Tuesday 15 December 2015

Nailed it!!

Since pretty much the beginning of time, (we'll say) girls have always taken pride in their appearance and having pristine fingernails definitely falls into that category. It's a little known fact that something as small as having your nails done can make you feel like a million dollars!! Well that certainly is the case if you have your nails done by the amazing girls at Polly's Parlour! I know I always count down the days until my next visit with these lovely ladies!! 




Famous for their Ombré French tip nails, has left every girl in Dublin longing for a very sought after appointment with the talented nail technicians. Specialising in acrylic and shellac nails are not the only services they offer you'll be glad to know, especially if you've got any little ones!! Polly offers a full pamper package for your little princesses which in my opinion is the perfect day out for a birthday party.


Polly herself has an incredible 12 years experience in what she does so you know you're in safe hands with her. She's got such an amazing selection of colours to chose from that you'll probably need to use the 'phone a friend' life line to help you decide which shade to go for and if you think her collection of colours is amazing, like a I do, you'll be blown away with her Swarovski diamond collection too! 


I always look forward to a trip at Polly's as I know I'll leave her parlour with not only fabulous nails but a wide smile on my face too! Her warm welcome always makes me feel so comfortable and at ease. Not only are the girls super quick but they are extremely friendly so don't worry about those awkward silences when you have no hands free to flick through your phone. Polly's Parlour is located in finglas village so luckily you don't have to go to the end of the earth to have beautiful nails. 




I am already counting down the days until I have my next appointment with Polly so I can feel like a million dollars again!! Make sure you visit her social media sites for some inspiration and more info!

Instagram: @pollydollies
Facebook: Pretty Pollys Parlour 

Ashley x 

Monday 14 December 2015

Hair Hero Review!!

The minute I got my hands on the hair hero I couldn't wait to play around with it after hearing such amazing reviews. Whether it's curls, waves, or poker straight hair you're after, this one wand can adapt to create any of these looks. How a girl maintains and styles her hair really is so important so what better way than to be able to style it any way you want by using just the one tool?! I absolutely love this product and now look forward to styling my hair every day. 






At first glance I thought how on earth is one contraption going to do all of these tricks? There has to be a catch right? Wrong! I was pleasantly surprised of the simplicity of how to use the hair hero. You simply switch it on and press the curl or the straight button and you're all set to go. The wand itself heats up immediately and is easy to use too. It's amazing how one hair tool can create so many looks and in my opinion is definitely worth investing in!! It's one of those things where you think, how did I ever manage before it?! 






As I mentioned before, the wand heats up super fast and is incredibly hot so watch those finger tips!! I've always used other wands in the past and hated that I had to wait impatiently for them to heat up. It takes enough time for us gals to get all glamed up so this speedy advantage is just perfect for cutting down on time whilst getting ready. From the time I switched on my hair hero to the time I brushed out my curls was all done in ten minutes to achieve the bouncy waves I was after.




The hair hero retails in at £158.67 and can be purchased online at www.Easilocks.com. A perfect idea for a gift this christmas!! 

Ashley x 



Thursday 10 December 2015

Lip fillers by Kerry Hanaphy!

Beautiful full, Angelina Jolie lips is what the majority of us desire these days, including myself!! But if you weren't blessed with a killer pout like this particular goddess, then there's no need to fret because that can all be changed with a very quick and simple procedure. I'm a regular client of Ireland's top aesthetics nurse, Kerry Hanaphy and have lip fillers every couple of months to help me achieve the exact size and shape that I love. This involves getting several little injections in my lips using only the best of product, which is something you should seek when having lip augmentation. 



When I first chatted with Kerry, we decided together that my lips were already a good size and shape so there was no need to alter them too much. We both agreed on a half ml of product being just enough. Since then I have built upon that, adding another half ml whenever I feel like I need a little top up. This lady really knows what she's talking about and she's honest too so I'd advise you to take her opinion into consideration during your consultation. I remember on my very first visit with Kerry she told me that cosmetics is all about 'enhancing what you've already got, not changing yourself entirely' and that made perfect sense to me. 



The number one question I'm always asked has to be, 'Was it painful?' and I would be lying if I said you couldn't feel a thing because that's not entirely true. You can of course feel a little pinch when the needle penetrates the skin but honestly, it's nothing you won't be able to handle! If I can sit through it calmly then you most certainly can too. Kerry also numbs your lips before hand with numbing cream that helps to take the sting away but if you're really, really squeamish...? Just think about how worth while its going to be and how fabulous you'll look and feel afterwards. I myself experienced no bruising but of course some slight swelling which went away within a couple of short days. 


With the former nurse having over 13 years experienced under her belt you know that you're in safe hands. Not only is she an expert in lip augmentation but also specialises in dermal fillers and anti- ageing treatments such as Nithya, Prp facials, PDO threads and so much more. Last year Kerry officially opened her brand new clinic situated in the heart of Dublin city, South William street. This new fabulous space with oriental vibes and a constant buzz has been absolutely thriving!



Make sure you take a look at her Facebook page and Instagram account - @kerry.hanaphy to check out some of her highly sought after work. You'll find any additional information you need on prices and treatments over on her website. Www.kerryhanaphy.com I've never been happier with my lips and can't thank Kerry enough for the confidence she's instilled in me. I highly recommend her amazing skills!!

Ps. If you're stuck for gift ideas, Kerry also sells vouchers in the clinic which can also be purchased over the phone.


Ashley x 

Wednesday 25 November 2015

iWhite teeth whitening kit review!!

Pearly whites!! It's something that's on everybody's list of things they want in life, am I right? There's no better feeling than having a bright, white, Hollywood smile that could potentially blind a passer by when you open your mouth. Okay, I'm kidding!! You won't blind anybody but you will certainly catch their attention when they see your gleaming nashers! The older you get, the fonder you become of liquids that stain your teeth. Yes, I'm talking about those fabulous drinks called coffee and wine. Totally giving up these glorious beverages is a bit drastic for the sake of having white teeth so you don't need to worry about doing that, not now that iWhite teeth whitening kits are on the market!! 




I know that a persons teeth are the first thing I look at when I'm talking to someone and I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this either. Our teeth are something that are so incredibly important to us so they should be given extra special attention when it comes to keeping them clean and of course, keeping them sparkling white. I am guilty of eating foods that may discolour your teeth not to mention drinking both wine and coffee, so I was absolutely delighted when I came across the iWhite teeth whitening kit. I had heard endless reports on the brand and all opinions were that they were simply amazing, so of course I was beyond excited to start using my kit. For the duration of time when using the kit I tried to stay away from drinking too much tea or coffee but when I did I made sure to use a straw. That way I was limiting the chance of any further staining whilst trying to whiten my teeth. 



What I love about this brand is that everything is ready to go and so easy to use. You don't have to worry about how much gel or bleach you need to apply into the tray or about having to wash and dry moulds as they are disposable. All you have to do is pop them out of the packet and into your mouth. Simple as that!! After twenty minutes you can dispose of the trays you just used and give a light rinse over your teeth with cold water and VoilĂ  you are on the road to having a bright iWhite smile!! A kit includes 10 pre-filled trays which you can use as you like. You can either use one set to instantly whiten your teeth every so often or use them for five consecutive days, like I did, to achieve maximum results. I used my kit in conjunction with the iWhite whitening toothpaste to protect, maintain and whiten my smile every day.


The iWhite kit is completely safe to use and is not harmful on your teeth whatsoever!! iWhite not only strengthens your teeth but also removes stains and has been clinically proven to whiten teeth up to 8 shades whiter. What more could you want, right? You can purchase this teeth whitening kit in selected pharmacies or online at www.iwhite.ie The teeth whitening kit retails at just €29.99 and the toothpaste is a bargain at €9.50 Perfect stocking fillers if you have been stuck for ideas over the Christmas!! I have tried different ways to whiten my teeth over the years but I've never been more satisfied with a product than this. I'm extremely happy with my smile and it's all down to iWhite!! You can thank me later guys!! 



Keep smiling!!

Ashley x 

Thursday 19 November 2015

A letter to the ladies, Part II

Maybe he came into your life a hurricane causing destruction and damage at every hands turn or maybe like these cold winter nights, he crept his way into your heart. Nevertheless, he made his presence known and he made sure you wouldn't forget it. Either way, don't be so hard on yourself. It's tough to let go of someone you cared about so much. Someone you've given maybe years of your life to. Don't get angry with yourself if you miss him or even if you take ten steps backwards and go back to him once more. In your own time you'll know when you are ready to finally part for good and move forward without him in your life. Laugher is the best medicine. Laugh so hard you cry. Laugh so hard you forget what it is you're laughing about. Share these moments with people who lift you up and remind you of the wonderful person you are. 


Ask yourself why would a person tear you down? Strip away your confidence so you feel insecure and low? A person who does this is not a good person, that is plain to see right? Wrong! It's just not crystal clear when you are blinded by love. Eventually your eyes will open and your mind will follow suit. If someone loves you they should build you up so high that you can reach the stars and beyond. They should support and encourage you in everything you do. It's not right and it's certainly not okay to bring a person down only to make yourself feel better. You shouldn't be tuned that way, it's just not normal. This works both ways. A relationship and love in general is a two way street. If you are praising your other half, showing him love and respect it should be reciprocated without hesitation. Stand in front of the mirror and look at yourself. Then ask that amazing girl if she wants to stay trapped in her current predicament or if she wants to break free from the chains that hold her captive. 






In order to receive love you must believe that you deserve it. Radiate good thoughts and feelings and watch how they gravitate back towards you. What you think about, you bring about. So don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself, wallowing in self pity. Get up, get out and start enjoying your life. When it feels as though the world is against you, lift your head high and remind yourself that it is not. If you are having a bad day, remember that it is just a bad day, not a bad life. Because life goes on after heartbreak I promise you that. But yes, that big question still lingers. How do you know when you are finally ready to close that dark chapter in your life? The chapter that went on for so long it became the whole book! I'm sure a lot of you thought that this time was the last time. That this was the time you were finally strong enough to walk away, until finding yourself right back in the very same situation once again. But that's okay. You just weren't ready, no matter how much you thought you were. Have patience, it's a process. I myself lost count of how many times I thought was 100% done with someone, I mean totally wiped my hands, only to find myself laughing at his jokes just a week or two later. It's from within that something one day will click. All of the amazing advice you receive won't make that decision for you, but never disregard it non the less.


Sorry. How many times have you heard that 5 lettered word been thrown around so often that it's gotten to a point where the word has no meaning, no true value anymore?! How do you fall so deep into love with a horrible person that you drown in the process of doing so? It seems crazy to think that you are one of those stereotype girls who believes every lie that comes out of his mouth! I know I used to say it would never be me, I would never be so foolish. But then it happens, and you become brainwashed by someone who has never had your best interest at heart the way your friends and family do. And that's another thing, if your family and friends won't accept him then you probably shouldn't either. They are the ones who know what's best for you and they are the ones who have had to pick up the pieces from your shattered heart. If he has hurt you he has hurt the ones who care the most about you too. The damage has a domino affect. 


Imagine having the power to make someone feel good, make someone feel happy? Well, you do have that power, so use it. Use that power to make yourself so immensely happy that you don't depend on another person to make you feel good about yourself. Eliminate all those bad feelings, all those bad memories that poison your mind. Until you do this you won't ever be happy and you must believe this. I've experienced a toxic, unhealthy love but it was not my 'great love' and I know this. It took a while to accept it but when I did I started to move on. At the time sure, it was the only love I could fathom because Cupid had hit me hard with his arrow. I never seen it coming, it caught me by surprise. But you shouldn't lose yourself in the process of loving someone else. You should flourish as a person instead, not diminish away right before your very own eyes. Get that spark back!! Turn tragedy to triumph and move forward knowing you'll be a better person for it, a stronger person. 




It's hard to accept that the opinion you cared about most in the world was unkind and an attack on you. It's tough to understand it. Then one day all those second guess thoughts of  sticking around with someone you're afraid to be yourself around disappear and you suddenly know what it is you must do. You should not have a constant fear wash over you, worrying that he will tear you down with his words so he can obliterate your confidence to make you feel small. Your valid words should not be silenced or dismissed when you try to speak your mind. It's not a healthy way of communication and we all know that communication is imperative for everything. You should lift up your partners spirits up along with everyone else you meet. Make them feel good about themselves, make them believe their own worth if they don't already. Try as you might but you will never be able to change a person no matter how much you want to. If you need to change a person to be happy with them, then that person is not for you darling! 


He was charming I'm sure, still is when it suits him. Made you fall for him through the nice things he said, all the nice things you wanted to hear. But of course, those words came with a side of manipulation to get there. Then one day something changes and you catch the feeling that spreads like wildfire through your whole body, love!! That feeling is hard to put out, it's hard to shake no matter what the circumstances may be. I'm still finding the strength now to stay focused on myself and not fall back into the same trap a million times. But if I can do it, I assure you, you can too. Truth is, you are going to look back one day and say to yourself 'What the hell was I thinking?' You may even giggle about the situation, but that's what life is about. You make mistakes and you learn from them. They help you to grow as a person. They help give you the knowledge that you'll cherish a lifetime. So I hope you listen to these few words of wisdom I've written for all of you, after all ladies, this is my letter to you, part II. 



Don't be bitter, be better!! 

Ashley x 

Monday 9 November 2015

A letter to the ladies,

What is it that makes you lose yourself over a man that has never shown you even an ounce of respect? How on gods green earth did you let someone else take charge of your own happiness? What is that damn hold they posses over you? And most of all, why can't you seem to let go? These are all questions you may never know the answers to. So stop searching and start living. A lesson hurts before it teaches. I believe this more than anything. But how long until you've learned your lesson? It can feel like forever and a day that you're hurting but remind yourself that it is part of your journey and will ultimately help to shape the person you are. Find the silver lining. Be glad that you've got this valuable lesson under your belt, you'll carry it with you throughout your entire life. Just make sure you hold on tight to it, don't forget it, after all, you've suffered enough to learn your lesson. It's going to help you avoid making the same mistake twice. It's precious. 


Maybe your judgement was clouded so that you were blind to the wrong way he treated you? Or maybe, like me you weren't blind. You knew exactly what was happening, your brain was tuned in, your mind was wide awake. But you let him hurt you anyways. The one bad guy that can do no wrong in your eyes, gets a million chances plus one. But when does that realisation happen? When does the penny drop? How do you finally learn to accept that you do not deserve anything less than real, passionate, chaotic, crazy love. Everybody deserves to be loved, to be made feel beyond special so don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Have faith, you're time is coming, if it hasn't already. 


Dig a little deeper, make yourself aware! Look on to your situation with an outsiders point of view and think of the things you would say to the girl standing before you as you try to shake some sense into her. If a guy does not show you he cares, makes you feel loved, then there is a reason for it. The reason being, he doesn't care and he certainly doesn't love you either. That hurts to hear, I know that. But it does get better, there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel. Words can be easily rolled off the tongue but it's through actions you'll know where you stand with a person without having to question it. Wise up! Know your worth. If someone is not making you truly happy then why waste your time? Somewhere out there, there's someone deserving of you even if that's a little hard to believe. But for now, YOU be the only person you need to be content in life and let the rest fall softly into place. 


Take your own advise. Remember the times you told your best friend he was no good because of all the nasty things he did?! Give yourself that very same talk! Search high and low for the strength to accept what is and move on. God knows it's hard when your head and heart are at war but forget about both and trust your gut. Let your intuition guide you. If you feel things aren't right and you know that he's no good for you, then more than likely that's the truth. And yes, the truth hurts. But hurt does not last forever, not if you take control of your feelings and your own happiness. Sadness, anger, resentment and pain are all temporary feelings that only you have the power to change. Remember that!! Take charge of your emotions and encourage the good ones to multiply. It's okay to feel sad. Sadness is a part of life, something we all feel at one time or another. Accept sadness into your life because after all you would not know what happiness felt like unless you felt sadness too. This feeling is there for a reason and sometimes we forget that. I can throw my hands up in the air and admit I often forget that in order to feel the good emotions, really feel them, we need to experience the bad ones too. 


Focus on you. Don't dwell on the negative things that will only get you down. Make a list of all the great things in your life, count your blessings. And after you make that list, make another. Make a list the length of your arm about all the things you love about YOU. Fall in love with the girl you are. Fill yourself up so much with love that it overflows into your whole life. That there's simply no room for anything else but this powerful feeling. Let life surprise you. Do things you would never imagine yourself doing and watch how much you grow. Great things never come from comfort zones so have a little more belief in yourself and enjoy this time while you have it.


Love like an illness, takes time to sweat out. That means things are going to get better just have the patience and stop the doubt. Time is a healer they say which sometimes can feel like a hopeless phrase when all you want to do is fast forward to a time when you feel normal again. To feel as though you are the most important person there is, that you are number one. Start putting yourself first and don't feel guilty for doing so. Do not depend on another person to supply you with the happiness that you can create from within. Talk! Talk so much you run out of words to say. It helps, believe me. Expect the bad days and the ones even worse than those. Heartache and pain are feelings that are not uncommon amongst us all. So remember, you are not alone, no matter how much it may feel that way. Surround yourself with those who matter and forget about all the rest. Nurture your soul and ask yourself what brings you joy? What truly makes you happy? And then do that, do lots of whatever that is. 


In time you'll be amazed at how free you feel without the suffocating feeling that smothered you for too long. Fall so hard out of love that you can't look back even if you tried to. I mean trip yourself up if you have to, but just fall so incredibly hard out of love, out of all those feelings that have had you feeling trapped and hopeless for god knows how long. Get it in to your head that you are worth so much more than what you settled for the last time. Wait until you find someone who worships the ground you walk on and you'll worship them every inch in return. When you find that someone you won't need to question what you have because it will just happen naturally. It will happen with magic and you'll thank that one bad guy for letting you slip away to fall into someone else's worthy arms. I myself need to practice what I preach more often than I do but please just take my advise anyways, this is my letter to you. 
"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain"


Ashley x

Friday 23 October 2015

Easilocks Review!!

Longer hair, fuller lashes, bigger boobs! Us gals are never happy are we? Always wanting to tweak our appearance so we can look the very best version of ourselves at all times. Whether it's fabulous long hair you are after or delicious thick locks, there really is no better place to go other than the easilocks salon store street!! I had the absolute pleasure of having my extensions applied by the amazing stylist Fiona Killion in the pristine salon located in the heart of Dublin city. The minute I walked through the door I was welcomed with huge smiles and excellent service from all of the girls, who looked after me so well. 





The amazing thing about easilocks is that the method for applying them involves absolutely no heat or glue, so as you can imagine the application is very quick and easy with no mess involved. The hair they use is fantastic quality and is also 100% natural human hair, meaning you can style the hair exactly how you want with whatever tools you chose. As a result of no harmful agents being used on your hair to have the extensions applied they cause virtually no damage to your own hair, which at the end of the day is always such a huge concern when having extensions applied. 






I had just a little under a full head applied and even with 130 strands of hair added to my own, I can honestly say they feel so comfortable!! I still have the luxury of being able to style my hair up as the beads are so tiny and well hidden they are almost invisible! As you can see my hair matches completely with the hair that was applied which can be extremely tricky, especially when you are a blond. I had every faith in the girls to work their magic and chose the correct shades of blonde that would create a natural looking flow between the extensions and my own hair. I haven't been able to stop running my fingers through the silky strands that fall down my back!! The silkiness and shine they give really doesn't compare to any other extensions. 






The easilocks store sells absolutely amazing products to keep your main in tip top condition, ranging from their rose gold oil, shampoos and their special extension brush which is designed to glide through the hair helping to detangle. Your hair is definitely something you should look after in life and I know you'll all agree with me on that one! So with that being said, if it's quality hair that you are after that will really give you your dollars worth then you need to book into the easilocks store street salon for your free consultation, where the girls will talk you through how many strands you'll need and what colours to use that will work best for the look the look you are trying to achieve. 




When you book into the store be sure to mention my name to the girls so you can avail of two after care products absolutely free to help keep your extensions in perfect condition!!! 

Ashley x 

Sunday 20 September 2015

Don't worry, Be happy!!

Feeling anxious is a feeling that is not uncommon amongst us all, but for some anxiety can take on a whole new meaning of just feeling a little worried every now and again. Imagine a heavy pressure that constantly weighs down on you, a feeling of numbness that consumes your mind without you being able to control what is happening. A shallow shortness of breath along with overwhelming worry and confusion. A literal sense of feeling sick and tired day in, day out. You could compare it to a form of mental torture and that would be putting it lightly. 




The symptoms I've described above are ones of which I suffer from on close to a daily basis. I bet you wouldn't have guessed that, but here's the thing, how would you have? Of course, we are not all mind readers so it's hard to ever really know what's going on inside another persons head. I lack motivation in every aspect of my life and too often wish away a day before it has even begun. I'm self conscious and insecure like a lot of other woman but I don't always like to show it. I know it's easy to be presumptuous especially with the likes of social media these days but just remember the way you perceive somebody may not always be who that person is.

Anxiety is not something that is physical so we tend to overlook it as being an actual disorder when in fact that's  exactly what it is. In recent times I believe the stigma that surrounds mental illness has shifted in a hugely positive way. So many people speak openly about their experience and understanding of it but we can't overlook the ones who don't!! "You're just being dramatic" some may say as a dismissal of what YOU are feeling but never ever let such a small minded person make you feel like what you are going through isn't real or isn't important. 




I've learned that it's okay to talk and it's certainly okay to cry. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you and that will most importantly be there when you need comfort the most, whether it's lending an ear or a shoulder.  By having a strong support system like this around you, you will undoubtably feel your darker days seem light. You are who associate yourself with so if that is someone who is negative or dismissive then I really don't need to tell you twice what you need to do. 








I'm still finding myself getting to grips on controlling my breathing and learning how to de-stress in a way that works for me. I think taking up a hobby that relaxes you is a great way to distract your mind and help you unwind. I know for me I love to draw and swear by the book 'The Secret' when I need something positive to turn to. It's very hard to strive for great things when all you can do is focus on the bad. God knows it's tough to have a positive attitude all of the time but this book reminds you to always count your blessings and can put you in a better mood almost instantly.


So the moral of my story is that you never know what a person may be going through so never ever judge and always, always be kind. One of my favourite quotes says that "It's nice to be important but more important to be nice" and I truly believe that we all should live by these words a little more!!

Ashley x