I don’t usually blog while under the influence but I have to admit to being a little squiffy as I write this. I’ve only had a couple of glasses of wine but since I haven’t had any alcohol for over a week the effects of those two glasses are taking on mega proportions. Tomorrow I’m on the radio again but this time it’s personal. A little chat with Ryan Tubridy on RTE radio 1 in the morning all about the tragic accident that happened over two years ago. I’m doing it because of my ongoing commitment to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dunlaoire and the work of the Music Therapist who is funded entirely by charitable donations. It’s always hard to talk about tragedy and loss but I hope that I will do it in a way that will give hope to anyone who may be in similar circumstance.
Enough about me, time to cheer myself up with a sneak preview of Sex and The City 2 which is due for release in May. The opening scene featuring Carrie has Sarah Jessica Parker appearing in a white dress by Halston and of course a pair of Christian Lobouton Mules
A few weeks ago I, along with some other Fashion Bloggers, was handed a bib, given a box of bling and some glue and told to go ‘Bling a Bib‘! My living room has been full 0f glitter and beads ever since and glue is stuck to my table and my fingers! Yesterday I handed my blinged (that doesn’t sound correct?) bib over at the ISPCC launch of their recruitment drive for volunteers in order to reach a target of one million euro which they need by Christmas.
The ISPCC is Ireland’s leading Children’s Charity advocating for the rights, well being and protection of children throughout the country. They provide important services including Childline , Leanbh and Teen Focus as well as a host of others. Since they receive only 10% of their funds from government this launch for volunteers to don a bib, shake a tin and help get the money in is crucial especially in these extraordinary times.
Yesterday children, along with stylist Sonya Lennon from RTE’s ‘Off The Rails’ put on the bibs to help with the launch. To register your interest as a volunteer go to ISPCC. If you’re quick you might get one of the blinged bibs. If not bling a bib yourself!
I have always loved Charity Shops. They offer the possibility of a great find and at the same time the knowledge that the charity is benefiting. So on my walk to town the other day one Charity shop caught my eye. The Irish Cancer Society shop on the Rathmines Road. Probably because it was so well laid out and the clothes were placed on the rails with easy access. I think it took all of two minutes to find two seriously good value pieces. First up was a John Rocha tweed coat with leather collar and leather half arms.
It cost 25euro and I absolutely love it. The belt shown in the picture is from my wardrobe but it will look great open with jeans and boots. The second find was a Paul Costelloe wool jersey dress. Well cut simple and with a belt and a long jacket or cardigan and black opaque tights with ankle boots it will be just the business. It cost all of 10 euro.
Paul Costelloe Jersey dress
Now with a large bag and very happy with my purchases I continued over the Portobello bridge and passed Christy Bird an antique and bric-a brac shop I have passed every day by car to and from work. What a feast for the eyes, a veritable treasure trove and a Dublin landmark.
Christy Bird Portobello Dublin
Continuing along South Richmond Street and on into Camden Street I headed for the Cake Cafe which is behind the wonderful Daintree paper shop where I always buy the paper for my Showroom invitations that I send to customers twice a year. Go through the shop and you find yourself in a secret garden where the cafe is situated. Gorgeous teas, home baked cakes all served on an eclectic mix of old fashioned tea sets. Try the lemon slice, my mouth is watering now at the thought truly yummy. They also do great breakfasts and hearty lunches in a truly glorious setting. A must visit for every visitor to Dublin and a treat for all who are lucky to be nearby. The end to a very satisfying day.
I took the morning off to pay a visit to the National rehabilitation Hospital in Dunlaoire Co Dublin. A large ugly building where all brain injured children from around Ireland go for intensive rehabilitation following brain injury, stroke and serious brain illness. I know this hospital really well since it’s where my daughter spent eight months following a serious car accident in which my mother was killed. I am now involved in the funding of a Music Therapy service which is up and running but which is not funded by the hospital and depends on the generosity of the wider community to keep it going. The team of professionals are nothing short of wonderful and it does my soul good to help them in any way I can. Last year I trekked through Brazil and raised a significant sum of money. Since I’m a five star hotel sort of woman that was certainly a challenge! Following my meeting I headed back to the world of Fashion and got stuck right back into work. Taking orders, sorting problems, making appointments for the forthcoming season.
C
