Penny's Top Ten Tips: Autumn Activities:Part 2 With Friends

 Hello and welcome to the second part of the Autumn Activities post I did last week, however this week are ten fun things to do with other people while the weather is not at its best.

1. Dinner Party-
Inviting friends for a dinner party is a good way of chilling out while the weather is cold. Mulled wine is optional. 

2. Get Cooking-
Or if cooking is your thing then get your friends to cook a meal together for a dinner party instead. 

3. Book Club- 
Starting a book club with you friends is a good excuse to chill with a good book. Once a month, a group of us discuss a book over Skype and to have a general catch up. 

4. D and D night-
I have a secret to tell you... I love playing Dungeons and Dragons! It's my latest obsession and again its a great excuse to grab your party and go on an adventure, without even leaving your living room. (If your interested I'm a level 4 Gnome Sorcerer called Elphaba.) 
  5.Movie or Series Binge-
Watching a set of movies like the Alien franchise or binging on American Horror Story is a good way to spend time as a group. Just grab some blankets, pillows and plonk on the sofa.

6. Game Night-
Get some snacks ready, and grab that deck of Cards Against Humanity and Articulate set up for a night of laughs.   

7. Spa Evening-
Instead of having a pamper evening on your own, grab a couple of friends and have an old school sleepover style girly evening. 

8. Coffee Morning-
or tea morning if you're not a coffee lover or strapped for time. A quick catch up is nice on its own. 

9. Cake decorating-
Bake a batch of cupcakes, whip up a some various buttercreams or whipped creams, good some food safe colours and grab some edible decorations. Then simply decorate! You can all experiment with colours, different piping skills or go nuts with sprinkles.

10. Chill and Catch up-
This is kind of an obvious one, but invite your friends over, order a take-away and just catch up. This also works if you both don't want to go anywhere, just use a phone. (Pyjamas are optional.) 

Happy Baking!

Penny's Top Ten Tips: Autumn Activities: Part 1 On your Own

Welcome to a Top Ten Tips! This week is about fun things to do while the weather is poor. In fact as I'm writing this post, its horrid outside. Its cold, wet and windy out there. But being cooped up inside can get a little boring, so lets get down to the tips. 

(Image credit:http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/homemade-face-masks/)

1. Spa evening-
Grab your face pack and chill. Having a pamper evening will recharge your batteries after a hard day at work. It's so relaxing to get your nails done, maybe have a bubble bath with a good book.  

2. Learn a new skill-
Having lots of time indoors gives you time to learn something you've always wanted to do. In my case, its French and singing as both of them don't require to go outside! 

3. Bake something!-
Well this is obvious, here's a great suggestion.

4. Hot Chocolate and read a book-
Make yourself a salted caramel hot chocolate, grab a good book (I'm reading 'The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins) and chill on the sofa.  

5. Netflix and Chill-
Pretty much what it says on the tin...

(Image credit:http://byoganow.com/shop/b-mat-strong/)

6. Yoga-
This is an odd one for this list, but doing some relaxing yoga poses can help pass those cold nights in as well as improve flexibility and health in the long run. 

7. Organise a Room-
Putting aside an hour of your time to rid yourself of wanted clothes, jewellery or whatever, but having a sort out will not only clear your mind but clear extra space for Christmas presents. Old clothes can be donated to charity and jewellery can be passed onto family or friends. 

8. Listen to music-
Catching up with the radio or latest music has always been a favourite pass-time of mine. Find some new music using Spotify, Youtube or by scanning the radio. 

9. Start writing-
Whether its a novel, screenplay or a set of poems, let the weather inspire you to write something amazing.

10. Cook an incredible meal-
Starter, Main course, and Dessert for yourself and test those cooking skills. 

Happy Baking!

Penny's Top Ten Tips #8 Surviving the Gym

Welcome to Penny's Top Ten Tips, its the 8th one! Sorry there has been a bit of a delay with the T.T.T, but lets not hesitate with this one. Lets begin... 

1. Wear something comfortable-
While exercising its best to wear some comfortable shoes, comfort top and trousers, etc. Oh, and a good sports bra really is helpful. No one wants to see your jubblies bouncing around while on the treadmill.

2. Avoid wearing make-up-
Your going to be sweating... do you really want to have a melty make-up face? No. Avoid the slap and go au natural...make-up wise... 

3. Stay hydrated-
Its common sense really. Stay hydrated between exercise.

4. In your gym bag...-
Water, towel, deodorant, a small towel and a mp3, if your a podcast/music lover.

5. Don't be intimidated-
People aren't looking at you or judging you. Get that in your mind. Everyone is at the gym for the same reason-to exercise and improve their health. The best thing to do is to do the step below...

6. Focus on your exercise-
Ignore the other people around you and focus on what your doing. Not what you look like or what your listening to your mp3 player, just on your exercise.

7. Speak to the trainers-
Some gym trainers can be really intimidating. I've been to a gym that has been really supportive, helped me with the machines and gave me some general advice about fitness and so made going to the gym less of a chore. I had to transfer to another gym because I moved, I was given a 5 minute tour and sent on my way... I did not receive another interaction and was given a guest pass to use because I my pass... "was delayed/at the printers/are you sure you've signed up to THIS gym?" I swiftly ended my membership. If you don't feel comfortable chatting to the trainers at the gym or are treated badly? Leave. Its not worth the money.

8. Push yourself (to an extent)-
You'll hear people pushing themselves to get the best out of their exercise and I do agree, to some extent. I do believe in pushing yourself, but if you have a medical problem or back problems then the only one who will suffer is you at the end of the workout.

9. Make a little goal -
Rather than focusing on the end goal, focus on the little goals like beating the number of miles you do while on the bike. If you train yourself to focus on little goals, it will make the gym less tedious and draw attention away from the clock.  

10. Reward yourself-
After you've been to the gym, you will have a mixture of feelings: tired, elated, relieved and proud and maybe some others. My point is, if the gym session was very tiring reward yourself with something a relaxing bath or shower, a face mask or reading a good book. Try and avoid something food related because that can reverse the work you've done at the gym!


Do you gym it? Is it a chore or a pleasure going to the gym?

Penny's Top Ten Tips #5 Blogger Block

Can you believe its already week 5 into top ten tips? Wow!!
Its been a been great so far. We've had Graduation Week Tips, Planning the Perfect Picnic, Party Prep for Grad Balls, and How to write a Restaurant Review. This week I'm giving you my top ten tips on Blogger Block. Its like writers blog but for bloggers. You get the gist, not lets get to the list!

1. Read, read, read-
When I say this, I'm not limiting this to blogs. Magazines, newspapers, books and web articles can not only expand your views and keep you informed of the latest news, but it may provide you with some blogging ideas.

2. Join social networks-
My personal favourites are Pinterest and Bloglovin. I am so glad (and grateful) that I found these websites. Bloglovin is a great way to read all your favourite blogs in one place. Not only does it get your name out in blogosphere,  you get a reading list of all the latest posts of your favourite blogs, which provides you with some good reading and inspiration. You can also save your favourites for future reading. This applies to Pinterest, you can save recipes for further reading or just gorge on food porn for inspiration.

3. Do something outside of the comfort zone-
I'm a food blogger and its highly unusual that I do anything but blog about food. Sometimes there are exceptions, such as this top ten list, like this one! But why not do a beauty post? How about fitness? A crafty post about that awesome papermache mask that your kid did? Its your blog and you can post whatever you like.

4. I think I'd like to phone a friend Penny-
You never know a friend or family member that may have a good idea to blog about. They may even want to write a post for the blog, if they fancy a go.

5. Lists never fail-
Top ten lists (again like this) can be a blogging life saver. If you are stuck and haven't got a clue what to write about then go with a list. Favourite product list, best playlist for jogging etc. You get the gist.

6. Take a walk-
Sitting at a computer and hoping for something to pop in your head... well it can happen but often it doesn't. Switch off the computer and go for a walk. No-where special, maybe just down to the shops just to clear your head. You may find that walk will do you a world of good and it may turn out to be a eureka moment.

7. Quality not Quantity-
No matter how much writer blockage you have (is that a thing?), I think consistency is very important when running a blog. But I also think publishing something for the sake of  publishing can result in a poor quality post. Time management is the key here. Write a good decent post about something your passionate about as people can see through something that's fake or just been posted to meet a deadline.

8. Write it down-
If you have a single vague idea, don't let it escape you. Write it down somewhere your going to see it, and not on a post-it. They will go missing.

9. Pictures speak louder then words-
Looking at old photos of you and your family may spark an idea. When I came up with Two Toned Icing Cupcakes, it was really an excuse to celebrate my friend Naomi leaving the UK for an amazing job opportunity but it was by looking at old pictures of me and my friend that the idea came about. (Luckily, Naomi is back!! So yay!!!)

10. Teamwork-
Maybe its worth writing with someone else. That is rather then you or someone else write the post by yourself, you work as a team instead.

I hope you've enjoyed this weeks Penny's Top Ten Tips.
What do you do when dreaded blogger block hits?

Penny's Top Ten Tips #4 How to Write a Restaurant Review

Its Thursday! You know what that means? Its time for Penny's Top Ten Tips! This week its: How to write a restaurant review! 

1. Know a little about the place your eating at-
You most likely do this already but check out and research your restaurant before you go. Do they have an interesting back story? What is the chefs inspirational story? (because all chefs have stories like that..) Keep a note of all of these things when writing up the review.

2. Book a window seat to maximise light-
Unless its really cold that is. By sitting near the window you'll be able to fully use natural light to your advantage when taking a picture with your smartphone or camera. By the way, turn the flash off. There's nothing more frustrating when you've got a snap happy dinner guest taking pictures using a flash. I want to see my food not little bright spots in my face.

3.Keep the palate arranging to a minimum-
Don't mess with the chefs work. Leave the plate as it is. Whether its picture perfect or otherwise, just leave the plate alone if you want an honest representation of your dish.

4. Take a notebook, pen and camera-
Obviously, so you can make some tasting notes...

5. Make notes as you go-
I'm not joking with this one. I've eaten a 3-course meal and stuffed it so fast I didn't put pen to paper and didn't make a single note. I wanted to write up a good review and couldn't remember the names of dishes or what I enjoyed the most about the experience.  

6. Aim for independent restaurants-
Again this is a no brainer but avoid branded chain restaurants such as Loch Fyne. There are some great places to dine out that are just down the road from you, just itching to be discovered!

7. Grab a dictionary-
Everyone is guilty of this. We all use repetitive words such as yummy, delicious, scrummy etc. It may take a couple of reviews to expand your vocabulary and really get into the swing of things. 

8. Be honest- not harsh or too fluffy
When I used to write reviews I was too nice and kind. I could be smacked in the back of my head with a plate in a restaurant, without an apology [its happened], had sub-par food and flat atmosphere AND I still tipped and written a decent review because I'm a soft spot... but on the other-hand, that doesn't mean I can a totally arse-butt about it! You can't then stream out really bad stuff because your outraged about your white wine being too cold.... 
It's best to keep yourself balanced and the review will remain balanced.  

9. Try something different-
Your going out for a meal, scanning the menu and do you often find yourself leaning to something comfortable and familiar? Well push the boat out and order something you can't make at home or don't normally have. This will then give you something interesting to write and hopefully, you can find a new foodie favourite. 

10. Enjoy the experience-
Try not to get too bogged down in the reviewing process. Enjoy the meal for what it is. Its a fun food review not an essay

Have you written a restaurant review? Share in comments!

Penny's Top Ten Tips #3 Party Prep for a Graduation Ball (or some other special occasion!)

Hi and welcome to the third Penny's Top Ten Tips! I hope you enjoyed last weeks post. This week I'm focusing on party prep. I've been and gone to my own Graduation Ball it seems like a good idea to tell you my top ten tips for being uber organised before and on the party night itself. Of course this can apply to any special occasion or party.

1. Sleeping Arrangements...-
Ok keep your jokes to a minimum here by sleeping arrangements, I mean having a place to stay for the night. If the venue is not near home then you need to make some early arrangements for where your going to crash for the night. Find a hotel near you or stay with a close friend that you feel comfortable with, as most likely you'll be getting ready for the party here.

2. Dress Sense-
Dress for the occasion by selecting a suitable outfit-dress, playsuit or whatever. In this case, this occasion was a graduation ball, so formal and dressed to impress. Although I'm going to offer some advice here as much as a big puffy dress would have been lovely, and princessy, its sadly not practical. I knew Was going to bust out some moves on the dance floor so a long puffy dress... not so good. If your planning on dancing, short or 3/4 length dresses are perfect. The same applies with shoes, if you know your on feet (or doing the macarina) high-heels are the enemy. If you must have killer heels carry some blister plasters and a pair of roll up shoes that can get stuff into a purse for emergencies. 

3. Save Money-
As much as you want to pay for the £350 dress that you know is perfect and you'd so wear it for other occasions. No. Put that purse down and move your mouse away from the PayPal button. Look at other options, check out Ebay, Amazon, charity shops, or ask your sister really nicely to borrow that nice dress that your lusting for or do what I did- pop to a dress hire shop and check the options. Reuse jewellery that you already have to glam up your outfit. I purposely chose blue and silver as I have tons of silver coloured jewerally and I look damn good in blue. 

Dress Hired £30 from Cinderella's Lifestyle (£20 deposit which I got back) 
Shoes-Dorothy Perkins £15 (marked down in the sale from £22)
Bag- Dorothy Perkins £0 (Already had this bag and just reusing it) 
Earrings-Accessorize £0 (Anniversary rom my boyfriend 2 years ago)
Bracelet- Accessorize £12 (I think it was a little while ago I bought this.) 
Ring-Accessorize £0(Christmas present) 
Total outfit cost: £61 

4. Saving money on party prep-
If you can do the party preping yourself then you'll save mega bucks on expensive treatments like facials. If you have a beauty therapist friend who needs to practice on, be the test dummy. It will cut costs and help out a friend. If not be your own beauty therapist. Here's what I spent when I did it myself. Again like tip 3, I used make-up that I already have so I didn't need to spend loads. 

The Prep:
Body Shop Shower Gel in Grapefruit  £0 (Already had this but otherwise £4) 
Nivea Invisible Black and White Clear Deodorant £0 (Gosh I really hope you  have deodorant but just on the off chance its £1.64)
Lush Love Lettuce £0 (Free as I brought back 5 black pots into Lush- normally £6.25 but can be used for more than one facial) 
Veet Hair Removal Cream£8.99 (Great investment as its a massive bottle which will last a while)
Revlon Nail Polish in Blue Eyed Girl  £0 (Already had this-Normally £3.69)
Barry M in Silver Foil Effect (Already had this and I think it was a limited edition however Rimmel has an alternative for £3.69) 
Hair Styled £17 (I knew a professional hairdresser who was happy to offer a friends and family discount)
Lush Shimmy Shimmy £4.75 
Total Cost: £30.74 (If buying new £42.63 in total)

Make-up
Benefit the POREfessional Primer £0 (Already have this-normally £24.50) 
No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation £0 (Already use this-but £13.50) 
Benefit Theyer Real Mascara £0 (Already use this- £19.50)
Benefit High Beam Highlighter £0 (Got this as a Christmas present but normally £19.50) 
Benefit Hervana Blusher £0 (Again another Christmas present-normally £23.50) 
Urban Decay colours £0 (Received this as a present for my birthday) 
Total Cost: £0 Spent nothing on new make-up as I felt I had enought to get me through (If buying new its a massive £100.50!! If you use the products often and they work for you its a worth while investment.) 

5. Pack what you need for the evening-
Obviously if your staying somewhere overnight pack a sensible bag of toiletries, party prep stuff etc. In your going out bag or purse you will need the following: phone, ticket, to get in venue, keys to house/hotel, hairband, lipstick/lipgloss, facepower and plasters. That is it. Don't be tempted to chuck everything in, its a hassle to worry about if you've got a purse full of make-up.

6. Have some spare money just in case-
There's nothing worse then realising you don't have enough cash on you for food and drinks out. I don't bring my cash card as it can get lost or stolen more easily on a night out. Take out the cash you plan to spend for drinks, transport home and at least £10 as emergency money. Keep this money somewhere different from your purse, so if your purse gets lost you still have some cash to help you get home. 

7. Fully charge your phone before the night-
Common sense really. I mean you are most likely going to take photos, update your facebook status, texting and the list goes on...   

8. Don't forget to eat!-
You know those people who say before a night out- "If you're having booze, eating is cheating". You know what I say to that? Screw you. I love my food too much to give it up for alcoholic drinks. You go out on an empty stomach, you get drunk easily. You get drunk easily, you look like someone who can't handle their drink. And who looks stupid now? Don't ruin a good night because you forgot to eat beforehand. Have a meal with pasta or rice to absorb the alcohol. Also milk is good before a night out as it lines the stomach and helps absorb alcohol. 

9. Stay as a group while partying -

This is a kind of safety in numbers type of hint. Stay in twos when going from place to place like restrooms or getting taxis home. In my opinion partying as a group can be a laugh as well as safe. 
  
10. Arrange your transport home-
Arrange beforehand when your planning to get home and how. Booking a head of time takes the hassle out of fumbling around for a taxi number in the middle of the dancefloor. Also its one less thing to worry about. Little hint, book your transport 15 minutes later then you normally would, just so you can round up your group or have one last dance.

Most of all, have an excellent time and remember the party prep should be fuss free and add to the excitement.

What's your favourite party tip?

Penny'sTop Ten Tips #2 Planning the Perfect Picnic

Welcome to the second Penny's Top Ten Tips! To start with, a few weekends back was the first time I ever went on a picnic. That's right. I've never been on one! My boyfriend was down for the weekend and he thought that was so sad that we decided to go for it and plan a picnic!

In Hyde Park, London no less. We went on a sunny Saturday afternoon with a couple of bottles of cider, a cheapy mini bottle of prosecco and some foodie goodies. So learning from this wonderful experience here is my tip tops for planning the perfect picnic. 

1. Check your location-
The ideal location for your picnic should have a lot of room for your group to eat and maybe play some games. Locations such as a park, beach or a really big back garden near your house.

2.Check the weather-
There's nothing worst then getting to your picnic spot and its just about to pour down with rain. Not fun. Once you've confirmed your ideal, check the weather and keep yourself updated. If the weather is terrible for your chosen day you may need to, -dare I say it-, take a rain-check!

3. Have a 'basics' list-
I do love lists. In fact this will end up being a list within a list. That's how much I love lists. This one is my personal picnic list, that is a fail safe. Your basic picnic list should be remembered or written down on some cute stationary and add any extra items accordingly:
           *Blanket
           *Bottle opener
           *Plastic cups
           *Disposable cutlery and plates
           *Napkins
           *Straws
           *A spare plastic bag to get rid of rubbish
           *Cool bags/Ice Box
           *Camera

4. Keep in mind how many people are you catering for. I say this as very often many picnic goers pack too much food and much of this is thrown away and wasted. I don't know about you but I can't stand wasting food. To avoid this pack only what you need. For hungry two people for example, 2 sandwiches each, 2 drinks, 2 water bottles, 4 cookies each, 1 cake slice, 1/4 quiche slice and 2 packets of crisps. I mean its up to you what you bring as its your picnic. My ideal picnic foods are Pissaladiere, Chocolate Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheese and Tomato Quiche, Chocolate Cola Cake and sandwiches made with my Assessment Bread

5. Food needs cooling-Cool bags are your friend!
 If your location is on public transport taking a massive cool box may not be visible. If your taking a car, then by all means go for it. If your having a small picnic that requires some travel then cool bags are a life saver. You can turn any back-pack into a portable-fridge with enough these cool bags! They will keep the food as fresh as possible while traveling.

6.Pack only what you need-
 I suppose I've made this point once already in step 4 but I'm talking about the extra stuff. I'm talking about the Ipad, the miniature stereo, the extra pair of flip-flop shoes, the other blanket, and a kitchen sink because you never know. This is a bit exaggerated of course but don't over-pack with stuff that you will not use.

7.Protect yourself!-
Sitting in bright, warm weather is a simple pleasure in life. Moments like that can be ruined by sunburn. Sunblock, sun-glasses and hats if the weather is scorching hot. I know you've heard this all before but sunburn pain is not worth it. You'll thank me for it later.

8. Live in the moment-
Enjoy the day for what it is and try not to live on your phone. Its a hard habit to break not to keep updating your facebook status  or posting an awesome picture of your picnic food every five minutes (both which I'm guilty of). Don't get me wrong take some pictures, and actually enjoy the picnic-Right there and then- rather than in cyberspace. You can always upload pictures when you go home.

9. Stay hydrated- Always bring a bottle of water with you on a hot day. Keep your water levels up to avoid de-hydration. Common sense really.

10. Have some games planned-
Frisbee, volleyball, football, rugby, the possibilities are endless. Some other games including my personal favourite which my friends Sofia and Farah introduced me to is: Snog, Marry or Throw off a Cliff. Sofia and I played this game whilst in Disneyland Paris to pass the time while waiting for the Disney Dreams Firework Show. It requires nothing but the imagination. You can play with as many people as you like as well.
How it goes is someone picks a theme such as Disney Villains.
The other players must decide on 3 people for the first player to either kiss/snog, marry or throw of a cliff. The first player has to come up with an answer and a reason why they would pick that person and then is moved on to the other players. If a player refuses to answer then they are out of the game. There are no winners or losers but its so funny to play.

Example: Disney Villains
Other Players: Who would Snog, Marry or Throw off the Cliff... Javar? Captain Hook? or Doctor Facilier, AKA"The Shadow Man"?

First Player: Seriously? Fine.... I'd marry Captain Hook cause he has a boat... Snog Doctor Facilier cause he's... kinda hot? And I'm throwing Javar off the cliff because he's a moron. ..

Its always such a laugh to play this, mix it up by adding real celebrities, Harry Potter characters, anyone that you feel is cringy enough to make people squirm.

This is the last unofficial point in the post, remember to leave the place as you found it. Pick up any bits of rubbish and pack up everything so your perfect picnic spot is ready for the next person to enjoy.

What's been your favourite picnic location?

Penny Top Ten Tips #1 Graduation Week Tips

Welcome to week 1 of Penny's Top Ten Tips. What to focus on this week? As it's graduation season, I thought I would put up some advice from someone who has got through the university process. Its also a kind of wrap up of the last 4 years of balancing work, socialising and studying. The only way to describe it is like finishing a chapter of a book and moving onto the next one.

So that was uni. Also just like to point out I graduated with a 2:1, I know-I'm just so amazing (ha! Don't lie Penny).

So follow these tips on how to deal with leaving university and your graduation.

1. Attend your graduation-

My class had a lot of international students. From Hong Kong to Romania, they all made the effort to come together and celebrate as a class. I really recommend going as its a good opportunity to celebrate with family, friends and classmates. Also you get to dress up like a super hero and wear a cheeseboard on your head... very pretty.

2. Attend your graduation ball (or another night out with classmates)-
I can't describe how much fun my graduation ball was. I got my arms done all with snowflakes, I got to see a snake, I saw a lion dance- and had a little too much to drink. Wild night. It was such an enjoyable night. If in the unlikely event that your university doesn't do a grad ball then organise a night out for you and your classmates yourself!

3. Stay calm-
Its very easy to get stressed out with graduation ball and your graduation. Make sure that your super organised and that everyone knows what they are doing. I had to organise 4 people who were arriving at different times to get to one venue. Its not easy but it can be done especially if everyone knows what the plan is. Also, don't get upset when one of your party forgets the plans. No matter how many times you explain the plan, you will have to explain it one more time.

4.Get emotional-
University is a massive part of a students life. It eats up 3 to 4 years of your life and all of a sudden its not there anymore. Its completely normal to cry or go a bit crazy with excitement because, (unless you're doing a post graduate degree), you only get to do graduate once.

5 Enjoy your moment-
Your graduation should be a selfish moment. You've worked so hard, so yes, you deserve it.

6 Don't lose touch-

Keep in contact with classmates, friends, tutors, and even the university. Most universities have a alumni, which is when you finish you will always be part of the university and can still offer career services. Send the odd email or even better send a letter. People love getting post :)

7 Enjoy that last student summer...-
This is the only summer you may get as a student, so really enjoy it. Go on holiday, see as many friends as you can and live in the moment. You get this opportunity to really enjoy yourself before the full-time job sets in.

8...But don't forget to look for a job-
While your enjoying your summer, put aside one hour dedicated to career-time. This can be updating your LinkedIn profile, organising your CV,general job searching and networking. It will save you the panic, when you're asked: "So have you got a job yet?"

9 Arrange a meet-up in a year-
Its sort of like a university reunion, send out a message hinting to meet up with everyone at a suitable location. (Maybe at the university students union?) It will be nice to see everyone in a year to see what you have all been up too!

10. It will be a mixture of a feelings...it totally normal-
You may feel overwhelmed, excited, or down because its all over. The journey you did a few years ago has finished. Its the end of an era. Its been such a big part of your life that its hard to let go of it. You may find yourself walking away from the graduation and thinking: "Was that it? Its over?" Its sad but there is so much to look forward to. Holidays, a new career, moving out of your parents house, and well, moving out into the big wide world!

Congratulations and thank-you to all of my classmates, tutors and friends for making my years at university and graduation special. Do you have any tips for planning a graduation?