My Week in Pictures - September



If I could sum up the last week, the one word I'd use would be tiredness, not a great word to sum up a week perhaps but it hasn't been all bad. My lack of energy seems to have emptied my brain of any inspiration and I was feeling guilty for my lack of blog posts so here's my easy way out - a summary of my week in photos :)

I'm cheating slightly in that I'm including slightly over a week but I'm sure you won't mind!
Last Monday, I met with Steve O'Connor from Retro Life in Fairview. It's a fabulous shop specialising in upcycling and revamping old furniture - everything is covered, from upholstery to stencilling to vinyl image printing. I absolutely loved the look of the shop and knew straight away that it would be the perfect spot for my candles. So yes, my candles are now stocked in Retro Life! - do check them out on Facebook and Twitter also.


Retro Life Shop in Fairview

Retro Life Decor Marilyn

Retro Life Upcycled Furniture



Tuesday I had to have a 24hr blood pressure monitor fitted. I had already done the 24hr heart monitor and that wasn't too bad but this one was a lot more annoying. The nurse had said that it was quite sensitive and that I should stop what I was doing when it beeped. You can imagine what a pain this was! It also kept waking me up during the night with both the noise and the sensation of it inflating.

Cliona wearing blood pressure monitor.


All the monitoring is related to my diagnosis of Carotid Artery Dissection, which is basically a tear in  my carotid artery and you can read my previous posts here and here.

This brings me nicely onto my next photo which I saw shared on the Facebook group for CAD support. It's taken from a Facebook page called TBI Life Coach which offers support to people who have had a brain injury, it's a great page with lots of advice and help. I have heard carotid artery dissection described as a mild traumatic brain injury which is why this particular picture and post resonated with so many of us in the group.


Neuro Fatigue picture from TBI Lifecoach


It's pretty hard to describe the tiredness, it's not like normal tiredness and anything that stretches my brain makes it worse, even conversation sometimes is a struggle.

Nonetheless I'm doing my best to find a balance with continuing to be busy without overdoing it and ending up feeling even worse. 

It's back to school routine again and that lovely Autumn feel is in the air. It has always been my most favourite time of year, I so love the cool fresh air and the colours changing in the trees. It's also time for a bit of harvesting. I have Lavender in the front garden, just two bushes but there was plenty to harvest and Mark went out and collected it so that we could make some scented sachets for drawers or car. Isn't it beautiful?


Basket of lavender

Closeup Lavender Buds

Lavender in basket scattered


Yesterday I made some candles. I'm still working on the upcycled tin candles and experimenting with decoration. I'm also planning ahead to that unmentionable season :) I spent some time designing labels and ordering a batch to see how I like them and thinking about what new fragrances, if any, I would like to have for the upcoming season.

Here's some of my work:

Upcycled Tin Candles by Purity Belle

Cream Upcycled Tin Candles by Purity Belle


Finally yesterday evening I went for a lovely walk on the Curragh with Mark. Trying to stretch out and make the walks a bit longer every time. Not half as much fun as running but it's better than nothing and keeping up with exercise is important for my recovery I think!




Have a good week everyone,xx







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7 Comments
  • Sara
    Sara 12 September 2015 at 12:15

    I love making candles! My last project was making candles with sea-shells, but I've never once thought of using old used cans!! I'll have to give it a shot sometime, they look great!

    Herelectricocean.blogspot.co.uk

  • Sara
    Sara 12 September 2015 at 12:15

    I love making candles! My last project was making candles with sea-shells, but I've never once thought of using old used cans!! I'll have to give it a shot sometime, they look great!

    Herelectricocean.blogspot.co.uk

  • Unknown
    Unknown 12 September 2015 at 19:15

    LOVE the retro life shop and I need to get a blood pressure monitor myself! Love the beautiful lavender - candle making is such fun. Hey don't feel guilty - I do the same thing - posting a what I did this week, or something similar when I am not too inspired. It happens to all of us bloggers! Besides I find that some of my most popular posts are the "real life" ones! I have been lacking in energy as well lately. Change of season perhaps.

  • LadyNicci
    LadyNicci 12 September 2015 at 22:40

    Love the lavendar shots and totally agree on the cool air time of year! Sorry you have been feeling unwell x

  • Jade
    Jade 12 September 2015 at 23:45

    The retro shop looks really cool, I wouldn't want to leave! It looks right up my street. Oooh how do you make the scented satchets? Have a good week as well :-) x

  • Izabela
    Izabela 13 September 2015 at 05:02

    The lavender in your garden looks lovely.

  • Unknown
    Unknown 7 October 2015 at 05:18

    Love the making candles.Life Coach

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