Do you do the January Sales ?

Do you do the January Sales ?  Are you one of those people who waits with baited breadth to head out the door after spending the month of December in the shops ?  Will you stand in a queue for hours just so you can pick up that bargain ?  Quite simple I’m not ! In fact the thought of it makes be shudder (probably because I’d have three males trooping on behind me). Shortly after Santa arrived I spotted the Snapchats of queues of cars & people heading to the Sales (in the rain). More shuddering 😜

While we all like our shopping and browsing we’ve probably satisfied with the few things we got for Christmas. Hands up I only had two or three things on my wish list and I was able to hint and direct the three boys in the right direction here in Dingle .  I got the Grey Cape but I’ve spotted the red since. It’s really lovely. Check out La Boheme on FB or here

 For the past two years I haven’t gone near the shops in January and February ! There’s nothing happening, there’s nothing going on and feckit if there is – there’s plenty in the wardrobe that will suffice. One of my “down” points when it comes to shopping is I don’t try anything on … Like the look of it, need it, think I need it or want it: its in the bag ! Considering I live in such a remote “shopping area”, even though we do have two great boutiques in Dingle, and Internet shopping from the comfort of your own bedroom is so easy where you can try on in your own time is becoming ever increasingly popular.

All that said why have I the itch this year to have a peek ! Here’s just a few I’ve spotted while browsing on line

Therapy for Girls is a shop in Midelton in Cork. They’re nothing only a tease on Snapchat these days. I want it all. They have a super sale. Well three or four bits 😉 Anyone who knows me well knows I’m partial to B&W.  They will do postage to anywhere as well – trust me I know ! Ha !  They are at Market  Green Shopping Centre in Midleton and have a great FB page.

 

 

 

Who doesn’t need, want or have a good white shirt or blouse ? Stiff neck, V neck, round neck, collar less ! You just can’t beat them. Inside a blazer, fitted on its own with a high waisted tailored trousers.   In the office with an A line skirt. I’m teaming it here with a nude or beige piece because Spring is coming. Thinking beyond black. I’ve taken all four of these images from Pinterest.

 

 

 

I love the Ralph Lauren one because if you look closely you will see that the front is buttoned at a diagonal from left shoulder to right hip.  A very flattering fit for those carrying weight around the tummy.

 

 

 

Do I start with the Cape or start with the designer ? Marion Murphy Cooney is The Design Atelier based in my hometown of Nenagh. I follow her social media like a teenager with a crush. A fantastic Irish Designer who will do custom made pieces for all the lovely ladies and who also has up to date on trend affordable pieces. You will regularly see her pieces featured on TV programmes such as Expose, Ireland AM & the likes. She had also featured at Kerry Fashion Week.  Marion is on all social media or check the website out here

 

Leopard Print is either for you or not! For me it’s a hint of the wild creature that appeals. A leopard print belt with all black. Your leopard print shoes or boots with all black, a Federo with a nice warm coat – red at Christmas maybe. Back to the Cape. I didn’t realise until I listened to Elaine when I was planning my own Christmas Day outfit (corny but you know what I mean) that there are different styles shapes and sizes. Some have a savage amount of material. This one here from Marion at The Design Atelier is so classy, neat, tidy, and on trend. The structured shoulders add a touch of feminine and shape definition. I love it.

These runners are from Penny’s. While I might not wear them pounding the roads for an hour I would certainly cope with strolling to the beach with the lads wearing these.
That’s my little take on the January Sales or my picks . Bit of an unusual one for me but I hope you enjoyed it.

Lots to whet the appetite for the Spring ladies, don’t you think !

Happy Browsing,

Elaine

 

 

Flourish with Organics Skincare

 

After being introduced to Flourish Organics at the Spa in the Dingle Skellig I was curious to find out more about them … Especially when I heard that they are the go to range for two 5* hotels in Kerry ! I’m partial to a spot of 5* when the purse strings are loose enough ! They are the “go to” brand stocked in the 5* Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney and also the 5* Park Hotel in Kenmare.  Had the luck to get contact details for the lovely Klaus of Flourish Organics who was so kind as to present me with a bag of treats. Klaus is so passionate about the work they do in Clonkeen and having used the products for over a month now I can see why.

Before I go on to talk about them I must share a memory ! Some of you will probably relate ! On opening and taking the obligatory sniff of the Rose Face Cream I was immediately brought back to my Grandmothers little glass jar of Ponds Cold Cream,  the smell is just the same.  So flowery – aka the Rose Cream.  There definitely roses in there somewhere however they got them in.

Klaus did mention to me that its good for Rosacea … As I do have a bit of the good aul Rosacea on my cheeks i was sceptical but I’ll give anything a try.

Pause …. I’ve just had to skidaddle to a mirror to check how rosy my cheeks look.  I think its hereditary ! I’ve just looked up things that trigger Rosacea and google reckons alcohol, hot or spicy food, emotional stress and heat are all triggers…….. Ladies if this is the case we could all have Rosacea.

I’ve been using the Vitamin E Face Cream every day now and I must say there is a “calmer” looking effect on my skin.  Goes on easily and smells of Roses.  I love the Peppermint and Tea Tree Foot Lotion from the Flourish Organics Range.  It smells divine!.  Leave it on the bedside locker and give your footsies a little treat before bed every night. They’ll thank you for it.

The Calendula lotion was one of the first I used … Maybe three months ago now when the weather was much warmer and I do remember finding it really cooling on my skin after a few hours at the beach so I reckon there’s lots of soothing ingredients in it 😀

I may seem a bit of a freak when it comes to cleansers.  I think their are different cleansers our there to do different jobs.  I prefer a good old cleanse when I have makeup on and maybe not such a hard working one when I just need to wash my face after a long day.  The Flourish Organics cleanser is a nice light weight face cleanser, doesnt get foamy or gritty on the skin and is great when you want to just wash your face before bed time and have had no makeup on during the day.  Apply it to the face, give it a little massage into the skin and wipe clean with a face cloth.

I’m all about face oils,  I love them so that’s next on my list. If you like a product made from natural ingredients, home grown here in Ireland, Kerry even and admire the fact that such high profile hotels in the county are stocking it … well then its well worth a try.

Klaus does all the farmers markets and I’m sure he’ll be seen at the Christmas markets throughout the county. Go have a chat, you’ll find he’s a wealth of information on all things natural & organic ! I’m sure they’ll have lots of lovely gift sets for Christmas

E,x 

Cocoa Brown Tan Review

So I get confirmation a few weeks back that I’ve been selected as @CocoaBrown Tan Blogger of the week ! Delighted !