Pudsey gets a makeover

There's always at least one thing that cheers up a drab, cold, miserable November....Children In Need! I've watched it every year on television since I can remember and it's one of my favourite yearly charity shows. Not just the sheer amount of money raised which is fantastic, but the music acts, comedy sketches, incredible stories and of course not forgetting the cute Pudsey bear.

However 2012 sees the redesign of Pudsey himself as 30 established designers have reinvented the original Pudsey, all in the name of charity. Awww.

These bears will be on display in Selfridges London and Manchester until November, when they'll be auctioned off with all proceeds going to CIN. Don't panic if you don't have the purse to bid for one though, as miniture versions will also be sold in stores; win-win!

Some of my favourite Pudsey designs include:
Louis Vuitton (left),
Alexander McQueen (right),

Berry nice

Berry nice by elizabetheast featuring cross body messenger bags

The windy days, red noses and cheeks, ugg boots and brollies, it can only mean Autumn has officiallyarrived. Besides the gorgeous colours of trees that look like they're on fire and the steaming mugof hot chocolate, it can be quite miserable knowing that dark nights are ahead of us for the next four months. Thank god we have fall fashion trends then to keep us going. And this season it's all about the berry shade. So autumn! Whether you use it head to toe or flash it here and there, to make it the statement colour, if it's berry, then it'sright. It has such a warm tone to it, it's making me feel cosier already.

To my fresher self

I've just recently started my Masters in Psychology research at the University of Birmingham. This also happens to be the same university where I did my undergraduate degree in psychology, as I decided I loved studying here so didn't fancy moving somewhere new.

It's been great fun so far, settling back into campus and getting my head around my new course, but I have to admit I've been feeling oh so jealous of the new freshers. Not only do I suddenly feel super old, but it makes me want to rewind and go back to 2009 when it was my turn to be a fresher. By far it was one of the best years of my life. I was lucky enough to love the people I lived with in my halls and loved everything about my course, the uni itself and all the wonderful people I met. However, watching the new students get lost and trying to find their way around got me thinking of so many things I felt like I wanted to say to them, that I wish someone had said to me back then. So I decided to write a letter to my fresher self pointing out the things I know now, but wish I had known then:

Dear Beth,

1. Throw yourself into EVERYTHING. You never know until you try something!
2. Don't be afraid to be YOU - that's what makes people so much more interesting.
3. Work hard - everyone says first year doesn't count, but YES it really does, so treat it like final year.
4. Play hard - even when you think you're too tired or can't be bothered to make an effort. This year will go so fast and before you know it you'll have graduated and entered the big, wide world of work (yuck!) so play whilst you have the chance.
5. Appreciate every moment with your friends. Once you've graduated, it's so hard keping in touch with everyone. People move far away, some go travelling, some move on to new friends, so you will never again have this group of friends all in one place. Savour it.
6. Don't be afraid to put yourself forward for things. The more you do this, the easier it will become when you're working full time and trying to make a good impression.
7. Get as much experience as possible. It's never too early to start getting work experience, voluntary experience and temporary jobs. It will all add to your CV later and you'll be massvely grateful that you did it now rather than leaving it too late.
8. Don't assume you're going to find Mr Right during university. Yes some students do, but not everyone does, so don't force yourself to go actively searching hoping he'll be round the corner. Let love come to you in its own time.

9. Don't get yourself too stressed out over exams or coursework that don't score top marks. It's frustrating, deflating and sucks your enthusiasm quicker than a mosquito, but it gives you a chance to act upon it and improve for next time. Treat it as a learning curve, take a breath and focus on the next project.
10. Remember to look after yourself during term time. Getting so drunk you stumble into a taxi alone is not cool and not safe.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS xxx