The Comfort Zone: 5 Ways To Step Outside It

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Hi all,

Hope you're having a good week. This week I'm talking about stepping outside our comfort zone. I for one find it very challenging. I'm a natural introvert therefore I can sometimes find social situations and trying new things a tad overwhelming. Some people are real go getters and I envy their confidence and assertiveness. I really admire those people who go off travelling the world on their own. There is no way in hell I could do that. I have a friend who has done the Camino in Spain on her own three times since September and I really am in awe of her. The same girl (she doesn't like praise) will tell me to get a grip once she reads this!! :)

We all have different challenges and fears in this life and we can tend to gravitate to areas that we feel safe and secure in. We won't leave the job we hate because we crave security. We'll stay in a  relationship that has been dead and buried for a long time for fear of being alone. We won't cut off that friend that puts us down all the time because we've been friends with her for years so we can't cut them off now. I think you're starting to get my drift.

Last Sunday I took on a 6k women's race in aid of a local mental health charity. I knew I could run the distance as I had done it in training but the fear of running against other people and in front of people I knew had me nearly paralized. I know there will be people reading thinking I'm being extreme but this was honestly the way I felt. In order for me to be able to run this race I had to get into a certain frame of mind. I focused on just getting one leg in front of the other and didn't look behind me once. I pretended that I was out on my normal run and just challenged myself to a faster pace than I had been doing in training. It worked and I ran it faster than I had in training. The morning of the race I would have loved nothing more than turning over and going back to sleep but I had told people I was doing it and therefore I felt accountable.

Below are some of the methods that have helped me in stepping out of my comfort zone over the years.

1. Tell someone you've set yourself a challenge. It will be harder to back out as you won't want to let that person down.

2. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. They are real to you and you can't help them. Tell yourself that fear is a natural emotion and we all experience it.

3. Write out a list of all the things that could go wrong and on the other side write all the things that could go right. If you have more on the 'right' side well then, it's a no brainer.

4. Talk to people who have already been through whatever it is you want to do already. If you want to run a marathon ask someone what their training plan was. If you desperately want to leave your job ask someone you know that's done that and started over again. Most people are delighted to help others so don't be afraid to ask them. All they can do is say no and even if they do say no they might know someone else that can help you.

5. Have patience with yourself. It's a natural human trait to crave security and contentment and remain in our own little bubble. By setting goals and taking baby steps towards them you will get there eventually.

Hope you enjoyed this piece. Again as always if there's anything in particular you would like me to talk about please let me know.

Have a great weekend!

Love,
Maria
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Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas 2018 - Carraig Donn

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Hi guys,

Hope you're all well. It's November and I'm starting to get that festive feeling already. Are you? Christmas is only around the corner and it's really time to get the pen and paper out and start thinking about gifts for our nearest and dearest. A lot of people tend to get stressed about the 'thought' of Christmas shopping never mind going out and actually doing it. You really don't have to spend a fortune. There are lots of affordable, practical gifts out there that I assure you will be welcome in any home and if not I will take full responsibility!! :)

I love to support local business' if I can at all. One business that I have great admiration for is Carraig Donn. It's first store opened in Westport in 1965 and now has over thirty stores nationwide. They specialise in Fashion, Jewellery and Giftware products. I am obsessed with fashion and I have always loved their clothes but last weekend I decided to head in and check out their Christmas shop and see if I could find any gift ideas. Here's a few I spotted that I think you'd like.


Tipperary Crystal Mug Set
These mugs are a gorgeous gift to give anyone. We received them as a gift when we moved in to our new home and there isn't a day that these mugs aren't use. Retailing at €40.00 and beautifully presented they are an ideal and safe present to give anyone. You can't go wrong with these.

For similiar version - Click Here

Newgrange Gin Glasses
Gin has become a world wide phenomenon in the last few years, in part because of 'Gin Glasses'. There's something about holding these glasses that can make you feel slightly more sophisticated. Or is that just me? Retailing at €19.95 these glasses will be a welcome addition to any gin lovers glass collection.

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Rosa Belle Set of Two Mugs
These mugs are inspired by a vintage tea party. They would remind you of mugs in your Grandmother's house from childhood. They come presented in a beautiful pink box and are wonderful value at €20.00. For those who do 'Secret Santa' at work these would make a lovely gift for your colleague.

Click Here

Newgrange Rainbow Wine Glasses Party Pack
I spotted these wine glasses and noticed they are half price at the moment. Everybody needs wine glasses in their home and retailing at €19.95 down from €39.95 they're a bargain not to be missed.

Click Here

Newgrange Red Angel Tealight Holder
With it's red glow this Angel Tealight Holder is a beautiful gift for this time of year. You could also have it sitting on your mantel piece all year round as it is a stunning addition to any room. This gorgeous piece retails at €24.95.

Click Here

Max Benjamin Diffuser
These diffusers come in over ten different fragrances. I particularly like 'True Lavender' as it's blended oils create a calm and relaxing enviroment. They retail at €32.95.

Click Here

That's my little round up of affordable gift ideas for this Christmas from Carraig Donn. If you enjoyed it and would like me to do more pieces like this please let me know.


Love,
Maria
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You can follow Carraig Donn below on -
Instagram @carraig_donn
Facebook Carraig Donn
Twitter @Carraig_Donn

*Please note this is an honest review and no links are affiliated

Keeping a Calm Home in a Mad World

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Hi all,

I've had a month's break from the blog so I'm back with a bang with some more features. I've had a very hectic social life the last while with my own 30th, my friends 30th's and weddings.. and they're not over yet! Nonetheless, I missed this little blog and I'm glad to be back.

I am a huge lover of all things health and wellness. I've spoken in the past about my experiences with stress and anxiety, in particular in my early to mid twenties. I am all for anything that makes me feel relaxed, calm and well..zen (That's a new buzz word I heard recently).

We live in a crazy and inevitably stressful world. I believe happiness starts at home.
The following are some of the ways I try to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere in our home.

Candles -
Anyone that follows my instagram will know I am obsessed with candles. There is nothing that makes me feel more calm than having the house clean and lighting a candle and relaxing with a cup of tea on the couch. I did a blog post on my favourite candles a few months ago. To be honest I've come to the conclusion  that there really is no point spending a lot of money on candles. I usually get mine in Dunnes or Aldi and they have just as nice a calming effect than the more expensive candle like Jo Malone. If anything those candles stress me out because of their price I am conscious of over lighting them!!!

Incence Sticks -
These are a relatively knew phenomenon to our home. I saw them in a holistic shop one day a few weeks ago and said I had to try them. They were only €2.00 for a pack of 20 and the stand I got for them was also €2.00. The one's I'm trying out at the minute are from the Elements range and are a blend of lemon lime and grapefruit. I light one a day in the sitting room and it gives the house a lovely fresh energising lift.

Himalayan Salt Lamps -
I love these lamps for many reasons but mainly because of the ambiance they create in a room. Others buy them as they are believed to have many health benefits because they are "natural ionizers," meaning they change the electrical charge of the circulating air. They are thought to clean the air in your home, soothe allergies, enhance your mood and aid sleep. I have one in our sitting room and a small one on my bedside locker.

My Book Shelf -
I keep a number of uplifting books on the shelf in our sitting room. If I ever feel ill at ease or in need of a pick me up I reach for one of these and usually find some sort of solace.

My Piano -
I have played piano since I was 9 years old. When we moved into our home last year I got my piano moved from my bedroom at home - home (my parents house is always home - home) to our kitchen in the new house. Not only is it a beautiful addition to our kitchen but it's one of my go to outlets if I'm ever feeling frustrated. There is nothing better than banging out a few tunes on the piano to relieve any tension and it's extremely therepeutic too!

These are just some of the ways I try to create peace, contentment and unwind at home!
Hope you enjoyed this post. If you did I'd love to hear from you! How do you create a relaxed atmosphere at home?! Have a great weekend!

Lots of love,
Maria
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Aran Islands - A Day and Night In Inis Mor

Hi all,

It's been a mad two weeks. First of all thanks to everyone who read and shared my last post "29 Things I Learned Before Turning 30," I didn't expect half the positive feedback that I have received so thanks for that.
Secondly, Maria's Scribbles has been longlisted in the lifestyle category for The Blog Awards Ireland 2018. The awards are judged by a panel of judges so not to worry, I'm not asking for your votes or anything, I'm just letting ye know the news!!
As some of you already know I turned 30 on Tuesday. Myself and the family headed out to Inis Mor for the day and night.

How Did We Get There?
We got the 10:30 ferry from Rosaveel to Inis Mor. The crossing took 40 minutes and the cost of a ticket is €25.00 return.

What Did We Do?
Rented bikes - It cost €10.00 to rent a bike for the day and €15.00 to keep them overnight. We went with the latter option. We cycled for miles that day!

Dun Aonghasa - We cycled here and it's about 5 miles from the main village. It's free if you are staying overnight on the island. There is a charge however if you're just doing the day trip.

Worm Hole -
This has become a huge tourist attraction in the last few years as it was chosen as a location for the Red Bull Cliff diving series. It's a bit off the beating track so make sure to get good directions from the place you're staying. It's not well signposted!

Where Did We Stay?
We stayed in The Aran Islands Hotel. It's about a 13 minute walk from the pier. It cost €60.00 per person sharing for the night including breakfast. It was in an ideal location and was lovely and clean.

Where Did We Wine and Dine?
Rua Cafe -
We went here for lunch before our big cycle. The food was delicious and staff were very warm and friendly. I would definitely recommend it.

Aran Islands Hotel-
We had a three course meal here that evening. The food was beautiful and again the staff couldn't have done enough for us.

Tigh Joe Watty -
This was one of the highlights of the trip. I said to my family on the way to the pub that all I wanted was a seat and one man and a guitar singing something like Nancy Spain. What do you know I got my wish, and he was singing Nancy Spain - so strange. That man finished up at about 10pm. Two of The Mulkerrin Brothers (that won The All Ireland Talent Show in 2009), Sean and Eamonn, took over from him. Some of you may have seen them on my insta-stories. They were absolutely brilliant. They played songs for all ages and they really were the perfect ending to the loveliest birthday.

Shops -
Aran Sweater Market

Carraig Donn -

Summary - This was my second time to The Aran Islands this summer. I was in Inis Oirr in June. I can't pick a favourite but like Inis Oirr, I would recommend Inis Mor for its beauty and laid back vibe. It's perfect for an overnight break away from the hypocrisy of the mainland (Father Ted reference, I hope ye get it).

Have a good week,
Love,
Maria
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29 Things I Learned Before Turning 30!

I'm turning 30 on Tuesday August 21st and I actually can't believe it. My twenties have flown by in the blink of an eye. I remember when I was 17 or 18 thinking I was in control of my life. I was confident I would build a house and be married by 28, have a baby at 29, and I'd be well settled as a nurse in my local hospital at that stage too. My future husband and I would both have expensive cars and my mother would mind the baby when I was back at work after my maternity leave because that's what our mothers are for, or so I thought at the time.

I laugh back at my innocence and complete naivety. At nearly 30 years of age I can say with certainty that you cannot plan out your whole life. You certainly can try but it doesn't always run smoothly. There will be plenty of slips, trips, falls, wrong turns and detours along the way.

I have some mixed feelings about my twenties. It really was a decade full of ups and downs. I can definitely say I learned many life lessons in the last 10 years.

29 Things I Learned Before Turning 30 -

1. You will make loads of mistakes - big ones, small ones, and ginormous ones. Learn from them, forgive yourself, and move on.

2. Your brain doesn't fully develop until you're 25. That might explain some of the behaviour in those late teens and early twenties years. I had little regard for consequences of some of my actions.

3. You can't please everyone, you really can't. All you can do is be yourself and try your best. 

4. Nobody really gives a damn about you. Apart from your family and a handful of close friends, most people are too busy thinking about their own troubles to give you and your mistakes a second thought. I really wished I had learned this in my early twenties as I would have saved myself a lot of anxiety.

5. Try not to over think. We can be our own worst enemies. You will end up creating a problem that wasn't there to begin with. What you focus on grows.

6. Spend time with those you want to, not those you feel you have to. You don't owe anyone any excuses.

7. Stop blaming yourself for past mistakes - Going back to point 2. If it was before you were 25 it doesn't really count and if it was after that simply, let it go.

8. Everyone has their own stuff to deal with; you're not the only one.

9. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't make mountains out of molehills.

10. Try and eat well. You'll get less colds and chest infections. It's an inside out world. Enjoy everything in moderation.

11. Wear sunscreen and look after that skin. I see lots of patients having lesions removed from their skin due to sun damage.

12. Don't romanticise the past. Some things weren't actually as good as you remember them.

13. Practice gratitude. Write down three things each night before you go to bed that you're grateful for. Every day might not be good but there's something good in every day.

14. Comparison is the thief of joy. Don't compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel.

15. Change from vodka to gin. It's saved me a lot of hangovers in the last two years and a lot of fear!

16. Travel while you can, but only if you want to. Not because you feel it's something you have to do because everyone else is doing it.

17. Make time for the people that make time for you and be polite to the rest of them.

18. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

19. What people think of me is none of my business.

20. Practice mindfulness, which really is living in the present moment. You can waste an awful lot of time ruminating about the past and thinking about the future.

21. That awful thing you said to Nancy, Joe or Tom when you were 19 really can't be changed. Accept it and move on.

22. You can't put an old head on young shoulders. You are not the same person you were 10 years ago. Stop blaming yourself for her mistakes.

23. Eat the cake, just eat the cake. You're not 'bold' for doing so.

24. Try not to gossip. A lot of stuff you hear ends up growing legs and isn't true anyway.

25. Don't let anyone put you down. Whether it is a consultant, a CEO, the president, or a street sweeper, we all piss in the same toilet at the end of the day.

26. Treat people as you'd like to be treated. Manners cost nothing.

27. Try meditation. It’s great for helping you sleep, easing anxiety and quietening down that mind chatter. There are loads of helpful guided meditations on You Tube.

28. Your relationship with your significant other is so important. Be with someone that makes you feel equal, is your best friend and most importantly that makes you laugh. Oh, and don't forget date night!

29. You're allowed to have fun and be happy. It's up to you and only you.

Thirties, I welcome you with open arms. An important thing I learned this year is not to complain about getting older. It's a privilege denied to many.

Hope you enjoyed this piece. If you did please pass it on and let me know!

Lots of love,

Older, and maybe a little wiser,

Maria

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What's In My Head This Week - Recycling Statement Pieces!

Hello guys,

Happy Friday! I'm so glad it's the bank holiday weekend and I've no doubt you are too. August has come round in a the blink of an eye yet again, and with that brings my birthday, the big 3-0! But I'll talk about that in a few weeks. I'll just be here clinging on to 29 for dear life in the mean time! Lol..kinda..

This weekend - one of my friends, Muireann, celebrates her 30th birthday. She's the one that makes the fabulous lasagne - remember, from the Inis Oirr post!! Most of our school friends have either turned, or are turning 30 this year so we have seen a lot of each other this summer and it's been lovely. There's a big gang of us! Having said that I'd say most of us are broke but sur' look we're all having a great summer, that's the main thing.

With all these 30ths, weddings and hens I am having to recycle clothes and outfits to beat the band. I'd love to have a new dress for every occasion, but obviously that's not going to happen, well, not on a staff nurse's wages anyway. If I've worn a dress to an event before I might change the look up up a bit, maybe wear my hair up to make it look a little different, or add a different pair of shoes or change the bag. I try to buy statement pieces that I will get the wear out of it and dress them up or dress them down. I usually buy dresses that can be worn again in winter with tights and boots for example.

Missguided dress I wore to a wedding in April with New Look shoes.

I wore the same Missguided dress to a wedding in July, instead I threw the hair up, wore Amy Huberman Bourbon stilletos and left The Liam McCarthy at home.

My outlook now is completely different to a few years ago. I used to hate wearing the same outfit twice, or being pictured in the same top or dress twice. Now, I honestly don't care. Maybe that's one of the good things about approaching 30. You start to care less and less about these sort of things! As long as your healthy and feel good in your clothes who cares if you've worn the same dress to two weddings in a row. They are probably a different crowd anyway!

Have a good weekend and chat to ye soon,

Love,

Maria
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My Top 6 Favourite MAC Products!

Hey all,

This week I thought I'd write about something completely different - for this blog anyway! Make up is such a huge thing now. I think Makeup Artists have such a tough job these days. When I was in school and in college I'd say I had maybe five or six things in my bag. My make up routine would have taken about 10 minutes. It consisted of moisturiser, foundation, pencil eyeliner on the water line, liquid eyeliner on top, a bit of brown eye shadow (sometimes no eye shadow at all), a lick of mascara, lip gloss and maybe a bit of bronzer to finish off the look. I didn't even own concealer, highlighter, blusher and as for the eyebrows - I mean don't even go there!!

In the last 5 to 6 years the make up industry has become massive. I definitely spend more time on it now but it can be tricky, especially those eyes and that dreaded eyeliner. One thing that hasn't changed throughout the years is my love for MAC cosmetics. I just love them!!! I know they're not for everyone but I'm a huge fan. I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite MAC products.

Studio Fix Fluid -This is my favourite foundation and nothing beats this for coverage on me. I've worn it since I was in secondary school and I honestly don't think I'll change to anything else. I wear shade NC25 for night time or if I was tanned and going out for the day. I wouldn't wear this for normal day to day as I'd find it a little heavy. If I'm working I wear very little make up and some days I don't wear any at all. At work I wear a lighter foundation which isn't from the MAC range. Studio Fix Fluid foundation retails at €32.00 a bottle.

Strobe Cream -

This is one of the best products that has ever been introduced to me. I put it on my face after my moisturiser and it gives a lovely dewy glow under foundation. Some days I just wear moisturiser and strobe cream. It gives me the feeling of having something on my face, yet my skin can breathe. This product retails at €12.00 for 30mls. A 50ml bottle will set you back €34.00 so you're better off buying two 30ml bottles. It's a saving of €10.00 so it's a no brainer!!!

                                                              

Soft and Gentle Highlighter -

This is my favourite highlighter of all time. It lasts for ages too. I have mine a few years now and there's loads left. This pretty highlighter costs €31.50.

Soar Lip Liner -

I love the colour of this lip liner. As well as lining the lips with it I also put it all over to give the lips a fuller looking effect. This beauty will set you back €17.50.

Cremesheen Modesty Lipstick -

My lips can get quite dry so I never wear a matte lipstick or lip gloss. I like to wear something with a bit of moisture in it. I wear this lipstick 90% of the time! I've nearly run out! You just can't beat a good nude lipstick! This lipstick is €20.00.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer -
Like studio fix fluid, I find this concealer has excellent coverage. I apply it to eyelids (acts as a primer for eyeshadow), underneath my eyes, a little bit on my forehead and a small bit at the end of my nose. I wear shade NW20. This concealer costs €23.50.

That's my little round up of some of my favourite MAC products. What's your favourite makeup products? It doesn't have to be MAC. I'm very much open to all suggestions on these sort of things! Hope you enjoyed this post and if there's anything in particular you'd like me to write more about please let me know!

Hope you have a lovely week!

Love,

Maria

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