February Ponders + Wishlist

I sort of dread February's- it's birthday month and being the impossible goal setter, every year I get older, I build up this sense of dread and vast feeling of anxiety! I hate that I'm not where I want to be at my age. I'm totally forward thinking, but the finish line seems so far away...

I really hoped for more control at the age of 26 going on 27. I always read about these successful ladies- doing it all, all so young... (and with a smile!) and fret as to why I am not achieving like these beautiful ladies. Have I taken too much on? Have I set my ambitions too high? My parents always taught me that what ever I want in life, I have to go out and work my bum for it. But sitting in my parents house in the converted attic, with a nasty bout of teenage skin and on the second season of Chicago Fire, I'm having a real sorry for myself moment! 

My life isn't really that bad! Is it? And when I think about it more, my fear of failure turns into pangs of guilt. I have lots going on for me. I'm off to Barcelona and Galway in two weeks, and I'm reasonably healthy and happy! Or at least I should be...What right have I got for having a feel sorry for me moment. And then I realised that it's ok to be having a bad day (or month in my case!). It's ok to cry in the car! And it's certainly ok to not be content with how your life is panning out. It means I am ambitious and I have a desire to want to better myself. Nothing wrong with not wanting to be complacent....

So biting the bullet, and wanting to shake off this rut, I have booked a few meals out with friends, made a reservation with the lovely ladies at Tropical Popical and created a February Wishlist...well because shopping make me happy!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Clarisonic Smart Brush (Brown Thomas)- ...heck I'm nearly 27, but my skin is currently having a teen crisis. I have recently started Microdermabrasion- but this bad boy would actually be value for money compared to all the sessions I would have to get...

Camo print joggers (Topshop)- let's be real, I'm never going to be able to afford anything of the Yeezy collection?!

Alive perspex court heels (Office)- a dupe of the Gianvito Rossi pumps that Miss Kim K always wears...

Pink appliqué triangle bra (River Island)- because this is too pretty!

This Works Deep Sleep+ Pillow spray (Beauty Bay)- I bought Ev this and he hasn't stopped raving about it plus Beauty Bay have a great deal on with the product.

Dr Lipp lip balm (Beauty Bay)- not only is my facial skin super inflamed at the moment, but my lips are dry and white- rave reviews have made we want this bad boy!

Vans Sk8-Hi (Size?)- Sunday brunch shoes...

Brooch detailed high waist belt (ASOS)- how pretty?!

Airtex stripe midi dress (Topshop)- Super flattering panelling (esp. for big hipped ladies like myself!), love the airtex material and the colour is very seductive looking.

Kusmi Jasmine tea (Amazon)- my favourite tea flavour ever.

Leopard Bikini (River Island)- Holiday prep + it's leopard! That's enough of an excuse

Saint Laurent Monogramme sac Universite (Net-a-porter)- hey a girl can dream right?! Plus isn't this the perfect size...

L & B Gift Guide 2015: Presents for Him

Stuck on what to buy for your boyfriend this year? Sick of buying a new shirt for him every Christmas? These are my top picks that any gent would be delighted to see under the tree...

Happy Shopping!

Men's Society Beard Oil (ASOS)- whose man doesn't have a beard?

Apple Watch 42mm Stainless Steel Case with Saddle Brown Classic Buckle (Apple)- I love this particular strap as it tones down the geeky element of the watch.

Tom Dixon Charcoal Scent diffuser (Mr Porter)- for the house proud...

Phaidon set of 10 paperback city books (Mr Porter)- for the travelling guru...

Ray-Ban Aviators (ASOS)- nothing beats a classic pair.

Nike AM 1 Leather Premium (Size?)- sick colourway and the premium design means the finish should be that little bit tighter.

Nike SB X Polar Beanie (Size?)- because his county colours beanie never matches his clothes and THIS will!

Vitamix Pro 300 (Brown Thomas)- for the gains and all that malarky...

Gentleman's Afternoon Tea (Morrison Hotel)- While you go shopping obvs...

GoPro HERO 4 (Amazon)- Ev has one of these and absolutely loves it. He brings it away on all his trips, even when he goes running...

Florals and Fun

To celebrate the end of the stage school year yesterday, here is a little outfit of the day I whipped up before my Dublin date with my sister Grace. We went to our favourite sushi restaurant in Dublin to celebrate- Musashi on Capel Street (get the Ebi Tempura Masago rolls!)- it was her treat...luck me eh?! and we then went to Brother Hubbard for cake and coffee and their takeout iced tea. I popped into Folkster and bought a lovely pair of Indian Rose coloured culottes that I can't wait to wear on holidays in August and added these pair of Air Max 90's from Size? to my collection. I live in trainers, and having worked in Size? for over six years, biasedly, I still think the shop does the best collection of trainers in Ireland.

I am wearing a Zara waistcoat that I got in the recent Summer sale (similar here and here) || these Binx jeans from Topshop- I usually buy Joni, however these have more of a relaxed feel but are still high waisted || Nike AM 90 in black croc, similar here and here || this crepe tank top that I also got in the sale || a Michael Kors watch that was a gift- similar here || a beautiful bunch of pink flowers that I received from one of my students and had to accessorise with...(so lucky!)

Hope your all having a lovely Sunday, x