30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 9

What's on you life/bucket list? 

1. Live a long and happy life

2. Have children

3. Travel more esp America 

4. Visit Bora Bora (someday)

5. Go on more city breaks at least 1 a year

6. Buy a brand new mini (although I'm not all that keen on the latest model)

7. Grow my hair long (and keep it that way for at least 6 months) 

8. Run 10k (but first I'd be happy with just a 5k)

9. Convert a container into a garden room 

10. Have my own cake kitchen 

11. Own a pair of Christian Louboutins 

12. Fly first class 

13. Take a trip on a hot air balloon 

14. Skydive

15.  Visit Santorini 

16. Own a pink Kitchenaid 

17. Kiki to have pups and to have more dogs in our house

18. Be my own boss 

19. Do yoga

20. Have a fish pedicure 

21. Have dinner on a beach 

22. Go on a cruise 

23. Swim in a waterfall 

24. Renew our wedding vows in Ballymagarvey 

25. Have a picnic in the park

26. Visit New York at Christmas 

27. Have a shoe closet 

28. Travel around Ireland in a camper-van

29. Have a successful blog 

30. Continue to live a happily married life & grow old with Stephen (soppy I know) 

There you have it, 30 items on my bucket list, I better start trying to tick some off. 

Until tomorrow

Enjoy

Caoimhe 

xXx

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 8

Advice your parents gave you that stuck? 

It's probably not so much advice but rather a value but my parents always thought me to work hard and instilled the value of hard work and earning what you have. I've worked from a young age getting my first job at about 15. I worked for my uncles company in the office, I then started working in a pharmacy at 16, then later while at college I also worked in Vero Moda and tried to fit in as much work between the two jobs around college hours. I loved it, I really enjoyed working in retail apart from the unsociable hours, but I loved the buzz of working with people and dealing with the public. I enjoyed helping people out and giving them advice whether it's on medicine or fashion. I was really driven by meeting sales targets and achieved various top sales awards. During this time I also learnt the value of money and saving. 

I saved regularly since childhood and this has paid off in the long run as it has continued in my attitude towards money even now. I still save every week and yet still pay for bills, mortgage, loans, groceries, luxuries, home improvements, holidays etc. I love to buy nice things (sometimes I may take it too far as I can end up buying things I love, that I don't really need or have no space for) but this all balances out and I think it all comes down to what you really want and prioritize your spending!

I believe in being rewarded for hard work, even if it's you rewarding yourself, if you feel you've worked hard. There's a sense of pride in working hard for things and earning it as apposed to just being given something. I know most people's dream is to win the lotto, but personally I don't even bother playing it, (I do enjoy the odd scratch card even though I NEVER win anything) not that I wouldn't like to win it or that I'd refuse it (Stephen likes to play it, so now that we're married, if his numbers come in, what's his is mine) but I've always said that I'd much rather earn my money than be given it, I think you appreciate it more and have more value on it when you've earned it and deserve it. For example a lot of home improvements we have done on our house, we've done ourselves, yes we could have got someone in and done it for us but apart from the fact of paying someone else to do something that we could easily do ourselves, it gives me a much better sense of achievement to say we done it ourselves (Stephen cursed me originally but now that we've done it, he even agrees that you feel better about yourself to be able to say we done that or we built that) 

So in the end I believe having a hardworking attitude and value for money is a great trait to have even from an early age as it can set you in the right path for life. 

Also a quote my dad states quiet frequently and it's something I try to live by is:

'it's nice to be nice'

Straightforward and simple yet very true.

Until tomorrow 

Enjoy 

Caoimhe 

xXx

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 7

My 5 favorite songs:

This is pretty easy, I LOVE music, all types, (I'm secretly dreading the upcoming question where it asks you to put your iPod on shuffle and name the first 5 songs that come on - that could be awkward) Anyway, there's a few songs out right now that I love and literally have them on repeat on my iPod, you know the type where you hear a song, fall in love with it, play it on repeat for a few weeks and then get to the stage where you don't wanna hear it again, yeah that me with most songs I take a shine to. 

My top 5 though are 'all time' faves as apposed to current faves and each for the own reason or have a special meaning.

1. All my life - K-Ci & Jojo

This is a song Stephen played to me when we first started going out, he said he heard it and thought of me and ever since then it's had a special place in my heart, we even had it as our first dance at our wedding (I was torn between this and Ed Sheeran 'thinking out loud' but I chose to go with the sentimental song over the predictable song) 

2. Sunshine - Twista. ( Lovely Day - Bill Withers)

This song takes me right back to my teens, I loved this song, it reminds me of when I got my first car. I'd drive around in my freshly washed (& polished) car with this playing, windows down thinking I was the business. I had this on repeat all the time, the Twista version, then the band that played at my 21st party played the Bill Withers version and then anytime I was on a night out and they were playing they would always do a shout out to me just before playing this song. It's a real feel good song, especially the Twista version, it's definitely a song to be played on sunny day while out for a drive.

3. Maniac 2000 - Mark McCabe

I know I'm not the only one that loves this as anytime I'm out and the DJ plays this the whole place erupts and we all know EVERY single word, this was the tune back in the day, it's a real reminiscing song that takes you back, hard to believe it was 15 years ago. Myself and my best friend have fond memories of this, the two of us and my cousin and sister spent a whole day listening to this on repeat when we were younger and anytime this is played when we are out you'll be guaranteed to see us all out on the dancefloor singing/shouting along to every word of the song. What a classic.

4. Mr.Brightside - The Killers

I actually don't know why this song is so important to me, there doesn't seems to be a specific reason, I just love it. If this is played on a night out, then your guaranteed to see me on the dancefloor, and the strangest thing is the fact that I don't know why I love it so much, I think it's just one of those songs that's stuck with me. I think it was out around the time of my graduation from secondary school so it takes me back to then, me as a teenager, just finished school. (Oh God that was 10 years ago now)

5. Feels like home - Edwina Hayes 

This is a song I've fallen in love with more recently, when trying to choose music for our wedding, I heard this song on one of the sample videos for our wedding vocalist and once I heard it I was mesmerized, it's such a beautiful song, it will draw you in and you will loose yourself in it. I've listened to this song so many times over the last year and yet every time I hear the first few chords of it, my heart instantly melts. I chose to walk down the aisle to this song and although I was nervous that hearing this I would be a blubbering mess, on the day there was such adrenaline pumping, I don't even remember hearing it properly but everyone commented on the song after the ceremony, so I cannot wait to hear it in the wedding video so I can take it all in. If you haven't heard it before then it's definitely worth a listen.

Until tomorrow 

Enjoy 

Caoimhe 

xXx

This made me laugh.... so true

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 6

What are u afraid of? 

This is probably one of the hardest questions so far, I knew it was coming and have been thinking about it the past few days. To be honest I'm not really afraid of anything in particular, not the usual things like heights or flying or anything like that. Im not fond of mice or spiders or wasps but I'm not 'afraid of them', so that got me thinking, what am I AFRAID of???

I'd class being afraid of something as a having a heightened level of worry, something that I would be fearful of or that scares me. Having thought about it, the one thing that I am afraid of most is loosing those close to me, it's the only thing that properly scares me. I have a close family and friends, and the thought of loosing any of them is what I am afraid of. I'm the type of person that when everything is going right and everything is perfect, il start to worry that something bad is going to happen. I sometimes feel like why am I allowed to be this happy, and I'm afraid that in order to balance out the happiness something really bad will happen. I am blessed with the life I have, I wouldn't change any of it, I have an amazing husband, family, friends, house etc and I am thankful for all of it, but sometimes my fear of something going wrong prevents me from enjoying the present and truly appreciating and making the most of what I have around me. 

Sorry if this post has been a bit soppy, but this is truly what I am afraid of, and it's something that I hope to maybe overcome or distract myself from in order to embrace the today and enjoy the life I have. 

Until tomorrow 

Enjoy 

Caoimhe 

xXx

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 5

Favorite films I never get sick of watching: 

The Notebook: such a classic and so romantic, I love everything about this film, the actors, the music, the quotes, It's the perfect love story. 

“So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.”

Dirty Dancing: I think most girls love this film, it's one of the earliest films I remember watching over and over again. Myself and my cousin were obsessed with this film and we would practice the lift by jumping off the sofa and trying to hold each other up, miraculously neither of us were ever badly injured, but I don't think we ever fully mastered the lift either. 

"Nobody puts baby in the corner"

Save the last dance: I dunno whether I love the film or the soundtrack more. It's a real feel good film with a love story tied into it, I was known to dance around in front of the TV to this film, and still have some of the songs on my iPod. 

"You can do it, put your back into it"

10 things I hate about you: This is one of them films I watched over and over again as a teenager, I loved it (I was also totally obsessed with Heath Ledger) 

"I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all"

Camp Nowhere: It's probably a film a lot of people have never heard of, but I watched this sooooo many times as a child on tape (DVDs weren't out at that time). Having watched this film, I really wanted to go to camp but it never happened, I only ended up going to the Gaeltacht instead (not quiet the same thing) I haven't actually seen this in years so I'm defo going to try find it online or on DVD 

"Relax....it'll be fine...I mean we're not complete morons"

Christmas Vacation: this film never gets old, I still watch it every Christmas, at this stage i probably know all the words but it's still as funny no matter how many times I watch it. 

"Shitters full" 

Pretty Woman: now this is another true classic, it's one I have on DVD but rarely take out and watch, but if it's being shown on TV I'm definitely watching it, I only watched it a few weeks ago, and Stephen informed me he had never seen it before - I was shocked.

"I want the fairytale"

Sweet Home Alabama: what a great film, and such a romantic love story, I also love Reese' southern accent in this film. I have watched this so many times I've lost count.

'Why do you wanna marry me for anyhow, - so I can kiss you any time I want'

TED: now this is a film I watch over and over again, the first one was a classic, wasn't that impressed with the second one. The one liners in this are brilliant, the whole concept of this film is genius, it just works and the fact that he's this adorable little bear that comes out with such comments just makes it hilarious. 

'My bad, I was sending a tweet"

The Hangover: What a brilliant film, having being in Las Vegas a couple of times and seeing what it's like, I can totally understand how this could happen, it's a film to enjoy watching but also feel a little sorry for them too and also remember that your other half is never allowed go on a "stag" to Vegas.

"Did the real Caeser live here?"

The Holiday: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this film, I without fail watch this every Christmas and during the year also if it's on tv but it's the perfect film to watch at Christmas, it's such a feel good film and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you haven't seen this already, I highly recommend you watch it, you will not be disappointed. Plus Jude Law is amazing in it. 

 "You know, I was just thinking why would I ever leave before New Year's Eve? That makes no sense at all. I mean, you didn't exactly ask me out... but you did say you loved me... so I'm thinking I've got a date. If you'll have me."

Until tomorrow 

Enjoy 

Caoimhe 

xXx

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 2

Before i even start this, i think i might struggle to find 20 facts but lets see how it goes.......

1. My maiden name is Carey, Caoimhe Carey had a nice ring to it, Caoimhe Flinter will take a bit of getting used to.

2. I'm only 5ft Tall(or small), yep im a proper short-ass. Id like to think i 5'1 but i think that's just wishful thinking.

3. I'm naturally a blonde, not a nice blonde though more of a mousy brown, I highlighted it for a few years but didn't like it so I've now dark brown hair, and I've had this same color (Garnier Nutrisse shade 3.6) about 10 years now!! I also love to experiment with hairstyles, I'm known to grow my hair for years & then just randomly get fed up waiting n get it cut into a bob. I'm currently in the long(ish) hair style mode, another few inches and i'll be happy.

4.  Myself and Stephen have been together 12 and a half years (Childhood sweethearts) We got together before our junior cert, yep seems like a lifetime ago!!The only reason we know each other is through the friendship of our parents, we attended different primary and secondary schools even though we only lived a few miles from each other, so our paths may never have crossed only our parents are really good friends and the occasional visit and BBQ brought us together.

5.  We got engaged on our 10 year anniversary, in New York, at the Top of the Empire State Building. Total shock, honestly i had no idea. He picked the ring and collected it the day before we flew to America. I thought he'd been working late at work.

6.  This day last year we provisionally booked our wedding, we are only 6 months married on Saturday, yes i did book and organise our wedding in 6 months.

7.  The 24th of March is an important date for myself and Stephen. On this day in 2000 both our schools had their confirmations in the same church, this was the day we got our first photo taken together, aged 13. 3 years later on this date, we started 'going out', he asked me. 10 years later on this date Stephen popped the question on top of the Empire State Building. We really wanted to get married on this date but unfortunately it wasn't to be and instead we arranged to arrive in New York on the 24th March 2015 on the last stop of our Honeymoon and went straight to the Empire State Building to celebrate our Anniversary and special date now as 'Husband & Wife'

8.  I am a hoarder, not in a bad way(if there's such a thing) But im really sentimental so i like to 'keep' things that have meaning to them, i also cannot get rid of clothes, i am starting to donate more to charity shops so fingers crossed this continues. I keep all cards from birthdays, christmas, anniversarys etc, no idea what i'll ever do with them but i keep them anyway.

9.  I only completed the first year of college before leaving to study Interior Design and open my own shop, in 2006, aged 19. The shop closed in 2010 due to the 'Recession' I ran it on my own so a lot of time was spent, working in the shop, sourcing stock, buying stock, going to wholesalers at the weekend etc, it became a lot of work for very little return at the time!! I now work full time in the Family Engineering business.

10.  I am the eldest of 3 children, i hated it, my parents were definitely the strictest with me!! I have a younger brother and sister.

11.  I moved in with Stephen aged 21, we lived together for about a year, before moving back home to save money after we were granted planning permission to build our own house (We got word our planning permission had been granted on Christmas Eve, best Christmas present ever.)

12.  We started building our house in 2010, a lot of hard work, late nights and long weekends went into it. We had a lot of help from mine and Stephens parents. I think im every builders worst nightmare, i like to 'tweak' everything and put my own touch on it, from curved walls & stairs to glass walls & hidden doors, if i seen an idea i loved i had to try incorporate it somewhere!!

13.  We built our house on the site of my Grandads old farm yard, next to my nanas house, my Grandad had passed away a few years earlier, we knocked some of the sheds in order to build our house but kept the ones around the house and now use them as garages. I also kept one wall of the original silage pit on the farm, its the wall that my Grandad and great Grandad built and my dad and my aunties fingerprints are all printed in the plaster-work as children!! My Grandads name was Willie, and we always referred to his farm as 'Willies Yard' instead of farm, i don't know why!! So we have now named our house 'Drayseilliw' which is 'Willies Yard' back to front.

14.  I've always wanted a miniature house dog, but my mum would never allow me get one while i was living at home, so for my birthday Stephen told me he would get me one when we moved into our new house, we moved into our house in August and Kiki arrived in October (Stephen was never keen on us having a dog in the house but i really wanted one and persisted, now there's times i think he may love Kiki more than me)

15.  I am a serious bargain hunter, if i lived in America i would definitely appear on extreme couponing. Mix this with my hoarding problem and it would be a major cause for concern. I will easily go to 3 or 4 supermarkets each week to get each of their special offers. I regularly avail of restaurant Early Birds, i hate to pay full price for something that i know i can get on an early bird. Plus i prefer to eat earlier so it works out perfectly.

16.  I love to bake, my mams kitchen was quite small and she hated me messing it up so i only occasionally baked while i lived at home. I designed my new kitchen in very great detail and have it exactly to my needs, its perfect for cooking and baking on a large scale. I now cook and bake a lot, i love to experiment with new recipes and make up my own, my slogan is definitely 'Healthy Dinners & Dessert Sinners', i love to cook healthy dinners, but when it comes to baking and desserts, the naughtier and more indulgent the better. I do TRY to make healthy options.

17.  My first car was a Sky blue, Fiat Punto. I got it as a present from my Mam and Dad for my 17th Birthday, i loved it, i would spend many a Saturday washing, waxing, and polishing it. Not to mention the countless tins of back-to-black that was used on the tyres for the 'finishing touch'. I then got a Peugeot 206 for my 18th, this was by far my favorite car ever, my Dad had bought it and got it done up for me, complete with body kit (very cool back in the day!!) I then proceeded to spend a fortune on fancy lights, alloys, resprays, mirrors etc. My next car was a Mercedes C180 coupe, i loved it initially but grew to loate it, i hadn't drove it for about 2 years when i eventually sold it and got my current car, a Mini Cooper, the coolest car ever made. I absolutely LOVE it, it just reminds me of a toy car, its the cutest car ever. Stephen is also known to enjoy spinning around in it too.

18.  In case you were wondering how did i have a car and not drive for 2 years...... i live 2 minutes from where i work. I live in the country next to my Nana's house, 2 doors down is my Parents house and behind their house is their business where i work, there is even a roadway linking mine, my Nana's and my parents house and business so its quite handy really. Only downside is i can see my work from my house and you never really get a day off or 'sick day' when you live that close.

19.  I'm am the coldest creature EVER and anyone that knows me will vouch for this. I will never be too warm, I love heaters, fires, hair dryers, hand dryers, blankets, scarves, you name it, if it keeps me warm I'm happy. 

20.  WOW, cant believe i actually made it to 20, didn't think i would find that many facts about myself. So..... number 20. Random fact - i have 7 piercings and 1 tattoo. I got my belly button pierced when i was 15 and got my tattoo when i was 17. One day on lunch from college i randomly decided id get my nose pierced. I don't wear a stud in it anymore but the opening is still there, I'm on the lookout for a teeny tiny stud that i can wear as apposed to having a random hole in my nose.

So there you have it 20 facts about me, i rambled on a bit on some of them, i felt like some needed more detail than others.
Until tomorrow
Enjoy
Caoimhe
xXx

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1

🎀 1: The Meaning behind Your Blog Name? 🎀

I've been thinking about starting a blog for a long time now, but there has always been something preoccupying me (or maybe I was just putting it off as I was a little nervous about starting it and putting it out there!!)

I've always known what my blog would be about and what it would include, I love to cook and bake, I also have a huge love for DIY, Crafting & Upcycling, plus as a qualified Interior Designer I love all things interior, decor and design related and always have some sort of home project going on!!! I'm your typical girlie girl, LOVE all things pink, sparkly and enjoy experimenting with make-up and fashion, I'm a complete shopaholic, cannot walk into Penny's and leave with just 1 bag, not to mention the online shopping and endless homeware items that are snuck into the house!!! My major weakness is shoes though, I'm actually afraid to do an official count but it's easily 300+ most of which still have labels on and packed away in cute pink shoe boxes, as I said it's an obsession!!!! 

Anyway back to the meaning of the blog name!!! As I said I knew I wanted to start a blog and what it would be about the only thing I wasn't sure about was the name. Honestly I think that's probably the reason why it took me so long to start the blog, I kept coming up with names but they just didn't feel right and I kept saying to myself when you find the right name you'll just know and everything else will fall into place!!! 

I wanted something different, something that described me but didn't limit me, as the blog was going to vary in content I didn't want the name of it to restrict me so anything that symbolized fashion or makeup or sparkle didn't really fit with the content of interiors, recipes etc. I also didn't want to use my name, as unique as it is (not as much now but I hated it as a child, mainly because I could never find a key ring or pen with my name on it!!!!) but I know most people have difficulty spelling it correctly so I didn't want this to cause a problem in finding my blog. So I decided in trying to name it something inspired by my two loves, My dog, Kiki, she is like a child to me, and also my hubby Stephen, we only got married in March this year, and I LOVE being a wife!!! (Not to mention how much I loved organizing the actual wedding day itself!!) I really enjoy cooking, baking, general homemaking (not so much the cleaning!!) but in general the typical housewife duties!!! 

So after a lot of scribbled pieces of paper and ideas I finally came up with 'A Wife and her Blog', I had toyed with the idea of 'A Wife and her Dog' but I was afraid the the 'dog' might insinuate Stephen as apposed to Kiki (that would be awkward!!!) so I went with blog, as it is a Blog after all and it's a play on words with Dog so it's still included - kinda!!! 

So there you have it how this blog came to be 

'A Wife and her Blog' 

Until tomorrow 

Enjoy!!!

Caoimhe 

xXx

10 things I can't live without!!

Not in any particular order but all equally important in their own way!!!! 

1. My phone

It's like an extension of my arm, anyone that knows me knows that my phone is never far from my side! I love catching up on social media, checking out the latest news and gossip on the Daily Mail or just browsing Pinterest for inspiration!! I recently upgraded from an iPhone4 which I'd had for about 3 years, to the iPhone 6 and I LOVE it! I am a loyal Apple Fan, I have all the gadgets, Apple TV, iPad, iPod, iPhone, (dreaming of getting an iMac!!) I can't really find fault with them, I think I'm just used to the layout and software and love having all my devices synced. The iPhone 6 is amazing, I can't believe I didn't get it sooner, it did take a bit of getting used to as it's much bigger than my previous iPhone 4 but I'm now used to the bigger screen, sleeker design and love the new features esp the fingerprint sensor!!! 

2. Skechers

I can't speak highly enough about these, they really are like walking on clouds! I bought my first pair in the outlets in the U.S. back in 2013 and immediately fell in love with them, I must own about 20 pairs now!!! 🙈 I think I bought about 8 pairs on honeymoon earlier this year alone!!! They are quite expensive but they are worth every penny, the first pair I ever bought I still have and they are perfect, even after being thrown in the washing machine countless times!! I have a pair in every colour and will try get away with wearing them as often as I can!!! 

3. Garnier Micellar 

I only discovered this about 2 months ago but am already a major fan! It feels just like water on the skin and removes makeup effortlessly. My eyes are quite sensitive even with special eye makeup remover they would sting but this is amazing, it removes my eye makeup perfectly with no redness or stinging!! A little goes along way so you really get value out of it. I find it great for just freshening up my skin during the day if my skin is feeling a little oily or sweaty without being too harsh on the skin! 

4. Maybelline - The Eraser

I don't usually wear much makeup if any during the week but I find this little product great, it's brilliant at concealing dark circles and blemishes on the skin without feeling too heavy either. I love that it also applies directly onto the skin by twisting it and the product then comes out through the sponge at the top so that it can be put directly onto the skin like a pen. I usually just use this with some blusher and bronzer on top to give my face a bit of colour!! This is also great for contouring when used in lighter and darker shades! 

5. Nivea - A Kiss of Care & Color

*Unfortunately this isn't available in Ireland.

I got this when in the U.S. earlier in the year and absolutely love it, as I said I don't wear much make up during the week but find this great to use as a lip balm while adding a pop of colour. I've since got my sis-in-law to pick me up some more when she was in America to keep me stocked up for a while!! These are my two favourite colors!! 

6. Cocoa Brown Tan 

My Fave Tan Ever!!!! 

I absolutely love this stuff, I've used various tans in my time but since I first tried this I've fallen in love with it and haven't used any other tan since. It suits my skin perfectly and creates a beautiful colour that can be gradually built up over time. I usually put it on at night and wash it off the next morning, I find just applying it once gives my skin a nice healthy glow without being too dark as I have quite pale skin. I find it gradually wears off too so no horrible patchy tanned skin!! 

By far my fave tan! 👍🏻

7. My Slow Cooker 

This is literally the best thing ever! I got this 5L Morphy Richards one about a year ago and can honestly say it's one of the best purchases I've made, it's so convenient and easy to use, I usually prepare all my meat and veg at the weekend for the week ahead and put it in ziploc bags, then during the week I come home at lunch and pop the meat and veg into the slow cooker with some seasoning and hey presto dinners ready when I come in the door from work! 

Apart from the convenience of it, the tenderness of the meat and flavor of the food is amazing, it can't be compared to anything cooked in a pot!! 

(Slow cooker Roast Beef is a definite must try!!!) 

8. My Kitchenaid  

Ok I love my gadgets and this is probably the most extravagant one I have!!! 

I've ALWAYS wanted a Kitchenaid (maybe from watching one too many American cookery shows and seeing them in all their beautifully colored glory!!!!!) so after stretching my Aldi hand mixer to its limit I decided to splash out and buy myself a Kitchenaid!! As I began baking more, it turned out to be a valued gadget in my kitchen, it's super convenient, having spent many a time standing over bowls whisking with my hand mixer, this with all its fancy yet practical gadgets (large metal bowl, dough hook, ballon whisk, paddle mixer & splatter guard) was a very welcome addition to my kitchen!! I love all the colours they come in and decided to get the red one as this was the colour theme in my kitchen (one day I hope to have my own quirky styled cake kitchen with a cerise pink Kitchenaid!!! 🙏🏼) 

I also splashed out on some additional items for it like the rubber edged paddle mixer, glass bowl and of course the ice cream maker bowl!! This is one of my fave gadgets in my kitchen and also looks great sitting pride of place on the countertop at all times!!! 

9. Lyons Tea 

The great debate, Lyons or Barry's??? 

I'm a Lyons Gold Blend type of girl all the way, always overstocked in my kitchen in fear that one day I may run out!!!!! Although on the rare occasion that I make a pot of tea using loose tea, then I will stray to the other side and use Barry's loose tea leaves!! But apart from that it's gotta be Lyons tea, I am a total tea addict and probably drink about 4 or 5 cups a day (quiet considerably more in the cold winter months!!!) 

I like mine strong, piping hot, drop of milk, no sugar and in my favourite mug (now that's a whole other topic!!!!) 

10. Dark Chocolate 

I have a major sweet tooth, I'm the type of girl who goes out for dinner and looks at the dessert menu first!!!! But I try to eat well 90% of the time and find dark chocolate satisfies my sweet tooth craving!! I would choose a 'Bournville' bar over a 'Dairy Milk' any day or splash out and go for a Lindt high % bar or my fave above the 'Lindt dark Mint intense' which is amazing (I also love to use some in making Chocolate Brownies for that little hint of mint!!!) 

A cup of tea and some dark chocolate while watching the soaps = Bliss 

I hope you enjoyed reading through some of my fave items and why!! 

Im off now to make a cup of tea and have some chocolate!! 

Caoimhe 

xXx

Who is she?!

Hello & Welcome to my Blog!

My name is Caoimhe Flinter (Still getting used to that!! I only got married in March this year so still readjusting to my new name!!) I'm a wife to my amazing Husband Stephen and mammy to our little 'Baby' Kiki!! (a miniature Yorkshire Terrier, that's her in the header!!) I'm 28 years old and live in the house that my self and Stephen built back in 2010, (with the help of our parents and some builders along the way!!!) which i love decorating and designing and constantly picking up new ideas and items for!! 

I went to college in DIT for a year studying Retail & Services Management, but didn't feel like it was for me so i completed my first year and they went on to get a Diploma in Interior Design, which i absolutely LOVE! During the time of getting my diploma, i was given the opportunity to open my own business, which was a Gift and Jewellery Shop in my local village, i opened it in November 2006. It was hard work and as i ran it on my own it took up a lot of my time but i loved it all the same! Unfortunately due to the 'recession' i had to close its doors in April 2010 but am very grateful for the experience and learned a lot from it!  I'm known for loving a great bargain and also a great find!! I love all things pink, unusual and anything to do with baking, I've always had a great interest in baking and creating recipes but it really blossomed when we moved into our 'new' home! I'm always trying out new recipes but unfortunately that can pack on the lbs! so i began creating cakes for friends and families for birthdays, christenings and different events, that way i got to try out recipes and fulfill my love of baking without having to consume all my creations, (Not that its a bad thing but over time it doesn't help the waistline!!) 

I've set this blog up as a place to share my ideas and inspirations on things i love. 

I'm naturally a creative person, i love to make, bake & create. I'm known for always wanting to do things a little bit different and unique to me! If i am going to do or create something i will want to put my own stamp on it! Whether that's a party I'm organizing, a cake I'm making, a room I'm decorating or the new outfit ive bought for Kiki, i just like to be a little bit quirky!! I will be blogging on all things that interest me, i love coming up with new ideas and creating new things and will enjoy sharing this with you all. If there anything you like me to blog about please leave me a comment!

I hope you enjoy, sitting down with a cuppa tea and having a browse through my blog!!!

Caoimhe 

xxx