Jessica in the Studio: Deceit

A few photos from my recent stunt in the studio. The theme was deceit and portrayal. 

“It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.” 

― Noël Coward, Blithe Spirit

Living Coasts, Torquay. PENGUINS!

 Tonight is meant to bring the coldest night in three years according to tabloid reports plastered all over my Facebook feed (we will see)- but yesterday brought me penguins. I absoloutely love penguins, and I am lucky enough to live near Torquay. Torquay brings me Living Coasts.

"Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch our entertaining feeding time talks.

Below the decks the fun doesn't stop. With more fascinating habitats and creatures, there are games, activities and panoramic underwater viewing areas for our stunning species..

Open to all, our Living Coasts Café is free entry to non-visitors too, so come in anytime for family friendly, local food and drink with panoramic sea views overlooking the Bay.

Grab some feel good shopping at Tradewinds Gift Shop anytime without visiting the zoo. It's packed with wonderful products to suit all ages, from plush toys and games to books, clothing and confectionary. There's also a huge range of Fair Trade jewellery and local art. All profits go towards our conservation work." 

Quoted from their website: http://www.livingcoasts.org.uk/

 Perfect. It was a fantastic day out, and you actually get to be among the penguins. Day. Made.

 Of course, as ever I was camera happy and had to capture all the cuties I met. 

Enjoy!

Jessica

Laura Mercier: Bath & Body

One of my favourite indulgences in life is definitely bathing. Combine that with the comforting scent of honey, and I am sold.

 Laura Mercier has been generous in the bathing department. This is definitely a more luxurious product compared to "everyday"- but now and again it's nice to have that luxury in your own home. The bath honey comes with a quirky wooden honey dipper which is perfect for running under hot water. The result is a fabulous honey filled bubble bath. Experience the fragrance inspired by artisanal sweet honey and sensual amber.

 The product transforms your bath into a decadent foaming experience with thick, rich bubbles that leave skin supple. With your senses calm and relaxed, let your honey bath do the work.

 Anyone who loves to be pampered will enjoy Laura Mercier products which are mainly for all skin types. 

Finish off your pamper session with one of Laura's indulgent Soufflé body Crème. Definitely the ultimate pick-me-up. 

Products available here;

 http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Bath+and+Body/BRAND_BATH%20AND%20BODY_1582,default,sc.html

2015... a year of change

Happy New Year!

I shall see you all on the other side, this is a year of change for me and it's extremely exciting. In just over 5 months I will be done with university for good, what a scary thought.

Hope you've all had a fantastic holiday break.

Jessica.

Being an Adult Isn't Too Shabby...

  When you are at high school, you usually imagine your 20s to be that far off place that will never ever come around, and if it does it will not be for what seems like a life time away. I used to laugh when "older" people would comment on how quickly everything changes, and how fast the years go by. I never ever thought that would be something I would say, shaking off their comments and getting on with whatever was important in my current 14-year-old life at that time. Fast forward 10 years later, low and behold, the future is here. It's right now. We are always told to enjoy our youth, as it’s the best years of our lives. Growing older however doesn't mean losing the fun you had as a youngster. In fact, it opens a world of opportunity and has many keys that unlock many doors! Here are some of the awesome things I’ve personally found out about growing older...

1) You get the choice of what to do every day, (within reason), who you live with and what country you settle in. You’re no longer your parent’s shadow.

2) You can go to bed whenever you want. You're an adult now. If you want to stay up to 4 in the morning- that's your choice. You don't have to hide that torch under your sheets and listen out for someone who may come and tell you to "get to bed, NOW!" Downside: you also realise you don't quite have the energy you did as a child, and you cannot wait for nap time.

3) You choose what to do with your life. You don't need anyone's permission. (Within reason...) If you want to dye your hair pink? Go for it! That breed of dog you've always wanted and slightly obsessed over by watching videos online? You can have it.

4) Your hormones calm down. Those angsty, teenage years with melodramatic moments do mellow out, usually. Of course you will still have your bad days, but they are usually met with a more rational mind. Experience is priceless.

5) You've made lots of mistakes in your teenage years, and have learnt from them. Now is your chance to grow as a person and realise what you want to do and what you don't. That hard transition from child to teenager has been accomplished. High five!

6) You can sit and enjoy drink in a sophisticated setting. Gone are the days of drinking cheap liquor on a cold, park bench.

7) You get the chance to earn your own money and make your own choices about how that money is spent (once rent and bills are paid for, of course!)There is satisfaction in this. You could save up and travel the world if you really wanted, and yes, you could do that all alone.

8) You learn that in life, you usually get out of it what you put into it. Friendships are a two way thing. Working hard and reaping the benefits is always awesome.

Jessica Martin 

"An attack on one is an attack on us all"

http://blog.prideinplymouth.org.uk/

 Yesterday brought the sunshine and it also brought "GAY PRIDE" to the city of Plymouth. Gay Pride is growing more and more every single year, and it is an absolutely fantastic, well thought out day. Quoted as a day that is about "bringing people together"- and that it definitely is. So many people came together to make it awesome, and namely Ricky-Lee and Jazmine who put on such a fantastic display. The crowds where entertained from early noon to evening- and that is definitely a task in itself. I am happy to say they succeeded and there was not a moment where I was not in awe by what was in front of me. I will forever support causes that will stamp out the horrible hate that still sadly surrounds the world we live in. 

 Check out my snaps from an extremely successful Pride. I am insanely excited for next years already. 


 Well done all who made it great! 

Keep Your Cool (when it's not so cool...)

  August is just around the corner, and lately here in the UK it has been painfully humid. That is me being dramatic by the way, I appreciate we have a very cool climate; however I am simply not used to this sticky heat. I enjoy being fresh and keeping cool... 

 There are many products and tips out there that will enable you to do just that. I have compiled a list of some of my favourite items for this humid heat! They are also perfect if you are lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere exotic soon...

L'occitane Hyrdra Vital Face Mist, 50ml, £12. 
"The Angelica Hydra Vital Face Mist instantly refreshes and hydrates the skin at any moment of the day: in the city, on an airplane, at the beach, or after exercising. "

Hats are definitely in. Look glamorous in this floppy, straw hat Topshop is offering. Imagine sipping a cocktail on the beach wearing this beauty! 

Plait band straw floppy hat, Topshop, £25.

Keep hydrated! Volvic Juiced, RRP £0.99p 500ml. Available at most leading supermarkets. 

Replenish your Electrolytes with citrus and water. This is a vital part of keeping healthy in the heat.

Keep cool in gorgeous light, floaty clothing. This sundress does the job perfectly. Available at ASOS, this Aztec Anicaml Sundress comes in at a purse friendly £25.

http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-cami-sundress-in-animal-aztec/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4416606&clr=Multi&SearchQuery=sundress


Protect your skin! 

Korres Walnut & Coconut Face & Body Suntan Oil SPF 20

£20.00

This suntan oil will MAKE you want to put it on, believe me. Sun protection can be a bit of a chore, and the worst kind are the white thick textured ones that take ages to sink in. This product has changed all that fuss however. It's as luxurious as a suntan oil can get.