Happiness

Just thought I would share some of the happiness that I have had the pleasure to encounter over the past few days and I am so grateful to everyone who impacts my life. I am so grateful to have wonderful family and friends who are there for me in good times and bad and count my blessings everyday.

Some of these are very simple and others would need too much explanation to go into them on a blog, but anyway here goes. The other night I went to cinema with a friend who know who she is and we do as we always do chat about the trivial and the important and set the world to right over pizza ... the usual. The happiness comes into it when we are always the same with each other and manage to always always ("it means more when you say it twice" - Stepmom) have some side hurting laughter. This is the best and I am forever happy knowing that I can just cry and laugh with this person but more often than not there are some belly aches from laughing too much.

I am sharing a #100dayshappy with two other friends on Facebook and posting just simple things like the ability to go for a walk and enjoy the sunshine and the country or share in the successes of others. I love this and it make me happy for the day and more important positive for the day. I think we so often get bogged down with negativity that we forget to be happy with the things we have rather than hoping for something we don't.

I love exercise and this evening is my Anti-Gravity yoga time with The Fitness Factory Ratoath

Anti-Gravity Yoga

, when I say I love exercise I do mean gentle enjoyable exercise, I am not a sweat bunny in the gym, those of you who have met me would be well aware of this. Anti-Gravity Yoga is the one time in the week that I am only thinking of what I am doing and allowing my head to go anywhere else as most likely I would fall from the hammock. It is hard work even though this picture would not give that impression but it is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.

Female Entrepreneur Association - TIP of the DAY

I am also so happy to be working on a new project for development, I can't give too much information here as yet but when it is ready you will all know about it without fail. In saying that there are a few pages that I follow on Facebook for a little inspiration everyday and these are two ladies that I recommend if you are starting out and in need of something to keep you going everyday. What Will Be with Bee and The Female Entrepreneur Association



There are many people who keep me focused and they will know who they are without mention and I am grateful for them all and their support.



So if I can recommend anything it is just to be happy and I know that can be easy said when you may have many issues and problems but let me tell you I have been there and while they don't go away by being happy they certainly somehow seem a little easier to carry.

A Little Flutter

Ascot is over and it is now time to start planning for the next big race meeting of the season, The Galway Races. I have taken a spot check around some of our local boutiques to see what is on offer for the perfect outfit for ladies day

Kate Cooper - Blondelles Ratoath

Ladies who love to have their arms covered will adore this wonderful lace covered dress by Kate Cooper, available at Blondelles, Ratoath. Such a stunning collection and can be teamed with citrine yellow to make it really stand out from the crowd such as this double clutch from Stella &Dot.

Citrine Clutch - Stella & Dot 

Make a bold statement with this stunning dress by Fee G available at Crinabel, Dunshaughlin. The powerful print on this dress is a great statement but can be easily matched with cobalt blue accessories, check out Fortuna, Dunshaughlin for great head pieces both for hire or purchase.

Fee G - Crinabel Dunshaughlin

Sommerville - Stella & Dot

Moncho Heredia - Kasura Ashbourne

The simple elegance of this dress by Moncho Heredia available at Kasura, Ashbourne with matching jacket will complete any race day look. Team with the elegant  Sommerville Necklace from Stella & Dot to complete the look and you are ready for a little flutter on the gigis.

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Laid Back Festival Fun

Festival season is upon us again, Summer is officially here, fun is at the ready. So before you head off on your weekend of Indie Rock, Dance or whichever your music tastes allow why not let me bring you through some great festival fashion looks.

Hoss Maxi available Utopia Boutique 

Taking a trip to Dunshaughlin to Utopia Boutiques to discover this stunning maxi by Hoss Intropia. This is such an easy look and teamed with some gladiator sandals, a sun hat and a cropped denim jacket you are perfectly ready for an easy living festival.

www.stelladot.eu/deborahruddy

www.blondelles.ie

I love this dress from Jensen available at BlondellesRatoath, it just has that relaxed vibe about it and teamed with neutral shades you are ready to hit a beach festival in colour. Rock this bag from Stella& Dot and you have no worries about where you are going put your towel, sun cream etc.

www.saphyreboutique.ie

The final of my looks are from Ashbourne, with Saphyre supplying the clothes and Shoe Be Do the shoes you are onto a winning look with this urban chic T-shirt, teamed with relaxed boyfriend jeans and high tops.

www.shoebedo.ie

Sutton Neckpiece
www.stelladot.eu/deborahruddy

My favourite jewellery piece to wear is this Sutton Necklace available from Stella & Dot, which goes with all of the outfits as it is so versatile that you can wear it five ways, long, short, it separates, it is a must have for any wardrobe.

Whichever is your favourite remember to support your independent retailer who will send you rocking to any festival. Enjoy the Summer of music!

Credits :

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The Perfect Fit

Geoghans, Navan

Stepping into Geoghans in Navan, Co. Meath you would be forgiven in thinking it is just a recent edition to Trimgate St., however they have been there for over sixty years and going strong. Initially only open as a men's outfitters they expanded into home-wear and now ladies fashion that overtakes the first floor. 

Hidden within this wonderful store in the heart of Navan,Geoghans are expert in all things prevailing to the undergarment.  A family run business who have qualified lingerie consultants providing you with that extra quality service. They have everything to offer you the ultimate underwear experience stocking brands such as Triumph, Lepel, Schiesser and Waites.

The expert bra fitting service instantly puts you at ease and provide you with a selection so you instantly feel confident in your choices. They offer ranges from Bridal, Everyday, Maternity and Shape ware and their selection is wonderful, from delicate floral colours to standard in black and white, delicate sassiness to functional Geoghans, Navan is a must visit.

Credits:

- All underwear Geoghans, Navan, Co. Meath - http://www.geoghegansofnavan.com/

- Styling - Deborah Ruddy - http://deborahruddy.blogspot.ie/

- Hair - Jason Green

- Make Up - Mark Anthony

- Model - Danika Skeen 

- Photography - Sarah Tracey http://sarahtracey.ie/

- Location - Cafe en Siene

From Old to New

Last week I had the pleasure of being asked along to a class to learn some new painting techniques, unfortunately I could not make the day itself but was super lucky to get some one on one teaching the very next day.

Painting Techniques from the colourbarn
https://www.facebook.com/happydaysdesignandcolour

I found my way to the wonderful #ColourBarn in conjunction with HappyDays Design in North Kildare and was ready for action, I learned techniques such as crackle glaze, decoupage, stencilling and distressing. The warm welcome I received at the ColourBarn immediately set me at ease as some of these techniques I had not tried before and was ready to learn.

Armed with my painting gloves and paintbrush I was set to work and loved each and every moment of the transformation that was coming to life over the day. Looking around the room I could pieces of furniture that were in mid flow of transformation and looking stunning. Inspiration was hanging from every corner of the room and I did not stop smiling from ear to ear for the day.

Leaving the ColourBarn with my new skills I was inspired to not just throw away pieces that may have become old or jaded but to up-cycle and re-invent them to stunning new elements within the home or the garden. I could not recommend the course enough especially if you are looking to up-cycle pieces but not sure what to do, Adele, one of the course instructors will guide you to places you never thought you could go.

Check out their facebook sight for more up-coming courses and I would say sign up early as these are going to be full. I can only say I love love loved my day at the ColourBarn

Boarding Bag

I just wanted to share my love for this Bag from Stella & Dot, I cannot believe the size and quality of it. I recently used it for a training day, which after I had a networking event and I did not want to be carrying notes etc. to the networking event.

How does she do it Bag from Stella & Dot
www.stelladot.eu/sites/deborah ruddy 

Quickly emptied the contents of my hand bag in which contains creams, hairbrush, the usual suspects, Ladies I know you appreciate this. I set off early morning train, before which I discovered it was raining so popped the umbrella in and lucky was colour co-ordinated with the inside of the bag and it fitted nicely into a little side panel so even when it was wet it did not interfere with the other items in the bag.

Got to the training day in the hotel and was so hot so in to the bag went my cardigan and jacket no problem was still closing with ease. On the training day received a lovely goodie bag, which I may add was sizeable so that was also popped into the bag as later I did not want to be carrying a load of things to my networking event.

I got to the networking event more notes and business card they were easily popped into my bag, notes in the normal area and business cards along side my phone in a good size pocket. Winner !!! So much so that I was just thinking with Airport restrictions and only allowed to have one bag when boarding I think this would be the one... and even better it is stylish too.

Summer Extras

Darling Maxi - Available Kasura

Chantilly Cuff
 - www.stelladot.eu/sites/deborahruddy

The weather is starting to warm up and it is time to consider what additions to add to your wardrobe this time of year. As always adding value to your wardrobe is the most important, but we always welcome a bit of fun and pieces that are easy wearing. Here are my three picks for an addition to your Summer wardrobe but items that will give you longevity.

Loving this maxi dress from Darling, available at Kasura,Ashbourne. It is a dress that will work hard in your wardrobe, accessorise it with some great jewellery pieces like this Chantilly Cuff from Stella & Dot for an evening look. However it will equally work for a relaxed holiday over your bikini and ready for some relaxation along the beach with a book.

I just love this look from Jensen, available at Blondelles,Ratoath. Light denim jacket, t and cropped trousers and you are ready to jet set on that holiday. Not going to look like you arrived from a cold country but not going to look crazy if it is raining on the way to the airport. This look will serve you well, one of those easy-wearing outfits that can mix and match in your wardrobe well.

Jensen - available at Blondelles 

InWear - available at Crinabel

InWear, available at Crinabel, Dunshaughlin always have great piece this time of year. This print dress from the label is so versatile giving your wardrobe the light, bright sense of Summer it requires. Team it with cropped leggings and a gladiator sandal for a cool casual look or pop on a neutral heel and team with a bright jacket for a Summer work wardrobe.

Summer, we think of Sun Glasses, Sun Hat and a good factor but take some time over your wardrobe and always look stylish, have fun and enjoy.

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