The Naked Truth About Laser Hair Removal | Urbana

I actually can't rate this salon highly enough! Girls, and guys, stop what you are doing immediately and pay attention to this! I guarantee you will thank me later. 

After years of painful waxing sessions at various salons around Dublin, a friend recommended going to Urbana for laser. I thought no way could I, how painful! Boy was I wrong! I swear you will think they are paying me to say this (Chuckling) but I can almost guarantee that it is 99.9% LESS painful than waxing, but I had a full on panic attack outside the salon before my first appointment. Although, I am so glad now that I went through with it now.

I started with my bikini area last summer following a painful waxing session - as I lay there, I thought to myself, "Do I really want to be doing this when I'm 50?". Obviously the answer was no. Granted there are those among us who prefer waxing or shaving, and that's fine - it just wasn't for me. Needless to say the sessions have paid off. They estimate between 8 - 10 sessions (every 6-8 weeks) before switching to bi-annual or annual appointments. 
I have tried the lip, underarm and full leg. I can honestly say the lower leg is the worst, but if you can bear it you will reap the benefits. It is pricier than waxing initially, but the results are so worth it. Plus you can pay as you go and earn points per session with their Loyalty Programme.

The salon is gorgeous, with a modern sleek design and state of the art medical grade laser machines which are used with ice cold air to divert any hint of pain!

The unfortunate thing about laser hair removal is that you cannot currently do it if you have fair hair. As the laser light attacks the dark pigment so if you have blonde or red hair the laser will not pick up the pigment. So I am one of the lucky ones that can avail of this, however having olive skin you still have to be careful because the laser can cause scarring if you've have had recent sun exposure to the skin.

If you are considering laser hair removal, I would highly recommend checking out Urbana as consultations are free of charge. They discuss the whole process with you and even do a skin test with the laser so you know what you are getting yourself in for and to make sure you don't have a nasty reaction.

I urge you to stop abusing your bodies with wax and check out laser!!! It is AMAZING!!!

I was actually delighted last month when after participating in one of their online customer service surveys; I actually WON a €300 voucher! I never win anything, absolutely fantastic prize. Thank you, Urbana.

Pubs of Dublin: Searsons, Baggott Street

I wanted to share this extraordinary pub with you. Searsons is steeped in history, with patrons such as Brendan Behan, a fellow Crumlin man, and Patrick Kavanagh both famous Irish poets – is a traditional Irish pub which recently got a revamp by new owner Charlie Chawke.

Tripadvisor

I met a friend there last night for some dinner and drinks. I hadn’t been to Searsons since a Christmas party in 2008, so the changes were a little disorientating at first; I thought I was in the wrong place. It’s completely modernised, whilst keeping the traditional feel; it looks fantastic. The bar is situated at the front of the pub in the centre and is accessible from all sides in a U-shape. The seating area both in the bar and dining area is open and airy, yet warm. The dining area is located right beside the open kitchen, with its modern, sleek design, which is complimented by the chic red sofa seating along one wall and Cream leather chairs througout. 

We were welcomed into the heart of the dining area and the waitress couldn’t have been more attentive, making sure we had everything we required. I ordered the Linguini Arrabbiata with Chicken.

It was absolutely delicious, and flavoursome. I couldn’t resist the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cheesecake which just melted in my mouth. It was the most luscious cheesecake I’ve ever tasted, topped off by a fresh mint chocolate icecream - heaven. My friend had the Rotisserie half Chicken which she said was "succulent". I tasted her honey carrots which were delightful.

 

As the evening wore on, the changing, coloured lighting made for some welcome ambience as we nattered the time away over a few reasonably priced, and tasty glasses of wine.

I almost forgot to mention the highlight of Searsons for me, is the piano. What a beauty; and as I stared at it in awe, I noticed that the cardboard tealight lampshade was advertising not only Sunday Jazz nights, but Saturday Piano night. HOW have I not heard of this before? I will most definitely be making a date with that piano in the next few weeks.

 #78 of 1971 best restaurants in Dublin on Tripadvisor

The Blazin' Grill

The Blazin’ Grill, Tallaght, looks like it has a lot to offer; with its contemporary design, timber cut tables and chilled out attitude. An extremely friendly atmosphere, with great service, - although a little on the slow side. It would seem to be the perfect alternative on a Sunday afternoon, to the usual carvery down the pub! The atmosphere is quite and family orientated, with 3 course set menus at €19.50 which is most friendly on the wallet and to top that off on Sunday’s kids’ meals are free (from the kids menu).

 

The Blazin' Grill

My friends had raved about the food, as they eat there all the time so I was eager to try it. However, I was a little underwhelmed. I went for their famous Blazin’ Chicken wings, which were perfectly cooked, crispy and succulent. The ‘Blazin’ sauce on the other hand was a little too sweet and not enough ‘Blaze’ as the name suggests -  a far cry from other hot wings. For my main course I chose the Roast Chicken Breast, Stuffing and Bacon – what self-deserving Dubliner doesn’t love a good Sunday roast?! Over all the meal was only OK, nothing to write home about. The meat was dry and tasteless, however the roasted carrot and turnip completely made up for that.

After that lot, I was extremely looking forward to the Raspberry "Styled" Cheesecake which came highly recommended. When it arrived at the table, I was awed by the presentation which was stunning. Sadly, it was not love at first bite! The first word that came to mind was Flubber! Had I wished, I could have easily dribbled my desert through the restaurant before I slam dunked back to the kitchen.

It’s unfortunate that for such a beautiful restaurant, it was the food that let them down. Ironic.