Last weekend I crossed off a HUGE ticket on my Irish bucket list - visiting the beautiful Ballyfin Demense.
Ballyfin
Ballyfin
Last weekend I crossed off a HUGE ticket on my Irish bucket list - visiting the beautiful Ballyfin Demense.
After over 100 days of Covid-19 lockdown, Ireland re-opened the majority of its economy June 29th. It's certainly been a journey - one I will never forget for as long as I live.
Ireland's lockdown was not as strict as it could have been, but I wouldn't call it relaxed. For the first couple months no one could go more than 2km radius (1.2 miles) from their house without facing a €2k fine - when we did leave, it couldn't be for anything but essential services and 1 hour of solo exercise. That eventually changed to 5km (3 miles) and then 20km (12 miles) until the 29th, when Ireland's internal travel restriction was relinquished.
It was not easy (and it certainly lead me to multiple breakdowns) but now that we've reached the light at the end of the tunnel, I am feeling extra grateful. Not just grateful that Covid is so suppressed in Ireland that we can go to restaurants (indoors!), shop, get haircuts and see friends - but grateful that I got to quarantine in my cozy apartment by the sea, I've remained employed, and that myself & my loved ones have remained healthy. #blessed is an understatement.
Needless to say, after 100+ days of not leaving Dublin, I was absolutely itching for a change of scenery. The moment I found out restrictions were being eased I JUMPED at the opportunity for a getaway. Plane travel is highly discouraged for the foreseeable, but regional travel is encouraged to give Ireland's tourism industry a boost - so the day after Ireland re-opened, I took time off work to get a highly anticipated manicure before heading down to an Airbnb I found by a stroke of luck super last minute - The Hideout.
The Hideout is a cute little treehouse in Wexford, a county South of Dublin. I paid Wexford a visit for the first time last Fall and was keen to re-visit, but honestly I would have gone anywhere this little slice of heaven existed. I've been lucky enough to stay in lots of treehouses (I aspire to have my own one day!) but this one was particularly luxurious and had some gorgeous small touches.
The bottom floor is all living space - couch, fireplace, kitchen (including a mini fridge!) and the loft is where the bed is. No WiFi or TV but plenty of cell service, and lots of power outlets. Anyone who knows me knows that 'roughing it' is not my vibe so though I was thrilled to get out into nature, I deeply appreciated the modern touches.
Upon arrival we greeted our host (from a distance, of course) and immediately settled into relaxing with the help of these cute cocktails waiting for us in the fridge.
One question I got a lot on Instagram is 'WHERE IS THE BATHROOM!?" - worry not, friends. The bathroom is in a separate unit about 2 meters away from the treehouse, and it has this INCREDIBLE shower:
Turns out waterfall shower + beautiful view = miraculous post-quarantine anxiety cure. Who knew?
After a couple of hours of relaxation (& a pizza) we went for a walk to explore the area a bit.
Our aim for the walk was to find this telephone booth we spotted on our way to The Hideout, acting as a cute little community book exchange
Truthfully? There is virtually nothing to do in the immediate area - it's a lot of green fields and cows, but that is exactly what I wanted. No city lights or sounds, no people - just tranquility. If you are in Ireland and looking to book it, just keep this in mind. You'll need a car if you want to explore! Gorey is the nearest town, about 15 minute drive away.
After our walk, we came back, lit the fire, had a cup of tea and we went to sleep.
Waking up to this view the next morning was such a treat. And yes, these windows do have blinds so you're not awakened by blinding light!
We didn't have much of a mission for this trip, but we did want to take advantage of the fact that we could eat at a restaurant, so our first stop was The Wilds in Enniscorthy for a proper sit-down brunch! It's a cafe/shop combo and easily one of the best places in Wexford - amazing food, amazing space. After breakfast and a bit of exploring, we drove down to Wexford town to check out the shops. We ended up having a bite of lunch in The Centenary Stores - photos don't do this place justice, their outdoor dining space was so beautiful and floral!
We didn't get around to it this trip, but another Wexford recommendation I have is Johnstown Castle, which is a stunning place for a walk. Definitely add it to your list if you pay The Hideout a visit!
After our day of exploration we returned to the treehouse to take advantage of its very fancy BBQ, before settling in the for evening. Post BBQ it started raining - HARD. I am talking torrential, a proper ass thunderstorm - but the treehouse could not be more perfect for a cozy stormy evening. If you're concerned about walking to the bathroom, in the rain, at night - I feel you. However it's brightly lit and quite covered by trees so it's not as much of an ordeal as you may think.
The next morning we woke up, packed our stuff (the checkout time is a very generous 12pm) and drove into Gorey for breakfast and coffee at The Hungry Bear, which I could not recommend more. Order the french toast and an iced latte for an out-of-body experience.
A quick trip, but so needed. It's amazing what a weekend away can cure! If you're nervous about staying in Airbnbs, I completely understand. Look for places where they leave 24-36 hours between bookings, and places with 5 star cleaning scores. Travel responsibly, be aware of local rules and regulations and leave the place as clean as possible so as not to put the owners at risk. However, as long as your country has the pandemic under control (NOT looking at you, USA) I don't see anything wrong with getting a taste of responsible normalcy. I won't lie, it felt so good.
The Hideout (Wexford, Ireland)
The Hideout (Wexford, Ireland)
After over 100 days of Covid-19 lockdown, Ireland re-opened the majority of its economy June 29th. It's certainly been a journey - one I will never forget for as long as I live.
Ireland's lockdown was not as strict as it could have been, but I wouldn't call it relaxed. For the first couple months no one could go more than 2km radius (1.2 miles) from their house without facing a €2k fine - when we did leave, it couldn't be for anything but essential services and 1 hour of solo exercise. That eventually changed to 5km (3 miles) and then 20km (12 miles) until the 29th, when Ireland's internal travel restriction was relinquished.
It was not easy (and it certainly lead me to multiple breakdowns) but now that we've reached the light at the end of the tunnel, I am feeling extra grateful. Not just grateful that Covid is so suppressed in Ireland that we can go to restaurants (indoors!), shop, get haircuts and see friends - but grateful that I got to quarantine in my cozy apartment by the sea, I've remained employed, and that myself & my loved ones have remained healthy. #blessed is an understatement.
Needless to say, after 100+ days of not leaving Dublin, I was absolutely itching for a change of scenery. The moment I found out restrictions were being eased I JUMPED at the opportunity for a getaway. Plane travel is highly discouraged for the foreseeable, but regional travel is encouraged to give Ireland's tourism industry a boost - so the day after Ireland re-opened, I took time off work to get a highly anticipated manicure before heading down to an Airbnb I found by a stroke of luck super last minute - The Hideout.
The Hideout is a cute little treehouse in Wexford, a county South of Dublin. I paid Wexford a visit for the first time last Fall and was keen to re-visit, but honestly I would have gone anywhere this little slice of heaven existed. I've been lucky enough to stay in lots of treehouses (I aspire to have my own one day!) but this one was particularly luxurious and had some gorgeous small touches.
The bottom floor is all living space - couch, fireplace, kitchen (including a mini fridge!) and the loft is where the bed is. No WiFi or TV but plenty of cell service, and lots of power outlets. Anyone who knows me knows that 'roughing it' is not my vibe so though I was thrilled to get out into nature, I deeply appreciated the modern touches.
Upon arrival we greeted our host (from a distance, of course) and immediately settled into relaxing with the help of these cute cocktails waiting for us in the fridge.
One question I got a lot on Instagram is 'WHERE IS THE BATHROOM!?" - worry not, friends. The bathroom is in a separate unit about 2 meters away from the treehouse, and it has this INCREDIBLE shower:
Turns out waterfall shower + beautiful view = miraculous post-quarantine anxiety cure. Who knew?
After a couple of hours of relaxation (& a pizza) we went for a walk to explore the area a bit.
Our aim for the walk was to find this telephone booth we spotted on our way to The Hideout, acting as a cute little community book exchange
Truthfully? There is virtually nothing to do in the immediate area - it's a lot of green fields and cows, but that is exactly what I wanted. No city lights or sounds, no people - just tranquility. If you are in Ireland and looking to book it, just keep this in mind. You'll need a car if you want to explore! Gorey is the nearest town, about 15 minute drive away.
After our walk, we came back, lit the fire, had a cup of tea and we went to sleep.
Waking up to this view the next morning was such a treat. And yes, these windows do have blinds so you're not awakened by blinding light!
We didn't have much of a mission for this trip, but we did want to take advantage of the fact that we could eat at a restaurant, so our first stop was The Wilds in Enniscorthy for a proper sit-down brunch! It's a cafe/shop combo and easily one of the best places in Wexford - amazing food, amazing space. After breakfast and a bit of exploring, we drove down to Wexford town to check out the shops. We ended up having a bite of lunch in The Centenary Stores - photos don't do this place justice, their outdoor dining space was so beautiful and floral!
We didn't get around to it this trip, but another Wexford recommendation I have is Johnstown Castle, which is a stunning place for a walk. Definitely add it to your list if you pay The Hideout a visit!
After our day of exploration we returned to the treehouse to take advantage of its very fancy BBQ, before settling in the for evening. Post BBQ it started raining - HARD. I am talking torrential, a proper ass thunderstorm - but the treehouse could not be more perfect for a cozy stormy evening. If you're concerned about walking to the bathroom, in the rain, at night - I feel you. However it's brightly lit and quite covered by trees so it's not as much of an ordeal as you may think.
The next morning we woke up, packed our stuff (the checkout time is a very generous 12pm) and drove into Gorey for breakfast and coffee at The Hungry Bear, which I could not recommend more. Order the french toast and an iced latte for an out-of-body experience.
A quick trip, but so needed. It's amazing what a weekend away can cure! If you're nervous about staying in Airbnbs, I completely understand. Look for places where they leave 24-36 hours between bookings, and places with 5 star cleaning scores. Travel responsibly, be aware of local rules and regulations and leave the place as clean as possible so as not to put the owners at risk. However, as long as your country has the pandemic under control (NOT looking at you, USA) I don't see anything wrong with getting a taste of responsible normalcy. I won't lie, it felt so good.
Today is my 30th birthday.
In an alternate universe, I would have woken up in the very fancy hotel I had booked for myself on the Almalfi Coast in Italy. I'd have put on an amazing outfit, had the most decadent breakfast of my life, enjoyed a day of sun lounging and jumping into the glittering Mediterranean Sea from a private boat, and topped it all off with an indulgent pasta dinner & ALL the gelato, of course.
Alas, the universe had different plans. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't mourning my 30th birthday celebrations, but I'm also VERY aware that in the grand scheme of things my birthday means nothing, and helping protect people's loved ones means everything. I have not for even one second been anything but grateful for my privileged position during this crisis. I am healthy, employed, sheltered in a lovely warm apartment with food in my cupboards and a private outdoor space to enjoy. Life is good.
This time has made me quite introspective, to say the least. Every day I've been in quarantine I've thought a lot about the things I want to do & change once this nightmare is over. It's also let me dwell a lot on all of the things I have already done! I'm ambitious by nature so I tend to always be looking forward to the future, making myself feel down bout all the things I haven't done yet as opposed to all of the wonderful things I HAVE done. So I thought it only appropriate on my 30th birthday to reflect on the last decade of adventures.
1. Backpacked through Europe (18 countries in 3 months!)
2. Spent a month living in Paris with my best friend
3. Graduated with my Master's Degree from my dream school
4. Achieved financial independence
5. Moved to Ireland
6. Zip-lined above a forest in Alaska
7. Watched a musical on London's West End
8. Explored the souks of Marrakech
9. Visited the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
10. Found someone special to spend my life with
11. Hunted for the Loch Ness Monster in the Scottish Highlands
12. Rode the craziest rollercoaster at Oktoberfest in Munich
13. Adopted a Pet
14. Went clubbing in Las Vegas
15. Bathed in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest
16. Went backstage at a concert (multiple, actually!)
17. Drove a Jeep through the Yukon in Canada
18. Saw the fireworks at Disneyland, DisneyWorld, and EuroDisney
19. Sunbathed on the beach in Barcelona
20. Ran through a lavender field in Provence
In this (hilarious) video I made with my friend Julie in 2013, we detailed all of the things we wanted to do before turning 30. If you've watched it, you'll notice I actually accomplished some of the things I wanted to do! Some of my goals are still pending (haven't seen the Northern Lights yet and DESPERATELY still want to go to Giraffe Manor in Kenya) aaaaand some of them I can nix (riding an elephant, blowing something up in the desert - WHY did I want to do those things?)
Very proud of my 20s, yet am feeling totally content to leave them behind and jump into a new decade. I hope my 30s are just as chock full of adventure, growth and fun!
20 Things I Did in My 20s
20 Things I Did in My 20s
Today is my 30th birthday.
In an alternate universe, I would have woken up in the very fancy hotel I had booked for myself on the Almalfi Coast in Italy. I'd have put on an amazing outfit, had the most decadent breakfast of my life, enjoyed a day of sun lounging and jumping into the glittering Mediterranean Sea from a private boat, and topped it all off with an indulgent pasta dinner & ALL the gelato, of course.
Alas, the universe had different plans. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't mourning my 30th birthday celebrations, but I'm also VERY aware that in the grand scheme of things my birthday means nothing, and helping protect people's loved ones means everything. I have not for even one second been anything but grateful for my privileged position during this crisis. I am healthy, employed, sheltered in a lovely warm apartment with food in my cupboards and a private outdoor space to enjoy. Life is good.
This time has made me quite introspective, to say the least. Every day I've been in quarantine I've thought a lot about the things I want to do & change once this nightmare is over. It's also let me dwell a lot on all of the things I have already done! I'm ambitious by nature so I tend to always be looking forward to the future, making myself feel down bout all the things I haven't done yet as opposed to all of the wonderful things I HAVE done. So I thought it only appropriate on my 30th birthday to reflect on the last decade of adventures.
1. Backpacked through Europe (18 countries in 3 months!)
2. Spent a month living in Paris with my best friend
3. Graduated with my Master's Degree from my dream school
4. Achieved financial independence
5. Moved to Ireland
6. Zip-lined above a forest in Alaska
7. Watched a musical on London's West End
8. Explored the souks of Marrakech
9. Visited the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
10. Found someone special to spend my life with
11. Hunted for the Loch Ness Monster in the Scottish Highlands
12. Rode the craziest rollercoaster at Oktoberfest in Munich
13. Adopted a Pet
14. Went clubbing in Las Vegas
15. Bathed in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest
16. Went backstage at a concert (multiple, actually!)
17. Drove a Jeep through the Yukon in Canada
18. Saw the fireworks at Disneyland, DisneyWorld, and EuroDisney
19. Sunbathed on the beach in Barcelona
20. Ran through a lavender field in Provence
In this (hilarious) video I made with my friend Julie in 2013, we detailed all of the things we wanted to do before turning 30. If you've watched it, you'll notice I actually accomplished some of the things I wanted to do! Some of my goals are still pending (haven't seen the Northern Lights yet and DESPERATELY still want to go to Giraffe Manor in Kenya) aaaaand some of them I can nix (riding an elephant, blowing something up in the desert - WHY did I want to do those things?)
Very proud of my 20s, yet am feeling totally content to leave them behind and jump into a new decade. I hope my 30s are just as chock full of adventure, growth and fun!
In the spirit of keeping with tradition, I've made a list to round up all of the activities I want to partake in during the upcoming leafy season. Last year I actually crossed a TON off of my list, including a road trip of the Scottish Highlands which was the highlight of my whole year! I also paid the Harvest Display at the Botanic Gardens a visit, started a fresh notebook, took a walk in the woods, and read LOADS of books. Needless to say, this year's list has a lot to live up to!
Host an outdoor movie night on my patio
I bought Joey a projector for his birthday and we figured out that if we hang up a white sheet on our patio wall, it projects beautifully. Also, I want this night to include ALL the snacks - popcorn, ice cream, soda, gummies - the WORKS.
Lord of the Rings Marathon
A roll over from last year's list that I did not complete! I watched the first one but never ended up watching the other two. It's a big commitment, okay!! Question is - do I just start with the second this time round? Or do I start from the first one again?
Make a bomb ass pillow fort
Ideally at the same time as the Lord of the Rings marathon. This is my ideal situation. I don't care if I am almost 30, one is NEVER too old to make a pillow fort! (Note: before this post went live, I crossed it off the list! You can find photos in my 'September' Instagram story!)
Attend a Halloween Ball
Tickets have been purchased to this and I cannot WAIT! Now I just need to figure out how I want to dress. Last year I was a sugar skull, 2017 I was a gypsy. 2016 I was a pop art girl, and 2015 I was Poison Ivy. We will have to see where my creativity stirs for this year!
Make the following recipes:
As a tech snob I am fed breakfast, lunch, & dinner 5 days a week at work - cooking is a bit of a novelty. Since I have the luxury of not having to do it during the week, I want to take advantage of actually being able to enjoy it at the weekend! However, I'm keeping the list small so that I don't disappoint myself.
Acquire the perfect winter coat
Living in Ireland means my coats get DESTROYED over the winter and I need to buy a new one every year. This year I am learning from my past mistakes and starting the hunt early!
Enjoy a visit from my Mom
She's coming in October and I am sooo excited to spend time with her!
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea
I woke up like, 2 weeks ago CRAVING afternoon tea - and I'm talking the whole shebang. Finger sandwiches, bite-sized cakes, macarons, scones with cream and jam, and a GIANT pot of tea. It was not a normal thing to wake up craving but now I have a deep need to satiate this desire (potentially when my Mom is here?!)
-------
A quick ending note to say that I have been pinning so many autumn recipes and vibes on Pinterest lately - for more inspo, click here!
-------
A quick ending note to say that I have been pinning so many autumn recipes and vibes on Pinterest lately - for more inspo, click here!
Autumn To-Do List Pt.III
Autumn To-Do List Pt.III
In the spirit of keeping with tradition, I've made a list to round up all of the activities I want to partake in during the upcoming leafy season. Last year I actually crossed a TON off of my list, including a road trip of the Scottish Highlands which was the highlight of my whole year! I also paid the Harvest Display at the Botanic Gardens a visit, started a fresh notebook, took a walk in the woods, and read LOADS of books. Needless to say, this year's list has a lot to live up to!
Host an outdoor movie night on my patio
I bought Joey a projector for his birthday and we figured out that if we hang up a white sheet on our patio wall, it projects beautifully. Also, I want this night to include ALL the snacks - popcorn, ice cream, soda, gummies - the WORKS.
Lord of the Rings Marathon
A roll over from last year's list that I did not complete! I watched the first one but never ended up watching the other two. It's a big commitment, okay!! Question is - do I just start with the second this time round? Or do I start from the first one again?
Make a bomb ass pillow fort
Ideally at the same time as the Lord of the Rings marathon. This is my ideal situation. I don't care if I am almost 30, one is NEVER too old to make a pillow fort! (Note: before this post went live, I crossed it off the list! You can find photos in my 'September' Instagram story!)
Attend a Halloween Ball
Tickets have been purchased to this and I cannot WAIT! Now I just need to figure out how I want to dress. Last year I was a sugar skull, 2017 I was a gypsy. 2016 I was a pop art girl, and 2015 I was Poison Ivy. We will have to see where my creativity stirs for this year!
Make the following recipes:
As a tech snob I am fed breakfast, lunch, & dinner 5 days a week at work - cooking is a bit of a novelty. Since I have the luxury of not having to do it during the week, I want to take advantage of actually being able to enjoy it at the weekend! However, I'm keeping the list small so that I don't disappoint myself.
Acquire the perfect winter coat
Living in Ireland means my coats get DESTROYED over the winter and I need to buy a new one every year. This year I am learning from my past mistakes and starting the hunt early!
Enjoy a visit from my Mom
She's coming in October and I am sooo excited to spend time with her!
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea
I woke up like, 2 weeks ago CRAVING afternoon tea - and I'm talking the whole shebang. Finger sandwiches, bite-sized cakes, macarons, scones with cream and jam, and a GIANT pot of tea. It was not a normal thing to wake up craving but now I have a deep need to satiate this desire (potentially when my Mom is here?!)
-------
A quick ending note to say that I have been pinning so many autumn recipes and vibes on Pinterest lately - for more inspo, click here!
-------
A quick ending note to say that I have been pinning so many autumn recipes and vibes on Pinterest lately - for more inspo, click here!
Visiting Iceland has been a dream of mine for at least ten years.
The Weekend Wander: Iceland
The Weekend Wander: Iceland
Visiting Iceland has been a dream of mine for at least ten years.
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