My sister is getting married. I *may* have mentioned that once or twice here. A couple of weeks ago we held her hen party and I subsequently wrote about what I’ve learned on hosting a hen party. Since all but one of the hen guests are mothers of small children, we decided to go for… Continue reading Faded Glory at Lionsden Georgian Country House
Back in my college days I worked in Magill’s deli in Dublin. Around Christmas it was always alive with people, some just popping in for the smell. “Oh if you could bottle this!” they’d say, raising their nose and taking a deep breath of the spicey, smokey smell that hangs in the air. The mood… Continue reading Memories, featuring Butlers’ Chocolates
We moved into our home in quite a hurry in 2010 with a toddler and a newborn – a proper little family. We hadn’t time time or the money to spend on major renovations, so it was very much a case of do what has to be done and moved the furniture from our rented… Continue reading Red Is Not Just For Christmas
Following last year’s summer holiday at home in Ireland, I wrote a list of the 11 best days out we’d had. This year we revisited some of those places and visited a few more. I didn’t get round to posting this before the mid-term breaks, but these places aren’t going anywehre. They still be around… Continue reading 5 Cheap & Cheerful Days Out In Ireland
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
Back home in Ireland this summer, with lots of car travel and visits to people, I realised how much I miss great radio. Listening to the news, the chat, the fantastic music – even the ads! – whether in the car or in the background in someone’s kitchen is something I really enjoyed during this… Continue reading Digital Radio – Spoilt For Choice
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
Back in July I was full of good intentions to write my Styling The Seasons blog post early in the month, before preparations got underway for Number One’s birthday, our camping weekend and our hoiday to Ireland. Needless to say, it came to nothing. Every spare minute was caught up in baking, packing, planning and… Continue reading Styling The Seasons, August 2016
One Sunday in October 1996 I packed a bag and left for Dublin. At the time I didn’t think much about it. I was starting university that week and was heading off to my digs. I was 17. The thought that I was leaving home didn’t enter my head. Since then, the longest period of… Continue reading Home Came In Stages
Escape. Isn’t it what we all want in a holiday? Escape from the routine of daily life. Escape from the stress and rush of meetings, school runs, housework and commitments. Especially in Summer we want to get away from it all, sit in the sun and sip wine. You might think, reading my blog, that… Continue reading Escaping
