Back to Reality

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year ahead. It's all starting to slow down now, and to be honest as much as I love Christmas I'm kind of happy for it all to be over.

I'm currently lying in bed at the moment and I'm completely restless (nothing to do with the fact that I was drinking yesterday) so I said I'd put my thoughts on paper, so to speak. The past month has been a crazy one to say the least. I work in retail (as most of you prob know by now) so it goes without saying that we were completely hectic for the month of December and November. So much so, that this year I really struggled with work/life balance. Obviously my priorities are always going to be my kids but it goes without saying that my job is very important too as it's the hand that feeds us (if I've got that saying right). It was tough balancing the craziness at work and daily life, plus the extra bits like xmas shopping, school plays-activites and my blog etc. I became quiet forgetful this year, it was like I had way too much going on in my head, I even forgot the tooth fairy 2 nights in a row. I know, I know, how could I? But the reality of it is that I'm certainly not perefct and sometimes I get it wrong. I'd like to think that I'm not the only parent.

Every Christmas you could spend an absolute fortune. I don't know about you but I feel like I never have enough (money) at this time of year. When Christmas day comes every year I feel like "Santa" could have been a little bit more generous. Now I know it's totally ridiculous because the kids have so much and got everything they asked for, however when I go on facebook and I see pictures that other parents have posted of sitting rooms full (and I mean FULL) of toys I feel kind of guilty that I cannot afford to be that extravagant with my kids.

I didn't get to go home ( to Cork) for Christmas this year and I haven't been able to for a number of years now, 10 years to be exact i think. Because of the nature of my job it just never works out that I have enough time to visit. It's sad and this year I really felt it, I would have loved nothing more than to go home and see everyone because it is really what Xmas is all about (being around your loved ones and family) but at least I will be lucky enough see my family early in the new year.

I really really do love Christmas but I'm ready now for some peace and quiet at the start of the new year. I know January can be a month that most people dread, as we are all broke and depressed from the over indulgence of Christmas. But for me this year I think it will be a month for some "time out" and some "me time" that I feel I really do need.

So a Happy New Years to each and everyone of you. I hope you celebrate in style. I'm excited to see what 2016 holds for us all xx

Is it really the most wonderful time of the year?

They say it's "the most wonderful time of year" and normally I would 100% agree. However it has become very apparent for me this year, exactly how hard Christmas can be for some. What makes it so magical is those special "moments", that could be a loved one you haven't seen in a long time coming home for Christmas, the look on your child's face Christmas morning, watching Xmas movies by the fire with your family etc. But for all the amazing moments that are happening at this time of year there can also a lot of sadness and sorrow too.

Some families are battling their first year without a loved one or even their 10th year, I can't imagine that it becomes any easier as the years go by. Some are spending their first year away from their families or are unable to come home for Xmas. Others are receiving bad news that could change their lives for ever. I think we often forget that even though it's generally pinned as a happy time of year it can also be extremely sad for some. This year it was nice to see some adverts focus on how lonely it can be at this time for older generation, we can all become so consumed with the "magic" and the "hype" that we forget about those who have nobody to spend Christmas with.
Not every child in the world wakes up Christmas morning in a happy home and not every person has somebody to sit down with to share a meal with on Christmas Day. We focus so much on the materialist things, such as the gift giving that's sometimes we just need to stop and give someone our time..Time is the best gift of all.

I am lucky, extremely lucky. I don't have to face any of these scenarios this year but that's not to say I won't in the future. So I ask you please to be conscious of those less fortune is year and I don't mean money wise. Not everyone will see this as a Happy Time of year and I'm sure for good reason, the best we can do is to understand and again to give our time to those who need it.

I hope you all have a special Christmas with the ones you love

Luv Lisa xx

Christmas Party Alternatives

The Christmas party season is well and truly in swing now, and I love seeing all the amazing party dresses and gorgeous outfits. However not everybody loves putting on a dress and it can be a struggle to find an alternative to wear out. So because of this I've decided to post a few pictures or ideas of the alternative to "the party dress". Hope you guys like them and feel free to comment on your favs or send me a message if you would like any details on where to get any of the items

I've teamed up this beautiful camel coloured peplum skirt with a plain black bralet, strappy heels and a gold and black detailed necklace. 

A multiway top is the perfect item to suit every shape and size, as it can be worn in several different ways. I've paired this with a black leather trousers and these stunning jewelled drop earrings. Add a sexy heel for effect

Tulle skirts are everywhere and they are so so beautiful and feminine. A perfect alternative to that "party dress". Best worn with something plain as there is alot of material in these skirts, so keep it simple. I've matched this with a black lace off the shoulder top. But you could easily wear a plain black cami or a vest top with it and you would still stand out in the crowd.

I absolutely love this 2 piece. Not everyone's style, but is a massive favourite amongst the Kardashians. Add a strappy nude heel and some chunky gold jewellery

White denim or trousers look great with everything. I've matched this with a beautiful navy beaded detail top. Keep jewellery to minimum and simple. Could be worn a silver heel to match the detail in the top. 

Velvet is everywhere this year especially in green and burgandy. This green velvet plunging bodysuit would look amazing with a leather skirt and I'm in love with this necklace, it not only shows of the beautiful neckline at the front but also at the back. Add some black faux fur to cover up

A coloured trousers can be so simple but when teamed with the right top and shoes it can be magically transformed into a beautiful outfit. This black top can be tucked into the trousers and the long sleeve with the slit detail (baring a little bit of skin) is just beautiful. Add a caged heel and some gold jewellery. The perfect office to bar look.

Hopefully this might have given you a few ideas for the season ahead. Let me know what you think. Hope you like them

Luv Lisa xx

Christmas Party Dress Fever

Every Christmas my goal is to find the Ultimate Party dress. It's the one time of year that us girls want to look our absolute best. Not any old dress will do, there is certain criteria when it comes to picking "the one" and it has to have that WOW factor, we are even a little more daring at this time of year. I've trawled the Internet for the perfect dress and here are a few of my Favs. Hope you like them

Tulle and Lace, ultimate princess

Vamp it up with a red long sleeve

Sexy and edgy, the LBD

Shimmer like a goddess

Length and leg! Green envy

All that glitters..

Short and sweet

Lady in red

Black sequin, always a classic

Bringing sexy back

Strapless Nude Scallop

Teal silk wrap, add black and gold to make a statement

Devine, Grecian devil

OLIVE Velvet Crush

RED is always a good idea

Christmas party or event I hope there is something here that's caught your eye or has even given you an idea. If you'd like to know where any of the dresses are from feel free to PM me or comment on my page 

Luv Lisa xx