Music // Makes The People // Come Together

If you've read the 'About Me' section of my blog or follow me on Twitter, you've probably gathered that alongside this new venture as a blogger, I'm also a Youtuber (You can visit my channel here)!

I've been creating and uploading covers of songs that I love for a few years now, starting randomly one day sitting on my bedroom floor, singing a Taylor Swift song into my dad's video recorder, (workin' the poker straight hair that was so in at the time, might I add :P). He decided to put it up on YouTube for the world to see and the rest is history.

Although I've been working on my music for awhile now, the past year and a half (give or take a few months) is when the ball really started to get rolling.

Since then, music has given me the most AAAAmazing opportunities. If you didn't know me before I started this blog, this time last year the people at Dick Clarke Productions, after somehow seeing a cover I did of 'Impossible' by Shontelle (Click here to watch it), invited me over to the Streamy Awards in Los Angeles, California to attend the awards show in the Hollywood Palladium. Cinderella moment for a girl from Monaghan! The highlight of the night? Getting to meet some of my favourite YouTubers, and of course,  the chance to go to America - obviously! lol. I completely fell in love with California!

Since then I've been working hard to hone in on my craft. I'm not gonna lie, sometimes it's difficult trying to keep up college work and music and sometimes one wins over the other, but a gurls gotta do what a gurls gotta do.

And that takes us right up to today. I havn't been posting covers as regularly as I'd like to since last summer. Why? Because I've been recording my very first E.P. with some kick ass producers over in London. Eeeeeppp!
The writing and recording process has just been straight up cray. Firstly, being approached by such accomplished individuals and working with them one on one can be plain daunting at first - you really need to let your inhibitions go in that kind of creative space and just vibe, but being a nervous girl from a small town can sometimes get in the way of that. The biggest thing I've learned throughout this journey is to open up and that's when the goods start to be produced. It was a brand new world to me but the process was so so exciting. I can't begin to explain how surreal it feels to be fit to share some of my own music with everyone - mind. blown.

After several trips over and back to London (and several missed college classes), I've finally wrapped up cutting my vocals and my E.P is now in its final stages of production. Very, very soon I'll be able to share it with you. No words for how frickin' excited I am! Hopefully you'll all check it out when it becomes available!

XO, G.

Motivational Monday

I dunno about you, but for me, the start of the week means another "I'll start on Monday" get fit plan.

Most weeks I'll begin with such great intentions. There'll be plans to get into the gym 5 days a week and I'll even attempt to organise meal plans for healthier options but as the week goes on, slowly but surely, the cupcakes and rocky road bars begin to taunt me and my motivation will magically vanish!
I secretly loath people who love to work out and motivate themselves to get into the gym 5 days a week - just wanna punch 'em in the face (just joking, totally wanna be them. HELP! haha.)

As I was doing my usual rounds through the blogosphere this morning I came across this awesome idea on laurenconrad.com (yes I do still watch re-runs of The Hills, oh how I miss LC!) that might actually kick my butt into gear and encourage me to keep up my fitness routine - The Motivational Money Jar.

Here's the idea:
Everytime you hit the gym or exercise, you put one euro/dollar/pound (or your equivalent) into your jar and if you feel you've really pushed yourself - try for 5 euros. Then, every couple of months you cash in on your hard work and treat yourself!
Keep your jar somewhere where you'll see it often and it will keep you motivated!

This is ideal for someone looking to both motivate themselves to get fit and save some dolla! (I'll raise my hand to that one!)

Do you think the Motivational Money Jar would work for you?
Have you got any tips for keeping focused when it comes to your fitness regime? 
If so, help a girl out and let me know in the comments! :) 

XO, G.

Photo Credits:
weheartit.com
laurenconrad.com

Social Media Do's & Don'ts

Let's face it, it happens everyday! You're scrolling through your Facebook timeline or your Twitter feed and you come across an argument that's getting a little too personal or a picture that's clearly putting someone in an awkward position. 

Welcome to the digital age ladies and gents! 

In today's world we are constantly in contact with others, whether you're sitting in a lecture Snapchatting your friends, in a hair salon scrolling through your Twitter feed while you wait for your blow-dry or straight up chilling out in your bed reading the newest updates on Facebook. Now more than ever we should be aware of putting our best foot forward online, just because you are behind a computer screen or your phone shouldn't mean that manners and straight up common sense should go out the window!

The Do's: 

• Do remember that what you post online will always follow you - people tend to think that they can take chances when they're behind the keyboard and say things they wouldn't normally say in 'real life'. If you wouldn't say it to someone in person, then you probably shouldn't post it online.
• Do remember that what you post online can affect others. Think before you tag someone in a photograph or upload a picture that will clearly put them in a compromising position. Put yourself in their shoes for a second and think how you feel when someone puts up the most unflattering photograph ever - not so good.
• Do turn a blind eye to negativity. Just because you're polite online doesn't mean that others are going to be too. As someone who is on YouTube, I've ample experience of this - luckily not too much though! By putting your content online you are opening yourself up to being judged by others. People will post negative comments just to get a reaction sometimes. Social media is the exact same - if someone is being mean or attempting to start an argument, it's best to just ignore it. Be the bigger person.
• Do act how you would want to be treated - that one's simple!

The Don'ts:

• Don't overshare and don't get too personal - these points kind of go hand in hand. Unfortunately nobody really wants to know how angry you are with your ex-boyfriend or the weird things your body does when you're ill - keep that to yourself puuhhleasee! Also, personal attacks are a no go! It just puts you in a bad light!
• Don't take things too personally - just because someone doesn't reply to a Facebook message or a friend request straight away doesn't mean that they're avoiding you and that you should plague them with comments until they answer. Just chill! They probably aren't as active online as you are!
• Don't, if at all possible, send continuous game requests out to all of your friends of Facebook. I think everyone's fallen victim to the Candy Crush notifications! That's not fun... :P 

And those are my do's and don'ts for social media! Just be yourself and be smart about the content  that you're putting out for the world to see!

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to social media? Feel free to let me know in the comments below! :)

XO, G.


Photo Credit: We heart it

S is for ...

SHOPPING! 

Over the past two or three weeks I accidentally fell into a few shops and accidentally fell to the counter with these little goodies and accidentally ended up coming home with them! Meh, it happens!

Honestly though, I was in need of a few of these products... but with others I had a bit of an 'I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE' moment! So have a little look see at my newest purchases!

First of all - my repurchases. 

Before going on a quick trip to Spain the week before last, I needed to pick up Maybelline's Dream Pure BB 8-in-1 BB Cream. I find this BB cream great for my skin and when set with the right powder it is a miracle combo for controlling its oiliness! It's incredibly lightweight and doesn't feel or look cakey! These two things combined make for the perfect product for sunny Spain!

Secondly, I repurchased Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer. This little baby is most definitely a part of my holy grail list! Since first trying this out about a year ago, I havn't managed to find another concealer that can kick it off the list. Personally I see very little difference between this and a NARS concealer. It's gives fantastic coverage and I love the fact that its lightest shade (there are 6 of them) doubles as a great highlighter.

Now for the new purchases! 

From above, you can probably tell that I've got a bit of an obsession with Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer, so after running out of setting powders, I thought I'd give this a lash. To be completely honest, I don't think much of it. It's really no comparison to Benefit's the POREfessional: agent zero shine (see my review of it here). It's fine when you first apply it, and gives an alright finish... BUT, I've been trying it out for about a week now and I find that as the day goes on, my makeup just slides off my face. Shiny face - no bueno. 

This was another necessary purchase as I'd run out of mascara. I usually like Rimmel mascaras and decided to try out Scandaleyes Mascara in extreme black. Rimmel claims that this formula makes lashes so big, it's almost criminal and gives scandalous false lash volume. I wouldn't completely agree - sorry Rimmel. I find you have to apply several coats of mascara (more than usual) in order to give your lashes any volume. I do like the brush though! It isn't the worst I've tried - but it also isn't as good as Benefit's They're Real!

This was a bit of an impulse buy on my behalf - but seriously, how could I not. I've already got both Naked 1 & Naked 2 and I'm currently finding it pretty much impossible to hunt down Naked 3 in the shops. So I thought that this cutie would tie me over until the time when I find it! I'm a HUGE lover of Urban Decay's eyeshadow formula's and find them some of the only eyeshadows that maintain their slick look throughout the day or night!

The Naked Basics palette is purrrrfect for traveling or throwing into your handbag for a day at work or college. It creates a great every day look and the six shades provide you with just enough to transform your day look into the night! I'd 100% recommend snapping this up!

And finally ... This beauty from Zara.

I'd been keeping my eye out for a biker jacket for the past couple of months, looking for something that I could style with some softer pieces for an edgier look and this pretty much had me at hello. The  sections of panelling on the shoulder and cuff areas are reminiscent of a little Marc Jacobs biker jacket I wanted ridiculously badly last year. It's a great fit and can transfer through seasons ... well in Ireland anyway. 

So there you have it! All the new things that have walked their way into my closet/makeup bag!

What are your new purchases as of late?

Are you a bit of an impulse buyer or more money savvy? 

XO, G.

BAFTA Awards Red Carpet 2014 - My Winning Looks

Continuing awards season, the stars grace'd the red carpet at London's Royal Opera House last night for the 2014 BAFTA Awards. Considering London Fashion Week is now in full swing, the attendee's managed to make their red carpet looks stand out amidst the fierce ensembles stomping down the runways. As can be expected, there were some disappointments and some looks that that to me just screamed 'Awww hell no!' - but fashion is expression, so werk it!

Here are my top 3 looks!

Lupita Nyong'o

There's no denying that this beauty is slaying it on the red carpet this awards season. I don't think there is one Best Dressed list that I havn't seen her on. The '12 Years A Slave' actress hit it out of the park yet again in this stunning emerald-green gown from Christian Dior Fall 2014 Couture Collection. That colour though! That is what red carpet dreams are made of. Accessorising the theatrical ball gown with a gold metallic belt and matching Ana Khouri gold cuffs was just genius - that's my girl!

Angelina Jolie

Making a rare red carpet appearance, the actress decided to give the men a run for their money (and man did she do that) by rocking a tailor-made, menswear-inspired tux from Saint Laurent. The partially unbuttoned blouse with black bowtie detailing just oozes casual sophistication. Angelina tied the look together with a cat eye, nude lip, side swept effortless waves and black Saint Laurent pumps. Stunning!

Olga Kurylenko

The actress and Bond girl dazzled last night in a Burberry gown that just screamed sultry sex appeal! The black plunging neckline was sweetened by the cute bow detailing at the waist - nicely done. And can we take a minute for how clever the bronze/copper red skirt with a shimmering scale detailing was? Clearly mermaid inspired without crossing the line to tacky prom dress. The sexy waves and barely-there makeup gave the dramatic look a fresh appeal!

These ladies most definitely kicked some ass last night in the style stakes, but who were your favourites? Make sure to let me know in the comments below! 

XO, G.

What's In My Bag? | College Edition

I think it's a given that one thing most girls have in common is carrying oversized bags full to the brim of pointless bits and bobs - I must admit, I'm a huge culprit begging to be a hunchback by the time I'm 25! I find myself carrying everything with me 'just incase'. This year was my first year living off campus for college, travelling to Dublin and back for my classes, and as a serial over-packer trying to ram everything I thought I needed into any bag was proving difficult.

FINALLY, in my second semester I think I've managed to whittle it down to the essentials, so have a look! 

Firstly, the bag I've adopted as my favourite to carry with me for college is this blue Michael Kors tote. It is a lifesaver, pretty much due to the fact that it holds everything I need. Before this baby came into my possession, I would have to carry my handbag (usually long strapped), as well as a laptop case (also long strapped) and would eventually end up looking like a tangled mess by the time I reached the doors of my building. This bag, however, has a million compartments (no exaggeration whatsoever), everything has it's place and is so easy to find. I love that this bag has a built in compartment for my laptop, which saves me having to carry it separately and also makes it a great bag for travelling. 

What's in my bag?

- My keys! Wouldn't get too far without those.

- A coin purse. Simply because my actual purse doesn't have much room for coins and I need them for      parking!

- My purse.

- My make up bag. Things can slip and slide everywhere over the course of the day, so it's useful to have my make up with me for touch ups! 

- A beanie & Ray-Ban's. Looks silly, I know, but with the unpredictable Irish weather you can never tell what you're gonna need!

- My Macbook, numerous pens and my notebooks. All essentials!

So that's generally what I carry with me to college everyday! All essentials to me, but do tell if you think I'm still managing to carry everything and the kitchen sink! Haha.

Are you an over-packer like me or more of a minimalist? 

XO, G.