Sunday, September 25, 2016

Things I Think To Myself During Pregnancy

At some stage or another, I have thought all of these things to myself... why? Because pregnancy. Hormones. All of it.


'I feel like shit'
I've thought this to myself on numerous occasions. Like 5 times a day. Pregnancy is wonderful, don't get me wrong... but feeling like crap is normal apparently. Cramps, tears for no reason, aches all over, the inability to get comfortable enough to sleep for one night. Every little thing winding you up. And don't get me started on the acid reflux. I. CAN'T. EVEN.

'Why isn't he moving? The last time I felt him was like 20 minutes ago'
Don't be surprised when I tell you this... babies sleep! Of course I knew this, but it didn't stop me from panicking when baby stopped moving for a little while. Cold juice or something sweet, and a little bit of gentle prodding always gets my little boy moving. My midwife told me at least 10 movements in 24 hours is good. I tend to get a lot more than that because my son loves punching me, rolling around and kindly reminding me where my ribs are. With his feet or his butt. Babies are mostly asleep when we walk or move around because we're 'rocking' them to sleep. When I rest, though, that's when my little boy decides he wants to play.

'Why is everyone looking at me?'
I've had this a lot. It feels like everyone's staring at you, and you get paranoid that you have something on your face or in your hair. Or that your clothes are on inside out. Maybe they are staring, but a lot of people appreciate a pregnant bump! I haven't figured it out still - most people smile when they see the bump, but a couple of older ladies have looked at me sympathetically or thrown a dirty look my way. GTFO.

'I think I'm gonna vomit'
From 7 or 8 weeks, I was sick for like two weeks. That was as far as my 'getting sick' stage went, so I'm lucky. Laying in bed one minute, feeling nauseous 'nah i got this under control'. Nope you don't, take yourself straight to the bathroom. Dry crackers and ginger biscuits didn't work for me. Although the ginger biscuits did go down well with a cup of tea.

'Get this baby out of me!'
Okay when you hit like 37 weeks, you might start to get tired of being pregnant... nine months is a loooong time. When 38 and 39 weeks hit, you're dying to have your body and control of your bladder and emotions back. The second you hit 40 weeks, it's like 'okay let's get this show on the road'. Everyone will tell you that he'll come when he's ready. It doesn't make it any easier though. That's probably when your baby will decide to stay put until you HAVE to be induced.

'I miss sleeping on my tummy'
Enough said. Sleep with a pillow supporting your bump as you lay on your (preferably left) side.

'I'm so getting this room sorted tomorrow'
You're not. Baby is sapping all of your energy. Maybe it'll all happen in the 'nesting' stage. In fairness though, our house is ready for our little man. The spare room is a mess, but it's okay, we'll get there - no one's staying and it's not used for anything other than a place to store car magazines, home decor, Christmas bits and the computer is set up in there. The nursery is 100% ready, and has been for a while now. Even though he won't be in there for at least six months. Can you tell how impatient/excited/prepared we are? Everything is ready!

'I want to cry. For no reason at all'
Let it out. Let it aaaallllll out. We're hormonal as hell and every little thing upsets us. Can't tie your shoelaces? Cry. Put too much sugar in your coffee? Have a meltdown. Missed a spot when vacuuming? Throw a tantrum, why not. Just cry. Don't get me started on someone saying something genuinely innocent, but your hormones decide that it was malicious, and you feel like you're being picked on. Seriously, the amount of times this has happened. Damn hormones.

'Is this safe to eat/drink?'
I am a huge coffee-drinker (or was before I fell pregnant), and it took me ages to pluck up the courage to even have ONE after reading that it wasn't safe. I did a lot research and spoke to my doctor (who insisted it was fine) but I still only have one per day, max. We've got plenty of coffee (and my cafetiere!) on standby for when I'm home with a newborn! I LOVE my eggs sunny side up. I haven't had any runny eggs this pregnancy because of the risk of salmonella. I've read lots of different articles and opinions on it, and of course, I'm none the wiser because everywhere tells you different. I don't think I could risk it though, but it will be one of the first things I eat when he's here. And wine. And Red Bull. Not all together.

'I hope I don't go off anything'
I remember thinking this to myself. It wasn't long after that, that I went completely off spaghetti bolognese, which was one of my all-time favourite meals. I still can't stomach the thought or the sight of it, but I sometimes (okay, rarely) still make it for my boyfriend because he still loves it. I don't know if I will ever eat it again... Yuuuk!

'I wonder if I'll crave something weird'
I didn't. Near the start, I REALLY wanted McDonald's, so I had some, then felt sick as a dog. I told my boyfriend to never let me have it again. Buuut after a few weeks, I wanted it again. Same thing happened... men, huh? It's all good now though. I rarely have McDonald's but I'm at the stage where I love it as much as I did before. After that, my cravings for all things lemon came and lasted for a few days, twice. Lemon cake, lemonade, lemon mousse... anything lemony. That went, then I had a huge craving for pork scratchings. And I mean huge. It was satisfied when we went out for dinner and I had some. I would totally go for it again right now.

'Nothing fits'
Work with it. I didn't buy into the whole 'maternity clothes' thing, bar a pair of maternity jeggings. I absolutely had to because the hair-tie trick with my normal jeans just didn't cut it. Boots, layers, leggings and long tops are the way to go for me... I can't wait to fit into my old clothes again so I can feel human once more!

* * *

Hopefully my little boy will be here the next time I update my blog... stubborn little dude does not want to come out yet!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Pregnancy | Finding Out

Well, our little boy was due yesterday, September 19th, so I'm 'overdue' as of today (I know I'm not 'officially' classed as overdue until 42 weeks!), but our little boy is showing no signs of making an appearance just yet - I reckon he's far too comfortable in there! I came up with the idea of sitting down and telling you our 'finding out' story. It brings back memories and is a time we'll never forget...


Before pregnancy, my periods were somewhat regular; averaging between 28 and 30 days. Some months, I would be a day or two early/late, but for the most part, I could tell my period was coming, and it would be on time. The most I had ever been 'late' was three days. In January 2016, my period didn't come. After two days of being late and no sign of my period, I began to question it, but put it down to things settling down having just moved house the previous month, and things going wrong in the house we had moved into. I noticed my boobs were sore... like, extremely sore. On fire. That's the only way I can describe it. I wanted to cry with the pain. I couldn't sleep, and even cloth touching them was agony. I normally get sore boobs when my period is due, but this was something else. I think we both knew something was up, but didn't want to get our hopes up as I was still technically 'early', and could come on at any time. We had talked about having kids already, but didn't expect it to happen so soon.

On day three of being late, the sore boobs got worse and I literally wanted to chop them off. Day four came and went with no sign. We started to get our hopes up, but didn't want to get excited until we knew for sure. On day five, Tuesday, January 19th 2016, we took a trip to town and picked up a box of three cheap strip tests from a discount store, instead of splashing out on a Clearblue test right away. The nerves were killing me and I was worried I wouldn't be able to pee when I needed to! We went home and I was dying to do it, but reluctant in case it was negative. It was just after 1.30pm when I went into the bathroom and peed into the teeny cup that came with the test strips. I called my boyfriend in before we dipped the strip. He came in and stood beside me and I dipped it. We were a bag of nerves, the pair of us! The control line came up instantly. I backed away a little, thinking it was negative. Then the test line came up. All I could say was 'babe, oh my god', then walked over to the bathroom door. I had to turn away because I was so shocked. My boyfriend said 'what does it mean?'. He knew but we were both in shock. I think he picked up the box or leaflet to see, but before he could figure it out, I turned back to him and double checked the test. I knew what it meant myself, but we both looked at the box and I said 'we're having a baby.' He looked at me and smiled, then pulled me into his arms and hugged me. All we could say was 'oh my god'. We were so happy. I didn't cry. I wanted to but I was too shocked and happy.

My boyfriend put his hand on my tummy and rubbed it and said 'that's our little baby in there'. I hugged him again, and went back to the strip to 'make sure' it was positive. (I'm not sure how many times I did that - I even dipped another strip a while later, again just to 'make sure'). My boyfriend went out and stared up at the sky and clouds, letting the news sink in. I called my mum and told her. My tummy was full of butterflies. We were both on cloud nine, so we told a couple of people. It was a surreal time, and still is to think about it now! We worked out from my last period that I was 4 weeks and 5 days when we found out. What made the day even more special, was that it was the anniversary of my boyfriend's brother, who had passed away 21 years ago. It was bittersweet to have such positive news on a sad day. The rest of the night was spent smiling, hugging and discussing names! Then a late night trip to Tesco for some Clearblue Digital tests. Of course, it was confirmed on that, but I must admit, it was nerve-wracking waiting for the word 'pregnant' to come up on the screen. But it did, followed by '2-3 weeks'. The other digital test was kept for the Friday morning, so it showed up as '3+'. It was so surreal, and a time neither of us will ever forget.


That was how we found out we were expecting our beautiful bundle of joy... and now we're waiting to meet him any day now! I think the sore boobs will be a dead giveaway next time! Exciting times ahead to say the least :)

Thursday, July 14, 2016

30 Week Pregnancy Update!


This picture was taken at 28 weeks 5 days! I would upload my 30 week but it's on my phone and I'm extremely lazy right now... eek. I'm so bad at keeping up with blogging in general, but how bad is it that I don't do my pregnancy update on the actual day I change over my week?! I'm 30 weeks, almost 31. Holy crap, time's flying! Nothing major to report this week - to be honest, it's pretty much the same as my last bump update at 26 weeks.

How far along? 30 (almost 31) weeks!
Total weight gain: No idea, don't want to know!
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeggings and normal black leggings, but  find the band of the leggings can dig into bump sometimes, which makes me extremely uncomfortable.
Stretch marks? A few more than last time, but bump is still supple with all the coconut oil.
Sleep: What is sleep? I feel like I'm crushing my bump even when I lay on my side because he moves so much! I think I probably average around 4 hours of sleep a night. Come two or three months, I'll be wishing I had two hours! 
Best moment this week: having the lovely Sarah visit with her fiancĂ© and their two beautiful little girls... and pretty much a whole wardrobe for my little boy! Our antenatal class was a few days before too, that was interesting!
Miss anything? Sleep... I guess I should get used to not sleeping much though! I also miss having copious amounts of coffee.
Movement: Baby boy is so, so active, I love it. Rolling around, wriggling, hiccups, kicks, punches... I love it all!
Food cravings: Pork scratchings still, and I still haven't had them! Nowhere around here sells them, which is very frustrating for me. Chocolate too, but I always want chocolate.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Spaghetti Bolognese still. Bleugh!
Gender: Boy!! 
Labor signs: Some Braxton Hicks contractions, that's it, thankfully!
Symptoms: Acid reflux, acid reflux and oh... more acid reflux! It's getting worse each week, but that's to be expected. Dreading seeing how it is when I'm term!
Belly button in or out? In, but it does look like it's going to pop out!
Wedding rings on or off? I don't wear one (yet, haha)
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy - I still have my moody days, but my boyfriend is amazing at bringing me back around.
Looking forward to: Our scan next Wednesday! So excited to see our little boy again and how much hes grown since 22 weeks!

Happy Thursday from me & bump! 

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Pregnancy | You Know You're Pregnant When...

If you've been pregnant, you'll most likely agree with the majority of these. Being pregnant is amazing, there's no doubt about it (well, it has been for me anyway)... although some of the things that come with pregnancy could do with not coming at all!

* * *

You know you're pregnant when...

 Relaxed? Feeling good? Just eaten? Okay, get ready because heartburn is about to hit. Burping acid? Lovely, you got this.
• You know when you're washing dishes or peeling potatoes at the sink? Pre-pregnancy, that's all fine, easy to do. During pregnancy, you'll find that your bump is in the way, meaning you're about 586750 feet from the sink... or at least it feels like that! Nothing quite like looking down to see the beautiful bump though.
• Just got comfortable in bed? Now is the time that your bladder will decide that you need to pee, right. this. second. After a while, wait for that kick from baby, straight into your bladder, that will have you running to the toilet again.
• Those lovely kicks in the ribs that take your breath away... not in a good way either!
• You see that little shape on your belly? Is it a foot or a hand? A little baby booty? Who cares, it's cute as hell!
• Your nails grow like a weed. s l o w d o w n
• Those cravings that come out of NOWHERE. I used to hate the thought of pork scratchings. Then I tried one and I was like 'hmm these are okay'. Then my craving came up a few weeks ago and hasn't left me since. I feel like I MUST have them or I might cry...
• ... which leads me on to this one... crying at television adverts. Or for no reason at all. You know that ad where the dog in a home has a small toy shaped like a man with glasses? Then a man (the spitting image of the dog's toy!!) comes to rescue the dog, and the dog is over the moon. That gets me and I'm tearing up now just thinking about it! Baby adverts are the worst. The Clearblue one where a woman is telling her friend she's pregnant. Burst into tears the first time it came up on YouTube.
• Up at 7.30am, or even earlier? You'll probably feel ready to crash at like 10am. Maybe because getting to sleep sometimes can be so hard to do. Or maybe because you're growing a human inside you. That's tiring work!
• You add the word 'pregnancy' into everything you Google. Absolutely guilty of this one!
• Ever rub your bump and speak/sing to it in public? I did that the other day. First & last time I'll do it. Had an old lady look at me very pityingly! Really?!
• Can't see your toes? Welcome to pregnancy! A beautiful bump is a much nicer view than toes if you ask me!
• Used to sleeping on your tummy? Not anymore!
• Used to sleeping on your back? Not anymore!
• Find a comfortable position to sit or lay in... now it's playtime for baby!
• Those godawful stretching pains, ESPECIALLY when you sneeze. When I do this, I find myself glued to the spot for a few seconds to make sure I'm still in one piece, and baby did not in fact, make a very early appearance.
• You see that glass of water? You're not allowed to lift it. That shopping list? Too heavy. Shopping bag? Hell no, don't even think about it. I'm able to lift stuff! Maybe not a bed though.
• Worrying about ABSOLUTELY everything. This is more true for first time mums I think, but every little thing seems to worry you. Or me, rather!

* * *

I totally sound like I'm complaining but I'm really not. Okay maybe just about the heartburn because it's a bitch! I love every little hiccup, every little (or big) kick, even those that do take my breath away. It's amazing to know that I'm growing a little human inside me, who will join us in less than three months. All those sleepless nights, the tender belly and the urge to pee 500 times a day is all worth it for my little man. Even the godawful heartburn!

Happy hump day from me & bump!

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Pregnancy | My Five Must-haves!

Pregnancy is no mean feat. It's amazing, although that can be hard to see when you're feeling terrified, uncomfortable and hungry 24/7. Maybe the hunger thing is just me because I love food so much,... and not just during pregnancy either, haha. I've compiled a quick list of some of my must-haves for this magical time in your life. These are things I swear by to help me through pregnancy. Less than three months to go!

* * *

1. Fetal Doppler

This is by far one of the best purchases we've ever made, without a doubt. Early in my pregnancy, I had a small bit of bleeding so I freaked out. Everything was fine, but I hated feeling on edge all the time and worried something would go wrong. It got to a stage where I was too scared to pee incase I saw more blood. We had seen fetal Dopplers online, some of which were mental prices! My boyfriend came across one on a buy & sell site, which we ended up paying €20 for. It was a Sonoline one and in absolutely perfect condition, batteries included too. Best €20 ever spent! Of course, we tried it when we got back and I immediately felt at ease. As it turned out, we were listening to the placenta the first few times *facepalm* but quickly found the heartbeat. The old midwives tale says that horses galloping is a girl, and a train means a boy. Ours was a train, but honestly, I think it's just how the baby is laying. Ours still sounds like a train though! We used aloe vera gel, but now we just use coconut oil. I find it better as it doesn't dry out as quick. Anyway... we used the Doppler every day for a week or two, then every second or third day for a while. Then our little man started kicking and I felt the need to use it less. He kicks and moves so much now, but every so often, I'll get the Doppler out just to hear his little heart beating. It still amazes me... especially when he kicks the Doppler off my tummy! Some people say not to get one because you'll drive yourself crazy, but I was going crazy without one. It has helped to ease my mind on so many occasions, so I really can't recommend it enough. I've still got mine and won't sell it until we're done having babies. In like the year 3000. 

2. 'Bump' pillow

I don't have a specific bump pillow, so I use a normal pillow instead. Enough (and good!) sleep is vital in pregnancy, especially when you get worn out from just 'being'. Heck, we're growing a human, so of course we'll get tired, haha. Being well-rested feels so good! I sleep with my 'bump' pillow supporting my bump and between my legs. It helps so much, and means I can get a good rest. Except the nights I have killer heartburn because nothing helps me with that. With the pillow, I'm into such a habit of flipping it over when I turn over, so I use it when laying on both my left and right sides.

3. Belly oil

Bio oil might work best for stretchmarks, but I find using coconut oil is great too. My belly feels really moisturised and I've read that it can help with stretchmarks when the skin is supple. I have a few small stretchmarks, but I really think the coconut oil is helping, as I thought they would be worse by now. Maybe I've just jinxed that. It might have helped more had I used the oil before the stretchmarks appeared though!

4. Prenatal vitamins

I take Pregnacare and have done since early pregnancy, and it feels good knowing I'm doing right by my baby. It contains the recommended levels of folic acid and Vitamin D, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals, which are essential in pregnancy. I've worked out that I have enough, plus 2 left over if he arrives on his due date! This totally sounds sponsored, but I swear it's not!

5. Maternity clothing

I've got a pair of maternity jeggings and they are sooo comfortable with the belly band on them. I find it gives a lovely shape to bump too. To be honest, I see myself wearing them a lot after pregnancy until I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I have a maternity top too that I don't fit into yet, but it's so comfortable and soft. I've tried the hairband trick on my normal jeans, but it doesn't doesn't feel comfortable for me. Maternity all the way!

* * *

Happy almost weekend, from me & bump!

Friday, June 17, 2016

26 Week Pregnancy Update!


This is the first bump update I've done, and will probably be one of very few! I'm actually almost 27 weeks now, but I wanted to get this post out. The picture was taken at 26 weeks (my weeks change over on a Monday!) Here's what 26 weeks has been like so far...

How far along? 26 (almost 27) weeks!
Total weight gain: Luckily (?), we don't have a weighing scales. I want to know, but I'm dreading finding out.
Maternity clothes? Just my maternity jeggings and some normal black leggings! I'm kind of nervous to try my normal jeans with the hairband trick! My usual tops still fit for now.
Stretch marks? A few small ones, but I'm using coconut oil for moisturising my bump.
Sleep: Some nights are great, and some are just so uncomfortable that I find it hard to sleep properly. Bump is getting big, boobs are too big! Pre-pregnancy, I liked sleeping on my back, but I'm getting better at sleeping on my sides, mainly the left! If I wake up on my back, I just turn onto my side. Also, it's so damn warm, which makes it harder to get to sleep.
Best moment this week: Feeling my baby hiccup... amazing!
Miss anything? Runny eggs! I swear, my first meal when baby's born must include runny eggs!
Movement: Oh, ALL THE TIME! He's so active. He seems to already have his own sleeping pattern. Mornings see me being woken up with some sweet baby kicks and rolling about, as if to say 'good morning, mummy!'. He quietens down in the afternoon, but will kick if I play music or talk to him. I swear he knows his name already! Some evenings, he'll kick for ages. Other evenings, he'll kick less but will make sure he gets some hard kicks in before I go to sleep. I've three months to go and I'm already missing being pregnant, haha. I'll never tire of the movements, it's incredible to see him move and feel the kicks... even when he kicks me in the ribs. Ouch!
Food cravings: Anything lemony (I thought I was over that!) and uh... pork scratchings!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Spaghetti Bolognese! It used to be one of my favourite meals, now I can't stomach it. This started probably around 8 or 9 weeks and it's stuck with me. I still eat mince, I still eat pasta... but spaghetti bolognese, I just can't deal with!! I don't know if it will get better when baby's here though. Also, we have this room spray which, when sprayed, makes me want to gag. I loved that before, but now I just can't!
Gender: Boy!! 
Labor signs: I had Braxton Hicks a few weeks ago, but that was it!
Symptoms: Oh god... heartburn is a real bitch some nights but seems to be getting better. Leg cramps are a nightmare too, sometimes the pain will wake me up! Walking for long periods of times makes my legs ache, so I have to stop every so often. My lower back gets really achey too sometimes, but my boyfriend is a star with his massages and back rubs.
Belly button in or out? In!
Wedding rings on or off? I don't wear one (yet, haha)
Happy or moody most of the time: A mixture of both, but mostly happy when I think about everything we have to come. It's so overwhelming. but extremely exciting.
Looking forward to: Spending the weekend with my boyfriend when he's off work!

Happy Friday from me & bump! 

Thursday, June 09, 2016

Top Ten Thursday - Current Playlist

After any kind of day, I always find music is the best way to help me unwind or relax... cuddles too!

My 'current playlist' changes all the time, because I find myself going back to songs I haven't heard in years. Personally, I think the best music was produced from the 60s up until the very early 00s. I class a lot of the really recent stuff out there these days as 'noise'... Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of current music, which is why my playlist changes so often. I find that I get bored of some music, but usually end up going back to it after a few weeks because I miss it... then realising how much I love it!

Here's what I'm listening to at the moment...

Train - Drops of Jupiter (baby's favourite song to kick to!)



Queen -  These Are The Days Of Our Lives


Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams


Elvis Presley - The Wonder Of You


Westlife - Flying Without Wings


Jon Bellion - Carry Your Throne


Kodaline - The One


Mary Black - No Frontiers


Birdy - Wings


Bell X1 - The End Is Nigh


What are you listening to these days?

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

5 Things I'm Looking Forward To...

I'm not sure I've done one of these posts before, but it's something new, so why not? I've got some things coming up that I'm looking forward to this year... and of course, I wanted to share them with you all! The only thing is... it's all pregnancy & baby related!

1. Finishing the nursery
The nursery is finally painted, so next up is figuring out the placement of the furniture and how we want to decorate the room. I'm excited to see it finished. It's coming together, but we have a few more bits to get. I think there's a huge rush yet though, as he will sleep in our room until he's around six months... so I tell myself anyway!

2. Antenatal Class
In the middle of July, both myself and my boyfriend will be attending a six-hour antenatal class in our local hospital. I'm looking forward to it, although I've read about a lot of people saying not to bother because it was a waste of time. Both myself and my boyfriend have baby books and lots of apps that we read, so we know a lot there is to know. I'm sure some questions will pop up when we're at the class. Six hours though. SIX. HOURS. Dang.

3. Having more 'us time'
I love the time we have together, and I know a baby will add something huge to that. We've only got three months until our little boy is here (!!!), and my partner works long shifts, so we're trying to squeeze as much 'us time' in as possible, before baby comes along. Plenty of cuddles and TV series and shows to watch, and hopefully a few more days out squeezed in too!

4. Holding our little boy
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory! After carrying the little monkey for nine months inside me (and having him kick the crap out of me!), neither of us can wait to have him with us and in our arms. He is already so loved and holds the biggest place in our hearts.

5. Christmas
... and we will have a three month old. That's incredibly scary to think about, because last Christmas was SO quiet as we had just moved house. Can't wait for it this year with my own little family!


What are you looking forward to this year?

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Review | Sleek 'Face Form' Contour, Highlight & Blush Palette

Do you remember the first time you started wearing makeup? If you're like me, you definitely didn't realise the importance of things like eyebrows, contour and highlight. Thank god those days are gone! I'm no 'pro' at makeup, but I think what I do suits my face shape, though I know it could be better.

I'm extremely pale, which I blame on being Irish and rarely seeing sunlight, haha. Looking like a milk bottle baby meant that finding a nice contour (that wasn't too dark!) proved to be a big issue for me. I've tried numerous contours, but I just couldn't find one that wasn't really 'dirty', making it look like I had just rubbed mud on my face... attractive!

This picture was taken from the Sleek Makeup website, as as I've lost the photo I took of my packaging!


I picked up this little pretty in the shade 'Fair' in May 2015, on offer for €9.99 in my then-local pharmacy. It ranges from €12.99 to €14.99 in other places I've seen it. I'm pleased to say that it's still going strong over a year later! I wore makeup every (if not, most) days up until January of this year. Nowadays, it's more like 3 days a week. Obviously these photos were taken before I used it, and the matte black case is sadly no longer as clean as it was on day one! I've hit pan on the highlighter, and I think that's brilliant considering it's over a year old and I use it every time I do my makeup. I love the sleek (haha) simplicity of the packaging, no fuss.


The matte contour shade is perfect for me, not muddy at all. I use quite a light hand but it's easily buildable and creates a beautiful finish. It lasts all day too, which is always a plus! The highlight is the most beautiful illuminating highlight I've come across so far. It gives a radiant glow and adds a perfect touch to a made up face. I use it on my cheekbones, upper lip, down my nose, on my brow bone, on the inner corners of my eyes and on my forehead (I'm surprised I didn't hit pan sooner than I did, yeesh!) The blush is a beautiful rose gold colour, and my favourite ever blush. I always use a very light hand for this, because it's so pigmented. Again, buildable... if you're into that kind of look! This blush has a slight shimmer to it. which I personally love, but if you're not into that, stay away from the blush. I would still purchase this just for the contour and highlight though.

Since this picture was taken, I've upped the contouring a little bit, as you can see from the second picture of me!

This all-in-one perfect palette is available from Boots for €14.49. I'll definitely repurchase this, but I do think what I have will last another while. This palette is available in Fair, Light, Medium and Dark, so there's something to suit every skin tone. And hey, if Fair suits me, it'll suit the palest person ever! I can't recommend it enough.

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Back to Blogging & Pregnancy Update!

I can't belieeeeeve it's been over 2 months since my last post was published on here! Reason being, my laptop charger is screwed, so I can't use my laptop. I need to get a new charging cable, but in the meantime, I'm using my boyfriend's computer. ALSO, HOW IS IT JUNE ALREADY?

I have a list of posts I want to do, saved on my phone, and I'm actually quite excited to fall back into the blogging world again. I find blogging extremely therapeutic... even if some days saw me taking 2 or 3 hours to put out a decent post. But that's normal, right? Anyway, I'm back now, currently taking a break from scrubbing the house and tidying!

If you've read my previous post, you'll know I'm pregnant... 24 weeks and 2 days today. I'm amazed at how quick time seems to be going. I can't believe we're well over the halfway mark already. Our little boy will be here before we know it... although let's hope he stays in there until his due date in September! We have already chosen his name, and at the moment, we're deciding on what to do with his nursery. Paint colour, decor, location of furniture, etc. It's really exciting, and we can't wait to meet him. Hospital appointments, my glucose test, decorating and antenatal classes will make the time go faster I think. And we'll have a three month old at Christmas, how does that even make sense? It's overwhelming at times and I find myself crying for no reason, but overall, I love it. He usually reacts to the Eastenders theme tune, and he's kicking me as I type this! 

Pregnancy so far has been good to me, for the most part! My sickness didn't last long at all and I had an extreme craving for anything lemony... lemon cake, lemonade, lemon mousse. The other night in bed, I found myself with a strong craving for pork scratchings. PORK SCRATCHINGS. Of all things. Oh god, they all sound so good right now. So, I've decided I'm making lemon drizzle cake when this post goes out. ANYWAY, let's stop talking about food and get back to pregnancy. I first felt him move around 18 and a half weeks, just little small kicks and movements. They're SO much stronger now, and sometimes his kicks make me jump because they're so sudden. I'm quite a jumpy person anyway, so this might not happen with anyone else! In saying all that, I can't even imagine how strong his kicks will be when I'm 36+ weeks... helloooooo broken ribs! The heat is really getting to me, but I can't complain because I live in Ireland, and from time to time, forget what the sun looks like! So I'll make the most of it while we have it. It's a good excuse for ice-cream, ice-lollies and ice-cold water! What am I saying, anytime is a good excuse for ice-cream.

All along, I thought our little bubs was a girl. I wasn't the only one. Almost everyone I spoke to predicted a little girl for us... only my boyfriend said he had a feeling it was a boy! So, of course, at our gender scan, we found out that I was in fact carrying a healthy baby boy. I'm never going to live it down because he was right ;) not that I mind one bit, I love my boys more than anything in this world. I find it a little crazy to think that something that's not even here yet, can mean absolutely everything to us. I can't imagine not having our little boy growing inside me now. I love being pregnant, and watching our little boy's movements and feeling his kicks is amazing. He is so loved already... spoiled too and he's got another 3 and a half months of growing to do!

I think we're decorating the nursery next week, so I'll be sure to do some updates on how it's coming along...

Happy first day of June from me & bump 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Exciting update, anyone?

It's been sooo long and I've really missed blogging. I've had SO much going on in my life, so I guess that's my lame excuse for not blogging. That and the fact that we've had pretty much no internet for almost a month. I've been stuck on Edge on my phone for like 22 hours a day. I wish I was joking. Awful, awful, AWFUL. It was truly awful.

We moved house (again, I know) and I absolutely love the place we're in at the moment. Very spacious, keeps heat in and is close to everything. It's kind of perfect for bringing up a baby... *surprise!!* :) I most likely will not be sharing pictures on here, but you will hear bits here and there... Coming soon - September 2016! 

That was pretty much my update - pregnancy has been keeping me busy yet lazy, and I'm loving every minute of it. I didn't have much sickness, only the odd day here and there. Seeing the heartbeat on the ultrasound for the first time was a feeling of another kind, especially as I am a worrier. It settled my nerves so much, and we can't wait to find out what we're having. Names are picked already! :)

Seeing my bump growing day by day amazes us, and we can't wait to hold our little monkey in our arms for the first time 


Until next time...

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Ending A Long-term Relationship

Relationships are hard. Breaking up is hard. Leaving it behind can be hard, depending on your situation and what you've been through, both by yourself and as a couple.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I was in a long-term relationship for almost nine years. We were engaged for almost seven of those years, living together since the very early days, took in four beautiful cats together, both had steady jobs and rented a lovely house together which I loved making 'ours'. Despite everything, I wasn't happy, and honestly, I hadn't been for some time. A couple of months into our relationship, he was diagnosed with a serious illness, which meant numerous trips to the hospital over the years, not to mention frustration, crying, arguing, you name it. As his girlfriend, I did whatever I could for him to make life easier. The worst days were those when he was extremely sick and couldn't get out of bed. It was hard for us both, moreso for him than me - he was a 21-year-old dealing with such an awful illness, and I was pretty much his 18/19-year-old carer. After so many years, part of me felt like, because I had spent so long there, he pretty much expected it. I'm not sure if this was the case, but that's how I felt. The pressure of having to do so much, being slow at making friends and living hours away from my family was too much for me. However, I stayed and kept going, because that's what you do, right? It certainly meant our relationship was put to the test... on more than one occasion.

Most of the time, I felt under-appreciated, like I was being taken for granted. As a couple, we had some amazing times and some not so great. I'm sure every couple goes through this, but it got to a point where the bad times heavily outweighed the good and we argued over stupid things. As much as we agreed to put our differences aside, it didn't last for more than a few days at a time until the next argument started. On two or three occasions, I finished it. It didn't last though, as things were said, stuff was thrown around. and my in-laws were brought into it... I ended up staying. I wasn't being treated the way I should have been, but I was settling for what I thought was the best I deserved. I was really unhappy, but always hoped the next day would bring more happiness than the day before, hoped things would change for the better. But they never did. I started to accept that it was just how my life was supposed to be... It wasn't though. It took me a while, but I realised that I deserved to feel loved and cherished - not rejected and unwanted. In August 2015, some family came to visit. It put a lot into perspective for me, and I was really set on finishing my relationship. After my family had left, I took myself into the spare room, which would be where I slept until I left. My fiancé didn't say anything for the first week, so I took it that I wasn't missed in our bed that much.

Early September 2015 saw the end of the relationship when I finally found the courage to do it once and for all. The thought of never seeing my cats again absolutely tore me apart, but I knew it was for the best and that he would look after them - they were like our babies. I was overcome with so many emotions over the days following the breakup. Part of me was proud that I had finally ended it. Looking back now, we should have ended it ages ago. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Part of me wondered if I had done the right thing - I had been with him for so long and it was all I had known. How would I cope with being single again after so many years? That thought alone terrified me. An even bigger part of me made me realise that it was of course the right thing to do. Neither of us were making the other happy, and that wasn't how we wanted to live. I think we were just content, and the relationship was 'convenient', because as I said, it was all we had known for so long. He was quite clearly upset and surprised, but I was sticking to it. The following weeks saw us talking about it a bit, and he agreed that neither of us had been happy for a while.

I quit my job after ending the relationship. Both myself and my ex agreed I would stay in the spare room until the start of November, so I could work the notice period I had given in work. I arranged to move back home, until I got a new place and job sorted. I was adamant I was going back home. It was set in stone, and nothing would stop me. My family were all thrilled for me, as they only wished for me to be happy. After that, a relationship was the last thing I was looking for. My head was still a mess - a happy mess, knowing I was leaving. One of my brothers actually recommended Tinder to me, to keep me occupied and so I could see what was out there. It was fun to use, and I never in a million years thought something serious could come from it.

How wrong I was though...

Less than a month after ending my relationship, I matched with a wonderful guy (I'll call him C), and the rest, as they say, is history. Remember, I wasn't looking for a relationship, but this was just so... different, even from the very first message he sent me. The connection was just there with us, and we just 'got' each other.  He made me laugh 'til my face and stomach hurt, and still does to this day. It was such an incredible feeling, and I felt like I had known him for years. Before we even met, I thought it was only fair that I tell him I was leaving and why. He understood, but still insisted I have coffee with him. We met in the following days, and I'll never forget our first date... the coffee turned out to be pizza, but it was Domino's, so I'm not complaining! It was perfect from the word go - the conversation flowed, and the spark between us was something else. Still, my mind was made up and I made it clear to him that I was still leaving. From the first date, I knew I felt something for him, but tried to push it to the back of my mind - I mean, how could I feel for someone I had just met? I couldn't. I tried to convince myself that it was all in my head...

Little did I know, my whole life would change in the days after. We fell in love, hard and fast. C told me he loved me first, and I said it back straight away, because it was like nothing I had known before. This was it. And I wasn't prepared to leave that behind. I knew that if I did, I would spend months thinking 'what if...?' I took the risk, decided to stay and we took it from there. It all happened so fast, so we moved into a room together and now we live in a house with his (now 'our') two dogs, Sasha the Doberman and Blade the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

In the short time we've been together, I've felt more love than I felt in the entirety of my previous relationship, and that says a lot. After a million and one hurdles (and gates!), we've been through more than the average couple would face in a long-term relationship! It's been a rollercoaster, but there's no-one I'd rather share it with than my soldier... my one. Nothing else matters.

Happier than I've ever been!



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