DIPG Cancer in Children: Taking Time & the Grief Process.

Learning to take a step back and allowing yourself to process and feel.

You’re probably wondering where I’ve been the last couple months – I took some time and lessened my work load #MindYourself as I was feeling run down and lack-lustre when it came to a lot of things.

This is a bit of a more personal post for me to explain my absence from my blog and to highlight how taking time out can be a very good thing but it’s knowing when to and actually implementing said break that is what we need to not lose focus on.

Just before Christmas was a particularly stressful time for me (as it is for most) but I also had a feeling gnawing away at me that I couldn’t quite put my finger on…

Anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, nauseous, weepy, and just not feeling like my usual “Social Butterfly” self. A feeling very new to me. Then one day these feelings coupled with residual feelings of anger and loss, confusion and feelings of betrayal gave way to unadulterated grief.

Grief.

Grief for my precious 4 year old niece Molly whom I lost to a rare, aggressive, inoperable brain cancer, 2 years ago – her anniversary having just passed.

Grief that I had compartmentalized, pushed to the back of my head in order to finish college and bury my head in my newly established blog to get through each day.

Grief. That finally rose from the depths of my thoughts because it seemed “safe” to do so. I had been strong for others for the time needed. Now it was my turn to allow myself the time to process my feelings and thoughts on the tragedy and feel and embrace the torrent of emotions that were couped up.

Don’t get me wrong, throughout the two years since her passing I’ve allowed myself time to cry on my own, feel sad and lost to a certain extent…but again I hadn’t felt that rush of release from my grief that leads you on the road to complete acceptance.

I now feel I am continuing on my journey of acceptance and release and starting to be able to open up and share more as to what happened and what a joy Molly was!

{More needs to be done to research here in Ireland and indeed around the world in relation to this rare, aggressive and inoperable form of childhood cancer.}

I have a short poem about my niece that I wrote and I would like to share, entitled “Living Doll” because that’s what she was to me:

Living Doll:

Sparkling red hair, peaches and cream complexion

A tiny doll, so full of affection.

A mighty stance, even at four, a personality so fierce and hard to ignore.

A beacon of joy, the possibilities were endless, when the news broke we were left breathless.

My living doll now relieved of the pain, our loss – heaven’s gain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As always thanks for stopping by and thanks SO much for sticking with me through my absence. It’s much appreciated.

If you’re looking for me on my other Social Media channels you can find me on •Twitter: DublinGail  •Instagram: littlegforce •Snapchat: username DublinGail •Facebook: GlamForce Blog by Gail O‘Connor.

Gail. Xx

Imagery: © DIPG US Facebook page. .

*Not sponsored.

Special thanks go to all of the staff especially Molly’s care teams at Crumlin Children‘s Hospital, Temple Steet Hospital and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. I’d also like to thank the charity Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.

If you are ever wanting to donate to worthy charities and causes any of these hospitals and charities mentioned are worthy. I would highlight however that Laura Lynn is Ireland’s ONLY Children’s Hospice and is non-government funded and relies on charitable donations.

My Ultimate Christmas Wishlist 2016!

A Time for Giving, A Time For Getting…

With the season that’s in it and for the purpose of serving as a helpful guide to friends and family, I thought I’d share my Christmas Wishlist with you – who knows you may even get some gift INSPO for yourself!

Cosy AND Glam?

I love to add a pop of leopard print to my outfit and this beaut from Jennifer Rothwell is right up my leopard print loving alley!

Trace of Lace:

I recently came across BIMBA Y LOLA at a press day and fell in love with this lace showstopper. The gold shade will beautifully compliment my Irish skin tone and I’ve recently embraced my darker natural hair colour too, coupled with a slick of red lippy this would add an uber ‘festive glam injection’ into my ‘event wardrobe’ essentials.

Shore Thing:

If you’ve been reading my BEST in IRISH Christmas Gift Guide, then you’ll already know I’m obsessed with the ‘wave and shell’ inspired Shore Collection from Sligo based Irish jewellery designer Martina Hamilton. I dream of these pieces several times a day…Santa can you hear me?!

Cosy, Country Yarns:

Snuggly scarves in an array of colours lifted straight from the natural palette of our landscape are a permanent fixture in my winter wardrobe. The quality of pieces from Foxford Woolen Mills is exquisite as are the colour schemes they incorporate, from their current Nordic Collection to the gloriuos autumnal creation (that I actually picked up as a present for someone but am so tempted to keep!) pictured below.

Off the Cuff:

I also became accustomed with the brand Astrid & Miyu at a recent Press Day – and being an ear cuffs fanatic fell head over heels for these ear cuffs! I’m particularly coveting the rose gold and silver versions – my brain is overloading at the thoughts of styling these BEAUTS!

Flower Power:

These smart, lightweight but cosy scarves are perfect for nights out when I’m all dolled up and I don’t want a long casual scarf drowning my outfit. These scarves from Irish Designer Aine Toner and act like a decorative collar piece under coats adding a smart, sophisticated vibe to any outfit.

Lucky Stars:

Jewellery with true meaning associated with it adds even more weight of value to every piece for me.

Liwu Jewellery have an abundance of this attached to each and very piece. Their ‘3 Lucky Stars‘ piece in silver is on my wishlist because it has left such a lasting impression on me since first being introduced to the brand two years ago, and eye-catching piece that looks stunning when worn. I’ll thank my lucky stars if this piece is waiting for me under the Christmas tree! Fingers, toes and eyes crossed.

{Liwu Jewellery: ‘3 Lucky Stars‘ necklace in gold – pictured back-left.}

What’s on your Christmas Wishlist? I’d love to know! 🎁 Comment below or Tweet me @DublinGail

Instagram: littlegforce

Snapchat: DublinGail

If you’re not already following me on any of the above social media platforms and want to stay up to date…GO DO IT!

Thanks for stopping by and for those celebrating it: Happy Christmas!🎄

Gail. xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

1st image: © Jennifer Rothwell.

REVIEW: Dental Care with REGENERATE NR5- Worth the Hype?!

Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

#RegenerateYourSmile

One of our best accessories is often the most ignored and taken for granted – our smile.

Our smile is often the first welcoming and friendly sign we give to people and the wider the better! First impressions count for a lot and especially so when working in the beauty industry and networking at events like Fashion Week

I attended the official re-launch of Regenerate products in Ireland in May and since June, I have been trialling *Regenerate Toothpaste with Nr5™ in a bid to undo some of the damage from enamel erosion as well as the damage I have done to the gum surrounding a tooth which has left the dentine surrounding it exposed. This particular dentine problem arose during an overly zealous tooth brushing session recently, much to the dismay of myself and my Dentist…who marvelled at the fact that I was being too clean with my brushing!

 

What is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the outer coating of the tooth and despite it’s hardness it gets eroded daily by acid attacks from food and drink.

At the re-launch of Regenerate Enamel Science NR5™ Toothpaste guests were told how to spot if their tooth enamel is wearing thin, by checking the bottom of our teeth and examining if the bottom is becoming a little more transparent then the rest of our teeth. Most of us in attendance had signs of enamel erosion…

How Does Enamel Become Eroded?

Tooth enamel erosion frequently goes unnoticed and happens to everyone of all ages, making teeth increasingly vulnerable. It can occur from enamel exposure to acidic food and drinks such as carbonated drinks like lemonade, cola, vegetable juices and smoothies and fruit waters such as lemon water. It is best to consume these liquids through a straw to curtail the exposure of acid to the tooth enamel.

The Claims:

Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 builds up, essentially “regenerating” the enamel surrounding teeth and makes it stronger protecting against tooth decay and loss.
According to the team behind Regenerate Enamel Science “80% of common tooth problems are caused by enamel erosion and acid attacks“.

9 years of research inspired by bone repair technology have lead to the development of the exclusive and clinically proven NR5™ technology.

 

With every use active NR-5 ingredients combine to form a fresh supply of enamel minerals. These wrap and integrate onto teeth helping to regenerate enamel and reverse the erosion process helping to keep teeth strong and healthy.

It is the first system that can regenerate enamel mineral, with the same mineral that tooth enamel is made from, helping to regenerate enamel by restoring its mineral content and micro hardness .

The Review:

Like I said above, I had an overzealous tooth cleaning session rushing out the door one morning and brushed too hard resulting in a slight exposure of dentine to one of my teeth. I realised I had done something wrong when the incident took place however the soreness subsided after a day or two and I got on with things making a note to visit the dentist – noticing in the mirror that my gum looked a little more in an upward position to its usual appearance.

I went about the start of my day and headed out for my daily walk…(I add at this point, that this was in the middle of winter in frigid conditions). Mid-way through my walk and really pounding the pavement I began to breathe deeper through my mouth as I was feeling the workout – once I inhaled the icy cold air within it went directly to the area of sensitivity surrounding my tooth where the dentine had become exposed! I winced with the pain and thought “that’s weird!”. I hadn’t realised that it was the spot that had been sore whilst brushing a dew days before! I continued my walk but had to reduce the speed as the same thing kept happening with every breath – and similiar pain arising upon consumption of cold drinks or ice-cream.

Since using Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 religiously morning and night I have noticed a significant difference in the reduction of sensitivity particularly in the “exposed” area. I have also noticed significant whitening of my teeth has occured and that the tip of the bottom of some of my teeth, that were slightly transparent are less so now after prolonged use. I used a pea-sized amount daily morning and evening (before events and the like also) and the product lasted me about 3 months used in this way.

 Major Performance Points right there!

My Experience – from Performance Points to Pleasure of Use:

☆ Significant lessening of sensitivity to the area where dentine is exposed.
☆ Whitened teeth quickly
☆ Gentle formula – pleasing crystallised appearance, no burning sensation.
☆ Pleasant, mild yet effective minty taste and scent.
☆ Decent sized tube (considering the price) – lasted 3 months using pea-sized amount.

Worth the Money?

The Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆/☆

I would say that if I saw it on the shelf I would probably scoff at the price however having tried the product, I have experienced the benefits and having been to the re-launch I now have an understanding of the science and research that goes into this product to back up the immense claims.

I give it 4/5 stars only de-ducting points for the price point which may make it unattainable for some folk. Performance-wise I found it to be stellar.

Upon trialling, Regenerate Enamel NR5 is in my opinion, definitely worth the money if you suffer from any of the issues I have mentioned in this post and if it within your price point. It has definitely earned it’s four star rating!

Would I purchase again?

Definitely,  for the reasons above. The price would have me considering my budget with every purchase however as at €13.99 it is approximately double the price of other household names in toothpaste (which I can understand given the research), that claim to do something similiar…it is definitely a results based, considered purchase!

There is also a Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Boosting Serum Kit™ that you can use alongside the toothpaste for double the performance, however I wanted to trial the toothpaste alone to see results from  its solo performance as a lot of people may decide to only opt for the toothpaste option in the Regenerate Enamel Science family!

The Boosting Serum rings in at €39.99 a considerable hike in price form the toothpaste but the claims are that it lasts three months, used once a week for three days with a heightend performance power through dual usage of products.

I hope to report back on the performance power of this product once I incorporate it into my routine.

{A close up of the crystallised appearance of Regenerate Enamel NR5 Toothpaste – I found the appearance very pleasing, coupled with the gentle whitening effect I felt the toothpaste really performed the way the scientists claimed it would.}

There you have it, thoroughly tried and tested – Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 toothpaste comes ‘GlamForce Approved and Recommended‘.

Thank yous go to Unilever Prestige and Avila Lipsett for the invitation to the incredible Regenerate event and Press Samples to trial.

Have any of you tried Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Toothpaste? Do you think you will?Let me know!

Regenerate products are available in most Boots stores.

I hope you enjoyed this Review/Beauty Chat style post guys and thanks for stopping by!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
This post contains PR Samples marked with * however all thoughts and views are 100% my own as always!

Classic Summer Style Lookbook: The VACATION EDIT!

Reflective Style:

They say style is reflective of who you are and where you’re going, an extension of yourself and who you want to be.

For me, style can be mood dependant, I adore styling outfits and expressing how I want to present myself on any given day  – meaning boho vibes/preppy/edgy styles are plucked from my wardrobe on the daily. My own style is constantly evolving, however they’re are some style preferences that are innate to me such as All-American preppy, Hamptons-esque style with Spanish and French influences. 

I’ve also become known for my love of and consistent sporting of a leather jacket to add a touch of edginess to an outfit. Another style I have an affinity with is Boho/Beach/Festival style – I’m talking 70’s influences of “Almost Famous” Penny Lane style as well as maxi skirts and dresses, play-suits, denim skirts, kimonos, fringing, head crowns and head-chains.

I decided that whilst on holidays this year I would bite the bullet and get started on my style posts and after a bit of a blogging hiatus I’m back and refreshed!

I am often asked where I get my clothes from and how to style certain items of clothing and accessories for various events people have in their lives. I’ll be sharing my styling tips in my outfit posts so feel free to share my content with anyone who may benefit from it!

I hope you enjoy guys!

{Style shoot: Soaking up the rays and getting those poses down, on the steps of Russborough House.}

Giving the Cold Shoulder:

Cold shoulder, off the shoulder bardot – these are the styles of the summer when it comes to summer tops and tees and I for one am embracing it all!
Fun fact: In seventeenth century France reigning monarch King Louis XIV favoured the off the shoulder look with the décolleté exposed on the women in his court at Versailles – and it seems the feminine allure of this type of style is continuing to unfurl, having a bit of a renaissance centuries on.

These styles are all over the high-street this summer with some beauts in Zara, Primark, H&M and so many others!

The Outfit:

For my holidays I wanted to exude an “off-duty” preppy style which for me is a Hamptons-esque style – preppy, smart casual attire featuring lightweight materials that are easy to layer, the addition of a stylish hat to make outfits pop and to hide behind from the sun’s rays, comfy footwear for all of the exploring and an eye-catching, classic bag to hold all of my essentials.

These key pieces have become part of my summer capsule wardrobe and are staple pieces that work time and time again for many different occasions or excursions from running errands at the weekend to hanging out at a falconry!

{Getting up close and personal with some Birds of Prey with species such as: Snowy Owls and White Tailed Eagles to Falcons  after a wonderful in-depth tour of the falconry at Russborough.}

Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe Pieces:

Top: Primark
Skinny Jeans: H&M
Shoes: Primark

The Accessories:

Bag: Fiorelli

Hat: Marks & Spencer

Sunglasses: Primark

Chain: Accessorize

Bracelet: Pandora

Midi-Rings: H&M

Tan is: B Bold Tan a must have accessory!

Tell me are you a fan of the cold shoulder trend? What are some of your favourite summer pieces?

Thanks for stopping by guys and I hope you enjoyed this style post as much as I had fun shooting it!

Gail. Xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
Shot on location in Russborough House & Parkland.

Santorini Vibes and a Goddess Glow: Summer Style Inspiration!

{Santorini Vibes: shades of blue and pops of white, taking fashion inspo from the picturesque, hillside vista of Santorini, Greece.}

When a colour palette compels you to blog about it…

As a writer and blogger I find inspiration in everything. From nature, to a conversation, to trend forecasting in Fashion/Beauty etc – however when a colour palette inspires you to write an article on it you know you’re obsessed and you may as well give in and do it!

Santorini Vibes:

If I can’t go to Santorini, I’ll bring Santorini to me – taking inspiration from the islands colour palette in particular the white and blue hues associated with this Greek island!

Into the blue:

{Postcards from Santorini: The Santorini hillside vista that inspired this post.}

I can’t get enough of this colour palette…

I’m talking every shade of blue, paired with white for the ultimate holiday mindset. From washed out denim and cobalt to pastel and Santorini Blue (yeah I totally just made up that name) but you know the one, that blue that conjures up images of deep blue rooftops that majestically overlook an equally blue sea signifying a beaming beacon of relaxation, and an unequivocal Greek island experience of an island way of life of a by gone era. Coupled with white washed, glistening walls this colour palette simply screams summer and the blue and white sun soaked hillside, has immersed itself in my fashion subconscious and seen me dress in island blues on repeat!

Stripes, prints, block colours I’m loving it all – mixing and matching within the palette, block colours of white and blue with prints and stripes in the same hues – adding the odd pop of colours such as yellow, orange, nude, navy and tan to compliment the look.

The Goddess Glow:

These white and blue hues are off-set for me by a gleaming golden glow to the skin lending a bolder, crisper look with added “pop”, to any outfit! I get the ultimate grecian goddess golden/bronzed glow from a new release in the tanning world which I have been trialling lately!

I rarely sit in the sun in the summer months to “get a tan” and if I do you can bet your bottom dollar I’m smothered in Factor 50 because well you know, who needs the wrinkles? Especially nowadays, when self tanners have come such a long way!

The Tan of Choice:

I’ve been trialling *B BOLD Smart Mousse Tan for about 4 weeks and I have to say it never fails to give me major Mediterranean Island/Tropical vibes when I wear it. #vibes #thefeels

The colour pay-off with this tan is unreal. No really. From sunkissed glow to golden hue to a deeper bronzed tan, this tan is perfect to achieve any depth of tan you wish! It’s a one stop shop, making it perfect for travel – the high performance of the tan is a pleasant surprise and it is a welcome addition to the self-tanner market here in Ireland.

Look out for the FULL review on *B BOLD Smart Mousse Tan coming very soon!

All the usual suspects in fashion have variations on this summery palette and in an array of textures – such as Primark, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer, Zara, H&M and Savida to name just a few.

There you have it, some summer style inspiration in the form of colours and textures in various hues of blue for a fashion colour palette that’ll take you through summer feeling like you’ve been to far away climbs even if you haven’t! My summer capsule wardrobe sorted.

Now all I need is an actual trip to Santorini…although it’ll probably be more like somewhere in the west of Ireland! I’m not complaining though, after all I’m channelling those Santorini vibes…

What is your favourite colour palette for summer? What inspires you when choosing pieces for your summer wardrobe? I’d love to know!

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
*Post contains PR sample – All views/opinions on the product are mine as always! .

REVIEW: The Body Shop’s Spa of the World range – Quick and Easy Tips for Glowing Skin!

The Summer Skin Reveal:

Whether you’re feeling the effects of tired, stressed, sluggish winter skin, or starting that tanning routine in time for summer – the quest for glowing skin is upon us!

The *Dead Sea Salt Scrub and the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil for Hair and Body, part of The Spa of the World range from The Body Shop, will get skin in tip top shape for summer.

#TheBeautyEvent -THE Beauty Event You NEED to Know About at House of Fraser!

The Event: The Launch of House of Fraser’s #TheBeautyEvent.
*EXTENDED until this Sunday April 10th!

Recently I was kindly invited to attend an exclusive and intimate Beauty Blogger Evening, courtesy of House of Fraser, Dundrum.

The Location: Café Zest at House of Fraser, Dundrum.

Upon arrival, my fellow bloggers and I were greeted with Elderflower cordial and a selection of miniature cakes, all beautifully presented.

The event was an invitation to discover the latest and newest releases in makeup for the launch of #TheBeautyEventat House of Fraser.

With a host of representatives attending from YSL, Dior, Chanel, Urban Decay and Aveda amongst other beauty brands, we were treated to an evening of learning, sneaky peeks, first impressions and shopping!

TRENDING: OLAPLEX – THE Kim Kardashian Hair Product? Worth the Hype? The REVIEW.

Insurance for Your Hair?!

For a while now I have read and heard about a glossing, repairing treatment for hair, from the U.S. that would repair hair whilst helping to seal in colour making it last for longer in between salon visits. I could not find a salon in Dublin that actually knew what I was talking about, let alone had something remotely like it on their in-salon menu.

Fast forward a little while later and boom – such a treatment, Olaplex is on the radar of every and any salon in the know!

I was recently, kindly invited to try the much hyped Olaplex treatment – rumoured Kardashian beauty ‘secret’ by Sakura Hair Salon – a well established, independent salon based at Laurker House, Deansgrange, Co. Dublin.

The Hype:

Kardashian Beauty Secret? Apparently this treatment is credited with Kim Kardashian’s transformation from black to platinum blonde and back to dark locks again in a short time-frame and with apparent ease!

What is Olaplex?

Olaplex is a single active ingredient within the treatment and is the brainchild of scientists Dr Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker.

The Claims:

Insurance for Your Hair – Olaplex.

Smooths and seals the cuticle reconnecting the hair strand structure from the inside out.

Restores hair integrity from the inside-out.

Hair is strengthened, is softer and manageable.

Hair holds colour for longer.

The Process:

The treatment is a two-step in-salon process using the Olaplex Bond Mutiplier and the Bond Perfector. There is a third at-home step The Take Home Perfector that is part of the professional experience which sees the client use once a week.

1.) The Bond Multiplier was firstly mixed with warm water and sprayed onto the hair. It was left in my hair for five minutes.

2.) The second step: is the Bond Perfector which was applied straight onto hair without rinsing the Multiplier out – this step was left on for twenty minutes. Hair was then rinsed followed by shampoo and condition as usual.

The treatment can be used mixed with a colour process or used on its own as a treatment.

The entire process with a wash and blow-dry took about an hour.

The Results:

{The post treatment results: glossy, sleek, strengthened, nourished hair.}

My hair felt stronger and nourished, like a seal had been applied to protect it from further breakage/damage and nature’s elements. I noticed that it was shinier and held my hair style for longer also.

I’ve let my natural colour return (rockin’ the natural balyage vibe) and haven’t had my hair cut since London Fashion Week in September 2015 – I know it’s bold of me but it’s been a busy few months since Fashion Week! Note to self…

My hair isn’t in bad shape at all as I do put the effort in to maintain its lustre but it definitely benefited from the Olapex treatment in an overall capacity, especially around my mid lengths and ends as they look and feel softer, not so…bitty, (reference to needing that hair cut again…)

The Recommendation:

Based off of my current hair state, my stylist recommended I get the treatment once a month or so, depending on the varying condition of my hair throughout the coming seasons.

It’s great to know that even though my hair isn’t in dire need of extra attention due to a high level of damage that Olaplex is an option for me should I choose to invest in the treatment every month to give my hair some extra special assistance in maintaining healthy luscious locks and help keep it in tip top shape.

Seal of Approval?

This treatment comes highly recommended. I was delighted with the results and my first experience of Olaplex – it didn’t add too much time onto my normal wash and blow dry time and felt like an investment in the condition and well being of my hair. It also added that extra bit of “me” time to the average salon experience of a wash & blow dry…definitely a bonus in itself!

Special Offer!

A single Olaplex treatment retails at €30 at Sakura. The best bit? Sakura are running a February Offer (which I was offered) of a Wash & Blow dry plus Olapex treatment for €40 – meaning the Olaplex treatment is half price for the month of Feb!

Sakura have a Facebook page and you can book appointments/consultations on: 01 207 0605. Opening hours Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm. Tell ’em I sent ya!

Thank you’s go to Greg Foley proprietor for the invitation and my stylist Lisa Derham for looking after me and snapping some results pics.

Thanks for stopping by

Gail. Xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

Information source -the science bit: www.Olaplex.com

*Not sponsored.

#BLOGGERCONF ’15 – The Business of Blogging: IRELAND’S FIRST Dedicated Blogger Conference!

#BLOGGERCONF

Walking up to the main entrance of The salubrious Five *Marker Hotel on a chilly but glorious morning in Dublin my heart skipped a beat. I was overjoyed and slightly overwhelmed by the sense of achievement and just how far I have come in the blogging world – here I was walking into the biggest Blogger Conference Ireland has ever seen and I was featuring on a Showcase Panel.

I paused, casting my face upwards towards the winter sun, closed my eyes and let the feelings wash over me, settle and spurn me on to taking another step in my writing and blogging journey.

The Location: The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal, Dublin.

The Date: November 22nd 2015.

The Event: BLOGGERCONF

BLOGGERCONF is Ireland’s First dedicated Blogger Conference and has solidified itself as a credible, major player and hugely respected conference based on its reputation, incredible feedback and sell-out success on this, its ‘maiden voyage’.

Founded by stellar business woman Emma O’Farrell and welcoming all influencers in tech, business, blogging, social media and digital the conference gives Bloggers and Brands the chance to connect, network and engage in a relaxed environment.

BLOGGERCONF was held in conjunction with Life’s2Good and saw a host of other fabulous sponsors join us such as Canon, Rachel Dalton Communications, Fáilte Ireland, Evoke.ie, Deliveroo and The Marker Hotel.

Xposé also attended in the afternoon to cover the conference and interview some people, including Founder Emma O’Farrell.

Our MC for the event was the delightful and often hilarious James Butler, stylist and Fashion Ed at MFI Magazine and blogger at Jus de James.

The Line-up:

The line-up was phemomenal with not one but Two Showcase Q&A Panels –

○My panel Fashion /Beauty/Lifestyle and a
○Travel/Fitness/Food Panel.

○Presentations included: those from businesses and brands such as Rachel of Rachel Dalton Communications, Jenny Taafe from I-Zest Marketing, William Fry Solicitors and Blogger Anouska Proetta Brandon.
○Masterclasses came from Simeon Quarrie of Canon, Google and The Tweeting Goddess, Samntha Kelly.

{Meeting the lovely Anouska, fellow content creator – predominantly Instagram focused (for good reason, her Insta is gorge!) We had some fun after hours with Simeon Quarrie of Canon and Anouska loves my laugh…which I’m known for. What a compliment, thanks girlie!}

The hype surrounding the highly anticipated BLOGGERCONF was intense and it wasn’t long before #BLOGGERCONF was trending on Twitter!

My Q&A Showcase Panel:

The Showcase Panel I was on speaking on about Fashion/Beauty/Lifestyle took place in the morning and consisted of:
☆James Butler of Jus de James.
☆Sinead of Beauttruth.
☆Tara of TarMarz YouTube channel/blog.
☆Niamh Webb O’Rourke of LoveLife Blog.

Time to Shine:

I was the newbie blogger on the panel (I’m blogging 11 months) but the respect from my fellow bloggers on panel and in general has been amazing. To get such validation as an influencer and content creator to speak at such an event has been incredible and I truly appreciate it every day!
I’ve had a tremendous amount of positive feedback at and since, BLOGGERCONF regarding the fact that in a year I’ve gone from being an attendeè at a previous conference for bloggers, to being an Award Nominated Blogger and on the bill at Ireland’s First Dedicated Blogger Conference this year! I cannot fathom what an incredible achievement that is for me!

Just some of the positive feedback I got after panel: delegates and fellow bloggers approaching to congratulate me and say that:

○they loved my blog and style of writing, loved hearing about everything I’ve accomplished in this short amount of time and admired my attitude towards blogging.

○ They liked that I was included on panel with some high profile bloggers.
Delegates approached me and said they admired the fact that such an acclaimed conference had “acknowledged an up and coming blogger (such as myself) who is relatable and inspiring” to them – relatable in that I am in the process of building my blog and brand and that they were in the audience and thought, “that could be me, I could make something of my blog.”

I cannot tell you the impact these words had on me, only to say I was floored and quite emotional on the inside which I struggled to conceal.

It’s so lovely to meet people you don’t know/haven’t met before and hear they read your blog content, it is such a humbling experience!
To hear that your passion, dedication and actions inspire others has a powerful impact and will stay with me forever.

{Pictured: with fellow Panelist and Blogger James Butler. I’m wearing Penneys/Primark Soft Knit Embellished Sweater and Burgundy Suede Wedge Ankle Boots, River Island Faux Leather Snakeskin skinnies and jewels from Accessorize and Arnotts. Make-up is predominatly Urban Decay. I gotta get this ‘posing’ stuff down guys…people make it look so easy!}

Showcase Panel 2: Travel/Fitness/Food included Fitness Bloggers Sarah Murphy and Rob Lipsett and Food Blogger Niamh of Gourmet Grazing Blog whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time!

A networking lunch provided a fantastic opportunity for brands, businesses, industry related folk and bloggers to connect, complete with delicious food from The Marker Hotel, even catering for various food requirements!

Several brands had stands at the event allowing delegates to casually peruse their wares during intervals, such fabulous brands as Caravelle New York, Beutifi, So Fragrances, Declare, Connector.ie, MeeMaw Bags and Athlone Town Centre.

{Caravelle New York: I fell in love at BLOGGERCONF – with Caravelle New York and this Rose Gold beaut…}

{BEUTIFI.com stand were I was kindly gifted this Redken Shine Spray – love this stuff – thanks guys!}

{The Canon stand at BLOGGERCONF were I perused the best of the best camera equipment – every must have in a Blogger’s arsenal of tools! I have my eye of some nifty gadgets thanks to some YouTubers I watch, as well as Simeon Quarrie and Anouska!}

{Declare’s newest release their “Essential Eye Lifting Serum” was showcased at BLOGGERCONF!}

{A great selection of clutches and a beautiful “Dreamcatcher” chain, caught my eye at the Mee Maw stand at BLOGGERCONF.}

{So…? Fragrances – Sponsors of The Fashion/Beauty/Lifestyle Panel also had a stand, to the delight of delegates and were on hand to offer guidance on their new Couture Range of scents. I was lucky enough to attend the launch of The So…? Couture Range earlier this year!}

A truly fantastic event from the organisation, to speakers and masterclasses, to the panels and Q&A sessions, a chance to meet like minded people all with lunch and a jam-packed goody bag included!

If you attended BLOGGERCONF tell me I’d love to know!
Comment below or:
Tweet me: @DublinGail or Tag me on Instagram: @littlegforce leave a comment on the GlamForce blog by Gail O’Connor Facebook page!

Thank You Notes:

A massive thank you to organiser and founder of BLOGGERCONF Emma O’Farrell for believing in me and my abilities. I can’t thank you enough Emma and have loved being part of the BLOGGERCONF Family!
Also thank you to: Life’s 2 Good for being our headline sponsor.
Our Masterclass speakers Google, Simeon Quarrie of Canon and Samantha Kelly, The Tweeting Goddess.
All of our other phenomenal industry related speakers.
Thank you to So Fragrance for sponsoring the Beauty/Fashion/LifeStyle Showcase Panel.
All delegates who attended brands, businesses and bloggers for making it a truly memorable experience.

Thanks for stopping by guys!
I hope you enjoyed this post and are excited for BLOGGERCONF ’16 – I know I am!

Gail. Xx
Photography: All images © of Gail O’Connor, Nicolette Spelic Photography,
Patrick O’Leary Photography and
BLOGGERCONF.

Christmas with The Body Shop: The Feel So Good Christmas Wonderland event!

With the cold nights drawing in and Christmas just around the corner, I love nothing more than unwinding after a long day with a hot shower, slathering on some luxurious body butter and hopping into my pj’s.

Luxurious bath and body care products don’t have to cost the earth however and one of the best spots around on the high street for adding a luxurious veil of silk to the skin is The Body Shop!

A year round favourite, I particularly look forward to getting something from The Body Shop at Christmastime, be it a deluxe gift set, a favourite Body Butter or a limited edition scent, receiving something from The Body Shop at Christmas, always goes down a treat.

The Event: The Body Shop’s Feel So Good Christmas Wonderland Event.

The Date: Thursday, November 5th 2015.

The Location: The Body Shop, Grafton Street, Dublin.

The evening saw me finish up at the final day of Web Summit, head straight for Dublin town centre and stopping off for a quick freshen up before attending the launch of The Body Shop’s Christmas Collection. The excitement!

Upon entering the venue guests were greeted with frosted plum pudding cake pops, cupcakes prosecco and a room beautifully laid out with a myriad of festive looking gift sets, limited edition products and old faves from The Body Shop, vying for our attention!

My eye went straight to this black box with red ribbon. An adorable gift set box, what girl doesn’t like something wrapped in a bow? I’d love opening this Christmas morning to a burst of scent-sational goodies from The Body Shop!

Every Christmas The Body Shop partner with a charity and this year sees the Body Shop partner with Water Aid who provide access to safe drinking water. The Body Shop will provide a family in Ethiopia with a day’s worth of water with every gift set purchased this Christmas. Is there anything better than giving back or paying it forward, especially at Christmas-time?!

Showcased on the night were seasonal scents such as Cranberry, Frosted Plum and Glazed Apple. Gift sets were in abundance in the new ranges Oils of The World, Voyage and Spa of the World, as well as long-standing favourites available such as Coconut and newer scents such as Wild Argan Oil all calling our names! Also released are some seasonal limited edition make-up releases and candles – loving the candles by the way, great addition to the collection.

 

Lorna Duffy, Damien Broderick and I having a little selfie fun at the event.

Tell me, what beauty and body-care products are on your Christmas list? Are you after anything from The Body Shop?!

Huge thanks goes to The Body Shop and Revolve PR for the invitation to a festive evening of indulgence, not forgetting charity.

As always, thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet world guys, always appreciated!

Gail. xx

P.S. For all you nail art lovers out there – YouTube sensation and fellow blogger Estée LaLonde has collaborated with The Body Shop in the UK and has come out with her own nail art kit for the same cause – Wateraid! Another reason to check out this Christmas campaign from The Body Shop!

I recently met Estée at Web Summit (check us out on her Web Summit vlogs, IRELAND IS FANTASTIC & FEELING THE IRISH LOVE) and we hit it off she’s exactly how she is on camera – a doll. If you haven’t checked her out already, do it NOW!

Learn more about the significance of this Charity Partnership with Wateraid and don’t forget to tag me on Twitter @DublinGail and Instagram: @littlegforce with your purchases!

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
Selfie image: courtesy of Lorna Duffy of Fashion Boss Blog.