Monday's Moments - 12/05/14

How do, Monday, it's been a while - though it may only feel that way with the Bank Holiday hiatus. Of course we took a break for the hollier but we're back today with just a few Moments that have been chasing the Monday blues away. Ready? 

1. Great Googly Moogly This Stuff is GOOD!!

There are many things that Essie Button enables me to buy but the very latest is probably my most favourite, for now. I can never adequately describe to you the deliciousness of Teapigs Liquorice and Peppermint tea but suffice to say, it's only been a fortnight and I'm addicted. 

The sweetest, roundest tea with a kick that I've ever tried, I knew as soon as I tasted it that it would make incredible ice tea and boy does it. I can't count the cravings these caffeine free wonders have staved off in the past couple of weeks. You need to try it. Like now. 

2. Meeting Alexander The Bleedin' Deadly

Behold, the Moment the youngest Gorgebag got a squish of the newest Gorgebag and them hitting it off immediately. Squidgy Alexander here is my newest nepher and this is the first time we've met him as he's a Welshman living in Welshland with my biggest Broseph and his Momma. 

The sturdiest and most content little chicken I've met in a quite a while, he settled right in and made friends with every one of us. My Momma whispered 'Don't get any ideas' as I got my squeeze of him, so naturally I did the same to Adam as I handed him over. He'd only just composed himself as this pic was snapped. Good times. 

3. Grape Break in a Sun Trap

A couple of days last week were given over to pandemonium of meetings and events, I'm 100% not complaining as we get to do some very, very cool shizz but while bating between appointments the Sis and I took 20 minutes out to enjoy the sunshine in the suntrap that is Fitzsimons rooftop bar. 

Why did none of you tell me this little manna from heaven was here? It was completely deserted and just 20 mintues with a Ribena (yeah I said it) was just what was needed to up the vitamin D count and recharge us for the rest of the day. Believe me, if ever the sun is shining and you're passing? Get suas those staighre and thank me later. Bliss. 

4. Thumbs up for Preggo Brain!

Sometimes I forget what it was like to have 'baby brain', I forget that it actually starts in early pregnancy and haunts you for at least a year, if not more. It was only when my Sis visited last week that I saw it in action again and haven't stopped laughing about it since. 

Diesel, our big fat rottie spends his days (when not trying to catch airplanes from the trampoline) sleeping at the top of the stairs. When I was coming up said stairs last week, my Sis was coming down and I caught her giving him a thumbs up accompanied by 'Alright, Dog?' as she passed. It was only when I interrupted her with 'Eh, what are you doing?' that she joined Diesel in looking baffled and we both burst out laughing. F yer preggo I, dogs don't understand thumbs up. Not even slightly. Hi. LAR. ious!

5. The Secret Garden Pops Up in Dublin

Lastly, one of the loveliest experiences I've ever had - The Secret Garden Dublin Pop Up. We had the absolute pleasure to be guests at Meeting House Square last week, where Dublin Pop Up had transformed the space into something straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Blissed out tunes, an other worldly layout and some of the most delicious dishes I've ever had the delight in scoffing, The Secret Garden had to be seen to be believed. 

It was only on Thursday that we were let in on the actual secret behind the Secret Garden.. watch the video here to see Lidl Ireland, Claire Moran, Harry Colley, Cúán Greene and the amazing team pull off one of the most genius PR, feel good, culinary stokes in history. You should all be very, very proud of last weeks success. I'm only raging it isn't a permanent fixture but isn't that half the pleasure? Fleeting and fabulous. If you were there I'd love to hear how you got on. 

So tell me, what's brightening up your Monday? What are you grateful for this week? 

Have you a Moment to share? 

Monday's Moments: 28/04/14

Morning All and welcome to a brand new week. Even before I give thanks for the awesome days that went before the spirits are high following the magnificent weather we've been having. I was born in the wrong country, I'm convinced of it. Here be 5 Moments that are happily chasing any residual Monday blues away though. Ready? 

1. An Unintentional Winner!

If you follow me on Instagram (you totally should by the way) you'll know that I post a lot of first impressions and mini reviews of beauty products before they even launch. I've found it helps hugely to keep on top of what's new in the beauty world, even if full review posts of every product don't make it to the blog. 

Last week I had an unexpected but AWESOME side effect of that practice. Smashbox US chose one of my initial pictures of the Full Exposure palette to win their competition! The prize? A Full Exposure palette and their new 24hr Photo Finish Primer. 

Yep, I was gobsmacked and v grateful. I've since regifted said palette to a gorgeous gal pal that had done me a solid in the past so she can share in the Full Exposure awesomeness. It's nice to be nice, wha? (But THANKS Smashbox!)

2. The Best Boy

One evening last week I asked Adam to bring me up a phone charger. When he handed it over on the landing, without even thinking I said 'Thanks Ad, you're the best boy'. Up pipes Aaron (18!) from his room 'I do stuff for you too!'. I had completely forgotten that I used to use 'The Best Boy' as a way to get each of the lads to help out when they were younger, it worked like a charm (and seemly still does).

Ahh, Irish Mammy Guilts, I'll have to brush up!

3. Pre Pay Day Pocket Palooza 

Please find the one plus to the rain showers we saw on Wednesday. I had to switch coats for the trek to work, once I got to the coffee shop and patted my pockets for my purse I heard an unfamiliar rustle. Hellooooooo day before pay day awesomeness. €11.01 of unexpected awesomeness to be precise.  

No, relatively speaking, it's not a huge amount of money but when I was preparing to count sheckles to add an extra shot, this was pay dirt. I ordered the biggest, fanciest coffee I could think of and I could almost swear, it's the nicest coffee I've had in a very long time. 

4. A HIGHLY Recommended Chanel Counter 

I'm entirely blaming this post from Simone Loves Makeup (thanks S!) for drawing me to a Chanel counter like a moth to a flame in the first place but once I'd gotten chatting to Róisín (Chanel counter manager) in Boots Blanchardstown about Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet I was in, hook, line and sinker. 

I had just had my brows threaded so she sat me down to give my slap a touch up and disguise the lobster like unibrow I was now sporting. Not only was she a font of knowledge about the products, she invited me back that evening to have a complimentary Chanel makeover before The BOPs Awards. 

Lisa was on hand to complete my makeover, again, Chanel, you need to send some gold stars to these gals. She did an amazing job on my look and because she didn't have Impulsive Rouge Allure in stock she gave me the dinkiest Chanel tester lippie vial with enough lipstick to see me through the night. (!)

If you're thinking of a Chanel purchase (and you friggin' will be after my Perfection Lumiere Velvet post) then I can't recommend the Boots counter in Blanchardstown enough. Down to earth, knowledgeable, friendly girls without any hard sell. They're a breath of fresh beauty air. 

5. District 9 in Howth

Yesterday was the day we went to Capri without ever leaving Ireland. The Dublin Bay Prawn Festival was being held in Howth and because the sun was splitting the trees outside I knew it was the perfect day for a visit and to get some heat in our bones. I know I'm biased about Fingal Co Co but when we do something right, boy do we do it right. 

Temperatures hit 18 degrees, numbers hit their thousands and the prawns, OH MAN THE PRAWNS. We ate, we drank, we strolled, we ate, we drank, we made merry. Genuinely, Howth Harbour in the sunshine could be anywhere in the world. I'm thanking the lord we thought to trial Ambre Solaire's Dry Mist SPF as the hazy sunshine toasted us but as days go? Sunday will be remembered for quite some time. Huge well done to all involved. 

Monday's Moments: 14/04/14

You'll be glad to see, or some of you won't, that normal Monday's Moments service has resumed after IFTA mania last week. This week doesn't have Fassbender or even Jamie Dornan but it does have five Moments that have made my week easier and my Monday brighter. 

Ready? 

1. Adoption Proceedings: CANCELLED. 

There are days in your life when you thank the lord you didn't sell your children to the Carnies and last week I had just such a day. Having been in the office from 8am until after six I was all set to make the dinner quickly then collapse but Aaron had other ideas. 

As soon as I walked through the door he handed me a chip sandwich (Atkins would roll in his grave) and told me that they'd already eaten. Truly, there is nothing as tasty as an unexpected chip sambo and nothing as fulfilling as a lad that minds his Momma. Moar chip sambos I say, MOAR. 

2. Big Brother: Little Sister

For the first time since moving, Corrina (AKA the little Sis) got herself wifi in Athy. Can you believe it? For years the excuse was 'There's a tree in the way' - seriously but now set up I gave her my Netflix account so that she could catch up on the show we're all twittering on about. 

Cue 7pm on Wednesday I get a text from her 'Hey, I see you're watching Homeland, any use?'. Wait, WHAT? 'Oh you've added The Returned to your Must Watch list, have you heard good things?' WHAT THE WHAT?! Turns out she's using Netflix to spy on me, in my own living room. Now I'm afraid to even look at gick lest I be judged... *Deletes Nude Nun with Big Guns off the Must Watch List*. 

3. #Blessed

Following an evening at The Amazing Spiderman last week, we dropped into BK to get the lads a burger before getting the last bus home. It was only when the gal behind the counter asked to be paid that I realised there was a problem. My purse was gone. 

Both Adam & his pal backed up, much akin to Homer drifting backward into a bush while Aaron and I panicked and searched pockets. It was gone, I was sure of it. Having checked my pockets again, I emptied my bag onto the counter and nada, nothing. It was only when I went to walk away that I felt it - nestled in the folds of my scarf - SRSLY. 

I have no idea how it got there or how close I was to losing the lot but the day was saved and burgers were had. I've advised Adam not to go into Crisis Management as his career. It's best for everyone.  

4. Secret Stash FTW

That very same purse caused consternation the following day when I had been so careful to zip it into my jacket pocket, I never thought of it as I hared off to work the following morning. It had been a pretty manic week, yes? 

It was only sitting at my desk as lunch approached I realised it. Being the only one in the office I had consigned myself to starvation for the afternoon until I racked my brain trying to remember if there had been a communal stash of bikkies, then it hit me. I'd only bought chocolate the week before with the intention of bringing it home to the lads. Open the drawer and BOOM party time. I've never been so happy to see a scaldy Toffee Crisp in all my life. 

Note to self. I need a new purse. This one doesn't like me. 

5. We're ALL Winners Here

Last but by no mean least, a huge shout out to Warner Bros is due in Moment 5. They very kindly sent out passes for both Gorgebags to head off to the MCM Comic Con in the RDS this weekend with some nifty tees to boot. 

Both lads were up and out by 7.30 am both days, not returning until late, laden down with comics and loot and beaming from ear to ear. Momma here spent the entire weekend lounging about the place and getting over the series of unfortunate events that was the week before. Win/Win/Win. Thanks WB, from each of us. 

Tell me, what's brightening up your Monday so far? Any happy haps in your corner of the universe today? 

Monday's Moments: 10/03/14

Today we're mostly basking in the sunshine that Jean Byrne promised and willfully ignoring the fact that there's a great white shark swimming her ass off across the Atlantic to get as far as Ireland (I personally think we should be waiting in Sligo with a huge welcome sign  & champagne just to confuse her) but, on the whole, today is a good day. 

Want to know what's chasing my Monday Blues away? Sure isn't that what you're here for: 

1. No Mo' Glenroes

I mentioned last week that I've been able to cut down my IRL working week, thanks to this bandy back and a figurative cushion from this here site but I don't think even I appreciated the enormity of it until this Moment. 

When the clock strikes 7 in the home of Irish people that work outside the home, something equal parts mysterious and miserable happens. THE GLENROES. That feeling of dread for the impending Monday morning hurtling toward you. Well, not me anymore! 

Truth is, had I realised how liberating a feeling this was, I'd have happily lived off dry ramen from the packet for one day a week years ago. Adios Glenroes, ye won't be missed. 

2. Pizza e Porchetta e My new Favourite Place

Pizza e Porchetta is nestled away nicely on Clanwilliam Terrace, under the bridge of the Malting Tower and a shot putter's stones throw from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (Pre show eats will never be the same)

The atmosphere in this little slice of Italy is positively electric. Although compact (see above) the sound is more lively than deafening and the tables seemed to be spinning with the speed at which people were served and headed off to their shows. 

Having called ahead to say we were running late, we received one of the most welcoming receptions from a manager & his staff as we've ever had. Coats taken, Bellinis brought and menu recommendations made in a flash. It was only when the food arrived that time slowed down. Sweet BABY J, that porchetta (pronounced pork-etta)(who knew?). 

As we finished our mains one of each of the desserts was presented to save time. Pro Tip? Do NOT order the homemade Tiramisu if you're driving, breath of fire, delicious fire. I could go on and on about our new favourite haunt but I won't. If you haven't been, GO, if you have, tell me what to have next time!

3. Classic Constance

I'd like to consider myself a generous Sister when it comes to beauty gifting - except for that one time when I saw how gorgeous Michael Kors Dame was on her kisser and accepted it back graciously - but when my very own skin & blister pulled this doozy out I was floored. 

Constance FLAMING Carroll?!? I have no clue where she got it, neither does she. I have no idea how old it is, neither does she but whatever Class A preservatives they were using in the labs of yore, this stuff is GORGEOUS. Creamy, vibrant and lasts approximately 142 hours. Classic Constance. 

4. Uber Cool - Mostly

You may have heard that Uber is making its arrival in Dublin, slowly but surely. Think Hailo but with town cars instead of normal cabs. Think decent service in a high class car instead of racist rants in a jalopy (not you Hailo, taxis in general). 

Well on Tuesday we had our first AND second Uber experience. The first being God Awful as following SIXTY TWO attempts there still wasn't a car near Clonsilla (we subsequently learned this may have been a technical fault) but the second being pretty damn good. 

Hugh picked us up from The Marker in a BMW 7 Series just 5 minutes after we used the app. He made three drops altogether from Glasnevin to Clonsilla and regaled us with tales all the way. Completely professional and uber swish, the entire journey cost just €45(!). 

There may be bugs to iron out (such as not being able to pre order (WHAT?!)) and not having enough cars available but if you've a special occasion coming up or you've just had a particularly crappy day - give 'em a go. We're glad we did. 

5. A Teeny Act of Kindness

I often share the Elder Cherry's skillz over on Instagram but this one really struck a chord with a lot of readers/pals. When I dropped into my parents during the week, Momma was finishing off some preemie hats for The Coombe's Neonatal Unit. 

She often knits little cardis or hats for great causes but I couldn't help but marvel at these tiny wonders. Almost small enough to fit on an Innocent Smoothie bottle, it's heartwarming to think that these will be put to some good use. 

As Ange said on the photo 'my guy wore one of them for a long time so big thanks to your mam and all the other people who knit x I still have it, it's tiny x'. Yep, that brought a tear to my eye & to Mam's aswell. If you can knit & have a little time, there's WAY worse things you could spend an evening doing. Fair Play Maw. 

Tell me, what's chasing away your Monday Blues today? 

Monday's Moments: 03/03/14

Morning All, Monday again and not only that - it's March! I'd a choc full weekend involving birthdays, barges, retail therapy, an epic fall INTO the shower where I nearly borked myself and sitting up all night to see every one of my Oscars predictions come true. In short. I tired. 

As always though, there's five Moments this week that stand out against the rest & mean I'm not suffering with Monday Blues today and not just because I no longer work Mondays - this be them: 

1. It's the Little Things

You'll have seen me chat about my two loony nieces Aoife & Orla before. They're identical twins, seven now and at that stage where the Tooth Fairy is a regular visitor to their house. Both of them had lost a front tooth a couple of weeks back but Aoife lost her other one a couple of days later. 

It was only when Orla lost her second front tooth last week and was putting it under her pillow that Aoife gave her a huge hug and said 'We're twins again!!'. I would never have thought that that's how their little minds work. Nutsos. 

2. Losing Control

This second Moment is so random that I couldn't even make it up. Last week was my first week back in the office. There's been a lot of moving and shaking of offices in my absence (not because of it, I should add). When coming back from lunch with a pal we noticed a loose keyboard key in the corner of the lift. 

It was only when she stood out and I turned it over, I realised what it was and text her immediately- 'Someone's lost control in the lift!'. Couldn't. Make. It. Up. 

3. Sharing is Caring

Photo courtesy of Phyrra.net

I'm a big believer in sharing is caring when it comes to the Blogging Community. There's not one of us that woke up and suddenly knew every single thing. Jesus, there's not one of us that knows every single thing now. Starting out though can be a daunting process so when Phyrra (Poodle lover, rocker of awesome locks & blogger extraordinaire) asked for a submission for a post she was working on, I was thrilled to be included in the cut. 

You'll find the post here on Phyrra's site and it contains tips and tricks from some of my most respected editors and bloggers too. As they say, every day's a school day. Information is power and I honestly believe if we shared a bit more, it would help every single one of us. Thanks for the inclusion in a great post, P. 

4. Dad. Biker. Gamer. Geek. 

Although we Jordans never realised it for a long time, we seem to have a bit of a grá for an online presence. What with this little site, the eldest Gorgebag hauling ass over on College Times, the Sis building content for her family friendly travel site and now this - my eldest Broseph bursting into the Blogosphere with BattleDad. 

One of my biggest supporters since day one of CherrySue, BattleDad himself is one of the funniest dudes I know. He's not so hot with telling long winded jokes (Aaron inherited that Chief Wiggum trailing off trait) but with online content? - Mad skillz. Congrats Bro, looking forward to seeing a lot more of you online now, figuratively speaking and I know a lot of other Dads (& Mams) will too. You relateable sweinhund. 

5. Style & Beauty? Sign Me Up!

I know I'm not new to this online malarkey. Not even to guest posting or freelance writing a bit for other sites. You know what I am new to? eSigning a 3 month contract for one of the most exciting gigs I've been offered to date. 

I'm not sure I can say where it is (I know, I hate me for that too) but I've sent a mail to ask and as soon as I can spill, I'll spill. I couldn't let this Monday's Moments pass without a nod to it though. It's as proud of myself as I've been in a very long time. *stops self from licking paws like a cat*. I have been asked to keep my tone and write as I do here and I couldn't be happier about that. So basically, it'll be more of me, somewhere else. YAY!

Tell us, what's making you happy this Monday? I'd love to know...

Monday's Moments - 24/02/14

There are no words to describe the speed at which that weekend whooshed by - if you have them, share 'em please! As such it's going to take some pretty special Moments to chase away these Blues - handy then that these are special Moments: 

1. Sing It Kitty

Now I know it's unusual for me to include an advertisement in Monday's Moments but very little has brought me as much joy as this 1.16 minutes this week. Starship, kick ass kid, air grabs and a singing kitteh - Awe. Some. (do make your own at the end of the vid, we have cried tears of mirth in Casa Cherry looking at ours). 

2. This Works. Mainly Because it's Witchcraft. 

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: €19.80 in Arnotts or €20.17 online here with Free Delivery

My return to work last week after a six month absence meant that I was seeing 4 and 5 am on the clock before I could nod off. Torture. When This Works Deep Sleep Spray arrived in my door on the second day back in the office I barely had time to register the ingredients before I passed out for an epic 2 hour nap. 

Waking up, groggy and just in time for another episode of House of Cards or three, I was convinced I wouldn't sleep so stayed up until midnight. Figuring I had nothing to lose I sprayed two sprays of the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray onto my memory foam pillit and lay down. Within 10 minutes I was snoring á lá Grandpa Simpson! WITCHCRAFT I TELL THEE. I've used This Works twice since and you know what? This Works.  

3. LoveBox Wedding Fest

I was delighted to be invited along to the LoveBox Wedding Festival in The Clarence this weekend. Having missed out on Emma's BDay shenanigans the night before, it was exactly what I needed to get me out of the house. 

Tropical Popical were there, gals friendly as ever, painting the talons and Duke Special provided the laid back vibe with his original gramophone and DJ kit. The room was filled with original Irish artists and designers ready to make your day special and should I ever feel the inclination (I don't) I'll certainly be calling on some of the peeps I met there yesterday. 

4. Liquor? I Could've Kissed the Face of Her!

Turkish Espresso #NectaroftheGODS

Following the show, the Sis & I had been invited into the Liquor Rooms next door for some drinks and dins. Unfortunately she wasn't available: THE BIG ABANDONER: so I brought himself instead. 

Putting my hands up right now, they serve the best cocktails in Dublin, bar none (unless you want to prove me wrong). The food is cooked fresh, stupidly affordable and enough to feed a small herd of hungry Shetland ponies. In a word. GO. 

5. ULT Monday Moment

Finally the Moment that I've been waiting a very long time, well two long years for. Today is my last Monday in Full Time work. The Doc certainly forced my hand on this what with the bandiness of my back but it has been agreed and with the site and you lovely lot being as awesome as you are, I am cutting down to part time in work! 

Nope, I never thought I'd hear myself say that either. The dream is to finish entirely, isn't everyone's? But for now, for us, this is the right decision and I want to thank every one of you for dropping by and making that a possibility - well, at the very least, I won't be losing sleep over it. Never mind Moments, Monday is my new favourite day of the week! (after Pay Day of course). 

Tell us, what's your silver lining this week? What's that one Moment that's chasing away your blues? 

Monday's Moments - 17/01/14

Well first up on Monday's Moments has to be the fact that I've spent most of the day reclining in my leaba after a hectic weekend. If that's not enough to chase away the dreaded Monday Blues then I'm not sure what is - oh yeah I am - THESE FIVE MOMENTS: 

1. It MUST be True

I caught myself this week doing something that I'd say a lot of you did too but refuse to admit. I battled my way through the blustery sleet & snow to get to the shopping centre & while checking my phone said 'Oooh look, it's snowing!'

As if the previous 20 minutes hadn't happened and I couldn't see out the windows (of which there were many) that it took confirmation from my RealFeel Weather App to tell me. I die for me sometimes, really I do. 

2. Popping My Oreo Malt Cherry

Why? You might ask was I bating my way through the elements that day? Well it was to catch up & have the chats with All the Rs (that's +Lorraine Haigney ) to the rest of the world as I hadn't seen her in a while. 

Her widening eyes as I told her I hadn't ever tried an Eddie Rockets Oreo Malt were enough to make us break into a soft canter as we left Boots laden down. You haven't tried one of these before? Sorry, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED, MY FRIEND. 

3. Line Up, Line UP!

When it comes to wishing for super powers my requests are always pretty tame, like being able to spend less than I earn, the ability to not look like my mother's doppelganger in photos and finally to be able to master a cat flick liner. 

In steps the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush from +Cloud 10 Beauty and HOLY PAINLESS FLICK, BATMAN, we have it! This here is not only a very, very rare selfie but it is evidence that using Maybelline Gel liner & the Silicone brush I managed not only one but two, TWO, flicked lines. Seriously now, I'm not saying it has super powers but for €7.50 and roughly four literal flicks, I've just crossed one lifetime wish off my list. Just. Saying. 

4. Welcome Back House of Cards 

There's not many TV shows that'll have me rush my Valentine's dinner and a rosemantic night out with himself but Feb 14th return of Netflix series House of Cards is certainly one. 

We're on Episode 6 already and not to spoil anything but 'JESUSHCHRISTINAHANDBASKET'

That good. 

5. Mercy Kill!

A little background might be needed for this Moment. Having booked tickets two years ago, we eventually got around to see Sarah Millican live on Saturday night. Myself & the Sis being in a giddy mood, decided we'd join in with the show (only when asked of course). 

Sarah asked 'What do you do when your cat brings you home 'gifts' that are still twitching?' to which I replied 'Mercy Kill!', she composed herself and asked 'Ehh, how do you do that?' so I told her 'With very small pillows!'. The place erupted. Not to brag but she said I'm 'Officially awesome' *rubs knuckles on lapel*. 

It was then that she asked 'What do you bring on a dirty weekend away?' & the Sis shouts out 'A safe word!', when asked what it was 'DUCKS!' The place was in stitches and Sarah said, well God bless your neighbours 'A chap in the Circle (my bestie's Bro in Law) shouts up 'We're their neighbours and thought they had ducks for years!'. Literal LOLLING doesn't even begin to cover it - Feckin' hilarious. 

Tell us, what's made your Monday bearable then? 

Monday's Moments - 10/02/14

Is it just me, now correct me if I'm wrong but are we getting a bit of a stretch in the evening, hmmm? Are we? 

If that weren't enough to cheer me up of a Mundy, well I've come with 5 other Moments that'll do the trick just as well - ready? 

1. You Can't Keep a Good Daff Down

Now, isn't that a sight to behold? While legging it God knows where last week and cursing audibly at my keys to come out from hiding, who should I spot giving me a little wave but these perennial fellers. 

There's nowt quite like seeing your daffs spring to life once more to remind you that winter is leaving, sorry Ned Stark - don't lose your head or anything but we like Spring mornings 'round these parts. Welcome back, lads!

2. Lending a Paw

Inspired by Karen of the LovelyGirlieBits makeup storage vid this week, I decided it was high time that I sort out my own stash. It's been languishing (read bursting out of) a teensy Argos basket drawer doohickey for years now but himself has only gone and bought me my own swanky (WITH AN S) dresser! (be jellas, be very jellas). 

While I had the house to myself last week I decided I'd start to sort the endless masses - on my umpteenth trip up the stairs, who should I find only the nosiest of nosebags here - judging my every eyeshadow placement. I can do nothing right with this moggy, not. even. messing. (Fun Fact: she fell asleep in that exact position - my make up obvs doesn't thrill her as much as it does me. Wagon).

3. Barg Alert 

This snap is from my phone btw, I may have found THE PERFECT LIGHTING on my new dresser! *shoulder dances*

Speaking of sorting the stash, I was on the lookout this week for some brush storage for my little fiddly lip/eye fluffy numbers. With a surplus of time on my hands in the city centre, I did what is fast becoming one of my favourite things to do. I paid Old World New on Andrew St a visit. 

I think this little pot of dinky cuteness is meant to be a votive but at €1.98 each for high shine pineapple-eque gorgeousness? It was coming home with me (as did two others). Blahhdy love that siopa for quirky odds and ends. 

4. LOVING L'Occitane

I'm quite often lucky enough to meet a Brand Manager or Marketing Rep for some gorgeous products thanks to this here site and I don't think I'll ever stop being both humbled and grateful for that (especially since my bandy back can't take a lot of group events of late). But this week I had the chance to meet the Marketing Officer for a brand that I consistently rave about, mostly because they rock - L'Occitane. 

Have you ever just hit it off with someone immediately that it gives you this feeling? Not only was Vivian's passion for the brand and knowledge of their ethos completely enveloping but she, as a person, was just good people. We laughed, I learned and my affinity to the brand has only strengthened because of it. Hey, L'Occitane HQ, if you're reading, HAI! Also, Vivian is a HUGE asset to your company, give her all the monies. We like her. We like her a loh!

5. Dooped by Mr Frosty

From an immediate connection to an immediate WAR. We got to check out Nick Frost's newest release Cuban Fury on Friday night with the man himself in attendance. 

Having partaken in the mojitos, it was time for the show. I, of course, didn't miss the opportunity for a hug (GREAT hugger) but I managed a quick snap too. He told me to pretend I was overwhelmed and he would too. The man is a comedic legend but THIS IS WAR. 

(Film's good craic by the by, I just won't ever take Chris O Dowd seriously as an Alpha Male, not ever.)

Tell me, what's cheering up your Monday then?