You Said It 

Lorra Lorra Laughs
I loved seeing Cilla Black in your latest issue. She really was such an amazing lady. I followed her career right from the start. In fact, as a young girl, I think I bought nearly every one of her singles. I was delighted when she came back on our screens with Surprise, Surprise. There was always something so down to earth and funny about her. I was so saddened when she passed away. She was far too young, I think. Still, she gave us a "lorra, lorra laughs".

Bridget Malone, Celbridge

The Beauty of Nature 

I'm a huge fan of Eanna Ní Lamhna and thrilled to see her writing regularly for you. She's so great at bringing nature to life through her words. She really knows her stuff but she's able to explain it in a way that the rest of us can understand. Dandelions, buttercups, nettles and clover are the mainstay of most of our lawns when we ditch the mower. It's something I did a few years ago and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It looks so beautiful and natural. I can sometimes hear the bees humming away and catch sight of the odd butterfly from time to time. Nature, when it's left to its own devices, is so much more beautiful than anything we humans try to create.

Alanah Maher, Co Wicklow

Covid Project
I found myself very bored during the first lockdown and needing a project to keep me entertained. In the midst of the pandemic confusion, I decided that I would be best spending my time on something I enjoyed, so I started to do up the garden. I thought that even if indoor dining didn’t start up again, I could at least enjoy my summer in the garden with some friends. The one thing I was missing from this project was some added accessories, such as the ones mentioned in your article on dining alfresco. I immediately purchased a number of the pieces in this feature and they have tied together my outdoor dining space better than I thought possible. Thank you to the team at WW for always providing the best content. 

Bernie Dunphy, Co Carlow

Laura Whitmore 

I have just finished reading the feature in Woman’s Way about Laura Whitmore. It had never occurred to me before reading this piece that my friends and I also considered the subject of money as a taboo topic of conversation. I have been the sole provider in my family since my husband took early retirement about ten years ago. I have always felt that I must keep the amount I earn, after all the hard work I do to earn it, to myself, while my husband happily and openly talks about his pension. I have worked since I was fifteen years old and it is only now that I have been comfortable enough in my success to feel like I can speak about my earnings without feeling as though I am bragging. This article reaffirmed my suspicion that I am not the only woman that feels this way. I am firmly set upon the notion that we, as women, should feel liberated in talking about this topic with no qualms about what others will think. 

Charlotte Gallagher, Dublin 18

Bye-Bye to Homeschooling
I loved hearing about Laura Woods and her transition from presenting for Ireland AM on weekends to midweek. I’ve listened to Ireland AM for years now while rallying the kids to school and I get a huge amount of comfort from the routine. I laughed out loud when she said her husband was her chief of security, guarding her against her two sons. Typical boys, making chaos in the house! My own are the same. I couldn’t relate more when she spoke about her struggles with homeschooling. It became more and more stressful and in the end, I danced my way into the drop-off zone when they went back to school. No shame in it either - we can’t do it all. 

Brid O’Donnell, Co Carlow 

Hotel Travel
I can’t believe we’re at the stage where we can finally plan trips away, even if they are staycations in Ireland. Delighted to see the big travel special in the last issue of Woman’s Way. All of the hotels look amazing, especially because a lot of them were family-friendly. It’s wonderful to see the hospitality sector back open once again. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a dinner that I haven’t made myself so I’m looking forward to treating myself and the kids to a breakaway when they finish school. Nice to see we’re supporting Irish. Thanks for the hotel inspiration! 

Anne Carr, Co Meath 

At Home Yogi
I was amazed to read about wearable technology in the last issue of Woman’s Way. How far technology has come is incredible. During lockdown number one, I took up yoga while stuck at home. I never would have gone to an in-person class as it’s been years since I’ve stepped foot in a gym. I took a liking to it and I now do three online classes a week. I would love to try the smart leggings that help you with your poses. As I’ve never been in front of an instructor, sometimes I wonder if I’m holding myself in the right position. This would be great to track if I’m progressing with my flexibility too. I might get them as an early birthday present to myself! 

Laura Dagan, Co Waterford 

Glam for You
Reading about Katie Piper and her love affair with make-up and pampering really got me thinking. It’s okay to get dressed up and feel fabulous for yourself and no one else. I think pre-covid I was getting ready for others, more than myself but I’m happy to say I’m working on it. It’s also great to have a nighttime ritual whether it’s a 7-step skincare routine or you just lash on a bit of night cream just for something to do over lockdown. I bought every fad cream and trend tool throughout the pandemic but I’ve recently brought it back to basics. I was delighted to see I used the same oil as Katie. I’ve used Sanctuary Spa for years, and their products smell divine too!

Nora Dooly, Co Cork 

Vaccination Hesitancy
The feature about vaccination hesitancy is a great read. I’m glad some light has finally been shed on the topic. Most people aggressively persuade others to get the vaccine when there is any sort of hesitancy. People think someone who is not jumping at the chance to get the vaccine is ridiculous but there can be other things going on under the surface we don’t see. My sister is terrified of needles but after some coaching from her nurse, she was able to get her first jab last week. We knew not to rush her decision on it, she could have gotten it months ago, but the main thing was that we listened to her fears, made her feel validated and then offered her some advice to overcome them. The worst thing we could have done was make this more difficult for her. Really good advice Woman's Way! I hope other people can take it into account if they are in similar situations with family members.
Deirdre Caldwell, Co Mayo 

Recipes
Loved seeing a female chef in the last issue of Woman’s Way. It was great to read that she won a Michelin star, it’s very impressive. I've never made any Singaporean food because my husband hates spicy food, but I would love to challenge myself to make it for friends. We’re having a potluck dinner next week and I’m in charge of sides. How shocked the girls would be if I managed to make the spicy green beans! What I will make for my husband though, is the cherry and apricot slab pie. It looks delicious. We’d love that after our Sunday lunch. 

Betty McNeill, Co Sligo 

Light Make-Up
Learning all about the best dewy skin products made me realise how bad I’ve become at doing my makeup. I tried to think back to the last time I applied foundation and I couldn’t, for the life of me, remember. The idea of it puts me off, especially in this muggy heat. I would love to try the Nars tinted moisturizer as I think that would be enough to see me through the daily errands without feeling like I have 10 layers on. Another thing I’m thinking of doing is getting a lash tint done. My daughter keeps telling me it’s the best thing since sliced bread but I never saw the appeal until now. Skipping mascara, not having to worry about it smudging under my eyes, will be a real godsend for the summer. I’ll look into it more! 

Carol Dylan, Co Dublin  

Robot Doggy Daycare

It had never occurred to me that our homes would become as technologically advanced as you would see in movies until I read the smart home feature in Woman’s Way this week. I have only recently begun to update the appliances in my home and I now understand the appeal of having electrics that make your life a little easier. The thoughts of these electronics becoming even more advanced is both a strange and exciting concept to me. The idea that I could go away for a weekend and leave my dog in the care of a robot, rather than paying for a kennel, is fantastic. I cannot wait to learn more on this topic and I enjoyed this article very much. 

Julie McNamara, Co Fermanagh