I’m so excited to have snapchat star James Kavanagh for my first Wellness Wednesday on my new revamped website! James has been hurled into the public eye over the past six months due to his over-active, humorous Snapchat account (jamesksnaps) which consist of scare Snaps of his boyfriend William, cooking demos and appearances from his alter-ego Veronica Sachs. His energy is contagious and if you need a boost just jump on and watch his day! More recently he came to my attention when he chatted to his nephew Sean about autism. Sean was refreshing, articulate and definitely took a little piece of my heart that day where he will stay.
As James’ life can seem like a bit of a whirlwind sometimes I wanted to know if or how he finds any balance in his day and as you’re about to find out this posh granny just loves food, flowers and destressing with baking. I just wish I realized his top health tip at 26!!
How would you describe your lifestyle?
Eclectic. It sounds so stereotypical and eye-roll inducing to say, but no two days are the same for me. I work with lots of deadly brands because of my Snapchat profile, I have just launched a food brand with my boyfriend called Currabinny , I do freelance consultancy and I co-run a club-night once a month. So, my weeks are always all over the place!
What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.
It changes ALL the time. Right now I am obsessed with halloumi. I’ve been trying it in all sorts of things, but I mainly just like frying it in olive oil and eating it straight out of the pan. It’s heaven.
Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?
I run a lot. I would mostly run first thing in the morning – mainly to wake up. It’s such a great mood-boosting start to the day. Now, I don’t do marathons; more like 15 min runs around Phibsboro, like a madman, and then I fling myself into the shower when I get back. I try do a gym session at least once a week.
How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?
I always ‘switch off’ (or try to) at about 6pm and watch Netflix. I’m also mad about flowers and plants, so you’ll often catch me watering/ pruning my plants in the evening, or flower arranging and dispersing flowers throughout the house in vases. I am a posh old lady at heart.
How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?
As above, I like to garden a bit and I tend to bake when I’m stressed. I am obsessed with Lyric FM, so I often put that on and bake a cake. It’s heavenly. See, I am totally a posh granny.
People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?
Yes, I’m all about the goals. My goal is to have a café within two years. With things, I’m either completely uninterested or totally obsessed. So if I set a goal I think I can do, I’ll obsess about it and go hell for leather.
How do you unwind after a busy day?
As above; Netflix or flower arranging. I’m not a reader, but I’m mad for audio books. I’m currently listening to ‘You Must Remember This’ – it’s all about old Hollywood. It’s fascinating.
It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?
Food markets. Myself and William are always looking out for new ones. I could spend my entire life rambling around food markets.
What’s your top health tip for our readers?
Totally simple, but moderation. Everything in moderation. Don’t overdo anything; work, food or exercise. Find a routine that suits YOU and ignore fad diets.
Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…
Always having access to delicious food.
If you are not on snapchat you can follow James on:
James reaches and influences an audience of over 40,000 people daily. e has been a very welcome voice helping to raise awareness around mental health issues and often shares his feminist and anti-bullying views.
He’ll be selling food, alongside William, at various markets over the next year or so all with the goal of one day owning a cafe one day. I for one hope that’s sooner rather than later!!
CHECK OUT THEIR AWESOME NEW WEBSITE www.currabinny.ie