Tuesday 26 December 2017

The Difference Between Working Abroad and Studying Abroad


Christmas is almost over, we just have to devour another round of Christmas dinner today (St. Stephan's Day) and then we can start the countdown again! Next up is NYE, I love this time of year, cosy-ing up beside the fire with tea in hand, in your warm fluffy pyjamas; whilst also celebrating and eating your body weight in food everyday! It's nice to have these few days off. If you don't follow my social media, then you won't know that I am in fact home in Ireland for the holidays. I've two whole weeks in the Emerald Isle away from all the mosquitoes in Catania! Today I am here with an interesting and eye opening topic, which will definitely interest you if you plan to live abroad.

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Tuesday 19 December 2017

20 NYE Dresses You Need This Party Season

It's party season, and what better way to ring in the New Year than ringing in the New Year in style.
Today I bring you 20 drop dead gorgeous dresses for your nights out over the holidays, but more importantly for NYE.

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Saturday 16 December 2017

Gift Guide For Him


Christmas is just around the corner, so this week I bring you some inspiration for the boys in your life. Just like in my Gift Guide For Her, I've added present ideas for all ages, so for your boyfriend, friend, dad, brother, uncle, nephew or Grandad, there's something for everyone. Happy shopping!
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Tuesday 5 December 2017

Our Style Is Our Personality



“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little—if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” - Coco Chanel
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Gift Guide For Her


It's December which means we can finally start to celebrate the festive season! Today I bring you a gift guide full of relatively cheap pieces for her, whether it be your mom, sister, granny, niece, bff, aunt, you name it I have it all covered. With brands ranging from Topshop, Diptique, iDeal of Sweden, Hello Day, Missguided, Jo Malone, Asos and Penneys. Some of these items contain affiliate links which cost you nothing to click through, they're just there to help maintain CiaraSwalsh. Happy shopping!
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Friday 1 December 2017

#ScoliosisStories: Hannah Bury



Hannah Bury is the next amazing scoliosis warrior to be featured on my #ScoliosisStories series, Hannah has had two surgeries to date for her scoliosis, the latter being very recent so she is still in the recovery period. She has told me she had a recent scare and had to go to hospital for fear of infections. However now she is doing well. 
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Wednesday 8 November 2017

Casual Days + Life Update


I find my style to be ever changing, but one thing that I could never change is my love for blazers. I always have to have a blazer in my wardrobe. It immediately dresses up an outfit making you look more 'put together'.
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Thursday 2 November 2017

How I Lost My Motivation.


Do you ever criticise yourself more than you should? How you're not doing enough, how you've lost your mojo, how you have zero motivation to do what you love?
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Wednesday 25 October 2017

Favourite Products of 2017

Hello hello hello, It's been a while since I did a beauty post. This year I've tried some products and I've just fell in love with a select few that I just had to share with you. Some, you will already know of, if you follow my social media platforms: Instagram and Snapchat (CiaraSwalsh).
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Sunday 8 October 2017

Halloween Lookbook With Pretty Little Thing


Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to get us in the mood is a small Halloween Lookbook I threw together recently! I have teamed up with Pretty Little Thing in this post to show you how to corporate their pieces into some simple outfit ideas.
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Tuesday 3 October 2017

Roman Holiday with Cari's Closet


Walking around Rome in the heat can be quite difficult especially when you wear uncomfortable clothes, usually I wear the comfiest clothes when I travel, which sometimes leaves me looking like an 'unfashionable' fashion blogger. So I like to try and find pieces I find suit my style and are also gorgeous.
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Wednesday 27 September 2017

The Perfect Autumnal Dress.


I love Autumn, it's a time of year where it's not too hot or not too cold. Here in Italy it's still pretty warm so when I found this dress on Boohoo, I knew it was my perfect transitional dress from summer into autumn.
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Saturday 16 September 2017

How to Pack for a Year Abroad

Tonight, I'll be jetting off for my second year abroad in Italy. Which means I have to pack my life into 30 kg worth of luggage, not a lot when you have a life to squeeze in there. Well I've come across a few tips after moving to and from countries and having to leave some stuff behind.

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Wednesday 13 September 2017

I Cut 8" Off My Hair! - Ella West.


A few months ago I entered a competition for a curly blow dry in a new hairdressers opening up in Galway, Ella West, and I won! So I used this as an opportunity to get my hair done for the Galway rose and it was such a hit. This is when I knew I found a hairdressers I could trust. Ella West are in the heart of Galway city, just off shop street, on middle street which made it very easy to access!

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Sunday 10 September 2017

Change Is Good


When we hear the word change, we usually tense up thinking of how terrible it will be and how life right now is what you want. Well, for me change is what I need. There comes a point in someone's life where change is inevitable.
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Wednesday 30 August 2017

Top 10 Things To Do and See In Rome

I have lost count the number of times I've been in Rome. I have probably been there close to 30 times and that's no exaggeration. If this is the first time you've stumbled upon my blog, I have a roman boyfriend so that explains it. 😂 So I guess I am a pretty good tour guide as I've done and seen nearly everything there is to do and see there. However I have not seen it all, Rome is just so big that thankfully I have many more non touristic things to do and see!

If you are planning a trip to Rome here are 10 places you HAVE to put on your itinerary. So we will start with the most obvious one:

Il Colosseo (The Colosseum)



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Tuesday 22 August 2017

Blogging - There is More to it Than What Meets the Eye.



Pretty pictures, press trips, free things... bloggers have it easy... Well, what if I say no, not really. You may log onto your Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat to see yet another perfectly posed photo of a blogger you follow, or a haul where one blogger got a tonne of ‘free stuff’ or another off on her holidays for the 12th time this year.
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Monday 21 August 2017

15 Coats + Blazers You NEED This AW17.


Can you believe that we are heading into Autumn? I sure as hell can't! So to ease the transition I've found 15 coats and jackets you need in your wardrobe this Autumn/Winter Season.



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Sunday 13 August 2017

Comparison Is Your Worst Enemy.


Ever find yourself on a specific persons Instagram feed too much? Ever ask yourself, why can'y I look like that,? Why can't I have her clothes? Why can't I have her sense of style? Why does my Instagram look terrible? I hate my body, I wish I had her body, I wish I could afford her stuff.. etc. The list of complaints and comparisons is endless.

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Friday 11 August 2017

Why I Love Caprice, Galway.


If you saw my Instagram or Snapchat (@CiaraSwalsh), you'll know I was in Caprice recently. First things first, the second this place opened I had to get through those doors because the interiors of the place are incredible and dare I say it 'Instagrammable'. Marble and wooden tabletops are my kind of heaven, and we haven't even gotten to the food!

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Tuesday 8 August 2017

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Bologna, Italy.

Bologna, a place I like to call home. Having lived there for a year I really experienced life like a local, not a tourist. Bologna is probably one of the biggest Italian cities that is not affected by tourists. In fact it is quite rare to find tourists there. This is why I urge you to visit now before it turns touristic like Venice. If you're going to visit Bologna soon here are 10 things to see and do.

Piazza Maggiore



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Monday 31 July 2017

The Importance of 'Me' Time


We all get so caught up in life that we forget about ourselves, I know I do. You're either worrying about exams, repeats, work, family problems, friend problems, future problems etc. leaving you to neglect yourself and the stress you're enduring.

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Thursday 27 July 2017

5 Best Brunch Spots In Galway

Brunch has just exploded in recent years, I for one am obsessed with the idea of brunch. From these pictures you might tell I have a huge sweet tooth and I go crazy for some good pancakes or waffles. I've been testing out many brunch spots in Galway recently and I have narrowed it down to 5 of the best brunch spots around.

1. Ard Bia Nimmos



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Tuesday 18 July 2017

I've Some News..



If you've noticed I've been quite MIA on Snapchat recently, I have a proper explanation though. I've been so busy! I recently started working in Willow, which was the best decision I've ever made because I'm absolutely loving every minute of it. My wallet hates me though because I can't resist the temptation of their clothes! 🙊

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Saturday 15 July 2017

Staycation at Wynns Hotel, Dublin.


As Davide came to Ireland for two weeks we decided on the last night we would stay in Dublin to make things easier airport wise the following day. This gave us two days in Dublin to relax and hang out. I found Wynns Hotel on Booking.com and after falling in love with it and what it has to offer I used my initiative and I decided to see the price of it on their own website. By doing so I saw a €20 difference in the price so I booked immediately through their website
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Tuesday 4 July 2017

Why Galway Is The Best Place To Be When The Sun Is Out


You can't deny it, Galway is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland. It's quirky nature and friendly ambiance really makes Galway unique from the rest of Ireland. Galway really has so many amazing aspects, we have the beautiful Connemara, one of the only places in Ireland where Irish is still spoken, the sea, and when the sun is out, it just booms with people.

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#ScoliosisStories: Laura Keep

This month's amazing scoliosis warrior is Laura. Like everyone who battles this condition she has definitely had her fair share of struggles with it and today she is sharing her amazing story. Thank you so much Laura for taking part in #ScoliosisStories you are an inspiration to those around you! 💜

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Tuesday 20 June 2017

How Much Is Too Much When Sharing Your Life Online?


It is well known that cyber abuse is definitely a part of many peoples lives, especially in the lives of bloggers/ influencers/ celebrities (basically people who live their lives online). You could say I live my life online as I too am a blogger. However thankfully after bringing CiaraSwalsh online I haven't received any negative comments or abuse.

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Friday 9 June 2017

June Product Review.


I've been trying some new products recently and I just need to tell you all about them, some I've been trying for a few months and others I've been trying for more than 3 weeks. I like to give it time before I review a product so I know the full extent of it's effects. Today I am reviewing products from Vichy, Urban Decay, Moogoo, Victoria Secret, Nuxe, and Lancome.
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Friday 2 June 2017

Review: Afternoon Tea in The House Hotel Galway


Myself and some of Galway's Bloggers meet up once a week to discuss strategies, general blog work and how we can help grow Galway. So this week we decided to treat ourselves and go for some Afternoon Tea in the House Hotel Galway. As a lover of Afternoon tea I was itching to go.

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Monday 29 May 2017

What happened in my 2nd year of Blogging


Two years have passed since I decided to throw my love for fashion and travel online. Since then I have seen my brand grow more than I had ever believed. I sat down a few days ago and I looked at my journal from last year and my one from this year to see what CiaraSwalsh has done since my last 'blogiversary'.

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Sunday 28 May 2017

How To Apply For A Russian Visa


Applying for a Russian Visa was probably the most stressful part of organising our trip to St. Petersburg. Why? 1. Because there was next to no information online except from the consular website of the Russian Embassy which was quite hard to navigate and understand and 2. Davide didn't get his passport until a week before leaving so it was a massive rush, so if you plan on applying for a Russian Visa, follow these exact steps and you'll have no problems! And if you need tips on places to see check out my St. Petersburg Guide and Vlog.

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Monday 22 May 2017

My 10 Goals For Summer


Love these shots Lauren took of this outfit. As said in my previous outfit post, Lauren and I shot these looks because once I saw how talented she was, I knew just had to work with her. So thank you Lauren for being such an amazing photographer.

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Friday 12 May 2017

15 Random Facts About Me



First things first before we get into these facts, how FAB are these photos? I'm  working with an amazing photographer named Lauren Ferrell, who is based in Galway. She was the photographer for the Galway Fashion Trail where I met her, and I just knew I had to work with her! I loved shooting this look so hope you like the shots!

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Tuesday 9 May 2017

St. Petersburg, Russia Travel Guide and Vlog




We booked our trip to St. Petersburg, Russia back in November. Something I believe is a once in a lifetime opportunity so we saved every penny we had and made this dream become a reality. 

Before the trip we made sure we were prepared, I checked the weather daily and it seemed pretty cold everyday, however, when we arrived i don't think we prepared for just how cold it was..let's just say that all the rivers were frozen!  Check out where we went as well as my St. Petersburg travel vlog linked below.
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Friday 5 May 2017

Could I Be The Next Galway Rose?


Yup you heard correctly, I am in the running to be the next Galway Rose! 
The Rose of Tralee is part of our Irish heritage, we all grew up watching all the beautiful roses from all parts of the world. I remember thinking when I was a child that it would be impossible to be chosen to be a rose and I was in awe of these women!
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Tuesday 2 May 2017

What They Don't Tell You Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened - The White House Clinic Galway.



Last week I was kindly invited in to test the service The White House Teeth Whitening Clinic had to offer. I was treated to a one hour teeth whitening session where I was told my teeth would definitely be at least 5 shades whiter with zero sensitivity afterwards. I have heard many horror stories of teeth whitening disasters, from cracking teeth, to extreme sensitivity and pain.
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Wednesday 12 April 2017

Fashion Has Come To Galway With The Galway Fashion Trail!

Top: Zara | Skirt: Penneys/Primark | Boots: Missguided | Bag: Penneys/Primark
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Sunday 2 April 2017

#ScoliosisStories: Gary Farrell

Raising awareness for Scoliosis is so important. Every day there are so many people in pain, wondering when they will get called for that life saving surgery. Today someone who is a gift to us Scoliosis Warriors has helped over 1500 members as well as every person with scoliosis in Ireland. Today Gary Farrell shares his story:

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Tuesday 28 March 2017

How I Afford To Travel While Being A Full Time Student


Travel is something that I love more than anything in the world. It makes me feel alive. But since I am a full time student in final year with a tonne of work on my shoulders, how do I afford to go travelling? This is something people ask me a lot,
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Tuesday 21 March 2017

5 Things I'm Grateful For This Week


I have a lot to be grateful for this week and I feel the need to have a heart to heart appreciation post. This week has been a good one, and I am sharing 5 things I am grateful for, so check them out below!

I also shot this look last week after the Vavavoom S/S '17 preview in Dublin. You can find the details to everything below.

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Saturday 18 March 2017

London in 48 Hours


London is a city you have to visit in your lifetime. It's electrifying, quirky, fashion central and so characteristic.
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Friday 3 March 2017

5 Ways To Be More Confident.

I've always suffered with confidence issues. I'll always remember my 4th class teacher preaching to me "Ciara have more confidence in yourself! Believe in yourself!". I think these statements actually made me have even worse confidence issues because everyday she highlighted one of my defects.  Oh the irony.Then came my diagnosis with Scoliosis which really got me down. But I've come a long way from my primary and secondary school days.


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Monday 27 February 2017

Scoliosis Stories: Tamara Sharpe



I got to know Tamara through the Scoliosis Ireland Facebook Group where she posted this monologue for us scoliosis warriors to read. It made me cry and today, with Tamara's permission, I'm sharing it with you all.
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Sunday 19 February 2017

My Experience at SeaBreeze Beauty Clinic, Oranmore



Last week the lovely ladies at SeaBreeze Beauty and Day Spa invited me in for a complimentary facial. I jumped at the chance as since attending their 16th birthday a few months ago, I knew just how professional these ladies are and how gorgeous SeaBreeze actually is. SeaBreeze is located in Oranmore Town Centre in Galway. 
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Sunday 12 February 2017

February Product Review


Hello you beautiful people, so because I was out of action due to my operation (read about my condition here) I was unable to share the products I have being using and testing for the past month. Well I'm back so get your pens out because I know you'll love some of these products as much as I do!
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Thursday 2 February 2017

#ScoliosisStories: Emma Louise Harte


Today, something I've been wanting to do since starting CiaraSwalsh is finally happening! I am officially starting the Scoliosis Stories series! I'm kicking it off with a story by someone very dear to me, someone who helped me with my recent operation and who I am very grateful to. I asked Emma would she take part and be the first to share her Scoliosis Story. When she agreed I was just so delighted. So thank you Emma! Her story made me very emotional and her pictures are truly beautiful.
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Monday 23 January 2017

48 hours in Venice

Travelling to Venice soon? Well then your trip itinerary is sorted because in this post I will show you the best sights of Venice so you won't miss a thing!

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