Hi Everyone 

It’s been a lovely relaxing February so far. Traditionally it’s one of the quieter months in business. I have had some time to destress and unwind a little. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pressures of life. Sometimes situations or people can drain the life from us. It’s so important to put our own mental health and emotional well being first. 

 

 
Those who are following me for a while know my Instagram feed is full of photos of lough lannagh, trees, local scenery, water etc. I always find the beauty of the west of Ireland breathtaking. Looking at pretty scenes give me feelings of positivity. I always find it very calming to walk by the water, that’s why there’s loads of Lake selfies on my Insta and snapchat.

  
So over the last few weeks We have tried out a few new places to walk. On Valentine’s Day we did the Raheen Woods walk out the Newport Road. It’s not a very long walk but You could easily walk around the loop twice. It’s just fabulous out there in the beautiful woodland walk. I’d highly recommend it. A great spot and only minutes from Castlebar Town. 

 

 
On the same day We made a trip to Belmullet. On a beautiful clear day there’s nowhere more beautiful than the beaches of North Mayo. We stopped for a quick snack in the Broadhaven bay hotel. A beautiful spot for a little mini break. I hear there’s some great walking trails in the locality which We intend to explore soon. 

  

 

Last week We took a spin up to Cong on Friday evening. What a quaint beautiful little place. We went for a long walk around the grounds of Ashford Castle, it is spectacular.A stunningly  beautiful place. Mesmerising to be honest. We would love to stay there sometime as a special treat. I’d say it’s an awesome experience.  I’ve heard the food is to die for. We walked all around the grounds it was just fabulous. I would highly recommend a visit to this amazing spot. Ashford Castle is on the Galway Mayo border, definitely worth the trip to Cong. 
 

 

So I’m thinking of taking a photography course starting at the end of March in Castlebar. I’m always snapping on my phone but I have a dslr camera too. It’s a hobby for me really. I love to celebrate the beauty of Mayo and share it with the world through my social media channels. I think the colours and the landscape this time of year is just beautiful. I love that We live in such a spectacular County. So I was inspired to write this post on some of our Local beauty spots that I enjoy. I also love the turlough greenway and the windmill walk out the old Glenisland road. The Booster station is another fabulous spot for a hill walk.  I’m sure there are more glorious spots around   . I intend to explore a lot more in the coming months. I will keep You all informed of any beauty spots that I discover. 

 

So that’s it for today folks, I hope You enjoyed this post and please give it a share to promote our beautiful County Mayo.

Thanks for reading 

Love Maria xx 
 

 
 
  

Hi Everyone 

Happy Saturday. We received our Christmas order from ALFAPARF yesterday. We had great excitement doing our Christmas window display. The salon feels so festive I just love Christmas. 

  
So here’s what We have in stock for Christmas 2015. We have four different types of gift sets. So for Yourself or someone else We have it covered. Check out the little videos on my Facebook page for a proper look at the sets.

  
    
Semi di Lino Illuminating shampoo, mask and hairbrush sets are €24.99. Suitable for normal hair and gives amazing shine. It’s suitable for any hair type.

  
Semi do Lino disipline sets contain a shampoo, mask and a humidity block spray. This set is suitable for frizzy hair that is difficult to manage. The butter mask is quite heavy so it’s perfect for thick unmanageable hair. €24.99 for this set.

  
These make great Christmas presents. Especially if You get someone in the Secret Santa. Who wouldn’t love some luxurious hair products?? I’m always raving on about it, but good quality products makes hair so much easier to manage. 

 

 
Next Up are two beautiful sets. Once is the “magnifying ” range for hair that is fine in texture. I actually use this myself and I love it. It’s good for short hair as it gives perfect lightweight hydration. It also comes in the “reconstruction ” range which is packed full of protein and is for very damaged hair.These set contains a gorgeous precious oil body wash and body cream. These are slightly more luxurious and come in at €29.99.

 

   
Next is the “moisture set” these contain a shampoo, conditioner and a split ends serum. This is suitable for dry hair. I have used this shampoo in the past and I found it brilliant. It’s very nourishing but again not too heavy. This set is priced at €29.99

  
  
Last but not least We have Professional Salon dryers for €49.99 this is an excellent Christmas present for anyone. It’s also a great investment for Yourself. Everyone needs a proper hairdryer with a nozzle to Blowdry their hair properly. 

  
I hope You enjoyed this post and please share it. You can call into us in the salon anytime to have a look. We are located on Market Sq Castlebar. You can’t miss us with our big pink PLATINUMHAIRDRESSING sign outside. 

Thanks for reading 

Love Maria xx

Good morning Everyone 

I have teamed up with the fabulous Bowtique lane Cavendish lane Castlebar for this fabulous competition. Bowtique Lane are having their grand opening this Saturday evening 14th November. I for one cannot wait. Are you attending the event?? Let me know I will be there and I would love to meet You on the night. 

  
  
So who has been into the shop?  I have bought a few great items here lately. My street one leather trousers were a great buy I have worn them loads. My cosy winter parka has been keeping me cosy in this freezing weather. 

Anyway here’s the competition, You can win this beautiful Pauls Boutique fantastic handbag. Worth €100. Wouldn’t it be lovely for Christmas. 

  
  
So this competition is a little different, You need to leave Your name and number in store to enter. I think this is a great idea, of course You are going to pop in for a look at all the fabulous clothes available in store. While Your there, just mention this post to Dawn or Tara and leave Your name and number to enter the draw. Easy peasy!

Bowtique Lane Facebook
You can check out this fabulous shop on Facebook too. 

Make Sure You mention Mrs Dillons Diary when You call in to Bowtique Lane. 

As always thanks for reading and best of luck with the competition.

Please like and share and tag your friends so they can enter too.

Love Maria xx

Hi Everyone 

I’m doing a series of Wishlists on the blog over the coming weeks. I’m trying to source as many local little gems as possible. It great to shine the spotlight on what We have available here in Castlebar. I’m not really a huge fan of buying online unless I know the brand and sizing very well. I really need to try things on and see them in person, but that’s just me. Today I stopped by The Closet link road in Castlebar. I love this shop as they do Vero Moda, it’s great to have this brand in Castlebar. 

  
  
I spotted this beautiful Clutch bag today. It is definitely on my Wishlist. Along with this fabulous envelope style bag with a jewelled cuff.

  
Everyone knows that handbags are my weakness. Take note Mr Dillon my Wishlist is getting long. 

  
 
I loved this Vero Moda cosy coat. I already have a winter coat but this caught my eye. This granite coloured Jumper dress is a winter wardrobe staple. It feels heavy and really good quality material. A piece like this will never date. I’ve been seeing this colour everywhere. I love it. It’s just as flattering as black but is a little edgier. Very 2015.
  
I did  buy  something from The Closet to wear to a wedding this weekend. I’m going to keep it as a surprise to be revealed over the weekend. We are off to The Armada hotel in Spanish point Co. Clare. Keep an eye on my Snapchat over the weekend.

  

As always folks thanks for reading. If you like any of these items let me know. Please share this post if You find it helpful. If You know of a local shop with some amazing pieces get in touch maria@mrsdillonsdiary.ie or get me on Facebook or Snapchat. Bye for now,

Love Maria xxx

On Sunday night we went for dinner in Flannerys bistro. We were celebrating my eight years in business. It’s was also the six year anniversary of when We got together. I wore my leather trousers from Bowtique Lane, Cavendish lane Castlebar. I bought them two weeks ago and I love them I’ve worn them a few times already. 

 
 

These were the same leather trousers I wore to the beauty brunch in Galway the week before. They are a label called street one and cost €59.99 from Bowtique Lane. 

 

I wore this short sleeved metallic trim black top from River island. This was a great buy, it’s very comfortable and perfect for chilly nights. It worked really well with the leather trousers.

   

On my feet I wore these shoes from New Look. I bought them for my friends wedding a few weeks ago. They were a great buy too at €29.99 they can be worn with anything really. They are also comfortable. 

 

Today I put a deposit on this coat in Bowtique Lane. At €169 it’s pricy, but it is so cosy and warm it feels like a quilt around me.  It’s good to invest in one or two great quality items that will go the distance and I guess a practical winter coat won’t really go out of style. I will have to pay it off over a few weeks. I think this is a brilliant option to have in a shop. I had my eye on one in River Island that was €160 but being able to pay it off is much more practical for me anyway. 

   
I also spotted this gorgeous clutch bag. I can’t afford it, but I love it. Maybe Mr Dillon will treat me to it if I’m good. It’s another little beauty from Boutique Lane. 

 

So that’s it folks, my favourite fashion picks for this week. Keep an eye on my snapchat. As I always share any lovely pieces that I see in the shops . Just for the record I can’t afford to buy them all. I do love to window shop though and try things on, just to see. 
  
Thanks for all the lovely compliments on my blog and snapchat. You are all so kind.

Much Love,

Maria xx

P.s Don’t forget to share xxx 

Hi Everyone 

Well it’s the start of a new week and We are back to reality again. It’s back to healthy eating, walks and hydration for me. I had to face the reality of the scales today and holy mother of god I gained 7lbs!! I’m not surprised really considering the gluttony of An all inclusive holiday. This made me feel ugghhhhhhh!!! I’m Just absolutely sickened, but hey it’s done now. I’ve faced it head on and accepted it. Shur it happens to us all, right? The important thing is not to dwell on it. Move on get back on track and lose it again. There’s a huge difference between gaining a few lbs because you were living it up on holidays and weight gain from comfort eating. I know because I struggled to break my bad habits. It was a long road and it was really tough but I did it. Believe me I know better than anyone that weight management is a constant struggle. Even after maintaining my weight loss for over a year, it still takes a lot of work not to fall off the wagon. 

 

I use a few little mind tricks to pull myself back to reality after a big blow out. Progress photos really motivate me. Looking at how far I’ve come really makes me realise how much I need to keep going for my own happiness. I never hated myself when I was three stone heavier, but I didn’t feel like me. I know I’ll never be skinny and I’m fine with that. I love my curves, I just don’t want to be excessively overweight for my body shape. Size 14 is normal for me and I’m really happy at that size I really feel like myself in it. 

  
I’m a great fan of writing lists, writing down the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining my weight is a favourite of mine. Looking at it on paper helps to set my mind straight and stop me from losing my willpower. Clothes shopping is also a huge motivator for me. I love to shop especially in River Island and the thoughts of my lovely clothes not fitting anymore puts the fear of God into me. 

   

So my next step in getting back on the bandwagon is to do my shopping list, meal plan, head to Aldi and get all my supplies. I’m a great believer in the old saying “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” Having healthy food close at hand is half the battle. Getting back to exercise with a brisk walk in the fresh air will help to lift any holiday blues and give me a good energy boost for the day. 

  

  
So it’s back to UNislim on Wednesday for me. I hear they have a new recipe booklet out for autum. I’m looking forward to trying out some new meals over the coming weeks. I’m dying to make some pumpkin soup also. I made some last year with cinnamon and it was just gorgeous. A perfect autumnal warming meal. Il post the recipe soon, it’s really delicious. 
  

Thank You for reading this post, I hope it brings you some Monday motivation. Please hit the Facebook or Twitter icon under this post to share it on Your social media account. I appreciate all your support.

Chat soon, Maria xx