BallyGarry House Hotel and Spa Review Part 1

Looking out on to the backdrop of rolling hills, tall grass, trees and mountains, I sit in a white pod, engulfed in cushions, courted by the sweet melody of classical music and utterly content.  Living in London, one of the busiest cities in the world, 'content' is not a feeling that I regularly experience. London is all about the next, the hustle, getting there- being first. It is a place where 'room for improvement' is the constant grade and for the most part I love it- yet ever so often I have to escape. So here I am, in Tralee Kerry Ireland at the BallyGarry Hotel and Spa. 

After last nights partying till 4 am during the annual Listowel Races Ladies day, Kieran and I opted against round two of madness in Dublin for the All Ireland Final and instead opted to recharge. We booked easily online in minutes via the BallyGarry House website: http://www.ballygarryhouse.com . Choosing their overnight spa deal we received  2 nights for 2 people, with Breakfast, Dinner and 50 euro off a spa treatment each included for only £211.

I know - what the heck?! Almost too good to be true, but when we reached the lobby of the 4 star hotel and were were greeted by really warm staff I realised that today, we had booked well. 

                               

Decorated in soothing neutral tones our room boasted A king sized bed, 4 chair seating area, large modern stone bathroom with a bath and separate shower and a real coffee machine (this sealed the deal for me). 

After getting settled we headed to the spa to book a treatment for the next day with the beautiful, friendly and so helpful spa host Bonnie. Treatments range from beauty (tanning, nails, facials) to Aromatherapy, massages and detoxing wraps. My back has been at me so I booked a hot stone back massage for 45 minutes this was £70 but with our voucher it was £20 difference to pay.  

Once booked we were then free to head to the facilities - which are breath taking. An in ground out door hot tub over looks the Kerry hills, a shower with 3 settings - including 'mist' preps you for the " Herbal Glass Sauna,  a dry sauna described as "a traditional dry sauna experience with intensifying dry heat, infused with herbal essences to induce a deep state of relaxation". I found that the dry heat soothed my muscle aches. The view of the hot tub and hills are visible from the dry sauna, and I soaked in the back drop as the stress left my body. Next: "The Crystal Steam Room", where Humid heat and colour therapy is enhanced with eucalyptus essence to improve restoration  and detoxify the body". The Crystal Steamroom is a refreshing change after the dry heat, this room and I definitely noticed that the infused humid air was great for my breathing.

Top tip:  I usually use saunas as a chance to deep condition my hair. The heat is great for penetrating hair follicles. As this was a last minute trip I didn't have my conditioning stuff so regrettably missed out on this hair treat experience but it's a great tip for next time you're at a spa ;) 

After some time in the wet sauna  we headed to the relaxation room which over looks a beautiful garden, set In front of the famous Kerry mountains. Here there are large pods, water, ice, berry juice and magazines. As spa music plays my body finally switched gear into relaxation mode. And here my loves I must leave you, sleep is calling.

Stay tuned for my part 2 , on my treatment, dinner and breakfast.

Loves and Finds: Olivia Von Halle Sleepwear

This is an ode to pyjamas, real pyjama's I mean.  Not oversized t-shirts or your old school gym kit. I am talking real stylish, silky, luxurious pyjamas. Night suits they should be called, for those who like to powerdress from board room to bedroom. Speaking of style champions of sleepwear, who better to than British designer Oliva Von Halle. A favourite of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, her eclectic prints, bold colours and tailored pj's are number one on my Autumn wishlist.

After all, with the days turning a little more gloomy, nothing makes me smile more than the thought of a good September issue, a cup of Baileys Irish cream coffee and luxury silk on my skin.

You can buy Oliva Von Halle at Net-A-Porter 

A favourite from the new Zodiac collection, these adorable illustrated silk satin eye masks! 

Prabal Gurung NYFW Ready To Wear

The show began with the sombre sound of 30 monks, clad in vibrant burnt orange with their hands held in prayer. An unusual reverent start to a typical bustling NYFW show, however this wasn't just any show, this was the start of Prabal Gurungs show the Kathmandu, Napal raised fashion designer who this past year, followin the Nepal earthquake crisis used his social media platform to spread awareness and raise over 1 million for the people of Napal. Prabal remarked, that he is grateful to the fashion industry which granted him the platform to change so many lives.

Against this backdrop perhaps the monks were perfectly placed, the juxtaposition of prayer and fashion a reminder of how fashion and the people can united to change the lives of many.

Themes:

Burnt Orange:
Nepal was a great theme through out the collection evidenced through burnt orange that featured more than a few times: a strong yet beautiful colour perhaps alluding to the fierce resilience of people to overcome tragedy.

Movement: If burnt orange symbolises strength, the light airy fabric alludes to the delicacy of humanity. Movement is beautiful for SS.


My favourite pieces:

This bronze glitter and low v-neck dress was a show stopper for me. I also love the ethic models. It is great to see some colour on this runway.

Stunning open shoulder design and silk fabric over lay is a delicate yet bold look for summer. The shoes make the over all look cool and urban

The jagged hem and openings are a SS16 trend which can also be seen during the NYFW opening show. 

  Elegant. Simple. Stunning.

 Kathmandu

OOTD & Happy Hour On The Horizon

Today was a great day of late summer sunshine, rewarding meetings and strolls with my bestie. This week coming up to Fashion Week has been a busy buzz and so when I got a break- I decided to enjoy my high point above the clouds.

I fell in love with the The Shard long before its opening, when I visited for a Thomas Sabo new collection party in the then pre open shard. At the time it was empty, no restaurants, just a promising shell elegantly peering over the expansive city scape. Now however it is a buzz of activity- hosting a hotel and Resturants  AquaShard and Oblix.

I have been to Oblix a few times, namely for my 25th birthday earlier this year ( which was a stunning candle lit affair over Londons twinkling skyline) Today however, it was daylight and I figured perfect time for Margharita's and Empire Artisan Chocolates.

Pairing Empires Sea Salt and Pistachio with my zesty Margharita's I had the best time laughing and talking over Londons unusually visible skyline. 

The Shard is a hit and miss kind of place depending on the weather. On a cloudy day, it can feel pointless- a cruel tease to know all that amazing view is out there - but you can't see it. However catch a bright one like today- and its amazing. 

Having the view going for it - it doesn't take much more for Oblix to stay winning over other London bars. Yet, far from resting in the clouds- it has a great  has a fantastic atmosphere, live jazz, raw stone , warm lighting and great food and bad eats ( think lamb cutlets and tapas style hearty dishes) add that killer cocktails and I'm more than happy. It's a great place to spend happy hour on a successful day. 

Cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel

Cocktails in a hotel lobby are a great way to get the tourist experience in London without actually spending half your rent in a hotel in London. I actually prefer hotel bars to the actual hotel room. The hotel bar is like dating before the relationship, the hotel is on its best sparkly behaviour, it's guests are at their most interesting and no matter what your budget, the decor is the same for the prince as it is for the pauper. That and the fact that when you stay in a hotel room, all you is sleep and shower- the essential boring stuff. In a hotel bar you talk, laugh, drink and drink some more.

So long as we are evaluating hotel bars the 45 Park Lane, is a great place to go. Set on actual park lane, we now enter premium Monopoly board territory.

I had always seen its impressive artists Art Deco exterior and wanted to go in, and so the other day, I decided I would.

The bar is upstairs, the seating is comfy, the colours warm and the art engaging.

The staff are friendly and come around with bowls and bowls of delicious butter salt garlic popcorn as well as offering great service.

I ordered my signature Margharita love, and being a tequila fanatic found it to be exquisite.

It had soft jazz playing in the lobby, and all in all - if this was a date with 45 Park Lane, I would certainly be up for a second, and perhaps even up for a hotel room...

         

Afternoon Tea At The Ham Yard Hotel

I have a friend called Maya who since I have known her has always been up to fancy things. Maybe I have become jaded from the city- I am too busy ushering tourists out of the way to stop and see what they may be looking at. My friend Maya on the other hand is the type who takes the effort to plan research and enjoy her city like she is on holiday. After growing a tad jealous of hearing of her fabulous excersions with other friends ( I mean she takes them to tea at the Ritz whilst we meet at Westfields) I insisted that I be included in her fabulous plans.

We decided on tea (how British) at the Ham Yard Hotel in Picadilly.

Tea in London can be quite expensive when we start to talk about the Ritz and so on. The Ham Yard Hotel is very affordable, if you want a civilised Saturday with friends this is your option. We both enjoyed nattering over scones and the best tea I have ever tasted (and I am an avid coffee drinker) £19.50. for Tea.

What was on offer:

Sandwiches, scones, cakes and desserts. It all tasted heavenly and the servers were so nice!

The Ham Yard Hotel:

A stunning hotel tucked away behind the heart of London's Piccadilly, the Ham Yard Hotel boasts a rare combination of being central yet refreshingly secluded. Down a cobbled street, in a mews you will find the entrance of the modern, artistic yet some how traditional hotel. It boasts a spa, bowling alley, fine dining, and of course a tea room.

Sight-skating Around Paris

My love and I had the pleasure of visiting Paris after a wedding in Chantilly. We were lucky enough to arrive on the day of the Fete De La Musique, where the whole of Paris was in song. Every courner had a block party, from early in the day to late at night. Being the wannabe hipsters that we apparently are, Kieran and I elected to bring our wheels (his Penney, my Micro Scooter) and see the most of Paris, with the freedom to stop as we wanted. It was a perfect day.

Kieran looking suave

So many beautiful details in Paris

The Louvre

We chose scooter and skateboards as main mode of transport. No better way to travel around a city

London on a Penny

Kieran loves his Penny board. He bought it at the start of the summer and has been non stop cruising ever since. He hates posing for pictures but I make him (when I can catch him). I am learning how to use the old Penney board. Small light weight and easy to manoeuvre its quite the accomplice to city living. Most boards come in cool colour combinations and you can buy a Penney board all around London in skateshops or you can see online

Shirt: Zara, Obligatory Skater Skinny Jeans: Zara, Board Penny Board UK 

London Street Art Eye Spy

London Has a great balance of old and new, the institutions and the rebels who keep things fresh, innovative and new. This constant battle is most often played out on construction boards around the city. Scooting around, I keep my eyes peeled for interesting street art. See what I spied below.

 This is some street art I came across on some construction work being done in East London

This is some street art I came across at the back of Oxford Street.

How to Rock Mens Comfy Casuals

Ever noticed how calm and laid back men look? Let me tell you for free, it is their clothing. How are women meant to be happy with shoes pinching, bras scratching and false fibres itching. Forget it, head to the mens aisle for greener pastures. Today I decided to do it like a dude, heading to the Zara mens section to pick up this 100% cotton (yes, see how they treat men?) natural fibre comfy as hell black sweater which worked nicely as a dress for me.  I paired the look with leggings and the best accessory in the world, my minimal Zara leather back pack and finished with plimsolls from Primark. Happy As Larry!

This Bag is THE BAG! I have received so many compliments. It is so handy and at only £19.99 I love it. It also comes in Stone colour and is still in certain Zara stores but not online. Keep your eyes peeled, the last place I saw one was in Chelsea Dukes Square Zara!

Loves & Finds : Joy 2 Piece Crop Top and Skirt Set

I fell in love with this twin set from Joy. I happen to live a stones throw away from Joy, and on my hunt for a wedding outfit, they were my first stop. I loved this set straight away, but obviously you can't buy the first thing you see, I had not even got to Central London yet. So I waved it goodbye and headed to all the top spots but you know what? After a day of trawling the best London has to offer, this was the best I found. I love the fact it is 2 in 1. Weddings are so expensive and who wants to buy a frilly frock thats too fancy to wear again. With this 50s style piece I was able to re work the separates to pair with separate outfits (which I did in Paris later, see pics below). The other thing I loved about this piece is that it is figure flattering to my hour glass shape. The crop shows off my waist while the skirt hides my belly. R E S U L T.

Another great thing is that this set is STILL available at Joy and on sale :D !!! Shop here 

Summer Silver Hair Top Tips

This season as the sun gets brighter the hair is getting lighter. Blame it on Danerys, but the mother of dragons has everyone from all colour tones coveting cool silver tones. I, not being exempt from the list have finally perfected the coveted silver hair. 

How to get the look

1. This look was created by placing Loreal silver shampoo on Platinum hair. leave for 20 mins. 

2. Apply black dye to the roots and mid way down pre dyed platinum hair for the ombre black roots.  Then when the dye has been in for 10 mins ( not set) wash out with silver shampoo. Because the colour hasn't set as it washes out it makes the hair go from dark lilac to pale lilac. 

I was so happy when I achieved this look- through  my trials and tribulations I have learned the following tipa

Tip 1.

Dye hair as far as it will go to platinum blonde. If you are starting from dark, one 

Dye will not do. So don't be lazy!

Tip 2

Tone out the brassy yellow. For silver it is not your friend. Don't cut corners! Get out all that brassy orange tones. Try Wella T50 it will tone hair silver.

Tip 3 

If you are weaving hair, it is much easier to start from ready dyed platinum hair and then just dye the roots as black as you would like

Tip 4

Loreal silver shampoo can actually semi permanently dye your hair lilac/silver if you leave it on for 20 mins. This is quite drying so is not a long term solution. Leave on for 20 mins only once to get the colour, then when uou wash the hair leave the shampoo on for only a regular washing time and condition with white conditioner to maintain the colour.

For more hints and tips for more colours, view my hair blog law and miaw, 

Law and Miaw is one of the many ventures I have been working on this year. I'm now selling colouring and styling hair. For more info info@lawandmiaw.com

Portugal Summer Destination SS15

If you have't made plans to go to Portugal this summer I suggest you get to it pronto. This year, I have the pleasure of going to Portugal for a hen do of my girl Wendy. It was only a 3 day trip so I packed light and still felt like it was too much. Flying into Faro we stayed in Portimão which is a lovely beach town with beach side bars and lounges.

The accommodation was an apartment instead of a hotel which was a much better option it was so roomy and plush. We got up to paddle boarding, late brunches by the beach side (the food over there is amazing & cheap) cheeky afternoon drinks by the pool, and more than a few Irish bars (they are everywhere).

Margarita's by the sea, obviously

This is the hair I chose to install for this holiday. It is kinky straight hair from my hair company Law + Miaw and it was perfect for abroad as it matched my natural texture in humidity. I ombre'd the ends with 20 vol developer and bleach for that sun kissed look. Contact www.lawandmiaw.com to buy and customise

The group went paddle boarding. At first I was like hell naw (because of my weave) but it looked like they were having so much fun I had to join in. Plus no one fell off or got wet. Imagine a water activity which you can stay dry during. I think I have found my perfect sport!

I found this contrast colour block bra whilst over in Portugal. It was great because it kept my boobs under control which made me feel slimmer. You can get the same one from New Look : 

Attention seeking Accessories

This season, it is all about expressive accessories.  Anya Hindmarch leads the way, as she has been for some seasons following her recent popart handbag collections. For SS15 highstreet retailers follow suit as New Look and River Island offer a great selection of cheeky accessories to inject some humour and personality into your summer wardrobe.

Top left: Anya Hindmarch Matches Fashion £250, Right River Island Phone Case £10, Hold me bag, River Island £55, Bottom left Anya Hindmarch £895

SERGE DE NIMES SS15 LAUNCH

Following his spiritual AW14 collection "the wolf within" this week Proudlock unveiled his  SS15 collection.The unisex collection consisted of bold lines, symbols and geometric patterns and reminded me of urban tribal wear, pieces to suit the varied creative appreciators of Serge De Nimes- An international collection of cool kids- united by their love of art, expression and freedom.

The collection was launched at the Hoxton Hotel Apartments with an intimate event which had an old school house party vibe. Biggie, 2Pac and Outkast was on the playlist and the grand finale of the event was a MC performance by UK rapper Mikill Pane.

The Collection