Limerick Style Event 2016

To say I was excited about this event was an understatement. Being a limerick woman I was excited to show off my beautiful city to the 19 other bloggers that had been invited on Friday 9th December to the #limerickstyle event.

We began our day at 9am with some press pictures and a beautiful room was set up for our champagne breakfast at the 5* Savoy Hotel. Find them at www.savoylimerick.com We were extremely spoilt with an amazing array of pastries and of course prosecco! After which they served a full Irish breakfast so we were truly spoilt and set up for our long day ahead.

Our first stop was the O’Donnell Boutique in Catherine Street in Limerick. Anna and Elaine explained to us a bit about the shop and how it's a family run business with over 70 years service. So many beautiful pieces to choose from for every occasion. Check out their Facebook page O’Donnell Boutique. They also have a sister boutique called Lily Boutique on Roches Street in Limerick. It's an has a huge range of accessories with emphasis on eclectic fashion. I adored this store and we did the infamous mannequin challenge which was so much fun. Check out them out here Lily boutique

Next up was Ryans Jewellers which was a stones through across the road from Lily Boutique on Roches Street. 

Ryans Jewllers is another family business which opened in 1964 but is a jewellery store since 1876! Yes 1876..This year Fionagh told us that they celebrate 140 years as a jewellery store. Such a beautiful store and with top names like Henry London, Paul Costelloe, My iMenso and Raymond Weil they have so much on offer that would make beautiful gifts this Christmas.Check out Ryans Jewellers for more details.

Next up we had lunch served in Vision 2 Opticians by Aroi Restaurant.

Vision 2 Opticians is located on Henry Street in Limerick. They offer an extensive range of services from eye tests to dry eye assessments. They offer designer brands from Diesel to Guess frames and also a huge range of  designer sunglasses. 

While we were there we were served lunch by Aroi Restaurant who are located on O'Connell Street. I had the gorgeous Pad Thai but I must say I did struggle with the chopsticks the amusement of others but great fun learning how to use them. 

Check them out Vision 2 Opticians Aroi Restaurant

Our next port of call was The Attic Bridal where Orlaith showed us some beautiful gowns to suit all shapes and sizes. 

Niamh modelled a range of dresses from 2 piece dresses to amazing ball gowns. Aoibhinn,Marie and Caitriona also tried on dresses as who doesn't like an opportunity of dressing up in a wedding dress! Orlaith has a gorgeous setup as natural light pours through sash windows. It was so bright and with the intimate setting its every girls dream.

Check out their website The Attic Bridal

I must say the next shop didn't disappoint either. The Ivory Closet located at the end of Shannon Street offers an array of dresses for hire. Prices our extremely affordable ranging from €80 to €200. Designers from Rachel Gilbert to Sass and Bide adorn the rails and there is definitely something for everyone.

They have an amazing website The Ivory Closet so check it out. They run great sales also so keep your eyes peeled! 

As we were getting peckish we landed in the gorgeous Hook and Ladder for treats galore. To say we were spoilt all day was an understatement. From prawns to rocky road the choice was huge. I loved it so much I brought my mum there today for lunch and they offer kids menu for only €5 which is very reasonable. 

Limerick has so much to offer and this was just the scratch of the surface. Our great nightlife I hope will feature next time but we got to sample a new venue that has just reopened Teds on O' Connell Street.

Teds has been reborn and I must say it's amazing. We even had red carpet welcoming us. Clive welcomed us with goodie bags and cocktails for everyone. They have a resident DJ and live music also. Great venue for Christmas parties or birthdays. Delighted to see it open again and wish them the best of luck with it all. Check out their Facebook page Teds Venue

The day was topped off with me winning best dressed! Yes little old me..My outfit was as we say in Limerick #pennyshun and my boots were Oasis. I get to spend 2 nights in the Savoy Hotel and can't wait..

What a day, What an event, What a city! So proud to say I'm from Limerick and Friday just cemented that for me. To everyone for making it happen. Limerick City/County Council, Irish Blogger Agency and all the businesses for welcoming us with open arms. 

I can't wait for the next one and check out @mylifetheevent on Facebook and Snapchat for more pics from  the day.

Enjoy 

Patricia x

Exfoliation is your new best friend this Winter

Since my cleansing routine has stepped up a notch considering I had none! I've been looking into exfoliation and whether or not it's for me. The pros definitely out way to cons and have found some very interesting facts on why it's great for your skin. 

It improves skin texture,removes dry flaky skin, evens skin tone and it makes your skin smoother for makeup or tan application.

The big plus for me is that it's boosts collagen production to smooth away lines and wrinkles. Who doesn't want no wrinkles! Me me me me me...

I've always scrubbed my skin to an inch of his life with the next product to get rid of tan.

Now there is nothing wrong with using exfoliating gloves. I never saw them as part of my exfoliation routine just as cleaning my skin. I only ever used them for taking off tan but then Marissa Carter came into my life and created an amazing exfoliation tool and since then I've never looked back. Tough Stuff is a fantastic exfolator and I love it. It's a fantastic product and would highly recommend for anyone needing to take off tan or just as part of weekly exfoliating routine. A fab tip I've learned is use it on dry skin first to extreme exfoliation not for some but I love the feeling of deep exfoliation. It retails for €7.99 so won't break the bank!

Nip +Fab have a product for the lazy exfolator aka me! They are a glycolic exfoliating pad that smoothes the skin. It resurfaces and retextures the skin while the pores appear more refined and your complexion brighter. All Nip+Fab products are half price on boots.ie so these pads are only €8.99 normal retail is €17.99. I've just ordered some so will see how I get on and let you all know. 

My last thing is don't forget the lips. As we are definitely in the winter mode now our lips become extremely dry and chapped. The Body Shop have a fab Lipscuff which exfoliates and moisture in one. A top tip is mix brown sugar and honey to a paste and scrub lips enough to loosen dead skin. Apply lip balm after, I love Cicaplast lip by La Roche Posay it's extremely moisturising. 

I have a really long Santa list this year and I'm definitely going to try and take more care of my skin. I would love if you had any suggestions for me or what products you like or use. Leave a comment or message me on my facebook page My Life The Event 

Lots of Love

Patricia xx

To Cleanse or not to Cleanse...

So I'm trying my best at treating my skin with the best of products and of course taking my vitamins everyday to help keep my ageing skin looking flawless. Now I must say I am okay with using a face wipe after a night out as the last thing I want to do is do 3 steps of cleansing when I get in at stupid o'clock.
I've never used soap on my skin as I believe it's very drying on the skin and I think nowadays it's "not in fashion" anymore.
I'm ashamed to say for the first 25 years of my life I never cleansed, put moisturiser anywhere near my face or never took my makeup off after a night out. I know I know I still look amazing "cough cough". I suppose if bloggers were around when I was young I think they would have definitely influenced me into taking more care of my skin.
I'm 38 this year and it's telling on my skin..Yes the wrinkles are appearing and I'm told it's never too late to look after your skin.
I've come up with my top picks of products and tips so hopefully you might take something from it.

No.1 Always use a moisturiser with a sunscreen added. As we all know the sun is a huge factor in ageing skin so every little helps. As working in pharmacy we stock value ranges like Simple. They have a moisturiser with and SPF 30 and at a really good price of around  €6.50!

No.2 Cleanse twice a day. I prefer my nighttime cleanse as I spend more time doing it. It's removes all the pollutants of the day. I like using Micellar Water and a cleansing pad. Simple but effective and all skin types can use it depending on formulation. Loads of brands have brought out their own type of Micellar Water but my favourites are Garnier 4.99 for 400mls or the more expensive Avene €21.99 for 400mls.

No.3 Clean your brushes at least once a week. The amount of bacteria that grows on brushes is shocking and brush cleaners are cheap now as Pennys have them.

No.4 Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. This helps in taking away dead cells on your face resulting in  smoother and brighter skin.Just like any cleanser find one that suits your skin type.

No.5 Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water. Eat foods also high in antioxidant like blackberries,blueberry or strawberries to help your skin become more vibrant.
There are so many products out there we are spoilt for choice. If you have any tips I would love to here them and will definitely do another blog post on it as I think there are so many more options out there.
Hope you have a great week
Patricia xx

Flomar Masterclass with Michelle Regazzoli

Last Sunday I attended the Flomar masterclass that was held in the G hotel in Galway. The beautiful Michelle Regazzoli was the makeup artist on the day and CEO Paul Mooney was also on hand to answer any Flomar questions. The room was decorated beautifully and they had a pop up shop where they were selling a range of Flomar and of course the new Flawless palettes.
Flomar is currently in 310 pharmacies and Paul is opening a Flomar shop soon. Paul told us a short story on how the brand came about in Ireland and that he used to work in construction! He is an inspiration to doing what you love. He wanted to bring affordable products to people but a good quality.
Michelle started with explaining her background in makeup and being a blogger. Mrsmakeup_ie is her blog name and has been freelance now for 4 years.
Michelle started with foundation and explaining the different types. Flomar most popular one is the Perfect Coverage range. Michelle used the Flawless brush for blending but you can also use your fingers.
The matte makeup range is suitable for people who don't like wearing a lot of makeup.
A great tip I learned for people who are beginning to use eye liner is to use gel liner. It's easier to manage and to do it in stages. Don't draw a line,you should pat the eyeliner on and fill in  with pencil to create another structure line.
If you make any mistakes on eye makeup you can use Concealer to clean up.
With Lipstick application make sure to nourish the lips before you start with Primer.  The Primer gives the lip a beautiful finish and has a lasting power effect on the lips. A little secret Flomar are launching Matte lipsticks after Christmas!!!!

The masterclass was 3 hours long and must say was so worth the €20 price tag. We also got to hear about the exciting new products due to be launched after Christmas and the launch of the new Face of Flawless in the coming weeks. As most of my followers know I love the Flomar Makeup as it's an affordable brand but great quality. I'm not sponsored in  anyway shape or form by Flomar these are my honest opinions.
If there is a Flomar event near you soon definitely go as you will be in for a treat. The goody bags are awesome too. Check out my facebook page for more details on up and coming events.
Have a great weekend
Patricia

Flomar..My new obsession

I will start by saying I'm not sponsored in anyway shape or form for this post it's just my honest opinion on an amazing brand. As most of my followers know from my Snapchat @mylifetheevent i am always wearing Flomar. I'm just back from Orlando and wore the Flomar BB cream instead of makeup while I was there. It has a lovely consistency and suitable for all skin types.

My top 5 products are as follows 

1. Flomar Revolution Lipstick shade R 16 as worn in above picture. It is a long lasting stay Lipstick in my eyes as stayed on all day without reapplying once! It's not drying at all on the lips.

2. Flomar Double Radiance Primer as worn above also. I've tried the Primer but prefer the double Radiance Primer as it gives a fantastic glow on the skin under my foundation. 

3. Flomar Liquid Concealer. It covers my amazing dark circles! That's a big ask and it works. 

4. Flomar Makeup Fix Spray. It's light texture on the skin holds makeup in place and I love how it's not watery on the skin.

5. Flomar Smooth Touch Foundation in soft beige as in picture above. It gives your skin a flawless look and very smooth on the skin. When applying it I use a brush rather than a stipple brush as I find it goes on better but use whatever you are comfortable with. 

Such a reasonable brand ranging in prices from €4.95 upwards. Foundations are €11.95 but so worth it and the packaging is second to none. Flomar have new eye primers coming out and can't wait to try them! You can find all the details on their Facebook page here Flomar

Any questions don't hesitate to ask. Flomar also have a list of their stockists online but as I'm from Limerick I know it's stocked in Corbally Pharmacy and Roberts Pharmacy. 

I'm heading to the "Mastering Your Makeup" with Flomar at the G hotel Galway on the 6th November. Tickets were only €20 but I'm not sure if any left but will find out and post link on my facebook page.

Follow my Snapchat as I will be snapping the event @mylifetheevent

Anyone else as tried Flomar? Let me know over on my Facebook page @mylifetheevent

Thanks 

Patricia xx

Orlando..The Good, The Bad and The Fantastic!

As you all know from my facebook page My Life The Event our trip to Orlando was more than epic! but for me seeing the look on Ronans face when he met Chewbacca and Kylo Ren from Star Wars was all worth it! I really want to share a few tips when travelling to Orlando and the parks.

Universal Studios for us as a family was the most exciting place. We went there  most days as we had park to park tickets. If you are going from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure where Harry Potter is, to travel on Hogwarts Express you need these tickets. A lot of research is needed to make sure you get to see the parks you want. The wait times for end September and early October were not too bad. The longest we waited was 45 minutes and at that you are entertained as you queue up so you don't really feel it. Our favourite ride in Universal was the Minion one. We went on it numerous times! Drink and food vary from €10 for pizza slice aka a half a pizza! to € 8 for pasta. We opted for the free refills cup. It was $14 for over 100 options of drinks from Coca-Cola to Richards favourite Dr Pepper. The great thing was every day we went back we could reactivate the cups for $7. They are quite particular on bringing I  food but I brought in crisps and biscuits in Sandwich bags which is a good tip for snacking as they are long days in the park.
Top tip for Universal do the Popeye water ride last aka you will get absolutely soaked and wear comfortable shoes not flip flops. Handy tip is to bring flip flops in your bag as it's warm and gives your feet a breather.

Definitely a must is eating at Toothsoome Chocolate Factory just outside Universal Studios. The experience itself from the waiters all in character to the food which is unreal. They are famous for their milkshakes but for us the food was excellent. You have to try the chocolate almond bread with caramel butter and we had the brownie milkshakes. Price for milkshakes were from $12-14 and you get to keep the cup!

We stayed at the Best Western Gateway Hotel which was next to Wet n' Wild water park. It was near I-Drive where there is plenty of shops and restaurants. Picking the hotel if you aren't driving is important as you need to be close to everything. We were 2 stops on  the shuttle from  Universal which was free from  our hotel. We also used the I-Trolley which was $2 per person to go to the outlets and Sea world. The plus to having no car also is that you don't have to pay for parking at the parks and the bus drops you right outside the front gates.
The only negative I had with going in September was the thunder showers that happen. The parks don't close but they cancel everything like fireworks and shows and you don't get a refund to come back another day if you have paid just for the day like we did at Disney Hollywood Studios.
Our experience of Hollywood Studios was 50/50. Only for Star Wars for the men in my life I couldn't see what else they had. They had Indiana Jones, Frozen sing along show but to me nothing special. It was very shabby in my eyes and you needed a reservation at all the restaurants. I don't know anyone that would make a reservation before they went to the park surely you walk around to see what's there and then decide but that's just me.

I've asked Ronan his favourite place and he loved Sea world maybe because his favourite animals are sharks. The same applies for food and drinks price wise to all parks. I found Sea world had much more hands on things for kids to do. So many animals to feed,to touch like sharks and stingrays. Huge climbing frame for 8 and up which Ronan loved. It has tunnels and mazes not for the faint hearted aka I went up and yes it's high! We loved the Shamu show and the dolphins show. Richard was brave enough for the roller coasters like the Mako and the Manta. My favourite were the Penguins in Antarctica. Now it was cold obviously so we only lasted 10 minutes in there but my God what an amazing creature.

I have so much I could say on this post but Orlando was fantastic. The weather was as expected but I couldn't imagine going in the summer where the queues are upto 1 hour and a half and trying to entertain kids for that length of time. Research ahead and have some sort of schedule as there is a lot and it did take us a few days to see all of Universal and Island of Adventure. Pick the right ticket combination and hotel depending on if you are or are not driving.
If you have any questions please message me as would love to help and would have loved some help while I was planning.
It was once in a lifetime trip but I will definitely go back as Universal are opening a water park soon.
So many happy memories made and that's what life is all about. Live life and remember life is short so go out and enjoy it.
Follow my Snapchat for all things fabulous @mylifetheevent
Thanks for all the lovely messages on my facebook page and I'm just glad to be home safe and sound.
Here's to Halloween costumes and Christmas trees being put up soon ekkkk I love Christmas.
Happy reading
Patricia xx

Munster Mascot for the Day Part One

As most of my followers know I'm a Munster Rugby fan through and through. From having my family crest worn proudly on CJ Stander No.8 jersey to this week Ronan being mascot for the Munster V Cardiff game in Cork.
The amazing opportunities there is for Ronan being part of the Munster Junior Supporters Club are unbelievable . For a mere € 25 euros for the year you get the following.

• A membership pack including an exclusive MRSC gift, your very own membership card, team poster, MRSC keyring and a certificate of membership from the Junior Club Captain, Dave Kilcoyne.
• Numerous chances to be selected as match day mascot for the Munster team throughout the season.
• A 10% discount on any purchases in Lifestyle Sports Stores (on production of membership card).
• A personalised birthday card and emails from Dave Kilcoyne, 2016 Junior Club Captain.
• Junior member events such as our Halloween Party, Gala Christmas Party in Thomond Park Stadium and our Junior coaching camps.
• Loads of exclusive competitions with great prizes such as our Junior Club Job For a Day Initiative. 
• Check out mrsc.ie for more details.   

This week Ronan has been chosen to be Mascot for the Munster V Cardiff game in  the Independent Park in Cork. He will be kitted out and hopefully he will meet his favourite players Ian Keatley and of course Simon Zebo. It's a great honour for him to represent his school Scoil Ide in Corbally Limerick and to be part of an amazing supporters club. 

We absolutely love the Christmas party they put on every year and it's telling when all the players get into the spirit and greet over 200 kids on the day. They give up their time to be there and to sign and take pictures for the day. Ronan loves the photo booth they have and also meeting Santa is always a bonus! 

It's a fantastic day out and if you haven't your kids signed up definitely sign them up for next year. 

I will be posting all the pics from Friday night over on my Facebook page and off course I will be Snapchatting the event on the day. My username is @mylifetheevent

The above picture is the jersey with my family crest on it that we got signed at the last Christmas Party the Munster Junior Supporters Club put on. I have given it to my father who has it proudly up in his living room alongside his signed Irish Rugby jersey. 

We have high hopes for this season but as always will be proud Munster supporters regardless. 

Here's to the new season and hope to bring you along our journey next Friday as Ronan runs out with the team for the Munster V Cardiff game. Kick off is 19.35 and is on TG4 also.

Thanks Munster for all the great memories and here's to many more.

Loves you all

Patricia xx

Travel 2 Ultra Trip July 2016

Well what can I say about Ultra Europe in Croatia. An amazing experience with my husband who was like a child in a candy shop with all his favourite djs. Richard won the travel2ultra competition to DJ in Croatia at Ultra Europe and yes yours truly went along for the ride!

Croatia Music Week took place during the week of 14–20 July 2016 across Croatia in venues throughout Split, Brač and Hvar.

Resistance stage at Ultra Europe 2016

The opening party took place at the Giraffe Palm Beach House on Thursday 14 July and featured UMEK along with guests from his label, 1605 Music Therapy—which included Mark Knight, Uner, and Dosem.

Ultra Europe took place the following three days—15–17 July 2016 and included four stages—Main Stage, Resistance, Arcadia Afterburner, and the UMF Radio Stage. The lineup  included above and beyond, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox,deadmau5 ,Jamie Jones, Nero, Solomun, Apollonia, Dash Berlin, David Guetta, Hot Since 82, Ferry Corston and of course my amazing husband Richard Lowe! 

We arrived in Croatia to the most beautiful weather and scenery I've ever seen. We were staying in Beachville which was around 30 minutes from Split. As you can see from the pictures above the DJ booth was amazing and the setting was fab. The stage was right beside the water so you could dance in the sea while listening to the music..it was absolutely the most amazing setting ever for the guys. Richard was playing two days at Beachville and then the UMF stage on the Sunday night. The boat party didn't happen due to horrific weather on the Friday which was disappointing as we really wanted to experience it but there is always next year! 

The campsite had everything you needed and the funny thing was there was a queue for the men's showers and toilets all the time. The ratio was at least 1 girl for every 10 men. So if you are a single girl Beachville is where it's at! There was hot water and always clean toilets and showers. We stayed in a tent but they have mobile homes onsite if you want a bit of luxury. There is a shopping centre across the road for all your essentials and with the exchange rate was extremely cheap for alcohol and food. Also a heap of restaurants on the strip outside Beachville serving pizzas, burgers and sea food. 

Beachville starts it's music from 12pm until at least 2am. It's not for the faint hearted as I learned with getting only 4 hours sleep per night. It's party central and it does live up to that. Richard and I really enjoyed Beachville and Richard played his old school trance set and it went down a treat. Richard is signed to Vandit Records and has been producing and writing music for over 10 years. This was his dream and to see him djing up a storm at Ultra Europe was the most proudest moment other than obviously our wedding! 

When we arrived at Ultra Europe Festival in Split I must say I was gobsmacked. It's absolutely huge and so many stages! You pick up your wrist band and when you arrive inside you top up your wristband so it's scanned at the bar rather than messing with money. It's a fantastic idea and any money left of  it is credited before you leave. The picture above is from  the VIP area and is the main stage where we watched Dash Berlin and Deadmau5. We went then to the Resistance stage to see Carl Cox who is Richards all time favourite DJ. Now it was 3am and I was getting tired as we had been there since early but I held out until 5.30am. As Richard and I are "older" we did surprise ourselves on how we soldiered on but I did wish I was 20 years younger so I could go all night! Shane one of Richards friends said to us that if he had told us how hard it was going to be we wouldn't have gone which is so true. It was all worth the sleepless nights to see the smile on Richards face as he was djing the UMF Radio Stage on the Sunday. And yes I did shed a tear! 

All the gang we went to Ultra Europe with were absolute legends. I could go on about everybody but you all know who you are and thank you for making our Ultra Europe experience one to remember. We will definitely be back and hopefully the Irish will takeover Beachville again as it was an amazing venue. 

My top 5 tips for Ultra Europe Festival
1. Bug spray is your perfume for the week.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Bring ear plugs and sleeping mask  as you will be sleeping during the daytime.
4. Comfy shoes as you will be dancing all night long!
5. Light clothing as it's so warm mixed with dancing #sweatbox

What an experience and making a heap of new friends along the way. As you all know my moto is you only live once so get out and enjoy it. Do new things you might never do and surprise yourself like I did. Trance music isn't my thing but being married to a trance dj/producer it has opened my eyes to a whole new world.
Don't forget to follow  My Life The Event Facebook Page
See you soon
Love you all
Patricia xx

Youtube Masterclass with Ciara O'Doherty

Galaxy brought us a heap of masterclasses and the select few that won a place were not disappointed! I was invited along with Yvonne as she won the place over on their twitter page. We arrived at the Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street to an array of seats full of galaxy chocolate! And yes the chocolate is all eaten already!!!! We took our seats and after a quick coffee and pastry the masterclass began.

Ciara started talking on how to set up a YouTube channel and how easy it was. She had great tips and I must say it sounds easier than I thought. The key to a great channel is to keep you posts to one a week and to keep people interested.
Her channel has loads of tips for bloggers and in very short and to the point videos. Check out her channel here Ciara O'Doherty YouTube Channel
Ciara talked for around an hour and gave a great insight into what equipment you need to help make good video content and also telling her stories of her struggle to keep them short and sweet. I found the best tip was always make sure to link all your bio at the end of the video in the description box.
There was a questions and answers at the end and a meet and greet with Ciara. I didn't get to meet her at the end as we had to get on the road home. I Snapchat all my events so all the details are up there until tomorrow.
My Snapchat handle is @mylifetheevent
Frock advisor in association with Galaxy and Dublin  Fashion Festival  are currently running a competition looking for reporters and my entry is in so would love if you could support @patricia_lowe78 is my twitter and you can see the "famous" little man I interviewed.

Well done Frock Advisor on organising a fantastic event and Galaxy for fattening me up with all that chocolate! Love learning new things and everyone knows my moto #yolo and #trynewthings so I certainly did that!
Thanks for all the support and yes I'm currently working on the Ultra Europe blog post but it's become bigger than I expected.
Love you all
Patricia xx

Sinéad Curvy Style Workshop at the Clarion Limerick #girlieday

Firstly I want to say thank you to Sinéad for an amazing fun girlie day and can't wait for the next one. I headed off to the workshop on Sunday morning last week with my fellow blogger friend Aoibhinn. We arrived at the Clarion hotel and of course like good bloggers started to Snapchat the whole day! Aoibhinn was judging best dressed with the lovely Sharon Tucker so we had a table reserved for us. Aoibhinn introduced me to to the fabulous Louise also who is a makeup artist here in limerick. We all made our way upstairs and was blown away with the decor.
Beautiful lights and candles lit the stairs and at the top we were greeted with a pink lemonade reception and fruit skewers.
We had a few photographs taken and then headed into the main room.

The main  room was decorated beautifully with crystal candelabras in the centre of the tables. We had cupcakes which were made by Laura King from Special Occasions in Tuam Co. Galway and popcorn which was from Barron Mace in Raheen so we were truly spoilt. I was at a table with Sinéad mum Rose and also the competition winners. We all got acquainted and then the day began with Sinéad introducing herself and wishing everyone a great and fun day!
But firstly whoever had a gold envelope in their bag won a pair of earrings from Mathew Stephens in limerick worth €55 and guess what? Yes I won a pair. They are absolutely stunning and I'm well chuffed with winning.
Sinéad started with swimwear and went through how to dress for your size and yes you do have to get measured for a swimsuit and I truly believe that as I'm struggling to find a bikini to suit my shape. I found it very helpful and loved one swimsuit in particular as seen below.

As the day progressed Sinéad went through shape wear and lingerie to suit all sizes. Belle Femme in Kilkenny showed us some beautiful bra and knicker sets and pleaded with everybody to get measured properly! Yes I'm guilty of buying Pennys best and saying "ah sure it's grand" and "it'll do!". So I've promised myself I will treat myself before my holiday.

We broke for lunch which I must say was a delightful surprise. We had cocktail sausages,wedges,mini burgers,chicken wings,fish and chips served in takeaway boxes. A fantastic idea and so simple with no clean up after! We had heaps of food so no one went hungry. I must say the popcorn was addictive I actually ate the whole box!

Then part two began with James Butler aka @jamespatrice asvcompare for the fashion show and must say he had the whole place in stitches. His one trick to wearing a waistcoat that doesn't button.. Well between us he cut up the back and leaves his jacket on and Hey presto problem solved. I was weak laughing when the male models came out and he was trying to set up Sinéad with one of them. I loved the Vintage Fashion from Lorraine at No.15 Le Maison de Curio as always. She put on a great show as always. My favourite dress is below and I must say it's on my list of next dresses to buy.

Makeup demos, skincare demos and hair demos from Amanda kept us busy and informed and I must say I learned loads and will definitely be buying the Redkin shampoos as they have Spf in them. Great to protect the hair on holidays this summer.So many great things happened on the day,so many laughs, so many new friends made but the stand out moment for me was when Sinéad sang at the end. She sang the beautiful "Time to say goodbye" and had her mother in tears. 

Sinéad is an inspiration to me as I love her energy and I hope to have her confidence one day. She had time for everybody at the end and stayed for pictures and even a glass of bubbly. The after party was at the Library in limerick where the girls got some amazing cocktails! I had work on the Monday so was raging I couldn't go. 

My own dress was River Island and shoes are my wedding shoes! My bag is from No.15 Le Maison de Curio in Limerick and got so many compliments on the day. I love attending workshops like this and must say was worth the price tag of €60. Our goodies were exceptional as we got the new Abella Viva tan that isnt even in the shops yet worth €30 and a heap of vouchers, some of which I've used already! I'm so looking forward to the next workshop and hope it's not a long wait! I recorded Sinéad singing so will put it up on my facebook later. Follow the link on my blog. Let me know what you think as there is a funny bit in the middle where she gives out to her mum..

Here's to a great event and having it in my home city which I love.

Until next time

Patricia 

P.s follow my Snapchat @mylifetheevent to see my next big event in Croatia next week and yes I'm excited! 

How Festival ready are you? Check out my Top 10

So Festival season has kicked off so pack your best tutu,glitter eyeshadow and glows ticks, Oh and yes your fantastic onesie! I could blab  on and tell you make sure you bring water and get loads of sleep but who am I kidding you only live once so get out and party!!!

My Top 10 that I've compiled is my own view on what things to bring as I've made the mistakes and brought the kitchen sink! When I was at Isle of Wight Festival I packed sensibly and it made such a difference. Now we did stay in a pod pad which saved us bringing tents etc but when we saw the 3 mile walk from the other campsite and how close we were in the the pod pads to the arena it was so worth it! To be honest it wasn't that much more and saved us going through security every time. As they say we were in the thick of it! 

So without stating the obvious your tickets and ID are essential. Make sure also that the tent holds your backpacks and you have room to move!

My Top 10 Festival Essentials
1. Baby Wipes
They have many uses from makeup removal, cleaning your dirty wellies or a toilet roll substitute. The list is endless.
2. Phone and Portable Charger
Make sure you write down essential numbers just in case you lose your phone. If you are like me I only know my parents house number! I have recently bought a fantastic portable charger from  Maplin.It charges your phone 4 times over so is extremely handy if you don't have access to sockets.
3. An over sized Scarf
I'm a whizz at packing at this stage with all the travelling I've done so a scarf is essential. It can be a used for keeping you warm, as a pillow, as a picnic blanket, an extra layer at night or for keeping the sun out as a shade.
4. Plastic Bags
Bags are really handy for keeping wet clothes from ruining your dry clothes. Also I used them for keeping my mucky wellies from ruining the floor of the Pod. We used them to sit on while waiting for bands to come on stage. Store your dirty clothes in them. Black bin bags are good to have incase your backpacks aren't waterproof so you can just through your backpack into it and Hey Presto dry clothes for the weekend.
5. Blow up mattress 
This is a no brained for me as I suffer with back problems so it definitely is worth it.
6. Dry Shampoo
OK girls out of all the toiletries we bring this has to be your first pick. Yup you will have to embrace the fact that your hair will be greasy but everyone else is in the same boat so embrace the grease!
7. Berocca 
You didn't think I was going to let you forget that I'm a pharmacy worker and I'm the one that doesn't pack makeup but I pack all of the pharmacy and I'm always the one everyone goes to as they know " Oh Trish will have something for that". I laugh as this is so true but hey there is always one. I lived for my vitamin hit in the mornings.
8. Festival Clothes
Think easy to pack and if you lose it would you be inconsolable or would you not care? Don't bring your Prada or Gucci glasses as yes the might get broken and yes they might get stolen! So off to Pennys with you as they have so many cheap options but still stylish as the same time.
9. Anti bacterial Hand Gel 
This is kinda obvious but there are nowhere to wash your hands after the portable loo and you will thank me as they are an experience you will NEVER forget.
10.So lastly this is my one food item that is essential wherever I go  Lyons Teabags

Now my household is split as my hubby loves the other one buy Lyons is my favourite! Always have one home comfort food with you this is mine but you could love taytos so just bring some.I can't start my day without a cuppa and had one everyday while at Isle of Wight Festival. Always nice to have a home comfort when you are away.

Hopefully this will give you some help in what to bring and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Festivals are fantastic fun and remember my moto you only live once #yolo so get your wellies on and dance your socks off.
Happy Festival Season and maybe see you at one this year
Much Love
Patricia