Sunday Round Up

1) Maya Angelou

This week, of course, saw the sad passing of Maya Angelou. A truly inspiring and gifted author and poet, probably one of the most influential people of the century. This is one of my most favourite quotes and, upon finding her autobiography in our house this morning, she's now on my 'must read' list.

How apt is that? Definitely something I am trying to live by. Change what happens in your life but don't let what happens in your life change you. Incredibly wise words. RIP.

2) Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek - Maya Van Wagenen

From one Maya to another, Maya Van Wagenen's memoir of her year living under the guidelines of a 1950s popularity handbook has been getting a lot of attention lately. I had seen it advertised around but the two page spread it had in the newspaper yesterday proved just how good it must be. Humorous, enlightening and filled with unpredictable twists, Van Wagenen has been likened to a teenage John Green. Really looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

3) Modern Family

Okay, SUPER late to this Modern Family thing and it's mainly because I was totally averse to it. Genuinely, I hated it - I was stupid, I know! - I thought it was unfunny and completely shallow. 

Yeah, not anymore. I gave it a proper go, expecting to switch it off after a few minutes but I loved it. Loved it to the point that I've started a Netflix binge and I'd rather not discuss how many hours days I have spent in front of it.

Favourite character is definitely a toss up between Alex and Cam. Alex reminds me so much of me when I was younger (her good and bad points included) but Cam has such a wonderful personality.

4) Brian O'Driscoll

I. am. a. huge. rugby. fan. My IG reflects this - countless match photos even when there's nothing particularly interesting happening. Last night was the RaboDirect Pro 12 final between my (can you say 'my'?) team, Leinster and the ol' Glasgow warriors. After a close first half, where after every penalty Glasgow scored, Leinster got a try (2 from the wonderful Zane Kirchner!), the second half saw miraculous point scoring from Shane Jennings and Gordon D'arcy - allowing for such a large gap between points, we celebrated 8 minutes early. 

Anyway, enough of the match analysis - although Leinster got to celebrate a back to back win, they did have the less elating task of saying goodbye to the greatest centre ever to grace the field. 

Brian O'Driscoll, as graceful as ever, did have to leave the pitch 10 minutes in but this sudden departure did not cast a shadow over the thunderous reaction from the crowd. His wonderful, legendary career cannot be overstated with 133 test caps to his name. He will truly be missed among both the Irish and international rugby circles but deserves to call time and spend it with his wonderful family - perhaps we'll see a new no 13 on the womens' Irish squad in a few decades to come?

5) Is that what I think it is?

Not to sound shallow but... my dream is one day to own a Michael Kors bag. I mean, those things are so sophisticated looking! Just simple, chic bags. No fuss, no intricate detail, just neat. One major downside - the price tag does not equal what's in the bank and so, I have been searching around for lookalikes for a lot less. And I found this.

This white shopper was given to me as a present and I fell in love with it immediately. It's durable, has a wonderful handle length and has a lovely, clean appearance. And look how alike it is to the Michael Kors.

For €20 a pop and available in many different colours, you couldn't really go wrong. Where's it from? Dunnes!

So that's all that's going on at the moment! Next time, I'll be on a lovely Dalmatian island!

All the best x