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...

Advent Calendars

Before you do the traditional route this year and opt for standard milky chocolate shapes in your advent, have a look at some of the tasty options below...Gin fanatic? Growing a beard? I'm totally lusting over the Lancome Luxe advent calendar- a great way to try out new products!

You still have a few days left... but if your already sorted, save this post for some cheeky ideas for 2016! Advents that were a SELL OUT this year were this beard oil calendar, this this craft beer calendar and this beauty calendar!

1. Lancome Luxe Advent Calendar (Brown Thomas- the actual value this advent is outstanding and great way to try new products without committing to buying them in full size!

2. Yankee Candle Advent Calendar (Boots)- because who doesn't love a yankee candle!

3. Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar (Boots)- satisfying that man's obsession with all this Lego and Star Wars.

4. Gin Advent Calendar (Selfridges)- we all know someone who is a bit fond of the oil booze...

5. Tea Advent Calendar (Amazon)- great way to try out different flavours!




Happy Friday!

March loves!

All things I'm loving in March;

- Alpha H Micro Cleanser - I came off the pill about 9 months ago and have been rewarded with a constant bout of teenage acne. I have always had reasonably blemish free skin since my teens, and as I teach dance a lot, I'm not really in a position to wear heavy duty foundation. So, having promised ( a while back, see this post!) myself to spend more on my beauty routine, I have now incorporated two cleansers. As well, as my daily Jurlique cleanser, I'm loving this Alpha H one that I use twice a week! Leaves the face slightly tingly and glowly. (Beauty-Bay- €26.60)

- Moleskin diary- because my days all seem to roll into one big impending cloud (god I sound like such a moan!), this pop of colour always makes me smile. Plus, I'm now utterly organised. #winning (Moleskin diaries- Amazon- €16)

- Single rose. Just because flowers are epic.

- Pom Pom Keychain- I now have these in several colours and they totally chic up a bag. I know it's spring, but I love fur and especially candy coloured furness. (River Island- €9)

- '#GIRLBOSS' by Sophia Amoruso- This book was on my xmas gift list, and I have only just started it. Go getter. High achiever. Pull the finger-outter. My kinda lady. I salute you Sophia and your ambitious flair. (Easons- €26)

- Clippers tea- Always a fan of herbal and mixed tea leaves, and Clippers do a great range of fairtrade yumminess. (most local supermarkets)

- Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact in 'Rose'- Loving highlighters at the moment, especially when I'm feeling and looking dull and I need a bit of sparkle in my life! (Most department stores, except I got mine in duty free in Dublin Airport, and it came with a travel brush!)

L & B Gift Guide 2013: Presents I would love to see under my Christmas tree...

So yes folks, it's that time of year, Halloween has come and gone and we are now saving the pennies and making our Xmas lists. My lists were done in October (yes...I like to be organised...) and I am now purchasing presents week by week so there isn't too much damage put on my poor visa card.

I love purchasing presents and love to come up with ideas that the receivers will really appreciate. From mini bottles of bubbly with a gift card tied up around it for close friends or tickets to a gig for my Dad- I like to buy things that I know people wouldn't buy for themselves...

So I am kicking of my first Gift Guide of 2013 with top ten presents for....Me! Lol! Yes, slightly selfish but there is a good range here with items raging from high street steals to the down right extreme splurge...one can dream eh?!

p.s- yes I have been MIA...damn business has taken over my whole life....Sorry! x

(Follow links to purchase gifts...)
1. EOS lip balms as raved by my most bbloggers, are hard to find in Ireland but can be found here- on Amazon !
2. Jose Eber curling wand- I recently had a disaster with my old curling wand- yes a lump of hair came off with the curler and I am now trying to find a curler that wont do this again! Cue the Jose Eber brand- (which I have tried...it's fantastic) and can be found in store at Arnotts! 
3. The Mini Selma Messenger by MICHAEL Michael Kors...Obsessed at how cute this tiny bag is and under 150 euro at Neiman Marcus
4. Tom Ford 'Josephine' sunglasses- I don't know whether I want these simply so I can walk round saying 'I don't pop molly...I rock Tom Ford' a la Jay Z or because these are just so effortlessly slick... - can be purchased here at FarFetch or at Neiman Marcus!
5. Nike Free 5.0- I already own a pair of frees and they are by far the comfiest pair of trainers I own. Loving the camo on these- plus I fit into the kids section... UK 5.5 please...Can be found in store at Footlocker or on their website- see here!
6. Fur Stole- In the obligatory leopard print- I.DIE.FOR.THIS- can be purchases at Zara! 
7. Crown brushes set- I am hearing really positive reviews on crown brushes- good quality but not as the hefty prices that MAC or Bobbi Brown charge-and all my brushes seem to have disappeared... plus this set comes in candy pink- what's not to love?! Can be purchased online at Crown Brushes!
8. Three words- Cartier. Love. Ring 
9. I love Sincerely Jules blog- everything is so effortlessly chic and so is this crew neck sweatshirt she sells on her store. Please and Thanks- Sincerely Jules!
10. I'm really into oversized neck piece statements and Folkster (an Iirsh owned chic website that stocks some of the coolest brands...) has a brand called Xevana which had the most amazing pieces! I am thinking pair with a black high roller body con...dayum...