Style Saturday #8 The Peeking Giraffe

Soon after looking at my last post, I realised I forget to post about the DIY t-shirt. I guess that will be next Thursday's post. Damn, I need to remember these things! Then again, it could be worse, I could have forgotten to post altogether (much like beforehand).

Have any of you noticed that I've been at this blogging thing for about 2 months now. Isn't it crazy! I know that it is to me as I never would have expected to continue doing this, go motivation! I was even looking back wondering what number of Style Saturdays I had done, and writing that 8, felt great. To know that I have stuck to something like this is a bit crazy, maybe because I choose to write 3 days a week or something. I don't know, but I hope I can still continue this through the school year. 

Ok, I'm going to head onto the topic of this post and my outfit pictures, which some of you are hoping to see. So the story is, yesterday I went out for a late night shop with my mum and sister because my sister wanted to buy a coat in Zara's. She ended up getting the coat, a red duffle cot with a cute hood that kind-of reminded me of Little Red Riding Hood. I didn't end up getting anything from Zara's, but we took a trip to Debenham's (which I have trouble spelling) and ended finding this cute giraffe crop top in the House of Holland section of Debenham's. I thought it was so adorable, and naturally one had to try it on. I feel in love and my sister decided to give it to me as a small gift, how kind! I really wanted to wear it today and I did, even though I never went out and just stayed at home not in my pyjamas. 

So as you know the top is from House of Holland. My maxi dress is from Topshop, and I also wore it when I went to afternoon tea (some trivia for you guys) and because I was at home, I decided to wear this socks I got a while back in New Look for a €1. I know it's utterly simple but I'm so comfy in it and continuing to wear it until I head to bed. 

My somber expression

Pointing out the giraffe that you can't really see. 

So for the rest of this day, I will be chilling at home watching episode 2 of Series 8 of Doctor Who, which starts soon, along with eating frozen blueberries, a favourite treat of mine. Ta-ta for now, Nee x.

Brain-block, School and A Little Thanks

I have no idea what to write about. I'm just having a complete brain-block. Weird, right? I find I'm just getting distracted so easily at the moment, could be partly because I'm tired or be aside of my family talking to me. Why must this happen? I means it's stupid of me to do this so late, but as you know by now, it's me full stop. 

Tomorrow I'm heading back to school. Like full on back. I'm diving into a full day that finishes like a normal school day. I just think it's slightly weird that it's a Friday, but hey, who am I to complain. Could be worse, could be a Monday, ugh! Although this Thursday night feels an awful lot like a Sunday night. Weird, school routine-ness. I can't really complain about school at the moment. I have a great year ahead where I'm not studying for major exams, unlike last year, so I'm trying to think positiving. Being optimist is great. 

On that note, Bloglovin sent me a cute email saying "Congratulations on reaching 10 followers". First thing I thought, how bloody cute and positive Bloglovin is, encouraging me to continue on this great adventure of my life. The last bit is a slight exaggeration, but what's my blog without a little bit of dramatic essence, if that makes sense. Oh and not forgetting,thank you guys for the follows, it so nice of you to follow me, me and my random blabber. Even if I am a follower of my own blog, why bloody not! But yeah, thank you. And thanks to those who have been bravely commenting also. It's great to hear from the people who have been reading my posts. It's incredibly movitating! Smiles all around! 

I will have to end it hear as my mum is constantly reminding me to head to bed, oh well! Ta-ta for now, Nee x 

Tasty Tuesday #7 Simple But Delicious Cheese On Toast

Some days you just want to make something simple but still delicious. Then this recipe is great for you,  especially for students. I always think there is something really about cheese on toast, as long as you don't have it too often and this adds a bit of a twist. 

Ingredients:

Slices of bread (however many slices you want or whatever type of bread, I prefer 2 slices of spelt)

Slices of cheese (again depending on your slices of bread)

Ham or Turkey

A few rings of onion 

A small dollop of mayonnaise (optional)

Method

1. Set your grill to the highest heat level. Place your bread into the grill for approx. 1 min, but keep an eye on the bread as it can burn easily with some grills.

2. Once the bread is lightly toasted, turn it over and pop on the toppings. I like to apply a small bit of mayonnaise onto each slice, then add the turkey or ham. Place the cheese on top and then the onions. If you are using turkey, you can add some cranberry sauce or sweet chilli sauce to taste. 

3. Place it back into he grill and leave for another minute or so until the cheese bubbles. Then you can turn off the grill and enjoy your cheese on toast.

4. Serve with salad or if your bad some crisps. 

P

Style Saturday #7 My Inner Whovian

So today's post seems to be like much of my other posts, being posted at midnight. Oh well, I suppose it could be worse. I could have not posted anything at all, but today wasn't one of those days. Today was the 23rd of August, the day when Doctor Who Series 8 came out. And let me tell you, I have been waiting for this day to come, but also not really as it meant I would going back to school. Pros and Cons, so irritating. Anyway, here is what I wore. 

I changed my outfit a little bit during the day. I wore my new jumpsuit from Topshop which is like wearing a pyjamas. So comfy! I paired it with my rosé gold sandals from Gap, old cardi from Bershka (Blue for Doctor Who) and my fabulous new hat from Bershka. I recently bought this hat from Bershka as I have been looking for one for so long. I didn't want to fork out €43 for the Topshop one at all, but when I discovered this one from Bershka for €17.99, I was loving life. I was also lucky as they only arrived that day. Ever since, I've been getting compliments from both friends and strangers (quite unusual!). 

Here is what I wore for the first episode of Doctor Who Series 8. My friend and I decided to buy tickets in the cinema for it as there was a special showing, and why not. I just took off the cardi and added this top, which is an upcoming DIY post. I absolutely enjoyed the episode so much and got me all excited for the further episodes. Can't wait! My inner Whovian is coming to surface, oh well. 

So I guess that's all for day (and tonight). Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Hairspray, Coffee and DIY T-shirt Thing Coming Soon

So hi guys. I'm here writing Thursday's blog post which will probably end up being publish at midnight or so, again. Half the reason why, is because I went to see Hairspray (the musical) in Cork Opera house. Let me tell you, it's bloody amazing. I wish I went sooner but then it wouldn't have been a special thing I had done before heading back to school. Oh, we had such a laugh. I mean, I had seen the movie alright, but in theatre it was much better. We did end up going a few days before it closes so if you want to head there, it's only available until the 23rd of August, which is this Saturday! If you are very into musicals and a good laugh you will have great craic. Some of the jokes are quick, so you kinda have to be quick to get them, it I didn't find that problem. And even near the end, everybody stood up and we were clapping along. Soon enough my hands grew numb from clapping, but I still went on. It would have been great to have been part of the production, I found the cast looked like they had fun themselves, that or they are great at hiding it. We only went because somebody recommended it to my sister, and I'm glad we went. I went with my mum, my sister and my granny. 

So that's all for Hairspray I suppose. I am still a bit jittery from it. I think it's partly down to the cappuccino I had earlier on before the show. I think cappuccino are one of my favourite ways to make coffee, well besides the frappas which I rarely have. Why do they have to be full of fat and sugars! Oh, first class problems. Coffee is way in which you can tell something about someone. I think people who like espressos and americanos must be pretty brave, but then again I do like my coffee a little bit. I barely put sugar in and my sister was shocked. There's some news about me. 

Ok. Today I was going to put up a DIY tutorial on how to write on old t-shirts or decorate them. Alas, I was a bit lazy and didn't even do the project. I wanted to do it for an event I'm going on Saturday which you will find out about then. So instead I'll make the t-shirt tomorrow and post it next Thursday, the day before I properly go back to school. Sigh. At least I'm not going back to an exam year. So stay tuned this Saturday to see a preview of the 'creation' before the tutorial. 

I better head of to sleep now as its midnight. Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Tasty Tuesday #6 Dutch Apple and Nectarine Cake

Today's Tasty Tuesday is my sister's famous apple cake with a twist. She normally makes it with just apples but this time she made it with nectarines and it was so delicious I had to post it here. I hope you enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 eggs

4 1/2oz caster sugar

1/2-1oz vanilla sugar (depending on taste)

3oz butter

75ml milk

4 1/2oz plain flour

1/2tsp ground cinnamon

1/4tsp mixed spice

2 1/4tsp baking powder

2 small or 1 large cooking apple(s)

2 nectarines 

8 inch round cake tin/8 x 8inch square tin

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius/400 degrees Fahrenhuit/Gas Mark 6. Line the cake tin (base and sides) with parchment paper. 

2. With an electric whisk or hand whisk, whisk up the eggs and both sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and mousse-like. The whisk should be able to leave a figure of eight. It should take 5 minutes

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and milk, making sure not to boil it. Then pour this mixture onto the eggs whilst whisking all the time. This will help stop it from scrambling. Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and mixed spice and fold the mixture carefully so that there are no lumps of flour. Then pour the mixture into the tin and smooth the surface. 

4. Next peel and core the apples and nectarines and cut into thin slices. Arrange the apple and nectarine slices on top and push a few down into the batter, you can keep doing this until you cannot push them bad own or have about three layers of the apple and nectarine. Sprinkle a small bit of sugar on top and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenhuit/Gas Mark 4 and bake for 20-25 minutes until it is well risen and golden brown in colour. 

5. Allow the mixture to cool in the tin before cutting the slices. 

So here are the photos it's so delicious and moist. I think the nectarine add the moisture but they are also great with the apple.

Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Style Saturday #6 Fashion Haul

So I'm back. That probably doesn't make sense at all to you, don't worry I'll explain. I'm back from my holiday in Co. Monaghan. It's more so a staycation as I didn't go abroad. Still a holiday none the less. I know it's sounds terrible but it's bloody lovely to be back home. One, there is Internet (he he!) and two, my own bed. Nothing beats the feel of your own bed and waking up in it. I enjoyed my holiday also, but I think I was missing home a tad bit. 

Anyway back to the topic of this post. Instead of an outfit of the day because mine was far too boring and comforting today, I decided to post a haul of some of the things I got recently. Some are from Belfast and others from the time I went to Dublin (one thing). By the way I'm not bragging, I just major shopping. 

First is the top I got in Dublin a while back. It was from Zara in the sales for €9.99. I love it. I think it would be great with the skirt I wore to my cousins 21st (blog post). Originally I was going to buy it with the skirt but decided against it, as at that time it was €16.99. After a week's thought and a reduced price that I couldn't resist, I bought it. I love how it has adjustable strap because having a short torso means top half fall down on me! I also love the beading detail. Adds a bit of spice to it.

Next are two thing I got from Belfast (only a few days ago). I got a pair of Topshop leggings for £12 (which at that point converted to €18, a tad bit cheaper than the price of it at €18 normally at home). I got a pair of these recently and found then great, so far. These are my second pair. They are comfy, not too long and don't give me camel toe, a plus, but they are a little thin. 

The long jumpsuit was £12 same as the leggings and was on sale. On me the bottom is like the leggings but I quite like that. I do think it will look better on me when I go back to school. I find that when I got back to school, I go into a routine where I restrict my food intake (a good thing for me) and I take up an exercise plan. But that will be grand. I haven't had a jumpsuit in a while and I miss how comfy they are. 

Next are two things I got from Newgrange. Sounds a bit weird but in the exhibition centre, there was a place where they sold little companies items. I got a snood from this women who made felt figures and wool clothing. It's lovely and snugly which will be great for winter. The colouring also suits my skin tone and will match a load of my outfits. This was €10, which I thought was reasonable since she only sells her stuff there.

While I was in Newgrange, I also got a necklace from this guy who made silver jewellery. He had a large quantity of unique and handcraft necklaces and brooches. After much debating, I decided on this three spiralled design which can be seen on the entrance stone to Newgrange itself. It was my first real spurge on jewellery and I knew it was good quality as you could see him make it himself. It cost €40, which was good. I guess I choose this one was it is a bit quirky, much like me and it also suited me better than the others. 

Lastly I bought these pair of shorts from the DKNY boutique in Kildare Village, our last shopping trip of the holiday. I have been looking for a pair of printed shorts like this that actually fit me and felt comfortable but still looked nice. I know it's a bit late too be buying shorts, summer is basically ending/ended,but I can wear these ones with tights and they still look gorgeous. They were on sale at €19, which is good for DKNY. 

I guess that's all for today. Another late post I know, but I seem to be functionally late at the moment. Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Holiday Update: Newgrange and Belfast

I better not procrastinate any longer and just write. I mean it half 12 in the morning and I should have posted something earlier. But no excuses and let's talk positive. I have am update for you on my holidays. So on Wednesday we went to Newgrange which is one of the oldest historical buildings/monuments and are supposed to be older than the pyramids of Egypt. There is a little history lesson for you. I got quite a few photos but they are on my camera (which I'm loving at the moment) and hard to transfer. There could be an easier transferring process but I'll stick to what I know. Anyway, it was pretty cool. It surprising how people made these things long before us, in pre-history era. That day we ended up staying for most of the day at Newgrange as our tour was at 3:15 and 4:45  for both Knowtha and Newgrange and we ended up finishing after 6. Afterwards we headed for linchpin where we got massive portions of food. I got a Caesar Salad and was too full to finish it. However it was delicious. And it's bad but I can't remember the name of the restaurant!

Today was a different story. We headed up to Belfast which took more than an hour and a half from our hotel. We decided not to book tickets for the Titanic Experience but still ended up going. It was pretty cool but I think I had high expectations for it. I thought that there would be more 3D visuals of the Titanic but it didn't really. We had already went to the one in Cobh, Co. Cork and I must say its worth going there. At the Cobh one, you got a ticket with someone's name for the actual boat and near the end of the expedition, there was a list of the people's names and facts about them. I got a first-class passenger who survived ticket, so my one was pretty cool. The tickets were copies of the original ones they got so it's a pretty awesome gift. 

After the Titanic Experience, we decided to go to Belfast city instead because you might as well. We headed into Victoria Square Shopping Centre were we had dinner in TGI Fridays (I got a burger) and went for an hour long shop (we had a tight schedule). I only bought two items, both from Topshop. My mum and I were a little disappointed with the selection and found that most of the stuff were dearer when converted back to euros. It was cheaper getting them at home. Except for Topshop's full priced items. We think it's because of the exchange rate, damn that, but I still bought something nice. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped off at Banbridge and took a small shopping trip. I didn't find anything this time and my mum was the only one who bought something. She bought a lovely L.K. Bennett dress for £50, which was lovely on her. The only other thing we bought was coffee and a tiffin square in Costa. Oh, well! Makes me appreciate home more. 

Well anyway, I should head to bed as tomorrow I am headed for a facial in the hotel at half 10. Can't wait, especially when my skin has been acting up (ugh!). I will leave you with some photos of today. Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Outside of the Titanic Experience. I look so happy. 

Again Titanic Experience. Oh the lovely wind!

Titanic Experience 

Belfast City Hall. It looked lovely! 

Tasty Tuesday #5 Change Of Scenery

Today I'm somewhere totally different to the norm, in fact it's pretty much a change of scenery. We spontaneously decided to book a hotel up north and stay for a few nights. I've never been up this area before, and I just really wanted to. I mean it's cheaper than flying to England or America or something. We might head to the Titanic Experience and hopefully go shopping, my favourite. Anyway we had a meal at the hotel, a three course and I am so stuffed even still. 

For an appetiser, we had different bread rolls such as tomato, sesame, plain with olives and butter to spread on it. It was quite nice especially when I saved one or two for my starter.

For my starter, I had turnip and honey soup which was lovely. The honey added a slight sweetness but it was still delicious. 

Main course was a chicken for me. It came with baby carrots and a small potato gratin which were nice compliments. Again it was delicious but by then I was getting quite full. We also got some vegetables between us which included cauliflower cheese, green beans and potatoes. I ended up only having a small amount of these as I got full. 

I also ordered a Club Lemon, which as you know by now one of my favourite drinks. 

Now here would have been a picture of my dessert but realised by the end that I forgot to take a photo. It was far too yummy! Even though I was full, I had a strawberry panna collata (?) with strawberries and a strawberry cream, I think, with a shortbread cookie. It was quite yummy but I ate it slow enough for my tummy. I also got a pot of peppermint tea which is great for digestion I heard. I definitely needed it and totally thank myself for getting it, as its helping with my stuffed-ness and digestion, of course. I actually took a photo of this so here it is. 

Well that's all from me and I should talk to you on Thursday and give you an update on the things we did. Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Style Saturday #5 Afternoon Tea and Unbound

Today I went and had afternoon tea with my mum and my sister. It was so nice. I'll nearly turn this post into a Tasty Tuesday if I keep talking about the food. In the afternoon tea deal, in Miss Courtney's Tea Rooms in Killarney, you get a pick of 4 type of sandwiches (we picked two egg mayonnaise, chicken and ham), 4 scones and to types of cake (we choose chocolate and brand, which was too nice and vanilla). You also, of course, get tea of your choice. We had Assam tea and my sister had her precious Earl Grey, which she is so fond of. 

Let me tell you. It was divine! We were too stuffed afterwards and had to take the cakes home in the end. And it was afternoon tea for two, shared between us three and there was loads. But then we like to have the cakes or scones later or the next morning. A great treat!

I should probably post a photo of my outfit, as it is an outfit of the day. I wore a Topshop burgundy maxi dress, which I think looks glamourous, my Gap flip-flops and my H&M cardigan (which you have probably seem too much of). 

Afterwards we went to a cute shop called Unbound, which stocks the most adorable things ever with foxes and owls, along with quotes and 'encouragements' to quote Augustus in The Fault In Our Stars. 

I guess that's all for today, with my limited wifi service (it probably will be for a while). Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Chocolate, Fitness and New Runners

So today instead of being in the library, I'm sitting in a cafe eating a dark chocolate brownie and drinking a latte (I haven't had coffee in quite a while). The brownie is tasty and has a hint of a nutty taste, like they added some Nutella. Although it does remind me of the Milka's noisette chocolate bar, far too delicious and great when it's €1!

I should probably stop talking about chocolate and talk about my new fitness plan. I know, such a change in topic, going from one extreme to another. Anyway, I have decided to go for one hefty walk or strength building activity a day. Take for example the first day I tried it on Sunday. I went for a 6km walk (I think) which I found quite easy, strange for someone who has been not-so active for a while. I guess the reason why it wasn't so bad was that, it was a flat walk with no uphills or downhills. However the next day that changed. The walk that I went on was about 10km to and back and let me tell you there were so many steep uphills that I didn't make it fully to the top. Sounds stupid I know, but I was ony getting used to it. The next day, as you know I went high-roping which I can tell worked my upper body strength. I felt that the next day. On that day, which was only yesterday, I went for another walk, which again had uphills. It was all worth it when we ate lunch at a beautiful small waterfall. It was mesmerising! But yeah, that it what I have done so far. I plan to go walking on the beach, but I've taken a break from my runners.

On that point I bought a new pair of runners in Nike. I haven't worn them yet as they are my good ones that I wear with nice outfits (of the day) and not for my walks where God knows what is on the ground. They are a pale grey with a hint of blue and neon orange. Very pretty and a lot more subtle than they sound. And I only got them for €39.90, such a bargain! 

I guess I should end it here. I have limited wifi supply and I'm going to head for that walk on the beach. Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Tasty Tuesday #4 Out and About

Today's Tasty Tuesday is different to the norm. Instead of posting a recipe,,I'm going to post what I eat for my lunch, which can be half seen as a recipe because I post what's in it.

After a long and tiresome morning of high roping, it bloody hurts your arms, we decided to head to a restaurant/cafe called Zest. I was thinking about when I was there last, and it must have been 2 years ago. Oh, it was very nice and it still is. 

I got a ciabetta which was filled with chicken, bacon, brie cheese and cranberry sauce. Very delicious. It also came with chips and I had water too as I was dying for some. 

My mum got a beef lasagna with salad and chips which I had a sneaky bite of. She said it was lovely and tasty. 

For dessert, which was cheeky of us. We got a homemade chocolate biscuit cake to share while my dad just got a coffee. It was quite nice and it's kind-of inspiring me to make my own. Maybe I'll write a recipe for that, when I make it. 

It was nice to have something like this after a long day and I will see you on Thursday (hopefully if I find Internet). 

Ta-ta for now, Nee x

Style Saturday #4 Cute Jumper, Breakfast and Flowers

Here's today's blog post. Not an exciting one or my most eventful Saturday that I have posted, but I still went out and about and not stay in my pjs (unlike some other days). Today I just wanted to be comfy and casual because it was still kind-of hot here (about 19 degrees Celsius) but I wasn't in the mood for wearing something fancy and stuff. Instead I opted for something simple and cute, as you will see here.

I wore a pair of black leggings from Topshop, black tank top and flip-flops (which you can't see) from Gap and my new favourite jumper from H&M. I think it's adorable. It is a baby pink colour and is knitted, so it's light for summer. The thing that attracted me to the jumper is the writing on it. It says "Mais, pour-quoi pas?" which I believe means "But, why not?". So why not buy it. It is incredibly comfy but I have to be careful not to snaff it off of bags and stuff.

I also decided to take a few photos of some flowers and berries that are growing because 1, they are cute and 2, there was nothing else.

Oh and not to favourite a quick photo of my quick breakfast that I bought with me to CoderDojo. 

It's quite simple, but maybe not too healthy. I had a small apricot (which I know quite like), a Nature Valley for some oaks, chocolate covered rice cakes (afterwards as a treat) and a cup of Roobois tea, my favourite in this cute Orla Kiely Mug/Cup thing. 

Well, I guess that's all, ta-ta for now, Nee x