Monday 30 December 2013

Preparing My 2014 Bucket List

Now I'm a list maker out and out. I go nutzo for a good pro and con.

But surprisingly I don't tend to make them for the New Year. I used to think a year was too long to live off one list. I could make several in that time!

But this year I'm changing my tune. And I'm making the list of all lists. I want to change, to better, to laugh, to enjoy and to adventure.

But in my mind to make a truly great list you need the perfect notebook. And, that way you can continue additions to the list all year long!

So, before I get down to letting you in on my list, here are my favourite notebooks with fresh pages for some new memories.




1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

And If none of these take your fancy I've just discovered the greatest stationary website, Sloane Stationary. I'm a little in love with all their stock!




Friday 27 December 2013

Festive Before The Festivities

Ok so as some of you like know, the weather in my part of the world was absolutely awful, and thus played havoc with my internet access. So after playing with some antennas I've finally go it back!

Yipee!!

So even though this post is extremely late, here is the tale of my pre Christmas weekend tales.

This weekend in my house seemed to be all about food, we have all been so busy working in the run up to Christmas this weekend we finally got a chance to breath and enjoy a family meal together.

Which resulted in this beast arriving for dinner. I guess its what you get when your roast potato addicted father, hasn't had a roast dinner in at least a week and a half.



No vegetarians in this household, we are complete carnivores.

After completely stuffing ourselves, we busied ourselves with the next task & in my mind the most important activities of the holidays, decorating the tree!


We always have a real tree in our house and this year I think we got a beauty. It's pretty even all over and smells terrific.

After a couple of hours, a pan of slutty brownies (there will be a post on these VERY soon :) ) & one Michael Buble Christmas CD later, this was the final product.



I have to give credit for the tree to my mum, she's a class act when it comes to a Christmas tree. But don't fret bloggees, I'll be holding up my end of the workload once I decorate the sitting room and the rest of the house.

Other than a couple of last minute things to do, I'm almost totally set for Christmas and for the family to pile in on Wednesday.

How have your christmas preparations going? Any tips for those pesky fairy lights?



Friday 20 December 2013

Dreaming of The Beach

Now I love winter, I do and if you're a frequent reader of B.A.S. then you'll know all the reasons I do.

But when your fingers are frozen to a heater is a freezing cold marquee attempting to sell smoked salmon in the dead of Winter, your mind begins to wander.

And my mind goes straight wanderlust.

And right now I'm planning my bucket list of travels for 2014.

I am extremely fortunate that I have lots of friends all over the world so when I travel I like to go to the places they live and not only journey around a new place but also catch up with people I don't get to see a lot.

So this is my wander-list (see what I did there, hehe) for 2014 so far.


Dubrovnik; Its been on my list for a while now and It's pretty much at the top now ever since I started watching Games of Thrones. (which just happens to be filmed in Old Town Dubrovnik) Just look at that crystal water, the sunshine... Teleporting superpowers would be SO good right now! 



Bruges, I just want to wonder around this place. There's something a little magical/medieval about it. Somewhere I badly want to tick off the bucket list. 




Copenhagen, My uncle lives here with his family, but I've never been! Shocking I know, but the last few times my Mum and Dad have gone I'm been busying or away myself. Its a beautiful european city and a definite place to go. 




Florence, ever since I started studying Art History I've wanted to go here and never leave all the wonderful museums and stare at the masterpieces of the city for hours. And it just so happens an American friend of mine is doing a semester study abroad there in the New Year. Hmmm, decisions ;) 


Now, I already have a job lined up for new Summer for June, July and August in a terrific Arts Summer Camp, and when I'm in America I always do my best to get a trip to the greatest city in the world, New York City baby. I love NYC and I want to perhaps live there someday but for now I'm happy to spend as much time there as I can until then.




But I'm also so eager to see other parts of the USA. I've been stateside several times over the years, but I've only ever been around the East Coast, from Rhode Island, Boston up to NYC. So when I'm over this Summer If I'm lucky enough and I can get enough time and money together there are a couple spots I definitely want to check out. 




A dear friend of mine lives in California, I haven't seen her in a couple of years which is so sad because from the moment we met, she became a sister from another mister to me. So Cali... I hear you calling my name. 




New Orleans, this place for me needs no introduction. Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, I want to go there and just soak it in. Let the jazz set in and learn all the juicy history all over the french quarter. 




Ok, this one is a bit of a stretch admittedly, but I have a feeling it might be a wild card for me this year as to whether or not I'll go. But it's on the list either way. I have... a lot! of friends and family living all over Australia right now. I was there 3 years ago and just loved it. So who knows, never say never. 


I make these lists all the time and they grow rapidly but I've been working like crazy this last month and I'm hoping to put as much of the money I have earned as possible into my next set of travels, ticking off this list as I go.

Do you have any travels planned this coming year? Or any dream places you want to go to? Sounds off in the comments and let me know. Maybe theres a hidden gem thats missed my list.



Wednesday 18 December 2013

Lets Nail This

What's that I hear, the ping pong sound of back to back Christmas office parties, dinners out and family drinks evenings. 

Yes indeedy its that time of year again! The time with the Little Black dress is worn more than anything and the seasonal heels are well and throughly dusted off. 

Now I have a style post coming your way, but it's still being fine tuned. 

So, today I thought I'd start with something that if done right can last you through all your nights out and adds *polish to any outfit - A good manicure! 

I've always been good with my nails, even being dubbed model hands in Secondary School.  (Hey, I've been called worse! ) I always figured that if Life plan 'A' didn't work out, I could always become a manicurist. 

My methods are simple, but hey most of the best methods are.

First off start by washing your hands, soak in hot water and give your hands a good ol scrub and apply a generous sum of your favourite hand cream. 
I like go for Green Angel, its infused with seaweed and feels wonderful. 



Next, take care of your cuticles I got given this ointment from a friend back in Australia. Its called PaPaw so I put it on my Paw Paws!

Its used for a million different things; burns, cuts, scars etc. But, I like it for my cuticles. It is hard to come by so chose your own poison wisely, there is nothing worse than butchered cuticles.





Now thats the paws taken care of, now on to the main dish - the nails!

I wear nail varnish quite a bit, so it's vital that even though your covered the nail, you keep them strong.   Think of it like the building and its foundations. 

I tried various things for this, having landed on Rimmel London nail rescue. One coat on before the nail varnish.

 If possible take a 2 week gap from polish every now and again coating this on everyday and you won't believe your nails after it. 





I go wild with the colours in Summer, but for Winter I go pretty traditional and go with some reds or nudes throughout the season. 

I'm an O.P.I  girl out and out and my colour of choice for the Christmas party time is a bottle of their 'Manicurist of Seville'. but they have tons of great reds and release more all the time. So choose one that suits you and it'll last you ages. 

There colours are strong so one coat could do, but if you want your manicure to last you a while go for 2 coats, even 3. 

And top off with a clear top coat for a seal and more shine. 
More shine at Christmas is mandatory! 




Looks pretty good right! 




Now go get your glam rags on, and party the Festive season away. 

Enjoy! 


Monday 16 December 2013

My Festive Loves

Ok, So if you're a frequent reader of Because Amy Says you'll know by now I love Christmas. 

I've listed my many loves of this time of year already, but one I forgot to mention is Tumblr this time of year. I love it! Every time I log on its like looking into Santa's Grotto, should you follow the right blogs. 

So as an early gift to you, and to perhaps to get all you readers into the Festive spirit. 

Here's little collection of my favourite Christmas inspired Tumblr finds. 

Enjoy! 



You can also look at these and more on my own Tumblr page

This last picture I had to give its own solo spot. How cute, I love it so much I'm thinking about making 
it my christmas card this year. 



I hope this spot did the trick my readers and you're now off to wrap gifts or bake gingerbread. Speaking of which, If you have any good recipes for some, send them my way!


I'm also thinking of making this Tumblr selections a regular thing on the blog, what do you think?

Friday 13 December 2013

Disney Darling

I'm feeling in a Christmasy mood today, and with Christmas only days away,  I'm more than happy to start the celebrations a tad early.

While I do sympathise that yes Christmas can bring about plenty of stress and mournful groans from the old purse strings but Christmas for me -and I find this more and more the older i get- is about time with your family, some nice food, a bit of time away from work and enjoying the traditions you've had since you were a child and maybe now sharing them with your own children or any kids in your life.

And one big tradition for me is Disney!

Ever since I was little I have loved Disney. I was one of those lucky kids who had all the movies on VHS and literally watched them to death! I loved it. And now that I'm only It is such a home comfort to see an old disney movie on TV. 

After much deliberation, and those of you out there who have made this decision knows the agony of it! I finally chose my no.1 favourite Disney movie... Drumroll Please!.... Peter Pan.

.
Fly away with me?

And, every Christmas since I was a kid at some point in the festive season I sit down beside the fire and watch it.

 Of course, singing along to all the songs and being completely jealous I can’t fly!





Where is a bit of fairy dust when you need it!

Then is something just fantastically magical about a boy who never grows up and gets to live his life in a dream land. Seems like an alright way to spend ones life with dreaded thoughts of the alarm clock going off in the morning.


So the question I pose to you and one of my favourites to ask people; what is your favourite Disney movie? Sound off in the comments, and let me know.

Or, what are your favourite holiday traditions to take part in ?



Wednesday 11 December 2013

Drink Up Starbucks



Can I just say man, oh man, It is cold outside! 

This whole global warming is really starting to get on my nerves!
And I know what your thinking, If the problem is global warming then why isn't the sun shining?! Well smarty pants, due to Ireland's (Where I am right now) place in relation to the equator, Ireland will only get colder with global warming instead of actually warming. Unfair I know, sunshine all year round seems pretty good as I warm my frost bitten toes off a radiator.

I mean people in California seem pretty happy right?

Well, there can be plenty of bonuses to winter, and despite the cold, it is, my favorite time of year.

Christmas, fantasy inducing twinkle lights, comfy scarfs, roaring fires, strictly come dancing back on the TV, lazy Sundays, oh the list goes on!

But one of my favorite things has to be sugar coma inducing hot chocolate and syrupy coffees.
And, as a mucho fan of a good mocha, this year Starbucks has handed me down an early christmas gift. 

Feast your eyes on this bad boy!



Now I'm a definate Caramel Mocha girl out and out.

But this right here is a Peppermint Mocha!, yes you read right...Peppermint...Mocha!

So beautifully yummy and perfect for this festive time of year.

Well I'll take it at this point you have all run frantically away from your computer screens to the nearest Starbucks with your tongues hanging out.

So I'll say goodbye now! 

Happy Drinking All!! 

Monday 9 December 2013

Chunky Knits & Messy Hair

A bit of a relaxed post today.

I'm been quite busy lately working and this weekend I stood in front of the pile of clothes formally known as my wardrobe.

And, I came to a realisation (well several, but thats another story) I own a staggering amount of sweaters.

I admit openly I go gaga for a good sweater and at this time of year, all I want is a chunky comfy sweater to wrap up in and to let my messy blonde locks rock freely in the wind.

I guess you could all it my winter uniform, especially because where I'm working right now has no uniform and a casual festive vibe to it.


Another benefit of wearing sweaters and jeans most days; it really cuts down on outfit decision time in the early mornings, which means only one thing. MORE DUVET TIME. Bliss when all thats waiting outside is a frosty windscreen.




Thursday 5 December 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela

Tonight the world has lost one of the most inspirational and aspirational men in History.

A man that changed not only Africa, but the world; with grace, strength of character & will and someone who tackled the problems of humanity with humility.

His family mourns him tonight, as does the world he moved and bettered.




A man who moved nations with his words, spoke so beautiful on multiple topics, below is just one of his many quotes, but my personal favourite

 "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

He was a man, that became a hero and will now live on forever in our hearts as a legend.

Rest in Peace Mr. Mandela, and Thank You. 




Below are some responses to this great mans passing for current world leaders

Barrack Obama



David Cameron



Wednesday 4 December 2013

Ho, Ho, Holidays!



Well guys December is finally upon us, though the time has gone specially fast
I couldn't be more happy it is december. Because that means one thing... Christmas!

Tumblr_me5tjp5oj91rig7vyo1_500_large
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

I love christmas! The lights, putting up the tree, the christmas festivals that abound the countryside and of course the fantastic food!
Feast your eyes on this spread...

Yummy in my tummy!
Yummy in my tummy!


That feast can only be topped by the spread my Step-Dad prepares on Christmas Day, with my Mum as Su Chief of course. 
What isn't to love? And what could be better than seeing the delight on people’s  faces opening gifts you've got them. I simply adore it.
Everyone just seems to be in a happier mood at this time of year.
But should you know any Grinchs out there, in desperate need of some Christmas cheer, then I’ve got the solution for you!
Then serve them up a big hearty helping of some of this AMAZING hot chocolate.



One sip of this sugar coma inducing goodness and Christmas cheer will be coming out of their ears!

I'll be back with more Christmas cheer, tips and treats all this month, so stay tuned.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

A Nice Little Tumblr

Tumblr, Tumblr...TUMBLR!

You know in movies when the main character is madly in love they want to scream it from the rooftops or if in real life and you're Tom Cruise, from a sofa.

That is kind of how I feel about Tumblr.

I started my account over a year ago on the insistence of my best friend Kate after she started her account.

And really, I've never looked back.

Its whatever you want it to be. Somewhere you can let your personality through and no one will judge. This has been my experience anyway.

Tumblr houses all kinds of people from millions of walks of life and billions upon billions of images, gifs and videos to feast your eyes on and place on your own blog should they take your fancy.

I could spend hours on tumblr and believe me I have, eventually residing to dizziness from scrolling my dashboard so much.

I would encourage everyone to give it a go, you'll probably know after an hour if you love it or hate it, but if you're anything like me it'll be love at first sight.

You can find my Tumblr page by clicking on the 'Tumblr' tab at the top of my blog home page.

And for your viewing pleasure here are a couple of images I put together for you that have been passing through my Tumblr sphere lately.





And if any of you are encouraged to start a tumblr from reading this, please leave me a link to your page in the comments below. I'd love to have a peek.

Friday 29 November 2013

Late Late Toy Show

Ok, So if you've read my blog before you'll know I'm Irish. Born and bred here on the Emerald Isle.

And If you've have also had this experience, you'll know exactly what the title of this post means.




For those not in the know, The Late Late Show is a weekly chat show that airs on Ireland originally broadcasting channel and every year they do a special showing in which they transform the set into Santa Grotto and talk about and look at all the hottest toys, theres kids on, music, jokes and pretty much all around family fun. Its been on for decades and usually airs at the end of November/ start of December.

It really signs the start of the Christmas season for me and a lot of people in Ireland, the selection boxes are whipped and kids sit in front of the telly making up their letters to Santa full to the brig with Toy-spiration (See what I did there, hehe!)

It's a yearly tradition for me to watch it ever since I was little, though I may have traded the letter to Santa for a Late Late Toy Show drinking game but the tradition still stands!

Sadly though, this year I'm not at home to watch it. I'm up in the Capital City or The Big Smoke a.k.a Dublin, hanging out with my two best girls tonight. So a good trade of night I think.

So I'll have to wait another night to see Ryan Tubridy (The Show host) play with toys and give things away to audience members.



But, never fear I always have a back up, and the show set to record :)

Well my blogees, I better dash on this evening to make a poster to embarrass one of my friends with at the airport (More of that story to come!)

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful!



I've often heard people complain and ask why certain people are celebrities.

I know it is a curious fact, the whole celebrity thing.

But early this evening I think I may have cracked it and discovered why certain people become famous and everyone wants to know who they are and everything about them.

This is why...
Why yes, this is me normal...

Celebrities have an innate ability to be flawless, a large percent of the time at least.

It's our obsession with this fact that makes us want to follow their every move.

I mean just look Miss Keira Knightly... How many of us, strictly speaking normal people can look like this when caught up in the wind?

I usually end of more to this liking...
Yum, Hair for lunch!

One if the many things I love to do in Winter is go for long walks on Wintery peaceful beaches and across sand dunes. But I am often affected but the windswept look going dreadfully wrong. 

Any of you guys out there have a similar problem? How do you tackle it?

**This is not a fact, or possibly any way true. But merely my own notion. :) 

Monday 25 November 2013

Marlene Dietrich...Scrub a Dub, Dub!


I love looking at the greats - Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn... the list goes on. 

And just recently I've been looking into Marlene Dietrich.



I don’t know if you knew this about Marlene, I certainly didn't, that she had O.C.D. 

I also discovered that when Marlene Dietrich was set to preform in the Theater Royal in Brighton in 1966, the stage manager was so excited for her arrival and wanted to impress her so much, that he scrubbed every inch of her dressing top to toe so it would be perfect for her.

Upon Marlene's arrival, she took one step in her dressing room only to ask her a bucket and cloth, and then began to scrub the floor of the dressing room herself!

The stage manager was so upset, that his work didn't seem to be enough for her, he had to be physically held in the box office to keep him from running out of the theatre like a madman. 

What he didn't know was that Marlene Dietrich had O.C.D and in fact scrubbed the floor of every dressing room she was ever in through out her career, whether it was dirty or not!

Pleasure to meet you... Now, where is the mop?

Isn't is fascinating what a pretty face can hide?

In case where your wondering where I've sourced my information. It was from the documentary called 'Urban Secrets' with Alan Cummings. The show follows Mr.Cummings as he tours the U.K and Ireland great towns and cities finding their hidden Urban Secrets. 

It is well worth a watch, it sadly finished airing last Year, but I'm sure it can be found online though or you can find out if its screening on television here




Tuesday 19 November 2013

Right Here, Right Now


First I have have to apologise for my absence the last 2 days my readers and followers. I have been buried under a pile of books and art supplies only now breaking free! 

So i just started this little bloggo and while I enjoying putting out ideas and putting some discussions in motion but I thought it might be nice for you to get to know the person behind the blog. 

So here for a moment right now, I invite you into what happening in my life and head right now. 

It's probably a little cluttered up to watch your step! 






eating // my dads fish pie & cheesy toasted sandwiches
drinking // gallons of tea & caramel mochas
practising // a balance of work & play (work is winning!)
mastering // writing a marketing website plan & wrapping scarves
learning // digital marketing & Lino printing
playing // with my baby brother & my new camera
reading // Hairy Bikers Cook Book & Sense and Sensibility 
enjoying // the bracing chill in the air
listening // to my gut & Lordes, One Republic & One Direction (no judgement!)
walking // my dogs
needing // a new adventure
cooking // raspberry and lemon muffins
wondering // what to do next...
working // on improving myself, my degree and diploma 
travelling // back from London
planning // for Christmas! yet still haven't bought a single gift, where is an elf assistant when you need one! 
wanting // more fuzzy socks, happiness, new cashmere  & a wishbone necklace 

Thanks to the fabulous Joy Felicity Jane for this idea. 

Thursday 14 November 2013

5 Seconds Of Insane Courage

Have you ever been faced with a situation, and you knew in that very moment that your next move could land you at two very different outcomes.

Well I have; its a weird thing honestly. A bit like time has frozen and you're having an out of body experience.

Then the devil and the angel show up; the angel will normally whisper 'Stay with the safe option, you won't miss what you never had, etc' and the devil taking the opposite approach encouraging the wilder option.




These two never hang about for long, and puff! Just like that, they are gone and you're left with the seemingly impossible feat of speaking, deciding, moving.

For years I always went safe option, until one day I realised I was missing out on experiences and fun that others were enjoying. And who wants that...no one!

After that I realised something that was beautifully summed up to me years later as '5 seconds of insane courage'. A brilliant idea, right?

All we ever need is 5 seconds of insane courage to rapidly change of lives - Ask your boss for that raise, press send on the text to that cute guy (normally after reading it 25 times first of course), sign the mortgage papers for your first house or even sign up for helicopter lessons.

However you must be prepared that the outcome may not be what we expect, and believe me I certainly am someone who likes to weigh the options, but in my experience we often end up regretting the moments we let pass us by, rather than the ones we bravely dive head into.




So with the weekend ahead of you, why not heed my advice and go ahead and dive.

5 seconds is all it takes... You better hurry, Your 5 seconds just started.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Love is a curious thing

OK, so there is been a slight error in uploading the remaining pictures from my trip to London. In that they simply won't - Blogger gods, why must you mock me! 

So for today, I thought I'd let you in on something I was thinking about recently...

Love, it really is a very curious and fascinating thing.

Masters of the mind and world have spent centuries trying to figure it out, but sadly to no avail.
Poets and writers the world over have spent copious amounts of time, money and energy describing and observing its effects.

But lets face it, we'll never really understand it fully and the power it has over the human subconscious.
It can make us walk on coals, spend our life savings and push us to every limit we know.
But in my mind I think this image and quote I stumbled upon last night sums it up quite nicely.

I think your on to something Bob.

Bob Marley, always good for a line.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, If your one of the lucky ones, and have someone you love more than anything then count your blessings and make sure that person knows how much you love them.

If you haven't found them yet, don't fret, you never know what fate has waiting around your corner.
And remember, a smile and a hello can change your life.

Tuesday 12 November 2013

London Pt. 2

After my escape to Convent Garden, on my way home I was admiring all the lights of London and thought. I need to add some height to the matter! 

Hence, London Eye! 




It was lovely and the views were great, but there was this weird green light in the 'bubble' people holder thing, so any photographs didn't turn out the best. Oh well!

The next morning I was feeling a bit well pooped! So I headed forth to Selfridges to relax, admire all the pretty things and get my hair blow dried.



How beautiful is the store done up for the Festive Season ahead. 



Don't worry Selfridges... I'll be back! (*Best Arnold Schwarzenegger accent, of course)

It was lovely and totally rejuvenated for the next stop of the day - Kensington Palace and Gardens


Pretty swanky digs for Little Prince George, no? 

I went for a full snoop of the place and I have to say its beautiful and the staff surprised me with their knowledge. 








I was extremely taken with this pillow, and very sad they didn't have it in the gift shop! Believe me I did consider the 'under the shirt, mind my baby' routine but the security guard was eyeing me up. Drat! next time pillow, next time. 






I stopped to take a peak at some of the gowns on display in the Palace currently curtiousy of The Queen, Princess Anne and of course The Estate of Princess Diana.



I would have stayed for tea but it was packed inside and rather chilly outside. Instead I thought a stomp through the gardens was more favourable. And as you can tell from my smile below, It was! The leaves were gorgeous and it was the best place to people watch.



Afraid my lovelies, my camera went for an early bed time after this. I met some friends shortly after this in the centre of the city in The Slug and Lettuce

I met my friend in her office building (its one of the very tall ones near The Gherkin) she introduced me to a couple of people and of course as per my M.O the one I ended up talking to for an extended amount of time was her boss! And I can do is thank my lucky stars I didn't put my foot in my mouth and he seemed to take a shine to me, major result guys! 

I will have to get better at the whole pouring and taking pictures thing! 

London trip is not over yet kids, watch this space.