Ballymore House

09/09/2026

Happy Birthday Ben🤍

These last few weeks of pregnancy feel like a countdown I’m not quite ready for. It’s the last stretch of it just being me, you (and ru). And l do know that I’ll miss this wee version of us.

Our late nights, slow mornings, and the way we’ve lived in our own rhythm. Once this chapter closes it won’t come back in the same way.

But at the same time, I can feel the sweetness & excitement for what will come next. The joy and the sadness sitting side by side. Grieving the end of one season, while waiting for the beginning of the next.

I just know and trust that I could not have a better person by my side to support me through this, especially from watching you (tolerate) love Ru and all your animals. I am so excited to watch you become the best new-born dad to this wee bean, navigate loosing sleep, teach it piano and make it as empathetic a vegan as you are.

Thank you for supporting me during this stage in my life. Hoping this is the happiest year of yours. We all love you 🤍

07/09/2026

Shout out to all the partners doing their bit to help keep the expectant mamas happy ❤️

I think we all know id be lost without Ben anyway but the last 8 months he’s really stepped up his game.

Priorities at this stage include comfort and gentle stretching. This is what we’ve been doing on days when I’ve zero energy and getting ready for the actual labour. I want him to be as involved as possible in the process so he’s got his routine prepped and ready for the when I need it!

Hopefully I don’t end up abandoning it all and just winging the ball at him 😂

01/09/2026

I can’t actually believe that I am writing this… but Ben and I will be meeting our baby this month! (All being well… lol)

So obviously this timetable may be subject to change should someone make an early appearance, although we don’t foresee that happening. I intend to take classes as normal for as long as possible. I really do appreciate your patience with me as my practice has slowed a little. Hopefully you guys are still enjoying it ❤️

I am so grateful to be able to spend this precious time with you over the next few weeks. Thank you all.

- HOW TO BOOK YOUR YOGA CLASS -

STEP ONE - visit our website OR download the “fit by Wix” app, invite code OLLJJR (link in bio)!

STEP TWO - Browse our timetable of classes, events and retreats.

STEP THREE - Check out our class passes, day rates and block bookings.

STEP FOUR - Book into your class and we will see you on your mat!

Never hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries. We will get back to messages as soon as we can!

Peace and ❤️

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

🇵🇹 48 hours in Porto was not long enough!

Anyone I spoke to about Porto (or Portugal in general) only had good things to say about the people and the vibe. I was worried we’d struggle a bit as vegans (especially as with a picky 12 year old) but actually there was plenty to choose from.

Vegan only restaurants were limited (but always better than in Northern Ireland) but nearly every place that we looked at had at least a vegan option, so progress! These were our top picks.

🥐 F O M E - padaria plant based we had two really huge sandwiches here for breakfast on our first day that kept us going right through to dinner! Ruans was like a cheese & ham. Mine was sausage and caramelised onion. Both on focaccia. Both delicious. We also took away some pastry. Highlight for me was the lemon matcha croissant. Divine.

🥞 NOLA®️ ALL-DAY CAFÉ this was a really cool little space that did sort of breakfast, lunch, dinner and wee treats. The staff were so friendly too. I loved the pancakes so much! There were options with eggs too, so not fully vegan, but a very good experience.

🍔 Kind Kitchen this is where I had the vegan francesinha, which is a Portuguese speciality. It was a toasted sandwich filled with sausage and mushroom, wrapped in cheese sort of floating in a tomatoey sauce. Flipping lovely. Ruan had a the double smash burger and he loved it. Highlight was the tofu sticky bites that we shared. And the portions were massive!

🥦 Verde Hut - Restaurante Vegano this was a gem of a find. All you can eat buffet. Really delicious and great selection. Highlight for me was the lentil dhal. The staff were also very friendly! Not expensive, and for €5 extra you can get a dessert. We’d recommend the banoffee. Such a treat!

23/08/2026

✨ CLIENT SPOTLIGHT ✨

Jonathan arrived at one of our very first Pilates taster sessions and has been a regular ever since!

His timekeeping is perfectly imperfect — much like my own — which means our Friday 9.30am class has quietly become a 9.31am class as we all wait for Jonathan to make his entrance.

And in he comes, always with a smile and a nod to everyone. He’s such a kind, gentle person and has become a really loved part of the class.

What I admire most about Jonny is the effort he puts in every single week. He gives absolutely everything — I can often see his muscles trembling as he pushes himself right to the limit!

It’s been a real privilege getting to know him, and he’s a very worthy Member of the Month.

Well deserved, Jonny!

Read his answers to our questions in the next newsletter.

17/08/2026

Back to work today, and sat down in my car this morning and couldn’t believe that the last three weeks has passed so quickly.

But I have to remind myself that we are so fortunate to have the life we do - my grandparents would have only dreamed of having the means and freedom that we have to travel about.

As we were cycling home on our last evening I had a little tear in my eye, not because it was over but just because five years ago I’d have never imagined this life for myself.

Last little trip like this for some time I’d say, but always so full of appreciation for the experiences we have together.