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

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'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

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Makeup Tip Monday !!

Hey everyone!

So seen as Monday is a dull. dreary day for everyone, I've decided to do some makeup tips every monday(hence the header above :p)

Now they are going to be purely simple :) but something you might not have known before and might help you turn you're daily look around completely! :D 

Today's tip is going to be about White eyeliner :D something so small, handy and affordable that can change your look around :) 

I like to use the Catrice brand :)

You might think what can white eye liner do for me? Well, fortunately a number of things :D!

Did you know white eyeliner can make your eyes look way bigger? Most people think black eyeliner all the way...which is OK if you're already blessed with big eyes, but unfortunately it can just make small eyes look smaller. So if you are in the latter group I suggest go to your local beauty store and pick up one of these, and line your water line with white or even a peach colored liner. If you really don't want to stay away from black, just line underneath the lower lashes for some extra definition :) 

So you've just got plucked your eyebrows or gotten them plucked professionally, but not happy with your arch? Line underneath the eyebrow with the white eyeliner and blend in, I do this after I have my eyeshadow done :) 

Also, if you've just bought a really pretty vibrant eyeshadow but it's not coming out as well as you hoped? cover the lid with the white eyeliner and use it as a base, then apply your shadow :) 

I also like to use it for contouring, by lining underneath the cheekbone and where I have used bronzer as it makes it stand out that bit more :) 

These are just some of the ways in which you can use white liner :D have any tips yourself? Please share :) every day is a learning experience!

Thanks for reading :)

Sandy.S

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Beating the Blues this Christmas :) Mental Health

Hi Guys ! :) So I know my blogs have lately been very topical :D but I like a bit of variety ;) I find it hard to think of things to write this time of year apart from the generic Christmas tags, candle reviews and makeup, so I decided on one to beat the blues. Because let's face it, it is just as upsetting as it is exciting this time of year! 

For myself personally, November is a very upsetting, dull month as I have a few Anniversaries etc to go to and that only brings back memories. I find it very similar to January really, but I try to fill it with fun things to do to make it pass quicker, for example, myself and the boyfriend went to Manchester last week and it was a nice diversion :)  I know a lot of people might adore this month for birthdays or whatever, but I for one hate it :)As well as November, December might be a month not many love, because of losses, money worries and personal issues. But don't worry as you are not the only one :) As a person who suffers from anxiety and depression, I am going to try and give you some helpful tips to help get get you through the season.

I know the weather is not perfect but try to get regular exercise if at all possible, just make yourself a random playlist and start walking/jogging/sprinting, whatever it is you like to do :) I find walking in fresh air to be the best cure when I am at all down! I go for a long walk, as long as possible and it really clears the mind :)

I know it sounds so so cheesy, but try to focus on the beautiful season that is Winter!! You might not think you have much to smile about, but have a look outside at the aftermath of a storm, with all the streams fuller etc, the robins flying around, the frosty evenings, the foggy mornings, I really think that when you start to look at the beautiful country or world we live in and appreciate nature, you will start to appreciate life that bit more :) There is nothing like being outside when snow falls, no matter what age you are and catching a few flakes :) 

Relive your youth! I don't mean start drinking out of a sippy cup or anything like that :P Sstart watching Disney movies, get out your old play station and have a game of crash bandicoot, tuck into a few selection boxes...I know we can't go back in the past but we can do something that made us smile back then and hopefully it will still make you smile now :) I know for me, I love to watch Disney movies coming up to Christmas, have a cup of tea and maybe some celebrations (malteser ones for the win!) and then break out Spyro or crash bandicoot on the PSP or PS2 :D It reminds me of being young and carefree again! :P

Be with Family and friends :) I feel like this is a very important part of the season and what christmas is all about :) In my family we usually go visit our relatives on Christmas day, it's what we've done for as long as can be remembered :) I think it's important because you never know if everyone will still be together the following Christmas! On St Stephen's day I usually go out with friends in town :) It's really important to see those you love at Christmas. If you are feeling the loss of a loved one, remember them fondly but would they really want you to be stuck inside with a bottle of wine and surrounded by Celebration's wrappers??? They would want you to be out, enjoying yourself and remembering them happily, not in a drunken stupor. 

Make a playlist of happy songs, a completely fresh playlist, not with songs that remind you of your ex or that person you miss, maybe some christmas songs or Disney songs? I personally love Shakin' Stevens snow is falling :) Listen to this while driving to work, going for that walk or even cleaning about :) 

Some of these may or may not help you, but as a personal victim I feel that they help me and will hopefully help others :) Of Course I understand everyone is completely different, but do what makes you feel happy most of all and don't worry about what others think or do, or how other people heal, just do what feels right for you :) 

I hope this helps <3 

Thanks as ever,

Sandy.S

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October Favourites!

Ullooo! I'm back again, I'm doing good this week :D I've decided to finally do a list of things I've loved in October :) These could be anything!! I just went into my room and gathered a few things :P

So firstly, I absoloutely adored my Dove Shower Cream this month, I got the double sized bottle on sale in Boots, and I still have half of it!! (I realize that sounds like I barely ever shower, but I just like to change up my gels and creams now and then :P) I have it in the Plum and Sakura blossom scent and I love it! It's so creamy and soapy and makes my skin really really soft :) So big thumbs up for this product!

Second is a Catrice Nude Lipstick in Number 10 Be Natural :) I used this anytime I did a dramatic smokey eye so all attention would stay with my eyes :) I would line my lips with a slightly darker colour and then blend in the lipstick to sort of contour my lips and make them appear bigger :) (I mist get a camera so I can do vlogs :( ) 

The next item has to be a five pack of eyelashes I got a few weeks before halloween, five for €5 :O They are from the Ps I love range in Penneys and I have used two already :) They are combined with simple day wear and night wear :) This is me wearing some of them! :D

After this is a candle from Yankee Candle called Home Sweet Home :D I have already mentioned this candle, but it was so so nice I have to mention it again, I lit this up when I was having a shower, when I was cooking, reding, you name it :D It's nearly gone but I have a small bit left and need to but more!! Snowflake cookie is next :P 

Next is a small bit random but it's a dress from Penney's, a simple black Swing dress with long sleeves that cost me 15€ and I love it! I wore it on a night out recently and I loved it :) It can be worn at work, out, to town. It's just so easy to dress up or down! It came in pink and green I think also. It has quite a length in it as well which made me feel comfortable enough to wear tights with it (I'm about 5'10 in height :p) 

me in the black :P

My next favourite is a bit different :D I have recently been watching Once Upon A Time, the series and I am hooked! I have only seen the first two seasons so far but I love it! If I wasn't a taken woman I would be in love with Hook, or Colin O Donoghue :P So don't tell me what happens anyone that has seen it! For anyone that doesn't know what it is, basically it's a series about all the fairy tales that actually happened and they were transported into our world, it's brilliant! :D

 So that's it really folks, there is probably a zillion other things but I can't think of them at the moment :( 

Until Next time!

Thanks, as ever, for reading :)

Sandy.S

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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

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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

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