Weight Watchers Update No.1

Good Day everyone! Well I'm going to get straight into it. As some of you know I've joined Weight Watchers and I am just over two weeks into it. So far I've managed to loose five pounds and I am super happy with that. I was surprised by how much I am actually allowed to eat and really all I have to do is control the portions and try to stick to three meals a day. Now that I'm just working and not having to juggle college and work, I find it a lot easier to have a daily routine. 

Exercise wise I've been going for walks with my mum after work either on the prom or in the woods next to our house. We're also going to give zumba a go starting next week which I'm actually quite looking forward to.

One of the biggest challenges with all of this has been other people. You know, eating out, going for drinks, etc. But all my friends have been very supportive and have done nothing but give me words of encouragement and praise.

What's kept me going? 
Definitely the Weight Watchers hot chocolate. I adore hot chocolate and having the 1 point recipe from WW is the perfect fix. I actually prefer it to the cadbury's version!

What new foods have I discovered? 
Spinach has been the most shocking discovery so far. I've tried salads in the past and just never took to them. But after having spinach in a wrap a couple of weeks ago, I'm hooked. I've also been making porridge bread which is very similar to soda bread. It is literally made up of just oats, natural yoghurt, baking soda and a pinch of salt. It's lovely with soup and really doesn't taste all that bad by itself.

Where do I struggle?
I miss pasta...... SO MUCH. I love Italian food and would eat pasta morning, noon and night if I could. I also miss having popcorn and minstrels. Yes I know it's kind of weird but it's my guilty pleasure. But so far, I've remained strong and haven't broken.

My Meal of the Week: Scrambled eggs made with skimmed milk, bacon medallions and a crumpet. Topped off with a banana, strawberry and kiwi smoothie with natural yoghurt and a glass of water.

Lastly, I'd like to address the lack of posting at the moment. I've hit a bit of a writers block at the moment. It also doesn't help that I have zero material for haul posts because I'm not buying any clothes. But I am redecorating at the moment and have bought some gorgeous things so I'll be putting that together soon.

Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Time for Change

Good afternoon everyone! I am currently up in Athlone having a nice relaxing weekend and thought I'd use my free time (at long last) to write this post. I've had an insane couple of weeks and now everything is starting to get back into swing.

If you are a regular reader or follow me on facebook, you'll already know that over the next year, I am taking a break from institutionalised education and opting to try and learn something by myself. I've applied for Event Management with PR in GMIT and hopefully, in a couple of weeks, I'll be receiving news that I've been offered a place. If I am so lucky, I'll defer it and attend in September of 2015. I really want to be able to look back on the following year and say, "oh yes, that was the year I.........". So to start, I joined Weight Watchers. Why? Because I wanted to do something for myself.  It's not because I'm over weight or have some dire health issue, I just want to be healthier. I want to be able to look back on photo's when I'm 50 years old and think "damn, I looked good". It also helps that my Mum is showing support by doing it with me.

I know that Weight Watchers works differently on everyone. Some people don't like it and others do. My Mum has lost over 6 Stone with Weight Watchers in the past. We both have the same tendencies and put on weight in the same areas so I thought that maybe Weight Watchers would suit me too. I love how the programme is almost like a little project (if you know me at all, you'll know that I like a challenging project). I also love how they give you a book lit of the foods you can and cannot eat, along with how to build your breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also include some amazing recipes. 

I'm excited to start this new chapter of my life. I don't want to look back on this year and realise that I achieved nothing. I've taken the first step, I've started. I also see this as a fabulous opportunity to build my bag and shoe collection seeing that I'll be refraining from buying clothes for a while!

If you would like me to do weekly/monthly updates about my 

journey with Weight Watchers, leave a comment of follow me on:

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Stay Clear with Clinique

Are you all enjoying this muggy weather? Let us pray that we see some sun before this no rain spell ends! Tonight I'll be talking about the beauty that is Clinique.

I decided a couple of months ago that I was going to invest in my skin care as I am quite happy with the makeup I'm using at the moment. Over the years, I've used drug store products like Nivea, Simple and Clearasil. They were okay but never really kept my skin all that clear. I have a list of allergies so my skin flares up very easily and it's also become extremely sensitive. After doing lots of research, I decided to invest in the Clinique moisture surge moisturiser. It was pure luck that the day I went in to get it, a package had arrived which included the moisturizer, a chubby stick and eye ointment for the same price of the cream alone. It cost me €44 (the price of the moisturizer alone) but I got a few freebies with it thanks to the new deal they were doing. Well, IT IS A MIRACLE WORKER! I've nearly reached the end of the tub and the first thing I'll be doing when I get paid is buying another one.  

I also bought a box of mini products which included a cleansing gel, a toner and another moisturizer. That was just €30 and they're still half full after having used them every night for the last 3 months. You really do only need a little bit of the product.

What made the day even better is that I got these freebies. Clinique to a deal where if you buy two products, you get a couple of free ones. You really can't lose. I chose a scrub and a lipstick which is a gorgeous shade. Perfect for Autumn. 

Overall, I could not be happier with my skin right now. I'm not saying it fights against nature but it really does help. My skin is clear almost all the time now apart from that one week every month where all hell breaks lose on my face. I use the cleansing lotion and toner every night followed by the moisturizer and the in the morning, I apply the moisturizer before putting on my makeup.

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

My Italian Style Diary 2014

Hello everyone! To start off, I'd like to apologise for being sort of absent over the last month or so. Between problems with the internet, then my laptop and working extra hours, having time to blog has been hard to come by. But I've just got home from spending two weeks in Italy which allowed me to brainstorm some post ideas. 

I went to Italy on the 27th of June and arrived back on Sunday evening. I went with my family and brought my boyfriend along. It was our first time abroad together and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It really was a holiday specifically meant for relaxing and chilling out so we stayed on campus for most of it. We had a day out in Florence which is my absolute favorite city in the world and I'm mad at myself for only visiting it once during the two weeks. 

In terms of what I packed, it really was the basics with a few evening outfits. That's why my diary isn't as broad as others would be. You know how it is. You go on on a sun holiday and literally spend the majority of it in a bikini so who needs clothes!?

This is the first of two posts I'll be doing about my holiday. The next one will include my "Star Style Buys" and "Holiday Purchases" along with one or two personal photo's. 

My Style Diary

Vest Top €11 Next // Pleated Midi Skirt €15 H&M (on sale) // Sandals €48 Next // Bag €30 Prada Knock off from Florence

Dress €49.95 Promod (athlone town center) // Sandals €48 Next

Top €11.99 New Look // Skirt €22 boohoo.com // Sandals €12 Dunnes Stores // Necklace on sale in New Look

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

Favorite Product of the Month

When it comes to eyeliner, I am extremely critical. It's fair to say that I've used just about every liquid and gel liner out there from high end to high street but have never been fully satisfied with them. Until I found this. This liner was recommended to me my multiple people and youtubers such as Zoella and Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter have been raving about this product, so I was convinced. It's a felt tip style pen by Soap and Glory and retails in Boots for €7.99. It stays on all day without smudging and allows you to create the perfect flick. It's not entirely matte. It has a slight sheen which is something I quite like. The packaging is adorable and it can easily fit into any make up bag. This is without a doubt a makeup must have for me and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of a cat eye. Well done Soap and Glory! It's five stars from me!

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

J'Adore

Pinafore Boohoo.com // Top New Look // Boots Dorothy Perkins // Sunglasses New Look // Bag Michael Kors

This pinafore dress is a true staple piece for my wardrobe. You can mix and match it with different tops and shoes. I bought it from boohoo.com back in September and first wore it to the Galway Bloggers Party. The stripe top is another must have item for me. It goes with everything and can be dressed down with a pair of skinnies and converse shoes. And it is so soft which makes it even more desirable!

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Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo

They Nailed It!

Evening ladies and gents! Are you interested in nail art or obsessed with getting your nails done? Well I am and if you are too, this is the post for you!

On Tuesday, I was treated to a lovely set of gel nails from Catherine at Pink Ice Nails. It's located in a building called the Beauty Factory on Prospect Hill just off Eyre Square in Galway City. Immediately after walking in, I was greeted so kindly by Catherine and she is by far one of the nicest people I have ever met. At just 20, she has multiple qualifications, skills and now, her own business. Throughout the whole treatment, she was so chatty and easy to talk to. Her concentration and attention to detail was outstanding and she gave me exactly what I wanted. The nails are a perfect length and extremely strong. I am 100% in love with them. I will most definitely be going back before my holiday to get a new set!

Give them a LIKE on Facebook HERE!

Much Love,

Shannon.

xoxo