Cotton & Irish Linen is perfect pairing
8 THINGS THAT WILL LIFT YOUR SPIRITS THIS WEEK
IREAD Fearne Cotton’s latest book called Speak Your Truth recently and was incredibly moved by the author and former TV presenter’s honesty about her battle with depression that later caused her to leave BBC Radio One and Celebrity Juice.
She talks about the many years she spent people-pleasing, pretending to be a shinier version of herself and, in that exhausting effort, ended up sadder and lonelier than ever. I know I’m not the only woman who can relate to her experiences.
I know that learned art of nodding your head and telling everyone you’re okay when it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Understanding how much of our true selves we bring to work, relationships and parenting is such a key part of our happiness and wellbeing.
As Ms Cotton says: ‘We can work through our own personal history and remove the lies we’ve put on ourselves but we still have to find the confidence to stand up and speak it to others. How do we learn to roar again?.’
If you haven’t yet read it, it’s full of inspiration, anecdotes and touches of Ms Cotton’s cheeky humour and wit.
Here are some more ideas to motivate, inspire and bring you joy this week...
MAGEE
DONEGAL weaver Magee’s beautiful Irish Linen collection features soft, romantic dresses ideal for summer weddings or dressed down with trainers for brunch with pals. These statement pieces have a rich, soft feeling that cannot be imitated by man-made fibres and they are renewable and biodegradable. See Magee1866.com.
KILDARE VILLAGE
KILDARE Village is the current destination du jour for a girls’ day out. I don’t want to spoil the surprises but there are lots to explore and discover from the outlet’s new, innovative additions. I spent a glorious morning checking out the new personal shopping suite recently, renovated by interior designer David Thomas, and I can confirm it’s a special experience. See thebicestercollection.com to book.
SOLE RESTAURANT
DUE to popular demand, Sole has reopened and will now welcome diners seven days a week. The Dublin restaurant – named Europe’s Best Luxury Seafood Restaurant at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards for the last three years – has also added a few items to its menu. New highlights include a grilled miso mackerel fillet dished up with miso slaw, coriander hummus, snow peas and broad beans for a starter, and a salmon main with warm potato Niçoise, olive tapenade, and quail eggs. See sole.ie for bookings.
SEA SWIMMING
ONCE upon a time, I would have made excuses and chickened out but I promised myself this year would be different and I would go sea swimming. The thought is somewhat terrifying but once you take the plunge it’s strangely addictive and leaves you supercharged with energy and a rosy glow that lasts the entire day. My current favourite haunt at Vico baths is hotting up now that we have some warmer weather. Feel the fear and do it anyway!
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH
AS A SELF-confessed addict of Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, it’s no surprise that I couldn’t wait to get a chance to read her book Speak Your Truth. I’ve dipped in and out of it since the start of the year and I am always inspired by the TV presenter’s journey and observations on hope, hardship, authenticity and breaking convention to live a happier, more meaningful life. Her honest and vulnerable storytelling is underpinned with that much-loved sense of humour and it has a way of making me feel understood. €12.60, easons.com.
INCHYDONEY
FOR rest and relaxation, check out Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa’s Beach to Bedroom package in Clonakilty, west Cork. Treats include a cocktail in the lounge, a five-course dinner on one evening in the award-winning Gulfstream restaurant, Ground Wellbeing bath salts to take home, and access to the heated seawater therapy pool, gym and relaxation areas. €275, Sunday to Thursday. See inchydoneyisland.com.
ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL
LOVE or loathe a trashy thriller, this is one of Netflix’s biggest-trending dramas this year. Set in modern-day London, it revolves around a handsome politician (Rupert Friend) happily married to his wife (Sienna Miller) until they find their lives swept up in a scandal. The plot explores a battle between consent and power, justice and privilege, and in the end threatens to tear down a government, a relationship and a barrister’s self-esteem. It is full of twists and a few far-fetched turns. Stream it on Netflix.
BEAUTY + SLEEP RETREAT, POWERSCOURT SPRINGS
GUIDED by sleep expert Anne-Marie Boyhan, the two-night retreat at Powerscourt Springs Health Farm aims to transform your routine and help you come away with better sleep and selfcare tools to be the best version of yourself. There’s a skincare workshop along with yoga classes, spa amenities and delicious organic food that you can savour around a cosy fire pit. If this kind of indulgence sounds like a sweet dream, it’s only just a sliver of what’s in store. September 24-25, €350. See thesleepcarecompany.com.