The Lo Down - My Current Goals

Hey Guys and Dolls,

2017 is seriously going by so fast like a blink of an eye, not going to lie it's kind of scary I have to admit. I've been thinking alot lately about what I want to do with my year and I've come up with a couple of goals that I want to share with you guys. I think all of them are fairly achievable so I'm hoping that I'm going to be able to look back on them in a couple of months and tick them off my list.

Lose 2 stone in 2 months.

My weightloss journey started in January 2017 and it's going really well so far. I've already lost
2 stone in 2 months which I think is really good going so I want to keep up the good work. I've set myself a goal to lose another two stone in the next two months which will be hard but definitely achievable in my opinion so I have high hopes. My parents and nephew are going away in mid May so I'm planning to have accomplished this by then. They've already told me that there going to buy me some new clothes which will include a Gryffindor hoodie from Harry Potter so of course I'm very excited. I'm going to just keep doing what I'm doing at the moment, heathier eating and alot of fitness classes so we'll see what happens. 

Read More Books

I'm a big reader it has to be said, I've been reading books since I was about six and I'm pretty sure my parents read to me before that. I just like getting stuck in a good book and drifting off to another world, nothing beats it in my opinion. I've finished two books (Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them & Taking a Chance), I'm currently reading Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney and I'm loving it so far. I'm going to start doing more book reviews on my blog as I enjoy them alot and I hope you do to.

Start Running Again

Running and weightloss come hand in hand really. I love running, I don't do it as much anymore but I do enjoy it when I do get the time. In the past I've run marathons and done them in a pretty good time too which is always great. As I still have a bit of weight to lose I'm going to start off small and take baby steps, sure I don't want to do a injury or anything. My goal here is to fingers crossed run another 10km run by the end of the Summer,

Get a Job

I left my last job in December after almost nine years, I just thought it was about time to pack it in. I've enjoyed my time off but now I'm getting a little bit bored if I'm to be honest and I hate being bored. I am filling up my days blogging and doing stuff which I love but at this stage I definitely want a new job. I've been applying for a couple here and there but nothing yet. I would love to have a job by April, I'm so broke at the moment which isn't too good so a little bit of money would go a long way.

Go on a Holiday

I haven't gone on a holiday in years and I think it's about time I go on one. I wouldn't even mind going down the country to be honest, I just need to get out of Dublin for a while I think. Ideally I'd love to go to either Portugal or Spain as they both have the sun and yummy food. I've been to both countries and I love them alot so hopefully I get to go to one of them. Of course I have to tick off getting a job first.

Do a Makeup Course

This is probably the goal I'm most excited about. I love all things makeup and I've always wanted to a a makeup course and never gotten around to doing one. I've gotten the opportunity recently to do one, it may be only a beginners course but I always love learning new tips and tricks. I'm not going to let this pass me by, sure if I really like it I'm going to sign up to do another makeup course so I'm really excited to see what doors this opens for me.

So there are all my goals I'm going to do a update in a while maybe at the end of the Summer to let you guys know how I'm getting on with things but I'm expecting to do well, fingers crossed!

Laura<3

My 2014 Goals!

I can't believe we're already a bit over a week into 2014, 2013 was such an amazing year for me and I feel like I accomplished so many of my goals that I set out for myself last year, seven out of nine which isn't too bad! The standouts are graduating college, travelling, maintaining my weight loss and taking part in the Mini Marathon. I do find it good to set out mini goals in the New Year as opposed to one big resolution as there more realistic, for me anyways! I have a few goals jotted down for this year so I though I'd share them with you guys!

Go Travelling
Ever since I finished secondary school I've always wanted to travel the world. Loads of little things always seem to get in the way so I'm hoping 2014 is the year that I hop on a plane and just do it. There's two destinations I'd love to visit, Canada and Australia. I guess the dream is to go over and work for a couple of months, of course I want to visit alot of different cities while I'm there too. I think like everyone I would be nervous about being in a huge city unknown to me but I guess that is a part of the fun of going travelling, it's all a big adventure. Everyone I've talked to that upped sticks and went travelling rave about the experience so hopefully this year is my year to enjoy it too. Paddy and I already have a couple of holidays in the works so you'll definitely see upcoming posts on them for sure. I love reading back over all my old holiday posts, it's so nice to have something to look back on.

Go to the Gym more than once a week!
I love going to the gym but like anyone I find it really hard to find the time to go. I signed up for a yearly membership back in November and I can probably count on two hands the amount of time I've gone. During 2014 I'm going to set myself a goal to go more than once a week be it going to classes or just working out for 40 minutes after work. I definitely think this is achievable so I'm not really too worried. I've already gotten a program from the gym so I'm hoping that makes things a little easier.

Three 10km Runs in 3 months
Last year I took part in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon, I really enjoyed the whole experience and to finish the race in 1 hour and 13 minutes was one of my biggest accomplishments to date. It took alot of work and dedication to get fit for the big day and I want to do even more this year. Starting now, I'm going to train for three 10km runs which take place in April, May and June. I know it's going to take alot of work e.g blood, sweat and tears, but it will be all worth it in the end. I'm going to try to jog a couple of times a week with my work buddy Alison. We trained for the Mini Marathon together last year and it was so much fun. One of the runs is on in Manchester so I can't wait to run that! I'm already trying to convince my Aunty Val to do this years Mini Marathon with me as I know she always wanted to do it.

Learn to Drive and finally get a Car!

One thing I really want to do this year is to learn how to drive. I've always wanted to have my own car and go wherever the wind may take me. I seriously don't know why it has taken me so long to learn. I'm going to book in to do my theory test in January so hopefully I pass that and start doing some lessons. I've already started looking at cars I want to buy. I'm thinking either a Nissan Micra or a Volkswagen Polo so fingers crossed the theory test goes well.

Learn a new language!
I was big into languages in school, Irish and French were two of my favourite subjects. Fast forward five years and learning languages has definitely fallen by the wayside so I'm hoping to change things in 2014. I've always wanted to learn Spanish so I'm hoping to take a beginners course in that, who knows by this time next year I could be fluent. One of my favourite cities is Barcelona, so it would be really cool to go over there on holidays and be able to speak the language.

Be Positive!
Last and definitely not least is Be-Positive. I do find myself sometimes feeling down over things that don't really warrant much of my thoughts or my time. I must admit one of my main faults is being an over thinker which for me is definitely not a good thing. 2014 is the year that I'm going to remind myself to breath, take 10 seconds and chill out. At the end of the day nothing is ever as bad as it initially seems.

2013 was certainly good to me and I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!

Laura<3

A Look Back Over 2012 & My Hopes for 2013

When I look back on 2012 there's alot of positives to take from it. I've done so much this year that I'm very proud of indeed.

First off I joined Slimming World way back in April, when I started I would never of imagined that I could achieve so much in a short period of time. In my first month, I lost 1st 3lbs which I was literally ecstatic about it. Every week I was excited to go to class to see how I was doing. I started doing Slimming World Updates here on my blog after the first month. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to put my weightloss journey out there but I'm so glad I did. You guys have been such and amazing support and to read your comments on those posts seriously make my day To see some people go as far as saying I'm a inspiration to them is very overwhelming it has to said. I'm happy that people that something from it for themselves though too, I know how hard it is to lose weight. I had tried so many weightloss programs and none of them worked for me. When Slimming World came along I wasn't too pushed on going until my Mom said what can it hurt to go and give it a try. I'm so glad I listened to her in the end, she's such an amazing person and I owe alot to her. Since I started way back in April I've lost over 6st which is insane! I couldn't be happier, it is hard work but once you get into the program I found it's all plain sailing from there.

At the end of July I went over to Manchester to do a PR Internship. I yapped so much about this when I was going so I'm not going to tell you guys what you probably already know. I really enjoyed the whole experience. The people I worked with were so sweet and I took so much out of  my time there.While I was there I went to a see Team GB play in Old Trafford which was amazing. I'm big into football if you didn't know already, I've been to Old Trafford before to see United play. They lost that game to a fairly terrible side so my boyfriend may say I'm not a good luck charm when it comes to seeing his favourite side win. I went to see Morrissey in the MEN too.  Before I went I wasn't the biggest fan but now it has to be said I love the man. The gig was amazing and seeing as he doesn't play them too often, it was great to experience him sing live. I went to two other amazing concerts during 2012, Florence & the Machine and The Cribs. They were both amazing live, definitely two acts that I would love to see again. I also did alot of shopping in the space of ten days whilst I was in Manchester, surprise surprise. I always feel that the makeup is so much cheaper over there. There's some brands like Sleek and Look Beauty that you can't get over here, so I love picking up some bits from them. I've been to Manchester three times now and it's definitely a favourite destination of mine. I think I may plan another trip over there very soon.

Last but certainly not least I've met some amazing Irish bloggers throughout the year. It's so nice to meet someone when I've been reading their blog for so long. There's so many Irish bloggers, old and new now and I enjoy reading all their blogs. The Beauty Blogging Community is huge and I love how it's such a friendly community and everyone is so welcoming. I can't believe I'm going to be blogging two years at the end of April. It's true what they say, time goes fast when your having fun. I hope to meet some more of you this year, it's so nice to meet like minded people who love all things beauty related too.

Looking back over my 2012 Goals post I was happy to see that I accomplished some them. This a why I prefer to write up some small goals as opposed to a New Years resolution as I'm not likely to fail on these. This year I put a bit more thought into my goals and came up with this list.

Take Chances and stop being so indecisive 
In simpler terms take more risks. When it comes to making big choices I never can decide what to do so I definitely want to take more chances this year.

Travel 
I have a couple of holiday destinations I'd love to visit in 2013. One of them being Paris. I went back when I was 13 so of course I don't really remember it too much. My boyfriend and I are thinking of going before Summer so watch this space. If I do go I'll take lots of pictures to show you guys!

Save money and use up more makeup - 
pretty self explanatory this one! Being a makeup addict I doubt I need to buy any more makeup this year. This is never the case though, I always cave and buy new things I don't need.

Blog Regularly - 
with college and the like I know this may be pretty difficult but I'm hoping to get at least 3 or more posts up a week. I think this is manageable with my current work load so any more posts than this and I'll be happy.

Learn another Language
I've always wanted to learn another language I took French in school and I remember loving it. I hope during 2013 I can improve on my French and also brush up a little on my Irish. Both my Brother and my Sister can speak fluent Irish so let's just say I'm a tad jealous!

Continue doing Slimming World and hopefully reach my target by the end of this year!
As you all know 2012 has been such an amazing year for me when it comes to weight loss. I join Slimming World back in April and since then I've lost over 6st. I'm on cloud 9 at the moment about it, it still hasn't sunk in. The only issue I have is getting new clothes all the time, my bank balance is seriously declining.

Pass my Theory Test and Finally Learn How To Drive
This has been a goal of mine for an awfully long time and I've never gotten around to doing it. I don't know what it is every time I go to organise my Theory Test I end up putting it off for one reason or another. I think I may be just scared that I won't pass but finally this year

Get College over and done with
I was lucky enough to head back to college this year. I'm doing a Diploma in Marketing, PR,Sales and Advertising and so far I'm really enjoying it. I think doing the PR Internship in Manchester during the Summer of last year really showed me what line of work I'd like to get into in the future. The assignments I have been given has really taken up alot of my time so that's why I guess I haven't been blogging as frequently as I would like to.

Read More
I'm a big book worm if you didn't know already and I have a mountain of books to read. I have a Kindle but I like physical books to fill my shelves with at home. My Aunt's friend gave me the full  Game of Thrones book series recently, I can't wait to get stuck into them as I've been hearing really good things. All the books seem to be huge so I know it's going to take me some time to get through. I'm hoping to start doing some more book reviews and my blog, it's something that I know I'd enjoy alot.

I have some really exciting things planned for 2013 which I can't talk about yet but when I can you'll hear it first here. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this year has in store for me. I'm hoping to get tickets to see Ed Sheeran in concert next weekend so maybe that will be my first gig of 2013. I just wish the tickets weren't ridiculously expensive.

What's your hopes and dreams for 2013?

Laura<3

Slimming World - An Update

Four weeks ago I started my weight loss journey by joining Slimming World. In My 2012 Goals I mentioned getting fit but until recently I've let that slide and never got around to starting anything. I've joined a few of these groups in the past and to be honest they never worked for me. I would get on great for a while and then lose all motivation completely and leave. I can't say that has happened with Slimming World, I could probably say it's the best thing that I've joined all year.When you start up you pay a registration fee of €18 and every week after that it's €9. After seeing how well my Aunty got on with the program I couldn't wait to start. My Mom and I go to our meetings every Tuesday and it's so great to have her support. 

As I said I started this class a month ago, I went in with no expectations. I feel when you aim high sometimes you can be let down so I just take it one week at a time. I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen in the past four weeks, since I started I've lost 1st &3lbs in total. This has never happened on any other plan so I was definitely encouraged. I feel like my diet has changed in the past month, I've cut down on portion sizes and also drink so much water (like a camel). I also made a decision to stop eating bread/sweeties. I don't really have a sweet tooth at all so I haven't been missing the odd chocolate now and again. I was totally surprised with the bread as I thought it would be much harder to cut out but it really wasn't. After taking all these things out of my diet, I can tell you that I have a new found love for hummus (low fat variety). I hated it as a child but now I can't get enough it tastes so good.

Exercise wise, I've been walking alot more. I haven't started the gym as of yet, in the past it hasn't been my favourite place to go but this is a new chapter in my life so it's worth looking into. I've heard spinning classes are amazing even though your apparently wrecked the next day, so I might give them a go. My sister's fiance Keith has also been helping me fitness wise as he's a trained personal trainer and nutritionist so it certainly helps to have support. 

Laura<3

My 2012 Goals!

Can't believe I'm writing my first post of 2012. 2011 brought me a mixture of good and bad moments, but definitely more good times than not. I made myself a list of goals for 2012 that I thought I'd share with you all. I don't like calling them resolutions as that sounds rather constricting and they more than likely won't happen. Anyway if you want to change something in your life, there's nothing stopping you from doing it whatever the time of year. I really can't wait to see what this year has in store, if it's as good as last year I'll be happy!

My Goals

Be Healthy

This is a pretty broad goal. This year I want to start going to the gym aswell as eating healthy. I'm going to start eating the right things first and continuing on from there. I'm really not a fruit and vegetable person so I have to work on that. I only like apples and carrots, don't know what's wrong with me. This goal always starts well and ends badly so this is definitely one I want to stick to.

Read More

Looking through my room today, I've seen so many books I haven't read yet. If I counted them all I'd get a headache. I think the reason for this is work, so I'm going to challenge myself to read maybe two books a month. I also have a sneaky suspicion that my Parents are getting me a Kindle for my 22nd birthday in February. I'm hoping to have some books read by then, maybe not them all but some. Currently in the middle of The Maze Runner trilogy, so far so good I like it.

Travel

Travelling is a big goal of mine. I love exploring new places and seeing different cultures. I doubt I'd be able to afford to go to some tropical destination in 2012 but it won't stop me going to some destinations around Europe. I've been to Paris, Sardinia, Barcelona, Albufeira (Portugal) and Manchester, I loved everyone of these place so much. I'd like to go back to Barcelona but I also want to visit somewhere new. Two places I have in mind are Edinburgh and Rome, if I go to both of these places by they end of the year I'll be extremely happy!

Blog Regularly 
Firstly I find it so hard to believe that I'll be blogging for nine months at the end of January. Time goes fast! I love blogging so much and I've met so many amazing people in the past couple of months. Working alot sometimes prevents me from getting regular posts up which can be annoying. I'm hoping that in 2012 I can get up a few posts a week (at least two). I enjoy writing posts and reading all your responses in the comments. If there is any particular post you'd like to see this year, let me know!

Save Money
Seeing as I want to travel this year, saving is a must. I have no problem with saving money but I do feel I could put away more. I do spend quite alot on makeup and skincare, I feel a spending ban may come into play sometime in 2012.

Use up More Makeup
Since starting to write monthy "Empties" post I've certainly used up alot of products. Hopefully this year   I finish even more. I may challenge myself to finish five products before I buy a new one. I think this is definitely going to be a hard one for me so I can't wait to see how it goes.

That's all my goals, six in total. I'm hoping to achieve them all. I may do a update every month or so to let you know how I'm getting on, undecided as of yet.

Have you made yourself any goals for 2012?

Laura<3