AIN'T life grand?
I know we're still in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and life is still kind of strange right now but a holiday has left me feeling renewed and refreshed.
Like many, I had been in desperate need of a break and our trip to Jersey, amid a fabulous heat wave, was just what the doctor ordered.
Having finally sorted all the much-need paperwork to meet the current Covid-19 travel restrictions, off we went to board our plane for the one hour and 10 minute flight.
Of course, as we had been warned, things were a little different when we arrived on the other side as we had to collect our luggage and proceed to a room in the airport to produce our appointment card which proved we had all been double-jabbed and then undergo a painless Covid test.
I have to congratulate the Jersey government on how well organised this all was. Thanks to the lovely, friendly staff, we sailed through and out the doors within minutes.
It was then onwards to the hot sun, crystal blue sea and white sand - with no isolating required - and it was really wonderful to be met by my wonderful sister-in-law Tracy and her kids, Erin and Laura, who we had not seen in quite a while.
Just a few hours later, we all received a text to say our test was negative.
With temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius, the next seven days are just a blur of fun and frolics, from fun in a speedboat and a journey on the Le Petit Train to St Aubin's Bay, to a trip to the zoo, the aMaizin! Adventure Park, a family BBQ, fun in the hot tub and, of course, dinner in Gorey, where Darren and I got engaged.
There was also a trip to Jersey Pearl (where I got spoiled as usual), a day at the beach where the kids splashed to their hearts' content, and Jersey Jump.
In between, we spent lots of family time together, enjoyed beautiful food, went shopping and, for just a short time, forgot about Covid-19.
I have to say, our hearts just broke on the day we had to leave our beloved Premier Inn in St Helier to go back to the airport.
Before we had even started to pack our cases, the kids, who had spent the week laughing and smiling, were asking for us to book again for next year.
I know it's a worrying time at the minute, especially as case numbers continue to rise, but I have to say, our memories of Jersey will most definitely help us get through the times ahead.
Thank you Jersey for yet another fantastic family break and here's to seeing you all again in July 2022.
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Four Weddings and A Funeral actress Andie MacDowell has revealed her team tried to deter her from embracing her new salt-and-pepper locks.
Speaking during an interview, the 63-year-old said her hair started to go grey at the beginning of quarantine but her managers told her it wasn't the time.
However, she replied: "I think you're wrong, and I'm going to be more powerful if I embrace where I am right now. It's time because in two years I'm going to be 65. If I don't do it now, I won't have the chance to be salt and pepper."
You look fabulous Andie.
Good decision.
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The weather has been just glorious recently but if you're in need of a break from the hot, hot rays, how about winning a pair of tickets for a trip to the cinema (air conditioning included)?
Movie House Cinemas has four locations around Northern Ireland at City Side in Belfast, Glengormley, Coleraine and Maghera, and each has a plethora of fab new movies on offer this summer.
These include Jungle Cruise, which stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson.
Based on Disneyland's theme park ride, Jungle Cruise tells the story of a small riverboat which takes a group of travellers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles, but with a supernatural element.
Also showing is Suicide Squad, starring Margot Robbie and Idris Elba, where we see supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and other cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X, as well as family movie, Spirit Untamed.
I have two pairs of tickets for Movie House Cinemas to give away.
If you fancy winning a pair of tickets, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday August 3 2021.
(Q) Name the lead actress in Jungle Cruise.
Normal Irish News rules apply
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of The Last Snow competition are Kay McDonagh from Beragh, Annette Breen Mallon from Killeavy, Una Irwin from Belfast, Roisin Mitchell from Portadown, and Mary Hughes from Carryduff.
