Christmas is coming, and whether you have Irish roots, your friends do, or you just admire all things Celtic and Irish, Irish gifts are sure to bring pleasure to those who receive them. Going for an Irish theme at Christmas also means choosing gifts that will be somewhat more imaginative than the usual boxes of chocolates and toiletries. At the same time, it’s really easy to pick out gifts, because just about any person is sure to find them useful and beautiful. Need some ideas for your Irish Christmas gifts? You got lucky right here.

1. Celtic-Style Jewelry

Irish-style jewelry is a perennial favorite that both men and women find attractive. And if you think that those designs look like something special, do a little research into Celtic art to find out where the ideas came from and what significance the designs have. For example, the Irish trinity symbol was important to both pagan and Christianized clets as a sign of the unity in nature and the unity between the father, son, and holy ghost.

2. Irish Knitwear

What could be a better Christmas gift than a snuggly sweater? Add the Irish Aran-style knitwear with its intricately cabled patterns, and you have a gorgeous gift with distinctively Irish roots. They’re also known as “fisherman’s” knits, because they originated in the Aran Islands where fishermen’s wives developed this unique style of knitting. It’s said that each woman had her own pattern, and it’s certain that their husbands were better able to tolerate the hardships of bad weather at sea thanks to their efforts.

3. Galway Crystal

Magnificent Galway crystalware is famous around the world. Choose beautiful homeware or ornaments made using traditional glassblowing techniques – you can be sure it won’t end up at the back of a cupboard somewhere – it’s far too attractive for that. A set of Galway crystal glasses is the perfect gift for men who enjoy having friends over for a round of drinks, especially if they love Irish whisky, while the lady of the house is sure to love a real Galway crystal vase or serving bowl.

4. Belleek China

When Ireland was hit by the great potato famine, an Irish nobleman began a pottery industry based in Belleek that offered relief for his hard-hit workers. The pottery became famous for its fine finishes and intricate designs, and although antique Belleek pottery is incredibly expensive, choosing a new item needn’t be a costly exercise. From brooches to dinner services and from figurines to tea sets, Belleek pottery still lives up to its reputation for beauty and quality.

5. A Lucky Irish Penny

You’ve probably heard about lucky pennies. It’s an Irish tradition that giving a lucky penny brings luck to both the giver and the receiver of the gift. Of course, just giving someone a penny for Christmas isn’t going to cut it, but if you do want to share a special penny, why not choose an Irish penny set in the haft of a pocket knife? Getting luck for Christmas has got to be a fun thought, even if you don’t believe in this cute superstition.

Have a Merry, Irish Christmas

It’s perhaps a stereotype that nobody can be merrier than the Irish when they get into a celebratory mood. Nevertheless, adding an Irish twist to your Christmas gifts and decor is sure to add to your merriment. Why not serve an Irish-style Christmas dinner to round off your theme? Be sure to serve up an Irish trifle for dessert!

The George Inn Barford

The answer is yes….what’s the question?

This mantra sums up our stay at the George Inn, Cotswolds. Nothing was too much trouble for the charismatic team there who gave this charming little bolthole the five star feel.

Nestled in a sleepy residential area, enveloped by sprawling splendid countryside, we navigated the scenic soaked roads with ease to our destination.

I highly recommend a pit stop at the nearby world renowned bustling Bicester Village if you can possibly factor it in to your journey. A fashion mecca, this place has everything and with amazing savings to be made, it’s a great way to spend the day before holing up in The George for the night.

After being shown to our spacious and inviting room, we started unpacking and as we went to put our personals in the bathroom, were greeted by an inviting sight.

The George has invested in Instagram dream bathrooms to give that wow factor. Beautiful Burlington suites set the scene for the ultimate in relaxation.

It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the draw of the room, as we were exhausted and ready to rejuvenate. Good thing we did though, as we had an amazing experience in the cosy luxury of the restaurant thanks to a Head chef who knew exactly how to please his clientele.

For starters, we wanted to choose a small plate from the garden menu and go a la carte for mains. We asked if this was possible and the answer was yes, no problem. This set the tone for the whole stay.

Kicking off with a South African sparkling wine – the George Inn owners’ choice as it’s their homeland – was a delicious, crisp way to start off our delectation. With mains we moved on to a wonderful 2021 French choice, Soleil Des Alpes.

I opted for sweet chicken thigh with soy, chilli & spring onion. Let me assure you, I am chicken obsessed and a tough nut to crack. This was the most tender, succulent and tasty white meat dish with tang I’ve ever had and I would have happily paid head chef Val for the recipe.

My guest Zoe opted for grilled goats cheese truffle with oatcakes and was not disappointed in the indulgent rich tasting offering.

For mains I couldn’t ignore the steak, which the chef benevolently seared well done for this carnivorous charlatan. Zoe delighted in the panko coated pork schnitzel – chips swapped out for a creamy comfort mash infused with caramelised onion – another yes moment – and declared it delectable.

Now, when you have an amazing meal, but feel full and tired, is there anything more appealing than resting for a bit then having dessert delivered to your room to enjoy in bed? That question was rhetorical – no, there is not! These guys cater for every whim and fancy.

Cue two splendidly presented deserts materialising once we had time to change into pj’s and select our movie of choice for the night.

Apple and plum crumble with custard – the epitome of comfort food for me as the rain lashed down outside, I could not have been more happy in that moment.

My partner in crime went leftfield and chose the dark chocolate sponge with Aero chocolate, honeycomb & mousse. What a fusion, aesthetically pleasing and utterly delicious.

We rolled into a state of comfortable satisfaction as we perused Freeview & Netflix before settling on something low brow before a night of deep satisfied slumber.

We had pre-selected our breakfast of choice which could be enjoyed in bed or in the restaurant. We opted for in bed because why not? When else can you enjoy this level of indulgence and not have to deal with the crumbs?

by Amanda Fulton

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Camera shyness can be quite a big hang-up. Life can be much easier when you’re comfortable seeing yourself in pictures or videos. Getting over camera shyness can be important for reasons other than overcoming self-esteem hurdles too.

After all, people need to look at their faces more often in Zoom calls, and being anxious during those can also lead to awkward exchanges. Quite a lot can be at stake IRL and virtually, as well as personally and professionally. So, how can you overcome camera shyness? If you have certain tips and tricks in mind, it could be easier than you think. Here’s what you need to know.

Know Your Truth

Cameras never capture the whole truth about how you look or who you are as a person. What they create are fleeting representations of you, not the real you.

Is your skin a little pale? It’s probably the lighting. Is there a blemish on your skin? It might be gone in a couple of days. Are you smiling awkwardly? Someone is shoving a camera in your face when usually there isn’t one. While the answers to these questions seem obvious, each can be hard to make peace with during the pressure-filled moments of being photographed and recorded.

Try to remember the distinctions between footage and reality. Everyone can likely say they have had a bad or embarrassing picture or video taken at some point. If those past experiences give you hesitation, don’t let them. Next time might be different. Only you and your inner circle know how you are at heart, and that’s enough.

Resolve Insecurities

No insecurity should subdue you on camera. Changing parts of your body can be empowering if you approach it sensibly. For example, composite bonding can help you address any unhappiness you feel about the shape, size, and appearance of your teeth. Send an enquiry or book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite to get started. You’ll be in good hands, and you can transform your smile and feel more comfortable naturally grinning for the camera.

There’s no shame in tweaking the odd hangup about yourself. After all, everyone gets a haircut. So long as you make the bigger cosmetic decisions out of self-love and consult qualified experts beforehand, everything will be okay. It’s just as valid to embrace any self-perceived imperfections too. Whether you’re making changes or coming to peace with things, it will all help you chip away at camera shyness.

Reflect on Social Media

Speaking of setting realistic expectations, you might be more likely to overcome camera shyness if you reflect on your relationship with social media. It can cause a lot of anxiety and self-consciousness.

You don’t necessarily need to delete your accounts and go cold turkey. Instead, it can be healthier to re-evaluate how you use social media. Who do you follow? Do influencers celebrate body diversity, inclusivity, and natural beauty? If so, social media may be a useful tool that helps you find self-acceptance.

While there’s a lot of misinformation and selfie editing online, it’s worth remembering that messages about self-acceptance are becoming more commonplace. Platforms and communities are also taking stronger stances against things like bullying and harassment. Curate your social media feeds with the right influencers and use tools that allow you to mute words and phrases you don’t want to hear about yourself or others.

Re-evaluate Friendships

Most friendships involve elements of light teasing. However, the people that care about you won’t push things too far. If people know you’re camera shy and continue to make unprovoked, cruel remarks, then these people need to be removed from your life. They’re not your friends, so try not to downplay these moments as a joke. You should expect to be treated better by those who care about you.

Be selective of the people you keep around. A press of a button will get rid of anybody toxic in your life. After that, you can smile on camera with your real friends, care less about what people think, and beam brighter for doing both.

Focus Your Mind Elsewhere

Cameras and photos tell a story. Accepting that can be liberating. Your mind can drift elsewhere as you think about other things, and you can be more unconcerned about the version of you that the camera captures.

Remember, though someone might be training a camera on you, not everything in the footage is necessarily about you. Is the subject matter something behind you or the outfit you’re wearing? Maybe you’re just a face in the crowd, or maybe your picture will be one of many featured elsewhere. Ultimately, your features may not be the point of interest at all.

Realising this can help you adopt a healthier perspective on being photographed and your general life. Sometimes things aren’t about you, even in photographs and footage. If the photograph or video is being taken to promote something you’re doing, think about your cause. After that, you can overcome camera shyness and have a healthier perception of yourself, your value, and your purpose.

It is a fact now that electric vehicles are gaining popularity around the world and are especially present in our urban environments.

On one hand, government agencies have increased the number of initiatives promoting e-mobility (electric mobility). They are determined to reduce car traffic’s contribution to pollution.

On the other hand, people seem to prefer these zero-emission vehicles for the comfort they provide when riding, as well as their dependability and quietness.

In addition to all of this, they are also simple to maintain and keep clean, and there are no traffic limitations on them.

In this article, we discuss various mobility solutions in detail, covering their uniqueness, maintenance requirements, models, benefits, autonomy, charging times, costs, and installation.

A Scooter That Runs on Electricity

As the name implies, an electric scooter has an electric motor that is powered by batteries. But unlike thermal models, it doesn’t utilize gasoline as a fuel, thus it doesn’t produce any pollutants. Its flanged motor can be incorporated into the back wheel or offset (wheel motor).

Additionally, this device contains an electrical controller.

This tiny box, which is located at the back, is responsible for managing and powering the electric scooter it is attached to. When adjusting the torque and driving power, it acts as a middleman between the battery and the motor.

This mechanism limits the vehicle’s engine so that the highest speed does not rise above a cap set by the manufacturer. When it comes to the price of a quality electric scooter, available on Pro Electric Scooters, it is determined by its model, displacement, battery autonomy, weight, and optional features.

Given these many considerations, the typical price range for a 50cc equivalent is between 1000 and 5000 dollars.

A comparable 125cc costs between $2,500 and $10,000.

A three-wheel electric scooter ranges in price from $5,000 to 8,000 dollars.

How Is an Electric Scooter Maintained?

An electric scooter maintains itself regularly, much like other kinds of motorized vehicles do, to continue operating for as long as possible.

Therefore, you must pay close attention to your electric scooter’s batteries, which serve as fuel, to maintain it effectively.

They guarantee the machine’s correct operation.

Make sure to let them cool down so that their temperature is between 10 and 20°C when you recharge them. Never let them get almost empty before recharging them.

To reduce the chance of overcharging, unplug the batteries as soon as they are full.

If you drive a lot use a voltmeter to periodically check their charge. If their voltage is less than 11 volts, they need to be changed right away.

According to the manufacturer’s guidelines, routine maintenance must be performed on the brakes, tires, and suspension. Above all, for obvious security reasons, remember to check them as frequently as you can. At least once a week, give your electric scooter and its wheels a thorough cleaning. At least once every month, a microfiber cloth should be used to clean the electrical components.

What Variations Exist Among Electric Scooter Models?

Everybody will find something, for sure!

Choose a vehicle that is convenient to drive, comfy to ride in, and fashionable for your urban travels. Urban scooters typically have a 50cc engine and can reach top speeds of up to 45 km/h. You don’t need a license to operate them.

A 3-wheel electric scooter will make you happy if you wish to enjoy a very pleasant, effective, and safe vehicle. Such a vehicle saves you from having to place one foot on the ground at each stop, especially since it has a pendulum locking mechanism and an anti-tilting wheel locking device.

Additionally, it strikes a great balance between a car’s comfort and a scooter’s maneuverability.

A three-wheeled electric scooter also has a high-performance braking system, a seat that is both wide and ergonomic, and three wheels (CBS or ABS).

It has a decidedly contemporary appearance, and its commanding side ensures exceptional grip in all conditions.

What Benefits Do Electric Scooters Offer?

An electric scooter stands out due to its environmentally friendly features.

No fuel is required for this machine, and it doesn’t release any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

This clarifies why it qualifies for specific government assistance programs implemented as part of the ecological transition.

This zero-emission machine produces no noise pollution because it is also extremely silent.

Aside from its uniquely basic form, an electric scooter’s lack of combustion and lubrication makes it extremely simple to maintain.

Anti-pollution inspections, oil changes, engine tightening, dirt removal, spark plug replacement, etc. are not necessary.

Serving Up Fun

Upon arriving in the exquisite paradise that is Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, it was clear that service was of the highest importance to everyone we interacted with. Although, there was one more operative motive to the hosting approach in the Dominican, and that was fun.

If you’re looking for stuffy and bland service that is all about getting the job done, then you will be disappointed by what you receive at TRS Turquesa Hotel. If you’re looking for excellence infused with personality, enjoyment, and genuine care, then you’ll get bucket loads.

As part of the wider Palladium Hotel Group and situated on-site at the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, TRS Turquesa is an adults-only, five-star hotel that will leave you wanting for nothing. Each resident has access to their own butler service, which left me feeling like I was in an episode of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – tell me that’s not dream living?

And there was something extraordinary about how TRS Turquesa looked after their guests; they have the saying of turning “guests into family”, and from the moment I stepped onto the property to the moment I left, I felt this welcoming warmth – like I was home. And when you’ve travelled halfway around the world to a brand-new destination, this is precisely what one needs.

My butler Randy was exceptionally attentive to ensure I always had anything I could need, from a daily itinerary of all the activities the hotel had to offer to on-site restaurant recommendations and even weather updates – an essential addition given the changing nature of the Caribbean heat.

Sleeping in Paradise

I had the privilege of staying in one of TRS Turquesa’s Junior Poolside Suites, which to my surprise, also included an ocean view. With my luggage carried up to my room, a bottle of champagne opened, and luxury chocolates to dive into, I was in heaven from the get-go.

The Junior Suite is beyond spacious, adorned with a private balcony overlooking fantastic views and your own lounge area with a table to dine at should you wish to take advantage of the in-room butler food service for those quieter nights. If you’re away but can’t leave your work at home, then you can easily set up a mini office on the generous desk space provided, which I happily took advantage of on many early mornings!

And as for sleep, the TRS Turquesa beds do not lack one thing most, and that is space. As a five-foot-nothing woman, I felt like I could starfish in all directions and never quite find the end of any part of the bed, and each night their gracious turndown service left me chocolates and honey shots to ease a restful night’s sleep.

Exactly what you want after a long day of Caribbean excitement in the DR!

The rooms also come complete with a whirlpool bath and shower and other amenities such as a daily refillable mini bar included in your room price, a clothes steamer, a safe and laundry service should you need to use it.

Dining Destinations

If you’re anything like me, you’re a complete foodie who uses your holiday time to experience as much cuisine as humanly possible – well, TRS Turquesa and the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resort have got you covered. With over 40 restaurants and bars on-site alone, you need never leave the resort to get your fix of everything your cravings could desire.

Helios beach club fast became my haunt of choice, especially for breakfast and lunch, serving up a luscious buffet of charcuterie meats, tuna sashimi, cheeses from across the globe and all the fresh fruit and roasted vegetables you could desire. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, you can also order from an al a carte menu if the buffet choices are not to your taste or you fancy something a little more classic like a burger and fries. Lunch service at Helios is where the food shines, each day offering something new and exciting, whether it be seared Octopus, Dominican-style barbequed pork hot off the coals, or Spanish Paella prepared in front of you.

Suppose variety is the spice of your life. In that case, you can experience TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium’s ode to Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine by spending an evening at the restaurant Kusko and Sumptuori. The food presentation was out of this world, with sushi served in all the rainbow colours and even on steaming mini boats while fried rice and stir-fry are cooked in front of you as you delve into conversation over your favourite cocktails.

And if fish isn’t your thing, La Paisana, the Argentinian-inspired restaurant, will soothe those meat cravings like no other. Here you’ll find classic beef and vegetarian Spanish empanadillas, charcuterie, delicate cuts of sirloin steak, and slow-cooked beef short ribs with the extra comfort of mash and sweet potatoes. By the end of this trip, the food coma was creeping in, but it never stopped me from indulging in a bite of dessert – La Paisana’s warm caramel cookies were definitely one to remember!

Dancing in the DR

If there’s one thing I will take away from visiting TRS Turquesa Hotel, The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and the Dominican, it’s that people know how to move. Dancing is embedded in everyone’s spirit, and their exertion of utter joy is mesmerising and infectious.

At TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, I was invited to dance on a rooftop to a live saxophonist, then on stage following the Chic Cabaret performance and to take in the Dominican party spirit at The New 20s party – an event you can attend each week. If you enjoy making a fool of yourself as I do, you’re also free to have a dance-off at Hemingway Bar.

Without a doubt, the fun experienced and laughter shared were out of this world – back home in the UK, it’s easy to feel reserved and hold back, but in the Dominican, they are in the business of a good time, and my word, that’s exactly what you get. An extra special shout-out to Santos and Yoan from TRS Turquesa for keeping the fun flowing from start to finish!

Outside of this exceptional complex, however, I implore you to go on an excursion to Isla Sahona. Around a sixty-minute drive to the port and a thirty-minute cruise to the island, you’ll experience paradise’s true meaning. We stopped for a quick snorkelling session in between, followed by much-needed refreshments and music in a stunning natural pool, and then onto the picture-perfect private beaches of Isla Sahona. On many occasions, I had to rub my eyes to check that I wasn’t looking at a postcard. Isla Sahona’s beauty will take your breath away, and if you don’t return feeling utterly relaxed, you might have to move to the DR permanently!

Experiencing Excellence

The best thing about staying at TRS Turquesa Hotel and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, though, is that you need never leave the property if you so wish. The amenities and activities available to guests are abundant, and you feel like you’re co-existing with a small village of escapists. However, the vast expanse of the properties means you never feel imposed upon and have plenty of space to explore. Activities on offer include blissful morning yoga on the beach and heart-pumping Bachata dance lessons. If you fancy soaking up the sun, there’s an endless run of private beach for you to walk at your leisure. If you’re up for getting out on the water, I recommend the group paddleboarding – it’s far more challenging than it looks, but you’ll have a great time working up an appetite!

For those who want the added splash of luxury and zen, you can disappear into Zentropia Palladium Spa and Wellness for an afternoon, where you’ll find all the usual spa amenities such as a cold-water plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool and cabanas to lounge with a glass of fizz. Zentropia offers a host of treatments, from massages to facials and even hair care.

You’ll experience many things at TRS Turquesa Hotel and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, but boredom is not one of them.

Don’t forget me, Dominican.

Everyone knows that the Caribbean is the epitome of paradise, but there’s something quite special about the Dominican, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s the people. The Dominican Republic’s culture embraces everything it means to be human, and I genuinely feel nothing is done without love in this beautiful country.

With great thanks to TRS Turquesa and The Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts for helping me fall deeply in love with this stunning island and its people.

Until next time,

Demi x

TRS Junior Suite prices start from $150 per night per person – this is an all-inclusive rate.

In order to know when to hire a divorce lawyer, you will need to answer a series of smaller questions to assist you in making this decision. This does not need to be an exhaustive process and these questions do not cover every single divorce scenario. However, by the end of this article, you will hopefully have a better idea of what your needs are and when to hire a divorce lawyer.

You can also easily use the form on TruLaw.com to assess whether or not hiring a divorce lawyer is appropriate for the situation that you find yourself in.

1) Are You Ready To Divorce?

There are a number of reasons why you may be seeking a divorce. These reasons include financial betrayal, abuse, infidelity, financial betrayal, and more. Marriages can end for numerous reasons, but not all of these need to be intense or dramatic. More often than not, relationships do not work out and people will draft apart over a period of time.

Despite this, you will need to carefully consider whether your marriage is entirely over. Walking away is an emotionally grueling process, and you will need to be definitive in your decision-making as divorce is a permanent decision that has far-reaching consequences for all those involved.

2) Does Your Spouse Have Their Own Divorce Lawyer?

If your spouse has hired a divorce lawyer, it is definitely in your best interests to hire a divorce lawyer of your own. You should be exploring your options and doing the legwork in order to choose the best divorce lawyer for you.

3) Do You Have Property To Divide?

Implementing a DIY strategy works better in cases where there is not much-shared property to divide up. The more that there is for you to divide, the more potential for conflict you will enter into. Thus, choosing a vastly experienced divorce lawyer is always preferable as they will have been through this process numerous times and can help to guide you through the experience by informing you of what is worth fighting for and what you should relinquish.

4) Do You Need A Parenting Plan?

Children can over-complicate the divorce process. All of us love our children and want what is in their best interest, which is exactly why custody battles can be so incredibly messy and emotionally draining.

Fortunately, a divorce lawyer can help you to implement a parenting plan, including child support. It is crucial that you maintain a strong head in order to remain a steady role in your children’s life. Thus, hiring a third party like a divorce lawyer will make this process far easier as you will also be able to implement this plan and liaise with your lawyer accordingly.

5) Do You Understand The Paperwork Involved?

Legal paperwork can be arduous to read through and interpret. You will have a variety of outlets that will provide you with the option to download forms, fill them in, and file them by yourself. However, you can never know what you are signing specifically. Especially when there is an abundance of legal language and paperwork involved.

Thus, it is vital that you hire a lawyer when facing an abundance of paperwork as making a mistake can cause significant damages to the outcome and invalidate the process entirely. Hiring a divorce lawyer is worth the additional expenses in the vast majority of cases.

These lawyers will also be able to guide you through the process while clarifying any aspects that you do not understand prior to finalization. This will save you from experiencing an abundance of emotional stress and financial burdens in the long-term.

6) Is It A High-Conflict Divorce?

The vast majority of people will not end their marriage because everything is easy. Divorce can be an emotionally draining and traumatic experience that is filled with conflict, resentment, and bitterness as people do not consider the emotional consequences of the actions that they take.

A divorce lawyer will provide you with a rational voice and a steadying hand during chaotic times, ensuring that you do not make any rash decisions when you are in the heat of the moment.

7) Are You Able To Communicate With Your Ex?

One of the most common side effects of experiencing conflict during the divorce process is that it makes it harder to communicate properly. If you are unable to see one another without arguing, you will be unable to appropriately negotiate the terms of the divorce without inducing further conflict.

Thus, having experienced and dedicated representation will help you to ensure that the situation remains calm, serving as a buffer zone between spouses who are unable to be in the same room as one another.

Conclusion

To conclude, this article has outlined the best time to hire a divorce lawyer and the questions that you should ask yourself therein. I hope that you have found this article to be insightful and informative. Thank you for reading.