Canadian-born broadcaster Alison Curtis has certainly put her stamp on Irish radio.
Presenter of her own eponymous Today FM weekend show, Breakfast with Alison Curtis, the chatty and affable Alison has the honour of being the station’s longest serving female presenter.
Alison first arrived in Ireland some 26 years ago, ostensibly on a sort of gap year.
But plans changed, and she has since forged a hugely successful career on national radio, and married an Irish man - musician Anton Hegarty - with whom she shares their teenage daughter and two cats.
But now, with radio veteran Pat Kenny making the move to Newstalk’s weekend radio slot, Alison is gearing up for a ratings war with the nation’s best-known broadcaster.
Pat has been a stalwart of the Irish media scene for over 40 years, with numerous radio and television shows to his name.
But the Alison Curtis Weekend Breakfast Radio Show has proven itself to be a heavyweight with Irish listeners, who tune into the show in their droves.
’I’m really looking forward to going-head-to-head with Pat at weekends,’ Alison told Styled.
‘I’ve been up against Anton Savage for the past few years and we’ve consistently had far more listeners.’
‘So with Pat moving to Anton’s slots, I’ll be up against Pat now, and to be honest I’m really relishing the challenge,’ says Alison.
Alison’s listenership presently easily trumps her current Newstalk rival Anton Savage - with his show attracting an audience of 139,000, some 50,000 less than hers. But beating former Late Late host Kenny in the ratings war may prove a trickier prospect.
Whilst Alison certainly has her hands full gearing up for this new career challenge, she is also a full-time mother to her teenage daughter Joan.
'Monday is piano day and we could be swimming on Tuesdays, so I’m just like every mom, running around here, there and everywhere. But I don’t mind at all. I am very aware of just how fortunate I am,’ she admits.
‘But now she is in secondary school it gives me the opportunity to do lots of different things across the week, which I love doing - like interviews and talking to different people, to podcasts, or, you know, writing articles and other stuff.’
Whilst Alison has done her fair share of TV work, she says she harbours no desire to make the move to full-time telly or indeed to a rival radio station.
‘I love Today FM, they gave me a shot on-air years ago and look, here I am, still there , the longest ever female presenter which is something I am very proud of. And I very much hold my own on the show so I love it here.’
And while she may love her job and her adopted country, Alison still keeps a watchful eye on happenings across the Atlantic where her native country of Canada has been very much in the global news due to Donald Trump’s flex against his neighbours.
Trump has said on many occasions that he would like to annex Canada, and incorporate the Land of the Maple Leaf into the good ol’ U.S of A.
Alison, a proud Canadian, is aghast at the mere suggestion, saying defiantly: ‘My God, could you imagine? No. Just no way in hell. I live here now but I’ve got a huge family and friends group in Canada and they're all fired up, as is the world.’
Alison says that her Canadian kinsfolk are of the laid back nature; the thought of becoming the 52 state has raised their patriotic heckles.
‘Canadians are known for being really passive, but from an economic point of view, and from a kind of commercial point of view, they've gone solid tilt on getting rid of American products on their shelves,’ she says, before adding: ‘They are like, “we are not taking this crap.” It's just so bizarre.’
And while she has solidarity with Canadians she says her home now is very much in Ireland, an ocean apart from Donald Trump and his madcap territorial takeover plans.
‘I’m over half my life now here. So I’m settled here, and I really love our life, and I just couldn't imagine ever moving. I couldn't imagine moving my daughter even to another school, let alone another country or continent. She's so happy where she is.
‘And I do appreciate for kids that sort of continuity when you're growing up is really important. So I’m staying put here in Ireland.’
Kitchen Kouture
With hybrid working now the norm, it can be all too easy to go down the slippery sartorial slope and potter about in slouchy clobber whilst working from the kitchen table.
And while there is no need to go full Stepford Wives style, there is a happy fashion medium.
In fact studies have shown a direct creation between dressing for success and being successful. So while it can be easy to stay in your pyjamas, rising and stylishly shining is a scientifically proven mood-enhancer that sets you up for a productive day.
Outfits like Alison’s dusky pink hoodie and jeans are the perfect ensemble whether you’re working from home or casual office bound - likewise the bright patterned shirt matched again with a pair of jeans or slacks.
Farm-Fash
Whether it’s pairing your favourite checked shirt with a pair of blue denim jeans or your wellies with a wax jacket - even if you're not planning on tending to your crops - nothing can stop you from embracing a farmer's aesthetic.
Prioritising functionality over fashion, rural couture has traditionally been dictated by working conditions not seasonal trends.
That said, farm-fashion has evolved considerably that it now forms the staple of many an urban dweller's wardrobe - and layering is key.
A gilet over a shirt can keep out the cold enough but will not see you sweltering. Keep a roll-up raincoat stuffed into an oversized tote. Slip-on shoes are the perfect footwear for running out the door, doing school runs or popping to the shops. So embrace farm fashion in hassle-free style.
Rainy Days Style
Raincoats have never been as wonderful or as colourful.
The classic mac now comes in every bright colour of the rainbow and in every shape and size from cape to poncho to full length.
So don't get caught in a sudden shower without having your stylish raincoat to hand.
