1. Paleo Chicken Wraps

This is one of my most-visited recipes on my site and for good reason. It’s healthy, light and so easy to make. You can find the recipe here.

2. Spicy Turkey Mince

Another go-to for me- easy to throw together and is kind of a ‘leftovers in the fridge’ kind of meal, which is ideal for the day before your weekly shop. Find my recipe here.

3. Turkey Sausages with Veggie Mash

This is my healthier take on the traditional British favourite- Bangers & Mash. I swap my sausages for turkey sausages (grilled) and the mash I use is Mash Direct turnip, parnsip & carrot it’s so good. I simply add some real butter, sauteed red onion and some pepper and salt. Oh and a little splash of milk!

4. Chicken Stir-fry

Again, another easy peasy recipe that I go back to time and time again. I recently wrote a post for the boys at The Edge: Clontarf on this actually- you can find the recipe here.

5. Burrito Bowl/Fajitas

A simple combination of stir-fried chicken fillets, paprika, chilli flakes, splash tamari sauce, some lime juice, garlic, fried onions, peppers and some more lime juice. Add some mash avocado as a side (made with lime juice, tomato juice & salt) and serve in a warm wrap with fresh, crunchy lettuce and a side of kidney beans (strained!). So easy and SO tasty. If you want to keep the carbs low, leave out the wrap and have a lettuce wrap instead. Or if you’d prefer some rice, simply place all the ingredients when cooked on top.

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Now in a healthier approach to the run up to a hen, you might think, are you not taking away from the fun? In my opinion, not at all. In fact, by cleaning up my food intake this week, keeping on top of my supplementation and adding in an extra session at the gym, I will feel much better getting ready on Saturday.

And before anyone jumps to conclusions, nope- it’s not due to guilt or anything of the sort. Keeping it low carb (ish- I had quinoa at lunch and rice noodles post-workout!) I will feel fresher, leaner and healthier and ready for some fun!

SO what did I do and will I do differently this week?

1. I added in an extra two AWFUL HIIT sessions as I won’t be training at the weekend of course!

2. I kept my coffee intake low so far this week- one Monday, just one yesterday and none today- so far so good!

3. I have taken ALL of the supplements to keep my vitamins and minerals in check and have increased my magnesium to enable deeper and more restful sleep.

4. I’ve done face masks, used lotions and potions to prep my skin for some boldness and have kept away from any tans or drying agents!

5. I’ve kept my sugar intake to a minimum- again in preparation for some yummy treats and drinks!

6. I usually start off with a glass of bubbles and move to a clear alcohol- this means the head is less, well, heady, the next day! I also drink sparkling water with any shorts- it puts manners on any speedy drinking!

7. I always bring electrolytes for that night or next morning. Time to rehydrate and replenish!

8. Have a good breakfast the morning after the night before. Even if you don’t feel like it at the time, try and eat a protein rich breakfast. I usually go for poached eggs and some brown toast and bacon. Your liver will thank you later. Fill up on water, have some fruit and a strong hot coffee!

9. Then, after breakfast, try and get outside or move  a little to blow away the cobwebs. More water, some more coffee and I’m usually hungry again an hour after breakfast. I ALWAYS carry snacks like almonds, protein and a protein bar, just in case!

10. Let your hair down. Whether it’s a hen or a girl’s night out or a birthday, you have to allow wiggle room to just go with the flow and relax.

The above works well for me, but might not be for everyone! The goal is let yourself go and get right back to facing your goals the next day, perhaps after a sneaky takeaway-eek…

Especially if you are in the bridal party or the Bride-to-be, make sure you get back in the saddle and stick to your guns. The countdown is on to feel healthy and confident for your big day. No time for quick fixes, just healthier choices that become lifetime commitments…

Whatever the occasion is for your next big night out, why not try my top tips on how to survive a Hen or Girls Weekend!

X

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Can’t sleep. Won’t sleep. So much so, that it begins to affect our sleep patterns even more.

SO what can you do, you ask?

Well there are a few basics that, most likely, sound very very obvious, but nevertheless, let’s give them a try, and indeed, a mention.

Below you have some tips on how to improve your sleep:

1. No blue lights after 9pm- the awful glaring lights from your TV, mobile or beside clock affects your natural ability to sleep. Power off by 9pm and leave your phone in another room if you can.

2. Try leaving out any power naps or midday rests- you need to be winding down at night time properly to restore your natural cycle.

3. Change your sheets each week- Think of that moment you change your sheets, shave your legs and slip into soft pj’s. Yeah. Give that a go more often. Simples.

4. Save your bedroom for sleep and sex (if you’re lucky enough!)- no work, no TV, no laptops and limit reading too. Bedtime needs a routine, just like a toddler, so make sure you prioritise yours.

5. Get in charge of your body clock- so even at weekends, try your best to go to bed and wake up at the same-ish time! When it’s darker outside try and make sure to see some light within 5 minutes of waking to properly get your body going!

6. Avoid excess caffeine- yes, probably the last thing you want to hear, but by overloading on caffeine with an already disrupted sleep pattern, your body will be a nervous wreck!

7. Exercise regularly- but avoid training too close to bed-time as some people find it harder to sleep with that post-workout burst or buzz of energy!

8. Take magnesium- a natural muscle relaxant, magnesium will help your whole body relax and rest more easily.

9. Avoid eating too much, too late at night. Keep your meals light and allow yourself a good hour before bed to digest before lying down, if possible.

10. Avoid drinking too much before bed- the two hours before you to bed, your bladder will fill up if you drink too many liquids before you hit the hay. Try and avoid drinking too many liquids or you’ll wake up naturally needing to use the loo! Also avoid alcohol if your sleep is disturbed. While it may make you feel sleepy, the sugar content may also cause you to stir and twitch or wake up completely in the middle of the night.

Conscious that quite a few of my followers have young kids and families, so the aforementioned tips might not always be so simple in practice. However, if you can start to implement similar tips for your children, where relevant, it’s amazing the calming effect that the run-up to bedtime will have on the whole house!

Night night…

Sleep tight…

X

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So rather than grabbing a cup of tea just yet and reaching for the biccies or glass of vino, why not give this easy peasy at-home HIIT circuit a try in the comfort of your own home, hotel room or balcony!

Up the intensity by simply adding another round or two- oh and don’t be afraid to get SWEATY!

Enjoy

X

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With this in mind, I teamed up with Trainer and Director James to put together a simple gym program for you to follow- think of it as a four week program that will sculpt and activate your whole body in minimal time.

James has recommended this as a 3 day a week weights program with about 10/15 minutes cardio to be done at the end of each session- your choice!

I’d recommend a simple 10 Minute HIIT program at the end of each session or what I have started to do is some circuits on the Aero-dynamic bike which is NOT for the faint-hearted!

If in doubt, simply google the exercises but I am looking to do a little photo or video journal of each very soon

PLEASE NOTE: Before starting on ANY new program please consult with a professional and do not undertake any programs while pregnant unless under the advice of your GP. For any of you new to training, please speak to a PT about correct form and technique for any unfamiliar exercises.

Day 1

A1:Split Squats x 12

A2: 1 Armed Row x12

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

B1: Bench Bridge x30 secs (shoulders on bench)

B2: Kneeling Push-up Hold x30 secs

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

C1: Side Plank x30 sec each side

C2: Standing Lat-Raise x20

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with NO REST IN BETWEEN

Finish with 15 minutes cardio of choice

PS: Don’t be afraid to sweat!

Day 2

A1:Heel Elevated Squats x8 (5 seconds down)

A2: Seated Shoulder Press x15

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

B1: Kettlebell Romanian Deadlift x15

B2: Bent over DB Row x15

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

C1: V-Sit Hold x30 secs

C2: Burpees x15

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec with NO REST IN BETWEEN

Finish with 15 minutes cardio of choice

Tip:  Try and increase your weights once you feel comfortable with technique!

Day 3

A1: Lunge & Reach x18 (1st set body weight)

A2: Low-incline Bench Tricep Extension x15

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

B1: Wall sit x30 secs

B2: Cable Bicep Curls x15

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec rest in between

C1: Full plank x 30-45 secs

C2: Mountain Climbers x30 secs

NOTE: Repeat the above exercises x 3 sets with 30 sec with NO REST IN BETWEEN

Finish with 15 minutes cardio of choice

Keep in mind!

You need to remember that good technique is far more important than lifting heavier weights each time. Keep your breathing on track too. Breathe out on the effort to help push yourself! Once you have nailed technique and you feel comfortable doing so, you can start to increase your weights for each exercise!

There are so many benefits of working with a good trainer either on a regular basis if your budget allows or indeed at intervals throughout the year to change up your program based on your individual needs!

As mentioned above, always consult a professional before starting on a brand new training program particularly if suffering from any long-term illness, overcoming surgery, chemotherapy or pre or post natal. Health and safety are key!

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Sometimes, actually LOTS of times, I don’t always feel 100%.  I don’t always bounce out of bed. I don’t look forward to each and every day like Instagram wants us all to feel.

And that’s OK.

What tends to fill my mind, like most women I know, is one big, giant, never-ending to-do list. I write lists all the time, scrunch them up in little post-its (otherwise I forget!) and when it’s done, it’s like a giant sense of relief as we are one step to finishing said list. Anxiety much?

I digress.

Something, however, that’s never on the to-do list for everyone, is scheduled time-out. I have gym time, work time, friend time, family and boyfriend time. So I’ve decided to add in little slots during the week to do the things I love to do, to make sure my to-do list never falters too far from Number 1. (Me- AHEM!).

Now this is probably easier said than done, as I don’t have kids or a dog (I’m crying at the dog part btw…) but I’m hoping that some of my tips below will allow for a more positive mindset and a more relaxed you, REGARDLESS of how many cute kids or picture perfect puppies you have

The following are what I do to get some head-space, some me-time and less stress-time:

1. Any day it’s not lashing rain, I try to walk into and out of work. My commute walking is about 30 mins each way at the moment, so it adds to about 7,000 steps. It means I can listen to podcasts, music (usually terrible Spanish music to be fair!) and just forget about any stresses.

2. I try to go to the gym at least 3 times a week. This is non-negotiable, unless I’m away and really want a break from everything. If I’m not in the gym I’ll go for a half day hike somewhere pretty.

3. I’ve started yoga each Wednesday evening and completely switch off in that hour. I don’t get lost in ‘another world’, so much as I allow the practice to be only full of positive thoughts, calmness and relaxation. Negative thoughts can sit this one out on the bench.

4. I try not to use my phone after 10pm. They only time I use my phone in bed on a ‘school night’ is to set my alarm. Then it’s turned over and left on my bedside table.

5. I’ve turned off all notifications on my phone. Yes I have a blog and yes I’m already pretty crap with my phone in terms of replying to begin with. But, between working in Digital, having the blog and freelancing, my mind would go crazy with the amount of notifications so they are always switched to OFF. Sorry not sorry.

6. I have no TV. Well, I have no channels tuned in. I’ve been that way since I left college over 10 years ago. It’s amazing and you get so much more done in the evenings. No Love Island though, and no Ex On The Beach, which is fairly devastating though.

7. I try and get out of Dublin every few weekends. Fresh air, fresh lungs, fresh head. It feels like a mini-holiday, even if it’s just for a day to Wicklow.

8. I watch what I eat. What has this got to do with my to-do list you might ask? Well, I keep track of everything I eat in MyFitnessPal. Therefore I know why I might be cranky after certain foods, or feel down or too ‘up’ either. Nutrition has a MASSIVE  impact on our mood (READ: OUR HORMONES!) take note lads and lassies.

9. I book massages and facials in lieu of drinking and partying. So I don’t really drink, just on occasions. So I take that €€ and use it on Number 1. Selfish? Maybe. Deserved? HELL YES!!!

10. I don’t stress if people are late, arrive late, don’t reply to a text, reply late, don’t answer…I don’t absorb passive aggression from other girls (I ignore the HELL out of it actually) and I have learned to move far, far away from people who are constantly negative. It’s very, very damaging and there are some people that simply don’t want positive people around them and just want you to agree with the negatives and be gone. My mantra now is to stay the hell away. Be kind, be polite, but don’t get involved.

Hopefully this will resonate with some of you- maybe not all of the points will be possible but, even if you can take one or two on-board it will be a great start!

X

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So, I decided to bite the bullet this summer.

After YEARS, yes- YEARS- of humming and hawing, I decided to go a little further afield and branch out to new horizons in Bali for my summer hols!

Bali is an island and is a province of Indonesia in Asia and is made up of the island of Bali and some little surrounding islands too. It’s hugely popular with Aussie surfers and yogis and so caters very well to Western tastes when it comes to grungy little surf shack cafes and perfectly poached eggs with ‘avo-toast’.

The majority of Bali’s natives practice Hinduism, with over 85% of the majority, followed by roughly 15% Muslim in faith. The people are so gentle and lovely,  incredibly friendly and I felt so safe the entire time- I would actually happily travel there on my own.

Bali has been residing in my brain and messing with my my mind for years and somewhere I always wanted to go. I mentioned it to my bestie before Christmas last year and away we went and booked. Despite planning for so long on the actual destination, the actual initial getting it all done and finalised happened very quickly. We booked flights using Sky Scanner,  flying Dublin to Denpasar, and the return flights for the two of us cost us about €1150. Even looking at accommodation at that stage brought it to approx €1200 in total each, including some really nice hotels. We weren’t too fussy about our travel dates to be honest. We did, however, want the shortest journey duration possible, without breaking the bank! And so began our little adventure…

We started booking flights etc, in January and the trip was the end of June to mid-July. This is a great time to visit Bali as you have sun but it’s not too hot and not too humid either- OR too rainy. My pal Tash lives in Bali and recommended this time of year, so I forgot the weather apps, begrudgingly (I’m a total weather nerd!) and went with the local advice

We started looking into where to stay in about February or March and kept an eye out- I’m a huge fan of booking.com and typically use this for all my hotels when going abroad, if I’m not using Air B n’B. We started with all the typical Bali hotspots and ended up doing a plan for our trip that looked something like this:

Seminyak- Day 1-5

Ubud- Day 5-8

Gili Trawangan Day 8-13

Uluwatu Day 13-15

Overall, we spent two and a half days tin transit. The flights are long-haul- I think we were almost 25-28 hours travelling over and back altogether. The flight I found really awful and I couldn’t sleep- probably the excitement mixed with airplane temperature drops. We flew with Malaysia airlines and I wasn’t really impressed by the level of comfort or the food – BUT, you pay for what you get. The same flights on the same day with other airlines were double the price!

We had to alter our accommodation  around even after all the confirmations as the weather took a little turn in the middle of our trip, but with booking.com it was so easy to change. This sounds like an #ad but it’s totally not it’s just SO easy to use and you don’t need to pay typically until you arrive which is always a bonus!

Here’s a little run-down on what each place was like and what we did in each place…

Note: if you know me at all, you will know that I LOVE sunbathing, I LOVE beaches and I LOVE walking. SO put me in a hot, sunny environment and I’m easy to please. I am not, on the other hand, so enamored with overcast, dull, grey skies and can get cranky/sick/tired. *See below.

Denpasar Airport

Ok, so arriving in the airport I imagined it would be total chaos. It was actually really easy. We had arranged a driver in advance, which I would recommend, as it makes getting off a long-haul flight so much less of a bother. Also to note, loads of hotels offer transfers too when you book, which is worth keeping in mind. Our driver met us with a little sign outside arrivals and was super friendly-  Siobhan (my pal) took over on the small talk (which I hate) and away we went to our first destination- Seminyak!

Seminyak

Driving into Seminyak, I had expected this sleepy little beach town. It’s not exactly the reality. It’s hectic in terms of traffic, scooters EVERYWHERE, broken footpaths and cafes and restaurants, cute little Aussie and Balinese boutiques everywhere and loads of Spas.

We checked in, got showered- in the OUTDOOR shower- and then headed to the beach to watch sunset. Then we felt fancy, got a local beer which is far from fancy but does the job (Bintang is the local beer, Radler is the shandy) and after watching the sunset, we went and treated ourselves to a VERY FANCY full-body massage at Spring Spa. I had the Spring massage, my pal the Balinese. Mine was achingly amazing. Like the best sports massage ever but also really relaxing at the same time. 1 hour of bliss for 20 quid max including tip. We spent the next few days floating about sampling the coffee everywhere we could and some of the amazing healthy restaurants peppering the streets of crazy little Seminyak. Our hotel was in Petitenget beside the W hotel, which was quite basic but had a fab gym. I used the ‘fab’ gym twice and did a HIIT circuit outside our little villa. There was the start and the end of my gym-time in Bali. Yikes!

Restaurant/cafe wise, I’d recommend Sisterfields (probably the best food I had in Seminyak- try the avocado toast or anything really!), Monsieur Spoon( coffee and cake), Cafe Organic (acai bowls, great coffee, very Insta-friendly but, alas, the staff not so much!), Ku De Ta (for a VERY fancy date night ( I wasn’t a huge fan as the food was just OK but the setting is divine. It’s about 4 or 5 times more expensive than anywhere else around though!). Very Sex and the City. Livingstone is another cafe/bakery that stands out too and for some local food try Warung Dedalu (very cheap and cheerful and a favourite for those looking for cheap-eats and quick service). In terms of night-life, everyone had recommended Potato Head, but I didn’t get a great vibe from it walking by during the day. We were also advised to check out the cafe Nalu bowls. Really wasn’t that impressed. Very touristy, very average and poor service.

We just went on a random night or two out in Seminyak and ended up in the craziest Mexican place called Mexicola. You have to try it at least once. Mental, loud, crazy, busy and banging tunes. You can also get tacos while you dance. Win win. After that we went to La Favela which was amazing- another kind-of club but everyone was smoking and it was actually really horrible being in there after a half hour, our lungs just gave up! Even though the music was AMAZING.

My favourite part of Seminyak was actually a day club called Mrs Sippy. So funky, so clean, modern, fresh and summery. Great food, superb service, GREAT DJ’s, a super mix of locals and tourists and a really great holiday vibe. You don’t have t pay for the small white beds but you cannot bring food or water inside. We literally spent three days there. BLISS.

We arranged for a driver (through our hotel) to drive us to Ubud. I didn’t have a great feeling as the weather was a little overcast and when we left Seminyak I didn’t feel 100% at all. Started to feel really fluey and a little sick too :(. I am the weatherman.

Ubud

We arrived to Ubud at night- it took us less than two hours to get there. We had booked a super fancy hotel there and it felt all very honeymoonish when we arrived. It was full of 14 century Balinese artifacts that were lost on us, to be fair, but we did make some ‘hilarious’ videos of us finding lizards and other creatures. Breakfast was meh but the views were incredible. We stayed in the jungle and had an infinity pool which was just fab. We got up the next morning and went straight in on our free shuttle and grabbed coffee and second brekkie in a very cool place called Seniman (hat tip to some of my followers for telling us where to go!). We walked up and down the streets and stopped to take loads of the little shrines everywhere.

Twice a day, the Balinese Hindus make an offering to their gods. These are beautiful little colourful baskets filled with treats, flowers, and some beautiful smelling incense. It’s really pretty and particularly eye-catching in Ubud. (although the photo above was taken in Seminyak- I’m such a sneak!).

Ubud is very similar to Seminyak on first sight (but greener and minus the beaches!) but seems to be a real haven for Balinese furniture, relics and souvenirs. The film Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts was filmed here years ago, and so Ubud is now kind of a haven for twenty-something to middle-aged women looking to do yoga retreats and to take some time out to relax. We weren’t exactly on the same buzz, so I feel that we could probably have moved on after a day and a half in Ubud. But that’s just me, and as I said, I am minus a fan of grey, over-cast skies, so Ubud did not present itself in it’s finest hour, weather-wise! Cafe wise, we also popped into a little place called Freak (amazing raw chocolate and salted caramel treats!) and followed that with the Campuhan Ridge walk- a little tiny glimpse of the rice fields and a lovely escape from the busier streets.

We also walked down to the Monkey forest but didn’t go in as the monkeys are bloody mental and scrape you and steal from you. They can even take off your earrings. No, no and just no. They are probably a lot startled by all the tourists too, to be fair.

We strolled into the Ubud Palace and the museum grounds which were both fab and followed that with a little massage and body scrub (NOTIONS!) in Fresh Spa which was also divine after a long day on our feet! I’d recommend doing the bike tour (Green bike Tour are supposed to be amazing!) but when I got up the next day I could hardly breathe (all chesty from allergies) never mind walk that far so we stayed near the hotel (weather was just so-so) and went in for food later on. Mount Batur is supposed to be an amazing sunset trip that I was super keen to do too, but with the icky weather and feeling icky it just wasn’t happening. We booked our driver to our next destination for early the next morning and away we went to the coast.

Gili Trawangan

SO, we got a lift with a driver to the coast with a few others in a mini-van. We were handed a sticker to put on, our bags were thrown onto the beach and off we went onto the  boat after a very hectic queuing system, a very confusing chat with people telling us to get into lines, then everyone made a mad scramble for another boat.

The boat took two hours or so and was a little choppy but neither of us get travel sick so all good! They also hand out little sick bags and are well used to tourists so if you need a sick bag, don’t be shy! We got off the other side and arrived onto a crazy little island that stole our hearts…

So, replace the scooters with horses and carts ( at 70km an hour!) and throw in a few hundred bikes across a little island that you can circle in less than an hour. Mental. Anyways, the sea front or the circumference of the whole island is peppered with little hotels, villas, private villas, cafes, shops and bars. By day, we hung out at the beaches taking achingly cool insta shots- seriously it’s insta-heaven- and by night, after about 11pm, things get crazy. Each night there is a different party night that the whole island goes to. It is probably the only time I felt Bali maybe a little seedier  when we walked home after the parties, but I  never felt unsafe or threatened at all.

The night-life consists of outdoor dancing, outdoor bars, street vendors selling bbq corn and crepes and lots of reggaeton and trance a little later on, mixed with a little mainstream chart music to boot. An incredible few days in this little paradise island. We stayed in Manta Dive and I would happily go back again tomorrow. Super breakfast included, very reasonably priced and really, really central. Honestly, just stay here. They also do diving courses and are right beside little tour operators where you can book snorkelling too.

We did a snorkel tour and visited some of the smaller islands nearby. It was so exciting, the water was so clear and we managed to see turtles, loads of colourful fish and had a ball. It cost a tenner and the whole trip lasted half a day. A tenner well spent and you even get to stop off at a little beach shack for a beer before you get back on the boat after your third stop. So, so, so magical.

Cafe and restaurant wise, everything is so close but I can happily recommend La Boulangerie for croissants and coffee, dinner at Scallywags and we didn’t get to go but La Trattoria is supposed to be lovely too! Pretty much anywhere we ate was totally fine on Gili T! I’d recommend going in search of the nicer beaches to get the best views of sunset and the nicest sand too. Sunset Beach and Malibu beach and even just the walk to get to both are just fab. You’ll see everyone making their way to those beaches from about an hour or two before sunset. This is also where you get the famous ‘Bali swing’ photos!  We left Gili T with sad little faces, happy little hearts and sandy little toes.

Uluwatu

The majority of the beaches you see when you google ‘Bali beaches’ are in Uluwatu. These are mostly surfer beaches, and the tide comes right in, so it’s worth noting that not all are suitable for swimmers or sunbathers (or kids!). That aside, the beaches are just divine, the surroundings fabulous and the people so friendly again. We went to Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach and Bingin Beach on day 1. Bingin beach was so pretty but the tide was crazy. Dreamland is very touristic but larger and more room for sunbathers or swimmers, but still very rough. On our second day we went to Nyang Nyang Beach which was gorgeous- white sand, big waves, but not as rough and only a handful of people to share it all with. We strolled over then to Pecatu temple on Balangan beach but the weather had turned so the views weren’t as spectacular as they usually are, which was such a pity as this was meant to be a lovely view for sunset!

Uluwatu is a haven for surfers and yogis from around the world- mostly Brazil, Australia and Europe. People here are staying here for surfing so this is not the place for partying really.

That saying, one of the best nights we had was when we got two drivers to take us on their scooters to Single Fin (a beach bar right on the cliff-top of a stunning beach!) and the vibe was very, VERY cool. Think denim cut-offs, tanned limbs and floaty tops. Makeup very optional. Slow to start but a fantastic sunset and well worth the mini-trek. Everyone was so friendly and a great place to eat (the pizza and nachos are to DIE for), dance, mingle and have a few fresh-fruit cocktails!

Food-wise, there are so many great places to eat here you will not go hungry. They are pretty spread out though, so you will either need to grin and bear the walk or you can rent bikes or drivers. Look for Bukit Cafe (amazing for brekkie, lunch or dinner- just A1 all round and one of my fave places we ate in Bali!). Think fluffy pancakes, mouth-watering grilled fish, fajitas, nasi goreng, poached eggs, quinoa salad- you name it…This is also one of the cutest and cleanest places we ate in  that was very mid-range in terms of prices.

We also ate in Mango Tree (Corn fritters were awesome- service was SO SLOW though), in Ohm burger (which was crazy delicious and they have big jars of thick smoothies that are just the most aesthetic-looking beverage in the LAND) and a few others that we just happened upon and loved- honestly you will be spolied for choice here!

On our last day, we went for a very long and lazy brekkie and then met my pal Tash who swept us off to a little slice of luxury for our last day. El Kabron is situated 50m above sea level perched on a cliff. The views are OUTSTANDING. This is basically a very upmarket beach bar and we spent about 60/70 quid on practically nothing but, hey, it was our last day and the views were oh-so-worth-it!

We went back to our hotel, met our driver and off to the airport we went, with heavy little hearts, still not trying to think about work or endless to-do lists, and instead soaking up the last few random hours before we landed on Irish soil…

Would I recommend Bali as a holiday?

HELL yes. It’s great for singles, couples, families and is VERY kid-friendly. Kids are everywhere but always on best behaviour it seemed. They are allowed into most day-bars and day-clubs (which are hugely popular in Bali) but they typically have a pool curfew (say 3pm) when kids have to leave the pool area. I presume this is to keep the older crowd buying drinks etc.. and for health and safety.

Overall, it’s easy to get around, traffic aside, it’s super friendly and there is so much to see and do! Two and a half weeks oh-so-very-well-spent. (mozzie bites aside…)

X

PS. Two questions I keep getting from people since I came back:

1. Would I recommend Bali as a honeymoon spot?

Yes and no. Yes if you want to go to a resort and stay there and do nothing AND not really leave your hotel, then yes. Or if you love surfing and yoga and wanted to combine that then certain parts would be perfect for that.  I think outside your hotel, if on honeymoon, some people might find the noise and street pollution a little too much. On the other-hand if you want a little island to visit and just go to Nusa Dua then you’ll probably find the aforementioned suit you to a t! Ie: clean beaches, enclosed resorts, white sand etc…

I think Bali suits the more ‘adventurous’ who want a little rough with the smooth while travelling and I don’t think that most honeymooners are after any kind of rough when they travel! That saying, you can easily hire a nice car with a driver who speaks perfect English to only bring you to the ‘prettier’ and ‘cleaner’ spots. That in mind, there are plenty of resorts that cater to just that and lots of romantic villas too with private chefs etc…

But as an afterword, you have to keep in mind that Bali is  a developing country still and the powers that be have not invested in the required infrastructure for the amount of tourism the country attracts. This in turn affects travel, pollution and even the aesthetics and living conditions of some of the towns and villages. But, for me, at least, that’s all part of the charm…

2. Would I have done anything differently?

Yes, I’d spend less time in Ubud, I’d see more temples, I’d rent a scooter in Uluwatu and have ventured to Sanur and Amed -both are less frequented by tourists and look and sound so beautiful! I’d also have been more adventurous with the food. The dog meat scandal happened just before we went on our trip and I was very cautious- I also was really sick from the food when I travelled in South America previously,  so didn’t want to catch anything. (And I hadn’t  gotten my Hep A shot oops!). But I probably missed out on some amazing street food and local experiences that would have really opened my eyes!

Oh to travel the world and be paid to do it….

SIGH

X

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More travel: I’m heading off to Bali this week coming for 17 days (incl travel obvs!) but am SO excited as I’ve wanted to go there for years. And it’s finally happening. EEEEEK! So far this year I’ve been to Marbella and Prague and I’m also going to head away for another few days to Sweden mid-October (to see Big bro) and MAYBE a few days somewhere sunny before then with my bearded other half.

More study: I’m moving between doing a PT course (not sure what the next step would be though?)  and  Nutrition course at the moment- not distance learning as I find I need to be in the room with people I am learning from and miss the colleague interaction from the current course I was doing online in Nutrition. I’m also looking at doing a short course in Neuroscience and Consumber Behaviour in September as they are both areas I find a little fascinating.

More work: I usually try and squash everything (blog or freelance related!) into Saturday afternoon after I train in the morning and have breakfast (of course) but have found the past few weeks I’m much more productive (could be the sunshine??) later at night- without compromising on my sleep or adding to stress. I only do the fun stuff.

More me-time: I’ve started to go for longer walks again and THIS IS LIFE for me. It’s where I clear my head and readjust the stress barometer. If it’s sunny I walk into and out of work and it’s bloody glorious. I’m also going to focus on getting regular massages/physio- I don’t really drink so I figure this can be my little guilty pleasure. (oh that AND facials!).

More family time: My little brother (who is basically my little child) is moving to Italy. My other brother (my older brother) lives in Sweden so it’s become even more important to take the time to visit and keep the relationships alive and kicking. My nieces and nephew are just everything and I need to focus more on them over the coming months, more calls, more photos, more trips. And instead of Christmas pressies this year we are all pitching in to bring the whole family home. BLISS. Pressies for the kids still obviously. Just none for the big kids. My Dad is now living in Kells so need to get my ass in gear and spend more time there too as he’s always the one visiting me.

More meal-prep: Believe it or not I’ve gotten super lazy in the kitchen- eek! Going to print out my e-books again and get cooking I guess Simples.

More cardio: YES I KNOW! Who am I? I’ve found it clears my head. AND I’m seeing some greater improvement in my legs more recently even from walking. WTactualF?!

More friend-time: Something I’m not always good at because I do tend to work a lot and I do like my own space too.  I find the best way for me to spend time with the girls is to plan a day out (I’m not a big drinker) like a hike somewhere. Time to find some new interesting places to go! If I plan time outside Dublin with the girls I find I really feel like I’ve had a break and a proper weekend

More skills/hobbies (non-work related!): Finally, this one is a little weird but is definitely an area I need more growth in. I’m toying with the idea of getting back to school to improve my Spanish again as I feel it’s slipping away slowly- I used to live in Barcelona and found that each year it’s slipping away. Time to grab the bull y the horns I guess! Another area with more than a little room for improvement is my driving. I just don’t need a car or to drive really, apart from the odd time with work. So, I tend to make excuses all the time not to do lessons. Anyways I’m ahead of myself and have two booked for after Bali- who AM I? Also thinking of doing guitar lessons but figure I’ll get my driving sorted first

Less stress: So I’ve taken up yoga at The Edge: Clontarf where I train and find it amazing for stress-relief. Once I get better I suppose I’ll start to practice more on my own too. Wuhu!

How about you guys? Any mid-year resolutions?

X

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Paddy, from Z10 Physiotherapy on Bath Avenue reached out to me a few weeks ago to see if I needed a treatment. Of course I said yes- My back was tight for weeks, felt bruised all around my mid-back; I constantly had to crack it for relief. In fact, it t got so bad I couldn’t sleep unless it was at a certain angle. And yes, idiot here thought ‘sure I’ll just foam roll a little more often and press the tennis ball into wherever hurts’. To no avail. What I needed was professional advise from a medical professional.

I tottered down after work one evening and met Paddy at his brand new office space on Bath Avenue. Paddy is very welcoming- simple, straight-forward and enough chat to keep you feeling comfortable, relaxed and very much at-ease. I began the session talking about what issues I had, any soreness, tightness, any issues with movement etc…He asked me to do a few simple exercises and then got to work. He started with my neck and then onto my back and hips- it turns out I had a series of muscle spasms and so he recommended I got a dry needling treatment done which he did there and then. It’s a little weird and not so comfortable but, in a few short seconds the sense of relief is overwhelming and therefore worth the marginal discomfort (note- not pain!).

Throughout the whole treatment, Paddy was talking to me about he was doing and why (which I’m interested in!) so for any of you who might be a little bit nervous about what to expect it’s all very relaxed. Ok, so it’s not like a massage in a beauticians where you feel all sleepy, it’s a functional session to fix or treat an ailment but it definitely makes you feel so much better afterwards. I wore shorts and a sports bra and a light vest as this allows for the Physio to work with ease and perhaps even see any obvious issues or strains.

I asked Paddy to answer a few questions too; perfect for anyone wondering whether or not Physio should be part of their regular health routine- just as important as a dental check-up, a health check up your GP or a smear test. I have to admit, I left my issue far too long and will definitely be back much sooner to keep my body in tip top condition. I work at a desk too so I’m sure the combination of leaning over a desk coupled with heavy lifting doesn’t lend itself too well to my poor back!

Q&A with Paddy

How important is Physiotherapy to your overall health?

Physiotherapy is extremely important to overall health as pain and muscle tightness can inhibit normal muscle function and normal muscle growth. Dysfunction can put an abnormal stress on a joint causing early onset joint degeneration and arthritis. For example, weak gluteal muscles lead to destabilization of the pelvis. This causes over recruitment of the outside thigh muscle (Vastus Lateralis) which will pull the knee cap laterally (away from the mid-line) causing it to rub off the tendon and knee cartilage.

 
How do you know if you need treatment and should you go for a regular check-up?

You should consult with a chartered physiotherapist after any injury or pain that lasts longer than 4 days. The body is very good at getting out of pain but dysfunction may still exist after an injury. A common mistake people make is not getting an ankle sprain treated. A typical ankle sprain can cause instability of the ankle making it susceptible to a more serious injury including an ankle fracture. Also, an ankle sprain usually deceases dorsiflexion (the ability to pull the toes and foot up towards the body). Full dorisflexion is very important for normal walking and running and lack of it can cause the calf and hamstring muscles to tighten leading to all sorts of problems including calf tears, Achilles tendonopathy, knee pain and lower back pain.

Another problem we see in clinic is people taking medication to relieve lower back pain. Pain may go away but the stiffness and dysfunction may remain in the spine causing the body to move abnormally and leading to further back problems in the future.

Prevention is the best cure for any musculoskeletal problem and it is recommended that you see your chartered physiotherapist every 6-8 months to detect any problems and for exercises to combat the demands placed on the body by work, sport or hobbies.

What kind of symptoms/issues would benefit from a treatment with a physiotherapist?

Any muscle or joint that’s in pain for over 4 days or any areas that feel tight or restricted. Physiotherapists can relieve the majority of musculoskeletal conditions quickly and efficiently without causing too much discomfort. The earlier the condition is treated the quicker the patient will return to full fitness. As well as the typical injuries, physios can treat vertigo, tension headaches, wrist pain, hip and groin pain.
If you train 3-4 times per week or more, do you need to go more often or are there exercises you recommend?

If you train regularly in a sport or in the gym then you should see your physiotherapist every 4-5 months. Heavy training can lead to a release of Acetylcholine causing muscles to tighten and contain active trigger points. Treatments such as Dry Needling and massage can keep the muscle free of trigger points decreasing the risk of injury and improving muscle function and recovery time.
What happens at a session and what can people expect after one treatment typically? If a person is in pain the injury will be assessed and treated. The physio will treat the site of pain and also where he/she feels the pain is coming from which may be from a different body part. During assessment the physio will check how the body moves, the siting and standing posture, the range of movement of the joints, the soft tissue quality and muscle strength.

Treatment may include joint mobilization to improve mobility, Dry Needling to release muscle spasm, soft tissue massage to decrease pain, exercise prescription, stretches, advice on how to avoid pain on injury, strapping or taping ideas to offload a painful area or orthotic fitting.

How much is a treatment?

Each treatment costs €60 and €50 for students or medical card holders. Improvements are always expected after just 1 session with most injuries requiring 3 treatments or less.

How can people book an appointment or get in touch?

You can book an appointment online at Z10 Physiotherapy or call 085 7715481

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Here goes- here are 20 things about me for any newbies to my social feed:

1. I am from Sligo originally but have lived in Mayo, Donegal, Galway, Barcelona and Dublin now. I’ve lived in so many houses due to my Dad’s job that I actually cannot keep count!

2. My degree was in Video & Film Production. I hated it. Except for a module in Production & Set Design. I now work predominantly in Content Production and love what I’m doing and video production plays a huge part in this! Funny how life turns out

3. I love, love health and fitness. I got into training a lot more after my Mum died of cancer in 2011. Her name was Lorna and she was the strongest person I ever met. She died from lung cancer and has taught me to only focus my time and energy into things I genuinely love. Nothing else matters.

4. I am a total perfectionist. I have had to learn that in working life you have to do things 80/20 as otherwise you’ll drive yourself to an early grave. My advice? Get done and fix it afterwards. No one can get angry if you try.

5. I adore my family and have the best relationship with them. We are open and honest about everything and I’d be lost without them.

6. I am obsessed with fat, wrinkley dogs. Their smell, their little smashed up faces. Everything. Sigh to living in an apartment, sigh.

7. I love the smell of bleach. Like LOVE it. I would bleach you all if I could to be fair.

8. I love long walks, beaches, sunshine and travelling. Combine all and I am the happiest little pig in the land. No better feeling that lying in the sun with good music, snacks and ending the day with sandy toes. BLISS.

9. I would spend every penny I have on healthy eating and travelling if I could. There is nothing better than investing in yourself (and loved ones too!).

10. I hate receiving gifts. I get socially awkward and almost angry. Especially if they are of significant value. I’m really stubborn so kind of feel like if I wanted an expensive gift I’d buy it myself- my poor boyfriend- I’m a bag of crazy!

11. I can be very negative and tend towards self-doubt. Despite being an outwardly very positive person, I can be quite negative when it comes to my own value and worth. I can doubt myself far too easily.

12. I am over the moon when good things happen to good people. I am literally the happiest person when things go right for my friends. My heart feels like it will explode and I cry with happiness when they are genuinely happy.

13. I don’t have TV channels. Yep, giant weirdo. It’s just such a waste of time. I only watch TV in my pal Siobhan’s house or at Christmas in my Dad’s.

14. I LOVE my food. I am ALWAYS HUNGRY. I get really bad moods when not fed regularly.

15. I would love to live in another country again for a year or two. It’s the most exciting feeling in the world to start from scratch.

16. I am 33, 158 cm, size XS and have 36.5 feet with long brown hair with balayage at the end (usually a total mess) and my eyes are bluey greeney grey I guess.

17. I love everything digital, social media and photography. I confess to using my phone far too much but I draw the line at meal-times and when out with friends. Put your phone away you rudie!

18. I am looking to buy a house but am struggling to find something suitable. I also don’t want to grow up so it’s a delicate process.

19. I don’t yet have my driving license. I know. I did my test once and failed, got grumpy and kind of gave up. Ekk. Time to get back on the saddle I guess.

20. I want to go back and study properly. I’d love to do a tonne of courses- Nutrition and Life Coaching, Consumer Behaviour in the digital landscape, Spanish ( I speak it but it’s gotten worse since I moved home to Ireland), Make-up artistry- I know!- and maybe a few others- I just love learning!

That’s me in a nutshell

Orla X

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