The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

Hi Everyone!

So I have done loads of gift guides and decided to put them altogether in one handy post. I love Christmas and buying everyone presents but it can be a little bit overwhelming when you have no ideas on what to get people. So here are my little gift guides that will hopefully help you and make your Christmas experience that little bit better!

Gift Guide for Mothers!

Gift Guide for Fathers!

Gift Guide for Brothers

Gift Guide for Boyfriends

Gift Guide - Secret Santa Edition

So there you have it all your Christmas planning basically done haha! 

Erin X

View Post

The Perfect Winter Scent - Black Musk from The Body Shop

Hi Everyone!

Perfumes are something I never really invest in, mainly because I always seem to get four or five every Christmas from family members and they last me the entire year. Usually I always go for a fruity, really sweet smelling perfume but it's now winter time I was on the hunt for something more seasonal. I don't really know what exactly I was looking for until I got an unexpected delivery from the lovely girls over at The Body Shop. They treated me to the new Black Musk Eau de parfum and perfume oil. I could not have been more thrilled.

It was exactly what I was looking for. I'm quite useless at describing scents but to me it smells really rich and musky, almost like chocolate (See I'm useless). Regardless they are beautiful scents. I have never tried a perfume oil before so I was super intrigued. It's actually super simple to use, you just put the oil where you would spray your perfume, it's not one bit messy and absorbs into your skin super fast. It's actually a pleasure to use. Too many times I have sprayed some perfume and it's ended up in my mouth or in my eyes. So this makes it really easy to put the scent exactly where you want it.

I usually use both the perfume and the perfume oil together. I find that using both really makes the scent stay longer. I use the oil first then the perfume! I have to say, I have completely fallen in love with the Black Musk range and have received so many compliments when wearing it! If you're in the market for a new perfume then definitely call into your nearest Body Shop and pick it up, if you're not just go in and smell it, it's gorgeous!

What's your go to Winter perfume?  

Erin X

View Post

#IrishBloggersgetFit - Week 3

Hi Everyone!

Ok let me be really honest, this week was a complete fail! I only managed one workout this week and somehow managed FOUR takeaways! I know I know, major slip up! So here's what happened...

I've had a tough few weeks everything was getting on top of me, I was having small panic attacks and anxiety has been keeping me up all hours of the night. Things started to look up at the start of the week but I was just mentally exhausted. I managed my workout Monday evening, ate well and felt great. Tuesday was a different story, when I got home from work I lay down on the bed for two mins to rest and I just couldn't drag myself up and out of it again. I was just wrecked! I thought that's ok I need to have rest days too.

Wednesday came however and I had a major assignment that I HAD to get done, it was causing me to be really anxious and stressing me out like crazy! So I spent all day/evening doing the assignment and at about 11pm it was finally done, however I had missed my workout. I didn't worry about it too much as college needs to come first and I thought that two days isn't so bad.

Thursday and Friday are a bit of a blur to be honest, all I know is that I was really really tired We had run out of food and by the time we noticed all the shops were shut so takeaway was the easiest option. Saturday and Sunday were the same, I had great plans but they kind of fell flat.

So as you may have already guessed I didn't lose any weight this week, in fact I gained weight, the exact 1.4lbs that I dropped last week!

New goals - 

• Drinks lots of water
• Workout everyday
• Eat clean everyday
• Restock the fridge regularly 
• Plan days and meals
• Don't give up!

I think it's ok to have bad weeks, it's a lifestyle change and not a diet. It's going to take time. At least now I feel like the other shoes has dropped so I can just get over it and start fresh! 

How was your week ?

Erin X

View Post

Gift Guide - Secret Santa Edition

Hi Everyone!

So it's that time of year again when names are being pulled out of a hat and you're assigned secret Santa people. It can be super difficult to buy for people on a small budget, most secret Santas I've been involved in have had pretty small budgets of €20 or €30. It's especially difficult when you mightn't be close with the person or know many of they're interests. So I've come up with a little gift guide to try and help you out. Hopefully you'll end up with a lovely present to give and stayed within budget.

Karma Necklace - This is such a beautiful delicate necklace. It goes with everything, it's the perfect length for dresses, t-shirts, everything. It costs €20 which is an absolute steal as it's so pretty. This would be a perfect gift for your secret Santa present.

DIY -  With such a small budget, making something like a hot chocolate kit or and Ice Cream Sunday box is a really nice touch that doesn't cost a lot! This would suit both men and women so it's ideal. There are loads of tutorials and ideas over on Pinterest and YouTube.

Soap and Glory Once Upon A Lime - Coming in at only €14.50 over on Boots.ie this is a treat for any beauty lover and anyone who needs a little pampering, fantastic brand, great products and amazing price!

Grooming Set  - This one is for the males, they all need a grooming set so treat them to the Champneys essentials spa grooming set! It's comes in at €23.00 over on Boots.ie, which is really good considering you  not only get the actually grooming set but you also get an anti antiperspirant deodorant as well as a body wash!

Jamie Oliver Glorious Oils -  Any foodie would love to get this set for Christmas. This little set has three beautiful oils that will bring new life to your food. It comes in at only €14.50 over on Boots.ie so it's super affordable and a lovely little gift.

I hope this helped ye out a little bit, if ye have any more suggestions, leave them in the comments for everyone else! 

Erin X

View Post

#IrishBloggerGetFit - Week 2

Hi Everyone!

So following on from last week (which you can read about here) I started strong. I was more determined and motivated. I had a plan and for the most part I stuck to it. They say that the second week is always the hardest, but after a disastrous week 1, there was no where to go but up! I made an eating plan and sent it to Claire to make sure it was ok, with her help I created a pretty good food plan that I'll be sticking to for this week too.

So Monday was great, did my workout, kept to the food plan. Tuesday however did not go well. The PMS Monster arrived and I spent most of the day in bed nursing a sore tummy. There was also a lot going on and mentally I wasn't in a great place so I had a pack of M&Ms and a mug of Hot chocolate. To be perfectly honest, I don't regret it. There's no point in denying myself something that I REALLY REALLY want as it's something that won't last long term. This is a lifestyle change not a diet. So I figure it's OK to give in sometimes.

Wednesday and Thursday were good, I had another two crappy days but I forced myself out into the cold and did my workouts.  Friday came around and it was time for my cheat meal and boy did I cheat! I ordered myself a delicious satay chicken and fried rice from the chinese and a can of coke. I also missed my workout because I was just exhausted after a crappy week.

Saturday and Sunday went ok too, woke up super early on Saturday to make sure I did my workout. I did 2.7km in 24 minutes. Hopefully my timing will get better the more I train. I did well with food too. Sunday diet wise was good but I didn't get my workout in unfortunately life gets in the way sometimes.

I feel good about week 2! I lost 1.4 pounds which I am delighted with. I think my biggest fall down was preparing lunches. I did excellently with breakfast and dinners but lunches were a struggle. So my aim is to do super well diet wise this week and really stick to my plan. I also want to keep up the workouts and really test myself.

I hope you all had a great week!

Erin X

View Post

My Christmas Wishlist!

Hi Everyone!

Now that we're well into November, I have absolutely no shame is talking about Christmas! Christmas is my favourite time of year, so exciting! As you'll know from THIS post, I'm not great when it comes to receiving presents. I much prefer to give them. I've been told I'm very hard to buy for so I'm done up a Christmas Wishlist for those who are going to buy me a present but haven't a notion what to get me. Disclaimer -  I will be super thrilled with any present that anyone gets me, this post is just for those who would rather get me something they know I'll love than guess what I'd like.

Plum Handbag : I seen this bag in Newlook and I just think it's gorgeous, it's big and sturdy enough for me to carry both my college work and all the stuff I bring in and out to the office everyday. It's also just gorgeous!

Sleek Makeup Face Form - I have been eyeing this up for months, but haven't actually seen it at any of the sleek stands that I've been to. I've heard amazing things about it so I'd love to get my hands on it!

Origins Face Mask - I've heard so many amazing things about the face mask, I'd love to try it out. But at €30 I can never justify it on my student budget so this would be a lovely treat !

NeoStrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum : Neostrata is a brand that I adore, I've heard great things about this serum and I'd love to get my hands on it!

A holiday - This one I will admit is cheeky considering I'm off to berlin in a few weeks but I have gotten the travelling bug and I'm obsessed with Amsterdam. I'd love to go there for a long weekend!

Boots - I really need a good pair of winter boots that are really warm and comfy for when I go to Berlin, I love the look of these ones from New Look, they look super comfy and they look like they'd go with any outfit!

Books -  I love books, especially books like the So Sue books which are super inspirational, I'd love to read both Suzanne's books and Joanne Larby's new book ' FairyTales'.

NeoStrata Spot Treatment - Again I love Neostrata and have heard amazing things, so this would be a lovely little stocking filler.

Nutribullet - I love making smoothies, but the blender I have now is getting a little old and I think it's time to upgrade. What I love about the Nutribullet is how easy it is to NOT make a mess! It's expensive but I would definitely get  lots of use out of it!

Of course there's lots of things I would like but I'd be happy with anything! 

What's on your Christmas wishlist ?

Erin X 

View Post

Manicure Monday | Sally Hansen Wine Not

Hi Everyone!

Happy Monday I hope you all have a great week. Today on my nails I have the gorgeous Sally Hansen nail polish in 'Wine Not'. First off I love the name of this polish! Sally Hansen is one of my favourite brands for nail polish. Such good quality and I've never had a bad experience. This polish is a gorgeous burgundy wine red. It's perfect for this time of year. I actually got this at the Elite Munster Blogger Event in August and I'm so delighted with it!

I love the brush with this polish, it's big enough to cover each nail in about two strokes. The formula is a dream, applies really easily and smooth. I applied two layers but you could definitely get away with one if you're in a hurry. Another thing I love is how fast it dries, no more waiting around. It literally dries in about 3 minutes. I have worn this polish before and with a top coat, it last at least four days without any chipping!

If you're looking for a great quality seasonal nail polish definitely check out this polish from Sally Hansen. I really can't recommend it enough. It retails for just over €7 I think, but you can find it in select Dealz for only 1.49 which is a complete steal because it is such a great brand for nail polishes!

Have you tried any Sally Hansen nail polishes ? 

Erin X

View Post

#IrishBloggersGetFit Week 1

Hi Everyone!

If you're following any of my social media platforms then you'll know that myself and a few other bloggers are taking part in a 6 week fitness challenge with Claire from Volta Fitness. The aim is to be fit for Christmas. We all have different goals, mine in particular is to shed some pounds for Christmas!

The first week is always the hardest right? Not off to a great start as I spent most of the first day on a train/bus. Sometimes life gets in the way and that's ok. I didn't let it get to me as I knew I'd start properly the next day and count that as my first day.

SO day two came and I did the shopping and filled the fridge with healthy food. Went for a long brisk walk/run. Did my cardio workout. What I found was that I didn't like walking in the dark, I went at about 8.20pm as it was the only chance I got but felt uncomfortable. I think I'll have to get my workouts done in the morning.

Day 3 came and I did my workout, but afterwards I went to the cinema and had a large popcorn and large coke. This would have been fine as a treat but then we went to supermax afterwards. Day 4 came and I was feeling crappy. I think it was just because I hadn't had the best start and I was just frustrated. So I took all my frustration out in my workout. If you follow me on snapchat then you'll know how exhausted I was afterwards. My lungs were burning, my legs were like jelly, I felt sick! Of course after a bit of water and about 30 minutes, I was back to normal but my spirits were up and I felt really good after working hard.

Day 5 I had a sports day at college, so spent half of that day running around. I was exhausted. I didn't mind missing the workout because I felt that I had basically done it throughout the day anyway. I didn't eat very well though, only had about two meals and they weren't the healthiest. Day 6 came and went, I was mentally exhausted from the week and had very little motivation for anything. I went to the cinema to unwind and it worked a trick because I woke up this morning with renewed energy and motivation.

So today, day 7 my only slip up has been having a mug of hot chocolate oh and I had sausages and a fried egg for breakfast. My workout was really good, I went running/walking and I felt like I ran much better today. I forgot to time myself which I'm raging about and the nike running app wouldn't work so I don't know how far it was either! Regardless I'm just home and I'm sweating buckets! I am happy with today, even though I had my slip ups. I went shopping and got lots of healthy foods, made my weekly food plan and did a really good workout even though it's miserable outside!

What I learned this week is that preparation is key. I've heard that phrase a million and one times but after this week I really believe it! My goal for next week is to focus more on my diet and just making sure that I get a really good workout in everyday!

SO that's been week 1, make sure to follow me over on snapchat to follow me throughout the week! 

Erin X

View Post

Botanics Night Cream Review

Hi Everyone! 

Today I'm talking about the Botanics All Bright hydrating night cream. I have been intrigued by the Botanics range ever since it launched in Boots. I love the simple pretty packaging and have heard fantastic reviews.So when Boots had a special offer on I decided I would pick up the All bright night cream. It was only €4 and it's been well worth every penny. 

I really really like this night cream. It's only slightly scented, which I like because sometimes if a cream is too scented it can irritate my skin or the smell might just annoy me. So Boots mission statement is " The Botanics radiant Youth Skincare range is bursting with natural antioxidants to help skin stay younger longer" Essentially, it's promising to hydrate you skin and brighten it. But does it actually work...

 For me it definitely does. I got my skin analysed by the lovely Olivia in Elizabeth Arden Shaws counter in the Crescent recently. The results said that my top layer of skin in certain areas (around my nose, forehead etc) were quite dry but the layer underneath that was very hydrated. Olivia said that whatever products I had been using were definitely working. I owe my hydration levels to this night cream as I'm a divil for drinking water. To help with the dryness on the top layer, I just need to exfoliate more.

So this cream definitely works, I always notice a difference if i don't use it. My skin isn't as soft or as bright. I am too young to know whether or not it is any good at preventing ageing but I'm sure it doesn't do a bad job. The consistency of the cream is quite thick, it almost feels like a serum rather than a moisturiser. The tub has 50ml in it and to be honest, I've had this tub since June and I've barely made a dent in it so it will last you ages!

I love love love this stuff and for only €4, a complete steal! I will definitely be repurchasing and I'm eager to try out the Botanics day cream too.

Have you tried anything from the Botanics range ?

Erin X

View Post

Soap and Glory Flake Away Review

Hi Everyone!


So I've heard a lot about Soap and Glory from through blogsphere and was really excited to finally try something from the range. I'm always cautious about trying new brands as I tend to have super sensitive skin. The packaging from this range is lovely, it's bright, it's fun and it's pink. While browsing the aisles of boots one day, I decided that enough was enough, I simply had to try out this range. I had previously watched a video by Sinead Cady talking about her favourite exfoliators and she had mentioned Flake Away. Even though I love my Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff, I do like to try new things from time to time. So I picked up one of smaller tubs, I think they're almost sample sizes and I think it cost around the €3 mark. So how did I get on...

Not very well to be honest. I found the smell to be very sweet, too sweet, so sweet it almost makes my stomach turn. But if you're into very strong sweet smells, you'll probably love it. The consistency is quick thick and hard to spread over your body. I found I went through this in no time at all, even though I only used it when I ran out of Tough Stuff! It is however a very gentle exfoliator. If you have sensitive skin then this might work really well for you.

For me however I love to for an exfoliator to really do it's job and almost leave me feeling a little raw afterwards. I just don't get that with this product, it's nice to use sure, but I won't be repurchasing it. I'll be sticking to my Tough Stuff! I'm annoyed that I didn't like this because now it's put me off or a t least made me very hesitant to trying anything else from Soap and Glory.

Have you tried any Soap & Glory products? 

Erin X

View Post

Favourite Bloggers | October

Hi Everyone!

Today I'm going to introduce you to four fantastic bloggers that I have been obsessed with all month! I read so many blogs during the month but these four were my favourite and I kept going back to their blogs. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to find new blogs, even though there are thousands, probably millions out there, but here are four fabulous blogs that you need to be following!

Rachbeautique : Rachael is the fab blogger behind Rachbeautique. She does a mix between beauty, makeup, skincare etc. She is currently studying beauty therapy in college so keep an eye on her blog for lots of tips and tricks. I unfortunately haven't gotten the chance to meet her yet, but she seems like such a lovely genuine lady. I also love reading her posts as she gives great detail and always has fab pictures! My fave post from her this month was THIS one.

Pamslivelovefashion :  Pam is the wonderful lady behind Pamslivelovefashion. I have actually had the pleasure to meet Pam a couple of times at different blogging events and she is so nice and warm and welcoming! I love her blog, it's probably one of my favourite fashion blogs of all time. I love her style of writing and whenever she posts, I just have to read it straight way! My fave post from her this month was THIS one.

Passionsandpreening : The beautiful Alison is the amazing blogger behind Passionsandpreenings. I've never met Alison but feel like I've known her years. She's absolutely lovely. When I was going through a difficult time in August with my health, she was there every day on snapchat with kind words. Aside from being an absolute dote, she's a great blogger, she also makes YouTube videos too so make sure you check that out and subscribe. Alison writes great reviews and you should def check out her blog. My fave post from her this month was THIS one.

Rebelle - Ution  : Priscilla is the gorgeous blogger behind this blog. Priscilla is a fellow Limerick blogger and we get on really well. I always admire Priscilla's blog, she's such a talented writer and really inspirational. She writes about body confidence, beauty, her amazing tattoos and sex.  This month she wrote THIS  post and it really resonated with me. She is so brave for sharing the correct information about abortion (as it's illegal to do so here in Ireland) I'm sure it helped lots of people, it definitely helped me! Definitely go and check out her blog!

So they are the fab bloggers that I've been loving this month!

What blogs have you been loving ?

Erin X

View Post