Traditionally the month of December is a busy one when I prepare for the Festive Season. Taking a slow and reflective approach as I reacquainted myself with the journaling.
Journaling for self-care can be an easy way to practice self-care.
Writing has been proven to have a beneficial effect on one’s mental health and sense of self.
A friend gifted this Voyager Notebook to me
I’ve prepared a Traveler’s Notebook for expressing myself in the written word and it’s day one of keeping a self-care journal which is my first step toward putting my physical, mental, and emotional health needs at the top of my priority.
Note: This is not a sponsored post. I independently purchased all the Sculpted by Aimee productsmentioned in this post.They is one affliate link if you wish to avail of a discount
I started a morning and night routine at the end of Septmber. I am so delighted with myself that I’m 6 weeks into a regular routine that I look forward to twice a day.
Starting with the Duo Cleanse, a two-step facial cleanser, followed by HydraGlo serum and then Cloud Cream moisturiser.
My morning skincare routine
I have only positive things to write about this new to me routine. It gives me an opportunity to look in the mirror and say Hello Beautiful , as an affirmation to create self – confidence as I take better care of my skin, thus making me feel good.
Other things you may or may not know about my favourite beauty brand:
• It’s an Irish brand / company created by make up artist, Aimee Connolly. • I can easily find it in Dublin, checkout their Flagship Store on Grafton Street, it’s also available in Arnotts and Boots • Made in South Korea, the home to K-beauty which focuses on holistic health, skin hydration and brightening • Excellent quality- you gotta try the Cloud Cream! It really feels amazing! • their Loyalty points and referral programme • a recycling programme where you bring back your empties and receive 200 Loyalty points
• Once you make your initial purchase of these three basic skincare products, it does become more affordable since these are refillable at a slightly lower cost.
Sign up for their newsletter and find out about special offers and discount codes.
If you purchase from Dunnes, you can use your 5 or 10 euro vouchers towards these products.
Is there anything negative to write about at the moment? No, only that I can be easily convinced and influenced by their marketing on TikTok and Instagram.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) while working as an anaesthetic nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic definitely took a toll on my skin. I frequently had bouts of “Maskne,” a type of acne which was linked to wearing a FFP3 facemask during my 10 hour shifts.
In addition to being a requirement for my job,
I was wearing my me made facemasks in public not only as a cloth barrier. but as a fashion fashion accessory.
Skin care was essentially non- existent of during this time. I hardly ever wore makeup while we were under lockdown.
Since life returned to normal after the pandemic, I resumed with the basics, mainly purchasing from well-known brands offering 3 for 2 sales and promotional gifts which I never utilised
After October 7th of last year, I began boycotting specific brands and companies, as a way to show my support for Palestine.
So, I researched a.k.a. scrolling through my TikTok feed looking at beauty brands with similiar values to mine and an ethos that I could live with. The algorithms used by social media platforms influenced my purchasing power as a consumer.
We’re kicking off the Yuletide Season with our Annual Knitmas Party on Saturday 7th December at La Caverna Restaurant & Wine Bar from 1pm to 4:30pm.
And we will have a Festive Ornament Exchange. Crochet, knit, make, sew a Christmas ornament. More details later this month.
Some lovely prizes from some wonderful sponsors for the draw on the day.
La Caverna has put together a special 2 course festive Italian menu for our group with the option of dessert for anyone who wants it. Everyone gets a starter & a main course for €34 which includes the 12% gratuity and the SumUp fee. If you wish to have dessert, it’s €8. Payable to the restaurant.
Starter & Main CourseMore main course optionsVegan starter & main course menu
Tickets for the Knitmas Party are now available here
This is a very good price for a set festive menu in a Temple Bar restaurant. And only for our Knitmas Party. Please note that you just need to choose your starter in advance. You will order your main course on the day. This allows the restaurant to have the starters ready for 130pm for us to enjoy while our main courses are prepared.
And we have till 430pm which makes for a great afternoon of knitworking (crochet too). Catch up with old friends and meet new yarn-loving friends in our own exclusive room at La Caverna.
Drinks not included, La Caverna will be offering their selection of beer, cocktails, wine, coffee/tea for individual purchase.
We currently plan and organise a monthly event where knitters/crocheters come together to eat, drink, and make, as well as doing our part to support the local and independently owned restaurants and cafes in Dublin.
@themurphyleaf is currently behind the scene, planning the annual Knitmas Party….watch this space!
Join me with your latest knit or crochet project at our November Knit & Stitch Social.
If you love Sweater Weather as much as we do, bring along your favourite warm and cosy FOs to exhibit at our Sweater Weather Trunk Show. Each person who brings an FO to exhibit will be entered into the prize draw. Details to be posted next week. It’s a great way to show off your makes in real life.
Enjoy this fabulous opportunity to meet and chat with knitters, crocheters and other yarn lovers in our own exclusive room at La Caverna.
Your admission includes choice of main course from the brunch menu.
Brunch Menu
There’s also a vegan option as well.
Vegan Menu
Drinks not included, La Caverna will be offering their selection of beer, cocktails, wine, coffee/tea for individual purchase.
Date: Saturday 2nd November 2024 Time: 13:00 – 16:00 Venue: La Caverna, 12 Fownes St., Dublin 2
Please note this is a social event and not a workshop.
A new season begins. Before announcing the details, I would like to give you an update.
As you all know, the hospitality industry is experiencing tough times. Prices increases are happening frequently. Sitting for a few hours while just having a drink is not possible with many cafes/restaurants and with a large group, a deposit is often required.
The IFI has been our regular meeting place since September 2023 and it’s been a good experience. But, price increases meant that we were looking at €13/€14 per person for the platters. And they wouldn’t provide cutlery/plates. We provided the paper plates the last few socials.
I asked Greg to see what he could do as he has good relationships with a number of cafes/restaurants. And I can announce that we will trial a new venue for our Knit Social. I will ask for feedback/input at this event in terms of going forward.
It is La Caverna in Temple Bar. A lovely Italian restaurant with a wonderful ambiance. They will be providing us with our own room from 1pm-4pm. It will be a sit down brunch at one long table with dining chairs and spacing so we can knit.
It is €17.95 for any main course from the brunch menu. The menu is available to view here:
Please indicate your menu choice when your booking is confirmed.
Hot and cold beverages are available for purchase at the Bar.
There will be some fabulous prizes provided by a number of sponsors which I will be posting in my stories. The Murphy Leaf will cover the service charge.
Full refund if cancellation is by Saturday 31st August 2024.
Looking forward to seeing many of you on Saturday 7th September.
Two years ago, Fibre Shed Ireland invited Instagrammers to use the hashtag #fridayfashionshift. I’ve missed these Fridays, so how about a re-boot this summer?
#FridayFashionShift
Each Friday, choose something from your wardrobe that fits at least one of the categories: [ ] Made from natural fibres [ ] Made locally or by even by you [ ] Is a family heirloom [ ] Has been mended/repaired [ ] Something else which represents your individual ethos surrounding fashion and clothing
Wear it for that day and share a photo with the hashtag #fridayfashionshift
Don’t forget to tell us why you choose it and how it represents your personal fashion ethos
Handknits for #FridayFashionShiftSecond hand denim dress
VillaMaker 