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A list of things that made my two week stay in England so enjoyable!

Cambridge Botanic Gardens

I started off in Cambridge then spent some time in Clacton before moving on to Royston. Here's what I did:

Cambridge King's Parade 3D map

1. I wrote lots of poems.

Something about holidays makes me ten times more inspired than usual; I even wrote one on the plane there!

Cambridge bike

2. I went on a treasure hunt.

On the first day, my sister suggested we use a treasure hunt app she knew about so along with two of her friends, that's what we did! It allowed us to explore Cambridge and see things you wouldn't normally see by asking us to figure out clues and navigate our way with the inbuilt map.

Although it was fun, eventually we got distracted by everything around us but that meant in total we got to see so much! There were two bookshops I couldn't resist going into and they couldn't have been more different. The first was Heffers; a huge store home to books of all kinds, cards and an extensive range of Harry Potter merchandise. The other was called The Haunted Bookshop, a tiny little place wedged into an alleyway, brimming with old editions of everything from Alice in Wonderland to handbooks on amphibians. If you're into books I'd recommend both equally!

The Haunted Bookshop Cambridge

3. I saw fudge be made.

We'd been told it was worthwhile popping into Fudge Kitchen - and it was! We got to sample their delicious dark chocolate & sea salt flavoured fudge and see a fresh batch being made. They had a whole selection of uniquely yummy flavours which I'd love to try next time I visit!

Fudge Kitchen Cambridge

4. I bought some things from LUSH.

Unable to resist the concoction of scents coming from within, we went into LUSH 'just to have a look'. I was helped by Audrey (aka the loveliest person on the planet) who showed me her favourite products and we got to chatting about this, that & everything; discovering that we are extremely similar people! As we needed to get back to my sister's flat quite soon, I promised her I'd come back the next day and ask for her specifically - and that I did. Thanks to Audrey I left with a bagful of goodies and I also want everything else they stock. Look out for a haul & reviews soon!

Cambridge Botanic Gardens
5. I made fifteens with my sister.

Fifteens are a Northern Irish no-bake sweet treats that are ideal alongside a cup of tea. I hadn't had them in ages and they went down a treat with my sister's English friend who'd never heard of them before!

Cambridge Botanic Gardens cacti room
6. I walked through Cambridge University's Botanic Gardens.

Let me tell you, they are amazing. When we first stepped through the gate the weather was pretty dull but as we made our way through it brightened up beautifully! There was a huge choice of plants to see & smell, my favourite part of all being the cacti room. If like me you're enthralled by all things nature, I'm sure you'll love this just as much as I did.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens

River Cam Cambridge

7. I sat by the River Cam watching swans go by.

Juice from Caffe Nero in hand, this was such a nice way to spend a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon.

Swan & cygnets

8. I celebrated my cousins birthday.

Seeing as half of my family live in England, I don't often get to celebrate occasions with them in person so it was lovely to have dinner with my cousin for her birthday!

9. I stayed in a caravan for 4 nights.

My auntie & uncle invited my sister & I to a caravan in Clacton for a few days. We had such a nice time with them, getting the chance to both relax and do fun activities while we were there!

Ducks

10. I fed ducks.

There was a lake in the caravan park so plenty of ducks would waddle by, quacking at us until we fed them sufficiently with the seeds we bought for them!

Elephant, Colchester Zoo

11. I went to Colchester Zoo.

It wasn't far from our caravan so we spent the best part of a day walking round, seeing all the beautiful animals that lived there. I have to say, as far as zoos go it was one of the best I've been to; there was a wide variety of creatures great and small to see, it was plain to see the quality of their enclosures was excellent and the scenery all around was just as wonderful to see. On the day we went the Sun was absolutely beating down, so when standing a few metres away from an elephant it was entirely possible to believe we were in Africa, not England!

Goats, Colchester Zoo

12. I had a 'small' fish & chips meal in Felixstowe.

We'd arranged to spend one morning in the seaside town of Felixstowe with a bunch of my other aunts & uncles. It felt like the beach could have gone on forever as we were walking alongside it, so by the time it was midday we'd worked up a healthy appetite! The majority of us ordered fish & chips; some going for mediums, the rest going for smalls, myself choosing the latter. Well when they arrived I was glad I'd opted for a small as I could barely finish it the plate was so big! Nevertheless we were thoroughly satisfied and it was a day very well spent.

Felixstowe beach & pier

13. I walked along Clacton pier.

The weather wasn't exactly fabulous on this day but it was still magnificent being able to look out to sea from such a traditionally English seaside town!

Clacton-on-sea

14. I spent a few days in the company of 3 cats.

After our time in the caravan was up, my auntie & uncle kindly put me up in their spare bedroom for another couple of nights. They have three gorgeous cats and as you could probably guess, I was in my element with them!

15. I went inside Royston cave.

Directly underneath a road in Royston, there's a man-made cave with curious carvings inside and basically, the whole thing is shrouded in mystery. No one knows exactly when it was made, why it was made or who it was made by but it's been there a very long time and it was absolutely fascinating to see. The tour guide explained various theories as to what the carvings are thought to mean but as nothing is fact, it's all very much open to interpretation. A little slice of history that you'd have no idea was there unless you were told!

Royston Cave

16. I went charity shopping.

I always find it interesting going thrifting in new places and I was very happy to get the chance to rummage through the charity shops in both Cambridge & Royston. I'll include the bargains I bought in my upcoming holiday haul!

Wimpole Estate

17. I visited Wimpole Estate.

This huge historic house with adjoining gardens & farm was once home to Rudyard Kipling's daughter (as well as other prestigious people throughout time) and is now open to the public as a National Trust location. It really was stunning to look around, taking in more knowledge and more of it's glory with each room we passed through. The view from the front door was particularly breathtaking. I hope to visit here again as we didn't have time to look around the farm so it's definitely on my list of things to do next time!

Double denim fwis outfit
18. I took 636 photos.

There was so much I wanted to capture! I've been sparing with adding them to this post but if you want to see more I'm gradually rolling them out onto my Instagram.

19. I walked 50 million miles.

Okay not quite, but over the duration of my stay it felt like that much!

Thanks for reading! Let me know what your favourite things to do on holiday are; do you like going to beaches, shops, zoo, museums or someplace else?
Maeve

Here's the makeup I'm taking with me for my two week trip to England.

What's in my travel makeup bag?


















































With travel comes the task of deciding what makeup to take with me. The base products are usually easy enough to choose but when it comes to eyes & lips, there are options. And personally, options are my thing. I love options.

I'm actually pretty happy with how I've condensed down what I'm bringing; I'll have options but it (nearly) all fits into one smallish makeup bag! (All besides the eyeshadow palettes but I mean, that's okay.)

Let's break down the details:

What's in my travel makeup bag?
FACE

Foundation & concealer: L'Oreal Infallible & Collection Lasting Perfection
Both of these are very close to being finished so I'll probably buy replacements part-way through my holiday. I'm thinking of trying something new, possibly the Revlon Colorstay foundation but I'm not sure which concealer. If you have any suggestions I'd welcome them!

Primer, colour correcting palette, contour kit, stick highlighter: 
Wet n Wild CoverAll primer, Wet n Wild CoverAll concealer palette, Collection contour kit & Collection Speedy highlighter
These are all things I've acquired recently and are still in the testing phase; the Collection products I bought myself & the Wet n Wild ones were sent to me. So far it's too early to give definitive opinions but first impressions are positive!

Powder & blusher: Max Factor Creme Puff blush & Rimmel Clear Complexion powder
Two trusty favourites that I can always rely on! The blusher is in the shade 'Seductive Pink' and I find it pairs well with any kind of look, that's why I don't feel the need to take any others. The setting powder is one I think is really overlooked by bloggers, I never feel the need to try anything else because it does exactly what you'd want it to!

What's in my travel makeup bag?





LIPS

Lipsticks: MAC & Clinique
I'm only taking two lipsticks, a red; Clinique Cherry Pop, and a neutral; MAC Twig. If I'd have given in to temptation I'd be cramming at least three more into the bag but I'm trying to be realistic about what I'll actually use. These are two of my absolute favourites, both for shade & formulation reasons so I know I'll for sure wear them loads on my trip!

Lip balms/glosses: Zoella Kissy Missy & Maybelline Baby Balm + Blush
Another weakness of mine is lip balm. Just like with lipsticks, I'm prone to bringing way too many just in case options that I don't need but for the two weeks I'll be away, again, I'm just taking two! They'll be for days when I'm not feeling like/can't be bothered with the maintenance with a full on lip colour. The Maybelline one also doubles up as a cream blush - dual-purpose beauty is the trick to packing light! (I'm also bringing the Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker gloss stick but I must have forgotten to include that in the photo.)

Lip pencil: Max Factor Colour Elixir
Lastly for my lips I'll be wearing this Max Factor lip liner in 'Mauve Moment'. It's great worn over the whole of your lips when you add a balm on top - it has the tendency to be a little drying and ain't nobody got time for that. Now I think about it, this is probably the lip product I use most often on a daily basis!

What's in my travel makeup bag?

EYES

Eyeshadow palettes: Makeup Revolution Essential Mattes, Collection Eyes Uncovered & my MAC custom palette
Are three palettes too many? Maybe, but I've been reasonable in every other category so far. Besides, I know that I'll use all three! The MUR palette & MAC's Blanc Type form the basis of any eye makeup I do, then the shimmer shades are like the icing on the cake. I chose to bring my MAC palette because I adore the shades in it & also, I might buy some new additions for it if I visit their store in Cambridge! The Collection palette is ideal for travelling as it's quite dinky in size & the range of shades is just right.

Cream eyeshadow: Maybelline Colour Tattoo x 2
These are equally fabulous used on their own or for acting as a base for regular eyeshadows. Technically, I don't need to bring them but I thought about it and I'd much rather have them to hand! These shades are 'On and On Bronze' & 'Pink Gold'.

Eyeliner: MUA pencil, Bellapierre pencil & Soap & Glory Supercat
The black liner for tight lining along the upper lashes, the white one for the bottom waterline and the felt tip for flicks! The Soap & Glory one is fairly new to me but I fell in love instantly. So much so I included it in my May Favourites!

Mascara: Wet n Wild Mega Protein
The final item is the one I would not want to be without; mascara! I quite like this one but the same as my foundation & concealer, it's running out and I fancy a change. Not that it's bad at all, it'll serve you well if you want a decent mascara that doesn't cost an arm & a leg!

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you could not leave at home when you're travelling; makeup or otherwise. I'm really curious to know what your answer is!
Maeve

♫ Would I lie to you baby, would I lie to you? ♫

No, I wouldn't. A couple of things mentioned here were sent to me by brands/PRs but all opinions here are consistently honest and my own. The items that were sent to me are: the Wet n Wild primer, Wet n Wild colour correcting palette palette, MUR Essential Mattes palette & the Bellapierre eyeliner.

A few of my favourite things from the month of May.

Soap & Glory, Maybelline, sunglasses, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel



SOAP & GLORY EYELINER & LIP GLOSS

I'm a long time devotee to Soap & Glory's body products but even though I'd heard only praise for their makeup range, I never bought any to try. That was until just over a month ago when the Sexy Motherpucker gloss stick in 'Nudist' made it's way into my basket in Boots. It didn't take long at all for me to adore everything about it; both the formula & longevity are spot on, plus it's a shade I feel you could wear with any look.

Being so impressed with it and also in need of a new liquid eyeliner, I decided to go back and buy Supercat. Low and behold, it's amazing just like everyone says it is! Super pigmented, super easy to apply and truly doesn't budge until you remove it. Just like the gloss, it's quickly become a new favourite and now I'm eager to try more Soap & Glory makeup!

Soap & Glory Supercat & gloss stick
MAYBELLINE LIP BALM/CREAM BLUSH

Remember that time when Baby Lips were quite literally the subject on everyone's lips? I remember reviews for them being everywhere & most people at school would carry at least one in their pocket, myself included. I have four & go through phases of loving them then thinking they're overrated, loving them again and the cycle goes on.

Anyway, when Maybelline extended the range to include their take on a lip balm/cream blush fusion I thought that was a cool idea but I was in the not fussed phase so didn't bother picking one up. Around that time my pen pal Meg and I exchanged gifts. She included a Balm & Blush in mine and I'm so glad she did because otherwise I probably wouldn't have tried this! It's thinner in consistency to the original balms so I find it sits more comfortably on the lips & the cheeks; I love it for both. Innocent Peach is also the most beautiful shade, it's like it was made with Summer in mind!

Maybelline Baby Balm & Blush
SUNGLASSES

I think I should probably just preface this paragraph by declaring my true love for sunglasses. Having different choices to pick from is something I appreciate and seeing as they're only £3 a pair in Primark, I couldn't help but get these two when I was in store recently. They honestly make me feel fabulous. The blue mirrored ones especially seem to attract compliments every time I wear them which is always nice and I can't wait to take both pairs on holiday with me!

Primark sunglasses




























WATER BOTTLE

I can't say I've ever raved about a water bottle before but that's because I never had this one in my life until now! It's from Marks & Spencer and it's bloody marvellous. In fact I credit it for being the reason I drink more than 2 litres of water everyday now. I love the inbuilt straw as well as the cute colour of it, what more can I say! I just knew I couldn't write this favourites post without including it.

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

This book was a 50p charity shop find from quite a while ago which I only got round to reading this month. The plot centres around a hotel in India for people to spend their retirement in and it follows the stories of the guests; how they came to end up there & how they get on once they're settled in. What I enjoyed most was how surprisingly relatable some of the characters were & the humour with which it was written. Funnily enough, the film was on TV a few days after I finished the book and I was happy to see that although there were major plot contrasts, the humour translated quite well.

That's it for my May Favourites, thanks for reading! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what you've been loving this month. I'd love to know!
Maeve

Five attainable goals I have in my sights to complete in the near future.

Stay wild notebook

I think it's vital to set goals for yourself. These are the ones I'm currently working towards:

Get a job

Now that my illness/health is at a place where I can manage it, I feel like I'm just about ready to take on a job. I'm so eager to have a regular schedule to keep me busy! Jumping on the career ladder isn't my concern just yet - that will come in time - for now I'd like to work at something that I enjoy and will allow me to maintain an income. 

Learn to drive

When I first became old enough to drive, I had no interest at all. In fact I was pretty terrified of the idea. Fast forward to just recently; my eyes caught sight of a Fiat 500 in a shopping centre & it's made me determined to learn. It might sound silly but it's the only car I've seen that I could actually imagine myself driving in. I just don't see the point of having a car I don't love, y'know?

It's not the beauty of the vehicle alone that's inspired this change of mindset. Of course I want more independence and a car would let me have some of that. I'd be able to drive myself anywhere I'd like to which is a magical thing!

fwis outfit

Be able to afford a car

I'm very aware that being able to drive a car and being able to own a car are two very separate situations. I want to be earning enough to buy my dream car & have the money management skills to pay for the upkeep that comes with it. The first goal is crucial for this!

Master the wheel pose in yoga

As yet my lack of arm strength won't let me do this but with practice, I will!

Notebook

Start writing 

I have three book concepts in mind! Two are fiction series & one is a book of poetry. Getting them published isn't on my mind right now at all, I'll consider it a personal victory just to write them to be honest with you! I think plucking up the courage to start and not fret about 'failing' is the hardest part. So far anyway.

Thanks for reading! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what your current goals are.
Maeve

A short poem I wrote about new beginnings & starting afresh.

OOTD & poem

Beginning again with an open mind,
I've got back my inspired heart.
All that I wasn't, I'm leaving behind,
Looking forward to a new fresh start.

My enthusiasm has come back once more,
It's been reignited in me.
What's next for the future, what's next in store?
Just wait for a while and you'll see.

OOTD & poem

Top: Marks & Spencer // Sunglasses: Primark // Jeans: Topshop Leighs

Thanks for reading!
Maeve

All of the music I was loving throughout March, April & May 2016 in one playlist.

Music recommendations May 2016
Probably the thing I missed most about blogging while I took a break away - aside from you & your comments - was curating & sharing my monthly playlists! To make up for lost time, I'm gonna share the artists, albums & songs I've been listening to over the past few months in one big go:

The 1975

The highly anticipated & ridiculously fabulously-titled second album by my favourite band was unleashed to the world a few months ago and I've been obsessed with it ever since. I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it is in my opinion a masterpiece from start to finish; it's unapologetically quirky, cynical & yet relatable and I won't be surprised if I'm still playing it in years to come.

If like myself you listened to their first album so much you could recite it backwards in your sleep, you'll notice clever references to it in the lyrics throughout this new record. To me, that's a really cool feature and I don't think I've ever seen self-referencing done to this degree of quality before. Definitely worth watching out for!

Stand out tracks are This Must Be My Dream and The Ballad of Me And My Brain but my personal favourite so far is Somebody Else.

Music recommendations May 2016












Kanye West

Another long awaited album, The Life Of Pablo didn't take long to impress me either. I can't say I'd place it above The College Dropout but to be fair, it would take a lot to do that for me! It handles the theme of faithfulness in both a marital and a religious sense, served with a side order of topical issues & seasoned with the braggadocio we've come to expect & love from Kanye.

Ultralight Beam deserves to be named best song of the lot but tracks like Feedback and FML follow closely behind.

Drake 

Views is an album that came with a lot of hype. Now don't get me wrong, I love Drake and I've been a fan since way back, it's just that Views doesn't make me feel the same way I do about his previous bodies of work like Take Care and Nothing Was The Same do. That said, there's good lyrics and good production so credit where it's due, maybe it's just gonna take a while to fully grow on me. If I'd had any creative input on this album I'd have given The Weeknd a verse on Keep The Family Close. I get serious Abel circa the Trilogy album vibes from it!

Other songs I would recommend from Views are Feel No Ways and One Dance which pretty much feels like the sequel to Find Your Love!

Music recommendations May 2016




















etc.

I've also had songs by Sia, Zayn Malik, Ariana Grande & Fifth Harmony on repeat lately. Their recent releases have been amazing!

LISTEN HERE: 


Thanks for reading! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what music you've been listening to recently. I'd really appreciate your recommendations!
Maeve
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ABOUT ME

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Hello! I'm Maeve and this is where I love sharing my passions; beauty, fashion, thrifting, music, poetry and travel. This blog is a mixed bag really and that's exactly how I like it!
Maeve, 19, Northern Ireland

For enquiries: maeve.thriftoclock@hotmail.co.uk

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