Offer of the Week with Debenhams

Hi lovelies,

I was in Mahon Point in Cork with my parents on Tuesday (the 9th). We grabbed a bit of lunch, afterwards Myself and my Mam, we popped into Debenhams. From Tuesday to Sunday, they have an event running where nearly everything in the store is 10%, 25% even up to 50% off. We popped into have a look and we spotted Lancome had a gift promotion on. I always find that Lancome always has the fabulous offers and it's one of my favourite brands both beauty wise and skin care wise. I love love love their products, I could rave about my favourites all day. My mam is the queen of skin care so I've learned everything from her and she always has the best products and she introduced me to a lot of Lancome when I was up younger. I think Lancome is one of the most amazing brands out there, you get what you pay for and more for top quality, they really cater to every skin type. 

An absolutely lovely girl working at the Lancome counter helped us. I didn't catch her name but she was fabulous. I said I'd go for the gift so you have to purchase one skin care or beauty item to get the lovely gift. I picked up my reliable moisturiser the Hydra Zen as I've just run out so great timing. I always get it without the SPF as I've found moisturisers in the past with SPF in them too heavy for my skin so as the store had 10% off nearly everything she showed me a set which featured my full size moisturer, my favourite serum Advanced Genfique if you have bit of dehydration or dryness it clears it up, a hydrating mask and a night cream down all with 10% off and down to €47 that day. To say I was delighted would be an understatement. My mam even picked up a set and got the gift too. 

I also picked up my favourite foundation - Teint Miracle that I actually started using this time last year. I have been using Inglot AMC Creamy foundation which I really like at the moment but it was a good time to pick it up as their was 10% off it. I knew I was holding off on buying it for a reason. You can read my review on Teint Miracle on my blog - here is the link http://wonderstruck-beauty.blogspot.ie/2015/01/lancome-teint-miracle.html 

Pictured along side my foundation is the gift itself. It contains: a make up bag, gorgeous mauve coral blush, blush brush (retails at €35), the choice of the mini Hydra Zen moisturiser or a mini Visionnaire day cream - which I have used before and found it gorgeous on the skin, very light and hydrating but for more mature skin so I went with my hydra Zen and the little size of it is fantastic for travelling and reusing. Another Advanved Genfique which I'm delighted with, Noir Hypnotic Mascara - I have so many of these from different sets but I love it it gives a nice lift to the lashes, peachy lipgloss and kohl eyeliner in noir.

I also picked up a perfume that was actually 50% off I usually go for hypnose by Lancome and I was all set to buy it but my Mam mentioned to try the Miracle perfume and it was gorgeous. It's nice for a change. It 'smells quite up lifting' the girl at the Lancome counter said and she is right. Your scents do chop and change depending on the season and how you're feeling so I feel this is quite suitable. The description of the perfume from the Lancome website:

"A vibrant, sparkling fragrance that opens like the dawning of a new day with fresh, dewy notes of Lychee and Freesia. Its spicy heart echoes with notes of Magnolia, Jasmine, Ginger and Pepper as its warm base notes envelop you in the sensual splendour of Amber and Musk.

Top notes:A fruity floral accord that combines juicy Lychee with the sparkling accents of Freesia. 
Heart notes: Delicate Magnolia pairs with passionate notes of Bourbon Pepper and Ginger.
Base notes: The deep glow of Absolute Jasmine kindled by the warm, sensuous notes of Musk and Amber."

Every brand from Clarins, Benefit, Urban Decay, a huge arrea of clothes all have money off. Check it out if you're in the area 😊

Until next time beauties,

Aoife x

Primark A/W Picks Of The Week

Hey dolls,

It's getting quite cold these days and nights isn't it? It's definitely crisp October weather out there. I do love wrapping up. 

Just a quick blog about my favourite Primark/Penneys picks of the week. I know I'm all about Penneys/Primark recently but when I'm paid it's going toward college books or keeping myself going so I'm trying to watch my money and Primark/Penneys is perfect (in one sense) for getting my AW clothes on a budget. Even though I want everything in there at he moment!!

                  

Number One:

- Plum Pu Pencil Skirt €16. This is a total AW colour - I'd pop it with a white or black tank top and it would be absolutely fab. 

- Suede cutout Shoe Boot €25. They would be gorgeous with the Pencil Skirt, Jeans, dresses. You can dress them up or down. You can't go wrong with black. 

- Black Faux Pony Skin Crossbody Bag €10. Gorgeous. little practical bag and the baby ink goes nicely with the black. 

- Red Metal Trim Chelsea Boot €21. Again I love this colour for AW it would go nicely with any colour especially black or Kaki green. 

Number Two:

- Red & Navy Oversized Check Shirt €13. You can't go wrong with a long shirt. You can literally pair them with everything from leggings, jeggings, jeans or even a skirt. It's nice for dressing casual. 

- Yellow Lurex Fluffy Top €16. I love these fitted short sleeved/3 quatre length jumpers. It's perfect for popping over a dress on a night night out, for dinner or college. 

Number Three:

- Purple Check Boucle Scarf €9. 

- Cream Double Sided Check Scarf €9. Their scarfs are so cosy. There are so many patterns and prints. Especially pairing a pattern scarf with an all black outfit to break up the colour. 

Number Four:

- Black Pu Faux Fur Jacket €35. I'm obsessed with this style of Jacket recently. I love the leather look and the faux fur, perfect for AW.  

Number Five:

- Eyeshadow Pigment €1.50. I can't wait to try these out. They are really keeping up with the make up trends. They are developing and extending their beauty range out in recently times and you can't go wrong with rose gold or copper. 

Number Six:

- Orange Chiffon Collarless Shirt Dress €16. I love shirt dresses, they go with everything. You can wear them for a casual day out in college or for lunch but they're so nice to dress up for an evening or night out. 

- Black Crochet Lace Insert Dress €20. This is so pretty. The lace on the shoulders is unique. This would be ideal for a night out coming up to Xmas. You can go wrong with a LBD. 

Number Seven:

- PJ Cuff Bottoms €8

- PJ Cuff Bottoms €8

- Grey PJ Cuff Bottoms €8

All I can say is cosy, cosy, cosy. I love their warm, wooly pjs and leggings. I think so many of us at the end of the day look forward to changing into our pjs and cosies especially with the evenings getting darker and colder. 

Number Eight:

- Longline Bra €10

- Highwaist Underwear €5

They are really stepping up their lingerie. I love the 60s style look of these sets. Longline bras are stunning. For me, when your lingerie are matching I feel 100% and I feel fabulous  in myself. I feel like I have myself together when I have matching underwear ha.

Number Nine:

- Mickey PJ Top €10

- PJ Leggings €10

Anything Disney and cosy I adore. You can't go wrong with a matching set either. 

Hope you enjoyed my picks!

 

Until next time beauties,

Aoife x

September 2015 Favourites

Hi everyone,

How is it October already and we're nearly finished 2015?? Stop like time is flying.

I do love October especially when it's cold and you can wrap except the past few weeks it's been quite warm (not that I'm complaining but it is so strange and usual for October and Autumn here. If you're looking for Autumn/Winter clothes inspiration have a read of my Penneys/Primark A/W 2015 Collection Here

Anyway, September was quite the busy month of getting back to college, balancing work, a social life and societies but I'm slowly but surely getting back in to it. I hope you enjoy my September Favourites - I put a lot of effort into the banner ha.

Favourite number 1 

Penneys/Primark Individual lashes.

I have done a review on these you can read it here but I love love love these lashes. At 1.50 a go for a packet you cannot go wrong. They are lovely to use on a day to day basis for an everyday look or to build them up for an evening/night time look. I use them with DUO adhesive glue. I literally use them all the time I'm a huge fan.

Favourite number 2

MAC lipstick Snob.

  
Only in recent times have I got into MAC lipsticks. I just saw them as a luxury so anytime I pick up one it's usually for an occasion or as a special treat. I received Creme Cup when it was my 21st, I got myself Saint Germain the day of my birthday, and I picked up Snob for the wedding I was at. It is a Satin lipstick so it has a slight Matte finish to it but don't be put off the word matte. It can be a little dry on the lips so I would suggest exfoliating the lips beforehand or even popping on some lip balm and let it soak before using the lipstick or even get a dry tooth brush and scrub your lips and that should do the trick. I paired it with East End Snob (coincidence!!) from Rimmel they compliment each other perfectly. The lasting power in this lipstick is amazing. It doesn't have to be touched up very often. It is quite a neutral, nude pink and it can be teamed with many eye looks from a dark smokey to a brown smokey eye so its very diverse. 
  
Favourite number 3 

Good to Glow Bronzer by The Make Up Gallery.

For 1.49 in Dealz (or Poundland) I didn't know what to expect. I'm a fan of their eye shadows so I said I'd give this a go.I've been using this a good bit through august and september. It is a good alternative if, like myself you like to use bronzer to contour but you don't want to use your pricier products every day. I went to Indiependence during the summer and for a festival weekend I didn't want to bring my good makeup so I picked this up and I found it lovely. You have to build the colour up bit by bit but its a fab for contouring or using as a bronzer - its doesn't come off as orange so ideal for Irish skin and it is also matte which is the main appeal to myself. It's a nice little investment for 1.49

Favourite number 4

The Shiseido Hydro-Nourishing Softener.

I found this excellent for my skin. I have normal skin but it can get dehydrated or sometimes dry so I find this absolutely amazing on my skin after cleansing. It has a subtle lovely smell. It leaves your skin super soft, it puts a lot of lost moisture back into the skin and hydrates. It is absolutely ideal product for preparing your skin for moisturizer. Apparently, it is also meant to be good for super sensitive skin.

Favourite number 5

The Naked 3 & W7 In the Nude.

I adore the Naked 3 palette - from neutral, rose-hue pinks to deep brown and dark shades its one of my favourite palettes and it is quite versatile, you can create so many looks. My lovely boyfriend got me this for my 20th Birthday. So over the last year and a half, you can see I've hit pan on several of the colours as I use it everyday. That was until I discovered the W7 range at the end of summer 2014 and I literally reach for In the Nude if I'm in the mood for a purple/pink smoked out look and pop it with Urban Decay Primer Potion and the eye look lasts for hours. I like to keep my Naked 3 for special occasions but I'm always back and forward with the W7 palette but I found myself reaching for it especially throughout September.

Favourite Number 6

Things To Do Organiser.

I love notebooks, calendars, anywhere I can write a list or a to do. I like to feel (or think) I'm organised ha. I picked this one up in Penneys/Primark a few weeks ago for 2 euro. Its very dainty, pretty polka dot boarder and I can pop it up on my notice board easily. I find it good for keeping up with college, social and work days and also a good way of writing down goals and ticking off what I achieve each day.


Favourite Number 7

Essence Blender Brush.

As far as makeup brushes are concerned, it doesn't matter about the price of a makeup brush as long as it does the job. I'm always on the look out for affordable brushes. I spotted this Essence blending brush for about 2.39 from one of their stands in Penneys and it is fantastic. You have to work at it a little but it actually does a great job, I use it everyday so I clearly I love how it works. To be honest, overall Essence is a fantastic, affordable, high quality brand so I'm not surprised I ended up loving this brush.
Favourite number 8

So Sue Me Nail Polish.

  
Suzanne Jackson or 'So Sue Me' is very hard working. She has worked hard for everything she has, she built herself in a competitive market and she is starting to bring out different lines of beauty in the business name SOSU so you can't help but want to support an Irish business woman. Honestly, when I tired out the polishes, I used a top and bottom coat and they still didnt work for me but I found using a 'strengthener' clear polish like one from Rimmel or Sally Hansen the polish doesn't budge - but this is just what I found works for me. The colour range is unbelievable and the personalised name for each of them is a nice touch so I wanted them to work. I'm glad I found a way that suits my nails you have to play around with it just like you have to try out different bases to suit a foundation. I have Rock Candy on my nails here and I usually like to team it with Angel Kisses. When pay day rolls around I'm going to pick up one or two A/W colours as So Sue Me has brought out a new line of colour.

Favourite number 9

Lindt Chocolate.
  

Now, I wouldn't be the biggest fan of dark chocolate but nevertheless I am a fan of chocolate and trying different types. I always found it to be a bit too bitter for my taste but I discovered the Lindt Dark Chocolate Orange and it is devine. Its ideal as sometimes I get a sugar cravings so I'd have two squares with tea and my craving is sorted. Lindt Chocolate is very tasty and also dark chocolate is better for you but I would recommend this for any sweet tooths out there! 

Favourite number 10

The Pippa Palette For Blank Canvas Cosmetics by Pippa O' Connor

When I first heard about this Palette I pre-ordered it straight away, it looked fabulous from the get go. It's brilliant to see Irish women taking the beauty industry by storm. Another hard working woman - You can see Pippa O' Connor puts her all into her work, she built herself up from a young age in a hard industry. I'm delighted she teamed up with Blank Canvas Cosmetics and created the beautiful Pippa Palette. It has six very diverse eye shadow colours, a highlighter, bronzer and blush - the fabulous highlighter was named after her Mother and an eye shadow colour was named after her son Ollie. I have created so many looks with the eyeshadows, the highlighter is amazing, the bronzer is quite ashy perfect for Irish skin and the blush is a subtle, pink highlighter. I can see this as selling out again coming up to Christmas as it is a very sufficient palette with everything in the one place. The palette picture I have used is from when I first got but I have already hit pan on Tobi as I use it so often but it seems to be the most popular colour to pop all over the lid.


Hope you enjoyed my September picks & enjoy the rest of October before the Winter madness begins.

Until next time beauties,
Aoife x

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Primark Autumn/Winter Collection 2015

Hi lovelies,

So the end of September/October has been quite strange weather wise it's been warm and mixed but at night you'd definitely need to break out the warm clothes and wrap up. I've been noticing how strong Primark or Penneys A/W 2015 stock is at the moment.

    

Everything islooking amazing and so many ideas are springing to mind as to how things can be incorporated with each other. Here are few of my picks to show you from fluffy, warm dresses, tops you can layer, dresses, boots and jackets. 

        

                      

Autumn and coming into winter essentials have to be jumpers and cardigans. The are very diverse and you can throw them over jeans, dresses or skirts along with boots. They're always something key to have in the wardrobe and with Penneys you're guaranteed a variety of styles and colours within the 'wooly' range. I really like the idea of a short sleeve jumper. It's perfect for going on in the winter and throwing this on over your outfit or even going for a lunch or evening meal pop it on with a skater style leather skirt or jeans along with wedges or heels and voila you're all dressed up. Burgundy is such an autumn/winter season colour so it would go with a variety of colours. This jumper comes in an array of colours and also a long sleeve style along with a variety of colours. In saying that you can do the very same with the warmer and light cardigans and throw overs. The very popular A/W trend of the Faux Gillet will most likely be a popular sell as it is very diverse and will look absolutely stunning with any outfit this season. 

1. Burgundy fluffy jumper €14

2. Red Knit jumper €14

3. Grey printed Jacquard Cape €16

4. Aztec Trophy Jacket €18

5. Grey Fluffy Cardigan €16

6. Faux Gillet €20

         

                    

I find these tops and shirts fantastic for layering on colder days. You can't go wrong with a check shirt in your wardrobe and they are especially fab with a jumper and peaking the collar out. They are all slightly light weight so they would be ideal for layering and of course there is a variety of colours in the shirts and the flows long sleeve tops. As you can see layering is my key word here as this is essential for me in A/W. These colours are quite seasonal at the moment and nearly all of them come in a variety of colours. 

1. Black high neck Tunic €13

2. Burgundy flowy top €13

3. Rusty long Sleeve top €8

4. Long check shirt €13

5. Deep red V neck boho top €13

6. Check Shirt €13

         

                  

In recent months I've personally found the quality of Penneys jeans have improved hugely. I was never someone to go for their jeans as I felt they just didn't flatter me and they would stretch quite quickly. I went in and tired on a number of their jeans just recently to get a feel of he different styles. The only thing I'll say is I've noticed compared to other shops I go up a size in Penneys but that might be down to the fact I have hips, thighs and a butt. Other than that I can't really fault them, obviously some suited me better than others but if you know the style that compliments your figure you should have no problems. I found myself living in the Penneys jeans recently they're very comfable and I like the quality. You can pick up a variety of styles from ripped to faded to jeggings to basis blue jeans at a very good price. These are also ideal for popping with a jumper, cardigan, Cape and boots.

1. Ripped knee super stretch jeans €15

2. Wax look jeans €9

3. Light Wash High Waisted Denim €13

4. Light wash denim super skinny jeans €13

5. Black straight leg jeans €10

6. Blue Skinny Pencil Jeans €8

                      

I love popping on a skirt with boots and tights. That's what I love about autumn getting to wear my boots and teaming them with pretty much everything especially skirts. I don't think you can go wrong with a skirt as you can dress it down for daytime or change it up for a night time style. The skirts are also fabulous for this time of year from the different colours & styles. There are a variety of skirt styles in all lengths so you're bound to find one to suit you in Penneys at the moment. There are wooly warmer skirts, the classic skater style, fitted cotton/polyester skirts and the prints & colours are fabulous to say the least. 

1. Khaki Skirt €6

2. Black A Line Skirt €12

3. Black Taperstry €10

4. Compact Rib Skater Skirt €14

5. Ribbed Pencil Skirt €10

6. Orange Skirt €8

                    

 

Primark boots are amazing at the moment they're killing it style wise! They have such a huge variety of styles whether you want a small or large heel, a zip on the side, a Chelsea boot - you can have your pick of options. Tan boots are my favourites I feel like they go with absolutely everything. My wardrobe is full of Tan & Black boots. I feel they are an absolute wardrobe essentials at this time of year and practically all year around. You can team these with absolutely anything be it a dress, jeans, leggings. 

1. Black Suede Fringe Boot €23

2. Tan Suede Heel Chelsea Boot

3. Black Buckle Ankle Boot €21

4. Tan Short Chelsea Ankle Boot €11

5. Navy Suede Fur Lined Boot €21

                      

I love dresses. If I'm not feeling 100% or I want to be comfable or I'm rushing to get ready and don't really have time to think a full outfit through - I pop on a dress with boots. I, myself love a skater style I feel it flatters most body types and they come in an array of prints and colours. In A/W dresses are a great asset in the wardrobe. A lot of these styles you could wear for daytime in college or out and about but you could also dress them up for an evening out, going for drinks, a lunch date as they're so comfy. Again, these are great for layering so pop on a jumper & coat and you're sorted. 

1. Rusty Jersey Dress €14

2. Stripe Shoulder Dress €10

3. Ditzy Floral Front Zip Tunic €12

4. Skater Print €7

5. Stripe Split Rib Dress €14

6. Geometric Print Tunic €13

                      

When September comes I'm ready for autumn so I'm all about coats and jackets. I especially love khaki green jackets with a leather like sleeve. I love an A/W jacket to be stylish, cosy and warm especially walking home in the dusk evenings after college. I'm also all about the Parka jackets I adore the lengths and style. It is quite a flattering style and suits all body types and heights. You also can't go wrong with faux fur this time of year as I feel it never goes out of style as long as it's always faux! ;) I find long pea coats very classy for a night out or going for dinner or an occasion. 

1. Black Biker Faux Fur Trim Coat €30

2. PU Sleeve Faux Fur Collar Jacket €30

3. Camel Single Breasted Coat €28

4. Khaki Faux Fur Parka Jacket €30

5. Navy Hertiage Parka €30

6. Burgundy Faux Fur Collar Pea Coat €30

That's its for my Woman's A/W from Primark / Penneys. I hope you enjoyed reading and you've got some A/W inspiration. 

***(Introduction picture and all clothes pictures used are property and can be located on Primark.com)

Until next time beauties,

Aoife x

                 

Wedding Fun

*** Before you read I apologise for all the watermarks I don't want to risk my pictures being used anywhere else. 

Hi lovelies,

How is everyone? I'm exhausted after a wonderful weekend of Wedding celebrations with fabulous people. 

We were so lucky with the weather absolutely fabulous. 

I got a lot of questions about my dress on the day and on social media. 

I'm currently doing a weight loss programme called Motivation. I mean I don't have loads to lose but for the future and just for myself to feel confident in what I wear so I waited until I reached a certain weight to start looking for dresses. Now this was mission impossible. I looked high and low in cork city and personally I couldn't find anything. There were a lot of summer sales and it was an awkward time of season. So I popped into Sheenas Boutique on Oliver Plunett street and I grabbed some dresses and tried them. 

They were fab but I wasn't 100%. One of the girls working there, I didn't catch her name, but she talked to me after I tried on a hand full of dresses. She lifted up a Joseph Ripkoff dress and mentioned it was beautiful on. I instantly fell in love. The lace detailing was stunning, the shape of the dress was so slimming and you can't go wrong with a little black dress. This will be a dress I will use forever. All I have to do is change up the shoe to suit the occasion or season. 

                             

I paired the dress with pointed nude heels and clutch that picked up the colours of the shoes. Both from New Look. I only ever get my heels or shoes from New Look. 

                              

For my hair, I went with an ups tyke to show off the back of the dress. Now I don't usually do an upstyle as I did ballet when I was younger so I loved the dance and everything but when my hair was put in a bun I felt it didn't suit my face at all just a personally thing I felt my face looked huge. I stayed clear of upstyles unless of course I was doing dance. So I popped into my usually Peter Marks in Winthrop street. I usually go to Marie but Lisa was there from 8.30 onwards so I was in her capable and talented company. She took any worries I had of doing an upstyle and it was absolutely stunning loose up-style. Peter Marks on Winthrop Street is an amazing salon and I would recommend this spot for anyone looking for a colour, balyage, cut as you would be in amazing hands. 

                              

 

My make-up was done by the fabulous MUA Emma Murray - who also did my 21st make up in June. I just wanted a dewy full coverage as I wanted it to last for the whole day. I had a smoked out coppery/orange eye. I bought myself MAC Snob as a treat and I teamed that with Rimmel East End Snob.

                        

I also got myself a spray tan from Fifth Avenue in Oliver Plunett street. They use the brand He-Shi so you are guaranteed a fabulous tan. I've got it done there before and you are reassured of any worries of turning orange. 

The following day we had a BBQ. I did my own makeup this time around. 

Product List: 

Base: No 7 Skin Illuminator & Lancôme Teint Miracle 

Setting powder: Rimmel Stay Matte

Cheeks: W7 Candy blush Galactic 

bronzer: Mememe Flawless concealer

Highlighter: Essence Cinderella 

Eyeshadow Base: Urban Decay primer potion

Eyeshadow: Pippa Palette Tobi & Dodo mixed with two matte colours pink/purple colours from W7 In the Nude 

Eyeliner: Lancôme pencil

Eyebrows: MAC pencil 

Lashes: Penneys individual & DUO glue 

Setting spray: NYX dewy finish 

Lipliner: Rimmel East End Snob

Lipstick: MAC Snob

   

My top and skirt are both from Dunnes. I literally picked the skirt up before the weekend but the top is last season. My shoes are from New Look - you can probably see a trend. I 100% recommend new look shoes and heels they're fabulous and very affordable. My necklace is from Penneys. I also had a clutch bag from Penneys the same colour as the shoes and necklace. I love the coordination. 

Hope you enjoyed this little blog. 

Until next time fab things,

A x

Surviving College

Hi guys,

So I have been thinking to myself what's relevant in my life right now that I could start back with blogging and I'm coming to the end of week 2 in college so this is 100% the way to go. This could be considered a little lifestyle blog. 

This is just my own personal experience on how to survive college whether you're in first year or final year. Now I've had an absolute roller coaster time in college full of ups and downs. It's made me a stronger person therefore the person I am today so things always have a way of working themselves out. 

                                       

 

These are a few factors that I think contribute most to college from my own personal experience. 

Lectures: Go. There will be some days when you just don't want to go at all or you feel you won't get anything out of it or its lashing but trust me head along. You might take a hundred things or one thing away but at least you're getting into good habits from the get go. At the end of the day the degree is for yourself.  

Naps: you will literally want to nap between lectures or any free time during the day. Before college I might have taken a small 20 minute nap after school but now that has all changed since getting to college. I've had friends tell me they're heading home for a nap, I've said it myself. A nap isn't a want, it's a need these days and it's inevitable for some people. 

     

Clubs and Soc: I know it's easier said than done to join clubs or societies as they are very time consuming but even trying out a few and finding one you like would be good. That's my goal this year is to join one and stick with it. If you're going alone there are so many people in the same boat and just sit near someone you think is there alone and start a little conversation. 

Direction: if you're struggling with a module and you have an assignepment to do or just overall you don't understand something either say it to your lecturer after the class or apemail them and arrange to meet. So many lecturers want to help and they are more than happy to sit down and go through things. If you find yourself in a situation where you still don't full understand things don't be afraid to ask someone in the class for your own sake. Also another thing, if you're in a course whether it be the first week or second year and if you're so unhappy don't be afraid to change. The only thing is when you quit one course to start another you will be catch with full blown fees as there is a government tution of €2000 towards fees and you pay the remainder €3000 (at the moment it has gone up again), something that is not mentioned in schools. So if you're considering changing a course you're better off doing it in the first year as you don't want to be catch out. Just something to keep in mind. 

Referencing: For most, this will become the baine of your life whilst doing assignments. I'd suggest googling reference sources or email your lecturer. After the amount of time I've been in college I still get confused by referencing and always have to go back and remind myself. So don't worry it definitely takes time to get used to it. 

  

        

Money Costs: Books can be very expensive in colleges especially if you need 2 or 3 for each module so my suggestion is look online for second hand books or in the library. Also talk to the librarians if you ever need some help or you're lost as they are happy to help to go through anything with you. Another factor on money is when you're in college you're going to want to socialise obviously, so set yourself a goal of how much you can spend a week it will chop and change different weeks of course between: food shopping, eating in college, going out, taxis after a night out etc. it's easier said than done but keep a little diary or account. If you have money worries don't be afraid to confide in someone. 

Chilling Out: meet up with someone for a chat or for lunch during lectures and just relax or even take a stroll into town or plan to do something in the evening like a movie night or dance class. It doesn't always have to be go go go. 

Safely in numbers: this may seem like common sense to some but I know so many people who walk home alone or wander off from their group. Please please please never walk home alone or stray from your group. Always have some money left over for a taxi. Sadly in this day and age, you just can't be alone at night you just don't know what's around the corner. If you ever have a group of people you go out with and they've left you stranded on a night out then either have a back up plan or avoid them at all costs. It's your safety that matters most at the end of the day. 

Finally, my most important one: Look after yourself - both physically and  mentally. This is so important. College lifestyle can take a lot of you especially if you live away from home so look after yourself food wise and always get your rest because between assignment deadlines, exams, attending lecture and socialising you will need to 100% keep your energy up especially on the winter days and coming up to deadlines. Now I can't say how important looking after yourself mentally is. If you ever find yourself over whelmed by exams or college - talk to a lecture you like or drop into the students union and chill out with them or talk to someone you can trust. Also don't exhaust yourself with staying up until all hours studying, it might happen with an assignment here and there but don't do late nights with red bull or coffee as this will effect you badly and the information may not stick at all. 

But another factor if you ever feel alone please don't suffer.  If youre being bullied or youre finding it hard to make friends in a course as sadly many first year courses overall could have up to 1000 people in them so you may not see the same people you talked to the day before but nothing is too small to talk about. From personal experience don't ever feel like you have to keep it to yourself or struggle on alone. Someone will always be there to listen but it's the first step of actually saying I'm not okay or this has been on my mind for a long time. Don't be afraid. I just think college can be so overwhelming on a person at times that you might be stopped in your tracks over your mental or physical health which some many people have experienced. You don't have to be "Fine" it's perfectly okay NOT to be okay. 

      

I hope you can take away some small aspect of this blog. I know it's a little bit deep at times but I find these the important things in college. 

Thanks for reading - until next time,

A 

                           

     

Primark/Penneys Individual Lashes Review

Hi everyone,

I love the long and big lash long and I'm a big fan of trying out different brands as I use lashes for nearly everything. Some of my favourite brands that have lashes are: Ardell, Essence, Eylure - definitely check them out. 

I picked up these Primark individual lashes for only €1.50 to try out. There are so many different brands but you can't go wrong with Primark/Penneys cheap lashes!!

                         

                             

I picked mine up in Kilkenny and I wore them for a night out with my boyfriend. 

I am a converted woman. I'll admit I got individual lashes applied for my 21st and I loved them. After that I forgot about picking them up. Until I spotted these on Penneys. They're so nice for every day wear but there are different lengths so you can build them up for a night out look. I love stripe lashes but I am slowly reaching for the individuals the last few days more so. 

                                 

                                     

They are absolutely perfect for day time wear. I get a lot of compliments in work as they are very natural looking and they aren't too much on the eyes. Of course, you can build up the lashes for a big night time look or for an event such as a Wedding. You can get them in Penneys/Primark through-out the country. I know Dundrum, Cork and Waterford are always stocking up their shelves with them.

                               

I use them with the DUO adhesive glue. Happy shopping! 

Until next time beauties,

A x

   

             N n.