Monday's Moments - A Year in Review!

Whether you're a sucker for resolutions, a fiend for inspirational quotes or an eye roller at the very notion, it's been a running theme 'round these parts for the past few years to give thanks, weekly. 

Regulars to the blog will know that every Monday I post 5 Moments that I'm grateful for from the week before. Things that mean my Mondays don't suck as much and I can't recommend it enough. For peace of mind, for perspective and for a little mood moost when you need it most. Moments rock. 

Every New Years Eve, that's today, I spend the day looking through the entire years back catalogue and no matter what mood I tend to be in on the 31st (often melancholy, always hungry) they never fail to put a huge smile on my face and a fire in my belly for the year ahead. 

You can see this years highlight reel here 

Personal standouts have to be my eldest Gorgebag becoming a man ~ My back recovering enough that I was mobile again (your health is your wealth, kids) - so mobile that I could get back to daily walking and manage to shed just over two stone so far ~ Two brand new nephers arriving into the world ~ Both Gorgebags starting work and Our dear old Cherry Pops getting the final all clear. 

Things were pretty phenomenal on the online front too ~ So phenomenal in fact that I managed to go from the full time rat race to part time! I landed two huge freelance gigs (still pinch myself over these) and I pushed myself to get out and about more, resulting in ~ Speaking on panels at conferences, workshops and networking events ~ Having chats with a London agency that want to sign CherrySue and Offering PR/blog consultancy on the reg.                                                                       Mind. Blowing. Stuff!

The point of all this self reflection is not to gloat, it's to thank every single one of you for your input into our life changes and to give thanks to the powers that be (whomever she is) for the little things that have made our 2014 one of the best years we've ever had. 

I'd highly recommend taking up the habit of Monday's Moments for everybody, not only for the weekly boost that comes with rising above the dark clouds and recognising silver linings but because I've found, genuinely, that when I start being truly grateful for the little things, big things tend to follow. 

Here's to a healthy, happy & mindful 2015 

for every single one of us ❤

Monday's Moments - 14/07/14

Hello and Happy Monday! If you're new around these parts and Google Analytics is telling me that a whole haype of you are - big waves to you *waves maniacally*. 

Monday's Moments is where I take a little time out to be grateful for the little things. I choose five Moments from the previous week that mean I'm kicking Monday Blues in the tuckus and feeling pretty good about it too. 

As ever, I'd love you to get involved, whether it's leaving a comment below, tweeting your Moment or just taking a mo to smell the roses and realising we all have little things to be thankful for. 

Without further ado: 

1. L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2014

Last Monday saw the cream of the Irish hairdressing crop descend upon the Convention Centre in Dublin for the Annual L'Oreal Colour Trophy Awards. Hosted by Off The Rails duo Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon, the atmosphere was electric (and the tunes pumping) as we were treated to breathtaking high fashion shows punctuated by awards. 

I was thrilled to be one of the few press peeps invited again this year and the things I learned are thus: 1. L'Oreal NEED to set up a Spotify playlist of their tunes from the night. 2. Hairdressers, en masse are the craziest bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure to be around and 3. I need peach hair. Like yesterday. 

2. Fizzy Pop FTW

Photo courtesy of Sharon's Insta Hurr 

While at a very dignified and lovely Aureilia Skincare event in SpaceNK this week I happened to bump into these two lovely lasses: Dena & Sharon. Normally one to leggit home of a school night, when 'fizzy pop' was mentioned after several glasses of SpaceNK champers, I threw caution to the wind and tootled along for 'one'. 

Several 'ones' later we had set the world to rights and cultivated some serious six packs with ALL of the guffaws at silliness. See these two? They're seriously alright so they are. Here's to saying yes to school night fizzy pop more often! 

3. Game. Changer. 

This here is about to change the way you use Instagram forever. One of my most serious Jimmie Rustlers is typing out the perfect caption, complete with a bajillion tags, hitting publish and realising there's an error. No, it's not life or death - it's more serious than that. 

Never again shall I have to curl my lips at Insta posts, raging. Yisser welcome. 

4. It's A Small World After All! 

In the second of my 'fizzy pop' adventures this week, I was delighted to catch up with one of my favourite people in the beauty world and now in the real world too, Vivian from L'Occitane. Whenever we get together, I learn something new and amazing about her and we laugh like old pals catching up. 

This rendezvous' exciting reveal? Not only is she planning on taking part in a 10k run in Ethiopia for charity, not only is her gorgeous Tuscan friend, Cecelia (who joined us for a natter) a seriously kick ass chick that works her butt of for Concern all around the world but Vivian's husband also has a claim to fame. Vivian's husband is the master chef behind Bunsen Burger! 

Now THAT'S a small world. If you haven't sampled these burgers yet, get your behind to Wexford St TODAY - tell the chef his wife is an absolute doll while you're there - I'm sure he knows it but it never hurts to remind a guy. I'll have to head back there myself, ya'know just to be sociable like *drools*

5. My Bastille Day Baby Is Nearly 

Not a Baby Anymore

You might join me in wishing this little gickball a HUGE Happy Birthday. That's right, my teeny, tiny baby that arrived to this world in 36 minutes flat but has been taking his time ever since is 17 today. 1. 7. 

He's just one year away from joining his brother in adulthood. I know it sounds cliché but WHERE have the years gone? Days seemed endless when they were babies but holy cow I don't ever remember envisioning saying 'Yeah, they're 17 and 18'. This man child has given me more grey hairs and crows feet than I can ever repay him for through accidents, illnesses and guerrilla warfare at home but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now to spend the day chasing him aboot the place trying to give him a birthday noogie *hides in his wardrobe*

So c'mom, what's one thing you're grateful for today? 

What's your Monday's Moment? 

Monday's Moments - 07/07/14

Good morning, Monday, you sexy muddafuppa. There's something about the burgeoning sunshine each and every day this past while that makes it easier to see the bright side, both literally and figuratively. 

It's been a fab week 'round these parts with schemes, plots and shenanigans working out beautifully but these here? These are the five Monday's Moments that mean blues aren't welcome here today: 

1. Hurts So Good

Before we flew back from Wales last week my Bro & Sis in Law very kindly set me up an appointment with their Osteo/Sports Therapist in Swansea. You might have heard me whinge on about 3 slipped discs I cleverly acquired last August but it has seemed like a never ending recovery (YAY, Irish healthcare!). 

While Mandy, henceforth forthwith known as Fists of Fury, pummeled me to within an inch of my life, she also performed a little feat of magic. Managing to break down scar tissue around my spine and relieve the pressure on my nerves and sciatica. 

Once the intense pain and involuntary Tourettes died down, my back and hip feel better than they have in eons. I'll have to continue treatments here, but for now, I'm all about the Mr Soft impressions. Cheers, Mand!  

2. You're in My Blind Spot, Bub!

Nope, this isn't me but our very own Travel Expert, Corrina pictured with her youngest and her second youngest. She sent this pic of Cillian in her 'blind spot' and I couldn't help but guffaw at my desk. He could be plotting all sorts down there :')

3. Waga For His Mama

While recuperating from the above serious assault this week, I found it very difficult to do even the most basic of tasks. Aaron was heading to the centre and I promised we'd have lunch when he got back. 

When he walked through the door with a humongous bag of ramen goodness & Miso soup for both of us, the only thing that stopped me lepping on him right then was my limited range of motion. I'm not sure if I intentionally raised such an awesomely thoughtful dude but I'm totally going to claim it. He warms an Irish Mammy's cockles daily. #RealTalk. 

4. Random Acts of Stranger Worrying

While heading to Groove Fest this weekend (AWESOME btw), I met the Sis on Jervis St to grab a Luas up to the Dart. I was at the ticket kiosk as she approached but it was being a bitch and refusing cards. As I fed all of my change in, I turned to Corrina to ask if she had a euro. 

An elderly gent, whom I hadn't even realised stood between us, patted down his front and his pockets and said 'I'm so sorry, Love, I use my card, I don't'. Have you ever squeezed a stranger with gratitude at a Luas stop for being a legend before? Because I have and it was goooood. 

5. London, BABY!!

And finally, I managed to get to see her nibs this weekend so could hand over her belated Birthday pressie. We're going to London, Baby!!

Now with the cat out of the bag, we can start planning together what we want to do. There'll be shows, beauty stops, shopping, ALL of the eats and hopefully some cheeky meet ups too. If you've any recommendations for shenanigans, do please leave a comment below. I've never gone to The Londinium and not had something new to see or do. Not ever. *Squeals!!*

So tell us, what's making you Happy today? There's got to be something brightening your day just a little bit or even a hell of a lot?!

Monday's Chattery - What Are You Grateful For?

Guess who's back, back again...

It would seem that, although not bursting at the seams with comments, that people are missing The Chattery! Apologies for the temporary suspension but I genuinely felt it wasn't to peoples' taste - I guess I was wrong. 

For the Monday that's in it, I'll start the chat off with a simple question - 

what's one thing you're grateful for today? 

You'll see five things I'm grateful for in just a little while as Monday's Moments go live but honestly, I can't tell you what just taking note of the little things each week has done for my equilibrium. 

It's easy to get caught up in the bigger picture, to always imagine your eyes on the prize and it's pretty hard just to take a moment and breathe. 

So tell us, what's making you happy today? 

Let's Chat!

Monday's Moments - 16/06/14

Oh what a beautiful mooooorning, oh what a beautiful day - what's not to love about the summer months, eh? Sure it's Monday but that means a fresh start and a headlong run into what the week might bring - all good stuff!

The sunshine is certainly lifting my mood but so too are these five Moments that mean Monday blues have vamoosed once again. Catharsis FTW!

1. Cut Price Coffee? Aww Yiss!

You know a product is going to be popular when one tweet about it receives more than 10 retweets in minutes. Lidl, the creative minds behind Secret Garden Dublin have come up with another master stroke. Nespresso compatible coffee pods, for very few pee that are feckin' delish. That ticks all the coffee boxes for me, thanks v much. 

Priced at just €1.99 for 10 (that's just over 20c a cup, coffee nuts), these capsules have replaced my dwindling Nespresso stash nicely and I didn't have to join a poncey queue to get 'em. Two pods over ice with a splash of milk (and occasionally a dash of caramel syrup) have been keeping me going all week & saving me a forch. Well played, Lidl, well played!

2. InstaThrilled

I was hella late to the Instagram party, despite people telling me how much I'd love it (soz, Karen). I bit the bullet last year though and you know what? Everyone was right - addicted. 

I use the instant, pic sharing, double tap mecca for micro blogging - that is sharing sneak peeks of products as they're wrestled from the postie, mini reviews, swatches and snippets of behind the scenes at events. I LOVES IT. It helps that I can creep on everyone else's pics too. This past week I passed 1000 followers, I know in the grand scheme of things that's not huge but pour moi? It makes me happy dance lik dis *does Mr Plough hip thrusts*. Come check out our carry on here  & leave your Insta below if you'd like me to check yours out too!

3. You Made Your Mother Cry...

I often share pictures, videos & threats that the Gorgebags send me daily because, frankly, they're hilarious but Aaron this weekend managed to make me blub with just one PM. 

I know there has been backlash about single mams being mentioned on Father's Day but you know what? Screw those guys. It's damn near impossible pulling double duty when your little ones are still little and yep, there were days I honestly couldn't see the light but truthfully, Moments like this remind me how far we've come and how great a job we've done together. 

If you're parenting on your own and struggling, take heart, it gets so much easier, I wouldn't have our lives any other way now and you'll feel the same way very soon, I promise. 

4. Tuesday's Travels

Speaking of parenting powerhouses, we made a little (ie HUGE) announcement on site yesterday and yep, it's a Moment and a half. My own little Sis, Corrina is joining the Cherry ranks and has signed up to be our getaway expert!

If there's a tip or trick about getting a better deal or picking the right destination in holidays then Stone Travel herself is the one to ask. So that's exactly what I did, I asked. Tuesday's Travels starts tomorrow, you can catch the intro post here. We're hoping that it'll be uplifting and informative and will give you (and your kidlets if you have 'em) the inspiration to pack a bag and see some of the world. YAY SIS!

5. AUSSOME!!

One of the pinnacles of an already kick ass week had to be the email to confirm that we have been chosen as one of the eight finalists in the Aussie Blog Awards, sponsored by Her.ie (check out what they said about little ol' us), not only that but we're in the running for Reader's Choice Award too!

Aussome Company to be in!!

If you know me, or you just read Moment 3 up there, you'll know that things like this are just not what I saw for us only a few years ago. I never imagined I'd find something I love doing so much and turn out to be pretty decent at doing it too. Even more astoundingly, people would like the cut of our jib so much that it would literally change the life we live and the future we now look forward to. That right there blows my mindhole, every single day. 

If you took the time to vote for us, I want to thank you, sincerely. If you'd like to vote for us in the Reader's Choice category, then I'm afraid I might have to kiss you, sloppily, at the party, bring your kissing lips! 

Tell me this and tell me no more - 

What the Moment kicking your Monday Blues 

in the shins?

Monday's Moments - 09/06/14

Things have been pretty hectic 'round this way of late, meaning Monday's Moments haven't been uploaded every week. Not usually one to change my outlook because of tacktastic quotes on sunset memes or the like, I saw the picture below this week and it reminded me to give a little thanks and count my blessings once more, isn't that what Monday's Moments are all about? 

Preach!

1. Buh Gok

Living with teenage lads is not something I ever thought would bring me the greatest joy on earth but these two beasts that I'm raising make me laugh every single day, even when it's at my expense. I was calling Aaron for over an hour to come down for his breakfast last week and this ominous threat popped up on my FB Messenger from him in his pit. 

I went from mumbling about ungrateful gits under my breath to almost choking on my coffee in seconds. It's hard to stay mad at him when he's one of the funniest feckers I know. He knows me well. Git like him. 

2. If I Disappear - She Did It!!

Cos that's not freaky at all, CAT!!

Ever get a feeling someone's watching you while you sleep? There's not many creepier feelings than that, is there? How about the feeling that a cat is plotting your demise? Boo will happily sleep all day, apart from crazy hour in the evening but once everyone's gone to bed she makes it her mission to freak me out by staring at me from obscure places. 

4.30am last Thurs I happened to wake and there she was, OUTSIDE my window, staring at me like the little furry freak she is. Adam (her person) refuses to believe me so I snapped this to prove it. If ever I go on the missing list, blame the cat, won't you?

3. Five for Five!

You'll have seen by now that the Belfast, London and Edinburgh Groupon City Guides have gone live and don't they look great? As the Style & Beauty Blogger for the Dublin contingent, I've been feverishly working on content for months now so that our city can launch with a bang too. 

One of the hardest things about writing back content is coming up with original content that will stand the test of time. Usually I'll pitch 2-3 ideas and 2 are chosen, that's how it's set up. Last month, however, I took a punt and pitched 5, hoping for 2. I got an instant response asking for all 5 ASAP. I'm absolutely thrilled and more excited than ever for our Guide to launch so you can see what we've been cooking up.  

4. Orange Is The New 'Ah Feck, I'm Finished'

One whole year we've been waiting on the new season of #OITNB, 12 months, 53 weeks. The thing with Netflix though is that it's a binger's dream. I had convinced myself after inhaling season 2 of House of Cards in 13 hours that it was a bad idea to do the same this time 'round. Did I stay convinced? Did I heck as like. 

13 hours and a bit, that's what it took. Episode after episode, not even waiting for the 14 second countdown. There were moments of brilliance, the characters came into their own and the whinging, self absorbed pain in the flute that is Chapman was given minimal air time. The ending was perfection and I'm wholly convinced I'll re-watch just to savour it but all in all it was a success, an exhausting success. Oh, Netflix how I love to hate you. 

5. A Day in the Life of a Dublin Blogger

Thursday gone is easily one of the busiest days I've had blog wise in a very long time. I'm not complaining, not for one second, leaving the house at 8am and darting from appointment to meeting to event to meeting to awards was one of the most tiring but one of the most rewarding days I've enjoyed so far. 

I've managed to cut down to part time in work because the blog has been so successful and they're words I would never, ever have thought I'd type. I honestly have to pinch myself every time a wonderful invite comes in the door or I get a fabulous compliment as I never in a million years would have thought that this is the direction my life (our lives) would take. I do want to thank each of you sincerely and on behalf of the Gorgebags too. Enjoying our time this much would never have been possible without ye checking in to see what lunacy we're getting up to. Honestly though, thanks <3 

(If you'd like a full Day in the Life post, do just say the word in the comments and I'll spill all - I might even gather the courage to vlog the next one!)

Tell me, what's chasing away your Monday Blues today then? What's been the highlight of your week?