Monthly natters

Hey again everyone! So this is going to be a rather odd blog but I felt I had to share some of my 'inspirational insights' this week :P

So I was browsing instagram this week, it's my new obsession. Reading some of the quotes about friendship and trusting people I realized so many of them clicked with me! I used to think losing contact with people was a bad thing and I had to have so many friends for Facebook and social media. Well, getting older really made me see the light with this fact.

As you get older you will notice your circle start to get smaller and you won't see people as much and that is just a part of life. People change! As you go through different stages you meet more people and make more friends. Everyone does.

As well as that I realized Social media is great and exciting but it's a fantastic mask for people's insecurities. You might see a post about how happy someone is with such a person, a job, a product, etc or how they are so fit now, have a new car, graduated. But in most cases they literally just post it to make others jealous, to get likes, to fit in to what social media perceives is the norm. Everyone does it, including myself! How sad is it that this has become reality? I got the luas one day to Dundrum from Stephens green and everyone was on their phone, on facebook or twitter. Not that long ago I was getting the train to heuston and a man sat down beside me from Portlaois to talk to me, despite the fact I obviously had my earphones and iphone out at the time. Yet I don't regret talking to him one bit! It passed the journey and it was a nice conversation. One day when we're old and the next generation take our steps, we will regret not looking around us more often, not seeing and doing more with our time than  looking at a blue screen for at least 10 of the 24 hours in a day. When was the last time anyone actually left their phone at home. went to town and actually smiled and talked to people on the street?

It can also be such a great place for people called 'keyboard warriors' or 'trolls'. I think everyone has plenty of experience with these people, myself included. I have been subjected to people criticizing my opinion, my work, etc all on social media but I guarantee they wouldn't say it to me in person. In fact I actually came face to face to some of these 'warriors' who accused me of being the reason for a relationship break up, when they themselves were the reason. I was called every name under the sun and people were told by this person that I was the one emailing abusive things! Yet face to face they looked away quickly and didn't say a word. It is so easy for people to act all tough and  aggressive over Facebook. But complete cowards in real life! Some will also use others who claim to be your friend to find out information for these people. Again I have been prey to this too often. But mistakes in life are lessons learnt! People who abuse you like these are just petty and jealous and better off ignored! You should try to understand them and pity them rather then feel anger towards them!

For all my ranting I will be the first to tell you I couldn't live without them :P

 This is just the way the world has gone and people have to adapt to the changes around them. That is just human nature, Social media can be fun and helpful for jobs or meeting old friends etc, but we have to remember to 'check out' the odd time too and actually speak to those around us. 

Rant over :P 

Any opinions on this yourselves? Feel free to leave them down below :) 

Thanks for reading!

Sandy.S

xXxXx

10 Things...that city people miss out on.

So I recently applied for a job with the well known 'Her.ie' website for Irish women. This is the article I came up with as part of their '10 things' featured pieces

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 My feature Piece on the style of the regular ’10 Things’ Piece.

10 Things that…City People miss out on.

So, we all know that every county in Ireland has its mixture of city and country folk. When both come together, it can be quite interesting to see the vast differences between the two and even the major personalities clashing. According to Dubliners, every county outside of their own is considered bog land and ‘culchieville’ Even though each county in its own right has its population of ‘townies’ and ‘boggers’ . So what really is the difference between them? What do the city folk miss out on that is common place for the Country people? 

Here are ten things that country people pride in experiencing over their rivals.

       (1)    Silage cutting.

Ahhh the annual cutting of silage during the summer. Whether you actually live on a farm or not in the country, you most likely live near one, are related to a farmer, or you’re friends with one. Every year the perfumed smell of freshly cut grass fills the air and the rows of grass are made to jump over. To country kids, these rows are made into a game, where you have to reach one end of the field, jumping over every row without upsetting the grass (god help you if you do!) The whole process is pure excitement, from seeing the flashing orange lights on the tractors speeding over the potholes to the shiny black bales and towering silage pits.

2. Lack of Public Transport.

One thing City people take for advantage is the level of Public Transport. Living in the country, if you don’t drive yet either you walk, cycle or pray that your parents or siblings will be home on time to drop you to a friend’s house or a bus to the nearest town.  You have to time that one bus that says it leaves at 9.30 sharp, but really leaves anywhere between nine and ten in the morning. You learn to drive at the age of five, because let’s face it; you’re screwed if you don’t at least have your provisional at the age of 17.

     

     3.  Animals, everywhere.

     So there you are, making yourself a cuppa in the kitchen and all of a sudden you look out the window to make eye contact with a few cows and maybe the odd sheep. But it’s ok, because such and such a neighbour has a new fencing system that’s a bit dodgy and his animals always break out lately.

4. Sense of Direction.

So, a tourist, or even a townie stops you up while you’re going for your evening walk and ask you where a certain landmark is. Even though you know perfectly well where it is, you have to think for a second how to phrase it because these people aren’t going to understand “down the road there” or “up yonder”. You have to use actual place names. 

5. Sound level.

When your cousin from the city comes down to stay for the summer and they can’t sleep because it’s so quiet that it’s deafening to them, meanwhile you’re snoring your head off next door. Also as soon as they hear a fox crying, that’s it, no more summers at Aunty Mary’s farm in the country.

6. Neighbours.

So in the city, you might know a few people in the houses around you in the estate, if you’re lucky. In the country, you might know people as far over as the next couple of villages and of course they’re all your neighbours that live down the road. “That’s the man with the fancy house” “there goes herself and her toy boy” “that’s your man that got the new bull” can all be heard after mass of a Sunday.

7. The Electric Fence.

City dwellers will never understand the excitement that comes from getting to test the electric fence with a blade of grass. It’s dangerous and could possibly kill a person if high enough, but that’s part of the thrill.

8. Beware of the Badger.

Even though the quieter areas of the cities might witness some wildlife, they are the least of their worries when walking at night. But to country people, the badger is the scariest thing to run into. Most are brought up to know that you have to walk with a stick when walking down a country road at night.  Why? Because according to your gullible mother a badger will bite and not let go until he hears a snap. Hence the need to have a stick with you to crack and sound like bone breaking and give her piece of mind.

Never mind masked murderers or killers, a badger could be on the loose!

9. The lack of…everything!

So you’re craving a bottle of coke, or a pizza and there’s nothing in the fridge, what do you do? Forget it. Unless you can drive or persuade someone to drive you to the nearest town, you won’t be able to get them. Not like the city where you can walk 100 yards to your nearest grocers. As well as that you also have to get used to the lack of a good internet facility, no phone reception, less of a social life and not being able to go to the movies when you feel like it or pop to the shops. All the same, it makes you appreciate these things more when you do get them.

10. The bog.

You have to listen to the story every time you put a piece of turf into the fire “there’s no cup of tea like the cup you have in the bog” from a grandparent or older family member. Then you’re forced to sit down with your fifth sandwich and mineral drink of 7up to hear stories of times gone by, that you have probably heard a million and one times. 

Still, you wouldn’t trade any of it!

Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think! :D 

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

Why I said yes...

 So...as a lot of you may already know, I was recently in Berlin and I had the best long weekend of my life to date <3

I went with Stephen just to see the markets, etc, as they are supposed to be amazing there. We went for our second anniversary, which was the 15th and although we didn't do much touring around, we managed to walk at least 10k steps everyday! The hotel had a built in aquarium and was central to absolutely everything!

So anyway, getting to the point, I'm sure you're all wondering what I mean by the heading (most of you have seen on Facebook or twitter)

Well, on Monday the 15th (our anniversary) we had planned to walk around, see shopping centers and the other markets, as well as the aquarium after 3 o'clock. The hotel had sent up a beautiful tray after we came back from the shops. On it were roses, strawberries, chocolates and an assortment of dipping sauces. Of course I took to Facebook and instagram straight away! To which he told me not to, which I was surprised about, as we usually share everything :p We hit for the aquarium, it was beautiful! Such a relaxing and enjoyable thing to do I have to say! Then had some dinner and went to the markets.

Now I noticed (although he thinks I'm making it up) that he started to get very nervous and antsy with me, like the dinner we just had was going to repeat on him :P He kept stopping and starting while we were walking through and finally he stopped on our way to a fancy lounge bar and in a wide street, staring at Dunk'n Donuts he caught my arm and proposed. To be able to say exactly what he said or how he phrased it I wouldn't be able to do it! I was in such a state of shock and started crying/laughing at the same time. Every woman imagines how a man is going to propose to her and what her reaction will be...well mine was hyperventilating, crying/laughing and I know I kept saying "I can't even...I can't even" but eventually I stuttered out yes :P I eventually managed to call a few friends and family members. I think I nearly caused one poor friend to have a crash! We went in to a very posh bar underneath the TV tower to celebrate, me shaking and mascara streaming down my face. A few wines, cocktails and beer later we practically skipped through the markets back to the hotel. I felt like I was on clouds (and that wasn't just the alcoholic beverages)

Back in the room, a bottle of champagne awaited us in a bucket of ice, two glasses and a glass plate saying 'Congratulations' and a few tasty chocolates on top :) It was like something I only ever read about in a novel! Something he had all planned and hidden from me the sly fox!

So two days later, still in the air and smiling to myself, absentmindedly twisting the ring now and then. I thought I would write this, about why I said yes...(after the stammering)

I know people might be thinking it's just the novelty and getting to wear a pretty dress, being the center of attention for a while. Well you would all be wrong :) 

I said yes to him, because of the ring...lol! I joke :P

I said yes, because he is the one man that I could ever be myself around, without trying too hard, or needing to wear makeup to impress him. I could be looking like a drag queen after a hard night and he's still there. Through absolutely everything, fights with siblings, money and college worries, ex's hassling he's been there. He just wants crazy old me, for me. Someone I literally never thought I would find, because let's face it, I am psycho :P

All of this including the fact I am crazily in love with him and he just has to be in my life :) Sin è! 

So I hope ye haven't all puked from reading this and I hope ye will join us for drinks in Galway the 26th for a partayyy :) 

I just wanted to share the happiness, after all it is great to get some good news in these tough times :) Thank you to everyone for the well wishes, even the likes off people I hadn't expected...Thank you for that :) 

The Ring :) 

 

Thank you , as ever, for reading :) 

Yours sincerely

Sandra Shannon (MrsDoyle to be)...(all of the 'go on' jokes have been said :p)

xXxXxXx

"We Were on a break!!!"

Hi guys, so again I'm back with a rather odd one :) I have been talking to a lot of people recently about this and seen or heard a lot of people asking about it :) I have decided I am going to write my opinion on it and hopefully give advice to those caught in an emotional roller coaster because of it :) 

So, what is the term 'to take a break' about, in a relationship? Is it like a holiday, or vacation from them? Do you see other people? How long does it last? etc. ( All I think of is Ross from Friends :p) 

To be honest I can't exactly answer all of that for you, because it depends on the person you are with. All I can say is, as soon as your partner says these words to you, you run, and keep running!!

Based on conversations with people I have discovered that the person who says this is just looking for a cowardly way to tell you that they want to see other people for a while and then snap their fingers at you when they want you back. It is such an Americanized term for ending or 'pausing' a relationship. They will use terms like 'It's not you, it's me'...'I just want to focus on my studies' or 'I need to discover myself' or some crap like that. I personally think that people need to grow a pair and say what they really mean. We're not in some American High school drama!

If two people are in a long, committed relationship, it may be because of stress or issues with marriage or whatever. Sometimes the person can need a break from the other person, just to breathe for a while. After all, absence makes the heart grow stronger. But still, maybe go for a long walk or shopping or whatever hobby it is you do. If you need longer, maybe you need to reconsider this relationship, why make both of you miserable and stressed? 

When it is a relationship that has only been going on for a few weeks and one says to the other "I think we need a break!" It's basically a cowards way for saying 'sorry, I'm not really sure if I still like you' and they want to see other people without having to do the awkward breaking up. This way they can say maybe you could get back together sometime and they won't feel as bad about it as they would a break up.They may even suggest being friends with benefits if they can't get anything off anyone else. Playing you like a puppet on a string. I knew a story, where the person wanted a break, but wanted to get back with the other person,when they were older and settle down. I was thinking..."What??" Basically she wanted to keep him on hold and wait for her...?? I laugh at people that think this way, either you want someone or not. Sin è/Simple as :) If you are in this situation, get away from it as fast as possible. I guarantee as soon as you do and meet someone that is worth your time, that other person will appear straight away again trying to cause hassle :) 

I see these issues every now and then on problem pages or 'Dear Deirdre' or wherever and I feel so sorry for the person, because you think you are in this great relationship and someone says the 'b' word as soon as things get a bit rocky. It can be so upsetting and you will feel so insecure and worthless, but just remind yourself it is THEIR loss. not yours! More than likely it's just what they think is a polite way of dumping you. You will move on realize that maybe that sweet guy you sit beside in the lab everyday or that pretty girl behind the till is someone that will accept you and treat you for who you are :) And if you are someone considering taking a break, for your own sake and theirs, just end it. 

Hope this helps :) 

Feel free to comment and share your opinions :) 

Sandy.S

XxXxXxX

The Shampoo Holy Grail!

Hello again, so, I realise that only a few weeks ago I uploaded a post on the Ultimate Blends Shampoo and spoke about how much I adore them. 

Well...

I bought a new one that I hadn't tried yet and it is the peach/pink colored bottle, 'The Silky Smoother'

I have finally found the holy grail of shampoo's :O

Now I always thought, Aussie or Mane and Tail were the greatest gift, but at 8€ a bottle, where would you be going? 

I got these in Tesco for half price for the bigger bottle and I am actually sad that they are nearly empty :( You will just hear reports on the news one of these days about a crazy woman filling a shopping trolly with half price shampoos and conditioners! Or fighting a woman for the last bottle!

I rinsed my hair out twice using this amazing potion and my hair was unbelievably soft and sleek afterwards. I was shocked! I also noticed it has made my hair grow a little bit longer? Ever since I've used it my hair has become healthier and shiny and I don't have to tear out strands when I brush it! It literally feels like you've just left the hairdressers after using this. You know that bouncy, shiny and great smelling hair? You can have it just by using this bottle. Because my hair was in dire straits, I am so thankful to this brand for repairing it as let's face it, we can't all afford the hairdressers :/

I have split ends, probably the length of my hair, but with this shampoo I notice it has made the ends feel so smooth you wouldn't notice :)

The hurrrrr <3

I cannot recommend it enough :) 

Hope you all enjoyed :D 

Thanks, as ever, for reading,

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

November, A month for Memories

Hello everyone :) So tonight I began thinking about the month of November and what a month it has been :) As I mentioned in a recent blog I really hate this month for a personal reason. This week coming, especially, I always get a bit lonely as it was this week ten years ago I lost a cousin of mine, a beautiful 17 year old girl called Marguerite or 'Mags' as she was fondly known. I was only 11 at the time but I can remember her as though she was standing in front of me, with that smile she used to have. I can remember following her and my older sister around like a puppy, wanting to talk about boys and makeup with them, as older girls do. It was only later in life I realized what a pest I must have been :D

She was just stunning :)

I think every girl has an older cousin, or female figure, that she looks up to and that was Mags for me. She loved cats, the color pink, Johnny Depp and I believe there was a man from the town she lived in that we both had an interest in at some point (his name or profession I won't mention because I was picked on enough for it at the time!) I can remember at a wedding we went to she had a black flower clip in her hair, which she asked me to hold while she danced to 500 miles with a younger cousin and it was like asking me to hold the crown for the queen! Another memory I have is of another cousins (I have many :D) confirmation day where we went to Bunratty Castle. I was only small at the time and was too scared to go down in to the dungeons of the castle, so she said she's stay outside with me. She sat on the wall beside me and we talked about random things. That was the way she was. She was such a funny, lovely girl. She taught everybody how to dance to cha cha slide by dj casper at that wedding, which I still think of whenever I hear that song. Of course the song that reminds me most of her is Brown Eyed Girl, which was hers. Whenever I hear it I know it's her way of saying hello to us.

I realize that people reading this might think what sort of a depressing mood is she in? but I like to blog and decided that I would share my memories of her this week. 

My family and I were supposed to go to Lanzarote that week on holidays, and locusts were plaguing the island at the time. All that worried me was whether we'd be able to go on holidays or not! Oh the innocence of it all :) In the ten years since, my nose grew more hookish like hers, we've had about 20 cats, all whom have gone to meet their maker (partly thanks to my mothers driving) bar one, which has strangely decided to stay with us ;)We managed to keep one :D Whenever I see them it's like her keeping an eye on us. I know people might think I'm crazy but I definitely believe she's around me and my family at times. I might hear her songs or see somebody that looks exactly like her on TV. When things are tough I talk to her and when things go right I'll thank her for them. I'm told I act like her in ways and look like her as well, so thank you Mags, for gifting me :p 

Literally the same nose!

Even ten years on, I still find it hard to believe she's gone. There's still that empty seat or that lack of laughter she brought. The lovely, brown, side parted hair I was always so jealous of. I even remember in school, the kindness of a particular nun, god rest her soul now, who would remember her anniversary every year without fail and say a few prayers with me, Little things like that went a long way with me and helped me cope. 

This year I'll do as I always do, attend a mass for her and be thinking of her 24/7, I just hope that she's happy and smiling down at us.

Just remember that everyone has their cross to bear and try not to judge them, you don't know what problems they might be trying to cope with.

I'm sorry for the randomness of this one :) but I felt I had to share my memories of her this week. If anyone else is feeling the loss of a loved one and needs a talk, feel free to message me :)

Mags <3

Thank you for reading,

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

'Anti' Social Media

So, I've been staring at a blank screen for the past while trying to come up with stuff to write about, great blogger that I am :D and I couldn't think of anything, literally. My mind just went blank. I was trying to figure out why as usually I have a zillion ideas, but tonight the light bulb just wasn't flashing in my head for some reason.

I was staring in between checking notifications on facebook, instagram, twitter etc and it clicked with me that I was too engrossed with a faux fur coat someone showed me on twitter, or something somebody commented on, on facebook to be thinking about what to write. It then clicked with me how many other times this has happened, maybe not while typing a blog, but while reading a book, studying for school or during a lunch hour at work. In fairness, I do realise that blogging depends on these social media sites, but what would life be like without them? I know for a fact if it hadn't been for facebook I wouldn't have stayed in touch with half my friends from school. I wouldn't know about the concert they went to, who's broken up with who, or even engaged. They have become such a walking contradiction, you are in a term 'social', yet while being on these sights, ignoring those around you!? 

I have a couple of hundred followers on twitter, s

ame on Facebook, same on instagram. I might talk to about ten on each site every day, this is including family! I literally cannot remember a time before them, what did I do with my phone? Played Snake or solitaire? Our generation and the ones before us are lucky to be able to have had a childhood compared to the one that is currently growing up. To be honest I'm happy to say that my instagram was a magazine, 'shout' and 'sugar' or a V tech camera. My YouTube was the home radio and an empty cassette tape that I could tape songs on. Facebook was calling up my primary school friends and asking them could I come over. We would watch some TV, but mostly play games that our imaginations came up with. And Twitter? That was a smash hits diary with the faces of boy zone and spice girls on the front cover. In ten years time, hopefully I will have children to take care of, but I can guarantee they will not see social media until they reach their teenage years. I know my little sister is feeling the pressure as some of her friends have Snapchat and Facebook already and she's not aloud. But maybe she will also look back on her childhood and be thankful for this, who knows?

It is known to ruin relationships, partners, friends, careers, many more. People are becoming more open about their lives and therefore less secure in themselves. I know myself that I would grieve over a person having more friends, more likes, better pictures than myself. I still do. I reckon that this is a reason that Mental health issues have risen over the years, not the main reason of course, but one of them. Yet people still turn to it like a drug, before we go to bed, when we wake up, on our breaks. Will this ever change? I honestly don't know. I know that by now people are probably saying what a hypocrite haha! I'm not asking people to stop using them or anything, but just to consider what I have said :) It is scary to think how much of our lives are controlled by these sites!

I for one tried to type all of this without using any of them and I only looked once :D (wow, such an achievement) 

Hope you enjoyed reading :)

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

Review Time :)

Hello Again :) I had a shower this morning and upon using  my shampoo I decided, why not, I'll do a review :D

So for this blog I shall simply be reviewing The Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo range, because I am in love :)

I have only used the shampoo and conditioner of the range so far, but hear great things about the oil, treatment and dry shampoo :)

This morning I used that exact bottle of shampoo and my hair is so soft and easy to brush after! I have been comparing this to the Herbal essences brand and I would vote this one, hands down :) 

It smells amazing and as you can see from above it is made with argan and camelia oils, both are known treatments for hair :) 

So the next time you're in Penney's and spot a bottle, don't hesitate to give them a try, there are a few in the range worth trying out :) 

Thanks for reading!!

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

How to get over a broken heart ?! Keep Reading :)

Hey again :D I know some of you that know me might think this is a random thing for me to be writing, since I am obviously not somebody that is going through the above title, but that doesn't mean I'm no stranger to it :) 

Yes I've had my fair share of it, from stupid crushes to flings that didn't come to anything and by god it can literally feel like you're broken into pieces and everyday you wake up wondering did that actually happen...

Well unfortunately yes it did, and that fact will wash over you like those ice nominations that were all the rage not too long ago...

No matter who it was that did the heart breaking, it's no easy thing to get through, no matter what age, seven with that boy/girl that gave you gum on the bus, or 45 with your husband/wife who left you with three kids. 

I'm no Dr. Phil, but I'm just here to help you by giving some tips to ease that pain. 

If only Nurofen could come out with a heartbreak remedy eh?? Unfortunately they don't but chocolate is something that might help a bit :D! Chocolate has been proven to release Endorphins, which are hormones that basically make you feel happy! I'm not saying go obese with it, but there's no harm in going to your local and buying a few tubs of ben and jerry's, some galaxy(personal favourite) and some cocoa. Take a day off work if needs be, light the fire and watch some crappy chickflicks, (he's just not that into you is a fave, or Sex and the City! :P) 

Go on to your facebook and delete them from your life, I don't care how you're going to still be friends or any of that crap, you can be friends after you have allowed yourself time to heal! There's literally no point wearing shoes that gave you a heap of blisters over and over again is there? Well imagine he/she are the shoe...delete all pictures off any social networks and phones. It's extremely harsh but necessary.

Go out with your friends and get drunk, I know alcohol can cause you to be extremely emotional, and you will probably spend your night crying to the door of the toilet, but do it anyway! Why? Because it helps!! First comes the tears, then the anger and then after a while the indifference :) Meet a guy if you want to, whenever you are ready! But I would advise enjoying singledom after a break up, it will build up your independence and confidence again :) 

You will feel the need to stalk the ex and any of their current misses or misters, do it!! By all means! Show them to your friends, family etc and have a good rant about how ugly they are, I know most people would say out of sight out of mind, but it's hilarious rating the new persons nose or thighs :P Im not saying do it every 5 minutes, but do it enough to make yourself feel better, sure, we all do it!!

Go shopping or get yourself a new hobby :D I mean anything even pottery making!! (you might meet a Patrick Swayze :P ) Buy that sexy Little black dress or for the men, that aftershave :P you saw in town, who cares if rent is due! Go get your hair or makeup done and feel great!! 

Most importantly of all, learn to trust again, they aren't all out to break your heart :) Some are just not suited and that's all there is to it !! 

And p.s, this isn't going to happen overnight so don't expect miracles :) 

made for heartbreaks :)

I hope I can be of some assistance to anybody suffering this disease :) :) 

Happy reading :D 

Sandy.S

xXxXxXx

Autumn Wish List!

Hey Everyone! 

So, it;s that time of year again when we feel the evenings start to draw in and become colder, the kids are back to school, leaves are falling from the trees, you can't think of one thing nicer after work than sitting beside the stove with a cuppa in your hand and your favourite onesie on. Literally as I type this I am snuggled up in a massive Cardi I got in the sales in January! 

With all this in mind I have decided to do an Autumn Wish List of all things I love and Need this Autumn :) Without a doubt it is one of the best times of the year, the count down to Halloween and Christmas :)!

So First on my list is of Course Candles :D :D :D !

I love candles, I love the warmth they bring and the smell is amazing :) I always went for vanilla or cinnamon flavour candles around this time of year, I felt that they are just perfectly suited to the Season :) However I was browsing on the Yankee Candles website and I have picked two that I can't wait to buy this year :)

Number 1 is 'Pumpkin Ginger Bark' :)

'Pumpkin Ginger Bark'

Number 2 is 'Home Sweet home' :)

'Home Sweet Home'

The reason I picked both of these is fairly obvious for the first candle anyway, It smells like Halloween, sweet and spicy!! It reminds me of when I was a child and I'd be going to all the houses trick or treating :) Apparently it's America's favourite candle :) The reason I love the second one is that it smells like coming in to a warm kitchen where your mam is baking an apple tart or a nice cake on a cold evening :) I couldn't stay away from vanilla and cinnamon entirely ;)

The next items on my list are accessories! And of course a girl can never have enough of these! :) 

First of all is scarves, they are needed again :( 

Tartan scarf from Boohoo

I am in love with this scarf, it just looks so big and comfy!! I would love to pair this with a black coat for Winter :) I was never a fan of Tartan as my school uniform skirt was the worst kind of it :/ As you can see here :/

The beautiful Uniform I wore for 6 years...me in the middle :)

Anyway! The next scarf on my list is a similar colour :) this colour suits me perfectly with my dark hair :) 

The price is a bit much as I am fairly sure you can get a Duplicate in Penney's for a quarter the price, but I just love this scarf :O Burgundy is a real favourite of mine lately. 

Next are some pieces that I adore :) 

I think this is so pretty and would go beautifully with a Knitted jumper or shirt :) It is down on sale to 5.99 also, BARGAIN! It has a pearl and green gem trim but you can also choose red. (I would get both) 

I'm sorry but how cute is this necklace from Forever 21? I love the colour of the 'soft' roses, it is a real Autumn colour and would go lovely with, as I said before, a knitted jumper or shirt, but also with a dress on a night out :) 

I know I have an obsession with burgundy, but this flower headpiece is just the prettiest!! I realise festival season is over, however that doesn't mean flower headpieces have to go? Getting darker colours like this can really add statement to a winter look! This can also be found in Forever 21 :)

Next is this cutie :) also Forever 21. It's a little bow scrunchie that can turn a look from boring to Glam in two minutes :) I think that at a price of €2.50 it's a little steep, but I'm sure you can get a cheaper one in Primark :) 

Next on my list is Knitwear and you will be surprised at what I see is finally making a comeback :D :D!

I saw this on the F&F range from Tesco and I got so excited! Poncho's are coming back this Autumn/Winter :D I used to love these as they are so cosy, flattering and can be so simple yet stylish :) This one is €21.00 which is cheaper than some I have seen ! I would love to match this with a simple pair of leggings or jeans and uggs :) 

This is another I found from the F&F website and I adore the colour!! However I think the tassles would drive me crazy and I would probably have to cut them off :P But I love the wide neck and the jumper style to it :) 

I saw these furry coats on the Penney's website and I love them! I don't think I would be daring enough to wear the pink, if it came in black I would be happy out :) I can only imagine how warm this could be :)! 

Next on the list is Cosmetics :)  

My wish list for Cosmetics is going to be fairly simple, don;t worry :P 

So No. 1 is Rimmel lipstick, the Kate Moss line, in 107...and I am a huge fan of this dark red colour (do I love burgundy enough?) 

No. 2 is Rimmel Salon Pro in Urban Purple, agaiin do I love burgundy enough?

No. 3 Rimmel Metal Rush in Purple reign. I love this because of the undertones to the colour, it is so so pretty and I love purple in the Winter months!

No. 4 is The Revlon Colourstay Foundation in Ivory. I know I have said before that I am not a fan of this, well let me tell you this has changed dramatically!  I still have to mix it with another foundation and wear about three layers of moisturiser and primer with it, but it's not as drying with my skin as it used to be! 

Next for my list is Perfume! 

The only perfume I like for this time of year is Armani Code which I already have :) It is such a warming smell I adore it!! 

My movie wish list is Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic :) I absolutely adore both of these films, both about witches, both perfect for Autumn and Halloween :D 

My drink would be a Macchiato or spiced latte :) Obviously can't beat a cup of tea too ;) 

Ok guys, I think that's all from my wish list :D Obviously I am going to have to have a huge bank balance for all of this lol, or win the lotto, but anyway! Hope you all enjoyed, feel free to do your own and comment below any things you may like at Autumn :) :) 

As ever, thank you for reading !! 

Sandy S

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My (much needed) updated essential items list :)

Hi everyone :)  Now I know I haven't done one of these in so so long but anyway here I am :) 

So to begin with, how I'm going to do this is by going by different items for different parts of the face and body :) I will start with...

Eye products  

OK, so the eyes are the windows to the soul right? Or the nipples to the face as I was once told lol :P So for entrancing possible partners women have been using make-up products for thousands of years to snare a mate, we still do to this day(although some women need to seriously rethink the blue shadow red lipstick look, ughhh)  so eye products are very important! I have always been told my eyes are very majestic looking (I was actually told this before, not just blowing my own trumpet) and are my best feature. I like to make sure they look the best of my overall look :) The products I use are as follows:

For my eyebrows I use a spooly brush and a kit by Seventeen called Brows that :) For my eye shadow and lids I use the Naked Palette 3 by Urban Decay it's beautiful :) I also use Bourjois volumizer mascara, rimmel kohl liner and essence waterproof liquid liner, all in black :) and thats my general eye product list :D

Lip Products  For the lips, I don't use much, simply lipsticks or a lip balm :) I am currently loving Rimmel colour rush lip balms in 710 Drive me nude and Seventeen's pink power ! 

General Face  For my face I use alot of products so I'm going to narrow it down to moisturisers, foundations, concealers, powders and bronzers/blushers.

For a moisturiser I am currently adoring the Garnier Moisture match hydrating cream in Dry to very dry skin. I absoloutely love this, it's so moisturising and refreshing and smells good too! For a primer I then use either Rimmel Stay matte primer in 003 or else Nivea express hydration primer. Sometimes I use both depending on where I'm going or how dull and dry my skin is! To cleanse my skin I simply use baby wipes, anything else is too severe on my sensitive skin. All of these products come in a range to suit your skin type so they are very recommendable!

Next is Foundations, god knows I have tried an abundance of these since I was a teenager! I have yet to find the holy grail of foundations for me in one single bottle, at the moment it's a mixture of about three!! So my list is

Max Factor Pan Stick (really) in True Beige

Revlon colourstay in Ivory

Maybelline Superstay better skin in Nude

Bourjois healthy mix in Beige

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Porcelain Beige

Revlon Photoready compact makeup in Ivory

I know what you're thinking, wow that's alot, but that's literally just what I have in one of my travel bags!

I have to mix and match some of these depending on what I am doing or where I'm going, I obviously use the darker colours for my nights out with tan and the lighter ones for day wear. The ones I am most impressed with are Maybelline superstay and the Elizabeth Arden. I am least impressed with the Revlon foundations unless both are mixed with another. 

 Concealers are very simple, I only use two :) I use Seventeen phwoar paint concealer it's amazing and covers everything! Likewise with the Catrice Light reflecting concealer in Porcelain.

Next on the list is Powders, blushers and bronzers. For my general everyday use of powder is the Max Factor Creme puff powder in Candle glow. For bronzer I use two products, Bourjois Bronzing powder and Honolulu bronzer by W7. For blusher I use an essence Blush stick in pretty in pink.

 So guys apart from all this, all I can talk about really is the Ultimate Blends shampoo that I ADORE it is amazing!! It's unbelievable nourishing and brightens up any dull head of hair :) As well as that the Cocoa brown tan for legs and the mousse are my must need product for going out! The tan is so natural and lasts forever! 

Thank you so much guys for reading, hope you all enjoyed :) Feel free to leave any comments about your own essential items :) 

Lots of love..

Sandy. S

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