LIFESTYLE – Page 2 – Home at Rose Cottage – Northern Irish Lifestyle Blog

October Round Up

November 7, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hi there!
We had the busiest September ever (family wedding in Lake Garda, trip to London and few days in Donegal for my Mum’s 60th) so am looking forward to a much slower paced October. Bring on lighting the candles, walks in crunchy leaves and chunky knits!!
What I’m wearing…

This month I’m talking Supermarket style…
How far has clothing in the Supermarkets came?! Long gone are the days of basic filled aisles with budget buys…we now have high end fashion available alongside our bread and milk.
The demand for stand out, bang on trend, must have pieces is high and the supermarkets have answered! Above I have shown a few of my faves…
The first 2 photos show skirts which I got from Tesco, both priced at £22. These are so versatile and can be easily dressed up or down. The same can be said for the dress in photo 3; This was a complete steal at £18 from Asda.
So what are you all waiting for?? Next time your doing a shop, take a few minutes to check the clothing, pick up a bargain and let me know so I can too!!

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Where I’m wandering…

Glenveagh National Park…
As part of my Mum’s 60th Birthday celebrations, my Dad hired a house out in Donegal for a week. This cottage was right on the door step of Glenveagh National Park and wow…what a beautiful place! It is definitely a must see for anyone visiting Donegal. Although we got completely battered by the elements, it didn’t take away from the amazing scenery! The walk to the castle is a tough one, especially if your pushing a pram, but there is a little shuttle bus if needed (at a cost of 3 Euro).
The park has free entry, free parking, a cafe and a tearoom…what’s not to love??!

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Why I’m writing…

This month I want to focus on stories…

I talked all about the algorithm last month, so this month I want to tell you how can work well with our ‘friend’ the algorithm through stories.
Stories are an amazing corner of instagram where you are encouraged to show your “real” life with photos or videos which only last 24 hours. They are a fantastic way to connect with your followers and accounts like Mrs Hinch have really showed the growing power behind them!
When it comes to stories…start to think outside the norm; be experimental about the content your creating on them. They don’t need to be perfected or as well thought out as your main feed – but that doesn’t mean they can’t add value.
So the first thing to do to get going on stories is:
Watch how others are using stories and think about – what do I like/dislike about them? Why do I continuously watch this person’s stories? Are there any ideas I could use on my own? Have I ever DM’ed this person because of their stories and why?
Now you’ve thought about these, it’s time to get in front of the camera!! As the sweat drips down your back at the thought of this (!!!!), ignore it and turn on the casual chat. Introduce yourself, ask a question, give a recommendation or review and show the mess!
If I can give you any advice at gaining confidence and improving engagement on stories it would be:
– Be concise.
Don’t make what can be said in 2 stories last 10. People are turned off by lengthy chats.
– Time and practice.
It will get better and easier with both of these.
– Add value.
Have a purpose, what are your audience taking away from your stories?
– Use all tools available.
Cater for all your followers, use text as some may be deaf, or watch in work.
Use appropriate GIFs, music, polls, questions etc to get people interested.

And that is all my waffle around stories! Please note I am definitely in no shape or form an expert but hope these will even give someone a little something to think about!

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Hope to speak to you soon!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

September Round Up

October 3, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hi there,
and welcome to my first monthly round up!
I’m hoping to keep the topics roughly the same each month, talking about all things fashion, being out and about and growing your social media presence.
If this sounds up your street, then I’ll stop waffling and get going!

What I’m wearing…

I’ve been noticing lately on Social Media, people feeling the pressure to keep up with the latest trends and buying a new wardrobe with every Season. Please please please don’t feel the need to do this!! Take a look inside your wardrobe and try to be creative with what you already own. The outfits I’ve put together above are using 3 Summer pieces from my wardrobe – a denim dress, a strappy top and a denim skirt.
Here are a few tips to bring your wardrobe along with you skipping into Autumn:
– Polo necks are great for teaming with skirts/shorts or putting under/over dresses.
– Add a basic tee under your strappy summer tops for a bit more coverage in the chilly weather.
– Knee high boots are perfect for skin coverage and to give you that extra bit of heat!
I would love to hear if you have any more tips for re-styling your current wardrobe, and let me know how you’ve been shopping your own wardrobe!

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Where I’m wandering…

We recently discovered a little local gem of a spot thanks to my Sister… Bangor’s Castle and Walled Garden
This beautiful garden is perfect for little ones to safely run around the stone paths while you can take in the stunning surroundings! There are lots of picnic benches and also a small play park just outside the walls (which is perfect bribery to finish your trip!!). It would also be lovely for a child-free walk as there are plenty of photo opportunities perfect for the ‘gram!
With the added bonus of free entry, lots of parking and a small cafe on site…what’s not to love??

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Why I’m writing…

I thought I’d use this section to share some tips on how you can improve your social media presence and in particular Instagram. I’m definitely in no shape or form any kind of expert, so anything thing I share here is something I’m going to work on implementing myself too!

This month I want to focus on the algorithm…

More than ever before, quality content is key; And when I talk about content I mean images, captions, stories, live streams etc etc… Everything you share is content and putting maximum effort into creating something which is finger stopping and thumb clicking is vital for growth and engagement these days.
I don’t know about you, but I can hardly say algorithm never mind understand it!! But, whether you love or hate it, the best thing you can do for your feed is learn to get along with it!!
If you think your engagement is low, don’t sit and complain about the algorithm and re-post silly images about 7% of people seeing posts (falling down the algorithm black hole)…put the effort into ‘pulling one of out the bag’. Create content that will stop your followers in their tracks and force them to engage. Remind people why they clicked the follow button and place yourself back on their home feeds – remind the algorithm that people want to see your content!
I would love you to push yourself outside your comfort zone and get super creative! Go on…give it a go and let me know how you get on and if it helps!
I so welcome anyone who may be struggling creatively to get in touch…I’d love you help you out!

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Hope to speak to you soon!

Jill

INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE

Baby’s Kitchen Cupboard Organisation

September 1, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

Hope you are all well? Thought I would write a blog post about how I have got myself organised to best cater for little Harry’s eating. If you’re a parent, you will know how stressful it can become when your wee one is crying looking fed and you’re flapping about trying to get bottles made/ food prepared! I think the key to avoiding this is preparation and organisation.

Firstly, I cleared a cupboard in the kitchen and dedicated it solely to Harry. I then bought some storage baskets to put his bits and pieces in. You can find the baskets here: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/23881/Small-Faux-Rattan-Storage-Basket

The bottom shelf has sterilised bottles on the left, baby rice and porridge in the middle and formula on the right. This formula is the opened one which I am currently using.

The middle shelf has a basket full of spoons, bowls and bibs. And another basket with food pouches for handiness when out and about. (Just a quick side note – become a friend to Ella’s Kitchen here for a cute little weaning starter pack: https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/become-a-friend/ )

The top shelf has spare formula; I would recommend keeping a spare tin or two to avoid panic if it runs out! And a basket with medical supplies, and cups.

I hope these simple organisation tips have been helpful! If you have any more I would love to hear them!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Pure Bliss

July 1, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

Having recently read lots of blogs, from people I closely follow, on their skincare routines I thought I would share my skin journey…

I always had great skin through my childhood and teenage years so it was never really anything I gave a second thought. This all changed when my skin badly broke out, especially across my forehead and chin. My lifestyle was exactly the same, I was using the same products, eating/drinking the same so I couldn’t understand what was happening! My skin would ache constantly and I would go to any extreme to hide it – from wearing heavy duty makeup, to pulling scarves up over my chin and mouth, I even got a fringe!!!

I had just got engaged and started to panic about my skin for the wedding day. After doing some research, I came across a little salon based close to where I live. This just happened to be the lovely Michelle from Bliss Skin and Beauty Dromore; I immediately made contact. At this point I’d like to say this blog post is in no way, shape or form sponsored. I truly believe in Michelle and how she transformed my skin then and continues to do so today!

I explained to Michelle what my skin concerns were and that my wedding day was fast approaching; she invited me into the salon to have a further in depth conversation and some face mapping. From the moment I walked into the salon I was put at ease and made feel right at home. The salon is a beautiful space and with Michelle greeting you at the door, it couldn’t be more inviting!

On my, and anyone’s first visit to the salon, Michelle will carry out a full consultation and face mapping. This allows for a truly prescriptive treatment enabling her to target different skin concerns in different zones on your face. It also includes a conversation on your lifestyle, health and any skin goals you may have. She will then recommend the best course of action and treatment on what she has discovered.

You spend your treatment under the covers, on her heated couch and listening to relaxing music. Michelle has magic hands and I’m always asleep before the end of the session! Her knowledge, experience and professionalism is evident throughout the treatment and the aftercare; I could see results from my very first visit.

Michelle will recommend some products to continue your skin journey at home and has a vast range of products to buy in the salon, but is in no way forceful in selling these. She is more than happy to provide you with samples to take home and try out before investing in any.

When going to a salon, I feel you choose it as much on the staff, as you do on the premises and quality/range of treatments. Michelle is a beautiful person inside and out. She has been through many life stages with me from engagement, hen parties, wedding, miscarriage, pregnancy, grief and the list goes on. She has been my go to; regardless of what life has thrown at me. I don’t think I’ve ever really thanked her for that, but I hope that by me returning and supporting her it shows.

So girls, what are you waiting for?! You can book in with Michelle via social media or on the phone at 07912784382.

I have spoke in this post about skincare and facials but Michelle also provides other treatments including massage, pedicures, waxing, reflexology. Find out more about what she offers on Instagram here and Facebook here.

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

FASHION & BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE

Our Wedding Day

June 15, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

As wedding season is fast approaching, I thought I would give you all a little peak into our very special day!

I met my hubby in the summer of 2010 through a mutual friend – love at first sight is an understatement! We immediately hit it off and from that day have been inseparable! He proposed in April 2012 at his parents caravan which was so lovely as it was a place which he had spent a lot of summers at as a child creating beautiful family memories. Now this is one of those special memories!

The hubby let me take the lead in organising the big day as he knows how much of a control freak I am! From a little girl obsessed with dressing up daily as a princess I knew exactly how I wanted the day to run from start to finish.

We had the marriage ceremony at my church where from a young age I attended everything going – Sunday School, GB, Youth Fellowship, you name it, I was there! We had my minister and Ashley’s minister both take part in the ceremony which made it extra special for both families.

We visited a few different venues for the reception but completely fell in love with The Galgorm. The room which we picked was perfect for our 80 guests and it needed very little dressing which suited our budget. My creative side went into overdrive and I dressed the church and venue myself (with the help of a local florist and my very patient and understanding family!!) By making the centre pieces and a few other details myself it helped keep the costs down and I really loved how personal this made the day.

I based the whole day around my love of lace and bows – this theme flowed throughout the day from the dresses to the flowers, the church and the venue. I just loved walking into the room and seeing all my little creations and ideas jotted around the place. This made the stress, time and planning spent in the months running up to the day totally worth it.

So here’s some photos:

The Church:

My yummy mummy and gorgeous sisters:

I arrived to the church in my Dad’s car – this was his pride and joy!

I made these little sweet cones for the guests to munch on route to the reception:

The Reception:

These are a few examples of how I dressed the venue:

This is my bouquet, which I made from a selection of vintage and new brooches:

This is our beautiful cake:

I put some diamonte stickers on the bottom of our shoes – mine said ‘I Do’, Hubby’s said ‘Me Too”

The evening:

The bridal party done a routine for the first dance!

If anyone would like a DIY tutorial of any of the bits I made myself for the day or to see any more- please get in touch!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

FASHION & BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE

What I’m Loving Lately

June 1, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

As I get asked a lot of questions on Instagram about where I purchase things and what I would recommend, I thought I would put together a blog post on a few things I have picked up recently which I really love! I’m thinking this could maybe become a monthly feature if there is any interest? Sure let me know what you think! This will be a random collection of items, so hopefully everyone will find something they like too.

Interiors

Firstly, these little metal star tea light holders. As soon as Homely Rose put them up on their Instagram as incoming stock, I tortured Helen to put them onto the website so I could purchase a set! When I saw them I knew they would look great hanging from my ladder, especially with candles inside at night time. You can find Homely Rose on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/homely_rose/?hl=en Give them a follow as they have some really gorgeous home interiors!

Next up is this Toast rack from One Vision cnc. If you follow me on Instagram you will know how much I love Emma Bridgewater. This company engrave wooden items which compliment the pottery just perfectly. I purchased one of their chopping boards over a year ago with Rose Cottage engraved on the side and it’s as good as the day I bought it! So pleased now to have this little toast rack to match. You can purchase it here: http://www.onevisioncnc.co.uk/oak-toast-rack—engraved–4-slice-39-p.asp

You can read here: Making my home beautiful with Zoflora! how much of a huge fan I am of using Zoflora when cleaning. This next little purchase is the perfect tool to use alongside it. I picked it up from Amazon after seeing it recommended on another blog. I have been really impressed by this electric device, which makes cleaning small, more difficult areas a lot quicker and easier. Get yours here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asonic+scrubber&keywords=sonic+scrubber&ie=UTF8&qid=1492355786&spIA=B01MT80ROH,B018NZ85D2,B06XS16LDN,B01MQ6GXCT

Baby

The lovely Julie has took the plunge and set up an amazing business selling beautiful children’s items. Her stock is so different from what you would find on the high street, which is why I really love it! Here are some items from her website, so please check it out and follow her on Instagram for stock updates. Her website is: https://daisybelledreams.com

Beauty and Fashion

So I picked up this fake tan after it being recommended by a local blogger I follow. I normally stick to what I know with fake tan but this was on offer in Boots so I thought I would give it a go. I have to say I am really impressed with this tan – the colour is so natural, smell isn’t too bad and develops almost immediately. Definitely will be using this one if I don’t have time to tan the night before an event.

And lastly, these shoes!! I ordered these from H&M after seeing a few people/ celebs wearing similar ones. I wasn’t too sure if I would suit them or if I could style them well, but I am totally in love! I am a huge fan of the metallic shoes which are in fashion at the moment, as they can be easily dressed up or worn casually. They are also really comfy to wear, which is a big bonus! Find them here: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0474111004.html#Silver

Let me know what your loving lately!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!

May 2, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

So today was the final day of my 40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!! After seeing this idea on an Instagram feed I decided to give it a go. I didn’t look into the ‘proper’ way to undertake this challenge and thought I would make up my own rules as I went along! Instead of giving up chocolate, fizzy drinks, sweets etc for lent (lets face it as a new Mum I need all the sugar I can get to make it through the day!!!!) I decided to attempt to de-clutter my home/life! My goal was to fill 40 bags, one per day, concentrating on a different area each day. So here’s my list:

Day 1: My Clothes – Trousers

Day 2: My Clothes – PJs

Day 3: My Clothes – Boots

Day 4: My Clothes – Maternity Wear

Day 5: My Clothes – Pumps and Trainers

Day 6: My Clothes – Coats

Day 7: My Clothes – Scarfs

Day 8: My Clothes – Belts

Day 9: My Clothes – Underwear

Day 10: My Clothes – Tights and Socks

Day 11: My Clothes – Tops and Shirts

Day 12: My Clothes – Jumpers

Day 13: My Clothes – Skirts and Shorts

Day 14: Jewellery

Day 15: My Clothes – Bags

Day 16: Christmas Decorations – Indoor

Day 17: Christmas Decorations – Outdoor

Day 18: Newborn Clothes

Day 19: Hubby’s Clothes

Day 20: Hubby’s Shoes

Day 21: Home Items – Kitchen

Day 22: Home Items – Bedrooms

Day 23: Home Items – General

Day 24: Nail Varnishes

Day 25: Beauty Products

Day 26: Hair Products

Day 27: Make up and Make up Brushes

Day 28: Bedding

Day 29: Magazines

Day 30: Receipts

Day 31: Cards

Day 32: Paperwork/Post

Day 33: Photos

Day 34: DVDs

Day 35: Pets Items

Day 36: Towels

Day 37: Craft Items

Day 38: Food Items

Day 39: Books

Day 40: CDs

Now don’t let this list scare you off! As you can see from my pictures below some of my bags were smaller than others, depending on the area I was doing.

I tried to upload a photo of my bag each day onto my Insta stories to keep myself accountable, but to be honest with a newborn in the house I found it almost impossible to do a bag each day so sometimes done 3 or 4 in one day when I had a spare hour. I found this was a really feel good exercise, allowing me to free up much needed space in my home as well as being able to see exactly what I stuff I have. I also was able to make some money along the way which was a big bonus!!

Some of my bags went into storage, some went to friends/family, I sold some items (online via webuyanybooks.com and set up an Insta selling page), hoping to do a car boot sale this month with some items, and some went to the skip.

At the end of my 40 days I can say I feel a lot better and my home is so much more organised. So why don’t you give it a go?? Remember your home is for living space, not storage space! Would love to hear how you get on!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

What’s in my changing bag?

May 1, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello again!

I thought I would give you a look inside my changing bag today…

I think the key to a successful trip out is a well organised changing bag. I like to pride myself in being a super organised person who brings anything and everything in her bag to cover any and all situations! Becoming a mummy has meant this bag organisation has moved from being my handbag to the changing bag!

I am currently just using the changing bag which came in the bundle with my pram – but I actually really like this wee bag. It is easy on the eye, goes with everything and hooks onto the pram meaning I don’t have to carry it about.

So here’s what I keep inside:

Yes I really fit all this into my changing bag! I use the changing bag as my handbag as well, as lets face it who wants to kart about 2 bags!

So here’s a list of Harry’s items which go into the bag:

Nappies – I have tried out lots of different brands of nappies over the last 10 weeks but always seem to come back to Pampers. Im not sure if its because they really are the best nappy or its just the brand name. Harry is currently wearing size 2.
Wipes – Im not too fussy about what brand of wipes I use and normally just buy whichever ones are on offer!
Nappy bags – I bring lots of these out with me as they can have a few different uses. If Harry is sick or has a big explosion I would put the dirty clothes into a nappy bag to bring home.
Changing mat – I don’t like the idea of putting my wee man onto one of those pull down changing tables without this mat, so I always use this when changing him in public.
Bottles and formula containers – I always bring at least 3 bottles out with me no matter how long I intend to be out for. Ive got locked in an underground carpark because of a bomb scare before so you can never be too prepared!! These little containers are so so handy and the little top prevents any spillage with formula powder.
Muslin Cloths – I normally just bring one large one out with me. Has many uses – sick catcher, cover for breastfeeding, blanket for swaddling, or if you’ve forgotten your changing mat.
2 bibs
Spare vest and babygrow – I would recommend bringing a baby grow as the spare outfit as lets face it when your flapping about after a huge explosion who wants to be faffing with putting an awkward outfit on a screaming child!

My items which go into the bag:

Purse – this one is from Cath Kidson and has a handy little pull out compartment when you don’t want to bring the whole thing.
Phone – lets be honest going out without this is like losing a limb!
Vanity bag – I fill a little makeup bag with a few comfort items for myself which includes a comb, lipgloss, tissues, sanitary products, hand gel, wipes, hair bobbles and clips.

Would love to hear what you yummy mummies keep in your changing bags?

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Easter Egg Hot Chocolate

April 5, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

I hope you have had a fun filled Easter full of memory making! If you are lucky enough to have buckets full of chocolate eggs you might be looking for other ways to eat them (apart from stuffing them all in your mouth at once!!!). I made some yummy hot chocolate with a few of my eggs so thought I would share the idea with you!

Firstly here’s the ingredients:

An Easter egg, milk and marshmallows.

Firstly, pour some milk into a saucepan to heat.

Then break up your chocolate egg into a mug.

Once your milk has heated up, pour it into your mug over the broken chocolate. The warm milk will melt your chocolate when stirred.

Then add some marshmallows on top. You could add other toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sauce – whatever you like!

Then enjoy!

I’d love to hear if you have any other ideas using chocolate Easter eggs!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Hoppy Easter!

April 1, 2018 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

‘No matter how long the Winter, the Spring is sure to follow.’

Like most of you, I am always happy to welcome Spring. Longer days, warmth of the sun and all the bright colours out and about. I’ve been spending this weekend putting some Easter decorations around Rose Cottage so thought I would share some ideas with you!

Firstly, an Easter tree. I used this porter vase from Emma Bridgewater and put in 6 strands of artificial pussy willow from Dunelm. You can find it on this link: http://www.dunelm.com/product/artificial-pussy-willow-stem-1000001995?itsearchTerm=flowers%20artificial

I bought these beautiful eggs from Katrina at DippyDuckHQ on Instagram – she is really talented and decorates these eggs by hand. I love Instagram for connecting with small businesses and finding quirky little items you can’t get on the high street. Here’s the link to her page: https://www.instagram.com/katrina.lyall_dippyduck/

A cheap and cheerful way to make your home look bright and cheery for spring is daffodils. I picked these this morning from our garden and have them scattered around the cottage in little vases.

I don’t like to spend a lot of money on Easter decorations as they are only out on display for a short time. I brought together some of my favourite pottery pieces and stacked them up, largest at the bottom to smallest at the top. I think it looks really effective yet so simple.

And lastly, how cute are these little rabbit spoons which I picked up from here: https://www.tuttidecor.co.uk/product/rabbit-spoon/ Adding a little Easter touch to some afternoon tea!

The hubby and I normally go to his family’s caravan over the Easter holidays so we are excited now to bring Harry along this year too. Hope you all have a lovely Easter celebrating with friends and family!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill