My Mini Break In Dublin Part 2 (The Shopping & Clothes One!)

A mini break wouldn't be any sort of break without a stop off in Duty Free right?  I was racing through it last year so didn't have a chance to stop but this time my Mum and I had plenty of time for a browse.  She reminded me that every make-up box needs a good clear out and as I'd raved about the Urban Decay Naked Basic's that actually mine was well over 2 years old.  Oops!  I hadn't realised there was a second version out and the colours were gorgeous.  So at £17.99 that was my little treat!  They go on so nicely and are really natural.  

Using the middle two shades

Naked 2 Basics £24 

So on with the birthday spends - I'd stashed it away ready for my trip!  Not one to pass a TK Maxx, I always pop in when I'm in Dublin (last time I bagged the most gorgeous Chloe sunglasses!).  I'm spending a little more on my basics now as it's really worth it in terms of fit and quality.  This James Perse t-shirt was €27.99 but really looked good on so I felt it was worthy of the price tag for such a simple garment.  

Now this one I also went and spent a little more than normal on. I blogged previously about a navy sweater from TK by Karl Lagerfeld. Unfortunately it went back as had shrunk and faded after one wash. I was gutted. My friend has a gorgeous grey sweater from Whistles that I've been coveting for a while now. When I saw the Whistles sale rail I made a pact with myself that if there was a sweater in my size, I was to get it. There literally was one in a navy, slightly larger than I would normally take which I prefer in jumpers so it was meant to be. It worked out around the £50 mark and after I bought it I frantically panicked it would be cheaper in the UK - it's not often I buy on impulse but I had no wifi to check online! It was about the same and only had an XS left so it was all ok......!

Coat; Warehouse
Jeans; Topshop
Boots; Gap

We were walking past a shop window when my sister spotted these socks - yes, I love a toasty sock and even more so when it's the thickest cashmere!  Um, yep, I pushed the boat out as they were about £12 but it's not often I have a girly week-end with my Mum and sister and as I have birthday pennies left, still, what better way to spend them but on socks and a new hat?!?!  Cute pink though and that was £8 so I couldn't resist.  

On the last day I literally ran into the Zara on the off chance there was anything left in the sale.  I saw this top for €12.99 and as my sister could return it for me, grabbed it to try on when we got back to hers (we were flying back that afternoon).  It came home with me.  Such a sucker for a cream blouse. 

As we only took hand luggage with us it was a tight squeeze on the clothing front (plus the additional buys and also a rug for my Mum - I still don't know how I got it all back!).  I decided to take my faux fur Topshop coat (purchased via eBay last year) as it really glams up an outfit but keeps everything simple underneath, warmth and comfort as there was a lot of walking!  I literally packed a few pairs of jeans, my black suede Timberland boots, thermal vests and a series of jumpers.  My coat really was the perfect edition!  Oh and I'm not subtle about my socks with ankle boots like these.  Show that extra layer, adds a little character!  

Blue jeans with grey jumper!

Black jeans with cream jumper!
Bag; Chloe

My Mini Break In Dublin Part 1 (The Food)

My sister lives in Dublin so last year when there was a sale on flights, Mum & I bagged a long week-end trip via Ryan Air for a whole £58 return each!  We flew Thursday evening and returned Sunday night.  It was a proper girly week-end with lots of laughs, amazing food, shopping, make-up talk and more importantly for me, no time limits or school runs to do.  It really was a wonderful trip.  My sister completely spoiled us and took us to the nicest restaurants so I thought I'd share some snaps on here in case anyone was thinking of going.  I even managed a glass of wine with one meal and Kir Royale with another (I really don't drink - especially wine or champagne but I decided it was a real treat week-end and I was going to try the whole ladies that lunch thing.  That being said, I still don't like wine!).  

First up was a 6 course tasting menu at Forest Avenue unless you know about this place you wouldn't find it as it's of the beaten track.  I was mesmerised watching the chefs at work. Growing up with a chef as a father has always left it's mark on food for my family, we are proper 'foodies'.  I have never done this kind of thing before, where literally you don't know what you get until it's served.  However you can tell them if there's anything you don't like, I specified Octopus (there was none anyway) and venison which they swapped for mackerel.  The portions were just so that we walked about not absolutely stuffed and unable to function for the day - it was utter perfection and I really would highly recommend you pay this husband and wife duo a visit.  

Due to my current home renovations my eye is always on the decor at the moment.  This caught my attention as soon as I walked through the door - how gorgeous is this!

Obligatory 'arty' shot.  These were the only two pieces of glam that day, it was warmth all the way for the rest of the outfit.

There were more 'snacks' and courses I failed to take snaps of as they were eaten far too quickly!  Clockwise from top left (and my memory!) some breads, goats cheese & mushroom pesto of sorts to start, savoury doughnuts, John Dory with spinach and I just can't remember the last but it was delicious!

It's not often that artwork captures me but this did.  It was done especially for the owners by Paul Hughes.

Best mackerel I've ever eaten.  I can't tell you the rest of what was on the plate but it was devoured in nano seconds. 

Pudding loveliness.  Literally.  

The most perfect natural mint tea and sandstone work tops which I also fell for (now on the hunt for for my kitchen!)

The head chef (& owner) came over to talk to us and bought these mini doughnuts.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  I say no more. 

The next day we went to a Michelin guide restaurant called The Pigs Ear.  This time it was a 2 course meal and similar to the above, I wasn't left full to bursting which I really don't enjoy, it kind of ruins a meal for me.  I think I've set my standards quite high now, a la carte tasting menu's all the way for me.......

Goats cheese, carrots, yumminess etc etc.

Chicken, parsnips, bread and butter sauce, crispy bacon and some blackcurrants thrown in for goos measure. 

We finished the weekend with Afternoon Tea at The Shelbourne, being serenaded by a pianist of course.  The staff were all so friendly and it was a lovely way to end our 3 days together before our flight.  Naturally knowing One Direction had stayed there made me feel like I'd been in good company as well as the Elemis toiletries in the bathrooms (yes, it's the little things).

The cakes were all based around paintings done by Michael Flatley which also adorned the walls around us.  

Just to get your mouth watering....

The chandelier of all chandeliers.  

A matcha latte - it was so good and perked me up as I was feeling a little tired.  

We didn't notice these flowers when we came in for some reasons but stopped to admire them on our way out.  

So after being treated like Queens all week-end, sharing my sister's La Mer and La Prairie toiletries it's back to reality with a bang and school runs, dinners, clubs etc.  However it was a welcome break and one I won't forget in a hurry.  It really is good for us Mummy's to take a step back at times, have a long hot bath, not run around like headless chickens and talk without being interrupted.  Strangely enough after lots of make-up chat with my Mum one of the first things I did when I got to my sisters was wash all my makeup brushes - a job that I never make time for at home!

I decided to break this post up as there were so many food pictures if I added purchases and outfits into the mix you'd be reading forever and who has time for that!?!  So part duex will be up shortly!

The Cos Round-Up

I've just come back from a lovely few days visiting my sister in Dublin with my eldest daughter.  My sister is my true partner in crime when it comes to shopping, we could both spend hours upon hours roaming and purchasing but as we had a 7 year old with us, it was rained in.  I did pas a Cos though and as requested by Sue, he's a little round up from their latest offerings.

The midi is here to stay

Fabulous floral skirt

I've been a little late to the table in Cos appreciation but one thing that has stood out for me is their materials.  I have some great silk and cotton tops that have washed so well.  I also like the simplicity of a lot of their pieces.

Silk top £45

Silk t-shirts in a variety of colours £39

Boxy top £35

Leather shopper £135

Leather cross body bag £115

100% wool coat £150

90% wool & cashmere/polyamide balance £150

I didn't purchase as I was being pulled out of the shop to get on a Viking Tour Bus (it was worth it though, I fully recommend it if you are visiting Dublin) but I plan on spending more time in their when I get some child free shopping hours.