We all need a little kick start every now & then , so I decided to go on a 3 day detox to clear out my system & hopefully be left with a cleaner , leaner body and a boost to my immune system. 

We all know the benefits of juicing but the sheer ordeal of using a juicer and worse, cleaning it after is enough to send the sanest person slightly mad! 

So I rang 'juice 2 go', paid via PayPal and the juices were delivered to my door ready to go.... 

For me , the juices were all delicious , I could easily have them everyday . They were filling, nutritious and satisfying. 

I drank 5 juices per day, starting with the 'Energizer' (Apple, pineapple, avocado , lime & cucumber) , this should last all morning and afternoon. 

After breakfast, the 'kick start' was next on the menu ( carrots, ginger , lemon & apple) 

'Dinner' was my least favourite juice , the smoothie surprise ( Apple, banana, pineapple, yoghurt) , my own opinion is that bananas are never a good idea in a smoothie! 

Later that evening , it was time for the 'Detox Special' ( beetroot, cucumber, apple, carrot, lemon, spinach, celery & ginger) 

I didn't go to bed starving which is always good......

Day 2 & 3 are the same so if I'm honest, the juices got repetitive & I got bored . One of my suggestions would be to mix it up a little, adding wheatgrass shots & sprulina into the mix.

However , I stuck with it and felt lighter, happier and full of evergy on day 3! 

PROS

Clearer skin

Flatter stomach

Intake of essential vitamins - boost to the immune system 

Elimates waste more efficiently (nice!) 

CONS

Expensive 

Time consuming

Repetitive 

Overall it's an amazing way to cleanse the body & with the vast amount of juicers on the market , I think every house should have one! 

Cost €66 for the 3 day detox

Delivery charge €10

Info@juice2go.ie

0879398583

At the weekend, we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea at Castle Kilronan located a short distance from Carrick-on-Shannon. 

We have stayed here many times before & loved it. It oozes luxury as you drive up to the castle & it's lush surroundings make a great walk after afternoon tea!! 

At first glance, we thought it was quite small but as we tucked in , we were very satisfied . 

A mixture of smoked salmon & chicken sandwiches, delicate desserts of maltester cheesecake, strawberry shortcake , chocolate & pistachio moose & of course, home made scones served with clotted cream & jam were divine ! 

Service is excellent & staff are friendly & welcoming (even with a 7 month baby!) 

Thoroughly recommend this experience. Reasonably priced at €18pp

Visit castlekilronan.com for details 

Bangle Bar I Alex and Ani

'Eco-conscious, positive energy products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind & empower the spirit. Designed by Carolyn Rafaelian. Made in America with Love'

I am obsessed with these dainty little bracelets! They are the perfect gift starting at just €26. 

These little gems are handcrafted in America and are available nationally. I purchased mine at Bernard Johns Jewellers in Athlone, Co Westmeath. You can also shop online at http://www.alexandani.com/ 

I have the 'K' , the topaz birthstone and the newest addition to my collection is the pepple one which I love! 

 

The Topaz Stone

 

The Turquoise Collection 

Natural Wonders

Rose Gold

Family

 

Vintage 66

 

 

 

Skinny Snacks I What To Eat

 

'Snacking is an effective way to fit extra nutrients into your diet'
  

Prevents Overeating

Snacking helps keep you from getting overly hungry in between meals and then overeating at your next meal. So next time you start to feel hungry a couple hours before lunch or dinner, don't try to wait until the meal. Instead, eat a small healthy snack to tide you over. Combine a carbohydrate-rich food like whole grains, fruits or vegetables with protein foods like nuts or dairy products for the most filling snacks.
 

Keeps Blood Sugar Levels Steady

Healthy snacking helps keep your blood sugar levels even, especially if you eat a consistent amount of carbs at each meal or snack. This is especially helpful for diabetics, but also beneficial for people without diabetes, since large spikes and dips in blood sugar levels may make insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure more likely over time.



Provides Nutrients


As long as you choose nutritious snacks, snacking will also help you meet your nutrient needs for the day. Although it's fine to have a less-than-healthy snack every once in a while, most of your snacks should consist of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and nuts or seeds.




Don't snack right before a meal, and only eat a snack if you are truly hungry. Snacking out of boredom or for other emotional reasons isn't healthy and can lead to overeating and weight gain. Most snacks should be around 100 calories, but if you need to use a snack in place of a meal, eat a slightly larger snack containing about 250 calories,   

 Try these healthy options...


Mozzarella, Spinach, Avocado, Cherry Tomato, Balsamic Vinegar

Have left over avocado? Why not have an avocado smoothie? Avocados are amazing for your health , a great source of monounsaturated oleic acid, rich in Vitamin E & potassium and can help maintain weight loss! 

via pinterest

The Power Of A Statement Necklace

When the weather is warm and you want to show off your style without layering on blazers, hats and scarves, throw on an eye-catching statement necklace over a breezy maxi for a quick and effortless ensemble.

 

This stand out piece looks best when styled with a simple outfit. Styling your go-to little black dress with various statement necklaces is a fabulous way to add a trendy twist to an old classic.

Keep the rest of your jewellery simple, especially your earrings. By keeping your jewelry simple, you are letting the statement pieces speak for themselves


Zara €29,99

 

 

Zara €22,99

If you have a larger bust, it is important to opt for shorter necklaces that don’t lie directly on your chest. When choosing a bright colored necklace, think of the colours that you wear the most frequently and purchase a necklace that will compliment your existing wardrobe.

Even Kate Middleton rocks Zara €39,99

 

Zara €39,99

Zara €29,99


 

What are your favourites right now?

 

 

 

For the Nutella obsessed ...stuffed croissants with strawberries

Oh these are delish....

Makes 6 

Jus Roll Bake it fresh dough croissants (available at all large supermarkets) 

Nutella 

Chopped nuts (if desired ) 

Strawberries / blueberries for serving 

The jus roll croissants are simple to make- 

Roll out the croissants as directed on pack, place a dollap of Nutella & a sprinkle of chopped nuts on the large end & just roll! 

10 minutes in a preheated 200*C oven & voila , flaky buttery croissants with chocolate oozing out . 

What's not to love ?! 

Mellow Yellow

For a shortcut to a wardrobe update there’s nothing easier than investing in the colour of the season: yellow. Whether a lemon or a neon bright, it  has never been more in vogue. Perhaps its prevalence in the Spring collections points to a new optimism for 2014. After all, there’s nothing more refreshing or modern than a bright colour to prep up any outfit.

 

A yellow clutch à la Olivia Palermo or a Sun-kissed manicure is a risk-free way to dip your toe into the trend.

 

 

 

For the brave amongst you, blazers and brocade trousers make an elegant statement. For a high-street take, look to River Island for scallop tops or Zara for graphic print tees. Wear with tailored trousers now and switch to shorts in the Summer months.

 

 

Would you be brave enough to try this trend?

 

Lace Me Up

THE LACE UP HEELS, FROM ZANOTTI TO ZARA

 

 

 

Lace-up heels are like the leather mini skirts of footwear; no matter what you wear them with, they give your look instant sultry appeal and everyone should own a pair! These strappy, skin-baring heels are incredibly alluring, either enhancing an already glamorous outfit or lending a feminine counterpoint to a casual ensemble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images via FashionTag

 

These Zara Leopard Heels are just perfection, What do you think?

 

Thinking of a Staycation this year? Consider this beautiful hotel nestled within 43 acres of forest in Co Donegal.

We set off, baby in tow, for Donegal one long weekend and we were so looking forward to some 5* treatment in Lough Eske Castle, a hotel and spa, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with the Blue Stack Mountains in the background.

Lough Eske Castle Hotel is the only five star hotel in Donegal. Winner of the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel for the past five consecutive years, Wow , all sounding rather fabulous!!

We escaped into a luxurious world of relaxed grandeur the moment we drove through the gates.

The stunning grounds

The Drawing Room

 

Deluxe Bedrooms

We settled into our deluxe room ,which are finished to the highest of 5 star standards with bespoke oak furniture and deep pile carpet throughout.

All hotel rooms have a 32inch flat screen TV, refreshment centre, built in cedar wardrobes with a digital lock safe, and of course WiFi connectivity.

The bathrooms - A divine haven! Each bathroom has marble tiling throughout with a double basin vanity unit with granite top. .

The Bedroom View

The Spa @ Lough Solis

During our stay , I visited the Spa Solis for an aromatherapy associates facial, where my skin was restored and revitalised using essential oils to improve skin condition. The massage technique was relaxing and left my complexion smooth and luminous. Horray to that!

 

 

Arabella thoroughly enjoyed her 5 star experience and was an angel throughout !

Afternoon Tea

 

 

Food, glorious food

The appeal of Cedars Grill Restaurant with its easy going elegance and very modern sense of style certainly impressed us! We dined on gourmet burgers with a cheese board for dessert.

For night time dining, the dining room itself is quite stunning with its floor to ceiling, button back upholstery and modern crystal light fixtures.  Glass doors open onto a slate terrace - a delightful place to linger and admire the manicured lawns and woodland views that surround Lough Eske Castle. We devoured beautiful fish chowder & fillet steaks. The prices , as expected , are certainly not on the cheap side but hey, you get what you pay for !!

We paid a visit to the Gallery Bar and Lobby Lounge before we departed *sad face
it offers more casual dining options, We loved the hushed ambience and rich leather furnishings, the Oak Bar feels like an exclusive club


The Gallery Bar

Lady Luck

Amazing Desserts

Staff were superb, Hotel is a gem, what more can I say ? We will definitely be back.