Hope You are all well. As You might know We recently travelled to Alicante in South East Spain right on the Mediterranean Sea. It was Simply divine to experience a week in the Sunshine and soak up some of that Spanish lifestyle. The scenery, the tapas, the history, such a beautiful place to spend a weeks holidays in September or anytime really.

Back in May I booked Ryanair.com flights from Our local airport here in Mayo Irelandwestairport.com

I based the trip on where We could get flights from Knock. The fights were Tuesday to Tuesday which suited Me perfectly to take time off work. The sheer handiness of being able to travel to the airport in thirty minutes always wins Me over.

On the morning of Our flight We arrived early and flew through security. Of course I indulged in a little Airport shopping while My darling Husband had the obligatory “fry up” in the cafe. Although it was a very busy morning We took off on time and were on our way to Spain.

Three hours later We landed in Alicante where We jumped into a taxi and showed the driver Our hotel. This was very straightforward and We arrived at Hotelalbahia.com (a lovely hotel I would highly reccomend a stay here) twenty minutes later. Passing along by the marina overlooking that beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea with the golden sandy mountains as a backdrop. I could feel the heat from the Sun on My face. That warm breeze feels so lovely and it was good to soak in all the glorious vitamin D.

We spent the first few days wandering around the beautiful city. The tree lined esplanade (a tiled area) in the City centre is so beautiful to look at mesmerising even. We explored all the Spanish little squares in the old town. I would highly reccomend coming off the main tourist areas and checking out these places. The little Spanish bars off the beaten track have the most amazing tapas. Drinks are very reasonable in these places compared to the main thoroughfare. You will find great value as well as authenticity if You venture through the narrow cobbled streets of Alicante.

Velvet tapas bar was one of my favourite places to eat. I had this delicious duck and goats cheese with mango dressing for lunch one day. So good to sit in the Sunshine and enjoy such good food. I was there on a Saturday afternoon and it seems the tradition is groups of Friends Co workers etc gather to eat, drink, chat outside the restaurants. Such a beautiful practise I wish We had that here in Ireland.

We ate in Unik Asian Thai restaurant on two occasions. The food was so delicious and waiters great craic. It doesn’t look great on the outside but it’s beautiful inside and the food is amazing and so affordable. Around €35 all in for two courses and two drinks each.

We visited the Castillo de Santa Barbra a historical sites the mountain top which overlooks the port of Alicante. Steeped in history this is one sight not to miss. We took the lift up as it’s a pretty deep climb in 25 degree heat Us poor Irish souls couldn’t take the pressure. It’s €3 per person for the lift. Well worth it for the views.

Our hotel was at the very end of a beautiful promenade. It was such a treat to walk this every day and smell the sea air. We didn’t mind the walk every day as it’s important to keep active on holidays. Burn off some of the extra food and drinks. We also walked around the main shopping areas. There’s a huge Zara H&M , Bershka, Sephora, Jdsports to name but a

few.

Unfortunately Mr Dillon had to return home unexpectedly on the Saturday to attend a neighbours funeral. I chose to stay until the Tuesday morning. I sat by the pool at our hotel relaxing and reading enjoying the sunshine. The food and drinks at our hotel were very reasonable €12.50 special menu for three courses. Hotel staff we’re so kind and helpful. I felt perfectly safe there was a woman on My own for three days.

For My return home to Mayo the hotel staff organised a taxi to collect Me at 5am. They have a deal with the taxi company I paid €26 at hotel reception where they gave Me a voucher to give the Taxi driver.

I admit I was a little anxious about travelling to the airport alone but the hotel staff put my mind at ease. (I may have watched too many episodes of Criminal minds)

It was perfectly safe and I arrived at Alicante airport in good time for my flight back home to Knock.

Of course I got chatting in the que for the plane with some lovely People from Ballina and Swinford. Mayo folk always have to have the craic and banter when We meet abroad. I was chatting to two couples who have flown to Alicante from Knock numerous times and live the place.

Again Our flight got off in great time and We left Alicante around 6.50am. After some chats on the flight We landed back into Knock around 9am Irish time.

As per always the breeze nearly took the legs off Me when I stepped out of the plane. Luckily I was dressed for the occasion (once bitten) I always think when I feel that blast of fresh air on the runway at Knock “It’s good to be home”

I had only hand luggage so I flew through and Mr Dillon was waiting for Me outside. We were back in Castlebar to go for breakfast in Cafe Rua by 11am. All in all not a bad mornings work.

As far as I am aware flights to Alicante from Knock are finished for the Winter months but for anyone looking for a break next year I would highly reccomend. Spain is very reasonable for eating drinking, socialising etc

Breakfast buffet

This was a very reasonable holiday with flights for both of us costing €250

Our hotel for seven nights including breakfast came in at €514

Taxis to and from the airport €48

€812 all in for a week in the sun.

You couldn’t complain about prices like that.

To fly from Knock and be in Spain in three hours is just fantastic. I’m looking forward to Our next trip already.

Hope you enjoyed this post and please give it a share.

Thanks for reading

Love Maria

Xx

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I’m back with a post today that might help some of You. I often get messages from Ladies asking for help after a big blowout. I thought this was appropriate for today. I’m just back from a fantastic hen weekend in Bristol. Three days and nights of drinking, eating, laughing etc etc. We had a fantastic time and that’s what life is all about. Making memories with good friends and having fun. I don’t feel one bit guilty for a second of it. I enjoyed every bite of food and every drink. We all have hens, weddings , parties etc that’s life and it’s there to be enjoyed.

However, it’s Monday now and time to refocus and get back to my healthy habits. Exhaustion and dehydration are making me feel sluggish and demotivated. Tackling these issues one at a time and ticking them off the list helps me. I don’t jump straight back into it the first day. I ease myself in with a “transition day ” first. This usually works for me. I think it’s important to get the body and the mind in sync first. Getting into the right headspace is just as important as food prep, workouts etc etc. If the mind is not right, the body won’t perform. 

I’ve put togeather a few of my top tips and tricks that I use to steer myself back to normality. I hope You enjoy them and find them helpful. Please share the link with anyone who might like this post. 

Thank You for reading 

Love 

Maria xxx

• Let go of the guilt, You had fun with Your besties. Move on enjoy looking at the photos and don’t worry about the indulgence. Life is for living. 
• Do a healthy food shop, Your body needs good nutrition ASAP to help recuperate. Plan a family meal like a roast chicken dinner or a beef casserole. Something hearty and warming is the kind of comfort food that will help bring You round. I know it’s tempting but junk food won’t help You at this stage. 

• Make enough food for tomorrow as well. Food prep sorted. Being organised will make You feel calm and in control. 
• Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate if You find it hard to drink water, try herbal teas or sparkling water with lime is very refreshing. 
• Get some fresh air, go for a walk If You are feeling too delicate for the gym. Put on those headphones and listen to some good music. A good blast of fresh air will clear Your head and help You to sleep. 
• Chill for the evening, watch a movie or read a book for the evening. There’s no point pushing Yourself too much on the first day. You will be much better at handling tomorrow if You get enough rest today. 
• Relax. A hot bath always helps me to destress after all the running and racing. Light a few candles and add some Epsom salts to the bath. A long soak before bed will send you off to a deep sleep. 
• Go back to Your plan tomorrow. You will feel calm and ready. Don’t deprive Yourself to make up for the weekend. Just carry on as normal with good nutrition and training. Eat well to fuel those workouts and You will be back on track in no time. 

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Hope You are all well. I’ve been meaning to write this post for ages. I get so many questions over on Snapchat (mrspdilly2b) on how to get started in the gym etc. I said it was about time I told You all how I got started. Of course there’s plenty ways to get Your fitness journey going but this is how it all unfolded for me. 

I had always been into walking, I loved the fresh air and the de-stress factor of a good walk. However it just wasn’t challenging me anymore. I think I was just bored and needed a change. I had started to follow a few fitness accounts on Instagram and I was intrigued by the #fitfam #iifym I didn’t understand the Macro counting system but I was very interested in finding out how it worked. I of course wanted to look better, gain control over my eating, have toned arms and a smaller waist etc etc We’ve all looked on in envy of those #gymbunnies photos and wondered what exactly #legday involved. Well I wondered but didn’t really know Who to ask at that time. 

Jan 2016

Left pic March Right pic Today

I continued the workouts long after the six weeks were up. I loved it and really caught the lifting bug. I’ve been on a personalised one to one coaching plan with Georgia since the start of July. I’ve learned loads about nutrition and it has totally changed the way I eat. I plan my meals around training now and use food as fuel. I’m kinda sad it’s coming to an end but I’m confident about going it alone I’ve never felt so in control. 

August

The Breaffy Club Castlebar

I get loads of lovely snaps from people to tell me I inspired them to join a gym. I’m glad my #gymselfies are helping to motivate people. Thanks for reading and please share this with someone who might enjoy it. 

Love Maria 

Xx

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You might remember a few weeks ago I showed You all some products I was sent to review. In the package was two teas to try out. I admit I thought “not a skinny tea please” but I tried them out. I have to say I was actually quite pleasently surprised. I’m a coffee drinker, although I have been trying to cut down so these were a tasty alternative. 

So there’s one to take in the morning and one at night. The night time tea was my favourite it’s kind of a liqurious flavour. I really liked it and it’s a nice habit to have a warm drink before bed I found it quite relaxing. The morning one is kind of a berry flavour and a little too sweet for my taste but if you like Berry teas you’ll love it. 

Now We all know diet and exercise is what will make us skinny not teas. Bear in mind I train four times a week and walk, and watch my food intake too. However I did find the teas helped me to feel less bloated. You will go to the toilet more often, which in my book is never a bad thing. Anyone who suffers from a sluggish digestive system will love this stuff. It definitely helps to keep things flowing freely ?? Definetly one to have on standby after a heavy weekend of over indulgence. 

I used the teas for two weeks in the run up to my sisters wedding. There’s nothing like the fear of a dress and a family photograph to put the pressure on. I did find it helped as an aid to good diet and exercise. It also helped me to reduce my coffee consumption which is no harm. 

For any Local ladies Bourkes Pharmacy on Main Street Castlebar have the tea in stock. You will find it there. 

Hope this review helps, 

Love Maria xx

#fabuloss #teatox # Karoracosmetics

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Hope You are all well. As I’m sure You have all heard I’m organising an event in Breaffy house resort on Sunday September 4th. It’s a ladies afternoon there will be Hair & Make up demos, a fitness talk and I have a fabulous lady to chat to You all about the importance of emotional well being. There will be a break for afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles and a chance to chat and browse stands. 

We will be holding a raffle and a collection on the day to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research. As You know this is close to my own heart and I’d love to contribute in some way to the cause. A few business have already got in touch to donate raffle prizes. Thank You to all who have contributed so far. If anyone else would like to donate a voucher or a prize please contact me on Facebook or at Maria@mrsdillonsdiary.ie 

I’m hoping the day will be a huge success I think it’s time We had an event like this in Castlebar. It will be a lovely opportunity for a girls day out for a bit of fun and hopefully We all come away from the day having learned somthing. Let me know what You think??

Tickets are available to purchase at eventbrite. 

Here
Please note this is a ticket only event, as there is food being served and goodybags.  Please purchase Your tickets in advance to avoid dissapointment. Keep an eye on my snapchat for updates on the coming weeks Mrspdilly2b 

I’m looking forward to meeting Some of You at the event. Let me know if Your coming along. 

Love Maria xx

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So last Friday I attended the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Ladies Luncheon at Mount Falcon in Ballina. I’m sure You are all aware of the crucial services provided by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. I was delighted to be able to support and attend this event. As palative  care services is somthing that is close to my own heart. We never availed of the services of the Hospice due to the circumstances of our Mums illness. However there are other family’s in much different situations who  need this great support in times of extreme sadness and pain. Believe me Seeing it first hand like I have,I know how vital fund raising events like this one is. 

So anyway onto the fun part. So I attended the event with five other ladies. My friends Emma, Nicola, Anne, Cora & Georgina. The weather was amazing the sun shone and We had the most fabulous day. We were treated to a fantastic fashion show by Carraigdonn.com and the most delicious meal at Mountfalconestate.com 

There were loads of fabulous prizes on the day and the style stakes were unreal. Everybody looked so glamorous. The gorgeous Miriam O Callaghan spoke and her words were so emotional and heartfelt. It was my first time to meet Miriam in person although I always admired her on TV. She really is a true lady who speaks straight from the heart. I felt really motivated after listening to her. 

Tommy Fleming entertained us with some lovely music on the day too. It was also my first time to meet Tommy. He was very friendly and was up for a few selfies, great craic.

I pulled a dress from the back of the wardrobe from about three years ago. It’s one of the Pretty Dress company ones I bought in MiMi in Castlebar back in 2013. I forgot I had it, always nice to rediscover a guna like that and give it another spin .

You folks know I can’t resist a good mirror selfie. When the lighting is that good. I embraced the pale and went for a vintage look. I think our pale Irish complexion is beautiful I intend to celebrate it more. 

Thanks Carraig donn

Please give this post a share and Thank You for Your continued support. 

Love 

Maria xx

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I’m still on a high from Saturday nights win at the Irish Blogger Association awards. I actually couldn’t believe it. There were so many brilliant blogs in my category I never thought I stood a chance at all. The excitement was unreal. I had the best night ever. I’m sure You could all tell that from my snap story. Such fun I loved every second. The awards were arranged by Fiona from Cool events.ie

Those of You who know Me well, know that I had been feeling very down since losing our Mum in August. It has been one very difficult year for us as a family. Winning this award really helped to get back my sparkle. It was just the little boost I needed and it’s lovely to know people love what I’m doing with my blog. So basically I’m still buzzing from the excitement of Saturday night.

The awards were held in The Raddisson Golden lane in Dublin. It was a fantastic night with some amazing people and the food was amazing.

My buddies Champagne & high heels blog, Soso Dempo & shapes and shadows. You’ll find these ladies on Snapchat Sam is (candhhblog) kim is (kimdempo) and Amy is (shapesndshadows)

The winning moment was so funny, as I dropped the phone with the shock. My reaction was priceless. You can watch it here.

Afterwards We headed out to celebrate with Karen from Declare skin care Ireland. Rita from StyleYourWay.ie and their hubbys and also another couple Aoife & Brian. It was great fun and I experienced Coppers for the first time. Brilliant night with some lovely people. Let’s just say there were a few drinks consumed that night.

So that’s it folks, I want to thank everyone for all your lovely comments and snaps to congratulate me. It was the best fun ever. It’s a huge achievement for me and I’m delighted to bring this award to the West.

Please share this post

Thanks to Ondine media for the photos

Love Maria

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I’m sure You have heard by now I was recently nominated for an IBA award by the Irish Blogger Association. As You can imagine I’m beside myself with excitement and so honoured to have been chosen. I’m nominated in two categories beauty and fashion (I guess that covers hairdressers) and best Lifestyle blog. This is a huge achievement for me, especially as MrsDillonsDiary is not yet a year live. I’m so grateful and delighted to get the recognition for my little blog. Thanks so much to everyone who nominated me, you are all so kind. I’m delighted You are enjoying reading my blogs as much as I enjoy writing them.

So what’s involved??? Well all the nominated blogs are put before a panel to be read. Believe me I’m amongst some of the best in the business here. It’s so exciting. I will be attending the awards ceremony in Dublin on April 30th where the winners will be announced. There is a lot of super talented bloggers up for the same award so keep your fingers and toes and everything else crossed for me. Even to be considered for this award is an accomplishment in itself. I’m hoping it will open some new contacts for me and put MrsDillonsDiary in the spotlight. I know I’m doing very well on a local level and I loads of lovely followers. So thank you to you all. To be recognised on a national level is just Amazing and again, I’m so excited, can I say it anymore?? ??

As Always

Thanks for reading, I will keep You all posted make sure to follow my snapchat on Sat 30th April the night of the awards ceremony snapcode MrsPDilly2b.

Bye for now

Love Maria

Xx

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I’m back with another hotel review. My SnapChatters will know We had a midweek hotel break this week. Anyone would think I had a great life with going away again so soon. I wanted to take my son Lee away for a little break during his Easter holidays. Of course I was working all week as Easter is a busy time for us in the salon. Although I think We all felt a bit cheated this year with two long weekends so close. It all came together this year.

Anyway I was browsing online and found the Claregalway hotel had a few good deals on family rooms. I was looking for a hotel with a pool and kids club for Lee as it was his little treat for his Easter holidays. The Claregalway hotel was perfect. An hours drive from home, a very fresh and modern hotel with a fabulous leisure centre, perfect. I rang and booked a two night family package for Easter Monday night and the Tuesday. B & B with one dinner included for the three of us on the First night.  Mr Dillon came with us for the first night but as He was back to work on Tuesday morning myself and Lee had the second night in our own.  You can check their website for very affordable spring packages here.

Www.claregalwayhotel.ie
So Monday afternoon We headed off. We arrived to the hotel and checked in We were given vouchers for our evening meal. We got settled in our room and I headed off to the gym for an hour first and then headed for the jacuzzi while Lee checked out the pool.

 Afterwards We headed down for dinner. This was from the bar menu but was very tasty and delicious with a good selection to choose from. I went for ceaser salad to start while Mr Dillon had soup, both were yummy. We both had the beef stir fry for main course this was super tasty . We couldn’t resist the Ferraro rocher cheesecake for dessert. Yes it was as good as it looks. Divine. Lee went for Sausages and chips with vanilla ice cream for dessert. We had a couple of drinks too as nobody was driving ,before an early night.

We were up early for breakfast as Lee was going to the kids club at 9.30am. This was fantastic service and the staff in the leisure centre were absolutely lovely and great with the kids. There were evening options available as well with arts and crafts and a movie night, but We had our own plans. Lee had a great time at the morning swim camp. I got to go to the gym upstairs while He was at kids club. This was brilliant as I could keep up with my training plan while We were away. Core fitness is the name of the leisure centre at the Claregalway hotel. It’s a lovely gym bright and spacious and super clean with plenty of equipment. I really enjoyed doing my work outs there.

In the afternoon We headed into Galway Lee wanted to go to lifestyle sports. We stopped for a quick snack in 56 central. Always my favourite spot in Galway. I love the place and make it my business to go every time I’m in Galway. The coffee there is just gorgeous. We also met up with my friend Rena and her kids to go bowling in Oranmore. The kids loved it here although We were robbed by the end of it with all the slot machines. We were  all wrecked after a busy day and headed back to the hotel for about seven for another early night.

Another early start Wednesday morning yummy buffet style breakfast first. I was trying to be kinda healthy and make good choices. It was sausages and cereal for Lee, before kids club at 9.30 am. I used the hour in the gym followed by some relaxation in the Jaccuzi before check out. I had to go to work Wednesday afternoon so our fun was over until next time.

All in all We had a great time. I’d highly recommend this hotel for a break away with kids. It was perfect for what We wanted. Great location, very near Galway city and near the bowling alley and cinema in Oranmore. The pool kept Lee entertained for hours. The food was great, staff very friendly and helpful. Great gym,loads of parking. It’s very good value for money. We would definitely return to this hotel .Lee is looking forward to his summer holidays already as He can’t wait to go again. Special thanks to the pool staff for looking after him so well at kids club.

As always thank You for reading. Please share this post with anyone who may find it helpful.

Love Maria

Xx

Disclaimer this post was written based on our actual experience in this hotel. We were paying customers and really enjoyed our stay.

On our mini break

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So regular readers will know we recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary. It has been a crazy year, those of you who have followed me for a while will know Mum passed away in August. anyone unfortunate enough to have experienced a loss knows of the severe trauma and the psychological impact this can have. Lets just say there are good days and bad days. I really was’nt feeling great at all coming up to our anniversary.Memories of the run up to the wedding and all the fun we had last year played on my mind, it was bittersweet. Mothers day falling the week before did’nt help either. It was a difficult week to say the least, but I’ve lived to tell the tale and I feel better now. A weekend away in beautiful Connemara was just what I needed to de-stress and have some fun. Of course we had to celebrate being Mr and Mrs Dillon for 365 days

In the station house bar

I had been browsing online for a hotel deal and came across the Station house hotel clifden  I had a look on the website and thought the hotel looked lovely. They have some very reasonable deals on for romantic breaks and for families. Our package included a two night stay with dinner bed and breakfast, and evening meal and two spa treatments. I booked it straight away as I have been to Clifden before and always loved the place.With a name like Conneely Id have to have Connemara connections. My Grandad actually came from Clifden before moving to Castlebar. He came from the railway cottage My Dads cousin rose still lives in the homeplace. I caught up with Rose and her hubby Lawrance for a few drinks during our stay in Clifden. It was great to catch up and have the craic.

365 days

So on Friday evening we set off to Clifden, its a lovely drive, although its a bit of a twisty road, but still the scenery is breathtaking. It brought back so many memories of when we were kids making the trip back to see the relatives. We passed by Killary harbour which has to be seen at least once. We live in a beautiful part of the world here on the west coast. We arrived at The Station house around 8.30pm. The girls on the desk were so friendly and they upgraded us to a suite as it was our anniversary. We were delighted at this little touch it was very kind and lovely to feel a bit special. We dropped our bags and headed across the courtyard to the Station house bar, as we were starving and dying for a celebratory drink. The bar is really cool as its actually part of the old Clifden railway station. A lot of the original features and stonework are still there in the bar. I loved the atmosphere in the bar with the cosy fire on. we ordered food, I went for beef nachos as a started and the superfood salad with goats cheese for mains, both were divine. Mr Dillon opted for spring rolls and Thai red curry. The bar food is exceptional quality here, really fresh and tasty with attention to detail. Restaurant standards with bar food price tag. We could not recommend the place highly enough. We were stuffed and had no room for dessert, we had a few drinks and headed off to bed.

I managed to fit in a glute work out while away.

Chilling on Saturday afternoon

On Saturday We had breakfast at the hotel and I went to the gym in the morning, we also went for a relaxing stint in the Jacuzzi. Our package included a spa treatment We had this booked for around 12 in Renew Spa at the hotel. Rose(a different Rose) the lady who runs the spa and her staff looked after us very well. I had a lovely chat with Rose during my treatment. Its lovely to connect with other ladies in business I really enjoyed my time in renew and If I lived closer I would love to have more treatments there again. Its a beautifully decorated tranquil place. A pleasure to visit for anyone. In the afternoon We headed off up the sky road for a walk to take in some sight seeing. We had booked dinner at the hotel for 8pm Where we were spoiled by the restaurant staff with delicious food and yummy prosecco. We ended up back at the Station house bar again there was live music there and We met up with Dads cousin and her husband. We had great craic and of course the drinks were flowing. We had a great night and really enjoyed ourselves.

A few foodie snaps of our saturday night meal

With cousin Rose

So all in all, we had a great time in Clifden, If You are thinking of a mini break definitely consider the Station house hotel. Its very good value for money and a great spot for a good old session and a bit of craic. Its ideal for kids too as the leisure centre is fabulous,  the pool is spotlessly clean and very well maintained. There is also a cinema next to the hotel. Connemara in general is beautiful and a great place to get away for a two night break. I hope you enjoyed this post and thank you for reading.

Love Maria xx

Disclaimer this post is based on our actual experience, we were regular paying customers at this hotel and genuinely really enjoyed our stay.

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