I had planned to write this post on New Year's Eve but our electricity decided to abandon us and we were left in the dark with no wifi.  We pretended we were ringing in 1996 instead of 2016 with candles and champers.  Now that we're back to normal for the most part I thought I'd share my plans for 2016 with you. 

2015 was a pretty exciting year with the purchase of our first house, engagement and hospital stay for appendicitis and I hope that 2016 will be even better (without the hospital stay please).  I find my mind is abuzz with all the things I want to do and sometimes it's hard to see the actual goals.  So when I stumbled on this little list from Lauren Conrad's blog I was delighted to have a tangible outline to help me lay out my ideas.  

So for 2016 I plan to do the following...
* A Bad Habit I'm going to Break: Biting my nails
* A destination I'd like to visit: Edinburgh (plans are already in the works)
* I'm going to work harder at: Handling pressure and trying to to take everything to heart
* A project I'd like to finish: There'a book idea I have that's been floating round my head for ages.
* A class I'd like to take: I'd love to learn Photoshop
* I'd like to spend more time doing: The things I love - writing, dancing, singing and creating
* A food I want to eat more of: cake, because life is short and sometimes you just need some comfort food
* I want to wear more: glitter and bright colours.  It just makes me happy!

I also hope to advance in my career either in my current role or in a new environment.  And a raise certainly wouldn't hurt anyone.

Well do you have goals & dreams for 2016? 

Let me know in the comments below.

xo

Once again Ireland has experienced a lovely sunny and warm summer, something that wasn't always guaranteed or expected.  While we love the sun and the dry weather the heat can sometimes be unbearable, especially for me.  Growing up in Montana meant my summers were full of dry hot weather that led to horrible forest fires and smoke ridden skies.  Now living in Ireland the heat is heavy and humid and I feel as if I'm melting all the time.  It certainly doesn't help that the air conditioning at work is on the blink and none of the windows open, but still I shouldn't complain, at least it's dry.

However, if like me you're feeling a little like the Wicked Witch of the West after her encounter with Dorothy, then feel free to try some of my heat beating tricks below!  Got some of your own?  Well feel free to share. 

1)      Blackout Curtains – One of my best investment pieces, these curtains keep heat out during the summer and helps keep heat in during the cold winter months.  Plus they help darken the room that little bit more helping with sleep which is always a plus.

2)      Thermal Water Spritz – Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring water is my favourite but there are many brands around that offer a beautiful refreshing spritz.  I use it every morning after applying makeup and every evening after cleansing and moisturising.  I highly recommend it, soothing and cooling.

3)      Eat Light – Salads are your friends especially during the summer months.  They are a nice light bite that doesn't require a hot oven to prepare them.  Plus you can dress them up with all kinds of little treats.  My SO does a lovely one with duck breasts and mango.

4)      Cold Compress – Fill a sock with rice, tie with twine and freeze for two hours before bedtime.  Then slide it between the sheets.  Or place it on your chest.  It helps to cool down your core, cooling the rest of your body to.  The best part of this sock invention is you can also heat it during the cold winter months or use as a heating pad when cramps visit during shark week.

5)      Think Cool – Escape with a book to a cold climate.  Think The Call of the Wild, Doctor Zhivago or any other snowy set novel.  It's a bit of self hypnosis.  Myself I'm reading City of Shadows right now which takes place during a freezing cold winter in Berlin.  Let me tell you it does distract from the heat.

6)      Stay hydrated – When its warm water is your best friend.  Nothing like a cold refreshing sup of water.  Not keen on the bland taste of it, well enter watermelon from stage left.  Made up mostly of water, people actually used to stick straws into them and drink. 

7)      Light and Airy – Dresses allow more air flow than trousers so those cute summer dresses not only look great but help keep you cooler.  Just make sure to keep them in the cotton family as synthetic fibres' don't breath very well.

8)      Cool Shower – Now a cold shower might be a shock to the system, but a cool shower can help lower your core body temperature and is better for your skin and hair than hot water.

9)      Go for a swim – Growing up around water I learned to swim at a very young age and still love to dip my toes in.  However if you aren't a strong swimmer be careful.  Always go with someone who does know how to swim and only go places that are deemed safe.

10)   Sweet Treat – It wouldn't be summer without ice cream and sometimes you just need to treat yourself.  Worried about calories, check out frozen yogurt or sorbet.  ​

So at work we have just launched a 10 week health and fitness campaign to help our customers get in shape for the Christmas party season.  In preparation for the event I really started thinking about my own exercise routines and how I've always struggled to stick to one as I find I get bored extremely easy.  I'll do something for a few weeks and then go back to begin lazy and well, that's not ideal.  The other day though my friend sent me a video from youtube.  Entitled the Victoria Secret Ab workout, I turned it on thinking once again that like always I'd do it a few times and get bored.  However I fell in love with Cassey Ho and found her website Blogilates and have to say I'm completely impressed. 

Not only does Cassey know her stuff, but she makes her videos so much fun that I can't wait to get home everyday and do them.  I can really feel every movement working my muscles and even though I've been sore the day after each exercise it feels so wonderful.  And she makes it so easy with new calendars each month with new videos to workout too!  If like me you struggle to find the motivation to stick to something I highly recommend this amazing website.  The workouts are fun, the recipes tasty and she loves dogs as much as I do!  (Her Dogilates video is one of the cutest things you'll ever see)  Check it out here at http://www.blogilates.com/. Your body will seriously thank you for it.  Until next time!

Hi lovies.  I know it's been absolutely ages since I was on here posting but life has been fairly crazy.  In January I got a new job as a Marketing Assistant for the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Kildare.  This meant a big move and between starting work and settling into my new house I just haven't had the time nor the energy to be writing on the blog.  However I'm going to try to start posting at least once a week from now on.

This week I thought I would share some tips I received from Karl Henry when he was in the centre filming for RTE's Operation Transformation.  I hope that it helps kick start or motivate any workout you've been trying to follow since those pesky new year's resolutions.  Until next time!

Karl Henry's Top Tips
1) PICK A GOAL - having a target will give you something to shoot for.
2) START SLOW AND BUILD IT UP - give yourself a chance. Don't expect miracles overnight.
3)WATER - hydration is important, so drink water daily.
4)AEROBIC EXERCISE AND WEIGHT TRAINING - get that heart rate up, but remember weight training is important too.
5)SHAKE IT UP - don't do the same thing all the time otherwise you'll get bored. There are so many ways to keep fit so try a number of them and alternate between them!

Hi lovies and welcome to 2013! Can you even believe how quickly it was upon us. I don't know about you but I am so happy to see the backside of 2012. It certainly was not one of my better years and so I am looking forward to the adventures that 2013 my bring my way. For some 13 maybe unlucky but perhaps for me it will be exactly what I need. Below are some of my tips for having a wonderful and fun 2013.

FORGET YOUR PAST
If like me 2012 wasn't the best there is no point crying over the past and things you can not change. Write down all the terrible things that happened and then rip it up or throw it into the fireplace. Let that release you so that you can move onto bigger and much better things.

TRY NEW THINGS
We all have things that we'd love to do but put off for various reasons, ie tiredness, too busy with work etc etc.  Stop making excuses and let 2013 be the year you start that bucket list.  The sky's the limit for these new passions so try whatever it is you want.  If you don't like something you can try something else.  You may find something that brings great joy to your life and make some new friends along the way. 

GET THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING
Go out and buy yourself a small journal or diary to keep with you.  Or use the notes area on your smartphone. Any time you have a thought that is creative or fun write it down. Who knows what those thoughts and ideas might turn into?  

Well lovies do you have any goals or resolutions for 2013? Let me know about them in the comments below. Until next time!

Hi lovies, I don't know if you have been following the news or even if you know about the Savita Halappanavar case here in Ireland but after reading an article yesterday about Pro-Life groups feeling they aren't getting enough coverage in the wake of this case and the call for legislation to clarify the constitutional law concerning abortion in Ireland, I felt I could no longer stay quiet.  This article upset me because to me it seemed so very petty.  I'm not saying that both sides shouldn't be allowed to voice their opinions but I do feel that this time the issue goes way beyond pro-life and pro-choice.  The very reason that there has been such a call for legislation has been to protect the life of the mother.  The legislation that is being sought is already in the constitution and states "The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right."  This is not a bunch of pro-choicers screaming for abortion, though I for one would welcome that change, but it is a bunch of women screaming that something needs to change so that a woman suffering a miscarriage where the fetus has no chance of survival is not allowed to die.  A woman no matter who she is should not have to suffer agonizing pain while miscarrying and being told she is in a "Catholic Country" and she'll just have to wait until the fetus eventually dies. 

This poor young woman was not seeking an abortion to terminate a pregnancy she did not want.  This was a woman seeking an abortion to cease the suffering she was experiencing while miscarrying.  The fetus was only 17 weeks old and would not have survived.  An abortion would have made no difference to the life of the fetus and could have saved this young mother and she and her husband could have tried again to have the child they so desired.  Instead because of an extremely old and archaic law a young man has lost both his wife and child. 

In the wake of all this I plead with both Pro-Choicers and Pro-Lifers to put their differences aside for the moment and come together to apply pressure on the government of Ireland to legislate on the X-case allowing for abortions when the mothers life is at risk.  I think we can all agree that Savita could have been saved and that with proper legislation we can prevent such a tragic event from happening again.  If the laws are not changed, I for one would be willing to leave this country to bear children somewhere safer.  Until next time. 

Hi lovies, if you are anything like me then I bet there are days when you roll out of bed and think to yourself "Oh I really don't want to work out today."  I am notorious for it but I always try to think of the benefits I'm getting.  Now I'm not one of those that feels they have to go to the gym every single day, but I have a few exercises I try to do every day that I can do from home and try to take a walk or if the weather doesn't permit use my Zumba DVD's or Wii Game.  Everyone will have something that works for them so find something you love and try to stick to it.  On those days though where you need a little bit more motivation think of these tips....

• Longevity. People who are physically active live longer. According to a 20 year follow-up study, regular exercise reduces the risk of dying prematurely.


• New brain cell development, improved cognition and memory. Exercise stimulates the formation of new brain cells. Researchers found that the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are responsible for memory and learning. For instance, older adults who engage in regular physical activity have better performances in tests implying decision-making process, memory and problem solving.


• Improved sexual function and better sex life. Regular exercise maintains or improves sex life. Physical improvements in muscle strength and tone, endurance, body composition and cardiovascular function can all enhance sexual functioning in both men and women. Researchers revealed that men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction and impotence than are men who don't exercise.


• Exercise is a powerful antidepressant. Study after study has shown that exercise promotes mental health and reduces symptoms of depression. The antidepressant effect of regular physical exercise is comparable to the potent antidepressants like Zoloft. It may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve symptoms of depression.


• Cardiovascular health. Lack of physical activity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercising makes your heart, like any other muscle, stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort.


• Cholesterol lowering effect. Exercise itself does not burn off cholesterol like it does with fat, however, exercise favorably influences blood cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.


• Prevention and control of diabetes. There is strong evidence from high quality studies (e.g. Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study) that moderate physical activity combined with weight loss and balanced diet can confer a 50-60% reduction in risk of developing diabetes.


• Blood pressure lowering. The way in which exercise can cause a reduction in blood pressure is unclear, but all forms of exercise seem to be effective in reducing blood pressure. Aerobic exercise appears to have a slightly greater effect on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals than in individuals without hypertension.


• Reduced risk of stroke. Research data indicates that moderate and high levels of physical activity may reduce the risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes.


• Weight control. Regular exercise helps to reach and maintain a healthy weight. If you take in more calories than needed in a day, exercise offsets a caloric overload and controls body weight. It speeds the rate of energy use, resulting in increased metabolism. When metabolism increases through exercise, you will maintain the faster rate for longer periods of a day.


• Muscle strength. Health studies repeatedly show that strength training increases muscle strength and mass and decreases fat tissue.


• Bone strength. An active lifestyle benefits bone density. Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation, delays bone loss and may protect against osteoporosis - form of bone loss associated with aging.


• Better night sleep. If you suffer from poor sleep, daily exercise can make the difference. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after exercise may help to fall asleep.

What exercises do you love?  Let me know in the comments below.  Until next time. 

Hi lovies.  Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I don't know if you've been following some of the posts in the entertainment blog but this weekend I will be modelling in a fashion show to raise money for Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service or ODVSS.  Because of this I thought I would share a bit about the service and what they do.  I'm sure like me you'd be amazed at how many people are affected by Domestic Violence and how trapped they feel.  Because of services like ODVSS and others around the country and the world victims can hopefully get the support and help that they need.  Below is a small bit of info on ODVSS and I've also added a link to their website so that you can visit if you want more information.  If you live in the Tullamore area then please come and support this wonderful cause this Saturday October 6th at 6 pm in the Tullamore Court Hotel.  It should be a wonderful night.

ODVSS began in 1997, originally named Offaly Women in Crisis, as result of the work of volunteers whose lives had been affected by domestic violence.

ODVSS commitment to reflective practices bought a review of the service in 2007. With this review, the service was changed structurally and it was identified that the female victim/male perpetrator model was too simplistic and did not adequately address the complexities of domestic violence and the impact on children, families and communities.

Our mission statement:
To provide support and services for victims of domestic violence and their children at a local level and campaign for societal and legislative changes that will lead to the elimination of violence and abuse’.

What we can offer you....

Information Line:
Offers callers a confidential, non-judgmental listening service, where the caller are offered the opportunity to discuss their situation and possibly recognise if they are experiencing domestic abuse. They are provided with information on their options and the range of services available to them. All calls are strictly confidential.

Our Information Line operates from 10am - 2pm and from 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Outside these hours - in the case of an emergency, we recommend that the caller contact their local Garda Station if a woman caller needs emergency accommodation, she should contact Esker Refuge in Athlone on 090 6474122. Otherwise, the caller may leave a contact phone number, and we will return their call as soon as possible.

Support & Information – by appointment or drop-in:
Drop In or appointment based visits are available Monday to Friday between 9.30 am - 4.30 pm at our centre in Tullamore.  A person can drop into our centre to discuss their situation in a secure, confidential environment. They will be provided with information on the various services they may need to make contact with i.e. medical, legal, social welfare and housing. All appointments are strictly confidential. 
Referrals also welcome from male victims of domestic violence

Outreach service:
Our Information/Outreach Workers meets clients in safe appropriate venues in the community.  This can be particularly helpful for anyone who cannot access the service in Tullamore. Outreach is available by appointment only.

Court Accompaniment:
This service is available to those pursuing legal options through the court system such as obtaining an order, breaches of orders and judicial or legal separations. It involves providing emotional support at a time when a client may feel frightened and isolated.

Advocacy:
The Information/Outreach Worker advocates on behalf of clients and accompanies them to relevant services as appropriate.
Referral to relevant agencies: Clients are referred to other agencies as appropriate to their individual needs.

Information Sessions & Awareness Raising:
We can provide information and training sessions to schools and local community groups as well as posters, information booklets, information leaflets, advertising, media work, awareness raising even.

For more info please visit us at ODVSS

Hey lovies, when you think of ballet, you probably picture in your mind a thin, graceful and beautiful ballerina freely prancing on a dance floor leaving every person that sees her in complete awe. Accurate?  Well, if that’s what you pictured, you’re exactly right. But what’s their secret? Aside from the grace, elegance and beauty of this dance form, ballet is really a total body workout, plus a mental cleanse all wrapped into one.

Here are 7 “less-known” benefits that are worth thinking about the next time you walk by a dance studio window.

1. Long and Lean Muscles.It tones and sculpts your body. Ballet classes are designed to teach movements that will naturally develop long and lean muscles, not thick ones.

2. Better Posture.Because it requires the use of good posture and alignment, you will naturally improve awareness of the way you stand, walk, sit and carry out your daily activities.

3. Poise and Confidence.Ballet classes help improve your poise, confidence, but with a touch of grace. You will repeatedly be taught to do a series of simple exercises called barre exercises. These exercises have been found to be so beneficial that many Hollywood celebrities including pop singer Madonna are obsessed with barre workouts alone!

4. Flatter Tummy.It makes your waistline become more defined. Ballet class students’ back and ab muscles are strengthened over time, resulting in less back pains and a flatter abdomen — yes, a flatter tummy!

5. Flexibility.Taking ballet lessons makes your body a lot more flexible. Chances are, the movements you will practice in your next ballet class give you an amazing and effective body flexibility workout because it uses muscles that aren’t often used in other sport activities.

6) Mental and Emotional Health.Your body isn’t the only part of you that benefits from ballet. Because every ballet student will interpret each dance movement in their unique way, the release of this personal creative expression can be highly-therapeutic, promoting mental and emotional health.

7) Dissolves Stress.Ballet can melt your daily stresses away. The exercises in ballet class will require you to shift your focus to the proper movement of your hands, placement of your legs and feet, as well as the coordination of your body with music. Ballet students report they actually feel completely removed from the world as they know it.

Do you take any dance classes?  What's your favourite workouts?  Let me know in the comments below.  Until next time!