Notification Station

If you have not restricted your notifications over Lockdown or during any period of 2020- you are greater than I. Notifications are single-handedly one of the most fear-inducing functions of the 21st Century. Currently, news channels and other media outlets (my lovely journalist friends, no offense intended ) bombard users with non-stop constant 24/7 news coverage, notifications from media outlets on an array of devices such as phones and tablets. I know for one, my home is like a constant RED ALERT station. *ding ding* or the dramatic jingle of BBC unleashing their latest slice of daily COVID-19 grim-ness. death tolls, unprecedented times, etc etc, it is a device notification station!!

   It is not only news channels that incorporate a notification system in their app development but self-help and fitness applications as well. This has created a somewhat "ghosting" relationship between myself and My Fitness Pal, who daily remind me.. 

"Anita, you have not logged your lunch for today"

"Trust me, you do not want to count my sausage rolls, takeaways and squashies I have had this week" 😒 

     During lockdown I reassessed every single notification my phone and devices received, to ensure that anything I did read, benefited me, and did not shame me or affect my mood negatively. If your phone is making you feel overwhelmed why not reassess your applications into what is useful and beneficial for you!  

I highly recommend you watch "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, and prepare to have your eyes opened to the undisclosed world of notifications and their control. 

   "The Social Dilemma" 2020

 https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81254224

    As you will have gauged from my last post (massive thank you to all my lovely viewers who tuned in to my first blog) I adore the coastlines of both the North and South of Ireland. When I am on an adventure for the day, I turn my phone onto Do Not Disturb, so I can use it only as a camera, maps and this allows me to truly enjoy the views around me! 

The North Coast in Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful sets of sights you will ever see and I will cover the places I have seen, and even the secret troves I have found on my way! It really is no surprise that HBO Award-Winning Series Game of Thrones was filmed throughout North Coast of Northern Ireland. 

One of the most quaint and undiscovered jewels I visited during this summer was Ballintoy Harbour. Nestled outside Ballycastle and Bushmills, which in fact was used as the harbour for Theon and Yara Greyjoy’s home on the Iron Island of Pyke" (I am somewhat of a Game of Thrones fan, so when I was told this, I did fangirl...a tad !) 

Ballintoy June 2020

Ballintoy has one of the most beautiful coastlines and open space to adventure, look on and watch in awe. It is very close to the sea, with minimal barriers for kids or dogs not on leashes- so just be careful.

But if you are on an adventure yourself post lockdown around this part of the North Coast - I would highly recommend it- and of course, enjoy the views in person, not just on instagram!

Love

Anita x

Ballintoy Coast June 2020