WHY I DIDN'T GO TO CAMBRIDGE

This must be the question I get asked most. When people find out I chose to attend Trinity in Dublin over Cambridge the gasps and questions that follow are always the same. People tell me, ‘you’re crazy, thats once in a lifetime’. But I tell them that going to university for the first time is once in a life time. I wanted to go somewhere I knew I would be happy and for me Trinity was that place. I wanted to go to a good university but I didn't want to be under immense pressure or have to sacrifice my precious social life. For any of you that don't know I am currently a second year Law student at Trinity.  

I have to divide this story into a series of posts because my journey was definitely not simple or short. 

1. Why I didn’t choose Cambridge
2. My Cambridge Interview (most asked question EVER)!
3. The Trinity Disaster 

First up, when I decided to apply to Cambridge I never believed I would get an interview let alone a place there. The initial hurdle was my personal statement which definitely wasn't conventional. They didn’t care if I was kind or loved to exercise (which FYI I don’t incase you were worrying), they were concerned with my passion to study Law and my drive to succeed and how I’ve demonstrated that so far. To be honest that part wasn’t challenging because I was one of those people that HAD to be involved in everything and anything going. If there’s one piece of advice I can give to students it would have to be to get all your extra curricular activities out of the way before the year you apply to university because you have way too much stuff on with exams looming. Make sure you have 3-4 solid things you can discuss in your personal statement that show you are committed, compassionate, have a strong work ethic and are driven. You can list off the skills you have/‘say you have’ for 2000 words but without evidence they’ll mean very little. 

I got an interview. I didn’t know whether to be scared or ecstatic about the process to follow. I have to say I was really interested to see how the infamous interview worked (nerd). You have at least two interviews and an admissions test on legal reasoning/legal problem solving. You definitely can’t go into the interview blind with no preparation. With Law I got sent bundles of material to read over but this definitely wasn't the complete focus of my preparation. I’ll discuss all the weird and wonderful parts of the actual interview in the next post. I didn’t find the admissions test too difficult because I didn’t let myself get too nervous or wound up about the whole thing. I just went in there and approached it like any other exam. 

Crazy enough, hundreds of students in preparation for their interview pay hundreds of pounds to tutors in England to prepare them for their interview. I didn’t do any of this. I would actually strongly advise people not to. They really want you to be you. They can see through the hours and weekends spent at these Oxbridge training camps. The interview process as a whole wasn’t too stressful for me because I didn’t put much weight on it. It definitely wasn't life or death for me whether I got in or not. I just gave it my best shot and hoped for the best. 

Studying Law at Trinity in Dublin, on the other hand I was passionate about. Having visited Dublin from a very young age with my family I fell in love with the city. It’s my Mum and Dad’s favourite place to visit and they transferred their love onto me. It’s somewhere I’ve always had great memories from which certainly influenced my decision to study there. Going to university in Belfast was never really in my plan simply because I wanted to live that bit further away. Although, my friends and family that have studied/worked there have loved every minute, so I might get a chance to live there someday too! 

Surprisingly enough, even when I got my acceptance letter from Cambridge I was pretty much set on studying in Trinity. It was one of them pinch me moments! I can’t describe how shocked I was, I couldn’t believe my eyes. My mum double, triple checked that I did in fact get ‘accepted’. My parents certainly didn’t encourage me to take up the offer but didn’t deter me from doing so either. They worried about the high pressure environment and my stress levels which at some points do get incredibly high. My mum in particular was concerned about how far away I would be because I am a home bird. That’s why Trinity suits me so well, I’m only ever a bus away (even though it can be 5 hours long on occasions) and I can choose to stay at the weekend or go home. I’m still very much a home bird and come home every other weekend religiously, I often wonder how I would have coped at Cambridge. 

I would have probably preferred the Law course at Cambridge because you get a lot more contact hours and support. This is the one downfall I find with studying at Trinity, a lot of it is up to you. You can pick and choose how much or how little work you do. Even though it would have been very intense I think I would have preferred the one to one tutorial system in Cambridge as opposed to groups of 10-12. However, this does not outweigh the experience I have at Trinity. It is unique in many senses with the Society fair at Freshers Week, Trinity Ball and the emphasis on society life at college. Trinity Ball is magical, dancing in front square under the stars to the Kooks. The campus is closed for one night to the public to accommodate students and staff and some of the biggest stars in the world. Societies are really at the heart of Trinity may it be the Law Society or the Phil, they're super important (even more than your degree some argue). There are at least three speakers every week on campus from Shonda Rhimes (mastermind behind Greys Anatomy) and Nicola Sturgeon to Joe Biden and Tim Cook. 

Trinity can be challenging at times especially during exam period or essay deadlines but it is manageable. I have made the most amazing group of friends from all over Ireland and can't imagine studying anywhere else. However, it wasn't easy settling in, and I definitely didn't take to student life like a duck to water. I struggled initially being away from home, finding myself, wishing I was at my own dinner table with my family while sitting there in my room with a Marks and Spencers ready meal. Even worse was seeing my best friends in Belfast having a ball finding their feet immediately. It took time and a bit of getting used to but it was the BEST decision I have ever made and wouldn't change it for the world.

Always follow your dreams but do things for you, not for the approval or satisfaction of others. 

Coming Soon... My Cambridge Interview: Tips and Tricks  

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TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS

It's funny when we first got engaged I said that I would compromise on the cake and cars. For me they were not a priority and when you're trying to budget, I felt they were least important. However, when you start doing some research and stalking Pinterest you start to come up with lots of elaborate and expensive ideas.

Whilst at a Wedding Fair in the Evergaldes Hotel we found Cakes by Miriam. Her work was beautiful with lots of design options and an endless number of amazing flavours. We decided to visit Miriam in her quaint workshop and kitchen. Your wedding cake should be ordered around 6-14 months before your big day to allow your cake designer to prepare.

We sat and discussed design ideas and looked at lots of the ideas she had. When faced with dozens of beautiful designs...it's no doubt you are drawn towards the largest, most elaborate and ornate. We chose a five tier cake with a flower surround. At this stage we were not sure about our colour scheme and we agreed to confirm that later.

Miriam had made lots of samples for us to try and Lukas absolutely loved every flavour. We decide to go for cookies and cream, vanilla and red velvet. These flavours did not disappoint on the day and so many people commented on how delicious it was. We learned a lot about wedding cakes that evening. We were blissfully unaware that some tiers of the wedding cake would be fake and some real. We had two real tiers and two large tray bakes. This was ample as we still had some left over for our after party which was great! 

Our cake was white with gold as the focus colour and we were very pleased with how it looked on the day! Miriam transported the cake and was so easy to work with in the run up to the wedding. Cake design requires creativity, patience and artistic flair, all of which Miriam possesses.

Surrounding our cake table was photographs of our parents and grand parents on their wedding day. This personal touch really drew people to the table. Behind the table we had the Fairy Tale back drop by Lily Annabella and the LOVE sign in front from Tyrone Wedding Services.

Below I've included some inspiration:

Lily Annabella's Wedding Cake by Truly Scrumptious Cakes By Design 

The Cake Coppery

Cake tables are becoming a vocal point of any wedding venue. I love the cake pops on the table below created by Kat. It's so different and something your guests will LOVE!

Love, SarahJane x 

NEW LOOK BEAUTY RANGE ALERT

Confession: I am a beauty shopaholic. I absolutely love trying new products so when I heard New Look were launching their beauty range it's safe to say I was excited. Especially when my local New Look store in Strabane was one of the lucky stores to get their hands on it. I have Maryellen tortured when it comes to questions about New Look releases or must have pieces. It's really important to me (and my bank balance) that the blog includes affordable and accessible products. Every knows I am a huge fan of the Penneys PS Pro range and the New Look Beauty range has me in the same state of shock. Amazing quality at an affordable price point. 

First up, the layout and packaging is unrivalled for the price. The clean and modern layout is everything. Rose gold packaging: sold!

Matte Lipstick in Mocha £3.99

The first product I tried was this lipstick in the shade MOCHA. I wear MAC Mocha almost everyday so I was very interested to see how they would compare. They are completely different. The shades couldn't be further apart. I have inserted a swatch below. 

The quality is unbelievable, they are extremely hydrating for a matte lipstick. I would say if you are looking for something super matte maybe try the liquid lipsticks. I can't stand the ultra dry matte feeling so this is perfect for me. What I would say is Mocha is certainly not an 'everyday' lipstick for me. I have mixed it with Creme D'Nude from M.A.C to make it more wearable as it is a dark brown shade. 

Shape and Define Eyebrow Kit £6.99

Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE fan of ABH Brow Pomade. I can't live without it and I am sceptical of every other product on the market, however I actually love this compact. It's very similar to the Sleek Brow Compact. My favourite thing about the compact is the three shades, it gives you more options. There is wax which is perfect for a defined brow look but also two powder shades in a medium and dark brown colour. This is ideal for when you want a more natural brow but also buildable for a night time look.

Illuminating Make Up Primer £7.99

This was definitely my favourite product of them all. I have literally tried so many illuminating primers and strobe creams. It's an obsession. Honestly, this is incredibly hydrating. It makes me look alive. I wear it when I have no makeup on or when I want sheer coverage I mix it with my foundation. This is the product I am most impressed with because of the glow but also hydration it provides for the skin. 

What I'm DYING to get my hands on:

These colours are me ALL OVER. I love all the nudes. I am very excited to try these liquid lipsticks. 

I have had this recommended to me SO many times. A dupe of Marc Jacobs Daisy. 

Bang on trend: they look such great quality. I have never had the chance to experiment with these brushes so they are on my list. 

Maryellen has also informed me that they are the one stop shop for all your hair needs: shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo and even coloured chalk. I'll be sure to pick up some of them too! 

BEST PART:

For every five products you buy you get a FREE lipstick!

10% Student Discount as usual

If any one has any queries about the products or where to find them please don't hesitate to email me or drop me a message. I love hearing from you all! 

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SECRETS

I wanted my mum to feel beautiful on my wedding day...I wanted her to look her very best in an oufit that suits her style and shape. We knew that our mum did not fit the stereotypical mould for mother of the bride. We worried that it would be very difficult to find what we were looking for but set off on our mission armed with countless Pinterest screenshots.

Firstly the hat....there is the notion that mothers of the bride must wear a hat or fascinator and it certainly suits many. Not our mum! A hat would have overshadowed her and made her feel uncomfortable. Consequently we were searching for something that didn't need an accessory or head piece...something that said class all on its own. Having done lots of research on bridal websites, bridal magazines and pinterest, we were able to build a better picture of the style that our mum was searching for. No mother should feel under pressure to wear or not wear a hat!

We had hundreds of screenshots from Pinterest and the like but we didn't know where we could find these dresses and outfits. We didn't go to the typical mother of the bride shops because quite frankly we would have been wasting our time and theirs. Eventually we found a brand that we liked. LOU LOU...this brand designs short sixty style bridal fashion. We found a few stockists in Northern Ireland and decided to go to VERONA BRIDAL MAGHERAFELT. We had been to this shop for both my dress and the bridesmaids and knew the staff were very helpful. They were so interested in the wedding and did everything they could to locate what we wanted.

On our first night shopping, mum tried on the first potential outfit and that was the beginning and end of it. Shop 1, Dress 1 and it was THE 1 for our mum. A dress she felt comfortable in, that captured the style of the wedding whilst also fitting in with the colour scheme. My mum's dress was captured beautifully while she danced the night away. The dress did need a lot of alterations but eventually it was the perfect fit for the perfect mum. I have to say that the alteration process was not an easy one but it worked out in the end.

She found her matching shoes and bag from the Jenny Packham range at Debenhams. They complemented the colour and style of the dress. Mum opted for a classy updo and clasp in her hair and stud earrings. She wanted her hair to last her the whole day and sure enough it did. At the last minute she added this embellished piece to her hair which was a piece cut out of a hair band from Topshop. She really does have the best eye. So many people have asked about mum's outfit and more than one person has said that she QUOTE 'Stole the show'! 

She is an amazing lady, an inspiration to my sister and I. Whether it's a new top or a life changing decision.... we rely on her! Our mum has the most beautiful style and she knew exactly what she wanted. Thankfully, she got it!

Love, SarahJane x 

AFTER ACNE - MY SKIN STORY

I always felt I should write about having acne even before starting my blog. Having acne seriously affected my self esteem and my mood (my mum and sister can vouch for this). In a world full of airbrushing and skin smoothing apps we are embarrassed and ashamed of our imperfections. I was obsessed by my spots and constantly trying to find anything that would help or hide them. I can empathise with anyone who is suffering with acne or any skin related problem. I feel like no one can really know how much it affects you until you have it. 

I remember when I was around twelve I started to get a few spots here and there. They were minimal but back then it felt like everyone had perfect, angelic skin whilst mine looked dirty. At the time I reacted like any young teen by putting copious amounts of concealer on them in an attempt to camouflage them. I wore makeup from a young age but very little, light foundation at most. I don’t feel like that contributed to developing acne. I broke no rules when it came to cleansing, toning and moisturising. I’m no expert or scientist but I don’t blame anyone’s skin regime or any beauty products for the development of it. 

It wasn’t until a year later that my skin began to resemble ‘acne’. It was absolutely awful. Even now, I am acutely aware of how my skin made me feel and think. I constantly stared in the mirror looking at my sore red face. My mum and sister repeatedly said ‘you’re at that age, it will pass’. I was sure that it wouldn’t. People always said to me ‘you don’t look like you have bad skin’ but that was hours of practising how to camouflage it best without it looking ‘cakey’. So much so that even my doctor questioned the validity of my claims. I was not giving up as I had already tried every available option on the NHS aside from Roaccutane.

I started a ‘Skin Diary’. I took photos of my skin everyday and then brought them to my doctor. He couldn't believe how well I could hide it or the severity of my skin. It was constantly sore, red and stingy. It wasn't just how they looked but I couldn't touch my face it was so sore and sensitive. I can’t really say anything on the NHS particularly helped my skin but it didn’t hurt it either. It wasn’t until I was 17 that I felt I really got rid of acne. I still have quite bad scaring around certain areas but it is definitely not as bad as it used to be. I can totally handle some scaring in comparison to the sore spots (cystic acne), I use Bio Oil regularly to help the scaring. When my skin was at worst I would avoid going out and sometimes even wore a scarf to school. 

Since having acne I’ve definitely become a lot more knowledgable about skincare. I am conscious of the fact that my skin is an organ and needs care. I still have breakouts at least once a month but they are so much more manageable. Nothing like I was used to. Now I have mechanisms and products to fight spots or hide them. I wish that I could have read more 'real life' stories about acne when my own was at it's worst because I felt like I was the only one. 

My most common break out area is my chin, I don’t really get them anywhere else (hormonal). Here are my favourite products past and present for my skin. 

Acne Out Active Lotion £7.97 (here)

I've talked about this product time and time again but I really am in awe of it's results. I have tried everything on the market, both from the doctor and over the counter and this product definitely get results. I am not saying it is a complete fix but it is a quick fix. From my experience, if you get a spot and apply this lotion, it will be visibly reduced if not gone hours later. It doesn't dry out the area too much or damage the skin afterwards. My experience of using this product has been amazing. It is an inexpensive product in comparison to other skincare products of this nature and is definitely worth a try!

Kiehls Blue Herbal Moisturiser £26.50 (here)

I am always on the look out for acne specific products by high profile and reliable brands. They are not easily found but when I saw this product I had to try it. I was not disappointed and have re-purchased three times. I use this product nearly all the time normally applying it at night or when my skin is particularly bad. This moisturiser is oil free but the key ingredient is Salicylic Acid which reduces the appearance of blemishes and pores. It really does leave the skin more even and prevents new blemishes. It is a really mattifying cream which is perfect for anyone with really oily skin. This product gives quite quick results and is a good base before applying makeup, especially for people who want it to last that bit longer. 

MooGoo Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser £12.50 (here)

My mum got me this product when my skin was at it's worst. I was sceptical at first because of the smell (you don't buy it for it's smell). However, I found it really good for soothing the skin and fighting spots. A lot of acne products are quite harsh on the skin but this product has all natural ingredients. It is a cleansing cream but also works as a leave on moisturiser. It is full of anti-oxidants as opposed to chemicals preventing excess oils on the skin becoming rancid which can be the cause of acne. I believe this product worked over a longer period of time and regular use, it's not a quick fix! 

The next product is a given but I have to mention it. 

Sudocrem £2.99 (Here)

This product is known and loved by girls everywhere. The sudocrem mask is famous! I have to say this did help heal most of my spots but more importantly helped sooth my skin.

One thing I would be weary of is using very perfumed products. I had to change shampoo because of the effect it was having on the skin on my chest and back. 

I really did master camouflaging my spots. This was after I went through the concealer addict stage. Where to start?

1. Green Colour Corrector 

£17.50 (here)

$14 (here)

Cheaper Alternative 

Natural Collection Corrector Stick £1.99 (here)

2. Full Coverage Concealer 

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer £19.50 (here)

This product appears very very expensive for a concealer but it is absolutely amazing and could last you a full year. It is so full coverage, it could cover anything! It is dubbed 'The World's Best Concealer' and won best concealer at the 2015 Cosmo Beauty Awards. There are ten different shades available. 

MAC Pro Longwear Conceal - NC25 £18.00 (here)

This concealer is very full coverage, a little goes a very long way with this product. It is very long-wearing, I never need to top up during the day. It is water-resistant and ideal for someone who can't touch up or will be busy all day. It hides any blemishes or imperfections. 

L.A Girl PRO. Concealer HD £5.00 (here)

This concealer is so affordable and amazing quality. It comes in 30 shades. It is so long wearing and brilliant for hiding any blemishes or imperfections!

3. A translucent powder

Sometimes when you have a particularly bad blemish, concealer won't even stick! I learned that if you put a bit of powder on your spot before applying your concealer it will look more flawless and completely cover the redness. This is not the case for every spot so you can just apply translucent over concealer to ensure that it is long lasting and full proof for the day. Most of the time I use a translucent powder but I also have used a medium coverage powder aswell. 

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder £29 (here)

MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - Medium Golden £24 (here)

NYX High Definition Finishing Powder £8.00 (here)

I hope this helps even one person suffering from skin problems. I know I would have tried anything! Everyone's skin is so different, and what worked for me may not work for everyone but this is my experience. If you are suffering from acne or any similar skin problem I would recommend visiting your GP for any advice as it is helpful to have a professional opinion.