They Call Me Cait: 2016

Hello again!

I hope you guys are enjoying the balmy September weather as much as I am. As of this week, I along with thousands of students across Ireland have been catapulted into the terrifying world that is college. For those of you who have yet to sit the dreaded Leaving, trust me when I say, all that pain and torture is totally worth it!

For today's post, I'm going to give you guys an idea of what I truly believe to be a first years guide to college attire as I'm sure, just like I, your transition from scratchy school uniform to complete clothing freedom has not only been tricky but confusing! So sit back, relax and get your check list ready!

10. Jeans

However warm or cold the weather is, a comfortable pair of jeans will breeze you over from daytime lectures to nighttime sessions.

9. Raincoat

Both you and I know the Irish weather is not one to be gambled with. Take my advice and carry a raincoat EVERYWHERE you go! College requires a lot of walking and there's no point missing out on the freshers madness because of a silly cold. God forbid you'd ruin the hair you spent all morning perfecting either!

8. Comfortable Shoes

Just like the jeans, comfortable shoes are mandatory to live a happy college life. I'm afraid to say that meas no high heels or flipflops/fancy sandals. Unless you're a fan of blisters that is...

7. Interesting Tees

Feeling a little lost and alone? Left your friends behind to venture off into the world of third level? Not sure how to get a conversation going? Sound familiar...? My number one tip for you... Get yourself a cool graphic/band tee! Nothing starts a conversation like it!

Stuck for a tee? Try repin your county jersey, now that's a sure conversation starter!

6. Umbrella

Looking for popularity or just someone to talk to? Grab yourself an umbrella and you'll be pick of the crop when it comes to walking home in the rain!

5. Skinny Pants

Whether you're a fan or not, these tracksuits are the holy grail of college life! Sporty or not, these tracksuits will guarantee you four years as snug as a bug in a rug!

Pair with Nike Roshes for added effect.

4. Schoolbag

I'm pretty sure it goes without saying but when it comes to college, nothing is more important than a schoolbag. With multiple uses, a schoolbag can easily go from carrying books and copies around campus to transporting evening refreshments to the gaff down the road.

3. Hoodies

Hoodies are essential to surviving life as a fresher. If it be cold out, raining or even a hangover, nothing will get you by like the reliable old hoodie.

2. Hats and Scarves

You may not need them now but come winter, when you're broke as hell and its between food or warmth... You'll thank me later!

1. Underwear

Lads, I'm not even going to go there with this one... Just make sure they're clean!

And on that note, peace out!

Katie x

Hey guys.

For today's post I'm going to write the first of a new series, "Think Tank". This will be a series of blog posts in which I talk about topics/issues that have been niggling away at me and as a result, feel the need to express my opinion on.

I by no means mean any hate towards anyone as I write these posts and all opinions expressed are 100% mine. I hope you guys like this concept and I sincerely apologise if I trigger anybody as a result of what I have to say. Enjoy!

What is all this you ask? This my friends, is my opinion on a topic that I hold very close to my heart... Beauty standards and the impact they have had on me and I'm sure, some of you. I'm not necessarily speaking to just that of the female gender as I write this post. I would like to think that no matter what gender, you will take into account what I have to say as I feel this topic goes far deeper than our society lets on.

Tell me I'm not the only one who gets completely and utterly drawn into modern society and its unnatural obsession with bikini bodies and six packs? I mean, its hard not to when we're practically surrounded by it 24/7. No matter where we go or what we do, there's always a magazine headline or Facebook link telling us who and what we should aspire to look like... It's become part of our world. However, both you and I know, this form of media can have very negative effects. Why is it that the media of today leads us to believe that in order to be happy, you must have the body of a goddess or the abs of Hercules? I strongly believe that by bombarding us with headlines of "then and now, see how much they've lost" or "do this and you'll be irresistible" we are slowly but surely knocking the confidence of every single human being, even the most self-assured of us!

I for one believe that our society drastically needs more role modes whom we can look up to and aspire to be like, not for their looks but for who they are and what they believe in. Two personal inspirations of mine would be "plus size model" (I hate that term), Tess Holliday and Youtube star, Trisha Paytas. I don't know about you but I believe these are two incredibly beautiful women who really do #effyourbeautystandards!

I will say however, just because I am "pro curves" if you must, I by no means am skinny shaming! People who partake in skinny shaming are just as bad as those of you who fat shame and I for one have no time for that craic... I hope you guys are with me on this.
As for now, I'm signing off with one cheesy piece of advice... Just be yourself :)
To be continued...

Stay gorgeous,
Katie x

Side note: Fair play to Alicia Keys braving a bare face at last night's VMA's... Proving once again that the beauty standards of today's world are there to be broken!

Konnichiwa!

I hope you are all having a splendid day.

For today's post, I'm going to fill you guys in on an incredible new experience I had two days ago in Dublin. It is something that has always been on my bucket list to do and now that I have, I'm more than hooked! What is it you ask...? Why it's Comic Con of course!

For all of you out there who don't know what Comic Con is, it's basically a huge convention that takes place annually across the world, showcasing anime, films, games and popular TV shows. It's a place where fans go to celebrate their love of what they spend their lives watching (in my case Game of Thrones) whilst meeting others who share their passion at the same time. There are also stalls selling merch and handmade art as well as meet and greets with celebrities of all kinds of status. (Luke Pasqualino for example!). There are many different branches of Comic Con, the one in which I attended being the MCM Comic Con on the 2nd of July.

A major aspect of Comic Con is what's known as "cosplay". This is where you dress up as a character you love and embrace their personality and traits for the day, as well as a few well known quotes. My friend Aimee and I decided to go as Monica and Rachel from the 90's American sitcom, "Friends" however, it was more of a failure than we were anticipating! Aimee sported Monica's typical mom jeans and white t-shirt along with a bottle of spray cleaner and a cloth (quite accurate if you ask me) whilst I threw on a pair of knee high white socks and a plaid skirt in an attempt to become Rachel. Not bad for a last minute decision I suppose... My friend Sarah made a better attempt at it, dressing up as Misa from the anime, "Death Note" but the best of all by far was my friend/senpai's cosplay of Disney princess Mulan.

Having made her costume entirely by hand along with accessories such as Mushu, Mulan's cricket and cage, even her sword, I was blown away by how accurate everything was! She even got up on stage and performed as Mulan for the cosplay masquerade... Now that's what I call dedication! Marta (senpai) was the one who came up with the idea of going to the con and I can't wait to see what she decides to cosplay as next time... I'll definitely have to up my game!

I'll link Marta's Instagram below for anyone that's interested in seeing how she made her costume or photos from the con. She has great content!

Despite having great craic walking around meeting people and quoting random Rachel quotes, my favourite part of the entire con was without a doubt the Game of Thrones experience! This involved sitting on the Iron Throne for a photo as the theme song played in the background. I love the photo more than anything in the world and it makes me laugh every time I look at it!

Such a great memory to have of a fantastic day!

It goes without saying we were all wrecked after a very long day of adventure (three hours sleep the night before didn't help the situation... We love to chat!). Overall, it was a brilliant day and an unforgeable experience! That's one more thing I can tick off the bucket list... Roll on the next convention!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sayonara, Katie x

Marta's Instagram - @martachancosplay
MCM Comic Con website -
http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/ireland/

Hello strangers!

As we say goodbye to April and hello to May, I feel inspired to get back on the bandwagon as regards this blog. Yes, I realise it been six months or so since I last graced you guys with my presence but lets not dwell on that shall we...?

For today's post, I figured why not give something new a try... Recently I read a "book" that I absolutely fell in love with and feel the need to share with you. I hope you enjoy!

First off, before we get too into this, it's not so much a book as a graphic novel... But that's beside the point!

What is this magnificent "book" you speak so highly of...? Well it is none other than "Seconds" by Bryan Lee O'Malley, creator of the incredible "Scott Pilgrim" series.

I love this book for so many reasons, I don't even know where to begin...
Based on a talented young chef who goes by the name Katie,
this book follows her life as she runs a successful restaurant with great aspirations of opening another.
From start to finish, O'Malley successfully takes us on a journey with Katie as her life goes from bad
to worse...
Will she get a second chance...? I guess you'll just have to read it to find out!

Cleverly written, witty and easily related to... I guarantee you guys will love it!

Thanks for stopping by!
Slán, Katie x