5 things I'm loving!

I mean, obviously there's a lot, but I've managed to narrow it down to 5 of my favourites, which was nearly impossible, but I managed *pats back*

iPhone 5c - I still love this as much as the first day I got it, and still get excited when I realise that I have an iPhone after wanting one for so long. I can't imagine I'll ever go back to Samsung again as I'm head over heels for my iPhone. I love my Samsung tablet, but the battery has serious issues (even though it was 'replace' the second time I sent it back. My Samsung Galaxy Ace phone gave me nothing but grief when I had it. iPhone all the way ;)

Coconut oil - I had an incident in the shower with my face scrub, which left my skin red raw (tip; don't get too rough with your scrub if you notice a bit of dry skin - gently does it!). Coconut oil was actually recommended to me by my lovely friend Sarah. She suggested I try it to soothe my skin (and previously recommended it for my hair, which I still haven't tried... I'm afraid!). I finally got myself a tub and holy crap I don't ever want to use anything else on my skin again. It's left my skin feeling soft, moisturised and it's gotten rid of that horrible 'tight' feeling some of us get when we was our faces. It's truly a godsend, and as it is 100% coconut oil, it's perfectly safe. It doesn't leave my face feeling sticky at all, which is a bonus. I apply it every night when I take my makeup off, or after my shower. I've tried it on my psoriasis too, and although it's made it less dry, I don't think it's going to get rid of it, so I'm sticking to my Betnovate for that. My fiancé also swears by coconut oil, and t's done wonders for his skin, which was left dry and acne prone after being on steroids for so long. You don't need much at all, and the tub will last forever, even with both of us using it.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - I reviewed this concealer back in December 2013, and it's still my favourite. In fact, when I placed a Boots order last week (post coming soon, maybe!) I ordered SIX of these concealers. I know. Mainly because I live an hour from Boots and I'm rarely there, so I needed to stock up. And there was a deal on (3 for 2), so I couldn't say no, could I? No, I definitely couldn't. I'm in the shade Fair, which is the lightest shade. I'm Irish, so this is to be expected. As it works out, the shade is actually PERFECT for my skin... both as a concealer and a foundation. I know your concealer is supposed to be lighter than your foundation, but this is just what works for me. Over the past few days, I've been using it as a foundation (not much is needed, the coverage is fantastic). One tube can last me around 3-4 months, using as a normal concealer and not foundation. Definite thumbs up and will forever be a favourite product of mine.

Ghost Deep Night - I bought this on Boots too for the amazing price of €11.65 (or thereabouts). I'm pretty sure at the time of ordering, there was an error on the site. It made the original price of the 50ml bottle, cheaper than the price of the 30ml bottle. I ordered the one on offer anyway, and I'm glad I did, as the price has gone back up to €48! This is one of my favourite scents and I find it so seductive and beautiful. As you can tell, I'm completely useless at describing scents, so let's just leave it at that.

Tangle Teezer - I had my eye on one of these for ages and finally picked one up the other day. My local pharmacy had this offer going - they have up a poster for €5 off (spending over €10). You take a picture of the poster on your phone, email it to them there and then, and they give you your voucher. How brilliant is that?! The tangle teezer was €9.99 (typical), so I picked up an Essence lipliner too and got my €5 off. This is the best thing since...sliced bread, I guess? It has done wonders for my hair - less breakage, softer and more manageable. Worth the €9.99, but I'm just glad I got it for half the price. And it's hot pink, enough said. (Probably) not for pets*

* let me tell you a little story. I was lying in bed the other day and my fiancé shouted up to me; 'babe, is this pink comb thing for the cats?' I replied with 'yeah', thinking he meant the hot pink pet comb we have specifically for the cats. I didn't think much of it until I went to use my Tangle Teezer the next morning...only to find it full of fur. Then it dawned on me that he had indeed meant my Tangle Teezer, and not the actual pet comb. A shampoo wash made sure all the fur was gone and I was okay to use it on my hair again ;) although he said they seemed to enjoy being brushed with it...

Quitting blogging?

Seriously, I need to have a sit down and scold myself for being so slack with blogging.

I have some ideas for posts drafted, but actually sitting down to type them up, and trying to get out exactly what I want to say, is actually quite daunting. I don't have a plausible excuse, but what I will say is that when I get home from work, all I want to do is chill out. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if a post took me 20 minutes, but usually, it can take a few hours, which again is daunting. I tend to have a few tabs open on my laptop at the same time (bad idea I know), switch between them, make coffee, feed the cats, etc. See, pathetic 'excuses'! Part of me thinks I should give up blogging, as I don't feel like the content I put out (when I actually do it) is worthy of reading sometimes. Blogging can be stressful when you feel like you have pressure on you to post something. It's quite sad really, as I normally find blogging therapeutic and relaxing. I don't even know where this 'pressure' is coming from - I think I'm putting it on myself!

Work is quite stressful at the moment (my psoriasis flare up is great confirmation of this...), so honestly, blogging is the last thing I'm thinking about. Yet, at the same time, I don't want to be the type of blogger who blogs once every 6-8 weeks, which is ironic because that's what I've become. I'm just grateful I still have all of my followers, thank you all for sticking by my lazy ass.

This isn't the first time I've felt like this. I don't think it's bloggers' block; probably just laziness on my part, and like I said, blogging is the last thing on my mind right now. I don't want to just 'take a break', because I do wonder would anyone even read my posts if I came back.

Am I the only one who feels like this sometimes?

ETA: I will blog when I get a chance and get drafts typed up on my days off and/or evenings. I love blogging, so I don't particularly want to give up now. Thanks for staying with me <3

Currently #12

reading: Things I Want You To Know, by Martina Reilly
writing: this...

listening to: anything by Kodaline. I could seriously just listen to Steve Garrigan breathe. That may be slightly creepy, but have you seen that man and his jawline? Roll on June when I can kidnap him!

thinking: that this whole 'what colour is the dress' thing is annoying

smelling: Midnight Jasmine, my favourite Yankee Candle

wishing: I was wrapped up in a snuggle

hoping: my headache goes soon...

wearing: Pyjamas..and I know I'm always in pjs when I write these!

wanting: to see someone...

needing to: sort my makeup

feeling: sick
clicking:laptop keys! ;)

❤ To My Incredible Mother ❤

Dear Mam,

I don't know where to even start with this post, but it's pretty much just to say thank you for being the best mam and friend a girl could ask for. You are so amazing. I know most people look up to celebrities, and see them as role models and inspirations, someone they aspire to be like. Growing up, I looked up to the likes of Britney Spears (I think you could tell from my bedroom, which was covered with her pictures, haha.) I still see her as an inspiration now, as she's come through one of the darkest chapters of her life in 2007, and is a stronger woman for it.

However, YOU are my main inspiration. It might sound a little cliché, but you are seriously the most incredible person I know. Obviously you are the reason I'm here today, and I remind myself all the time just how lucky I am to have such an amazing mother and brothers. As your only daughter, I was well and truly spoilt as a little girl. I still am actually. I appreciated it then and I still do now. I love hearing how you 'waited ten long years' for me (and how I was worth it, haha)

I love that your personality shines, and you just radiate happiness wherever you go (unless you're in a mood, hahaha). You are an absolute joy to be around, and your company is always a pleasure. Not to mention the laughs with you are something else. I love our bitching sessions too, and how you tell it like it is. I like the fact that I got your green eyes and (dirty) sense of humour, because lets's face it, we're a pair of funny bitches, haha. If I look like you when I'm your age, I'll be a very happy lady. I love how the simple things like sitting out watching the birds, or walking, please you. I love your positive outlook on life and how you try to see a positive side to everything. I miss you everyday since I moved out of home, but when I see you, we do try to make the most of the time we have together (by the way, let's go shopping in March!)

This post goes a lot more in depth about why you are so incredible -- you have been to hell and back, and thankfully, you have never lost your sparkle or shine. You are truly amazing, and I'm so thankful for you. If mums were flowers, I'd most definitely pick you ;) or rocks, because you are my rock! I've told you things that I'd never tell another soul (except maybe one person), and no matter what the situation, you're always so understanding. As a personal coach and mother, you offer the best advice, and although I don't always take it (even when I should!), just know that I do appreciate it more than you know.

You try to see the good in everybody (well, most people) and every situation, and you usually know the right thing to say to cheer me up if I'm feeling crap. I'm so lucky I can talk to you about anything (literally anything!) as a lot of girls don't have that privilege, or close relationships with their mothers. I'm just glad we're as close as we are, and I wouldn't change it for the world. We've had our ups and downs like everyone, but I feel we've become stronger than ever over the past few years. What is it we say... us birds of a feather stick together. You are mum and dad to me and the boys, and we're all eternally grateful.

From kissing our scraped knees better as kids, to making the best coddle in the world, to being so understanding and selfless, you are just outstanding. You truly are one in a million. I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

Forever your baby girl & globug

(and best daughter in the world, obviously)

❤ ❤ ❤

Me, Caitlin and you at your 50th birthday party in 2013.

I love you.

Home | 'Littlewoods' Wishlist

I'm a sucker for wishlists, and wanting almost everything that I can't afford right now... but I guess that's why it's called a wishlist, right? Littlewoods is one of my favourite sites to shop on. I find myself logging on to look at one thing, and before I know it, an hour has passed and I have 25 things on my wishlist! These are a few of the things I've been lusting after. Someday, they shall all be mine...

Top row:
'House Rules' cushion -- €16
Clock, calendar & photo frame -- €52
Heart picture frame -- €24
Faux fur rug (double - natural) -- €29

Middle row:
Chalkboard, photo frame & key holder -- €39
Elysee chest of 9 drawers -- €499
Delta right-hand fabrc corner chaise sofa -- €1,358

Bottom row:
'Love' cushion -- €16
Personalised pillow cases -- €27
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen 2-drawer bedside table -- €159
Heart detail photo screen -- €119

Anything here tickling your fancy?

Kodaline = Mine.

I'm sorry, what's that?

No, I think you're mistaken.

Steve Garrigan is mine.

Mine.

Let's just take a minute to appreciate that amazing jawline...

He's my latest man crush (it honestly changes every other week, I swear). This one will stay for a long time though, especially because I'm going to see Kodaline in June! The excitement is out of this world! When I first heard them, I liked them. But, admittedly, when the songs were repeated on the radio every hour, I would think 'oh my god, not this again!' (this makes no sense to me, as I tend to play a song I love 78652 times). Yet, I fell in love with this bunch of guys. It helps that they're Irish and that makes me proud to be Irish ;)

I can't pick my favourite song; there are too many to choose from, but 'Honest' is high up on the list!

Happy Valentine's Day ❤

Leo Claims*

Picture this... you're on your lunch break from work and you have arranged to meet your friend to go window shopping. Being women, you both like to torture yourselves and look at all the lovely clothes, furniture and makeup that none of you can afford to buy until a money tree starts magically growing in your garden. You both gaze admiringly in the windows, sighing, and promise to buy each other everything they want WHEN you win the lottery. Admit it, you have totally done this. As you stop outside one shop in particular, you both stand back and stare lovingly at the same beautiful dress that is displayed in the shop window. You both giggle, and being females, you naturally decide to go into the shop to have a closer look at said dress. And to browse every other rail in the shop, obviously (you totally do this too). As you step inside the door, the first thing you say is 'oh my god, look at this. and this. and oh my god, THIS' (this is me with most shops I go into. Don't judge)

As you and your friend walk over to the rail where the beautiful dress is hanging, along with lots of other beautiful dresses, you suddenly slip in a puddle on the floor near the back of the shop. You fall hard onto your back, twisting your ankle in the process and yelping as you fall. You try to laugh it off to make yourself feel better, but it doesn't help. Your friend helps you up, and asks if you're okay. A staff member notices the commotion and comes over to you. You tell her you're not okay, and she asks what caused it. You point out the puddle on the floor, to bring it to her attention. She goes out to call her manager while your friend is sitting with you, holding your hand. The pain in your ankle is getting worse by the second, and you are on the brink of tears. Suddenly, your friend feels a drop on her head, and looks up to notice the roof is leaking. Just as you look up to see it, the manager walks in. By now, you are crying and the manager is trying to apologise and reassure you that you'll be okay. He tells you that you'll be fine in a few days. Your friend calls an ambulance as your pain worsens, and while waiting for it to arrive, she takes pictures on her phone, of the puddle, the leaking roof and your very swollen ankle. The manager obviously didn't know about the puddle/leak, but tries to brush it off and wishes you well.

At the hospital, you learn that you BROKE your ankle during the fall, which is why you were in so much pain. You will be out of work for at least 8 weeks, doctor's orders. What do you do? Let it go, or claim compensation for something that wasn't your fault? Obviously the latter.

This is where Leo Claims comes in. With over 40 years experience in dealing with personal injury and accident claims, Leo Claims have expert solicitors who will fight your corner and help you to get the compensation you deserve. They offer a no win no fee basis on a lot of cases, including personal injury claims -- this means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you don't pay Leo Claims a single penny for their services. They work hard to get you compensation, which in turn pays for the medical bills, or the money you lose through being unable to work.

If you've had an accident that wasn't your fault, I would suggest you get in touch with Leo Claims, who will do all they can to get you what you deserve and hopefully have you back to your usual self in no time...

Phone: 0845 163 3480

Claim form: http://www.leoclaims.com/making-a-claim/online-claim-form

* * *

Review | Garnier 'Micellar Water'

I've been a loyal Simple user for ages now, as I find it the best skincare range for my dry skin. I've tried other brands of makeup removers, but always end up going back to Simple. I had heard of cleansing waters before, but I never got the urge to try one, as I was happy with my usual products. Honestly, it was the packaging of this Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water that caught my eye in the chemist...

I immediately wanted to try it (and I swear, I didn't definitely pick it up because it was on offer for €4.99. Definitely not, no way.) Payday came around the next day so I picked it up on my lunch break. Obviously, I used it that same night. It's been well over a week now, and I haven't looked back. My Simple products haven't had a look in since I've started using this (oops!). This stuff is AMAZING.

It can used on the eyes, lips and face for perfectly cleansed skin. This micellar water is fantastic for removing everything from the face and eyes, EXCEPT waterproof mascara and waterproof eyeliner. Luckily, I don't use waterproof makeup, so this really isn't a problem for me. Obviously, oil-based eye makeup removers are better for removing waterpoof mascara and liner, so I would suggest using one if you wear waterpoof eye makeup.

This water doesn't sting my eyes, so it definitely gets bonus points from me for that reason. I've tried quite a few eye makeup removers that have given my eyes quite the battering. I wear daily disposable contact lenses and after removing makeup, some removers make my eyes feel dry and/or itchy. This micellar water doesn't dry out my eyes at all, so thumbs up!

It's such a time saver, and I can take all of my makeup off and have my skin feeling very refreshed cleansed in less than two minutes. I don't need to 'scrub' my face to remove everything, which is always a plus! It's so gentle on the eyes and face, and is suitable for even sensitive skin. It hasn't broken me out or made my skin dry or itchy at all. If anything, it has IMPROVED my skin. I suffer from dry skin (and psoriasis), and this definitely hydrates my skin when I use it. Normally, with my Simple products, I moisturise after. However, I don't even NEED to moisturise after using this, as my skin already feels hydrated when I use it. If I feel like my skin needs that extra bit of moisture, I will chuck on a little bit of moisturiser. The bottle is 400ml, which is good for 'up to 200 uses'...only if you use 2ml per cotton pad! I use more than 2ml so I'm unlikely to get 200 uses from it.

These are my cotton pads after using the water to remove my makeup...beautiful!

Overall, I would highly recommend this product. You can get it from Boots, currently on offer for €4.19 (usual RRP is €6.29) and most pharmacies/chemists. It's a great sized bottle, considering I would spend that on one or two of my usual Simple products, but this does everything in one go. I would happily pay the full price for this, but may just stock up if it's still on offer when payday rolls around again - definitely a huge thumbs up from me! Sorry Simple, I'm seeing someone else...