University.

Towards the end of summer 2018, I posted a blog entry about heading to university and what the future was going to hold for me. One thing I didn't expect was university life taking over so much and my blog getting pushed to the side.

Starting at University in September 2018, really was everything and nothing like I expected it to be.

Nursing is hard.

I can tell you that much. I have had SO many days where I have cried because I just wanted to go home and study something that wasn't so intense. But then I've had days where I have loved my course and been ever so grateful for everything that it has thrown my way because it is beginning to shape me for the future.

I have experienced quite a few varieties of placements now that have quite literally changed how I view so many things. I had my tough days and days where I have come home completely in love with what I do. I think having some sort of balance is really important because I would get bored.

Now that University is all online, because of Covid-19... I have a bit more time to myself. Doing online exams and attending lectures via a video call is all very strange but it's just another curve ball into getting to where I want to be.

Hopefully now, after 2 years at University, I have learnt the balance between my work and having my own life. Fingers crossed my blog doesn't have to take a back seat as much as it has.

I hope everyone is well and safe.

- Abigail x

Beauty Loves in August.

Now that I am no longer working or at college I am able to spend a lot more time working here on my blog and reading content that I love. I absolutely love beauty, there is no doubt about it. As soon as it't pay day I'm online ordering this n that and what not. 

This month I added a few items to my draws... some new purchases and some re-purchases and I thought before I completely forget how much I love all of these products why not create a post all about them. 

L'oreal Smart Bond Number 3.. My new life saver. If you know me or follow my instagram then you will know that I am constantly in the salon changing my hair around because I love to! There is simply no other reason than the fact that I love changing it up all the time. My hairdresser always uses smart bond on my hair to prevent it from becoming damaged and scraggly, but I was saying how I wanted it to be that soft and luscious all of the time which is when she suggested the L'oreal Smart Bond Number 3. It is a conditioner you use once a week at home and you leave it on for about 2-3 minutes and wash it out. I've been using it since the start of August now and every time I wash my hair with it the few days after I feel like I've been to the salon, my hair is that soft! If in your local hair salon they offer smart bond then I would truly recommend it because it is something that saves my hair when I get it coloured.

Another product in which I have loved throughout August and was another purchase in the hope of giving me luscious hair was the Beauty Works Ten-in-One Miracle Spray. Theoretically I only bought this because it said it was a heat protector and everything else so I thought oh finally I can stop putting 4 different products in my hair... I was right. I've gone from putting so many products to make sure I cover all of the bases of heat protector, nourishing, moisturising, split end repair, dry hair.. .you name it I was putting it in my hair. This product from Beauty Works literally does all the work for me and I only need to spray it over my hair... what more can a girl want!!

Moreover I have also been loving the Maria Nila, Head & Hair Heal Mask. Clearly I have been dedicating a lot of time... more like money, on my hair. I probably need to stop damaging it so I don't have to spend more money fixing it! Anyway, this hair mask helps with hair growth which I definitely need because I regret cutting it short a lot. It is also sulphate free which my hairdresser told me to look for in all the products I am putting on my hair so that it doesn't damage it more. This mask has literally made my hair grow quite a bit. I don't know if it is just because I am looking for the change in my hair that I am noticing it more, but it is definitely longer.

Before I move onto the beauty products of this post, the final hair product I have been trying this month is the Tints of Nature Hydrate Shampoo. The shampoo is full of gentle cleansers, meaning while also leaving your hair soft and smooth it will also prevent your colour from fading. Which, as someone who has admitted they colour and damage their hair a lot in this blog post... I need! The shampoo claims to revive even the driest hair, in combination with all the products I have been putting on my hair this week, that is definitely the case!

Moving onto makeup, the first product I have purchased again for I think about the fourth time now is the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation. I have tried and used what feels like every different foundation under the sun to find one that I truly love. I hadn't been able to find a high end foundation that suited my skin and looked right on me. I always went for high end products because I always thought they would be better for me skin. Then while in Florida last summer I forgot my foundation so grabbed a cheaper one from the drugstore as it was just to last me a few weeks. I picked it up in a darker shade so that the colour would suit me better with my tan and since have been in love. I switch between 110 and 120 depending on summer or winter and for those in-between months I mix them on the back of my hand. The foundation lasts for such a long time on my skin and doesn't rub off in patches like foundations I have tried previously do. It even matches me PERFECTLY!

Finally I have also loved trying out the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer. I have sworn by shape tape ever since I first used it and I still do. But some days I just want to put a bit of concealer on and not bother with anything else so wanted something quite natural. The Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer is exactly that. It is perfect for under the eyes as well as on blemishes. It blends beautifully, melting into the skin which I love because it adds to the natural look.

Have you tried any of these products before?


-Abigail x



(Some links within this post are affilliate links. It doesn't cost you anything extra or anything to click through and purchase an item or two, it just means that I earn a very small percentage from the company selling the product)

The Next Chapter.

Unless you follow me on social media, you wouldn't know that next weekend I move into my university accommodation. I wrote a blog post back in May all about where I had been applying to, where I'd been interviewed for and also where I eventually got into! I was indecisive back then as to whether I wanted to go to Southampton University or Kings College London.

Opening my results was the scariest thing I have ever had to do. I had put a lot of pressure on myself because studying Paediatric Nursing has always been my dream and it was as though these grades got to decide for me.

I told my mum to wait downstairs while I opened up the school intranet, I couldn't have anyone around while I was waiting to find out! As soon as I saw the screen I was worried I had picked something wrong..

I had gotten exactly the grades that were required and was accepted into both my first and second choice universities. I remember starting to cry and shout for my mum, who at first was worried my results weren't as we had hoped because of my reaction!

So I guess I'm off to The University of Southampton! Next weekend when you're reading this (the 22nd of September) I will finally be settling into my halls ready to start that next chapter in my life.

Although a lot of what has been on my blog before has all been beauty or fashion with a slice of lifestyle and travel, I'm going to throw another category in there and create some content about applying to university, nursing and all the strange and wonderful things I encounter over the next 3 years!

I hope you've had a lovely summer and if you're back at school now then the best of luck!

- Abigail x

Travel Diary | New Jersey'18

If you haven't already read my blog post about my trip away this summer then you wouldn't know that while I was out in Florida I booked a surprise trip up to New Jersey to see Chloe, who I have infact surprised before.

This time I truly thought Chloe had caught on and would be suspecting that I would surprise her because we'd been talking for months about me flying up. Originally I was going to fly straight from London to New Jersey for Chloe's graduation party (without her knowing of course, who doesn't love a surprise!!) but when the flights doubled in price that plan soon changed! So last minute why not book a cheap flight with United up there!

We departed 2 hours late, oh boy do I love when planes have technical faults and they have to change the parts. Definitely puts me at ease for the whole flight! After sitting on the plane for quite some time before departing I was starting to get desperate to use the ladies. As soon as the seatbelt sign went off I was ready to leap out of my seat to go.... Except the two gentlemen in the middle and the aisle had both fallen into a deep sleep and I felt too bad waking them up. So for the whole, 2 hours 58 minute flight through storms... I sat crossed legged hoping for the best. You can imagine I ran like my life depended on it off that flight.

After getting to Chloe's house quite late I was worried she would be asleep now it was a lot later than expected. When I walked in Clifford and Bailey (Chloe's Dogs) knew who I was instantly and were both excited to see me. When I walked around the corner Chloe was sat in her Pj's watching the telly with her cup of tea. She was shocked to say the least. I had a lovely time in New Jersey, getting to see the beach, where Chloe is going to university, one of Chloe's friends Graduation parties and the biggest milkshake, candy extravaganza you ever would have seen!

As always here are all of my favourite photos from my mini trip away!

-Abigail x