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Thriving In The Sun: A Pale Gal's Guide!

Hello all,

Hope you're having a good week.

We are well and truly immersed in the middle of summer now. The evenings are long and we've been getting the usual 'exam weather' as they say, it's been brill. Well up until yesterday. I don't think we're ever really prepared for the 'fine weather' in Ireland though - well, I know, I certainly am not. 

Although I do enjoy the odd bit of sun here and there, I'm a winter girl at heart. I LOVE my winter clothes. I adore winter coats, woolly jumpers, warm boots and the general cosiness of the season. I am looking forward to my Autumn/Winter wardrobe posts later on in the year!!

HOWEVER, I have to embrace each season as it comes and now it's all about summer! Even if I do have pale skin and have to wear factor 50 every time I'm exposed to the sun, I can deal with it! 

On a serious note though, I do find it more difficult to dress and feel my best this time of year. I'm just not as comfortable in summer clothes. I don't thrive in the heat like others. I thought I'd share some of the ways I feel more at ease in this season - at home or abroad!

Factor 50 - The first thing I would suggest to anyone who is like me and is sun shy is factor 50. I know it's not rocket science but, if you're as pale as the snow and burn - go red and peel there is absolutely no point in sitting out and trying to get a a tan. Some people just don't tan, take it from me, I'm one of them.!! Don't ruin your holiday by getting burnt!

Tan the Arse out of it - You're much better off getting your tan from the bottle and putting the factor 50 on over it. If I'm self tanning for the weekend, I put on Dove tinted moisturiser (shade medium to dark) the Thursday night, shower on Friday and use two coats of Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Mousse tan on the Friday night, then shower it off Saturday morning. I know that seems like a lot of tan but as I said I am naturally very pale!! I always moisturise my joints, knuckles and toes before applying tan. Everyone knows the hands and feet are the hardest part to tan so for these areas I use a cheap Penney's brush for a more even finish. It does the job! If I'm going on a sun holiday I'll usually get a spray tan.

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Look After those Tootsies: Why not treat yourself to a pedicure? As nurses we're not really meant to have our nails done but no one said anything about the feet! I know I always feel better in summer footwear knowing I have them in top tip condition! Comfortable footwear is also key. 

Flowy dresses: When it's roasting outside and you feel like Monica from friends in the heat, a nice loose fitted flowy dress is what you need to be wearing. Nothing worse than the feeling of something being STUCK to you. I loved this dress from Miss Selfridge that my friend Laura wore to a hen a few weeks ago. 

Miss Selfridge 

A good pair of shades - They don't have to be expensive. I love these ones below. I think they were about €4.00 in Penney's. I tend to bring a cheaper pair with me when I'm out and about and keep the Ray Ban's for driving.

I know there's a lot of Irish girls in the same boat, so mind that pale skin! I'm heading off to Spain in three weeks for my friends Michelle and Trevor's wedding and that's what got me thinking about handling the heat. I've been looking online for dresses so if anyone sees anything suitable for a wedding abroad please let me know. 

Hope you've enjoyed this post and have a good weekend!

Love,
M
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*None of the products mentioned in this post are sponsored.

Aran Islands: Inis Oirr - The Ultimate Staycation!

Hello all,

Hope you had an okay week and are well recovered after the Bank Holiday weekend. I won't lie, I found it so hard going back to work on Tuesday. I had one of the best bank holidays ever last weekend. My friends, Ann Marie and Cathy both turned 30 this week. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Ann Marie suggested that we all went to Inis Oirr - the smallest of the Aran Islands!

Ann Marie and Cathy

Anthony, Anna, Lorraine, Sarah, Niamh and Diarmaid with their cousin, Annie.

How Did We Get There?
We got the 10:30 boat from Rossavea, Cp. Galway on Saturday morning and got the return boat at 11:30 from Inis Oirr on the Monday morning. The price of a return boat ticket was €22.50 and it cost €5.00 a day to park the car in Rossaveal, not too bad!

Where Did We Stay?
Ann Marie found the accommodation online. She booked two houses side by side and eight stayed in each house. It was €370.00 to rent each house for the week. If anyone is interested in visiting Inis Oirr and has a big group, then these houses are ideal and in walking distance of the main village. Message me for more details if interested.

What Did We Do For Entertainment?
We entertained ourselves most of the time. I brought my ukulele - I'm not great but can play a handful of tunes. I'd say by the end of Saturday night the gang wanted to belt me over the head with the thing. All joking aside, it's a great little instrument, so light and portable and it's well worth learning a few tunes for a sing song.

Tigh Ned
We went to Ned's on Saturday night to celebrate the girls' birthdays. There was live music here and it was a real lively spot!

An Hotel Ostan
We continued the celebrations here on Sunday night. They had live karaoke and it was the best karaoke I was ever at. The music was hopping and the dance floor was full all night long. This place also does food during the day, although we didn't eat here on this occasion.

Food
We had heard there was only one grocery shop on the island so we came prepared and brought food over on the boat with us. We packed the freezer with pizzas, burgers, and Muireann even made a lasagne which was absolutely delicious!! On the Sunday we went to Teach on Tae for brunch. I got the cheese and chutney sandwich on toasted brown soda bread with salad. I forgot to take a photo but it was lovely - trust me on that!! They also do refreshing smoothies which was ideal for the morning after the night before. There was a fine atmosphere here and the staff even wore badges saying 'Ta gaeilge agam' letting people know they were fluent Irish speakers. I thought this was a lovely touch. In the evening we had a barbecue outside the house we were staying in. Thanks to Michelle and Andrea for manning that!

Other Things To Do On The Island
Visit Tigh Ruairi - We didn't get round to visiting this pub, however everything is in walking distance.

Rent a bike - This costs just €10.00 for the day. Inis Oirr is a small island and is only 3km by 3km wide so it's easy to get round in a day.

The Plassey Shipwreck - This is the shipwreck that features in the opening credits of Father Ted. 

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O'Brien's Castle - The highest view point on the island.

Horse and Cart trip - You will see these from the minute you get off the boat. There seems to be plenty of them on the island.

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What to wear?
Don't go packing any high heels because you'll be on your own, that's for sure! This is such a laid back place and I lived in denim shorts, runners, light jumpers and tops for the two days. Having said that, we got the gorgeous weather for it, so maybe replace the denim shorts with jeans if you're coming at a colder time of year. Also, be sure to bring a good jacket. That boat crossing can get very cold!

#OOTD1 Lucy and I

#OOTD2 Myself and Ann Marie

#OOTD3 Laura, Andrea, Michelle and Myself

Who would I recommend Inis Oirr to?
Inis Oirr is really suitable for all ages. It would be a lovely holiday for a couple with young kids who wanted to go away, but didn't want to have the hassle of dealing with security and airports. Plus the boat journey across would be a huge novelty for the kids. I'd highly recommend it for a hen or even for a birthday like we did. If you're looking for laid back, chilled and safe, Inis Oirr is the ultimate staycation for you!



Hope you enjoyed this post. If any of you have visited Inis Oirr and feel like I've left anything out please let me know. Have a great weekend!

Love,
M
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Royal Wedding Fever!

Hello guys,

Another working week done and dusted again. If you're anything like me then you will be glued to your television screens tomorrow afternoon, when Suits star Meghan Markle will marry Prince Harry. It promises to be a huge occasion and I just cannot wait to see her dress. They seem like a genuinely lovely couple and I would just love to go for a drink with them. I suppose that will never happen though!! Oh well!

I actually remember being on my nursing internship in 2011 when Kate married Prince William and watching it in the staff room on my lunch break. It was such a fantastic occasion and those two have really changed the nature of The Royal Family.

Tomorrow however, I'll be in the comfort of my own home. I'll have the coverage on early and might even have a little party to celebrate - some goodies and some wine! Naturally, there is huge speculation over Meghan's dress. No doubt it will be just as fabulous as she is and it will be a day for all of us to remember.

Here are some of The Royals on their wedding day. As you can see, royal style has evolved drastically throughout the years.

Kate Middleton

Zara Phillips

Camilla

Princess Diana

Princess Ann

Queen Elizabeth

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the sunshine.

Love,

M

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The Importance of Self Care

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Hello all,

   It's been a few weeks since I've written anything so I'm back with a bang this week. I've been thinking a lot about self care these past few weeks and the importance of it. Life is busy. There are stresses and strains every day of the week - work, relationships, financial strain etc. What matters most is that you look after you first because if you don't you really are not much use to anyone else.

   So, what is self care? It's not about being selfish or self obsessed, it's actually one of the most selfless things you can do. It really is exactly what it says on the tin. It's looking after yourself and there are many ways you can do it.

The following are a few of the ways I try to practice self care in this busy life.

1. Self Compassion: Would you talk to somebody else the way you talk to yourself? Probably not! Give yourself a break. Everyone makes mistakes. Accept it, let it go and forgive yourself.

2. Talk It Out: They say a problem shared is a problem halved and I really agree with this. Lighten your load and talk to a friend or partner. They may add clarity to the situation you find yourself in.

3. Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely: You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Make sure they are uplifting caring people who have your best interests at heart and not energy vampires sucking the life out of you. There are a lot of those out there and you don't want them in your circle.

4. Good Food = Good Mood: It really is that simple. I do have a sweet tooth and never deny myself but I do try to eat healthy 80% of the time. (Most of the time!)

5. Exercise: Whether it's a quick walk, jog or a 30 minute class, exercise is a massive stress release and also helps clear the mind.

6. Meditation: I try meditate every night before I go to bed and am a huge advocate for this ancient practice. If I've meditated at bed time I usually wake up feeling much more calm, relaxed and motivated.

7. Me Time: Take time out to do something you enjoy. Maybe you love reading, visiting your friends, or watching a great show on Netflix. A facial is my go to treat. Do what makes you happy!

8. Be Your Own Best Friend: Do what you want to do. Your time here is precious. Use it wisely. If you want to get your nails done every three weeks or a blow dry every Saturday than do it! Don't heed those people - you know the ones: 'Well isn't it nice for some?"

9. Try Not To Take Things Personally: Other peoples opinions are none of your business. It says more about them than it does about you.

10: Gratitude: Each night write down three things you did well that day and three things you are grateful for. Try it for two weeks and see how you get on! 

It really is an inside out world.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm off to Belmullet for Queen Lally's and Adrian's wedding!!!!

Love,

M

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What's In My Handbag?!

Hello folks,

   So, I'm two months into writing this blog 'craic' now and I have to say I'm enjoying it. I admit I never really know what I'm going to write about each week. The first few weeks were really easy as I had loads of inspiration and I was doing two posts a week. In hindsight, I probably threw out too much content early on and struggled a bit the last few weeks with it. But alas, I'll not stress about it. I literally just write about what ever pops into my head each week and there hasn't been any week I've been mad stuck for content yet!

   When I was in Chicago a few weeks ago I bought this gorgeous Kate Spade bag. I just love the colour and it's the perfect size. It's one of those bags you could bring with you as your hand luggage on a flight and fit all your essentials in. Today I said I'd spill it's contents and let you see what my "Handbag essentials"are.

1. iPhone 6 - That's an obvious one, and my car keys!
2. Ted Baker Wallet - This was gifted to me by my cousin Noelene for Christmas 2016 and it comes everywhere with me. It doesn't scratch and is still in perfect condition.
3. Start your Day With Katie Affirmation Book - I carry this book purely because I have a tendency to ruminate. If I feel myself going off on one I'll pull out the book, read the affirmation for the day and usually will feel in better form after it.
4. Hairbrush - I have the knottiest hair ever so I carry a hair brush with me at all times.
5. iPhone charger - It's the age we live in.
6. Forever Living Aloe Vera lip balm - This lip balm is aloe-vera based and contains no chemicals. I often have cracked lips and I find this lip balm very soothing on them.
7. Medication - I have asthma and am on long term daily inhalers and medication for it. This little bag comes everywhere with me.
8. Earphones - I really enjoy listening to audio books and podcasts so I always take my earphones with me to give me that option at all times when I'm out and about. One of my favourite podcasts is Fearne Cotton's Happy Place and I usually listen to this on a Monday evening just after it's released.
9. Moisturiser and MAC strobe cream - I don't like wearing make up every day of the week because I feel it dries out my skin. It could be all in my head but I feel if I have moisturiser and strobe cream on that I have a small bit of a glow!
10. Jenny Glow Pomegranite Noir - It smells gorgeous, it's so cheap. Why would I take it out of the bag?

I hope you are enjoying my blog posts so far. I would really love if you could let me know what kind of content you would like me to produce. There are so many "bloggers" doing the same thing so I'm hoping my blog will be a little different. So please, if there's anything at all you'd like to see me do or write about just let me know. I love writing and this is purely a hobby for me. In fact, you'd honestly be doing me a favour.

Have a good weekend,

Love,
M
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Online Shopping: My Old Reliables - What's Yours?!

Hi all,

Hope you all had a good week and are embracing the Friday feeling today! I was having a bit of writer's block the last few days and this post just popped in to my head last night!

Unfortunately I am a bit of a creature of habit. I never try anything new on the menu - you know- just in case I won't like it and oh what a waste that would be! I park in the same space every day at work (if it's available) and then I actually have the cheek to get annoyed if I have to park somewhere else, notions! I shop in all the same places. If I want jeans I'll go to TOPSHOP, if I need shoes I'll go to New Look and if I want a whole new wardrobe of quirky pieces I will usually head to ZARA.

When it comes to online shopping I'm the exact same. I always revert to the old reliables. If I have a wedding or a special occasion it's first stop ASOS and if I can't find anything there I will try Missguided If both of those fail I will probably borrow off a friend. The usual suspects know who they are :)

I also love boohoo for more casual pieces and going out wear. I find all three websites really reliable and I think that's so important. The last thing you want is to be worrying about is where your 'ASOS' package is, especially when you have an event coming up. I also find all three's customer services very efficient and never had any issues with returns.

Last years wedding outfits: Clockwise - ASOS, Borrowed and Borrowed

My questions to you readers are:
1. What are your favourite online websites for fashion?
2. Which one's do you find most reliable for delivery time and customer service?
3. Which one's do you find have the best quality clothes?

If any of you have any suggestions I would love to hear from ye! I have so many weddings this year so ye would be helping me out! Just leave a comment or send an aul' direct message. Who knows - maybe some of ye will be able to pull me out of my online shopping comfort zone.

Have a brill weekend,

M
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