Beauty Wishlist.

Hey everyone, can we just talk about how cold it is? Seriously, I know it's Ireland but cmon'! Between the wind, rain and sunshine I don't know what to wear.

Anyway this post is on my top 3 high end makeup and beauty items I keep meaning to buy, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. Something always seems to come up that I spend my money on instead (cough pennys cough) :)

#1.

This would have to be the Soleil Tan De Chanel. Which is none other than their ever famous cream bronzer. Cream bronzer scares alot of people but Debenhams in Newbridge gave me a sample before to try and I fell in love! It's almost got a moouse type texture and just blends perfectly on the skin. You can use it under or over your foundation, I personally prefer over it. It only comes in one shade as far as I know and it's a medium-ish shade. It's not too light but not too dark. It seems to blend into any skin tone, just know you can always add more but it's harder to take away :) There's a slight sheen that gives a healthy glow so it's perfect for contouring. Who doesn't love a bit of conturing? It's €38.50 in Debenhams but sign up for their emails. Debenhams seem to always have sales. 

#2.

This would be the Diorskin Nude BB Creme. Dior is my favourite brand for foundation. I have been using the Diorskin Nude healthy glow foundation for over 3 years now. I went into Debenhams in Blanchardstown looking for the Estee Lauder double wear foundation, but there was no MUA at the counter. So the Dior lady came over to ask was I ok and then we got talking about foundations. As my skin is super oily she recommended the Diorskin Nude to me and I haven't looked back. I use shade 31 for normal use and shade 30 for when I have fake tan on or I'm going out or have a tan. I love love love it so I'm excited to try the BB creme as surely it will be amazing too? It's €41.50 and I do need a new bottle of foundation so I might just get this and give it a go! If I do there will defo be a review up :)

#3.

Thirdly would be the Clarisonic face cleanser. It's a spinning brush that you use along with a cleaner to wash your face. It promises "beautiful skin in 60 days, designed to create softer, smoother and healthier looking skin". You can also get this at Debenhams, there's different types you can buy, honestly I'm not sure what the differences are, I just know I want the pink one :) There are different brush heads, sensitive, normal, acne prone etc. You can also get a HUGE body brush head which would be perfect for exfoliation in the shower. Also a pedi head for use on your feet. It's rather expensive at €149.00 for the Clarisonic Mia 2 Delux limited edition set. But this is the best value as it includes Limited Edition set includes: Mia 2 Pink Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Deep Pore Brush Head, Delicate Brush Head, Sensitive Brush Head, Refreshing Gel Cleanser 30ml, Universal Pink charger. Debenhams have a huge range to suit anyone but the price doesn't go below €119.00. Replacement heads are €40 for two in a pack :) 

They're my top 3 beauty wishlist items. I swear this post wasn't sponsored by Debenhams. They're all available there and it was the easiest to link and get prices from. Comment or tweet me with your top 3 beauty wishlist items :)

For now bundle up it's cold out there! Hopefully we'll get some snow soon :D 

Toodles

Niamh xo

MixGreens - Lettuce entertain you

As most of you know I've taken some time off college. In September my friend Ellie brought a group of us to a new restaurant called MixGreens in Athlone. They have a restaurant in Athlone just beside the Post office in the new shopping centre, across from Viva nightclub, also one in Galway and Limerick according to the website! I instantly fell in love! I'm not joking it took about 15mins to decide what to eat. 

For me a HUGE thing is customer service. I mean manners cost nothing am I right? If a waiter or waitress is nice that makes the whole experience better. I was a waitress for a long time in different settings and it didn't matter how rude a customer was I always smiled and was polite. I mean I earned serious tips around Christmas because of it.

So even after the waiter asking about 6 times were we ready he just laughed and didn't get annoyed that we were taking so long to decide. He got used to us doing this overtime we came in. He even suggested stuff for us. And told us all about the new student offers that were in place and special offers for that month. He really was lovely and makes the experience amazing. Sep because my friends and I have a serious habit of asking for things with or without certain ingredients and he was always lovely about it. 

So down to the food, be warned you will be extremely hungry after seeing these pictures! (complied over a few visits, we didn't eat this all in one go. :)

Ellie's Curry.

Bex and Jess Pasta.

Ellie's Burrito.

Amy's Burger and Jess' Noodles.

Amy's Noodles.

The first time I went I ordered the "Paleo Diet", which was turkey burgers with sweet potato pureé and steamed green vegetables topped with fresh chopped chili. (I have the menu in front of me :P ) I didn't have the chili tho. It was lovely! And great for anyone who happens to be in a relationship or friends with a fitness fanatic who like to prepare meals. At least theres a 100% 'clean' meal there for them. 

I also had the Vegetable Satay Udon Noodles. But I got chicken added to them. OH MY GOD next to my Dad's spag bol they are the nicest things I've ever eaten. I haven't stopped thinking about them since! The noodles are thick and really fill you up and the satay sauce is very peanutty which I love! I'm drooling just thinking about them. 

Well I have to say all in all MixGreens is amazing! I can't wait to go to Galway next weekend and go there! Also to get back to Athlone and visit! They have different sections for everyone, Pasta, Noodle Dishes, Seasonal Special, Burritos, Burgers, Hot Pots, MG Wok Salad, Quesadillas, Popular Diets, Breakfast Menu, Chili Bowls and Curries. Everything can be ordered either with or without, beef, pork, seafood, chicken or vegetarian. Also something really handy they have symbols for gluten free, wheat free, contains nuts and paleo! Perfect for if like me you're celiac. (I've recently discovered and am in complete denial!)

So all in all I adore MixGreens and really recommend you check them out! So happy there is one in Galway as my boyfriend lives there so I can visit alot! If you do go make sure to tweet me or comment and let me know what you tried :)

Toodles,

Niamh xo

All about being an idiot..

Ok this post is a little bit of a rant. So please be warned. I am a big advocate of mental health and people looking after themselves. Especially young girls when it comes to body image. Having gone through my own personal troubles with body image growing up as a result of bullying, this is very important to me. 

Now Meghan Trainor's song "all about that bass" actually BOILS MY BLOOD! It pisses me off so much I couldn't even describe it. My dad was singing it the other day after hearing it on the radio and I lost the plot. I explained to him the lyrics and how they are an absolute disgrace. He hadn't heard the whole song just thought the chorus was catchy. Once I explained he then said he didn't agree with the song.

The fact that this song is purely making young girls who are naturally slim feel like their inadequate, not good enough and according to Meghan and her mother will never find a man. First off all who the hell says girls need to change for men? Or that your life is incomplete if you're single? Women don't have to answer to men, we don't have to be a certain way for them. Men have their own ideals want what they are attracted to not what Meghan says! I know plenty of guys who prefer their women to be a size 2 (UK6). That's a separate topic all together but I'm sorry women's lives don't revolve around pleasing men!

Which is the message Meghan is giving to young girls. Shaming someone because they're thin is no worse than if they're bigger. If I wrote a song about "It's pretty clear I ain't no size 16.." I would be burned out of my house! I'd get no air time and that song sure as hell wouldn't be a number one!

This whole song is making young girls who are thin feel bad that they should be bigger. This can cause a whole list of mental health problems. But yet this song is still number one.. I just don't get it! The catchy chorus is what gets people to listen. I don't think people even listen to the lyrics. But the "Skinny Bitches".. Seriously if I ever meet this girl she will get serious chunk of my mind and then she can call me a skinny bitch once I'm done with her!

But what really really boiled my blood was when I was a quote from her on another bloggers page. (Leanne Woodfull read here http://www.thunderandthreads.com)

"I wasn't strong enough to have an eating disorder. I tried to go anorexic for a good three hours. I ate ice and celery, but that's not even anorexic. And I quit. I was like, 'Ma, can you make me a sandwich? Like, immediately'." 

Are you actually shitting me?!? "Tried to go anorexic" it's not something you try to do! It's a mental disorder! It's not some fad diet! Men and women young guys and girls have died from this disease. They sure as hell were'nt trying to do it. It took over their minds and ultimately caused them to die! You can't just try to be anorexic and then stop whenever you want. You need medication, counselling a supportive family to help you get through it. I think that is the most insensitive or completely disgraceful thing I've ever read! It's like saying you trying to get a terminal disease!

I mean this song has pissed me off so much! It's an absolute disgrace and the fact it was sung on the X-Factor is even worse. 

Moral of the story, everyone is beautiful as they are! Don't change for anyone because if they're worth your time they'll love you as you are! Just perfect! Ladies please stop shaming one another and embrace each other, no one person is better than anyone else! Don't let songs like these take over! 

You are beautiful!

Well that's just a rant and a half. Let me know what you think about the song?

Toodles

Niamh xo

My Tattoo Story

Hey everyone, once again sorry for being absent. I will post a separate post explaining all of that soon it's a long story.

Basically if you haven't guessed from the title this post is all about my tattoo and the process I went through to decide what I wanted, where to get it and who to do it.

So in 2012 a member of my family passed away tragically, it really affected me because I was very close to the accident when it happened. But had no clue of what was going on about 200 yards away from me.

I always knew I wanted a tattoo, or ten.. I knew I wanted something unique but I could never decide on anything. I was always chopping and changing my mind. A few weeks after I lost my cousin I was thinking about getting something in his honour. But I knew I didn't want to do the typical getting his name RIP etc. Mainly because I didn't want someone to see and ask "who's that?". I didn't want to always have to explain it.

So I wanted something in his honour but also something or me. So I decided on a quote. I originally wanted "If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain" by Dolly Parton. But I thought it was too long. So after weeks of searching on Pinterest and elsewhere online. I finally decided on "Everything happens for a reason". 

I knew I didn't want it in english because I thought it needed a little something. The only other language I speak is German so I wasn't getting it in that or in a language I don't speak. I've always loved Irish growing up and I'm pretty decent at speaking it. So I decided on Irish, I mean it's my heritage after all. I text my cousin who is an Irish teacher and asked how to spell it. So I didn't make an awful mistake and have a tattoo spelled wrong on me! Like MORTO! She said there were different variations of it but in old Irish it's "Bíonn údar ag gach uile ní". 

The font was next. I just randomly searched fonts online and came across this random site that didn't have a watermark in it. Screen shot it and boom there was my stencil. I even showed it to my friend Bekah and she drew it on me roughly with a sharpie so I could get an idea if I liked it. I loved it!

My brother has got an unbelievable tattoo done on his side by Ian Flynn in JMD in Waterford. JMD is to my knowledge the most awarded tattoo parlour in Ireland. It is SUPER clean and there can be a long enough waiting list. Which I find great! I don't like the idea of walking into any old parlour and the tattooist just sitting there waiting for people to walk in. Not a good sign in my books, just my opinion. 

So I emailed back and forth with the studio to discuss price and appointments. I remember I had made my appointment for a Friday. But got a call on Thursday asking to come in Saturday that the studio was being shut down on Friday for a VIP client! So amazing! 

After a nervous journey to Waterford with my sister it was time to sit down and grit my teeth! I had decided on my right side on my ribs for placement. Since I do the odd bit of modelling here and there and take part in pageants. I wanted to make sure it could be hidden. I got it high enough that a thick bra strap will cover it, but low enough a bikini would show it. So it's completely up to me who sees it.

I walked in and the first thing that hit me was the smell of ink and disinfectant. I really didn't like that, but now it's my drug! The artist I had chosen was Louise. She's amazing and such a sweet lady! She really made me feel at ease because she knew how nervous I was. I was given a moment to relax while she printed the stencil and set up. She printed 2 different sizes and I chose the first one. It was placed on and I looked in the mirror and was delighted it was perfect. I was so excited and nervous at the same time, I knew it would hurt but I wanted it so bad!

I took off my t-shirt and lay down on the table, I had a bikini top on underneath so it would be easier for Louise when doing the tattoo. So many people told me to use numbing cream or take painkillers before hand. But I didn't I went in thinking "nah I'm grand I'll be fine it won't hurt that much!?".

My God was I wrong! Louise did the first 2 letters to let me see how I felt, I remember saying "that's it? sure that's grand!" Oh how my sister laughed at me. So Louise carried on and oh it got worse and worse as she came to the front. Every time she hit the bone my body shook like a leaf! It was so sore! Ian laughed at me and said to breath out as she tattoo's and it won't hurt as much, that being tense was only making it harder on me as they had to dig the needle in more. I tried exhaling, NOPE! That made it hurt more. It only took 20 mins and it got the stage I asked her to call out each letter she was on so I knew what was left. 

When it was all over I looked into the mirror and I was in love with it! It took a few weeks to get used to, when I'd get out of the shower I'd catch a glimpse of it in the mirror and jump like "what's that on me". But now I'm used to it I'm planning what I want next! I used to hate the sound of the machine buzzing but now I'm like yes yes yes sit me down and ink me! It's crazy addictive! 

After care is so important too! I cleaned it 4 times a day (I was a tad ocd with it) with warm soapy water, and simple soap with a gentle sponge. Then I plastered Bepanthen nappy rash cream all over. Yeas nappy rash cream! It's what I was told to use so I did and it worked wonders. If a tattoo doesn't heal right it will get infected could cause septicaemia and heal badly!

WARNING DISGUSTING IMAGES AHEAD!!

Anyone I know who's considering a tattoo I always tell them think about it for a few months and when they think they've decided think some more. This is something you're going to have on your body for the rest of your life. You need to think long and hard about what you want, placement and who does it for you! The last thing you need is bad art work or a disease! 

I don't think I could recommend JMD enough! They are truly fantastic, super clean and AMAZING Artists each one of them, they did an amazing job for me. Made me feel completely relaxed and I can't wait to go visit again soon! Maybe the different placement for my next one won't hurt as much, I hope!

So that was my tattoo story, and boy was it a story. I really put thought into my tattoo and I actually couldn't be happier with it. I really encourage you to put the time into your ink. You don't want to end up regretting it in a few years, like so many people I know!

So that's it for now peeps,

Toodles!

Niamh xo

Bourjois review and a little update!

Hey everyone, ok so firstly I am SO sorry for the lack of posting! I have been so busy lately, between studying and the birth of my first niece/nephew I've been completely distracted and my poor blog has seriously suffered. 

So my seriously cute nephew Blake was born in July, I have been completely obsessed with him. More than likely driving my sister crazy but hey he's my first niece/nephew so I'm going to spoil him! Aside from fussing over Blake, I have been studying for my college exams. I deferred my exams from May because I was sick so I have to sit them in August! Boooring! 

So this post is about Bourjois, specifically the Colour Boost lip Crayons!

They have a very strange texture, good strange. They are more pigmented than a balm/gloss but less sheer than a lipstick. They melt onto your lips. They are extremely moisturising! After using them I've found it's best to base them. Put a lip liner that matches underneath, line your lips and fill them in before using the crayons. Just so they last that bit longer and have a better base to stick to. The liner will act like an eyeshadow primer and keep your lips looks fab for longer. 

You will not need a gloss with these, they are super duper shiny! Also they're not at all sticky! Hallelujah! I hate wearing gloss when my hair is down because the wind comes and well, then you've gloss all up in your hair and it's just a sticky mess! They are very silky and the colour lasts for hours. They shiny-ness can go after a while but the colour stays put. They give a naked feel, like you're not wearing anything on your lips at all. The make your lips look plumber and if you're anything like me and bite your lips, they cover the little lumps and bumps. Your lips look so juicy and kissable with these crayons! They are perfect to throw in your handbag, esp for a night out! Saves having to drag lipstick and gloss among everything else out! They're a two in one!

The kind people over at Bourjois sent me four colours to try out and review. From what I can see they don't have specific shade names so bare with me while I try explain them :)

Nudeish baby pink:

In some lights this comes off slightly hot pink mixed with a coral tone, but on the lips in direct sun it's a very pale pink. It's super shiny! Perfect for a day out shopping with the girls or paired with a smokey eye :)

Hot Pink:

This is definatly a true hot pink, I love it! The colour pay off is better than the nude. It has slight purple undertones but is really fab!

Red:

This one is tricky, it looks red on the packaging but.. When it's on the lips and in swatches its got a seriously pinkish tone to it. It's not a true red, it's a baby red is the best way to describe it. For those who want a red lip but are too afraid to go for it. It gives that essence of class that red does while also having a slight pink undertone that keeps it fun youthful and flirty. Perfect for someone in their teens who's just trying out bold lip colours. But could work on everyone and every skin tone. :)

Lastly the Orange:

Yes you've read that right orange, this looks very scary in the packaging. But truth be told it's very similar to the nude! It's just well, more orangey (if that's even a word). It's a bit more of a coral shade than an orange. But still gorgeous! I think it would be fab on someone who has that sun kissed glow and is lovely and bronzed. Perfect for holidays! 

So there's my two cents on the new Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons. All in all I think they are a fantastic buy and I will most certainly be picking up the other shades in the collection! Thank you once again to the kind people at Bourjois Ireland for sending me these! I love them. 

Let me know what you think :)

Toodles!

Niamh xo

Fitness Friday!

So the past week has been a little crazy, I'm sorry for the lack of posting. I was in Galway with my boyfriend for the bank holiday weekend and have just had so much to do. I'm just after watching Big Brother and oh my gosh I'm so proud of my friend Ashleigh Coyle who just entered the house! Ashleigh was in Miss Ireland with me last year, she's such a sweet girl I hope they're good to her in there!

Well I'm after starting looking after my health and fitness again. I was working so hard on it before Miss Ireland last year. I took a break after and well never really got back to it. I really want to get back into my nutrition as my skin is really suffering. I've always had really good skin which I took for granted. Now that I don't really have that anymore I realise what I had. 

My boyfriend is really into his fitness and has a very strict diet. I really admire that of him because well, when I open the fridge and see chocolate. I don't think twice! Hi I'm Niamh and I'm a chocaholic! A strict diet takes serious self discipline and I don't have that. But I am willing to try!

At the end of the day I don't want to loose weight. I want to tone up and get fit and healthy. The first step is healthy eating. While in Galway I was actually sticking to a good diet as I was eating what my bf eats. Breakfast was 2 boiled eggs, cup of tea and a bowl of Watermelon. So as soon as I came home I have been having the same thing each morning for breakfast. But instead of normal tea I'm having a mug of Green Tea with lemon. 

For my dinner I've been either having chicken or steak cooked in coconut oil with some veg and rice. I will fry a piece of steak in coconut oil along with either broccoli, peas, peppers, baby corn or asparagus. Then a cup of basmati rice. I had everything pretty plain this week because I LOVE coconut and you can really taste it. Coconut oil is totally guilt free and is a fantastic alternative for cooking with olive oil or butter. Now one bit of advice, buy it in SuperValue. you get the big tub for only €8. Other places sell smaller tubs for much more money. 

I went for my first run in months yesterday. I ran almost 2 miles in around 25 mins. This was a combination of walking fast for 1 minute, 30 second sprint, 30 second jog then back to walking fast for 1 minute. It was so hot out yesterday and I didn't bring my bottle of water, I thought I was going to die! I went running with my doberman Zoey! She's the best running partner, she runs along with you but once you turn around to come home she will drag you back down the road. This was perfect as about half a mile from home I wanted to just collapse but she pulled me on.

When I head back up to Galway later in the month my bf going to show me some workouts to do for exactly what I want to do and how to lift weights which I'm very excited about! I haven't one bit of muscle on my body. I always thought weights and girls don't mix but how wrong could I be! Girls who lift have amazing bodies! This is what I want and I'm going to work so hard to get it. I'll eventually start on protein shakes I think but for now I'm just getting back to a good fitness level. 

Jen Selter is a fitness idol of mine! She has an amazing body I'm so jealous of it! Check her out on Instagram youtube and well everywhere! You'd have to be living under a rock not to know who she is!

This is my ultimate goal to get in this kind of shape! The last photo is me now wearing my Pennys/Primark workout gear! Their stuff is amazing and so affordable! 

 

I'm going to do a fitness post every Friday and call them Fitness Friday's and I'll also start doing What I ate Wednesday Posts. Going through what I've eaten for the past week. I hope you find this helpful.

Toodles

Niamh xo