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Life is all about a little pleasure – here, IMAGE staffer Emily O'Neill shares a few of her favourite things, from her go-to lipstick shade and summer day sweet treat, to the album she's been playing on repeat.
Finding those little bites of pleasure can be difficult in a world where everything is constantly go, go, go! The older I get, the more I have come to the realisation that it is okay to take a pause and enjoy life at a slower pace. To be truthfully honest, it has become one of my favourite things!
I’m very lucky to live in the countryside, surrounded by endless green fields, my two gorgeous dogs, Luna and Sonny, and most importantly, my family. Spending time with them might just be my favourite pastime.
Growing up, my Nana Essie would always leave money in the kitchen for my brothers and me every Friday to get ice cream in the shop after school. The ice cream of choice for all three of us was always a Magnum. It’s funny how some habits never change. We are now grown adults in our 20s and 30s, but we still love getting ice cream. Only now we opt for Magnum Bonbons. My brothers will always go for the White Chocolate and Cookie flavour, but I am a true Milk Chocolate and Cherry girl! It’s always our dessert of choice after our Sunday dinner at home.
Taking things slower is easier said than done but I think I have found a happy medium. Some days are busier than others and that’s normal, but I have learned to incorporate the things that bring a sense of calm into my busy days. One of my most prized possessions is my record player – I love having my favourite music playing in the background when I am working on my laptop. Dermot Kennedy’s new album The Weight of the Woods has been on repeat since it was released last month. His music incorporates beautiful sounds of nature, including birds and the breeze. It’s a lovely way to bring the outdoors in when you are busy working!
Lately, I have been trying to slow down and take time to enjoy the little things. Whether that’s my favourite tunes, a new bracelet from Love Beth, my favourite shade of lipstick (Coral Glow from Hildun Beauty), playing fetch with the dogs or sitting down to read the latest issue of IMAGE. It’s these simple pleasures that make me happy!
And, of course, spending time with friends and family! Friendships are one of those things that can be sometimes hard to navigate as you get older. Some might naturally drift apart, and you might make new friends when you least expect them.
I have friends that I met in all stages of my life so far – my childhood best friend has been by my side for over 25 years, my best friends from college are always there when I need advice, I even have a best friend who I met in my teenage years, and of course, my wonderful work friends are the best in the world. Nurturing these friendships and making time for each other is something that will always bring me joy amongst the chaos of life.
Getting together with my ma, aunties and cousins is always guaranteed to be a very fun day. We adore getting together for a BBQ in the garden and enjoying a couple of glasses of wine. There will always be a fashion show or two, and someone will always go home with a ‘borrowed’ dress that we know will never be returned to the owner!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a girls’ night without a dessert board. I am always in charge of it, so of course I had to introduce them to Magnum Bonbons and let them sample every flavour. I can confirm Gold Caramel Billionaire was a crowd favourite amongst them. They are ladies with good taste!
In late 2025, we also welcomed a new member of the family. My gorgeous nephew was born and he truly is the light of our lives! Seeing his little personality developing every single day is magical! Having the time to spend with him is priceless and it won’t be long until he is the one going to the shop for a sweet treat on a Friday after school.
Available in four decadent flavours, Magnum Bonbons are the ultimate sharing treat to enjoy with friends, family or keep them just for yourself. Magnum. Designed for Pleasure. To learn more, visit www.magnumicecream.com.