A Taste of Dresden

I recently was fortunate enough to be invited to Dresden to attend the annual German Travel Mart. Whilst my full review will appear in the Ulster Tatler, it was such a unique trip that I thought I would share a few of the many snaps I took along the way.

Dresden, which is the state capital of the German state of Saxony, is distinguished by its museums and culture, its classic architecture and its picturesque views, particularly of the Dresden Elbe Valley which stretches along the river Elbe. From the inviting new town to the charming old town, there really is something to see, somewhere to explore and adventures to be had, by all.

Here’s just a selection of some of my favourite snaps from my first glimpse of this fascinating city.

Alicante in Pictures

It’s a beach life; soaking up the sun in Alicante.

I am still walking on sunshine after spending the weekend in Alicante. I was invited to spend 48 hours in this port city, which is located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, as part of a press trip organised by Aer Lingus. I had not been to Alicante before and so I was super excited to get to explore all that this city has to offer, from sandy beaches to unique culture as well as gourmet food and wine to a remarkable history and stunning architecture. Whilst I am writing a full travel review on my experience for Ulster Tatler, I fell so in love with Alicante, which offers everything you could want from a city break, that I just had to share a little video collage I made of my time there. I hope you enjoy it…

Aer Lingus fly from George Best Belfast City Airport directly to Alicante. For more information on flights visit: http://www.belfastcityairport.com

Super Furry Animals

I love having a niece for many reasons, but today I discovered another one; she’s the perfect excuse to spend a Friday afternoon at Streamvale Farm, in Belfast. I finished work at lunchtime today and headed to meet my sister Gail and the tiny human. After something to eat,  we donned our coats and made for the farm.

I have never been to Streamvale Farm before and was looking for any excuse to go; if you think this is just a place for kids, think again. I love animals of all shapes and sizes and so as we made our way around the farm, and got to encounter piglets, peacocks, horses, roosters, cows, goats and donkeys, and got to pet chicks, puppies, and kits (or most commonly known as adorably cute tiny baby rabbits), I was completely in my element. I won’t lie, I think I had even more fun than the tiny human.

In addition to the animals, there are plenty of activities on daily throughout the Farm, from pony rides, barrel rides and tractor rides to watching Chase the resident farm dog complete the agility course in record speed; kids of all ages are sure to find something to keep them entertained.

As well as being a fun filled place for little ones, Streamvale Farm is the perfect place to escape from being an adult for a few hours. With furry animal cuddles aplenty, I am pretty sure I will be able to create another excuse so I can visit again soon.

Prices:

• Infants under 3:  Free
• Children aged 3-18: £6.60
• Adults, 18 and over: £7.20

http://streamvale.com

Posted: 21/04/2017

Top of the Hill

Parliament Buildings at Stormont Estate

I always like to try and get out and explore in some shape or form when I have a few days off, and so as it is Easter, it seemed the perfect time to visit one of the most famous buildings in Northern Ireland: Parliament Buildings at Stormont Estate. 

Although it was a public holiday and the building wasn’t open for tours, my family and I had a lovely walk around Stormont Estate which is much more than just the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly amd Executive. In addition to Parliament Buildings, it is also the location of several stautes, including the Reconciliation sculpture, which depicts a man and woman embracing across barbed wire and a 12ft bronze statue of Sir Edward Carson by L.S. Merrifield, to name a few. Additionally Stormont Estate features a number of walking/ running trails for all fitness levels, so whether you want a gentle walk or an all out park run to burn off those calorific Easter eggs, Stormont Estate, with its lush lawns and colourful bursts of flowers, offers a scenic setting to soak up the sights and sounds of the outdoors. 
Although we had to fit our visit in between rain showers, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to ‘The House on the Hill’, and whether you live in Northern Ireland or are simply just visiting, I definitely recommend checking it out; the tranquil sound of birdsong alone is enough to entice me back once the weather improves.

Posted: 17/04/2017

The statue of Sir Edward Carson

Little (and big) Burch at the House on the Hill

Northern Ireland ‘Take On’ Norway

The Logues

What do Norwegian band A-ha have in common with Little Burch? A love of Tyrone folk rock band The Logues!

As Northern Ireland prepare to ‘Take On’ Norway this Sunday in the World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park, it seems that when it comes to the world of music, the two countries and reached a draw. The Logue’s unique cover of A-ha’s iconic ‘Take On Me’ has gone viral; it has even attracted the attention of A-ha themselves, who loved the cover so much they shared it on their Facebook page!

The original song and video for ‘Take On Me’ totally mesmerised me as a kid. Clearly I was not alone as the song has been covered by Reel Big Fish and boyband A1, whilst the video was spoofed in an episode of Family Guy. For their version of ‘Take On Me’ to garner the seal of approval from A-ha themselves is a huge coup for The Logues, who have just completed a  European tour and are riding high after being voted ‘Best Folk Album’ for Comin Of Age, their last album, in a nationwide Magazine.

Kiel Cathers, lead singer for The Logues says: “Our set list mainly consists of our own original songs, we’re an original folk rock band primarily, but we cut our teeth playing covers, and we generally throw in a few of our favourites, mostly songs that we have grown up with, but we put our own stamp on them rather than just do a copy.”

“We began playing ‘Take on Me’ when we started touring our second Album Comin’ Of Age and it always got a great reaction. We have no plans to release the song, we just put this video up on our Facebook site for the craic.

“We were totally overwhelmed when A-Ha shared our post on their Facebook and humbled by the large amount of positive comments from fans and new fans from all over the world.

“With Norway Football Team travelling to Belfast to play Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifier, the track has taken on a bit of a life of its own, there was even been a conversations about a special pre-match performance. Unfortunately as we’re just back from Europe, and we’re heading back out to do some UK dates, it didn’t work out.”

Check out A-ha sharing the video, and the video itself here:

Posted: 23/03/2017

Summer Holiday

I haven’t posted in a while as I have been enjoying the sunny delights of Menorca with my husband Keith as well as my sister Gail, my brother-in-law Alan and their tiny human Rachel. 

This was the first holiday abroad we have all taken together and so it could have easily been a disaster; an 18 month old really rules the roost and sets the schedule. However, it was a very fun filled trip which mixed chilling by the pool and building sandcastles at the beach with day trips to a gin distillery and a boat ride across the gorgeous Mahon harbour as well as a little bartering at the local market. 

Our home during our stay was an apartment at Son Bou Gardens. It was spacious, had everything you needed including a lovely spot on the porch to sit and relax in the sun, and most importantly the apartment was in walking distance of three pools, the beach and a host of shops, bars and restaurants. Booked through Thomson Holidays, we were welcomed on arrival by Ryan, our designated tour rep for our stay. Ryan was available most days if we had any questions about the area or wanted to book any tours. He was an enthusiastic and friendly point of contact and definitely helped us make the most of our experience.

As my husband Keith says, I am a bit obsessed with sunsets, and so it is probably not surprising that the highlight of the trip for me was when the five of us went to dinner at lovely restaurant on the beach which gave the perfect view as the sun began to set. Once we had finished eating we had time to paddle in the ocean (the boys even got their feet wet but as they both had trainers on it was purely accidental on their part) as the sun made its final descent turning the sky alive with s palette of the most beautiful colours. I had a brilliant time snapping photos to my heart’s content and I will always cherish the memory of seeing such a beautiful sunset with some of my most favourite people. 

Menorca, the most chilled and probably family friendly of the Balearic Islands, definitely was a different holiday for us, however I can honestly say I loved every minute of it.  I think the best thing about going on holiday with a child, however, is that it really allows you to reconnect with your own inner child – this was certainly true for Keith who had as much fun building sandcastles as Rachel did. Whilst it’s always sad returning from a holiday you have been so looking forward to, I am back in Belfast with a bit of a tan and most importantly a load of lovely memories. 

I snapped a gazillion pictures of the sunset in Menorca but this is definitely my favourite.

Posted: 22/09/2016

Shake Up Your Make Up

I am a sucker for a good lippy. If I ever need a pick me up, it’s off to my nearest make up counter to sample the latest shades in stock. A new hue really does make you feel like a new you.

Today my ‘work wife’ Bronagh and I were very lucky to attend the launch of LA based make up collection, Lime Crime, at multi award winning make up artist Paddy McGurgan’s Belfast store. The super talented Paddy is the only official stockist of this collection in the whole of Ireland.

When we arrived, the store was bustling with ladies drooling over the vibrant and fun shades from Lime Crime’s new Velvetines range. I must admit I fell in love with so many, from the edgy ‘Cement’ and the bold ‘Jinx’ to the always classy ‘Red Velvet’. I sampled that many, the back of my hand resembles a fabulous rainbow! However after a very long debate with myself, I eventually asked Paddy’s recommendation, and settled on the very gorgeous and vibrant ‘Beet It’.

As if a new lip colour wasn’t enough, we were also spoilt with a generous goodie bag including a professional make up brush and eye glitter from Paddy’s own make up collection as well as a Mario Badescu cucumber cream soap!

As we departed in to the rainy night, I had a smile on my face, which will look so much more glam when I have it painted with my new Lime Crime Velvetines lip colour!

The exquisite Lime Crime make up collection is available in Paddy McGurgan’s three flagship stores in Belfast, Newry and Londonderry. http://www.paddymcgurganartist.com

Bronagh and I managing to tear ourselves away from the gorgeous Lime Crime Velvetines lip collection long enough for a selfie.

 

I had another surprise treat this week when I received a jam packed beauty bag from Lidl. Celebrating the launch of the new Cien cosmetic line, which is available in store today, this is the ultimate budget range to make your summer stylish.

Inside my wonderfully personalised make up bag (I am still tickled pink with the fact I have a personalised item, with my name spelt right, after years resigning myself to ‘Kelly’ emblazoned on everything from pens to Coke tins), was an amazing array of beauty products and travel minis. I am very excited to try the Cien BB Cream, which is a purse friendly £2.49! The Cien eyeshadows, lip glosses and lipsticks are available in pretty shades that will take you from looking glam by the pool to sultry at night, whilst the travel minis, which include a toothpaste for 39p, shaving foam for 49p and Men’s 2 in 1 Shower Gel Sport for 49p, to name a few, are perfect if you are travelling light.

I can honestly say I am impressed with the range. The colours and quality of the make up and the fantastic selection of minis is amazing, especially at such a budget friendly price. Summer just got so much brighter!

My fabulously personalised beauty bag!

Posted: 30/06/2016