If there’s one thing that’s convinced sceptics about the merits of vegan food, it’s the vegan sausage roll. This new take on the kids birthday party staple – or was that just when we were young? – has been in high demand since its introduction last year, when even the most ardent of meat eaters […]

7 years ago

A spring vibe for freezing temperatures. The days are getting longer, but they’re getting colder too. So, while the shops fill up with slip skirts and floaty dresses, we’re still buried under at least two sweaters and a scarf. Blanket optional. It’s so annoying when you want to chuck out your old jumpers and shake up […]

7 years ago

Family cooking in double-quick time. Recipes that involve minimal prep and maximum output are rare. That’s why we’re loving No Fuss Vegan, the new cookbook from model turned food blogger Roz Purcell. The Tipperary woman has assembled a collection of recipes that don’t involve hard-to-find and even-harder-to-pronounce ingredients. And it’s all vegan too. Right now […]

7 years ago

Feeling adventurous? January is the month for experimenting in the kitchen in the name of eating healthy / saving money / staving off the cabin fever. After you’ve worked your way through a ton of soups and casseroles, why not try something a bit different? Take One Tin, the new cookbook from Lola Milne, is packed […]

7 years ago

Love fritters? You can make them from more than just sweetcorn. Take One Tin, the new cookbook from Lola Milne, is packed with clever dishes that you can make using the kinds of ingredients that everyone has knocking around their kitchen presses – the stuff that you overlook when you’re trying to rustle up some […]

7 years ago

What’s better than an easy, tasty recipe? An easy, tasty recipe that leaves your friends thinking that you are some sort of master chef. Take One Tin, the clever new cookbook from Lola Milne, is packed with just those sorts of dishes. What’s more, each of the meals is made from the kinds of ingredients […]

7 years ago

Join ‘Gaff Goddess’ Laura de Barra in Dublin on February 6. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, it’s important to know how to look after your abode. From dripping taps to rewiring plugs, there’s a multitude of  little fixes on everyone’s to-do list… And chances are that’s exactly where they’ll stay if you don’t have the […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Astellas What makes you go ‘grrrrr’ most? We’re about to share with you some of society’s top annoyances. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from all those surveyed, it’s that life will throw things at you that aren’t all that pleasant, but it’s how we deal with these little annoyances that […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Astellas Overactive bladder (OAB) disrupts more lives than you might think. In Ireland alone, it affects approximately 350,000 people over the age of 401 while a quarter of people have a friend or family member that suffers from it.2 Twenty percent of undiagnosed sufferers don’t go to their doctor because they don’t believe […]

7 years ago

After a week of chocolate, it’s time they had some salad! This winter warmer from Donal Skehan’s latest book of health-boosting recipes is a perfect family dish… Harissa Chicken with Rainbow Salad Cook’s Notes: You can get lots of different kinds of harissa paste, but the rose variety has an extra layer of deliciousness – […]

7 years ago

After several days of traditional Christmas dinners, we’re craving something different. This jewelled rice recipe from Donal Skehan’s latest book works with leftover turkey or as a stand-alone salad… Jewelled Herb & Rice Salad Cook’s Notes: If you have a little extra time, soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes before you start cooking. […]

7 years ago

It’s been a hectic few days, so give yourself – and your little ones – a nutrients boost with this green recipe from Donal Skehan’s latest book… All the greens pasta Cook’s Notes: About as simple as it gets – toss it all in the pan, give it a little stir, then just stand back […]

7 years ago

We like to see the Christmas holidays as one long cocktail hour. And as good as the traditional drinks are, we also like to try something new when we have visitors to impress. Step forward, the new Christmas cocktails from The Dyflin Bar. Located in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in the heart of Dublin city, the […]

7 years ago

Christmas time, mistletoe and mulled wine… Depending on your Christmas Day routine, by now your dinner is either cooking or eaten – and it’s time for a pre/post dinner drink. Below, Bhim Santoo from Urchin shares some of his favourite festive drinks recipes. Try classics like mulled wine and hot port, or something new in the […]

7 years ago

For the day that’s in it!

7 years ago

Pass the selection box.

7 years ago

Gold, frankincense and ALL OF THE CHEESE. Who among us isn’t hoping that Santa brings us a stay at Adare Manor in Co Limerick? (With a babysitter thrown in!) In the meantime, you can create a taste of five-star glamour at home by following this guide from Liam Simpson – Food & Beverage Manager at The […]

7 years ago

Doing the Big Shop today? Then, as mammy taught you, it’s all in the planning – and making a good list in key. Below, Nisea Doddy, Somellier of The Shelbourne, shares her top tips on what drinks to stock up on, as well as telling you how best to serve them on Christmas Day. Kick things off […]

7 years ago

We love wine. We love cheese. But we haven’t a clue which types of which go together tbh. If there was a worldwide shortage of turkey and selection boxes, the cheeseboard would more than get us through Christmas. But eating our body weight in cheese is, as everyone knows, very thirsty work – so what […]

7 years ago

Over 270,000 boxes were collected! This year, HerFamily has been supporting the Team Hope Ireland Christmas Shoebox Appeal. We asked our wonderfully generous readers to get on board with the campaign and pack a shoebox to send to a child in need this Christmas. Over the past two months, colourfully-wrapped boxes packed with toys, sweets […]

7 years ago

Edible eggnog? Yes please! Having enjoyed a stay at The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, I can vouch for it being a place that – with its Michelin-starred food and its stunning sea view – knows how to wow. So, if you’re on dessert duty this Christmas and looking for something that will seriously […]

7 years ago

In life, we all need a little reassurance from time to time. Whether that is because we are unsure about our actions or choices in study, work or relationships, it can be nice to hear ‘I have been there too and this is why it’s ok’. I have never questioned myself or doubted myself in […]

7 years ago

Did you know that chestnuts are high in folic acid? Neither did we. If you don’t fancy your chance of roasting them over an open fire this Christmas, try this nutritious recipe from plant-based chef Gemma Ogston’s new book instead… Roasted golden quinoa pilaf A beautiful fruity pilaf made with protein-rich quinoa instead of rice. […]

7 years ago

The colder months call for hearty dinners – the downside of which are hours spent cooking and mountains of dishes to be washed. This potpie recipe from the new Tasty cookbook is simple to make and keeps the scrubbing to a minimum too… Chicken potpie Chicken potpie is the ultimate in comfort food, and since there’s […]

7 years ago

Dubliner RuthAnne is one of the foremost musical talents to come out of Ireland in recent years. An acclaimed songwriter, who was recently nominated for a Grammy, she also released her debut album, Matters of the Heart, this year. But while 2019 has been one of her most successful years career-wise, behind the scenes the 31-year-old […]

7 years ago

Life is hectic, particularly at this time of year. Our own to-do lists are lengthy, and a lot more seems to get added than get crossed off. So, we totally understand if you saw HerFamily‘s appeals to fill shoeboxes with Christmas presents for children in the developing world, and meant to get around to it… but […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Donegal Catch A delicious way to get in that Omega 3. Fish can be a bit of a struggle in the house when you have kids. It’s one of those weird foods that the vast majority of adults love but a lot of kids hate. We’re not quite sure where exactly […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Donegal Catch We can’t forget about those healthy fish fats! Getting kids to eat fish can be a struggle. Though it’s a struggle we have to endure if we want our little ones to get the necessary Omega 3 into their diets. It’s important that we don’t forget Omega 3 when […]

7 years ago

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, is there anything more sweet than when your little girl wants to be just like her mum? Obviously you’d prefer to stop them growing up and keep them under your wing forever, but when kids copy what they see adults doing it can be seriously cute. (Albeit […]

7 years ago

TWO MILLION SHOEBOXES! The staff and volunteers at Team Hope Ireland celebrated a landmark this week, when box number 2,000,000 was collected for their Christmas appeal. The record number was reached after 10 years of donations from families, schools, workplaces and teams all across the country – and with thanks to the many readers across […]

7 years ago

Because a tree is for life, not just for Christmas. This has been the year where there wider world woke up to the realities of climate change. Spurned on by the likes of Great Thunberg, we are all keenly aware of the need for positive environmental action. As we head into the traditional season of […]

7 years ago

A 12-year old billionaire, an orangutan butler, and a company called ‘Bumfresh toilet paper’… Not since Roald Dahl has there been a children’s author so imaginative, so irreverent and so delightfully wicked as David Walliams. Some of his best-selling books, such as Gansta Granny, have been turned into equally successful TV shows in recent years, […]

7 years ago

Tasty, warming and full of goodness, this French recipe from chef and food writer Rick Stein’s latest book will see your family through the cold months… AUTUMNAL VEGETABLE SOUP WITH BASIL, GARLIC & OLIVE OIL SOUPE AU PISTOU SERVES 6–8 Ingredients 100g dried beans, such as flageolet, cannellini or haricots, soaked overnight in cold water […]

7 years ago

Chef Rick Stein’s latest book explores the recipes passed down through generation of Fresh families. Get your kids involved with making the pastry for this tart, and they’ll be dying to taste the finished result. LEEK TART FROM PICARDY FLAMICHE Many versions of this leek tart or pie from Picardy exist, some with a top of […]

7 years ago

Help Team Hope reach two million shoeboxes! There’s been festive cheer spreading across the country in the past few weeks, as people in every county packed boxes for the Team Hope Christmas shoebox appeal. Collection centres have been filling with brightly coloured boxes – as the Her crew witnessed when we dropped our own carefully-wrapped […]

7 years ago

“Gay was the world’s greatest broadcaster” Ireland is a nation united in sadness today following the announcement of the death of Gay Byrne. Best known and loved as the host of The Late Late Show, Gay was widely acknowledged one of the most accomplished broadcasters, not only in Ireland but anywhere in the world – […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by the National Childcare Scheme If you’re a parent, especially to a baby or toddler, there’s no doubt that autumn and the lead up to Christmas can really leave you feeling the pinch in your pocket. That’s why it’s entirely worth understanding and availing of schemes available to help reduce the cost […]

7 years ago

New legislation granting legal recognition to same sex parents is too narrow in focus, says the Equality For Children campaign. Today, Ireland takes an important step forward in granting legal recognition to same sex parents. The news this morning that Health Minister Simon Harris was due to sign off on the relevant parts of the Children […]

7 years ago

Yum!

7 years ago

The daily struggle. Mornings are a crazy time in every house, especially when you’ve lunchboxes to fill. If like us, you end up eating the same lunch as your little ones to save time, then why not make something you’d all enjoy. So, we’re saying goodbye to ham sandwiches and trying something a little different. […]

7 years ago

It’s all one big learning curve.

7 years ago

We oohed, we aahed, we squealed excitedly and took a million photos – and that was just the adults. The new Wonderlights opens at Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare tonight, and it genuinely is a wondrous experience. HerFamily was lucky enough to get the chance to preview what’s the ‘multi-sensory trail’ before the grand opening, and […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by McDonald’s Happy Halloween! We haven’t forgotten how busy this time of year can really be. Between the costumes, the extra sweets, decorations and making sure the kids’ Trick or Treating goes perfectly, it’d be nice to have a fun day out where you can sit back and let someone else organise […]

7 years ago

It’s the question that you’ll be asked a hundred times in the run up to your due date: have you got your bag packed yet? But what are you supposed to put in it – and what are the extras that you’ll be glad you thought to bring? Influencer Pippa O’Connor is mum to two […]

7 years ago

Time to organise a festive family trip. Aside from the fact that Galway is Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2020, there’s another reason to visit the City of the Tribes because the much-loved Christmas market is returning for the festive season. It’s only October but as parents know, Santa lists start way ahead of time […]

7 years ago

“A watershed moment” The cervical cancer patient support group 221+ has responded to the Taoiseach’s apology for the “many failures” of the healthcare system. The independent group was established in July 2018 to provide information, support and advice to families affected by the national cervical smear screening scandal. The group’s name symbolises the 221 women who […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by McDonald’s Costumes at the ready! As if Halloween wasn’t exciting enough, McDonald’s has come to add even more fun to October 30 between 12pm and 4pm. Once again, McDonald’s is playing host to a spectacular family fun day in restaurants across the country where you can bring the entire family together […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Cadbury We’re celebrating family because, well… we can! There’s undoubtedly at least one family member who’s entirely worthy of a very special treat. Perhaps they’ve been so good, or exceptionally good to you for as long as you can remember. Maybe they’re the support you just can’t do without, maybe they […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by AVEENO® Baby No one likes dry skin and babies are no different. Dry, itchy skin and eczema-prone skin occurs much more commonly in childhood. So, as a parent, it’s always reassuring to know what’s out there to help and what to do if you think your child is developing a skin […]

7 years ago

Brought to you by Aptaclub Newborn on the way? Exciting times ahead mums and dads! No doubt things are a little busy right now while you try and get all those essentials ticked off the list. Just think of the clothes, having to paint the nursery, the bibs you’ll need, the pram, the crib… THE […]

7 years ago