Hello Folks 

I’m sharing my client Debbie’s hair journey today. This is a colour change I’m especially proud of . Although all of them give Me that warm fuzzy feeling, this one was a #peach literally 🤣😭

Debbie has been My client for a few Years now. We’ve had some great in salon bants about weight loss, weights, muscles, doms, recipes etc etc I was lucky enough to be Debbie’s bridal stylist for her wedding last May. I always look forward to her visits. Earlier this year She trusted Me to cut her waist length hair up to her shoulder. As always it was beautiful and She wears it so well. 

So a few weeks ago Debbie text Me to ask about changing from her trademark red mane. She told Me her goal is to go blonde but she understands  it will take time. Having just completed my Advanced Colour Specialist degree (My second degree) with renowned colour wizard Ger Hand. Alfaparf tech manager extrordinaire, in January. I was confident I could do the job with a little patience and a few technical tricks. 

So I began plotting and planning the task. Here’s where it gets technical and might be boring for any non hairdressers. Debbie’s hair is in excellent condition and I knew all of its chemical history that always helps. As You can see from the above pic there was quite a bit of red to remove. I began the cleanse with 4 scoops of Alfaparf EQ with 30 Volume I used 40g of HS bond rebuilder (essential for this kind of work) I began by loading the PL and working it through section by section. Half way through I had to mix the same again. Yes I needed that much product to ensure even lift. Soaking the hair in PL is vital to remove cosmetic colour pigments. Once complete I left it process for 55 minutes (  full development time)

After full development time I rinsed and applied Hair Supporters Hair and scalp restore. I dried it off and was left with a natural root, coral midband and peachy ends. I went back with cleanse no 2. I used PL & 30 volume with Hair Supporters on the midband only. I then applied bond rebuilder and water to her ends as a mini treatment & to protect in case of any overlap.  On her root section I applied PL & 20volume with HS scalp protector and bond rebuilder (again in case of slight overlap where the 30volume was) Always ensuring that the hair & scalp are protected. Once the natural hair was covered I skimmed over the ends with PL & 20 volume over the bond rebuilder to clean out any old pigments that might be left. 

After full development time I rinsed and applied Hair & scalp restore for 10 mins. Rinsed, dried and went in with my toner. On the root section (which was now pale yellow) I used Alfaparf harmonisers shade 0.13 which has Biomemetic keratin technology to fill out any porosity issues. I added a pump of red, 2 pumps violet & 1 pump of copper pigments to give me the Dusky peach shade I wanted. I applied this to the root section. 

I needed a little more cool tones for the  ends (which had a peachy tone) I used Harmonizers 01 with a pump of violet and a pump of copper. I used 5 volume 1:3 to blow out the tone and give me an even result. (All I needed really was the dusky part added to pre existing peach) Development time 20 mins. 

The results were stunning and Debbie’s hair is still in fantastic condition. I’m sharing this information to help other hairdressers and also to show how much skill is actually involved. If You are thinking of having this done You need to book with a hairdresser that specialises in Colour change. It’s not just about getting the look on the day it’s about having the knowledge to preserve the condition as it’s always My priority. 

Home care I reccomended for Debbie was Alfaparf Reconstruction shampoo & mask. If You need any advice or would like to book an appointment You can contact Me on 0949035835 

Hope You enjoyed this post and share it with anyone You think might enjoy it. 

Thanks for reading 

Love Maria xx 

www.platinumhairdressing.ie

Hi Everyone 

I’m back with a yummy recipe today. I made a  veggie version of this on good Friday and it was divine. Today I used Turkey in it to keep to my protein goals. It’s lovely with or without meat. I used quark a low fat soft cheese to make the sauce it’s high in protein low in fat. Quark makes a lovely creamy sauce. I hope You enjoy this recipe kindly give it a share if You can.

(The meat & sauce can be served with rice or potatoes instead of a bake. It’s very versatile) adapt it as you like. 

Thanks as always 

Love 

Maria 

Ingredients 

250g quark 

300g diced Turkey / Chicken (optional) 

Breadcrumbs (slimbo in the nutribullet) 

Oxo cube in half cup of hot water 

Frylight 

Chopped veg (mushroom onion peppers spinach)

Steamed Broccoli

Garlic orageno, pepper sea salt. 

Grated cheese 

Method 

Fry off the onions, peppers Turkey in frylight add some garlic, pepper oregano. Add the mushrooms and stir well. Add in the stock and leave on a low heat to simmer for 5 mins. 

Remove from heat and slowly add the quark while stirring until it forms into a sauce consistency. 

(At this point You can serve it with whatever carb source You wish)

To make the bake. Line a baking dish with steamed broccoli. Top with the creamy turkey sauce. Add a handful of spinach. Top with the cheese and finish off with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle a tiny bit of cheese on top and seasalt. 

Bake for 10-15 mins until golden. 
This amount makes three portions. I made 1 bake and kept two aside for tomorrow to have with potatoes or rice. 

Hello Folks 

Just a quick little recipe for today. Here’s a handy one for some healthy nachos. You can add whatever toppings you like. This is a veggie version but would work with minced beef either. Homemade guacamole would also be fab. I had to make this fit my plan so had to leave out the Avocados on this occasion. This is a great treat for a movie night while still keeping it healthy. 
Enjoy 

Love 

Maria 

Xx

Ingredients 

1 wrap 

Frylight

Paprika 

Chilli powder 

Sea salt 

Toppings 

Cucumber, spinach tomatoes onions finely chopped. 

Balsamic vinegar 

Quark (low fat high protein soft cheese) 

Jalepenos 

Cheddar cheese 

Fresh coriander (optional)

Doritos brand Salsa. (Any salsa but this one has very low macros) 

Method 

Line a baking tray & spray with frylight 

Chop the wrap into triangles & spray with frylight. Coat with paprika chilli powder & seas salt. 

Bake for 5-7 mins until crispy & golden keep an eye on them as will burn easily. 

Arrange on plate as top with cheddar return to oven for 2 mins until melted. 

Mix the salad with balsamic vinegar & arrange on top of the nachos. Top with jalepenos, quark, salsa & coriander. 

Hi Everyone 

Hope You are all well. This week I hit a huge milestone. I hit Four Stone weight loss.   My “lifestyle project” began back in February 2013. Just to give a small bit of background for anyone that doesn’t know. I have run my own business since October 2007. On opening my salon and putting all my time and energy into getting it off the ground despite the finiancial crises of 2008. I really didn’t look after myself at all. I stopped exercising and cooking healthy meals. I picked up some very poor habits. Using wine & junk food to relax, grabbing chicken fillet rolls from delis and frothy full fat cappuccinos. You can fill in the blanks yourselves, by the time 2013 rolled around I had acquired four stone of fat. 

I never hated myself when I was that big I wasn’t even that unhappy at the time but I didn’t feel like Myself. I just wasn’t Me I felt very lost and out of place in my own body if that makes sense. I joined Slimming world at the start of the year and it served Me well as a stepping stone and got Me on the right road. It’s funny I laugh now but I actually thought all I needed to lose was one stone when I first joined. At the end of that year We got engaged and the pressure was on for wedding dress shopping. I guess that’s what really pushed me to try and lose more. The fear of going up the aisle fat was enough to put the fear of God into Me. In 2014 I joined Motivation clinic in Castlebar. There I made Great progress and learned a lot about eating habits. I learned about Myself and why I had problems with self control. I learned how to relax using other methods and slowly I navigated my way out of those bad habits. I took time, a long time but I was changing slow and steady. 

2015 came and Our fabulous wedding. Unfortunately a few months later We got the news that my Mum was terminally Ill. It was a horrific time for us all. Very stressful with a lot of heartache. Those who have lived through grief know exactly what I’m talking about. It really was a terrible time and the months that followed her death in August were just awful. The depression, anxiety and sadness carried into 2016. I was a member of Unislim during that time and I really believe it helped Me to maintain my weight loss. At that point I couldn’t even think about making progress it wasn’t a priority. I managed to maintain throughout that time which is an achievement in itself. 

Joining the gym in 2016 was the best thing I ever done. It really helped Me emotionally through a very difficult time. At that point I felt so low and all I wanted was to feel better. I began an online group plan with Georgiasfitlife.com It was a beginners plan teaching ladies with no experience how to start lifting weights.  If You need help with Your personal goals drop Georgia an email. She has helped Me loads Im currently on my third personalised plan. I have made great progress over the past year.  I love going to the gym and I actually really look forward to it. I love putting on my headphones and switching off from the world. It’s therapy aswell as working towards my goals. 

Keeping up a healthy lifestyle is a lot more mental than physical. We really need to focus on our emotional wellbeing. Dealing with our actual problems and facing them head on instead of becoming obsessed with fat loss, hiit, refeeds, mealprep and lowfat low carb etc etc. The reality is that none of it even matters, nothing matters only the way that You feel inside. Making our own emotional wellbeing and feeling of self worth the number one priority is the first step in the war on fat. In my personal experience weight gain is only a symptom of deeper running emotional needs that have been stifled or ignored for too long. 

When I began to look after myself, I was able to tackle my bad habits one by one. I found ways to unwind that didn’t involve chomping down on junk food. Finding ways to find that “inner calm” was easier than I thought. A hot shower, new pajamas, fresh bedsheets, a roaring fire in Winter.  There are more pleasures in life than just food. Even though I am a total foodie but it’s all healthy stuff these days. Home cooked and yummy and all on my plan. 

And so it continues, it’s a lifelong project by Me for Me. I’m addicted and just love the feeling of progressing while enjoying myself and living the life I love. Eating good food, training for fun. It’s all good and I’m very happy. 

Thanks For reading my story and I hope You found it helpful. Please share it with anyone You think might like to read it. 

Love Maria 

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Hello Everyone 

Hope You are all well. I’m reporting today on a divine treatment I was lucky enough to experience last week. I was invited by Anne Tobin to review her signature treatment Lymphatic drainage massage at her quaint little clinic in New Line Castlebar. 

Lymphatic drainage helps to escort fatty deposits out of the body (no harm in my opinion) Areas of stubborn fat are awakened using a massage technique to help move fluid along the lymph glands giving a helping had to the body’s natural drainage system. 

So what happens during the treatment??

Firstly Anne starts off with a good old fashioned vigorous massage on the legs, bum & back. Getting right into those stubborn fatty areas helping to increase blood flow to the area & encourage those fat cells to move along. 

Next step is the mechanical part of the massage. Using a vibration system to get right into those glutes and hamstrings. This part is so relaxing I was ready to nod off. 

Step three the lymphatic cocoon is placed around the body (kinda like a sleeping bag) This is an air cushioned inhale exhale device. Best way I can describe this is like when getting blood pressure taken. The tightening & loosening effect. Again it’s very relaxing. 

As someone who regularly trains legs in the gym I really enjoyed this treatment. I found the massage really helped loosen out any muscle stiffness. I really noticed the difference in my leg workouts after the treatment. Mobility was improved. As I stand a lot for work my legs can get very tired. Anne reccomends three treatments to get results so I’m having one done again this week. This is a perfect pre holiday treatment to have done for bikini season. Great for busting cellulite while getting the blood flowing into the booty. What could be better. 

As I’m currently working hard on building up my glutes every little helps. I’d highly reccomend this treatment. As Anne is fully trained in sports massage it’s an excellent treatment for anyone who trains regularly aswell as being perfect for aesthetic or relaxation purposes too. 

You can contact Anne at her beauty & body clinic on 094 90  26741 for details. 

Thank you for reading and as always please share.

Love Maria 

Xx

Hello Everyone 

I’m finally back after a long break from blogging. I’ve had a very busy few months at work and My salon has needed all my attention. I’ve been up to my eyes working and studying for my second Chemical colour degree with Alfaparf Ireland. 

Back in 2011 I done my first Colour Masters degree. Six years later I returned to complete an advanced Master degree. You may not realise how complex Colouring hair actually is. There will always be changes in Hair Chemistry due to environmental changes, water supply etc. It’s essential that We as hairdressers understand the impact these changes have while Colouring hair. With the latest buzz word in Hairdressing being bond rebuilders, it’s important that We have an in depth knowledge of hair structure. In order to use these new products efficiently and safely. 

Throughout my career I have always enjoyed learning new skills, keeping updated and gaining as much knowledge as possible. Constantly striving for better results for My clients is important to Me. It keeps Me motivated as I really enjoy pushing out of my comfort zone. 

On Jan 9th Myself and a group of fabulous Ladies met in Killashee hotel in Nass for our Masters degree part two. We were taught by Alfaparf technical manager Ger Hand. Any hairdressers out there who may have learned from Ger will know He has a phenomenal way of getting his in depth knowledge across to his eager students. 

There was a lot of information and We really got through so much in those five days. My head was ready to explode with all the information. We had to take on a little project and complete a model to show our skills as colour technicians. 

Tracey pictured above was my lovely model for my project. Tracey originally had a heavy cosmetic violet shade in her hair.Anyone who has ever been this colour knows how difficult it is to change it. As Tracey had a good percentage of grey She was looking for a more natural shade that would be more professional for work. Also easier to maintain.  I removed this  taking it to a copper and recoloured it to a rich chocolate brown. I also prescribed the correct home care to nourish Tracey’s hair and recondition it. It takes a little bit of time to make a big change like this but with the right advice and expertise it can be done. Tracey also let me cut 5 inches off her hair. 

So Yesterday We all met up again in Dublin in Gers sisters salon in Baldoyle. We presented our models explained what We done and sat Our written exam. It was great to see everybody again and also great to get the exam over. 

I met some fabulous ladies on the course like Denise Walsh who owns Rustique salons in Kilkenny & Carlow. Janice McCarthy who owns Be fabulous Hair in Cork. Debbie Hurley who owns DKH hair in Cobh Co Cork. The lovely Aine Casey from Naas. Jasmine who owns Jazzelle hair salon in Longford Elaine who’s manages a chain of Dublin salons and Sylvia who owns Colour bar in Sligo. Also Niamh, Katz, Karen Edita, Louisa & Lisa 

So all in all it was tough but a great experience. All I have to do now is wait for my exam results. Hopefully that part will also go well. 

As always folks thank you for reading 

Chat soon 

Maria Platinumhairdressing.ie

Hello Folks 

How are You all? 

I will be taking a break from Blogging during December like I did last year. The salon needs my full attention throughout the silly season. It leaves little time for anything else. Fitting in my workouts and food prep will be challenge in itself. Not to worry though I will manage it. If there’s not much Social media banter Over the next few weeks don’t be surprised. However I will be back in 2017. 

Anyway just to give a little update on my fitness. As most of You know I’ve been working with Georgiasfitlife.com for a lot of 2016. I’m now 4 weeks into my second twelve week nutrition and training programme. I did one from July 1st to September 30th. I took a break for a month and Started a new plan on November 1st. 

I was in two minds about signing up again in November. I knew I wanted to continue to work with Georgia and to keep progressing. I had thought about leaving it until January because there’s so much going on this time of year. I’m so glad now I decided to go for it and work towards my goals for these few weeks in the run up to Christmas. 

I decided not to drink alcohol for the first six weeks of this plan. It was my decision to abstain temporarily so I could make some progress. I felt in the past that my progress had been stalled by nights out, occasions involving alcohol. In my personal experience boozy weekends lead to unproductive demotivated weeks. Poor decision making followed by guilty feelings and negative thoughts were the after effects of nights out for Me. I felt that taking a temporary break from alcohol would really help me to stay focused and reach my goals by the end of the year. Not everyone will agree or understand my reasons but I am so glad I finally took control and done this for Myself. 

Going out sober is not too bad at all. I’ve had great fun and really haven’t found it difficult. It’s been well worth it. My results and measurements are all very pleasing. I’ve made slow & steady progress over the last four weeks. I’m very happy with myself. The combination of sheer determination, a great supportive coach, good nutrition and training have all come togeather. The booze ban is making things much easier. I have enjoyed a few meals out too and haven’t felt deprived at all. I love my food plan I’ve been getting creative in the kitchen. Will tasty filling foods there’s never a need to be bored or hungry. 

So to conclude Im very happy on this plan. I do intend to have a few drinks over Christmas and relax and enjoy the food for a couple of days. If anyone was thinking of taking up online coaching in January You can email hello@georgiasfitlife.com for information. 

Also I want to thank each and every one of You for following my progress so far. You are all too good. 

Chat soon

Love Maria 

Xx

Share this with anyone You think may find it helpful 

Hi Everyone 

Last week I was invited to Breaffy Spa for an Elemis Biotech Facial. Of course I was delighted to try out this new facial as I had seen it advertised. If You have read my blog for a while You will know I suffer with dehydrated skin and breakouts. Although I have my own skincare routine that I am making progress with I’m always willing to try new things. 

Elemis newest technology incorporated three different steps with the Bio tech machine. The first step gently exfoliates, using light strokes. Its very soothing and relaxing as there’s no grains or scratchy feeling. (Some exfoliations can be uncomfortable) It was perfect for my sensitive and reactive skin. The next step uses little metal balls to help work the product into the skin. Again this feels cool and soothing a very gentle massage on the face which will take down any redness. The last step is the blue led light. This works to kill any bacteria under the skin which can cause breakouts (eh hello me) The led light feels very relaxing I was a little sleepy after it. Even though this is a relaxing treatment it is still very results driven and an active facial. As we all know this is the way forward in skincare right now. 

I was looked after by Ann Marie in Breaffy Spa. Ann Marie chose a balancing anti blemish facial for my poor dehydrated inflamed face. (It’s was needed desperately) Ann Marie is very knowledgeable in all things skincare related. She also gave me a few samples to try. Elemis have a fabulous product range. I particularly loved the night cream. I’m very loyal to my Image skincare and being honest I won’t change from what I’m using. However I would happily reccomend Elemis skincare brand to anybody looking for something new. My sister Nicky is an avid Elemis fan and She has gotten great results with it. 

​
After the facial my skin felt fantastic, fresh and hydrated as well as calm. It’s now been a week since I had the treatment and my skin still feels great. I will definetly have another Biotech facial before Christmas. It was a lovely experience and also one that got results. It’s a lovely treat for anyone especially as cold weather is so harsh on our skin. It would make a gorgeous Christmas gift for a lucky lady. 

You can contact Breaffy Spa on 09490 44160 or email info.spa@breaffyhouseresort.com 

Breaffy spa are hosting their Christmas Customer evening with Fuchia make up on Wed evening 16th November tickets are €10 (redeemable against products) and are available from Breaffy Spa or  Breaffy Leisure Club 

I hope You enjoyed this post and Please give it a share on Your social media. Every share counts. 

As always Thank You for reading 

Love 

Maria 

Xxx

Hello Everyone 

I’m a little late with this post, I meant to write it ages ago. Seeing as it is now full steam ahead for my next event in Breaffy House Resort. I thought it was high time I wrote a post on the last one. Well it’s mainly photographs really. Thanks to the talented Johnmeephotography for these beautiful moments from the day. 

There are also a few of the ladies snaps from Instagram. It was such a fun day with serious efforts going into the selfie competition. 

All in all a great day of fun was had. We heard from two fabulous speakers Thatssoshellyfitness and Dolores Andrew Gavin Both ladies spoke passionately about physical and emotional wellbeing. We had a fabulous indulgent afternoon tea and We were spoilt by Breaffy house Resort. 

Some of Our very kind sponsors on the day were Alfaparf Ireland and Ultrapure laboratories Foxford 

We had two beautiful jewellery stands Tomorrow’s heilooms and Sparkle like a jewel. We also had the fabulous Fiona from The reiki rooms Ballinrobe with us on the day. Talented Make up artist Ann Marie Hughes done a beautiful make up demo on our lovely model Andrea. 

My next event is on November 20th. This time it will be a festive theme. I have some new content this time for variety. Tickets will be on sale Thursday October 20th. Make sure You get Yours. All details will be on the event Facebook page Click here

My September event Raised €1522 for the Breast Cancer Research lab at NUIG in Galway. Proceeds from the raffle on November 20th will be donated again to Breast Cancer Research as it is a cause I am passionate about. If You are a business who would like to get involved by sponsoring a raffle prize or contributing to the goodybags. Or if you would like to hire a stand for a pop up shop on the day please contact me maria@mrsdillonsdiary.ie 

Thank You so much for all Your generosity and kindness 

Love Maria 

Xx

Hello Folks 

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.