The Lo Down - My 27th Birthday

Hey Guys and Dolls,

This week I turned the grand old age of 27. I'm starting to feel old I have to say. In a sort of good way though I have a lot more wisdom and maturity.

Last Friday I went out for dinner to celebrate with the people that mean the most to me my family and my boyfriend. Unfortunately my Sister couldn't make it but I'm sure I'm going to meet up with her and my nephew really soon. We went to a Thai restaurant in Ballinteer called The Blue Orchid and it was beyond yummy. The food was unreal, I got a shared starter with my boyfriend Daragh and for my main course I had chicken and cashew nuts in a birds nest. This is my absolute fave it's so tasty and it was so filling we were all stuffed by the time we were finished.

Daragh and I stuck around after and went to my local pub The Coach House for a few drinks. Gin and tonic for me and a pint of Heinekeen for himself if you were wondering. I like this pub as the atmosphere is always good and the staff are lovely. We all had such a nice evening and it was lovely to have a sit down meal with everyone. That doesn't happen enough in my opinion so it's nice when birthdays come along as we always do something nice to celebrate.

On my actual birthday which was yesterday (Wednesday), I had a skincare event in town in the morning and in the evening I went out for food with my Mom. We went to Chopped which is my favourite salad bar. If you haven't been before I'd suggest trying the Celtic Harvest it's so tasty. I never feel guilty eating here as it's really good for you aswell. Afterwards we went shopping in Dundrum Town Centre which was nice, I picked up a few bit and bobs whilst there.

On Tuesday the day before my birthday I went shopping with my Sister which I haven't done in ages as we've been both so busy lately. She came up to my house with my nephew so we escaped for a while to do our own thing. It was nice to have a catch up cause we hadn't actually spoken in weeks. She's actually coming to a fitness event with me in March so we're both very excited for that. Sure it will be something different.

I also received some lovely thoughtful gifts on the day which I will feature in a post towards the end of the week.

All in all I had a lovely birthday week surrounded by the people I love and care about the most, I had a blast. I was worried about turning 27 recently but I needn't have been as it's not too bad I have to say. I'm looking forward to seeing what my 27th year has in store for me.

Laura<3

What I got for Christmas 2013!

I can't believe Christmas 2013 has come and gone. What with training and working non stop it went by in a blink of an eye. I feel like I haven't blogged in ages but that will definitely change in 2014. I thought I'd start off showing you some of the lovely gift I received this Christmas.

2013 was definitely the year of the Yankee Candles everyone knows how much I love burning a nice candle in my room. My favourite scent at the moment is Fireside Treats, it smells amazing! If you haven't smelt it yet in store I suggest you do. From my parents and brother, I got two gorgeous sets that each contain 12 votive size candles, one has all the traditional winter scents while the other has yummy sweet scents. I'm really looking forward to burning the latter.

My Aunty Val picked me up two books that I really wanted. I've read all the Pretty Little Liars series so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. The book series has been going on for a while but I haven't got bored of it yet as its a really good quick read. Gayle Forman is a new author for me I already have the first book in this series, I haven't read it yet but I'm delighted that I have the sequel to look forward to aswell.

Paddy completely spoiled me, I was a really lucky girl this Christmas. He also had to carry all my presents over on the bus on Christmas Eve so I'm sure he got some strange looks here and there. I'm really happy with everything, I get a Soap & Glory box every year and I especially love the one that was released this year. The bag that everything comes in is beautiful, I'm definitely going to use it to store all my makeup products in. Staying with beauty products, Paddy surprised me with two Molton Brown hand creams. I used to work for the company two years ago and my favourite scents are Heavenly Gingerlily and Pink Pepperpod, I don't think that will ever change. So far I've been loving these handcreams alot and there the perfect size for my handbag. Loads of people are surprised to hear that I've never watched Downton Abbey before, I usually just forget when a new episode is on and just fall behind. Paddy bought me season 1-4 so hopefully I can catch up as I hear it is a really good show. Bastille and Kodaline are two bands that I've been loving lately, I've already put both of these cds on my Ipod. I love Bastille's songs, Poet & Laughter Line and Kodaline's High Hopes & Brand New Day. Both albums are amazing in my opinion and definitely worth a listen. Of course I was also given two Yankee Candles Christmas Cookie and Christmas Cupcake, there's no fear that I'll run low on candles anytime soon. A present that was really special to me was the Disney Mickey & Minnie 2013 Christmas snowglobe, I love Disney movies so this was such a perfect gift. I've already made space on my new desk for it. He also bought me another couple of bits and bobs that you can see above, I clearly have a boyfriend that knows me very well as I'm super happy with everything!

My Aunty and Uncle gave me this beautiful Pied a Terre purse which I adore. It fits all my basic cards, a good thing as I always carry too many around with me and this will definitely help fix that problem. I know I only ever use my Boots, Brown Thomas, Tesco and Debenhams reward card so there's really no need for me to have a bulging purse.

Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without pyjamas and festive slipper boots (I'm rocking a pair as I type this). My Mom and Dad also got me a gorgeous new jumper and boots, I've been wearing the latter to death. I'm sure you'll see them both in an upcoming post. Keeping with fashion my sister bought me a gorgeous scarf, snuggly headband and other bits and bobs. My Nanna gave me a giftcard for Dundrum Town Centre, of course I've used it in the Sales already so expect a post really soon on my purchases.

At the end of the day I really love chilling out with my family and friends over Christmas. On Christmas morning we called over to my sister, Lisa's apartment to see her and the family. Throughout the whole month of December my nephew Ryan was so excited to see what Santa would bring, of course he wasn't left disappointed. Above is a picture of Ryan and I playing with some of his lovely Christmas gifts. He is the cutest child ever, it's so nice to have a baby again in the family as it brings all the fun back into Christmas again. He didn't want me to leave and I have a feeling he would of been perfectly happy for me to stay all day playing with his new toys.

What did you get surprised with this Christmas?

Laura<3