2015: A Year in Review

by Dani Mc Mahon

As this year comes to an end I begin to look back on the events in my life this year which shaped 2015 into the year that was. As with every year, I find that when you think back quickly about what you achieved or the positives aspects of your life this year it is always so much easier to make a list of the negative things which happened. In order to actually make a list of positive things and achievements you need to sit down, take out a pen and paper and write. I did just that this evening and so here I am, sharing the highlights of my 2015. I left out the negative bits and included pictures of the good bits instead.

• Living at the sea-side: 2015 was our first full year in our apartment by the sea. The spring and summer months were blissful. The weather was not particularly spectacular (I mean we are taking about Ireland!) but the dry days combined with long evenings and the occasional spell of sunshine meant we had the perfect setting for evening beach walks and Sunday morning hikes. Of course the real highlight was getting to share all of this with my other half which was the cherry on top of the cake.
• Celebrating our two year wedding anniversary and six years together. How time flies!
• My mother-in-law and her best friend came to visit this summer for three weeks. It was such a brilliant experience, especially getting to show them where I am from and some of the beauty this little island has to offer. It was also amazing for my mother-in-law to finally get to meet my entire family and spend time with them. One of our best friends also came to visit, so we were busy being hosts!
• This year was a good one in terms of travel. Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris and Rome all featured as we took off for the summer and a couple of weekend breaks later in the year. Getting to experience such beautiful cities was such a treat.
• 2015 saw Ireland vote Yes for Marriage Equality. May 23rd is a day I will never forget as I watched the result being called out on that glorious evening to a rainbow clad audience in the courtyard of Dublin Castle. It was a day which will forever be remembered and a huge part of my year. 
• This year also saw new people come into our life. People who quickly became great friends. Canvassing for Yes Equality had a huge part to play and was also one of the highlights of 2015 for me.
• 2015 saw me return to my studies briefly as I qualified as a CELTA certified English language teacher. Something I had wanted to do for a long time this was a huge achievement for me this year. I also taught myself to play the ukulele and I passed my driving test!
• Getting back into blogging was a big part of late 2015, to be continued in 2016!

And there you have it, the best bits of 2015! What were your highlights?

Burn off some of those Christmas calories!

by Dani Mc Mahon

Christmas is a time of indulgence. There are plenty of occasions and almost all of them involve food of some sort. Boxes of chocolates and biscuits seem to be never ending as they make the rounds and laziness leads to a lack of effort in the food department. By the time you are ready to celebrate New Years too are sick to the back teeth of eating and drinking and the festivities have not even ended yet.
Getting yourself off the couch or actually finding a sprinkle of motivation seem like impossible feats of willpower and the weather of course does not help either!
Fear not, there is a solution. Some people are born with a talent for dancing, the rest of us bop along like grannies at a wedding hands going ninety with our feet planted to the ground. However, in the dark with music blaring even the worst dancers could give J-Lo a run for her money. There is nothing like darkness to dispel your inhibitions and give you the confidence you need to let your body go with the music.
So if you are looking an easy way to burn off a few calories you know what to do, turn up the music, turn off the lights and get your ass moving! To take away the stress and anxiety of actually having to find something to dance to I have generously decided to share my own 'Dancing in the Dark' playlist with you, know you really have no excuse! Get your ass off the couch and get moving!

When Sex and the City gives you food for thought...

by Dani Mc Mahon

Watching a television series can sometimes serve as a modern day version of therapy. Emerging ourselves in the lives of the characters and living vicariously through them allows us the time and space we need to unwind and relax, taking a time-out from our busy lives.
The flip side to this is that you do, inevitably, end up becoming attached to the characters in your favourite shows and you feel as though you are entitled to your opinion on what is happening in their lives on screen.
Sex and the City was hailed as a one of the kind show when it debuted. Showing a side of female sexuality and friendship which had never before been explored, it showed the world what living in Manhattan as a single woman in your thirties was all about.
Centred around four best friends it was impossible not to feel like you were the invisible fifth member of the group. As a result you felt their pain and sometimes pleasure as they made their way from relationship to relationship, or in Samantha's case, from bed to bed.
Those of you who have watched the series and the subsequent movies will know all about the central relationship between Carrie and Mr. Big. Their love story is one of passion and woe and has more ups and downs than most roller coasters. As an honorary fifth member of the group I often find myself watching and wondering why, oh why, she ever ended up with Big. Let me explain why.
In season three Carries starts dating Aidan, a furniture designer. Aidan is a sensitive guy who loves Carries exactly as she is (minus the smoking, but we won't hold that against him.) Watching their relationship develop it is impossible not to scream at the screen as Carries does everything she can to sabotage their relationship as she is so hung up on Big.
Big is a slightly unavailable, commitment-phone, who does not seem completely comfortable with the real Carrie, so why does she keep running back to him?
Carries herself ponders this is as she sees herself headed down a path of self-destruction but never manages to stop herself.
As I watch Carrie basically destroy her own happiness I always find myself thinking about life in general and wondering if we all do this at some point in our lives? Not just in relationships.
Have you ever found yourself headed towards success, happiness, your goal and then suddenly backing away from it? What is it within us that makes us so afraid of having exactly what we want?
Having thought about it for a while I have come to the conclusion that we all may have developed a fear, maybe not obviously, of achieving everything why have ever aimed towards and then being rendered useless.
Carrie is a perfect example of this as she settles, for what I perceive to be, a mediocre relationship. Perhaps she too was living what many will come to live, a fear of having the perfect life and then falling into an anti-climax.
Is there a way to stop this? Of course there is, we simply have to keep setting goals. Imagine our lives as a game where you complete level after level increasing the difficulty as you go.
With this in mind perhaps it is time to start making some new, realistic goals for the New Year?
What does your list of goals for the 2016 look like?

Express yourself, let yourself live niche free!

by Dani Mc Mahon

As most of you know I recently finished the 30 Day Blog Challenge which I set myself in October. I set myself the challenge as I had gotten lazy with my writing. As with many things, life simply gets in the way and suddenly the things you once loved doing are kicked to the curb in favour of having lazy evenings in and heading to bed early. Now that I have finished the 30 Day Challenge I have most definitely created some good writing habits for myself.
Over the past couple of months I have read a lot of articles about become a blogger and following that through to become a successful one. All of these article seem to have a common thread of advice linking them all to each other: find your niche!
I feel like over the past decade or so we have all advanced so much in so many ways. Society is a (mostly) more accepting place now than it was years ago and people seem to feel freer to be who they really are. It does seem however the all this freedom of self is causing a new problem: over categorising.
On your Facebook profile you are asked about your religious and political views, your marital status, what type of music and books you like, your favourite quote! Heading to college you are asked to put yourself into a subject themed box, science, humanities, arts, engineering. Even when it comes to clothes you are labelled: rocker, punk, hipster, preppy. Then it comes to something like writing, a hobby for many and a love for some. you are again asked to put yourself into a box. Narrow yourself down so that readers can avoid accidentally straying from their chosen path, because god forbid they might discover something new and feel the need to re-assign themselves.
In my life in general there are only two things that I will always identify: female and lesbian. The rest of me is subject to change. If I see a hipster outfit and decide to wear it that does not mean that tomorrow you won't see me dressed head to toe in black. This time last year I worked in pensions, this year I am an English teacher. Life is ever changing and our surroundings are not fixed or permanent.
So why is it necessary for me to establish a niche when I myself do not confine myself to being part of one particular niche. What ever happened to individuality? So here I am rebelling against all of those advice articles and establishing myself as niche-less. I am expressing my right to write about what ever the hell I like depending on my mood, location, and the people around me.
Here is to being niche-less, writing wild and free!
And so ends my rant, I feel refreshed now and ready to head a see the new Star Wars movie!
May the force be with you!

Ten Myths about Lesbians: Dispelled!

by Dani Mc Mahon

'What would it be like to be a man/woman/baby/dog etc?'
Have you ever had that fleeting thought while you're going about your day? Guys think it would be fun to have boobs, ladies think it would be difficult to buy skinny jeans with a bulk between their legs. We all think life you be so relaxing if we were to trade places with the family dog. Are these thoughts true or are they merely myths? Today I want to dispel some common myths about lesbians which people very often take as fact.

1. Living together is all rainbows and fairy dust.
Just because we are both girls does not mean that we live like friends in a frat house! We live like any other couple. House hold chores, cooking, paying the bills, all those things still happen just like in any other relationship.

2. All lesbians are feminists who hate men.
I'm just a regular feminist who has no problem with men. Just because we don't want to sleep with men does no mean we hate them.

3. We all have short hair and wear flannel.
Putting all lesbians in the same box will only cause problems. Just like there are many different types of people and styles of clothing for straight people there are for lesbians too. Remember, each person is an individual with their own individual style!

4. All lesbians are vegetarians.
I am not really sure where this myth originated. I myself was a vegetarian long before I realised or owned up to the fact that I was gay. In my experience there are just as many straight vegetarians out there as there are lesbian ones.

5. All lesbians remain friends with their exes.
Most definitely not true. Of course there are a lot of ladies who do stay friends with their exes but it is not true for everyone, talk about making life complicated!

6. In a lesbian relationship someone has to be 'the man'.
The point of being a lesbian is that in your relationship there is no man! Equality is key and everything falls into place accordingly!

7. They just haven't met the right man.
Oh please! Believe it or believe it not, amazing sex with a man will not turn a lesbian straight!

8. All butch lesbians want to be men.
False. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Having a masculine appearance and sleeping with women does not a trans gender person make.

9. We find all women attractive.
Let me assure that just like everybody else lesbians have types too. I like girls with brown eyes and dark hair. My wife likes girls with blue eyes and fair hair. Just because you have boobs does not mean I am going to be madly attracted to you, sorry!

10. We U-Haul and then it all goes to pot.
The joke is that lesbians fall in love hard and fast and by the third date the moving van is full and the day has arrived. Things fizzle shortly after this and then its all over. Take it from me this is not the case. There are plenty of examples of lesbian couples who are in it for the long haul, myself and my wife included.

Thanks for reading!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 30: Fin

by Dani Mc Mahon

Here I sit on a cold Friday night in December, Christmas music playing in the background. I went for coffee with my beautiful other half earlier. We discussed future plans which are still shining brightly in my mind. 

Starting this thirty day challenge was something I took on hoping to improve my writing and create some good blogging habits. And I feel I have done both. 

Being the type of person who feels passionate about many different things, often all at once, I regularly start projects and then never finish them. I leave them hanging in limbo. Half written, half drawn, have painted. This challenge also served as a way to prove to myself that I am indeed capable of actually finishing what I start. And that is something really beautiful. 

I finish this '30 Day Blog Challenge' happy and content. Ready to finish those abandoned projects and move forward with my blog. 

So here's to new beginnings and continued success! 

P.S Keep popping by to have a read. The challenge my be finished but I am just getting started! 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 29: The best dinner party that there ever was...

by Dani Mc Mahon

Day 29: List ten people, living or dead that you would invite to a dinner party. Include the menu.

This seems like a straightforward, easy thing to do but it isn't.
When you have a significant other and three siblings you have already taken up half the seats at the fictitious table. So, to avoid offending anybody I am setting an extra four places at the table to accommodate my wife and siblings.

Now lets get down to business, the guest list:
(in no particular order)

• Audrey Hepburn
• J.K Rowling
• Albert Einstein
• Nelson Mandela
• Jane Austen
• Meryl Streep
• Buddha
• Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Frida Kahlo
• Ellen DeGeneres

I picked a fairly mixed bunch. After all, what is a dinner party without a heated discussion or two? As long there is no throwing of food we should be okay. 

Next, the menu. This is an almost impossible feat. I have picked people to come and dine with us from all corners of the globe so I have tried to encompass every bodies tastes. 

Here we go!

Who would you invite to you dinner party?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 28: Write a letter to somebody, anybody.

by Dani Mc Mahon

Letter writing, a dying art unfortunately. With the rise of social networking and email the humble letter has been sent packing, which is such a pity. Over the years I have received many a letter and the joy opening the envelope to find a hand written note was such a wonderful experience. Sending and receiving letters was such a personal experience, though email is practical and much quicker than writing a letter you do lose out on the personal aspect.
The challenge today was to write a letter to somebody, anybody. I was inspired coming home on the train and chose the most random letter recipient imaginable!

Are there any of you out there who still send letters to friends? I have one ready to pop in the post tomorrow. Sometimes you really can't beat pen and paper!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 27: Top Ten Christmas Movies

by Dani Mc Mahon

So it looks as though there may be some terrible weather about to hit us here on the Emerald Isle this weekend. If you don't have any prior engagements, this little storm presents you with the perfect opportunity to get to work watching the top ten Christmas movies on this list!
Hot chocolate and fluffy socks at the ready as we start the countdown...

#10 The Polar Express
This is a movie which you either love or hate. I love it, the animation is amazing as is the story line. Maybe not the ideal children's movie as some scenes are a little dark. Nevertheless, it really brings home the spirit of Christmas. Tom Hanks does a superb job in this Christmas favourite.








#9 The Grinch
Dr. Seuss calls out to all those Grinch's yelling 'bah humbug' at this time of year in this funny family classic. Jim Carey looks absolutely revolting as the Grinch but the gorgeous Christmas setting kind of takes away from that...kind of.








#8 Elf
I was really hesitant about watching this movie. I am not usually a fan of Will Ferrell. The sense of humour in his movies normally doesn't do anything for me but this is the exception. I ended up really enjoying this film which really mixes a bizarre storyline with the magic of Christmas.








#7 The Family Stone
Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel Mc Adams and Diane Keaton in one movie? SOLD!
This rom com is set on Christmas Eve and Day and has some absolutely hilarious moments. Some of the scenes are little far-fetched but I think it shows just how crazy Christmas can be. Having families in confined spaces there are so many personalities and opinions roaming around they are bound to knock into each other at some point. Great movie but do keep a tissue near, the end is a bit of a tear jerker!




#6 Home Alone 2
Set in New York, at Christmas time, what's not to love? Not quite as funny as the original but it certainly gives it a run for its money. Something fun to watch with all the family over the festive season.









#5 Love Actually

I know, I know. Most people cringe when see this come up on the T.V guide but I just love it! It is just so Christmassy and the stories are mad. Plenty of laughs to be had as you watch this one. Features some fantastic British actors too.








#4 Arthur Christmas

 This is hands down one of the best animated movies I have ever seen. Such a fantastic story, it follows Arthur who has a passion for Christmas but is unbelievable clumsy. A real feel good movie, this is a brilliant one for all ages.








#3 The Holiday

Another rom com, and boy is it a good one. Kate Winslet is brilliant in this festive feature. Perfect for a Christmas evening in with a box of chocolates and a cup of tea.









#2 Home Alone

For many years I refused to watch this movie. To this day I am not entirely sure why. About four years ago my wife spent her first Christmas in Ireland and insisted that we watch it. I was amazed. I couldn't believe I had been missing out for so long. Hilarious in all the right places, this is an absolute must watch this Christmas!







#1 The Santa Clause

My all-time favourite. This brings back so many memories of watching it on telly in the run up to Christmas as a child. It is safe to say I have watched this movies every year since its release in the early nineties and it just never gets old. The spirit of Christmas just radiates from the screen as you watch and there are plenty of laughs too.







And there you have it! Do you have any Christmas favourites that you would add to the list?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 26: How to...go Christmas shopping

by Dani Mc Mahon

Ah December, I thought I heard you jingle into town!
I cannot lie, Christmas is possibly my favourite time of year. The twinkling lights, the colours and getting to spend more time than usual with the people you hold dear make the festive season one to love.
Last weekend, we decided to get our Christmas shopping done early. Being the practical people that we are, we figured we could get this done in a single weekend. I know, I know, it seems at first to be an impossible feat but one which we successfully accomplished!
I know there are many of you who would rather have your teeth pulled than head out into the wilds of Christmas shopping madness but if you follow this simple guide you could have your shopping done, wrapped and ready for giving in a single weekend leaving you with more time to socialise coming up to Christmas Day. You will feel less stressed too, which is always nice, isn't it?




Stage One: The night before the big shop.
What you will need:

• Comfortable pyjamas
• Christmas music
• Snacks
• Notebook/paper
• Pen

Steps:

• Get into your pyjamas, get comfy it will reduce the stress and make it easier to get your festive head on. 
• Pop on the Christmas tunes, even the biggest Grinch out there cannot help singing along to 'All I Want for Christmas is You.'
• Start with a list of recipients, who are you giving to this year, do you have a 'Secret Santa' thing happening at work/school/in the family?
• Set your budget, you may need to make categories for this.
• Beside each of the names on your list, keeping your budget in mind, start brain storming some ideas. Think about what the person is into, is there anything you know they need or really want (within your budget).
• Once you have the brain storming done think of the shops you will need to go to. If you have decided for definite on a present for someone and you know where to go to get it then make those presents the priority, this will quicken the process. 
• Check wrapping supplies, add them to the list if necessary. 
• Set times and meeting points for:
• leaving
• brunch/lunch
• coffee break
• emergencies (if you get lost in waves of shoppers)
• home time
• Now get a good night's sleep!

Stage Two: The morning of the main event.

• Fuel up!! Have a good breakfast, it could be awhile until you eat again. Take it easy on the liquids though, try and strike a balance so that you are not dehydrated but also that you do not waste half your day in line for the toilet!
• Dress appropriately, today is not the day to channel your inner Lady Gaga. Keep it casual, comfy but not sloppy. 
• Wear something comfortable and well broken in on your feet. There is nothing worse than getting blisters when you have to be on your feet all day so be wise with your choice of footwear.
• Make sure you have all your lists and money/cards sorted before you leave the house.

Stage Three: The main event.

• Stay focused, follow your plan and do not deviate, there will be time to look around idly after you have bought the presents. 
• Try to avoid punching people who stop mid isle to chat, violence will not get you anywhere and will more than likely be counter productive.
• Keep ALL of your receipts.
• Keep tabs on money and time.
• Have a decent lunch, again, easy on the liquids, you still have a while to go before you get home.

Stage Four: Home at last.

• Relief, you have survived the shopping! Now for the wrapping. 
• If you need to have some dinner before you begin,
• Get back into your comfy pyjamas, put those Christmas tunes back on.
• Get wrapping! Make sure you have sticky tape and a scissors at the ready.

Stage Five: The end of the day.

• Put on your favourite Christmas movie.
• Put your feet up.
• Admire all of the beautifully wrapped presents sitting under your tree.
• Give yourself a pat on the back, you have officially survived Christmas shopping!

And there you have it. It's as simple as that, folks!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 25: Ten things you love about your significant other...

by Dani Mc Mahon

After taking a couple of days off from blogging to pass my driving test, put up our Christmas tree, watch The Late Late Toy Show and do ALL of our Christmas shopping I am back!
The challenge today, ten things you love about your significant other, here they are:

Enough said <3

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 24: Share your baby pictures...

by Dani Mc Mahon

The title of this blog says it all :)

The first picture was taken a couple of weeks after I arrived to this world.
The second features me sporting a rather dashing Post Man Pat jumper and crazy hair to go with that crazy expression!
The third picture shows me channelling my inner fashionista. I am rocking the floral pattern and jump suit. The hair just finishes the outfit off perfectly.

Feel free to share some of your baby pictures with us!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 23: 5 Celebrities You Find Attractive...

by Dani Mc Mahon

We have all answered the question at some point or another. Who would be your dream celebrity date, which Hollywood star do you think would be the best person to date, marry, etc.
Attraction to a celebrity can be based on something as simple as how a person does the hair, how they dress or their accent. So here are the five celebrities that I find most attractive.

Drew Barrymore on The Ellen Show

Meryl Streep on The Ellen Show

Emma Watson on The Ellen Show

Keira Knightley on The Graham Norton Show

Julia Roberts on The Ellen Show

Each name has a link to an interview that I love, enjoy!

Which celebrities make your list?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 22: Coffee for Beginners

by Dani Mc Mahon

Decaff soy latte, extra shot, no foam, three pumps of vanilla.
Coffee, for many people functioning depends entirely upon it and its qualities. We have all become so accustomed to seeing people wandering around with their take away coffees and teas. Most coffee shops have cups especially designed, spurred by the famous Starbucks cup. As the winter hits hard the amount of take away coffee cups gracing peoples hands will only increase. So what happens to those who really dread ordering a coffee because so much of the menu quite honestly looks like double dutch?
Fear not, I have come to help because just like you I was that poor soldier. That's right ladies and gents, I was that girl petrified standing in front of a barista asking my name who did not know how to order a coffee. I have come a long way since my first daunting experience but it is still not an enjoyable experience as coffee drinking seems to become more complicated as the years go on and the menu changes in accordance with the seasons.
So, let us go through the basic types of espresso based coffee:

Of course once you have chosen the type of coffee you have to choose the type of milk. This task is pretty basic, I usually go for skimmed or soy because that it what I use at home but you can pretty much ask for any type of milk you like which was something I found reassuring.

Then you have all the syrups, again, depending on preference you can ask for a syrup to be added to your coffee, or not, as you wish. I sometimes ask for a pump of vanilla, which quite simply put means they squirt a little vanilla syrup into the coffee for you.

I'm not a cream person but should you be that way inclined you can of course ask for that on top of everything too.

During the warmer months you will also see the menu has a section for frappes. This is basically your coffee order blended with ice, and during the summer it is oh so good. Of course there are also frappes which actually do not contain coffee, just amazing flavours. More on that closer to frappe weather!

And there you have it, a guide which should help alleviate the stress when ordering a coffee and prevent you from having palpitations every-time you walk past a coffee shop and see all the lovely people enjoying their coffee which you previously could not fathom ordering.

Now, go join the revolution, coffee needs you! 

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 21: Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part Two

by Dani Mc Mahon

Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part Two

Jennifer Lawrence made herself known when she was cast as Katniss Everdeen, the unsuspecting heroine of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. A series which looks at the trials and tribulations of a dystopian society and the struggle of the people to free themselves from their evil and oppressive leader, Everdeen rises like a phoenix from the ashes. 

Mockingjay, Part Two is the final instalment in a four movie run, part one having been released around this time last year. 

Having read the books I can say that the third book, for me, was more than dragged out. It felt as though nothing much really happened until three quarters of the way through and the ending left much to be desired. The movie was no different. 

The previous three instalments were full of action packed scenes, a storyline which kept you captivated and a possible love triangle which featured Miss Everdeen at the centre. The forth movie was action packed and there was indeed a hint at a little love triangle but the storyline wavered and in the end died out pretty quickly providing an ending which can only be described as a total anti-climax. 

The special effects and stunts performed throughout the movie were impressive as was the acting which really never faltered. 

I know some people will say; 'If you didn't enjoy the book, why see the movie?' I feel that when you start reading or watching a trilogy, series, etc. you become somewhat invested and following the characters through to the end seems non-optional. I realise I am perhaps being a little harsh, the movie did of course have good points, some funny lines and as I said before star performances from some big names. 

The ending just left a hollowness, an emptiness caused by dissatisfaction, but then when the storyline is based on a dystopian reality what more could you expect. However, I felt as though the incredible journey that Katniss, and indeed Peeta, had been on was so poorly reflected in the ending. It was sweet, yes. Had it been a Nora Ephron rom-com I would have cried tears of joy to see such a perfect little family unit but in this case I wanted the gutsy heroine to be just that. To have her time of glory. For her to see the new world she had played such a huge part in creating and it just seemed not to happen. Of course this could have been the plan of the author all along it just came as such a disjointed ending to such a dramatic trilogy. 

However, if you are considering going to see the movie because you have been watching since day one, then of course, you must go. 

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 20: Random things I found online today

by Dani Mc Mahon

This weekend was a whirlwind of things. A beautiful wedding in Portugal and an unfortunate tummy bug have really wiped me out. So here I sit, in my bed, where I have been perched all day with my computer. After watching 'The Parent Trap' and 'Notting Hill' I started to wander and here are some of the places I ended up:

There is a storm coming, so why not brighten up your evening with these hilarious puns:

http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-puns-arseniic-monika-pundemonium/

Eggs, they come fried, scramble, poached, runny, boiled. Check out these egg moulds and see how you can really shake up your eggs!

http://www.designswan.com/archives/10-playful-egg-molds-add-more-fun-to-your-plates.html

You all know Oprah, right? Well she has a YouTube channel, part of this channel is a feature she does called Master Class. This is basically a pretty intimate interview with celebrities from all over which shows them as people. Below is the link to Ellen DeGeneres' Master Class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8BCbGLQ3Kw

One of my go to sites online when I have time to kill is always The Ellen Show's YouTube channel, full of hilarious interviews and the best guests. Today I ended up watching five or six interviews with Diane Keaton which were absolutely comical!

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEllenShow

Last, but not least, to start the build up to Christmas:

http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas-advert


Where do you go when you wander online?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 19: Three Favourite Words

by Dani Mahon

word

noun

1. a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed.

Above is just one of many meanings for 'word'. Our daily lives are full of these magical things. They form the basis of our communication system and indeed construct so much of the world around us. Words are created and brought into use by a global consensus. Whether written or spoken each language is bound together by the use of words and subsequent formation of sentences which lead to conversations, books, poems, speeches, scripts, songs, shouting matches, cheering, blogs, Facebook statuses and much, much, more. The challenge today was to share with you three of my favourite words. Most of us utilise the same vocabulary day in day out and sometime is it nice to discover something new, like these words below:

I came across this word only recently while on Pinterest. It caught my attention as it is a word which so aptly describes how many of us feel at times in our lives. Not listed in most dictionaries it is a word in progress, but a good one nonetheless.
How many times have you taken a seat at your desk in work and had the feeling described by this huge word?
How often have you been outdoors or on holiday and felt this urge to have this kind of freedom in your life as a constant?
A ridiculously long yet fitting word, I'm sure you will remember it the next time you experiencing a bit of eleutheromania.

Many, many months ago this word showed up in a list of never used words that I was reading, I'm not going to lie, probably on Pinterest.
I thought it so amusing that this action should actually have a word of its own and found it rather entertaining.
A word which I am sure is rarely used, it would be a welcome addition to any dubious villain's vocabulary as his victim would never know what was coming.
Another word I am sure many of us will never have the chance to use it is one of my favourites none the less.

Many moons ago I worked in a shop at a petrol station. I usually worked the Sunday morning shift alongside my best friend. Sunday mornings were always busy as people flocked in to buy their morning papers. Most of the clientele of a Sunday morning were men who were up and out early and always very forthcoming with their compliments.

One particular Sunday I very well dressed man entered and told us that we were two lovely girls and that we were looking rather salubrious.

We did the usual appreciative smile and said thank you, as it would be rude not to take the compliment. During a quick break in the stockroom I looked up the meaning of the word online. Since then I find this word to be one of my favourites and you would be surprised how often you can slip it into a sentence, practically unnoticed.

There you have it, three words which are among my favourites. Do you have any favourite words?

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18: Your Favourite Television Series

by Dani Mc Mahon

Television series have an awful habit of captivating their audiences and before you know it your life has been forgotten, you rarely leave your house and instead of thinking about how your friends and family are doing you are only thinking of your favourite characters. 

The invention of Netflix exasperated the situation beyond repair and now the number of box set addicts has risen to the point of no return. Series provide us with the escape we need from the real world to give ourselves time to regroup, contemplate and go on our way once again.

Box set addiction becomes particularly probable around this time of year as staying in becomes the norm. I too have fallen victim to box set addiction on more than one occasion, here are some of my favourite shows:

1. Friends: an absolute classic. Airing first in 1994, this American sitcom revolves around the lives of six young twenty-somethings living in New York. Spanning over a decade of their lives this show paints a picture of what it is to go through your twenties and into your thirties. Comedy, romance and serious undertones feature as the audience becomes completely enthralled. A must watch from start to finish.

2. Grey's Anatomy: still going strong in its twelfth season the show centres on the main character, Meredith Grey. Set in a busy Seattle hospital this show has more drama than any other, Many of the storylines are quite farfetched which makes it even more enticing as it really is a break from reality. For many of the episodes you may want to have a box of tissues close by. Starting this series from the very beginning as jumping in the middle would be ill-advised, it would not make an iota of sense!

3. Orange is the New Black: set in Litchfield Penitentiary and based on a true story, we follow Piper Chapman as she serves time for drugs offences. With an almost all female cast this show has a pretty strong theme of female power and love flowing through it. With some pretty crazy storylines and even crazier main characters this Netflix series with have you captivated and begging for more after the first episode!  

4. The L Word: normally a series such as this would only appear on niche lists for the LGBT community, which is a crying shame. Based in LA this series is jam packed with drama. With brilliantly written storylines and characters which are excellently developed. It allows you into the lives and dramas of this tight knit LGBT group of people. Something which normally isn't shown on primetime television. The highs and lows of their personal and professional lives will have you hooked in no time! It is like Sex and the City but with a twist! 

5 Sex and the City: drama, sex, friendship and comedy. What more could one want? Carrie Bradshaw is the main protagonist in this New York based series. A struggling writer her and her three best friends show us what it is to live and love in one of the most amazing cities in the world. The show is also jam packed full of (sometimes questionable) fashion and will make you feel like packing your bags and moving to New York in the morning.

6. United States of Tara: taken off the air in 2011 this show followed the lives of an ordinary suburban family living with a mother suffering from multiple personality disorder. A really interesting and often hilarious watch fans were devastated when it disappeared from our screens after only three short seasons.

What are some of your favourites? 

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 17: Autumnal favourites.

by Dani Mc Mahon

Autumn and winter have always been my favourite seasons. There is something so cosy and warm about them. Being indoors while the elements rage outside fills me with a kind of peace and reassurance. To get me through autumn and into winter here are a few of my favourite things:

Clothing: summer clothing has never been my thing. I love all things warm and long sleeved. My autumnal clothing favourites are simple yet essential. My navy coat keeps out the wind, rain and looks amazing too. Coupled with my plaid scarf and quite often wellie boots (this is Ireland after all) they are the staple of my autumnal wardrobe. Oh, and don't forget the fluffy socks!

Drinks: you cannot beat a cup of Irish tea on an autumn evening, it gives that sense of homeliness and warmth. When I am out my preferences are a misty chai latte or vanilla rooibos tea. Hot beverages are the saviour of autumn as the air becomes crisp.

Movies: the summer is a time to be outside, the evenings are bright and there are usually so many things going on. Autumn is cooler and darker. Leaving your house and your fluffy socks does not seem so appealing but sitting in to watch a good movie does. My ultimate autumn movies which I could watch time and time again are:

(don't judge me, I love a good romantic comedy!)

Books: this list changes a lot depending on my mood but if you have time on your hands these books will go down a treat with a cuppa by the fire:

And there you have it, some of my autumnal favourites, what are yours?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 16: Apps you cannot live without and why.

by Dani Mc Mahon

Five years ago mobile technology differed pretty drastically compared to what we are used to nowadays. Apps were something foreign to us and text messages and phone calls were still our primary forms of communication. 

Now we have everything at our fingertips, quite literally, and communication as taken on a life of its own. From your smartphone you can manage pretty much all aspects of your life. Keeping in touch with friends and family near and far is no longer an ordeal, although personal privacy has taken quite the hit. 

My phone is rarely more than an arm’s length away from me and here are the apps which I just can't live without:

1. Instagram: this app is for sharing pictures. As I am a visual person I really enjoy scrolling through pictures on this great little app. The filters are varied and editing your own photos is not at all difficult making this app quick and practical to use, especially when you are on the go.

2. Pinterest: another visual app, there is more to the visual facade than meets the eye. Filled with ideas, inspiration, quotes, art and much, much more this app allows you to make boards where you can pin things that you come across. Some of my boards include; 'For the future house' and 'Things I love'. This app can be made a little more social by adding friends but even without that social aspect this app will keep you intrigued for hours.

3. My Fitness Pal: this lifestyle app allows you to count your calories in a casual way. There are no annoying reminders or notifications and when you are logging your food there is a huge database. The app also includes a bar code scanner which is really handy at home or away. An easy way to keep on top of you calorie intake, should you be that way inclined.

4. Pou: I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a Mom hand her phone over to an agitated child with Pou open on the screen. Pou is basically a virtual alien pet that you have to look after. You might say it is the modern day Tamagotchi. This app boasts an impressive selection of the most popular games, thirty-two in total. You can also customise your Pou by naming them, and choosing from hundreds of accessories and outfits to build their own little personality. A great app when you are stuck with nothing to do or travelling and looking for something to entertain you. Let the big kid in you dictate this download, you won't regret it. 

5. Duolingo: an app which helps you learn pretty much any language of your choice it covers mostly vocabulary and grammar. An excellent accompaniment if you are taking language classes or living abroad. The interface for this app is very appealing and does not target a set demographic making it accessible to all ages. 

6. Map My Walk/Run: a recently acquired app for me I have only used it a few times when out for a walk or run. GPS allows the app to follow you on your route and by keeping an eye on the time it also calculates the calories burned and your average pace per mile or kilometre. Using the online app you can also create your own route, this route is then available for use on your mobile app. This feature is great when you have only a certain amount of time or for distance training.

In my experience these six apps have really served me well and in most cases play a practical part in my life. Give them a try and see what you think. 

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 15: Your day in pictures

by Dani Mc Mahon

The challenge was to document a day in your life visually. I documented parts of both Saturday and Sunday and my weekend looked something like this:

Up early on Saturday, no lie-on this weekend!

An afternoon coffee followed by an amazing find (my new bag) at a local charity shop. Crunched our way home through the autumn leaves.

There is nothing better than cooking delicious food at home, the sun was pouring through the window casting rainbows on the oven. Decorations and altar are up and ready for Hallowe'en and Dia de Muertos.

Venturing out on All Hallows Eve to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a lot of fun!

I had to bring the challenge over to Sunday too as the weather was too beautiful not to share it! Living by the sea definitely has its perks, a six mile cliff walk was the perfect way to finish off the weekend.

And there you have it, my weekend in pictures!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 14: What's in your handbag?

by Dani Mc Mahon

The handbag, for decades this mysterious possession has caused many curiosity and others fear. Years of taboo around the accessory have resulted in it becoming a sacred place where hands of strangers do not go and about which no questions are ever asked.

Handbags come in all sizes, shapes and colours and can be seen as an extension of one's self, depending on how fashion conscious one is. 

Most women and indeed some men carry a bag with them and in the majority of cases these bags are full of unnecessary things which accumulate over time. Mary Poppins demonstrated this pulling a standing lamp from hers.  The challenge today is to show you the contents of my handbag, which I can assure you are far less impressive than that of Miss Mary Poppins’.

I must admit that my bag is relatively new and so it has not yet accumulated all the things normal bags have. Before I bare my soul and share with you I wanted to ask an important question, what does Queen Elizabeth carry in her handbag?

Perhaps we could get her to do this challenge, to put my mind at ease.

Contents of the bag: Purse, coin holder, kindle, passport, lip balm, leap card, pencil case.