My Fragrance Collection

I have become quite the fragrance hoarder and I love seeing peoples collections, especially how they display and keep them so I thought today I would share my own collection. So I am actually going to let you in on a secret, I actually store all my fragrances in my makeup cupboard. I have always been told they last longer in dark spaces so I've stuck to it, but for the purpose of this post I thought I would show you how I would display them if they were out. I actually like it so much I may let my 'in the dark' rule go. The copper plate that holds the bulk is from Target and the rose gold polka one is from Homegoods. There are a sh*t ton of fragrances here so I am not going to go into the individually. I am going to categorize them by fragrance family and then link to any posts I have done on them in the past.

Sweet:

Jo Malone Orris & Sandalwood- Review HERE

Elizabeth Arden Always Red

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom- Review HERE

Fresh Brown Sugar- Review HERE

Michael Kors Rose Radient Gold

Fresh:

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt- Review HERE

Fresh Life- Review HERE

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit- Review HERE

Vera Wang Preppy Princess

CLEAN Reserve Warm Cotton- Review HERE

CLEAN Reserve Blonde Rose- Review HERE

Tocca Isabel- Review HERE

Deeper:

La Prairie Midnight Rain

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood

Lancome Las Vie Est Belle

CLEAN Reserve Skin- Review HERE

Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme

What's in your fragrance collection? Love...

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Getting Out of a Neutral Eyeshadow Rut

I don't know about you but I seem to get into an eyeshadow funk now and again, wearing the same shades and same formulas of neutrals all the time. When this happens I have a few bright colors in my collection I like to add into my makeup routine. Now stick with me here as I am not talking anything crazy, but a little bit of color can still be wearable. I love MAC Cranberry for a rusty red eye and Starviolet is the perfect purple base. Another purple by MAC that adds some color but doesn't look too much is Nocturnal, I love wearing this deep purple in the crease; especially in spring. If you want a palette thats got some nice pops of color then the Masterclass by Smashbox is perfect. There are a ton of neutral shades but there are also some really fun greens, blues, purple, and pinks. For a subtler version I love the It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty II palette, it is completely matte making it really easy to wear and I love the range of pastel shades. For a peachy eye I love layering Peaceful, Adore, and Desire. If you have blue or hazel eyes green eyeshadow can be really flattering, green does sound a bit scary but if you go with an olive color like the one in this Marc Jacobs palette it can be really flattering on the eyes. This palette also has some lovely purples and yellow tones, I am not sure if it still available but Marc Jacobs has a ton of other palettes with great colors in. If you do want to go a little more out there then a metallic color is stunning. Cobalt from the Lorac Metal palette would add a lovely pop of color to the eyes smudged under the lash line or worn as a winged liner. How do you incorporate color in your makeup? Love...

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An E.E Cream?

I've officially heard it all in the beauty world, BB's, CC's, DD's and now even an EE. Anyone would think were talking about bra sizes but lo and behold there just fancy names for tinted moisturizers. Don't get me wrong I am not one of those people who boycott against them, no in fact I actually quite like to embrace them but I do tend to judge them on a 'tinted moisturizer' bases. Talk of Estee launder's E.E Cream has been around for a while (along with their BB and CC creams) and I thought it was about time I tried it. With SPF 30 and promises of sheer coverage and color correction I had high hopes. So you may be wondering, what exactly does EE stand for? Well that would be Even Effect, the light base claims to give skin a a hint of color, and create an all over even effect. It covers dark spots, sun spots, blemishes, and pores while delivering a high-level SPF and hydrating properties. I must say, I really couldn't agree any more to its claims. I was wanting this to be an easy no makeup day base or something that could be worn under a foundation for added coverage and sun protection; it works great for both. I find applying it like  moisturizer with fingertips works the best and you can really work it into the skin. It comes in three different shades which all that adapt to your skin tone making it pretty universal. It does have a dewy finish so may be one to stay away from if you're oily. For an easy every day base pop a little of this on the skin, add some concealer and mascara; you're good to go. Yes the coverage is sheer but it seems to do something magical to the skin and I for one love it. What do you think of this special breed of beauty products? Love...

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To Prime Or Not To Prime?

Priming has become quite the controversial thing over the past few years; Should you prime? Do you need to? Can it be bad for your skin? Quite frankly I think it's down to personal preference and personally priming is a step I can take or leave. I am not one of those unlucky people that get an horrendously oily t-zone or that my face eats up makeup, so primer has never been a necessity for me. Don't get me wrong it does prolong the longevity of my makeup but I just don't use it everyday. I have nothing against primers and actually do love a good ol' hydrating one. If my skin is feeling especially dry then I love using something like the Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer, it feels light on the skin and not silicone-y at all (which I can't stand by the way). All of Laura Mercier's primers are really lovely and they have a good selection, all for different skin types and concerns so you're bound to find one to suit. Another hydrating pick that I have been really liking is the Lune and Aster Hydralift Primer, it plumps the skin while adding a nice creamy dose of hydration making it perfect for these winter months; plus it is like skincare and makeup in one. If makeup longevity is what I am looking for then a spray like Skindinavia's is perfect. As I already said I am not a fan of thick silicone like primes, so something like a light spray works really well for me. I also get rather dull skin so anything illuminating is right up my street, of course you have the ever so iconic MAC Strobe Cream which is not only seriously glow-y but also very hydrating. Tom Ford's Complexion Enhancing Primer in Peach Glow cancels out any sallowness and really lifts the face. Eve Lom also do a really nice Radiance Primer that combines skincare and the ideal makeup base in one. Really I think even a good dose of an emollient cream or moisturizer makes a lovely base. Lastly I do have a longtime favorite in the primer department and thats Stila's One Step Correct. It evens out redness, brightens the complexion, seriously hydrates, and adds that boost of longevity to your makeup. So thats face primers covered, don't even get me started on shadow primers, maybe we will go there for another post. Primer will always continue to be a love or hate thing I think but it's all about finding the right one for you I think. Where do you stand on the matter? Love...

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What's In My Current Makeup Bag?

I love having a peek at peoples makeup bags, for research purposes you know? I need to know what to add to my shopping list. So as I enjoy it so much I figured there must be other people too, so today I am sharing mine so you can all have a good nose. So I own a lot of makeup up, way more than any person needs but what can I say it's my hobby. Of course there are those I obsess over and they are the ones that sit in my everyday makeup bag, from new launches to old favorites and everything in between. I have recently gotten back into the NARS Sheer Glow foundation and I really love it. I used to wear Deauville but it had gotten a bit dark for me so I picked up Gobi and it's pretty much perfect, other than that darn packaging, luckily I have found a random cap that fits on top of the pump. I have been going between this and the new Laura Mercier Candleglow foundation, I also really love this and use it on days when I want a little less coverage than the sheer glow. You can read a full review on the new Laura Mercier foundation HERE if you would like. For concealer I am still really into the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye, it covers dark circles really well and my skin has been pretty good lately so I haven't found I need anything else. I have also gotten back into powder in the form of Hourglasses Diffused Light, this powder is a pale yellow shade that reduces redness and brightens the under eyes. For blush I have been loving the Chantecaille Cheek Gelee, it blends over foundation really well and even over powders, leaving a light flush that looks beautifully dewy. For highlight and contour/bronzing the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow has been my go too, and that highlight is so darn beautiful. I have been going pretty simple on the eyes recently so this mini Naturally Pretty palette with all matte browns and nudes has been perfect. Winged liner has also been my go to and I have really been enjoying this Guerlain pencil liner. For brows the It Cosmetics Brow Power adds just the right amount of fill I need. I'm still a Bareminerals Lash Domination faze and I am still enjoying it thoroughly, it adds definition and volume as well as length. Lastly I have been going pink on the lips with either Burberry English Rose or Tom Ford Pink Dusk. If I feel like a nude then my all time favorite Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria comes into play. So this may seem like a awful lot but, more is more right? Let me know what beauty products you currently have on rotation. Love...

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Champagne Body Products? Yes Please!

So were going back to 2015 just for a minuet or two. Champagne inspired body products sound pretty great to me and Molton Browns Vintage 2015 range is just that. As it is now 2016 I was a little unsure about posting this but the items are still available for purchase through Neiman Marcus and I can't recommend them enough. The grapefruit and elderflower mix Vintage 2015 Bath & Shower Gel is invigorating in the morning and feels oh so luxurious to use. It looks like it has a shimmer running through it but it never seems to get onto the skin which I love. The matching body lotion has the same amazing scent while it nourishes your dry winter skin and never feels greasy or heavy. I also love the packaging of these two, it's so beautiful and looks perfect sitting on my bathroom countertop. As body products go these are pretty special. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Winter Skin Essentials

Winter can wreak havoc on your skin and I have a few essentials that get me by, so I thought I would share them with you today. I think pretty much everyone's skin gets dry to some extent so hydration really is the key. I know the first things to go on me is my lips, they get dry and chapped and the thought of a matte lipstick just makes me shiver. Finding a good lip balm that really does its job can be a tricky one, but I like to think I have found some of the best; considering I have tested literally hundreds. Of course the blogger favorite Nuxe Reve Miel balm is a wonderful one especially if your lips are really dry. For a cheaper and more natural alternative I love Hurraw's totally vegan coconut lip balm, lastly if you want a balm that will sit well under lipstick then I haven't found better than this one from Caudalie. Before we go onto the face lets just cover the body; I hate moisturizing my body with a passion but in the winter it really is necessary and I have been loving the deep hydration of the Beauty Rx Hydrating Body Lotion. It feels lightweight on the skin and soaks in quickly while adding that much needed dose of hydration. Using an oil for the body can also feel very luxurious and I love the Caudalie Divine Oil. In the shower L'Occitane's Almond Body Cleansing Oil is also a real treat. For the face I also love using oils and I have a whole post on that HERE if you want to read more, of course moisture in any form is what you need so I like to start with a good toner thats going to add some glow to dull winter skin. The Queen of Hungary Mist from Omorovicza spritzes some lovely moisture and glow onto the skin while helping your other products on top work to their full potential. A good moisturizer is also a priority in my book and I have a fare few favorites including Murad's Hydro Dynamic, Caudalie's Vino Source, and M-61 Hydroboost Moisturizer. At the end of the day my skin usually feels yucky and like it's in need of some serious water, to retain moisture but still cleanse my skin I love using a balm cleanser and Emma Hardy's is my personal favorite. Lastly you can't have a winter skin routine without some hydrating masks in the mix, two I love are the Origins Over Night Mask and the GlamGlow Thirstymud Mask. The Origins is a little heavier so perfect for nighttime but if you want a quick fix then the GlamGlow is perfect, plus it smells like coconuts which makes me dream of the summer months. What products do you add into your winter skin routine? Love...

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Jo Malone Orris & Sandalwood

Jo Malone releases are the best kind in my book and I always do a little jump up and down inside when I hear about them. This month she is releasing a brand new fragrance to the Cologne Intense line; Orris & Sandalwood. With top notes of Violet and base notes of Orris (the root of an Iris plant) and Sandalwood this fragrance has a lot of depth but isn't overly musky or heavy to wear. They describe the fragrance as 'the scent of Tuscan hill sides with irises in bloom, steeped in sunshine', but personally (and less glamorously) it reminds me of those tiny purple sweets I used to eat as a kid; Parma Violets. It certainly has a sweetness to but it's not overpoweringly sweet as the Sandalwood mellows it a little. It is very different to what I would usually wear but I really like it, I can't quite put my finger on why but I do really love it. It is something that in my opinion is suitable for all seasons, it is deep enough for autumn but would also make a lovely summers evening scent. As it is a Cologne Intense this stuff has some serious staying power, I sprayed it on Sunday evening and by Monday morning I could still smell it. All in all it's a win in my book and if you're a one fragrance only girl then I would say this is a pretty good all rounder. Mimosa and Cardamon wasn't really for me so I am glad my everlasting faith in Jo Malone is reinstalled. The Cologne Intense range is pretty new to me and I think I want to try more, leave your recommendations below. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint

The latest base drop from NARS isn't quintessentially me but I do like to dabble in matte skin occasionally. My problem is that I never like it because it just sucks the life out of my dry complexion, well until now that is. Their new Velvet Matte Skin Tint offers a matte natural finish to the skin while proving sun protection with SPF30 and still giving your skin some much needed hydration. For a tinted moisturizer it has a decent whack of coverage in my opinion, I would say certainly medium. It has quite a thin creamy consistency that glides onto the skin with ease and unlike other matte formulas it doesn't grab onto any dry patches or uneven skin. For a really skin like finish I apply it with a beautyblender but if I want a little more coverage out of it then something like a buffing brush works really well. I am in the shade Finland and it's the perfect match, it also comes in 11 other shades so there certainly is something for every skin tone and color. I can see this is going to  be my go to base in the hot and sweaty summer months to stop that shine showing through. Whether you have dry skin or oily I can certainly say this is one for everyone. I am a big NARS fan an in my opinion they continue to hit it out of the park when it comes to new releases... My only wish put a pump on that darn Sheer Glow, many thanks your loyal fan.


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Learning To Wing It

Winged liner has never really been my forte but over the past year or so I like to think I have gained a few tips that can really help get that clean flick without liner everywhere; I actually found some on my elbow once... Liquid is my preferred poison but if you do suck like me then I think a creamy pencil like the Bareminerals Lasting Line is perfect. With a fine nibbed pencil like this one you can easily get a thin line along the lashes and flick it out with ease, and if things really do go wrong you can always smudge it out for a smokey look. To get the perfect (really semi-perfect) flick I like to follow my lower lash line and flick it toward the edge of my brow, small wings are my go to but the same rule applies wether you want it more graphic. If you're really struggling you can always use the good ol' tape trick to get a clean line, just make sure each eye is at the same angle to keep things even. Recently brands have been coming out with other devices (that look a little like guitar picks) to help you achieve a smooth line. Beautyblender have just released a rubber like musical instrument pick that adheres onto the skin to give you a line template, but Eyeko also have a similar looking thing but made of plastic that comes free with their mascaras (it supposedly stops smudging, but would work in the same way for eyeliner too in my opinion). If liquid is your thing then for a fool proof option I love the Kat Von D Tattoo Liners. They have very fine nibs; in fact it isn't even a nib, more like loads of tiny brush hairs that come together to create a very easy and subtle thin line. The great thing about these is that they are totally budge proof too. I have the black and brown shades but honestly they are very similar in color, the black is very dark so if you want something a little more subdued then I would go for the brown. I am not going to go into gel as I have never really got on with it, but I will link to a few of my favorite 'eyeliner' posts at the bottom of this post. So now you can start practicing winging it, let me know how you get on. Love...

Sarah Loves Makeup- My Favorite Eyeliners & How I Use Them

Vivianna Does Makeup- The Eyeliners That Even I Can Get Flicky With

Lily Pebbles- Reunited With Gel Eyeliner

Into The Gloss- How To Get Even Eyeliner

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Framing With Framebridge

When Frambridge contacted me and asked if I would like to try their framing service I jumped at the chance. I had come across their site only a few weeks earlier looking to frame a gift for Christmas so was thrilled when I received the email. I decided I wanted a piece for my room and was pretty sure I wanted a quote of some sort as I couldn't find and Etsy photograph I liked. The great thing about Framebridge is that they also offer printing so if you don't have a printed image or art already it's really convenient. I ended up going with THIS Audrey Hepburn quote art from Etsy and I love it, I simply purchased the digital download and then sent it over to Framebrindge with my frame pick to be printed and framed. There are a ton of frames to pick from but I decided to keep things simple and go for the plain white wood version; Irvine. Everything is delivered ready to hang straight on the wall, and hooks are even included. I am so impressed by the quality of the frame, it feels sturdy, solid and well just very expensive even though their prices comparable to do not break the bank. I was a little worried how their printing quality may be, but I needn't of been; the words look sharp and clean with no pixels in sight. In fact I was so happy with the frame they sent me I ended up ordering another print and frame as a Christmas gift for a family member. I had a lovely photo of DC I had wanted to get framed for a while and they blew it up and framed it yet again beautifully. This time I went for a frame that is a little more classic; Newport, a thin antiqued silver frame. I am so impressed by them, the ease of use of the website, the quality of the frames, and of course the printing option. That piece of artwork you love or that quote you've been meaning to hang on the wall can only be made better by a beautiful frame, and with the ease of Framebridge you can achieve that. Love...

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Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation

I am the first in line to try new foundations, especially when they've got the word 'glow' in the title. I am also a big fan of Laura Mercier and no one does face products quite like she does. The Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation casts a candle lit glow across the face while leaving a long wearing satin finish. The light-weight formula glides onto the skin seamlessly leaving a light to medium coverage. It has a blend of natural oils that lock in moisture but don't leave the skin looking wet or oily. I really love it on my dry skin as it is hydrating but still has a satin finish making it great for anyone with combination skin too. It has a lovely glow that I would say is candle lit and not necessarily dewy. I really like the packaging, although it is glass so not the best for traveling it is pretty compact and has a tiny pump that is very convenient. It comes in a fair few shades so there should be something for everyone, I am wearing Vanilla right now and Ivory will be my summer shade. I would say this is certainly one of my favorite foundation launches in a while and one to try. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Fragrance Without All The Complexity

One of my favorite fragrance brands CLEAN has recently launched a range of eco friendly and truly clean parfums. The line has been set up with sustainability in mind, creating beautifully simple fragrances and working with communities to ensure sustainable sourcing of ingredients. There are nine fragrances in the line and all focused on being eco-conscious. Some are new blends and others a new reserve of the original formulation. One of the new ones is Blonde Rose, a delicious floral bouquet of peony, rose, jasmine, cedar wood, musk, and sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka sandalwood. I am a big rose fan and I really like this, it has a little more depth than most of my other rose fragrances which means it doesn't feel to 'girly'. I also have two of the new reserve blends, Skin; a warm sweet musky smell, with notes of tonka bean and salted praline along with copaiba oil sourced in special projects from the Amazon. Lastly there is my personal favorite, Warm Cotton Reserve Blend. This just smells like clean laundry and so so fresh. With notes of ginger, green mint, floral accord, musk, incense, and vanilla sustained through projects in southeast Asia; it is not inly a fragrance that smells great it's one you can feel great about too. I love the bottles of these fragrances as well, they are very hefty and again are made sustainably with recycled materials and cork lids from Spain. I love the idea of beauty being mixed with sustainability and any project that helps the world and others is good in my book. I think any chance you have to support partnerships and projects like these then you certainly should, that way you can never feel guilty for that new fragrance purchase. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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2016 Beauty Resolutions

A new year means it's time to make some resolutions. I am not sure whether I believe in making full on resolutions because if you really want to make a change you should do that any time, but I am setting myself a few tasks to try and conquer this coming year. Oh beauty wise that is; so today I am sharing ten beauty resolutions of mine that I think many of you may also share.

1. Wash My Brushes More Often- I am the biggest offender when it comes to not washing my brushes for weeks. I don't know why I just seem to forget and then I realize there all dirty and just can't be bothered or find time to do them. This year I plan to deep clean them at least every other Sunday, without fail.

2. Wear SPF Daily- Again I just seem to forget this step in my skincare routine a lot, especially when it's not summer. My skin is so dry that a moisturizer with SPF in is never enough to cut it so it is always another step for me. The Murad priming SPF is great under makeup so I plan on utilizing that to get my daily dose.


Stop Hoarding Makeup- I am the worst when it comes to hoarding, I can't throw things away. I just don't know why but I get emotionally attached to objects which I know isn't right, but hey I do. I want to start sharing my stuff out more and finally donating all the makeup I don't use. It's about time I throw away those bright pink lipsticks from my young days.

Stick to a Solid Skincare Routine- I am always trying out new skincare which I love doing but I would love to see how sticking to a solid routine would help my skin. I don't have any real bothers with it right now but it would be interesting nonetheless.

Use Cuticle Oil- My cuticles are always dry and cracked so I am trying to train my self to apply oil every single night. I am miss forgetful so this could be tricky but hopefully I will see an improvement in my cuticles.

Drink More Water- I think most people want to do this. Over the past few months I have gotten better at drinking more water but (TMI here) I can't deal with the needing to pee every hour (laughing emoji face). My aim is to get to drinking 8 glasses everyday by the end of the year.

Share More- This kind of relates to my hoarding but I get sent ever such a lot of wonderful things from companies (which I am very grateful for) that I don't get a chance to use it all and so I want to share more of this by donation or to my family and friends.

Talk About More Drugstore Makeup Here- My blog has become more and more high end which I love as thats my real passion but I do understand not everyone (including myself) can afford to spend a lot on beauty and I want to show you can feel great and feed your beauty addiction with a small budget.

Wear Red Lipstick More- I have never been a red lip girl until recently that is. Over the Holiday period I decided to try it out and I really love it. This year I am challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and go bolder on the lips.

Cleanse in the Morning- I am guilty of just swiping some micellar water over my face in the morning and not doing a proper cleanse at least five time a week. My skin has been feeling a little gunky recently and I think it's time to bring back in the proper cleansers come morning time.

Make sure you let me know your 2016 Beauty Resolutions in the comments! Love...

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New York, New York

This past weekend my family and I drove up to New York City for a few days to celebrate my birthday. I have been before but it is one of my favorite places so am always eager to go back. When I planned this post before I left for the trip I imagined it to be full of a lot of exciting images but sadly the trip ended up being cut short down to me getting sick. I had really wanted to do a lot in the few days we were there but obviously as we left after only a day and a half I didn't manage to get everything done; but hey just another excuse to return. It was incredibly cold while we where there so wondering around the city wasn't to much of an option, even though we managed to walk nine miles one day. We arrived in the late afternoon so headed to Central Park to catch the sunset, and of course it was breathtaking. As I had been before I had already seen a few sights so this time we set our goals to new places. On the first morning we headed to the New York Public Library and I fell in love with the place. The architecture was beautiful and there seemed to be wonderful ceilings everywhere. We then headed to Grand Central Station, another place I had never been before. Again it's beautiful inside and I couldn't help thinking of the Gossip Girl opening scene. We grabbed lunch in a place just outside of the terminal, I can't remember its name now but the food was really good. I had a kale salad and it was delicious, and thats coming from a girl who's not 'huge' into kale. We then got a cab up to the Brooklyn Bridge as it was too damn cold to get on the subway. The view from up there was lovely and the new World Trade center is incredible but also very humbling. We went round to the memorials, which are very spectacular indeed but also somber in mood. Lastly for that afternoon we walked over to the shores to see the Statue Of Liberty; it was far to cold to get on the ferry and see it up close. Sadly that evening I had begun to feel ill so we did some shopping on fifth and then went to bed (well I really watched the Bachelor, my guilty please!). By morning I still wasn't well and it was -8C so we decided we would head home via the Upper West Side. I have been thinking about studying abroad for a year or two once were back in the UK at Columbia University so wanted to have a quick drive around the area. It is really beautiful around there and I can certainly see myself studying there in a few years. All in all I had a lovely trip, but still have a few things to tick on my NY list; The MET for one, New York I'm coming back for you. Love...

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