Life is always what you make of it
Well I’m back and moderately rested after my staycation and I’m such a hardcore staycationer that I didn’t even leave Cork county!
We managed to fit in around three different types of holiday in one week, starting out with a few days in Courtmacsherry which, when the sun is shining, could rival any European fishing village. Then we spent a night in the Imperial Hotel for Rob’s birthday, and finally we headed back to the beach for a night away with some friends of ours.
It’s a wonder I didn’t need a few days to relax once it was over! Is there anything more disorientating than that first day back after a week off? It’s a serious case of the Glenroes the night before, and then all day you’re wondering if it was even worth going away for a few days such is the level of lethargy.
But once you have that first day over, you’re back into the swing of things once again.
It was lovely to have a few different types of holidays, and while being by the beach was lovely, it was even nicer getting away to stay a night in a hotel and having our meals served to us and just being able to stroll around the city.
We tried the new menu at Thyme at 76 on the Mall in the Imperial Hotel, and as well as being so tasty, there’s also a strong emphasis on regional, seasonal and sustainable produce in line with the hotel’s Because We Care programme. They source from local producers, not only to support the local economy, but also to minimise carbon footprint and the impact on the environment.
Being in such a glam setting, we of course had to sample one or two cocktails, and again, so much of the alcohol is sourced from Irish distillers and producers. There’s even a margherita with Irish tequila in it! Needless to say, the drinks were a big hit with both of us.
Sitting in the window seat of the restaurant looking out at the world passing by on South Mall, one could be forgiven for thinking you were sitting in a Parisian restaurant. The atmosphere, good food and drinks and super friendly staff makes for an excellent night out and definitely what’s needed after the last few months of lockdown.
Anyway holidays aside, I can really see things picking back up again in fashion and retail which is great to see as we need to support the small local businesses and boutiques that managed to keep themselves afloat in the most difficult of circumstances over the past few months.
Work is starting to be as busy as ever which is great but I really feel being in lockdown has made me realise you need to take time for yourself, also - meaning picking and choosing projects that you enjoy and that are important to you.
I’ve got a few interesting shoots planned with the G&T Style Club that I run on Instagram with my friend Gill, including an interesting collaboration with a local distillery and jewellers as well as some of our regular style edits.
I love doing the edits for a number of reasons because as well as focusing my attention and rediscovering items I already have in my wardrobe, it’s also a great opportunity to discover new businesses as well as supporting local retailers that myself and Gill love working with.
It’s all go really at the moment but after months of being idle, I’m certainly not complaining.