Instagram Roundup | #IrishBlogCollab

Hi everyone!

Week 7 of the #IrishBlogCollab is our Instagram Roundup. I am ashamed to admit it but I am relatively new to Instagram so a lot of my photos are probably boring in comparison to others!!

My most recent photo detailed a little about me!

I provided a testimonial for the Run Clare Series. This was a fantastic series and I was delighted that the event organisers decided to use my testimonial on their website!

My sister and I before our first ever half marathon attempt at The Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run. 

Enjoying the sunshine, while it lasted, the Irish weather is so unpredictable so I like to enjoy the little nice weather that we get.

Setting out on a training run. I get such a great buzz from running and have accomplished so much in my short running "career"!

I love inspirational quotes and this one has stuck with me. I sometimes get consumed with negativity so positive people are hugely important for keeping myself positive and happy.

Going for a stroll with my little man. This is the road up from my house and it's so peaceful. I love trying to get out with my little man to boost our Vitamin D levels whenever possible.

Another inspirational quote but this one is my Favourites of all time and it was mylovely sister who introduced it to me. I only wish that I could travel more than I do!

You can follow my adventures on Instagram, @deeglamglow.

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

Recent Pinterest Finds | #IrishBlogCollab

Hi everyone!

Wow it's week 6 already of the #IrishBlogCollab and this weeks post is about our Recent Pinterest Finds.

I tend to dip in and out of Pinterest because I find it's addictive. My Pinterest Finds are all house related because at the moment we are  trying to decide on how to extend and renovate our little cottage. I hope you enjoy!

House Design (Link Here)

As I have mentioned, we live in a very small but lovely cottage. It has 5 rooms in total, with no hall or landing! We have 2 teeny tiny bedrooms so the plan is to extend and rennovate the existing cottage. I liked the extension on this house but realistically its probably a bit out of our budget. Every idea helps though!

Attic Space (Link Here)

I think the use of the space here is great, it would be a fab place to relax and unwind with a good book or even as a playroom for the kids. The upstairs in our cottage at the moment would be ideal for this idea!

French Doors (Link Here)

I can just imagine having BBQ's during the summer, wtih the family, in a beautiful area like this. We have a huge garden (Considering the house is tiny!!!) and to have doors like this to open out would be fab.

Stove Fireplace (Link Here)

We have a stove at the moment but I'd like to update the fireplace but also to keep some of the character and I think this nails exactly what I'd like.

Home Office (Link Here)

I work full time but in an ideal world I'd love to work from home and a home office like this one would be so nice. I would love to blog and work from this office. I love everthing about the layout and decor, its just to fresh!

Antique Oak Floor Boards (Link Here)

The colour of these floor boards is really nice. I love that it looks old but yet can be easily modernised. I think these would really suit the look that we are hoping for in our cottage extension.

Corner Chair (Link Here)

I can just imagine sitting on this chair with my little babba just chilling. Its a lovely chair to relax and curl up in. I think it would suit the corner of the sitting room or even in an open plan kitchen/dining/sunroom.
 
Log Coffee Table (Link Here)

Now this is something that I know that I could make myself. My dad has a farm and the corner of one fiel is very high so each year lightening strikes at least one tree. One of these trees, struck down during the winter just gone, was quite large and I actually said to Dad that I'd love to dry out some of the pieces of timer that he had cut in order to make a coffee table. I was going to get some toughened glass for the top of it. I still plan on doing it I jsut havent gotten around to it yet!

DIY Kitchen Lights (Link Here)

How cool are these lights?! I like to think that I am a crafty person but I'm not too sure if I could manage to make these. I think they would look so great and I'd love them in my kitchen!

Window Photo Frames (Link Here)

 

This is a great idea and so so easy to do. I think it looks very vintage too and so would suit my little cottage. Its amazing what you can do with a piece of "Junk" isnt it?

Walk in Wardrobe (Link Here)

Every girls dream and I'm no different. Ideally I'd love a big walk in wardrobe but I suppose I need to be realistic too because I'm sure space wise and money wise this wardrobe wuold be way over our budget but I think I'll definitely use it as inspiration.

Jewellry Storage (Link Here)

I'm like a magpie! I love anything that sparkles or glitters and so my jewellry collection is big (Its mainly costume jewellry though). I am also an organisational nut when it comes to my jewellry so I love this idea of well organised, easily viewable jewellry storage.

Childrens Timber Playhouse (Link Here)

What child would nto love this? I know that my little man and his cousins would never leave it! When I win the lotto I'll make sure that its one of my first purchases!

I love everything listed above but who knows whether I will actually use, try or take inspiration from them when we actually start work on our house!

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

Croagh Patrick Climb May 2015

Hi everyone!

So on Saturday we set out nice and early for Croagh Patrick, near Westport in Co Mayo. We were so lucky that the weather cleared, following the horrible week of rain that we had just had. The conditions were perfect for climbing, clear, cool and dry. Driving towards Westport you could clearly see Croagh Patrick with its well worn trail and the excitement and nerves began to build.

This was my second time climbing Croagh Patrick and this time I was much more prepared. Last time, back in 2011, I though I'd be well able but I found it so difficult (it didn't help that I had no fitness and climbed in jeans!) and I was in pain for a full week afterwards. This time I was ready!

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is a 764 metre mountain 8km outside Westport in Co Mayo, overlooking Clew Bay. It is Irelands holiest mountain with a pilgrimage taking place there on the last Sunday in July each year.

At the very bottom of the mountain there are a number of steps to be climbed and these would tire anyone out especially when you get to the top of them and look up. Its very daunting to see the mountain ahead and to think about the task that you are about to take on. You can see people dotted along the trail all slowly and carefully trying to make their way to the top.

The climb is made all the more difficult because of the ground. It is covered in loose rocks and stones. In some areas there are even flat rocks that can become slippy when wet. The first third and last third of the climb are the most difficult with the last third probably being the hardest. There is no need for a guide as the trail is very well worn so you can see where you are going all the way up. The last 100 yards can be very difficult to climb but more so to come back down and the loose stones can easily knock you off balance. I know all too well as I fell twice on the way back down but luckily I didn't hurt myself.

The climb itself is tough but you will see people of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels attempting to reach the top. When I first climbed Croagh Patrick, back in 2011, I had no fitness and found it extremely difficult. I was much fitter this time around but I still found it tough!

The Climb Itself

Orla, Aiden and I headed off at approx 12.30. We were fully equipped with all of our gear. We had walking poles, boots, water packs and even energy gels. We also had chocolate and jellies to snack on. The day itself was nice so we didn't need our waterproof jackets or anything else that might weigh us down.

We set off on our way with Aiden pushing on ahead and Orla and I climbing at our own comfortable pace. It wasn't long before he was half way up the mountain. We lost sight of him but we had told him to keep going all the way to the top and we would meet up there! Climbing is such a different kind of fitness to running so even though we are both fit, we found this difficult. Aiden, on the other hand, works as an Arborist (More commonly known as a Tree Surgeon) so he had the right type of fitness for the climb, thanks to his job.

Orla and I climbed 1/4 of the way before needing to take out our walking poles. I found these a huge help because if I lost my balance, which can happen a lot due to the uneven ground, they helped to steady me. We would climb for as long as possible and if we needed a break we made sure that we didn't stop for long as its so easy to get cold.

Over half way up there is a lovely flat area and it gave us the chance to relax and take in the views instead of the constant climb.The last third was, for us, the most difficult. We took our time, stopping when we needed a little rest. At this point the trail is narrow, steep and dangerous. There were a number of people stopped resting and some people even had folding camping chairs!

Each time we thought we were nearly at the top, the trail would turn the corner and we would  have more to climb. We finally made it up after 1 1/2 hours. Aiden got up in an hour but waited for us at the top. The church at the top was closed so we just took some photos and sat down for a little while taking in the beautiful scenery.

We spent 30mins at the summit before beginning our decent. I found descending to be much more strenuous on the legs than the climb. I also slipped twice, luckily not hurting myself, but even with my walking poles I still had to be extra careful. You need to dig your heels into the ground when descending and try not to lean forward. We went at a fast enough pace but Aiden, again, was like superman, getting to the bottom in 35mins! It took Orla and I just over 1 hour to descend the mountain and by that stage we were glad to be on flat ground.

That evening we went for a nice meal and some drinks in Wesport. None of us were particularly sore or tired and even the following day but by Monday, 2 days after climbing, we were all feeling stiff on our legs. I found it hard to go down the stairs at home and at work, but it was all worth it.

As stiff as I was following the climb and as tough as it was I am hoping to climb it again during the summer with my family. The thrill of reaching the top and taking in the breath taking views and the sense of accomplishment is addictive!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

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

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