Between shopping, decorating and planning, Christmas is a busy time of year for Mammies so we’ve got some tips to help!

Meeting friends or family? Bracken Court Hotel’s ‘Winter Rose Afternoon Tea’ is a lovely way to enjoy a catch up. They also have fab shared Christmas party nights for dancing the night away.

Christmas day can be stressful, and it is wonderful to let someone else do all the hard work. Farnham Estate in Cavan has a fantastic Christmas package where you can enjoy festive Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining without having to step into the kitchen! Ideal for family get togethers.

Love 90’s music? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne throwback Christmas party nights are jam packed with classic hits. Dance your cares away and check out their B&B offers. Much nicer to ‘Get the lift home’ upstairs than worrying about taxis!

For those who are tricky to buy for, we love Hampers & Co. Their hampers start at €14 and there’s a huge range like wellness, wine, picnic, baby & more Literally something for everyone!

Looking for a winter getaway? The Four Seasons in Carlingford is within walking distance to gorgeous Carlingford Village and close to Dundalk. Lovely food, beautiful scenery, great shopping. They have wonderful winter packages available, and their gift vouchers make wonderful gifts.

For skincare lovers www.ziajashop.ie has gorgeous products. Available online and in Dunnes, Tesco & Chemist Warehouse. I love the Baltic Spa range for pampering. They have wonderful baby & kid’s products too, like bath jelly and cookies & cream toothpaste. Fun and affordable.

Looking for somewhere different for shop & stay break? The Silken Thomas, in the grounds of Kildare Castle is unique. Close to Kildare Village, it has beautiful accommodation, plus award winning bar & dining.

Mrs Claus Gingerbread Christmas experience at Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide is back this year and is open for bookings.

Santas Magical Cabin at Ilac SC & Kilnamanagh is also back. Book at Santaexperience.ie
Elf Town Dublin at RDS is now taking bookings too. After the huge success last year, The Lark Panto is back. This year it’s Cinderella and runs from 5th December. Tickets are on sale now!
Follow us on mams.ie for more tips & giveaways!

By Jack Shanley

With the long-awaited reunion of Rock’n’roll stars Oasis, I felt it would be a great time to shine a light on one of the best music documentaries I’ve ever seen. Oasis: Supersonic is a nostalgic, exhilarating, and chaotic journey through the early years of one of the most iconic bands of the Britpop era. The storytelling is fast paced, much like the whirlwind journey Oasis experienced. With a great use of a mix of home videos, concert footage, and press clippings to illustrate the band’s trajectory.

The most compelling theme of Oasis: Supersonic is the tension between Noel and Liam Gallagher. Their contrasting personalities fuelled both the band’s creative output and their infamous feuds. Their dynamic is central to the narrative, as we witness their passionate collaborations and explosive arguments.
“Supersonic” showcases the band’s iconic performances, from intimate gigs to massive stadium shows, highlighting their undeniable stage presence and infectious energy. It also provides a glimpse into the band’s personal lives, exploring their friendships, rivalries, and the challenges they faced as they navigated the pressures of fame. It’s the idea of essentially a group of local lads brought up on a council estate with a battered acoustic guitar that took over the world of music, it’s just quiet amazing.

While the documentary primarily focuses on Oasis’s early success, it also hints at the band’s eventual decline. “Supersonic” is a must-watch for fans of Oasis and anyone interested in the history of British rock music. With a look into Noel’s genius songwriting, Liams Rock’n’roll charisma and the infamous Knebworth gigs, its truly a fascinating watch.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Oasis: Supersonic and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five stars. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video for €3.49. Director: Mat Whitecross– Rating: R – Genre: Documentary/Drama – Run Time: 2h 2m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

We’ve had family weddings and parties in Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan so we knew they would look after us for our sister’s Baby Shower there! We decorated a room with balloons and all things pink, set up a gift table and laid out the yummy sandwiches, sausages & goujons the hotel made us, alongside pink lemonade & pink sweets! Kate (plus bump) was thrilled with the beautiful room full of friends and family; including our sister from Jersey, who flew home as an extra surprise!

We played baby shower games where we predicted the name, weight & arrival date of baby. Blindfolded, we tried to pin the soother on the baby and guessed the bump size! Winners got fab prizes from Tipperary Crystal. We listed baby gift ideas in the Baby shower WhatsApp group, so guests could get practical items for the soon-to-be parents, including Bumbo Floor Seat from Hippychick ; LCD Screen Baby Monitor from PitterPatter.ie Irish nursery store, cute Disney baby clothing from Penneys, personalised pink ‘Baby Moore’ labels from MyNametags.ie so baby’s clothes and toys don’t get lost! We also had personalised babygro and blanket from CosyCrewClub, use code MAMS20 for 20% off, a personalised pram blanket from fab Irish company stitchaname.com and gorgeous gender-neutral baby hamper from Hampers & Co.

As it’s a baby girl, lots of us wore pink dresses for the Baby Shower and www.mykindofdress.com gave us code ‘MAMS30’ for 30% off for their website. This can be used now, perfect timing for picking up some bargain party season wear!

Halloween is coming and if you fancy a family break this mid-term, Pillo Hotel Ashbourne have packages which include Emerald Park’s Tricky Trail adventure. Book your stay here: www.pillohotelashbourne.com/bookings

Adventure Lights retruns to Skypark Carlingford from 26th October right through to February and early bookings are now open at: www.skypark.checkfront.com Want to turn it into a mini break? Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is super family friendly. Book family stays here: www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/family-breaks

Christmas is a bit away, but Santa visits book up fast! To get the date and time you want for the 75-minute Elf Town experience Dublin RDS, book now at www.elftowndublin.ie

Keep an eye on mams.ie for competitions and offers for Halloween and Christmas!

By Dave Kavanagh

I sometimes get told by people that they don’t have the time, or they are too busy, when it comes to arranging or updating their life cover, serious illness cover or income protection. (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality, a serious illness or being off work for a length of time, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed and it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. Someone once told me that they had no time and in the same conversation told me they had binge-watched 8 episodes of Game of Thrones. (They were also up to date on all the soap storylines!) If it’s important, make the time.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.

I smiled wryly when a friend asked if the ring I was wearing belonged to my late father. Given a choice between donning anything vaguely resembling jewellery, or having a wisdom tooth extracted by Mr Bean wielding a rusty pliers, he would have opted for the latter.

The Kinks would not have found their Dedicated Follower Of Fashion amongst the adults I grew up around. In matters sartorial they were dyed in the wool (pun intended) conservatives. Clothes were purely functional; to keep out the elements, and very importantly, preserve modesty. Even on the hottest day of the year layers were shred with great reluctance. As he reached the point of near expiration, my father would finally remove his jacket, as he toiled in a sweltering glass house. But the Donald Duck style waist coat, containing his pocket watch, remained steadfast in place.

The first time I saw an open neck shirt was when a man appeared on television, uttering the immortal words: “Hello I’m Johnny Cash”. Impressed with the new role model. I grabbed my little guitar, undid my top shirt button and hopped up on the kitchen table. My grandiose ideas of fame in Nashville were soon dashed as my mother cried out: “Button your shirt or you’ll catch your death of cold!”, quickly returning me to the reality of life in rural Fingal in the late 1960s.

Before large chain stores made shopping a leisure activity, local drapery shops like Taylors (long gone) on the main street in Swords, provided good quality clothing at reasonable prices. The management and staff were on first name terms with their customers, knowing their style and size as they came through the door. Head cover was mandatory. By in large working men wore flat caps, while the bosses preferred felt hats with brims. Protocol dictated where and when head gear should be worn. For example: failure to remove one’s cap at the dining table could result in being awarded the title of a “bowsie”.

The ladies had a range of head scarves and hats that hadn’t changed much in centuries. In a moment of grave misjudgement my mother purchased a navy-blue pill box hat for my confirmation. Said hat caused great embarrassment to her, and unbridled hilarity for the rest of us; when dislodged by a rouge gust of wind, it hit the ground rolling and broke the land speed record for a piece of millinery, as I gave chase to the cheers of onlookers. Who could have predicted the era of the designer label and selfie? But then, I guess the pendulum of life seldom settles in the middle.

By Jack Shanley

Longlegs is a horror thriller that taps into the dread of being watched, following the classic yet effective trope of a mysterious killer with an unsettling aura. Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his atmospheric and slow-burn approach to horror, Longlegs explores the intersection of the supernatural and the psychological with a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Nicolas Cage, who portrays the titular character, is mesmerizing as the enigmatic and unnerving Longlegs. His performance is a masterclass in controlled terror, with his eerie calmness and occasional bursts of unhinged behaviour. Cage’s ability to shift between charm and menace adds a layer of unpredictability that elevates the film’s tension. The supporting cast, including Maika Monroe and Alicia Witt, deliver solid performances, grounding the film in a grim reality that contrasts sharply with the more surreal elements of the plot.

The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the tension to build gradually. This choice may not resonate with viewers expecting a more fast-paced horror experience, but for those who appreciate a slow-burn, the payoff is well worth the wait. The cinematography enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with dim lighting and claustrophobic framing that leaves you feeling as though something sinister is always lurking just out of sight

Longlegs thrives on its atmosphere, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a film that isn’t afraid to leave questions unanswered, trusting the audience to piece together its fragmented and often disturbing narrative. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, Longlegs is a haunting and memorable addition to the horror genre, particularly for those who relish ambiguity and psychological depth in their scares.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Longlegs and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Osgood Perkins – Rating: R – Genre: Horror/Crime – Run Time: 1h 41m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Pregnancy is a wonderful but it sure ain’t easy, so it’s important to treat mums-to-be. Making sure she has a comfortable chair, bringing her a cuppa; little things make a difference!

Better Health Therapies, Hampton St. Balbriggan offer gorgeous treatments for pregnancy, including massage and reflexology. See www.instagram.com/better.health.therapies,

The second trimester is wonderful for a ‘babymoom’. Nausea from first trimester is gone and tiredness of third trimester hasn’t kicked in! Farnham Estate Co Cavan is a beautiful spot, with a stunning indoor/outdoor pool, fabulous spa, woodland walks and scrumptious restaurants. We went for a ‘Babymoon’ and loved it! Book at www.farnhamestate.ie/Mothers-Day.html.

Afternoon Tea at Bracken Court is a lovely treat for mums-to-be. Packed with sandwiches, brioche, cakes and served on decadent china! Book at www.brackencourt.ie.

Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is also fab for ‘Babymoons’. A two min stroll to the village, the hotel has a pool, spacious rooms and relaxed vibe. www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/

Irish skincare brand, Nyrah Beauty is perfect for sensitive skin, making it ideal for mums-to-be. www.nyrahbeauty.com.

Irish brand, Freddy has maternity jeans that stretch throughout pregnancy and also are good post birth, when Mammies need some extra stretch. www.freddy.ie.

Irish brand, Powercut Clothing pregnancy leggings stretch as bumps grow, are super soft and look great on www.powercutclothing.com.

Irish company Stitch-a-name make personalised baby gifts like blankets, pram snugglies, baby comforters etc. www.stitchaname.com/

Swollen feet are a common problem in pregnancy, which is why we love Thomp2Socks. Their wide fit socks won’t leave marks on swollen pregnant ankles and a portion of sales goes towards Down Syndrome charity. www.thomp2.com/.

Cosmic Baby Ireland make colourful, personalised baby soother holders, which double as trolley tokens! So cute and clever www.instagram.com/cosmic.baby.ireland

Irish company Hampers and Co. have launched a range of adorable baby hampers, in pink, blue and neutral colours. A fab gift for someone going on maternity leave or a new Mammy www.hampersandco.com

For nursery furniture, buggies and baby essentials, we love Pitter Patter in Nenagh, and they also ship nationwide. We cannot praise Michael enough for their wonderful customer service. www.pitterpatter.ie

We know Christmas is still a bit away but Elf Town RDS bookings are now open, including personalised gift options! Book here: www.elftowndublin.ie

By Dave Kavanagh

Among the things that people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are not over-enthusiastic about considering, is retirement planning. It’s too far away and they don’t want to visualise being in retirement. However, it is a simple fact, that the earlier someone starts planning for retirement, the better financially prepared they will be when it comes. The tax benefits alone should encourage people to get started. For example, someone on the 40% tax band that pays €200 per month into a pension, only actually pays €120 per month as they have full tax relief. The reverse way to consider that, is your €120 each month, instantly grows by over 66%!! (And that’s before any investment growth on your fund). If your future self in their 60’s could give you wise advice, it would be to get into the habit of having a regular deduction to plan for the future, in the same way you get used to having PAYE, PRSI or USC deducted.

With “Auto Enrolment” expected to come into force in early 2025, an estimated 800,000 workers in Ireland who do not currently have a pension arrangement, may find they will be compelled to participate in a scheme. While all details of the scheme are not yet finalised, it is likely that employees and employers will both contribute with possibly an additional contribution from Government. It is likely that any employees that pay for any form of pension through their payroll (whether the employer adds a contribution or not) will be exempt from having to join the new scheme. For most companies, it is relatively straight forward to offer a payroll deduction facility to their staff, which means the employee gets used to the deduction before their net pay and doesn’t think of it as an extra expense that they must pay for when they receive their salary. Whatever stage you are at, it is well worth making the time to consider your own retirement planning.

Calling all history buffs! Join us at Malahide Castle for an Oral History Open Day in celebration of Heritage Week 2024 on Saturday 24th August. This is a fantastic opportunity to share and listen to stories about the Talbot family and Malahide Castle from yesteryear in an open mic-style setting.

Here’s what you can expect: Share your personal stories: We want to hear your unique perspectives on Malahide Castle’s rich history. Uncover hidden gems: You might be surprised by the fascinating stories waiting to be unearthed! Connect with the community: Bond with fellow history enthusiasts and create a tapestry of Malahide Castle’s past. Contribute to history: Your story becomes part of the ongoing narrative of Malahide Castle.

Got some pictures and memories? - We want you to share them with us!

Help us build our understanding of the castle’s history by adding to the narrative. Whether you have a story to tell or just want to listen, everyone is welcome.

The event is free but spaces need to be booked by visiting: www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/heritage-week-oral-history-open-day

In January 1947 Tommy White’s pub and grocery shop, in my native Oldtown, North County Dublin, became the first premises in Ireland to be lit up under the Rural Electrification Scheme, which brought electricity to around 1.75 million people. Although not far from Swords or the airport, and only around twenty miles from where Nelson’s Pillar then stood, the area was quintessential countryside. Speaking on a documentary about the scheme the much-lamented Micheal O’Muircheartaigh said “Oldtown was as rural as Kerry”. Incidentally, Micheal’s brother Paddy Moriarty served a chief executive of ESB. Getting connected took time and could be expensive depending on the distance you lived from the nearest pole. Some of the older generations were sceptical, fearing the cost and disruption. Others worried the new-fangled yoke was the spawn of a dark force, capable of frying them or burning their house to the ground. Following years of persuasion my grandmother eventually agreed to allow “the light” into the kitchen and one bedroom. The shadeless bulbs were turned on an off by pulling a string – a temptation this mischievous kid could not resist. Apart from a dangerous two pin connection on the bulb holders, there were no sockets, which was immaterial, given that granny’s most up to date gadget was a hand turned churn, she used for making her trademark unpalatable, butter which could be smelt in the next parish.
Meanwhile, our branch of the family lived in an antiquated gate lodge, lit by a paraffin oil lamp until we moved into a new house in 1968. At last, we had entered the twentieth century with sockets aplenty but nothing to plug into them. Suspecting we were close relatives of the Flintstones, one of new neighbours kindly gave us an electric kettle. Overjoyed, my mother no longer had to rise at the crack of dawn to coax a reluctant fire into life, in order to make tea for the breakfast and fill my father’s flask before he headed to his day’s toil. Later we purchased more “mod cons” including a primitive washing machine with a mangle dryer on top. Today our homes are the stuff of science fiction; equipped with technology to preform every conceivable task. But occasionally it’s interesting to remember the pre-electric era when drudgery was rife, but paradoxically, we had more time.