Ever since Number One was very small, I have been on the lookout for books in Irish (gaelic) for him, and later for his younger brothers. Over the years we picked up a few here and there while on holiday in Ireland. None fit my criteria. The books I saw on sale were either too… Continue reading Toddler-Friendly Irish Books
My mother in law adores mushroom gathering in the forest. She has taken us along a few times and the boys were fascinated by the all the different types and that only some types may safely be eaten. They love the woods, mushrooms or not, and have a great time looking around, finding holes in… Continue reading Autumn Crafts for Little Ones -Paper Toadstool Window Display
Anyone following me over on Instagram will know that it is raining walnuts in our garden these days. Every few seconds, if you are out in the garden, you’ll hear a plonk as a walnut lands on the patio or there’ll be a mouse-like rustle from the rosebush announcing that a walnut or two have… Continue reading Autumn Crafts For Little Ones – Walnut Ladybirds
We are in the garden, not long home from the shop, in the midst of unpacking the groceries. The basket of the buggy is full. A carton of milk stands beside it. Inside on the table is a cloth bag of food that really should be in the fridge by now. It has turned into… Continue reading Fleeting Thoughts Captured
We bought a dog. You? You agreed to a dog? You’re not an animal person! Oh God, did the Bavarian not ask you? Are you ok with this? That’s what people who know me well will think. What some have said. My reply? Yeah, no, its grand. Sure it is fine. I’m not a dog person,… Continue reading What It Boils Down To
About a year and a half ago I wrote what has become one of my most read posts. It is all about being organised in a lazy way. If you haven’t read it already, you should. It may just change your life. With my return to work just days away now (sob), I have been thinking… Continue reading Lazy Organisation, One Year On
Two years ago this whole school starting business was new to me. I hadn’t had anything to do with it since I began in Junior Infants in a 4-teacher school in rural Ireland in the early 80’s. As far as I remember, starting school involved being brought into the classroom by my mother, the teacher… Continue reading Starting School, The German Way
Lunchboxes are under appreciated. A good, simple lunchbox can make a parent’s and a child’s daily life easier. A bad one can be an annoyance, and we all know that extra annoyance is not what families need. If it can be avoided, it should be avoided. Sinead from Bumbles of Rice has recently given some… Continue reading Lunchboxes – My Three Favourites
Homemade Bounty has been all over my social media feed for a while now. Given that a) we are big bakers and makers in this house and b) we all love coconut it was inevitable that we would give these a go. Normally I steer clear of recipes that say have titles like “Amazing 2… Continue reading Our Attempt At Homemade Bounty
When people in Germany ask me what Ireland is like for a holiday, I am always keen to make it clear that if they are looking for a beach holiday they can forget Ireland. “If you don’t mind the weather, you can have a great holiday in Ireland” I tell them. After this year’s holiday… Continue reading Beach Weather
