Sunday Snapshot | Sunset over Beeley Moor

A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. 

This Bank Holiday Sunday Evening Snapshot started out as an epic fail for Tim and I! We'd headed over to The Wheatsheaf at Baslow in search of food, only to find they'd finished early and be redirected to The Highwayman (who also didn't have room for us). We resigned ourselves to heading home and ordering a pizza but, rather than waste the whole evening, decided to take the scenic route back to Matlock.

So so glad we did, as it was that perfect, golden time of the evening and we were inspired to abandon the car at the side of the road and take a sunset stroll along some of the country lanes that run through Beeley Moor and capture some stunning shots of that evening's sunset.

Everything was such a glorious shade of soft pink and iPhone photos really don't do it justice at all, but I hope you enjoy these images as much as we enjoyed taking them...

For more real-time snapshots of life in Derbyshire and the Peak District, follow me on instagram.

My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day

Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own...

For the first time this year, my Dad is no longer here to wish a Happy Father's Day to. Although, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I actually physically saw my Dad on Father's Day - apart from the customary phone call or Facetime - because he was never in the country!! Even so, the run up to Father's Day has been a little tough this year, but I couldn't not get in on Maps International's #MapsforDad theme. My dad was quite the globetrotter!

So, my content this year is a little trip down travel memory lane, and might also provide some Father's Day Gift inspiration for those shopping for a Travel-Mad Dad...

A Pin for every Memory

My parents actually have their own Personalised Classic Map Pin-board by Maps International, which my brother and I chipped in and bought for my Mum's birthday, following their epic trip to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong in 2016 (which was a huge tick off their bucket list). Since they both retired, my parents have been relentless, unstoppable travellers, and they had the best time going over the map and sticking pins in every country they've visited during their years together. They've covered a lot of ground between them!

A Singapore Sling at the Famous Raffles Hotel

My Dad had many happy travel memories. Among the ones he would talk about most were celebrating Australia Day in Sydney with cousins, visiting Bob Marley's House in Jamaica, cruising in Cape Verde, and returning time and time again to Taurito, Gran Canaria, which my mum and I actually visited together in April this year for some quiet time and reflection (you can read more about our trip to Mogan, Gran Canaria here). It was the only place Dad had said he wanted to go this year, so we had to make that happen for him, and we had a wonderful, if a little emotional, time.

Of course, we travelled as a family also when my brother and I were younger. We didn't have the most money in the world, but when we did scrape enough together to get away we really made it count! My best travel memories include a road trip through France - which included camping in the Loire Valley, and ended in a stay in a rather grand looking rented chateau in Dordogne, along with many family friends - Malta with extended family, and a beautiful week spent in Portinatx, Ibiza, just the four of us.

My Dad a laugh a minute, and never happier than when he was exploring somewhere sunny, or relaxing with a nice, cold beer by a pool or on the beach. I'm so happy that he got to travel so much during his retirement, but sorry for all the trips he wanted to take that he won't get to experience now. Guess this means I'm going to have to up my own travel game. The good news is, I now have my very own Scratch the World® map print!

While I've travelled a fair bit in my time, and even spent a few years living and working in the Canary Islands, I'll admit I haven't actually ventured that far - mostly due to budget and a fear of flying. However, I'm suddenly experiencing a renewed sense of wanderlust this year, and my bucket-list is growing by the day! My Dad would have had great fun going over this scratch-off world map print with me, making recommendations and sharing stories. It would have made the perfect Father's Day gift for him.

This map has given me a nudge to organise myself and make some more travel happen this year, and moving forward. It's something I really do love, and I don't get to do enough of it. I'm going to be posting about various items on my bucket-list soon, to keep me on my toes.

If you're looking for the perfect Father's Day gift for a travel enthusiast, there's nothing more special than a Personalised World Map, or a Scratch Print. Maps International has a huge range of bespoke map gifts and prints that come with the Dave Stoker seal of approval!

Browse the full range of travel and hobby prints over at mapsinternational.co.uk 

Let's Go Explore: Mogan, Gran Canaria April 2018

Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria

Travel! It's something I don't get to do a lot of in general. In fact, I haven't had chance to leave England at all until this year, since I moved back from Tenerife in 2009 (just shy of 9 years). Therefore, this has never been a travel blog, but that doesn't mean I haven't got a bucket-list as long as my arm and serious case of wanderlust. I finally got to fly away in April this year, and my destination of choice was Mogan, Gran Canaria.

A bit of context: My Mum and Dad were/are serious holiday junkies, and this was their favourite place - and the only place they would go back to time and time again. Those of you who keep up with me on social media will know that we lost my Dad very suddenly on Christmas Day, 2017, and it knocked us all for a loop. After the month of initial shock and disbelief wore off, Mum and I texted each other randomly one night and both said the same thing at once... "Let's go to Dad's 'Little Cove'"

So this was a very personal journey for us.

Taurito

Tauro, and Playa Taurito, isn't actually a 'little cove', that's just what my parents always referred to it as. It's a beautiful little resort, a short bus or taxi ride away from Puerto de Mogan, comprised of just a couple of hotels, with a beach and a water park sandwiched in between. We stayed in the Suite Princess Hotel, which is a very peaceful, adults-only, all-inclusive affair with stunning sea views from every angle. It was exactly what we needed.

Puerto de Mogan

While, admittedly, we were limited in Taurito for exploration and adventure, one of the first items on our agenda was a day out exploring Puerto de Mogan on foot, a spot of shopping, and lunch by the marina. 

Mogan is a sleepy, smaller town, almost completely plastered in whitewash, with gorgeous pops of colour around every corner. The real hub of this place is the stunning marina, with an array of boats, restaurants, and crystal clear water. While all this is beautiful enough, I was completely taken by the wide variety of cacti, palms, and flowers growing along every street. Bougainvillea as far as the eye could see! 

What I Ate

Sometimes Spain can be a bit of a minefield for vegetarians and vegans but, luckily, I happen to have spent a fair few years living in the Canary Islands, and know a fair bit of Spanish, as well as the local specialities. I knew before I even took off that I would be dining almost exclusively (through choice) on Papas Arrugadas (canarian salt-shrivelled potatoes) with red Mojo sauce, huge salads, and dreamy breads. Everything was labelled for allergens so I didn't have to bug anyone at all! 

The Suite Princess was fantastic, with a HUGE salad bar, fruit platters, potatoes on tap, and a range of vegetable sides that changed daily. My Mum was pescatarian for the week, and filled up on prawns, avocados, grilled fish and salads. Lunch out was equally a breeze. I simply told the waiter what I didn't want on my plate and he came back with a glorious avocado salad, fresh juice, and... yep... more Canarian potatoes. 

When You're Done Exploring

As I mentioned from the off, the main aim of this trip was for Mum and I to rest, reflect, and try and process what we have been through since November last year. We spent many days just crashed out by the pool, or on the beach, reading, arguing over crosswords, drinking a lot of prosecco, and trying to heal. 

Right from the off we knew my Dad was lurking in the background somewhere, just out of sight. From his favourite songs playing by the pool, to the number of cats we had come and visit us (my dad was a huge cat lover), and the beautiful rainbow that appeared over the sea on our last morning before checking out (my Dad seems to like to send us rainbows too). Don't get me wrong, I'm no spiritualist, but it seemed very spooky and significant. 

We had said that this would be a one-off visit. Never to return. For Mum to say goodbye.

But, from our very first day there, we said there was no way we couldn't come back. We felt entirely at home and at peace there. 

We booked this trip through TUI, as they are an operator that we trust, and Mum felt more comfortable with everything being sorted out in one place, but there are also deals to be had by booking directly with Princess Hotels and arranging your own flights and transfers. I'm already costing up my next visit. I'd thoroughly recommend the Suite Princess for an adults-only break with stunning views, fantastic food, and rooms that are everything you need and more.

Hopefully, I'll be able to incorporate more travel content into this blog now that I'm on a mission to revive it and have rediscovered my sense of wanderlust. 

Where will you explore this year?

Updated: What's in my Travel Makeup Bag??

Hello lovelies!!

Some of you know that i am currently making a weekly commute from London to Derbyshire for University, which involves me staying a couple of nights at my parents house per week. Obviously i don't take my entire makeup arsenal with me every time, but i decided earlier that i'd give you a little nosey into my travel makeup bag so you can see what my essentials are and also what products i use on my face for a normal, uneventful uni day. I quite like reading these types of posts so i thought maybe you would too. Once again i missed the last of the daylight for this post so have had to brighten the photos slightly. Fed up of these dark winter days. ROLL ON SUMMER ALREADY!! I'm fed up on relying on flash.

The Makeup Bag...

My current travel makeup bag of choice is this pretty Cath Kidston one that i got on eBay (Link). This particular design is currently out of stock but they have others and will probably restock. It comes with a matching circular mirror at a really great price. Well worth checking out. As you all know i ADORE anything Cath Kidston. The Liz Earle zippy bag is what i carry my brushes in as well as my foundation (as it doesn't fit in the makeup bag). 

Base...

New CID i-Prime*

and

Look Beauty Airbrush Base in Medium

I love this combo for day to day lately as it is no effort to apply and lasts really well. I haven't been using either of these products for very long so am still getting used to them but so far i'm very impressed with both. Watch out for a review of the LookBeauty foundation coming soon. 

Cheeks...

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

and

Look Beauty Make Me Blush in Pinch

My MSF is a staple in my everyday makeup bag so i have to include it in my travel bag too. I find a quick dusting of it quickly sets my foundation, gets rid of any remaining shine and prepares my skin for whatever blush or bronzer i feel like putting on. This week my blush of choice is this one from LookBeauty but i tend to switch it up depending on my mood. Usually it is MAC Sunbasque or my NYX blush stick but i just fancied this one this week. The compact also has a really good size mirror so i find it handy for carrying around in my handbag for uni as well. 

Eyes...

BeneFit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Sippin'n'Dippin

Maybelline Gel Liner in Black

and

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black

I really don't do anything fancy with my eyes for everyday wear so i tend to pack light. I don't always put colour on my lid to be honest but, when i do, its usually just a subtle wash of one of the Creaseless Creams applied with my finger followed by a sweep of gel eyeliner, which has become my favourite form of eyeliner in recent months. I use the Clinique Mascara (think this was a freebie in a magazine at some point) purely because it's a handy size for fitting in a small makeup bag, but i actually really like the mascara itself and will probably repurchase! 

Lips...

Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

Pillsbury Reindeer Sugar Cookie Lip Balm

MAC Honeylove (Left)

and

MAC Shy Girl (Right)

My lip products actually tend to be IN my handbag and not in my makeup bag, purely because i always reach for the same ones on a day to day basis so they are always with me whether i'm travelling or not. Apocalips is a new addition obviously (see previous post) but Honeylove and Shy Girl are my staple lip colours and i would be lost without them. They just never let me down. I guess they're quite similar really. The Pillsbury lip balm was a present from my housemate for Christmas as a bit of fun but it's a really great lip balm! It's relieved my sore lips on several occasions in the recent bitter weather. 

Brushes...

(Left to Right)

Royal and Langnickel Eyeliner Brush

Elf Blush Brush

Real Techniques Foundation Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

and

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Don't think i need to explain what each of these brushes are for, and i KNOW i don't need to preach to you all on how amazing Real Techniques brushes are because i'm sure you're all already converted to Sam Chapman's brilliance. I find the Elf blush brush really versatile for cheeks as you can use it flat or on its side or just the very tip so it's great for travel as a contour, blush and highlight brush in one! Not sure why i'm carrying both the foundation AND stippling brush at the moment but i tend to alternate between the two depending on what foundation i'm using and i'm still experimenting with this one so i guess that's the reason. 

Hope you enjoyed a quick peek into my travel makeup bag. I haven't done a makeup bag post in a while and it was interesting for me to consider why i use what i use.

What makeup do you pack when travelling?? What are your essentials??