JANUARY ROUNDUP

Considering I'm pretty much the worst blogger ever when it comes to consistency, I thought I'd try my very best to do a little summery of each month up this year, for me to look back on next year! (This was originally going to be a 'my day's off', which then turned into 'my week in photos', alas, here we are - 'monthly roundup')

This months been a mixture of emotions, flitting from 'new year new me', to 'oh my god I'm so poor, how can I do anything', to 'I am so grateful for everything in life right now', to 'I wonder if I'll ever do the things I want in life..' Its been very though provoking, I'll say that much.

Here are some raw/unedited snaps of the month of January (although not horrendous - I'm so glad you're over!):

At the start of the month I really wanted to get my dreams for travelling off to a flying start. I've always stalked (and stalked), people who are my age and off travelling the world, I couldn't be more jealous. After having a gander around some of the shops on Park Street (something I haven't done in years!), I went to STA travel on the triangle for an appointment about travel options. After a general chit chat about what I wanted to get out of my experiences, and a few brochures later, I actually felt a bit overwhelmed. The money it costs - doesn't bother me, I can save for that. The fact that just getting myself into the centre of my own town, to enter a building by myself, to sit down with a man I don't know, to talk about getting around North America/Asia on my own, unfortunately, freaks me out enough as it is. However I am still determined to see the world. I need to realise everybody is different and maybe I'm not the true free spirit I'd like to be. However, I still believe in my own time I can achieve my dreams. (This day was actually beautiful weather wise, this is the top of Park Street, Bristol)

I was one of those people this month that turns up to work when they've booked the week off. D'oh!!! I've never ever done this before, feeling slightly frustrated (I get up at 5.30am to start work at 7am), I drove home and ended up having a really productive day. Heres my breakfast from said day - Fresh mango with Coconut soya yoghurt and honey. 

One of those days I was super grateful that I wasn't scraping ice off my car at 6.30am. Snuggled in my dressing gown, drinking a green tea, and not envying Theo's poor little paws, as he ventured onto the icy grass for his morning business. 

Another beautiful day! Complete with hot air balloon. 

I've been using this a tonne this month, the limited edition cleanse and polish from Liz Earle (pink pepper and mint). If you know me, you'll know I've been using Liz Earle's cleanse and polish for well over 5/6 years now!? Back when I had really bad eczema on my face, it seemed to be the only thing that didn't flare it up and left it feeling squeaky clean (without that horrible tight/drying feeling!) Love love love!

The day it slightly snowed and everyone lost their shit (as per usual). This was at 7.25am on one of my days off, I happened to be awake and decided to take a look out the window to see what my Twitter/Facebook timeline was really talking about - even though I don't get the hype, theres always something so pretty about snow, eh!

A treat from my mama. The most beautiful fishcakes I've tasted in a long while! This was at the Willy Wicket in Bristol.

As most people my side of town might have noticed a couple weeks ago, we had some fabulous sunsets. The sun seems to set so beautifully where I take my dog for a walk/drive home from my dads house. I was just envious of that plane trail in the sky - take me on holiday! 

...Told ya.

Some absolutely amazing cocktails I was treated to by my friend Esther, we have gone out SO. MUCH. the past two months, I think we've both agreed to give it a rest... for now. This was in a beautiful restaraunt/bar in Bristol called Browns. I've always loved it in here, occasionally we would go for a drink in here after my 'Founders Day' at school (when we'd march round Bristol in red gaberdine's - google it).

NAUGHTY DRIVING PHOTO. This day I had put down a deposit for my new car, something about me felt so emotional - I'm not sure if was the amazing red sunset, or the fact this was the last week I'd be driving my infamous Punto - Paolo. He has lasted me a long 3 years, and cost me around £250 in maintenance costs, never let me down, and travelled to various cities with me, (despite shaking when hitting anything over 70mph). After being told he was pretty much doomed due to welding problems, it was time to let go.. so sad! 

A catch up with old friends. We went to Zizi's and I actually had a salad (wut.), however I have to say it was tasty AF. Plus we realised I get a hefty discount due to where I work - happy days!

What felt like the most tiering day of my LIFE. Car hunting with my dad - I think this day I had test driven 3 cars in the past 24 hours and we were nearly losing hope, due to all the ad's I liked the look of had sold or were 3892580 miles away. This was in a cute cafe in Thornbury, called Shelley's Cafe - so cute! and the perfect sized brunch to keep us going for the rest of our search.

Yet another dog walk with a pretty sky - Looking at this photo, those crows must've been huge! I've never seen Theo chasing birds before, so this was quite a hilarious first.

After looking at these photos, I pretty much just go for dog walks and go out for dinner (lol), to be fair, these are my favourite things to do... However, I'm planning to do a little more this month, and be more proactive with adventuring rather than spending all my money and time on/with alcohol..
Saying that, its not like I've had a bad time - #lovedatpartyscene. Heres to a February full of adventures and new experiences (in my new car! eee!)

Hope you've had a lovely January, as far as January's go!
Madi x

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Today I woke up really confused, in the most awkward position ever, feeling pretty groggy and expected to open my curtains to yet another dismal day, however - sunshine! It's actually crazy how that little glimpse of sunlight and blue sky can instantly lift your mood. This week I actually turned up to work to be told I'd booked the week as holiday.. I was that person, d'oh!
Anyway, although the last minute surprise has been slightly annoying (due to me not being able to make plans etc), Its pretty nice to just wake up when you want and wonder where the day will take you.
Today me and mum decided to put Theo in the back of the car, and take a last minute trip to The Westonbirt Arboretum, in Tetbury. I talk about the Arboretum to my friends and family ALL the time, I love it - especially in Spring when all the trees are in bloom and in Autumn when all the leaves are in the midst of changing colour & dropping. They run photography courses and nature watches there because some of the scenery really is breathtaking, (with over 15,000 specimens from all over the globe, don't cha' know).

The Arboretum offers a small cafe just before you begin your route. There are a few different routes including ones that are dog permitted, and others that have more of a challenging hike, more history or routes that are more children friendly with activities along the way. Most of the seating is allocated outside - with a huge canapé, so its functional for you and your pooches all year round! Today's weather had a pretty icy wind attached to it so I opted for a soya hot chocolate. 

(I call this my, 'I really need a hair cut but haven't drawn my eyebrows on so my overgrown fringe will have to be forgiven', look.)

Theo is insanely nosey when it comes to anyone, anything, and any dog. It doesn't matter what size, temperament or breed it is, he'll give anyone a sniff! One of the best things about the Arboretum is that you come across so. many. dogs. Today alone we saw a 4 month old dachshund and a small pack of terroir puppies, each dressed in high-vis jackets (!!)

They also have a really cutsie shop here. It is filled with amazing books, cute decorations and nifty trinkets. (They also have a pretty impressive sweet section).

Due to having Theo with us, we had to take the dog walking route. Due to the time of year/previous weather, it was quite hard to capture the beauty of the place - this route is adapted for dogs to be allowed off their leads to explore, therefore there are no manmade paths and it represents more of a typical forest as apposed to a carefully planted Arboretum, (there are much more unusual specimens to see on the other routes, however this one doesn't fall short of quirky shaped tree's and interesting photo opportunities!) 

Last year the 'Treetop walkway' was completed, which means you can now walk 13 metres above the ground and really feel like you're within the trees. I would love to spend more time exploring this part of the Arboretum, but due to it being so very windy this particular day, I didn't feel comfortable climbing the 'crow's nest viewing point'! 

The end of our trip became extremely windy indeed, to the point Theo's little ears were blowing back in the gale, bless him. 

I can't wait to spend more time at the Arboretum this year, me and my mum have had a membership for the past couple of years, which allows you free access all year round. For a one off visit, its £7 for adults, £5 for students, £3 for 5-18 and children under 5 go free. I would highly recommend the Arboretum for any nature lover, dog walker, or photographer. Its also perfect for a family day out, as there are picnic benches dotted around, as well as activities that run all year round. Bring on Spring I say! (Find out a tonne of information on Westonbirt Arboretum here)

Thanks for reading, Madi x 

MY FAVOURITE EYESHADOW PALETTES

I thought I'd put up a little post about my favourite eyeshadows, or eyeshadow palettes to be more specific. I have built up a pretty impressive drawer full of palettes, since falling in love with makeup around 3/4 years ago. When I shop makeup, theres never usually anything specific I'm shopping for - (dangerous). I pretty much have everything I'll ever need, for at least a year or so (yes, this does include foundations, mascara's and eyebrows pencils). Whether it be drugstore or high end - Entice me with dribble worthy packaging, a perfect mix of shimmers and mattes, a dreamy array of base and crease colours with a buttery finish - and you got me at hello girl.

I. Makeup Revolution, New-Trals vs Neutrals - II. Makeup Revolution, Ultra Eye Contour Light and Shade - III. Sleek, Au Naturel 601 - IV. Tarte, Tartlette In Bloom

TARTE, TARTLETTE IN BLOOM £36

This is probably my all time favourite palette yet - It works for absolutely everything, night time looks, day time looks, or just a little bit of that suttin' suttin'. I sometimes wear the shade 'smarty pants' as an all over the lid shade for work, (I wake up at 5.30am, it has to be quick and easy to do in the dark). All the shades in this palette compliment each other perfectly and blend seamlessly. It contains 9 mattes and 3 shimmers. The formula of these is SO pigmented and buttery I've never tried anything quite like it. I've used this palette on clients before and I honestly couldn't fault it. My favourite look is 'Charmer' all over the lid, 'Smarty Pants' or 'Jetsetter' in the crease, 'Leader' or 'Activist' on the outter corner, and of course 'Funny Girl' packed all over the lid. I also find 'Rebel' brushed under the lower lash line really compliments blue/green eyes! Beau-ti-ful!

SLEEK, AU NATUREL 601 £8.99

This is another favourite of mine purely based on one shade, can you tell? However, I do love every colour in this palette, and for something so cheap - how can you go wrong? 12 shades for £8.99? I mean, excuse meee. I find myself reaching for this when I want a safe look - I know that when used in the crease/outter corner, that particular khaki shade (with tiny gold flecks!!), compliments my skin tone/eye colour etc. This palette contains 8 mattes and 4 shimmers. I like the general 90's/grunge feel I get from the colour-way of this palette. Its a little hit and miss with the formula/pigmentation, some shades are really buttery and the colour pay off is amazing - (the light shades and shimmer shades), however others - (mainly the dark shades), take a bit more to work with. 

MAKEUP REVOLUTION, NEW-TRALS vs NEUTRALS £6.99 & ULTRA EYE CONTOUR LIGHT & SHADE £8 (SEPARATE)

Okay so, I physically cannot get over HOW this palette is from your local Superdrug... for £6.99 - R U KIDDIN? As you can probably tell from my slightly dodgy swatches (I can't swatch on my arm like a normal person at the moment, due to my eczema!) - the pigmentation of this palette is quite literally, exquisite. Look at it! I like to think this is a slightly less hyped up dupe for the Modern Renaissance palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills, (which bizarrely, I still want, of course..). The formulation for Makeup Revolution eyeshadow palettes lately is literally insane - for what you pay, your landed with a palette full of beautiful mattes and shimmers, in the most bendable and beautiful formula. I probably use this palette the least out of my favourites, purely because I don't suit pinky shades! However, definitely a palette for a professional look on a budget!  

Another banger from Makeup Revolution. If this isn't the most accurate dupe of Kat Von D Shade and Light palette, I don't know what is. Again, this palette kills it with the pigmentation and colour pay off, its really easy to work with and I can proudly say I have used every single shade in this palette (and loved every look I've created - if I were to toot my own horn). Just like the Sleek palette, I get a strong grunge vibe from this - which I love. This palette is perfect for beginners for two reasons, firstly - the price! and secondly - it has a great selection of neutrals and 'garish' shades, which I believe would suit/compliment any skin/hair/eye tone. 

Thanks for reading! Is there any eyeshadow palettes you'd recommend me based on my taste?
Currently on my wish list: Anastasia Beverly Hills, Modern Renaissance palette, and the Morphe 350F Palette - obvs.

Madi xx

DO'S AND DONT'S OF A 20 SOMETHING'S LOVE LIFE

Oh hey.
How fricking hilarious, I just went to view my old blog and found this blog post saved in my drafts, dated back to November 2015! I can just tell by the tone of my type that I was, lets say, a little pissed.
Bless me, I thought it would be pretty funny to actually post it this time around as its actually sort of relevant still! If you're sick of watching people sprawling their engagement on Christmas day all over Facebook, or updates of 'The boy did good' etc, Read on...

Oh look, here I am again. WHY is it I always actually make the time to blog and write when I'm sad, angry, or disappointed? I wish I could find the passion to take the time to write about a beautiful new lipstick or dress I've purchased, but I'd rather just chat for hours in person about those things.

I really wanted to write this post, well, I have wanted to write this post for SO LONG. I've just always worried about causing offence or upsetting people. I always relate so much to Jameela Jemill's personal experience columns in Cosmo magazine and how much they make me laugh. My main aim is to just have a giggle about all of this when I look back in a few years time. I've now had four relationships, each and every one, COMPLETELY different. Well, obviously there are some that have the same traits, but all in all, I'd say, different.

Here are some simple do's and dont's I've figured out along my merry way through the good and bad times of my personal relationships with men.

DO - check your OWN fucking social media. Shit me, the amount of clues you get from that after stalking yourself from the past few weeks, what were you DOING girl. If your tweets resemble those of a depressed middle aged women with 5 kids (all under aged 6), pleading for cuddles, massages, company and adventure, its time to re-evaluate, pronto.

DON'T - underestimate an HONEST man. Yes, they may have just wasted your time, energy and money. (Not to mention those hours you'd spend thinking how you could change things, wondering if they'll change, wonder if THIS time MAYBE they'll wrap you in their arms when you arrive home wet and cold from a long day). However, after being told from their own mouth, 'I don't think I'll change' - THAT, my huns, is a signal to gallop off as fast as you can into the sea of singletons that WANT your company and appreciate your presence.

DO - love. yo. self. (but not too much), I've had it before where I was so boastful about myself, my big blue eyes, my quirky ginger hair, my decent body - the boy himself was actually put off, 'It's actually such a turn off when you do that' (lol). Don't get me wrong, I'm not ACTUALLY cocky, I just sometimes find it funny to over exaggerate and PRETEND I'm an egotistical twat. (But sometimes they genuinely believe you, oops)

DON'T - try and change someone. Each and every one of us, has a background, an upbringing, a childhood etc. When in a HAPPY relationship, I am the most fun loving, uplifting, excited, hyperactive, cuddly, snuggly person ever (I bite people when I like them, I once bit my best friend while intoxicated, so hard that I gave her bruises - I mean, hello?). Now, when you find yourself TRYING to make this reciprocal - stop.

DO - get pissed and have a good time. Its a classic, you get pissed with your friends, have a dance, have a giggle, and create a story to tell. As long as you're not harming anyone, or yourself, you're in the right frame of mind and you're up for a good time - bloody go for it. The gossip magazines/chic flics are not wrong. It works.

DON'T - Ever, ever, ever, be told what to do, or how to be. I mean fair enough 'Madi, can you get the cutlery out for dinner', sure. However, once when I was relatively young, I was told by a boyfriend, I looked like a slut with fake eyelashes on before going out for a family meal. I'M SORRY???? I think at the time, I cried and took them off. Now I'd probably just laugh, push the persons face far far AWAY from my own, and turn my back (and put on more mascara).

DO - Learn from your wrong doings. Well, I say wrong doings, I actually mean damn right wrong decisions. Listen to your inner voice, act upon that feeling in your gut, LISTEN to your friends and family. When people close to you can see that a person you're dating is underserving of you, take it on board to realise that, MAYBE it isn't right that your partner silently turns away and goes straight on their phone after sex, or falls asleep after you've just arrived at their house for the evening - realise your worth girl!

DON'T - Be afraid to fart. I once spent an entire 3 year relationship holding in farts and number 2's, until I got home or to a friends. Its not something I'd recommend.

Oh me. What am I like?
Until next time x

Heres a video that inspired me a little to write this post:

MY IDEA OF THE DREAM, A/W STYLE 2016

I just feel like designers and stylists of this years A/W season, are, ON. POINT.

I absolutely love everything I'm seeing at the moment. Whether it be on overcrowded fixtures in Primark, or more premium fashion mannequins in high end store windows. I think this is the first year in a long time I've actually appreciated and acknowledged the bikini's being taken off the shop floor and rails are beginning to burst with beautiful coats and jackets. I'm usually sad once I realise its too cold to not be able to wonder freely without a jacket, or pretty summer dresses become lost amongst the chaos that is 'Summer Clearance' (Don't get me wrong - this still makes me sad). 

I put together some 'mood boards', if you will, of what have become my perfect combinations as the chilly air creeps into our bones. 

Outfit 1:
Jumper, Trousers, Jacket, Shoes, Bag
Outfit 2:
Body, Trousers, Jacket, Shoes, Bag
Outfit 3:
Jumper, Skirt, Jacket, Shoes, Bag

Thanks for reading!
Madi xx

THE MOST, WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Theres something so beautiful about this time of year. Maybe its the way the sun hits the burnt orange leaves on the trees, or reflects on the dewy grass. One of my favourite things to do is to walk the scenic areas surrounding where I live. Sometimes my life is filled with a lot of negativity, so much so its almost as though it will spill over the top of my head, it has a way of consuming me so much. Walking is my best form of therapy - especially with Theo. I love pulling on my thick socks and pointing my feet into my wellies, stuffing a couple of poo bags into my pocket and leaving with nothing more than my keys and Theo's lead in my hands. Its a time where I take a breather from having to talk to anyone, and have space with my own thoughts. I escape the confinements of the house or work, and just breath. I find walking takes me away from everything and be grateful for the simple things. That I can see the sun setting, I can watch Theo leap through the long grass, I can smell the crisp autumnal air, and be thankful I can carry myself across the fields without thinking about it.

If anyone has any good suggestions for dog walks in the Bristol area, let me know! 

Thanks for reading,

Madi xx