100 Days of Happiness - Week 1

Hi guys, so if you seen THIS post then you'll know that I've taken on the 100 days of happiness challenge. I think it's good to try and find happiness in each and every day, even if the day isn't particularly happy. I do apologize for not instagramming the pictures every day but I didn't have a phone up until Wednesday. Anyway this is how my first week of the 100 days looks. 

My book order arrived and I can't wait to start reading these !

 

I love this quote, I think it's important to smile everyday and look for the positives.

I met up with some college friends and had a blast bowling !

 I'm working on seeing the good in every situation.

 I finally got a 2015 diary and I couldn't be happier with it.

I spent a couple of days at college working on the Formula Student project, in case you don't know what Formula Student is it's basically a group of students from universities all over the world build and race a racing car, similar to the Formula 1 cars. I am P.R.O of the project so I was working on some upcoming fund raisers. If you're interested in following the journey you can follow us on Facebook HERE !

The weather in Ireland has been all over the place. It snowed during the week and I felt like I was in Frozen. It was amazing !

So that's what my week looked at. I hope you enjoyed this post ! Let me know in the comments.

Erin x

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The Get To Know Me Tag

Hello friends ! Today I'm doing the get to know me tag, I was tagged by the lovely Izabela from My Daily Wear If you haven't checked out her blog yet, I'd really recommend it. I always love her OOTDs. So let's get on with the tag....

1. Name.
Erin

2.Blog Name : Anything special about it ?
Chasing Rubies Chasing Pearls, I got the idea from the lyrics of one of my favourite bands, Hudson Taylor.

3. How long have you had your blog for ?
Since October, so nearly four months now.

4. Favourite colour ?
I change my mind so often, but generally red/purple.

5. Age ?
20

6. Why did you start blogging ?
I started blogging because I'd been reading blogs for a long time and thought I'd give it a go.

7. What's your favourite book ?
Ooh a tough one, too tough ha, I don't know I love so many. I'll go with The Fault in Our Stars because it's one of the only books that has actually made me cry.

8. Favourite highlighter? Why ?
I like the MAC Lustre drops touche bronzante, ust love it for nights out !

9. Holy grail drugstore foundation?
Rimmel 25hr long lasting foundation I did a review on it HERE

10. Holy grail high end foundation ?
Haven't tried many high end foundations to be honest.

11. Favourite primer ?
I don't really use primers, I've only ever used the vichy one, I didn't notice a huge difference so I've never really bother with them !

12. All time favourite mascara ? Both high end and drugstore ?
High end would be the benefit BadGal mascara and drugstore would be max factor excess volume extreme impact mascara.

13.What's your favourite make up brand both high end and drugtore ?
High-end is Benefit and drugstore would be Rimmel.

14. What's your favourite food ?
Italian

15. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why ?
Another tough one, I've been on about going to Bora Bora or Bali, I've hear such amazing things and I'd like to experience it for myself.

16. How may times did you post last year ?
56

17. What apps do you use to edit pictures or create thumbnails ?
Picmonkey or Aviary photos

18. What's your twitter name ?
@ChasingRubies2

19. What's your instagram name ?
chasingrubieschasingpearls

20. What's your favourite candy ?
Coca cola bottles, I'm absolutely addicted.

21. Favourite drink ?
I love club lemon !


22. What's your favourite clothing store ?
New look without a doubt.

23. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Strong, thoughtful, loyal.

24. What do you want to improve about your blog this year ?
My blog design and photography.

So that's the end of the tag ! I hope you all enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Thanks again to Izabela for tagging me ! I tag everyone to do this tag, if you do it please leave a comment below, I love reading these kind of tags ! 

Erin x

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The Taylor Swift Tag

When I seen this tag I was so excited ! I absolutely ADORE Taylor Swift. I am obsessed with 1989. It's such an amazing album and I've been listening to it non stop since I bought the album. So here it is, the Taylor Swift Tag !

1.Welcome to New York // If you could live in any city, which would it be and why ? 
I'm sure there are many cities that I'd love to live in but from the cities I have been to, It would have to be New York ! There is just a different kind of atmosphere there, a sense of fearlessness and hope.

2.Blank Space // What is something that everyone thinks is true about you but is actually false ?
I don't know really, maybe people perceive me to be in a bad mood/ moody because I have 'resting bitch face', in case you don't know what resting bitch face is, it's basically just your natural face when you're not talking or smiling, it's just how your face falls. When I'm not smiling, I can look quite unhappy and miserable even though I might be in an amazing mood.

3.Style // What is one item in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable ?
OOH a tough one. My red peplum dress i think. It's just that one outfit that I feel really good in.

4. Out of the Woods // What is one thing you're afraid of ?
I'm afraid of failing, I always have been. No matter what it is, I always think I've failed or will fail before I've even given myself a proper chance. It's one of my worst attributes and something I really need to work on.

5. All You Had To Do Was Stay // Who is someone you wish was still in your life ?
I wish my grandmother was still here. Unfortunately in 2012 she passed away from breast cancer, she has been such an inspiration to me and I appreciate and idolize her so much more now that I'm older. Even though she's not around anymore I still really look up to her. I hope one day I'll be half as strong, brave, loving and kind as she was.

6. Shake It Off // What is something you have had to shake off ?
I have had to shake off a bad friendship recently. It was hard but I learned a lot from the experience.

7. I Wish You Would //What is something you'd like to happen right now?
I'd like to travel right now. I haven't really traveled in about two years and I just have an itch to go and explore this amazing planet.

8.Bad Blood // Have you ever has someone stab you in the back ?
Yes, of course ! The scars are still there but fading with every day that passes.

9. Wildest Dreams // What would you like to be remembered as ?

I want people to remember how I've made them feel and hopefully that's a good feeling. I try my best to make other feel good and support their dreams and ambitions. It doesn't cost anything to be nice !

10. How You Get The Girl // What is your favourite pick up line ?

I don't really have a favourite but the first one that popped into my head was 'Are you religious ? Because you're the answer to all my prayers'. Total cringe !

11. This Love // What is something you got back that you never thought you would ?

I recently found a dress that I thought I'd lost, turns out a friend borrowed it ages ago that I'd forgotten about. I was so happy to see it again !

12. I Know Places // Where is one place you always feel safe ?

Home. Surrounded by my family, the people that have always loved me.

13. Clean// What is an important lesson you have learned in your life and how did you learn it ?

I've learned to not take people at face value. People always have agendas, sometimes they are good agendas and can gave a good impact on you and your life, but other times they aren't and can be quite negative, so just be careful. I learned this through some friendships that ended in an unfortunate way.

I hope you enjoyed reading this tag ! Has anyone else done this tag ? Let me know in the comments !

Erin x

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100 Days of Happiness and 100 Fit Days !

Hello everybody ! If you've read THIS post then you'll know I didn't have the best of years in 2014, but that's all in the past now and it's onward and upwards from here on out. I have decided to change my lifestyle this year, both on the inside and out. I'm doing the 100 happy days to work on being positive on the inside, and I'm doing the 100 fit days to work on the outside ! I'll be doing two separate posts every Friday about how my week was in terms of happiness and fitness. I'll also be posting pictures daily about my jouirney on my Instagram so make sure you check that out. To kick things off I thought I'd share some of the quotes that have inspired me.

Image source HERE

Is anyone else making a change this year ?

Erin x

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2015 Wishlist

Hello lovelies ! I'm back today with another wishlist. I have decided to stop impulse buying. Instead for getting lots of random bits and pieces, I'm going to try and build up my wardrobe with some basic essentials. For example the two high-waisted pair of jeans, one in black and one is blue denim. I love high waisted jeans, I always find them so much more comfortable. I also want to get some new workout gear. I'm going to really try and get into fitness this year. But first I need some new gear ! I have been wanting a watch forever, I haven't gotten one yet because I'm so fussy. I want a watch that will compliment every outfit I wear. I found this watch with changeable straps on asos, I think it's perfect because there is so much variation, it will go with everything. I really want to step up my photography this year, but living in Ireland where it's cloudy and miserable most days proves for very dull natural light. So I'm opting for artificial lights. If you have any recommendations please let me know in the comments. And lastly but by no means least shoes, I love my boots drom New look but they're a little too high to be walking in and out of college all day every day, so I really want some Chelsea boots. I found these beauties in New Look and think they'd be perfect. I'm also in serious need for some new heels and these misguided ones are just beautiful.The platform lace up boots are just fabulous and would really just be a treat to myself as I don't actually need them. I have left all the links down below incase you want any of these beauties !

Watch

Black Highwaisted Jeans

Denim High Waisted Jeans

Brown Chelsea Boots

Black Boots
Lights

What's on your wishlist this year ? Let me no in the comments.

Erin x

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Tips For Painting

If you follow me on Twitter then you'll already know that over the weekend I painted my room. I decided to change my dark room into a light bright room and I am loving the results so far. I still have to redecorate but love the fresh bright colour ( crown fairydust). I learned a few things along the way and thought I'd share them with you !

Grab a painting buddy : This is probably the biggest/most obvious tip, having someone to help you is essential ! It lessens the load and having good company will help the time fly. Before you know it the entire room will be painted !

Clean : Make sure you clean your walls before hand with a damp cloth, you'll be surprised at the amount of dust that gathers on the walls. Also sand down any rough areas, fill in small holes and cracks. This will make the end result look fantastic !

Empty the Room and cover the floor : Sounds obvious but make sure the entire room is empty. It really helps in the long run. Trust me. Cover the floor with old sheets/newspapers or buy a proper floor cover from a hardware store.

Use the Right Tools : Make sure you have all of your paintbrushes and rollers before you begin. I really recommend getting a roller with an extendable pole. It's much easier than climbing up a ladder. A couple of different sized paintbrushes are a good idea too. Also when using a paintbrush, feather like strokes are the best way to go.

Swatch : Before you buy your paint, make sure you test the colours out on the wall first. The colour on the tin will always look different once its on the wall. Most hardware stores do little testers that are only about €2.

Don't Underestimate Time : Painting one room can take numerous days, especially if like me you need to apply a couple of base coats. My walls were previously painted brown so I had to apply a couple of white coats before finally putting the actually colour on the wall.

Prepare Food Before Hand : Similar to my advice above, you'd be surprised how time consuming painting is. The hours will fly by so it's handy to have some food pre made.

Keep a Wet Cloth : keep a damp cloth on hand for any drips that might go on the ground. You'll appreciate it later.

So they were some of my little tips for painting a room. I hope you find them useful.

Erin x

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15 Books in 2015

Hello Everybody ! I seem to have gotten out of the habit of reading, I don't know how or when, but I don't read half as often as I used to. So I've set myself a little challenge, read 15 books this year. This may seem like a small amount to some, but I want to be realistic. With college, blogging, training for a half marathon and everything else going on in my life I don't want to feel pressured to have to read, I want to read to relax.

So here are the books that I want to read this year :

1. Running Like A Girl
2. Girl Online
3. #GIRLBOSS
4. Paper Towns
5. Not That Kind of Girl
6. Pretty Honest
7. Bossy Pants
8. Yes Please
9. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me
10. So Sue Me : Secrets to Blogging, Beauty and Fashion
11. So Sue Me : What Happened Next
12. The Year I met you 
13. An Abundance of Katherines
14. Will Grayson, Will Grayson
15. Fangirl

I'm really looking forward to reading these and hopefully I'll read many more than 15, but that's my aim for now. Have any of you read these books ?

Erin x

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A New Beginning

Hi everyone ! I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and has had a great start to the new year ! For me the new year starts today. It's the first Monday of the year and I always find it easier to start fresh on a Monday. Today I'm sharing some of my goals for this year for a couple of reasons, 1) I love seeing other peoples goals and resolutions and, 2) as a guide for myself throughout the year and, 3) to look back on at the end of this year. I'm going to share some personal goals and some goals I have for my blog !

Personal Goals :

• Learn to drive
• Run a half marathon
• Get a job
• Visit at least one place abroad
• See my friends more often
• Take on new projects outside of college
• Create a Tulle skirt
• Create some DIY fashion.
• Take more photos
• Do well in college and get grades that I'm proud of
• Learn a language (not spanish or french but a computer language)
• Create a great porfolio for college
• Get work experience in an area related to my course

Blog Goals :

• Host a guest post each month
• Do some guest posts on other people's blogs
• Post a blogpost at least 5 times a week
• Improve photography and writing skills
• Get involved in at least 2-3 twitter chats a week
• Attend 5 blogger events
• Work with a company/brand
• Improve my own blog design
• Do more beauty and fashion posts
• Create business cards for the blog

So they are some of things I hope to of achieved by the end of this year. What are your new year resolutions ? I'd love to hear in the comments !

Erin x

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2014 Favourites

Hello everyone ! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, I thought today I would share some of my favourite things from 2014 !

People and Places : This year for me has been all about people. There are many people I am so thankful for in my life and this year has shown me who is truly there for me when I need them and who is not. One of the people I am most thankful for is James. He has been so supportive of everything I've done and has really helped me get to where I am now. He has been my best friend on my best days but also on my worst which I am forever grateful for. Another person who has been an amazing friend has been my mother, we're probably the closest we've ever been and she has been my biggest fan. I've had good friendships and bad friendships, I've wrote a post HERE about my friendships and how they've changed this year. I've had some very good experiences this year. I landed my very first proper full time job. I was lucky enough to get a full time job in the AIB bank for the summer and I learned SO MUCH. Not necessarily about banking but again about people, because of my role I was interacting with the costumers all day everyday, I learned so much from this job and will always remember it as a positive experience. I also went to a music festival with friends which was definitely a big highlight of my year. This was the year I went to my very first big fashion show, The Clothes Show Live, I've done posts HERE, HERE,HERE and HERE if you're interested. This was a great experience and one I shall never forget. I also started this little blog in October and I am just loving this experience and everything about blogging !

Products : I have only a few favourites this year product wise, I could have done a full post of product faves but I feel like I've read a zillion similar posts in the last week. So I'll keep it short and snappy, I have five favourite products of 2014 and they are, my collection concealer ( my review of it is HERE), my extreme liquid eyeliner, my naked 2 palette, my quick fix facial mud mask (my review of it is HERE), and my Rimmel red lipstick.


Bloggers :  Again I could have done a full post on my fave bloggers because there are so many but the following bloggers are the blogs I read the most often. My absolute FAVOURITE blogger this year without a doubt has been Dorkface ! I just cannot say enough great things about this blog and Jemma is so lovely, if you haven't checked out her blog, I'd definitely recommend it, you won't regret it. I always find her blog so positive and inspiring and I check her blog almost daily. Another fave is A South Wales Blog, This blog is just such a lovely read and I'm always excited when a new post pops up on bloglovin. Dizzy Brunette 3 is also up there on my fave bloggers/blogs but I do really enjoy her YouTube videos too and if you haven't subscribed make sure you so. I just love Corries blog, the layout and design is so pretty and her blog posts are great reads. gh0stparties was one of the first blogs I ever read and I've been a loyal follower ever since. Her photography is amazing and really makes me want to improve my own photography. I love all of her posts and will read anything she writes. A recent favourite has been lily kate from Joli House. Her outfit posts are great, and I'm especially obsessed with her mustard/yellow jumper with the owl detail ! Her posts are always a good read and something I always look forward to. My final favourite blogger is Jenny from Jennypurr. Her content is second to none and after having a look back through my saved posts on bloglovin, they're dominantly her posts. I just find her blog so useful and relevant to my life. If you haven't checked her blog out yet, you really should.

YouTubers : I've been really getting into you tube in the last couple of months, I rarely watch tv anymore ! Some of my faves are Lily Pebbles, Anna , Jim Chapman, Tanya Burr and Melanie Murphy ! I'm sure you all know of them and why they've made it to my little favourites post !

I have may more favourites but these are the main ones. I'm looking forward to discovering many new favourites in 2015. 

Erin x

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