Is University Now The Norm?

Because after paying 9k a year you still are not good enough.

Every 18 year old across the UK knows exactly what they want to do with their a-levels. For some people it is University. The big scary thing that is pushed onto every person since about the age of 11. At least in my sixth form I could not go a day without hearing the word “University”.

Is it a huge pressure for 18 year olds now a days that didn’t exist not even ten years prior? This time thirty years ago I could bet my bottom dollar that I would be enrolled into some kind of secretary course while my male counterparts were being pushed into university. But now in the modern I am studying
Sociology without a clue with what to do next.

Now more and more people are choosing to go to university with the idea that it will help you achieve a better job and salary in the future. (See meritocracy in the previous post to see how this indeed is an unfair system). Now Universities are packed to the brim with students from all over the world and now more and more people are getting degrees, and you might have heard that now more than ever your degree choice and where you study is mattering more. Those who go to the Russell group universities appear more elite than those who go to the redbrick.

So if an undergraduate degree is now the norm, what is next? Before you know it further stresses will be put on the youth to not only carry on their education to 21 but now 22. Master degrees will now become the norm. After that? Doctorates. After that? Who knows?

Because of this normalization it means that the middle class are gaining more and more dominance in society and the working class are once more falling short. Not only that but mental health issues will continue rising.

As societies thirst for capitalism and more money grows this situation will only get worse. Now more than ever with each job you get more and more applicants with better and better CVS.

Amelia

Check out this post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

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Items mentioned-

This was not a sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Is it true that if I work hard I can be successful?

Because humans are naïve by nature.

Growing up you might have heard “If you work hard you can achieve whatever you want”. Of course this might be true in some aspects you might be able to work hard enough and go to University, you might be able to work hard and achieve your fitness goal and you might be able to work hard and achieve your dream career. However, I am talking about working hard in another way. Working hard for that green- money.

The image of working class children becoming ‘successful’ by becoming millionaires is often the dream. But the fact is this is a small minority. There is not a huge amounts of Lord Alan Sugars walking around. Instead the top 1% often inherit their wealth, are born into wealth, inherit a business or they are lucky. The truth is to become a millionaire you either have to be lucky or in the top 1% from birth.

You might believe that what I am talking is not the truth and just some ‘lefty’ rubbish. But no this is coming from a contributor and a voter of the conservative party, who ironically does sociology. (Trust me every day that I do sociology I jump slightly more to the left).

From day one we are brain-washed into thinking that the system is meritocratic- fair and that if you work hard you will be at the top. However, for this to work those at the top would fall down and those at the bottom would reach the top (social mobility).  As you can already tell this is not the case.

From day one middle class children have an advantage over the working class children. Whether this be because they buy education through the private system or they can afford to buy a tutor over the weekends. Working class children rarely get this benefit and therefore have to work twice as hard to achieve what middle class children can achieve. So no the education system and society as a whole is not meritocratic. It is rather unfair.

So what is a way to fix this? That I do not know.

Amelia

Check out this post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

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http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

Items mentioned-

This was not a sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Is True Equality Ever Achievable?

Because One Can Hope.

Equality, whether it be between the sexes, between the races, or between the LBGTQ+ community. Somewhere someone is fighting for the equality that they deserve. In today’s society the struggle for Muslims to achieve equality in the west is more difficult than ever. In the middle east females are struggling with issues of FGM. In America the divide between 

African Americans and other American groups is also regressing.

In times like this it is hard to see the end to inequalities happening any time soon. Even in the most successful countries such as the UK, inequality is very much present. Laws such as ‘The Equal Pay Act 1970’ do not seem to be tackling the pay gap between male and female counterparts.

The inequality lies much deeper than the law. Anything and everything lies key to the cause of inequalities. Whether this be the education system, cultural values or tradition. Sociologically speaking it has been found that the stop and search crime is actually a way of targeting minorities in the UK due to institutional racism.

So the question is can we somehow reverse all of the past and cause equality? My personal answer is no. I certainly think we have made some huge progress over the past 10 years in achieving equality in some aspects such as the legalization of gay marriage across the United States. But we have also regressed in some areas, especially in racist tensions.

Inequality is becoming more transparent with the emergence of social media. For example, I go onto one music video starring a female in a bikini, the comments will be filled with “wow put some clothes on”, where as a male counterpart will get comments such as “sexy”.

Equality has reached its peaked and we are now regressing. We can only get somewhat close. Even now we have a very long way to go to even achieve some sense of equality.

So whether we do achieve 100% true equality, it will not be in our lifetimes that’s for sure.

Comment Question- Do you believe that equality can be achieved globally whether this be equality between the sexes, races or homosexuals?

Amelia

Further reading-

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-equality-even-possible

https://bigpictureeducation.com/equality-possible

Check out this post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

Previous Post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

Items mentioned-

This was not a sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

P.S expect big changes soon. When I come back from my holiday on the 17^th. Jasmine and I are having a meeting about a new blog design and schedule.

Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon

A good bath bomb is my favourite bath time companion, without one I don't feel there is a point and you may as well just take a shower and save on water. Lush bath bombs and bubble bars are my unquestionable go to products, there is always so much choice and variety and I always get stuck in and sniff each one to see what one I like. I cut up the bath bombs or bubble bars into chunks so each bomb or bubble bar normally lasts me around four baths.

This bubble bar is a radiant yellow, and in the shape of a macaroon, it grabbed my attention as soon as I saw it because it looked so decadent and luxurious. It smells like chocolate and coconut - it makes me think of sunshine and cocktails! If you're getting sad that Summer is on its way out and Autumn is looming then this sweet bath treat will make you feel like you're swirling in a cool turquoise pool in the Caribbean sipping a piña colada. 

I crumbled a quarter of the macaroon into the bath and the bath, the water turns a yellow colour which may put some people off but it makes me think of sunflowers and a bright summer day. This is a very nourishing and moisturising bubbleroon and it is vegan and made from natural ingredients. Ingrdients include cocoa butter and shea butter, banana, avocado butter and grapefruit oil - so this bubbleroon will make you feel fresh, revitalised and properly pampered. The yuzu and cocoa bubbleroon contains moisturising ingredients which leaves your skin super soft and silky. I would recommend this product if you want a relaxing and luxurious bath that brings you sunshine whatever time of the year. 

Lush | Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon

I bought this product in Lush in Leicester and it costs £3.95. Feel free to let us know what your favourite bath bomb is! See you next time :)

Jasmine

P.s. If you want to read more content like this then please check out the rest of our Blog for beauty and lifestyle posts. Amelia's latest post is about equality and is a great thought provoking read!

This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

Holiday Travel Bag: What’s Inside?

because we all like to take a little bit of home with us.

When travelling I have to take a travel bag full of goodies to keep myself occupied for the trip ahead. I also might have a tendency to over pack. However, I do pack the essentials for the long journey ahead.

This year I am going on a cruise around the Mediterranean. Although I do not have to get on a plane as we board in Southampton, I still feel like a travel bag is essential. When deciding to pack an item I always ask myself three questions. Is the item going to occupy my time? Is the item going to comfort me? Is the item small? This is to ensure I know I am not bringing an item just for the sake of it. Here are my travel bag essentials.

Firstly, decide on a bag. Think of small here. Too big will be annoying to move around and too small will not carry all your essentials. Here I opted for a rucksack. This is because the weight will be distributed on my back evenly, it is easy to carry and it has the perfect amount of room.

Pictured- New Look Bag. £20.

Time is next. What will occupy me while we are sitting in traffic or waiting to board. For me usually I would opt for a book on a flight, but since this moment will be few and far between I chose a magazine. I usually choose fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines.

Pictured- Cosmopolitan Magazine. £1.

As for Comfort I always pack some ibuprofen (just in case) and any other medication I might need. Recently I purchased some anxiety chewing gum and mouth spray to help with any anxiety I experience on the day. I would highly recommend anyone with anxiety carry these products around as they are great for on the go.

Pictured- Nelsons Bach Rescue Spearmint Chewing Gum. £4.89. Nelsons Bach Rescue Remedy Spray. £10.69.

Finally, just add some small essentials such as your purse, passport, sunglasses and a bottle of water. Ladies ensure to take sanitary options. You are then good to go.

I wish you all a great holiday wherever you are going.

Comment Question- What is one item that you like to pack in your travel bag?

Amelia

Further reading-

https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/travel-bag-essentials/

Check out this post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

Previous Post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/cat-calling.html?spref=fb

Items mentioned-
New look leather look bag- http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/pink-leather-look-backpack_381702170?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_3817212_CR_86246095354_DV_c_PPI_259169086114&tmcampid=155&tmad=c&tmplaceref=UK_PPC_PLA_3817212_CR_86246095354_DV_c_PPI_259169086114&gclid=Cj0KEQjwo5--BRCS8ceLjv-XppUBEiQAGp15EH3KrvRPLZyDzZNW-TDQboKJ5GWPopPqLAk9otz3uPQaAtL78P8HAQ

Cosmopolitan- Available at most supermarkets and WHSmith.

Nelson Bach's Rescue Remedy Products- http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/nelsons-rescue-remedy-spray-60082650

This was not a sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

P.S expect big changes soon. When I come back from my holiday on the 17^th. Jasmine and I are having a meeting about a new blog design and schedule.

Cat Calling

Another way the patriarchy sexualizes the female body.

Picture this a grown woman walking down the street, minding her own business when a car drives past her, beeping their horns and yelling obscenities out of the window such as ‘whore’. A group of males fantasying over the image of a girl in jeans and a t-shirt. Using every ounce of their male privilege to prove that the patriarchy still exists and is still real. Making the girl feel harassed, embarrassed and unimportant.

That girl a few weeks ago was me. I knew cat calling happened, but I never expected it would happen to me. Despite what you think, cat calling happens to everyone. Young, Old, Black, White, Tall, Short, Rich and Poor. Even a minor number of males might experience this small part of inequality in-just.

You see Cat Calling might be flattering for the few. But for the majority it is very much so ‘street harassment’. This very much goes hand in hand with the rape culture society with live in. If a male feels powerful enough to street harass a woman, he might feel more power to physically assault another woman.

Society has normalised this type of behaviour, due to years of living in a patriarchal society. And the end of this behaviour does not seem to be in the near future. And if I am 100% honest I doubt that cat calling will ever completely diminish.

So how can we minimise cat calling? Education. Education is the key to socialising males and females into the right behaviour for adult life. Feminism needs to be taught in schools more. It is also up to local councils to police street harassment. Finally, it is up to feminists to campaign again this harassment.

There is a way to tell a woman that she is attractive without making her feel like an object for your satisfaction.

Comment Question- Have you ever been cat called? How did you feel at the time?

Amelia

Further reading-

http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/2010/11/cat-calling-and-rape-culture-go-hand-in-hand/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/catcalling/

http://time.com/3144715/street-harassment-catcalling/

Check out this post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/lushs-fresh-face-mask-cosmetic-warrior.html

Previous Post-
http://cupsofteafortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/time-to-moisturise-what-im-currently.html

Items mentioned-

This was not a sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Time to moisturise! What I’m currently using to moisturise my face for normal to combination/oily skin (Day + night)

Moisturising your face in particular is a very important beauty and skin health step which you shouldn’t skip. Even if you have oily acne prone skin it’s essential that you moisturise and use slightly different products for day and night time care.

Personally I have normal to oily/combination skin and when I choose a moisturiser I try a pick ones that are non-greasy, fast absorbing and that leave the skin either with a matte finish or a none-dewy, over shiny finish. But I still like to feel my skin is soft and hydrated. I don’t use oil based moisturisers as these tend to make my skin greasy.

My new favourite moisturising cream to put on my face at night (or when I know I won’t leave the house) is Garnier’s ‘PureActive Matte Control’ moisturiser which is an anti-shine moisturiser which is meant to improve the size of pores and blemishes. It contains salicylic acid and airlicium which are both active ingredients. The airlicium is a super mattifying and sebum absorbing ingredient and the salicylic acid helps control blemishes and pores. I really like this product as it really is feather light and comfortable and definitely leaves a non-shiny look to the skin. My skin has improved since using the product and it really is important to cleanse the skin before applying moisturiser, both in the morning and the night. I don’t think the formula is too harsh on the skin either, it moisturises with its active ingredients which doesn’t completely strip away the skin’s natural moisture. If you have combination to oily skin then this moisturiser is worth a try and I bought mine in Asda for £3.99 but it was on offer at the time.

For the day, I’m currently using Olay ‘Total Effects 7 in one Feather Weight Moisturiser’ and this is SPF 15 and does contain UVA protection too and are both really important. My preferred way of applying this for oily to combination skin is with a beauty sponge and dab it into the face and neck. I feel if I apply and blend with my fingers my face gets quite dewy otherwise and it does sometimes sweat off on really hot days. The smell of this moisturiser is really subtle but really nice, a very faint floral fragrance which is what I like from a day moisturiser. Another good point is the texture is really smoothing and light. I do feel my pores look a lot better and imperfections smoothed out but I haven't been completely blown away by this product.

Although I do believe that young people need to be aware of the effects of the sun as well as protecting ourselves from it, by choosing moisturisers with UVA and UVB protection, I would say that this product is not the perfect product for young skin. However, it is a good SPF cream which is not oil based. I think this moisturiser is really suited to normal to slightly dry skin types because it does give a slightly dewy look and can make the face melt for oily skin types. In the future I probably wouldn't repurchase it after I have used it because I prefer a matte finish. The moisturiser cost me about £10 and I bought it in Boots.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and we would love to hear from you.

Jasmine x