It was a Saturday evening in June and I'd just come home from a thrifting trip. I don't remember if I had been reading blogs before that time but suddenly the idea just popped in my head - I could share the finds I'd bought that day! I was already in the routine of showing my family the bargains I'd picked up so I thought why not show others who might also love charity shopping?

The name just somehow presented itself to me that evening so I typed up a little introduction post and hit publish. Scheduling was a myth to me and SEO? Just three letters of the alphabet!

From that time onward I shared more thrift hauls, a few tags & some awful quality photos of lipstick swatches every now and then. I posted whenever I felt like it. Naturally, school got in the way and I started taking longer breaks from blogging but it always remained an important thing in my mind.


Roughly a year ago was when my interest in blogging started to really pick up again and I decided to put a lot more effort into what I shared. Fast forward to now and I'm posting most days of the week, I've taken a real interest in photography and I'm enjoying it more than ever! Little did 15 year old me know it would become my favourite hobby, bring about some really cool opportunities and allow me to get to know a whole bunch of truly lovely people!



I sometimes wonder what I'd be doing if I hadn't started blogging, or what I'd be like as a person. All I know is that I've gained so much more confidence to voice my opinions and do the things I love. Unapologetically too, because I know there are people who have similar interests to me and actually care about how pigmented an eyeshadow is or what bargains there are to be had in Primark at the minute.

Thrift O'Clock has evolved a lot since 30th June 2012.

It's now a space where I can talk about anything I love; beauty, fashion, music, interior design and whatever I happen to take an interest in at the time. I still cherish every comment I get on this blog and I thank each and every one of you for sticking by and supporting me! Someone hand me the tissues . . .

I've also finally started my own Youtube channel which has been an aim of mine for so long. I put off doing it for ages for a number of excuses but now I'm absolutely loving it. What I've learned is that you have to do what you love. What's the point otherwise? Your life is too precious and important to hold back on doing the things you want to do.

I don't really know how to end this wee post but I suppose the whole point of it is that I just want to say thank you. I am so truly grateful!

Here's to the next three years!

What would you like to see more of on Thrift O'Clock?

Thanks for reading,

Maeve

x

This week:

The SPF

Of course, you're going to want to have a bottle of sun protection around! My one of choice is P20 - it's a spray which makes it really quick & easy to apply. It dries pretty quickly so you have to work fast to spread it but it's brilliant not having that sticky feeling for ages! It has the feel of a very light oil which is very forgiving on dry skin and lasts 10 hours so you won't have to worry about topping it up every five minutes. I love that you also get a slight glow from this too!


The TINTED MOISTURISER

I've found myself leaning towards and favouring a lighter base these days so really, all I wear is this tinted moisturiser from Image and a wee bit of concealer where I want it! It's a big comfort to know that my face is protected as well as given a nice complexion boost. I talked about this in my current skincare routine video so it's worth watching that if you want to know more!



The WRISTBAND

When an email popped up in my inbox about the Smartsun wristband I was really intrigued at first - I'd never heard of anything like it before but when you think about it, it's actually genius! It works as a UV indicator and it changes colour to beige when you need to top up your sunscreen & then to pink when the Sun is at it's strongest and you should go find shade. Ideal for days when you know you'll be outside all day!

Well I hope you enjoyed this post & found it useful! I'm certainly glad we're getting that little bit of sunshine at last. Get involved in the comments below and share your Sun protection tips!

How do you stay Sun protected?

Thanks for reading,

Maeve

x

These products were sent to me/gifted for reviewing but all opinions are honest and my own.

I didn't even realise that this outfit is pretty much head to toe Primark until it came to writing this! It's also one of those rare occassions when I'm not wearing a single thing that came from a charity shop. The vest top, kimono & shoes should still be in Primark stores if you're looking and a Primark haul will be on my Youtube channel soon - it's all edited and ready to go!



Can you tell I'm happy the Sun's finally decided to show it's face?!

Florence + The Machine

A new Florence album! As a fan of hers I've been really looking forward to hearing it and it didn't disappoint. My favourites so far are Makeup Your Mind (holy moly I love this song) and the title track How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. I love how she's tried a few new things but still maintained that classic Florence sound!

Nicki Minaj

What the music video being out now, I've been listening to The Night Is Still Young again & again! It's one of the songs I most vividly remember her performing when I went to see her back in April. There was such a resounding feeling of complete euphoria in the arena so I love hearing it back.

Ariana Grande

I flipping loved Ariana when she was playing Cat in Victorious back in the day but I never really looked into her music until this month!.She's been in the spotlight recently what with being on tour and let's not forget that tweet. Her album, My Everything, boasts incredible vocals on every song, all of which are so catchy you won't be able to resist singing along! My top 3 are definitely Why Try, Best Mistake & Break Your Heart Right Back.

etc.

I've also been loving Not Letting Go by Tinie Tempah & Jess Glynne as well as The Way We Are by Alesha Dixon - both are great Summery tunes!

Michael Jackson

And of course, how could I not honour Michael in this playlist seeing as tomorrow will be the anniversary of his passing. I think everyone has their favourite out of all the 'greats' and he's definitely mine! He has so many amazing songs but I've added just a few of my most loved to the playlist.

Well that's it for June's playlist! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what you think of the songs I included this month!

What have you been listening to in June?

Thanks for reading,

Maeve

x

I'm really starting to get into filming Youtube videos so if you have any requests, fire away and I'll see what I can do! As I mentioned in the video, I have a Primark haul going up soon so make sure you're subscribed if you'd like to see that!

Well I hope you enjoyed this video! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what you keep in your bag!

Are you an overpacker or can you pack light?

Thanks for reading & watching,

Maeve

x

So I'll start with a little bit of backstory; I haven't been thrifting properly in months due to my illness. Last Saturday was the first day in ages I felt well enough to attempt a day in town and visiting the charity shops was top of my to do list! I was casually just walking down to Bow Street with my brother (he was on the hunt for some clothes for work experience) when I noticed the gorgeous window display and got so happy! Apparently it's been open since February but it's new to me!


My brother went straight through to the mens section but I just had to stand there for a second to take in how beautiful it was! I've seen many a charity shop in my time thrifting but never one so well laid out as this. It was clear to see someone had taken great care in keeping things tidy as well as co-ordinated. Plus, the place was absolutely full of amazing items - I couldn't wait to explore!




I didn't try anything on as I could hold things up to me and see them in the mirrors throughout the shop just fine, but my brother did and the changing rooms looked lovely!


When you walk past them there's a whole corner dedicated to books with some CDs and vintage board games on shelves too. How cool is that wallpaper?!



My good friend Roberta absolutely loves knitting so I actually came back later on in the day with her to show her this! She said she'd definitely pop in again to check out what they have and we spent a good wee while having a look through all the different patterns available in the poly pockets!



This was the bit that put the icing and cherry on the favourite charity shop cake for me. Stacks and stacks of vintage vinyl records! It's certainly the first time I've ever seen this many and I hope they keep this wee feature up as it really made my day! I bought a The Shadows album for my dad and when he opened it, the booklet inside had been signed by all the band members!


Plenty of stuff for men too!




This Imperial typewriter caught my eye - you have no idea how tempted I was to get it!

Overall, I was beyond impressed with the Action Cancer Boutique in Lisburn and will 100% be returning in the future. The two ladies Amy & Liz I got chatting to were so lovely and also great craic - they brought such a friendly vibe to the place. You can tell that so much effort is put into this gem of a place!

I came away with 3 items I love as well as the vinyl and my brother got himself a whole new outfit!

It's 6 Market Square just opposite the Linen Centre if you're looking!

Well I hope you enjoyed this post! Get involved in the comments below and let me know if you've ever found a place like this you love!

Do you have a favourite charity shop?

Thanks for reading,

Maeve

x

Megan has been a very good friend of mine for years now and I've been lucky to get to know Bronagh recently as a result of the collaboration.


Bronagh loves making gorgeous bathtime treats and Megan's talent lies in making intricate floral jewellery.


Both are incredibly creative & genuine ladies and that's why I'm supporting them as much as I can!


Bronagh kindly sent me over a few things you can expect to see on their online store when it launches.


You can find out more about Bourgeons et Savons here.

For now, my thoughts on the products!

Before I get into reviewing the products, I just want to say how impressed I was by the personal touch taken in handwriting a card with the product names on as well as a wee message!

It's also worth noting that everything is made from cruelty free resources and most are also vegan, with the odd exception of milk/honey.




The ROSE BLUSH CUPCAKE BATH BOMB

I started off by dunking in the bath bomb which fizzed away gently. It had a lovely subtle but quite pink scent if you get what I mean! It actually split into two parts - the pink added foaminess and lavender bits to the bath while the white part melted away making the water nice and creamy.

Well I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into what Bourgeons et Savons have to offer! Get involved in the comments below and let me know what you think.

What's your favourite type of bath product?

Thanks for reading,

Maeve

x


These products were sent to me for review but all opinions are honest and my own. Yes, this is my friends business but I am truly passionate about it & believe in them!