A Journey Overseas: Our Belfast Adventure and Beyond

November 14, 2024

Exploring Ireland & Northern Ireland’s history, breathtaking landscapes, and family connections – one unforgettable moment at a time.

Visiting our son Ian, who is spending a semester at Queens University in Belfast, was more than just a family trip; it became a tapestry woven with discovery, connection, and nostalgia. Our journey was filled with meaningful family moments, stunning landscapes, and a mix of Irish culture and history that left us longing for more.

Belfast: Meeting Friends and Celebrating Ian
Arriving in Belfast, we were warmly greeted by Ian and his new circle of friends from Northeastern University. It was a joy to see him thriving, surrounded by a community that made his time away from home so fulfilling. On his birthday, we took Ian and a few of his friends out for dinner in the heart of Belfast, an evening filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and good food.

Ian also took us on a campus tour of Queen's University which included the iconic Palm House gardens pictured below. We also took a photo of Ian in front of the barber shop he went to while he's been there.

The next day, we decided to explore the breathtaking sights Northern Ireland is known for. Renting a car, we drove along picturesque roads to visit iconic landmarks such as the Giants Causeway, with its fascinating basalt columns shaped by nature’s artistry, and the ethereal Dark Hedges, where light filters through twisted branches like a fairytale come to life. Our daughter Addison’s senior photos were taken here by the legendary Christopher Barr. The beauty of these locations made for a striking backdrop, and capturing family moments at Murlough Bay was a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Family Time and Festivities in Bournemouth
After our time in Belfast, we hopped on a flight to visit Matt’s family in Bournemouth. Halloween was particularly special, as we took our nephews trick-or-treating through quaint streets and enjoyed Bournemouth’s vibrant shopping and nightlife.

I spent lots of time cooking meals and teaching my nephew Toby who wanted to help! Addison even got to learn how to dig up the potatoes in the garden that we ate. Ian even joined us for the weekend, making our time with Matt’s father, brothers, and their families complete. As our suitcases were stuffed with tea and chocolate for the journey home, our hearts were equally full from reconnecting.

A Titanic Experience and a Touch of History
Returning to Belfast for another brief stay, we checked into the Titanic Hotel, which occupies a building once owned by the company that built the ill-fated ship. Our stay was unforgettable, especially our evenings spent in the opulent Architects' Room, now a charming bar and restaurant. Directly across from the hotel, the Titanic Museum offered an immersive experience, with artifacts and exhibits that brought the grandeur and tragedy of the Titanic to life. Seeing the slipways where the ships were launched was a humbling and moving reminder of history.

Exploring Dublin: Vibrancy and Spirit
For the last leg of our journey, we traveled to Dublin, a city brimming with energy and history. Our explorations took us to the Guinness Storehouse Tour, where we delved into Ireland’s rich brewing traditions, and Christchurch Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Viking and medieval Ireland. Wandering through Temple Bar, we soaked up the vibrant culture, lively music, and spirited crowd.

A highlight of our Dublin experience was Bar 1661, an establishment steeped in history and intrigue. Named for the year poitín, a traditional Irish spirit, was banned, this speakeasy-style bar brought a unique flair to our visit. With its cozy atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s a place I’d highly recommend to anyone seeking a taste of something different.

Reflections on a Journey Full of Memories
Our journey wasn’t just about miles traveled but about moments shared and connections deepened. From celebrating Ian’s milestone to exploring the captivating landscapes of Ireland and the warmth of family in Bournemouth, each experience added another cherished layer to our family’s story. As we returned home, we carried more than just suitcases of tea and chocolate—we brought back memories that will warm our hearts for years to come.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How Thoughtful Details Made Connor & Gabrielle's Celebration Unforgettable

September 21, 2026

When people think back on a wedding, they usually remember the big moments, the ceremony, the first dance, and the reception. But it's often the thoughtful details that make a big day feel even more special for both the couple and the people celebrating with them. This July, we had the chance to be part of another Macksood family wedding as Connor and Gabrielle tied the knot. After helping with Hannah and Reed's wedding, it was so much fun to work with the family again and create another collection of custom pieces for such a memorable day. From custom signage to personalized drinkware, every item added a little something to the celebration. A Wedding Full of Personal Touches Connor and Gabrielle wanted every part of their wedding to reflect their personalities, their style, and the story they wanted to tell. That's exactly what custom products can do. For their big day, we created custom pens, cups, napkins, a felt letter board sign, photo coasters featuring the couple, and an acrylic sign. We also created custom shirts and socks that added another fun, personalized element to the wedding festivities.

Custom Branded Christmas Cards for Your Business

September 21, 2026

There’s something about getting a Christmas card in the mail that still feels special, especially when it comes from a business you know and love. Custom Christmas and holiday cards for businesses are a simple way to thank your clients, employees, vendors and community partners for being part of your year. Add your logo, incorporate your brand colors, showcase your team or create something completely unique to your business.

Two people posing under an umbrella in front of a green hedge wall and neon sign

Join Us at a 2026 Promotional Product Showcase!

By Chelsea Mills • September 11, 2026

Join us for the 2026 Promotional Product Showcase! Experience innovative products on June 23 & October 13. Register for complimentary access!

More Ways to Wear Your Brand With Custom Stores

September 9, 2026

Branded apparel doesn’t have to mean choosing one shirt, one color and hoping everyone likes it. A custom online store gives people more ways to find something that fits their personal style while still representing your brand. At Behind Your Design, we create custom pop-up stores year-round for businesses, organizations, teams, events and special campaigns. With more options for apparel styles, colors, sizes and decoration methods, a custom store can turn branded apparel into something people are genuinely excited to order and wear. A Fresh Take on Pure Barre Apparel We recently created custom stores for Pure Barre that show just how much personality you can bring to branded apparel. For our local Pure Barre studio, we created a collegiate-inspired collection featuring block chenille lettering reminiscent of classic game-day apparel. It gave the Pure Barre brand a completely different look while still feeling cohesive, recognizable and wearable. We also created a seasonal Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness store that was made available to Pure Barre studios across the country. The collection combined a timely theme with a larger purpose, giving studios access to special apparel while also supporting a breast cancer fundraiser. These stores can be seasonal, tied to a fundraiser or event, or simply created to give your brand a fresh, creative twist.