10 Things Under €10 | #IrishBlogCollab

Hi everyone

This week for the #IrishBlogCollab we are talking about "10 Things Under €10". I decided that I would show my mothering side by talking about 10 "Baby" Things Under €10. Having a baby can be so costly so I think its a great bargain when you can get anything for under €10. It all adds up, leaving you with a giant big hole in your pocket.

My 10 Baby Things Under €10 are:

1. Terry Towel Squares
   
   I had 30 of these (Yes, 30!). My son used to spew a lot and I found I was never without one of these cloths. I found them much better than the muslin cloths for soakage. The ones that I got were actually advertised as the "Reusable Nappies" and I got them from Guineys for €1.25 each.
2. Clevamama Clevafeed 
   
   This is such a handy little thing for a teething baby and to introduce new flavours. You just pop open the feeder and place some food into the teat. I found it great for introducing my son to new fruits. When my little man was teething I would put some cold fruit into the teat and let him chew on it.  It costs approx €6.99.
3. Calpol Vapor Plug & Nightlight  
   
   I love this product (Even for ourselves!!!). It releases lavender and camomile vapours to allow for easy breathing during the night. It also has a handy blue nightlight. It costs approx €8.99 and is available from any Supermarket or pharmacy.
4. Car Sunshade 
   
   These are so handy for trips in the car, in particular now that summer is approaching. I hate to look into at my son and see him squinting from the sun so these really help to protect his little eyes. They are actually on special in Aldi from Sunday 10th May for €5.99 for 2!
5. Foam Tiles 
   
   My son is at the crawling stage and I hate him crawling on the hard cold tiles so I bought some foam tiles for the floor. They come with different patterns, shapes, letters and numbers. I got the tiles with the numbers. I found that they varied hugely in price and would cost anything from €10 for 10 all the way up to €70. I ordered mine from ebay.ie and they cost me €9.99 incl postage. They are approx 1ft by 1ft in size.
6. Babypotz 
   
   Once my son started on solids, finding reasonably priced food storage was a challenge. I like to make food in bulk and freeze it down but to buy storage pots in big quantities was extremely costly. That was until my lovely friend Eimear introduced me to Babypotz, link here. I ordered the Stage 2 Weaning Pots (For 6+ months) on a Wednesday afternoon and they arrived at my door on Thursday morning! They cost €8.50 for 20 X 3ox pots.They are dishwasher and microwave friendly and are suitable for use in the freezer and also in the steriliser. The pots can be bought in a range of sizes so I actually went back and ordered the larger sizes and I use them for everything, not just for food storage!
7. Sock with Grips 
   
   Now that our little son is crawling and climbing, walking is the next step and I have found that he slips quite easily when wearing normal socks. My mother got him 2 pairs of socks in Blarney Woollen Mills (Approx €8.99) with grips on the soles. They are great for when he is on timber or tiled floors. They are expensive for one pair but I have found them great. You can get them in any good nursery/baby shop.
8. Caldesene Powder 
   
   This is a product that I use on my son to help with nappy rash, not that he ever gets much, but I found that the Caldesene Powder, when applied if his bum was particularly sore, soothed and calmed the redness. I would only use it if necessary. Its a great product and has other uses, aside from just nappy rash treatment, like heat rash treatment! It costs approx. €6.80 for 55g.
9. Baby Bath Toys 
   
   
   
   
   These are not a necessity but I have found that the older my son gets the more he loves his baths so having a few bath toys have been great. He hates having his hair washed so once that is done I'll give him a few of the toys and he has great fun slashing about. They are so reasonable, starting at approx. €2, and can be bought almost anywhere. They can be bought individually or be bought as a multi pack.
10. Musical Nursery Rhyme Books 
    
    I love these because they are a great way for you and your child to interact, although at times the tunes drive me mad when played again and again and again! They can be bought with every different nursery rhyme. We have one with the tune to "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and my little man loves it. They can be quite cheap but can also be very expensive depending on where you buy them but we found one on Amazon.com for €9.99.

That's my list, its a mixed bag really but I used everything on the list and found them great!

You can follow the other members of the #IrishBlogCollab by checking out their blogs (Listed Below) or by searching the hashtag on Twitter.

Catherine of Breathing Silver Linings
Cat of Mentally Beautiful
Lara of The Love Song of Fashion
Maeve of Thrift O'Clock
Marie of The Beaut mum
Sharon of Behind Green Eyes
Zoe of I Believe In Romeo

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Twitter: @deeglamglow
Instagram: @deeglamglow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamandglow

BHGreat Limerick Run | Half Marathon

Hi everyone!

As I crossed the finish line, with squelching feet, an aching body and clothes dripping like a leaking tap, I wondered if it was a half marathon or a wet t-shirt contest that I had just completed?!

Sunday was the Great Limerick Run and I participated in the half marathon along with my sister, Orla. 

 


It literally was a day of 4 seasons. The day started out pretty cloudy and by the time the clock struck 11.45 and we began our 13 mile run, the sun was out and it was a glorious day. I actually got a lovely colour in my face and by the time that I was running down Clancy Strand, past the Curragower Pub, I had the sleeves of my t-shirt rolled back. It was just beautiful and Limerick City looked amazing!

 


Now I'm not a fast or experience runner so for most of the half marathon participants they were well finished before winter decided to arrive. In the last 4 miles I was caught under 4 torrential downpours. My runners were water logged and all my clothes were sopping wet. It was so hard to run with such heavy feet and wet clothes. Running into the rain was like running into a shower of bullets and the wind (although somewhat refreshing) was like a wall trying to stop me from reaching my goal of falling over the finish line!


I did it though and recieved my bottle if water and refreshments and fab medal!

 


My Half Marathon

 


I set out on this running journey back in January never having any idea that I would try my hand at a half marathon! When I think about it I know that I must have been mad be cause training wise I was no where near ready for it but I still took it in. It was only in a moment if extreme madness that I signed up for it but it's all for a great cause!


Over 13,000 other participants took part in the Great Lumerick Run. There were a number of events including a 6mile, the half and full marathon. The buzz was just amazing as Mr Motivator, Richie Clifford, and his Zumba crew got the crowd warmed and hyped up for the event ahead. 

The atmosphere was electric with everyone full if excitement and apprehension. I, however, was a bag of nerves, as I normally am, but I was so nervous that I had a lump in my throat and my eyes began to water. For me it's always a mental as much as a physical battle and I doubt myself and put way too much pressure on myself. That's just me I suppose!


Orla and I said goodbye at the start of the race, because she was aiming for a particular time,it suited me fine because I've gotten so used to running with nothing but my headphones! 


The first 2 miles and last 2 miles, more so than at any other stage along the route, were so well supported. The buzz just lifted me and spurred me on! It was great to see such fantastic support. The traffics was horrendous though and I feel bad for anyone stuck in it!


The route itself was fairly flat apart from an incline at the 2 mile, 5 mile and 8 mile markers but they were nothing to major. The incline at the 5 mile marker at The Crescent Shopping Centre was probable the hardest but it was nothing that I couldn't manage. I've ran races, lily the Pakie Ryan Memorial Run, with worse inclines.


I found it very tough on one occasion, so much so u began to upset myself! When we passed the 7 mile mark we had to run over Sarsfields Bridge and then took a right into Clancy Strand. This was, for me, where my mental wall beat me down. It was because I knew that I probably had 45-60mins left to run but I was facing the front markers on their final stretch, it totally trained me and I lost my motivation. The crowd cheered so loudly but I realized that it wasn't for me or those running next to me, it was, in fact, for those athletes breai g the end if their journey. This  was such a low point for me, a beginner attempting somethingso enormous in my small little world.

I ran for 7 miles and walked 1/2 mile and ran 1 mile after that. It was tough because by the time I hit the 9 mile mark and rounded the corner at the Gaelic Grounds, the rain felt like a shower of bullets hitting me and the wind was so hard to run into. It was at this point that the 6 mile runners started to pass me out. This didn't help my mental state AT ALL and at that stage I just wanted to fall down and cry but I knew that if I walked/run I would make it to the end!

My sister finished ahead of me and her fiancé met her at the finish line. At that stage the rain was pouring down so the took shelter in a doorway while waiting for me. The great thing about it all was that there was a tracking facility so the guys knew approximately what time I would reach the finish line. This facility was brilliant! It saved them from getting even wetter and colder!

I decided that I would try taking an energy gel during the race (I actually too 2 of them) because I had heard that they are great to boost energy levels and I knew that I'd probably need it. I had heard mixed reviews though, with some people saying that it would give me an upset stomach whereas others said that they were great. I decided that I would try them so at the 3 mile and 6 mile I took one and they definitely helped me. I was only sorry that I didn't have 2 more to help me get to the finish line. 

I crossed the finish line in 2hours 45mins 58sec. Am I happy with that? No because I wish that I could have ran the whole thing and in a much better time but I have to keep reminding myself of what I have achieved. I will aim to do another one but only once I am more ready training wise. 

If I never do anything else in my life I can always say that I completed a half marathon and that in itself is a great achievement regardless of the result. Oh yes and I stopped traffic in Limerick city (well me and 13,000 other runners!!!).

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow


Dee x

#3LittleWords

Hi everyone!

Today was the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run and I participated in the half marathon. I definitely was not fully prepared but I'll do a full blog post on the run in the next few days.

For me, it was so tough. We had 4 seasons in one day and by the 9.5mile marker I was like a drowned rat and struggle in a big way. By the time I got to the 12.5mile mark I was running SLOWLY and in tears because I knew my time was crap, I felt crap and I was exhausted! 

At that stage, with 1/2 mile to go, 4 or 5 people tapped me on the back and said those #3LittleWords:

"Push through it"

I needed that encouragement. It was from total strangers but it was so nice. I struggled so much and for those people to acknowledge me, a random person, it felt great and have me the lift that I needed to finish the race! 

Thank you to those people, who ever you are, I really appreciate the encouragement!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

At-Home Facial Routine

Hi Everyone!

So as I mentioned in last weeks post (link here) I would detail my at home facial routine. It has been 5 weeks since I started my skincare challenge, Bringing The Glow Back To My Skin. Overall I wouldn't say that the results have been amazing but I am happy that I have managed to keep up my skincare routine. This is have the battle because going for facials are not beneficial if you are not looking after your skin in between.

 

As relaxing and enjoyable as facials can be they also serve an important purpose. Ideally they should be performed once per month only and preferably 2 weeks prior to your wedding date or special occasion.

The main purpose, of a facial, is to encourage cell renewal and regeneration. This is done through the improvement of circulation thus increasing the flow of oxygen-enriched blood to skin cells. This gives your skin a healthy glow and plumps skin cells with vital nutrients and water, reducing the appearance of wrinkled and dry skin.

It is natural after a facial to have a breakout or two, and it’s for that reason that you should not have a facial the week of your special occasion. The reason for this is that our skin is getting rid of any impurities hidden in its lower layers and it brings it out in the form of nasty blemishes. It takes the skin 1 full month to naturally exfoliate old cells and to produce new cells so it is for this reason that we only have a facial once per month.

 

Home Facial Routine:

I have devised my own at-home facial routine. I just use my regular skincare products. I don't think that I need to buy specific products for the facial. Its up to yourself what products you would like to use. Below I have detailed my At-Home Facial Routine.

1.       Cleanse – Apply your cleanser and work over the skin on the face and neck, ensure that you do not forget the corners of the nose, and use upward motions (Using downwards motions will drag the skin downwards and seeing as the facial muscles are the most receptive muscles in the body, using downward strokes is not a good idea!)

2.       Tone – We tone at this stage in order to remove any excess cleanser from the skin

3.       Scrub – You can make your own homemade scrub by adding some sugar to your facial wash or alternatively you can buy a scrub in any pharmacy, salon or supermarket. Again use upward motions and avoid the skin around the eyes as this area is very sensitive.

4.       Tone - We tone at this stage in order to remove the scrub from the skin. I love Garnier Micellular Water.

5.       Steam – This is a lovely part of the facial routine. Facial steamers can be bought from time to time in Lidl or Aldi or for under €20 in Boots but if you do not have a steamer you can simply use a pot of boiling water with a towel over your head. I like to add a drop of lavender oil into the water and the fragrance is so relaxing. Keep your face approx 10 inches from the pot and allow the steam to soothe your skin for approx 10 mins. The steam will open up your pores.

6.       Face Mask – Apply your mask using upward strokes avoiding the eye area. Now that your pores have been opened by the steam the mask can draw the impurities out. After 10 mins remove your mask with a hot damp towel. I love love love love Tescos "Pro Formula Purifying Thermal Face Mask" as it has a lovely warming effect on the skin when applied with damp hands!

7.       Massage –A little massage with a little oil is lovely (Almond, grapeseed or jojoba seed oils are all good but if you do not want to use oil on your skin then your moisturiser is fine). Apply a little bit of oil and massage using upwards motions

8.       Tone – Using 2 pieces of cotton wool apply some toner all over the face and neck. Ensure that you have removed any residue of the product. The steam will have opened your pores so the toner will close your pores, preventing infection.

9.       Moisturise/Eye Cream – Apply eye cream by lightly dabbing the skin around your eye with your ring finger (The pressure of your index and middle fingers would be too much in this area). Finish off by applying your moisturiser, using upward strokes, to the face and neck. At the moment I am using the Lidl Skin care range and I find it great.

Homecare advice

 

After any type of facial, salon or home based, there are a number of steps that you should follow so as to reduce any damaging effects. These include:

·         Avoid makeup for 12 hours

·         Avoid sunlight for 12 hours

·         Avoid any harsh or heavily fragranced products

·         Follow your daily skincare routine

·         Drink 1.5-2L of water each day

·         Get 7-8 hours sleep each night

·         Avoid smoking, alcohol or greasy/fatty foods

·         Eat plenty of fruit and veg

·         Wear an SPF

 

I am running a half marathon in limerick this weekend so I will be doing the At-Home Facial following the run. It's a great way of relaxing and getting some well deserved "Me-Time". It can be a nice idea to do the facial routine with a friend and make a girly night out of it!

 

I hope you enjoy my easy At-Home Facial Routine.

 

 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Guest Post | #IrishBlogCollab

Hi everyone!

This week for the #IrishBlogCollab we will each be doing a guest post on someone else’s blog. I was lucky to be paired with Sharon from behindgreeneyes.com. Thanks Sharon for having me! Here is Sharons post:

This week for the #IrishBlogCollab, everyone taking part gets to guest post on someone else's blog. I'm Sharon, I blog at Behind Green Eyes, and I was delighted to be paired with Denise.

I want to talk to you about books – I have five great holiday reads (none with the word 'Girl' in the title) that would be worthy of a space in your suitcase if you're looking for a new read this Summer, or perfect for relaxing with at home.

 

1. Elizabeth is Missing - Emma Healey.
   Maud is struggling with the onset of dementia, and is sure that her friend Elizabeth has gone missing. But who will believe her when she can't remember anything some days? Something happened to Elizabeth's sister Sukey when they were younger, and Elizabeth is determined to do something to find out what happened Sukey and Elizabeth. A great read with a touch of mystery and a lot of heart.
2. Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel.
   What do you get when you cross a travelling symphony and the Georgia flu? A fantastic dystopian read in which several people cross paths while struggling to survive in a world that has lost 90% of its population to a deadly disease. This isn't nearly as bleak as it sounds – it's a real page turner.
3. The Lake - Sheena Lambert.
   Ireland, 1975, All – Ireland weekend. Detective Frank Ryan is called to a small sleepy town when a body is found. Though the locals are helpful, nobody seems to know anything about the dead person – but one resident knows, and it will mean upheaval for another. This was brilliant, really atmospheric and I loved the characters. I wanted it to be longer!
4. The Ice Twins - S.K. Tremayne.
   A couple inherit a lighthouse keeper's cottage on a small Scottish island. They think it will be the perfect new start after losing one of their twin daughters in a devastating accident – but when they start to prepare for the move, their other daughter begins to behave strangely, claiming she is Lydia, the twin who died. This was brilliant, full of twists and full of atmosphere with brilliant characters.
5. Dear Lizzie - Annie Lyons.
   Lizzie has lost her lovely sister Bea. When she goes to her funeral, she is given a box of letters left to her by Bea with instructions on how to straighten her life out. Over the course of a year, Lizzie follows Bea's instructions – and finds herself coming face-to-face with some past ghosts and some home truths. A brilliant holiday read that could have been predictable but is saved by great writing.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and that you find something new to read. Thank you for having me at Dee-termined to Glam and Glow, and please check out Denise's post at behindgreeneyes.com.

Thanks so much Sharon for taking the time to write such a great piece for Dee-Termined to Glam and Glow.

Catherine of Breathing Silver Linings
Eimear of Chirps From A Little Red Hen
Cat of Mentally Beautiful
Lara of The Love Song of Fashion
Maeve of Thrift O'Clock
Marie of The Beaut mum
Sharon of Behind Green Eyes
Zoe of I Believe In Romeo

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

I am the Mum who......

Hi everyone!!

I'm the Mum who......

• Loves when people say that my son looks like me
• Craves sleep but somehow manages to live without it
• Will sneak a few minute of sleep in my car during my lunch break at work 
• Melts every evening when I see the welcome that my son has for me
• Loves that my son is such an active baby
• Knows every cartoon and song on Baby TV
• Gets stressed and overwhelemed at times
• Loves that my husband will give ma a "night off" by letting me sleep in the spare room while he looks after our son
• Loves my cup of tea and some "me time" when the babba has gone to bed
• Sometimes gets so overwhelmed with love for my son that I will shed a tear
• Loves how my son reacts when his grandad sings "Home on the Range" to him
• Constantly runs down the battery on my phone looking at photos and videos
• Has maxed out the storage on my phone, from taking so many photos, on more than one occasion
• Loves that people tell me that my son is such a happy baby
• Enjoys watching reality tv
• Loves family time
• Doesn't go out much anymore
• Doesn't wear much makeup anymore
• Enjoys running and hiking
• Enjoys being in the outdoors
• Wishes we could win the lotto!!!
• Hopes that the summer will be nice
• Works fulltime
• Hates seeing my son get sick
• Loves watching the giggles from my son when he plays with his dad 
• Wants to be as fit and healthy as possible 
• Wants only the best in life for my son
• Would go without food, clothes and shelter so that my son could have them
• Thinks my son is the cutest, best, nicest, cleverest, bravest little boy in the world
• Loves my husband to pieces
• Feels blessed to have such a great family

This post was a real fun one for me and I'd like to thank Eimear of Chirps From A Little Red Hen for the nomination. Now I'd like to nominate:

Sharon from Behind Green Eyes

Marie from The Beaut Mom

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

#3LittleWords

Hi everyone!

What a beautiful day outside! I hope you all enjoyed the weekend?

This weeks #3LittleWords we're happy ones! They were:

"See You Soon"

These are words that we hear all the time but I had a lovely weekend being visited by family! 

It started yesterday when my sister-in-law and 2 lovely nieces called for a DVD day that I had promised them for ages. It was quite miserable outside yesterday so we all got into our PJ's and let the fun begin.

The girls and their mom spent all day lounging around with Colin and I and we had an absolute ball. So much so that by 8.30 last night I was shatterred. I just don't know where they get their energy from?! Colin was fascinated watch them play and I know that once he's a little bit older he will be following them around all the time.

Today I heard those magic #3LittleWords again from my fabulous sister and her fiancé. They decided to call down to spend the day with us, which doesn't happen as often as we'd all like. We live 10 mins from my husbands family and over an hour from my family so it's not as easy to drop in for a cup of tea. 

We had lunch and chatted and spent a relaxing day having some family time. My sister is getting married in September so she is very busy with wedding plans so the "time-out" was a well deserved break for her and gave Colin some bonding time with his wonderful godmother.

It was so lovely having some family time. Thanks Mary, Ciara, Lauren, Orla and Darren for making my week! I'm full of positivity after a lovely weekend, it's a great feeling!!!

Have a great week everyone.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x