Fitness Spot

So today in our Fitness Spot Blog we are discussing how to make sure you fit your work out into your day. We understand that by the evening, after a long day in work, it’s difficult to be motivated to start a work out. We suggest don’t wait till the evening. Conquer your work out in the morning when you are fresh and ready to go.

Here are a few quick tips to make sure you don't miss your morning workout!

There is some research which has said that people who do morning exercise tend to work out longer and harder than those who exercise in the afternoon or evening, which means more calories burned. We know that not everyone is a morning person and it can be hard to have that “get up & go” attitude first thing in the morning so here is a few tips to make your morning exercise possible.

1. Avoid the Morning Hurry
Lets try avoid using the “I can’t find my runners, sports or socks” excuse and prepare the night before have everything laid out and ready to go. This allows you stay in bed that little bit longer and makes it quicker to get out and go.

2. Eat right.
Because you will be exercising first thing in the morning, we do not want you doing this on an empty stomach as it isn't good for your metabolism or your energy levels, so the trick is to pre-

make a little morning snack and keep it in the fridge so you can quickly grab it to eat while getting ready.

3. Don’t go to Bed too late.
Don’t stay up too late. Being well rested is important and will help you get up for your workout. No snoozing and avoid that snooze button. The trick is to but your alarm clock on the other side of the bedroom, it’ll force you to get up.

4. Get Excited!!
Check the class timetable and choose an exciting and inspirational class to look forward to. Or if music moves you, create a new workout playlist to motivate.

5. After workout treat
Lets all face facts, the only reason we are working out to get fit and keep in shape & eat what we like! So make sure to reward yourself after a workout with a nice breakfast.  It is easier to work out knowing something nice and hot is waiting for you at home! But try keep the breakfast someway healthy!!! Protein aids recovery, don’t forget that!

Tips for Gorgeous Lips

Today’s blog is about the best looks for your lips and how to achieve them. We are covering our three favourite looks and what are our favourite lipstick brands for each.

The Nude Look

Our first look is the Subtle Nude Lips. This look can be matte or glossy shine. Our personal favourite is the subtle matte finish. The ideal start to this look is a very pale lip liner to highlight your upper lip. Follow this by then dabbing with your finger on your nude lipstick and dab onto your lips rather than using the stick directly on your lips. This goes for all colour lipsticks, it has a better less caked effect in our opinion. The Chanel Rouge Coco Sine in Canotier is a lovely neutral brown with a smooth matte finish. The key to this look is subtlety, light texture and don’t go too pale, make sure to match your skin tone. To finish the look, go for a dark dramatic eye effect. The perfect look is then complete.

Classic Red Lips

The classic red lip look isn’t the easiest look to pull off. It can be a tough shade to wear, so take notice of your skin tone when picking between burnt orange, classic reds or burgundy tones. Make sure to choose carefully and as previously stated invest in good lip liner. When you find your perfect red colour it can set off an outfit and it can transform your edgy look. The two red lipsticks we like is Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick and MAC Rudy Woo Lipstick. Again dab on your lips and using a hint of gloss for some shine.

Two Toned Trend

If you are a beginner & have never tried doing two colours on your lips before we recommend blending pink & a nude shade for the perfect model look. You start by putting your pink lipstick on as normal without focusing too much in the centre of your lips. Make sure to define your lips with liner. Then with your finger blend back the colour from the centre of your lips by pouting and wiping the tip of the pout with a tissue. You then apply your nude lipstick and fill the centre, which has little or no colour, following this by lighting smudging the colours with your finger to develop the blended two tones. And you are good to go!

Lip Liner:  Try choosing a shade that compliments or is close in colour to your lipstick. If you have many lipsticks, it’s not practical to have liner for every shade so our general rule is; use Red Liner for reds & orangery-red tones, use nude liner with browns, nudes and pinks & finally use a burgundy for similar coloured lipsticks or to give your pink coloured lipsticks a deeper feel. 

Let our team of professional makeup artists at the KIllashee Villa Spa, create the perfect look for your special occasion, tailoring the application to your specific needs. At Villa Spa we use the Multi Award Winning Make-Up Brand Fuschia. With products that will compliment your skin tone as well as highlighting your best features. Whether it is a vibrant or natural look you want Fuschia has all the products needed. All for only €35.00! For more information check out our website on http://www.killasheehouse.com/en/spa-hotel-kildare/treatments

Book now by calling 045 895182 or email spareservations@killasheevillaspa.com

Fifa World Cup 2014

Fifa World Cup 2014

2014 World Cup as we all know is taking place in Brazil. Brazil is a fantastic venue for such an event and what an event it will be.  The world cup starts on Thursday 12^th June and finishes on Sunday July 13^th. Over 5 weeks of brilliant football and excitement. This blog gives our predictions of the group stage winners and the overall winner, the stadiums were the games are within Brazil, the last 10 countries were the world cup was held, winners of previous world cups and our prediction for the top 5 goal scorers.

The first world cup was held in 1930 and is held every 4 years. The last ten hosts of the world cup have been; South Africa, Germany, South Korea/Japan, France, US, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, & West Germany. But we expect Brazil to be one of the best! Brazil won 2 of the last 10 world cups with Argentina holding the exact same record. It makes for a very exciting event!

Brazil covers almost half of South America. It is the largest nation in the continent. Over a third of the country is drained by the amazing Amazon River & its tributaries, and did you know Brazil is the only Latin American nation that derives its language and culture from Portugal. The country in 2012 had a population of over 205 million with an increasing number predicted for 2013 & 2014. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia & the other major cities are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Fortaleza. There are 12 stadiums in Brazil for the world cup and they are Maracanã in Rio Janeiro, this is the stadium where the final will be placed and can seat 71,159 supporters, Arena de São Paulo in São Paulo, Minerião in Belo Horizonte, Estádio Nacional de Brasilia  in Brasilia, Arena Castelão in Fortalez, Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Estádio Beira-Rio  in Porto Alegre, Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Arena de Amazônia  in Manaus, Arena Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Arena des Dunas in Natal and finally Arena da Baixada.

We have spent time researching and guessing and have come up with our predictions of what teams will get out of each group and here is what we think;

Group A: Brazil & Mexico

Group B: Spain & Chile

Group C: Colombia & Cote d’Ivoire

Group D: Uruguay & England

Group E: France & Ecuador

Group F: Argentina & Nigeria

Group G: Portugal & Germany

Group H: Belgium & Russia

Our Predictions for the final 15 games & of course the winner!

Brazil vs Chile

Cote d’Ivoire vs England

                    France vs Nigeria                     

                                Portugal vs Russia                               

                      Spain vs Mexico                       

Uruguay vs Colombia

Argentina vs Ecuador    

                             Beligum vs Germany                            

Quarter Finals:

                                                  Brazil vs England                                                    

France vs Portugal

Mexico vs Uruguay  

Belgium vs Argentina

Semi Finals: 

Brazil vs Portugal

Uruguay vs Argentina

                        VS   

Final:

Brazil vs Argentina and we believe the home pressure will undo Brazil in the final for an Argentinian Victory!

If you have an interest in top goal scorers we think these will be the top 5 goal scorers of the world cup; Messi, Neymar, Aguero, Lukaku & Muller. We don’t dare try to put them in order of first, second, third, fourth or fifth.

 

After a lot of research and a bit of faith they are our predictions!

Any additional information on the world cup that I haven’t solved or given to you, just click here to go through to the official Fifa Website.

IVVCC International Gordon Bennett Rally 2014

The IVVCC International Gordon Bennett Rally is on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June this year. We are delighted to say that again it will be based at the Killashee House Hotel. For those of you who are not familiar with the IVCC, it stands for Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club. The rally commemorates the Gordon Bennett Race held in Ireland in 1903, which was the forerunner of modern Grand Prix racing. (http://www.ivvcc.ie/php/site.php?page=gbregistration2013). The event is open to cars manufactured before 31^st December, 1930. This year is the 111th anniversary of the original race and to promote early motoring we are inviting antique class cars (pre 1905) which would have been on the road at the time of the Gordon Bennett series to take part.

See the photos from the 2013 rally at the hotel. Click here!!

This rally draws approximately 175 car entries. These competitors come across the globe to take part, with some competitors from Australia, America, UK & Ireland. It really is a sight to see & well worth the time to stand out and watch them pass by you as you take a trip down memory lane or back in history (depending on your age!!). A distance of approximately 90 miles is covered with the route and it consists of time regularity and free driving sections. This rally gives you a chance to see the fabulous scenery around Kildare & Laois. It’s not all about driving and scenery though, it’s more about the social aspect of the event.

With Killashee House Hotel as the base for the event; Accommodation, BBQ, Dinner and Good Fun is all to be had at Killashee for the Weekend. This rally is not one to be missed.

For updates and information check out the IVCC’s facebook & twitter pages.

County Kildare & What it has to Offer

County Kildare & What it has to Offer

Following up on our first Count Kildare & What it has to Offer Blog, is 2^nd Event for the series of Kildare Blogs is our Irish Champion Weekend Blog. The event takes place in September 2014.

The Irish Champions Weekend is an event which incorporates both the Leopardstown race course in Dublin and the Curragh Race Course in Kildare. The Leopardstown races take place on the 13^th of September and the Curragh races on the 14^th of September. This horse racing weekend is one not to be missed as it showcases Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding.

The Curragh on the 14^th, has three group one races which includes the Irish St Ledger, the premier trial race in Europe for the Melbourne Cup. What makes the excitement of the Curragh Races on the 14^th of September is the Thoroughbred Trail on the morning of the event. Book you place for this great opportunity, as you will be sorry if you let this great event pass you by.  

The Thoroughbred Trail gives you the opportunity to see some of our equine heroes and meet some of our world famous trainers & jockeys, as well as a behind the scene look at Ireland’s Horse Racing Headquarter. As well as getting to meet and see trainers, jockeys and top class horses you get to see some of the industry’s leading breeding operations before going to enjoy a day at the races. This trail will give you a hint of the excitement that will be building in the Kildangan Stud , Irish National Stud & Gilltown Stud before the racing. These studs are home of the Sea The Stars , the Racing Academy, Curragh Equine Pool, Centre of Education and Farrier School. If you are a member of the Curragh you can book the Thoroughbred Trail Tour for only €7!

There is also hospitalityoffers which include admission and lunch allowing you to choose from three hospitality areas  

Hospitality Offers:-

• Horseshoe Restaurant Admission & Lunch Package €80
• Balcony Restaurant Admission & Lunch Package €99
• Champagne Bar Restaurant Admission & Lunch Package €99

For all the information check out the Brochure.

And of course for every great event there is great packages which include your accommodation and racing day out. Make a weekend of it and let your hair down. Book your accommodation with Killashee House Hotel & avail of a 1 or 2 nights B&B package including coach transfers to & from the races each day and your tickets for the races. 

County Kildare & what it has to Offer

Into Kildare

After a very successful and informative Into Kildare Networking Event held at Killashee House Hotel, I have been inspired to explore what events we have to offer here in our very own County! We will be doing a series of blogs on what this county has to offer so make sure to start following the blog to keep updated!

The 1^st Event for this series of Kildare Blogs which caught my eye is the June Fest. This is a week-long festival in Newbridge starting the 30^th of May until the 8^th of June.

June Fest

This is a great festival in Newbridge is starting with three days of pre festival fun. On Sunday the 25^th of May the “Care to Run” starts at the Ryston in Newbridge. There is a 10km run and a 5km run. This is in aid of the Carers’ Association and only costs €13 for the 10km at 11am and €8 for the 5km at 11.15am. Start your summer fitness with this great event. On Tuesday the 27^th, the opening of A-Z Art Exhibition is from 6pm-8pm and is free admission. It includes Alan Walsh’s watercolours, Bríd Leddy’s photographs, The Old Masters’ collection & Zita McGarry’s abstractions. The third pre-festival event is the “Texting at the old Arch Bar” on Newbridge Main Street at 6pm and again free admission. 

The Festival opens at the Library from 7pm-9pm on Friday 30^th May. This opening is free admission and entails music and storytelling. The Unveiling of Artworks depicting the life of St.Conleth along with John Coffey, presenting a Newbridge themed photographic exhibition all in the Library. All free of charge!

Saturday 31^st May activities include scenes from Shakespeare in Farrell’s Bookshop with admission only €5.00 at 3pm and that night at 8pm is  Ireland’s favourite Dub and his band rock Moorefield, with a Full bar & Stand up gig , it makes sure a great night at only €20.00 per ticket.  Ticket Sales are from the Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327, and Moorefield GAA and on the door.

Sunday 1^st June is the Family Fun Day at the Strand at 1pm. And don’t you know donations are welcome. Fun for all with Patrician Primary School Band, games, rides, buskers, crafts, and a live music stage. Pack your family picnic and dine out in the “hopefully” fabulous weather! Enjoy the music from the Battle of the Bands at 2pm in the Park, where young bands will compete for a day at the recording studio.

 Sunday night head over to Moorefield to see Damian Dempsey perform. A great artist and it will be a great night. Do not miss out!

The Curragh Rumble takes place on Monday the 2^nd of June in Herbet Lodge at 1.30pm. This event only costs €5.00 a ticket and is all about sharing songs and stories as the group venture towards the west on the Curragh of Kildare. Squeeze in for limited seating and enjoy an hour with Crooked House young actors’ school. Booking: 045 431708. Public Displays of Infection in the Liffey Studio at 6.00pm, costing €8/€6, this is a cycle of new solo performances created by students of the Young Actors’ School. To book please call 087 275 9420.

  

Tuesday the 3^rd of June is the Watercolour class in Liffey Studio for an hour from 10am to 11am and this is free so why not join in! It’s a gentle way to unlock your creativity & the materials are supplied.

Follow this hour of creativity with a Trip Down Memory Lane in the Newbridge Day Care Centre from 1.00pm -2.30pm, where Mario Corrigan and friends share photos stories for a nostalgic afternoon. The at 8pm that night if you still have the energy, Literary Miscellany takes place in the Library at 8pm again this is a free event and winning authors of the June Fest Literary Competition read their pieces. It will be presented by Martin Malone.

Well into the weeks festivities at this point is A Touch of Willow in the Library at 11am for an hour on Wednesday 4^th June. This is a demonstration of the ancient art of willow weaving with Beth Murphy. It’s great fun and enjoyable to learn. In the Keadeen Hotel at 8pm on Wednesday night for only €5.00 is the Wisdom in Dreams event. This is Jasbinder Garnermann, Chairwoman C.G. Jung Centre, Ireland, explains how dreams can enhance our lives.

Raising the Green Flag is on the 5^th of June is in Scoil na Naomh Uilig at 1.00pm, this event is free. The school celebrates their first Green Flag for Environmental Excellence for recycling and waste management. At 8pm, an evening of music and song form one of the most musical families in Newbridge, The Cahills at St.Patrick’s Church of Ireland for €8.00. Tickets are on sale in The Kiosk for this event. If music isn’t your scene, may be top class comedy is! At 8pm if you decide against The Cahills, there is an alternative event, The Craic-House Comedy, in the Granary Bar at 8pm sharp. Be prepared to laugh your socks off!

 Scoil Mhuire Children’s Concert is on in Scoil Mhuire Senior at 11am for an hour and this event is free on the 6th of June!!!  This is a special concert for the grandparents, guests from the Day Care Centre and the Cheshire Homes. The Voice Squad in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland starts at 8pm and costs €15.00. Unusual and subtle - the harmony and tones of The Voice Squad will delight you. Ticket Sales are available from the Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327.

Warhammer Group is in the Library from 10am until 12pm and is free entry. This is War Games with the Legend of the Orc. Newbridge in Time of War is in the Riverbank Arts Centre from 11.00am-12.30pm & is also free entry. This is an illustrated talk on the area during World War 1 by James Durney and Paul Cooke. Storytelling with Mother Goose starts at 2pm in the Library & is another free entry event & has face painting and fun for 5-7 year olds. You never know who might pop in! So make sure you are there! Songwalk in the Town Hall on Main Street at 2pm. A stroll through Newbridge, remembering the 1950/60’s when Christy Moore lived here.

The finale is Christy Moore with King Modo in the Patrician Secondary School at 8.00pm at a great price of €25 to see the local legend. A superb musical finale to June Fest. Tickets: Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327

Killashee Fitness Session

The Summer Season is upon us and it is time to get working on your Beach Body. Here is a quick 3 minute workout to help you get those Abs and that super toned Tummy. 

Great 3 Minute Abs Workout to build into your next cardio or strength session!

If you're obsessed with a flat stomach, say hello to your new favourite workout. Tag on this quick series of moves to the end of a cardio or strength session, or do it whenever you have time and want to target your abs. Really push yourself: The harder you work, the better results you'll achieve. (Remember your ABS are earned in the kitchen but this routine will ensure they're in great shape)

How it works: Do as many reps as possible (AMRAP) of each exercise in order with no rest.

FOREARM PLANK PIKE JACK
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get in a forearm plank with abs engaged and feet wider than hips

B) Pike hips in the air as high as possible, sliding feet in and together, bracing abs in tighter to spine. Return to starting position.

FULL SIT-UP
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Lie face-up with hands clasped behind head, legs extended hip-width apart, feet flexed.

B) Engage abs and sit up, bending knees and sliding heels into body. Slowly lower back to starting position

BACK EXTENSION SLIDE
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Lie face-down with arms overhead, hands and legs extended hip-width apart, toes pointed.

B) Extend spine and lift chest off the floor, sliding arms in as body lifts. Return to starting position.

KNEELING SWIVEL
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get on all fours with toes tucked under. Engage abs and lift knees a few inches off the floor, keeping hips in line with shoulders.

B) Swivel knees slightly to the right, pivoting feet, keeping shoulders over hands. Quickly swivel knees to the left. Continue, alternating sides.

SIDE PLANK TOE TOUCH
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get in a side elbow plank position with right elbow bent under shoulder, left hand behind head, legs and hips stacked, feet flexed.

B) Extend left leg in front of hip (keep knee as straight as possible, bending to modify if needed) and touch toes with left hand. Return to starting position. Switch sides to complete set

Don't forget it takes time and effort to get fit along with a healthy balanced diet. But keep an eye on this blog and we will keep you on track with healthy lifestyle tips, fitness tricks and best workout routines to follow.