THE first voice I hear on Sunday morning is Karen Coleman of Newstalk. The radio goes on at around 8.30 or 9am and I listen to what's in the Sunday papers . . . I'll buy them later in the day.

My husband David will already be up, preparing one of his super smoothies and telling me how beautiful it is outside and that we mustn't waste the day. This is regardless of the actual weather.

Sunday's my favourite day of the week. Working in retail it's really my only day off as I'll often be on call or travelling on Saturday, and if I'm not working then I'll be house-hunting, along with half the rest of the population. Because of that I'm scrupulous about devoting Sunday day entirely to David and our families. So we don't do any shopping other than at the Dun Laoghaire market.

First stop is the gym next door for a light workout (very) or a short run on Dun Laoghaire pier. After exercise, we head out for a quick bite to eat and pick up the Sunday papers on the way. It's usually just the two of us. Where we go can vary from week to week, but some of our favourites would be Fish in Monkstown, Nosh in Dalkey or 66 in town. Then it's off down to Wicklow for a hike in the fresh air, I'm definitely a country-girl at heart.

Wardrobe-wise, my Sunday clothes are very different to the more formal outfits I'd wear for work. I'm always in either Sass & Bide or James jeans with one of my cosy See by Chloe cardigans and a Stella McCartney coat that I just adore. My Miu Miu bag carries everything I need for the day ahead.

We both have family in Wicklow and Sunday afternoons are alternated between David's parents and brother Dan and my sister Colette, husband George and their family. My nephew and godson, Daniel, is five and my greatest fan.

Maintaining my position as number one aunt isn't easy . . .

you need lots of ideas . . . so a spot of sandcastle building on Brittas Bay is often called for. Then it's time for one of my sister's legendary Sunday roasts. My younger brother Barry sometimes joins us. If we're with David's family then it'll be one of John and Betty's lavish barbecues accompanied with robust debate and plenty of craic.

If I'm not in Dublin on a Sunday, then I'll probably be down home with my parents near Bantry in Co Cork.

Daylight hours could be spent on the golf course with my dad (being such a big golf year, I thought I'd make an effort to learn to play) or walking with my mum in Gougane Barra, which gets my vote for the most beautiful spot in west Cork, if not the world.

A typical Sunday evening has me relaxing at home flicking through the last of the papers. I like to be prepared as best I can for the week ahead, so many lists are made. This activity is the most strenuous of the day . . . and usually leaves me nodding off by the fire.