Marathons and Battle Ropes.

Hello Friends,

First of all let me thank you all for taking the time to read this. Your support truly means the world and as much I want to dish out more blog posts it's just not possible for many reasons, the main being besides working a 50 hour week, my training and over all well being has taking priority in my life which I'm sure you will agree is essential. But as soon as the dust settles and I'm in a steady routine with my training commitments and everything else in between, I'll be dedicating a little snippet of time every week to update my blog. :)

SO!!- I have put my name down for a 5K marathon coming up in November. Me?... Yep that is correct. This once far distant dream of walking a marathon has become a reality. But before I get into that, I thought I would give an update on where I am on my training and weight loss journey. Okay, so as I previously mentioned I have started working with a new personal trainer. I see him once a week and attend his body conditioning classes twice a week, while also getting in my own walking/running. The one to one session is quite gruelling (in a good way). My body is being pushed into a whole new space, that some days it doesn't quite know what is happening to it. I am working along side a person who will not for one second listen to me being negative. There is no such thing as 'I can't' its only 'I can and I will, now' and you know what? It's working. And being constantly reminded to smile during a tough session, despite my body wanting to cry, helps a great deal too. :) Its tough as nails but its my mental block that's tougher to break down so learning to separate my head from my body (I know you get what I mean) is the best remedy for getting through my killer sessions. During the sessions, I almost feel like there is not a hope in hell I'll be able to do this again but by the end my good endorphins are racing and I feel incredible. I leave on a work-out high. ;)  The body conditioning classes are just as tough. I never thought I would feel comfortable working out amongst other people without feeling like and looking like the least fittest person there, but to hell with that attitude. I have learnt that while everyone is there for themselves we are all there for the same reason, be it weight loss, toning or to improve our general fitness (all of which are the reason why I am there). So who cares if I am the least fittest? I have also discovered I really enjoy thump boxing, that will  be on my bucket list for 2015, maybe take up a beginners class if I could find one to fit in amongst my already hectic life.  And as for battle ropes, well I never even new, these even existed and I don't think we will ever be friends haha but hey they're doing the job LOL. What are they? Very heavy long ropes you create waves with. Incredibly difficult but affective. I don't get a single day where I don't have some sort of post work out burning or pain and I don't want a day without said pain because I know it's bringing me closer to my goals and getting me results fast.

So I am only too thrilled to have put my name down for a marathon coming up in November. My trainer told me to start putting my name down for marathons coming up and true to form I didn't quite look into it the way I should of because to be quite frank I just felt like I wasn't 'there' yet but something has popped up and I'm fairly confident I'll walk my first 5K marathon with pride so watch this space. I have already started to train for it. Feels so good to be training for something worth while that actual athletes train for and mark my words, be it next year or the year after that or even the year after that I will run a marathon. I'm laying down the gauntlet because its one of my best motivators.

I thought I would throw in something different, a few of my nearest and dearest have asked me a few questions about how personal training has helped and affected me so I thought I would share them with you ;)

What makes you want to give up? (Thanks Jess LOL)
Everything. I get days where I would use the most miserable excuse to not get my training in. And it has happened quite a lot in the past, but not as much now, but for sure I have wanted to give up. These excuses include, I'm too tired (always a good one after a 10 hour shift), I have too much to do when I get home (yeah, watch tv, work out on my lap top), I worked out enough yesterday (when I didn't) or else it would be my head that gets in the way, (I'm just not in the mood) and I get days where I feel I'll NEVER get to where I want to be and sometimes that's enough to make me want to give up! But I always surpass these feelings and get my ass into gear and get training. I have never regretted a work out, but I beat myself up when I don't work out and that is the worse feeling ever!! 

In what ways do you think having a personal trainer has helped you in working towards achieving your goals?
Well this is easy. Its only really my trainer who understands what I need to do to achieve my goals and he is giving me the motivation during sessions to bring me one step closer to my goals, all the time. And it's only my trainer who completely understands the difficulty behind reaching these goals.  He is only ever a text away if I am struggling, be it with food or exercise and he regularly reminds me of this. For me, this is what I need to do achieve my goals and create the life style I want and need. 

Would you recommend a personal trainer to someone who doesn't need to loose weight?
From my experience so far, definitely! Its not just people who want to loose weight who work with PTs. I have spoken with girls over the last few months who are working with PTs to tone and shape themselves better and believe it or not one girl even wanted to gain weight!  So its most definitely for everyone! 

Do I enjoy it?
Absolutely! I look at it now as a hobby more than anything. I look forward to it. I feel like I owe it to myself to enjoy it and take every bit of positivety from it as possible. I never had a hobbie growing up so getting my fitness levels up to par is a good place to start in getting a hobbie further down the line . This is only the beginning. The worlds my oyster!

Is it difficult?
Yep! Through and through and it if it ever gets easy then I am not doing it right.

*************

If you are in the position to hire yourself a personal trainer because like me you want to loose weight, I would highly recommend you do so. It costs good money but if you want whats good for you and want to put your money into something worth while then this is it. I started working with a personal trainer over a year ago and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and working with Sean over the last 8 weeks and getting the results I did made me so happy, the kinda happy you experience if you pass a really tough exam because you have put your heart and soul into it, the kind of happy you only get from working your ass off to get results. Watch this space. I am addicted to these results now and I only want more, better results. If not, then why not try out some classes? Again I couldn't recommend these more. There does be a great buzz and atmosphere amongst the classes I attend and trust me you will love them too.

I just want to give a small shout out to the girls who messaged me telling me I am motivating them getting back into fitness. Again never thought I would see the day where I would receive such messages. I was more than happy to receive them and they gave me an extra push too. Feel free to leave me any comments or messages here or on Facebook. I'll be more than happy to hear from you too. 

I know I am doing the right thing in keeping with my personal trainer. I'm well and throughly on the road to a healthier, happier and slimmer Amy.

Much Love,
Live happy, live healthy

Amy xo

Beautiful you go with all your might.

Hello Friends,

I got a sharp dose of reality last week. I have had a couple of nasty comments passed to me over the last few weeks by complete strangers and I don't think I dealt with it quite the way I should of. It's not good to keep such things to yourself, even if you do think you are stronger than some strangers moronic ignorance. I can't quite put my finger on what triggered my mini melt down during the week, I feel sometimes I get too much in my own head haha, if that makes any sense, because I completely lost sight of why I even began to change my lifestyle for the better. Maybe it was a combination of everything over the last month or so. I have been thought that I have to feel the bad in order to feel the good. The day before my aunty's wedding a couple weeks ago I had a very derogatory comment passed to me while out shopping the day before and it stuck with me. So much so, that even though I felt really good at my aunty's wedding I have not one photo of me in my dress and shoes, because I wasn't in a picture taking mood, me, normally the queen of a selfie. I am annoyed with myself over that because I put a lot of effort into making sure I looked picture perfect. But you know, I feel this is part of the process and I shouldn't of let a stupid small minded and judgemental individual dampen my spirit, so lesson learnt. Still was the best wedding I have ever been to, minus my head to toe pic ha.

I knew that going through this weight loss and life style change process would be tough, I am now working out for over a year and putting a lot of  focus and energy into it but it was last week my emotions decided to run high and find no where else to go but through my eye balls. I'll give a quick update on where it's all at. I have finished up working with my trainer, whom I was working with over a year. It's very daunting as I'm not one who settles into new spaces with ease, in fact it takes so much effort it's nearly exhausting but I have started a journey and to hell if I am going to stop now. I am now working with someone new, I am feeling more positive and motivated than ever and I am already seeing results. I have made DRASTIC changes to my diet and truth be known these changes are long over due, I'll be doing a blog post soon on that soon, I keep a food diary now so I will be sharing that here and I am already see the benefits of a clean diet in my skin and energy levels. I am keeping it very strict, 6 out of 7 days and then having one day where I just let go and 'treat' myself. I could never explain how much our diets have to answer for! I honestly feel the better my diet the better my life. Now onto the present. I am back on track with my game face on. Its all to live for and work for and I know I'll kick ass this week, one day at a time.

  
I feel stronger than ever and I finished the week off with a smile, having spent last night with my bestie. Dinner and nails, it was amazing hehe. Check out her work, isn't she so very very talented!!! Love this nail colour! Its called cosmopolitan (I love that) My inner girly girl is in love with these nails. hehe

So there you have it my lovelies. It was a roller coaster week in fact month. But I have come out the other side smiling, motivated and ready for more!

Have a great week everyone and thanks for reading my post.

Much Love,

Amy xo


 

PRODUCT REVIEW #1: REVLON 24HR Colour Stay.

Hello Friends,

Hey! So I hope you are keeping well and this fine Sunday is treating you all well :) Today I have for you my first product review as the title suggests. Okay so as a little disclaimer I am not a makeup artist of expert in any way shape or form, I own a lot of makeup, not as much as I would like haha I have a huge bucket list that I just keep adding to. So basically this is my opinion on the product and in my reviews I promise to be 100% honest in them but generally I will be reviewing products that I enjoyed using (keep it nice and positive). That said, I was dying to give the Revlon 24hr Colour Stay a try. I read review after review on this product and all generally very positive. So while in Super Drug a couple of weeks ago on the hunt for a new foundation I thought I'd give this a try. It cost me just under 17 euro! Now as far as drug store foundations go that is on the expensive side. My holy grail foundations are Rimmel: Wake Me Up foundation and Stay Matt foundation both of which are around the 10 euro mark. So its a lot of extra money for a foundation from a drug store when I could get a high end foundation for not much more but still I wanted to see what all the fuss is about and good or bad, this foundation wouldn't go to waste.

The foundation comes in 2 types, there is one for oily skin or dry and sensitive skin which is the one I bought. I'm in the shade 220, natural beige. I went for a warm colour as wearing fake tan is imminent over the next few weeks.The packaging is grand  =)  LOL okay, its not great. The glass bottle is very pretty and simple but it doesn't come with a pump. So you basically have to unscrew the lid and tip the glass bottle over on the back or the palm of your hand to get product out and apply it from there. I personally pour a small amount into the back of my hand and use my new foundation brush from Hair Spray, my mammy bought me ;) to apply it. Most of my other foundations are either in a tube or come with a pump, so I can apply the product directly onto my brush or sponge I figure the less contact to surface areas the better, even if its just the skin on my hand, if you have sensitive skin you will understand completely where I am coming from. But nonetheless this isn't a deal breaker with this foundation because this will be a keeper in my little stash of makeup for sure.

A little of this product goes a long way, first of! It glides on perfectly but I do have too blend it quite well to prevent any streaks or obvious patches, when I first applied it, it was quite obvious around my forehead that I hadn't done enough blending haha probably only visible to me (I hope) haha so lesson learnt there. My Rimmel foundations don't need near as much blending, but this little beauty is thick in consistency so it does require a little bit more time and work but it is well worth it. It gives me a medium to full coverage. My skin is in pretty good shape at the moment so that would help and I still use concealer. As far as 24hrs is concerned it has really good staying power I have mentioned before I am not one to touch up my face makeup through out the day and this certainly didn't disappoint in its staying power, my  primer and powder plays a big part in me not having to touch it up through out the day. And finally there is no heavy scent from this, BIG bonus and I certainly think it pairs well with my dry and sensitive skin.

Now I couldn't finish up this post without mentioning my new foundation brush! I am the proud owner of at least 5 foundation brushes and 2 miracle sponges but this foundation brush had knocked all my foundation brushes out of the park and I am most definitely going to stock up on maybe 2 more haha. This is the Hair Spray foundation brush, you know the shop Hair Spray that specialise in hair extensions and other beauty related goodys such as eyelashes and make up brushes evidently! Its just brilliant, this brush is really soft but sturdy enough to apply my foundation perfectly. This brush will set you back 15 euro but if like me, you are into having good decent makeup tools its definitely worth investing in. I want try more brushes from their range now!! 

  

It's a flat head foundation brush ;)

And there you have it. I would highly recommend both products I mentioned tonight. Stay tuned for my daily and nightly makeup looks using said foundation coming up on my blog very soon.

I hope you enjoyed reading my post tonight and thank you so much for popping by to give this a read.

Much Love, as always,

Amy xo

What I would Tell my 16 Year old Self.

Hello Friends,

I hope you are all keeping well and are in great form this beautiful Sunday evening. So this evening I bring to you a post saying exactly what it says in the title and it's what I would tell my 16 year old self. I came across similar blogs on blog lovin' and videos on You Tube and it got me thinking, what would I tell my 16 year old self?...
  

 
1: Don't be afraid of who you are! You are perfect in your own way and you don't need justification.

2:Don't allow how other people think affect you. They don't matter! Don't let them define you. If they have a problem it belongs to them not you.

3:Keep working hard at your studying in school. I know you struggle with the books and people don't quite realise that, but keep at it.

4: Drown out the negativity that is around you. I know you have been trying this for a couple of years now and it's working.  

5: Go out walking more. You will not believe the benefits that this could have for you when you hit your 20's. And you will love it!!

6:Embrace your self more and don't be bullied into something you're not. People are shallow but you will let go of this sooner than you think.

7:Look after yourself more diet wise. The sooner you sort this out the easier it will be. ;)

 8: Use sun cream more!! When you're abroad and in the blistering heat literally, top up that sun cream ALL THE TIME! You have skin a whiter shade of pale and it will love you for it.

9: Call your Dad more. You will still be telling yourself this in many many years.

10: Save more!! You earn good money girl. Spend wisely LOL :)
  
11: Don't be pressured into anything you don't want to do just because everybody else is doing it!! You will learn the value in this lesson the hard way but you will be happy you did. xo

12:Do more of what you love. Find your passion.


13: Be true to yourself more with the little things, clothes, make up etc... You know who you are! You have known a long time so don't cover her up with clothes and makeup, you know aren't you. Wait until you unleash the real you!  You're world is going to turn upside down, in the best way possible.

14:Don't be so shy! People love you for you. But let yourself go more.

15: Find a hobby that you love! This will be something you will always regret if you don't.

16: Sweet 16 and perfect in you're own way. Time will go by fast so much quicker than ya think so live it up, be gracious and be bold. You will do well.

In the photos above the first one I am on a family holiday and the second one was taken at my dads wedding. Good old disposable cameras! My apolgies the quality in them isn't great ;).

Truth be known. I still have to remind myself of certain things listed above but I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and whats meant to be won't pass us by. I have a great life. Great friends. A wonderful family and I have no regrets, well no serious regrets I would love to take up another hobby, I love blogging! But I have my heart set on learning how to bake and learning a new instrument. The skies the limit right?...

I hope you enjoyed reading this. What would you tell your 16 year old self?

Thank you so much for giving this your time and reading my post. 

Much Love,

Amy xo

'If you're thin, You're not coming in!!!'

Hello friends.

I pondered over what to call this blog post for ages. Please keep reading ;)...

So I came across an article the other day (link is just below), a girl by the name of Sallie Axl blasting 'The only way is Essexs' Gemma Collins for 'Glamourising self harm'. 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/383090/Sallie-Axl-blasts-TOWIE-s-plus-size-Gemma-Collins-for-glamourising-over-eating 

Okay lets break it down, who is Sallie Axl? I had no idea neither, but she was a contestant on Big Brother 14 and was the first house mate to be evicted, thought I might throw that in. I stopped watching Big Brother when it moved to channel 5 but I think most are familiar with the concept of the program. Axl is not her real surname and she is also a mother to a little girl. When I googled Sallie 'Axl' nothing but cheap gossipy headlines popped up plus, I would never judge anyone on how they look but if you're going to attack someone on their appearance in any way shape or form then maybe you should take a closer look in the mirror and make sure that you're 'perfect' first. Nothing but cheap provocative images also popped up, I considered not even posting her picture on my blog because to be quite frank I was finding it inappropriate. But that's not what I'm trying to get at here. In fact I think she is raising a very valid point, only in a very mean way!! Here is a relatively respectable image of her.

I would say you have heard of Gemma Collins or recognise her. I have never been an avid watcher of TOWIE but I would be fairly familiar with Gemma Collins, its funny the one episode I do remember watching, Collins was having hypnosis to help with her diet and weight loss and God knows when that episode aired.  Whenever I see Collins photographed in magazines she always looks flawless. She was snapped working out, and in fairness who looks cute when their working out? I know what I must look like, not a pretty sight!! And off course the paparazzi got the most unflattering takes of her but personally I find them very motivating. It's real life and it's what you have to do to get into shape. 

Now back to the subject in hand. Collins has opened up a plus size boutique and is basically holding a sign in the door way saying 'If you're thin, You're not coming in!!!' hence the title of this post.

Its clear to see that Collins embraces her curvier figure and if anything she promotes a 'body love' image. I certainly don't think for one minute that the sign she is holding is an attack against the thinner woman. 
Here's my opinion as a curvier woman. There are so many shops and boutiques out there that cater for the thinner woman, right down to a size 'zero'. However this not the case for the fuller figured woman and even though the average boutique, that carry up to a size 16 max, may not have a sign hanging outside there door saying 'If you're fat, you can't come in' we know we can't shop in them stores, we just don't have a blatant sign telling us we can't. I wouldn't step foot in an average boutique unless I'm shopping with a friend because there wouldn't be a hope in hell I would find something in my size. Yes, there are some shops that cater for the fuller figure woman, some of which I personally love but that's it. I don't believe she is being prejudice or setting a bad example or glamorising self harm in any way shape or form she's doing this for her fellow curvier girl, empowering her fellow curvier girl because there is not many out there who do! And it may be in a very frank way, but c'mon it is a just a bit of fun, and I feel Collins is just hitting back at the many, many boutiques and shops that don't stock plus size clothes. It is also highly likely shes only stocking plus size clothes too.

Axl does make a good point in the article with her very mean tongue, but I think it gets shaded, here's a piece I took from it, 
'She is cashing in on making the morbidly obese look so-called fabulous.
Is she glamorising self-harm by covering up this food addiction… an addiction which at its extreme encourages people to EAT THEMSELVES TO DEATH?
Why is this topic not being addressed with the same severity as anorexia?'
Now very harsh words and I would completely disagree with the first part stating she is cashing in on making the morbidly obese look so called fabulous! I'm sorry but that is the most ridiculous statement to make. Clothes are there to be worn regardless of size. Evidently, clothes designers and manufacturers are cashing in on the sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, & 16 left right and centre so I don't understand Axls issue of Collins setting up a plus size boutique. And the final part of the statement 'Why is the topic not being addressed with the same severity as anorexia' And this, my friends is what I am trying to get at...

Forget about the sign Collins is holding, we all have our opinion on that. I want to get at Axl comparing anorexia to obesity. Are these not 2 severe forms of eating disorders?! (okay I know both can be down to medical reasons too) But moving away from that and facing the fact that a lot of the time it's not. I agree with Axl, I feel that anorexia is dealt with a lot more sympathetically and to be honest, dealt with more seriously. Take any of the many programs that air featuring people who are obese. I can't even bring myself to watch them anymore! I just feel they make a mockery of people who are over weight and trying to over come it. Whereas when I watch a documentary on anorexia, it's dealt with in such a way that you totally empathise with people in their situation. At the end of the day it doesn't take a lay man to know that you become obese by over eating and you become anorexic by under eating (bet ya never heard that term before, under eating but I'm sure you have heard over eating) And I just feel that the obesity epidemic that is well and truly on our hands is one that could be dealt with a lot better, this is my opinion from personal experience. I have been working my ass of the last year with a personal trainer and working very hard on my diet to get fitter and healthier and to loose a few dress sizes. But I have sat in front of doctors over the past few years and felt belittled from the way they spoke to me regarding my weight, despite all the work I have put in, and you know what?, It doesn't make my weight loss journey any easier, it doesn't give me the 'I'll show them' attitude. In fact what I will say is, it does the complete opposite, it just knocks me back a few days, maybe even  weeks. Days of blood, sweat and tears wasted because of one consultation that left me feeling like crap. And it is not acceptable to be made feel that way, even if they do think it's 'for my own good' I'm also gonna tell ya that 'comfort eating' is not that comfortable!! Imagine the one thing in life that is meant to sustain ya is the cause of your health being in jeopardy, albeit its the abuse of it, that is causing your weight issues, food.

In anyways I wanted to bring this to you today. I'll take away my soap box and get back to my job at hand ;). Sallie Axls article struck a cord with me I just wanted to create awareness from a different point of view.

I hope you enjoyed reading this some what more serious piece, this is my opinion and I'm not trying to force it onto you.

Much Love,

Amy xo    

June Favourites and Catch Up.

Hello Friends!

Oh my, what  a month June has been! 

So lets start at the start. I was off work for the first 2 weeks and had planned to do the utmost work for my blog during the second week after I did all the things I planned the first. My friends and I headed to Belfast for a couple days and it was a really good trip! I would highly recommend a visit to the city if you have never been and can't wait to go back. The food, the drink, the bars, the shopping, all fabulous with some fabulous company too, made it even better.  Aren't my friends beautiful!! ;)

I then went down to my dads for couple days, it's always great to catch up and see my younger siblings, their so cute!! My dad and my stepmam are amazing parents and it brings me right back to when I was a kid. I always idolised my dad and still do. Yeah ok, I'm a proper daddys girl, spoiled brat LOL but he's an amazing father and would do anything for his kids. I'm loving watching my dad and my younger brother (9) get all caught up in the world cup. Boys will be boys!! ha. 

Ella xx

Lee xx

Then onto my second week off. I trained hard, I had 3 sessions with my trainer and got in my own long distant walking too. And caught up with some friends during the week also. Then that weekend, I got a call on the Friday before fathers day to say my dad had been taking into hospital and off course you always think the worse. And I went straight down to him. But he is fine now and making a swift recovery so I got to see him just before fathers day which made him and me really happy. 

My mam organised a barbecue on Fathers day with my aunty, uncle and lil cousin, a nice little family get-together but from that morning I felt something coming on. By 6pm I felt rachet and exhausted! Now I am partial to an early night but even that's a bit early for me haha. So I went to have a 'lie down' which turned into me completely knocked out under the covers because I could not get the heat into me. I then woke at around 11 with a fever. And I thought, 'great', frickin viral infection got me! My stepdad and nephew had had it during the week. I got up the Monday my last day off and wanted to make the most of it, being back to the grind on Tuesday for work, So I went about my business which took A LOT of effort, again still a bit of a fever but life must go on. I met my friend for lunch but could barely eat because I felt my throat was beginning to cave too. The minute I got home I was back in bed as I was in work the next day. Got up on Tuesday at 5:30 AM (15 minutes earlier than usual) to give myself plenty of time to get ready for my first day back at work after holidays. I had my shower as per usual but I knew when I got out that work wasn't going to happen, I was done for and felt awful!! So I spent the day in bed. Up and at them on Wednesday went to work that took so much effort! And at this stage I now had my mam, friends and colleagues telling me you need to go the doctor! But me being me, my argument was 'I'm not paying 60 euro to see a doctor to be told this is a viral infection', as far as I know they have to run their course but I caved, I was off the Thursday as it was so I made an appointment. The doctor took one look at my throat and his reaction was priceless.  'Amy, how long have you been like this'! Basically, I had full blown severe streptococcal throat. And I would not wish it on my worse enemy. And I will tell you that I will never put myself through that again. Regardless of what I think it is, I will never try self-diagnose again. It knocked me for six and I was at least 2 weeks before I felt back to myself. 7 days of very strong antibiotics left me feeling sluggish and tired but thankfully they weren't long before kicking in and I feel much better.

It was also my nephews forth birthday on the 18th and my mam and sister throw his party at our house so a few drinks was had after a long shift at work on the following Sunday. Have you tried the Smirnoff frozen cocktails? Pretty good! And I know you shouldn't drink on antibiotics but I think I deserved them. Look at the amazing cake I got for him! He is the biggest spider man fan and was delighted when he saw his cake. It was delicious too ;)

So we are nearing the end of June just and my poor stepdad was taken into hospital. 8 days in total he was until he came home last Wednesday. ;( And I'll be honest I was worried sick. The house felt so empty. Missed his presence so much. So I fed all the animals- (chickens and the dog) LOL Felt very domesticated.

So the last weekend of June is Gay Pride! I won't touch on too much, what gay pride is all about here, I will at some time in the future, but its a big deal for the LBGT community. And unfortunately I was working! I was devo I couldn't go into the parade with my friends but that's life, it happens. However I get did to finish 2 hours early and I joined them that evening. It was the best night out I had in the longest time and it was just what I needed after a very hectic month, it capped June of on a very positive note. I got to catch up with old friends and never laughed so much, from what I can remember ;) ha. The one of me holding  the flag is from the year previous. I didn't get near the amount of photos I should of, too busy having fun!

So with everything gone on I didn't get to blog near as much as I wished to be honest. I would never have expected blogging to be so time consuming but it is, and I don't want to post anything half arsed! It means more to me than that, I want give every blog post my all.  And I love doing this. So onto my June favourites, I'll keep this short and sweet because I know I have rambled on for days here! 

Okay, so I have 5 favourites for you this month and the first is very special to me! 
  
1: Favourite Disney Princess

So this is my random favourite this month. We all love a bit of Disney and I think most girls have a favourite Disney princess. I love Cinderella and Belle but mine has to be Pocahontas. And the reason is extra special, a reason that I will dedicate an entire blog post too soon in the near future.
Did you know that Pocahontas is the only Disney princess with a tattoo?

2:Hair care

For the longest time, after I washed my hair, brushing it was like a form of torture! My hair gets so matted. And I tried every intensive conditioner under the sun, some better than others but ultimately they wouldn't help with the hair brushing process haha (I have long curly hair and it is a bitch LOL) But I gave this little gem a try and it will FOREVER be part of my hair care routine and it is the Mane'n'Tail detangler. You basically wash you hair as normal with your shampoo and conditioner and then spray this generously after towel drying. The first 2 times I used it I would say it helped, not as much as I expected but by the third time I discovered how much of I need. The hair brush runs through my hair like a hot knife through butter. I have used this everytime I washed my hair over the past month and a half, which is at least 3 times a week and Id say the bottle is still 3 quarters full! Plus on one occasion I ran out of conditioner (horrors of horrors) but that didn't matter because I just used a little bit extra. Its costs just under 8 euro and is worth every penny in Boots, a bargain in my book. Its a big 355ml bottle so there is a lot of mileage in it. My much younger sister has a mop of curly hair too so I bought her a bottle also. I know what she goes through having her hair brushed haha. Now, this leaves quite the residue on the floor! So I resided to standing on my mat when spraying it into my hair because you will go flying and hurt yourself if its left on the floor (little warning) :) Mane'n'tail was originally invented and formulated for horses as it suggests in the title!  

3:Trainers

Most of my friends now I love vans! I own too many pairs. I got these ones for Christmas and hadn't warn them until this month (was I subconsciously leaving them til the summer) But I love them, they make me happy haha they are just basic black with the white rim sole and white laces available in Office. PS I store them in there original boxes too. Obsessed much?...

 
4:Clothing

You have probably see this very light box padded jacket pop up in photos. I got this off boohoo.com and it goes with everything, very basic and very light so its perfect for summer evenings. 

5:Accessorie

I bought this black and white satchel in Pennys while I was in Belfast and I've been getting so many compliments on it. Now I know its one of those bags you'll either love or hate but I love it. I wear it across my body and it fits all my bits and bobs I carry around with me everyday. It cost me 12 pounds if I'm not mistaken and as far as the quality is concerned I would  say it definitely reflects in the price. I don't buy bags all the time but when I do I buy them in River Island, New Look or A Wear as there quality in bags is really good. But if I get the summer out of it its money well spent. I'll have a 'whats in my bag' blog post with this soon.

And there you have it, I know this is more of a catchup blog but I also wanted to mention a few things I loved during June. July will set out brand new challenges. I'm finishing up with my trainer, to say I'm dreading it is an understatement this will truly test my inner motivation. Going it alone scares me so I have to have a good think about my next move in terms of keeping active and getting fit. Plus something very super, my sister is due her baby girl any day now! I cannot wait to be an aunt all over again!!!!  

I hoped you enjoyed reading this and I'll be back very soon with another post. 

Much love, as always,

Amy xo

May Favourites

Hello Friends and Hello Summer!!

Welcome back to my blog and thanks for taking the time out to read this. So here's a few bits and pieces that I have been really loving throughout the month of May and for a long time to come too I'm sure. I hope you enjoy =)

MAKEUP FAVOURITES

Say hello to the nicest bronzer I have probably ever had in my collection, okay that's a bit over kill LOL but seriously if you want yourself a good bronzer you have to try L'oreal Glam Bronze. It has the tiniest bit of shimmer in it but would be more matt and looks that way when applied. I started using this 2 weeks ago and have used it everyday. Its very easily applied with a powder brush, only needing a tiny amount and I love contouring with it :) 
On the brand, L'oreal is the biggest cosmetic company in the world. Its around since 1909! And funnily enough I have never been a fan of their make up until now. Love their hair care range though! ;)

Then another product I have adored all this month is this NYC Smooth Skin pressed face powder. This for me has certainly given the Rimmel stay matt powder a run for its money. Its very finally milled and goes over any of my foundations perfectly. I only ever use and buy translucent powders! I wouldn't even consider buying a shade darker, even with a tan, remember you're using this to set your makeup not your colour and a translucent powder will not affect the colour of your skin. Natural! Isn't that what we're all after? My hair is as dark as the ace of spades and my skin on most days is a whiter shade than pale but I still opt for the translucent powders. That's just my own personal opinion. I use my bronzers and blushes to add some colour. Oh and this powder is cheap as chips too and I love the packaging! I'll be repurchasing this soon as you can see I have hit pan. NYC is available in Super Drug and chemists.

BODY CARE FAVOURITES

Have you ever tried anything from Soap and Glory? Its one of those brands where, for me, they have as many hits as misses in their collection. But one thing that I do love from Soap and Glory is their body butters. I particularly love the Sugar Crush (amazing) if you like the smell of lime this is absolute heaven and the Butter Yourself one. Now I only use these sparingly, maybe once or twice a week because for my skins sake, I stick to sensitive and hypoallergenic moisturisers but I have been getting a little carried away with these recently. I've been using the Butter Yourself one more, at night after my shower. I just love the smell of it and its texture. Its very luxurious. And moisturises perfectly. Both these were gifted to me over Christmas :) I know its so bad I'm only getting round to them now. 

SKIN CARE FAVOURITES

You are probably sick of hearing me mention these at this stage cos lord knows I'm sick of reading it myself haha but the Super Drug Naturally Radiant range has been a huge hit for me all month long! But out of the entire range the hot cloth cream cleanser is my favourite so I put it into this monthly favourites. Stay tuned for a full review.

FAVOURITE MUSIC

I thought I would mention a few artists that have caught my eye this month or ears for that matter and they are all current :)

The Vamps, these are a young pop/indie band that have come out recently. I can't say that their record will be in my collection or single on my ipod yet :) but fm104 have been playing the sh#t out of their single 'last night' and I just think its fun and fantastic. Their only around 19 bless them, but I reckon they could be onto big things.

Ed Sheeran. Okay I think I'm a bit late on the bandwagon with Ed Sherran. I don't have his first album but I'm guessing he released most singles of it in anyways because they where rolling out one after another on the air waves. However I am loving his new album x (multiply) it's brilliant! I am tempted to buy his first album now because his current album is certainly doing it for me at the moment. Major talent!

And finally, Sam Smith. Oh my goodness, what a voice. I really hope he stays true to himself and carries on the way he is going. His current single 'stay with me' will perhaps be one of the best songs this year, for me ;). If  I am totally honest I wasn't totally gone on his single with Naughty Boys 'la la la' but he has totally hooked me now with his own stuff. I can't wait to listen to his album.

MS FABULOUS

This month my Ms Fabulous goes to the one and only Queen B! I adore this woman's music and I not gonna lie I was kinda addicted to her visual album too. But the reason why I picked her this month is with all the hype that surrounded the Solange and Jay Z elevator incident I love how Beyonce remained her composure during the whole ordeal (if you can call it that) I read article after article slating her for 'doing nothing' during it. But I have to hand it to her. I thought she handled it like a queen :) Plus she is a huge inspiration to me. She defines INDEPENDENT WOMAN. Here she is before the 'elevator incident' at the Met Gala and in her queen composure. 

FAVOURITE CANDLE

Something else I've been loving this month is this strawberries and cream scented candle and it smells delish! And the scent reminds me of my very best friend LOL That's a compliment I'm sure. And I bought these in Super Value for 3 euro!!

And there you have it. 

So we are well and truly into the Summer months now and I hope the weather stays good. I have some time of work this month and I want to use the time to get into a new routine and go gun ho on my training and diet. I'll be bringing you along with me too ;) I'll need the inspiration and motivation no doubt!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and thanks again for taking the time to read this.

Much Love,

Amy xo