#MyBlogLife: We Chat To Stephanie Buckley, The Jet-Setting Foodie Behind Eat Sleep Chic

When she’s not packing for her next trip, training on the water ahead of Cowes Week 2016 or trying out some of Dublin’s best restaurants, Stephanie Buckley can be found blogging over at Eat Sleep Chic. What started as a fashion and beauty blog back in 2013 has since blossomed into one of our go-to sites for food and travel advice. We caught up with Stephanie to get the lowdown on her life, her blog and what a day in her shoes (or stilettos) is like…

When did you first get into blogging and who was your inspiration?

I first started blogging back in 2013. I came across Tavi Gavison’s blog, Style Rookie, back in 2010. I had been following her, but wasn’t quite sure exactly what I was following, I didn’t realise it was a blog. Back then the word ‘blog’ wasn’t a household word.

When I discovered that I could create my own blog, I asked my uncle, Derrick (a computer whizz) for some advice on what platform to use and a few days later I was blogging my life away on WordPress.

You write a lot about food and travel – was that always the plan?

No, not at all! Originally, I thought I’d be blogging about fashion and beauty mainly because I do have a huge passion for both of those. But I’m a foodie and a travel bug at heart and over time I started to notice that my content was equally varied between food, travel, fashion and beauty – it’s a lifestyle blog!

Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

You’re really active on Instagram and Snapchat as well as your blog. What’s your favourite platform and why?

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to go with Instagram. I’ve always been one for taking photos, even before the camera phone was invented. So when Instagram came into my life with its flattering filters and visual brilliance, I knew I’d be hooked. I tried Snapchat for the first time last year and it really didn’t grab me at first, but I gave it another try a couple of months later and have been addicted ever since.

What’s the best opportunity you’ve gotten from your blog?

The best opportunity to date has definitely been Helly Hansen’s On The Horizon sailing campaign. Sailing gets a bad rap as being a very ‘exclusive’ sport, and Helly Hansen wanted to work with a handful of high-end, lifestyle bloggers to promote the idea that it really is a sport for all ages and abilities.

Training with the Helly Hansen crew

Of the four bloggers chosen promote the idea of getting out of the city and on to the water with Helly, I’m the only Irish one, so I’m really flying the flag! We’ve been training hard ahead of Cowes Week 2016 this August – the UK’s biggest leisure sailing regatta. It’s an incredible opportuity because it’s technically “work” but I’m actually learning how to sail. I won’t lie, the Helly Hansen clothes are a nice added bonus too!

Where’s the best city you’ve visited – and where’s somewhere that’s still on your bucket list?

My favourite city so far was definitely Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Hang-gliding from Pedra Bonita in Rio was out of this world! For a family holiday, I’d have to go for Orlando in Florida. It was a totally magical trip. As for my bucket list, that’s an easy one: Machu Picchu in Peru.

Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

What’s your idea of the perfect holiday?

Somewhere I haven’t been before!

What’s the next trip on the agenda for you?

I’m off to Benidorm for a hen party in the sun this weekend, and I’m also going to Marche, Italy in June for wine tasting and some good food.

Hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Keeping things closer to home, what’s your favourite spot in Dublin for a girls’ night?

I’m going to have to go local with this one, because that’s usually where I have the best nights. Ribs, the Carne pizza and cocktails in Ruby’s Bar & Grill in Swords. Then we’d get our groove on in Empire Bar.

Pizza at Rubys Bar And Grill

Sounds amazing! Where’s your go-to for cocktails in Dublin city centre?

I love The Blind Pig on Clarendon Street. It’s a Prohibition-style cocktail bar, so you can tell your bartender what alcohol and flavours you like and he will concoct the perfect cocktail to suit your palate.

Any tips for a great Sunday brunch in Dublin?

Join the #CleaverBruchClub on East Sussex Street, for an amazing all you can drink brunch in Cleaver East by Oliver Dunne. The food is delish and portions are mahuuusive!

So what’s a day in your life like at the moment?

Right now it’s pretty hectic. I’m training for Cowes Week, attending lots of interesting events and creating content for my blog. I’ve been away a lot recently too. It never stops!

In Havana, Cuba

Sounds like you’re busy! What are three things that keep you motivated?

My family, my lust for life… and definitely all my deadines!

Pssst! Wanna be a part of #MyBlogLife? It runs online weekly and in the magazine monthly, too. To be considered, you need to have a personal blog. Join STELLAR’s Facebook group, open to all personal bloggers, or drop an email to info@stellar.ie, telling us why we should feature you.

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