Hello, my friends. Maybe some of you have noticed that I have been slow about posting recently. I guess life has got in the way. The world is in turmoil. One of my best friends has been very ill and I lost interest in the blog. But recently, I had a lovely email from a new follower who read my posts on Transient Global Amnesia. My insights and research helped her decide that her ‘episode’ was most likely a TGA and that made her less anxious. She then asked why I was not posting as regularly.
I had a good chat with myself and decided that I would rectify that immediately. I know that many of you are not on Instagram or FB and like my weekly updates.
So what have I been doing since I chatted to you last?
NEW GRANDAUGHTER FOR CHRISTMAS
We have been blessed with a new granddaughter, which now makes Graham and me the proud grandparents of three boys and two girls. ‘Baby’ Nova as her siblings and cousins call her, is just over three weeks old and beginning to make her presence felt.
I wrote about that unique, special love over 8 years ago when Logan was born. I can still confirm that it is a love like no other.
THE MERCHANT HOTEL
Many of you will have read about our 5-star experience at The Merchant Hotel Belfast a few months ago.
The feedback was so good that the hotel offered one of my followers a chance to win a night away with dinner for 2 at The Merchant. If you are on Instagram, you can enter the competition on my page @overthehilda. Winner will be announced on the 28th December.
MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
I have started a book club of sorts. I recommend a book and then do a quick review on insta stories a month later. Of course, I forgot to do a review on the blog. The first book was ‘Frankie’ by Graham Norton. It is his best yet, in my humble opinion.
This is a beautiful story that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Eighty-four year old Frankie has taken a fall. When carer Damian arrives to mind her, a friendship develops and she gradually shares her life story with him.
And what a story it is. It spans decades from post-war Ireland to 1960s’ London and New York and finally returns to present day London.
Frankie has led a turbulent but interesting life, as has her friend Nor, who has her own secrets. The main characters are engaging and likeable and I found the author’s depiction of ’40s Ireland and 1960s’ New York believable; particularly moving was the Aids epidemic and the fear engendered by it.
I would read it again; that’s how much I liked it.
If you fancy joining in, next on the list is ‘Prophet Song’ by Paul Lynch.
BEAUTY TREATMENTS AND SKIN CARE
I will continue my skin journey with Aisling at South William Clinic next year. This year, I had both CO2 laser and BBL laser treatments. The BBL helps with pigmentation and I am delighted with the results. I also had my first hydrafacial in the South William clinic in Clontarf.
Skincare is personal. What suits me might not suit you. My advice is to start slowly or get advice from an aesthetician. Sometimes there is little to choose between brands and often it is not necessary to spend huge money. Shop smart.
I am trying out a new brand soon to be launched in Ireland. The Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy is beautifully hydrating and feels gorgeous on the skin. It has a wealth of science behind it and is created by world-leading consultant dermatologists; more to come on this in 2025.
But I continue to use several products from Australian brand Ultraceuticals. I wrote about this over two years ago when I was lucky enough to have a complete programme of treatments and products.
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
Thank you for reading, for your comments, emails and encouragement. I know I started this post on a negative note, but when life gets in the way again, I know I can get back on the blogging wagon, eventually.
I hope you have a peaceful Christmas full of happy moments.
Hilda x
