The II Earl

A few tips how to enjoy an at home spa experience. • Step 1: Turn off your devices or put them on silent to enjoy no distractions. • Step 2: Create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting a candle, dimming your lights, and turning on tranquil music. • Step 3: Unwind with a cup of herbal tea — or a glass of champagne! • Step 4: Enjoy a hot towel, face mask, hair mask, or a relaxing soak in the bath. ✠

We’ve heard time and time again what the world’s most successful people do first thing in the morning, whether that’s rising at 5am for a quick jog before meditating for half an hour followed by a cup of green tea on their commute into the office (chauffeur driven, naturally). The point is, everything we’ve heard so much about the lifestyle habits of the world’s rich and famous and it’s pretty clear that most of the time, they’re out of our reach (if he wants to last a whole working day as switched on as he was when he woke up, at least). But what about the stuff they do before they go to sleep? These habits, we’re glad to tell you, are surprisingly normal: Read a book The likes of Bill Gates and Barack Obama have cited reading before bed as being the key to them switching off after a tough day in the office. It’s not rocket science, but it works and many sleep therapists see reading before bed as a non-negotiable for a decent nights sleep. Switch off from work Working right b...

It’s the single most important piece of jewellery you’ll ever invest in — and with any luck, you’ll only ever buy one of them. There’s no denying that choosing the right engagement ring is a serious undertaking, and one capable of bringing even the most relaxed of gentlemen out in a cold sweat. How much should you expect to spend on her dream ring? Are you obliged to rely on the family jeweller? How in god’s name do you know what metal will suit her skin tone? Never fear, whether you are looking to update your grandmother’s rock, want to source an antique or design a bespoke piece from scratch, we’ve found just the person to guide you through this notoriously tricky quest, and better-secure your chances of getting a ‘yes’ when you propose. Jewellery consultant Beanie Major has spent a decade speaking to women about the role jewellery plays in their lives and has travelled the world seeking out the very best jewellers. Step one: Start with her Way before you even think about appro...

Book smarts aren’t everything, especially when it comes to matters of men’s style. And while there are some bona fide men’s style “rule books” out there, there’s also a wealth exceptionally fascinating stories, anecdotes and history to know as well. The true men’s style connoisseur is, after all, a deep seeker of knowledge. It’s in that spirit that we’ve examined the shelves of the NS library and chosen our top 10 must read men’s style books. ▪ True Style by G. Bruce Boyer, $30 ▪ Men and Style: Essays, Interviews & Considerations by David Coggins, $30 ▪ Permanent Style: The Style Guide by Simon Crompton, $52 ▪ Icons of Men’s Style (mini edition) by Josh Sims, $15 ▪ Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style by W. David Marx, $30 ▪ Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion by Alan Flusser, $55 ▪ Mad Men Carousel: The Complete Critical Companion by Matt Zoller Seitz, $27.50 ▪ 100 Years of Menswear (mini edition) by Cally Blackman, $20 ▪ The Details: Iconic Men’s ...

The Landed Estates of County Roscommon was published in late 2018. The book examines the big houses of Roscommon and concentrates on 12 of the larger estates within the county; Mount Talbot, Castlecoote, Donamon, Mote, Frenchpark, King House, Rockingham, Loughglynn, Kilronan, Clonalis, Castlerea House amd Strokestown Park. Each of these estates has a full chapter to themselves in the book and almost 80 others estates are briefly examined in the final chapter. The book is printed in full colour and contains 276 pages with each chapter containing a wonderful collection of old and modern photos. The author has given talks at the Percy French Festival in Castlecoote House, the Boyles Arts Festival in King House and for the Irish Georgian Society in Dublin, all events were sold out weeks in advance. Many of these outlets also have the book available to purchase online, check their websites or Facebook pages for confirmation. Thanks for reading. ✠

Clearly, he must have manners, humour, humility, talent and courage, but there will always be more materialistic giveaways, too A member of the Athenaeum once put up a notice after his umbrella was taken from the cloakroom. It read: ‘Will the nobleman who has taken my umbrella please return it.’ A friend asked: ‘How do you know it’s a nobleman?’ He replied: ‘The rules state that this club is for gentlemen and noblemen, and no gentleman would take my umbrella.’ According to Somerset Maugham, the only value of being a gentleman lay in the fact that it wasn’t a pretence (he also said it was almost impossible to be one and a writer), but with the world changing faster than a baton handover in an Olympic relay, is it possible to have a definitive picture of one? Clearly, he must have manners, humour, humility, talent and courage, but there will always be more materialistic giveaways, too. 1912 The Proms The Quorn ...

It all comes from the classics. I succumb to classical music’s energy and mood-altering potential in the same way that one might from a line of cocaine or a glass of cold water on a sweltering day. Of all the things I can guarantee, this current state of affairs will take us slaloming through the gamut of feelings, all are important, all should be processed and sat with. If you want to be constructive, music is one way of doing this and to help with this, here is a selection of classical music pieces that cover every mood. ✠

An early start could be the catalyst for getting results It’s never nice to start your day feeling rushed. Wake up at 5am, however, and you’ll suddenly have time to get up to date on current affairs, thoroughly wash and groom yourself and make a hearty – not to mention healthy – breakfast. And, with your pace significantly more leisurely, you’ll also never be late to work. Despite feeling eye-rubbingly lethargic when we get up, the early morning is the time of day when we actually have the highest reserves of energy – thanks to building them up during sleep – and by waking up early you can use that energy more efficiently. Use this peaceful time to gather your thoughts for the day ahead and enjoy the moments most people don’t get to see A caveat here though: rising early does necessitate going to bed early and it’s a lifestyle adjustment. Those who succeed with waking up early every morning do it every morning – so you’ll have to say good bye to those late Friday evenings in the pu...

Living well is the best revenge - Anthony Scaramucci

How many of the following have you ticked off in your twenties? I won’t wait until retirement until I start to live the life that I want every day. So get ready to tick off, and make plans to complete those that have as yet evaded you. 1- Build a stronger body and mind 2- Learn to drive 3- Mastering a new language 4- Travel broadens the mind 5- Buy property 6- Read a great work of literature 7- Reach out to one of your heroes 8- Learn how to master a signature dish 9- Host a Sunday roast in your own home 10- Win a game of chess 11- Have a favourite whisky 12- Find your signature scent 13- Buy one tailored suit 14- Taking the time to handwrite letters 15- Invest in a piece of art 16- Learn at least one song on piano or guitar 17- Go to the opera, even if you never return 18- Blood donation 19- Become a jack of all trades 20- Repairing a leak 21- Climb a mountain 22- Giving something back ✠