I wanted to introduce you to the wonderful speakers at our Viva La Vulva tour. They made it special because THEY are special. On stage are women who work in healthcare with stories as diverse as everyone of you, all with a common aim to build community and empowerment for women’s health.
Over the next few weeks we are featuring those very special women so that you can get to know them too! First up Aoife Harvey https://linktr.ee/womenshealthdublin 💜
Aoife Harvey is so much more than a pelvic floor therapist.
Dynamic and full of energy, she oozes enthusiasm to help us all feel better and eat more kiwis… You can find her on instagram here Aoife Harvey Physio (@womenshealthdublin) • Instagram photos and videos
*These Q&A sessions have been slightly modified for clarity from their original recording
I started in 2015 doing Women’s health courses bc the evidence was so strong for them
And having done my Master’s in Physiotherapy, I didn’t find good and strong evidence about pelvic floor treatment. So I decided I need to know more about this.
Then after a year I became pregnant and became a women’s health physio patient myself…. That changed my passion and understanding for what women go through during pregnancy and after vaginal delivery and their post natal journeys!
When you experience things yourself and seeing the lack of care and postnatal care - for a lot of women that’s when their pelvic floor issues may start. That just grew my passion and insight and I decided to dedicate my whole clinic and career to women’s health physiotherapy and I stopped doing sports and back pain. I really just focused on women’s health. Changing my clinic was a little bit scary- an only women’s health pelvic health clinic - no more general physiotherapy. Now that I’ve furthered myself and progressed and had another baby coming into my 40’s (!) it's not just the postnatal mom and pregnant women I’m so passionate about.
Now it’s the hormones, the endometriosis, the painful intercourse- all stages of women’s lives from their teenage years right up to the day they leave this earth.
There are problems they’re going through, really intimate, private, & taboo issues that women have been experiencing, probably since the beginning of time. These issues have not been treated or emphasised enough, or talked about enough and so these women haven’t sought help.
Now there’s a big shift. The shift came with Joe Duffy and the whole menopause thing and The National Women and Infant programme was set up and there was a whole big attention given to women’s health in Ireland now. Being part of that is just brilliant!
There’s media coverage and a big shift in the HSE. Women are getting educated and they’re seeking help and they’re talking to their friends, their mums and their daughters, and I see the generation below us being so much more open.
My generation in their 30’s & 40's is starting to be open. But older women are still very private about it and having private gynaecologists and just suffering in silence. So the more work I do in this area, the more passionate I get about it.
As a physiotherapist it is so empowering to me how much I can help and women are so appreciative of that. In my day to day job, I can make such a difference in their lives
What is the most fulfilling part of what you do?
My most fulfilling role in my job is not only improving symptoms, like bladder leaking.
It’s getting women back to exercise and getting them to socialise or helping them with their intimate relations, helping them with their bowels, helping them with their functions and quality of life.
You don/t realise how much in life you’re struggling with until things improve. While these are not life and death issues, they really affect women’s confidence, their psychological welfare, their mental health, their socialising and their exercise. That is all quality of life. How are they supposed to live a healthy life if they can’t exercise, if they can’t meet friends and are really embarrassed struggling with these symptoms?
So changing people’s lives every single day really gives me gratification and then the education piece. Explaining to people via social media or in person or at conferences, what is actually going on with their bodies, what’s their normal anatomy.
To think that women go along in their lives not understanding how their body works. It’s not their fault! It's the lack of education.
What’s your favourite thing about Viva La Vulva?
My favourite thing about Viva La Vulva is… loads of things! It's so fun and engaging and open. It’s not just a group of women sitting in a hall being talked to with a powerpoint presentation and some things going over their head.
We’re using good terminology- like easy non medical ways to explain things.
We’re talking about taboo topics in a really relaxed way to make people think these are not taboo topics.
There’s women of all ages there.
They’re going from crying to laughing to dancing to hugging to drinking one too many prosecco (LOL)- you know?
It’s so much more than a women’s health education event. It's bringing women together.
It gives them a platform to stand up and ask questions in front of a room with 300 women. The more women do it, the more women beside her have the confidence to do it. They’ll come up to us and talk to us at the end and it’s so different from standing at the front of the room and then leaving. Everyone is coming, not in groups, but as individuals and then they're making friends, they’re looking around, they're nodding their heads, but they’re still having fun.
And that’s what we hoped it would be. It is empowerment and education and helping women with their issues but in a really nice friendly fun environment where they can let their hair down and not feel so, you know, uncomfortable or awkward about it. It’s just all encompassing. It’s what we love about it.
It’s a women's health event tied into a leaving cert holiday with your best friends… or a fortieth holiday with your best friends….depending on your age. 🤣
What do you think women should know about VLV?
I think women should know some women are into going to retreats, yoga things and going out with other ladies and some women are not.
I just want them to know it’s not your average kind of retreat. You’re not going to be talked at and lectured to. They are going to laugh and they are going to cry and they are going to find it so entertaining. They’re going to have such a good night out. But they’re going to leave knowing things they never even knew they needed to know. You know? There’s going to be nuggets of information and EUREKA moments for each and every woman in that room no matter what her age is. And they’re things that she needs to know for her quality of life and her benefit and her daughter and her mothers and passing on that information to other people. So you are going to just have the best night but you are going to learn what you didn’t even know what you needed to know.
Was there anything you learned at VLV that you didn’t already know?
So personally I learned alot from Jennifer Rock on skincare because (laughs) I’m clueless! And the way she puts it- it’s so simple. I had a couple of moments where I was like, omg I never knew that…! OMG I'm not doing that properly! That was a big one for me.
I also learned from Laura when she was talking about perimenopause - that was something that rang quite true for me. How you can be feeling absolutely awful (can I say the word shite?) for a month or two and then you think about making an appointment. Then you’re fine again for another few months. That really rang true for me because that is what happened to me.
So I knew perimenopause was a rollercoaster….definitely going yeah- feeling absolutely awful for a month or two- I think I need HRT -I think I’m going to see the doctor. And then I'm grand again and I don’t do anything about it. That was a big one for me.
Em- and then lastly- The Sucker.
When Shauna (our VLV Sexpert…stay tuned) is just so open about intimate toys, particularly this sucker instead of a vibrator. I bought it, I have used it, it is AMAZING.
What I’ve learned from my patients is that women who have sensitivity of the clitoris, either reduced sensitivity or over sensitivity, that there’s something else out there they can use.
I have met so many women who have never ever orgasmed in their life. They can have more medical reasons behind it and I’m going to talk to them about The Sucker because every woman deserves to have an orgasm 💜
Having someone like Shauna at the event makes talking, in IRELAND!, about intimate toys and pleasure and make it just seem, not like a kind of porn type thing that we shouldn't be talking about, so much more open.
And the amount of people standing at her stall - I think that rang through to the whole room!
Viva La Vulva Dublin Tickets on Sale Here (ticket price includes one fabÜ blend worth €30)
Viva La Vulva 2.0 | NCH | Live Music & Events | National Concert Hall]]>On my live last week when I was making my banana bread I got a question from one of you fabulous people. You asked for advice about your son who was studying too hard, stressed to the nines about his exams and, as a result, he wasn’t sleeping or eating well. 💔
What I said might have sounded simple. But sometimes simple is best.
I suggested that he get out of the house at least once a day for a walk. Either with headphones on listening to music or a podcast, or better yet, leaving the phone and giving yourself the space of being present only to your walk.
Being on call as a parent, or a teen who thinks he might be missing out on a text/snapchat, takes us out of the present. It interrupts the flow of just walking without doing 85 million other things.
We could all use that quiet time away from pings and social media notifications. Our brains need the rest too.
Anxiety Notices Too Much
Anxious people tend to be bright. They notice all the things. It’s often hard to switch off. And I am sure this lad who is studying for his exams is probably bright, maybe even a perfectionist.
The problem with perfectionism is that you are never enough. There’s always something more than 100%.
Like 110%.
But this isn’t real life. Real life means doing your best, controlling what you can control, and letting go of what you can't.
Easier said than done, I know, but I think it’s worth trying to get this balance.
Keep It Simple
Are you getting fresh air daily? Even a small walk at lunch improves your mood
Sleep- are you getting at least 8 hours?
Bedtime- are you staying up late scrolling in bed?🙋🏼♀️ Keeping your bedroom a place of calm and rest instead of another extension of your work can help- even if you do your homework in your room you can have a basket to carry all your work so that you can put it away when your day is done. This signals the end of the day- an important boundary
Food- are you eating good nutritious food? Are you rushing through meals? Skipping meals or overeating are both signs of poor coping. Your brain is a calorie burning machine- make sure to feed it well!
Walk the Talk
Going for a walk helps get the blood flowing which we know is good for cardiovascular health. Walking also helps your digestion. Now that there’s a stretch in the evening, a walk after dinner can work wonders. And if you have company- even better.
A problem shared is a problem halved. Maybe organise a walking buddy as a regular date. Talking things out with a friend or family member is easier when you’re in a neutral space. Nothing guarantees uncomfortable silence more than a formal declaration of: We need to talk!😐
Walking with a friend, or even as a walking group can help build better communities. Building better communities invests in your feeling of belonging, making you feel less isolated. There are many organised walking programmes you can join as well, like Woodlandsforhealth - Coillte
We live such busy lives shuttling between the duties of life, having a simple walk can ground us again.
Where’s My Charger?
AND walking doesn’t require a charger. Hallelujah! I keep losing mine (or they get nicked….)
Walking is a win-win for me. Clear the mind, grab a friend, or just go for a wander yourself in a beautiful park.
A natural remedy that doesn't require a prescription. Ah… I feel better already
Laura X
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I do.
But I love it to be quick and easy… ahem.
So- these chicken burritos are my go-to request for one of my lad’s favourite birthday dinners. The quantities, as always, are meant for feeding my zoo and can of course be halved. Or you can use this as your batch cook for the month! I also load up on veggies here as they provide great fibre- something we all need more of. Fibre is great for helping us feel fuller longer, balancing our blood sugars as well as keeping us regular!
Fibre is great for our gut health- as is my fabÜ GUT CULTURE- fabuwellness which also contains mushrooms, just not the ones used here.
Yes I did add a chopped up courgette because it was lurking sadly in the back of the fridge. You know yourself, ladies. Nothing goes to waste!
I can’t say it’s 100% authentic Mexican cuisine, but it’s 100% delicious!
Laura’s Chicken Burritos
You’ll need two large frying pans- one for chicken (or protein of choice), one for veggies
Preheat oven to 200 C
Ingredients:
Method:
You’ll need two baking sheets for the burritos.
And you’ll need two large frying pans; one for the chicken, one for the veggies.
Add 2 heaped tsp of spice bag mixture- mix to cover all the pieces of chicken.
Fry seasoned chicken strips on medium heat with some olive oil.
While chicken is frying, get to work on the veggies.
Slice onions, garlic, peppers and mushrooms (and that sad courgette!) - add to second frying pan and stir over medium heat with some olive oil.
While veggies and meat are cooking, prep your guacamole-
Assembly Time
Get out your baking trays and fajitas.
You can watch video here on instagram.
Let me know how you get on!
Laura x
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Sometimes I don’t know if I’m coming or going. It’s been great craic though, happily going from Viva La Vulva Tours to this weekend’s Future Beauty Show at the RDS was a blast too.
I can’t lie though. Sometimes I am not sure how I manage to get dinner sorted as I seem to be on auto pilot powering through the days. This week I made cheese toasties for dinner after I had a bath and didn’t feel one ounce of guilt for not making a ‘proper’ dinner! And of course, I was also having the chats with you as well…. Multitasking much? 😆
My “Aha” moment (not the band, the realisation) was when I was on a Zoom meeting while also fielding a call from my son’s dentist (Yes, yes, we can fit it in after school today), confirming my Tesco order (I can’t even fathom fighting traffic to go shopping, get the shopping into the bags, back into the car, then back to the house and unloaded all over again… just writing that makes me feel tired 😴).
I also explained prime numbers to my other son who was sitting at the kitchen table with me at the time.
I’m not saying this to be boastful. Not at all.
I think you all get it. I think we are all doing this kind of crazy multitasking. We are all octopuses (octopi…?) in aprons & lab coats & suits aren’t we? Women do so many ‘jobs’ ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
Maybe this is why, “What are you thinking?” is such a scary question for our partners to ask us. Because they know the tsunami of washing, sports, bills and cooking is the answer they’d get.
So how do we rest our octopus arms, ladies? How do they actually sleep? 🤨
I heard from many of you in the Focus on Ü Facebook group in February who really loved getting up earlier for yoga or found the meditations calming before the storm.
And that really is key, I think. The storm, the busy-ness of life is always going to be there. But I think it’s good to have at least one of your tentacles on something that’s good for YOU, that helps you recharge so that you’re not worn out. That’s why I do my yoga or take the dog for a walk.
So this week, ahead of International Women’s Day, take a moment to appreciate all the things you bend over backwards to get done for others and make an appointment for yourself too.
Happy International Women’s Day- Everyone of You is Fabulous- Let’s go ladies!
Laura x
Sure- I’m as vain as the next person. I like my sparkly dresses and I try to keep the jiggles at bay by watching what I eat and drink. But exercise for me isn’t just about looking a certain way.
It’s about living a fully engaged life today and many years down the road. I want to be able to travel, tie my own shoes and bend over to pick up my socks with ease. One of the key indicators for long term care needs is the ability of the resident to toilet. Yep. I said it. We may be years off considering this, but it’s in all our futures ladies!
Maybe I’m ‘old’ thinking about these things. I just consider this preparing for living a long life full of adventure!
But we’ve got work to do. We aren’t getting off the couch much. And the numbers don’t lie. According to Public Health Ireland, 150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended.
Yet knowledge gaps, time constraints and more work from home/ desk jobs mean that we’re not getting those minutes in. In fact some of us aren’t getting any regular activity at all.
The numbers are not good. According to the Ireland Physical Activity Factsheet 2021 only 33% of adults are getting their exercise in.
Exercise For Long Term Health Gains 🏋️
We know that exercise is a key factor for long term health benefits. As we age, we need to have our exercise banked in order for our bodies to age well. If not, we risk reduced mobility and health through poorer health outcomes in total metabolic health (think diabetes and cardiovascular/heart related diseases) which in turn leads to impaired activity as we age.
That’s the bit that gets me moving.
I value my independence, my ability to get in and out of the car with all the Viva la Vulva tour gear, and being able to keep up with my three boys too. I want to have the energy and flexibility to keep me vital. I mean, I want my Dublin Tour to be a smash hit as well as in Cork, Kerry and Galway!
That’s why I equate exercise with vitality. I want to be running around in my 80’s. Or walking briskly. So the work I put in now, I see as a kind of long term investment in my health. Not just my physical health improves, but also my mental health (I always know a walk with Carlo 🐶makes me feel great). We know too that cardiovascular health improves blood flow bringing oxygen to all our organs, including our brains. Brain health and cardiovascular health are connected and as I age I want my brain to be as healthy as possible too.
Habits… We all have them, right? One of the key pillars of exercise is to make it a habit and we know visual cues help too. Like that cake that’s out on the kitchen counter? I’m probably going to have a slice. Same too for placing your workout clothes on the bedroom floor. I do this so that when the alarm goes off (early…🥴) I just slip into my gear without thinking.
Make a weekly date with friends for a power walk or get involved in a local sports group. Or dancing??? Jesus- who doesn’t love a good disco? 👯We know that social interaction also positively affects our health- so why not do the two together? (Have I mentioned we dance at my Viva La Vulva Tour..?)
Youtube has loads of workouts with a follow-along plan- Caroline Girvan has all kinds of workouts with weights for all levels from beginner to advanced. There’s also Joe Wicks whose HIIT workouts also come in all shapes and sizes. During my Focus on Ü Challenge in February we all got our mats out together- so you guys kept me accountable (and my sister who dragged me out of bed to lift heavy things!) Maybe I should do more with you… https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3cTNdQAfke/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
At the end of the day, we KNOW we need to move more. I think we all can feel the joints creaking more, we’re at our desks longer, in our cars commuting more. Start small. Go for a walk after your lunchtime sambo, wander about the pitch (not IN it though…) while your kids are playing their sport. Every little bit counts.
I’m counting on you ladies to get yourselves up to my next Viva show in Dublin… Speaking of which, I'm running around the city trying to find the best place for us all to gather and have the laughs!
See you soon 🏃🏼♀️- Laura x
]]>I know, I know… the whole thought of sitting cross legged while burning incense isn’t your cup of tea. Probably not even Barry’s either… And besides, who can sit still anymore? Without thoughts? That would drive me crazy and give me leg cramps.
]]>Stressed Much?
Why Meditation Actually Works
I know, I know… the whole thought of sitting cross legged while burning incense isn’t your cup of tea. Probably not even Barry’s either… And besides, who can sit still anymore? Without thoughts? That would drive me crazy and give me leg cramps.
And yet time and time again I meet people who claim mediation has saved their sanity. Top athletes use it before games to focus on their performance so that when they’re surrounded by crowds chanting for or against them, it’s only their mind that matters.
Now, I’m not a top athlete. I’m just a busy mum of three trying to get dinner on the table before they eat all the bread and then claim they’re not hungry when I finally get their plates ready…. ARGH! Bet the Dalai Lama would crack! (Just kidding- peace and love ✌️)
Yoga as Moving Meditation
I have been practising yoga for years and I’ve learned how important it is when I’ve NOT practised. Without it, I’m more irritable, as if my body’s lack of flexibility means my mind is just as fractious.
When I do yoga I can’t have my phone on. I can’t be folding the laundry. I can’t be driving the car. In other words, and I know this sounds simplistic, bear 🐻with me, when I am doing my yoga I can only do my yoga.
When we were planning our Focus on Ü challenge this month I wanted to combine all the pillars of health that have helped me and KNOW will help you as well. I loved how you found the early morning movement freeing- getting to move our bodies gently before the rush-rush of the day starts. Focusing on one thing at a time is something our modern world really pushes against. We are rewarded for being busy. Sports filled weekends and evenings have become a competitive sport (forget the kids on the pitch!) Look at my calendar! I’m so BUSY (read: important)
MultiTasking Is Making Us MAD
As in angry and crazy at the same time mad… I used to think I was able to do all the things. And while it’s true I can get a lot done, I find the busier I am, the more singular I need to be with my attention.
This is where meditation comes in. When I clear my mind for 5 or 10 minutes a day, usually in the morning before anyone else gets up, my mind feels better. And with good reason. Many studies link mindfulness training, or meditation, to increased cognitive function and less reactivity…
It has been suggested that the practice of meditation is associated to neuroplasticity phenomena, reducing age-related brain degeneration and improving cognitive functions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain connectivity changes in meditators. Mindfulness Meditation Is Related to Long-Lasting Changes in Hippocampal Functional Topology during Resting State: A Magnetoencephalography Study - PMC
Driven to Distraction
It’s a GREAT expression, but feels awful when we’re in it. Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve driven home and you don’t recall much about the journey and all of a sudden you’re in the driveway?
Yep. That’s auto pilot. We aren’t taking much in, just simply going through the motions. And that can be a good thing. We aren’t distracted, we are in the zone.
However when we are at work or on a deadline and we pick up our phone to look at IG quickly or someone passes by to offer a cuppa from the caff or Suzy’s birthday cards need to be signed…. The distractions derail us.
Literally, distraction takes us out of traction. We no longer operate in optimal gear. For every distraction it takes up to 20 minutes to regain focus again. ⏰ The more interruptions, the longer it takes to do our tasks.
Meditate HARDER!
Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, where you just explode at everything? You feel as if you’re on edge? Nerves frayed and reactivity on high can be a symptom of burnout. On my podcast I spoke with the amazing psychotherapist Siobhan Murray about burnout- might be worth a listen to find more strategies to help.
How To Meditate….
Let me know how you get on! What set up works best for you- maybe you have a lovely cosy corner set up… or have you been on any meditation retreats?
Mind yourselves! 💜
Laura x
Some may say, rather cynically, that Valentine’s Day is another corporate invention by Hallmark to sell cards during a rather bleak month for retail. But I’m not a cynic, I'm a sucker for… sorry, what’s that? Oh Hallmark sells 145 million cards? Valentines is their second largest holiday for sales….
]]>And Viva…. And Vulva 🩷💜
Some may say, rather cynically, that Valentine’s Day is another corporate invention by Hallmark to sell cards during a rather bleak month for retail. But I’m not a cynic, I'm a sucker for… sorry, what’s that? Oh Hallmark sells 145 million cards? Valentines is their second largest holiday for sales….
Oh. Well. Still. There’s always the Saint in St. Valentine’s Day, right? Roman legend has it that a man named Valentinus was sentenced to death for his Christian beliefs. While in jail he cured his jailer’s blind daughter, as you do. Anyway, the night before his execution Valentius wrote a goodbye letter to the girl and signed it, “From Your Valentine”. The next day he was executed- February 14th, 269AD. Interestingly, Dublin’s Whitefriar Street Church has a gorgeous shrine to St Valentine containing some of his bits 🧐
Know Your Bits, Ladies!
Speaking of bits… One of the reasons why I dress up as a Vulva (actually I make my baby sister dress up as one- Thanks, Rachel! 😘) and go around the place giving talks on it is because so few of us are comfortable talking about ‘down there’ or even know the correct anatomical language. How can we speak with our doctor’s about our health if we cannot name our body parts without embarrassment? And - what is it that we are embarrassed about?
So in honour of Valentine’s Day and his bits in a box, I think it’s high time we women celebrate our bits, even if we feel as if we are falling to bits.
Actually - especially so. Now is the time to take care of yourself. Chances are you’ve put off putting yourself first for a while. You may be feeling like your body isn’t quite what it used to be.
That’s because it isn’t. Your body is aging, yes. We can’t stop time. But we CAN change HOW we age. And more importantly, we can change how we view ourselves aging. Rather than fight with ourselves, putting ourselves down, wouldn’t it be great if we could thank our bodies for the work it does for us?
We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to feel comfortable in our own skin. And comfortable asking for support… and not stopping until you get it!
Ask and Ye Shall Receive….
Starting with your Vulva.
Yep. I said it.
So many of us women go through life feeling uncomfortable with our vulva. Whether that’s physical discomfort or sexual- both are connected. Sexual health IS health. How many of us go to the doctor to ask if they can have a look to see if everything is looking ok? Or a pelvic floor assessment to see if our muscles are working for us? We look after our cars better than we do ourselves!
Avoiding Discomfort
I was struck by this thought the other day when I was taking Carlo for a walk. So many women find walking uncomfortable because ‘down there’ is dry or irritated. Running too can become a no-go zone for many whose bladders can’t sustain the challenge. So we avoid doing more activities because our bladders might leak a bit, or it’s simply too painful. How can we continue to ignore this, both in the medical community and as women? We can’t give up on ourselves ladies! As many of you know from my Viva La Vulva Tour the fabulous Aoife Harvey, a pelvic floor specialist, has many solutions for us. It’s not all downhill. In fact, I believe this is your best chapter yet!
Hey- I do run, Laura… to the loo!
Sex and sexual intimacy become difficult if you’re constantly worried about getting a UTI right after. Or if you’re finding touch or sex itself physically painful. Pain is not normal. How can we better support women’s health so that she can feel herself, pun intended, again? Communication is key. Talk to your healthcare provider. Talk to your partner. Maybe it’s not just you who’s feeling vulnerable?
Feeling confident as we age means feeling comfortable, in your own skin, all over your body. That intimacy you crave in your relationship may not just be about sex. It may be about feeling good when your partner initiates any kind of physical intimacy. It may also be about rediscovering your desire and desirability. Although I have to say you all SHONE at my Viva shows! ✨Many of you LOVED my Viva guest speaker Grace O' Shea (@grace_alice_oshea) • Instagram photos and videos who spoke about things that frankly many of us don’t have the courage to talk about and, in doing so, gave us all permission to open up. Mad isn’t it? Waiting for someone else to give us permission to talk about our bodies? Mad too to think that looking for pleasure, or indeed finding pleasure in ourselves should still be shameful!
So this Valentine’s Day- look after your Vulva. She’s counting on you! Make that call for a healthcare MOT under your hood! Your vulva is not just a body part, she’s a part of your body that deserves love today and every day 💜
Laura x
]]>Cooking with Love
Silky Smoked Salmon Pasta
My pasta with salmon, cream, and tomatoes… is all you need for a meal that will satisfy, not break the bank Almost 80% of people struggling with cost-of-living crisis, survey finds or leave you in a sweat around sharp knives and boiling pots.
]]>Cooking with Love
Silky Smoked Salmon Pasta
In the lead up to Valentine’s Day… forget the overpriced wilting flowers! What we all really want is time spent together. And while I often feel like I am a zoo keeper feeding the animals (see the bulk quantity of pasta I use in the linked video…. How many kg of pasta? 🤪) I do appreciate the time to sit down with my kids and Mr Fabulous, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
So rather than book a meal out, how about making something easy and special (Easy and special? SOLD!) for two at home?
❤️ Listen, I love going out for dinner (no dishes! YAY) except finding the dishes when I get home (BOO!)
But let’s face it, Valentine’s Dinners at restaurants are for amateurs.
Who needs a rushed early seating, or a later-than-late second seating? Heartburn for two, anyone?
At home you can put on some music… slip into and out of your heels 👠… perfect!
My pasta with salmon, cream, and tomatoes… is all you need for a meal that will satisfy, not break the bank Almost 80% of people struggling with cost-of-living crisis, survey finds or leave you in a sweat around sharp knives and boiling pots.
Yet there’s nothing not indulgent here… Think silky, sensual strands of pasta…. My mouth is watering just writing this. I am really struggling not to make more saucy jokes here… oh no, make me stop…😉
From Manscaping To Tablescaping…. (What? Is this even a thing?)
Anyways here’s my salmon pasta… made with love for those you love on Valentine’s Day (next week… hint) or any other day! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2p-fnUMmqE/?hl=en
The recipe below is adjusted to serve 2. And while you’re cooking, put the music on, lights down low and a glass of wine in your hand…. Or fizzy water…whatever works for you 🤍
Silky Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
Method
Bon Appetit- let me know how you get on.
Laura x
]]>An Ancient Woman For Modern Times?
For the first time in modern history Ireland will have its first (and only) female patron Saint Day declared a holiday. February 1st, the feast of St. Brigid, has been long celebrated in the Irish countryside.
]]>For the first time in modern history Ireland will have its first (and only) female patron Saint Day declared a holiday. February 1st, the feast of St. Brigid, has been long celebrated in the Irish countryside.
Now she’s made her way up to Dublin. And rightly so.
Herstory, a campaign for female empowerment and celebration, founded by Melanie Lynch launched a petition to give St. Brigid her own Feast Day (and day off for us!). The campaign, started in 2019, took off and by 2023 the Irish Government cemented February 1st as an official day to commemorate St. Brigid, take pause to highlight the power of the feminine, and celebrate the deep, ancient female roots of the Goddess Divine in Brigid. As Melanie Lynch put it:
If Ireland lights up the world green on St. Patrick’s Day for one man, why can’t we illuminate the world in celebration of women?
St Brigid- The Multi- Tasker in the Ancient World
St Brigid’s provenance is not well documented. Cogitosus was the first to write of her in 650 AD and indicate she was the Abbess of the priory in Kildare Abbey
This was before Instagram, after all.
However the fact that Brigid and her woven cross of reeds have survived reveals how powerful she remains in Irish culture.
Born in Ireland, (unlike the Sasanach St Patrick 😉) in 450 AD, she came to symbolise and embody many gifts : Water, Fire and Poetry. Unusually, fire and water are opposing elements and yet woven together, like the Cros Bríde. Perhaps this reflected the stories of her diplomacy, her ability to avoid war with cunning words.
It’s hard not to wish she were still alive today, isn’t it?
If You Want to Get Something Done, Ask the Busiest Woman You Know
Yet St Brigid wasn’t one to just sit back and talk. She was a woman of action too with many practical miracles attributed to her, not least caring for her own Abbey in Kildare. Her creative solutions to problems might also be why her spirit lives on and why some still hang out a piece of cloth outside the home on the night of February 1st in order for her to bless the home with good health.
Like so many Irish saints, St Brigid echoed ancient Celtic practices to honour the seasons. St Brigid’s Feast Day coincides with Imbolc- Nature reawakening from the long, dark winter.
There’s something deeply sensible in moving with the seasons, again reflecting the common sense of Brigid herself. In contrast to our other saint, the more famous one who is probably on social media, turning rivers green and faces too from a feed of too many St Paddy’s Day pints, Brigid’s Day doesn’t yet carry the Paddywhackery nonsense.
Brigid’s still pure and earthly connection carries some deeper, much needed, wisdom in our modern harried world. Her message is to return to our roots, gather ourselves at pace with the seasonal movements and not with the madness of a media projected world.
Perhaps the contemplative act of weaving a Brigid’s cross and coming in greater contact with nature would do us all some good? And having a celebration in honour of a woman who was a force for creative goodness and PEACE, whose voice, like so many women’s voices, almost got lost…
Luckily Brigid’s story is being told & RTE will be showcasing a series highlighting the role of Irish women to advance the story of Ireland, often behind the scenes, with less talk, more action and more care….
Happy St Brigid’s Day
Laura x
A couple of weeks ago when I found out my show was sold out in Galway, I panicked.
OMG! Who was I to think I could jump around onstage in a superwoman costume? Superwoman? Me? SuperMacs maybe…
]]>A couple of weeks ago when I found out my show was sold out in Galway, I panicked.
OMG! Who was I to think I could jump around onstage in a superwoman costume? Superwoman? Me? SuperMacs maybe…
Oh my god… my nerves were shot. There were so many balls up in the air (not Carlo’s 🐶) and I was terrified I would drop them.
Would we get the bags stuffed with all the goodies ? I mean Jennifer Rock was going to be there! And Kyla Cobbler! I knew she’d get a laugh at least… I knew I also had my trusty pelvic floor specialist and fellow sequined gal-pal Aoife Harvey who’d stop me from, literally, peeing my pants!
But most of all- GUESS WHO CAME? YOU! YOU CAME! And yes we did cover all things sexy 😍 As I said- A man will know his parts because he’s always playing with them!
You all decided to make a day of it, from all around the country. One sparkled gal came all the way from the other side of the Atlantic 🚣! She said it was her treat for her 50th! WOO HOO!
You all decided to put yourself at the TOP of your to-do lists!
You showed up for you- and your friends and mothers came too! I can’t tell you the joy that was felt in that room. Your mums told me they wished this was around ‘in their day’.
Listen- EVERY day is YOUR day!
The Viva La Vulva Tour showed me how important it is to gather in REAL life, to build a community to support and educate. The energy you gave lifted me- and Jaysus, who doesn’t need a lift these days?
And I could feel something building here....Something important, a sense of belonging… a club for us all!
Yes there was craic and prosecco and disco & boy did you all come dressed to impress… 🤩
We also learned a lot about our bodies without feeling awkward or alone. And it’s this loneliness that we women feel that keeps me going on this wild path!
I knew this from working in the pharmacy for years, but I wanted you all to realise that IT’S NOT JUST YOU! We all share similar journeys and when we gather together we can share a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
I feel a real sense of pride building this for you (and let’s face it, I am loving it too!) because we don’t need stats to show us that loneliness is our modern ailment. According to Our World In Data as we age, we are spending MORE and MORE time alone.💔
So this week I want to THANK all you FABÜLOUS women for coming out and making me feel less alone & all the other women in the room too.
You made the Viva La Vulva Tour such a GREAT event & as of writing this, Kerry is sold out -GWAN THE KINGDOM!... but there’s still a few tickets available for Cork.
You got up, got dressed and SHOWED UP for YOU!
Looking forward to doing it all again… see you soon Kerry!
Now- I’m off to polish my sequins 😀
Laura x
]]>No Woman Is An Island
But too often we feel alone…
Well I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone… not by a long shot.
In my Q& A boxes over the last wee while with you, so many of you are struggling, feeling lost, under the weather, under challenged and under appreciated.
I think that’s a shame. The world needs more women- more women just like you!
That’s why I have come up with a FABULOUS four week plan to get you excited to face your day with increased energy, finding your focus and your MOJO again! YAY MOJO!
I’m calling it Focus on Ü and YOU’RE INVITED!! SIGN ME UP!
Tell me more, Laura…. 🧐
When you sign up, for 97 Euro, you’ll get exclusive access to a private Focus on Ü facebook group, 3 boxes each of fabÜ FOCUS BRAIN and fabÜ SHROOMS IMMUNE (valued at over €160!) - AND four weeks of personal video links with me (and maybe Carlo too).
Ok, I’m listening….
NOW is YOUR time to shine ladies! OKAY SIGN ME UP!
How many times have you sat on the sidelines cheerleading others to success? NOW it’s your time!
TREAT YOURSELF to this FOCUS ON Ü!
Better than over priced flowers that don’t last….
Easier on the waistline than chocolates…
I can’t wait to meet you so I can cheer you on to the best FABÜLOUS version of you.
What are you waiting for…? SIGN ME UP!
]]>
There are times when I can barely get my coat off before I’m in the door from (insert extracurricular sport here…) and have to get into cooking the dinner. As you know, I’ve three hungry men-children to feed. There’s a small window of opportunity between mellow and meltdown- myself included!
I know sometimes it can feel like such a laborious task, cooking the dinner, but hopefully you’ll find my meals easy and useful. I know it’s easy to get frozen foods, but I like to think homemade food tastes better and simply IS better. And convenience food is actually more expensive these days… Plus sometimes pottering in the kitchen can be a little bit of a break for me as well, marking the end of a busy day and an opportunity (although brief!) to catch up with the kids.
Here’s my version of fish and chips- and mussels because they’re lovely and fast and if I close my eyes I can just about be on my holidays in France 🇫🇷 again… The video link to my Instagram follows.
Also: I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the health benefits of fish- Omega 3 oils found in most fish are essential for brain health. Nutritional Benefits of Fish - Bord Bia | Irish Food Board
As always, let me know how you get on! I love seeing your kitchen specials too 😋
Ingredients (Serves my family of Five- Adjust accordingly)
Bon Appétit! I’m hungry now….
As promised here’s the link to follow along
Remember, Viagra was supposed to be a blood pressure pill… until it showed magic rewards for bits that don’t work too! #MagicMike
Remember, Viagra was supposed to be a blood pressure pill… until it showed magic rewards for bits that don’t work too! #MagicMike
]]>We’ve all had those moments when you open up your phone and the reflection you see isn’t a person you recognise.
Who is THAT? (Cue- HEY! It’s me! I’m the problem, it’s me!)
Well this is the face I give when I open up IG and see everyone hopping on the New Year, New You bandwagon. What a load of BS!
]]>Who is THAT? (Cue- HEY! It’s me! I’m the problem, it’s me!)
Well this is the face I give when I open up IG and see everyone hopping on the New Year, New You bandwagon. What a load of BS!
I don’t want a New Me, I want the old me, only less tired…. 😴 and better moisturised!
It’s all too much, isn’t it? All these external pressures to conform to some marketing ideals of seasonal ways to sell the next diet or lifestyle hack usually touted on a Bro- Podcast.
This time of the year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s cold and dark.
Put into the mix the post-Christmas daze of late nights, round the clock catering to family who drop in just as you’re dropping off on the sofa, the last thing you need is to feel pressured to do a complete personal overhaul the moment the last bit of Bailey’s has been drained. Plus- do any of these Bro-Guys have kids? I usually wake up to a sink of dishes (not mine…) not an Infrared sauna!
(BTW- doing things by yourself makes you feel lonely, that’s why we are working on something special at FabüWellness for February. Stay tuned ….)
Speaking of Sinks and Drains…
Rest is what we need right now. We are all feeling a little drained. It’s been a long few years and I dunno about you, but those in charge seem to be f-ing things up globally every few weeks or so.
Rather than get overwhelmed with things we can’t control, we want to be solutions oriented here.
Not that we claim to have the answers to world peace - but we can help you cultivate more peace within yourself, and maybe that’s a step in the right direction.
So what kind of rest might you need to reboot and return to your original factory settings? What might you need to hear or listen to- and it’s not someone else’s idea of fitness- you need something that works for you! You need to listen to your own voice!
Of all the ‘perfect morning routines’ perhaps the best bit of advice would be to find some peace and quiet for yourself for a few minutes in the morning. It needn’t be fancy, but YOU DESERVE a little space for your mind with a journal.
A journal? Yes. I know, it seems woo-woo- but numerous studies show that writing down your thoughts slows the mind, gives perspective and order to that ongoing conversation inside your noggin. 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health
Write down whatever comes to mind. Repeat. This is all about learning to hear your own voice again. Not a new one, your own one. That can take some practice as so many of us have been conditioned to anticipate the needs of others and hear other voices above our own. I mean, just go to any pitch and shout ‘Mom’ and watch how many heads whip around!
The reason why so many New Year New You plans fail is because you fail to be truly you. You are trying to fit yourself into other people’s plans. And when you’re not aligned with your own wants, past habits creep back in again.
BUT WHERE DO I START, LAURA? I can barely hear myself think above the din of kids/the hoover/ the demands of work….
Rest. That’s where you’ll start. Find out what kind of rest serves you best.
According to Dr Saundra Dalton Smith there are seven different kinds of rest we need. Identify where you feel most depleted and then you can build in the type of rest you most need to feel recharged and fully you again!
Let us know what kind of rest you might need most.
Here’s to the New Year Old You- only RESTED and REFRESHED! (R&R 😜)
Remember, Viagra was supposed to be a blood pressure pill… until it showed magic rewards for bits that don’t work too! #MagicMike
]]>Are you at that stage of the week before Christmas where you just answer the dreadful question: “Are you all set for Christmas?” with “Ah sure… I’ve a few bits to get…”
Oh my God. Stop. Stop it now! Put down that metal back scratcher! And as for the mini pancake frying pan with Santa’s face on it….just don’t!
Less Really Is More
Turkey fills you with dread? Do two chickens instead?
Or how about a beef bourguignon or a delish chickpea stew with tons of veggies, blipping away? You could do it the day before and then just reheat with whatever sides you fancy.
If people care more about your food or tablescaping- THEY’RE NOT YOUR PEOPLE! You are not a professional Chef! And even if you are, you deserve a day off too!
Surely I can’t be the only one who notices that once I cross off anything on my To-Do List, another to-do arrives? The thing about bits is there always more, right?
Oh… I’ll just get a few more of those fancy olives… and maybe some new soaps for the guest bathroom… And crème fraiche… I may need some of that as well… just a few bits…
It’s like that scene with Lucille Ball trying to keep up with the packing conveyor belt! Lucy and the Chocolate Factory high res - YouTube
Even if you do have an idyllic family (we need proof here at Château Fabulous- send us your idyllic pics! 😂) and have no real friction at Christmas, it’s hard to avoid the crammed schedule of events or ‘getting things sorted’ before the New Year. Despite all the presents being wrapped, the month-ends done and parties organised, there can be a frantic (mis)perception of the need to be perfect this time of year.
Here’s the thing…. 👇
Perfection Doesn’t Come Close to Magic…
What do I mean by that?
Well, if things were perfect, you’d miss the magic.
Magic, after all, surprises us….
It’s something that elevates us out of the expected. A glimmer of something beyond our control (and our lists) which remind us of being kids again.
Speaking of Kids and Christmas… A Real Christmas Miracle
One Christmas Santa brought a coveted gift to one of my kids- a Pop Up Carebear- I may be wrong with the name. Anyways, the bear had a magical light up tummy that radiated different colours. (I think kids nowadays would find this lame.. But this was pre-Oculus and ChatGPT).
My kid was elated when the present was opened! SANTA!!! HE KNEW!
Unfortunately, Santa had wrapped a defective bear. Despite trying THREE fresh sets of batteries… no dice. The bear’s tummy was without light.
I was heartbroken. I thought I’d f’d it up. I had gone to all sorts of lengths to get this present and CHRISTMAS was RUINED!!
Despite my despair, my kid was delighted with the new bear- unaware of its malfunction because it was still fluffy and gorgeous! My kid didn’t notice the imperfection because a fluffy bear was perfection to him!
And then… during dinner, while crackers were pulled and wine poured, something magical happened.
“Mum! Mum!...Look!!!!”
My kid raced over to me and thrust the bear on my lap, its glowing tummy displaying beautiful colours. I think I even heard wee bells… (in fairness I was into the Bailey’s)
What I had thought was not perfect enough, was perfectly good enough for my kid, who, let’s face it, was happy to be home with his mummy and family. You don’t need to look far to notice what really matters this Christmas with the state of the world now.
Naughty or Nice… Make A List For YOU!
Well ahead of the Viva La Vulva Tour we all know that naughty AND nice are a good combo… 😜
Perfect Isn’t Magic
Look for the ‘bits’ that don’t work. As the wise Canadian Leonard Cohen wrote
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in
Mistakes, cracks, all can be patched up. What really matters is looking after yourself with love….Sometimes imperfections turn out for the best after all!
Remember, Viagra was supposed to be a blood pressure pill… until it showed magic rewards for bits that don’t work too! #MagicMike
You know when you have a time in your life when you just crave comfort food? For some it’s a bowl of soup, but for others it’s pasta. Sophia Loren once quipped as she gestured with a manicured hand across a bodacious bosom and hips that don’t lie: “Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti…”
Who hasn’t thanked the pasta gods when just in from the kid's hurling training, with the coat still on (I mean, who HASN’T done this?) and dinner needs to be made in 30 minutes before the kids and you lose their minds? Pasta. Everything, we owe everything to spaghetti or linguine in this case…
That’s why it’s always nice to have a few standby recipes, well, they’re more assembly pieces, to bring together into a bowl of gorgeous goodness. This is the sort of dinner that doesn’t take up any more bandwidth in my already frazzled brain 🤯
I made a reel on my IG
My halloumi & tomato pasta is just what the doctor ordered. It’s short on time but big on flavour. I used to make it for the boys when they were little, blitzed to a purée when they were all gummy-goodness😍
The rest of the night they would burp out garlic, like Morse Code for foodies! What is it about food made simply that makes us feel so good? Is it the holy trinity of garlic, olive oil and tomatoes? It’s far from it we were reared; don’t worry the spud will make a glorious appearance here too! Maybe it’s just the knowledge that a few simple steps, a kind of culinary alchemy in the kitchen, can make something comforting even when times around us are so disconcerting? There’s something to that, isn’t there?
Anyways here’s the recipe, keep in mind these quantities serve my three large lads who’ve worn out the hinges of the fridge.
Feel free to halve it and let me know how you get on XO
Preheat oven to 220C; use a good size roasting tin.
Ingredients:
Method:
Applause!
(As if!)
]]>
A very funny postcard or cartoon I saw- ages ago now- pictured a woman lying on the floor while her family looked on, puzzled. The caption read: “The Server is Down”.
I can relate. I bet you can too. That feeling of doing all the things and it still not being ‘enough’. The worry that if you weren’t doing ‘all the things’, would ANYTHING get done at all? And
Wait - do you hear bells…? 🔔
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year….”
No sooner have the pumpkins been carved, up go the twinkly lights and the Christmas Countdown BEGINS!
YAY! FAMILY FIGHTS!
YAY! LAST MINUTE SHOPPING IDEAS!
YAY! WHY AM I SHOUTING?
It’s enough to make your heart race.
Speaking of racing…
I used to spend Christmas Eve whizzing around the local supermarket, frantically putting anything (WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO SELECTION BOXES LEFT…?) into my trolley. It was like I was on a reality TV cooking show, the clock ticking away, as the presenters gleefully reported on the dinner’s progress, and I run out of milk and sanity again.
As a pharmacist, I had no days off before Christmas. So my shopping was always last minute. There was no settling onto the sofa, the fire on, glass of bubbles in hand while the tree twinkled in the background. It was an all-out siege to get everything done- presents wrapped- wait- presents…?
Why is there so much pressure for one day? And what about those days after Christmas and New Years, when we could really do with a party? That’s when it all seems rather gloomy- unless you’ve gone away to Barbados for the holidays. In which case- can I come too?
Where’s it coming from? Not the baby Jesus. He just wants a change and a burping…
It’s almost all external pressure, layered on you, thicker than Aunt Madge’s Royal icing… And let’s face it, the pressure is leveraged by all the shops advertising Christmas and the holidays earlier and earlier. Black Friday Sales, an American thing now making its way across the Atlantic takes the prize for complete insanity. Crowd Goes Crazy during Black Friday | Ultimate Shoppers - YouTube
Again.
I checked…
You know the expression, never pour from an empty cup? Well, maybe we can amend that to- our cup shouldn’t overflow onto the ground either. Besides, I just mopped.
So here’s a full-on Choose YOUR OWN JOYFUL ADVENTURE- The Holiday Series… Checklist
While all of this might seem small in the face of the enormous, global challenges at the moment, we mustn't give up on ourselves and our need to receive and give joy.
Let that be your gift to you and to your circle however small that may be. Remember-
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito- African Proverb
]]>It seems as if the whole world is reeling from one crisis to another, doesn’t it? And all of us are aboard this Terrible Titanic, listing violently from side to side.
It’s no wonder all of us are feeling off, distressed, distracted… In fact, I think you’d have to be on another planet not to feel the dysregulation.
]]>It seems as if the whole world is reeling from one crisis to another, doesn’t it? And all of us are aboard this Terrible Titanic, listing violently from side to side.
It’s no wonder all of us are feeling off, distressed, distracted… In fact, I think you’d have to be on another planet not to feel the dysregulation.
Again. Another war… another parade of atrocities on our screens…. What can we do? We didn’t get a say in any of it. Did those living in Palestine, Israel, Ukraine…pick a place on our blue planet- did they get a say in the war being waged?
And I feel helpless, just like you do. It seems too big in scope. I’m taking it all in and yet none of it in as well. Numb.
But we can’t look away… we shouldn’t look away… there’s our internal judgement… we are ‘bad’ if we refuse to see, offer an opinion, but make sure it’s the ‘right’ opinion.
And so we keep looking… down a looking glass… our phones and screens blipping away at us. Look over here… and here… over here…! Heave- ho…
It is not our job to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We cannot. It is breaking us. I can see it and I am sure you can too. There is no way we can keep up with the daily barrage of information. And yet, because of the algorithm’s design to keep your attention, the steady drip, drip, drip keeps you returning to the screen.
Maybe we might need to change the aperture of our gaze. There’s got to be a better way. No, I’m not going all PollyAnna here.
But you can step away from the 💩 show… draw your lines and refine your focus where your energy might best be placed. How useful am I really by being consumed by that which is beyond my control?
Am I unkind to say this? I don’t think so.
I’ll tell you where I was unkind. I was unkind when I shouted at my child the other day on the way to school. I was pensive, withdrawn… He was with me in the car and I was miles away. I thought to myself that he didn't deserve this- what child deserves any of what our world is doing right now? What he deserves is a mother fully present, love… It’s what I deserve and you do too, and to use my energy positively rather than down rabbit holes and doom scrolling and reading endless online ‘discussions’ showing people shouting at each other.
What we want to do here is build a community that supports and enlightens.
This is not to make light of the serious state of affairs. It’s to shed light on each other through these dark times. For how can we be of any use if we ourselves are drained?
Through having the chats, seeing if we can make life a little easier for each other in these challenging times, we can make the load a little lighter. In fact, the reason why Laura created her Fabuwellness blends was to offer solutions to the most common complaints she’d heard in her over 20 years as a pharmacist.
You know when your tech isn’t working properly and they ask you to unplug everything to reset the settings? I believe that’s where we are now. It’s time to switch off and reset to JOY. We want to make this place safe to offer uplifting stories, solutions or maybe share failures too. In doing so, we feel less alone.
Surely that’s something.
It’s Oiche Samhain as I write this and I feel our Celtic ancestors knew about the coming winter months. From lighting the lanterns in the darkness, to switching off the fields to rest before the long, dark days, while the Soul Cake- the Barm Bracks- were made to keep us full when stores ran bare… There was a connection to community and to Nature that made sense and there was a groundedness in it as sure as the fields they laid to sleep for the winter.
You can be a better caretaker of your internal landscape. Start by lessening. Restrict the images, the news feed that feeds the algorithm but starves you. We need to shift priority to preserve our humanity to continue to do good, right here, right where you are, inside yourself first. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
As Laura’s Lives revealed, we are all holding a lot of stuff from the difficulties of parenting kids and elderly parents alike, from Midlife and WTF is that hair doing on my chin again?
So what if we could offer you a respite here?
Not a head in the sand, fingers in in ears “la la la” I can’t hear you. That’s a kind of ignorant impossibility- and you are neither. We want to celebrate your fabliss possibility!
Something for us to look forward to, in the darker months ahead! Packed full (the event not your…oh, go on…) of fabliss speakers. We’ll learn with Aoife Harvey and pee our pants with Kyla Cobbler Comedy anyways! And for a little extra spice we can lead in the bedroom with Grace Alice Ó Sé.
Sure what more would you want? Oh- a little dinner and bubbles and fabliss goodie bags! SIGN ME UP!
We hope to offer an opportunity to uplift and encourage. That’s our aim here. We want to lighten the load, and the dark days of winter. With better health inside and out, despite the storm around us, we might find pockets of peace & joy.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Viva La Vulva!!
]]>Women have waited long enough to break the glass ceiling and longer still to be invited to the tables of power. We no longer want to be the plus one, or pretzel ourselves into pieces to fit the power game. In fact, women want to shift the power paradigm that fits our purposes. We don’t want points for boasting about how busy we are anymore. We don’t want to have to prove our worth. It’s time to draw up a whole new structure that supports, not stresses, working women.
]]>Women have waited long enough to break the glass ceiling and longer still to be invited to the tables of power. We no longer want to be the plus one, or pretzel ourselves into pieces to fit the power game. In fact, women want to shift the power paradigm that fits our purposes. We don’t want points for boasting about how busy we are anymore. We don’t want to have to prove our worth. It’s time to draw up a whole new structure that supports, not stresses, working women.
A recent study asserts that, in line with our current trajectory, it will take women another 130 years to gain pay equity. Yes. I know… I can’t wait that long and neither can my Botox. Something feels off, doesn’t it? Like a hamster on a wheel, no matter how hard we work, we can’t keep up with it all.
And then it came to me.
We’re playing the wrong game. We’ll lose every time, because the rules are not in our favour.
We were told that we could do it all. And so we did. Because that’s what women do. We get 💩 done! I’m not boasting when I list my usual schedule with the kids, getting all three to different hockey arenas (Canadian 🇨🇦mom here- please insert sport/musical or arts activity according to your area), organising car pools and meals, navigating Toronto’s infamous traffic (see Tom Cruise’s POV on this…. Tom Cruise asks 'What's up with the traffic in Toronto?' in interview ) and getting kids to finish homework. All the while taking calls and wearing my heels and lipstick.
The latter I do for me, by the way.
No wonder we’re all exhausted and leaving our jobs Women in the workplace: Breaking up to break through - McKinsey
And after all this… we women still earn less. The so-called “Mother Tax” reveals the price of motherhood that we’ve all felt. It’s not just mothers too- this affects all women who tend to become caretakers for family, a kind of understood duty. All this unpaid labour may look like "We can do it all!” but Superwoman has had enough.
So instead of mimicry, let’s create a new power paradigm. No more long corporate boards here, we want round tables with collaborative voices all given their due. There’s no room for ego, less power wielded for status, and more power used for advancement.
In their new book entitled The Power Code: More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum ... - Amazon.ca Katty Kay and Claire Shipman address the need for a distinctly female work module that incorporates our needs rather than negate them. The system no longer works for us- perhaps it never did. We plugged into a mainframe that was built by men, for men. So we adapted (is this an electrician’s blog…?) and made ourselves morph into whatever shape necessary.
According to The Power Code,
“We worked harder than men, played by their rules and hid the photos of our kids. We even dressed like them… despite our heroic progress in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when women decided that the only way in was to openly march and fight, most of us are still gazing out, impatiently, at a sea of glass. Why aren’t we there yet? How long will this trip take, really? And if we have to break the glass to get in, is this the right destination in the first place?
Our reward? Minimal impact. The number of women in parliaments, C-suites and boardrooms has stayed depressingly stagnant.”
A Woman is Like a Tea Bag. You never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water… Eleanor Roosevelt
So more and more we are seeing women build their own frameworks of power with distinctly female scaffolding. Anna Whitehouse has been long advocating for flexible working hours for women- NOT longer ones. Her work also includes advising businesses to allow greater understanding of women’s lives within the work paradigm. Certainly working from home has allowed more women greater flexibility (this goes without saying that dads help out a lot too- but I think we can all agree that it’s usually women who do the emergency pick-ups from school) should childcare issues crop up. However, working from home means that work and home boundaries become ever more blurred.
Those who have come before us have also worked hard for women’s place in the world of power. Dame Stephanie Shirley, was a pioneer champion for women in early computer programming. She manually cut out cards for binary code- I need a lie-down just thinking of that! Her 1962 Freelance Programmers business was made flexible for women and their unique life changes. Perhaps she was so attuned to this gap in the business world because her son, Giles, required complex care due to autism.
“I felt strongly that my ‘female’ approach, which had attracted such scorn in the business’s early years, had been vindicated… Our purpose now was to provide employment for people with dependants unable to work in a conventional environment.”Let It Go: My Extraordinary Story - From Refugee to Entrepreneur to …
Together women have recognised the need for a new working environment, one that supports rather than punishes our caregiving or parental needs. In fact, many women lead their own entrepreneurial enterprises to allow them greater control and JOY in their creative businesses. Recently Trinny Woodall interviewed Jo Malone on her podcast Fearless | Podcast on Spotify.
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A beautiful discussion unfolded using language to describe our very unique challenges, reflecting the individual and collective voice of women. One point really struck home when Jo Malone said that her move to Dubai, prompted by crippling anxiety developed during the pandemic lockdowns, was a leap of faith into a ‘banquet of possibility’.
Who wouldn't want to be at that table?
National Vagina Appreciation Day is a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the importance of women's sexual and reproductive health. At fabü, we believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and empowered in her body, and that includes feeling confident about her vaginal health. So on this National Vagina Appreciation Day, let's take a moment to celebrate our bodies and prioritize our health.
I believe every day should be a vagina appreciation day. But there is more to female genitalia than just the vagina! There's also our Labia majora, labia minora, clitoral hood and clitoris. If you want to learn how to take care of your vaginas health read our blog "Uncovering the Power of Pelvic Health: Breaking Taboos and Helping Women Take Control of Their Wellness".
It's important for us women to take care of ourselves. So to all you FABULOUS women out there take care of yourself and your Vagina today!!
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Exercise is essential for good health for so many reasons. It helps keep you in shape, strengthens your heart, and gives you a boost of feel-good hormones that keep you smiling. Here are just a few reasons why you should squeeze in more exercise:
1. Physical Health
Regular exercise has many benefits for our physical health. It helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also helps to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and bone density.
2. Mental Health
Exercise is also important for our mental health. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves cognitive function, memory, and mood. Regular exercise can also help to improve sleep quality.
3. Overall Well-being
Regular exercise not only benefits physical and mental health but also contributes to overall well-being. Regular exercise can improve self-esteem and confidence and can also be a source of social interaction and support.
You can include more exercise in your daily routine in many innovative ways. Some of the easiest include:
1. Taking the Stairs
One easy and convenient way to sneak in more exercise is by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This simple change can add up to a significant amount of extra activity throughout the day.
2. Lunch Break Workout
Another way to sneak in more exercise is by doing a quick workout during your lunch break. This could be something as simple as a brisk walk around the block, a set of bodyweight exercises, or even a yoga session.
3. Incorporate Exercise into your Daily Routine
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is another way to sneak in more activity. This could be as simple as doing a few squats or push-ups while brushing your teeth or incorporating a stretching routine into your morning routine.
4. Make Exercise Convenient
Making exercise more convenient by working out at home or using bodyweight exercises are also great ways to sneak in more activity. You can also set realistic goals for yourself, such as aiming for a certain number of steps per day or committing to a certain amount of exercise time each week.
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, and it can be challenging to fit it into our busy schedules. However, by being creative and incorporating exercise into our daily routine, we can sneak in more activity and improve our overall well-being. Listen to Laura Dowling speak to Siobhan O'Hagan on 'The Laura Dowling Experience' podcast episode #020 "body image, diet, exercise and finding joy".
Additionally, to support our health and wellness goals, we can also rely on supplements like fabü's line of products. fabü's MENO & PERI, SHROOMS IMMUNE, and R&R RELAX are specially formulated to support bone health, boost energy, and reduce stress, respectively. If you're looking for a convenient and effective way to support your health and wellness goals, give fabü's products a try, you'll be surprised at how much of a difference they can make.
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My name is Laura Dowling and I’m the Founder and owner of fabü. Before setting up fabü I worked as a Pharmacist for 20 years after graduating from the School of Pharmacy in Trinity College Dublin in 2002. I was always an advocate for women and currently take part in talks around empowering women and women's bodies. I think all women are FABULOUS, with so much potential. This belief in women led me to set up my own business fabü in 2022 with a range of growing products to benefit women.
I am so overwhelmed and surprised to appear in this year's Irish Examiner's “100 Women of 2023” in the Innovator category. Am I a rule breaker? Definitely! A change maker? I hope so. A policy changer? Maybe someday…
I am so lucky to come from a household of such strong women. Since I was born my Mum had always believed in me and said there was nothing I couldn’t do! This belief was instilled into me for other women after meeting so many amazing women throughout my career who have been nothing but supportive to me; patients, customers, colleagues, peers, bosses.
Women can lift each other up and help each other along. We are far better in numbers and all our voices can be heard! We definitely need to talk more, to the world, about our bodies. What’s normal. What’s not. What to expect as we grow and age. How we can help ourselves, to literally, in the most basic sense, live our best lives.
I found it so interesting that at a ‘Women in STEM’ panel discussion for Women in Stem in UCD last week. Myself and 4 other female panelists admitted that the biggest challenge to female career progression was childcare and children. The eternal ‘mom guilt’ that many of us have. Or ‘work guilt’. We never feel we are doing anything 100% right.
We need to go easier on ourselves. Be kinder to yourself. Pat ourselves (and each other) on the back. We are all just doing our best. As I regularly say - leave the kitchen in a mess. Go for that run/ walk/ thing that lifts your soul.
Last Friday we were blessed to have fabü products appear on The Late Late Show in Meaghers Pharmacy Irish Gift Basket! It’s amazing that after just a year of setting up fabü that our products are getting so much exposure with RTÉ The Late Late Show being one of the biggest shows in the country. It’s great to see a show like The Late Late Show to promoting businesses in Ireland.
Our three products made it in as part of Meaghers Pharmacy Irish Gift Basket with our fabü SHROOMS MENO & PERI, fabü SHROOMS IMMUNE, and fabü R&R RELAX. Our fabü SHROOMS MENO & PERI is designed to help women with their journey through perimenopause and menopause. Menopause can be a difficult time for many women which inspired me to create a product that will make it just that bit easier and try to let women live their best lives. fabü SHROOMS IMMUNE is a supplement to help to support your immune system and protect your cells from oxidative stress. Finally fabü R&R RELAX was our last product that appeared in the Irish Gift Basket, which is a supplement to support your psychological function, nervous system, mental performance and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
This week I will be taking part in several Corporate talks and Panels discussions to help promote empowering women and women's bodies for International Women’s Day. I will be talking to employers from some of the biggest companies in the country and feel so privileged to be considered to speak for them for International Women’s Day throughout the week.
On the 7th of March I participated in a panel discussion for Aer Lingus, following that I will be doing a corporate talk for Medtronic and Openmind Network on the 8th of March. My final talk for International Women’s Day will be in Grant Thorton on March 9th where I will be talking about ‘Embracing the Female Body in all its Glory’.
Thank you for reading my blog. Happy International Women’s Day again, to all you FABULOUS women out there. I hope you all have a beautiful day. Don’t be shy to speak more openly about your bodies and take pride in being a woman!
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Healthy Habits for a Happy New Year
The start of a new year is the perfect time to establish healthy habits that can help you feel your best all year long. Here are a few simple strategies to try:
It's easy to fall into the trap of eating unhealthy comfort foods during the winter months, but nourishing your body with healthy, whole foods can make a big difference in how you feel. Try to focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit your intake of processed, sugary, or high-fat foods. And if you need some inspiration, there are plenty of healthy recipe ideas available online or in cookbooks.
Sleep is essential for good health, and getting enough rest can help you feel more energised and focused during the day. Make an effort to establish a consistent bedtime routine, and try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. And if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, there are a number of strategies you can try, such as avoiding screens before bed, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and using white noise or other sleep aids.
Self-care is an important part of staying healthy and happy, and it can be especially important during the winter months when we tend to be more sedentary and inside. So make time for activities that nourish and replenish you, whether it's taking a hot bath, getting a massage, or indulging in a hobby or creative pursuit. And if you need some extra relaxation, consider trying fabÜ's R&R supplement to help support your nervous system, improve mental performance and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Exercise is an important part of maintaining good health, and it can help you feel more energised and focused during the winter months. If you're not used to exercising, start small and work your way up. Even something as simple as going for a daily walk can make a big difference. And if you need some motivation, try joining a gym or fitness class or finding a workout buddy to help keep you on track.
So don't let the winter blues get you down! By establishing healthy habits and taking care of yourself, you can feel your best all year long. Happy New Year!
We hope that this Christmas brings joy and happiness to you and your loved ones. Whether you're spending the holiday with family and friends, or taking some time to relax and recharge, we wish you a wonderful and memorable Christmas.
The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time for many people. With all the shopping, cooking, and socialising, it can be easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. That's why it's so important to take some time out for self-care during the holidays. Whether it's taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or simply taking a moment to sit and reflect, it's important to prioritise our own well-being.
Self-care is not just about indulging in a little luxury; it's about taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, as you enjoy the holiday season, don't forget to carve out some time for yourself. You deserve it!
Everyone's Christmas is different, and that's what makes it so special. Some people may have traditional celebrations with lots of food, gifts, and decorations, while others may have more low-key celebrations with just a few close friends or family members. Whatever your plans, we hope you have a lovely Christmas and that you stay well and safe.
From all of us at fabÜ, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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With our subscription service, you can enjoy 10% off all of our products every month, as well as the convenience of having your supplements delivered directly to your door. And with our commitment to only using the highest-quality ingredients, you can trust that you are getting the best possible support for your health and wellness goals.
Looking for support during menopause and perimenopause? fabÜ SHROOMS MENO & PERI is here to help! With seven active ingredients including the concentrated extract of Lion's Mane mushroom and essential vitamins and minerals, this unique supplement is specifically tailored to support a woman's journey.
Need some support for your immune system? fabÜ SHROOMS IMMUNE has you covered with its blend of Cordyceps and Chaga mushroom extracts and immune-supporting vitamins and minerals.
Feeling stressed or tired? fabÜ R&R is the perfect pick-me-up, with a blend of Ashwagandha and other botanical extracts, plus B vitamins and magnesium to support your psychological function, nervous system, and mental performance, helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Try these amazing products today and take control of your health and well-being!
In addition to our core line of supplements, we have several exciting new products in the works for 2023. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to sign up for our subscription service to be the first to try them out.
Thank you for choosing fabÜ for all of your supplement needs. We are excited to continue supporting your wellness journey with our new subscription service.
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All of this leaves little time for taking care of yourself. This can leave you feeling worn out, exhausted, and filled with stress and anxiety. Fortunately, we have a few tips to help you care for yourself and make the season a little brighter.
Schedule self-care activities regularly. Set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to engage in self-care activities (such as exercise, meditation, or a pastime you enjoy) at the same time every day so that they become part of your routine, especially over the holidays.
Make an effort to feel thankful for the people and things in your life. This could involve expressing your thanks to others or writing in a journal about the things you value in your life. Doing so will help you let go of any negative feelings you may be having and will help keep your focus on the positive things in your life.
When life gets hectic, it's easy to get so caught up in the hustle that we forget to stop and take a deep breath! This can involve meditation, breathing exercises, or just listening to some relaxing music.
Pay attention to the feelings you are having. Positive, negative, or a combination of the two emotions are all possible, especially this time of year. Give yourself "time outs" and assess your feelings. Take a moment to reflect on how you are feeling and what might be causing you to feel this way. Doing so will help you stay in control of your emotions.
Taking care of both your physical and mental well-being over the holidays is the key to feeling your best! Ensure you are getting enough rest each night. Try to maintain a healthy diet while making allowances for the special treats the holidays offer. Minimize your alcohol intake and try to find some balance in your life.
Christmas can often become overwhelming and stressful. However, it's important to keep in mind one of the most important reasons for the season - spending time with loved ones and spreading joy. This holiday season, take some time out to enjoy yourself while keeping in mind the importance of self-care. You may be tempted to spend your time doing for others, but doing something for yourself is crucial for your well-being.
]]>There are many benefits of exercise for our body and mind. And the best part is that it can come from any form of exercise.
Here are the top 5 benefits of exercise:
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are some of the leading causes of death in the world. But did you know that exercising regularly can help decrease your risk of developing these chronic diseases? According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure, and improve your cholesterol levels. All of these factors can decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases.
With the growth of fast-food marketing across the globe, it’s no wonder that the number of obese adults and children has been on the rise in recent years. According to the WHO, more than half of adults across Europe are obese. Being obese puts you at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. But, exercising regularly can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
There is a common misconception that if you are underweight, you are automatically healthy. However, being underweight can also put you at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases. Exercise can help you gain muscle mass and achieve a healthy weight.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to feel stressed. Stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health, whether it’s from work, school, or family obligations. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Endorphins can help you feel happier and reduce stress.
In addition, regular exercise can help increase your energy levels. If you find yourself feeling tired during the day, try getting up and moving around for a few minutes. Taking a brisk walk or going for a short jog can help give you the energy you need to get through your day.
Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night? You’re not alone. According to the available data, several thousand of European adults have sleep disorders. Further, the likelihood of sleep disorders is higher in women. Exercise can help you sleep better. When you exercise, your body temperature rises and then falls, which can help you feel sleepy when it’s time to go to bed. In addition, exercise can help you manage stress, which can also lead to better sleep.
As you age, it’s common to experience a decline in cognitive function. Exercising can help us stay sharp as we age. According to a scientific studies, people who exercised regularly were less likely to experience a decline in cognitive function than those who didn’t exercise. The study found that aerobic exercise was especially beneficial for cognitive function.
The Bottom Line
Even after knowing about the many benefits of exercising, many people still don’t make it a priority in their lives. Start small and work your way up if you're not exercising regularly. Taking a brisk walk around the block is a great place to start. And, as you get more comfortable, you can increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
]]>Women are often the primary caretakers for their families, which can lead to us neglecting our own needs. We take care of our children, our partners, our parents, our jobs, and everything else in between, but sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. This can lead to us feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and burnt out.
Benefits of Self-care
Self-care is important for women for a number of reasons.
How to Find Time for Self-care?
When we are overwhelmed, stressed out, and burnt out, the last thing we want to do is add one more thing to our plate. But self-care doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive. It can be something as simple as taking a few minutes each day for yourself. Here are some ideas:
The key to self-care is that you feel refreshed, recharged and rejuvenated after doing it. It should be something that you enjoy and look forward to. And most importantly, it should be something that you make time for.
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