week #4... week #5...

 

 

 

 

I have realised that taking a photo a day is fine, it's doable. The issue is getting around to actually posting them up here. You'd think that'd be the easy part but sadly free time is becoming slim and I just want to relax when I have it to spare. You know yourself. So apologies, but here is a two week bumper special 365 post. Two weeks for the price of one and all that!

So yet again I'll give you a very brief run down of the images taken in the past fortnight. We have the dead hydrangeas in my garden, the river Shannon just behind my office, the view from Mount Leinster, our dog Ruby (being disturbed from her sleep), my tartan pencil skirt, an empty brandy glass, my knitted minion (Llewelyn) going a tad mental in the car, the view from the car on the commute home (don't worry I wasn't driving), the desktop image from my mac in work (downloaded from here), the lime kilns just outside Carlow town, the view of the motorway as seen from the passenger-side mirror, my gorgeous red shoes on equally gorgeous tiles, furniture from work (I love that couch) and a silhouette of my boyfriend Cormac while he watches the telly.

Hopefully I'll be able to be more punctual on my 365 project next week!

earning a place...

These are poor feet before I ran 6k today, last year I could barely run one. And that's my sexy toe hole.... mmmmm sexy!

I don't know if you guys knew this about me or not (can't remember if I've discussed it on here before) but I've been running for about six/seven months at this stage. Last summer, I got sick and tired of really untidy and not being able to be as active as my boyfriend would like (he's mad into the outdoors before you think otherwise). I just wanted to get fit (like proper healthy) and shed a few pounds in the process, you know yourself (we all like to feel and look tidy). But when I started back in July/August I wasn't really expecting to really achieve anything. I had hopes and aspirations that I would get fit and be running every week. But I thought that it was just wishful thinking. And with this in mind I never bothered to get special running gear. Except a sports bra and runners (every girl should have these!) However, my boyfriend had other plans. He was not just going to let me give up when my legs hurt or when my lungs burned... I was just told that's my body wanting to give up (but not actually giving up). And with his mean coach attitude and persistence and my unwillingness to look bad in front of him I powered on until I was able to go for long runs on my own.

And now I feel like I can call myself a runner but for awhile I had this vanity hanging over me. I felt like when people saw me run they didn't see a runner they saw some chunky yolk in baggy trackies and a rain coat. I felt I had earned the acknowledgement that other runners get when they glide around the town. I have worked hard to achieve what I achieved. (I know it's terribly vain of me but I can't help it). So last Saturday I treated myself to a fancy long sleeved running top and a pair of super comfy leggings. And when the lady at the counter asked was I getting into some exercise I delightfully said that I was just getting new gear for my running. And I know it's a little sad but I felt great buying my new gear knowing it wouldn't be wasted.

Anyone who has decided to get fit, don't buy the clothing just yet. Persist through the first few months and reward yourself once you know you are in it for the long haul. Trust me it's a great feeling!

week #3...

 

Three weeks are over and done with and I have to say I am finding this 365 Project really hard. I'm not forgetting to take photos or anything but I find it hard to get the time to take a truly decent shot and not quick ones on the phone. I think the images are quite interesting but not all that special. Well apart from the last one which is of my beautiful sister, Karen, and her baby bump. She wanted a pregnant lady shot and allowed me to shoot it how I liked. I went all simple and sweet and I am super happy with it (and so is she, thankfully!)

So again in order I'll give you a rundown of last weeks shots... Prepare to be dazzled! So we have, my workmate, Katie's over the top awesome sleeve, the mileage gauge yolk on my car while waiting for my other workmate Trish, The unbelievably intricate gift wrapping on my sister's birthday gift (from Bonzie), the fake orchids in the bathroom in work (as opposed to the dead ones at home), the really old rug in the guest bedroom at home that I covet dearly, a little sign from the nursery at my sister's and then my sister holding the bump of her first child.

On to week four!

inspired by...

A lot of things have been going on in my head and I'm feeling inspired! I'm hoping that a lot of things will happen for me in 2013 but they won't just happen on their own, I've got to get them going. Style wise I want to add more colour to my life (I know, now that monochrome is coming into fashion again I turn my back on it). I was looking into my wardrobe the other day and I could not get over how many black skirts I owned. Black, black and white, black and grey, black and gold... a little bit one sided. So a colour injection (in the skirt department) is most definitely needed.

Also make up wise I have fallen in love with the fresh faced look, when your days are long you don't want smokey, smudgy eyes staring back in the mirror. I'm going to try some simple lipsticks, to keep me looking fresh. Not mad ones now but a red or soft coral or blush pink will go down nicely I think. Soups have become a little boring, same old veggie just isn't doing it for me. I want a bit of a kick and I have been drooling over these mexican inspired soups, full of good things and super tasty (I hope!)

I can't help but steal a few moments away to look at some new design work that's out there now, really interesting pieces that have been created without the need for computers (too much). This piece by Darren McPherson and Will Miller really has my creative flow racing! And finally I have been day dreaming about my future home. I think this year will be the year that I fly the nest and I really want to make my new (non-existant) place my own. I have commissioned (begged) my mam to make this blanket for my future abode! You know, something for the bottom drawer, as they say.

As always I have been inspired my the devil that is Pinterest. You can see for yourself that I have a problem.

week #2

Ok so week number two is over and done with. Some of these photographs I am super happy with, others were taken because I was feeling a little uninspired so I literally photographed what I was looking at. But at least I took them which is all that counts! So in order, I will tell you (in brief)what is going on in this weeks snapshots of life. (Inhale) The view from my window at work, the view leaving work, the view going to work (I was the passenger that week), old petrol pumps that I stare at from time to time, martini drank from a Babysham glass (celebrating Friday/drowning momentary sorrow), the heart hanging from my bed post (yeah I nearly forgot to take one that day- but the heart was bought by my mum and is super pretty, so it's graaaaaand) and finally the dead orchid flower that fell from the plant in the bathroom.

I know, you're so glad I shared... eh no.

working girl...

Didn't think I'd be saying this for awhile but I am a busy girl at the moment... With the blog and working on FELT and working half days at my new internship (woot!) I sometimes feel a little run off my feet! Thankfully, I still manage to get a run in and enjoy the evenings (and lunch times) with the fella. But this hectic schedule has me all in a tizzy about what to put on in the mornings. I want to look respectable (the dress code in work is respectable/casual) but here in Carlow we are getting some seriously sticky weather so I am finding it hard at times to look well while still remaining cool and comfortable. In an ideal world all these items would be in my wardrobe. Smart low heeled brogues (for the running around), a shirt dress would be comfortable yet smart (depending on how you wear it), a watch to keep me on time and on top of everything and a gorgeous bag to throw everything into. 

Unfortunately this is not an ideal world so I will have to make do with what's already in my wardrobe for the time being... I can totally make this work!

inspired by...

Republique Theatre on Behance Network

Keiko Lynn

A Beautiful Mess

Pinterest

A Beautiful Mess

I feel like I am developing new tastes... or at least wanting to try new things. Get a bit of experience under my belt. I have been looking at quirky and hard branding styles, I have been crushing over not so plain tights which I used to think looked really childish on me but now I want to give them a go! I have been lusting over my own place (with my own furniture – just they way I want them!), I recently inherited my uncles record player that my dad was given which means I need to get a whole record collection and I am looking forward to buying old ones, record by record. And I also am going out tonight for the first time in a long while with my fella and I want to try some interesting yet classy concoctions!

Sidecar anyone?

back to the start...

As you may have already known I finished college last week. Not just for the summer but for good. I'll miss it and my awesome classmates but I am so excited about what comes next. One of my friends said she was nervous because it was the first time in her life when nothing was decided. This, of course, scares me too but I am so happy to have this chance. I am positive about my future, I am fully aware it is gonna be difficult and terrifying at times but that's living right? 

I have both long term and short term goals...

long term

Get a job

Get an apartment

Make FELT an actual magazine (should I bother?)

short term

Dress cooler (Sex and the City always does this to me!)

Do something with my hair

Put more time into my blog

Keep up the running

I am aware these may not be big deal goals to some people but they are to me... Any other just finished people out there with the same big butterflies in their stomach?

Image via Pinterest

tee...

The next few weeks are gonna be hectic! Painfully hectic... With my final project due as well as my portfolio and an exhibition to get ready for I feel fashion is gonna fall by the way side (even if I am making a fashion magazine for the final project/exhibition.) I think if I have time tomorrow I might pop into a few shops and pick up some loose fitting graphic tees. Something cool, a little bright and very busy. And I really don't care what print is on it, a photo, a mirrored design, stripes, a doodle, type; I'll take them all! I always think they are a great solution to dealing with busy days without resorting to the dreaded tracksuit. Shudder.

Yes, the next month or so will be filled with loose tops and and comfy pants... Personally I would love these beauties which you can find on Asos.

A whole lot of something...

I have had a nice few days since Sunday, you know those days when you are just always doing something and even when your not it's still fun...

Was out Sunday night and had a tad too much fun which caused an ill stomach for the morning of Monday... But Monday started to get better as I went for a lovely swim with the boyfriend at our local pool. Did a few lengths and got dunked a lot! And later that day went to see Inception. My dear readers go see it! I loved it and I know you will to... If you have seen it let me know what you thought.

So on Tuesday the boyfriend dragged me up a mountain (very proud that I didn't collapse and die of exhaustion) but despite my gasping and the fact I was always a few feet behind him I enjoyed it (it's nice to move out of your comfort zone every now and again). Once we got to the top we got the most amazing view, wish I had a camera I could have taken a photo for you guys. When you stop and look Ireland is such a beautiful place (soppy and silly I know but it's true!)

My pretty big bow and hair looking rather dull (that's what I get for adding effects to my pictures...)

Above is what I am wear today... Ain't that the prettiest bow you ever did see!?!?! I love it! Got it on sale in Topshop. And look I am wearing heels just like I said I would. But I have a feeling these will having to come off now as I have just found out the boyfriend and I are doing some more walking in the countryside. So converse it is! At least I had the heels for a little while...

Hairband: Topshop

Heels: Penneys (gift from big sis)