There are lots of things I want to write about today. Some I’d originally planned to dedicate entire posts to, and probably still will at some point, but I’ve decided I don’t have the time or energy. And, if I’m being completely honest, I’m slightly hungover.
There is a lot going on at the moment. A lot. The biggest thing happening is that we’re renovating a 180 year old house in East Mayo that we bought several years ago. It’s been a LONG, tough, stressful project to get off the ground, but it seems to be finally happening.
We’ve been over and back to East Mayo like yo-yos for the last few weeks, and I feel like I’m living out of a suitcase. I’m exhausted and excited! But mostly exhausted.
We have big plans for this house - or this project, I should say - as there’s more than just a residential aspect to it. It’s going to completely change our lives. And I’m 100% ready for it. But I’m also scared!
There is no doubt that we’ve bitten off more than we can chew, but there is one thing I can be sure of: I am insane. And the only person more insane than me is my husband. And together, we will get this done. Come hell or high water, etc.
So, here’s the gist. There are two buildings involved. One is the original building, which we’re not changing structurally. There since 1846 and an absolute beauty. The inside has been gutted and a new roof put on, but that’s as far as we’ve got.
The second building - which was attached to the first - was lower and narrower and falling in on itself, so it had to be razed to the ground.
We’re now excavating and laying the foundations, and then (re)construction will begin. It will be constructed to tie in with the original building in every way.
All the walls for this building are precast, which means they will be built off-site and then lifted into place by crane. The specs involved in designing and ordering these melted my brain in a way that I hope I will never have to revisit. They have to be EXACT. No room for error. Thank JESUS for my husband who is in the construction industry and has expertly guided us through this process, and approx. 17,253,521 others.
Anyway, last night was the first night all of us were at home together, in what felt like an age, and so we cooked dinner and drank a lovely bottle of wine and now I am hungover.
When I posted some clips from the site on Instagram, I was inundated with requests to keep the updates coming, which made me feel a bit emotional, if I’m honest. I couldn’t bring myself to talk about this project for so long because there was so much stress involved, but I feel like we’re entering the good part now.
Also, obviously, the financially ruinous part. Balance and all that.
If you’d like to have a nosy around, please check out this highlight on my Instagram for now. And here are some snaps of the old girl below. There’s also a video here.
If you read my last newsletter, then you’ll know I had plans to have hair extensions put in.
Well, those plans went ahead as scheduled… and then three weeks later I removed (most of) them.
This feels like a slightly strange thing to announce as somebody in her forties who has always had pretty decent hair and has never really been an extensions person. I had them once, about 10 years ago, but it was a very short-lived affair.
My hairdresser, Kate had been encouraging me for a while to try Great Lengths keratin bond extensions. Not for length, but for volume. As anybody who’s followed me for a while will know, my lifelong ambition is essentially to have the biggest hair physically possible.
So, I gave in. The process was fascinating, albeit long (I documented it here). It took more than three hours because Kate attached around 115 keratin bonds to my head. I have been told by people in the know when it comes to extensions, that 115 bonds is a lot.
My feelings towards them changed hourly.
For the first day or two I thought they were brilliant. I couldn’t stop touching my hair. I couldn’t believe how much of it I suddenly had.
Then came wash day. When they’re soaking wet, the weight of them is immense. Blow-drying was another learning curve. The ends become much bigger and fluffier than my own, so you have to smooth everything out before you even think about styling.
I also made the tactical error of deciding to wash them myself for the first time on the evening of the Love Island final - confidently allowing myself an hour beforehand. Ha! Let’s just say it took considerably more than an hour.
As a result, I then declared them to be one of the worst beauty decisions I’d ever made.
But… then I curled them. The curls lasted beautifully for days, which never happens with my own hair, and naturally I changed my mind (again).
A few days later, after a full day in clinic with my hair piled on top of my head, a headache in full swing, and lots of the bonds visible - I decided that was it.
No more hair extensions.
Off to the salon I went. I shared my woes, and Laura, another amazing Great Lengths specialist, said, ‘Let’s take out all the bonds on the top, and several at the back and sides. All you want is a bit of extra volume, right? Give them a go and see what you think.’
And so I did, and the difference was monumental. I couldn’t see them anymore, I couldn’t really feel them either, and because so many had been removed from the top I could also successfully run my hands through my hair again. Winner, winner.
I’ve had them for four weeks now, and I think this lighter load might be the sweet spot. I have that little bit of extra oomph I wanted. I can fling my hair this way and that, and the bonds are never visible.
They’re also just easier to manage on the whole. Washing, styling, the whole shebang.
For reference, I’m using this shampoo and conditioner, this build-up removal treatment, this styling spray, this volume spray and this dry shampoo.
The only brushes I use now are from The Belle Brush. All phenomenal and extension-friendly. I carry the Mini Detangler in my handbag, and have the large brush and the medium brush at home.
Two new products I’ve added to my body care routine lately, and both are from Saltair.
In general, I think this is a bloody good brand. The products are so well formulated, beautifully packaged and really reasonably priced. Salt Water Vanilla Serum Body Wash is exquisite (and less than €20 for 500ml. Hallelujah). It’s gentle on the skin, luxurious and wouldn’t be out of place in a five star hotel.
I bought this first and was so impressed that I then decided to try Saltair Retinol Revive Overnight Body Lotion. Happily, it’s also 10/10. I specifically bought it to use as part of my self-tan routine. I exfoliate and do all my usual bits and then use this as the last step.
I find it really helps with dry patches and overall smoothness. It’s incredibly thin and light, but still feels really nourishing and soothing.
I’ve been using this for quite a while thanks to samples the brand sent out during the summer: the Brightening Peach shade, the translucent one, and a couple of tan shades which I gave to friends.
When I used it for the first time I was immediately struck by the THINNESS. It’s practically invisible on the skin, and - I have to give it to CT - it really does blur. I was so impressed with it that I took out my x3 magnifying mirror to have a look up close.
It’s so finely milled that when you apply it to the skin it’s almost undetectable, but the effect is not. And there’s no caking, no dryness, no looking older than you are.
Obviously, the more you use, the more dramatic the effect will be. I tend to use a small amount, starting at the outer corner of my eye and working my way inwards, as I want the least amount of product at the inner corner, where my skin creases the most.
I also really appreciate the design. It’s a tub of powder but it has a click-and-seal mechanism inside, so the powder is held in place at all times. No mess, no powder everywhere, on every surface, on every living thing.
I’ve been wearing Salted Muse non-stop since it arrived at my door two weeks ago. One of four fragrances from Orebella, Bella Hadid’s line, it’s arguably one of the most unusual fragrances I’ve ever tried.
First of all, the packaging. A literal giant gemstone that would work just as well as a gorgeous ornament on your bookcase. The formulation is unique, too. Each fragrance in the range is alcohol free and bi-phase, with a base of hydrating, calming ingredients, like camellia oil, jojoba oil and snow mushroom. As a result, it has to be shaken first to activate it, before spritzing.
And that’s before I even mention the scent. It’s intensely fresh and coastal, quite masculine, warm and woody, with a sugary, powdery base. It’s a total head-turner, in my opinion. Next on my list to try is Blooming Fire. I’ve ordered this discovery set so I can give it a go, along with the others.
When I interviewed Gucci Westman a couple of weeks ago, one product she mentioned more than once - and uses on both herself and everyone she works on - was Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rose.
When I got home the following day, I immediately went online and ordered it. And since it arrived, I’ve used it every day.
There are two key things to say about this product. One: it’s eye-wateringly expensive. Do I regret purchasing it? Absolutely not. Will I be buying more shades. Also no.
The second thing to say is that it’s exquisitely formulated. A cream-highlighter hybrid that adds a next-level sheen to the skin, housed in the most beautiful, weighty, timeless packaging. This is a true treat-yourself (or someone you love) product.
Swooning guaranteed.
And lastly, as ever, here are all the discount codes I have access to right now.
I’ll update them whenever anything changes, and you’ll be able to find them at the bottom of every newsletter.
FYI - Some of the links and codes shared on Glow Notes are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them.
Current Body - CBSIMONES for 10% off all LED Devices
Look Fantastic - SIMONELF for 21% off everything here
ID Formulas - SIMONEG10 for 10% off
Tria Laser - SIMONE for 10% off
U Beauty - SIMONEG20 for 20% off
ZIIP Halo - SIMONES for 10% off
And that, my friends, is all for now.
I’m heading west to the site again this week, and then on to my favourite people in the world for a weekend of hugs, wine, walks, dogs, football matches and more wine.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you did - please drop and comment and a like.
I really appreciate the support.
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