Galway Races Ladies Day Guide, To-Do List: Part 5 "The Day & Where to go?"

Hello Dolls,

Day 1 of the Galway Races has started as I am writing this. (Small fist pump and woop!) 

So its exactly 3 days till the famous Ladies Day. 

This will be my last post on this series, I really hoped you liked this or got some ideas. 

In this post I wanted to share with you what the races will offer and some events and places to visit once you leave the racecourse. If your not from Galway it may give you some ideas to visit and whats on. 

"The Galway Racecourse"

One advice I would give is get their as soon as possible, traffic will be mad the later you leave it. So plan your transport. To get into the racecourse it will cost €30 on Ladies Day itself. There will be such an atmosphere as soon as you get through the turnstiles. 

Obviously besides the racing the other main event will be the Best Dressed Lady.

This year the Best Dressed Lady event is sponsored for the first time by the Kilkenny Group.

Their is also two other awards for Best Hat & Best Irish. The judges will wander around the crowds and pick you out to be brought to the Kilkenny tent adjacent to the Champagne tent. Finalists will be picked by 2.30pm and the winning outfits will be announced by 3.30pm. Prizes will be given out before the 5th race. This years Celebrity Judge is Today Show`s Galway native Maura Derrane. 

The prize for the Best Dressed Lady will amount to a wopping €10,000. It includes:

A shopping spree with Kilkenny,

5* Luxury Break with Blue Book Ireland,

New wardrobe courtesy of Aideen Bodkin,

Irish jewellery by Maureen Lynch,

Bespoke trophy by Waterford Crystal,

€1,000 Haircare package from Peter Mark,

Cosmetic package at €1,000 from Lancome

(I really would not mind that prize.. ;) ..)

If you are looking for inspiration, last years winner 2014, Helen Murphy wore:

A mint Green skirt and White top from Coast,

Aisling Maher coloured pearl necklace and white disc embellished with brooches from Dunnes Stores. Plus a 1950`s vintage Walborg clutch and shoes from Nine West. 

picture from Galway races website

So what about the racing....what races will take place that day? Well here you go!!..

1.50: The Guinness Dublin Porter Beginners Steeplechase

2.20: The Guinness Novice Steeplechase

3.00: The Hop House 13 Handicap

3.40: The Arthur Guinness European Breeders Fund Corrib Fillies Stake

4.15: The Guinness Novice Hurdle

4.55: The Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap *The Big One the Day*

5.35: The Guinness 50th Anniversary Handicap

6.05: The Guinness West Indies Porter Flat Race

Best of luck to you all betting, remember their are independent bookmakers and tote bookmakers on the racecourse, so it worth a €1 or €2... :)

Another part of the races is the socialising. Who doesnt love the craic and bants? So where is the places to be or what has the Galway racecourse to offer?

On Course Restaurants & Bars:

Killanin Stand:

Ground Floor offers a take-away restaurant where you can get fast food, tea, coffee, minerals and a full bar

1st Floor their is a carvery based restaurant and bar.

2nd Floor is the PLATE HOSPITALITY SUITE, it caters the ultimate racing experience, being luxurious and great views. 

3rd Floor is the HURDLE HOSPITALITY SUITE, again luxurious setting and great views of the race track.

"Packages in Silver & Gold available for both the Plate & Hurdle Hospitality Suites."

Millennium Stand:

Ground Floor caters The Long Bar with hot food , tea and drinks

1st Floor has The Ballybritt Bar which only serves drinks

2nd Floor has The Aran Bar which caters hot food and drinks aswell as access to the balcony seating area. It also has The Kinvara Bar

3rd Floor has The Corrib Bar, which is also the top floor and is reserved for patron using reserved balcony area, it also served food and a variey of tapas. 

Also on the 3rd Floor is the Panoramic Restaurant which has a great view of the winning post.

"Packages available for the Panoramic Restaurant"

On the Ground!

The Carvery Restaurant:

Serving food an 2 hours before the races and 1 hour after. A great self service setting. Serving lunch, snacks, sandwiches, soup, desserts, teas and drinks.

Racers Fast Food Restaurant:

Range of fast food, located rear of stands

Champagne Tent:

I think a tent most ladies will be visiting.:) Located adjacent to the main tote building.

The Guinness Tent:

Located rear of the stands, the Guinness tent will serve the obvious creamy pints of Guinness and serving oysters and smoked salmon & brown bread.

The Budweiser Tent:

Located behind the main tote and adjacent the parade ring. I think it will be one for the lads.:)

Mayors Garden Area:

Located on the western part of the grounds and accessible to everyone. It houses a Big Screen, Food Outlets, Bar Area, Bookmakers ring & Champagne tent. Picnic area also so families. 

"The Afters!"

So you have won your money at the races. (well we do like to hope!). Where do you go from their. Galway itself, will be buzzing without a doubt. So no matter where you do their will be a great vibe and great reception. Here are just some of my picks!

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway:

The radisson is known as one the best party events during Race Week & it doesnt disappoint. 

Located on Lough Atalia (close to the bus stations) 

On Ladies Day the radisson offer food all day and evening some burgers and hotdogs on the terrace. So whether you want a restaurant or bar food or even sushi experience, it will cater for your needs. 

It also will hold some great entertainment: 

On the Veranda you will have dance hits from all the eras

Inis Mor Bar having "The 80s Band" with some classic hits

Terrace will have tunes early in the afternoon from resident DJ 2pm-4.30pm and Late night floorfillers from 9pm-Late

image from Radisson Galway Facebook

An Pucan:

Located on 11 Forster Street, Eyre Sq. Possibly the one the best bars for the fun and craic. An Pucan have opened a new Garden also with caters an Absolute bar. They also cater food from Breakfast till Dinner, so your before and after needs will be catered for. As for drinks, they have a the great whiskey, craft beers and a selection of cocktails. So everyone is catered for. One the newest and best outside garden bars, so if about #TheGarden.

Music will be available all week also.

image from An Pucan facebook

McGettigans:

Located on 9-11 Prospect Hill.

One the newest bars opened in Galway and one that is booming also. Food on race week will be served from 10am and some late bites till 1am. So no reason to go hungry. McGettigans are also running a social media competition with a €200 prize voucher for Brown Thomas. All you need to do is take a picture of your hat and upload and tag McGettigans. Using Instagram @mcgettiganspubs with hashtag #McGettigansGWY

Twitter @mcgettigansgwy with hash tag #McGettigansGWY

So well worth that photo!! 

Music will be every night and free entry. 

image from McGettigans facebook page

Seven Bar:

Located on 5-7 Bridge Street. Another new pub in the city. Seven have a great offer running for €20per person. 

A glass of champagne prior departure

Return luxury coach transfer to and from racecourse

Champagne and canapes on return to Seven after races. 

Music that day and night from The Good Hustle, Dj Gary and The Lock-Ins. 

Another great bar for the day.

image from seven bar facebook page

Hotel Meyrick:

Another even taken place in the Hotel Meyrick, which is located on Eyre Square. The Most Stylish Lady will take place which contains a prize  that totals €2,000. Judged by Irish model Rozanna Purcell, Mandy Maher and Mary Lee from Catwalk Modelling Agency.

The prize which is from Fallers Jewellery contains a package from Newbridge Silverware. 

Music, Champagne and Cocktails available aswell as a Brunch in the Gaslight Bar & Brasserie.

image meyrick hotel facebook page

Claregalway Hotel:

If you want to retreat away from the city,then head to claregalway. 

The most stylish lady competition will also take place here with amazing prizes worth €5,000.

Makeup Lesson from the School of Makeup Artistry

Diamond Pendent from Center Jewellers

Outfit of choice from Concepts Ladies Fashion Oranmore

Head Piece from Michael Mullins Millinery

Beauty Package from The Sanctuary Beauty Salon

His/Her membership of Core Fitness

Romantic Dinner for 2 at Claregalway Hotel

Guest Judge is non other then beauty blogger and makeup artist Joanne Larby aka The Makeup Fairy

image from joanne larby facebook 

I don`t know about you all, but i am excited. :)

Whatever you do, be safe and look after eachother!

DISCLAIMER:I would like to state, I was not sponsored or asked to do this post, all in this post is my own thoughts and opinions and info I gathered and places I picked myself. 

Enjoy Ladies day girls..

If you missed my other posts here they are again...

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

If you want to follow my social media, as I will be posting leading up and on the day please do..

Email: nataliekeanemua@gmail.com

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Until next time...

P.s here are the links to everyone I mentioned:

Galway Races

Radisson Blu Facebook

An Pucan Facebook

McGettigans Galway Facebook

SEVEN Bar Facebook

Hotel Meyrick Facebook

The Makeup Fairy Facebook

Party Inspiration for Paperless Post

Hello There!

Was contacted by the lovely Katie from Paperless post to do an inspiration post for a party. Paperless post are a great online website to create the perfect invitations for either a Birthday, Weddings, Baby Showers and any other occasion that needs catering for. There are so many great online designs or you can customize your own invitation. You can also choose the type of paper like embossing, engraving etc. CLICK HERE to have a look at their website. You won`t be disappointed. :)

When I was asked to create an inspiration post for a party, I had so many ideas. So I choose to pick a party I would love myself. Creating that perfect Girls Night In essentially but with a party twist. Perfect if you want a BBQ or celebrating your Birthday or Hen during the summer months. 

"Morocco"

I really love the colours & decor of Moroccan themed items. So I thought it might be perfect. The colours are perfect for an early or late summer party. It really gives you that warm feeling even when the weather isnt great outside.

Colour Palette:

The colour palette I just love. The combination of light and bright pinks, peaches, yellows, oranges, purples and golds. Their is something really indulgent about the colours and the fact they all complement each other. Through patterns and block colouring you could fit all colours into one item.  

Decor.

Decor is so vast. Starting with textures and materials, silk and satin comes to mind along with sequin details. Whether you are drapping the fabrics over chair or tables the vibrant colours really bring in warmth. Combining pinks, golds and oranges in different patterns is a great way to break up block colours and also adding more demension. 

Lanterns are another part of the decor. I love them and i have a few scattered around my room as I love the look. You can just focus on the pattern itself or get some with coloured glass that fits your themed colours.  I think I will stop typing and just allow you to enjot the patterns and colours.:) I really think it brings it all together. 

If you cannot afford to get new lanterns, then DIY is great. Get a mason jar or jam jar, glass painting items, which you can get in any art shop. And design your own. It something worth while and something that you can get the look without splashing out. But still gives you the right look. 

I am so annoyed I have no event to plan so I can use this theme. But when looking into your invitation. Maybe look at the colours so pick 3. Maybe a background colour in Pink with a pattern in gold and writing in purple. The colour combo is endless. Take inspiration from either cushions or lanterns or fabrics to tie in your look. 

I think it would make a great girly night for Hens, Birthdays etc.. 

I would love to know if you try this or if you have, i would love to see some pictures.

I would recommend looking up Paperless Post. They will cater to your desired theme and needs. Price is also great value.  So CHECK THEM OUT!!!

PAPERLESS POST

If you would like to follow me..

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Until next time..

Galway Races.. Ladies Day Guide : To-Do List, Part 4: "The Night Before & Essentials"

Hello Dolls,

How is your Sunday going? It is miserable out :( Here is hoping weather picks up for the races!

So its PART 4!  And in this post I am going to go through what to do the night before so that Ladies Day will come together and you are organised. Also I will be letting you know my essentials to take with you on the day! 

"The Night Before"

If like me you are doing all or some of your process of getting ready, then being organised is really important.  If you are getting all done professionally then time keeping is really important. 

Below I will bullet point my to do list!

To- Do List...

image google

-Set out your outfit.

If you know what your wearing, hanging up your outfit with all you need to wear or bring like clutch, umbrella, necklace, headpiece, shoes etc are important. If you think it needs run down with a roller because of fluff or an iron. Do all this then. 

-Tan.

If you are getting your tan done or doing it yourself, then make sure you get your tan done early enough. So that at least you can shower earlier and if their is need for a top up or to correct any missed pieces or patches that you have decent light and time to do this. 

-Hair & Makeup.

Have your hair washed the night before and skin prepped with the skin care routine. If you are doing your makeup and hair yourself, have a station ready for the morning. If you know what you want and how you are doing things lay everything out. Hair styling tools, clips, pins, brushes etc & the same with your makeup, your foundation, lippie, lashes etc. Have some organisation. Last thing you want to be at it spending a good half hour or more looking for that eye liner or curling wand. Its time eaten into your time to get ready so you will be rushing. No one wants that. RELAX !

-Nails.

Get them nails done. If you are getting them done professionally, then you have not to worry. But make sure you prep your nails if you are doing them the next morning. Paint your fake nails or your natural ones getting the coats and extra drying time so no smudges. Also getting the correct fit for the fake nails. So their is not fiddling with them. One other thing, which I will add here is your feet. Make sure your file and polish them. If you have any rough skin, exfoliate them before your tan and add moisturizer. People will notice, especially if you have fab strappy sandles. 

-Heels.

Make sure you break in any new shoes. You will be in pain otherwise and have blisters. Walk about in your PJS even. Any movement in the heels the day or week before will save you on the day itself. 

The night before prep, will give you some extra time to enjoy the process so set your alarm early and have all set out.

Next is knowing what to bring the day in your bag. Something we all panic with, and we fling anything and everything and we forget that one thing! Anyone?? 

"Bag Essentials"

image google

Gel Cushions: If you are in heels all day, your feet will get sore, so carrying some gel cushions will help slightly with the comfort later in the evening. Another tip, apply deep heat to the balls of your feet, it will help relax the balls of your feet. Do this in the morning before and if you get a travel size tube, carry it with you or any muscle gel. 

Plasters.:You just never know, You may be knocked or fall in those heels. A friend may nick themselves on broken glass or even you may suffer grazes from new shoes on the back of your heels. You never know.

Makeup:From powder & brush, concealer, lipstick, gloss, liner and lash glue. All so you can keep looking fresh and can top up during the day. 

Umbrella: Have you seen the weather lately? Even if their is no cloud in the sky, i can be sure their will be a chance of rain. ha.

Flats: I have no idea what size clutch or bag you are taking with you, but if like me you like a decent size clutch so it can carry alot. Then you maybe able to sneak in some small flats. If all else fails regarding the gel cushions and gel and the walk to the chipper the end of the night is so much in heels, then you will thank yourself you packed them.

Painkillers: Headaches and pains can come along, especially when everything is loud and mad going. Having some pandadol for you or anyone around you will be handy. 

Phone & Purse: You can get a purse that will house both your phone, cards and money, but if you don`t then having a small purse with you is enough. Only bring enough cash and if you need your card pack it seperatly so if your purse goes missing at least you have some money. Also pack ID with you, leave all your other cards and possessions that are important at home. Phone is obvious and can act as your camera also. If you can get a travel charger then pick one up and pack that, it will come in handy. :)

Snack: Knowing that the day will be long. Pack a protein bar like one the Nakd or Quest bars. You will get some sort of food in you and curb any hunger till you get food. 

Tomorrow I will have PART 5: "Where to go Ladies day"

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Until tomorrow.:)

Galway Races..Ladies Day Guide, To-Do List: Part 3 "Skincare & Tan"

Hello Dolls,

Part 3, already! I hope you all enjoying this series. For me they are posts I love reading and also gives great ideas, so I hope you are too.

For me it is so important to get your skin right for your makeup and tan. Your skin is your canvas and it needs to be in good condition so that your makeup will last all day or your tan will come out even. 

If you are having problems with your makeup being patchy or staying all day or night and you do not have any sort of skincare, then maybe that is where you need to start. Also knowing your skin type. I will link my post on all different skin types at the bottom of this post.  So I will go through what routine and what I think you need to add to your routine so that your makeup lasts and also a run through before your tan and also what tans are out their and how to maintain it so it lasts. Lets hope this does not become too long. HA! Sorry in advance! :)

"Skincare"

Like I said above, your skin is your canvas. If you have dry skin patches, or oily skin, you will want some routine to keep everything at bay. Again you need to figure out what your skin type is.  As using something that is oil riched for oily skin, will make your skin worse and nothing will sit or using a mattifying cream on dry skin will only dry your skin our more. Usually most skincare products are stated on the products, its just knowing where you fit in. 

Once you get that sorted, getting a routine is important. So what you need to do?

Cleanse

Get the cleanser that suits your skincare. Why cleanse? Well, you are removing any dead skin and dirt and oils. So it is important. Whatever cleanser you do get, it will have ingredients that will help and benefit your skin also.  So thats STEP 1!

Tone

Toning completes your cleansing process. Toning can be considered an important step. It removes any debris, oils or dirt that where missed during the cleansing. Also the toner helps restore your skin`s pH balance. STEP 2- DONE!

Moisturizer

The purpose to apply moisturizer is so it reinforces your skins natural barrier. It will also help reduce itchy, dry and flaky skin. With cleansing and toning you are taking the moisture and oils from the skin, so you need to add moisture back into your skin. 

YOU SHOULD CLEANSE, TONE & MOISTURIZE DAILY!

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is important as it removes any dead skin from the top layer of the skin. It also helps remove and lessen blackheads. So all good stuff :) Unlike cleansing, toning and moisturizing, I would do this once a week only, unless you have either very dry or oily skin, then maybe twice a week. It is great, because with the mild abrasive your skin it being penetrate gently, so fresh new skin!! Now who would`nt want that!! :)

Some products I love to use are the Botanic`s range from Boots, Garnier, No7 & Clinique. 

If you can get a facial, that will also help your skin...

"Tan"

Ohh, the glorious tan! Every Irish girls must for any event! It can go so right or so wrong. Here`s hoping it goes right!! :)

So what prep do you need to do?

Before the Tan!

The night or morning before you apply any tan to your skin, you will need to Exfoliate. I love using a sugar scrub.  I am loving the Ziaja Cocoa Butter Shower Scrub, as my skin feels amazing. I do this before I shave my legs as it makes it so much easier. 

So next, shave/wax your underarms and legs. Once exfoliated it should be a smooth shave. Exfoliating will also remove any oils and dry/flaky skin so your tan will not be patch and sit well. 

Once you are finished your shower, Moisturize your skin, so concentrating on the elbows, wrists, ankles, heels, this will also make sure no tan clings to these areas and also that your skin is smooth and not dry when applying. 

Tanning!

So you need to decide where you want to get your tan done or are you going to do it yourself? If you do get it done at a salon, make sure that you get a skin test, to test for allergies the day before if it is your first time. Usually with these tans, the get darker during the day, so depending on how dark you want to be, give it 7-10 hours and lightly shower the top layer of tan. This is just a film on the top the skin and underneath the tan will be developed, and even after the shower it will develop a little more. So don`t worry your not washing it away!

If you are going to DIY it, pick a tan you can trust. instant is usually the most popular. Last thing we want to see is a pool of tan, especially if it rains! ha!

So once you have applied your tan let it develop, unless it a pop on and go tan. I myself always like to wash the top layer of developer off, as I feel it looks way more natural and less fake looking. 

Whether its a salon or home tan you do, remember to wear loose clothing. 

If you are naturally darker or sallow, a gradual tan might just be all you need , so build it up daily till you are happy and get the glow or colour you want.

Maintain your Tan!

So it`s either D-Day or the next day or that week and you want to keep your tan looking fresh and glowy. Moisturize! Your skin can dry out from the chemicals in the tan, so to stop your skin flaking and the tan getting patchy, it is important. Gradual tan in a moisturizer form is another good idea, As it will give you some colour and its a good idea near the end of the week when its looking a little worse or you have showered again and its fading. 

How to get it off!

One word! Exfoliate! You can use a scrub or a mitt or both. This will remove the dead skin but also remove the colour of the tan on the surface. Depending how dark the tan is, it may take  two goes! 

My Tan Picks:

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan in Dark.

Now a beauty cult favourite, even Kylie Jenner loves Marissa Carters creation. I love the formula, the colour and event the scent. You can leave it on for up to 3 hours + for that deep colour. 

Fake Bake

There is so many to choose from in the range. My favourite is the mist, that is 60mins. Again like the coco brown, you can leave it on until you get the shade for your. 

Vita Liberata

Probably one the most sought products lately. I have used vita liberata and have to say if you are able and want to pay a little more for a tan product, it is worth it. The colour and formulas are great and their is a product to suit everyone. 

I hope  I met some of your needs in this post and you picked up some tips or ideas.

Any questions on skincare or tanning, please let me know and I will share what I can with you. 

Below are the links to my skin types posts..

Normal

Oily

Dry

Here is also my tanning post : Tan

Tomorrow is PART 4..:) "The night before preparations & Essentials for the day"

I hope you stay reading!

Until tomorrow!!

*Disclaimer: I was not sponsored to do this/these posts, they are all my own ideas and thoughts. Images are from Google search*