Increase Your Reach on Stories - How To!

Want more organic reach for your Instagram Stories? Want to increase your impressions and multiply your following without spending a cent? Here's How to: 

Help Getting to Sleep: Catching Elusive Zs After the Christmas Break!

So we did it, we managed to survive the first official working week back of 2019. Or did we? Hands up if you looked at the clock every hour on the hour, hands up if you found yourself scrolling Instagram at 4am, while sleep eluded you... Hands up if a bleary eyed google search brought you here.. Luckily, I got you, a good night's rest is just on the horizon with my 5 top tips on how to beat insomnia and have you sleeping again in no time at all. 

Blogging Help ~ The Top Ten Questions Answered!

If you've been following along on Snapchat HERE you'll know that the way I do things has been evolving. That's always a good thing. For the past several weeks I've been offering up #AskCherrySue sessions where I give a Tip of the Day that I think others might find helpful. To say the response has been overwhelming is an understatement. Every platform now has messages daily to say women, real women, are implementing my tips and seeing real change. I'm ecstatic. The catalyst for this was the stupidly popular Snapchat Blogging Q&A so I thought the first actual blog post should be in honour of that: The Top Ten Blogging Questions Answered. 

I'll set out the top ten (of the hundreds of) questions that were asked for that Q&A. Basic answers that I've learned throughout my blogging career. If you know me you'll know I don't mince my words. Were we to have a coffee, this is what I'd tell you (to start with) (and with less swearing)...

Irish Passports ~ The Definitive Guide!

Every year about this time without fail I always get questions about passports. We’ve all done it, you book a holiday then suddenly you get a cold feeling running down your back wondering is your or your family members’ passports in date. This year I’ve decided to put together a definitive guide to help you with your passport queries. I don’t know why, it might be just an Irish thing but when you have a question and you go to the Department of Foreign Affairs website it’s all a bit vague or you’re directed to call with your query; well good luck with that, as getting through on their phone lines in the run up to the summer period is like winning Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket! 

Although they do answer any queries via their twitter account @PassportIRL quite rapidly. All of the information below strictly applies to all Irish citizens using an Irish passport.

As a family of seven, we're RICH in passports!

Do I need a passport to travel?

Domestic air travel in Ireland or between Ireland and the UK does not require a passport, for adults any valid photographic ID and children under 16 a birth certificate will suffice, with the exception of Ryanair; they require a valid passport for adults, children and babies for all flights, regardless of departure point or destination.

Ferry travel between Ireland and the UK does not require a passport but you must bring some form of identification such as a drivers licence, bank card, utility bill or birth certificate. Children travelling require a birth certificate as proof of identification.

If you are flying or sailing to any other country, with the exception of the UK you must have a valid passport for each adult, child or baby travelling.

Check your dates in PLENTY of time - Apply ahead if need be!

My passport is near its expiration date, can I travel?

Most Asian countries require six months validity to be remaining on your passport after your intended return date. For travel within the European Union and to the United States your passport is valid up until your passport expiration date. There is a lot of conflicting information about exactly which Asian countries so the hard and fast answer is to contact the embassy of the country to which you intend to travel.

You don’t have to wait for your passport to expire before you apply for a new one; the Department of Foreign Affairs has a handy passport reminder service. Enter your details HERE and they’ll mail you three months before your expiration date.


How do I apply for a passport?

For both first time applications and renewals you’ll need an application form as you can’t apply online. You can obtain a passport application form from any Garda station, any Post office or directly from the Passport offices located in Dublin or Cork. If you require a large number of forms contact them by phone or online HERE and they will post them to you.

Dublin: Knockmaun House, 42-47, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 TN83.
Tel. +353 1 671 1633

Cork: 1a South Mall, Cork, T12 TA46
Tel. +353 21 494 4700

Both offices currently operate on an appointment basis from 9am to 4.50pm Monday to Friday.

Book an appointment HERE.

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

The Department of Foreign Affairs recommend you apply for your passport at least six weeks before your intended date of travel.

Passport express is the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to apply for your passport. The general guideline is a turnaround time of 10 working days for a passport renewal or 15 working days for a first time application and those replacing lost/stolen passports, these times however can be greatly increased during the summer season.

If you opt to make an online appointment and go directly to the passport office it can take up to 20 working days for your passport to be issued. The “public counter” fees are below.

Adult age 18+ 10 year passport ~ €95

Child age 3-17 5 year passport ~ €41.50

Infant up to age 3 3 year passport ~ €31

 

What is Passport Express?

You can send your application to the passport office via An Post using a passport express envelope. Complete your form and include the necessary documentation along with your passport photographs signed by a witness and bring them to your local post office. There they will verify you have everything correct before you purchase a passport express envelope priced at €9.50 for a single application or €16.00 for up to four applications sent together in the one envelope. You will also have to relevant pay the passport fee at the post office.

Adult age 18+ 10 year passport ~ €80

Child age 3-17 5 year passport ~ €26.50

Infant up to age 3 3 year passport ~ €16

Payment can be made by cash credit/debit card as per their website however my local post office refuses credit card payments for passport express.

Can I get a passport sooner?

The Dublin passport office has a Rapid Renewal service whereby “in the case of an emergency situation (the death or serious illness of a family member, or for emergency medical treatment of the applicant) we can issue your passport on the day.” Unfortunately if you are a fist time applicant you can not avail of this service.

You can make an appointment online for either Dublin or Cork passport offices to be issued with an emergency passport within 3 -10 working days.

The fee for both of these services are Adult €55, under 18’s €30, this fee is in addition to the “public counter” fee above.

What documents do I need to apply for a passport?

As of 29th March 2016 all first time passport applicants aged 18 and above must include a photocopy of their Public Service Card (PSC). If you do not have a PSC you will have to apply for this through your local Department of Social Protection Office. All details of how to apply for a PSC and to make an appointment visit www.mywelfare.ie

Details of all other documents needed for both adults and children’s passport applications can be found HERE.

Permission for a Child's Passport When You're a Single Parent:

Sue here, I'm adding a paragraph as it's something I had to deal with in the past. The consent of all guardians is required for all children under 18 years of age, unless the child is married. Guardianship should not be confused with custody which involves the day to day caring of the child. If you're a single parent (firstly you rock! Secondly..), ideally you would be on speaking terms with your child's other parent so you both sign the forms. 

This isn't an ideal world though; should your child's other parent not be available or willing to sign the forms, you can visit a Commissioner of Oaths and sign an Affidavit (HERE) to swear you are your child's sole guardian. The CoA will usually charge a nominal fee (€25+) per signature so do factor that into your budget. Should you not be your child's sole guardian but their other parent refuses permission to obtain a passport a Specific Issues Order will need to be obtained from a court of law. You'll find more info HERE

If you work in the DFA you get LARGE cards - Apparently...

What is a Passport Card?

Passport Cards are only valid for travel within the European Union and to Switzerland. In order to obtain a passport card you have to be over the age of 18 and hold a passport with a minimum of 30 days validity. They can only be issued for a maximum of 5 years or to the expiration date of your current passport if that date is sooner. 

Passport cards are issued within 10 working days at a cost of €35. If your passport has been lost or stolen you must apply for a replacement passport before you can apply for a Passport Card. You can apply online HERE but you will need to upload a passport compliant photo to complete your application.

Tell us, do you know what date your passport expires? 

How to Carve a Pumpkin like a Pro!

Let me start by saying I’ve had zero training, nor would I consider myself good at art/drawing. As many of you know I love browsing Pinterest to get inspiration for easy things to make and do. I saw lots of pins of people carving pumpkins like a boss & thought to myself I’ll give it ago, sure what’s the worst that can happen?

If it turned out awful, I’d just dump it and never speak of it again. I’d be carving when the children were in bed so there’d be no witnesses to remind me of my failed attempts!

Two years ago I decided to up my game; I was carving an Elmo pumpkin while watching T.V. It just happened to be Love/Hate with the storyline about Elmo allegedly telling the authorities about Nidge. For the craic I decided to carve a little extra on my pumpkin & posted it to social media. I couldn’t believe it when I woke the next morning to see it’d taken off and was reposted across tonnes of pages including 98FM, FM104, BreakingNews.ie, I’d even made it onto “18 of the Greatest Halloween Pumpkins Ever Carved” by the Journal.ie/The Daily Edge!

I thought it was hilarious and it gave me the push to try other designs after all it didn’t turn out as bad I thought it would. It really doesn’t have to take that long to carve a pumpkin, sure who has time to be spending hours? I know with 5 little ones I certainly don’t. From experience I’ve learned a few tricks that’ll not only save you time but a whole lot of energy and your sanity. If you stick to the advice below I guarantee you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands or your money back.* *monopoly money will be given back!*

How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro:

Pick a fresh pumpkin with a blemish free side for carving and ensure the skin is intact with no dents or holes. Print a stencil you like from Google/Pinterest, I find the best way to do this is print screen & paste to a Word document that way you can gauge and adjust the size you need for your pumpkin.

• Silhouettes are by far the easiest and most striking images when carved.

• Wash your pumpkin before carving, I use baby wipes as I’ve no energy to fill a sink of soapy water just for a pumpkin!

• Cut off the top/lid using a knife I use a non serrated knife at a 45° angle so there is a ledge for the lid to sit on.

• Scoop out the insides using a large spoon just be careful not to scoop the flesh too close to the skin.

• Cut off the excess page from your stencil and tape to your pumpkin, ordinary tape will do. I just tape the top and leave the rest loose so I can bend it around the curvature of the pumpkin as I trace over it. 

• Otherwise you’ll spend ages getting it completely taped on.

• Trace over your stencil using a pen as a pencil can tear the page and mark the skin of your pumpkin.

• Don’t bother with those pumpkin carving kits as it’s extremely difficult to get any precise incisions with them; again I’m all about the easy life. I use little blades like a pencil with a blade as the nib, you’ll find a packet of them in Dealz for €1.49 and a packet of tiny screwdrivers same place same price.

• Remove your stencil and retrace around the pattern on your pumpkin using your blade. Tip: Hold the blade at an angle so the tip goes under the area of skin you are removing.

• If you are carving a circle for an eye hold your blade still and move the pumpkin in a circular motion.

• If you are carving a larger circle/curve move both the pumpkin and the blade as it’ll be much easier to achieve a circular cut.
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• Once you’ve gone around all areas with your blade using the smallest screwdriver peal back the skin. If it’s a large area of skin to be removes start by taking the edge up with the small screwdriver & move onto a large screwdriver pushing & swiping it from side to side lifting just the skin.

• Once carved if you have any gouges or rough looking carved areas simply smooth over with your finger, it’s very forgiving like that!

• Don’t panic, it looks much better with a light inside. I’ve often thought I’d made a mess of it only to be nicely surprised when I put in a candle.

• Use a candle, led light or even a torch for the inside. If using a candle & you want to put the lid back on you’ll need to cut a hole for a chimney in the back.

• To preserve your pumpkin spray/wash with bleach and water solution as it’s bacteria that makes them mould.

• You can rub all carved areas with Vaseline or oil to stop the air drying it out.

• If your pumpkin does start to dry out simply steep in water carved side down for anything up to 8 hours to rehydrate it.

The cheapest place I found for larger pumpkins is Supervalu Medium €1.50, Large €2.50 & Giant €3.50 each. I carved the characters from Inside Out onto tiny cooking pumpkins I bought in Tesco for 69c each. If you follow the above tips and use a silhouette stencil you’d easily have it done in 15-20 minutes or for me just in time to refill your wine glass!

Go on give it a go & please post your photos to show us how you got on. 

If you want to see some of my other creations check out my Instagram account @stonebabies, Twitter @stonetravel4, Facebook or, if you're quick I've a full How To on Snapchat today @StoneTravel!

The Importance of Clear Communication in Blog Collaborations

Many of you that have been following along for a while will know that I’m known for honesty and integrity when it comes to blogging, I've gone on record several times for that reason. I regularly work with brands, setting out digital strategies for working with bloggers and online ‘influencers’. I pride myself on the ability to communicate effectively and help other Bloggers do the same. It might be a surprise then, because it certainly was to me, that having worked professionally in the digital world for almost six years now that I can still be caught out.

I’ll err on the side of kindness and put my most recent debacle down to digital ignorance rather than deliberate misrepresentation but it’s a cautionary tale nonetheless and one that can be learned from. For the most part, the PRs and agencies in Ireland are some of the best in the world and adapt very quickly to our ever changing digital landscape; for the most part. 

What follows are some golden rules for professional blogging relationships, there’s something to be learned here for everyone (myself included): - I’d love to hear yours too – from either side of the coin…

How to Make DIY Peppermint Sugar Lip Scrub!

I've been writing of late about my love for minimal makeup and a stronger lip in the summer months. What's the one bane in the lives of girls that want to rock a stronger lip? Yep, poor lip condition. I've been a lover of Lush's tasty lip scrubs for years but having seen several DIY scrubs on the procrastinator's dream that is Pinterest, I took to my cupboards to see if I could fangle my own. I give you the simplest thing I've ever made, a DIY (& entirely edible) Peppermint Sugar Lip Scrub! 

Chances are you have these very four ingredients in your press as we speak!

DIY Peppermint Lip Scrub ~ Seriously Simple!

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil (you'll find it in most Health shops)
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil
• 1/4 tsp Honey (more if you prefer a sweeter taste)

It really is that simple. Mush it all together until it's completely blended and select your container. I went for these miniature Kilner jars because Kilner jars. You'll find them in Heatons for €2.69 or online ANYWHERE. 

While the above is the basic ingredients, should your container be larger, as mine was, you simply multiply the above to make the desired amount. It took 3 lots to fill this little jar but it will keep once sealed. 

Not only does it look great for minimal effort but it tastes absolutely delish too. Seriously refreshing in the summer months and a boon for gently scrubbing your lips to perfection in minutes. This little pot is happily sitting atop our microwave and both the lads and myself are giving it a go as we pass. Our lips have never been more kissable!

It was only when I was putting this scrub together that it dawned on me how lovely these scrubs would be as home made gifts. The fact that this one is literally child's play means it would make the ideal, super cheap Thank You Teacher gift that the little 'uns could make themselves for leaving school this month. Don't you think? 

What do we think? Would you give this a bash? 

Cracked Turquoise Nails - A Simple How To

I'm an admitted fiend when it comes to turquoise jewellery, I have several pieces that never fail to get compliments when worn so I thought it'd be the perfect look to replicate on nails.

I've put together a simple How To so that you can try the design with minimal effort should you be a turquoise fan too.

1. Gather your tools first. I used Bourjois 23 (Brown), Bourjois Bleu Model (Turquoise), Sally Hansen Gilty Pleasure, Hole Reinforcers & a fine tipped brush (I picked this one up in an Art store for €2.29/£2)

2. After one coat of Gilty Pleasure, place the hole reinforcers on the top of the nail bed.

3. Paint two coats of your turquoise colour onto the nail, be sure to start your strokes on the sticker to make the lines cleaner. 

4. While the polish is still tacky, carefully remove each sticker by gripping tightly, move your nail as you peel. 

5. & 6. Using your brown polish & a fine tipped brush draw the cracks onto your turquoise polish. This really doesn't have to be too precise as the cracks appear in turquoise so there really is no 'right' or 'wrong'. 

6.5 - Be sure to use a clear top coat to smooth out the half moon at the top of the nail and set the colours together.

The final result looks pretty close to the jewellery, don't you think? Judging by the compliments I had while rocking this manicure I'd have to say it was a winner. 

What do we think? Will it be a look you'll try?

Spooky Halloween Hair For Girls - A Simple How To

Who doesn’t love spending time looking at all the pretty things & genius ideas on Pinterest? I know I do. When I have the time that is. I love nothing more than looking at the photos & occasionally thinking to myself, I could give that a go. That’s where I got the idea of doing my daughters hair like spiders for Halloween. 

We shared the best places for Halloween breaks this morning and these would be ideal to pop into your bag to do your little one's hair for their kids clubs and Halloween shindigs. It’s so easy to do you won’t believe it.

How I Pack 'Carry On' Friendly Makeup For a Weekend Away - My Top Ten

When it comes to throwing a bag together for a short break, I'm all about cutting back to the essentials only. That's mostly because I can't be doing with lugging tons of 'stuff'. As ever, on our recent trip to Wales, I wanted to keep my liquids to a minimum as I was hoping to pick up some beauty bits while away. This is what I brought so as to fly under the radar of airport security but still look FABulous doing it. 

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara: €8.99 (out July 9th)

Seventeen's newest mascara, Falsifeye HD, has blown me away this past couple of weeks. Having only managed to use it a handful of times in the week before the flight, I still knew it'd be the chosen one when it came to packing. 

The formulation adapts to building more than any mascara I've used, meaning I could use it for all occasions. Lashes are separated, elongated and black as night. This is a lash batting winner and took a deserved place in my makeup travel stash. (See it in action here) 

Dermablend Concealer: €16.95 here

Having been stricken with a couple of hormonal Vesuvius' before take off, this Dermablend concealer came to my rescue and then some. The high coverage, creamy concealer takes a moment to warm up between fingers but should really be renamed Photoshop in a Tube. 

The stick formulation meant that it was ideal for a carry on bag and the performance meant it was ideal for use all over my poor visage. There really is nothing else like this on the market today. 

 

Stila Deep Burgundy Smudge Stick: $8.75 Here (Seller restocks often)

This Stila Smudge Stick has rarely been off my súils this past few months so it really was a no brianer when thinking of coloured liners to make the trip. 

The Deep Burgundy shade is flattering as a mo' fo' on blue/green eyes and can be worn with just a slick of mascara and still look like I've still made serious effort. That's holiday genius right there. 

Benefit's They're Real Push Up Liner: €25 Here

The newest innovation in gel liners, Benefit's Push Up Liner has joined the They're Real collection with gusto. The patented design includes an AccuFlex nib to allow the jet black gel get right into the lash line with ease. 

Word(s) of warning: It takes 73 clicks for you to see product, thereafter just one click is more than enough product for each eye and despite the advertising - this takes practice. 

Given all of that, not only would I heartily recommend the Push Up Liner for not only your travel bag but your life but I'd also now like one in every colour please, Benefit, kthxbai.  

Benefit Gimme Brow: €24.50 Here

I mentioned this weenchy pocket rocket only yesterday on Instagram . The size makes it an ideal brow saviour for travel but also means that there's very little chance a burly security guard is going to think you're about to blow up the plane with the whole 3g of gel. 

Again, this is buildable, so whether I just wanted a quick tidy or want something more substantial for a night on the Welsh tiles - Gimme Brow had my back - well it had my brows but you know what I mean..

Clinique Chubby Stick - Mega Melon: €20 Here

Packed full of shea butters for lip nourishment, there really is no wrong a Chubby Stick can do in my eyes. Mega Melon is a muted smokey pink and is not only wearable anywhere but is incredibly flattering while doing so. No muss, no fuss products ideal for flying? Yes, please, Clinique.

Bourjois CC Cream for Eyes: €10.49

Part of this years CC Cream launch from Bourjois - arguably my favourite CC cream of all time, the 123 Perfect Eye Cream is a soft creamy concealer than not only disguises dark circles but also brings light back to the face so can be used as a highlighter too. 

This one I packed as I don't like to use Dermablend on the delicate under eye area - I also don't like to look dead. Win/Win. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette: £56 Here

Ah, my one true finishing powder love. I was never going to board a plane without this, just as there's not many places I ever go now without it. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is an unassuming package so won't attract any security scrutiny but Great Googly Moogly, the power it holds inside. 

Even with absolutely nothing else on my visage, this can make me look a million dollars. Who doesn't want that? 

Clinique CC Cream Compact: €36 Here

Colour correcting, hydrating, lightweight a humongous mirror and SPF 20 all in compact form. Is there anything about Clinique's CC Cream Compact that doesn't scream 'TAKE ME ON YOUR HOLLIER' to you? This little pretty was a life saver as a base and SPF in one, while away. 

My skin tone was even and didn't dry out once as can happen with compact formulations. If you haven't tried this one yet, I'd urge you to get it into your carry on tout suite. 

Cargo Contour Palette: €24 Here

My travel choice here doesn't really need explaining does it? Cargo have knocked it out of the park with this affordable, fool proof contour palette. The highlighter has just enough shimmer, the blush is a perfect pop of matte pink and the contour is a flattering matte shade of bronze that would suit most Irish skin tones. 

I reckon Cargo haven't been given nearly enough press of late. This handy, travel friendly compact should be enough for you to think so too. I loves it. 

Wet N' Wild Comfort Zone: €6.49 Pharmacies Nationwide

Finally, for my súils. One of my absolute favourite light weight palettes is Wet N' Wilds Comfort Zone. The ability to create a bajillion looks with a palette the size of your hand? That's always a good idea when travelling. 

These colours are so easy to use, whether as a wash of one colour or built up to something more - if you don't have this little budget beauty in your stash yet, you need to get it there!

And that's it. Everything I could ever possibly need, stuffed into my Space NK travel tote and chucked into my carry on bag with my passport. Nay a security brow was raised nor an alarm set off and I managed to use every stitch whilst there too, without wanting for more. 

Tell me, what's your go to travel beauty essential? 

Do you, like me, save the liquid allowance for the good stuff? 

Get to the VIP Launch Party of Get Sh!t Done with Niall Harbison!

If you're Irish and you've been online, chances are you've heard of and/or chatted to Niall Harbison. Brains and brawn behind digital agency, Simply Zesty, which he has sold at an eye watering profit, Niall is now to be found at the helm of his new baby LovinDublin.com. The online community and digital bigger-upper of the best city in the world (yeah I said it). 

Not one to be bored, Mr Harbison is also building PR Slides, an online resource for journalists and brands in Ireland. If you haven't heard of it as yet, you will. During all these shenanigans, Niall has found the time to pen a entrepreneur's guide to achieving the life you want, Get Sh!t Done. 

We've teamed up with the social media savant to invite two of you with a plus one each to the VIP launch party in The Button Factory, Dublin this Thursday July 3rd. 

The tickets include two complimentary books, a Jameson drinks reception and access to the VIP Speaker After Party ie cocktails in the Liquor Rooms  - inspiration and imbibement - what's not to love?!

To get yourself on the VIP list just tell us in the comments, what's your favourite inspirational quote? 

Here's one I live by: 

We'll announce our winner Tuesday morning to give you a chance to 

get your glad rags on and join us in Dublin (the best city in the world). 

Good Luck!

It would appear Google+ is screwing up comments!! :(
Do feel free to post your inspirational quotes to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and just remember to tag me - I'll count one and All :D

Simple Sunburn Saviours: How to Treat Sunburned Skin

We’ve all done it, watched the internet furore about the upcoming heat wave, rolled our eyes at the gazillion screen grabs of the weather app on both Twitter and Facebook and still, STILL, we’ve found ourselves out in the blistering sun with not so much as a single SPF between us. 

Cue Lobster Mania as we sizzle, scorch and swear we’ll know better next time. For now though, to ease that sting, I’ve put together a little collection of products that will help cool, treat and repair your poor, frazzled bod so you can say goodbye to that sunburn.

There’s not a lot Thermal Spring Water can’t do when it comes to cooling you down, store your tin in the fridge for instant refreshment and a light mist of heaven whenever and wherever needed. The minerals in the water work to reduce redness and irritation immediately.

Aloe Vera truly is one of nature’s miracle workers when it comes to burns and scalds. The juice directly from the plant is ideal (gotten from simply snapping off a sprig) but tubes and bottles of prepared balms and creams are easily available from both health food shops and chemists. Again, store this in the fridge for instant soothing of the affected area. The gel will form a protective barrier on your skin and will reduce your chances of peeling. (The Reptar look is so not Spring Summer 2013)

Cicaplast Baume B5 is a staple wonder balm in many Irish homes and it isn’t my HG skin saviour for nothing. Instantly soothing and healing, a handbag sized tube really is a manna for frazzled flesh to aid recovery and take the pain away.

Finally, there’s nothing quite as soothing as a cool shower when you feel like you’ve rolled on hot coals, L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil is beautifully soft on the skin and because it’s an oil wash, it works to seal in your skins natural moisture and form a beautifully scented barrier to prevent dehydration. It also means you don’t have to go through the pain of slathering on after shower moisturiser. WIN!

And that's them, four products that really will take the sting from your skin and help restore its natural balance and pasty white hue. 

Tell me, have you been roasted yet? What do you recommend as a fail safe saviour?