Insta-Update

Instagram is where it's at. I'm absolutely insta-obsessed and it's the social media site that I am undoubtedly most active on. So I've decided to add a new segment to the blog, a sort of monthly round up/lifestyle post. So you can get to know a little bit more about the girl behind the blog. 

Why not kick start this with a round up of the month of May shall we? 

I've become a bit of a high-end fiend again of late.. So in May I said goodbye to all of my money and hello to loads of new spendy bits that I've been trying out. My latest additions being the Smashbox step by step contour kit AND contour sticks (Expect chiseled cheekbones and a spending ban in the June catch-up - Just an FYI). 

May has also seen the return of my beloved fake tan - I'm totally besotted with the Karora express bronzing mousse in Medium/Dark. I get endless compliments when I wear it, I've even been using it to tan my face which is so unlike me.

I started watching Gossip Girl this month too, I've been binge watching it on Netflix and I'm over half way through season 4. Blair and Chuck are officially my OTP and I have my heart set on New York more than ever before. One of my besties celebrated her birthday this month and threw the most incredible Champagne fuelled brunch and I honestly did think I was Blair Waldorf for all of 5 minutes - Nothing starts the day quite like Mimosas!

And lastly, I've started taking Viviscal in a bid to speed up my hair growth and help improve my hairs health. Is this something anyone is interested in reading in? Should do a review/update post on my progress? 

Come say 'Hi' and stay up to date on instagram @give_a_posy

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray | Review

I have always been a bit of a night owl and lack of sleep was never an issue for me. I'm quite a light sleeper too.. Tossing and turning and waking several times through out the night for no reason at all. Lately I've been finding it increasingly difficult to fall asleep when I do go to bed, probably down to the dead heat. My poor body was exhausted.

I had seen the Pillow Spray floating around on the internet for a while.. Intrigued and deciding enough was enough I picked it up. It is infused with essential oils of lavender, Vetivert and Camomile. It smells incredible. The epitome of relaxation.

I've had it for 6 weeks now and to say that I've noticed a difference is a huge understatement. The first night I could actually feel myself drifting within minutes.. Like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and for the first time in years I slept straight through the night. 8 glorious hours of solid sleep. The best nights sleep I think I've ever had.

 I'm no longer as restless as I used to be and have noticed when I wake in the morning I'm in more or less the same position I was in when I went to bed (before I would fall asleep on one side of the bed and wake up on the other).

I love it so much that I actually picked up the balm version of it too. I'm jetting off to Australia for Christmas to visit my godmother (soul sister). So I thought the balm would be great for one the plane with liquid restrictions. However I think I'll have to repurchase it before I go as I've been using both the balm and the spray together since I picked it up.

Anyone who struggles with sleep issues needs to try it. It's only now that I'm really starting to see the benefits of a good nights sleep. 

The 'This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray' is like that deep breath right when you need it - bottled! 

It is priced at €21 and available from feelunique.com here.

My Festival Essentials |

With Festival Season well and truly upon us, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my must-have beauty bits that won't weigh you down or take up excess room in your already bursting at the seams backpack!

Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze Gradual Tan - €7.99
Another fail safe product from the ever growing and expanding brand that is Cocoa Brown. For those of you like me who struggle to master the art of gradual tan application this is the one for you. Unlike most gradual tans on the market 'Gentle Bronze' has a light colour guide making it a breeze to apply - no more streaky tan disasters! In essence it is a tinted moisturizer so it is quite hydrating, it can be applied daily to build a deep glow or for a natural sunkissed glow apply it two-three nights in a row! People will think you're just back from a week in the South of France! Perfect for baring arms up front listening to your favourite bands this summer!

Bed Head 'Oh Bee Hive' Dry Shampoo - €16.50
Lets face it, showers are few and far between at these festivals and realistically how appealing do communal showers sound when you're talking about tens of thousands of people? Not very. Dry shampoo is definitely a festival essential and you'd be mad to go without a can of it. Perfect for adding a little life back into limp second and even third day hair in some cases. My current favourite is from the brand Tigi, although it may not be the cheapest one on the market, a little goes a long way. It leaves zero white residue whatsoever even in the darkest of hair and smells ah-mazing. It also doubles up as a texturizing spray adding oodles of volume at the roots. It contains starch to soak up excess oil so you can rock your flower head band all weekend long!

Tangle Teezer - €15.95
Tangled tresses are no fun and I'd be lost without my Tangle teezer. It's light weight and compact making it perfect for on the go. Designed to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand it literally goes hand in hand with the a fore mentioned dry shampoo - a quick brush through your hair and it is smooth, glossy and freeze free in no time at all!

Water wipes - €3.99
I am completely anti when it comes to face wipes, however I do appreciate that the last thing on your mind at a festival is cleanse, tone and moisturise. These wipes are from the Irish owned 'Irish Breeze'. They are water based, alcohol and fragrance free making them a great alternative to the traditional makeup wipes as they aren't as harsh or striping. They take up minimal space in your bag and are great for a quick clean the morning after the night before. They remove, makeup, facepaint and the general grime associated with spending your days in the middle of a field.

Neutrogena Multi-Defence daily moisturiser - €10.99
I'm slightly contradicting myself by including a moisturiser but if you've followed the blog for a while then you'll already know I'm a stickler when it comes to SPF especially for the face, I'm trying to keep you all looking young for as long as possible. This moisturiser is great because it contains SPF 15 so although I might prefer to see you wear something a little higher, its better than nothing! It's lightweight, soaks in quickly and protects against some of the skins biggest aggressors; Sun (UVA + UVB), wind and day to day pollution in one quick step - Simples!!

Mac Fix+ - €18.50
On the off chance we meet our favourite celebrity/ future husband in the middle of a mosh pit we need to be looking our best, to do so you will need Mac's Fix+. A spritz of this over your makeup will keep it in place all day long, no touch ups required. While you may feel like a sweaty mess, you certainly won't look like one with this. Its my holy grail setting spray, great for pigments and glitter and god knows no festival look is complete without some glitter ;)

Whether it's Electrical Picnic or Glastonbury you're heading to this year these are my beauty must haves, the products I simply could not survive without hopefully I've given you little bit of inspiration or reminded you of something you may have otherwise forgotten. The sunscreen, deodorant, wellies, raincoat and tent is up to you.. *hint hint*

"I do!" - Do you really? | Rant

I know you're all thinking 'Here she goes again.. What's wrong with her this time?'

Well, last week while catching up on a stack of magazine's I spotted a piece in LOOK Magazine.

"46% of Women Say They'd Go Dutch On their Engagement Rings, Would You?" 

It frustrated and infuriated me to no end. As women we have fought long and hard for the right to be treated as equals, so why in this day and age are we so stuck in our ways when it comes to Marriage? Why is it only deemed acceptable for women to propose to men on Leap years? Why does it matter who pays for the ring or how much it cost?

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a rock as much as the next girl, BUT are you really willing to wear a down payment of a house on your finger?

I get the symbolism behind the Wedding/Engagement ring, really I do. Its a symbol of Unity, of togetherness. Why does an Engagement ring have to symbolic of HIS willingness to provide for YOU? (Are you planning on being made redundant? No? Well, I'm sure he doesn't either) What if the tables turned? What if he IS made redundant and you are the Sole bread winner? Are you unwillingly to provide for him? I didn't think so..

If it really is symbolic of your commitment to each other, why shouldn't you chip in? You do with all the other expenses? You are they one who will be wearing it after all.

I am by no means slating the opinions of either of the two ladies who debated the topic, they both put up a good argument. This just happens to be my opinion on the matter. I'd love to hear yours. Are you traditional, set in your ways? Or Are you willing to Split the Bill? If the Engagement ring of your dreams was outside of your partners means would you cough up to pay for it?

I know this post is kind of all questions and no answers. It is just so topical. I find myself dying to hear other peoples points of view.

Cracking Christmas gifts for HER

I absolutely LOVE Christmas and I cannot wait for it this year. I think what makes it that bit more exciting this year is that my gorgeous G-Momma Sheilagh is home from Australia and I haven't seen her in over a year. Needless to say a few Pinot's are well overdue!! Three and a half weeks.. Eeeek!!!

Over the past few weeks I've been getting messages on Facebook about gift ideas. So I decided to compile a list. Quite a few men have mailed me for ideas - which of course is very nice to see. Aren't you all very lucky ladies? 

Before getting to it in detail, these gifts are the pricer ones. THE BIG GIFT if you will. If you are looking for cheaper gifts/ kris kringle presents/ stocking filler ideas. I have a post dedicated to that if you would like to click HERE you will be taken directly to it. However if you are looking for THE BIG GIFT, than please read on for some giftspiration for the lady in your life. Of course if there is a budget friendly option out there I'll be sure to mention it!

I have to start with my favourite of all the gifts. The Mi Moneda. Mi Moneda means "my currency" and that is kind of what it is. There are dozens of different coins, holders and chains and they can be mixed and matched to your hearts content meaning it is almost completely unique to the wearer. It is also the priciest gift I have on the list because each piece has to be purchased seperately. The coin, the coin holder and the chain. 

I was lucky enough to get one as a gift from my parents for my 21st birthday this year and I am completely obsessed with it. The Mi Moneda is also a firm favourite among the celebs with the likes of Rihanna and Vanessa Hudgens donning them.  

They come in three colours silver, gold and rose gold. They are available from Keanes. The prices are as follows;

Coins range from: €18- €55

Coin holders range from: €65 to €125

Chains range from: €62.50 to €140

This is the one I got for my birthday. I received 2 coins with it. A rose gold dream catcher and a smokey gold glitter coin. I'm so obsessed that I'm treating myself to second coin holder and a new coin or two for Christmas.  

Not the cheapest gift I will admit and I know some budgets will not be in a position to stretch to almost €300! 

However, I wouldn't be me if I didn't have an ace up my sleeve, would I? A little birdy told me that there is a cheaper alternative to the Mi Moneda. Just as chic, just a little more budget friendly. They are called 'Emozioni' and as of today Michel Jewellers  in Cork stock. Prices start at €24 for the coins or you can pick up a 'starter pack' including a coin holder, a coin and a chain from a very reasonable €120!!

 Here's a sample of the Emozioni coins. Again they are available in silver, gold and rose gold.

My second gift recommendation is a watch. I am a massive fan of some nice arm candy and what completes a look better than a chunky watch? Whether its River Island or Michael Kors, you can do no wrong.

 

 I have this River Island watch in Rose gold and I am forever getting compliments on it. Priced at €37 it's a steal.

 

If you're looking to splash out a little why not opt for a Michael Kors watch? Prices start at €129.

Next up is the handbag. You know that thing us women carry  around all day? We can be seen rooting elbows deep in it for something or other. You know that saying "Everything but the kitchen sink"? It's not a lie, we carry our lives around in these things. All of our worldly possessions. So why not treat the lady in your life to a new one?

The Michael Kors Jet Set Tote is available is loads of colours and comes in 3 sizes. Again it is one of the pricier gifts. Prices start at €220, they are available in Brown Thomas. 

River Island have great Tote bags as well so if Michael Kors hurts your head. How about this little beauty from River Island?

 

It comes in a varity of colours and is quilted meaning she'll be bang on trend. Priced at €40 you could stretch to a matching purse too!

Now we all know us ladies like pretty things, but enough of those for now. How about a much deserved break? Whether its a spa package to treat her to some well deserved pampering or a weekend away in a European city. These presents go down a treat. 

Spa's like Inchydoney and Fota do couples retreats so you can treat yourself while you're at it - You know you want to!! These can be quite expensive, however there are regularly deals on the likes of groupon and living social so keep an eye out. If not for Christmas, the anniversary is always looming..

Lastly, how about flights? A city break? I'm not saying book them for St.Stephens day. Off peak flights are really reasonable as is accommodation. It also gives you time to save a few pennys for the weekend away. Maybe it'll be your first trip away, maybe it's a regular thing either way it's a great gift idea and one you can both benefit from. Flights to Paris for Christmas? Imagine her excitement? 

So there you have it, my gift guide for her. I am aware the some gift are a bit pricey but there are always alternatives. Hopefully it has helped and if need anymore help and/or inspiration please don't hesitate to ask. I'm only too happy to. 

Champagne lifestyle. Lemonade wage | My spending ban

As of November 1st, I have been on a long overdue spending ban. In the past 14 days, tempted as I may have been I have not spent a single penny on anything makeup/beauty related. To say it hasn't been difficult would be an out and out lie. I have be itching to pick up something, anything new to play with. I have really put my willpower to the test this month - Why? 

I'm sure you are all sick to death hearing about my new found love of all things DIY with the installation of my Ah-mazing new wardrobe (thanks dad!). Installing it this month put a severe strain on the ole purse strings. It might have been a sensible idea to put a few bob away over the last few months considering I've been designing and redesigning it with absolute yonks but NO! Money has always and probably will always burn a huge hole in my pocket. As a result I'm learning how little I appreciate all the things I buy, use them a few times and toss them to the side when I splurge on something new and shiny. 

On clearing out my room, I found that I had acquired a stockpile, a long forgotten surplus of beauty bits that hadn't seen the light of day in months. I found NINETEEN Lipglosses!! |For someone who openly admits she is not a fan of lipgloss -  It was downright shameful! Reality hit home and I decided it had to stop. So for the month of November it has. I will not be making any beauty purchases between now and December 1st. Well outside of the necessities such as deodorant etc. (Obviously I will not let personal hygiene suffer as a result of the ban.)

I have decided to help me on my journey I would start a "Monthly Favourites". At the end of the month I will be doing my first post. It won't be a detailed review of all the products and I have no doubt some of them will have been mentioned in previous. However, if I do mention anything in a favourites blog that you would like reviewed. Please do not hesitate to ask I'd be more than happy to.

Once the ban is finished I have decided to enforce a new rule. I will not be purchasing a new product unless I have finished one for it to replace. Will it last? Who knows.. God loves a trier!

On a P.S: I will be getting my nails done on Saturday. It has been nearly SIX WEEKS since they have been seen to last and as a result I think my nail strength is suffering. I worked hard to get them to where they are at the moment and as much as I love DIY, my nails don't feel the same. I also feel that with my overwhelming urge to SPEND SPEND SPEND I may resort to biting and we can't have that now can we? 

Have any of you ever considered a spending? If so I'd love to hear how you got on. If not, has this post tempted you?

Be open to whatever comes next..

Hi Guys,

I hope you're all enjoying your bank holiday weekend. The last one of 2013, crazy isn't it? I, myself am off all next week to do a little D.I.Y work at home. Well.. When I say "D.I.Y", what I really mean is I will be chief tea maker while my dad builds a much needed wall-to-wall wardrobe for my growing shoe obsession. 

Anyway.. As I'm sure some of you know from Facebook last week I have some exciting news to share with you all. I wanted to wait for my log-ins (which I received last night) to make it all official before sharing...

 *drum-roll please* 

I am very excited to announce that I will be working with an online newspaper called The Daily Shift. To say I've been having a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw moment is an understatement!! I'll be working alongside some very talents writers who cover everything from Celebs to Current Affairs - it's great Craic! 

I've been given the opportunity to reach all of you recessionista's on a broader scale which is great, along with that it means I get to blabber on about beauty/fashion twice as much. Not forgetting the odd little lifestyle piece. If it's worth raving about, I'll rave!

Be sure to head over to their Facebook page by clicking here and give them an ole "like". You won't be sorry. While you at it, check out The Daily Shift's website by clicking here. They'll keep you up to date with all that's happening both locally and around the World. 

Since starting the blog back in May, it really has gone from strength to strength. I am so proud of it - to think I'm heading for nearly 500 "likes" on Facebook is phenomenal.. Thank you!

Thank you for the continued support and all the praise, whether by private message, email or in person it really does mean a lot. I really wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't for you!

I've loads of bits and pieces to come so watch this space. But for now.. I'm going to watch some Breaking Bad. I'm not a big TV person by any means but I started watching it about 2/3 weeks ago (after the finale) and I'm on season 4! I'm so hooked on it!! It's funny how a show about drugs brings on a sudden interest in chemistry isn't it? I joke..

Rebecca 

Ps: If someone doesn't dress up like this on Thursday night I'll be seriously disappointed!

Face Value | How much is yours worth?

Have you ever sat down and asked yourself what the true cost of beauty is? or consciously asked yourself how much your makeup bag is worth? 

Well tonight I am going to do that! Sad as it may seem to some of you, I am the person who would be far more traumatised about losing my makeup bag than I would be if I lost my wallet because in reality it's probably worth far more. (Deny it all you want ladies.. I know I'm not alone in this).

I'm delving into the depths of my "day-time" makeup bag and doing some simple calculations out of sheer curiosity. I know I'm not going to be anymore penny-wise as a result, well I might.. If the shock doesn't kill me first!!

I have based today's products on the ones I am currently using, they do vary from time to time depending on my skin, the seasons etc. Also this is my "day-time" makeup so I won't be going into the price of lashes and heavy contouring.

Right, less blabbering Rebecca.. It's time to get down to business!

Base products:

 Primer - New CID cosmetics i-Prime €24

 Foundation - Bobbi Brown Luminous moisturizing foundation €39

 Concealer - Benefit 'Boi-ing' €24

 Highlighter - Benefit 'Moon Beam' €27

Eye products:

Eyeshadow Primer - Maybelline 24hr color tattoo €8

Eyeshadow - Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette €42 or Bobbi Brown Basics eye palette €50

Mascara - MAC in extreme dimension lash mascara €19

Eyeliner -  Natural Collection eye lines €3

Brows - Me Me Me 'Arch Angel' €12

Finishing touches:

Pressed Powder - Maybelline Fit me €12 

Bronzer - Me Me Me Shimmer Stack € 14

Blusher -  Sleek 'Flushed' €6

Finishing Spray - MAC Fix + €19

Lips:

Benefit 'Ladies Choice' €22 or if I want to go really natural I wear my EOS smooth sphere €7

 These prices are approximate. I'm not going to argue over a few cent..

So there you have it... My current make-up bag is worth approximately €328.00 and this doesn't even include makeup brushes. 

I know it may seem as though it is laden down with high-end products but these are my staples. My go-to products. The good ole reliable's that I go back to time and time again.  Don't worry they have all been trialed and tested against cheaper alternatives to no avail!

I get gifts of vouchers and make up for birthdays and christmas and as with with everything else, if you take care of your makeup it will last a lot longer. Take my Bobbi Brown Palette for example.. I've had it almost 2 years and it is still going strong. (I know we are "supposed" to dump makeup after it has been opened for a period of time - BUT who decided that? The one's who benefit form the naivety of the consumer.. Of course!) Don't be fooled ladies.. Clean brushes make a hell of a difference with increasing your makeups shelf life.

So... Have I piqued your interest enough for you to do a bit of calculating of your own? How much is your makeup bag worth? I'm dying to know!!

Thanks to Makeup Monster for the inspiration to do the post.