April 2016

This month seems to have sailed by and I don't even know where the time has went to, to be quite honest. Working hours in regards to teaching have picked up and for that I'm quite thankful. It felt as though it had stagnated quite a bit before and even after the Easter holidays. Like with most times of the year, it starts to get busier heading into summer.

Speaking of summer, it does not feel like one bit closer to summer at the moment - the weather feels truly awful and quite cold. I'm constantly trying to wrap myself in layers trying to keep warm and avoid anything even remotely resembling the sniffles. Time to be sick I do not have - as usual. It has been rather odd though - I felt as though I've permanently had a cold which just haven't shifted in so long - I don't know whether it is allergens, a low immune system taking a kicking or what. Hopefully over the worst of it now (fingers crossed!).

So in-between my hours at Cruise I'm beginning to teach more. Somewhat like a good habit, it can be difficult to get back into teaching. Life becomes extremely structured and organised to try to avoid chaos. I hope to get away again, but the question of when does loom somewhat - I hate taking time off when I know I'll be busy with work. I guess I'll just have to see what way things will go and go from there. And of course, if I can realistically afford to, of course. If I'm able to I'd love to get away for a real chilled out holiday -sun, sea and sand is what I have in mind.

I plan on finishing my placement at the end of this month as well. As part of my course we are required to spend 34 weeks in a placement in industry. I'm nearing the end of my millinery/retail placement and have found it an experience which is good to get you used to 'real-life' working situations. I started with Grainne when she first opened her business in July-August of last year and have pretty much been here since the doors opened. It was a good learning experience, should I ever want to open my own business in the future. I think it has been worthwhile as there are some of the skills and knowledge I have acquired I can already begin using in my working life and for when I begin the final year of my Fashion Management degree.

I think with the free time I'll acquire I can focus abit more on my teaching business and bettering myself - going to the gym more and reading more. I'll be glad to get some more free time just for myself so I can use it as some down time too. I'd really like to focus on getting into a better gym routine.  One of the PT's in DW keeps hounding me about starting a slot with him. Realistically, time is a big factor for me, so when he double booked and I was the one who got dumped for that session I wasn't the most impressed. I'd sorted most of my day to revolve around that session, for it to become a waste of time. Personally, I probably do have the motivation somewhere so doubt I'll need someone to prod at me to train hard when I'm there.

So inbetween all the usual craziness of work life it's hard to get some time to myself. My latest hobby has been to have naps while dunking in and out of Netflicks. Completely non-productive in some senses but I feel as though I need it.

Robinson Etterem, Varosligeti

Just in the midst off one of the citys' parks in Budapest (of Heroes' Square ) is a fantastic fine dining establishment 'Robinson Etterem'  that you simply have to go to if you're in Budapest. This was the last place we visited to eat on our trip to Budapest. The place itself is pretty much in the heart of the park - with the Szechenyi Thermal Baths and the Zoo only a few minutes walk from eachother.

It was the perfect place to finish the trip - the place, food and atmosphere were truly something else. We popped in for a late afternoon lunch after floating around in the Szechenyi thermal pools and were truly starving. First impressions were great - the decor is cleancut with dark, furnishings and lots of airy space. I loved how the building was situated directly on and overlooking the lake - it'd be lovely in the warmer months (after all, it was only March and there was a slight chill). Upstairs is something else - it has superb clear views of the park, lake and a palace in the background.

The décor of Robinson Etterem is truly enviable.
The dark wooden interior is consistent throughout
with a keen eye for detail. With an
earthy, natural modernistic approach to
décor
The view itself, even on a bad day is
a sight to behold - the view is quite spectacular
with the various surroundings and is a
great place to catch up with family, friends
or the other half in your life.

A truly remarkable restaurant, one not to miss out
when visiting Budapest!

Since it opened in 1989, the restaurant has went from strength to strength and has even had some famous names pass through it - such as Van Damme, Stallone and Arnold Swarzenegger.

In the actual restaurant, the kitchen itself is quite a focal point, based off the centre right as you walk in. Since it is fairly open plan, you can see a lot of food preparation and cooking taking place. One of the positives about this place, among many others I found.

The menu itself is not too extensive, but there is plenty of choice. The price range itself is quite reasonable and on average with the price of a meal in Belfast - around £100 for a meal for two which includes two courses (main and dessert) with drinks and coffee. In HUF (Hungararian Florents) this equates to roughly just under 30,000 HUF.


Robinson Etterem prides itself upon it's steak and it is a highly recommended choice - cooked and somehow seared quite different, to anything I've ever tasted. A dish that would truly not disappoint. I had the prawn linguine, which came in a flavourful, rich but not overpowering sauce.

The desserts like most in Budapest, are extremely light in texture and density but have a sugar kick that'll satisfy any sweet tooth. The caramel floating island was the perfect choice so dessert to end the meal. It had a texture thinner than custard, yet sweeter and somewhat more creamy.



Overall, a meal that was very filling in a great setting with friendly staff.

March 2016

March seemed like the fastest month in a long time - with all the travelling, preparation for travel and Easter holidays at the end of month, time seemed to slip by very fast (hence writing this post in the beginning of April).

Having never properly travelled much before, it was a real treat to get away twice in one month. First stop was Budapest for 6 days. I found it a lovely city; good weather when we were there (didn't really need any of the jumpers I ended up manically packing). Awful downpour when we arrived though; glad to have brought the Canada Goose along even though I only used it for 2 days of being there.

I always find packing a dreaded nightmare - I never know what to pack, never mind how much of. Beauty products and toiletries are always a nightmare; I always have a feeling I'll pack more than what's allowed and it'll be confiscated by airport security. Of course I didn't bring my hair tongs or straighteners so had to deal with 'fro hair the entire time I was away (fantastic....)

It was great to get away though - never realised how badly I needed a break until I actually was away - I live quite a fast paced life and free time is somewhat of a luxury these days. Consequently, the thermal baths in one of the city parks I never wanted to leave. It's funny how floating around in water can be so relaxing. The only reason I dragged myself out was because I got hungry after bobbing about in various waters for 5 hours.

About a week after being back from Budapest, I had a few days away in Edinburgh. I loved the history of this city. In particular, I'd recommend to do as many walking tours and tourist spots - such as the palace and the castle when you are there. There's simply so much to do you'd need to have at least a week there to enjoy it and for it not to be a complete mad rush around the city. Even though I didn't do any shopping while in Edinburgh, I can recommend it - there are plenty of stores to nosy around plus lots of quirky independent stores as well. Damage to be done to a bank balance for definite to be done if you're there for awhile!

Of course with being away so much I have the worst holiday blues ever - I'd love to get away over the summer but do not know how viable that would be at this point in time.

February 2016

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.

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.

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.

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!

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).