Magners Summer Festival of Racing at Down Royal Launch

I had a fantastic time last Thursday at the official launch party for Down Royal Racecourse Summer Festival in the ever so chic settings of The Dark Horse Cafe and Winebar.  Fashionistas flocked to the quirky venue to show off their style and get in on the down low for this seasons most trendy happenings.  When I heard it was a BBQ event I was suspicious as you never know what kind of weather you will get in NI but we were ever so lucky to have sun shine to enjoy our chilled Magners in peace.  The French Village which is my favourite bakery in Belfast provided the delicious BBQ treats for all the hungry attendees and we weren't disappointed to say the least.  I could have sat in the sunshine with great company and ate food all night!  The stylish guests really made the event with key trends in full throttle.  Check out my images below to see a taster of what's in store!  



Feel free to check out below for all the  nitty gritty details!

Whatever the weather, Summer starts right here, with the launch of the 2017 Summer Festival of Racing at Down Royal: great days and balmy evenings of sport, sociability and, new to this year’s Festival, the sizzle of the barbeque.

There’s never been a better opportunity to capture the mood of Summer with five great Down Royal racing events lined up and under Starter’s Orders:

Friday 23rd - Mencap Race Evening

Saturday 24th June – Magners Derby Day

Friday 28th July – Magners Race Evening

Friday 1st September – Musgrave Northern Ireland Race Evening

Friday 8th September – Summer Race Evening

The annual Festival brings together great racing on the track and great times trackside to create the perfect combination for a Summer outing.

Mike Todd, General Manager of Down Royal, says, “Our Summer Festival of Racing boasts impeccable sporting credentials and has long been a favourite with punters and die-hard fans of horse racing. Increasingly, they are being joined by a new breed of race-goers who love the unique spirit of this great racecourse and who appreciate an outing with sport, craic and style. This year, to create the right, laid back Summer vibe, we’re adding gourmet barbeque to a programme that’s already smokin’ hot and we’re looking forward to drawing record crowds ready to share the race-going experience.”

Providing the barbeque will be French Village Catering who will add to the Down Royal wining and dining options in the corporate entertainment suites and The Dark Horse Café & Winebar with the launch of casual al fresco dining options that wouldn’t be out of place in a chic resort.
Ashley French from French Village says, “We’re delighted to be introducing a whole new approach, with ‘Summer On A Plate’ – a contemporary casual menu featuring fantastic locally sourced food, cooked right there. Even better, it’s affordable whether you’re winning or losing on the track!”
Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing Menu
Local Dexter Beef Burger
Caramelised Onion | Rocket
Gourmet Hot Dog
Brioche Roll | Homemade Piccalilli
Pad Thai Chicken Curry
Noodles | Bok Choy
Sauces
Homemade Smokey BBQ Sauce
Ballymaloe Tomato Relish
Bang Bang Sauce
Roasted Garlic Mayo
From haute cuisine, to haute couture, with good news, for those whose taste runs to fashion. Thanks to a partnership with Magners Forbidden Favours, the stakes in this year’s Best Dressed Lady competition are higher than ever before with a Caribbean Cruise on the cards for the winner.
The elegant ladies strutting their stuff and turning heads at the Magners Ulster Derby on June 24 will be in hot pursuit of that dream prize package which includes return flights for two from Belfast to Miami, with three nights’ at the four star Casablanca Of The Ocean Hotel in uber-cool Miami, followed by an amazing seven night cruise on board the stunning MSC Divina.
Judging the good-humoured fashionista face off and posing at the Photo Finish with the finalists will be Nuala Meenehan Ulster Tatler’s Girl About Town, and leading model; Cool FM’s Breakfast presenters Pete Snodden and Rebecca McKinley, both recognised as two of Northern Ireland’s most stylish icons, and Diane McStay from the Style Studio.
Mike Todd says, “Whether you are already an old hand at racing or fancy enjoying the Down Royal experience for the very first time, our Summer Festival of Racing is the place to be for five unique events this Summer.”
All race meetings can be booked at www.downroyal.com, tickets from £10. Follow the fun Down Royal Racecourse.
Photo credit Press Eye Photography

Extreme Glitter Wild Shine Nail Polish Review

Its no secret I am not a big fan of nail polishes, I roll my eyes when they turn up in subscription boxes and never even think to look at them in stores.  I love having my gel nails done but I like to give my nails a little break in between salon visits to let them breath and repair.  Recently one of my nails broke in work to I dashed out to the nearest chemist to get an emergency nail polish.  This is when I cam across Wet N Wild nail polish range.  What really jumped out to me was the price point at only £1.79 I selected a plum colour in shade Burgundy Frost to match my other nails as best as possible. 

 

They have every color, texture, and effect that you can possibly think of: creams, metallic, glitters, you name it!  After first use I found the polish to be extremely long lasting and chip proof which urged me to pop back and select a number of other shades including two high shine sparkling glitter shades!

 



 

 

 

 

The shade I was most impressed with was the glitter paint in shade Sparked.  Now I have a history of purchasing an amazing looking glitter polish to be let down by the sheer lack of glitter when applied to the nail.  Many times I have sat for what feels like hours applying coat after coat after coat to try and gain something similar to the bottled look.  In the image below I only have two coats on my nails..... TWO!  No under or top coat either.  Shocked and pleased would be an under statement to say the least.

 

 

 

 

Where to Purchase

Wet N Wild is primary an American brand which has started to filter threw to the uk.  I purchased mine in Corrys Chemist Enniskillen and have been advised they are primary stocked in local chemists all over NI so pop into your local to see if you can find some. 

 

They can also be purchased from the website http://ireland.wetnwildbeauty.com/nail/nail/wild-shine-nail-color/

 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wetnwildIreland/

 

 

If you enjoyed my post please Like and Share

 

Peace and Love

Lisa xxx

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

My Personal Spring Time New Healthy Eating Plan

 

The first thing about being healthy is being honest with yourself.  I had lost slowly a whole stone just after Christmas and was so happy and proud of myself as I was a healthy weight.  After my recent diagnose of fibromyalgia I have found myself over the last few weeks not being able to be as active as I use to be and more importantly feeling sorry for myself and reaching for all the rubbish that is simply not good for me.  Now it would be so easy for me to blame the new medication but if I am honest with myself its all my fault.  I haven't been looking after myself and it is as simple as that.

So instead of sulking/blaming everyone else but myself and crying about how unfair the world is,  I have made an active decision to get myself back on track.

 

I have learnt the hard way that crash diets do not work.  FACT.  Well they do work but the second you stop all that lovely weight you lost will come piling on faster than it took to lose it.  So my plan of action you ask?  Eating healthy of course!  I have created this morning a quick list of what I am going to try to avoid/eat in small amounts and what I am going to base my diet around.  I have also tried to get back to the gym but day one so far hasn't went so well.  I thought I could come back to it all guns blazing but after only being able to do 20mins at a steady pace I crept away with my tail between my legs.  BUT I need to remind myself that 20mins is better than no exercise at all and I will just keep building on it till I feel comfortable again with a normal routine.  Baby steps. 

So here we go my roughly planned list. 

Avoid

Mayonnaise

Milk Chocolate

Sweets

White Breads

Fizzy Drink

Fruit Drinks

Frozen/Ready Meals

Sugar free products

Sausages

Hard Cheese

Butter

Sugary cereal

Salt

 

Do Eat

Chicken

Tuna

Salmon

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Eggs

Cottage Cheese

Full Fat Yogurt

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Olive Oil

Garlic

Sun Flower Seeds

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Whole Grain bread

Brown Rice

Couscous

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Grapefruit

Melon

Blueberries

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Chili peppers

Cucumber

Asparagus

Lentils, black beans, kidney beans

Broccoli

This is of course obviously a very rough off the top of my head work in process list but I am hoping my lovely readers could help me out with some suggestions and advise!  Epically any other Fibro or similar suffers.

Also anyone have any tips on alternatives for chocolate/biscuits (Some thing to have with tea). 

Peace and Love

Lisa xx

Easter Spectaclar at Lidl Northern Ireland

Spring is well and truly in the air.  Flowers are beginning to bloom and the sun is trying to sneak threw the clouds.  But most importantly the shops are filled with delicious treats that you just cant get all year round!

As everyone knows by now I am a massive foodie who doesn't settle for second best.  Quality is extremely important to me.  I mean who wants to waste calories?  No me that's for sure.

So when I was strolling threw my local Lidl and spotted their Easter range the look of the new beautifully packaged products really tantalised my taste buds.  Now from experience quality doesn't always have to have a recognisable name to be fantastic in fact you can be presently surprised at what you can find.  Although in saying that £2.99 for a luxury Easter egg just seemed too good to be true.  I just knew I had to try this one out for myself.

Packaging
From a first hand glance the packaging was every bit high end and well designed.   Certainly fancy enough to rival some of the more expensive brands on the shelves. Classic black and white gloss packaging set a sleek well groomed tone which works well to showcasing the stand out design of the actual egg inside.

 

Taste

Now down to the most important aspect.  The taste test.  My original plan of action was to open the eggs, take some pictures, upload those and then sit down with a big nice mug of tea and tuck into them with the other half.  You know like normal people.  However the second I pulled the egg out of the box all was lost.  The sweet delicate smell hit me and I ate a big chuck out of the back so I could still salvage the rest for the pictures!  Ooooppps.  I am literally the biggest fan of chocolate ever and I have to say these little babies held up against my other more high end Easter treats.  Both eggs chocolate were deliciously creamy/smooth with no harsh bitter taste, paired with the textured high flavoured toppings made for a well rounded product. 

 

 

Summary

Lidl are always dropping little gems into stores.  I am a big fan of their seasonal items and I find their design work is very creative and unique to what other shores are doing at the minute.  I do all my shopping in Lidl and you just wont find anywhere else with such great quality fresh local produce.  To top that the staff couldn't be more helpful and polite, being someone with fibromaysia this is a really big deal for me.  If you haven't tried them out for your weekly shop take the plunge and do it. 

You can thank me later.

 

The only down fall about this post is I have to wait another year to get my hands on some more!

 

Peace and Love

Lisa xx

 

"The Jackel" Champions New Mural Illustrating Everything Thats "Pure Here" About Belfast

It is no secret that Belfast is one of my top ranked places in the world.  It is full of culture, the most friendly people you will ever meet and their is no better place for a bit of "craic".  So I am very happy to share that Belfast has a beautiful new artistic addition.  World famous boxer Carl "The Jackal" Frampton was back in his beloved home town at this week to unveil a brand new mural work of art on Hill St. 

The absolutely stunning art piece was created by Dean Kane from Visual Waste aka Belfast's answer to banksy as apart of HARPS "Pure Here" campaign which was been taking the local area by storm.  The art piece itself showcases some of Belfast most famous and iconic best bits such as The Balls on the Falls, The Big Fish, The Albert Clock, the H&W cranes as well as of course some local legendary characters/celebrities.  

Not forgetting of course a nod to the man of the moment himself who was more than happy to be apart of the whole thing.  Carl said “Everybody knows I love Belfast so to be involved with something that’s really positive in the heart of the town, it was a no-brainer for me. HARP’s ‘Pure Here’ is a lot of fun, a really upbeat campaign that’s celebrating lots of great things that are unique to Northern Ireland.”

Hill St of course is located in the ever so trendy Cathedral quarter which is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.  The Cathedral Quarter mural is the first of its kind by HARP and Brand Manager Jeanette Levis said: “HARP is one of NI’s most-loved lagers and this is our way of celebrating all that is magical about Belfast – the unique sense of humour and the quirks that make it so special.” 

 

 

Pictured at Harp’s ‘Pure Here’ mural launch in Hill Street is local boxing legend, Carl Frampton who has teamed up with Harp lager and artist Dean Kane from Visual Waste to unveil an iconic new piece of street art in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, celebrating the people, sights and humour unique to the city. 

 

As part of Harp’s ‘Pure Here’ campaign, the street art showcases a number of the best-loved bits of Belfast. These include The Balls on the Falls, Titanic Building, The Big Fish, The Albert Clock and the H&W cranes as well as some of the city’s legendary characters and local celebrities including boxing champion Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton, much-loved TV presenter Julian Simmons and journalist and Belfast broadcaster Colin Murray.

 

 

Pictured at Harp’s ‘Pure Here’ mural launch in Hill Street are artist Dean Kane from Visual Waste, local boxing legend, Carl Frampton and much-loved TV presenter Julian Simmons who have teamed up with Harp lager to unveil an iconic new piece of street art in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, celebrating the people, sights and humour unique to the city. 

 

As part of HARPs ‘Pure Here’ campaign, the street art showcases a number of the best-loved bits of Belfast. These include The Balls on the Falls, Titanic Building, The Big Fish, The Albert Clock and the H&W cranes as well as some of the city’s legendary characters and local celebrities including boxing champion Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton and journalist and Belfast broadcaster Colin Murray.

 

 

 

Peace and Love

Lisa

Wedding Day Extra Special Touches Inspiration

As a lot of you guys will already know I am getting married this November.  Wedding Planning seems to have over shadowed my whole life at the moment, from decorating the venue, designing invitations, guests lists and all the nitty gitty that goes with it, I find myself thinking..... well what will make the wedding day special for me? (apart from marrying the love of my life of course).  I started to mentally conduct a list of all the little costly things I have always wanted but couldn't justify and thought this is a great excuse to treat myself!  So here it is a list of some little extras I have either purchased, will purchase or I think you guys will love!  to make my special day even more special for me! 

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Power - Shade 25 -  Chanel.com/makeup

 

Do I even need to explain this one?  No.  This packaging alone is just so beautifully designed.  How could you not feel special topping up your powder with this sleek and vintage inspired little compact?  Design aside this powder is simply perfect for setting my make up.  I have oily/combo skin so this can be a challenge at times but this baby works wonders for me! 

 

Bow-tique by Sinead Candle - Scent Calming - bow-tiquebysinead.co.uk

 

Again the packaging.  The bow on the lid is literally the cutest thing ever <3.  These candles are all 100% organic plant wax meaning they will give a nice clean burn whilst filling the room with  beautiful long lasting scents.  Imagine having this burning on a side table on the morning of your wedding.  Enough said!

 

 

 

Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick - Shade 174 - Chanel.com/beauty

 

I already own this lipstick in a few shades including the red shown so this product has been well and truly tested by myself.  What I love about this lipstick is it applies very nice and creamy with a slight floral scent but after a few mins it drys down to a nice subtle semi matt texture.  Now when I say dries down it doesn't dry down completely to the point its uncomfortable or cakes in any way but it will hold tight and most importantly wont smudge! Product glides on with no patchiness and one coat is enough! I cant speak for all the colours but I know any nudes I have purchased have been great! 

 

 

Chloe - Roses De Chloe 50ml - www.sephora.com/roses-de-chloe

 

This has been one of my favourite perfumes for a long time now.  I only ever use it for special occasions as it just makes me feel so good!  What I love about this perfume is it seems to sink into the skin and gives off a stunning natural scent without being over powering.  This is your go to if you like classic florals.  Defiantly my signature scent.

 

 

Love4everBoutique - Esty.com

 

Wait a second.  Can you actually believe these robes are only £15?  They don't suit my colour palette (not giving my colour palette away just yet) but these would be just perfect for a spring/summer wedding!  The writing is just too pretty and elegant! Check out their page as they do different prints and patterns! 

 

Personalised Walnut Wedding Planner - notonthehighstreet.com/oakdenedesigns

 

Ok well I am a statutory nut as it is so its no surprise I am adding a wedding planner!  If your getting married you need to get a wedding planning.  This is a basic need to jot down important notes and plans!  So why not splurge on this stunning Custom Planner?  Would make an amazing keepsake too!  They do lots of other stationary also so take a look! 

 

Orelia Just Married Bride and Groom Sew On Patch - Asos.com

 

I am patch and biker jacket crazy so as much as these are random they had to go on the list!  Imagine the groom one on the back of a tie?  Or the bride one on a morning of the wedding robe?  Alternatively you could always put them on your honey moon outfits!  Cuteness overload!

 

Custom Made Capes/Necklaces - bohemianvixen.com

 

For the fashion forward bride an amazing chain cape would really give an edge to any dress!  The designer Can even custom make items to suit your dress!  A match made in fashion heaven!  Great quality and very unique!

 

 

These were just some of the cute little extras I feel would add to a wedding day.  I will be adding more as time going on so make sure to check back!  If your a business I don't know about get in touch!  Hope you enjoyed reading my ramblings!

 

Peace and Love

Lisa xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashion Week SS17 Launch - Best Dressed

Even though it was freezing cold, yesterday marked the first day of Belfast Fashion Weeks spring summer season!  The four day fashion week is back with a bang and has brought the best trends to our doorstep.  Its always great to see locals embrace their own person style but yesterdays turn out was something special.  Here are just some of my favourite social looks.  I was spoilt for choice! 

Collette ONeill Rocked casual Mono with this care free look. 

(she makes looking stylish look easy!)

 

Emily Hancock looked like an off duty model with knee high boots which showed off her long pins perfectly.

 

Derek and Lisa were equal amounts of country chic and adorable in these matching couple outfits.

(Not as cute as me and my sister matching though ) 

 

Melissa Riddell stood out from the crowd in this bright jacket and metallic top underneath. 

Silver Metallic Top Nor Lisa Fashion

 

Truly one of my favorite ever looks on fashionista Louise Vance.  She wore the most gorgeous all white kimono paired with very on trend metallic trousers. 

 

Donna McCabe rivalled the catwalk models with stripes which also featured in the catwalk show. 

Dress Nor Lisa fashion

 

Lauryn Hall was simply stylish embraceing head to toe colour blocking with a large belt.  Two of this seasons key trends.

Skirt and Top Nor Lisa Fashion

 

The different textures in Linda Stinsons outfit were simply to die for.  Lace paired with fur paired with leather was this textile designers dream.  Those pop coloured heels really took this look to the next level.

 

I'm a fan of black and lace all year long.  India Reed added a bright hat to give us spring/summer vibes.

 

Another mono look as catwalk host Rebecca McKinney embraces the trend with a dash of metallic on

her feet. 

 

Lastly I matched my fashion blogger sister with a cut out dress, stripe heels and a leather tassel bag.

 

 

 

If you would like to get in on all the action grab your tickets now to your favorite shows to avoid disappointment!. 

 

 

"West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK is set for a ‘blooming’ spectacular Spring/Summer event with the announcement of the schedule for the four day fashion festival which offers some serious style inspiration for the season ahead.

 

Taking place from 23-26 March at venues across the city, the busy schedule sees the return of the sell-out high street and designer runway shows alongside popular fashion fringe events Sushi Saturday at Asian favourite Zen, as well as Style Sunday - which this season is held at Coco on Mother’s Day for the perfect day out for a stylish mum. Budding new events include the stylish Lavazza Coffee Style Saturday brunch at Robinson & Cleaver on Saturday 25 March. This event offers the ultimate fashion filter with key looks from across the fashion spectrum selected by some of the country’s top stylists including Courtney Smith and Cool FM’s Rebecca McKinney as well as London-based Jamie Russell and Lewis Cameron.

 

A make up masterclass courtesy of FASHIONWEEK’s new title make up sponsor, KARAJA is also planned while hair partners ALFAPARF Milano will ensure the models’ locks are luscious throughout all events by teaming up with some of the country’s best hair salons including Paul Stafford and Ben Close as well as Chrysalis and Scissor Sisters from Newry among others.

 

Director Cathy Martin commented on the season’s key trends: “This season there is a focus on fun with playful colours and bold statements being made everywhere. My favourites among all the trends include the palettes of pinks, yellows and blues, as well as gorgeous ginghams and loads of Beetlejuice-inspired stripes. For eveningwear, there are mesmerizing metallics and sassy sequins which will satisfy all the fashion magpies out there.  A feminine feel continues from AW16 with a tap into texture, so there’ll be loads more of romantic ruffles and playful plumes first seen on the Gucci, Chloe and Celine catwalks internationally.”

 

She added: “We’re looking forward to having some of our regular designers and brands on the runways this season, but we’ve opened up the catwalks to the likes of ASOS, Zara, River Island, H&M and TOPSHOP via our stylist picks at the high street shows and at our wonderful new Style Saturday event. It’s an exciting season for us and I look forward to wowing the audiences with the collections we’ll have on show.”

 

Laura Blair, Brand Manager for West Coast Cooler, which sponsors the event, said: “At West Coast Cooler we love to celebrate individuality and style, especially with the launch of campaigns like our #WCCStyleSquad which integrate our audience with our brand activity – we love the fresh opportunities to engage with a fashion conscious customer.  This sponsorship really is an ideal fit with the West Coast Cooler brand.”

 

For further information and links to the full show schedule plus tickets, visit the Belfast Fashion Week Facebook page or www.belfastfashionweek.com .  Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £30 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Sushi Saturday, Lavazza’s Style Saturday and the perfect Mother’s Day day out, Style Sunday, can be booked directly with the FASHIONWEEK team at 02890421509 or via cathy@cmprireland.com  Each show’s ticket price includes a goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler."