How to Celebrate your 40th Birthday

Well ladies the day finally arrived last week, I am now in my 40's......actually that makes it sound even worse....scratch that, I am now 40. And as my youngest son wrote on my card, 'Enjoy being forty, it won't be long until you're 50'.....he's a cheeky chap. My eldest son picked a card that said 'Age is mind over matter....if you don't mind it doesn't matter' I think that is just so true.  

I think a lot of people struggle with trying to decide How to celebrate a big birthday so I thought I'd share with you how I celebrated my 40th. Last week I went on a shopping spree to Dublin with Hubby and he bought me lots of treats. Many of the things I bought I packed for my two night break away in Barberstown Castle where I celebrated my big day in style. It was lovely having new bits to wear, I always feel great in myself when I'm wearing something new and something that I love.

I'm wearing Navy Zara Coat with pearl detail at the waist, Noisy May shirt and Noisy May jeans both from the Arboretums Fashion Store. My shoes are from Aldo and my bag is a Carvela from Debenhams. The coat was on Sale and is no longer on their website. I had blogged about is before, read post here

Zaynia natural embellished Sneakers Were €70 Now €34.95......Buy Here

On the day of my birthday, my hubby suggested we stop off in Kildare Village on our way to Barberstown Castle. He wanted to treat me to something special to remind me of my birthday. I decided a designer bag is exactly what I'd like. I have never spent more than €50/60 on a bag. I would feel too guilty spending any more than that on a bag but with the encouragement of himself and the fact that you can't feel guilty about getting spoiled on your birthday was all the convincing I needed.

I had a good look around all the shops first and had a couple of bags in mind until I walked into Lulu Guinness and that was where I fell in love with my new bag. Anyone who knows me knows I adore anything purple so when I saw this bag there was no longer any competition. The shape of the bag is just gorgeous and the size is simply perfect. The fabulous lip charm on the zip really is quirky, I love it. The lady that served me in the store was so lovely. She was very friendly, not one bit pushy and made me feel very comfortable. The bag (my bag) had an RRP of €450 and the outlet price was €225 and to my delight when I cheekily asked for more discount she took another 10% off. This is not something I ever do, I don't know what got into me but it certainly paid off.

Then delighted with my purchase we headed to our hotel. This was my first time in Barberstown Castle and I was really excited about having a Four Poster bed. I wasn't disappointed - our room was gorgeous!!

Next up are images of their lounge area. It's quite a large area, the lighting is stunning and the furniture is beautifully vintage. At the moment they are building an extension onto the back of this room and I think I heard someone say it was going to be a cocktail bar looking out onto the gardens. I will definitely be using this as an excuse to come back.

We went for dinner on the first night in their restaurant, which boasts a french influence to their food. I wore a blue sequin dress which I bought back in February from Littlewoods Ireland for an awards night for work. I really love the shape of this dress the peplum hemline is extremely flattering and it is such a comfy dress to wear.

My cape is from Zara I bought it I think about two years ago and I absolutely love wearing it. My bag is about 8 years old it's from Warehouse and I constantly wear it for nights out. My shoes are from New look.

This is the dining room, in fact they have a few rooms and they are all very intimate. The decor is gorgeous and the atmosphere was very special. Our waiter was french and he was very attentive and focused on making sure the experience was special, he strived for perfection. He was a true character, he made the night for us....along with the fabulous food of course.

When I'm in a hotel or restaurant I love checking out their toilets. I was wowed; the attention to details was extraordinary. The wallpapers were stunning and they even had hand wash and hand cream from L'occitane!

Embroidered Tulle Top from Zara €29.95......Buy Here

A cheeky selfie with himself....don't tell him I posted this pic, he would not be impressed about getting featured on here. I love this pic of us though, we look so relaxed, content, happy, absolutely stuffed and maybe a little tipsie.

Ok now some pics of the grounds. I have to admit I thought the grounds would be alot larger but having said that they are stunning and perfectly maintained (with the help of their robotic lawnmowers)

I'm wearing my tulle top again here and over it an amazing sequin and embroidered jacket from Zara. This was another of my purchase from my shopping spree. It was reduced from €80 to €50. 

Ooohh whiskey and fudge ice-cream washed down with Prosecco....don't mind if I do. Hubby had the creme brulee and he was very impressed with it.

Fruit for breakfast, aren't I such a good girl? (not really....I just forgot to take a pic of the bacon that followed)

When we came home on Saturday I enjoyed a deeelicious birthday cake with my boys and some close family. Check out the gorgeous box that the cake came in...love it. Cake from Lillys Cake Boutique in Carlow https://www.facebook.com/lillyscakeboutique/

I Hope you enjoyed the pics of my 40th birthday celebrations. Guys this has to be my record number of pics on a post but I had such a fab few days, I really wanted to share every detail. I will definitely remember it forever!!!

As always if there is anything you would like me to feature or if you would like any personal style tips please contact me on elainemscully@gmail.com

Happy Shopping!!

Elaine