T'was the season ☃

It's only really now I'm appreciating my Christmas gifts, as Christmas day itself was a bit of a whirlwind of emotion (to say the least). I decided this year not to go for a new phone as I'm quite content with my little BlackBerry Bold. Until of course Christmas Eve, when he decided to hang up his...well hang-up button I suppose, for the last time ☹ . Too late for Santa to change his plans, I'm still more than excited with what I received instead!

And here they are; 

Marc Jacobs laptop bag, Soap and Glory, Ross O'Carroll Kelly keyring (i'm a bit of a feather head, that was more of a gift to my housemates if I'm honest!), Nails from Claires, The Princess Bride, Cath Kitson overnight bag, Brown Thomas Voucher, Diary and Gel Pens (re-living my childhood right there), a spa weekend for 2 with my darling mother, MAC eyeshadow, and yes that is a purse shaped like a pair of knickers, curtsy of my auntie!

All in all, an excellent christmas! Would love to now what weird and wonderful things you got? And to all, have a happy new year! 

2013, YOLO

2012 draws to a close ay? And we all survived, Congratulations. 2012 has been good, lots of fond memories, some not so fond, but 2013 is going to be even better.

The new; single; 3 pounds (and counting) lighter; trainee journalist; 18 year old me is now prepared to take on 2013 with a bang. And what's the new me without a blog re-vamp? 

New Year's Resolution #1: I will not neglect my blog

So to fill you all in, here's a quick look at the latter 2012 in pictures. 

                                            

            

 

Apologies!

Where do I even begin this post? Do I start with Ireland's Ultimate Debutante? Or my new life in Dublin? The 'Fiona's Willy' story? Or my college wardrobe?! 

All in good time! ☺

So obviously I'm sure you ALL watched Ireland's Ultimate Debutante on the 17th of Oct! (for those of you that haven't, check it out here) What car crash TV ay? Have I any regrets? No. Am I bitter I didn't get through? No. It was the judges that got me. Check out Noel Cunningham, more make up on then the lot of us put together! 

However, I was happy I did the show and don't regret anything I said or did. Although, a word from the wise, if you do ever feature on a TV programme, DO NOT HASHTAG IT ON TWITTER!!! I do have a sense of humour and do realise that if I was watching it and wasn't in it, would probably cringe myself! Never-the-less, a great experience.

So aside from my recent stardom! College has been going swimmingly, and I am no longer a student, but a trainee journalist. The course is pretty intense with lectures such as politics but I love it.

Without futher adiue, I'm sure you're all dying to know about the "willy" story...

I have a lecture every Thursday called photojournalism, and last week we were given the task of putting together a presentation on 'a portrait of a worker'. As I only got my laptop yesterday I had to use a friend's to do my presentation. Being the smart arse that I am, I decided to save it as "FIONA'S WILLY" so the next time she would be going through her files she'd see it.

You can just imagine my mortification the next day when I plugged in my USB and in front of my entire lecture, up pops FIONA'S WILLY on the projector!

My lecturer was not impressed...

The Big Shmoke

10A.M. on the 8th of September 2012; my life begins! As I pack every item of my teen-hood into 3 and a half suitcases. I'd be lying if I didn't say a tear or two were shed! From my photo frame of my boyfriend and I at the debs, to Mr.Snugglums, to over-sized jumpers and a Dalmatian one-sie! Exciting as it may be, none-the-less nostalgic! 

However I couldn't help but think: "why is there not a list of things I should bring?" How was I to know, at a mere 17 what and what not to pack? So although like me, us kids of 2012 had to figure it out for ourselves, have no fear class of 2013! 

✔ Clothes
 It's a given really. As my dad so informatively pointed out yesterday (just as I'd squashed the final suitcase shut) "Fiona, bring 5 jocks, 5 socks, and 5 shirts. Done. College isn't a fashion parade." He got a great chuckle when I turned around and replied sternly "Dad it's college. IT IS A FASHION PARADE" As much as you can argue that it's not, looking well is important, now more than ever. However, convincing yourself that you may wear every item you own in your first week is un-advisable. It's never going to happen. So be smart about it, really do just pack what you need, plus it's easier when carrying home for mammy to wash!

✔ Laptop
Maybe not essential for all courses, but as a journalism student it is important. In my opinion buy good, buy once!  

✔ Towling
Although many places provide bed linen and towels, I much prefer having my own. (#touchofOCD)

✔ Hair straightener, hair brush, hair dryer ect
 I say these things, however if you are sharing a room, like myself, maybe it would be best to wait until you move in and get to know your new roomie until you start bringing up GHD's and expensive hair care/make up products. For the minute only bring the bare minimum, once you get settled you can bring the rest as you need it.

✔ Fluffy Jammies
Moving away from home for the first time is daunting enough, so weather you still have a blankie, teddy or just your favourite pair of super soft pj's then pack 'em in the bag.

✔ Shampoo, conditioner, body wash/lotion/razors (can't be known as Hairy Mary, not for the first term anyway!) 
Again, don't go buying all new products and milking your parents before you go, chances are you already have most of it. Plus, these handouts are going to be needed later on in the year for food, buses etc, and will dry up!

As soon as you get settled, make sure you look into getting registered for a student card. These are SO handy and may save you lots of cash. From meal deals, to travel expenses (and maybe a sneaky trip to topshop), student cards are a must!

If you're moving to a city, check out 'leap cards' , they work like phone credit, but are used for travel, you only spend as much as you have on the card, and top up when you need. 

Whatever you do, join the student's union, they have ALL the tips on accommodation, parties, gigs and promotions, plus societies and clubs.

After that kids you're on your own! ☺ I met my loveliest roommate yesterday and I can tell we're going to get just fine. Plus, she brought the Malibu!

And here it is, my humble abode...

College Wishlist!

Sorry about my recent lack of postage, but I literally have been up to my knickers lately between my new job, leaving cert results and CAO offers...and maybe a drink or two in between! 

Although I did a good leaving cert and was delighted with my points, unfortunately, I missed out on my college place by one grade in English! However, being the glass-half-full kind of girl that I am, I've decided to go with my second choice (journalism in DIT). And what's being a journalism student, in the big smoke, without a KILLER wardrobe to complete the look?

So here it is,
My College Wardrobe;
 

Topshop

                                       

Topshop

Topshop

Topshop

River Island

Topshop

sleeprollers.co.uk

Hollister

Topshop

River Island

ASOS.com

Schuh

 

River Island

My inner Grit Doctor

Confession time... I still haven't joined the gym, or lost a morsel of weight since my "200 views" post! ☹ However, I have invested in, what is now, my bible; RUN FAT B!TCH RUN, by Ruth Field.

As someone who detests the very essence of running, even I cannot reccomend this book more. With the grit doctor by my side, today was my second outing of step one to becomming a runner. 

Who is the grit doctor I hear you ask?
"I am the grit doctor. I am a ruthless, no-nonsense motivator who will force you to do the things you don't want to do. I will whisper you fat bitch when you are contemplating one more roast potato" 

Everyone has a grit doctor, or rather, their "inner bitch" (mine is called Cheryl!). The aim? To befriend your inner bitch. 

Step one involves choosing what is know as a 'circuit'. A walk that begins and ends at your front door, which is roughly 3-4 miles long. It's very important that your circuit is somewhere nice, safe, and somewhere you won't get board of. 

Here is my circuit...

Hopefully some of you are lucky enough to live in the countryside like I do, however if not, choose a local park.

I also think it's important to have some inspiration. Here's mine: 

 "Believe me when I say that we all have an inner bitch - in fact, I'd go as far as to argue it's what makes us human" 

Hence, my inner bitch being, so appropriately named, Cheryl!














Find your inner bitch girls and best of luck future runners! 

Boogie of the Week!

So waking up saturday morning, realising (after a long week of work, may I add) that I had totally forgotten my friday boogie I have now decided to call it "boogie of the week"  And here it is! So grab an issue of look magazine, a mojito, and head outside to bask in this lovley weather (while it lasts!)

       









Angus and Julia Stone - You're the one that I want