Freelance journalist with regular bylines in Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Business Post, Belfast Telegraph, YOU mag, Irish Examiner and more..
Teenagers, particularly boys, get a lot of flak. But last night a gang of 17yos stayed over for my son's b'dy Amidst banter&laughs, they were all polite, courteous and respectful. When us oldies went to bed, we didn't hear a sound & woke to a tidy house. Credit where its due.😊
It's my 50th birthday today. And being in a lockdown, there isn't a whole lot we can do to celebrate. But my 16yo surprised me by getting up early this morning to make soda bread (his first attempt and it was amazing) for my breakfast in bed. How special is that.😊
I met a lady today who I haven't seen for months and she told me that her daughter died in the summer leaving behind two small children. Don't sweat the small stuff folks, most of us are far luckier than we realise. Have a lovely weekend. 😊
Just filled my car with petrol and when closing fuel lid, the long toggle of my zipper got caught and I was stuck to the car! Had to wait for someone else to arrive at the garage so I could ask them to get into my car to release the fuel tank button! 🙄😂How is your day going?
Was reluctant to do this as my mum very private but has been left in a bad way by a well-off business man who owes her years of rent. She has her own rent to pay&has no income. She has started painting again so if you looking for gift ideas, do get in touch. A few examples below.
I've had a tough week, but an early morning walk has shown that there's always light at the end of the road. Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all have a great weekend. 😎
If possible, I always let cars out into traffic & most people smile or wave. This morning I stopped for a woman who ignored me and as she drove out, I realised that I've let her out on several occasions and each time, she reacted the same way. Next time, should I ignore her?!
@IsabellaMDeLuca
It's not about men holding the door open for women. It's about people holding the door for people. Would you hold the door open for a man? I would hold a door open for anyone, regardless of gender, creed or anything else. It's just basic manners.
Visited the fishmonger, bakery, veg shop, butcher and wine shop (ahem!) yesterday as I do every weekend, and wanted to share my view that shopping in small local shops not only benefits the community, but is a much nicer experience in every way
#supportsmallbusinesses
#shoplocal
Landed in
@ShannonAirport
very late last night, feeling cold and tired. But my spirits were lifted at passport control by a smiling face and 'welcome back Arlene, safe home'. What a joy it is to arrive in Ireland, this sort of welcome is such a rarity elsewhere.
#Ireland
@DecLawn
My son used to slide past me nonchalantly stage whispering 'I've got nothing in my hands'! Would never have noticed if he didn't alert me to his stash every single time.😍
I have a simple request for Twitter land - can we stay away from Christmas images and tweets for a couple of months? I have seen several already today. It's just September!! Let's enjoy the autumn first and make Christmas a special thing in December. Anyone with me?
#journorequest
- taking a deep breath here before posting, but looking to hear from Irish craftspeople/producers/artists/suppliers of homewares - for a guide (I refuse to mention the C word!). DM if any thoughts. RTs appreciated.
After 20 years of doing the school run, today is my last day..😭. Cannot believe how fast the years have gone by. Anyone with young children, cherish the moments, they grow up in a heartbeat.
@HIVTox
Same thing happened to my son a couple of years ago - and he was going away for a few days so rang the phone, driver answered and said he would meet him when he returned to Dublin. The following week, he did just that. Totally sound.
I cry at the drop of a hat- hearing sad stories, bad news, beautiful music, even soppy adverts. I'm a massive softie and an emotional wreck. Just said goodbye to my eldest son as he starts a new chapter abroad. Am on the train, in bits. 😭. Happy/ funny thoughts appreciated.
6 years ago today my dad died after a very short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69. His sister, died a year later, aged 56, from the same disease. Knowing your family history is vital as it may save your life. I wish my dad had known his - he was one of a kind. ❤️
If we ever needed proof that we do the best farewells and the most life affirming send offs here in Ireland, then today has shown it in spades. RIP
#ShaneMcGowan
People often say Twitter is a negative space, but I've never experienced anything other than positivity. And on that note, I want to wish all my Twitter friends a happy, peaceful and safe family Christmas. 🎄🥰🥰
#Christmas2021
#PositiveVibes
Two out of three boys safely home.🥰. The joy of hearing the guitar sounds and laughter coming from upstairs. Fingers crossed number 3 will get back safely next week in time for
#ChristmasAtHome
.
#family
😊
#journorequest
- Irish businesses/crafts people/booksellers/musicians/artists who have something which would make a great gift this Christmas get in touch asap by Thursday COB latest if you want to be included in a national gift guide. DM asap if any thoughts. RTs appreciated.
I keep forgetting how brilliant
@ShannonAirport
is - 10 minutes from car park to airside. Such a hassle free way to travel and the staff are so friendly as well. All we need now are a few more destinations. 😊
@Ryanair
@AerLingus
#journorequests
looking to talk to artisan producers and craftspeople in Ireland for a feature. RTs appreciated and please DM me if any thoughts. Thanks.
#Lockdown3
is a tough one and I'm doing a piece next week on the little things that are helping us through it. For me it's family, daily walks, good books, roaring fires, nice movies, good food and wine (on weekends😉) and making plans. Tell me what's helping you to get through.
30 years ago today. How is that even possible. 😲. We look so young! I was only 22 and we had the best day
@TheAdareManor
🥂🎉🎉 but God how fast time has flown. I'm beginning to feel old.😅
@DrHilaryJones
You specifically said there was no health system in Ireland. Not that it was a different system. Don't talk about things you don't know anything about. The health workers in our Public health service are breaking their backs working for all of us here.
@conorsclips
I think about you and your beautiful family often Andrew, I cannot begin to imagine the heartache you live with every day. Your love for your children is evident in every post. Hope you're doing ok and that someone is looking after you.
I really don't like stemless wine glasses. To me, the right glass is crucial and I think that holding a stubby glass around its middle does nothing to complement the wine. Why have they become popular - am I missing something?
#journorequest
- Irish food/drink producers who would like to be included in a national guide, get in touch asap today by DM. Space is limited. RTs appreciated.
Instead of doing
#DryJanuary
#veganuary
or going on a major health kick for
#January2024
-I've decided that my
#NewYearResolutions
will involve making the most out of life-making plans to see friends and family, take trips, go to events & more. Life's too short to waste time.
Why is decluttering so hard? If you had some jackets, dresses etc that you haven't worn for the guts of 2 decades but are timeless, would you keep from the cull (yet again) or give away, bearing in mind that I still regret the loss of certain pieces given away in the past.🤔🤯
Imagine a world with no individual shops, cafes or restaurants. No unique pieces of art, fashion or music. Horrible isn't it? A timely reminder that it will be reality if we don't support small businesses, producers & craftspeople. So let's all
#supportsmallbusiness
#supportlocal
Just a quick message regarding my
#journorequest
last week for small businesses to get in touch. Thanks to everyone who contacted me. Space was limited and I've included as many as I can. Hope to give a shout out to the rest asap. Best of luck for a busy season ahead.
#shoplocal
The amount of teenagers driving themselves to and from school never ceases to amaze me. When I was their age, having your own bike was considered posh.😅
It's easy to overlook the everyday acts of kindness done to us and for us by those close to us. These are precious and we should never take them for granted. Most of us don't realise how lucky we are. That's my little reflection for the day! 😊🥰
Just filed copy for an interview I did about a very tragic story. Am feeling tearful and very grateful for my own life. Am often humbled by the people I speak to as their courage and positivity is incredible. Most of us are very lucky and should try to remember that.
#BePositive
#ThoughtForTheDay
- before my dad died after a short illness in hospital, I saw this quote on the hospital wall and it has stuck with me ever since 'Good health is a crown, worn by the healthy, but seen only by the sick'. A reminder to cherish the good times. Happy Tuesday. 😊
Last night: drinks for 5 people: 3 (large) glasses of v nice tempranillo, 1 glass cava (gran reserva), 2 liquers, 1 big hottle sparkling water & 2 coffee at prime waterside table in busy cafe. 21 euro.. Unbelievable. 😲😁
Person just told me that shopping in
#SmallBusinesses
is more 'hassle' than supermarket & another said they don't want to pay for newspapers. If we don't
#shoplocal
, our towns will die & if we don't
#buyapaper
many will lose jobs. Let's all do our bit to support home-grown jobs.
In today's
@Independent_ie
a devoted mother told me that she wants us to pray for her son, who is seriously ill. And officials and drugs companies to make changes to help others, like her twin boys to have a future
#PrayForArchie
@joinourboys
@FayeHayden18
Last year while cocooning, my mum began painting again after 40 years to stay sane and keep financially afloat. Using mainly oils, she has many different styles/sizes so if looking for Xmas gift ideas, visit -DM if interested RTs appreciated.
#buyirishart
Today is Black Friday - but many of our high streets are in danger of collapse thanks to online shopping. We will miss the local shops when they are gone. Support Green Friday instead by buying Irish or buying local. 😊💚
I refuse to buy into the whole
#bluemonday2021
malarkey so am having a Saturday evening style dinner (pan fried cod with homemade pickled samphire and a tomato and coriander salsa) with a chilled glass of Chablis followed by a nice movie. 😊
#itsthelittlethings
#journorequests
- I am putting together a piece on crafters/artisan producers in Ireland and have space for someone who makes a beauty product, a household item and children's toys. DM me if any thoughts and RTs appreciated. Need to get responses asap. Thanks
I am a parent of someone with anaphylaxis, so am sharing this is as it's really important to know. People often don't realise how serious anaphylaxis is. If you know what to do, you could save a life. Simple as that.
I needed a quick video to show friends how to use my EpiPen should I ever need it in their presence
I have found it
Important for everyone to watch, pls
Thanks to all the
#SmallBusiness
owners who responded to my
#journorequest
yesterday. Space is limited, so I can't include everyone, but will endeavour to feature more elsewhere when I get the chance. Best of luck with the festive season ahead, hope it's a good one.😊
#shoplocal
@AnnieABrison
It shouldn't be about men opening doors for women it should be about people opening doors for people. I would hold a door open for a man or a woman (or anyone else!) - It's just basic manners.
@BeebsyMcA
My uncle was in a bar in San Francisco when a man from his home town spotted him and went over to tell him that his mother (my granny) had left her front door open when she went on holidays, but not to worry that someone pulled it shut for her!!😂
Just sharing some of the pieces my mum is currently working on while cocooning. After a 45 year break, she has been busy for the past year! Check out some more of her work on
#StormBarra
red alert just announced for Clare. Am keeping the 16yo at home tomorrow. Was lucky to escape with a few scratches after a tree fell on my car while I was driving a few years ago, so I'm definitely not risking it as lots of high trees around us. Stay safe everyone.
#journorequest
- opportunity for restaurants in Ireland to get a bit of PR. If you are taking party bookings (big and small) for the festive season and would like to be included in a piece, DM me today. RTs appreciated.
#journorequests
- looking to talk to people in Ireland who grow or produce some of their own food - veggies/fruit/preserves/honey/juices/eggs/meat etc. DM if any thoughts. RTs appreciated.
Well that was pretty scary! But huge credit to our
@AerLingus
captain for landing the plane safely on his second attempt during
#StormJocelyn
- the round of applause was never more heartfelt!
#journorequest
- looking to talk to beekeepers in Ireland for a feature, including one who has an apiary in a very small urban space (garden/rooftop etc) and someone in a bigger rural location. DM if any thoughts. RTs appreciated.
#journorequest
- Irish authors who have a book (fiction, non-fiction, lifestyle etc) out this Christmas and would like to be featured in a national gift guide, get in touch by tomorrow afternoon. Spaces limited. DM if interested. RTs appreciated.
Been to the fishmonger, veg shop, butcher, bakery and wine shop for essential supplies!
#shoplocal
in
#smallbusinesses
is not only a nicer experience, but is vital for our towns to survive. We will miss these businesses if they close. Keep in mind when shopping today.😊
After the tragic passing of
@laura_jbrennan
yesterday I am sharing this interview I did with her before Christmas as a reminder of the important message she wanted to convey and of her incredible positivity throughout her illness
#ThankYouLaura