All Kinds Of Everything

I decided to do a more general chat this week, an ‘All Kinds of Everything’ kind of post. I tend to post on the blog once a week, but am more active on Instagram stories. So, I want to fill in my readers who are not on social media. Well, what have I been up to recently?

CENTER PARCS

At the end of August, we headed to Longford with our elder daughter, her hubby and two boys Logan and Cole to this forest resort for a few days. We had a ball and were ‘super lucky’ with the fabulous weather.

The highlight for the boys was the Subtropical Aquatic Centre. They both love water and there were plenty of activities for both of them.

We all enjoyed a trip out on the lake in a canoe/catamaran. The two bravest, Graham and Kirsty, did the Aerial Adventure which involved a treetop course complete with 15 elements, a floating stairs and finishing with a 170-metre zip wire descent over the lake.

The food was fine, plenty of it but do not be expecting haute cuisine.

The highlight for me was a few hours spent in the fabulous spa.

But we all loved the bicycles and if you are thinking of going they are a ‘must have’. The boys loved being taken around in their little carriage (below)

The only downside was that it was wasp season and the little blighters were everywhere.

LIFE/HEALTH

One of the reasons I was not able to enjoy Center Parcs to the fullest was my pulled muscle. Would you believe that I did the damage stretching to close a window at my parents’ home? It was a deep intercostal one just below the ribs and it was very sore. Six weeks later I am better following excellent physical therapy.

The injury meant that golf has been impossible until recently. That makes it about €20 a hole my membership has cost me this year!

The good news is that we have been getting out and about. At the beginning of the month, I was at ‘Taste’ (a food festival) in the gorgeous Iveagh Gardens in Dublin.  I was lucky enough to get free tickets and also was gifted some Tanqueray Gin and Ketel One Vodka (from Holland).

They were sponsors and as a gin lover I was delighted.

Plenty of my friends are vodka lovers, so they will benefit too.

There were plenty of food stalls with to try and we enjoyed the cookery demonstration by Ireland AM TV chef Edward Hayden.

It was Graham’s birthday earlier this month and we had a meal out in Malahide.  Here is a pic of my sweetheart taken when we spent a fab night at The Merrion Hotel in July.

Anyway, we went to an old favourite in Malahide (under new management) and while the food was adequate, I would not be rushing back. The menu was too limited.

But this is what I wore. As I said on Instagram, I shopped my wardrobe. The leather jacker is a TK Maxx (Michael Kors) find about 15 years ago. We are fortunate in that we can walk to and from the village so comfortable footwear is a must. I bought the boots in Venice over 17 years ago. Still fabulous. Only the bag is current from Lalli and Moo .  I won it in a competition on Instagram.

And, of course, we have been socialising with friends and had lovely BBQs and dinner parties this summer. And I am enjoying being able to walk properly again, now that my back/pelvis is better and I have been enjoying walking along the coast. Here are some of the highlights of my walk. Below you can see a popular diving spot at High Rock and the gorgeous Highland Cattle at Robswall.

And Logan and I have enjoyed picking blackberries too on Paddy’s Hill. It has been a bumper season.

AUTUMN FASHION

I wrote last week about Helen McAlinden’s fabulous A/W fashion show at Harvey Nichols in Dundrum Town Centre. Such a treat.

I have been ‘window shopping’ and I love the new collections coming into the shops. But, I am determined to shop wisely, so I am not rushing in to spend my money. I am sharing some pics from M&S and Arnotts all of which caught my eye.

 

EVENTS

Just a reminder if any of you are interested in the Menopause Summit. It happens this Saturday and is a virtual event. You can read about it HERE.  Also there is a 20% discount with various promotional codes until tonight. One of the codes is FABULOUS. You can sign up and access the talks at your own convenience, Though you have to attend on the day to get the goodie bag and to be included in the raffle prizes.

Also The Future Beauty Show in association with The Irish Times will host an event/webinar on stress incontinence, the postpartum body and intimate health on  (September 25).  This is a free event but you must register online with The Irish Times. You can find out more HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed my ‘All Kinds Of Everything’ post. Back on Monday with my ‘Style Not Age’ friends.