On Valentine's Day, We Wear Red!

Hello Lovelies,

I know I know, the concept of 'valentine's day' is like marmite, you either love the day that it is, or you absolutely hate it. But let me just say something, which may be a bit controversial..but just hear me out. I am definitely the type of person who loves any day that focuses on romance and love. That's just the type of person I am. Now let me just say, you can't deny that there is no better feeling than seeing someone you truly care about, whether that is your mother, father, best friend, partner, sibling or even your dog (YOU DO YOU!) in awe of the affection and appreciation you have for them. To me, the day isn't about buying materialistic items and upping one another for who can purchase the most or who can buy the most expensive item. It is about just being there, doing something special with one another, we can all admit that with the stress and worries of daily life. Our awareness of the people we love can escape us, we focus so much on the things that are happening at that moment, those deadlines or stresses that hover over us. We tend to miss out on the special moments, we tend to focus on the short term and forget about the long-term effects of our choices. 

I mean, what is so bad about having one day dedicated to the meaning of 'love', 'appreciation', 'gratitude'. People focus so much on the idea that it is all about having a boyfriend and a girlfriend, and forget that all is it about is taking time out to be with that special someone or someones. I mean, how could you complain about having a day dedicated to rom-com movies, cooking your favourite dinner and chilling with a cup of tea and a few valentine's themed chocolates? I don't think that could ever be a terrible day. But, of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. if it's not a day for you, then what harm. We all just got to remember, no good comes from a negative attitude, and as much as we may feel frustrated or uninterested, the more negative energy you put out into the world, the more you get back. 

My day started with a few hours in university, of course, I then went to brunch at my favourite brunch spot here in Cork. The Liberty Grill has and will always be my favourite spot for breakfast. That night we had a Mexican Fiesta. it's my families favourite meal to cook together and it was amazing to all be together and sit down and just relax. That night, given the day it was, full of Valentine's themed sweet treats and chocolates. I mean, who am I to deny a few heart shaped caramel filled chocolates and Valentine's themed doughnuts? Thank you to Sticky Fingers in Cork City for the amazing doughnut fix.

Believe it or not, I found it pretty hard to think of an outfit which incorporated some red. Red is not a colour I wear often. I tend to stick to navy and blacks. I know they say red is a great colour for redheads, do they say that? I'm sure that's a thing people say, maybe not. My full outfit is Primark. Totally affordable.

Grey Cigarette Trousers / Primark (Missguided Similar)

Red Bodysuit / Primark

Black Tights / Primark

Brown Chelsea Boots / Primark (H&M Similar)

Hope you all enjoy this outfit post and my own opinion toward the concept of Valentine's day. Until next time my dears.

Love Rouxella x

City Discovery #2: Simonds Park Boston

Hello Beauties,

A new year means new travels, another edition of the new cities adventures. To end my 2017 adventures and start 2018, there is no other place id rather be than in the beautiful city of Boston. 

I am lucky enough to have friends in Boston that I came to visit while on university break. And let me tell you something, Boston this time of year, is absolutely freezing. But with each new day comes new places to visit and new cafes and food spots to discover.

Before new years we visited this snow-covered local park, what was amazing was the kids sledding down the snow mounds on their own sleds. To an Irish person, that’s something we don’t see very often. Especially when we don’t get snow very often, and when we do, it's not snow, its just pure slush. 

Everywhere you look is snow upon snow, it's magical, no matter where you take a picture, there is always something beautiful being captured. Everywhere you look it's a great backdrop.

Block Tench Coat: Primark

 Jumper with Ruffled Neck: Primark

Denim Skirt: Primark

Cashmere Scarf: Dublin Clothing Stall

Cashmere Gloves: Dublin Clothing Stall

I hope you all enjoy this 'wintery' inspired cool toned fashion look, I enjoyed taking these photo's as it feels great being back in the states for a little vacation. Which city is next?

Love Rouxella x

A Weekend of Cities!

Hello Beauties,

It's that time again where we get to travel a bit around Ireland. It was a very special weekend as I got to visit some of the popular sites and landmarks in the beautiful city of Cork and the ever so popular Dublin.

As the colder days and nights roll in and the beginning of the New Year is about to commence, I was lucky enough to have some photographs taken in various spots around Ireland. Starting in Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cork. This was the first time I got to explore around the Gardens as when I was a child I just got to look at the castle from the outside, too scared to go explore. The Gardens are absolutely beautiful, there is no doubt you could get lost, there are so many different paths and trails you could follow. Although, there is a need for some fairy doors and tails in a few areas.

Black Tights: Primary

Denim Button Skirt: Primark

Grey Turtle Jumper: Primark

Navy Jacket with Fur Collar: Primark

Next was a trip up to Dublin where we shot in multiple locations, of course we had to start in the beautiful St Stephen's Green, a trip to the Capital isn't complete without a nice walk around the very autumnal park where you can just leisurely stroll while sipping on some delicious hot chocolate. Perfect for this time of year, warms up the body and the chocolate definitely puts you in that festive mood. A new discovery of mine is Grand Canal Square, the backdrop of the water is perfect, the atmosphere and modern buildings are fabulous. Ending the photoshoot day with a little tour of Trinity College followed by there a spot of lunch in Sprout&Co. 

White Collar Shirt: Primark

Cropped Embroidered Jumper: Primark

To finish of the trip we had the pleasure of staying in the magical Carton House in Maynooth, this place has a little place in my heart. The hotel is just a dream and a total luxury, I feel like a princess every time I step through those doors. The staff go above and beyond every time to make sure your needs are met to the highest standard, and I can't even express my love for the breakfast the following morning. 

Overall, this trip was just amazing and I look forward to my next photoshoot in various cities throughout Ireland and beyond. I mean, who knows what trip I'll plan next. 

Love Rouxella x

Travel Series: The Carton House - A Night of Luxury and Relaxation

Well here it is, after a few weeks of reflection after this magical stay I am finally getting to share with you my experience staying in the outstanding 'Carton House Kildare'. I was lucky enough to win this stay through a Facebook competition quite awhile ago, and because it was coming up to my 21st birthday my mother thought it was the perfect excuse to book a luxurious night away to celebrate.

I stayed in The Carton House Hotel in Kildare on the 10th of December. The enquiry on whether a room was available was sent to the hotel just a week before, explaining that it was my 21st birthday weekend and that I have been dreaming, and when I say dreaming, I mean wishing to stay in this hotel for quite a few years now. The Carton House was more than happy to accommodate us and Emma was so kind to make such an availability to my mother and I at such a busy time of year.

We were lucky enough to be treated to a stay in one of their many superior rooms which are just located in the newly renovated wing of the hotel. All superior rooms come with a superior bed, which was something else, it was massive. Being a young lady who has had a single bed all of her life, just this alone was a luxury. A flat screen television, coffee machine, radio system, free high-speed wireless internet, telephone, mini fridge which contained complimentary carton house bottled water(a superb touch), shower, bath(with I took full advantage of). I had two baths in just a one night stay, I just wanted to lay in there forever surrounded by a cloud of bubbles. There was also a complimentary morning paper delivered to our room that morning with the availability of organising a morning wake up call.

We were definitely spoiled as soon as we stepped through those doors as we had complimentary pastries with a letter attached waiting for us as a little token from the kind people of the Carton House for celebrating my 21st birthday.

As you can see from this amazing photo I took that morning, the view from our room was just breathtaking. No matter where you are located in the hotel, the views overlooking the long fields and golf course are just beautiful.

That morning I took full advantage of their gym facilities and had a great workout, the gym really impressed me as it was equipped with a variety of equipment such as weights, cable machines, leg press machines, weighted racks, dumbbells, medicine balls, mats and also had a flat screen television which had all the music channels installed onto it. There is also a long list of leisure services available such as a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, outdoor tennis courts, walking and cycling trails, fishing, golf course, fitness classes, personal training classes.. and that's just to name a few.

One of the activities that the Carton House offers is the Bear Grylls Survival Academy which recently launched at the Carton House, unfortunately due to time constraints I didn't get to experience this as this is definitely an activity I would love to throw myself at as I feel it would really challenge me on a whole new level and it is definitely an activity you wouldn't find yourself doing on the regular basis. Hopefully, if I'm lucky enough to return to the magical Carton House I will be able to experience this. If you are as intrigued about this survival academy as I am then you can find more information at www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.ie

As you can see from the inside of the hotel, it was just like walking through a winter wonderland.

Now, to the best part, THE BREAKFAST.

Wow oh wow, I have never seen such a wide selection of food in all my life. There was everything you could imagine, what I appreciated most about the breakfast at the Carton House is that they cater for everyone. No matter what your dietary requirements or preference, as you know I am quite a healthy person so I usually opt out of breakfast the next morning and go to breakfast somewhere else, as it is usually just full of your regular sugar-filled cereals and the everyday 'full Irish' but this is definitely not the case in the Carton House. To list just a few of the breakfast options available; porridge, homemade granola, yogurt, a variety of freshly cut fruit such as melon, pineapple, mixed berries, a table of toppings such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dried banana, desiccated coconut, a table of different teas, both hot and cold, juices and they even had freshly made smoothies. They also had a buffet for a mixed grill which consisted of sausages, pudding, bacon etc. A table of cereals and not just the sugar-filled ones, they also had muesli, weetabix, bran flakes, cornflakes etc. What I found most amazing was they had a dedicated chef at his own table serving up freshly made eggs no matter what your preference, poached, scrambled, or even sunny side up. He cooks it right there in front of you, and you cannot have a hotel breakfast without some cheeky pastries and homemade fluffy pancakes.

I cannot end this blog post without mentioning the amazing and friendliest staff I have ever got the pleasure of meeting. From the second we arrived at the hotel, they made us feel so welcome and everything was about us and every little detail of our stay was just perfect. Thank you to John who took care of our luggage and gave us a very hilarious and unforgettable spin on the golf buggy back to the entrance of the resort. It topped off a great luxurious stay.

I would highly recommend a stay at the Carton House hotel without a shadow of a doubt, If you are looking for an excuse to get away or treat that special someone to a night away in a hotel which will make you feel like you are in another world and not leave disappointed then the Carton House is a stay you need to experience. Go and treat yourself, you deserve it.

You can find all packages and selection of all rooms available here: http://www.cartonhouse.com/

I hope you enjoyed this post, It was a pleasure to write as I had the most unforgettable and luxurious night away which just made my birthday so special and precious.

Love Rouxella x