To me February seems to have flew in so fast. I really can't wait to get away at the beginning and end of March to get some proper escape time. I haven't been away since Galway a few years ago. Even then, I still brought the dogs with me (so I still had some responsibilities in that sense). A nightmare in one sense when you get beyond lost in the car. This time they're being boarded in kennels as it's the only option - I don't want to burden family or friends with two mad little dogs that need a good amount of attention. It'll be odd not seeing them as I haven't been apart from them for more than a day at a time.
In preparation for them being in kennels I've got their shots done and now just need them both fully groomed (which is thankfully happening this weekend). The kennels are booked too so that's another weight off my mind. I eventually (and thankfully) got my passport sorted as well - nightmare as my parents don't fly, so I had to get extra documentation to put along with my application. Inconvenient, a nightmare, yet necessary.
So all in all I'm pretty much sorted to head off to Budapest next month. I'm just on the countdown now to head away.
In the meantime it's pretty much routine - placement Mondays and Tuesdays and working in Cruise most other days. I'm back to teaching as well now which is great - I didn't realise how much I missed it. That's mainly done in any afternoons and evenings which I have free. Weekends I don't really teach at the moment; I find people want to keep it to weekdays if possible.
Monday, 22 February 2016
Monday, 15 February 2016
January 2016
So it's January, and if your anything like the rest of the country, your deep in the pits of the January depression. Like a big, puffy cloud, it seems to have settled over everyone - the bitter, chilly weather and general lack of money common issues which most are facing at present. Not to add insult to injury, holiday adverts are being shown like there's no tomorrow.
Yes, January truly is awful.
Being off over the Christmas break myself was quite short. I got a few days off in the New Year and have a had a few days off also mid-January as well. It was good to get some time off as Christmas seemed quite manic, especially in work. I actually loved working in my workplace over the Christmas period - yes I may sound insane. What retail worker enjoys the festive period? I relished it; there were many customers who wanted opinions and advice for gifts (which I really enjoyed). There seemed to a very festive air in December - especially the two weeks before Christmas. It felt very productive with the everyday running of the store. Furthermore, I completed work auditing with a team as well, in my first audit.
Of course after the overindulgence over the holiday season, came the January resolution of eating healthier. Check out my previous blog post for further details. I can honestly say I am not going to the gym often and regular enough - so I must try to incorporate at least 3 weekly sessions so it is not a waste of my money in having a membership I don't use enough.
As for my bigger purchases in January I FINALLY got my Valentino bag. A customer bought it on Christmas Eve and I was gutted as I've had my eye on it forever. Miraculously, it appeared mid-January after it was returned. What a sign - definitely ment for me. Now it is happily sitting in my walk-in wardrobe next to a pair of Saint Laurent Tributes. I've a shopping issue, I know.
Yes, January truly is awful.
Being off over the Christmas break myself was quite short. I got a few days off in the New Year and have a had a few days off also mid-January as well. It was good to get some time off as Christmas seemed quite manic, especially in work. I actually loved working in my workplace over the Christmas period - yes I may sound insane. What retail worker enjoys the festive period? I relished it; there were many customers who wanted opinions and advice for gifts (which I really enjoyed). There seemed to a very festive air in December - especially the two weeks before Christmas. It felt very productive with the everyday running of the store. Furthermore, I completed work auditing with a team as well, in my first audit.
Of course after the overindulgence over the holiday season, came the January resolution of eating healthier. Check out my previous blog post for further details. I can honestly say I am not going to the gym often and regular enough - so I must try to incorporate at least 3 weekly sessions so it is not a waste of my money in having a membership I don't use enough.
As for my bigger purchases in January I FINALLY got my Valentino bag. A customer bought it on Christmas Eve and I was gutted as I've had my eye on it forever. Miraculously, it appeared mid-January after it was returned. What a sign - definitely ment for me. Now it is happily sitting in my walk-in wardrobe next to a pair of Saint Laurent Tributes. I've a shopping issue, I know.
Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Tradition of the Bridal Garter
There is a vast history when it comes to the origin of bridal garters, their significance and purpose. Many wedding traditions stem from superstition - such as the bridal veil, having bridesmaids and throwing the bouquet.
The use of a bridal garter can be traced back to the 13th century in Europe. It was considered having a piece of the brides clothing lucky - guests would literally rip at the brides dress to obtain a piece. In other similar practices, the guests would rush the bride down the aisle and try to catch and grab ahold and tear off pieces of the dress as well. In relation to this, in the Middle ages, the groomsmen would only rush at the bride and try to take her garter as a prize. To prevent this, the bride would begin throwing items (such as the garter) to the guests.
Nowadays, the practice of the removal of the garter is reserved for the groom alone and he will throw the garter to any bachelors at the wedding reception. This is done after the bride tosses the bouquet to any single women at the wedding reception. It is rooted in superstition that these two people will be next to marry! Many women will wear two garters on the right leg; one as a keepsake and the other will be the 'toss' garter.
The age old rhyme of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver sixpence in her shoe' still is used nowadays. Blue is still a colour associated with purity and has religious roots. Christians believe it to be a colour of fidelity and purity - it can be traced back to biblical times. In relation to this, in Ancient Rome, brides would have their bridal dress trimmed in a blue material.
The bridal garter is still a tradition still maintained by many brides today. Local lingerie designer Mary Murphy who owns Sioda Lingerie can be found at Sioda Lingerie. Mary's items are all handmade and can be bespoke 'made-to-order' as well. The word 'Sioda' is 'silk' in Irish and encompasses the brand itself perfectly - simple, feminine with a twist.
The Vault in Spires Mall (Fisherwick Place, Belfast) is a stockist of Mary's Bridal garters. There are many various bridal garters - from plain and simple to extravagantly frill trimmed, with exquisite Swarovski pearls . The garters themselves are based upon names and each have their own distinctive design and there is a range to suit everyone - garters can be picked to fit in with the theme of your wedding, or the wedding dress itself. For example, the 'Daisy' garter is based upon Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. This essence has been encapsulated in the materials which are used for this garter. Silk satin (in either ivory, white or champagne) is gathered within a chiffon band and is decorated with a 'chandelier' of crystals.
In terms of price, garters can start at from £15 and can range from upto £100; so there is a price to suit everyone. There are a variety of materials that some of the garter collections are made from Nottingham Leavers lace, silk satin and chiffon. Garters can also be made bespokely for that extra special something. If a garter is to be bespokely made, it is noted that at least 2 weeks waiting time is required and to contact Mary herself directly.
Pop down to Spires Mall today to have a look at the garters we have in stock!
 |
| Photography by Jenna Petersen - Jennaphoto.com |
The use of a bridal garter can be traced back to the 13th century in Europe. It was considered having a piece of the brides clothing lucky - guests would literally rip at the brides dress to obtain a piece. In other similar practices, the guests would rush the bride down the aisle and try to catch and grab ahold and tear off pieces of the dress as well. In relation to this, in the Middle ages, the groomsmen would only rush at the bride and try to take her garter as a prize. To prevent this, the bride would begin throwing items (such as the garter) to the guests.
Nowadays, the practice of the removal of the garter is reserved for the groom alone and he will throw the garter to any bachelors at the wedding reception. This is done after the bride tosses the bouquet to any single women at the wedding reception. It is rooted in superstition that these two people will be next to marry! Many women will wear two garters on the right leg; one as a keepsake and the other will be the 'toss' garter.
The age old rhyme of 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver sixpence in her shoe' still is used nowadays. Blue is still a colour associated with purity and has religious roots. Christians believe it to be a colour of fidelity and purity - it can be traced back to biblical times. In relation to this, in Ancient Rome, brides would have their bridal dress trimmed in a blue material.
The bridal garter is still a tradition still maintained by many brides today. Local lingerie designer Mary Murphy who owns Sioda Lingerie can be found at Sioda Lingerie. Mary's items are all handmade and can be bespoke 'made-to-order' as well. The word 'Sioda' is 'silk' in Irish and encompasses the brand itself perfectly - simple, feminine with a twist.
 |
| 'Audrey' garter from Sioda Lingerie, available at 'The Vault', Spires Mall |
The Vault in Spires Mall (Fisherwick Place, Belfast) is a stockist of Mary's Bridal garters. There are many various bridal garters - from plain and simple to extravagantly frill trimmed, with exquisite Swarovski pearls . The garters themselves are based upon names and each have their own distinctive design and there is a range to suit everyone - garters can be picked to fit in with the theme of your wedding, or the wedding dress itself. For example, the 'Daisy' garter is based upon Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. This essence has been encapsulated in the materials which are used for this garter. Silk satin (in either ivory, white or champagne) is gathered within a chiffon band and is decorated with a 'chandelier' of crystals.
 |
| Instagram: Shimmerandfade |
In terms of price, garters can start at from £15 and can range from upto £100; so there is a price to suit everyone. There are a variety of materials that some of the garter collections are made from Nottingham Leavers lace, silk satin and chiffon. Garters can also be made bespokely for that extra special something. If a garter is to be bespokely made, it is noted that at least 2 weeks waiting time is required and to contact Mary herself directly.
Pop down to Spires Mall today to have a look at the garters we have in stock!
Monday, 1 February 2016
December 2015 Gym Log
21st December 2015: Somehow ended up in the gym after dragging myself out of the house this evening. Been roughly a 3 month break at the very least from the gym and was quite apprehensive about going back. The session itself was ok - concentrating mostly on back, arms and core as I think these are the areas in which I can notice myself were I've unfortunately put on weight. I did not lift as heavy as weights as I usually did and settled for 30kg and 25kg on machine weights. I'm also pathetic at doing sit ups again - back to the start again for me!
I can fairly notice the 'gym burn' today with general soreness and stiffness in my shoulders, arms and thighs. My stomach area is the worst, with every laugh or cough being agony. Bad decision made late last night as I got a takeaway when home - I was simply starving later in the night; ordered a 12 inch pizza which I pretty much demolished. I didn't sleep great due to this and was up roughly 4 hours in the early morning. I should really know better at this stage not to eat late at night...
Well at least it wasn't the standard 18 inch I guess...
13th January 2016: First proper gym session back of 2016. Dragged myself there due to bitter weather, but once there no issue in training. I started with back weights machine and worked from 30kg to 35kg. Could definitely feel the difference in weight but pushed myself well. Moved onto the leg press machine afterwards and worked on weights of 150kg but didn't go any further as I could feel the stretch and want to work on bringing the weights fully down, as my flexibility can be shocking on that machine at times. Next, I worked on the dreaded core. I did sit-ups. Boy, did I feel it right away - it felt as though something in my stomach muscles did physically rip. Still two days later I can feel the after-effects all too well. I did some rowing as well, for 8 minutes to help my body to cool down; but I probably should have stretched as well.
The next day I felt very stiff; it was like tin woman walking. Bloody awful for bending in work or laughing, but it's starting to die down.
I weighed myself and it appears I have thankfully lost my Christmas weight - I have not weighed myself for awhile and I was quite well over 11st. Now I am 10 st 13lbs, which I am happy with in the context I have only been dieting roughly 2 weeks sofar. I would say I've roughly lost half a stone which is mostly gained via my torso. I still have a good deal more I wish to lose.
My diet has consisted strictly of no carbs of any sort, with more eggs included in my diet. I've cut out the majority of my daily standard hot chocolate drinks and replaced with fresh orange juice or green tea. I include much more vegetables in my diet, yet still struggle to with fruit. Anything processed or in a sauce has been strictly forbidden. My diet has consisted mostly of fish - either ribber cobbler, haddock or salmon and has been a great dinner staple. Overall cravings are not existant, I just feel generally empty and alot less bloated than I was (swear I'm allergic to something still).
I can fairly notice the 'gym burn' today with general soreness and stiffness in my shoulders, arms and thighs. My stomach area is the worst, with every laugh or cough being agony. Bad decision made late last night as I got a takeaway when home - I was simply starving later in the night; ordered a 12 inch pizza which I pretty much demolished. I didn't sleep great due to this and was up roughly 4 hours in the early morning. I should really know better at this stage not to eat late at night...
Well at least it wasn't the standard 18 inch I guess...
13th January 2016: First proper gym session back of 2016. Dragged myself there due to bitter weather, but once there no issue in training. I started with back weights machine and worked from 30kg to 35kg. Could definitely feel the difference in weight but pushed myself well. Moved onto the leg press machine afterwards and worked on weights of 150kg but didn't go any further as I could feel the stretch and want to work on bringing the weights fully down, as my flexibility can be shocking on that machine at times. Next, I worked on the dreaded core. I did sit-ups. Boy, did I feel it right away - it felt as though something in my stomach muscles did physically rip. Still two days later I can feel the after-effects all too well. I did some rowing as well, for 8 minutes to help my body to cool down; but I probably should have stretched as well.
The next day I felt very stiff; it was like tin woman walking. Bloody awful for bending in work or laughing, but it's starting to die down.
I weighed myself and it appears I have thankfully lost my Christmas weight - I have not weighed myself for awhile and I was quite well over 11st. Now I am 10 st 13lbs, which I am happy with in the context I have only been dieting roughly 2 weeks sofar. I would say I've roughly lost half a stone which is mostly gained via my torso. I still have a good deal more I wish to lose.
My diet has consisted strictly of no carbs of any sort, with more eggs included in my diet. I've cut out the majority of my daily standard hot chocolate drinks and replaced with fresh orange juice or green tea. I include much more vegetables in my diet, yet still struggle to with fruit. Anything processed or in a sauce has been strictly forbidden. My diet has consisted mostly of fish - either ribber cobbler, haddock or salmon and has been a great dinner staple. Overall cravings are not existant, I just feel generally empty and alot less bloated than I was (swear I'm allergic to something still).
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