A Day in Dublin: The People's Park Market, Dún Laoghaire

 

 

Sunday. It's one of those days when if you're not working (or lying in bed like a hungover sack of crap) then you don't really know what to do with yourself. Of course you could do the usual carvery/pub combo before returning home to deal with the Sunday night fear, but if you are looking for a different way to spend your day then the People's Park Market in Dún Laoghaire could be just the thing for you! The People's Park Market is a food and crafts market which takes place in the People's Park in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It's an outdoor market which hosts various stalls including food, books, flowers, art and lots more. Many independent retailers showcase their goods at the market and each stall offers something unique.

If you are a food lover then this market is the place for you as there are so many different types of food on offer and it's a great opportunity to try some new things. They have everything from burgers and chips to Thai food and each stall freshly prepares their food. Many stalls also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options so it's a win win for everyone. There is so much delicious food to choose from and it may take a lap of the park before you are able to make a final decision on what you want to eat. One of my personal favourites is the falafel wrap from Ali's Falafel. The queues can be pretty long as it's very popular but it's definitely worth the wait as the wraps are so tasty and filling!

As well as savoury foods, there are also lots of sweet options too including handmade fudge, truffles and ice-cream. One of the most popular stalls in the market is Arctic Stone who have created a storm on social media with their Instagram-worthy snaps of fabulous hand rolled ice-cream. Arctic Stone offer a range of flavours including Kinder Beuno, Reece's Peanut Butter and salted caramel. You then choose your toppings which can be anything from cookies to gummy bears (don't knock it 'til you try it!). The most interesting thing about Arctic Stone is watching how it's made and how it gets it's unique look.

I don't know the technical term but basically they mash up all the ingredients on a slab before cutting it into individual little rolls. I went for the Kinder Bueno ice-cream with white chocolate buttons on top. As well as looking super pretty, this ice-cream is delicious and is definitely worth a try. The only downside is that you will have to wait in line for quite a while as this ice-cream is extremely popular, especially on a sunny day.

If you'd like to pick up some food to take home with you there are stalls which sell fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses and much more. There is also a fantastic stall which sells different organic oils and tasty sauces which are perfect for taking home and adding to your own cooking. If you are interested in cooking then you are bound to be inspired to pick up some new ingredients and create your own dishes at home.

The market also hosts a great range of art and craft stalls which are great for browsing and also worth checking out if you're looking to pick up a unique gift. There is so much to choose from including fashion, pottery, art and even handmade beauty products.

Along with all the eating and shopping, the People's Park Market is a great place to chill out and spend time with friends and family. There is always such a great atmosphere in the park, especially on a sunny day, and it really is a great way of getting out and about and making the most of your Sunday. If you plan on bringing kids along with you then you'll be glad to hear that there's also a playground in the park as well as toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are also welcome at the park so you can bring your pets along to the market too! After you've finished browsing (and have eaten yourself into a food coma) you can take a stroll along Dún Laoghaire Pier and take in the beautiful sea views.

The People's Park Market is a fantastic day out and there really is something for everyone. There is always a great buzz around Dún Laoghaire town, especially when the weather is good and there's so much to see and do. There are regular trains to Dún Laoghaire or you can get the 46A bus which is about forty minutes from the city centre. There is no admission fee for the market so you are free to come and go as you please and you can stay in the park for as long as you want. If you're looking for something different to do with your Sunday then I would highly recommend the People's Park Market. It's such a fun day out and the event itself is extremely well organised. Although it can be quite busy, the atmosphere is still very relaxed and the park doesn't feel too overcrowded. So next time you're deliberating how to spend your Sunday, why not consider taking a trip down to Dún Laoghaire for a relaxing day beside the sea. For more information see www.dlrcoco.ie


Photos by Conor Heavey

My First Trip to Liverpool

 

 

 

So, I'm just back from Liverpool and I have to talk about how good it was. I had always been interested in going there as I'd heard so many good things about it from family and friends. This trip came about because my boyfriend wanted to go to a Liverpool match and I, being the great girlfriend that I am, agreed to go with him (even though I know feck all about football). Despite my initial thoughts of 'ugh, football', I actually ended up having a really good time and saw what a great place Liverpool is!

Getting there

When travelling around the time of a football match, the price of everything will sky rocket. From flights to accommodation, you will find yourself paying more than usual. However, at any other time, the prices are fairly reasonable and you can often get some super cheap deals on Ryanair. The flight is only about twenty five minutes so getting there is so handy. Your arse has barely touched the seat by the time you arrive!

 

 

Where to stay

Accommodation is pretty much the same as the flights. The prices will go up around the time of the matches but apart from that, they aren't too expensive. We stayed in the Travelodge on Exchange Street which was fine. The room was pretty basic but it was clean and comfortable and the hotel itself is in a great central location which is in walking distance to bars, shops and the Albert Dock. My only criticism is that there was no free Wi-Fi in the hotel. This might not be a problem for some people but if you're like me, a social media addict with a phone bill the length of O'Connell Street, then you certainly don't want to use your mobile data while abroad. There is a huge selection of hotels in Liverpool so do your research and you're bound to find something that suits what you're after.

 

Sport

The main purpose of our trip was to see the Liverpool v Bournemouth on April 5th. Although I have no interest in football (apart from my love of Jürgen Klopp) I did end up enjoying the match and it was something to tick off the bucket list. I'd never been to a football match and I thought that I would be bored out of my mind but it was actually a lot of fun. The atmosphere was great and we were seated in the new stand just beside The Kop so we had a decent view of the game. It sounds stupid but I couldn't get over how different it all looks in real life. I mean, on TV they make it look so epic with slow-motion shots and replays but when you're there, it's literally just a bunch of lads kicking a ball around! I wish I had more to say about it but I'd be bullshitting if I rambled on about football so I'll just say it was good and leave it at that!

 

Museums & Attractions

Liverpool is such a vibrant, cultural city and there is so much to see and do. The Albert Dock is a great place to walk around and take in some of the city's history. There are some great museums around here too such as the Museum of Liverpool, The Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool, the International Slavery museum and loads more. These museums give a great insight into the history of Liverpool and are a must-see for any sport or music lovers. Checking out the museums is a great way to spend an afternoon and, if I haven't convinced you already, it's worth noting that the majority of them offer free entry so you can save your money for pints!

 

Nightlife

Speaking of pints, if you are looking for somewhere to go for a wild weekend then Liverpool is the place for you. The city is renowned for it's fantastic nightlife and it definitely lives up to it's reputation. From live music to night clubs, there is something for everyone and you are bound to have a good time wherever you end up. While in Liverpool, you have to check out Matthews Street which is home to some great shops, bars and of course, the famous Cavern Club. The Cavern Club is a well-known music venue which has hosted many musicians over the years, most notably Liverpool's golden boys, The Beatles.

 

No trip to Liverpool would be complete without a trip to the Cavern Club. It's a must-see for any Beatles fan and offers live music every night of the week. As it's a huge tourist trap, it's always very busy but it's definitely worth a look as the music is good and there's always a bit of craic to be had. As we were there on a Tuesday night, we just had a few drinks in a couple of the pubs along Matthew Street and although they weren't packed, there was still a good atmosphere. I've been told that on the weekends the place is absolutely mental so if you're looking for a mad night out then you'd probably be better of coming on a weekend.

 

Shopping

As well as the nightlife, Liverpool is also amazing for shopping. The Liverpool One area has all the shops you could want, from Primark, Topshop and H&M to more high-end designer stores. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm not that big into shopping. I mean, I like shopping but I get a bit overwhelmed when there's too much choice. I especially dislike trawling through clustered streets to check out different shops but I have to say, shopping in Liverpool is very easy and convenient. All the shops are together in one large open area so you don't have to walk for miles to get to everything. There's a great buzz around the streets with all the buskers and performers and we even saw Irish band Keywest busking outside Primark. (Proving that you really can't go anywhere without bumping into someone from home!) Check out all that Liverpool ONE has to offer: https://www.liverpool-one.com/shopping/

Food

There are also some decent restaurants such as Jamie's Italian and Pizza Express if you want to grab a bite to eat while your out shopping. Another great place for food is Red's True Barbeque on Hanover Street. It's an American-style barbeque restaurant with a great selection on the menu. If you love meat then you'll love this place. I had the pulled pork and slaw with chips and refried beans and it was divine!) There is also a Krispy Kreme kiosk right in the centre of Liverpool One which basically made the whole trip worthwhile for me. Seriously, if you haven't tried a Krispy Kreme doughnut then you definitely should if you ever get the chance. There are so delicious and you will be genuinely saddened by the fact that we are deprived of them here in Ireland. (I even brought some home in my hand luggage!)

One of my favourite places that we ate was Cosy Club, which is located on the main high street. It's a nice spacious restaurant with a cool vintage feel and they offer a great lunch and dinner menu. I had pancakes with bacon, egg and maple syrup and, although it didn't photograph well, it was sooo good. (I know, it looks like an eggy mess plopped in the middle of a pool of grease!)

 

I would highly recommend Liverpool to anyone looking for a fun city break. It's a fantastic place with so much to offer and there really is something for everyone. From museums and shopping to music and sport, there is so much to do and you definitely won't be disappointed. Getting around Liverpool is super easy as most of the attractions and shopping are within walking distance so you don't have to worry about catching buses or trains which is always a plus. The city is buzzing with atmosphere and the people are extremely friendly and helpful which made me love it even more. A trip to Liverpool really is what you make it. It can be as chilled out or as high energy as you want, depending on what you choose to do. As we were only there for a short time, there was a lot that we didn't see but I definitely plan on going back again so hopefully I will get to experience a lot more of this wonderful city! (Krispy Kreme, we will meet again...)

What I got in New York: Sephora, Tiffany & Co, Disney Store & More

 

 

 

It goes without saying that if you love to shop, New York is the place for you. The city has such a wide variety of shops and pretty much anything that you could want, they have it! From the more high end brands of Macy's and Bloomingdales to the outlet malls where you are bound to pick up a bargain, New York really has something for everyone. When it comes to shopping, I'm more of an online kinda gal. I don't care for spending hours trawling around shops and when I do go shopping, I usually have some idea of what I want so I can try to get in and out as soon as possible!

Before travelling to New York, I had a list of a few things that I wanted to pick up while I was there. These were mainly makeup products from Sephora but, while walking around in the city, a few other things managed to catch my eye. I am not rich, by any means, and I don't want this post to come across as bragging. A lot of hard work and saving went into this holiday so I was able to treat myself more than I normally would...or probably ever will again!

 

 

 

Sephora

•  Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

 

This was a product that I was unsure of for quite a while. Although it was hyped up so much in the beauty community, I was worried that all those red shades combined with my lack of makeup skills would lead to me creating a look that embodied the symptoms of conjunctivitis. However when I saw it in the store, I really liked the look of it. The palette contains a variety of warm shades which are extremely pigmented and complimentary to all skin tones. This palette cost $42 and I definitely think that it's worth the money as the quality is excellent and you can create so many looks, for day or night, using these shades. (Even though I mostly end up wearing the same look every day!)

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/modern-renaissance-eye-shadow-palette-P409118?skuId=1820406&icid2=products

•  Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade

 

This is a product that I had wanted to try for ages as my friends had been raving about it. In Ireland, Anastasia Beverly Hills is only available to buy online and I was unsure what shade to go for judging by the colour samples provided. There were so many different ones and I knew that if I chose one myself I'd probably end up looking like Groucho Marx. I decided to wait until I was in Sephora so I could try out the tester shades and get advice from one of the makeup artists. In the end, I went for the shade 'soft brown' as my natural eyebrows are quite dark so I didn't want anything too harsh. I've been using this every day since I bought it and I'm really liking it so far. It has a lovely creamy consistency and is very easy to apply. When it comes to this product, a little goes a long way and you only need to use a small amount when filling in your brows. This cost $18 and, I've been told, it takes a long time to use up so it's well worth the money!

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/dipbrow-pomade-P384060

 

• Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

 

 

This is another product which I had been wanting to try for a long time. Recently, Kat Von D's makeup line became available to buy online from Debenhams in Ireland but I was unsure what shade to go for as there are so many to choose from. This foundation is $35 which is on the pricey side so I wanted to be sure that I was getting the right colour before buying it. One of the makeup artists in Sephora tested a few shades on me and in the end I went for '44 Cool'. I've used this foundation a few times since I bought it and it's definitely one of the best foundations I've used. It matches really well with my natural skin tone and gives excellent coverage without feeling too cakey. I've been wearing this with the Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder which works really well and makes my makeup last a lot longer than it normally would.

 

Check out both products here: http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-tattoo-foundation-P311138

 

http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-setting-powder-P409988

• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

 

 



One of the cult products from the Kat Von D range, this liner is well worth the hype. I bought this eyeliner for the first time back in September and it's still going strong. While I was in New York, I picked up another one as I accidently (conveniently) forgot to pack old one. I am the absolute worst when it comes to applying eyeliner but this is very easy to use and gives a really neat, precise line. For some unknown reason, my left eye always gets really watery and my eyeliner usually starts to smudge as soon as I leave the house. However, this liner really has stood the test of time when it comes to my leaky eye! At $20, its not the cheapest on the market but I would highly recommend this for anyone who struggles with eyeliner and wants a long lasting, easy to use product.

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/tattoo-liner-P245205

 

• Benefit CORALista Blush

 

 

This was another product that I was re-purchasing for the second time. It's a cult classic from Benefit and the subtle coral shade looks great on so many different skin tones. In this world of extreme contouring, blush is something that is often forgotten or deemed a bit grannyish. I'll admit that there was a long period of time where I wasn't bothered about wearing blush at all but I'm very glad that I bought this again. It comes with a handy brush and by sweeping a small amount across the apples of your cheeks, gives the skin a healthy boost of colour.

 

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/coralista-box-o-powder-blush-P229206



•  Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara



 

When it comes to makeup, I am a shameful culprit of keeping things for way longer than I should. They said that you should change your mascara every three months but I genuinely couldn't remember when I had bought thelast mascara that I was using. I decided it was time to do myself a favour and pick up a new one while in New York. There are so many different mascaras on the market, both drugstore and high end, but one that I had heard a lot of good things about was the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. This was $23 which is probably the most I've ever spent on a mascara. I can't even give a proper review of this as I haven't used it yet. I had eyelash extensions done the day before I went away so I'm still clinging to the last of the remaining lashes. I'm hoping that this mascara  this will give my stubby natural eyelashes a well needed boost when the lash extensions eventually wither away.

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/better-than-sex-mascara-P381000

Mac

• Velvet Teddy & Brave



I had not intended to shop at Mac while in New York as, unlike Sephora, the same products are available in Ireland for basically the same price. However, there was a Mac shop right next door to our hotel so it would have been rude not to go in for a look! Even though I had swore I wasn't going to buy anything, I did end up picking up two of my old reliable favourites, Velvet Teddy (left) and Brave (right). Velvet Teddy was bought as a gift for my sister but I got Brave for myself as I was literally trying to scrape the last bit out of my old one. Brave is a lovely, wearable nude which is moisturising on the lips and great for everyday wear (hence why it looks so grubby in the photo). These lipsticks cost $17 each as well as a $3 tax.

Check them out here: http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Velvet_Teddy

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Brave

Tiffany & Co

 

 

This was one of my most expensive purchases in New York. I had always admired Tiffany jewellery and really wanted a nice keepsake from New York. Including tax, this necklace cost about $170 (I can't remember the exact amount and I think I deliberately 'lost' the receipt so I wouldn't have to remember my shame). Its a really nice, simple piece which I keep trying to justify by telling myself that it will go with everything!

Check it out here: http://www.tiffany.com/gifts/gifts-for-her/return-to-tiffany-heart-tag-pendant-GRP01461

Kate Spade

 

 

Kate Spade was not a designer that I had heard much about before but when I was in Macys, I completely fell in love with her designs. Her range of jewellery and accessories offers a quirky take on classic pieces which really stood out to me. This watch was part of a 25% off offer that day but it still worked out at about $160 which certainly isn't a bargain. I had originally planned on getting a Fitbit watch but, as usual, I chose style over sense!

 

Check it out here: https://www.katespade.com/products/leading-lady-metro-watch/KSW1210.html

Alex and Ani

 



Another impulse buy, as we just happened to stumble across an Alex and Ani shop one day when we got lost! This Frog Prince charm bracelet is part of their Valentine's Day collection and I just thought it was so cute. This is definitely one of my favourite things that I picked up in New York and I've been wearing it ever since. This little guy cost about $38 and is a nice addition to any Alex and Ani collection.

 

Check it out here: http://www.alexandani.com/frog-prince-charm-bangle.html

 

Alex and Ani also have a new range called the Liberty Copper Collection which, they claim, contains genuine copper from the Statue of Liberty. I saw some of these pieces while in New York and wasn't really mad about the design but they may be of interest to those looking for a nice gift or keepsake from New York.

 

Check it out here: http://www.alexandani.com/collections/liberty-copper.html

 

Pandora

 

 

 

 

This charm was bought as a gift for my mother to add to her Pandora bracelet as something special from 'The Big Apple'. This is actually Snow White's apple from the Disney Collection but there are a range of charms which are exclusive to New York City and available in all Pandora stores in New York. Including tax, this worked out at about $72 ,which is frankly a ridiculous amount of money to pay for something the size of a toenail, but it is a really pretty piece for Pandora collectors.

 

Check it out here: http://www.pandora.net/en-au/products/charms/791572en73

 

Urban Outfitters

 

 

I bought this in Urban Outfitters, completely unaware that it was a Stone Cold Steve Austin t-shirt. I know very little about wrestling and, despite the dead giveaways, I just thought it was a t-shirt with a cool skull design! This is from the brand Junk Food and it was $39. (A ridiculous price to pay considering they probably sold these t-shirts in the market for about a fiver in 1999!)

 

Check it out here: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=41530114&category=BRANDS

 

 

 

 

Although it's one of my most boring buys from New York, this belt is probably one of my favourites. I had wanted a Western style belt for so long and genuinely just never got around to buying one. This belt was $28 and I have gotten so much wear out of it since I bought it. It looks great with jeans, dresses and adds a nice detail to any outfit that's a bit plain or boring.



Check it out here: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=5772316701002&category=WOMENS-BELTS-EU

 

Sketchers

 



Definitely something that's not for everyone. I know that some people refuse to wear Sketchers because they think they're ugly but, trust me, you are missing out on the joy of sheer comfort and bliss. For a long time, I had considered getting a pair of Sketchers to wear to work as I spend the day on my feet and I genuinely have the knees of an 85 year old. I had somehow always put off buying a pair as I thought they were very expensive but while I was in New York I decided that I may as well invest in a decent pair of shoes considering I'd already spent an extortionate amount on makeup and jewellery. These were $65, which is expensive, but they are worth every penny as they are so lightweight and comfortable.

Check them out here: https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/14901/skechers-gowalk-4-all-day-comfort/bkgy

The Disney Store

If you are visiting Times Square, the Disney Store is a must-see. The store is absolutely fantastic, for young and old, and offers a wide range of toys, clothes and other Disney memorabilia. One of the most popular collections in the Disney Store is the Tsum Tsum collection. This design is of Japanese origin and interprets traditional Disney characters as cute, cylindrical shaped blobs (that's the best description I could come up with). My boyfriend bought this medium sized Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty plush as a gift for his sister and it worked out at about $25. There are three different sizes, small medium and large, and this particular Tsum Tsum is available exclusively at the Times Square Disney Store.

Check it out here: http://disneytsumtsum.com/i-love-new-york-mickey-and-statue-of-liberty-minnie-tsum-tsums-released-online/

While we were there, there was also a deal running on the Tsum Tsum plush toys where you could buy one and get a selected one for $5. Unfortuntely, the New York Tsum Tsums were not included in this deal but there were many others which would make a nice gift for any Disney lover in your life.

 

 

Of course, it would be physically impossible for me to leave the Disney Store without getting something for myself. After much deliberation, and I mean about an hour inspecting every Tsum Tsum and plush toy in the place, I eventually decided on this little angel, Flower the skunk from Bambi. Although I will probably end up on 'Extreme Hoarders' some day, consumed by a pile of Disney toys, I just couldn't resist!

 

Check it out here: https://www.disneystore.com/plush-toys-flower-plush-bambi-small-9-12/mp/1421543/1000267/

 

Souvenirs

 

 

I love a good tacky souvenir and New York is full to the brim of all the cheesy shops that you could possibly need. No holiday would be complete without some fridge magnets and key rings to take home and these are just a few of what I have left as I have already given some as gifts to family and friends. One thing I will say is that souvenirs can be an absolute rip off so it's often better to purchase them from shops outside of the centre of Times Square as these are usually the most expensive. I made the mistake of buying key rings from one of the larger souvenir shops, which cost me about 3.99 each but then came across the same ones for 99c in a smaller shop down the street!  

 

 

 

 

And of course, I couldn't come home without a present for Chilli. This NYPD vest was $14.99, an expensive price to pay for a dog outfit but worth every penny just to see how bloody cute he looked!