The Botanist for tea, I had a steak sandwich and chips and a mojito which is my favorite cocktail! I would really recommend going there its such a lovely place and does really good food and drinks.

(From left to right and top to bottom)
5. Me and my friend Abbie, also known as 'my twinnie' because we are so similar and could be sisters haha!
6. Cocktails at a place called Lola Jeans in Newcastle
7. On the sunday we went for lunch at a place called the Baltic Kitchen.
8. Some photos from our weekend together.

(From left to right and top to bottom)

9. Buns I made at home in some new silicone bun cases I got.

10. My nails I painted using some of Rita Ora's new colours for Rimmel, (post coming soon)

11. Lunch last week with friends at Lucia's.

12. Catch up at Costa with my university friend Hannah. 

13. Selfie from the photoshoot I had at the weekend with the girls in my family which was my Mum's mother's day present, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see the photos this month.

I have really enjoyed the month of May and I can't believe its the start of June today, where does the time go! If you want to follow me on instagram it is 

@soph0222

Also have a look at my friend Anna's blog, Stylishimoto where she did a post about our weekend together.

Work Clothes Wishlist

In just over a month I am starting a work placement for 13 months. It is part of my university course and I am really looking forward to it as it was one of the reasons I picked my university as they offered a year out to experience what it is like to have a job. Although I know it might be hard I love learning new skills and I am also excited to meet new people.

I will be working in an office environment for most of it and I have been told to dress 'smart casual'. I don't know about you but I have never understood what people mean by that but I guess it means don't wear jeans and don't wear anything you would be seen out in on a saturday night haha! I was actually reading something the other day that said to do the 'smart casual' look it is best to have staple pieces such as a blazer, skirts, shorts and casual shirts in neutral colours. I agree with this as you can mix and match things with plain items and adding a blazer to any outfit instantly makes it look smarter. So here is the few keys items I have had my eye on...

Black pocket front cropped blazer - £24.99 - I actually ended up buying this the other day as I thought if I get any new clothes then a black blazer is a must. I was really happy as I got student discount and the jacket fit me really nice. When I got it home I realised I have the same style jacket in a mint green colour I bought it the sale last year but I know I will get a lot of wear out of both of them. 

Curved hem sleeveless top - £12.99 - Some simple tops I think are a must to just throw on with different bottoms and I like wearing patterned trousers so I think these would look really nice. At the moment I am really wanting something in this khaki colour too, I think it would suit me and is different to what I normally wear.

Black skinny trousers - £22 - I am currently on the hunt for some smart trousers. I want some that are fitted as I can't stand flared ones as they look too much like school trousers. These ones from Next are a perfect example of what I want.

Black crepe sleeveless duster coat - £22.99 - I can't remember where I first saw these but I really love them. I think they are very smart/casual as there are basically a blazer with no sleeves. I can see myself wearing this with patterned trousers or leggings and a coloured top.

Khaki tie waist short - £12.99 - Hopefully this summer we are going to have really nice weather so some shorts are a must. These look a really nice shape and smart enough for work.

Black laser cut pencil skirt - £12.99 - I think a simple black skirt would look really nice in the summer for work with a summery coloured top and pretty flat shoes.

My Online Portfolio

If you haven't read my blog before or didn't already know I am a second year Fashion Design with Textiles student. I study in Huddersfield and this year was a very important year for me as my course offers a year out doing a work placement. Although they offer support with this it is your responsibility to find it. I was extremely lucky and got a place at a children's wear company not too far from home. My university said it would be a good idea to have some kind of portfolio to show to the companies you apply to and so I decided to start a Pinterest to add photos of my work on and today I thought I would share the link in case any one reading this is interested...

 https://uk.pinterest.com/sophiesykes22

So far I have only added some work from my first year and some of the work from this year's Sample Development class but I will continue to add to it for future reference and applications.

A few of my favourite things - Tag

I have seen this tag on quite a few blogs lately so I thought I would do it to as I quite like doing tags...

1.Products - Mascara, micellar water, The Body Shop shower gels
2. Foods - Ferroro Rochers, pretzels, cheese on toast
3. Places - Home, Paris, Greece
4. Things you'd miss - family, friends, home
5. Things you do when you are bored - eat, blog, watch you tube
6. Things you enjoy when its sunny - sunbathing, cold drinks, reading a book in the garden
7. Films - Hairspray, Finding Nemo, The Holiday
8. Songs - The Fray - How to save a life, Ed Sheeran - Tenerife sea, Hozier - Take me to church
9.Brands - Topshop, Kiko,  Cath Kidston
10. Oudoor things you like - Been in the sun, shopping, barbecues
Events - Birthdays, meals out, holidays
Cartoons - (when I was younger ) Arthur, Phineas and Ferb, The Cramp Twins
13. Buildings - The Lourve, Somerset House, Liverpool One
14. Anything in everyday life - Tea, food. make up
15. Traits in a person - kind, funny, caring
16. Influences - ?
17. Drinks - Tea, wine, vodka
18. Experiences - college, university, going up the Eiffel Tower
19. Things to watch - Coronation Street, films, The Great British Sewing Bee
20. Youtubers - Estee, Gabriella, Lily Pebbles

This has been my February 2015

I was inspired to write this post as I have seen many other posts that are very similar. I wanted to look back the last month through my Instagram photos.

February is by far the best month of the year as its my birthday month! I turned 20 which I actually can't believe because it means I am no longer a teenager! But before I tell you about my birthday celebration posts, I actually started the month celebrating for a different reason! The reason was is that I got a work placement for part of my course at university. I am taking a year out
gaining experience which is so exciting, so I went out for few cocktails with friends to celebrate!

The second thing to happen in February was I went to Paris! This was part of my university course and was such a good trip, I really enjoyed it! We did all the usual tourist activities but you can read all about it in my other post (here). After Paris I had reading week which  is just a week to catch up on work and it was nice to have rest too as I went home to see friends and family.

The first event of the month was of course Pancake day! This year they actually turned out quite good which surprised me because they never do but this year I decided to have a go at american style pancakes and they were so much better than previous years.

During that week I had at home I had an early birthday meal and cocktails with my two best friends which you can read all about where we went on my friend's blog (here). It was really nice to catch up and celebrate since I had to travel back to university on my actual birthday.

Then in between the meal and my birthday I went to the hairdressers and decided to have my hair cut the shortest I have had in years! I was inspired by the You tuber Essie Button. She had recently changed her hair and looked amazing and it made me want to change mine to so I did and I really love it! And Essie did too because she tweeted me which made my day!

Then to end my February I had my birthday! I had two birthday cakes, I got money, Mac vouchers, some of the new Real Techniques Bold Metal brushes, some Benefit make up, some earrings and a 3D pug photo which is amazing! I feel so lucky that I have such generous family and friends and can't thank them enough!

If you would like to see more of the things I get up to and my fashion and textiles work then 

Follow me @soph022 

My Time in Paris

This post is a bit different to what I usually write about but I wanted to tell you all about my trip to Paris! This time last week I would have been in Paris which is a bit sad because I really didn't want to come back! I went from the Monday to the Friday and I went with my university course as part as an 'educational trip' although I wouldn't have really called it that as we were allowed to do what we wanted, apart from meeting up to go to the Louis Vuitton store and exhibition and also Première Vision.

I really enjoyed the trip and had such a great time exploring the city and what made it even better I was with the people in my course which was so nice as we all get on so well and it meant we got to know everyone a bit better.

In this post I am just going to show a few photo and say a bit about what I got up to.

Monday

This day was mainly spent travelling there as we had to get on a coach to London St Pancras to get on the Eurostar. 

This was the view from our hotel which was the Ibis Paris La Villette Cite des Sciences. It was a decent hotel and worth the money as breakfast was included and the hotel had a restaurant where we went for a meal the first night.

Tuesday

On the Tuesday we went the the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysée, inside the Louis Vuitton store with the rest of my course and then we walked to the Eiffel Tower which we all went up to look over the city. That night we ate at a really nice Italian restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe.

By far the best moment of the trip was going up the Eiffel Tower. It was such a touristy thing to do but such an amazing experience which I won't forget. I can't say I enjoyed the lift up but it was so worth it!

Wednesday

On the Wednesday we went to this went called Première Vision which is a trade show where the entire fashion industry meets to share ideas, do business, work and build their new collections. To be honest its not aimed at fashion students but it was good to look around and see what it was all about.
after that we went to the love lock bridge, to see The Lourve and the Notre Dame. That night we ate at another italian place, we really struggled to find places that weren't just pasta and pizza places!

Thursday

On our last full day we decided to go into The Lourve in the morning and then go back to the Champs Elysée to do some shopping. The Lourve was such an amazing building and I actually found out that the triangle you see is the roof and you go down into it to enter the buildings, I always thought it was a sculpture haha! 

The shopping in Paris is actually quite good I enjoyed looking and I did end up buying a few bits from the Mac store, Sephora and Forever 21. We also went to the House of Haagen Dazs for waffles which was so so good!!

For the last meal we had together we went to this restaurant down the Champs Elysée which we thought was going to be really nice but unfortunately 5 of us picked something that really could have been alot better but oh well we had wine so we were happy!

Friday

On the last day we didn't really much as we were waiting to go home but we did have a wander in the area where we were staying and then we got the metro back to the station to get the Eurostar back to London.

By far the best moment of the trip was going up the Eiffel Tower. It was such a touristy thing to do but such an amazing experience which I won't forget. I can't say I enjoyed the lift up but it was so worth it! I just really enjoyed walking around and taking in the sights, it is a very pretty city and it made me want to go back one day. I think I also enjoyed too because it was my first holiday in a while and it was nice to take a break somewhere different and chill out for a few days.

Christmas Tag

I have seen this tag on quite a few blogs recently and I really wanted to do it myself so here it is...

What's your favourite Christmas movie?

This is such an easy question, my favourite is Elf! I have seen it so many times but I still love it but I also really like The Polar Express and The Holiday.

What are your favourite Christmas colours?

I love the traditional red and green but this year I wrapped present with red and gold paper and then red and white ribbons and bows.

Do you like to stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?

I usually stay in my Pjs until near dinner time and then I like to wear a chrsitmas jumper and comfy leggings.

Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

I always open them christmas morning with my Mum, Dad and brother and then the rest of my family come round later.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house?

Yes, I built one with my university flatmates for the first time last year. 

What do you like to do during your Christmas holidays?

Just chill out and do nothing much really apart from seeing friends and famliy seen as I'm not at home most of the year.

Any Christmas wishes?

I wish that next year I create more happy memories  and that I continue to be successful in my course at university. 

Favourite Christmas meal or treat?

The best thing about christmas dinner for me is pigs in blankets! I love them and wish I could have them all year round.

10 Things I have learnt about myself this year

Today's post is very different to any of my others as my blog is mainly about beauty and fashion but this was inspired by a post I saw called '16 things I learnt while I was 16'. I thought I would do 10 things I have learnt about myself this year as in this past year I have started another part of my life by going to university and living away from home. There has also been other events in my life that have made me realise a lot and I just thought I would share them...

1. I have missed home a lot more than I thought I would - Although I haven't been that far away from home and could come home any weekend I wanted for the first month I didn't come home at all which was so hard especially the first week.

2. Everything can only get better - For anyone reading this and is thinking about going to uni don't be scared of it, not going to lie my experience of my first year was difficult at first but it got better and in the last few months I was enjoying it a lot more because I had got used to everything.

3. That been an organised person helps - I am a very organised person and this has helped me a lot during the uni year as I was constantly writing lists of the things I needed to do to make sure I had it all  done.

4. I now know who my real friends are - Been away from home makes you realise who your friends actually are. I would probably say I have three close friends who have all been there when I needed them even if we weren't living in the same place (or even the same country at one point) but I have come to realise that your best friends are the ones that even if you are apart nothing changes and it still feels like you haven't been away.

  

5. To not be afraid to take chances - After some of things I have had to make a decision about there has been another realisation I have had and it is that sometimes it better to take a chance than to just wonder what would have happened. 

6. Everything happens for a reason - I now know things happen and its not the end of the world better things will come and you will forgot and move on.

7. I am never alone - While at uni sometimes I felt lonely but I know I'm never alone and there is always someone to talk to which always helps.

8. That I should not tolerate been messed about by people - This year certain people have really  made me feel crap for months but from talking to family and friends I need to learn not to put up with it, stop been taken for granted, stop been too nice and realise I deserve better.

9. That I can be a confident person - I really feel this past year I have become more confident most of it is probably to do with living on my own and I have to do more things for myself. This is a really good thing for me because I can be very quiet around people.

10. That I am good at what I do - Before uni I always used to say my work was never good enough even though I had my friends and parents telling me I was wrong. Since studying for my degree and receiving a 2.1 overall for the first year it has made me believe in myself more and not been big headed but my work must be good enough if I have managed to pass the first year as I am sure not everyone will.