Wednesday 14 March 2018

Exciting times ahead..

So I have been extremely quite on my blog recently as last year was an unbelievable roller coaster ride.The start of the year was the hardest time in my life as I went through my second miscarriage. As you all know I have a son from  a previous relationship so I was so positive I would be able to get pregnant straight away. How wrong was I? So after my miscarriage I told myself "if it's meant to be then it will happen". I struggled ALOT with my emotions and anxiety took over. I lost myself and did not want to blog,go out and buried myself in my day job. It was hard to open up but writing the blog piece helped alot and hearing your stories really helped me through the darkness.
Roll on October and I headed to Spain with Ronan for a week in the sun. I was so sick over there but thought it was my flying fear but alas I was pregnant! I did at least 20 tests as I didn't believe it. I was so nervous as I miscarried at 9 weeks so was really hard for me not to say anything.
The morning sickness just kept getting worse and worse. Work was a struggle as with being a pharmacy technician you have to deal with customers for ten hours of the day. Trying  to smile while getting sick every 30 minutes was so hard. It took its toll at Christmas when I ended up in hospital. The nurses and staff in the Maternity Limerick were so kind and helpful. They made me feel as ease with numerous scans and copious amounts of fluids. I knew being sick had its positives as they say it's a sign of a strong pregnancy. Richard was my rock and would have been lost without him.
I am currently 20 weeks and flying it! All the sickness is gone now and I'm now able to get out and about. I am planning a spa day in Spa One  where they have new pregnancy treatments on offer.

 I am excited to be back writing and creating content as I have missed it and looking forward to the exciting year ahead. There is concerts galore, events, fashion  oh and baby in the summer!
Chat soon
Patricia xx

Saturday 17 June 2017

Dolls Day Out 2017


So last Sunday was Dolls Day out with @pelohairdressing in The Osprey Hotel in Naas. I was super excited to attend as it was first time seeing Jade and the girls from Matte to Metallic do makeup demos. I am currently under going a hair transformation with Denise at Pelo and must say they are such a fab bunch of girls and her positivity definitely rubs off on you.
As always me being the eager beaver we arrived early so grabbed coffee and then queued up so we could get front row seats.
First up was Maria Makeup then Make up by Merry where I learned so many tips on skin prep and what foundations suit certain skin types. The best tip was to throw mascara away after 2 months to which I gasped as I still have a Rimmel mascara circa 1999..yep true story!
The day was so relaxed and the audience interaction was great with questions flying up to Denise. We took a break then but only thing for me was that there wasn't enough time to grab something to eat. It would have been great if the hotel organised sandwiches or something for us at a cost of course. The queue was too long at the carvery as it was Sunday and people were out for Sunday lunch themselves. We had driven up from Limerick so it was an early start for us.
There was a load of pop up shops for us to purchase hair products or cosmetics.  Nima brush and Trndbeauty.com were my favourites. I also purchased some make up revolution bits from the girls at Matte to Metallic.

After the break Denise did a hair demo and my God the woman knows her stuff. It was a bit rushed for Denise as she was running behind and would have loved to have seen how to do GHD curls and styling short hair. I love Denise's positivity and strength. For me as I'm now 3 months on from having my second miscarriage I saw hope when hearing Denise's IVF story. She is so happy to share her story with people it makes me smile. That's what we need is woman helping each other and not putting each other down. There is room for us all I say.
Jen from Matte to Metallic did a fantastic Festival look and now I really want to go to one! The glitter was just fab and can all be bought on Trndbeauty.com 

Jade who is brand ambassador for Real techniques did a fab makeup look and must say her energy was infectious. She is also brand ambassador for a new tan coming out in a couple of weeks called Iconic Bronze. Jade was so easy to listen to and I can't believe I hadn't heard of her before. Yes i know slow on the up take there Trish! Where have I been, I know,I know. 
Niamh from Nima brush gave us a quick rundown of brush care and how cleaning our brushes is more important than ever. The y have these amazing sleeves which are great for travel to keep your brushes together. I will be purchasing!
I could write for days but just wanted to give a quick run through of the day. I have loads of pics on my facebook page @Mylifetheevent
I can't wait for the next one and rumours have it that Wexford or Waterford might be on the cards.
Definitely worth the €30 price tag and the journey up. Goodie bag was sponsored by Nima and Corrigans Pharmacy. Fabulous day all round and next time I will be more prepared and bring a few hang sandwiches!
Patricia xx

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Budget V's Boutique Style Event

So I've been telling myself that I need to go out and do more things for myself and decided to head out to Off the Bone in Raheen for their style event. I was going on my own initially, then aoife and Rebecca from work decided they would love to come to. It's ladies month at the moment so they are running fantastic offers so keep an eye on their Facebook page. The Event was €25 and we had a fab evening of style with Sinéad from Sinéads Curvy Style. We had to decide which outfits were budget and which boutique, while drinking prosecco and sampling their gorgeous canapés!
Sinéad had styled outfits from Dv8 to Penneys. She also gave us a great run down of the different types of shape wear to wear underneath certain style of clothing. Sinéad was so entertaining and the couple of hours flew by. There was loads of spot prizes and even more cocktails! They served more food at the end and my favourite were the mini burgers! Yum..I must compliment Ashling who was extremely friendly and made us feel so welcome on the night. We stayed and had a couple of more cocktails made by the renowned Hassan! My favourite is the strawberries and cream!
They are holding cocktail classes also in Off the Bone for €20! Such good value and quality service what more could you want!
Just to clarify this isn't a sponsored post just my account of a fab night and would highly recommend it and for the price so worth the money! I look forward to the next event in Off the Bone Gastro Pub. Keep a close eye on their Facebook page as they have 3 for 2 on the cocktail class at the moment! Unreal value!!!
Roll on the weekend!!
Patricia xx

Monday 17 April 2017

Life is for Living

I've been reminiscing today about my love and some may say obsession with Take That as seen on my Snapchat. I'm married to a DJ so music is in our house 24/7! I always love going to concerts and festivals and wanted Ronan to have the same love. We have been extremely fortunate with having won a Cherrios Child line competition to meet the Wanted that's when Ronans love for all things music began. He has been to the Wanted twice and The Vamps twice and also met them as you can see from the photo Bradley is his favourite. We sing in the car constantly and at the moment we are listening to a mix Richard has done for us with The Vamps and The Wanted on it. I haven't a note in my head but music is life. It makes us smile,laugh and sometimes cry which is good for the soul.
For me, my first concert was Take That with my best friends sister Camille. I was 17 at the time and still now at a ripe old age of 38 I love their music. Most of you know I tried to get Gary to sing at my wedding.My cardboard cutout of Gary came everywhere with me even as far as Boston when we supposed my cousin Lorna for her birthday.
Yep I'm obssesed..I know cray cray! I go to see Take That in dublin in May and can't wait. I still get giddy even though many say "aren't you a bit old for that carry on" yes it has been said. You are as young as you feel and life is for living. Live every day as you never know what's around the corner. 
We look forward to a great summer full of concerts and festivals and hoping next year to go back to Isle of Wight Festival and bring Ronan with us. 
Just to show you how cray cray I am this was me a couple of years back walking to work in my swim suit! It was for a 2fm competition and must say it was such good fun. Live life and enjoy it! I was so nervous but had a ball doing it. Leave go of your inhibition and as I always say "you only live once" ......
So there you have it..YOLO 
Patricia xx

Monday 13 March 2017

Cork Fashion Trail 2017- My Life The Event

I was honoured to be asked as a VIP blogger last weekend in Cork for the #corkfashiontrail. I lived in Cork in my early college days and has always loved the city. It's a hub of activity and we got to sample some of its little jems while we were on  our trail.
Firstly we were treated to breakfast in Starbucks on Opera Lane. Julia Evans who runs PR for Opera Lane and Natasha Crowley who is a fashion stylist for Opera Lane both gave us an informative talk on Opera Lane and about the different trends that we are likely to see this Spring/Summer.
The most amazing thing is that you can book Natasha for a 2 hour personal Styling session for FREE! Check her out Here
We headed off then to Olori Boutique Cork where Susan and Lisa welcomed us with Prosecco and chocolates. The girls were so friendly and went through exclusive pieces from the collection they  have. The below dress was my favourite.

They have exclusive brands like Alchimista Parfum,Cacherel, Goat and Stutterheim Raincoats which I must say are beautiful. 
Next we entered the Vintage world of Miss Daisy Blue It was like stepping into a time warp. It was heaven to me as I love all things vintage as everyone knows. The girls had loads of fun trying fur coats and some vintage wedding dresses. 
We were treated once again to some yummy cakes while we looked at all the beautiful treasures in store.
Our next port of call was Saville Menswear which is the biggest mens store I've been in. The selection was enormous and any man would be in heaven here finding their perfect made to measure suit or casual wear. The staircase sold it to me. I just wish I could get my pictures taken there everyday! They stock numerous brands from Hugo Boss,Gant, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. 

Damien was our only male blogger in the morning and I took this picture outside Saville Menswear. I must say it's a fab picture and Damien fits right in!

The Shoe Suite  was our next stop as we strolled the lovely streets of Cork. I was delighted when I walked through the door and saw a whole wall of Size 3 shoes. Yes i have a small foot and it's hard to get anything nice in my size. The selection was unreal with the Kylie and Kendall collection taking centre stage for me. They also had a great selection of handbags and wallets from Guess which I was drueling over.
The hunger gremlins were setting in so off we went to Dukes Coffee Company for lunch. We were treated to a fab selection of cakes, wraps and sandwiches. You can see my beautiful face on their Facebook video which I'm extremely proud of! The cafe has a rustic feel and super comfy to relax in an enjoy a coffee other two. 
Phoenix V  was my favourite place to visit. I loved all their dresses and as my favourite colour is purple I fell in love with one that was right up my street. 
All dresses come in sizes upto 16 or they can make one to suit any occasion. The girls were extremely busy when we arrived but still had time to pop the prosecco! I will definitely be back!
Swarovski was the most sparkling shop on out trail. The glitter and gleam of the crystals was mesmerising. If like me you love all things sparkly then this is the shop for you. From necklaces to watches they have it all. 
Our last stop was The Athlete's Foot sports store. They stock Converse, Jordans and Puma to name but a few. They offered us a 25% discount on the day which was extremely generous. They have a wide range of gym gear for both male and female aswell as kids ranges.
Unfortunately I didn't make the wrap party but I would like to thank Marie for organising such a great event in Cork and making me feel extremely welcome. I met some  fantastic bloggers on the day and was  delighted to be asked.
Thanks to all the businesses for their generosity on the day as I was definitely spoilt and felt like a VIP!
Roll on my next trip to Cork. 
Love to all
Patricia xx

Sunday 5 March 2017

From Ectasy to Despair

Why has she posted a pic of herself at the Gossies you ask? Well this was the weekend I found out I was having my second miscarriage.
I need to give some of you that don't know me a bit of background so you will understand my story.
I've decided to share my personal story as it's a coping mechanism for me. Sharing my story with the world is a bit daunting but here goes!
I have a beautiful boy, Ronan, from a previous relationship who is now 8 years old. I was a single mum for the first four years of his life and then met my now husband Richard. Richard has always treated Ronan as his own but for me I would love to have a brother or sister for Ronan. As I'm no spring chicken, ahem turning 40 next year, I knew there might be hurdles to get over but didn't realise the impact it would have on me as a person.
I'm writing this post to help even just one couple as I learned it's not just me suffering but my husband too. It's going to be a no holds barred post and might be a bit graphic for some so reader beware! I went in search of online help when making my decision to have medication management other to have a D and C and couldn't find any honest upfront posts. There were some from  years ago but things have moved on with procedures now so this is My Personal Story.
As I sit here the tears are welling up in my eyes but this helps me so much it will all be worth while. I had my first miscarriage last October just after my Florida trip. I wasn't too far gone so didn't need any medical help. I struggled with it for a while but I'm a great believer in everything happens for a reason so dealt with it the best I could. I've been through worse in my life and I'm a strong person so got through it.
I found out I was pregnant around Christmas time and was shocked at how quick it had happened so we were delighted. We only told our parents so everything was going fine until my morning sickness stopped suddenly and I started bleeding. I was around 8 or 9 weeks pregnant so I went to the maternity to check things were alright. They took blood tests and sent me on my merry way. I was in Dublin at the Gossies the Saturday night as life does go on and I was feeling alright. I got glammed up and put on a brave face and enjoyed my night.
I had an appointment for a scan on the Monday and went along thinking that all was going to be ok. I arrived into admissions in Limerick Maternity and told them I had been bleeding and how far gone I was. I was sent down for a scan which in turn would  be the worst day of my life. I was shaking on the table as the midwife proceeded to scan my belly. Her words will never leave me "No heart beat  and can't see anything in the sac". She was extremely professional but quite blunt but I suppose they are so many women in my position every day in there to them it's probably normal to say.
Long story short I had to come back for another scan a week later just to be sure. It was the longest week of my life.
The next scan was the hardest as you are in the waiting room with people who have their scan in their hands delighted with their news, heavily pregnant women and then women like me with Lily pictures on their scan for obvious reasons. I scanned the room and 5 out of 12 of us had Lillies on our folders as they passed them to the receptionist. I knew I wasn't alone which kind of settled me a bit. The scan was the same and the sac was collapsing so a decision had to be made what I wanted to do. The doctor had explained both options in detail but swayed me to the medication management (Cytotec) for reasons I don't know. I felt it was rushed and before I knew it I left with my prescription in hand and with the words from the doctor that I would have one "gush of blood" and it will be all over. Little did  I know that it was going to be a lot worse!
I stayed at my parents house as Richard was away in Glasgow working in the studio. Thanks be to Jesus I did as what was to follow was the worst 8 hours of my life. Now this is where T.M.I will apply. I took the first lot of tablets and everything was fine a few cramps,then I took the next set and then the flood gates opened. I started to cramp really badly. I had maternity pads on yes maternity pads as the blood was flowing none stop. Every 15 minutes I would need to get up and rush to the toilet. Diarrhoea is a side effect of the tablets, what they don't tell you is that it's lasts for at least a week and it's black! Vomiting over the bath, blood flowing like I've switched on a tap and black diarrhea let's just say my poor parents bathroom was like a CSI crime scene. I was exhausted and extremely emotional. At one stage we rang the maternity as the blood loss was high and we sort of panicked. To be told "Oh yeah that's normal"..Normal are you kidding me...I kept telling myself that it's happened for a reason and you will get through it. Looking back would I use the tablets again definitely not, would I have the D and C I'm not sure as the negatives the doctor was telling me sounded a lot worse. I know ladies have it done every day but it's an operation under general anesthetic and really doesn't appeal to me, others will disagree.
The side effects of the tablets stayed with me for at least 7 days after. Unfortunately for me I had to go back in on Monday just gone for my last scan to make sure the tablets worked. It's a hard thing to do to just sit there in the maternity and know you have no good news to share with people. I met some customers from the pharmacy I work in and big smiles saying "Any news?". I was trying to be polite but I suppose the expression on my face told them the answer. We take for granted if you are in the maternity you are there 1. Visiting or 2. Pregnant but people need to take time to think that's not the case. One in five pregnancies unfortunately lead to miscarriage so be mindful of this would be my advice.

Talking about my Miscarriage has helped me hugely. Ronan knew something was up and made me the above card. Kids are so clued in we don't give them enough credit. My husband Richard has been my rock and for him seeing me the way I am is hard to deal with. He is trying to be strong for me but we are both crumbling inside. I'm currently at 60% and time will heal the rest. My advice is talk,talk, talk as everyone will listen. I'm a strong person and have been through a lot of rough times but I always know there is someone on the end of the phone that will listen to my silence or sometimes tears.
Time is a great healer and for me the next couple of months will tell a lot. My moto as always is YOLO so get out and enjoy life. I intend on taking time out for my family and myself of course. My blogging journey is slow but what I've achieved so far is huge to me and I'm delighted with it. I have a few projects coming up and will hopefully get me back into the swing of things.
Thanks to my family, friends and my work colleagues whom I would be lost without.
Love you all
Patricia xx



Wednesday 4 January 2017

New Year..Same Me!


Happy New Year to all my followers and hope you all had a lovely Christmas. My Christmas was extremely busy with working in a pharmacy people think you will be closed forever when in reality we were closed the Sunday and Monday! This time last year I was blown away by the amount of people starting new years resolutions but I really don't make resolutions. My New year will begin by making myself available more for my friends and family. I want to make more time for things that are important like family time and of course me time. 
We all should yes be healthier and fitter but for me I'm happy with my shape and size. I've been watching all the "usual" Snapchat chat accounts that are super fit and promoting "New year, New you" but just be happy in yourself and the way you are. An example of this is Sinéad from @sineadscurvystyle. I love her Snapchat where she stays true to herself and she believes that yes you can change your life but baby steps and maybe just change one thing as she says " just have the one takeaway a week rather than the ahem several I have". Small changes and yes baby steps but in the end do what is right for you! 
I'm currently writing out my bucket list for this year. I wrote it last year and I feel when it's down on paper you really do try your best to do it. My list this year might surprise you but it's the simple things really. I've been around the world twice over from Hawaii to Fiji so first on my list is London. I know I know we live practically across the road from it but I've never been. I definitely want to visit more places and the reality of going to London happens sooner than I had expected as we are going next week! One of the girls from work kicked off the organising of the trip so we are all heading over there next Friday and I can't wait. 
As you all know the traumatic experience I had coming back from Orlando last year I'm really nervous of the flight despite its 45 minute flight time. Deep breaths and lots of them I guess. 
I will share my full list when it's done, I always aim for 10 things and the need not be new things just something as simple as do a clear out or the dreaded hot press clear out! 
Follow my Snapchat @mylifetheevent see my trip next week as I will bring you along my journey through the streets of London baby...Yes i sang that! 
So here's to the same me and the same you, onwards and upwards and there is no limit to our possibilities.
Much love
Patricia x