Kilkea Castle the perfect luxury hotel

Kilkea Castle is only a stone’s throw from Dublin (about an hour’s drive). GG and I arrived as Storm Dennis was in full swing. The 12th century castle stands proudly over 180 acres of woodland, golf course and gardens. I had spent an afternoon there last year at the opening of the Spa, but it
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Flower Power means ‘Style Not Age’ dig out their florals

I chose ‘Flower Power’ as this month’s ‘Style Not Age’ challenge. WHY? Because the shops are full of floral patterns on tops, jackets, skirts and dresses. You could say that floral prints are having a moment. In truth, they have been back on trend for a few years now. But where did the term ‘Flower
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it cosmetics cc cream

Go get ‘IT’ CC Cream: it works miracles on your skin

I am IN LOVE with IT CC cream. This is the BEST foundation/ make-up/ cc cream ever. I am not usually given to superlatives, I swear. Developed in conjunction with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, it has rapidly gained cult status. Yes, IT Cosmetics has produced the perfect CC+™ Cream with SPF 50. It is like
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‘Go Red for Women’ and look after your Heart Health

I am going RED for Women this February.  The Irish Heart Foundation launched its Go Red for Women national fundraising campaign which aims to empower Irish women to look after their heart health while also raising vital funds. So get ready for a deluge of red outfits throughout this post! According to the Irish Heart Foundation,
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Ultherapy – Wonderful Alternative to Surgery

No, I have not had a facelift…Yes, I have had Ultherapy. It is a micro lift but without the surgery. Have you heard of Ultherapy? I knew very little about the actual process. But I did know that Jennifer Aniston is a fan and that Christie Brinkley is the face of it. And how wonderful
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Seaside walk

‘Style Not Age’ showcases Jewel Brights

My ‘Style Not Age’ group is tackling Jewel Brights this month, with the challenge being set by Anna. What are jewel tones? Jewel tone colours are rich gem colours like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and amethyst purple. In fact, almost any coloured gemstone can be replicated with a comparable jewel tone. They are
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Top Tips for Travelling to Morocco

My post last month gave a summary of where we went on our guided trip to Morocco with TDActive. If you are planning a trip there, make sure to spend a night in the desert, go to Casablanca and Fez and visit The Atlas Mountains. And stay in a riad, a traditional house (or former
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‘Stylish Mondays’ Cosy Chic Challenge

It is a while since you met my ladies from ‘Stylish Mondays’ and this month we are showing you our versions of Cosy Chic, based on where we live in the world.  My readers in Ireland know that you can get all the seasons in one day here. We have a few simple rules at
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‘Style Not Age’ channels Winter Opulence

My last post of the year features my ‘Style Not Age’ gang and Winter Opulence is December’s theme, chosen by Emma. I took my inspiration from ‘Dr Zhivago’.  Mention winter opulence to me and I imagine being whisked away in a horse-drawn carriage or over the snow in a sleigh. So yes, I went all
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Happy Christmas and Review of 2019

Happy Christmas my friends.  Is it really nearly the end of 2019?  And what’s more, another decade over and two since the millennium. I always move into each year with more than a little trepidation as to what it might bring. But my motto is to live each day, week, month and year to the
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Best Skin Care Tips and Treatments 2019

Skin Care is high up on my agenda when it comes to looking after myself at the age of 63. Well, if I do not look after myself, no one else will. We need to take care of our health, our fitness and also our faces. Yes, we do! Certainly many  women of my mother’s
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Morocco on Speed with TDactive Holidays

We travelled to Morocco with four friends and were very happy that it was all planned for us and that we had a guide for the entire trip – Ibrahim – and local guides in each place we visited. GUIDED TRAVEL TDactive was our tour operator of choice and regular readers know that Graham and
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Nordgreen Infinity Watch Review for Discerning Purchasers

Review of Nordgreen Infinity Watch I used to wear a watch.  In fact, Graham gave me a watch 38 years ago on our first Christmas as boyfriend and girlfriend. My friends teased me that this was a sure sign that he would propose. He did: two months later, on St Valentine’s Day!  I still have
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Searching my attic

‘Style Not Age’ go Back in Fashion

We go back in fashion this month. Let me explain a little more. Sustainable fashion is very much in vogue at present and we are all tying to buy less and buy with longevity in mind. Our recent challenges reflect this. A few months ago, Anna challenged us to scour second-hand/charity shops and mix our
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Shakti Mats – Torture Devices or Health Aids?

I have to admit I was a little sceptical when I was sent a Shakti Mat to try out. For all intents and purposes, it looks a little bit like a torture device. 6,000 sharp spikes protrude from the mat, like a bed of nails which, believe it or not, have been used as a
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October Highlights and Christmas is on the Way

Where has October gone? The older I get, the faster time goes. It is not a myth. I can’t believe that it is November and that now Halloween is over, we are officially into Christmas countdown time! October went by in a blur. We had our usual Mondays with Logan that included his first trip
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Prai Neck products

Prai Neck and Decolletage Products Pack a Punch

Have you heard of the beauty brand Prai (rhymes with Thai, by the way)?  A global skincare brand, it is the leading beauty offering at Marks & Spencer. And I was first introduced to it this summer when I was invited to the launch of their latest product. Their hero products are their neck and
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‘Style Not Age’ does My Favourite Autumn Trend

What is your favourite Autumn trend? Or do you have one? Even if you are not trend driven, it is impossible not to be aware of what is trending. I’m all for experimenting in the safety of the dressing room, but I don’t necessarily buy into many of them. However, each season brings new trends
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Ireland’s First Menopause Summit is a Huge Successs

‘The M Word Dublin’, Ireland’s first Menopause Summit which I attended 10 days ago, was an outstanding success. Hosted by Aisling Grimley (below right) of My Second Spring and Catherine O’Keeffe (below left) of The Wellness Warrior, (pictured with Dr Mary Ryan below), the energy generated by over 350 women and one man gathered in
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Procession in Khajuraho

Tips on what to bring when travelling to India and other Asian countries

A year ago, GG and I and four good friends had the most incredible holiday (well it wasn’t really a holiday; it was more of an adventure) in India with TDActive (the adventure wing of Travel Department). You can read about our amazing  trip in my previous posts – part 1 and part 2. And
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Review of Seavite Super Nutrient Face Products

You must be hiding under a rock if you have not heard of the Seavite brand as it has pretty well got iconic status now. I have not used them before, but was delighted to be gifted some products to try them for myself. Originally the brand was developed by Patrick Mulrooney in the 1990s
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Style Not Age Does Autumn Florals

This month, Style Not Age embraces the autumn floral trend. Autumn is my favourite season. I love everything about it: the cooler days, the changing colours of nature and the darker evenings all appeal to me. Of course, my recent colour analysis confirmed that the colours that suit me best are from the autumnal palette. MY
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The Elephant in the Room – The Menopause

I will be attending a MENOPAUSE conference – ‘The M Word’ – on Friday 11th October in The Radisson Blu St. Helen’s, Stillorgan,  Dublin. This will be a chance for women to listen, chat and get advice on how to deal with the myriad of problems that most of us experience in peri-menopause and menopause.
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The Lowdown on Taking Probiotic Supplements

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS? They are live cultures of “good bacteria” that benefit our digestive systems and boost our immune systems. ‘Probiotics are micro-organisms (microflora) that reside in our intestine. They are good bacteria that keep pathogens (harmful micro-organisms or bacteria) in check, aid proper digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. Probiotics have
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