University. To go? Not to Go? That Debate.

This post has been a long time coming and was inspired by the chat I had with a friend at college. People are often surprised when I inform them I've graduated university with a BA in Hospitality, and how I decided to go back to college. Yes, I've done my years and I am richer for the experience.

But I'll let you in on a secret, I did not go to university for the right reasons. My decision was prompted not because I was unsure what to do with myself, or because I'm super passionate about business and cooking.

It was to prove a point. I can admit that now.

I felt that I had to prove to the world, that I could do the university thing. That I could make it through the studying and come out with a great achievement. I did it to prove to myself that I could get through to the other side.
That sounds very shallow and yeah, it is. But that was my thinking at the time. Even though I did perhaps go for the wrong reasons, I came out learning the right life lessons:

• I came out learning more about business, including how much fodder human resources can be at times.
• I have learnt that when working as a group there will always be one member, at least one, who does nothing and will still get the same credit for you and your groups hard work. They know who they are and the fact is, they don't give a crap. Try to deal with it maturely. People like this will confront you in all aspects of life and will always get found out in the end. Trust me, they get hated for it and people will purposely avoid them because of this trait.
• I've met lots of people, but only a select few you stay with you in your heart.
• I've drunk some ridiculous concoctions at uni. End of.
• I learnt that my goal is to open my own business, doing what I love (which is baking and cooking...duh...).
• Balancing a job and university work is bloody hard. But really shows to future employers that you can manage your time well. Oh and the extra money isn't that bad either.  
• I learnt to open up my heart again, starting dating and so, fell in love. (3 and 1/2 years later, we're still in love. Awww.... ok Chick flick moment over).  

I have learnt more than I can list. It was all thanks to that shallow decision that turned my life into something positive. That's my rhyme and reason for going to university. I'm so grateful that I went to uni and that the whole experience was worth it, hard, but worth it.

So to go? Not to go? Its a big decision for everyone. With tuition fees higher then ever and employers not hiring graduates because their 'too over qualified', its made the decision even harder. The fees were at a high set price when I applied and so ,it was a natural move. Now students have to pay crazy fees that will be with them for a long portion of their lives. Its not a light decision to make, so I've rounded up some of my friends and family thoughts and feelings on going/not going to uni. These are REAL responses from REAL people, that I REALLY know... REALLY!:

Leanne's advice: "Join a club and meet people!"

Dan (didn't want to go to uni): "Cause I is thick as f**k" 
I dig your honesty Dan.

"Mad" Max's advice (went to uni): "Go on a place and meet people"

Chloe B (Didn't want to go to uni): "I'm too stupid. Being deado serious here."

Ann (Never had the chance to go to uni): "I never had the chance to go to university. I was never good enough. My family was more important to me. I still stand by that decision."

Rob (Uni goer and still studying): "I went for a fresh start and to enhance my career." and his advice: "If something is offered to you. Give it a go. I'll never play OctoPush again, but I gave it a go."

Claudiu's (went to uni) advice: "Experience life abroad and meet people."

Chloe C (Studying at the moment): "University is the best experience of my life! Eyeryone should go! (And at college I never wanted to) so I'm a complete convert."

Emma (Studying at uni too): "I would say don't go just because you feel you have to...if you can find an apprenticeship/internship in the field you want to go into that would ideally be better and cost less. [University]...has been stressful at the start... but starting to settle in now and enjoy it more...but still wish I was more active in looking at other options." Her advice: "Be prepared for people who bullshit...A LOT. Not everyone is sane."

I want to thank all of you who contributed and helped me write this article. I hope this post has raised a point with some readers and has made you think.
Did you go to uni? What advice have you got? Why didn't you go to uni? Let me know what you think

Penny's Top Ten Tips #6 Moving In

Nearly the weekend is upon us. Its within grasp but for now it's only Thursday and that means Penny's Top Ten Tips. This one is close to my heart.

I left home when I was 16 but I stayed with my grandparents to study hospitality and cookery at college. I then moved away for university as a fresher! I enjoyed the experience of meeting people and introducing myself to the uni scene. However, my fun experience was cut short as a family member ended up in hospital and it was looking grim... It turned out fine and the family member made a full recovery. It was an eye opening miracle and I wasn't ready to fly the nest after that, so I moved back with my grandparents until graduation. Its only in my early twenties, that I've decided to take the plunge with Rob (the boyfriend) and move in together. I'm a total fresher* when it comes to really looking after myself, but lucky for me, I've got a very patient and supportive boyfriend. So here is my list on moving into your first rented house...
(*Doesn't mean I'm totally incompetent at looking after myself.)

1. The move won't get done in a day-
Don't be under the illusion that you will be all done with the unpacking in an afternoon. It will be a slow and gruelling process finding where your stuff is going to live and what stuff you forgot to pack... Trust me on this, don't rush the unpacking process it will take a little time, depending on how much you have, set aside a couple of hours a day to unpack a little at a time. 


2. Bring some cleaning materials-
When moving in, I cleaned the place from top to bottom. It was more like a mass sterilisation of the place. But the previous tenants left the place in a state, so we didn't have much choice. Here's the list (within the list) of cleaning products that I recommend that you take (just in case):

• Mop and mop bucket
• Indoor brush
• (outdoor brush if needed)
• White clothes
• Washing up bowls
• Washing up liquid
• Bleach
• Bleach spray
• Window cleaner
• Cleansing Surface Wipes
• Scrub brush
• Green scrub cloths
• Toilet brush
• Bathroom cleaner
• Paper towels

3. Take pictures-
Make sure you take any pictures of any damages, the gas and electric meters. This is to avoid any shocking bills that you may be send, if and when you move out (This will also get your deposit back if you live student accommodation).

4. Get to know your landlord/lady-
Be polite, get their number and get to know them a little, without being a stalker. Unless its a real emergency, treat them like you would an office, call from 9-5pm Monday-Friday. Why? Because no one wants a call at 8pm at night asking how to switch the oven on. When you have an issue its alot more easier to deal with a landlord that likes you. 

5. Family Help-
If your lucky enough to have parents to help you move in, let them. Moving into a place is not the easy and taking advantage of all the help you can will save you lots of time and effort in the long run. Also they may have some knowledge about certain electrical items or how the boiler works perhaps? Its harder to explain that over the phone. 

6. Sort out the bills and suppliers-
The faster you get bills sorted, the better. No-one wants a threatening letter from the water company about that unpaid bill that you got...about 6 months ago...

7. Scope the area-
Does your area have a convenience store? A near-by doctors surgery? Its a good idea to look around your new area to see what is near you. If you haven't got much near you, get to know where the nearest public transport is. 

8. Get to know the neighbours-
I think this is quite important because if you blank your neighbours, they will blank you. What will happen if your missing post and its going next door? But you have no clue about it because you weren't nice enough to introduce yourself to your neighbours in the first place, so they can't return your letters to you! Just exchange pleasantries and see where it takes you. You may find yourself a good friend in the process.  

9. Don't forget your friends-
Once you've moved in tell your friends where you've gone by sending them a change of address cards. It might be worth throwing a house party to show off your new house and to invite your friends to party!

10. Make it your own-
Photo frames of loved ones, pillows, flowers will make your new home more, you. The more little touches you add to your house, the more it will feel like a comfortable place to live. It will take a little time for your new place to feel comfy and homey. 

How did you feel when you first moved? Do you have any tips for moving in?

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?

10 Bits of Advice to Think About During Revison

I'm smack right in the middle of revising for my final ever exams and it sucks. 

I (hopefully), will never have to take an nail biting, sleep depriving and nerve racking exam again. Or at least I don't plan too after these final university exams! I was doodling on my revision book I was studying extremely hard, when I got to a point when I thought: 

"Sod it. I can't take in anymore rubbish about critiquing a 'Blue Ocean Strategy'. 

That's where the inspiration for this post popped up. Revision sucks. We all know it. It bloody well sucks! It can cause the most calmest to freak out, but sadly, it has to be done. In fact this post is dedicated to all those people who are revising and studying hard (or at least pretending to) with my own tips to getting through this stupidly hard and annoying time. 

1. Don't waste your time with revision timetables. You'll waste time making them and you'll feel bad for not following it. Don't waste precious study time on what you should be studying on Monday between 11am-1pm. Just get studying!

2. Eat and stay hydrated! I can't tell you how many times I've been in the 'study zone' and haven't had a drink for about 4 hours. DONT LET THIS HAPPEN! You need to eat. You need to drink. Your brain can't work if its not fuelled. So fuel it when needed.

3. Distractions will find you. Oh I've got to clean my room before I can start revision... I can't work without my highlighters being a straight line. We all have an excuse not to revise but try to push past it.

4. Worrying will not get you anywhere. It won't get you high marks, so try and stay calm and focused. 

5. Have a support network. If you've got friends who are willing to do a study session or revise together then use this opportunity. Your weaknesses in a subject might be a friends strength and visa versa. 

6. Give yourself a break. If your brain has stop taking information in then you are allowed a break. Might I suggest baking these amazing Salted Caramel Brownies for ideal snack during revision?

7. Set a stop time. Whether its after you've finished a topic or at a certain time make an agreement with yourself to stop. 

8. Make a check-list for exam day and pack the night before. So that you don't forget anything- That means your stationary, student I.D etc. With details where you need to be on the day and at the right time. Nothing worse then turning up on the wrong day. This will also put your mind at rest the night before.  

9. Don't bother comparing with others. You can only do the best you can do. When you start comparing with friends and classmates, it will add to the pressure of the exam and who needs that when your trying to figure out the difference between Discourse Lens and Experience Lens in that first exam you've got?

10. Aim for that goal. Having something to look forward to after the exam period is done and over-with. Whether it's a holiday or a meal with friends. 

I hope that this has helped dealing with exams. If this hasn't helped then just think in a month this will all be over and done with!

and remember:

Good luck to everyone doing exams! (including myself yikes!)

Classic Mini Vanilla Cupcakes

Its back to school time, and the weather is slowly changing from the mildly warm summer (we dont get hot weather in the UK), to the autumn (or fall to the USA readers). I think what I'm trying to say is that its time for adapting and changing. I had to adapt and pretend I was completely confident and that I was not nervous or panicky. I recently had to do a presentation on what I've been up to during my placement year. 

I didn't have an epic placement year. I swapped placements 3 times and felt like a failure for swapping so many times, I found that the last placement in an office worked out in the end and I completed my patisserie course. I wouldn't have been able to complete the course unless I moved around. So talking about a placement year that didn't start out great but ended well, was a little nerve racking. 

Standing in front of people who you may not understand where your'e coming from was awful and during the presentation my legs were shaking. 

I worried for nothing. People understood what I went through and they did enjoy the presentation. More importantly I got a little clap at the end. I think that the fact I brought in some mini cakes helped my case. 

Deciding on the 'keep it simple' theme, I choose the classic vanilla cupcakes. You can't go wrong with a classic. I got quite a few compliments on the cute-ness and the delicious-ness of the cupcakes so I was pleased. 

Oh and the presentation went well! Thank-you for those who listened to the presentation. 

Recipe-Makes 48 (Adapted from Cupcakes from Primrose) :

·       110g unsalted butter, at room temperature

·       225g golden caster sugar

·       2 large eggs

·       150g self raising flour, sifted

·       125g plain flour, sifted

·       120ml semi-skimmed milk at room temperature

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Buttercream:

·       110g unsalted butter

·       60ml semi-skimmed milk

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·       500g icing sugar, sifted

To decorate:

·       A colour paste of your choice

·       Sprinkles and decorations

Equipment:

·       Wooden spoon/ spatula

·       Bowl x 3

·       Jug/ small bowl

·       2 x Mini Muffin tray lined with 48 mini cupcake cases  

·       Piping bag fitted with a plain nozzle/ palette knife

·       Teaspoon

1.    Pre-heat the oven to 160c fan/180c/350f/Gas Mark 4 and line the mini muffin trays with cupcake cases.

Step 2. Butter and sugar until pale and smooth.

2.    In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar until pale and smooth.

3.  Add the eggs one at a time, and beat until combined.   

Step 4. Combine the two flours and milk and vanilla extract

4. Combine the two flours in a separate bowl and combine the milk, and vanilla extract in a jug. Add one-third of the flours to the creamed mixture and beat well.

Step 5. The completed cake batter

5.    Pour in one-third of the milk mixture and beat again. Repeat these steps until all the flour and milk has been added.

Step 5. Fill the cupcake cases

6.    Carefully spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases, filling them to about two-thirds full. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until slightly raised and golden brown.

7.    Remove from the oven and leave the cakes in their tins for about 10 minutes before carefully placing on a wire rack to cool. Once they are completely cool, you can ice the cupcakes.

Step 7. Wait until completely cold to ice

8.    To make the buttercream, in a large bowl beat the butter, milk, vanilla extract and half the icing sugar. I did this with a spatula and it took about 5 minutes with loads of elbow grease!

9.    Gradually add the rest of the icing sugar until the buttercream is incorporated, smooth and creamy. 

 These were a real hit in the classroom, it would have been weird if I took photos of people eating. I used confetti sprinkles, glitter sugar, and oreo's to decorate but you can use whatever you want. 

Anyway my main message in this post is no matter what's going on around you, don't lose your confidence and smile. It's not as bad as it seems.
Have a good weekend!