We may book some flights and start looking for a place to live as the happiest country has been revealed and it’s not Ireland. (We’ll have to start smiling more.) The Annual Prosperity Index, by The Legatum Institute, has put together a top 20 list of the most content countries in the world. The findings […]

11 years ago

An amateur baker has won the top prize at this year’s Cake International competition with her life-sized Prince George cake. And it is exactly as it sounds, it’s a LIFE-SIZED cake of Prince George. Lara Mason (29), who is originally from Belfast, spent 30 hours putting the masterpiece together but the time and effort was all worth […]

11 years ago

You’ve probably been stuck indoors with the kids all weekend watching the rain and if you’ve been out and about today, you’ll know that the weather is still pretty terrible.  Unfortunately, it’s not going to get any better as the day progresses and there is a status yellow wind warning in place. The areas that […]

11 years ago

Fancy getting your hands on a whole load of goodies from Pampers? Of course you do. We’ve teamed up with the good folks at Pampers to give our readers the chance to win one of five gorgeous gift sets including Pampers Baby-Dry Pants and Pampers Sensitive Wipes. Pampers has developed a new generation of Pampers […]

11 years ago

Are you looking to buy a new house? You lucky thing. Putting your own stamp on a house and making it a family home is one of the most special things you can do in life. But, while it’s super-special and you’re most likely already dreaming of the graphic print cushions to go on your brand new sofa, there’s a […]

11 years ago

Tired of your home being filled with the sound of super-noisy toys? Most of us have enough mayhem going on without adding singing toys the mix, are we right?  So, we’re teamed up with our pals over in the Early Learning Centre at Mothercare to bring you some of the best (and least noisy!) toys. […]

11 years ago

With the days getting shorter and a chill creeping into the air, our number one priority is keeping our little ones warm and cosy. ‘Tis the season of the pumpkin and there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of pumpkin soup. It’s also the perfect seasonal starter that can be stored in the fridge […]

11 years ago

On the hunt for a festive family outing this weekend? Look no further. This Sunday 1st November will see Saggart Village in south Dublin quite literally over-run with Santas. That’s right, people, Christmas is a-coming! Kicking off at 2pm, the Luggwoods family 5K Santa Fun Run is open to runner and walkers of all ages with […]

11 years ago

Planning on revamping your home over the coming months? We’ve got the insider scoop on some of the key interior trends for 2016.  Gold is the go-to colour for next year. The vibrant shade was in abundance at this year’s leading furniture fairs in Milan and Paris, where it was used right across trending colour schemes. From […]

11 years ago

Are you a busy person who wants a ridiculously fast, results-driven routine to get you off the couch? The constant ‘thank you’ mails from you guys makes researching the perfect routine so worthwhile. If you are determined to tackle a new dress for the Halloween and Christmas party season, this is for you, girl. This routine will bust your […]

11 years ago

The reason we love these budget buys is that they are all based on simple ingredients, but that’s the magic. They work. There are no bells and whistles here, just pared-back ingredients and no amplified prices.  I should mention that I have all five of these beautifying budget buys for different times of the year when my skin […]

11 years ago

We’ve found a few great places for you to safely store your ghostly villains this mid-term (while you take a few hours off!).  1. Any little monsters who love Science in Galway city? A Halloween science day filled with experiment. Your babes will be playing with ghostly shadows, ghoulish lava lamps, ghastly fake blood and glow-in-the-dark slime. ‘Micro’ […]

11 years ago

There’s nothing like the wave of nostalgia and the stomach-crunching giggles when old family photographs somehow resurface. And isn’t there always one of those really retro-looking ones of you cooking in a vintage-looking kitchen with a parent or grandparent? Those cooking dramas were always epic – from the dropping of the eggs to the licking of spoons, the flour-covered faces and then […]

11 years ago

Becoming a Mama is the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s also pretty darn scary. From figuring out how to get them home from the hospital, to tacking breastfeeding, there’s so much learn in such a short space of time. Yikes!  Well, if you’re a first-time parent, the Mothercare Baby & Me events […]

11 years ago

Want to get your freak on with your little scared-y cats this Halloween? There are SO many cool events happening around the mid-term break and we’ve done the hunting for you. Here are our top picks to tickle your frightful fancy this creepy season: 1. Wexford Arts Centre Children’s Halloween Workshops To celebrate Halloween, your little spooked-up artists can create […]

11 years ago

Did you know that 169,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste is generated every year in Ireland? And that it amounts it 37kg per person? That’s the equivalent of 80 rugby balls, 8.2 Rugby World Cup trophies, or 215 iPhone 6 plus devices. Whatever way you look at it, it’s an awful lot of waste. To celebrate […]

11 years ago

Fancy getting your hands on a shopping voucher worth a whopping €250? Of course you do. We’ve teamed up with the good folks at Vhi Healthcare to give one lucky reader this amazing One4all voucher – just think of the Christmas presses you can buy with this? With Vhi Healthcare, kids are half-price on all One plans from […]

11 years ago

Since becoming a mum, I am perpetually late. In fact, it never ceases to amaze me how having just one small child can cause so much tardiness every day, but I can’t imagine the bedlam that must take place in this family’s household each morning. So fed up with his kids waking up late or taking […]

11 years ago

The pre-crawler bucket list

11 years ago

How about a mini-break from it all? Imagine the absolute joy and excitement in their little faces at the gorgeous woodlands at Fota Island Resort, transformed by Santa and his magical elf helpers. Now, that would be a wish come true, eh? “Wish” at Fota Island Resort is happening from November 27 – December 23. Over 50,000 lucky guests attended this magical experience last […]

11 years ago

There is a lot of talk about how getting out the front door with a toddler in tow is like the cardio workout most people don’t manage in a week. The struggle is real, right?  While there’s no denying that trying to make a sharp exit with a small child hanging off your leg (or […]

11 years ago

You have plans to get fit. You do. But, then you get home from work after battling the bus and the rain, and it’s the last thing on your mind, let’s be honest. Once you have closed that door and the bra is off there is no turning back. Staying in is the new going out, so how about a […]

11 years ago

If there’s one thing the internet has given us, it’s access to the expertise of health and skincare gurus from all over the world. As an added bonus, it’s also allowed us beauty junkies to access a wealth of incredible products made in far flung destinations.  Here’s my pick of the best moisturiser buys you’ve […]

11 years ago

Name this destination: The landscape is rugged, the people are known all over the world for their hospitality, the highlight of your trip will be a unique eco-campsite, and there’s breathtaking scenery on every route. Where am I talking about? Ireland, of course. Staycation in Ireland and experience a rural road trip. Here are my top 10 hotspots: […]

11 years ago

In case you missed them… 8 amazing Irish family-friendly hotels for a cold-weather getaway… Read it here. So they’ve made a Little Tykes car… for grown-ups… Read it here. The chocolate fondue you can make in your slow cooker… Read it here. Feel free to email us your top HerFamily.ie topics so we can write about what […]

11 years ago

You’ve been up since 6am, running on an almost empty stomach; you are beyond wrecked and you still have a gazillion things to do today. Right. Let’s change that now. Grab these ingredients on your way home from work and get blending. Meet my newest addition to the Monday smoothie offering – The Mom Smoothie. Get the blender […]

11 years ago

Time is of the essence, they say. Well you can call me “Time-saver-savviness… person” today because I have the solution to your pending life issues… 1. A revisited old one but most underrated: Pick out your clothing for the entire week at the weekend. Yes. Seems extreme but works wonders for peace of mind. Whack […]

11 years ago

In the market for a new car? Long journeys and weekend staycations with your little ones could be a lot more fun with this cool new invention by ŠKODA . The Little Driver app allows your child to mimic your moves as you drive… meaning the dull drones of ‘Are we there yet?’, will be a […]

11 years ago

Start the week as you mean to go on…

11 years ago

Carved out some mother and daughter-time this weekend? With a little create flair you could have a whole new set of dinner plates or even a little Christmas pressie for Granny, all in time for afternoon tea.  Little girls can pick the colours and do the dipping, Mums can supervise! Turn boring coloured culinary items into this…. What you need […]

11 years ago

In case you missed them… 10 baby names destined to be the next big thing… Read it here. Half baked: 15 truly epic cake fails… Read it here. How will Budget 2016 affect your family… Read it here. Feel free to email us your top HerFamily.ie topics so we can write about what interests you: karen.forde@herfamily.ie

11 years ago

When it comes to winter off-duty wear, the holy grail is fashion that is effortlessly chic. That’s why we’ve been emulating the simple style rules of one of the world’s top models Gigi Hadid (daughter of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and model mum Yolanda Foster) lately. Get your wardrobe in tip top […]

11 years ago

In case you missed them… This will impact how many kids you have (according to new studies)… Read it here. Could budget 2016 bring good news for parents?… Read it here. 10 ways a sick day is just like any other day when you are a Mum… Read it here. Feel free to email us your top […]

11 years ago

Yes, Halloween hasn’t even happened, we know, but if you’re thinking about a Winter getaway, you need to get on these flight deals now. Plus most markets start in November and run until the New Year. Imagine the giddiness of jetting off to soak up all the Christmassy fun in another country. Whether you’re jetting off leaving the kids with […]

11 years ago

Why hibernate when you could ride the waves with your kids this autumn with surf lessons for less than fifty quid per family? Ireland has the biggest surf, the clearest water and a world famous reputation for this uber fun sport. With the right wetsuit, you can plan some big fun in the great outdoors, torch […]

11 years ago

Only 2 ingredients!

11 years ago

In case you missed them… The clocks go back on October 25, here’s how to manage your child’s sleep… Read it here. 5 things I said I’d never do as a parent (but in reality, totally do)… Read it here. Hack Halloween with these spookily healthy food swaps.. Read it here. Feel free to […]

11 years ago

On maternity leave? Is your creative side bursting to get out? How about a little creative baby shoot to try at home with say, a few household items! Well, it might not sound like something you have the energy for, but pioneering Mum and freelance artist, Queenie Liao of ‘Wengenn in Wonderland’ took some coloured sheets, a few well-placed teddies and improvised odds-and-ends […]

11 years ago

Simply

11 years ago

With thick and natural eyebrows said to reflect more youth, it’s no wonder that fuller arches have been in demand for quite some time now. Bigger might be better when it comes to brows, but not everyone is blessed with a thick set – especially if you over-plucked back in the day (guilty as charged). Here […]

11 years ago

The gals in the office constantly ask me to share my trade secrets from eight years of make-up and skincare training with Clarins, Chanel and Dior. I always assume everyone automatically knows these tricks of the trade, but maybe not… I have trialled hundreds of skincare brands, but firmly agree that getting back-to-basics is the key to perfecting […]

11 years ago

Little ones are not big on tact. They say it like it is, and if you’re not ready to like it, tough. Check out these children’s scribbles and see if your kids’ drawings match up. 1. This savvy negotiator has her eye on the goods: 2. ‘YOLO’… the born fashionista has spoken: 3. The priceless cock-up image that […]

11 years ago

Netflix didn’t exist, there were only about two channels on the box, but hey we were happy. Well, get a load of how one-half of this famous teenage duo of 90’s TV turned out. Legendary teen beauty of The Wonder Years, Winnie Cooper – Kevin Arnold’s first love – who shared her first on-screen and real-life […]

11 years ago

Oh, if we had a Euro for every tactless comment we’ve heard said to a new mum. Here is our concise list of the unwelcome blarney that sets some well-wishers apart from others. Have a good LOL fest on us: 1. “Oh God. She’s sooooo cute.” Possible response: He is a she and “cute” is not a meaningful […]

11 years ago

Barbie is so hip right now. No, really. A wedding photographer – who wishes to remain anonymous – created this awesome account for a bit of comic relief from the daily grind. Her project ‘Hipster Barbie’ could be just about ANY girl on Instagram right now. The creator’s posts, with infinite hashtags and exposé of the (mostly) banal […]

11 years ago

Appearing on RTE’s Late Late Show last night, Colin Farrell opened up about being a single dad of two young boys, describing them both as “terrors” and “lovely lads”. The Hollywood actor has a six-year-old son, Henry, with Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, a Polish actress and singer he met while filming the 2009 movie Ondine, in Cork; as […]

11 years ago

We are seriously excited at the thought of our weekend cinema visit. One of our all-time favourite movies has been re-imagined, and we plan on reliving our childhood with this enchanting live action Peter Pan adventure. The film stars Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman who plays fearsome Blackbeard alongside fellow Oscar nominee Rooney Mara of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo fame who […]

11 years ago

Freaky Friday, the story of a teenager and her mother switching places should have been a film with a bit of heartwarming family bants, but instead there was actually way too much ‘freaky’ involved. A far more successful, less creepy, and arguably funnier premise would’ve been a mum switching places with her baby. Then we could have […]

11 years ago

I never stop harping on about nuts, nut butter and coconut, but for good reason. They are the carbs you can eat without ballooning into Augustus Gloop. With these coconut protein bars, mid-week snacking will never be the same again. So get your hands dirty with this one and lick that spatula. Coconut Protein Bars […]

11 years ago

You have just about scraped through September, and you’re still quite in denial that it’s October, but you are sure of one thing… a little chill-out time is well-deserved. Block out the school lunches and leave the uniforms in the basket till Sunday night. It’s time to switch off. These three groovy parent and kid things […]

11 years ago