A quick survey...

A fellow student at my university is currently doing an MA in Psychology and is in need of your help...

In order for her to graduate, she needs to acquire 120 surveys as research for her dissertation.

The survey is anonymous and takes about 10 minutes - however, it literally took me 5 minutes; so it's not long at all!

Please click the link to redirect you:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/YVBJ3GV

Thank you very much - this will certainly be classed as your good deed for the day as you can revel in the knowledge that you have helped someone with regards to their education!

The survey is about relationships and people's response to them when they end.

Christmas is coming...

Hang on! It's still August??!!

Every year, it seems to get earlier and earlier when the Christmas items start hitting the shops.

Today, I saw some Christmas cards in a card shop.

The kids aren't even back at school yet.

However, cards aren't too bad. It's when the decorations start to emerge that you know we are entering into the countdown to Crimbo!

Has anyone seen any Christmas items in shops yet? Informing us of the date you saw them will also be a great indicator as to how early shops are setting up for Christmas...

It will also be great to know when you hear your first Christmas song!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

English Weather

Ahh, we're at that time of year again when the British are reminded how rubbish our weather really is.

It's heading towards the end of August and we can all most likely be able to count on one hand just how many hot - yes, hot! Not warm - days we have had this year.

Climate Change is a bitch!

However, in two months' time we will be heading towards the end of October, which means Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas are just around the corner.

We will then be faced with that awkward period in, what should be, Autumn when it seems a little too warm to wear a coat.

That's when we get a freak day of 25 degrees when the people at the MET Office get very excited and bang on about...you probably guessed it...

Global Warming!

Ah, so, the world is getting warmer. We may not have hot summers, but we certainly have much warmer winters.

Three days later...

It snows!

Not just snow! Blizzards! Snow that most of us haven't seen for a decade...or decades, depending on their age...

It's not that crappy wispy snow that looks like something you've scraped off your freezer, it's fluffy snow! Fat snow!

The MET Office boys are back!

This time, they don't refer to our freaky weather as 'Global Warming'. Nope, we're back to...bingo...

Climate Change!

So, the next warm day we have starts the whole thing off again. Global Warming/Climate Change/Global Warming/Climate Change etc etc etc

Both terms should be scrapped and our freaky weather should be given its true title:

British!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Bed Head - Small Talk

Blah Blah Blah...

That's actually the slogan associated with this Bed Head product, I'm not actually dismissing it!

In fact, after several days' use of this product, I would recommend it to anyone who has a hair type similar to my own (fine, a bit fluffy at the ends, and in desperate need of a volumising lift).


Bizarrely, there appear to be no directions as to how to use this product. I took a chance and applied a generous amount to my damp hair before blow drying it. I'm still not sure if that's what I was supposed to do, so if anyone can enlighten me I would very much appreciate it. However, so far it seems to have worked...

Did it provide a beautiful mane that cascaded down my shoulders like a movie star?

Erm...no!

So, I probably would not say 'Small Talk' did what it says it should on the tin, but it did make my hair feel softer and less knotted, which it usually does as the day goes by.

Also, it has a very sweet blueberry smell to it that certainly can seem a bit sickly - you can smell it all day. BUT, it's not too bad, and certainly smells better than most other products. It will certainly capture the attention of that guy you've got your eye on, as his super sniffing snout won't be able to ignore that pleasant smell that wafts by as you walk past! (Remember: you may have to smell it all day but he doesn't!)

Loula's verdict: Recommended! It's worth a buy if you want a product to soften your locks and supply an attractive smell to your barnet! It's also a very cute purple bottle that brightens up your dressing table...

Loula's Tip: Don't purchase this product from your hair salon! It will cost a fortune!! Instead, get it from eBay. I managed to nab two for the price of one.

Don't buy this product if you are expecting miracles!!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

A Sign of things to come?

I've just switched over to Nickelodeon (yes, I know I'm 26 but the youth inside of me will never leave!) and had a great surprise...

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is on!

Finally, the producers of Nick had a flashback to the classics that made the station what it is (even though Fresh Prince was actually on Trouble...from what I remember...).

I'm hoping that more classic shows will be aired to fulfil the nostalgic void of the post-teens of today.

Other shows that should be revisited are:

• Saved by the Bell
• Kenan & Kel
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch
• Are You Afraid of the Dark?
• Sister Sister

I think we should start a petition...


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Sometimes, Grandparents do the cutest things...

I visited my grandad today and, as it was sunny and we could go out in the garden, he decided to show me all of the plants, flowers and vegetables he has grown in his garden.

I was thrilled to see him pull a potato out of the ground. It was probably the size of a big (kingy?) marble but it was a delightful moment. I was far more excited about it than he was but it has now reignited my desire to grow my own vegetables.

My grandad also pulled off the bud of a poppy and put it in a little plastic bag (one of the ones that you put your coins in to take to the bank) for me to take home and grow my own set of poppies.

Adorable!

Alan Titchmarsh eat your heart out...!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

The Perfect Job

As you may know, after university I hope to be a teacher, but that won't be for another couple of years.

As you may also know, I am looking to buy a humble abode with my boyfriend, Rob.

So, in the meantime, I need to scrape a few pennies together after being made redundant from my previous job. (Boo!)

Now, I am booked in to an agency today to gain some office work (which I have experience with) over the summer holidays.

However, as a writer, I would love to have something that puts my writing to the test. I would love to do reviews for any of my interests, or even challenge myself at writing about anything unconventional. I like to bring an element of light-hearted humour to my writing too to make it fun for both me and the reader.

So, if you would like to help me help you, please contact me. I shall provide a list of my own interests below so you get a feel for what I am familiar with...

• Movies
• Beauty/Fashion
• Video Games (it's true, I'm a gamer!)
• TV programmes
• Books
• Gadgets


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Card Compromisation

Well, as you can imagine, I was shocked and appalled to not only be woken this morning by an early caller (yes, 9:30am is considered early!) but to be informed that my credit card had been 'compromised'.

Apparently, some fiend tried to spend £183 with my card deets.

However, HSBC noticed the odd behaviour on my account straight away (they know I'm a student and only spend my money on alcohol) and intercepted.

Good work HSBC. Hopefully, one day, people won't stoop to theft!

Loula Boos!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Dream a Little Dream

I am trying to work out just why I keep having such bizarre dreams lately - what is triggering them?

As the summer draws ever closer my hayfever is kicking in - could this be the culprit of my midnight antics?

Last night was not my night off.

I awoke in the middle of the night to find myself pulling everything out of my washing basket.

'Why?', I hear you ask.

Good question.

I think I must have woken up halfway through this clear-out to realise that I thought there was a person in there.

I was trying to get rid of them.

Of course - what else would I have been doing?

Each night I anticipate a restful sleep with no interruptions in the form of crazy dreams or antics.

Its just not going to happen!

Zzz


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

What NOT to do in an Interview

Now, you can search high and low across the internet for tips on what to do in an interview. The usual being "always maintain eye contact", "keep your hands on your lap", "dress smartly" etc. These are all very good tips, but sometimes they are just too obvious.

What people need to know are the things that can happen in such intimidating situations but shouldn't.

Here, I am going to offer a few examples of my own experiences that should not have occurred, but did. Looking back, I know that I buckled under the pressure. However, I have learnt from my mistakes and I hope you do too.

Tip #1: Do not walk into a reception/agency/office that you are unfamiliar with and respond to the question "Can I help you?" with "I need some help from [company name]" - You will be greeted with nothing less than a mocking smirk, indicating that this stranger perceives you as a moron. This perception will not grant you a job at this company.

Tip #2: If you are lucky enough to receive a call from the company you have applied to for a job, when they ask "May I speak with [your name]?" do not respond with "This is She!" - You are not the Queen. Apparently referring to yourself as He/She is not acceptable for us mere commoners.

Tip #3: After detailing various points about yourself, such as employment history/hobbies/strengths etc, do not complete your sentence with "And that...is that!". Again, you may be perceived as a moron.

Tip #4: If you are applying for something slightly obscure, such as a position in a shop specialising in an uncommon hobby, do not refer to it, in a relatively sarcastic tone, as a "lost art". It will not be appreciated. No matter how comical it may seem in your head.

Tip #5: I would highly advise you not to suggest that one of your hobbies is singing. Unless you are auditioning for a role as a singing waitress, performing something a cappella during your interview may jeopardise any chance you have of getting the job. I don't think you need me to tell you that, once again, this could portray you as a moron.

So, there you have it. Five tips that should hold you in good stead for any future interviews.

Good Luck!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Bank Holiday Rain

Typical English weather strikes again.

Us Brits are treated to a lovely day off work and what do we get?

Rain, of course.

However, in all honesty, I'm glad of it. My eyeballs have been going crazy these past couple of days due to the pollen attack.

I'm going that a bit of rain will help it simmer down a bit and get rid of that awful itchiness that makes me want to scratch my eyes out.

Dab them in salt water? I wish I could take my eyeballs out and let them marinate in the salty concoction for a few hours. But I reckon even then they will still be covered in pollen.

My throat has also gone on the defence. It feels dry all the time and my nose has decided to close itself off. If it could talk it would be saying "No room at the inn".

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Roll on winter!

Jackpot Joy Bingo? More like Jackpot No Joy Congo!

Last year I joined Jackpot Joy Bingo.  I only deposited £5 a time, just a little something to have a bit of fun with.

It wasn't long before I lost interest.  It was quite boring.

So, to my surprise, a year later (last week) I received a letter in the post from JPJ informing me of a £25 bonus that they had put into my account for me.

What a pleasant surprise.  I was thrilled.

As a student, things like this are like gold dust.  Well, even if I wasn't a student I would be over the moon!

So, yesterday, I decided to put this bonus to good use.

First of all, I won £11.  Unbelievable.  I was very excited.  I played a few more games but no more wins.  However, today, I played again.  I played a game that they have called SNAP! which is similar to Bingo but with five playing cards in a line (you can buy a maximum of five lines for 20p each).  It's quite fun, and rather addictive.

I must have won about 8 times.

I went from the £21 I had left in my account to £51 in about half an hour.  It was extraordinary.  So exciting.  I knew what I would do with this new found money - I'll take out £40 and play with the final £10 to see how my luck draws out.

So, I clicked my way to my account to withdraw the cash.  You can understand my surprise when it said that I had £51 in my account but could only withdraw... £0.00.

WHAT?

This would not do.  I sought out the FAQ link where you could speak to an assistant via online chat.  After several minutes of queuing, I was through...

I explained my predicament to the assistant who investigated the problem through access to my account.  She returned to inform me that I could not withdraw any funds until I had spent a further £46.

*cough*cough*splutter*

WHAT?

At this point I had £47 in my account.

Apparently, because I was playing with a bonus, I was expected to match that bonus with my own £25, and it would seem that whatever I win is not mine either.  I have to spend ALL of that, put my own cash in, then whatever I win I can claim as my own.

There is also a jackpot of £10,000.  So, as I understand at the moment, if I won that, I could not claim it and would have to spend £9,999 on the Bingo website.

Absolute CON.

I expressed my disgust toward the assistant and asked her to forward on my grievances to someone of higher authority.  I think it's absolutely appalling.  I told her that if I'd wanted to spend the £25 I would have, and that the £25 bonus was not a bonus at all.  It was a "conus"!  It concerns me that the games that I have been winning, sometimes winning £10 a game, means that the other players, who have put their own money in, are losing to people with a bonus that does not actually exist.  Disgusting!!

Within my discussion, I also mentioned that I found it appalling that Jackpot Joy would distribute a £25 "bonus" as a ploy to get people to spend a further £25.  They then have the audacity to express concern and offer help for gambling addiction.

It's something I am certainly going to keep my eye on and indeed seems, currently, like a Watchdog situation.

Get me Anne Robinson on the phone...!

Manners

It's fascinating to see what people consider to be classed as manners.

Classed being the operative word when there is this smug perception of what level of 'class' people associate themselves with socially.

I have friends that are from different schools, areas, ancestry, but do I consider them to be any better than me?

Why would I? What gives these people that mythical divine right to believe that they are a better person?

Well, what actually makes them a better person? The fact that they have more money than me? The fact that their IQ is higher than mine? The fact that their Mother or Father is the Lord Mayor?

It's not just class though, there are people who are considered more beautiful than I am. People who are slimmer than me. People who are taller, smaller, with different sized feet and thicker, longer, wavier hair than me.

Newsflash - it all means diddly-squat.

What matters is the way these people treat other people - what matters is their manners.

I'm not referring to the manners associated with eating a meal, or when someone sneezes, or even holding a door open. These are very courteous, but I'm referring to the lack of manners that renders someone innately rude!

You can be formed, moulded even, into someone with etiquette. It doesn't apply to manners.

It's a person's choice to be rude to someone. They can ignore people, laugh at people, point out imperfections, criticise something that another person does, insult their choice of clothing/beverage/car...

Like I said, the person they are on the outside does not make them who they are.

It means diddly-squat.

The materialistic things camouflage their true colours - and when those colours do come out, they are nothing more than a dull grey!

Manners - they are your choice!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Spendaholic

It has gotten to that time of the month again when I open my purse to see that even the moths won't live in there (good job! They are demons!!).

I need to stop spending, but I find that the more I am aware of the budgets I need to make, the more I spend. It is certainly a psychological problem.

Today, I went to New Look and spent X amount of money (let's just say it was more than 50 bones but less than 100). When I was picking up the various items and placing them in my basket, I felt a gravitational pull from the metal rack. It didn't want to let the item go. This made me want it even more. I needed it now!

I wrestled against the rack. An intense game of tug of war. I was determined to win. So was the rack. The knowledge of my 10% student discount spurred me on, chanting like an avid football fan. The rack loosened up and I almost stumbled backwards into a fellow shopper. A shopper who no doubt was going through a similar struggle with her own stubborn rack.

The item was free. Victory was mine. It was MINE! I examined it closely. A vision of beauty that transformed me into a Gollum-esque character. My precious!

Several tackles with various other racks ensued before I was happy with the items that I had collated in my basket.

BUT, this recreational spending has to stop soon. With a mortgage looming in the near future, I need to dedicate the few digits that reside in my bank account towards such a commitment. I need to steer clear of clothes shops and cosmetic companies. My weaknesses.

Surely I can make such a clean break...?!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

A sleeveless Cardigan?

I was just rummaging in my wardrobe for something to wear over my sleeveless top and pulled out a forgotten item. A sleeveless cardigan.

Of course, the sleeveless cardigan! Just what you need when your torso feels the draft but your arms, your arms are on fire...?!

I suppose it serves the same purpose as the fingerless gloves. When you think "oh my, my palms are so cold but my fingers just feel so damn hot. I wish I had an accessory that accommodated such freakish behaviour!"

May I remind you that I live in England. Our days are either hot or cold (although mainly cold) and we have no in-between! A sleeveless cardi and pair of fingerless gloves are invalid items over here.


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Boudoir Bungle - Blog to Watch

I just want to introduce to you the up and coming blog that is Boudoir Bungle.  The blog is just starting out but it is definitely one to watch in the near future...

Boudoir Bungle is where you can find all the latest reviews, tips and advice for anything fashion-based.  She will also make you envious of any purchases she makes - Bungle knows what's HOT!

Boudoir Bungle

A big lover of Celebrity life, Boudoir Bungle will also offer her opinion about what looks good, and what looks downright awful on those not so fashion conscious celebs.

Coffee!!

Master. Maxwell House is my new best friend.

I'm not usually a coffee drinker but as I have assignments due in on Wednesday I have had to force that adrenaline-boosting goodness down my neck.

Needless to say, I'm ready and raring to go. I've already knocked out about 1000 words in the past hour.

I've heard that caffeine also suppresses hunger... Not sure about that!?! Lolzibobs.

Right, I best get cracking with my assignments then. Still a bazillion words to go before I'm finished!

Yeehaw...! (?)


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Escape to Euphoria

Picture the scene...

Water is cascading from the taps, steam is emanating from the hot waterfall. You add a generous portion of pink sweet liquid that rumbles delicately into a mountain of fluffy white bubbles. They grow bigger, softly floating towards the edges until the water has turned into a hot prototype of a wintery scene.

You light several candles that cast deep shadows into the corners of the room. Just you and the bath are the only two that aglow. You add a slight din to the room, it's a love song.

Your leg carefully slips into the water. The bubbles are undisturbed so you invite your other leg, then the rest of your body. The water's heat tenderly prickles at your skin as your mind drifts to an exotic location. A serene Caribbean beach? A quiet meadow? A peaceful forest?

You feel each muscle relaxing, sending a numbness surging through your body. Your eyes are closed and the bubbles continue to lash across you playfully.

You remain in this pool of hot, precious cotton wool for about half an hour. Tranquility.

When you're out of the bath, it doesn't end there...

A white blanket of angel feathers is wrapped around you. It's warm and magically makes the last of the dependable bubbles disappear.

You are then greeted by a toasted set of pyjamas. They're perfectly ironed so no crease clings to your moistened body. They fall blissfully to each curve.

To complete this paradisiacal journey you timidly climb into your freshly made bed. The duvet feels fluffier than usual and you are quickly captured within this envelope of satin that offers a precious scent of lavender and vanilla.

You elegantly drift into an evening of blissful unconsciousness...



- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

The Malevolent Moth

To many, the moth is considered to be just another summer night pest.

To others, myself included, it is a disgustingly hideous creature that appears to be a winged demon.

The way it flicks into a room, knocking clumsily into walls, making its way towards the light is one of the most frightening things I've ever encountered.

I would rather sleep in a room full of scorpions than have to greet a moth. Just the thought of their furry bodies make me want to vomit. They are grotesque and should be extinct. WHERE DO THEY COME FROM??

I blame the deceitful butterfly. I believe they are the cousins of these beasts. If they lived in the human world, the moths would be gangsters and the butterflies would be their molls.

Mafia Moths!

I read recently that, although it is apparently rare, the fear of moths is called 'mottephobia'.

If only it could be winter all year round. At least then we would not have to deal with this little horrors during the summer...


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Hayfever

Ahh, it's that time of year again when my nose gets crusty, my eyes start to itch and everything including my throat and ears get annoyingly itchy.

Happy days! My good friend hayfever has returned...

So, what shall I do for the next three months?

I usually stick to the following:

1. Try and keep the windows and doors shut - especially my bedroom window. Do NOT open it under any circumstance! I know it's horrible and gets stuffy when it's warm, but to combat that little problem I invested in a tall oscillating fan. One of the best purchases I ever made.

2. Wear those big square sunglasses. Not only do they stop the pollen getting to your eyes, they also make you look cool. Obviously don't wear them indoors as you will indeed end up looking like a loser.

3. Avoid going outside.

4. If your eyes do get itchy, please try and avoid rubbing them. I know from experience how tough that is to do but, one year, I got red patches on the whites of my eyes, and I have also developed conjunctivitis on several occasions. Salt water is apparently the key to cleaning the pollen out. I have tried this every year and even if it doesn't actually work, the warm water is very soothing.

Now, I'm going to let you into my secret - I am going to tell you about a very powerful weapon that will help with the hayfever symptoms...

Benadryl

The best one, I find, is the 4 capsules a day one, rather than the one a day. It's so fast acting and all of the symptoms seem to disappear for a few hours. I genuinely recommend this product above any of the others. Believe me, I've tried them all!

I would recommend buying them online though as they can be quite expensive in the shops. If you do do this, however, please - and that is a big please - make sure the site you are buying them from is a legit pharmacy! Look for the green cross
+

WARNING: One final thing... If you do use Benadryl, please be very VERY careful when drinking alcohol. They are very strong and it has been known for people to become drunk, not tipsy, after half a pint of beer. Great for a cheap night, but very dangerous on a mad night out.

Take care and Good Loula Luck xxx

- Loulabella posting from her iPhone