Race Week Launch Party At The Nox Hotel

Race Week in Galway always brings such a buzz and excitement to the city and I couldn't have imagined any better way to start it than in Galway's newest hotel - The Nox Hotel. There has been a lot of hype about this hotel ever since it opened all over social media and I was dying to see what it was like. I am so happy to say that it did not disappoint. It has a super cool vibe and stylish interiors. It  is extremely modern but still has a really chilled out and relaxing atmosphere. Its safe to say I am a huge fan already. 

The event kicked of with a Cocktail Reception ahead of the fashion show. I met Shona from Sho Style and Emma from The Fashion Chair in the hotel lobby and made our way to the reserved blogger area. I caught up with some of my favourite blogger friends and met some new ones. We chatted about all things blogger related and sat in awe looking at all the fashion. Everyone made such at effort for the event and paid attention to every last detail. The event was held in aid of Galway Autism Partnership, so it was lovely to see so many people come and show some support. 

We sat front row at the fashion show. The perfect location to capture the style. Born Clothing was worn by Roza Model Agency and styled by Tess Purcell Fashion Stylist. Peter Mark professionals styled the models hair and Urban Decay make up artists did the models make up. Tess shared her top styling tips for ladies day at the races while milliner Fiona Mangan talked about choosing the perfect hat and how to style it. One of the make up artists from Urban Decay did a make up demo creating the perfect ladies day look. 

The event was really fun. It was the perfect girly evening. I had so much fun and didn't want the night to end. I had to attend another event early the next morning so unfortunately I was unable to make it to the after party but I would have loved to have stayed longer as I heard that everyone had a really good time. I am really looking forward to going back and exploring more of the hotel sometime soon.

Yours stylishly 

Kerrie x  

A Parisian Afternoon With Brand Connection Paris In The Merrion Hotel

On Saturday morning I set off bright and early to catch a train to Dublin. I was invited by Brand Connection Paris to a VIP event in The Merrion Hotel. I got the invitation over a month ago and I have been excited ever since. Anyone who has read my blog or who follows me on instagram will know that I have a love for designer handbags and luxury pieces. Not that I own many but a girl can dream. 

I arrived to The Merrion Hotel at 3pm and was greeted by the Brand Connection Paris team. The hotel is located on Upper Merrion Street in Dublin's city center. It is proclaimed one of Dublin's most luxurious hotels and is the first choice for high-level business meetings. The event took place in The Wellesley Room, which is the largest private room in the hotel. It is located on the ground floor and opens up to The Fitzgerald Room. The interior decor is beautiful, deep blue with ornate rococo plaster work. It has tall shutter windows with views of the 18th century classic garden. It had a real Parisian vibe which made it the perfect location for this event. 

I was greeted in the foyer by the Brand Connection Paris team and was then brought to The Wellesley Room to view the collection. The collection is to die for. The brand specializes in French luxurious brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Celine and Hermes. As I was viewing the collection, I was introduced to the CEO of the company. It was so surreal to meet him. He was charming and is so passionate about the brand. He told me all about the history of the brand, how he started and his plans for the future.

The handbags are vintage but they are in perfect condition and authenticity guaranteed  so you know they are the real deal. During the event I was able to take my time looking around and get a real feel for all of the bags. I fell head over heels for the Chanel classic double flap. It really is a timeless piece which will never date. I was in handbag heaven for the entire afternoon and really enjoyed my time there. Thank you so much to the team for inviting me I am looking forward to the next event already. 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Blogger Lunch At Bar Solo In The Connaught Hotel

On Sunday I had the pleasure to be invited to The Connacht Hotel for lunch with Cloda from the blog Orange Obviously and Shona from the blog Sho Style What a perfect way to spend a Sunday. It was the first bank holiday of the summer so there was such a good buzz in Galway. As soon as I arrived I felt so welcomed. It was so warm outside but the reception was lovely, airy and cool.

We got a warm welcome from the receptionists who kindly brought us to Bar Solo where we were greeted by one of the managers and staff members. Bar Solo is one of the best hotel bars in Galway and we were lucky enough to try out the new summer lunch menu. The bar is bright, spacious and has a really chilled atmosphere. The bar caters for everyone whatever your occasion, from dinner with small children, to a girly lunch with cocktails and with large screens  visible from all seating areas it is the perfect place to watch a match. They also offer live music at the weekends and offer Sky Sports and Setanta Channels throughout the summer.

With the new summer lunch menu you really are spoiled for choice. For starters I chose the Super Food salad which included seasonal leaves, feta cheese, sun blushed  tomatoes, quinoa, sunflowers seeds and grape oil. It was delicious. Everything was fresh with lots of different textures and flavors. The portion was quite large so I couldn't finish it but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For my main course I decided to have Soy & Chili Vegetable Stir Fry which was an other winner in my  eyes. It was full with chunks of fresh vegetables such as pepper, celery, red onion and cucumber. You also got the choice of having chicken or tiger prawns. I opted for chicken, served on a bed of noodles. It was delicious. During our meal we were treated to some cocktails. I opted for the non alcoholic version which you can have any listed on the menu just without the alcohol. I couldn't resist trying a non alcoholic Mojito which consisted of lime, mint, lime juice, sugar syrup and tonic water. I loved it! Very refreshing after a meal. 

Now for the best bit. We couldn't say no to a cheeky dessert. I had the Black Forest Gateaux which was light as air. Not what you would expect from gateaux which was such a nice surprise. After our lunch we sat and relaxed for a while enjoying the atmosphere of the bar. It is a really cool environment to be in and the staff are super chilled and friendly. I really enjoyed my experience in the bar and hotel and I can't wait to return! 

Here's the menu if you would like a peek! 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Website: The Connacht Hotel

Instagram: theconnacht

Twitter: ConnachtHotel 

*This post is in collaboration with The Connacht Hotel and Into The West Blogger Network but all opinions are my own. 

Living A Balanced Lifestyle

We have officially reached the final week of 'The Body Confidence Series', to be honest I am really going to miss this but not to worry because I have a lot of exciting fitness posts and collaborations coming up which I am really looking forward to and I think you will really enjoy them too. The weather has finally gotten a lot warmer which means a lot less clothes and lots of bikini's.

 I am still not 100% confident wearing a bikini but I feel a lot better about my body then I did before I started working out. I think exercising in general gives you a certain amount of confidence whether you have lost weight or not. I think that once you get into a routine and learn to love exercise and eating healthy the weight loss just comes and you get so sucked into that lifestyle. I used to go out a lot when I was younger but now that doesn't interest me as much as working out and looking after my body. I really enjoy it and I don't feel like i'm depriving myself in any form. I'll eat cake and pudding if I feel like it and not feel guilty. I just eat these things in moderation. When i'm in the gym I will compete with myself and not with others. I always try to run faster, lift heavier or do an extra circuit. I don't do it for anyone else but me. 

I make my workouts fun and enjoy trying new and exciting healthy recipes. I really enjoy this lifestyle and it makes me very happy. We always hear the phrase balanced lifestyle and that is something I am always striving for. I want my life to be happy, healthy and positive in every area. There is no rule book explaining to you how to live a balanced lifestyle, so simply find your own happiness and work with that. I think the majority of us go through phases when we are extremely dedicated to the gym and then slightly lose interest for a while but that is all part of the journey. 

As we get older we charge and our prioritize change. It's important to constantly adapt your life in order to achieve your goals and to ensure you stay happy, positive and motivated. Finding your own happiness is the key to living and balanced lifestyle. 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x