Hello! How are you all? It’s been a while…as some of you know, I was on holidays during which I visited my family in Estonia and had a few extra days to spend with my Other Half as well… For the first time in a long while, years, I actually feel rested. I hardly read, didn’t blog, didn’t catch up on your posts nor work emails… all of which was a feat in itself but came easily any way!
Anyway, Irish summer being non existent this year, Estonia delivered a cosy +27 C on average for the week I was over. I actually got a tan and I haven’t had a tan for yonks! I chilled with mom, plenty BBQ and beers, met my 2 month old niece Arabella, shopped and ate tons of that lovely food I so miss having in Ireland. KGs were piling on and I couldn’t have been more relaxed! I didn’t even have to try and listen to the nature, because every day from noon onwards the grasshoppers were making so much lovely noise that always makes me nostalgic of those summer nights past, hiding in some old lady’s raspberry bushes with a boyfriend…
The main event of my Estonian visit was of course my long time friend’s wedding at which I was one of the bridesmaids which was a first for me!
And yeaha, that’s me on that pic… I dislike sitting and getting my hair done and I suck at taking selfies, but there’s my mug! Looking more or less presentable at least once a year! π
But let me tell you a fun story. Another bridesmaid, a girl I’ve known forever, had trouble with her platform shoes. She used to be a soldier, foreign peace keeping to Afghanistan included, and she’s always been a bit of a storm in a teacup so to say. Anyway, we drove to the church together to do some pre-wedding decorating and she told me one of her platform shoes broke right before leaving the house, the heavy sole came off. But no worries, her boyfriend got a screw and a power tool and problem solved. As we got to the church, she’s walking around and telling me- I hope the other shoe holds. Well, it didn’t. So she barged into the little room meant for the priest and caretaker and said: “Padre, do you have a screw so I can fix my shoe, please?” She actually called the priest ‘padre’… anyway, a screw was found and the groom used a pocketknife to fix the other shoe as well.
All fun and games! It was a great wedding, all pretty much centred around cornflower (which is Estonian national flower) and rye. The bridesmaids ‘bouquets‘ were made of ripe ryestalks tied off with a blue ribbon. It was very traditional, with the usual good belly-full of food, games, dancing… to the early hours of the morning! Of course no wedding party passes without a good dose of relationship dramas and a fight. We had it all π
A special mention should also go to my sister’s animals π She has a whole big farm with sheep and dogs and horses. The lot…
I always love going to her house, it has such a good vibe to it. Hulk, the beagle on the below picture, is the 5th in the bunch of beagles who also go along for the hunts (moose, boar and bear, etc) was a truly adorable fellow. We sat solid, the two of us, me rubbing under his floppy ears, him just gazing into my eyes. Just cute!
Back in Ireland, I finally managed to paint a room that I’m planning to turn into a TV room. Besides that, I did sweet fuck all, other than chill out with the Hubby, eat and watch crap TV and put the washing machine to good use. That is one household ‘gadget’ himself is yet to master! π
It was all not bunnys and butterflies though, while getting my hair done by my aunt for the wedding, she told me I should visit the dermatologist and have the growths on my scalp get checked over. I knew of course that I had them. I am SO prone to birthmarks, moles and cherry angiomas that my skin looks like some odd canvas. I have had birthmarks removed before, thankfully all have come back clear this far. Anyway, the scalp ones I couldn’t really see myself due to their positioning so once I was back in Ireland I had my Hubs take a picture and I nearly shat myself. It did not look good. Next day I managed to get an apptointment with the doc right away and while he didn’t seem to be too concerned about them, I am going to have them removed and tested in September. Some days I really hate my skin… trouble and worry, is what it is!
But, back I am… terribly behind on my TBR pile and so many fantastic books waiting to be read and reviewed. I need to catch up on all of your posts yet! I truly am terribly sorry if I miss some of those, as there is a whole big pile of them and every time I manage to read a couple of them, another 20 have landed in my inbox π You’re a bunch of busy minions! But it’s great to see how busy you all have been and there’s some great posts I look forward to reading.
So, for now, that’s it from me… I have a review to write for Faithless, so watch this space!
Looks like you had so much fun and you look so gorgeous for the wedding! I love the story about the shoes, I think I would like that girl! π
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Aw, thank you! π I had patted dopwn my hair considerably by this stage.. my aunt loves hairspray π hahaha
I think you’re right, you would like this girl- she’s great fun and would fit into our combined madness perfectly! π
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Welcome back! And thanks for the life update! You’re so pretty! And the beagle picture is completely swoon worthy! I’m glad you enjoyed your time away. It’s good to be away from technology for a bit and relax. I hope your tests come back clear. I get a lot of moles too but I consider them just normal stuff for now, haha. π
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Thank you! π Great to be back, although all the blog posts catch up is daunting! π
And thanks again for the compliment and for the well wishes… I think I used to be quite meh about my moles as well, but once they started cutting them out one by one, or two π I am keeping a closer eye on things…
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Eeeee welcome back! It sounds like you had an awesome break back home, even if there were a few ups and downs!
You look gorgeous in your photo (not that you don’t always, but you get what I mean :P) and I have to disagree with you…you don’t suck at taking selfies! It must have been lovely to spend some time catching up with old friends and family π How’s your niece doing? It must have been surreal meeting her for the first time. How’s your brother enjoying fatherhood?
Also, Hulk the beagle is so fucking adorable!!! β€ If he ever fancies a vacation to England, send him my way π
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Eeeeeeeee thank you! π π
I love being back but my heart aches for home as well… for everything. the weather, food and people… I literally don’t communicate with any other live persons in Ireland other then my husband and work mates… so being at home with family was absolutely refreshing!
Oh my niece is doing great! She is such a cutie! two days after being born she had 2 bottom teeth out! we were like- huh? π she’s stubborn and already knows what and when she wants it! not afraid to voice it out either… yeah, can’t wait for her to grow into the crawling/walking/chatting stage! π will be great fun… and my brother is doing good.. he was so shitting himself before Arabella was born but now he’s calm and managing her really good… well, spoiling her actually π
hahaha, and imagine having 5 of those adorable beagles! they are just so soft and cuddly and happy and … sigh… adorable! π
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I can imagine having had such a good time at home makes you sad to leave π¦ Do you get to visit often? Maybe you could invite the family over to Ireland later in the year, have another get to together? π
Aww I’m so pleased your niece is doing okay! Two bottom teeth at two days old, though!? Sheesh, I don’t even want to imagine how uncomfortable that must have been for her! How many does she have now, just out of interest? π I’m pleased your brother is coping well, though. I think people worry about becoming parents, but natural instincts kick in once the baby is born!
I’m ever so slightly jealous at the thought of five of them π I’ve been wanting a dog for years!
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I usually try and visit once a year even though I wish it was more often… but travels and money and work and yada yada… only a fool doesn’t find excuses π
I had some of my family over last year – sister, nephew, dad and bro… My dad was quite excited as he hadn’t been on a plane since his Russian army times and that’s yonks ago π
Little niece has no new teeth as yet, but she’s drooling heavily so mom thinks there’s more on the way… she’s way ahead of developing with herself! π
And as for the dog… One day you will have one! π Choose wisely though… long haired dogs produce a lot of… well, hair! π
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Ah work and money, the bane of our lives! You need money to travel, but you need to work to get money…and you need time off to travel! It’s a never ending cycle π
That’s awesome about your family visiting last year! What did you guys get up to?
Ooo yeah, if she’s drooling there’s definitely more on the way! My godson drooled so much when he was teething! As cute as he is, it was kinda gross being covered in saliva after five minutes of holding him π
Oh god, my mum’s buying a dog for my kid brother and sister (she’s already put down the deposit!) and I’m really concerned because it’s basically a dog with dreadlocks. I can just see my mum being lumped with the task of detangling its hair!
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Last year, we ust drive the afmily around sightseeing.. beachexs and mountains.. my bro and dad were under a constant alcoholic haze- they love their Guinness and Jameson π hahaha… it was actually the third time for my bro to be over… never even though he’d be such a traveller… heh… my sister and nephew they just loved it- where ever we parked up, they were climbing up mountains and exploring so I’d say they had a good time π
hahahahaha- a dreadlock dog π yeah, that’ll be a task and a half to manage.. I mean, Sam, the German Shepherd.. his hair is just freaking everywhere!!! Even in the side o the house he can’t come into… brush the floor and a whole ball of Samhair! π enjoy the dog though, they’re fantastic to have around!
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That does sound pretty epic! I’d like to visit Ireland too one day. I have some Irish ancestors and it’d be great to see their homeland! You have a sister too? How many siblings do you have? It sounds like you come from a big family!
Oh god, I used to have a cat whose fur was like that! When I unpacked my suitcase in Japan, his fur was everywhere, all over my stuff! He hadn’t even been to that continent, let alone my new apartment!
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Welcome back! I’m glad you had such a good time on vacation.
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Thank you! π
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Welcome back!! Aw man, that sounds like such a great time and I am jealous of your sister’s little farm!! That’s how I want to live as well π
I feel you.. I do have a couple of cherry angiomas as well and actually had one checked out the other week. The doc was really rude though and dismissed it. Hey, I am living in Australia! Better save than sorry^^
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Thank you! Great to be back although yeah, I wouldn’t mind being on that farm now myself… just such peace and harmony! wow!
Cherry angiomas are actually quite harmless indeed I think, I have tons, everywhere. I think they’re like something to do with blood vessels or capillars or something or other… anyway, I’m staying away from Dr Google because once I go trawling through info there I start planning my funeral π … but you said it- better safe than sorry! That is for sure and that is how I approach it as well, plus that Australian sun!
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Welcome back! I’ve never really considered Estonia as a holiday destination but you know how to sell it girl! 27Β° sounds like the perfect temperature for me :-). I like your picture too although it is quite a difference with your other picture where you’re swaying your hair… you look so calm and serious for a change π
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Thank you! π
hahaha, yeah, Estonia as a holiday destination actually works both for summer and winter… plenty to do.. but summers for sure… gosh… just pack up and go for a trip on one of the islands- food for the soul, so it is π
what now? do I not always come across as calm and serious? π hahaha… yeah, I can do calm and serious for a while but then the demons build up and I need to release them in the form of wicked behavior every now and again! π Thank you! β€
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Lizzy! The Queen hath returneth to her blogging domain!
Or…
Guess who’s back, back again, Liz is back!π
Sounds like you had a great time.
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hahaha, nothing beats good old Eminem! Used to be a big fan.. don’t like his new stuff though…
Yes! Gosh, yes, had a marvellous time and came back to Irish piss and sh#t! Sun just peeking out now for the first time since freaking last Wednesday! yuk!
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Yeah, I have to agree about Eminem, his old stuff was classic, just so funny and often with hilarious videos!ππ
Lmao, Irish weather, part of the UK Lizzy, it’s often crap weather!π
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Welcome back darling!!! We missed you but I am so so happy you had time for yourself and your family. It’s so important to switch off sometimes! I’m taking a second week off next week and hope to be able to stay away from social media… We shall see!
I LOVE your selfie, haha, you’re adorable beauty! Thanks for the pictures, I feel I got a bit of holiday too! xxx
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Thank you! β€
Oh, do try to disconnect as well… brain gets such a restart and when you're back in it, you feel supercharged or something. I do hope you enjoy your time off as well! π
Aw, thank you… π
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Glad you’re back. Just not the same without you in this space.
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Ah, thanks! Really appreciate it and for reaching out as well… made me smile! π
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Welcome back and it’s great to hear you had such a wonderful time and managed to rest! Loved the pictures as well. β€ I do hope your tests will turn out to be positive; I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Have a wonderful week!! xxx
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Thank you!!! β€ And a good week to you as well… thank god it's NEARLY over… π
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It’s wonderful that your family visit was full if so many good things! Boo on the skin findings, though. Keep us posted. I haven’t been to a hairdresser in a long time. I am thinking about cutting bangs to cover up the creases on my forehead, maybe I should go to the hair salon and have it done. Thanks for the reminder about taking note of places we can’t see.
I want to go to Estonia! I always love the photos you share when you go back home for a visit. Does your hubby go with you? How did you meet that Irish lad? I have been wanting to ask you that.
I have sympathies for your mountains of blogging related tasks. I am just coming to the end of digging out myself. Ha ha. Just do what you can and don’t stress yourself out. My mantra was, “I don’t get paid for this.” π
Welcome back!
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I think you should totally treat yourself to a hair salon trip… I always go reluctantly and I always dislike sitting there for hours but in the end I am always happy I did π so go for it! π And them creases are just wisdom lines π
Ah, yes, I keep selling Estonia to everyone π I just love that place so bad! Hubs has been with me a couple of time but the last few times I’ve been on my own. Nice to get a holiday from each other as well, I guess plus he’ll have to cook and clean for himself then for a while and realize that no, the house doesn;t have fairies doing all the work π hahaha… I actually met him while I was working in a take away and he alwasy stopped in for a burger when he passed taking student to school and back over weekends, he’s a bus driver… so… one day after munching his burger, he called in and we were in contact for a while… then it kind of dwindled because we were both so busy with work and just as I had decided to move back to Estonia he re-emerged again and asked me for a date. the rest is history π
I love your mantra! LOL.. yeah, I’m just trying to catch up on 10-20 every day and keep the fresh incoming filtered… to keep the number down so maybe in a week or two I will see that light at the end of the tunnel!
Thank you! β€
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Welcome back love! π Hope your tests will turn out good π that resting was much needed too
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Thank you! π
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WELCOME BACK!! You were certainly missed, but I’m really glad you avoided blogging on vacation. While it’s fun and the best we all sometimes need a break. Plus, it sounds like your vacation was AMAZING. I’m super jealous of all the relaxing and delicious foods. Plus puppy snuggles. I love how serious Hulk looks. Very much like a hunting dog. But all dogs love snuggles. π
I’m so sorry about the birthmarks, etc! I can relate– I have something similar with my own skin. Us pale people… I swear. So rude of our skin. I hope that everything works out just fine.
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Thank you! β€
The beagles are all fabulous… Hulk is a bit different to the other 4 my ssister has, Hulk is more slobbery… he welcomed me with a handful of spit π haha, but yeah, totally adorable π They're causing trouble sometimes, they chase after birds and rabbits quite often and my sister is like- damn it, they're gone again! They always return though from the woods, safe and sound, thankfully π
I know! The pale people, you said it… it's just never ending π Thank you!
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Woohoo welcome back!!!! π Sounds like you had an amazing time and your photos are beautiful!! hahaha wow that sounds really impressive (and handy!!) to fix a shoe with a screw!! I mean it’s totally logical, but I’m so impractical that my first thought would have been “huh I guess I’m going barefoot”- it never would have occurred to me to fix it lol!! And awww I love Beagles!!! So cute!!!
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Thank youuu! β€
To be honest, the screw thing- I didn't think it was going to hold.. but it did but what amazed me more was the fact that the groom had a freaking Leatherman knife on his person π
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You’re welcome!! β€
hehehehee wow yes that is amazing ππ
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Welcome back, Liz!!! A long-deserved vacation, you had!! It’s definitely important to disconnect from everything and embrace our family, friends and nature once in a while (I’m already wishing I could do that right now!!). So glad to hear how well everything went, and I do hope you return will be progressive and stress-free! π Looking forward to ALLLLL YOUR AWESOMENESS! π
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Woohoo, thank you! β€
I did manage to catch up with most of the blog posts… there was about 500+ to catch up on, but steady did it! π Estonian always recharges my confidence batteries as well as shifts the way I see things.. it's odd really, but feeling good again for the moment and ready to bang out more reviews with no delays while also keeping life/work/blogging at a healthy balance.
Thanks! π
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