jennyflannery

January 27, 2021February 14, 2021

The Leaders of Instagram

As we trudge through another lockdown *sigh, I’m finding it harder and harder to keep myself motivated. Whether it’s to finish that assignment or start that reading I’ve been dreading, I’m taking it in small steps.

One thing that I’m finding myself more addicted to is my phone. After being on my laptop all day, you’d think the last thing that I would want to do is stare at another screen. Well you would be wrong.

I love Instagram.

However, the last thing I want to do is scroll through meaningless and fake content. Influencers are amazing for posting their morning run, avocado toast and sunny lockdown get aways. But it is hard to be constantly surrounded by unrealistic scenarios.

So, with that in mind I have curated a list of women that are shredding through life in hopes that we can hopefully soak up the positivity and motivation with every like. These women have built their own businesses, killing it in the fashion and creativity game or just showing what real life is like sometimes.

If you are feeling like having an Instagram clear out, I’d recommend these women.

Negin Mirsalehi – A dutch bee-keeper that has found her way to the Forbes 20 Under 30 list for her bee-autiful company Gisou. From paired back European style to the best hair that I have ever seen, there’s a reason she is number one on this list.

Sophia Tuxford & Cinzia Bayliszullo – Best friends from England, their style is comfy and casual. Really simple outfits that won’t break the bank, your next ASOS order will be influenced by their feeds. They also have a YouTube channel and a podcast so you can be surrounded by their positivity and good vibes all day.

Rozanna Purcell – A former Ms Ireland who uses Instagram to show her best, but more importantly her worst angles. Roz will often post the reality of behind the scenes of her pictures and outtakes where she isn’t always picture perfect.

Emma Chamberlain – By now, everyone and their mum knows about Emma and her infamous breakdowns. However, her style for the past two years has been Brandy Melville and vintage finds mushed into one and I can tell you, I am here for it.

Grace Beverley – I actually think this Oxford graduate came out of the womb with motivation enough for four fully grown adults because she does not stop. Forbes 30 Under 30. Drapers 30 Under 30. Founder of Wear Tala and Shreddy. Oh, she is also writing a book because she can. Need I say anymore?

Janes Patisserie – Jane is a food blogger that creates the most delicious recipes with your favourite things. Creme Egg cake, Chocolate Orange cookies and slutty brownies. She also has a food blog. Jane’s recipes are super easy to follow and even have tips at the end to make sure that your bakes will get the Paul Hollywood handshake.

Honorary Mention: Mr Joe Lycett – I am very aware that the comedian is not a girl boss. However, his garden updates will make your absolute day. While his posts are so carefree, he is an.. unusual painter. I’ll let you decide on that one.

**Pictures are not my own. They have been taken from each users Instagram page

January 21, 2021January 14, 2021

MY 6 BEST READS OF 2020 HINT ** NORMAL PEOPLE NOT INCLUDED

After completing my undergrad in English and then moving on to do a masters in Journalism, you could say I have read my fair share of books to know a good one from a bad one.

So I have compiled my best reads of 2020 so whether you’re hiding away in another lockdown or just want a light read, these are some books that are worth checking out.

INSIDE VOGUE

As a journalist, my dream job is to one day work for Vogue. After watching The Devil Wears Prada, I think everyone has always been even a tiny bit intrigued as to what goes on inside those Vogue offices.

Well Editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman tells us just that. She takes her curious readers backstage into the Vogue corridors and shows what really goes on in-between the pages of the worlds most famous magazine.

2. UNBELIEVABLE

The Trump presidency will go down in history for many things, but greatness is certainly not one of them. Katy Tur, the American journalist, was set to cover Donald Trump on the run up to the 2016 presidential campaign.

From being embarrassed, harassed and threatened, Katy tells all. This book is so cleverly written that between her hard days, Katy brings the humour into the story to make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read.

From someone that has little knowledge of American politics, I couldn’t recommend this read highly enough.

3. WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

Hands down this book is the best piece of writing I have read all year. Delia Owens is such a talented author that you won’t want to put this book down for longer than a second.

The story follows a young girl as she becomes a woman, all the while living in a murky marsh. Everything that this girls ends up feeling, best believe me that you’re going to end up feeling it with her.

10 out of 10 would recommend to any reader who is looking for something to completely take their minds off the world.

4. THE SILENT PATIENT

Alex Michaelides brings his characters to another level with this phycological thriller.

To be honest, when I first started this book I already had an idea in my head about how it was going to end. These kind of books tend to take slightly different routes but always end up with the same last page.

However, this book will keep you guessing.

Alicia’s husband is murdered. Alicia is convicted. Chucked into the Grove and constantly prodded at by different physiologists, she hasn’t said a word since the murder.

5. The Glorious Heresies

When completing my undergraduate degree in 2020, I got to study some pretty amazing pieces of writing. These modern books kept me sane when I was dissecting James Joyce and the poems of World War 1.

The Glorious Heresies is not one that I had heard of before, and I haven’t heard of since. But the story and the way that it is written is so unique that it should be up there with a certain Sally Rooney novel.

The vibe is very casual, colloquial and a little Young Offenders. The novel is set in the city of Cork and follows different sketchy characters after a murder in the city.

I had the pleasure of attending a talk with the author Lisa Mclnerney. She wrote what she knew, what surrounded her growing up and phrased things as if she was saying them out loud.

6. OLIVE

The protagonist is a woman. She is thirty. She has decided not to have children.

Emma Gannon takes the taboos of women and brings them into her novel in an utterly entertaining way. Every theme discussed is as important as the last. This book is such an important read for society today.

Olive is still figuring things out at thirty, and that for one, is such a vibe right now.

What books should be on my reading list for 2021?

January 18, 2021January 13, 2021

GALWAY – BEST HOT CHOCOLATES IN THE WEST

Hi my name is jenny and I don’t drink coffee…

Absolutely shocking I know but I have a sweet tooth and I am not ashamed. So, living in Galway I have tried every hot chocolate that’s on offer so you don’t have to. These are the best ones:

HAZEL MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE

This place is a dream for any chocolate lover. Located in Middle street they have a hot chocolate menu… yes menu. It changes seasonally and I would recommend their Gingerbread and Walnut flavour as it is Christmas in a cup.

They make their drinks from an actual slab of solid chocolate, none of that powder nonsense and have an actual chocolate factory (major Willy Wonka vibes) located in the Burren in Clare. But, they do sell their handmade chocolate bars in the shop if you’re not up for the trek.

If you can’t resist going without they also sell chocolate drop to make your own goodness at home.

I always opt for their toasted marshmallows on top for an extra treat.

2. JAVA

There’s a hidden French creperie in Galway, and it’s called Java. Located on Abbeygate street they do the best hot drinks and accompanied with the best crepes in the city.

Open all day until 10pm this is the perfect place to go if you want to just relax. They have a cute upstairs with couches that’s perfect for a catch up with friends and it won’t blow your budget either.

3. MCCAMBRIDGES

Probably one of the busiest cafes in Galway, McCambridges is good for a hot chocolate but also for a lunch too.

You’ll find it on Shop street and downstairs also has some cute food bits too.

It’s always busy though so prepare to queue, however their outside seating is great for people watching if you can brave the weather.

4. TEMPLE CAFE

Temple Cafe is located on St. Augustine street but within the Corn Store. It’s a Vegan cafe but their scrambled eggs and hot choc do not skimp on flavour.

This place is amazing for a breakfast because you know what you’re getting is going to be not only delicious but healthy too.

The great thing about this cafe is that it’s a social business meaning they support local suppliers but also use a percentage of their profits to donate to local charities. So you don’t have to feel too guilty for having your breakfast out… again.

Which one would you try first?

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

KERRY – NOT JUST FOR FUNNY ACCENTS

This summer everyone in Ireland was stuck. With no Ryanair ticket, we had to take our bumpy journey else where. We choose Kerry.

As it was a very last minute trip, our group of four decided that Airbnb was a good shout. We went with a house ‘Wild Atlantic Way Riverside Home’. It had two bedrooms, and an outside space with a bbq looking on to a river.

The host Catherine was lovely and the place was super clean. However, it was kind of in the middle of nowhere. The town up the road was called Killorglin and didn’t have much to say for itself.

Luckily we had a car, unlucky for us it lashed the whole time we were there. July in Ireland is not exactly the Bahamas that’s for sure.

DUNQUIN

The most westerly tip on the Dingle Peninsula, Dunquin is must see if you’re venturing around Kerry. It’s just outside Dingle town.

What you can’t see from the picture is that there’s a ramp from the top where you can walk down to the sea. Years ago it was used for sheep to bring to the market but now it’s just some nice scenery.

If you’re lucky with a clear day you can see the Blasket islands. Typically, we were not so we saw some clouds. Still cute though.

To warm up we went to Bean In Dingle. A super cute coffee shop (perfectly Instagrammable too). I can’t vouch for the coffee as I have an undeniable sweet tooth, but the hot chocolate was delish!

JOHN M. REIDY

This restaurant in Killarney (still in Kerry) is a must. Looking like an old sweet shop from the front, this place has the best cocktails.

I got the Pink Starburst and had to stop myself from ordering ten more (I still am a poor student even in Kerry).

I ordered the vegan tacos and from a non-vegans perspective, they were yum and very filling.

It was walk-ins when we went but book if you can as this place gets busy fast.

January 12, 2021January 13, 2021

GALWAY – Camping on Inis Mor

Unfortunately with travel restrictions I have not been able to go anywhere in the last couple of months.

Instead I will update you on all of my travels post Italy.

This one was August when the farthest I could travel, was to the island off of my county.

Enjoy

If you’ve ever travelled to the west of Ireland, you have probably heard of the Aran Islands.

They’re a couple of islands off the coast of the coast of Galway and are pretty good for a couple of days if you’re lucky with the weather.

The biggest island is Inis Mor and the one we choose to go to in August. Even though it is the biggest, it is not big.

Day 1

We got the aran shuttle bus to the ferry. Student tickets are €25 and adults are €30. These prices include the bus to and from the ferry and the ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mor and back again.

Once on the island we headed towards the campsite (the road to the left). We decided to bring our own tent as we are students and broke. It cost ten €10 per person per night, we stayed two. I would advice bringing a soft surface to sleep on as the grass can be quite hard. There are glamping options but they’re not cheap and always booked way out in advance. But they are a nice option for those luxury seekers.

We rented bikes at one of the bike shops. They’re all the same price. They cost €15 for the day but we paid the extra charge to have them overnight so we wouldn’t be rushing back, would recommend.

We cycled to Dun Aonghasa, a famous hill-fort on the island. I would recommend cycling instead of getting a tour bus as the route is not long and you get to see the island much better. There also aren’t any things your tour guide can point out on the way so you won’t be missing out on any special information.

At Dun Aonghasa there are little shops, a restaurant and an ice cream shop. We ate in Teach Nan Paidi, it’s a little cottage. The food is nice, if anything a little expensive.

On the way back we stopped at the sea colony. There are seats where you can rest, take in the view and taking your luck at spotting the seals. We were lucky and managed to spot a few basking in the sun.

In the evening we decided to have a bbq. They’re available at the campsite at no extra cost. We did bring a disposable one but it was too windy to stay lit. We toasted marshmallows but a lot of them ended up melting onto the coals *sad face.

Day 2

Today our mission was the worm hole.

If you don’t know, the wormhole was used for the Red Bull cliff diving competition and is very cool to look at and even swim in if brave enough.

We were extremely lucky with our days on Inis Mor and stopped at the beach near the Wormhole to go swimming. Even though it was unusually hot, the water was still freezing.

Even though we asked a lifeguard for directions, the wormhole is not easy to find. You basically cycle to a red rope and then trek past a load of fields and rocks until you get to it.

It is pretty amazing to look at. You can also jump in and swim but the current is pretty strong so I didn’t chance it.

But I would recommend, even just for the views.

On the way back we stopped for a pint and a burger in Joe Wattys. A very Irish looking pub but the food was good and the staff were so friendly. Nice seating outside too.

That night, it rained very heavy. Luckily our tent was waterproof but a lot of others weren’t. Make sure your tent is waterproof before camping in Ireland.

Day 3

We got the ferry home.

The bus drivers are always very obliging and if you ask in advance they will drop you off near enough to where you want.

(And yes I am wearing shorts under my dress as I did not want to flash islanders on my bike)

Picture 1: Dun Aonghasa

Picture 2: Wormhole

Picture 3: Sunrise over campsite

Rating out of ten: Solid 8

August 26, 2019

Verona – Cocktails & the Best Aperol Spritz

As you can imagine, being an Italian city, Verona has some amazing places that will satisfy all your Italian gourmet cravings. Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra are probably the most popular, in terms of typical Italian food, al fresco dining and being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Verona’s two busiest squares. But, if you’re looking for something a little off the map, that not every tourist knows about then these places will surely tick some of your boxes.

Grande Giove: A bit of a walk across the bridge in Verona, you’ll find a small cocktail bar called ‘Grande Giove’. This place is completely off the tourist track and is never that busy so perfect for a quiet drink. Serving really tasty cocktails whilst playing soft music from a retro record player it’s a little Italian haven.

Castel San Pietro: As far away from the winding streets of the city centre as you can get ‘Castel San Pietro’ is an amazing discovery and definitely worth a visit if you’re in Verona. Just across the bridge you can access it by stone steps or a little cable car costing only two euro. There’s stunning views, I would dare to say even the best in the city, and down a few steps there’s a restaurant perfect to watch the sunset. The restaurant itself is a little pricey but it’s worth it for the views. I would recommend sitting near the edge just so you can make the most of the scenery. If on a budget, getting an Aperol or Hugo Spritz and sharing a pizza on a sunny afternoon is ideal.

La Tradision: This bar is the hidden gem of Verona. Just off Piazza Bra so you’re still close to the attractions but not directly in the middle of everybody. ‘La Tradision’ is a must see in Verona if in the middle of the day you want a drink and a relax. With two euro fifty Aperol Spritz and a unique setting, I would highly recommend. You can either sit in the bar which has bottles of every bottle of liquor and wine that you can think of or sit outside in the garden and enjoy a breath of fresh air with your complimentary crisps served in kitchen draining cauldron or baking tray.

Nobis: This cocktail bar is the coolest place in Verona with amazing tasting drinks. You can either sit inside or outside or stand by the bar and soak up the atmosphere. You won’t be looking out onto an amazing view but on a sunny afternoon it’s the perfect place for people watching.

Duchi: Probably one of the most photogenic and Instagrammable bars in Verona, ‘Duchi’ is a must. Just beside the river you can sit inside or outside and get, a rather overpriced, but delicious cocktail. The doors open out onto a beautiful outdoor seating area with hanging flowers. A really nice place to come in the evening and soak up the sun or listen to the whatever music the bartenders are playing.

Let me know if you have tried any of these places or any that I’ve missed x

August 23, 2019

Verona – How to Get Around?

Verona Airport: So Verona has its very own airport which is only 11km from the train station. The airport provides a shared shuttle bus which is six euro per person and takes around twenty minutes and brings you directly to Porta Nuova (the main train station in Verona). The timetables can be found online or in the airport itself and the bus goes right outside the doors of the entrance. However flights to Verona are always a little more on the pricey side but it is super handy for a weekend trip.

Milan Bergamo Airport: Milan Bergamo is the next closest airport to Verona and probably the most popular. If you fly into Bergamo there is a bus company named ‘Flixbus‘ which brings you directly to Verona. Prices vary depending on how close you book the bus to the day you intend to travel but it is normally around twelve euro. The company also has an app where you can purchase the tickets and also track the bus. If you don’t have the app make sure you print your tickets before boarding. The stop for getting the bus back to Verona is just behind the stone church at the train station.

Train Service: The easiest way to anywhere from Verona has to be by train. The train service is actually really good and when I was in Verona it’s safe to say I used it a lot! There’s an app called ‘Omio’ you can download that shows you the train timetables and also lets you book your tickets. You can also get your tickets in the station. Make sure you stamp your ticket before getting on the train as they’re really strict about that. You can get to the lake towns in just a couple of minutes for less than a fiver and Rome, Milan and Bologna in a couple of hours.

Local Bus: You probably won’t need the local bus service in the city because everything is within walking distance but just incase. The local bus service is quite good in Verona with all local buses starting from Porta Nuova and going all over the city. It’s more expensive to buy your bus from the driver so I would recommend buying one from a local tobacco shop (just a small shop that sells magazines and sweets etc) or a booklet if your hotel is a little farther out.

Thanks for reading x

August 22, 2019

Verona -Where to stay?

Whether you are going away for a week long escape in the midst of summer or for a quick weekend get away, you want to make sure that you’re staying in the best place that is suited to you.

Air BnB: The Air BnB’s in Verona are just perfect for a quick weekend stay. Prices are not too expensive if you book in advance and the hosts are always super friendly and flexible when it comes to check in times, some even leaving you a bottle of wine as a surprise welcome gift. Nearly all are apartments, some open plan, others with individual spaces. Location wise, ideally anywhere around the river, the university or on the main streets are usually within walking distance to the main attractions. Local buses are very regular and always leave from the Porta Nuova (Verona’s main train station), while taxis are more on the expensive side.

Hotels: Since I lived in the city my experience with the hotels is not as wide as it could be. However I can recommend one: ‘Hotel Leon D’Oro’. It’s just a quick walk from the train station and less than a ten minute walk from the main square this hotel is in an ideal location for any length of stay. The decor for this hotel is very luxurious with the small touch of slippers in each room really making your stay that bit more memorable. However, the buffet style breakfast in the morning is really what makes this hotel four stars. From freshly baked pastries, bacon, eggs and a large array of cold cheeses and meats, juices and even a coffee machine, you really get what you paid for. If you happen to be in Verona for a special occasion or have that bit more to spend, there is a treat of a hotel hidden away near Romeo and Juliet’s balcony. ‘Hotel Antica Porta Leona’ is a luxury hotel and spa in the centre of Verona looking just as amazing on the outside as it does on the inside. Now I’m sure this hotel is not cheap but if you’re looking for a little more elegance I would check it out. For my time in Verona I spent it living in ‘Residence Viale Venezia’ which I would not be so quick to recommend to any student or visitor to the city. The apartments themselves are basic with simple decor and are clean and come with one or two balconies. Gates are locked at night and there is a twenty-four-hour reception but you are not allowed to bring your room key with you as it must be left with reception when you leave for the day. The kitchen has no oven believe it or not and there is clothes washing facilities but they are not free and are located by the reception. Guests have to leave a form of Identification with reception and have to leave by midnight, no overnight guests allowed. And the area is definitely not the safest and is far away from the city centre, about a half an hour walk.

Let me know if I missed any stays that you would recommend in Verona. Thanks for reading x

August 22, 2019August 22, 2019

Verona – My First Blog Post

As I lived in Verona for the whole of last year I am going to split the information into different posts to make it more pleasurable to read.

These posts will include, the best places to eat, where to get the cheapest Aperol Spritz and what’s the best things to do in the city for a day.

I will also do posts on the university if anyone also has an option of studying there for a year. The night life in Verona is not amazing but I will mention the best places to go if you’re thinking of heading to a club or a bar.

Lastly I will do a few posts on the day trips that I would recommend: including how to get there, prices and what to do.

If anyone has any topics that they would like me to post about from Verona or any other city then please leave your comments below.

Thank you for reading x