RIP Hugh Hefner

Hi everyone,

As we all know by now the iconic Hugh Hefner passed away at the age of 91 at his home The Playboy Mansion on Wednesday (April/9th/1926 - Sept/27th/2017).

 

I coincidentally only live under a mile and a half from the PB.Mansion and I was at home when I received the news - my roommate texted me about it and I couldn't believe it! Don't get me wrong I realise that at 91 Hef lived a great life (and if we all lived until that age we'd be very blessed) but it still came as a shock. I had always heard on the grapevine from people at the mansion etc.. (whether factual or not I'm not sure?) that his mother had lived until 105 and that he hoped to see that age also.. and being that he had such great care I didn't see any reason why he wouldn't do just that. 

However, I must say, over the past couple of years I did have my suspicions that perhaps he wasn't doing so well.. 

Although even as close as last month I was still attending events at the playboy mansion it had been a long time since I had been able to simply visit (without an event) or that I had seen Hef in person. If I remember rightly I think the last time I saw him was briefly on New Years Eve 2014 when I had the opportunity to bring my sister up to the mansion for a visit. After that I never saw him attend any of the parties again (I think he was pictured with his son Cooper at Mid Summer's Nights Dream 2016 but I believe it was a very brief appearance as I didn't see, or hear anything about, him attending). He had previously attended all of his parties and they were on a much larger scale than recent years. As well as that the weekend list which I was once a part of was shut down and the Sunday 'Fun in the sun' (where I first met Hef) came to an end. I thought only girls weren't going up to the mansion anymore(Hef was now married etc..) but I ran into a couple of Hef's old time friends that I knew as regulars at the mansion (some going u there 30+ years etc..) and they told me they were no longer visiting either as Hef wasn't doing so well and being the very proud man that he was I don't think he wanted many people to see him that way. 

Here is what I posted on my instagram upon hearing the sad news: 

I am so sad to hear about the passing of the absolute legend @hughhefner 💔 I feel blessed that I had an opportunity to get to know the man behind the brand & hang out at his amazing playboy mansion where I have so many wonderful memories✨ it is because of my experience traveling to LA & meeting Hef that I now live in Los Angeles - it opened this small country girls eyes to another life where dreams come true & if you work hard enough & believe.. anything can happen! 2012 was my first visit to the states, my first time at the mansion & it is where I made my first friends in LA. That year when I returned home I received a letter from Hef letting me know I was being put on a guest list to come/go .. I couldn't believe that such an iconic man took the time to write to little old me.. but that just shows how kind he was! (I have always cherished that letter & always will..perhaps I'll frame it) anyway I packed my bags to spend summer'13 out in LA & of course took up the guest list offer & spent most of my summer visiting the mansion along with my best friend at the time. We had the most amazing summer & I grew a self belief that I could be anything I wanted to be..after all how was I here? we lay by the pool by day, watched movies in the evenings, ate fantastic food, played with the animals, watched the fireworks on 4th of July and attended mid summers nights dream.. to this day some of the nicest people I've ever met was at the playboy mansion-the staff, the girls & Hef with his wonderful hospitality. Finally in 2015, now living in LA & visa in hand, I had the opportunity to test as a playboy playmate .. again little old me from Athenry😵🍀 testing at the playboy studios in Beverly Hills with one of the top playboy photographers.. I couldn't believe it! unfortunately my test was for 2016 when the mag went a more high fashion non-nude route and that's where my playboy dreams came to an end but the encouragement Playboy gave me will stick with me forever!🐰 it's been awhile since I last saw Hef in person but I feel I have a lot to thank him for.. for giving me the confidence in myself to move to LA & pursue my dreams, for the opportunities & the friendships✨ #riphef ✨

A post shared by Shahira (@shahirabarry) on Sep 27, 2017 at 9:23pm PDT 

I feel that I covered most of what I had to say in my instagram post but I just wanted to include a little tribute here on my blog. I was asked to chat about my experience with Playboy and meeting Hef on the Ryan Tubridy show on RTE Radio 1 and I took the call last night for a pre-recorded interview however unfortunately the line was too bad (thank you Sprint!lol). Anyway I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience! and I feel blessed that I had that opportunity in the years just before the end of an era.

It makes me sad to read negative comments online from people who never had an opportunity to meet Hef or indeed have anything to do with Playboy.. to those people I say perception and reality are two completely different things: you shouldn't judge something or conclude upon something you didn't experience or get to see with your own eyes.

The playboy mansion itself is a beautiful property. Yes it may be a little out-dated interior wise but that is what gives it it's quirky edge and that is what reflects the personality of the man that owned it - the legendary Hugh Hefner - to me that is what makes it one of the most untouched special places in LA!

As for Hef himself - he always came across as a very friendly, sweet and caring man to me. A man with the most amazing hospitality! I always described my visits to the mansion as a relaxing spa or trip.. he opened his doors to some lucky people and wanted them to experience this amazing life he had built. The staff were so warm and attentive and would bring you almost any food/drink you requested. As a guest you really were treated very well! In the evenings there was a full buffet followed by movie screenings and I will always remember Hef's cute voice shouting happily with an almost child-like excitement "It's Movieee Timeee!" before each screening. Friday's and Saturday's were older movies but on Sunday's there would be a screening of a new release.. I remember sitting in the theatre room on bean bags as Hef and his wife crystal sat directly behind me and my girlfriends and every now and then I would hear him comment or laugh at the movie.. each time I felt like pinching myself.. how am I here.. this is bizarre.. I grew up watching The Girls Next Door on E! and now I'm sitting here watching this movie.. I felt the same sitting on the lawn, again in front of Hef, on 4th of July watching the fireworks.. it felt like this amazing American dream.. and oh how it was!!

While the Irish media speculated on whether or not I would ever pose for Playboy and I went back and forth myself-when I finally got my visa, what I didn't talk about until now was that, I did get the opportunity to test as a Playmate in approx March/April 2015. Only my family knew of this shoot and I decided to keep it to myself as it had already been talked about in the press since my initial visit in 2012 and I didn't want to put any added pressure on myself. The shoot took place at the Beverly Hills Playboy Studios with a senior playboy photographer. I was very nervous on the day as I had never posed nude and I questioned myself on whether or not my body was good enough - I had real boobs! I was also very lean at the time and had recently come off birth control so they were smaller than normal and this was a big insecurity of mine!
The environment itself was extremely professional - I had my makeup and hair done and was styled with accessories and shoes. The professionalism of the team did make me feel more comfortable and I was happy that I went for it! However I was told that the 2015 spots were full and that this shoot was a test for consideration for 2016. Sadly January 2016 was the last nude playboy magazine and the brand had a re-launch and went a more high fashion route.. I'm 5'6 and curvy so I'm not a "high fashion" model therefore it left my nude test shoot to kind of just fall by the wayside and that was that. I don't know if I would have made it as a playmate or not but I am grateful that they believed in me enough to give me a shot and gave up their day to shoot with me, that must count for something! Thinking back it does make me a little upset because to this day it was one of the biggest opportunities to have come my way and in a way it was a long time coming with all the talk in the Irish press since 2012 to my actual test in 2015. It was a big build up.. but I feel like it was simply the wrong timing and I missed that shot by a hairs breath!
However, I do remember the photographer saying to me that the playmate at the time who was very likely to become Playmate of the Year (and she did) Dani Mathers was 27/28years old and that I was still quite young.. While I do feel it was a missed opportunity I also feel that I was indeed quite young and still very shy. I believe I would be able to handle something like that a lot more now that I am not as new to LA and have my barrings on who I am as a person, I've grown up a lot.. I don't know what route Playboy will take now that Hef has passed and now that Cooper will be officially taking over but I guess never say never because you don't know what the future holds!

I feel like the whole experience came into my life to open my eyes to the possibilities of life and to what you can make it if you dedicate yourself and work hard! Growing up my family and I always struggled with money - I was raised by a very hard working single mum who encouraged me and gave me the best that she could but financially there was never a time when we didn't struggle. While mansion and yacht hopping is taken for granted in LA and almost a part of normality for many it is a million miles away from my home town of Galway and the way in which I grew up. I am so thankful for my upbringing and no I haven't made all my millions yet, lol, but even to get to experience that life and at a young age & see "how the other half live" so to speak, truly encouraged me to aim HIGH with my own life and my own ambitions.. the sky is the limit! Your current situation doesn't have to reflect your future situation! Hef started Playboy magazine on a $8,000 loan and a single idea and he built it into a multi-million-dollar empire! That is inspirational and should be admired! it most certainly is by me!

I don't think Hef's funeral plans have been announced as yet but I have always heard that he owns the plot beside Marilyn Monroe at the Pierce Brothers Memorial Park just a block or two away from me in Westwood.

I have emailed Hef's secretary to send my condolences and I'd like to say it again here - my heart breaks at the end of a era. Hef meant so much to so many! and touched many different lives in many different ways! he even had a big impact on this little Irish girl! I send my deepest condolences to everyone close to Hef: his wife Crystal, his children and family, his friends and his staff both at the mansion and a part of the Playboy team. May his legacy live on forever!

Lots of Love, 

Shahira xo 

7 tips for surviving the modelling industry

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Hey Blog Readers! 

So for today's post I decided to think of my top tips for surviving the modelling industry and I managed to come up with 7!

1) Rejection is a part of the modelling life-so get used to it! you won't be everyone's cup of tea but you'll be someones! always remember that beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder!

2) A successful model will ultimately gain a following and this makes life a whole other ball game: You get so much support and encouragement but there is a minority of people who think you are free bate there to be criticized... and this is just because you made the decision to put yourself out there by modelling. Hey-If you thought just being a girl was difficult in terms of bitchiness then get ready for the bitchiness of the modelling world! Both online, in person or even in press, You're likely to get some negativity, and at the beginning it can hurt but you just learn to get used to it. Always remember the good and forget the bad. Ever noticed how as humans 10 people could say something nice to us and yet 1 person says something bad and that's what plays on your mind??... learn to not even acknowledge the bad, after all you don't know the true motive behind it in the first place, so solely focus on the positive because somehow it manifests itself :) There is always so much more positive than negative and so many more nice people than mean ones so focus on those!

This brings me to number 3!

3) Develop a Tough-As-Nails Persona 
This industry chews and spits out countless hopefuls. It’s hard to make a successful career without serious hard work and perseverance. You have to be so tough—you’ll make seemingly irreversible mistakes, be yelled at, gossiped about and inevitably a little broken down. You’ve got to be immune to all the drama and keep a smile on your face. As founder of People’s Revolution PR, Kelly Cutrone would say, “If you have to cry, go outside”.

4) Don't become obsessed with your looks- because the chances are if you started doing well with modelling to begin with then you had what it takes from the beginning! People think that people who model must have very high self-esteem but that is not the truth. Perhaps at the beginning, when you first start modelling, you may have a boost in confidence but as time goes on you get more critical about every little thing - especially when you are a part of this plastic world that we live in. People have fake hair, fake boobs, fake teeth, fake asses, fake tan, fake everything. It can be hard to stay natural in a world full of falseness sometimes and its easy to get sucked in but anything you do - do it for you.. for e.g. because xx got hair extensions does not mean your hair is not good enough without extensions.. Hold on to your uniqueness! again be the best version of you and by all means if you want to wear hair extensions, get a boob job.. whatever it may be then go for it but for the right reasons - not because you are following a trend or staring at yourself looking for faults.
Beauty comes in many different shapes and forms so why would we want to mould ourselves to all look the same???

this brings me on nicely to number 5! I think it's the most important..

5) DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT compare yourself to other models (or other people in general)- You are asking for self-esteem issues if you do this! Just be the best version of You that You can be! You will never be someone else and they will never be you so only ever compete against yourself and forget what someone else is doing just do what you can do :)

6) Be Confident but not conceited: Modelling, and actually life in general, has a lot to do with confidence - Hey fake it till you make it honey! After all nobody is going to take you seriously if you don't believe in yourself but don't go over board and start thinking your the shit and the most important person in the room- that attitude won't get you anywhere in life.

7) Develop a wide skill-set!
Education and hobbies are key - they make you not only well rounded as a model (e.g. if a photoshoot is on a horse and you can horse ride-you're more likely to be booked) but they also develop a well rounded human being! If you think the modelling industry is lucrative then think again! it can be for a period of time, if your lucky, but it won't always be that way - it's unreliable so have lots of back-up plans and skills in place.

I hope you found these helpful in one way or another :) If you'd like more blogs like this than remember to request them :)
anddd
If you haven't 'liked' my facebook page please do as I'm quickly approaching the 10k mark :) eek the excitment! 

I'm also on instagram/twitter @ShahiraBarry

Lots of Love,

Shahira Xo 

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com 

email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

VIDEO- Watch me Get Laser Eye Surgery - AGHHH!!!

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Hey Blog Readers!

So as you may know about two months ago I got Lasik Eye Surgery with Dr.Fenton in Laser Vision - Dublin 2... To read my initial thoughts on the surgery just click here! 

What you may not know is that the whole process was filmed! So I'll let the videos do the talking and keep this blog post short and sweet... Below are two videos - The first one is me chatting you through the ins/outs of the surgery.. why I decided to go for it, the process and the recovery and the second video is me actually in the clinic on the day of my surgery!

Watch me getting my surgery done... aghhh....

  

I am so amazed by my new eyesight! :)

To Dr.Fenton and his team at Laser Vision I say... 

Remember to read a more in-detail review/blog post just click here!  

I hope that by sharing my experience I have helped you to make-up your mind and be more informed and prepared if you are considering Laser / Lasik Eye Surgery! 

Laser Vision often have amazing deals! for e.g. on groupon at the moment they have 52% off - click here!

To book your consultation with Laser Vision phone the clinic on 01 6674778 or you can get in touch via email - laservisioncorrection@gmail.com  

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com 

email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Behind The Scenes Photos and the Low down :)

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Hey Blog Readers!x! 

So it's no surprise to everyone that I do a lot of lingerie/swimwear shoots... The reason for that is because I'm 5'6 and not the required 5'8 for high fashion modelling.. I keep in shape & I'm curvy- I have boobs and a butt..so really almost since the beginning I've been placed in the 'glamour' box by some people... Personally I see glamour modelling as page three and topless modelling, and while I don't see anything at all wrong with that, I myself have never to date done any full frontal topless shoots so I definitely wouldn't call myself a 'glamour model'.. In fact I prefer not to categories myself in any aspect of my life - I'm just me!.. 

However, it really doesn't bother me what others see me as-I like to model full stop - be it swimsuit, lingerie, fashion or anything else I simply love modelling and that's why I do it! :) 

Anyhow, I'm working on a couple of different things at the moment.., lets just say I've a few things in the pipeline ;) and therefore I'm trying to make myself as versatile as possible! I'm putting in the work to get a wide range of new images with different forms of styling etc.. so I can show my work in many different lights! 

Last week I worked with my go-to and fav photographer: Sean Mc Cormack. I love working with Sean.. I've been working with him for years now (if you follow my blog or indeed any of my social media sites - Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.. you'll know that already) and he's become a good friend of mine so I feel we work very well together, we communicate well, and our images get better and better! :) 

I get so many mails on facebook from stylists, mua's (makeup artists), photographers and hairdressers but I find it difficult to keep up with facebook - it's a sea of names and once the message is gone down the list it's hard for me to troll through to find it again and I forget (FYI: best way of contact is email info@shahirabarry.com) but Stylist Aidan Judge had written to me a couple of times in the past and because he had worked with Sean before he stuck in my head so I asked him would he be interested in joining the team for last week's shoot and thankfully he was as he's amazing and it was a pleasure to work with him = My new buddy :)

Remember to give Aidan's styling facebook page a like by clicking here! 

Make-up was by Ally McGin - Ally works in Benefit and she's from Galway. I love working with new people and I had seen her work on facebook and thought it was awesome so it was a great fit! :) Ally was nice enough to invite me over to her house the morning of the shoot to have my make-up done. She was unable to attend the shoot as she had to rush to work in benefit so she's not in the behind the scenes pictures throughout this blog but here is a picture of the lovely Ally..

You can contact Ally on her facebook for makeup bookings. 

Lisa's Hair Emporium was my one stop shop for my hair for this shoot! Lisa also did my hair for the SMEDIA's a couple of months ago.. You can see pictures from that event by clicking here!  

and for a booking with Boudoir Girls before Christmas - See those pictures here! 

I know that I am in safe hands with Lisa, she is truly SHAMAZING with hair and I would highly recommend her for a cut colour or indeed styling! Plus it makes life so much nicer when you surround yourself with nice people and Lisa and indeed all of the people mentioned in this blog who I worked with on this shoot are genuinely lovely people who you can chat away to! 

Assisting Sean on the shoot was Patrick Lennon. It was my first time meeting Patrick but again he was a really nice guy who was easy to work with and I was really grateful for him coming along and helping Sean with the ins and outs of photography science - such as the reflector! :) lol. 

As always thank you to the full team on the day!x!

Have a great day!x!

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo 

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Kimye Wedding pics - JUST WOW

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

JUST WOW! :O

How beautiful do KIMYE (kim and kanye) look on their wedding day! ;) wow! 

E! online just posted these exclusive pictures from their special day! enjoy! 

Kim stunned (per usual) in a white, Givenchy Haute Couture lace gown and a long silk veil during the ceremony, while Kanye was fitted in a custom Givenchy tuxedo.

The couple wed in Florence Italy last Saturday and are said to be honeymooning in Ireland this week!

According to E news:

After the nuptials, the pair and their loved ones partied at the reception, which included a four-course meal and 7-tiered wedding cake. Kim changed into a short, cream-colored, custom Balmain dress and was also regaled by an epic 20-minute speech from her new husband.

Kris and Bruce Jenner also gave speeches at the reception, and Bruiser reportedly took the more emotional route, shedding some tears while talking about the newlyweds. Aww! Friends like John Legend, who serenaded the lovebirds with "All of Me" for their first dance, also toasted the happy couple.

Congrats again, Kimye! 

I hope they have a long and happy marriage and enjoy their honeymoon in Ireland!x! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

A peek at kim kardashian's wedding dress

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Hey Blog Readers!

I just spotted this sneak peek of kim Ks wedding dress and thought I'd share!

It looks beautiful!! I don't know about you but I can't wait to see some more pictures from kimyes big day!! 

Lots of Love 

Shahira Xo 

My Laser Eye Surgery Experience (LASIK)

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

HEY Blog Readers!

How is everyone?? :) 

I'm writing this with a newly found high for life because I CAN SEE! (without a need for contacts or glasses)

What led me to consider LASIK

So let me give you a bit of background on my eyes... I was not a kid who wore glasses... I had my eyes tested on various occasions throughout school etc.. and I was never told that I had poor eyesight. However when I reached leaving cert (16-17years old) my eyes dramatically changed very quickly!
It started by slowly not being able to see what the teacher had written on the board and from there it got worse and worse! My eyes became very bad in what seemed to be a very short period of time. I didn't feel myself without lenses.. I felt almost drunk and delirious (which is the only way I can explain it!).
Without lenses I could barely function-I felt cranky/irritated and everyone's face looked like 'crime call' when they blur the faces out!

I coped ok at first but as time went on I had more and more problems with wearing contact lenses and it started to interrupt my modelling career. I cannot tell you the amount of times I had contacts snap in my eye! another regular occurrence was when a MUA (makeup artist) would accidentally dislodge one of my contacts during makeup application, as a model you definitely don't want this to happen!! For example when I was in Los Angeles I was trying to do an outdoor photoshoot when my contacts were killing me and causing my eyes to stream water which effected my makeup for the shoot and as a result the shoot itself.. I could barely keep my eyes open!

Another regular problem I encountered with lenses was makeup sticking to the lens (particular two weeklys) leaving me with what I can only describe as a 'glazed-over' feeling like a Zombie, lol! When I went to see The Wanted preform on Jimmy Kimmel Live I was right beside the stage but I couldn't see a thing.. I decided I better take out my lenses because I couldn't see with this glazed over smudgy feeling.. no lenses in of course I still couldn't see but at least I didn't have the discomfort! ... What resulted was me standing beside the stage watching the concert by holding my iphone camera towards the stage and watching the whole show through my phone... NOT what you want to resort to while watching a gig!!

Anyhow you can probably understand why I may think the idea of Laser eye surgery correcting my vision and taking a way the hassle of contacts or glasses is the best thing since sliced bread!! :) and so far I am very much still of that opinion :) :) I could not be happier!

Who did I turn to...

After being happy with a consultation and the decision that LASIK surgery would be the best option for me. I went ahead and booked an appointment with Dr. John Fenton at Laser Vision (Adelaide rd, Dublin 2).


Laser vision is a small clinic - it's not as well known as some of the other clinics around may be however I wasn't looking for 'well known' as such.. I was looking for someone I could trust with my eyes, who would give me the individual attention that I needed! a friendly, professional, environment with results I would be happy with! and also, in my opinion, a smaller clinic means reputation is everything to them so I could rest in the knowledge that they would do everything in their power for the procedure to run smoothly and for my eyes to be mended the way I expect.. after all trust is an essential element when dealing with something as precious as your eye sight!

Dr.Fenton is a FRCSI, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, he is extremely professional and talks you through the process from consultation, to the procedure itself and aftercare! He is also available on a helpline should you have any query's during your aftercare.

Here is Dr.Fenton talking about Lasik eye surgery on Ireland AM..

Consultation: 

The consultation is very straightforward. Some simple tests are carried out on your eyes to establish suitability and then Dr.Fenton chat's through your options and advice with regards to correcting your vision. Upon my consultation it was established that LASIK surgery would be the best option for my eyes. The consultation put me at ease and I was excited to begin the process! I booked in for my surgery and the clinic gave me some information and a contract to take home and read carefully.

As with any surgery there are risks involved but for me I felt the most-likely outcome of 20/20 vision out weighed the risks and it was something I just had to go for! While I did read the information given to me, and I do believe it's important to be well informed, I didn't want to start searching on Google about lasik as I knew there would be a number of horror stories that would freak me out... I trusted both Dr.Fenton and Laser Vision and felt that they would do an excellent job!
It helped that during my consultation there was a patient in for his 24hour post opp- check-up and he told me how amazing his eye-sight was only 24hours later - This put me even more at ease!

The day of my Lasik Surgery: 

On the day of my lasik Surgery I was a nervous wreck! I traveled down to Dublin on the train with my mother (for moral support), We checked into the hotel we were staying at and then headed over to the clinic for my appointment which was at 2.00pm. Once I arrived at the clinic my nerves settled as I felt that I was in safe hands. My eyes were measured and tested once more and then Dr.Fenton talked me through the process itself - his professionalism and confidence calmed my nerves a lot! After all he is a professional and he does know what he's doing so I just had to relax and trust! I was given a Valium for added relaxation, my hair was put back into a hair-net and any eye-makeup was removed. Numbing drops were also placed in my eyes. I then went into the surgery room and lay on a chair/bed. Everything was white,clean and bright! A gown was put over me and the nurse stayed by my side making me feel extra safe.
I was terrified when Dr.Fenton began the process but I thought "there's no turning back now"! I just lay as still as I possibly could in the fear that if I didn't I may mess it up and cause it to go wrong and I certainly didn't want that! However, I should add that, I was assured I couldn't mess it up as the laser is extremely high tech and switches off if there's any movement immediately. Never-the-less I was not going to move even a millimeter! I stayed still and quiet!

The process 

Dr Fenton spoke to me during the whole process and told me what to expect, what was coming next, how many seconds were left etc.. One eye was done at a time. First the eye lids were secured with a clasp so that they would stay open, (a bandage was put on my other eye) a small incision/flap was made and then the laser began. The whole process took about 1 minute per eye! the quickness of the surgery took away the fear (there wasn't enough time to freak out, lol) and I didn't feel a thing! Genuinely there was no pain at all! 
It was the scariest thing I've ever done because I had no control and for a couple of seconds everything goes black in the eye being operated on but that is the worst part. It is also difficult to keep the other eye (behind the bandage) open, which you're advised to do. However for the sake of a two minute operation with no pain it is so worth it!! After the surgery I was taken back up to the reading chart and I could immediately read better than before the surgery - I couldn't believe it!

Initially there was no pain at all but about half an hour after the surgery my eyes started to get sore and were very sensitive to light!
Goggles were put on my eyes to protect them straight after the surgery and I went back to the hotel to sleep (you are advised to sleep for the first 6 hours). I needed some help to leave the clinic and get in a taxi so it was great to have my mum there and I would definitely say you need someone with you or at least to collect you if you're considering going for lasik surgery.
I got into bed and covered over the goggles with a black towel to block out the light. My mother later brought me up a dark eye mask which was a god send!
This time of keeping my eyes closed and trying to sleep was the only discomfort/worrying part of the whole process! My eyes kept streaming tears but I wasn't able to open them.. at the same time they felt itchy and sore but I couldn't touch them which was distressing.
I woke-up earlier than I was supposed to (7pm) but now the pain had totally gone! :) I kept my eyes closed until 10, as suggested, and simply listened to the soaps on telly without watching them. At ten I took the goggles off and opened my eyes and I could see! Horray! I had nothing to fear!
My eyes were still adjusting and super sensitive to light so I watched some Breaking Bad and went back to sleep for the night!
I slept once again with the goggles on (so as not to accidentally scratch my eye). The next day when I woke up I could see clearer than ever - it was AMAZING!

Recovery!

Day 1
I returned to the clinic for my 1 day check-up and was told everything looked great, I could read the chart a lot better but my eyes would continue to improve within the next couple of days. It was a beautiful day in Dublin, the sun was shining and I was so happy with my vision - I felt blessed and like a new person! I was so happy I wanted to dance down the road!! :)

I was given three sets of drops and advised to take them x3 a day!

Luckily for me I was able to take a few days rest this week to take it easy and allow my eyes to recover. I wasn't in any pain at all but I just wanted to take it easy, not wear any eye makeup etc...

Day 2-4

Everything is going fantastically! My vision is perfect and I would recommend Lasik (with Dr.Fenton in LaserVision) to anyone considering getting it done! It's day two and it already feels life changing to me I AM ON A HIGH! :)

Day 5
I am posting this blog... I will keep you posted on how my weekly check-up goes next week!
Also stay tuned for a video of the whole process (YES A VIDEO of the surgery!eeek!) and a video blog upon my 1 month post opp! I am beyond thirlled with the results so far and I hope everything continues to run smoothly :)

I have a good feeling 23 (I just turned on Saturday) is going to me my year!!x!! :)

If YOU are considering Laser eye surgery I can't recommend Laser Vision highly enough!! They have the best deals price wise and the results are fantastically life changing! 

At the moment they have an unbeatable deal on groupon! 
Laser Eye Surgery for Both Eyes with Advanced Wavefront Technology Plus Lifetime Aftercare for €1899 with LaserVision Eye Clinic (52% off)!! 
Considering in another clinic you could be looking at €2,000/per eye this deal is unbeatable and not to be missed for anyone considering the treatment!! 

The clinic offers comprehensive eye care including laser eye surgery. Other eye care includes screening and treatments for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. 

EEEEK :) This is how I feel since my treatment... 

Stay tuned for the video of my surgery (early next week), news on how my 1 week post opp check-up went and my video blog! 

Wishing you a fantastic colorful weekend! 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo  

My Top 5 Tips for beginner models

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash as best as I can. However images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Hey blog readers!

Thanks for stopping by :)

I once did a YouTube video on 'How to get into modelling' which you can watch by clicking here. 

I did the video a long time ago! and on a bit on whim-I kept getting messages asking me how to get into modelling and it was hard to reply to everyone so I decided to do a video.. I propped my camera on the table and started talking-I never expected it to get 20,000 views on YouTube -Which may not be a lot to a professional YouTube guru but considering I just decided to post a video up randomly -it was a surprise to me that it did so well.
I plan on doing more videos in the future. However, for now I've been putting it off as my living situation is a bit "all over the place" at the moment and I want to do it when I have a better set-up in a room that's not totally "shadowy" so that you can see me properly etc...

I am addicted to YouTube tutorials and vlogs-I watch YouTube more than I watch TV and it all started when I found my favourite youtube guru, Kandee Johnson. Click here to check out her channel :)

Kandee Johnson

As I said I do plan on starting my own youtube channel properly but in the mean time my written blog is my way of expressing myself and giving advise to anyone interested. My YouTube video has meant that a lot of people from across the world have emailed and contacted me, having found my video, and now seeking extra advise. Today (it is Wednesday as I write this) I had a young girl from Scotland write to me looking for modelling advise so I thought I would do a quick blog on my Top5 Tips for beginner models: as inspired by some of the questions she asked me in her message.

1) If you don't have much money you don't need to pay ridiculous amounts to start building a portfolio.
Sure you can pay a professional photographer to do a shoot with you so you can begin to build a book but if you don't have the money for that then it's not the end of the world.

Network and begin to work on a TFP basis (Time for print) in this situation everyone works for free -you/the makeup artist/the photographer.. in order to add photographs to all of your portfolios.
Amateur photographers or student photographers are often happy to work on tfp as they are building their portfolio also.

May I add if you do want to work with a pro there are some professional photographers who may be willing to offer you a discount if you explain to them that you're low in cash for whatever reason (student/unemployed etc..). Basically if you don't ask you won't recieve.

2) Never meet someone from the internet/or that you don't know well on your own! There are thousands of creeps out there who would only love to trick you into believing they are a genuine photographer (or they could be a photographer and still be a creep,lol) in order to meet you and for you to be in a vulnerable position posing for them. Stay safe!! Always have someone you trust with you or make sure someone knows where you're going and simply keep your wits about you. 

Saying this if you are bringing someone think about who this person is.. Will their presence make it awkward/uncomfortable for the photographer and yourself e.g perhaps a boyfriend, instead think of sepne you can give a job to-a friend who's a makeup artist/hairstylist someone who can help to style or be an extra pair of hands & help out. If they have a reason for being there it's a better situation for all involved!

Also never pose in a way that makes you feel in any way uncomfortable! When setting-up a photoshoot have a mood-board agreed with the photographer (a collection of example photos) so everyone is on the same page and you have an idea about the type of photos you want to get from the shoot.

3) What to bring... I could do a whole other blog on this topic but five things I always bring with me to a photoshoot are:

• a snack (shoots can go on a lot longer than expected), a bag of nuts is perfect! 
• nude coloured seamless underwear and black underwear -  You don't want to have VPL (Visible panty line) 
• a dressing gown or long/warm jacket - for changes and keeping warm! 
• Hair grips and go-gos 
• Safety pins -You'd be surprised how often these come in handy!

4) You don't need hundreds of photographs to approach an agency with a portfolio. Quality is better than quantity. Pick 6-10 of your best photographs and display them nicely in a folder.

5) The long term aim is to earn money, not to spend it. People will offer you the moon and stars and get your hopes up based on a dream simply to get your cash! An agency who is truly interested in you and believes they can get you work will never make you pay to join - The whole idea is that they will make money (normally about 20%) from booking you on paid jobs.

I hope you liked my Top5 Tips for beginner models!
If you have any other modelling related questions just post a comment below or get in touch with me on my facebook business page and I'll be sure to answer them :)

Did you read my last blog post?...Are you wondering how my lashes by Monika are lasting???
Follow me on instagram @ShahiraBarry to see a video of my lashes 1week on!

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.