It's A Duck

21/11/2025

🎄🦆 December Monthly Meet-Up Because Christmas Isn’t Merry for Everyone 🦆 🎄

If you’re already feeling the weight of December in your chest…
the busyness, the expectation, the be festive smile you’re meant to wear…

🦆the ache for people who won’t be here this year…
🦆the pressure of keeping everyone else right…
🦆the memories of Christmases that looked very different…
🦆and hormones that don’t just change daily but hourly 😵‍♀️

Then this monthly meet-up is for you!

Not everyone is counting down to Christmas with excitement.
Some of us are counting down for completely different reasons.

This meet-up is for the women who:

• feel the heaviness behind the glitter
• miss someone they wish could be here
• feel stretched thin trying to make everything perfect for everyone else
• smile on the outside while chaos brews inside
• love Christmas… and also want to run for the hills (and honestly… maybe we should meet on that hill 🤣)

On the night, we’ll:

🦆take the pressure off
🦆learn a few “get me through this” tools
🦆share a laugh (because sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps us going)
🦆and finish with a banger tune to remind you who you are when you feel like hiding in the loo

You’ll leave with:

🦆a few goodies
🦆something meaningful to keep you grounded through December
🦆and the knowing that you’re not the only one who finds this time of year beautiful, messy, emotional, triggering and overwhelming all at once.

No masks.
No “I’m fine.”
Just women supporting women even if our reasons are different.

🗓 Tuesday 2nd December 2025
📍 Silverbirch Hotel
⏰ 7pm – 9pm
🎟 £20
To book your whatsapp 07368 566323

Come exactly as you are, tired, emotional, fed up, excited, overwhelmed, or a blend of all of it.
You don’t have to do December on your own.

Love,
B 🦆

20/11/2025

Today’s su***de statistics for Northern Ireland make for heartbreaking reading.

Every number represents a person who should still be here… someone’s son, daughter, partner, parent, friend, neighbour. A life with hopes, memories and people who loved them.

My thoughts are with every family and every community carrying the weight of loss today. The ripple effect of su***de is deep and lifelong — and no one should ever have to face those feelings alone.

As a community, we must continue to:
🦆talk openly about mental health
🦆 make it easier to ask for help
🦆reach out when someone withdraws or goes quiet.

If today’s news has brought up emotions for you, or you’re worried about someone you love, please know this:

You matter. Your life matters. There is support. And you do not have to do this on your own.

📞 Lifeline is available 24/7, free and confidential
0808 808 8000
www.lifelinehelpline.info

Even if you’re not sure what to say… even if you just need someone to listen… reach out.

And if someone crosses your mind today message them. Call them. Check in. It could make more of a difference than you realise.

🦆Look after yourself. 🦆Look after each other

20/11/2025

💚 Omagh & Fermanagh Female Entrepreneur Programme Full Circle Moment 💚

Today I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the gorgeous ladies on the 2nd cohort of the Female Entrepreneur Programme Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Sitting in that room brought everything full circle for me.
I was in their seat not that long ago, when It’s A Duck! was nothing more than an idea, a spark, a “what if”… and a whole lot of self-doubt.

Joining this programme was one of the best decisions of my business life.

The training, the accountability, the structure, and the mentorship (thank you Lydia and the incredible Pinnacle Growth Group team Owen and Jenna) genuinely changed the course of my business. I can honestly say It’s A Duck! would not be where it is today without it.

Because starting a business is lonely, scary, and messy especially when you're in the thick of peri-menopause and trying to balance fluctuating confidence, energy, hormones, hot flushes and a dream you’re terrified to say out loud.

Today I came back as a guest speaker to say to those incredible women:

✨ You ARE worth it.
✨ You DO deserve to take up space.
✨ Your idea is not “too much” — it’s powerful.
✨ Your business matters because YOU matter.

Entrepreneurship is hard enough and women do it while juggling families, invisible labour, guilt, cycle phases, disrupted sleep, identity shifts, and hormone chaos.

And still… we rise!

To every woman building something while also rebuilding herself:
I see you.
I’m cheering for you.
And the world needs what you’re creating.

Thank you for having me back my heart is full. 🦆

And to anyone thinking about applying in the future… do it. Back yourself!

Brenda 🦆

09/11/2025

🦆 Killyclogher Glamour Gaels Ladies Night 🦆

I had the absolute honour of speaking Killyclogher GAA Glamour Gaels Ladies Night, my first time speaking in front of a big crowd.

The nerves were definitely there, but the incredible Annette and the gorgeous room full of supportive women made me feel relaxed instantly. ❤️

I might have gone off-script at times (standard for me 😅), but the energy, the laughs and the connection in that room were unreal.

Every single lady who took to that stage, whether speaking or working that catwalk , was fierce, fabulous and full of fire. 🔥

A massive thank you to Áine, Rita and Claire for trusting me and inviting It’s A Duck! into such a special night. 🦆✨

Ladies don't forget…
as you walk past that mirror later,
give that sexy lady looking back at you a wink.
She deserves it. 💋

Love,
Brenda x

07/11/2025

🦆 She’s almost ready…

The website is coming soon and honestly?
I’m a mix of excitement, nerves, and pinch-me moments 😅

But if I’ve learned anything this year it’s this:
🦆progress matters more than perfection
🦆growth gets messy
🦆and believing in yourself is always worth it

So here we go…
It’s A Duck! is officially waddling online 🦆

Bigger pond. Bigger quacks

Same heart. Same mission.

Watch this space 👀
Love B 🦆

02/11/2025

🦆Sunday Night Reminder You Gorgeous Ladies! 🦆

If you’ve been meaning to book your spot for Tuesday’s Menopause Monthly Meet-Up this is your gentle nudge.

We’re chatting supplements, vitamins & simple food support no overwhelm, no jargon, just real talk, laughs and that “ahh, I’m not the only one” feeling.

You’ll leave feeling lighter, wiser… and maybe with a new song stuck in your head 🎶😉

📅 This Tuesday, 4th November
📍 Silverbirch Hotel Omagh
⏰ 7pm – 9pm
💷 £20

Pop me a WhatsApp to grab your spot can’t wait to see you there 🦆

01/11/2025

🍂 Supplements, vitamins & all that jazz! 🍂

Ever stand staring at a shelf full of bottles thinking “which ones actually help?” 🙈

You’re not alone!

At November’s Menopause Monthly Meet-Up, we’ll be chatting all things supplements, natural support and simple food swaps that can make a big difference to how we feel day to day.

It’s not about overhauling your life or breaking the bank, it’s about understanding your body and giving it what it needs.
Expect plenty of laughs, honest chats, that “ahh… I’m not the only one” feeling
And of course, a brand new song to add to your playlist 🎶

📅 Tuesday 4th November
📍 Silverbirch Hotel
⏰ 7pm – 9pm
💷 £20 (including tea/coffee)

Grab your mates and come join us — these nights fill up fast!
Book via WhatsApp 🦆

⚠️ Please note: I’m not a medical professional — this session is for information and wellbeing support only. Always check with your GP before starting any new supplements.

31/10/2025

Last Wednesday 22nd October 2025, I had the absolute privilege of delivering a Menopause Awareness session at Finlay (Terex Omagh) as part of their International Menopause Day event.

Over 30 wonderful women joined me for an hour of honest conversation, real-life tools, shared laughter (and a few quiet nods of “yep, that’s me…”).

We talked brain fog, hot flushes, guilt, strength, cycle syncing and how to navigate menopause and perimenopause not just at home, but in the workplace too.

I left feeling so inspired by the openness in the room. When companies really show up for their staff like this, it makes such a difference.

Karen, thank you for inviting me in and trusting me with your team. It was such a joy

🦆 If you think your workplace or women’s group would benefit from a menopause session like this, contact me
📩 itsaduckuk@yahoo.com
📞07368 566323

I’d love to chat.

Brenda🦆

30/10/2025

I’m so excited to be partnering with Care for Cancer this brand new 6-week creative coaching programme. Stronger Than Before.

These sessions are all about taking time for you,to pause, breathe, and gently reconnect with your own strength and creativity in a calm, supportive space.

Through relaxed creative activities and uplifting conversation, we’ll explore simple ways to rebuild confidence, find calm, and feel a little lighter week by week.

📅 Starts Monday 3rd November
🕖 7–9.30pm (for 6 weeks)
📍 Care for Cancer, Omagh
📞 To book: 02882 246599

Stronger than before is an exciting new 6 week workshop with the lovely Brenda from It's A Duck life coaching.
Take some time out just for you and enjoy this amazing group in the relaxed surroundings of Care for Cancer.

Starting Monday 3rd November 7-9.30pm For 6 weeks.

To book please phone Care for Cancer 02882 246599.

29/10/2025

HRT – The Basics

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help ease menopausal symptoms by replacing hormones your body is no longer producing. The right type for you depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preference.

Some HRT benefits can be felt very quickly – often within a few days to a couple of weeks – though full effects can take up to three months.

Symptoms that may improve quite quickly:

🌡 Hot flushes & night sweats – many women notice these start easing within 2–4 weeks.

😴 Sleep problems – improved temperature control and reduced night sweats can help you sleep better.

💭 Brain fog & concentration – some women notice mental clarity improving as hormone levels stabilise.

😌 Mood changes & anxiety – mood can lift within weeks as oestrogen supports brain chemistry.

💧 Vaginal dryness & discomfort with local oestrogen (cream, pessary, or ring) symptoms can improve in just a few days to weeks.

Types of HRT delivery:

🦆Patches - steady hormone release through the skin; helpful if you prefer avoiding tablets or have digestive issues.

🦆Gels - applied daily to the skin; flexible dosing and quick absorption.

🦆Sprays - fast-drying, easy to use, and good for those preferring minimal skin contact.

🦆Vaginal rings – oestrogen released directly to the vaginal area; helpful for dryness and discomfort.

🦆Intrauterine systems (IUS) – releases progestogen in the womb; often used with oestrogen to protect the womb lining.

🦆Always discuss options with a qualified healthcare professional — what works for one woman may not be right for
another.

Information Taken From NHS UK
(This is not a diagnostic tool. Information correct at time of publication and from NHS UK)

29/10/2025

🚨 LESS THAN 1 WEEK TO GO! 🚨
MENOPAUSE MONTHLY MEET-UP
🦆November session is nearly here 🦆

🦆Feeling flat? 🦆Snappy?🦆 Foggy?

Like you’ve lost your spark and can’t quite explain why?

One minute you’re fine, the next you could bite someone’s head off?
Hormones? Stress? Or are you just… losing it?

You are NOT losing it and you are definitely not alone.

That’s exactly why I created the
Menopause Monthly Meet-Up a real, honest space for women 40+ to breathe, talk, laugh, learn and feel seen again.

NEXT MEET-UP:
📅 Monday 4th November
📍 Silverbirch Hotel in the Camowen Room
🕖 7pm–9pm
💷 £20
📲 Book via WhatsApp. 07368566323 or DM

Come as you are, overwhelmed, curious, exhausted or just craving connection.
You’ll leave lighter.

Love, B 🦆