A VINTAGE TEAPOT RETURN?!

Life is not always black and white.

Sitting down stringing sentences together is something i haven't done a lot of in the past few months. In fact, attempting to formulate a blog post has become foreign to me. Countless changes have taken place in the past three months since i last shared a blog post, and i feel i have slowly being evolving into a different person. In a way, its refreshing to sit, and just type. This post is going to be completely unedited, take it as word vomit, if you will.

After dedicating myself to this blog for over 3 years- spending hours planning content, photographing products and typing up posts, it was almost inevitable that i was going to loose my knack, and my interest in it. Time and time again i have sat in this very position, planning my big 'comeback' and not finding the inspiration to get the words flowing. I'm still not sure what i'm trying to get across in this post, just that i think i'm ready to return - whether content will remain the same is uncertain. I feel the reason i'm in this situation is because of the pressure to focus on a certain area and upload content on a fixed schedule which lead to the reason i started this blog to become distorted. To me, Vintage Teapot became a chore, scattered with PR samples to post about, reviews to publish and personal deadlines to meet. It was no longer my creative outlet where i willingly stayed up to the early hours of the morning with the clicking of the keyboard the only sound disrupting my motionless house. 

When i commenced writing this post, i felt an overpowering heaviness, a build up of emotion and unnecessary stress prompted by countless hours consumed in my own thoughts, and now i feel a sense of relief - a weight has been lifted off my shoulder, my mind seems somewhat less clustered and i think i'm ready to return to something i have previously loved so much. So I'm leaving it here, but eventually my words will once again be gracing your screens, for the good of my mind and with the hope of pleasing you.

5 DIYS TO TRY {ONE}

Search DIY on Pinterest and you are greeted with a whole other world of renovations, re-creations and snazzy ideas. Patrolling the pages takes many an hour - hours many of us have not to spare with other things to pin, but fret not i've compiled a list of 5 must try DIYs to spice up your home space;

1 / UP YOUR DINNER PARTY GAME WITH MARBLED CUPS - link

Add a twist to your pristine white dishes with this simple yet effective DIY from Nouvelle Daily, use nail polish of any colour to suit your taste and surroundings. A must-try, quick and easy DIY that's got me wanting to spice-up all the household's dishes!

2 / RECYCLE BY UP-CYCLING YOUR CANDLES - link

Gather all old and unused paper in this quirky candle revamp DIY. From maps, magazines and old literature follow these instructions for the snazziest candle collection around while doing your bit for the environment - winner!

3 / HOUSE YOUR CACTI IN STYLE WITH CUSTOMISED POTS - link

Free your inner artiste by letting them loose with the paint brush for this fun and easy do-it-yourself. Any design in any colour, its all about pleasing yourself- and your cactus! (all i need to do is get myself a cactus!)

4 / LIGHT UP YOUR HOME DECOR - link

This genius, light bulb idea is the one that's gonna have you standing out from the crowd. All you need is a little moss and air plant along with some small white stones to make these light bulb terrariums and woo your guests. 

5 / GET GLOSSY WITH MAGAZINE BUNTING - link

The sheer glossiness of the pages of a magazine add an indescribable room to any home-space, mix in bunting and you've got yourself the pairing of any pinner's dreams. The stunning selection of pages Nouvelle Daily used scream sophistication, and act as any creators perfect source of inspiration!

That concludes the  brief round up of the five DIY's currently on my to-do list to spruce up my room a little, Pinterest - i salute you. (fingers crossed butter fingers here manages to get them looking half as decent as these!)

Will you be adding any of these to your to-do list?

LIFESTYLE :: THE BLOGGING RETURN

T H E  R E T U R N:
The impromptu, yet somewhat planned blog break I recently undertook has now called itself to a conclusion the misty haze has been lifted, my written words now once again gracing your computer screens. The creative juices are flowing, notebooks are compiling - each filled with wonderful new ideas, and i am now ready to put my new DSLR to the beauty test.

The concise break of a little under a month has worked wonders in all areas of my life. Sometimes it's nice to just detox from things, even if it's something like blogging - a hobby you are continually overjoyed by. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" really comes into play in this situation, as I cannot wait to return to this online space and showcase every little thing that tickles my fancy. 

N E W  B E G I N I N G S:

I bought a diary, a pretty diary with dogs on- and to me, new stationery always marks the start of some serious changes, things like structure, professionalism, organisation and all things clerical spring to mind when the topic of stationary arises - all things that give me the blogger buzz that i need to get back on track. If that doesn't help paint the picture of my current motivation levels, then here's some of the things I'm hoping to introduce or alter around my little creative space;

D E S I G N In the next couple of days i am hoping to make a few alterations to my current design, make a few html tweaks here and there and just make this whole new start a little more authentic.
T O P I C I am sticking to my beauty blogging roots, because i'm not yet willing to stray from what i love, but i will also be looking to incorporate a wide range of posts including a variety of lifestyle, photography, and maybe even some recipes!

I N T E R A C T I O N From this moment onwards i pledge to allocate time each week to reply to any comments, emails and all other forms of interaction - something i have grown to forget to do. Take this as a public declaration, if you must.

P H O T O G R A P H Y Finally, photography will hopefully become a core attribute of this blog in the coming months (the above picture being a very poor example) as since receiving my new camera i have become very snap happy!

LIFESTYLE :: SNOW DAYS AND A MISTY HAZE

A crisp white carpet of snow has enveloped the west coast of Ireland, and while the trees have obtained a new found warmth in this fluffy blanket, a sea of uncertainty has found it's way to me, leaving my visions and opinions on blogging a little distorted. On top of that, the new year has brought a lot of changes to my way of thinking; my outlook on life is now a little less negative, giving me the ability to see beyond the materialistic wealth and happiness of the world.

This somewhat 'reformation' of my inner self has brought many alterations to my approach to blogging, putting a dark cloud over this - almost 3 year - pastime. There is no way of denying that since my return to education back in September, my blog has been very inconsistent and, as consistency is one of the core factors of blog growth, it saw me reach a plateau of  development of both readership and more importantly content. This further promoted a lack of motivation to tend to my little blog and i began comparing myself to other content creators, comparing my content and becoming somewhat bitter of their hard-earned success due to my feelings of inferiority and inadequacy translating from my personal life to my place in this ever growing world of online content. It is a feeling that has lingered for longer than anticipated, and one that seems to have overwhelmed me, until now.

As a teenager, my interests are also evolving, but the strong passion for beauty i acquired throughout the past 3 years is now much more containable and while i still have a wishlist the length of the equator, i have come to see there is much more out there to indulge in, without the need to splash the cash. For example, reading now holds a predominant place in my life, to a much greater extent than before so much so that i can't remember the last time i've watched television for more than just an episode of TVD on Netflix!

For so long beauty was the dominating topic on here, but in this present moment i'm suffering from the aforementioned lack of interest and also the lack of freedom of writing a structured beauty post makes me repel the whole process. Also, while i have always experimented with other avenues, i feel beauty is my niche and i know somewhere in here my beauty-lovin' makeup-obsessin' self is screaming for freedom, wanting to let out her love of makeup or the latest skincare trick she has discovered. Another thing worth mentiong, is that this is not down to the lack of post ideas or inspiration(i have a full schedule for both this month and next), and instead it all falls back to my lack of motivation to sit and write a beauty post. Another contributing factor; having been exposed to how materialistic beauty blogging can be. *Beauty bloggers themselves are not materialistic people, i just feel that beauty blogging itself often tends to be.

The conclusion is that I've been stuck in a blogging rut, feeling forced to post content i feel hasn't been 100% up to scratch because i felt obliged to stick to a schedule. However, at the end of the day blogging is a hobby i am (usually) incredibly passionate about, and not my full-time job. I feel you will appreciate that, and appreciate that as a full time student sometimes it's just not feasible to dedicate my full weekend- after 5 days of non-stop school work- to writing content and photographing products because i feel i need to and not because i want to.

Like most things in the world, sometimes a break works wonders, so i am now taking an announced blog break. I don't know for how long i intend to take this said break, until the spark reignites, i guess, because i miss blogging and the feeling of ecstasy it brought. But don't fret, i will return, and i will return with fresh content, new products and all things VT..

Long story short: i feel mediocre when i blog, but i feel mediocre when i don't blog. I'm stuck in a blogging rut and hoping to seek solace in a concise break, but i will be returning(and you can catch me on all my social media, as always); this is not the end. I hope you can all understand. Thank you. Thank you for the constant support these past 3 years, thank you for the comments that lighten up even the dullest of days and most importantly thank you for reading my rambles on all topics- it's appreciated more than you could ever imagine, ever.

"Sorry for the honesty, but i had to get this off my chest" - Ed Sheeran, X - The Man

Apologies for the ongoing negativity, but it's one of those things that i needed to say

LIFESTYLE: SPINNING DOWN SOUTH

Followers of my social media will be well and truly aware of my recent fly-in visit to the South of England, which included a trip to beautiful Brighton. Often the picturesque appearance of a city captured in photos doesn't always translate into real life but Brighton differed from the vast majority, even on a crisp chilly Winter's evening. As we approached the outskirts of the city i was already mesmerized by it's appearance and whilst we left the city centre untouched, the lanes and Brighton Pier were where our hours were consumed.

My infatuation with sunsets is already undeniable, and when i got to witness the sunset over what i now claim to be the prettiest city i have ever stepped foot in, my euphoria was unmeasurable. As dusk approached, the slowly darkening sky became littered with flashing lights from the amusements. The crystal clear blue water glimmered under the suns rays, and i struggled to believe that an area of such sheer beauty lies so near, yet so far from my nest in the West of Ireland.

Equipped with my new DSLR, it was the ideal setting to give it a good road testing. While i still remain a little daunted with the techy side of things and i'm adjusting to the different settings best suited to certain conditions, i've opted to throw myself into the deep end and take all pictures on manual mode and using manual focus in order to get the best out of it, even if its proving a little tricky at the moment - i'm sure it'll eventually become a sixth sense with a little googling and toying with the various options!

My fleeting visit really got me pondering the future and what lies ahead, now with my brother nestled down South just a mere 30 minutes away from Brighton i was made brutally aware of the unhesitating passing of time. What career path i will be choosing this time 18 months, still remains unknown. However, something inside me has sparked a need to reside in Brighton for at least a year of my life. I haven't yet out-ruled the possibility of applying for college down South, but would i be mentally ready for moving across the water at what seems like such a young age? Only time will tell..

Until next time Brighton, i have no doubt your beauty will continue to beam through as the crisp Winter evenings evolve into Spring sunshine..

LIFESTYLE: THE 2014 NON-BEAUTY FAVES

Many things beyond the world of beauty have managed to impress me this past year. From fashion accessories to methods of entertainment these aforementioned items have added a little joy these past 12 months, and later found themselves making the cut for my 2014 non-beauty faves list.

STELLAR MAGAZINE:
Unfortunately this is one only available to the Irish gals among us. I'm typically not a huge magazine reader and much prefer to get my fashion and beauty fixes online,  this however magazine has got me well and truly converted. With it's affordable price in comparison to others available, it's jam-packed with all things beauty and fashion and other life features thrown in for good measure while being the perfect offering to keep in the loop with all things celeb. Joy seems to run through my fingers as i flick through the glossy pages and i have found myself counting down the days until the next issue..somebody get this girl a subscription.

GOK WAN GLASSES: 
Something i seem to have unknowingly kept on the down-low round these parts is that i have possibly the worlds worst long distance vision and in between squinting to bring images into focus, i am a glasses wearer. On a ballsy trip to Specsavers mid-year i made what seemed like a pretty irrational decision to pick up this pair from Gok Wan's range of spectacles completely unaware of how much i would actually enjoy wearing them. The quirky-sophisticated edge they add to any outfit makes them a real winner for me while immensely improving my vision, which is always good, right?

ED SHEERAN'S ALBUMS:
If i were to choose my favourite person of the year 2014, it would undoubtedly be this man with my year seeming to center around both him and his music. His debut studio album + was always a good'un and since it's release way back when it was more than likely the music you would find blaring from my headphones but then he went and released his second album X and i fell in love all over again. Ed's lyrics speak to me in such a peculiar way, each song of his goes hand in hand with memories i have gathered throughout the day, sparking certain feelings and often mixed emotions. 2014 was also the year i got to witness his sheer talent live, an experience shared with the most wonderful people, and an experience which will be impossible to forget.

MORE THAN THIS - PATRICK NESS:
Do you ever complete a book and finding yourself reeling hours later in it's wake, pondering over it's hidden messages and questioning it's complexity? This is exactly what happened prior to completing this book, Ness has a way with words something that translates in this mindbogglingly accurate story. I found myself questioning everything after closing the book that one last time, the story, the characters, the setting and the almost cliff-hanger finale all contribute to it's greatness. It's definitely a must read, and in this list for a very great reason.

MONOGRAM COMPACT INITIAL MIRROR:*
There is something unbeatable about a customised item, the difference two letters can make to something as simple as this compact mirror is undeniable. My initials present and the quirky 90's colour vibe of this compact adds a twist to the usual. With it's high-quality steel casing, it's perfect for popping in your handbag for on the go use, without worrying about attaining 7 years bad luck for smashing a mirror on your morning commute. With a vast variety of other designs available too, Zazzle, the seller is your one stop shop for all your personalized needs.

SPIRIT WATCH 
While my desire for an authentic Michael Kors watch is somewhat uncontrollable at times given my current budget and funds i will be pursuing dupes for the foreseeable future. This particular rose gold offering from Spirit is uncanningly similar to some available from the aforementioned in all their luxury. With its highly budget friendly price tag and it's high quality, expensive appearance it's an all round winner and the perfect addition to anybody's arm candy collection, and it's entry to my accessories collection has been highly welcomed.


From reading to wrist candy, these items have proven to be well loved in the past twelve months and everything suggests that love will continue to grow far beyond the 14th year of the 2000's..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

LIFESTYLE: 2014 - THE LESSONS LEARNT

As the sun is preparing to set on the evening of the penultimate day of 2014, i have found myself pondering the past year- a tradition I have grown to acquire as the eve of a new year dawns. Something I've grown to understand is that without any denial, every year sees the formation of precious memories, joyous occasions, and some less memorable events. However, as the years progress the challenges and obstacles we were previously confronted with begin to seem so minor and so minute, as we come equipped with the valuable life lessons acquired as the years pass us by. 2014, like any other was a year in which these said life lessons were rife..

THE 14 LIFE LESSONS OF 2014:
Don't stress about things entirely out of your control; Just believe and trust in your journey, what's meant to be, will be.
Ask yourself in 5 years, will this all really matter?; Before loosing sleep as a result of over-stressing, propose this question, often the answer will be the negative - highlighting the unnecessary stress created.
Everything happens for a reason; and sometimes you've just got to accept this and the fact you just can't have a say in everything that happens.
Learn to accept not everybody is going to like you; You may not be the most popular colour, but remember you are somebody's favourite colour.
Ooze positivity and positivity will find you; A positive approach to all you are greeted with sees you get the best out of every situation and opportunity.
Sometimes it's okay to be sad; It's okay to feel overwhelmed with sadness, even on the brightest day.
Everyone needs their own space at times; Taking a breather and enjoying your own company often is the only medicine needed.
There's light to be found in every situation; Even in the darkest and most stressful situations there is always a glimmer of hope and positivity. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Ed Sheeran and a bubble bath is all that's required to relax; When times seem tough and life gets you down, Ed will run you a hot bath and fill it up with bubbles. A bubble bath and your favourite artist's album on replay is an unbeatable relaxation remedy.
Things are never as bad as first imagined; You often envisage situations to be many, many times worse than they will ever be. Your first perception of situations are often totally inaccurate, and much worse than the actual outcome.
The good always outweighs the negative; For every difficult situation confronted, there are multiple more good things that await you.
Happiness extends far beyond the material world; No amount of material worth will ever exceed the sheer happiness you can achieve by being immersed in the love of your nearest and dearest.
One step at a time; Nothing worthwhile comes all at once, or happens quick and easily. The most deserved achievements are as a result of hard work and sheer determination over a process of time.
Just breathe; and you will have the ability to overcome any obstacle, and nothing will take you by surprise.

"Year's end is neither an end or a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us" - Hal Borland

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER | UNDER £15

'Tis finally the jolly good time of year when people are out in their thousands, all with the same goal of buying their loved ones an uplifting Christmas gift. Although these people all have a common goal, one attribute they fail to share is their budget. Budget's for these gifts vary greatly, some people opt for one big present of quite a high value, while others are scouting down a variety of small, more affordable gifts with perhaps a little more significance. Whatever budget you wish to satisfy, this series of gift guides should have you covered for the besties, the girlfriends and all the gals in your life..

For the lashes lady: 
Eyelure Lash Edit London Collection - (£12.99/€18.56)
The lashes lover of the bunch's gift is covered this year with this set of 3 lashes from cult favourite eyelashes brand Eyelure. Give your gal the gift of over three nights worth of impeccable lashes this year, with this London collection fitted with a trio of fluttery lashes.

For the pug aficionado: 
Pug Print A5 Notebook - (£8.00/€11.43)
Add a little style to the your main gal's organisation this year with this quirky print pug notebook, perfect to satisfy any pug lover's needs while fitting the practical bill.

For the internet devotee:
"Home is where the wifi is" Print - (£10.00/€12.63)
Mark your gal pal's love of wifi with this perfectly painted print - making the perfect addition to any home decor entusiast's photo wall.

For the dramatic dreamer:
Dream Journal - (£12.50/€15.71)
Avoid those Monday morning dream recites from your pal, and let this journal do the listening. Perfect for all those constant dreamers who stress over their night-time thoughts- document them daily in this pretty journal.

For the crazy cat lady: 
Crazy Selfies Book - (£8.00/€10.00)
Satisfy your closest cat ladies daily cat needs with this book full to the brim of furry feline fotos, aka cat lady heaven. The encompassed hashtags are also guarantee'd to get the giggles going.

For the precious Mum:
"Dear Mum, from you to me" book - (£11.95/€15.00)
Show your mum just how much she means to you with this journal of a lifetime, complete with 60 personal questions your main woman can answer thoroughly in order to reflect on past events and feelings - it's the perfect gift to influence mutual understanding.

For the Gosling girl:

Ryan Gosling hair bow - (£12.00/€15.50)

Have a self-acclaimed Mrs Gosling in your group? Acknowledge their fictitious relationship with this unique hair bow, to show their true devotion to the Gosmeister himself.

For the American candy nut:

Ultimate American Candy Bag - (£11.00/€14.00)

Bring a taste of the Big Apple straight to your friend's front door this Christmas, with this selection of deliciously mouth watering goodies straight from the USA. Perfect for soothing the taste buds of any candy craving gal. 

For the scent Stella:

Small Jar Yankee Candle - (£5.99/€7.50)

Fall back on the old reliable Yankee Candle's this Christmas to act as a co-gift to a feature present, with their superior scent selection it meets the needs and wishes of all nostrils.

For the constant chocolate craver:

Cadburys Sweet Selection - (£15.00/€19.00)

Put a permanent/month long end to the seemingly ending chocolate desires of any lady in your life with this stupendous sweet selection from Cadburys, guarantee'd to settle the taste buds for the dawn of 2015, at least.

LIFESTYLE: BEAUTY BLOGGER 'FESS UP

So often us beauty bloggers are all painted with the same brush, one that paints us as the type of people who prioritize our beauty regime before anything else in life, the people who would go to great extremes to wash brushes or happily plough through our skincare regime at any hour of night. But fulfilling all these regular tasks and duties can be a little far-fetched with only a certain amount of hours in a day, a fixed amount of days in a week and a limited amount of pennies in our pocket. I decided to compile a list of these said tasks that i struggle to keep on top of and spill the beans..

WASHING MAKEUP BRUSHES
Queue the most anticipated chore that beauty enthusiasts all share a strong distaste for. A notorious duty that should be fulfilled weekly for hygiene purposes and although i set a goal to include it as part of my weekly routine - it's proven tres difficile on more than one occasion.

BAD SKINCARE ROUTINE

Habits form incredibly fast, and speaking from personal experience it's twice as easy to fall out of a skincare routine as it is to jump into it in the first place - especially when late nights become a daily thing. After a long day of making my way through a heavy to-do list, the last thing on my mind is carrying out my full routine, and micellar water is where it begins and ends, with a swipe of my face clean. However, I now appear to finally be mastering the art of religiously sticking to a skincare for over a month.

AVOIDING NEW RELEASES AND HYPE PRODUCTS

Whilst other beauty bloggers are out in their flocks chasing down the latest release to hit the stores, i'm typically the outcast of the group still putting my old reliable to the test. That's not to say i don't end up pursuing them eventually, but by that point they are no longer classed as new releases and have been replaced. The same applies for the hyped products of the bunch, there's no rushing out to snap one up before the hype wears down - and instead you'll find little old me only picking up only those that interest me, and typically it's month's later.

HAIRCARE SECRETS
My deep dark tresses secrets' are quite public round these parts. I've already been quite public with my thick locks avoiding the brush more than twice a week,  and although my hair is receiving the bristles more often that usual since i got the chop - there's still an important part of my hair care routine that i probably skip much too often.. defending my hair against all the heat. A haircare routine typically isn't complete without a heat defense spray, something that's been on my shopping list since i ran out of it over 6 months ago leaving nothing but a gaping hole where it once sat. The day will come when it's regained it's place in my routine, but until then an alarm should be set on every visit to Boots to promote that time.

NAIL SINS
Painted tips are something of a rare occurrence for me and what with my pretty hectic weekend and weekly schedule, my nails tend to be neglected. Chipped nails, as repulsive as they appear take days to be fixed in my case, and by the end of the line you'll find my nails to be almost completely colour free due to my tendency to self-entertain by picking off the polish. Naked nails are a no-go, and if i had that extra hour in a day i'd have perfectly painted tips all day e'ryday..

It goes to show, nobody's beauty regime is perfect, not even your go-to gal's who provide you with all the latest beauty news.. if only the hours in the day were less limited.

LIFESTYLE: THE POWER OF MAKEUP, MEDIA & PHOTO FILTERS

Do you ever find yourself harbouring suspicions about the fairness of the world when you see the latest cover girl of Vogue looking completely flawless; cheek bones and a jaw line sculpted by the Gods, the dream nose and an unblemished face. Reality has us teenage girls and women in general brainwashed by these said models and their impeccable appearance as if they woke up like 'dat, revealing glowing skin, perfectly groomed eyebrows and luscious lashes as the norm - knocking confidence like there's no tomorrow. However, these appearances are usually altered abundantly, using makeup and photo editing to transform one's look.

It's no secret makeup is a wonder worker and has been enhancing natural beauty for decades. Makeups ability to transform a person's appearance within minutes with just the basic skills on-hand is astounding. With the right contour, even the most shapeless face can be given depth. The media and the women who appear in the media have the most highly skilled makeup artists working on their face, transforming it bit by bit, adding depth, shape and treating each face like a canvas, the finishing result becoming; a work of art. This is what these naturally beautiful ladies change to, their unique skin, face shape, eye shape, lips, you name it are all somewhat remodeled to form something just as beautiful.

In the above picture, although slightly un-blended, i have sculpted out my invisible cheekbones, I have contoured my jawline, and i have contoured my nose. This whole process has given the illusion of a slimmer, more defined face and facial features. These processes give me confidence, empowers me as a woman and boost my self esteem like no other. Makeup is powerful; it's not a mask, its an enhancer, an enhancer of natural beauty of women and men across the globe, boosting the self esteem and confidence of many. For these celebrities, cover girls, and celebrities it's no different. Yes, they woke up the same way we did, and they have had to undergo the same processes - often in greater amounts - as almost everyday of their lives is documented in picture but beneath it all, just like us their faces too may be less defined, their cheek bones alot less visible and their tired, under eye bags just as overly prominent as ours.

Along with makeup, photo filters have an extensive role to play in the transformation/enhancement of ones appearance in a photo. Even down to the lighting of a photo can greatly compliment the complexion, without a scrap of makeup on the skin. Filters can make makeup look more flawless, cheek bones more prominent and give the illusion of glowing skin. Blemishes can be banished with the click of a button, and the skin can be softened. The two different shades of black and white in the picture above even present a high contrast, with the contour looking much softer in the first one opposed to the lighter one. My skin in the above photos is also softened, reducing the appearance of freckles. There's no end to the changes one can make with a bit of experiencing in photo taking and editing, meaning these flawless women we see on magazines and highlighted in the media are not always accurate perceptions of the person's real life appearance.

The work of makeup and photo editing in the media can often make us feel inferior of the women we see. This feeling of inferior is wrong, as beneath it all these people are as natural as us, they've been through the aforementioned processes, with the pictures of them edited and touched up to the max. They have their down days, the days when they feel worthless and days when their self esteem is at the lowest of low, and their "i woke up like 'dis" appearance just as natural and beautiful as ours. They've the same levels of natural beauty as both you and i underneath the influence of makeup, the media and photo filters.

"Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images" - Cheri K Erdman.

LIFESTYLE: CURRENTLY WATCHING - NETFLIX | TV SERIES

I'm currently in the midst of a love affair with Netflix, any spare moment is now consumed in-front of a blazing fire, engrossed in a multitude of titles available on there - now all the more justified with the depletion in the length of daylight, making way for an extra hour or two to snuggle up and preoccupy yourself in some good ol' television. If there's one thing i've discovered from this ongoing love affair, it's that Netflix is swarmed with television series' and movies alike, some good and some not so good. Hence, when you pursue the lists and lists of titles available, it's very difficult to find something that will tickle your peach - sparking the list fanatic inside me to compile a list of the series' i'm currently prowling my way through..

GOSSIP GIRL

This highly popular American title was the initial reason my Netflix journey didn't end post the free trial period. It's an immensely addicting tv series which follows the life of "Manhattans Elite" as they deal with their extraordinary teenage lives full of love, heartache, parents and some pretty dark secrets. A series definitely full of drama and an ounce of mystery as we are left pondering the identity of Gossip Girl, a blogger who exposes things about the main characters that they may not have even know themselves. How you know your obsessed? When Blake Lively becomes your #WCW all day e'ryday..

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

A series just like Gossip Girl -one that almost all teenage girls have set their eyes upon. TVD is a supernatural drama that follows two vampire brothers as they both seek the love of the one mortal. Again, this narrative series is full of the love and woes of teenagers of both species - human and vampire. Full of all things gripping, this is an unusual twist to the typical teen series' with all things merry and bright, where things are guarantee'd to get a little dull/dreary in the many seasons. Four episodes in and i can say i'm already immersed in this 'un.

HOMELAND

What a contrast to the aforementioned.. Homeland is a thriller, think on the lines of Criminal Minds with much less gore. This drama centers the life of a bipolar CIA agent who believes an ex-prisoner of war has been turned and is now a threat to his own country. It follows her journey as she tries to justify this theory, while various plot twists confront her and she tackles her self battles. This is definitely one for the people who prefer action-packed dramas to the cheesy love stories. Once you watch the first episode, there ain't no going back.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY

This is definitely a series i strayed away from watching for as long as possible, but being in the Halloween spirit and all, i finally took the plunge. A few episodes into season one and i have yet to form a full verdict and properly gather my thoughts, here's what i do know; the story is good, a little hard to follow at first but good, and the scary scenes i had previously imagined are either lurking on the horizon or i'm more gutsy than expected. With all its supernatural plots and stirs, it translates to be of a more creepy/twisted nature as opposed to horror, so if you've been avoiding it for that reason - don't fret; its all just fake blood..

This is a definitely a varied Netflix line-up that will keep these long, warm cozy nights rollin' in and out, this and a hot chocolate of course..

LIFESTYLE: ALL THINGS AUTUMN

Autumn is undoubtedly my all time favourite time of the year. Nothing quite beats the feeling of the evenings getting darker- accommodating my lazy-self's love of sitting by the fire hot chocolate in hand, the crisp crunch of the Autumn leaves as you venture out on seasonal walks, the days getting colder making it time to whip out the jackets and coats, and the nights getting warmer with thanks to the blazing Autumn fires. To sum it up in one word, i would say Autumn is a cosy season. The clothes get cosier, rooms get cosier, and the nights in get all the more cosier kudos to your favourite hot drink, and fluffy pjs.

It seems i too change with the seasons; at the beginning of the year i love all things bright- bright rooms, bright clothes, bright makeup, and once Summer merges into Autumn, i lust for cosiness, dimly lit rooms relying on fairy lights as the only light source. I get the urge to scatter candles at every corner of every room, sweet smelling candles that fill the house with warmth, and the scent of cosiness which tickles your nostrils.

My style also alters dramatically, dark colours become my one and only, patterns become a staple and boots are my feet's best friend. Dewy skin turns to cold matte skin, bright pink lips are replaced with the darkest berry shades and it's no longer inappropriate to wear dark eyeshadows in the day time. No longer do pretty pastels grace the tips of my fingers, all that lies there now are deep dreary darks, which still fill me warmth.

I think my love of Autumn is down to the looming of Christmas on the near horizon, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas has not yet began but slowly shelves are filling with this year's selection boxes and body wash gift sets. The materialistic sides of Christmas have not yet come out- the rushing to get the latest present, the need to buy the latest iPhone as a present for your loved one, or the desire to get all the presents you've hoped for without realizing it's the thought that counts.

Fairy lights galore, fluffy jumpers in every store. It seems Autumn is the time of dreams..

LIFESTYLE: LIFE FILL-IN

There's no denying things have been a bit worse for wear around these parts- posts being neither here no there, and a collapse in the typical Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday routine that we had goin' on for so long. Even though i've only been back to school two full weeks, this lack of routine has been ongoing throughout the duration of most of the Summer and it's down to my general lack of routine, and motivation these past few months but also down to the whirlwind that has become my life.

So much has being going on in my personal life, recently, that's its challenging to mentally process. However, thankfully everything that's happened has been extremely positive, leading me to feel overwhelmed with both mixed emotions and euphoria!

I recently got shortlisted for Best Beauty Blog & Best Lifestyle Blog in the Irish Blog Awards 2014, my first ever achievement in any type of blog awards, one that i am extremely proud of. The final list is due to be announced this week, so fingers crossed - even though i am up against incredible competition so making the next round seems a little far-fetched for little ol' VT!

Some amazing things have happened in my family as of late, with both engagement and Silver wedding anniversary celebrations going on around me, it seems everyone's all loved up - and me, well i'm still firmly in love with pizza, oh that cheesy, crunchy base really knows how to make you feel special!

That brings me up to this week, the day i have dreaded since the moment i finished my state exams back in June - results day. On Wednesday, i got a big white envelope, containing 10 grades that mean nothing, yet mean so much. I was absolutely overjoyed when i saw the final results, results that i could have worked a million times harder for, yet results i'm extremely proud of nonetheless.

The last few months have been a whirlwind full of emotion, and it doesn't look like it's gonna stop anytime soon. Many exciting things are to come between now and the end of the year, and quite frankly, i'm ready for it, so come at me..

LIFESTYLE: THE 'TO BE READ' LIST

In a bid to become more academically motivated, and to also get my sleep schedule back on the straight and narrow - i have pledged to become a little more active when it comes to books, and reading. I'm a book worm once i get going, but i'm also lazy- so finding the motivation to start a book is tres difficult.

Books are definitely a form of escapism, be it from the horrible day you've had at school, the stress of an upcoming results day, or you just want a simple ol' break from reality, which we're all entitled to. I have such a diverse taste in books, and if i like it, i love it and will struggle to put it down, regardless of the genre. I'm a John Green, Nicholas Sparks kind of gal' but also love some good ol' classics.

I've started Safe Haven numerous amounts of time, and once i get into it and the exciting parts i always fall out of routine and reading takes a back seat. I'm then left pondering whether i should restart or pick up where i left off, and the latter always seems to win. I'm determined to finish it now though, because i've recently just spied the movie on Netflix, and it's a life rule not to watch the movie before reading the book, right? I've already read The Fault In Our Stars and after falling in love with the nature of the characters upon seeing the movie, i feel obliged to re-read it and experience the magic one last time.

Going against the rule i've aforementioned, i have watched The Great Gatsby, because Leonardo Di Caprio o' course, and again i fell in love with the whole story, the time era, the plot, the everything- so knew the book had to be read. I've seen quite alot of people talking about More Than This, and i absolutely love the sound of the storyline, so decided i must give it a read.

No more late nights watching Youtube videos, Celine's turning over a new leaf & spending the nights reading a vast selection of storys, with various contrasting characters..

GIVEAWAY: £50 GIFT-CARD FOR WAYFAIR.CO.UK

It's no secret that i'm partial to obsessing over home decor, and will consume hours aimlessly pinning dream homes on Pinterest. So when i came across the wonder website that is wayfair.co.uk, i was overwhelmed at how the website covers all your home decor needs at such a budget friendly price.

Much to my excitement, the people over at Wayfair have given me the opportunity to giveaway a £50 voucher to one lucky reader! With such a vast selection of home furnishings and much, much more for under the £50 mark, i was more than happy to oblige - and also took the time to narrow down some of my favourite picks from the site for under £50(pictured above)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE GIVEAWAY WILL RUN FROM WEDNSDAY, 27TH AUGUST  UNTIL SATURDAY, 27TH OF SEPTEMBER AT MIDNIGHT WHEN THE WINNER WILL BE CHOOSEN AT RANDOM.

And that's it, no extra catches - just plain merry sailing. Good luck everyone, and please try not to overly absorb yourself in wayfair.co.uk, their pieces have a tendency to rope you in.

*This prize has been given to me by wayfair.co.uk to give to my readers, however it does not influence my opinion on the site.

LIFESTYLE: #DAYTRIPTOCHIC - THE IRISH NATIONAL STUD

Day trips are one of those things that i like to incorporate into my life as often as i can. To me, day trips are a form of escapism and relieve your mind of the woes of every day life, you find yourself laughing at little things you usually take for granted and the things that usually make you cringe(often family influenced!) make you cry out with tears of both embarrassment and joy. Not only that, day trips are the perfect opportunity to spend the day as a tourist in your own country. The typical native countryside which is rarely appreciated in your local parts, becomes something picturesque and beautiful - the trees look greener, the fields fresher & the flowers appear more in bloom.

My love of family day trips is deep and unbreakable,which is why when Kildare Village Outlet launched a campaign about the ideal #DaytripToChic i was overjoyed. The lovely people there also worked alongside fashion blogger Tara Marzuki for this campaign, and made a video of some beautiful places around the vicinity of Kildare & Dublin which can be watched here.

THE IRISH NATIONAL STUD & JAPANESE GARDENS, KILDARE.
One of the most beautiful areas of the Irish soil that i have ever laid eyes on, is without a doubt, the county of Kildare. You may remember a couple of months ago i shared my snaps from a recent trip there, but i decided to take this opportunity to relive the trip as it's definitely my ideal #DaytripToChic.

The two hour car journey did not take from the sense of over whelming joy and excitement i had felt that morning to be visiting an area of the country i knew so little about, but instead added to it. I felt a prevailing sense of euphoria from the moment i had awoken that morning. As i rode back seat of my family car, i absorbed my beautiful surroundings. County, after county we traveled from Mayo straight to Kildare, a county of sheer natural beauty.

We took a quick detour through the Curragh, a vast green landscape with sheep roaming free before heading for The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. From the moment we had pulled into the car park, i was dazzled by the beauty of the place. Cherry Blossoms graced every open area of the park, and at the entrance stood an ice cream cart.

Once we gathered our tickets, we made the tour of the Stud our priority. Horses upon horses greeted us. Each grazing in the glorious green fields beneath the blazing sun. Some of the country's finest thorough bred horses roamed freely in wide areas of grass, evidently so well cared for by the wonderful staff. As we strolled down the paths, and abundance of Cherry Blossoms lay around the perimeter.Then we headed for the pony rides, as my nephew's face was over took with glee has he was brought on a brief ride. As it was foaling season, we were lucky enough to see some newly born foals and their mothers, as they found their feet before the stumbled in the hay. The Stud tour was concluded with a visit to the Horse Museum, before we headed off to my favorite part - the Japanese Gardens.

A soothing sound of water lapping filled my ear drums as i found my feet at the first part of the Gardens. Laid out by a Japanese horticulturist, the trail of the gardens is said to symbolize the Life Of Man, through the trees, plants, rocks and water. I sucked in the artistry of my surroundings through not only my camera lens, but through the most reliable camera a person can have - my internal memory box as an aroma of fresh plants and flowers tickled my nostrils as i crossed the fairy-tale like red bridge. The allure of nature overwhelmed my senses and i discovered not even an Instagram filter could make the area appear any more extraordinary.

As time crept up on us - much to our dismay, it was time to set off on the long road home, but not without a quick stop at Kildare Village. I stepped foot in Cath Kidston for the first ever time, once again overwhelmed with the beauty, but this time the beauty of more materialistic floral items, and very much unlike the flowers that had minutes previous, graced my eyes. A few more stop offs and it would be time for some food to fill our stomachs for the long journey that lay ahead.

Post some grub, i resumed my place in the car filled with both joy and dismay, joy that it had happened, and dismay that it had to end. Absorbing the beautiful sites that had a couple of hours before hand lay before me, this time under the influence of the night sky, enhancing their beauty, i fought back the sleep.

The perfect #DaytripToChic had come to an end, to soon be a memory, as it is now. A memory that will forever fill me with a sense of joy and happiness as i look back on it at times, like i am now.

The ongoing sense of magic and creativity throughout this was definitely inspired by the video Kildare Village did with Tara Marzuki, which you can all watch here. I hope you all enjoyed a brief switch up in tone around these parts, and didn't feel too like an English teacher correcting a creative writing piece..

LIFESTYLE: 5 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

As a beauty blogger it is so easy to become absorbed in a world of materialistic happiness, it slowly becomes hard to imagine life without the internet, how to be happy without the latest beauty releases and it becomes difficult to appreciate the little things in life. On a recent visit to a nursing home i discovered a world of happiness of which i very rarely come across, happiness based solely on love, simplicity & the little things in life. As i was exposed to this happiness without material items, without the internet and where television was not the key entertainer, something clicked inside me. 

Today i'm exposing myself to you, stripping away the beauty products and latest clothes and expressing my raw emotion. I'm reflecting on the things that i enjoy in life, the things i so very rarely appreciate but the things that can bring me a much more prolonged happiness than the five minutes you get after buying the latest release. I'm sharing with you the most simple things in day to day life that manage to lift my spirit, even on the most down days. 

ROAD TRIPS WITH NO SPECIFIC DESTINATION: Nothing beats heading off in the late evening just before sun set not knowing where your going to end, but not caring. Leaving your phone behind, it's easy to spend the time absorbing the beauty of your local area and discovering places you once didn't know. 

TURNING OFF MY PHONE FOR THE NIGHT: A recent discovery of inner happiness is switching my phone off in the late evening & spending the remainder of the evening immersed in family bonding & ending the night with a few chapters of the book i'm currently reading..bliss.

A FEELING OF PROFESSIONALISM: One of the best feelings associated with blogging. Being prepared and organised, and feeling as though nothing will upset your routine because you have lists and lists of things prepared in advanced.

LONG HOT BUBBLE BATHS: Nothing beats being submerged in a hot bubble bath, candles alight, while being engrossed in a good book. No need for internet, or television here.

FEELING LIKE A HOUSEWIFE: This last one is slightly ridiculous but this past week i've thoroughly enjoyed maintaining the house whilst my mum has been working. Whether i loved being the source of my mum's smile when she returned, or feeling on top of things & having the authority to scatter scented candles throughout the house, i'm not sure but it really lifted my spirits!

Another thing that has made me happy is writing this post. It's been a long time since i had my blogging mojo in full swing, but i feel that it has now made a comeback. Writing up this post, and expressing emotion has really excited me for some more posts i intend to write. It's okay to occasionally push the products aside and focus solely on you, the person behind the blog.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as i loved writing it!