The Blogger Returnth...

When starting off this post I was very suddenly caught in how to start. Yes writing a Blog post is nothing new to me but after my long hiatus I was left wondering how to begin again.

First off I should explain why I ended up taking nearly a year off from my digital space. The main reason was work. I'd started working full time and with my workload growing all the time there was just not enough hours in the day. My bloggo was starting to become a chore and extra work which was the complete opposite to my reasons to start my bloggo back in 2012.

Another reason was I had started to not know what I wanted my voice to be on here. I was trying to be what I thought other people wanted to read and not what I wanted to do. I also quickly realised that I was starting to sound like every other blogger out there clinging onto the bandwagon.

I pride myself in not doing the expected thing and choosing what I know I want and what's good for me. I've always been someone who listens to there gut instinct but my gut had gone mute in the run up to my hiatus.

I needed a break to regroup. I intended to take the summer away and come back full of beans but when the summer was coming to a close it just wasn't time.

This past year has been a huge one for me. I thrived in my job taking on more and more responsibility, gone through a physical remodel (I've called it prepping the canvas) got my first piecing (other than basic ear lobes), completed another diploma this time in Photography which resulted in some shoots for other blogs and I became a movie reviewer for a radio station called Beat 102 103 reviewing the biggest movies on their Sunday morning show (I studied Radio Production so getting back in the studio was a dream), spent more and more time with friends and had quite a few adventures.



Now with my next adventure on the horizon (more on that to come) I wanted to return to my favourite haunt - my bloggo.

I have changed over the past year and the Bloggo is about to soon and is getting a remodel in line with the new me so watch this space.

I cant promise I'll be the model blogger from this point on because I know I wont. No one is perfect but like the lyrics of the Otis Redding song which I'm listening to right now I hope you will Stand By Me. 

Its good to be back people.

Lets Get Blooming Dressy!

I'm getting pumped for Summer, the weather is starting to heat up and everyone just seems in a better mood! 

I am in love with this floral dress from Gap, It's super versatile and could be worn with these festival ready lace up gladiator sandals or with some pumps for a Sunday Lunch or cute date night. 

Who else is in love with that Essie colour, I love that bright polishes getting dusted off for Summer. Brilliant for a pop to any outfit.  

Floral Dress

Lace Up Gladiator Sandals 

Nude Bag

Silver Tiffany Rings

Essie Nail Polish 

Life Lately // 2

Sorry I've been so MIA the last month everyone! I've been super busy at my day job and everything including my social life got pushed. Bad blogger I know!

But I thought I'd better catch you up on my what Ive been doing in a new edition of Life Lately... 

Smoothies, Tan and Back to the Gym // 

As a lot of people are doing right now, I'm trying to get that glow in time for Summer. I like to try keep active and go to the gym at least once a week and with a juice bar near my office for added immune boost my glow is slowly coming back, that with a little dash of fake tan. 

My Birthday // 

It was my birthday at the start of April so I was sent the most beautiful bunch of pink roses and celebrated with a cupcake... or two ;) 

Navy Striped Sailor Dress // 

I just picked up this dress in Tommy Hilfiger and I can't wait to wear it all Summer, its super soft and can be wore so easily at night or day

Lusting // 

I'm having all kinds of feelings for this Peony Travel Bag From Ted Baker and these Astley Clark rings 

Instragram // 

I've had an Instagram account for a while but I've started posting a lot more recently. You can follow me here. 

Nail Pop // 

I love reds and nudes on my nails for Winter but with the arrival of Sunshines comes out my favourite corals and bright tones. My favourite is OPI's Carnival. 

Style // Spring Back

Anyone else extremely sick of dark clothes and wintery weather?!

Well I certainly am, now i may be a little too cold still here in Ireland to start stripping back the layers but I can't wait to start to see colour coming back into my everyday line up. 

As I'm in an office job now, i need to look professional everyday but also my area is creative so I love this look I've come up with. Just enough professionalism and a healthy dose of my favourite colour! 

Links Below - 

Navy Striped Top 

Pastel Cropped Pants 

Heels

Bra

Nail Polish 

Happy Shopping!

Netflix // Buffy The Vampire Slayer

So yes I have jumped on the Netflix bandwagon. I resisted for a very long time but once I arrived home for Christmas to see a Netflix ready Smart Tv well... my fate was sealed. 

I've watched a few different series over the last couple of months so I thought Id start sharing what Ive been loving on Netflix lately. 

My current obsession is Buffy The Vampire Slayer! 

I am one of those few people who had NEVER seen Buffy so after I realised several of my now friends were complete Slayer Heads back in the day I thought I better educate myself!

...I am so glad I did! 

There are several reasons why I'm loving Buffy and here a couple of the top ones - 

1. Sarah Michelle Gellar - The attitude ridden, vampire kicking blonde bombshell is truly underneath it a feminist icon. I can see why a generation was obsessed!

2. David Boreanaz aka Angel - That chiselled jaw line and 'look into your soul' eyes... lets just say I can totally see why Buffy was willing to walk on the wild side. 

3. Prime side kicks - Buffy is completely spoiled with the flock of kick ass side kicks in Sunnydale; Willow (Alyson Hannigan, you know my love for you is eternal) Giles and yes even Cordy!

4. 90s Fashion - Buffy's highlights, perfect never changing lipsticks, platformed heels for mini golf and leopard chop tops... 90s you were quite the decade!

5. Xander - Dorky, loveable and funny... this one needs no explanation. 

What are you guys watching on Netflix right now, I've still got 5 season of Buffy to go but once all the vampires are dust I'll need some recommendations. Sound off in the comments. 

Style // Comfort

Hat 

Sunglasses 

Sweater 

Leggings

Boots 

Necklace

Watch 

Leather Wallet

Nail Polish 

Web Browsing // 2

Hey Everyone, 

As a someone who pretty much lives in the digital world a vast amount of time, the list of things I stumble across over the web is ever growing. 

Here is a little taste of what I've loved the most this week. 

1 // The Londoners Cheese and Mushrooms Bread Bowls as I fondly call them. Getting the recipe ready for this coming Sunday. I can taste the deliciousness and warm belly feeling already. A perfect Sunday treat in the grey weather bout we are having right now. 

2 // As per normal Catalina Creative has turned me onto another feast for the eyes. This archived Vogue photo shoot in Paris. As a paris girl at heart, I'll be dreaming of this shoots for many nights to come. 

3 //  My recently acquired new Blog to follow and adore. Harper and Harley is an Australian model and blogger who works with Net A Porter frequently. Sunny, Stunning Tanned and highlighting the best of black classic pieces. I was sold at sunny! 

4 //  Classic Paintings captioned with Mean Girls quotes. If you're someone who enjoys laughing. Click NOW!

5 // I love Cinnamon. And when I was in America, giant, gooey hot Cinnamon Rolls where easy to find but here in Ireland not so much. I will eventually make them from scratch and when I do it will be this amazing recipe. 

6 // With everyone wearing their love tinted glasses for the upcoming Valentines Day, I've decided to admire these great people. They were completely badass and yes, single. 

7 // I am certainly not someone who can wear heel to work everyday. So these J.Crew pointed flats will be the next splurge to my closet. They are so chic and following the teachings of Harper & Harley, classic black is the way forward. 

8 // As the child who played her Cinderella VHS tape until it was broken my inner 6 squealed with joy when I heard that MAC was doing a collection inspired by Cinderella. The Collection is coming out in conjunction with the new Live Action Cinderella movie starring Lily James. Is it too early to book my tickets? What can I say... I'll be a disney kid forever! 

2015 // Lets Get Productive!

So if you have been keeping up with me on my Instagram  you'll know that I, for the first in years have set out a list of New Years Resolutions.

So in order to get these moving and well... start doing them. I need to get productive! Currently has been a little struggle for me so I've decided to put together a list of ways and things that help me be productive and maybe they can help you too!


SET A GOAL // Know what you want, what you are aiming for and once you know what direction you are going in, you'll get there much quicker.

MAKE A LIST // I am such a list maker... hence this post!! But truly I am such a shatter brain so if i don't put it in my calendar or write it down it just won't be done. So invest in a nice notebook and pop it in your bag, car, the chair you watch TV or bedside you bed and make a note. Also if you end goal is quite a big one, having a list of check points that you can check off can be a great incentive and make the journey not seem as long.

GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP // I really believe you can't be to best version of yourself unless you get plenty of sleep. However I am not the best at this as I am 100% a night owl. So I've decided to have no technology time for at least 15 minutes before I go to sleep to read. I used to read a lot but sort of got out of it once Netflix stole my heart but really want to get back into reading and I find I sleep so much better if i read a little before I drift off to dream land.


LETS GET PHYSICAL // I was in a really get work out routine before I went travelling this summer and I'm just now getting back into it but I found I was so much more clear headed when I had some kind of activity. It lets your mind just relax for a while and thats when all the get ideas came to me.

LIKE MINDED PEOPLE // Surround yourself with people who support your goals and dreams, whether they are little or small goals it nice to know those around you support you in them and will be there for a boost should you it.

Hey There 2015!

Hey there my lovelies,

Apologies for the long absence of posts, I took an extended Christmas break and only now with all my friends having flow back to across the world am I now back in work mode. 

While I got up to plenty over the Holidays it was mainly spent it with family and in my friends houses. While some, like K, love being on the bloggo others aren't that keen on it so I left the camera at home and just enjoyed the moments as they came. However while I left the bloggo alone for a while I did post like a trooper on my Instagram. Which you can find right here. 

As I may have mentioned previously I've just left a job and right now I'm waiting to start my new job at the end of this month. So I'm taking a break for this month, getting settled in my new house, enjoying being back with family, watching lots of movies and really taking some time to think about how I'd like the coming year to go and my new years resolutions. 

Im really happy with my New Years Resolutions, I don't normally make them honestly but I think these are just good things to have in mind for 2015 and activities I'm going to enjoy. 

Because of what I'm up to for this month and starting a new job I won't be posting at the frequency I once was. When I was at my top blogging form I was posting 3 times a week. But I noticed the quality of my posts slipping because I wanted the frequency, but I'd rather post even just once a week and having it be a great post than 3 only ok posts. I hope you guys think the same and so you don't miss a post, hope over to my twitter and Facebook pages to get updates and added goodies. 

Hoping you all had a happy and peaceful holiday season and heres to a kickass 2015!

Party Time // Winter Whites

I don't know what has gotten into me lately but I am loving the Winter Whites! Especially white dresses, now this one is not something you'd see Sharon Stone rocking but I love it.

Simple, classic and very versatile easily worn now and in Spring/Summer and with a pop of festive red - Hello Christmas & New Years glamour! 

Shoes & Dress - Zara
Nail Polish - OPI 
Lipstick - NARS
Rings - Ileana Makri via Net A Porter 

Super Chocolate Chip Muffins

The other day it was a monsoon outside so I decided to happily stay inside and do some baking. 

I may have cheated a little and used Betty Crocker Mix, but I did add some chocolate chips. And decoration all my own. I won't tell if you don't ;) 

What do you do on rainy days to keep busy? 

Weekly Browsing // 1

So I spend a vast amount of time online and not just blogger but also roaming around and reading up on recipes, events, culture and general funniness.

So each week or so I'll be popping up some links for you guys to check out what Ive been looking at and perhaps you'll find something you'll enjoy you would have never seen before... Enjoy!

Ed Sheeran's 'Happy Face' at the Victoria Secret Show // Just check it out. Ed you are priceless! 

Actually all the Music at the Victoria Secret was amazing // Check out the coverage here on Youtube

 Catalina Creative Gift Guide // My favourite blog right now. Stunning and Classy, bookmark it if you haven't already. 

Start now... Success later // In Harvey Specter, I trust. 

 Chocolate Vanilla Crumb Cake // A definite on my 'To Bake' list. Nom, nom. 

**Apologies folks, This post was due to be posted on Friday but unfortunately I was alway from my computer all weekend. Better Late than never! :)

Gift Guide // Dear Santa...

Santa Claus is a wise and wonderful man, but sometimes he needs hints and tips. 

Here's what I'm lusting after this Xmas... 

J Crew Blue Pyjamas 

Lush Nightingale Gift Box

Beats Ear Plugs

ADVENTURE Notebook

Pearl Hoop Earrings

Green Bobble Hat

Jo Malone Candle

'Lovely' Stationary

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette

The Make Up Artist Handbook 

{ Click for Links }

What are you dreaming of finding under your tree this year? 

Lush Haul

Along with cosy pyjamas and festive movies, there is another activities I love to relish in the Winter months is lounging hot baths. So of course a trip to Lush to stock up was mandatory. 

I love Lush, the smell, layout and the staff are second to none in how lovely they are! And to top it off they have lust worthy products... get it, 'Lush Lust', hehe ok Dad joke over. 

I am loving the festive Lush collection  and it absolutely necessary to stock up on the top pieces.

The Butter Bear - Moisturising the skin, while being cute as a button. 

Dashing Santa - Smells like Christmas and once in the bath looks like he is running about! 

Father Noel - Very much like the Dashing Santa in smell but much bigger. 

I adore all the Lush Lip Scrubs and this one is bright red and smells of fizzy cola bottles - I'm sold! 

I can't believe its December already! What are you guys doing to get into the festive spirit? 

Cosy Winter Nights

There is many things I love about Winter but Cozy nights nights in are high on the list!

Here is all I need to have a lovely night in, what are your go to comforts ? 

Blue Patterned Cup

Ugg Slippers

Red Flannel Pyjamas

Great Expectations

The Holiday

Chocolates

Christmas Campaigns!

OK, So I know there has always been the eager folks waiting to see the Coca Cola Ad and you can include me in your group but has anyone noticed in recent years that Christmas Advertisng has re invited as a major event and something I know find myself eagerly waiting to see what new year stores across the nations have found to tug at my heart strings.

This has been a triumphant year in this department. Here are a couple of my favourite Christmas Campaigns from the last couple of weeks. Heres hoping it puts you in the festive spirits as they have for me!

The newest member of the favourites must be the Sainsburys one. Simple fantastic, a nod to history and I think its important to remember how lucky we are to be at home at Christmas with loved ones, not everyone can be.

As someone who has been waiting for family to come home at Christmas, and spends most of my Christmas in my car visiting family. Boots you hit the mark with this one. 

If you were ever in doubt that the Beckhams are the Power Family of a Nation then here is Romeo Beckham, star of the Burberry Christmas Campaign. 

For the Topshop Ladies, Have a Rock and Roll Christmas with Cara. 

Speaking as the shy kid in the corner in Primary School, this one hit me hard, well done Waitrose.

Last but certainly not least in my opinion the Daddy of the Christmas Ad - John Lewis. I don't think a penguin has ever gotten me so emotional. 

Any Christmas campaigns that brought a tear to your eye? 

Whats been your favourite festival viewing ? 

I Have An Addiction | Stripes

I LOVE STRIPES.

Blue and White being my favourite colour combination how could I not. And yes, my friends do mock me for it. But, with the addition of my millionth blue and white striped jumper I think they have earned that right.

I refuse to change this addiction now, I'm committed and I'm ok with it. I don't need help. I could quit if I wanted to. I swear... I COULD QUIT ANY TIME I WANT, OK?!

But for now have you seen this A.P.C. navy striped Jumper?

Whats your go to style ? Anything you have a million copies of in your closet ?

Dance It Out | 2

I have not done a music post in a long time and it was one of my liked posts so I thought it was high time to get another up here!

So this is what I've been listening to lately...

First up, Walkie Talkie Man now you might be like... wait what is this song? Well just have a listen and is you were a teen in the 00s then you will know it. I heard it again recently and Im loving the get up and go beat to it and going to add to my running playlist. Press play and enjoy the teenage flashbacks.

Next is my man of the moment George Ezra, English, dreamy and the most amazing voice. This is a taste of his music for you guys and my favourite. If you like it I highly recommend checking out his album, its fantastic. 

I had to give a nod to woman of the hour Taylor Swift or T.Swifty as I like to call her. I mean 1989... INCREDIBLE, I loved it and I'm not ashamed to say it. But Blank Space is at the tied for the top prize along with Welcome to New York, though with a music video like this... Blank Space may have won the title. I would like to live in this music video and Sean O Pry aka the video model can stay right there too.

And last night I completely rocked out to Bon Jovi Greatest Hits. What can I say I like to keep things as random as possible. 

What are you guys all listening to right now ? I'm always looking for some new tunes. 

Lounging Sundays

Sundays in my household are most definitely the day of rest and relaxation. So Sunday demand only the comfiest of clothes. In my books this means the softest sweater I can find... this new J Crew cashmere is CALLING ME and a giant blanket and the latest issue of Vogue to flip through, 

You can find my Lounging Outfit here 

J Crew Cashmere Sweater 

Jeans 

Blanket Scarf  

Happy Birthday Tumblr!

My Tumblr turned 2 recently! I get excited my any passing milestone even the little things and my tumblr is something I'm quite proud of. I've got quite a few followers now since my simple startings on one rainy bored Friday night. 

Tumblr is without a one of my favourite ways to pass time. I love roaming through all the images and I find a lot of ideas in my dashboard. After all Because Amy Says was started off of my Tumblr Blog. 

Thanks for the endless distraction and inspiration.

Happy 2nd Birthday Because Amy Says, the Tumblr that is *wink wink. 

If you aren't already a follower or haven't seen my Tumblr go take a peak. 

BecauseAmySays