June Faves 2013

So the lurgy very nearly beat me this week but I couldn't let the month go on without a shout out to the stand outs of the past four weeks. June, you were a good 'un, here's some of your best bits: 

1. Essie, The More the Merrier: (€12.99)

I've made my grá for this Essie Summer collection very clear here but given Sophie's Choice and having to pick a favourite, the truth is I've been reaching for this stunning lime creme more than any other polish in the past month. 

If I remove a polish just to reapply it then I know it's a winner. THREE TIMES I've done that with The More the Merrier. That's a Win. 

2. The BodyShop's Vineyard Peach: (from €13.50 in store)

This body butter was sent for review last month and one sniff of the Fuzzy Peachesque wave of nostalgia and I broke my own Blogger cardinal rule - I delved in immediately and rubbed the heady scented gorgeousness up my arms. 

I've since rebought the entire collection having realised it's Limited Edition. The scent lingers for the entire day and the body butter is definitely a thigh rubber (as in I have a little rub of my thighs when on the loo just to feel the loveliness) (It's how I judge all body creams)(I never claimed to be sane). 

3. Clean Marine's Krill Oil: (€21.99)

I'm a big believer in supplements helping us out of a tight spot but fish oils usually repeat like goodo on me so I avoid 'em like the plague. I was dubious when this Krill Oil pack dropped on my desk and the smell once the packet was opened was nowt short of noxious. The fact is though, that these don't repeat once swallowed, not even a little bit. 

I've found my nails are stronger, skin a little clearer and my general mood seems to be lifted. Apparently they're recommended for PMS too, though I'm not a sufferer, thankfully. The lads were also sent the male version and I thank them for getting them through their recent exams, they've continued taking them without me asking and that's a miracle in itself. We like you Krill Oil, you can stay. 

4. FitFlop's Electric Indigo Yoko Summer Sandal: (€99)

I'm a FitFlop fan, I say this, I tweet this, I Facebook this, we know this. This Electric Indigo pair has to be one of the highlights of my shoe wearing Summer. 

I'm no longer driving so am now walking to and from work everyday. These wobbleboard workout pretties have not only made that trudge more bearable but my legs are really feeling the advantage too. Keep an eye out early next week as I'll have something verrry exciting to share from the FitFlop Gods. Keep Peelers Pelt. 

5. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Collection: (from €7.89)

When it comes to budget beautiful hair care, John Frieda really do have the (Super)market cornered. This newest collection, Luxurious Volume, is just that, luxurious to use and volumising to boot. 

Normally I'll use several combinations of serums, oils and sprays with my shampoo and conditioner but on a recent weekend away I realised I didn't need to do that with John Frieda. My grúaig is soft but full and easily manageable for up to three days. It's a busy Momma's dream. 

6. Versace Yellow Diamond: (from €41)

Though I will always call this brand Ver-sayce in honour of Showgirls, I've never really been a fan of the ostentatious style that goes with it. That was until I took one sniff of this pretty on a Sephora stop in Paris. 

Light and bright the smell is exactly what a Summer scent should be. It's uplifting, lasting and incredibly easy to wear. I like it. A Loh. 

7. Dove Compressed Deodorant, Invisible Dry: (€3.49)

These new compressed bottles that house exactly the same amount of spray are not only space saving genius but a manna to all ladies on the run. 

Not only does it fit in the smallest of málas but the scent is beautifully fresh and lasts. Ideal for a quick spritz during the day. I'm not a usual groper of pits but I have noticed that mine seem softer since using Dove Invisible Dry (that could be subliminal from all the flashing of pittage in the ads). Either way, I've since bought three more for my desk, dresser and mála. Love the stuff. 

8. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Paint in Cosmic: (€23)

While haring around Sephora in Paris last week one of the only counters to stop me in my tracks was Estée Lauder. Once I'd set eyes on this super soft, ridiculously pigmented paint shadow I knew we were going to be friends. 

A deep copper that's literally stuffed with multi coloured micro glitter I had worried that it'd be dry on the lid, not so. It applies like a dream and once set (in a mo) it lasts all day long. Be-A-YOOT-iful with green/blue eyes, I'll certainly be checking out the rest of this SS/13 collection. It's love. 

Wheeeweee, that's them, my June faves that'll be the cream of the crop for the foreseeable. You might have noticed that a lot of the links I've included are to Boots.ie, have you used it yet? I'm afraid of Laser meltage. 

Do let me know what your June favourites were and, of course, if you're a fan of any of my ones - it's always good to know that a great product works brilliantly for more than just me. 

Happy weekend, everyone!

Watch: New International Trailer for Only God Forgives

I'm unashamedly one of the biggest fans of Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling's last big screen coupling in Drive so when I tell you I'm literally counting the days until Only God Forgives goes Celluloid then even that's an understatement. 

The brand new international trailer for the upcoming movie has just hit my inbox and I'm beginning to think that Ryan might have to defend his most magnetic on screen actor award to the stunning Kristin Scott Thomas (Whom you'd be forgiven for thinking was Ellen Barkin - Hawk). 

Everything about this stylised thriller has me excited - you? 

Only God Forgives hits Irish screens on August 2nd.

Things That Rustle My Jimmies

I may be in my sick bed and I may have thought that my Jimmies would remain unrustled because of it - have they? Have they 'eck as like!

Here's the top things (and there's been many) reponsible for the rustling this week - Be sure to add your own in the comments - we're in this together, people!

1. Your Phone Battery on 20% by Lunchtime 
When You're Out for the Day

2. People Stopping Dead in their Tracks 

When You're Walking Behind at Speed

3. Cyclists that Break the Lights!

4. When the WiFi Refuses to Work!

5. Saving the Expensive Sweets for the Office and 

They're all Savaged Before You Get One

And with that I feel a whooooole lot better!

Now it's your turn, consider this a circle of trust and release your Krakens in the comments. It helps - honest!

My First Foray into Etsy: Bargalicious Bling!

For the longest time I've associated Etsy with handmade treasure trove and personalised prettiness in my mind but had never actually taken the time to log on and check out the bajillion Etsy shops and their respective wares. When a newsletter from the self billed 'World's most vibrant handmade marketplace' made it into my inbox though I was drawn in. (Yep, I'm a marketer's dream). 

You'll find anything and everything you can imagine from sellers worldwide but naturally I was drawn to the jewellery (It ALWAYS fits) and was completely spoiled for choice. I eventually settled on just two pieces from the same seller (BestQuality666) and was completely blown away when they arrived from Japan 10 days later. 

First up, this literally stunning neck piece with intricate detailing and chunky brushed gold effect chain. It's heavy weight and gorgeously bright with each of the glass settings cut to catch the most light. 

I've already worn this over a simple black t shirt and jeans and had 5 compliments within the first 30 minutes. I. LUB. IT. 

The only thing I Lub more? The price! This stunner set me back just €11.97 - for realsies.

ELEVEN. NINETY. SEVEN

Next are these beautifully intricate Summer bright earrings. I'm a fiend for unusual and unique earrings and these shell flower glass gem stone drops are no exception. 

Beautifully intricate and eye catchingly bright these set me back a mere €2.90, that's right, less than three euro. I would have paid up to ten times that. 

Aren't they dinky? Again I've been receiving so many compliments with these little beautys. They're so easy to wear and complement every colour featured (that's a lot) but also contrast against white beautifully. 

One word of warning when buying with Etsy that I've found though, both of these picks have already trebled in price from the same seller! I can only imagine that there's been a lot of interest so she decided to up her asking price and who can blame her. Because of this I'd advise buying a bargain as soon as you spot it - it's certainly what I'll be doing in future. 

Are you an Etsy fan already? I'd love to see some of your stash if so. If not you can peruse the prettiness here - I accept zero responsibility for melting Lasers by the by... (including my own). 

Monday's Moments: 01/07/13

Gooood Mooorning, July!! For the love of all things holy this year seems to be hurtling past, doesn't it? Though every single week is bringing bigger and better things so I'm really not complaining. 

This week was no exception when it comes to being spoiled for choice for Monday's Moments so let's have a squizz at the cream of my Happy Hap crop, shall we? 

1. Literally Google Searching Our Home

Oh wait, I totally did! 

I misplaced my Pixy Body Butter last week and was desperate to find it before I headed off for the weekend. Adam, being the dutiful Gorgebag offered to help find it if I could describe it. 

I'll go one better says I and googled it, lo and behold the first picture that popped up was MINE from my May faves post. It was propped up in the basket I'd used and then it clicked. It was still in the basket in the kitchen!! Astonishing stuff. We literally Google searched my own home!

2. Flicks on Friday Now a Family Affair

I know I'm biased when it comes to my two bags of gorgeousness but I can't help being a little bit stunned at the eldest's natural talent and humour when it comes to movie reviews. 

I agreed to give him a chance to review Man of Steel, gave Warner Bros a call and sent him along to the press show in my place. He's gone from strength to strength since then, rocking up to press shows and improving with every review. He's loving it and I'm one proud movie nerd Momma right now. 

 3. DotConf Shout Out

Friday saw the 4th annual DotConf in the NCIRL and my second year attending. The day is chock full of experts in social media, technical advancements and what it takes to make it big on the world wide web. 

The very lovely Paula from Market Match (pictured) took the stage and gave not only an insightful talk about what PRs look for in blogs but a hugely helpful and to the point presentation too. 

Of course I squirmed in my seat in chuffage when she mentioned that PRs are 'always looking for originality, something different, for blogs that share what Rustles their Jimmies'. Hiyaaaaay - the twitter stream lit up with peeps congratulating me on the shout out and I was absolutely chuffed. Thank you so very kindly, Paula. You know I loves ya :D

4. Sorry, Potential Daughters in Law

Source

Having spent an epic day at both the DotConf and a sojourn to the Thinkhouse Social Media Day where serious chats were had I made it home about 10pm that night with no voice and bones of lead. I've been fending off a dog cough for days and it was winning because I was so wrecked. 

Expecting to find an empty nest, I was instead greeted by the eldest who had not only tidied up but he'd stripped, washed, dried and redressed my bed!! After I welled up slightly with gratitude I asked him why he'd done it and he said. 'I hate when you're not well, Mam'. 

I'm keeping him forever. And ever. And ever. 

5. The End is Nigh

Moment five comes in the fine form of Michael C Hall and it's been months getting here. It's time for the final season of Dexter and I can't make up my mind whether that's a good thing or not. 

On one hand this season is set to blow the other seven out of the water (pun intended) but on the other, Boo, no more Dexter. It's one of the only shows that's managed to stun me time after time so I honestly can't wait to see what they've in store for us before the final curtain. 

Tell me, what's been chasing away your Monday Blues this week then. Care to share a Moment or two?